Item for washynge the church payven ageyns } iiij d. ob. Kynge Edward 4th is comynge. }

AELLA, a tragycal enterlude. p. 65

This Poem, with the Epistle, Letter, and Entroductionne, is printed from a folio MS. furnished by Mr. Catcott, in the beginning of which he has written, "Chatterton's transcript. 1769." The whole transcript is of Chatterton's hand-writing.

GODDWYN, a Tragedie. p. 173

This Fragment is printed from the MS. mentioned above, p. xv. in Chatterton's hand-writing.

ENGLYSH METAMORPHOSIS. p. 196

This Poem is printed from a single sheet in Chatterton's hand-writing, communicated by Mr. Barrett, who received it from Chatterton.

BALADE OF CHARITIE. p. 203

This Poem is also printed from a single sheet in Chatterton's hand-writing. It was sent to the Printer of the Town and Country Magazine, with the following letter prefixed:

"To the Printer of the Town and Country Magazine.

SIR,

If the Glossary annexed to the following piece will make the language intelligible; the Sentiment, Description, and Versification, are highly deserving the attention of the literati.

July 4, 1770. D.B."

BATTLE OF HASTINGS, No. 1. p. 210 BATTLE OF HASTINGS, No. 2. 237

In printing the first of these poems two copies have been made use of, both taken from copies of Chatterton's hand-writing, the one by Mr. Catcott, and the other by Mr. Barrett. The principal difference between them is at the end, where the latter has fourteen lines from ver. 550, which are wanting in the former. The second poem is printed from a single copy, made by Mr. Barrett from one in Chatterton's hand-writing.

It should be observed, that the Poem marked No. 1, was given to Mr. Barrett by Chatterton with the following title; "Battle of Hastings, wrote by Turgot the Monk, a Saxon, in the tenth century, and translated by Thomas Rowlie, parish preeste of St. Johns in the city of Bristol, in the year 1465.—The remainder of the poem I have not been happy enough to meet with." Being afterwards prest by Mr. Barrett to produce any part of this poem in the original hand-writing, he at last said, that he wrote this poem himself for a friend; but that he had another, the copy of an original by Rowley: and being then desired to produce that other poem, he, after a considerable interval of time, brought to Mr. Barrett the poem marked No. 2, as far as ver. 530 incl. with the following title; "Battle of Hastyngs by Turgotus, translated by Roulie for W. Canynge Esq." The lines from ver. 531 incl. were brought some time after, in consequence of Mr. Barrett's repeated sollicitations for the conclusion of the poem.

ONN OURE LADIES CHYRCHE. p. 275 ON THE SAME. 276

The first of these Poems is printed from a copy made by Mr. Catcott, from one in Chatterton's hand-writing.

The other is taken from a MS. in Chatterton's hand-writing, furnished by Mr. Catcott, entitled, "A Discorse on Bristowe, by Thomas Rowlie." See the Preface, p. xi. n.

EPITAPH ON ROBERT CANYNGE. p. 277

This is one of the fragments of vellum, given by Chatterton to Mr. Barrett, as part of his original MSS.

THE STORIE OF WILLIAM CANYNGE. p. 278

The 34 first lines of this poem are extant upon another of the vellum-fragments, given by Chatterton to Mr. Barrett. The remainder is printed from a copy furnished by Mr. Catcott, with some corrections from another copy, made by Mr. Barrett from one in Chatterton's hand-writing. This poem makes part of a prose-work, attributed to Rowley, giving an account of Painters, Carvellers, Poets, and other eminent natives of Bristol, from the earliest times to his own. The whole will be published by Mr. Barrett, with remarks, and large additions; among which we may expect a complete and authentic history of that distinguished citizen of Bristol, Mr. William Canynge. In the mean time, the Reader may see several particulars relating to him in Cambden's Britannia, Somerset. Col. 95.—Rymers Foedera, &c. ann. 1449 & 1450.—Tanner's Not. Monast. Art. BRISTOL and WESTBURY.—Dugdale's Warwickshire, p. 634.

It may be proper just to remark here, that Mr. Canynge's brother, mentioned in ver. 129, who was lord mayor of London in 1456, is called Thomas by Stowe in his List of Mayors, &c.

The transaction alluded to in the last Stanza is related at large in some Prose Memoirs of Rowley, of which a very incorrect copy has been printed in the Town and Country Magazine for November 1775. It is there said, that Mr. Canynge went into orders, to avoid a marriage, proposed by King Edward, between him and a lady of the Widdevile family. It is certain, from the Register of the Bishop of Worcester, that Mr. Canynge was ordained Acolythe by Bishop Carpenter on 19 September 1467, and received the higher orders of Sub-deacon, Deacon, and Priest, on the 12th of March, 1467, O.S. the 2d and 16th of April, 1468, respectively.

ON HAPPIENESSE, by WILLIAM CANYNGE. p. 286 ONNE JOHNE A DALBENIE, by the same. Ibid. THE GOULER'S REQUIEM, by the same. 287 THE ACCOUNTE OF W. CANYNGE'S FEASTE. 288

Of these four Poems attributed to Mr. Canynge, the three first are printed from Mr. Catcott's copies. The last is taken from a fragment of vellum, which Chatterton gave to Mr. Barrett as an original. The Editor has doubts about the reading of the second word in ver. 7, but he has printed it keene, as he found it so in other copies. The Reader may judge for himself, by examining the Fac simile in the opposite page.

With respect to the three friends of Mr. Canynge mentioned in the last line, the name of Rowley is sufficiently known from the preceding poems. Iscamm appears as an actor in the tragedy of AElla, p. 66. and in that of Goddwyn, p. 174.; and a poem, ascribed to him, entitled "The merry Tricks of Laymington," is inserted in the "Discorse of Bristowe". Sir Theobald Gorges was a knight of an antient family seated at Wraxhall, within a few miles of Bristol [See Rot. Parl. 3 H. VI. n. 28. Leland's Itin. vol. VII. p. 98.]. He has also appeared above as an actor in both the tragedies, and as the author of one of the Mynstrelles songes in AElla, p. 91. His connexion with Mr. Canynge is verified by a deed of the latter, dated 20 October, 1467, in which he gives to trustees, in part of a benefaction of L500 to the Church of St. Mary Redcliffe, "certain jewells of Sir Theobald Gorges Knt." which had been pawned to him for L160.



ADVERTISEMENT.

The Reader is desired to observe, that the notes at the bottom of the several pages, throughout the following part of this book, are all copied from MSS. in the hand-writing of Thomas Chatterton.



POEMS, &c.

ECLOGUE THE FIRST.

Whanne Englonde, smeethynge[1] from her lethal[2] wounde, From her galled necke dyd twytte[3] the chayne awaie, Kennynge her legeful sonnes falle all arounde, (Myghtie theie fell, 'twas Honoure ledde the fraie,) Thanne inne a dale, bie eve's dark surcote[4] graie, 5 Twayne lonelie shepsterres[5] dyd abrodden[6] flie, (The rostlyng liff doth theyr whytte hartes affraie[7],) And wythe the owlette trembled and dyd crie; Firste Roberte Neatherde hys sore boesom stroke. Then fellen on the grounde and thus yspoke. 10

ROBERTE.

Ah, Raufe! gif thos the howres do comme alonge, Gif thos wee flie in chase of farther woe, Oure fote wylle fayle, albeytte wee bee stronge, Ne wylle oure pace swefte as oure danger goe. To oure grete wronges we have enheped[8] moe, 15 The Baronnes warre! oh! woe and well-a-daie! I haveth lyff, bott have escaped soe, That lyff ytsel mie Senses doe affraie. Oh Raufe, comme lyste, and hear mie dernie[9] tale, Comme heare the balefull[10] dome of Robynne of the Dale. 20

RAUFE.

Saie to mee nete; I kenne thie woe in myne; O! I've a tale that Sabalus[11] mote[12] telle. Swote[13] flouretts, mantled meedows, forestes dygne[14]; Gravots[15] far-kend[16] arounde the Errmiets[17] cell; The swote ribible[18] dynning[19] yn the dell; 25 The joyous daunceynge ynn the hoastrie[20] courte; Eke[21] the highe songe and everych joie farewell, Farewell the verie shade of fayre dysporte[22]: Impestering[23] trobble onn mie heade doe comme, Ne on kynde Seyncte to warde[24] the aye[25] encreasynge dome. 30

ROBERTE.

Oh! I coulde waile mie kynge-coppe-decked mees[26], Mie spreedynge flockes of shepe of lillie white, Mie tendre applynges[27], and embodyde[28] trees, Mie Parker's Grange[29], far spreedynge to the syghte, Mie cuyen[30] kyne [31], mie bullockes stringe[32] yn syghte, 35 Mie gorne[33] emblaunched[34] with the comfreie[35] plante, Mie floure[36] Seyncte Marie shotteyng wythe the lyghte, Mie store of all the blessynges Heaven can grant. I amm duressed[37] unto sorrowes blowe, Ihanten'd[38] to the peyne, will lette ne salte teare flowe. 40

RAUFE.

Here I wille obaie[39] untylle Dethe doe 'pere, Here lyche a foule empoysoned leathel[40] tree, Whyche sleaeth[41] everichone that commeth nere, Soe wille I fyxed unto thys place gre[42]. I to bement[43] haveth moe cause than thee; 45 Sleene in the warre mie boolie[44] fadre lies; Oh! joieous I hys mortherer would slea, And bie hys syde for aie enclose myne eies. Calked[45] from everych joie, heere wylle I blede; Fell ys the Cullys-yatte[46] of mie hartes castle stede. 50

ROBERTE.

Oure woes alyche, alyche our dome[47] shal bee. Mie sonne, mie sonne alleyn[48], ystorven[49] ys; Here wylle I staie, and end mie lyff with thee; A lyff lyche myn a borden ys ywis. Now from een logges[50] fledden is selyness[51], 55 Mynsterres[52] alleyn[53] can boaste the hallie[54] Seyncte, Now doeth Englonde weare a bloudie dresse And wyth her champyonnes gore her face depeyncte; Peace fledde, disorder sheweth her dark rode[55], And thorow ayre doth flie, yn garments steyned with bloude. 60

[Footnote 1: Smething, smoking; in some copies bletheynge, but in the original as above.]

[Footnote 2: deadly.]

[Footnote 3: pluck or pull.]

[Footnote 4: Surcote, a cloke, or mantel, which hid all the other dress.]

[Footnote 5: shepherds.]

[Footnote 6: abruptly, so Chaucer, Syke he abredden dyd attourne.]

[Footnote 7: affright.]

[Footnote 8: Added.]

[Footnote 9: sad.]

[Footnote 10: woeful, lamentable.]

[Footnote 11: the Devil.]

[Footnote 12: might.]

[Footnote 13: sweet.]

[Footnote 14: good, neat, genteel.]

[Footnote 15: groves, sometimes used for a coppice.]

[Footnote 16: far-seen.]

[Footnote 17: Hermit.]

[Footnote 18: violin.]

[Footnote 19: sounding.]

[Footnote 20: inn, or public-house.]

[Footnote 21: also.]

[Footnote 22: pleasure.]

[Footnote 23: annoying.]

[Footnote 24: to keep off.]

[Footnote 25: ever, always.]

[Footnote 26: meadows.]

[Footnote 27: grafted trees.]

[Footnote 28: thick, stout.]

[Footnote 29: liberty of pasture given to the Parker.]

[Footnote 30: tender.]

[Footnote 31: cows.]

[Footnote 32: strong.]

[Footnote 33: garden.]

[Footnote 34: whitened.]

[Footnote 35: cumfrey, a favourite dish at that time.]

[Footnote 36: marygold.]

[Footnote 37: hardened.]

[Footnote 38: accustomed.]

[Footnote 39: abide. This line is also wrote, "Here wyll I obaie untill dethe appere," but this is modernized.]

[Footnote 40: deadly.]

[Footnote 41: destroyeth, killeth.]

[Footnote 42: grow.]

[Footnote 43: lament.]

[Footnote 44: much-loved, beloved.]

[Footnote 45: cast out, ejected.]

[Footnote 46: alluding to the portcullis, which guarded the gate, on which often depended the castle.]

[Footnote 47: fate.]

[Footnote 48: my only son.]

[Footnote 49: dead.]

[Footnote 50: cottages.]

[Footnote 51: happiness.]

[Footnote 52: monasterys.]

[Footnote 53: only.]

[Footnote 54: holy.]

[Footnote 55: complexion.]



ECLOGUE THE SECOND.

Sprytes[1] of the bleste, the pious Nygelle sed, Poure owte yer pleasaunce[2] onn mie fadres hedde.

Rycharde of Lyons harte to fyghte is gon, Uponne the brede[3] sea doe the banners gleme[4]; The amenused[5] nationnes be aston[6], 5 To ken[7] syke[8] large a flete, syke fyne, syke breme[9]. The barkis heafods[10] coupe[11] the lymed[12] streme; Oundes[13] synkeynge oundes upon the hard ake[14] riese; The water slughornes[15] wythe a swotye[16] cleme[17] Conteke[18] the dynnynge[19] ayre, and reche the skies. 10 Sprytes of the bleste, on gouldyn trones[20] astedde[21], Poure owte yer pleasaunce onn mie fadres hedde.

The gule[22] depeyncted[23] oares from the black tyde, Decorn[24] wyth fonnes[25] rare, doe shemrynge[26] ryse; Upswalynge[27] doe heie[28] shewe ynne drierie pryde, 15 Lyche gore-red estells[29] in the eve[30]-merk[31] skyes; The nome-depeyncted[32] shields, the speres aryse, Alyche[33] talle roshes on the water syde; Alenge[34] from bark to bark the bryghte sheene[35] flyes; Sweft-kerv'd[36] delyghtes doe on the water glyde. 20 Sprites of the bleste, and everich Seyncte ydedde, Poure owte youre pleasaunce on mie fadres hedde.

The Sarafen lokes owte: he doethe feere, That Englondes brondeous[37] sonnes do cotte the waie. Lyke honted bockes, theye reineth[38] here and there, 25 Onknowlachynge[39] inne whatte place to obaie[40]. The banner glesters on the beme of daie; The mittee[41] crosse Jerusalim ys seene; Dhereof the syghte yer corrage doe affraie[42], In balefull[43] dole their faces be ywreene[44]. 30 Sprytes of the bleste, and everich Seyncte ydedde, Poure owte your pleasaunce on mie fadres hedde.

The bollengers[45] and cottes[45], soe swyfte yn fyghte, Upon the sydes of everich bark appere; Foorthe to his offyce lepethe everych knyghte, 35 Eftsoones[46] hys squyer, with hys shielde and spere. The jynynge shieldes doe shemre and moke glare[47]; The dotheynge oare doe make gemoted[48] dynne; The reynyng[49] foemen[50], thynckeynge gif[51] to dare, Boun[52] the merk[53] swerde, theie seche to fraie[54], theie blyn[55]. Sprytes of the bleste, and everyche Seyncte ydedde, Powre oute yer pleasaunce onn mie fadres hedde.

Now comm the warrynge Sarasyns to fyghte; Kynge Rycharde, lyche a lyoncel[56] of warre, Inne sheenynge goulde, lyke feerie[57] gronfers[58], dyghte[59], Shaketh alofe hys honde, and seene afarre. 45 Syke haveth I espyde a greter starre Amenge the drybblett[60] ons to sheene fulle bryghte; Syke sunnys wayne[61] wyth amayl'd[62] beames doe barr The blaunchie[63] mone or estells[64] to gev lyghte. 50 Sprytes of the bleste, and everich Seyncte ydedde, Poure owte your pleasaunce on mie fadres hedde.

Distraughte[65] affraie[66], wythe lockes of blodde-red die, Terroure, emburled[67] yn the thonders rage, Deathe, lynked to dismaie, dothe ugsomme[68] flie, 55 Enchasynge[69] echone champyonne war to wage. Speeres bevyle[70] speres; swerdes upon swerdes engage; Armoure on armoure dynn[71], shielde upon shielde; Ne dethe of thosandes can the warre assuage, Botte salleynge nombers sable[72] all the feelde. 60 Sprytes of the bleste, and everych Seyncte ydedde, Poure owte youre pleasaunce on mie fadres hedde.

The foemen fal arounde; the cross reles[73] hye; Steyned ynne goere, the harte of warre ys seen; Kyng Rycharde, thorough everyche trope dothe flie, 65 And beereth meynte[74] of Turkes onto the greene; Bie hymm the floure of Asies menn ys sleene[75]; The waylynge[76] mone doth fade before hys sonne; Bie hym hys knyghtes bee formed to actions deene[77], Doeynge syke marvels[78], strongers be aston[79]. 70 Sprytes of the bleste, and everych Seyncte ydedde, Poure owte your pleasaunce onn mie fadres hedde.

The fyghte ys wonne; Kynge Rycharde master is; The Englonde bannerr kisseth the hie ayre; Full of pure joie the armie is iwys[80], 75 And everych one haveth it onne his bayre[81]; Agayne to Englonde comme, and worschepped there. Twyghte[82] into lovynge armes, and feasted eft[83]; In everych eyne aredynge nete of wyere[84], Of all remembrance of past peyne berefte. 80 Sprites of the bleste, and everich Seyncte ydedde, Syke pleasures powre upon mie fadres hedde.

Syke Nigel sed, whan from the bluie sea The upswol[85] sayle dyd daunce before his eyne; Swefte as the withe, hee toe the beeche dyd flee. 85 And founde his fadre steppeynge from the bryne. Lette thyssen menne, who haveth sprite of loove, Bethyncke untoe hemselves how mote the meetynge proove.

[Footnote 1: Spirits, souls.]

[Footnote 2: pleasure.]

[Footnote 3: broad.]

[Footnote 4: shine, glimmer.]

[Footnote 5: diminished, lessened.]

[Footnote 6: astonished, confounded.]

[Footnote 7: see, discover, know.]

[Footnote 8: such, so.]

[Footnote 9: strong.]

[Footnote 10: heads.]

[Footnote 11: cut.]

[Footnote 12: glassy, reflecting.]

[Footnote 13: waves, billows.]

[Footnote 14: oak.]

[Footnote 15: a musical instrument, not unlike a hautboy.]

[Footnote 16: sweet.]

[Footnote 17: sound.]

[Footnote 18: confuse, contend with.]

[Footnote 19: sounding.]

[Footnote 20: thrones.]

[Footnote 21: seated.]

[Footnote 22: red.]

[Footnote 23: painted.]

[Footnote 24: carved.]

[Footnote 25: devices.]

[Footnote 26: glimmering.]

[Footnote 27: rising high, swelling up.]

[Footnote 28: they.]

[Footnote 29: a corruption of estoile, Fr. a star.]

[Footnote 30: evening.]

[Footnote 31: dark.]

[Footnote 32: rebus'd shields; a herald term, when the charge of the shield implies the name of the bearer.]

[Footnote 33: like.]

[Footnote 34: along.]

[Footnote 35: shine.]

[Footnote 36: short-lived.]

[Footnote 37: furious.]

[Footnote 38: runneth.]

[Footnote 39: not knowing.]

[Footnote 40: abide.]

[Footnote 41: mighty.]

[Footnote 42: affright.]

[Footnote 43: woeful.]

[Footnote 44: covered.]

[Footnote 45: different kinds of boats.]

[Footnote 46: full soon, presently.]

[Footnote 47: glitter.]

[Footnote 48: united, assembled.]

[Footnote 49: running.]

[Footnote 50: foes.]

[Footnote 51: if.]

[Footnote 52: make ready.]

[Footnote 53: dark.]

[Footnote 54: engage.]

[Footnote 55: cease, stand still.]

[Footnote 56: a young lion.]

[Footnote 57: flaming.]

[Footnote 58: a meteor, from gron, a fen, and fer, a corruption of fire; that is, a fire exhaled from a fen.]

[Footnote 59: deckt.]

[Footnote 60: small, insignificant.]

[Footnote 61: carr.]

[Footnote 62: enameled.]

[Footnote 63: white, silver.]

[Footnote 64: stars.]

[Footnote 65: distracting.]

[Footnote 66: affright.]

[Footnote 67: armed.]

[Footnote 68: terribly.]

[Footnote 69: encouraging, heating.]

[Footnote 70: break, a herald term, signifying a spear broken in tilting.]

[Footnote 71: sounds.]

[Footnote 72: blacken.]

[Footnote 73: waves.]

[Footnote 74: many, great numbers.]

[Footnote 75: slain.]

[Footnote 76: decreasing.]

[Footnote 77: glorious, worthy.]

[Footnote 78: wonders.]

[Footnote 79: astonished.]

[Footnote 80: certainly.]

[Footnote 81: brow.]

[Footnote 82: plucked, pulled.]

[Footnote 83: often.]

[Footnote 84: grief, trouble.]

[Footnote 85: swollen.]



ECLOGUE THE THIRD.

Wouldst thou kenn nature in her better parte? Goe, serche the logges [1] and bordels[2] of the hynde[3]; Gyff[4] theie have anie, itte ys roughe-made arte, Inne hem[5] you see the blakied[6] forme of kynde[7]. Haveth your mynde a lycheynge[8] of a mynde? 5 Woulde it kenne everich thynge, as it mote[9] bee? Woulde ytte here phrase of the vulgar from the hynde, Withoute wiseegger[10] wordes and knowlache[11] free? Gyf soe, rede thys, whyche Iche dysporteynge[12] pende; Gif nete besyde, yttes rhyme maie ytte commende. 10

MANNE.

Botte whether, fayre mayde, do ye goe? O where do ye bende yer waie? I wille knowe whether you goe, I wylle not bee asseled[13] naie.

WOMANNE.

To Robyn and Nell, all downe in the delle, 15 To hele[14] hem at makeynge of haie.

MANNE.

Syr Rogerre, the parsone, hav hyred mee there, Comme, comme, lett us tryppe ytte awaie, We'lle wurke[15] and we'lle synge, and wylle drenche[16] of stronge beer As longe as the merrie sommers daie. 20

WOMANNE.

How harde ys mie dome to wurch! Moke is mie woe. Dame Agnes, whoe lies ynne the Chyrche With birlette[17] golde, Wythe gelten[18] aumeres[19] stronge ontolde, 25 What was shee moe than me, to be soe?

MANNE.

I kenne Syr Roger from afar Tryppynge over the lea; Ich ask whie the loverds[20] son Is moe than mee. 30

SYR ROGERRE.

The sweltrie[21] sonne dothe hie apace hys wayne[22], From everich beme a seme[23]; of lyfe doe falle; Swythyn[24] scille[25] oppe the haie uponne the playne; Methynckes the cockes begynneth to gre[26] talle. Thys ys alyche oure doome[27]; the great, the smalle, 35 Mofte withe[28] and bee forwyned[29] by deathis darte. See! the swote[30] flourette[31] hathe noe swote at alle; Itte wythe the ranke wede bereth evalle[32] parte. The cravent[33], warrioure, and the wyse be blente[34], Alyche to drie awaie wythe those theie dyd bemente[35]. 40

MANNE.

All-a-boon[36], Syr Priest, all-a-boon, Bye yer preestschype nowe saye unto mee; Syr Gaufryd the knyghte, who lyvethe harde bie, Whie shoulde hee than mee Bee moe greate, 45 Inne honnoure, knyghtehoode and estate?

SYR ROGERRE.

Attourne[37] thine eyne arounde thys haied mee, Tentyflie[38] loke arounde the chaper[39] delle[40]; An answere to thie barganette[41] here see, Thys welked[42] flourette wylle a leson telle: 50 Arist[43] it blew[44], itte florished, and dyd welle, Lokeynge ascaunce[45] upon the naighboure greene; Yet with the deigned[46] greene yttes rennome[47] felle, Eftsoones[48] ytte shronke upon the daie-brente[49] playne, Didde not yttes loke, whilest ytte there dyd stonde, 55 To croppe ytte in the bodde move somme dred honde.

Syke[50] ys the waie of lyffe; the loverds[51] ente[52] Mooveth the robber hym therfor to slea[53]; Gyf thou has ethe[54], the shadowe of contente, Beleive the trothe[55], theres none moe haile[56] yan thee. 60 Thou wurchest[57]; welle, canne thatte a trobble bee? Slothe moe wulde jade thee than the roughest daie. Couldest thou the kivercled[58] of soughlys[59] see, Thou wouldst eftsoones[60] see trothe ynne whatte I saie; Botte lette me heere thie waie of lyffe, and thenne 65 Heare thou from me the lyffes of odher menne.

MANNE.

I ryse wythe the sonne, Lyche hym to dryve the wayne[61], And eere mie wurche is don I synge a songe or twayne[62]. 70 I followe the plough-tayle, Wythe a longe jubb[63] of ale. Botte of the maydens, oh! Itte lacketh notte to telle; Syr Preeste mote notte crie woe, 75 Culde hys bull do as welle. I daunce the beste heiedeygnes[64], And foile[65] the wysest feygnes[66]. On everych Seynctes hie daie Wythe the mynstrelle[67] am I seene, 80 All a footeynge it awaie, Wythe maydens on the greene. But oh! I wyshe to be moe greate, In rennome, tenure, and estate.

SYR ROGERRE.

Has thou ne seene a tree uponne a hylle, 85 Whose unliste[68] braunces[69] rechen far toe fyghte; Whan fuired[70] unwers[71] doe the heaven fylle, Itte shaketh deere[72] yn dole[73] and moke affryghte. Whylest the congeon[74] flowrette abessie[75] dyghte[76], Stondethe unhurte, unquaced[77] bie the storme: 90 Syke is a picte[78] of lyffe: the manne of myghte Is tempest-chaft[79], hys woe greate as hys forme, Thieselfe a flowrette of a small accounte, Wouldst harder felle the wynde, as hygher thee dydste mounte.

[Footnote 1: lodges, huts.]

[Footnote 2: cottages.]

[Footnote 3: servant, slave, peasant.]

[Footnote 4: if.]

[Footnote 5: a contraction of them.]

[Footnote 6: naked, original.]

[Footnote 7: nature.]

[Footnote 8: liking.]

[Footnote 9: might. The sense of this line is, Would you see every thing in its primaeval state.]

[Footnote 10: wise-egger, a philosopher.]

[Footnote 11: knowledge.]

[Footnote 12: sporting.]

[Footnote 13: answered.]

[Footnote 14: aid, or help.]

[Footnote 15: work.]

[Footnote 16: drink.]

[Footnote 17: a hood, or covering for the back part of the head.]

[Footnote 18: guilded.]

[Footnote 19: borders of gold and silver, on which was laid thin plates of either metal counterchanged, not unlike the present spangled laces.]

[Footnote 20: lord.]

[Footnote 21: sultry.]

[Footnote 22: car.]

[Footnote 23: seed.]

[Footnote 24: quickly, presently.]

[Footnote 25: gather.]

[Footnote 26: grow.]

[Footnote 27: fate.]

[Footnote 28: a contraction of wither.]

[Footnote 29: dried.]

[Footnote 30: sweet.]

[Footnote 31: flower.]

[Footnote 32: equal.]

[Footnote 33: coward.]

[Footnote 34: ceased, dead, no more.]

[Footnote 35: lament.]

[Footnote 36: a manner of asking a favour.]

[Footnote 37: turn.]

[Footnote 38: carefully, with circumspection.]

[Footnote 39: dry, sun-burnt.]

[Footnote 40: valley.]

[Footnote 41: a song, or ballad.]

[Footnote 42: withered.]

[Footnote 43: arisen, or arose.]

[Footnote 44: blossomed.]

[Footnote 45: disdainfully.]

[Footnote 46: disdained.]

[Footnote 47: glory.]

[Footnote 48: quickly.]

[Footnote 49: burnt.]

[Footnote 50: such.]

[Footnote 51: lord's.]

[Footnote 52: a purse or bag.]

[Footnote 53: slay.]

[Footnote 54: ease.]

[Footnote 55: truth.]

[Footnote 56: happy.]

[Footnote 57: workest.]

[Footnote 58: the hidden or secret part of.]

[Footnote 59: souls.]

[Footnote 60: full soon, or presently.]

[Footnote 61: car.]

[Footnote 62: two.]

[Footnote 63: a bottle.]

[Footnote 64: a country dance, still practised in the North.]

[Footnote 65: baffle.]

[Footnote 66: a corruption of feints.]

[Footnote 67: a minstrel is a musician.]

[Footnote 68: unbounded.]

[Footnote 69: branches.]

[Footnote 70: furious.]

[Footnote 71: tempests, storms.]

[Footnote 72: dire.]

[Footnote 73: dismay.]

[Footnote 74: dwarf.]

[Footnote 75: humility.]

[Footnote 76: decked.]

[Footnote 77: unhurt.]

[Footnote 78: picture.]

[Footnote 79: tempest-beaten.]



ELINOURE AND JUGA.

Onne Ruddeborne[1] bank twa pynynge Maydens fate, Theire teares faste dryppeynge to the waterre cleere; Echone bementynge[2] for her absente mate, Who atte Seyncte Albonns shouke the morthynge[3] speare. The nottebrowne Elinoure to Juga fayre 5 Dydde speke acroole[4], wythe languishment of eyne, Lyche droppes of pearlie dew, lemed[5] the quyvryng brine.

ELINOURE.

O gentle Juga! heare mie dernie[6] plainte, To fyghte for Yorke mie love ys dyghte[7] in stele; O maie ne sanguen steine the whyte rose peyncte, 10 Maie good Seyncte Cuthberte watche Syrre Roberte wele. Moke moe thanne deathe in phantasie I feele; See! see! upon the grounde he bleedynge lies; Inhild[8] some joice[9] of lyfe or else mie deare love dies.

JUGA.

Systers in sorrowe, on thys daise-ey'd banke, 15 Where melancholych broods, we wyll lamente; Be wette wythe mornynge dewe and evene danke; Lyche levynde[10] okes in eche the odher bente, Or lyche forlettenn[11] halles of merriemente, Whose gastlie mitches[12] holde the traine of fryghte[13], 20 Where lethale[14] ravens bark, and owlets wake the nyghte.

[ELINOURE.]

No moe the miskynette[15] shall wake the morne, The minstrelle daunce, good cheere, and morryce plaie; No moe the amblynge palfrie and the horne Shall from the lessel[16] rouze the foxe awaie; 25 I'll seke the foreste alle the lyve-longe daie; Alle nete amenge the gravde chyrche[17] glebe wyll goe, And to the passante Spryghtes lecture[18] mie tale of woe.

[JUGA.]

Whan mokie[19] cloudis do hange upon the leme Of leden[20] Moon, ynn sylver mantels dyghte; 30 The tryppeynge Faeries weve the golden dreme Of Selyness[21], whyche flyethe wythe the nyghte; Thenne (botte the Seynctes forbydde!) gif to a spryte Syrr Rychardes forme ys lyped, I'll holde dystraughte Hys bledeynge claie-colde corse, and die eche daie ynn thoughte. 35

ELINOURE.

Ah woe bementynge wordes; what wordes can shewe! Thou limed[22] ryver, on thie linche[23] maie bleede Champyons, whose bloude wylle wythe thie waterres flowe, And Rudborne streeme be Rudborne streeme indeede! Haste, gentle Juga, tryppe ytte oere the meade, 40 To knowe, or wheder we muste waile agayne, Or wythe oure fallen knyghtes be menged onne the plain.

Soe sayinge, lyke twa levyn-blasted trees, Or twayne of cloudes that holdeth stormie rayne; Theie moved gentle oere the dewie mees[24], 45 To where Seyncte Albons holie shrynes remayne. There dyd theye fynde that bothe their knyghtes were slayne, Distraughte[25] theie wandered to swollen Rudbornes syde, Yelled theyre leathalle knelle, sonke ynn the waves, and dyde.

[Footnote 1: Rudborne (in Saxon, red-water), a River near Saint Albans, famous for the battles there fought between the Houses of Lancaster and York.]

[Footnote 2: lamenting.]

[Footnote 3: murdering.]

[Footnote 4: faintly.]

[Footnote 5: glistened.]

[Footnote 6: sad complaint.]

[Footnote 7: arrayed, or cased.]

[Footnote 8: infuse.]

[Footnote 9: juice.]

[Footnote 10: blasted.]

[Footnote 11: forsaken.]

[Footnote 12: ruins.]

[Footnote 13: fear.]

[Footnote 14: deadly or deathboding.]

[Footnote 15: a small bagpipe.]

[Footnote 16: in a confined sense, a bush or hedge, though sometimes used as a forest.]

[Footnote 17: church-yard.]

[Footnote 18: relate.]

[Footnote 19: black.]

[Footnote 20: decreasing.]

[Footnote 21: happiness.]

[Footnote 22: glassy.]

[Footnote 23: bank.]

[Footnote 24: meeds.]

[Footnote 25: distracted.]



TO JOHNE LADGATE.

[Sent with the following Songe to AElla.]

Well thanne, goode Johne, sythe ytt must needes be soe, Thatt thou & I a bowtynge matche must have, Lette ytt ne breakynge of oulde friendshyppe bee, Thys ys the onelie all-a-boone I crave.

Rememberr Stowe, the Bryghtstowe Carmalyte, 5 Who whanne Johne Clarkynge, one of myckle lore, Dydd throwe hys gauntlette-penne, wyth hym to fyghte, Hee showd smalle wytte, and showd hys weaknesse more.

Thys ys mie formance, whyche I nowe have wrytte, The best performance of mie lyttel wytte. 10



SONGE TO AELLA, LORDE OF THE CASTEL OF BRYSTOWE YNNE DAIES OF YORE.

Oh thou, orr what remaynes of thee, AElla, the darlynge of futurity, Lett thys mie songe bolde as thie courage be, As everlastynge to posteritye.

Whanne Dacya's sonnes, whose hayres of bloude-redde hue 5 Lyche kynge-cuppes brastynge wythe the morning due, Arraung'd ynne dreare arraie, Upponne the lethale daie, Spredde farre and wyde onne Watchets shore; Than dyddst thou furiouse stande, 10 And bie thie valyante hande Beesprengedd all the mees wythe gore.

Drawne bie thyne anlace felle, Downe to the depthe of helle Thousandes of Dacyanns went; 15 Brystowannes, menne of myghte, Ydar'd the bloudie fyghte, And actedd deeds full quent.

Oh thou, whereer (thie bones att reste) Thye Spryte to haunte delyghteth beste, 20 Whetherr upponne the bloude-embrewedd pleyne, Orr whare thou kennst fromm farre The dysmall crye of warre, Orr seest somme mountayne made of corse of sleyne; Orr seest the hatchedd stede, 25 Ypraunceynge o'er the mede, And neighe to be amenged the poynctedd speeres; Orr ynne blacke armoure staulke arounde Embattel'd Brystowe, once thie grounde, And glowe ardurous onn the Castle steeres; 30

Orr fierye round the mynsterr glare; Lette Brystowe stylle be made thie care; Guarde ytt fromme foemenne & consumynge fyre; Lyche Avones streme ensyrke ytte rounde, Ne lette a flame enharme the grounde, 35 Tylle ynne one flame all the whole worlde expyre.



The underwritten Lines were composed by JOHN LADGATE, a Priest in London, and sent to ROWLIE, as an Answer to the preceding Songe of AElla.

Havynge wythe mouche attentyonn redde Whatt you dydd to mee sende, Admyre the varses mouche I dydd, And thus an answerr lende.

Amongs the Greeces Homer was 5 A Poett mouche renownde, Amongs the Latyns Vyrgilius Was beste of Poets founde.

The Brytish Merlyn oftenne hanne The gyfte of inspyration, 10 And Afled to the Sexonne menne Dydd synge wythe elocation.

Ynne Norman tymes, Turgotus and Goode Chaucer dydd excelle, Thenn Stowe, the Bryghtstowe Carmelyte, 15 Dydd bare awaie the belle.

Nowe Rowlie ynne these mokie dayes Lendes owte hys sheenynge lyghtes, And Turgotus and Chaucer lyves Ynne ev'ry lyne he wrytes. 20



THE TOURNAMENT.

AN INTERLUDE.

ENTER AN HERAWDE.

The Tournament begynnes; the hammerrs sounde; The courserrs lysse[1] about the mensuredd[2] fielde; The shemrynge armoure throws the sheene arounde; Quayntyssed[3] fons[4] depictedd[5] onn eche sheelde. The feerie[6] heaulmets, wythe the wreathes amielde[7], 5 Supportes the rampynge lyoncell[8] orr beare, Wythe straunge depyctures[9], Nature maie nott yeelde, Unseemelie to all orderr doe appere, Yett yatte[10] to menne, who thyncke and have a spryte[11], Makes knowen thatt the phantasies unryghte. 10

I, Sonne of Honnoure, spencer[11] of her joies, Muste swythen[12] goe to yeve[13] the speeres arounde, Wythe advantayle[14] & borne[15] I meynte[16] emploie, Who withoute mee woulde fall untoe the grounde. Soe the tall oake the ivie twysteth rounde; 15 Soe the neshe[17] flowerr grees[18] ynne the woodeland shade. The worlde bie diffraunce ys ynne orderr founde; Wydhoute unlikenesse nothynge could bee made. As ynn the bowke[19] nete[20] alleyn[21] cann bee donne, Syke[22] ynn the weal of kynde all thynges are partes of onne. 20

Enterr SYRR SYMONNE DE BOURTONNE.

Herawde[23], bie heavenne these tylterrs staie too long. Mie phantasie ys dyinge forr the fyghte. The mynstrelles have begonne the thyrde warr songe, Yett notte a speere of hemm[24] hath grete mie syghte. I feere there be ne manne wordhie mie myghte. 25 I lacke a Guid[25], a Wyllyamm[26] to entylte. To reine[27] anente[28] a fele[29] embodiedd knyghte, Ytt gettes ne rennome[30] gyff hys blodde bee spylte. Bie heavenne & Marie ytt ys tyme they're here; I lyche nott unthylle[31] thus to wielde the speare. 30

HERAWDE.

Methynckes I heare yer slugghornes[32] dynn[33] fromm farre.

BOURTONNE.

Ah! swythenn[34] mie shielde & tyltynge launce bee bounde [35]. Eftsoones[36] beheste[37] mie Squyerr to the warre. I flie before to clayme a challenge grownde. [Goeth oute.

HERAWDE.

Thie valourous actes woulde meinte[38] of menne astounde; Harde bee yer shappe[39] encontrynge thee ynn fyghte; Anenst[40] all menne thou bereft to the grounde, Lyche the hard hayle dothe the tall roshes pyghte[41]. As whanne the mornynge sonne ydronks the dew, Syche dothe thie valourous actes drocke[42] eche knyghte's hue. 40

THE LYSTES. THE KYNGE. SYRR SYMONNE DE BOURTONNE, SYRR HUGO FERRARIS, SYRR RANULPH NEVILLE, SYRR LODOVICK DE CLYNTON, SYRR JOHAN DE BERGHAMME, AND ODHERR KNYGHTES, HERAWDES, MYNSTRELLES. AND SERVYTOURS[43].

KYNGE.

The barganette[44]; yee mynstrelles tune the strynge, Somme actyonn dyre of auntyante kynges now synge.

MYNSTRELLES.

Wyllyamm, the Normannes floure botte Englondes thorne, The manne whose myghte delievretie[45] hadd knite[46], Snett[46] oppe hys long strunge bowe and sheelde aborne[47], 45 Behesteynge[48] all hys hommageres[49] to fyghte. Goe, rouze the lyonn fromm hys hylted[50] denne, Lett thie floes[51] drenche the blodde of anie thynge bott menne.

Ynn the treed forreste doe the knyghtes appere; Wyllyamm wythe myghte hys bowe enyronn'd[52] plies[53]; 50 Loude dynns[54] the arrowe ynn the wolfynn's eare; Hee ryseth battent[55] roares, he panctes, hee dyes. Forslagenn att thie feete lett wolvynns bee, Lett thie floes drenche theyre blodde, bott do ne bredrenn flea.

Throwe the merke[56] shade of twistynde trees hee rydes; 55 The flemed[57] owlett[58] flapps herr eve-speckte[59] wynge; The lordynge[60] toade ynn all hys passes bides; The berten[61] neders[62] att hymm darte the stynge; Styll, stylle, hee passes onn, hys stede astrodde, Nee hedes the daungerous waie gyff leadynge untoe bloodde. 60

The lyoncel, fromme sweltrie[63] countries braughte, Coucheynge binethe the sheltre of the brierr, Att commyng dynn[64] doth rayse hymselfe distraughte[65], He loketh wythe an eie of flames of fyre. Goe, sticke the lyonn to hys hyltren denne. 65 Lette thie floes[66] drenche the blood of anie thynge botte menn.

Wythe passent[67] steppe the lyonn mov'th alonge; Wyllyamm hys ironne-woven bowe hee bendes, Wythe myghte alyche the roghlynge[68] thonderr stronge; The lyonn ynn a roare hys spryte foorthe sendes. 70 Goe, slea the lyonn ynn hys blodde-steyn'd denne, Botte bee thie takelle[69] drie fromm blodde of odherr menne.

Swefte fromm the thyckett starks the stagge awaie; The couraciers[70] as swefte doe afterr flie. Hee lepethe hie, hee stondes, hee kepes att baie, 75 Botte metes the arrowe, and eftsoones[71] doth die. Forslagenn atte thie fote lette wylde beastes bee, Lett thie floes drenche yer blodde, yett do ne bredrenn slee.

Wythe murtherr tyredd, hee sleynges hys bowe alyne[72]. The stagge ys ouch'd[73] wythe crownes of lillie flowerrs. 80 Arounde theire heaulmes theie greene verte doe entwyne; Joying and rev'lous ynn the grene wode bowerrs. Forslagenn wyth thie floe lette wylde beastes bee, Feeste thee upponne theire fleshe, doe ne thie bredrenn flee.

KYNGE.

Nowe to the Tourneie[74]; who wylle fyrste affraie[75]? 85

HERAULDE.

Nevylle, a baronne, bee yatte[76] honnoure thyne.

BOURTONNE.

I clayme the passage.

NEVYLLE.

I contake[77] thie waie.

BOURTONNE.

Thenn there's mie gauntlette[78] onn mie gaberdyne[79].

HEREHAULDE.

A leegefull[80] challenge, knyghtes & champyonns dygne[81], A leegefull challenge, lette the flugghorne sounde. 90 [Syrr Symonne and Nevylle tylte. Nevylle ys goeynge, manne and horse, toe grounde. [Nevylle falls. Loverdes, how doughtilie[82] the tylterrs joyne! Yee champyonnes, heere Symonne de Bourtonne fyghtes, Onne hee hathe quacedd[83], assayle[84] hymm, yee knyghtes.

FERRARIS.

I wylle anente[85] hymm goe; mie squierr, mie shielde; 95 Orr onne orr odherr wyll doe myckle[86] scethe[87] Before I doe departe the lissedd[88] fielde, Mieselfe orr Bourtonne hereupponn wyll blethe[89]. Mie shielde.

BOURTONNE.

Comme onne, & fitte thie tylte-launce ethe[90]. Whanne Bourtonn fyghtes, hee metes a doughtie foe. 100 [Theie tylte. Ferraris falleth. Hee falleth; nowe bie heavenne thie woundes doe smethe[91]; I feere mee, I have wroughte thee myckle woe[92].

HERAWDE.

Bourtonne hys seconde beereth to the feelde. Comme onn, yee knyghtes, and wynn the honnour'd sheeld.

BERGHAMME.

I take the challenge; squyre, mie launce and stede. 105 I, Bourtonne, take the gauntlette; forr mee staie. Botte, gyff thou fyghteste mee, thou shalt have mede[93]; Somme odherr I wylle champyonn toe affraie[94]; Perchaunce fromme hemm I maie possess the daie, Thenn I schalle bee a foemanne forr thie spere. 110 Herehawde, toe the bankes of Knyghtys saie, De Berghamme wayteth forr a foemann heere.

CLINTON.

Botte longe thou schalte ne tend[95]; I doe thee fie[96]. Lyche forreying[97] levynn[98], schalle mie tylte-launce flie. [Berghamme & Clinton tylte. Clinton fallethe. BERGHAMME.

Nowe, nowe, Syrr Knyghte, attoure[99] thie beeveredd[100] eyne. I have borne downe, and este[101] doe gauntlette thee. Swythenne[102] begynne, and wrynn[103] thie shappe[104] orr myne; Gyff thou dyscomfytte, ytt wylle dobblie bee. [Bourtonne & Burghamm tylteth. Berghamme falls.

HERAWDE.

Symonne de Bourtonne haveth borne downe three, And bie the thyrd hathe honnoure of a fourthe. 120 Lett hymm bee sett asyde, tylle hee doth see A tyltynge forr a knyghte of gentle wourthe. Heere commethe straunge knyghtes; gyff corteous[105] heie[106], Ytt welle beseies[107] to yeve[108] hemm ryghte of fraie[109].

FIRST KNYGHTE.

Straungerrs wee bee, and homblie doe wee clayme 125 The rennome[110] ynn thys Tourneie[111] forr to tylte; Dherbie to proove fromm cravents[112] owre goode name, Bewrynnynge[113] thatt wee gentile blodde have spylte.

HEREHAWDE.

Yee knyghtes of cortesie, these straungerrs, saie, Bee you fulle wyllynge forr to yeve hemm fraie? 130 [Fyve Knyghtes tylteth wythe the straunge Knyghte, and bee everichone[114] overthrowne.

BOURTONNE.

Nowe bie Seyncte Marie, gyff onn all the fielde Ycrasedd[115] speres and helmetts bee besprente[116], Gyff everyche knyghte dydd houlde a piercedd[117] sheeld, Gyff all the feelde wythe champyonne blodde bee stente[118], Yett toe encounterr hymm I bee contente. 135 Annodherr launce, Marshalle, anodherr launce. Albeytte hee wythe lowes[119] of fyre ybrente[120], Yett Bourtonne woulde agenste hys val[121] advance. Fyve haveth fallenn downe anethe[122] hys speere, Botte hee schalle bee the next thatt falleth heere. 140

Bie thee, Seyncte Marie, and thy Sonne I sweare, Thatt ynn whatte place yonn doughtie knyghte shall fall Anethe[123] the stronge push of mie straught[124] out speere, There schalle aryse a hallie[125] chyrches walle, The whyche, ynn honnoure, I wylle Marye calle, 145 Wythe pillars large, and spyre full hyghe and rounde. And thys I faifullie[126] wylle stonde to all, Gyff yonderr straungerr falleth to the grounde. Straungerr, bee boune[127]; I champyonn[128] you to warre. Sounde, sounde the flughornes, to bee hearde fromm farre. 150 [Bourtonne & the Straungerr tylt. Straunger falleth.

KYNGE.

The Mornynge Tyltes now cease.

HERAWDE.

Bourtonne ys kynge. Dysplaie the Englyshe bannorre onn the tente; Rounde hymm, yee mynstrelles, songs of achments[129] synge; Yee Herawdes, getherr upp the speeres besprente[130]; To Kynge of Tourney-tylte bee all knees bente. 155 Dames faire and gentle, forr youre loves hee foughte; Forr you the longe tylte-launce, the swerde hee shente[131]; Hee joustedd, alleine[132] havynge you ynn thoughte. Comme, mynstrelles, sound the strynge, goe onn eche syde, Whylest hee untoe the Kynge ynn state doe ryde. 160

MYNSTRELLES.

Whann Battayle, smethynge[133] wythe new quickenn'd gore, Bendynge wythe spoiles, and bloddie droppynge hedde, Dydd the merke[134] woode of ethe[135] and rest explore, Seekeynge to lie onn Pleasures downie bedde, Pleasure, dauncyng fromm her wode, 165 Wreathedd wythe floures of aiglintine, Fromm hys vysage washedd the bloude, Hylte[136] hys swerde and gaberdyne.

Wythe syke an eyne shee swotelie[137] hymm dydd view, Dydd foe ycorvenn[138] everrie shape to joie, 170 Hys spryte dydd chaunge untoe anodherr hue, Hys armes, ne spoyles, mote anie thoughts emploie. All delyghtsomme and contente, Fyre enshotynge[139] fromm hys eyne, Ynn hys arms hee dydd herr hente[140], 175 Lyche the merk[141]-plante doe entwyne. Soe, gyff thou lovest Pleasure and herr trayne, Onknowlachynge[142] ynn whatt place herr to fynde, Thys rule yspende[143], and ynn thie mynde retayne; Seeke Honnoure fyrste, and Pleasaunce lies behynde. 180

[Footnote 1: sport, or play.]

[Footnote 2: bounded, or measured.]

[Footnote 3: curiously devised.]

[Footnote 4: fancys or devices.]

[Footnote 5: painted, or displayed.]

[Footnote 6: fiery.]

[Footnote 7: ornamented, enameled.]

[Footnote 8: a young lion.]

[Footnote 9: drawings, paintings.]

[Footnote 10: that.]

[Footnote 11: soul.]

[Footnote 11: dispenser.]

[Footnote 12: quickly.]

[Footnote 13: give.]

[Footnote 14: armer.]

[Footnote 15: burnish.]

[Footnote 16: many.]

[Footnote 17: young, weak, tender.]

[Footnote 18: grows.]

[Footnote 19: body.]

[Footnote 20: nothing.]

[Footnote 21: alone.]

[Footnote 22: so.]

[Footnote 23: herald.]

[Footnote 24: a contraction of them.]

[Footnote 25: Guie de Sancto Egidio, the most famous tilter of his age.]

[Footnote 26: William Rufus.]

[Footnote 27: run.]

[Footnote 28: against.]

[Footnote 29: feeble.]

[Footnote 30: honour, glory.]

[Footnote 31: useless.]

[Footnote 32: a kind of claryon.]

[Footnote 33: sound.]

[Footnote 34: quickly.]

[Footnote 35: ready.]

[Footnote 36: soon.]

[Footnote 37: command.]

[Footnote 38: most.]

[Footnote 39: fate, or doom.]

[Footnote 40: against.]

[Footnote 41: pitched, or bent down.]

[Footnote 42: drink.]

[Footnote 43: servants, attendants.]

[Footnote 44: song, or ballad.]

[Footnote 45: activity.]

[Footnote 46: joined (1842; left blank in 1777 and 1778)]

[Footnote 46: bent.]

[Footnote 47: burnished.]

[Footnote 48: commanding.]

[Footnote 49: servants.]

[Footnote 50: hidden.]

[Footnote 51: arrows.]

[Footnote 52: worked with iron.]

[Footnote 53: bends.]

[Footnote 54: sounds.]

[Footnote 55: loudly.]

[Footnote 56: dark, or gloome.]

[Footnote 57 & 58: frighted owl.]

[Footnote 59: marked with evening dew.]

[Footnote 60: standing on their hind legs.]

[Footnote 61: venemous.]

[Footnote 62: adders.]

[Footnote 63: hot, sultry.]

[Footnote 64: sound, noise.]

[Footnote 65: distracted.]

[Footnote 66: arrows.]

[Footnote 67: walking leisurely.]

[Footnote 68: rolling.]

[Footnote 69: arrow.]

[Footnote 70: horse coursers.]

[Footnote 71: full soon.]

[Footnote 72: across his shoulders.]

[Footnote 73: garlands of flowers being put round the neck of the game, it was said to be ouch'd, from ouch, a chain, worn by earls round their necks.]

[Footnote 74: Turnament.]

[Footnote 75: fight, or encounter.]

[Footnote 76: that.]

[Footnote 77: dispute.]

[Footnote 78: glove.]

[Footnote 79: a piece of armour.]

[Footnote 80: lawful.]

[Footnote 81: worthy.]

[Footnote 82: furiously.]

[Footnote 83: vanquished.]

[Footnote 84: oppose.]

[Footnote 85: against.]

[Footnote 86: much.]

[Footnote 87: damage, mischief.]

[Footnote 88: bounded.]

[Footnote 89: bleed.]

[Footnote 90: easy.]

[Footnote 91: smoke.]

[Footnote 92: hurt, or damage.]

[Footnote 93: reward.]

[Footnote 94: fight or engage.]

[Footnote 95: attend or wait.]

[Footnote 96: defy.]

[Footnote 97 & 98: destroying lightening.]

[Footnote 99: turn.]

[Footnote 100: beaver'd.]

[Footnote 101: again.]

[Footnote 102: quickly.]

[Footnote 103: declare.]

[Footnote 104: fate.]

[Footnote 105: worthy.]

[Footnote 106: they.]

[Footnote 107: becomes.]

[Footnote 108: give.]

[Footnote 109: fyght.]

[Footnote 110: honour.]

[Footnote 111: Tournament.]

[Footnote 112: cowards.]

[Footnote 113: declaring.]

[Footnote 114: every one.]

[Footnote 115: broken, split.]

[Footnote 116: scatter'd.]

[Footnote 117: broken, or pierced through with darts.]

[Footnote 118: stained.]

[Footnote 119: flames.]

[Footnote 120: burnt.]

[Footnote 121: healm.]

[Footnote 122: beneath.]

[Footnote 123: against.]

[Footnote 124: stretched out.]

[Footnote 125: holy.]

[Footnote 126: faithfully.]

[Footnote 127: ready.]

[Footnote 128: challenge.]

[Footnote 129: atchievements, glorious actions.]

[Footnote 130: broken spears.]

[Footnote 131: broke, destroyed.]

[Footnote 132: only, alone.]

[Footnote 133: smoaking, steaming.]

[Footnote 134: dark, gloomy.]

[Footnote 135: ease.]

[Footnote 136: hid, secreted.]

[Footnote 137: sweetly.]

[Footnote 138: moulded.]

[Footnote 139: shooting, darting.]

[Footnote 140: grasp, hold.]

[Footnote 141: night-shade.]

[Footnote 142: ignorant, unknowing.]

[Footnote 143: consider.]



BRISTOWE TRAGEDIE:

OR THE DETHE OF

SYR CHARLES BAWDIN.

The featherd songster chaunticleer Han wounde hys bugle horne, And tolde the earlie villager The commynge of the morne:

Kynge EDWARDE sawe the ruddie streakes 5 Of lyghte eclypse the greie; And herde the raven's crokynge throte Proclayme the fated daie.

"Thou'rt ryght," quod hee, "for, by the Godde That syttes enthron'd on hyghe! 10 CHARLES BAWDIN, and hys fellowes twaine, To-daie shall surelie die."

Thenne wythe a jugge of nappy ale Hys Knyghtes dydd onne hymm waite; "Goe tell the traytour, thatt to-daie 15 Hee leaves thys mortall state."

Syr CANTERLOUE thenne bendedd lowe, Wythe harte brymm-fulle of woe; Hee journey'd to the castle-gate, And to Syr CHARLES dydd goe. 20

Butt whenne hee came, hys children twaine, And eke hys lovynge wyfe, Wythe brinie tears dydd wett the floore, For goode Syr CHARLESES lyfe.

"O goode Syr CHARLES!" sayd CANTERLOUE, 25 "Badde tydyngs I doe brynge." "Speke boldlie, manne," sayd brave Syr CHARLES, "Whatte says thie traytor kynge?"

"I greeve to telle, before yonne sonne Does fromme the welkinn flye, 30 Hee hath uponne hys honour sworne, Thatt thou shalt surelie die."

"Wee all must die," quod brave Syr CHARLES; "Of thatte I'm not affearde; Whatte bootes to lyve a little space? 35 Thanke JESU, I'm prepar'd."

"Butt telle thye kynge, for myne hee's not, I'de sooner die to-daie Thanne lyve hys slave, as manie are, Tho' I shoulde lyve for aie." 40

Thenne CANTERLOUE hee dydd goe out, To telle the maior straite To gett all thynges ynne reddyness For goode Syr CHARLESES fate.

Thenne Maisterr CANYNGE saughte the kynge, 45 And felle down onne hys knee; "I'm come," quod hee, "unto your grace To move your clemencye."

Thenne quod the kynge, "Youre tale speke out, You have been much oure friende; 50 Whatever youre request may bee, Wee wylle to ytte attende."

"My nobile leige! alle my request Ys for a nobile knyghte, Who, tho' may hap hee has donne wronge, 55 He thoghte ytte stylle was ryghte."

"Hee has a spouse and children twaine, Alle rewyn'd are for aie; Yff thatt you are resolv'd to lett CHARLES BAWDIN die to-daie." 60

"Speke nott of such a traytour vile," The kynge ynne furie sayde; "Before the evening starre doth sheene, BAWDIN shall loose hys hedde."

"Justice does loudlie for hym calle, 65 And hee shalle have hys meede: Speke, Maister CANYNGE! Whatte thynge else Att present doe you neede?"

"My nobile leige!" goode CANYNGE sayde, "Leave justice to our Godde, 70 And laye the yronne rule asyde; Be thyne the olyve rodde."

"Was Godde to serche our hertes and reines, The best were synners grete; CHRIST'S vycarr only knowes ne synne, 75 Ynne alle thys mortall state."

"Lett mercie rule thyne infante reigne, 'Twylle faste thye crowne fulle sure; From race to race thy familie Alle sov'reigns shall endure." 80

"But yff wythe bloode and slaughter thou Beginne thy infante reigne, Thy crowne uponne thy childrennes brows Wylle never long remayne."

"CANYNGE, awaie! thys traytour vile 85 Has scorn'd my power and mee; Howe canst thou thenne for such a manne Intreate my clemencye?"

"My nobile leige! the trulie brave Wylle val'rous actions prize, 90 Respect a brave and nobile mynde, Altho' ynne enemies."

"CANYNGE, awaie! By Godde ynne Heav'n Thatt dydd mee beinge gyve, I wylle nott taste a bitt of breade 95 Whilst thys Syr CHARLES dothe lyve."

"By MARIE, and alle Seinctes ynne Heav'n, Thys sunne shall be hys laste." Thenne CANYNGE dropt a brinie teare, And from the presence paste. 100

Wyth herte brymm-fulle of gnawynge grief, Hee to Syr CHARLES dydd goe, And satt hymm downe uponne a stoole, And teares beganne to flowe.

"Wee all must die," quod brave Syr CHARLES; 105 "Whatte bootes ytte howe or whenne; Dethe ys the sure, the certaine fate Of all wee mortall menne.

"Saye why, my friend, thie honest soul Runns overr att thyne eye; 110 Is ytte for my most welcome doome Thatt thou dost child-lyke crye?"

Quod godlie CANYNGE, "I doe weepe, Thatt thou so soone must dye, And leave thy sonnes and helpless wyfe; 115 'Tys thys thatt wettes myne eye."

"Thenne drie the tears thatt out thyne eye From godlie fountaines sprynge; Dethe I despise, and alle the power Of EDWARDE, traytor kynge. 120

"Whan throgh the tyrant's welcom means I shall resigne my lyfe, The Godde I serve wylle soone provyde For bothe mye sonnes and wyfe.

"Before I sawe the lyghtsome sunne, 125 Thys was appointed mee; Shall mortal manne repyne or grudge Whatt Godde ordeynes to bee?

"Howe oft ynne battaile have I stoode, Whan thousands dy'd arounde; 130 Whan smokynge streemes of crimson bloode Imbrew'd the fatten'd grounde:

"How dydd I knowe thatt ev'ry darte, Thatt cutte the airie waie, Myghte nott fynde passage toe my harte, 135 And close myne eyes for aie?

"And shall I nowe, forr feere of dethe, Looke wanne and bee dysmayde? Ne! fromm my herte flie childyshe feere, Bee alle the manne display'd. 140

"Ah, goddelyke HENRIE! Godde forefende, And guarde thee and thye sonne, Yff 'tis hys wylle; but yff 'tis nott, Why thenne hys wylle bee donne.

"My honest friende, my faulte has beene 145 To serve Godde and mye prynce; And thatt I no tyme-server am, My dethe wylle soone convynce.

"Ynne Londonne citye was I borne, Of parents of grete note; 150 My fadre dydd a nobile armes Emblazon onne hys cote:

"I make ne doubte butt hee ys gone Where soone I hope to goe; Where wee for ever shall bee blest, 155 From oute the reech of woe:

"Hee taughte mee justice and the laws Wyth pitie to unite; And eke hee taughte mee howe to knowe The wronge cause fromm the ryghte: 160

"Hee taughte mee wythe a prudent hande To feede the hungrie poore, Ne lett mye sarvants dryve awaie The hungrie fromme my doore:

"And none can saye, butt alle mye lyfe 165 I have hys wordyes kept; And summ'd the actyonns of the daie Eche nyghte before I slept.

"I have a spouse, goe aske of her, Yff I defyl'd her bedde? 170 I have a kynge, and none can laie Blacke treason onne my hedde.

"Ynne Lent, and onne the holie eve, Fromm fleshe I dydd refrayne; Whie should I thenne appeare dismay'd 175 To leave thys worlde of payne?

"Ne! hapless HENRIE! I rejoyce, I shalle ne see thye dethe; Moste willynglie ynne thye just cause Doe I resign my brethe. 180

"Oh, fickle people! rewyn'd londe! Thou wylt kenne peace ne moe; Whyle RICHARD'S sonnes exalt themselves, Thye brookes wythe bloude wylle flowe.

"Saie, were ye tyr'd of godlie peace, 185 And godlie HENRIE'S reigne, Thatt you dydd choppe youre easie daies For those of bloude and peyne?

"Whatte tho' I onne a sledde bee drawne, And mangled by a hynde, 190 I doe defye the traytor's pow'r, Hee can ne harm my mynde;

"Whatte tho', uphoisted onne a pole, Mye lymbes shall rotte ynne ayre, And ne ryche monument of brasse 195 CHARLES BAWDIN'S name shall bear;

"Yett ynne the holie booke above, Whyche tyme can't eate awaie, There wythe the sarvants of the Lorde Mye name shall lyve for aie. 200

"Thenne welcome dethe! for lyfe eterne I leave thys mortall lyfe: Farewell, vayne worlde, and alle that's deare, Mye sonnes and lovynge wyfe!

"Nowe dethe as welcome to mee comes, 205 As e'er the moneth of Maie; Nor woulde I even wyshe to lyve, Wyth my dere wyfe to staie."

Quod CANYNGE, "'Tys a goodlie thynge To bee prepar'd to die; 210 And from thys world of peyne and grefe To Godde ynne Heav'n to flie."

And nowe the bell beganne to tolle, And claryonnes to sounde; Syr CHARLES hee herde the horses feete 215 A prauncyng onne the grounde:

And just before the officers, His lovynge wyfe came ynne, Weepynge unfeigned teeres of woe, Wythe loude and dysmalle dynne. 220

"Sweet FLORENCE! nowe I praie forbere, Ynne quiet lett mee die; Praie Godde, thatt ev'ry Christian soule Maye looke onne dethe as I.

"Sweet FLORENCE! why these brinie teeres? 225 Theye washe my soule awaie, And almost make mee wyshe for lyfe, Wyth thee, sweete dame, to staie.

"'Tys butt a journie I shalle goe Untoe the lande of blysse; 230 Nowe, as a proofe of husbande's love, Receive thys holie kysse."

Thenne FLORENCE, fault'ring ynne her saie, Tremblynge these wordyes spoke, "Ah, cruele EDWARDE! bloudie kynge! 235 My herte ys welle nyghe broke:

"Ah, sweete Syr CHARLES! why wylt thou goe, Wythoute thye lovynge wyfe? The cruelle axe thatt cuttes thye necke, Ytte eke shall ende mye lyfe." 240

And nowe the officers came ynne To brynge Syr CHARLES awaie, Whoe turnedd toe his lovynge wyfe, And thus toe her dydd saie:

"I goe to lyfe, and nott to dethe; 245 Truste thou ynne Godde above, And teache thye sonnes to feare the Lorde, And ynne theyre hertes hym love:

"Teache them to runne the nobile race Thatt I theyre fader runne: 250 FLORENCE! shou'd dethe thee take—adieu! Yee officers, leade onne."

Thenne FLORENCE rav'd as anie madde, And dydd her tresses tere; "Oh! staie, mye husbande! lorde! and lyfe!"— 255 Syr CHARLES thenne dropt a teare.

'Tyll tyredd oute wythe ravynge loud, Shee fellen onne the flore; Syr CHARLES exerted alle hys myghte, And march'd fromm oute the dore. 260

Uponne a sledde hee mounted thenne, Wythe lookes fulle brave and swete; Lookes, thatt enshone ne moe concern Thanne anie ynne the strete.

Before hym went the council-menne, 265 Ynne scarlett robes and golde, And tassils spanglynge ynne the sunne, Muche glorious to beholde:

The Freers of Seincte AUGUSTYNE next Appeared to the syghte, 270 Alle cladd ynne homelie russett weedes, Of godlie monkysh plyghte:

Ynne diffraunt partes a godlie psaume Moste sweetlie theye dydd chaunt; Behynde theyre backes syx mynstrelles came, 275 Who tun'd the strunge bataunt.

Thenne fyve-and-twentye archers came; Echone the bowe dydd bende, From rescue of kynge HENRIES friends Syr CHARLES forr to defend. 280

Bolde as a lyon came Syr CHARLES, Drawne onne a clothe-layde sledde, Bye two blacke stedes ynne trappynges white, Wyth plumes uponne theyre hedde:

Behynde hym fyve-and-twentye moe 285 Of archers stronge and stoute, Wyth bended bowe echone ynne hande, Marched ynne goodlie route:

Seincte JAMESES Freers marched next, Echone hys parte dydd chaunt; 290 Behynde theyre backs syx mynstrelles came, Who tun'd the strunge bataunt:

Thenne came the maior and eldermenne, Ynne clothe of scarlett deck't; And theyre attendyng menne echone, 295 Lyke Easterne princes trickt:

And after them, a multitude Of citizenns dydd thronge; The wyndowes were alle fulle of heddes, As hee dydd passe alonge. 300

And whenne hee came to the hyghe crosse, Syr CHARLES dydd turne and saie, "O Thou, thatt savest manne fromme synne, Washe mye soule clean thys daie!"

Att the grete mynsterr wyndowe sat 305 The kynge ynne myckle state, To see CHARLES BAWDIN goe alonge To hys most welcom fate.

Soone as the sledde drewe nyghe enowe, Thatt EDWARDE hee myghte heare, 310 The brave Syr CHARLES hee dydd stande uppe, And thus hys wordes declare:

"Thou seest mee, EDWARDE! traytour vile! Expos'd to infamie; Butt bee assur'd, disloyall manne! 315 I'm greaterr nowe thanne thee.

"Bye foule proceedyngs, murdre, bloude, Thou wearest nowe a crowne; And hast appoynted mee to dye, By power nott thyne owne. 320

"Thou thynkest I shall dye to-daie; I have beene dede 'till nowe, And soone shall lyve to weare a crowne For aie uponne my browe:

"Whylst thou, perhapps, for som few yeares, 325 Shalt rule thys fickle lande, To lett them knowe howe wyde the rule 'Twixt kynge and tyrant hande:

"Thye pow'r unjust, thou traytour slave! Shall falle onne thye owne hedde"— 330 Fromm out of hearyng of the kynge Departed thenne the sledde.

Kynge EDWARDE'S soule rush'd to hys face, Hee turn'd hys hedde awaie, And to hys broder GLOUCESTER 335 Hee thus dydd speke and saie:

"To hym that soe-much-dreaded dethe Ne ghastlie terrors brynge, Beholde the manne! hee spake the truthe, Hee's greater thanne a kynge!" 340

"Soe lett hym die!" Duke RICHARD sayde; "And maye echone oure foes Bende downe theyre neckes to bloudie axe, And feede the carryon crowes."

And nowe the horses gentlie drewe 345 Syr CHARLES uppe the hyghe hylle; The axe dydd glysterr ynne the sunne, Hys pretious bloude to spylle.

Syrr CHARLES dydd uppe the scaffold goe, As uppe a gilded carre 350 Of victorye, bye val'rous chiefs Gayn'd ynne the bloudie warre:

And to the people hee dydd saie, "Beholde you see mee dye, For servynge loyally mye kynge, 355 Mye kynge most rightfullie.

"As longe as EDWARDE rules thys lande, Ne quiet you wylle knowe; Youre sonnes and husbandes shalle bee slayne. And brookes wythe bloude shalle flowe. 360

"You leave youre goode and lawfulle kynge. Whenne ynne adversitye; Lyke mee, untoe the true cause stycke, And for the true cause dye."

Thenne hee, wyth preestes, uponne hys knees, 365 A pray'r to Godde dydd make, Beseechynge hym unto hymselfe Hys partynge soule to take.

Thenne, kneelynge downe, hee layd hys hedde Most seemlie onne the blocke; 370 Whyche fromme hys bodie fayre at once The able heddes-manne stroke:

And oute the bloude beganne to flowe, And rounde the scaffolde twyne; And teares, enow to washe't awaie, 375 Dydd flowe fromme each mann's eyne.

The bloudie axe hys bodie fayre Ynnto foure parties cutte; And ev'rye parte, and eke hys hedde, Uponne a pole was putte. 380

One parte dydd rotte onne Kynwulph-hylle, One onne the mynster-tower, And one from off the castle-gate The crowen dydd devoure:

The other onne Seyncte Powle's goode gate, 385 A dreery spectacle; Hys hedde was plac'd onne the hyghe crosse, Ynne hyghe-streete most nobile.

Thus was the ende of BAWDIN'S fate: Godde prosper longe oure kynge, 390 And grante hee maye, wyth BAWDIN'S soule, Ynne heav'n Godd's mercie synge!



AELLA:

A

TRAGYCAL ENTERLUDE,

OR

DISCOORSEYNGE TRAGEDIE,

WROTENN BIE

THOMAS ROWLEIE;

PLAIEDD BEFORE

MASTRE CANYNGE, ATTE HYS HOWSE NEMPTE THE RODDE LODGE;

[ALSOE BEFORE THE DUKE OF NORFOLCK, JOHAN HOWARD.]



PERSONNES REPRESENTEDD.

AELLA, bie Thomas Rowleie, Preeste, the Aucthoure.

CELMONDE, Johan Iscamm, Preeste.

HURRA, Syrr Thybbotte Gorges, Knyghte.

BIRTHA, Mastre Edwarde Canynge.

Odherr Partes bie Knyghtes Mynstrelles.



EPISTLE TO MASTRE CANYNGE ON AELLA.

'Tys songe bie mynstrelles, thatte yn auntyent tym, Whan Reasonn hylt[1] herselfe in cloudes of nyghte, The preeste delyvered alle the lege[2] yn rhym; Lyche peyncted[3] tyltynge speares to please the syghte, The whyche yn yttes felle use doe make moke[4] dere[5], 5 Syke dyd theire auncyante lee deftlie[6] delyghte the eare.

Perchaunce yn Vyrtues gare[7] rhym mote bee thenne, Butt eefte[8] nowe flyeth to the odher syde; In hallie[9] preeste apperes the ribaudes[10] penne, Inne lithie[11] moncke apperes the barronnes pryde: 10 But rhym wythe somme, as nedere[12] widhout teethe, Make pleasaunce to the sense, botte maie do lyttel scathe[13].

Syr Johne, a knyghte, who hath a barne of lore[14], Kenns[15] Latyn att fyrst syghte from Frenche or Greke, Pyghtethe[16] hys knowlachynge[17] ten yeres or more, 15 To rynge upon the Latynne worde to speke. Whoever spekethe Englysch ys despysed, The Englysch hym to please moste fyrste be latynized.

Vevyan, a moncke, a good requiem[18] synges; Can preache so wele, eche hynde[19] hys meneynge knowes 20 Albeytte these gode guyfts awaie he flynges, Beeynge as badde yn vearse as goode yn prose. Hee synges of seynctes who dyed for yer Godde, Everych wynter nyghte afresche he sheddes theyr blodde.

To maydens, huswyfes, and unlored[20] dames, 25 Hee redes hys tales of merryment & woe. Loughe[21] loudlie dynneth[22] from the dolte[23] adrames[24]; He swelles on laudes of fooles, tho' kennes[25] hem soe. Sommetyme at tragedie theie laughe and synge, At merrie yaped[26] fage[27] somme hard-drayned water brynge. 30

Yette Vevyan ys ne foole, beyinde[28] hys lynes. Geofroie makes vearse, as handycraftes theyr ware; Wordes wythoute sense fulle grossyngelye[29] he twynes, Cotteynge hys storie off as wythe a sheere; Waytes monthes on nothynge, & hys storie donne, 35 Ne moe you from ytte kenn, than gyf[30] you neere begonne.

Enowe of odhers; of mieselfe to write, Requyrynge whatt I doe notte nowe possess, To you I leave the taske; I kenne your myghte Wyll make mie faultes, mie meynte[31] of faultes, be less. 40 AELLA wythe thys I sende, and hope that you Wylle from ytte caste awaie, whatte lynes maie be untrue.

Playes made from hallie[32] tales I holde unmeete; Lette somme greate storie of a manne be songe; Whanne, as a manne, we Godde and Jesus treate, 45 In mie pore mynde, we doe the Godhedde wronge. Botte lette ne wordes, whyche droorie[33] mote ne heare, Bee placed yn the same. Adieu untylle anere[34].

THOMAS ROWLEIE.

[Footnote 1: hid, concealed.]

[Footnote 2: law.]

[Footnote 3: painted.]

[Footnote 4: much.]

[Footnote 5: hurt, damage.]

[Footnote 6: sweetly.]

[Footnote 7: cause.]

[Footnote 8: oft.]

[Footnote 9: holy.]

[Footnote 10: rake, lewd person.]

[Footnote 11: humble.]

[Footnote 12: adder.]

[Footnote 13: hurt, damage.]

[Footnote 14: learning.]

[Footnote 15: knows.]

[Footnote 16: plucks or tortures.]

[Footnote 17: knowledge.]

[Footnote 18: a service used over the dead.]

[Footnote 19: peasant.]

[Footnote 20: unlearned.]

[Footnote 21: laugh.]

[Footnote 22: sounds.]

[Footnote 23: foolish.]

[Footnote 24: churls.]

[Footnote 25: knows.]

[Footnote 26: laughable.]

[Footnote 27: tale, jest.]

[Footnote 28: beyond.]

[Footnote 29: foolishly.]

[Footnote 30: if.]

[Footnote 31: many.]

[Footnote 32: holy.]

[Footnote 33: strange perversion of words. Droorie in its antient signification stood for modesty.]

[Footnote 34: another.]



LETTER TO THE DYGNE MASTRE CANYNGE.

Straunge dome ytte ys, that, yn these daies of oures, Nete[35] butte a bare recytalle can hav place; Nowe shapelie poesie hast loste yttes powers, And pynant hystorie ys onlie grace; Heie[36] pycke up wolsome weedes, ynstedde of flowers, 5 And famylies, ynstedde of wytte, theie trace; Nowe poesie canne meete wythe ne regrate[37], Whylste prose, & herehaughtrie[38], ryse yn estate.

Lette kynges, & rulers, whan heie gayne a throne, Shewe whatt theyre grandsieres, & great grandsieres bore, 10 Emarschalled armes, yatte, ne before theyre owne, Now raung'd wythe whatt yeir fadres han before; Lette trades, & toune folck, lett syke[39] thynges alone, Ne fyghte for sable yn a fielde of aure; Seldomm, or never, are armes vyrtues mede, 15 Shee nillynge[40] to take myckle[41] aie dothe hede.

A man ascaunse upponn a piece maye looke, And shake hys hedde to styrre hys rede[42] aboute; Quod he, gyf I askaunted oere thys booke, Schulde fynde thereyn that trouthe ys left wythoute; 20 Eke, gyf[43] ynto a vew percase[44] I tooke The long beade-rolle of al the wrytynge route, Asserius, Ingolphus, Torgotte, Bedde, Thorow hem[45] al nete lyche ytte I coulde rede.—

Pardon, yee Graiebarbes[46], gyff I saie, onwise 25 Yee are, to stycke so close & bysmarelie[47] To hystorie; you doe ytte tooe moche pryze, Whyche amenused[48] thoughtes of poesie; Somme drybblette[49] share you shoulde to yatte[50] alyse[51], Nott makynge everyche thynge bee hystorie; 30 Instedde of mountynge onn a wynged horse, You onn a rouncy[52] dryve yn dolefull course.

Cannynge & I from common course dyssente; Wee ryde the stede, botte yev to hym the reene; Ne wylle betweene crased molterynge bookes be pente, 35 Botte soare on hyghe, & yn the sonne-bemes sheene; And where wee kenn somme ishad[53] floures besprente, We take ytte, & from oulde rouste doe ytte clene; Wee wylle ne cheynedd to one pasture bee, Botte sometymes soare 'bove trouthe of hystorie. 40

Saie, Canynge, whatt was vearse yn daies of yore? Fyne thoughtes, and couplettes fetyvelie[54] bewryen[55], Notte syke as doe annoie thys age so sore, A keppened poyntelle[56] restynge at eche lyne. Vearse maie be goode, botte poesie wantes more, 45 An onlist[57] lecturn[58], and a songe adygne[59]; Accordynge to the rule I have thys wroughte, Gyff ytt please Canynge, I care notte a groate.

The thynge yttself moste bee ytts owne defense; Som metre maie notte please a womannes ear. 50 Canynge lookes notte for poesie, botte sense; And dygne, & wordie thoughtes, ys all hys care. Canynge, adieu! I do you greete from hence; Full soone I hope to taste of your good cheere; Goode Byshoppe Carpynter dyd byd mee saie, 55 Hee wysche you healthe & selinesse for aie.

T. ROWLEIE.

[Footnote 35: nought.]

[Footnote 36: they.]

[Footnote 37: esteem.]

[Footnote 38: heraldry.]

[Footnote 39: such.]

[Footnote 40: unwilling.]

[Footnote 41: much.]

[Footnote 42: wisdom, council.]

[Footnote 43: if.]

[Footnote 44: perchance.]

[Footnote 45: them.]

[Footnote 46: Greybeards.]

[Footnote 47: curiously.]

[Footnote 48: lessened.]

[Footnote 49: small.]

[Footnote 50: that.]

[Footnote 51: allow.]

[Footnote 52: cart-horse.]

[Editor's note: ll. 15-16 See Introduction p. xli]

[Footnote 53: broken.]

[Footnote 54: elegantly.]

[Footnote 55: declared, expressed.]

[Footnote 56: a pen, used metaphorically, as a muse or genius.]

[Footnote 57: boundless.]

[Footnote 58: subject.]

[Footnote 59: nervous, worthy of praise.]



ENTRODUCTIONNE.

Somme cherisounce[60] it ys to gentle mynde, Whan heie have chevyced[61] theyre londe from bayne[62], Whan theie ar dedd, theie leave yer name behynde, And theyre goode deedes doe on the earthe remayne; Downe yn the grave wee ynhyme[63] everych steyne, 5 Whylest al her gentlenesse ys made to sheene, Lyche fetyve baubels[64] geasonne[65] to be seene.

AELLA, the wardenne of thys[66] castell[67] stede, Whylest Saxons dyd the Englysche sceptre swaie, Who made whole troopes of Dacyan men to blede, 10 Then seel'd[68] hys eyne, and seeled hys eyne for aie, Wee rowze hym uppe before the judgment daie, To saie what he, as clergyond[69], can kenne, And howe hee sojourned in the vale of men.

[Footnote 60: comfort.]

[Footnote 61: preserved.]

[Footnote 62: ruin.]

[Footnote 63: inter.]

[Footnote 64: jewels.]

[Footnote 65: rare.]

[Footnote 66: Bristol.]

[Footnote 67: castle.]

[Footnote 68: closed.]

[Footnote 69: taught.]



AELLA.

CELMONDE, att BRYSTOWE.

Before yonne roddie sonne has droove hys wayne Throwe halfe hys joornie, dyghte yn gites[1] of goulde, Mee, happeless mee, hee wylle a wretche behoulde, Mieselfe, and al that's myne, bounde ynne myschaunces chayne.

Ah! Birtha, whie dydde Nature frame thee fayre? 5 Whie art thou all thatt poyntelle[2] canne bewreene[3]? Whie art thou nott as coarse as odhers are?— Botte thenn thie soughle woulde throwe thy vysage sheene, Yatt shemres onn thie comelie semlykeene[4], Lyche nottebrowne cloudes, whann bie the sonne made redde, 10 Orr scarlette, wythe waylde lynnen clothe ywreene[5], Syke[6] woulde thie spryte upponn thie vysage spredde. Thys daie brave AElla dothe thyne honde & harte Clayme as hys owne to be, whyche nee fromm hys moste parte.

And cann I lyve to see herr wythe anere[7]! 15 Ytt cannotte, muste notte, naie, ytt shalle not bee. Thys nyghte I'll putte stronge poysonn ynn the beere, And hymm, herr, and myselfe, attenes[8] wyll slea. Assyst mee, Helle! lett Devylles rounde mee tende, To slea mieselfe, mie love, & eke mie doughtie[9] friende. 20



AELLA, BIRTHA.

AELLA.

Notte, whanne the hallie prieste dyd make me knyghte, Blessynge the weaponne, tellynge future dede, Howe bie mie honde the prevyd[10] Dane shoulde blede, Howe I schulde often bee, and often wynne, ynn fyghte;

Notte, whann I fyrste behelde thie beauteous hue, 25 Whyche strooke mie mynde, & rouzed mie softer soule; Nott, whann from the barbed horse yn fyghte dyd viewe The flying Dacians oere the wyde playne roule, Whan all the troopes of Denmarque made grete dole, Dydd I fele joie wyth syke reddoure[11] as nowe, 30 Whann hallie preest, the lechemanne of the soule, Dydd knytte us both ynn a caytysnede[12] vowe: Now hallie AElla's selynesse ys grate; Shap[13] haveth nowe ymade hys woes for to emmate[14].

BIRTHA.

Mie lorde, & husbande, syke a joie ys myne; 35 Botte mayden modestie moste ne soe saie, Albeytte thou mayest rede ytt ynn myne eyne, Or ynn myne harte, where thou shalte be for aie; Inne sothe, I have botte meeded oute thie faie[15]; For twelve tymes twelve the mone hathe bin yblente[16], 40 As manie tymes hathe vyed the Godde of daie, And on the grasse her lemes[17] of sylverr sente, Sythe thou dydst cheese mee for thie swote to bee, Enactynge ynn the same moste faiefullie to mee.

Ofte have I seene thee atte the none-daie feaste, 45 Whanne deysde bie thieselfe, for wante of pheeres[18], Awhylst thie merryemen dydde laughe and jeaste, Onn mee thou semest all eyne, to mee all eares. Thou wardest mee as gyff ynn hondred feeres, Alest a daygnous[19] looke to thee be sente, 50 And offrendes[20] made mee, moe thann yie compheeres, Offe scarpes[21] of scarlette, & fyne paramente[22]; All thie yntente to please was lyssed[23] to mee, I saie ytt, I moste streve thatt you ameded bee.

AELLA.

Mie lyttel kyndnesses whyche I dydd doe, 55 Thie gentleness doth corven them soe grete, Lyche bawsyn[24] olyphauntes[25] mie gnattes doe shewe; Thou doest mie thoughtes of paying love amate[26]. Botte hann mie actyonns straughte[27] the rolle of fate, Pyghte thee fromm Hell, or broughte Heaven down to thee, 60 Layde the whol worlde a falldstole atte thie feete, On smyle woulde be suffycyll mede for mee. I amm Loves borro'r, & canne never paie, Bott be hys borrower stylle, & thyne, mie swete, for aie.

BIRTHA.

Love, doe notte rate your achevmentes[28] soe smalle; 65 As I to you, syke love untoe mee beare; For nothynge paste wille Birtha ever call, Ne on a foode from Heaven thynke to cheere. As farr as thys frayle brutylle flesch wylle spere, Syke, & ne fardher I expecte of you; 70 Be notte toe slacke yn love, ne overdeare; A smalle fyre, yan a loude flame, proves more true.

AELLA.

Thie gentle wordis doe thie volunde[29] kenne To bee moe clergionde thann ys ynn meyncte of menne.



AELLA, BIRTHA, CELMONDE, MYNSTRELLES.

CELMONDE.

Alle blessynges showre on gentle AElla's hedde! 75 Oft maie the moone, yn sylverr sheenynge lyghte, Inne varied chaunges varyed blessynges shedde, Besprengeynge far abrode mischaunces nyghte; And thou, fayre Birtha! thou, fayre Dame, so bryghte, Long mayest thou wyth AElla fynde muche peace, 80 Wythe selynesse, as wyth a roabe, be dyghte, Wyth everych chaungynge mone new joies encrease! I, as a token of mie love to speake, Have brought you jubbes of ale, at nyghte youre brayne to breake.

AELLA.

Whan sopperes paste we'lle drenche youre ale soe stronge, 85 Tyde lyfe, tyde death.

CELMONDE.

Ye Mynstrelles, chaunt your songe.

Mynstrelles Songe, bie a Manne and Womanne.

MANNE.

Tourne thee to thie Shepsterr[30] swayne; Bryghte sonne has ne droncke the dewe From the floures of yellowe hue; Tourne thee, Alyce, backe agayne. 90

WOMANNE.

No, bestoikerre[31], I wylle goe, Softlie tryppynge o'ere the mees[32], Lyche the sylver-footed doe, Seekeynge shelterr yn grene trees.

MANNE.

See the moss-growne daisey'd banke, 95 Pereynge ynne the streme belowe; Here we'lle sytte, yn dewie danke; Tourne thee, Alyce, do notte goe.

WOMANNE.

I've hearde erste mie grandame saie, Yonge damoyselles schulde ne bee, 100 Inne the swotie moonthe of Maie, Wythe yonge menne bie the grene wode tree.

MANNE.

Sytte thee, Alyce, sytte, and harke, Howe the ouzle[33] chauntes hys noate, The chelandree[34], greie morn larke, 105 Chauntynge from theyre lyttel throate;

WOMANNE.

I heare them from eche grene wode tree, Chauntynge owte so blatauntlie[35], Tellynge lecturnyes[36] to mee, Myscheefe ys whanne you are nygh. 110

MANNE.

See alonge the mees so grene Pied daisies, kynge-coppes swote; Alle wee see, bie non bee scene, Nete botte shepe settes here a fote.

WOMANNE.

Shepster swayne, you tare mie gratche[37]. 115 Oute uponne ye! lette me goe. Leave mee swythe, or I'lle alatche. Robynne, thys youre dame shall knowe.

MANNE.

See! the crokynge brionie Rounde the popler twyste hys spraie; 120 Rounde the oake the greene ivie Florryschethe and lyveth aie.

Lette us seate us bie thys tree, Laughe, and synge to lovynge ayres; Comme, and doe notte coyen bee; 125 Nature made all thynges bie payres. Drooried cattes wylle after kynde; Gentle doves wylle kyss and coe.

WOMANNE.

Botte manne, hee moste bee ywrynde, Tylle syr preeste make on of two. 130

Tempte mee ne to the foule thynge; I wylle no mannes lemanne be; Tyll syr preeste hys songe doethe synge, Thou shalt neere fynde aught of mee.

MANNE.

Bie oure ladie her yborne, 135 To-morrowe, soone as ytte ys daie, I'lle make thee wyfe, ne bee forsworne, So tyde me lyfe or dethe for aie.

WOMANNE.

Whatt dothe lette, botte thatte nowe Wee attenes[38], thos honde yn honde, 140 Unto divinistre[39] goe, And bee lyncked yn wedlocke bonde?

MANNE.

I agree, and thus I plyghte Honde, and harte, and all that's myne; Goode syr Rogerr, do us ryghte, 145 Make us one, at Cothbertes shryne.

BOTHE.

We wylle ynn a bordelle[40] lyve, Hailie, thoughe of no estate; Everyche clocke moe love shall gyve; Wee ynne godenesse wylle bee greate. 150

AELLA.

I lyche thys songe, I lyche ytt myckle well; And there ys monie for yer syngeynge nowe; Butte have you noone thatt marriage-blessynges telle?

CELMONDE.

In marriage, blessynges are botte fewe, I trowe.

MYNSTRELLES.

Laverde[41], wee have; and, gyff you please, wille synge, 155 As well as owre choughe-voyces wylle permytte.

AELLA.

Comme then, and see you swotelie tune the strynge, And stret[42], and engyne all the human wytte, Toe please mie dame.

MYNSTRELLES.

We'lle strayne owre wytte and synge.

Mynstrelles Songe.

FYRSTE MYNSTRYLLE.

The boddynge flourettes bloshes atte the lyghte; 160 The mees be sprenged wyth the yellowe hue; Ynn daiseyd mantels ys the mountayne dyghte; The nesh[43] yonge coweslepe bendethe wyth the dewe; The trees enlefed, yntoe Heavenne straughte. Whenn gentle wyndes doe blowe, to whestlyng dynne ys broughte. 165

The evenynge commes, and brynges the dewe alonge; The roddie welkynne sheeneth to the eyne; Arounde the alestake Mynstrells synge the songe; Yonge ivie rounde the doore poste do entwyne; I laie mee onn the grasse; yette, to mie wylle, 170 Albeytte alle ys fayre, there lackethe somethynge stylle.

SECONDE MYNSTRELLE.

So Adam thoughtenne, whann, ynn Paradyse, All Heavenn and Erthe dyd hommage to hys mynde; Ynn Womman alleyne mannes pleasaunce lyes; As Instrumentes of joie were made the kynde. 175 Go, take a wyfe untoe thie armes, and see Wynter, and brownie hylles, wyll have a charme for thee.

THYRDE MYNSTRELLE.

Whanne Autumpne blake[44] and sonne-brente doe appere, With hys goulde honde guylteynge the falleynge lefe, Bryngeynge oppe Wynterr to folfylle the yere, 180 Beerynge uponne hys backe the riped shefe; Whan al the hyls wythe woddie sede ys whyte; Whanne levynne-fyres and lemes do mete from far the syghte;

Whann the fayre apple, rudde as even skie, Do bende the tree unto the fructyle grounde; 185 When joicie peres, and berries of blacke die, Doe daunce yn ayre, and call the eyne arounde; Thann, bee the even foule, or even fayre, Meethynckes mie hartys joie ys steynced wyth somme care.

SECONDE MYNSTRELLE.

Angelles bee wrogte to bee of neidher kynde; 190 Angelles alleyne fromme chafe[45] desyre bee free; Dheere ys a somwhatte evere yn the mynde, Yatte, wythout wommanne, cannot stylled bee; Ne seyncte yn celles, botte, havynge blodde and tere[46], Do fynde the spryte to joie on syghte of womanne fayre: 195

Wommen bee made, notte for hemselves, botte manne, Bone of hys bone, and chyld of hys desire; Fromme an ynutyle membere fyrste beganne, Ywroghte with moche of water, lyttele fyre; Therefore theie seke the fyre of love, to hete 200 The milkyness of kynde, and make hemselfes complete.

Albeytte, wythout wommen, menne were pheeres To salvage kynde, and wulde botte lyve to flea, Botte wommenne efte the spryghte of peace so cheres, Tochelod yn Angel joie heie Angeles bee; 205 Go, take thee swythyn[47] to thie bedde a wyfe, Bee bante or blessed hie, yn proovynge marryage lyfe.

Anodher Mynstrelles Songe, bie Syr Thybbot Gorges.

As Elynour bie the green lesselle was syttynge, As from the sones hete she harried, She sayde, as herr whytte hondes whyte hosen was knyttynge, 210 Whatte pleasure ytt ys to be married!

Mie husbande, Lorde Thomas, a forrester boulde, As ever clove pynne, or the baskette, Does no cherysauncys from Elynour houlde, I have ytte as soone as I aske ytte. 215

Whann I lyved wyth mie fadre yn merrie Clowd-dell. Tho' twas at my liefe to mynde spynnynge, I stylle wanted somethynge, botte whatte ne coulde telle, Mie lorde fadres barbde haulle han ne wynnynge. Eche mornynge I ryse, doe I sette mie maydennes, 220 Somme to spynn, somme to curdell, somme bleachynge, Gyff any new entered doe aske for mie aidens, Thann swythynne you fynde mee a teachynge.

Lorde Walterre, mie fadre, he loved me welle, And nothynge unto mee was nedeynge, 225 Botte schulde I agen goe to merrie Cloud-dell, In sothen twoulde bee wythoute redeynge.

Shee sayde, and lorde Thomas came over the lea, As hee the fatte derkynnes was chacynge, Shee putte uppe her knyttynge, and to hym wente shee; 230 So wee leave hem bothe kyndelie embracynge.

AELLA.

I lyche eke thys; goe ynn untoe the feaste; Wee wylle permytte you antecedente bee; There swotelie synge eche carolle, and yaped[48] jeaste; And there ys monnie, that you merrie bee; 235 Comme, gentle love, wee wylle toe spouse-feaste goe, And there ynn ale and wyne bee dreyncted[49] everych woe.



AELLA, BIRTHA, CELMONDE, MESSENGERE.

MESSENGERE.

AElla, the Danes ar thondrynge onn our coaste; Lyche scolles of locusts, caste oppe bie the sea, Magnus and Hurra, wythe a doughtie hoaste, 240 Are ragyng, to be quansed[50] bie none botte thee; Haste, swyfte as Levynne to these royners flee: Thie dogges alleyne can tame thys ragynge bulle. Haste swythyn, fore anieghe the towne theie bee, And Wedecesterres rolle of dome bee fulle. 245 Haste, haste, O AElla, to the byker flie, For yn a momentes space tenne thousand menne maie die.

AELLA.

Beshrew thee for thie newes! I moste be gon. Was ever lockless dome so hard as myne! Thos from dysportysmente to warr to ron, 250 To chaunge the selke veste for the gaberdyne!

BIRTHA.

O! lyche a nedere, lette me rounde thee twyne, And hylte thie boddie from the schaftes of warre. Thou shalte nott, must not, from thie Birtha ryne, Botte kenn the dynne of slughornes from afarre. 255

AELLA.

O love, was thys thie joie, to shewe the treate, Than groffyshe to forbydde thie hongered guestes to eate?

O mie upswalynge[51] harte, whatt wordes can saie The peynes, thatte passethe ynn mie soule ybrente? Thos to bee torne uponne mie spousalle daie, 260 O! 'tys a peyne beyond entendemente. Yee mychtie Goddes, and is yor favoures sente As thous faste dented to a loade of peyne? Moste wee aie holde yn chace the shade content. And for a bodykyn[52] a swarthe obteyne? 265 O! whie, yee seynctes, oppress yee thos mie fowle? How shalle I speke mie woe, mie freme, mie dreerie dole?

CELMONDE.

Sometyme the wyseste lacketh pore mans rede. Reasonne and counynge wytte efte flees awaie. Thanne, loverde, lett me saie, wyth hommaged drede (Bieneth your fote ylayn) mie counselle saie; 271 Gyff thos wee lett the matter lethlen[53] laie, The foemenn, everych honde-poyncte, getteth fote. Mie loverde, lett the speere-menne, dyghte for fraie, And all the sabbataners goe aboute. 275 I speke, mie loverde, alleyne to upryse Youre wytte from marvelle, and the warriour to alyse.

AELLA.

Ah! nowe thou pottest takells[54] yn mie harte; Mie soulghe dothe nowe begynne to see herselle; I wylle upryse mie myghte, and doe mie parte, 280 To flea the foemenne yn mie furie felle. Botte howe canne tynge mie rampynge fourie telle. Whyche ryseth from mie love to Birtha fayre? Ne coulde the queede, and alle the myghte of Helle, Founde out impleasaunce of syke blacke a geare. 285 Yette I wylle bee mieselfe, and rouze mie spryte To acte wythe rennome, and goe meet the bloddie fyghte.