Partonope of Blois.

[Addit. MS. 35,288, British Museum.]  HOo so luste olde stories to rede, [leaf 2]  He shalle ffynde, wyth-owten) Drede,  Meruellys and wonders mony and ffele  Off myrtħe, ioye, dyssese, and wele.  For ne had bokes ben) wryten in prose,  And eke in ryme, Of them þat be-fore vs were,  We shulde haue lytelle luste to lere  Or know of thynge that was be-fore  Wrogħte or do n ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq1.tif"/> , or Gode was bore. Ther-fore be wrytinge of olde storyes Ys now brogħte to owre memories The olde law and eke the newe; And ellys mygħte we alle rewe Vppo n ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq2.tif"/> owre-selfe, whylle we ben) here. For be wrytinge we moste lere How we moste gouerned^ι be To worshyppe Gode in trinite. And ther-fore Stories for to rede Wolle I conselle, wyth-owten drede, Botħe olde and yonge þat letteryd^ι be. To the lewed^ι also, parde, Is goode sum-tyme for to here. For by herynge he * may lere Thynge þat fryste he ne knewe; And to socħe folke olde þynge ys new, Whanne hyt ys in gestes songe, Or els in prose tolde wytħ tonge.

Heading Partonape added by a later hand.

10. ov (?) crossed out after of. 23. he] MS. ye.

partonope.

4

8

12

16

20

24

It is useful to read old stories.

2Seynte Paule, þat ys cheffe doctorʾ Off holy scrypture and pryncipalle auctorʾ, Talkynge a-monge þe clerge, Thes be n ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq3.tif"/> hys wordes playnlye, That alle þat euer ys y-wrytte In boke we owe welle to wytte, That alle to vs ys goode doctryne. For thorowgħe scrypture men) deuyne To parte the goode fromme the Ille; Thys preuetħ he wyth many a skylle. For be the Sentense neuer so lewyd^ι, Yet þer-in moste nedes be shewyd^ι Good and euelle botħe in ffere. For be Scrypture a man) may lere To do the goode, and the eueɫɫ Eschewe; And yeff aɫɫ scrypture were hyd in mewe, Men) shulde haue fuɫɫ lytelle knowynge Off goode and eueɫɫ the trew departynge. [leaf 2, back] The fole of byrtħ can no wytte ffynde But that he hatħ by taste of kynde. Off alle þat vnder heuen* ys The wyse taketħ wysdam I-wys. Eke euery man) may at the eye See The fly wycħe ys callud^ι the bee, Hys hony he drawetħ be hys kynde Off bytterʾ erbes, and the wyse can ffynde In folys tales sum-tyme wysdame. Ther-fore fulle ofte the wyse manne Wolle here the fole and eke the wyse, Where-thorowe he can) þe better deuyse To drawe wysdam) owte of ffoly, Where-fore y Sey yow sykerly : In thys boke shalle ye fynde wrytte Botħ goode and euelle. I do yow to wytte : The goode taketħ, the euelle leve, For aɫɫ goode moste welle preve. In thys boke ye may lere, And ye lyste hyt rede and here,

48. heuen] MS. he neuer.

64. MS. th (with t blotted) between In and thys.

St. Paul says that books teach us to discern good from evil.

The wise man derives profit from everything, even from a fool’s tales.

28

32

36

40

44

48

52

56

60

64

3Howe God hatħ departed on) thre Thys worlde in wycħe we aɫɫ be. That on) quarter named^ι ys Euroupe, and the secunde I-wys Aufryke ys cleped, as bokes trete, And the thryde Asye the grete.  IN Asye stante þe Cyte of Troye  Fulfylled^ι of ryches and alle Ioye, Wher-of kynge Pryamus was lorde and syre. Alle Asye nygħe was hys Empere. Thys worthy kynge gate on) hys wyffe Fyve sonys, wycħe he in hys lyffe Seygħe þe worthyeste on) lyve. The names of thes worthy fyve Arn) thes : Ector and fayre Parys, Troylus, Elenus, Markomyrys.* Ector was hardy and þer-to fuɫɫ lygħte, Off aɫɫ þe worthyeste knyghte; Grette and stronge and fayre was he, Curtesse to þe pepulle and þer-to free. On the grekes he made grette a-sayes, So worthy was none after hys dayes. The kynge of Troy in hys age [leaf 3] Pryded^ι hym grettely of the lynage Off hys worthy sonys fyve. Hym thoȝte, whylle they were on) lyue, Hym durste not drede aɫɫ the worlde. He wax rygħte ferse in dede and worde; Hys pepuɫɫ he hated, he was so felle. They hym hated a-geyne as welle. In care, in pouerte, and in woo He hem helde, that they soo Wery were of hys tyrannye, They had euer gret espy, Yeff any pepuɫɫ hym werrye, Wytħ hym they thoȝte to lyfe and dye, So fully that when þe grekes were Come to Troye, alle here ffere

81. MS. Morkamyrys.

68

72

76

80

84

88

92

96

100

God divided the world into three parts.

Priam was king of Troy.

He had five sons.

Hector was a gallant knight.

Priam was a cruel tyrant.

4They had of there souereyne lorde, Was goo, and they be [on] a-corde To the grekes come wyth-outen ffayle A-geyne here kynge to holde batayle. For he had of a knave certayne Vn-know, and ouerʾ alle hys reygne, Chyffe Iustyce made; and he wex aɫɫ a fende. He toke non) hede but of hys ffrende, They shulde haue alle maner offyce. By the Ientylnes set he no pryce, But euer helde hem lowe and mate. That made the pepulle þe kynge to hate. Hys name was cleped^ι Anchyses. And hys cause hyt was, wyth-owten les, That Troye, the cyte rycħe and ryalle, Was for euer destroyed; for towre and walle To ertħe was throw, and aɫɫ was brente. Thorogħe thys traytoure þus was shente Thys worthy Cyte, þys nobeɫɫ towne. Wytħ grekes thus was vp so downe Throw and destroyed^ι for euer-moo Thys Cyte and pepulle also.  THys Cyte was of hye noblesse,  Fulle of worshyppe and gret ryches.  Of knygħthode eke hyt bare þe pryse Off aɫɫ the worlde; and of delyse Hyt had grette plente, þys ys no naye, Tylle hyt be-felle vppo n ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq4.tif"/> a day The kyngus Sone, þe noble Parys, Reueshyd^ι on) Elyne, þat bare the prys Thorougħe the worlde of hye beaute. [leaf 3, back] Yette for aɫɫ thys, þys noble Cyte Mygħte neuer haue be destroyed^ι thus, Ne had be that kynge Pryamus Set hym in couetyse so grettely of goode. That made hys pepuɫɫ for wrathe so wodde That they hym hated^ι a-bofe alle thynge. That was destruccion) of the kynge

134. Thorougħe] ug illegible.

He had made a man of low birth Chief Justice of the kingdom.

Auchises was the man’s name.

He caused the destruction of Troy.

Troy was a magnificent town, when Paris carried off Helen.

104

108

112

116

120

124

128

132

136

140

5And of the Cyte; for Elynes hosbande Durste neuer haue take on) honde To sette a-pon) the worthy Cyte; And yette a noble kynge was he. Menelaus was thys kyngus name. He suffered^ι mekely alle thys shame. Thogħe he were worthy, yt to playne Durste he nogħte, alle-thowe Eleyne Were hys wyffe; he dred^ι So The Troyens; for what hym luste to do, Thys spared^ι they noghte, þys ys no lye; They were so stronge of cheualrye. Tylle þat a knyghte, þe wycħe hyte Nestorʾ,* Wycħe for age was whyte and hore, That loued^ι Menelaus as hys lyffe, He grucched^ι sore that hys wyffe Was take a-way thus wyth stronge honde. Thys Nestor eke helde hys londe Off Menelaus, and he hys lege lorde Was : where-fore in no wyse a-corde He wolde but hyt a-venged^ι were, For he was a worthy man) of werre. An.c. yeres he had and moo Of age, and eke he was ther-to A goode clerke; of fayre Eloquens He had y-nogħe, for be experyens Throwe Greke hyt was weɫɫ knowe. Mony grette wysdomys had he Sowe* Throwoute the londe in euery contre; Ther-fore chyffe of conselle was he Wytħ euery lorde and euery kynge. Grettely to herte he toke thys thynge That was so shamefully do A-yens hys souereyne lorde, and tho He be-thoȝte hym in what wyse Hys wyttes cowde he beste deuyse To a-venge hys lordes Shame. [leaf 4] For þorowe þe worlde þys fowle ffame*

154. MS. Nostorʾ.

169. MS. Sawe.

179. MS. ffama.

144

148

152

156

160

164

168

172

176

Menelaus did not dare to seek vengeance.

But Nestor rewented the shame.

His wisdom was known throughout the country.

6Was so dryffe and fortħ I-blowe; Thorowe alle londys hyt was knowe. Then) thys wyse Nestor sente To any man) that seruice or rente Ougħte Menelaus her kynge, They shulde excuse hem for no-thynge To a-venge the shame of here lorde. Thus alle hys me n ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq5.tif"/> be o n ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq6.tif"/> a-corde A-grey n ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq7.tif"/> welle hym seruyse to do. And he off wysdome eke ther-to Sente vn-to Pryamus Ionde To wyth-holde in-to hys honde Alle tho that rebely n ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq8.tif"/> wylly were For to Susteyne the grette werre That Menelaus oughte to Troy make. To thys a-corde Nestor haþe take Inde, Capadoyne, Perce and Mede; And alle Crurenye thys werre spede; Lybens hadde n ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq9.tif"/> eke grette Ioye To ryse a-po n ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq10.tif"/> here kynge of Troye. Thus they assentyd^ι be one a-corde To werre a-po n ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq11.tif"/> here souerayne lorde. Ector had a-spyed^ι alle thys; Hem to wytħ-stonde hys porpose ys. He Sende a-no n ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq12.tif"/> to alle the oryente For pepulle, and to hys commawndemente Alle were redy to Obey. They seyde wyth oo voyse they wolde dye And lyffe wyth Ector, the worthy knyghte, And helpe hym wyth alle here myghte A-geynes the grekes, þat were so stronge. And so they dyd^ι eres fuɫɫ longe, And mony a yere, and euer so myghte, Ne had Anchises, þe fals knyghte, Solde hyt to Grekes for couetyse. Thus he be-trussed^ι hyt at hys deuyse. The troyans kepte hyt ix yere Mannely, and after ferther nere.

181. MS. th between Thorowe and alle.

He called the Greeks together, and encouraged Priam’s subjects to rebel against their king.

Hector assembled the peoples of the Orient.

180

184

188

192

196

200

204

208

212

216

7In the x yere Ector was slayne, Where-of þe grekes were glad and fayne, And the troyans were as sory, For in here werres he fuɫɫ knyghtly A-geyne the grekes hem dud defende, For mony a grette showre he hem sende. Tho Priamus thys Anchyses [leaf 4, back] Chyffe to hym of conselle hym ches,* No man) wyste of whens he was bore, Ne of hys kyn; but of tresoure He cowde welle geder to rycħe þe kynge. He hym loued^ι a-boue alle thynge, Off alle hys Ion de hym chef* Iustice He made, and as he wolde deuyse He aggreed^ι, and helde hym ther-to. Thys fals traytoure demenyd^ι hym so He made the kynge the lordes hate. Euer he sette grette debate Be-twy n ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq13.tif"/> the lordes and the kynge, For mony a grette and stronge lesynge He made vppo n ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq14.tif"/> hem euer-moo. The kynge louyd golde and seluer soo, He fulle falsly in kowde hyt brynge. He and couetyse destroyed^ι the kynge. Thys Anehyses, thys fals traytoure, Vppon) þe master-yate he had^ι a towre Off Troye, thys noble and worthy Cyte, Where, on a nyghte, pryuely he Hadde yn the grekes be hys assente, And accorded^ι wyth hem þat destroyed^ι and brente Shulde Troye, thys worthy Cyte, bee, On) thys condicione that he Shulde robbe and pylle eche neygħbore Off hys, for he knew aɫɫ there tresowre, Where hyt was, and they grauntted^ι weɫɫ Alle that he axed^ι, euery delle, Nowe preuely enteryd^ι thes grekes be

225. MS. chesses.

230. MS. ches (short s).

252. he crossed out before where.

220

224

228

232

236

240

244

248

252

Troy withstood the Greeks for nine years. In the tenth Hector was killed.

Anchises, who had ‘ always behaved falsely, betrayed the Trojans.

8In-to Troye, thys worthy Cyte. Fryste they robbed and after brente, They no-thynge spared^ι of mankynde. In-to þe towre, wycħ was þe dongeon), The kynge flede, and hys sones echeone. There was slayne kynge Pryamus And alle hys sonnes, saue Elenus, Wycħe in-to a botte dyd^ι preuely skape, And yede where hym was Shape Shame; and a-nother chylde toke A man), hys name telletħ not [t]hys boke, And brogħte hym preuely, wyth-owte les, In-to a shyppe of Anchyses. When Anchyses had done thys tresone, To shyppe he wente wyth grette ffoysone Off golde and seluer . Wytħ hym was [leaf 5] Gone in-to the shyppe was noble Eneas. Off hys kyn no-þyng was he, For worthy and curtes in euery degre Eneas was, as seytħe the booke. Anchises aɫɫ a-nother way toke, For he was fulfylled^ι of couetyse, Prowde and envious in alle wyse. Yette Eneas was wytħ Anchises, In wele and woo, in prate of dyssece, He toke wyth on sonde and see, Tylle atte the laste aryued^ι they be In-to the londe of Romenye,* Where-of they conqueryd^ι the Senerye.  Whan) Markomyris, þys yonge kynge,  Wycħe was sone to Priamus þe kyng¹,  Was scaped^ι frome Troye wyth Anchyses Fulle yonge and tender amonge þe pres, Thorowe helpe of o n ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq15.tif"/> wycħe was hys norry, Vn-wyste of Anchyses fulle priuely, Whan he was xv yere of age, He woxe semely, stronge, and had corage To do alle thynge; and þe pepulle Sykerly

279. prate] ? emend prece.

282. MS. Normandve.

The Greeks entered the city, and spared nobody.

Priam was slain.

Elenus, however, escaped.

Marcomiris was saved on board a ship of Anchises’ by his foster-father.

Anchises and Eneas fled in another ship.

They arrive in Romeny.

Marcomiris grows up.

256

260

264

268

272

276

280

284

288

292

9Whende he had ben) sone to hys norry. Yette he wyste welle hyt was not so, Butte yette hys Norry made hym so. Yette ofte wolde he say : “That ffelowne ! I shalle sle hym that dyd þys tresone To my fader and to my lynage.” And euer the more he waxetħ in age, To alle the pepuɫɫ, as they deuyse, He lykned^ι mocheɫɫ Ector and Parys Off stature, of vysage, and off bonne. The pepulle ther-fore ofte gonne To hys Norry for to enquere Yeff thys chylde hys sone were; And euer he sayde sykerly ye. Where-fore thys man) thoȝte þat he Myghte notte welle a-byde there. He thoȝte he wolde goo yelse-where. And pryuely, when he had spase, He putte hym alle in Goddys grace, And pryuely be nyghte stale a-waye And in-to Fraunce toke hys waye. Nowe in-to Fraunce comyn) be Botħe Markomyrys And he. Fraunce was named tho ylke dayes [leaf 5, back] Galles, as myne auctor seyes. Ther-In was neyther Cyte, casteɫɫ, ne bcrowe. A man) mygħte ryghte welle haue ryde þorowe, In euery parte botħe of brede and lengħe, He shulde neyther haue fownde no strengħe. The pepuɫɫ were dysperplede here and there, They were no-thynge a-rayed for werre. Ther-In herbourgħede mony a wylde beste. Alle the londe was tho ny honde fforeste. Ther-In was neyther Erle, duke, ne kynge; Eche man) was lorde of hys owne thynge. Tylle hyt happened þat, at the entre* Off the londe, Markomirys Norrye Dyed, and þer-wytħ as ffaste

After 312 a line crossed out: Now in-to Frannse comyn) be thay.

327. oh crossed out before of.

328. MS. entrynge.

296

300

304

308

312

316

320

324

328

His foster-father, thinking it was not safe to stay there, takes him to France.

France was then in a wild state.

The foster-father dies.

10He brente hys bonus in grette haste, That [was] the vsage of that contre. In-to seruyse tho drogħe he. Thys yonge ma n ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq16.tif"/> , thys ylke Markomirys, He was manly, semely, and ryghte wyse; For hys seruyse hym ryghte goode wage. He seruyed^ι nonne but of lynage Where the grettes off alle þat ylke londe. Curteyse and lowly hys lorde hym euer fonde. On a Day when he luste for to talke Wytħ hys lorde, as he allone dyd walke, He tolde of Troye alle the case, Of the desstruccione, and eke how þat he was The kyngus sone of Troye Pryame, And preuely in-to a shyppe he came* Off Anchyses, vnwyste of any wyghte. Hys master tho wytħ hys* herte and myghte Was glade and Ioyfuɫɫ, and made hym grette chere, And made hym telle, þat alle men mygħte here, The processe a-gayne, and alle the case, And how kynge Pryame sone he was. They herde hys tale alle goodely, They helde hym trew, wyse, and eke redy. And then* he tolde hem fortħe of Eneas, Wycħe a man) of Armes that he was, And wycħe materyes he dyd in Ytalye, Howe he conquered by and bye. “He dotħe thurgħe-owte what hym luste,” sayde he, “Rydetħe and brennetħ and raunsometħe ecħe cuntre. Thys ys the cause for they haue no strengħe In alle the cuntre, neyther in brede ne lengħe. He maketħ the pepulle thralle and bownde ycħeone. [If. 6] Hyt ys fulle lyke he shalle yow yeke so donne, Butte yeffe ye ordeyne a-gayne hym other strengħe, He shalle yowe ouer-ryde in brede and lengħe.” He hem conselletħ they shalle strengħes make, And then he durste welle vnder-take,

332. contre or cuntre, apparently corrected from comtre.

345. he came] MS. come he.

347. hys] MS. hym.

354. then] MS. them.

Marcomiris speaks of his descent.

He warns the people against Eneas, and advises them to fortify their country.

332

336

340

344

348

352

356

360

364

11And they wolle to-geder hem in habyte, They shulde fynde ther-in grette [de]lyte, And walle here Cytees and borovs rownde a-bowte, Then myghte they slepe sykerly, and haue no dowte Off no Enemyes, whens so euer they were. In thys wyse he can) hem faste lere. They lyked welle hys conselie and hys rede. Cytees and castelles they made in grette spede, Welle I-walled^ι in the beste wyse. For hys wytte a-non) chyffe Iustyce They hym made, and sette hym vp as a lorde. They dyde no-thynge wyth-owte hys a-corde. A wyffe they geffe hym, borne of hye kynrede, And then they made hym lorde, wyth-owte drede, Alle hys lyffe vn-tyɫɫ hys endynge-daye, Off hem alle, thys ys wytħ-owten naye. When he wes dede, hys sone prynse they made Off hem alle, of whome they were fulle gladde. He hem gouernyd^ι in weltħe and grette honowre; He was to hem a nobulle gouernowre. And after hym fro eyre to eyre hyt yede. Here names to telle I trowe hyt be no nede, They bytħe not putte yette in Remembraunce In thys cronycle wycħe I rede of Fraunce. Prynces they were so of here manerʾ. Butte the ffrensħe boke me dotħe lere That longe after a prynce syker they hadde, Wycħe in wele and prosperite hem ladde, Wycħe was of the ryalle blode of Troye. Off hym alle Fraunce hade so mucħe Ioye That they hym loued a-boue aɫɫ erthely thynge. He was the ffryste that euer was named^ι kynge. He made lawes and mocħe other thynge, And made hem drawe wyth-owte lesynge To be obeysaunte* to here kynggus lawe, Botħe wytħ ffeyrnesse and eke wyth awe. He made the lawes, as y gesse, For batellus, for customys, and ffrauncheses,

391. co (or to) crossed out before cronycle.

402. MS. obeysaunce.

368

372

376

380

384

388

392

396

400

404

Marcomiris is made the ruler of the country.

His descendants reigned after him, and later on became kings of France.

12Off thefes and traytowres also here Iewy[s]es. Thus he made the lawes wytħe-owten lese. [leaf 6, back] In ryghte and trowtħe euer hys pepulle he ladde. Ther-fore alle hys lyfe-dayes he hade A-monge hem Ioye, weltħe, and prosperite. Yeres and dayes fulle mony regned he, And then after, when aɫɫ-mygħty Gode wolde, A sone he hadde, þat afterʾ hym rengne shulde.  LUdon) *hyghte thys chylde þat shulde be  Here kynge, þat of wytte lacked grette plente.  Off other goodes lytelle he hadde. Ther-fore mocħe hys pepulle he dradde, Wher-fore in chamber hym-selfe he hade. Fulle ofte hys peple lawes he ladde, Chorles he cheresede, and no-þynge Ientyle. He levyde notte butte a whyle. Affter hym came hys sone and eyre, And he made a-yen) to repeyre Aɫɫ þat contraryed^ι hys ffader lawe, Sum wyth ffeyrenes and some wyth awe. Hym to Crystes lawe seynte Remys Conuerted^ι, longe or than seynte Denys Kame in-to Fraunce; and eke the clergye He loued^ι, and cheresshyde chyuallerye. Cleouels thys nobelle kynge hyghte. He proued^ι hym-selfe a nobelle knyghte. Grette werre he helde alle hys lyfe. Wyth Saliȝies he foughte mony a sytħe,* For setħen he the crowne namme, He so wyse and so rygħtefulle kynge be-came Ther was no manne of hym complayned Off ronge, a-none he hyt restrayne[d], And wolde se where the trowtħe stode. And then he wolde wyth esy mode Redresse hyt as resone were. And so he hadde a goode manere : The porallis ryghte esely here he wolde,

406. ad crossed out before &.

411. MS. possibly many.

414. MS. aNdon) or aUdon).

431. proued] o like e.

433. MS. sygħe.

Ludon was the second king.

His son, Clovis, was converted to Christianity by St.Remis.

He was an excellent king.

408

412

416

420

424

428

432

436

440

13A lorde also, yeff þat he shulde; To euery manne, after hys state were, He wolde redresse hyt in esy manere. Off knygħtehode fully he bare the pryse. Ther-to he was ryghte manly and wyse. So wysely hys remme gouerned^ι he That he lyued^ι euer in prosperite. Thys nobelle kynge, þys nobelle conquerowre, Wanne many a Cyte wytħ many a towre, That ffro Chyrbron) in-to Russye Was ther neuer manne so hardye [leaf 7] To do n ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq17.tif"/> a-geynste hys commaundemente; And yeffe he dyd^ι, he were butte shente. Off Arderne the towre also, Ther contraryed^ι no manne þat he wolde haue do. In thys Arderne, as seythe thys geste, Ther ys a grette and a huge fforeste. Hyt lyethe in lenghe botħe este and weste; Ther-In dwellutħe mony a wylde beste; The porsewte ys fulle large a-bowte. Ther-fore hyt ys, wyth-owten) dowte, Grette perelle a man) ther-In to come; Ther-In to herborougħe ys no man) wonne. For shyppes that passe by the See, For no nede dar notte he Arryue in-to the huge fforestes For drede of the wylde bestes. In olde bookes, as I rede, I fynde wryten), wyth-owten) drede, Off lyones and lebardes hyt ys ffulle. The wylde bore and eke the bulle Haue there here haunte destawntly. The cause I wolle telle yowe why That I thys fforeste thys deuyse, For owte of thys moste mocħe thynge ryse That longetħe vn-to my matere. Lystenetħe nowe, and ye shalle here.  THys kynge Cleouels, þys worthy manne,  Syn) ffryste þe tyme that he be-gan)  Crowne on) hedde ffryste to bere,

444

448

452

456

460

464

468

472

476

480

Nobody dared to oppose him, not even in the Ardennes.

In the Ardennes were all kinds of wild animals.

Clovis was fond of hunting there.

14Also for to holden) in honde a spere, Nexte dede of armes he loued^ι bestes To hunte in Arderne, thys huge fibreste, And wyth strengħe of howndes and men) The boore to chasse owte of hys den). So hyt be-ffeɫɫ that on) a daye To ffynde the boore he wolde assaye. Hys hvntes he* warned^ι ryghte a-nonne That to thys foreste he wolde gon). Than) had^ι thys kynge a suster there That was to hym fuɫɫ lefe and dere, Þat nexte hys owne weddute wyffe He loued^ι here as hys owne lyffe. Lucresse thys noble lady hygħte. A sone she had, that be goode ryghte Erle of Angowe shulde be And of Bloys, so telletħe me [leaf 7, back] The olde booke* fuɫɫ weɫɫ I-wryted^ι, In ffrensħe also, and fayre endyted^ι. And ye wolle wytte what he hyte, Partonope be Gode almytħe Named^ι he was, when he was bore, Of hys godfader atte the churcħe-dore. And playnely to teɫɫ yow of thys manne Thys tale trewly I be-gan). Thys yonge man) of whome I telle, Of Ientylnes he was the verey welle. The nobelle kynge hym loued^ι so That where þat euer he rydde or go, Nexte hym he ys of alle men), To hym also nygħe of kyn), That [nexte] hys suster or hys wyffe He loued hym beste of any lyffe. He was so genityɫɫ of worde and dede That thorowe aɫɫ Fraunce, where þat he yede, Off hys worshyppe men) myghte here. For off hys age he had no pere.

490. he] MS. we, perhaps only intended for warned.

500. booke] MS. boode.

The King had a nephew, named Partonope, who was to he Earl of Anjou and Blois and who was then eighteen years old.

484

488

492

496

500

504

508

512

516

15Hys age was forsotħe, as I gesse, xviij yere, neyther more ne lesse. What a-venture feɫɫ nowe of þys man) I wolle telle fortħe now as I can).  THys kynge of whome I of tolde,  He ys shape wyth baronys bolde  To [t]hys foreste for to ryde, Wytħ knygħt and squyer hym be-syde, And also wytħ nowmber of men), The bore to chasse owte of hys den). To thys foreste he ys come Wyth hvnte and hownde as he was won). Off thys hyt nedetħ no more to telle : The hornes sownen) as any belle, The howndes arne vncowpeled than). There loketħ vp fuɫɫ: mony a man) Here tryste on) euery syde to kepe, Hyt ys no tyme for hem to slepe. And nexte the kynge of any man) Stonde Partonope, hys tryste man). Ryghte sone after, wytħ-owten) more, [leaf 8] Fownde ys the wylde boore. The howntes to blowe spare notte then). The grette lymowres ere lette renne. A-bowte the wodde the boore ys broghte; Alle the day they spare noghte Hym to hvnte thorowe thyke and thynne, Tylle the boore, fulle wery of renne, A-yen) Euyn) the bay a-bodde. Partonope, there as he stode, Pullud owte hys swyrde lycħe a manne, And ffreshely to thys bore he ranne. Be-twyn) was then) a grette stryfe, Butte yet the boore there loste hys lyfe. Seynge, the kynge, there as he stode, Then) sayde he : “Be Goddys rode, Thys was welle don), as of a chylde,

529. chasse] hole in vellum for a.

555. go crossed out before goddys.

520

524

528

532

536

540

544

548

552

556

He accompanied the King to the Ardennes.

Partonope kills a boar

16To sle a boore so fers and wylde. Nowe Gode, I thanke the as I can). He ys rygħte lyke to ben) a man).” The kynge in talkynge as he stode, Sawe where ther come wytħ eger mode A-nother boore, alle ffreshe I-fownde. To hym the howndes dyd renne fuɫɫ rownde. The kynge comaunded^ι rygħte a-nonne The huntes they shulde euery-chone Drawe vp there howndus by and by; The cause shalle I telle yow why; For faste westwarde draweth þe sonne, The howndes ben) fulle wery for ronne. Also he sey hyt drew nere nyghte. To hys loggyng¹ he wente fulle ryghte. The kyng¹ commaunded^ι Partonope .T[h]at swytħe on horsebacke shulde he be, Prycke after faste, sette horne to mowtħe To drawe of the howndes, yeff þat he cowtħe. Thys Partonope no lettyng made, But dyd^ι ryghte as the kynge hym bade. A-pon) hys horse a-none he lepe, Thorougħe thyke and thynne toke he no kepe The boore to folovve, I yowe plyghte, And draw yefter hym, yeff that he myghte. So faste hys hors he pryeketħ thanne That hym folowe myghte no manne. [leaf s, back] The boore was neuer owte of hys syghte, The sotħe to sayne, tylle darke nyghte So faste felle on) in that tyde, No ferther myghte he se to ryde. He wyste neuer where that he was, Thys was to hym a sory case. The kynge a-nonne loste had he. Thynge þat ys ordeyned^ι nedes moste be By ffortune vn-to euery manne. Partonope hys horne be-gan) In honde to take, and blewe hyt lowde.

561. MS. scarcely came.

583. fow crossed out before folowe.

Another boar is roused.

Partonope pursues the boar.

Night closes in.

560

564

568

572

576

580

584

588

592

17But for no crafte that euer he cowde, Men) ne horne cowde he non) here. Than) gan) he waxe of heuy chere, For he hadde don) a foly thynge So for to drawe hym fro hys kynge. Nowe wolle I leue thys manne so ynge, And telle yowe fortħe of the kynge, Þat homwarde to hys loggyng¹ rydetħe. After hym for sotħe no manne a-bydetħe. He wenytħ Partonope were I-come. The hunte hys howndus hatħ vp nome, And come was to hys loggynge. A-none hym axed^ι thys worthy kynge After hys Neuowe Partonope. He cowde not telle whether þat he Were come home, or els be-hynde. A-none hyt ran) the kynge in mynde Howe he hym had bode gon) To drawe the howndus of echone. Then he comaundetħe wyth aɫɫ hys myghte That men) wytħe hornes alle þat nyghte Shulde noyse make on) euery syde, And in the foreste alle nyghte to ryde, Yeff any grace mygħte be Thys chylde to fynde in any degre. Now after hym euery man), as he ys bedyn), Vn-to the foreste ys he ryden). Grette noyse they make aɫɫ þat nyghte, Tylle on) the morowe þe sone bryghte Owte of the este gan) showe hyr so That euery manne myghte se to goo Or ryde where so euer hym luste. [leaf 9] Thorougħe thyke and thynne in þat fforeste Ryghte faste they soghte euerychone, Butte tydynges cowde they here nonne Off thys chylde in no degre. Gretter sorowe myghte not be

599. MS. for, or possibly far.

614. comaundetħe] hole in vellum for u.

616. alle þat crossed out before on).

PARTONOPE.

596

600

604

608

612

616

620

624

628

The King rides home.

Partonope is lost.

18Then) was a-monge the mayne tho : “Allas ! ” they sayde, “thys chylde y[s] go And loste for euer, thys ys no nay.” There ys songe but welewaye. Thys grette boore of home I tolde, Thorowe the foreste ys bente fuɫɫ bolde, Tylle he come to the see-syde. There thoȝe he longe not to a-byde; Hys lyppe vn-to the see he nomme, And ffaste thorowe the see he swomme, And ouer see faste hym) hyede, Tylle he come in-to the other Syde. Whan) he was the perelle paste, He hydd^ι hym so wonder faste To the wyldernes, I darʾ weɫɫ Saye, And lyued^ι there many a longe daye.  NOwe wolle I speke of Partonope.  Whatte to do wotte not he.  Hownde and horne had^ι he loste; Hys horse for sothe ys alle-moste Dede for wery in that stonde, And sodenly ys falle to grownde. Alle drery stonte Partonope. “Lorde alle-myghty Gode,” sayde he, “Saue me nowe I be not lore, As thowe were of a mayden) bore.” “Allas,” he thogħte, “what may I do? For colde and honger I am fulle wo. A-ferde also nowe of my lyffe. Helpe me lorde Gode and eke seynte Sytħe That thes wylde and wodde bestes Deuowre me not in thes fforestes !” Thys yonge man) wyste not what to do, But at the laste he drewe hym to An) olde tre, an) holowe thynge, Ther-in to haue hys loggyng¹. Alle nyghte ther-in he laye Tylle on) the morowe þat hyt was daye. Alle that nyghte fulle sore he wepte, For sorowe and drede slepe he no slepe.

The boar disappears.

Partonope is alone in the forest.

632

636

640

644

648

652

656

660

664

668

19Be-tyme a-morowe he gan) to ryse. [leaf 9, back] He loked a-bowte, and gan) to deuyse Wycħe cuntre homwarde he myghte beste Drawe owte of thys wylde fforeste. Vn-to hys horse he yede ffaste, And by the brydelle atte the laste Hym he dreue on) hys ffette. In-to the sadelle a-none he lepe,. Homwarde to drawe for sotħe he wende. Gode hym grace ther-to sende ! But alle for noghte, hyt wyɫɫ not be, Alle a-weywardys the wey taketħ he. Alle þat day he rode fulle ffaste, Mony a perlows water he paste. The ffrenshe boke thus dotħe me telle xx waters he passed^ι fulle ffelle. He rode as faste as euer he myghte Alle that day, tylle hyt was nyghte. When) nyghte was come, thys ys no nay, The mone shone as bryghte as day. He loked^ι apon) the mone so bryghte : “Nowe, lorde,” he sayde, “that made thys lyghte Man) to comforte and also beste, Brynge me welle owte of thys fforeste !” He houyde stylle, he loked a-bowte. Than) sawe he, wytħ-owten) dowte, Where he was in a medow stronge, The grasse vp to hys styroppe longe Was grow on) heygħte, as I hope, For hyt had^ι neuer be mow ne rope, But beddet fuɫɫ of bestes wylde. Fulle sore a-ferde tho was thys chylde. Forthe tho rode Partonope, Tylle atte the laste he sawe the see Ebbe and flowe and noyse make. Hys herte wytħ-In be-gan) to quake, He wende fully ded^ι to be, He thoȝte he myghte no ferther fle.

698. stronge] st and o indistinct; the t is apparently altered from an o.

672

676

680

684

688

692

696

700

704

708

The next day he tries in vain to find his way home.

At night the arrives at the seashore.

20And fferther loked^ι he in-to the stronde, Hym thoȝte that faste by the londe A Shyppe he sawe there rydynge, Ryghte welle a-rayed^ι, tho any kynge There shulde haue passed^ι the See. And of thys shyppe ryghte glade was he; He thoȝte he shulde haue some comforte Off them þat ryued^ι atte the porte, And wytħ hem conseile ho we he myghte beste [leaf 10] Scape owte of thys wylde foreste. He heyd^ι faste tylle he was there, And sone he neȝhed^ι be shyppe fulle nere. When) he come vn-to the stronde, Owte of the shyppe vn-to þe londe A brygge was leyde fulle goode and stronge, Ryghte brodde hyt was and also longe, And man) thyder-in myghte go ryghte weɫɫ, And noȝte to wete hys fotte a delle. And when he to the brygge came, Then) thoȝte he : “My Gode and man), In wolle I go, what so be-tyde, No lenger here wolle I a-byde.” Downe of hys horse he lepte a-none, In-to the shyppe he gan) to gon), Hys hors he lede in by hys Syde, “And what so euer me be-tyde, He shalle not lefe be-hynde me, For then) I shulde hym neuer se.” Thys ys the sotħe, he luste welle slepe, But fryste of o thynge he toke gret kepe That man) on) lyife Sawe he non). Hys herte gan) colde as any stonne. To hym-selfe thus sayde he : “Thys ys a Shyppe of ffayre Or thynge made be Enchauntemente. Nowe helpe me, lorde Omnypotente, That the deuelle no power haue My sowle wyth hym to helle craue,

737. h crossed out before se.

740. h crossed out before non)

747. ca crossed out before craue.

There he sees a ship.

Partonope goes on board, leading his horse after him.

Nobody is to be seen on board.

712

716

720

724

728

732

736

740

744

21And saue me, lorde, yeffe hyt be thy wylle, That I neuer in thys shyppe spylle.” And when he had sayde thes wordes, He layde hym on) the shyppe-bordes, Whatte for honger and for slepe, Off hym-selfe toke he no kepe. When he for wery was downe layde, Vn-to slepe he feɫɫ a lyteɫɫ brayde. No ryghte goode slepe for sotħe he toke, But halfe wakynge, as seytħ þe boke, . And as he lay thy[s] in slummerynge, There befelle a wonder thynge. Thys ryalle shyppe of wycħe I tolde, The sayle a-non) gan) owte to folde. Ryghte a-pon) the toppe an hye The sayle ys pullud by and by. A mevable wynde then) had he, [leaf 10, back] He sawe the sayle vp in the see A-fore the wynde in water clere. A wonder thynge hyt ys to here Wytħ -owte n ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq18.tif"/> helpe a shyppe to sayle, The wynde so fulle vppo n ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq19.tif"/> the sayle, And helpe of man) ther-in non) ys. A fulle grette meruelle me thynketħ was thys. Partonope when he a-woke, A-bowte hym faste he gan) to loke, Be-thoȝte hym-selfe where þat he was : “Thys ys,” thoghte he, “a wonder case, A Shyppe to sayle wyth-outen) gyde. Gode helpe,” sayde he, “nowe in thys tyde.” He sawe no-þynge but water clere; For syghte of londe fer ne nere Cowde he a-spye in no wyse. Then) gan) he faste for to devyse Where thys fforeste was be-come, Owte of hys syghte hyt ys be-nome. “Nowe, goode Gode,” sayde Partonope, “Thowe fortune thus haþe shapen) me

762. non (?) crossed out before pon).

770. ys non crossed out before in.

748

752

756

760

764

768

772

776

780

784

Partonope falls asleep.

The ship sails.

When he awoke, he had lost sight of land.

22That I shalle dye in thys place, Allmyghty Gode, do me grace !” To hym-selfe he sayde thus : “O mercy, lorde, swete Ihesus, Man) wotte lyteɫɫ what ys hys beste. For when) I was in yender fforeste, Off my lyffe I was in drad^ι; For very fere I was ny mad^ι. In-to þe shyppe for seker I came, And In wytħ me my horse I name. I howpet to haue a better yere; And nowe for soþe better me were In yender foreste to haue ben) Than) in thys shyppe, as I wene. For yette by possibilite Euery man) know may he A man) þat ys in dry lande Yet sum way may he fownde Hym-selfe to helpe owte of dyssece In mony a wyse, wyth-owten) lese. But in water for to be I can) for sotħe in no degre Devyse how any helpe to haue, Butte Gode allone he may me saue.” And thus he lyetħe and, sorow maketħ; He dar not Slepe, butte alle-wey waketħe [leaf 11] For drede of peresynge in the see. But alle for noghte, hyt wyɫɫ not be, Hys a-venture he moste a-byde, For nowe ys fortune for sotħιe hys gyde. And thus he sayletħe alle the nyghte, Tylle on) the morowe þat hyt was lyghte, Then) on) the shyppe gan) faste he Deuyse and loke howe hyt myghte be That hyt shulde sayle in any londe Wytħe-owten) helpe of mannus honde. But for to speke of thys shyppe, The more þer-of þat he toke keppe,

789. On margin of MS. in the same hand: Nota.

796. Does MS. yere stand for fere ?

Partonope prays to God.

The ship sails all that night and the following day.

788

792

796

800

804

808

812

816

820

23Euerʾ to hym hyt was more mervayle : Off clotħe and selke þen was þe sayle; Ther-to hyt was so welle graue That of entayle, so Gode me saue, Ther cowde no werkeman) hyt a-mende. The n ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq20.tif"/> prayde he Gode hym grace sende Hys lyffe to saue, yeff hys wyɫɫ be. And fortħe alle day thys sayletħ he, Tylle hyt was derke nyghte aɫɫ-moste, And then) þe shyppe vn-to a coste Helde euen hys course, as þat he By mannes honde gyded^ι had be. Wha n ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq21.tif"/> to þe londe the shyppe was come, Partonope, as he was won), Loked^ι owte to se the tyde. Tha n ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq22.tif"/> sawe he where be-syde Ther stode a towne, wyth-owten) dowte, Ryghte welle I-walled^ι rownde a-bowte. A-myddes the towne, wytħ-in the walle, There stode a castelle þat was ryalle, Wytħ towres grette on) euery syde, For any kynge ther-In to a-byde. A grette mervayle þen sawe he, For nyghte hyt was vppon n ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq23.tif"/> þe see, And in þe Cuntre hyt was as bryghte As thowe hyt had be day lyghte. The brygge a-non) he toke in honde, And fro þe shyppe vn-to the londe He layde hyt owte, and þat a-none, That he myghte vn-to þe londe gon). When he to þe londe come was, He thonked^ι Gode tho of hys grace, That alle thes perellys he had^ι welle paste, [leaf 11, back] Butte yette fulle sore was he a-gaste, For he sawe no-þynge that [bare] lyffe, Man) ne chylde, wydo ne wyffe. And he also for thryste and hongerʾ Was ryghte febeɫɫ, hyt was no wonderʾ; And on) hys hors honger was sene, For lacke of mete he was ryghte lene.

824

828

832

836

840

844

848

852

856

860

In the evening it approaches a town.

Partonope goes ashore, but does not see any human being.

24 Bvtte when þys chylde Partonope  On) londe was come, a-non) gan) he  A-bowte hym loke on euery syde. He sawe the cuntre botħe large and wyde. Yette on) thys shyppe he be-gan) to holde, He sayde be hym that Iudas solde Thys shyppe was me[r]velus made. In alle hys lyffe he ne hadde Sey so cvryous a wrogħte thynge. He then trowed^ι þer was no man leuynge By crafte of honde cowde sucħe on) make, Butte yeffe a clerke cowde vnder-take By nygromansy to make hytte; For hyt passetħ mannes wytte. The towne, the casteɫɫ he be-helde, Howe curiusly they were bylde : Off blacke marbeɫɫ was made þe waɫɫ, Enchekeryd^ι weɫɫ wyħ Crystalle, Wytħ Iasper also, þat was so bryghte. In-to the cuntre hyt gaffe grette lyghte. Thys grette meruayle he can be-holde; Hys lierte be-gan) faste to colde. He sayde : “Allas, what may þys be?” He thoȝte he was but in fayre, And wenetħ hyt were þe develles werke. For weɫɫ: he wyste þe nyghte ys derke, And nyghte hyt was vppon) þe see; On) londe hyt was so lyghte* þat he Myghte se to ryde alle a-bowte In alle the cuntre, thys ys no dowte. Also þe hauen was large and wyde, x thowsande shyppes þer-yn myghte ryde For any drede of þe see, Whatte wynde or wedder euer hyt be. When) he þe cuntre devysed^ι had^ι, In herte he was no-þynge gladde, Butte fortħe wyth-alle hys hors he toke,

867. and written twice and the first crossed out.

868. loke crossed out before holde.

891. MS. adds to se after lyghte.

He thinks he has come to an enchanted country.

Partonope rides into the town.

864

868

872

876

880

884

888

892

896

900

25And streyghte to towne, as seyetħ þe boke, He rodde as faste as euer he myghte, And to the gate he came fulle ryghte. [leaf 12] Butte when) he to þe gate come, Hys eye he caste vppe ther-on), Be-helde hyt wysely alle a-bowte, And then he sayde wyth-owte dowte : “Thys ys of so grette an) heyghte, Ther can) no man) devyse be sleyghte Thys towre to wynne in no wyse.” And harde hyt was for to deuyse The curyous makynge þat þer-on) was. And In he rydetħe an) esy pas. The stretes were pauyd^ι þat were fuɫɫ longe; On) euery syde howsynge stronge Off blacke marbeɫɫ fuɫɫ weɫɫ I-bake. A-bofe þer-on, I underʾtake, Pomelys þer stode of golde fuɫɫ fyne; Ther-on) by crafte and goode engyne Egelys of golde fflekerynge þer stode, Lebardes and lyonys also fulle goode Vppon) þe gabellys * of golde I-pured^ι, And other bestes dyuerse fygured^ι, And alle, as they haden) ben) on) lyfe, By crafte þey meuyde wonder blyfe, Þat neuer, sethen) þat he was boren), Had he seyne sucħe a towne be-foren). Thys fayre towne of wycħ I tolde, The boke of ffrenshe, þat ys fulle olde, Hyt deuysetħ in sucħe degre Hyt were to longe as nowe for me Alle þat to telle, þys ys no naye. Þer-fore I lefe hyt in goode faye, And woɫɫ go fortħ vn-to my materʾ, And hyt lyke yow me to here.  Thys yonge chylde Partonope,  For thryste and honger wotte not he  What to don)—Gode be hys gyde— And fortħe fuɫɫ esely dotħe he ryde.

916. I crossed out before weɫɫ.

922. MS. garbellys.

904

908

912

916

920

924

928

932

936

Description of its splendour.

26He þoȝte of þys fay re syghte, Hys herte sum-what be-gan) to lyghte, And sum-tyme he thoȝte a-yen) Alle þys ne was butte fantayne. Then) sawe he where þe palys-yate Stode wyde open), and in þer-atte He rodde, and downe frome hys horse he lyghte, For ferther ryde he ne myghte. And when) he of hys hors lyghte, [leaf 12, back] Hym thoghte he sawe mocħe lyghte Off torches and off ffyre also. In-to the halle wente he thoo, Fayre clothes he sawe þer layde Thorowe þe halle on) euery syde. Off brede and wyne he sawe grette plente, Off mete there lacked^ι no maner of deynte. He sawe stonde on) þe cuppe-borde Cuppes of golde for any lorde, Sponys of golde and of Syluer also. “Nowe, lorde,” sayde he, “what may I do? For ded^ι I am ney for honger.” Also he had^ι mocħe wonder To se of Ryches so grette plente, And no man) on) lyfe butte he. Fortħe thorowe þe halle walked^ι he The palys wyth-In forþe for to See. When) he was n þorowe þe halle gon), He sawe be-fore hym ryghte a-non) A towre of marbelle ryghte fayre þer stode; The yates of Iron) were fulle goode. Vppon n ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq24.tif"/> the towre the n ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq25.tif"/> loked^ι he. “O lorde,” he sayde, “what may thys be?” Stylle he stode, and hyt be-helde, In what wyse hyt was bylde. Then) was hyt a castelle stronge. A-bowte þe walle fulle brode and longe A dycħe þer was of water clere. The brygge there-ouer was fulle nere An c ffote, I trowe, of lengħe;

955. maner deynte gives a better reading.

Partonope enters a house, but observing a castle, he decides on continuing his way.

940

944

948

952

956

960

964

968

972

976

27Hyt wolle be drawe wyth lytelle strenghte. The fayre towne he sawe a-ffore Hys grette bewte had^ι I-lore. Thys place was wonder fayre to se. Than) þoȝte thys chylde Partonope Þys place shulde be goode Resone Be chyffe palys of the towne. And to hym-selfe sayde he : “Whatte [ys] ther-In I shalle se.” In atte the gate he made a loppe; Thys was the sotħe, hyt [was] wyde ope, Hys herte wexe lyghte as leffe on) lynde, For he supposetħ” ther-In to fynde Men) I-nowe hym) to dysporte, And wyth mete hym to comforte. In-to the halle vp wente he, [leaf 13] A ryghte goode fyre þer myghte he see. The halle also fulle ryally Wytħe golden) cloþes and attaby Was hongyd^ι fulle welle, wytħ-owten dowte, Off ryghte grette heyghte rownde a-bowte. Off o þynge meruelyd^ι grettely he : Man) ne chylde cowde he non) see. He sawe þer laye boþe cloþe and borde,* Þoȝe hyt had^ι ben) a-fore a lorde, That setħe be tyme þat he was borne So fayre sawe he neuer be-fforne. Than) þoȝte þys chylde : “What may þys be ? Thys ys deuyllys werke,” seyde he. And as he stode þus in thys thogħte, A-none be-fore hym were I-broghte A peyre of bassennys fayre I-curyd^ι, Off ffyne golde ryghte welle pured^ι. Alle thys be-helde Partonope. Vn-to hym-selfe þys sayde he : “These bassennys curyd þat I see, For sotħe be resone þynketħ” me Ther-of to wassħe hyt arne broghte.”

1002. MS. brede.

1004. MS. possibly sethen.

980

984

988

992

996

1000

1004

1008

1012

1016

The gate was open and Partonope enters the hall.

The tables were spread.

Invisible hands bring him basins to wash.

28And to wassħe was he be-thoghte.* He wasshed^ι hys hondes ryghte a-none. To soper þoȝte he for to gone, As he þat was for wery honger Loste, for sotħe, hyt was no wonder. Whan) he hys hondes waeshe hadde, He sawe no wyghte þat ones hym bade To soper sytte in no place. Þen thoȝte he, be Goddys grace, To soper sytte þen) he wolde. A-none hym-selfe wyth herte bolde A-myddes þe bencħe downe he sette. The borde* a-none, wyth-owte lette, Be-fore hym lay ryghte weɫɫ a-rayed^ι. Off þys syghte he was dysmayed^ι So ryalle seruyse for to see, And no man) on) lyfe þer butte he. Ryghte a-none, when) he was sette, Mete grette plente þer was fette. Torches be-fore þe mete In come, Off lyghte ther was fuɫɫ mykel * wone. Torches of brocħe by-fore* hym stode, [leaf 13, back] Cuppys of golde wyth wyne fulle goode, For sotħe hym to yete ryghte welle. Butte yette he was a-ferde sum delle. A-bowte þe halle faste loked^ι he, On) grette meruayle he myghte see : He sawe þe hordes in þe halle, Welle I-coveryd^ι botħe grette and smale; Fulle of mete stode euery borde. But thorowe þe halle ther was no worde, For man) ne woman) sawe he none In þe place but he allone. Butte neuer the later, so seytħe þe boke, To hys mete ffresshely he toke; And for sotħe hyt ys no wonder, For þer-to droffe hym very hongerʾ. And when) he had^ι yete ryghte welle,

1017. be] MS, bo.

1029. MS. borne.

1037. MS. myker.

1038. fore written twice.

Partonope sits down to table.

No word is spoken.

1020

1024

1028

1032

1036

1040

1044

1048

1052

29Fayne wolde he haue dronke hys fylle. Alle-thoȝe he had^ι grette thruste, For sothe drynke he ne druste : For in drynke, he seyde, be resone Myghte welle be herberowed^ι poysone. For alle þat he sawe wyth hys eye, Hym þoȝte hyt was but fantasye. Cuppys of golde be-fore hym stode Wyth dynerse wynes, and þat fulle goode, And wyth þat weɫɫ to drynke for soþe hym luste, For he was Inly sore a-thruste. A-pon) þe ryghte syde of þe dese He sawe serued^ι a ryalle messe, As thoȝe a queue þer had^ι bene; And þat was ryghte weɫɫ a-sene, For hyt was seruyd^ι in hey deuyse Wyth metes and drynkes in dyuerse wyse. Partonope hyt faste can) be-holde, He sawe þe vesseɫɫ were aɫɫ of golde. A-monges pes vesseɫɫ he sawe wyne stode In a ryche cuppe þat was fulle goode. Thys cuppe was of safer ffyne, Hyt moste nedes showe weɫɫ wyne. Þe couacle was of Rube redde, Thys chylde þer-of toke grette hede. Wytħ-In hym-selfe he gan) to þynke Off þat cuppe he wolde drynke. Ther-to þoȝte hym he had a skylle, For the ssafer for sotħe ne wylle Suffer in hym no poysone to a-byde. [leaf 14] “For soþe,” he thoȝte, “what euer me tyde Ther-of I wolle drynke a draghte.” And wyth hys honde þe cuppe he rawghte. To hys mowthe he gan) hyt sette, Hym þoȝte þey were ryghte weɫɫ I-mette. There he dranke wyne fuɫɫ goode, Hym þoȝte hyt comforte welle hys blode.

1061. MS. santasye (long s).

1074. n crossed out after þes; stode written above stonde, which is crossed out.

1056

1060

1064

1068

1072

1076

1080

1084

1088

Partonope is afraid of drinking, but at last overcomes his fear.

30And when) he had dronke þys drawghte, To hys mete ffresshely he rawghte, And to hym goode comforte toke, Thys seyetħe my auctor, þe ffrenshe boke. Sytħe he had^ι dronke of þys cuppe, He þoȝte he myghte þe Safer sowpe; For thys was hys Opynion), That cuppe wolle holde no poyson). And he sowpetħe alle in ese, And maketħ hym-selfe welle at ese. When he had so sowped^ι aɫɫ hys wylle, And of þe cuppe dronke hys ffylle, Than) hym luste no more to sowpe. Vppe gope þe mete and eke þe cuppe, The clotħe vp-drawe, þe towayle layde. A-non) ryghte in a lytelle brayde He wasshe hys hondes, and vppe he stode. Than) gan) chaunge alle hys blode, He loked^ι a-bowte, he myghte þer see Off torches and lyghte grette plente, Butte man) on) lyfe sawe he none. “Lorde,” sayde he, “what may I done ? I not,” he sayde, “what me ys beste. But he þat made botħe Este and weste, Safe me, yeff hyt be hys wylle, In thys myschyffe þat I ne spylle.” And when he had^ι all þys I-þoȝte, “Be Gode,” he sayde, “þat me hatħ wroȝte, I wolle as ny as euer I can) Take herte to me, and be a man). And what so euer me be-tyde, Whyther so þat thys lyghte me gyde, After I wolle, what euer be beste, For sone ys tyme to go to reste.” And so after wyth-In a lyteɫɫ whyle, I trowe þe mowntans of a myle, To chamber the torches toke þe waye. Than) thoȝte the chylde : “Now, by my ffaye, [leaf 14, bk.]

1096. MS. possibly sythen.

1097. ss crossed out before Safer.

1128. thorches crossed out before torches.

The tables are cleared.

Torches show him the way to a bed-room.

1092

1096

1100

1104

1108

1112

1116

1120

1124

1128

31Folowe I wolle, what so be-tyde. Gode of heuen), be nowe my gyde !” When he was come in-to þe chamber, The walles were as bryghte as ambere. A bed^ι þer-In ther henge fulle ffyne, Hyt was honged^ι be goode engyne. The Couertowre was of Ermone goode. Thys chylde be-helde, and stylle stode, And sayde : “Lorde, what may thys be?” And faste a-bowte he gan) to See. He blessyd^ι hym thryes wyth goode entente. Þen) sayde he : “Lorde Omnipotente, Þat haste me saued^ι alle thys waye, Be nowe my helpe, lorde, I þe praye; For I wot neuer what to do, Yeffe thy grace go nowe me ffro.” He gan) fulle faste loke a-bowte, Howe he myghte do he had^ι grette dowte. Then) In þe chymneye he sawe a ffyre, And to þe ffyre he drewe hym nere, Þe ryaɫɫ fyre and þe bed he gan) be-holde, Cloþes he sawe fulle mony a ffolde Off golde fulle ryche, hyt ys no drede. The grette rycħe[s] ys nowe no nede Me to deuyse, ne hyt to telle, Hyt were fuɫɫ longe for me to dwelle. Owte of þe chamber þe lyghte fortħ yede, Then) gan) þys chylde haue mykeɫɫ drede, And þoȝte: “Allas, what may I do, Nowe þys lyghte ys gonne me fro ?” A Shete of raynes fuɫɫ fayre I-sprade Vppon) a forme ryghte by þe bedde He sawe, and downe þer-on) hym sette, And þoȝte he wolde wyth-owte lette Make hym redy. What shulde he do ? He þoȝte he wolde to bedde go. Hys Spores a-none were of I-take, No lenger þoȝte he for to wake. Off gowne, of hosen), of gon) hys shone; In-to þe bedde he yede a-none;

1132

1136

1140

1144

1148

1152

1156

1160

1164

1168

The torches disappear.

Partonope goes to bed.

32Þe cloþes to hym fulle softe he drowe. I trowe of fere he had I-nowe, For þen he sawe þe chamber aɫɫ derke, He þoȝte thys was a wonder werke. [leaf 15] For fere he dryste not ryglite weɫɫ slepe, He was In better poynte to wepe.  Thys lay he stylle aɫɫ in a traunse;  He was a-ferde of some myschaunse  Shulde hym be-falle or hyt was daye. And as he was In thys a-ffraye, And hys herte fulle nere quappynge, In þe flore he herde comynge A þynge fulle softely what euer hyt were, Where-off fully he gan) to fere. Meruayle he had^ι what hyt myghte be. “Allas þe tyme,” then) sayde he, “That euer I was of woman) bore, For welle I Avotte I am) butte lore.” Vnder þe cloþys he can) hym hyde, And drow hym to þe beddys syde, Weny[n]g¹ hyt had ben) sum euylle þynge That he herde in þe flore comynge. And þen) hyt was, wyth-owten drede, A yonge mayde, ho so luste to rede The story in frenshe, þer shalle he se She was a laydy of grette degre, That homely to hyr owne bedde come. And wytħ hyr hondes vppe she nome The cloþys alle, and In dyd crepe, For þer she wolde, she þoȝte, slepe. Whether she were fayre or ellys no, Nere þe chylde she dressyd^ι here tho. Stylle sho lay, and no-þynge sayde, A grette whyle after þat she was layde; For she ne herde ne felte no-þynge Off Partonope þat was so yenge. Fulle stylle he lay and durste not stere, Hys herte was so fulle of ffere, For he ne wyste what þynge hyt was. Me þynketħe he stode in a wonder case :

The room becomes dark.

A lady joins him in the bed.

Both lie still.

1172

1176

1180

1184

1188

1192

1196

1200

1204

1208

33In bedde they be thes to yonge, They neyther to other sayde no-þynge. The to n ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq26.tif"/> dar not for very fere, Þe tother for shame can no chere. A-shamed she ys for wommanhede, Thynkenge þat she haþe in here bedde A lusty man), and she I-wys [leaf 15, back] Wettynge welle a mayde she ys, Here maydenhode so yonge for to lese, Supposyng welle she may not chese, As she þat had in socħe plygħte Here-selfe broghte; for alle here delyte And aɫɫ here plesaunce was hym to haue To here husbande, and so to saue Here worshyppe; for fully þys was her þoȝte. Off alle þe worlde no-þynge she Roghte, Off kyn), ne ffrynde, ne creature, But þynkyng¹ howe sho myghte endure Euer of hym to haue plesauns; For she wytħ-owten) varyauns Purposyd euer to ben) hys. What say ye loueres, was hyt not thys A gentylle herte of here þys was, Off hygħe borne, and in sucħe case Had broȝte here-selfe in blame and balawnce, That here honowre lay in sucħe chaunse ? But here-after she fownde hym vntrewe. Alle here lyffe she myghte welle rewe Vppon) hyr-selfe, and ecħe man) haue rowtħe, That euer so fayre on) for here trowþe Falssely shulde deseyued^ι be Off here lofe in eny degre. Butte atte þys tyme I wolle no more Speke of þys mater, ne trete be-fore Off parellys after þat may be-falle. But to þat* lady I clepe and calle That Venus ys called^ι, goddas of loue, Þat in heuen sytteste a-boue,

1231. On margin of MS. in the same hand: notatur.

1245. MS. adds day before lady.

partonope.

1212

1216

1220

1224

1228

1232

1236

1240

1244

The Translator’s, or an Interpolator’s, reflections on the situation.

34Brynge þys lady to here desyre, Þat haste so sore sette on) ffyre In here serues þys her trowbeɫɫ herte, Þat she here-after fele no smerte For here trowþe, ne for here kyndenes. Alle nyghte þus In grette dystresse Lyetħe þys goodely lady ffre. For alle þys worlde not not she In what wyse she myghte beste Be acquontede wyth here geste, Wyth here loue þat was so dere. Ofte þer-fore she chawngetħ chere, And In here-selfe thynketħe thys : “Yeffe I make hym chere, I-wysse, [leaf 16] I am a-ferde leste he wolle wene, And here-efter of me deme Other-wyse þen godely were, Thys ys alle my moste ffere, And falle here-after in Ielosye, And parauenture þynke þat I Off a-nother wolle be wonne As lyghtely, and þen were be-gonne An endeles sorowe for euer-moo, Then) were my Ioye for euer goo.” Thus laye þys lady arguynge In here-selfe and sore fferynge, Prayinge Gode of hys grace To be here conselle In þys case. Thus caste she perellys, and In grette fere Lyetħe alle nyghte, and I dar swere On) the toder syde Partonope Ys so a-ferde þat trewly he Wenetħe fully for to be dedde. He can) no concelle ne no redde, But lyetħe as stylle as any stone. He not to home to make hys mone, But wenytħe hyt were Illusione

1251. fle crossed out before fele.

1264. of me seems to be crossed out before þen.

1273. sore] e (or u ?) corrected from some other letter.

The lady is afraid that the guest should think her too forward.

Partonope fears the devil is at work.

1248

1252

1256

1260

1264

1268

1272

1276

1280

1284

35Off þe deuylle and of conivrysone, Dar he not speke In no wyse. Lette se nowe ho can beste deuyse Þes tweyne to make a-quentyd^ι to be. For sotħe I dar welle seye þat she For shamefaste dar noȝte saye, The toder wenetħ for to dye.  Off alle þys fere make we a fyne.  Þe ffrenshe boke fulle welle In Ryme  Telletħe hyt shortely, and noȝte in prose. Ther-fore fully I me purpose After myn) auctorʾ to make an) ende. Thy[s] fayre lady þat was so hende, Streyghte forþe here legge, and happed^ι to ffele, Trewly þe ffrenshe boke seyetħ þe hele Off þys wofulle Partonope. “Owte ! alias þen! “sayde [s]he, And In a maner gan to crye, For sotħe I wolle not lye, Myne auctor seyetħe hyt was not lowde. Hyt semed^ι welle for soþe she cowde [leaf 16, back] Mykelle goode, and þer-fore she Spake fulle softe, for þer shulde be No grette a-ffray, ne no sterynge. She þoȝte þys mater In to brynge That here worshyppe sauyd^ι were, For þat euer was here moste ffere. As In anger tho she sayde thys: “Owte of my bedde, thow mester man), Hye þe faste, and þat a-none! Hoo may þou be ? what doste þou here ? Hyt were better for þe þou were An hunderd^ι thowsande myle henne. For and hyt were wyste of my men), Thowe sholde not skape, þou shuldeste be dedde. Hey þe faste owte of my bedde. For and I crey and make a-ffray, Or yeffe þou ly stylle tylle hyt be daye, Haddeste thowe an honderde mennes lyves,

1317. MS. scarcely thowsonde.

1288

1292

1296

1300

1304

1308

1312

1316

1320

The lady happens to touch Partonope.

She orders him angrily to leave the bed.

36Thowe shuldeste ben) alle to-hewe wyth knyves. Hey þe faste þat þou were hennes ! Ey mayde Mary ! of what contre or whennes Arte þou come so boldely In-to thys contre ? I telle þe I Am quene and lady of þys londe. How dorste þou euer take on) honde In-to bedde onus thy ffote to sette Wyth-owte my leve ? Fulle euelle mette Shalte þou be or to-morowe nonne; For þou shalte se þan) fulle sone Thowe shalte wyth ffeterys be harde knytte, And depe þrowe downe In-to a pytte, Where þou shalte neuer þy hondes see As longe on) lyve as þowe shalte be. Allas, allas ! betrayed^ι I am Of a comelynge straunge, a stronge man).”  Thys yonge man, þys Partonope,  A-ffrayde he was, but yet was he  Comforted^ι weɫɫ in oo þynge. He wyste welle, wyth-owte lesynge Hyt was ne deuelle ne no ffynde For he herde her haue in mynde Crystes moder, the mayden) Mary. [leaf 17] And be þat worde he gan) a-spy Hyt was a woman), what euer she were, But of o thynge he was to lere Whether she were wydo, mayden), or wyffe. But glade was he þat of hys lyffe He howpetħe fully to be in swerte, For he wyste welle syker þat she Was of so hye kynrede borne, Alle-þo she had^ι spoke be-fforne Wordes of malys and cruelte, Yette fully trustetħ and howpetħ he That he shalle haue of hyr fulle grace. And þer-wyth-alle he pynketħ to enbrace Thys ffayre lady in hys armes too. Then) he be-thoȝte hym, and I do soo, I notte þer-of what harme myghte falle.

She is the Queen of the country.

Partonope hopes to obtain the lady’s favour.

1324

1328

1332

1336

1340

1344

1348

1352

1356

1360

37And ryghte a-non) þer-wyth-alle He gan) to Sygħe fulle pytuosly: “Medame,” he sayde, “I axe mercy Off yow þat arne so mercyable, For I wolle make to yow no ffabelle, Butte telle yow playnely my desece, In howpe yowre wratħe to a-pese And stoppe alle yowre malencoly. Thys ys þe soþe, medame, þat I Happed to chase a wylde beste Yender in Arderne, þat huge foreste. A bore hyt was, I wolle not ly, After hym so faste I ganne to hy, Tylle derke nyghte felle vppo n ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq27.tif"/> me; And þen I myghte no lenger see Thys wylde borre fortħ to chase. And þen I poȝte to chese a place Where-In þat I myghte be Herberowed^ι; an hy vppon) a tre I me sette for very ffere, For I sawe alle a-bowte me where Wylde bestes fulle þyke layen). I was fulle Sore a-ferde to dyen) Alle þat nyghte, tylle hyt was daye. And In þe mornynge for soþe I saye [leaf 17,back] A shyppe rydynge in þe see. Thyder þoȝte to hye me, And [when] I to þe shyppe kame, Off þe fayrenes grette kepe I name, And þer I howped^ι refresshyd^ι to be. Theder-In þerfore I hyed^ι me Wyth myne hakeney in my honde. And þus, medame, in-to thys londe I am come and in-to þys cyte, Where-of ye clayme lady to be, And in-to bedde wyth-owten) leve. Ther-fore I pray yowe noȝte to greue. For alle þys day in þe towne I haue go botħ vppe and downe.

1382. any crossed out before an.

1364

1368

1372

1376

1380

1384

1388

1392

1396

1400

He relates his adventure, and how he has come to the country

38Man) ne chylde cowde I non) see; And þus my-selfe I herborowed^ι me; Where-fore, my lady, mercy I cry. For truly, medame, þoȝe I shulde dy, And I shulde departe yowe fro, I notte to home ne wheder to go. I knowe no cuntre fer ne nere, And þus I am yowre presonere. Blessyd^ι be fortune þat wyth hys whele Hatħ alle my sorowe turned^ι to wele, For þer I wende wyth wylde beste Haue be deuowred^ι in yon) fforeste, Haþe me sende in-to yowre honde, Þat arne chyffe lady of alle þys londe, To be my lady and my gyde. What euer ye wolle þat me be-tyde, I wolle þe same, what euer hyt be, My dere lady, haue mercy on) me.”  “SIr,” sayde þys lady, - “I haue not to do  Off þyne ese ne of þyne woo,  Butte faste I bydde þe hey þe henne. For wytte ryghte weɫɫ þat I haue men) Þat wolle a-raye the fulle Ille, And þer-fore wytħ þy goode wylle I conselle þe faste hens to gone. Wette ryghte welle I am not allone.” “MAdame,” he sayde, “hyt ys no skylle, Ne resone neyþer, but by yowre wylle, [leaf 18] That euer I shulde here he[r]borowde be, Saue onely þorowe yowre benygnite And yowre gracius homanhede, Where-of I truste ye wolle take hede.”  “Syr, hyt nedytħe no man) yowe teche  Off fantesy ne of ffayre speche,”  Sayde thys lady. “I fele ryghte welle, Butte alle þys helpetħ þe neuer a delle, For þoȝe þowe were as worthy a knyghte As euer was moste worthy, be nyghte I haue knyghtes faste me be-syde

1436. s crossed out before of.

The lady repeats her command.

Partonope asks her permission to stay.

She threatens him.

1404

1408

1412

1416

1420

1424

1428

1432

1436

1440

39That shulle a-bate alle thy pryde.”  “MAdame,” sayde Partonope,  “Gode for-bede þat euer shulde be  In me founde suche a-vyse, Ye myghte welle saye I were to nyse, Yowe to showen) dysdayne or pryde. For I woɫɫ neuer be but glade to a-byde And stonde to yowre ordynaunce, And what euer so be my happe or chawnce, Þoȝe yowre knyghtes shulde me slene, I wolle no ferther, I may not flene. I say for me I wolle not ryse. I can) not þynke In what wyse I myghte owte of þys chamber passe. I putte me holy in yowre grace.”  “Syr,” she sayde, “ryse vppe a-none,  And I my-selfe woɫɫ wyth þe gone,  And to þe dore I wolle þe lede. Thy[s] ys my conselle and my rede. Yeffe of my conselle ye geffe no forse, To-morowe ye shulle wyth wylde horse Be alle to-drawe as sone as daye, Thys ys fulle sotħe, wyth-owten) nay.”  “MEdame,” he sayde,“truly,  I may not go, I am so wery,  Ther-fore yowre mercy euer I crye. And yeff so be þat I shalle dye, And wyth my detħe I may yowe plese, Thys ys to me a ryghte grette ese. For yeff ye woɫɫ I drawe be Wyth hors and honged^ι on) a tre, Rather þen) we de-parte a-twy n ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq28.tif"/> , [leaf 18, back] I geffe yowe lefe wytħ-owte sy n ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq29.tif"/> Thys to sle me, so Gode me saue, Recke I not yowre mercy to haue.”  Thys yonge man), thys Partonope,  What more to sey wotte not he  But suffer hys payne pacyently, In truste, in howpe to haue her mercy.

1419. to yowre crossed out before stonde.

1444

1448

1452

1456

1460

1464

1468

1472

1476

1480

Partonope insists on staying.

The lady orders him once more to rise.

Partonope refuses

40He syked^ι softely, he lyetħe fulle stylle, As he þat dar not say owte hys wylle. When thys lady þys sykynge herde, Here herte wyth-in her body fferde Lyke as þe leffe dotħe on) a tre, When hyt ys blowe, as þou may see, Wyth hydowesse wynde and tempaste grette. Here body was colde, yette dyd^ι she swete; Hyt semed^ι as þowe hyt had^ι be Travelyd^ι wyth þat in-ffyrmyte That ffefer ys cleped^ι, or else þe agwe. She gan) her repente and also rewe Off thys desese þat sho had do To þe chylde; sho þoȝte also He was but yonge and tender of age, Borne and brogħte forþe of heye parage. “Allas,” she þoȝte, “þe ylke nyghte and whyle Þat euer I shulde hym so fowle revyle, As þowe he were of no degre.” In here herte she gan) to haue pyte. Faste vppon) hym þe mastery take, Sho þoȝte fully a-mendes to make. And wyth þat she be-gan) to wepe; The ters ranne downe by here cheke. Sho sobbed, she syked^ι petuesly, Sho porposed^ι her to aske mercy Off hym þat fayne wolde mercy haue. Nowe me þynketħ, so Gode me saue, Sho owte of very homanhede Off hys desese to take grette hede. And so sho dyd^ι, þys ys no naye; For also syker as any daye, Ther ys in ertħe no-þynge * so kynde As be þys wymmen), ther as þey fynde Here serwandes trewe and stydfaste. [leaf 19] Ther-fore þys lady at the laste þoȝte fulle on) hym to haue pyte.

1506. s crossed out after to.

1513. MS. þyngo.

The lady takes pity on him.

1484

1488

1492

1496

1500

1504

1508

1512

1516

41She haþe loste here wordes of cruelte, And syketħe and wepytħ tenderlye. And þen) a-none fulle softely, Ther as sho fryste to hym warde laye, On) here ryghte syde, þys ys no naye, Fro hym sho turned to þe lyfte syde. So nye hym sho þoȝte sho nolde not abyde. And þus sho lyetħe as stylle as a stonne. Then) þoȝte þys chylde : “What shalle I done? Sho ys turned^ι a-way fro me. I wolle here folowe, what euer Sho be.” Fro hym) he putte fortħe hys honde. He soghte faste, tylle þat he fonde Thys yonge lady, I yowe ensewre. But sucħe a-nother creature He ffelte neuer of flesche and bonne, And nere þys lady he gan) to gonne. Ouer here hys arme he gan) to laye, Thys ys soþe as I yowe saye. So softe, so clene she was to fele Þat where he was he wyste not welle. Plesaunee had hym ouer-come Þat aɫɫ hys wyttes were fro hym nome.  Whan þys lady hys honde can) fele,  Whatte to done sho wotte not welle;  But ferssely hys honde sho put a-gayne, Turned^ι her to hym warde, and sayde : “Lette ben)! Be warre,” sho sayde, “whatte woɫɫ ye do?” Thys chylde no-þynge durste say þer-to For very shame, but stylle he laye Ney alle þe nyghte tylle on) þe daye. Thys laye þey stylle be on) a-corde, He durste not speke for alle þe worlde. Thys lay þey stylle, tylle at þe laste After hys lady he gan) to graspe Wytħ hys honde fuɫɫ cowardely. And forth wyth-aɫɫ fuɫɫ faste bye Thys ffayre lady he can) hym laye. [leaf 19, back]

1554. S crossed out after fuɫɫ.

1520

1524

1528

1532

1536

1540

1544

1548

1552

Partonope approaches her.

He embraces the lady.

42For shame he durste no worde seye Tylle longe and late, and atte þe laste Hys arme ffreshely he ouer her caste, And she hyt suffered^ι pasyentlye. Than) sayde sho to hym fuɫɫ mekely : “For þe loue of Gode, I praye yowe lette be.” And wyth þat worde a-none ganne he In hys armes her faste to hym brase. And fulle softely þen) sho sayde : “Allas !” And her legges sho gan) to knytte, And wyth hys knees he gan) hem on)-shote. And þer-wyth-aɫɫ she sayde : “Syr, mercy !” He wolde not lefe ne be þer-by; For of her wordes toke he no hede; But þys a-way her maydenhede Haþe he þen) rafte, and geffe her hys. Thus Entergamynyd^ι they I-wys. Suche game a-fore he neuer a-sayde. Thys yonge lady was alle dysmayde Off her-selfe, for trewly she In suche a plyȝte had neuer erste be.* Thus haþe she sufferyd^ι, sho seyetħ ryȝte noȝte, Butte lyetħe fulle stylle alle in a thoȝte, Tylle atte þe laste, wyth voyse fuɫɫ basse, Twyes she sayde : “Allas, allas, That I am sore and also wery ! For, syr, I telle yowe truly, Had I had strenghte or ells myghte, I dar welle say In aɫɫ þys fflyghte Ye shulde not haue had þat now ye haue. But welle I wotte, so Gode me safe, Myne a-mendes ys aɫɫ I-made.” And wyth þat worde she wox aɫɫ sadde, And tenderly she gan) to wepe. “My sorowe,” sho sayde, “ys not to seke.” Þat worde herde Partonope. “My dere herte,” þen) sayde he, “Be not heuy, ne be not wrotħe, For I wolle make to yow an) wotħe,

1566. on] o like a.

1576. MS. ben).

She is sad, and begins to weep.

Partonope comforts her.

1556

1560

1564

1568

1572

1576

1580

1584

1588

1592

43As sore as euer ye wolle me charge. Þoȝe I were ryghte nowe at large, As I am yowre presonere, I wolle be botħe ferre and nere       at youre Off mony a semely manne they me tolde, [leaf 20] Off knyghtes þat were in batayle fuɫɫ bolde, Off mony on) fulle of gentylnes. Butte for to speke of more or lesse, They that in Fraunce haue be, Toke grette hede in euery degre Wycħe beste shulde be for my prowe. Than) had they moste Ioye of yowe. Þey tolde me they had fownde A man), to secħe þe worlde so rownde, Sucħe a-nother myghte nonne be Fownde ther-In in alle degre. Semely he was and also yonge, And cosyn) he was vn-to þe kynge, Broghte forþe and borne of hey degre. Hys name [they sayde] ys Partonope. Off yowe they tolde so grette goodenesse, Off hey bewte so grette noblesse, Of curtesy so grette abondans, Þat þorowe alle þe remme of Fraunce Off gentylnes ye bere þe pryse, As off yowre age also ryghte wyse.

1598. Catch-word At youre. The vellum ends here, the rest of the MS. is written on paper. One leaf, scarcely more, is lost in the middle. The Lady here makes herself known as Queen of Byzantium. As the Lords of the Empire wished her to marry, she had sent envoys round all the world.

1606. hod ? crossed out before had.

1620. As] MS. a kind of inverted short s, somewhat like a d. It may have been meant for as or and.

1596

1600

1604

1608

1612

1616

1620

The envoys sent to France had seen Partonope, and praised him so much, that she at once fell in love with him, and determined to go to France.

Univ. Coll. MS.

¹ A man), To seche the worlde Rounde,

Of yow tolde so grete goodenesse,

Swicħe a-nother mygħt none be 1609

So hygħ beaute, so mocheɫɫ nobylnesse,

Founde as he was in alle degree.

Of curtasy so grete habundaunce, 1617

Semely he was and also ying, [¹ leaf 1]

That thurgħ-oute alle the Rewme of Fraunce

And cosyn) nygħ vn-to the kyng, 1612

Brougħt fortħe and brone of hygħ degree.

Of gentylnesse ye berytħ the pryse,

Hys name they sayde ys Partanope.

And as of yong age also Rygħt wyse.

44Thys was proclaymed^ι þe hey renowne Off yowre manhode þorowe euery towne. Of yowre hey worshyppe when I hyt herde, Trewly, my Ioye, myn) herte fferde As [thoȝe] hyt hadde ffully be For euer rauesshyd^ι [awey] fro me. And gode of lone þer-wyth a-none So sharpely shotte hys fyre flone Thorowte myne ere in-to myne herte þat In no wyse I myghte a-sterte To yowe onely for to obeye me To loue yowe beste in alle degre. Þen porposyd^ι I me a-none Þat In-to Fraunce I wolde gon) To haue knowlage of yowre persone, And thus my-selfe aɫɫ a-lone Shope me for to passe þe see. Wyth me þer were [but] maydenes iij. And streyghte in-to Normande [leaf 20, back] Ouer the see, not for to lye, I Sayled^ι, and ryued^ι atte a porte, Wycħe hauen) [ys] I-named^ι Tresporte. Frome thens streyghte in-to Fraunce I yede to see the Ordynaunce Off þe kynge and of hys mayne. And ther I sawe, my loue, howe ye Were moste playinge wyth þe kynge. Hyt semed^ι weɫɫ he louyd^ι yowe a-bofe aɫɫ þynge;

She landed at Tresport.

1624

1628

1632

1636

1640

1644

1648

Univ. Coll. MS.

Thus was proclamed the hygħ renown)

To haue knowlecħ of youer persone,

Of youre manhode thurgħ euery thown).

And thus my-self alle alone 1636

Of youre hye worshi p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq30.tif"/> when I hit herde,

Shope me for to passe the See.

Wytħ me were but mayndens thre,

Trewly, my Ioye, myn) hert ferde 1624

And streygħt in-to Normandye

As thogħ hit hadde fully be

Ouer the See, not for to lye, 1640

For euer ravesshed a-way fro me.

I sayled, and Ryved at a porte,

And god of love therwitħ a-none

Whicħ haven) ys named Tresporte.

So sharply shotte hys fyry flone 1628

From) thenuys streigħt in-to Fraunce

Thurgħ-oute myn) Ere in-to my hert

I yede to see the ordynaunce 1644

That in no wyse I mygħt astert

Of the kyng and of his meyne,

But onely for to obey me

And there I sawe, my love, how ye

To love yow best in alle degree. 1632

¹ Were moost Plesyng witħ the kyng.

And than) I purposid me a-none

Hyt semed he loved yow a-boue alle thyng; [^l leaf 1, back] 1648

That I wolde in-to Fraunce gone

1628. MS. flome.

45Alle þat ye dyd^ι was hys a-corde, Ye were be-louyd^ι wyth alle þe worlde. There sawe I yowe ffryste, my nowne Ioye. Heuy I was to departe yowe ffro. xv dayes I sogernyd^ι ther; And þat tyme myne herte dyd^ι lere A-boue alle other to loue yowe beste. And streyghte fro thens to þe fforeste Off Arderne þe kynge shope hym to come To chasse þe boore,* as he was wonne. Alle thys dyd^ι I þorowe my crafte, Tylle I hadde yowe frome hym rafte. The boore I made so faste to ffle, For I wyste welle, my loue, þat ye Wyth cruelle herte ye wolde hym chasse. And so ye dyd^ι, tylle in sucħe place He yowe broghte, tylle ye ne wyste Where þat ye were in þat fforeste. Thys borre aɫɫ day chassed^ι ye, Tylle nyghte ffylle on), ye myghte not se. And* on) the morowe, when hyt was daye, I made yowe se a shyppe fulle gaye By an) anker rydynge on) the see. Alle þys was made by crafte of me. Thys crafte I dyd^ι, yette more I can). In alle þys tyme sawe [me] no man), Ne noghte shalle vn-to þe daye Þat I be weddyd^ι, þys ys no naye.

1658. boore] MS. dere.

1669. And] MS. Tylle.

1652

1656

1660

1664

1668

1672

1676

Through her witch-craft she made Partonope follow the boar.

She sent the enchanted ship, herself being invisible all the time.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Alle that ye dyd was his a-corde,

Wytħ crueɫɫ hert wolde hym chaace.

Ye were be-lovyd of alle the worlde.

And so ye dyd tylle in swche place

There see I yow first, myn) owne Ioye.

He yow brought, tyl ye ne wyst 1665

Hevy I was to departe fro yow away.

Where that ye were in that forest.

Fyftene dayes I soiourned there; 1653

This boore alle day thus chased ye,

And in this tyme myn) hert did bere

Tylle nygħt fylle on), ye mygħt not see.

A-boue alte other to love yow best.

And in the morow, whan) hit was day,

And streygħt from) thens to the forest

I made yow see a Ship p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq31.tif"/> fuɫɫ gay 1670

Of Ardern) the kyng shope hym) to come

By Ankyr rydyng in the See.

To chaace the Boore, as he was wonne.

Alle this was made thorow crafte of me.

Alle this dyd I thurgh my crafte,

Thys crafte dyd I, yet more I canne.

Tylle I had yow from) hym) rafte. 1660

Of alle this tyme say me no man),

The Boore I made so fast flee,

Ne not ne shaɫɫ in-to that day 1675

For wele I wyst, my love, that yee

That I be weddyd, thys ys no nay.

46Where-fore, my loue, I yowe praye That ye neuer here-after þynke ne saye That I shulde euer to hasty bee [leaf 21] To loue lyghtely, in no degre, To parforme any other hys plesyre, Alle-thowe I suffer yowre desyre. For when ye enteryd^ι in-to thys eyte, I had^ι ordeyned^ι, my loue, þat ye Shulde haue byn) herberyd^ι at yowre ese. For alle þynge þat myghte yowe plese, As ferforthe as Gode sende me wytte, I hadde fully ordeyned^ι hyt In a palys fulle delectabelle— Leuytħe hyt weɫɫ, þys ys no ffabelle— Ther I had ordayned^ι ye shulde haue be Seruyd^ι worehypfully for yowre degre, Tylle I had^ι holde my parlemente, And alle my lordes, be on) a-sente, Hadden) fully a-cordette be That ye shulde haue wedded^ι me. And I þoȝte be on) a-corde Ye shulde haue be my souerayne lorde. In-to a palys, þat ys large and wyde, I sawe yowe enter, and þer-In a-byde Wolde ye notte; but In þe palys Þat pryncipalle was, a-pon þe deyse, Homely ye sate, my nowne swete.

She had made everything ready for him in the city, but he proceeded on his way, till at last she finds him in her bed.

1680

1684

1688

1692

1696

1700

Univ. Coll. MS.

Where-fore, my love, I yow pray 1677

That I had ordeynyd ye shulde haue be

That neuer here-after ye thynk ne say

Servyd worshi p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq32.tif"/> fully for youre degree,

That I shulde euer to hasty be

Tylle I had holde my parlament, 1693

To love lygħtly in ony degree 1680

And alle my lordys, by one assent,

To parfourme now alle my desyre,

Hadde fully therto accorded be

Therfore I suffer alle youre plesyre.

That ye shulde haue weddyd me. 1696

For whan) ye entred in-to this Citee,

And thus I thougħ[t] by her accorde

I had ordeynyd, my love, that yee

Ye shulde haue ben) my souerayn) lord.

Shulde haue ben) herbowred at youre ease. [¹ leaf 2] 1685

In-to a paleys, that ys large and wyde,

¹ For alle thyng that mygħt yow please,

I say yow entre, and theryn) a-byde

As ferfortħ as euer God sent me wytte,

Wolde ye not / but in the paleys, 1701

I hadde fully ordeynyd hite 1688

That principaɫɫ was / there vppon) the days

In a paleys fuɫɫ delectable—

Leuytħ weɫɫ this ys no fable—

Homely ye seeten), myn) owne swete.

47There sawe I yowe botħe drynke and ete. And after þat, when þat ye luste, To a chamber ye wente to haue yowre reste. Ye spared^ι not In-to ray bedde Homely to* gonne, alle on)-ledde. On)-ware of me I fynde yowe here. Ryghte welcome be ye, my herte dere, My hertes Ioy, myn) erthely make. In euylle I pray yowe ye ne take Thoȝe I sufferʾ yowrʾ plesauns. I se þat hyt ys the ordynauns Off gode of loue, howe sore me smerte. Hyt was me shape or then) my serke.”  “MI dere lady,” sayde Partonope,  “By yowre wordes I fele þat ye  Haue byseed^ι yowe botħe ferre and nere Off myne astate besely for to enquere. Ey yowre wordes I fele ryghte welle [leaf 21, back] Ye knowe my conselle euery delle, Wheder hyt haþe ben) wysdome oþer foly. Ther-fore wyth alle my herte nowe I Thanke yowe, my nowne herte dere, Off thys plesauns þat I had^ι here. Where-fore I pray yow euer þat ye Wolle þynke þat I shalle euer be Trewe to yowe wyth-owten varyans,

1708. to] MS. ye.

1718. fl crossed out before fele.

1724. MS. alle twice.

1704

1708

1712

1716

1720

1724

1728

Partonope thanks the Lady for the welcome she has given him, and protests that he will always be faithful to her.

Univ. Coll. MS.

There say I yow bothe drynk and ete.

“MY dere lady,” sayde Partanope,

And afterward^ι, when) ye lyst, 1705

“By youre wordes I see that yee

To chambyr ye went to haue youre Rest.

Haue besyed yow botħe ferre and nere

Of myn) astate besyly to enquere. 1720

Ye spared not in-to my bedde

For by youre wordes I fele rygħt wele

Homely to gone alle vnbeede, 1708

That ye know my gouernaun[c]e euery dele,

Vnware of me I fynde yow here.

Rygħt welcome ye be, myn) hert dere,

Whether hyt hatħ be wisdom) or ellys foly, [¹ leaf 2, back]

Myn) hertys Ioye, myn ertħly make,

In euyɫɫ I pray yow that ye ne take

There-fore wytħ alle myn) hert now I

Thougħ I suffre alle youre plesaunce,

¹ Thank yow, myn) owne herte dere,

Sythen) I see hyt ys the ordynaunce

Of this plesaunce that I haue now here.

Of god of love, how sore I smert.

Where-fore thogħ that euer ye

Hyt was me shape rather than) my shert.” 1716

Wylle thynk that I shaɫɫ euer be 1728

Trew to yow wythouten) varyaunce,

48And euer-more gladde to do yowe plesauns A-bofe alle other creature; Thys I am redy yowe to ensewre By othe or bonde, or in whatte wyse Yowre gentylle herte can) beste deuyse. Welle I wotte I am yowe dere, Setħe ye haue chose me to be yowre ffere.* Ne trewly I can) not þynke þat ye Wolle euer in any wyse be Wonne lyghtely frome me in any wyse, Sucħe thoȝte in me shalle neuer ryse. Ne In yowre herte lette no ffoly Brynge to yowre mynde þat Ielosy Shulde euer sucħe a master be Þat I shulde þynke, my lady, þat ye In yowre herte cowde be vntrewe, Or lyghtely chaunge [me] for a newe. For welle I wotte here be-fore I haue drad^ι Ielosy, butte [n]euer-more Efter thys day haue hym in mynde Þat ffals traytore þat ofte reste vnkynde, That loueres made vnstydfaste Tylle here loues, tyɫɫ at þe laste Here grette loue was broghte to hate, And after þat for euer debate.

1736. MS. setħe (or sethen) I haue chose yowe to be my ffere.

1746. Second chaunge crossed out.

1749. myn crossed out before mynde.

1752. loueres crossed out before loues.

Partonope warns against jealousy.

1732

1736

1740

1744

1748

1752

Univ. Coll. MS.

And euer-more gladde to do yow plesaunce

Bryng to youre mynde that Ielowsy

Shaɫɫ euer so ouer-maystry me

A-boue any ertħly creature;

That I shulde thynk, my lady, that ye

This am I redy yow to ensure 1732

In youre hert couth be vntrew, 1745

By othe or bonde in what wyse

Or lygħtly chonge me for ony new.

Youre gentyle hert best canne devyse.

For wele I wote here be-fore

And welle I wote I am) youre dere,

I haue dredde Ielowsy, but neuer-more

Sytħ ye haue chose me to youre feere,

After this day haue hym in mynde 1749

Ne trewly I canne not thynk that ye

That fals traytoure that ofte ys vnkynde,

Wolde euer in ony wyse be 1738

Hatħ lovers made and vnstedfast

Wonne lygħtly in me in ony wyse

To her loves, tylle at the last, 1752

Swycħ thougħt fro me shaɫɫ neuer aryse. 1740

There grete love was / hatħ brougħt in hate,

Ne in youre hert let no foly

And afterwarde euermore a debate.

49And alle hys crafte ys but fals ymagynacion) Off þat was neuer put in exsecucione; As ofte tyme a man) shalle dreme a þynge Þat ys in-possibeɫɫ, and yet in slepynge He shalle wene hyt myghte be ryghte weɫɫ, And þat hyt were as soþe as þe gospelle. Thys case felle onus in thys same londe [leaf 22] Off a man) þat bare hys wyffe on) honde Þat he was Cokoolde, and sho was to hym vntrewe, For euery day þat he wolde loue a newe. Yette cowde he neuer put þys þynge in preve. Þat he was cokoolde, hyt was hys fulle be-leve, And euer hys wyffe wepte and sayde naye. The sely woman) was In grette affraye, And he so sore ymagened^ι of þys thynge That on) a nyghte, as he lay slepynge, Ielosy þoȝte he wolde make hym a-fferde. He þoȝte he sawe hys neyȝbore drawe owte hys swerde, And fulle hys scawbarte he þoȝte þat he pyssed^ι. When he had don), where he be-come he nyste. Owte of hys slepe woddely he a-woke, For-ferde of Ielosy aɫɫ hys body quoke. “Owte, allas !” sayde he, “þat I was boore ! Nowe hyt ys worse þen ever hyt was be-fore. For welle I wotte be myne ymaginacion) The dede ys done and put in exsecucion). My dreme haþe showed^ι me by expereauns He þat pyssed^ι he[re]in my presauns In my scawbarde, he haþe don) þe dede.” And þus Ielosy haþe quytte þe fole hys mede. And þerfore putte Ielosy owte of mynde; For In þat case ye shalle me neuer ffynde, Þat euer mystrustye shalle I to yowe be. And do þe same, whylle þat ye lyffe, to me; And þen shalle owre hertes stonde in reste, And eche of vs shalle welle oþer truste.

1756

1760

1764

1768

1772

1776

1780

1784

1788

An example of the effects of jealousy.

Univ. Coll. MS.

And alle hys crafte ys but fals Imaginaeion)

And ther-fore puttytħ Ielowsy oute of mynde; 1785

Of thyng that neuer was putt in execucion); 1756

For in that caas ye shuɫɫ me neuer fynde

That euer mystrusty shaɫɫ I to yow be.

As ofte tyme a man) shaɫɫ dreme of thyng

And do the same, whyle ye lyve, to me; [leaf 3]

That is vnpossyble, and yett in slepyng

And than) shulde bothe oure hertys stonde in rest, 1789

He shaɫɫ wene hyt mygħt be rygħt wele,

And that hit were as sotħe as gospeɫɫ.

For eche of vs sharɫɫ other welle trest.

PARTONOPE.

E

50But yff I yowe louyd^ι, for soþe I were vnkynde. To do my plesauns euer redy I yowe ffynde. Ther-to so softe, so fayre shape ye be, Þat and hyt lyke yowe I myghte yowe onus see, Ye shulde þer-wyth do me so hey plesauns, Hyt shulde neuer- passe owte of my remembrauns.”  “MI swete loue,” sayde þys lady fre,  “Ye shalle not fayle no nyghte to haue me  Redy to parforme yowre hertes desyre. In kyssynge, in felynge, and in aɫɫ þat may be plesyre, To yowe, my herte, I wolle euer redy be; Safe onely syghte desyre þat noghte of me, [leaf 22, back] Tylle tyme come, wyche ys neyder fer ne nere Butte too yere hen) and eue n ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq33.tif"/> halfe a yere. Thys shalle to yowe be no hevy a-bydynge. Off me ye shalle haue playe, specħe, and ffelynge, Howndes [and] hawkes ye shalle haue eke I-nowe, Mules and stedes also to bere yowe Botħe in foreste and eke also In ryvere, Where euer ye luste, ferre or else nere. Clothes of sylke ye shalle haue goode and fyne, Fyshe and fflesshe, goode bredde and eke goode wyne, Fayre townes and castelles to heɫɫ In your hede, And euery nyghte a favre* and a softe bedde,

1807. MS. perhaps ek.

1814. MS. adds fyre after fayre.

Partonope wishes to see the Lady, but she cannot comply with his desire till one year and a half has passed.

In the meantime he may have all kinds of pleasures.

1792

1796

1800

1804

1808

1812

Univ. Coll. MS.

But I yow loued, for sothe I were vnkynde.

But two yere henne and one half a yere, 1804

To my plesaunce euyr redy I yow fynde.

This shaɫɫ to yow be none hevy abydyng.

Therto so softe, so fayre shapte be ye,

That and hit lykyd yow I mygħt yow onys see,

Of me ye shulle haue speche, play, and felyng.

Ye shulde do me therwitħ so hye plesaunce,

Howndys and hawkys ye shuɫɫe haue y-now, 1807

Hyt shulde neuer passe oute of my remembraunee.” 1796

Mulys and Stedys redy to bere yow

Botħe in-to forest and in-to Ryuere,

“MY swete loue,” sayde this lady free,

Where euer ye lust, ferre or ellys nere.

“A nygħtys ye shulle redy haue me

Clothis of Sylk ye shaɫɫ haue goode and fyne,

To parforme alle youre hertys desyre.

In kyssyng, in feelyng at alle youre plesyre 1800

Fysshe and flessħ, goode Brede and rygħt goode wyne, 1812

To yow, my hert, I wylle euer redy be;

Fayre townes and Castellys to hylle in youre hede,

Saue onely sygħt desyre ye not of me,

Tylle tyme come, whicħ ys nother ferre ne nere

And euery nygħt a fayre and a softe bedde,

51And me þer-In redy yowe to comforte, Wyth alle my herte to make yowe dysporte. Otherʾ company gete ye non) but me Off no man) ne woma n ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq34.tif"/> , tyɫɫ þese yeres be Passed^ι and go n ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq35.tif"/> and fully broghte to ende. And be þat tyme þynge þat ys nowe blynde, Shalle be to yowe ryghte opon) I-nowe. Ye shaɫɫ se aɫɫ folke, and aɫɫ folke shaɫɫ se yowe. Be conseɫɫ of my kynges* ye shalle þen se I shaɫɫ be wedded^ι vn-to yowe, Partonope.* In thys mene whyle hyt shalle so ordenyte be Þys loue be-twyn) vs shaɫɫ be kepte preve. Be then shalle aɫɫ þe londe be [on] a-corde Assente ye shalle be my souerayne lorde. [Thynkytħ not this tyme shaɫɫ be to longe;] Þys ys þe acorde be-twyn) my lordes and me, Þat alle þys tyme sene shalle ye not be, Tylle I haue chosen) sucħe on) þat lyketħ me. Nowe haue I chose socħe on) as me luste to haue. Alle þys dydde I for yowe, so Gode me safe. Þe order of knyghtehode in þys tyme shaɫɫ ye take, Þe pepufɫɫ may yowe þen in no wyse for-sake. Hyt shaɫɫ on) yowe þen be so semely a syghte Þat þorowe þe worlde Þey cowde not chese a knyghte

1823. kynges] MS. knyghtes.

1824. MS. Partonape.

1816

1820

1824

1828

1832

1836

She will join him every night; otherwise he is to be alone.

When the time has expired, he is to marry the Queen by the assent of all her lords.

Univ. Coll. MS.

And me ther-in redy yow to Comforte,

Wytħ alle my herte to make yow dysporte. 1816

Other company gete ye none but me

Of man) ne woman), tylle these yeres be

Passyd and gone and fully brougħt to ende.

And by that tyme thyng that now ys blynde, 1820

Shaɫɫ be thenne to yow rygħt opyn) y-nowe.

Ye shulle see alle folke, and they shaɫɫ see yow.

Be Counsayle of alle my kyngys ye shaɫɫ than) see

I shaɫɫ be weddyd to yow, Partanope.

In this meane while hit shaɫɫ so ordeynyd be 1825

This love betwen) vs shaɫɫ be kept pryvee.

Be than) shaɫɫ alle my londe by one a-corde [leaf 3, back]

Assent that ye shaɫɫ be my souerayn) lorde. 1828

Thynkytħ not this tyme shaɫɫ be to longe;

This ys the agrement of my londe,

That say aɫɫ this tyme I shal not be

Weddyd / tylle I haue chose suche as lyketħ me. 1832

Now haue I chosen) one as me lyketħ to haue.

Alle this I dyd for yow, so God me save.

The ordre of knygħt in this tyme shaɫɫ ye take, 1835

The peple than) may not yow forsake.

Of yow than) shaɫɫ be so semely a sygħt

That in the worlde they cowde not chese a knygħt

52A more a-beller to be here gouernowre, Þoȝe þey wolde haue here lorde an) Emperowre. Off Ectorys blode ye be þat worthy knyghte, Where euer [he were] In batelle or in fyghte Off knyghte-hode euer he bare þe pryse a-waye. Ye know thys wylle, hyt may neuer be sayde nay. [leaf 23] Alle-way he louyde cheualrye. Þys was on) cause, my dere herte, þat I Chesse yowe to be my lorde and eke my loue, Þys ys trowþe be Gode þat syttetħe a-bofe. And setħe ye be come of gentylle blode, Off Ector of Troye, þat sette no pryse be goode, Butte sette hys loue euer in knyghte-hode, Loke ye sewe forþe þat no-belle blode, And sette yowre herte euer in cheualry. Loke In yowre persone fayle no curtesy, And be lowly to smale as welle as to grete, Þat men) mowe say þat passe by þe strete : “Loo, yender goþe the welle of gentylnes.” Þus shaɫɫ ye bere the name of hey nobles. Thys þorowe þe londe of yowe shalle ryse a fame, Þat þorowe þe worlde Enhaunsed shaɫɫ be your name, Wycħe shalle be so hey a Ioye to me Þat I may þonke Gode þat I may see

1849. MS. possibly sethen.

Being of Hector’s blood, he must show himself an accomplished knight.

1840

1845

1848

1852

1856

1860

Univ. Coll. MS.

A more able to be her governoure.

But sette his lust in higħ knygħthode,

Thougħ they wolde haue to her lorde an Emperoure. 1840

Loke yow sew fortħ that manhode,

And sette youre hert euer in cheualry.

Of Ectors blode ye be that worthi knygħt,

And in youre persone lat fayle no curtasy 1854

Where euer he were in batayle or fygħt,

And lowlynesse botħe to smalle and grete,

Of knygħthode he bare the pryse a-wey.

That they may say, as ye passe by strete:

Ye knowe this; hit may not be sayde nay.* 1844

“Loo, yonder gothe the welle of gentylnesse.” 1857

A-boue alle thyngys he loved cheualry.

Thus shaɫɫ ye bere the name of nobylnesse.

This was oo cause, myn) hert, that I

Chese yow to my lorde and eke my love,

Thorow the lande of yow shaɫɫ ryse a fame,

This ys troutħ by God that syttetħ aboue. 1848

And enhaunced shal be youre name,

Whicħ shaɫɫ so hye Ioye to me be

And sytħ be come of gentyle bloode,

That I mygħt thank God that day to see 1862

Of Ector that sette no pryse by goode,

1844–45. Inverted order of lines in MS.

53Þat ylke daye þat y was so fuɫɫ of grace Þat I be-sette my loue In so goode a place, To se my loue þe worthyeste of þe worlde. And goode, sw[e]te herte, beþe* nowe of myn) a-corde, And be not heuy, thowe ye may* notte se As yet my persone; for trewly hyt shaɫɫ not be Here after-warde owre botħes beste. Lette no socħe þoȝtes reve yowe of your reste, And loke here-after ye neuer desyrious be Be crafte of Nygromansy to haue þe syghte of me, Vn-to þe tyme þe day be come and goo Þat we mowe openly showe vs botħe too. For yeff ye do, trewly ye shalle be dedde. Ye mowe not scape, to ley a lasse wedde, And I shulde lese my name for euer-moo. My goode, dere herte, loke ye do neuer Soo. Alle socħe fantasyes, for Goddys loue, lette be; A-bofe aɫɫ þynge haue mercy, my swete loue, on) me !  MI fayre loue, my goode, swete herte dere,  Off my persone haue ye no ffere.  Demy tħe me not to be an) eueɫɫ þynge That shulde be crafte yowre sowle In synne brynge, Hytte to departe frome heuen) blysse.” [leaf 23, back] And wyth þat worde she can) hym kysse, Wyth wepynge, and sayde : “For soþe I am)

1866 MS. keþe.

1867. may] MS. me.

1869. A letter crossed out after beste.

1864

1868

1872

1876

1880

1884

If he tries to see her, it will prove fatal to both of them.

He has nothing to fear; she is a true Christian, and will not sin against Jesus.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Ye to haue goodely so moche grace;

And I shulde leese my name for euermoo.

Therto God send yow botħe tyme and space. 1864

My dere hert, loke ye do neuer soo.

And swete hert, be now of myn) a-corde,

Alle suche fantasyes now lat be;

¹ As I haue yow chosen) for my lorde,

A-bove alle thyng save my worshi p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq36.tif"/> and me. 1880

And be not hevy thogħ ye may not see

My persone /yet truly hit shaɫɫ be 1868

My fayre love, my swete hert dere,

Here-after for oure bothes best. [¹ leaf 4]

Of me feere ye not in no manere;

Let no suche thougħtes reve youre Rest,

Ne demytħ that I shulde- be an evyɫɫthyng

And here-after ye neuer desyrous be

By ony crafte to haue the sygħt of me,

That shulde youre soule to myschief bryng, 1884

In-to the tyme that day be come and goo 1873

Hyt to departe fully fro hevyn) blysse.”

That we may opinly shew vs bothe two.

And with that worde She gan hym fast kysse.

And yf ye do otherwyse ye shaɫɫ be dede.

Ye mow not scape, thogħ ye wolde lay other wed 1876

Wytħ wepyng She sayde : “For sothe I am)

54Borne and broghte for-þe a trewe crysten) woman), And my lefe ys fully In Crystes lore, And euer haþe ben) setħe I was bore. Truste hyt weɫɫ, my dere loue, I woɫɫ not lye, I truste I[n] Cryste þat was borne of Marye, Þat boghte vs frome heɫɫ wyth hys presious blodde. I aske of yowe, my herte, neuer more goode Butte for hys loue þat ye wolle loue me beste. Þan) may I þynke my herte ys sette atte reste. For ye shalle neuer wytte me do any þynge To Ihesu Cryste þat shulde be dysplesynge; Þat ys euer and shalle be rayne entente Fully to kepe hys commawndemente. I Pray yowe, loue, þat ye woɫɫ do þe same. A-boue alle þynge I loue Ihesu name. Off alle þe worlde he ys lorde and syre; He made ertħe, water, Eyre, and ffyre. He ys maker of euery creature; He made man) euen) after hys ffygure.”  Whan sho had sayde, þus onswered^ι Partonope :  “I am) ryghte gladde þat I may knowe and see  Þat ye truste and loue Gode almyghte. But sory I am) I may not haue þe syghte Off yowe þat ben) my souereyn) lady dere. I shalle fulle longe þynke* on) þys ij. yere And other halfe. Howe shaɫɫ I “þus endure ?

1890. MS. possibly sethen.

1912. MS. þynge.

Partonope is sorry that he is not allowed to see her.

1888

1892

1896

1900

1904

1908

1912

Univ. Coll. MS.

Borne A trew Crystyn) woman), 1888

A-boue alle thing I love Ihesu ys name.

And my beleve ys fully Crystes lore,

Of alle the worlde he is lorde and Syre;

And euer hatħ ben) sytħ 1 was bore.

He made erthe, water, Eyre, and fyre.

My love, trustetħ wele, I welle not lye,

¹ He ys maker of euery creature; 1905

I be-leve on) Cryste that was borne of Mary, 1892

And made man) after his fugure.”

That bougħt vs wytħ hys precious bloode,

Whan) She had saide, Thus answerid Partanope : [¹ leaf 4, back]

I aske ol yow neuer no more goode

“I am) rygħt gladde that know and see

But for his love that ye love me best.

That ye trust and leeve on) God almygħt. 1909

Than) may I think that I am) in rest.

For to me ye shaɫɫ do that thyng 1897

But sory I am) that I may not haue the syght

That to Ihesu Cryst shulde be dysplesyng;

This ys and euer shaɫɫ be myn) entent

Of yow that be my lady souerayn) dere.

Fully to kepe his comaundement.

I shaɫɫ long think on) this two yere

I pray yow, love, that ye wylle do the same. 1901

And other half. How shaɫɫ I thus endure ? 1913

55Lette me yowe se, and I yowe ensvre.”— “Speketħ not of syghte, let aɫɫ þes wordes be. I pray yowe fully ye woɫɫ haue mercy on) me, And byse yowe aɫɫ-way myne honowre to saue, And saue your-selfe, þat ye no harme haue.” Partonope ys no we faste falle on) slepe. Hys fayre lady than) taketħe on) hym grette kepe, And kyssetħe hym swete, and þynketħ fully þat sho In other heuen) kepte neuer for to be. Offte sho was In porpose hym to wake To haue more plesauns of hym þat ys her make. Wytħ hym to play was aɫɫ her moste delyte. Yette alle her luste sho woɫɫ putte In respyte. [leaf 24] She þoȝte grette trauayle aɫɫ þat nyȝte had^ι he; Hym to wake, hyt had ben) grette pyte. Stylle sho lay, tylle hyt was opyn) daye, That she myghte, In bedde as sho laye, Se þe sonne he[r] bemus sprede In so bryghte Þat aɫɫ þe chamber was laugħynge lyghte. Thys Partonope owte of hys slepe a-woke. As he caste vp hys ey, sodenly he gan) loke Alle a-bowte þe chamber; he sey so gret a lyghte, Alle þe dayes of hys lyffe he seye neuer socħe a syghte. Grette Ioye had he of þys chamber, as he myghte welle. Butte yette was þer on) pynge þat lyked^ι hym no delle: He loked^ι after hys lady þat he louyd^ι soo.

1916

1920

1924

1928

1932

1935

1939

Partonope falls asleep.

When he awakes the next morning, the Lady is gone.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Lat me yow seen), and I yow ensure.”

She thougħt grete trauaile that nygħt had he;

“Spekytħ of no sewerte, lat alle this be.

I pray yow fully to haue mercy on) me,

Hym) to wake had She grete pyte. 1928

And besy yow myn) honoure for to save,

Stylle She lyetħ, tyɫɫ hit was vpon) day

And youre-self, that ye none ha[r]m haue.” 1918

That Beemys of the sonne than) She say.

Partanope ys now softe faɫɫ on) sleepe.

This Partanope of his sleepe a-woke*.

This fayre lady of hym) takytħ keepe,

As he cast vp his eye, sodenly gan) he loke 1934

And kyssith hym) swte, and thinkytħ that She 1921

A-boute the chamber, he sawe grete lyght;

In other hevyn) kepitħ neuer to be.

Ofte She was in purpose hym) to a-wake

In his lyffe sawe he neuer suche a sygħt,

To haue more plesaunce of hym), hir make. 1924

As he had of the chambre as mygħt wele.

Witħ hym) to play was hir moost delyte.

Yet oo thyng lyked hym) neuer a dele:

Yet alle hir lust she put in respyte.

He loked after his lady that he louyd soo. 1939

1933. MS. adds to before a-woke, which was first written a-wake.

56Hys lokynge seruyde hym not, for sho ys frome hym goo, That feletħe thys wofulle Partonope. “Allas,” he sayde, “what may thys be ? My Ioye ys gonne, whyder I ne wotte, And what to do for soþe I notte.” And soþe to sey and not to lye, Vppon) þe hedde he caste hys eye, And seye þe chamber so rycħe a-rayed^ι Þat off þe bewte he was Dysmayed^ι. He mervelytħe grettely of þe bryghtnes. And þer-wyth he be-gynnetħe hym-selfe to dresse Owte of hys bedde, þys ys no dowte. And as he loked^ι thys a-bowte, Vppon) þe bedde he seye where laye A gowne alle newe, þys ys no naye. He þoȝte þat þys [noble] garmente Was layde there to þat entente Þat he shulde hyt on) hym do, And, shorte tale to make, he dyd^ι so. And when he hadde hyt on) hys backe, In the gowne fownde he no lacke. For to hym hyt was as welle I-shape As thowe þe mesure had^ι ben) I-take For hym verely off Porpose. And þer-wyth-alle a-non) he rosse. Hosen) and shone a-none he fonde ther A-rayde for hym in þe beste manere. Whan) he was redy and a-rayed^ι, Off hys newe cloþes he was welle payde. [leaf 24, back]

1958. Two letters crossed out after to.

New clothes lie ready for him.

He dresses, and goes to breakfast in the hall.

1941

1944

1948

1952

1956

1960

1964

1968

Univ. Coll. MS.

Hit servyd of nougħt, for than) She was goo. 1940

Vppon) the bedde he sawe where lay

A Gown) alle new, this ys no nay,

Than sayde this woofuɫɫ Partanope :

He thougħt that this noble garment

“Allas, what may this be?

Was layde there to that intent 1956

My Ioye ys goo, whider I ne note.

That he shulde hit vpon) hym) doo,

And I shaɫɫ do I note wele wote.” 1944

And, short tale to make, he dyd soo.

He saw the chamber so ryche a-rayed

And whan) he had hit do vpon) his bakke,

¹That of the beaute he was dysmayed.

He mervayled gretely of the brygħt-nesse. [¹ leaf 5] 1949

In that gowne fonde he no lakke. 1960

Hosyn) and shone than) fonde he there

And there-wiħall he gan) hym) dresse

Arayed for hym) in the best manere.

Oute of his bedde, this ys no doute.

Whan) he was redy and fuɫɫ araied^ι,

And as he loked thus now a-boute, 1952

Of his new clothes he was weɫɫ payed^ι.

57Owte of the chamber he þoȝte to goo. Then) Soudenly was broghte hym too A newer of water and a bassyne, Botħe hyt were of golde fulle ffyne, A towelle þer-wyth of Parys werke. Thys seruyse was to hym fuɫɫ derke, For man) ne chylde cowde he non) See. He wysshe hys hondes, and owte yede he Off: þys chamber, þat was so gaye, In-to þe halle, and þer he Saye The bordes coueryd^ι wyth cloþes fyne. Hyt was made redy for he shulde dyne. Than) þys yonge Partonope þoȝte : “Alle thys a-raye ys for me broghte.” A-myddes þe bencħe downe he hym sette, Þer was no wyghte hym for to lette. Off mete and drynke had^ι he plente, Þus seyetħe þe boke, þer lacked^ι no deynte. Off on) þynge he was heuy and sadde : þer sayde to hym no man)‘ be gladde,’ Ne bade hym ne mery be and blytħe. He sawe no-þynge þat euer bare lyve. When he had dyned^ι, he þoȝte tho : “Alle þys day whatte may I do ?” And streyghte he rose vp fro þe deyse; And þorowe þe halle and downe by þe gryse In-to þe cowrte streyghte yede he.

1972

1976

1980

1984

1988

1992

He goes down into the palace yavd, where a black horse is brought to him.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Oute of the chamber he thougħt to goo.

Amyddes the benche he down) hym) sett,

Than) sodenly was brougħt hym) tho

There was [no] wigħt hym) to lett. 1984

An) ewer wytħ watyr and a basyn),

Of mete and drynke had he plente,

Botħe they were of golde fuɫɫ fyne, 1972

Thus saytħ the Booke, he lakked no deynte. [¹ leaf 5, back]

A toweɫɫ therwytħ of Parys werke.

This servyce was to hym) fuɫɫ derke,

Of oo thyng was he hevy and sadde :

For man) ne childe cowde he none see.

There sayde to hym) no man) be gladde,

He wasshitħ his handes, and oute yede he 1976

Ne bad hym) ete merily ne blyve. 1989

He saw no-thing that euer bare lyffe.

Oute of this chamber, that was so gay,

¹ Whan) he had dyned, he thougħt tho:

In-to the halle, and there he say

“Alle this day what may I doo ?”

The Bordes couered with clothis fyne.

And streygħt vp he rose fro the dees.

Hit was made redy for he shulde dyne.

Thorow the halle and down) by the grees

Than) thougħt this yonge Partanope :

“Allethis aray ys made for me.” 1982

In-to the court streygħt yede he. 1995

58He loked^ι a-bowte, he cowde not se Off hys wery and lene hakeney That he þer lafte yesterdaye. He loked^ι a-bowte, and faste be-helde Þys castelle ryalle, howe hyt was bylde. And as he ceste hys eye a-bowte, He sawe where stode, wyth-owten) dowte, A Corser þat was botħe fayre and able For any kynge, þat streyghte owte of þe stabelle Was broghte for he shulde on) hym ryde. He was a-ferde hym for to be-stryde, Or for to lepe vppo n ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq37.tif"/> hys backe, Be-cause þat he was so blacke. Some euelle thynge he wende hyt had be, [leaf 25] And stylle stante thys Partonope, And off þys courser toke grette kepe, And atte þe laste vppon) hym lepe. Nowe ys yonge Partonope Vppo n ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq38.tif"/> hors-backe, and streyghte rydetħe he Thorowte þe cowrte ryghte to þe gate. When he was þer, he þoȝte alle-gate That fayre towre he wolde See. Fro horsebacke lyghtely lepytħe he. Vppe þorowe þe towre he goþe wyth-alle. He lafte not tylle he was o n ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq39.tif"/> þe walle, There as he myghte se rownde a-bowte, The castelle wytħ-In, þe cyte wyth-owte. Towarde þe sonne þan loketħe he.

Partonope rides to the tower.

From its top he looks about him.

To the south is the sea.

1996

2000

2004

2008

2012

2016

2020

Univ. Coll. MS.

He loked a-boute, he cowde not see

For blak hit was / stylle stode Partanope,

Of his leene and wery hakney 1997

That he now left there but yesterday.

And of this courser toke grete kepe,

He lokyd a-boute, and fast be-heelde

Yet atte last on) hym) he leepe. 2012

This castyɫɫ, how hit was by elde. 2000

And thourow the courte vn-to the yate

And as he cast his eye weɫɫ a-boute,

Rydetħ he, and thougħt algate 2016

He sawe where stode alle withoute

That fayre Toure he wolde see.

A courser that was fayre and able

From) horsbak lygħtly lepetħ he.

For ony kyng / that streygħt oute of

Vp thorow the toure he gothe witħalle.

stable 2004

He levetħ not tylle he was on the walle, 2020

Was brougħt that he shulde on) hym) ryde.

There as he mygħt see rounde a-boute,

He was a-ferde hym) to be-stryde,

The casterɫɫ wytħin) / the citee withoute.

Som) evyɫɫ he wenytħ hit had be, 2009

To-warde the Svnne that loked he.

59Alle þe coste* was notte but see, Thorowe wycħe he sawe be resone By shyppe come marchandyse in-to þe towne, Cloþes of golde and Spycery Frome Alysaunder and fro Surry, Clowys, macys, and Galyngale, Off suger and canelle fuɫɫ mony a bale, Off medecynes boþe more and lesse To hele folke of here Sekenes. On) þe toder syde þen loked^ι he : A M^ɫ Erberys þer myghte he see Þat longen) to þe Cyteȝines of þe towne, There mygħte he se hem walke vp and downe. Ther-to he sawe so mony gardynes, And by þe [see-]syde * no-þynge but vynes. On) þe thryde quarter gan) he loke Off þe castelle, as seyetħe þe boke, Þat ys of ffrenshe, wycħe ys myn) auctorʾ Ther as he loked^ɭ ouer þe towre, As fferre as euer he myghte see, Hyt was butte corne alle þe cont[r]e, And medowe wyth gras so weɫɫ I-growe, And euyn) redy for to mowe. On þe iiij quarter of þe castelle He loketħe owte, and vysetħe hym welle. Many fayre syghtes sawe he there, Hem shalle I telle and ye wolle here : Ther sawe he þe haven) large and wyde. [leaf 25, back]

2024. MS. castelle.

2031. A letter crossed out before boþe.

2038. MS. sydes.

2024

2028

2032

2036

2040

2044

2048

In the opposite direction are gardens, on the third side meadows.

On the fourth side is the port, beyond which there is a castle, surrounded by large fields and a huge forest.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Alle that Cooste was nougħt but see,

¹ Of the Casteɫɫ, as saytħ the Booke,

Thurgħ whicħ he sayled by reson)

That ys frencħ, whicħ ys myn) auctoure.

Be Ship p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq40.tif"/> come Merchandyse to the town). 2026

There as he loked than) ouer the Toure,

As ferre as he euer mygħt see, [¹ leaf 6]

On the tother syde then loked he: 2033

Hyt was Corne aɫɫ that contree 2044

A thousand herbers there mygħt he see

And medowe witħ grasse so weɫɫ by- growe,

That longyd to Citeȝenis of the town),

There mygħt hem) see walk vp and down). 2036

And evyn) redy for to mowe.

On) the fourtħ quarter of this Casteɫɫ

Ther-to he saw so many gardynes,

He loked oute and a-vysed hym) weɫɫ.

And by the See-syde no-thing but vynes.

Many fayre sygħtys say he there. 2049

Hem) shaɫɫ I telle yf ye wylle here :

On the thirde quarter gan he loke

There saw he the haven) large and wyde.

60A M^ɫ shyppes þer-on) myghte ryde Saffe I-nowe for any tempaste, Thus telletħe me þe ffrenshe geste. Ouer thys hauen þen sawe he A brygge of stonne and not of tre, Wyth towres and cornellys so weɫɫ I-made, On) them to loke hys herte dyd^ι glade. Atte þe ende of þe brygge in þe eontre A castelle aɫɫ Newe þer myghte he se So welle I-towred^ι, so large a-bowte, Ther-In myghte herborowe, wyth-owten) dowte, Mony a knyghte and mony a squyer, A kynge hym þoȝte wyth alle hys power. He myȝte see no-þynge x myle a brede Butte alle was corne and grene mede; Off lengħe hyt was mony a myle. Þys towre be-helde he a ryghte grette whyle. Be-ende aɫɫ þys was huge fforeste, No-þynge þer but brydde and beste. Thys yonge man) alle þys be-helde, The towne, þe castelle, so weɫɫ I-bylde, Þe See, þe vynes, þe gardynes large, The hayen) so fulle of shyppe and barge, Off corne, of mede so grette plente. He þoȝte þys was a delectabeɫɫ contre. Thys droffe he fforþe wyth ffayre syghte The longe day, tylle hyt was nyghte.

2054. gr crossed out before geste.

At nightfall, Partonope rides back to the palace.

2052

2056

2060

2064

2068

2072

2076

Univ. Coll. MS,

A thousand Shippys theryn) mygħt ryde

Many a knygħt and many a Squier

Satfe ynogħ for any tempest, 2053

And a lorde of fuɫɫ grete power. 2064

Thus tellytħ now the frencħ geest.

He mygħt see then myle on) breede

Ouer this haven) then) sawe he

But alle Corne and grene meede;

A brygge of Stone and not of tree,

Of lengħt hit was many a myle.

Wytħ Towres and cornellis so weɫɫ y-made,

He by-helde than) a grete whyle.

Be-yonde alle this was huge forest,

On) hit to loke his hert was glade.

No-thyng theryn) but whilde best. 2070

Atte ende of the brygge in-to the Contree 2059

Thus the vynes and gardynes large,

The havyn) fuɫɫ of Shippes and barge,

A castell alle new there mygħt he see

Of Corn), of mede so grete plente, 2075

Weɫɫ towred, and so large a-boute,

He be-heelde wele alle the contree,

Theryn) mygħt be herbowred, witħoute doute,

So delectable vn-to his sygħt

That welny comytħ vn)-to nygħt. 2078

61Downe fro þe towre now* þynketħe he goo. When he was downe, þer founde he þo The fayre corser þat was so blacke. And streygħte he lepetħe vppon) hys backe, And rydeth fortħe to þe halle dore, There as he fownde þys hors be-fore. Frome hors he lepetħ wyth-owten) moo; In-to þe halle þen) doþe he goo, That was cheffe of þe palys. There as þe fyre was a-fore þe deyse, In a cheyer homely he hym sette. Whatte he wolde haue, a-none was fette. And þus he warmetħe hym by þe fyre, Tylle tyme was to goo vn-to sopere. And when) hys soper was redy dyghte, [leaf 26] He rysetħ a-none ryghte, And sette hym euen) a-myddes þe deyse, And sowpetħe alle in goode pesse. Ther was no wyghte þer-of hym lette, Ne atte hys soper hym onus grette. And thus he sowpetħe atte goode ley sere. Whew he had done, streyghte vn-to þe ffyre He gotħe, and warmetħe hym atte þe beste, Tylle hyt was tyme to go to reste. And when) tyme was to go to bedde, wyth torches he was thyder ledde, In-to þe chamber þat was so bryghte. In shorte tyme after voyded^ι þe lyghte.

2079. now] MS. he.

2099. s (?) crossed out before he.

2080

2084

2088

2092

2096

2100

2104

After supper the torches guide him to the bedroom.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Downe of the Toure now thenketħ he goo, 2079

Witħ no man) he there mette.

And thus he warmytħ hym) by the fyre,

The fayre Courser he fonde redy tho,

Tille tyme was to goo vn-to Sopere. 2092

¹That he there lefte, and vpon) he leepe,

Than) he syttetħ a-myddys the dees,

And so rydetħ here and there, and toke goode kepe [¹ leaf 6, back]

And Soopetħ meryly and ys in pees. 2096

Welle ys he servid in alle mauere degree,

Of that fayre Paleys, and atte last before the halle

Yett neyither man) ne woman) sawe he.

Whan) he hatħ Sooped at his leysyr,

There he lygħt, and went in att dore witħ-aɫɫ,

He rose vp, and went to the fyre. 2100

Lygħt of Torches he saw in that stede.

Where he fonde a fyre be-fore the deys

And whan) tyme was to go to bedde,

In the halle of that fayre Paleys.

In-to the Chambyr went the Torchis.

In a chayre homely he hym) sette 2089

He folowetħ after and thydyr approchis.

62He made hym redy wyth-owte moo Streyghte in-to þe hedde to goo. And when he was in bedde layde, Sone after, wyth-In a lytelle brayde, Cometħe hys ladye fayre and ffre. Her In hys Armes þen taketħe he, And kyssetħe her, and maketħe her feste, And wyth her doþe what euer hym leste.  Than) seyde þys ladye, þys ys no naye :  “My loue,” quod sho, “howe haþe þys daye  Bynne spente, and In whatte manere ? Telletħe me nowe, myne owne herte dere.”— ‘ Madame,” Sayde Partonope, “I haue hyt spente in þys degre : Ouer þe yate I haue be, On) þat grette towre, where I myghte see The towne, þe castelle rownde a-bowte, And alle þe contre, wyth,-owte n ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq41.tif"/> dowte, So plentuos of wyne and corne. I sawe neuer sucħe a syghte be-forne.”  “Syr,” sayde þe lady, “þys is soþe.  As Her as any man) rydetħ or goþe  Thorowe þe worlde þat ys so rownde, So ffayre a place may neuer be ffownde Þat haþe In hym so grette delyte, And þer-to stante in so ffayre a syghte. When ffryste I herde of yowe tydynge,

The Lady joins him.

She asks her lover how he has spent the day, and tells him that she has arranged this beautiful place for their secret love.

2108

2112

2116

2120

2124

2128

2132

Univ. Coll. MS.

He made hym redy to go to bedde;

“Trewly,” sayde he, “I had grete comforte. 2119

Hit was redy and fayre spredde.

And whan) he was in bedde layde, 2109

For on) the grete Toure atte yate a-ferre

The lygħt was voyded at a brayde.

I haue be this day at my layser,

To hym) come his lady fayre and free.

Where I mygħt see the town) a-boute,

Hir in his armes than) taketħ he, 2112

The Casteɫɫ and the Contre, withouten) doute, 2124

And hir clyppitħ swetely, and kyst,

And dothe with hyr what hym) fyst.

So plentevous of grasse, vyne, and Corne.

THanne sayde this lady in hyr manere: 2115

I sawe neuer sucħ a sygħt be-forne.”

“Telle me, my- love, my swete and dere,

“Love,” She sayde, “for oure bothe profyte [¹ leaf 7]

How this day ye haue be rewlid in dysporte ?”

¹I made this place Plesaunt in delyte.

Whan) I of yow had fryst tydyng, 2133

63I lefte besynes of other þynge,* And made þys place so fresshe and gaye, Thynkynge, my herte, þat ye yowre playe [leaf 26, back] Shulde haue þer-In and I also, Wytħ-owten) knowlage of any moo. And þer-fore nowe, my herte dere, Sytħe ye nowe haue ensured^ι me here Þat ye shulle neuer by crafte me see, Yowre ensurawnce in no wyse breke ye, But kepetħe tenderly vn-to my daye, Tylle ecħe of vs of other maye Vn-grucchede of eny haue plesaunce; Ellys myghte þer ffalle grette dystaunce For euer be-twyn) yowe and me, Wycħe Gode for-bede þat euer shulde be. And þer-fore doþe fully by my rede; Ye myghte fulle lyghtely ellys be dede, And I shamed for euer-moo. My goode swete, doþe neuer Soo; Ye wolde, I trowe, holde me to blame. Butte I tolde yowe the name Off þe see and eke of þys castelle. My loue, nowe vnderstonde me welle, Thys grette see ys named^ι Doyre, The cyte ys called^ι Cbyffe De Oyre.

2134. MS. þynger.

2140. MS. possibly sythen.

2154. the written above y my, which is crossed out.

2158. Oyd crossed out before Oyre.

2136

2140

2144

2148

2152

2156

The name of the city is Chef d’Oire.

Univ. Coll. MS.

For hit shulde be to youre plesyng,

Whicħ God forbede that ye shulde be so nyce, [vyce;

Thinkyng that ye and I alle oure dysporte,

And there-fore dothe fully by myn) a-

And to vs no man) haue resorte.

For yf ye do Contrary, hit shaɫɫ turne to shame 2149

And therefore now, myn) hert fuɫɫ dere,

Of vs bothe / and lesyng of my name

Sytħ ye haue ensured me here 2140

For euer and yow to shenship p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq42.tif"/> also.

That ye shaɫɫ neuer by crafte me see

Therfore lat it be neuer so do.

Tylle that we shaɫɫ weddyd be,

And yf ye wylle wete of this casteɫɫ

Youre suraunce kepitħ vnto that day;

And of this See, I wylle yow teɫɫ, 2154

And than) freely ye me see may.

And of thie Names, How they be called :

Ellys mygħt there falle grete dystaunce

This Casteɫɫ that ys welle walled

And of youre myrtħ shrewde dysplesaunce, 2146

Men) calle hit Chief doire

And the See ys named Doyre. 2158

2155. MS. thie or this?

64Thys Casteɫɫ sette I in þys fayre syghte, Þat we twayne myghte haue delyte For euer In thys lusty place; Ther-to I pray Gode sende vs grace. Here, In þe dycħe, for soþe I haue, Þat ys harde rocke, fulle mony a cave Hewed^ι and made by goode engyne, On caue þat ys alle of marbryne, Where-In on) hyghte Hernelus Dwelled, þat had^ι to hys spowse One Betyryce, wycħe was hys wyffe, Þat broghte hym forþe in here lyffe .v. ssonnys, and alle had order of knyghte. Bolde and harde þey were in ffyghte. When þe gailyottys on) þe See Hadde robbyd marchandes, þen wolde he Owte off fyghte wyth hem gonne. Off hem he toke fulle mony onne, And In-to presone made hem dye, [leaf 27] And toke fro hem Robbery. So of þys see the name ys Doyre, The castelle hate Chyffe De Oyre, Thatt ys y-bylte wytħ mane towre. And, my leue, my name ys Meliowre. And leuyd Ryȝtħ welle, þer ys no thynge Thatt ys or may be ynne [my] kepynge, Redy ytte schalle euer vnto yow be, Yff ȝe ordeyne no crafte to see

2171. ode crossed out before order.

2175. MS. perhaps syghte, but the passage is evidently corrupt.

2181. Here begins a new hand.

Outside is Marbreon, where Ernoul used to live with his five sons.

Her own name is Melior.

2160

2164

2168

2172

2176

2180

2184

Univ. Coll. MS.

In the casteɫɫ Dyche forsotħe I haue

Had robbed Merchauntȝ of the contre,

In harde Roche fuɫɫ many a kave 2164

Than) wolde they oute and fygħt witħ hem). [^l leaf 7, back]

Hewyn) and made by goode engyne,

Of wnicħe oone ys Called Marbryne,

And thus they toke many men),

Where dwellyd oone that bight Hernelous

And fro hem) had grete robbery, 2178

And in preson) wolde make hym) dye.

Sumtyme / and he had a spouse, 2168

¹And trustitħ wele, there ys no thyng

One Beatryce, that bare him) Sones fyve

That ys or may be in my kepyng, 2184

That after were knygħtys in her lyve.

Redy hit shaɫɫ euer to yow be,

And whan the Galyotħys vpon) the See

Yf ye ordeyn) no crafte to see

65My person) by-fore the assyngned day.” Partonope* answeryd and sayde : “Nay, In me ther schalle neuer be fownd [such] fowly. Trewly, my lady, y hade leuer dye.”— “Speke we no more of thus matere,” Sey[d]e thus lady, “butt tellytħ me where To-morewe ye wylle desporte yowe Wytħ howndys or hawkys. Tellytħ me nowe, Wylle ȝe to Reuer or to wode goo ? Ye mowe now chese of bothe too. Yff ȝe wylle to the wode gonne, Affter dyner to yow anone An horn) ther schalle to yow be brogtħe. Thowe a man) hadde Parys sogtħte, Sucche an horn) cowde no man) fynde. Loke ye leue ytte noȝtħ. be-hynde. And whenne ye be the medowys passyd, Sette horn) to mowthe, an blowe ytt faste. Be-fore yow ȝe schalle see anone Rennynge* howndys fulle many wone, Fayre grayhowndes and grete lymores. And yeffe ye* luste to see Reueres, In a chamber here be-hynde I schalle yow bryngge ther ȝe schalle fynde Sacrys, lanard[s], Tarcellys gentylle, Gerfawkones, ffawkonys, thatt fleytħ so hye

2188. MS. Partompe.

2206. MS. Renygnynge.

2208. ye] MS. the.

2188

2192

2196

2200

2204

2208

2212

She asks Partonope whether he would like to go to the forest or to the river.

Univ. Coll. MS.

My persone be-fore this assygned day.”

An) horne shaɫɫ be brougħt in) youre sygħt.

Partanope answeryd and saide, “Nay,

In me shaɫɫ ther [never] be founde suche foly. 2189

Take hit and go fortħe fuɫɫ rygħt.

And whan) ye be the medowes past,

Forsotħ, lady, me had leuer to dye.”—

Sett hit to youre moutħ, and blowe hit fast. 2204

“Speke we no more of this matere,”

Seid this lady, “but telle me where

Be-fore yow ye shaɫɫ see a-none

To-morow ye wylle dysporte yow

Rennyng houndes fuɫɫ many one,

Witħ houndes or hawkes, telle me now,

Fayre Grehoundes and grete lymours.

Wylle ye to the Ryvere or to the woode go ?

And yf ye lust to see the Revours,

In a Chamber here be-hynde

Ye mowe now chese of bothe two. 2196

I shaɫɫ you teche were ye shaɫɫ fynde

If ye wole to the woode gone,

Sacres, laners, Tercelles many, 2211

After youre dyner to yow a-none

Gerfawcon), ffawcon), that fle so hye

PARTONOPE.

66In-to the skye thatt Ioye ys to see. Of alle these dysportes now chese* ye.”— “Madame,” he sayde, “me luste beste To-morewe to hunte yn) the foreste.”— “Nowe, sere,” sche sayde, “do as ye luste.” [leaf 27, back] And there-wytħ-alle sche hym kyste, And [sone] affter they fylle onne slepe, Wat they dydde more toke y no kepe. In bedde thay laye, thus ys no naye, Tylle onne the morewe ligtħ daye Into the chamber yeff sucche a lyȝtħte Thatt welle to ryse see he mygthte. Vppe he rose, for ytte was tyme. He made hym) redy for to dyne. Wanne he hadde dynyd, he toke the horne, Thatt onne the walle henge hym be-forne, Lepte vppe on) hys hors, and rydytħ faste Tylle he was alle the medawys paste. He blewe hys horn), thus ys no dowte; He was welle herde ij myle abowte. Whenne he hadde blowe, thenne mygtħ he see [M]ywtes of howndes come nygheynge nere, Copelud wytħ sulke and noȝtħ wytħ here. Lemers to hym) thenne come lepynge, They where as soffte as eny selke, And ther-to whyte as eny mylke.

2214. MS. cheses.

He prefers hunting in the forest.

They fall; asleep.

After breakfast Partonope mounts his horse.

He blows his horn, and hounds of various kinds come running towards him.

2216

2220

2224

2228

2232

2236

Univ. Coll. MS.

In-to the Skye that Ioye ys to see. 2213

And whan) he had dyned, he toke the horne 2227

Of alle these dysportys now chese ye.”

“Madame,” he sayde “me lyketħ best

That on) the walle heng hym) be-forne,

To-morow to hunt in the forest.”—

Lepetħ vpon) hors, and fortħ he rydetħ

“Now Syr “she sayde “do as yow lest.” 2217

Tylle he was past the medowes sydes.

He blew his horn), this ys no doute,

And so therwitħ She hym) kyst,

Hyt was wele herd two myle a-boute.

And sone after they feɫɫ on) sleepe,

Mutes of houndes of alle degree 2233

Of other Ioye toke they no kepe. 2220

Came toward^ι hym), as he mygħt see,

And Thus in play and sleepe thay lay

Coupled with Sylk and not wytħ heere.

Tylle on) the morow that hit was day,

Lemours a-boute her nekkes bere

Than) his lady was fortħ past. [^l leaf 8]

Her lees were as softe as sylk,

He Oowde no Better but rose at last.

And therto whyte as ony Mylk. 2238

2235. u in coupled has one stroke too many; similarly 2243. in Vncoupletħ.

67Into the foreste he rydythe apase; Anone fownde alle ffreschely the trace, Off a passyng¹ wylde bore. Thys Partonope, wytħ-owte more, Vnkowpelyd hys howndes, and taketh in lesse These fayre lemers, and thay not sesee Alle the howndes to seke the foreste, Tylle fownde ys the wylde beste. Now ys the wylde bore fownde. The howndes to hym) now Rennytħ fulle rownde, The grete as welle as do the * leste. The crye to here yt were a feste For an emperowrʾ an for a lorde. So hole they Renne by one acorde To thys bore, thus ys no naye, So ffresche thay Renne alle the daye, Tylle he ganne wery, thus ys no dowte, They broghte [hym] so faste abowte. Atte the laste thus wylde beste [leaf 28] For-sakethe clene the thycke foreste. Vnto the lande drawyth he, There as stode Partonope Wythe the lemers ynne hys lesse. He lette hem slyppe, and faste they presse To-ward the beste; and þat seytħ he. Wythe alle hys myȝthe he gynnytħ flee. Hys flyȝthte may hym serue of nowȝthte;

2243. w underdotted before &.

2249. do the] MS. dothe, for dothe the ?

2255. he] MS. ye.

2240

2244

2248

2252

2256

2260

2264

The hounds find the track of a boar.

They follow the boar, till he becomes exhausted, and stands at bay.

Univ. Coll. MS.

In-to the fforest he rydetħ a paas, 2239

Tylle he wex wery of hys way. 2255

A-none he fonde alle fressħ the traas

They brougħte hym) so thykke a-boute

Of a passyng sterne, wylde Boore.

That he was fayne of alle that route.

This Partanope, withouten) more,

And atte last this wylde greete beest

Vncoupletħ his houndes in-to the forest

For-saketħ the thykke forest,

And to the launde than) drawetħ he,

Forto fynde now this wylde Beest.

There as ys stondyng Partanope 2260

Wh[e]n) this Boore was y-ffounde, 2247

Than) witħ the lymours in) hys lees,

They rvnne to hym) hoole and sounde

He lettitħ hem) slyppe, and fortħ thay prees

Bothe the moost and eke the leest.

The crye to here hit ys a feest

Toward that Boore. and that sawe he.

For an) emperoure or for a lorde.

Wytħ alle hys mygħt he gynnetħ to fle, 2264

So cloos they ranne by one a-corde, 2252

So fressħly they rvnne alle that day,

But hys flygħt servitħ hym) of nougħt;

68For ynne sucche pleyte thay haue hem) broȝthte, He myȝthte noȝtħ couer yn)-to hys denne. Ther-to he was so wery off Renne, He myȝhte no ferther, thys ys no naye. Stylle he standythe, and bydythe the baye. There-to come anone fulle Rownde Alle the racches, and down) to grownde They haue hym drawe wytħ grete stryffe, And thus the bore [hath] loste hys lyffe. Wat dothe thenne Partonope ? Hys swerde anone drawytħ owte he, And alle to-brekytħ the wylde beste, And wyth yt makyth hys howndes a feste. Be than) alle thys thynge was done, Hytte was hye tyme to drawe home, There as he thoȝthte to haue hys Reste. He bare noȝth wytħ hym off thus beste; Hys hors he toke, and onne hym) lepe*, More of hys howndes toke he no kepe, Saue ij lemers, thus ys no naye, Wytħ hym he toke, and Rode hys waye, That onne dayly he myȝthte dysporte. For tylle nyȝthte come hadde he no sporte. Nowe Rydyth he strawȝte to the castelle, Where as he fownde alle thyng¹ Ryȝth welle, Hys soper redy and welle y-made.

2272. MS. ratches ?

2282. bare] a like o.

2283. MS. lepte.

2290. fownde] o like a.

Partonope kills the boar, and rides home.

He takes with him two hounds that are to keep him company in the day-time.

2268

2272

2276

2280

2284

2288

Univ. Coll. MS.

For in sucħe plyte they haue hym) brougħt, [¹ leaf 8, back]

Be than) alle thys thyng was done,

Hyt was tyme to drawe home, 2280

¹He mygħt not Cover to hys denne.

There as he thougħt to haue his rest.

Therto he was so wery of renne, 2268

He bare not wytħ hym) of this beest;

He mygħt no further, this ys no nay.

Hys hors he toke and on) hym) leepe.

Stylle he stont, and bydetħ a-bay.

More of these houndes toke he no kepe

Therto come a-none fuɫɫ rounde 2271

Save two lymers, this ys no nay, 2285

The Racches, and doun) to the grounde

With hym) he toke, and rode his way,

They haue hym drawe witħ grete stryfe,

That on) day-lyght mygħt hym) dysporte.

And thus the Boore hatħ lost hys lyfe.

What dothe than) this Partanope ?

For tylle nygħt he had no more comforte.

Hys Swerde a-none oute drawetħ he,

And alle to-bryttenytħ this wylde best,

Now ry detħ he streygħt to the casteɫɫ,

And witħ hit makitħ hys houndes feest. 2278

Where he fonde alle thyng rygħt weɫɫ,

Hys Sope redy and weɫɫ y-made, 2291

69He sopyd freschely and makeȝth hym gladde. From soper Rysyth Partonope, And ynne-to Chamber thenne gothe he, Weder thatt the torches streyȝtħ hym) ledde. He makytħ hym) redy and gothe to bedde, Where as he fyndytħ fayre Meliowre, Thatt ys chefe lady of the towre, Wyche thatt he ffeynte euer ynne* O pleyte. [leaf 28, back] For here Ioye and here delyte Ys hym to make Ioye and playe. That ffeynte he bothe nyȝtħ and daye. Nowe may thys man) grete Ioye make, That loue hath sende hym sucche a make That he may bathe* ynne so hye a blysse. Alle nyȝthte they leye and clyppe and kysse,* And she hym) tellytħ nobeɫ storyes, Offe loue of knyȝthode olde victoryes. Hym) to dysporte faste besyetħ sche. Alas, thus story schendytħ me. For alle my loue canne y haue noȝthte Butte cawse of care and sorow and thoȝthte. Now wolde God hytte myȝtħ be soo Thatt sche loued me as y here doo.  Partonope stonde in blessed plyte,  For of hys lady he hathe hys delyte.  He lackytħ no-thyng¹ of here grace,  And y stonde euen) in contraryys case.  He seyth here noȝth, but he hath leyser

2299. MS. adds a second yn.

2305. MS. bothe.

2306. MS. clypte and kyssyde.

2292

2296

2300

2304

2308

2312

2316

He goes to bed, and there finds fair Melior.

The Poet complains of the cruelty of his Lady.

Univ. Coll. MS.

He soopetħ fressħly and maketħ hym) glade. 2292

They lye botħe in Ioye and blysse, 2305

Alle nygħt they clyppe and kysse,

From) Soper rysetħ than) Partanope,

And She hym) telletħ noble storyes

And in-to Chamber so gootħ he,

Of love and knyg[t]ħode olde storyes.

Whider as the Torches streygħt hym) ledde, 2295

PArtanope stont in Blessid plyte,

He maketħ hym) redy and gotħ to bedde,

¹ For of here ladyshyppe he hatħ fuɫɫ delyte. [¹ leaf 9]

Where as he fyndeħ fayre Melyoure,

He lakkitħ no-thyng of her grace,

That ys chief lady of that Toure,

But hatħ hys tyme and space 2318

Whicħ maketħ hym) grete plesaunce.

To speke, to play alle in the derke.

She hym) lovetħ withoute varyaunce.

He may be Ioyfuɫɫ in his werke,

After 2309 catchwo rd: ffor of here.

70 To fele, to kysse, and to haue hys plesowr^).  And y se my lady day be daye,  Here gracyous wortħ ys euer naye. [I] Have the euyl and [he] the gode, Where-fore me thynkytħ myn) herte-bloode Fulle offte tyme away dothe mylte. I fare thenne as y ne felte Gode ner hylle, but lye ynne a trawnce. Thys hathe fortune caȝthte me ynne a chanse Vppon) hys dyce thatt neuer wylle turne. Thus muste y euer yn) wo soiorne. Butte playnely excusytħ me, I am) noȝth in thus in-firmyte. God schelde me euer fro that mischaunce To hoppe so ferre ynne loue-ys dawnce. For y am comawndyt of my souereyne Thys story to drawe fulle and playne, Be-cawse yt was ful vnkowthe and lytet knowe, Frome frenche ynne-to yngelysche, that beter nowe Hyt myȝtħ be to euer-y wyȝthte. There-fore y do alle my myȝthte To saue my autor ynne sucche wyse As he that mater luste devyse, [leaf 29] Where he makytħ ynne grete compleynte In frenche so fayre thatt yt to paynte In Engelysche tunngge y saye for me My wyttys alle to dullet bee. He tellyth hys tale of sentament¹, I vnder-stonde noȝth hys entent¹, Ne wolle ne besy me to lere. There-fore strayȝthte to the matere I wylle go of Partonope. Fulle xij mo[n]thys hathe he now be In hert-ys Ioye fulle playnere,* One day to hunte, another to þe Reuere. Thys hatħ he broȝtħ the ȝere to ȝende,

2343. ynne emend an ?

2353. playnere] MS. of plesowere.

The Translator is commanded by his Sovereign to do the French story into English.

Twelve months have passed.

2320

2324

2328

2332

2336

2340

2344

2348

2352

Univ. Coll. MS.

Thus in hertys Ioye fuɫɫ playnere, 2353

And so hatħ he brougħt the yere to ende. 2355

O day to hunt, a-nother in the Ryvere.

71That canne remembraunce put* hym) in mynde In wat pleyte he ys broȝthte ynne. He hath for-ȝete alle hys kynne; He thynckytħ [on no-thyng] ferre ne nere, Butt on) howndes and hawkes for the reuere, And onne hys lady fayre and bryȝthte, Tylle ytte be-ffelle vppon) a nyȝthte Thatt ynne [the] monytħe that was of Septembere Thatt can he ffully hym remembre Off Cleobolys, the gode [kyng] of France, And off hys moder, that ynne grete dystawnce And ynne werte stote of hys lyffe. Hys dethe* wytħ euery man) was Ryffe, No man) cowde speke of hys welefare. There-fore he wote welle yn) grete care Stante hys moder ffor hys sake. Where-fore he purposytħ amendys to make, Now thynckytħ ynne hys hert Ryȝtħ hye : “I wolle take leue to goo and see My moder, the kynge my Emme alle-soo.” There-wytħ he makytħ hym) redy to goo Straygtħte to bedde, so ytte was Eue. For there he thoȝthe to take hys leue. In-to the bedde nowe goytħ hee, Where as he ffeynte hys lady ffre, Redy to make hym gode chere. [leaf 29, back] Here lesson) was not newe to lere. Now be-gynnytħ to speke Partonope

2356. put] MS but.

2368. MS. denthe or deuthe.

2371. or stonte ?

2356

2360

2364

2368

2372

2376

2380

Then Partonope happens to think of Clovis and his mother.

He asks his Lady’s leave to go home.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Than) he gan) to put in his mynde 2356

And in werousnes stoode of hys lyffe.

In what plyte he ys brought ynne.

Hys detħ wytħ euery man) was ryffe, 2368

He hatħ forgeten) alle hys kynne;

He thynketħ on) no-thyng ferre ne nere

For no man) of hys Contre cowtħ telle

But on) hundes and hawkes for the Ryvere, 2360

Whether he fared evyɫɫ or welle.

And on) his lady fayre and^ι brygħt,

Therfore he wote welle in grete care

Tylle hyt be-fell onys on) a nygħt,

Stont hys moder of hys welfare. 2372

In the monetħ that was of Septembrʾ

Now in) his hert thynketħ he :

Than) he ganne hym) to remenbrʾ 2364

“I wole take leve to go and see

Of Cleobelys, the goode kyng of Fraunce,

My moder, the king myn) erne also.”

And of hys modyr that in grete dystaunce

And whan) he had leyser therto, 2376

Than) to speke begynnetħ Partanope

72To hys lady: “Madame,” seyde hee, “I praye yow thatt ȝe in no wyse greve Off my wordys, for trewly of leue I muste praye yow, thus ys no naye; For ytte ys go fulle money a daye Offe my fryndys thatt y ne herde. I wolde ffayne wete howe they ferde.”— “My nowne loue,” thenne sayde sche, “Ye schalle haue gode leue of me; And lokytħ alle-way thatt ȝe be trewe To me, and chanchetħ for no newe : For Fraunce stonde in sucche plyte nowe, Hytte [hath] ryȝtħte grete nede of yow; For kynge Cleobolys hathe loste hys lyffe; * In Fraunce ys not hut werre and stryffe. The power of Fraunce ys dyscumfyte. And y schalle telle yow yn) wate plyte Yowrʾ fader stande, for he ys dede. Yowrʾ moder leuyth, an canne no rede; And Bloys stante thus wytħ-owten) dowte, Hytte ys beseget Rownde abowte. Drawe yow to armes and knygtħode, And loke there lacke ynne yow no manhode. Loke ȝe be large and geuytħ faste. Where to haue goode be not agaste; Ye schalle haue y-nowe of me. And [yf] ye canne aspye ther be

2397. MS. wyffe.

2403. or stonte ?

Melior grants his request, adding that King Clovis is dead, and that enemies have invaded France.

“Be brave and generous,” she says.

2384

2388

2392

2396

2400

2404

2408

Univ. Coll. MS.

To hys lady : “Madame,” sayde he,

In Fraunce ys but werre and stryffe.

I pray yow that ye in no wyse greve

The power of Fraunce is dyscomfyte,

Of my wordes that I shaɫɫ meve. 2386

And I shaɫɫ telle yow in what plyte

I must pray yow of leve, this ys no nay;

Youre fadyr stont, for he ys dede. 2401

For hit gone ys fuɫɫ many a day

Youre Modyr lyvyth, and can) no rede,

Of my frendes that I ne herde. [¹ if. 9, bk.]

And Bloys stont thus wytħouten) doute :

I wolde fayne wytte how they ferde.”—

“Myn) owne love,” then) sayde She,

Hyt ys seeged rounde a-boute. 2404

“Ye shaɫɫ haue goode leve of me; 2392

Drawe yow to armes and to knyg[t]ħode,

¹And loke Alwey That ye be Trew

And loke ye lakke no manhode.

To me, and chonge not for a New.

Looke ye be large and gevytħ fast.

For Fraunce stont in suche plyte now

Where to haue goode be not a-gast;

Hyt hatħ rygħt grete nede of yow; 2396

Ye shaɫɫ haue ynougħ of me. 2409

For kyng Cleouelys hatħ lost hys lyffe;

Any yf ye can) espye that ther be

73Any worthy knygthtys thorow the londe, In alle the haste loke that ye fownde, There as they bene yn) armes bolde, Wytħ gode y-now hem) to wytħ-holde. Loke thatt ye begentyɫɫ, lowly, and meke, And geuytħ to hem) gode clothys eke. Alle-so of speche beytħ fayre and lowlyche As wele to the pore as to the Reche. Affter my cowncel loke thatt ye* wyrke, [leaf 30] And louytħ* welle God and holy chyrche. Ye mowe notte fayle of hye cheualrye, Yff ȝe loue God and owrʾ lady. And o thyng¹, my loue, y praye * yowe That yn) no wyse ye* ne besy yow howe By craffte of nygromansy me to see. For yt wolle for yowrʾ worse be. Whenne ȝe hane y-broȝthte thus worke to a ȝende— Ther-to sone yow Gode grace sende— In Fraunce loke affter dwelle not ȝe, Butte faste hye yow agayne to me. Tylle ye be [at] Doyre loke ȝe not cesse For yowrʾ worchypp and myne ese.”— “Medame,” sayde he, “thus gode lesson) Schalle y welle kepe and thys sermone. Nor neuer for kunny[n]ge thatt here speke*

2419. ye] MS. thow.

2420. MS. louyd.

2423. MS. adds the before yowe.

2424. ye] MS. of.

2435. MS. spepe.

2412

2416

2420

2424

2428

2432

“Above all, beware of treason; and come back to me as soon as the war is over.”

Partonope assures her that he will never break his word.

Univ. Coll. MS.

And worthy knygħtys thurgħ the londe,

That in no-thyng ye be besy now 2424

By crafte of Nygromansy me to see.

In alle the haast looke ye foonde 2412

For hit wolle for youre worst be.

There as they been in armes bolde

Whan) ye haue brougħt this werre to ende—

Wytħ goode ynowgħ hem) to witħ-holde.

Looke ye be gentyɫɫ, lowly, and meeke,

Therto God yow grace sende— 2428

And gyffe to hem) clothis eke. 2416

In Fraunce longe after dwelle not ye,

Also of speche botħ free and lowlycħ

But fast hye yow ayen) to me.

As wele to poore as to Ryeħ.

Tylle ye be at Doyre loke ye not cees

After my counseɫɫ looke ye wyrche,

¹ For youre worshi p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq43.tif"/> and myn) ease.”—

And love wele God and holy Chirche.

“Madame,” sayde he, “this goode lesson) 2433

Ye may not fayle of hye chevalry, 2421

If ye love God and worshi p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq44.tif"/> oure lady.

Shaɫɫ I kepe for my sermon). [¹ leaf 10]

And oo thyng love, I pray yow

And for no-thyng that I can) here speke

74Schalle y neuer my Couenaunte breke, Ne yn) no wyse besy me Er the day sette yow to see.” Nowe haue thay bothe lafte talkynge And falle ynto grete thynckynge. Thys lyytħ. Partonope tylle yt ys day, Thenne he abowte hym) se welle may To ryde or go where so hym) luste. In bedde he thynekytħ no lengger reste. He rysytħ vppe ynne grete haste, An on) hys Iorney hyythte hym) faste. He toke hys cowerser that was Coole blacke, And lyȝthtely lepytħ apon) hys backe, And takytħ wytħ hym) hys lemers too; Off meyne wytħ hym) taketħ he no moo. Hyt nedytħte noȝth telle how he toke hys leve, He dydde yt preuely ouer eve. Off oder thyng¹ takethe he no kepe, Butte straygtħ he rydytħ forthe to the [s]chyppe, Wyche furste hym)broȝthte to thatt Cetee. Wytħ-owten) more there-in gothe he, [leaf 30, back] And takytħ hys horse wytħ hym in honde. Wanne he was there-ynne he* fownde A bedde alle redy and clenly made, Where-of he was Ryȝthte ynly gladde. He made hym redy, and ynne dide crepe, He hadde grete nede forto slepe. Off thus fayre schyppe alle the mayne,

2458. he] MS. y.

The following day Partonope embarks with his black steed and his two hounds.

2436

2440

2444

2448

2452

2456

2460

Univ. Coll. MS.

My covenaunt wole I not breke.” 2436

For it was do prevely over eve. 2452

Now haue they bothe left talkyng

Of other thyng toke he no kepe,

And falle in-to grete thenkyng. 2440

But streygħt he rydetħ to the Shippe,

Thus lyetħ Partanope tylle hit was day

Whycħ fyrst hym) brougħt to that cytee.

That the lygħt verryly he say.

In bedde he wole no longer rest.

Wytħoute more theryn) gotħe he, 2456

To ryse vp hem) semytħ best; 2446

And taketħ hys hors witħ hym) on) honde.

And toke hys courser that was blak,

And lyghtly lepitħ vpon) hys bak,

Whan) he was yn) there, he fonde

And taketħ wytħ hym) his lymers twoo.

A bedde redy, alle clennely made,

Wherof he was rygħt Inly glade. 2460

Of meyny takytħ wytħ hym) no moo.

He made hym) redy, and yn) dyd crepe,

Hit nedyd not to take more leve,

He had grete nede for to slepe.

75Off wyche he myȝħte noȝtħ on see, Vppe drowe angker yn) alle the haste. The schyppe anone begynnytħ sayle faste, Thatt er thatt day was comen) to ende— The schyppe so saylythe afore the wynde— He hadde alle passyd the grete see, And ynne to Lyere was comyn) hee, Where as he muste nedys abyde; He mygthte no ferther for thatt tyde. The schyppe was grete, he myȝthte noȝtħ passe. The water of Leyre alle-so was Butte strayte, and eke yt was scholde.* There thay can) faste owte folde The gabelle, on) wyche the anker was Tyed, owte, and a grete pas The grete anker they lette owte slyde, Be wyche thys grete schyppe schulde Ryde. The schyppemen) alle bothe more and lesse Owte of the schyppe the bote gan dresse In-to the watere thatt hatythe Leyre. [A bed] Thay hym) dressyd welle and ffayre In-to the bote, and yt was arayede Wythe clennely clothys, and þer-in they leyde Alle slepyng Partonope. Off thus araye nothynge wyste he. Thys was me thenketħ a wonder reyse. Whenne he woke, then) faste be Bloyse Aryved thus ȝonge Partonope,

2475. MS. schalde, scarcely scholde.

2464

2468

2472

2476

2480

2484

2488

The invisible crew heave anchor.

The ship sails up the Loire.

Partonope is landed, while still asleep.

He awakes near Blois.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Vp was the ankyr drawe in haste,

For the water so shalow was 2474

And the Sayle ys crosse the maste. 2465

Therfore the cable they gan) oute folde

Who hyt takeled^ι he cowde not see,

By which the anker was y-folde. [i if. 10, back]

But in pees so stylle lyetħ he.

¹ The anker They leete oute slyde

This Shyppe saylletħ and passitħ the See,

To make the Shippe to ryde. 2480

Anone a boote was sette in to Leyre, 2483

And in-to the water of Lyer they comen) be, 2470

And a bedde theryn) goode and fayre.

On) thys bedde Partanope slepyng

Where as he must nedes a-byde;

Was leyde, therof not wetyng. 2488

He mygħt no further for the tyde.

This was now a wondyr reys.

The Ship p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq45.tif"/> was grete, he mygħt not passe,

Whan) he woke, then) fast by Bloys

Aryved^ι this yong Partanope,

76Wyche he knewe [welle] for hys contre. [leaf 31] Wan) he was landyd, then) ganne he blyve Hym) loke abowte, butte thynge on) lyve Saue horse and grehowndys cowthe he non) se, Wyche he broȝthte wytħ hym to the see. The bote no lengger there wolde soiorne, Butte to hys schyppe gan) faste returne. Butte ho was gyde kowde he nott see Off thus bote, and stylle stode he And thyncketħ on) Melioure, hys hert swete. For pety of here the terys a-downne crepe Owte off hys eyen) down) by hys cheke. Hys hert tenderyd, and ganne to wepe, And thynkethe sone to turne a-yenen) To se hys lady, hys hertes quene. Here-to he prayytħe God sende grace; And onne hys Iorney he gynnytħ to pace. Off the Cuntre he nymmyȝthte grete garde, And seytħ where Bloys stante, and thedyrwarde The way fulle preuely taketh he; He wolde nogtħ blythely aspyed be. And as he nyed Bloys nere, In the way he sawe [how and] where Agayne hym) come xii somerys, Charged wytħe golde and Ryche auerys*.

2505. MS. thymkethe.

2516. MS. arayes.

He thinks of Melior and bursts into tears.

Proceeding on his journey he meets twelve black sumpter-horses, laden with gold, and led by-twelve young men.

2492

2496

2500

2504

2508

2512

2516

Univ. Coll. MS.

Whicħ he knew wele for his Contree.

Hys hert tendred, and^ι gan) to wepe, 2504

Whan) he was landed, than) gan) he blyve 2493

And thenkitħ soone to turne a-yen)

To see hys lady and his Queen).

Hym) loke a-boute, but thyng on) lyve

Here-to he prayetħ God send hym) grace;

Save hors and grehoundes coutħe he none see,

And on) his Journey forthe he gan) passe. 2508

Whicħ he brougħt wytħ hym) to the See. 2496

Of the contree he taketħ grete garde,

The Boote no lenger wolde sogeourn)

He seetħ where Bloys stont, and thyderwarde

But to his Shippe fast gan) retourne.

But who was gyde coutħ he not se

The way fuɫɫ pryvely taketħ he;

Of this Boote, and stylle stont he 2500

He wole not blely aspyed be. 2512

And thenketħ on) Melior, his hert swete.

And as he come then) Bloys nere,

In the wey he sawe how and where

For pyte of hir hys teres doun) crepe

Agayn) hym) Come xij Somers, 2515

Oute of his eyen) doun) by his cheeke.

Charged wytħ golde and ryche auerys.

77The horse were blacke euery-chone, Ryȝth fayre courserys; and wytħ hem) come xij ȝonge men) thatt hem) dede lede, Welle cladde yn) sylke, wytħ-owten drede. Alle be-hynde there come a knyȝthte Thatt was ther master, and thatt was Ryȝthte, For he [had] large of the message. He was very whyte for age; He was fulle semely, of stature longe; In ȝowthe hytte semed he hadde bene stronge. Wanne he hadde syȝthte of Partonope, [leaf 31, back] Hys message ynne thus wyse sayde he : “Syr,” he sayde, “y saye yow gretynge Fro [s]wyche onne thatt aboue alle thynge Thatt Ertheiy ys, to yow hathe geffe Here body, here herte, and alle here loue. And as ye* ben) [here] herte swete, Sche prayytħe ye schulde not here for-gete. Alle thys tresowre sche hathe yow sente, And as to here loue, to thus entente To mayntayne yowrʾ warres, and that in armes Ye schulde be worchyppfuɫɫ, and of Charmes Be Ryȝthte ware, that ȝe ne be Wythe [hem] be-gyled.” Thenne seyde he To thus knyȝthte : “God me defende Here ynne sucche wyse to offende.”—

2533. ye] MS. he.

2520

2524

2428

2532

2536

2540

Their master, an old knight, tells him that these treasures have been sent by Melior to defray the expenses of war.

The knight warns him against charms.

Univ. Coll. MS.

The hors were blake euerychone,

Fro suche one that a-bove alle thyng

Rygħt fayre coursers; and witħ hem come 2518

That erthly ys, to yow hath yove

Hir body, hyr hert, and hir love. 2532

Twelve young men) that dyd hem) lede,

And as ye byn) hir hert swete,

Wele cladde in sylke, withouten) drede.

She prayetħ yow that ye wol not hyr foryete.

Alle be-hynde there Come a knygħt

That was her mayster, and that was rygħt, [leaf 11]

Alle this tresoure She hatħ yow sent

As to hyr love, for this entent 2536

For he had charge of the message.

To mayntene youre werres, and that in armes

He was alle white for verray age; 2524

He was fuɫɫ semely, of stature longe;

Ye shulde be worthy / and of charmes

In youth hit semyd he had be stronge.

Be weɫɫ ware that ye ne be 2539

Whan) he had sygħt of Partanope,

With hem) begyled.” / Then sayde he

His message in this wyse sayde he: 2528

To this knyght: “God me defende

“Sir,” he sayde, “I say yow gretyng

Euer in suche wyse her to offende.”—

78“Welle,” seyde thys knyȝtħte, “yette haue I to sayen To yow yett more. Sche dothe praye In armes and tur[n]ewmentys ye lusty to be, In Iustys alle-so; butte lokytħe thatt ȝe Be ware thatt knyȝthte no man) yow make. Thatt dede wolle sche vppon) here take Thatt day thatt ȝe weddyd schulde bee. Wythe yowrʾ swerde an one wolle sche Yow gyrde yn alle pepuɫɫ sy3thte. Sche schalle yow geue the worder of knyȝthte. And kepe yow welle for God-ys sake That by no Craffte Eny man yow make To se yowrʾ lady er tyme be.” And wythe thatt worthe alle wepyng¹ he Turned hym) and gothe hys waye. These ȝonge men), thatt yn) selke so gaye Were clothyd, to hym) they come anone To take ther leue; for they muste goone Wytħ here master home agayne. And then) they seyde : “Syr, loke ȝe bene Euer-more to yowre lady trewe, [leaf 32] Ellys yt wylle yow bothe rewe, And thatt ȝe not to longe solorne, Butte to yowrʾ lady sone returne.” And wyth thatt worthe sodenly they be ! Vanaschyd away, that trewly he

2545. tur[n]ewmentys] u or n written above r.

2568. vanaschyd] second a like o.

Partonope is to be knighted by Melior, and by no other.

The messengers take their leave, and disappear.

2544

2548

2552

2556

2560

2564

2568

Univ. Coll. MS.

“Wele,” saytħ this knygħt, “yet haue I to say

Be no crafte no man) yow make

To see youre lady or tyme be.” 2555

To yow more. She dothe yow pray 2544

And witħ that worde alle wepyng he

In armes, in turnementes ye lusty be

Turned hym) and gothe his way.

And in Iustes loke that be ye.

These yonge men) in sylke so gay 2558

Be ware that yow knygħt no man) make.

Were clothid / to hym) they come a-none

To take theire leve, for they muste gone

That dede wole She vpon) hir take 2548

¹Witħ hyr maister home a-yen).

That day that ye shulle weddyd be.

And they sayde : “Syr, looke ye ben)

With youre Swerde a-none wylle She

Euer to youre lady fuɫɫ trew, [¹ if. 11, bk.]

Yow gyrd in alle the peples sygħt.

And that ye not longe sogeourne, 2565

She shaɫɫ yow gyffe the ordre of knygħt. 2552

But to youre lady sone returne.”

And witħ that worde sodenly they be

And kepe yow weɫɫ for Goddys sake,

Vanesshid a-way, that trewly he 2568

79Wote neuer were thay bene [be]come. To Bloys hathe he the waye nome. A-ffore hym) gothe thus xij somerys Streyȝthte to the gate, where as the porterys Stode to-gydere and sawe thus syȝthte, And thanckyd hyely God alle-myȝtħte. They sawe the somerys Charged wytħ Ryccħes. The Casteɫɫ stode ynne grete dystresse; They thoȝtħ yt come by God-ys grase. Inne they lette the somerys pace. Sone affter came Partonope. [And whan) they aspyed hit was he, And they mygħt redyly hym) know, Down) on) knees they gan) falle low, And welcomed hym) witħ alle her hert. And in alle hast one in ded stert, And to the lady, his moder, saide he: “Youre Son) ys come, Partanope.”] Sche gan) to fraye of sodente, Butte yette ynne haste vppe Rysytħ sche, And gothe here sone for to mete. Whanne sche hym) sawe, sche gynnytħe to wepe For very Ioye, and ther-wytħ-alle Here armes, thatt were long¹ and smale, Abowte hys necke sche dede leye. Sche myȝthte for Ioye no worthe seye,

2579. MS. scarcely come.

Partonope arrives at Blois.

The Porters, recognizing him, fall down on their knees.

His mother comes to welcome him.

2572

2576

2580

2584

2588

2592

Univ. Coll. MS.

Wote neuer where they be become.

And they mygħt redyly hym) know,

To Bloys hath he the way nome.

Down) on) knees they gan) falle low,

Aforne hym) gone these xij Somers

And welcomed hym) witħ alle her hert.

Streygħt to the yate, whe[re] as the porters 2572

And in alle hast one in ded stert, 2584

Stode to-gyder and sawe this sygħt,

And to the lady, his moder, saide he :

And thanked hygħly God almygħt.

“Youre Son) ys come, Partanope.”

They sawe the Somers charged witħ rychesse.

She gan) affray of this sodeyn) caas,

And rysetħ vp in a grete raas, 2588

The casteɫɫ stode in grete distresse; 2576

And gothe hir Son) for to mete.

They thought hit come by Goddys grace;

Whan) Sye She gynnetħ to wepe

For verray Ioye, and therewith-aɫɫ

And in they lete these Somers passe.

Her armes, that were longe and smaɫɫ,

Sone after come this Partanope,

A-boute his nekke She dyd lay. 2593

And whan) they aspyed hit was he, 2580

She mygħt no worde for Ioye say,

80And kyssed hym) wytħ dedely chere. Sche ferde as thow sche weste neuer where Sche hadde bene, and ther-wytħ downe To grownde sche fylde onne a sownne. And sone affter sche dydde awake Owte off here sownynge, and gynnytħte take Here hert to here fully agayne. And then) sche seyde: “Where haue ȝe bene, My dere sone, my Erthely Ioye, Thatt neuer y hadde tokyn) fro the, Letter ne worthe thatt me myȝtħ ese, To me thus hathe bene grette dyssese. Kynge Cleobollys he ys dede, [leaf 32, back] Yowrʾ fader alle-so; thus ys the threde I stande, an am) ynne grete dowte. My ney3thbowrys here rownde abowte Haue Rebellyd and dysheryed me Off fayre castellys no lesse thenne thre, Thatt stonden) here ynne the moresse Rownde abowte the casteɫ of Bloys.”  “Madame,” sayde thus Partonope,  “Bethe off gode comfort; y hope that ȝe  In schorte tyme schalle stonde yn) ese. Y knowe Ryȝthte welle alle yowrʾ dyssese. Butte dothe dyscharge alle thys somerys, And sendytħ abowte for knyȝtes and squyers.

2609. stande] a fairly distinct.

2613. MS. possibly maresse.

She asks where he has been this long time, and complains of her distress.

Partonope comforts her.

2596

2600

2604

2608

2612

2616

2620

Univ. Coll. MS.

And kessed hym witħ a dedely chere.

And youre fader also/thus in drede 2608

She ferd as thogħ She wist not where

I stonde, and am) in grete doute.

She had be, and therwitħ down)

Myn) neygħbours here a-boute

To grounde She fallitħ in swoune. 2598

Haue rebellid and disherited me 2611

And whan) after She was a-wake

Of ffayre castellis no lesse than) thre,

Oute of hir swownyng and gynnetħ take

That stonde here in this Marreys

Hir hert fully to hir a-yen), [leaf ¹²]

Rounde a-boute this Casteɫɫ of Bleys.”

And then) She sayde: “Where haue ye ben),

“M Adame” sayde this Partanope,

My dere Son), myn) herthly Ioye,

“Betħ of goode comforte; I hope that ye 2616

That neuer letter ne worde sent witħ oye, 2604

In short tyme shaɫɫ stonde in ease

I know rygħt wele youre dyssease,

That myn) hert gretly mygħt ease.

But dothe discharge alle these Somers,

This hatħ be to me a grete dyssease.

And sendytħ a-boute for knyghtis and Squyeris. 2620

King Cleouelys now ys dede,

81I schalle noȝthte spare for no gyffte Hem) to wytħ-holde by my thryffte To saue yow yowrʾ herytage, And c. M^ɫi y wolle welle wage.” In alle the haste thenne dothe sche Here letterys sende alle the Cuntre [For knygħt, yomen), and goode Squyer A certeyn) day to come to dyner. Tydyng ranne thorow the contree] Thatt home was comen) Partonope. The tythyngys to hys fryndys butħe gladde, Hys Enmyys ther-off no Ioye made. Whenne the cheualrye of the Cuntre Herde saye thatt Partonope In very trowthe* was come home, Faste to hym) warde they gynne gone. He hym) reseuyd wythe goodely chere, They be Ryȝtħ gladde to feynde hym) there.* To thowsand knyȝtħtys there he wytħ-helde, Thatt redy were to go to the fylde, When) thatt euere hym) lesste to Ryde. Partonope wolde no lenger abyde, Butte to the stronge Castellys thre The streyȝtħte way anon) wylle he*.

2635. MS. trawthe.

2638. MS. They feynde be Ryȝtħ gladde off hym) there.

2644. wylle he] MS. taketħ he, which properly belongs to 1. 2648, the scribe having dropped four lines, here supplied from Univ. Coll. MS.

2624

2628

2632

2636

2640

2644

The knights of the country, hearing that Parton ope has returned, hasten to Blois.

Partonope regains his mother’s castles, and then goes to succour the King at Pontoise.

Univ. Coll. MS.

I shaɫɫ not spare now for no yefte

Whan) the cheualry of that contree

Hem) to witħ-holde now by my thrifte

Herde say how that Partanope

ln verray troutħ was come home,

To saue yow and myn) heritage, 2623

Fast to hym) ward they gan) gone. 2636

And hundretħ thousand I wol wage.”

He hem) resseyvid witħ goodely chere.

In alle the hast than) dotħe She

They be rigħt glade to fynde hym) here.

Hir letters send alle the Contree

For knygħt, yomen), and goode Squyer

Two thousand knyghtes there [he] witħ-helde, [¹ leaf 12, back]

A certeyn) day to come to dyner. 2628

Tydyng ranne thorow the contree

¹That redy were to go to feelde, 2640

That home was come Partanope.

Whan) that euer hym) lyst to ryde.

These tydyngis to his frendys were glade,

Partanope wole no lenger byde,

But to these stronge Casteles thre

His enemyes herof no Ioye made. 2632

The streygħt way a-n one wylle he.

PARTONOPE.

G

82 [Short tale to make, this ys no lees, The castellys, the Contree he sett in pees. Wythoute more lette than) Partanope Streigħt to the kyng the way] taketħ he To a stronge Casteɫɫ men) callytħe Pvntyfe. There lyythe the kynge, thatt of hys lyffe [leaf 33] Ys fulle wery, thus ys no * drede; For he hathe nother Cownseɫ ne rede Off kynne, off frynde, ne off hys lyggys. There-fore ynne grete drede hys he. And there ys a kynge hathe Agysor Come in-to Fraunce, thatt as a bore Or lyon) or wolffe ys ravennous.* He scleyth, he rubbythe, he leuytħ no howse Vnbrente, saffe Castelle and wallyd townys. He hathe wythe* hym) dyuerse nacionys And grete Numbere of Cheualrye Off Norway, of Glygland, of Orcanye, Off Erlond, off Fresselond, of Denmarke, Thatt fully destroyen) alle thatt marche. He hopytħ fully to conquere Fraunce; Agaynyste hym) ther ys no resistaunee. Another ys there a grete werrowre, A kynge thatt ys namyd Surnegowre,

2651. no] MS. to.

2657. MS. revenaunce or revenauuce.

2660. wythe written twice.

2663–64. Denmarke : marche] a like o.

The heathen king Agisor is devastating the country.

Another heathen king is Sornegour, a worthy young knight.

2648

2652

2656

2660

2664

2668

Univ. Coll. MS.

Short tale to make, this ys no lees,

Come in-to Fraunce lyke as a Boore

The castellys, the Contree he sett in pees. 2646

Or a wolf that ys ravennous. 2657

Wythoute more lette than) Partanope

H[e] sleetħ, robbetħ, and levetħ none hous

Streigfct to the kyng the way taketħ he

Vn)-brent but castellis and wallid towrs.

To a stronge castelle men) calle Pountyfe.

He hatħ witħ hym) dyuers Chyvalours

There lyetħ the kyng, that of his lyfe

Of Norwey, Glytlond, and Denmark nacion), 2662

Is fuɫɫ wery, this ys no drede;

For he ne hatħ Counsayle ne rede 2652

That the marches put in) confusion).

Of kynne, nor frend^ι, ne of his leeges.

He hopitħ fully to conquerre Fraunce;

Therfore in grete drede he now is.

Ayen) him) ys no resistaunee. 2666

For there ys a kyng that highteth Agysore

A-nother ther ys a grete werrioure,

A king named Sir Sornogoure,

83Yonge, hardy, manly yn) fyȝthte, And ther-to a passynge semely knyȝthte. For and he hadde bene off Crystys lore, I trowe men) haue neuer* by-fore In Romaunce herd a worthyer kynge. He loued knyȝthhode aboue alle thynge. The kyng of Fraunce ys onne Pvntyfe. Tydyng¹-ys he herytħ* of werre and stryffe Thorowe alle Fraunce yn) euery Cuntre. In thus Casteɫɫ wytħ hym) there be Offe frenche an flemysche, as y wene, Butte x M^ɫi; and there agaynys bene An) .c. M^ɫi wytħ kynge Surnegowre, There-fore off Cheualrye he ys namyd folowre. And alle thus herytħ Partonope, A-none to the kynge faste hyythe he, And wythe hym brynggythe a ffayre mayne, [leaf 33, back] Fyffe M^ɫi knyȝthtes, wyche thatt be In armes fresche and welle arayde; Here wagys he hathe hem welle payde. Nowe tythynggyste of Partonope To the kynge ys come, and gladde ys he, And gothe agaynys hym) owte of hys towre, And reseuyd hym) wytħ grete honowre, And hys desese tellytħ in haste To Partonope, and how sore agaste

2672. neuer] MS. here.

2676. MS. berytħ.

2672

2676

2680

2684

2688

2692

The King of France has only ten thousand men; Sornegour has one hundred thousand.

Partonope brings with him five thousand knights.

The King explains his hopeless position.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Yong, hardy, and fuɫɫ ffeers in fygħt, *

A-none to the kyng fast hyetħ he, 2684

And therto a passyng semely knygħt.

And witħ hym) bryngitħ a fayre meyne

The kyng of Fraunce ys now in Pountyfe. 2675

Feve hundred^ι knygħtis, whiche that he [leaf 13]

Tydynges he herytħ of werre and stryfe

In armes fressħ and weɫɫ a-rayde;

They be of her wages weɫɫ payde. 2688

Thorow alle Fraunce in euery Contre.

Now tydynges of this Partanope

In this casteɫɫ witħ hym) ther be Of ffrencħ,

Are come to the kyng, and gladde ys he,

of fflemmynges, as I wene,

But ten) thowsand; and there a-yenst bene 2680

And gothe a-yenst him) oute of his toure,

An) hundred thowsand witħ kyng Sornogoure,

And hym) resseyvitħ witħ grete honoure, 2692

That of chevalry ys named the floure.

And his dyssease he tellith in hast

Alle this heritħ yonge Partanope.

To Partanope, and how sore a-gast

2669. MS. sygħt.

84He ys of kynge Sornagowre, For he ys so stronge a werrowre. He thynckytħ thus lond to conquere. “I may not slepe for sorowe and fere : He brennyth and wastytħ alle the londe, I haue no power hym) to wytħ-stonde.” Alle thus herytħ Partonope. He seyytħ butte lyteɫɫ, butte more thynckytħ he. Atte the laste he sayde to the kynge : “Me mervelytħ gretely off on) thynge. Why sende ȝe noȝthe for alle menne Thatt to yowrʾ Crowne lege bene?”— “So haue y do,” thenne seyde the kynge. “They wylle obbeye me nothynge. Y canne ynne no wyse trewly see Butt thatt they neyder holde me For kynge, for souereyne, ne for no lorde.” Partonope answeryd atte thatt worthe : “Thenne sethen) ytte wolle no beter be, Pray God of helpe, and he wolle see To hys seruand euer yn) nede. I canne no more butte thus I rede.” The kynge now leuytħ alle thys mater, And streyȝthte gothe in to [hys] dyner, And wytħ hym) takytħe Partonope. Ryȝth gladde of hym) for sothe ys he.* [leaf 34] Thys Pvntyfe ys a Casteɫɫ Ryalle,

The first four lines of leaf 34 are a repetition of 11. 2702–5, with the following differences of spelling: seyythe, lyteɫ, thynkytħ, seyde, mervelythe, of O thyynge, noȝthte.

His liegemen will not obey him.

Pontoise is strongly fortified, but is threatened every day by sornegour’s warriors, thousands of whom are left partly at Chars. partly with Agisor.

2696

2700

2704

2708

2712

2716

2720

Univ. Coll. MS.

He ys of this kyng Sornogoure,

Prayetħ God of helpe, and he wole see

For he ys so ffeers a werrioure. 2696

Partanope answeritħ the kyng: 2703

To his Seruaunt at euery nede.

“Me merveylitħ gretly of 00 thing.

I canne no more, but thus I rede.”

Why sende ye not ffor alle men)

The kyng levetħ alle this matere, 2717

That to youre crown) lyege been) ?”—

And comytħ in-to the halle,

“So haue I do,” then) sayde the kyng,

And rygħt a-none therwitħ-alle,

“They wolle a-bey me no-thyng, 2708

And streygħt gotħe in to his dynere,

Ne know me for her souereyn) lorde.”

And witħ hym) taketħ Partanope.

Partanope answeritħ at that worde :

Ryght gladde of hym) forsothe ys he.

“What yf yt wolle no better be, 2713

This Pountyfe ys a Casteɫɫ ryaɫɫ, 2721

85Closyd welle wytħ Ryȝtħ a stronge walle, Fulle of towres wytħ-owten) dowte. A deche ryȝthe depe goythe Rownde abowte, Fulle of water, and harde to wynne. Ther-to the Casteɫ ys wyħt-ynne Off men) of armes stuffet welle. Off warre vesture hyt* lackethe neuer a delle. Nowe hadde these hethen) men) in costome Euery day armed ffreschely to come To profere skermesche to thys castelle. Thay spare noȝthte to come Ryȝthte to the walle. And these were knyȝthtes of kynge Sornagowre, Wyche off cheualrye bare the flowre, Where-of he lafte hadde atte the Castelle of Chanarde A M^ɫi knyȝthtys and neuer a cowarde. xx^ti M^ɫi he lafte be-hynde Wyth kynge Agysor* soior[n]ynge. No wonder ys thowe the kynge be Off Fraunce aferde, for fewe folke hathe he. There-fore he comawndytħ ynne grete haste The porterys to sparre the gatys faste, Thatt ther schulde no man) owte Isse, Knyȝthte ne squyer, butte be hys avyse. The Ethen) wytħ grete boste and cryynge To the Castelle-gate for Scarmesynge Eny day comen) wyth grette pryde, The Cuntre prayden) yn) euery syde.

2728. hvt] MS. hys.

2729. MS. costonne.

2734. MS. bore ?

2738. MS. Caysar.

2724

2728

2732

2736

2740

2744

2748

Univ. Coll. MS.

Wele closyd witħ water and walle. 2722

¹ Witħ kyng Gysore sogeournyng.

The hethen) men) had in custom) 2729

No wondyr ys thogħt the kyng be 2739

Armed fresshly euery day to come

Of Fraunce a-ferde, for few folke had he; [¹ leaf 13, back]

To profer Skyrmyssħ to this Casteɫɫ.

They spare hit not neuer a dele, 2732

Wherfore he comaundetħ that none shulde be nyse

And thise were knyghtes of Sornogoure,

Whiche of cheualry bare the floure,

To passe the yates but hit be at his a-vyse. 2744

Where-of he had left at Casteɫɫ Chaynard

The hethen) with grete booste and crying

Ten) thowsand knyghtes to kepe the warde. 2736

To the Casteɫɫ-gate for skermysshing

Euer they come witħ grete pryde, 2747

And twenty thowsand he lefte be-hynde

And take grete pray on) euery syde.

86Watte euer ther prayes where nette, schepe, or horse, Thay sende alle to kynge Agysores. Atte Chars lyethe kynge Sornegowre [leaf 34, back] As fers ynne batyɫ as eny bore Thatt wylde ys, and lyythe ynne Denne. He comawndythe sertayn) of hys men) To Ryde to hys re[re]warde, Thatt thay schulde geue hym) in charge To euery man) in hys degree Thatt they algate schulde be Wytħe hym) atte synt lames ffeste, Thatt hathe Baptyste bothe moste and leste. Thys was vppon) wytsoneday That kynge Sornegowre at Chars leye, Hys Rennerys dyscoueryd the Cuntre, There herde he fyrste of Partonope. Wanne thatt tythyngys they ganne here, Off Partonope thenne dydde they ffere. The saryȝynys ganne here cownceɫɫ take, And charged alle men) they schulde make Hem redy and arme hym) faste, For they wolde ryde yn) alle haste. A none x M^ɫi redy were Onne horse-backe armed wytħ schelde and spere. v. c. off these, as I rede, Helden) hole to-gyder wytħ-owten) drede. The oder v. c. owte of araye Ranne and pryckyd the Cuntre alle daye.*

2749. prayes] s like r.

2763. MS. Remerys.

On leaf 34, back, the last nine lines (after 2776) are crossed out in MS. Then follows catch-word: ranne and pryked^ι, and at the top of leaf 35 is repeated : Ranne and prekyde the Cuntre alle daye.

The booty is all sent to Agisor.

Sornegour himself is at Chars.

He commands his rear to join him on Saint James’s day.

Ten thousand men ride at once to Pontoise, without waiting for their king.

2752

2756

2760

2764

2768

2772

2776

Univ. Coll. MS.

At Chaise lyetħ kyng Sornogoure 2751

The Saraȝyns than) they gonne feere,

As feers in batayle as any Boore. 2752

And a Counsaile then) makyn) there.

He senditħ to his reward e tho 2755

Anone ten) thowsand redy were 2771

That they shuɫɫ make hem) redy and come hym) to.

On horsbak armed witħ Sheelde and Spere.

This was vpon) the whitsonday 2761

Fyve hundred of these, as I rede,

That Sornogouore made this a-ray.

Helde hole to-gyther witħouten) drede.

His Renners dyscouered^ι alle the contree,

The tother oute of aray than)

And there they herde first of Partanope. 2764

Alle day the Countree pryked and ranne; 2776

87Thay rafte maney man) hys lyffe. [leaf 35] Thay cesyd nott tylle thay where atte Pvntyffe. Thorow the Contre thenne Rose the crye. The frenchemen) onne the casteɫ onne hye, Owte of the Cuntre herde grette afraye, Whytħ hym)-sylfe hadde grette dysmaye. The hethen) luste notte to abyde here kynge, The ffrenehe men) thay dradde no-thynge. A-none as euer Partonope Thys noyse herytħ, watt dothe he Paste butte armethe hym in alle haste ? And Comaw[n]dytħe hys sowdyowres faste They make hem) redy, for he wolle Ryde, He thynckytħ no lenger for to abyde. v. c. now on) horse-backe [he hade] Welle armed; and thenne hee bade * The porterys faste vndo the ȝate. Butte he wolle lette no man) passe ther-ate, Tylle tyme thatt he the kynge muȝthte y-see Redy to ryde and hys mayne. The kyng¹ ys armed and Redy to Ryde. Affter hym) ther wolle no man) abyde. Two M^ɫi men) alle redy he Armed hadde, and thenne Partonope Spake to the kyng¹ ynne thus wyse : [“Sir, I pray yow, lat me devyse] Howe thatt ȝe gouernyd schalle be. Kepythe to-gedyr alle yowrʾ mayne,

2788. MS. sawdyowres.

2792. Lee bade] MS. bade hee.

2780

2784

2788

2792

2796

2800

2804

Partonope arms himself.

He bids the porters open the gate.

Two thou. sand men are ready to sally.

The King is to remain behind.

Univ. Coll. MS.

They refte many a man of his lyfe.

But to hym) ys redy for to ryde. 2790

They sees not tylle they come to Pountyfe. 2778

He bade the porters vndo the yate, 2793

Thus they made a sudeyn) affray. 2781

But they wolde not late none oute therate, 2794

They in the Casteɫɫ gan) dysmay.

Tylle the kyng were redy to ryde. 2797

Anone as euer this Partanope 2785

Than) after hym, he dothe a-byde. 2798

This noyse heritħ, what dothe he ?

¹He spake to the kyng in This wyse :

^ι hym) in alle that hast,

“Sir, I pray yow, lat me devyse 2802

And witħ alle his soudiours as fast

How that ye shaɫɫ governed be. [¹ If. 14]

He thenketħ no lenger for to a-byde,

Kepetħ hole to-gydyr youre meyne,

88And y schalle go affore and mete Wytħ these hethen); butte locke ȝe lete None off yowrʾ hoste fro yow goo. Butte ȝyff ȝe se ytte stonde soo Thatt of helpe y haue grete nede, Me * to Rescowe than) faste ȝe spede.”  Now [of] the kynge Partonope  Hys leue takytħ, and ffreschely Rydytħ he  Ouer the brygge yn-to the fylde, To hym war[d] comyng¹ he be-helde Freschely armed an) hethen) knyȝtħte Thatt hym) asawylett wytħ alle hys myȝtħte. Partonope pulletħ owte hys swerde, As he [that] was no-thynge aferde. [leaf 35, back] He gaffe the hethen) knyȝth a dynte Wytħte hys swerde thatt neuer stynte, Tylle cleuen) was hede and helme anone, Streyȝthte vnto the breste bone. He ffelle downe dede yn) alle here syȝthte. Heldines hyȝtħ* thus knyħthte. He was of grete* reputacon) Amonge the hethen), for here gownfanon) He bare euer-more ynne Batayle. Thus sayytħ myn) Autor wytħ-owten) fayle. Thys hathe Heldynes harde y-hent Off thus skarmosche the fyrste dent¹. Partonope wolde noȝth sese Off grete strokys, butte yn) be-gynnythe to prese,

2810. Me] MS. ye.

2824. MS. bryȝtħ.

2825. MS. crete.

Partonope rides into the field, and is at once attacked by a heathen knight.

Partonope cleaves his head.

This knight’s name was Heldin.

2808

2812

2816

2820

2824

2828

2832

Univ. Coll. MS.

And I shaɫɫ goo a-fore and meete 2805

Partanope pulletħ oute his Swerde,

Witħ these hethen); but looke ye leete

And of hym) is no-thyng a-ferde. 2818

He gaff that knygħt suche a dynt

None of youre Oost from) yow goo.

That thurgħ his hede hit glynt.

But yf ye wyle see het stant soo 2808

He fylle doune dede alle in her sygħt.

That I of helpe haue grete nede,

Heldenes was the name of this knygħt.

Me to rescow than) fast ye spede.”

He was a man) of grete reputacion) 2825

NOw of the kyng this Partanope

Amonge the hethen), for he her ganfanon)

His leve takitħ, and forthe rydetħ he

Bare euermore in any Batayle.

Over the Brygge in-to the feelde, 2813

Thus saytħ myn) autoure witħoute fayle. 2828

Where he sawe and be-heelde

How that an) hethen) knygħt

Now Partanope wole not sees 2831

Be-gan) hym to assayle witħ his mygħt.

To gyff grete strokes in that prees,

89As he thatt was bothe hardy and bolde. Sucche a stroke he gaffe Burnolde, An hethen) man), thatt alle myȝtht see. The quarter wythe the harme he made flee From) the body in-to the fylde. Sucche strokys men) haue y-sen butte sylde. Partonope cryed : “O Crysten) men)! Leye onne faste, thatt the hethen) Neuer mowe thatt day se Thatt we schulle of them) be Dyscumfyte, or ellys be wytħ-drawe Off sucche pepelle of false lawe.” The hethen) hertys gan) faste colde Be-cawse of Heldine and of Burnolde Where so deden); for bothe too Were gode knyȝthtys; and Partonope ther-to So fersely leyytħ onne rownde abowte; Moche folke he sleythe of the hethen) Rowte. Amonge the hethen) he so pressythe, And of fyȝthtyng¹ neuer sessythe. He leyytħ on) the hethen) soo They mow nott chese, away th[e]y goo, Alle blody and beten) owte of the fyȝthte*, Thus buth thay thus day alle scumfyte; A-way they flee an huge pace. Partonope* folewytħ wythe the chase [leaf 36] Wythe alle hys power by hys syde.

2836. MS. quorter ?

2855. MS. flyȝthte.

2858. MS. Partonotope.

2836

2840

2844

2848

2852

2856

Partonope then slays Burnold.

He encourages his men to fight valiantly.

The enemies retreat.

Univ. Coll. MS.

For he was bothe hardy and boolde.

Were dede so; for bothe they two

And suche a stroke he gaffe Bornolde

Were worthey knygħtes/but now ys so

That a hethen) knygħt was he. 2835

That Partanope feersly hym) a-boute

The quarter witħ the arme he made flee [¹ leaf 14, back]

Sleetħ folke of the hethen) rowte. 2850

Amonge the hethen) he so presed,

Fro the Body in-to the feelde.

And of fygħtyng he neuer sesed,

Su[c]he strookes men) haue sey seelde.

But overledde the hethen) soo

Partanope cryed : “O ye cristen) men),

Th[e]y may not chese, a-way they goo,

Lay on) fast vpon) the hethen), 2840

Alle blody and bethyn) oute of fyght,*

That they se not vs witħdrawe. 2843

Thus be they this day dyscomfyte. 2856

Kelle these people of fals lawe !”

A-wey they flee an) huge paas.

The hethen) hertes gam faste Coolde

Partanope feersly pursuetħ the Chaas

¹Be-cause of Hildenes and Bornolde

With alle his power be his syde.

2855. MS. sygħt.

90There was sene he cowde beste ryde. The hethen) for fere ganne quake, Partonope hathe hem* ouer-take. Now enter-mellyd aȝen) they be. The Crysten) lyen) onne, thatt hyt to* see Or here, hyt was, me thynkythte, grete Ioye. Partonope thatt day dydde grete noye To the saryȝynys; for trewly abyde Durste they neuer not; for wonde[r] wyde Dysparcled ynne the felde they bee. Many an helme ther men) myȝthte y-see Alle to-clatered and scheldes schake. The sarȝynes effte sone he ganne make To leue ther grownde, and to flyȝthte He putte hem) alle; and ther a knyȝthte Ho slowe, hose name was Farrees*, He sclowe as he rode thorow the presse. He mette anoder hygtħ Maroes, He sclow hym alle-so, thus ys no lese. Owte of the presse nowe dothe he Ryde Hym to brethe, butte there abyde He wolle noȝtħ long¹, butte ynne agayne. Thatt sawe the sarȝynes, and faste to flene They ganne echone* wytħ-owten) lette. Amonge hem was on) hygthte bele Sawrette, A sarȝyne, a luste man), an a ȝonge. He was Newoo vnto Surnegowre the kynge.

2862. hem] MS. bene.

2864. to] MS. may.

2868. abyde underdotted before wyde.

2875. MS. Marrees.

2883. MS. euchene, emend echone or eurychone.

Partonope overtakes them, and the battle begins afresh.

He slays the heathen knights Fares and Mares, and Bel Sauiet, nephew of king Sornegour.

2860

2864

2868

2872

2876

2880

2884

Univ. Coll. MS.

There hit was seen) who cowde ryde.

Alle to-clateryd and broken) be. 2871

The hethyn) for feere they gan) quake,

The hethen) her grounde gan) for-sake;

Partanope hatħ hem) now overtake.

Her flygħt a-way they dyd make.

Now entermedlid a-yen they be.

There Partanope in that fyght

The Crysten) fygħten, loye hit ys to see; * 2864

Slow many a dougħty knyght.

He slow the lorde Mores 2875

And the hethen) drust not a-byde, 2867

And a knygħt that hyght Fores. 2877

For Partanope made hym) sparble wyde.

Amonge hem) was oon) Bele Soret, 2884

A lusty Sara3yn), wythoute lette.

And many an) helme there men) mygħt see

Strong he was and wele lykyng,

Nevew to Sornogoure the kyng. 2886

91Welle horsyd and ffreschely armyd was hee. Off hym toke kepe Partonope. He spowrytħe hys stede wytfħ alle hys myȝthte, He thoȝtħte thatt sarȝyne schulde alyȝthte. And wytħ grete haste wytħe hym) he mette, And so sore hym) wytħ -sette, The sarȝyne mowȝth yn) no wyse chese. Partonope made hym) there to lese Hys lyffe; ther-wytħ Partonope Lokythe abowte affter hys mayne, And to hym drawyth a sowffte pace. [leaf 36, back] The hethen) cryed alas alas,* Off hys dethe thay hadde grete pety. “Watte manne hy[s] thus Partonope ?” They sayde alle, in Crystyante Was nott sucche anoder as hee. Partonope ys nowe wythe hys mayne. Hem to-geder nowe drawetħ hee; And dothe off hys helme hem to abrethe. He loked be-hynde, and on a hethe The kynge of Fraunee ther sawe he comynge Wythe alle hys Oste, wyehe was gode tythyngge To alle the power of Partonope. For nothyng¹ lengger abyde wolde he. Onne goythe the helme, forthe Rennytħe the stede Amonge alle the bodyys thatt there laye dede, Tylle he was, wytħ-owte lese,

2898. MS. The cryed alas alas hethen) sayd alas.

2888

2892

2896

2900

2904

2908

2912

The heathen are seized with fear.

Partonope pulls off his helmet to recover breath. He then sees the King of France approaching.

Partonope attacks the Saracens again, and kills a knight named Lugan.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Wele horsed and armed was he. 2887

Was not suche a-nother as he.

Of hym) toke heede this Partanope.

Partanope ys now witħ his meyne,

In grete hast with hym) he mette, 2891

For they now to-gyder be. 2904

And suche a stroke on) hym) he sette

He dothe of his helme for to a-brethe.

He loked be-hynde. and vnnethe

That he mygħt in no wyse chese,

The kyng of Fraunee he saw comyng

But his lyfe dyd tho leese. [¹ leaf 15]

Witħ alle his Oste; that was goode tydyng 2908

¹And therwitħ this goode Partanope

Loketħ a-boute for his meyne, 2896

To alle the power of Partanope.

And to hem) draweth a softe paas.

For no-thyng lenger a-byde wolde he.

The hethen) cryed alias alias,

On) gothe the helme, forthe rennetħi the Stede

Of his detħ they had grete pytee.

“What man)ys this Partanope?”/ 2900

Amonge the bodyes that there lye dede,

They sayde in alle Crystyante

Tylle he was, withouten) lees, 2913

92Amyddes the sarȝynes yn) alle the prese. He leyytħ abowte hym) wytħ hys brande. Many an hethen) there loste hys hande, The arms fro the body clene He made flee ynto the grene. Whan) the sarȝynes thus dyd see, Alle atte ons thay gan) [to] flee. Amonges these [hethen] was a man), A worthy [knyght], thatt hygtħ Lugan). Wyth hym mette Partonope. Hys hede anone he made flee From the body ynto the fylde. Many a sarȝyne hytte be-helde. Off thus stroke they were aferde; They cursed hym) sore and eke hys swerde. Partonope leyytħ [onne] ynne euery syde. Now gynnytħe the hethen) faste on) hym Ryde, And wytħ fers hert hym to asayle. Now at Erste be-gynnytħe the Batayle. Ther-wytħ -alle comytħe the kynge Off Fraunce, and wytħe hym) alle prekynge To M^ɫi of hys lege men), [leaf 37] Thatt freschely the prees of* the ethen) Wytħe sturdy speres and swerdes [br]eke. Onne grownde of the hethen) falletħ maney freke.

2930. or an)?

2936. the prees of] MS. pressytħ vppon).

The king of France arrives with two thousand of his liegemen.

2916

2920

2924

2928

2932

2936

Univ. Coll. MS.

Amydde the Saraȝyns in alle the prees.

Of this stroke they were a-ferde;

They cursid hym) sore and eke his swerde. 2928

He laythe a-boute hym) witħ his brond.

Partanope lyetħ on) vpon) euery syde.

Many an) hethen) there lost his hond.

Now gynne they faste on) hym) ryde,

The armes fro the body clene 2917

And witħ feerse hert hym) assayle.

He made flyng vn-to the Grene.

Now at eerst be-gynnetħ the batayle.

Whan) the Sara3yns this dyd se,

¹ Therwitħaɫɫ now Comytħ the kyng

Alle at onys they gan) to flee. 2920

Of Fraunce, and witħ hym) fast prekyng

Amonge these hethen) was a man),

Two thowsand of his lyegemen), 2935

A worthy knygħt that hygħt Lugan).

That fresly the prees of the hethen)

Witħ hym) mette this Partanope.

Witħ sturdy Speres and Swerdes breke. [^l leaf 15, back]

His heede anone he made flee 2924

From the body in-to the feelde.

To grounde of the hethen) fylle many a freeke.

Many a Sara3yn) hit byhelde.

93The ȝonge kynge hym)-sylffe dothe fyȝthte, Off hym ytte was a ryȝtħ gode syȝthte. There bydetħ notte onne, butte faste thay flee To Chars,* here Casteɫ; and Partonope Charchet hem streyȝthte to the castelle, Where-ynne was many a sarȝyne felle, Thatt to the gate faste* Ranne. A-none owte gothe the grete gunne. There-wyth they made an huge shryche; Partonope hurlythe hem in-to the deche. The bowes of brake er bent¹ ynne haste; They bent here arowblastys and stones caste. Partonope thatt day vnder hys schelde xx hethen) he hathe slayn) yn the fylde. Wythe thatt he hadde of money moo Broken) the armes and leggys a-twoo. The frenche men) thatt were leffte in Pvntyffe, Felle sodenly yn) grete stryffe. And alle was for here abydynge, Thatt they schulde leue be-hynde here kynge. They armed hym) yn grete haste, And affter the kynge hyed faste. Eche man) schaped hym to gone; And thus ys Pvntyffe leffte alone. Whenne Surnegowrʾ, the hethen) kynge,

2942. MS. Iars.

2944. or mony ?

2945. MS. farste.

2940

2944

2948

2952

2956

2960

The Saracens flee to Chars.

The French left at Pontoise also take part in the battle.

When Sorne gour hears the noise and the shouting of his men, he arms himself and hurries to the gate.

Univ. Coll. MS.

The yong kyng hym-selfe dothe fygħt.

Partanope that day vndyr his Sheelde

The hethen) in hast are put to flygħt,

Twenty hethen) hat slayn) in the feelde.

There bydetħ. not one / but fast gan) flee

Witħ that he had of many moo 2953

Broken) the legges and armes in two.

To Charse her Casteɫɫ; and Partanope

The frencħ that were left in Pountyfe,

Chasetħ hem) fast to the Casteɫɫ,

Where was many an) hethen) feɫɫ, 2944

Fylle sodenly in a grete stryfe. 2956

That to the yate fast tho rvnne.

And alle was for her a-bydyng

Anone oute gothe the grete gvnne.

To longe be-hynde after her kyng.

Therwitħ they made an) huge slyrke

They armed hem) in grete haste,

Partanope hurlytħ hem) in-to the dyke.

And after the kyng they highed^ι faste.

The bowes of brake are bent in hast;

Eche man) shapetħ hym) for to gone;

They bend her arow-blastes and stones cast. 2950

And thus ys Pountyfe left allone.

Whan) Sornogoure, the hethen) kyng,

94Herde the noyce and the cryinge Off thus mayne, he* armed hym faste, An to the ȝate he ganne haste. Whenne he to the baryerys come, Hys stede freschely ther he nome. He wente to haue an issue fre*, Butte of hys purpose lette was he. The kynge off Fraunee was atte that Res, And Partonope the erle of Bloys; There was eke the kynge-ys oste. [leaf 37, back] Partonope hadde atte hys coste v M^ti men) armed welle Wytħ helmes Burneschyd wytħ bryȝthte style. Thay schette the Barryers anone Ryȝthte, Thatt the hethen) hathe no myȝthte Owte of the Casteɫɫ forder to Isse. There ȝede strokes fulle thycke y-wysse. The ffrenche there wytħe the hethen) [dyd] fyȝthte, Tylle aponne hym felle durke nyȝthte, Thatt [n]onne* off them) myȝthte oder see.

2965. he] MS. here.

2969. an issue fre] MS. Partonope.

2983. MS. onne with nne underdotted; the dots may have been put inadvertently, a letter (o ?) before off having been blotted and marked for erasure.

Five thousand French keep the bars, so that the Saracens cannot get out of the castle.

At night the fight ceases.

2964

2968

2972

2976

2980

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Herde this noyse and this crying 2964

¹H . . de þis noyse and þis cryinge

Of his meyne, he armed hem) fast,

. f his meyne, he armede hym faste,

And to the yate he hyed in hast.

And to þe yate he hyede in haste.

And whan) he to the Barres come,

When) he to þe barres come, [¹ leaf 8]

His steede feersly there he nome. 2968

His stede freshly þer he nome. 2968

He wende to haue and Issue free,

He wende to haue hade issue fre,

But of his purpose lette was he.

But of his porpose let was he.

The kyng of Fraunee at that reys,

The kynge of Fraunce at þat reyse,

¹ And Partanope, The Erle of Bloys,

And Partonope, þe erle of Bloysse, 2972

And therwitħaɫɫ the kyngis Ooste.

And þer-with-aɫɫ þe kynges oste.

Partanope had there at his coste [¹ if. 16]

Partonope hade þer at his coste

Fyve thowsand men) armed^ι wele 2975

Fyve þousonde armede weɫɫ

In armoure brygħt made of Steele,

In armore bright made of steɫɫ, 2976

That shette the barres a-none rygħt,

That shet þe barres anone rigħt

That the hethen) had no mygħt 2978

That þe hethyn hade no mygħt

Oute of the Casteɫɫ further to goo.

Out of þe casteɫɫ forþer to goo.

There yede strokes many tho. [fygħt

There yede strokes manye þo. 2980

The frencħ witħ the hethen) there dyd

The frencħe with þe hethyn dede figħt

Tylle vpon) hem) fylle derke nygħt,

Tiɫɫ vppon) fiɫɫ dyrke nyght,

That none of hem) mygħt other see.

That none of hem myght oþer se. 2984

Between 2970 and 2971 MS. adds: The kynge of Fraunce let was he.

95The kynge comawndyd hys men) lette be Off thus skermysche and thus stryve, And takethe the way to Pvntyffe. The hethen) taketħe Surnegowre, Here kynge, and streyȝthte in-to the towre— For ytte was nyȝthte—thay hym ladde. They conseld hym), and they hym) redde To kepe thatt casteɫ yn) saue garde, Tylle he hadde alle hys reerwarde.  To Pvntyffe ys now reden) the kynge;  And Partonope, bothe luste and ȝonge,  In thus Iornay hathe geten) hym) a name, Thatt alle men) be-gynne to proclame Hys grete name and worthynys. Ther-to there spake bothe more and lasse, And seyden), sethen) the worle be-ganne, Was ther neuer bore a sucche a mane Off manhode, of worthynys, of fredome and of lowlynys. For so hym) preysythe bothe more and lesse; For he helde sucche opyn) husholde Thatt wellcome was ho euer come wolde. And grete gyftys gaue he, and thatt was ofte,

2984

2988

2992

2996

3000

3004

The French king rides back to Pontoise.

The Saracens counsel their king to remain in the castle.

Partonope’s fame spreads throughout all France.

Whoever comes to him is welcome.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

The kyng comaundetħ his men) let be

The kynge comondyth his men let be

Alle this skyrmyssħ and alle this stryfe,

Aɫɫ þis skyrmyshe and aɫɫ þis stryfe,

And taken) the way to Pountyfe. 2986

And toke þe wey to Pountyfe.

The hethen / taketħ Sornogoure,

The hethyn take Sornogoure,

Her kyng / and streygħt to the Toure,

Her kynge, and streight to þe toure,

For hit was nyght / they hym ledde.

For it was nyght, þey hym lede. 2989

And alle they counsayle and redde

Aɫɫ bey counseɫɫ hym and rede

To kepe that Casteɫɫ in safe garde,

To kepe be casteɫɫ in safe garde.

Tylle he had alle his reward^ι. 2992

To Pountyfe ys now rydde the kyng;

¶ To Pountyfe is rede þe kynge;

And Partanope, bothe lusty and yeng,

And Partonope, bothe lusty and yonge,

In this Iuiney hatħ a grete name,

In þis Iorney hathe grete name,

That Thourgħ alle Fraunce they gan) proclame 2996

That þorwe Fraunce þey proclame 2996

His grete manhode and his worthinesse.

His grete manhode and his worthynes.

Therof they speke bothe more and lesse;

There-of þey speke bothe more and lesse; 3002

For he helde suche opyn) householde

For he helde soyche oppyn housolde

That welcome was that come wolde.

That welcome was þat come wolde.

Grete gyftes gaff he had that was ofte

Grete gyftes gafe he and ofte 3005

3002. MS. spoke?

96Off clothes, off golde, and velavet soffte. There-to so lowly [eke] was he Notte onely to lordys butte to euery degre, Thatt euery man) of hym) hadde Ioye; They lekened hym) to worthey Ector of Troye. Thatt lady here loue cowde welle Chese Thatte sucche onne chese, and cownde so plese [leaf 38] Alle the worle, and loued here beste; Me thyncketħ [here] herte stante ynne grete Reste. Thys he ys spoken) off thorow alle Fraunce, Thatt of hys wytte and of hys gouernaunce Kame neuer no sucche yn-to thatt Cuntre. The pepele desyryd hym gretely to see, And drewe to hym fro* euery syde. Knyȝthte ne squyer wolde non) abyde, Butte alle drew to Partonope. Hem so godely thenne reseuyd he Thatt gladde of hym) ys euery wyȝthte. He was so plesawnt yn) here syȝthte Thatt ther was neyder knyȝthte ne squyer Thatt for hys loue or for hys favowrre Throw-owte alle Frawnce was gladde to be A-queyntyd wythe Partonope. And tho thatt comytħe he dothe wytħ-holde He yeuytħ hem) plenty of syluer and golde.

3019. fro] MS. fers.

He gives them plenty of gold and silver.

3008

3012

3016

3020

3024

3028

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Of clothes, of golde, and welwettes softe. 3006

¹ Of clothis of golde, velwet softe. [¹ leaf 8, back]

And therto lowly eke was he

And þer-to lovely eke was he

Not onely to lordys but to alle degree

Not only to lordes but to aɫɫ degre 3008

That euery man) of hym had^ι Ioye;

That euery man) of hym hade Ioye;

They lykned hym to Ecctor of Troye.

They lekenede hym to Ectore of Troye,

Thus ys he spoken of thorow alle Fraunce, 3015

Thus is he spokyn) of In Fraunce, 3015

That of hys witte and of his gouernaunce

That of his wyte and his gouernaunce

Come neuer sucħe in that contree.

Come neuer soyche In þat contre.

The people desyretħ hym) gretly to see,

The pepiɫɫ desyrethe hym gretly to se,

¹ And drawe to hym) from) euery syde.

And drewe to hym fro euery syde.

Knygħt nor Squyer wylle not a-byde,

Knyght, squyre wiɫɫ not abyde. 3020

And alle that comen) he dothe witħ-holde [¹ leaf 16, back] 3029

And aɫɫ þat come he dyde with-holde.

He gyffe hem) plente of his golde.

3021. On margin is added by another hand: Knyght squior ȝong & oolde.

97To piece hom alle he dothe hys myȝthte, Hys worchyppe to saue, and eke the * Ryȝthte Off Fraunce and of hys lege lorde. Fro maney partyes of the worlde Moche pepele to hym ys comande, Now a .c, now ij c., now a thosande. To Fraunce was he a stronge poste; [Day by day encresitħ the Ooste. Or than) a monetħ was alle past] Chyualrye to hym can dr[a]we faste, Thatt there were numberyd in the fylde An) .c. M^ɫi wythe spere and schylde. The re[re]ward of kynge Surnegour Ys now y-come, where-ynne the flowre * Ys herborewed of thus Chyualrye. Where-fore anone he made do crye Thatt they schulde alle y-armed bee The nexte day, thatt he myȝthte y-see

3031. MS. hom or ham.

3032. the] MS. hys.

3044. flowre] MS. towre.

3032

3036

3040

3044

3048

His army increases by thousands.

Within a month he has a hundred thousand men.

The rearguard of king Sornegour having arrived, the heathen army numbers more than two hundred thousand men.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

To please hem) alle he dothe his mygħt

To plese hem aɫɫ he dothe hys mygħt,

Hys worshi p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq46.tif"/> to save and the rygħt

His worchipe to saue and þe rigħιt 3032

Of Fraunce and of his lyege lorde.

Of Fraunce and his lege lorde.

Fro many partyes of the worlde 3034

From many partes of þe worde

Moche people come to hym) warde,

Moche pepiɫɫ come to hymwarde,

Bothe by thousandes and hundred^ι.

Bothe be þousonde and by honderde.

To Fraunee was he a stronge poste;

Of France was he a stronge poste; 3037

Day by day encresitħ the Ooste.

Day be day encreseth his oste.

Or than) a monetħ was alle past

Ore þen a month was aɫɫ paste

Chevalry to hym) drow wel fast, 3040

Chevalry to hem drewe faste, 3040

That there were nomberd in the feelde

That þer were nomberde In þe felde

An) hundred thousand witħ Spere and Sheelde.

An honderde with spere and shelde.

The rereward^ι of kyng Sornogoure

¶ The rerewarde of kynge Sornogoure

Ys now comyn), wherin) the floure 3044

Ys nowe come, where-in þe floure 3044

Is herbowred of his cheualrye.

Ys herberwyde of chevallrye.

Wherefore a-none he made do crye

Where-fore anone he made do crye

That they shulde alle armed be

That þey shulde aɫɫ armede be

The next day, that he mygħt see 3048

The nexte day þat he myght se 3048

3036. b (?) erased before poste.

3042. miɫɫ written above honderde (by another hand ?).

3044. whe erased before where.

PARTONOPE.

H

98Whatt pepele he hadde onne the fylde. The herodes ther nummberyd wytħ spere and schylde ij hunderyd M^ɫi* wytħ-owten) alblasterys, Wythe-owte gyldenys and archerys,* Were-of the numbere they cownde notte telle. [leaf 38, back] Sornegour the kynge, thatt was so felle, Whenne alle these pepele he dyd see, The kynge of Fraunce thenne manasyd* he, And sayde prowdely he wolde noȝthe fayle To holde the fylde and gene hyin batayle. Partonope herytħ alle thus; And to hym comyng¹ sodenly ys Moehe pepele of Loreyne and of Freslonde, Wythe-owte letter of hym or [any] sonde, The poytowys, the aunguys,* the Gascon), The frenche, the almayne, the Breton). Moche pepele come of Pavy, And alle-so owte of Lumbardy.

3051 MS. ii M^ɫ1 hunderyd, 11. 3051–52 are in inverse order in MS.

3056. manasyd] MS. namyd.

3063. MS. paytowys? MS. amguys.

From various countries men gather round Partonope.

3052

3056

3060

3064

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

What people he had in the feelde,

What pepiɫɫ he hade In þe felde,

Whiche were nombred of Spere and Sheelde

Wheche were nomberde of spere and Sheelde

An hundred thousand withouten arblasters,

An . c. þousonde with-out arblastes,

Witħoute gyldenes and archers, 3052

With-out gildenes and archeres, 3052

Where-of the nombre they cowde not teɫɫ.

Where-of þe nombir þey couthe not teɫɫ.

Sornogoure the kyng, that was rygħt feɫɫ,

Sornogoure þe kynge, þat was feɫɫ,

Whan) alle these peple he dyd see,

When) aɫɫ þis pepiɫɫ he dyde se,

The kyng of Fraunce then) manased he,

The kynge of France manassede he,

And sayde proudely: “I wole not fayle

And seyde proudly : “I wiɫɫ not faiɫɫ

To holde the [feelde] and gyff hym) batayle.” 3058

¹To holde þe felde and gyf bataiɫɫ.” 3058 [¹ leaf 9]

Partanope by spyes herytħ alle this;

P[ar]tonope be spyes hereth aɫɫ þis;

And to hym) sodenly comen) ys

And to hem sodenly come is

Moche people of Loreyege and^ι Fryse londe

Moche pepiɫɫ of Loryn and of Frys-londe

Withoute letter or any sonde, 3062

With-out letter ore ony sonde, 3062

The Pyetes, the aungyus, the Gascouns,

The perres, þe aungoyoyes, þe gas-covnes,

The frencħ, the almayns, the Bretouns.

The frenche, þe almaynes, þe bruttons.

Moche people there come of Pavy, 3065

Moche pepiɫɫ þer come of Pavy,

And also in Lombardy. [leaf 17]

And also out of Lombardy. 3066

99Be-twene these kynges wytħ-owten) fayle Ys sette a day of Batayle, Wyche ordinaunce, wytħ-owten) naye, Shulde be holde apon) a twysdaye, Wyche yn olde tyme, I wolde noȝtħ lye, The day of Batayle dothe synefye. The kynge of Fraunce comaw[n]dytħe by wrytte Erche-byscoppes and Byschopys, and heyly hem bytte * To abbotys and priorys and eke to frerys To come a prosescon) and make here prayerys For hym and alle hys cheualrye. To do hys comawndement faste they hye. Atte Chars schalle the Batayle be, Where the hardy schalle make the coward flee.  Ytte was onne a twysday,  Whenne the sonne ys * bemus fulle gaye  Schowed, wyche browȝthte forthe meny a flowrʾ, Kynge Agysowrʾ* and kynge Surnegowre, Vnder the schadowe of a nappell tree, Here cownseɫɫ helde yn) alle degrees Off here lordes and of here knygħthode,*

3074. bytte] MS. wytte.

3082. MS. sonnys with an e written above last n.

3084. MS. Kuysowrʾ.

3087. MS. cheualryes.

3068

3072

3076

3080

3084

A Tuesday is fixed for the day of battle.

The heathen kings hold a council.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Bytwene these kynges, saunȝ fayle,

Be-twe-ne þis kynges samfaiɫɫ

Is sette the day of her batayle, 3068

Ys set þe day of þer bataiɫɫ, 3068

Witħ ordynaunce, withouten) nay,

Wyth ordenance, with-out nay,

Shulde be holde on) the Tuesday,

Shulde holde vpon þe thursday,

Whiche in olde tyme, not for to lye,

Whiche In olde tyme, not for to lye,

The day of batayle to signifye. 3072

The day of bataiɫɫ to sygnefye. 3072

The kynge of Fraunce comaundetħ by wryte,

¶ The kynge of Fraunce comondyth be wryte,

And Bysshops and clergy hem) hyly bytte 3074

And bysshoppus and clergye truly byte

To go on) precession) for alle his Chevalrye. 3077

To goo on pressession for his chevalrye.

To do his comaundement fast they hye.

To do his comondement faste þey hye.

At Charse shaɫɫ now this batayle be;

At Charse shaɫɫ nowe þis bataiɫɫ be;

He than) hatħ the wros must nedys flee. 3080

He þat hathe þe worse moste nedes fle. 3080

These hethen) kiyges Sornogour 3084

This heigh kynge Sornogoure 3084

Witħ the worthy Syr Agysour,

With þe worthy sir Agysoure,

Vndyr Shadow of appyɫɫ trees,

Vnder þe sha[d]we of appiɫɫ trees,

Her counsayle holde with alle degrees

Here counseɫɫ helde with aɫɫ degres

Of her lordys and of her knyghtħode,

Of þer lordes and of þer knyghthode,

100And .c. knyȝthtys [that] of alle manhode Where hyly cownted they hadde there, Thatt kowde welle dele wytħe schelde and spere. They were as stylle as eny stone, One worde ne spake of hem nott one. Kynge Sornegowre hem faste be-helde : [leaf 39] “Lordynggys,” he sayde, “to-morewe the felde We mutte holde and ȝeue Batayle To the frenche, thys ys no fayle. ȝe buthe alle bothe ware and wyse. Lete euery man) seye now hys devyse To sette owre Batayle in ordynaunce, And se hoo schalle haue the gouernaunce Off owre slyngges and of owre archerye.” Firste spake Loemers* in wordes hye. Off Norway he was lord and kynge; The Northwayys er atte hys ledynge. “Ser,” he seyde, “hyt may nott fayle To-morewe we schalle haue Batayle,

3102. MS. Leoners.

Sornegour invites the assembly to give their opinions.

King Loemer of Norway points out that the French army is growing rapidly; the king of France has offered rich gifts on the condition that the Saracens leave the country; they ought to accept that offer.

3088

3092

3096

3100

3104

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

And hundred knygħtes, that of manhode

An honderde knyghtes þat of manhode

Were higħly acounted, they had there,

Were highly accountyde þey hade þer,

That cowde dele weɫɫ with Shelde and Spere. 3090

That couthe weɫɫ dele with shelde and spere. 3090

Kyng Sornogoure hem fast by-helde :

Kynge Sornogoure hem faste be-helde :

“Lordinges,” he sayde, “to-morow the feelde 3094

“Lordynges,” he seyde, “to-morwe þe felde

We must holde and gyffe batayle

We moste holde and gyfe bataiɫɫ

To the ffrench, this may not fayle.

To þe frenche, þis may not faiɫɫ 3096

Ye be alle / bothe ware and wyse. 3097

Ye be aɫɫ bothe ware and wyse.

Lat Eche man) say now his advyse

Let iche man) sey his avyse

To sette oure batayle in ordynaunce,

To set oure bataiɫɫ In ordenaunce,

And se who shaɫɫ haue the gouernaunce

And se who shaɫɫ haue þe gouernaunce

Of oure wynges and of oure Archery.”

Of oure wynges and oure archerye. 3101

First spake kyng Loemers wordes hye.

¹ Firste spake kynge Loemers wordes hye. [^l leaf 9, back]

Of Norwey he was lord and kyng;

Of Norwey he was lorde and kynge;

The norweys are at his ledyng. 3104

The Norweyes are at his bydynge.

“Sir,” he sayde, “hit may not fayle

“Sir,” he seyde, “it may not faiɫɫ

To-morow we shhaɫɫ haue batayle

To-morwe we shaɫɫ haue bataiɫɫ 3106

3088. Above honderde is added m^ħ in another hand.

3094. in added above þe.

3104. bydyd crossed out before bydynge.

101And wythe God-ys grace the victorye Of here cheualrye, butte the frenche trewly Encrese faste, and alle-so y seye Moche pepuɫɫ to hym) gynnythe to obeye. The frenche erne yn) here own) Cuntre, And wythe hym ys one Partonope, Thatt to seke the worl[d]e fur and nere A worthyer may ther non) be preuyed yn) werre, And of the frenche, y dar vndertake, Beste; and alle-so he dothe make Alle thus pepele agaynys vus to come. They be nowe more streyngger thenne they were wone They haue more folke then have* we, And knowytħ the Cuntre beter in eche degre. The kynge hathe made vsse grete proferys ij .c. to fylle of owre Cowferys Wythe golde and syluer and grete Ryches, Off mules of Spayne a M^ɫi no lesse, A M^ɫi horse and XX^ti lyones, A M^ɫi gosse-hau-kys and a thowsand ffawconys.

3119. have] MS. halffe.

3108

3112

3116

3120

3124

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

And witħ Goddys grace the victory

And with Goddes grace þe victorye

Of the french, but her Chevalry 3108

Of þe frenche, but hir cheualrye 3108

Encresitħ fast, and also I say [¹ if. 17, bk.]

Encreseth faste, and also I sey

Moche people to hem) gynnetħ to obey.

Moche pepiɫɫ to him gynnyth to obey.

¹The ffrencħ arne in her owne Contree,

The frenche are In þer owne contre,

And witħ hem ys one Partanope, 3112

And with hem is on Partonope, 3112

That to seke the worlde nye and ferre,

That to seke þe worlde n[i]għ. and ferre,

A worthier ys not preved in werre.

A worthy ere is not prevyde no-where.

Of alle the frencħ, dare I vndertake,

Of aɫɫ þe frenche, I vnderstonde,

He ys best / and also he dotħe make

He is þe beste, I dare vnderfonge,

Alle these people a-yenst vs to come.

Aɫɫ þis pepiɫɫ a-yenste vs come.

They be more strenger then) they were wonne. 3118

They ben more strenger þen þey were wone. 3118

They haue now more folk then) we,

They haue more better þe degre. 3120

And know the Contree better in eche degree. 3120

Afore this the kyng hatħ made grete profre

Afore þis þe kynge hath made grete profre

Two hundred^ι to fylle of oure cofre

Two honderde to feɫɫ of oure coffere

Witħ golde and Seluer and grete rychesse,

With golde and syluer and grete Rychesse,

Of mules of Spayne to thousand no lesse, 3124

Of mvlis of Spayne a þousonde no lesse, 3124

A thousand^ι hors and twenty lyons,

A þousonde hors and XX^ti lyouns,

And a thousand Goshaukes and faucons.

And a þousonde gosshawkes and faucouns.

102And oder [that be] off owre concelle Schulde be rewarded alle-so Ryȝtħ welle Wythte cuppys of syluer and cuppys of goolde, Onne thus conduscon) wytħ thatt we wolde In-to owre cuntre faste returne, And ynne Fraunce no lengger soiorne. And yette thus profere yeffe ȝe haue mowe*, [leaf 39, back] I cowncelle yow for hys crowne [nowe] Ye stryue no more; lette* hym) ytte haue. Thys ys my rede,* so God me saue.” When) he hadde seyde, alle stylle they satte A Ryȝthte grete whyle or any ys wytte Owte wolde schewe or ytte declare. Thatt sawe kynge Faburneys,* and wolde noȝtħ spare To telle ys wytte and hys aduyse. He was Ryȝthte semely, and therto wyse, And kynge he was of Glygland^ι; Money a Iorney toke he on hande. “Syr,” he seyde, “dame Loemers * In armes ys bothe myȝthty and fers,

3132. no] MS. rather na.

3133. mowe] MS. nowe.

3135. MS. lette twice.

3136. rede] MS. Bede.

3140. MS. Baburneys.

3144. or Maney ?

3145. MS. leoners.

Faburin, king of the Wends, will give battle.

3128

3132

3136

3140

3144

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

And other that be of oure Counsayle

And oþer þat be of oure counsaiɫɫ

Shulde also be reward rygħt wele 3128

Shulde also be rewardyde weɫɫ 3128

With cuppis of sy[l] vir and eke of golde,

With coppus of syluer and golde fyne,

Vpon) this condycion) that we wolde

Vppon) þis condicion þat we willyne

In-to oure contre fast retourne, 3131

In-to oure contre faste retorne,

And in Fraunce no lenger sogeourne.

And In France no lenger soiorne. 3132

And yet this yf ye haue mowe,

And yet þis ye haue mowe.

I counseɫɫ this for his crown) now

I counseɫɫ you for youre crowne nowe

Ye stryve nomore / lat hym) hit haue.

Ye stryfe no more, let hym it haue.

This ys my rede, so God me saue.”

This is my rede, so God me save.” 3136

Whan) he had sayde, alle stylle they sette 3137

When) he hade seyde, steɫɫ he satte

A rygħt grete while, or any his wette

A ryght grete while, ore ony mate

Oute wolde shew or more declare.

Out wolde shewe ore more declare.

Than) kyng Faburnys wolde not spare 3140

Then) kynge Baburris wolde not spare 3140

To telle his witte and his a-vyce.

To teɫɫ his wyte and his avyse.

He was rygħt semely, and also wyse,

He was Right symly and also wyse,

And kyng he was of Glytlonde;

And kynge he was of Glytlonde;

Many a Iurney toke he on honde. 3144

¹Many a Iorney he toke on honde. 3144

“Sir,” he sayde, “my brother Loemers

“Sir,” he seyde, “my broþer Loemeres [^l leaf 10]

In armes ys bothe mygħty and feers,

In armes is bothe myghty and fers,

103And welle hathe seyde towchyng¹ yowrʾ werre. Butte welle ȝe wytte we arne come fro ferre The crowne of thus land for to haue. My rede ys there-fore, so God me saue, Owre oste to-morewe redy bee In the fylde, there yow may see

[After 3152 lacuna of 60 lines in Brit. Mus. MS.]

3148

3152

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

And weɫɫ hatħ sayde towchyng youre werre, 3147

And weɫɫ hathe seyde toychynge youre warre, 3147

But we ye wote are comen) fro ferre

But weɫɫ ye wot we come fro ferre

The Coroun) of this lond for to haue.

The crowne of his londe fore to haue.

My rede therfore, so God me save, [if. 18]

More þer-for, so God me saue,

Youre Ooste to-morow now redy be

Youre oste to-morwe redy be

In the feelde, and there may ye se 3152

In þe felde, and þer may ye see 3152

Univ. Coll. MS.

That [they] be sette in ordenaunce,

What euer falle after of happe or chaunce.

For we are ferre oute of oure Contree

Amonge oure enemys, this know ye.

3156

Better were vs manly to dye

Than) in tretyse trust her curtesy.”

His witte hatħ sayde kyng Faburnys.

There answeritħ kyng Marukenes.

3160

Manikin, king of the Orkneys, agrees with Loemer.

Kyng he ys and lorde of Orkeney.

“I wole not spare,” quod he, “to say

My fuɫɫ reson) and myne a-vyce.

Kyng Loemers ys bothe manly and wyse;

3164

His counsaile may vs moche a-vaile.

Ye know wele that we haue grete trauayle,

And ferre are oute of oure Contre.

The frencħ in a Casteɫɫ restid be,

3168

And beter are lerned^ι of the werre

Rawl. MS.

That þey be set Iu ordenaunce 3153

“I wiɫɫ not spare,” quod he, “to sey

What euer saɫɫ hape ore chaunce.

For we are ferre out of oure contre

My fuɫɫ reson and myn avyse.

Amonge oure enemys, þis knowe ye.

Kynge Loemeres is manly and wyse;

Beter were vs manly to dye 3157

His counseɫɫ may vs meche avaiɫɫ, 3165

Then) In tretyse truste þer cotirtesye.”

Ye knowe we haue moche travaiɫɫ,

His wyte hathe seyde kynge Fabrus.

And ferre out of oure contre.

Then answerde kynge Markenes. 3160

The frenche In casteɫɫ restede be, 3168

Kynge he is and lorde of Orkenye.

And beter are lernede of þe warre

104Thanne we that come so ferre; And euery day they wex more stronge. They haue the rygħt and we the wronge. To eschew fighting / or swiche dystresse I consayle we take of her Rychesse, And leve hem) her contre / and nomore werre, Sitħ we not mowe hem) conquerre.” Now hatħ this kyng sayde his a-vyce. Hym) answerid a kyng holden) rygħt wyse— He higħt Fursyn,* kyng of Syre londe. Many a vyage hathe he take on) honde— Seyng : “Kyng Marukyns hatħ” wele sayde, Saue of oo thyng I holde not me a-payde. For thogħt myn) heers be woxen) white, I wole truly yet me acquyte In this matere; for ye saide oo thing That wysely hatħ Loemers thy kyng. Of that wysedom) canne I no skylle. Yonge men) a-dayes now echone wylle Take vpon) hem) to be hye Counsellers, [leaf 18, back] And say that men) witħ white herys Dote and wote neuer what they mene. But in the ende hit wole be seene. And so to yonge men) the olde are loothe. I wote nevyr how this Counsayle gothe. But whan) the kyng was at home in his contre,

3179. MS. Sursyn.

3187. MS. wysedonn).

3195. contre] r written on an erased y.

King Fursin of Syria protests against such opinions; when the King was at home, they were all for war.

3172

3176

3180

3184

3188

3192

Rawl. MS.

Then) we þat come so ferre; 3170

Safe of o thynge I holde me payde.

And euery day þey wex more stronge.

For þougħ myne heyeres be wex whyte,

They haue þe right and we þe wronge.

I wiɫɫ truly yet me aquyte [leaf 10, back]

To esschewe fightynge ore soych dysstres

In þis maner; for ye seyde o thynge

That wysly hathe Loemeres þe kynge.

I counseɫɫ we take þat Rychesse,

Of þat wysdom can) I no skiɫɫ. 3187

And leue hem þer contre and no more warre, 3175

Yonge men a-dayes nowe iche weɫɫ

Take vppon) hem to yeve counseɫɫ,

Sethe we may not hem conquerre.”

And sey þat men) with whyte heres

Nowe is þis kynge holde right wyse.

Dothe and wot not what þey mene.

He hight Sursyn, kynge of Surre londe.

But in þe ende it wiɫɫ be sene, 3192

Many a vyage hathe take on honde,

And so to yonge þe olde are lothe.

Seynge : “Kynge Markenes hathe weɫɫ seyde, 3181

I wot neuer howe þis counseɫɫ gothe.

When þe kynge was In his contre,

3183. MS. perhaps wox.

105In peas and wele at ease was he. Ye cowde not suffre hym) to a-byde there, He must gone oute algate and conquere. And now ye counsayle hym) to goone, And say he shaɫɫ haue with hym) grete woone Of horse, of golde, and of Rychesse, Of lyons, fawkons, Goshawkes, and Mules. The kyng of Fraunce mygħt none other do thenne, For be-cavse he had no power of men). Now his alleaunce and alle his kynne With grete power to hym) come ben). They be now strenger of knyg[t]hode then) we, For alle his Ioye and comforte ys Partanope, And now he wole not make sucħe profers. I trowe he wole not one of his cofers Opyn) to gyffe vs of his Rychesse or goode. Me thinketh he were than) worse then) woode.

Rawl. MS.

In pese and weɫɫ at eyse was he. 3196

With grete poure to hym come bene.

Ye couthe not suffer hym abyde þere,

They be strenger of knyghthode þen we,

He moste gon out algate to conquere.

For aɫɫ his Ioye and comfort is Partonope. 3208

And nowe ye counseɫɫ hym to gon,

And say he shaɫɫ haue grete wone

Nowe he wiɫɫ not make soyche proferes.

Of hors, of golde, and of ryches. 3201

The kynge of France myght uone oþer do þen,

I trowe he wiɫɫ not on of his cofferes

Oppyn to gyffe vs of his goode.

For he hade no poure of men). 3204

Me thynke he were þen worse þen wode. 3212

Nowe his alyance and aɫɫ hia kyne

3200. MS. perhaps sey.

British Museum MS.

Off my Reson) y wolle make a fyne.

A gode Reson) seyde kynge Fabryne;

He sayde* we werre yn the ronge;

There-fore be reson) the lesse stronge

3216

3215. MS. soyde.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Of my reson) I wole make fyne. 3213

Of my reson I wiɫɫ make fyne. 3213

But wysdam) ys goode sayde kyng Sabryne.

But good wysdome seyde kynge Fabryne.

He sayde we were in the wronge;

He seyde we were In þe wronge;

Therfore be reson) lesse stronge 3216

There-for be reson þe lesse stronge

3196

3200

3204

3208

3212

106Schulde we be, sythte thay haue Ryȝthe. For trewly me* werre leuer fyȝthte In Ryȝthte and for to haue lesse Thenne in ronge to haue encresse.” Kynge Fursyn) hathe seyde and holde hys pese. An Erle then) spake woo-ys name ys Marres. He was Cheffe Iustyce yn) thatt Cuntre, Moche lawe yn hys hede hadde he. In hys Cowneɫɫ a-boue alle thyngge Trusted moste Sornegowrʾ the kynge. “Syr,” he seyde, “herethe nowe my worde. A noreis* tolde yow thatt wytħ-owten) lorde And gode gouernauns alle Fraunce stode. There was none leffte of the Ryalle blode Butte a chylde thatt was tendere of age. He cownselyd* yow men) for to wage To sette alle Fraunce yn grette werre, [leaf 40] Ye mowte noȝthte fayle hym) to co[n]quere. Butte he made yow a grete lesynge.

3218. me] MS. we.

3228. A noreis] MS. Amories.

3232. MS. cawnselyd.

Earl Marres, chief justice of his country, counsels to take the field; the French king might then be induced to stand by his offer.

3220

3224

3228

3232

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Shulde we be, sitħ they haue rygħt.

Shuɫɫ we be, for þey haue rigħt. 3217

For trewly me had lever to fygħt

For truly me hade leuer to figħt

In rygħt and for to haue the lesse

In Rigħt and for to haue þe lesse

Than) in wronge and to haue encres.”

Then In wronge to haue encresse.” 3220

Kyng Sursyn) had sayde and helde hys pees. 3221

Kynge Sursyn hade seyde and helde his pesse.

An Erle than) speketh whose name ys Marres.

An erle þen spekyth, hight Marres.

He was cheyf Iustyse of his Contree.

He was chyfe Iustyce of his contre.

Moche lawe in his hede had he. 3224

Moche lawe In his hede hade he. 3224

To his counsayle a-boue alle thing

To his counseɫɫ aboue aɫɫ thynge

Trusted moost Sornogoure the kyng.

¹Trustede moste Sornogour þe kynge,

“Syr,” he saide, “here now my worde,

“Sir,” he seyde, “here nowe my worde. [¹ leaf 11] 3227

A norreis tolde yow That witħouten lorde [leaf 19] 3228

Amies tolde you þat with-out lorde

And goode governaunce/ Fraunce stode.

And good gouernaunce France stode.

There was none left of the reyaɫɫ bloode

There was none lefte of þe Royaɫɫ blode

But a childe was tendred of age.

But a childe tender of age.

He counsayled yow men) for to wage

He counsellede you men to wage 3232

To sette alle Fraunce in grete werre tho, 3233

To set Fraunce In grete warre þoo,

But hit had be better to be vndoo.

But it hade ben beter it hade ben vndo.

For yow he made a grete lesyng.

For you he made grete lesynge. 3235

107Ye knowe welle y-nowe the frenche kynge Fulle manly gouernyd hym) in werre, And alle-so ther ys onne nowe come fro ferre Thatt owte of Fraunce waste summe-tyme loste, Wyche ys to hym) Ryȝthte a grete* poste. Hys name ys clepyd Partonope. So manly yn) armes gouernyd ys he Thatt alle the worlde* begynnytħe to hym) drawe, By yowrʾ power he settytħ noȝtħ an hawe. Neuer the later y cownsel thatt yee In the fylde euer* redy be, Welle arayed to [y]eve hym) Batayle. Paraventure hytt may yow gretely avayle. For yff he se yow redy to fy3thte, He wolle þaraventure anon) Ryȝthte Proffere yow gretely of hys tresowre. Thus mowe ȝe wythe worchepp and honore Escheue the harme of thys Batayle. Thow hys proferys may lyteɫɫ avayle, And yff hym luste nothynge to proferre,

3240. MS. grece.

3243. MS. wordle.

3246. MS. ouer.

3236

3240

3244

3248

3252

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Ye know wele now the ffrencħ kyng

Ye knewe weɫɫ nowe þe frenche kynge

Fuɫɫ manly gouernetħ hym) in werre,

Fuɫɫ manly gouernese hym In warre,

And also there ys one come fro ferre

Also þer is on come fro ferre

That oute of Fraunce was somtyme lost,

That out of Fraunce was loste somtyme,

Whiche ys to hym) a grete post. 3240

Whiche is to hym a grete frende. 3240

His name ys clepid Partanope.

His name is clepyde Partonope.

So manly in Amers gouerned ys he

So manly In armes gouer[n]de is he

That alle the worlde to hym) gynne drawe, 3243

That aɫɫ þe worlde to hym dothe drawe,

By youre power he sett not an) hawe.

Of youre poure he set not an hawe.

Neuer the latter I Counseɫɫ that ye

Neuer be later I counseɫɫ þat ye 3245

In the feelde euer redy to be,

In þe felde euer redy be,

Wele arayed to gyff hym) batayle.

Weɫɫ armede to gyffe bataiɫɫ.

Paraventure hit may yow avayle. 3248

Paraventer it may you avaiɫɫ. 3248

For yf they see yow redy to fygħt,

He wole paraventure a-none rygħt

Profer yow gretly of his tresoure.

Thus mow ye with worship and grete honoure 3252

Thus with worchipe and honoure 3252

Eschew the harme of this batayle.

Eschewe þe harme of þis bataiɫɫ.

Thogħ his profres may lytyll a-vayle,

Thougħ his poure may lytiɫɫ avaiɫɫ,

And gyff hym) lust no-thyng to profre,

And yef hym lyste to nothyn[g] to profere,

108Ytte schalle y * make hym to opene hys cofere. Betyr hytt ys to wyrke by charme Thenne to leve, and haue more harme.” Thys ys playnely Marres ys conselle. Ther-to acordythe the hethen) Ryȝthte welle, Saue kynge Fabowrys and kynge Fursyn) Thoȝtħ hys Cownseɫɫ was false engyne. When* Sornegour the kynge herde [t]hys conselle Off Marres hys Iustyce, ytt was nott Ryȝthte welle Plesynge to hym, ne to hys entente. Yette for the tyme he dydde consente To Marres cownseɫɫ; for hys corage To lorde, to knyȝthte, yeman) ne page, He nolde * dyscowuere, wythe-owten lese. He sayd certayne he wolde haue pes Wythe alle Fraunce to make * a fyne [leaf 40, back] Off hys werre; and thenne the wyne He axethe, and drynckethe wyth hem anone. He comawndethe alle hys lordes echone On the more thatt thay nott fayle

3256. y] MS. ȝe.

3263. When] MS. kynge.

3269. nolde] MS. wolde.

3271. to make written twice.

They had better resort to stratagem.

This proposal was agreed on.

But Sornegour was not pleased.

He feigns, however, to consent, and says that he wants peace with France.

3256

3260

3264

3268

3272

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Yett shaɫɫ I make hym opyn) his cofre.

Yet shaɫɫ ye make oppyn his coffere.

Better ys to wirke the charme 3257

Better is to worke þe charme 3257

Than to leve and haue more harme.”

Then) to leue and haue more harme.”

Thus playnly Marres dothe Counsele.

Thus playnly Marras counsellyth everye deɫɫ. 3259

Her-to the hethen) acorde rygħt wele,

Hereto þe hethyn acorde Rigħt weɫɫ,

Saue kyng Faburs and kyng Sursyne

Safe kynge Fahrus and kynge Sursyne

Thought his Counseɫɫ was fals engyne.

Thorwe his counseɫɫ and his engyne.

WHan) Sornogoure herde this consayle 3263

¶ When Sornogoure herde þis counseɫɫ 3263

Of Marres his Iustyce, hit was not wele [¹ leaf 19, back]

Of Marras þe Iustyse it was not weɫɫ,

Plesyng to hym), ne to his entent.

Plesynge to hym, ne to his entente.

Yett for the tyme he did Consent

Yet for þe tyme he dyde consente 3266

¹ To Marres Counsaile; for his corage

¹ To Marras counseɫɫ; for his corage

To lorde, knygħt, yoman), ne page, 3268

To lorde, knyght, ye-man) ne page, 3268

He wolde discouer, witħouten) lees.

He nolde dyscouer, with-out lesse.

He sayde certeyn) he wolde haue pees

He seyde serten) he wolde haue pesse

Witħ alle Fraunce, and make a fyne

With aɫɫ France and make a fyne

Of his werre; and then) the wyne 3272

Of his warre, and þen þe wyne 3272

He asked, and drinketħ witħ hem anone.

He askyth, and drynketh with hem anone. [¹ leaf 11, back]

He comaundetħ his lordes echone

He comondyth his lordes iehon)

On) the morow that they not fayle

On) þe morwe þat þey ne faiɫɫ

109Hem) to araye “to ȝeffe Batayle To the frenche hem ryȝthte to the playne Affore Chars, watte euer we sayne. And [that] owre Batayɫɫ yn gode araye Be sette in ordynaunce y yow praye. Thenne be we redy for to fyȝthte Yff nede be.” And thenne gode nyȝthte He bade hys cownseɫɫ euery-chone; For he wolde to hys reste gone. He yede to bedde to haue hys reste; Butte ȝette to slepe lyteɫɫ hym leste. For whenne he was a-bedde alone, “Alas,” sayde he, “whatt may y done ? I am schamed, thus ys no lees*, And alle throw conseɫ off Marres * And hys false cowardye. He hadde made alle my mayny Wytħe-drawe here hertes and lothe to fyȝthte.” Thus lyetħe the kynge alle the nyȝthte, Wepynge and waylynge and makynge woo. “My worchypp for euer ys alle agoo,” Seyde he, “and nowe I wote Ryȝthte welle

3289. lees] MS. dowte.

3290. MS. here adds owte.

3276

3280

3284

3288

3292

3296

But having retired for the night he gives vent to his indignation.

“Mares has disgraced me.”

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Hem to aray “to gyf Batayle 3276

Hem to array “to gyfe bataiɫɫ 3276

Vnto the frencħ, rigħt on) ther playn)

Vnto þe frenche, on þe playne

Afore Charse, what euer we now sayn).

Afore Charse, what euer we seyne.

And that oure batayles in goode aray

And þat oure bataiɫɫes in good array

Be sette in ordynaunce I yow pray. 3280

Be set In ordenance [I] you praye. 3280

Than be redy we / with hem) to fygħt

Then be we redy with þem to figħt

Yf nede be /” and then) goode nygħt

Yef nede be.” And þen good nyght

He had his counsayle euerychone;

He bade his counseɫɫ euerychone;

For he wolde to his rest goone. 3284

For he wolde to his reste gon. 3284

He yode to bedde to haue his rest;

He yede to bede to haue his reste;

But yett to slepe lytiɫɫ hym lyst.

But yet to slepe lytiɫɫ hym lyste.

For when) he was to bedde allone,

For when) he was on bede alone,

“Allas,” sayde he, “what may I done ?

“Allas,” he seyde, “what may I done ?

I am) shamed, this ys no lees, 3289

I am shamede, þis is no lese, 3289

And alle thorow counseɫɫ of Marres

And aɫɫ þorwe counseɫɫ of Marras

And of his fals Cowardy.

And of his false cowardye.

He hatħ made alle my meyny 3292

He hathe made aɫɫ my meyne 3292

Witħdraw her hert and lothe to fygħt.”

With-drawe þer hertes and lothe to fight.”

Thus leitħ the kyng alle that nyght,

Thus lyth þe kynge aɫɫ þis nygħt,

Waylyng and makyng moche woo.

Waltrynge and makynge moche mone.

“My worshi p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq47.tif"/> for euer ys now goo,” 3296

“My worchipe for euer is gon),” 3296

He sayde, “and now I wote rygħt wele

He seyde, “and nowe I wot right weɫɫ

110I haue harme hadde thorow hys Cownseɫɫ. Ther-affter to werke y haue be gladde. Off a Ryȝthte pore man) y hym made My Ieffe Justyce an eke an Erle, There he was born) a chorle. Butte sethen) [of] a chorle I turned the name In-to an Erle, no wonder thow * schame In the ȝende be my rewarde, Sethen) he ys false and eke a cowarde Preuyd alle-so, and a traytor felle. Fro thys day forthe off conseɫɫ Schalle he be neuer, [ne] of thatt ys-state. No wondere ys thow my men) me hate. [leaf 41] For watte so euer he wolde haue do*, Thow ytte were ronge, ytte schulde be so. I sufferyd hym) [my] men) to prisone, And off a trew man) to make a felone. [And that he dyd me thougħt was lawe.] There-fore me seytħe an olde * sawe : He to home a man) dothe tryste,

3302–3. MS. chorle or charle.

3304. MS. throw.

3311. MS. done.

3316. seytħe an olde] MS. semythe and holde.

“I shall dismiss the false traitor, whom I suffered to do wrong.”

3300

3304

3308

3312

3316

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

I haue had harme thorow his Counseɫɫ.

I haue hade harme þorwe his counseɫɫ.

Therafter to wirke I haue be gladde.

There-after to worke I haue ben glade.

Of a rygħt poore man) I hym) made 3300

Of a Ryght poure man I hym made

My chif lustyce and eke an) erle,

My chefe Iustyce and eke an erle. 3301

And he of birth but a cherle.

But sigħt of a Cherle I turned the name

But sethe of a chirle I turnede þe name,

In-to an) Erle, no wonder thogħ shame

In-to an erle, no wonder þougħ shame

In the ende be my rewarde, [leaf 20] 3305

In þe ende be my rewarde, 3305

Sytħ he ys suche a flas Cowarde

¹ Sethe he is soyche a false cowarde

Provid, and also a Traytour feɫɫ.

Provyde, and also a trayture feɫɫ.

Fro this day forth of counseɫɫ 3308

Fro þis day furthe of my counseɫɫ 3308

Shaɫɫ he neuer be, ne of that estate.

Shaɫɫ he neuer be, ne of þat esstate.

No wonder ys thogħ my men) me hate.

No man haue wonder þougħ my men me hate. [¹ leaf 12]

For what that euer he wolde haue do,

For what þat heuer he wolde me haue do, 3311

Thougħ hit were wronge, hit shulde be so. 3312

Thougħ it were do, it shulde be so.

I suffred hym) my men) to pryson),

I sufferde hem myne men to presone,

And of a trew man) to make a felon).

And of a trewe man) to make a felonde.

And that he dyd me thougħt was lawe.

That he dyde me þought it lawe. 3315

Ther-fore men saitħ an) olde sawe : 3316

There-for men) seyth an olde sawe :

He to whom) a man) do trest,

He to whom a man) dothe truste,

111Euer may dyseue hym) beste. Hys bonde kyndrede y made fre, And sette hem alle in hye degre, And yff hym casteɫɫ[es] and eetye[s], And toke hem nexte me of alle my priueȝ. Off no gentylle toke he * no hede To, butte alle to make ys owne kynrede And hem) in-hawnse to grette estate. Thys hathe made my gentyl so mate, And so wery offe here lyffe, Thatt they be euer yn care and stryffe. And fryste they loued me as ther kynge; Nowe they hate me aboue alle thyncke. Y may se ytte wele by here chere, Alle-thow they kepe ytte ynne preuey manere. For be thay pay yd welle off ther wage, For to fyȝthte haue they * no corage. Thay loue more ese and for to haue pes Thanne myne honour; and thatt hathe Marres Made wythe hys hyenys of pryde. Gode ȝeue me grace O day to abyde

3318. On margin of MS. notatur bene.

3323. he] MS. I. 3334. they] MS. thus.

3320

3324

3328

3332

3336

“The nobles were oppressed.”

“Now they hate me, and do not care to fight.”

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Euermore may dysceyve hym best.

Euer-more may defende hym beste.

The bonde kynred I made free,

The bonde kenrede he made fre,

And sette hem alle in her degree, 3320

And set hem aɫɫ In hye degre, 3320

Gaffe hem) Castellis and eke cytees,

Gafe hym casteɫɫes and Cettes,

And made hem) chyeef of my privetees.

And made chef of my prevetes.

Witħ no gentylman) toke henoneheede,

With no gentiɫɫ men toke he no hede,

But alle to make his owne kynrede,

And hem) enhaunce to grete estate. 3225

This hatħ made my gentyles so mate,

But aɫɫ to make my Ientilles so mate,

And so wery they be of her lyfe 3327

And so wery þey be of þer lyfe 3327

That they bene euer in care and stryfe.

That þey be euer In care and stryfe.

And first they lovid me as her kyng;

Firste þey louyde me as þer kynge;

Now they hate me a-bove alle thing.

Nowe þey hate me aboue aɫɫ thynge.

I may see wele by her chere, 3331

I may se weɫɫ be þer chere, 3331

Thogħ they kepe hit in prive manere.

Thougħ þey kepe it In preve manere.

For be they payde weɫɫ of thayre wage,

For be þey payde weɫɫ of þer wage,

For to fygħt haue they no corage.3334

For to fight haue þey no corage. 3334

They love more to sette and to haue pees

They loue more to syte In pese

Than) myn) honoure/that hath Marres

Than myne honoure, þat hath Marras

Made witħ hygħnes and witħ pryde. 3337

Made with his highnes and with his pryde. 3337

God gyfe me grace to-day to a-byde

God yef me grace oo day to abyde

112To saue my worchypp ynne thus viage! And y schalle quyte hym so hys wage, Thatt alle my knyȝthte-hode there-wytħ schalle plese And alle here hertes sette ynne ese.”  Nowe lyethe he stylle, and sayythe no more  A ryȝthte grete whyle, butte wonder sore  He sekethe and wepethe tenderlye : “Alas,” he sayde, “how maye I Beste yn thys case my honor saue ? Wythe me ther ys neyder knyȝthte no knaue Thatt ynne my quarelle* leste to fyȝthte. [leaf 41, back] They seyne playnely y haue no Ryȝthte. These wordes to me bethe heuy and harde. For an y fyȝthte notte, a very cowarde The ffenche for euer wolle me holde. I hadde leuer a thowsand folde For to dye thenne for to be schamed. For thow y seye [hyt] y haue be named The worthyyste nowe onne lyffe.” And [he] ther-wythe anone as blyve

11. 3340–41. originally inverted in MS., but the correct order is indicated by a, b, in the margin.

3345. d crossed out before tenderlye. 3349. MS. distinctly quorelle.

“How am I to defend my honour?”

3340

3344

3348

3352

3356

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

To save my worshi p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq48.tif"/> e in this vyage !

To saue my worchipe and þis vyage !

I shaɫɫ quyte hym) alle his wage, 3340

I shall quyte hem aɫɫ hir wage, 3340

That alle my knygħthode therwitħalle shaɫɫ please,

That aɫɫ my knyghthode þer-with shaɫɫ plese,

And alle her hertis sette in ease.” *

And aɫɫ þer hertes sette In eyse.”

Now lyetħ he stylle, and saytħ nomore,

Nowe lyth he stiɫɫ and seyth no more,

Butt in hym-self moorned sore. 3344

In his herte he is wonder sore. 3344

He syghed and sorowed fuɫɫ tendyrly :

He sighede and sorwyde fuɫɫ tenderly :

“Alas,” he sayde, “how may I

¹ “Allas,” he seyde, “howe may I

Best in this caas myn) honoure save ?

Beste in þis case my honour saue ?

With me ys ther knygħt ne knave 3348

With me is þer noþer knyght ne knave [¹ leaf 12, back] 3348

That in my quareɫɫ lust to fygħt.

That In my quareɫɫ lyste to figħt.

They say playnly I haue no rygħt.

They sey playnly I haue no rigħt.

These wordes to me be hevy and harde.

This wordes to me fuɫɫ harde. 3351

For and I fygħt not / a verry cowarde

For and I fight not, a veryere cowarde

The frencħ for euer wole me holde.

This frenche for euer wiɫɫ me holde.

I had lever a thousand folde 3354

I hade leuer a þousonde folde 3354

For to dye then to be ashamed.

For to dye þen be shamyde.

For thougħ I say hit, I haue be named

For þough I sey it, I haue be namyde

The wortyest that ys now a-lyve.” 3357

The worthyeste þat nowe is on lyve.”

And he a-none therwitħ as by-lyve

And he anone þer-with as blyve

11. 3343–44 are inverted in MS.

113Sende affter a clerke off hys cowncelle, Wyche thatt he trustetħ and loued welle. “My frynde,” he sayde, “haste thow noȝthte herde How Marres wythe myne Oste hathe ferde, And how falsely he hathe me be-trayed, And alle my power gretely dysmayed ?”— “Syr,” sayde thus clerke, “yowe noȝthte dysplese Off: thatt y schalle saye, hytte ys non) lese. Alle the worlde, so God me saue, Grette mervayle hathe thatt thys knaue, Thatt was the sone of a chorle, Ye haue en-haunsed and made an Erle. For thus ys sothe, wytħ-owten) naye, He loued yow neuer an howre of a daye Butte for hys vantage and hys prowe. Thatt haue ye preued welle y-nowe. For thus ys euer * chorles kynde : He thatt he dredythe, schalle hym fynde Curteyse, esy, and debonowre, Tylle thatt he may haue tyme and leysowrʾ Hys master to do summe fowle dyspyte;

3369. or charle ?

3375. MS. neuer; charles ?

3360

3364

3368

3372

3376

Sornegour sends for a clerk.

The clerk tells him all about the falsehood of Mares.

A churl will always try-to bring evil on his master.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Sentt after a clerke of his counseɫɫ,

Sent after a clerke of his counseɫɫ,

That he lovid and trusted weɫɫ. 3360

That he louyde and trustede weɫɫ. 3360

“My frend,” he sayde, “hast thow not herde

“My frende,” he seyde, “haste þou not herde

How Marres witħ myn) Ooste hatħ ferde,

Howe Marris with myne oste ferde,

And how flasly he hatħ me be-trayed,

And howe falsly he hathe me betrayede,

And alle my power mygħtyly dysmayde ?”— 3364

And aɫɫ my poure myghtly dysmayed ?” — 3364

“Syr,” sayde this clerke, “yow not dyspleese

“Sir,” seyde þis clerke, “you not dyssplese

Of that I shaɫɫ say, hit ys no lees.

Of þat I shaɫɫ sey, it is no lese.

Alle the worlde, so God me save, 3367

Aɫɫ þe worlde, so God me saue,

Grete mervayle hatħ/that tħus a knave,

Grete merveɫɫ hathe þat þus a knawe,

That was the Son) of a lewde Cherle,

That was þe sone of an chirle, 3369

Ye haue enhaunsed and made an Erle.

Ye haue enhancede and made an erle.

For this ys sothe, withouten) nay,

For þis is sothe, with-out nay,

He lovid yow neuer the houre of day.

He lovyde you neuer þe oure of on day. 3372

Thogħt he be curteys, easy, and debonayre, 3377

Thougħ he to you be deboneure, 3377

He waytetħ to haue tyme and layser

He wayth to haue tyme and leysere

His Mayster to do som) foule dyspyte;

His maister to do som dysspyte;

PARTONOPE.

I

114Hys kendenes ther-wythe he wolle aquyte. Thus hathe Marres quytte hym to yow, And y schalle telle yow trewly howe : He dothe yowrʾ knyȝthte-hode to vnderstonde Hytte ys yowrʾ wylle they voyde thus londe, For wythe the ffrenche ye wolle nott Batayle, And thatt manhode yn) yow dothe ffayle. Lo, syr, wyche lotie ye ynne hym) fynde. [leaf 42] Sucche frendes were gode to leue be-hynde. Whanne he hym purposethe to do fals thyngge, Thys ys worde : thus wolle the kynge. Alle the defawte he puttethe yn) yow; Thatt hatthe he playnely preued nowe. Thus hathte he fa[l]ssely yow be-trayed. Wythe hys wordes [he] hathe demayed Alle yowrʾ kiryȝthtes and alle yowrʾ oste. By hys doyng¹ ys alle yowrʾ coste Loste, as towchynge thys viage. For euer[y] * knaue and euer[y] page

3398. Before knaue is written knyȝt with a stroke above the y.

Mares spreads false reports.

When he does wrong, he throws the blame on the King.

3380

3384

3388

3392

3396

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

His kyndenes so he wole hym) quyte.

His kendenes so wiɫɫ he quyte. 3380

Thus hatħ Marres quytte hym) to yow,

Thus hathe Marras quyte hym to you,

And I shaɫɫ truly telle yow how :

And I shaɫɫ truly teɫɫ you howe : 3382

He dothe youre knytgħode to vndyr-stonde

He dothe youre knyghthode vnder- stonde

Hit ys youre wylle they voyde this londe, 3384

Hit is youre wiɫɫ þey voyde þe londe,

For witħ the freneħ they wole baytale,

With þe frencħe þey wiɫɫ not bataiɫɫ,

And that yn) yow manhode dothe fayle. [leaf 21.]

And þat In you manhode dothe faiɫɫ.

Loo, Syr, what love in hym) ye fynde,

Loo, sir, what love In hym I fynde.

Suche frendys were goode to leeve behynde. 3388

Soyche frendes were goode to leue behynde.* 3388

Whan) he purposytħ to doo flas thyng,

When he porposeth to do false thynge,

This ys hys worde: Thus wole the kyng.

¹ This is þe wordes : þus wiɫɫ þe kynge.

Alle the fawte he puttetħ in yow;

Aɫɫ þe faute he putteth In you; 3391

That hatħ he playnly proved now. 3392

That hathe he playnle provyde nowe.

Thus he yow hatħ falsly be-trayed

Thus he hathe you be-trayede. [^l leaf 13]

With his wordes, and he hatħ dysmayed

With his wordes he hathe dyssmayde

Alle youre knygħthode and youre Ooste.

Aɫɫ youre knyghthode and youre oste.

And by hys doyng is alle youre coste

And be his doynge is aɫɫ youre coste

Lost, as towchyng this viage. 3397

Loste, as tochynge þis vyage. 3397

For euery knave and euery page

For euery knawe and euery page

1. 3388 after 1. 3389 in MS.

115Spare nott to speke, and sey thatt ȝe Dar nott do butte Ryȝthte as he Wolle yow cancelle; and furder-more They [sey] thatt ȝe haue seyde be-fore Thys londe ye wolle frely conquere, And nowe thus cowarly ende yowrʾ warre, To hem grete harme, to yow grete schame. Off alle thus dede ye bere the blame.” And wythe thatt worde the clerke can wepe So tenderly, he cowde notte lette Off a grete whyle, tylle thatt the kynge Badde hym) be pes, [for of] a thyngge He hym) be-thoȝth, and thatt Ryȝthte thoo. “My frynde,” he sayde, “thou schalte goo On) my erande to the kynge Off Fraunce, and seye hym) my plesynge, Where yffe thatt he * wolde Thatt ij knyȝthtes fyȝthte scholde For thus Ryȝthte and do thus batayle. For welle y wote hytte myȝthte nott fayle, And eche of vs bryngge to the fylde hys oste,*

3412. MS. tħu.

3415. he] MS. ȝe.

3419. MS. este.

3400

3404

3408

3412

3416

He has made all believe that Sornegour dare not fight.

Sornegour bids the clerk go with a message to the King of France, proposing to settle the war by single combat between a French knight and himself.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Sparetħ not to speke, and saythe that ye

Sparyth not to speke, and seyth þat ye

Dare not do but rygħt as he 3400

Dare not do but right as he 3400

Wole yow counsayle; and furthermore

Wiɫɫ you counseɫɫ; and forþer-more

They seyn) / that ye haue here be-fore

They seyn þat ye haue here be-fore

Seyde / this londe ye wole conquere,

Seyde þis londe ye wolde conquere

And now cowardly wole ende youre werre, 3404

And cowardly nowe wiɫɫ ende your warre, 3404

To hem grete harme and yow shame.

To hem grete harme and you shame.

Fuɫɫ his wylleys to put yow in blame.”

His wiɫɫ is to put you In blame.”

And witħ that worde the clerk gan) wepe

And with þat worde þe clerke gan wepe

So tendyrly, he couthe not lete 3408

So tenderly, he couthe not lette 3408

Of a grete whylle, tyɫɫ that the kyng

Of a grete while, tiɫɫ þat þe kynge

Bad hym) be pees; for of a thing

Bade hym be pese; for of o thynge

He hym) be-thougħt, and rygħt thoo

He hym be-þought, and right þo

“My frende,” he sayde, “thow shaɫɫt goo 3412

“My frende,” he seyde, “þou shaɫɫ goo 3412

On) myn) erande to the kyng

On my erende to þe kynge

Of Fraunce, and say my plesyng,

Of Fraunce, and sey my pleseynge,

Whether now yf that he wolde

Wheþer nowe yeff þat he wolde

That two knygħtes fygħt shulde 3416

That ii knyghtes fight shulde 3416

For oure rygħt In þis batayle.

For oure right and do this bataiɫɫ.

For wele I wote I mygħt not fayle,

For weɫɫ I wot I myght not faiɫɫ,

And eche of vs bryng forthe oure Oost,

And iche of vs brynge oure oste,

116Many a gode man) ther schalle be loste. Where-fore my wylle were fully thys, Thatt he wolle ordeyne a knyȝte of hys, Be he genteɫɫ man) or other, And y my-sylffe wolle be the tother. [leaf 42, back] Yff y be slayne yn) thatt fyȝthte, There ys neyther kynge, squyer, ne knyȝthte In my oste, thatt þey ne schalle * do To hym) omage er thatt they goo, Onne thus condicon) thatt they haue leue Thys londe to passe wytħ-owten) greue, And vnder hys cundite thatt they may be, Tyll the[y] be passed alle thus cuntre. And y schalle make hem swere [al]so Heder to sende my sone to do Homage to hym) ynne the same degre, And alle-so, yff ytte appe be me To sle hys champyon) wythe myne hande, Thatt he schalle holde alle hys lande Of me by omage, and sucche seruyce As y my-sylffe nowe [wolle] devyce

3427. MS. schallo.

3430. or lande ?

The party whose champion is slain, is to do homage to the other.

3420

3424

3428

3432

3436

3440

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Many a goode man) there shaɫɫ be lost.

Many a good knyght þer shaɫɫ be loste. 3420

Wherfore my wylle were fully this, 3421

Where-fore my wiɫɫ were fully þis,

That he wolde ordeyn) a knygħt of his,

That he wolde ordeyne a knygħ[t] of his,

Be he gentylman) one or other,

Be he Ientiɫɫ man) oon ore oþere,

And I my-self wole be the other. 3424

And my-selfe wiɫɫ be þat oþer. 3424

If I be slayn) in that figħt, [leaf 21, back]

Yef I be slayne In þat figħt,

Ther ys nether kyng, Squyer, nor knygħt

Ther is noþer kynge, squyre, ne knyght [¹ leaf 13, back]

In myn) Ooste but that they shuɫɫ doo ¹

In my oste but þat þey shuɫɫ do

To hym) homage or than) I goo, 3428

To hym omage ore þen I goo, 3428

On this condycion) that they haue leve

On þis condicion þat þey haue leue

This londe to passe withoute greve,

This londe to passe with-out greue,

And vndyr his condyte that they be,

And vnder his condyte þat þey be,

Tylle they be passid alle his contree.

Tiɫɫ þey be passede aɫɫ þis contre. 3432

And I shaɫɫ make hem) swerre also 3433

And I shaɫɫ make hem swere also

Hider to sende my Son to do

Heþer to sende my son to do

Homage to hym) in the same degree,

Homage to hym In þe same degre,

And also, yf hit nappe me 3436

And also, yef it happe me 3436

To slee his champion) with my ħonde,

To sle his champyon with my honde,

That ye shaɫɫ holde alle his londe

That he shaɫɫ holde aɫɫ his londe

Of me my homage / and whicħ servyse

Of me by omage and by seruyse

As I my-self now wole devyse 3440

As I my-selfe wiɫɫ devyse 3440

117My owne mayne to hym to do. The same to me he motte [do] alleso. Go wryte a letter off thus matere, And to the kynge faste thow ytte bere.”— “Syr,” seyde the clerke, “y schalle do wryte Alle thus matere and ytte endyte, And to the kynge of Fraunce hytte bere. A, Gode mersy ! ynne grete fere Stande alle yowrʾ pepele, and namely ye Thatt bene a lord of so hye degree, Thatt sucche a batayle onne yow wolle take. Yowre mannely herte alle thus dothe make.” And wythe thatt worthe the * clerke dydde turne, And went hys way; for lengger soiorne Wythe the kynge wolde noȝtħ he, Sethe hytte motte no beter bee. He wrote hys letter, and went hys way. He come to Pvntyffe be thatt daye Was so dawed thatt he mowȝth see Alle abowte, and streyȝthte yed he [leaf 43] To the brygge, and faste dyd calle.

3453. the written twice. After

3459. catch-word aɫɫ abowte.

3444

3448

3452

3456

3460

The clerk writes the message, and carries the letter to Pontoise.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl MS.

Myn) owne meyne to hym) to doo.

Myn owne mene to hym to do.

The same to me he must do alsoo.

The same to me he moste do also.

Go write a letter of this matere,

Go wryte a letter of þis mater,

And to the kyng fast thow hit bere.”—

And to þe kynge faste it bere.”— 3444

“Syr,” sayde the clerke, “I shaɫɫ go wryte 3445

“Sir,” seyde þe clerke, “I shaɫɫ goo wryte

Alle the matere and hit endyte,

Aɫɫ þe mater and it endyte,

And to the kyng of Fraunce hit bere.

And to þe kynge of France it bere.

A, God mercy ! now in grete feere 3448

A, God mercy ! in grete fere 3448

May stonde youre people, and namely

May stonde youre pepiɫɫ, and namly

To that be lordes of hye degree truly,

Tho þat be lordes of þe gre truly,

That suche a batayle on) yow wole take.

That soyche a bataiɫɫ on you wiɫɫ take.

Youre manly hert alle this dothe make.” 3452

Youre manly hert aɫɫ þis doth make.”

And witħ that worde the Clerk dyd turne,

And with þat worde þe clerke dyde turne,

And went hys way; for lenger sogeourne

And went his wey; for lenger soIorne

Witħ the kyng wolde then not he,

With þe kynge wolde þen not he,

Sytħ hit mygħt no better be. 3456

Sethe it myght no better be. 3456

He wrote this letter, and went his way.

He wrote þis letter, and went his wey.

He come to Pountyff by the day

He come to Pountyfe be þe day

Was I-dawed, that he mygħt se

Was dawyde, þat he myght see

Alle a-boute, and streygħt yode he

Aɫɫ aboute, and streight yede he 3460

To the kyng, and fast dyd calle. 3461

To þe kynge, and faste dyde caɫɫ.

118The porter lete the drawȝthte down) falle. He axed anone who was there. The Clerke hym answeryd : “A messyngere, Thatt nedys muste speke wytħ yowr kynge; For a letter off credens I hym) brynge. The porter lette hym) ynne anone. To-geder ynto the alle they gone. There they fonde the kyngys [s]t[e]werde; A knyȝthte he semyd and no cowarde. To hym) anone seyde the porter : “Sere, here ys come a messyngere, And seyytħe he mutte for eny thynge Speke wytħ owre lege lorde the kynge.” The steward seyde he was welle-come, And by the honde he hathe hym) nome, And to [the] chamber he hym) ledde. There was the kynge thatt tyme a-bedde. In-to the chamber the stewarde yede, The messynger no ferther wolde he lede. “Gode morwe,” he seyde vnto the kynge. “Syr, y hope gode tythynge, And ye wylle Ryse, ye schalle here.

The porter lets down the drawbridge, and leads him to the steward, who informs the King.

3464

3468

3472

3476

3480

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

The porter lete the draugħt doun) falle,

The porter let þe bryge downe faɫɫ.

He askyd anone who was there. [leaf 22]

He askede anone what he myght be.

The Clerk hym) answerd : “A Messangere, 3464

The clerke seyde a mesengere he, 3464

That nedes must speke with the kyng;

That nedes moste speke with þe kynge;

For letters of credens I Bryng.”

¹ “For letteris of credence I hym brynge.’’

The porter lete hym) in anone.

The porter let hym In anone [¹ leaf 14]

To-gydyr in-to the halle they gone. 3468

To-geder In-to þe haɫɫ þey gon. 3468

There they fonde the kyngis Styward;

Ther þey fonde þe kynges stewarde;

A knygħ[t] he semyd and no coward.

A knyght he semyde and no cowarde.

To hym anone sayde the porter :

To hym anone seyde þe porter :

“Syr, here ys come a Messanger, 3472

“Sir, come is a mesyngere, 3472

And sayth he must for any thyng

And seyth he moste for ony thynge

Speke witħ oure lorde the kyng.” 3474

Speke with oure lorde þe kynge.”

The Styward sayde he was welcome,

The stewarde seyde he was welcome,

And by the hond he hatħ hym) nome,

And be þe honde he hathe hym nome,

And to the chambre dore hym) ledde.

And to þe chambir dore hym lede. 3477

Yett was the kyng that tyme a-bedde.

Then was þe kynge In his bede.

In-to the chambrʾ the Styward yede,

In-to þe chambir þe stewarde yede.

The messanger no further wolde he lede. 3480

The mesengere no forþer he lede. 3480

“Goode morw,” he sayde to the kyng.

“Gode morwe,” he seyde to þe kynge.

“Syr, I ho n ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq49.tif"/> rygħt goode tydyng,

“Sir, I hope Right good tydynge,

And ye wolde ryse, ye shulde here.

And ye wiɫɫ ryse, ye shaɫɫ here.

119For here ys come a messyngere Fro onne off the hethen) kynges. Letterys he hattħ wytħ new tythynges. I hope to God thatt they bene gode.”— “Syr,” seyde the kynge, “nowe hy the rode ! They bene welle-come watt euer they be.” To the steward anone seyde he: “Go for my Cownceɫɫ, and þat anone; And bryngge hem wytħ the euerychone.” These * tythynges herde Partonope, To the kynge faste hyyde he. [Bysshoppis and moche clergy Toward the kyng faste ganne hye.] Dukes, and Barons, and erlys mony one, Where euer they were yn fylde or townne, To the kynge faste canne they hye. [leaf 43, back] Whenne knyȝthtes and squyerys thatt dydde aspye, They made hym redy ynne alle haste, To-ward the kynge they spedde hem faste.

3493. MS. thethe.

3497. or many?

3484

3488

3492

3496

3500

The King commands the steward to call his council.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

For here ys come a messangere 3484

For here is come a mesengere 3484

From) one of the hethen) kingis.

Fro oon of þe hethyn kynges.

Letters he hatħ with new tydyngis.

Letteris he hathe with newe tydynges.

I hope to God they be goode.”—

I hope to God þat þey be goode.”—

“Syr,” sayde the kyng, “now by the roode! 3488

“Sir,” seyde þe kynge, “be þe rode ! 3488

They be welcome, what so euer they be.”

They be welcome, what euer þey be.”

To the Styward a-none sayde he :

To þe stewarde anone seyde he :

“Go for my counsayle, and that anone;

“Goo for my counseɫɫ, and þat anone;

And bryng them witħ the euerychone.”

And brynge hem with þe euery chone.” 3492

These tydyngis herd Partanope. 3493

This tydynges herde Partonope.

To the kyng fast hyed he.

To þe kynge faste hyede he.

Bysshoppis and moche clergy

Bysshoppus and moche clergye

Toward the kyng fast ganne hye. 3496

To-warde þe kynge dyde hye. 3496

Dukes, Erles, and many Baroun),

Dukes, erlis, and many a baroune,

Where euer they were in feelde or town)

Where euer þey were In felde ore towne,

To the kyng fast gan) they hye.

To þe kynge faste gan þey hye.

Whan) Knyħtes and Squyers that dyd aspye, 3500

When knyghtes and squyeres dyde asspye, 3500

They made hem) redy in alle the hast,

They made hem redy In aɫɫ haste,

Toward^ι the kyng they spedde hem) fast.

Towarde þe kynge þey spede hym faste.

120Nowe ys the Cownceɫɫ to the kynge come, Into a chamber where they be wone Alle to-geterʾ for to mete. The kynge anone was made to wete Thatt hys Cownceɫɫ alle redy were. The kynge sente for hys messyngere, And the kyng¹ ther-wytħ dyde gone In to hys Cownsɫɫ ryȝthte anone. Wythe alle hys lordes thatt he myȝth speke and mete, And reuerently hem) alle he grete. God morewe he hem badde by and bye, And onne hys cheyer hym sette onne hye, And he seyde : “Serys, why I Haue sente for yow thus hastelye, Thus ys the cawse, echeman) here : To me ys come a messyngere Fro the hethen) kynge Sornegour. Watte he menythe, why ne where-ffore, I wote neuer; butte there-ffore I Haue sent for yow thus hastelye Thatt ȝe schulde heyre hys entente As welle as y”; and ther-wytħ he sente To thys Clerke, wythte-owten) lette. Anone he come, and downe hym sette Vppon) hys knee fulle Reuerently,

The King advises the council of the messenger and the letter.

The clerk delivers the letter, and going to the window, the King reads it.

3504

3508

3512

3516

3520

3524

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

¹ Now ys the kyngis Counsayle y-come

Nowe is þe kynges counseɫɫ come,

In-to the chambre where they were wone [1 leaf 22, back] 3504

¹ In-to þe chambir þey were nome 3504 [¹ leaf 14, back]

Alle to-gydyr goodely to mete.

Aɫɫ to-geder goodly to mete.

The kyng a-none therof had weete

The kynge anone þer-of hade wete,

That hys counseɫɫ alle redy were.

The kyng sent for his Messangere, 3508

The kynge sent for þe mesengere, 3508

And to his counseɫɫ he gan) hym hye,

Then to chambir he gan hye,

Sayng : “Syres, I shaɫɫ teɫɫ yow why

Seynge : “Siris, I shaɫɫ teɫɫ you why

I haue sent for yow now here :

I haue sent for you nowe here :

To me ys come a messangere 3518

To me is come a mesengere 3518

From the hethen) kyng Sornogoure.

Fro þe hethyn kynge Sornogoure.

What he menytħ, why ne wherfore,

What he menyth, why ne where-fore

I wote neuer; but therfore now I

I wot neuer; but þer-fore I

Haue sent for yow thus hastely 3522

Haue sent for you hastely 3522

That ye shulde here his entent

That ye shaɫɫ here his entente

As wele as I”; and therwitħ he sent

As weɫɫ as I”; and þer-with assente

For this Messanger, which that reueren[t]ly

For þis mesenger, whych þat reuerently

121And salyed the kynge and seyde : “Syr, I Am) come fro Sornegour a messyngere, And brynge yow letterys. Loo, syr, here They bene redy. Wolle ye hem) see ?” The kyngge hym) answeryd : “Take hem mee.” The letterys the kynge toke of the Clerke, And by-cawse the howse was alle derke, Vppe he rose, and streyȝthte he wente To the wendowe, and thenne he sente [leaf 44] For serten) lordys that were moste preve, Off wyche onne was Partonope. When) they were come, the letter he toke, And brake the seale, and there-onne gan) loke, And redde hytte ouer, and sawe the entente Off kynge Sornegour, and watt he mente. They yeve hym) pryse of hys knyȝthode. In) hym, they seyde, ther lacked no manhode. A-none ther-wytħ Partonope Knelyd adowne apon) hys knee, And to the kynge seyde : “Yeff me * myne honowre Love, lette me wythe Sornegowrʾ For yow to do now thys batayle.”

3547. me] MS. ye.

3528

3532

3536

3540

3544

3548

Partonope kneels down, and asks the King’s permission to do battle with Sornegour.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Salued the kyng, and sayde : “Syr, truly, 3528

Saluede þe kynge and seyde : “Sir, truly, 3528

I am sent from Sornogourea messangere,

I am sent fro Sornogoure a mesengere,

And bring yow letters. Loo, Syr, here

And brynge you letteris. Lo, sir, here

They be redy. Wole ye hem) see ? “

They be redy. Wiɫɫ ye hem see ?”

The kyng answeryd: “Take hem) me.”

The kynge answerde : “Take hem me.” 3532

To he hem) brakke, and they were redde

Tho he hem brake and þey were rede

Amonge the lordes that he there hadde

Amonge þe lordes þat he þer hade

Of his Counsɫɫ that were pryve,

Of his counseɫɫ þat were preve,

Of whicħ one was Partanope, 3538

Of which on was Partonope, 3538

And sawe than) what Sornogoure entent,

And sawe þer what Sornogour mente,

Alle his matere that he had sent.

Aɫɫ his mater he hade sente.

They gytf hym) pryce of hye knyght-hode,

They gaf hym prys of higħ knygthode,

In hym they sye no lacke of manhode.

In hym þey se no lake of manhode.

Anone therwitħ Partanope 3545

Anone þer-with Partonope 3545

Kneled doun) vpon) his knee,

Knelyde downe vppon his knee,

Seyd to the kyng : “Gyff me myn) honoure,

Seyde to þe kynge: “Gyf me my honoure

That I may fygħt witħ Sornogoure.

That I may fight with Sornogoure.

For yow wole I do this batayle.” 3549

For you wiɫɫ I do þis bataiɫɫ.” 3549

122The kynge anone wytħ-owten) fayle Thancked hyely Partonope, And seyde : “Y wote Ryȝthte welle thatt ye Haue manhode y-nowe and eke Corage. Butte for to speke off mannys agee, Ye er butte yonge, nott gretely asayde— Off thatt y sayde butħ not dysmayed— And he ys preuyd a manly knyȝtħte; For yn) many a perilows fyȝthte Hathe he done masteres wytħ hys honde, Mo thenne eny man) yn) thys londe. Anne there-fore [cosyn] I praye yowe Hertely, off thus matere nowe To me ye speke neuer more. For hytte schulde greue me so sore Yff there ffylle eny messawnter. Y hadde leuer my dethe endure, Or me helde as a prysonere, Thanne grawnte yow thus, my own) fere.” Thanne answeryd the kynge Partonope : “Syr,” he sayde, “trewly yeff ȝee Wolle notte graunte me thus Batayle, I saye yow playnely, wytħ-owten) fayle,

3560. or lande?

The King objects that Partonope is rather young, and asks him to speak no more of the matter.

Partonope insists on fighting.

3552

3556

3560

3564

3568

3572

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

The kyng anone witħouten) fayle

The kynge anone with-out faiɫɫ

Thanked hygħly Partanope,

Thankede higħly Partonope:

And sayde : “I wote rygħt weɫɫ that ye 3552

“I wot right weɫɫ þat ye 3552

Haue manhode ynougħ and corage.

Haue manhode I-nowe and corage.

After 1. 3553 one leaf has been torn out.

But for to speke of mans age,

Ye be but yonge, not gretly assayde—

Of þat I sey be not mysspayde— 3556

And he is provyde a manly knygħt;

For In many a perlus figħt [leaf 15]

He hathe don maistres with honde,

Mo þen ony man) with-In his londe.

And þer-fore, cossyn, I praye you 3561

Hertly, of þis mater nowe

To me ye speke no more.

For I hade leuer soffer grete sore 3564

Then harme shulde come you nere.

I wiɫɫ not you graunt, my owne fere.”

To þis answerde Partonope : 3569

“Sir,” he seyde, “truly yef þat ye

Witt not graut me þis bataiɫɫ,

I sey you pleynly, saunȝ faiɫɫ, 3572

123Yowrʾ seruyce for euer y refuse.” [leaf 44, back] Onne thus worde the kynge gretely ganne muse, And answeryd * wytħ wepyng¹ chere : “Myne owne Cosy n ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq50.tif"/> , myne owne fere ! Alle myne owne truste stonte yn) yowe. And yff ye wylle alle-gate nowe Thys perielys Batayɫɫ take yn) honde, Ye be cheffe Cownceɫɫ of thus londe, And as ye wylle so motte hytt bee. For trewly, Cosyn), ne hadde ye Come ynto Fraunce atte thus tyme, I wote welle y and alle myne Hadde bene Chassed owte of Fraunce. Butte my tryste and myn) adffyawnce, My ffayre Cosyn), ys alle onno yow. Onne vs alle haue mersy nowe. For y excuse me for euer-more, And seye playnely hytt goytħ fulle sore Aȝens alle reson) and alle skele. Butte loo, y putte me yn) yowrʾ wylle.”  In thus wyse answeryd Partonope :  “Alle-myȝthty God, y praye thatt ye  Helpe me ynne yowrʾ ownne Ryȝthte. Onne [me] y take thus ylke afyȝthte Yowrʾ lawe fully to defende. There-to [oure] lord me grase sende.”— “Nowe,” sayde the kynge, “Partonope, As ye wolle saye hytte muste nedys be.” And there-wythe ffrendely he hym) kyste, And seyde : “Y hope for yowrʾ beste Yowrʾ vndertakynge schalle nowe bee. There[-to] yow helpe the trinite !”

3575. MS. adds the kynge before wytħ.

3576

3580

3584

3588

3592

3596

3600

3604

The King still tries to dissuade him, and reminds him how valuable his services are in France; but as Partonope is still tirm in his resolution, the King finally assents.

Rawl. MS.

Youre seryse for euer I refuse.”

We hade be In grette peyne.”

At þis worde þe kynge gan mvse,

Then seyde Partonope þe worthy:

And at þe laste seyde : ‘‘In affyaunce,

“The yelde God almygħty, 3594

Yef ye wiɫɫ so you avaunce,

And he helpe me In youre rigħt;

As ye woɫɫ, so mot it be. 3581

For on me I take þis fight 3596

For truly, cossyn, hade not ye

Youre enemys fuɫɫ for to defende,

Come In-to Fraunce at þis tyme,

That grace oure lorde me sende.”

124And ther-wytħ-alle streyȝte he wente To hys cheyre, and faste sente For alle hy[s] hole Cheualrye, And thenne he sayde : “the cawse whye I haue atte thus tyme sende for yow. Kynge Sornegour hathe send me nowe A letter—here stant the messengere— And seyythe, yeffe I wolle, hys wylle were, [leaf 45] Forto trye owre bothe Ryȝthtes, Thys batayɫɫe to stonnde be-twyn) ij knyȝthtes. Thys ys the cause* of his menynge, For to Eschewe grete blode schedynge. For thus ys seker, wytħ-owten) fayle, Yeffe we bothe come to batayle, Thatt bothe owre ostes to-geder mete, Many a man) schalle ther hys lyffe lete. Inne hys cawse hym)-sylffe wylle fyȝthte, For he hym)-sylffe schalle be hys knyȝthte. And y another knyȝthte motte sende Wythe hym) to fyȝthte, ther to defende The Ryȝthte thatt longethe to thus londe. [For he hathe fully take on honde,] Yeff he ynne thus Batayle slayne bee, Knyȝthtes and Duckes of thatt Cuntree And other lordes alle eke ther-too, Schalle do me Omage, er thatt they goo, And olde ther londes euer of me. And eke ther-to they schulle swore bee

3615. the cause written twice.

The King summons his knights, and informs them that, in order to avoid bloodshed,a single combat is to take place between Sornegour and a French knight.

The defeated party is to do homage to the other.

3608

3612

3616

3620

3624

3628

3632

Rawl. MS.

The kynge set hym amonge his chevalrye,

And bothe our ostes to-geder mete,

¹Many a man his lyfe shaɫɫ lete. 3620

And seyde : “Siris, I teɫɫ you cause why 3608

In þis case hym-selfe wiɫɫ figħt,

For he wiɫɫ be þe too knyght. [¹1.15 back]

I haue do rede þis nobiɫɫ letter,

And I anoþer knyght moste fynde

Whiche seyth þus and no better :

With hym to fight and defende 3624

Yef I wiɫɫ, his fuɫɫ entente were 3612

The Ryght þat longyth to þis londe.

For to trye out In þis manere

For he hathe fully take on honde,

The cleyme of oure bothe rightes

Yef he In þis bataiɫɫ slayn be,

To be In bataiɫɫ be-twyx ij knyghtes.

Kynges and dukes of his contre, 3628

This is þe cause of his meny[n]ge 3615

And aɫɫ his lordes of his contre þer-to

For to esschewe grete blode shedynge.

Shuɫɫ do me omage, ore þey goo,

For þis is sekere, with-out faiɫɫ,

And holde þer londes euer of me.

Yef we bothe come to bataiɫɫ,

Ther-to þey shaɫɫ ensurede be 3632

125To sende me hys Eldyste sone; And eke he schalle do as they haue done. And so happe thatt my knyȝthte * bee Dyscumfyte or slayne yn) the degre, I and thus Reme motte stonde To do hym) Omage, and holde owre londe Ryȝthte off hym) as he schulde of mee, Yffe he slayne or dyscumfyte bee. To Partonope y grawnte thus Batayle. I Charge yow alle thatt ȝe nott fayle To-morew be-tyme redy to bee Wytħ my Cosyn), and eke wytħ mee, Armed be-fore the Casteɫɫ of Chars. Hytt ys gode afore to be warys. For yf he mene vntrewly, Thenne er we redy Boldely Vs to defente, yffe he assayle. [leaf 45, back] And yffe so falle thus Batayle He parforme wytħ trewe entente, I wolle ȝe alle, by onne asente, Vn)-arme yow ynne preue manere, And make non) ado butte as no3tħ were. I Charge yow alle eke ther-too,

3635. my knyȝthte] MS. myȝthte.

3637–38. or lande : stande ?

3636

3640

3644

3648

3652

He has granted the venture to Partonope.

The French army is to meet the next morning in arms before Chars, and act according to circumstances.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

To sende me his eldyste sone;

And he shaɫɫ do as þey haue done.

And it hape þat my knyght be 3635

Dysscomfyte ore slayne In þat degre,

And I also with my reme moste stonde

To do hym omage, and oure londe

Holde of hym as he shulde of me.

And I teɫɫ you with-out faiɫɫ

To Partonope I haue gyfe þe bataiɫɫ. 3641

To-morwe ye moste redy be 3643

To go with my cossyn and me,

Armede be-fore þe casteɫɫ of Chare.

Hit is good fore to be ware.

Then) are we redy fuɫɫ boldly 3648

Vs to defende yef he assaiɫɫ.

And yef he truly þis bataiɫɫ

Parforme as he hathe mente,

That þen) ye may, be on assente, 3652

Vn-arme hem In preve manere,

¹ And make no noyse as noght were. 3654

And make noyse as nought were.

I charge yow alle eke therto, [¹ leaf 23]

I charge you aɫɫ eke þer-to,

126Whenne euen) comythe, that ȝe goo Barefutte yn) prosescione To euery Churche ynne thus towne, And praye the holy trinite To owre worchyppe thatt he wolle see, And Crystes lawe euer he saue A[nd] on vs alle mersy to haue.”  The kynge atte thys tyme seyytħ no more  Ne alle the lordes, but wonder sore  They syke, and many tenderly Wepe and waylythe * fulle hevelye. The kynge anone a letter lete wryte, And bade the secreatory ytte welle endyte, Thatt Sornegour myȝthte knowe hys entente. The se[c]ratory forthe ynne haste wente Thys letter fully to endyte, And alle the kynge-ys entente to wryte. Thys letter in haste ys wrete and made. The kynge comawndytt anone and bade The hethen) clerke hytte to take, And that he schulde no tarrynge make,

3662. After a a blot in MS. and then onne crossed out; on vs is written above alle.

3666. MS. walkythe. 3670. sar underdotted after The.

In the evening prayers should be read everywhere.

The King orders his secretary to write the reply.

3656

3660

3664

3668

3672

3676

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Whan) evyn) cometħ, that ye goo 3656

When evyn) comyth, þat ye goo 3656

Bare-foote lowly on) procession)

Barfoote lowly on pressission)

To euery cherche now in this town),

To euery chirche In þis towne,

And pray we to the Holy Trynyte

And praye we to þe holy trenyte

To oure worshi p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq51.tif"/> that he wole see, 3660

To oure worchipe þat he wiɫɫ see, 3660

And Crystes lawe euer he save,

And Crystes lawe euer he save,

And on) vs alle mercy to haue.”

And on vs aɫɫ mercy haue.” [¹ leaf 16]

THe kyng at this tyme saythe nomore,

¹ The kynge at þis tyme seyth no more,

Ne alle the lordes, but wondyr sore

Ne aɫɫ þe lordes, but wonder sore 3664

They sygħ, and many one fuɫɫ tendyrly

They sigħ, and many fuɫɫ tenderly

Wepid and weylid rygħt hevyly. 3666

Wepte and waylede fuɫɫ petuously.

The kyng anone a letter gan) wryte,

HEre þe kynge a letter dyde wryte,

And bad the Secretary hit weɫɫ endyte,

And bade þe secretory it endyte,

That Sornogoure mygħt know hys entent.

That Sornogoure myght knowe his entente. 3669

The Secrytary now forthe ys went. 3670

This letter in hast ys wryten) and made.

This leter is wretyn in haste. 3673

The kyng anone comaundyd and bade

The kynge comondyde faste

The hethen) clerk hit to take, 3675

The hethyn clerke it to take,

And that he shulde no taryng make

And þat he shulde no taryinge make,

127Butte bere hytte to kynge Sornegour, And seye hym) thatt “the cheffe fflowre Off my knyȝthode wytħ hym schalle fyȝthte, Wythe Goddys grase, and saue my Ryȝthte.” Thys letter thys Clerke hatthe taken) ynne haste, And to hys kynge hyed hym) faste. Thys Clerke to Chars ys come. The kynge [hym] seythe, and sayde : “Welcome.” The clerke downe knelythe afore the kynge : [leaf 46] “Syr,” he seyde, “letterys y brynge Vnder the kynge-ys seale off Fraunce. Redythe hym) ouer, for gode purviaunce For thys Batayle hytte nedythe make. For sucche one hathe ytte vnder-take, Hytte nedythe welle now avysed to be.” Thanne sayde the kynge : “Canste thow telle me Wo ys the man), and wate ys hys name?” Thenne seyde the Clerke : “Gretely to blame Ellys where I. I dyd hym see. Hys name ys syr Partonope, Inne wħomme the kynge hathe grete affyaunce, And affter alle the reme* off Fraunce.” * Then) answeryd kynge Sornegour :

3698. reme] MS. kynge. After this line the MS. adds: I motte fyȝthte wate happe or Chaunce, cf. 1. 3702.

3680

3684

3688

3692

3696

The heathen clerk hastens back to Chars, and delivers the letter, with warnings of Partonope’ s prowess.

Sornegour is delighted to fight with the flower of knighthood.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

But bere hit to Sornogoure the kyng,

But heryth Sornogoure þe kynge,

And say to hym) “a knygħt ying

And sey to hym a knyght yenge 3678

Of myne witħ hym) shaɫɫ fygħt,

Of myn) with hym shaɫɫ figħt,

With Goodys grace, and save my rygħt.” 3680

With Goddes leue, to saue my rigħt.”

The letter this clerk hatħ take in hast,

The letter þe clerke hathe in haste,

And to his lorde hym) hyed fuɫɫ fast.

And to his lorde hym hyede faste.

And whan) he had hym) in seyng :

When) he hade hym In syinge : 3683

“Syr,” he sayde, “letters now I bryng

“Sir,” he seyde, “letter nowe I brynge

Vndyr the kynges Seale of Fraunce.

Vnder þe kynges seaɫɫ of Fraunce.

Redytħ hem) and make purvyaunce,

Redyth hem and make purvyaunce,

For this batayle hit nedytħ to make.

For þis bataiɫɫ is nedyth to make.

For suche oon) hatħ hit vndyrtake 3690

For soyche on hathe it vnder-take

Whoos name ys Partanope, 3696

Whose name is Partonope, 3696

Floure y-callid of that Contree,

Floure I-callede of þat contre,

In whom) the kyng hatħ grete affyaunce,

In whom he hathe his affyaunce, 3697

And so hatħ all the Rewme of Fraunce.”

And so hathe aɫɫ þe reme of Fraunce.”

Than) answerid kyng Sornogoure : 3699

Then) answerde kynge Sornogoure :

128“I thanke God hyely, for wythe the fflowrʾ Off alle knyȝghthode of alle the Reme off Fraunce I motte fyȝthte, wate happe * or chaunce Me euere ffalle ynne thys fyȝthte. I hope, lorde, thorow thy myȝthte To saue my worchypp and myne honowrʾ, Sethen) he off Cheualrye ys the fflowre, Off alle Fraunce eke the Gentyleste. So mutte y fyȝthte wythe [the] beste, Wyche to me ys grete honowre.” Thus answeryd the Clerke kynge Sornegour. And at * þat worde he sent anone For alle hys cownsayle be one and one. To hym) come kynge Fursyne,* Kynge Loemer,* and kyng Fab[u]rynne, And Marukyn),* and false Marres Comethe forthe wytħ hem) ynne the presse. “Lordynges,” he sayde, “hytt ys my wylle My cownseɫɫ yow telle, for hytte ys skelle Ye ytte wete : for yesterd-day dy-verse * I fownde yow alle; for eche man) dyd trauerse [1f. 46, bk.] 3720

3702. MS. happte.

3711. at] MS. thatt.

3713. MS. furfyne.

3714. MS. leomer.

3715. MS. Mavrekyn).

3719. MS. ey werse.

He calls his council, and informs them of his decision.

3700

3704

3708

3712

3716

3720

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl MS.

“I thanke God highly, for witħ the floure [¹ leaf 23, back] 3700

“I thanke God highly, for with þe floure 3700

Of knyghthode now in Fraunce

Of knyghthode nowe In Fraunce

I must fygħt, what happe or chaunce

I moste fight, what hape ore chaunce

Me euer falle this day in fygħt. 3703

Me euer faɫɫ at þis tyme In figħt.

Yett I hope, lorde, thorow they mygħt

Yet I hope, lorde, þorwe þy mygħt

To save now myn) honoure,

To save nowe myne honoure, 3705

Thogħ I fygħt with this gay floure.”

Thougħ I figħt with þe gay floure.”

And witħ that worde he sent anone

And with þat worde he sent anone

For alle hys counsayle by one and one.

For aɫɫ his counseɫɫ by on and on. 3712

To hym) ther come king Sursyn), 3713

To hym þer comyth kynge Sursyn,

Kyng Loymer, and kyng Fabouryn),

Kynge Loemere and kynge Fabryne,

And Marukyn), and fals Marres 3715

And Marken, and false Marras 3715

Come forthe witħ hem) in-to the prees.

¹ Come furthe with hym In-to þe prese.

“Lordyngis,” he sayde, “hit ys my wille

“Lordynges,” he seyde, “it is my Wiɫɫ [¹ leaf 16, back]

My counsɫɫ yow to telle, as yt ys skylle.

My counseɫɫ you to teɫɫ, it is skitɫɫ.

Ye wote welle that yesterday diuers

Ye wot weɫɫ þat yesterday deuerse

I founde yow alle / for eche man) dyd travers 3720

I founde you aɫɫ; fro iche travers 3720

129Other-ys wette, ther as to cownseɫɫ I dyd yow calle to se ynne watte perelle We stodde ynne, and in watte dystawnnce, There-agayne to make gode ordynaunce. Whenne ye were come, ye toke non) hede To my worcheppe ne to my manhede. [M]I cowncelle there-fore y take; For no man) y wolle ytte neuer for-sake. Be hytt gode or ylle, ytte ffalletħ on* me. The kynge-ys letterys off Fraunce here they be, Sythe howe he wrytethe, and ynne wate forme, For alle the couenauntes* y wylle parforme.” They brake the letter, and dyd hyt rede. [They seye] The sentence, and ynne grete drede Alle these lordes stode euerychone. Off hem) alle ther was* nott one Thatt here-to therste saye a worthe, Butte stoden) alle stylle be one acorde. To hem) thenne seyde the [stowte] kynge:

3729. on] MS. for.

3732. MS. comawmentes.

3736. alle ther was] MS. ther was alle.

3724

3728

3732

3736

He reproves their past conduct.

The letter is read.

They are silent.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Others witte, there as to counseɫɫ

Oþer wyte þer as to counseɫɫ

I calde yow to teɫɫ what pereɫɫ

We stande in, and in what dystaunce,

We stonde In, and In what þis-staunce.

And there-ayen) to make goode ordynaunce. 3724

When) ye were come, ye toke none heede

When) ye were come, ye toke none hede 3725

To my worshi p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq52.tif"/> ne to my manhede.

To my worchipe ne to my manhede.

Myn) owne Counseyle therfore I take;

Myne owne counseɫɫ þer-for I take;

For no man) I wylle hit neuer for-sake.

For no man) I wiɫɫ it neuer for-sake.

Be hit goode or evyɫɫ hit fallitħ on) me.

Be it good ore iɫɫ it faɫɫ on me, 3729

The kynges letres of Fraunce here they be. 3730

The kynges letter of Fraunce here þey be.

Seetħ how he wrytetħ, and in wħat fourme,

Sethe howe he wryth, and In what forme, 3731

For alle the covenauntis I wylle parforme.”

For aɫɫ þe covenantes I shaɫɫ parforme.”

They brake the letters, and them) dyd rede.

They brake þe letter, and hem dyde rede.

Theysygħt the sentens, and in grete drede

They sawe þe sentence, and In grete drede

Alle these lordes than) stode echone.

Aɫɫ þis lordes þey stode ichone.

Of hem) alle there was not one 3736

Of hem aɫɫ þer was but on 3736

That there durst say a worde,

That þer durste sey on worde,

But stode alle stylle by one acorde.

But stode aɫɫ stiɫɫ at on acorde.

To hem) than) sayde this stowte kyng :

To hem seyde þis stoute kynge:

PARTONOPE.

K

130“I warne yow, seres, off one thynge : Fro thus entent to a Newe None off yow schalle me remeve.” Fyrste off alle thenne spake syr Fursynne : * “Sythe off yowrʾ wylle thus ys the fyne Thatt fro thus prosses ȝe wylle not goo, I canne no more saye ther-too, Butte erly to-morewe thatt alle men) be In the ffylde armed to make yowr asemele, Thatt ye mowe stonde ynne saue garde, And euery man) kepe hys owne warde.” Alle they agreyd hem to thus worde, And to hys herbrow went euery lorde.  [At] Morewe anone as hytte was day,  The sonne here bemus schewyd fulle gaye.  The mynstrallys here Trumpes gan) sowne. There-wythe there Oste they dyde some [leaf 47] To arme hem) faste, and redy make Anone the fylde for to take. By thowsandys they drawytħ to the felde Wytħ maney an * helme and many a schylde.

3743. MS. furfynne.

3760. an] MS. and.

Fursin proposes that all should go armed to camp, to safeguard the king.

At sunrise, the Saracens assemble, with helm and shield.

3740

3744

3748

3752

3756

3760

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

“I warne yow, Syres, of oo thyng :

“I ware you, seris, of on thynge :

Fro this entent vnto a new 3741

Fro þis entente vnto a newe 3741

None of yow alle shalle me renew.”

None of you shaɫɫ me remeve.”

Fyrst of yow alle than) spake Sursyn).

Firste of aɫɫ þen) spake Sursyn :

“Sethe of youre wiɫɫ þis is þe fyne 3744

That fro þis porpose ye wiɫɫ not goo,

I can) no more sey þer-to,

¹ But Erly to-morow lat alle men be 3747

But erly to-morwe let aɫɫ men be 3747

In þe felde armed and make youre assemble, [¹ leaf 24] 3748

In felde armede at youre essemble,

That ye may stonde in safe garde,

That ye may stonde In safe garde,

And euery man kepe his owne warde.”

And euery man kepe his owne warde.”

Alle they a-greed hem to this oo worde,

At þat tyme þey seyde no mo worde, 3751

And to her herburgħ went euery lorde.

To þer loggynge went euery lorde. *

AT morow whan hit was day, 3753

¶ At morwe when it was day,

The Svnne her bemes shewed gay.

The son here bemys shewyde gay. 3754

The Mynstralles her trvmpes gvnne sown.*

The menstreɫɫes þer trompus gan sounne.

Therwytħ the Ooste they dyd somoun)

There-with þe oste þey dyde somoune

To arme hem fast and redy make 3757

Anone þe felde freshly to make, 3757

Anone the felde frely to take.

To arme hem faste and redy make.

Be thousandis they draw to the feelde

By þousondes þey drewe to þe feldes

Wytħ many helme and brygħt Sheelde.

With many helmes and bright sheldes [leaf 17]

After 3743 catch-word But erly.

11. 3755–56 are inverted in MS.

11. 3751–52 are inverted in MS.

131The kynge hym armed, and as seythe [the] bocke, In grete haste, and wytħ hym toke Faburine, Fursynne,* and Marres, Loemere,* Marukyn),* and moche prese. Wythe hym come mony a spere and schelde. Anone as they come to the fylde, Here Bataylys ffaste they dyd araye. I-armed they were fulle ffresche and gaye. Onne the tother syde come the kynge of Fraunce Wythe alle hys kynne and alle hys affyaunce, And wytħ hym Broȝthte Partonope. And heven)[-ly] ytte was hym) to see, So ȝonge, so fresche, so welle be-sene. To praye for hym) eche man) was fayne. The ffrensche dem[en]ed hym) fulle eselye, And prayyd God fulle besely To saue here worchyppe and here Ryȝthte. So hadde they do be-ffore alle nyȝthte, Leyne ynne prayerys and ynne wepynge. On) the ffylde to hem warde come prekynge

3763. MS. Fabrune, furfynne(?).

2764. MS. leomere, Mavrekyn).

3764

3768

3772

3776

3780

Sornegour comes to the field accompanied by his vassals and Mares.

The King of France arrives with Partonope, and they pray all night.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

The kyng hym armed, as saytħ the booke,

The kynge hym armede, as seth þe boke,

In grete hast, and wytħ hym toke

In grete haste, and with hym toke

Sursyn, Fabur, and eke Marres,

Sursyn, Fabris, and eke Marras, 3763

Loemer, Marukyn), and Sarres. 3764

Loemers, Markyn, and eke Surris.

“Wytħ hem come many Spere and Shelde.

with hem come many spere and shelde.

As sone as they come to the feelde,

As sone as þey come In-to þe felde,

Her Bataylles fast they dyd aray.

Here bataiɫɫes faste dyde array.

Armed they were bothe fressħ and gay.

Armede þey were freshe and gay. 3768

On that tother syde come the kyng of Fraunce 3769

On þat oþer syde þe kynge of Fraunce

“Wytħ alle hys kynne and alleaunce,

With aɫɫ his kyne and alyaunce,

And wytħ hym brougħt Partanope.

And with hym brought Partonope.

Hevenly hit was hym to see, 3772

An hevynly sight it was hem to see,

So yonge, so fressħ, so wele be-seen.

So yonge, so freshe, so weɫɫ be-sene.

To pray for hym they besy been.

To praye for hym þey besy bene.

The frencħ demenyd hem ful esyly,

The french deynede hem eysely,

And prayde to God fuɫɫ hertyly 3776

And prayede to God fuɫɫ hertly 3776

To save her worsshy p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq53.tif"/> and her ryght.

To save þer worchipe and þer rigħt.

So had they do be-fore alle nygħt.

So hade þey do aɫɫ þe nyght.

Ouer the feelde to hem came prikyng

Ouer þe felde to hem come pre-kynge

3764. MS. snrris (i indistinct).

132Kynge Loemers* and Erle Marres Owte fro amonge the hethen) presse To the kynge of Fraunce streyȝthte To wete yff thus ylke affyȝthte Schulde be holden) and alle the Cownandes. To hem) answeryd the kynge of Fraunse : “Say* kynge Sornegour* thatt y haue y-sayde Schalle so be holde thatt wele apayed He and alle hys schulde bee. Where-ffore y wolle anone thatt hee Take wytħ hym an .c. knyȝthtes, And come downe streyȝte to the lyystys, Owte ffrome hys oste; and thenne schalle I [leaf 47, back] Do the same, and there by and bye Schalle the Cownauntes rehersyd be Be-twyn) hym) and Partonope. There we schalle [holde] owre parlement And schewe playnely owrʾe eythyr entente.” To thus ther was no more to do; They were alle greyd ther-too. And ynne thus wyse anon) they mette, And Curtesly* eche oder grette.

3781. MS. leomers; kynge seems marked for erasure before Erle.

3787. say] MS. Syr.

3794. D in Do written like an S.

3802. MS. Curstely.

Loemer and Mares repair to the French camp to hear the covenant.

The King proposes to bring a hundred armed knights to the lists, and to rehearse the covenant there.

The Kings meet courteously, and Fursin rehearses the covenant.

3784

3788

3792

3796

3800

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Erle Marres and Loemer the kyng

Erle Marras and Loemers þe kynge

To hem of Fraunce then fuɫɫ streygħt

To hem of France þen fuɫɫ streigħt

To wytte yf that this noble fyght 3784

To wyte yef þis nobiɫɫ fight 3784

Shulde be holde and

Shulde be holde and aɫɫ covenauntes.

To hym answeryd the kyng of Fraunce :

To hem answerde þe kynge of France :

“Say kyng Sornogour that I haue sayde [¹ leaf 24, back]

“Sey kynge Sornogoure þat I haue seyde [¹ leaf 17, back]

¹In no wyse for me shaɫɫ be renayed. 3788

In no wyse shaɫɫ be renayede. 3788

Therfore he wytħ an) hundred knyghtes

There-fore he with an honderde knyghtes.

Lat hym come downe to the lystes 3792

Let hem come downe to þe lystes 3792

Oute from) hys Ooste; and than shaɫɫ I

Out fro his oste, and þen shaɫɫ I

Do the same, and there by and by

Do þe same, and þat by and by

Shaɫɫ alle the Covenauntes rehersyd be

Shaɫɫ aɫɫ þe cov[en]auntes rehersede be

Be-twix hym and Partanope. 3796

Be-twyx hym and Partonope. 3796

There we shaɫɫ holde oure parlament

There we shaɫɫ holde oure parlement

And shew playnly alle oure entent.”

And shewe playnly oure entente.”

To this there was nomore to do;

To þis þer was no more to do;

They were alle a-greed therto. 3800

They were aɫɫ gaderde þerto. 3800

And in this wyse anone they mete,

¹And In þis wyse a-none þey mete,

And curtesly other goodely grete.

And courtesly eyþer oþer grete.

3788. MS. remayed.

133Schortely off thus to make a ffyne, The hethen) putte up Fursyne* To reherse the Covenauntes Thatt holde schulde be be-twyn) hem and * Fraunce. Kynge Fursyne,* thus worthy knyȝthte, Rehersyd the Covenauntes off thus fyȝthte, And tolde the trowthe off the recorde, In sucche wysse that euery worde Acordyd to here bothe wrytynge. Where-ffore the lordes made grete praysynge Off hys dyscrescon) and off hys wytte, And seyde to fulle-fylle ytte As he had sayde, alle redy were. The hethen) knyȝthtes anone dyd swere Vppon) sucche relakys as they hadde These Covenauntes to holde suerly and sadde. The kynge of Fraunce yn) the other syde Alle[-so] swore, watte so euer be-tyde, The Covenauntes thatt he wolde trewly Holde, as they* ther-to by and bye

3804. MS. furfyne.

3806. MS. & written above off, omitted in the text.

3807. MS. Furfyne.

3822. as they] MS. and.

3804

3808

3812

3816

3820

Oaths are sworn on relics by both sides.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Shortly of this to make a fyne, •

Shortly of þis to make fyne,

The hethyn put vpon) Sursyn 3804

The hethyn put vppon Sursyn) 3804

To reherce alle the covenauntes

To reherse þe couenauntes

That shulde be holde be-twyxt hem and Fraunce.

That shulde be holde be-twyx þem and vs.

Kyng Sursyn, that worthey knyght,

Kynge Sursyn, þis worthy knyght,

Rehersed the covenauntes of this fygħt,

Rehersyde þe couenauntes of þis figħt,

And tolde the trouthe of the a-corde,

And tolde þe trouth of þe acorde, 3809

In which wyse that euery worde 3810

In whiche wyse þat euery worde

Was agreed to her bothe wrytyng.

Were a-greede to þer bothe wrytynge.

Where-fore the lordis made grete prays-yng 3812

Where-fore þe lordes made grete preys-ynge 3812

Of his discresion) and of his wytte,

Of hys dysscression) and of his wyte,

And sayde alle they wolde fulfelle hyt

And seyde aɫɫ þey woɫɫ fully it

As he had sayde they redy were. 3815

As he hede seyde þey redy were. 3815

The hethen knygtes anone dyd swere

The hethyn knyghtes anone dyde swere

Vpon) suche Relyk as they hadde

Uppon) soyche relykes as þey hade

These covenauntes to holde surely and sadde.

Cou[en]auntes to holde surely and sade.

The kyng of Fraunce on) the other syde

The kynge of France on þat oþer syde

Also sware, what euer betyde, 3820

Also sware, whateuer so be-tyde, 3820

The covenauntes he wolde fuɫɫ truly

Holde hem, as they there by and by

3818. On margin Couenantes added by a later hand.

11.815–16 inverted in MS.

134Were rehersyd by kynge Fursyne.* Thus off here Covenauntes thus ys the fyne. Thanne made they herodes stonde on) hye To make an) Oye and a crye, Onne payne off losynge off lyffe and leme, Eche man) schulde on)-arme hym). Somegour comawndyd off hys knyȝthtes A thowsand welle armed to kepe the lyystes, Thatt no man) scholde so hardy bee [leaf 48] In-to [the] lyestes to make entre, Ne alle-so no man) to go owte. Onne the ffrenche seyde a M^ɫi knyȝthtes stowte * Where armed to kepe thus affyaunce, And thatt the worthyeste off alle Fraunce, Redy onne horse-backe wytħ spere and schylde, Where ordeyned to kepe the ffrenche fylde, Thatt no Ryott schulde aRyse. Thus fylde was ryalle to devyse

3823. MS. Furfyne.

3825. or stande ?

3834. stowte] MS. stode.

The heralds impose disarming.

A thousand aimed knights of either army shall guard the lists.

3824

3828

3832

3836

3840

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Where rehersyd by kyng Sursyn).

Were rehersyde be kynge Sursyn).

Thus of these covenauntes here ys the fyne. 3824

Thus of þe cou[en]auntes here is þe fyne.

Than made they an) herawde stond an hye

Then an heroude stode vp an hye 3825

To make a certayn noyes and crye

To make serten oyes and crye

In payne of lesyng lyfe and lymme

In peyne of lesynge of lyfe and lyme

Eche man shulde vnarme hym. 3828

Eicħe man) [un-]arme heme. 3828

Sornogour commaundyd of his knygħtes

Sornogour comondyde of his knyghtes

A thowsand weɫɫ armed to kepe the lystys, [leaf 25]

A þousonde weɫɫ armede to kepe lystes,

That no man shulde so hardy be

That no man) shulde so hardy be

In-to the lystes to make entree, 3832

In-to þe lystes to make entre, 3832

Ne also no man to gone oute.

Ne also no man to gon oude. *

On) the frencħ syde also a thousand stoute

On þe frenche syde a þousonde stoude

Were armed knygħtes to kepe this affiaunee,

On þe french syde to kepe þis affyaunce,

And that the wordyste of alle Fraunce,

And þat þe worthyeste of aɫɫ France

Redy on horsbak wytħ Speere and Sheelde, 3837

Redy onhors-bake with spere and shelde

Were ordeyned to kepe the frencħ feelde,

Were ordeynede to kepe þe french felde,

That no Ryot shulde eny wyse a-ryse.

That no ryote shulde in ony wyse be.

Thus was hit ryaɫɫ to devyse 3840

Thus was it arrayde to þe avyse 3840

3828. MS. vnarne.

3826. On margin To make Certayn: Oyes : and crye, added by a later hand.

3833–34. Inverted order of lines in MS

135Thatt so y-wardett was abowte Wythe ij M^ɫi knyȝthtes stowte. The ffrenche kynge browȝtħte Partonope In-to the lyestys, and ther toke hee Off hym leue fulle sore wepynge, And comendyd hym)* to the blessynge Off the blessyd trinite. And thus from) hym departed hee. Kynge Fursyne* onne the other seyde Was kynge Sornegour ys gyde In-to* the lyestys, and ther hym broȝthte Wytħ heuy chere and grete thoȝthte. Wyth wepynge eyen) he toke hys leve, And prayed hys god he schulde welle preue In thy[s] Batayle and ynne hys Ryȝthte, And saue hym) schameles ynne hys fyȝthte  Nowe the hethen) kynge Sornegour,  Wyche off Cheualrye bare the flowre  Off alle the sette of hethen) laye, In-to the leystys fulle fresche and gaye Onne horse-backe ys comen) y-armed welle

3846. MS. adds sylfe after hym).

3849. MS. Furfyne.

3851. to written twice.

3858. bare] a like o.

3844

3848

3852

3856

3860

The French King brings Partonope into the lists, and commends him to God.

Fursin with heavy cheer conducts Sornegour.

Sornegour is splendidly armed, He is mounted on a white steed with trappings ornate with gold.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

That so vyrounde was a-boute

That so verry rounde was aboute

“Wytħ two thousand knygħtes stoute.

With ij þousonde knyghtes stoute.

The frencħ kyng brougħt Partanope

¹ The frenche kynge brought Partonope

In-to the lystis, and there toke he 3844

In-to þe lystes and þer toke he 3844

Of hym leve fuɫɫ sore wepyng,

Of hym leve fuɫɫ sore wepynge, [¹ leaf 18]

And recomaunde hym to the blessyng

And recomondyde hym to þe blyssynge

Of oure lorde, the blessyd trinite.

Of oure lorde, þe blyssede creature.

And so fro hym departed then he. 3848

And so departyde, I you ensure. 3848

Kyng Sursyn) on) the hethen syde

Kynge Sursyn on þe hethyn syde

Was kyng Sornogours gyde.

Was kynge Sornogoure gyde.

In-to the lystis to hym brougħt

In-to þe lystes he hym brougħt

Wytħ euy chere and grete thougħt. 3852

With hevy hert and grete þougħt. 3852

Whitħ wepyng eyen he toke his leve,

With wepynge eyen he toke his leue,

And prayde his god he shulde weɫɫ preve

And prayede his god he shulde hym saue

In this batayle and in this rygħt,

In þis bataiɫɫ and In his right, 3855

And save hym shameles in fygħt. 3856

And save hym shameles In þis fight.

NOw this hethen kyng Sornogour,

¶ Nowe þis hethyn kynge Sornogoure,

Whicħ of chevalry berytħ the flour

Whiche of chevalry beryth þe floure

Of alle the sette in hethen lay,

Of aɫɫ þo þat set In hethyn lay,

In-to the lystis full fressħ and gay

In-to þe lystes full fers and gay 3860

On) horsbak ys comen armed wele 3861

On hors-bake is come armede weɫɫ

136Wythe hosen) of mayle and fyne style, Welle y-lased wytħe fyne sylke. Hys stede was whyte as eny mylke, Armed ynne mayle fulle fresche and gaye, Suer[l]y I-nowe for alle asaye, And there a-bowte a fresche trappure, Welle y-schape and of gode measure, [leaf 48, back] Wythe golde welle bete and of hys devyse. Thys lorde, thatte was bothe manly and wyse, Above sate armed ffreschely and welle Inne an habrygon) of fyne style, Abowte hys necke henge a schylde So bryȝthte off style thatt alle the fylde Was Elumyed of the bryȝtħnysse. Ther-to hytte was weldely, [y] gesse. Vppon) hys hede a helme fulle gaye, S[u]ere y-nowe atte alle asaye. Above a Cerkeɫɫ of stones Reche, A gode ytte hadde bene for a churche. For the marchandys hynnes to Humbere The valewe ther-off cowthe not nummbere. Aboue his arnes* he toke a cote, Enbrowderyd wytħ pereɫɫ weɫɫ yfrote *

3883. MS. armes.

3884. weɫɫ yfrote] MS. and not wytħ slote.

He is clad in a habergeon of steel, with a shield about his neck and a helmet on his head.

3864

3868

3872

3876

3880

3884

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl MS.

Wytħ hosyn of mayle made of stele,

With hosyn of maiɫɫ made of steɫɫ,

Wele lasyd wytħ fyne Sylke, 3863

Weɫɫ I-lastede with fyne sylke.

Hys stede was white as any mylke,

His stede was whyte as ony mylke, 3864

Armed in mayle fuɫɫ fressħ and gay,

Armede In mayiɫɫ freshe and gaye

Surely ynougħ for alle assay, [¹ lf. 25,bk.]

Surely ynougħ for aɫɫ assay.

And there a-bove fressħ trappure

There above fresshe trappure

¹ Welle y-shape and of good mesure, 3868

Weɫɫ I-shape and of good mesure, 3868

Wytħ golde wel bete at his devyse,

With golde weɫɫ bete at his devyse.

This lorde was manly and wyse,

This lorde þat was manly and wyse,

Above sett fresshly armed and wele

Above sat freshly armede weɫɫ

In an) hawberk of rygħt fyne Steele.

In an haubreke of good steɫɫ. 3872

A-boute hys nekk heng a sheelde 3873

A-boute his nyke henge a shelde

So brygħt of Steele that alle the feelde

So bright of steɫɫ þat aɫɫ þe felde

Was enlymed wytħ the bryghtnesse,

Was enlamyde with þe brightnes.

And hit was fuɫɫ weeldy, as I gesse.

Hit was weɫɫ dight, as I gesse. 3876

Vpon) his hede and helme fuɫɫ gay 3877

Uppon) his hede an helme gay

Sure ynougħt at alle maner assay.

Sure I-nowe at aɫɫ maner assay.

Above that a Cerche of stonys rycħe,

A-bove þat a shelde of stonys Ryche,

Rygħt goode they had be for a cherche.

Good þey hade ben for a chirche. 3880

A-bove hys arneys he had a cote 3883

Above his harnes he hade a cote 3883

Enbrowded wytħ peerle wele y-frote,

Enbrowdede with perle and weɫɫ I-frote,

137Off hys armes fulle Kechely Wythe Rubyys and sauerys by and bye. Onne eche sehulder off style a besgue, A swerde he hadde fresche and newe Abowte hym) gurde, bothe harde and longe, And [in] hys honde a spere fulle * stronge. And by hys sadeɫ apon) hys arsyone Hynge a gleyue thatt nye hande downe To the grownde the alffe toke; And Ioye onne hym hytt was to loke, As thoȝtħ the hethen) thatt ylke daye. Off kynge Sornegour thus was the araye.  Onne the ffrenche seyde Partonope  Onne horsebacke [ffreschely] y-armed sette hee,  In hosen) of mayle shape rygħt weɫɫ,* I-lased wytħe sylke wytħ poleyns of stele. * And hauberke he hadde of gode mesure, Myȝthty and strong and off gode temp[er]ure, A Cote off armes he hadde above, Welle Enbrowderyd which* thatt hys loue

3889. or lange?

3890. or hande ? MS. adds longe before stronge.

3891. or opon?

3899. MS. Freschely y-armed in hosen of mayle weɫɫ fyne.

3900. MS. here adds clene. 3904. which] MS. for.

3888

3892

3896

3900

3904

He wears a battle-axe and a sword and holds a spear in his hand.

Another sword is fastened to the saddle.

Partonope has a strong armour, helmet and shield, and a coat of arms ordained by his love, but only one sword, and a spear in his hand.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Of armes done fuɫɫ rychely 3885

¹ Of armys don fuɫɫ Rychly

Wytħ Rybyes and Saphires by and by.

With Rubyes and sapheres by and by.

On) eche Shulder of Steele a besagew,

On euery styde of steɫɫ he sawe

A Swerde he had fressħ and new 3888

A swerde he hade freshe and newe 3888

A-boute hym gyrde, bothe long and brode,

About hym gyrde, both longe and brode, [¹ leaf 18, back]

And in hys hand a Spere fuɫɫ goode.

And In his honde a spere fuɫɫ good.

And hys sadytt vpon the arsoun)

And his sadiɫɫ vppon) his arson) 3891

Heng a gleyve that nyhand doun) 3892

Hynge a gleve þat nye hande downe

To the grounde the helve toke;

To þe grounde þe helfe toke;

And Ioy hit was on) hym to loke. 3894

And Ioye it was on hym to loke. 3894

ON the fre[n]ssħ syde Partanope 3897

¶ On þe french syde Partonope 3897

On) horsbake armed syttytħ he

On hors-bake armede syttyth he

In hosyn of mayle shape rygħt wele,

In hosyn) of maiɫɫ made weɫɫ,

Lased wytħ Sylk wytħ polayn) of Steele.

Lasede of sylke of polyn steɫɫ. 3900

Hawbrek he had on) of goode mesure,

Haubreke he hade of good mesure,

Migħty and strong and of good temperure. 3902

Mighty and stronge, of good temperure.

A coote of armes he had bove,

A cote of armes he hade above,

Wele enbrowdyd wycħ * his love 3904

Weɫɫ embrowderde whiche his love 3904

3904. wych] MS. wyth.

138Hadde ordeynyd afore yn) the beste manere; A beter be sayne was ther non) no-where. Hys belme was sette fulle off precyous stones. Hym-syhie was myȝthty and begge of bonys. [leaf 49] A-bowte hys necke enge hys schylde, So ffreschely, hytte gladethe alle the fylde, Welle I-feteryd wytħ plate and style, Syr wythte hys swerd, wyche was Ryȝtħ welle Wytħ golde and pereɫɫ Reche be-gone. Swerdes he ne hadde more butte one, Ne wepyn) were-onne he myȝtħt tryste, Saue a spere he hadde onne hys feste. Off axe ne Glayue made he no forse. As blacke as Cole thenne was hys horse, Thus ys the sotħe, wytħ-owten) lesse. He was welle y-armed to hys ese. And ynne hys sadeɫ he ganne hym) dresse, And to hys Enmy e gan) to presse. Vnder hys arme hys spere he kaste, Hys hors he prekyd feressly and faste. Sornegowre he smote amydde the schylde

His steed is black.

Partonope couches his spear, and smites Sornegour on the shield so violently that the King’s helmet touches the crupper of the horse.

3908

3912

3916

3920

3924

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Had ordeyned a-fore in the best manere;

Hade ordeynede In þe beste manere;

A better be seen) was no-where.

A beter be sen was no-where.

His helme sette fuɫɫ of Precious stones.

His helme fuɫɫ of precious stonys.

Hym-selfe myghty and byge of bonnys.

Hym-selfe was mygħty and bygge of bones. 3908

A-boute his nyke hys shelde, 3909

Weɫɫ couchide with perle I-melede.

¹ Tryed his swerde was rygħt wele,

Gyrde his swerde was right weɫɫ,

That was made of Iren and Steele,

That was made of Iron and steɫɫ, 3912

“Wytħ pe and perle rychely begone. [¹ leaf 26]

With golde and perle rychely be-gon).

Swerdes had he no moo but one,

Swerdes hade he no mo but on),

Ne wepyn where-in he mygħt tryst,

Ne wepyn where-In he myght truste,

Save a Speere he had in his fyst. 3916

Save a spere he hade In his fyste. 3916

Of axe ne gleve made he no force.

Of ax ne gleve made he no force.

Blak as cole than was his hors,

Blake as a coile þen was his hors,

This ys the sothe wytħouten lees.

This is þe sothe, with-out les.

He was armed wele to his ese. 3920

He was armede weɫɫ to his eyse. 3920

And in hys sadyɫɫ he gan) hym dresse,

In his sadiɫɫ he gan hym dresse,

And to his enemy warde gan pre esse.

And to his enemy gan prese.

Vndyr his arme hys spere he cast, 3923

Vnder his arme his spere he caste,

Hys hors he pryked fressħly and fast.

His hors he prekede freshly and faste. “3924

Sornogour he hytt amydde the Sheelde

Sornogoure he hit amede þe shelde

139Wythe hys spere, alle men) be-hylde. Hys helme twyched hys horse cropon).* Ne hadde [he] hym helde by the arson), Fro hys sadeɫ he hadde fallen) to grownde. Hytt apped hys stede was myȝthty and sownde, And ellys men) myȝthte saye wytħ-owten) fayle He hadde bene dedde for stuffe or mayle. Sornegour smote hym) fersely agayne Wytħ hys spere, gretely ytte was sene, For fowle rased was hys schelde. And wytħ thus Curse forthe yn) the fylde Eche off hem departed from) other. The ffrenche be-helde, and sucche anoder Corse onne horse-backe neuer afore They hadde sene, sethe they were bore. Sornegour thatt felde bothe sore and smerte, Schowed welle he lacked no herte. Hys horse he turned ynne agayne, And schope hys Corse, Ioye ytte was to sene. [leaf 49, back] He thoȝthte to quyte Partonope, Butte he was ware as welle as hee.

3927. MS. cropen.

3928

3932

3936

3940

3943

Sornegour returns the blow.

In the next encounter Sornegour strikes Partonope’s shield, but does not make him move in the saddle.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Wytħ his spere, alle men be-heelde.

With his spere, aɫɫ men) behelde.

His helme towchid his hors cropoun).

His helme tochede his hors cropon.

Ne had he holde hym by the arsoun)

¹ Ne hade he holde hym be þe arson) 3928

Of his sadyɫɫ, he had falle to the grounde. 3929

Of his sadiɫɫ, he hade faɫɫ to gronde.

Than) Sornogoure in that stounde

Then Sornogour In þat stounde [^l leaf 19]

Him feersly smote wytħt his spere agayn),

Hym freshly smote with his spere agayne, 3933

And thougħt hym to overthrow wytħ mayne, 3934

And þought hym to ouer-throwe with mayne,

For foule arayed was his sheelde.

For foule arrayde was his shelde.

And wytħ this Cours fortħ in the feelde

And with his course In-to þe felde 3936

Eyther of hem departed fro other.

Eyþer of hem departyde fro oþer.

The frenssħ sayde that suche a-nother

The frenche seyde þat soych anoþer

Cours / on) horsbak neuer a-fore 3939

Course on hors-bake afore 3939

They had seen, sytħ they were bore.

They hade not sen, sen þey were bore.

Sornogoure that felt bothe sore and smert, 3941

Sornogour felt bothe sore and smerte,

Sheved wele that he lakkyd no hert.

Shewede weɫɫ þat þer lakede no herte.

Hys hors he torned ayen,

His hors he turnede ayene,

And shope hys cours, Ioye was to seen.

And shope his course, Ioye was to sene. 3944

He thougħt to a-quite Partanope. 3945

He þought to aquyte Partonope

But he was ware as wele as he,

But he was ware as weɫɫ as he,

140He made hys Curse wythe-owten) lette. Amydde the lyystes euen) they mette. Sornegour hytte hym amydde the [s]chylde Wythe hys spere, thatt alle the fylde Dyneed off thatt grete stroke. Hytt ferde as ther hadde [be] felde an) eoke. The spere was stronge and wolde not breke. Partonope was a myȝthty freke, And luste nott the spere Escheue, Hytt made hym) not onys to remeue.* In hys sadeɫɫ: he sette fulle welle. Sornegour thatt was bothe fers and felle, And eke yn) armes fulle welle y-leryd, Turned hys horse, and owte wytħ hys swerd. There-off toke hede Partonope, And owte drowe hys swerde as welle as hee. Fersely anone to-gedyr they mette. Many a grete stroke there was smete. And ynne thus hurlynge Partonope Wytħe hys swerde a stroke smote he Apon) kynge Sornegour hys helme so * gaye,

3956. MS. reneue. 3967. MS. sa.

Both draw their swords.

Stunned by Partonope’s blows, Sornegour turns his horse about, and is smitten again.

3948

3952

3956

3960

3964

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

And made his cours withoute lette.

And made his cours with-out lete.

A-mydde the lystes then they mette.

Amyde þe lystes þey mette. 3948

Sornogoure hytte hym a-medde the Sheelde 3949

Sornogoure hit hym amyde þe shelde

Wytħ his spere, that alle the feelde

With his spere, þat aɫɫ þe felde

Demed veryly of that stroke

Demyde verryle þat stroke

¹ That there had be ffalle a grete Ooke.

That þer hade be faɫɫ an oke. 3952

The Spere was storng and wolde not breke. [¹ leaf 26, back] 3953

The spere was stronge and will not breke.

Partanope was a mygħty freeke,

Partonope was a myghty freke,

In his Sadeɫɫ stylle sate and weɫɫ. 3957

In his sadiɫɫ stiɫɫ sat and weɫɫ. 3957

Sornogour that was ferse and felle,

Sornogour þat was fers and feɫɫ,

And eke in armes fuɫɫ wele y-lered,

And eke In armes weɫɫ I-lerede,

Turnyd hys horns, and oute wytħ his swerde. 3960

Turnyth his hors, and out with his swerde. 3960

Therof toke hede goode Partanope,

There-of toke hede Partonope,

And wytħ hys Swerde oute as weɫɫ as he.

And with his swerde out as weɫɫ as he.

Fressħly a-none to-gydyr they mette.

Fryshly anone þey mete.

Many a grete stroke there was sette.

Many a grete stroke þer þey sette. 3964

And in this hurlyng Partanope 3965

And In [t]his hurlynge Partonope

Wytħ hys Swerde a stroke smote he

With his swerde a stroke yafe he

Vpon) Sornogoure helme so gay,

Vppon) Sornogour helme so gay,

141So dyspetuusly, the kynge gan) affraye, And stonyed there-wythe he was so gretelye, Thatt there-wytħ hys horse fulle lyȝthlye He turned fro Partonope. There-wythe aȝenne the kynge smote hee Wythe hys swerde, wytħ alle hys myȝthte. He was pwynte to haue made hym) lyȝthte Owte of hys sadeɫɫ sodenlye. Butte as he helde hym) myȝthtelye By the here of hys stede-ys necke, Partonope sparythe nott, butte leyytħ on) thycke. The kynge ynne hys arnes waxed alle hotte. Wytħ hys spores hys stede he smote; [leaf 50] And ynne thus wyse departed bee * Kynge Sornegour and Partonope. They hadde bothe nede hym) to brethe. A whyle they Reste hem) on) thatt ethe. A-monge the ffrenche was made a grete noyse. They seyde Partonope, the Erle of Bloyse, Hadde welle quytte hym) in thys fyȝthte A-gaynyste kynge Sornegour, thatt worthy knyȝthte Onne the hethen) syde the Danes

3981. bee] MS. hee.

3968

3972

3976

3980

3984

3987

The combatants are obliged to take breath.

Partonope is praised by friends and foes.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

So spetuosly that he gan affray, 3968

So spyttuosly þat In þat affray 3968

And stonyed ther-wytħ he was gretly.

A-stonyde þer-with he was gretly.

There-wytħ his hors fuɫɫ lygħtly

¹ There-with his hors fuɫɫ lightly

He turned froward Partanope.

He turnyde frowarde Partonope.

Than the kyng a-gayn) smote he. 3972

Then þe kynge agayne smote he. 3972

And that wytħ alle his mygħt.

And þat wyth aɫɫ his myght. [¹ 1f. 19, bk.]

He made hym welny to lygħt

He made hym weɫɫ nye to ligħt

Oute of his Sadyɫɫ fuɫɫ sodenly,

Out of his sadiɫɫ fuɫɫ sodenly.

But as he helde hym mygħtly 3976

But as he helde hym myghtyly 3976

By the heere of hys stedys nekk,

Be þe heres of hys stedes nyke,

Partanope Spared hym not, but layde on) thykk.

Partonope sparede, but leyde on thyke.

The kyng in his armes wexytħ hoote.

The kynge In his harnes wax hote.

Wytħ his Spurres his stede he smote;

With his spores his stede he smote;

And in this wyse departed be 3981

And in þis wyse departyde be 3981

Kyng Sornogoure and Partanope.

Kynge Sornogour and Partonope.

They had bothe nede hem to a-brethe.

They hade nethe hem to brethe.

A whyle they rest hem on) the hethe.

A while þey reste hem on þe hethe. 3984

Amonge the frensħ was made grete noyse. 3985

A-monge þe french was grete noyse.

They sayde Partanope, Erle of Bloys,

They seyde Partonope, erle of Bloys,

Hatħ wele quyte hym in this fygħt

Hathe weɫɫ quyte hym In þis figħt 3988

Agayn) Sornogoure, that worthy knyght,

Agayne Sornogour, þat worthy knyght,

142Alowed gretely the Erle [of] Bloys, And seyde ynne armes he was ryȝthte parfyte. Butte Sornegour for sothe hadde grete dyspyte Off thus yonge Partonope. He thoȝtħ welle quytte he schulde be. And ynne hys sadelle he ganne hym) dresse. He thoȝthte, were hym-sylffe beter or worse, * He wolde asayle Partonope. [There-wytħ his lenger swerd toke he.] Anone ffreschely bothe they mette. And ther as Sornegour wente to haue smette Vnder the schelde Partonope, Off thatt stroke fulle fayled hee : The swerdes pwynte he bare to lowe. For euen) amydde the sadeɫ-bowe Off hys swerde he smote the pomelle. Thys hethen) kynge thatt was so felle, Thoȝthte haue reuenen) throwe hys Corse. Off hym) he ffaylett and smote hys horse In-to the Brayne thorow the panne. [This blake steede there-wytħ be-ganne] To staker, as he nede mutte falle.

3996. worse] r very indistinct.

They fight again, and Sornegour uses his longer sword. but bears it too low, and pierces the skull of Partonope’s horse.

3992

3996

4000

4004

4008

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

But Sornogoure, in his amies fuɫɫ parfyte,

But Sorogour In armes fuɫɫ parfytly

Had of Partanope grete dispete. 3992

Hade of Partonope grete dysspyte. 3992

And in his sadeɫɫ he gan hym dresse.

In his sadiɫɫ he gan) hym dresse.

He thought, falle hyt better or worse,

He þought, faɫɫ it better ore worsse,

¹ He wold ones assayle Partanope. 3997

He wolde onys assaiɫɫ Partonope. 3997

There-wytħ his lenger swerd toke he.

Ther-with his longe swerde toke he.

A-none feersly to-gedyr they mette;

A-none freshly to-geder þey met,

And Surnagour wold haue Smette 4000

And Sornogoure wolde haue smyte 4000

Vndyr the Shelde Partanope. [¹leaf 27]

On) þe [s]childe Partonope.

Of that Stroke foule fayled he :

Of þat stroke foule faylede he :

The Swerdes poynt he bare so lowe,

The swerdes poynt he bare so lowe.

For even a-mydde the Sadyɫɫ bowe 4004

For evyn amyde þe sadiɫɫ bowe 4004

Of his Swerd he Sette the pomeɫɫ.

Of his swerde he set þe pomeɫɫ.

The hethen kyng was so feɫɫ,

The hethyn kynge þat was so feɫɫ,

And wold haue bore hym throw the Corse.

He wolde a bore hym þorwe þe corse.

Of hym he fayled, and Smotte the horse

Of hem he faylede and smote þe horse.

In-to the brayn) throght the panne, 4009

In-to þe brayne þorwe þe panne. 4009

This blake steede there-wytħ be-ganne

The blake stede þer-with be-gan)

To Staker, as he that nedysmuste falle.

To stagir, as he nedes moste faɫɫ.

143Partonope anone lyȝthtely wytħ-alle Lepte ffro hys horse, bothe hole and sownde. Hys stede dyed, and felle to grownde. There myȝthe a man the ffrenche see Grete sorowe make for Partonope. “Mercy, lord Ihesus,” sayde hee, “Now saue myn) honor and my frynde, And suffere notte thus hethen) fynde Off thus batayle to haue the victorye, [leaf 50, back] Thatt neuer here-after he hadde ynne memorye Thatt thy seruantes dyscumfyte schulde be. O mysiaw[n]che thatt neuer dyd þe Plesauns, ne worchypp, ne seruyce. Lord! lette thy wrathe nowe notte aryse For owre synnes, butte saue thy Ryȝthte !” Partonope onne fote was redy to fyȝtħte. He Coverd hym knyȝthtely vnder hys schelde, Alle redy d[r]awe hys swerde he helde. Summe-wate aschamed was Partonope Thatt thus lyȝthtely vnhorsed was hee. The danes onne the other syde In [here] hert hadde grete pryde Off thus Chaunee thatt was be-falle, And wytħ one voyse they seyden) alle Here lorde and here kynge Sornegour

4022. seruantes] a like o.

4012

4016

4020

4024

4028

4032

4036

Partonope leaps from the saddle, while the horse falls to the ground and dies. The French are grieved, and the King prays Jesus to protect his friend.

Partonope is ready to fight on foot.

The Danes praise their King.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Partanope a-lygħt there-wytħ-alle, 4012

Partonope alight anone with-aɫɫ, 4012

Leepe from his hors botħ hole and Sownde.

Lepe fro his hors hole and sounde.

His swerd dyed, and fyɫɫ to grounde.

¹ His stede dyede and fiɫɫ to grounde.

The frenche kyng wytħ grete dolor

The french kynge with grete doloure

Prayde Jhesu to saue his honoure,

Prayede Ihesu to save his honoure,

And sayd : “Lord God in trynyte !

And seyde : “Lorde God In trenyte !

Suffre not they seruaunt to scomfyte be

Suffer not þy seruant scomfyte be

Of this Cursyd hethen fynd.

Of þis coursede hethyn fende. [¹ leaf 20]

But lorde, saue my erysten frynd

But lorde, save my crystyn frende

And of myn honor the ryght!”

And my honoure and þe right!”

Partanope on fote to fyght 4027

Partonope on foote to figħt 4027

He was redy couered vndyr Shelde,

He was redy, and couerde his shelde,

And knygħtly his swerd he heeld,

And knyghtly his swerde he helde.

But Sumwhat a-shamed was Partanope

But ashamede was Partonope

That thus lyghtly vn-horsed was he.

That þus lightly vnhorsede was he. 4031

4018. On margin added by a later hand: suffer not thy saruant discomforted to he.

144Off alle krȝthode yette bare the flowre, And wende for thus sory chaunce They hadde conqueryd the Realme of Fraunce. Onne horse-backe sette kynge Sornegour As felle, as fers as eny bore; And streyȝthte he Rydythe to Partonope: “My frynde,” he sayde, “er thatt thatt yee Be dede, my wylle were on) thynge Thatt ȝe schulde speke wytħ yowr’ kynge, And cownselle hym) to haue pes wytħ me. And seye* so mersyabeɫ wolle y be,* And seye hym) hys worchypp schalle y saue. Off hys gode kepe y none to haue, Butte thatt he wolle [holde] hys heretage Offe me, and ther-fore do me Omage, And be redy atte euery tyme Atte myn) comawndement¹ as onne of myne. To hys y schalle do, and eke to hym, So welle thatt he and alle hys kynne Schulde seye hys Omage ys welle y-sette, He myȝthte ynne no wyse for hym) do bette. He schalle fryste be swore to me. To hym also swore wolle I be. [leaf 51] Off hym axe I no more A-vawntage, But onely that he do me homage Here In thys place be-fore myn) oste, Thys ys to hym no rygħte grette coste. Thus I mene to saue myne honowre, That no Iyer ne no gabbowre

4047. seye] MS. seyde; be] MS. me.

After 1. 4058 follows catch-word: to hym also swore. On leaf 51, top, the first hand resumes.

Sornegour offers peace upon condition that the French King will do.him homage, so that he may leave the country honourably.

4040

4044

4048

4052

4056

4060

4064

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

On horse-bake sate kyng Sornogoure

On horshake sat kynge Sornogoure

As feɫɫ and feerse as ony bore; 4041

As feɫɫ as fers as ony bore; 4041

And streyght he rydetħ to Partanope :

And streight he rydyth to Partonope.

“Myn frend,” he sayd, “or than that ye

“My frende,” he seyde, “ore þat ye

Be dede, my wyɫɫ were oo thyng 4044

Be dede, my wiɫɫ were o thynge 4044

That ye Shuld speke wytħ our kyng,

That ye shulde speke with your kynge,

And counsayle hym) to haue pese wytħ me.”

And counseɫɫ hym to haue pes with me.”

145May say that I shulde chaced^ι be Shamfully owte of þys cuntre, And I mygħte no-þynge conquere, Towne ne cyte, and þus of my werr’ Shulde make an) ende shamfully. Thys ys þe cause why that I Desyre no more off alle hys goode.” Partonope fulle stylle stode And herde þe keynge sey aɫɫ hys wylle, And thys wyse he spake hym tylle: “Syr, yeff þe kynge of Fraunce shulde be Thys wyse homagere, then) mygħte weɫɫ ye Seyne ye had made a fayre conqueste, And I had falsly my be-heste Performed in myne owne a-corde, Sytħ to fygħte for my lorde I swore, and eke to safe hys honowre. But of on) þynge, Surnegowre, I am gladde, for yowre cruelte Ys turned fully to humylyte, For ye se me atte dysavawntage. I trowe ye haue loste yowre grette corage.”  When) kynge Surnegowre herde þys scorne,  Yeffe he were wodde or feɫɫ be-forne,  Then) wex he feller then) euer he was, And prycked hys stede a fuɫɫ grette pas; And wyth hys swerde fully was he

4068

4072

4076

4080

4084

4088

4092

Partonope refuses the proposal.

Inflamed with anger, Sornegour pricks his horse, and strikes at Partonope.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Than) answeryd good Partanope : 4075

Then answerde good Partonope : 4075

“Yf the kyng of Fraunce shuld be

“Yef þe kynge of France shulde be

¹Youre homagere, than myght weɫɫ ye

Youre omagour, þen myght he

Sey ye had made a fayre conquest,

Sey ye hade made a fayre conqueste,

And falsely had I performyd my behest. [¹ leaf 27, back.]

And falsly had I parformyde my heste.

I am redy to saue his honor. 4082

I am redy to saue his honoure. 4082

But oo thyng, kyng Sornogour,

But o thynke, kynge Sornogoure,

I am gladde that your cruelte

I am glade þat youre creweɫɫte

Ys now turned to humilite,

Ys nowe turnede to humylete,

For ye se me atte this auauntage.

For ye se me at dyssavantage.

Y trow ye haue lost your Corage.”

I trowe ye haue loste your corage.”

WHan Sornogour herd this Scrone,

When Sornogour herde þis scornne, 4088

He was woddyr than he was be-forne. 4089

He was woder þen he was beforne.

And wytħ that word purposed was he

And with þat worde porposede was he

PARTONOPE.

L

146Porposed to stycke Partonope. Atte hym he smotte on) þe rygħte syde. Hys stroke hym þoȝte not to a-byde, But to þe lyfte syde lygħtely leppe, Where of hys stede he toke grette kepe, And fownde welle hys hedde was bare. There hym to smyte wolde he not spare. So sore hys strocke ther he sette; [leaf 51, baek] A-mydde the hedde þe stede he smette, That hedde and necke þorowe he cleffe, And wyth þe dynt þe sadyɫɫ reffe. The stede felle vpon) Surnegowre, Where-of grette parte of hys honowre He loste at þat ylke ffalle. Ne had he be delyuer wyth-alle, He had ben) ded wyth-owten) more. Thys falle hym greved wonder sore. The danys on) þe hethenne syde Hatħ loste a parcelle of here pryde. The ffrenshe a-no n ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq54.tif"/> wyth alle here herte Preyseden) Gode þat so gan) verte Wele and woo, rygħte as hym lyste. The kynge hym-selfe halpe at þe beste,

4113. w crossed out before verte.

But Partonope swerves aside, and with a mighty stroke cleaves the head of Sornegour’s horse.

Horse and man tumble to the ground.

The Danes are dismayed, the French rejoice.

Sornegour springs to his feet, and gives his adversary such a violent blow on the shield, that the sword sticks in it, and he is not able to pull it out.

4096

4100

4104

4108

4112

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Sharpely to smyte this Partanope. 4093

Sharply to smyte Partonope. 4093

At hym he smote on the rygħt syde;

At hym he smote on þe right syde;

His stroke he thought shuld a-byde.

His stroke he þought shulde abyde.

But to the lyfte syde Partanope leep,

But to þe lefte syde Partonope lepe,

And of his steede toke grete kepe, 4097

¹ And of his stede toke grete kepe, 4097

That his hede was aɫɫ bare.

That his hede was aɫɫ bare. [^l leaf 20, b.]

Therto smyte he wold not spare. 4099

Ther-to smyte he wolde not spare, 4099

The hede throw-out he clefe,

The hede þorwe-out he clete,

The steede of there he refe :

The stede of his lyfe he reffe.

Where-fore kyng Sornogour 4104

Where-for kynge Sornogoure 4104

Was in doute of his honor,

Was In doute of his honoure,

Aud wytħ fyɫɫ wytħ-outen more. 4108

And þer-with fiɫɫ with-out more. 4108

That faɫɫ greved hym fuɫɫ sore.

That faɫɫ grevyde hym fuɫɫ sore.

Tho that were on the hethen syde,

Tho þat were on þe hethyn syde,

Haue lost a parceɫɫ of her syde.

Haue loste a parceɫɫ of þer pryde.

The frenche a-non with good hert 4112

The frenche an one with good herte 4112

Thanked God that so gan) werk

Thankede God þat so gan werke

Wele and wo, ryght as hym lyst.

Weɫɫ and wo, right as hym lyste.

Sornogour than aɫɫ in a myst

Sornogour þen In a myste

147And lygħte vp lygħtely on) hys fette, As that pogħte fully to mete Wyth hys enmy Partonope. For a grette [stroke] þen gaffe hym he Vppon) the cornere of hys shylde. Hyt dyimed^ι ouer alle the fylde; Stele ne mayle wolde hyt not holde. Thys swerde was tempered^ι, and wolde not folde. In the shylde hyt enteryd^ι a ffote; And wyth the poynte yet was hys cote Fowle I-raced, and eke I-rente. And wyth boþe hondys þe kynge þen hente The swerde þat faste was yn) þe shylde. Many a man) thys case be-helde. He pullud so, hyt wolde not be. To hys horse-warde þen drowe hym he. Partonope gan) hym folow so faste, Hys porpose fayled^ι that he had caste. For he þoȝte, yeffe he had mon), To haue take a swerde þat by þe arso n ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq55.tif"/> Off hys sadyɫɫ þen hynge. But Partonope so fersly gan) swyng¹ After hym, and layde on) ffaste,

4116

4120

4124

4128

4132

4136

He draws near to his dead steed, to take the sword that is hanging at the saddle.

Hotly pursued by Partonope, he stumbles over the horse. But he catches his axe, and starts lightly up.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Lepe vp lyghtly vp his feete,* 4116

Lepte vp lightly on his feete, 4116

And thought fully for to mete

And þought fully for to mete

Wytħ his enemy Partanope.

with his enemy Partonope.

And a grete stroke than gafe hym he

A grete stroke þen gafe he

Vpon the corner of his sheeld. 4120

Vppon) þe corner of his shelde. 4120

Hit dennyd gretely aɫɫ the feld;

Hit denyde gretly In þe felde;

Steele ne nerfe wold hit hold.

Steɫɫ ne Irone wolde it non holde.

The Swerde was herd, and wold not fold.

The swerde was harde, and wolde not folde.

¹In-to the Sheld hit entred a fote,4124

In-to þe shelde it entyrde a foote. 4124

And wytħ the poynt Partanopes Cote

with þe poynte Partonopes cote

Was foule rasyd, and eke I-rent.

Was foule rasede, and eke rente.

Than) Sornogoure ganne to hent

Then Sornogoure gan to hente

The Swerd that fast was In the sheld.

The swerde þat faste was In þe shelde.

Many a man this case be-helde. 4129

Many a man þis case be-helde. 4129

He pulled sore, hit wold not be.

He pullede furthe, it wolde not be.

Than to his his hors ward drew he.

Then to his hors drewe he.

Hys purpose in that flenge

His porpose was In þat fleynge

To had the gleyve that be his sadyɫɫ heng. [¹ leaf 28] 4136

To haue þe glayue þat by his sadiɫɫ hynge. 4136

But Partanope aɫɫ in hast

But Partonope aɫɫ In haste

Foulowed hym feersly and fast,

Followide hym fersly and faste,

4116. MS. seete.

148And on) hym so fersly gan) laste That on) hys horse he stombelde and felle. And þer-wyth he happed to take hys bylle, The wycħe some men) do a gleyue calle. [leaf 52] A-shamed he was of þys grette falle, And ther-wyth lygħtely vppon) hys fette He lepe, and þogħte he wolde mete Wytħ hys Enemy Partonope. But so hyt happed þat botħ he For wery of fygħte nedyd of bretħ; And botħe a-reste hem on) þe hetħe. Partonope had grette encombrawnee Off Sornegour ys swerde, þat fowle myschawnce, The wycħe henge so faste in hys shylde, He mygħte not lygħtely hym be-welde. And þat sawe welle kynge Sornegowre, And fersly, as he had ben) a bore, Leyetħe* on) hys Enemy wyth hys gleyve. Partonope faste þe strokes doþe weyfe. Thus they ley o n ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq56.tif"/> alle þe day, Þat alle men), that hyt be-helde and say, Sayde þat perylouse was þys batayle, So fersly ecħe other dotħe sayle.

4156. Leyetħe] MS. Lygħtely.

They pause again, spent of breath.

Partonope is hampered by the sword that is sticking in his shield.

The onlookers witness a terrible fight between two worthy knights.

4140

4144

4148

4152

4156

4160

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

And gafe hym strokes many.

And gafe hym strokes manye.

Ytt his hors he came ny,

Yet his hors he come nye,

Where he had a grete faɫɫ.

Where he hade a grete faɫɫ

And yit there wytħ hast and hylle

And yet þer with haste and aɫɫ

His gleyve he Caught fuɫɫ smert,

¹ His gleyve he caught smerte,

And on his feete vp he stert,

And on his feete vpe he sterte, 4145

Thenkyng he wold meete wytħ Partanope, 4146

Thyukyrjge he wolde mete Partonope. [¹ leaf 21.]

But so hit happyd that they botħ be

But so it happede þat þey bothe be

So wery of fyght / hit neded to bretħ;

So werye of fight, it nedyth to brethe;

And botħ, they rested him on the hetħ.

And bothe þey reste on þe hethe.

Partanope had grete en-Comberaunce

Partonope hade grete encombraunce

Of the Swerd, that foule myschaunce,

Of þe swerde, þat foule myschaunce,

Whicħ henge so fast in his sheld, 4152

Whiche henge so faste In his shelde,

That he myght lyghtly hym weld.

That he myght lightly hym welde.4153

And that seetħ wele Sornogour,

And þat sethe weɫɫ Sornogonre,

And feersly, as hit were a bore,

And fersly, as it were a bore,

Leeth on hym wytħ hys gleyve. 4156

Lightly on hym with his gleyue. 4156

Myghty strokes he gan the weyfe.

Mighty strokes he gan to weyfe.

Ryght perlous was this Batayle, 4160

Right perlus was þis bataiɫɫ, 4160

So feersly eche other dyd assayle,

So fersly iche oþer dyde assaiɫɫ.

149They sayde boþe were rygħte worthyn Knygħtes, and in batayle mygħty, Sturdy, delyuer, and also stronge. The day was þer-to boþe hot and longe. A-fferde were o n ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq57.tif"/> -what þe heþenne, And faste to Gode prayde þe Crysten). To Marys þe Erie a-geyne turne I, That welle ys warre, and wotte surely Howe Surnegowre, hys lorde and eke þe kynge, Hatytħ hym dedely a-bofe aɫɫ þynge. He be-þynketħ faste how þat he To hys lorde mygħte make hys gre. In peryle he þynketħ. he sytħ hys lorde. Hys retenewe þat byn) of hys a-corde, To hym priuely he dud hem calle. “Syris,” he seyetħ, “wyttetħ welle alle, In grette drede stondytħ owre kynge. I telle yowe trowþe of on) þynge: Owte of þys fylde to passe on) lyfe He ys not lyckely; þer-fore as blyve In preuey wyse do Arme yowe. [leaf 52, back] For aɫɫ þys worlde ne wolde I nowe

4174. þynkth crossed out before þynketħ.

4183. þys] MS. possibly þe.

4164

4168

4172

4176

4180

Seeing the King’s danger, Mares bethinks himself how-he may be restored to his master’s favour.

He commands his retinue to arm themselves secretly, and to make their way through the multitude, to the rescue of their lord.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Men seyd they were ryght wrothee

Men seyde þey were right worthyle

Knyghtes, fuɫɫ corageous and myghty,

Knyghtes, fuɫɫ coragus and myghty,

Sturdy, delyver, and ther-to strong.

Stoudy, delyuer, and þerto stronge.

The day was whote and longe. 4165

The day was hote and longe. 4165

A-ferd som-what were aɫɫ the hethen,

Aferde som-what were þe hethyn),

And fast to God prayd the Crysthen.

And faste to God prayede þe crystyn).

To Marres, the erle, a-yen turn)I, 4168

¶ To Marras, þe erle, ayen turne I, 4168

¹That wele his ware, and wote truly

That weɫɫ is ware, and wot truly

How Sornogour, his owne kyng,

Howe Sornogour, his owne kynge,

Hated hym dedely a-bove aɫɫ thyng.

Hatyde ħym dedly above aɫɫ thynge.

He thenketħ fast how that he 4172

He thynketh faste howe þat he 4172

To his lord myght make his gre.

To his lorde myght make his gre.

In pereɫɫ now he seeth his lord, [¹ leaf 28,back]

In pereɫɫ nowe he seyth his lorde.

He retenewed that bene of his a-cord,

His reteuewe þat [ben] of his acorde

To hym prevyly he dyd caɫɫ. 4176

To hym prevyle dyde he caɫɫ. 4176

“Syres,” he sayde, “ye wote wele aɫɫ

“Siris,” he seyde, “ye wot weɫɫ aɫɫ

In grete drede stondetħ our kyng.

In grete drede stondyth oure kynge.

I telle yow troutħ of oo thing :

I tell you trewly of o thynge :

Oute of this feld to passe on lyve 4180

Out of þis felde to passe on lyve 4180

He ys not lykly; ther-for as blyve

He is not lykly; þer-for as blyve

In pryve wyse goo and arme yow.

In preve wyse goo and arme you.

For aɫɫ this world ne wold I now

For aɫɫ þis worlde ne wolde I nowe

150A-ffore myne eyne to se hym dye. Yowe to armes faste þat ye hye. Dotħe on) faste yowre habyriownys; A-boffe caste on) yowre gownes, And wyth yowre swerdes gyrde yowe faste, And loke þorowte þe presse ye þruste, That ben) on)-armed and naked^ι men), And presytħ fortħe tyɫɫ þat ye be n ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq58.tif"/> [Thorugħ the meynee and nygħ your kyng.] And sparytħe not for no-þynge Yowre lege lorde for to rescowe. For I make Gode a vowe : I had leuer be for-sworne Then) I shulde se me by-forne My lege lorde þe kynge dye.” My auctor seytħe yet he dud lye, For hys menynge was alle fals-hedde. But fortħe a-non), wyth-owte drede, iij. thowsande, wyth-owten) noyse or crye, Off: þe knygħtes were armed, and faste bye Here masters they houe,* Erle Marys, Redy to þruste þrowte þe prese.

4196. MS. swerne?

4204. houe] MS. haue.

Soon three thousand men gather round Mares.

4184

4188

4192

4196

4200

4204

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

A-fore myn eyn see hym dye. 4184

A-fore myne eyen se hym dye. 4184

Yow to armes fast ye hye.

You to harnes faste ye hye. [if. 21, bk.]

Do on fast your habergenos,

Do on faste youre habirgons,

And a-bove cast on youre gownes,

And above caste on youre gownes,

And wytħ your Swerdys gyrde yow fast,

And with youre swerdes gyrde you faste,

And loke throw the prees ye trest, 4189

And loke þorwe þe prese ye thryste,

That be vn-armed and naked men,

That be vnarmede and nakede men),

And presetħ fortħ tyɫɫ that ye been

And presyth furth tiɫɫ þat ye ben)

Thorugħ the meynee and nygħ your kyng. 4192

Thorwe þe meyne and nygħ youre kynge. 4192

And spare not for no-thyng

And spare not for nothynge

Your lyege lord for to rescowe.

Youre lyege lorde to rescowe.

For to þe grete God I make a vowe :

I had lever now be for-sworn) 4196

I hade leuer be for-sworne 4196

Than to see hym dye me forn.”

Then se hym dye me be-forne.”

Yit myne auctor seetħ veryly

Yet myne autor seyth wytterly

Hit was not but a fayned lye.

Hit was not but a feynede ly.

For his meanyng was falsehede. 4200

For his meny[n]ge was falsehede. 4200

But fortħ a-non, wytħ-outen drede,

But furthe anoue, with-out drede,

Thre thousand wytħ-outen more Crye

Thre þousonde, with-out more crye,

Of knyghtes were armed, and fast by

Of knyghtes were arrayde hastely 4203

Her mayster, Erle Mares, they hove,

Here maister, erle Marras, þey howe,

Redy the prese to threst throw. 4205

Redy to prese and threste þorwe.

151 STronge ys the batelle and perelowse, [leaf 53,1.33]  To be-holde fuɫɫ dolorowse.  Prowde men) of armys ben) they botħe, To geffe hyt vp lygħtely they ben) fulle lotħe. Frome morowe lasted þys stronge batayle, Tylle the sonne wyth-owten) ffayle Gan) drawe fulle lowe in-to the weste. Thowe shuldyste haue [sene] þen) lytelle reste Be-twyn) thes ffygħters, they ben) so rotħe, They peyne hem-selfe ffersly to fygħte botħe. They sawe the day gan) faste ffayle, [leaf 53, back] And ecħe of hem of þys batayle The victory wolde haue yeff þat he mygħte. Ther-fore ffersly nowe gan) they ffygħte. Rygħte Rotħe they were, not yet for þen) Vn-syttynge wordes shulde no man) Haue herde be-twyn) hem in no wyse. Butte þys batayle fortħe to deuyse I wolle atte þys ystyme hye me. Fulle ffersly ys nowe Partonope A-sayled of the kynge Sornegowre That wode ys as a wylde bore. Þys kynge hys gysharne halte in honde, To sle hys enemy nowe woɫɫ he fownde.

From 4206–4415 several passages have become confused in MS. After 4205 … prese MS. continues: Partonope … sterte, etc. which will be found 11. 4266 ff.

4208

4212

4216

4220

4224

4228

At sunset the combat is not yet finished.

Each is fiercely bent on the victory; yet no improper word is spoken.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

STronge ys the batayɫɫ, and perlous

¶ Stronge is þe bataiɫɫ, and perlus

To be-hold. and fuɫɫ dolourous.

To be-holde, and weɫɫ dolorus.

¹ Prowde men of armes been they bothe,

Prowde men) of armes þey be bothe,

To gyff hit vp lyghtly they be ryght lothe. [¹ leaf 29] 4209

To gyfe it vp lightly þey be lothe.

Fro morow lastyd this grete batayle,

For morwe lestede þis grete bataiɫɫ,

Th morow wytħouten fayle

Tiɫɫ þe son with-out faiɫɫ

Ganne drawe lowe in-to the west. 4212

Gane drawe lowe In-to þe weste. 4212

Men mygħt se then lytyɫɫ rest

Men myght se þen lytiɫɫ reste

Betwen) these fygħters so wrothe;

Be-twene þese knyghtes wrothe;

They peyned freshly to fygħt bothe.

They paynede hem to fight bothe.

Ther-fore the day ganne fast fayle, 4216

Ther þe day gan) faste faiɫɫ, 4216

And eche of hem of his batayle

And iche of hem hade his bataiɫɫ

The victory wolde haue yf he mygħt.

The victorye wolde haue yef he mygħt.

Ther-fore fressħly they gyn) to fygħt.

Ther-fore freshly þey gon figħt.

Fuɫɫ feersly now and rygħt sore 4225

Freshly nowe and right sore 4225

Is Partanope assaylyd of Sornogoure.

Ys Partonope assaillede of Sornogour.

152A delefulle stroke he [leet] þen) ffle Wyth hys gysharne to Partonope, And wyth hys shylde he dude hyt wefe. But wyth þe becke yet of hys gleve A-pon) the helme so fersly he smotte Off Partonope, þat he ne wotte Where he was wysely in þat stonde. For wyth that stroke rygħte to þe grownde Partonope hadde a poynte to ffalle. Hys helme was bent In grettely wyth-alle. Ne had hyt welle I-tempered^ι be, Alle to pecys hyt shulde haue be. Wyth thys strocke Partonope A-stonyed was, butte yette lette he To þe kynge a stroke so fersly ffle Wyth hys swerde, and rygħte [an] h[y]e Vppon) hys helme he hym smette, That a-non) wyth-owte lette Hys cover brake and alle þe tyinge Off hys helme, and [hyt] gan) fflynge Frome hys hedde in-to the ffylde. Crysten) and hethen) þat hyt be-hylde, Sayden): “Thys ys a perlous ffyghte.” Thys hethen) kynge, þys worthy knygħte,

With his axe Sornegour deals a blow on Partonope’s helm, and nearly bears him down.

But Par-tonope’s return stroke breaks the King’s helm, and throws it to the earth.

4232

4236

4240

4244

4248

4252

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

A grete stroke he leete then) flee 4230

A grete stroke he let þen flee 4230

Wytħ his gleyve to Partanope,

With his gleyve þen Partonope.

And wytħ hys Sheelde he dyd hit weyve.

But wytħ the Beke yet of his gleve

Vpon) his helme so fressħly he smote,

Vppon)his helme freshly he smote,4234

That Partonope not weɫɫ wote

Where he was in that stounde, 4236

Where he was In þat stounde, 4236

For he had welny falle to the grounde.

For he hade nye faɫɫ to grounde.

And not-wytħs-tondyng/that Partanope

Not-wythstondynge þat Partonope

A-stonyed was; yett leete he 4243

Astonyde was, yet let he

To the kyng a stroke so fressħly flye

To þe kynge a stroke let flee 4244

Wytħ hys Swerde, and rygħt an) hye

With his swerde, and right an hye

Vpon) hys helme he hym) smete,

¹ Vppon) his helme he hym smote,

That [an]on) wytħ-outen) lette

That auone with-out lette [¹ if. 22.]

His cower brak and alle thyng 4248

His Cowere brake and tynge 4248

Of his helme, and hit gan) flyng

Of his helme, and it gan flynge

From) hys hede in-to the feelde.

Fro his hede In-to þe felde.

Crysten) and hethen that be-heelde, 4251

Crystyn and hethyn þat be-helde,

They sayde : “This ys a perilous fygħt.”

They seyde: “þis is a perlus figħt.” 4252

This hethen kyng, this worthy knygħt,

This hethyn kynge, þis worthy knygħt,

153For alle hys helme a-basshyd hym) nogħte, Butte aɫɫ-wey ffersly hys enemy sogħte, And wyth hys gysharne atte hym lette ffle. And wyth hys shylde Partonope [leaf 54] Welle hym defendytħ as he mygħte. Butte þe gysharne so sore a-lyghte, The strocke ronge ouer alle the ffylde. In-to the myddys hyt cleffe the shylde, And ther-In stake so sore and faste. The kynge to hym, hyt pullytħ in haste. He pullytħ so fersly that on) hys kne To grownde gotħe Partonope.  Partonope lygħtely a-non) vp sterte. [leaf 52 bk.,1.24]  A-shamed he was and wrotħe in herte  That at þe ertħe he had so be. Wyth hys swerde þen) lette he fle To hys enemy so grette a stroke, Hyt semed þat ther had falle a wocke. The kynge hys stroke warly be-hulde, And reseyued^ι hyt vppon) hys shylde.

After 4265 … Partonope MS. continues: He pulled … hadde, see 11. 4356 ff.

4256

4260

4264

4268

4272

Nothing daunted, Sornegour makes his assault. He half cleaves the shield of his enemy, and in pulling out the axe, brings him down on his knees.

Partonope starts up ashamed.

His sword cuts Sorne-gour’s shield, but sticks in it.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

For alle his helmea-basshed hym)nougħt,

For aɫɫ his helme he basshede nougħt,

But alle-wey feersly his enemy sougħt,

But aɫɫ-wey freshly his enemy sougħt,

And wytħ his Gesarne at hym) leete flee. 4256

And with his gyssarne at hym let fle. 4256

And wytħ his Sheelde Partanope

And with his shelde Partonope

Wele hym defendyd as he mygħt.

Weɫɫ hym) defendyde as he myght,

¹But the Gesarne so sore a-lygħt,

But þe gyssarne so sore light,

The stroke rong ouer alle the feelde. 4260

The stroke ronge ouer aɫɫ þe felde. 4260

In-to the myddys he claffe his Sheelde,

In-to þe myddes he clefte his shelde,

And therin stake so sore and fast.

And þer-In stekede sore and faste.

The kyng to hym hyt pulled fast. 4263

Then to hym he pullede In haste.

He pulled so feersly that on) his kne

He pullede so freshly þat on his knees 4264

To the grounde than goytħ Partanope.

To grounde þen went Partonope.

He a-none lygħtly tho vp stert. 4266

He lightly þen vp sterte.

Ashamed and wrothe he was in hert

A-shamyde and wrothe he was In herte

That at erthe he had so be. [¹ leaf 29, back]

That at erthe he hade so be. 4268

Wytħ his swerde than) lete he flee

With his swerde þen let he fle

To his enemy so grete a stroke,

To his enemy so grete a stroke,

As thogħ ther had falle an Oke. 4271

As þougħ þer hade faɫɫ an oke. 4271

The kyng hys stroke warly be-helde,

The kynge his stroke warly be-helde,

And resseyved hyt vpon) his Sheelde.

And reseyuede it vppon his shelde.

154The shylde was sure, but not for þan) In-to þe myddes þe swerde Ran). The swerde was stronge and wolde not breke, Þorowe þe shylde a fote he steke. The kynge aspyed þe swerde was faste In hys shylde, and in grette haste He vndotħe þe gyrdeɫɫof hys shylde, And frome hym keste hyt in þe fylde. Wyth þys crafte ys Partonope Grettely encomberyd; nowe may not he Wytħ hys swerde hym-sselfe be-welde, [leaf 53] For on) the poynte faste cleuytħe þe shylde.  PArtonope stonte nowe in grette fere.  The kynge wolle geffe hym no leysere  To drawe hys swerde owte of þe shylde, But chassytħ hym fersly owte of þe ffylde. In botħe hys armes he halte hys gysharne, And leyetħe on) faste, and dotħe mocħe harme To thys yonge Partonope. But wyth hys shylde weɫɫ coueretħ hym he.

The King throws away the shield, and thus prevents Partonope from wielding his sword.

Forced to retreat, Partonope covers himself with his shield against Sornegour’s axe.

4276

4280

4284

4288

4292

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

The Sheelde was sure, but nogħt for thanne

The shelde was sure, but not for þen

In-to the myddes the Swerde ranne.

In-to þe myddes þe swerde rane.

The swerde was strong, and not to- brake. 4276

This swerde was stronge and not to- brake,* [leaf 22, back] 4276

Thorow the Sheelde a foote hit stake.

Thorwe þe shelde a foote it stake.

The kyng aspyed the Swerde was fast

The kynge aspyede þe swerde was faste

In hys Sheelde, and tho in grete hast

In his shelde, and In grete haste

He vndede the gy[r]te of hys Sheelde,

He vndyde þe gyrde of his shelde, 4280

And fro hym cast hit in-to the feelde.

And from hym caste it In-to þe felde.

Wytħ thys crafte now ys Partanope 4282

With þis crafte is now Partonope

Gretly encomberd; now may not he

Gretly encomberde; nowe may not he

Wytħ hys swerde hym-self be-welde,

With his swerde hym-selfe welde, 4284

For on) the poynt chevitħ the Sheelde.

For on þe poynte cleuyth his shelde.

PArtanope stount now in grete feere.

¶ Partonope stont In grete fere

The kyng wole gyffe hym no leyser

The kynge wiɫɫ gyffe hym no leysere

To drawe hys swerde oute of his Sheelde,

To drawe his swerde out of his shelde,

But chasetħ hym feersly a-boute the feelde. 4289

But chaseth hym aboute þe felde. 4289

In bothe his handes he holdytħ hys gesarne,

In bothe his hondes he holdyth þe gyssarne,

And laythe on) fast, and dothe harme

And leyth on faste, and doth harme

To this yonge knygħt Partanope. 4292

To þis yonge knyght Partonope. 4292

But wytħ his Sheelde wele couered hym he.

But with his shelde couerde hym he.

4276. After to some illegible letters; brake] ke indistinct.

155And as they were thus in stryvynge, He toke hede where a feyre swerde hynge A-pon) þe kynges ded stede. Hys swerde he lefte, and thyder he yede, And Sornegowre swerde fro þe Arson) rafte, There as he hyngynge had hyt lafte. Grette a-venture and grette dystresse A man) mygħte se þer and grette provesse Be-twyn) thes two worthy men). The batayle ys fulle perlowse be-twyn) hem, And mervelowse to be-holde þer-to, For ofte tyme hyt stode So The twonne hatħ þe better a man) wolle deme, And sodenly, or thowe wolste wene, He hatħe the worse, wyth-owten nay. Thus fortune alle the longe day Turnyth* hur on)-stydfaste whele, That non) of hem no whyle ys welle. Hyt to be-holde ys a mervelowse sygyħte. The day passytħ, and on) comytħ the nygħte.

4310. Turnyth] MS. Thorow.

4296

4300

4304

4308

4312

He sees the sword that hangs at the saddle of Somegour’s dead steed. He drops his-own,and seizes the other weapon.

The issue of the combat is uncertain- Night is coming on.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

And as they were thus in strynvyng,

As þey were þus In st[r]yuy[n]ge,

He toke hede where a Swerde hyng

He toke hede where a swerde hynge

Vpon the kingis dede stede. 4296

Vppon þe kynges dede stede. 4296

Hys Swerde he lefte, and thyder he yede; [¹ leaf 30]

His swerde he lefte, and þere he yede,

¹Sornogoure Swerde for the arson reft,

Sornogour swerde fro þe arson he refte,

Ther as he hanging had hyt lefte.

Ther as he it hade it lefte.

Grete aventure of grete dystresse 4300

Grete aventure of grete dysstres 4300

A man mygħt se there and professe

Be-twen these two so worthi men.

Be-twene þis ij worthy men).

The batayles ys perylous now hem be-twen),

The bataiɫɫ is perlus be-twene hem,

And Marvaylous to be-holde therto.

And mervelus [to] be-holde þerto. 4304

For ofte tyme truly hit stont so 4305

For ofte tyme truly it stonte so

The tone hatħ the better, a man wolde deme,

The tone hathe better, and none wiɫɫ deme,

And sodenly, or tow woldest wene,

And so-denly ore þou woldeste wene,

He hatħ the worse, wytħouten) nay.

He hathe the worse with-out nay. 4308

Thus ffortune alle the long day 4309

Thus fortune aɫɫ þe longe day

Turnetħ hyr vnstedfast whele,

Turnyth hem vnstedfaste whyle,

That none of hem ys no whyle wele.

That none of hem is nowe while.

Hyt to be-holde ys a mervayle sygħt. 4312

To be-holde it is mervelus sigħt. 4312

The day passyth on), fast on) comytħ the nygħt.

The day passeth, on comyth þe nyght.

156In botħe hondys holdetħ the hethyn) kynge Fulle fersly hys gysharne and dredytħ no-þynge; On) the other syde Partonope [leaf 54, bk. l. 27] Hys swerde in hande alle naked halte he, Redy to ffygħte in the ffylde. Kynge Sornegowre haþe neyþer helme ne shylde. Fortune hatħe hym thus a-Rayed^ι, Hys oste þer-off ys grettely dysmayed.  NO we comytħ Partonope to assayle  Þys hepyn) kynge, and woɫɫ not ffayle,  Yeffe he may, to haue hys hedde. The kynge hym hyetħe a fulle grette spede To hym warde, and off þe strokes ys warre, And wyth hys gysharne a-way hyt bare. Botħe ffersly to-geder they smette, And so hyt happenyd^ι here wepenys mette. [leaf 55] Partonope had there a grette harme : Hys swerde he smotte a-geyne the gysharne. Be the hylte hit brake, and alle to-flye. The danys were gladde when they hyt seye, For swerdeles was Partonope.

After 4315 … þynge MS. continues: stronge … perelowse, see 11. 4206 If.

The sword breaks off against the axe.

The Danes are glad, the French heavy at heart.

4316

4320

4324

4328

4332

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

In bothe handys holdytħ þe kyng

In bothe hondes he holdyth þe kynge,

Hys Gesarne feersly, and drede nothing.

His gyssarne freshly, and drede no-thynge. [¹ leaf 23.]

On) the tother syde this Partanope 4316

¹In be to þer syde þis Partonope 4316

Hys Swerde naked eke holdetħ he,

His swerde nakede holdyth he,

Redy to fygħt in the same feelde.

Redy to fight In þe felde.

The kyng hatħ neyther helme ne Shelde.

The kynge hathe neyþer helme ne shelde.

“NOw cometħ Partanope for to assoyle

¶ Nowe comyth Partonope to assaiɫɫ

This kyng, and wylle not fayle,

This kynge, and wiɫɫ not faiɫɫ,

Yf he now, to haue his hede. 4324

Yef he may, to haue his hede. 4324

The kyng hym hyed a fuɫɫ grete spede

The kynge hyede a grete spede

To hym warde, and of the stroke ys ware,

To hym, and of his stroke is ware.

And wytħ his Gesarne away he bare.

And with his gyssarne awey it bare.

Bothe feersly to-gydyr they smette, 4328

Bothe freshly togeder smete, 4328

And atte last her wepyns mette.

And at þe laste þer wepens mete.

Partanope had there a grete harme :

Partonope had þer grete harme :

Hys swerde he smotħ in the gesarne.

His swerde he smote In þe gyssarne,

By the hilt hit brake in that fygħt. 4332

Be þe hilt it brake In the gyssarne with figħt. 4332

The hethen were glade to se that sygħt.

The hethyn were glade to se þat sigħt,

And Swerdles than ys Partanope.

Swerdeles þen is Partonope.

157Whew the ffrensħe men) þat dyd se, Grette sorowe in hertys they hadde; And namely the kynge grette sorow made, And prayed Gode wyth alle hys mygħte To safe Partonope and eke hys rygħte.  Wytħe-owte wepyn* ys Partonope.  That swerde ys broke, þe toþer tweyne be  Snarled in þe shyldes ffaste. Whatte dotħe Partonope butte in grette haste Lepte to þe kynge wyth-owten lette, And on) the gysharne botħe hondys sette, And þogħte hyt fro þe kynge to pulle. The kynge defendy tħe [hyt] atte þe fulle. And thus they wrastelle and streyve sore, Tylle atte þe laste, whatte wolle ye more ? The Erle of hym þe gysharne wanne. The kynge sey þat, and faste Ranne To the swerde, alle men) be-helde, There as hit stake faste in þe shylde. Vppon) þe shylde he sette hys fette,

4340. wepyn] MS. shylde.

4336

4340

4344

4348

4352

Partonope rushes on the King, takes hold of the axe, and eventually wrenches it from him.

Sornegour then runs to the sword that is sticking in his shield.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

When the frencħmen that did see, 4335

When) þe frenche men dyde see,

Grete fere In þer hertes þey hade, 4336

And namly þe kynge sorwe made,

And prayed God wytħ alle hys mygħt

And prayede God with aɫɫ his myght

¹To saue Partanope and his rygħt.

To saue Partonope and his right.

WItħ-outen) wepyn ys now Partanope. 4340

¶ With-out wepyn is Partonope. 4340

Hys swerde is broken, the other tweyn) be [1 leaf 30, back]

His swerde is broke, þe toþer ij be

Snarled in the Sheeldes rygħg fast.

Snarlide In þe shildes right faste.

What dothe he than but in grete hast

What dothe he þen but In grete haste

Leepe to the kyng wytħouten lette, 4344

Lepyth to þe kynge with-out lete, 4344

And on the gesarne bothe handes sette,

And on) þe gyssarne with hondes sete,

And thougħt hyt fro the kyng to pulle.

And þought it fro þe kynge to puɫɫ,

But he defended hit than at fuɫɫ.

But he defendyde it at þe fuɫɫ.

And thus they warsteled and stryvid sore, 4348

Thus þey wrestellede and stryuyde sore, 4348.

Tylle at the last, what wole he more ?

Tiɫɫ at laste, what wiɫɫ ye more ?

The Erle of hym the gesarne wanne.

The erle of hym þe gyssarne wane.

The kyng seetħ that, and fast ranne

The kynge sethe þat, and faste rane

To the swerde, alle men tho be-heelde. 4352

The swerde, aɫɫ men) þo be-helde, 4352.

There hyt stake fast in the sheelde.

Ther it stake faste In the shilde.

Vpon) his shelde he sett hys foote,

Vppon) þe felde he set his feete,

158And atte hyt pulled wyth grette hete. He pulled and lefte not tylle he hyt hadde. [leaf 54, 1.10] The danys þer-off were rygħte gladde. Ther-wyth he wolde haue take the s[h]ylde. Wycħe Partonope þat he be-helde, Wytħ the gysharne at hym he smete, And of þat porpose þe kynge he lette. He sytħe that hyt wylle not be. The swyrde in honde naked halte he, Wycħe he drowe owte of þe shylde. In hys honde he hyt halte, aɫɫ men be-helde, Hys naked swerde [as] syluer bryghte. Hym) lacked no poynte of a knygħte, [For helme and sheelde had he none, In the feelde he had hem forgone.] And wyth þat swerde nowe þynketħe he Fersley to assayle Partonope. To hym he smotte wyth alle hys mygħte, And þogħte hys swerde shulde a lygħte Vppon) hys Enemy Partonope.

After 4355 … hete MS. continues: A swerde … brygħte, see 11. 4416 ff.

4366. alle men) he helde crossed out before syluer.

He succeeds in drawing it out, but not in taking up the shield.

He aims a furious blow, but strikes his hand against Partonope’s shield, and the weapon flies out of This hand.

4355

4360

4364

4368

4372

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

And the swerde that was his boote

And þe swerde þat was his bote 4355

He pulled oute, and hit hadde, 4356

He pullyde out, and it hade, [if. 23, bk.]

Wherof the hethen were fuɫɫ gladde.

Where-of þe hethyn were fuɫɫ glade.

Ther-wytħ he wolde haue take the Sheelde.

There-with he wolde a take his shelde.

But whan Partanope that be-heelde,

But Partonope þat be-helde.

Wytħ the gesarne at hym he smote, 4360

With þe gyssarne at hym he smote, 4360

That hit to take forth so hoote

That it to take furthe so hote

His purpose he put a-syde.

His porpose he put asyde.

Wherfore the kyng in the tyde

Where-fore þe kynge In þat tyde

That naked Swerde as syluer brygħt

That nakede swerde as siluer brigħt

Heelde in defence as a knygħt;

Helde In defence as a kyngħt; 4367

For helme and Sheelde had he none, 4368

For helme and shelde hade he none,

In the feelde he had hem forgone.

In þe felde he hade hem for-gone.

And wytħ this Swerde thenkytħ he

And with þis swerde thynketh he

Fresshly to assayle Partanope.

Freshly to assaiɫɫ Partonope.

To hym he smott wyht alle his myght, 4372

To hym he smote with aɫɫ his mygħt, 4372

And thougħt hit shulde haue lyght

And þought it shulde haue light

Vpon) his enemy Partanope.

Vppon) his enemy Partonope.

159But hyt happed for soþe þat he Was so ney hym þat on) hys shylde He smotte hys honde; and in-to þe fylde Owte fle hys swerde þat was so brygħte. The stroke he smotte wyth alle hys mygħte, Wycħe was to hym botħ shame and harme, Ther-wyth a-stonyed wes hys Arme. Thys a-spyed Partonope. In alle þe haste a-wey caste he Hys gyshame, and wyth þat lygħtely * wente To the swerde, and vp hyt hente, Wycħe fleye owte of þe kynges ffyste. Nowe hatħe Partonope aɫɫ hys lyste, For Sornegowre stante nowe wepynlesse. Lo, thus ffortune can) turne hur dyse Nowe vp, nowe downe; here whele ys vnstabelle. [if. 54, bk.] On) her ys no truste; she ys so varyabelle. Butte gladde ys nowe Partonope, For in hande that swerde hatħ he In wycħe [he] hatħ grette affyawnce, He brogħte hyt wyth hym in-to Fraunce. Butte wyle Partonope þys swerde vp toke,

4384. MS. lygħtely twice.

4376

4380

4384

4388

4392

4396

Partonope throws the axe from him, and catches the sword.

He is glad to have his own sword again.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

But hit happed for sothe that he

But it happyde for sothe þat he

Was so nye hym that on his Sheelde 4376

Was so nye hem þat on his shelde 4376

He smote hys honde; and in-to the feelde

He smote his honde; and In-to þe felde

Fley his Swerde that was so brygħt.

Fley his swerde þat was so bright.

Than) was he in hert sore a-frygħt,

Then) was he sore afrigħt,

And wytħ that stroke he had grete harme, [leaf 31] 4380

With þat stroke he hade grete harme, 4380

For sore astonyed was his arme.

For sore astonyde was his arme.

This aspied tho Partanope.

This asspyde þo Partonope.

In alle the haste away caste he 4383

In aɫɫ þe haste awey caste he 4383

The gesarne, and than lygħtly went,

The gyssame, and þen lightly wente,

That Swerde feersly he vp hent. 4385

That swerde fersly vp he hent. 4385

And gladde ys now Partanope 4392

And glade is nowe Partonope 4392

That in honde that Swerde hatħ he

That In honde þat swerde hathe he

In whicħ he hatħ grete affiaunce,

In whiche he hathe his afyaunce.

He Brougħt hit wytħ hym in-to Fraunce.

But while that Partanope the Swerde vp toke, 4396

While Partonope þe swerde toke 4396

160The heþyn) kynge faste gan) loke After wepyn), butte þer was non) Thatte he mygħte haue; þen what to done He wotte neuer; yette he toke keppe Where a shylde lay, and thyder he leppe. He toke hyt vp in fulle grette haste, And a-bowte hys necke hyt caste. That setħe þys erle Partonope, And fersly a strocke at hym lette fle. The kynge hyt kepp[t]e appon) hys shylde. And wyth þat stroke in-to þe ffylde A cantelle ffley, þys ys no nay. And when Partonope þys syħte say, A-nother dynte þer-on) he yaffe, That alle on) peces þe shylde raffe. A-none þogħte Partonope The better he hadde of þys medele. Ther-wyth sey pys hefyn) kynge Hys Enemys shylde, and þer-in styckynge A swerde þat was ffurbesħe[d] fuɫɫ brygħte, [if. 55,1.28] And þer-to a-non) he lepte fulle rygħte.

After 4415 … styckynge MS. continues: On) … Partonope, see 11. 4316 ff.

Meanwhile Sornegour takes up his shield, and fastens it round his neck.

Partonope comes on, and splits the shield.

Sornegour ruhs at him, and draws his sword out of Partonope’s shield.

4400

4404

4408

4412

4416

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

This hethen kyng fast gan) loke

The hethyn kynge faste gan loke

After wepyn), but there was none

After wepyn, but þer was none 4398

That he mygħt haue/ then what to done

That he myght haue; þen what to don

He wote neuer/ yet he toke kepe 4400

He wot neurer; yet þen he toke kepe

Where a Sheelde lay, and thider he leepe.

Where a shelde lay, and deþer he lepe.

He toke hit vp in fuɫɫ grete haste,

He toke it vpe In grete haste,

And a-boute his nek to hit cast.

And aboute his nyke it caste.

That seetħ the erle Partanope, 4404

That seyth þe erle Partonope, [If. 24] 4404

And ffeersly at hym tho leete flee

And fersly at hym let fle

A stroke, whicħ he defende wytħ his Sheelde.

A stroke, whiche he defendyde with his shelde

And wytħ that stroke in-to the feelde

And with þat stroke In-to þe felde

A Casteɫɫ flye, this ys no nay. 4408

A canteɫɫ fley, þis is no nay. 4408

And whan Partanope that sey,

When Partonope þat sey,

A-nother dynt theron he gafe,

Anoþer dent þer-on he gafe

That alle to pecis the Sheelde rafe.

That aɫɫ to peces þe shelde rafe.

A-none thougħt Erle Partanope 4412

Anone þought erle Partonope 4412

The betther he had of this medlee.

The bytter he hade of þis raedle.

Therwytħ see[t]h this hethen kyng

Ther-with seyth þis is hethyn kynge

Hys enemyes Sheelde, and therin styking 4415

His enemys shilde, and þer-In stekynge

A Swerde that was furbusshed brigħt,

A swerde þat was burnysshede brigħt,

A[nd] therto anone he leepe fuɫɫ rygħt.

And þer-to he lepe anone rigħt, 4417

161He pulled₎ hyt owte and þat a-non). Hys ffryndes þer-wyth were gladde echeon). Nowe ys þe bat[a]yle fulle mervelowse, And to be-holde fulle Dolorowse. Off hem botħe ys non) rygħte sure. There falletħ so mony a venture On) botħe þe sydes; for nowe þe ton) Ys atte þe better, and rygħte a-non) Mervelowsly ys atte the wo[r]sse : So ys the batayle fulle peruerse. [leaf 55, back] To botħe partyes fortune stante; Her whele ys* euer vnstabeɫɫ and mevante.  PArtonope hys brygħte swerde gynnetħ dresse,  Wycħe that Mel[i]owre for hye provesse  Hym gaffe at here laste departynge, Wycħe was to hym a precyowse thynge. So goode hyt was, whan) he hyt sey, And Remembryd^ι hym the cause why Hys loue, hys lady so fayre and ffre, Hym hyt gaffe, and for that he Shulde hym besy grettely in knygħt-hode. And þat made hym thynke in manhode. And ther-wyth hys herte gan) faste lygħte; That thoȝte made hym fresħe to ffygħte

4429. ys] MS. ye.

4420

4424

4428

4432

4436

4440

The combat is dreadful.

Fortune favours now one, now the other.

Partonope raises the sword that Melior gave him.

Thinking on his Lady, and of the giving of the sword, he brings it down on Sornegour’s shield, and shivers it altogether.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

He pulled hit oute in grete haste,

He pullede it out In grete haste,

And in his hond hatħ hit faste.

And in his honde hathe it faste.

Now ys the Batayle mervelous, 4420

Nowe is þe batairɫɫ mervelus, 4420

And to be-holde how myschevous.

And to be-holde myschevus.

Of hym bothe ys none rygħt sure.

Of hem bothe is non sure.

Ther falle so many aventure

Ther fiɫɫ so many aventure

On) Bothe sydes; for now the tone 4424

On bothe sythis; for nowe þe tone 4424

¹Is at þe better/ and now rygħt anone

Ys at better, and nowe right anone

Mervaylesly he ys atte worsse :

Mervelusly he is at wors :

So this batayle ys perversse. [leaf 31,back]

So þis bataiɫɫ is fuɫɫ perlus.

PArtanope hym) ganne dresse 4430

¶ Partonope hym gan) dresse 4430

To fygħt for hym prowesse,

To right for his prowesse,

And be-thinketħ how that Melior

And be-thynketh howe þat Melyore

That Swerde gafe hym therfor 4437

That swerde gafe hym þerfore 4437

To preve hym-self a manly knygħt,

To prove hym-selfe a manly knyght,

Where euer he went in any fygħt.

Where euer he went In ony figħt.

And therwytħ his hert ganne to lygħt,

And þer-with his hert gan to ligħt, 4440

And fresh was a-none to fygħt. 4441

And freshe was anone to figħt.

PARTONOPE.

M

162And quekened^ι hys herte so hyly, That to Sornegowre he lepte fulle lygħtely, And so fersly smotte on) hys shylde, By peces hyt ffley a-bowte the ffylde. The kynge hym couerytħe as he mygħte; Butte euer Partonope put hym to flygħte. For in no place he Soferytħ hym to a-byde, Butte alle a-bowte þe lystes wyde He hym chasytħ so hyly, That kynge Sornegowre wotte fuɫɫ surely He hatħe the worse of thys batayle. Lowe, thys can) loue wyth-owte ffayle  MAke ecħe man) hys mastere vse :  Knygħtes shame to refuse,  Clerkes to loue weɫɫ clergye, And ladyes to cheresse curtesy. For sho that can) not love, Hur grette stabylnesse no man) may prove; For þowe she be louyd^ι for here bewte, And þowe she loue, yette aɫɫ-way may she Saue here worshyppe and hyr name. For be hyt in e[r]nyste or in game That hyr loue make hyr a requeste, And she þynke hyt be not honeste, She ys atte large, she may sey naye.

4453. On the margin is written notatur bene.

He chases his enemy round the lists.

The poet reflects on the power of love, and complains of the cruelty of his Lady.

4444

4448

4452

4456

4460

4464

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Whan) he had of his lady memory,

When he hade of his lady memorye,

Then) to Somogoure he leepe fuɫɫ lygħtly,

Then) to Sornogoure he lepe lightlye,

And so feersly smote hym on) the Sheelde, 4444

And so freshly smote hym on þe shelde, 4444

B pecis hit flye a-boute the feelde.

The kyng hym) couered as well as he mygħt;

The kynge hym couerde as he myght;

But euer Partanope put hym to flyght.

But euer Partonope put hym to flight.

For in no place he wolde Suffre hym) a-byde, 4448

In no place he wolde suffere hym byde

But alle a-boute the lystes wyde

But aɫɫ aboute þe lystes wyde 4449

He hym chased so hidously

He hym chasede so hedyously [leaf 24 b]

That Sornogoure wenytħ fuɫɫ surely

That Sornogour wenyth surly

He hatħ the worsse of this batayle. 4452

He hathe þe wors of þis bataiɫɫ 4452

Lo, thus can love wythouten fayle

Loo, þus can loue with-out faiɫɫ

Make a man maystries vse,

Make a man) mastres vse,

And a knygħt shame to refuse. 4455

And a knyght shame to refuse. 4455

163For thus I am serued^ι day be day [leaf 56] Off her that I loue and do seme. Yette frome her seruyse shaɫɫ I not swerue, For I wolle euer her seruante be. And wolde Gode that onys she Off here conselle me wolde make ! Butte alle þat me luste she doþe for-sake.  LOrdynges, I pray alle þat ye,  Þowe I leue of Partonope  A whyle, and speke of oþer þynge, Hyt be to yowe no dysplesynge. For of sucħe mater speke moste I, Whether hyt be wysdome or ffoly. For þer þe sore ys, þe fynger woɫɫ be, And where thy loue ys, þyne ey ys to se. For as thy ffynger drawetħe to þe sore, So wolle thyne eye euer-more, Drawe to that place þat þou louyste beste. Ther-fore to me hyt ys a ffeste To talke a-monge of sucħe matere That longetħ to loue, and nowe ye shaɫɫ here The tale ffortħe of Partonope. He maketħe hys enemy a-fore hym fle. He sufferytħe hym a-byde on) no grownde, Butte chasytħ hym a-bowte þe lystes rownde. Thys sytħe thys fals Erle Mares, Wycħe I tolde yowe come of Cherles, And was enhawnsed to lordys degre, Wyth iij. thowsande of hys, mayne Comytħ in-to þe lystes to helpe hys lorde, Welle I-armed, and breketħ the a-corde

4468

4472

4476

4480

4484

4488

4492

4496

Love draws him irresistibly to speak of love.

Mares and his company now enter the lists to help the King, and draw their weapons.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Thus feersly chasetħ Partanope, 4488

Thus fersly chaseth Partonope, 4488

That he maketħ his enemy a-fore hym flee

That he maketh his enemy flee.

This seetħ Marres, that flas Erle, 4492

This seyth Marras, be false erle,

Whicħ I tolde yow that of a cherle

Whiche I tolde you of a churle

Was inhaunsed to lordys degree,

Was enhansede to lordes degre. 4494

Wytħ thre thousand of hys meynee

With iii þousonde of his meyne

Cometħ in-to to lystes to helpe his lorde, 4496

Comyth to þe lystes to helpe his lorde,

Weɫɫ I-armed, and brekytħ the a-corde

Weɫɫ-armede, and breke þe acorde

164Off botħe þe partyes, wyth-owten dowte. A-none he and alle hys rowte Owte wyth here swerdes, and leyne on) ffaste One euery syde, and atte þe laste Mares come to Partonope, And wyth hys swerde atte hym lette file. The Erle manly defendytħ þe ffelde. Mares smete fersly, and Sornegowre behelde, And cryed^ι faste to Erle Mares That he shulde leue and make pes By the alygeawnce þat he hym owgħte. Mares hym answered that in hys þogħte [leaf 56, ba k] Hyt come neuer, what so be-felle; He woɫɫ not be cesyd of hys wylle. The * M^ɫ Danys þat armed were, And þat day assygned there The fylde to kepe on) Sornegowre ys syde, To the kynge they faste gan) ryde. Kynge Fursyn) * and kynge Fabure eke On) the ffelde ffaste gan) prycke To kynge Sornegowre, here lege lorde.

4512. The] MS: Thre.

4516. MS. Furfyn).

Mares attacks Partonope, bidding defiance to the King’s command to withdraw.

The Danes hasten towards Sornegour.

Fursin and Fabur ride quickly to the spot.

4500

4504

4508

4512

4516

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Of botħe partyes, wythouten doute.

Of bothe partis, with-out doute. 4498

Anone he had alle hys rowte

Anone he and aɫɫ his route

Oute wytħ ther Swerdes, and lay on) fast 4500

Out with þer swerdes and leyde on faste

On) euery syde, and than) atte last

On euery syde, and þen at laste

This Marres cometħ to Partanope,

This Marras cornyth to Partonope, 4502

And wytħ his Swerde at hym leete flee.

And with his swerde at hym let tie.

¹ The Erle manly deffended the feelde.

The erle defendyde In þe felde. 4504

Marres smote feersly, and Sornogoure be-helde, [¹leaf 32] 4505

Marras smote surly, and Sornogour be- helde,

And cryed fast to the Erle Marres

And cryede faste to þe erle Marras

That he shulde leeve and make pees

That he shulde leue and make pes

By the legeaunce that hym augħt. 4508

Be þe legance þat hym augħt. 4508

Marres answeryd that in thougħt

Marras answerde þat In his þougħt

Hyt come neuer what so euer be-fylle;

Hit come neuer, what so euer be-fiɫɫ;

He wolle not be lettyd of his wylle.

He wiɫɫ not be lettyde of his wiɫɫ.

The thousand hethen that a[r]med were, 4512

¶ The þosonde hethyn þat armede were, 4512

And that day assygned there

And were asyngnede there

The feelde to keepe on) Sornogoure syde,

The felde to kepe ore Sornogour syde,

To her kyng tho fast gan) ryde.

To here kynge faste gan ryde.

Kyng Sursyn) and kyng Fabure eke

Kynge Sursyn and kynge Fabir eke

On) the feelde fast ganne preke 4517

On) þe felde faste gan pryke 4517

To kyng Sornogoure, her chief lorde.

To kynge Sorogour, here chefe lorde.

165“Mercy !” seyde he, “ffor owre a-corde Ys alle to-Squatte and dysarayed^ι. Fals Mares hatħ me be-trayed. Sletħe hym, I bydde yowe, and þat anonne !” They hym answeryd euerychone That hyt shulde be done in haste. Towarde Mares they prekyn) ffaste, And alle they hem peyned wyth-owten ffayle To sle Mares in þat batayle. The Paynemys layde eche on) other, Ther spared^ι no man) cosyn) ne brother. The crysten) were sley thykke also, Butte of the heþen) were mony mo. And so hyt mygħte no noder be Butte take was Partonope. Butte mony an) heþyn) made he to dye, Er they mygħte come hym so nye. And mony a crysten) dyed in þat ffyghte, And mony mo shulde, ne had the nygħte Come on) so faste, þys ys the sotħe. Butte kynge Sornegowre wyth þys was roþe.

4520

4524

4528

4532

4536

Sornegour commands them to slay Mares who has betrayed him.

They ride towards him.

The heathen fight among themselves, and many Christians are also killed.

At last Partonope is carried off, after slaughtering many.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

“Merci,” sayde they, “for oure a-corde

“Mercy !” seyde þey, “for oure acorde

I ys altosquatte and dysarayed. 4520

Ys aɫɫ squat and dyssarayd. 4520

Flas Marres hatħ vs be-trayed.”—

False Marras hathe vs be-trayde.”—

“Sleetħ hym,” he sayde, “and that anone!”

“Sle hym,” he seyde, “and þat anone!”

They hym) answerytħ euerychone : 4523

They hym answerde euerychone :

“Hyt shaɫɫi be done, and that in hast.”

“Hit shaɫɫ be don, and þat anone. “4524

Toward Marres they presed fast,

Towarde Marras þey presede faste, [If. 25.]

And hem payne withouten fayle

And hem payne with-out faiɫɫ

To slee Marres in that batayle. 4527

To sle Marras in þat bataiɫɫ. [leaf 25.]

The hethen layed on) eche on) other,

The hethyn leyde on iche oþer, 4528

They spared neydyr Cosyn ne brother.

They sparede noþer cosyn ne broþer.

The Crysten were slayn thykke also,

The crystyn were slayne thyke also,

But of the hethen were many moo.

But of þe hethyn many mo.

And also hyt mygħt none other be 4532

And so it myght none oþer be 4532

But taken than was Partanope.

But takyn þen was Partonope.

But many hethen made he to dye,

But many hethen made he dye,

Or they mygħt come hym) so nye.

Ore þey myght come hym so nye.

And many a crysten dyed in that fygħt, 4536

Many crystyn dyede In þat figħt, 4536

And many moo shulde, had not the nyght

And many mo shulde, hade not þe n[i]għt

Come on) so fast, this ys the sothe.

Come on so faste, þis is þe sothe.

But kyng Sornogoure was wondyr wrothe.

But kynge Sornogour was fuɫɫ wrothe.

166 HE toke an) horse in grette haste,  And In a-monge hem prycked faste,  And wyth hys swerde leyde faste a-bowte, And slowe mony on), wyth-owten dowte, Off hys secte and hys kynredde, And euer cryed faste as he yede: “Loke ye saue Partonope !” Thys in hys fygħtynge euer cryed he. Butte when he cowde no-þynge here, Off Partonope he was In ffere In thys horlynge he had byn) sleyne. [leaf 57] Hys clepynge he thoȝte was in veyne, For lytelle he þoȝte he shulde be take. The heven) waxed darke, þe skyes were blake, The day was passed, hyt wes derke nygħte. Thys þe Ostes departed from) ffygħte. The ffrenshe departed wyth grette deele, For Partonope they supposed welle Ys ded wyth-owte any nay. And streygħte to Pvntyffe þey toke þe way. Kynge Sornegowre ys rotħe and Anguysshous

4556. de crossed out before deele.

Sornegour mounts a horse, and rides among his people, laying about him, and calling aloud that Partonope should he saved.

It is now dark night, and the armies separate.

The French go back to Pontoise.

4540

4544

4548

4552

4556

4560

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

He toke an) hors in grete hast, 4540

He toke an hors In grete haste, 4540

And in amonge hem pryked fast,

And In amonge he prekede faste,

And whytħ hys Swerde layde fast a-boute, [¹ leaf 32, back.]

And with his swerde he leyde aboute,

¹ And slow many one, wytħ-oute doute,

And slowe many on, with-out doute,

Of his syde and of his kynrede, 4544

Of his syde and of his kenrede, 4544

And euer cryed fast as he yede :

And euer cryede faste as he yede :

“Loke he save Erie Partanope !”

“Loke ye saue erle Partonope !”

Thus in his fyghting euer cryed he.

Thus In fightynge euer cryede he.

But whan he Cowde no-thing here, 4548

But when he couthe not here, 4548

Of Partanope he was in feere

Of Partonope he was In fere

That in this hurlyng he were slayn).

That In his hurlynge he was slayne.

Hys crying hym thougħt was in vayne,

His crynge hym þought was In vayne,

Fuɫɫ lyteɫɫ he thougħt he shulde be take. 4552

Lytiɫɫ he þought he shulde be take.

Than his Skye ganne wex blake,

Then þe skye gan) wex blake, 4553

The day was past, hit was derke nygħt.

The day was paste, it was dyrke nygħt.

Thus the Ooste departed from) fygħt.

Thus þe oste departyde at nygħt.

The frencħ departed wytħ grete heuyte,

The frenche departyde with grete hevyte, 4556

For they Suppose that Partanope 4557

For þey sopposede þat Partonope

Ys dede wytħ-outen any nay.

Ys dede with-out ony nay.

And to Pountyff they toke the way.

To Pountyfe þey toke þe wey.

Sornogoure ys wrotħ and angwisshous

Sornogour is wrothe and angwis 4560

167That he mygħte not haue þe Rescowse Off hys ffelowe Partonope. “What dyd he þen) suppose ye ? Wyth þe ffrenshe he dyd fortħe ryde A-monge hem alle vn)-a-Spyed, As þowe he had be on) of hem. Ther herde he of þe ffrenshe men) So grette sorowe and complaynte made For Partonope, þat none was glade, Butte fulle of sorowe and wepynge. And þus to Pvntyffe-warde þey be rydynge, And Sornegowre in here company. None of hem hym cowde a-Spy. And In-to Pvntyffe, to þe halle dore, Wyth hem rodde kynge Sornegowre. As he was armed he lygħte a-none, He lette hys hors where he wolde gon), He toke no hede where he be-come. The wey vn)-to þe chamber he nome, Where as þe kynge of Fraunse he seye Make sorowe, and wepte fulle tenderly, Sownynge and passynge sorowe made. None of hys men) hym cowde glade,

4564

4568

4572

4576

4580

Sornegonr joins them without being observed, All are dismayed.

He alights at the hall door, and proceeds to a chamber where the King of France is lamenting for Partonope.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

That he myght not have the rescows

That he myght haue no rescous

Of his felaw, Erle Partanope. 4562

Of his felowe, erle Partonope. 4562

Whatt dyd he than) suppose ye ?

What dyde he þen) soppose ye ?

Wytħ the frensħ he dyd fort he ryde

With þe frenche he dyde furthe ryde

Amonge hem alle vnspied, 4565

Amonge hem aɫɫ vnspyde, 4565

As thougħ he had be one of hem.

As he hade ben on of hem.

There herde he of the frencħ men

There herde he of þe french men)¹

So grete sorow and playnt made 4568

So grete sorwe and pleynte made 4568

For Partanope / and none was glade,

For Partonope, and none was glade,

But fuɫɫ of sorow and of weping,

But fuɫɫ of sorwe and of wepynge..

And Thus to Pountyff were they rydyng, [¹ leaf 33]

Thus to Pountyf were þey rydynge, [^l leaf 25 b]

And Sornogoure in her Company. 4572

And Sornogour In here companye. 4572

None of hem cowde hym aspie.

Non of hym couth hym esspye.

And in-to Pountyff, to the halle dore,

In-to Pountyf to þe haɫɫ dore

Wytħ hem rode king Sornogoure.

with hem rode kynge Sornogour.

As he was was armed he lygħt a-none,

As he was armede, he light downe, 4576

And lete hys hors where he wolde gone,

And let his hors where he wolde gon).

He toke none hede where he be-come

He toke no hede where he be-come.

The way in-to the chambre he nome,

The wey to þe chambir he nome,

Where as the kyng of Fraunce he sye

Whereas þe kynge of France he sey 4580

Make sorow and fuɫɫ tenderly, 4581

Make sorwe and fuɫɫ tenderly

¹Swonned and passyng sorow made.

Swone and passynge sorwe made.

None of his men cowde hym glade,

Nooe of his men) couth hym glade

168For in hys sorowe þys was hys crye: “Allas, Partonope ! þou were so nye My kyn) and eke my gouernowre. Nowe arte þou ded^ι, wycħe were þe fflowre Off alle þe knygħthode þat longeth to Fraunce. Allas ! what happe or what myschawnce Was that þe felde so ffalsely Was kepte; for þe heþen) truly [leaf 57, back] Arne for-sowrne, and þat ecħone. None of hem alle may voyde ne gon) Frome þys fowle Inconvenyente, For I my-selfe was there presente, When alle þe kynges þer toke here otħe. Yette sory I am, and rygħte wrothe, Thys vyleny shulde be in Sornegowre, For he was þe ffryste on) þat swore; And þat I wotte weɫɫ he lacked no manhode. I trusted^ι euer fully in hys knygħthode And In hys gentylnes, that neuer he In sucħe vntruþe fownden) wolde be. Hys worde I cowde euer haue trysted^ι welle, That hyt had ben) as trewe as stylle.”

The heathen, he says, are forsworn.

He had never believed that Sornegour could be capable of treason.

4584

4588

4592

4596

4600

4604

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

For in crye sorow this was his crye: 4584

For In his sorwe þis was þis crye : 4584

“Allas, Partanope! thow were so nye

“Allas, Partonope ! þou were so nye

My kynne and eke my gouernoure.

My kynne and eke my gouernoure.

Now arte thow dede whicħ were the floure

Nowe art þou dede whiche were be floure

Of alle the knyghthode that longytħ to Fraunce. “4588

Of aɫɫ knyghthode þat longyth to France. 4588

Allas ! what happe or mychaunce

Allas ! what happe ore myschance

Was that this feelde so flasly

Who þat fekiɫɫ so falsly

Was kept; the hethen now trwly

Was kepte; þe hethyn truly

Be forsworne wytħouten nay. 4592

Be for-sworne with-out nay. 4592

The contrary they mowe not say,

The contrary þey may not say.

For I myself was present for so the,

I my-selfe was present for sothe,

Whan they toke her othe. 4596

When þey þer toke þer othe. 4596

Yet for Sornogoure I am rygħt sory

Yet for Sornogour I am right sorye

That he shulde be founde in su[c]ħe vylany.

That he shulde be fonde In soyche velony.

And yet I wote weɫɫ he lakked no man hode. 4600

Yet wot I weɫɫ he lakede no manhode.

I trusted euer fully in his knyghthode

I truste euer fully to his knyghthode.

And in his genteɫɫ-nesse and suerte,

And In his Ientillnes and suerte,

That sucħ vntroutħ wolde not he

That soyche vntrouthe woɫɫ not! he

Enforged ne neuer haue wrougħt.

Enforgyde ne neuer haue wrougħt,

I trowe therto he not consentyd in thougħt.”

I trowe þer-to he neuer consentydeln þougħt.

169 When) Sornegowre herde þe kynge hym preyse,  To hys herte hyt was grette ese.  Wytħ-In hym-selfe then) þoȝte he : “I wolle no lenger hyde me.” And wyth þys þogħte in grette haste Hys hedde he vnarmed, and þer-wyth as faste Alle naked he pulled owte hys swerde, Wyth þe wycħe at þat tyme he was gyrde. And in hys honde þe poynte he toke, Hys Regalyte he than) for-Soke As for þat tyme, as þynketħe me; For downe he sette hym on) hys kne.  “Syr,” sayde he to þe ffrenshe kynge,  “Mercy I aske a-boue aɫɫ pynge. I am vnarmed, as ye may se, My hedde ys naked^ι, syr, parde. The hyltes vpwarde ye se I holde Off my swerde naked, for þat I wolde Bene atte your grace and atte yowre wylle. Thys ys my cause and also my Skylle : Yeffe þat yowre cosyn) Partonope

4608

4612

4616

4620

4624

Sornegour discovers himself, offers up his sword, and kneels before the King, asking his grace.

If he be proved guilty of treason, he is willing to yield himself prisoner.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

When Sornogoure herde the kyng hym preyse,

¶ When Sornogour herde þe kynge hym pryse,

Than) to his hert hit was grete ese.

Then) to his hert it was grete eyse.4607

Wytħ hym)-self then thought he : 4608

With-In hym-selfe þen þought he :

“I wole no lenger now hide me.”

“‘ I wiɫɫ no lenger nowe hyde me.”

And wytħ this thougħt in grete haste

With þis þought In grete haste, [leaf 26]

His helme he pulled of as faste,

His helme he of faste,

And nakked he plukked oute his Swerde, 4612

And nakede he pullede out his swerde,

Wytħ which at that tyme he was gerde.

With whiche þat tyme he was gyrde,

And in his honde the poynt he toke,

And In his honde þe poynt he toke,

His regally he thanne for-soke,

His regally he þen for-soke,

As for that tyme thus dyd he, 4616

And for þat tyme þus dyde he : 4616

And down) he sett hym on) his kne.

Downe he set hym on his kne.

“Syr,” sayde he to the frencħ kyng,

“Sir,” seyde he to þe kynge of France,

“Mercy I aske a-bove alle thing.

“Mercy I aske for myne alyance.

I am vnarmed, as ye may see, 4620

I am vnarmede, as ye may see.” 4620

Myne heede ys naked, and I Submytte me. [¹ leaf 33, back]

The hyltes of my Swerde I vp holde,

The helt of his swerde vp helde he.

¹ For at youre grace I be wolde. 4623

“For at your grace I wolde be.

And cause why / ye shaɫɫ determyn):

And cause why I shaɫɫ determyne : 462

Yf that Partanope, youre Cosyn), 4626

Yef þat Partonope, youre cossyne,

170Be ded or takyn), or þat I be Fow[n]den) wyttynge of thys trosone, Or any man) can) preve be resone Thys [pes] shulde be broke þorowe me, I am here redy alle-wey to be [leaf 58] Obeysaunte to yowre cowrtys a-warde. Puttytħe my body in safe garde. My requeste I pray þat ye do, I yelde yowe here my Swerde also.” Þe kynge hys swerde taketħ in goode a-vyse, And prayetħe hym he wolde a-ryse * Vppon) hys fette, and þen he sayde : “Sornegowre, I am grettely myspayde Wyth þys falshode; yette neþerles I se By yowre gouernavnce þat ye ne be Knowynge þer-off in no wyse, Sytħe ye arn) come þus in þys gyse To yelde yowe þus lowly vn-to me. Hyt semetħ sory þer-off þat ye be, Off thys grette losse þat I haue.”

4637. ryse] MS. ryde. 4643. MS. possibly sythen.

The King begs him to rise; he is re-assured that Sornegour is innocent.

4628

4632

4636

4640

4644

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Be dede or take thorow this treason,

And yf any man) canne preve be reson)

This peas shulde be broke thorow me,

This pes shaɫɫ be broke þorwe me,

I am here redi alwey to be 4631

I am here redy aɫɫ-wey to be

Obyesaunt to youre curteys a-warde.

Obeysant to your courtesye and warde, 4632

Puttetħ my body now in safe garde.

Puttyth me, lorde, In saffe garde.

My request I pray that ye doo, 4634

My requeste I praye you þat ye do,

I yelde yow here my Swerde also.

1 yelde you here my swerde also. 4635

And thenkytħ in me no variaunce,

Thynketh In me no varyance.”

For I neuer thougħt this myschaunce.”

The kyng his Swerde taketħ in goode wyse, 4636

The kynge his swerde taketh In good wyse, 4636

And prayde hym that he wolde ryse

And prayede hym þat he wolde ryse

Vpon) his feete, and then) he sayde :

Vppon) his fete, and þen) he seyde :

“Sornogoure, I am gretly myspayde

“Sornogour, I am gretly myspayde

Wytħ this flashede; yet neuer the lesse I see 4640

With þis falshede; yet neuer þe lese I se 4640

Be youre gouernaunce that ye not be

Be your gouernance þat ye ne be

Knowing therof in no wyse,

Knowynge þer-of In no wyse,

Sethen) ye are comen in this gyse 4643

Sethe ye are come In þis gyse

To yelde yow thus lowly vnto me.

To yelde you þus lowly to me. 4644

Hit maketħ grete profe now, parde,

Hit maketh grete prefe nowe, parde,

That of this Tresoun) no gilt ye haue.”—

Of þis treson no gilt ye haue.”—

171 “Syr,” sayde Sornegowre, “so Gode me safe,  I am rotħe also trewly.  Ye ben) bé-trayed, and also am I, And by home I shalle yowe telle : He ys boþe olde, fers, and ffelle. I haue brogħte hym vp of nogħte, Where-fore ofte in my þogħte I haue fulle sore repented^ι me. For he was butte of lowe degre; Off bertħe hys fader was a chorle. Nowe haue I made hym a grette Erle; Hys name ys Mares, syr, Parde. He hath be-trayed^ι boþe yowe and me. Cursed he ys in alle wyse, Fayre of specħe, and fals of seruyse. To me he ys plesawnte and lowly, And to my knygħthode dyspituos and stordy. Fryste I helde hym trewe and sadde, And þer-fore my stewarde I hym made.

4648

4652

4656

4660

4664

Sornegour complains of the falsehood of Mares, who was born a churl; but Sornegour trusted him, and made him his steward.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

“Syr,” sayde Sornogoure, “so God me save,

“Sir,” seyde Sornogour, “so God me saue,

I am wrotħe and in my hert angrey 4648

I am wrothe and In my hert angry 4648

That ye thus are be-trayed/ and so am I;

That ye are betrayede, and so am I.

And be whome hit ys I shaɫɫ yow teɫɫ :

Be whom it is I shaɫɫ you teɫɫ :

He ys bothe olde, feers, and feɫɫ.

He is bothe olde, fers, and feɫɫ.

I haue brougħt hym) vp of nougħt, 4652

I haue brought hym vp of nought, 4652

Wherfore ofte in my large thougħt

¹ Where [-fore] oftyn in my þougħt

I haue fuɫɫ sore repent yd me

I haue fuɫɫ sore repentyde me [¹ If. 26, bk.]

That euer I so lewde shulde be;

That I euer so lewyde shulde be;

For he was of brytħ but lowe degree,

For he was of berthe but lowe degre.

I my-self made hym free.

His fadyr was but a power Cherle; 4656

His fader was but a poure churle, 4656

Now I haue made the Son an) Erle.

Nowe haue I made his son an erle.

Hit ys Marres, Syr, pardee.

His name is Marras, sir, parde.

He hatħ be-trayed bothe yow and me.

He hathe be-trayede you and me.

¹ Cursid he ys and Covetous in alle wyse,

Coursede he is In aɫɫ wyse, 4660

Fayre of specħ, and flas in Servyse. 4661

Fayre of speche, and false In seruyse.

To me he ys plesaunt and lowly, [¹ leaf 34]

To me his he plesant and louly,

And to my men dyspitous and sturdy.

To my men) dysspyttuouse and stordy.

Fyrst I helde hym) true and sadde, 4664

Fyrste I helde hym trewe and sade, 4664

And therfore my stywarde I hym) made.

There-for my stewarde I hym made.

Quaynt rewles now dothe he vse,

Quynte Rulis dothe he vse,

I wole for euer now hym refuse.

I wiɫɫ for euer hem refuse.

And servyse more neuer shaɫɫ he do,

His seruyce more neuer shaɫɫ he me do,

And his deservyng shaɫɫ I quyte also.

His deseruy[n]ge shaɫɫ I quyte so.

172And when he purposed to do fals þynge, Þys was hys worde : þys wolle þe kynge. Thys alle þe dynte ys falle on) me. There as my pepelle was wonte to be To me fulle louynge and fulle kynde, Ille wylled and frowarde nowe I hem ffynde. For no man) to me wolde * sey of þe traytowre [leaf 58, back] Butte alle worshyppe and grette honowre. An Erles doȝter I gaffe hym to wyfe; He hatħe me greued wyth werre and stryfe. For þer I had wende he had saued myn) honowre, He maketħ me be holde fals and a traytowre. Where-fore I pray yowe of on) þynge, As ye ben) a rygħtfulle kynge, Þat in no wyse ye þynke þorowe me Shulde be ded Partonope. For an) Erle haue here a kynge. And yeff so be [þat] for no-thynge I may not [now] excused^ι be, Taketħe venganse þen vppon) me. And yeffe hyt lyke yowe þen) þat I haue

4672 MS. Wolle.

A recital of Mare’s falseness.

Sornegour declares himself innocent. If it pleases the King, he is ready to become his liege-man.

4668

4671

4676

4680

4684

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

For whan) he purposytħ to do fals thing

When he porposeth to do false thynge,

Sucħ ys his worde/ thus wolle the kyng.

Soyche is his wordes: bus wiɫɫ þe kynge

Thus alle the dent ys falle on) me.

Thut aɫɫ þe doute is faɫɫ on me. 4668

There as my peple was wont to be 4669

There as my pepiɫɫ was wont to be

To me fuɫɫ lovyng and fuɫɫ kynde,

To me louy[n]ge and fuɫɫ kynde,

Evyɫɫ wylled now hem fynde.

Eviɫɫ willyde I do hem fynde,

For none wolde teɫɫ me of this Traytour,

Non wolde teɫɫ me of þis trayture, 4672

But speke hym worshi p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq59.tif"/> and honour. 4673

But speke hym worchipe and honoure.

And Erles doughter I gafe hym to wyfe;

An erlis doughter I gafe hym to wyfe;

He hatħ me rewarde wytħ sorow and stryfe.

He hathe me rewardyde with sorwe and stryfe. 4675

Where I had went tha[t] he shulde save myn) honoure 4676

Where I wende to sauyde my honour

He makes me to be holde a fals Traytoure.

He makes me to [be] holde a trayture.

Where-fore I pray yow of oo thing,

Where-for I praye you of o thynge,

As ye be now a rygħt-fuɫɫ king,

As ye be nowe a right-fuɫɫ kynge,

That in no vyse ye thenke thorow me

That in no wyse ye thynke þorwe me

Shulde be dede or take Partanope. 4681

Shulde be dede ore take Partonope.

For an) Erle haue here a king.

For an erle haue here a kynge.

And yf so be that for no-thing

And yef so be þat for no-thynge

I may not now Excused be, 4684

I may not nowe excusede be, 4684

Take vengeaunce then) on) me.

Take vengance þen on me.

And yf hit lyke yow that I haue

And yef it lyke you þat I haue

173My lyffe, I shalle, so Gode me saue, To yowe as trewe and ffryndely be As Euer was Erle Partonope, And do yowe seruyse as weɫɫ: as I can), And þer-to be-come yowre trewe lege man). And here-of to make yowe swerte I shalle le hostages of goode degre, Erlys and baronys and oþer men), Kynges also, and ecħe of hem Shalle come and do yowe homage, As welle as they þat ben) for me in Ostage.”  The kynge hym answered fuɫɫ goodely :  “Syr,” he sayde, “be Gode aɫɫ-mygħty,  O-the[r] vengaunce kepe I none Butte þat ye haue seyde ye wolle done. Ye seyne ye wolle my lege man) be And alle yowre londe holde of me.”— “Syr,” sayde Sornegowre, “þat I yow seye, To do hyt redy I wolle obeye.” Þe ffrenshe men aɫɫ helde hem weɫɫ payde Wyth þe kynge, and also they sayde

4688

4692

4696

4700

4704

He will serve him as faithfully as Partonope, and promises hostages.

The King agrees, and receive Sornegour’s homage.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

My lyfe / I shaɫɫ, so God me save,

My lyfe, I shaɫɫ, so God me saue,

To yow as trew and as frendly be 4688

To you as trewe and frendly be 4688

As euer that was Erle Partanope,

As euer was erle Partonope, [¹ If. 27.]

And do yow Servyse as weɫɫ as I canne,

¹ And do you seruyse as weɫɫ as I can),

And therto be-eome youre legeman.

And herof to make yow sewertee 4692

And here-of to [make] you suerte 4692

I shaɫɫ lay hostage of goode degree,

I shaɫɫ ley ostage of good degre,

Erles and Barons and other men,

Erlis and barons and oþer men),

¹ Kingis also, and eche of hem

Kynges also and iche of hem

Shaɫɫ Come and do yow homage, 4696

Shaɫɫ come and do you homage, 4696

As weɫɫ as for to lye for me in hostage.”

As weɫɫ as lye for me In hostage.”

HE him answerd then fuɫɫ goodely :

¶ He answerde þen fuɫɫ goodly :

“Sir,” he sayde, “be God al-myghty, [¹ leaf 34, back.]

“Sir,” he seyde, “be God almygħty,

Other vengenaunce kepe I none 4700

Othir vengance kepe I none, 4700

But as ye haue sayde that ye wolde done.

But as I haue seyde þat wiɫɫ I done.

Ye seen he wole my legeman be

Ye sey ye wiɫɫ my lege man be

And alle youre lordes holde of me.”—

And aɫɫ youre londes holde of me.”—

“Syr,” sayde Sornogoure, “that I yow say 4704

“Sir,” [seyde] Sornogour, “that I you sey 4704

To do hit redyly I wyɫɫ obey.”

To do it redy I wiɫɫ obeye.”

The frencħmen alle helde hem weɫɫ payde

The frenche aɫɫ helde hym payde

Wytħ the king, and also they sayde

With þe kynge, and also þey seyde

174Off kynge Sornegowre grette worshyppe in soþe, And seyden) trewly he had kepte hys otħe. The kynge a-non) hys Omage haþe take. The ffrensħe men) grette loye make, And seyne Sornegowre wyɫɫ holde hys heste, And that þe kynge a grette conqueste [leaf 59] H[ath]e made, and fewe * strokys gefe. They byn) ensured ecħe other to loue. Thes ij. kynges vnarmed be. Yette grette heuynes for Partonope Ys made a-monge þe ffrenshe men). The kynge a-nonne comawndetħe hem) Alle that of hys conselle be, That they shulde besy hem to se That alle þe worshyppe and honowre That myghte be do to Sornegowre, Shulde be don) and alle þe seruyse Þat mygħte be do in ony wyse. And so they dyd as they mygħte. Here hertys were heuy and no-þynge lygħte

4714. fewe] MS. grette; gefe] MS. scarcely gofe.

The French are gratified.

They wait on Sornegour with due honour, but are sad at heart for the loss of Partonope.

4708

4712

4716

4720

4724

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Of king Sornogoure grete worshi p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq60.tif"/> in sothe, 4708

Of kynge Sornogoure grete worchipe In sothe, 4708

And sayden he truly hatħ kept his hothe.

And seyde he truly hade kepte his othe.

The king a-none his homoge hatħ take.

The kynge his homage hathe take.

The frenshmen grete loye make,

The frenehe men) grete loye make,

And sayde that Sornogoure wolde holde hishest, 4712

And seyde Sornogour wolde holde his heste, 4712

And that the king a grete conquest

And þat þe kynge a grete conqueste

Hatħ made, and few strokes yove.

Hathe made, and fewe strokes yeve.

They be Ensured ecħe other to love.

They ben ensuerede iche oþer to loue.

These two kinges vn-armed be. 4716

This ij kyuges vnarmede be. 4716

Yett grete hevynesse ffor Partanope

Yet grete heuynes for Partonope

Is mad a-monge the french men.

Ys made amonge þe frenehe men).

The king a-none conmaundetħ hem

The kynge anone comondyth hem

That they shulde besy hem) to see 4720

That þey shulde besye hem to se 4720

Alle that of Coimsayle be,

Aɫɫ þat of his counseɫɫ be,

That alle the worshi p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq61.tif"/> and the honore

That aɫɫ þe worehipe and honoure

That mygħt be do to Sornogoure *

That myght be do to Sornogoure

Shulde be done and alle the servyse

Shulde be done and aɫɫ þy seruyce

That myght be done in eny wyse. 4725

That myght be don In ony wyse. 4725

And so they dyd as they mygħt.

And so þey dede as þey myght.

Her hertes were hevy and no-thing lygħt

Here hertes were heuy and nothynge ligħt

MS. places 1. 4723 after 4729.

4724. A flourished S before shulde.

175For the losse of Partonope. Grette sorowe in herte for hym made he. Alle nygħte gret sorowe a-monge hem was made; None of hem cowde other glade. The hethen) men) on) here syde On) the morowe faste to Chars gan) ryde, And to the castelle off Agysowre To secħe here lorde kynge Somegowre. And when they hed aɫɫ I-sogħte, And of hym fynde cowde rygħte nogħte, Off hym cowde they no nother rede, Butte Supposen) sothely þat he ys dede. Kynge Fursyn) * and kynge Fabowre Hem armed a-none wyth hert Sore, And comawnded^ι aɫɫ here cheualrye Wyth hem to ryde In grette hye Stregħte to Mares loggynge. They sayde he was causer of lesynge Off here kynge and here a-vowe, Where-fore they seyde ded shulde he be. As they seyden) so they dyd.

4732. of crossed out before on).

4740. MS. Furfyn).

4728

4732

4736

4740

4744

4748

The next morning, the heathen ride to Chars.

They do not find Sornegour, and suppose he is dead.

Fursin and Fabur, with their company, ride to the lodging of Mares, and put the traitor to death.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

For the losse of Partanope. 4728

For þe losse of Partonope. 4728

Grete sorow in hert made he.

Grete hert with sorwe hade he.

Alle nygħt grete sorow amonge hem was made;

Aɫɫ nyght grete sorwe þey made;

None of hem couthe other glade,

None of hem couthe oþer glade, [If.27.bk.]

The hethen men on her syde 4732

The hethyn) men) on þer syde 4732

On the morow fast to Chars gvnne ryde,

On) morwe faste to Chars dede ryde,

And to the Casteɫɫ of Agrysor [leaf 35]

And to the casteɫɫ of Agysoure

To seche her lorde king Sornogoure.

To seche þer kynge Sornogoure.

And whan) they had alle I-sougħt, 4736

When þey hade aɫɫ sought, 4736

And of fynde hym Couthe they rygħt nought,

Of hym couthe þey here nought.

Than they coutħ none other rede,

Of hym þey couthe no noþer rede,

But supposen sothely that he ys dede.

But suppose sothely þat he is dede.

King Sursyn) and king Fabour 4740

Kynge Sursyn and Kynge Fabure 4740

Hem armed an one wytħ hert sore,

Hem armede anone with hert sore,

And Conmaunde alle her Cheualrye

And comondyde aɫɫ here chevalrye

Wytħ hem to ryde in grete hie

With hem to ryde In grete hye

Streigħt to Marres logging. 4744

Streight to Marras logynge. 4744

They Sayde he was Cause of lesyng

They seyde he was cause of lesynge

Of her king and her a-bowe,

Of hir kynge and here meyne,

Wherfore they sayde that dede he shullde be.

Where-fore he seyde he shulde dye.

As they sayden so they dyd. 4748

As þey seyde so þey dede. 4748

176Ferssely a-pon) hym they rydde, And In grette haste dyd hym sle, [leaf 59, back] And grette parte also hys meyne. When Partonope sawe alle thys, To hem a-none yeldon) he ys. When they fownde hym on) lyfe, Grette Ioye was a-monge hem as blyfe, And þonked ther gode of hys grace : They howped they shulde þe better passe Thorowe Fraunce to þe ssee, And so to passe safe in-to here cuntre. And as they were in thys affray, Fro Povntyffe, ther as here kynge laye, A letter he sende in grette haste, Yndyr hys synette, comawndynge ffaste Alle hys oste to come to Povntyfe To make an) ende of aɫɫ þys stryffe, And homage to do to þe kynge of Fraunce, To home he had made hys alygeavnsse. When they herde of here kynge

4756. or þanked ?

They thank their God that Partonope is alive.

On receiving a letter from Sornegour, they proceed to Pontoise, bringing Partonope with them.

4752

4756

4760

4764

4768

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Feersly vpon) hym they ryde,

Faste vppon) hym þey rede,

And in grete haste they dyd slee,*

And in grete haste þey dyde sle

And a grete parte of his meyne.

And grete parte also of his meyne.

When Partanope sey alle this, 4752

When) Partonope se aɫɫ this, 4752

To hem anone yolden he ys.

To hem anone yeldyn he is.

When) þey fonde hym on lyve

When they founden hym a-lyye,

Grete yoie amonge hem was made as bylyve,

Grete Ioye amonge hem was blyve,

And thanked God of his grete grace :

And thankede God of his grace : 4756

They hoped they shulde the better passe 4757

They hoppede þey shulde þe beter passe

Thorow Frauneħe alle to the See,

Thorwe France to þe see,

And so forthe safe in-to her Countree.

And so forthe safe In-to þer contre.

And as they were in this affray, 4760

And þey were in þis affray 4760

Fro Pountyff, there as her kyng lay,

Fro Pountyfe þer here kynge lay,

A letter he sent in grete hast,

A leter he sent In grete haste,

Vndyr his Signett, comaundyng fast

Vnder his sygnet, comondynge faste

Alle his Ooste to come to Pountyff 4764

Aɫɫ his oste to come to Pountyfe 4764

To make an) ende of alle this stryfe,*

To make an ende of þe stryfe

And homage to do to the king of Fraunce,

And homage do to þe kynge of Fraunce,

To whom he had made his lyegeaunce.

To whom he hade made his legaunce.

When they herd of her king 4768

When) þey herde of þer kynge 4768

4750. MS. flee.

1. 4765 after 4771 in MS.

177That on) lyfe was, a-bofe alle þynge They made grette Ioye, and yette fey were For Mares detħe grettely in ffere. Nowe be they come to Povntyfe To here kynge, and of hys lyfe They be as gladde as they may be. Wyth hem they brynge Partonope. The kynge of Fraunce owte of þe towne Ys ryden), and wyth hym a legyowne Off hys knygħtes, as syker as day, Welle I-horsed^ι and in ffressħe a-raye. Off aɫɫ þe Ostys they bere þe flowre. And wyth hym rydetħ kynge Sornegowre, Talkynge and spekynge dyuerse þynges. And sone after they had tydynges That þe oste of Sarsenyes was neye. When the kynge of Fraunce hem sye, [leaf 60] A-fore hem aɫɫ come kynge Fursyn,* And nexte hym come kynge Faburyn), Partonope and * kynge Loemers,*

4786. MS. Furfyn or perhaps Surfyn.

4788. and] MS. had; MS. Leomers.

4772

4776

4780

4784

4788

The King of France and Sornegour come to meet him.

Sornegour’s vassals beg for pardon for having slain Mares.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

That he on) lyve was, above alle thing

Was on lyve, aboue althynge

They made grete Ioye, and yett they were

They made grete Ioye þere

Foo Marres dethe gretly in feere.

For Marras dethe gretly In fere.

Now be they come to Pountyfe 4772

Nowe be þey come to Pountyfe, 4772

To her kyng, and of his lyfe [if. 35, bk.]

To hir kynge and of his lyfe.* [If. 28.]

They be as gladde as they mow be.

They be as glade as þey may be.

Wytħ hem they bring Partanope. 4775

With hem þey brynge Partonope. 4775

The king of Fraunce oute of the town)

The kynge of France oute of þe towne

Is ryden, and wytħ hym a legyoun)

Ys redyn), with hym his alygyone,

Of his knyghtes, as syker as day, 4778

Of his knyghtes, sekere as day,

Wyɫɫ I-horsid and in freesħ aray.

Weɫɫ I-horssede and In noblay.

Of alle his Ooste they bere the floure.

Of aɫɫ his oste þey bere þe floure. 4780

And wytħ hym rydys king Sornogoure,

With hem was kynge Sornogoure,

Talking and speking of dyuers thinges

Talkynge and spekynge of dyuerse thynges.

And sone after haue they tithinges

And sone after haue þey tydynges

That the Ooste of Sarasyns was nye.

That þe oste of sarsons was nygħ. 4784

And when the king of Fraunce hym sye, 4785

When þe kynge of France hym sigħ,

Afore hym alle Comytħ king Fursyn *

Afore hem aɫɫ comyth kynge Sursyn,

And next hym Comytħ king Fabouryn),

Nexte hym comyth kynge Fabryne,

Partanope and king Loemers, 4788

Partonope, and kynge Loemeres, 478

1. 4786. MS. rather fursyn than sursyn.

11. 4772–73 inverted in MS.

178And Marukyns,* a kynge fuɫɫ fers. Wyth hem come mony a worthy knygħte. These iiij. kynges on) here fete be lygħte, And come to Sornegowre, wyth-owten les, To crey hym mercy, and axe here pes Off þat they had Mares Slayne. But lorde ! the ffrenssħe men) were fayne, When þe kynge had Partonope In hys possessione and in hys sewerte. Some lowhen), and some sterte, And some wepte for tendernes of herte. And Sornegowre was boþe glad^ι and Ioyus Off Partonope, and þer-to desyrous Wyth hym to speke, wyth-owte les. But a-none þer was so grette pres To be-holde þys yonge Partonope, Ecħe man) had Ioye on) hym to se. Some hym welcome, and some hym kysse, The sygħte of hym here care made lesse. The kynge of Fraunce taketħ homage Off alle þe heþyn), and þer-to sure hostage,

4789. MS. Mavrekyns.

The French rejoice to see Partonope again.

The King receives the homage of the heathen, and gives them leave to pass through the country.

4792

4796

4800

4804

4808

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

And Markynne, a king fuɫɫ feers,

And Markyn, a kynge fuɫɫ fers.

Wytħ hem come many a worthey knyght.

With hem come many a worthy knyght.

There foure kinges on) foote be lygħt,

These iiij kynges on foote be ligħt,

And come to Sornogoure wythouten) lees 4792

And come to Sornogour, with-out les,

To Crye hym Mercy and aske hym) pees

To crye hym mercy and aske hym pes

Of that they had Marres slayne.

Of þat þey hade Marras slayne. 4794

But lorde ! the frencħmen were fuɫɫ fayne,

But þe frenche men were fayne,

When) the king had Partanope 4796

When) þe kynge hade Partonope 4796

In his possessyon) and in suerte.

In his possession and In suerte.

Som) lowgehn), and Some strete,

Som lougħen), and som sterte,

And some wept for tendyrnesse of hert.

And som wepte for tendernes of herte.

And Sornogoure was bothe gladde and Ioyouse 4800

Sornogour was glade and Ioyeus 4800

Of Partanope, and therto desyrouse

Of Partonope and þer-to desyrus

Wytħ hym to speke, wytħ-outen lees.

With hym to speke, with-out les.

But there a-none was so grete prees

But þer anone was so grete prese

To be-holde this yong Partanope, 4804

To be-holde þis Partonope, 4804

Eche man had Ioye on him to see.

Eche man) hade Ioye hym to see.

Som) hym welcomed, some him kysse,

Som hym welcomede, som hym kyste,

The sytħ of hym) her care made lesse,

The sight of hym þer care made lesse.

The king of Fraunce tolde homage 4808

The kynge of France toke omage, 4808

And ther-to suer hostage,

And þer-to sure ostage,

179That they shulde hym bere feytħ. and trowþe, And In hym shaɫɫ neuer be slowþe Fownden), but in trowþe here honowre Euer he wolle safe, and þer-wyth Sornegowre, When he herde þe detħ of Mares, He comawndetħe hys men) þat aɫɫ þer pleys Shulde cese and be putte in contynuawnce, Whyɫɫ they were in þe Reme of Fraunce. The kynge of Fraunce hatħ made an) ende Wyth aɫɫ þes heþyn), and lefe to wende He geuytħ hem þorowe þe Remme of Fraunce, Wyth-owte lettynge or dysturbaunce. Atte þe departynge of thes ij. kynges, [leaf 60, back] Þe kynge of Fraunce geuytħ grete þynges: He gaffe hem golde, seluer, and corne, And þat sucħe plente, þat neuer be-forne In Fraunce was sene sucħe a coste,

4812

4816

4820

4824

and gives them leave to pass through the country.

He presents them with magnificent gifts, and assures Sornegour of his friendship.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

That they shulde him bere faytħ and troutħ,

That þey shulde hym bere feyth and trothe [leaf 28, back.

And in hym shaɫɫ neuer be sloutħ

And In hem shaɫɫ neuer be fonde slouthe,

Founden, but that in thougħt thayre honoure [leaf 86]. 4812

Fonde, but In trouthe and honoure

Evyr he weɫɫ saue, and therwytħ Sornogoure,

Euer he wiɫɫ saue and þer-with Sornogoure, 4813

When he herde the dede of armes,

When) he herde þe dede of armes,

He comaundyd his men that alle her plees

He comondyth at aɫɫ perelles

Shulde sees and be put in contynuaunce, 4816

Shulde sece and put In contenewance,

Whiles they were in the Rewme of Fraunce,

Whyle þey were In the reme of France.

For there they thought no lenger sogeourene,

But besy hem homward to retourene, *

The kynge of France hade made ende

For the king of Fraunce had made an ende

Wytħ alle these hethen), and leve to wende

With aɫɫ þis hethyn, and leve to wende

He yeuytħ hem thurgħ the Rewme of Fraunce, 4820

He yeuyth hem þorwe-out France, 4820

Wytħouten letting or any dystaunce.

Without lettynge ore ony dystaunce.

At the parting of these two kinges

And departyde of þis ij kynges,

The king of Fraunce yafe grete thinges :

The kynge of Fraunce yafe grete thynges :

He yafe golde, Seluer, and also Corne,

He yafe golde, syluer, and also corne,

And that sucħ plente as neuer be-forne

Soyche plente was neuer be-forne 4825

In Fraunce was seen) such a cost, 4826

In France was sen soyche a coste,

11. 4818–19 inverted in MS.

180Off corne sucħe plente, for aɫɫ þe Oste Was refreshed^ι, yet more gaffe he : Clethes of golde and of sylke gret plente, Horse, howndes, berys, and lyonys, Goshawkys, sparohawkys, and ryalle facownys. Sornegowre sucħe frenshyppe he be-hygħte, That homwarde in hert he ys gladde and lygħte.  Affter þe kynge his yefftys alle  Hatħ I-geffe, boþe grette and smalle,  Be-þynketħ hym grettely Partonope Whatte geftes beste geffe may he. And for hys worshyppe shulde a-ryse Grette geftys he gan) to deuyse And to departe so plentuosly, That men) mygħte se so frely Neuer man) hys geftys gaffe. The heþyn) kynge sownde and saffe Hys lefe haþe taken), and streygħte goþe he The nexte way in-to hys Cuntre. The kynge of Fraunce be goode a-vyce Þe streygħte way holdeth in-to Paryse.

Sornegour takes his departure, and the King of France leaves for Paris.

4828

4832

4836

4840

4844

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Of Corne suche plentee that alle the Ooste

Of corne soyche plente þat ilke oste

Was refresshed, yet more yafe he: 4828

Was refresshede, yet yeve more he: 4828

Clothes of golde and of Sylk grete plente,

Clothis of golde and sylke grete plente,

Horsis, houndys, Berys, and lyouns,

Hors, houndes, beris, lyons,

Goshowkis, Sperhawkys, and ryaɫɫ fawcouns.

Goshaukes, sparehaukes, and royaɫɫ facons. 4831

Sornogoure sucħ frendshi p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq62.tif"/> he be-hygħt

Sornogour soyche frenchipe he be-higħt

That homward in hert he ys gladde and lygħt. 4833

That homwarde in hert is he light.

A After the king his yeftes alle

¶ After þe kynge hade gef his gyftes aɫɫ

Had heyve, bothe grete and smalle,

Hade heyeve, bothe grete and smaɫɫ,

Be-thinketħ hym gretly now Partanope

Be-thynketh hym gretly þat Partonope

What yeftes best yeve mygħt he. 4837

What yefte hym yeve myght he. 4837

And for his worshi p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq63.tif"/> shulde a-ryse,

And for his worchipe shulde aryse

Grete yeftes he ganne devyse,

Grete yeftes he gan) devyse,

And so to hem departe so plenteuously

And to hem departyde so plentely 4840

That men) mygħt se so fressħly 4841

That men) myght se so freshly

Neuer man his yeftes yafe.

Neuer man) his yeftes yeve

The hethen king sounde and safe,

The hethyn kynge sonde and saue

His leve hatħ takyn, and Streygħt gotħe he 4844

His leue hathe, and streight gothe he

The next way in-to his Countre.

The nexte wey In-to his contre. 4845

The king of Fraunce by goode devyse

The kynge of France be good avyse

The streygħt way holdytħ to Pareys.

The streight wey to Parris holdyth he.

181Wyth Sornegowre ys Partonope, And grette geftes nowe geuetħe he To hym and to aɫɫ hys Oste, Þat wytħ-owte a passynge coste Alle men) sayde hyt mygħte not be. He was boþe manly, curteyse, and fre. Ther was neyþer Erle, kynge, ne barowne, Were he in fylde, Castelle, or towne, Þat he ne had gefftes grete. Hyt semed weɫɫ he wolde not lette Hym)-selfe to worshyppe for coste or dyspence. [leaf 61] Also, for soþe, grette neclygens Was neuer herborowed in hys persone,* He wyste so welle what was to done. Ther was neyþer knygħte, ne squyer of price, That they ne had gyfftes of good deuyse. Þer-fore they thonked hym in hye wyse, And ther-to gaffe hym the pryce Off manhode, fredome, and curtesey. They cleped hym þe flowre of cheualrey; For in hys geuynge he ofte hem prayde

4860. MS. prosone.

4848

4852

4856

4860

4864

4868

Partonope is highly praised for his generosity and courtesy.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Wytħ Sornogoure ys Partanope 4848

With Sornogoure is Partonope, 4848

And grete yeftes yeuyth he [leaf 29]

To hym and to aɫɫ his oste,

¹That wythoute a passyng Cooste

That with-out a passenge coste

Alle men sayde hil mygħt not be. 4852

Aɫɫ men) seyde it myght not be. 4852

He was bothe manly, curteys, and free.

He was wyse, manly, and fre.

Ther wasnouther king, Erle, ne baroun),

Ther was neyþer erle ne barone,

Were he In feelde, Casteɫɫ or town),

Where he In felde, casteɫɫ, ore towne,

That he ne had yeftes grete. 4856

That he ne hade yeftes grete. 4856

Hit semyde weɫɫ he wolde not lete

Hym-self to worshi p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq64.tif"/> for cost or dyspence

Hym-selfe to worchipe for ony dysspence.

Also sothely grete negligence

Also sothly grete neck[l]egennce

Was neuer founden In his persone, 4860

Was neuer founde In his persone, 4860

He wyst so weɫɫ what was to done.

He wyste so weɫɫ what he hade to done.

There ne was knygħt, ne Squyer of pryce, [¹ leaf 36, back]

Ther ne was squyre, ne knyght of pryse,

That they ne hadde gyftes of goode devyce;

But þey hade yeftes of good devyse,

Where-fore they thanked hym in hye wyse, 4864

Where-for þey thanke hem In here wyse, 4864

And therto gyffyn him so hye a pryse

And þer-to gyfe hym so hye enpryse

Of manhode, fredom), and curtasye,

Of manhode, fredom, and cortesey;

Of worshi p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq65.tif"/> , nurture, and Clevalrye;

For In his gyffing ofte he prayde 4868

For In his praynge he hym prayde

182Off here goode frenshyppe, and þer-wyth sayde, Yeffe euer hyt lay in hys lotte eny þynge That hem mygħte do ese or plesynge, He wolde be euer redy to do. The heþen) on) the other syde also Hym þonked^ι grettely, botħe moste and leste, Off hys grette yeftes and hys be-heste. Butte when Sornegowre and Partonope Alle-gate shulde departed^ι be, And ecħe shulde take leue of other, They wepte as þowe broþer and broþer For euer shulde departe on) tweyne. Sornegowre sayde, þowe he mygħte wynne Atte one worde alle Turkye and Fraunce, He had leuer haue þe Allyawnce Off yonge Partonope þan) þat to Ioye, “And nowe I wotte welle, departe fro yow * I moste nedys, þys ys the ffyne.’’ And þer-wyth he wepte, and þen kynge Fursyne *

4884–85. Three points in MS. after Partonope and welle.

4885. yow] MS. ye.

4887. MS. Furfyne.

4872

4876

4880

4884

Sornegour and Partonope part like brothers.

Fursin, Loemer and Faburin explain to Partonope that, as keepers of the place, they have thought it just to put Mares to death.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Of his good frendshi p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq66.tif"/> , and therwytħ sayde

Of his frenchipe, and yet with seyde

Yeff euer in his lotte lay any thing

Yef euer in his lot lay onythynge

That he mygħt do ease or Ellis plesing,

That hym myght do eyse ore plesynge,

He wolde ben) redy euer to do. 4872

He wolde be redy euer to do. 4872

The hethen) on) the tother syde also

The hethyn on þe toþer syde also

Hym thanked gretly, bothe mooste and lest,

Hym thanketh gretly, moste and leste,

Of his grete yeeftes and his be-heeste.

Of his grete yefte and his heste.

But whan) Sornogoure and Partanope

But when) Sornogour and Partonope

Algate shulde de-partyd be, 4877

Algate shulde departyde be, 4877

And ecħe shulde take leve of other,

And iche shulde take leue of oþer,

They wept as they had be Brother and brother

They wepte as þey hade ben broþer,

That euer they shulde departe atwynne. 4880

That þey shulde departe atwyne. 4880

Sornogoure sayd: “Thougħ I mygħt wynne

Sornogour seyde: “pougħ I myght wyne

At one worde alle Turky and eke Fraunce,

At on worde Torkey and Fraunce,

I had lever haue the delyaunce

I hade leuer þy dalyance

Of yow Partanope than that to Ioye now. 4884

Of you Partonope þen þat Ioye nowe.

And now I wote weɫɫ: departed fro yow

And nowe I wiɫɫ departe fro you, 4885

I mote nedys, this ys the ffyne.”

I moote nedes, þis is þe fyne.”

And ther-wytħ he wepte, and than) king Surseyn)

Ther-with he wepte, and þen Sursyn)

183Come, and wyth hym kynge Loemers * And kynge Fabur[i]nes, þey had no perys, For kynges they were alle thre, And come to speke wyth Partonope. Fryste of aɫɫ spake Fursyne * þe kynge To Partonope, and sayde : “Of one þynge We wolle yowe pray, and þat ecħe-one, Ye wolle vs conselle what were to done.”  “Syre,” sayde Fursyne,* “þys ys no les, [1f. 61, bk.]  Ye wotte welle þat ded^ι ys Mares,  And Gode wotte not þurgħe owre defawte, For falsely vppon) yowe he made a-sawte A-yenste þe a-corde of owre parlemente. Ther swore * we alle be one assente The ffylde to kepe weɫɫ and trewly That no man) shulde be so hardy To entermete hym on) eyþer partye. And thus sware * Mares as weɫɫ as I. And þen) we sawe hyt mygħte not ffayle That þe vyctorye of þys batayle

4888. MS. Leomers.

4892–96. MS. Furfyne.

4901. swore] MS. fore.

4905. sware] MS. swake.

4888

4892

4896

4900

4904

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Come, and wyth hym king Loemers,

Come, and with hym Loemers. 4888

And king Faburnyns, they had a prees,

For kinges they were alle there, 4890

¹And come to speke wytħ Partanope.

Furst of alle spake Sursyn) the king

Firste of aɫɫ spake Sursyn be kynge¹ 4892 [¹ leaf 296]

To Partanope, and sayd: “Of oo thing [¹ leaf 37] 4193

To Partonope andseyde : “Of othynge

We wollde yow pray, and that echone,

We wiɫɫ you praye, and þat ichone,

Ye wolde vs counsayle what were to done.”

Ye wolde vs counseɫɫ what to don.”

“SIr,” Sayde Fnrsyn, “this ys no lees, 4896

¶“Sir,” seyde Sursyn, “þis is no lesse,

Ye wote wele that dede ys Marres,

Ye wot weɫɫ þat dede is Marras, 4897

And God wote not thorow oure defaute,

And not þorwe oure defaute,

For flasly vpon) yow he made assaute

For falsly made on you de saute,

Ayen the acorde of oure parlament.

A-yen þe corde of oure parlemente. 4900

There swere we alle by one assent 4901

There swere we aɫɫ by on sente

The feelde to kepe wele and truly

The felde to kepe weɫɫ and truly

That no man) shulde be so hardy

That no man) shulde be so hardy

To entormete hym) on neyther parte.

To entermete on neyþer parte. 4904

And this swere Marres as wele as we.

This sware Marras weɫɫ as we.

And thanne we sye this mygħt not fayle 4906

Then we se we myght not faiɫɫ

That the victori of this batayle

That þe victory of þis bataiɫɫ

184Moste nedes falle to yowre syde. Thys Mares wolde no lenger a-byde : He toke no hede of otħe ne allegeawnce, Butte enteryd þe lystes, and gret dysturbawnce Made, for he wolde rescowe hys lorde, A-geyne þe ordynavnce and þe accorde Off alle þe lordes of botħe partye. Where[-fore] me þynketħ, syr, trulye, Sucħe as were kepers of þe place To sucħe one shulde do no grace, Butte done hym lawe * and hye Iustyce. So dud^ι we, and þus in þys wyse Ys ded^ι -þat fals Erle Mares, That brake hys otħe and eke owre pes. And þer-fore, yef any man) woɫɫ [say] þat y * In thys case dude ffelonye, Or ony of vs, þe contrary to proue I am redy.” And þer-wyth hys gloue He threwe downe; and Partonope Toke vp þe gloue, and þen sayde he : “Off alle þys stryfe ys made a ende.

4918. lawe] MS. grace.

4922. y] MS. ye.

Partonope answers that all troubles are now over.

4908

4912

4916

4920

4924

4928

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Must nedes falle on youre syde. 4908

Moste nedes faɫɫ on youre syde. 4908

This Marres wolde no lenger a-byde :

This Marras wolde no lenger abyde :

He toke no hede of othe ne leygeaunce,

He toke none hede of oure legaunce,

But Entryd the lystes, and grete distrourbaunce

But enterde and made dysstorbaunce

Made, for he wolde rescow his lorde,

Be-cause he wolde rescowe his lorde,

Agayn) the ordinaunce and acorde 4913

A-gayne þe ordenance and þe acorde

Of alle the lordis of bothe party.

Of aɫɫ þe lorde[s] of bothe partye.

Where-fore me thinkes truly

Where-fore me thynketh truly

Sucħ as were kepers of the place 4916

Soyche as were kepe[r]s of þe place 4916

To sucħ one shulde do no grace,

To soyche on sholde do no grace,

But do hym lawe and eke Iustyse.

But do hym lawe and eke lustyce.

So dyd we, and thus in this wyse

So dede we, and In þis wyse

Ys dede that fals Erle Marres, 4920

Ys dede þat false erle Marras, 4920

That brake his othe and eke oure pees.

That brake oure othe and oure pes.

And therfore, yeff any man) wylle say that we

And yef ony man) sey þat we

In this caas dyd ffelonee, 4923

In þis case dyde felonye,

Or ony of vs, the contrayri to prove

Ore ony of vs,þe contrary to prove 4924

I am) redy,” and therwytħ his glove

I am redy.” And þer-with his gloue

He threw down); and Partanope 4926

He drewe downe; and Partonope

Toke vp the glove, and then) sayde he :

Toke vpe þe gloue, and þen seyde he :

“Of alle this stryfe ys made an ende.

“Of aɫɫ þis stryfe is made ende. 4928

185Ecħe man) ys kyste and oþer frynde, And ecħe ys shapen) to hys cuntre. Lette aɫɫ þes nedeles rehersales be.” And wyth þys Partonope haþe take Hys leue, and ther-wyth the hepen) make [leaf 62] Grette heuynes at hys departynge. And þen he prayetħ Gode hem brynge Safe and welle in-to there cuntre. And thus wyth worshyppe departetfre he. And here-wyth-alle Partonope The streygħte way to Bloys takytħ he.  NOwe ys Partonope come to Bloys  And on) a day a-pon) * hys deys  A-monge hys meyne atte mete he sete Alle heuy, and neyþer dranke ne ete, Butte sette hys eyen) in a place, And neuer hem remeuyd of a grette space. Butte hys mayne grette Ioye made, Etyn), and dronken), and were rygħte glade. And aɫɫ-wey sate Partonope heuy,

4941. MS. a pon) a day on); of crossed out before on).

4932

4936

4940

4944

4948

The heathen depart, and Partonope returns to Blois.

One day, Partonope sits silent on the daïs,. heavy at heart, and thinking of Melior.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Eche man ys kyst, and others frende,

Eche man is kyste and oþer frende,

¹And eche man in-to his Contree.

And iche man) In-to his contre.

Leete alle these nedeles rehersayles be.” [¹ leaf 37,back]

Let aɫɫ þis nedles rehersaɫɫ be.”

And wytħ these wordys Partanope hatħ take 4932

And with þis worde Partonope hathe take [leaf 30] 4932

His leve, and therwytħ the hethen make

His leue, and þer-with þe hethyn make

Grete heuenesse at his departing.

Grete heuynes at his departynge.

And then) they prayde God hym) bring

Then) þey prayede God hym brynge

Safe and wele to his contree. 4936

Safe and weɫɫ In-to her contre. 4936

And Thus wytħ worshi p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq67.tif"/> departyd he.

And þus with worchipe departyde he,

And there-wytħ-alle Partanope

And here with-aɫɫ Partonope

The strygħt way to Bloys taketħ he.

The streight wey to Bloyes toke he.

NOw ys Partanope comen to Bloys,

¶ Nowe is Partonope come to Bloyes,

And in a day vpon) his deys 4941

And on a day vppon þe doyes 4941

Amonge his meyne at mete he sate

Amonge his meyne at met he sat

Alle heuyly, and nother dranke ne ete,

Aɫɫ hevely, and noþer dranke ne ete,

But sett his yen) in a place, 4944

But set his eye In o place, 4944

And neuer hem remeved on a grete space.

And not hem remevyde a grete space.

But his meyne grete Ioye made,

But his meyne grete Ioye made;

Ethen, and dranken), and were ryght glade.

They ete and dranke, and were glade.

Alle-way sate Partanope hevyly, 4948

Aɫɫ-wey sat Partonope hevely, 4948

186Þynkynge in hys herte besely Off ffayre Melyowre, hys ladye fire, Howe longe þe tyme ys syn þat he Hade be owte of hyr sygħte, And also in whate wyse he mygħte Wyth-owten) any other-ys offence Sonneste come to here presence. Hys moder on) hym faste gan) loke, And of hys chere grette hede toke. She had grette mervayle for * why and whatte Þe cause was so heuy þat he Sate, Her dere sone Partonope. Fulle mekely to hym þus sayde she : My ffayre sone, ye wotte weɫɫ thys, In alle þys worlde a-lyue þer nys Þynge þat better loued shulde be, Ne trusted^ι neyþer, as þynketħ me, Then) of a chylde shulde be þe moder. For ecħe of vs shulde lofe so other, That ther shulde none heuynes be In yowre herte, þat a-none to me Ye shulde dyscouer and playnely sey.

4958. for] MS. and.

His mother wonders at his heaviness,

and asks him the reason of it.

4952

4956

4960

4964

4968

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Thenking in his hert besyly

Thynkynge In his hert besely

Of fayre Melior, his lady free,

On fayre Melyore, his lady fre,

How longe hit ys sythen), that he

Howe longe it is þat sethe þat he

Had ben oute of her sygħt, 4952

Hade ben out of here sigħt, 4952

And also in what wyse he myght

And also In what wyse he mygħt

Wythouten) any other offynce

With-out ony oþer offence

Sunnest come to her presence. 4955

Sonneste come to here presence.

His moder on) hym gan) fast looke,

His moder faste on hym gan loke, 4956

And of his cheere grete hede tooke.

And of his chere grete hede toke.

She had grete mervayle for why and what [¹ leaf 38]

She seyde merveɫɫ for why and what

The cause was so hevy and made

The cause was so heuy and mate

Hir dere Son sate, Partanope. 4960

Her dere son sat, Partonope. 4960

Fuɫɫ mekely to hym) thus sayde She :

Fuɫɫ mekely to hym þus seyde she :

“My fayre Son, ye wote weɫɫ this,

“My fayre son, ye wot weɫɫ þus,

In alle the worlde on) lyve there nys

In aɫɫ þe worlde alyue þer nys

Thing that better loved shulde be, 4964

Thynge þat beter louyde shulde be, 4964

Ne trusted neyter, as thenkitħ me,

Ne trustede neyþer as thynketh me,

Than of the childe shulde be the modyr.

Then of þe childe shulde be þe moder.

For eche of vs shulde so love other,

For iche of vs shulde shulde loue so oþer

That ther shulde none hevynesse be

That þer shulde no heuynes be 4968

¹ In youre hert, that anone to me 4969

In youre hert, but anone to me

Ye shulde dyscouer and playnly say.

Ye shulde discouer and playnly sey. [If. 30, b.]

187Ye haue sete nowe thes owres twey Rygħte pensyfe and In grette heuynesse. [leaf 62, back] Telletħe me nowe yowre grette dystresse. Ye seme a man), as þynketħ me, That grettely wyth loue vulnerate be, And þat yowre herte wyth-owte varyaunce Ys hole in yowre loues gouernaunce. I conivre yowe, yeff hyt so be, Þe verey trowþe ye telle to me, By þe feytħe þat a goode chylde owe To hys moder, and lette me knowe The verey trowþe, and yeff ye be In grette dystresse, playnely telle me. And yeff ye haue cause to be seke or heyle, I may yowe ese wyth my conseyle.”  “MOder,” þen sayde Partonope,  “I wotte rygħte weɫɫ truly þat ye  Loue me a-boue aɫɫ erþely þynge. Ther-fore atte yowre comawndynge I moste nedes obeysaunte be.

4972

4976

4980

4984

4988

He seems to be in love.

Partonope confesses that he has a love.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Ye haue sett now this two mylevay

Ye haue set þis ij myle wey

Ryght pensyfe and in grete heuynesse.

Right pensefe and In grete heuynes.

Telle me now what is youre dystresse.

Teɫɫ me nowe youre dysstres. 4973

Ye seme a man, as thenketħ me, 4974

Ye seme a man), as thynkes me,

That gretly wyth love taken be,

That gretly with loue take be,

And that youre hert wythouten varyaunce 4976

And þat youre hert with-out varyaunce

Is holly in youre loves gouernaunce,

Ys holy In youre loves gouernaunce.

I yow coniure, yf hit so be,

I you conloyre, yef it so be,

The verray trouthe that ye telle me,

The verry trothe þat ye teɫɫ me,

By the faytħ that a goode childe owe *

Be þe feyth þat a childe sholde owe 4980

To his Moder, and lette me knowe 4981

To his moder, and let me knowe

The verray trougħt, and yeff ye be

The verry trouthe, and yef ye be

In grete distresse, pleynly telle hit me.

In grete dysstres, playnly teɫɫ me.

And yeff ye haue cause to be seeke or hayle 4984

Yef ye haue cause to be seke ore heyɫɫ,

I may yow ease wytħ my counsayle.”

I may you eyse with my counsaiɫɫ”

“MOder,” sayde Partanope,

¶ “Moder,” þen) seyde Partonope,

“I wote rigħt wele truly that ye

“I wot right weɫɫ truly þat ye

Love me a-bove alle ertħly thing. 4988

Love me aboue aɫɫ erthly thynge. 4988

There-fore to youre commaundyng

There-fore to youre comondynge

I mote nede obeysaunt be.

I moste nedes obey-sante be.

11. 4980–81 inverted in MS.

188And also ye haue coniured me To telle wheder I haue [a loue] or none. Þe soþe I wolle sey, so motte I gone. Trewlye, moder, a loue I haue, That vnder heuen), se Gode me saue, Haþe no man) sucħe one of heye noblesse. Frome hyr come alle þys grette rychesse That In þes someres was brogħte wyth me, Off golde and syluer so grette plente. As she luste, she may me gye; She haþe of me the Senorye.” *  Then) seyde hys moder : “Blessed be þat lorde  Þat in gouernaunce haþe aɫɫ þe worlde,  And geffe grace þat for þe beste hyt be.”— “Amen),” answered^ι Partonope. “Ys she rygħte ffayre, my sone? telle me.”— “For sotħe I notte, moder,” sayde he. “Thys ys mervayle, be Gode aɫɫ-mygħte. So mocħe as ye haue had þe sygħte

5001. MS. Sonorye.

All the riches have come from her.

He cannot tell whether she is fair.

4992

4996

5000

5004

5008

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

And also ye haue coniuret me

And also ye haue conIourede me

To telle whether I haue a love or none. 4992

To teɫɫ wheþer I love ore none. 4992

The sothe I wylle say, so mote I gone.

The sothe I wiɫɫ sey, so mot I gon.

Truly, moder, a love I lave,

Truly, moder, a loue I haue,

That vndyr hevyn), so God me save,

That vnder hevyn), so God me saue,

Hatħ no man) sucħ one of higħ noblesse. 4996

Hathe noman)of soyche nobiɫɫnes. 4996

From) her come alle this grete Rychesse

Fro her come aɫɫ þis Ryches

That in this Somers ys brougħt wytħ me,

That In þis somers I brought with me,

Of golde and Syluer so grete plente.

Of golde and syluer grete plente.

And as her lust She may me gye, 5000

And as she lyste she may gyde me; 5000

She hatħ of me the seygnorye.”

She hathe of me þe soueraynete.”

THanne sayde his Modyr : “Yblessid be that lorde

Then seyde þe moder: “Blyssede be þat lorde

That in gouernaunce hath alle the worlde,

That In gouernaunce hathe þe worlde,

And yeve grace that for the best hit be.”— 5004

And yef grace þat for þe beste it be.”

“Amen,” answerid Partanope.—

“Amen),” answerde Partonope. 5005

“Is She rygħt fayre ? my Son), telle me.”— [¹ leaf 38, back]

“Ys she fayre ? my son, teɫɫ me.”—

¹“For sothe, modyr, I note,” sayde he.

“For sothe, moder, I not,” seyde he.

“This ys mervayle, by God almygħt.

“This is merveɫɫ, be God aɫɫ-mygħt.

So moche as ye haue had a sygħt 5009

So moche as ye haue a sight [If. 31] 5009

189Off hyr, and also þe repayre [leaf 63] In here howse, where she ys ffayre, Or ells nay, ye can) not telle ?”— “For soþe, moder, alle-þowe I dwelle In her howse, hoþe day and nygħte, Off her had I neuer yette þe sygħte. For she haþe geffe me in charge, Þowe I be fro hyr and atte large, I shulde neuer besy be In no wyse her to se, Tylle she fully a-corde þer-to. And a-geyne her comawndement wyłł I not do.”  “FAyre sone,” seyde she, “hyt ys beste  Thatte ye kepe alle her be-heste,  And pat ye do alle your entente To parforme alle her comawndemente. Dyscouer hyr conselle in no wyse, Butte besy yowe to do hyr seruyse. And spare not for besynes ne labowre. Þynke she haþe done yowe grette honowre. And I pray Gode, þat syttetħe a-boue,

5012

5016

5020

5024

5028

His Lady has forbidden him to try to see her.

The mother says he must obey his Lady.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Of her, and also haue had repayre

Of hir, and also hade repayre 5010

In her hous, where She be fayre, 5011

In hir how[s]e, howe where she be fayre,

Or ellis nay, ye canne not telle ?”—

“For sothe, modyr, alle-thougħ I dweɫɫ

In hyr hous, bothe day and nygħt,

In her howse, both day and nygħt,

Of her had I yett neuer no sygħt.

Of hir hade I yet neuer no sigħt.

For She hath geffen me in charge,

Thougħ I be from) hir at large, 5017

For she hathe yeve me In charge, 5016

I shulde nevir besy be

Thougħ I be fro hir and at large,

In no wyse hir to see,

I shulde neuer besye be

Tylle She fully a-corde therto. 5020

In no wyse here to see,

Agayn her comaundement wylle I not doo.”

Tilt she fully acorde þer-to. 5020

Ayen her comonle-ment wiɫɫ I not do.”

“FAyre Son),” sayde She, “hit ys - the best

“A sone,” seyde she, “it is þe beste

That ye kepe alle her by-heest,

That ye kepe ałł her beheste,

And that ye do alle youre entent 5024

And þer-to youre entente 5024

To parforme hir comaundement.

To parforme her comowdemente.

Dyscouer her counsayle in no wyse,

Dyscouer her counsełł In no wyse,

And besy yow to do hir Servysse.

And besye you to do here seruyse.

Spare not for besynesse of laboure.

Spare not for no maner of labure. 5028

Thynkyth she hathe do you honoure. 5029

Thenkytħ She hath do yow rygħt grete honoure,

And pray God, that syttetħ a-bove,

And I praye God, þat Syttyth aboue,

11. 5014–15 inverted in MS.

190Yeffe yowe grace euer to loue Yowre lady, and no wyse forfette My fayre sone, when þynke ye wyth, her to mete ?”- “To-morowe, moder, efter none, When I haue dyned^ɭ, pynke I to gon). My mayne I wyłł wyth yowe lette, I wolle no frynde I haue þys wytte; For, moder, I wolle gone aɫɫ a-lone.”— “Ye wotte beste, sone, what ys to done. Gouerne yowe after yowr entente, And br[e]ke not her comawndemente. And kepe your conselle fro euery wygħte. For on) my syde, be Gode almygħte, Hyt shaɫɫ be kepte fro euery man). And consełł I wolle yowe as I can.”  The moder and þe sone departed^ɭ be.  An heuy woman) in herte ys she. To hys conselle þow she a-corde, [leaf 63, back] Her hert ys fułł fer fro her worde. To [þe] kynge of Fraunce ys she gonne. “Syr,” she sayde, “What may I done,

He intends returning to her on the next day.

Sorrowful, the mother goes to the King, and complains that her son has been lost by the devil’s enchantments.

5032

5036

5040

5044

5048

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Yeve yow grace that neuer the love

Yeve you grace þat neuer þe love

Of youre lady in no wyse ye foryete.

Of youre lady In no wyse for-yete. 5032

My fayre Son), when) think ye wytħ her mete ?”— 5033

Sone, when thynke ye with here to mete ?”—

“To-morow, modyr, after none,

“To-morwe, moder, at after-none,

When) I haue dyned, than) thinke I gone.

When I haue dyenede, þen thynke I gon.

My meyne wytħ yow I wyłł lete, 5036

My meyne with you I wiłł let, 5036

I włł no frende I haue hit wete;

I wiłł no frende I haue it wyte;

For, moder, I wylle gone alle a-lone.”—

For, moder, I wiłł gon alone.”—

“Ye wote best, Son), what ys to done.

“Ye wot, son, beste what is to done.

Gouern) yow after her entent, 5040

Gouerne you after hir entente, 5040

And breke not her coma[n]dement.

And breke not here comondemente.

And kepe your counsayle from) euery wight.

Kepe youre counsełł fro euery wight, [¹ leaf 31, back]

And on) my syde, by God Almygħt,

And on my syde, be God ałł-mygħt,

Hit shałł be kept from) euery man.

Hit shałł be kepte fro euery man). 5044

I shaɫɫ hit kepe as wele as I can.” 5045

I shałł it kepe as wełł as I can).”

¶ The moder and þe sone departyde be.

5045. Between leaf 38 and leaf 39 one leaf has been torn out.

An heuy woman In hert is she.

¹To his counsełł þought she acorde,

Her hert is fułł ferre fro hir worde.

To þe kynge of France is she gon). 5050

“Sir,” she seyde, “what may I done,

191I sorowfulle wrecħe and wofulle caytyfe ? I may be sory I am on) lyfe. Ther was neuer woman had sucħe a harme: My sone ys loste by crafte of charme, Alle by þe deuyllys Enchauntemente. My sone ys lore, and I am shente.” Ther-wyth a-none þe kynge of Fraunce, In whome wes alle hyr affyaunce, Toke hyr to hym fulle goodely; And in-to a chamber preuely They wente to-geder, þer as she Mygħte telle hyr complaynte, and no man se. And þer she wepte wonderly sore Er þat she mygħte sey won) worde more. When she lefte hyr wepynge, Þese wordes she sayde to þe kynge : “Syr,” she sayde, “I can not se Butte ye * haue loste Partonope. When he wes loste in yowre fforestes, In Ardern) a-monge þe wylde bestes, Ther drewe to hym a þynge of ffeyre, As þowe hyt had ben) a woman) or a ladye, And bade hym of goode comforte for to be, And be-hygħte also þat she Shulde brynge hym owte of dysese. And wyth hyr wordes so hym dud^ɭ plese, And geffe hym þat tyme of hauer,

5069. ye] MS. I.

5052

5056

5060

5064

5068

5072

5076

The King takes her with him into a chamber, and here the mother, after many tears, explains that Partonope in the Ardennes met a fairy,who made him her lover, at the same time forbidding him the sight of her.

RawL MS.

I wofułł wreche and caytyfe ? 5052

Ore þat she myght sey ij wordes more.

I am sory I am on lyue.

And when she lefte hir wepynge,

There was neuer woman) hade soych harme :

þis wordes she seyde to þe kynge :

“Sir,” she seyde, “I can not see 5068

For my sone is loste be crafte and charme,

But ye haue loste Partonope.

“When he was loste In youre forestes,

Ałł be þe deviłł entysemente.” 5056

In Arderne amonge þe wilde bestes,

Ther-with anone þe kynge of Fraunce,

There drewe to hym thynge of fayre,

In whom was here affyaunce,

As it were a woman) ore a lady, 5073

Here to hym he toke fuɫɫ goodly; 5060

And bade hym of comforte be,

And In-to a chambir fułł prevely

And be-hight hym wełł þat she

They went to-geder, þer as she

Shulde hym brynge out of dysseyse. 5076

Might tełł here complaynt and no man se.

And with her wordes so hym dyde plese,

And yaf hym þer-to grete avere,

And þer she wepte wonderly sore 5064

192And he in þat tyme was in grette fere. He made wyth hyr covenaunte To be hyr loue and hyr seruante. He louetħe * hyr beste of any creature. Yette of hur persone, shappe, ne fygure, Wyth hys eyen) he neuer [had] sygħte trewly. Þys ys, me pynketħ, a mervelowse ffoly. Off hyr he hatħ alle maner plesawnce. [leaf 64] Þus ys he brogħte in þe deuellys dawnce. She hatħ defended^ɭ hym in alle degre He shulde not besy hym here to se. And þus I see welle he ys butte lore. And yette y sey yowe furthermore, He bydetħe no lenger þen to-morowe none. He shapytħe hym towarde here to gone. Thus ys he loste, syr, what sey ye ? For Goddys loue, syr, consellytħe me. I haue be-þogħte me of won) pynge Yeffe hyt were to yowre plesynge. Wolle ye here nowe my devyse ? I wolle be ruled at yowre a-vys. Ye haue a nece, syr,” she sayde, “That ys to mary, and ys a mayde, Wyche hathe passynge grette * beawte. And þer-to, syr, ye wotte wełł þat she Ys wełł nerysshed’, connynge, and wyse. Trewly me þynketh she berytħ þe pryse

5082. louetħe] MS. þynkethe.

5102. MS. grette passynge.

He is now going back to the fairy.

The King has, however,: a lovely niece who might serve her purpose.

5080

5084

5088

5092

5096

5100

5104

Rawl. MS.

And þat tyme was In grete fere.

He porposethe hym to here gone. 5093

He made with here a couenante 5080

Thus is he loste, sir, what sey ye ?

To be hir loue and hir seruante.

For Goddes loue, som counsełł gyf me.

He louyth her beste of ony creture.

I haue be-þought me of o thynge, 5096

Yet of hir shape ne figure,

Yef it were to you plesynge.

with his eyen) he neuer sey. 5084

Will ye here nowe my devyse ?

This me thynketh grete folye. [¹leaf 32]

I wiłł be rulede be youre avyse.

Of her he hathe ałł maner plesauwce.

Ye haue a nyce, sir,” she seyde, 5100

¹ Thus is he brought In þe devilles daunce.

“That is to marye, and is a mayde,

She hathe defendyde hym In aɫɫ degre

Whiche hathe passynge grete beute.

He shulde not besye hym here to see.

Ther-to, sir, I wot weɫɫ þat she

Thus I see he his but lore. 5090

Ys wełł nortured, cony[n]ge and wyse,

And yet I sey forther-more,

Truly me thynke she beryth þe pryse

He byte no lenger þen to-morwe none.

5103. ye crossed out before she.

193Off alle maydenys in þe reme of Fraunce. Yeffe ye a-corde to hys allyawnce, Yeff ye wolle þus sende for hym a-none, I shalle telle yowe how þys shałł gone. I moste haue ij. pottys of wyne; Hyt moste be goode and Inle ffyne. Þe tone I shalle in þys wyse a-ray: Yeff my sone þer-off assay A drawȝte or tweyne, I wotte rygħte well Hys þoȝte shałł chaunge euery delle. Yowre nece to yowe þe wyne shalle brynge, But drynketħ not þer-off for no-þynge. Yowre nece þer-off shalle drynke I-nowe. Þe toþer potte shalle be for yowe. And lette hem twayne to-geder speke; I kepe here dalyance no man) * breke. And thys I howpe alle shalle be welle.” The kynge answeryd : “I graunte ecħe delle. [leaf 64, back] Hyt ys wysdome a man hys frynde to wynne Where þorowe flioly they shulde twynne, Be what crafte hyt euer may be.” And þer-with a-none for Partonope He sent a-none in alle þe haste, Chargynge hym he shulde faste Come to hym, alle þynges lefte. Partonope a-bode tylle efte Off hys Iorney and off ałł hys þynge,

5121. MS. adds dyd before breke.

5108

5112

5116

5120

5124

5128

5132

A potent drink will make him change his mind.

The King’s niece is to bring the wine.

The King agrees to her plan, and sends for Partonope.

Rawl. MS.

Of maydens ałł as In Fraunce.

I kepe here dalyance no man breke.

Yef ye acorde to þis alyaunce,

Thus I hope aɫɫ shaɫɫ be weɫɫ.”

Yef ye wiłł sende for hym anone, 5108

The kyng answerde : “I graunt iche deɫɫ. [leaf 32, back]

And I shaɫɫ tełł you howe ye shaɫɫ done.

I moste haue ij pottes of wyne;

Hit is wysdom a man his frende to wyne, 5124

Hit moste be good and Inly fyne.

The tone I shaɫɫ In þis wyse array: 5112

Ther þorwe foly þey shułł atwyne,

Yef my son þer-of assay

Be what crafte þat euer it be.”

A draught ore ij, I wot Right weɫɫ

Ther-with anone for Partonope

His þought shaɫɫ change euery deɫɫ.

He sent a man) in haft þe haste, 5128

Youre nyce to you þe wyne shaɫɫ brynge,

Chargynge hym he shulde faste

But drynketh not þer-of for nothynge.

Come to hym, aɫɫ thynge lefte.

Youre nyce I-nowe shałł drynke þer-of,

Partonope abode tiɫɫ efte

The toþer parte shaɫɫ þer-in leue.

Of his Iorney and of łł thynge, 5132

And letiche to oþer speke; 5120

PARTONOPE.

O

194And In grette haste come to þe kynge. When he was come, þe kynge a-none To a wyndowe wyth hym dyde gone, And ther they fylle in mery talkynge Off dyuerse þynges; þer -wyth þe kynge Bade alle men) owte of þe chamber goo, Safe the ladye and they too, And þe mayde, wycħe rose vp faste, And after hem barred þe dore in haste. Thys fayre mayde, wycħe ys to marye, Her bewte dyscry fayne wolde I Affter þe sentence off myne auctowre. Butte I pray yowe of þys grette labowre I mote at þys tyme excused be, Off þe ffeture to reherse þe bewte. Xviij. yere she wes of age, Semely of stature, borne of hye parage. Hur herte was sette grettely in on) þynge To be ffreshe a-rayed in cloþynge, Enbrowded^ɭ wyth perle in strawnge wyse. Þer cowde hyt no man) lygħtely deuyse To telle owte playnely here entente. Here forehede was brod, here browes bente, Hyr here was bloye, streygħte wes hur nose, Hur colowre rody lyke to the rose. Off sangweyne was hur complexione, Þe here of hur browes were sum-dele browne, The skynne of hur necke was lyly whyte. She wes not lene, but flesly a lyte. [leaf 65]

Partonope comes.

The maiden bars the door.

Description of the maiden’s beauty.

She is eighteen years of age, fond of fine attire, courteous and debonair.

5136

5140

5144

5148

5152

5156

Rawl. MS.

And in grete haste come to þe kynge.

That I may at þis tyme excusede be

When) he was come, þe kynge anone

Of euery fetture to reherse þe beute.

To a wyndowe with hym dyde gon),

xviii yere she was of age, 5148

And þer þey fałł In many talkynge 5136

Symly of stature, borne of higħ parage.

Of dyuerse materis; and þer-with þe kynge

Hir hert was set gretly In o thynge

To be freshe arrayde In clothynge,

Bade ałł men) out of chambir goo,

Enbrawderde parte in strange wyse.

Safe þe lady and þey two,

To tełł out playnly hir avyse, 5153

And þe mayde, whiche rose faste, 5140

Her forhede brode and streight nose,

And barrede þe dore þen In haste.

Hir coloure sentence of mynrede lyke a rose.

This fayre mayde, which is to marye,

Of sangwen her complexcion, 5158.

His beute dyscrye wolde I

The here of here browis were browne,

After þe sentence of myn autor. 5144

The shyn) of hir nyke was lyłły whyte.

But I praye you of þis labure

She was not lene, but flesshly a lyte.

195Smale armes she had and hondys ffayre, She was curteyse, lowly, and debonayre. Clethed^ɭ she was In samette ffyne, Atte hur owne delyte welle shapyn). She was sette in ffreshenesse of goode a-raye. She was as freshe as þe rose in maye. Off alle hur bewte I make a ffyne. The kynge of Fraunce nowe axetħe þe wyne,* Thys mayde gotħe wyth goode chere, And ffylletħe a cuppe of þat pychere, Wycħe þe moder of Partonope Hadde so a-Rayed yeff þat he Off þat wyne drynke a drawgħte, That a-none he shalle be caugħte In sucħe wyse he shulde for-yete Melyowre, hys fayre lady swete. The mayde bryngetħ þe kynge þe wyne, That of þe poysen) was mygħty and ffyne. The kynge knewe alle þe crafte welle, He kyssed þe cuppe, but neuer a delle Ther-of he dronke, but þus he sayde : “Berytħe my cope, fayre mayde, To my cosyn Partonope. And I commawnde that also ye Drynke to hym and make hym chere.” Thys mayde haþe boþe connynge and manere,

After 1. 5169 MS. adds:

He kyssytħe þe cuppe but neuer a delle [he crossed out] dranke he

He ravgħte þe cuppe to Partonope ys moder fre.

5164

5168

5172

5176

5180

5184

The maiden brings the wine to the King.

The King does not touch it, but bids the maiden bear the cup to Partonope, and drink herself.

Rawl. MS.

Smale armes and hondes fayre.

In soyche wyse he shulde for-gete 5176

She was courteys and eke debonayre.

Melyore, his lady swete.

Clothyde she was In fyne satyn, 5164

The mayde bringyth þe kynge wyne,

¹Weɫɫ I-shape, for euer here delyte

That of þis poyson [was] myghty and fyne.

Was set In freshnes of array; [¹ leaf 33]

She was as freshe as rose Ine may.

The kynge knewe þis crafte wełł, 5180

Of ałł here beute I make a fyne. 5168

And kyssede þe coppe, but neuer a dełł

The kynge axede after his wyne.

There-of he ne dranke, but þus sayde :

This mayde goth with good chere,

“Beryth my coppe, fayre mayde,

And fylde a coppe of þe pichere

To my cossyn Partonope. 51 84

Whiche þe moder of Partonope 5172

And I comonde also þat ye

Hade so arrayde þat yef þat he

Drynke to hym and make hym chere.”

Of þis wyne drynke a draugħt,

This mayde hade conynge and manere,

That anone he shulde be caugħt

196She bare þe cuppe to Partonope. “Syr,” she sayde, “þe kynge wołł þat ye Drynke of þys cuppe, I shałł be-gynne.” She purposytħe fully hys loue to wynne, She dronke fryste, and þen dronke he. Thys wyne was lusty, and Partonope Sette cuppe to mowþe, and better assayde, And þer-wyth-aɫɫ he prayde þe mayde She wolde drynke to hym a-geyne. And so they dronke þat boþe they bene [leaf 65, back] Welle I-wette, and pen) Partonope Off þys mayde behelde so þe bewte, That wyth hur loue he wes so take, He had for-yete Melyowre hys make. And wyth þys mayde he felle in talkynge Off dyuerse materes, þat of o pynge Hys moder was syker by hys chere He had for-yete hys olde ffere. Hys chere gan) chawnge, hys blode gan) ryse. Thys mayde wes plesawnte in ałł wyse; To loue hym beste wes alle hur luste. Fulle ofte tymes þys mayde he kyste.

She and Partonope drink of the powerful wine; he looks on her beauty and forgets Melior.

His cheer changes.

He kisses the beautiful maiden, and asks her to be his love.

5188

5192

5196

5200

5204

5208

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

And bare þe coppe to Partonope. 5188

“Sir,” she seyde, “þe kynge wiłł þat ye

Drynke of þis coppe, I shaɫɫ be-gynne.”

She porposede hir his loue to wyne.

She dranke firste and þen dranke he.

This wyne was lusty, and Partonope

Set coppe to mouthe, and beter assayde.

And þer-with-ałł he prayede þe mayde

She wolde drynke to hym ayen). 5196

And so þey dranke þat bothe þey bene

Wełł wet, and þen Partonope

Of þis mayde so be-helde þe beute

That with here loue he was so take, 5200

He hade for-yet Melyore his make.

And wytħ this Mayde he fylle in Talking [leaf 39] 5202

And with þis mayde fiłł In talkynge

Of dyue[r]s maters / that of oo thing

Of dyuerse mater, and of o thynge

His raoder was syker by his chere 5204

His moder was sekere be his chere 5204

That he had for-yete his olde fere.

¹That he hade for-yete his olde fere.

His chere ganne chonge, his bloode gan) ryse.

His chere gan) change, his blode to ryse. [¹ leaf 33, back]

This mayde was plesaunt in alle wyse;

This mayde was plesant In ałł wyse;

To love hir best was alle his lyst; 5208

To loue here beste was his luste. 5208

Fułł ofte tymes this mayde he kyst.

Fułł ofte tymes þis mayde [he] kyste.

197To hym so plesawnte was þys mayde Þat atte þe laste to hur he sayde: “Yowre beawte and yowre goodely chere, Your semely poorte, Your womanly manere, In my trewe hert arne prynted so, Þat where þat euer I ryde or goo Ye ar my loue and lady souereyne. And to brynge me owte of peyne Graunte me nowe to be my loue.”— “Syr,” sayde þe mayde, “be Gode a-boue, On) a condycione ye graunte me To be my husbonde, I wołł be Euer redy atte your comawndemente.”— “I graunte to parforme your entente” Sayde thys yonge Partonope. Thus in þys wyse a-corded^ɭ they be. Yette of þys foly haue I no mervayle; For a rygħte sober man), wyth-owten ffayle, wyth drynke and dalyaunce and grette delyte, Off so fayre wone mygħte in sucħe plygħte

5212

5216

5220

5224

5228

She consents on condition that he promises to be her husband.

Partonope is willing.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

To hym so plesaunt was this mayde

To hym so plesant was þis mayde.

That at the last to hir he sayde :

Thus at laste to here he seyde :

“Your higħ beaute, your goodely chere,

’ Youre higħ beute, your goodly chere,

Your semely porte, your womanly manere, 5213

Youre symly porte, youre womanly manere* 5213

In my trew hert are paynted soo

In my trewe hert are peyntyde so

That where that euer I ryde or goo

That where þat euer I ryde ore goo

Ye are my love and lady soueraygne.

Ye are my loue and lady souerayne.

And to bring me oute of payne 5217

And to brynge me out of payne 5217

Graunte me now to be my love.”—

Graunte me nowe to be my loue.”—

“Sir,” sayde the Mayde, “by God a^_bove

“Sir,” seyde bis mayde, “be God above,

On a condicion) that ye graunt me 5220

“On on condicion) þat ye grante me

To be my hosbond, I wylle be

To be my hosbonde, and I wiłł be 5221

Euer redy at youre comaundement.”—

Euer redy at youre comondemente.”—

“I graunte to parforme alle youre entent,”

“I graunt to parforme youre entente,”

Than sayde this yong Partanope 5224

Then) seyde þis yonge Partonope. 5224

“Thus in this wyse a-corded we be.”

Thus In þis wyse acordyde þey be.

Yett of his foly haue I no mervayle;

Yet of his foly haue I [no] mervett;

For a rigħt Sosour man, wythouten fayle,

For a right sobure man) samfaiłł,

Wytħ drinke and daliaunce and grete delyte 5228

with drynke and dalyance and grete light 5228

Mygħt be brought in such plyte

Of so fayre on) mygħt [in] suche plight

5213. MS. Youre symly porte, Your higħ chere And also youre womanly manere.

198Be brogħte to axe hur of hur grace, Beynge boþe in so preuey a place. Ther were no mo folke but they to, Safe þe kynge and hys moder per were no mo, Lokynge owte atte a wyndowe and talkynge Howe they mygħte Partonope In brynge To lofe thys mayde and for-yete Melyowre. [leaf 66]  The kynge a-none, wyth-owte more,  Cleped to hym Partonope.  “Cosyn),” he sayde, “howe lyke ye Be my nece, wycħe ys to marye ? By owre lady þat in heuen syttetħe on) hye, Yeff ye wolle haue hur to your wyffe, As I am trewe kynge, ałł my lyffe I shaɫɫ be to yowe goode lorde and souereyne. For ye shałł truste me fulle and playne : I shałł geffe yow townes, Castelles, and Cyte, And off ałł ryches grette plente. Off ałł men) on) lyfe I truste yowe beste.” Hys moder on) hur syde made grette heste.

5241. on)] perhaps an) ?

The King persuades Partonope to wed his niece, and promises him great riches.

5232

5236

5240

5244

5248

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Of so fayre one to aske hir of hyr grace,

Be brought to aske here of hir grace,

Beying bothe in so pryve a place.

Beynge bothe In so prevy place.

There were no folke but thay towo, 5232

Ther were no folke but þey two, 5232

Saue the king and his modyr raoo,

Safe þe kynge and his moder also,

Loking oute of a wyndow and talking

Lokynge out of a wyndowe talkynge

How they mygħt Partanope bring

Howe þey myght Partonope In brynge

To love this mayde and leve Melioure.

THe king anone, wythouten) more,

¶ The kynge anone, with-out more,

Clepyd to hym Partanope. 5238

Clepyde to hym Partonope.

“Cosyn,” he sayde, “how lyke ye

“Cossyn),” he seyde, “howe leke ye

By my nyece, which ys to Marye ? 5240

Be my nyce, whiche is to marye ? 5240

By oure lady of hevyn) that men to calle and crye, [leaf 39, back]

Be oure lady, to whom I crye,

Yeff ye wylle haue hir to youre wyfe,

Yef ye wiłł haue here to youre wyfe,

As I am) true knight, alle my lyfe

As I am trewe knyght, aɫɫ my lyfe

I shaɫɫ be to yow goode lorde and soueraygne. 5244

I shaɫɫ be to you good lorde and souer- ayne. 5244

For ye shaɫɫ trust me fułł and playne :

For ye shaɫɫ truste me playne :

I shaɫɫ yeve yow twones, Castelles and citee,

¹I shaɫɫ yeve you castelles and Cete, [¹ leaf 34]

And of alle rychesse fułł grete plentee.

And of aɫɫ Ryches grete plente,

Of alle men a-lyve I trust yow best.”

Of aɫɫ men) on lyve I truste you beste.”

His modyr in hir syde made grete beeste. 5249

His moder on hir syde made grete heste. 5249

199They yede so to hym not for to lye, He accorded hym fully to þys ffolye. Hys moder was gladde tho owte of mesure, And made hem ecħe oder to ensure. Þe kynge by þe honde he toke þe mayde,* And Partonope þus he sayde* : “Thys woman) I yeffe yowe to yowr wyfe, In Ioye for euer to lede your lyfe, And so I pray Gode hyt mote be.”— “I tnonke yowe, syr,” sayde Partonope. He wende aɫɫ þys had ben) rygħte welle, Hys olde loue was for-gete ecħe a delle. He kyssetħ hys loue, he maketħe hur chere. He was in wyɫɫ, had he leysere And place, þys ys syker as daye, For to haue pleyed^ɭ þe comyn) play Off wycħe thes louers haue sucħe plesaunce, For Melyowre was clene owte of Remembraunce. Thus wes he falle to novelry.

5254. MS. mayden).

5255. he sayde] MS. they sayden).

5252

5256

5260

5264

5268

He agrees.

The King formally gives him the maiden,

and Partonope thanks him.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

They yede so to hym not for to lye,

They yede so to hym not for to lye,

He a-corded hym fully to this folye.

He a-cordyde fully to his folye.

The moder was gladde that wythouten mesure, 5252

The moder was glade þat out of mesure,

And made hem fast eche other ensure.

And made hem sure iche to oþer. 5253

The king by the hande tho toke the mayde,

The kynge toke þe mayde be þe honde,

And to Partanope thus he sayde :

And þus Partonope he seyde :

“This woman I yeve yow to your wyfe, 5256

“This woman) I yeve you to wyfe 5256

In Ioye for euer to lede your lyfe,

In Ioye for euer to lede your lyfe,

And so I pray God hit euer mote be.”— ‘‘

And so I praye God it euer may be.”—

I thank yow, Sir,” sayde Partanope.

“I thanke you, sir,” seyde Partonope.

He wende alle this had bene rygħt wele, 5260

He wende aɫɫ þis hade ben weɫɫ, 5260

His olde love was for-gete eche dele.

His olde loue was for-gete iche deɫɫ.

He kyssetħ his love, he maketħ her chere.

He kyste his loue, and maketh hir chere.

He was in wylle, had he hadde leysere

He was In wiɫɫ, while he hade leyser

And place, this ys syker as day, 5264

A[nd] place, þis is seker as day, 5264

To haue pleyed the comon) play

To haue pleyde þe comyn play,

Of whicħ these lovers haue sucħ plesaunce,

Of whiche þis louers haue soych plesaunce,

For Melioure was clene oute of remembraunce.

For Meliore was clene out of remembraunce.

Thus was he falle to novellerye. 5268

Thus was he faɫɫ [to] novelly. 5268

200Thus was grette merveyle, for trewly I Shulde neuer haue be brogtħe in þat plygħte, Off ony oþer to haue Ioye or delyte Butte of my lady, þat ys my souereyne; 52 I telle yowe trowþe, I can) not feyne. Fresshe and lusty ys Partonope; For in hys armes hys loue haþe he, 52 Wycħe he hatħ geton) hym fressħe and newe. [leaf 66, back] He seyetħe to hyr he woɫɫ be trewe. And she wyth hym falletħ in Dalyaunce Off maters of loue and of hye plesaunce; Wyth kyssynge and talkynge she ys faɫɫ in boldenesse. When wymmen be weɫɫ they can) not cese. 52 Wyth gladde chere to hym she sayde: “My dere herte, fulle weɫɫ a-payde Alle my lyffe-dayes ben) may I, 52 That I haue conquered yowe so wysely. For be crafte I haue yowe take, And made yowe fully to for-sake Yowre olde loue, and fully to me 52 Ye ben) ensured euer trewe to be.”

The Poet will never forsake his Lady.

Partonope holds the maiden in his arms.

She tells him she is happy that she has saved him from his old love.

5272

5275

5281

5284

5288

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl MS.

This ys grete mervayle, for I truly

This is grete merveɫɫ, for iche truly

Shulde haue ben) brougħt in that plyte

Shulde neuer a brought In þat pligħt,

Of any other to haue had Ioye or delyte, 5271

Of ony oþer to haue Ioye ore delyte,

But of lady that ys my soueraygne;

But of my lady and my souerayne;

I telle yow thoug, I canne not fayne.

I teɫɫ you trowthe, I can not fayne.

Fressħ and lusty ys Partanope; 5274

Freshe and lusty is Partonope, 5274

For in his armes his love holdes he,

For In his armes his love holdyth he,

Whicħ he hath geten hym fressh and new. 5276

Whiche he hathe gottyn hym newe.

He sayde to hir he wolde be trew.

He seyde to here he wolde be trewe.

And She wytħ hym) ys fallen in daliaunce

She with hym is faɫɫ In dalyaunce

Of Maters of love and hight plesaunce.

Of materis of love and higħ plesaunce,

With kyssenge and talkynge is faɫɫ in dalyaunce. [¹ leaf 34, back] 5280

When women) beth weɫɫ I can) not sese.

With glade chere she to hym seyde:

“My dere hert, fuɫɫ weɫɫ payde

Aɫɫ my lyve-dayes be may I, 5284 That I haue conquerede so wysly.

¹ For be crafte I haue you take,

And made you fully to for-sake

Youre olde love; and holy to me 5288

Ye be ensurede euer trewe to be.”

201When of hys loue he herde hur speke, Hys herte hym þoȝte for sorowe shulde breke. Alle pensyfe stylle a grette whyle he sytte. In thys þynkynge a-yen) hys wytte Ys come to hym aɫɫ ffressħe and newe. “Al l[a]s !” þogħte he, “I am vntrewe To hur þat ys my souereyne ladye.” And þer-wyth-aɫɫ. he sterte vp fersly, And to þe dore stregɫɫte he wente. The barre in hys honde he hente, And openyd þe dore in grette haste, And þorowe þe haɫɫ heyed^ɭ ffaste. In-to þe porcħe he come rennynge, Hys horse he fownde þer redy stondynge. Vppon hys horse in haste he lepte, More of hys trowþe toke he no kepe. A-none as þe kynge wes war of þys, A sory man) for soþe he ys. He cursed^ɭ þe moder and hur Enchawntmewte.* The newe loue also for aɫɫ þys ys shent. In grette haste rydetħe Partonope To the casteɫɫ of Bloys, and tenderly wepytħ he, Thynkynge on) hys lady Melyowre, Howe of hys herte she ys þe tresowre, And he hatħ hur serued so falsely. In hys herte he fynte hym gyltye. [leaf 67] Whome in haste he cometħ rydynge;

5308 MS. Enchawnsmente.

After 5314 catchword In hys herte.

5292

5296

5300

5304

5308

5312

5316

At these words Partonope recovers his senses.

He starts up, unbars the door, and rides in haste back to Blois.

The King is angered and curses Partonope’s mother and her enchantments.

Rawl. MS.

When of his love he herde hir speke,

Vppon) his hors In haste he lepte, 5304

His hert hym þought wolde breke.

More of his trouth toke he no kepe.

Aɫɫ pensefe a grete while he sate. 5292

When þe kynge was ware of þis,

In his hert thynkynge agayne his wyte

A sory man) for sothe he is.

Ys come to hym freshe and newe.

He courssede his moder and hir enchantmente. 5308

“Allas !” he þought, “I am vntrewe

The newe love also is I-shente.

To hir þat is my souerayne lady.” 5296

In grete haste rydes Partonope

And þer-with he stert vp freshly,

To þe casteɫɫ of Bloyes, and sore wepte he,

And to þe dore streight he wente.

The barre In his honde he hente,

Thynkynge on his lady Melyore, 5312

And oppynde þe dore In haste, 5300

Howe of his hert she is þe tresoure,

And þorwe þe haɫɫ he hyede faste.

And he hathe her seruyde falsly.

In-to þe porche he come rynynge,

In his hert he fyndes hym gylty. 5315

His hors he fonde redy stondynge.

To Pountyfe In haste he come rydynge;

202Frome hys meyne he hydytħe hys wepynge. Frome hys horse lepetħe, and stregħte gotħe In-to hys chamber, for he ys lotħe Hys meyne shulde knowe of hys dysese. He byddytħe hem voyde, þys ys no lese. They voyde hys chamber in grette haste; After hym he barretħe the dore ffaste. Nowe by hym-selfe he ys allone; He maketħe sorowe and mocħe mone. He cursytħe the cunselle of þe kynge, He hatytħe hys newe loue a-boffe aɫɫ þynge.  The kynge, þe moder, and hys loue,  Herde tydynges þat a-bofe  In-to a chamber was Partonope Go to slepe. “Þat may not be,” Sayde hys moder, “for no-þynge. Aɫɫ for noȝte þen were owre charmynge.” To hys chamber she yede in haste, The dore she fownde barred faste. She knocked^ɭ þer-ate, and faste gan) crye : “Vn)do the dore, sone, hyt am I.” Aɫɫ for nogħte he lette hur be, And þen he sayde : “For sotħe ye Haue fro me take my erthely Ioye; And mowe I ones departe fro the, Ye shaɫɫ neuer efte haue Ioye of me. Gotħe fortħe yowre way, and lette me be.”

Partonope shuts himself up in a chamber, weeping and lamenting sorely.

He refuses to see his mother.

She has caused all his grief.

He bids her go.

5320

5324

5328

5332

5336

5340

Rawl. MS.

Fro his meyne he hydyth his wepynge.

Seyde his moder, “for nothynge. 5332

Fro his hors he lepyth and streight gothe 5318

Aɫɫ for nought were oure charmy[n]ge.”

To his chambir she yede In haste.

In-to his chambir, for he is lothe

The dure she yede, and founde sperede faste.

His meyne shulde knowe his dysseyse.

He byddes hem voyde, þis is no lese.

She knokede faste, and loude dyde crye: 5336

They voyde his chambir in grete haste,

After hem he barres þe dore faste.

“Vndo þe dore, son, it am I.”

Nowe be hym-selfe he is alone, 5324

Aɫɫ for nought he let here be.

He maketh sorwe and moche mone.

Then) he seyde : “For sothe ye

¹ He courseth þe counseɫɫ of þe kynge, [¹ leaf 35]

Haue fro me take my erthly make and Ioye; 5340

And his newe love above aɫɫ þynge.

And nowe I am departyde fro you a-weye.

The kynge, his moder, and his love

Herde tydynges þat vp above 5329

Ye shaɫɫ neuer after haue Ioye of me.

In-to a chambir was Partonope

Gothe furthe youre wey, and let me be.”

Goon to slepe. “þat may not be,”

203Thys lady wepynge went hur way, Wenynge fully, þys ys no nay, She had to hym no trespas do. Partonope a-none, as she was go, Be-þogħte hym : “Yeff I a-byde here, The kynge and my moder wyth wepyng¹ chere, Wyth mony a-nother, scholde wonder on) me,” And a-noþer whyle þus þoghte he : “My loue, my lady, my hertys lecħe, I wolle me besy yowe for to secħe. For I haue not so grettely a-geyne resone [leaf 67, back] Forfete to hur, butte grace and pardone I may axe of hur and haue. Off þat I haue do, so Gode me saue, Wyth aɫɫ my hert I me repente, And mercy [crye] wyth goode entente.” And wyth þys pogħte he rose vp faste. The dore he vnbarred^ɭ in grette haste, And went hys way fuɫɫ heuely. And for men) shulde hym not aspye, Ouer hys eyen) he keste hys hode, And to a man) þat to-fore hym stode He sayde : “No lenger loke þou a-byde, Butte feccħe my horse, for I wolle ryde A lyteɫɫ way for to desporte me Aɫɫ alone; for of my meyne Atte þys tyme grettely haue I no nede.” Thus aɫɫ alone fortħe he yede.

5344

5348

5352

5356

5360

5364

5368

She goes, weeping.

Partonope will ask his Lady’s pardon, and repents of his actions.

He leaves secretly, and riding forth, he meets the knights who brought him the sumpter-horses.

Rawl. MS.

This lady wepynge went hir wey, 5344

With aɫɫ my hert I me repente,

Weny[n]ge fully, þis is no nay,

And mercy crye with good entente.”

She hade to hym a trespas do.

With þat þought he rose vp faste. 5360

Partonope anone, as she was goo,

The dore he vnbarrede In haste,

He þought: “Yef I abyde here, 5348

And went his wey hevely.

The kynge and my moder with wepynge chere,

For his meyne shulde hym not spye,

Ouer his eyen) he caste his hode, 5364

With many oþer shuɫɫ wonder on me.”

And to a man þat be-fore hym stode,

Anoþer while þus þought he :

¹ He seyde : “No lenger þou a-byde,

“My loue, my lady, my hertis leche

But feche my hors, for I wiɫɫ ryde

I wiɫɫ me besy for to seche. 5353

A lytiɫɫ while to dyssporte me 5368

For I haue gretly agan) resoune

Aɫɫ alone; for of my meyne [¹ leaf 35,back]

For-fet to here; grace and pardoune

At þis tyme haue I no nede.”

I may aske of hir and haue. 5356

Thus alone furthe he yede.

Of þat I haue do, so God me saue,

204And thus alone as he rode musynge, Knygħtes sodenly hym come metynge, Off wycħe I haue tolde of be-fore, Þat brogħte hym hys somers wyth aɫɫ hys tresowre. The[y] saluyd hym fulle godely, And þen they seyde : “Syr, grettely Off your lady desyred^ɭ ye be. Gotħe your way, for atte þe ssee Yowre bote, your shyppe, þer ys redy. The tyde a-bydetħe yowe trewly, And þe wynde and the weder at wyH ye* haue.”— “Off thes tydynges, so Gode me safe, I thonke yowe grettely,” seytħe Partonope. And wyth þat worde þes knygħtes be Sodenly gon), he wotte ner where. And he rydetħe fortħe to þe water of Lere. When he come þer, redy he fownde A fayre bote stondynge by þe londe, Where-In he fownde a ffeyre bedde made. Partonope þer-off wes wonder gladde. Shortely, no lenger wolde he a-byde, Butte gotħe to botte, and weder and tyde [leaf 68] Wes aɫɫ redy rygħte to hys plesyre. Downe on) þe bedde he hym leyde at leysere; He þogħte þer for to slepe a wynke. i Nowe shuɫɫ ye here a wonder þynge : Hys horse, hys lemerys nogħte he seye,

5375. MS. rather semers.

5382. ye] MS, they.

They greet him, tell him of his ship, and then disappear.

On the Loire the boat is lying ready.

His horse and hounds become invisible.

5372

5376

5380

5384

5388

5392

5396

Rawl. MS.

And alone as he rode mvsynge, 5372

And with þat worde þese knyghtes be

Kny[g]htes sodenly hym come metynge,

Sodenly gon, he wot neuer where.

Of whiche I haue tolde be-fore,

He rydyth furthe to þe water of Loyre.

That brougħt hym þe somers with tresoure.

When) he come þer, redy he fonde 5388

A fayre bote redy be .þe londe,

They saluede hym fuɫɫ softely, 5376

Where-In he fonde a fayre bede made.

And þen) þey seyde : “Sir, gretly

Partonope þer-of was wonder glade.

Of youre lady desyrede ye be.

Shortly, no lenger wolde he abyde,

Gothe youre wey, for at þe see

Bout gothe to bote; weder and tyde

Youre bote, youre ship þer is redy. 5380

Was redy dight to his plesure. 5394

The tyde abydes you, and truly

Downe on þe bede he toke his leysere;

The wynde and weder at wiɫɫ ye haue.”— 5382

He þought þer to slepe awhile.

Ye shaɫɫ here a wonder thynge :

“Of þis tydynges, so God me saue,

His hors, his lemers not he se, 5398.

I thanke you hertly,” seyde Partonope.

205The knygħtes ne no-þynge were bye. The bote was gouerned in þe see. A wonder þys ys, as þynketħe me. The bote streygħte hym brogħte to þe shyppe. When he was In, he toke grette keppe : For hys horse, hys lemers þer he fownde, Wycħe be-hynde hym on) the stvownde Hed be lefte, for so wende he. And þus fortħe sayletħe Partonope Þorowe þe water wycħe ys called [L]oyre, Tyɫɫ he entered Chyffe Deoyre, Wycħe ys chyffe hauen of þat cuntre. Fro þe shyppe to þe londe streygħte goþe he. Master of þe shyppe, ne gouernowre Sawe he none, and stregħte to þe towre Off hys lady nowe rydetħe he, And lette þe shyppe allone be. Streygħte he rydetħe in-to þe palys, And in þe haɫɫ, a-pon) the deyse He sette hym downe; hys soper was redy. He yete no mete, but sate heuely. Sone after soper, when tyme was, To chamber he went a esy pas. He knewe what he was wonte to done. He made hym redy for streygħte to gone To bedde, þat was hys entente. Shorte tale to make, to bedde he* wente.

5425. MS. hem.

5400

5404

5408

5412

5416

5420

5424

He sees them again on board the ship.

Partonope arrives at Caefd’Oire, and rides to the palace.

He can eat nothing.

He goes to bed.

Rawl. MS.

The knyghtes ne nothynge where þey be.

Fro þe chipe to þe londe gothe he.

Maister of þe shipe, ne gouernoure 5412

The bote was gouer[n]de in þe see. 5400

Sees hym none; streight to þe toure

A wonder þis was, as thynketh me.

Of his lady nowe rydes he,

The bote hym brought to þe shipe.

And let þe shipe alone be.

When) he was In, he toke grete kepe :

Streight he rydyth to þe palis, 5416

His hors, his lemers þer he founde, 5404

And In þe haɫɫ, vppon þe doyes,

Whiche be-hynde hym, and on þe stronde,

He set hym downe; his sopere was redy.

He etes no mete, but syttes heuyle.

Hade ben, for so wende he. [leaf 36]

Sone after soppere, when tyme was, 5420

And þus furthe saillyth Partonope

To chambir he goth and eyse pas.

Thorwe þe water whiche clepede Loyre, 5408

He knewe what he was wont to do.

He made hym redy streight to goo

Tiɫɫ he enterde In-to Chyfe doyere,

Te bede, þat was his entente. 5424

Whiche is chefe hauyn of þe contre.

Short tale to make, to bede he wente.

206When he was leyde, þe couertowre To hym he drowe. Þer-wyth Meleowre To bedde come fulle softely. In armes he toke hur fuɫɫ goodely, He kyssed hur, and made hur chere. [leaf 68, back] Butte she a-spyed be hys manere He was atte þat tyme sum-what heuy.  “GOode syr,” she seyde, “whate cause or why  Be ye nowe in thys heuynes ?  Telletħe me playnely your dystresse.” He answered hur fuɫɫ softely: “My dere herte, I crey yowe mercy. I-wys, my loue, I am grettely dysmayed. The kynge of Fraunce hatħ [me] be-betrayed, And my euelle moder also, Thorowe a drynke made me do A þynge where-of I repente me. Falce and vn-trewe hyt made me be To yowe, my lady souereyne. On) here falsehode I me complayne. A wyne I dronke, was made by crafte, Þorowe wycħe my wytte was me by-rafte, And I be-come a fole naturelle. Thys made my moder, she ys fuɫɫ felle. Ther-wyth they brogħte me a mayde That was mery, and þen they sayde :

5447. þe crossed out before wycħe.

5428

5432

5436

5440

5444

5448

Melior comes.

She asks him the reason of his sadness, and Partonope confesses that he was tempted by his mother and the King of France.

He pledged his troth to a maiden, and received great riches with her; but left her in time.

Rawl. MS.

When he was leyde, þe couertoure

The kynge of Fraunce hathe me betrayede,

To hym he drewe; and þer-with Melyore

And myne eviɫɫ moder also, 5440

To bede come fuɫɫ softely. 5428

Thorwe drynke made me to do

In his armes he toke hir goodly,

A thynge where-of I repente me.

He kyssed hir, and made hir chere.

False and vntrewe it made me be

But she asspyede be his manere

¹To you, my lady souerayne. 5444

¶ He was at þat tyme som-what heuye. 5432

On hir falshede I me complayne.

A wyne I dranke, was made be crafte,

“Good sir,” she seyde, “what cause ore why

Thorwe whiche my wyt was me rafte,

And I be-come a fole naturaɫɫ. 5448

Be ye In þis heuynes ?

This made my moder, she is fuɫɫ feɫɫ. [¹ leaf 36, back]

Teɫɫ me playnly your dysstres.”

He answerde here softely : 5436

Ther-with þey brought a mayde

“My dere hert, I crye your mercy.

That was to marye; þen þey seyde

My dere hert, I am dyssmayde.

207‘ Howe lyke yowe be þys mayde yonge ? She ys rygħte ffeyre and neee to þe kynge.’ The kynge þer-wyth come as blyfe, And gaffe hur me vn-to my wyfe, Wyth townes, castellys, and grette ryches. Þer I ensured* here a-fore þe wyttenes To be hur husbondon) and alle oþer for-sake, And she on) hur syde to be my make Ensured by-fore hem alle tho. Yette by grace hyt happed so, Er I here nygħed bodely, My wytte come to me gracyosly. And þen I wyste I had mys-do. In grette haste sterte I vp tho, And lefte my trowþe þer wyth hem alle. Where-fore your mercy euer I calle, For I for-yete yowe þus ffalsselye. My swete herte, haue on) me mercy.” [leaf 69]  Off specħe he stynte, and seyde no more,  Butte stylle he lay and syked sore.  “Syr,” sayde hys lady, “why do ye thus ?” Ther-wyth she gaffe hym a swete cosse, And sayde : “Lette be, my herte swete, For I wolle rygħte welle ye wete I loue yowe a thowsande folde þe more, That ye haue byn) a-sayde so sore,

5457. MS. ensweryd or ensdreryd.

5458. MS. scarcely husbonden).

5452

5456

5460

5464

5468

5472

5476

Now he implores his Lady’s pardon.

Melior assures him that she loves him the more for having returned.

Rawl. MS.

Howe lyke ye þis mayde yenge ? 5452

In grete haste vp sterte I þo,

She is right fayre and nyce to þe kynge.’

And lefte my trouthe with hem aɫɫ.

Ther-fore mercy euer I caɫɫ,

The kynge with here come as blyue,

For I forgat you þus falsly. 5468

And gafe me hir to my wyfe,

My swete hert, euer I crye you mercy.”

with townes, castelles, and grete Ryches. 5456

¶ Of speche he stont, and seyde no more,

Ther I ensurede here, and none wytnes,

But stiɫɫ lay and sighede sore.

To be here hosbonde, and none oþer for-sake,

“Sir,” seyde þis lady, “why do you þus ?” 5472

And she on here syde to be my make

Ther-with she yaf hym a swete cus,

Ensurede be-fore hem aɫɫ þis to do. 5460

And seyde : “Let be, my hert swete,

Yet be grace it happede soo,

For I wiɫɫ right weɫɫ I wete

Ore þat I nyghede here bodyly,

Love you a þousonde folde þe more 5476

My wyte come to me graceously.

That ye haue ben assayde so sore

Then) I wyste I hade mys-do. 5464

208And leve hem alle and drawe to me. And I may þer-by knowe and se Yowre herte to me stonte euer stable, Where-fore þys traspas ys pardonable. Butte yeffe here-after þe deuylle be Yowre master so grettely þat me to se [Ye desyre] ffor drynke or for ony poysone, To make of me opyn) demonostracyone, Er my wyɫɫ be þat hyt be so, Ye shulle vn-do vs boþe to. Alle oþer pynges mo we fulle lygħtely Off me for-yeffe be, but trewly I Lone yowe so weɫɫ wyth myn) herte, Alle oþer forfettys mowe me not smertte.” Nowe ar they falle fro þys Dalyaunee, And besy hem to do ecħe oþer plesawnce. Thus alle þe nygħte to-geder þey be, Tylle on) the morowe þat Partonope Moste nedes ryse, for hyt was day. And þus he rose, and wente hys way, Where he wolde hym to dysporte. Off no wygħte ells had lie comforte Neuer a day, tylle hyt was nygħte. Thys lyffe he leuyd fortenygħte. And on) a day he hym be-þogħte In whatte care he had brogħte Hys moder, and eke þe kynge of Fraunce,

But he must beware of treason.

A fortnight having passed, Partonope again thinks of seeing his family, and prays Melior for leave.

5480

5484

5488

5492

5496

5500

5504

Rawl. MS.

And lefte hem aɫɫ and drewe to me.

Nowe are þey faɫɫ fro þis dalyaunee,

I may þer-by bothe knowe and se

And besye hem to do iche oþer plesaunce. 5493

Your hert to me stonte euer stabiɫɫ, 5480

Where-for þis trespas is pardonabiɫɫ.

Thus aɫɫ nyght to-geder þey be,

But yef here-after þe deviɫɫ be

Tiɫɫ at morwe þat Partonope

Your maister so gretly þat me to se

Moste nedes ryse, it is day. 5496

Ye desyre for drynke ore for poyson [leaf 37] 5484

And þus he rose, and wende hir wey,

Wheþer he wolde hym to dyssporte.

To make of me oppyn demonstration,

Of nought eɫɫes hade he comforte

Ore my wiɫɫ be þat it be so,

Neuer a day, tiɫɫ is was nyght. 5500

Ye shaɫɫ vndo us bothe two.

This lyfe he leuyde a fortnygħt.

Aɫɫ oþer thynges nowe fuɫɫ lightly 5488

And on a day he hym be-þougħt

Of me for-yeve, truly I

In what care he hade brought

Love you so weɫɫ with aɫɫ my herte,

His moder and eke þe kynge of Fraunce, 5504

Aɫɫ oþer forfettes may me not astert.”

209And aɫɫ hys kynrede and hys allyaunce. Where-fore he porposetħe hem aɫɫ to se And hastely to go in-to hys cuntre. As he [on] nygħte in hedde laye [leaf 69, back] Wyth hys lady, hys fresshe maye, He toke hyr in armes and wyth þat hur kyste. “My dere herte, he sayde, “and I wyste Ye wolde not dysplesed be, I wolde haue leue of yowe to se My cuntre; hyt were to me grette ese. Butte me were lotħe yowe to dysplese.” And wyth þat worde she syked sore. “My loue,” she sayde, “euer-more I drede me þorowe fals en-chawntemente Ye shulle make vs boþe shente. Yowre moder atte yowre nexte comynge I fere me shaɫɫ make yowe brynge Some þynge where-þorowe ye shaɫɫ me sene. Shente for euer shaɫɫ ye þen bene, To brynge me in offence and to breke your trowþe. My swete herte, haue on) me rowþe. For Gode me so helpe as wyslye I gaffe yowe cause neuer why Thus lygħtely to departe fro me. Wyth-owten) stroke ye wolle me sle. In Fraunce ye mowe lyffe in pes, Er euer to yowe I shulde make pres That ye shulde euer repayre to me,

5508

5512

5516

5520

5524

5528

5532

She fears that the mother will turn him from her again by her enchantments.

Rawl. MS.

And aɫɫ his kenrede and his alyaimce.

Ye shaɫɫ make vs bothe shente.

Where-fore he porposeth hem to see

Youre moder at youre nexte comynge

And hastely go In-to his contre.

For me shaɫɫ make you brynge 5521

As he on nyght In bede lay 5508

Som thynge þat ye shaɫɫ me sene.

With his lady, þis freshe may,

Shent for euer þen shaɫɫ ye ben,

He toke her In armes and hir kyste.

¹To breke myne offence and my trouthe

“My dere hert,” he seyde, “and y wyste

My swete hert, haue on me routhe.5525

For God me helpe so as wyssly

Ye wolde not dyssplesede be, 55312

I yef you neuer no cause why

I wolde haue leue of you to se,

Thus lightly to departe fro me. 5528

To me it were a grete eyse.

With-out stroke ye wiɫɫ me sle.

But lothe me were you to dyssplese.”

In France ye may by de In pes,

With þat worde he sighede sore. 5516

Ore euer I shulde to you make pres

“My loue,” she seyde, “euer-more

That ye shuɫɫ euer repayre to me, 5532

I drede me of false enchantmentes,

¹ leaf 37, back.

PARTONOPE.

P

210Butte yeff hyt to yowe plesaunce be. Yeffe ye thus departe fro me, And breke your beheste, ye shulle se Ye shulle me sle wyth-owten) knyffe. Thus shaɫɫ your loue reve me my lyffe, And þus shaɫɫ I be lefte allone In care and sorowe to make my mone I note to whom), when* ye be wente. Wyth sorowe and wepynge shalle I be shente, For efter won) euylle eomytħe mony mo. And ye in sucħe wyse lette me go, Then) shaɫɫ endure in languysħyinge, Never fuɫɫ dedde, but euer dyinge, And lyteɫɫ ete and lesse drynke, And no dele slepe þowe I wynke. [leaf 70] Þus sharɫɫ I my body pyne, Fro myrtħe and Ioye my hert restreyne. Off aɫɫ trewe conseɫɫ shaɫɫ I be sadde, And mercy axe ther non) may be hadde. Socħe Ioye haþe he þat lesytħe hys loue, Alle day hyt hatħ byn in proue : Comynly ther þat wone louytħe beste Off aɫɫ oþer hys thonke ys leste. Lo, dere herte, þus mowe ye se In whatte myschyffe ye shulle lefe me, Yeffe ye me se or þan my luste. In yowe fully ys alle my truste,

5540. Second when seems marked for erasure.

It will kill her if Partonope breaks his word.

5536

5540

5544

5548

5552

5556

Rawl. MS.

But it to you plesance be.

And no deɫɫ slepe bougħ I wynke.

Yef ye þus departe fro me,

Thus shaɫɫ I my body peyne, 5548

And breke youre heste, ye shaɫɫ se

Merthe and Ioye my hert resstrayne.

Ye shaɫɫ me sle with-out knyfe. 5536

Of aɫɫ newe counseɫɫ I shaɫɫ be sade,

Thus shaɫɫ ye reve me my lyfe,

Mercy askynge þer none may be hade.

Thus shaɫɫ I be lefte alone

Soyche Ioye hathe he þat louyth his loue. 5552

In care and sorwe to make my mone

I not to whom, when ye be wente. 5540

Aɫɫ þe day it hathe be put In prove

With sorwe and wepynge I shaɫɫ be shente,

Comynly þer þou lovyste beste

Of aɫɫ oþer his thanke is leste.

For after on eviɫɫ comyth many mo.

Loo, dyre.hert, þus may ye see 5556

And in soyche wyse ye let me goo,

In what myschef ye shaɫɫ leue me,

Then shaɫɫ I endure In langwyssynge,

Yef ye me se ore þen) me lyste.

Neuer fuɫɫ dede, but euer dynge, 5545

In you fully is aɫɫ my truste.

And lyte mete drinke and lese drynke,

211For lo, dere herte, þys ys my ffere : A-monge yowre ffrendes, when ye be þer, Wyth crafte brogħte yn) ye shulde be. Ye shulle hem truste better þen me. Yowre moder wenytħe aɫɫ fantasye be That I do, setħ me to se Ye ben) defended; þer-fore sykerly She wolle make some crafte where-by Ye shulle a-yen) my wyɫɫ me se. Thus shulle ye leue hur better þen me. Yet a-boue aɫɫ þys ys my fere My loue to lese þat ys so dere, Haue bougħte myne herte, and þat be ye. Nowe gode [loue], haue mercy on) me.”  “MI ffayre lady, þynke weɫɫ thys,  In alle þe reme of Fraunce þer nys  Man) ne woman) þat can) me brynge To done offence In eny þynge That were contrary to yowre plesawnce. Gode kepe me euer fro þat myschaunce. Then) were I worse þen ony hownde, That thys louynge haue yowe fownde, That I shulde your detħ caste. Myne endeles sorowe þen shulde I haste. For by the holy A-postolys twelffe I loue yowe better þen my-selffe. And mocħe loue þen haue I loste, [leaf 70, back] Yeffe ye shulde me thys mystruste.”

5560

5564

5568

5572

5576

5580

5584

His mother will surely use some witchcraft.

Partonope begs her to trust him.

He were worse than any hound to cause her death.

Her faith is the measure of their love.

Rawl. MS.

Loo, dere hert, þis is my fere : 5560

“My fayre lady, thynke weɫɫ þis, 5574

Amonge youre frendes, þis is my fere,

In aɫɫ þe reme of Fraunce þer nys

¹With- crafte brought In ye shaɫɫ be.

Man) ne woman) þat can) me brynge

Ye shaɫɫ hem truste beter þen me,

To do offence In ony thynge 5577

Youre moder wenyth aɫɫ fanten be 5564

That were contrarye to your plesaunce.

That I do, sethe me to see [¹ leaf 38]

God kepe me fro þat myschaunce.

Ye be defendyde; þer-fore sekerly

Then) were I wors þen an hounde, 5580

She wiɫɫ make som crafte wherby

Sethe so longe I haue you founde,

Ye shaɫɫ ayen my wiɫɫ me see. 5568

That I shulde youre dethe caste.

Thus shaɫɫ ye leue here better þen me.

My endles sorwe shulde In haste.

Yet above aɫɫ þis is my fere

For be þe holy appostelles xii 5584

My love to lese, þat is so dere,

I loue you beter þen my-selve.

Haue bought my hert, and þat be ye,

And moche loue þen) haue I loste,

Nowe, good loue, haue mercy on me.”—

Yef ye shaɫɫ me þus mysstruste.”

212Thus aɫɫ nygħte by-twyn) hem twey Wordes þer were; hem luste not to pley, Ne slepe neyþer, þys ys no nay, Tyɫɫ on) þe morowe þat brodde daye Shone In so brygħte þat Partonope Þogħte þat hyt was hey tyme þat he Made hym redy, and so he dyde; And to hys dyner streygħte he yede. And after dyner streygħte yede he Vppon) a towre of þe castelle to se The see, þe wynde, and eke þe tyde. Aɫɫ þys was weɫɫ, and þer-fore a-byde Longe wyth hys lady þogħte not he. Butte aɫɫ-wey after Partonope To hys lady euery nygħte Sware he shulde neuer þe sygħte Off hyr desyre, tylle þat she Luste hyt were so; and þus takytħe he Hys leue; also when hyt was day, To shyppe he gotħe, and taketħe þe way Ouer þe see* streygħte to Bloys.

5608. MS. adds þe shyppe after see.

The next day Partonope makes his preparations for the voyage.

He observes the sea from the castle.

Taking his leave, he goes on board; and sails to Blois, where he is given a hearty welcome.

5588

5592

5596

5600

5604

5608

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Thus aɫɫ þe nyght be-twyx hem to 5588

Wordes þer were; hem lyste none oþer to do.

Neyther they mygħt not slepe, this ys no nay, [leaf 40] 5590

They myght not slepe, þis is no nay,

Tylle on the morow that brode day

Tiɫɫ on þe morwe þe brode day

Shone in so brygħt that Partanope 5592

Shone In so bright þat Partonope 5592

Thougħt that hit was tyme that he

Thought it was tyme þat he

Made hym redy, and so he dede;

Made hym redy, and so he dyde;

And to his dyner streygħt he yede,

And to his dener streight he yede.

And after dyner streygħt yede he 5596

And after dener streight yede he 5596

Vppe in-to the Toure of the Casteɫɫ to see

In-to þe toure of þe casteɫɫ to se

The See, the wynde, and eke the tyde,

The se, þe wynde, and eke þe tyde.

Alle this was weɫɫ, and there-fore a-byde

¹Aɫɫ þis was weɫɫ, and þer-fore abyde

Longe wytħ his lady thougħt not he.

Longe with his lady þougħt not he.

But alle-way after Partanope 5601

But alwey after Partonope 5601

To his lady euery nyght*

To his lady euery nygħt [¹ leaf 38, back]

Swere he shulde neuer the sygħt

Swere he shulde neuer þe sigħt

Of hir desyre, tylle that She 5604

Of her desyre tiɫɫ þat she 5604

Lyst hit were so; and thus taketħ he

Lvste it were; and þus taketh he

His leve; and so when) hit was day,

His leue; and when it was day,

To Shippe he gothe, and taketħ the way

To shipe he goth, and taketh þe wey

Ouer the See styreght to Bloys. 5608

Ouer þe se streight to Bloyes. 5608

11. 5602–03 inverted in MS.

213Thyder he come as who seyetħe treys. Shorte tale to make, he yede to londe, And went to Bloys, and þer he fownde Hys, moder and alle hys oder meyne, That off hys comynge fuɫɫ Ioyfuɫɫ bee, And of hys passage haue grette mervayle, For no man) sawe shyppe neyþer sayle, And þat A-none he come to Bloys. In hys comynge he ys curteyse. Aɫɫ Fraunce made Ioye of hys comynge. On) horsbacke lygħtely lepetħe þe kynge, He prycked faste þorowe þe towne. After hym heyed^ι, bope Erle and barowne. Knygħtes, Squyers of euery degre Come to welcome Partonope. And he hem thonked^ι wyth swycħe* chere, [leaf 71] That they lyked so hys manere. Euery man) made grette Ioyinge Off Partonope-ys home comynge Off welcomenynge an) ende to make, The grette pres here leue haþe take, And homwarde ecħe man) taketħe hys wey.

5624. MS. swytħe.

5612

5616

5620

5624

5628

All France rejoices.

Kings, Earls and Barons give him welcome.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Thether he come as who saytħ tryes.

Deþer he come as who seyth threys.

Short tale to make, he yede to londe,

Short tale to make, he yede to londe,

And went to Bloys, and there he fonde

And went to Bloyes, and þer he fonde

And Modyr and alle his other meyne,

His moder and aɫɫ his oþer meyne,

That of his comyng fuɫɫ Ioyfull be, 5613

That of his comy[n]ge Ioyefuɫɫ be,

And of his passage haue grete mervayle,

And of his passynge [haue] grete mer-veɫɫ, 5614

For no man seetħ nother Ship p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq68.tif"/> nor sayle,

For no man seyth noþer ship ne saiɫɫ,

And that alone he come to Bloys. 5616

And þat alone he come to Bloyes. 5616

In his comyng he ys curteys.

In his comy[n]ge he is courteys.

Alle Fraunce made Ioye of his comyng.

Aɫɫ France made Ioye of his comy[n]ge.

On) horsbak lygħtly lepytħ the king,

On hors-bake lightly lepyth þe kynge,

He pryked fast thorow the thown). 5620

He prekede faste þorwe þe towne. 5620

After hym hyed bothe Erle and baroun);

After hym hyede erle and barowne.

Knygħtes and Squyers of euery degree,

Knyghtes and squyeres of euery degre

Came to welcome home Partanope.

Come to welcome Partonope.

And he hem thanked wytħ sucħ chere,

He hem thankede with blythe chere,

That they lyked so his goode manere.

That þey lekede so his manere. 5625

Euery man made grete Ioyng 5626

Euery man) made grete Ioyenge

Of Partanopes home Comyng. [¹ 1f. 40,b.]

Of Partonope home comy[n]ge.

Of his welcomyng and ende to make,

Of his comy[n]ge an ende I make. 5628

¹The grete prees her leve haue take, 5629

The grete prese þer leue hathe take,

And homward eche man toke the way.

Home iche man toke þe wey.

214Sone after hyt felle vppon) a deye Thys moder of Partem ope Hur wyttes castetħe howe beste mygħte she Hur Sone haue stylle In Fraunce. A moder she had, in home hur affyaunce Was grettely, for she was boþe olde and wyse. She þogħte she wolde haue hur a-vyse. Hur moder she tolde alle hur conselle. She hur answered, and sayde : “In perelle Grettely stante Partonope; Where-fore, dogħter, I conselle þat ye Sende for þe bysshoppe off Parys. He ys a clerke, and þer-to rygħte wysse, And can) goode skyɫɫ of Sermonynge. He knowetħe the helpe off alle þynge.” He was sente after, he come a-none. When he wes come, to-gedyr they gone In-to a parlere alle thre. The moder sayde to the bysshoppe : “Syr, ye Be rygħte welcome, wyth-owteft more.

Partonope’s mother asks the advice of her mother, as to keeping her son in France.

She counsels her to send for the Bishop of Paris.

The mother lays the case before him.

5632

5636

5640

5644

5648

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Sone after hit felle vpon) a day

Sone after it fiɫɫ on þe day

That the Moder of Partanope 5632

That þe moder of Partonope 5632

Hir wyttes east how best mygħt She

Here wyttes kyste howe beste myght she

Hir Son) wytħ-holde stylle in Fraunce.

Here sone kepe stiɫɫ In Fraunce.

A Moder She had, in whom hir affiaunce

A moder she hade in hir here affyaunce

Was gretly, for She was bothe olde and wyce. 5636

Was, for she was olde and wyse. 5636

Sheo thougħt Sheo wolde haue hir a-vyce.

She þought she wolde haue here avyse.

Hir Moder She tolde alle hir Counseɫɫ.

¹ Hir moder she tolde here counseɫɫ.

She answerid, and sayde, “In grete pereɫɫ

She answerde:’’ In grete pereɫɫ [¹ leaf 39]

May thus stonde Partanope; 5640

May þus stonde Partonope; 5640

Wherfore, doughter, I counsayle the

Where-fore doughter I counseɫɫ the

Send for the Byssho p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq69.tif"/> of Paryse,

Sende for þe byshope of Paris.

He ys a Clerk, and therto Riche and wyse,

He is a clerke and þer-to right nyse,

And canne goode skylle of sermonyng,

And can) good skiɫɫ of sermony[n]ge.

He knowetħ the helpe of alle thing.”

He knoweth be helpe of aɫɫ thynge.”

He was sent after, he come a-none. 5646

He was sent after, he come anone. 5646

When he was comyn),to-gyder they gone

When) he was come, to-geder þey gon)

In-to a parloure alle there. 5648

In-to parloure nowe aɫɫ there. 5648

The moder sayde to the Bysshope : “Ye, Sere,

The moder seyde to þe bysshope : “Ye sore,

Bene rygħt welcome, wythouten more.

Ye be right welcome with-out more.

5648. thre crossed out before there.

215I am dyssesed^ι wonder sore, Where-fore your conseɫɫ I moste haue. I ffere me grettely, so Gode me saue, My sone to lese Partonope. For thys hyt stante trewly, syr, he Ys taken) wyth ffendys of ffayre. For aɫɫ a-lone lie gotħe, þat we Be montħe ne wotte where hym to ffynde, Butte alle hys mayne he leuytħe be-hynde. He hatħe a loue, syr, sykerly. She hatħe defended^ι hym hyly That he desyre hur nogħte to se. Thys ys a wonder þynge to me. [leaf 71, back] They mete neuer but on) nygħte; Off hur had he yette neuer no sygħte. Wyth hur he fynte aɫɫ maner of plesaunce. Hyt ys a fende or some myschawnce, That wolle hys body and sowle brynge In-to some myscheffe; lo, þys ys a þynge Wycħe greuetħe my hert wonderly Sore. Thys ys þe cause ye were sent fore.”—

5652

5656

5660

5664

5668

Her son lives for months with a fairy, but meets her only by night.

His body and soul are in jeopardy.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

I am diseased wonderly sore,

I am desseysede wonder sore,

Where-fore youre counsayle I mote haue.

Where-fore youre counseɫɫ I moste haue.

For I feere me gretly, so God me saue,

For I fere me gretly, so God me saue,

My Son to leese Partanope. 5654

My sone to lese Partonope. 5654

For thus hit stont truly, Sir, he

For þus it stont truly,” quod she,

Ys take wytħ feendes of the ffayry.

“He is take with fendes of þe feyre.5656

For aloone he gothe that I 5657

For alone he goth þat I

Ne wote in amonetħ where hym to fende,

Ne wot In a monthe where hym to fynde,

And alle his meyne he levys hym be-hynde.

And aɫɫ his men) he leuyth be-hynde.

He latetħ hym a-loone, Sir, sykerly.

He lettyth hem alone sekerly. 5660

She hatħ defended hym higħly 5661

She hathe deffendyde hym gretly

That he desyre not hir to see.

That he desyre not here to see.

This ys a wonder thing to me.

This is a wonder thynge to me.

They mete neuer but a-nygħt; 5664

They met neuer but at nygħt : 5664

Of hir had he yett neuer no sigħt,

Of here he hade neuer yet sight.

He fyndeth wytħ hir alle maner of plesaunce. 5666

He fyndyth with here aɫɫ plesaunce.

Hit ys a feende or som) myschaunce,

Hit is a fende ore som myschaunce

That wiɫɫ his body and soulebrynge 5663

In-to som myschef; lo, þis is a thynge

Whiche greuys my hert wonder sore.

This is þe cause ye were sent fore.”—

216“Wyɫɫ,” sayde þe bysshoppe, “lette me a-lone In-to a chamber I woɫɫ gonne, And brynge yowre sone þen in to me. A whyle in conselle we woɫɫ be.” For hur sone she sent a-none. When he was come, she made hym gone In-to þe chamber wyth-owte lette, Where as þe bysshoppe hym sone mette, And say de to hym : “Welcome be ye. Come, syttytħe downe rygħte here be me.” The bysshoppe hys tale be-gan) sotelly Alle a-ff[e]rre, and seyde: “Syr, I Here of yowe mocħe worshyppe and honowre For off aɫɫ Fraunce ye here the flowre Off manhode and of cheualry. Thys ys þe cause, syr, why þat I Hyder am come yowe for to se, And wyth aɫɫ my herte am gladde þat ye Arne in hele and in gladnes.” Þys bysshoppe pleyed wyles, as I gesse; For he no worde spake of hys lady, Butte oþer materes brogħte yn soþely. And þen he sayde : “Trewly ye To Gode mocħe holden) be. Ye haue þe name of gentylnes, Off curtesy and off hye prouesse. Þus rennetħ your fame þorowe þe worlde. Thanketħe heyly þat ylke lorde Fro whome þys cometħe; for wytte weɫɫ ye [leaf 72]

The Bishop speaks to Partonope, and refers to his renown.

He is glad to see him in good health.

“Thank God for all your beauty, strength and prowess, dedicate these to Him, and love Him above everything.”

5672

5676

5680

5684

5688

5692

5696

5700

Rawl. MS.

“Weɫɫ,” seyde þe bysshope, “let me alone.” “5672

Heþer am come you to see, 5688

With aɫɫ my hert and glade am I

In-to a chambir she is gon,

That ye are In hele and gladnes.”

In-to his chambir with-out lete, 5678

This bysshop pleyde wylis, I gesse :

¹Where as þe bysshope sone mete,

For he no worde spake of his lady, 5692

And seyde to hym : “Weɫɫ-come be ye

But oþer materis brought subtilly.

Come,sit downe right here be me.” 5681

Then he seyde : “Truly ye

The bisshope be-gan his tale subtilly

Moche to God holdyn be.

Aɫɫ afferre, and seyde : “Sir, sekerly

Ye bere þe name of Ientiɫɫnes, 5696

I here of you moste worchipe and honoure [¹ leaf 39, back] 5684

Of courtesey and higħ prowesse.

Thus renyth þe fame þorwe þe worlde.

For of Fraunce ye bere þe floure

Thanketh hyely þat ilke lorde 5699

Of manhode and of chevallrye.

Fro whom þis comyth; for weɫɫ wot ye

This is þe cause, sir, þat I

217Off yowre-selfe hyt may not be. For þowe a monne wolde yefe yowe a ffoder Off golde, ye mygħte not selle to a-nother Bewte, strengħe, ne provesse, Fredome, curtesy, ne larges. Alle tho graces cometħe fro hym; Fro yowe cometħ no-þynge but fowle synne. Ther-fore sette alle yowre entente To fulfyɫɫ hys commaundemente. Serue* not a-nothe[r]wyth hys yefte. Take resone to yowe, and porsewe þryfte, And besy yowe to serue Gode a-boue; Then) haue ye a lorde and eke a loue. Yeff ye hym loue, he wolle yowe kepe Fro alle your Enemys, þowe ye slepe, Oþer ellys wheþer ye be wakynge. Ther-fore loue hym a-boue aɫɫ þynge. Aɫɫ wordely worshyppe I-nowe haue ye. Aɫɫ þat he geffe yowe, and þynketħ þat he Alle, when) hym luste, may fro yowe take. Loue hym þen for yowre owne sake, And loue hym trewly in alle wyse. Loke none erthely loue yowe suppryse, Leste þer-wyth ye be so blente, That ye breke hys comawndemente. Lyetħe not longe in dedely Synne, Yeff þer be eny nowe þat ye be ynne.

5710. Serue] MS. Seyne.

5711. or persewe ?

5704

5708

5712

5716

5720

5724

“Beware of the guiles of earthly love, and confess your sins.”

Rawl., MS.

Of youre-selfe may it not be.

Fro aɫɫ enemys, þougħ ye slepe,

For thougħ a man) wolde gyfe a foþer

Ore eɫɫes þough ye be wakynge. 5716

Of golde, he myght not seɫɫ to anoþer

There-fore loue hym above aɫɫ thynge.

Beute, strengħt, ne prowesse, 5704

¹Aɫɫ worldly worchip I-nowe haue ye.

Fredom, courtesye, ne largesse.

And aɫɫ þat he gafe you; and thynke þat he [¹ leaf 40]

Aɫɫ þis graces come fro hym;

Fro you comyth not but syn.

When) hym lyste may fro you take. 5720

Ther-for set aɫɫ your entente 5708

There-fore loue hym for your owne sake,

To kepe fully his comondemente.

And loue hym truly In aɫɫ wyse.

Serve not anoþer with his gyfte,

Loke none erthly loue you surpryse,

Take reson to you, and porsue rigħt.

Leste þer-with ye be so blente 5724

Then haue ye -a lorde and a love 5712

That ye breke his comondemente.

To serve ouer aɫɫ thynge above.

Lyth not longe In dedly synne,

Yef ye hym loue, he wiɫɫ you kepe

Yef þer be ony þat ye be Inne.

5717. catchword Aɫɫ wordly.

218Goþe faste to sore confessione.” Þus endytħe þe bysshoppe ys sermone.  When þe bysshoppe hadde aɫɫ seyde,  Partonope sat aɫɫ dysmayde.  He caste a syke, hyt semed^ι fro ferre. That herde þe bysshoppe, and nygħhed^ι hym ner. He bade hym boldely teɫɫ owte hys synne, And ransake hys consyence weɫɫ wyth-yn. And þen he tolde hym a nobeɫɫ story Off holy wrytte, and howe þe vyctory [leaf 72, back] Off þe deuyɫɫ seynttes hadde In olde tyme, and bade hym be gladde, And on) þe deuylle showe hys knygħthode, Sythen) in batayle he lacked no manhode, “And showe þat þou. arte Goddys knygħte.” And so mocħe þynge hym he be-hygħte, Þat atte þe laste Partonope Aggreid hym fully for to be Atte þe bysshoppys owne wyɫɫ. And sodenly ther-wyth he felle In-to a pogħte fuɫɫ heuely. “Allas,” þogħte he, “what may I Do, for weɫɫ I wotte truly I haue do nowe fulle grette ffolye My loue þus fowle to be-traye. Nowe ys to late to sey naye, Sytħe I am agreed^ι þer-to.”

5754. MS. possibly sythen.

Seeing Partonope dismayed, the Bishop continues his admonitions, and tells him a tale of victorious saints, till Partonope is no longer able to resist.

5728

5732

5736

5740

5744

5748

5752

Rawl. MS.

Gettyth faste to conffession).” 5728

Sethe In bataiɫɫ he lakede nomanhode,

Thus endyth þe bysshope his sermon.

“Shewe þat þou art Goddes knyght, 5742

¶ When þe byshope hade aɫɫ seyde,

And thynke howe meche ye hym hight,”

Partonope stout aɫɫ dyssmayde.

That at laste Partonope 5744

He caste a sigħ, it semyde fro ferre. 5732

A-greede fully for to be

That herde þe bysshope and nyghede nerre.

At þe bysshopus owne witɫɫ

And sodenly þer-with he fiɫɫ

He bade hym boldly teɫɫ out his syne,

In-to a þought fuɫɫ hevely. 5748

And ransake his concience with-Ine.

“Allas,” he þought, ‘‘what may I

Then) he tolde hym a nobiɫɫ storye 5736

Do, for weɫɫ I wot truly

Of holy wryte, and how victorye

I haue do nowe grete folye

Of þe deviɫɫ and sentence hade

My loue þus foule to be-traye. 5752

In olde tyme, and bade hym be glade,

Nowe is to late to sey nay,

And þe deviɫɫ shewyde his knyghthode.

Sethe I am a-greede þer-to.”

5728. Gettyth] e like o.

219Þen to þe bysshoppe he seyde : “Syr, loo, Off a synne I moste me shryue. A loue I haue, wycħe in my lyue Wyth myne eyen) yette neuer I seye. For hur to se fuɫɫ hylye She me defendytħ; yette haue I be Wyth hur fulle mocħe. And hardely she Off Gode speketħe weɫɫ and off hys la we, And euer conselletħ me to drawe Hym to serue and eke to plese. And wyttetħe weɫɫ, þys ys no lese, Off hym she speketħe fuɫɫ blessydlye. Golde and syluer fuɫɫ plentuosly, And precyous stones she geuytħe to me, And rycħe cloþes; and bytte me be Manly and þer-to off yefftes large. Somerys of golde she made me change, And to me sente hem in-to Fraunce. And to my kyn and myne allyaunce She bade I shulde departe ffrely. [leaf 73] And so I dude, for trewly I Yafe kynges, Erles, and eke barownes, Knygħtes, Squyers : Cytees and townes. And mocħe peple of euery degre Wyth hur golde I wyth-helde wyth me. Þorowe hur ys pes come in-to þys lande. She hatħ made me to take on) hande Þys batayle,þorowe wycħe I haue þe pryce.

5756

5760

5764

5768

5772

5776

5780

He confesses that he has a love whom he has never seen.

She always speaks well of God.

She sent great gifts to France, and through her peace is now restored.

Rawl. MS.

¹ Then) to þis bysshope he seyde þo :

And ryche clothis; and beddes to me be

“Of syne I moste me shreyve. 5756

Manly and of yeftes large.

A love 1 haue with-In my lyve

Somers with golde she made charge

With myne eyen yet neuer I sigħ.

And to me sent hem to Fraunce. 5772

For hir to se fuɫɫ hougħly [¹ leaf 40, back]

To my kyn) and myne alyaunce

She me defendyde; yet haue I be 5760

She bade I shulde departe frely.

With hir fuɫɫ meche. And hardly she

And so I dyde, for truly I 5775

Of God spekes and of his lawe,

Yeve kyghtes, erlis, and eke barouns,

And euer counssellyth me to drawe

Knyghtes, squyeres Cetes and townes.

Hym to serue and to plese. 5764

And moche pepiɫɫ of euery degre 5778

And wete ye weɫɫ, þis is no lese,

With here golde weɫɫ helde with me.

To me she gyffes fuɫɫ besely

Thorwe here is pes come to londe. 5780

Golde and syluer plentuosly,

She hathe made me take on honde

And presious stonysshe yeuys me, 5768

The bataiɫɫ be þe which I haue þe pryce.

220Where-fore, syr, to myne a-vyce, She haþe fuɫɫ gentylly quytte hur vn-to me, Saue in on) þynge þat hur to se She me defendytħe so heyly. For þys cause, syr, trewly I Putte me in yowre ordynawnce, What euer happe me falle or chawnce.”  When) þe bysshoppe herde hys entente :  “Nowe, lorde,” he sayde “omnipotente,  I ylde þe gracys and þonkynge ! Partonope,” he sayde, “a-boue aɫɫ þynge I cunselle þat ye hur se, Þowe hyt a-geyne hur wyɫɫ be.” Hys moder seyde on) þe oder parte : “I haue ordeyned þerfore an) arte Where-þorowe ye shulle hur naked see. Butte for no-þynge loke ye ne be A-fferde of þat fowle þynge.” To hym a lanterne she dyd brynge A-none, and þer-In a candeɫɫ brygħte, Þat shonne as þe day lygħte. For wynde ne weder hyt wolde not owte. And þer-wyth wyles, wyth-owten dowte, She maketħe hym fully to agre Vn-to hys lady fals to be. Þys lanterne wyth lygħte she doþe hym proferre. He hyt reseyuetħe, and in a coferre Hyt putte, and hoydytħ hyt preuely, Tylle on) þe tyme þat he be redy To go hys lady for to se. [leaf 73, back] Tyɫɫ þys be do, grette þoȝte haþe he. Off þys porpose shorte tale to make, Towarde hys lady þe wey he haþe take. To ryde faste sparetħ not he,

All the same he submits to the Bishop’s will.

The Bishop advises him to see the lady.

The mother gives him an enchanted lantern.

Partonope hides the lantern till he returns to Melior.

He makes his way to the ship.

5784

5788

5792

5796

5800

5804

5808

5812

5816

Rawl. MS.

Where-fore, maister, be myne avyse,

What hape may faɫɫ ore chaunce.”

She hathe fuɫɫ Ientiɫɫy quyte her to me,

¶ ‘‘Lorde,”he seyde, “omnipotente,

Save In o thynge þat hir to see 5785

Yeve me grace with myne entente

She me defendyde so higħly.

To yelde you due thankynge ! 5792

For pis cause truly I

Partonope above,” he seyde,’’ aɫɫ thynge

Put me In youre ordenaunce, 5788

221Tylle he come stregħte to þe see. A-none he cometħe a-pon) þe strownde. Hys botte aɫɫ redy þer he fownde, And redely þer-In he leppe, And rowed forþe vn)-to þe shyppe. “When he was þer, In he yede, And fortħe he sayletħe a fuɫɫ grette spede. Þe wynde was goode, þe tyde was feyre. A-none was he atte Cheffe-De-Oyre, Wycħe was þe hauen of þe Cyte, Where as wonte was Partonope To take þe londe and þer a-ryue. Hys lanterne he toke to hym as blyue. Hyt was nygħte and sum-dele derke. Fulle preuely he hyd þys fals werke, As a traytowre fals and felle. He lefte þe shyppe and entered þe casteɫɫ, Where he fownde aɫɫ sucħe semblaunte As he was wonte, aɫɫ þe remenaunte Off wex, of napery fuɫɫ feyre a-raye, Vesseɫɫ of golde, ffyne and gay, Plente of bredde and off goode wyne Off aɫɫ maner atte þe fuɫɫ ffyne, Parteryggys, bryddys, and venosone, Off aɫɫ deynteis rygħte grette ffoysone. Vppon) þe bencħe downe he hym sette. He ne yete ne dranke, for in þe nette Off blynde ffoly he was I-take; For alle resone had hym for-sake. When the Soper wes aɫɫ I-done, Streygħte in-to þe chamber he dyde gone [leaf 74]

5820

5824

5828

5832

5836

5840

5844

When he arrives at Chef d’Oire it is night.

He carries the lantern to the castle.

In the palace the table is laid as usual, with sumptuous appointments, but Partonope does not touch anything.

Univ. Coll. MS.

¹To take the londe and there a-ryve. 5828

Plente of Bred and of goode wynne

His lantern) he toke to hym as bylyve;

Of alle manere and that fuɫɫ fyne,

Hit was nygħt and somdele derk.

Partrykes, bryddes, and venesoun) 5840

Fuɫɫ prevyly he hidde this fals werke,

Of alle deyntes rygħt grete feysoun).

As a traytoure fals and felle, 5832

Opon) the Bencħ downe he hym sett,

He left the Shipp and enterd the Casteɫɫ,

He ete ne drank, for in the nett

Where he fonde alle sucħ semblaunt

Of blynde foly he was take; 5844

As he was wont and alle reuenaunt

For alle reson) had hym for-sake.

Of wex and napery fuɫɫ fayre aray, 5836

Whenne the Soper was alle done,

Vesseɫɫ of golde, fyne and gay, [¹leaf 41]

Streight in-to Chambre he dyd gone

222Wyth lygħte a-fore hym as he was wone. Þen he be-þoȝe what wes beste to done Wyth the crafte of Nygromansy. Wyth-In þe curteynes he gan) hym hey, And toke þe cloþes vp of þe bedde, And þer-vnder þe launter[ne] hydde. He off wyth hys clopes euerychone, And naked to bedde wente a-none. Owte of þe chamber voyded þe lygħte. And þer-wyth come hys lady brygħte; And naked to bedde faste she dyd hye, And to hur loue she drowe rygħte nye. When naked hur felte Partonope, The cloþes fro þem vppe þrowetħ he. Hys launtene he putte vp wyth hys lygħte. Alle naked þer had he þe sygħte Off þe ffeyreste shape creature That euer was formed þorowe nature. When þys lady dyd^ι þys a-spye, On) hym she caste a pytuos eye, And sowned wyth a dedely chere. Tho Partonope gan) sore to fere; He wyste weɫɫ he had done grette folye. Alle hys crafte he can) defye, And þrewe þe lanterne a-geyn) þe walle, Þat on) a thowsande pecys smalle

5872. MS. lavnterne with v crossed out.

He hides the lantern in the bed, and undresses.

Melior lies down “by his side.

Partonope takes out the lantern, and beholds the fairest woman ever born.

She swoons.

Partonope understands his folly, and throws the lantern against the wall.

5848

5852

5856

5860

5864

5868

5872

5872

Univ. Coll. MS.

Wytħ lygħt a-fore hym) as he was wonne 5848.

The Clothes from) hym tho ferre Throw he.

Than he be-thougħt hym what best to done

His lantren) he put vp wytħ his lygħt.

Alle naked there had he the sygħt

Was wytħ his craft of nygromancy.

Of the fayrest shapen creature 5864

Wythin the Curteyns he gan) hym hye,

That euer was foordened thorow nature,

And toke the Clothis vp of the Bedde,

When his lady did this aspye,

And there vnder the lantren) hydde.

¹ On hym She cast a peteuouse ye

He of wytħ his Clothis euerychone, 5854

And swonnyd wytħ a dedely chere. 5868

And naked to bedde he went anone.

To Partanope gan) to sore fere;

Oute of the Chambre voydyd the lyght;

He wyst weɫɫ he had do grete folye.

And ther-wytħ come his lady brygħt.

Alle his craft he ganne dyffye,

Alle naked to bedde fast She dyd hye,

And threw the lantren) a-yenne the walle, [¹ leaf 41 back.] 5872

And to her loue She drawe ryght nye.

When naked hir felt Partanope, 5860

That on) a thousand pecis smalle

223Hyt flye þat ffryste shonne so brygħte, And þer-wyth quenched^ι þat fowle lygħte. Þys lady euer sowned faste, Fulle pyteosly, and atte þe laste She felle owte of hur sownynge In-to a sorowfuɫɫ wepynge, Tylle longe after hur hert dyd^ι breke. Þan pytuosly she gan) to speke, As she þat was grettely dysmayed^ι. “Allas !” she sayde, “I am be-trayed [leaf 74, back] And shamed þorow my nowne dede. Thus hatħe loue quytte me my mede. Loue to serue I was to hasty. My ffayre, swete loue, what haue I Done or sayde þat longetħ to blame, That ye haue done me þys opyn shame ? Dyd I a-geyne yowe any þynge That was so heyly yowre dysplesynge, Þorowe þe wycħe ye were þus wrotħe wyth me, That I shulde þus I-shamed be ? Yeffe I wyste whatte my gylte were, Yette I mygħte suffer þe better to bere

5876

5880

5884

5888

5892

Melior at last awakes from her swoon.

She wails and laments.

What has she done that her lover should disgrace her?

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Hit flye that first shone so brygħt,

¹ Hit fley þat firste shone so brigħt.

And therwytħ quenchid this fals lygħt.

Ther-with quenchide þe false ligħt.

This lady euer swonned fast 5876

This lady euer swonyde faste 5876

Fulle peteously, and atte last

Fuɫɫ petuosly, and at laste [¹ leaf 41]

Sho fylle oute of hir swonnyng

She fiɫɫ out of hir swony[n]ge

In-to a sorowfuɫɫ weping,

In-to a sorowfuɫɫ wepynge,

Tylle long after her hert gan) breke.

That longe after hir her[t]e gan breke.

Than) peteously She ganne to speke,

Then) peteously she gan to speke, 5881

As She that was gretly dysmayd. 5882

As she þat was gretly dyssmayde.

“Allas !” She sayde, “I am be-trayd

“Allas !” she seyde, “I am be-trayede

And Shamed thorow myn) owne dede,

And shamede þorwe myn owne dede.

Thus hatħ loue quytte me my mede.

Thus hathe loue quyte me my mede,

Loue to serve I was to hasty. 5886

Love to serue I was to hasty. 5886

My fayre swet love, what haue I

My fayre, swete loue, what haue I

Done or sayde that longħt to blame,

Done ore seyde þat longyth to blame,

That ye haue done me this opyn) Shame ?

And ye haue done me þis oppyn shame.

Dyd I ayen yow euer eny thing 5890

Dyde I euer onythynge 5890

That was so higħly youre dysplesing,

That was highly youre dyssplesynge,

Thorow whicħ ye were thus wrothe wytħ me, 5892

Thorwe whiche ye were wrothe with me, 5892

That I shulde thus shamed be ?

That I shulde þus shainede be ?

Yeff I wyst what my gylt were

Yef I wyste what my gilte were,

Yet 1 mygħt suffre the better to bere

Yet I myght soffere þe beter to bere

224Alle þys shame and þys dysese. I telle yowe trewly þys ys no lese. Lorde Gode ! howe ofte dyd I yowe warne Ye shulde desyre no crafte of charme Me to se tyɫɫ tyme were. Whatte þe cause was ye shaɫɫ nowe here. Ther was in yowe neyþer resone ne skylle In þys wyse to se me a-geynes my wylle.  I was doȝter of an) Emperowre,  Wyche of Constantynoble* helde þe ho[no]wre.  He was louyd and drad þrowe þe worlde. Ecħe man) was gladde wyth hym to a-corde, Saue onely Sulcan), þe lorde of Perce, He wes euer to hym aduerse. Whatte wyth hys ryches and hys grette Ire He droffe hym owte of hys Empyre. My ffader hadde no eyre but me. Off me þer-fore grette hede toke he, And me to scole a-none dyd sette, And grette clerkes a-none lette ffette To lerne me clergy and grette wysdome,

5905. Constanty noble] MS. Constantyne hole.

How often did she warn him!

She is the daughter of the Emperor of Constantinople.

Having no other heir, her father put her to school.

5896

5900

5904

5908

5912

5916

Univ Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Alle this shame and this disease. 5896

Aɫɫ þis shame and þis dysseyse. 5896

I telle yow trewly this ys no lees.

I teɫɫ you trewly þis is no lese.

Lorde God ! how oft dyd I yow warne

Lorde, howe ofte dyde I you warne

Ye shulde desyre craft ne charme

Ye shulde desyre crafte ne charme

Me to see tylle tyme were. 5900

Me to se tiɫɫ tyme were. 5900

What my cause ys ye now shaɫɫ here.

What my cause was ye shaɫɫ here.

There was in yow no reson) ne skylle

Ther was In you no reson ne skiɫɫ

In this wyse to see me a-yenst my wylle.

In þis wyse to se me aynste my wiɫɫ.

I was dougħter of the Emperoure Whicħ of Constantyne-noble helde the honoure 5905

¶ I was doughter to þe emperoure 5904 Whiche of Costentyn helde þe honoure.

He was louyd and dradde thorow alle the worlde. [leaf 42]

He was louyde and drede of aɫɫ þe worde.

Eche man) was gladde wytħ him to a-corde,

Eche man was glade with hym to acorde,

Save onely fulgan), the lorde of Perch.

Safe only saltan, þe lorde of Perce, 5908

He was euer to hym auerse, 5909

He was euer to hym averse.

That wytħ his rychesse and hys grete Ire

With his Ryches and his grete Ire [1 leaf 41 b]

He droff hym oute of his Empryre.

He drafe hym out of his emperyre.

My fader had none heyre but me. 5912

My fader hade none ayre but me. 5912

Of me therfore grete hede he toke,

¹ Of me þer-fore grete hede toke he,

And me to scoole anone dyd sett,

And me to scole anone dyde sete,

And grete Clerkes anone lete fett 5915

And grete clerkes anone dyde fete

To lerne me clergye and gret wysdom

To lerne me clergye and wysdome. 5916

225And þat I mygħte þe better gouerne þe kyn[g]dom A c. mastres I had and mo. [leaf 75] And Gode gaffe me grace to lerne so, Þat )þe vij. sciens I cowde parfygħtly. And after pat þen lerned I To knowe þe Erbe and here vertu, And eke þe rotes where euer they grewe, Where þat in kynde were colde or hote, Aɫɫ maner of spyces I knewe by rote, Howe in phisike* þey haue here worchynge. The seke in-to hele I can) weɫɫ brynge. After þys I lerned Diuinite, To knowe þe personys of þe trinite. By þen) I was xv. yere of age, My masters, þat were boþe wyse and sage, In alle the vij. artys I dyd hem passe. Then) to Nygromancy sette I was, Then) I lerned Enchawntemente[s], To knowe þe crafte of experimente[s]. In my chamber often) preuely

After 5917 catchword A C masters.

5926. phisike] MS. sekenes.

5920

5924

5928

5932

5936

She learnt the seven arts, medicine, and divinity

She knew necromancy, and often in secret showed the Emperor her craft.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

That I myght the better gouerue the kingdom). 5917

An) hunderetħ Maystres I had and moo.

An honderde maisters I hade and moo.

And God yaff me grace to lerne soo

God yef me grace to lerne soo 5919

That the Sevyn) Seyence I cowde parfytely. 5920

That þe vij seyence I couth parfyttly.

And after that lerned I

And after þat þen lernyde I 5921

To know of euery herbe the vertue,

To knowe of euery erbe þe vertu,

And eke of Rothis, where euer they grew,

And of rotes where euer þey grewe,

Whether they in kynde be colde or hote.

Wheþer þey In kynde be colde ore hote.

Alle maner of Spyces I know by rote,

Aɫɫ maner of spyces I knowe be rote,

How in phisike they haue her worching.

Howe In fysike þey haue þer werkynge.

The syeke in-to heele I canne wele bring.

The seke In-to hele I can weɫɫ brynge.

After this I lernyd dyuynite, 5928

Aftur þis I lernede deuenyte, 5928

Thre persones to know of the trynyte.

Thre persones to knowe of þe trenyte.

By than I was xv yere of age,

Be þan I was xv yere of age,

My maystres, that were bothe wyse and sage,

My maistres þat were wyse and sage

In alle the vij arse I dyd hem passe.

In aɫɫ þe vij artes I dyde hem passe.

Thanne to nygromancy sett I was.5933

Then to negromonsy set I wasse. 5933

Thanne I lernyd enchauntementes,

Then I lernede [e]nchantementes,

To know the craft of experymentes.

To knowe be crafte of experimentes.

In my Chambre ofte tymes pryuyly

In my chambir ofte tymes prevely 5936

226I dyde craftes fuɫɫ meru[el]osly; For oponly I wolde no-þynge done, My konynge shulde haue be kydde a-none. But when hyt lyked þe Emperowre To se my craffte, þen In a towre Or In a chamber þus preuely Hym to dysporte þen) wolde I And my mastres at hys commawndemente, Pley craftes þorowe wycħ mony man) was blynte. [The chambre wytħ my fader that I was Inne, By craft of nygromauncye and sucħ gynne Shulde seme hit grew, wythouten doute, In largenesse a myle a-boute To alle thoo that wythinne were. Ther-to hit was so bright and clere, And that a-boute higħ mydnygħt,] As þowe þe sonne had shonne in brygħte As hyt dotħe in þe somerys day Ther shulde they haue seyne knygħtes gay,

5954. MS. adds lygħte after day.

She worked charms of various kinds, such as tournaments, and fights between wild animals.

5940

5944

5948

5952

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

I dyd crafte fuɫɫ mervelously; 5937

I dyde crafte fuɫɫ mervelusly;

For openly I wolde no-thing done,

For oppynly I wolde nothyuge done,

My Cunnyng shulde have bene kydde anone.

My konny[n]ge shulde be kyde anone.

But when hit lyked my ffader the Emp[e]roure 5940

When it lykyde my fader be emperoure

To see my cratt, then) in a toure

To se my crafte, In a toure 5941

Or elles in a chambre thus pryvyly

Ore eɫɫes In a chambir prevely

Hym to dysporte than wolde I

Hem to dyssport þen prevely

And alle my maysters at his comandement, 5944

Aɫɫ my maistres at his comondement

Play craft thorow whicħ many a man was blent. [leaf 42, back]

Pley crafte þorwe whiche many was blent. 5945

The chambre wytħ my fader that I was Inne,

The chambir with my fader þat I was In,

By craft of nygromauncye and sucħ gynne

Be crafte of negromonsy and soyche devyne

Shulde seme hit grew, wythou ten doute, 5948

Shulde seme it grewe a myle a-boute

In largenesse a myle a-boute

In largenesse, with-out doute, 5949

To alle thoo that wythouten were.

To aɫɫ þo þat with-In were.

Ther-to hit was so bright and clere,

Ther-to it was so bright and clere,

And that a-boute higħt mydnygħt, 5952

And þat about higħ mydnygħt, 5952

As thogħ the Sonne had sheuyd ynne brigħt

As þough þe son) hade shene brigħt,

As hit dothe in the Someris day

As it doth In somers day. [leaf 42]

Ther shulde they haue seen knyghtes gay,

There shulde þey haue sen knyghtes gay,

227Armed on) horsbacke, redy to ffygħte.* Þys was, I trowe, a mervelows sygħte. Þen shulde they turney meru[el]osly As longe as me luste, þen wolde I In las whyle þen in a þogħte Turne* aɫɫ þys meruayle to nogħte. [leaf 75, back] After þat I wolde make come a lyon), The olyfaunte also, and eke þe Gryfone, And alle maner of bestys, whyle I wolde; Ecħe wyth other ffygħte shulde. By þe wytte þat Gode haþe sente me, In cast[eɫɫ] or towne* þowe þer had be Off pepeɫɫ dwellynge an) C. M^ɫ, Thus durste I welle haue take on) honde Þat none of þem shulde of oþer war be, For none of þem shulde* oþer se. And by þys crafte for sotħe haue I In my casteɫɫ kepte yowe fuɫɫ preuely, Wyth-owte knowynge of any wygħte,

5956. MS. Armed on horsbacke in goode a-ray Ecħe one wyth oþer redy to ffygħte.

5961. MS. adds I wolde after Turne.

5967. ow crossed out after caste; MS. adds or before þowe.

5971. MS. apparently shuldo.

5956

5960

5964

5968

5972

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Armed on horsbak redy to fygħt 5956

Armede on hors bright redy to figħt.

Thus was, I trowe, a merveylous thing.

This was, I trowe, a mervelus sigħt.

Then shulde thay turne mervaously

As long as me lust a[nd] thenne wold I

As longe as me lyste, and þen wolde I

In lesse while thenne in a thougħt 5960

In lesse while þen I a þougħt 5960

Turne alle this mervayle to nougħt.

Turne aɫɫ þis merveɫɫ to nougħt.

After that I made come a lyoun),

After þat I made come a lyon),

The Olifaunte also, and eke the Greffoun)

The olyfaunt and eke þe gryffon),

And alle maner of beestes, whiles I wolde; 5964

Aɫɫ maner of bestes which I wolde; 5964

Eche one wytħ other fygħt shulde,

Eche on with oþer fight shulde.

By the wytte that God hatħ sent me

Be the whiche God hathe sent me

In Casteɫɫ or town) thought there had be

In casteɫɫ ore towne þougħ þer hade be

Of people dewling an hundretħ thousand, 5968

Of pepiɫɫ dwellynge an c. þousonde, 5968

This durst I welle take on) hand

This durste I weɫɫ take on honde

None of other shulde ware be,

Non of oþer shulde ware be,

For none of hem mygħt other see,

For none of oþer myght oþer see.

And by this crafte forsothe haue I 5972

And be þis crafte for sothe haue I 5972

In my Casteɫɫ kepte yow fuɫɫ truly,

In my chambir kepte prevely,

Wythouten knowing of any wyght,

With-out knowynge of ony wigħt,

228And do yowe plesaunce wyth aɫɫ my mygħte. Aɫɫ þys connynge and aɫɫ þys crafte Ye haue clene fro me be-rafte. Thys ys þe cause and þe skylle, For ye haue sene me a-yen my wyɫɫ. For aɫɫ þe dayes whyle I lyffe, Thys crafte woɫɫ I neuer putte in preue. To-morowe a-none as hyt ys day, Ye shuɫɫ weɫɫ knowe þys þat I say To yowe, ys-soþe and no-þynge les : Ye shuɫɫ to-morowe se grette pres Off Erlys, knygħtes, Squyers, and barownne, Off Iadyes, gentyɫɫ-wemmen of grette renowne. My shame þen shaɫɫ I se opynly, That haþe be hyd fuɫɫ preuely Þorowe my connynge and my scyence, Wycħe ys nowe loste þorowe yowre neglygence. Myne Erlys, my barownys, and eke my mayne, Thes kynges sonys þat wyth me be, Shulle welle knowe knowe a-pertely

Partonope has now bereft her of her magic power.

To-morrow her shame will become apparent.

All her lords will reprove her.

5976

5980

5984

5988

5992

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl MS.

And do yow plesaunce wytħ alle my mygħt.

And do you plesau[n]ce with aɫɫ my mygħt.

Alle this Cunny[n]g and this craft 5976

Aɫɫ þis cony[n]ge and þis crafte 5976

Ye haue clene from) me be-raft.

Ye haue clene fro me refte.

This ys the Cause and the skylle,

This is þe cause and þe skiɫɫ,

For ye haue seen me a-yenst my wylle.

For ye haue sen me aynste my wiɫɫ,

For alle the dayes that I lyve, 5980

For aɫɫ þe dayes while I leue 5980

This craft wylle I neuer putt in preve.

This crafte wiɫɫ I put In preve.

To-morow anone at hit ys day,

To-morwe anone as it is day

Ye shaɫɫ welle know this that I say

Ye shaɫɫ weɫɫ knowe þat I say

¹To yow, ys sothe and nothing lees. 5984

To you is sothe and nothynge lesse. 5984

Ye shuɫɫ to-morow see grete prees

Ye shaɫɫ to-morwe se grete prese

Of knyghtes, Squyers, and baroun),

Of knyght, squyere and barounne,

Of ladyes, gentylwomen of grete Renon).

And Iadyes of grete renoune.

My shame shulde see then opynly 5988

My shame shaɫɫ so oppynly 5988

That hatħ byn) hydde fuɫɫ prevyly

That hathe ben hade full prevely *

Thurgħ my Connyng and my science,

Thorwe my connyfn]ge and my scyence

Whicħ ys now lost thorow youre negli gence [I leaf 43]

Which is loste þɫorwe your neclegence.

Myn) Erles, my Barouns, and alle my meyne 5992

My erlis, my barons, and my meyne,

Thees kinges* Sonne that wytħ me be,

This knyghtes sones þat wyth me be [¹ leaf 42, back] 5993

Shulde weɫɫ knowe and se appertly

¹ Shuɫɫ weɫɫ knowe and se* apertly

93. In kinges there seems to be an indistinct t after g.

5989. Abbreviated as for provely.

5994. MS. apparently so.

229Whatte lyfe we haue lyued boþe ye and I, And aɫɫ wyth O oyse repreue me That euer I shulde your loue be. Thus shaɫɫ openly be knowe my shame. [leaf 76] And who ys causer of my blame ? My swete loue, no-body but ye.” And wyth þat worde thys lady ffre Fylle on) sownynge as she were dedde. Partonope was wyth-owten) redde, And hym-selfe so can) dysmay, To hur he cowde þus no worde say, Notte of hys forfette onys erye hur mercy. Me þynketħe þys was not gouerned manly.  When thys lady fro sownynge came,  Hur complaynte aɫɫ newe began),  And sayde: “Lorde Gode Omnipotente, That erþe, water, and ffyrmamente Atte O worde madyste aɫɫ of nogħte, Why ssufferyste þou euer wommanys þogħte Wyth mannys loue encombred^ι to be,

6004. g crossed out before can).

6013. or perhaps womannys.

5996

6000

6004

6008

6012

She falls in a swoon again.

Having recovered, she complains bitterly of the inconstancy of men.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

What lyflf ye haue levyd bothe ye and I,

What lyfe we haue leuyde, ye and I,

And alle wytħ oo voyce reprove me

And aɫɫ with voyse repreue me 5996

That euer I shulde youre love be. 5997

That euer I shulde youre loue be.

Thus shaɫɫ opinly be knowe my shame.

Thus shaɫɫ oppynly be knowe my shame. [¹ leaf 42, back]

And who ys cause of my blame ?

And who is cause of my blame ?

My swet love, no-body but yee.” 6000

My swete loue, no-body but ye.” 6000

And wytħ that word this lady free

And with þat worde þis lady fre

Fylle in a swonnyng as She were dede.

Fiɫɫ In swony[n]ge as she were dede.

Tho was Partanope wythouten rede,

Tho was Partonope with-out rede,

And hym-self so gan) dysmay. 6004

And hym-selfe gan dyssmay. 6004

To hir he gan no word say,

To here he couthe no worde sey,

Not of his forfette onys crye her mercy.

Not of his forfet onys crye her mercy.

Me thenketħ this was not gouerned manly.

WHanne this lady of swonnyng sesed thanne, 6008

¶ When þis lady of swony[n]ge secede þen, 6008

Her Complent alle new be-ganne,

Her complaynt aɫɫ newe be-gan,

And sayd: “Lord God omnypotent,

And seyde : “Lorde God o[m]nipotente,

That erthe, water and firmament

That erthe, water and fyrmente

Wytħ one worde madest alle of nougħt,

With on worde madeste aɫɫ of nougħt,

Why sufferst thou euer womannys thougħt 6013

Wytħ mannys love encombred be,

With mans loue acomberde be, 6014

6014. m in encombred with four strokes.

230Or tryste here worde ? for weɫɫ by me Ecħe woman may ensampeɫɫ take. For fayre wordes men can make I-nowe, tyɫɫ they haue here luste. Here loue wolde they neuer after truste, Butte besy hem tyɫɫ they haue a newe. And so haue ye* done; for fuɫɫ vntrewe Haue I fownde yowe to me, Yowre newe shaɫɫ so serued be : Ye loue so weɫɫ Nouelrye. Be war* nowe ye haue do no ffoly. For aɫɫ I haue gon) to scole, I haue preued my-selfe a ffole; That shaɫɫ I wytte weɫɫ to-morowe. To me þen towarde ys shame and sorowe; For ecħe man þen shaɫɫ wonder on) me. And my fayre loue, þen shaɫɫ ye be Destroyed but* yeff I hyt make, For ye shaɫɫ se, I vnder-take, Knygħtes and Squyers mony won). They rogħte neuer whatte to don),

6021. ye] MS. I.

6025. MS. adds ye after war

6032. Destroyed but] MS. But destroyed.

In spite of her learning she has proved herself a fool.

To-morrow the lords will know their secret love.

6016

6020

6024

6028

6032

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Or trust his word ? for welle by me

Ore truste his worde ? for weft be me

Eche woman) may Ensample take. 6016

Eche woman) may ensampiɫɫ take. 6016

For fayre wordys men) Conne weɫɫ make

For fayre wordes men can make

Ynow, tylle they haue alle her lust.

I-nowe tiɫɫ þey haue þer lyste.

Her love they conne neuer after trust,

Here loue þey neuer after truste,

But besy hem tylle they haue a new.

But besye hem tiɫɫ þey gane newe. 6020

And so haue ye done; for fulle vntrew

And so haue ye don; for fuɫɫ vntrewe

Haue I founde yow now to me.

Haue I fonde you nowe to me.

¹ And youre new so shaɫɫ seruyd be :

And youre newe so shaɫɫ seruyde be :

Ye loue so weɫɫ novelry. 6024

Ye loue so weɫɫ nowe nedly. 6024

Beware ye haue now do no foly.

Be ware nowe ye haue don foly.

For alle that I haue gone to scole,

For aɫɫ þat I haue gon to scole,

Now haue I provid my-self a foole;

Nowe haue I prouyde my-selfe a fole.

That shaɫɫ I wele wete to-morow. 6028

That I shaɫɫ wyte to-morwe. 6028

To me than) y3 toward shame and sorow; [¹ leaf 43, back]

To me is corny[n]ge shame and sorwe;

For eche man shaɫɫ thanne wondyr on) me.

For iche man) þen wiɫɫ wonder on me.

And my fayre loue, than shaɫɫ ye be

And my fayre lorde, þen shaɫɫ ye be

Destroyed but yf I hit make. 6032

Dysstroyde but yef I it vnder-take. 6032

For ye shaɫɫ see, I vnder-take,

Knyghtes and Squyers many one

Knyghtes and squyeres many on,

They rougħt neuer what to done

They routhe neuer what to done

231On) yow for to a-venget be. [leaf 76, back] For mony a day haue they serued me Fo[r] to se me oponly; And nowe shuɫɫ they knowe a-pertely Þat I haue kepte yowe for my loue. Allas ! wycħe shame and wycħe reproue Ye shalle þen) be to me, And yette I telle yowe trewly þat ye Haue do worse to me þen aɫɫ thys : Ye haue rafte me my wordely blys, My maydenhode, my honowre, and my name, My Ioye, my boldenes, and aɫɫ my game, My bewte, my shappe, my goodely beholdynge, My pley, my Iolyte, my myry lawgħynge, My fredome, my curtesy, and my bounte. Alle þes vertues haue ye rafte me, And geffe me for aɫɫ þes myn) endeles payne. Ther-fore ye be nowe Sertayne My sorowe, my wratħe, my Rancowre, My sykynge, my wepynge, my Dyshonowre,

6036

6040

6044

6048

6052

Partonope has deprived her of all delights and virtues, her beauty and her happiness, and given her an endless sorrow.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

On) yow for to avengid be. 6036

On you for to avengyde be. 6036

For many a day haue they seruyd me

¹ For many a day þey haue seruyde me

For to see me openly; )

For to se me oppynly; [¹ leaf 43]

And now shaɫɫ they know appertly

Nowe shaɫɫ þey knowe apertly

That I haue kep yow for my loue. 6040

That I haue kepte you for my loue. 6040

Allas ! whicħ shame and whicħ reprove

Allas ! with shame and with reproue

Ye shaɫɫ thanne be to me.

Ye shaɫɫ be þen to me.

And yett I telle yow truly that ye

Yet I teɫɫ you þat truly ye

Haue do worse to me then alle this: 6044

Haue don wors þen þis to me : 6044

Ye haue refte me of my wordely blysse,

My worldly blyse ye haue refte me,

My maydeuhode, myn) honore, and my name,

My maydenhode, my honoure, and my name,

My Ioye, my boldenesse, and alle my game,

My Ioye,;my boldnes, and my game,

My beaute, my shapp, my goodely beholding, 6048

My beute, my shape, my goodly beholdynge, 6048

My play, my Iolyte, my mery laughyng,

My pley, Iolyte, and mery laughynge,

My fredom), my curtasye, and my bounte.

My fredom, my cortesey and my bounte,

Alle these vertues haue ye reft fro me,

Aɫɫ þis vertues haue refte fro me,

And yeve me for alle these myn) endelesse payne. 6052

And yeve me for þis my endelesse payne. 6052

Ther-fore to me ye be now certayn)

Ther-for to me ye be serteyne 6053

My sorow, my wratħ, and my Rancoure,

My sorwe, my wrethe, and my rancoure

My syghing, my weping, my dyshonoure,

My sighynge, my wepynge, my dysho[no]ure,

232My langorynge, my sekenes, euyn) and morowe, My fowle shame, myne endeles sorowe, My grette reprefe, my recheles ffoly, My sorofuɫɫ payne, my dedely vylony. The[re] ys no ende of my sorowe; Shamed for euer I shaɫɫ be to-morowe. Euer curse I may ther-ffore That day infortunatte þat I was bore. Losse of goode may esely be take; But she þat lesytħe hur loue and hur make, Hur hertte shaɫɫ neuer haue Ioye a day After hym to loue, þys ys no nay.” Thys lady for sorow hyr hondys doþe wrynge, Hur here sheterytħ, and lyetħe sore wepynge.  Hyr complaynte herytħ Partonope.  After hys detħ sore wyssyetħe he; He syketħe, he wepytħe pytuosly,* [leaf 77.] Hys moder he cursetħe dyspytuosly,* The Erchebysshoppe and eke hys* sermone, And prayetħ Gode they botħ Mon)

6072. MS. dyspytuosly.

6073. MS. sorofully.

6074. hys] MS. þe.

He is her shame and her reproach.

Partonope weeps and moans, and curses his mother and the bishop.

6056

6060

6064

6068

6072

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

My longouring sekenesse, even and morow, 6056

My langourrynge sekenes euer-more,

My foule shame, my endelesse sorow,

My fuɫɫ shame, my endles sorwe, 6057

My grete reprofe, my rechelesse folye,

My grete reprefe, my recheles foly,

My sorow-fuɫɫ payue, my deaely vilanye

My sorwfuɫɫ payne, my dedles velonye.

Ther ys none ende of my sorowe; 6060

There is none ende of my sorwe; 6060

Shamed for euer I shaɫɫ be to-Morowe.

Shamyde for euer I shaɫɫ be to-morwe.

Beuer Curse may I ther-fore [leaf 44]

Euer course I may þer-fore

The day in-fortunate that I was bore.

The day vnfortunat þat I was bore.

Losse of goode may easily be take; 6064

Losse of good may eysely be take; 6064

But She that lees hir love, hir make,

But she þat lesses hir loue and make,

Her hert shaɫɫ neuer haue Ioye a day

Hir hert shaɫɫ neuer haue Ioye o day

After hym to lyve, this ys no nay.”

After hym to loue, þis is no nay.”

This lady for sorow hir handes dothe wryng, 6068

This lady dothe hir hondes wrynge,

Hir heere to-therytħ, and lyetħ so weping.

Hir here to-tere, and lighe sore wepynge. 6069

HIr complaynt heretħ Partanope,

¶ Hir complaynt heryth Partonope.

After his detħ sore wysshed he :

After his dethe sore wysshede he;

He syghed, he wepyd petevusly. 6072

He sighede and wepte petuously. 6072

His moder he cursed to spytefully,

His moder he coursede spyttuously,

The archebyssho p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq70.tif"/> and eke his ser-moun),

The erche-bysshope and his sermon), [leaf 43, back]

And praetħ God the bothe moun)

And prayth God þat þey bothe mon)

233Haue myschaunce or þen) þat they deye, And þen at erste be-gan) faste crye, And axe hys lady of hur mercy. He sayde : “My lady, truly I May excuse me by no resone Þat I ne haue a fuɫɫ hey tresone Wrogħte; other be cause þer-of and not I. Butte yette I knowlage þer-of þe ffelony, Þat I haue forfette lymme and lyffe To yowe, my souereyne lady and wyffe. Ther-fore to-morowe lette me [be] slayne Off yowre knygħtes, þat wolde so fayne Take on) me veniawnce; for truly I Am not worthy to haue mercy. I dar In no wyse axe pardon), For I haue don) so hye treson). I wolde leuer for-go my lyffe Þen) euer to lyffe in care and stryffe. My lyffe to me ys butte shame. Off trowþe for euer ys loste my name. Where-fore, my ffayre souereyne ladye, I pray yowe hyly of yowre mercy,

6076

6080

6084

6088

6092

6096

He acknowledges his guilt, and says he dare not implore htis Lady’s mercy.

He wishes to be slain by her knights.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Haue myschaunce or that they dye.

Haue myschance ore þat þey dye. 6076

And than) at erst he gan) fast crye

Then at erste he gan faste crye,

And aske his lady of hir mercy,

And aske his lady of hir mercy.

He sayd : “My lady, trwly I

He seyde : “My lady, truly I

May excuse me by no reson) 6080

May excuse me be no reson) 6080

That I haue do a fuɫɫ higħ treason).

That I ne haue don higħ treson).

Other ar Cause therof and not I.

Oþer are cause þer-of and not I

But yett I knowlecħ the felony,

But yet I knowelege me gylty,

That I haue forfett lymme and lyfe 6084

That I haue forfet lyme and lyfe 6084

To yow, my sounerayn) lady and wyfe.

To you my souerayne lady and wyfe.

The[r]fore to-morow lat me be slayn)

Ther-for to-morwe let me be slayne

Of youre knyghtes, that wolde so fayne

Of youre knyghtes, þen wolde I fayne

Take on) me vengaunce; for trwly I

Take on me vengance; for truly I 6088

Am not worthy to haue mercy. 6089

Am not worthy to haue mercy.

I dare in no wyse aske no pardon),

I dare in no wyse aske mercy ne pardon,

For I haue done to higħ a treason).

For I haue don so higħ treson).

I wolde leuer for-go my lyffe 6092

I wolde leuer for-go my lyfe 6092

Thanne euer to leve in care and stryff.

Then euer to leue In care and stryfe.

My lyff to me ys no-thing but shame.

My lyfe to me is but shame.

Of trewtħ for euer ys lost my name.

Of trouthe for euer is loste my name.

Wher-for, my fayre souerayn) lady, 6096

Where-fore, my souerayne lady, 6096

I pray yow higħly of youre mercy

I praye you higħly of mercy,

234In þys wyse þat erly to-morowe I may be slayne, and owte of sorowe I may be brogħte and owte of stryffe. My detħe ys me leuer þen my lyffe.”  And as they lay in here talkynge,  Þe lygħte of day in faste gan) sprynge;  Þen gan) hur wymmen faste a-ryse. Hyre ffresshenes, here a-raye for to devyse Hyt were nowe to grette a taryinge. Myne auctor þer-of maketħe no rehersynge, Saue onely of here grette kynredde. [leaf 77, back] Ther-of he speketħe, wyth-owten drede : Off kynges, of Erles they come echone. Streygħte to here lady they can) gone In-to þe chamber, ther as they laye. And by þat tyme hyt was brodde daye, Ther sawe they alle opynly Howe here lady had gouerned hur preuely. Grette sorowe ther a man) mygħte se A-monge þe wymmen; and þen Partonope

At daybreak the ladies of the court rise to wait on their mistress.

They are sorry to see how the Queen has behaved, and blame her for having chosen that knave for her lover.

6100

6104

6108

6112

6116

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

In this wyse that erely to-morowe

In þis wyse þat erly to-morwe

I mowe he slayn), that out of sorowe

I may be slayne, þat out of sorwe

I mowe be brougħt and out of stryff.

I may be brought and out of stryfe. 6100

¹ My detħ ys me leuer then my lyffe.”

My dethe is me leuer þen my lyfe.”

And as thay lay in this wyse talking, [¹ leaf 44, back] 6102

As þey lay In þis wyse talkynge,

The lygħt of day in fast gann) spring.

The light of day faste gan In sprynge.

THanne gann) hir wymmen fast to ryse. 6104

¶ Then gan) hir women faste ryse. 6104

Her beaute, her a-ray for to devyse

Her beute and hir array to devyse

Hit were now a grete tarying.

His were nowe a grete tarynge.

Myn auctoure therof maketħ no re-hersyng,

Myn autor þer-of maketh no rehersynge,

Saue onely of her grete kynrede. 6108

Safe only of hir grete kynrede. 6108

Therof he spekes, wythouten) drede :

Ther-of þey speke, with-out drede :

Of kinges and Erles they come Echone.

Of kynges, erles þey come ichone.

Streygħt to hir lady they gynne gone

Streight to her lady þey gan gon)

In-to the chambrʾ, there as she lay. 6112

In-to þe chambir þer as she lay. 6112

And by that tyme hit was brode day,

And be þat tyme it was brode day.

There sygħe they alle opynly

Ther sigħ þey aɫɫ oppynly [leaf 44]

How her lady had gouerned hir pryvyly.

Howe þer lady hade gouer[n]de her prevely.

Grete sorow there a man) mygħt see

Grete [sorwe] þer a man) myght see

A-monge the women; and then Partanope 6117

A-monge þe women; and þen Partonope 6117

6104. MS. wynmen.

235Wyste weɫɫ he had do grette ffolye. The wymmen on) hym faste gan) prye, And seyde fuɫɫ euylle and as hem luste. Þys ffayre lady had lyteɫɫ reste, What for drede and what for shame. Alle hur wymmen hur fowle gan) blame, And sayde : “Grette Ioye ye may haue Off yowre-selfe, when) sucħe a knaue To yowre loue ye haue þus take, And so mony lordes for-sake, Knygħtes and squyers eke þer-to. Allas for shame ! What haue ye do ? Whyle ye lyffe ye may repente Þat yowre luste and yowre talente Ye haue be-sette on) a lewed knaue.” And seyde þat aɫɫ wemmen haue A custome, and þey sette hem to loue, Off shame they ne reccħe ne of reproue, Be so þat they mowe haue here luste, For any þynge þat be hadde moste.

6133. þat crossed out before, and aɫɫ after seyde.

6120

6124

6128

6132

6136

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Wyst wele he had do so grete foly.

Wyste weɫɫ he hade do grete foly.

The wymmen on) hym gan) fast crye,

The women) on hym faste gan crye,

And sayde fuɫɫ hevyly, and as hym lyst. 6120

And seyde iɫɫ as hem lyste. 6120

This fayre lady had lyteɫɫ rest,

This fayre lady hade lytiɫɫ truste,

What for drede and tor shame.

What for drede and for shame.

Alle hir wymmen foule g[a]nne her hlame,

Aɫɫ her women) gan hir blame,

And sayde: “Grete Ioye ye mow haue 6124

And seyde: “Grete Ioye may ye haue 6124

Of youreself, when sucħe a knaue

Of youre-selfe, when soyche a knave

To youre love ye haue thus take,

To youre loue ye haue take,

And so ma[n]y lordes han) for-sake,

And so many lordes haue for-sake,

Knygħtes and Squyers eke ther-to. 6128

Knyghtes and squyeres eke þer-to. 6128

Alas for shame ! what haue ye do ?

Allas for shame ! what haue ye do ?

Wyles ye lyve ye mow repent

While ye leue ye may repente

That youre lust and youre talent

That youre luste and youre talente

Ye haue be-sett on) a lewde knaue.”

Ye haue be-set on a lewede knave ?”

And sayde that alle women haue 6133

And seyde aɫɫ þat women haue 6133

A custome, and they sett hem) to love,

A costum, and þey set hem to loue, of reprove

Of shame they ne reccħ ne

Of shame þey ne reche ne reprove,

Be so they mowe haue hir lust 6136

Be so þey may haue þer luste, 6136

For any thing that be had must.

For ony thynge þat be hade moste.

6119, 6123. MS. wynmen.

236 When) þe day was wyɫɫ forþe sprouge,  And þes wemmen had weɫɫ I-ronge  Here belle, wycħe was heuy to here, Thys lady had boþe shame and fere; For she was in rygħte grette dowte: Here wommen stode aɫɫ rownde a-bowte Hur bedde, and pre-cedyn wonder nye To haue þe syghte of here lady. On herre they loked wonder ffaste, [leaf 78] And nere they come at the laste Here lady better for to a-vyse. And þen they þogħte in aɫɫ wyse, And she had ben) gladde and no-þynge heuy, She had bewte and þat passyngely. Hur bewte made here malencoly to sece, So þat þer wes non) of þat prece, That þey ne were in here herte sory That they hadde repreuyd so here lady.

Approaching the bed they begin, however, to repent of their reproaches.

Her beauty ends their sadness, and they regret their reproof.

6140

6144

6148

6152

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

WHanne the day was wele sprong,

¶ When þe day was weɫɫ I-spronge,

And these women had wele y-ronge 6139

And þis women) weɫɫ I-ronge 6139

Hir beɫɫ, which was heuy to bere, 6140

This lady hade bothe shame and fere;

For she was In right grete doute :

Hir women) stode rounde aboute

Hir bede, and presede wonder nygħe

To haue a sight of hir lady. 6145

On hir þey loke wonder faste,

And nere þey come at þe laste

Hir lady better to devyse. [¹ leaf 44, back]

Then þey þought In aɫɫ wyse, 6149

And she hade ben glade and not heuy,

She hade beute not passyngly.

Hir beute made hir maly[n]coly sese,

¹ So þat þer was none of þat prese 6153

That þey ne were In hert sorye

That þey hade so repreuyde þer lady.

Clifden MS.

… e was in ryght gret doute 6142

. . an thay thowght in aɫɫ wyse

… ommen stode aɫɫ rownde a-boute

… e had þen glad and not heuy

… d and presed wondyr nye 6144

… d beuate and not passyngly

… e a syght off hur lady

… uate made hur malyncoly sees

… they lokyn wondyr fast

… . er were non of þat prees 6153

. . rre they come att þe last

… ay ne were on hert sory

… dy better to A-vyse 6148

…. h[ad so] reprouy[de] her lady

237And aɫɫ stode stylle by one a-corde, Þat none of hem durste sey more a worde.  Wytħ-In a whyle come In a-none  A semely lady, and þat a ffayre one.  In hur persone was fownde no lacke : Hur here henge tressyde at hur baeke, Fulle bloye, wycħe bynge downe to hyr fete. Ecħe of hyr bewtyes to oþer was mete, And so answerynge in ecħe degre, Þat she was preysed passyngly of bewte. Hyr a-raye to reherse here, Hyt nedytħe not, but in þe beste manere She wes a-rayed, þys ffayre maye. Butte who so luste to here of hur a-raye, Lette hym go to the ffrenssħe bocke, That Ideɫɫ mater I forsoke To telle hyt in prose or els in ryme. For me þogħte hyt taryed grette tyme, And ys a mater fuɫɫ nedeles, For ecħe man) wotte weɫɫ wyth-owten les, A lady þat ys of hye Degre,

6156

6160

6164

6168

6172

6176

A beautiful lady makes her appear ance.

The Trans-lator refrains from. giving a needless account of her dress, which is to be seen in the French book; nor will he repeat the Author’s description of her beauty.

Rawl. MS.

Clifden MS.

And aɫɫ stode stiɫɫ In on a-corde, 6156

…. tyɫɫ [In on] a-corde 6156

That none of hem durste sey a worde.

… . em deir to say more a word

¶ With-In a while come In anone

… .whyle come in a-non

A symly lady, and a fayre one.

…. s[ymly] lady and a fayre on

In hir persone was founde no lake : 6160

…. was found no lacke 6160

Her here henge tressede at hir bake,

… hyug tressyd at hur bakke

Weɫɫ hangynge downe at her feete.

. . y honged downe to her fete

She of hir beute to oþer was mete 6163

… ff he[r] beuate to other was [mete]

And so haunswerynge In iche degre,

…. seryng in eche degre 6164

That she was presede passynge of beute.

…. presed passyngly off beuate¹

Here array to reherse to reherse here,

Hit nedyth not, for In beste manere

She was arrayed In þe beste, þat freshe may. 6168

Who so luste to here of hir arraye,

þen here who-so wyɫɫ loke ² 6169

Let hym go to þe frenche boke,

And who so wiɫɫ it ouer-loke,

To teɫɫ it In prose ore In ryme, 6172

… hyt in processe or yn ryme 6172

For me it were a longe tyme,

… hyt wer a long tyme

And it is a mater þer-to nedles,

… t ys A mater þerto fuɫɫ nedeles

For iche man) wot weɫɫ, with-out les,

… e man wote weɫɫ with[out] lees

A lady þat is of high degre, 6176

… þat ys off hey degre 6176

1 [Bottom line]

2 [Top line of col.]

238A-rayde in þe beste maner mote be. Whatte nedes to speke of hur forehedde, Off hur nose, hur mowþe, hyrre lyppes redde, Off hur shappe, or of hur armes smalle ? Off þys and more a rygħte grette tale Myne auctor maketħe, wycħ shaɫɫ not for me Be nowe rehersed, but thus that she Was holden) one off the ffayreste [leaf 78, back] That was on) lyue, and þer-to þe goodelyste Wyth to dele þat mygħte be, And Wrake for sotħe hyte she. Suster she was to ffeyre Melyowre. Fortħe she come wyth herte sore Streygħte to þe bed, þer as she lay. Þese oþer ladyes, when they hyr saye, Hem wyth-drewen), and dyd hur reuerens; And glad they were aɫɫ of hur presens. To Melyoure yede þe ffayre Wrake, And þese wordes to hur she spake :  “LAdy,” she sayde, “for Godes loue haue mercy  Off yowre worshyppe, and hoyde your foly.

Her name was Urake, and she was the sister of the queen.

She begs Melior to forgive her lover, who is the fairest between here and Ind, but her appeal is all in vain.

6180

6184

6188

6192

6196

Rawl. MS.

Clifden MS.

Arrayde In þe beste maner moste nedes be.

… in þe best mane[r m]ost be

What nedyth to speke of hir for-hede,

… nedyth hyt to speke off here for-hede

Of hir nose, mouth, ore lyppus rede,

… nose moutħ and lyppys rede

Of hir shape, ore of hir armes smaɫɫ ?

… shap or off hur arrnys smalle 6180

Of þis and more right a grete taɫɫ 6181

… And more A ryght gret tale

Myne autor seyth, which shaɫɫ not fyne.

… uctor hatħ whycħ shal not serue

Hem to reherse I wiɫɫ resyne

… ow to reherse y wyɫɫ reserue

For she was holde on of þe feyreste

… was holdyn one off þe fayrest 6184

That was on lyue, and also þe godlyeste

… as on lyue and one off the godlyest

With ij delle þat myght be, 6186

… ele that myght be

And Wrake for-sothe hight she.

… ake for-sothe hyte she

Syster she was to feyre Melyore. 6188

… she was to fayre Melyoure 6188

For she come furthe with hert sore,

… me fo(?)rthe with hert sore

Streight to þe bede, þer as she lay.

… ħt to the bedd ther as she lay

This oþer lady, when she here sey,

… hyr lady whan she hur say 6191

Hade with-drawe and don here reuerence. 6192

… drawen and done here reuerencse¹

…off hur presence ²

…fayre Vrake 6194

…ur she spake

… r goddys loue haue mercy

[Four leaves are here wanting.]

… hyp and hyde yowre foly

¹ Bottom line. ² At back of 1. 6236 ff.

239Thys man) ye loue, we aɫɫ weɫɫ se, And for yowre beste hyt may happe to be. Taketħe aɫɫ þese wordes in vayne That my felowes haue* to yowe sayne. Nowe þat they haue be-holde hym welle, Here hertes be chaunged euery dele. They þynke they haue a þynge mys-do. And I shaɫɫ sey yowe eke also Playnly and truly myne a-vyse : Me þynketħe he shulde be boþe manly and wyse. A ffeyrer, a semylyer shaɫɫ no man) fynde, Þowe a man) sogħte to þe grette Ynde, Then) ye haue chose here to yowre loue. A grette dele þe lesse ys yowre reproue. I wotte weɫɫ he hatħ do rygħte grette foly, And quytte hym to yowe vntrewly. Aɫɫ-þowe a louer be fownde vnstabeɫɫ, Yette ys þe forfette Pardonabeɫɫ,”  “FAyre suster,” sayde the Quene,  “Ye wytte neuer trewly what ye mene  In thys mater; for sykerly I Hym haue defended fuɫɫ hylye He shulde not se me in þys wyse. Ther-fore I wolle me weɫɫ a-vyse, Or I for-geffe hym þys hy trespas. [leaf 79] For whyle I lyffe, ‘ Allas, allas ’ May be my songe, I wotte rygħte weɫɫ. For and ye felde that I fele, Hyt shulde not be lygħtely for-yeue. But aɫɫ-way, suster, ye speke of loue,

6201. haue] MS. no.

6200

6204

6208

6212

6216

6220

6224

Clifden MS.

….. s weɫɫ we see 6198

…. shaɫɫ no man fynd 6208

….. t may hap to be

…. hym thorow grece and ynde

….. ys in vayne 6200

…. ym to youre loue

….. haue sayne *

…. is youre reproue

….. behold hem weɫɫ

…. do ful folylye 6212

….. euery dele

…. w vntrwlye

….. no thing mysdo 6204

…. found vnstabuɫɫ

…..ɫɫso

…. ay be pardonabuɫɫ

….. myn aduyse

…. vnd…… 6216

….. botħ marly and wyse

6201Wülker prints haue (s ?) fayne

[The last very incomplete lines of Wülker’s script belong to 11.7557 ff.]

240Off my wordes be not dysplesed, Ye haue felte þer-of yet no dysese.”  TO hur answered þe fayre Wrake  “Medame, grette cause ye haue to take  Sorowe for hys vnkyndenes. But yette for thys, grette heuynes In yowre hert taketħe not ye. Thynketħe of whatte estate ye be. Ye shende your-selfe, and þer-fore grette ffoly Hyt ys, sytħe a-mendyd hyt may not be. Ther-fore my conselle ys that ye Leue aɫɫ þys; hyt ys to done. Or else we shuɫɫ of yowe echone Be so encombred þat no comforte We shaɫɫ make yow no dysporte. Þynketħe ye ar quene and lady of þys londe. No man may be any bonde Yowe restrayne fro yowre desyre. Ther-fore þys rancowre and þys grette yre Off wratħe owte of yowre herte lette passe, And take þys man) a-geyne to grace. Where-to clepe ye yowre-selfe caytyfe, And wayle þe tyme ye be on lyue ? Wher-to wepe ye þus pytuosly ? Exile þys þogħte owte of yowre memorye.”  “Svster,” sayde thys lady ffre.  “Thys cunselle þat ye cunseɫɫ me  May neuer setyɫɫ in myne herte. I fele þer-of so dedely smerte, That trewly and by Gode a-boue, Me þynketħ I can) hym neuer loue.

6237.MS. possibly sythen.

Urake still tries to console her sister.

What is is Let her remember she is queen, and banish these thoughts Melior will not listen to her.

6228

6232

6236

6240

6244

6248

6252

6256

Clifden MS.

ye shend yowre selffe A.¹ 6236

wherto wepe ye thys s.² 6251

hyt ys sythen A-mendy

[S]vster sayd thys 6253

ther-for my counsayle

thys counsel th.

leue aɫɫ thys sorrow fo

May neuer seteɫɫ in

or els we shaɫɫ off yow 6240

y fele here-of so ded. 625

be so encombred that

that truly and by god

we shuɫɫ know yow 6242

My thynketħ y coude.

¹ At the back of leaf beginning 6193

² 16251 is top line in MS.

241Allas, my suster, am I to blame? He hatħ do me so opyn) shame, [leaf 79, back] And Gode wotte causelas as for me. Yette a grette* forfette ones dyd^ι he, And þat I for-gaffe hym truly. And nowe he hatħ quytte hym more vngoodely. Thes ij. fawtes greue me so sore That truly, suster, I may no more.”  “MEdame,” þen sayde fayre Wrake,  “A cause ye haue a quarelle to make  A-geyne yowre loue, sytħ þat he* Hatħ so hym gouerned þat ycħe man may se Ye haue hym chose to yowre loue, Wycħe ye þynke ys grette reproue, Sytħ thy wylle was þat couertly Hyt shulde be do, and nowe a-pertly Hyt ys knowe þorowe hys foly. Yette yn) þys case ye may do remedy, And ye wolle do after my conselle, And shalle fare welle and be rygħte welle. Yowre lordes ar alle of on) a-corde, Wyɫɫ wyllynge ye shulle take a lorde To be yowre husbonde and your gouernowre, Off aɫɫ your reme to safe the honowre. Ther-fore lette wrytte yowre letteres faste, Chargynge yowre lordes in grette haste A Certeyne day wyth yowe to be. When they ben) come, þe moste preve Off hem aɫɫ: to yowe ye take, And tellytħ playnely a lorde and a make Ye haue I-chose yowre husbonde to be. And lette hem þen the persone se. A worthyer ne a semelyer knygħte

6262. MS. gretter.

6269. he] MS. ye.

6260

6264

6268

6272

6276

6280

6284

6288

She has already forgiven him once.

Urake then reminds her that the lords of the country wished her to take a husband.

She may now summon them, and declare that she has chosen the man she likes best.

Clifden MS.

A-las suster y am not

And now he hatħ quy 6264

he hatħ done me so 6260

thes two defawtes gee

And god wote counsay

that truly suster y m

For onys A grete off

[M]Adam than

þat y for-gaffe hym

A cause ye h 6268

PARTONOPE

R

242Was neuer non) showed in here sygħte. Sytħe ye haue take hym to yowre loue, Thus shaɫɫ quenched^ι be þe grette reproue That ye wene he haþe yowe do. What mowe yowre lordes sey þer-to ? For to your luste they moste a-gre. Ther-wyth a-none lette hem hym se. Wyth hym they shulle be weɫɫ a-payde[leaf 80] Off yowre-selfe beþe not dysmayed. Thus may beste be hydde your shame, For none of þem may yowe blame; They woɫɫ a-gre hem to yowre desyre. Sytħe þat ye luste fully your plesyre Hem þus to telle, þen moste they be Off yowre cunselle, and þen mowe ye Rule hem alle rygħte as ye luste. Medame, me þynketħe thys ys your beste. For yeffe ye take a-noþer lorde, Þowe hyt be by alle here a-corde, For þys ye shalle fuɫɫ ofte bere blame, Hyt shalle fulle fowle a-peyre yowre name.”  Thys lady answeryd: “Your fayre sermowne  Me þynketħ ys grettely aɫɫ-yen) a resone,  That I shulde euer hys loue be, That hatħ þus falsely be-trayed me.* For whome þat euer I take to lorde, He and I shalle neuer a-corde. Suster, fulle lytelle knowe ye of loue,

6293, 6304. MS. possibly sythen.

6316. me] MS. be.

They will surely be pleased, and none will blame her.

Melior cannot think of loving a man who has betrayed her.

6292

6296

6300

6304

6308

6312

6316

Clifden MS.

wytħ hym they shuɫɫ be weɫɫ Apay.¹

thowgħ hyt be Aɫɫ here a-cord

off yowre-selff be not dysmayed 6300

for thys ye shuɫɫ oft here blame

thys may best be hudde youre shame

hyt shaɫɫ fuɫɫ foule Apeyre youre

for none off them than may yow bla.

[T]hys lady aunsweryd youre s²6313

they wyɫɫ A-gre hem to youre desyr

Me thynkytħ þat ys gretly A ga

Sytħ that ye lyst ffully youre pleas.

hem thus to teɫɫ than most thay be 6305

that y shuld euer hys loue be

off youre counsayle and so may yee

that hatħ þys falcely betrayed me 6316

Rule them aɫɫ rygħt as ye lyst

For yff that euer toke hym to lord

Madam me thynketħ thys ys þe best

he and y shuld neuer A-cord

for yff ye take a-nother lord 6309

suster fully þat knowe ye off loue

¹ At back of page beginning with 1.6142

² 6313Wülker prints f.

243Ye byseed yowe neuer hyt to prove Ther-In noþer Ioye ne dyssese. For trewly, suster, wyth-owten les, An vngoodely worde doþe more Envye Off onys loue þen of an) Enemy Be a M^ɫ folde and mocħe more. Suster, I warne yowe þer-fore, Alle thys mater ye lette nowe be, And ther-of speketħe no more to me.”  GRrette sorowe makytħ þys fayre mayde,  And þer wyth hyr suster ys euyɫɫ a-þayde,  That hyr entente may not be Parformed as she wolde in no degre. She syketħ, sshe wepytħ fuɫɫ tenderly. These wordes she sayde fuɫɫ pytuosly : “In loue thys ys a wonder þynge, A lyteɫɫ wratħe hatħe neuer endynge. A goode lorde þat sytteste a-boue ! Harde þynge ys on) for to loue, Sytħe for a worde or lytelle debate [leaf 80, back] Ecħe shaɫɫ oþer for euer hate.”  ANde after þys the[y] speke no more;  Butte Partonope wepytħ wondyr sore.  He ys rysone, and stante vppon hys fete. Wrake sette hur downe for to wepe. Alle the ladyes that ther In bene, Arne wrothe and heuy wyth the quene.

6321. noþer] o like e.

6339. MS. possibly sythen.

6343. rysone] scarcely rysene.

6320

6324

6328

6332

6336

6340

6344

Urake is much grieved.

Meanwhile Partonope has risen, greatly admired by the ladies.

Clifden MS.

ye besyed yow (not ?, yet ?) neuer to proue 6320

yn loue ys A wondyr thyng

A lyteɫɫ wretħ hatħ neuer non en.

ther-yn neyther yoy ne.

A god lord that syttyst A-boue 6337

for truly suster with

hard thyng hyt ys one for to loue

[The rest of the col. does not belong here.]

sytħ for A word or lyteɫɫ de-bate

aɫɫ thys mater ye let now be¹ 6327

eche shaɫɫ oþer for euer hate 6340

And ther-of spekytħ no more to me

And after they spake no more

gret sorow makytħ thys fayre may.

but partanope wepte wondyr sore

And with here suster ys eueɫɫ a-payde

he vs reson And stond vppon hvs fe.

that hur entent may not be 6331

Vrak sett hyr downe to wepe 6344

parformyd as she wyɫɫ yn no degre 6332

Aɫɫ the ladyes that ther-vn bene

She sygħed She weped fful tendyrlye

Ar wrotħ And heuy wytħ tħe quene ²

These wordys she sayd fuɫɫ pytuusly

² Bottom line.

l At back of page beginning with 1.6169

244Alle-powe they fryste toke of hym lyte, Hem þoȝte of hym was a rygħte goode sygħte Tho Wrake rose wyth-owte lette. Alle hys cloþes to hym she fette, Socħe cloþes as he thyder brogħte, Were they owgħte, were they nogħte, The fryste tyme he thyder come. The huntynge cloþes to hym he nome, And dyd^ι hem onne wyth sory chere. Wrake aɫɫ in þe beste manere In-to hys cloþes holpe hym a-raye. They were not ouer-dele gaye; Hys fressħe a-raye was aɫɫ a-go. Hys hosyn), hys shoys on) dyd^ι he tho, The same he vsed longe a-forne. Wrake toke hym hys wolde horne, And a-bowte hys necke he hyt hynge. Aɫɫ þe ladyes tho feɫɫ on) wepynge; They durste not speke ne hym be-mene, Leste they dysdayned grettely þe quene. Off hem he toke hys leue fuɫɫ pytuosly. Off hys departynge þey were fuɫɫ heuy. Ther they lefte hym euerychone. None wolde wyth hym further gone, Saue onely þys lady Wrake, þe fayre. She was curteyse and debonayre, She lefte hym not, wyth-owten les, Tylle she had brogħte hym þorowte þe pres. When he in-to the halle come, Off knygħtes and Squyers mony onne Lokedde vppon) hym fulle deynowsly, [leaf 81] And manacyde hym fuɫɫ dyspytuosly. Ne hadde be þys mayde fayre Wrake, Grette vengawnse on) hym, they had take.

Urake fetches the clothes he wore at his arrival, and helps him to dress.

Partonope departs sadly.

Urake accompanies him through the hall, where the knights threaten to take vengeance on him, and leads him to the ship.

6348

6352

6356

6360

6364

6368

6372

6376

6380

Univ. Coll. MS.

Tylle She had hym Brougħt hym thorow the prees[leaf 45] 6374

And manessed hym fuɫɫ rygħt dyspeteously. 6378

Whan he in-to halle come,

Had not this be fayre Vrak,

Of knyghtes and Squyers he say many one, 6376

Grete vengeans on) hym they wolde haue take. 6380

That loked vpon) hym) fuɫɫ dey[n]ously,

245Many wordes they sayde þat shamefuɫɫ be, They shulle not be rehersed for me. When they had sayde aɫɫ whatte they luste, Ecħe man) yede where hym ys beste.  WRake ledde thys Partonope  Thorowte the pres, but truly she  Off hys lyffe had grette dowte, Tylle he was passed alle the rowte. Fortħe wyth hym yede thys lady ffre, Tylle he was come rygħte to þe see. There alle redy þe shyppe fownde he, Where-In he wes wonte to passe þe see. The Shypmen) to hym gan) shrewdely speke, Prayde Gode þe deuylle hys necke shulde breke, Or some fowle vengawnse on) hym take, Tylle atte the last þys goode Wrake Bade hem leue here grette manassynge, And commawnded^ι hem aɫɫ they shulde brynge Hym safe to Nawntys wyth-owte more stryffe, In payne of lesynge boþe lymme and lyffe. Fortħe-wyth was brogħte hym hys hakeneye, Neyther better ne worse, but in þe same a-Raye As he hym fryste broȝte frome the foreste; He semyd no-þynge a lusty beste. Partonope, wyth-owten more, Wepynge and sykynge wonder sore,

6384

6388

6392

6396

6400

6404

The sailors also threaten him, but Urake commands them to bring Partonope safely to Nantes.

His weary hackney is brought on board, and Partonope takes his leave of the gentle Urake.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Many wordys they sayd that shamfuɫɫ be,

Or som foule vengeans vpon) hym take,

Tylle at last thys goode Vracke 6396

They Shuɫɫ not he rehersed for me. 6382

Bad hem leve her grete manassing,

Whan) they had sayd alle her lyst,

And comaund hym aɫɫ shulde bring

Eche man) yode as hym lyked best. 6384

Hym Safe to Nauntes wytħ-out more stryfe,

Vrak ladde this Partanope sekerly

Thorow-oute the prees, fuɫɫ trewly, 6386

In payne of leesyng botħ lymme and lyfe. 6400

Of his lyfe had rygħt grete dowte,

Tylle he was past thorow alle the rowte.

Fortħ-wytħ was brougħt hym hys hakeney,

Fortħ wytħ hym) yode this lady free,

Tylle he was come rygħt to the see. 6390

Neyther better ne wrosse, but in the same aray

Ther alle redy the Shyppe fonde he,

Where-In he was wont to passe the Se.

As he hym) fyrst brougħt from) the forest;

The Shypmen) to hym) gan) shrewdely Speke, 6393

He semed no-thing a lusty best. 6404

And prayde God the devyɫɫ his nek shulde breke,

Partanope wytħ-outen more

Wepetħ and syghed wonder sore,

246Leue takytħe of þys mayden ffre, And In-to shyppe strygħte gotħe he. After hym come In hys horse a-none. Þe shypmen) besyed^ι hem) euerychone, Here ankyr drewe vp, and downe wyth þe sayle, And fortħe a-fore the wynde they sayle. When the maryneres vnder þe sayle were, Partonope they made grette chere By-cause of Wrake þat mayde ffre, To make hym chere alle besy the[y] be. [leaf 81, back] Be then) they had say led xv. Iowrnes,* A-none wyth-owte any owres,* A-fore Nawntys they were, þat feyre cyte, Ther as Wrake bade hem be. They owte wyth here botte rygħte a-none, Partonope wyth hem thyder-yn doþe gone. They toke yn) wyth hem hys hakeney. To Bloyes they rowed þe nexte way. A-none as they come to the strownde, Partonope in haste they sette on) londe, And þer hym lefte wyth-owte moo. They bade hym fare welle, and home they goo.  PArtonope after þys shyppe can) loke,  Off hys myshappe grette hede he toke.  Wyth-In hym-selfe he þoȝte hym vtterly : “Allas,” þoȝte he, “howe vn)-gracyously To my loue haue I gouerned^ι me !

6417. MS. owres.

6418. MS. showres.

Arriving at Nantes, they launch the boat, and row to Blois.

Partonope looks after the ship.

He swoons and laments.

6408

6412

6416

6420

6424

6428

6432

Univ. Coll. MS.

Leve taketh of this mayden free,

Partanope wytħ hem in ther dotħe gone.

And In-to Shippe stregħt gotħ he. 6408

They toke in wytħ hem) hys hakeney.

After hym come In hys hors a-non).

To Bloys they Row the next way. 6424

The Shipmen besyen) hem fast echon),

Anone as they come to the stronde,

Her anker vp draw, and down) wytħ the sayle,

Partanope in hast they sett on) lond,

And hym there left wytħ-outen) moo.

And fortħ a-fore the wynde they sayle,

The bad hym fare weɫɫ, and home they go. 6428

Whan) the Maryners vndyr the Sayle were, [leaf 45, back] 6413

PArtanope after this Ship p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq71.tif"/> gan) loke,

Partanope they made rygħt grete chere

Of his myshappe grete heede he toke.

Be-cause of Vrak, that mayden free.

To make hym) chere alle Besy they be. 6416

Wytħ-in hym-self he thougħt hym) wytterly:

Be than they had Sayled xv Iorney

“Alas,” thougħ[t] he, “how ungraciously

A-for Nauntes they were, that Cytee

They oute wytħ her bote rygħt a-none.

To my love have I gouernyd me ! 6433

247A thowsande parte I had leuer be Dedde þen lyffe as I nowe do. My Ioye ys go for euer-mo.” So yre and sorowe to[ke] hym by þe hatrelle, Þat downe to grownde on) sownynge he felle. Hys spyrytte of lyffe fro hym ny paste. So longe he lay, and atte the laste He rosse as a man) alle dysmayed. h ys spyritualle membrys were grettely affrayed^ι. After hys shyppe* he gan) to se, Wycħe some-tyme was wonte to be Attendante to hym, and nowe ys go. Hys herte so sore gan) quappe tho, Remembrynge of the Ioye he had be-fore, Wycħe ys nowe go for euer-more. Ther-wyth sodenly come a grypynge A-bowte hys herte, þat efte on) sownynge He felle, and þer-wyth the paynes stronge So perelowse were, and lasted so longe, That of thys myschyffe ny ded^ι he was. And when he a-woke, he sayde : “Allas, [leaf 82] Allas!” he sayde, and þer-wyth fulle sore He syked, and sayde : “Þat I was bore, The tyme cursed^ι motte hyt be ! Allas, Erle Mares, why ne had ye Slayne me a-none wyth-owten more,

6443. MS. spyppe.

6436

6440

6444

6448

6452

6456

He wishes he were dead.

Univ. Coll. MS.

A thousand past I had lever be

His hert so sore ganne whappe tho,

Dede than) lyfe now as I do.

Remenbring of the Ioy he had be-fore,

My Ioy ys gone for euer-moo.” 6436

Whicħ ys now go for euer-more6448

So Ire and sorow toke hym be the hatereɫɫ,

Therwytħ sodenly a gryping

A-boute his hert, that Efte on) swonnyng 6450

That downe to the grownd on) whom) he felle.

He felle, and ther-of the payne streng,

Hys spyrit of hym fuɫɫ nygħ was past.

That of this myschyf nye dyd he was.

So long he lay that atte last 6440

And allas he sayd^ι, whan he a-woke was.

He a-rose as a man alle dysmayde.

“Allas,” he sayde, and there-wytħ fuɫɫ sore [leaf 46]

Hys spiritueɫɫ membres were gretly a-frayed.

He syghed, and sayd: “that I was bore 6456

After the Ship p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq72.tif"/> he ganne to see,

Whicħ was som-tyme wont to be 6444

Tylle the tyme cursed mot hit be !

Attendant to hym, and now ys go.

Allas, Erle Marres, why ne had ye

248When) ye rescowed kynge Surnegowre ? Or ells I had ben) In the foreste Off Arderne I-slayne, and wyth some beste Deuowred, or euer * ffayre Melyowre, My loue, my Ioye, myne hertes tresowre, Shulde euer thys fowle þorowe me Be trayed ! for weɫɫ I-wotte nowe þat she For euer ys loste þorowe my folye, Where-fore a traytowre nowe am I; And am be-trayed eke ther-to. Allas þe tyme hyt shulde be so! Adame loste paradyse þorowe hys folye, Butte yette a gretter losse haue I. For when þe angelle droffe hym owte, Thys ys the sotħe wyth-owte dowte, He toke wyth hym hys loue, hys wyffe; In Ioye they ledde fortħe ther lyffe. Butte euen) the contrary haue I do. My Ioye ys loste for euer-moo. Wylfully I haue loste myne honowre; Þerfore resone ys þat I in langowre Lyffe euer, and neuer Dye. Fals traytowre wycked þat am I. A man) þat fals ys to hys loue, By goode Iugemente þe lorde a-boue Shulde not suffer hym to dye atte onus,

6463. euer] MS. ells.

All his joy is gone.

A man who is false to his love, should die many times.

6460

6464

6468

6472

6476

6480

6484

Univ. Coll. MS.

Whan ye rescowed king Sornogoure,

Adam lost paradyse thorogħ his foly,

Slayne roe in that same houre,* 6460

But yet a gretter losse haue I. 6472

Or elles I had be in the forest

For whan) the angeɫɫ drofe hem onte,

Of Arderne I-Slayne, and wytħ som best

This ys the Sotħ wytħ-outen) doute,

He toke wytħ hym hys love, hys wyfe;

Devoured, or euer fayre Melyoure

In Ioy they ledde fortħ her lyfe. 6476

My love, my Ioy, my hertes tresoure,

But even the contrary haue I do.

Shulde euer thus foule thorgħ me 6465

My Ioy ys lost for euer-moo.

Be trayed / fuɫɫ wele I wote now that She

Wylfuɫɫy I haue lost myn) honore;

Therfore Reson ys that in langore 6480

For euer ys lost thorw my foly,

I lyve euer and never day.

Wherefor I knowlecħ a traytoure am I; 6468

False tray tor wykked that [am] I.

A man that false ys to hys love,

And am be-trayed eke ther-to;

Be gode Iugement the lord above 6484

And my love for euer ys vndo.

Shulde not suffre hym to dey at ones.

6460. MS. honore.

249Butte lette hym fele to dye onys, And efte to lyffe and ofte to dye ageyne. Þus shulde sucħe traytowres byne Serued and nogħte do hym to detħe softe. Sucħe a traytowre shulde dye ofte, Þat mygħte ofte haue rememabraunce Off hys fals and vn-trewe gouernaunce.” [leaf 82, back] And þer-wyth : “Alias,” seyde Partonope, “Þys Ivgemente be rygħte moste falle [on] me.”  GRette sorowe to hym Partonope dotħe take,  For he hatħe loste for euer hys make.  Hys songe was not but wellawaye. In sorowynge he spendytħe þys longe day Vppon) the banke of þat ryvere, Tylle þat the laste þat darke euyn) þer Wolde hym lette no lenger ther a-byde. Then toke hys hakeney, and forthe gan) he ryde Streygħte vn-to the cas telle-gate Off Bloyes, and redy he fownde ther-atte A yeman), wycħe was chyffe portere. On) hys kne he kneled; wyth goode chere Welcomytħe he hys lorde Partonope. No worde a-geyne þen answered he. He lygħte fro hys horse, and wente in-to [the] halle, And þer he fownde hys meyne alle. Mony a knygħte and [mony] a Squyere,

6487. ofte] o like e.

6488

6492

6496

6500

6504

6508

Partonope stays there till night.

Then he rides to Blois.

Without speaking to the porter, he alights nd enters the hall.

Univ. coll. MS.

But lat hym lye longe in grones,

Vpon the banke of that Rever,

And efte to lyve and dye ayen.

Tylle the day derked there, 6500

Thus shulde sucħ tray tor bene 6488

And mygħt ther no lenger a-byde.

Served and not to haue his detħ softe.

Than) he vpon) hys hakeney fortħ gan) ryde

Sucħ a tray tor shuld^ɭ dey ofte,

That he mygħt haue ofte remenbraus.”

Streygħt vn)-to the Casteɫɫ-yate

And ther-wytħ “Alias,” sayd Partanope, 6493

Of Bloys, and redy he fonde ther-ate

A yoman, that was Chyfe porter. 6505

“This Iugement be rygħt most faɫɫ on) me.

On) hys kne he kneled, and wyth goode chiere

Grete sorow Partanope to hym dotħ take, [leaf 46, back]

Welcome his lord Partanope.

No word a-yen) than answerd he. 6508

For he hath for evyr lost his make. 6496

He lygħt from) hys hors, and in-to the halle,

Hys songe was not but wele-away.

In sorowing he spendytħ the longe day

And there he found hys meyne alle.

Many a knygħ[t] and many a Squyere,

250When) they hym sey, fuɫɫ Ioyfuɫɫ were. On) kne they sette hem euerychone, And wyth goode herte welcomyd^ɭ hym home. Butte he no worde answered a-yen), Where-fore alle hys meyne ben) Heuy and sory, and Partonope In-to a chamber þe streygħte wey goþe he, Alle a-lone wyth-owten) any lette, And after hym the dore he shette. When hys moder herde thys tydynge, Þat hur sone come yn) sore wepynge, Off thes tydynges she was a-gaste, And to hys chamber heyed^ɭ hyr faste. She wende haue entered wyth-owte lette, And þen fownde she þe dore faste shette. “Fayre sone,” sayde she, “lette me come In.”— “In feythe,” sayde he, “þat shalle not byn). Ye haue me betrayed, and þer-to Ye haue made me betraye my loue also. Youre crafte for euer hatħ me vndo, [leaf 83]

6531. Here begins the third hand.

He does not answer the greetings of his knights, but shuts himself up in a chamber.

His mother hastens thither, but in harsh words Partonope refuses to see her.

6512

6516

6520

6524

6528

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Whan) they hym sygħt fuɫɫ Ioyfuɫɫ were. 6512

On kne they sett hem euerychone,

And wytħ goode hert welcome hym be home.

But he no worde answeryd ayen,

Where-fore alle meyne bene 6516

Fuɫɫ evy and sory, and Partanope

¹Fuɫɫ heuy and sory is Partonope 6517 [1 leaf 45]

In-to the chambre streygħt gotħ he,

Alle a-lone wytħ-outen) lett, 6519

Aɫɫ alone with-out lete, 6519

And after hym) the down) he shett.

And after hym the dore he shete. 6520

Whan) hys modyr herd this tyding,

When) his moder herde þis thynge,

That her sone came In Sore weping,

That here sone come In sore wepynge,

Of this thynge She was a-gast, 6523

Of þis thynge she was a-gaste,

And to the chambre highed her fast.

And to his chambir hyede faste. 6524

She went to haue entred wytħoute lett,

She wende to haue entyrde with-out lete,

And the dore was fast I-shett. 6526

And þe dore was faste shete.

“Fayre sone,” Sayd she, “that shaɫɫ not I come In ?”—

“Fayre sone,” seyde she, “let me come In.”—

“In faytħ,” Sayde he, “that shaɫɫ not “bene. 6528

In feyth,” seyde he, “þat shaɫɫ not ben).

Ye haue made me be-trayed my love also.

Ye haue made me be-traye my loue also. 6529

Youre craft for euer hatħ me vndo,

Youre crafte for euer hathe me vndoo

251And shewed wele þat no devyɫɫ is she. May I oones departe wele from the. Loke neuer to haue Ioy of me ! Seke the a sone where þat þe luste, For on your modyrshi p ¯ p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq73.tif"/> shall I neuer trust.”  When his modre þus herd hym sey,  And þat hir modershi p ¯ p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq74.tif"/> he can reney, And so vnkyndely to hir gan speke, For sorow she thought hir hert wolde breke. “Fayre sone,” seid she, “I cry you mercy. In swych entent yete neuer was I In no wise you to be-tray.” And with that worde she gan array Hir-self, þat pite a man myght haue. She tare hir heere, and gan to Rave. “Lete me come In, good sone,” seide she. “I pray you, lady, þus lete me be Alone; for your faire parlement Hathe made that I am for euer shent. My love, my hertely Ioy haue ye

6532

6536

6540

6544

6548

He will never trust her.

The mother thinks her heart is breaking.

She has deprived him of his love and his joy.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

And shewed weɫɫ that no devyɫɫ ys she, 6532

And shewyde weɫɫ þat no deviɫɫ is she.

Whicħ for euer ys gone from) me.

May I ones departed weɫɫ from the.

May I onys departe weɫɫ fro the. 6533

Loke neuer to haue Ioye of me ! [leaf 47]

Loke neuer to haue Ioye of me.

Seke the a sone where that bou lust,

Seke þe a sone where þou lyste

For on your modership shaɫɫ I neuer trust.” 6536

For on your moderchipe shaɫɫ I neuer truste,” 6536

WHan) the moder herd hym thus say,

¶When) þe moder herde hym þus sey,

And that her modershi p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq75.tif"/> he gan) reney,

And þat hir moderchipe he gan renye,

And so vnkendely to her gan) speke,

And so vnkyndly to hym gan speke,

For sorow She thogħt her hert wold breke. 6540

For sorwe she þought her hert dyde breke. 6540

“Fayre sone,” sayde She, “I cry yow “mercy.

Fayre sone,” she seyde, “I I crye you mercy.”

In [s] whicħ entent yett neuer was I

In no wyse yow to be-traye.” 6543

And wytħ that word She gan) aray

And with þat worde she gan array

Her-self, that pyte a man) mygħt haue.

Hir-selfe, þat pete a man) myght haue.

She tare her here, and. gan) to Rave.

She tare her here, and gan to raue.6546

“Lett me come In, gode sone,” sayde “she.—

Let me come In, good son,” seyde she.—

“I pray yow, lady, late me thus be

“I pray you, lady, let me bus be 6548

A love; for youre fayre parlament 6549

Allone, for youre parlemente

Hatħ made that I am for euer I-shentt.

Hathe made for euer þat I am shente.

My love, my hertely Ioye haue ye

My loue, my hertly Ioye haue ye

252Withouten ende fornome me.”— “Trewly, my fayre sone, neuer my wetyng,” Seide þis lady, fuɫɫ sore wepyng. “I wende haue done aɫɫ for þe best, And to haue brought your hert in Eeste. Here amonge your Chyvallry Ye haue made a sory company.” Syth þis lady sawe no com forte, Seide : “Of you they haue no comforte, And sithe in faute they may not be, Aɫɫ þe disese I take on me. And this I take on me allone. Sone, why make ye suche moone Aɫɫ for love of this Meliore ? Ye mowe yite purchace as good tresoure, And þat as plesaunt to you shaɫɫ be, I dare wele sey, as euer was she. Me thinketh it were a Eight fayre chaunge To leve Meliore þat is bore straunge, [leaf 83, back] And take a woman of your contre, That is brought forþe in hyghe degre And nece to þe kyng of Fraunce.

The mother has meant all for the best.

Why can he not take the niece of the King ?

6552

6556

6560

6564

6568

6572

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Wytħ-outen end^ɭ for-nome me.”—

Wythe-outende be-nome me.”— 6552

“Trewly my fayre sone, nevyr my wytting,” 6553

“Truly, my fayre sone, my wepynge,”

Seyd this lady, fuɫɫ sory weping. *

Seyde þis lady, fuɫɫ sore wepynge,

“I wend haue done aɫɫ for the best, “

I wende a don) aɫɫ for the beste,

And to a brought your hert in rest.

And to a don your hert In reste. 6556

Here a-monge youre Chevalry 6557

Here amonge youre chevalrye

Ye haue made a sory company.”

Ye haue made a sory company.

Sygħt this lady saw no comfort

Sethe þis lady sawe no comforte, 6559

Seyd : “Of yow haue they no dysporte,

¹ Sethe of you haue þey no dyssporte,

And sytħ in fawte tney not be, 6561

And sethe In faute þey not be,

Alle the dyssese I take on) me.

Aɫɫ þe dysseyse I take on me,

And I take on) me allone.

And þis I take on me alone, [¹leaf 45, back]

Sone, why make thus moche mone 6564

Sone, whi make þou þus meche mone

Alle for love of this Melioure ?

Att for loue of þis Melyore ? 6565

Ye mow yit purchas as goode tresoure,

Ye may yet porchase as good tresoure,

And that as plesaunt to yow shaɫɫ be,

And as plesant to you shaɫɫ be,

I dar weɫɫ say, as euer was She. 6568

I dare weɫɫ sey, as euer was she. 6568

Me thenketħ hit were a rygħt fayre Chang [¹ leaf 47, back]

Me thynketh it were a fayre chaunce

To leve Melioure, that ys bore straung,

To leve Melyore I-bore In Fraunce,

And take a woman of youre Contre,

And take a woman) of your contre,

That ys brougħt fortħ in hygħ degre

That is brought furthe of higħ degre

¹ And nece to [the] king of Fraunce. 6573

And nyce to þe kynge of Fraurice. 6573

11. 6554–5 inverted in MS.

253Me thinketh þis were a fayre lyaunce. And he wiɫɫ gyve at oone Reise As grete lordshipp p ¯ p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq76.tif"/> as the honour of Bleys. In þis lande they haue grete affyaunce, They love you as wele as þe kyng of Fraunce. This londe had be loste, had ye not be. Therfore, fayre sone, as ye love me, Lete be your crying ‘alas, alas,’ And aɫɫ þis hevynesse lete it passe.”  PArtonope* to hir yave noone answere.  More sorowe myght no man bere. He couthe no chere, he couþe no countenaunce, Meliore myght not of his Remembraunce. Yite of his modire he hadde grete pite, And in his herte ofte thought he : “My meany feyne wolde I chere. Therof,” thought he, “I am to lere, Sith in my herte no Ioy I fynde, For Melyore may not from ray mynde.” Thus aɫɫ they withouten doute,

6583. MS. patronope.

6576

6580

6584

6588

6592

Partonope does not answer her a word, though pitying his mother.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Me thenketħ this were a fayre lyaunce,

Me thynkyth þis were a fyere alyaunce.

And he wol gyf at one Ryese

And he wiɫɫ gyfe at on reyse

As grete lordeshi p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq77.tif"/> as the honore of Bloys. 6576

As grete a lordchipe as þe honour of Bloyes 6576

In this lond hatħ grete affyauns.

In þis londe hathe grete affyaunce,

They love yow as wel as the king of Fraunce.

The loue you as weɫɫ as be kynge of Fraunce.

Thys londe hade be lost, had ye not be.

This londe hade he loste, hade ye not be.

Therfore, fayre sone, as ye love me,

Ther-for, fayre son, as ye loue me,6580

Late youre Criyng be alias, alias, 6581

Let be youre cryinge ‘allas, allas,’

And alle this hevynes late hyt passe.”

And aɫɫ þis heuynes let it pas.”

PArtanope to her yafe none answere,

Partonope to hir gaf non answere.

Ne More sorow mygħt no man) bere. 6584

More sorwe myght no man bere. 6584

He cowde no chere ne no contynaunse,

He couthe no chere ne countenance,

Melioure mygħt not of hys remembraunse.

Melyore myght not of his remembraunce.

Yet of hys modyr he had grete pyte,

Yet of his moder he hade grete pete,

And in hys hert ofte thorugħ he : 6588

And in his hert ofte þought he : 6588

“My meynes fayne wold I chere.

“My men) fayne wolde I chere.

“Ther-of,” thougħt he, “I am to lere,

Ther-of,” þought he, “I am to lere,

Sytħ [in] my hert no Ioy I fynde,

Sethe in my hert no Ioye I fynde,

For Melioure May not fro my mynde.”

For Melyore may not of my mynde.”

Thus alle they, wytħouten douute,

Thus aɫɫ day, with-out doute, 6593

254His moder and meany stode with-oute, Of his disese euer complaynyng, Tiɫɫ on þe morowe the sonne gan spryng, That of hym they had no comforte, Ne noone of them couþe oþer sporte. Anoone þrugh Fraunce it Ronne þe tithynge That Partonope * lieþ in [poynt of] deyng For hevynesse of sory mysschaunce. And anoone þerwith þe kyng of Fraunce After Erchbissho p ¯ p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq78.tif"/> s and bissho p ¯ p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq79.tif"/> s sent in haste, And bade that they shuld hye hem faste To Bleys to comforte her good ffrende. They toke her hors and þider they wende. When they were þere they wolde be, To þe Chambre þey come where Partonope* Hym-self had prisoned wondirfully. [leaf 84] The byssho p ¯ p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq80.tif"/> s gan speke to hym fuɫɫ goodly, And with hym tretid in þe best manere,

6600, 6608. MS. patronope.

The King of France sends for the bishops, and begs them to comfort Partonope.

6596

6600

6604

6608

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Hys moder and meyne stode wythoute

His moder and his men) stode with-oute, 6594

Of his desese euer complayming

Of his dysseyse euer complayny[n]ge,

Tyɫɫ on) the morow the sonne gan) spring, 6596

Tiɫɫ on) morwe þe son gan sprynge,

That of hym they had no Comfort,

That of hym þey hade no comforte,

Ne none of them, Cownde other sprot.

Ne none of theyme couthe oþer sporte.

Anone thorugħ Fraunce ys ronne the tyding

Anone in Fraunce rone the tydynge

That Partanope lyetħ in poynt of dyying 6600

That Partonope lyth in ponte of dyinge 6600

For hevynes of sory myschauns.

For heuynes of sory my[s]chaunce.

And a-none ther-wytħ the king of Frauns

Anone þere-with þe kynge of Fraunce

After Erchebyshops and byshops sent in hast,

For erche-bysshopus and bysshopus sent in haste, [leaf 46] 6603

And bad that they shulde hye hem fast 6604

And bade þat þey shulde hye hem faste

To Bloys to comfort her grete frende.

To Bloyes to comfort þer grete frende.

They toke her hors and theder they wende.

They take þer hors and deþer þey wende. 6606

Whan) they were there they wolde be,

When þey were come to Partonope 6008

To the Chambre they come where Partanope 6608

Hym-self had presoned wondyr-fully.

Hym-selfe hade presonde wonderfully.

The byssħope to hym ganne speke fuɫɫ goodely,

The byshopus to hym speke fuɫɫ goodly

And wytħ hym treted in the best manere,

And with hym tretyde in þe beste manere

255Hym counseylyng to be of good chere, And tolde hym ensaumples of holy write, And how þat men had loste her witte Throw takyng of such hevynesse. Thus eiche bissho p ¯ p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq81.tif"/> made his processe To þe dore of his chambre be sermone. But for aɫɫ þat they ne mowne Make hym to speke to hem a worde. When they þus sey, be oone acorde Fro hym they turne fuɫɫ sore wepyng, And home they priked with-oute lettyng. They lefte Partonope * sorowyng aloone. The kyng of Fraunce þen what to doone Wote neuer, and pus fuɫɫ hevely Departed aɫɫ þis company. Grete sorowe made aɫɫ his meany And euery day fuɫɫ oft they be Atte dore of her lordes prisone, Lystenyng alwey if any sowne Or worde of hym they myght here.

6623. MS. patron ope.

6612

6616

6620

6624

6628

He will not talk to them, and they are obliged to leave.

His retinue go weeping home.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Hym Counsayling to be a goode Cheyre, [leaf 48] 6612

Hym counsellynge in þe beste maner,

And told hym Ensamples of holy wyrtt,

And howe þat men) hade loste þer wryte

And how that men) had lost her wytt

And tolde hym somplis of holy wyte,

Thorow taking of sucħ hevynes.

Thorwe takynge of soyche heuynes.

Thus Eche Byssho p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq82.tif"/> e made hys processe 6616

Thus iche bysshope made his prossese

To the dore of hys chambre be sermon),

To þe dore of his chambir be sermon).

But for alle that they ne mowne

But aɫɫ þat þey ne mon) 6618

Make hym to speke to hym a word.

Make hym to speke a worde.

Whan) they this sey, be one acorde

When þey se be on acorde 6620

Fro hym they turne fuɫɫ sor * weping,

Fro hym þey turne sore wepynge,

And home they pryked wytħ-out letting. 6622

And home þey prekede with-out lettynge.

They lefte Partonope sorwynge allone.

They left Partanope Sorowyng alone.

The king of Fraunce than) what to done 6624

The kynge of France þen) what to done

Wote nevir, and thus fuɫɫ hevyly

Wot neuer, and bus fuɫɫ heuyle 6625

Departed alle thys company.

Departyde fro þis companye.

Grete sorow make alle hys meyney.

Grete sorwe make his meyne,

And euer[y] day fuɫɫ ofte they be 6628

And euery day fuɫɫ ofte þey be 6628

At the dore of her lordes prysoun),

At þe dore of þer lordes preson),

Lestenyng alway yf ony soune

Lysteny[n]ge aɫɫ-wey of ony sounne

Or word of hym ther mygħt here.

Ore worde of hym þey myght here.

6621. MS. for.

256But aɫɫ for nought; of hym no chere They couþe haue, þis is no nay. This lyfe they ladde vj. wekes day, And they þan toke hem euerychone What counseylle was beste to doone, And seyne : “In grete wanhope Oure lorde is loste, Partonope.” * Therfore eiche man trusse hem hoome, “This is þe beste þat we may doone.” Thus they go withoute leve takyng, Eiche man to his house sore wepyng.  Now wiɫɫ I teɫɫ you of Partonope * :  Lytiɫɫ he etith and lasse drynkeþ he. Thries in þe weke he doþe ete; His fode is not deynte mete : Brede made of barly or elles of oote, This is his mete, and watir sode [leaf 84, back] His his drynke two dayes or þre, That in þe weke now taketh he. That is his sustenaunce and levyng; In oþer rule may no man hym bryng.

6638, 6643. MS. patronope.

Partonope leads a miserable life.

6632

6636

6640

6644

6648

6652

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

But alle for nogħt, of hym no chere

But aɫɫ for nought, for hym no chere

They Cowde, this ys no nay. 6633

They couthe haue, þis is no nay. 6633

This lyfe they ledde vj wokes day,

This lyfe þey lede viij wekes day.

And they than) toke hem to-gedyr echone

They toke hen to-geder ichone

What Counsayɫɫ was best to done,

What counseɫɫ was beste to done 6636

And seyn : “In grete wanhope 6637

And [seyn] in grete wanhope

Oure lord ys lost now, Partanope.”

Oure lorde is loste nowe, Partonope.

Ther-to eche man trusse hym home.

Ther-fore iche man) trusse hym home

“This ys the best that whe may done.”

This is þe beste þat we may done. 6640

Thus they go wytħ oute leve taking,

Thus þey gon with-out leue takynge.

Eche man to hys hous sore weping. 6642

Eche man) to his howse sore wepynge.

“NOw woɫ I teɫɫ yow of Partanope :

Lytyɫɫ he etht, and lasse driuketħ he. [¹leaf 48, back] 6644

Thries in the woke he dotħ eate;

Hys foote ys now deynte mete:

Brede make of berley or Elles of ote,

Thys ys his mete, and water sode 6648

Ys his drynke two days or thre,

That In the woke now taketħ he.

¹Thys ys hys Sustenaunce and leving;

In other rule may no man hym bring.

6646. ys] y corrected from h (?).

6648 Thys] the y seems to be added after an i.

257His hede, his fete wole he not wasshe, His Coloure is lyke þe pale asshe, His nayles growen and aɫɫ forfare, He martreth his body with sorowe and care, He is for-growen with his heere. This peyn suffreþ he aɫɫ þe yere. When þat yere comeþ to ende He was so megere and so vnthende And so pale and ouer-growe, That þere is noone on lyve, I trowe, Shuld hym haue take for Partonope *; So hugely wasted a-wey is he. This was his worde : “Meliore, my Ioy, Alias, shall I neuer se þe with Ee ?” Thus wolde he sey sore wepyng. In þis wise he lieth mourenyng, That aɫɫ his myght is so clene gone He may not rise from his bed alone With-outen helpe, ne go IIJ. pase. His songe had ben to ofte allas.  Vpon a day þis wofuɫɫ Partonope *  Sate on his bedde, and þen seide he :

6663, 6673. patronope.

6656

6660

6664

6668

6672

At the end of the year he is no more recognizable.

He cannot rise from the bed alone.

Brooding over his misfortune, he implores God to have mercy on him.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

His heede, his feete wol he not waysse,

His coloure ys lyke the pale Aysshe,

His nayles growen) and alle for-fare,

He marteretħ hys body wyth sorow and care, 6656

He ys for-growen wytħ his here.

This payne sufferetħ alle the yere.

Whan that yere was come to ende,

He was so megere and so vn-thende.

And so pale and over-growe, 6661

That ther ys none on) lyfe, I trow,

Shulde hym haue take for Partanope;

Sho hugely wasteyd away ys he. 6664

This was hys worde: “Melyoure,my Ioy,

Alias, shaɫɫ I neuer see the wytħ Ie ?”

Thus wolde he sey Sore weping.

In this wyse he lyetħ mor[n]ing, 6668

That alle hys mygħt ys so clene gone

He may not ryse from) hys bed alone

Wytħo[u]ten helpe, ne go thre pase.

His songe had bene to ofte allas. 6672

VPon a day this wofutt Partanope

¶ Vppon a day þis wofuɫɫ: Partonope

Sate on) hys bedde, and than sayd he:

Sat on his bede, and þen seyde he :

PARTONOPE.

S

258“O fadir of hevyn omnipotent, That erthe, watir, and firmament Madest of nought at oo worde, And after into þis wreched worlde Sendist þi sone mankynde to take, And suffredist hym dey for oure sake, Sende me comforte for þi mekenesse, And let me not perysshe in þis distresse. Comforte me by thy holy goste. What is me beste, lorde, þou wele woste. Thou blessed modir and mayden Marie That concey vedist within thi body Thy ffadir, thy sone, thi creature, [leaf 85] And as softely as a lylle floure Oute of the erthe peynles doþe sprynge, Eight so easily, lady, in thy childyng Thou were delyuered of thy Savyoure, And broughtest forþe þat blessed floure Ayenst þe course of comyn kynde— In holy wryte þus clerkes fynde— And, lady, as wissely as I beleve

6676

6680

6684

6688

6692

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

“O fader of heven) omnypotent,

¹O fader of heuyn, omnipotente [¹ leaf 46, back]

That erthe, water, and firmament 6676

That erthe, water, and fyrmente 6676

Madest of nogħt [at] oo worde,

Modeste of nought at one worde,

And after in-to thys wercched^ɭ worlde

And after In-to þis wrechyde worde

Synthyst they sonne maketħ to take,

Sentyste þy son mankynde to take,

And suffredyst hym dey for oure sake,

And sofferes hym dede for oure sake,

Send me comfort for they mekenes, 6681

Sende me comforte for þy mekenes,

And lete me not peryscħ in thys destres.

And let me not perishe in dysstres.

Comfort me be the holy gost.

Comforte me by þy holy grace. 6683

What ys me best, lorde, thow wel wost.

What is me beste, lorde, þon well woste.

Thow blyssed modyr and mayden) Marye, 6685

Thou blyssede moder, mayde Marye

That Conseyvedyst wytħ-in they body

That conseyuedeste in þy body

Thy fadyr, they sone, they creature,

Thy fader, by son, þy creature

And as softely as a lylly floure 6688

And as softly as lylly floure 6688

Oute of the erthe paynles dotħ spring,

¹ Rygħt so easely lady in Childing

Thou were delyuered of they savioure,

And broghtest forth that blyssed floure [¹ leaf 49] 6692

A-yenst the counse of Comyn) kynde—

Ayenste þe course of comyn kynde—

In holy wryt thus Clerke fynde—

In holy wryte þis clerkes fynde— 6694

And, lady, as wyssely as I be-leve

And, lady, as wysly as I beleue

259In childyng peynfuɫɫ þou feldest no greve, With aɫɫ my hert I beseche þe In my diseace haue mercy on me ! Of my life, lady, I am fuɫɫ wery, For aɫɫ to longe lyved haue I. To longe liveth he þat doþe felony; Therfore my Ioy were forto dey. I wolde fayne dey, and I wist how. But þe wey toward as nowe. I can not fynde, so God me save; For I ne haue with me yeman ne knave That in my possescion) wole leve a knyve, Wher-with I myght vndo my lyfe. Allas deþe, what ayleth the ? Why delyuerest þou not þe worlde of me? The false folke þou haste Ioy to save, Aɫɫ the good þou wilt haue. Robbers, traytours þou levist on lyve, And such as caste hem neuer to þryve, Swych þou suffrest to haue longe life That sette her neghbores euer in strife,

6696

6700

6704

6708

6712

6716

He is weary of his life, and wishes to die.

God always allows the wicked to live, but lets the good die.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

In Chyldyng paynfuɫɫ thow feltest no greve, 6696

In childynge paynfuɫɫ þou felt no greue,

Wytħ alle hert I be-seche the

With aɫɫ my hert I be-seche the 6697

In my dessese haue mercy on) me !

In my dysseyse haue mercy on me !

Of my lyfe, lady, I am fuɫɫ wery,

Of my lyffe, lady, I am wery,

For alle to longe lyved haue I. 6700

For aɫɫ to longe leuyde haue I. 6700

To long lyvetħ he that dotħ felony;

To longe leuyth he þat dothe felony;

Ther-fore my loye were for to dey.

There-for my loye were to dye.

I wolde fayne dye and I wyst how.

I wolde fayne dye and I wyste howe.

But the way to-warde as now 6704

But þe wey towarde as nowe 6704

I can) not fynde, So God me save;

I can not fynde, so God me saue.

For I ne haue wytħ yoman ne knawe

For I ne haue with me yeman ne knaue

That in my possession wold leve a knyfe,

That in my possession wiɫɫ leue a knyfe,

Where-wytħ I mygħt vn-do my lyfe.

Ther-with I myght vndo my lyfe.

Alas detħ, what eyletħ the ? 6709

Alas dethe, what eylyth the ? 6709

Why delyuerest thou not the worlde of me ?

Why delyuereste þou not þe worde of me ?

The flase folke thow hast Ioy to save,

The false folke þou doste saue

Alle the god thow wylt haue. 6712

Aɫɫ þe good þou wilt haue 6712

Robbers, traytor thow levyst on) lyve,

Robberes, traytores þou leuyste on lyue,

And sucħ as cast hem nevyr to thryve,

And soyche as caste him neuer to thryue,

Swycħ thou sufferyst to haue long lyfe

Soyche þou sufereste to haue longe lyfe

That sette here neybours evyr in stryfe,

That set þer nyghebores euer in stryfe,

260And lede her lyfe euer in Cursednesse, They be suffred to haue þe swetnesse Of þis worlde; þe toþer þat good be, Fro þi swerde they shuɫɫ not fle. The good þou shuldest suffre on lyve, The false þou shuldest sle as blyve. Ladies þat fayre ben and vertuose, To hem þou fiers arte and dispituose, And ouer hem redy to take vengeance. The foule, þe viciouse þou doste enhaunce; [leaf 85, back] In wordly loy þou makest hem hye. Alas, faire Wrake, siþe þat I þe seye, And þat ye besied you me to cloþe, My life haþe sith me be fuɫɫ loþe. The cloþes me liste neuer to chaunge, This life to me hath be fuɫɫ straimge, For aɫɫ to-Rent and Bo ten they be.” And with that worde Partonope * Feɫɫ in swonyng for hevynesse. He lay þerin longe or it wolde cese. Withoute comforte alone was he.

6734. patronope.

He is severe with fair and virtuous ladies, and favours those who are vicious.

In his woe, Partonope resolves to die.

6720

6724

6728

6732

6736

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

And lede her lyfe euer in Curseclnes,

And lede hir lyfe euer in coursedenes

They besufferd to haue the Swetnes 6718

They be sofferde to haue þe swetnes

Of this world/the tother that gode be,

Of þis worde; þe oþer þat goode be,

Fro thy Swerd that shulde not fle. 6720

Fro þy swerde þey shuɫɫ not fle 6720

The goode thow shuldest suffre on) lyve.

The good shuldyste þou suffer on lyue, [leaf 47]

The false thow shuldest Sle as blyve.

The false þou shulde sle belyue.

Ladyes that fayre bene and vertuos,

Ladyes þat fayre ben and vertuouse,

To hem thow feerse art and spituose, 6724

To hem euer þou art dysspytuouse,

And ouer hym redy to take vengeaunce.

And euer on hem redy to take vengaunce. 6725

The foule, vycious thou dost enhauns;

The foule, vecious þou doste enhaunce;

In wordely loy thou makest hym hye.

In worldly Ioye þou makeste hem hye.

Alas fayre Vrak, Syth that I the sye, 6728

Allas, fore Wrake sethe I þe seye, 6728

¹And that ye besyed yow me to clothe,

And þat you besyede you me to clothe,

My lyfe hatħ sygħt me be So lothe.

My loue hathe be me fuɫɫ lothe.

Tho clothes me lyste never to chonge,

Tho clothis me lyste neuer to change

This lyfe to me hatħ bene fuɫɫ straunge,

This lyfe to me hathe be fuɫɫ stronge,

For alle to-rent and roten they be.” 6733

For aɫɫ to-rente and rotyn to be.” 6733

And wytħ that worde Partanope

And with þat worde Partonope

Fylle on) sownnyng for hevy-nesse.

Fiɫɫ on swony[n]ge for heuynes.

He lay ther-In long or hyt wyll cese.

He lay þer-in longe ore it wolde sese.

Wythouten) confort ailone was he.

With-out comfort ailone was he. 6737

¹ leaf 49, back.

261And þis wofuɫɫ man Partonope * Atte laste fro swonyng did a-wake. He was fuɫɫ seke, I dare vndirtake. What for sorowe and for wepyng Stiɫɫ he sate, fuɫɫ longe thinkyng How best hym-self he myght sle. But God wold not it shuld so be. His ffrendes had hym so in watte, Fro wepyns kept hym so stratte That his purpose myght not be Atte Bleys parfouremed; and þen þought he : “To Arderne I wolde go, þe wilde foreste, There may happe some wilde beste May me devoure, and þat anoone.” Thus purposeth he þider * to gone, And þen he seide : “He þat is false To his love, right by þe halse He shuld be hanged, and a foule deþ haue.” Thus in wodenesse he begynneth to Raue; And in þis purpose fully stonte he

6738. MS. patronope.

6752. þider] MS. þus.

6740

6744

6748

6752

6756

He will go to the Ardennes. Perhaps some wild animal will devour him.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

And this wofuɫɫ man Partanope 6738

And þis wofuɫɫ man) Partonope

Atte last fro Sounyng dyd awake.

At þe laste of swony[n]ge dyde a-wake.

He was fuɫɫ Seeke, I dare vndyr-take.

What for Sorow and for wepyng 6741

What for sorwe and for wepynge 6741

Stylle he sett, fuɫɫ long thenking

Stiɫɫ he sat, longe thynkynge

How best hym-self he mygħt Slee.

Howe beste he myght hym-selfe sle.

But Godde wolde hit shulde so be. 6744

But God wolde it shulde not be. 6744

His frendys had hym so in wayte,

His frendes hade hym so in wayte,

Fro wepens kept hym So strayte

Fro wepyns kepte hym so streyte

That hys purpose mygħt not be

That his porpose myght not be

Atte Bloys parformed, and than thought he : 6748

At Bloyes parformede; þen þought he;

“To Arderne I wolde go, the wyld forest,

“To Arderne I wiɫɫ goo, þat foreste,

There may happe Som) wylde best

Ther may hape som wilde beste 6750

May me devoure, and that anon).”

May me devoure, and þat anone.”

Thus purposetħ he thedyr to gone, 6752

Thus porposeth he dethir to gone.

And that he sayde : “He that ys false

Then he seyde : He þat is false 6753

To hys love, rygħt be the halse

To his loue, right be þe halse

He shulde be Longed, and a foule detħ haue.”

He shulde be hongyde and foule deth haue.

Thus in wodenese he be-gynnetħ to rave; 6756

Thus In wodnes he gynyth to raue.

And in this purpose fully stont he

And in þis porpose fully stont he 6757

262To Ardern to go hym-self to sle. Myn auctour in ffrensshe gynneþ now reprove Thes olde clerkes þat treten of love, That put in scripture to haue in remembraunce Of olde tyme fuɫɫ hye myssgouernance, Of women of whome they ofte write Fuɫɫ febly and foule of hem endite, Ayein whome euer I wole sey nay: That Clerke is not on lyve þis day [leaf 86] That wole despute in þis matere, I shaɫɫ hym prove a lewde frere. Thes Ioly singers comynly ben lecherouse, They mowe not lyve with-oute paramourse. And when his queen is to hym vntrewe, And from hym chaungeth vnto a newe, As swich strumpettes aɫɫ day do, Than þes prestes be so wo, Theire lemans dedes they put in wryting, To bryng after in mannes remembryng To suppose aɫɫ ben as they were,

The, French author liere reproves the clerks that write ill of women’s love.

6760

6764

6768

6772

6776

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

To Arderen to goo hym-self to sle.

To Arderne to go hym-selfe to sle.

Myn) autoure in fre[n]ssħ gynytħ now reprove

Myne autor in frenche gynnyth to reproue

These olde chekes that treten of love,

This olde clerkes þat trete of loue,

That putt in scryture to haue remembrans 6761

And put in scrypture to haue, remembraunce 6761

Of old tyme fuɫɫ hye mysgouernauns,

Of olde tyme hye mysgouernaunce

Of women of whom) they ofte wrytte

¹ Of whome women) þey of wryte [¹ leaf 47, back]

Fuɫɫ febly, and foule of hem endyte,

Fuɫɫ febilly, and foule þey of hem dyte

A-yen)whom) euer I wolle say nay: 6765

Ayen whome euer I wiɫɫ sey nay :

That Clerk ys not on) lyve thys day

That clerke is not on lyue þis day

That wolde this spyte in this matere,

That wiɫɫ; dysspute of þis mater,

I shaɫɫ hym prove a lewde fre[r]e. [leaf 50]

I shaɫɫ hym proue a lewyde frere. 6768

This Ioly syngers comynly be lecherous,

This Ioly syngeres comynly be lecherus,

They mow not lyve wytħ-oute paramors. 6770

They may not leue with-out paramores.

And whan hys quene hys to hym vntrew,

When his quene is to hym vntrewe,

And fro hym changetħ to a new, 6772

And fro hym changyth to a newe,

As Swycħe strompettes al day do,

As soyche strompetes alday do 6773

Than) these preestes be So wo,

Then þese prestes be so wo,

Her lemmans dedys they put in wryting

Hir lemans dedes þey put in wrytynge,

To bryng after in mannes remenbryng

To brynge after in his remembrynge

To suppose alle [ben] as they were,

To suppose aɫɫ ben as bey were, 6777

6763. MS. wemen or women.

263And so to put men in feere To mystrust women aɫɫ. Suche nyse clerkes foule hem be-faɫɫ, And for her lemans myssberyng Aɫɫ oþer women they haue mystrustyng. But þese clerkes þat wele ruled be, Of hem shaɫɫ [ye] neuer know ne se In speche, in dede, ne be writyng, Any þing þat myght be reprovyng To women þat wele ruled be. For truly I sey as for me In women is founden) a gentilnesse, Trewe love, and þerto kyndnesse, Bountee, beaute, and eke plesaunce. Therfore I pray God þat mysschaunce On hem come þat lust to sey Of women eviɫɫ; for leuer to dey I had þen to be founde in þat case, Praying God to kepe me fro þat trespase. But aɫɫ þis matere I lete now be, And speke I wil of Partonope.

6780

6784

6788

6792

6796

A clerk who is well disposed, will never do no.

In women are found all good qualities.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

And so put men in free 6778

And so to put men) in fere

To mystrust women alle.

To mystruste we men aɫɫ

Shucħ nyse Clerkes foule hem be-falle,

Soyche nyce clerkes foule hem faɫɫ

And for her lemmans mysberyng 6781

And for þer lemans mysberynge 6781

Alle other women they haue mystrusting.

But these Clerkes that wele ruled be,

But þese clerkes þat weɫɫ rulede be,

Of hem shaɫɫ nevyr know ne see 6784

Of hem shaɫɫ ye neuer knowe ne se

In specħ, in dede, ne be wrytting,

In speche, in dede, ne be wrytynge

Any thing that might be reproving

And thynge þat myght be reprouy[n]ge

To women that wele rewled be.

To women þat weɫɫ rewlyde be.

For trewly I Sey as for me 6788

For truly I sey as for me 6788

In women ys founden aɫɫ gentylnes,

In women is fonde aɫɫ Ientillnes,

Trew love, and ther-to knydenes

True loue and also kendnes,

Bountee, beautee, and eke plesauns.

Bounte, beute and eke plesaince.

Therfor I pray God that myschauns

Ther-fore I pray God þat myschaunce

On) hym come that lust to sey 6793

On hym come þat lyste to sey 6793

Of women evyɫɫ; for lever to dey

Of wemen) eviɫɫ; for leuer to dye

I had / than to be founde in that case,

I * hade þen be founde in þat case,

Prayng God to kepe me fro that trespas.

Prayinge to Gode to kepe me fro trespas. 6796

But alle this matere I late now be, 6797

For aɫɫ þis mater I let nowe be

And speke I woɫɫ of Partanope.

And speke I wiɫɫ of Partonope.

6791. MS. rather Baunte.

6795. MS. I hode (od indistinct) hade.

264 This carefuɫɫ lover with pite  Pensyfe, thoughtfuɫɫ aɫɫ day sitteþ he. And when it drew wele toward Eve, A childe þer come, þat in his sieve A lofe brought of barlyche made, And in his hande a picher he hadde Fuɫɫ of water of þe welle elere. [leaf 86, back] This he brought to Parton[o]pe sopere. Partonope* was wonte to hym speke; It did hym sorowe, his hert did breke. “My frende,” he seide, “I sbaɫɫ þe sey, I may not fayle hastely to dey If I abide now longe here; Fayne wolde I be elles-where. Thou maiste me helpe if þou wilte. I pray þe help I be not spilt.” That youge man wept for verray Toy : “Sir, your sorowe doþe me grete noy. Fro you I wil not departed be, If comforte or eace may come by me,

6807. MS. patronope.

Towards evening there comes a boy to Partonope.

Partonope asks the boy-to help him,

The toy is ready.

6800

6804

6808

6812

6816

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

THis Carfuɫɫ lover wytħ petee

¶ This carfuɫɫ louer with pete

Pensyfe, thougħt-fuɫɫ alle day ¶ syttetħ he. 6800

Pensefe, þoughtfuɫɫ syttyth he. 6800

And whan) hyt drew wele toward eve,

When it drewe towarde eve

A chyld ther come, that in hys sieve

A childe þer come, þat in his sleue

A lofe brought of barleche made,

A lofe brought of barly made,

And in hys hond a pycher he had 6804

And in his honde a pichere he hade

Fuɫɫ of water of the weɫɫ clere.

Fuɫɫ of water of the weɫɫ clere. [leaf 48]

This he brougħ[t] to Partanope sopere.

This he brought to Partonopes sopere.

¹ Partanope was wont to him speke;

Partonope was wont to hym speke;

Hyt dyd hym sorow, hys hert dyd Breke. [¹ leaf 50, hack] 6808

Hit dyde hym sorwe, his hert wolde breke. 6808

“My frende,” he sayde, “I shall the say,

“My f[r]ende,” he seyde, “I shaɫɫ þe sey,

I may not fayle hastely to dey

I may not faiɫɫ hastely to dye

Yf I a-byde now longe here;

Yef I abyde longe here

Fayne wolde I be elles-where 6812

Fayne wolde I be eɫɫes-where. 6812

Thow muste me helpe yf thow wylt.

Thou mayste me helpe yef þou wilt.

I pray the he helpe that I be not spylt.”

I praye þe I be not spilt.”

Thys yong manne wept for very Ioy :

This yonge man wepte for very Ioye.

“Syr, your sorow dothe me greteneye.

“Sir, your sorwe dothe me gret e [n]oye.

Fro yow 1 wol not departed be, 6817

Fro you I wiɫɫ not departyde be, 6817

Yf comfort or ease may come be me,

Yef comfort ore eyse may come be me,

265And I may do you any plesaunce. Though it be to me grete grevaunce, I shaɫɫ it do, and it be your eace, Though I wist þerfore to lese My life; and that I ensure you. And þerfore teɫɫ pleynly now What is your wiɫɫ þat I do.” Partonope* seide : “I will that þou go When Evyn cometh, and make noone amy, And prively gete me an hakeney That is swyft and right wele aumblyng. And when men ben aɫɫ faste slepyng, Then wil I ride into þe felde. I wolde þat no man me be-helde. This were to me a fuɫɫ hy comforte Alone to haue þere my desporte. And while þe moone shyneth bright, There may I play me aɫɫ the nyght. Thou shalt go with me and no mo. Now loke þat þis be wisely do.

6826. MS. patronope.

6820

6824

6828

6832

6836

Fartonope orders him to fetch a hackney secretly.

Only the boy is to accompany him.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

And I may do yow an[y] * plesauns.

And I may do you ony eyse.

Thougħ hyt be to grete grevauns 6820

Thougħ it be to me grete dysseyse 6820

I shaɫɫ and [it] be your ease,

I shaɫɫ it do, and it be your eyse,

Thogħ wyst therefore to lese

Thougħ I wyste þer-for to lese

My lyfe / and I ensure yow.

My lyfe, and þat I ensure you.

And therfor teɫɫ pleynely now 6824

And þer-fore I teɫɫ you trewly nowe 6824

What ys youre wyɫɫ that I do.”

What is youre wiɫɫ þat I shaɫɫ do.”

Partanope sayde : “I wolde that thow go

Partonope seyde : “I wiɫɫ þat þou goo

Whan) even cometħ, and make none aray,

When evyn) cornyth, and make none array,

And pryvely gete me a hakeney 6828

And prevely get me an hakeney 6828

That ys Swyft and rygħt weɫɫ ambelyng.

That is swyfte and weɫɫ amblynge.

And whan men bene all fast Slepyng,

And when) my men) be faste slepynge,

Than) wolde I ryde in-to the felde.

Then) wiɫɫ I ryde to þe felde.

I wolde that no man me be-heelde. 6832

I wiɫɫ þat no man me be-helde. 6832

This were to me a fuɫɫ hye comfort

This were to me an hye comforte

A-lone to haue there my dysport.

Allone to haue my dyssporte.

And whyle the mone shyneth bright,

And while þe mone shynyth brigħt

There may I play me alle the nyght.

Ther may I pley me tiɫɫ þe nygħt. 6836

Thow shalt goo wytħ me and no moo.

Thou shalt go with me and no mo.

Now loke that this be wysely doo.

Nowe loke þat þis be wysly do.

6819. MS. yowan, the last letters indistinct.

266Ayenst day, with-outen drede, Homward ayein we will vs spede.”  This childe of þis is Ioyfuɫɫ and glad,  And forto þat his mayster hym bad He is rissen, and forþe is go. He wolde for no good it happenyd so * [leaf 87] Ere he were redy the houre were passed, Which his lorde hym sette, and þerfore in haste He made redy a fayre ambeloure. In the Evyn, atte same houre, A fayre palfray with hym he ledde, And brought it to his lordes bedde, Good and wele aumblyng with-outen nay; This palfray was pomeɫɫ gray. In his armes his maister he vp toke Fro bedde, as seith þe ffrensshe boke, And in the sadyɫɫ softely he hym sette. And right anoone a sporre he fette, He sette it on his lordes hele, And thought that aɫɫ þing was wele.

After 6844 MS. adds the line: Ere he were redy it happenyd so.

The boy brings the horse, and sets bis master into the saddle.

6840

6844

6848

6852

6856

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

A-yenst day, wytħ-outen drede, 6839

Ayenste day with-out drede

Homward ayen) we woɫɫ vs spede.”

Homwarde ayen) we wiɫɫ vs spede.” 6840

This Chylde of thys ys Ioyfuɫɫ and gladde, 6841

¶ This childe of þis is Ioyfuɫɫ and glade

And for to that hys mayster hym bad

And for to do þat his maister hym bade

He ys rysen in hast, and fortħ ys go.

He is resyn) and furthe I-goo.

He wolde for ne goode hyt happyd hym so 6844

He wolde forno good it happedesoo 6844

Ere he were redy the oure were past,

¹ Ere he were redy, þe oure were paste

Whiche hys lord hym sett, and the[r]- fore in hast [leaf 51]

Wheche his lorde set; þer-fore in haste [1 leaf 48, back]

He made redy a fayre ambuloure.

He made redy a fayre amblere.

In the even, at the same oure, 6848

In þe evyn, at þe same oure, 6848

A fayre palfrey wytħ hym he ledde,

A fayre palfrey with hym he lede,

And brogħt hyt to hys bedde,

And brought it to his lordes bede

Goode and weɫɫ ambelyng wyth-outen nay;

Rigħt weɫɫ amblynge, with-out nay.

This palfrey was pomely gray. 6852

The palfrey was pomeɫɫ gray. 6852

In hys armes hys mayster he vp toke

In his armes his maister vp he toke

Fro bedde, as seytħ the frenssħ booke,

Fro his bede, as seyth þe frenche boke

And in the sadyɫɫ Softely he hym sett.

And in the sadiɫɫ he hem softly set.

And rygħt anone a spore he fett, 6856

And right anone asspore he fet, 6856

He set it on his lordes hele,

And thought that alle thinge was wele.

And þougɫɫt aɫɫ thynge was weɫɫ.

267In herte he was Ioyfuɫɫ and gladde, And forþe his lordes horse he ladde, Wenyng that aɫɫ þing shuld be right wele. He maketh grete Ioy and levyth aɫɫ dole. But aɫɫ day at Eye men mow se They Ioyen of þring þat wil not be.  PArtonope is now forþe go  From Bleys, and þer-to come no moo He thinketh neuer in aɫɫ his life. His childe cometh to hym as blyve : “Sir,” seide he, “wheþer wiɫɫ ye ride? Plere is a place faste here beside, Where as ye mow wele you desporte. That to you shaɫɫ be grete comforte Vpon þe banke you to pley Of Leyre the Ryuer till ayein the day. Then shaɫɫ no man vs aspye; And thider I can you right wele gye. This childes name is Gile-amoure,

6860

6864

6868

6872

6876

Partonope leaves Blois.

The boy was called Gilamour.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

In hert he was Ioyfuɫɫ and gladde he was,

In hert he was Ioyfuɫɫ and glade,

And fortħ hys lordes horshelade, 6860

And furthe his lordes hors he lede, 6860

Wenyng that alle thing shulde be rygħt wele.

Weny[n]ge þat aɫɫ thynge shulde be weɫɫ

He maketħ grete Ioy and leveth alle doole.

He maketh Ioye and leuyth dole,

But aɫɫ day at ey men mow see

But aɫɫ day at eye men may se

They Ioyn) of thinge that wold not be. 6864

They Ioye of thynge þat wiɫɫ not be. 6864

PArtanope ys now fortħ goo

¶ Partonope is nowe furthe goo

Fro Bloys, and ther-to come no moo

Fro Bloyes and þer-to come no mo

He thenketh nevir in alle hys lyfe.

He thynketh neuer in aɫɫ his lyue.

Hys Chylde to hym cometħ as bylfe.

His childe to hym comyth blyue. 6868

“Syr,” sayde he, “wedyr woɫ ye ryde? 6869

“Sir,” seyde he, “wheþer wiɫɫ ye ryde ?

Here ys a place fast yow be-syde,

He-re is a place faste you be-syde,

Where as ye mow weɫ yow dysport.

Where ye may weɫɫ dyssporte.

That to yow shaɫɫ be grete comfort

That to you shaɫɫ be grete comforte 6872

Vpon) the Banke yow to pley 6873

Vppon) þe banke you to play

Of Leyre the rever tyɫɫ ayen the day.

Of Loyre the reuer in the day

There shaɫɫ no man) vs aspye;

A[nd] thedyr I can) yow ryght wel gye. 6876

This Childes name ys Gyle-amoure,

This childes is name is Gillamore

6873. MS. perhaps pley, e or a being written on some other letter.

268Which for grete love kyng Sornegoure Lente hym to Partonope, To þis entent þat he shuld se The maner of þe Reaume of Fraunce. For to Sornegoure* he was nye allyaunce, No firþer but of his suster bore; [leaf 87, back] And his ffader heght kyng Fabore. Right curteyse he was and Right bonayre, Semely of persone, of visage fayre. His name was Fursynne in his contree; But his mayster and lorde Partonope* Into Gilearnoure did it chaunge, For Fursyn was his name right straunge, And Gilamour was a grete dele light. For Partonope did aɫɫ his myght To maken hym leve his hethen lay. His answere þerto was euer nay.

6882. MS. Sornogonre.

6888. MS. partronope.

11. 6891–6899 have wrongly been copied by the second hand on leaf 34, back, and then crossed out, see the printed text, p. 86. The passage runs thus—

He was the nephew of King SoTne-gour, and his real name was Fursin.

Partonope had in vain tried to convert him to Christianity.

6880

6884

6888

6892

And Gylmowre was a grete dele more lyзthte

Partonope hym) trystythe aboue alle thynge

For partonope dide alle hys mygthte

For euer he was glad to do his plesynge

To make hym) leue hys Ethen) laye

And he sayde gode syr wolle yee

Hys answere was ther to euer naye

Haue goode dysporte now folewytħe me

Go we to the water of leyre.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Whicħ for grete love king Sornogoure

Whiche for grete loue kynge Sornogoure

Lente hym late to Partanope,

Lente hym to Partonope,

To this entent that he shulde see 6880

To þis entent þat he shulde se 6880

The manere of the reaume * of Fraunse.

The maner of the reme of Fraunce.

For to Sornogoure he was ny Alyaunse,

For to Sornogoure he was alyaunce,

No forther but of hys Suster bore;

No for-þer but of his syster bore;

And hys fadyr hygħt kinge Fabore. 6884

And his fader hight kynge Fabure.

Rygħt Curteyse he was and rygħt bonayre,

Courteyse he was and debonere.

¹ Semely of persone, of vysage fayre.

His name was Fursynne in hys contre;

But hyt mayster and lord Partanope

In-to Gylamoure dyd hyt change, 6889

For Fursynne was hys name rygħt straunge, [l leaf 51, back]

And Gylamoure was a grete dele lyght.

For Partanope dyd alle hys mygħt 6892

To maken hym leve hys hethen lay.

Hys answere ther-to wase euer nay.

6881. MS. Keaune.

269Partonope hym trusteth a-bove aɫɫ ping, For euer he was glad to do his plesyng. And þen he seide : “Good sir, wil ye Haue good desporte, now folow me. Go we to þe watir of Leyre. There shuɫɫ ye fynde an holsome heire; There mow ye play and haue desporte. To you it shaɫɫ be an hye comforte. Partonope fast gan hym be-holde As he þat was of cares colde : “My frende,” he seide, “me liste not pley. I purpose me fully forto dey. For into Ardern wole I go, Ther shaɫɫ be ffenysshid aɫɫ my wo.” Gileamour þen wept tendirly, And seide : “Þan, sir, wole I Into Arderne, with you wole I go, And take my detbe with you also.”— “Nay,” then seide Partonope, “Thou shaɫɫ go home into þi contre And teɫɫ þin vncle, kyng Sornegoure,* How I am loste for euer-more. For I shaɫɫ dey, and þou shalt lyve. My false treasone is put in preve In so highe place, it moste nedes be, And þou stondest not in þat degre.

6915. MS. Sernegoure.

6896

6900

6904

6908

6912

6916

6920

Gilamour proposes to go to the bank of the Loire.

Partonope discloses his intention of seeking death in the Ardennes.

He will not allow Gilamour to accompany him.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Partanope hym trustetħ above alle thing,

For into Arderen now woɫ I goo,

Ther shaɫɫ be fynesheede alle my woo.”

For euer he was gladde to do his plesyng. 6896

Gylamoure than) wept tendyrly, 6909

And sayd : “Sir, than) woɫɫ I

And than) he sayde : “Goode Syr, woɫ ye

In-to Ardern) wytħ you woɫɫ goo,

And take my deth wytħ yow also”—

Haue goode dysport, now * folow me.

“Nay,” than) sayde Partanope, 6913

Go we to the water of Lyere.

“Thow shallt go home in-to they contre

There shuɫɫ ye fynde an) holsom eyre;

There mow ye play and haue dysport.

And telle the vncle, king Sornogoure,

To yow hyt shaɫɫ be an) hye comfort.

How I am lost for euer-more. 6916

Partanope fast gan) hym be-holde 6903

For I shaɫɫ dye, and thow shalt leve.

As he that was fuɫɫ of cares cold^ɭ: 6904

My false treson) ys put in preve

“My frend,” he sayd, “me lust not pley.

In so hygħ plase, I must dede be, 6919

And thow stondeyst not in that degre.

I purpose me fully for to dey.

6S98. MS. Mow.

270Thou shalt go home and lyve in eace; This may thou me highely pleace.” [leaf 88]  “Sir,” seide Gilamour, “þis may not be;  For truly I wole go with the. Wheþer life or dethe me * be-tyde, I wiɫɫ now renne be þi side. Truly to serve þe I was swore, I make no forse of sir Sornegoure *. But for þou shuldest þe more haue me In trust and eke in chierte I am redy, with-outen nay, Crist en to be þis same day.”  PArtonope stode in grete diseace;  And his hert somwhat gan apeace, When Gilamour seid he wolde be Cristenyd; in þis wise þinkeþ he : “I shaɫɫ hym suffre with me wende Tiɫɫ his cristnyng be brought to ende. And after I wole fuɫɫ prively, While he slepetħ, stele sodenly Awey from hym, he shaɫɫ not wete What contrey to drawe with me to mete.” Then to þe child seid Partonope : “If þou wilt convert and cristenyd be, I wole þe trust a-bove aɫɫ þing And be right glad of þi dwellyng,

6925. me] MS. the (th being written like ly).

6928. MS. Senegoure.

To gain Partonope’s confidence, Gilaniour asks to be christened.

Partonope, thinking to steal away later on, consents, and sends Gilamour back to Blois to fetch his horse.

6924

6928

6932

6936

6940

6944

Univ. Coll. MS.

Thow shalt go home and leve in ease;

Whan) Gylamoure sayd he wold be

Thus mayst thow me hygħly please.”

Crvstened / in this wyse thenketħ he :

“SYr,” sayde Gylamoure, “this may not be;

“I sharɫɫ hym suffre wytħ one wende

Tyɫɫ hys Crystenyng be brought to ende. 6938

For trewɫy I woɫ go wytħ the. 6924

Wheder lyfe or detħ me be-tyde, [leaf 52]

And after I woɫɫ fuɫɫ prevyly,

I wylle renne now by thy syde.

While he slepetħ, stele a-way sodenly.

Trewly to serve the I was swore.

Than) to the Chylde sayd Partanope :

I make no forse of Sir Somogoure. 6928

“Yf thow wylt conuerte and Crystened be, 6944

But for Thow shuldest the more haue me

In trust and eke in cheryte

I woɫ the trust a-boue aɫɫ thing,

I am redy, wythouten leve,

And be ryght galde of they dewlling,

Crysten to be this same day.” 6932

PArtanope stont in grete dyssese;

And hys hert somwat ganne apese,

271For departe wole we neuer. This covenaunite I make with þe for euer. And hye þe home to Bleys now faste, And bryng with þe thyn horse in haste; For in þis place þe wole I a-byde. And þis may we in þe nyght-tide Ride a good dele in oure wey, Tiɫɫ it drawe nere vpon þe day, Then in some wode we wole vs reste Aɫɫ þe day, þis is þe best, Tiɫɫ þat derke nyght come ayein. And þen faste wole we fleen), Tiɫɫ we ben aɫɫ my contre paste. Then shaɫɫ we of no-þing be agaste, But ride forþe opynly aɫɫ þe day.” [leaf 88, back] This Gileamour seide not oones nay, But for his hors þen ranne he faste, And prykyng ayein he come in haste. When he was come, grete payne had he With his maister Partonope : He myght not sitte on hors to ryde.

6948

6952

6956

6960

6964

Aided by Gilamour, Partonope rides forth.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

For departe woɫɫ we never.

This Covenaunt I make wytħ the for euer. 6948

And hye the home to Bloys now fast,

And bring wytħ the thyn) horse in hast;

For in this place the woɫɫ I a-byde.

And thus mow we in the nygħttyde 6952

Ryde and goode dele on) oure way,

Tyɫɫ hyt draw nere vpon) day.

Thanne in som) wode we woɫɫ vs rest

Alle the day, this ys the best, 6956

Tylle that dreke nygħt come ayen.

And than) fast woɫɫ we fleen,

Tyɫɫ we be aɫ my Contre past.

Than shaɫɫ we of no-thing be a-gast,

But ryde fortħ opynly aɫɫ the day.”

This Gylamoure sayd not onys Nay,

But fortħ hys hors Than ranne he fast,

And priking ayen) he come in hast.

¹And pre-kynge ayen he come in haste.

Whan) he was come, grete peyne had he [¹ leaf 52, back] 6965

When he was come, grete payne hade he [¹ leaf 49] 6965

¹ Wytħ hys mayster Partanope :

With his maister Partonope :

He mygħt not sytt on) hors to Ride.

He mygħt not syt on hors to ryde.

272But as Gilamour yede be his side, And held hym vp with aɫɫ his myght, Thus they Iourney aɫɫ he nyght, Tiɫɫ they were paste þe Reaume of Frannee. Then gane they a new purvyaunce To ride forþe opynly aɫɫ þe day, For þer was no man þat wolde sey nay To no-þing þat hem lust to do. And forþe they ride boþe twoo In grete sighyng and hevynesse. And so it happenyd þat to a messe At chirche they herde rynge. Partonope þerwith maketh no lettyng, But þider rideth, as I devyce, Ther to here devyne servyce. Myn auctour telleth þis chirch hight The chirche of Albigis, þer it light.  This wofuɫɫ man Partonope  Gilamour anoone to hym calleþ he, And axed hym : “Wilt þou cristenyd be ?”

Hearing mass rung in the church of Albigis, they proceed thither.

6968

6972

6976

6980

6984

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

But as Gylamore yede be hys syde, 6968

But as Gyllamore yede be his syde, 6968

And heeld hym vp wytħ aɫɫ hys myght,

And helde hym vpe with aɫɫ his mygħt,

Thus they Iorney fortħ alle-wey by nyght,

Thus þey Iorneyde furthe aɫɫ nygħt,

Tyɫɫ they were past the reaume* of Fraunce.

Tiɫɫ þey were paste þe reme of Fraunce.

Than) gon) they a new purviaunce 6972

Then gan) þey a newe poruyaunce 6972

To ryde fortħ opynly aɫɫ the day,

To ryde furthe oppynly aɫɫ the day,

For ther was no man that wolde sey nay

There was no man) wolde sey nay

To the thing that hem lust to do.

To nothynge hym lyste to do.

For fortħ they ryde botħ two 6976

And furthe þey ryde bothe two 6976

In grete syghing and hevinese.

In grete sighynge and heuynesse.

And so hyt happened to a mese

And so it hapyde þat to a messe

At Chircħ they hard Rynge.

At the churche þey herde rynge

Partanope ther-wyth maketħ no lettyng, 6980

Partonope þer-with maketh no lettynge,

But theder Redetħ, as I devyse,

But de-þer rydeth be myne avyse 6981

Ther to here devyne servyse.

Myn) autor telletħ this chircħ hyght

Myne autor tellyth þis churche higħt

The Cherch of Albigys, there hit lygħ[t]. 6984

The churche of Abbygis, þer it ligħt. 6984

THis wofuɫɫ man Partanope

This wofuɫɫ man) Partonope

Gylamoure anon) to hym Calletħ he,

Gyllamore anone callyth he,

And axed hym : “Wylt Thou Cristened be ?”

And axede hym : “Wilt þou crystende be ?”

6971. MS. reaune.

273He hym answerd and seide yee. Then to þe provoste seid Partonope * : “Seest þou þis man þat stonde by me ? Cristene hym anoone, I the requyre.” The provoste was curteyse and debonayre, And goodly hym baptized, and þat anoone. The Erle hym lyfte from þe fontestone. And þere aforne, as seith myn auctour, His name was called Gylamour, Anselote named hym Partonope. And in þis wise cristenyd was he, As siker as dethe, with-outen nay. At Albigis they Rest hem aɫɫ day. [leaf 89] When Evyn come, they went to Reste; Anselote þought it was þe beste. When Partonope * hym wist aslepe, Aɫɫ softly hym-self vp lepe, And to his hakeney streight he went. His sadyɫɫ, his brydeɫɫ in honde he hent; His hakeney he made redy in haste,

6989, 7003. MS. patronope.

6988

6992

6996

7000

7004

The prior baptizes Gilamour, and at the font Partonope names him Anselot.

In the night Partonope steals away, leaving Anselot asleep.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

He hym) answerytħ and seyd yee. 6988

He hym answerde and seyde ye. 6988

Thanne to the prouost sayd Partanope :

Then to þe provoste seyde Partonope :

“Seest thow this man) that stont be me ?

“Seyste þou þis man) þat stondyth be me ?

Crysten hym a-none, I the require.”

Crystyn) hym anone, I þe requere.”

The proust was Curteys and debonarire,

The provoste was debonere, 6992

And goodely hym Baptized, and thatt anon). 6993

And goodly hym baptysede and þat anone.

The Erle hym lyft fro the fonte stone.

The erle hym selfe fro þe fonte stone

And there a-forn), as seytħ myn) auctor,

Ther aforne seyth myne autor

His name was called Gylamoure, 6996

His name was callede Gyllamour, 6996

Anselott named hym Partanope.

Anselot naymyde hym Partonope.

And in this wyse Crystened was he,

In þis wyse crystende was he,

As syker as detħ wytħ-outen nay.

As sekere as dethe, with-out nay.

At Albigis they rest hem aɫɫ day. 7000

At Abbygis þey reste hym aɫɫ day 7000

Whenne even come, they went to rest;

When evyn) come þey went to reste;

Anselott thougħ[t] hyt was the best.

Anselot þought it was the beste.

Whan) Partanope hym a-slepe wyst,

When Partonope hym aslepe wyste,

Alle softely hym-self vp ryst, 7004

Aɫɫ softly hym-selfe vp ryste, 7004

¹And to his hakeney streygħt he went.

¹And to his hakeney streight he wente.

Hys sadyɫɫ, hys brydeɫɫ in hond he hent. [¹ leaf 53]

His sadiɫɫ, his brydiɫɫ in honde he hente. [¹ leaf 49, back]

His hakeney he made redy in hast,

His hakeney he m ad redy in haste

PARTONOPE.

T

274With moche wo, and atte laste Vpon his hakeney porely he lepe, And lefte Anselote, his man, a-slepe. In haste forþe rideþ þis Partonope, And in his hert þis þought he : “I haue leuer hym þus be scape, Then oþer lyon), bere, or ape In the forest shuld him devoure. To purchase my deþe I shaɫɫ labour.” In-to þe forest he takeþe þe wey. But Anselote anoone as it was day, Gan buske faste oute of his bedde, And toward his maister he hym spedde. But when he founde his maister go : “Allas,” he seide, “what shall I do? My maister now hath be-trayed me. [What is þi cause, Partonope ?] What is þi cause of my deserte ? But now I wote wele þe peynes smert Of deþe in shorte tyme I mote fele. But forsoþe, now wote I wele Ye brought me hidder for þis fyne

On awaking Anselot finds his master is gone.

7008

7012

7016

7020

7024

7028

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Wytħ moche wo, and at the last 7008

With moche wo, and at the laste 7008

Vpon) his hakeney poorly he leepe,

Vppon) his hakeney preuely he lepe

And left Anselotte, his mane, a-slepe.

And lefte Anselot feste on slepe.

In hast rydetħ fortħ this Partanope,

In haste rydyth furthe Partonope

And in his hert thus thogħt he : 7012

And in his hert þis þought he : 7012

“I had lever hym thus be scape,

“I haue leuer þis to skape,

Than) other lyon), bere, or ape,

Thene oþer lyon, bere, ore ape,

In the forest shuld hym) devoure.

In þe foreste shulde hym devoure.

To purchese my detħ I woɫɫ laboure.”

To porchase my deth I wiɫɫ laboure.”

In-to the forest he taketħ his way. 7017

Into þe foreste he toke þe wey. 7017

But Anselot anon) as hit was day,

But Anselot anone as it was day,

Ganne buske fast oute of his bedde,

Gan buske faste out of his bede,

And toward his mayster he hym) sped.

And towarde his maister he hym spede.

But whan) he fonde his mayster go : 7021

When) he fonde his maister goo : 7021

“Allas,” he sayd, “What shaɫɫ I do ?

“Allas,” he seyde, “what shaɫɫ I do ?

My Mayster now hatħ be-trayd me.

My maister nowe hathe be-trayede me.

What ys thi cause Partanope ? 7024

What is þy cause, Partonope ? 7024

What ys thy cause of my deserte ?

What is þe cause of my deserte ?

But now I wote wele the paynes smert

But nowe I wot weɫɫ þe paynes smerte

Of detħ in short tyme I mote feele.

Of dethe in short tyme I moste fele.

But for sotħ, now wote I wele 7028

But for sothe, nowe wot I weɫɫ 7028

Ye brought me hedyr for this fyne

Ye brought me heþer for this fyne

7016. Laboure] hole in vellum for ou.

7023. Hole in vellum for me.

275My god to forsake, Apollyne. O þis is a coynte pilgremage, For I haue forsake in þis vyage My god for þi love, Partonope,* And yelde me a eristen man to be, And greed me fully to þin acorde. But now haue I noþer frende ne lorde; For to my frendes wole I neuer drawe, I haue forsaken now myn owne lawe. But I ne reche; for I wole go There as I shaɫɫ dey also. [leaf.89, back] But yete I wote, Partonope, * The cause why þat þou lettest me In þis wise oute of youre company, For I shuld now with you dey, Ne þat I shuld not into þe forest Yow folowe lest some wilde best In your seruice shuld me sle. For wele I wote that truly ye For me now wepe fuɫɫ tendirly. And in þe same wise mote I

7033, 7041. MS. patronope.

7032

7036

7040

7044

7048

He laments the desertion of his god, and will, in his despair, also seek death.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

My god to forsake, Apollyne.

My god to forsake, Appolyne.

O this ys a queynt pylgrymage,

O þis is a quent pilgremage,

For I haue for-sake in this vyage 7032

For I haue for-sake in þis vyage 7032

My god for thy loue, Partanope,

My god for þy loue, Partonope

And yolde me of treson) a Crysten) man) to be, 7034

And yelde me a crystyn man to be,

A[nd] greed me fully to thynne a-corde

And gyrde me fully to þyne acorde.

But now haue I nether frend ne lord,

Nowe haue I noþer frende ne lorde.

For to my frendys woɫɫ 1 nevir draw,

To my frendes wiɫɫ I neuer drawe, 7037

I haue for-sake now myn) owne lord and law.

I haue for-sake myne owne lawe.

But I ne recche; for I woɫɫ go

But I ne ryche, for I wiɫɫ goo

Ther as I shaɫɫ dey also. 7040

Ther as I shaɫɫ dye also. 7040

But yet I wote, Partanope,

But yet I wot, Partonope,

The cause why that [thou] leftest me

The cause why þou lettyste me

In this wyse oute of youre Company,

In þis wyse out of þy company.

[Catch-word : for I shulde nowe.]

¹For I shuld now wytħ yow dye 7044

Ned that I shulld noo in-to the forest [¹ leaf 53, back]

Yow folow lest Som) wyld best

In youre Servyce shuld me sle.

For wele I wote truly that ye 7048

For me now wepe fuɫɫ tendyrly,

And in the same wyse mote I

7044. MS. adds wych before wytħ.

276Wepe and sorowe for you, my lorde, And hastely dey be oone acorde.”  And with this þinkyng on liors he lepe.  He thought he wolde take good kepe Off þe stappes of his maister[s] palfray, To holde after hym þe streight wey In hope he shuld hym ouertake. What shuld I here sermone make ? Forþe he priketh vpon his hakeney As longe as euer lasted þe day, Tiɫɫ vpon hym feɫɫ þe derke nyght. And þen anoone he loste þe sight Of his maysters horse steppyng, And þen anoone he feɫɫ on wepyng, For he myght not overtake His maister; and firþermore to make Of his sorowe and of his wo, Aɫɫ þat mater now let I go. Fer here-after I shaɫɫ you lere Of his aventures and ye lust heere. For now fully I purpose me To teɫɫ you forþe of Partonope.*  Forthe now rideþ þis Partonope*  Into þe forest þat neuer he Spareth to ryde, day ne nyght, Tiɫɫ he passe knowleche and sight Of aɫɫ his frendes, more and lasse.

7072, 7073. MS. patronope.

He follows all day the track of Partonope’s horse, but loses it at nightfall.

The Author will narrate his adventures later on.

Partonope rides forth, day and night, till he is alone in the wilderness.

7052

7056

7060

7064

7068

7072

7076

Univ. Coll. MS.

Wepe and sorow for yow my lord,

And than) a-non)he fyll on) weping,7064

And hastely dye be one accord.” 7052

For he mygħt nogħt ouer-take

ANd wytħ þis tenking on) hors he A lepe.

Hys mayster; and furthermore to make

Of his sorow and of his who,

He thought he had take good kepe

Alle that mayster now late I go, 7068

Of the stappes of his maysters palfrey,

For her-after I shaɫɫ yow leere

To hold after hym the streygħt way

Of hys aventures and ye lust here.

In hope he shuld hym) ouer-take. 7057

For now folly I purpose me

What shuld I here longe sermon) make ?

To teɫɫ yow fortħ of Partanope. 7072

Fortħ he pryketħ vpon) his hakeney

FOrth now rydetħ this Partanope

As long ouer lasted the day, 7060

In-to the forest that never he

Tyɫɫ vp-on) hym self derke nyght,

Sparytħ to ryde, day ne nygħt,

And than) a-non) he lost the sygħt

Tyɫɫ he past knowlecħ and sygħt 7076

Of his maystres hors stepping,

Of alle hys frendys, more and lasse.

277Now is he allone in þe wildernesse Amonge wyuerse and serpentes. [leaf 90] With-oute craft * of experymentes He passed hem aɫɫ with-outen diseace. Lo ! so gan fortune with-outen leace Gyde a man right as hir luste, For his comyng into þe forest Was amonge the serpentes to dey; Yite was þere noone ones caste hir Eye On hym in malyce harme to bede. Thus þis lorde þrough hem yede; Yite þere to dey he hadde made covenaunt. And forþe he rideth even to þe haunte Where lyons and beres hadde her dwellyng. There he thought was good a-bydyng Tiɫɫ fortune wolde shape hym to dey. He loked a-syde, and did espie Where stode an holowe for-growen tree; And of his hors right þere alight he. He lete bis hors go where hym luste. That nyght he þought þere to Reste. As a thing þat were for-lete The hors yode forthe; for vnder his fete Henge his brydeɫɫ ygilte fuɫɫ bright. Tbe day gan passe, it drowe to nyght. Thus nyght gan come, and day goon passe.

7080. craft] MS. crist.

7080

7084

7088

7092

7096

7100

The animals do him no harm.

He seeks a shelter for the night in the hollow of a tree, letting his horse go free.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Now ys he allone in the wyldernesse

There he thougħt was goode a-byding

Amonge wyuerse and serpentes.

Tyɫɫ fortune wold schape hym) to dey.

Wytħ-oute Craft of experymentes 7080

He loked a-syde, and dyd aspye 7094

He passed hem aɫɫ wytħ-oute dyssese.

Where stode an holow for-growen) tre;

Lo ! So gan) fortune wytħ-outen) lese

Gyde a man) ryght as her lust, [leaf 54]

And of hys hors rygħt there alygħt he. 7096

For he Comyng in-to the forest 7084

Was a-monge the Serpentes to dye;

He left his hors to where hym) lust,

Yet was there none ons cast her ey

That nygħt he thougħ[t] there to rest.

On) hym) in Malece harme to bede.

Asa thing that where for-lete 7099

Thus this lorde throgħ hem) yode; 7088

The hors yond fortħ; for vndyr feete

Yt there to dye he had made covenaunt.

Hing hys brydeɫɫ I-gylt fuɫɫ brygħt.

And fortħ he rydetħ euen) to the haunt

The day gan) passe, hit drow to nygħt,

Where lyouns and beres had her dewlling,

Thus nygħt dyd come, and gan) passe.

278Overe a launde þat highe with grasse Was growe, he sighe a lyon) came lepyng. He was lene and large and fierse in lokyng, Of flesshe he semed pore and megre. To take his pray he was fuɫɫ Egre. He had espied Partonope’s * palfray; He þought no firþer to seke his pray. Toward the palfray he hyed faste The hors espied hym and was agaste, And faste for feere a-wey gan fle. This lyon) fiersly after hym did hye, And ouere-toke hym, and þat anoone, That flesshe and skyn of his hokebone With his pawe he did arace. The hors þerwith, as God yave grace, [leaf 90, back] With his hynder-fete at hym lete flyen, And clevyd his for-hede be-twene þe Eyen. He smote þe lyon) with aɫɫ his myght. The lyon þerwith loste his sight Of þe horse, with-outen nay.

7109. MS. patronopes.

A hungry lion rushes at the horse, and wounds it, but is kicked to death.

7104

7103

7112

7116

7120

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Ouer a launde that hygħt wytħ garsse

Was grow, he sygħt a lyon) come lepyng. 7105

He was lene and large and feerse in loking,

Of flescħ he seemed poore and megre.

To take his pray he was fuɫɫ egre. 7108

He had espied Partonpes palfray;

He thogħt no ferther to seke hys pray.

Toward the Palfrey he hyed fast,

The hors aspyed hym) and was a-gast,

And fast for fere a-wey gan) fle. 7113

This lyon) feersly after hym did hye,

And ouer-toke hym) and that a-non),

That flescħ and skyn) of hys hokebon)

Wytħ his pawe dyd arace. 7117

The hors there-wytħ, as God yaf grace,

Wytħ hys hynder-feete at hym) lete flyen),

And cleuyd hys forhed to-tw[e]ne þe yen). [¹ leaf 54, back] 7120

He smote the lyon) wytħ aɫɫ his mygħt.

¹ He smote þe lyon with aɫɫ his myght.

¹ The lyon) ther-wytħ lost his sygħt

The lyon þer-with loste his sight 7122

Of the hors, wytħouten naye.

Of the hors, with-out nay. [^l leaf 50]

279And he with this grete affray Ganne faste to ney and eke to renne, As thoughe his tayle had bene to brenne. Through thick and thyn he hyed hym faste, Tiɫɫ aɫɫ þe fforest he was paste, And come vnto the see- * stronde. He myght no firþer for lak of lande. Vpon þe seeside was aɫɫ nyght trottyng This ilke hors, and aɫɫ-wey neehing. The moone on hevyn sate fuɫɫ hye. Then was no Cloude vpon þe skye Encombred of wyude ne of derkenesse, That letted any poynte of his brightnesse. So gay he sate on his speere That aɫɫ þe welkyn of hym was clere; And aɫɫ þe contree, with-outen nay, Was as light as it had ben day. Soft and easy was eke þe see. A man myght right wele here and se Ferre on þe see and eke on londe.

7129. see] MS. seide.

7124

7128

7132

7136

7140

The horse flees neighing to the st-a-shore, and trots about there all the night through.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

And he wytħ this grete affray 7124

And he with þis grete affray 7124

Ganne fast to neye and eke to renne,

Gan faste to nye and eke to rynne

As thogħ his tayle had bene to brenne.

As þougħ his taiɫɫ hade be to brynne.

Throgħ thykke and thyn) he hyed hym) fast,

Thorwe thyke and thyn he hyede faste,

Tyɫɫ aɫɫ the forest he was past, 7128

Tiɫɫ aɫɫ þe foreste he was paste, 7128

And come vn-to the sey-strond^ι.

And come vnto þe se-stronde.

He myght no leng go further for lak of lond.

He myght no forþer for lake of londe.

Vpon) this see-syde aɫɫ nygħt was trottyng

On þe se-syde aɫɫ is he trottynge

This ilke hors, and alway neyng. 7132

This ilke hors, and allwey nyeynge.

The mone on) heven) sate fuɫɫ hye.

The mone in heuyn sat fuɫɫ hye. 7133

Ther was no Cloude vpon) the Skye

Ther was no clouthe vppon þe skye

Encombred of wynde ne of derkenes,

Encomberde with wynde ne derkenes,

That letted ony poynt of hys brygħtnes. 7136

That lettyde ony poynt of his lightnes.

So gay he sate on) his speere

Sa gay he sat in his spere 7137

That aɫɫ the walkyn) of hym was clyere;

That þe wilkyn of hym was clere;

And aɫɫ the Contre, wythouten nay,

And aɫɫ the contre, with-out nay,

Was as lyght as hit had be day. 7140

Was as light as it hade be day. 7140

Softe and easy was eke the see.

Softe and eyse was þe see.

A man) mygħt rygħt wele here and see.

Fere on) the see and eke on) lond^ι.

For on þe se and on þe londe

280Partonopes * hakeney vpon þe stronde Evyr was neyng to and to. And vpon þe see it happened so A shippe þer was be ankyr ryding. After wynde and tide was his abyding. So calme at þat tyme was þe see No firþer sayle þen myght he.* In this shi p ¯ p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq83.tif"/> a mayde þer was, A fayrere, a semelier no-where nas, The worlde to seke rounde a-boute. Therto she was, with-outen doute, Right curteise and þerto fre; And of þis shippe chief lady was she. Of hir was mervaylle be God a-bove; [leaf 91] She couþe neuer haue Ioy in love. For of hir love was neuer man sure; Ne paramours loved hir no creature. This horse I spake of, euer was neyng; And þerto so gretely reboundyng It made vpon the see so cliere.

7144. MS. patronopes.

7150. he] MS. theye.

A ship happens to be anchored thereby.

It belongs to a fair maiden.

She hears a horse neighing.

7144

7148

7152

7156

7160

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

And vpon) the strond Partanopes hakeney stond, 7144

Partonope hakeny on þe stronde 7144

Euer was neyghyng to and to.

Euer was nyeynge to and to.

And vpon) the see hyt happyd so

And vppon þe se it happyde soo

A Shy p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq84.tif"/> there was be anker rydyng.

A shipe þer was vppon) þe se by ankir rydynge. 7147

After wynde and tyde was hys abydyng. 7148

After wynde and tyde was his abydynge.

So calme at that tyme was the see,

So calme it was vppon þe see

No ferther sayle than) mygħt he.

No forþer saiɫɫ mygħt he.

In this Ship a mayde ther was,

In þis ship a mayde þer was 7151

A fayrer, a semeliere no-where nas, 7152

A fayrere, a symlyere no-where nas,

The world to seeke rounde a-boute.

The worlde to seke rounde aboute.

Ther-to sche was, wythouten) doute,

There-to she was with-out doute,

Rygħt Curteys and ther-to fre;

Ryght courteyse and þer-to fre;

And of this Shipp ehyef lady was She.

Of þis shipe chyf lady was she. 7156

Of her was mervayle be God a-boue :

Of hir was merveɫɫ be God aboue :

She cowde neuer haue Ioy in love. 7158

She couthe neuer haue Ioye of loue.

For of her love was neuer man) sure,

Of hir loue was neuer man) sure

Ne paramors loved her no creature. 7160

Ne paramour louyde here neuer creature. 7160

¹ This horse I spake of, was euer neyng,

This hors I spake of, was euer nyeynge

And ther-to so gretly reboundyng

And þer-to gretly reboundynge [leaf 50, back]

Hit made vpon) this see So cliere [¹leaf 55]

Hit made on þe se so clere.

281“Peace,” seide þis lady, “me þinketh I here An horse ney now; how sey ye ?” And with þat worde aɫɫ hir meany Stiɫɫ they stode aɫɫ wisely to here, And first of aɫɫ ansvverd a marynere.  MAroke was his name, I hote.  Of blew of Ypres was his cote. White-heered he was and wele in * age, In his crafte wise, and of dyuers langage. He couþe Enoughe, it nedid not hym to lere. And þen he seide: “Me thinketh þat I here An horse ney, and þat ferre henne. Me thinketh it shuld he in Arderne, The grete deserte pat on pis see- Coste is; for it myght wele he Some man for grete hevynesse Is drawe to þat wildernesse, Or elles some shi p ¯ p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq85.tif"/> on þe see With Tempest perisshed; so myght it he Some þer-of now had his lyfe,

7171. wele in] MS. in wele.

7164

7168

7172

7176

7180

A sailor, named Maruk, suggests that the horse and its owner have been lost in the Ardennes, and proposes to go ashore.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

“Pease,” sayd this lady, “me thenketħ I here 7164

“Pese,” seyde þis lady, “me thynke I here 7164

An horse ney now; how sey ye ?”

An hors ney nowe; howe sey ye ?”

And wytħ that word aɫɫ her meyne

With þat worde aɫɫ her mayne

Styɫɫ they stode aɫɫ wysely to here,

Stiɫɫ stode wysly to here,

And fyrst of aɫɫ answerd a marynere

Fyrste of aɫɫ answerde a marenere.

MArok was his name, I hote, 7169

Marroke was his name I hote. 7169

Of blew of Ipres was hys cote.

Of blewe of Iprys was his cote.

White-hered he was and in wele in age,

Whyte herede he was and weɫɫ in age,

In his crafte wyse, and of dyuerse langage 7172

In his Craft wyse, and of dyuerse langage 7172

He coude Inogħ, hyt nedyd hym) not to lere.

He couthe I-nougħ it nedyth not hym to lere.

And than) he sayd: “Me thenketh that I here

Then) he seyde: “Me thynketh þat I here

An) hors ney, and that ferre henne.

Ane hors nye, and þat ferre henne

Me Thynketħ hyt shuld be in Ardern),

Me thynke it shulde be in Arderne,

The grete deserte that on) the see- 7177

The grete dysserte þat on þe see- 7177

Cost ys; ffor hit nygħt weɫɫ be

Coste is; for it myght weɫɫ be

Som) man) for grete hevynesse,

Som man) for grete heuynesse

Ys drawe to þat wildernesse, 7180

Or elles som) Shypp on) the see

Ore elles shipus on the see

Wytħ tempest peryschid, So mygħt hit be

With tempeste perisshede, myght be

Som) ther-of had now hys lyfe,

Som þer-of hade nowe his lyfe,

282Be grace þe wawes myght hym dryve And eke his horse vpon þe stronde, And bryng boþe safe to lande. If my felawes þat here in be What þing it is lust * forto se, Into þe bote streight wole we gone. The trouþe we wiɫɫ know right anoone.”  “LOrde mercy” seide pis lady bright,  “Perilous it were þis in þe nyght

7188. MS. adds is after lust.

The lady first thinks it is too dangerous, but hearing that Maruk has the power of enchanting the wild animals, she is pleased to follow.

7184

7188

7192

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Be grace the wawes mygħt hym) dryve,

Be grace þe wavys myght hym dryve,

And eke hys hors, vpon) the strond,

And eke his hors, on þe stronde, 7185

And bryng botħ safe to lond. 7186

And brynge bothe safe to londe.

Yf my felaws that here in be,

Yef my felowys þat here in be,

What thynk hit ys lust for to see, 7188

What thynge it is lyste for to see, 7188

In-to the bothe streytħ woɫɫ we gone.

Into þe bote streight wiɫɫ we gon).

The troutħ we wyɫɫ know rygħt anone,

The trouth we wiɫɫ knowe anone.”

For hit to know ys not impossible.”

“LOrde mercy” sayde this lady bryght,

¶”Lorde mercy,” seyde þis lady bright.

“Perlous hit were thedyr in the “nygħt

“Perlus it were in the nygħt 7192

Univ. Coll. MS.

To go I-wysse, ye shuɫɫd never escape

Fro berys, lyons and fro malicious ape,

So wode, so feerse on) yow shuld be,

On) lyve from) hym) neuer passe shuld ye.”—

7196

“Madame,” sayde this goode marinere,

“And yow lyst to se dragon) or bere,

The lyon), tygre, or the wyld ape,

I dare welle say ye shaɫɫ weɫ escape [leaf 55, back]

7200

From) hem) wyth-oute bodely harme.

For truly, madame, I can) a charme,

That none of hem) shaɫɫ no powere haue

Ones to move or stere, So God me save.

7204

 7193–7243. lacuna in Brit. Mus. MS.

Rawl. MS.

To go deþer, ye shulde neuer skape;

The lyon, teger, ore þe wilde ape,

For beris, lyons, and malyciouse ape

I dare weɫɫ sey ye shaɫɫ weɫɫ eskape

So wode, so fers on you shuɫɫ be, 7195

Fro hem with-out bodely harme. 7201

O n) lyue fro hem neuer passe shaɫɫ ye.”—

For truly, madam, I can) a charme

“Madam,” seyde þis good marener,

That none of hem shaɫɫ no poure haue

“And ye lyste to se dragon ore bere,

You to greue, so God me saue. 7204

283For thogħ we dwelled * there a yere, Ther shuld neyther lyon), ape ne bere So hardy ones [be] vs to assayɫɫ.” Than) sayd this lady : “Wytħouten) fayle Wytħ yow I woɫɫ go now therfor, And namely whan) they shaɫɫ be so tame, Hem to behold hit were a good game.” Marok sayd : “I shaɫɫ you shew Merva[y]les many, and not few, Of lyons, apes, and eke berys, Dragons, olifauntez, and gwy[v]ers, Beres,* wolfes, and eke Serpentes, And shaɫɫ I wytħ myn) experymentz Make hem) be-fore * yow for fere quake. And whan) me lust I [shall] hem) make Ryse and walke where-euer hem) last, Thorw the forest were hem) lyketħ best.” Than) sayd the lady, “Wythouten) lye, This ys a passyng fayre maystre. Haue,” she sayd, “the bote a-non) Oute of the Shippe, for I wyɫɫ gone Streyght in-to this wylld forest To se aɫɫ mervelous bestes.” Oute of the Shipe gotħ the bothe a-non) The lady and her meynee in gone, As many as She mygħt weɫɫ trust Of hem) that cowde row best.

7205. MS. dewlled.

7216. MS. Bores.

7218. fore] MS. from.

7208

7212

7216

7220

7224

7228

Maruk will make the wild beasts quake before her.

They row to the strand, but do not see anybody-there.

Rawl. MS.

¹ For þougħ we dwellyde here a yere

And when me lyste I shaɫɫ make

Ther shaɫɫ noþer lyon, ape ne bere

Ryse and walke where hem lyste 7220

So hardy be vs to assaiɫɫ.” [^l leaf 51]

In þe foreste, where hem lyke beste.”

Then) seyde þis lady : “With-out fayɫɫ,

Then seyde þe lady : “With-out lye,

With you I wiɫɫ go þerfore, 7209

This is a passynge fayre maystrye.

Namly when) þey be so tame.

Haue,” she seyde, “þe bote anone 7224

Hem) to be-holde it were good game.”

Of þe shipe, for I wiɫɫ gon)

Marroke seyde : “I shaɫɫ you shewe

Streight in-to þe foreste

Mervelus many, and not a fewe, 7213

To se aɫɫ mervelus beste.”

Of lyons, apis, and eke beris,

Out gothe the bote anone. 7228

Dragouns, olyfauntes, eke gwuers,

The lady and hir meyne In gon,

Beris, wolfes, and eke serpentes, 7216

As many as she myght weɫɫ truste

And I shaɫɫ with myne experimentes

Of hem þat couthe rowe beste.

Make hem be-fore you to quake.

284Now fast Rowe they ouer the strond, They sesyd neuer tyɫɫ they come to lond. Whan) they on) the lond a-ryved were, They Cowde not fynde certayn) ne heere Neyther horse ne man) ne other Creature, Of here desyre were they not sure. The lady sayd :“What may this be? No-thyng that lyfe beretħan) we not se.” [leaf 56] Ther-wytħ she comaundetħ ryght a -non) Certeyn) of her meyne for to gone Ayen) to Shi p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq86.tif"/> her mule to fette, And this was do wytħ-outen lette.

The lady’s mule is fetched, and they enter the forest.

7232

7236

7240

Rawl. MS.

Nowe faste rowe ower þe stronde, 7232

This lady seyde : “What may þis be ?

They secede neuer tiɫɫ þey come to londe.

Noþynge þat lyfe beryth can I not see.”

“When þey on londe aryuede were,

There-with she comondyth anone 7240

They coutlie not fynde serten ne where

Serten) of her men to gon)

Ayen to ship hir mvle to fette,

Noþer hors ne man ne oþer creture 7236

And þis was don without lette.

British Museum MS.

Maruk did his enchauntementes.*

7244

Anoone the dragons and þe serpentes

And aɫɫ oþere bestes, with-outen nay,

With his Charme did so affray, [leaf 91, back]

They myght not stirre, they couþe no good.

7248

Maruk anoone did entere þe wode.

Maruk charms the animals, so ihat they have no power to stir.

The mayde hym sewed, and þat anoone,

And aɫɫ: hir meany now euerichone.

Maruk shewed hir grete lyons,

7252

7244. MS. enchamtements.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

MAruk dyd hys inchaungime[n]tes. 7245

Marroke dyde enchantementes 7244

A-none the dragons and serpentes

A-monge þe dragouns and þe serpentes,

And aɫɫ other bestes, wytħ-outen) nay,

¹And aɫɫ oþer bestes without nay,

Which his charme dyd so affray,

With his charme dyde so affray

They mygħt not stere, they Cowde no good. 7243

They myght not stere, þey couth no goode. [¹ leaf 51, back] 7248

Maruk a-non) dyd entre the wode.

Maroke anon) dyde entre þe wode.

The mayde hym Shewed and that a-non),

The mayde hym sewyde and þat anone,

And alle her meyne now euerychone.

And aɫɫ hir meyne euerychone.

Maruk shewed here grete lyouns, 7252

Marroke shewyde hir many lyouns,7252

285Beres, apes, and also gryffouns, Dragons, Wyuers, and eke serpentes, That be crafte of his experimentes Oute of hir place durst not stirre. This yonge lady did neigh hem nere Of hem to be-holde þe manere. Hir herte of hem gan no-þing fere. These bestes they be-helde by and by, And atte laste they did espy Where a lyon) lay newe dede. With blode enbrowded was his hede, And fresshe I-slayne per he lay. And not ferre fro hym the se þe palfray, Sadeled redy, wherof þe arsone Aɫɫ blody was and eke his cropone. Then seide Maruk : “I am certeyn Þis blode is of hym þat hath slayne This ]yon truly with-outen any more; And eke þe man is hurt fuɫɫ sore. And after hym I wole folowe þe trace. And, medame, ye shuɫɫ in þis place Abyde, and we shuɫɫ sew forþ þis blode.”

7256

7260

7264

7268

7272

The wild beasts are subdued.

At last they discover the dead lion and the wounded horse.

To find the man whom they suppose wounded, Maruk follows up the traces of blond, while the lady remains behind.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Berys, apes, and also gryforms,

Beres, apis, and also gryffons,

Dragons, wyuers, and eke serpens,

Dragons, wyuers and also serpentes,

That be craft of hys experymentz

That be crafte of his experimentes

Oute of her place durst not steere, 7256

Out of hir plase durste not stere. 7256

This yong lady dyd neygħt hem) nere

This yonge lady dyde nygħ hem nere

Of hem to behold the manere.

Of hem to be-holde þe manere

Her hert of hem gan) no-thing feere.

Here hert of hem couthe nothynge fere.

These bestes they beheeld by and by,

This bestes þey be-helde by and by, 7260

And at the last they dyd asspye 7261

And at þe laste þey dyde asspye

Where a lyon) lay new dede.

Where a lyon) lay nye dede,

Wytħ blode enbroweded his hede,

With. blode enbrowderde was his hede,

And fresh I-slayn) there he lay. 7264

Fresshe slayne þer he lay, 7264

And not ferre fro hem) the seygħ the palfray,

Not ferre fro hym þey sigħ be palfrey,

Sadeled redy, where-of the arson)

Sadillede redy, where-of þe arson,

Aɫɫ blody was and eke hys Crowpon),

Aɫɫ blody was and eke þe cropon. 7267

Than) seyd Maruk : “I am certayn)

Then seyde Marroke: “I am serten)

This blode ys of hym) that hatħ slayn)

This blode is of hym þat hathe slayne

This lyoun) truly wytħouten) more;

This lyon) truly with-out more

And eke the man) ys hurt fuɫɫ sore.

And eke þe man is hurt fuɫɫ sore.

And after hym I woɫɫ folow the trace.

After hym I wiɫɫ folowe þe trase. 7272

And, madame, ye shuɫɫ in this place

A-byde, and we shuɫɫ sew forth this blode.” 7274

And, madam, ye shaɫɫ in þis place

Abyde, and we shaɫɫ sewe þis blode.”

286Partonope þen in þe holow tre stode Hem be-holdyng þere faste by. This lady he be-held witterly; And when he hadde hir longe be-holde, His herte gan within hym colde, And þerwith he siked fuɫɫ piteously. This lady þat stode hym faste by, In hir herte þought she than The sighe trully was of a man. And softely she hym come nere. And what for hastynesse and for feere His hede downe on his breste he caste. [leaf 92] Of hym somwhat she was agaste. With hir his visage was ouergrowe, And he was fuɫɫ pale of hewe. This Coloure were þey * þat love trewe, Yite was he of bones large and longe, Feble, megre, and no-þing stronge. Atte laste of hym she had a sight, And pen she thought: “Be God aɫɫmyght, This man thinketh hym-self for-do,

7290. þey] MS. þere.

Partonope sees the lady, and sighs heavily.

The lady approaches him, though frightened at his appearance.

7276

7280

7284

7288

7292

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Partanope in the holow tre stode

Partonope in þe holowe tre stode

Hem be-holdyng there fast by. 7276

Hem be-holdynge þer faste by. 7276

This lady he be-heeld wytterly.

This lady he be-helde wyterly,

¹And whan) he had her long beholde, [^l leaf 56, back]

When) he hade hir longe be-holde,

Hys hert wytħ-in hym) gan) to cold,

His hert with-in hym gan) to colde.

And ther-w[i]tħ he syked peteusly.

There-with. he sighede petuously.

This lady that stode hym) fast by, 7281

This lady þat stode hym faste by, 7281

In [hir] hert thogħt She thanne

In hir hert þought she þen

The sygħt truly was of a man).

The sigħe truly was of a man),

And softely She hym come nere. 7284

And softely she come hym nere. 7284

And what for hastynes and for fere

What for hastynes for fere

His heede doune on) hys brest he cast.

His hede downe on his breste he caste

Of hym somwhat She was a-gast.

Of hym somwhat she was agaste. fieaf 52]

Wytħ here his vysage was ouer-grow,

With hir his vesage was ouer-growe,

And he was fuɫɫ pale of hew. 7289

And he was fuɫɫ pale of hewe 7289

This coloure were they that love trew,

This . . loure where þat þey loue trewe.

Yet was he of bones large and longe,

Yet was he of bonys longe 7291

Feble, megre, and no-thing strong. 7292

Febiɫɫ, megre and nothynge stronge.

At the last of hym) She had a sygħt,

At þe laste of hym she hade a sigħt

And than) She thougħt: “Be God almygħt,

Then) she þought: “Be God almygħt,

This man) thenketħ hym)-self for-doo,

This man) thynkyth hym for-do,

287Some Caytif loste for care and wo. My ffrende,” she seide, “God þe se.” To hir no worde speke wolde he. A lyteɫɫ hyer þen spake she : “Aɫɫ-myghty God now save the.” And þerwith he helde his hede an hye. “And you also,” he seide, “fayre lady.”— “Sir,” she seide, “for þe lordes love, That aɫɫ þing maketh and sitteth a-bove, Teɫɫ me what is thy besynesse, And what is cause of þi destresse, And why þou arte so megre and pale, And of pi woo vnbocle pi male, And teɫɫ me aɫɫ the verey troupe. Me thinketh of þe is grete rouþe.” “LAdy,” seide þis Partonope,* “I cry you mercy, let me be, And lette be aɫɫ your conluryng For here euer shaɫɫ be myn abyding. Gothe hens, and lete me stiɫɫ be, Tiɫɫ some beste haue devoured me.”

7311. MS. patronope.

7296

7300

7304

7308

7312

7316

She speaks to him, and asks him the reason why he looks so miserable.

Partonope desires her to leave him; for he wishes that some wild beast may devour him.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Som) caytyfe lost for care and woo. 7296

Som caytyfe loste for care and wo. 7296

My frend,” She sayde, “God the see.”

My frende,” she seyde, “God þe see.”

To her no word speke wold he.

To hir no worde speke wolde he.

A lytyɫɫ heygħer than) spake She :

A lytill heighere þen spake she :

“Aɫɫ-mygħty God now save thee.” 7300

“Almyghty God nowe saue þe.” 7300

And there-wytħ he held he hed on) hye.

Ther-with he helde his hede on hye.

“And yow aɫɫso,” he sayd, “fayre lady.”— [¹leat’57]

“And you also,” he seyde, “fayre lady.”—

“Syr,” she sayd, “for the lordes love,

“Sir,” she seyde, “for þe lordes loue

That aɫɫ thyng maketħ and syttetħ above, ‘ 7304

That aɫɫ thynge made and syttyth above, 7304

Tylle me what his thynne hevynes,

Teɫɫ me þyne heuynes,

And what ys cause of they destresse,

And what is cause of þy dysstres

And why thou art So megre and pale,

And why þou are so megre and pale,

And of they wo vnbocle thy male, 7308

And of þy wo vnbocle þy male, 7308

And teɫɫ me aɫɫ the verry troug[t]ħ.

And teɫɫ me aɫɫ the trouthe.

Me thenketħ of thee ys grete routhe.”

Me thynke of þe is grete routhe.”

“LAdy,” sayd thys Partanope,

¶ “Lady,” seyde þis Partonope,

“I crye yow mercy, late me be,

“I crye you mercy, let me be, 7312

And late be aɫɫ your coniuryng, 7313

And let be youre coniorynge,

For here euer Shaɫɫ be myn) abydyng.

For here shaɫɫ be myn abydynge.

Gotħ hens and late me styɫɫ be,

Gothe hens, and let me stiɫɫ be,

¹Tyl som) Best haue devoured be me.”

Tiɫɫ som beste haue devourede me.

7308. MS. apparently vnboole.

288Grete pite hadde þis lady bright. Downe of hir Mule she alight, On fote þerwith to hym she came, And of his ehere grete hede * she name. And when she hadde of hym take kepe, For verey pite she gan to wepe, And þen she seide : “For Goddis love, haue mercy On þi-self, and now teɫɫ me why Thou arte here, and what disese [leaf 92, back] Is to þe falle; for yite some eace Such cause myght be I may þe do.”— “Wolde God,” seide he, “ye wolde now go Forþe your wey, and let me be. In shorte tyme God wole send me More diseace þen I haue yite. For I haue wele deserved * it. Of foule and Evyɫɫ deþe to dey I haue deserved, and þerfore I Desyre in no wise to haue com forte, Ne to myn eace neuer make resorte. Dethe I seke myght I hym fynde.

7320. MS. hete.

7332. MS. derserved.

The lady in great pity alights, and implores him to disclose his woe.

Partonope wants no consolation.

He has deserved death.

7320

7324

7328

7332

7336

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Grete petee had this lady brygħt. 7317

Grete pete hade þis lady bright 7317

Doune of her mule anon) She lygħt,

Downe of here mvle anone she ligħt,

On) foote ther-wytħ to hym) She come,

On foote þer-with to hym she come,

And of hys cheere grete kepe She nome.

And of his chere grete kepe nome. 7320

And whan) She had of hym) take kepe,

When she hade of hym take kepe,

For verray pyte She gan) to wepe, 7322

For verry pete she gan to wepe.

And than) She sayd: “For Goddes love, haue mercy

Then she seyde : “For Goddes loue, mercy

On) they-self, and now teɫɫ me why

On) þy-sylfe and teɫɫ me why 7324

Thow art here, and what dyssese 7325

Thou art here, and what dysseyse

Ys to the faɫɫ; for yet som) ease

¹ Ys to þe faɫɫ; for yet som eyse

Sucħ cause mygħt be I may the do.”—

Soyche case myght be I may þe do.”—

“Wold God,”sayd he, “ye wold now go

“Wolde God,” seyde he, “ye wolde goo [¹leaf 52, back]

Fortħ youre way, and lat me be. 7329

Furthe your wey, and let me be. 7329

In Short tyme God wold send me

In shorte tyme God sende wiɫɫ me

More dyssese than) I haue yet.

More dysseyse þen I haue yet.

For I haue welle deserved yt. 7332

For I haue weɫɫ deseruyde it, 7332

Of foule and eueɫɫ detħ to dye

A foule and eviɫɫ dethe to dye;

I haue deserved, and ther-for I

I haue deseruyde it, and þer-fore I

Desyre in no wyse to haue comfort,

Desyre in no wyse to haue comforte,

Ne to myne ease neuer make resort.

Ne to myne eyse neuer make resorte.

Deth I seeke, mygħt I hym) fynde.

Deth I seke, myght hym fynde. 7337

289He wole not seme; I trowe he is blynde. And þerfore, lady, now lete me be. Go forþe your wey, and sew your meany.”— “Nay,” seide þe lady, “þat wole I not do. I wole neuer departe þe fro, Tiɫɫ þi name þou haste tolde me. Then wole I go and let þe be, And right Even as thou lyst. And soone I am syker some wilde beste Shaɫɫ come and devoure the. Fro hem I wote þou mayst not fle.”  “LAdy,” he seide, “right fayre ye be.  But wote I neuer where þat ye Be wife or mayden, with-outen doute, But be þe meany þat is you a-boute, Me thinketh of grete and highe degre Be resone borne shuld ye be. And ye a wonder occupac[i]on) haue So longe to stonde here be a knave, A broþeɫɫ, an oute-caste fro aɫɫ þing, To holde with such felony.

7340

7344

7348

7352

7356

But the lady will not leave him till he has revealed his name.

Partonope wonders that such a high-born lady will talk to an outcast.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

He wold not se me; I trow he ys blynde.

He wiɫɫ not se me; I trowe he be blynde.

And ther-for, lady, now late me be.

There-fore, lady, nowe let me be

Gotħ fortħ your wey, and shew your melyer.”— 7340

Gothe youre wey and sewe youre meyne.” 7340

‘‘Nay,” sa[y]d the lady, “that woɫɫ I not do.

“Nay,” seyde þe lady, “þat wiɫɫ I not do.

I wolle never departe the fro,

I wyɫɫ neuer departe the fro,

Tyɫɫ they name thow hast told me.

Tiɫɫ þy name þou haste tolde me.

Than) wott I go and late the be, 7344

Then) wiɫɫ I goo and let the be, 7344

And rygħt even) as thow lyst.

And right evyn) as þe lyste.

And sone I am) seker Som) wylde best

And sone I am seker som wilde beste

Shaɫɫ come and devoure the.

Shaɫɫ come and devoure the.

Fro hem I wote thow mayste not fle.”

Fro hem I wot þou maiste not fle.” 7348

“LAdy,” he sayd, “rygħt fayre ye be. 7349

¶ “Lady,” he seyde, “right fayre ye be.

But wot I never where that ye

But wot I neuer where þat ye

Be wyfe or maynden), wytħ-outen) doute,

Be wyfe ore mayde, with doute,

But be the meyne that ys yow a-boute,

But be þe meyne you aboute, 7852

Me thenketħ of grete and hygh degre

Me thynke of grete and highe degre

Be reson) borne shuld ye be. [leaf 57, back]

Be reson) borne shuɫɫ ye be.

And ye a wondyr occupacion) have

And ye a wonder occupasion haue

So long to stond here be a knave, 7356

So longe to stonde be a knave 7356

A brotheɫɫ, an) oute-cast fro aɫɫ thyng,

A brodiɫɫ, an out-caste fro aɫɫ thynge,

To hold wytħ suche felonye.

To holde with soyche a felonye.

PARTONOPE.

U

290I were right worthy forto dey On a rope on a galowe tre. What shuld a lady of your degre With suchone holde any talkyng ? It were more fayre to holde your walkyng. But sith ye list to knowe my name, [leaf 93] Aɫɫ-though to me it be a shame, I shaɫɫ now tell you as it is : A false traytour is my name ywisse. That I be called So is grete skille. Ye mow go walke when ye wiɫɫ, And I neuer þe wiser of your name.” Then answerd þe lady : “Be Seynt Iame, My name I wole þou know wele, And of my kynrede if þou wilt fele: My ffader was an Emperour, Which in his tyme bare þe floure Of knyghthode; also he was right wise. My Suster also is an Emperese, And I a queen, and haue in honde Aɫɫ a kyngdome; and þough I stonde

His name is traitor.

The lady says that her sister is an empress, and that her own name is Urake.

7360

7364

7368

7372

7376

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

I were rygħt worthy for to dye

Ye were right worthy for to dye

On) a rope vndyr a galow tre. 7360

On a rope vnder a galowe tre. 7360

What shuld a lady of your degre

What shulde a lady of youre degre

Wytħ sucħ on hold ony talkyng ?

With soych on holde talkynge ?

Hyt were more fayre to hold your walkyng.

Hit were more feyre to holde your talkynge

But sytħ ye lust to know my name,

But sethe ye lyste to knowe my name

Aɫɫ-thow to me hyt be a shame, 7365

Aɫɫ-þougħ to me it be shame, 7365

I shaɫɫ yow telle now as hyt ys :

I shaɫɫ nowe teɫɫ you as it is : [ leaf 53]

A false traytor ys my name I-wysse.

A false traytur is my name I-wis.

That I be called So ys grete Skylle.

That I be callede so is grete skiɫɫ. 7368

Ye mow go walke whan) ye wylle, 7369

Ye may go walke when ye wiɫɫ,

And I never the wyser of your name.”

And I neuer þe wyser of youre name.”

Than) answerd the lady: “Be Seynt Iame,

Then answerde þe lady: “Be sent Iame,

My name I woɫɫ thow know wele, 7372

My name þou mayste knowe weɫɫ, 7372

And of my kynred yf thow wylt feele.

And of my kenrede yef þou wilt fele :

My fadyr was on) Emperoure,

My fader was an emperoure,

Whicħ in hys tyme bare the floure

Whiche in his tyme bare þe floure

Of kny[g]tħode / also he was rygħt wyse. 7376

Of knyghthode; also he was wyse. 7376

My suster also ys an) empresse,

My syster also is ane emperes,

And I quene, and haue in hond

And I a quene, and haue in honde

Aɫɫ a kyngedome / and thow I stond

Alle a kyngdom; þougħ I stonde

291Here þis porely and speke with þe, Yite wepe fuɫɫ sore þou hast made me. But tresone I hate and it forsake. My Right name forsothe is Wrake.” When he herde so hir name, Ho knew hir wele, and þen for shame His colour chaunged and aɫɫ his hew. His grete sorowe gan to renewe; And þerwith-aɫɫ he wex so mate That to þe grounde he feɫɫ flatte On swone anoone, with-outen more. Wrake þen be-helde hym sore. Within shorte tyme wele knew she That it was Partonope.* In armes she hent hym anoone right, And comforted hym with hir myght. “A lorde,” she seide, “Omnipotent, This man hym-self hath foule shent. Loke vp, loke vp, Partonope! * Where is your ffresshe colour ?” quod she, “Be-come, þat some-tyme was rose Rede,

7393, 7398, MS. patronope.

7380

7384

7388

7392

7396

7400

Partonope recognizes her, and falls in a swoon.

Urake now knovs him, and bids him be cheerful.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Here thus poorly and speke wytħ thee,

Here þus pourely and speke with the

Yet wepe fuɫɫ sore thou) hast made me.

Yet wepe fuɫɫ sore þou haste made me

But treson) I hate and yt for-sake,

But treson I hate and it for-sake. 7382

My rygħt name for sothe ys Vrake.”

My right name for sothe hight Wrake.

Whenne he herd so her name, 7384

When) he herde so here name, 7384

He knew her wele, and than) for shame

He knewe here weɫɫ, and þen for shame

His coloure changed and aɫɫ hys hew.

His coloure changyde and his hewe.

His grete Sorow gan) to renew;

His grete sorwe gan to renewe.

And ther-wyth-aɫɫ he wex so mate 7388

Ther-with-aɫɫ he wex so mate 7388

That the ground he ffyɫɫ flatt

That to þe gronde he fiɫɫ flate

On) swonne a-non), wytħouten) more.

On swone anone, with-out more.

Vrak than) be-heeld hym) sore.

Wrake þen be-helde hym sore.

Wytħ-In Short tyme wele k[n]ew She

With-in short tyme weɫɫ knewe she

That hyt was Partanope. [leaf 58] 7393

That it was Partonope. 7393

In armes She hent hym) anon) rygħt,

In armes she hent hym rigħt,

And comforted hym) wytħ her mygħt.

And comfort hym with hir mygħt.

“A lord,” She sayde, “omnypotent¹,

“A lorde,” she seyde, “omnip[o]-tente,

This man) hym)-self hatħ foule Shent.

This man) hym-Selfe hathe foule shent.

Loke vp, looke vp, Partanope ! 7398

Loke vp, loke vp, Partonope ! 7398

Where ys youre frescħ coloure ?” quod She,

Where is youre freshe coloure ?” seyde she,

“Be-come that was som)-tyme rose rede,

“Be-come, þat was rose rede, 7400

292And now is pale as asshen dede ? Why be your cloþes þus to-tore ? I haue se you in tyme here be-fore [leaf 98, back] Fuɫɫ fresshe arrayed, with-outen drede.” Of aɫɫ hir wordes toke he none hede. Then of his dethe she gan to fere. And þen she cried lowde in his Ere A tale þat shuld be to hym pleasyng. Anoone she forged a fayre lesyng, And þen she seid : “Fayre Partonope,* My lady, my Suster, haþe sent me You to seke fuɫɫ many a myle. But blessed be þilk while That at þis tyme I haue you founde. A-boute Fraunce I haue sought you rounde. She hath wele assayed your trouthe, And of your sorowe now hath she routhe. There feɫɫ forsothe a foule mysschaunce. But now she knoweth your repentaunce And þe sorowe þat ye haue take

7410. MS. patronope.

Fearing he is going to die, she feigns to be sent to find Partonope by her sister, who has pity on his sorrow and has chosen him to be her lord.

7404

7408

7412

7416

7420

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

And now ys pale as asshen) dede ? 7401

And nowe is pale as asshes dede

Why be youre clothes thus to-tore ?

Why bethe youre clothys þus I-tore ?

I haue sey yow here be-fore

I haue sen you in tyme here to-fore

Fuɫɫ fressħ a-rayed, wytħouten) drede.”

Fuɫɫ freshe arayde, with -out drede.”

Of aɫɫ her wordes toke he non) heede.

¹ Of aɫɫ hir wordes toke he none hede.

Than) of hys detħ She gan) to fere. 7406

Then) of his dethe was she in fere. 7406

And than) She cryed lowd in hys ere

Then) she cryede lowde in his ere

A tale that shuld be to hym) plesyng.

A tale þat shulde be to hym plesynge.

A-none She forged a fayre lesyng, 7409

A-none she forgyde a fayre lesynge. 7409

And than) she Sayd: “Fayre Par-tanope,

Then she seyde : “Feyre Par tonope, [¹ leaf 53, back]

My lady, my Suster, hatħ sent me

My lady, my syster, hathe sent me

Yow to seke many a myle. 7412

You to seke many a myle. 7412

But Blyssyd be þylke whyle

But blyssede be þat ilke while

That at thys tyme I haue yow founde.

That at þis tyme I haue you founde.

A-boute Fraunce I haue sougħt yow rounde. 7415

Aboute France I sought you rounde

She hatħ weɫɫ assayed your trouthe,

She hathe weɫɫ asspyede youre trouthe,

And of your sorow now hatħ She routħe.

And of your sorwe hathe grete routhe.

There fylle for sotħ a foule myschaunce

There-fore for sothe a foule myschaunce, 7418

But now she knowetħ your repentaunce

But nowe she knowe th your repenaunce

And the sorow that ye haue take. 7420

And þe sorwe þat ye haue take. 7420

293She hath chosen you to be hir make, Hir love, hir lorde, hir souerayngne. I haue tolde you þe trouþe pleyne. Lette be your wepyng, it is but nyssete. To laughe right grete cause haue ye. Rise vp faste, and come with me. A place I haue, where þat ye Shaɫɫ be kept fuɫɫ pryvely. My susters Castel * is faste by. A-wey þes heeres shaɫɫ be shave. Good mete and drynke ye shaɫɫ haue, And good baþes of herbes swete. Then with my suster shuɫɫ ye mete. Goþe no firþer youre helthe to seche, For my-self shaɫɫ be your leche. And I wole in no wise þat ye Be sene of no creature but me, Of man, ne woman, grome, ne page, Tiɫɫ þe blode in your visage, And fresshe coloure be come ayein,

7429. MS. castels.

7424

7428

7432

7436

7440

She invites him to stay at a castle close by, till he has recovered his strength.

He shall be tended with all care.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

She hatħ Chosyn) yow to her make,

She hathe chose you to be youre make,

Hyr loue, hyr lorde, hyr soverayne.

Hir loue, here lorde, hir souerayne.

I haue told yow the troutħ pleyne,

I haue you tolde þe trouthe playne.

Lete be youre wepyng, hyt ys but nysete. 7424

Let be your wepynge, it is but nysete

To laugħ rigħt grete cause haue ye.

To laugħ right grete cause hathe ye.

Ryse vp fast, and come wytħ me,

Ryse vp faste, and come with me. 7426

A place I haue, where that yee

A place I haue, where þat ye

Shuld be kepet fuɫɫ pryvely. 7428

Shulde be kepte fuɫɫ prevely. 7428

My sustrs casteɫɫ ys fast by,

My syster casteɫɫ is faste by.

A-way thys these herys shaɫɫ be shave.

A-wey þis heres shaɫɫ be shaue

Goode mete and drynk ye shaɫɫ haue,

Good mete and drynke ye shaɫɫ haue,

¹ And good bathes of erbes Sweete. 7432[¹ leaf 58, back]

And good bathis of erbis swete, 7432

Than) wytħ my suster Shul ye mete.

Then with my syster shuɫɫ ye mete.

Goth no ferther youre heltħ to secħ,

Go no forþer youre hele to seche,

For my-seɫɫf Shaɫɫ be youre leche.

For my-selfe shaɫɫ be your leche.

And I woɫɫ in no wyse that yee 7436

I wiɫɫ in no wyse bat ye 7436

Be seyn) of none creature but me,

Be sen) of no creture but me,

Of man), ne woman), grome, ne page,

Of man), ne woman, grome ne page,

Tyɫɫ the blode in-to your vysage,

Tiɫɫ þe blode in-to your vesage

And fressħ coloure be come a-yen, 7440

Of freshe coloure be come ayen), 7440

7427. MS. adds I place after place.

7430. MS. wey or way; shaue written like shame.

294Then wole I aɫɫ folke you sene.”  And with that worde Partonope* [leaf 94]  A dedely Eye on hir caste he, And sodenly from hir his Eye did falle, And pitousely he seide with-aɫɫ, With symple voyce and herte colde, To Wrak he seide : “Þat ye haue tolde, Ware I leve with fuɫɫ entent, That my lady hath hir male-talent Me for-gyven and so vtterly, Sith þat I haue so traytoursly With-oute cause did hir grete shame, And made hir loste hir good name ? Lorde, where she wote, fayre Wrak, That I haue þus moche sorowe make For þe treasone and þe foule falsenesse That I hir did, and þus hir kyndnesse Have I Eviɫɫ quytte ? lorde, where she In any wise couþe haue mercy on me ?”  “Sir,” she seide, “To you to lye,  It were to me grete velany.

7442. patronope.

Partonope cannot believe that his Lady has forgiven him, but Urake assures him that she has spoken the truth.

7444

7448

7452

7456

7460

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Than) I woɫɫ folk yow seen).”

Then) wiɫɫ I aɫɫ folke you sene.”

ANd wytħ that word Partanope

with þat worde Partonope

A dedely ye on) her cast he,

A dedly eye on hir caste he,

And sodenly from) her hys ye dyd faɫɫ,

And sodenly fro hir his eye dyde faɫɫ,

And peteously he sayde wytħ-alle, 7445

And petuosly he seyde with-all, 7445

Wytħ symple voyse and hert cold;

With sympiɫɫ voyse and hert colde,

To Vrak he sayd : “That ye haue told,

¹ To Wrake he seyde:’’ þat I haue tolde,

Dare I leve wytħ fuɫɫ entent 7448

Dare I leue with fuɫɫ entente, 7448

That my lady hatħ hyr maletalent

That my lady hath here malatente

Me for-gyfen) and so vtterly,

Me for-gyfe and so wyterly,

Sytħ that I haue So traytoursly 7451

Sethe þat 1 haue so trayturly

Wytħ-oute cause dyd her grete Shame,

With-out cause dyde hir grete shame,

And made her lost her goode name ?

And made hir lese hir good name. 7453

Lord, where She wete / now fayre Vrak,

Lorde, where she wyte nowe, fayre Wrake, [¹ leaf 54]

That I thus moche sorow haue take

That I haue þus meche sorwe make

For the treson) and the foule falsenes

For the treson) and þe foule falsnes 7456

That I her dyd, and thus her kyndenes

That I hir dyde, and þus hir kendnes

Haue I eueɫɫ quytte ? lord where She

Haue I eviɫɫ quyte ? lorde, where she

In ony wyse cowde haue mercy on) me ?”

In ony wyse couthe haue mersy on me ?”

“SYr,” She sayd, “to you to lye, 7460

¶ “Sir,” she seyde, “to you to lye 7460

Hit were to me grete vylanye,

Hit were to me grete felonye.

295Ye ought to knowe hir as wele as I. She couþe not suffre now truly You to longe to be in hevynesse; She is so fuɫɫ of gentilnesse.” To hir seide þan Partonope : * “I beleve now soþely that ye Haue me seide, is verray trouþe. Hir herte is fuɫɫ of pite and rouþe. For in þis worlde, I you ensure, Was neuer brought forþe creature More habundaunt in womanhede. For in hir founde I, with-outen drede, Curtesy, fredam, and gentilnesse, Bounte, mercy, and eke mekenesse. For þer is now no man on lyve The goodnesse couþe discryve That here-afore she did to me, When my service she had in chierte. Therfore þat ye haue seide, Wrake, Fully I beleve, and þerfore take [leaf 94, back Me aɫɫ holy into your gouernaunce.

7462. MS. patronope.

7464

7468

7472

7476

7480

He knows his Lady is merciful, and so trusts her words.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Ye ougħt to know her as weɫɫ as I.

Ye ought to knowe hir as weɫɫ as I.

She cowde not suffre now truly

She couthe not suffer nowe truly

Yow to long to be in hevynesse; 7464

You to longe to be in heuynesse; 7464

She ys so fuɫɫ of gentylnesse.”

She is so fuɫɫ of Ientiɫɫnes.”

To her sayd than) Partanope :

To here seyde þen Partonope.

“I be-leeve now sothely all that yee

“I be-leue nowe aɫɫ þat ye

Haue me sayde, ys verray troutħ. 7468

Haue seyde me, is verry trouthe. 7468

Her hert ys fuɫɫ of pytee and Routhe.

Hir hert is fuɫɫ of pete and routhe.

For in this world I yow ensure,

For in þis worlde, I you ensure,

Was neuer brogħt fortħ creature [leaf 59]

Was neuer brought forthe soych a creture,

More haboundant in woman)-hede, 7472

More habundante in woman-hede. 7472

For in her found I, wytħ-oute drede,

For in here fonde I with-out drede

Curtayse, frodam), and gentyllnesse,

Courtesy, fredom and Ientiɫɫnesse,

Bount[e] mercy, and eke mekenesse,

Bunte, fredom, and eke mekenesse.

For there ys now no man) on) lyfe 7476

For þer is nowe no man) on lyue 7476

The grete godenesse cowde descryve

The grete goodnesse couth dysscryue

That here a-fore She dyd to me,

That here afore she dyde to me,

Whan) my seruyse She had in cheertee.

When my seruyse she hade in charyte.

Ther-fore that ye haue send, Vrak, 7480

Therfore þat ye haue seyde, Wrake,

Fully I beleve, and ther-for take

Fully I be-leue and þer-fore take 7481

Me aɫɫ holy in-to your gouernaunce.

Me aɫɫ holy in youre gouernaunce,

296For yite I haue fuɫɫ good remembraunce How gentiɫɫ and how curteyse ye were To me, when I my lady dere, Your suster, hadde so foule be-trayed, And for fere was so desmayed Of hir meany, when they me sought, Then þrow hem aɫɫ ye me brought, And helped me wele oute of þat contre. This is þe seconde tyme þat ye Haue me saved from horreble deþe. Therfore while me lasteth breþe, Your servaunt for euer wole I be, Sith my life ye haue þis in chierte. And forþe with you now wole I go. But I not how þat I shaɫɫ do : I am ouercome with ffeblenesse; For be þe Rotes of þe grasse, Sith I come hidder, haue ben my levyng. On knees and elbowes is now my goyng; I have no power to go þre pase. My songe may be allas, allas.”

He recalls the help Urake rendered him once before.

This is the second time she has saved him from death.

He is willing to go with her; only he does not know how, being too weak.

7484

7488

7492

7496

7500

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

For yt I haue fuɫɫ goode remembraunce

For yet I haue good remembraunce

Haue gentyɫɫ and how curtayse ye were 7484

Howe Ientiɫɫ and courteyse ye were 7484

To me, whan) I my lady deere,

To me, when I my lady dere,

Your Suster, had So foule be-trayd

¹ Youre syster hade so foule be-tyayde,

And for feere was so dysmayed 7487

And fore sorwe was so dysmayde

Of here meyne, whan) they me Sougħt,

Of hir meyne, when) þey me sougħt, 7488

Than) throw hem aɫɫ ye me brougħt,

Then þorwe hem aɫɫ ye me brougħt

And helpe me wele out of that contre.

And helpede me out of þe contre.

This ys the Secund tyme that ye

This is þe seconde tyme þat ye

Haue Saved fro horryble detħ, 7492

Haue me sauyde fro orebiɫɫ dethe. 7492

Ther-fore whyle me lastetħ bretħ,

Therfore while me lastyth brethe

Youre seruuat for euer wyɫɫ I be,

your seruaunt for euer wiɫɫ I be,

Sytħ my lyfe ye haue thus in chyerte.

Sethe my lyfe ye haue in charyte.

And fortħ wytħ yow now woɫɫ I go.

And furthe with you wiɫɫ I goo. 7496

But I not howe I shaɫɫ do : [¹ leaf 54, back]

I am) ouer-come wytħ febyllnesse; 7498

I am ouercome with febilnesse;

For be the rootes of the grasse,

For be the rotes of the grasse,

Sytħ I come hedyr, haue be my levyng,

Sethe I come heder, hathe be my leuy[n]ge. 7500

On) knees and elbowys as now my goyng; 7501

On knees and elbowis is my gonynge;

I haue no powere to goo thre pase.

I haue no poure to go thre passe.

My song may be Allas, Allas.”

My songe may be allas, allas.”

297 Wrak of hym hadde grete pite.  Tendirly for his wo wept she, And seide : “Þis was a grete cruelte Of my suster to ordeyn þat ye Shuld be brought in þis forest To lyve by herbes as doþe a beste. In þis,” she seide, “she had no reasone.”— “Why,” seide he, “I did her treasone, Wherefore I haue deserved wele Euer to lyve in care and dole, Tiɫɫ þat hir lust to for-yeve me, For as she wiɫɫ so mote it be. Hidder I brought an aumblere gray. Full late he was faste by me *; Fuɫɫ lene and megre now is he. I trow he is fledde to þe see. If any-body wolde hym hidder fette, [leaf 95] Vpon hym I myght wele sitte. Then myght I streight ride forþe with you.

7517. faste by me] MS. fasten)ed ay.

7504

7508

7512

7516

7520

Urake weeps, and blames the cruelty of her sister.

Partonope protests. He alone is to be blamed.

If his ambler was found, he might go with her at once.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

VRak of hym) had grete petee. 7504

¶ Wrake of hym hade grete pete. 7504

Tendyrly for hys woo wept she,

Tenderly for his wo wypte she,

And sayd : “This was grete crueltee

And seyde : “þis was grete creweɫɫte

Of my Suster to ordeyn) that ye

Of my syster to ordeyne bat ye

Shuld be brougħt in thys forest 7508

Shulde be brought in-to þis foreste

To leeve be erbes as dotħ a beste.

To leue be erbis as dothe a beste. 7509

In this She I ayd She had no reson).”

In þis, “she seyde,’’ she hade no reson).”

¹ “Why,” sayde he,” I dyd her tresoun)

“Why,” seyde he,” I dyde hir treson),

Where-fore I haue deseruyd wele 7572

Where-fore I haue deseruyde weɫɫ 7512

Euer to lyve in care and doule,

Euer to leue in care and dole

Tyɫɫ that her lust ys to for-yeve me,

Tiɫɫ þat hir lyste to for-yeve me,

For as she woɫɫ So mote hyt be.

For as she wiɫɫ so mot it be.

Hedyr I brought an ambeler gray.

Heder I brought an amblere gray. 7516

Fuɫɫ late he was here fast by; 7517

Fuɫɫ late he was faste be me,

Fuɫɫ leene and megre now ys he.

Fuɫɫ lene and megre nowe is he.

I trow he ys fledde to the see.

I trowe he is flede in-to þe see.

Yf ony-body hym) hydyr wold fett 7520

Yef ony-body, hym heder wiɫɫ fet,

Vpon) hym) I myght wele sett.

Vppon) hym I myght weɫɫ syte. 7521

Than) mygħt I streygħt ryde fortħ with yow. [¹ leaf 59, back]

Then) myght I ryde furthe with you.

Clifden MS.

… . y haue deserued weɫɫ 7512

… . e and megre now is he

… yue in care and doole

… e be fledde to the see

… lust be to forgeue me

… dy hym heder wyɫɫ ffette 7520

… he wolle so mote it be

….my mygħt weɫɫ sytte

… ougħt An Amler gray 7516

… ħt y than straugħ ryde with you

… he was here fast by

298But with aɫɫ my hert I pray you, To euery wight it [vn]knowe be That my name is Partonope. And lette me prively somewhere soiourne, Where no man shaɫɫ se me mourne, Ne that my lady me euer se, To haue þe more despite of me.”— “Certeis,” seide þis good Wrak, “Aɫɫ þis I darre wele vndirtake.” As they were spekyng of þis array, They sawe where come his palfray. Anoone to hir þis hors was fette, And Partonope * on hym was sette. Streight to þe bote boþe they ride. Calme was þe see, fayre was þe tide. The bote with good wiɫɫ þey rowe eichone; Thus atte shipp they were anoone.

7535. patronope.

The palfrey is fetched, and they ride to the bout.

7524

7528

7532

7536

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

But wytħ aɫɫ myn) hert I pray yow now,

But with aɫɫ my hert I pray you nowe,

To every wygħt hyt vnknow be 7524

To euery wight it vnknowe be 7524

That my name ys now Partanope;

That my name is Partonope,

And late me pryvely som)-where sorgeron)

¹ And let me prevely som-where solorne

Where no man) shaɫɫ se me morne,

Where no man) shaɫɫ se me morne,

Ne that my lady me neuer see. 7528

Ne þat my lady me neuer see, [¹ leaf 55]

To haue the men) despyte of me.”

To haue demore dysspyte on me.”—

“Sertes,” sayd this goode Vrak, 7530

“Sertes,” seyde þis good Wrake, 7530

“Aɫɫ thys I dare weɫɫ vndyrtake.”

“Aɫɫ þis I dare weɫɫ vndertake.”

As they were spekying of thys aray,

As þey were spekynge of þis array,

They sey where come hys Palfray.

They sey where come his palfrey.

Anon) to her thys hors was fett,

Anone to her þis hors was fete,

And Partanope on) hym) was sett, 7535

And Partonope on hym was set.

Streygħt to the bote bothe they ryde.

Streight to þe bote bothe ryde. 7536

Calme was the see, fayre was the tyde.

Calme was þe se, feyre was þe tyde

The bootħ wytħ good wyɫɫ they row echone;

The bote with good wiɫɫ þey rowe ichon);

Thus at the Shyp p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq87.tif"/> they were a-none.

Thus at shipe þey were anone.

Clifden MS.

…ɫɫ myn hert y pray you

… the more despite of me

… ygħt it vnknowe be 7524

… yde this Goode Vrake

… name is partanope

… y darre well vndertake

… me pryvely sumwhere soiouren

… were spekyng of this Aray¹) 7532

…. ma n ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq88.tif"/> shaɫɫ se me morne

… … weɫɫ þay row echon ² 7538

… my lady me euer see 7528

… … . were annonce

¹ Bottom line.

² Top line of col.

299In goþe Wrak, and Partonope,* And in cometh after aɫɫ þe meany. Wrak Maruk to hir did caɫɫe: “Which lande is next vs of * aɫɫ ?” Seith she, “now teɫɫ vs blyve. There I wolde we myght aryve.”— “Medame,” seith Maruk, “now truly, Here is an Ile but faste vs by. The lande of Salence men do it calle; That londe is next vs now of aɫɫ.” To Maruk seide þis good Wrake : “In aɫɫ þis haste I pray the make Thy shippe redy in aɫɫ degre, That vnder sayle in haste we be.” Maruk biddeth his men a pase: “Go hye you faste to þe wyndase, And puɫɫ þe anker vp on haste ! “ The sayle þerwith a-downe he caste.

7540. MS. patronope.

7443. vs of] MS. of vs.

7556. MS. on, scarcely in.

7540

7544

7548

7552

7556

Urake bids Maruk sail to the Isle of Salence.

The anchor is raised.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

In gotħ Vrak and Partanope, 7540

In gothe Wrake and Partonope, 7540

And in cometħ after aɫɫ the meyne.

And in comyth after aɫɫ þe meyne,

Vrak Marak to her dyd calle :

Wrake Marroke to her dyde caɫɫ :

“Whych lond ys next vs of aɫɫ ? “

“Whiche londe is next of vs aɫɫ ? “

Seytħ She, “Now* teɫɫ vs blyve. 7544

Seyde she : “Nowe teɫɫ vs blyue. 7544

There I wold wytħ mytħ a-ryve.”

There I wolde we myght aryue.”—

‘‘Madame,” saytħ Maruk, “truly,

“Madam,” seyde Marroke, “truly

Here ys an) Ile but fast vs by.

Here is an Ile faste vs by.

The lond of Salence men) do hit caɫɫ;

The londe of Salence men doth it caɫɫ;

The lond ys next vs now of aɫɫ.” 7549

That londe is nexte vs of aɫɫ.” 7549

To Maruk sayd this goode Vrak : [leaf 60]

To Marroke seyde þis good Wrake :

“In aɫɫ the hast I pray the mak

“In aɫɫ the haste I pray the make

They Shyp p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq89.tif"/> redy in aɫɫ degree, 7552

Thy shipe redy in aɫɫ degre, 7552

That vndyr sayle in hast we be.”

That vnder saiɫɫ in haste we be.”

Maruk byddytħ hys men) apase :

Marroke byddyth his men apase :

“‘ Goo hye yow fast to the wyndase,

“Goo hye you faste to þe wynde-hase,

And puɫɫ the Ankre vp in hast! “7556

And puɫɫ þe anker vp in haste.” 7556

The sayle ther-wytħ a-doune he cast.

The saiɫɫ þer-with downe he caste.

7544. MS. Mow.

Clifden MS.

… . anop.

. . ɫ . . h… the … make

… aɫɫ t …

. . ship … in all degree 7552

… mygħt . . e 7545

… vnder sayle in hast we be

… m sayde Marok trul .

… . k byddetħ hur men a place

… ys an yle but flast .

… . . hyetħ fast to the wyndace

… and of Salence me … 7548

. . pulle the Ankor vp in hast 7556

… lond ys . . vs

… sayle ther-wytħ a. owne he …

… . aruk …. gode Vrak

300A better shippe myght no man fynde Atte sayle, at wedir, and at wynde [leaf 95, back] At wiɫɫ they had, I you plight; And forþe they sayle aɫɫ þat nyght, Safe and sounde * with-outen nay. To Salence they come be þat day Gan shew, and þe sonne gan spryng. To Wrak þis was glad tithing.  Salence is but a lyteɫɫ Ile.  Of length it is not ouer a myle More þan it is now of brede, A contre of plenteousnesse, as I rede, Fuɫɫ of aɫɫ maner swete delites. There-in groweth dyuers spices. Of corne and flesshe þer is grete plente, Venesone, fresshe fysshe þer lakketh no deynte, Wode, niedowe, large in length, Rounde a-boute in his strength. Shorte tale to make with-outen more,

7562. sounde] MS. founde.

They arrive there at daybreak.

Salence is a beautiful island, a land of plenty, which Melior had presented to her lister.

7560

7564

7568

7572

7576

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

A bettyr Ship p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq90.tif"/> mygħt to man) fynde

A beter ship myght no man fynde

At sayle, at wedyr, and at wynde

At nydiɫɫ, at weder and at wynde

At wyɫɫ they had, I yow plygħt; 7560

At wiɫɫ þey hade I you plight 7560

And fortħ they sayle aɫɫ that nygħt,

And furthe þey seylede aɫɫ þat nyght,

Safe and sound wytħouten) nay.

Safe and sounde with-out nay.

To Solence they come be that day 7563

To Salence þey come be þe day

Gan) shew, ana the sonne gan) spryng.

Gan shewe and þe son sprynge. 7564

¹ To Wrake þis was good tydinges.

SOlence ys but a lyteɫɫ Ile,

¶ Salence is a lytiɫɫ Ile. [¹ leaf 55, back]

Of lengħt hyt ys not over a myle

Of lenght it is not ouer a myle

Mor than) hyt ys now of brede, 7568

More þen it is nowe of brede, 7568

A contree of plentous-nesse, as I rede,

A contre of plentuosnesse as I rede,

Fuɫɫ of aɫɫ manere swete delytes.

Fuɫɫ of aɫɫ maner swete delytis

There growetħ ther-in dyuerse spices,

Ther-in groweth deuerse spyces. 7571

Of corn) and flesħ there ys grete plente.

Of corne and fleshe þer is grete plente,

Venyson), frescħ fyscħ, ther lakketħ no deynte 7573

Venyson, fyshe þer lakede no deynte.

Wode, medew, large in lengthe,

Wode, medewe þer large in lengħt,

Rounde a-boute in hys streygħt,

Rownde aboute in his streight. 7575

Short tale to make wythouten) more,

Shorte tale to make with-out more,

Clifden MS.

A bet … .

Saf . .

At s …

To …

At v … 7560

Ga … 7564

And ….

To …

301The Emprisse, feyre Melioure, Yave it hir Suster, good Wrake, To þat entent þerin to take Hir playing while and hir desporte, Anionge when she wolde þider resorte. In this Ile she hadde a fayre casteɫɫ, Stronge walled a-boute and diched wele. So erly in þat mornyng When she was landed, she made bryng Thidder so pryvely Partonope * Therof wist no life but only she, And wolde in no wise suffre him mourne. There she seide he shuld sogeourne. She made hym haue aɫɫ maner delite. Within a while he gan haue apetite To mete and drynke and eke to reste. What he wolde haue he hadde þe beste. Sorowe hadde hym enfebled so sore, Many of his heeres were waxen hore, Lee she made hym of a certeyn asshe,

7586. MS. patronope.

7580

7584

7588

7592

7596

Partonope is brought to a strong castle, where he is delicately attended to.

His grev hairs are changed by Urake’s care.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

The empresse, fayre Melioure, 7577

The emperese, fayre Melyore, 7577

Yafe hyt her suster, goode Vrak,

Yafe hir syster, fayre Wrake,

To that entent ther-yn to tak

To þat entente þer-in to take

Hyr plesyng whyle and her dysport,

Hir pleynge and hir dyssporte, 7580

Amonge whan) she wold thedyr resort.

A-monge when) she dyde resorte.

In this Ile She had a fayre casteɫɫ,

In þis Ile she hade a fayre casteɫɫ,

Strong walled a-boute and dyched weɫɫ.

Stronge wallyde and dechide weɫɫ.

So erely in that mornyng 7584

So erly in þat morny[n]ge, 7584

Whan) She was londed, She made bryng

When) she waslondyde, madebrynge

Thedyr So pryvyly Partanope.

Deþer prevely Partonoþe.

There-of wyst no lyfe but only She,

Ther-of wvste no man but she,

And wold in no wyse suffre hym) morone. 7588

And wolde in No wyse suffir hym morne. 7588

There, She sayd, he shuld sogerorne.

Ther she seyde he shulde solorne.

¹ She made hym) haue aɫɫ maner delyte.

She made hym haue aɫɫ maner delyte.

Wyth-In a whyle he gan) haue a-petyte

With-in a while he hade an apetyte

To mete and drynke and eke to rest.

To mete and drynke and eke to reste.

What he wold haue he had the best.

What he wolde he hade the beste.

Sorow had hym) enf [e]bled So sore, 7594

Sorwe hade hym enfebillede so sore,

Many of hys herys were waxen) hore.

Many of his heris were wox hore

Lygħ She made hym) of a certayn) asche, [¹ leaf 60, back] 7596

Lye she made of serten asshe, 7596

7592. MS. roste. 7595. MS. wox or wex.

302And ofte his hede þerwith did wasshe. The coloure amended þen hugely. [leaf 96 And þerto she fayned pryvely Letters, as they though had be Sent fro hir suster to Partonope,* Of love endited so wele and goodly, That he gan wex aɫɫ fresshe and lusty. The coloure in his visage gan faste amende. To be þus Releved he neuer so wende. Of hym no man, I darre vndirtake, Hadde knowleche, safe only Wrake, And a mayden þat was fay re and fre, Borne of hye and noble degre. A kyng was hir ffadir, hir modyr a queen, Cousyn to Wrake so bright and shene. Wrake hir loved fuɫɫ passyngly, She was right fayre and þerto goodly.  This maydens name was Persewisse.  Fayre shap she was, and eke wise, Fre in gyvyng, curteyse in* dalyaunce.

7601. MS. patronope.

7614. MS. apparently persowisse.

7616. in] MS. and.

She forges love-letters from her sister.

Nobody knew he was there except Urake and a fair maiden, whose name was Persevis.

7600

7604

7608

7612

7616

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

And ofte hys hede ther-wytħ dyd waysshe;

And ofte his hede þer-with dyde wesshe; 7597

The coloure amendyd than) howgely.

The coloure amendyde þen higħly.

And ther-to She fayned pryvely

And þer-to she peynede hir prevely

Letters as they thogħ had be 7600

Letteris, as bey taught hade be 7600

Sent ffor her suster to Partanope,

Sent fro hir syster to Partonope,

Of love en-dyted So wele and goodely,

Otfe loue endytyde so weɫɫ and goodly,

That he gan) wex aɫɫ frescħ and lusti.

That he gan) wex freshe and lusty.

The coloure in hys vysage gan) fast a-mend. 7604

The coloure of his vesage gan a-mende.

To be thus releevid he neuer So wend.

To be þus releuyde he neuer wende.

Of hym) no man), I dare vnderstand,

¹ Of hym no man), I dare vndertake,

Had knowlecħ, safe onely Vrake,

Hade knowlage, safe only Wrake, 7607

And a maynden) that was fayre and free, 7608

And a mayde feyre and fre, [¹ leaf 56]

Borne of hye and noble degre.

Borne of higħ and nobiɫɫ degre.

A king was here fadyr, hyr modyr a quene,

A kynge was here fader, hir moder a quene,

Cosyn) to Vrak so brygħ[t] and sheen).

Cosyne to Wrake bright and shene.

Vrak her loved fuɫɫ passyngely, 7612

Wrake hir louyde fuɫɫ passyngly, 7612

She was ryght fayre and ther-to goodely.

She was right feyre and þer-to goodly.

THis mayndens name was Persewysse.

¶ This maydes name was Percewyse.

Fayre sha p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq91.tif"/> She was, and eke wyse, 7615

Fayre shape she was, and eke wyse,

Free in gyffyng, curteyse in dalyans.

Fre in geuy[n]ge, courteyse in dalyaunee. 7616

303She couþe wele harpe, singe, and daunce, But of love toke she noone hede. For who so wolde, with-outen drede, To hir speke of such matere, Of hir shuld he haue no good chere. Hir hert þat tyme was in such a plite, To speke of love she had noon apetite. In such daliaunce wolde she not spende Hir speche; but after she may amende. As seith myn auctour, fuɫɫ hardely she Did it not oonly for chastite, Though she loved neþer to kysse ne rage. Aɫɫ þis was but tendirnesse of age. Wherfore myn auctour seith truly She shuld here-after more sharply Of loves dartes fele þe prickyng, Which shuld hir wittes fuɫɫ soone bryng For euer to forsake hir chastite. For comynly it is not sene they be Herborowed to-gedre now in oon plase, Beaute and chastite; for ouer grete space [leaf 96, back]

7620

7624

7628

7632

7636

She took no heed of love, being yet too young.

Beauty and chastity do not agree well.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

She cowde weɫɫ harpe, synge, and daunse, 7617

She couthe weɫɫ harpe, synge, and daunce,

But of love toke She non) heede.

But of loue toke she none hede.

For who so wold, wytħouten) drede,

For who so wolde, with-out drede,

To here spek of sucħ matere, 7620

To hir speke of soyche mater, 7620

Of here shuld he haue no good cheyre.

Of hir shulde he haue no good chere.

Hir hert þat tyme was in soych plyte,

Her hert that tyme was sucħ a plyte.

To speke of loue hade she no delyte.

In such dalyaunce wold She not spende

In soyche dalyance wolde she not spende 7624

Her spe[c]ħ / But here-after she may amend. 7625

Here speche; but here-after she may amende.

As seytħ myn) autor, fuɫɫ hardely She

As seyth myne autor goodly she

Dyd hyt not onely for chastite,

Dyde it not only for chastyte,

Thogħ She louyd neyther to kysse ne rage 7628

Thougħ she louyde noþer kysse ne Rage,

Aɫɫ this was but tendre-ne[s] of age.

Aɫɫ þis was but tendernese of age. 7629

¹ Wher-for myn) autor seytħ truly]

Where-for myne autor seyth truly

She shuld here-after more Sharpely

She shulde here-after more sharply

Of loues dartes ferle the pryking, 7632

Of louys dartes fele the prykynge, 7632

Which shuld her wyttes fuɫɫ sone bring

Whiche shulde hir wyttes sone brynge

For euer to for-sake here Chastite.

For euer to forsake chastyte.

For comonly hyt ys not seyn) they be

For comynly it is not sen þat þey be

Herborured to-gedyr now in oo plase,

Herberwyde to-geder in on place, 7636

Beawte and chastyte; for ouer grete spase [¹ leaf 61]

Beute and chastyte; for euer grete space

304They wolde take, as telleth myn auctour me. For truly he seith how þat they be Twoo contraries to-gedre [to] dweɫɫ, For þe toone wole aɫɫ-wey þe toþer seɫɫ. For þat woman þat hath grete beaute, And spendeth hir life in chastite, Fairenesse on hir is evill be-sette. For chastite in no wise should be knette To beaute : for they mow neuer acorde, To-gedre in plesaunce to serve þe worlde. For she þat ly veth in chastite, When folke pley, þen lowreth she. She bath no Ioy of mery dalyaunce. Let hir go forþe with mysschaunce, And beaute of hir neuer, take hede ! Ye mow not acorde, with-outen drede. For beaute loveth aɫɫ gentilnesse, Honour noble, and largesse, Faire speche, and þerto fuɫɫ of plesaunce,

One will sell the other.

Beauty loves courtesy and pleasure.

7640

7644

7648

7652

7656

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

They wold take, as tellytħ myn) auctor me. 7638

They wolde take, as tellyth my autor me.

For truly he saytħ how that they be

Truly he seyth howe þat þey be

Two contraries to-gydyr to dwelle, 7640

To contraryouse to-geder to dweɫɫ,7640

For the tone woɫ a-way the other shaɫɫ.

For þe ton wiɫɫ þat oþer seɫɫ.

For that woman) that hatħ grete beaute,

For þat woman) þat hathe beute,

And spendytħ her lyfe in chastite,

And spendyth here lyfe in chastyte,

Fayrenes or hyr ys evyɫɫ be-sett. 7644

Fayrenes on hir is iɫɫ be-set. 7644

For chasty te in no wyse shuld be knytt

For chastyte in no wyse shulde be knete

To beaute; for thy mow neuer acorde,

To beute; for þey wiɫɫ neuer acorde,

To-gedyr in plesaunsto serbe the world.

¹To-geder in plesance to serue the worde.

For She that lyuetþ in chastyte, 7648

For she þat leuyth in chastyte, 7648

Whan) folk pley, than) lowretħ She,

When folke pley, þen lowryth she.

She hatħ no Ioy of myry dalyauns.

She hathe no Ioye of mery dalyaunce.

Late her go fortħ wytħ myschauns,

Let hir goo furthe with myschaunce,

And beaute of her neuer take heede !

And beute of hir take none hede ! 7652

Ye mow not a-corde, wyth-outen) drede.

Ye may not a-corde, with-out drede.

For beaute louyd aɫɫ gentylnesse, 7654

For beute louyth aɫɫ Ientiɫɫnesse,

Honoure noble, and largenesse,

Honoure nobille, and largenesse,

Fayre spe[c]ħ, and ther-to fuɫɫ . of plesauns, 7666

Fayre speche, and þer-to fuɫɫ of plesaunce, [^l leaf 56, back] 7656

Clifden MS.

¹ Lete hur go fforth wyth myschaunce

Honowre noble and largenesse

And beaute of hur neuer take hede 7652

Fayre speche and therto fuɫɫ. plesaunce 7656

ye may not Accord with-outen drede

For beaute louetħ Aɫɫ Ientilnesse

^l Top line, and at the back of 1. 7512.

305Lovyng boþe pley, to sing and daunee. Chastite putteth beaute oute of array. She wiɫɫ neuer suffre hir be fresshe and gay, But sliadowes hir euer with mournyng chiere; Of hir she hath a fuɫɫ lewde fere. For beaute desyreth to haue þe colour Of þe faire fresshe rose floure, And loveth also to lyve in Iolyte, Desyryng to haue hye prosperite. But þat foule þat may not haue To hir love noþer knyght ne knave, Gentilman ne yeman of no degree, Lette hir þan lyve in chastite. Yite vnknowe I love wele chastite Better a grete dele þen she doþe me : For if I speke to hir of any love, Be God þat sitteth in heven a-bove,

7660

7664

7668

7672

Let ugly ladies live in chastity.

The Poet is grieved that his Lady will not listen to his words of love.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Louyng botħ pley, to symg, and dauns.

Louynge to pley, both synge and daunce

Chastyte puttetħ beaute oute of aray;

Chastyte puttyth beute of array :

She wyɫɫ never suffre her be fresħ and gay,

She wiɫɫ neuer suffir here be freshe and gay,

But shadows here euer wytħ mornyng cheyre; 7660

But shadowe euer with euer morny[n]ge chere; 7660

Of her hath She a fuɫɫ lewde feere,

Of here she hathe a fuɫɫ lewyde fere.

For beaute desyretħ to haue the coloure

For beute desyryth to haue coloure

Of the fayre freysħ Rose floure,

Of þe feyre freshe rose floure,

And loutħ also to lyve in Iolyte, 7664

And louyth also to leue In Iolyte, 7664

Desyryng to haue hye prosperyte,

Desyrynge to haue higħ prosperite.

But that foule that may not haue

But þat foule þat may not haue

To her love neyther knygħt ne knave,

To here loue noþer knyght ne knaue,

Gentyllman) ne yoman) of no degre,

Ientiɫɫ-man) ne yeman of none degre,

¹ Late her than) lyve in chastyte. 7669 [¹ leaf 61, back]

Let here þen leue in chastete. 7669

Yet vnknowe I loue chastete

Betther a grett dele than) She dotħ me :

Beter a grete dele þen she dothe me :

For yf I speke to her of ony love, 7672

For yef I speke to here of ony loue, 7672

Be God that syttetħ in hevyn) a-bove,

Be God þat syttyth in heuyn aboue,

Clifden MS.

louyng both play to syng and daunce

Desyryng to haue prosperite

Chastite puttetħ beaute oute of A-ray

but that ffoule þat may not haue

She wyɫɫ neuer suffer hur be ffreshe …

To hur loue nother knygħt ne knaue

but shadow hur euer with mornyng ch . . 7660

Gentilman ne yoma n ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq92.tif"/> of no d . . 7663

lete hur than leue in Chastite

Of hur hatħ she A fuɫɫ lowde ffrere

Yette vnknowe y loue weɫɫ Chastite

For beaute desyreth to haue the coloure

better A grete dele than she doth me

Off the ffreshe ffayre rose ffloure

For yf y speke to hur of any loue 7672

And loueth Also to leve in Iolite 7664

by godde that sytte in heven A-boue

PARTONOPE.

X

306To me she answereth so shortely, That of hir wordes a-basshed am I. For when I wolde some-tyme in counseylle [leaf 97] Shew my hert to hir somedele, She answerd me in wordes so hye, I hadde ns lefe my counseylle crye In London atte crosse in Chepe. She giffeth me cause ofter * to wepe Then forto laughe, þis is no nay. And sometyme when þat I assay To gife hir a yifte, broche or Ryng, That wole she not take for no-þing. Thus rude is chastite and not curteise, She hathe me greved in many wise. But now wole I lette aɫɫ ladies be, And teɫɫ forþe of Partonope.*  PArtonope * hath now clene forsake  The wodwouse life, and haþe hym take

7681. after] MS. after.

7689, 7690. MS. patronope.

Partonope receives the kind attentions of Urake and Persevis.

7676

7680

7684

7688

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

To me She answeryd so Shortely,

To me she answereth so shortly,

That of hyr wordes a-basshed am) I,

And of here wordes abasshede am I.

For wan) I wold som)-tyme in counsayle 7676

For when I wolde som-tyme [in] counseɫɫ 7676

Shew myn) hert to her som) dele,

Shewe myne hert to here somdeɫɫ,

She answered me in wordes so hye,

She answe[r]de me in wordes hye,

I had as lyef my counsayɫɫ crye

I hade as lefe my counseɫɫ crye

In London) at the crosse in Chepe, 7680

In London) at the crosse in Chepe. 7680

She gyffetħ me cause after to wepe

She gyffyth me cause offter to wepe

Than) for to lagħ, thys ys no nay,

Then) for to laugħ, þis is no nay.

And som)-tyme whan) that I assa

And som)[-tyme] when I do assay

To gyf her a yeft, brocħ or rynge, 7684

To gyfe here a broche ore a rynge,

That woɫɫ She not take for no-thyng,

That wiɫɫ she not take fore nothynge.

Thus rude ys chastyte and not curtayse,

Thus is chastyte not courteyse,

She hatħ me grevyd in many wyse.

She hathe me greuyde In many wyse.

But now I woɫɫ late aɫɫ ladyes be, 7688

Nowe wiɫɫ I let aɫɫ þis be, [leaf 59]

And teɫɫ fortħ of Partanope

And teɫɫ furthe of Partonope. 7689

PArtanope hatħ now for-sake

Partonope hathe clene for-sake

The wod-wous lyfe, and hath hym) take

The wodwose lyfe and clene take

Clifden MS.

To me she Aunsweretħ so shortly 7674

This rude is Chastite and not curtay . .

she geueth me ca . se After to wepe 7681

She hatħ me gr . ved in many wyse

than forto laugħ this is no nay

but now woɫɫ I lete Aɫɫ ladyes be 7688

And sumtyme whan þat y assay

And telle forth of partanope

To geue hur a y . . broche or ryng 7684

. artanope hatħ now clene forsake

That wyɫɫ sh … take for no-thyng

The wodwoys lyf and hatħ hym t . .

307To þe gouernaunce aɫɫ fully Of ffayre Wrak and of Persewy. And they be redy, I you plight, Hym to comforte with aɫɫ hir myght. “Bothe hym wesshe and lay hym softe. She hym feyned letters fuɫɫ ofte Of comforte endited so goodly, And bere an hande þat truly They were hym sent from Melyouore To heale his wounde þat graved hym sore. Certeis doublettes þey lete make hym fyne, Gownes of Skarlette and eke of Satyne. Hym lakked no-þing þat myght hym eace, Fuɫɫ glad they were hym to pleace. And þrow her grete cherisshyng He wexe fuɫɫ fresshe, lusty, and lykyng, And of his letters toke grete comforte,

7693. MS. persowy ?

7692

7696

7700

7704

7708

Urake often sends him letters, making him believe they are written by Melior.

He is soon restored to health, and recovers his good looks.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

To the gouernauns aɫɫ fully 7692

To þe gouernaunce aɫɫ fully 7692

Of fayre Vrak and of Pursewy.

Of feyre Wrake and of Persewy.

And they be redy, I yow plygħt,

And þey be redy, I you pligħt,

Hym) to comfort wytħ aɫɫ her mygħt.

Hym to comfort with aɫɫ hir mygħt.

Botħ hym) washe and ley hym) soft.

They hym weshe and ley hym softe. 7696

She hym) feyned lettres fuɫɫ oft 7697

She hym feynyde leteris fuɫɫ ofte

Of comfort endyted So goodely,

Of comfort endytyde fuɫɫ goodly,

And bere an) hond that truly

And bare on honde þat truly

They were hym) sent fro Melioure 7700

They were hym sende fro Melyour 7700

To heele hys wound that greved hym sore.

To hele his wonde þat was so sore.

Sertes doblettes they lett make hym) fyne,

Sertes þey let make hym fyne,

Gownes of Sckarlet and eke of satyn).

Gownys of skarlet and of satyn).

Hym) lakked no-thyng that mygħt hym) plese, 7704

Hym lakede nothynge þat myght hym eyse, 7704

Fuɫɫ glad they were hym) to Ese.

Fuɫɫ glade þey were hym to plese.

And thorw her gret cheryssyng

And þorwe here grete cheryssynge

He wex frescħ, lusty, and lykyng,

He wax freshe, lusty and lekynge, 7703

And of his lettres toke grete comfort, 7708

And of letteris toke grete comfortynge,

Clifden MS.

To the Gouernaunce Alle fully 7692

She hym ffeyned letterys fuɫɫ ofte 7697

Of ffayre vrak and of persewey

Of confort endited so Godely

And thay be redy now plygħt

And bare An hond that truly

hym to confort wytħ Aɫɫ her mygħt

They were hym sent fro melyoure 7700

both hym wasshe and ley hym softe

To hele his wound that greued hym sore¹

¹ At back of page beginning with 1. 8142

308Which were fayned to hym for desporte. Were not þes ladies foule to blame Thus to lye and make hym game Of Meliors letters, and seide she hym sent, Which on [n]eiþer side was merit ? But blameworþi were they noone, Sith for þe best it was done. [leaf 97, back] But atte last þrow her desporte, Hir fayre chiere, her fayned comforte, He gan gedre to hym faste flesshe and blode, And wexe lusty þat, by my hode, When Wrak be-helde a-boute right wisely His fressh coloure, his persone so semely, She ganne so nye faɫɫ with hym in dotage, Save þat wisdome restreyned corage, And thought on hir Suster Mel[i]oure, How truly he loved hir and hadde done yore. It was, she thought, but nycetye, And aɫɫ þat fantasy she lete be. Persewyse stode in þe same degre,

Urake is not far from falling in love with him, and poor Persevis might have forgotten her chastity but that she knew he was true to his lady.

7712

7716

7720

7724

7728

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Whicħ were feyned to hym) for dysporte. [leaf 62]

Whiche were feynyd for dyssportynge.

Where not this ladyes foule to blame

Where not þis ladyes foule to blame

Thus to lye and make hym) game

Thus to lye and make hym game

Of Melyours letters, and san)d She hym) sent, 7712

Of Melyores letteris, and seyde she hym sent, 7712

Whicħ on) nether syde was ment ?

Whiche on neyþer syde was not ment ?

But blame-worthy were they none,

But blame-worthy were þey none

Sytħ for the best yt was done.

Sethe for the beste it was done.

But at the last thorw her dysport, 7716

But at þe laste þorwe hir dyssporte, 7716

Her fayre chyere, her feyned comfort,

Here feyre chere, her feynyde comforte,

He gan) gedyr to hym) fast flesch and blode,

He gan to gader fleshe and blode,

And wex lusty that, by my hoode,

And wex lusly þat, be my hode,

Whan Vrak be-heeld a-boute rygħt wysely, 7720

When) Wrake be- helde hym wysly, 7720

His frescħ coloure, hys persone so semely

His freshe coloure, his persone symly

She ganne so nye faɫɫ wytħ hym) in dotage,

She gan) so nye faɫɫ in dotage, [¹ leaf 59, back]

Saue that wysdome restreyned corage,

Safe þat wysdome resstreynyde corage,

And thougħt on) her Suster Melyoure,

And þought on hir syster Melyore, 7724

How truly he loued her and done yore.

Howe he louyde here and hade don yore.

Yt was, She thought, but nysytee,

¹ Hit was, she þought, but nysete,

And aɫɫ that fantasy She late be.

And aɫɫ þat fantesy she let be.

Persewyse stode in the same degre, 7728

Persewyse stode in þe same degre, 7728

309For she wan dalyaunce with Partonope.* His porte, his manere he-come so wele Þat þough hir herte were made of stele, No wonder it was þough it did melte. The fyre of love so made it swelte In lovyng of þis Partonope,* That almoste for-yete was chastite, Save þat she wist wele and knewe To þis lady Melyoure he was so trewe Þat þough she loved, it myght not avayle, And thought it was but loste travayle. The hete of love hir herte did feynte; With wise abydyng þe fyre she queynte. Thus seith myn auctour after whome I write, Blame not me : I moste endite As nye after hym as euer I may, Be it soþe or less I can not say, But now I lette þis Partonope * And Persewise, þis mayden fre,

7729, 7734, 7746. MS. patronope.

7732

7736

7740

7744

(Thus saith mine author. Blame not me.)

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

For She whan) dalyaunce w[i]th Partonope.

For she wan) dalyunce with Partonope.

His porte, hys manere be-come so wele

His porte, his maner be-com hym so weɫɫ, 7730

That thow hert had be made of stele,

That þowe þe hert hade ben made of steɫɫ,

No wondyr hyt was thogħt hyt dyd mylt. 7732

No wonder it was þougħ it dyde mylte

The fyre of love So made ys swelt

The fyre of loue so made it smelte 7733

In lovyng of this Partanope,

In louy[n]ge of þis Partonope.

That aɫɫ-most for-yete was chastyte,

That aɫɫ-moste fore-yete was chastyte,

Saue that wele She wyst and knew 7736

Safe þat weɫɫ she wyste and knewe 7736

To this lady Melioure he was so trew

To þis lady Melyore he was so trewe

That thogħ she lovyd, hyt mygħt not avayle,

That þougħ she louyde, it myght not avaiɫɫ,

And thogħt hit was but lust travayle.

And þought it was but loste travaiɫɫ.

Thow hete of love her hert dyd feynte;

The hete of loue here hert dyde faynte;

Wytħ wyse a-bydyng the fyre She queynte, 7741

With wyse abydynge þe fyre she quente.

Thus seytħ the auctor after whom) I wryt.

Thus seyth myne autor after whom I wryte.

Bllame not me : I most endyte

Blame me not; I moste endyte

As nye after hym) as I can) or may. 7744

As nye after hym as euer I may. 7744

Be hyt sothe or lese I can) not say.

Be it sothe ore eɫɫes I can) not sey.

But now I lett this Partanope

But nowe I let þis Partonope

And Persewyse, this maynden) free,

And Persewyse, þat mayden fre.

310To-gedre in dalyaunce* to haue in fere, For now is come a messyngere From the Empresse Melioure To Wrak, hir Suster; for wonder sore She desyreth with hir to speke. Wrak in no wise wiɫɫ not breke This grete ladies commaundement. [leaf 98] After hir shipmen now faste she sente, And chargeth hem her shipp be redy faste, To see she wole go in aɫɫ þe haste. Wrak þat is boþe redy and wise, Is not aferde þough Persewise At hir casteɫɫ leve with Partonope; * For nedys coste leve moste she Oon with hym þat knoweth þe counseylle. Of Persewise she wote is no pereɫɫ; For she is wise, redy and stedfaste. The lasse of hir she is a-gaste, How longe fro home she euer a-byde. Hir shippe is redy, fayre is þe tyde. Leve she taketh of Partonope,*

7748. MS. dalyaunace.

7760, 7768. patronope.

In the meantime arrives a messenger sent by Melior, who wishes to speak with her sister.

Urake accordingly orders her ship to be made ready.

Persevis is to stay behind with Partonope.

Urake takes her departure, and soon arrives at Chef d’Oire.

7748

7752

7756

7760

7764

7768

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

¹ To gedyr in dalyauns to haue in ff[e]re.

To-geder in dalyunce to haue in fere.

For [now] ys come a messang[e]re 7749

For nowe is come a mesengere 7749

Fro the empresse Melioure

Fro þe emperese Melyore

T[o] Vrak, her suster / for wondyr sore

To Wrake hir syster; for wonder sore

She desyretħ wytħ her to spek. 7752

She desyryth with here to speke. 7752

Vrak in no wyse wyɫɫ not brek

Wrake in no wyse wiɫɫ not breke

Thys grete ladyes comaundement.

This grete ladyes comondemente.

After her Shypmen) now fast She sent,

After hir shipmen) anone she sente.

And chargetħ hem) her Shy p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq93.tif"/> be redy fast, [¹ leaf 62, back] 7756

And chargyth hem be redy faste, 7756

To see She woɫɫ go in aɫɫ hast.

To see she wiɫɫ goo in aɫɫ haste.

Vrak that ys botħ redy and wyse,

Wrake þat is bothe redy and wyse,

Ys not a-ferd thogħ Persewyse

Ys not aferde þougħ Persewyse

At her casteɫɫ leve wytħ Partanope;

At hir casteɫɫ: leue with Partonope; 7760

For nedys cost leve most She 7761

For nedes coste leue moste she

On) wytħ hym) that knowetħ the counsayɫɫ.

On) with hym þat knoweth þe counseɫɫ.

Of Persewyse She wot ys no pereɫɫ;

Of Persewyse she wot is no pereɫɫ;

For She ys wyse, redy and stedfast.

For she is wyse, Redy and stedfaste.

The lasse of her She ys a-gast, 7765

The lase of hir she is agaste, 7765

How longe from) home She euer a-byde.

Howe longe fro hym þat she abyde.

Her Shyp p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq94.tif"/> ys redy, fayre ys the tyde.

Hir shipe is redy, fayre is þe tyde.

Leve She taketħ of Partanope, 7768

Leue she takyth of Partonope, 7768

311To hir shipp now streight goþe she. Forþe seyleth Wrak, þis mayden fre. In grete thought is Partonope.* Wrak wepeth gretely at hir departyng. Partonope* prayde hir a-bove aɫɫ þing She wolde to hyrn come soone ayein. “Therof,” seid she, “I wolde be feyn.” Wrake hath wedyr at poynte devise. Fuɫɫ glad and mery is Persewise. Forþe seyleth Wrak vpon þe see, And in shorte tyme aryved is she At Chief de Oyere, where as Melyore, Hir fayre suster, hathe dwelled yore.  Now arne þes Susters mette in feere,  Eyþer to oþer make good chere. Tappettes and quysshons to hem be fette. In an herber fuɫɫ grene be they sette There allone to take her dalyaunce. I trow they lust neþer sing ne daunce, For Mel[i]ore gan anoone to wepe. Hir Suster Wrak toke grete kepe

7771, 7773. MS. patronope.

7772

7776

7780

7784

7788

Sitting with her sister in an orchard, Melior begins to weep.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

To her Shyp now streygħt gotħ She.

To hir shipe streight goth [s]he. 7769

Forth sayled Vrak thys mayden) free.

¹ Forthe saylyth Wrake þis mayde fre.

In grete thougħt ys Partanope. 7771

In grete þought is Partonope. [¹ leaf 60]

Vrak wepytħ gretly at her departyng.

Wrake wepyth gretly at hir departynge.

Partanope prayed hyr aboue aɫɫ thyng

Partonope prayth hir aboue aɫɫ thynge

She wold sone come to hym) a-yen),

She wolde sone come to hym ayen). 7774

“Therof,” seyd She, “wold I be fayne.”

“There-of,” seyde she, “I wolde be fayne.”

Vrak hatħ were at poynt devyse. 7776

Wrake hathe weder at poynte devyse,

Full glad and mery ys Persewyse.

Fuɫɫ glade and mery is Persewyse. 7777

Fortħ sayletħ Vrak vpon) the see,

Furthe saylyth Wrake vppon þe se,

And in Short tyme a-ryved ys she

And in shorte tyme aryuyde is she

At Cheyf de oyre, where as Melioure,

At Chyfe deoyre where as Melyore,7780

Her fayre suster, hath dewlled yore.

Here feyre syster, hathe dwellyde yore.

Now arne thes Sustres mett in feere.

Here are þe systeris met in fere,

NEyther to other mak good cheyre.

Eyþer to oþer mak good chere.

Tapyttes and cusshons to hem) be fett. [¹ leaf 63] 7784

Tappettes and schesshons to hem be fet.

In an) erber faɫɫ grene be they sett

In an erbere grene þey be set 7785

There alone to take her dalyaunse.

There alone to take þer dalyaunce.

¹ I trow they lust nether syng ne daunse

I trowe þey lyste noþer synge ne daunce

For Melioure gan) a-no[n]to wepe. 7788

For Melyore gan anone to wepe. 7788

Her suster Vrak tok grete kepe

Hir syster Wrake toke grete kepe

312Of hir maner governaunce. Hir þought þis maner of dallyaunce Was nyse what hir suster mente. She wist not þe verrey entent [leaf 98, back] Of hir suster þat wept so sore. And atte laste fayre Melyouore Of hir wepyng gan a-brayde, And to hir Suster þus she seide : “Vngracious am I, be God above, That euer I was encombred be love. It hath—she seide—me noyed sore. But of þis matere speke we no more.” To hir ariswerd fayre Wrake : “Trewly I neuer knew your make, For wele I wote, be* God above, Aɫɫ your wepyng is for love. Ye wolde feyne hide it from me And disfigure youre nycete, But ye can not þat experyment. I knowe to wele your entent.

After 1. 7792 MS. adds a line :

She wist not what his Suster mente.

7804. be] MS. but.

She is so unhappy that she ever loved.

Urake very well under-stands the reason of her tears.

7792

7796

7800

7804

7808

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Of her maner gouernauns.

Of hir maner and gouernaunce.

Her thought thys maner of dalyans

Hir þought þis maner of dalyaunce

Was nyse what her suster ment. 7792

Was nyse what hir syster ment. 7792

She wyst not the verrey entent

She wyste not þe verry entente

Of her suster that we p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq95.tif"/> so sore.

Of hir syster þat wypte so sore.

And at the last fayre Melioure

And at þe laste feyre Melyore

Of her wepyng ganne abrayde, 7796

Of hir wepynge gan abrayde, 7796

And to her suster thus She sayde :

And to hir syster þus she seyde :

“Vngracious am) I, be God a-bove,

“Vngraciouse am I,” þus she seyde, “be God aboue,

That euer I was encombred lo love.

That euer I was encomberde be loue.

Hyt hath—She sayd—me noeyd fuɫɫ sore. 7800

Hit hathe—she seyde—me novede sore; 7800

But of this matere speke we no more.”

But of þis mater speke we no more.”

To her answered fayre Vrak :

To hir answerde feyre Wrake :

Trewly I neuer knew your make,

“Truly I neuer knewe your make,

“For wele I wote, be God a-bove, 7804

For weɫɫ I wot, be God aboue, 7804

Aɫɫ your wepyng ys for love.

Aɫɫ youre wepynge is for loue.

Ye wold fayne hyde hyt fro me

Ye wolde feyne hyde it fro me

And thys fugure your nysetee

And dysfugure youre nysete,

But ye can) not that Experyment, 7808

Bnt ye con not þat experiment. 7808

I know to wele your entent.

I knowe weɫɫ your entent.

7790. MS. gouernauans (a above n).

313Love wolde fayne make you to speke, But þan comeþ drede and makeþ you breke Youre tale, and þat is hye folye. For, Suster, ye wote right wele þat I Love you a-bove aɫɫ erthly þing And gladly wolde do your pleasyng.”  “BE God,” quod þis lady, “þat is not so.  For ofte tymes ye haue me do With your wordes fuɫɫ grete diseace, And you fuɫɫ lyteɫɫ me displeace. Wordes of reprofe ye haue seide many oone To me, and þerto a yere is fuɫɫ gone Or more, sith ye laste se me. Here come ye but a lytiɫɫ parde.”  “FOr sothe,” seid Wrake, “it is ago  More þen xij. monþes þat we two To-gedre in oon place mette. A cause þer was þat me did lette. For þe laste tyme þat ye se me Or I you, forsoþe Partonope*

7829. MS. patronope.

7812

7816

7820

7824

7828

Melior up-braids her sister for her long absence.

That is, says Urake, because of Partonope : When she dared to intercede for him, she was treated so unkindly, that she went to see foreign countries.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Love wold make yow fayn) to speke,

Loue wolde make you to speke,

But than) cometħ drede and maketħ yow brek

Then comyth drede and makyth you breke [leaf 60, back]

Your tale, and that ys hye foly. 7812

Youre tale, and þat is hye foly. 7812

For, suster, ye wote rygħt wele that I

For, syster, ye wot right weɫɫ þat I

Loue yow a-bove aɫɫ ertyly thyng,

Loue you aboue aɫɫ erthly thynge

And gladly wold do your plesyng.”

And gladly wolde do youre plesynge.”

“BE God,” quod thys lady, “that ys not so, 7816

¶ “Be God,” quod þis lady, “þat is not so. 7816

For oft tymes haue ye me do

For ofte tyme haue ye me do

Wytħ your wordes fuɫɫ of dessese,

With youre wordes fuɫɫ grete dysseyse,

And yow fuɫɫ lytyɫɫ me dysplese.

And you fuɫɫ lytiɫɫ me dyssplese.

Wordys of reprofe ye haue seyd many one 7820

Wordes of reprefe ye haue many one

To me, and ther-to a yere ys fuɫɫ gone

To me, and þer-to is fuɫɫ gone 7821

Or more, sytħ ye last sygħ me.

Ore more, seth laste ye sigħ me.

Here come yee but a lytyɫɫ pardee.”

Here come ye but a lytiɫɫ þarde.”

“FOr soth,” sayd Vrak, “hyt ys a-go [¹ leaf 63, back] 7824

¶ “For sothe,” seyde Wrake, “it is a-goo 7824

More than xij monthes tha[t] we two

More þen xij monthe þat we twoo

¹ To-gedyr in ony place mett.

To-geder in one place mete.

A cause ther was that me dyd lett.

A cause þer was þat we dyde lete.

For the last tyme that ye sye me 7828

For the laste tyme þat ye sey me, 7828

Or I yow/for sotħ Partanope

Ore I you, for sothe Partonope

314Was here with you in þis place, And for his trespase I neghed your grace. [leaf 99] Ye denyed in no wise to here me For wepyng or knelyng, more þen I hadde be A straunger to you and no-þing kynne. This made [me] vtterly fro you fleene. So vngoodly chere ye made me, I toke my shippe, and wente to see To haue passed many a straunge lande And to se þe wondres in many a stronde. And herde suche tithinges þat liketh not me. For truly your owne love Partonope* Ye made lese his witte for aye. This is verrey soþe, þis is no naye. So moche sorowe for you he hath take, Horne-wode he renneth for your sake. For hym me nede no more to pray Ne for hym knele, but* o þing I say : “Gete you a-noþer love, for he is gone. It shaɫɫ be longe or ye gete suchone.

7841. MS. patronope.

7847. but] JUS. hot.

There she heard that Partonope had lost his mind for Melior’s sake.

7832

7836

7840

7844

7848

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Was here wytħ yow in thys place,

Was here with you in þis place,

And for hys trespas I neyghed your grace.

And for his trespas I mygħede your grace.

Ye deyned in no wyse to here me 7832

Ye deynydein no wyse to here me 7832

For wepyng or knelyng, more than) I had be

For wepynge and knelynge, more þen I hade be

A straunger to yow and no-thyng kynne.

A stronger to you and nothynge kynne.

Thys made me vtterly fro yow fleene.

This made me wyterly fro you flene.

So vn-godely chere ye made me, 7836

So vngoodly þer ye made chere to me,

I toke my Shy p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq96.tif"/> , and went to se

I toke my shipe and went to se 7837

To haue passed ma[n]y a straung strond

To haue passede many a stronde,

And to se the wordres of many lond.

And to se þe wonderes of many a londe.

And herd sucħ tydynges that lyketħ not me, 7840 me. 7840

I herde soyche tydynges þat lykyth not

For trewly your owne loue Partanope

For trewly youre loue Partonope

Ye made lost hys wytt for aye.

Ye hauee made loste his wyte for aye.

Thys ys verray sotħ wythouten) nay.

This is so the without naye. 7843

So mocħ sorow for yow he hatħ take,

So meche sorwe for you he hathe take,

Horn)-wode he rennetħ for your sak.

Horne-wode he rynnyth for youre sake.

For hym) me nede no more to pray,

For hym me nede no more to praye, 7846

Ne for hym knele, but oo thyng I say :

Ne for hym knele, but o thynge I seye :

Gete yow a-nother love, for he ys gone.

Gete you anoþer loue, for he is gon. 7848

Hyt shaɫɫ be long or ye gete sucħ one.

Hit shaɫɫ be longe ore ye have soychon)

315And sith ye haue do so to hym, Thus ye worshi p ¯ p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq97.tif"/> gretely your kynne, This is þe cause þat I haue you fledde. Partonope* in þis worlde is but dede.”  When þe lady herde þat Partonope*  For love of hir wode Ranne he, A-boute hir hert she felt such peyn, Moche wo she had hir to Restreyne Fro swonyng, for loþe was she That hir hevynesse aspied shuld be Of Wrak, hir Suster, þat was hir dere. But yit wist Wrake wele by hir chere And be hir Colour bright and rede That was chaunged into pale and dede, That for love was aɫɫ hir hevynesse. Yite Meliore did aɫɫ hir besynesse To gete ayein hir fiesshe hewe, Hir dedely coloure did renewe, And to hir Suster did she speke And somwhat hir hert to hir breke :  “Suster,”she seide, “it may wele be [leaf 99, back]  In grete disese lieth Partonope,*

7853, 7854, 7871. MS. patronope.

7852

7856

7860

7864

7868

Melior turns 1 ale, but does her best to conceal her emotion.

Though he has behaved so falsely, she will teach Urake how to cure him.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

And sytħ ye haue do so to hym), 7850

And sethe ye haue do so to hym,

Thus ye worshy p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq98.tif"/> gretly your kynne.

¹ Thus ye worchipe gretly youre kynne.

This ys the cause that I haue yow fleed. 7852

This is þe cause I haue you flede. 7852

Partonope in þis worlde is but dede.”

Partanope in this world ys but dede.”

When þe lady herde þat Partonope

WHan) the lady herd^ɭ þat Partanope

For loue of hir wode ranne he, [¹ leaf 61

For loue of her wode ranne he,

A-boute here hert she felt grete peyne,

A-bout her hert She flet sucħ peyne 7856

More wo she hade hir to resstreyne 7857

Mocħ wo she had hir to restreyne

For swony[n]ge, for lothe was she

Fro swonny[n]g, for lotħ was she

That here heuynes aspyde shulde be

That her hevynesse aspyed shuld be

Of Wrake, here syster, þat was here dere. 7860

Of Yrak, her suster, that was her dere.

But yet wyst Vrak wele be here chere,

But yet wyste Wrake be here chere

And her coloure brygħt and rede 7862

And be hir coloure bright and rede

That was chaunged in-to pale and dede,

That was changyde to pale and dede,

That for loue was aɫɫ her hevynesse. 7864

That for loue was her heuynes. 7864

Yt Melior dyd aɫɫ her besynes [leaf 64]

Yet Melyore dyde aɫɫ hir besynes

To grete ay en) her fressħ hew.

To gete ayen hir freshe hewe,

Her dedely coloure dyd renew,

Hir dedly coloure dyde renewe,

And to her suster dyd she spek 7868

And to hir syster dyde she speke 7868

And somewaht her hert to her breke.

And somwhat here hert gan to breke.

“SVster,” She sayd, “hyt may wele be

¶ “Syster,” she seyde, “it may weɫɫ

In grete dyssese lyeth Partanope.

In grete dysseyse lyth Partonope. [bee

316And if he were to me as chiere As euer he was, I couþe you lere To make hym as hole as euer he was. That euer I hym knewe I may say alias, So falsely as he hath be-trayed me, Causelesse, Suster, þat wote now ye. Yite for your love, not for thy, A medecyne I shaɫɫ you teche redely That shaɫɫ in baste aɫɫ hole hym make.” To hir answerd anoone Wrake : “Nay, fayre Suster, be Seynt Ioħn, Therto haue [I] right layser noone. Hele hym your-self if þat ye lust, Ye knowe medecynes þat ben beste, For I knowe wele, and þat do ye : In Fraunce be-fore was Partonope * A man wele be-loved and of grete estate, And your love hathe made hym chekmate. Ye loved hym first, to sey þe trouþe. Suster, þerof ye may haue rouþe.

7887. MS. patronope.

But this is no affair of Urake’s: Melior’slove has turned him mad.

7872

7876

7880

7884

7888

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

And yf he were to me as cheere 7872

And yef ye were to me as chere 7872

As euer he was, I coude yow leere

As euer he was, I couth you lere

To make hym) as hole as euer he was.

To make as hym hole as euer he was.

That euer I hym) knew I may say alas,

That euer I hym knewe I may sey allas,

So falsely as he hatħ be-trayed me,

So falslyas he hathe be-trayede me, 7876

Causeles / suster that wote now ye. 7877

Causles, syster, þat wot nowe ye.

Yt for your love, nogħt for thye,

Yet for youre loue, not for thy,

A modecym I shaɫɫ yow tecħ redely

A medsyn I shaɫɫ teche you redly

That shaɫɫ in hast and hole hym make.”

That shaɫɫ in haste aɫɫ hole hym make.”— 7880

To her answered a-non Vrak : 7881

To hir answerde a-none Wrake :

“Nay, fayre suster, be seynt Iohn),

“Nay, fayre syster, be sent Joħn,

Ther-to haue I ryght leyser none.

There-to haue I leyser none.

Hele hym) youre-self yf that ye lust,

Hele hym youre-selfe yef þat ye lyste,

Ye know medyoynes that bene best.

Ye knowe mydsyns þat ben beste. 7885

For I know wele, and so do ye : 7886

For I knowe weɫɫ, and so do ye :

In Fraunce be-fore was Partanope

In France be-fore was Partonope

A man) we[ll] be-louyd and grete estate,

A man weɫɫ belouyde and of hye esstate, 7888

And youre love hatħ made hym) chekmate. 7889

And youre loue hath made hym cheke mate, [leaf 61, back]

Ye loued hym) fryst, to say therotħ.

Ye louyde hym fyrste, so seyth þe trouthe,

Suster, ther-of ye may haue routħ.

Syster þer-of ye may haue routhe.

317Be crafte of false nygromansye Hidder ye hym brought fuɫɫ cursedly. And in your service he come ne hadde, He shuld not now haue ronne madde. Suster, he loved you twoo yere and more. He sawe you neuer. Trow ye not sore It greved hym, yis so mote I the, Aɫɫ day with-oute company to be, And neuer to speke with you but in þe nyght, And yite of you þen to haue no* sight ? Though after be his counseylle he Shope hym fully you to se. What clepe ye þis ? shuld þis be treasone ? Me thinketh in þis haue ye no reasone. But discrecon) now telleth me He loved you better þan euer ye Did hym, þis is with-oute doute. As a wilde beste he renneth a-boute, Of mete ne drynke taketh he none hede, Ne of slepe with-outen drede. [leaf 100]

7901. no] MS. a.

7892

7896

7900

7904

7908

He loved her more than two years, without being allowed to see her, and far more than ever she loved him.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Be craft of flas nygromansy 7892

Be crafte of false nygremonsye 7892

Hedyr yee hym) brougħt fuɫɫ cursedly.

Heþer ye hym brought fuɫɫ coursedly;

And in your seruyse he come ne hade,

And in youre seruyse he come ne hade,

He shuld not now haue ronne madde.

He shulde nowe haue ronne made.

Suster, he loued yow two yere and more. 7896

Syster, he louyde ij yere and more. 7896

He saw yow neuer / trow ye not sore

He sawe you neuer. Trowe you not sore

Hyt grevyd hym) / yes so mote I thee,

Hit greuyde hym, yef so mot I the,

Alle day wytħ-oute company to be,

Aɫɫ day with-out compeny to be,

And neuer to spek wytħ yow but in the nygħt, 7900

And neuer to speke with you but on * þe nygħt, 7900

And yet of yow than) to haue no sygħt ?

And yet of you þen to haue no sight ?

Thogħ after be hys counsayɫɫ he

Though after be his counseɫɫ he

Shope hym) fully yow to see.

Shope hym fiɫɫy you to see.

What clepe ye this ? shuɫɫd thys be treson)? [leaf 64, back] 7904

What clepe ye þis? shulde þis be treson? 7904

Me thenketħ in thys haue ye no reson).

Me thynke in þis ye haue no reson.

But dyscrescion) now telletħ me

But þe dysscression tellyth me

He loued yow better than euer ye

He louyde you beter þen euer ye

Dyd hym), thys ys wytħ-outen doute.

Dyde hym, þis is without doute. 7908

As a wyld wy best rennetħ he non heede 7909

As a wilde beste he rynnyth aboute.

Of mete ne drynke take he no hede,

Ne of Slepe, wytħ-outen) drede,

Ne of slepe, with-out drede.

7900. on] MS. perhaps un, meant for in.

318Which of you now haþe be-trayed oþer ? Ye hym. And if he were my broþer, And he hadde his witte agayne, O thing wolde I counseylle hym certeyn : In love he shuld neuer do you seruyce. He lyveth not þat can devise A persone to haue more semelynesse, More beaute, more streight, more largesse, Þan he hadde; and ye, suster Meliore, That haue made hym loste, and mych more, Of þis ye may make a fayre a-vaunte. Yite somwhat me thinketh ye be repentaunte Wepe now a lytiɫɫ I you pray. God for euer I now reney, If for hym I make request To you; and some-tyrne no gretter feste In no wise ye couþe haue made me Then of his sorow to haue pite; But of my prayer toke ye noone hiede. Therfore, suster, so God me spede,

She has really betrayed him.

Perhaps Meliornow repents a little.

If she wants to cure him, she will find him running abiut in the wood.

7912

7916

7920

7924

7928

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Whicħ of yow now hatħ be-traved other ? 7912

Whiche of you nowe hathe be-trayede oþer ? 7912

Ye hym / for and he were my brother,

Ye hym. For and ye were my broþer

And he hadde / hys wytt a-gayne,

And he hade his wyte agayne [teyne :

O thyng wold I couusayɫɫ hym) certeyn):

A thynge wolde I counseɫɫ hym ser-

In loue he shuld / neuer do yow seruyce. 7916

In loue he shulde neuer do you seruyse.

He levetħ not that can) devyse

He leuyth not þat cone devyse 7917

A persone to haue more semelynesse,

A persone to haue more symlynes,

More beaute, more streygħt, more largesse,

More beute, strenght, and largenes,

Than) he hadd / and ye, suster Melyoure, 7920

Then he hade; and ye syster Melyore,

That haue made hym lost, and moch mor,

That haue made hym loste, and meche more, 7921

Of thys ye may make a fayre avaunt.

Of þis ye may mak a fayre avaunte.

Yett Somwhat me thenketħ ye be repent[aunt].

Yet somwhat ye be repentante.

Wepe now a lyteɫɫ, I yow pray. 7924

Wepe nowe a lytiɫɫ, I you praye, 7924

God for now euer I now Reney,

God for euer I nowe Renye,

Yf for hym) make 1 request

Yef for hym I make requeste

To yow / and som)-tyme no gretter fest 7927

To you; and som-tyme no gretter feste

In no wyse ye cowde haue mada me

In no wyse ye couth a made me [leaf 62]

Than) of hys sorow to haue had pyte;

Then of his sorwe to haue hade pete. 7929

But of my prayer toke he no heed.

But of my prayer take ye none hede.

Ther-for, Suster, So God me sped,

There-for, syster, so God me spede,

319And ye wiɫɫ hym hele or elles fynde, Go seke hym vnder þe wode lynde. There he renneth wode as any hare. But no force I wiɫɫ neuer care For you ne for hym, while þat I lyve.” When Mel[i]ore herde þis grete reprove That Wrake, hir suster, to hir hath tolde, Hir hert within hir body gan to colde, And þought hir love, Partonope * For euer in þis worlde loste hathe she.  “Suster,” seide fayre Meliore,  “The cause þat I wepe so sore, For Partonope * it is not sekyrly. But I shaɫɫ teɫɫ you þe cause why. Suster, sith ye were laste with me, Here hath ben a grete assemble Of kynges, Erles, and eke barons, And aɫɫ þat holde castels and townes Or any oþer lordshippe of me, [leaf 100, back] Aɫɫ they were in þat assemble. Of aɫɫ her counseylle þis was þe accorde

7940, 7944. MS. patronope.

7932

7936

7940

7944

7948

7952

she will find him running about in the wood.

Melior, though lieavy at heart, denies that she weeps for Partonope.

The kings and lords of the empire had held an assembly, where it was decided that she was to take a husband.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

And ye woɫɫ hym) hele or elles fynde,

And ye wiɫɫ hym hele ore eɫɫes fynde, 7932

Go seeke hym) vndyr the wode lynde.

Go seke hym vnder þe wode lynde.

There he rennytħ wode as ony hare.

There he rynnyth wode as ony hare.

But no forse I woɫɫ neuer care 7935

But no fors I wyɫɫ neuer care

For yow ne for hym), whyle I leve.”

For you ne hym, while I leue.” 7936

Whan) Meliour herd this grete reprofe

When Myl. . re herde þis grete repreue

That Vrak, her suster, to her hatħ told,

That Wrake, hir syster, to hir hathe tolde,

Her hert wytħ-in her body gan) to cold,

Hir hert with-in. hir body gan) colde,

And tħoght her love, Partanope, 7940

And þought hir loue, Partonope, 7940

For euer in thys world lost hath She.

For euer in þis worlde loste hathe she.

“SVster,” sayd fayre Melioure

¶ “Syster,” seyde fayre Melyore,

“The cause that I wepe so sore,

“The cause þat I wypte so sore

For Partanope hit ys not sykerly. [leaf 65]

For Partonope it is not sekerly. 7944

But I shaɫɫ telle yow the cause why.

But I shaɫɫ teɫɫ you þe cause why.

Suster, sytħ ye were last wytħ me,

Syster, sethe ye were laste with me,

Here hatħ bene a grete assemble

Here hathe bene a grete asemble

Of kynges, Erlys and eke barons, 7948

Of kynges, erlis and of Barouns, 7948

And alle that held castelles and townes

That helde castelles and townes

Or ony other lordshy p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq99.tif"/> of me,

Ore ony oþer lordchipe of me,

Alle they were at that assymble.

Aɫɫ bey were at þat assemble. 7951

Of aɫɫ her counseyɫɫ thys was the a-corde 7952

Of aɫɫ þer counseɫɫ þis was þe corde

320Þat I moste algate haue a lorde. Some seide þe Emperour of Spayne, And some seide the Emperour of Almayne, And some seide, for nere alliaunce, I shuld haue þe kyng of Fraunce. But shortely to teɫɫ at oo worde, Aɫɫ þes lordis mygbt not acorde To eny of þes þre persones, The feɫɫ at Travers aɫɫ at ones. Some speke shortely of hym of Spayne, And some helde no-þing with Almayne, Of the kyng of Fraunce they toke none hiede. Thus they departed, with-oute drede. Then was þere a knyght þat heght Arme[l]us, A semely persone for þe nonys, Longe and brode, and bigge of bonys. He was no man of grete lyvelode. He passeth many a man in manhode. He was ronne wele in yeeres, His hede was fuɫɫ of white heeres. A man he was holde of grete renoune; Men toke heede gretely of his resone.

As they did not agree on the choice, there rose an old knight, called Ernoul.

7956

7960

7964

7968

7972

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

That I must algate haue a lord. 7953

That I moste algate haue a lorde.

Som) sayd the emperoure of Spayne,

Som seyde þe emperour of Spayne,

And som þe emerour of Almayne,

And som) seyd, for neere alliaunce,

And som seyde, for nere alyance,

I shulld haue the kyng of Fraunce.

I shulde haue þe kynge of Fraunce. 7957

But Shortely to telle at oo word^ι,*

But shortly to teɫɫ at on worde.

Alle these lordys mygħt not a-cord

Aɫɫ þis lordes mygħt not acorde

To ony of these thre persones, 7960

To ony of þis iij personys, 7960

They fyɫɫ at travers aɫɫ at ones.

Thye fiɫɫ atrauers aɫɫ at onys.

Som) speeke shortely of hym) of Spayne,

Som spake shortly of hym of Spayne,

And som) heeldno-thyng wytħAlmayn),

And som helde nothynge with Almayne,

Of the kyng of Fraunce they toke non) heed,* 7964

Of þe kynge of France þey toke none hede, 7964

Thus they departed, wythouten) drede.

Thus þey departyde, with drede.

Than) was there a knygħt hygħt Armeus,

Then was þer a kynght hight Armelus,

A semely persone for the nonys, 7967

A symly persone for the nonys,

Long and broode, and bygge of bones.

Longe and brode, and byge of bonys. [leaf 62, back] 7968

He was no man) of grete lyfelode.

He was a man of grete lyuelode,

He passyd many man) in manhode.

He passede many on in manhode,

He was ronne wele in yerys,

He was ronne weɫɫ in yeres,

His hede was fuɫɫ of whyte herys. 7972

His hede was fuɫɫ of whyte heris. 7972

A man) he was hold of grete renon;

A man) he was holde of grete renoune;

Men) toke heede gretly of hys reson.

Men toke hede gretly of his resounne.

7958. MS. cord. 7964. MS. bred.

321‘ LOrdynges,’ he seide, ‘ and it be your pleasyng, To gyve audience to my spekyug, To aɫɫ þat of þis counseyɫɫ be, Myn entent I pray yon here and se. I am wele roune vpp in age, Not borne of hye lynage. Yite an olde proverbe seide is aɫɫ day : Of a fole a wyse man may Take witte, þis is with-onten drede.’ ‘ Sey on’ seyd aɫɫ, ‘now God þe spede.’ ‘ Lordynges,’ he seide, ‘ with-outen fayle, I am not able you to counsayle. For who shaɫɫ a counseylle yeve, Hym is good to be warre of reprove, Leste me sey he is worþi no wage, [leaf 101] He counseyled þus for his owne a-vauntage. Lordinges, the entent of þis matere I wiɫɫ you teɫɫ, if ye lust to here. Taketh it in no wise for no counseylle. But if ye think it may not a-vaylle Herith it, and þen leyeth it on syde.

7976

7980

7984

7988

7992

He asked the lords to listen to his advice.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

‘LOrdynges,’ he sayd, ‘ and hyt be your plesyng

¶ ‘Lordynges,’ he seyde, ‘yef it be youre plesynge

To gefe audience to myn) spekyng, 7976

To gyfeaudyence to my spekynge, 7976

To aɫɫ that of thys counsayɫɫ be,

To aɫɫ þat of bis counseɫɫ be,

Myn) entent I pray yow here and se.

Myn entent I praye you here and se.

I am) weɫɫ ronne vpe in age,

I am weɫɫ ronne vp in age,

Not borne of hye lenage. 7980

But not borne of hye lenage. 7980

Yet and old proverbe sayd ys aɫɫ day :

Yet an olde prouerbe seyde it is aɫɫ

Of a foole a wyse man may

Of a fole a wysman may [day :

Take wytt, this ys wytħ-oute drede.’

Take wyte, þis is with-out drede.’

‘Sey on),’ sayd aɫɫ: / ‘now God the speede.’ [leaf 65, back] 7984

‘Sey on,’ seyde aɫɫ, ‘nowe God the spede.’ 7984

‘Lordynges,’ he seyd, ‘wytħ-outen) fayle,

‘Lordynges,’ he seyde, ‘with-out faiɫɫ,

I am not able yow to counsayle.

I am not abiɫɫ you to counseɫɫ,

For who shaɫɫ a counsayɫɫ yeve, 7987

For who shaɫɫ a counseɫɫ yeue,

Hym hys goode to be ware of reprove,

Hym is good to be ware of repreue,7988

Lest men) sey he ys worthy no wage,

Leste men) sey he is worthy no wage.

He couusayled this for hys owne avauntage.

He counsellede þis for his owne avantage.

Lordyng[es] de entent of my matere

Lordynges, þe entente of my mater

I wyɫɫ yow teɫɫ, yf ye lust to here. 7992

I wiɫɫ you teɫɫ, yef ye lyste to here. 7992

Taketħ yt in no wyse for counsayle.

Takyth it in no wyse for no counseɫɫ.

But hef ye thynk yt may not avayle

But yef ye thynke it may a-vayɫɫ

Heretħ yt, and than) ley hyt a-syde.

Heryth it, and þen) ley it asyde.

PARTONOPE.

Y

322Ye wote wele how large and wyde My ladies lordshippes lye here a-boute. To you it is not in grete doute Þere is [no] lorde þat now is here, But þat he is in lande a marchere To some of þe lordes a-fore seide, Eiche of hem þer-fore wolde be wele paide To haue hym a kyng to whome he is a marchere, Of hym to haue better lordshi p ¯ p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq100.tif"/> and chere. Eiche man for his avauntage doþe chese, Fuɫɫ litiɫɫ heede take they of my ladies ease. This is no resone me þinketh, be my life. I wole make an ende of aɫɫ þis strif, And taketh good heed what I shaɫɫ sey, I shaɫɫ shew you a new wey. My lady is of grete honour, And of beaute she bereth þe floure Of aɫɫ women, þis wote ye, That in þis worlde I trow be. She is þerto but right tendre of age.

All the lords present were neighbours to some or other of the kings who had been proposed, and consequently spoke from interested motives.

7996

8000

8004

8008

8012

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Ye wote wele how large and wyde 7996

Ye wot weɫɫ ho we large and wyde 7996

My ladyes lordshy p ¯ p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq101.tif"/> es lye here aboute.

My ladyes lordchipus lye here aboute.

To yow hit ys not in grete doute

To you it is not in grete doute

There ys no lord that now ys heere,

Ther is no lorde þat nowe is here

But he ys in lond a marchere 8000

But þat he is in londe a marchere 8000

To som) of [the] lordys a-fore sayd.

The some of the lordes afore seyde.

Eche of hem) ther-for wold be wyɫɫ payde

Eche of hem þer-fore were weɫɫ payde

To haue hym) a king to whom) he ys marcheyre,

To haue hym a kynge to whom a marchere,

Of hym) to haue the better lordeshi p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq102.tif"/> and cheere. 8004

Of hym to haue þe beter lordchipe and chere. 8004

Eche man) for his a-vauntage dotħ chese

Eche man for his avantage dothe chese,

Fuɫɫ lyteɫɫ heed take they of my lades

Fuɫɫ lytiɫɫ hede take þey of my ladyes eyse.

Thys ys no reson) me thenketħ, be my lyfe. 8007

This is no reson me thynke, be my lyfe.

I woɫɫ make an) eud of aɫɫ thys stryfe.

I wiɫɫ make an ende of aɫɫ þis stryfe.

And taketħ goode heede what I shaɫɫ sey,

Takyth good hede what I shaɫɫ sey, [leaf 63] 8009

I shaɫɫ shew yow a mene wey.

I shaɫɫ shewe you a mene wey.

My lady ys of grete honoure,

My lady is of grete honoure

And of beaute she berytħ the floure

And of beute she beryth þe floure 8012

Of aɫɫ women), this wote wele ye, 8013

Of aɫɫ women, þis wot weɫɫ ye,

That in this world I trow be.

That in þis worlde I trowe be.

She ys therto / but ryght tendyr of age.

She is þer-to right tender of age.

323Many cite, casteɫɫ, and pore village That ben vnder hir gouernaunce, Many a pore man may she avaunce. Of lordes, of knyghtis eke she is so stronge That no [man] may do hir no wronge. Wherfore me thinkeþ þat reasone wolde Hir soueraigne lorde chose she sholde. And if she chese a lorde for richesse, If he lak manhode and prowesse, This myght be mysschief to vs aɫɫ. Or it myght elles so be-faɫɫ She chose a man of smaɫɫ degre, So a gentillman borne þat he be, [leaf 101, back] Fre, curteise, stable, and debonaire, Stronge, wele shapen, of visage faire, Manly, trew, friendly with to dele, Such a man shuld do right wele. If such were founde be her owne chesyng, To vs þis myght neuer be reprovyng. And how pis myght In brought be I shaɫɫ you teɫɫ, as thinketh me:

8016

8020

8024

8028

8032

8036

Their beautiful Queen should choose for herself. What they all wanted. was a manly and chivalrous king.

And such a king might be found.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Many Cyte, casteɫɫ, and poor vyllage

Many Cete, Casteɫɫ, and poure vylage

That be vndyr the gouernnaunce,

That ben vnder þer gouernaunce, 8017

Many a poor man) may she a-vaunce.

And many a poure man she may avaunce.

Of lordes, of knyghtes eke She ys so strong,

Of lordes, knyghtes eke she is stronge,

That no man) may do her no worng.

That no man may do hir no wronge. 8020

Where-fore me thenketħ that reson) wold 8021

Where-for me thynke þat reson wolde

Hyr soueraygne lorde chose she shold.

Here souerayne lorde chese she sholde.

¹And yff She chese a lord for Rychesse,

And yef she chese a lorde for Ryches,

Yf he lak manhode and prowesse, 8024

Yef he lake manhode and prowes 8024

This mygħt be myschyf to vs aɫɫ.

This myght be myschef of vs aɫɫ.

Or hyt mygħt elles so be-falle [¹ leaf 66]

Ore eɫɫes it myght be-faɫɫ

She chose a man) of smale degree,

She chose a man) of lowe degre,

So a gentylman) born) that he be, 8028

So a gentiɫɫ man) borne þat he be, 8028

Fre, curtayse, stable, and debonayre,

Fre, courteyse, lentiɫɫ and de-boneyre,

Strong, weɫɫ shapen), of vysage fayre,

Stronge, weɫɫ shape, of vessage fayre,

Manly, trew, frendly wytħ to dele,

Manly, true, frendly with to delle,

Sucħ a man) shuld do rygħt wele. 8032

Soych a man) shulde do right weɫɫ. 8032

Yf sucħ were found be hyr owne chesyng,

Yef soyche were fonde be hir chesynge,

To vs thys myght neuer be reproving.

To vs myght neuer be repreuy[n]ge.

And how thys mygħt Inne brougħt be

And howe þis in brought mygħt be

I shaɫɫ yow teɫɫ, as thenketħ me : 8036

I shaɫɫ you teɫɫ, as thynketh me : 8036

11. 8031–32 inverted in MS.

324At witsonetyde þe next yere, Be writte lette be charged to be here Marchauntes of aɫɫ maner degre, That of þe queen holde any maner fee, Where they be fre or Elles bounde, With her marchaundise vpon þe stronde, And that a fayre here holden be Of marchaundise of aɫɫ maner degree, And xv. dayes it shaɫɫ be holden here. There shaɫɫ no man no custome bere, To þe fayres avauntage þis gretely shaɫɫ be, Also peace þrow all þe contre Be cried for straunger, as we devisen. They piclie vp her boþes, and þerin good wyne Shaɫɫ be to seɫɫ; it may not fayle There moste be plente of aɫɫ vitayle, Hors, armour that longeth to Chevalry, Wele beten Trappers, stedes to þe wey, Sheldes, speres peynted fuɫɫ gay, Sadels, helmes of aɫɫ maner assay,

A fair should be announced for Whit-guntide the next year.

There should be booths, good wine, and all appurtenances of chivalry.

8040

8044

8048

8052

8056

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

At wytsontyde the next yere,

At whytsontyde þe nexte yere,

Be wrytt late be chargid to be here

Be wryte let be chargyde to be here

Marchauntes of all maner degree, 8039

Marchauntes of aɫɫ maner degre,

That of the queen hold ony maner fee,

That of þe quene holde ony maner fee,

Where they be free / or elles bounde,

Where þey fre ore eɫɫes bounde, 8041

Wytħ her marchaundyse vpon) the strond, 8042

With hir marchantyse vppon þe stronde,

And that a fayre holden) be

And þat a feyre here holden be 8043

Of marchaundyse of aɫɫ maner degree,

Of marchantyse of aɫɫ maner degre,

And xv days hyt shaɫɫ be holden here.

And xv dayes it shaɫɫ be holde here.

Ther shaɫɫ no man) no custome bere,

Ther shaɫɫ no man no costum) bere,

To the fayres a-vauntage this gretely shaɫɫ be,

To þe fayres avantage gretly shaɫɫ be

Also peas / throw aɫɫ the Contree 8048

Also pese þorwe aɫɫ the countre 8048

Be cryed/ffor straunger, as we devysyn).

Be cryde for stranger as we devysyn.¹

They pycches vp her boothes, and theryn good wynd 8050

The pyche of þer bothis, and þer-in good wyn) [¹ leaf 63, back] 8050

Shaɫɫ be to seɫɫ, hyt may not fayle,

There most be plentee of aɫɫ vytayle,

Hors, armor that longetħ to chevalry,

Wele beten) trappures, steedys to the wey, 8054

Sheldes, speres peyntyd fuɫɫ gay,

Saddles, helmes of aɫɫ maner assay,

8048. MS. rather paas.

325That longeth to turneyng,* may not be behynde, To be solde * men moste þere redy fynde. Be þen pore men her bofes vp haue Her good þerin f orto save, And eke grete marchauntes her pavylone, It shaɫɫ seme a right wele fayre towne. On þe toþer side ordeyned it mot be Herodes to ride in euery contre That bene vnder cristen lay, To proclame vpon what day A Royaɫɫ tenement here þan shaɫɫ be, [leaf 102] And it shaɫɫ laste dayes þre. Also to warne eich worþi knyght To shew her knyghthode and her myght. And how þe turnament shaɫɫ be-gynne, Who so euer happe þe gre to wynne, On monday next after þe faire day. And aɫɫ þe ferre stranngers with-outen nay Shuɫɫ be herborowed on þis side;

8057. MS. turnemyng.

8058. solde] the last two Utters too rubbed to read.

8060

8064

8068

8072

Heralds were to pro-claim in all countries that a three days’ tournament would be held.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

That longeth to turnyng, may not be be-hynde, 8057

To be sold men) must there redy fynde.

To be solde men) moste þer redy fynde. 8058

Be than) pore men) her boothes vp haue

Be þen poure men þer bothis haue

Hir goode ther-In for to save, 8060

Hir good þer-in foreto saue, 8060

And eke grete marchaunges her pauylon),

And eke grete marchantes þer pavelyon),

Hyt shaɫɫ seme a rygħt wele fayre town), [leaf 66, back]

Hit shaɫɫ seme a right feyre towne.

On) the other syde ordenyd mote hit be

On þat oþer syde ordeynede moste be

Herewdes to ryde in euery contree 8064

Herowdes to ryde in-to euery contre

That be vndyr crysten) lay,

That ben vnder crystyn lay, 8065

To proclayme vpon) what day

To proclame vppon what day

A ryaɫɫ turnement here than) shaɫɫ be,

A Royaɫɫ turment here shaɫɫ be,

And yt shaɫɫ lest days thre. 8068

And it shaɫɫ laste dayes thre. 8068

Also to warne eche worthye knygħt

Also to warne euery worthy knygħt

To shew her knygħt-hode and her mygħt,

To shewe here knygthode and here mygħt,

And how the turnement shaɫɫ be-gynne,

And howe þe turment shaɫɫ be-gyne,

Who so euer happe the gree to wynne,

Who so euer hape þe gre to wyne,8072

A monday next after the fayre day.

On monday nexte after þe feyre day.

And alle the ferre straungers wytħouten) nay 8074

And aɫɫ þe ferre stronger with-out nay

Shuld be herbored on) thys syde;

Shaɫɫ be loggyde on þis syde;

326In þe faire aɫɫ þe toþer shaɫɫ a-bide. And my lady herborowed shaɫɫ be In þe dongeon) for more suerte. Be hir also moste sitte þere The lordes aɫɫ þat shuɫɫ bere The charge of þe rightfuɫɫ Iugement, Who fat shaɫɫ haue þe gree of þe tunamente. Thre dayes þis turn anient shaɫɫ laste. On þe fourte day þe luges moste caste Which doþe beste to * haue þe degre. Of þes moste vj. or vij. be Chosen oute of þe worthiest, And which my lady liketh best Hym she moste take for hir sonerayne, And here on þis medowe faire and playne The turnament holden shaɫɫ be, Þat my lady and þe luges may se. Hidder shaɫɫ come many a Eiche marchaunte, Fro Yenyse, fro Ypres, and fro Gaunte, To wyn) vpon her marchaundise.

8085. to] MS. moste.

The Queen and the judges might sit in the dungeon.

On the fourth day the judges should select six or seven knights who had distinguished themselves; and the Queen was to choose one of them.

8076

8080

8084

8088

8092

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

In the fayre that aɫɫ the other shaɫɫ a-byde. 8076

In þe feyre aɫɫ þat oþer shaɫɫ abyde. 8076

And my lady herberwyde shaɫɫ be

In the dongeon) for more auertee,

In þe dongon for more suerte.

Be her also most sytt there

Be here also moste syt þere

The lordys aɫɫ that shuɫɫ bere 8080

The lordes aɫɫ þat shuɫɫ bere 8080

The charge of the ryght-fuɫɫ Iugement,

The charge of right-fuɫɫ Iugement,

Who that shaɫɫ haue gree of the turnament.

Who þat shaɫɫ haue þe gre of þe turment.

Th[r]e days thys turnement shaɫɫ fast.

Thre dayes þis turment shaɫɫ laste.

On) the fourtħ dayes the Iugees must cast ‘ 8084

On þe iiij day luges moste caste 8084

Whicħ do best to haue the gree.

Whyche do beste to haue þe gre.

Of these must vj or seven) be

Of þese moste vj or vij be

Chosen) oute of the worthyest,

Chosyn) out of the worthyeste,

And whicħ my [lady] lyketħ best 8088

And whiche my lady louyth beste8088

Hym) She must take for her souerayne.

Hym she moste take for here souerayne.

And here on) this medew fayre and playn)

And here on) þis medewe fayre and playne

The turnement holden) shaɫɫ be,

The turment holde shaɫɫ be, 8091

That my lady and the Iugees may se.

That my lady and þe luges may see.

Hedyr shaɫɫ come many a fayre merchaunt 8093

Heþer shaɫɫ come many a goodly marchante

Fro Venyse, ffro Ipers and fro Gaunt,

Fro Venyse, fro Iprys, and fro Gan)

To wynne vpon) her Marchaundyse,

To wyne vppon) þer marchantyse.

327Of þe turnament eke to haue þe prise Hedir wole come many a worþi knyght, And þis wole be a Royaɫɫ sight. Lordynges’ seide Armulus, ‘ what sey ye ? My tale is tolde, and if not be Agreable vnto all your entente, In you lieth now amendmente.’  When Armulus had his reasone seide,  The lordes þerto agreed were and apayde. Thus here shaɫɫ be pis turnament, And I am assented to her entente, [leaf 102, back] Which, Suster, to me is grete sorowe. When I thinke þeron, Even and morowe, I moste nedes faɫɫ in moche sighyng. Also, good suster, of my wepyng This is þe cause, and not Partonope. But, faire suster, I wole þat ye In þis mater knowe aɫɫ my wiɫɫ. To love Partonope I haue more skiɫɫ Then any of þo þat they wole chese, Grete sorowe moste I haue þus to lese

8096

8100

8104

8108

8112

8116

The lords agreed to this proposal.

It is this tournament that causes all her woe.

She now loses her old love, Partonope.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Of the turnement eke to haue the pryse

Of þe turment eke to haue þe pryse 8096

Hedyr wyɫɫ come many a worthy knyght, 8097

Heþer wiɫɫ come many a goodly knygħt,

And this woɫɫ be a ryaɫɫ sygħt,

And þis wiɫɫ be a royaɫɫ sigħt.

Lordynges,’ sayd Aranlus, ‘ wħat say ye?

‘Lordynges,’ seyde Armelus, ‘whatsey ye? [leaf 64]

My tale ys told, and yf not be 8100

My tale is tolde; yef it nowe be 8100

A-greabyɫɫ vn-to aɫɫ youre entent,

Agreabiɫɫ vnto youre entente

In yow lyetħ now amendement.’ [leaf 67]

In you lythe nowe amendemente.’

WHan) Ernulus had hys reson) sayd,

¶ When Armelus hade his tale seyde,

The lordys thereto a-greed and were a-payd. 8104

The lordes greede, and were apayde. 8104

Thus here shaɫɫ be thys Inturnement,

Thus here shaɫɫ be þe turmente,

And I am) assented to here entent,

And I am assentyde to þer entente,

Whicħ, suster, to me ys grete sorow.

Whiche, syster, to me is grete sorwe.

Whan) I thenke þeron, even) and morow, 8108

When) I thynke þer-on, evyn and morwe, 8108

I must nedes falle in moch sygħing.

I moste nedes faɫɫ in meche sigħynge.

Also, goode suster, of my wepyng

Also, good syster, of my wepynge

This ys the cause, and not Partanope.

This is þe cause, and not Partonope.

But fayre suster, I woɫɫ that yee 8112

But, feyre syster, I wyɫɫ þat ye 8112

In thys mater know aɫɫ aɫɫ my wyle.

In þis mater knowe aɫɫ my wiɫɫ.

To love Partanope I haue more skyɫɫ

To loue Partonope I haue more skiɫɫ

Than) ony of tho that they woɫɫ chese.

Then ony of the þat þey wiɫɫ chese.

Grete sorow must I haue thus to lese

Grete sorwe moste I haue þis to lese 8116

328My love, my Ioy, my Partonope, For truly, suster, he moste nedes be Moste in my thought, while I am aly ve, To you aɫɫ holy I do me shryve.”— “Ey, God helpe,” seide good Wrake, “What woman of you may I make? Ye he, me þinketh, fuɫɫ: vnstable; Youre herte is euer so chaungeable. I haue grete mervaylle, be God a-bove, Ye can Partonope * boþe hate and love, And þat oones and in oo day. Grete Ioy of you haue I may. Yite for litiɫɫ your herte couþe chaunge, I trowe, fro hym, and love a straunge.” When Melior herde Wrake hir blame, And to hir seide so moche shame, For sorowe she wist not what to do, But wept as þough hir herte a-two Shuld haue broste; and þerwith she Leyde hir downe on hir susters kne. Longe after she seide fuɫɫ petiously:

8126. MS. patronope.

Urake reproaches her sister for being so inconstant.

Melior feels us though her heart is breaking, and implores Urake to help her.

8120

8124

8128

8132

8136

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

My love, my Ioy, my Partanope. 8117

My loue, my Ioye, my Partonope,

For truly, suster, he must nedes be

For truly, syster, he moste nedes be

Moost in my thougħt, while I am) a-lyve.

Moste in my þought, while I leue.

To yow alholly I do me schryfe.”—

To you aɫɫ holy I wiɫɫ me shreyue.”—

“Ey, God help,” sayd good Vrak, 8121

“Ey, God helpe,” seyde good Wrake,

“What voman) of yow may I make ?

“What woman) of you may I make ?

Ye be, me thenketħ, fuɫɫ vnstable;

Ye be, me thynketh, fuɫɫ vnstabiɫɫ;

Youre hert ys euer chaungeable. 8124

Youre hert is euer fuɫɫ chaungabiɫɫ. 8124

I haue grete mervayle, be God above,

I haue grete merveɫɫ, be God aboue,

Ye can) Partanope botħ hate and love,

Ye can) Partonope bothe hate and loue,

And that at ones and in oo day.

And þat at onys and in on day.

Grete Ioy of yow haue I may, 8128

Grete Ioye of you haue I may. 8128

Yett for lyteɫɫ your hert cowde chaunge,

Yet for lytiɫɫ youre hert couthe change,

I trow, fro hym), and love a straunge.”

I trowe for hym, and loue a stronge.”

Whan Melior herd Vrak her blame,

When)Melyore herde Wrake here blame,

And to her sayd so moche shame, 8132

And to here seyde so meche shame, 8132

For sorow she wyst not what to do,

For sorwe she wyste not what to do,

But wept as thogħ her hert a-two

But wypte as þougħ here hert atwo

Shuɫɫd haue brost, and ther-wytħ She

Shulde haue breste, and þer-with she

Leyde her doune on) her susters kne.

Leyde hir downe on hir syster kne. 8136

Longe after She sayd fuɫɫ peteusly: 8137

Longe after she seyde fuɫɫ petuously :

329“Wrake, good suster, I cry you mercy. And for Goddis love, now conseylle me My love to haue I myght beste be Governed; for fully in you I trust, And ye can counseylle me for þe beste.”  “Suster,” seide Wrake, “as þinkeþ me,  Ye haue sett yowr-self in good degre, And as now moste for your beste. [leaf 103] Ye mow chese whome euer ye liste Of such complexion) ye mo we take Of browne, of bloye, or elles of blake, As is moste to your plesaunce. Wherfore desyre ye a fayrere chaunce ?”  “Good suster,” þen seide Melior,  “Ye make myn herte wonder sore. And hardely, suster, grete syn) haue ye Thus vngoodly to rehete me. Grete synn haþe þat list to displeace A lady for love lieth in diseace.”— “That is soþe,” seide good Wrake. “It is grete almes, I dar vndirtake,

8140

8144

8148

8152

8156

But Urake’s ironical answer only adds to Melior’s grief.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

“Vrak, good suster, I crye yow mercy.

“Wrake, good syster, I crye you mercy,

And for Goddes love, now counsayɫɫ me

¹ For Goddes loue, nowe couniseɫɫ me

My loue to haue I mygħt best be 8140

My loue to haue I myght beste be 8140

¹ Governed; for fully in yow I trust.

Gouer[ne]de; for fully to you I truste,

And eke ye can) counsayɫɫ me for the best.” [¹laf 67, back]

And ye con counseɫɫ me þe beste.”

“SVster,” sayd Vrak, “as thenkeith me,

¶ “Syster,” seyde Wrake,’’ as thynketh me, [¹ leaf 64, back]

Ye haue sett youre-self in good degree,

Ye haue set youre-selfe in good degre,

And, as now most for youre best, 8145

And as nowe moste for þe beste. 8145

Ye now chese whom) y[l]ken) ye lest.

Ye may chese whom euer ye lyste.

Of suche compleccion) ye mow take

Of soyche complexsion ye may take

Of broune, of bloye, or elles of blak, Of browne,

of bloye, ore of blake, 8148

As is moste to youre plesaunce

As ye most to youre plesaunce. 8149

Where-fore desyre ye a fayre chaunce ?”

Where-for desyre ye a fayre chaunce ?”

GOode Suster,” sayd than) Melior,

¶ “Good syster,” seyde þen Melyore,

“Ye make my hert wondyr sore.

“Ye make my hert þen wonder sore

And hardyly, suster, grete synne haue ye 8153

And hardly, syster, grete syn haue ye

Thus vngodely to rehete me.

Thus vngoodly to rehete me. 8154

Grete synne hatħ that lyst dysplese

Grete synne he hathe þat lyste to dyssplese.

A lady for love lyetħ in desese.”—

A lady for loue lyth in dysseyse.”—8156

“That ys sotħ,” sayd good Vrak. 8157

“That is sothe,” seyde good Wrake.

“Hyt ys grete almes, I dare vndyr-take,

“Hit is grete almes, I vn[der]take,

8155. dyssplese] First e seems altered from y.

330A lady to sle a gentiɫɫ knyght That loveth hir truly with aɫɫ his myght.” Then seide þe lady : “I fele wele In loves daunger ye are neuer a dele. But God may ordeyn here-after þat ye In loves daunse caught may be. Then aɫɫ þes Iapes wole ye leve, Then shuɫɫ ye fele somwhat my greve.”  ÞEn seide Wrake : “I wiɫɫ neuer more  To you speke, sith þat so sore My wordes to you grevaunce be For when God wiɫɫ, suster, mow ye In love here-after full truly, And fen I hote you þat neuer shaɫɫ I Hym þat I love for no-þing hate, For þat were an vngoodly debate.”  Then seide Melior : “Þis may wele be.  But when God of love and ye Haue ben to-gedre þat ye hym serve, And he you bynde tiɫɫ þat ye sterve, Thus fro his servise neuer parte shall ye.

If Urake knew love, she says, she would not be so unkind.

Urake replies that she will not, at any rate, hate the man she loves.

“Love and hate depend on the God of love.”

8160

8164

8168

8172

8176

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

A lady to sle a gentyɫɫ knygħt’

A lady to sle a Ientiɫɫ knygħt

That lovytħ her truly wyht aɫɫ hys mygħt.” 8160

That louyth here with aɫɫ his mygħt.”

Than) sayde the lady : “I fele wele

Then) seyde she : “I fele weɫɫ 8161

In loves daungre are ye neuer a dele.

In louys damage are ye neuer a delle.

But God may ordayn here-after that ye

But God may ordeyne here-after þat ye

In loues daunse caugħt may he. 8164

In louys daunce caught may be. 8164

Than) alle these Iapes wole ye leve,

Then) aɫɫ þis lapis wiɫɫ ye leue,

Than) shaɫɫ ye feele somewaħt my greffe.”

Then) shuld ye fele somwhat my greue.”

THan) sayd Vrak: “I woɫɫ neuer more

Then seyde Wrake : “I wiɫɫ neuer more

To yow speke, sytħ that sore 8168

To you speke, sethe þat so sore 8168

My wordys to yow grevaunce he.

My wordes to youre greuance be.

For whan) God wyɫɫ, Suster, to yow ye

For when) God wiɫɫ, syster, may ye

In love here-after fuɫɫ treuly, 8171

In loue haste fuɫɫ truly.

And than) I hote yow, neuer shaɫɫ I

Then) I hote you, neuer shaɫɫ I 8172

Hym) that I love for no-thing hate,

Hym) þat I loue for nothynge hate,

For that were an vngodely debate.”

For þat were an vngodly debate.”

Than) sayd Melioure : “Thys may wele be.

Then) seyde Melyore: “þis may weɫɫ be.

But whan) God of love and ye 8176

But when God of loue and ye 8176

Haue bene to-gedyr,that ye hym) serve,

Haue ben to-geder þat ye hym serue,

And he yow bynde tyɫɫ that ye sterve,

And he you bynde þat ye sterue,

Thus fro hys seruyce neuer part shuɫɫ yee,

Thus fro his seruyse neuer part shaɫɫ ye

331Then shuɫɫ ye wele teɫɫ me To love ne to hate shuɫɫ ye haue no power, But as ye may be to hym moste pleasire.” Then seide Wrake: “If love me bynde [leaf 103, back Hym to serve in such a kynde, What þing shaɫɫ make me my love to hate ? Be-twene vs rise shaɫɫ neuer debate. Truly, suster, I sey for me Of his servise haue I no deynte.”— “Be þe feith, suster, þat I hym owe,” Seid Melior, “ye shuɫɫ: wele knowe Boþe fat and moche oþer þing more Ye felte [neuer] sith tyme * ye were bore.” Then seide Wrake : “Love ye on faste ! Hym to serve haue I no haste : For suster ye can neuer teɫɫ me Where I love paramours in any degre.”— “Ye, suster,” þen seide Meliore, “Ye know þat is a-go fuɫɫ: yore. Where my herte was sette to love, There it is aɫɫ-wey, be God a-bove.

8192. sith tyme] MS. tyme sith.

8184

8188

8192

8196

8200

If that is so Urake does not care for love.

Melior’s heart has not changed, and she will do as she likes.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Than) saɫɫ ye wele telle me [leaf 68]

¹ Then) shaɫɫ ye weɫɫ teɫɫ me 8180

To loue ne to hate shaɫɫ ye haue no powere, 8181

To loue ne to hate shaɫɫ ye haue no poure, [¹ leaf 65]

But as ye may be to hym) most plesure.”

But as ye may be to hym moste plesure.”

Than) sayd Vrak : “Yf love me bynde

Then) seyde Wrake: “Yef loue me bynde

Hym) to seruy in sucħ a kynde, 8184

Hym to serue in soyche a kynde, 8184

What thyng shaɫɫ make me / my love to hate ?

What thynge shaɫɫ make me my loue to hate ?

Be-twen) vs ryse shaɫɫ neuer debate.

Be-twene vs ryse shaɫɫ neuer debate.

Truly, suster, I sey now for me

Truly, syster, I sey no we for me

Of hys seruyce haue I no deynte.” 8188

Of his seruyse haue I no deynte.”—

“Be the fayth, suster, that I hym) ow,”

“Be the feyth, syster, þat 1 owe,” 8189

Seyd Melior, “ye shaɫɫ weɫɫ know

Seyde Melyore, “ye shaɫɫ weɫɫ knowe

Botħ that and moche other thyng more

Bothe þat and moche oþer more

Ye felt neuer sytħ tyme ye were bore.”

Ye felt neuer sethe ye were bore.”8192

Than) sayd Vrak : “Love ye on) fast!

Then) seyde Wrake : “Loue ye on faste !

Hym) to serue haue I no hast.

Hym) to serue haue I no haste.

For, suste[r], ye canne neuer teɫɫ me

For, syster, ye con neuer teɫɫ me

“Where I love paramou[r]s in any degree.” 8196

Where I loue paramour in ony degre.”—

“Ya, suster,” than) sayd Melior,

“Ye, syster,” þen) seyde Melyore,8197

“Ye know that ys go fuɫɫ yore.

“Ye knowe þat is a-goo fuɫɫ yore.

Where my hert was set’t to love,

Where myne hert was set to loue,

There yt ys alwey, be God above. 8200

There it is aɫɫ-wey, be God aboue. 8200

332And, suster, ye speke euer of oo þinge, Ye can neuer make þerof Endyng. And as touchyng þis parlement, What my lordes þerin haue ment, And what euer they meane, so mote I go, As me list beste so wiɫɫ I do” Then seide hir suster Wrake : þough ye litiɫɫ heede here-of take In suche place ye be now brought, Be ought or be it nought: He þat wynneth þe turnament, Ye moste haue hym by Iugement.”— “Suster,” she seide, “I shaɫɫ neuer take For hem aɫɫ none oper make But such as hathe aɫɫ hole my herte, How sore þerof þat euer I snierte.”— “I wote neuer whome ye love beste, But wele I wote ye haue skiɫɫ moste To Partonope, whome [-euer] ye chese, Who euer yow he shaɫɫ lese.” Then seide Melior : “It is not so. I love hym truly and no mo. [leaf 104]

“No, she is obliged to accept the victor of the tournament.”

Melior will choose no other than the man she loves.

She loves Partonope, and will countermand the tournament.

8204

8208

8212

8216

8220

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

And, suster, ye spek euer of on) thyng,

And, syster, ye speke euer of thynge,

Ye can) neuer make therof endyng.

Ye con neuer make þer-of endynge.

And as touching thys parlament,

And as toychynge þis parlemente,

What my lordes there-In haue ment,

What my lordes þer-in haue mente,8204

And what euer they mene, So motte I go, [¹ leaf 68, back] 8205

And what euer þey mene mot I goo,

As me lust best So wele I do.”

As me lyste beste so wiɫɫ I do.”

Than) sayd her suster Vrak :

Then) seyde hir syster Wrake :

“Thow ye lyteli heede here-of take,

“Though ye lytiɫɫ hede here-of take,

In sucħ plyte ye be now brought,

In soyche plyte ye be brought, 8209

B[e] ought or be hyt naught: 8210

Be it ought ore be it nougħt:

He that wynnetħ the turnement,

He þat wynnyth þe turmente,

Ye must haue hym) Indegent.”

Ye moste haue hym by Iuggemente.”—

“Suster,” She sayd, “I shaɫɫ neuer take

“Syster,” she seyde, “I shaɫɫ neuer take [1 leaf 65, baek]

For hem) aɫɫ none other make 8214

For hem aɫɫ none oþer make 8214

But such that bath aɫɫ hole my hert,

But soyche as hath houly my herte,

How sore therfor that euer I smert.”—

Howe sore þer-fore þat euer I smerte.”—

“I wote neuer whom) ye love best, 8217

“I wot neuer whom ye loue beste,

But wele I wote ye haue sylk mest

But weɫɫ I wot ye haue skiɫɫ meste

¹ To Partanope, whom) euer ye chese,

To Partonope, whom euer ye chose,

Who euer yow/he shaɫɫ yow lese.” 8220

¹ Who euer haue you, he shall you lese.”

Than) sayde Melior: “Hyt [is] not so,

Then) seyde Melyore : “It is not so.

I loue hym) truly and no moo.

I loue hym truly and no mo. 8222

333What euer þe luges deme a-bove, I yeve hym fully aɫɫ my love.”— “To late þes wordes ye haue seide. Ye moste nedes holde you paide To haue hym your lorde þat be Iugement Hath borne hym beste in þe turnament.” Then seide Melior: “Ye sey now* soþe. But sipe to me þis is so loþe, I shaɫɫ make hem leve her entent And anulle aɫɫ þis turnement.” Then seide Wrake : “Þis may not be. It is proclamed in many a contree That agreed ye be fully þerto; What euer ye sey it moste be do.” Aɫɫ wepyng answerd Meliore : “It hath be spoke so ferre afore To aɫɫ þe worlde is now bidder comyng. Of nought it serveth aɫɫ my repentyng !” Then seide Wrake : “It wole not be. Aɫɫ þis wepyng for Partonope, Lette þis go for euer with-outen fayle, Thus is, suster, my fuɫɫ counseylle.”

8229. now] MS. not.

8224

8228

8232

8236

8240

8244

“That is now too late.”

Melior’s repentance is of no avail.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

What euer [the] luges deme a-bove,

What euer the Iugges deme aboue,

I yeve hym) fully aɫɫ my love.”— 8224

I yeue hym fully aɫɫ my loue.”— 8224

“To lete thys wordes ye haue sayde.

“To late þis wordes ye haue seyde.

Ye must nedes hold yow payde

Ye moste nedes holde you payde

To haue hym) your lord þat be Iugement

To haue hym þat be Iugment

Hatħ born) hym) best in the turnement.” 8228

Hathe borne hym beste in turmente.”

Than) sayd Melior : “Ye say now sotħ,

Then) seyde Melyor : “Ye sey sothe.

But sytħ to me thys ys so both,

But sethe to me þis is so lothe 8230

I shaɫɫ make hem) leve her entent

I shaɫɫ make hem leue here entente

And anulle aɫɫ this In-turnement.”

And anuɫɫ aɫɫ þis turment.” 8232

Than) sayd Vrak : “Thys may not be.

Then) seyde Wrake : “It may not be.

Hyt ys proclaymed in many a contre

Hit is proclamyde in many a contre

That a-greed fully ye be ther-to;

That agrede fully ye be þer-to.

What euer ye say hit must be do.”

What euer ye sey it moste be do.” 8236

Aɫɫ wepyng answered Melior : 8237

Aɫɫ wepynge answerde Melyore :

“Hit hatħ be spokeyn) so ferre and nere

“Hit hathe be spoke so ferre afore,

To aɫɫ the world ys now hedyr comyng.

Aɫɫ þe worlde is heper corny[n]ge.

Of nought hit servetħ aɫɫ myn) repentyng !” 8240

Of nought seruyth my repentynge !”

Than sayd Vrak : “Late now be

Then) seyde Wrake : “Let nowe be

Aɫɫ this wepyng for Partanope.

Aɫɫ þis wepynge for Partonope.

Late this goo for euer wyth-outen) fayle.

Let þis goo for euer with-out faiɫɫ,

This ys, suster, my fuɫɫ counsayɫɫ.”

This is, syster, my fuɫɫ counseɫɫ.” 8244

334Ayein answerde faire Meliore : “Nedes moste my herte be sore, Sith. þrow myn owne foly Myn hertes Ioy þus loste haue I.”  “Suster,” seide Wrake, þis faire mayde,  “Thes wordes be now to late seide. For no doute þis ye shuɫɫ not se At þis turnament Partonope. And þis is þe moste wo of aɫɫ: In your power it may not faɫɫ To chese your love þere as ye luste, But where your luges likeþ beste. To hym ye moste yeue aɫɫ your herte, Though it do so youre herte smerte. They shuɫɫ chese, but ye moste love. Þis mariage, me þinketh, may not prove. For who þat shaɫɫ love, as þinketh me, The choyse aɫɫ in hym moste be. Of þis it nedeth not to speke more. [leaf 104, back] But when I kneled and wept fuɫɫ sore,

She has lost Partonope through her own folly.

“You will not see Partonope at the tournament,” says Urake.

The choice lies in the hands of the judges.

8248

8252

8256

8260

8264

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

A-yene answerd fayre Melior :

Ayen answerde fayre Melyore :

“Nedys must my hert be sore

“Nedes moste myne hert be sore,

Sytħ throw myn) own) foly

Sethe þorwe myne owne folye

Myn) hertes Ioy thus lost haue I.” 8248

My hertes Ioye þus loste haue I.”— 8248

“SVster,” sayd Yrak, this fayre mayde,

“Syster,” seyde Wrake, þis fayre mayde,

“This wordes be now to late sayd.

“This wordes ben) to late seyde.

For no dowte this ye not shaɫɫ see

For no doute þis ye shaɫɫ not se

At this turnement Partanope. 8252

At þis turment Partonope. 8252

And this ys the most wo of aɫɫ :

And þis is þe moste wo of aɫɫ :

In your power hit may not faɫɫ

In youre poure it may not faɫɫ

To chese youre love there as ye lust,

To chese youre loue þer ye lyste,

But where youre luges lyketh best. 8256

But where youre Iugges leketh beste.

To hym) ye must yeve aɫɫ youre hert,

To hym ye moste yeue youre herte, 8257

Thoght yt do yow sore smert. [leaf 69]

Though it do you sore smerte.

They shuɫɫ chese, but ye must love.

They shaɫɫ chese, but ye moste loue.

This Maryage me thenketħ may not prove. 8260

This me thynke may not proue. 8260

For who that shuld love, as thenketħ me,

For who shaɫɫ loue, as thynketh me,

The choyse algate in hym) must be.

Of this nedytħ not to speke no more.

But whanne I kneled and wept fuɫɫ sore, 8264

After 8257 catchword: Thogħ hit do yow sore.

335Praying you to for-gyve Partonope, Then herde in no wise myght I be. But þis is a fuɫɫ olde sawe : Nede hathe no maner of la we. Therfore my counseylle is atte leste: Taketh hym to your love þat turneþ beste.” Now with þes wordes þes susters two Ben risen, and into a chambre go. And in shorte tyme þis fayre Wrake Of hir suster hir leve [hath] take. She þinketh fuɫɫ longe, while she is pere, She wolde fuɫɫ fayne be Elles-where. Now shortely to speke, þis good Wrake Of Melior hir suster leve haþe take. And Melior prayeth fayre þat she With hir atte turnement wil be, And she hir graunted with good chere, Saying: Suster, I wole be þere.”  Of hir leve takyng no more I make.  But streight to shipp goþe Wrake. Wynde and weder haþe she at wiɫɫ To Salence she comeþ fuɫɫ softe and stiɫɫ, Fro shippe to casteɫɫ streight goþe she. When ware of hir was Partonope,* Atte chambre dore sone he hir mette, And fuɫɫ gladly eiche oþer grette. Of hir comyng fuɫɫ glad was he,

8288. MS. patronope.

8268

8272

8276

8280

8284

8288

 “I advise you to marry the man whn fights best.”

Urake now takes her departure, but promises her sister to be present at the tournament.

Urake sails back to Salence, and Partonope is happy to see her again.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Prayng yow to for-gyf Partanope,

Of Melyor, her Suster, leve hatħ take.

Than) herd / in no wyse mygħt I be.

And Melior prayetħ fayre that She

But this ys a fuɫɫ olde sawe :

Wytħ her atte turnement wold be,8280

Nede had no maner of lawe. 8268

And She her graunted wytħ good chere,

There-fore my counsayɫɫ ys at leste :

Sayng : “Suster, I wyɫɫ be there.”

Taketħ hym) to your love that turnetħ best.”

Off her leve takyng no more I make. But streygħt to Shi p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq103.tif"/> gootħ Vrak.

Now wytħ thise wordes these sustres two

Wynd and wedyr hatħ She at wylle.

To Salens She cometħ fuɫɫ softe and stylle, 8286

Bene rysen), and in-to Chamber goo.

And in Shorte tyme this fayre Vrak

Fro Shy p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq104.tif"/> to casteɫɫ streygħt gothe She.

Of her suster leve taketħ, 8274

Whan) ware of her was Partanope, 8288

She thenketħ fuɫɫ longe, while She ys there,

Atte Chambry dore sone he her mett,

And fuɫɫ goodely ecħ other grett.

She wold fuɫɫ fayne be elles where, 8276

Of her home comyng fuɫɫ glad was he,

Now Shortely to speke, this goode Vrak

336And of his helthe moche Ioy made she. And with hym come faire Persewise To welcome hir lady be good avise. And of þe turnement Wrake hym tolde, And what þe cause is why it shuld be holde; And seide his love hym worde sente If he come not to þe turnement, Melior his wife neuer shuld be. Then to Wrake seide * Partonope : “And Godd gif me life, with-oute doute, I shaɫɫ go forþe amonge þe Route. [leaf 105] But what shAɫɫ I do ? I haue none armoure.”— “Care ye nought, for I you ensure Ye shaɫɫ none lake,” seide good Wrake. “For fayrere ne better, I dare vndertake, Beth not to selle þis day in Parise, Of strenger assayes ne better avise, Stronge sheldes, fayre sadels with cropers, Light and faire shapen, and myghty colers, Hauberk, hosen of mayle fuɫɫ bright, And helme of fyne stele þat hath good sight. A stede I shaɫɫ: gyve you which is cole blak; In hym I trowe ye shaɫɫ fynde no lak, Wele rennyng and redy atte honde,

8300. MS. adds to after seide.

Urake tells him about the tournament, adding that Melior sends him word that she will never be his wife if he does not come there.

Urake will procure him splendid armour, and a black steed.

8292

8296

8300

8304

8308

8312

Univ. Coll. MS.

And of heltħ moch Ioy made She. 8292

Ye shaɫɫ none lak,” sayd fayre Vrak,

And wytħ come fayre Persewyse “

For fayre[r] ne better I dare vndyr take,

To welcome her lady be goode a-vyse.

And of the turnement Vrake hym) told,

Betħ not to selle this day in Paryse,

Of strenger assayes ne better devyse,

And whatt the cause was hit shuld behold; 8296

Strong Sheldes, fayre Sadylles wytħ cropers, 8309

¹ And sayd his love hym) word sent

Lygħt and fayre Sbapen), and mygħti colers,

Yf he come not to thurnement,

Melior his wyfe shuld neuer be.

Haubrek, hosyn) of mayle ffull brygħt,

Than) to Vrak sayd Partanope : 8300

And helme of fyne stele þat hath good, sygħt. 8312

“And God gyfe me grace and lyfe wyth-outen) doute, [¹ leaf 69, back]

A steede I shaɫɫ gyf yow whicħ ys cole blak;

I shaɫɫ go fortħ wytħ aɫɫ the route.

But what shaɫɫ I do? I haue no armure.”

In hym) I trow ye shaɫɫ fynde no lakk,

“Care yow nogħt, ffor I yow ensure 8304

Wele rennyng and redy atte hand,

337A better shaɫɫ be founde in no londe. Therfore sett fully your entent To be at þat grete turnament; For amonge thousandes of armed men A ffressher ne a better armed shaɫɫ ben Man in þe felde þat ilke day Then ye shuɫɫ be; and þerfore assay Of þe turnement to haue þe degre, For aɫɫ your armyng I take vpon me. For and ye liste hem to se nowe, They shuɫɫ be brought afore you; And at leyser ye shaɫɫ hem assay. And what is not good to your pay, It shaɫɫ be amended at good eace.” And þerwith anoone with-oute lese Fresshe harneys afore hym was brought. What hym lust haue þere lakked nought. This hareneis he liked wonder wele; He se neuer fayrere of Iren and stele. The hosen of stele he did assay If they were shape wele to his pay. And Persewise with hir fresshe face A-boute his legges gan hem lace. Thes hosen of stele þat were so bright, Were wele shapen vnto his sight, In hem defaute couþe he none fynde, [leaf 105, back] And Persewise þat was so kynde, Brought him an hauberk fresshe and gay, If it were mete to assay.

8316

8320

8324

8328

8332

8336

8340

8344

If he wishes to try the armour, she will bring it to him at once.

Persevis aids him in arming.

Univ. Coll. MS.

A better shaɫɫ be found in no land. 8316

They shuɫɫ be brougħt a-fore yow;

There-ffore sett fully your entent

And at leyser ye shaɫɫ hem) assay.

To be att that grete turnement;

And what ys not good ffor your pay,8328

For a-monge thousandes of armed men)

Hyt shaɫɫ be amendyd at good ease.”

A fressher ne a better armed shaɫɫ bene

And ther-wytħ a-none * with-outen lees

Fressħ harneys a-for hym) was brogħt.

Man) / in the feld that ylk day 8321

What hym) lust haue lakked nogħt, 8332

Than) ye shuɫɫ be, and there-for assay

Thys harneys he lyked wondyr wele;

Of the turnement to haue de-gree,

He sygħ neuer fayre[r] of Iren) and steelle.

For aɫɫ your armyng I take vpon) me.

The hosyn) of Steele he dyd assay

For and ye lyst hem) to se now, 8325

* * * * * *

8330. MS. wytħ a-none twice.

PARTONOPE.

Z

338This hawberk vpon him he did caste : Of beaute hym þought þat paste Aɫɫ þo þat euer he had sene be-fore. This faire Perse wise with-oute more With a girdiɫɫ of golde hym girde a-bove, Wele sette with perle; for somewhat love This fayre mayde hath brought in suche plite, Partonope to pleace was aɫɫ hir delite. And forþe anone with-outen faile A-boute his neke a faire ventaile She did lace, with-oute opes moo. And faire Wrake hym brought þo A bright helme bourened fyne of stele, With golde and perle sette fuɫɫ wele. And right anoone with-oute lette Vpon his hede Wrak it sette, And knytte þe gower a-boute his waste, And to his shulders made it faste. Wrak brought hym a swerde anoone. Though þrow þe worlde a man shuld gone A passyng good swerde to fynde, He wolde not haue lefte þat be-liynde; And þerto it was so bright and kene, When he had it naked sene, He seide he se neuer such anoþer; Of golde þat was worþ wele a foþere. Wrake with þis swerde so bright A-bove his hareneis anoone right

She had quite fallen in love with Partonope.

Urake fastens the helmet on .his head, and gives him a keen sword.

But as she is going to gird him with it,Partonope declares that only his Lady can do that.

8348

8352

8356

8360

8364

8368

8372

Rawl. MS.

¹ This haubreke vpon) hym) he caste :

With golde and þerle set fuɫɫ weɫɫ

Of beute hym þought þat paste [¹ leaf 66]

And right anone with-out let

Aɫɫ þat euer he hade sen be-fore. 8347

Vppon his hede Wrake it set, 8360

This Persewyse so feyre with-out more

And knyte þe gowre aboute his waste,

With a gyrdiɫɫ of golde hym gyrde aboue, 8349

And to his shoulder made it faste.

Wrake brought hym a swerde anone.

Weɫɫ set with perle; for somwhat loue

Thorwe þe worlde a man) shulde gon)

This feyre mayde hathe brought in soyche pligħt,

A passynge good swerde to fynde, 8365

He wolde not a lefte it be-hynde;

Partonope to plese was hir delyte. 8352

Therto it was so bright and kene,

And furthe anone with-out faiɫɫ

Whan he it nakede sene, 8368

A-boute his nyke a feyre ventaiɫɫ

He seyde he sigħe neuer soche anoþer;

She dyde lace, with-out oþis mo.

Of golde it was worthe a foþer.

And fayre Wrake hym brought þo 8356

Wrake with þis swerde so brigħt

A bright helme burnyshede of steɫɫ,

A-boue his harnes anone rigħt 8372

339She wolde haue gyrde, but he seide nay. “Why ?” seide Wrake, “I you pray. What is your cause, for God aɫɫ-myght ?” Then seide Partonope anoone right : “I wole you teɫɫ why I it do. For on a tyme it stode so I stode wele in my ladies grace, And were to-gedre in a place [leaf 106] Where I toke leve fro hir to go, This was þe charge she gave me þo, That neuer woman shulde girde me With my swerde; for truly she Seide she shuld a-boute me þat swerde do. And I prayde hir hertly it might be so. I haue you tolde now þe cause why Ye may not girde me truly.”  Wrake þat was boþe curteise and hende,  To hym answerd and seide : “My frende, If it happe you, Partonope, In bataylle þat in grete prese ye be, And your swerde be any þing to longe. Girde you with þe shorter thonge. And I coupe yite ordeyne þat ye Of hir with swerde to girde be, And she of you shuld have no knowyng. For I darre vndirtake you to bryng

8376

8380

8384

8388

8392

8396

Partonope declares that only his Lady can do that.

Urake thinks she can bring that about, and Partonope thanks her with all his heart.

Rawl. MS.

She wolde haue gyrde, but he sayde nay.

And I prayede hir hertly it myght be so.

“Why ?” sayde Wrake, “I you praye.

I haue you tolde þe cause why

What is youre cause, for God al-mygħt ?”

Ye may not gyrde me truly.” 8388

¶ Wrake, þat was courtes and hende,

Then seyde Partonope anone rigħt :

To hym) answerde and seyde : “Frende,

“I wiɫɫ you teɫɫ why I it do, 8377

Yef it hap you, Partonope,

For on a tyme it stode so

In bataiɫɫ þat in grete prese ye be, 8392

I stode weɫɫ in my ladyes grace, And were to-geder in a place 8380

And youre swerde be ony thynge to longe,

Where I toke leue fro hir to goo,

Gyrde you with þe hynde thonge.

This was þe charge she yaf me þo:

And I couthe yet ordeyne þat ye

That neuer woman) shulde gyrde me [leaf 66, back]

With my swerde, for truly she 8384

Of hir with swerde gyrde to be, 8396

And she of you shaɫɫ haue no knowynge.

Seyde she wolde a-boute me þat swerde do,

For I dare vndertake you to brynge 8394. MS. hynde or hynder

340Into a place where þat ye At right good leysere hir shuld se.”  “Faire lady,” seide Partonope, “There is no man on lyve þat may be More be-holde to any creature Then I am to you; þerfore what I endure On life, your man I moste nedes be. And if þis beheste ye haue made me, Ye wolde parfourme as ye may say, Of aɫɫ myn heale ye bere þe keye, To bryng me in place þere I myght be Myn hertly Ioy þus forto se, And I vnknowen of any wight, This were to me a blessed sight.”  Then seide Wrake : “Sith my be-heste  To you may be so grete a feste, I wiɫɫ do aɫɫ my fuɫɫ power To brynge you to haue þis leyser.” Therwith she brought hym a fayre shelde So ffresshe ypaynted þat a felde Of þe beaute myght enlumened be.

She next brings him a fair shield and a spear with a glittering flag.

8400

8404

8408

8412

8416

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

In-to a place where þat ye

At right good leyser hir shaɫɫ se.”—

“Fayre lady,” sayde Partonope. 8401

“Ther is no man) on lyve þat euer may be

More be-holde to ony creture

Then I am) to you; þer-fore while I endure

On) lyue, youre man) moste I nedes be.

And of þis be-heste ye haue made me,

Ye wolde parforme as ye may say,

Of aɫɫ my hele ye bere þe key, 8408

To brynge me in place þer I myght be

Myn hertly Ioye þus for to see,

And I vnknowe on ony wigħt,

This were to me a blyssede sigħt.” 8412

¶ Then) seyde Wrake : “Seth my beheste

¹ To yow may be so grete a fest 8414

To you may be so grete an ffeste,

I wyɫɫ do aɫɫ my fuɫɫ power [¹ leaf 70]

I wiɫɫ do aɫɫ my fuɫɫ poure

To bryng yow to haue this leyser. 8416

To brynge you to haue þis leyser.” 8416

There-wytħ She brougħt hym) a fayre Sheeld,

Ther-with she brought hym a feyre shelde

So frescħ I-peynted that a feld

So freshe I-pentyde þat a felde

Of the beaute mygħt enleymed haue be.

Of þe beme myght enlemyde be.

341Grete [wonder] þer-of had Partonope. [leaf 106, back] Large, stronge it was, deffensable in fight,* And þerto it was passyng light. And sith she made to hym brynge A gitone of golde beten, aɫɫ glitteryng,* And nayles of golde it forto takke Vpon a grete spere peynted blak. This spere I speke of, was not longe; But when þis getone þer-on did honge A ffresher devise couþe no man se. The shelde anoone Partonope So gay a-boute his neke did henge. Vpon his stede þo gan he sprynge, With-oute Stirope fuɫɫ fresshly. His spere in his hande he toke lustely. Out of þe casteɫɫ þo did he ride, Into a medowe þat was longe and wyde, His hors, his hareneis per to assay, If it were easy, acordyng to his pay. Stronge, swifte, wele bridled þe stede founde he. Grete Ioy hadde þes maydens to se

8421. MS. sight.

8424. MS. glideryng.

8420

8424

8428

8432

8436

8440

Partonope leaps on the steed.

The ladies admire him.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Grete there-of had Partanope. 8420

¹ Grete wonder þer-of hade Partonope.

Large, strong hyt was, defensable in sygħt,

Large, stronge it was, deffensabiɫɫ in figħt, [¹ leaf 67] 8421

And ther-to hyt was passyng lygħt.

Ther-to hit was passynge ligħt.

And sygħ she made to hym) bryng

And sethe she made to hym brynge

A geten) gold beten), aɫɫ gleteryng, 8424

A geton with golde betyn, aɫɫ glettrynge, 8424

And nayles of gold hit for to takk

And nayled of golde it for to takke

Vpon) a grete spere peynted blak.

Vppon) a grete spere peyntyde blake,

This spere I spek of, was not long.

This spere I speke of, was not longe.

But whan) this geton) there-on) dyd honge, 8428

When) bis gytton þeron dyde honge,

A fressher devyse coude no man) see.

A freshere devyse couthe man) see. 8429

The Sheld a-non) Partanope

The shilde a-none Partonope

So gay a-boute hys nekk he hynge.

So gay aboute his nyke dyde hange.

Vpon) his steed tho gan) he spryng,8432

Vppon) his stede þo gan) he sprynge

Wytħ-oute styro p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq105.tif"/> fuɫɫ fressħly.

With-oute sterope fuɫɫ freshly.

His spere in his hond he toke sustely.

His spere in his honde he helde lustely.

Oute of the casteɫɫ tho dyd he ryde

Oute of þe casteɫɫ þo dyde he ryde

In to a medew that was larg ana wyde,

In-to a meadowe, large and wyde, 8436

His hors, his harneys ther to assay,8437

His hors, his harnes þer to assay,

Yf hit were esy, a-cordyng to hys pay.

Yef it were eyse acordynge to his pay.

Strong, sweft, weɫɫ brydelyd the steed fond he.

Stronge, swyfte, weɫɫ brydeɫɫede be stede fonde he.

Grete Ioy had these mayndenes to se

Grete Ioye hade þis maydens to se 8440

342With hym-self how feire he ferde. A-forne hadde they neuer sene ne herde Of man yarmed so moche beaute sey, Hym to se grete Ioy hadde they. Armed he was passyng semely. Downe of his stede he lepe lustely, When aɫɫ his assaies he hadde do. Into a chambre streight did he go Hym to vn-arme, with-outen more. Wrak be-thought hir how Melior With swerde moste girde Partonope. In aɫɫ þe haste to shippe gothe [s]he, Toke of hym leve and þat fuɫɫ goodly, Chargeyng his wardeyns tendirly They shuld hem kepe; and what hym lyste He shuld not faile to haue of þe beste. Now good Wrake and faire Persewise Bene vnder sayle, and at poynte devise They have the wynde and weder at wiɫɫ. [leaf 107] Hir be-heste she þinketh to fuɫɫ-fiɫɫ. Forþe sayleth her shippe in good array, That within a nyght and half a day

Urake goes on board her ship, accompanied by Persevis.

8444

8448

8452

8456

8460

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Wytħ hym)-self how fayre he ferd.8441

With hym-selfe so feyre he ferde.

A-forn) had they neuer seen) ne herd

Afore hade þey neuer sen ne herde

Of man) I-armed so moche beaute sey.

Of man) I-armede so meche beute se.

Hym) to se had they grete Ioy. 8444

Hym to se grete loye hade þey. 8444

Armed he was passyng semely.

Armede he was passynge symly.

Doune of hys stede he leepe lustyly,

Downe of his stede he lepte lustely,

Whan) his assays he had do.

When) aɫɫ his assayes he hade I-do.

In-to a chambere stregħt he dyd go 8448

In-to a chambir streight dyde he goo

Him) to vn-harme, wytħ-outen) more.

Hym) to vnarme, with-out more. 8449

Vrak be-thougħt her how Melior

Wrake be-þought hir howe Melyore

Wytħ swerd must gyrde Partanope.

With swerde moste gyrde Partonope.

In aɫɫ the hast to Shi p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq106.tif"/> gotħ She, 8452

In aɫɫ the haste to shipe gothe she, 8452

^l Toke of hym) leve and that fuɫɫ goodely,

Toke of hym leue and þat fuɫɫ goodly,

Chargyng his wardeyns tendyrly 8454

Chargynge his wardens tenderly

The shuld hym) kepe; and what hym) lyst [¹ leaf 70, back]

They shulde hym kepe; and what hym lyste [leaf 67, back]

He shuld not fayle to haue of the best.

He shulde not faiɫɫ to haue the beste.

Now good Vrak and fayre Persewyse

Nowe good Wrake and feyre Percewyse

Bene vndyr sayle, and at poynt-devyse

Bethe vnder saiɫɫ; at poynt-devyse 8458

They haue the wynd and wedyr at wyɫɫ.

They haue wynde and weþer at wiɫɫ,

Hir be-hest She thenketħ to fuɫɫ-fyɫɫ.

Here be-heste þey bynke to fuɫɫ-fiɫɫ.

Fortħ sayletħ her Shy p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq107.tif"/> in good a-ray,

Furthe she saylyth in good array, 8461

That wytħ-in a nygħt and half a day

That with-in a nyght and a day

343Vnder Chief de Oire is she come. The londe fuɫɫ prively haþe she nome, That of hir comyng is no man wise, Save she allone and Persewise. The privey posterns, I vndertake, Of þe paleys wele knoweth Wrake. And þrowe a gardeyn, þat was fuɫɫ privey, Cometh Wrake and faire Persewy Streight vnto þe chambre-dore, Where as the maydens of Melior Were a-slepe faste; and vp she nome The lache of þe dore, and in she come. “A-wake, a-wake !” she bade hem faste. Oute of theire slepe they breyde in haste. They were a-wake so sodenly That they wist neuer redely In what place þo that they were, And in þis stakeryng they gonne fere.* Of þis affray had Wrake game, And than eich woman by hir name She called and seide : “Be not a-gaste. I am come hidder in grete haste

8480. fere] MS. rather fece.

8464

8468

8472

8476

8480

8484

She arrives at Chef d’Oire, and proceeds directly to the palace.

She startles Melior’s ladies out of their sleep, and is conducted by them to the Queen’s chamber.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Vndyr Chyef de Oyre ys She come. 8463

Vnder Chyfe doyre she is I-come.

The lond fuɫɫ prevyly hatħ She nome,

To londe fuɫɫ prevely she hathe nome,

That of her eomyng ys no man) wyse,

That of hir co-my[n]ge no man) wyste,

Saue She allone and Persewyse.

Safe she allone and Percewyse. 8466

The pryvy posterns, I vndyr-take,

The prevy posterne, I vnder-take,

Of the paleys weɫɫ knowetħ Vrak, 8468

Of þe palys weɫɫ knoweth Wrake.

And throw a gardyrn), that was fuɫɫ prevy,

And þorwe a gardyn, þat was prevy,

Cometħ Vrak and fayre Persewy

Comyth Wrake and feyre Percewy

Stregħt vn-to the chamber-dore,

Streight in-to þe chambir-dore,

Where as the mayndens of Melior 8472

Where as þe maydens of Melyore 8472

Were a-slepe fast; and vp She nome

Were aslepe faste; vp she nome

The laccħ of the dore, and in she come.

The lacche of þe dore, and in she come.

“A-wak, a-wak,” she bad hem) fast.

“A-wake, a-wake!” she bade hem faste.

Oute of there Slepe theybreyd in hast,

Out of þer slepe þey brede in haste. 8476

They were a-wake so sodenly 8477

They were awake so sodenly

That they wyst neuer redely

That þey wyste neuer redely

In what place tho they were,

In what place þo þat þey were,

And in this stakeryng they gonne fere.

And in þis stakerynge þey gan) fere. 8480

Of this affray had Vrak game, 8481

Of þis affray hade Wrake game,

And than) ecħ woman) be her name

And þen) iche woman) by here name

She calletħ, and sayd : “Be not a-gast.

She callede and seyde: “Be not agaste.

I am) come hedvr in grete hast 8484

I am come heþer in grete haste 8484

344To speke with my lady and suster dere.” Anoone the women made hir good chere, And brought hir þere the lady lay, And þen anoone, with-outen nay, To bedde they yede euerichone,* And lete þes ladies to-gedre allone.  Anoone as Melior wist þat Wrake  Hir suster was come, she gan to make Grete Ioy, and seide: “Welcome be ye.”— “Medame,” seide Wrake, “I come to se “How it is with you, and how ye fare.”— “Allas !” seide Melior, “haue I grete care ! For in my wittes I can not se How þis turnament myght anulled be.”— [leaf 107, back] “Nay of þe anullyng speke ye no worde. That is determyned by aɫɫ þe acorde Of your lordes and eke of you, Wherfore I am come hidder nowe To knowe and wete þe fuɫɫ entente Which shuld holde þis turnemente

8489. MS. euierchone.

She has come to hear particulars about the tournament.

8488

8492

8496

8500

8504

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

To spek wytħ my lady and suster dere.”

To speke with my lady and systir dere.”

A-none the women) made her good chere, 8486

Anone þe wemen) hir good chere,

And brougħt her there her lady lay,

And brought here þer here lady lay.

And than) a-none, wytħ-outen nay,

Then) anone, with-out nay, 8488

To bed they yede euerych-one, 8489

To bede þey yede euerychone,

And lete these ladyes to-gydyr a-lone.

And lefte þis ladyes to-geder allone.

Anone as Melior wyst that Vrak

¶ A-none as Melyore wyste of Wrake

¹ Her suster was come, she gan) to mak

Hir syster was come, she gan to make

Grete Ioy, and say : “Weɫɫ-come be ye.”— [¹ leaf 71]

Grete Ioye, and seyde: “Welcome be ye.”— [leaf 68] 8493

“Madame,” sayd Vrak, “I come to se

“Madam,” she seyde, “I come to se

How hit ys wyth yow, and how ye fare.”—

Howe it is with you, and howe ye fare.”—

“Alas,” sayd Melior, “haue I grete care! 8496

“Allas,” seyde Melyore, “I haue grete care, 8496

For in my wyttes I can) not se

For in my wyttes I can) not se

How this turnement mygħt anuled Be.”

Howe þis turment myght anullede be.”

“Nay of the anulling speke ye no word,

“Of þe nullynge speke ye no worde.

That ys thermyned be aɫɫ the a-corde

That is determynde be aɫɫ þe acorde

Of youre lordes and eke of yow, 8501

Of youre lordes and eke of you, 8501

Where-for I am) come hedyr now

Where-for 1 am come heþer nowe

To know and wyte the fuɫɫ entent

To knowe and wete þe full entent,

Whicħ shuld hold this turnement 8504

Whiche shaɫɫ holde þis turment 8504

345Within, and who shaɫɫ be with-oute. This is my comyng, with-oute doute.” The lady þerwith gan so sighe, And toward God in heven an highe Fuɫɫ petousely hir Eyen did caste. And when þat was somwhat paste, She aforsed hir to loke vp lightly, That hir suster shuld not espye That in any hevynesse she were. Wrake in no wise myght for-here Hir susters sothes algate to telle, She thought she wolde rynge hir belle : “Lorde God ! suster, what do ye mene ? Your olde maners be turned aɫɫ clene. I wote wele for love ye sorowe. Your gladde chere of feynyng ye borowe, Youre sighes ye murder * within your breste. Lete hem breke oute, lete hem be wiste Of me þat am your suster dere. Or telle me wheþer to go or where I myghte your love verely se.

8521. murder] MS. borowe.

8508

8512

8516

8520

8524

Melior sighs pitifully, but then puts on a cheerful countenance.

Urake knows that love causes all her sorrow.

Why does she not tell her sister all her woe ?

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Wytħ-in, and ho shaɫɫ be wytħ-oute,

With-in, and who shaɫɫ be with-out,

This ys my comyng, wytħ-outen) doute.”

This is my comy[n]ge, with-out dout.”

The lady ther-wytħ gan) so sygħt,

The lady þer-with gan sigħ.

And toward God in heven) an) hygħe

Towarde God on hevyn) on higħ 8508

Fuɫɫ peteusly her eyn) dyd cast. 8509

Fuɫɫ petuosly hir eyen dyde caste.

And whan) that was somwhat past,

Whan) þat was somwhat paste,

She a-forsed her to loke vp lygħ[t]ly,

She enforsyde hir to loke lightlye,

That her suster shuld not asspye 8512

That hir syster shulde not esspye 8512

That in ony hevynes She were.

That in heuynes she were.

Vrak in no wyse mygħt for-bere

Wrake in no wyse myght for-bere

Her sustres sothes algate to telle,

Hir syster sothis algate to teɫɫ,

She þought she wolde rynge here beɫɫ.

She thougħt She wold rynge her beɫɫ :

“Lord God ! suster, what do ye mene ?

“Lorde God ! syster, what do ye mene ?

Youre old manerys be turned alle clene.

Youre olde maners be turnede clene.

I wote wele ffor love ye sorow. 8519

I wot weɫɫ for loue ye sorwe.

Youre glad chere of feynyng ye borow,

Youre glade chere of feyny[n]ge ye borwe, 8520

Your syghes ye murder wytħ-in youre brest. 8521

Youre sighes ye murder in your breste.

Late hym) brek oute, lete hem) be wyst

Let hem breke out, let hem be wyste

Of me that am) youre suster dere.

Of me, þat am your syster dere.

Or telle me weedyr to go or where 8524

Ore teɫɫ me wheþer to goo ore where

I myght your love veryly se.

I myght youre loue verely se. 8525

346Ye can not hide þis crafte for me.”  “Suster,” seide þis lady Melyor,  “The cause of my sorowyng long be-fore Ye know wele. What nedeth ye This vngoodly to rehete me ? My pride I wote wele truly Hathe brought me so, þat fayne wolde I Be dede, and oute of þis worlde be brought. I am so fuɫɫ of hevynesse and þought To thinke þat I did such reprefe To my love as he hadde be a thefe, And he lowly me mercy did crie. [leaf 108] Yite me liste not to caste vp myn Eye To do hym grace, but despitousely Voyded hym myn house. Allas þat [ Hadde deied in þe same place, Sith myn herte couth do no grace To þat gentiɫɫ, þat meke, þat hardy, That wept vpon me so tendirly, That faire, that swete above aɫɫ swetnesse, And sawe hym for sorowe at grete distresse, And on hym couthe I have no pite !

Melior repents bitterly of her cruelty towards Partonope.

She did not take pity on his tears, and therefore deserves to die, not once, but many times.

8528

8532

8536

8540

8544

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Ye can) not hyde this craft fro me.”

Ye can) not hyde þis crafte fro me.”

“SVuster,” sayd this lady Meliore,

¶ “Syster,” seyde þis lady Melyore,

“The cause of my sorowyng long be-fore, 8528

“The cause of my sorwynge longe a-fore ‘ 8528

Ye know wele. What nedytħ ye

Ye knowe weɫɫ. What nedythe ye

Thus vngodely to rehete me ?

Thus vngoodly to rehete me ?

My pryde I wote wele truly [leaf 71,back]

My pryde I wot weɫɫ truly [leaf 68, back]

Hatħ brogħt me so, that fayn) wold I

Hathe brought me so, þat fayne wolde I

Be dede and oute of this world I-brogħt.

Be dede, and out of þis worlde brought.

I am) so fuɫɫ [of] heuynesse and thought

I am so fuɫɫ of heuynes and þought 8534

To thenk that I dyd sucħ reprefe

To thynke þat I dyde soyche reprefe

To my love / as he had be a theef, 8536

To my loue as he hade ben a thyfe, 8536

And he lowly me mercy dyd crye

And he lowly me mercy dyde crye,

Yet me lyst not to cast vp myn) eye

Yet me lyste not to caste vp myn eye

To do hym) grace, but dyspetusly

To do hym grace, but dysspyttuosslye

Voydyd hym) my house. Alias that I

Voydyde hym) myn howse. Alias that I

Had dyed in the same place, 8541

Hade dyede in þat same place, 8541

Sytħ myn) hert cowde do no grace

Sethe myn hert couthe do no grace

To that gentyɫɫ, that meek, that harey,

To þat lentiɫɫ, þat meke and hardy,

That wept vpon) me so tendyrly, 8544

That wepte on me so tenderly 8544

That fayre, that swete a-boue aɫɫ swet-ness,

And saw hym) for sorow at grete dystresse, 8546

And on) hym) cowde I haue no pyte !

347Grete reasone it is þat euer I be In sorowe and care with-oute delay. I may wele curse þat ilke day That I into þis worlde was brought, Sith I of my love so liteɫɫ rought That he is loste, and I lyve in sorowe, My care aɫɫ like boþe Even and morowe. Therefore to dey I gretely desyre. I wolde give dethe right grete hyre To bryng me oute of care at ones ! Yite for me to deye but ones It were not rightfuɫɫ Iugement Sith þrowe me þus is shente That gentiɫɫ, worthy Partonope. Therfor my rightfuɫɫ Iudgment shuld be Ofte* to dey and neuer fuɫɫ dede.” Therwith piteously she wagged hir hede : “Allas, faire suster, good Wrake, Hadde I youre good counseylle take, I hadde not loste my Partonope !” And with þat worde in swone feɫɫ she.

8563. Ofte] MS. Efte.

8548

8552

8556

8560

8564

8568

She falls in a swoon, but Urake does not cease tormenting her.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Grete reson) hyt ys that euer I be 8548

In sorow and care with-outen) delay.

In sorwe and care with-out delay. 8549

I may weɫɫ curse that ylk day

I may weɫɫ corse þat ilke day

That I in-to this world was brogħt,

That I in-to þis worlde was brougħt,

Sytħ I of my love So lyteɫɫ rougħt 8552

Seth I of my loue so lytiɫɫ rougħt. 8552

That he ys lost, and I leve in sorow.

My care aɫɫ lyke both even) and morow.

There-for to dye I gretely desyre.

I wold gyf detħ rygħt grete here 8556

To bryng me oute of care at ones !

Yet for me to dye but ones

Hit were not rygħt-fuɫɫ Iugement,

Sytħ thorw me thus ys shent 8560

That gentyɫɫ, worthe Partanope.

There-for myrygħt-fuɫɫ Iugement shuld be

Ofte to dye and neuer fuɫɫ dede.”

Ther-wytħ peteusly She wagged her hede: 8564

“Alas, fayre suster, goode Vrak,

Alias, feyre syster Wrake, 8565

Had I youre goode counsayle take,

Hade I youre counceɫɫ take,

I had not lost my Partanope ! “

I hade not loste my Partonope ! “

And wytħ that word in sowun) fyɫɫ She. 8568

With þat worde in swone fiɫɫ she. 8568

348 When Wrake sawe hir swone for woo,  She was in poynte for pite þo To give hir comforte of Partonope. And she be-thought hir and lete be, Thinkyng: “Of aɫɫ þis she shaɫɫ * be hayle, She shaɫɫ not knowe yite my counsoyle, For I thinke, or we departe a-two, A fytte or tweyn she shaɫɫ haue moo [leaf 108, back] Of þis pley for Partonopes sake.” To þis lady þen seide Wrake. “Medame,” she seide, “how fare ye? Be your diseace I can wele se This grete sekenesse is aɫɫ for love, And I fele wele, be God a-bove, Aɫɫ þis fayne ye wolde holde fro me, And ofte ye speke of Partonope To make me weene it were for hym, And yite your herte is on a-noþer pyn. Ye haue chose some new thinge, And wolde put me in wenyng That it were for good Partonope.

8573. shaɫɫ] MS. hadde.

8572

8576

8580

8584

8588

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

whan) Vrak saw her sowun) for wo,

¶ Wrake sawe hir swone for wo,

She was in poynt for pyte doo

She was in poynt for pete þo

A gyf her comfort of Partanope. [leaf 72] And She be-thougħt her and late be,

A gyf hir comfort of Partonope, And she be-þought hire and let it be,

Thenkyng: “Of aɫɫ this She shaɫɫ be hayle, 8573

Thynkynge: “Of aɫɫ þis she shaɫɫ be heyaɫɫ, 8573

She shaɫɫ not know yt my counseyɫɫ,*

She shaɫɫ not knowe yet my counseɫɫ,

For I thenk, or we departe a-two,

For I thynke, ore I departe atwo,

A fytt or tweyn) She shaɫɫ haue more

A fytte ore two she shaɫɫ haue mo 8576

Of this pley for Partanopes sake.” 8577

Of þis play for Partonope sake.”

To this lady than) sayd Vrak :

To þis lady þen) seyde Wrake :

“Madame,” She Sayd, “how fare ye ?

“Madam,” she seyde, “howe fare ye ?

Be youre desese I can) weɫɫ see 8580

Be youre desseyse I can) weɫɫ see 8580

This grete Sykenes ys aɫɫ for love,

And I feele wele, be God a-bove,

Alle this fayne ye wold hold fro me,

Aɫɫ þis ye wolde holde fro me, 8583

And ofte ye speke of Partanope 8584

And ofte ye speke of Partonope 8584

To make me wern) yt were for hym),

To make me wene it were for hym,

And yet youre hert ys on another pynne.

And your hert is on anoþer pynne. [¹ leaf 69]

And haue chose som) new thing

Ye haue chose som newe thynke,

And wold put me in wenyng 8588

¹ And wiɫɫ put me in weny[n]ge 8588

That hit were for good Partanope, 11. 8574–75 inverted in MS.

That it were for good Partonope.

349Medame, lete aɫɫ þes Iapes be.”  “Iapes, allas !” seide Meliore,  “My sorowe encreseth more and more, Sith I fayne of you wolde haue comforte, And me semeth it is your disporte To se me deye with þis turnement. Of you I am litiɫɫ be-ment. Fuɫɫ liteɫɫ haue ye deled with love. A man myght in þat wele prove, Sith, suster, þat ye wote wele For love aɫɫ þis wo now I fele, And in þis matere so rude ye be, Ye cane no mercy now haue on me, Therfore in you it is wele sene That in þis daunce ye haue not bene. But yite it may here-after happe Love in his daungere may so you clappe, That my diseace shaɫɫ ye wele fele, Though youre herte be now as stele. Then shuɫɫ ye fele in your mode Where suche Iapes may do you good.

8592

8596

8600

8604

8608

Melior complains that her sister has no compassion.

Love has need of comfort.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Madame, late aɫɫ these Iapys be.”

Madam, let aɫɫ bis lapis be.”—

“I Apes allas,” sayd Meliore,

“lapis allas ! “seyde Melyore.

“My sorrow incresetħ more and more, 8592

“My sorwe encreseth more and more,

Sytħ I fayne of you wold haue comfort,

Sethe I of you fayne wolde haue comforte, 8593

And me semetħ hit ys youre dysport

And me semyth it is youre dyssporte

To se me dye wytħ this turment.

To se me dye with ɫis turment.

Of yow am I lyteɫɫ be-ment, 8596

Of you am I lytiɫɫ be-ment. 8596

Fuɫɫ lyteɫɫ haue ye dalyed with love.

Fuɫɫ lytiɫɫ haue you delyde with lone.

A man) mygħt in that wele prove,

A man) myght in þat weɫɫ proue,

Sytħ, Suster, that ye wote wele

For love aɫɫ this wo now I feele, 8600

And in this mater so rude ye be,

And in þis mater so rude ye be, 8601

Ye can) none mercy now haue on me,

Ye can no mercy haue on me.

There-fore in yow hit ys wele seen)e

There-fore in you is weɫɫ sene

That in this daunce ye haue not been), 8604

That in þis dance ye haue not bene.

But yt may here-after after happe

But yet may here-after hape 8605

Love in his daunger may so yow clappe, [¹ leaf 72, back]

Loue in his danger so may you clape,

That my dyssese shuɫɫ ye welle felee,

That my dysseyse ye shaɫɫ weɫɫ fele,

Thogħ your hert be now as stele. 8608

Thougħ youre hert be nowe as steɫɫ.

¹ Than) saɫɫ yow fele in youre moode

Then) shaɫɫ ye fele in youre mode 8609

Where such Iapes may do yow goode.

Where soyche lapis shaɫɫ do you goode.

350For and euer ye love as wele as I, Ye shaɫɫ wele wete fuɫɫ sikerly Ye shaɫɫ haue nede of good comforte. Now me to scorne is your desporte. Of o þing, suster, I make you be-heste, That God of love to such a feste Can you bryng as I now haue. [leaf 109] As wisly God my soule save, I wolde neuer dey, tiɫɫ I myght se You in such plite as ye se me.”  “MEdame,” þen seide faire Wrake, “My wordes I pray you ye ne take In Eviɫɫ, for truly I meene not so. But þis is my menyng, medame, lo : For you to þinke on Partonope, I holde it but foly and vanyte. For he is dede, with-outen fayle, And it is ordeyned be your counseyle, And ye agreed be eke þerto, That who in turnement best happe to do, Hym shaɫɫ ye haue þen to lorde.

Urake only means to say that it is no use thinking on Partonope,

for he is dead,

and Melior is obliged to

8612

8616

8620

8624

8628

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

For and euer ye love as weɫɫ as I,

For and ye loue as weɫɫ as I,

Ye shuɫɫ wele wete fuɫɫ sykerly 8612]

Ye shaɫɫ weɫɫ wete futt sekeily 8612

Ye shuɫɫ haue nede of good comfort,

Ye shaɫɫ haue nede of grete comforte,

Now to me scorn) ys youre dysport,

Nowe me to skorne is youre dyssporte.

Of o thing, suster, I mak yow behest, be[he]ste, 8615

Of on thynke, syster, I make you a

That God of love to sucħ a fest 8616

That Good of loue to soyche a feste

Canne now bryng as I now haue.

Can) you brynge as I nowe haue.

As wyssely God my soule save,

As wysly God my soule sane,

I wold neuer dye, tyɫɫ I migħt see

I wolde neuer dye, tiɫɫ I mygħt se

Yow in such plyte as ye se me.” 8620

You in soyche plit as ye se me.” 8620

“MAdame,” than) sayde fayre Vrak,

¶ “Madam,” þen seyde fayre Wrake,

“My wordes I pray yow ye me take

“My wordes I praye you not take

In eveɫɫ, for truly I mene not so,

In eviɫɫ, for truly I mene not so.

But this ys my menyng, madame, loo: ‘ “8624

This is my menynge, madam, lo : 8624

For yow to thenk of Partanope,

For you to thynke on Partonope,

I hold hit but foly and vanyte.

I holde but foly and vanyte.

For he ys dede, wytþouten) fayle,

For he is dede, without faiɫɫ, 8627

And yt ys ordeyned be youre counsayɫɫ,

¹ And it is ordeynede be youre counseɫɫ

And ye a-greed be eke ther-to, 8629

And ye a-greede eke þerto, [i leaf 69, back]

That who in turment best happe to do,

That who in turment haþe beste do,

Hym) shaɫɫ ye then) to lorde

Hym) shaɫɫ ye haue to lorde

351This is of your counseylle þe fuɫɫ acorde, And aɫɫ þis fully agreede ye be. It shaɫɫ [not] be intercept for me.”  This lady answerde sore wepyng :  “I may make semblaunce to hym, wenyng Be her counseylle I wole take a lorde. But I may not for aɫɫ þe worlde My love yove fro Partonope. And yite þis turnement moste I se, And as hem luste a lorde me ehese, And lete hem aɫɫ her travayle lese. For hote fyre to colde asshes me brenne, If eiþer counseylle or my kynne Make a lorde or housbonde me take, Sith for euer now is loste my make. For wele I wote my Partonope Fuɫɫ harde dethe hath suffred for me. I haue hym slayne, I wole hym quyte, If I may fynde a knyfe wole bite Throwe-oute my breste into my herte. I shaɫɫ not spare for no smerte To sle my-self, be God a-bove,

8632

8636

8640

8644

8648

8652

marry tle victor of the tournament.

The tournament may take place, but Melior will never accept any hus’ and,

now that Partonope is dead.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

This ys of your counsayɫɫ the fuɫɫ a-corde, 8632

This is of youre counseɫɫ þe acorde.

And aɫɫ this fully a-greed ye be,

To þis fully agrede ye be, 8633

Hit shaɫɫ be intrarupt for me.”

Hit shaɫɫ not be interipte for me. “

THis lady answerid sore wepyng

¶ This lady answerde sore wepynge :

“I may make semblant to hym), wenyng 8636

“I may make hym) semblande, weny[n]ge 8636

Be her counsayɫɫ I woɫɫ take a lord

Be þer counseɫɫ I wiɫɫ take a lorde.

But I may not for aɫɫ the world

But I may not for aɫɫ þe worde

My love yove for Partanope.

My lone yeue fro Partonope.

And yet this turment must I see, 8640

And yet þis turment most I se, 8640

And as hem lust a lord me chese,

And as hem lyste a lorde me chese,

And late hem) aɫɫ her travayle lese.

And let hem aɫɫ þer traveɫɫ lese.

For hote fyre to cold asshes me brenne,

Hote fyre to colde asshes me bryne,

Yf eyther counsayɫɫ or ony kynne 8644

Yef oþer counseɫɫ ore ony kynne 8644

Make lord or hosbond me to take,

Make lorde ore hosbonde me to take,

Sytħ for euer now ys lost my make.

Sethe for euer is loste my make.

For wele I wote my Partanope 8647

For weɫɫ I wot my Partonope 8647

¹ Fuɫɫ hard detħ hath sufferd for me.

Fuɫɫ harde dethe hathe sufferde fore me.

I haue hym) slayn), I woɫɫ hym quyte,

I haue hym) slayn, I wiɫɫ hym quyte,

Yf I may fynde a knyfe woɫɫ byte

Yef 1 may fynde a knyfe wiɫɫ byte

Throw-oute my brest in-to my hert.

Thorwe my breste in-to my hert.

I shaɫɫ not spare for no smert 8652

I shaɫɫ not spare for no smert 8652

To sle my-self, be God a-bove, [¹ leaf 73]

To sle my-selfe, be God aboue,

352Sith he is dede þus for my love, Er euer any oþer to housbonde I take.” [leaf 109, back] Hir ffresshe coloure þerwith gan slake. In swone efte sones she felle anoouc, And lay as dede as any stone, For sothe Wrake, as þinketh me, Was gretely to blame, when þat she Se hir suster so grete sorowe take, And wolde no better chere hir make, Ne gife her comforte of Partonope. Ayein hir suster grete wraþe bare she, As though feɫɫ and angry she hadde be, That sethe a woman in suche degree, Þat love hath brought in grete diseace, And knoweth how she may hir eace, And lust not. Lorde God! what herte hadde she ? Truly and god I sey now for me, And I knew any in that degre, On suchone couthe I haue grete pite. I not what hertes oþer folkes haue. For me I sey, so God me save,

She once more falls in a swoon.

The Poet pities such unhappy ladies.

8656

8660

8664

8668

8672

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Sytħ he ys dede thus for my love,

Sethe he is dede þus for my loue,

Ere euer eny other to housbond I take.” ^v 8655

Ore euer ony oþer husbonde 1 take.”

Her fressħ color ther-wyth ganne slake

Here freshe coloure þer-with gan slake.

In swonne efte sones She fyɫɫ a-non),

In swone efte sonys she fiɫɫ anone 8657

And lay as dede as ony stone.

And lay as dede as ony stone.

For sotħ Vrak, as thenketħ me, 8659

Was gretely to blame, whan) that She

Sygħ her suster so grete sorow take,

Hir syster sigħ here grete sorwe take,

And wold no better chere her make,

And wolde no beter chere hir make,

Ne gyf her comfort of Partanope,

Ne gyf hir comfort of Partonope.

A-yen) her suster grete wrath bare She, 8664

Ayen here syster grete wrathe bare she,

As thougħ feɫɫ and angry she had be,

As feɫɫ and angry she hade be, 8665

That seetħ a woman) in sucħ degree,

That sigħ a woman in þat degre,

That love hatħ brought in grete dyssese,

That loue hathe brought in grete dysstres, 8667

And knowetħ how she may her ese,

¹ And knoweth howe she may here eyse, [¹ leaf 70]

And lust not / lord God what hert hatħ she ? 8669

Trewly and god I sey now for me,

And I knew ony in that degree, 8671

Of sucħ one cowde I haue grete pyte.

I watħ neuer what hertes other folkes haue,

I not what hert oþer folkes haue 8673

For me I sey, so God me save,

For me I sey, so God me saue,

353And I knewe any in þat plite, Hir to comforte were my delite. For God made euery creature, Man and woman, be nature To love, and eke to loved be. To women beaute þerfore gave he, And of vertues grete habundaunce, Curtesy, fredome goodly in dalyaunce, Therfore in soþe, as þinketh me, Women in herte gretely hath he.* God loved hem gretly with-outen nay, And so do I, nyght and day. For and tho creatures þat so faire be, Come neuer in heven, I holde me Quyte of paradise. What shaɫɫ I do ? But then Wrake knew wele þo Hir suster for love hadde grete diseace. Grete [pite] she hadde, and yite hir to pleace Wolde she not, ne of hir counseylle Make hir privey for aɫɫ þat a dele. [leaf 110] But seide : “Medame, Icrye you mercy.

8684. he] MS. be.

8676

8680

8684

8688

8692

God pave ladies beauty and all excellent qualities.

Urake still torments her sister.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

And I knew eny in that plyte,

And I knewe ony in þat plyte,

Her to comfort were my delyte. 8676

Here to comfort were my delyte. 8676

For God made euery creature,

For God made euery creture,

Man) and woman), by nature

Man) and woman), by nature

To love, and eke to loved be.

To loue, and eke to louyde be.

To women) beaute I ther-for gafe he,

To women) beute þer-for gafe he, 8680

And of vertws grete haboundans, 8681

And of vertues grete abundaunce,

Curtesy, fredam) goodely in daliaunce.

Curtesy, fredom goodly in dalyaunce,

Therfor in sotħ, as thenketħ me,

There-fore in sothe, as thynkethe me,

Women) in hert gretely hatħ he. 8684

Women) in hert gretly hathe he. 8684

God loued hem) hygħly wyth-outen) nay,

God louyde hyrn hyle with-out nay,

And so do I, nygħt and day.

And so do I, nyght and day. 8686

For and tho creatures that so fayre be, [leaf 73, back]

God louyde hyrn hyle with-out nay,

Come neuer in heuen), I hold me 8688

Quytte In paradyse, what shaɫɫ I do ?

But than) Vrak knew weɫɫ tho

Her suster for love had grete dyssese.

Grete she had, and yet her to plese 8692

Wold she not, ne of her counsayɫɫ

Make her prevee for aɫɫ that a dele.

But sayd: “Mad[am]e, I yow crye mercy.

PARTONOPE.

A A

354Why be ye turmented so gretely ? My counseylle is þat neuer ye Thinke þat þing þat may not be, But lette it passe, it is þe beste, And sette your herte in eace and reste.” “Nay suster,” she seide, “it was neuer sene One that loveth in eace to bene, Ne in peace, ne in Eeste, [for] in soþe resone, With hote lovers neuer acorde moone Ne right counseylle, witte ne skiɫɫ. Save only to haue her owne wiɫɫ. Aɫɫ þe witte of þe worlde they sett at nought, But fully a-greeth hem to her owne thought. Therfore þis is a fuɫɫ olde sawe : Who may give to a lovere lawe ? For þough reasone wolde make a lovere se That aɫɫ his foly, yite can not he The wofuɫɫ bondes wele vnbynde. In my-self now aɫɫ þis I fynde. Therfore to love may I not chese, Though I my wittes þerfore lese.

Love will have its own way.

8696

8700

8704

8708

8712

8716

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Why be ye turmented So gretly ? 8696

My counsayɫɫ ys now that neuer ye

Thenk on) that tyme that may not be,

But late hit passe, hyt ys the best,

But let it passe, it is the beste, 8699

And sett youre hert in ease and rest” 8700

And set youre hert in eyse and reste.”—

“Nay, suster,” She sayd, “hit was neuer seen)

“Nay syster,” she seyde, “it was neuer sene

One that loved in ease to bene,

On þat louyth in eyes to ben),

Ne in peas, ne in rest, for in sotn reson), 8703

Ne in pese, ne reste, for in soyche resoun 8703

Wytħ oute lovers neuer a-cord mown)

With hote louers neuer acorde mone

Ne rygħt / counsayɫɫ wytte ne skylle,

Ne right counseɫɫ, wyte ne skiɫɫ,

Saue onely to baue her own) wyɫɫ.

Safe only to haue þer owne wiɫɫ.

Aɫɫ the wytte of the world they sett at nogħt,

Aɫɫ þe wyt of þe worlde þey set at nought.

But rally a-greetħ hem) to her own) thogħt. 8708

But fully agrethe hem to þer owne þought. 8708

Ther-for this ys a fuɫɫ old sawe :

There-fore þis is a fuɫɫ olde sawe :

Who may gyfe to a louer lawe ?

Who may gyf to louer lawe ?

For thogħt reson) wold make a louer se

That aɫɫ his foly, yet came not he 8712

Thoo wofuɫɫ bondes weɫɫ on)-bynde.

In my-self now aɫɫ thys I fynd.

Ther-for to love may I not chese,

There-fore to loue may I not chese,

Thogþ I my wyttes ther-for lese. 8776

Though I my wytes þer-fore lese. 8716

355These wordes be soþe as I you say, No wondere þough lovers be in foly ay.”  Wrake hir suster answerde þo:  “Eviɫɫ is he at eace þat lyveth so, For who so make love his Iustice He may not a-vaunte hym of no ffraunchise, But raþer of bondage, as þinketh me. In þat servise kepe I neuer to be. But of þis matere speke we no more. I pray you, medame, telle me afore : When shaɫɫ be-gyn) þis turnement, And which lordes shaɫɫ gife Iugement, And which be within, and which with-oute. Aɫɫ to wete with-oute doute I come hidder, and you also to se, And to wete whedir þat ye At þis tyme any knyghtis make.” [leaf 110, back] This lady sate stiɫɫ, for fuɫɫ a-wake Oute of þis traunse was she not yite. Overecome be feyntnesse stiɫɫ she sette, Tiɫɫ longe and late, and atte laste

8720

8724

8728

8732

8736

Urake asks particulars about the tournament, and whether any new knights are to be created.

Having recovered a little,

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

These wordes be sotħ that I yow say,

This wordes be sothe þat I you sey,

No wondyr thogħt louers be in foly ay

No wonder þougħ louers be in foly ay.”

VRak, her suster, answeryd tho : “

¶ Wrake, here syster, answerde þo :

“Eveɫɫ ys he at ese that levetħ so. 8720

“Eveɫɫ ys he at ese þat louyth so. 8720

For who so make love his Iustice,

For who so make loue his Iustyse,

He may not abaunt hem) of no fraunchyse,

He may not avaunce hym of fraunchese,

But rather of bondage, as thenketh me.

But rathir of boundage, as thynketh me. 8723

In that servyse kepe I neuer be. 8724

¹ In þat seruyse kepe I neuer to be.

But of this mater speke we no more.

But of þis mater speke we no more.

¹1 pray yow, Madame, telle me a-fore :

I pray you, madam, teɫɫ me afore :

Whan shaɫɫ be-gynne this turment,

When) shaɫɫ be-gyn) þis turment,

And whiche lordes shaɫɫ gefe Iugement

And whicħ be wytħ-in and who wytħoute, [¹ leaf 74] 8729

And whiche be with-in and who with out. [^l leaf 70, back] 8729

Aɫɫ to wytte wytħ-oute doute

Aɫɫ to wyte without doute

I come hedyr, and yow also to se,

I come heþer and you also to se,

And to wytte wedyr that ye 8732

And wete wheþer þat ye 8732

At this tyme ony knyghtes make.”

At þis tyme ony knyghtes make.”

This lady sate styɫɫ, for fuɫɫ a-wake

This lady sat still, for fuɫɫ awake

Out of this traunse was she not yit.

Out of þis trance was she not yet.

Ouer-come be feyntenes styɫɫ she syɫɫ,

Ouer-come be feyntnes stiɫɫ she syte,

Tyɫɫ long and late, and atte last 8737

Tiɫɫ longe and late, and at the laste

356A piteouse sighe from hir she caste. Somwhat hir hert is comen ayein. Pitousely tho spake þe queene. With voyce fuɫɫ feble she tolde hir reasone, As thoughe she hadde be come from prisone.  “Suster,” she seide, “þis Ermulus  Of Merbien, þat wiked Ar[c]ous, Be whome þis turnement ordeyned is, Fourtene nyght a-go he tolde me ywisse Of aɫɫ þe kynges þat shuld be þere, And of her loggyng aɫɫ þe manere. He seide here shaɫɫ be þe sawden of Perce, That to Cristes lawe is aduerse, And levith on Mahounde and Appollony. With hym cometh a comberouse meany. I sawe in his rolles he hath also xv. kynges hethen and mo, That for my love aɫɫ cristen wole be. To herborowe in his rolles also hath he Of Emperoures and kynges of Cristes lay xxiii^ti., that wiɫɫ þat day

Melior relates what Ernoul has told her.

The Sultan of Persia will come, accompanied by twenty-five heathen kings,

and twenty-three Christian princes.

8740

8744

8748

8752

8756

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

A petevs sygħ from) her she cast,

A petuouse sigħ fro here she caste,

Somwath her hert ys come a-yen).

Som-what here hert was come agayne.

Peteusly tho spak the queen), 8740

Petuously þo spake þe quene 8740

Wyth voyse fuɫɫ feble She told her reson),

With voyse febiɫɫ she tolde hir reson),

As thogħ she had be come fro presoii).

As þough she hade come fro preson).

“Suster,” she sayd, “this Ermulus

¶ “Syster,” she seyde, “þis Armclus

Of Merbyen), that wikked arcus, 874

Of Merben, þat wykkede arcus, 8744

But whom) this turment ordeyned ys,

Be whom þis turnment ordeynede is,

Fourtene nygħt a-go, he told me Iwysse

Fortnyght agoo he tolde me I-wyse

Of aɫɫ the kynges that shuld be there,

Of the kynges þat shuld be pere,

And of her loggyng aɫɫ the manere .

And of here logynge aɫɫ the maner . 8748

He sayd here shaɫɫ be the sawdan) of prece, 8749

He seyde here shaɫɫ be þe soudan of Perse,

That to Crystes lawe ys aduerse,

That to Crystes lawe is aduerse,

And leevetħ on) Machoun) and Appoloni, 8751

Andleuyth on Mahombe and Appolony,.

Wytħ hym) cometħ a comborus meyni.

With hym comyth a comberus mayne.

I saw in his rollis he hatħ also

I sawe in his roɫɫes he hathe also 8753

XV kynges hethen) and mo,

xv kynges hethyn moo,

That for my love aɫɫ crysten) woɫɫ be.

That for my loue aɫɫ crystyn weɫɫ be.

To herborwre in his rolles also hatħ he 8756

To herberwe in his roɫɫes also hathe he

Of emperours and kynges of Crystes lay

Of emperores of crystyn lay 8757

XX and iij that wyɫɫ that day

xx^ti and thre þat wiɫɫ þat day

357Be at þis turnement with her powere. Of aɫɫ: her lordshippes boþe ferre and nere Many oone in mariage þen wole be here, And many oone þat hathe no fere Wolde be gladde to se þat day To wynne worshi p ¯ p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq108.tif"/> if þat he may. Then is ordeyned by þis Ermulus, That þis turnement hath ordeyned þus, Aɫɫ Cristen on þis syde herborowed shaɫɫ be, The heþen on þe toþere side, and so may we Be in suerte, what so euer be-falle. For when þes peple bene gedred aɫɫ, Fuɫɫ grete Envy amonge hem shaɫɫ arise. It semed better at my devyse To bene a bataylle þen a turnement. [leaf 111] Þerfore, suster, I haue fuɫɫ ment To haue on oure side þe cheveteyne, Þe grete Emperour of Almayne, And with hym they of Denmarke, Þat grete werre held in þe marche On sklaueyns, þat perilous men bene.

8778. held] e like o.

8760

8764

8768

8772

8776

On one side will be the Emperor of Germany, with many Christian kings.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Be at this turment wytħ her powere.

Be at þis turment with here poure.

Of aɫɫ the lordshippes botħ ferre and nere 8760

Of aɫɫ here lordchipus ferre and nere

Many one in mariage than) woɫɫ be here,]

Many on in maryage woɫɫ be here,

And many one that hath no fere

And mayne on þat hathe no fere. 8762

Wold be glad to se that day [leaf 71]

To wynne worshi p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq109.tif"/> yf that he may. 8764

Than) ys ordeyned be this Ermulus,

¹ That this turnement hat arayed thus,

Aɫɫ crysten) on) this Syde herboured shuɫɫ be, [¹ leaf 74, hack]

Aɫɫ crystyn) on þis syde herberwede shaɫɫ be, * 8767

The heten) on) that other syde, and eo may we 8768

The hethyn on þat oþer syde and so may we

Be in sewirtee, watħ so euer be-falle.

Be in suerte, what so euer faɫɫ.

For whom) this peple bene gadred aɫɫ,

For when þis pepiɫɫ be gaderde aɫɫ,

Fuɫɫ grete envy a-mong hem shaɫɫ ryse.

Fuɫɫ grete envye amonge hem ryse.

Hit semed better at my devyse 8772

Hit semyde beter at myne devyse 8772

To bene a batay at my turnement.

To be a bataiɫɫ þen a turment.

There-for, suster, I haue fuɫɫ ment

Ther-fore, syster, I haue fuɫɫ ment

To haue on) oure syde the Cheventeyn),

To haue on youre syde the cheffeteyne,

The grete emperoure of Almayn), 8776

The grete emperoure of Almayne, 8776

And wytħ hym) they of Denmarch

And with hym þey of Denmarche,

That grete werre heeld in the March

That grete warre holde in þe marche,

On) Sklaueyns, that perlous men) bene.

And sklaynes þat perlus men ben).

8761. (?) woɫɫ, weɫɫ, wiɫɫ (vowel blotted).

358The kyng of Poyle and Sisile fuɫɫ kene Shuɫɫ with ɫe Emperour be in þis towne, And aɫɫ þat longe to my region e. Now haue ye herde of cristyans; Now shaɫɫ I teɫɫ of saresynes : Hedir shaɫɫ come þe sauden of Perce, Tlie kyng of Ynde, which is perverce To Cristes lawe, and eke shaɫɫ be The kyng of Mede and Parte, parde, And eke the faire kyng of Sire, That so gretely me dope desire. Yite of hym haue I no deynte. The kyng of Ermony here shaɫɫ be, Þat hath a contre fuɫɫ delectable: The planettes þeron be fuɫɫ stable. Þe dayes ben euer clere and mery, The feldes florisshed fresshly. In þat rested þe ship of Noy, When þe flode had done þe worlde noye. Hidder comeþ the kyng of Palest With grete power arrayed fuɫɫ honest,

On the other side the Sultan and the Saracens.

8780

8784

8788

8792

8796

8800

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

The kyng of Poyle and Sysile fuɫɫ kenne 8780 kene 8780

The kynge of Poiɫɫ and Syseɫɫ fuɫɫ

Shuɫɫ wytħ this emperoure be in this towne,

shaɫɫ with þe emperoure be in þis towne,

And ait that long to my region).

And aɫɫ þat longe to my Regyon).

Now haue ye herd of cryateans;

Nowe haue ye herde of crystyans;

Now shaɫɫ I teɫɫ of Saзasyns : 8784

Nowe shaɫɫ I teɫɫ you of sarsons : 8784

Hedyr shaɫɫ come the Soudan) of Perce.

Heþer shaɫɫ come þe soudan) of Perse,

The kyng of Inde, whicħ ys peruerse

The kynge of Inde whiche is peru[er]se

To Crystes law, and eke shaɫɫ be 8787

To Crystes lawe, and eke shaɫɫ be

The kyng of Mede and Parte, parde, And eke the fayre kyng of Syre

The kynge of Mede and Parce, parde, And eke þe fayre kynge of Cyre, 8789

That so gretly me dotħ desyre.

That me so gretly dothe desyre.

Yet of hym) I haue no deynte.

Yet of hym haue I no deynte.

The kvng of Ermony here shaɫɫ be. 8792

The kynge of Ermony þer shaɫɫ be, 8792

That natħ a contre full delectable;

That hathe a contre full delectabiɫɫ :

The planettes ther-of be so stable,

The planetes þer ouer be fuɫɫ stabiɫɫ.

The aayes bene euer chere and mery,

The dayes be euer clere and merye,

The feeldes florysshed fressħly. 8796

The feldes florysshede freshly. 8796

In that rested the Shi p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq110.tif"/> of N oye, Whan) the fold had done the world

In þat restyde þe shipe of Noye,

When) the flode hade don þe worde noye.

When) þe flode hade don þe worde noye.

Hedyr Cometħ the kyng of Palest

Heþer comyth þe kynge of Paleste, 8799

Wytħ grete powre arayed fuɫɫ honest, 8800

With grete poure arrayde fuɫɫ honeste,

8794. of crossed out before ouer .

359And lordes of Egipte and Libye, Then can mych crafte of astronomy. The kyng of Fraunce, with-oute doute, He cometh to govern hem with-oute. He wole not haue me to wife. But if þer rise debate or strife Fuɫɫ but he wole be ayeinst me. The cause is, he seith, for Partonope Þrow me is loste, þat was his cousyne. Of his comyng now þis is þe fyne If he may be venged on me. But I hope to be stronger þen he. [leaf 111, back] He hath done his men to vnderstonde How his comyng into my londe Is not to venquysshe þe turnement, And to wedde me is not his entent.” But when she named Partonopes name, What for sorowe and what for shame, She had no power it ones to sowne, But feɫɫ in a new sodeyn swone. When to hir-self she come ayein, And wolde haue seide Partonope fayne,

8804

8808

8812

8816

8820

The King of France comes to take vengeance for Partonope.

Melior falters in pronouncing Partonope’s name, and falls again in a swoon.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

And lordes of Egipte and Libye,

And lordes of Egypte and of Lebye

Than) can) moche craft of astronomye.

They con meche crafte of megremonsy.

The king of Fraunce wytħ-oute doute,

¹ The kynge of Fraunce, with-out doute,

He cometħ to govern) hem) wytħ- oute. 8804

He comyth to gouerne hem with-out. [¹ leaf 71, back]

He woɫɫ not haue me to wyfe. [leaf 75]

He wolde not haue me to wyfe. 8805

But yf ther ryse debate and st[r]yfe,

But yef per debate ore stryffe,

Fuɫɫ but he woɫɫ be a-yenst me. 8807

Fuɫɫ but he wiɫɫ be ayenste me,

The cause ys, he seytħ, for Partanope

The cause is, he seyth, Partonope 8808

Thorow me ys lost, that was his cosyn).

Thorwe me is loste, þat was his cossyn).

Of his comyng this ys the fyne

Of his corny[n]ge þis is the fyne

Yf he may be v[e]nged of me.

Yef he may be veingede on me.

But I hope to be strenger than) he 8812

But I hope be strenger þen he. 8812

He hatħ done hys men) to vnder-stond,

He hathe don) his men) to vnderstande,

His comyng now in-to my lond

His comy[n]ge nowe to pis londe

Ys not to venqwysħe the turnement,

Ys not to vynquyshe þis turment,

And to wedde me ys not hys entent.”

And to wede me is not his entent. 8816

Butħ whan) She named Partanopes name, 8817

But when) she namyde Partonope,

What for sorow and what for shame,

What for sorwe and for shame,

She had no powere hit ones to sowne,

She hade no poure it onys to sowne,

But fyɫɫ in a new soden) sowun). 8820

But fiɫɫ in a newe soden swoune. 8820

Whan) to her-self She come a-yen),

When) to here-sylfe she come ayen,

And wolld haue seyd Partanope fayn),

And wolde haue seyde Partonope,

360“Parto—Parto—” she seide at ones, And fuɫɫ febly she seide efte sones : “Nopee,” þat with voyce tremblyng. And þerwith anoone feɫɫ in swonyng Vpon hir bedde, and lay fuɫɫ stiɫɫ. And atte laste, as was Goddis wiɫɫ, From hir disese she rose ayein. Fuɫɫ piteousely þen seide þis queen : “In wraþe comeþ hidder þe kyng of Fraunce, And with hym bryngeth his allyaunce, Grete noumbre of Erles and barons, Folke of Payto and aɫɫ þe Gascoignes. The kyng of Bretayne eke þer shaɫɫ be. He is not right riche, but yite shaɫɫ he Bryng with hym many a worthy knyght. They haue be proved in many a fight.  The kyng of Englonde, þough he be ferre,  Wole be as sone here as he þat is nerre. He is a rightwise man and fuɫɫ sage; Somewhat he is cropen in age.

The kings of Brittany and of England will come to the tournament, as well as the Emperor of Spain, and many other knights and kings.

8824

8828

8832

8836

8840

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

‘‘Parto. Parto,” She sayd at ones,

“Parto-Parto—” she seyde at onys,

And fuɫɫ febyly She sayd efte sones :

And febiɫɫy she seyde efte sonys : 8824

“Nopee” / that wytħ voys tremelyng.

“Nope,” þat with voyse tremblynge.

And ther-wytħ a-none fyɫɫ in sownnyng 8826

And þer-with she fiɫɫ in swony[n]ge

Apon) her bed, and lay fuɫɫ stylle.

Vppon) hir bede, and lay fuɫɫ stiɫɫ.8827

And at the last, as was Goddes wylle,

And at þe laste, as was Goddes wiɫɫ,

Prom) her dyssesse She rose a-yen).

Fro hir dysseyse she rose ayen).

Full peteusly than) sayd this queen) :

Fuɫɫ pettusly þen) seyde þis quene :

“In wratħ cometħ hedyr the kyng of Fraunse,

“In wrethe comyth þe kynge of Fraunce,

And wytħ hym) brynged his aliaunse, 8832

And with hym bryngyth his alyaunce,

Grete nombre of Erles and barons,

Grete nombere of erlis and barouns, 8833

Folk of Payto and aɫɫ the Gascoyns.

For of Peyte and aɫɫ þe gascoynes.

The kyng of Brethen) eke there shaɫɫ be.

The kynge of Breteyne eke here shaɫɫ be.

He ys not ryght ryche, but yet shaɫɫ he 8836

He is not right ryche, but yet shaɫɫ he

Bryng wytħ hym) many a worthy knygħt.

Brynge with hym many a worthy knyght. 8837

They haue be proved in many a fygħt.

They haue be prouyde in many a fight.

THe kyng of Ingelond, thow he be ferre,

¶ The kynge of Englonde, þougħ he be ferre,

Woɫɫ be as sone here as he that ys nerre. 8840

Woɫɫ be as sone here as he þat is nerre.

He ys a rygħtwos man) and fuɫɫ sage;

He right a wyse man and a sage; 8841

Somewhat he his cropen) in age.

Som-what he is crope in age.

361Many a knyght hider wole he brynge, That wele in chambre can daunse and singe. And as þe lyone ferse in the felde Wele dare they feght vnder shelde, Semely men, curteyse and plesaunt, Though they of hem-self make none avaunte.  There shaɫɫ be eke þe Emperour  Of Spayne, þe noble turneour, That worthy is and fuɫɫ of beaute. His heþen lay he wole leve for me. [leaf 112] Many knyghtis come in his company, And many good hors þat be lusty.  The kyng of Navern, þe kyng of Valens,  The kyng of Garnat with hem of Palens, And moche folke þat take no wage, And many moo kynges þat ben sage, Of whome I can not wele þe name, But Ermulus hem aɫɫ teɫɫ can). But suster, ye asked also of me If any knyghtis made shuld be A-fore þe turnement, and þat ordre take

8844

8848

8852

8856

8860

Melior will to-morrow create more than a hundred knights.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Many a knygħt hedyr woɫɫ he bryng,

¹ Many a knyght heþer he wiɫɫ brynge,

That wyɫɫ in chamber botħ daunse and syng. [leaf 75, back] 8844

That weɫɫ in chambure can daunce and synge. [¹ leaf 74] 8844

And as the lyon) feerse in the feld

And as þe lyon) fers in figħt and felde

Wele dare they fygħt vndyr Sheeld.

Weɫɫ dare þey fight vnder shelde.

Semely men), curteys and plesaunt,

Symly, courtesy and plesaunce,

Thow they of self make non abaunt. 8848

Thougħ þey of hem-selfe make non avant. 8848

HEre shaɫɫ be eke the emper oure

Here shaɫɫ be eke þe emper ore

Of Spayn), the noble turneoure,

Of Spayne, þe nobiɫɫ conqueroure,

That worthe ys and fuɫɫ of beaute. 8851

That worthy is and fuɫɫ of beute. 8851

His hethen) hay he wold leve for me.

His hethyn lay he wiɫɫ leue for me.

Many knygħtes come in his company,

Many knyghtes come in his company,

And many goode hors that be lusty.

And many a good hors þat is lusty.

The kynge of Nauare, the kyng of Valens.

The kynge of Nauer ne, þe kynge of Valennce,

The kyng of Granat wytħ hem) of Palens, 8856

The kynge of Garmat with hem of Palennce, 8856

And mocħ folk that take no wage,

And moche folke þat take no wage,

And many mo knyges that bene sage,

And many mo kynges þat beth sage,

Of whom) I can) not weɫɫ the name,

Of whom I can not weɫɫ þe name,

But Ermulus hem) aɫɫ teɫɫ cane. 8860

But Ermulus hem aɫɫ teɫɫ can). 8860

But suster ye asked also of me

Syster, ye askede also of me

Yf ony knyghtes made shuld be

Yef ony knyght made shulde be

A-fore the turnement, and that ordre take

Afore þat turment and þat order take

362Of myn hande. To-morowe I shaɫɫ make Be tyme an hundred and many moo, So I am avised þat it shaɫɫ he do. And who shaɫɫ he Iuges of þe turnement, Thes lordes are chosen he myn assent : The first is þe kyng of Affrike, For his grete witte and his retorik. He is wele lirned, and can many science, He moste nede gyve good sentence. And what euer he speke, it moste he Shewed in faire termes, for certeynly he Hath witte ynow and grete discrec[i]on), [And fayre endyted shaɫɫ he his reson)]  The toþer shaɫɫ he [þe] kyng of Cartage,  A rightwise man, for gretely in age He is ronne; and anoþer shaɫɫ he Kyng Clarins; grete werre hath he Vpon þe saresynes yere he yere. Bernard of Grece shaɫɫ he his pere

8874. perhaps showed.

There shall be seven judges.

8864

8868

8872

8876

8880

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Of myn) hond / to-morow I shaɫɫ make 8864

Of myne hond. To-morwe I shaɫɫ make 8864

Be tyme an) hundred and many moo,

Be tyme an honderde and many mo,

So am) I avysed that hit shaɫɫ be doo.

So am I avysede it shaɫɫ be do.

And who shall be luges of the turnement,

And who shaɫɫ be Iugges of þat turment,

These lordes are chosyn) be myn) assent:

These lordes are chosyn) be myn assent:

The fyrst ys the kyng of Affryke, 8869

The firste is þe kynge of Aufreke, 8869

For his grete wytte and his retoryke.

For his grete wyte and his reteryke.

He ys weɫɫ lerned and can) many sciens,

He is weɫɫ lernede in many syennce,

He must nedes gyfe goode sentens. 8872

He moste nedes gyfe good sentence.

And what euer he spek hit must be

What euer he speke, it moste be 8875

Shewed in fayre termes, for certaynly he

Shewyde in fayre termes, for sertenly he

Hatħ wytt I-now and grete dyscrescion)

Hathe wyte I-nowe and grete dysscres-sion),

And fayre endyted shaɫɫ be his reson), 8876

And fayre endytyde shaɫɫ be his reson), 8876

THe other shaɫɫ be kyng of Cartage,

¶ The toþer þe kynge of Targage,

A rygħtwes man), for gretly in age

A Right-wyse man), gretly in age

He ys ronne; and a-nother shaɫɫ be

He is rone; anoþer shaɫɫ be

Kyng Claryns; grete werre hatħ he 8880

Kynge Claryns; grete warre holdyth he [1 leaf 74, back] 8880

Vpon) the saȝaȝyns yere be yere,

¹ Vppon) the sarsons yere by yere.

Bernard of Grece shaɫɫ be his feere,

Barnarde of Gryse shaɫɫ be his fere,

363He is now named þe þrid kyng; Of aɫɫ lawes he can moche þing. The fourte shaɫɫ be olde Genors, The wise, þe hardy kyng of mors. The v. shal be kyng Corsabre, That hath þe kyngdome of Notabre. The vj shaɫɫ be of Getule kyng. In his contre is fuɫɫ wonder þing : It is fuɫɫ of apes, tigres, and beres, Serpentes, wyuers, and eke lesers. [leaf 112, back] He hath no plente of casteɫɫ ne toures. He is called kyng Amforus. The vij. kyng hette Gondrede, And his kyngdome is called Noemede. Thes kynges shaɫɫ be [chyef] Iugeoure; They shaɫɫ be with me in þe toure. Olde Ermulus eke shaɫɫ be with me To take hiede who is worþi degre. Now haue I tolde you, suster, truly Of þe turnement þe avise by and by.”  “Now,” seith Wrake, “aɫɫ þis is wele;  I can enpugne it neuer a dele.

8884

8888

8892

8896

8900

8904

They are to sit in the tower beside Melior and Ernoul.

Urake departs,

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

¹ He ys now namyd the thrid kyng.

He is nowe namyde the iij^te kynge,

Of aɫɫ lawes he can) mocħ thing. 8884

Of aɫɫ lawis he conmeche thynge. 8884

The fourtħ shaɫɫ be old Genors,[¹ leaf 76

The furthe shaɫɫ be þe olde Gornors,

The wyse, the hardy of king of morse.

The wyse, þe hardy kynge of mors.

The fyft shaɫɫ be kyng Sorsabre,

The fifte shaɫɫ be kynge Corsabir,

That holt the kyndome of Nabre. 8888

That hathe þe kyngdom of Netabir.

The vj shaɫɫ be of Getule kyng.

The vj^te shaɫɫ be of Getale kynge. 8889

In his contree ys fuɫɫ wondyr thyng:

In his contre is fuɫɫ worthy thynge :

Hit ys fuɫɫ of apys, tygres, and berys,

Hit is fuɫɫ of apis, tegres, and beris,

Serpentes, wyuers, and eke leseres. 8892

Serpentes, wyueres, and eke lyseres.

He hatħ no plente of castelle ne toures,

He hathe no plente of casteɫɫes ne toures. 8893

His ys callyd kyng Amfuors. 8894

He is callede kynge Anferus.

The Seventħ kyng hothetħ Gondred,

The vij^te kynge hight Gondrede,

And his kyngdame ys callyd Noemed.

And his kyngdome is callede Noemede.

These kynges shaɫɫ be chyef Iugeoure;

These kynges shaɫɫ be chyfe Iuggoure;

They shaɫɫ be wytħ me in the toure.

They shaɫɫ be with me in þe toure.

Olde Ermulus eke shaɫɫ be wytħ me

Olde Ermelus eke shaɫɫ be with me

To take hede who ys worthy degre. 8900

To take hede who is worthy degre. 8900

Now haue I told yow, suster, truly

¶ Here haue I tolde you, syster, truly

Of þe turment þe vyse by and by.”

Of the turnement the avyse by and by.”-

“NOw,” seyth Vrak, “aɫɫ this wele;

“Nowe,” seyth Wrake, “aɫɫ þis is weɫɫ;

I can) empugne her neuer a dele. 8904

I can enpyngne it neuer a deɫɫ. 8904

364Now slepe I pray you hertly, For I wole go now fuɫɫ prively To shipp vnwetyng of any wight. Home I shaɫɫ come vpon þe nyght, And if it like you, to-morow tyme I wole be with you hardely or pryme.”— “I pray you, suster,” þo seide þe queen), “Be tyme to-morowe þat ye bene.” In þis wise hath Wrak take her leve. Persewise anoone she toke [be] þe sieve, And into shi p ¯ p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq111.tif"/> e to-gedre they gone, And to her casteɫɫ they come anoone. Then mette they with Partonope. With Ioyfuɫɫ herte he[m] welcomeþ he. And Wrake hym [tolde] aɫɫ þe entent Of þe Emperesse and of þe turnement, And how she shuld on þe morow make Knyghtes; and þerfore faire Wrake That nyght of slepe toke liteɫɫ hiede. For besy she was, with-outen drede,

promising to come back the next morning.

Urake brings Partonope with her,

8908

8912

8916

8920

8924

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Now slepe I pray yow hertyly,

Nowe slepe I praye you hertly,

For I woɫɫ go now fuɫɫ prevyly 8906

For I wiɫɫ goo nowe fuɫɫ preuely

To Ship vn-wething of ony wygħt.

To shipe vn-wyttynge of ony wigħt.

Home I shaɫɫ come a-pon) the nygħt,

Home I shaɫɫ come on þe nygħt. 8908

And yf yt lyke yow, to-morow tyme

And yef it lyke you, to-morwe be tyme

I wole be wytħ yow hardyly or pryme.”

I wiɫɫ be with yo[u] hardly ore pryme.”—

“I p[r]ey you, suster,” tho sayd the queen),

“I praye you, syster,” seyde þe quene,

“Be tyme to-morow here that ye bene.” 8912

“Be tyme to-morwe here þat ye bene.” 8912

In this wyse hatħ Vrak take her leve.

In þis vyse hathe Wrake here leue,

Persewyse a-none She toke be the sieve,

Percewyse anone she toke be þe sleve,

And in-to Shi p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq112.tif"/> to-gedyr they gone,

And to shipe togeder þey gon),

And to her casteɫɫ they come a-non).

And to þer casteɫɫ þey come anon). 8916

Than mett they wytħ Partanope. 8917

Then) met þey with Partonope.

Wytħ Ioyfuɫɫ hert hem) welcometħ be.

With Ioyfuɫɫ hert welcomede hem he.

And Vrak hym) told aɫɫ the entent

Wrake hym tolde aɫɫ þe entent

Of the emperesse and of the turnement, 8920

¹ Of þe emperes and of þe turment,

And how she shuld on) the morow make

And howe she shulde on þe morwe make [¹ leaf 75] 8921

¹ Knyghtes; and ther-for fayre Vrak

Knyghtes; and þer-for feyre Wrake

That nygħt of slep toke lyteɫɫ heede.

That nyght of slepe toke lytiɫɫ hede.

For besy She was, wytħ-outen drede [¹ leaf 76, back] 8924

For besy she was, with-out drede, 8924

365To arme hym in þe fresshiste wise. And longe or þe sonne gan rise, To courte she brought Partonope, [Her-self and Persewyse, and no mo meyne. And in-to a chambre where as she Was wont to be herboured, Partonope] Vnwetyng of any wight they hym lede. And þere fuɫɫ prively vpon a bedde They made hym rest tiɫɫ it was day. And right sone after, with-outen nay, [leaf 113] The sonne hir beames oute fresshe spredde. It made þe vnluste to leve his bedde, And rise and cloþe hym fresshe and gay For loy of þat Ioyfuɫɫ, mery day.  To courte þo come ridyng fuɫɫ bright  Wele Iarmed þo þat ordre of knyght Shuld take of þis fayre Meliore. And aɫɫ they light anoone atte dore Of þe chambre where as Partonope

8928

8932

8936

8940

and hides him in a chamber.

The young men who are to receive the order of knighthood arrive.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

To *arme hym) in the best wyse.

To arme hym in þe freshe wyse.

And long or the Sonne gan) aryse,

And longe ore þe son gan) ryse,

To Courte she brotħ Partanope,

To Courte she brought Partonope,

Her-self, and Persewyse, and no mo meyne, 8928

Her-selfe and Percewyse, and no mo meyne. 8928

And in-to a chambre where as she

And in-to chombir where þat she

Was wont to be herboured, Partanope

Was wont to herberwe, Partonope

Vn-wetyng of ony* wygħt they hym) ledde. 8931

Vnwetynge of ony wight þey hym lede.

And there fuɫɫ pryvyly vpon) a bedde

And þer fuɫɫ prevely vppon) a bede 8982

They made hym) rest tyɫɫ yt was day.

They made hym reste tiɫɫ þe day.

And ryght sone after, wytħ-outen) nay,

And right sone after with-out nay,

The sonne her bemes oute frescħ spered.

The sone here bemys out ireshe sprede.

Hit made the vnlust to leve his bedd, 8936

Hit made þe vnlustly to leue his bede, 8936

And ryse and clotħ hym) frescħ and gay

And ryse and clothe hym freshe and gay

For Ioy of that Ioyfuɫɫ, mery day.

For Ioye of þat Ioyfuɫɫ day.

TO Court tho come rydyng fuɫɫ brygħt

¶ To courte come rydynge brigħt

Weɫɫ I-armed tho that ordre of knygħt 8940

Weɫɫ I-armede þat þe ordir of knygħt

Shuld take of This fayre Melioure.

Shulde take of þis Melyore. 8941

And aɫɫ they lygħt a-none atte dore

And aɫɫ þey light anone at þe dore

Of the chambre where as Partanope

Of þe chambir where as Partonope

8925. MS. adds 11 before arme.

8981. ony] MS, my.

366Was herborowed, and faste a-slepe was he, For prow þat chamber lieth þe wey. Wrake anoone brought forthe the key, And þerwith she wakened Partonope. To opyn þe dore streight goþe she. In come they aɫɫ, with-outen lese. Partonope prively in pis prese She maketh go with-outen more, There as pis queen), faire Meliore, In hir estate stonte fuɫɫ Royally. Then was þe custome sikerly, Who so euer shuld take pe ordre of knyght, In stele he moste be armed bright, Bothe hede and fote and aɫɫ in feere. Also þat tyme þis was þe manere, His swerde aboute his neke shuld honge, Were it shorte or were it longe, Tiɫɫ they it fro hym shuld take That þerwith hym knyght shuld make. Þerfore aɫɫ þes yonge men bene Fresshe yarmed be-fore þe queen).

Partonope goes with them.

At that time it was the custom to appear all in arms.

The sword should hang round the neck till the ceremony of knightinp take p ace.

Partonope stands

8944

8948

8952

8956

8960

8964

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Was herbourid, and fast a-slepe was he, 8944

Was herberwede, and faste on slepe was he, 8944

For thorow that chambre lyetħ her wey.

For þorwe þe chambir lyth her wey.

Vrak a-non brought forth the key,

Wrake anone brought furthe þe key,

And ther-wytħ She waked Partanope.

Ther-with she wakede Partonope.

To opyn) the dore streygħt gotħ She.

To oppyn þe dore streight gothe she.

In come they aɫɫ, wytħ-outen) lese.

In come þey aɫɫ with-out lesse. 8949

Partanope pryvyly in this prese 8950

Partonope preuely in bis prese

She maketħ go wytħ-outen) more,

She maketh goo with-out more,

There as this queen), fayre Melioure 8952

Ther as þis quene, feyre Melyore, 8952

In her Estate stont fuɫɫ ryally.

In hir esstate stont Royally.

Than) was the custome sykerly,

Then was þe costum sekerly,

Who so euer shulld take the ordyr of knygħt,* 8955

Who so euer shulde take þe order of knyght, 8955

In steele he must be armed brygħt

In steɫɫ he moste be armede brigħt,

Botħ hede and fote and aɫɫ in feere.

Bothe hede and foote and aɫɫ in fere.

Also that tyme this was the manere,

¹ Also þat tyme þis þe manere,

His swerd a-boute his neke shulld honge,

His swerde aboute his nyke shulde honge, [¹ leaf 76, back]

Where hit short or were hit longe, 8960

Were it shorte ore were it longe, 8960

¹ Tyɫɫ they hit fro hym) shuld take

Tiɫɫ þey it fro hym shulde it take,

That ther-wytħ hym) knygħt shuld make. [¹ leaf 77]

And þer-with hym) knyght shulde make.

There-fore aɫɫ this yong men) been)

There-fore aɫɫ bis yonge men bene

Fressħ I-armed be-fore the queen). 8964

Freshe I-armede be-fore þe quene. 8964

11. 8955–56 are inverted in MS.

367Amonge hem stonte Partonope. Fuɫɫ hevy and thoughtfuɫɫ is he, Be-holdyng þe beaute of his lady, So fayre, so fresshe, and so semely, Stondyng be-fore hym gay arrayed. No wonder þough he were dismayed To þinke how lovyng to hym she had be, And prow his deffaute aɫɫ loste had he. His heere gan warpe, his colour gan chaunge, [leaf 113, back] Seyng his lady to hym so straunge, That at his wiɫɫ was wonte to be. Sore a-basshed on hir þo loked he, Thinkyng how he had hir be-trayed. Gretely þerof was he dismayed. Yite neuer þe latter, with-outen lese, To þis lady he gan to prese Forto haue prayde hir of mercy and grace Before aɫɫ folke in þat place. Wrake aspied wele be his manere And be þe chaungyng of his chere, He was a-boute to play foly.

8968

8972

8976

8980

8984

among the others before the Queen, thoughtful and sad.

He is on the point of asking his Lady’s pardon publicly, in spite of Urake’s warning.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

A-monge hem) stont Partanope.

Amonge hem stont Partonope.

Fuɫɫ hevy and thougħtfuɫɫ ys he,

Fuɫɫ heuy and þoughtfuɫɫ is he,

Be-holdyng the beaute of this lady,

Be-holdynge þe beute of his lady,

So fayre, so fresscħ, and so semely, 8938

So feyre, so freshe, and so symly, 8968

Stonuing be-fore hym) gay a-rayed.

Stondynge be-fore hym gay arrayde.

No wondyr thougħt he were dysmayed

No wonder þough he were dyssmayde

To thenk how loveng to hym) she had be,

To thynke howe louynge to hym site hade be,

And throw his defaunte aɫɫ lost had he. 8972

And þorwe his defaute aɫɫ loste hade he. 8972

His hert gan) qwappe, his coloure gan) change,

His hert gan whape, his coloure chaunge,

Seeyng his lady to hym) so straunge,

Seynge his lady to hym so stronge

That atte hys wyɫɫ was wont to be,

That at his wiɫɫ was wont to be.

Sore a-basshed on) her loked he, 8976

Sore abasshede on here lokede he, 8976

Thenkyug how he had her be-trayed.

Thynkynge howe he hade here be-trayede.

Gretely there-of was he dysmayed.

Gretly þer-of he was dysmayde.

Yet neuer the latter, wytħ-outen) lese,

Yet neuer the later, with-out lese,

To this lady he gan) to prees 8980

To þis lady he gan) to prese 8980

For to a prayed her of mercy and grace

To praye here of mercy and grace

Be-fore aɫɫ folk in that place.

Before aɫɫ folke in þat place.

Vrak aspyed weɫɫ be hys manere

Wrake aspyde in his manere

And be the chaungyng of his chere,

And be þe changynge of his chere, 8984

He was aboute to play foly. 8985

He was aboute to pley folye.

8984. or chongynge.

368Vpon a stole she dressed hir hye, And hoved ascaunse : “Take heede of me, And þinke what I haue charged þe.” But aɫɫ for nought he toke noone heede Of hir counseylle, ne of hir rede, But was in purpose his lady fully Of his trespase þer to aske mercy, And openly þere to haue know be. But yite it happed þat lette was he : Hir beaute so highle gan encrese In aɫɫ þe sight of þis grete prese, That they so þikk a-boute hir stode, Þoughe Partonope for love had ben wode, He myght not hir come to in no wise. His felawes hir beaute gan so devise, Takyng grete heede of hir semely-hede, Vpon a benche an highe as she stode, Euen þere vp right atte deyse, That aɫɫ men þat were in þe paleyse, Of hir myght haue fuɫɫ þe sight,

But he cannot press through the crowd.

8988

8992

8996

9000

9004

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Vpon) a stoole She dressed here hygh,

Vppon) a stole she dressede hir hye,

And hoved a-scaunse : “Take hede of me, 8987

And houyde as-scaunce : “Take hede of me, 8987

And thenk what I haue charge[d] the.”

And thynke what I haue chargyde the.”

But aɫɫ for nogħt he toke none hede

But aɫɫ lor nought he toke none hede

Of her counsayɫɫ, ne of her rede,

Of here counseɫɫ, ne of here rede,

But was in purpose hys lady fully

But was in porpose his lady fully

Of his trespas there to aske mercy, 8992

Of his trespas þer to aske mercy, 8992

And openly there to haue know be.

And oppynly þer to haue knowe be.

But yet hit happed that lett was he :

But yet it happyde þat let was he :

Her beaute so nyghly ganne enorese

Here beute so highly gan) encrese

In aɫɫ the syght of this grete prese, 8996

In aɫɫ þe sight of þis grete prese 8996

That they so Thykke a-boute her stote

¹ That þey so thyke aboute here stode

Thoght Partanope for love had bene wode,

Though Partonope for loue hade be wode [¹ leaf 76]

He mygħt not here come to [in] no wyse.

He myght here come to [in] no wyse.

His felaws her beaute So gan) devyse,*

His felowis here beute so gan devyse,

Takyng grete hede of her semelyhode, [leaf 77, back] 9001

Takenge grete hede of here symlyhede,

Vpon) a bench an) hygħ as she stoode,

Vppon a benche an hye she stode 9002

Even) there vp rygħt at the deyse,

Evyn) vpright at þe doyse

That aɫɫ men) that were in the paleys,

That aɫɫ men) þat were in þe plase

Of her mygħt haue fuɫɫ the sygħt, 9005

Of her myght haue fuɫɫ þe sigħt, 9005

11. 9000–01 inverted in MS.

369Erle, baron), squyer, and knyght. Cloþes of golde a-boute hir were sprede; Hir to be-holde eiche man was gladde. Now wole I teɫɫ you how she was cladde : A mantiɫɫ honerable vpon she hadde Of rede satyn fuɫɫ good cremesyn), Furred wele with fyne Ermyne. [lean 14] A kyrtiɫɫ of þe same she hadde vndre. Hir to be-holde was grete wondre, That with beaute euer nature Wolde so enbelice ony oo creature. Eor þat euer longed to fuɫɫ beaute, In hir persone a man myght se. It nedeth not of array more to teɫɫ, When þat of beaute she was þe beɫɫ. In myrrour to loke hadde she no nede Ne of ffresshe atyre, with-outen drede. For were she slepyng or elles a-wake, Of beaute had she no make. Aɫɫ þis while stant Partonope, Of his lady be-holdyng þe beaute.

9025. or stont?

9008

9012

9016

9020

9024

The Queen is wonderfully dressed, and her beauty has no equal.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Erle, baron), Squyer, and knygħt,

Erle, baron), Squvre, and knygħt. 9006

Clothis of golde aboute her were:

spredde; 9007

Clothis of gold a-boute her were

sperde;

Her to be-hold eche man) was gladd.

Her to be-holde iche man) was glade.

Now woɫɫ I telle yow how She was cladde:

I wiɫɫ teɫɫ you howe she was clade: 9009

A manteɫɫ honerable vpon) she had,

A mantiɫɫ honorabiɫɫ on here she hade

Of red saten) fuɫɫ good cremesyn),

Of rede satyn fuɫɫ good crymsyne,

Furred weɫɫ wytþ fyne Ermyn), 9012

Furrede weɫɫ with fyne Ermyne. 9012

A kyrtyɫɫ of the same She had vndre.

A kertiɫɫ of þe same she hade vnder.

Hyr to be-hold was grete wondre,

Hir to be-holde was grete wonder,

That wytħ beaute euer nature 9015

That with beute euer nature

Wold so enbelyce ony oo creature.

Wolde so enbesiɫɫ ony o creture. 9016

For that euer longed to fuɫɫ beaute,

For þat euer longyde to fuɫɫ beute,

In her persone a man myght see.

In here persone a man) myght see.

Hit nedytħ [n]ot of aray more to telle,

Hit nedyth not of array more to teɫɫ,

Whan) that of beaute She was the beɫɫ.

When) þat of beute she was the beɫɫ.

In merrour to love had She none nede,

In myrrour to loke hade she no nede,

Ne of fressħ” a-tyre, wytħ-outen) drede.

Ne of freshe atyre with-out drede.

For were She slepyng or elles a-wake,

For were she slepynge ore eɫɫes awake,

Of beaute had she no make. 9024

Of beute hade she no make. 9024

Alle this while stont Partanope,

Aɫɫ þis while stont Partonope,

Of his lady be-holdyng the beaute.

Of his lady be-holdynge þe beute.

PARTONOPE.

370No new love but olde remembraunce Maketh hym stonde in such a traunce, That sodenly he was brought in such a case, He wist not wele where he was. And of þis haue ye no meraylle. For aɫɫ his felawes, with-outen fayle, Were so highely caught with hir beaute, That nye in pe same plite were he. What for shame and basshednes Partonope darre not þrow the prees Passe to his lady þe ordre to take. Who was þen wo but good Wrake ? So with grete feere atte laste A-shamed to þe grounde his hede he caste, That Melior in no wise shuld se How he, þat false Partonope, What with shame and with grete fere, To his lady he neghed nere. From his nekke she toke his swerde, A-boute his medle þo it gyrde, And in suche a wise hir girdyng he felte,

Partonope is so agitated that he scarcely dares approach the Queen.

She takes the sword from his neck and girds him with it.

9028

9032

9036

9040

9044

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

No new love but old^ι remenbraunse

No newe loue but olde remembraunce

Make hym) stond in sucħ a traunse

Maketh me stonde in soyche straunce.

That sodenly he was brougħt in sucħ

So sodenly he was brought in soyche

case, 9029

cas* 9029

He wyst not wele where he was.

He wyste not weɫɫ where he was.

And of this haue ye no mervayle,

Of þis haue ye no marveɫɫ.

For aɫɫ his felaws, wytħ-outen) nay, 9032

For aɫɫ hys felowis, with-out faiɫɫ, 9032

Were so highly caugħt wytħ her beaute,

Were so highly caught with here

beuute, [leaf 76, back]

That nye in the same plyte were he. What for shame and basshednes

That nye to þe same plyte were heye. What for shame and basshedenes

Partanope dare not throw the prees 9036

Partonope dare not þorwe the prese

Passe to his ladydy the ordy to take,

Passe to his lady þe order to take. 9037

Who was than) who but goode Vrak ?

Who was hen) wo but good Wrake ?

So wytħ grete fere att laste [leaf 78]

So with grete fere at þe laste

A-shamed to the ground his face he

Ashamyde to þe grounde his face he

cast, 9040

caste, 9040

That Melioure in no wyse shuld see

That Melyore in no wyse shulde se

How he, that false Partanope,

Howe he, þat false Partonope,

What wytħ shame and wytħ grete feerħ,

What with, shame and grete fere,

To his lady he neyghed nere. 9044

To his lady he nyghede nere. 9044

From) his nek she to[ke] his swerd,

Fro his nyke she toke his swerde,

A-boute his meddyɫɫ tho hit gerd.

Abut his myddiɫɫ she it gyrde.

And in sucħ a wvse her gyrdyng he

And in soyche wyse his gyrdynge he

felt,

felt,

11. 9 )29–30 inverted in MS.

371His herte as metallo þen gan melte. When from hir departe shuld [he], And þough[t} it myght none oþer wise be, His Eyen on hir sorowfuɫɫ he caste, And oute of hir presence he hiede faste. [leaf 114, back]  This ladye toke heede of his chere.  She thought his porte and his manere Likened moche to Partonope. But ayeinward þen thought she : “To þinke þis I haue grete wronge, For sith he deyed it is go longe.” And þerwith she turned hir to Wrake. “Suster,” she seide, “be Goddes sake, This knyght truly, as þinketh me, Resembleth of stature and beaute That worthy, þat semely— “and perwith she Of speche stinted, for in no degre His name to sowne had she no myght. Hir herte so gretely was of þe sight Of hym distraught, þat as a lefe With wynde yshake, so quoke * hir brethe,

9068. MS. quake.

9048

9052

9056

9060

9064

9068

Partonope goes away sorrowful.

The Queeu thinks the knight resembles Partonope.

In mentioning it to Urake she is so troubled that she cannot even pronounce his name.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

His hert as metaɫɫ than) gan) melt. 9048

His hert as metaɫɫ þen gan) mylte. 9048

Whan) from) her departe shulde,

When) from hir departe shulde he,

And thogħt hit myght non) other-wyse be,

And þought it myght none oþer be,

His eyn) on) her sorowfuɫɫy he cast,9051

His eyen) on hir sodenly he caste, 9051

And oute of her presens he hyed fast.

And out of hire presence he hyede faste.

THis lady toke hede of his chere. She thogfit his port and his manere

¶ This lady toke hede of his chere. She þought his port and his maner

Lekened mocħ” to Partanope.

Lykenede moche to Partonope.

But a-yen)-ward than) thogħt She :9056 ‘

But ayen-warde þen) þought she : 9056

‘ To tnenk this I haue grete wrong,

“To thynke þis I haue grete wronge,

For sytħ” he dyed hit ys go long.”

For sethe he dyede it is goo longe.”

And there-wytħ” she turned her to Vrak.

There-with she turnede here to Wrake.

“Suster,” she sayd, “be Goddes sake,

“Syster,” she seyde, “be Goddes sake,

This knygħt truly, as thenketɫ me, Resembletɫ of stature and of beautɫ

This knyght truly, as thynketh me, Resemblyth of stature and of beute

That worthey, that semely — “and

That worthy, þat symly,” and ther-

ther-wytħ” she

with she

Of speke stynted, for in no degree 9064

Of speche styntyde, for in no degre 9064

His name to sowne had She no mygħt.

His name to sowne hade she no mygħt.

Her hert so gretely was of the sygħt

Here hert so gretly was of þe sight Of hym dysstraught þat at a lefe

Of hym) dystraugħt that as a lefe

Wytħ wynde I-sake / so quoke her

With wynde Ishake, so quoke here

bretħ 9068

brethe. 9068

372Hir herte, hir lymmes eke so tremeled, His name in no wise coupe she rede. Thus stode* þis lady amonge hem aɫɫ. Ofte was she in wiɫɫ hym to caɫɫ, But o þing made hir stonde in drede : It hadde ben ayeinst hir womanhede.  Now is Partonope, þis new knyght,  Gone to his chambre, and haþ þe sight Of hir loste þat he now loveth beste. His herte is sette in lytiɫɫ reste. For olde love and new desyre Hath sette his herte so hote on fyre, That aɫɫ his sprites with hym be So troubled þat to bedde goþe he, And leyth hym downe þer to reste. Now may he þinke what hym liste. Many mervelouse þought þinketh he. “Now, lorde God,” seide he, “when shaɫɫ be This turnement, þere as I myght Prefe my-self to be a knyght ? Lorde, wheþer I shaɫɫ lyve to þat day

9071. MS. This seide.

Partonope is now gone to his chamber.

9072

9076

9080

9084

9088

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Her hert, her lymmes eke so tremeled,

Here hert, her lymes eke so tremblyde,

His name in [no] wyse cowde she rede.

His name in no wyse couthe she rede.

Thus stode this lady a-monge hem) aɫɫ.

¹ Thus stode þis lady amonge hem aɫɫ.

Ofte was She in wyɫɫ hym caɫɫ, 9072

Ofte was she in wiɫɫ hym to caɫɫ, 9072

But oo thing made her stond in drede :

But o thynge made here stonde in

drede : [¹ leaf 77]

Hit had bene a-yenst her woman-hede

Hit hade ben ayen here womanhede.

NOw ys Partanope, this new knygħt, Gone to his chambre, and hath the sygħt 9076

¶ Nowe is Partonope, þis newe knyght, Gon to his chambir, and hathe sigħt

Of her lost that he now loveth best,

Of here þat he louyth beste. 9077

¹ His hert ys sett in lyteɫɫ rest,

His hert is set in lytiɫɫ reste.

For old love and new desyre I¹ leaf 78,back]

For olde loue and newe desyre

Hatħ sett his hert so hote on fyre, 9080

Hathe set his hert so sore a fyre, 9080

That aɫɫ his spyrytes wytħ hym) be

That aɫɫ his sper[it]is with hym. be

So trobled^ι that to bedde goth he,

So trublede þat to bede goth he,

And lyetħ hym) doune there to rest.

And leyde hym downe þer to reste.

Now may he thenk whatħ hym) lyst.

Nowe may he thynke what he lyste.

Many mervayles thought thenketħ he.

Many a mervelus þough thynketh he.

“Now, lord God,” sayd he, “whan)

“Nowe, lorde God,” seyde he, “when

shaɫɫ be 9086

shaɫɫ be

This turnement, There a[s] I mygħt

This turment, þer as I mygħt

Preve my-self to be a knygħt ? 9088

Prese my-selfe to be a knygþt ? 9088

Lord, wedyr I shaɫɫ leve tyɫɫ that day,

Lorde, where I shaɫɫ leue to þat day,

373Then wote I wele, with-outen nay, I shaɫɫ be at ɫat Turnement. [leaf 115] For herte and strength, þat God haþ lente To me, I shaɫɫ spende, be I neuer so sore Hurte; for wele I wote and knowe a-fore, I shaɫɫ þere se my sonerejm leche. And hir beaute shaɫɫ so me refresshe, That in armes me shaɫɫ teche, Thoughe my stroke be harde or nesshe, Of myn enemeys I wole not sette a risshe.”^,  Thus lieth this knyght Partonope,  Hym-self avauntyng faire and fre, And in presumpc[i]on) falleth sore, He weneth to haue þe degre þerfore. Aɫɫ þis made love, I vndertake. To hym þerwith come Wrake, And to a privere chamber hym ledde, And þere hym made reste on a bedde. There was he saufe and oute of sight, And þere a-bode tiɫɫ it was nyght. Oute of þe halle gothe Meliore.

He longs for the tournament, where he will see Melior.

9092

9096

9100

9104

9108

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Than) wote I wele, wytħ-outen) nay,

Then) wot I weɫɫ, with-out nay,

I shaɫɫ be at that turnement.

I shaɫɫ be at þis turment,

For hert and strength that God hath

For hert and strenght, þat God hathe

lent 9092

lent 9092

To me, be I neuer so sore, I shaɫɫ spend

To me, I shaɫɫ spende, be I neuer so

Hurt; for weɫɫ I wote and know a-fore,

sore Hurt; for weɫɫ I wot and knowe afore,

I shaɫɫ there see my souerayn leche.

I shaɫɫ þer se my souerayne leche.

And her beaute shaɫɫ so me refrescħ,

And here beute shaɫɫ so me refreshe,

That in armys me shaɫɫ teche, 9097

That in armes me shaɫɫ teche, 9097

Thougħt my stroke be hard or nassħe,

Though my stroke be harde ore nessħe,

Of myn) Enmys this knyght woɫɫ not

Of myne enemys I wiɫɫ not set a russhe.” 9099

not sett a rycħ.”

Thus lyetħ this knygħt Partanope, 9100 Hym-sellf a-vauntyng fayre ana free,

¶ Thus lyeth þis knyght Partonope

Hym-selfe avantynge feyre and fre,

And in presumpcion) falytħ sore,

And in prosumpcion) fallyth sore,

He wenetħ to haue the gree there-fore.

He wenyth to haue the gre þer-fore.

Aɫɫ this made love, I vndyr-take, 9104

Aɫɫ þis made loue, I vndertake. 9104

To hym) ther-wytħ come Vrak,

To hym þer-with come Wrake,

And to a pryvyer chambere hym) ledde,

And to a preuyere chambir hym lede,

And there hym) made reste on) a bedde.

And made hym reste vppon a bede.

There was he safe and out of sygħt, 9108

1 Ther was he safe and out of sight,

And there he a-bode tyɫɫ hit was derke nygħt.

And per abode tiɫɫ it was nygħt. 9109 [1 leaf 77, back]

Out of the haɫɫ gotħ Melior,

But of þe haɫɫ gothe Melyore.

374Hir hede, she seide, oke fuɫɫ sore, With hem myght she no lenger bide. She seide: “Wele mote ye aɫɫ be-tyde.” And toke hir leve in curteyse wise, Better þen I can teɫɫ or devise. Love-seke she was, with-outen doute, Grete grefe she felt aɫɫ a-boute. The fyres darte of love so smerte So þrilled hadde hir meke herte, That flesshe and blode, bode and veyne Was fullfilled with grete peyne. Therfore myght wele fayre Meliore Sey hir hede oke þan fuɫɫ sore.  The day is paste, and now cometh Eve.  Of hir suster Wrake toke hir leve. Hir meany metith with hir anoone. Partonope she Cleped, and forþe they gone To þe haven, where as þe shipp of flote Was she founde redy, and pen a bote Hir meany calle, and þat in haste. [leaf 115, back] The bote to hir they rowed faste.

Melior leaves the hall,lovesick and afflicted.

Urake and partonope go on board, accom panied by poor Persevis,. and return to Salence.

9112

9116

9120

9124

9128

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Her hede, she sayd, ooke fuɫɫ sore.

Here hede, she seyde, oke fuɫɫ sore.

Wyth hem) mygħt she no lenger

With hem myght she no lenger abyde.

a-byde. 9112

She sayd : “Wele mote ye aɫɫ be-tyde,”

She seyde “aɫɫ mot ye weɫɫ be-tyde.”

And toke her leve in curteys wyse,

And toke her leue fuɫɫ courtesly, 9114

Better than) I can) telle or devyse.

Better þen I con teɫɫ in fey.

Love-syke She was, wyth-outen) doute,

Loue-seke she was, with-out doute,

Grete greef She felt aɫɫ a-boute. [leaf 791

Grete grefe she felt aɫɫ aboute. 9117

The fyres dart of love so smert 9118

The fers dart of loue so smerte

So threlled hadd her meke hert,

So thrillede hade here meke herte,

That flescħ and blood, bone and veyne

That fleshe and blode, senewe and

Was fuɫɫ-fyɫɫed wytħ grete payne. There-fore mygħt fayre Melior 9122

veyne Was fuɫɫ-fillede with grete payne. 9121

There-fore myght weɫɫ feyre Melyore

Sey her hede ooke fuɫɫ sore.

Sey here hede þen oke sore.

THe day ys past, now cometþ eve. Of her suster Vrak taketþ leve.

¶ The day is paste, and come is eve, Of hir syster Wrake taketh leue. 9125

Her meyne metetþ wytþ her a-none.

Hir meyne metyth with here anone.

Partanope She clepytþ, and forth they

Partonope she clepyth, and furth þey

gone 9127

gone

To the haven), where as the shi p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq113.tif"/> aflote

To þe hauyn), where as þe schipe aflote

Was She fonde redy, and than) a bote

Was she founde redy, and þen a bote

Her meyne caɫɫ, and that in hast, 9130

Here meyne caɫɫ, and þat in haste. 9130

The bote to her they Kowed fast.

The bote to hir þey rowdie faste.

375The shipmen hir lieylen with good chere, To shippe they rowe aɫɫ in fere. The shipp when they were entred aɫɫ, The maister maryner his men did caɫɫ And bade hem faste ɫe ankere vp hale. The saile ࿫erwith they made avale, And forþe they sayle afore þe wynde. A better saylere can no man fynde, Then was þat shipp at my devise. With Wrake þer was Persewise, That loved some folke þer fuɫɫ wele. But so frowarde turned fortune his whele, That was not be-loved agayne, Þanked be fortune, so may we seyne. For she fat I love with aɫɫ my herte, Gifeth liteɫɫ forse how sore I smerte. The shi p ¯ p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq114.tif"/> I spake of, was fuɫɫ good. Fuɫɫ faste he sayleth þrow þe flode, So þat within a liteɫɫ while They be come save into þe Ile Of Salence with-oute any affray, On morowe be pan it was day.

9132

9136

9140

9144

9148

9152

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

The shyppemen) here heylyn) wytħ good chere, 9132

The shipmen her haiɫɫ with good chere. 9132

To Ship p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq115.tif"/> they Row aɫɫ in feere.

To shipe þey rowe aɫɫ in fere.

The ship p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq116.tif"/> whan) they were entred aɫɫ,

The schipe when) þey were entyrde aɫɫ,

The mayster marener hys men) dyd caɫɫ,

The master marener his men dyde caɫɫ,

And bad hem) fast the anker vp hale.

And bade hem faste þe ankere vp hale,

The sayle ther-wytħ they made a-vale,

The saiɫɫ þer-with þey dyde avale. 9137

And fortħ the sayle a-fore the wynde.

Forthe þey saiɫɫ afore þe wynde.

A better sayler can) no man) fynae

A better saylere can) no man) fynde,

That was that Shi p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq117.tif"/> at my devyse. 9140

Than) was þat shipe at my devyse. 9140

With Wrake þer was Percewyse,

That loved som) folk there ryght wele,

That louyde som folke þer right weɫɫ.

But so froward turned fortune his

For so frowarde turnede fortune his

whele,

while,

That was not be-loved ayen), 9144

That was not be-louyde agayne, 9144

Thanked be fortune so may whe seyn),

Thankede be fortune, so may we seyne,

For she that I love wytħ aɫɫ my hert,

For she þat I loue with aɫɫ my herte,

Gyfetħ lyteɫɫ forse how sore I smert.

1 Geuyth lytiɫɫ fors, þought I sore smert

The Shi p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq118.tif"/> I spak of, was fuɫɫ goode.

The shipe I spake of, was fuɫɫ goode.

Fuɫɫ fast he sayletħ thorow the flode,

Fuɫɫ faste she saylede þorwe þe flode,

So that wytħ-yn) a lyteɫɫ while 9150

So þat with-in a lytiɫɫ while [1 leaf 78]

They be come safe in-to the yle

They be come faste in-to þe lie

Of Salence wytħ-outen) ony affray,

Of Salence with-out ony fray, 9152

On) morow be than) hit was day. 9153

On morwe be þat it was day.

376Oute gothe þe ankere, downe goþe þe saile. Wrake hath ouercome wele hir travaylle. To bote they gone and streight to londe. The maryners they leve on þe stronde. Wrake bade hem ofte fare wele, And forpe she gothe to hir casteɫɫ. With aɫɫ hir meany fere she mette. On knees louly they hir grete, And of hir comyng were fuɫɫ gladde. To stonde vp-right hem aɫɫ she bade, And into hir chambre streight she gothe. In shorte tyme after borde and cloþe Was leide, for it drew faste to pryme. Sone after Wrake come in to dyne, And with hir brought Partonope; Of mete þere laked no deynte. [leaf 116] Thus day be day they fare right wele. But Partonope makeþ grete dole, So longe comyng is þe day. His armes ofte doþe he assay.  Vpon a day, soone after þe asscenc[i]on),

One day Partonope poes alone down to the sea-shore.

9156

9160

9164

9168

9172

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Oute gotħ the anker, doun) gotħ the Sayle.

Out goth þe ankere, downe goth þe saiɫɫ.

Vrak hatħ ouer-come wele her travayle.

Wrake hath ouer-come her travaiɫɫ.

To bote they gone and streyght to lond. [¹ leaf 79, back] 9156

To bot þey gon and streight to londe.

¹The mareners they leve on) the strond.

The mareners þey leue on þe stronde.

Vrak bad hym) ofte fare wele,

Wrake bade hem ofte fare weɫɫ, 9158

And fortħ She gotħ to her casteɫɫ.

And furthe she gothe to here casteɫɫ.

Wyth alle her meyne there she mett.

With aɫɫ here meyne þer she mete.

On) kneys lowly the her grete, 9161 And of her comyng were fuɫɫ glad.

On knees lowly þey here grete, 9161

In-to here chambir streight she gothe.

And of here comy[n]ge were fuɫɫ glade. gotħ. 9164

To stond vp-rygħt hem) aɫɫ She bad,

To stonde vpright she hem bade.

And to her chamber streyght She

In short tyme after boord and clotħ

In short tyme after borde and clothe

Was leyd, for hit drew fast to pryme. Sone after Vrak come in to dyne,

Was leyde, for it drewe faste to prime.

Sone after Wrake come in to dyne,

And wytħ her brougħt Partanope; Of mete ther lakkea no deynte. 9169

And with here brought Partonope;

Of mete þer lakede no deynte. 9169

Thus day by day they fare rygħt wele,

Thus day be day þey fere right weɫɫ. But Partonope maketh meche deɫɫ

But Partanope maketħ moche dele,

So long Comyng ys the day. 9172

So longe comy[n]ge is þe day. 9172 His armour ofte dothe he assay.

His Armys ofte dotħ he assay.

VPon)a day, sone after the assen- cion).

¶ Vppon) a day, sone after þe assencion),

377 When þe soimes light hath foysone Of hete, after dynere faire Wrake Yode to hir chambre, and fought to take Her reste, tiɫɫ þe hote were a-go, And toke Persewise with hir and no mo. But so did not good Partonope. Of any reste litiɫɫ heede toke he. Were it be desteny or be sorte, Vnwetyng of Wrake him to disporte To þe see went, and toke a bote. The see was fayre, þe weder was hote. And for þe he sayleth vp in the see A-fore þe wynde; but when þat he Horn ward wolde a turned ayein, The wynde was contrarie, it wolde not bene. And þerto it blew so sturdely, That perisshe hym dredde fuɫɫ luigely. Shipmen seide they couthe not se But þat they moste serve þe see. So hidousely þo the wynde gan blovve,

9176

9180

9184

9188

9192

There he takes a boat.

A violent wind carries him off to the isle of Tenedon.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Whan) the Sonnes lygþt hatþ foyson),

When) þe son-light hathe foyson)

Ofte hete, after dyner fayre Vrak 9176

Of hete, after dyner fayre Wrake 9176 Yede to here chambir, and fought to

Yode to her chambere, and thougþt to

take

take

Her rest, tyɫɫ the hete were a-goo,

Here reste, tiɫɫ þe hete were goo,

And toke Persewyse with her and no

And toke Percewyse with here and no

moo. But so dyd not good Partanope 9180 Of ony rest lyteɫɫ goode he toke heede

mo. But so dyde not gode Partonope. 9180

Of ony reste lytiɫɫ hede toke he.

Were hit be dystyny or be sort,

Where it be desteny ore be sorte,*

Vrak vn-wetyng of Vrak hym) to dysport

Vn-wytynge of Wrake hym to dyssporte

To the see went, and toke a bote. 9184

To þe se went, and toke a bote. 9184

The see was fayre, the wedyr was hote.

¹The se was feyre, þe weder was hote.

And fortħ he sayletħ vp in the see

Furthe he saylyth vppon) þe se

A-for the wynd; but whan) that he

Afore þe wynde; but when þat he

Horn ward wold a tvrned a-yen), 9188

Homwarde wolde a turnede ayen), 9188

The wynde was contrayre, hit wold not

The wynde was contrary, it wolde not

bene.

bene. [ 1 leaf 78, back]

And therto hit blew so sturdely,

And þer-to it blewe so stordyle,

That peryscħ he hyɫɫ) drad futt hugely.

Then þer to þe perisshede he wende verelye.

Sy p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq119.tif"/> men) sayd they cowde not see 9192

Schipmen) seyde þey couth not se 9192

But they must serve the se.

But þat þey moste serue þe se.

So hidously tho the wynd gan) blow,

So hedyusly þe wynde gan blowe,

9182. MS. forte.

378The coste on no side coupe they knovve. So within a lityɫɫ while, Magre her hede, into an lie They were dryve, where as they moste Aryve, or elles they ben but loste. This Ile was named Tenodoen, Where they aɫɫ arryved bene. The lorde þerof hight Armaunt, A deviɫɫ and a cursed tyraunt. Large was he of body and a worthy knyght. His moste Ioy was euer to fight; To Iust and turney was aɫɫ his play. Grete Ioy hadde he þen to assay Tosle or mayme whom euer he myght [leaf 116, back] And if it happed hym a worthy knyght To hurte or sle or elles mayme, Þerat wolde he laughe, and was fuɫɫ fayne. And if he put any man in prisone, Oute shuld he neuer for no Kaunsone. When Partonope and his meany were In þat londe aryved for grete feere Of þe hidouse tempest on þe see,

There lives Armant, a fierce tyrant, who has pleasure in slaying and imprisoning other knights.

Partonope and his men are arrested and shut up in a tower.

9196

9200

9204

9208

9212

9216

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

The cost on) no syde cowde they know.

The coste in no wyse couthe ɫey knowe.

So wytħ-in a lytell while, [leaf 80] 9196

So with-’m a lytiɫɫ while, 919&

Magre her hede, in-to an) yle

Magre here hede in-to an Ile

They were dryve, where as they must

They were dreve, where þey moste

A-ryve or elles they bene but lost.

Aryue, ore eɫɫes þey be but loste.

This Ile was named Tenodoen), 9200

This Ile was namyde Tenodone, 9200

Where they aɫɫ aryved bene. The lord there-of hygħt Armaunt,

Where þey aɫɫ aryuede ben).

The lorde þer-of hight Armant,

A devyɫɫ and acused tyraunt.

A deviɫɫ and a coursede tyraunt.

Large was he of body and worthey

Large he was and a worthy knygħt.

knyght. 9204

His most Ioy was euer to fygħt,

His moste Ioye was euer to figħt. 9205-

To lust and turney was aɫɫ his play.

To Iuste and turney was his play.

Grete Ioy had he than) to assay

Grete Ioye hade he to assay

To sle or mayne whom) euer he mygħt.

To sle ore mayme whom he mygħt.

And yf that hit happed hym) a worthey

And yef it hapede hym a worthy

knygħt 9209

knygħt 9209

To hurt or sle or elles mayne, There-at wold he law, and was fayne.

To hurt ore sle ore eɫɫes manye

Ther-at wolde he laugħ and be fayne.

And yf he put ony may in pryson),

And yef he put ony man) in preson),

Out shuld he neuer for no raunson).

Out shulde he neuer for no raunson).

Whan) Partanope had his meyne were

When Partonope and his men) were

In that lond a-ryved for grete feere

In þat londe aryuyde for grete fere

Of the hydous tempest or the see, 9216

Of the hedyus tempeste of the se, 9216

379And anoone in haste they arested be Of men of þe contre, and forþe ladde To þis Tyraunt; and þen fułł gladde Of hem was he; and fułł despitousely On hem he loked; and þen fułł sodenly With-oute talkyng or speche more Into a toure, where as fułł sore They were fetered and stoked faste. On hem the dorres were shitte in haste. Lo ! how sodenly fortune her whele Hath * fro hym turned euery dele, And chaunged wele into sorowe. Lytle wende he þat day be þe morowe To haue sowped in prisone of þat tiraunte. Lytełł ought a man to make a-vaunte Of wordly prosperite or þer-of Ioy have, For he fat is destyned to be a knave, Lyveth more in suerte þen doþe a lorde. This is sene ałł day, and so gothe þe worlde.

9227. Hath] MS. and.

Fortune is inconstant.

9220

9224

9228

9232

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

And a-non) in hast they a-rested be

A none in haste þey arestede be

Of men) of the contre, and fortħ ladde

Of men) of þe eontre, and furthe lede

To this tyraunt; and than) fułł gladde

To þis tyrant; and þen fułł glade 9219

Of hem) was he / and fułł dyspeteusly

Of hem was he; and fułł sputtuosly

On) hym) he loked, and than) fułł

On) hem he lokede; and þen sodenly

sodenly 9221

Wyth-oute talkyng or specħ more

With-out talkynge ore speche more

In-to a toure were as fułł sore

In-to a toure, and þen fułł sore [leaf 79]

They were and stokked fast, 9224

They were stokkede and fetterde faste.

On) hem) the dores were shett in fast.

On hym þe dores were barrede in haste.

Lo ! How sodenly fortune her whele

Lo ! howe fortune sodenly here while

Hatħ fro hym) turned euery dele,

Hathe fro hym turnede euery dełłe,

And chaunged wele in-to sorow. 9228 w

And changyde wełł in-to sorwe. 9228

Lytełł wend he that day be the moro

Lytiłł wende he þat day be þe morwe.

To haue sooped in pryson) of that

tyraunt.

Lytyłł’ ougħt a man) to make a vanyte

Of wordely prosp[er]ite or ther-of Ioy haue. 9232

Oþer prosperite ore Ioye þey haue. 9232

For he that ys desteyned to be a

For he þat is dysstaynede to be a

knowe,

knaue,

Levetħ more in sewirte than) doth a

Leuyth more in suerte þen dothe a

lord.

lorde.

This ys seen) ałł day, and so gotħ the

This is sene ałł day, and so gothe þe

world [leaf 80, bark]

worde.

9219 MS. tyramt.

380But now wole I tell of good Wrake And of Persewy, þat now bene a-wake Fro slepe, and faste after Partonope Calle and clepe; but where þat he Is become can no man sey. Wrake for sorowe is poynte to dey, And Persewise also maketh moche moone. Hym forto seke is eiche man gone; But aɫɫ for nought it wole not be. Loste fro hem is now Partonope. With hem is boþe Eve and morowe Wepyng and wayling and moche sorowe For pis knyght þat þus is loste. This life they endure vnto Pentecoste. [leaf 117]  This lady queen Melior  Wrake hir suster haþe sent fore With hir to be at pis grete feste. Hir commaundment ne her heste Wiłł she not breke, but maketh hir redy. And forþe she gothe, and also Persewy Taketh with, and forþe they wente,

Urake and Persevis are in despair when they find that Partonope has disappeared.

At Melior’s bidding the two ladies repair to the court.

9236

9240

9244

9248

9252

9256

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

But now wołł I telle of goode Vrak

¶ But nowe wiłł I tełł of good Wrake

And of Persewy, that now ben a-wake

And of Percewyse, þat ben awake 9237

Fro slepe, and fast after Partanope

From slepe, and after Partonope

Całł and clepe, but where that he

Całłe and clepe; but where þat he

Ys be-come can) no man) sey. 9240

Ys be-come can) no man) seye. 9240

Vrak for sorow ys poynte to dey,

Wrake for sorwe is poynt to dye,

And Persewys also maketh moche

And Percewyse maketh meche mone.

mone.

Hym) for to seke ys eche man) gone;

Hym) for to seke is iche man) gon);

But ałł for nogħt, hit wołł not be. 9244

But ałł fore nought, it wiłł not be. 9244

Lost fro hem) ys now Partanope.

Loste fro hem is nowe Partonope.

Wyth hem) ys both even) and morow

With hem is bothe euyn) and morwe

Wepyng ana waylyng and moch sorow

Wepynge and weylynge and moche

sorwe

For this knygħt that thus ys lost. 9248

For þis knyght, þat is þus loste. 9248

This lyfe they endure vn-to pentecost.

This lyfe þey endure vnto pentycoste.

THis lady queen) Meliore Vrak her suster hatħ sent fore

¶ This lady quene Melyore Wrake here syster hathe sent fore

Wytħ her to be at this grete fest. 9252

With here to be at þis grete feste. 9252

Her comaundement ne her hest

Hir commondement ne here heste

Wołł she not breke, but maketħ her

Wiłł she not breke, but makyth redy

redy.

Forth She gotħ, and also Persewy 9255

And furthe she gothe, and also Percewy

Taketħ wytħ, and forth they went,

Takyth with here and furthe she went,

381Partonope gretely euer be-ment. Hevy they were and dułł of chere. Meliore sawe wele be hir manere They were in hevynesse, and þen þought she : “Ałł þis sorowe is now for me.” Therfore wole she make no question) Of hir diseace, ne wete þe enchesone. Fro þat day vnto þe turnement In wo her lyfe euer they despent.  Armaunt þat þus hath in prisone  Partonope, and þinketh for no Raunsone He shałł neuer be delyuered oute, Faste maketh hym redy, with-outen doute, To se þis turnement, þis grete feste. And for he wole know atte leste With hym he taketh speres xv^en To gete hym prise, if it wole bene. To shi p ¯ p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq120.tif"/> he gothe, as I writen fynde. The tide is fayre; atte wiłł he hath þe wynde. In prisone feterid lieth Partonope. Armauntes wife grete haste haþ she

Armant leaves to take part in the tournament.

9260

9264

9268

9272

9276

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Partanope gretely euer be-ment 9257

Partonope gretely euer be-ment. 9257

Hevy they were and dułł of chere.

Heuy þey were and dułł of chere.

Melioure saw wele be here manere

Melyore sawe wełł be per manere

They were in hevynesse, and than)

They were in heuynes, and. þen þought

thogħt she: 9260

she: 9260

“Ałł this sorow ys now for me.”

“Ałł þis sorwe is nowe for me.”

There-fore wołł She make no question)

1 Ther-for wolde she make no questyon)

Of her dyssesse, ne wytħ the echoson).

Of here desseyse ne the encheson).

Fro that day vn-to the turnement

From þat day vnto þe turment 9264

In wo her lyfe euer they dyspent. 9265

In wo þer lyues euer þey spent.

A Rmaunt that thus hatħ in preson) Partanope, and thenketħ for no raunson)

¶ Armant þatt þus hathe in preson) Partonope, and thynketh for no raunson) [1 leaf 79, back]

He shałł neuer be delyuered oute, 9268

He shałł neuer be delyuerde oute,

Fast maketħ hym) redy, wytħ-outen)

Faste makyth hym redy, with-out

doute,

doute, 9269

To se this turnement, this grete fest.

To se þis turment, þis grete feste.

And for he wołł know at lest 9271

And for he wiłł knowe at þe leste,

Wytħ him) he taketħ speres fyftene

With hym) he takyth speres xv 9272

To gete hym) prise, yf yt wołł beene.

To get hym pryse, yef it wołł bene.

1 To Ship he gotħ, as I wryten) fynde.

To schipe he goth as wretyn fynde.

þe tyde ys fayre, at wylle he hatħ the

The tyde is fayre, at wiłł hathe wynde.

wynd. [1 leaf 81] 9275

In prisone fetered lyetħ Partanope.

In preson) feterde lyth Partonope. 9276

Armauntes wyfe grete hast hatħ she

Armantes wyfe grete haste hathe she

382Tiłł þes prisoners she haue sey. The layler she biddeth bryng þe key, And in she gothe hym forto se. She prayeth þen faste to Partonope To be of good comforte and of ehere. To hir answerith þis prisonere : “Gladde in herte shałł I neuer be, Sith þris turnement I may not se.”  This Gentiłł lady hadde grete pite  Of his hevynesse, and fen seide she : “My faire frende, ye wote wele how Armaunt in prisone haþe put you, And gif in charge highly to me [leaf 117, back] That ye be put in such suerte That when he is come home ayein, In his prisone ye founde bene. Therfore I darre not lette you go In no wise, but it werʾ so Ye myght me fynde good suerte, Fro shame and harme to save me.”— “Medame,” he seide, “I wole you swere Be þe ordre of knyghthode þat I bere,

His wife goes to see the prisoners.

She pities Partonope, and is willing to let him out of prison on bail.

Partonope pledges his faith to return to prison, when the tournament is over.

9280

9284

9288

9292

9296

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Tylle thise prisoner she haue sey.

Tiłł þis preson she haue sey.

The layler she byddytħ bryng the key

The laylour she byddyth brynge þe key,

And In She gotħ hym) for to se. 9280

And in she goth hem to se. 9280

She preyseth faste Partonope

To be of good comfort and of chere

To be of good comfort and of chere.

To her answerytħ this prisonere;

To here answerde þis presonere :

“Gladde in hert shałł I neuer be, 9284

“Glade in hert shałł I neuer be, 9284

Sytħ this turnement I may not se.”

Seythe þis turment I may not se.”

THis gentełł lady had grete pyte Of his hevynes, and than) sayd she: 9287

¶ This Ientiłł lady hade grete pete Of his heuynes, and þen) seyde she :

“My fayre frend, yee wote wele how

“My fayre frende, ye wot wełł howe

Armant in pryson) hatħ put yow,

Armant in preson hathe put you, 9289

And gyf in charg hyghly to me

And gyf in charge highly to me

That ye be putt in such swert[e] 9291

That ye be put in soyche suerte

That whan) he ys come home ayen),

That when) he is come home ayen), 9292

In his pre preson) yee found been).

In his preson) ye founde bene.

There-for I dare not late yow goo

Ther-for I dare not let you goo

In no wyse, but hit were soo

In no wyse, but it were so

Ye mygħt me fynd good sewyrte, 9296

Ye myght me fynde good suerte, 9296

Fro shame and harme to saue me.”—

Fro shame and harme to saue me.”—

“Madame,” he sayd, “I wołł yow

“Madam,” he seyde, “I wiłł you

swere

swere

Be the ordyr of knygħt-hod that I bere,

Be þe order of knyghthode þat I bere

383Gife I scape from þens on lyve, Ayein to prisone I shałł come as blyve. Oþer hostage fynde I ne can, But swere here to be your liege man.” And with þat worde he fełł on kne. The lady of hym hadde grete pite, And wept fułł tendirly, and seide þo : “Sir, rise vp, for ye shułł go With oute othe makyng or suerte. For ye seme truly forto be A gentiłł man, whens euer ye come. Be your semelyhode a man may deme Your comyng ayein as my suerte. I put all in you. And if so be To prisone ye yelde you not ayein, Come Armaunt home, þen shałł I bene To-drawe or brente or elles slayne. And sip that I am now so fayne To do for you þat you may pleace, Do so agayne þat I haue no diseace, Ne lese me life; for in his cruelte

Armant’s wife trusts him, and provides him with a steed, a silver shield and good arms.

9300

9304

9308

9312

9316

9320

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Gyff I scape fro thens on) lyve, 9300

1 Gyf I skape fro þens on lyue, 9300

A-yen) to pryson) I shaɫɫ come as blyfe.

Ayen to preson I shaɫɫ come blyue.

Osther hostage fynd I ne canne,

Othir osstage fynde I ne can),

But swere here to be yure leegemann).”

But swere here to be your leyge

man).” [1 leaf 80] 9303

And wytħ that word he fyłł on) knee.

And with þat worde he fiłł on kne,

The lady of hym) had grete pyte, 9305

The lady of hym) hade grete pete,

And wept fułł tendyrly, and seyd

And wepte tenderly, and seyde þo :

tho :

“Syre, ryse vp, for ye shułł goo

“Sir, ryse vpe, for ye shałł goo

Wytħ-oute othe makyng or sewerte.

With-out othe makynge ore suerte,

For ye seme trewly for to be 9309

For ye seme truly for to be 9309

A gentyłł man), whens euer ye come.

A Ientiłł man), whens euer ye come.

Be youre semely-hode a man) may

Be your symlyhede a man) may deme

deme

Youre comyng a-yen) as my sewerte.

Youre comy[n]ge ayen is my suerte.

In putt ałł in yow, and yf so be 9313

I put ałł in you. And yef so be 9313

1 To pryson) ye yeld yow not a-yen),

To preson you yelde you not agayne,

Come armed home, than) shaɫɫ I

Come Armant home, þen shałł I bene

bene [1 leaf 81, back]

To-drawe or brent or elles slayne. 9316

To-drawe ore brent ore ełłes slayne.

And sytħ that I am) now so fayne

And sethe þat I am nowe so fayne

To do for yow that yow may please,

To do for you þat may you plese, 9318

Do so a-geyn) that I haue no dyssese,

Do so ayen þat I haue no dysseyse,

Ne lese my lyffe / ffor in his cruelte 9320

Ne lese my lyfe; ffor in þis crewelte

384He rekketh lityłł þough I slayne be. At þis tyme for you þis wole I do. Arme you right wele, and lette you go. A stede ye shałł haue þat is so wight. Be then ye knowe hym, grete delite Wiłł ye haue on hym to ride. A better stede may no man [stride]. A sadyłł to hym he shałł, haue mete, The bridełł and þe croper with golde ybete. Of bright syluer shałł be your shelde, A better shałł noone come in þe felde. [leaf 118] A spere shałł ye haue, and þeron a getone, Wele I-bete with siluer, þat passeth þe arsone. It shałł hange of þe sadiłł þat ye in ride. A swerde ye shałł haue be your side, And for your love I wole [you] it lene, Harde and pliaunte and eke right kene. And if God sende you fat grace Fro þe turnement on lyve into þis place

If Partonope does not return in time, Armant is sure to kill her.

9324

9328

9332

9336

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

He rekketħ lytełł thogħ I slayn) be.

He rekketh lytiłł þough I slayne be.

At this tyme for yow this wołł I do.

At þis tyme for you þis wiłł 1 do. 9322

Arme yow rygħt wełł, and late yow

Arme you right wełł, and let you

goo.

goo.

A steede ye shałł haue that ys so

A stede ye shałł haue þat is wight.

wygħt. 9324

Be than) ye knowe hym), in grete

Be þen ye knowe hym, grete delyte

delyte

While ye haue on) hym) to ryde.

Witt ye haue on hym to ryde. 9326

A better steede may no man) stryde.

A better stede may no man stryde.

A sadyłł to hym) he shałł haue mete,

A sadiłł to hym ye shałł haue mete,

The Brydełł and the Cropor wytħ gold

The brydiłł and cropere with golde

I-bete. 9329

bete. 9329

Of brygħt seluer shałł be your sheld,

Of bright syluer shałł be your shelde,

A better shałł none come in the feeld.

A better shaɫɫ none come in þe felde.

A spere shałł ye haue, and there-on) a geton), 9332

A spere ye shałł haue and þer-on gytton, 9332

Wele I-bete wytħ syluer, that passitħ the arson).

Wełł bete with syluer, þt passethe þe arson).

Hit shałł hang / of the Sadyłł that ye in ryde.

Hit shałł honge in sadiłł þat ye in ryde.

A swerd ye shałł haue be youre syde,

A swerde ye shałł have be youre syde,

And for youre love I wołł yow hit lene,

For youre loue I wiłł it you lene, 9336

Hard and pliant and rygħt kene. 9337

Harde and pliaunt and eke right kene.

And yf God send yow that grace

1 And yef God sende you þat grace

Fro the turnement on) lyve in-to this place

Fro þe turment alyue in-to þis place [1 leaf 80, back]

385Saufe and sounde to Ketpurne ayein, In my kepyng þen shałł ye bene. And be ye ones in disposic[i]on), I hope to gete you oute of prisone. And if in turnement ye happe to deye, My Ioy is gone, þen may I sey, And Armaunt come home ayein, With his swerde he wole me slene. Thinketh what I do for your love nowe. My life, my dethe lieth ałł in you.” Highly hir thanked pen Partonope But I can not wele sey where she Hath wisely done, or as elles a fole. Sith he is þus passed þe Iayle His armour to hym delyuered hath she. In þe nyght to shipp streight goþe he, And to Chiefdoiere, where as þe turnement Shuld be holde, þidder hath he ment To sayle; he was lothe to be by-hynde But wele with hym was not þe wynde, Whereof hym-self gan faste dismay. The shipmen seide they wolde assay

Partonope sails to Chefd’Oire, but the wind being unfavourable, he lands ten miles from the town.

9340

9344

9348

9352

9356

9360

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Saue a sonne to retorne a-yen), 9340

Safe and sounde to retorne ayen), 9340

In my kepyng than) shałł ye been).

In my kepynge þen) shałł ye þen.

And be ye onys in dysposicion),

And be ye onys in dyssposicion).

I hope to gete yow oute of prison).

I hope to gete you out of preson).

And yf in turnement ye happe to dye,

And yef in turment ye hape to dye,

My Ioy ys gone, than) may I sey, 9345

My Ioye is gon, þen shałł I sey, 9345

And arment come home ayen),

And Armant come home ayen,

Wytħ this Swerd he wold me slene.

With his swerde he wiłł me slene.

Thenketħ what I do for youre love now. 9348

Thynketh what I do for you nowe.

My lyfe, my deth lyeth ałł in yow.”

My-selfe, my deth lyeth in you.” 9349

Hyghly her thanketħ than) Partanope.

Highly hir thankede Partonope.

But 1 can) not wele sey where she

But I can) not wełł sey where she

Hatħ wysely done, or as elles a fole.

Hathe wysly don), ore ełłes as a fole.

1 Sytħ he ys thus passed the Iaole, 9353

Sethe he þus passede þe gaioełł, 9353

His armed to dyliuered hath she,

His armour hym delyuerde hathe she.

In the nygħt to Shi p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq121.tif"/> streygħt gotħ he,

In þe nyght streigħt gothe he,

And to Chyef doyre, were as the turne-

And to Chife doyre, where þe turment

ment [1 leaf 82] 9356

Shulde be holde, dethir hathe he

Shuld be hold, thedyr hatħ he ment

ment 9357

To sayle; he was lotħ to be by-hynde.

To saiłł; he is lothe to be by-hynde.

But wele wytħ hym) was not the wynd,

But wełł with hym was not þe wynde,

Where-of hym-self ganne fast dysmaye.

Where-of he gan) sore dysmay. 9360

The Shipmen) sayde they wold assay

The shipmen) seyde þey wolde assay

PARTONOPE.

C C

386To Chief-doiere right wele hym bryng. And if the wynde wolde for no þing Serve hem wele to bryng hem þere, They wolde aryve then elles where Fro þe turnement but x. myle, Where he on londe in shorte while He myght it ride, and þen Partonope Prayde hem ałł it myght so be.  Of the lady hath he take leve;  His hye trouþe now wole she prove. He sayled forþe, and or mydnyght [leaf 118, back] To þat porte he come fułł right, Where as nedes he moste aryve. He maketh no tarying, but as blyve Gothe to londe, and armeth hym bright. Into his sadile he lepeth fułł light. The shipmen ałł he biddeth fare wele, And forþe he rideth armed in stele. To* Chief-doire he hath ten myle. Be then he hadde riden but a while, He was entred into þe foreste,

9380. To] MS. The.

As he rides through the forest which he knows so well, he is overtaken by an elderly knight, accompanied by his squires.

9364

9368

9372

9376

9380

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

To Chyfe doyre rygħt wele hym) bryng

To Chyfe deoyre hym to brynge.

And yf the wynd wold for no thing 9363

And yef þe wynde for nothynge

Serve hem) wele to bryng hem) there

Serue hym to brynge hym þere, 9364

They wold a-ryfe thanne elles where

They wolde arryue ełłes where

Fro the tnrnement by x myle, 9366

Fro þe turment but x myle,

Where he in lond in short while

“Were ye on londe in short whyle

He mygħt hit ryde / and than) Par-

Ye myght it ryde,” and þen Partonope

tanope 9368

Prayed hym) ałł hit mygħt so be.

Prayede hem ałł it myght so be. 9369

Off the lady hatħ he take leve; His higħ troghtħ now wołł she preve.

¶ Of hir he hathe take leue; His trouthe nowe wiłł she preue. [1 leaf 81]

He sayletħ fortħ, and or mydnygħt

He saylede furth, and ore mydnygħt

To that port he came fułł rygħt, 9373

To þat port he come fułł right, 9373

Where as nedys he muste a-ryve.

Where as nedes he moste aryue

He maketħ a tarying, but as bylyve

He makyth no tarynge, but as blyue

Gotħ to lond, and armed hym) brygħt,

Gothe to londe, and armede hym right.

In-to his sadyłł he lepetħ fułł rygħt.

In-to his sadiłł he lepyth light. 9377

The Shi p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq122.tif"/> -men) ałł he byddetħ fare wele,

The shipmen ałł he byddyth fare wełł,

Fortħ he rydetħ armed in Steele. 9379

1 And furthe he rydyth armede in stełł.

To Chyef doyre he hatħ ten) myle.

Then to Chyfe doyre he hathe x myle.

But than) he had ryden) but a while,

Be þen) he hathe redyn but a wyle, 9381

He was entred in-to the forest

He was enteryde in-to þe foreste,

387Where as he fułł many a beste Was fułł wilde he hadde made tame. There-in to hunte was ałł his game. Ałł þat was, it is go fułł yore. Therein he hath sley many a bore. The wey to þe castełł he knew þo wele. Yit hadde he in his herte boþe care and dole, Thinkyng of þat was passed to-fore, Which þrow his lewdnesse he hath lore.  Forth on his wey rideth Partonope,  Hangyng his hede, as þough þat he Of wordely Ioy had yove right nought. And as he rode þus in a thought, A knyght þat was fułł large of body, His lymmes wele shape and þat passyngly, His heere was bloy, I-medled some dele With white heeres, þat wonder wele Be-come his visage, and þen he hadde A Rody berde and Eyen right gladde, There as the way was somwhat turnyng,

9384

9388

9392

9396

9400

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Where as he se fułł many a best

Where as he fułł many a beste,

Was fułł wyld he had made tame. 9384

That was wylde he made tame. 9384

There In to hunt was ałł his game.

There-on to hunt was his game.

Ałł that was / hit ys go fułł youre.

Ałł þat was agoo fułł yore. [leaf 81]

There-yn) he hatħ slayn) many a bore.

Ther-in he hathe slayne many a bore.

The wey in-to the castełł he knew tho

The wey to þe castełł he knewe wełł.

wele, 9388

Yet hade he in his hert bothe care and

dote, 9389

Thenkyng of that was past a-fore,

Thynkynge on þat was paste afore,

Whicħ thorow his lewdenes he hatħ

Which þorwe his folye he hathe lore.

lore,

FOrtħ on) his way rydetħ Partanope, Hangyng his hede, as thogħ tha[t]he [leaf 82, back] 9393

¶ Furthe on his wey rydyth Partonope, Hangynge his hede, as þougħ þat he

Of wordely Ioy had yove ryght noght.

Of worldly Ioye hade gyf right nought.

And as he rod thus in a thogħt,

And as he rode þus in a þougħt,

A knygħt that was fułł large of body, His lymmes wełł shape and that pass-

A knyght þat was fułł large of body,

His lymes wełł shape and thaat passyngly, 9397

His lymes wełł shape and þat passyngly, 9397

His here was bloy, I-medeled som) dele

His here was bloy, I-medellede somdełł

Wytħ whytte heres that wondyr wele

With grete her is, þat wonder wełł

Be-come his vysage / and than) he

Be-come his vesage, and þen he hade hadde 9400

A rody berd and yen) rygħt gladde,

A rody berde and eyen) glade, 9401

There as the way was som-what turn-yng,

Ther as he was som-what turny[n]ge,

388On a gray stede he come fresshe ryding. In þis maner wise arrayed is he, As he come coursyng with his meany, On stedes trapped fułł fressh and gay. Eiche hadde in honde, with-outen nay, A spere ałł rede depeynted wele, A getone þeron of rede sendele, Wele beten with golde of his devise. After hem came ridyng squyers of prise, Fyve, and eiche man bare a shelde, [leaf 119] So fresshly depeynted þat ałł þe felde Enlymed was of þis fresshe array. Thus rideth þis knyght toward this tournay. So ffresshe in his wey forþe rideth he, Tiłł atte laste he had of Partonope A sight and goodly ho seide To his squyers : “Ye moste a-byde, And ride softely; for yonder I se A man Iarmed, what so euer he be. If I hym knowe wete wole I. Loke ye come after fułł softely.” From his meany he prikked faste,

The knight comes up with Partonope.

9404

9408

9412

9416

9420

9424

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

On a grey steede he come fresch rydyng.

On a grey stede he come rydynge.

In this maner of wyse a-rayed ys he,

In þis maner wyse arrayde was he, 9404

As he came coursyng wytħ his meyne,

As he come coursynge with his meyne,

On) stedes trapped fułł frescħ and gay.

On) stedes trappede freshe and gay.

Eche hade in honde, with-out nay,

Eche had in hond, wytħ-outen) nay,

A spere ałł redy depeynted wele, 9408

A spere ałł rede depentyde wełł, 9408

A geton) there of rede sendele,

A gytton) þeron) of rede sendełł,

Wele beten) wytħ gold of his devyse.

Wełł betyn) with golde of his devyse.

After hym) came rydyng Squyers of prise,

After hym come rydynge squyeres of prise,

Fyve, and eche man) bare a sheeld,9412

Fyve, and iche man) bare a shelde 9412

So freshly de-paynted that ałł the feld

So freshe depentyde þat ałł he felde

Enleymed was of this frescħ a-ray.

Enlemyde was of þe freshe array.

Thus rydetħ this knygħt toward the

Thus rydyth þe knyght towarde the

turney.

turney. [1 leaf 81, back]

So fressħ in his wey fortħ rydetħ he,

So freshe in his wey rydyth he, 9416

Tyłł ałł laste he had of Partanope 9417

Tiłł at þe laste he had of Partonope

A sygħt, and goodely he sayd

A sigħt, and þen goodly he seyde,

To his Squyers “Ye must a-byde,

1 To his squyeres he seyde : “Abyde,

And ryde softely; for yonde I see 9420

And ryde softly; for yender I se 9420

A man) I-armed, what so euer he be,

A man) I-armede, what euer he be.

Yf I hym) knowe wytte wołł I.

Yef I hym knowe wyte wiłł I.

Loke ye come after fułł softely.”

Loke ye come after fułł softly.”

From) his meyne he pryked in hast,

Fro his meyne he prekede in haste, 9424

389And to Partonope he come in haste. He be-helde his persone right wele But he knewe hym neuer a dele, And then he seide : “Sir, wele ouer take ! And he ɫat aɫɫ þis worlde did make Of nought þe save! and sir, teɫɫ me Whens ye come, and whedir wole ye, What man ye be, and what is your name? “ Therof, thought Partono[p]e, myght rise grame, My name to discouer now so hastely. And forpe he rideth fuɫɫ soberly, And eke he thought “right loþe were me To make a lesyng,” and þen seide he : “Sire, of ferre contre borne am I, But þens þat I come is faste by A place, where as I purchased me Hors and hareneys, as ye may se. Thow I be not fresshe and gay, Yite fayne wolde I se þis toureney. My name is cleped Partonope. What is you r name now telleth me.”

He salutes him, and asks him who he is.

Partonope Kives an evasive answer, but discloses his name.

9428

9432

9436

9440

9444

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

And to Partanope he come as fast.

And to Partonope he faste.

He be-held his personerygħt wele,9426

He be-helde his persone right weɫɫ,

But he knew him) neuer a dele.

But he knewe hym neuer a deɫɫ. 9427

And þen) he seyde: “Sir, weɫɫ atake !

And than) he seyd: “Syr, wele a-take !

And he that aɫɫ this wrold dyd make

And he þat aɫɫ þis worlde dyde make

Of nogħt, the save ! and syr, telle me

Of nought, þe saue ! and sir, teɫɫ me

Whens ye come, and wedyr woɫɫ yee,

Whens ye come, and wheþer wiɫɫ ye,

What man) ye be, and what ys youre

What man) ye be, what is youre

mane.” [leaf 83] 9432

name.” 9432

There-of, thogħt Partanope, mygħt

Ther-of, þought Partonope, myght ryse

ryse grame,

grame,

My name to dyscouer now so hastely.

My name to dyscouer so hastely.

And fortħ he rydetħ fuɫɫ soberly,

And furthe he rydyth fuɫɫ soburly,

And eke he thougħ[t] “rygħt lotħ

And eke he þought “lothe were me 9436

were me 9436

To make a lesyng,” and than) sayd he:

To make a le9ynge,” and þen) seyde he

“Sir, of ferre contre borne am) I,

“Sir, of ferre contre borne am I,

But thens that I come ys fast by

But þens þat I come is faste by

A place, whe[r] as I purchased me 9440

A place, where as I pporchasede me 9440

Horse and harneys, as ye may see.

Hors and harnes, as ye may se.

Though I be not fresne and gay

Thow I be not fressħ” and gay,

Yet fayne wold I see this turnay.

Yet fayne wolde I se þe turney.

My name ys cleped Partanope. 9444

My name is clepyde Partonope. 9444

What his youre name now teɫɫ me.”

What is your name tellyth me.”

390 “Sir,” seide the knyght, “truly  Gaudyns le Bloys called am I. Of huntyng and hawkyng I can skiɫɫ. Amonge lordes and knyghtes I am know wele. Borne am I of Spayne and of Castile, That is hens fuɫɫ: many a myle, Sone I am, with-outen nay, [leaf 119, \ ack] To a Eiche man, but on Cristes lay He leveth not, and gone it is More þen xxx wynter Iwisse That I toke þe ordre of knyght. And streight into Fraunce þo I me dight, For þere was werre þat tyme so stronge, There was I a sawdioure longe. At Toures, in þe mynster of seynt Martyn), Ther fore-soke I Mahounde and Appollyne, And Cristendome toke in þe fonte stone! Of my kynnes men there made I my foone. And sith I haue lyved as a sawdeoure, A pore man, but no purchasoure.

The stranger knight says his name is Gaudin le Blois.

He was “bom in Spain.

His father was a . heathen; but he himself was christened at Tours.

9448

9452

9456

9460

9464

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

“Sir,” sayd the kyng, “truly

¶ “Sir,” seyde þe knyght, “truly,

Gaudyns the bloys called am) I,

Gaudens le bloys callede am I.

Of huntyng and hauking I can) skylle,

Of huntynge, hawkynge can) I skiɫɫ.

A-mong lordes and knyghtes I am)

Amonge lordes I am knowe weɫɫ. 9449

know wele. 9449

Borne am) I of Spayne and of Castyle,

Borne am I of Spayne and of Casteɫɫ,

That ys hens fuɫɫ many a myɫɫe.

That is hens many a myle.

Sone I am), wytħ-outen) naye, 9452

Sonne I am, with-out nay, 9452

To a rych man) / but on) Crystes lay

To a Cryche man), but on Crystes lay

He levetħ not / and gone hit ys

He leuyth not, and agon it is

More than) xxx wentyr I-wysse

More þen xxxtl wynter I-wis

That I toke the ordre of knygþt. 9456

That I toke order of knygħt. 9456

And streyght in-to Fraunse tho I me

And streight in-to Fraunce I me digħt,

dygħt,

Tor there was werre that tyme stronge.

1 For þer was warre þat tyme stronge,

There was I a Sowdyore long.

Ther was I a sowdvre longe. 9459

At Toures, in the mynstyr of seynt

At Toreyn, þe mynster of sent Martyn,

Martyn), 9460

There fore-sooke I Mahown) and

Ther fore-soke I Mahombe and Ap-

Apollyon),

polyn), [1 leaf 82]

And crysten-dome toke in the fonte stone.

And crystyndom toke of þe fontestone.

Of my kynnes-men) ther made I my

Of my kennysemen) þer made I my

feon. 9463

fomte. 9463

And sytħ I haue lyved as a sowdyor,

And sethe I haue leuyde as a sowdyre,

A poure man), but no purchasoure.

A poure man), but no porchasoure.

391And now am I toward pis turney, Here be-hynde comes myn array. With aɫɫ myn herte I am gladde no we That I haue ouertaken you. For mery it is to haue company, And it semeth to me fuɫɫ truly That ye be a man of worshi p ¯ p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq123.tif"/> ; Þerfore of you wole I take kepe. I haue a pore house here faste by There as shaɫɫ be holde þe turney Þerfore I pray you, sir, þat ye Wole now herborowe with me, And I wole be your bachelere, With aɫɫ myn hert to do you pleasire, And be your servaunt day be day, As longe as shaɫɫ laste þis turney.”—  TO hym tho answerd Partonope :  “With aɫɫ myn hert I thanke the And eke þat lorde þat made vs mete. Your Company in no wise wole I lete. Youre knyght to be is myn entent, I am at your commaundment.”

He is now on his way to the tournament.

He has a house nearby, where he will be pleased to show Partonope hospitality, at the same time offering to be his bachelor.

Partonope thanks him, and they ride forth.

9468

9472

9476

9480

9484

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

And now am) I toward this turney.

And nowe am I towarde þis turney.

Here be-hynd comes myn) a-ray.

Here be-hynde comyth myn array.

Wytħ” aɫɫ myn) hert I am) glad now

With aɫɫ my hert I am glade nowe 9468

That I haue ouer-taken) yow. 9469

That I haue ouer-take you.”

For mery hit ys to haue Company,

1 And hit semyth to me fuɫɫ truly

That ye be a man) of worship; 9472

Ther-fore of yow woɫɫ I take kepe.

I haue a powere hous here fast by,

There as shaɫɫ be hold the turney.

There-fore I pray yow, syr, that ye

Woɫɫ now herborow wytħ me.

And I wol be youre bachelere, 9478

Wytħ aɫɫ myn) hert do yow plesure,

And be youre seruaunt day by day,

As longe as shaɫɫ last this turnay.”

TO hym) tho answerytħ Partanope : “Wytħ aɫɫ myn) hert I thank thee, [1 leaf 83, back] 9483

¶ To hym answerde Partonope :

“With aɫɫ my hert I thanke the 9483

And eke that lord that made vs meete.

And eke þat lorde þat made vs mete.

Youre company in no wyse wole I lete.

Youre company no wyse will I lete.

Youre knyght to be is myn) entent,

To be your knyght is myne entent,

I am) at youre comaundement.”

I am at youre comondement.” 9487

392Then forþe togedre they ride in fere, Eiche to oþer maketh good chere, Tiɫɫ they come in a right fay re vale, Fayre with floures to make shorte tale, There as they boþe herborowed shaɫɫ be. [leaf 120] From hors þen lighteth Partonope. They wolde not herborowe in house ne towne. Her men pyght vp a pavylone Enbrowded with golde boþe fresshe and gay, Eight faste be the felde þere as the turney Shuld be holde, with-outen faile. They hadde plente of good vytaile, Her men were besy hem to glade, And eiche to oþer good chere made. To sopere they gone and sitte to reste. On morow when þe sonne in þe easte Hir gan shew as rede as fyre, Thes two knyghtis þat had desyre To se worshipp and grete manhede, Eisen, and in þe ffreshest wede

Their men pitch a pavilion.

Early the next morning they hear mass, and then ride towards the place of tournament.

9488

9492

9496

9500

9504

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Thanne fortħ they ryde to-gedyr in

Then furthe þey ryde in fere, 9488

feere, 9488

Eche to other maketh good chere,

Eche to oþer maketh good chere,

Tyɫɫ they come in a rygħt fayre vale,

Till þey come in a feyre vale,

Fayre wytħ floures to make Short tale,

Feyre with floures to make short tale,

There as they botħ herboured shaɫɫ

Ther as þey bothe herberwe shaɫɫ. 9492

be. 9492

From) hors than) lyghtetħ Partanope.

Fro hors þen) light Partonope.

They wold not herboure in hous ne

They wolde herberwe in house ne

town).

towne.

Her men) plygħt vp a pavelon),

Hire men pight vp a pavelyon),

Enbrowdyd wytħ gold both fressh

Enbrowderde with golde freshe and

and gay, 9496

gay, 9496

Ryght fast by the feld there as the turney

Right faste be þe felde where þe turney

Shuld be hold, wytħ-outen) fayle.

Shulde be holde, with-out faiɫɫ.

They had plente of goode vytayle,

They hade plente of good vetaiɫɫ,

Her men) were besy hem) to glade, 9500

Her men) were besy hem to glade, 9500

And eche to other goode cheyre made.

And iche to oþer good chere made.

To soper they gone, and sett to rest.

To supper þey gon and sethe to reste.

On) morow, whan) the sonne in the east

On þe morowe, when) þe son in be este

Here gan) shew as rede as fyre, 9504

Hir gan) shewe rede as fere, 9504

These two knyghtes that had desyre

This ij knyghtes þat hade desyre

To se worship p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq124.tif"/> and grete manhede,

To se worchipe and manhode

Rysen), and in the fresshest wede

Resyn, and in þer fresheste wede 9507

9498. Shuld] ul illegible.

393That longeth to armes they ben dight. And forþe they yede anoone right Masse to here with good entent. Her oþer meany þere whiles went To make redy aɫɫ her array. When masse was done, þe soþe to say, Toward þe turnement they ride, Fresshe y-armed at þat tide. Her squyers be-fore hem he sente Into þe place of þe turnement, Ledyng her stedes trapped wele In mayle made of fyne stele. Grete speres they bere and helmes bright. Of hem it was a good sight. After come þes knyghtis softly ridyng, And of þis tur[ne]ment prively talkyng, Where they with-oute shuld first be gynn), Or elles they þat be with-in.  Ypon the toure of Chief-deoire  Ouere þe brigge sitteth Meliore, The fayre, the ffresshe, þe goodliest That was in hir tyme, and eke þe beste,

Melior sits in the tower, with Urake and Persevis.

9508

9512

9516

9520

9524

9528

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

That longetħ to armes they bene

1 That longyth to harnes bey be digħt.

dvght. 9508

[1 leaf 82, back]

And fortħ they yode a-non ryght

And furthe þey rede anone right

1 Masse to here wytħ goode Entent.

Messe to here in good entent.

Her other meynee there whiles went

Here oþer meyne þer-whiles went

To make redy aɫɫ her aray, 9512

To make redy aɫɫ þer array, 9512

Whan) masse was done, the soth to say,

When) messe was don, þe sothe to sey,

Toward the turnement they ryde.

Towarde þe turment þey ryde,

Fressħ and armed at that tyde.

Freshe I-armede at þat tyde.

Her squyers be-fore hem they sent

Hir squyeres be-fore bey sent, 9516

In-to the place of the turnement, 9517

Into þe plase of þe turment,

Ledyng her steedes trapped wele

Ledynge þer stedes trappede weɫɫ

In mayle made of fyne Steele, [1 leaf 84]

In maiɫɫ made of fyne steɫɫ.

Grete speres they and helmes bryght.

Grete speres þey bere and helmus brigþt,

Of hem) hit were a good syght. 9521

Of hem) it was a good sight. 9521

A-fter come this knygħtes softely rydyng,

After come þese knyghtes rydynge,

And of this turnement pryvely talkyng,

And of þis turment prevely talkeynge,

Where they wytħ-oute shuld fyrst be-

Where þey with-out shulde begyne,

gynne, 9524

Or elles they that be wytħ-Inne.

Ore elles þey þat be with-lime. 9525

Vpon) the toure of Chief deore Ouer the brygge syttetħ Meliore,

¶ Vppon þe toure of Chife doyre Ouer the bryge sitte Melyore,

The fayre, the frescħ, the goodelyest

The feyre, þe freshe, þe goodlyeste 9528

That was in her tyme and eke the best

That was in here tyme we þe beste,

394And with hir Wrake and Persewise. Of hir beaute now in no wise [leaf 120, back] Canne I speke, for boþe they be In grete sorowe for Partonope. They haue so wept, they be aɫɫ pale. Forþe wiɫɫ I now teɫɫ my tale. A-bove in the toure with Melior be The seven lordes þat þe degre Of þis turnement moste give algate; Lordes they ben of grete state. Thes be her names with-outen more : Corsout, Gernalz, Claryns, Genor, Cursabir, Anffrons, and Goundred, And olde Arcus, with-outen drede. Thes sitte to-gedre be-holdyng þe felde, Many a bright helme and many a shelde, Fresshly depeynted with grete bendes. Knyghtes come ridyng with many þousandes. Into companyes departed they be. Two fayre reynes ordeyned han he, Wherein þes lordes shuɫɫ turney.

With her are also the judges and the old Ernoul.

9532

9536

9540

9544

9548

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

And wytħ her Vrak and Persewyse.

And with here Wrake and Persewyse.

Of her beaute in no wyse

Of hir beute in no wyse

Thanne I speke, ffor both they, be 9532

Con I speke, for bothe þey be 9532

In grete Sorow for Partanope.

In grete sorwe for Partonope.

They haue so wept, they be aɫɫ pale.

They haue so wepte, þey be aɫɫ pale,

Forth wyɫɫ I now teɫɫ my tale.

Furthe wiɫɫ I nowe teɫɫ my tale.

A-bove aɫɫ in the toure wytħ Melior be

Aboue in þe toure with Melyore be

The seven) lordes that the degre 9537

The seuyn) lordes þat þe degre 9537

Of this turnement most gyff aɫɫ-gate;

Of þis turment moste gyfe algate;

Lordes they be of grete state.

Lordes þey ben of grete esstate.

These be here namys wytħ-oute more:

These ben þer namys without more :

Corsoul, Gernalз, Clarins, Genore, 9541

Curslot, Gormake, Claryons, Gynore,

Cursabyr, AnfFrons, and Goundred,

Cursabir, Anfrons, and Gundrede,

And old Arcus, wytħ-outen) drede.

And olde Arcus, with-out drede. 9543

These sytte to-gedyr be-holding the feld, 9544

These sat to-geder be-holdynge þe felde,

Many a bryght helme and many a

Many a bright helme and many

sheeld,

a shelde,

Fresshly depeynted wyth grete bendes.

Freshly depentyde with grete bendes.

Knyghtes come rydyng wytħ many

Knyghtes come rydynge with hou-sondes. [1 leaf 83]

thousandes, [1 leaf 84, hack] 9547

In-to campaynees de-parted they be.

In ij companyes departyde they be, 9548

1 Two fayre Reynes ordeyned haue he,

1 To feyre Renges ordeynede haue he

Where-in these lordys shuld turneye.

Where-in þis lordes shaɫɫ turne.

395Lette se who shaɫɫ begynne þe play.  Now Gaudyn þat is to Partonope  Boþe servaunt and felawe, now þinkeþ lie, For who so euer þe turnement be-gynne, Be he withoute or within, They vviɫɫ hym fyrst assaille, This is Gaudyns first counseylle. Also they thought þat they wolde bene First in þe felde to be wele sene. Therfore anoone her stedes they take, On with her helmes and redy hem make. Yp afore hem her speres borne be, And after cometh Gaudyn and Partonope, Into þe Keynes ridyug avisely. Kyng Corsoul þat on þe toure an hye Sate as a luge be fayre Melior, Aspied þes knyghtis ferre afore Or any of his felawes þat sate hym by. And pan he seide: “Sires, truly, Yonder I se come knyghtis tweyn [leaf 121]

9552

9556

9560

9564

9568

Gaudin says they ought to be the first in the lists.

One of the judges, king Cursolt, notices the two knights.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Late se who shaɫɫ be-gynne the playe,

Let se who shaɫɫ begyn þe play.

Now Gaudyn) that ys to Partanope

¶ Nowe Gaudyn þat is to Partonope

Botħ felaw and seruaunt, now thynketft he, 9553

Bothe felowe and seruaunt nowe thynketh he, 9553

For who so euer the turnement be- gynne,

Who so euer the turment be-gyne,

Be he wytħ-oute or wytħ-Inne,

Be he with-out ore with-Inne,

They wyɫɫ hym) ferst assayle, 9556

They wiɫɫ hym firste assaiɫɫ, 9556

This ys Gaudyns fiɫɫ counseyɫɫ.

This is Gaudyns counseɫɫ

Also they thoug[ht] that they wold been)

Also þey þought þat þey wolde bene

Fyrst in the feld to be wele seen).

Firste in þe felde to be weɫɫ sene,

There-fore a-non) her steedes they toke,

Ther-for anone þer stedes þey toke,

On) wytħ her helmes and redy hem) make. 9561

On) with þer helmes and redy hem make. 9561

Vp a-fore hem) here speres born) be,

Vpe afore hem þer speres borne be,

And after cometħ Gaudyn) and Partanope

And after come Gaudyn and Partonope,

In-to the Reynes rydyng a-vysely. 9564

In-to þe Renges rydynge avysely. 9564

Kyng Corsouɫ that on) the toure an) hye

Kynge Curslot þat on þe toure on hye

Sate as a luge be fayre Meliore,

Sat as a luge before Melyore

Aspyed these knygħtes ferre and fror,

Asspyede þis knyghtes ferre afore

Or ony of hys felaws that satt hym) by, 9568

Ore ony of his felowis þat stode hym by. 9568

And than) seyd: “Syres, truly,

And þat he seyde: “Siris, truly,

Yonder I see come knyghtes tweyn)

Yender I se come knyghtes tweyne

396That in her hareneis hem faire demene, And better þen many oþer þat I se. Worship-fuɫɫ knyghtis þei seme to be. Of hem first lette vs take hiede In þe begynnyng how they spede. If they do wele, þen wole we Do axe what knyghtis they be.” Now sitte they stiɫɫ, and sey no more, But se how men fuɫɫ harde and sore In þe Reynes her horse to renne assay Vnder Trappurs with golde bete fuɫɫ Gay. And soone after into þe felde Aɫɫ þe worlde is come in helme and shelde. And then þe luges with-outen doute Thought þat they þat were with-oute Were not so stronge as they within. Harde were for hem to be-gynne. They within, [with]oute lese, On hem with-oute faste ganne prese. That se þei that were with-oute.

The combat begins.

The outer party do not seem to be as strong as the inner.

9572

9576

9580

9584

9588

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

That in her harneys hem) fayre demene,

That in þer harnes hem fayre demene,

And better than) mayny other I see.

And better þen many an oþer þat I

Worshipfuɫɫ knygħtes they seme to be.

Worchipfuɫɫ knyghtes þey seme to be,

Of hem) fyrst late vs take hede 9574

On) hem nrste let vs take hede 9574

In the be-gynnyng How they spede.

In þe be-gynny[n]ge howe þey spede.

Yf they do wett, than) woɫɫ we 9576

Yef þey do weɫɫ, þen wiɫɫ we 9576

Do axe what knygħtes they be.”

Do axe what knyghtes þat þey be.”

Now sett they styɫɫ, and sey no more,

Nowe sit þey still, and sey no more,

But se how men) fuɫɫ hard and sore

But se howe men fuɫɫ harde and sore

In the Reynes hors to renne assay 9580

In þe renges rynne þer hors to assay

Vndyr trapures wytħ gold bete fuɫɫ gay-

Vnder trappoures of golde betyn gay.

And sone after in-to the feld

And sone after in-to þe felde 9582

Aɫɫ the word ys come in helme and sheeld.

Aɫɫ þe worlde is come in helme and shelde.

And than) the luges, wyth-outen) doute, 9584

Then þe Iugges, with-out doute, 9584

Thougþt that they that were wyth-oute

Thought þat þey þat were with-oute

Where not so strong as they wytħ-Inne,

Were not so stronge as þey with-Inne.

Hard were for hem) to be-gynne. 9587

1 Harde were with hem to begyne.

1 They wytrl-Inne, wytħ-oute lees, [l leaf 85]

They with-ln, with-out lese, 9588 [1 leaf 83, back]

On) hem) wytħ-oute fast ganne prese.

On hem without gan faste prese.

That sey they that were wytħ-oute.

That sey þey þat were with-out.

397They thought for aɫɫ þe grete route That was within, they wolde a-bide, And fresshly to hem they ganne to ride, And manly putt hem In a-yee, Then seide Gaudyn to Partonope : “Go we hens, no lenger wole we abide.” Into þis prese þen gan they ride As faste as here hors myght hem bere. Eiche hadde in honde a grete spere. Throw the prese withoute lette Her hors hem bare, and þen they mette With tweyn, and Gaudyn smote þe tone, That from his hors he voyded anoone, And flatte feɫɫ vpon þe grounde. Partonope in þe same stounde With his felawe so sore mette, That oute of his sadiɫɫ withoute lette Atte spere poynte he hym smote, That to þe grounde wele I wote [leaf 121, back] He feɫɫ flatte. [What] wole ye more? This cours he Ranne so faste and sore, His spere brake, it myght not laste.

Tlie two friends make an assault, and each of them throws his adversary to the ground.

Partonope breaks his spear, and lays about him with his sword.

9592

9596

9600

9604

9608

9612

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

They thogħt for aɫɫ the grete rowte

They þought for aɫɫ þe grete route

That was wytþ-Inne they wold abyde,

That was with-in, þey wolde abyde.

And fressþly to hym) they ganne ryde,

And freshly to hem þey gon ryde, 9593

And manly put hem) In a-yee. 9594

And manly put hem in a-yee.

Than) sayd Gaudyn) and Partanope :

Then) seyde Gaudyn) to Partonope :

“Go we hens, no lenger woɫɫ we a-byde.” 9596

“Goo we hens, no lenger we abyde.”

In-to this prese than) ganne they ryde

Into þe prese þen gon þey ryde 9597

As fast as her hors mygþt hem) bere.

As faste as þer hors myght hem bere.

Eche hadd in hond a grete spere.

Eche hade in honde a grete spere.

Thorow the prese wytħ-outen) lete 9600

Thorvve þe prese with-out let 9600

Her hors hem) bare and than) they mette

Here hors hem bare, and pen pej mete

Wytħ tweyne, and Gaudyn) smote the tone,

With ij, and Gaudyn smote pat one,

That from his hors he voyde a-non),

That from his hors he voydede anone,

And flatt fyɫɫ vpon) the ground. 9604

And flat fiɫɫ on be grounde. 9604

Partanope In the same stound

Partonope in þe same stounde

Witħ his felaw so sore mett,

With his felowe so sore he mete,

That out of his sadytt wytħ-outen) lett

That out of his sadiɫɫ with-out let

At spere poynt he hym) smote, 9608

That to ground weɫɫ I wote

He fyɫɫ flatt. What woɫɫ ye more ?

He fiɫɫ flat; what wiɫɫ ye more ? 9610

This course he ranne so fast and sore,

The course he ran so faste and sore,

His spere brak, hit mygħt not last. 9612

His spere brake, it myght not laste.

398The tronchone awey from hym he caste, And therwith he pulled oute his swerde, And as a fiers lyon) þen he ferde, And leide on þicke hym rounde a-boute. Thre to hym assayled of þe route, And hew on his helme and on his shelde. But oone of hem into þe felde Oute of his sadiɫɫ he made lepe, It was no tyme for hym to slepe. The tother two on hym leide faste, But þrowe the Reynes from hem he paste, Gaudyn smote oone of þe þre, That from his hede he made þan fle His helme of stele bourned bright, And forþe he passed þrow þe fight, And to Partonope streight he went. They that be-gann þis turnement, Seide þe knyghtis hadde wele do. And a while breþen hem tho.  “LO,” seide Cursoule, “I wist wele  Thes two knyghtis couþe good skiɫɫ

Partonope and Gaudin have the victory of three others.

Cursolt is pleased to see how well they fight.

9616

9620

9624

9628

9632

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

The tronchon) a-way fro hym) he cast,

The trunchon awey fro hym he caste,

And there-wytħ he pullytħ oute his

And þer-with he pullyde out his

swerd,

swerde, 9614

And as a ferse lyon) than) he ferd,

And as a lyon) pen) he ferde,

And leyde on) thyk hym) rounde

And leyde on thyke hym aboute. 9616

a-bouute. “9616

Thre to hym) sayled of the rowte,

Ther to hym sayllede of þe route, .

And hew on) his helme and in his sheeld.

And hewe on his helme and on shelde

But one of hem) in-to the feeld

But one of hem in-to þe felde

Oute of his sadyɫɫ he made lepe, 9620

Out of his sadiɫɫ he made lepe, 9620

Hit was no tyme for hym) to slepe.

Hit was no tyme for hym to slepe,

The todyr two on) hym) leyd fast,

The toþer ij on hym leyde faste,

But throw the Reynes for hem) he past.

But þorwe þe renges fro hem he paste.

Gaudyn) smote one of tho thre, 9624

Gaudyn) smote on of þe thre, 9624

That from) his hed he made than) fle

That made his hede he made flee

His helme of Steele boomed brygþt,

His helme of steɫɫ burnede weɫɫ and bright,

And ffortþ they passed throw the [leaf 85, back] 9627

And furthe he passede þorwe pe fight, fygħt.

They that be-ganne this turnement

And to Partonope streight he went 9628

Sayd the knightes had wele do,

They be-gan þis turment. [leaf 84]

And a while brethen hem) tho. 9631

“LO,” said Corsuɫ, “I wyst wele These two knyghtes cowde goode skyɫɫ ~ 9633

¶ “Lo,” seyde Courselot,’’ I wyste weɫɫ These ij knyghtes couthe good skiɫɫ

399On þis crafte; so first seide I.” Tho seide þe queen : “Cousyn, truly, So softely as they come In afore, Now they haue hem wele ybore. And namely he with þe siluer shelde Fareth faire with his hareneis in þe felde.” She thought she sholde knowe hym wele, But she couþe not remembre neuer a dele. Thinketh she wher þis be Partonope, With his gouernance wele pleased is she.  Of turneying now gyn) they reste.  And soone after they made hem preste The turnement to be-gynn ayein. The Emperour of Almayn) þer myht ye sene, A manly cheveteyn in þe felde; [leaf 122] With hym was many helm and sheld. The soudan of Perce was þere also With the Emperour, and they two do Moche wo to hem þat be with-oute. The soudan is fuɫɫ proude and stoute.

9636

9640

9644

9648

9652

The Queen thinks much of the knight of the silver shield.

The Emperor of Germany and the Sultan of Persia do much harm to the outer party.

The Sultan is a young

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

On) this Craft; so fyrst seyd I.”

On) þis crafte; so fyrste seyde I.”

Tho sayd the queen : “Cosyn), truly,

Tho seyde þe quene : “Cossyn, truly,

So softely as they come In a-fore, 9636

So softly as þey come In afore, 9636

Now they haue hem) wele I-bore.

Nowe þey haue hem weɫɫ I-bore.

And namely he wytħ the siluer sheld

And namly he with þe syluer shelde

Faretħ fayre wytħ his harneys in the feld.”

Farethe fayre with his harnes in þe felde.”

She thogħt she shuld haue know hym) wele, 9640

She þought she shulde a knowe hym weɫɫ, 9640

But she coude remenbre neuer a dele.

But she couthe remembre neuer a deɫɫ.

Thenketħ She where this be Partanope,

Thynkethe she where þis be Partonope,

Wytħ his gouernans wele plesytħ ys she. 9643

With his gouernance weɫɫ plesede was she.

Off turneyng gynne now they rest.

¶ Of turny[n]ge nowe gynne þey reste,

And sone after they made hym) prest

And sone after made hem preste

The turnement to be-gynne ayen).

The turment to be-gyn agayne.

The emperoure of Almayn) there mygħt ye sene, 9647

The Emperour of Almayne þer myght ye seen),

A manly Cheventeyn) in the feeld;

A manly chefteyne in þe felde; 9648

Wytħ hym) was many helme and sheld.

With hym was many helme and shelde.

The Soudon) of pyroq was there also

The soudan of Pers was þer also

Wytħ the emperore, and they twey do

With þe emperour and þey two do

Mocħ wo to hem) that he wytħ-oute.

Moche wo to hem with-oute. 9652

This soudon) ys fuɫɫ proude and stoute. 9653

The soudan) is fuɫɫ proude and stoute.

400He is a lover,* what wole ye more ? His souerayne lady is Melyore. On his manhede moste trusteth he, And þerto he haþe a grete meanye, That waiteth vpon hym euer-more. He wenyth to wynne faire Meliore. He is yonge, and darre wele fight, Stronge, lusty, and a semely knyght. Oute of noumbre richesse hath he. He þinketh no man his felawe shuld be.  And in þo dayes wele wote ye  Men wonne her ladies in dyuers degre, Some with manhode and chevalry, Some þrow beaute and curtesy, Some with faire speche and richesse, Some þrow strength, some be largesse. Aɫɫ þat is go with-outen nay, The worlde is turned a-noþer way, For neyþer richesse ne beaute Ne fayre speche in no degre May make a man his love to wynne,

9654. MS. bover.

and valiant knight. He loves Melior, and hopes to win her.

In olden days ladies were won in various ways,

9656

9660

9664

9668

9672

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

He ys a lover, what wold ye more ?

He is a louer, what wiɫɫ ye more ?

His souerayn lady ys Meliore.

His souerayne lady is Melyore.

On) his manhode mocħ trustetħ he,

On Mahombe moche trustyth he. 9656

And there-to hatħ a grete meyne, 9657

Ther-to he hathe a grete meyne,

That vaytetħ vpon) hym) euer-mor'

That waytyth vppon hvm euer-more.

He wenetħ to wynne fayre Melior.

He wenyth to wyn to fayre Melyore.

He ys yong, and dare wele fygħt, 9660

He is yonge, and dare weɫɫ fight, 9660

Strong, lusty, a semely knygħt.

Stronge, lusty, and symly knygħt.

Oute of nombre rycħ hatħ he.

Out of nombir ryches hathe he.

He thenketħ no man) his felow shuld be.

He thynketh no man) his felowe shuɫɫ be.

And in t[h]o dayes wele wote ye 9664

And in þo dayes weɫɫ wot ye 9664

Menne wonne her ladyes in dyverse degre,

Man) wonne her ladyes in deuerse degre,

Som) whyt manhode and chevalry,

Som with manhode and chevalrye,

¹ Som) Thorw beaute and Curtesy, 9667

Som þorwe beute and courtesye, 9667

Som) wytħ fayre spe[c]ħe and Richesse,

Som with feyre speke and rychesse,

Som) throw streynght, som) be largesse.

¹ Som be strenght, som be largesse.

Aɫɫ that ys go wytħ-outen) nay, [¹ leaf 86]

Aɫɫ þat is gon) with-out nay,

The world ys turned a-nodyr way.

The worlde is turnede anoþer wey.

For neyther Rychesse ne beaute, 9672

For noþer rychese ne beute, 9672

Ne fayre specħ in no degre

Ne fayre speche ne degre [¹ leaf 84, back]

May make a man) his love to wynne,

May make a man) his loue to wyne,

401They be so sore a-ferde to synne. Of fredame, curteisy, ne of largesse They take noone hiede; for holynesse Hath so caught hem in his service, Of wordly lustes now in no Wise Take they hiede, but only to wyrche, Þat they may pleace God and his chirche. For euery day yerly they rise. To chirche they gone to here servise Of God, and hardly þere they be Tiɫɫ it be noone; for dame chastite Governeth now hem in such wise, From knelyng hem luste not ones to Rise. To go to her dyner haue they none haste; [^{leaf 122, back]} They Reke neuer how longe they faste. Of ffresshe array take they none hiede; They go cloþed in homely wede. They wole not swere neuer an othe But nay or yee, it is sothe. But in olde tyme ladies wolde Haue mercy on lovers þat in cares colde Loved, and for love had grete diseace.

9676

9680

9684

9687

9692

9696

but now they are too religious and chaste.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

They be so sore a-ferd to synne. 9675

They be so sore aferde to syne.

Of fredam), Curteysy, ne of largesse

Of fredom, courtesye ne of largesse 9676

They take none heede; for holinesse

They take none hede; but holynesse

Hatħ so caugħt hem in his seruice,

Hathe so caught hem in his seruyse

Of wordely lustes now in no wyse 9679

Of þe worlde þey wiɫɫ in no wyse 9679

Take they heede, but onely to wircħ,

That they may please God and his chircħ.

For euery day erly they Ryse, 9682

To chercħ they gone to here seruice

Of God / and hardyly there they be

Tyɫɫ hit be none / for dame chastyte

Goueretħ now hem) in sucħ wyse, 9686

Fro knelyng hem) lust not ones to ryse.

To go to her dynere haue they none hast; 9688

They rekke neuer how long they fast.

Of frescħ aray toke they non) heede;

They go clothed in homely weede.

They wyɫɫ not swere neuer an) othe 9692

But nay or ye hit his sotħ.

But In old tyme ladyes wold

Haue mercy of louers that in cares cold

Loued, and for love had grete dyssese.

PARTONOPE.

D d

402Some tyme ladies such folke wolde pleace; But in þes dayes it is no-þing so. For be a lovere neuer so wo, His lady list not hym make chiere. For his compleynt þei wole not here Neþer be speche neþer letter writyng, They wole not rede it for no þing. Aɫɫ þat men sey they take in grief; I trow chastite hath made hem defe.  Of þis matere speke we no more,  But I wole now of Meliore Teɫɫ forþe aɫɫ myn entent, And of þis lusty turnement. The soudan is now in þe felde Richely armed, þat of spere and shelde Canne skiɫɫ ynowe, with-outen doute, His meany wele armed hym aboute. He hath wele Iusted with-outen nay, Many a knyght þat ilke day And squyer eke to grounde hath caste. To mete with hym men be agaste. Bothe feerse and crueɫɫ also is he

They will not have mercy on their lovers.

The Sultan jousts so well, and has such a large retinue, that nobody dares to attack him.

9700

9704

9708

9712

9716

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Som) tyme ladyes sucħ folk wold please;

But in these dayes hit ys no-thing so.

For be a louer neuer so wo, 9699

His lady lust not hym) make chere.

For his complaynt they wold not here

Nether be specħ ne better wrytyng,

They woɫɫ no rede ħit for no thing.

Aɫɫ that men) sey take they in gryef;

I trow Chastyte hath made hem) defe.

¹ Off this mater speke we no more, 9706

¶ Of þis mater speke we no more, 9706

But I woɫɫ now of Melioure [¹ leaf 86, back]

But I wiɫɫ now of Melyore

Teɫɫ fortħ aɫɫ myn) entent,

Teɫɫ furthe aɫɫ myne entent 9708

And of the lusti turnament.

Of þis lusty turment.

The Soudan) ys now in the feld 9710

The soudan is nowe in þe felde

Ryoħly armed, that of spere and sheeld

Rychly armede, þat of spere and shelde

Canne skyɫɫ I-now, wytħouten) doute,

Can) skiɫɫ I-nowe, with-out doute, 9712

His meyne wele Armed that hym) a-boute. 9713

His meyne weɫɫ armede hym aboute.

He hatħ wele lusted wytħ-outen) nay,

He hathe weɫɫ Iustyde with-out nay,

Many a knygħt that ylke day

Many a knyght þat ilke day 4715

And a squyer eke to grounde hatħ cast. 9716

And squyre eke to grounde he caste.

To meete wytħ hym) men) be a-gast.

To mete with hym men were agaste.

Botħ frescħ and Crueɫɫ also ys he.

But fers and creweɫɫ also is he.

403His men a-boute hym so thicke be A-fore and be-hynde with-oute faile, That no man hym darre wele assaile. The lordes þat I spake of be-fore, Þat on þe toure be Meliore Sitte to gife þe Iugement, Prayse hym gretely by one assent. This soudan, þus lusty knyght, Enforceth his hert with aɫɫ his myght To wyn his lady Meliore. A grete spere in hande with-oute more He taketh, and in hys reste it caste, [leaf 123] And þrowe þe Reynes he Ranne faste As euer his stede hym myght bere. Men of hym þo had such fere, And of þe meany hym aboute, Þat þe soudan þrow þe route Rode to and fro; no man hym mette Of his Iustyng hym ones [to] lette.  Aɫɫ þis beheld Partonope,  And in his hert þo þought he :

9720

9724

9728

9732

9736

He is highly praised by the judges.

Partonope encounters the Sultan.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

His men) a-boute hym) So thikke be

His men aboute hym so thyke be 9719

A-fore and be-hynde wytħ-outen) fay[le], 9720

Afore and be-hynde with-out fayɫɫ,

That no man) weele dare hym) assayle.

That no man) hym dare weɫɫ assaiɫɫ.

The lordys that I spake of be-fore,

The lordes þat I spake of afore,

That on) þe toure be Melyore

Sytħ to geyf the Iugement 9724

Syt to gyfe þe Iugement, 9724

Preyse hym) gretely be one assent.

Preyse hym gretly by on assent.

This Soudan), the lusti knygħt,

This soudan), þis lusty knyght,

Enforcetħ His hert wytħ aɫɫ his mygħt

Enforseth his hert with aɫɫ his mygħt

To wynne his lady Melioure. 9728

To wyn his lady Melyore. 9728

A grete spere in hond wytħ wytħouten) more

A grete spere in honde with-out more

He taketħ, and in rest hit cast.

He taketh, and in reste it caste.

And thorow the Reynes he rast fast

And þorwe þe renges he ranne * faste

As euer hys steede hym) mygħt bere.

As euer his stede hym myght bere.

Men) of hym) tho had she feere, 9733

Men) of hym) þo hade soyche fere, 9733

And of the meyne hym) a-boute,

And of þe meyne hym aboute,

That the soudan) throw the Route

That þe soudan) þorwe þe route [leaf 85

Rode to and fro; no man) hym) mett 9736

Rode to and fro; no man) hym mete

Of his Instyng hym) ones to lett.

Of his Iustynge hym onys to lete. 9737

Aɫɫ this be-heeld Partanope,

¶ All þis be-holdyth Partonope,

And in his hert than) thought he :

And in his hert þo þought he :

9731. ranne] hole in vellum for a.

404“Be thow as prowde as Lucefere, I shaɫɫ assay on þe my spere To breke anoone, if pat I may.” And forþe he rideth in þat array; Of his course no man hym lette. The sauden and he to-gedre mette. So fiersly on peces her speres flie, Yite þer was no man couþe se Who hadde þe better, for her bakkes did bende. And after oþere speres anoone they sende. Ayein to-gedre now do they go. At þat course they mette so, Eiche gafe oþer suche a stroke, As though þer had ben an oke With a Crakke had made a falle, Such a noyse it made with-aɫɫ. Her speres to-braste, and they boþe two Kept her sadels right wele þo. The soudan like a wilde beste For angre Coupe haue no reste. And þerwith anoone in his hete For a spere fuɫɫ passyng grete

Their spears break.

They take new ones, which also break.

In the third encounter, Partonope

9740

9744

9748

9752

9756

9760

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

“Be thow as prowde as Lucifere, 9740

“Be þou as proude as Lucifere, 9740

I shaɫɫ assay on) the my spere

I shaɫɫ assay on þe my spere

To brek a-non), yf that I may.”

To breke anone, yef þat I may.”

And fortħ he rydetħ in that aray;

And furthe he rydyth in þat array;

Of this course no man) hym) lett. 9744

Of his course no man hym let. 9744

The sowdan) and he to-gedyr mett.

The soudan) and he togeder met.

¹ So feersly / on) peesys her speres fle,

So fersly on peces þer speres fley,

Yet ther was no man) cowde see

Yet þer was no man) couthe se

Who had the better for her bakkes dyd bend, [¹ leaf 87] 9748

Who hade þe beter, for þer bakkes dyde bende, 9748

And after other speres a-none they send.

And after oþer speres anone þey sende.

A-yen) to-gedyr now they go.

Ayen to-geder nowe þey goo.

At that Course they mette so,

At þat course þey met so,

Eche gafe other suche a stroke 9752

Eche gaf oþer soych a stroke, 9752

As thougħ there had be a noke

As þough þer hade ben an oke

Wytħ a crakke had made a faɫɫ.

With a crake hade made faɫɫ,

Sucħ a noyse hit made wytħ-aɫɫ.

Soyche a noyse it made with-aɫɫ.

Her sperys to-brast, and they botħ two 9756

Her speres braste, and þey bothe two

Kept her Sadelles Rygħt wele two.

Kept per sadilles right weɫɫ þo. 9757

The Saudon) lyke a wyld best

The soudan) lyke a wylde beste

For angre cow[de] haue no rest.

For anger couthe haue no reste.

And there-wytħ a-non) in his hete 9760

Ther-with anone in his hete 9760

For a spere fuɫɫ passyng grete

For a spere passynge grete

405He sente, and in his reste it caste. Partonope þerwith in grete haste Of Gaudyn toke a grete spere þo. Therwith þe soudan he it so Into þe vpper of þe shelde That tissewe and bocle into þe felde Fley and aɫɫ to peces brake. The spere a fote þrow þe shelde stake. The Soudan hym hit tho ayein, [leaf 123, back] Þat his shelde he made flene From his shuldre into þe layre. Betwene hem be-gynneth a sharpe fayre. Partonope hereof was shamefast, The soudan gladed, and forþe passed Þrow þe reynes wele faryngly. Kyng Claryns in þe toure an hye Seide the soudan þe better hadde. Cursolote hym answered with wordes sadde : “The white shelde is now at grounde, But his maister on hors is founde.” Cursolote at þat tyme seide but lite;

9764

9768

9772

9776

9780

pierces the Sultan’s shield, but his own., is flung to the ground.

The two judges, Clarin and Cursolt, discuss the event.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

He sent, and in his a-rest hit cast.

He sent, and in his reste it caste.

Partanope In grete hast

Partonope þer-with in grete haste

Of Gaudyns toke a grete spere tho. 9764

Of Gaudyn) toke a grete spere þo. 9764

There-wytħ the Saudan) he hit so

Ther-with þe soudan he hit soo

In-to the vpper of the Sheld,

In-to þe vppere of þe shelde,

That tyssew and bocle in-to the feeld

That tessewe and bokeɫɫ in-to þe felde

Ely and aɫɫ to peses brak. 9768

Fley, and al to peces brake. 9768

The spere a fote throw the Sheld stake.

The spere as styte þorwe þe shelde stake.

The Sowdan) hym) hit so a-yen),

The soudan) þo hym hit ayen),

That this sheld he made flene

From) the shuldyr in-to the layre. 9772

That his shulder in-to þe layre. 9772

Be-twen) hem) be-gynnetħ a sharpe fayre.

Betwene hem begynnyth a sharpe feyre.

Partanope her-of was shame-fast.

¹ Partonope here-of was shamefaste.

The Sowdan) gladded, and forth past

The soudan) gladyde, and furthe paste

Throw the Reynes wele faryngly. 9776

Thorwe þe renges faryngly, 9776

Kyng Claryns in the toure an) hye

Kynge Claryons in the toure on hye

Seyd the Soudan) better hadde.

Seyde þe soudan þe beter hade.

Cursolot hym) answerytħ wytħ wordes sadde :

Courselot answerde wordes sade : 9779 [¹ leaf 85, back]

“The whitte sheld ys now at ground, 9780

“The wyte shelde is no we at grounde,

But his mayster on) hors ys found.”

But his maister on hors is founde.”

Cursolot at that tyme sayd but lyte;

Curslot at þat tyme seyde but lyte;

406For after he thought he wolde quyte Kyng Claryns, when Partonope Hadde mette þe Soudan in such degre, That he were quytte amyd þe felde. Melior hym herde, and eke be-helde The turnement and aɫɫ þe route. Lyteɫɫ Ioy þerof, withouten doute, She hadde, for fewe of hem she knewe. In lovyng her hert was euer trewe.  Parton[op]e asked a sheld in haste  Gaudyn þat on hym lokeþ faste,  Fuɫɫ fressh y-paynted of siluer bright. It was right sure and þer-to light. A spere he toke boþe grete and fyne. Therwith he ranne to a saresyne, Armauus he hight with-oute more, Partonope to hym Ranne so sore, And in þe shelde so hym hitte, That in his sadile lenger to sitte Hadde he no power, but oute he flye, And feɫɫ to grounde, aɫɫe men it se. This Armauns was holde a worþi man.

Partonope gets a new silvery shield and a spear.

He attacks Armant, and strikes him from his saddle.

9784

9788

9792

9796

9800

9804

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

For after he thoght he wold quyte

For after he þought he wolde quyte

Kyng Clarins / whan) Partanope 9784

Kynge Claryns, when Partonope 9784

Had mett the Sowdan) in suche degre, [leaf 87, back] 9785

Hade met þe soudan in soycħ degre,

That he were quyte a-myde the feld.

That he were quyte amyde þe felde.

Meliore hym) herd and eke be-heeld

Melyore hym herde, and eke be-helde

The turnement and aɫɫ the rowte. 9788

The turment and aɫɫ þe route. 9788

Lytyɫɫ Ioy there-of, wytħ-outen) dowte,

Lytiɫɫ Ioye þer-of, without doute,

She had, for few of hem) she knew.

She hade, for fewe of hem she knewe.

In loving her hert was euer trew. 9791

In louy[n]ge hert was euer trewe.

PArtanope asked a sheld in hast

¶ Partonope askede a shelde in haste.

Gaudyns that on) hym) loked fast,

Gaudyn) on hym lokede faste, 9793

Fuɫɫ fresch I-pey[n]ted of siluer brygħt.

Fuɫɫ I-peyntyde of syluer bright.

Hit was ryght sure and ther-to lygħt,

Hit was right sure and þer-to ligħt.

A spere he toke botħ grete and fyne.

A spere he toke grete and fyne. 9796

There-wytħ he ranne to a sarasyn),

There-with he ran) to þe sarsyn),

Armans he hygħt wytħ-oute more.

Armant he hit with-out more.

Partanope to hym) ranne so sore,

Partonope to hym ran) so sore,

And in the Sheld so hym) hytt, 9800

And in þe shelde so hym hit, 9800

That in his sadyɫɫ lengyr to sytt

Than in his sadiɫɫ lenger to syte

Hadde he no power, but oute he flye

Hade he no poure but out he flee

And fyɫɫ to ground; aɫɫ men) hit sye.

And fiɫɫ to grounde, aɫɫ men it see.

This armys was hold a worthie man) 9804

Armant was a worthy man). 9804

407Partonope forþe on hors-bak rane Throw þe Reynes right to þe soudan. And þere he smote a knyght called Logan) That þe soudan loved wele þan, And to grounde gothe hors and man. [leaf 124] Atte soudans fote aɫɫ þis was do. The soudan was wode for angre þo, And his spere þen toke in haste, And to Partonope rideth as faste Þrow þe prese hym forto fynde, And throw the ventaylle in his necke be-hynde He hym smote with his spere þo, That aɫɫ to peces it brake a-twoo. His swerde þerwith þo pulled he And smote vpon þe helme of Partonope. When he aspied þat it was he, His swerde he pulled oute anoon Right. On hym he leide with aɫɫ his myght, And on his helme suche strokes gafe he, The rede fyre þer-of did oute flie. And thus they hurle þrow þe prese,

9808

9812

9816

9820

9824

He unhorses Logan, a friend of the Sultan’s, The Sultan is furious, and rushes at Partonope.

A terrible fight ensues.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Partanope fortħ a bakk ranne

Partonope furthe on hors-bake ranne

Thorw the Reynes rygħt to the Sowdan).

Thorwe þe renges of þe soudan).

And there he smot a knygħt callytħ Logan),

Ther he smote a knyght callede Logan),

That the sowdan) wele than), 9808

That þe soudan) louyde weɫɫ þan). 9808

And to ground gotħ hors and man).

Atte Sowdan) foote aɫɫ this was doo.

At þe soudans foote aɫɫ þis was do.

The Sowdan) was wode for angre tho,

The Soudan) was wode for anger þo.

And his spere than) toke in hast, 9812

And his spere þen toke in haste, 9812

And to Partanope rydetħ as fast

And to Partonope Rydyth faste [leaf 86

Thorw the prese hym) for to fynde.

Thorwe þe prese hym to fynde,

And throw the ventayɫɫ in his nek behynd

And þorwe þe ventaiɫɫ in þe nyke behynde

He hym) smote wytħ his spere tho, 9816

He hym smote with his spere þo, 9816

That aɫɫ to pesys hit brak in two.

That aɫɫ to peces it brake tho.

His swerd there-wytħ oute pullytħ he,

His swerde þer-with pullede out he,

And smote vpon) the helme of Partanope.

And smote on þe helme of Partonope.

Whan) he aspyed that hit was he, 9820

When he asspyede þat it was he, 9820

His swerd he pulled oute anon) rygħt.

His swerde he pullede out right.

On) hym) he leyde wytħ aɫɫ his mygħt,

On hym he leyde with aɫɫ his mygħt,

And on) his helme suche strokis gafe he,

And on) his helme soyche strokes gaf he,

The Rede fyre there-of dyd oute fle. [leaf 88] 9824

That rede fyre þer-of dyde out fle. 9824

And thus they hurle fortħ throw the prese,

Thus þey hurle þorwe þe prese,

408Tiɫɫ Partonope, with-oute any lese, Was passed þe Reynes of þe soudan, So ferforth tiɫɫ þat he came To þe walles of þe toure Wherin sate faire. Meliore. And atte laste þen Partonope Aspied how ferre passed was he Throw þe strength of þe soudan, Tho hym to þinke he be-gan How he hadde folyle ydo, For many a saresyn on hym þo Leide on right faste and blyve, That it was wonder how he on lyve Might passe þat grete þronge. But Gaudyn of herte fuɫɫ stronge Sawe at mysschief Partonope, And in his reste his spere leide he, And fiersly into þe prese he passed. A saresyn from hors-bak he casted, A worþi knyght þat hight Bry. The saresynes sette vp a deviɫɫ crye. To þe morreis kyng he was a good poste,

Partonope passes through the ground of the Sultan, and is attacked from all sides.

But Gaudin comes to his rescue.

Gaudin unhorses Bry and Armant.

9828

9832

9836

9840

9844

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Tyɫɫ Partanope, wytħ-oute ony lese,

Tiɫɫ Partonope, with-out lese,

Was passed the Reynes of the Sowdan),

Was paste þe renge of þe soudan,

So fer-fortħ tyɫɫ that he came 9828

So ferre-furthe tiɫɫ þat he cam 9828

To the walles of the toure,

To þe wattes of þe toure,

Where-in sate fayre Meliore

Where-in sat feyre Melyore.

And at the last than) Partanope

And at þe laste þen Partonope

Aspyed how ferre past was he 9832

Asspyede howe ferre paste was he 9832

Throw the stryngħt of the Sowdan).

Thorwe þe strenght of þe soudan.

Tho hym) to thenk he be-ganne

To hym to thynke he be-gan)

How he had follyly I-do,

Howe he hade folyle do.

For many a Sarasyn) on) hym) tho 9836

For many a sarson on hym þo 9836

Leyd on) ryght fast and by-lyve,

Leyde on right faste and blyue,

That hit was wondyr how he on lyve

That it was wonder howe he on lyue

Mygħt passe that grete th[r]onge

Myght passe þat grete þronge.

But Gaudyns of hert fuɫɫ stronge 9840

But Gaudyn of hert fuɫɫ stronge 9840

Saw at myschyf Partanope,

Sawe at meschef Partonope,

And in his rest hys spere lyed he,

And in his reste a spere leyde he,

And feershly in-to the prese he past.

And fe[r]sly in-to þe prese he paste,

A Sarasyn) fro hors-bak he cast, 9844

A sarson fro hors-bake he caste, 9844

A worthy knygħt that hygħt Bry.

A worthy knyght þat hight Bry.

The Sarasyn)s sett vp on) a devyɫɫ crye,

The sarsons set vp an deviɫɫ crye

To the morreys kyng he was a good post,

To þe Morre Kynge was a good poste,

409For he was constable of his oste. [leaf 124, back] His spere brake, oute got he his swerde; As a lyon) fierse he ferde. Armaunt he smote, anoþer knyght, So from his hors-bak he made hym light. His helme was þe ferst þat came to grounde. Grete strokes he yave in þat stounde. So manly at þat tyme soþely was he, That rescowed was good Partonope With-oute mayme or grete wounde. Wele quytte hym Gaudyn þat stounde. But boþe achafed were right wele,* And many a stroke ganne þey fele.*  The soudan hurte was somdele.  That kyng Corsolot * aspied wele,  And gladde is he of his declyne. Thes wordes he seide to Claryne: “Þe soudan hoveth as hevy as lede, The toþe-ache I trow be in his hede. Sir, be not wroþe of þat I sey, The white shelde þinketh not to dey

9859. MS. wele right.

9860. MS. And grete strokes hadde many a knyght.

9862. MS. Corsolto.

9848

9852

9856

9860

9864

9868

King Cur-solt is glad that the Sultan has not got the better of the knight of the white shield.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

For he was Constable of his Ost. 9848

For he was counstabiɫɫ of his oste. 9848

His spere brak, oute gotħ his Swerd;

His spere brake, out gothe þe swerde;

As a lyon) feerse he feerd.

And as a lyon fers he ferde.

Armaunt he smote a-nother knygħt,

¹Armant smote a-noþer knygħt,

So fro hors-bak he made hym) lygħt.

Fro his hors-bake he made hym ligħt,

His helme was the ferst that come to

His helme was fyrste þat come to

ground. [¹ leaf 88, back] 9853

grounde. [¹ leaf 86, back] 9853

Grete strokes he yafe in that stound.

Grete strokes he yaf in þat stounde,

So manly at that tyme sothly was he,

So manly at þat tyme was he,

That rescowed was good Partanope 9856

That rescowede was Partonope 9856

Wytħ-oute mayne or grete wound.

With-out mayme ore wounde.

Wele quyte hym) Gaudyn) that stound,

Weɫɫ quyte hym Gaudyn þat stounde,

But botħ a-chased were rygħt wele,

But bothe achafede were rigħt weɫɫ,

And many a stroke ganne they feele. 9860

And many a stroke gon þey fele. 9860

THe Sowdan) hurt was som) dele. That kyng Cursolot aspy ed wele,

¶ The soudan) hurt was somdeɫɫ. That kynge Courslot asspyede weɫɫ,

¹ And glad ys he of his declyne,

And glade is he of his declyne.

These wordes he sayd to Claryng: 9864

This wordes he seyde to Claryne : 9864

“The Sowden) houetħ as hevy as lede.

^“ The soudan houyth heuy as lede,

The tothe-ache I throw be in his hede.

The tothe-ache I trowe be in his hede.

Syr, be not wroth of that I seyē, 9867

Sir, be not wrothe of þat I sey, 9867

The white Sheeld thenketħ not to dye

The whyte shelde thynkyth not to dey

9356. rescowede] o like e.

410At þis tyme in the soudans dette,n For skillfully with hym haþe he mette.” Gaudyn and eke Partonope From þe turney with-drawen be Vnto an haue-thorne hem to avente; Of gothe her helmes be one assente. The kyng of Fraunce be-helde hem wele, And then he knew hem neuer a dele. To þe Emperour of Spayne þen seide he : “These two knyghtis fuɫɫ good men be, And beste in þe turney haue done þis day.” Seide the Emperour : “Þat is an easy assay. In the be-gynnyng they peyn to faste. Comenly suche men mow not laste; Prysaunteres such folke called be. Þat allday men may soþely se Such laste not but lytiɫɫ while — Therwith þe Emperour gan smyle— [leaf 125] But wole ye make a good assay, Take [hede] of hem þe þrid day.”

The King of France observes to the Emperor of Spain that the two companions have proved the best knights that day.

9872

9876

9880

9884

9888

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

At this tyme in the sowdans dette,

At þis tyme in þe soudans det, 9869

For Skyllefully wytħ hym) hatħ he mett.”

For skiɫɫfuɫɫy he hathe hym met.”

Gaudyn) and eke Partanope

From) the turnay wytħ-drawen be 9872

Vn-to an) haw-thron) hem) to a-vent;

Of gotħ her helmes be one assent.

The kyng of Fraunse be-heeld them)

wele,

And than) he knew hem) neuer a dele.

To the emperoure of Spayn) than) sayd

he: “9877

“These two knyghtes fuɫɫ goode men)

be, And best in the turnay haue done this

day.” Sayd the Emperoure: “That ys an)

assay, 9880

In the be-gynnyg they payn) to fast,

Comenly suche men) mow not last;

Prysaun teres suche folk callytħ be.

That aɫɫ day men) may sotħly se 9884

Suche last not but lytyɫɫ while.—

Therewyth the emperoure gan) smyle.—

But wole ye make a good assay

Take of hem) the thyrd day.” 9888

411Þe kyng of Fraunce answerde ayee : “On þe þrid day, how euer it be, Of þis day they wole haue þe prise, They moste nedes be myn avise.”  Gaudyn and also Partonope  After her refresshyng boþe be  Into þes reynes turned ayein. Fresshe and lusty yarmed they bene. Eiche of hem toke hym his shelde, Many a man þo hem be-helde. Into þe Reynes they come fresshly, Eiche hadde in hande a spere fuɫɫ sturdy. They spare no man þat hem wole byde, They were right lusty at fat tide. Fuɫɫ wele they lust þat ilke day. Þere was no man durste hem assay, But of hym they hadde þe victory, So sore her aduersaries they did wry. The day gan faste drawe to an ende, That eiche man fought home to wende, And turney no more as for þat nyght. The kyng of Syre he made a fight, Comyng in sodenly with his meanye. A worthy and a noble knyght was he. When eiche man wende home forto go, He and his meany despitousely tho On euery syde gan ley on faste. Men toke her sheldes to hem in haste.

9892

9896

9900

9904

9908

9912

9916

Partonope and Gaudin re-enter the lists and carry all before them.

The King of Syria appears suddenly with his retinue.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

The kyng of Fraunse answered a-ye :

There was no man) drust hem) assay,

“On) the third day, How-euer hit be,

But of hym) they had the victetory,

Of this day they wytt haue the prise,

So sore her aduersaries dyd they

They must 9892

wrey. 9906

GAudyns and also Partanope After her refreschyng botħ be

The day gan) fast draw to ende, That eche man) thogħt home to wend,

In-to the reynes turneth a-yen), 9895

And turney no more as for that

Freseh and lusty I-armed they bene.

nygħt. 9909

Eche of hem) toke hym) his sheld,

The kynght of Syre he made a fyght,

Many a man) do hem) be-heeld. 9898

Comyng In Sodenly wyth his meyne.

In-to the Reynes they come freschly,

As worthey and noble kyng was he. 9912

Ecħ had in hand a spere fuɫɫ sturdy.

Whanne eche man) wend home for to

They spare no man) that hem) woɫɫ

go,

a-byde. [¹ leaf 89] 9901

He had his meyne dyspetusly tho

¹ They were Ryght lusty atte that tyde.

On) euery syde gonne ley on) fast. 9915

Fuɫɫ weɫɫ they luste that ylke day.

Men) toke her sheeldes to him) in hast.

412 Gaudyn anoone with spere and shelde  Turned ayein into þe felde,  Þe duke of Loreyn) anoone hym mette; Eiche be oþer fuɫɫ liteɫɫ they sette. Good knyghtis they were boþe two. But yite Gaudyn myshapped þo. For þe kyng of Syre in þat felde So fiersly hym hitte in þe shelde, That from his hors he made hym light. [leaf 125, back] When Partonope sawe þat sight, That Gaudyn his frende was atte grounde, With a spere boþe grete and rounde He Eanne to the kyng þan of Syre, And hym hitte with so grete an Ire, Oute of his sadile he made hym lepe. Gaudyn þer-of anoone toke kepe And fresshly sesed the kynges stede. But or he myght hym any firþer lede, The kynges meany to hym so raught, Þat of hem many a stroke he caught. And in þis meane while a saresyne Is lept to þe hors of Gaudyn.

He unhorses Gaudin, but is in his turn unhorsed by Partonope.

Gaudin cap-tures the king’s steed, while a Sara-cen leaps on Gaudin’s own horse.

9920

9924

9928

9932

9936

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Gaudyn) a-non) wytħ spere and sehyeld

¶ Gaudyn anone with spere and shelde

Turned a-yen) in-to the feeld.

Turnede ayen in-to þe felde.

The duke of Loryn) a-non) hym) mett;

The duke of Loreyne anone hym met;

Eche be other fuɫɫ lyteɫɫ tho sett. 9920

Eche by oþer fuɫɫ lytiɫɫ þey set. 9920

Goode knygħtes they were botħ two.

Good knyghtes þey were bothe two.

But yet Gaudy ns nays-happed tho,

But yet Gaudyn myshappyde þo.

For the kyng of Syre in that feld

For þe kynge of Scyre in þat felde

So feersly hit hym) on) the Sheeld, 9924

So fersly hit hym on þe shelde, 9924

That from) his hors he made hym) lygħt.

That fro his hors he made hym ligħt.

Whan) Partanope saw that sygħt,

When Partonope sawe þat sigħt,

That Gaudyn) his feere was to ground,

That Gaudyn) his fere was at grounde,

Wyth a spere botħ grete andround, 9928

With a spere bothe grete and rounde

He ranne to the kyng than) of Syre,

He Ran) to þe kynge of Scyre, 9929

And hym) hit wytħ so grete an) Ire,

And hit hym with so grete Ire

Oute of his sadyɫɫ he made hym) leepe.

Out of his sadiɫɫ he made hym lepe.

Gaudyn) thereof a-non) toke kepe, 9932

Gaudyn) þer-of toke good kepe, 9932

And fressħly sesyd the kynges steede.

And freshly sesede þe kynges stede.

But or he mygħt hym) ony further

But ore he myght hym ony forþere led,

leede,

The kynges meyne to hym) so rautħ,

The kynges men to hym so raugħt,

That of hem) many a stroke he cautħ.

That of hem many a stroke caught.

And in this mene while a saresyn) 9937

In þis mene while a sarsyne 9937

Ys lept on) the hors of Gaudyn).

Ys lepte on þe hors of Gaudyn). [leaf 87]

413Partonope þat hym neuer fayled at nede, [Thought to gete ayen) his stede], Leide on so faste rounde a-boute, He hathe hym rescowed from aɫɫ þe route, That harmelesse escaped boþe they be. For besy is aɫɫ þe kynges meanye Of Syre hym þrow þe place to lede On fote; for loste he hadde his stede.  Aɫɫ folke hervvith departed anoone  From þe turnement and streight gone  To her loggeyng in grete haste. The nyght falleth on hem wonder faste. The herowdes crye : “A hosteɫɫ, a hosteɫɫ ! “ Partonope and Gaudyn þat right weɫɫ In þe turnement haue bore hem þat day, To her loggeyng they ride in fresshe array. Cursolote sethe hem boþe two To her loggyng harmelesse go. He seide : “God blessed þou be Boþe my ffrendes yonder I se

9940

9944

9948

9952

9956

Night is coining on. The tournament is over for the day, and the two friends ride back to their lodgings.

Cursolt says that the knight of the white shield has carried the day.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Partanope that hym) neuer fayled at nede

Partonope hym not faillede at nede,

Thought to gete ayen) his stede, 9940

Leyde on) so fast hym) rounde a-boute,

Leyde out so faste hym aboute,

He hatħ hym) rescowed from) aɫɫ the

He hathe hym rescowede fro þe Route

rowte, [leaf 89, back]

That harmeles scapytħ they be.

That harmeles escapede bothe þey be.

For besy ys aɫɫ the kynges meyne 9944

For besy is aɫɫ þe kynges meyne 9944

Of Syre hym) thogħt the prese to lede

Of Scyre hym þorwe þe prese to lede

On) fott; he hatħ for lost his steede.

On fote for loste he hade his stede

Al folke her-wytħ departe a-non)

¶ Aɫɫ folke with þis departede anone

Fro the turnement, and streygħt gone

Fro þe turment and streight gone 9948

To her loggyng in grete hast. 9949

To þer logynge in grete haste

The nygħt falletħ on) hem) wondre fast.

The nyght fallyth on hem faste

The herowdes crye aɫɫ: “Hosteɫɫ, a

The herauudes crye an hosteɫɫ.

hosteɫɫ!”

Partanope and Gaudyn) that rygħt

Partonope and Gaudyn) þat right weɫɫ

weɫɫ 9952

In the turnement haue borʾ hem) that day,

In þe turment haue bore hem þat day,

To her loggyng they ryde in frescħ aray.

To þer logynge þey rede in freshe array.

Curslot sethe hem bothe two

Cursolot setħ hem) both two

To her loggyng harmeles they go, 9956

To þer logynge harmeles goo. 9956

He seyd : “God blessed thow be,

He seyde : “God blyssede þou be,

Both my freendes yonde I se

Bothe my frendes yen I see.

9950. nyght] MS. myght.

414To her herborowe go saufe and sounde. I wolde it hadde coste me an hundred pouude, Be so I wiste what they were. But wele I wote, he þat doþe bere The white shelde, be myn avise, Of þis day is worthy þe prise.” [leaf 126] Aɫɫ þo þat hym herde, seide not ones nay, Save kyng Claryns; for to his pay In no wise þes wordes were seide. “The þrid day shuɫɫ we knowe þe breide. Be þat tyme moche þing may falle. Ye be to hasty now forto calle Hym beste þat bereþ þe white shelde Of aɫɫ þat were to-day in þe felde. Fuɫɫ yore it is now ago I haue herde sey, and oþer mo, That who so yeveth hasty Iugement Moste be þe first þat shaɫɫ repent.” Þerwith þes knyghtis boþe two Of þes þinges more speke þei not þo. But Partonope and gentiɫɫ Gaudyne

Clarin thinks he is too rash in giving his judgment.

9960

9964

9968

9972

9976

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

To her herborw go safe and sound.

I woɫɫd yt had cost me an) hundred

pound 9960

Be so I wyst waht they were,

I wolde I wyste what þey were.

But weɫɫ I wote he that dotħ bere

Weɫɫ I wot, he þat dothe here

The whitte Sheeld, be myn) awyse,

Bere þe whyte shelde, be myne avyse,

Of this day ys worthie the pryse.” 9964

Of þis day is worthy þe pryse.” 9964

All do that hem) herd, seyd not onys

Aɫɫ þat hym herde, seyde not onys

nay,

nay,

Saf kyng Claryns; for to his pay

Saf kynge Clarins; for to his pay

In no wyse these wordes were sayd.

In no wyse þis wordes were seyde.

“The thyrd day Shaɫɫ we know the

“The iij day we shaɫɫ knowe þe brayde.

brayd. 9968

Be that tyme mocħ thynge may faɫɫ.

Be þat tyme meche thynge shaɫɫ faɫɫ.

He and ye be to hasty now for to caɫɫ

Ye be to hasty nowe to catt

Hym) best that berytħ the whyte Sheld

Hym beste þat beryth þe whyte shelde

Of aɫɫ that were to-day in the feld. 9972

Of aɫɫ þat were to-day in felde. 9972

Full yorʾ now hit ys a-goo

Fuɫɫ yore nowe it is agoo

I haue herd sey, and other moo,

I haue herde sey, and oþer mo,

That who so yevetħ hasty Iugegyment

That who so yevyth hasty Iugement

Must be the fyrst that shaɫɫ repent.”

Moste be þe fyrste þat shaɫɫ repent.”

There-wytħ these knyghtes botħ two

Ther-with þis knyghtes bothe twoo

Of these thynges more spak they not tho. 9978 But Partanope and gentyɫɫ Gaudyn)

Of þis thynges more speke þey þo. 9978

415Arne at her soper and drynke þe wyne As fresshe as to hem may be brought. Of her grete strokes they rekke nought. Gaudyn beholdeth wele Partonope, And gretely mervayleth of his beaute, How semely he was, how longe, how brode. Hym to be-holde fuɫɫ longe he stode. And he thought euer in his corage: He myght not be borne of pore lynage. And wele he sighe þat he was pensife, He þought his herte was in grete strife. Of þis grete mervaylle þo hadde he, What cause or what it myght be That made hym in suche hevynesse. Hym thought he hadde cause of gladnesse. Hym to comforte in his herte he caste, And merely he brake oute atte laste, And seide : “My ffrende Partonope, What is þe cause þat ye mow be In hevynesse faɫɫ so sodenly ? I trowe for ye haue so manly Now borne you in þis turnement, Ye are aferde leste þe Iugement To haue þis lady shuld falle* on you. [leaf 126, back] Be gladde man, loke vpp lightly no we, And bere þe wele þe þrid day.

10003. falle] MS. faste.

9980

9984

9988

9992

9996

10000

10004

Partonope and Gaudin go to supper.

Gaudin wonders why his friend looks so sad, and tries to cheer him up.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Arne at her Soper, and drynke the

What cause or what hyt mygħt be 9992

wynne 9980

That made hym) in sucħ hevynesse.

As frescħ as to hem) may be

Hym) thoght he had cause of glad-

broutħ. [leaf90]

nesse.

Of her grete strokys the rek nogħt,

Hym) to comfort in his hert he cast

Gaudyn) be-holdetħ wele Partanope,

And meryly brak oute at the last, 9996

And gretely mervaylet of his beawte,

And sayd : “My frend Partanope,

How semely he was, how longe and

What ys the cause that ye now be

how brode. 9985

In hevynes faɫɫ so sodenly ?

Hym) to be-hold fuɫɫ longe he stoode.

I trow for ye haue so manly 10000

And he thoght euer in his corage :

Now borne yow in this turnement,

He mygħt not be borne of pore

Ye are a-ferd last the Iugement

lynage. 9988

To haue this lady shuld faɫɫ on) yow.

And wele he sygħ that he was pynsyfe,

Be glad man), loke vp lygħtely

He thogħt his hert was in grete stryfe.

now, 10004

Of this grete mervayle tho had he

And bere the wele the thyrd day.

416And þen I darre savely say Thou shalte haue hir and moche more.” Partonope þer-with sighed sore, And seide: “I were wele, hadde I þat! “ Gaudyn þerwith on his bedde sate, And made hym redy to take his reste. To do þe same Partonope made hym preste. To bedde they go for þat nyght. On morrowe as sone as þe sonne bright Ganne shewe her beames oute of her spere, They ben rissen masse forto here. And þen after arme hem be oone assent, And made hem redy to þe turnement. Thidder be they come with her squyers Fresshly ryding vpon her dextreres. Into þe felde they do as they mowe. Curselote hem seeth, and then he lowe. And Claryn seide : “Lo, yonder I se Be the morowe now come be Thes tweyn) þat yestir-evyn fuɫɫ late Caught þe laste stroke; and yite algate It semeth they wole þe first wynne. Lette se who shaɫɫ þis game be-gynne.”  TO felde is come þe fierse soudan,  In his company many a lusty man,  And faire renge hem in þe felde. Herawdes hem nombred a thousand sheld.

They go to bed.

At sunrise they hear mass, and then ride to the tournament.

Cursolt remarks to Clarin that they are the first on the spot.

The Sultan and Parto-nope charge each other.

10008

10012

10016

10020

10024

10028

10032

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

And than) I dare savely saye 10006

And made hem) redy to the turnement.

Thowshallt haue her and mocħ” more.”

Thy therbe they come wyth her Squyêrs

Partanope there-wytħ syghed sore,

Freschly rydyng vpon) her dex-

And seyd : “I were wele/had I that! “

tre[r]ys [leaf 90, back] 10020

Gaudy n) the[r]-wytħ on) his bedde sate,

In-to the feeld they do as they mow.

And made hym) redy to take his rest.

Cursolot hem) seetħ, and than) he lowe.

To do the same Partanope made hym)

And Claryn) sayd : “Lo, yondre I se

prest. 10012

Be the morow now come be 10024

To bed they go for that nygħt,

These twyn) that yster-even) fuɫɫ late

On) morow as sone as the sone sonne

Caught the last stroke; and yet algate

brygħt

Hyt semytħ they woɫɫ the fyrst wynne.

Ganne shew her bemes oute of her speere,

Late se how saɫɫ this game begynne.”

To feld ys come the frescħ Sawdan),

They bene rysyn) masse for to

In his company many a lusty man),

here. 10016

And fayre Renge hem) in the feeld.

And than) after arme hem) be one

Herawdes hem) nombre a thousand

assent,

sheeld, 10032

417This sawdan, þis lusty knyght, Taketh his shelde anoone right, Sette helme on hede, and taketh his spere. Partonope þat hoveth from hym ferre, Was redy anoone withouten lette. This soone to-gedre they mette Fuɫɫ fresshly, men myght se, I trowe. The soudan bare his spere to lowe. There he hadde wente to haue smytte Partonope Amyddes þe shelde, it happed þat he Smote his sadiɫɫ in þe fore arsone. The spere so lowe dissended a-downe, [leaf 127 Þat it into peces fley into þe felde. Partonope hym hitte amydde þe shelde So sturdely in aɫɫ his myght, That fro his hors he made hym light, And leide hym flatte þen in þe mede. Partonope þerwith sesed his stede, But it was not for hym* to abyde. And þen he seide : “Who lust to ride Lepe on his bake, take hym anoone.” To þe rescowe come of þe sowdan A thousand Knyghtes and many moo. Who lust to laughe but Cursolote þo ? And þen he seide to kyng Claryne : “This game is be-gonne wele a-fyne.” Fuɫɫ besy nowe aɫɫ þes knyghtes be

10051. MS. for hym not

10036

10040

10044

10048

10052

10056

The Sultan is over-thrown.

Cursolt is pleased.

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

This Sawdan), that lusty knyght,

Partanope hym) hit a-myde the Sheeld^ι

Taketħ hys Sheeld a-non) rygħt,

So sturdyly in aɫɫ his myght, 10047

Sett helme on) hede, and taketh his spere. 10035

That fro his hors he made hym) lyght,

And leyd hym) flatt than) in the med.

Partanope that houetħ fro hym) ferre,

Partanope there-wytħ se[s]ytħ his steed,

Was redy a-non) wyth-outen) lett.

But it was nogħt for hym) to abyde.

Thus sone to-gydyr they mett

And than) he sayd: “Who lust to ryde

Fuɫɫ fresħly, men mygħt se, I trow.

Lepe on) his bak, take hym) a-none.”

The sowdan) bare hys spere to

To the rescow of the soudan)

low. 10040

A thousand knyghtes and many on)

There he had went smyt Partanope

mo. 10055

A-myddys The Sheeld, hit happed

Who lust to laugh but Oursolot tho ?

tha[t] he

And than) he sayd to kyng Claryne : “

Smote his sadyɫɫ in the fore arson,

This game ys be-gonne wele a-fyne.”

The spere so low descendyd a-doune,

Futt besy now aɫɫ these knyghtes

That hit on) peesis fly in-to the feld.

be [leaf 91

PARTONOPE

418Her maister to rescowe, and Partonope, Seith to þe soudan he myght no more do. The prese was so grete a-boute hym þo. He wele be-thought hym, and atte laste Fresshly into þe prese he þraste. And a saresyn he yave suche a dynte, To þe grounde he feɫɫ; he was but shent. Partonope on hym no-þing a-bode, But fiersly þrow þe prese he rode, And manly þrow þe prese he paste. Or he was warre, he come as faste Vnto þe gate which was þe toure Where as Meliore, þe fresshe floure, Sate in a wyndowe and loked oute. Anoone as Partonope with-oute doute Aspied his lady and sawe hir pere, He spared at þat tyme for no fere, But salowed* his lady fuɫɫ piteousely, And seide : “Of your servaunte now haue mercy, And take pis token now of me !” And þer-with-aɫɫ good Partonope Putt vp his spere and proffered his getone, Seing þe felde and aɫɫ þe towne. Vpon his getone she did loke, And fro þe spere to hir she it toke, [leaf 127, back] And seide to hym: “Teɫɫ me ayein

10077. salowed] MS. folowed.

Partonope presses bravely on, till at last he arrives at the tower where Melior sits.

He salutes his Lady, and asks her mercy.

At the same time he lifts his spear and offers her the flag.

The Queen takes it, and begs him to repeat what he said.

10060

10064

10068

10072

10076

10080

10084

Univ. Coll. MS.

Rawl. MS.

Her mayster to re[s]cow, and Partanope

A-none as Partanope wytħ-outen) doute

Seytħ to the Soudan) he mygħt no

A-spyed his lady and saw here there,

more do.

He spared at that tyme for no

The prese was so grete about hym) tho.

fere, 10076

He weɫɫ be-thougħt hym), and at the

But salowed his lady fuɫɫ peteusly,

last

And sayd: “Of youre seruaunt now

Freschely in-to the prese he tharst. 10064

haue mercy,

And a Sarysyn) he yafe sucħ a dent,

And tak this token) now of me ! “

To the grounde he fyɫɫ, he was shent.

And there-wyth-aɫɫ goode Parta-

Partanope on) hym) no-thing a-bode,

nope 10080

But frescħly throw the prese he rode,

Put vp his spere and proferd his geton),

And manly throw that prese past. 10069

Seyng the feld and aɫɫ the toune.

Are he was ware, he come as fast

Vpon) this geton) She dyd looke,

Vn-to the gate whicħ was the toure

And fro the spere to her She hit

Where as Melioure the frescħ

tooke, 10084

floure, 10072

And sayd to hym): “Teɫɫ me a-yen)

Sate in a wyndow and loked oute.

10078 MS. seruu?t.

419What ye seide and what ye meane. I vnderstonde not, and þer-fore teɫɫ me.” But at þat tyme it myght not be, He was in grete pereɫɫ of his life sanз faile. Thre men of armes did hym assayle With grete speres on euery side. It was for hym no lenger a-bide. His swerde he pulled oute delyuerly, And bete aɫɫ þre fro hym fuɫɫ manly. And forþe into þe Reynes he þraste, And a-boute hym leide on faste. In pereɫɫ of his life nede moste he. For in-myddes his Enemeyce fuɫɫ but was he, And þrow the meany he moste nedes passe, For aɫɫ his felawshi p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq125.tif"/> be-yonde hem wasse. Gaudyn seeth Partonope in grete doute, And boldly loketh hym a-boute, And feersly amonge hem In gothe he And leide on faste, Ioy it was to se, As he that couþe wele of þat crafte. And þus in helpe Partonope he rafte From his Enemeyce hondes with-oute doute, And harmeles are scaped þrowe þe route. This is wele, what wole ye more ? Lete vs speke of faire Meliore, For she hath now take his getone

10088

10092

10096

10100

10104

10108

hini to repeat what he said.

But Parto-nope is now in peril of his life, being in the midst of his enemies.

Gaudin sees the danger, and helps him out of the press.

Univ. Coll. MS.

What ye sayd and what ye mene.

For aɫɫ his felaschi p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq126.tif"/> be-yond hem) was. 10100

I vndyr-stond not, and there-fore teɫɫ me.” 10087

Gaudyn) seetħ Partanope in grete doute,

But at that tyme hit myght not be,

He was in grete pereɫɫ of his lyfe saunз fayle.

And boldely loketħ hym) a-boute,

And feersly a-monge hem) In gotħ

Thre men) of armes dyd hym) assayle he,

Wytħ grete sperys on) euerysyde. 10091

And leyd on) fast, Ioy for to se, 10104

Hit was for hym) no lenger to abyde.

As he that coude wele on) that craft.

His Swerd he pulletħ oute delyuerly,

And thus in help Partanope hym) rafte

And beete aɫɫ thre fro hym) fuɫɫ manly,

And fortħ in-to the Reynes he tharst,

From) his enemys hondes wytħ-oute doute,

And aboute hym) leyde on) fast. 10096

In pereɫɫ of his lyfe nede must he,

And are harmeles scapyd throw the rowte. 10108

For in-myddys his Enemys futt but was he, [leaf 91, back]

This ys wele, waht wole ye more ?

And thorw the meyne he must nedys passe,

Late vs speke of fayre Meliore.

For She hatħ now take his geton)

420Of Partonope, but what þe enchesone Or cause he hadde it hir [to] take, She can not wete [ne] for whose sake. She wolde it hadde be a devɫɫ wey Þat she so lewde was in Þat aray. On þe spere it was fastened, And she* þer-fro it vndede, Wherof men speke þan dishonour, And seide þat man was hir paramour.  Though a lady for þe best a þing do,  Men haue such Ioy to lye so, They wole it turne aɫɫ for þe worste, [leaf 128] They haue no Ioy to sey the beste. Suche mennes tonges gone euer on wheles. This is þe cause, for moste with kelys Is her dalyaunce and her comenyng. And for they mowe hem lightly bryng To be foles at her commaundment, Þerfore they gife suche Iugement On aɫɫ oþere, and wene they were Of such condicions and suche manere. Of þes ladies it fareth not so: Chaungeable in love they be neuer mo, Of troupe in stabilnes they bere þe floure, In hem is peynted gentilnes and honour. Therfore aɫɫ men þat be so light of tonge

10118. she] MS. sher.

Melior untiei the flag from the spear.

The onlookers think that the man is her lover. But people are always inclined to speak ill of ladies.

10112

10116

10120

10124

10128

10132

10136

Univ. Coll. MS.

Of Partanope, but what the encheson)

This ys the cause, for must wytħ kelys.

Or cause he had hire to take 10113

Ys her dalyaunse and her comonyng,

She can) not wytte, ne for whos sake.

And for they mow hem) lygħtly bryng 10128

She wold hit had be a devyɫɫ a-wey

That she so lewde was In that aray.

To be foolis at her comaundement

On) the spere hit was fastened, 10117

There-fore they gyfe suche Iugement

And she there -fro hit vn-dede,

On) aɫɫ other, and wene they were

Where-of men) spake than) dyshon[ou]re,

Of suche condycions and such manere. 10132

And sayd that man) was here para moure . 10120

Of these ladyes hit fareth not so:

Chaungeable in loue they be neuer mo.

THoght a lady for the best a thing do,

Of treutħ in stabyɫɫ-nesse they be re the floure,

Men) haue Suche Ioy to lye So,

In hym ys peynted gentylnesse and honoure . 10136

They wold hit turne aɫɫ for the werst,

They haue no Ioy to say þe best, 10124

There -for aɫɫ men)

Suche mennys tonges gone euer on) whelis,

Univ. Coll. MS. ends with this catchword.

421That as a grete beɫɫ þat longe is ronge Noyse her lesynges. God gife hem grace Not amonge ladies to dweɫɫ any space.  Now lete [us] speke of faire Meliore,  That hath taken into þe toure  Partonopes geton from his spere, That into þe felde was sene fuɫɫ ferre. And eviɫɫ tonges þerof speke faste, And for þe worste they euer it caste, And she wiste neuer what he was. And if she hadde, she wolde haue percase Fuɫɫ gladde [be] to haue done hym eace. For whome shuld a lady be glad to pleace But hym on whome hir herte is sette ? For and they hadde be to-gedre mette, No man wolde blame hir, as trow I, Though she had pleased hym hertely. For who so euer love, I you plight, Of hym-self he hath but litiɫɫ myght. Therfore, lordynges, as þinketh me, In no defaute þan hadde she be, Though she hadde shewed hym solace and game, And he to hir do also þe same. The emperesse Partonope not vndirstode. But Wrake þat faste be hir abode, Herde and wiste wele what he seide. [leaf 128, back] And þerwith sodenly þis faire maide Ohonged hir fressh colour rede Into pale or wanne as asshes dede. Persewise þerof toke grete hiede. Wrak with Persewise and no mo Into þe batilment to-gedre go In counsyale to haue her talkyng, Where they spake many dyuers þing. Aɫɫe laste seide Wrake to Persewise: “Teɫɫ me now fully your avise, What man þat was þat right now late Hoved on hors-bak here atte yate, And profered my lady his gay getone ? What suppose ye was his enchesone ?

10140

10144

10148

10152

10156

10160

10164

10168

10172

10176

Melior does not understand who offered the flag to her.

But Urake knows.

She takes Persevis aside,

422What seide he to my lady, herde not ye ? Serteyn,* Persewise, it was Partonope, Our * ffrende, wolde God he were here Prively, þat we myght make hym chiere. Thanne shulde we here of new tithinge, Sith we se hym, where his a-bidyng Hath be, and how fat he came here.” Ye may axe me, lorde, what chere Was with Persewise, þis faire maide, When Wrake þes wordes hath seide, And yite it shaɫɫ hir neuer avayle, Wheþere she make it open or counsaylle. Thus many a man his love be-sette, To hym it were a grete dele bette To be a recluse or elles a frere, Or elles be dede and leide on bere, Where he shaɫɫ dwelle for euer-more, Then hathe he an ende of his sore. “Fayre suster,” tho seide the queen), “Of counseylle to I not what I meen). My wittes be destroubled in many wise. For in my herte I can not devise Who or what man it myght be,] That armed atte wyndowe seide to me : ¹ Wo be þe tyme þat I euer you sighe.’ T[h]o wordes to my herte sitte so nyghe [leaf 129] Þat be aɫɫ-myghty God sittyng above, They made me þinke vpon my love. And þerwith myn olde sekenesse toke me. Me thought be his speche it shuld be he. And þan to me he put vp his spere, Me thought þan I durst wele swere It hadde bene he. Lewde fole þat I am, And yete I knowe wele þat many a man Wote wele he is dede, and I wote also. Alias, good suster, what shaɫɫ I do ? I ame but dede, my peynes be so sore.” Wrake þo hadde pite of Meliore,

10179. MS. inserts seide after Serteyn.

10180. Out] MS. Your.

and tells her that she has recognized Partonope.

The Queen (who has joined Urake) is anxious to ascertain he truth.

Urake pities her sister,

10180

10184

10188

10192

10196

10200

10204

10208

10212

423And thought þo she wolde teɫɫ euery dele, For to hir suster she had not quytte hir wele, And seide : “Medame, I you beseche In louly wise and with herte meke To forgife me þat I haue me mys-take To you my lady, for Cristes owne sake.”— “Sey on, suster,” þo seide þis queen). “Be-twene you and me shaɫɫ be no meane But ye your-self; what euer be mysdo, I it you foryeve, and lette it go, And eiche of vs lette oþer truly trust. Ye shuɫɫ fynde it for þe beste, For I am to you boþe suster and queen). Teɫɫ me oute fully what ye meane.”  “Medame,” she seide, “not longe ago  I shope me with certeyn men to go  Vnto þe see forto disporte and play, And to Arderne I helde the streight way, And vnder þat forest I did aryve. Therin I yede and þen as blyve Amonge þe wilde bestes þere I fonde Partonope crepyng on knees and honde, The moste pitouse and vgly creature That God gave to any fygure. Herebes and grasse to seke for his levyng, Olde, roten and torne was his cloþing. Fuɫɫ bare his body, eich man myght se [leaf 129, back] In þat ferefuɫɫ place, whereof I hade pite. And ofte tyme he sighed wonder sore, And þer-with he seide: ‘Allas, faire Meliore !’ And nere I come of hym to haue knowyng. But I couthe not knowe hym for no-ping, Tiɫɫ atte laste welny dede was he, Than me þought it shuld be Be his persone þis Partonope. And hadde I not seide to hym þat ye Grete hym wele with aɫɫ your herte, He hadde sufficed elles deþes smerte. Shorte to sey, I brought hym forþe with me Home to Salence with fayre trete.

10216

10220

10224

10228

10232

10236

10240

10244

10248

10252

and asks her pardon.

Urake now confesses that she found Partonopo in the Ardennes, and took him with her to Salence.

424Hym haue I kept fuɫɫ tenderly. A Ioyfuɫɫ man hym fuɫɫ ofte made I, Seying to hym ye grete hym ofte wele. That made his sorowe fro hym go euerydele, And so was lusty as he euer was be-fore. Fayrere was he neuer sith he was bore. Into your courte I brought hym prively, And bade hym prese to you boldly To be gyrde of you as oþer were. Fuɫɫ ofte tyme chaunged þen his chere. Amonge oþer with swerde ye hym girde, And þerwith me thought ye ferde As thoughe ye hadde not be wele at eace. And þen truly, with-outen leace, I voyded hym soone from your presence, And he with me into Salence Yode ayein, where as he come fro. Ix dayes a-fore þe Assenc[i]on) þan happed þo He yede his way, where he be-come I nyste, Wherfore I wepte fuɫɫ ofte, and wronge my fiste. And sith I swere you be my fey, I sawe hym neuer tiɫɫ þis same day Ne wheþer to go him to seche. And now I knew hym be his speche. For hym fuɫɫ ofte I haue wrought you wo, Now lieth in you mercy hym do. I haue bore you on honde þe cowe was wode, [leaf 130] His peyn to avenge it did me good.” Lorde, and many a man hadde be þere, And of þese ladies sene þe manere, As longe as I haue tolde my tale, Some of hir colour should haue wex pale, Hir wryngyng, hir grete wepyng. They couþe no place fynde of restyng, But euer wandryng to and fro, And many a sighyng euer þut þer-to. For trusteth as siker as any day In hote lovyng is but liteɫɫ play.  And when Meliore shuld yeve answere,  She couþe in no wise for-bere

She brought him to court, and Melior herself girded him with his sword.

Afterwards he was lost.

Now she recognized his voice.

Melior dares scarcely believe it is Partonope.

10260

10264

10268

10272

10276

10280

10284

10288

10292

425 But wept and sighed to and to, And seide : “Suster, grace ye me do! Teɫɫ me truly if he it were, Þat at a windowe proffered his spere, And me with his getone mercy asked so?” * Then seide Wrake : “Medame, so mote I go, It was he, it nedeth not to swere þerfore.”— “A lorde! “seide þis queen, faire Meliore, “What he is hardy, gentiɫɫ, and meke, Þat þrowe his Enemeyce þus wolde me seke. The lorde above merveyles can wele done, That can herborowe so in oo persone A lyons herte and a lambes also. How louly cried he mercy me to Of þat I haue to hym foule mysdo, And put his life in pereɫɫ þer-to. Who euer thinketh his lady to conquere, Go to my love; for he can hym lere How forto love; myn herte can acorde, For he hath conquered many a lorde. 0 good God in heven ! where þat Partonope Of þis turnement shaɫɫ haue þe degre ! Trewly as yete he is not in þe felde Proved so worthy vnder helme and shelde. So seide kyng Cursolote yester-day, And trouþe þerof he may wele say. Go we, suster, to hym and that anoone, [leaf 130, He canne wele telle how aɫɫ shaɫɫ gone.”  Now is þis lady risen from þe place  Where as she sate, for in trouble case  Be hir wittes, and in hevynesse Stondeth hir herte and grete distresse. Place she can none fynde in to a-byde. Hir trouble in no wise can she hide, But to and fro she goþe and sometyme sitte, In moche dyuersete stonde hir witte. No wonder it is, for in grete dispayre Hath she be* longe of hir loves repayre. For she wende fully dede þat he were,

10300. MS. And gife me his getone with mercy asked so.

10333. be] MS. had.

10296

10300

10304

10308

10312

10316

10320

10324

10328

10332

How courageous and gentle he is! Would God the prize were awarded him.

She rises, troubled at heart,

426And now on lyve she may hym here. Wetith wele * þat many a dyuers þought The sight of hym hath in hir herte brought. Atte laste to hir hir suster she toke Be the hande, as seith þe frenssh boke, And forþe they yode boþe in fere, Tiɫɫ they [were] þere þe kynges were. And right anoone, with-oute any more lettyng, Be kyng Cursolote þis lady was sittyng, For he was goodly, somwhat to hir entent. Anoone she asked hym of the turnement, Who turneth beste and who shaɫɫ haue þe prise. “For soþe,” seide Cursolote, “as be myn avise, He þat armed is vnder þe white shelde Hath borne hym beste yite in þe felde. Se how manly he doþe tournay, And in [the] prese how brode he maketh wey. Se how many he þroweth to grounde, Se what strokes he leyeth a-boute hym rounde. Me thinketh grete [Ioy] it is hym to se.” Claryns sate stiɫɫ as he hadde be Defe, or þat he hadde no luste to here Cursolote þis prise, it semed to be his chere. But þen seide Claryns : “I se be þe Soudan, Amonge þe barbarens how he takeþ on). Neuer þe lattere I sey he with þe white shelde Dothe Inly wele amonge aɫɫ þe felde.” [leaf 131]  This faire queen, lady Meliore,  Of her talkyng toke hiede no more,  But fully purposeth to be-holde and se How wele hir love dothe, Partonope. Hym to be-holde was aɫɫ hir Ioy. Now lete vs speke of Gaudyn le Bloy, That euer was redy in aɫɫ degre To waite wele vpon Partonope, And he on hym with aɫɫ his myghtes. Boþe they were fuɫɫ noble knyghtes. Now cometh on faste þe þrid day

10336. MS. wole.

After 10360. catchword Doþe Inly wele.

and goes to ask the opinion of the judges.

Cursolt holds that the knight of the white shield is the best.

Clarin is for the Sultan, but admits that the other fights well.

10336

10340

10344

10348

10352

10356

10360

10364

10368

10372

427That degre shuld be yeve of þis turney. The kyng of Fraunce his spere hathe take. Fresshe Iustes þinketh he to make, He wolde make hem of hym to speke. Many a faire spere þo did he breke. The Emperour of Almayne þis be-helde, And in grete haste henge on his shelde, And charged a certeyn of his men, Were it a dosen, twenty or ten, That on her feithe and her liegeaunce They shuɫɫ sette on þe kyng of Fraunce, And þrowe hym to grounde, if they myght. The Emperour hym-self anoone right Vpon the kyng of Fraunce doþe prese With aɫɫ his meany in þat rese. From hors they þrew hym on þe grounde, Grete strokes on hym they leide rounde. His state Royaɫɫ wolde they not spare. Anoone hereof Partonope was ware, He cried Moun-Ioy with aɫɫ his herte. His spores made his stede to smerte. Angre his herte so sette on fyre, That to þe Emperour in grete Ire He ranne, and with his spere hym hitte, That in his sadiɫɫ he couthe not sitte, But from his hors he voyded anoone. There was not panne a lyteɫɫ to done, And Meliore þe queen þis wele be-helde. [leaf 131,back] There myght men se a besy felde Of ffrensshe, Bretons, and eke normans, Was besy to rescowe þe kyng of Fraunce. After þes contrees made her assemble, Perelous and sharpe was þe medle. The prese wes grete, men myght not se Who was the beste in no degre. But yite Partonope bare hym so, That aɫɫ men knew wele þo That he was cause of þe kyng of Fraunce Eescowe, where as in ballaunce Lay his worshi p ¯ p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq127.tif"/> ; wherfore þat he

10376

10380

10384

10388

10392

10396

10400

10404

10408

10412

The King of France is now running courses.

The Emperor of Germany assails him with his retinue, and throws him off his horse.

Partonope set up the war-cry of the French. He spurs his steed, and unhorses the Emperor.

The king thanks him,

428Thanked fuɫɫ ofte Partonope, And seide fuɫɫ ofte: “Sir, gramercy! For prow youre helpe rescowed am I.” And fuɫɫ softely answerd Partonope : “Ofter an þis tyme so haue I be.” What he seide þe kyng Right witterly Vnderstode [not], for he so softely Tho wordes seide, þat noone shuld here, The ffrenssh-men to hym gan prese nere Hym to be-holde, and aɫɫl eichone Preised hym for a semely persone, And seide a ffrensshe man myght [he] wele be, In grekes tonge þo * answered he, For he wolde þat they hym not knewe. Gaudyn le Bloyse, þat was fuɫɫ trewe To Partonope, þan he come anoone: “Me mervayleth gretely, be Seynt Ioħn, Why with þis folke ye hove here. It were your worshi p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq128.tif"/> to be elles-where. What hove ye þus ? What is your entent ? Thinke ye to holde here a parlement 1 It were more worshi p ¯ p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq129.tif"/> to you, I gesse, To aspie where any worþinesse Were on handlyng, and per to be.”— “Ye sey me sothe,” seide Partonope. Gaudyn wolde not lette hym reste, But into þe turnement amonge þe beste [leaf 132] Made hym to go hye worshipp to wynne. He loved hym þo as he had be of his kynne, For if he a-life wele wiste he Might from þe turnement scape, shuld be Chosen of aɫɫ persones oone of þe beste, The prise for to bere of þat feste. Thes Iugeours, the kynges two, Aɫɫ þis doyng be-helde wele þo, How þat rescowed was þe kyng of Fraunce, There as his worshi p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq130.tif"/> lay in ballaunce, And how cause hereof was Partonope. Euery wight þat myght wele se.

10425. þo] MS. þe.

but Parto-nope will not make him-self known.

Gaudin urges Partonope to continue fighting, instead of lingering with the French.

The Kings discuss the combat.

10416

10420

10424

10428

10432

10436

10440

10444

10448

429Tho seide Cursolote to kyng Claryne : “þis white knyght þat I caɫɫ: myne, Bereth hym wele. How þinketh ye ?” Then seide Claryn : “Right wele haþe he Borne hym truly at þis rescowes, For þis medle was right perilous. But yite I shaɫɫ it not sey That he is beste of this tourney.” Meliore to þis fayne wolde haue spoke. Her herte for hete was on a smoke, That Claryn liste not better to say Of Partonope at þat day. His wordes made dede hir herte, Love fuɫɫ sore maketh her smerte. Who chaunged colours but Meliore po ? She durst not answere fuɫɫ þerto Aɫɫ as she þought, for womanhede. For Eviɫɫ tonges hadde she drede. Yite to hem seide þis lady þo : “Sires, me þinketh, so mote I go, Who so hath do beste doþe right wele. Liteɫɫ wote we what they fele. The white shelde haþe do wele þis day, No man hym like, it is noo nay.” The kyng of Fraunce is right anguysshous, With Partonope to speke eke desyrous. But Gaudyn wolde not lette hym soiourne, [leaf 132, back] But into þe turney made hym retourne, Where as he leide on so on euery side, His Enemeyce dare not hym a-bide. What shuɫɫ we of hym more sey : Throwe þe thikest he maketh suche a wey, þat where were hundre[d]s he made pleyne. Hereof despite hath þe Emperour of Almayne, And þought he wolde take vengeaunce. He sette his men first in ordenaunce, And hadde hem into a place of þe felde. A stronge man was he with spere and shelde. Gaudyn toke hiede of þis assemble. “Be-holde,” he seide, “my herte doþe tremble.

10452

10456

10460

10464

10468

10472

10476

10480

10484

10488

Clarin’s indifference gives Melior pain.

Gaudin and Partonope are again carrying all before them.

The Em-peror of Germany thinks to take vengeance, and gathers his men around him.

430Yondre men þinketh to make array. On hem * þou maiste þi-self wele assay.”  Partonope, þis yonge lusty knyght,  Is so reioysed of þat faire sight,  And of his lady in þe hye toure, That fere is neper duke ne Emperoure But þat he dare myghtely assaylle, Be it in turnement or in bataylle. The allmayns herewith made a crie, And aɫɫ þe ffrensshe with a voice defye, And on hem at ones with a grete hete, So oute of þe Reynes [þe] frensshe-men bete. Anoone with þis sawe Partonope And Gaudyn his felawe, anoone they be With-drawe a-side and toke her grounde. Her meany aboute hem drowe fuɫɫ rounde. Nowe is Gaudyn and Partonope Faire bataylled in þe felde with her meanye. Anoone as the Ermyns euer redy were, Where þat þey sene þe frensshe banere, With aɫɫ her myght hem wolde assaile. The duke of Bauoire þen wolde not faylle Hem to helpe with aɫɫ his myght. Partonope sette on hem anoone right, And with þe duke so sore he mette, With a grete spere on hym he sette, [leaf 138] That to þe grounde he leide hors and man. þat he lefte hym and forþe he ranne, And with þe same course he hit Besone, That of his sadiɫɫ he voyded þe arsone. Nevew he was to the Emperour, He hadde be þat day in many a shoure, And bore hym wele and eke manly. Gaudyn le Bloys sette on þo fiersly. He mette with oone hight Franke le graunt. He gafe hym a stroke þat made hym avaunt. Fro hors to grounde he made hym light; His helme fley fro hym in aɫɫ her sight. This Gaudyn and þis Partonope

10493. hem] MS. hen.

They challenge the French, and drive them from their ground.

Partonope overthrows the Duke of Bavaria and Beson, while Gau-din unhorses Frank le Grant.

10492

10496

10500

10504

10508

10512

10516

10520

10524

10528

431Leide a-boute hem, Ioy it was to se.  Now cometh þe Soudan with aɫɫ his route  With many a gay shelde and spere stoute.  He a-voweth to Mahounde and Appollyne Of þis medelere he wole make a fyne. And forto holde his grete suerte In þe reste anoone his spere caste he. To Gaudyn so fiersly he ranne þo, And in þe shelde hym hit so, He made hym voyde in haste his sete, And leide hym at Par ton opes fete * Shamefaste, sory, and aɫɫ dismayed. Partonope here-of was not wele paide. He shope hym fiersly to þe Soudan ride, And with his spere amydde þe side He hym hitt, with-outen faille, That oute of his sadiɫɫ he made hym saile Amyddes his felowes * and þat eichone. But they on hors-bake hym helpe anoone, And Gaudyn despitously they haue take, And fiersly ledde hym toward þe stake Or to þe stondarte, where euer it be, That men wiste descomfite was he. That is statute of þe turnemente. Partonope aɫɫ þis sore lemente, For neuer in oo day sith he was bore, [leaf 133, back] Was he so hevy neuer be-fore, Ne neuer his herte brought in such care. Tho to ley on he wolde not spare. With his spere he ranne to a saresyne, That in his armes held faste Gaudyne, And hym hadde leide ouerthwarte his hors nek. Partonope herwith mode gan pekke. Persely to þe saresyne ranne he þo, And with his spere hym hit so, That in his sadiɫɫ myght he not bide. His spere hadde he loste in his side. Therwith þe shafte aɫɫ to-refe; Of his grete Ire he made a good prefe.

10541. fete] MS. fote.

10548. felowes] MS. sorowes.

10532

10536

10540

10544

10548

10552

10556

10560

10564

10568

The Sultan, invoking Mahomet and Apollin, rides at Gaudin and throws him to the ground.

Partonope bears the Sultan down with his spear, but the Sultan’s men raise him up again, and lead Gaudin towards the standard.

Partonope rushes in among them to rescue Gaudin.

432Partonope in haste his swerde þo drowe, Harde, fayre, and bright, and sharpe enowe. Therwith he leide so faste a-boute, Tho þat he hitte were in grete doute. For here lay oone and yonde anoþer. Of Iren and stele futt many a foþer He made in shorte tyme lye atte erthe. As a lyon) þat wode was he ferde, That hongry was and lakked his pray, So ferde he when þat he sey He myght not rescowe gentiɫɫ Gaudyns, So þikke a-boute hym were þe saresynes. But þan did he a mervelouse dede: To þe Soudan fiersly he yede, And aboute þe mediɫɫ hym caught. For aɫɫ þat þe Soudan couþe fight Oute of his sadiɫɫ he hym lifte, And aɫɫ: his strength fro hym refte, And on his sadiɫɫ-bowe hym be-forne He hym leide, in entente to haue hym borne Hym a-wey, and þer-with anone The saresynes lefte Gaudyn eichone. To rescowe her lorde faste they wente. Gaudyn þe stede be þe brideɫɫ hente Of þe Soudan, as yode astraye, Iarmed and trapped fuɫɫ fresshe and gay, And into þe sadiɫɫ lightly he lepe. [leaf 134] Now is no tyme for hym to slepe. Oute his swerde fiersly he caught, Manly þerwith he did fight. Then myght men sore fight þere se : Some smyte þrow þe legge, and some þe knee, Some lay atte grounde gronyng fuɫɫ sore, Many oone þer hadde his hors for-lore. There was to-broke boþe helme and shelde. Many men did lye in þe felde, Many to þe standarte were I-bore, For they hadde that day her worshipp lore. But speke we now forþe of Partonope. In grete pereɫɫ forsothe stante he.

He deals huge strokes, but the press is too great.

In his despair Partonope rides at the Sultan, lifts him out of the saddle, and is about to carry him off, when the Saracens leave Gau-din, who then mounts the horse of the Sultan.

10572

10576

10580

10584

10588

10592

10596

10600

10604

10608

433He weneth þe Soudan a-way to bere. On hym þere light many a spere.  Wherwith cometh in þe kyng of Fraunce,  And vnder his arme a myghti launce.  He come in helpyng of Partonope. Knyghtly and manly bore hym he. A proude Saresyne þo he slowe, Wherfore I trowe Partonope loughe, For he was þe first þat be-ganne To make rescowe vpon þe Soudan. And ne hadde þe Soudan rescowed be, Dede hadde be þanne Partonope. The kyng of Fraunce did right wele þo, And a-fore eke þat it happed so That his meany for wery with-drowe. The medle forþe on game wexe fuɫɫ rowe. Yite blessed be God, Erie Partonope Saufe fro aɫɫ pereɫɫ scaped is he. Now are þe ffrensshe harde be-sette And oute of þe felde aɫɫ to-bette. This be-helde wele þe kyng of Fraunce, þat his men wente to myschaunce. Withoute counsaille allone stode he, And pan he drew hym to Partonope, For he knew and wiste wele afyne But if þe helpe were of Partonope and Gaudyn, [leaf 34, back] þe worshi p ¯ p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq131.tif"/> of Fraunce shuld come to nought, Therfore þe kyng Partonope be-sought, And þat tyme he wolde be his comfortoure, In Saluac[i]on) of his grete honoure. “With right good wiɫɫ,” seide Partonope. His spere and his shelde to hym taketh he Girde in amonge hem and cried “Mon Ioy ! “ When þe ffrensshe herde crie þe kyngis worde, To hym they feɫɫ by oone acorde. Foure thousand and moo with þat crie Sette on her aduersaries so hardely, þat from her grounde they put hem to flight, More þan a bowe-shote as to her sight. To turney þei wolde aɫɫ new be gonne,

PARTONOPE.

10612

10616

10620

10624

10628

10632

10636

10640

10644

10648

The King of France arrives.

The French are beaten, and the King begs Partonope to help him.

Hearing the cry of Monjoie, the French attack vigorously, and put their enemies to flight.

434But weste so ferre was drawe þe sonne, That “al hosteɫɫ “þe herodes gan crie. Eiche man to his logyng þen gan hye. But Gaudyn and fresshe Partonope Laste in þe felde of aɫɫ wolde be, And first as so yerly by þe morowe. It neded not hem of manhode to borowe. Now fro þe felde go they to her loggyng. Of hem toke hiede Cursolote þat worþi kyng, Where as he Sate an hye vpou þe toure. God he þanked hyely of her honoure, For in þe be-gynnyng alwey seide he : “Worþi men they seme forto be.” And namely þat bare þe white shelde He lyked best of any man in þe felde. Many sey wele of hem þat wele haue do, And many oone hathe Envye þerto. The good alwey liste wele to sey, And eviɫɫ tonges lust but Iape and play. Of pis false worlde þis is þe gouernaunce, Good and Eviɫɫ haue dyuers purvyance.  But who trow ye sighed now so sore  As did þis queen, faire Meliore ?  That hir love aɫɫ day wele be-helde, And now seeth hym go oute of þe felde, [leaf 115] And she may with hym neiþer speke ne se, Ne where his loggyng is wote not she, Ne wheþer she shaɫɫ se hym ayein. She stonte in doute, and þus her spirites bene, As I suppose, in grete troublenesse. Ye ladies þat haue love, ye knowe, I gesse. For I deme and she hadde good leysere, With hym to speke, it [had] bene her pleasire, And elles mervayle* me þinketh it had be, Sith for hir love so moche sorowe hath he, And his desyre is euer fresshe and newe Hir to serve and be fuɫɫ trewe, And put his body eke to grete laboure For hir sake to wynne worshipp and honoure.

10683. MS. mervayleth.

The heralds stop the fight for the day, and the knights go back to their lodgings.

Melior sighs, seeing her lover depart.

10652

10656

10660

10664

10668

10672

10676

10680

10684

10688

435But as þe frensshe boke now telleth me, Hevy and pensyfe and in grete care is she. For when he departed oute of hir sight, Hir coloure þat was wonte to be fresshe and bright, Was wexe* pale and like a dedely hewe. It semed þerby þat in love she was trewe. Thes two kynges of hir toke leve anoone, And she and they to her loggyng was gone. Gladde was she þat she myght be allone, For she kept þat no wight hadde know hir moone.  And þen she seide : “Lorde God, of hevyn kyng  Of þis arraye what shaɫɫ be þe endyng ?  Good lorde, haue ye now no pite Of hem þat in grete hevynesse be ? Faire lorde, wole ye haue no mercy Of folke þat in disese be, and þat am I ? Haue ye no pite now of þat herte That for love suffereth peynes smerte ? My feɫɫ herte hath so gouerned me, What for wilfullnesse and his cruelte, When I my love myght haue hadde in peace, Of aɫɫ my Ioy he made me a foule releace, For on my love I founde suche noblenesse, God yave neuer woman so hye a richesse As he yave me, while þat I hadde hym. [leaf 135, back] What woman such one couþe wynne ? He and I were fully of oone acorde. I helde hym for my souereyn lorde. Of aɫɫ worþi he is þe worþiest, The semeliest, and also þe gentilest. And alias ! how tendirly he on me wepe * With his faire Eyen, and yite but liteɫɫ kepe * I toke þer-of, and yite þis worþi also Me mercy cried fuɫɫ mekely þerto. Lo ! þe vnstabilnesse of my vnkynde herte * Couþe not se what shuld falle hereof, allas. For now I can se and fele wele in my thought

10693. MS. adds and after wexe.

10719. MS. wepte.

10720. MS. kept.

10723. MS. adds als after herte.

10692

10696

10700

10704

10708

10712

10716

10720

10724

She implores God to have mercy on all who suffer for love.

“No woman ever had such a lover.

436That he hadde tresspassed liteɫɫ or elles nought. Eut I arrette * in hym gile and eke false treasone. But now in þat I wote I hadde no reasone. So highely of me þat tyme rebuked he was, That in wanhope euersith leved he was, And þought vnable hym-self to haue Ioy of me. Yite þrow his Enemeyce þe laste day come he, And of his spere proffered me þe getone, As a prisoner pat gladly wold his raunsone Yolde to his maister and his souereyne. Wherfore my herte telleth me agayne He hopeth yite to stonde in my grace. But where he is be-come or in what place, Alias, it is vnknowe now to me. And if it were my faire Partonope, I wolde yow sewe, and ones with you speke. Alias, for wo my herte wiɫɫ to-breke. And yite [I] wote, if I shuld hym sewe, That were a thing done of þe newe. For womanhode wole not þat it be so, And if it wolde, sone wolde I be a-go. But alias it may no-ping so be. For a woman þat paramour loveth,” quod she, “Moste kepe counseylle, leste she faɫɫe in blame, Hir privey thoughtes for blemysshyng of hir name For þough she love a man with aɫɫ hir myght, Of whate estate he be, lorde, squyer, or kuyght, [leaf 136] Of hir governaunce so wise she moste be, That no man espie þat she hath any deynte More of hym þen of any oþer wight. Thus moste she governe hir in mennes sight. And if þat fyre of love brenne hir so, As ofte happeth, and if she pen any ping do Be loke, or speche, talkyng, or be play, So þat he þat she loveth þinke in any way He cane fynde cause of love to hir to speke, And aɫɫ his herte þerwith to hir doþe breke, And seith he loveth hir beste of any wight, Though she wole þen swere and trouþe plight,

10727. MS. arreate or arrecte.

“But where is he now ?

“A woman cannot go and seek her lover.

“She must be reserved, lest she be blamed.

10728

10732

10736

10740

10744

10748

10753

10756

10760

10764

437She hadde neuer Ioy, be Grod þat sitteth a-bove, Of any man þat speketh to hir of love. For of such wordes take I neuer cure, Though she love hym fuɫɫ hote oute of mesure. What maketh þis but verey shame ? She wolde for no-þing þat hindred were hir name. But men forsoþe they live in grete eace. For þough love bryng hem in diseace, For shame they lette not, but goþe forþe boldly To make compleynte to her souerayne lady, And þat is dayle; hardely they do not cese. They spare not for tonges ne for prese, Or elles letters sende day be day. Thus besely her ladies wole they assay, And go and come and euer mercy crie. What woman is þat euer can denye ? And on her ladies þus they crie and crave, Tiɫɫ atte laste aɫɫ her wiɫɫ they haue. Men mowe speke and sende with penne and Inke What they wole, and women mow * but pinke. Men fuɫɫ hote of women loved haue be, Which was neu’er spoke of in noo degre. Why was pat ? for they wolde neuer descouere Her hevy thoughtes; wherfore I you ensure, Thought hath so encombred hir meke herte, That they haue of dethe felte þe peynes smerte. Alias, wreched caytife þat am I! [leaf 136, back] That euer womane I was, wele-a-wey! How shaɫɫ I do ? how shaɫɫ I love haue ? Where is he nowe I not, so God me save ? Wheþer I shaɫɫ go now my love to fynde. That may not be; in þis case love is blynde. So now he moste nedes be fro me. I am a woman, and aɫɫ men shuld se My hye foly, and sey þat I were wode. My love also þerof shuld þinke no good.” An hundred such wordes haþ þus seide Meliore, And þought an hundred þousand þoughtes more, For in lovers herte mo þoughtes dwelle

10784. mow] MS. now.

10768

10772

10776

10780

10784

10788

10792

10796

10800

“Men are at liberty to speak of their love.

“A woman must love in silence.”

Such thoughts haunttMelioi? during the night.

438Then an hundred thousand tonges wele telle. Meliore is þoughtfuɫɫ and hevy as lede, And for sorowe she [is] nyhande dede. But Wrake of hir þen toke good keþe. That nyght she hadde but lytiɫɫ slepe, Ne Partonope, hir love, neuer þe moo But þat he was ouer -travelid soo.  A morowe yerly boþe risen now be,  Gaudyn le Bloys and Partonope.  To Partonope þen seide gentiɫɫ Gaudyn: “Of aɫɫ you r labou r now cometh þe fyne, Ye haue wele be-gonne, with-oute faile, But aɫɫ þat certeyn may liteɫɫ avayle, As sey þes olde men, but if þe ende Be wele parfouremed in þe same kynde.” To hym þo answerde Partonope : “Thes wordes ye seyn fuɫɫ trew they be, Thing wele ended is wele be-gonne, To bene a maister and yonge men lere, How they shuɫɫ governe her shelde and spere. Here-of recorde bere wele may I That ye be a maister, and þat fuɫɫ sturdy, Ye wole not suffre you r prentise to be, A cowarde in his crafte in no degree.” Now they ben cloþed and gone to messe, Her servauntes at* wiɫɫ, boþe more and lasse, Aɫɫ: þing make redy ayeins masse be do. Then be they armed, and streight þei go [leaf 137] To hors, and fressh rideth forþe to felde. Kyng Curselote in þe toure hem be-helde, And knewe wele þat they hadde be euery day The first in þe felde of aɫɫ þe array. Meliore of hem toke good hiede also. Toward þe casteɫɫ come Partonope þo, With his meany ridyng lustely. Anoone as Meliore gan þat espie, Hir herte in hir body gan to qwape, She rose and on hir fete gan to stappe. Hir Ioy was hym to se algate.

10829. at] MS. bat.

Partonope and Gaudin rise early the next morning.

They hear mass, and ride to the field.

Melior’s heart beats high, as she sees Partonope approaching the castle.

10804

10808

10812

10816

10820

10824

10828

10832

10836

10840

439He hoveth a-fore þe casteɫɫ yate. It was þo shitte for yerly day. Anoone as euer Parton[o]pe say The gates vndoyng wele aferre, To hym he toke boþe shelde and spere. And happed þat Armans his mortaɫɫ fo First oute atte yate did go Of aɫɫ oþer men, and pat in haste. Partonope his spere in þe Keste caste, And to þis Armans fiersly he rode, And fro þe stede pat he be-strode Oute of þe Sadiɫɫ he hym caste. Partonope sesed his stede in haste. Within þe casteɫɫ was do þis þing. For Partonope þere was noone abiding. To þe gate þerfore turned he ayein. On hors-bak armed þen knyghtes þer bene The stede to lede oute hym forto lette. But Gaudy [n] le Bloys so with hem mette, That magre her liedes þe yates passed he, And þis is rescowed Partonope Through Gaudyn his ffrende, þat worpi knyght. Aɫɫ þis did Partonope in his loves sight. Kyng Cursolote, oone of þe chief Iugeoure, That with Meliore a-bove in þe toure Sate first of aɫɫ men, þo seide he : “Thes men þat vnder þe white shelde be, Certeys ben worþi, be myn avise, [leaf 187, back] Of þis turnement to bere þe prise.”— “Ye haste you to faste,” seide kyng Claryn. “The prefe of aɫɫ wole be in þe fyn.” So eich man seide what hym lyste, But Meliore þought he did beste, She durst not speke, yite she wolde fayne, But Claryns wordes liketh she not certayne. She loved better Cursolote, for aɫɫ-wey he Like[d] wele euer gentiɫɫ Partonope. Stiɫɫ now sitteth Meliore, and dare not speke. To no man darre she hir herte breke, But holdeth in hir þoughtes fuɫɫ prively.

Armant comes first out of the castle gate.

Partonope couches his spear and unhorses him.

King Cursolt observes Partonope’s deed of arms.

Melior is pleased to hear Cur-solt’s words, but dares not speak.

10844

10848

10852

10856

10860

10864

10868

10872

10876

10880

440Therfore þis proverbe is seide fuɫɫ truly: Þought to a man is euer ffre; What euer he luste þinke may he. With-oute speche þat is an eace, Yite there-while his herte is in diseace. The enpression) of þoughtes of aɫɫ maner ping In mannes hert haþ his abidyng, Be it bote love or any ping elles. To aɫɫ þes poughtes þe chief ledere is The Eye, and namely of lovers crafte. For þrowe pe sight is ofte rafte Fro man boþe herte, wisdame, and resone, As longe as of þoughtes lasteth þe sesone. Some man loveth his lady for beaute, And if þat lak pat semely is she. If thei ]ak beaute and semelyhode, Yite may be loved, for they haue good. And some for they be goodly with-aɫɫ to dele, And some for they can wele syng and reveɫɫ, And some for her skynne and for her handes eke, And some for they can wele loke meke, And so for dyuers causes aɫɫ loved be. God for-bede þat aɫɫ men shulde sette hem in beaut For in the worlde þan shuld be moche to done, Eiche man shuld be besy to love oo persone. And I dare sey truly as for me, [leaf 138] I love oon in þe worlde, where euer she be. Bounte, beaute, curtesy, and gentilnesse, Estate, fredome, womanhode, and such richesse, God hath departed with hir so habundauntly, That in þe worlde I dare sey sikerly Anoþer such one livep not as she is. In hir can I se no-þing amysse, Save oo ping, truly, þat liketh not me : In hir herte she can not fynde in noo degre Me forto love as I hir truly do; Wherfore ofte she maketh me þinke so, Which wole be cause hastely me to bryng, There as I shaɫɫ haue my longe abidyng.  BE-gonne wele now is þe turnement.

Thoughts are free.

Thoughts are generated by the eye.

Women are loved, some for beauty, some for other attractive qualities.

The Poet’s lady possesses all these charms, but she does not love him, as he loves her.

10884

10888

10892

10896

10900

10904

10908

10912

10916

10920

441 Eiche man mervaileth of þe hardyment  That is in þe persone of yonge Partonope. He Iusteth, he turneyth, þat mervaylle is to se. And Gaudyn also in þe toþer syde To euery man iiersly dope he ride, That eiche man sey : “Be-holde yonder knyghtes twoo.” And with her fyngers show where they go. And so hem govern for]) thilke day, That of hem speketh aɫɫ þe hole turney. Oute of þe casteɫɫ now is come Armaunt On hors-bak armed with proude semblaunt, And to þe Soudan þo streight gothe he, And hym salowed and seide : “Sir, se ye Yonde proude maister with þe white shelde ? He seith hym-self he haþ scomfite þe felde. The better of you he seith he hape also. I herde hym sey þat with myn Eeres two. Go we/’ he seide, “let vs avenged be On þat proude losseɫɫ, pat aɫɫ men mow se Oute of þe felde anoone he shaɫɫ be bete. I my-self shaɫɫ yeve hym þe firste hete.” In þis wise answerd þe soudan Armaunt: “Sir, when herde ye hym make þis avaunt ? Of hym I trowe to-day atte casteɫɫ yate Fuɫɫ yerly he mette with you þer-ate. [leaf 138, back] Herde ye þes wordes with hym þo, When he oute of þe casteɫɫ ayein shuld go ? With hym I wote wele he ledde your stede. Giffe ye hym now pis for his mede.” When Armaunt herde þe soudan hym scorne, Tho was he wodder þan he was be-forne. He seide no more, but turned ayein Fro þe soudan with aɫɫ his meane. Amydde þe tumement is Partonope. Faire dedes of armes now dope he. Now he is In, and now he is oute. Whome he euer mette of þe route To grounde gothe oþer hors or man, Or elles boþe so fiersly he ranne. Armaunt be-helde wele aɫɫ þis.

10924

10927

10932

10936

10940

10944

10948

10952

10956

10960

The onlookers admire Partonope and Gaudin.

Armant tries to stir up the Sultan against the knight of the white shield, but is ouly scoffed at.

Armant attacks Partonope on the wrong side, but Partonope swerves, and turning on his enemy he pierces Armant’s shoulder-hone and throws him to the earth.

442“What me happe,” he þought, “I-wisse I wole me shape with hym to mete.” His stede he sporreth þo with grete hete. His grete malice may he not hide, But shapeth fully on þe wronge side With a stronge spere to haue hit Partonope. Yite as God wolde, þer-of wane was he. He bleynt a-side, and lete hym go by. In his retourne Partonope fuɫɫ spitousely With Armaunt mette, and hym so hitte That in his sadiɫɫ he myght not sitte. Throw aɫɫ his harneis and his shuldre-bone His spere at fat course he made gone. Partonope on hym þo turned ayein. Armauntes men so þik a-boute hym bene, That of pis shorte tale now to make, Her lorde they haue rescowed and take, And with hym faste to his loggeyng wende. Partonope elles of hym hadde made an ende. Now Armauntes wounde is serched and sought, Wele tented and bounde aɫɫ for nought. Armed in no wise myght he be. But on an aumblere now sitteth he. In his loggeyng no lenger wole he bide, [leaf 139] But into þe felde now dope he ride, And streight gothe to þe kyng of Sire, That Meliore to haue had grete desire.  Now seith Cursolote kyng : “Yit þinketh me  The white shelde is worthy to haue þe gre.  For soþe to sey now and not to lye, His felawe is not in pis company.”— “God save hem aɫɫ,” þen seide Meliore, And with þat she sighed fuH sore, And to hir-self seide fuɫɫ softly :  “Aɫɫ-myghty God send hym the victory.”  Now to felde is come þe kyng of Syre  And þe kyng of Meede, whos herte of fyre  Is sette fuɫɫ sore for Meliore sake. Aɫɫ her retynewe anoone they take Fresshly in bataylle in þat felde.

Armant’s men come to his rescue and lead him to his lodgings.

His wound is bound, and he returns to the field riding on an ambling horse.

The King of Syria and the King of Media arrange their troops for battle.

10964

10968

10972

10976

10980

10984

10988

10992

10996

11000

443And Gaudyn le Bloys hem faste be-helde, And to hym he called Partonope, And pan he seide : “Be-holde and se Which a meany stoute, faire in bataille. My counseylle is not hem to assaille.” Anoone as Partonope þes wordes herde, As a wode lyon) fiersly he ferde. With hym þat tyme was noone a-bode, In amonge thes meany fiersly he rode. The kyng of Mede was armed in blewe. From his hors ferre he hym prewe, And as he turned in ayein, He hit anoþer which in certeyn) Was nevewe to þe kyng of Sire. He hym hit pan with so grete Ire, That of his sadiɫɫ he made hym voyde þe arsone, The firste þat come [to] grounde was his crowne. This be-helde wele aɫɫ þe kynges meane, On Partonope aɫɫ wode they be. Now ley they on [on] euery side, To Partonope fiersly they ride, And with a spere oone so hym hitte Vpon þe side he myght not sitte [leaf 139, back] In his sadiɫɫ, but downe he lepe. Anoone here-of Gaudyn toke kepe. He was so sory he wist not what to do. His swerde Partonope drew oute þo, And leide so sore hym rounde aboute, From hym he voyded aɫɫ þe route. Now on fote is yonge Partonope. Armaunt for angre nye wode is he, And on þe meany faste gan crie : “What ayleth you fro hym so faste to hye ? Turneth in ayein ! “and þerwith he Come prikyng nere Partonope. Anoone Partonope knewe it was he, His swerde anoone at hym lete flye, And on þe hede on hye hym hitte, That hede and visage to þe shulders slitte. Fro his hors to grounde dede feɫɫ: he.

11004

11008

11012

11016

11020

11024

11028

11032

11036

11040

Partonope unhorses the King of Media and a nephew of the King of Syria, but being attacked from all sides he is obliged to leap from his Baddle.

He draws his sword and forces his enemies to retreat.

He cleaves the head of Armant.

444On his hors þo lepe Partonope, And manly þo pryked þrowe aɫɫ þe route, And come to Gaudyn þat stode in doute Of his owne life, for sore faught he To rescowe his frende Partonope. Now is Partonope and Gaudyn mette, Eiche for oþer haue be wele bete. And now they hove hem to a-brethe With aɫɫ her meany vpon þe hethe.  Now is þe soudan come to þe felde.  He brought but few speres ne shelde,  Lyteɫɫ ouer an hundred of archers and ati. Partonope to hym Gaudyn did calle: “Lo, where yondere hoveth þe soudan, That so moche worþiness in armes can. Of aɫɫ this turnement þe worþiest is he. He wole from vs aɫɫ haue awey þe gre. He is so grete a lorde of valour,* In armes can no man be his pere. Therfore it semeth me verely He shaɫɫ haue of vs þe victory.”— “What!” seith Gaudyn, “stonte þe wynde in that dore ? Is your herte wexe so pitouse and pore That sodenly ye yive it vp aɫɫ at ones, [leaf 140 And sey so worthy a man here noone is ? So moche leuer hadde I with hym to mete, Than for his manhode cowardly hym lete. Who hath ouersette you of your worde 1 1 wisse, It semeth ye haue take with him truesse.”  Aɫɫ hevy and sory stante Partonope,

11060. valour] MS. habour or perhaps halowr.

He mounts Armant’s horse and joins Gaudin, who is in peril of his life.

The Sultan comes to the field.

Partonope is disheartened at the sight of him.

Gaudin’s reproaches rouse him.

11044

11048

11052

11056

11060

11064

11068

11072

Rawl. MS.

¹ Nowe is þe soudan come to þe felde. 11052

Ys youre hert wox so petuose and poure;

He brought but fewe spere ne shelde.

That sodenly ye yeve it vp at onys,

“He is so grete a lorde of valoure, 11060

And sey so worthye a man) here non is ?

In armes can) no man) be his pere.

So meche leuer hade I with hym to

Ther it semyth me verly [¹ leaf 87, back]

mete 11068

He shaɫɫ haue þe victory.”

Then) for his manhode cowardly hym

“What?” seyde Gaudyn, “stont þe

bete.”

wynde in þat dore ? 11064

¶ Heuy and sory stont Par tonope

445 When of his ffrende scorned is he,  And thought Gaudyn shuld knowe and se Esy truese be-twene vs two be. He drewe hym toward þe Soudans side. “O course,” þought he, “to hym wole I ride.” In þe reste anoone he caste his spere. As faste as his stede myght hym bere Toward þis hethen lorde he ranne, And to hym as fiersly come þe soudan. And at her metyng it happed so, Of Partonope þe Soudan failed þo, And Partonope þan so sore hym hitte That power in his Sadiɫɫ forto sitte Hadde he noone, but to grounde [fiɫɫ] flatte. And when Partonope was warre of þat, From his hors anoone he light, And halpe vp þe soudan with aɫɫ his myght, And be þe bridiɫɫ delyuered hym his stede. Men seide þat was a gentiɫɫ dede. On his hors þo lepe Partonope, And or in his sadiɫɫ downe set was he, The Soudans men with hym so metten, That of hem he was fuɫɫ sore beten. Gaudyn a-boute hym leide sore on þo. The hethen men mette with hym so, That aɫɫ to-clatred was his shelde : On peses it flewe into þe felde. Eight Eviɫɫ and sore bothe bete they be. Grete thanke amonge her Enemeyce haɫe he.  Fuɫɫ amerouse and lusty is Partonope.  The soudan stonte in þe same degre.

11076

11080

11084

11088

11092

11096

11100

He takes his spear and encounters the Sultan.

The Sultan is carried to the ground.

Partonope helps him up again.

Rawl. MS.

When of his frende skornede is he,

At þer metynge it happyde so, 11082

And þought Gaudyn) shulde knowe and se 11074

Of Partonope þe souaan) faylede þo,

And Partonope so hym hyte, 11084

Eyse trewes be-twene vs shaɫɫ be.

That poure in sadiɫɫ to syt

He drewe hym to-ward þe soudan syde,

Hade he none, but to grounde fiɫɫ flat.

“A course,” he þought, “to hym wiɫɫ

When Partonope was ware of þat,

I ryde,” 11077

Fro his hors anone he ligþt, 11088

In þe reste he caste his spere,

And halpe vpe þe soudan with his

As faste as his stede myght him bere

mygħt.

To-warde þis hethyn lorde he ranne,

The soudan men) with hym so mettyn

And to hym as fersly come þe soudan),

That of hem he was sore betyn). 11095

446 Love haþe hem sette in oo plac b boþe, Wher-fore ofte they haue be wroþe, [leaf 140, back] And Meliore her lady, þe fresshe floure, A-fore hem sitteth an hye in þe toure, Which maketh her hertes boþe so lusty, That eche of hem to oþer is hardy. Now they putt boþe two aɫɫ her myght, Bothe Partonope and þe hethen knyght. Eiche oþer assaille they fuɫɫ manly, Therfore to-gedre fuɫɫ despitousely, Noone of hem now doþe oþer spare. In her hertes haue they grete care That þe sonne westwarde doþe wende. The day fuɫɫ faste draweth to þe ende, Which day is ordeyned be fuɫɫ assent To make an ende of þe turnement. Now as wode bores or lyons two Partonope and þe soudan gan go With spere, with Gisarne, and with swerde. As they hadde be wode boþe they ferde, Now is [þe] turnement on eiche side mervelouse And to be-holde wonder perilouse, For eiche man doþe nowe what he may. Nyght cometh on, faste passeth þe day. The mynstralles pipen and sownen þe clary on). Fro þe hors into þe felde is he þrowe downe. In gone þe speres sadly vnder þe arme, Many oone go to grounde and yite cache no harme, The good hors men now fiersly they ride, Through hauberke gothe þe spere into þe syde, Oute with swerdes a-boute helmes rounde, He þat smytten) from the hors lyeth on þe grounde. Oute gothe þe mases, stirop, and þe gesarne, Some is broke þe shuldre-bone, and some þe arme, Some is broken þe thye and lieth gronyng sore, Some hath lusted fresshly and may no more. There come in stedes trapped aɫɫ in maylle, Faire with her felawes, þat bakward they do saile And for wery of fight * some are I-take

11142. fight] MS. foughten.

The presence of Me-lior makes them fight like lions.

The combat rages all over the field.

11104

11108

11112

11116

11120

11124

11128

11132

11136

11140

447And magre her hede ben ladde to þe stake. Ye wote wele of aɫɫ ping moste be an ende, [leaf Hi] The Day is nye ydo, þe sonne doþe faste wende. Herawdes faste “aɫɫ hosteɫɫ “now done crie. The Soudan for aɫɫ þat fro felde wolde not hye. In he prikketh faste and gyveth many a dynte, And þought he wolde be-gynne a newe turnement. The kynges from þe toure be fayne to come downe Vnnethe þe turnement departe þei mowne. Now hath faire Meliore made torches light, For fayne of Partonope wolde she haue sight. Longe this lady Partonope be-helde. She knew hym be no-þing but be his shelde, That [is] for-clatred and so for-bete, þe moste dele þerof henge at his fete. And when she hadde hym longe be-holde, She thought in hir body hir herte gan colde, That she ne myght with hym a spoke, Þe hevynesse of hir herte fully to haue broke, And if she wolde not to save hir honour, And eke to nye hir stode þe Iuegour. And with pis anoone departed be The Soudan and Partonope. Within þe casteɫɫ is herborowed þe soudan, And Partonope with-oute, wherfore a sory man Is he; for after hym is shitte þe yate Of þe casteɫɫ; and pus scomfite and mate Is he ridden vnto his logeyng. He can haue Ioy of no nianer ping. His herte is so encombred with Ielousy, That aɫɫ his ymaginacions bene foly. For pus in his herte he pinketh fully : “In þis turfnelment þe sowdan þap do better pan I, And he of astate is so grete a lorde, That aɫɫ hir counseylle be one acorde Of þis turnement wole gyve hym þe degre. Thus haue I loste my love,” seide he. And yite he þought a gretter • foly. His herte in þis matere tolde i hym pleynly That þe Soudan she hadde chose to make,

11144

11148

11152

11156

11160

11164

11168

11172

11176

11180

Night is coming on, and the heralds proclaim the close of the combat.

The Kings descend from the tower.

Melior stands for a long while watching Partonope.

The castle gate is shut, and Partonope rides to his lodgings sorry at heart.

He thinks the Sultan has proved himself the best knight, and fears that Melior prefers him.

448And he wiste wele þat he was for-sake. [leaf 141, back] Also he demyd it was hir pleasire To parfournie aɫɫ þe soudans desyre, And þat she loved hym in suche maner, That lovely to bedde thei yode in fere. Þus was his herte en pressed with Ielousy, That aɫɫ his wittes were desposed to foly. Ya wode and wors hardely was he To þinke his souereyn lady shuld be Of þo condicions or such gouernaunce. Fye, me thinketh þis was a foule mysschaunce Therfore beste is to leve þis matere, And of þe soudan lete vs now here.  Now is þe soudan to his herborow gone.  He is so hevy þat what to done  He ne wote; but þus demeth he The prise of þe turney haþe Partonope, And loste for euer is his lady bright. As for hym þus lieth he aɫɫ nyght Sighyng, sorowyng, and wepyng sore. And on þe toþer side queen) Meliore Thinketh pat neuer shall she After þat tyme se Partonope, Supposyng þat þe Iuggeours wolde deme That she pat is so highe a queen) Shuld not agre hir to so pore a knyght, And eke what he was þere knew no wight, Saue she and her suster good Wrake. Thus she is aferde to lese hir make. Castyng perelles many now to and fro,

The Sultan believes that Partonope has won the prize.

Melior, on her side, fears that the judges will not award her to a poor, unknown knight.

11184

11188

11192

11196

11200

11204

11208

11212

Rawl. MS.

Here þe soudan) is to his logynge gon)

Thynketh þat neuer shaɫɫ she 11204

He is so heuy pat is to don) 11197

After þat tyme se Partonope,

He ne wot; but þus demyth * he

Supposynge þat þe Iugges wiɫɫ deme

The pryse of þe turney hathe Parto-

That she þat is so high a quene

nope,

Shulde not agre here to so poure a

And loste for euer is his lady bright.

knygħt, 11208

As for hym þus lyth heɫɫ a nygħt, 11201

And eke what he was þer knewe no

Sigheynge, wepynge, sorwynge sore.

wight,

And on þat oþer syde þis quene

Saf she and her syster Ientiɫɫ Wrake.

Melyore [leaf 88]

Thus she is aferde to lese here make.

11198. MS. denyth.

Castynge pereɫɫes many to and fro,

449This lady is aɫɫ nyght in care and wo. A sory nyght haue now þes þre, Meliore, þe soudan, and Partonope. Aɫɫ nyght they lye faste musyng In whate plite fortune wiɫɫ hem bryng.  Lyteɫɫ reste þat nyght haþ Partonope.  Therfore on morowe erly riseth he,  And Gaudyn fro slepe is now awake. Love hadde no power hym to make [leaf 142] For-bere his slepe not half a nyght. Partonoþe seide to hym anoone right: “Myn owne broþer, gentiɫɫ Gaudyn, Sith of þis turney is made a fynne, Me moste go vnto Tenedoii) * Agayne to yelde me þere to prisoun). To Armauntes wife so I be-hight, To parfourme þis my troupe I plight. I wolde for no good false holde be/’ Here-to seide Gaudyn : “I me a-gree. It were a shame þat a liteɫɫ sloug[t]ħ Shuld make a knyght to breke his troutħ.” To hym þo seide this Partonope : “Ye moste nedes go forþe with me In hope I shaɫɫ þe better spede. To youre helpe I haue grete nede. Through yo2^r mediac[i]on) it may so be Þat of prisone she wil make me fre.” The wey they conne, it nedeth no gide,*

11226. MS. atonedoun).

gide] MS. nede.

11216

11220

11224

11228

11232

11236

11240

In the morning Partonope tells Gaudin that he must go back to Tenedon and render himself prisoner.

He asks Gaudin to accompany him.

Rawl. MS.

This lady is aɫɫ nyght in care and wo.

Hit were shame ɫat a lytiɫɫ slouthe

Partonope spake a-none Right

Shulde make a knyght breke his

To his broþer þat Ientiɫɫ knygħt:

trouthe.” “11233

“Myne owne broþer, Ientiɫɫ Gayndyn),

To him she seyde þis Partonope:

Sethe of þis turney is made be fyne,

“Ye moste nedes go furthe with me,

Me moste * go to atone dome 11226

In hope I shaɫɫ þe beter spede. 11236

A-gayne to yelde me to þer preson),

To youre helpe I haue grete nede.

To Armantes wyfe, so I be-higħt, 11228

Thorwe youre meditacion it may so be

To parforme my trouthe þat I plight.

That of preson she witt make me

I wolde for no good false holde be.”—

fre.

“Here-to,” seyde Gaudyn, “Ime agre.

The wey þey con no gyde, 11240

11226. MS. noste.

PARTONOPE.

450Toward þe casteɫɫ to-gedre þe ride. Now thidder they boþe comen be, Gentiɫɫ Gaudyn and Partonope, And with þe lady soone they mette. Fuɫɫ goodly in langage hir do they grete, And she hem welcomed with good chere. To hir seide Gaudyn in þis manere : “Medame, it is not to you vnknowe That gone it is but a liteɫɫ fro we In þis londe þis knyght was take And brought to Armaunt pat is yowr make, And also lorde chief of þis contree, Which þrugh tiranny and his crueltee Causeles commaunded hyin to prisone Perpetuelly, and not for raunsone. When Armaunt was gone to þe turnement, That was your lorde, and yite be your assent, Ye suffred þis knyght vpon his suerte To go and þis turnement to se, On pis condic[i]on) he shuld not soiourne [leaf 142, back] Long þere, but soone make retourne Ayein to prisone to yelde his body, Leste Armaunt your lorde shuld sodenly Be wrope with you, and pat wonder were. He is now dede and lieth on bere. And not for thy pis trew knyght Is come to holde þat he be-hight, That is nowe his body to prisoun) Praying now pat for Eaunsone Delyuered fro prisone he may be, As custome is of euery contree.”  “Sir,” seide þis lady, “God helpe me so,  That he was prisoned I was fuɫɫ wo,  And þat he wote as wele as I.

They set forth, and arrive at the Lady's castle.

Gaudin addresses her, and informs her of the death of her husband.

He hopes a he will allow Partonope to be ransomed.

The Lady gladly releases him, and the two friends take their leave.

11244

11248

11252

11256

11261

11264

11268

11272

Rawl. MS.

Towarde þe casteɫɫ þey gon ryde.

¹” Madam, here þis trewe knygþt 11266

Nowe deþer þey comyn) be,

Ys come to holde þat he be-nigtlt.”—

Gentiɫɫ Gaudyn and Partonope,

“Sir,” seyde þis lady, “God helpe

And with þe lady sone þey met. 11244

me so, [¹ leaf 88, back] 11272

Fuɫɫ goodly in langage do here grete.

That he was presonde I was futt wo,

She hem welcomyde with good chere.

To here seyde Gaudyn in þis manure :

And þat he wot as weɫɫ as I.

451But, sir, I teɫɫ you fuɫɫ truly, Sith he is nowe at my governaunce, God forbede þat cruelte or vengeaunce In any woman founde shaɫɫ be; A foule illusion) it were to se, For in hem moste euer be mercy and roupe. And sith þis knyght hath kept his troupe, And his fredame stant aɫɫ in me, Of prisone I wiɫɫ þat euer he be fre. For as a knyght he hath kept his heste. And þerfore, sir, where euer ye liste, Ye shaɫɫ haue leve to go for* me.” And perwith-aɫɫ pis Partonope Thanked hir hyely of hir good grace, And after fat they taried no space, But toke leve of þat lady fre. Fuɫɫ gladde and Ioyfuɫɫ now boþe they be. Thei take her hors and homewarde thei ride, Eiche of hem to oþer is true gyde. And so within after dayes pre Into þe forest come they be, There as her * loggeyng a-fore was. Eight in a launde fuɫɫ grene of gras Her men anoone þere pight her tente. There they abide be oone assent Of þe Iugement to here and se [leaf 143] To whome thei wole give þe degree Of pis turnement, for they be swore Who so hath þe prise shaɫɫ haue Meliore. At nyght to bedde bope gone be,

11286. for] MS. fro.

11296. her] MS. his.

11276

11280

11284

11288

11292

11296

11300

11304

Their men pitch a tent, and they go to bed.

Rawl. MS.

But, sir, I teɫɫ you truly, 11275

Ye shaɫɫ haue leve to goo for me.”

Sethe he is nowe at my gouer - nauwce,

And þer -with -aɫɫ Partonope

Thankede here of here good grace. 11288

God for-bede þat creweɫɫ ore vengaunce

And after þat þey taryede no space,

In ony woman) founde shulde be,

But toke leue of þat lady fre.

A foule Illision it were to se.

Fuɫɫ glade and Ioyfuɫɫ bothe þey be.

Sethe his fredom stont in me, 11282

They take þer hors and homwarde þey

Of preson I wiɫɫ þat he be fre,

ryde. 11292

For as a knyght he hathe kepte his heste. 11284

Eche to oþer of hem is trewe gyde.

Wyth-in dayes after thre

There-fore, sir, where euer ye lyste,

To þe Iugement come þey be. 11295

452 Gaudyn and eke Partonope.  Thei hadde travailed, tyme was to reste. Yite some of hem had litiɫɫ liste To slepe, and þat was Partonope. For aɫɫ nyght sighyng with sorowe was he, Turnyng and walowyng, carying faste, For euer in herte he was a-gaste His lady to lese, þat he loveth so; He wote not what is best to do. Thus lieth þus man aɫɫ: nyght wayling, Tiɫɫ þat þe gray day ganne sprynge. And when he sey it was day-light, Vpwarde he dresseth hym anoone right. He called Gaudyn and bade hym rise. To hym he seide þan in þis wise : “Rise vp, broþer, and go we lienne, Leste we be laste of aɫɫ menne. Go we and waite vpon þis Iugement, For in tarying vs myght repent.”— “What!” seide Gaudyn, “how may þis be That so yerly a risere * becomen are ye ? For as long as euer lasted the turney, I rose þan firste and called euery day, And now myn office on yow ye take. I holde me peide ye conne fis a-wake. Yite after my counseylle doþe nowe a lite. Aɫɫ-þough ye haue noone apetite Neiþer to slepe ne reste take, It his fuɫɫ yerly for vs to a-wake. This morowe give vs leisere to slepe, For I darre vndirtake to kepe The tyme and þe houre of Iugement, For when þe queen and lordes be present, For vs þan is tyme fidderwarde to ride. We wole be sene on euery side, [leaf 143, back] When aɫɫ folke be come, þen come wole we, We shaɫɫ þe better a grete dele sene be. On hors we wole sitte armed bright, Cure speres in oure hande redy to fight.

11325. MS. arisere.

Partonope is sighing and wailing all night for fear of losing his Lady, and is impatient to go and hear the judgment.

Gaudin says it is too early.

They had better ride to the place of tournament when all have assembled.

11308

11312

11316

11320

11324

11328

11332

11336

11340

453For as a-fore we come to þe turnement, Eight so wole we come to the Iugement. For fresshe vpon oure hors wole we ride, Oure meany a-boute vs on euery side. Oure getons desplayed betone so bright. And þerfore I pray you with aɫɫ my myght, Lette vs a while oure reste take. And afterwarde when we bene a-wake, We wole rise and masse here, And after we wole dyne in feere. For firste to* slepe and aftirward dyne, Wiɫɫ make þi coloure fuɫɫ fresshe and fyne* To a-pere, and shewe in thy visage Where þou be yonge or elles in age. For many oone shaɫɫ on you loke and se, Anoone as ye vnarmed be.” To Gaudyns counseylle good Partonope With aɫɫ his herte a-greed is he. As they haue seide right so they done. When they haue dyned, forþe thei gone Fresshly armed to pis Iugement, Where as thei fynde be-fore hem present Mel[i]ore þe queen with aɫɫ her counseylle, Which that day with-outen fayle Moste ordeyne what þe dome shaɫɫ be Of pis turnement, and how þe degre Shaɫɫ be demenyd, and in what wise. Fuɫɫ harde it were now to devise How many dyuers thoughtes made þer be In þe herte of noble Partonope, That hoveth on hors I-armed bright, Fuɫɫ fresshly in his ladies sight. In clothe of golde pat was aɫɫ white His stede was trapped, and grete delite Aɫɫ men hadde on hym to se. Now of Gaudyn speke wole we, That on hors sitteth f uɫɫ lustely [leaf 144] Trapped in elope of golde fuɫɫ fresshly, That as scarlete as rose was rede,

11354. to] MS. go we.

11355. fyne] MS. myne.

11344

11348

11352

11356

11360

11364

11368

11372

11376

11380

If he takes his rest now, he will look all the better.

After a meal they proceed to the place where Melior is sitting with her council.

Who can describe Partonope’s state of mind in the presence of his Lady?

454His helme of stele vpon his hede.  Now aɫɫ þe luges assembled be  To-gedre, as thei mow se  Of aɫɫ þe felde þe fuɫɫ array. Thei mow no firþer, þis is þe day Assigned laste of aɫɫ þe dayes þere To gife Iugement, boþe ferre and nere, To hym þat haþ I-borne hym beste. Now is þe soudan þere aɫɫ preste, With huge peple hym a-boute To putt þe luges in feere and doute, Þat they shuld be fayne to gife þe gre To hym, and yete forsothe stode he Be-twene hope and drede his lady to lese, Or elles to haue hir if he myght not chese. Aɫɫ þe felde be-holdeth þe Iugeoure. And Meliore þe queen is in a toure, Where as she wepeth and maketh grete moone, For fere þat she shuld euer for-gone Hir love, hir Ioy, hir erthly make. And on pe toper side sighed Wrake, And soroweth as moche as dope she, For fere to lese good Partonope. Thei canne in no wise her care with -drawe, Of loves servauntes suche is þe la we.  Cursolote the kyng beholdeth fuɫɫ wele  Thes ij knyghtes armed in stele.  Be-fore he was fuɫɫ hevy and pensife. The sight of hem hath apesid the strife. He knew hem wele be herre array, For to þe turnement day be day He se hem come in þe same wise. Anoone from his chaire þo did he rise And departed þe peple here and þere, And made þes knyghtes to come nere. When pe peple departed was, And they be comen into þe place, iieaf 144, back] Where as Cursolote commaund hem be, From hors þan lighteth Partonope. And Gaudyn also, his owne make.

The Sultan brings a numerous retinue to intimidate the judges, but he himself vacillates between hone and fear.

Melior sits in the tower, shedding tears.

Cursolt is pleased to see his two friends again.

11384

11388

11392

11396

11400

11404

11408

11412

11416

11420

455To her men her hors then thei take.  Thes lordes þat shaɫɫ give Iugement,  They acorded be oone assent  Þis faire queen, this fresshe floure, Moste come downe oute of hir toure, And sitte in place where as she May wele sene hem þat chose be To haue the gre of þis turnement. And on þe toper party is redy present This noble knyght called þe Soudan, And with hym many a wor)>i man. With hym is come þe kyng of Sire, That loveth ladies of ffresshe atire. And with hym is of Eremeny þe kyng, That loveth faire ladies a-bove aɫɫ ping. The kyng of Spayne, þe kyng of Libie For love of ladies reche not deye. There is also þe kyng of Valence, Þat euer hath Ioy to be in presence Of faire ladies fresshe and bright, And þerto he is a worthi knyght. The kyng of Meroby is þere also, Þat love hath done fuɫɫ moche wo. And eiche of þes wole leve her lay, If Meliore liketh, pis is no nay. Yite aɫɫ mow not be * Iugement Haue þe degre of þis turnement. Eiche leveth in drede, yite hope they wele, And loke how fortune wole turne her whele.  Now cometh þe queen downe fro þe toure,  Eiche man is gladde to do hir honoure.  She leveth in hope, yite hath she drede, Leste of hir love she shuld not spede.

11448. mow not be] MS. now be not.

11424

11428

11432

11436

11440

11444

11448

11452

The judge* request Melior to descend from the tower.

Many kings who accompany the ultan are willing to abandon their heathen faith for Melior’s sake.

The Queen descends.

Rawl. MS.

¶ The lordes þat shaɫɫ yeve Iugement,

¶ Nowe comyth þe quene out of þe toure,

They acorde by on assent 11425

Eche man) is glade to do here honoure.

The feyre quene, þe freshe floure

She leuyth in hope, yet hathe she

Moste come downe out of þe toure,

drede,

And syt in plase where þat she 11428

Lyste af hir loue she shulde not

May se hem bat chosyn be.

spede. 11455

456Eiche man is gladde on hir to se, They mervaile gretely of hir beaute. She is faire shapen and ffresslie cladde, [leaf 145] Hir porte womanly, hir chere sadde. This was sone after þat morow [gan] sprynge, Men seide she was an hevenly ping. It were Impossible, thei seide, prugh nature Might be brought forþe suche a creature. Therfore they seide to shew her coloure For hir love downe vnto þe toure Were comen þe sonne from hir spiere, Of kynne they supposed thei were right nere. The cristens þat chose were for þe degre Speke myche þing of hir grete beaute, And seide þere was neuer sene be-forne In erth so faire a creature borne, Safe only she þat was modir and maide, With whome þe trenyte was so wele paide, He deyned to sende his blessed sone Be þe holy goste in hir to wone. Whan Gaudyn hir beaute hadde wele sene, In þe worlde he wende hadde noone such bene, But after when he hadde sene faire Wrake, The prise of Meliore gan faste a-slake. In his hert,* for þen þought he Hir suster Wrake was fairere þen she. Lo, how sodenly love hath sette on fyre His herte and put aɫɫ his desyre Ypon Wrake, hir to serve a-bove aɫɫ ping. Now hoppe if he can, he is come to þe riwge. There he be-forne hath slept fuɫɫ softe He shaɫɫ now walow and turne fuɫɫ ofte. Now cometh Meliore þrow all pis prese, And on þe right side with-outen lese She is Jadde of Cursolote þe kyng, Whome she trusteth of aɫɫ men levyng. And on hir lifte side gothe kyng Claryn To lede hir to a place where tappett and cusshen Of clothe of golde were faire yspred.

11480. his hert] MS. hert his.

Her beauty is marvellous.

The sight of Urake sets Gaudin’s heart on fire.

Melior is led to her seat, while Partonope stands all trembling.

11456

11460

11464

11468

11472

11476

11480

11484

11488

11492

457To preise hir beaute eich man is gladde. In hir no defaute couthe men se, Save þat she semyth pensif to be. [leaf 145, back] Aɫɫ þis tyme stonte Partonope So of bis lady be-boldyng pe beaute, That þe herte in bis body swalt for wo, For of þe Soudan he dredeth hym so, Leste he were chosen to haue the degre, And pat his lady loste hath he. Thus stondeth he euer ymagynyng Þat from bete he falleth into a quakyng, As thoughe he were in þe ffeuer agewe. Euery trew louer on hym ought to rewe. Partonopes wo now wole I lete, And speke of Meliore þat to hir sete Is brought be-twene þe kynges two, And with-outen any wordes moo On þe benche thei downe hir sette, And on knee eiche lorde hir faire grette. And on benches euery where a-boute Thei ben sette with-oute any doute, The kynges and þe lordes be oone assente Þat deme now pis turnement.  Kyng Anferus þo speke first be-gan,  For of scole he was a lerned man,  And perto he was wele ronne in yeres. Rody was his face, and white was his heeres. He was wele taught and þerto curteise. Next to þe queen he be-gan þe deise : “Medame, of your highe excellence And it like you þat in yowr presence I reherce what pe cause may be That here is now so grete assemble Of aɫɫ estates bope riche and pore.

11496

11500

11504

11508

11512

11516

11520

11524

11528

King Anfors begins speaking.

He recalls the cause why the tournament was held.

Rawl. MS.

Anferus kynge speke be-gan), 11518

Nexte þe quene he be-gan þe doyse :

For af scole he was a lernede man),

“Madam, of youre hegħ excellence

And þer-to he was weɫɫ rone in yeres.

¹ And it leke you þat in youre presenwce

Rody was his fase, white were his

I reherse what be cause may be [i leaf 69]

heris. 11521

That here is nowe so grete assenble

He was weɫɫ taught and þerto courteyse.

Of aɫɫ estates bothe ryche and poure.

458Medame. ye arne desyred so sore What for yowr richesse and your beaute, þat þrow þe worlde so named be ye. Ye mow not lyve with-oute a lorde, Wherfore ye wote wele be aɫɫ þe acorde Of your baronage in playne parlement Was ordeyned to crie a turnement. Who so euer þat worþiest hadde þe degre Your souereyn lorde shuld be. And so be aɫɫ youre lordes avise [leaf 146] They þat ben worþi to haue þe prise Of þis worshipfuɫɫ: turnement Here they stonde be-fore you present. And as wissely God helpe me so There is noone chosen of aɫɫ po For affecc[i]on) of love ne of drede, I dare wele say, ne for no mede. Now shaɫɫ I teɫɫ you what thei be That are chosen to haue þe degre, Whens they be bore, and of what lynage, And wheþer thei be yonge or elles of age, And where they be bore to * heritage or no, And of what condic[i]on) thei be also. For what they ben I ktiowe fuɫɫ wele, The troupe I haue enquered euery dele. When I haue tolde of meste and leste, Whome euer yowr herte can like beste Good reasone is þat ye hym chese. I trowe þat shaɫɫ be moste your eace.

11550. MS. adds her before heritage

“Those who have been found worthy of the prize stand before the Queen.

“They will now be enumerated, and the Queen may choose the one she likes best.

11532

11536

11540

11544

11548

11552

11556

Rawl. MS.

Madam,ye are desyrede so sore, 11529

I dare weɫɫ sey, ne for no mede.

What for youre rvches and youre beute,

Nowe shaɫɫ I teɫɫ you what þey be,

Thorwe þe worlae so namyde ye be.

That are chosyn to haue degre,

Ye may not leue wi th-out a lorde. 11532

Whens þey be bore, what lenage, 11548

Where-for ye wyte weɫɫ be aɫɫ be acorde

Wheþer þey be yonge ore eɫɫes in age,

Of youre baronage in pleyne parlement

Where þey be bore to erytage ore no,

Was ordeynede be playne tur[ne]-ment. 11535

And what condicion þey be also.

For what þey be I knowe wett, 11552

Here þey stonde you in present. 11541

The trouth I haue enquerede euer dett.

As wysly God helpe me so,

When I haue tolde meste and leste,

There is none chosyn of aɫɫ þo

Whom euer youre hert con lyke beste,

For affeccion of loue ne drede, 11544

Good reson is þat ye hym chese. 11556

459Lo, aɫɫ þes þat stonde on pis side, The worlde to seke pat is so wide, Worþier knyghtes can no man se, And þes “be þe persones pat chosen be. But of your counseylle þis is þe avise, To vj. of þes they yeve þe fuɫɫ prise. Of cristen men be chosen thre, And as many of hethen now per be. Of cristen þe names first I wole telle And then her condicions, and where they dwelle. Þe first is þe kyng of Fraunce. If ye liste knowe of his alyaunce, And ye wole þe sege of Troy rede, There ye shaɫɫ fynde, with-outen drede, Þat he is of þe ligne of kyng Priam, That reigned in Troy; of hyni lie came, Which kyng of Troy loste þe honowr For Parys, his sone, pat lie did {favour In þe Ravesshyng of feire Eleyne, Which matere is declared fuɫɫ pleyne In the boke called þe sege of Troy. [leaf 14(3, back] And if ye liste ye may haue Ioy The kyng of Fraunce to haue to lorde. I dare wele sey þrowe-oute þe worlde Knoweth no man levying a semeliere Ne of condcions more gentillere. Right-fuɫɫ, hardy and trew is he,

11560

11564

11568

11572

11576

11580

11584

“There are three Christians, and three heathens.

“The first is the King of France.

Rawl. MS.

Loo, aɫɫ þese pat stont in bis syde, 11558

¹ He is of þe lvne of kynge Pryam, 11572

That reynede in Troye; of hym he

The wonde to seke þat is so wyde,

Worthere knyghtes con no man se,

cam, [ ^l leaf 80, back]

And þese be þe per sones þat cosyn be. 11561

Whiche kynge of Troy loste þe honoure, For Paris, his son, pat dyde favure

Of youre counseɫɫ þis is þe avyse,

In þe Reuershynge of feyre Elyne, 11576

To vi of þese þey yeve þe pryse.

Whiche mater is declarede feyre and

Of crystyn men) be cosyn thre, 11564

pleyne

As many of hethyn nowe þer be.

In þe boke callede þe sege of Troye.

Of crystyn be namys iirste wiɫɫ I teɫɫ,

And yef ye lyste ye may haue Ioye

And þer condysions, and where þey

The kynge of Fraunce to haue to

dweɫɫ.

lorde, 11580

The firste is þe kynge of Fraunce. 11568

I dare weɫɫ sey porwe-out þe wor[l]de

Yef ye lyste to knowe of his alyaunce,

K no weth no man) leuy[n]ge a symlyere,

And ye wiɫɫ pe sege of Troy rede,

Ne of condvsion) more Ientillere.

There ye shaɫɫ fynde, witn-out drede,

Rightfuɫɫ, hardy and true is he, 11584

460Mercifuɫɫ, louly to euery degre. Richesse and youthe haþe withaɫɫ. Kyng Lohers men do hym calle. The toþer cristen is called Gaudy n. Liteɫɫ prise of hym hath kyng Claryn. Yite is he right worþi for the nones, Semely he is and bigge of bones. I can not wele teɫɫ of what lynage He is come, but wele in age He is ronne, as be his heeris, He passeth more þeu fifti yeris. -Pore man he is and borne in Castile. He hath rid fuɫɫ many a niyle To se contrees and gete him honoure. His levyng he getith be his laboure, For a worthy knyght he is of his honde, He hath hym so preved in many a londe. An hethen man borne was he. Sith amonge cristen he hath be Cherisshed and worshipped many a day. That he hath forsaken hethen lay, And be-come cristenyd, God blessed þou be. Thus in pis wise come forfe is he Be his honde of worpinesse, Whiche is more worship þen richesse. But he hath a maister here and souereyn Whome he hath fuɫɫ and pleyn Gyven ffrute of his travaile and labowr. That what to hym shuld falle of honour

“The second is Gaudin.

“But he has a master to whom he gives all the honour that might fall to him.

11588

11592

11596

11600

11604

11608

11612

Rawl. MS.

Mercifuɫɫ, louynge in euery degre.

An hethyn) man) borne was he. 11602

Kynge Loheres men) don hym caɫɫ,

Sethe amonge crystyn he hathe be

Ryches and youthe he aothe with-aɫɫ.

Cheryshede and worchipede many a day. 11604

The toder crystyn is callede Gaudyn.

That he hathe for-sake hethyn lay,

Lyke pryse of hym hathe kynge Claryn).

And be-come crystynde, God blyssede

Yet he is worthye for þe nonys, 11590

bou be.

Symly he is and large of bonys.

Thus in þis wyse come furthe is he

I con not weɫɫ teɫɫ of what lenage 11592

Be his honde of worthynes, 11608

He is come, but weɫɫ in age

Whiche is more worchipe þen Ryches.

He is ronne, as be his heres,

But he hathe a master and souerayne,

He passyth mo þen) fyfty yeres.

Whom he hathe gefen fuɫɫ and playne

Poure he is and borne in Casteɫɫ. 11596

The frute of his traveɫɫ and labure. 11612

He hathe rede fuɫɫ many a myle.

What þat to hym shulde faɫɫ of honoure,

461He ffoucheth safe his maister it have* Wherfore me thinketh, so God me save, It nedeth of hym to speke no worde; But lete vs nowe speke of his lorde, [leaf 147] Which was armed vnder a shelde Of sillier bright, and in þe felde Eiche day he was first of aɫɫ, And Partonope men do hym caɫɫ, That in tur[n]ament many did greve, And euer he in þe felde was laste at Eve. A worþier knyght, be my savioure, Sawe I neuer in felde, ne better his honour Couthe save pen he now hath do. And of his tacches to speke also, He is fre, curteys, gentiɫɫ and meke. There is no bounte in hym to seke. And forto speke of his kynrede, To þe kyng of Fraunce, with-outen drede, He is nye cousyn, wete right wele, I haue enquered þis nowe euerydele. And forto speke of his lifelode, Two Erldomes he hath riche and good. Of londe forsothe he hathe no more, But he is riche ynowe of tresoure. Now haue I tolde you of þe cristens þre, And I wole teɫɫ which þe hethen be. The first of þe hethen is þe Soudan.

11616

11620

11624

11628

11632

11636

11640

“The third is the knight of the silver shield.

“His name is Partonope.

“The first of the heathens is the Sultan.

Rawl. MS.

He foyche it safe his maister it haue.

He is courtes, Ientirr, and meke. 11628

Where-fore me thynke, so God me

There is no beunte in hym to seke.

saue, [leaf 90] 11615

And to speke of his kenrede,

Hit nedyth of hym to speke no worde.

The kynge of France with-out drede

But let vs speke nowe of his lorde,

He is nye cossyn, wyt right weɫɫ, 11632

Whiche was armede vnder a shelde

I haue enquerede it euery deɫɫ.

Of syluer bright, and in he felde

And to speke of his lyflode,

Eche day he was firste of aɫɫ, 11620

To erledomes he hathe Ryche and

And Partonope men do hym caɫɫ,

good.

That in þe turment many dede greue,

Of londe for-sothe he hathe no more,

And euer in þe felde laste at eve.

But he is Ryche I-nowe of tresoure.

A worthyere knyght, be my savyoure,

Nowe haue I tolde you of crystyens

Sawe I neuer in felde, ne beter his

thre, 11638

honoure 11625

And wiɫɫ teɫɫ you whiche þe hethyn

Couth saue þen he hathe do.

be.

And of his tecchis to speke also,

¶ The firste of þe hethyn is þe soudan,

462Mervaile it is þat euer any man Might haue so hye a ffrende of nature. For she hath done aɫɫ hir myght and cure Of hir tresoure to gif hym so grete foyson), That þere is no man can sey be reasone Þat any þing lakketh in hym of wele, For riche Enowe lie is and trew as stele, Semely of persone, stronge and yonge. Of faire shappe hym lakketh no-ping, Light and delyuer, mery and gladde, And amonge his counseylle wise and sadde. Of his be-heste he is fuɫɫ stable, And in domes aɫɫ-way merciable. Aɫɫ-pough in bataille he be chevalrouse, To hem þat hym offende he ys * despitouse. And forto telle of his kynrede, [leaf 147, back] Loke which of you þe bible can rede, And fynde who made pe arke of Noye, Of his lyne come downe is he. And of his nobley to make a fyne, Aɫɫ is wele, save þat a saresyne Is he borne, and yite seith he To haue my lady christened will be. Þis lordes name is caɫɫed Margarise, Of aɫɫ bountes * he bereþe þe prise. The seconde heþen is fresshe and yonge.

11655. ys] MS. nys.

11665. MS. bountesous.

“He is willing to become a ȝChristian for the Queen’s sake. Margaris is his name.

After him comes Sades, the King of Syria, and Anpatris, the King of Nubia, who, however, claims nothing for himself.

11644

11648

11652

11656

11660

11664

Rawl. MS.

Marveɫɫ it is þat euer ony man) 11641

Aɫɫ-boug ħ in bataitt he be chevalrus,

Might haue a frende so high of nature.

To hem þat hym offendyde he is dys-spytuous.

For she hathe don aɫɫ her myght and cure

And for to teɫɫ of his kenrede, 11656

Of hir tresoure to geve hym so meche foyson), 11644

Loke whiche of you þe bybiɫɫ conrede,

That þer is no man) con sey be reson)

And fynde who made þe arke of Noye,

That ony thynge lackede in hym of weɫɫ.

Of hys lyne downe come he.

And of his noble to make a fyne, 11660

For Ryche he is and true as steɫɫ, 11647

Aɫɫ is weɫɫ, safe þat a sarsyn)

Symly of persone, stronge and yonge,

Ys he borne, and yet seytn he

Of fayre shape he lackede nothynge,

To haue my lady crystynde wiɫɫ be.

Lyght and delyuer, mery and glade,

This lordes name is Margaryse, 11664

Amonge his counseɫɫ wyse and sade.

Of aɫɫ beute he berythe þe pryse.

Of his be-heste he is fuɫɫ stabiɫɫ, 11652

¶ The seconde hethyn) is freshe and

And in domys mercy-abitt. [leaf 90, back]

yonge.

463 His name is Sades, of Syre þe kyng.  >Semely he is, curteise and chevalronse, Rightfuɫɫ, free, and passyng vertuose. Of olde and gentiɫɫ: kynrede is he, As eiche kyng moste nedes be. But forto teɫɫ of his alyaunce, So olde it is oute of remembraince. The þrid hethen hight Anpatrys. He is yonge, semely and right wise, Lorde and kyng of þe londe of Noby. With swerde he come to þat seignyorye; Wherefore hem fought it was þe beste, Sith he wau þat reaume be conqueste, To haue hym her governour and lorde, And so chosen hym kyng be one accorde. He is right worthy, of grete richesse, But of þe turnement, as I gesse, He loketh no-þing after þe degre. To þe soudan his lorde hath he Gyve aɫɫ his service and his laboure, For at þis tyme he is his soudyoure. Now, Medame, I haue you tolde Of the vj chosen, which bene olde, And which yonge, and how they be Borne of blode, and of what contre, And what they be of condic[i]on), And how thei bene of reputac[i]on), And how pat Gaudyn and Anpatrise

11668

11672

11676

11680

11684

11688

11692

“The choice is thus limited to four.

Rawl. MS.

His name is Sades, of Scyre kynge.

And so chose * hym kynge by on acorde.

Symly he is, courteyse and chevalrus,

He is of right grete Rychesse,

Rightfuɫɫ, fre, and fuɫɫ vertuous. 11669

But of þe turment, as I gesse, 11683

Of olde and Ientiɫɫ kenrede is he,

He lokyth nothynge after þe degre.

As iche kynge moste nedes be.

The soudan) his lorde hathe he

But for to teɫɫ of his alyaunce, 11672

Gyf aɫɫ his seruyse and labure,

So olde it is out of reme m braunce.

For at þis tyme he is his soudyre.

The iii hethyn hight Anpatryse.

Nowe, madam, I haue you tolde 11688

He is yonge, symly and wyse, 11675

Of þe vi chosyn whiche be olde,

Lorde and kynge of þe londe of Nvbye.

And whiche yonge, and who bey be

With swerde he come to þat senorye;

Borne of blode, and of what contre,

Where-fore hym þought it is þe beste,

And what þey be of condicion), 11692

Sethe he wan) þat reme be conqueste,

And how þey be of reputasion), fi leaf 91]

To haue here gouer noure and lorde,

¹ And how þat Gaudyn and Anpatrise

11681. MS. chase.

464Haue dismytted hem clene of þe prise, So of þe chosen yite foure þere be. [leaf 148] Wherefore I counseylle fully J>at ye Of theire persones take good hede; For I haue seide, so God me spede, Aɫɫ myn entent fuɫɫ and pleyne. Now lete vs here anoþer certeyne.” Thus hath Amphorus made conclusion) Of his tale, but now to his reason) Of aɫɫ þes lordes answere none, But stiɫɫ thei sitte as any stone, And so it semed be her chiere They were acorded aɫɫ in fere Þe Soudan shuld haue fully þe degre, Save only Cursolote, that Partonope Loved wele, but what myght he do ? Of aɫɫ þe Iuegours þere were no mo That list hym forþer in any wise. Kyng Claryn of aɫɫ first gan rise, And seide playnle þat þe Soudan He held of aɫɫ þe wordiest man, And beste hath deserved þis degre, “Wherfore, medame,” he seide, “moste ye Giffe hym your love and take hym for lorde. What is my cause in shorte worde I shaɫɫ you sey, for ayein the toþer pre Sette his semlyhode and his bounte, And richesse he hathe of aɫɫ ping,

The judges seem all to be agreed that the prize shall be adjudged to the Sultan.

Cursolt can do nothing, as nobody supports* him.

King Clarin rises and says that the Queen must give the Sultan her love.

11696

11700

11704

11708

11712

11716

11720

Rawl. MS.

Haue dyssmyttyde hem clene of þe pryse,

Safe only Courslot, þat Partonope

Louyde wett, but what myght he do ?

So of þe chosyn) yet foure þer be. 11696

Of aɫɫ þe \Ingges þer were no moo

Where-for I counseɫɫ fully bat ye

That lyste hym forþer in ony wyse.

Of þese persones take good hede;

Kyng Claryons firste gan) rise, 11713

For I haue seyde, so God me spede,

And seyde playnly þat þe soudan)

Aɫɫ myne entent fuɫɫ and playne. 11700

He helde of aɫɫ þe worthyeste man),

Nowe let vs here anoþer sertayne.”

And beste hathe deserruyde þis degre,

Thus hathe Anferus made conclusion)

“Where-for, madame, nedes moste ye

Of his tale; but nowe to his reson)

Gyf hym youre loue, and take hym to

Of aɫɫ þis lordes answere none, 11704

lorde. * 11718

But stiɫɫ þey syte as ony stone.

What is my cause, in short worde

And so it semyde by þer chere

I shaɫɫ you sey, ayen þat oþer thre

They were acordyde att in fere 11707

Set his symlyhede and his beute,

The soudan) shuɫɫ haue fully degre,

And Ryches he hathe of aɫɫ thynge,

465More þen hath any oþer kyng. And þerto for your love wole he A-fore vs aɫɫ now cristened be, And aɫɫ his peple saunĭ doutaunce. Þis were to God an hye plesaunce.” Now hath Claryn seide his wiɫɫ. He sette hym downe, and þen fuɫɫ stiɫɫ Sitte aɫɫ þes lordes and sey no worde. It semeth they ben aɫɫ of oone acorde Fully to parfourme Claryns entent, Forto do his dome thei be fully consent, And no man hym contraried in no wise. [leaf 148, back] Lorde, what herte couþe now devise  The grete sorowe þat hath Meliore ?  Within hir herte feleth she grete sore,  Sith aɫɫ hir lordes be oone assent So fayne to gyve trew Iugement, And she to lese euer hir love also. What mervaylle is it pough she were wo ? This lady hadde leuer to deye Þen Claryns Iugement to obeye. For be Meliore it sheweth fuɫɫ wele That ladies in love be trewe as stele. For she in no wise hir love wole lese The worþiest knyght in þe worlde to cliese. Neþer for bounte nor for richesse, Ne fore aɫɫ his prise of nobilnesse Wolde she haue þe Soudan of Perce. Hir herte to hym is aɫɫ-wey perverse.

11724

11728

11732

11736

11740

11744

11748

None of the judges contradict him.

Melior’s despair knows no bounds.

She had rather die than submit to the award.

Rawl. MS.

More þen) hatthe ony oþer thynge.

Lorde, what hert couthe devyse 11735

There-to fore youre loue wiɫɫ he 11724

¶ The grete sorwe þat hathe Melyore ?*********

Afore vs aɫɫ nowe crystende be,

With-in here hert she felyth grete

And aɫɫ his pepiɫɫ saunȝ doutauwce.

sore,

This were to God an higħ plesaunce.”

Sethe aɫɫ her lordes be on assent

Nowe hathe Clarins seyde his wiɫɫ.

So fayne to gyf trewe Iugement, 11739

He set hym downe, and þen) fuɫɫ

And she to lese euer here loue also.

stiɫɫ [¹ leaf 91, back] 11729

What mervett is it bough she were

Sat aɫɫ bis lordes and seyde no worde.

wo ?

Hit semyth þey be aɫɫ of on acorde

This lady hade leuer to dye

Fully to parforme Claryns entente,

Then Clarions Iugement to obye.

¹ For to his dome þey be fully assent,

For be Melyore it shewyde weɫɫ 11744

And no man) contraryede in no wyse.

That ladyes in loue be true as steɫɫ.

466Now God, pat aɫɫ ladies hath made, Gyve hem grace in herte to be glade, And þ aɫɫ tonges moved may be That speke lightly of ladies in any degre.  Now Arnolfe þolde, þat first in parlement  Meved and styrred to haue þis turnement,  And ordeyned lordes domes-men to be, Of which for certayne oone was he, On his fote stode vp to sey his reasone, For þe toþer lordes sate aɫɫ downe. Setnely of stature for sothe was he, His visage was manly on to se. Worthie he was, and white was his heerys, Olde, right-wise, and þat askith such yerys. For love ne hate wole he not leve The trouþe to sey, whome euer he greve. And þen seide he : “It is not vnknowe To aɫɫ you lordes, as I now trowe, That in þe laste parlement It was acorded aɫɫ be oure assent Certeyne lordes chosen shuld be Of þis turnement to give pat degre, [leaf 149] Which to-gedre now be here. And though pat I vnworthy were, Chosen I was to be one of p[o]. Wherfore I thinke, so mote I go, In þis matere pleynly to quyte me. For ye aɫɫ, me thinketh, enclyned be Fully to kyng Claryns sentence. Hym ye haue gyve full good audience, And no man, me þinketh, answerith þerto.

11776. þo hole in MS. after þ.

Ernoul stands up, and claims ithe right of sspe&king.

11752

11756

11760

11764

11768

11772

11776

11780

Rawl. MS.

Nowe Armelus þe olde, þat firste in

Holde right-wyse, þat asketh soyche

parlement 11756

yeres.

Meuyde and steride to haue þis tur-

For loue ne hate wolde he not leve

ment,

The trouthe to sey, whom euer he greue.

And ordeynede lordes domes-men to be,

Then) seyde he : “It is not unknowe

Of wheche serten on was he. 11759

To aɫɫ yonder lordes, as I trowe, 11769

His vesage was manly on to se. 11763

That in þe laste parlement

Worthye he was, and whyte of heres,

Hit was acordyde be oure assent.

467This proverbe was seide fuɫɫ longe a-go : ‘ Who so holdeth hym stiɫɫ doþe assent.’ But I wole sey no we niyn entent, Wroþe þerwith so who euer be : His dome in no wise pleaseth me. Gaudyn and Anpatris ben put oute The gre to haue, pis is no doute. Yite they haue bore hem fuɫɫ wele, Better were neuer armed in stele. And boþe in þis wise acorded be, Thoughe they hadde deserved þis degre. To her lorde thei haue gyve her honowre, Þei holde hem paide of her laboure. Now forto speke of þe kyng of Sire, I sey we owe aɫɫ forto desyre He be put fully fro pis degre. And pis is my cause pough pat he Be fuɫɫ stronge, semely and desyrous, Yonge, hardy, and fuɫɫ corageous, And in bataile neuer so chevalrous, Yite oone vice shent aɫɫ, for he is deepitouse, That when he hath no werre but is in peace, To þe pore peple can he not cese But euer do extorc[i]on) and tyrannye. This is verrey soth, I wole not lye. Neþer for love, drede, nor hate, He can not lyve with-oute debate.  Now forto speke of þe kyng of Fraunce,  Of kyn is he and grete alyaunce.  But forto make hym oon) of þe gre [leaf 149, back] I can not acorde þerto now, parde, For þat moste nedes be for worpinesse, Neþer for state ne for grete richesse.

Clarin’s judgment does not please him.

“Gaud in and Anpatris do not compete with their lords.

“The King of Syria is tyrannous and cannot live without strife.

“The King of France has not proved strong enough in battle.

11784

11788

11792

11796

11800

11804

11808

11812

Rawl. MS.

But be wrothe who so euer be, 11786

Thougħ hade deseruyde pis degre.

His dome in no wyse plesyth me.

To ɫer lorde þey gyfe þe honoure,

Gaudyn) and Anpatrise be put oute

They holde hem payde of þer labure.

The gre to haue, þis is no doute. 11789

Nowe to speke of be kynge of Scyre,

Yet þey haue borne hem fuɫɫ weɫɫ,

I sey we owe aɫɫ to desyre 11797

Better were neuer armede in steɫɫ.

He be put fully fro þis degre.

And bothe in þis wyse acordyde be,

This is my cause þough þat he

468And forto make hym passyng worthy, I sey for me, I wote neuer whye. For in bataille when he is a-bove, His grete manhode þen wole he prove, And when to hym turneth contrarie, That he is put of so myghtely, And in any wise rebewked is he, So gretely abasshed he wole be, That aɫɫ his myghtes so hym faile, Of liteɫɫ defence is he in bataile. Þerfore to chese hym one of þe prise Ye shaɫɫ not haue myn avise.  Of þe soudan now forto sey  I can not fynde be no way  To teɫɫ of his tacches ne of his lynage, Ne in bataylle more of corage, Þen Anphorus be-fore hath seide. Of his reasone I holde me wele peide; For on bataile he is fiers in assaylyng. Though he be rebuked, yite in his defPendyng He is hardy, myghty, and wole not fle. So in knyghthode may no man be Worþier alowed in no wise, And in grete turnementis fuɫɫ ofte þe prise Hath he hadde, þat wote I wele, A worfier was neuer armed in stele.  But here stonte armed a semely knyght  Vnder a shelde of siluer bright,  Whos name is called Partonope. Of þe Erldome of Bloys lorde is he. And his condicions here to reherse, I dare wele say the soudan of Perse, Ne Þe kyng of Syre, ne noone of aɫɫ, Be-gynne fro þe grettest vnto þe smaɫɫ, Of condicions is more vertuouse, Ne in armes more hardy and chevalrouse. With-outen cause shaɫɫ he neuer-more [leaf 150] Be founde despitouse to riche ne pore, And he is goyng into his best[e] age.

11854. best[e], a hole in MS. for e.

“The Saltan is a worthy k*ight, but none can be more chivalrous than Partonope, earl of Blois.

11856

11860

11864

11868

11872

11876

11880

11884

11888

469And to speke of his naturaɫɫ [ly]nage, In cristendome is none worþier kynrede Then he is come of, with-outen drede. In many a mortaɫɫ battaille haþe he be. In listes often eke fought haþe he, And euer of his Enemeyce þe better haþ hadde, In many grete perelles he haþ be stadde. For when he hath ben in so harde plite That many of his meany haþ be descomfite, Þen he his knyghthode haþe wele proved, For manly he hathe hem aɫɫ releved. The ffrensshe men know wele aɫɫ þis, For it is not go fuɫɫ longe I-wisse, Her kynges worshi p ¯ p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq132.tif"/> in aɫɫ oure sight Oft he saved, wherfore a knyght Worþiest of aɫɫ proved is he To haue euery-where [þ]is degre. What þough þe soudan [haue] more of prowesse, My lady nedeth not to his richesse; Of wordly goodes she haþe* grete plente. And if to-gedre they wedded be, If hym luste to holde werre, He may not faile ynowe to conquere, For I-nough he hath and haue shaɫɫ. The soudans parte shaɫl be fuɫɫ smaɫɫ Þat he shaɫɫ haue of þis degre. Though Claryns sey þat he wole be Cristened now for my ladies sake, And aɫɫ his peple, wherfore we make Of his proffre so grete deynte, It is but easy, as now þinketh me, For eiche man may þrinke in his thought For Goddes sake it is right nought, But onely for luste and covetise, And Eviɫɫ shuld chief þat emprise Þat were not do for Goddes sake. For when he hadde fuɫɫ possession) take

11855. lynage] a hole in MS. for ly.

11874. haþe] MS, haue.

11856

11860

11864

11868

11872

11876

11880

11884

11888

“He has shown his courage in many a fight, and always got the better of his enemies.

“My lady does not need the Sultan’s riches, and if Partonope wages war, he will get still more.

“The Sul-tan’s conversion will not be for the sake of God, and evil may come of it.

470Of lady and shepe aɫɫ in feere, [leaf 150, back] He wolde dresse aɫɫ þing on his maner, And make vs Cristes lawe forsake, Or sle vs, þis dare I vndirtake. Þerfore chese we Partonope, For vnder Cristes lawe bounde is he. Be hym may faɫɫ no grevaunce. And if it be my ladies plesaunce, Lette hir wedde hym be oure assent, This is fully my Iugement. I not where I deserve þanke or magre Of my lady, but trewly þe gre He hath beste deserved of þis turnement. The sothe I wole sey you, þough I be shent. A semelier ne more worþi couþe ye not fynde, Though ye sought hens into Ynde.”  When Armulus hadde his tale tolde,  Thes kynges * thought he was to bolde.  Aɫɫ her ententes forto contrarie, And from her Iugement to make hem vary. But when Meliore herd pat he Nempned hir name, and seide þough she Were wrothe or paide, he wolde be trewe, More rody somwhat she wexe oi hewe. “Armulus,” she seide, “I wote þat ye My desyre had neuer so in chierte To leve a trouþe and se[y] þe wronge,

11909. kyngesl MS. knyghtes.

“Then fore, if it pleases my lady, she had better wed Partonope.”

The kings think that Ernoul is rather bold to contradict their award.

Melior blushes, hearing her name mentioned.

She is certain, she says, that Ernoul regards only what is right.

11892

11896

11900

11904

11908

11912

11916

Rawl. MS.

¹ Let here wede hym be oure assent,

These kynges þought he was bolde

This fully my Iugement. 11901

Aɫɫ þer entent to contrarye,

I not wheþer I deserue thanke ore

And fro þe Iugement make hem varye.

magre [¹ leaf 92]

But when Melyore herde þat he 11912

Of my lady, but truly degre

Kamyde here name and seyde bougħ

He hathe beste deseruyde of þis tur-

she

ment. 11904

Were wrothe ore payde, he wolde be

The sothe I wiɫɫ sey, þough I be

trewe,

shent.

More rody som-what she wex of hewe.

A symlyere no-where con ye not

“Armelus,” she seyde, “I wot þat

fynde,

ye 11916

Thougħ ye sougħt hens to Yende.”

My deseyre ye hade neuer so in charyte

¶ When Armelus hade his tale tolde,

To leue a trouthe and sey a wronge.

471Þoughe ye hadde magre or elles þonke. Ye were neuer wonte to vuse gabbynge In no matere forto do any pleasyng Of what persone, so euer he be. And I dare sey wele, as for me, Yite come neuer in myn entente But ye shuld yeve trew Iugement. And so ye do, I dare sey truly. The troupe þerof enquered haue I. What woman euer an housbonde take, That man hir lorde she moste make, Þis is a thing þat euer is stable. Duryng her lyves it is not variable. Therfore a lady ought right wele be Avised vnto what persone þat she Shuld give hir body with hir honoure, [leaf 151] Of hir Garlande fairest is þat floure. The ffrensshe I wote wele is [fu]ɫɫ of bounte, But vnarmed wolde I hy[m se]. And if I like wele his persone, Then wote I what is to done :

11936–37. The brackets indicate hole in MS.

11920

11924

11928

11932

11936

“A woman should be careful in choosing a husband.”

She will first see the Frenchman without his armour, and if she likes his person she will marry him.

Bodl. MS. Eng. Poet. C. 3.

Rawl. MS.

¹ Thowe ye hadde magr … ellis thonk

Thougħ he hade magre ore eɫɫes thonke,

Ye were neuer wont t[o] [u]se gabbyng

Ye were neuer wont to vse gabynge

In no maner for to do [the] [ples]yng

In no maner to do plesynge 11921

Of what persone so euer [he] bef [¹ leaf 6]

Of what persone, so euer he be.

And Y dar say well as for me

And I dare sey, as for me,

Yt come neuer in myne entent 11924

Hit come neuer in myne entent 11924

But ye shold geue true jugement

But ye shulde yeue true Iugement.

And so ye do Y dar say truly

And so ye do, I dare sey truly.

The trouth therof enqueryd haue I

The trouthe þer-of enquerede haue I.

What womman euer did husbond take

What euer woman) an hosbonde take,

That man hur lord She most make

That man) her lorde she moste make,

This is a thyng that euer is stable

This is a thynge þat euer is stabiɫɫ.

Duryng her lyues it is neuer variable

Durynge þer lyves it is not varyabiɫɫ,

Therfore a lady might ryght well be

Ther-for a lady ought right weɫɫ be

Avysed vnto what persone that shee

Avysede to what persone þat she 11933

Shold geue hur body with hur honoure

Shulde gyfe hir body with honoure,

Of hur garland fay rest is that floure

Of hir gerlonde feyreste is þat floure.

The ffrenshe y wote well ys ffulle of

The frenche I wot weɫɫ is fuɫɫ of bonte,

bonyt[e] 11936

But vnarmed wold Y fayn see

But vnarmede wolde I hem se.

And yf Y lyke well hi[s pers]one

And yef I leke weɫɫ his persone,

Than wote Y what is to done

Then) wot I what is to done: [leaf 92, back]

472I wole be his, and he shaɫɫ be myn), What euer ye deme, þis shaɫɫll be þe fyn). And if he be not to my pleasyre, The soudan to haue is my desire. He seith pleynly for þe love of me He wole be cristened and aɫɫ his contre. Armulus,” she seide, “I wote wele þat ye My desyre had neuer so in chierte To leve* a trouþe and sey a wronge, For men wole sey ye lyve to longe. Armulus, ta worshi p ¯ p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq133.tif"/> good hede take, And ye lordes aɫɫ for Goddes sake, For ye shuɫɫ neuer fynde þat I Fro worshipfuɫɫ a-warde voyde truly. But Cursolote, I haue mych mervaile þat ye In pis mater so duɫɫ to be. What euer they sey ye sey right nought, My worshi p ¯ p ¯ https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203704646/abde5aed-fab6-4be3-b92a-b5be601d888c/content/eq134.tif"/> lieth no-þing in your thought. As longe as þis turney did laste I herde you preise wonder faste 0 persone prisely amooge hem aɫɫ,

11948. MS. lese.

Otherwise she will take the Sultan.

“But why does not Cursolt say something?”

11940

11944

11948

11952

11956

11960

Bodl. MS. Eng. Poet. C. 3.

Rawl. MS.

Y wyll be his and he shall be myne

I wiɫɫ be his, and he shaɫɫ be myne,

What euer ye deme ys s[oo]the the fyne

What euer ye dee þis shall be þe fyne, ‘ 11941

And yf he be not to my lesyre

And yef he be not to my plesure,

The Soudan to haue my desyre 11943

The soudan) to haue is my desyre.

And sayth playnly for the loue of me

He seyth pleynly for the loue of me

He wyll be crystned and all his contre

He wiɫɫ be crystende and aɫɫ his contre.

Armulus she sayde Y wote well that ye

Armelus,” she seyde, “1 wot þat ye

My desyre had neuer so [in] chyerte

My deseyre hade neuer so in charyte

To leue a trouth and say … brong

To leue a trouthe and sey a wronge.

Than myght men say y [li]ved to long

Armulus to my worship goode hede ye take

Armelus, to worchipe good hede take,

And ye lordes all for Goddes sake

And ye lordes aɫɫ for Goddes sake,

ffor ye shall neuer fynd that Y 11952

For ye shuɫɫ neuer fynde þat I 11952

ffro worshipfull a wa[y av]oyde truly

Fro worchipe avoyde o worde truly.

But Cursolot Y haue mo meruayle that ye

Curslot, I haue merveɫɫ þat ye

Yn this mater so dulle be 11955

In þis mater so duɫɫ be. 11955

Whateuer thay say ye say ryght nought

What euer þey sey ye sey nougħt,

My worship lyth notliyng in youre thought

My worchipe lyth nothynge in your fought.

As long as this turnay dede last

As longe as þis turney dyde laste

Y herd yow preyse wo…..

I herde you preyse wonder faste 0 persone presysely amonge hem aɫɫ,

473And now it semeth þat he is faɫɫ Oute of your prise. What may is be ? In soden chonge now falle are ye. But ehongeth as often [as] ye liste, Where I wole be I wote beste. But shame it were to you to varye From your beheste or it contrarye. Wherfore I thinke not of aɫɫ þis yere To make you vary for my prayer.”— “Medame,” seide Cursolote þe kyng, “The cause of my stiɫɫ sittyng Is to here and knowe Armulus reasone; This is aɫɫ now myn enchesone. [leaf 151, back] For truly, as be myn avise, The ffrenshe is worþi to haue þe prise. For when we þe luges to-gedre were A-bove in þe toure, for love ne fere We shuɫɫ not spare be oone assent But to gife a trew Iugement. Some of vs ben acorded fully The soudan shuld haue you truly, And some holdeth now þe contrary,

11964

11968

11972

11976

11980

Cursolt excuses himself.

He still thinks that the Frenchman is worthy to have the prize. In the tower the judges hold various opinions.

Bodl. MS. Eng. Poet. C. 3.

Rawl. MS.

Nowe it semyth þat he is faɫɫ 11961

Out of youre pryse. What may þis be ?

Yn sodeyn chaunge now fall ar ye

In soden) change nowe are ye.

But chaungeth as often as Y lyst 11964

But change as ofte as ye lyste, 11964

Where Y wyll be Y wote best

Where I wiɫɫ be I wot beste.

But shame it were you to vary

Shame it is to you to varye

From youre behest or be contrarye

Fro youre be-heste ore it to contrarye

Wherfore Y thenk not of all this yere

Where-for I thynke not of aɫɫ þis yere

To make you vary for my prayere

To make you wery of my prayere.”—

Madam sayde Corsolot the kyng

“Madam),” seyde Courslot þe kynge,

The cause of my stylle syttyng

“The cause of my steɫɫ settynge

Ys to here and knowe Armulus resoun

Ys to here of Armelus reson); 11972

This is now all myn enchesoun 11973

This is nowe myne encheson).

ffor truly as by myn aduyse

For truly, as be myne avyse,

The ffrenshe is worthy to haue the

The frenche is worthy to haue þe

price For whanne we the j[ugg]es togeder

pryse. For when) þe Iugges to-geder were, 11976

where 11976

Aboue in the toure for [lo]ue ne fere

Aboue in þe toure, for loue ne fere

We shull not spare by one assent

We shaɫɫ not spare be on assent

But to geue a trewe jugement

But to gyfe true Iugement.

Somme of vs ben accorded fully 11980

The Soudan shold haue yow truly

And somme holdeth now the contrarie

474Þerfore in Iugement we do vary. But, medame, wole ye do wisely, Examyneth hem now a-sondry, And þat in-to þe toure ye gone, And sendeth after vs one be one, And charge euery man be his fay Þat he to you oweth, and lete hym say Pleynly to you aɫɫ his entent How they wole gife her Iugement, And that they not spare for love ne drede Ne for grete profers of mede, Þan shaɫɫ ye wete of hem prively That they spare now” to sey openly. And commaundeth hem boþe two That vnarme hem faste thei do, Þen shuɫɫ ye knowe wele be sight Which is þe semelier knyght, And lete your Eye your Iuge be.”— “Ye sey þe beste, for God,” seith she. “He ought wele lyke me be reasone and skiɫɫ That shuld haue my body and good at wiɫɫ. And þerfore what some euer ye deme, I ame your lady and your queen), My choice ɫieth in þe semelyhede of [þe] two; The kynges in no wise may varry here-fro. To whome my herte can beste acorde, Hym wiɫɫ I chese to be my lorde. The kynges may not gretely mervayled be,

If the Queen examines them separately in the tower, she will know the truth.

Let the two knights divest themselves of their armour : her eye will then judge.

Melior approves of this proposal.

11984

11988

11992

11996

12000

12004

12008

Bodl. MS, Eng. Poet C. 3.

Wherfore yn jugement we do vary

Thanne shulle ye wex of hem privelye

But Madam wyll ye do wysleye 11984

That thay spare now to say oponly

Exameneth hem now a sondry

And commaundeth hem both two

And that into the toure ayen ye gone

And vnarme them saf[ely] thay do

Than shall ye know well by syght

And sendeth after us by one and one

Wheche is the semlier knyght

And charge euery man by her fay

And lete youre ey youre juge be 12000

That he to you oweth and lete hem say 11989

Ye sey the best for God sayde she

He ought well lyke me by resoun and

Playnly to you all his entent

skyle

How thay will geue her jugement

That shold haue my body and goode

And that thay not s[ees]e for loue ne

at wyll 12003

drede 11992

[The] kynges may not [then] a mer-

Ne for no grete profers [ne] mede

vayled be

475Þough I chese hym þat liketh me.” And herwith-aɫɫ commaundeth she [leaf 152] Þes lordes vnarmed faste to be.  The soudan vnarmed hy[m] in haste,  And riche cloþes on h[ym do]þe caste. A sercle of gold fuɫɫ of pr[ecio]us stones On his hedde he hadde, þat no-where oon is * Richer ne fayrere to any mannes sight. He was a passyng semely knyght. Now is he come be-fore þe queen). Aɫɫ þe hym preise þat hym sene, And seide pleynly þat conquered hath he Of aɫɫ þis tur[ne]mente þe prise and gre. The kynges hym preise wonder faste. Þe dome to gyve thei made grete haste, And seide : “What shuld we lenger tarys ? Oure Iugement can no man contrarie.”  Soone after cometh Partonope  Amonge þes prese, and but esely is he Arraied, as for [to] speke of closing, Save as he had grete eace of oo þing : She pat was lady of pat place, He hoped wele to stonde in hir grace. His beste frende save she was Gaudyn. A kyrteɫɫ of Skarlete he had on fyne.

12014–16. The brackets indicate hole in MS.

12017. oon is] MS. ones.

12012

12016

12020

12024

12028

12032

The Sultan disarms himself and puts on rich garments.

All admire him and declare that he has won the prize.

Partonope has only plain clothes.

Bodl. MS. Enq. Poet. C. 3.

[If] we Y chese hym that best lyketh

[Of] all this turnements [the] price and

me 12011

gree

[An]d herwythall commaundeth she

[The] kyngis hym praysed wonder fast

[The]se lordes unarmed fast to be

[His] dome to geue thay made grete

The Soudan vnarmed hym in hast

hast 12025

And ryche clothes on hym cloth cast

[They] sayde what shuld we longer tary

[A] cerkle of gold full of precius stonys

[Our] jugement conne no man con-

[On] his hed he hadde that no where

trarye

ther is 12017

[S]one after cometh ynne Partanope

[A r]yccher ne ffeyrer to any mannes

Among the prees.. and but esely is he

syght

[Arra]yde as to speke of clothyng

[He] was a passyng semly knyght

. . e hadde grete e . of o thyng 12031

[N]ow ys he come before the quene

[She] that was lady of [the] place

[Al]l tho hym prayse that hym seen

[He] hoped well to stond in hur grace

[An]d sayde playnly that conquered

. . best frynd saue and he was Gaudyn

hath he 12022

[A ki]rtell of scarlet he hadde on fyne

476A-bove he was gyrde with a gyrdiɫɫ, Wele harneised with golde aboute his mediɫɫ. A-bove þat he had vpon a mantiɫɫ With dyuers bestes embrowded fuɫɫ weɫɫ Of golde of Sipres and eke of Venyse. Of his clothing more to devise It nedeth not sey, aɫɫ þat wete we Þat oute of prisone streight comeþ he To þis turney worshipp to wynne. He founde þere neþer frendship ne kynne Hym to refresshe in any degre, Save only Gaudyn, with hem mette he Throw Goddes grace vpon þe way, And he hym cloped in such aray As for hym-self he had þere. It was but of þe homely manere. [leaf 152, back] But what þat euer his aray be Be-fore his lady now stonte he And Gaudyn to-gedere honde in honde. But when he hadde a while stonde Aɫɫ vnarmed his lady to se, Fuɫɫ gretely a-basshed þo waxe he, Seyng his souereyn lady there. That a-fore had made hym grete chere With aɫɫ herte, body, and myght, And he as an vntrew knyght Had hir deceyved and broke hir suerte. In suche despoynte þo stode he, That ofte þe coloure in his face

Gaudin helps him to dress.

Standing before his lady he changes colour.

12036

12040

12044

12048

12052

12056

12060

12064

Bodl. MS. Eng. Poet. C. 3.

[Then]ne he was gyrd wyth a gyrdell

[T]hurwe Goddes grace [by] the way

[Wijth dyuerce bestes embrudered full

[A]nd he hym clothe yn suche aray

well

* * * * *

[Of] Gold and of Cipre and eke of

All vnarmed his …. 12056

Venyse 12040

Full gretely abasshed tho waxt he

[Of] his clothyng more to devyse

Seyng his souerayne lady there

[I] nede not to say all that wete wee

That affore hadde made hym goode

[Th]at oute of prison straight cometh

chere

he

Wyth all hert body and myght 12060

[In] this turney worschip to wynne

And he as an vntrewe knyght

[He] fond there neyther [fr]enship ne

Hadde hur deceyued and how hur

kynne 12045

suerte

[H]im to refresshe in any degree

Yn such disteynt tho stode he

[Sa]ue only Gaudyn with hym met hee

That oft the coloure in his face 12064

477Waxe suddenly rede for fere of hir grace He had for euer offended so highely, That his rosy colour paled sodenly. Thus in grete fere stonte Partonope. Of thousandes of peple be-holden is he, And eiche man seide as hem liste. But aɫɫ they conclude þe semeliest Of þo two persons certeyn was he, Wherfore þe kynges þe prise and degre Hym yove fully be oone assent, And made ende of her Iugement. Of þo lordes þat loved þe soudan Contraried þe Iugement not oo man, And aɫɫ þe peple cried be oone assent: “This is nowe a trew Iugement.”  Armulus de Marbury vp anoone stode,  And seide the Iugement was right good.  To þe kynges he seide : “Sires, what sey ye ?” Thei hym answerd and seide : “We be To þis Iugement acorded fuɫɫ playnly, If it be pleasaunt vnto my lady.” And as I trowe and dare sey truly, Ayeinste Meliore his herte it yode not gretely. For though gretely trespassed hath he, Hir herte was fuɫɫ of mercy and pite. To Armulus yite seide she þo : [leaf 153] “Myn owne choise ye haue put me fro.

12068

12072

12076

12080

12084

12088

Partonope looks better than the Sultan, and the kings unanimously agree to give the prize to him.

Ernoul is content.

Melior feigns to prefer the Sultan.

Bodl. MS. Eng. Poet. C. 3.

Was sodenly reede for she of hur grace

Armulus de Marbury vp anone

He hadde for euer offended so heyly

stode 12080

That his rose coloure paled sodenly

And sayd the jugement was ryght

Thus in grete fere stont Partonope

goode

Of thousandes of peple behold ys he

To the kyngs he sayde Syrs what say

And eche man sayde as hem lyst

ye

But all thay conclude the semlyest

Thay hym aunswered and sayde we be

Of the two persones sertayne was he

To this jugement accorded full playnly

Wherfore the kyngs the pryce and the

Yf it be plesaunt vnto my lady 12085

gree 12073

And as Y trowe and dar say truly

Hym yeue fully by one assent

Ayenst Meliore is hert it yede not

And made end of her jugement

gretly

Of the lordes that loued the Soudan

For thowe gretly trespast hadde he

Contraried the jugement not o man

Hur hert was full [of] mercy and pyte

And all the peple cryed by one assent

To Armulus yet sayde she thoo 12090

This is now a trewe jugement

Myne owne Choyse ye haue put me froo

478For my wiɫɫ was to haue had þe Soudan. Ye haue yove me to anoþer m[an].”— “Medame,” seide Armulus, “for lo[ve n]e drede, Ne plesaunce of you, so God me sp[e]de, We haue at þis tyme yove þe degre. For only beste deserved it hath he.” Lo, þis lady in herte was gladde Of hir Iugement; yite she made As though she had no deynte That to hir. was Iuged Partonope. And yite if thei chose anoþere, She had leuer be raunsoned for many a foþere Of golde, þen to haue loste Partonope so. Thus wele and better can ladies do. Therfore I counseylle now euery lovere To his souereyn lady so truly hym bere, Þat he may worthely of hir aske grace. For þough it happe hym in some place Of hir to be answerd fuɫɫ lightly, Yite loke he hir serve perseverantly, For in longe service it may happe þat she Wolde shew hym of hir benignyte.  Now lete vs speke of þis Soudan,  That stonte stiɫɫ as a mased man,  Carefuɫɫ, pensife, and hevy of chere, That chonged clene is aɫɫ his manere, Loste for euer is * his plesaunce, Wherfore he þinketh hie vengeaunce.* To take on horn ward turned is he, With aɫɫ his oste into his contre. Thus fuɫɫ of care departeth þe Soudan. And Partonope abideth as a glad man, And Cursolote by þe hande anone hym taketh, And of hym to Meliore a present maketh.

12093–95. The brackets indicate hole in MS.

12118. is] MS. as.

12119–20 are inverted in MS.

Ernoul protests that the award is just.

Melior dissembles her joy.

The Sultan is stunned with grief.

He departs, meditating vengeance.

Partonope is happy; all sorrow forgotten.

12092

12096

12100

12104

12108

12112

12116

12120

12124

Bodl. MS. Eng. Poet. C. 3.

[My] wyll was to haue hadde ye Soudan

. Armulus. .love ne drede

[Ye h]aue geve me to another man

* * * * *

479Wherof so glad and Ioyfuɫɫ is she, That to-gedre in armes clasped thei be, And kysse and talke and make good chere, And is for-yete þat done is ferne yere. Rehersed is no-þing, but aɫɫ gladnesse. [leaf 153, back] The hertes þat a-fore were in distresse, Be now at large and oute of prison [e]. Ioy is come, paide is þe Raunsone. For Partonope haþ now aɫɫ his d[es]yre. And aɫɫ þing þat may be to his plesyre To hym ayeinward now doþe she. Þus in endlesse blisse baþed thei be, The good hertes of þes lovers two. Ya, who can teɫɫ þo Ioies now* That they bene In? forsoþe not I. But þe sorowe and þe care fuɫɫ truly That longeth to love, þat can I teɫɫ. Thei are in heven, and now I in heɫɫ. Now lete vs teɫɫ of Partonope And of his lady, þat to-gedre be In Ioy and welthe with plesaunce. Now hath Partonope cause to daunce. For iuto a chambre now is he ladde, And in riche cloþes fuɫɫ wele y-cladde. The day of mariage in haste is sette, To chirche royally þei be boþe fette. A patriarche doþe the solempnyte; Knytte in wedloke to-gedre thei be. Of mariage no lenger wole thei abide, For longe abidden hath he þat tide. The patriarche, with-oute any more lete, On eiþer of her hedes a crowne he sette Of golde, fuɫɫ riche of stones and perrie. And pus hath now Partonope Receyued þe dignyte of a kyng. Lo, what it is to be true in lovyng. He is a kyng, and she also a queen), Knytte to-gedre in Goddes lawe they ben).

12132, 12134. The brackets indicate hole in MS.

12139. þo Ioies now] MS. now Joies who.

12128

12132

12136

12140

12144

12148

12152

12156

12160

The two lovers are in heaven, but the Poet is in hell

A patriarch marries them.

480Many trompe now dope þer sowne, Also taketh vp many a claryoun). Pipes and makers so many assemble, As though aɫɫ þe worlde shuld tremble. The feste is holde fuɫɫ royally, And also served they be stately, As suche persones oweth to be. [leaf 154] Of mete þere laketh no deynte. It nedeth not to make reheresynges Of þe names þat ben þe[r] of kynges, Ne of dukes, Erles, n[e of baro]nny, Ne of þe nombre of grete ch[i]valry, Of patriarkes and Erchbisshoppes also. I lete bisshoppes, abbotes, and priours go. What nedeth it to speke of trechetou rs ? Of her nyse playes or of gestours, Or of chauntou rs þe grete maister s, Or of herawdes, rebawdes, or wyne tasters ? But lete us teɫɫ, when þe feste was do, How þes hote lovers to chamber go, And after how they ben brought to bedde, And how þat nyght her life they ledde, And in what Ioy then they be. But pis may not be declared for me, Ne what her Ioy was, ne her delite, For I was neuer yite in þat plite. But in hye plesaunce I lete hem be, And pray to God of love pat he His ser uau nte departe so of his grace, That they may stonde in þe same case In which faire Melior and her love hath be. And þus Endeth þe Romans of Partonope.

12173–75. Hole in MS. Conjectural letters in brackets.

The wedding festivities are splendid.

The Poet refrains from describing the happiness of the lovers.

12164

12168

12172

12176

12180

12184

12188

12192