|
[Footnote 15: beggarly.]
[Footnote 16: filled with.]
[Footnote 17: beggar.]
[Footnote 18: clouded, dejected. A person of some note in the literary world is of opinion, that glum and glom are modern cant words; and from this circumstance doubts the authenticity of Rowley's Manuscripts. Glum-mong in the Saxon signifies twilight, a dark or dubious light; and the modern word gloomy is derived from the Saxon glum.]
[Footnote 19: dry, sapless.]
[Footnote 20: The grave.]
[Footnote 21: accursed, unfortunate.]
[Footnote 22: coffin.]
[Footnote 23: a sleeping room.]
[Footnote 24: sun-burnt.]
[Footnote 25: smoke.]
[Footnote 26: drink.]
[Footnote 27: pall, a contraction from appall, to fright.]
[Footnote 28: fly.]
[Footnote 29: lightning.]
[Footnote 30: steam, or vapours.]
[Footnote 31: flames.]
[Footnote 32: noisy.]
[Footnote 33: moves.]
[Footnote 34: swelled, strengthened.]
[Footnote 35: Frighted.]
[Footnote 36: burst.]
[Footnote 37: a small round hat, not unlike the shapournette in heraldry, formerly worn by Ecclesiastics and Lawyers.]
[Footnote 38: painted.]
[Footnote 39: He told his beads backwards; a figurative expression to signify cursing.]
[Footnote 40: poor, needy.]
[Footnote 41: a cloke.]
[Footnote 42: a loose white robe, worn by Priests.]
[Footnote 43: A lord.]
[Footnote 44: I believe this trade is still in being, though but seldom employed.]
[Footnote 45: a beggar, or vagabond.]
[Footnote 46: A short surplice, worn by Friars of an inferior class, and secular priests.]
[Footnote 47: joy.]
[Footnote 48: ease.]
[Footnote 49: nought.]
[Footnote 50: unhappy.]
[Footnote 51: a short under-cloke.]
[Footnote 52: Glory.]
[Footnote 53: mighty, rich.]
BATTLE OF HASTINGS.
[No 1.]
O Chryste, it is a grief for me to telle, How manie a nobil erle and valrous knyghte In fyghtynge for Kynge Harrold noblie fell, Al sleyne in Hastyngs feeld in bloudie fyghte. O sea-oerteeming Dovor! han thy floude, 5 Han anie fructuous entendement, Thou wouldst have rose and sank wyth tydes of bloude. Before Duke Wyllyam's knyghts han hither went; Whose cowart arrows manie erles sleyne, And brued the feeld wyth bloude as season rayne. 10
And of his knyghtes did eke full manie die, All passyng hie, of mickle myghte echone, Whose poygnant arrowes, typp'd with destynie, Caus'd manie wydowes to make myckle mone. Lordynges, avaunt, that chycken-harted are, 15 From out of hearynge quicklie now departe; Full well I wote, to synge of bloudie warre Will greeve your tenderlie and mayden harte. Go, do the weaklie womman inn mann's geare, And scond your mansion if grymm war come there. 20
Soone as the erlie maten belle was tolde, And sonne was come to byd us all good daie, Bothe armies on the feeld, both brave and bolde, Prepar'd for fyghte in champyon arraie. As when two bulles, destynde for Hocktide fyghte, 25 Are yoked bie the necke within a sparre, Theie rend the erthe, and travellyrs affryghte, Lackynge to gage the sportive bloudie warre; Soe lacked Harroldes menne to come to blowes, The Normans lacked for to wielde their bowes. 30
Kynge Harrolde turnynge to hys leegemen spake; My merrie men, be not caste downe in mynde; Your onlie lode for aye to mar or make, Before yon sunne has donde his welke, you'll fynde. Your lovyng wife, who erst dyd rid the londe 35 Of Lurdanes, and the treasure that you han, Wyll falle into the Normanne robber's honde, Unlesse with honde and harte you plaie the manne. Cheer up youre hartes, chase sorrowe farre awaie, Godde and Seyncte Cuthbert be the worde to daie. 40
And thenne Duke Wyllyam to his knyghtes did saie; My merrie menne, be bravelie everiche; Gif I do gayn the honore of the daie, Ech one of you I will make myckle riche. Beer you in mynde, we for a kyngdomm fyghte; 45 Lordshippes and honores echone shall possesse; Be this the worde to daie, God and my Ryghte; Ne doubte but God will oure true cause blesse. The clarions then sounded sharpe and shrille; Deathdoeynge blades were out intent to kille. 50
And brave Kyng Harrolde had nowe donde hys saie; He threwe wythe myghte amayne hys shorte horse-spear. The noise it made the duke to turn awaie, And hytt his knyghte, de Beque, upon the ear. His cristede beaver dyd him smalle abounde; 55 The cruel spear went thorough all his hede; The purpel bloude came goushynge to the grounde, And at Duke Wyllyam's feet he tumbled deade: So fell the myghtie tower of Standrip, whenne It felte the furie of the Danish menne. 60
O Afflem, son of Cuthbert, holie Sayncte, Come ayde thy freend, and shewe Duke Wyllyams payne; Take up thy pencyl, all hys features paincte; Thy coloryng excells a synger strayne. Duke Wyllyam sawe hys freende sleyne piteouslie, 65 Hys lovynge freende whome he muche honored, For he han lovd hym from puerilitie, And theie together bothe han bin ybred: O! in Duke Wyllyam's harte it raysde a flame, To whiche the rage of emptie wolves is tame. 70
He tooke a brasen crosse-bowe in his honde, And drewe it harde with all hys myghte amein, Ne doubtyng but the bravest in the londe Han by his soundynge arrowe-lede bene sleyne. Alured's stede, the fynest stede alive, 75 Bye comelie forme knowlached from the rest; But nowe his destind howre did aryve, The arrowe hyt upon his milkwhite breste: So have I seen a ladie-smock soe white, Blown in the mornynge, and mowd downe at night. 80
With thilk a force it dyd his bodie gore, That in his tender guttes it entered, In veritee a fulle clothe yarde or more, And downe with flaiten noyse he sunken dede. Brave Alured, benethe his faithfull horse, 85 Was smeerd all over withe the gorie duste, And on hym laie the recer's lukewarme corse, That Alured coulde not hymself aluste. The standyng Normans drew theyr bowe echone, And broght full manie Englysh champyons downe. 90
The Normans kept aloofe, at distaunce stylle, The Englysh nete but short horse-spears could welde; The Englysh manie dethe-sure dartes did kille, And manie arrowes twang'd upon the sheelde. Kynge Haroldes knyghts desir'de for hendie stroke, 95 And marched furious o'er the bloudie pleyne, In bodie close, and made the pleyne to smoke; Theire sheelds rebounded arrowes back agayne. The Normans stode aloofe, nor hede the same, Their arrowes woulde do dethe, tho' from far of they came. 100
Duke Wyllyam drewe agen hys arrowe strynge, An arrowe withe a sylver-hede drewe he; The arrowe dauncynge in the ayre dyd synge, And hytt the horse of Tosselyn on the knee. At this brave Tosslyn threwe his short horse-speare; 105 Duke Wyllyam stooped to avoyde the blowe; The yrone weapon hummed in his eare, And hitte Sir Doullie Naibor on the prowe; Upon his helme soe furious was the stroke, It splete his bever, and the ryvets broke. 110
Downe fell the beaver by Tosslyn splete in tweine, And onn his hede expos'd a punie wounde, But on Destoutvilles sholder came ameine, And fell'd the champyon to the bloudie grounde. Then Doullie myghte his bowestrynge drewe, 115 Enthoughte to gyve brave Tosslyn bloudie wounde, But Harolde's asenglave stopp'd it as it slewe, And it fell bootless on the bloudie grounde. Siere Doullie, when he sawe hys venge thus broke, Death-doynge blade from out the scabard toke. 120
And now the battail closde on everych syde, And face to face appeard the knyghts full brave; They lifted up theire bylles with myckle pryde, And manie woundes unto the Normans gave. So have I sene two weirs at once give grounde, 125 White fomyng hygh to rorynge combat runne; In roaryng dyn and heaven-breaking sounde, Burste waves on waves, and spangle in the sunne; And when their myghte in burstynge waves is fled, Like cowards, stele alonge their ozy bede. 130
Yonge Egelrede, a knyghte of comelie mien, Affynd unto the kynge of Dynefarre, At echone tylte and tourney he was seene, And lov'd to be amonge the bloudie warre; He couch'd hys launce, and ran wyth mickle myghte 135 Ageinste the brest of Sieur de Bonoboe; He grond and sunken on the place of fyghte, O Chryste! to fele his wounde, his harte was woe. Ten thousand thoughtes push'd in upon his mynde, Not for hymselfe, but those he left behynde. 140
He dy'd and leffed wyfe and chyldren tweine, Whom he wyth cheryshment did dearlie love; In England's court, in goode Kynge Edwarde's regne, He wonne the tylte, and ware her crymson glove; And thence unto the place where he was borne, 145 Together with hys welthe & better wyfe, To Normandie he dyd perdie returne, In peace and quietnesse to lead his lyfe; And now with sovrayn Wyllyam he came, To die in battel, or get welthe and fame. 150
Then, swefte as lyghtnynge, Egelredus set Agaynst du Barlie of the mounten head; In his dere hartes bloude his longe launce was wett, And from his courser down he tumbled dede. So have I sene a mountayne oak, that longe 155 Has caste his shadowe to the mountayne syde, Brave all the wyndes, tho' ever they so stronge, And view the briers belowe with self-taught pride; But, whan throwne downe by mightie thunder stroke, He'de rather bee a bryer than an oke. 160
Then Egelred dyd in a declynie Hys launce uprere with all hys myghte ameine, And strok Fitzport upon the dexter eye, And at his pole the spear came out agayne. Butt as he drewe it forthe, an arrowe fledde 165 Wyth mickle myght sent from de Tracy's bowe, And at hys syde the arrowe entered, And oute the crymson streme of bloude gan flowe; In purple strekes it dyd his armer staine, And smok'd in puddles on the dustie plaine. 170
But Egelred, before he sunken downe, With all his myghte amein his spear besped, It hytte Bertrammil Manne upon the crowne, And bothe together quicklie sunken dede. So have I seen a rocke o'er others hange, 175 Who stronglie plac'd laughde at his slippry state, But when he falls with heaven-peercynge bange That he the sleeve unravels all theire fate, And broken onn the beech thys lesson speak, The stronge and firme should not defame the weake. 180
Howel ap Jevah came from Matraval, Where he by chaunce han slayne a noble's son, And now was come to fyghte at Harold's call, And in the battel he much goode han done; Unto Kyng Harold he foughte mickle near, 185 For he was yeoman of the bodie guard; And with a targyt and a fyghtyng spear, He of his boddie han kepte watch and ward; True as a shadow to a substant thynge, So true he guarded Harold hys good kynge. 190
But when Egelred tumbled to the grounde, He from Kynge Harolde quicklie dyd advaunce, And strooke de Tracie thilk a crewel wounde, Hys harte and lever came out on the launce. And then retreted for to guarde his kynge, 195 On dented launce he bore the harte awaie; An arrowe came from Auffroie Griel's strynge, Into hys heele betwyxt hys yron staie; The grey-goose pynion, that thereon was sett, Eftsoons wyth smokyng crymson bloud was wett. 200
His bloude at this was waxen flaminge hotte, Without adoe he turned once agayne, And hytt de Griel thilk a blowe, God wote, Maugre hys helme, he splete his hede in twayne. This Auffroie was a manne of mickle pryde, 205 Whose featliest bewty ladden in his face; His chaunce in warr he ne before han tryde, But lyv'd in love and Rosaline's embrace; And like a useless weede amonge the haie Amonge the sleine warriours Griel laie. 210
Kynge Harolde then he putt his yeomen bie, And ferslie ryd into the bloudie fyghte; Erle Ethelwolf, and Goodrick, and Alsie, Cuthbert, and Goddard, mical menne of myghte, Ethelwin, Ethelbert, and Edwyn too, 215 Effred the famous, and Erle Ethelwarde, Kynge Harolde's leegemenn, erlies hie and true, Rode after hym, his bodie for to guarde; The reste of erlies, fyghtynge other wheres, Stained with Norman bloude theire fyghtynge speres. 220
As when some ryver with the season raynes White fomynge hie doth breke the bridges oft, Oerturns the hamelet and all conteins. And layeth oer the hylls a muddie soft; So Harold ranne upon his Normanne foes. 225 And layde the greate and small upon the grounde, And delte among them thilke a store of blowes, Full manie a Normanne fell by him dede wounde; So who he be that ouphant faieries strike, Their soules will wander to Kynge Offa's dyke. 230
Fitz Salnarville, Duke William's favourite knyghte, To noble Edelwarde his life dyd yielde; Withe hys tylte launce hee stroke with thilk a myghte, The Norman's bowels steemde upon the feeld. Old Salnarville beheld hys son lie ded, 235 Against Erie Edelward his bowe-strynge drewe; But Harold at one blowe made tweine his head; He dy'd before the poignant arrowe flew. So was the hope of all the issue gone, And in one battle fell the sire and son. 240
De Aubignee rod fercely thro' the fyghte, To where the boddie of Salnarville laie; Quod he; And art thou ded, thou manne of myghte? I'll be revengd, or die for thee this daie. Die then thou shalt, Erie Ethelwarde he said; 245 I am a cunnynge erle, and that can tell; Then drewe hys swerde, and ghastlie cut hys hede, And on his freend eftsoons he lifeless fell, Stretch'd on the bloudie pleyne; great God forefend, It be the fate of no such trustie freende! 250
Then Egwin Sieur Pikeny did attaque; He turned aboute and vilely souten flie; But Egwyn cutt so deepe into his backe, He rolled on the grounde and soon dyd die. His distant sonne, Sire Romara de Biere, 255 Soughte to revenge his fallen kynsman's lote, But soone Erie Cuthbert's dented fyghtyng spear Stucke in his harte, and stayd his speed, God wote. He tumbled downe close by hys kynsman's syde, Myngle their stremes of pourple bloude, and dy'd. 260
And now an arrowe from a bowe unwote Into Erle Cuthbert's harte eftsoons dyd flee; Who dying sayd; ah me! how hard my lote! Now slayne, mayhap, of one of lowe degree. So have I seen a leafic elm of yore 265 Have been the pride and glorie of the pleine; But, when the spendyng landlord is growne poore. It falls benethe the axe of some rude sweine; And like the oke, the sovran of the woode, It's fallen boddie tells you how it stoode. 270
When Edelward perceevd Erle Cuthbert die, On Hubert strongest of the Normanne crewe, As wolfs when hungred on the cattel flie, So Edelward amaine upon him flewe. With thilk a force he hyt hym to the grounde; 275 And was demasing howe to take his life, When he behynde received a ghastlie wounde Gyven by de Torcie, with a stabbyng knyfe; Base trecherous Normannes, if such actes you doe, The conquer'd maie clame victorie of you. 280
The erlie felt de Torcie's trecherous knyfe Han made his crymson bloude and spirits floe; And knowlachyng he soon must quyt this lyfe, Resolved Hubert should too with hym goe. He held hys trustie swerd against his breste, 285 And down he fell, and peerc'd him to the harte; And both together then did take their reste, Their soules from corpses unaknell'd depart; And both together soughte the unknown shore, Where we shall goe, where manie's gon before. 290
Kynge Harolde Torcie's trechery dyd spie, And hie alofe his temper'd swerde dyd welde, Cut offe his arme, and made the bloude to flie, His proofe steel armoure did him littel sheelde; And not contente, he splete his hede in twaine, 295 And down he tumbled on the bloudie grounde; Mean while the other erlies on the playne Gave and received manie a bloudie wounde, Such as the arts in warre han learnt with care, But manie knyghtes were women in men's geer. 300
Herrewald, borne on Sarim's spreddyng plaine, Where Thor's fam'd temple manie ages stoode; Where Druids, auncient preests, did ryghtes ordaine, And in the middle shed the victyms bloude; Where auncient Bardi dyd their verses synge 305 Of Caesar conquer'd, and his mighty hoste, And how old Tynyan, necromancing kynge, Wreck'd all hys shyppyng on the Brittish coaste, And made hym in his tatter'd barks to flie, 'Till Tynyan's dethe and opportunity. 310
To make it more renomed than before, (I, tho a Saxon, yet the truthe will telle) The Saxonnes steynd the place wyth Brittish gore, Where nete but bloud of sacrifices felle. Tho' Chrystians, stylle they thoghte mouche of the pile, 315 And here theie mett when causes dyd it neede; 'Twas here the auncient Elders of the Isle Dyd by the trecherie of Hengist bleede; O Hengist! han thy cause bin good and true, Thou wouldst such murdrous acts as these eschew. 320
The erlie was a manne of hie degree, And han that daie full manie Normannes sleine; Three Norman Champyons of hie degree He lefte to smoke upon the bloudie pleine: The Sier Fitzbotevilleine did then advaunce, 325 And with his bowe he smote the erlies hede; Who eftsoons gored hym with his tylting launce, And at his horses feet he tumbled dede: His partyng spirit hovered o'er the floude Of soddayne roushynge mouche lov'd pourple bloude. 330
De Viponte then, a squier of low degree, An arrowe drewe with all his myghte ameine; The arrowe graz'd upon the erlies knee, A punie wounde, that causd but littel peine. So have I seene a Dolthead place a stone, 335 Enthoghte to staie a driving rivers course; But better han it bin to lett alone, It onlie drives it on with mickle force; The erlie, wounded by so base a hynde, Rays'd furyous doyngs in his noble mynde. 340
The Siere Chatillion, yonger of that name, Advaunced next before the erlie's syghte; His fader was a manne of mickle fame, And he renomde and valorous in fyghte. Chatillion his trustie swerd forth drewe. 345 The erle drawes his, menne both of mickle myghte; And at eche other vengouslie they flewe, As mastie dogs at Hocktide set to fyghte; Bothe scornd to yeelde, and bothe abhor'de to flie, Resolv'd to vanquishe, or resolv'd to die. 350
Chatillion hyt the erlie on the hede, Thatt splytte eftsoons his cristed helm in twayne; Whiche he perforce withe target covered, And to the battel went with myghte ameine. The erlie hytte Chatillion thilke a blowe 355 Upon his breste, his harte was plein to see; He tumbled at the horses feet alsoe, And in dethe panges he seez'd the recer's knee: Faste as the ivy rounde the oke doth clymbe, So faste he dying gryp'd the recer's lymbe. 360
The recer then beganne to flynge and kicke, And toste the erlie farr off to the grounde; The erlie's squier then a swerde did sticke Into his harte, a dedlie ghastlie wounde; And downe he felle upon the crymson pleine, 365 Upon Chatillion's soulless corse of claie; A puddlie streme of bloude flow'd oute ameine; Stretch'd out at length besmer'd with gore he laie; As some tall oke fell'd from the greenie plaine, To live a second time upon the main. 370
The erlie nowe an horse and beaver han, And nowe agayne appered on the feeld; And manie a mickle knyghte and mightie manne To his dethe-doyng swerd his life did yeeld; When Siere de Broque an arrowe longe lett flie, 375 Intending Herewaldus to have sleyne; It miss'd; butt hytte Edardus on the eye, And at his pole came out with horrid payne. Edardus felle upon the bloudie grounde, His noble soule came roushyng from the wounde. 380
Thys Herewald perceevd, and full of ire He on the Siere de Broque with furie came; Quod he; thou'st slaughtred my beloved squier, But I will be revenged for the same. Into his bowels then his launce he thruste, 385 And drew thereout a steemie drerie lode; Quod he; these offals are for ever curst, Shall serve the coughs, and rooks, and dawes, for foode. Then on the pleine the steemie lode hee throwde, Smokynge wyth lyfe, and dy'd with crymson bloude. 390
Fitz Broque, who saw his father killen lie, Ah me! sayde he; what woeful syghte I see! But now I must do somethyng more than sighe; And then an arrowe from the bowe drew he. Beneth the erlie's navil came the darte; 395 Fitz Broque on foote han drawne it from the bowe; And upwards went into the erlie's harte, And out the crymson streme of bloude 'gan flowe. As fromm a hatch, drawne with a vehement geir, White rushe the burstynge waves, and roar along the weir. 400
The erle with one honde grasp'd the recer's mayne, And with the other he his launce besped; And then felle bleedyng on the bloudie plaine. His launce it hytte Fitz Broque upon the hede; Upon his hede it made a wounde full slyghte, 405 But peerc'd his shoulder, ghastlie wounde inferne, Before his optics daunced a shade of nyghte, Whyche soone were closed ynn a sleepe eterne. The noble erlie than, withote a grone, Took flyghte, to fynde the regyons unknowne. 410
Brave Alured from binethe his noble horse Was gotten on his leggs, with bloude all smore; And now eletten on another horse, Eftsoons he withe his launce did manie gore. The cowart Norman knyghtes before hym fledde, 415 And from a distaunce sent their arrowes keene; But noe such destinie awaits his hedde, As to be sleyen by a wighte so meene. Tho oft the oke falls by the villen's shock, 'Tys moe than hyndes can do, to move the rock. 420
Upon du Chatelet he ferselie sett, And peerc'd his bodie with a force full grete; The asenglave of his tylt-launce was wett, The rollynge bloude alonge the launce did fleet. Advauncynge, as a mastie at a bull, 425 He rann his launce into Fitz Warren's harte; From Partaies bowe, a wight unmercifull, Within his owne he felt a cruel darte; Close by the Norman champyons he han sleine, He fell; and mixd his bloude with theirs upon the pleine. 430
Erie Ethelbert then hove, with clinie just, A launce, that stroke Partaie upon the thighe, And pinn'd him downe unto the gorie duste; Cruel, quod he, thou cruellie shalt die. With that his launce he enterd at his throte; 435 He scritch'd and screem'd in melancholie mood; And at his backe eftsoons came out, God wote, And after it a crymson streme of bloude: In agonie and peine he there dyd lie, While life and dethe strove for the masterrie, 440
He gryped hard the bloudie murdring launce, And in a grone he left this mortel lyfe. Behynde the erlie Fiscampe did advaunce, Bethoghte to kill him with a stabbynge knife; But Egward, who perceevd his fowle intent, 445 Eftsoons his trustie swerde he forthwyth drewe, And thilke a cruel blowe to Fiscampe sent, That soule and bodie's bloude at one gate flewe. Thilk deeds do all deserve, whose deeds so fowle Will black theire earthlie name, if not their soule. 450
When lo! an arrowe from Walleris honde, Winged with fate and dethe daunced alonge; And slewe the noble flower of Powyslonde, Howel ap Jevah, who yclepd the stronge. Whan he the first mischaunce received han, 455 With horsemans haste he from the armie rodde; And did repaire unto the cunnynge manne, Who sange a charme, that dyd it mickle goode; Then praid Seyncte Cuthbert, and our holie Dame, To blesse his labour, and to heal the same. 460
Then drewe the arrowe, and the wounde did seck, And putt the teint of holie herbies on; And putt a rowe of bloude-stones round his neck; And then did say; go, champyon, get agone. And now was comynge Harrolde to defend, 465 And metten with Walleris cruel darte; His sheelde of wolf-skinn did him not attend, The arrow peerced into his noble harte; As some tall oke, hewn from the mountayne hed, Falls to the pleine; so fell the warriour dede. 470
His countryman, brave Mervyn ap Teudor, Who love of hym han from his country gone, When he perceevd his friend lie in his gore, As furious as a mountayne wolf he ranne. As ouphant faieries, whan the moone sheenes bryghte, 475 In littel circles daunce upon the greene, All living creatures flie far from their syghte, Ne by the race of destinie be seen; For what he be that ouphant faieries stryke, Their soules will wander to Kyng Offa's dyke. 480
So from the face of Mervyn Tewdor brave The Normans eftsoons fled awaie aghaste; And lefte behynde their bowe and asenglave. For fear of hym, in thilk a cowart haste. His garb sufficient were to move affryghte; 485 A wolf skin girded round his myddle was; A bear skyn, from Norwegians wan in fyghte, Was tytend round his shoulders by the claws: So Hercules, 'tis sunge, much like to him, Upon his sholder wore a lyon's skin. 490
Upon his thyghes and harte-swefte legges he wore A hugie goat skyn, all of one grete peice; A boar skyn sheelde on his bare armes he bore; His gauntletts were the skynn of harte of greece. They fledde; he followed close upon their heels, 495 Vowynge vengeance for his deare countrymanne; And Siere de Sancelotte his vengeance feels; He peerc'd hys backe, and out the bloude ytt ranne. His bloude went downe the swerde unto his arme, In springing rivulet, alive and warme. 500
His swerde was shorte, and broade, and myckle keene, And no mann's bone could stonde to stoppe itts waie; The Normann's harte in partes two cutt cleane, He clos'd his eyne, and clos'd hys eyne for aie. Then with his swerde he sett on Fitz du Valle, 505 A knyghte mouch famous for to runne at tylte; With thilk a furie on hym he dyd falle, Into his neck he ranne the swerde and hylte; As myghtie lyghtenynge often has been founde, To drive an oke into unfallow'd grounde. 510
And with the swerde, that in his neck yet stoke, The Norman fell unto the bloudie grounde; And with the fall ap Tewdore's swerde he broke, And bloude afreshe came trickling from the wounde. As whan the hyndes, before a mountayne wolfe, 515 Flie from his paws, and angrie vysage grym; But when he falls into the pittie golphe, They dare hym to his bearde, and battone hym; And cause he fryghted them so muche before, Lyke cowart hyndes, they battone hym the more. 520
So, whan they sawe ap Tewdore was bereft Of his keen swerde, thatt wroghte thilke great dismaie, They turned about, eftsoons upon hym lept, And full a score engaged in the fraie. Mervyn ap Tewdore, ragyng as a bear, 525 Seiz'd on the beaver of the Sier de Laque; And wring'd his hedde with such a vehement gier, His visage was turned round unto his backe. Backe to his harte retyr'd the useless gore, And felle upon the pleine to rise no more. 530
Then on the mightie Siere Fitz Pierce he flew, And broke his helm and seiz'd hym bie the throte: Then manie Normann knyghtes their arrowes drew, That enter'd into Mervyn's harte, God wote. In dying panges he gryp'd his throte more stronge, 535 And from their sockets started out his eyes; And from his mouthe came out his blameless tonge; And bothe in peyne and anguishe eftsoon dies. As some rude rocke torne from his bed of claie, Stretch'd onn the pleyne the brave ap Tewdore laie. 540
And now Erle Ethelbert and Egward came Brave Mervyn from the Normannes to assist; A myghtie siere, Fitz Chatulet bie name, An arrowe drew, that dyd them littel list. Erle Egward points his launce at Chatulet, 545 And Ethelbert at Walleris set his; And Egwald dyd the siere a hard blowe hytt, But Ethelbert by a myschaunce dyd miss: Fear laide Walleris flat upon the strande, He ne deserved a death from erlies hande. 550
Betwyxt the ribbes of Sire Fitz Chatelet The poynted launce of Egward did ypass; The distaunt syde thereof was ruddie wet, And he fell breathless on the bloudie grass. As cowart Walleris laie on the grounde, 555 The dreaded weapon hummed oer his heade. And hytt the squier thylke a lethal wounde, Upon his fallen lorde he tumbled dead: Oh shame to Norman armes! a lord a slave, A captyve villeyn than a lorde more brave! 560
From Chatelet hys launce Erle Egward drew, And hit Wallerie on the dexter cheek; Peerc'd to his braine, and cut his tongue in two: There, knyght, quod he, let that thy actions speak—
* * * * *
BATTLE OF HASTINGS.
[No 2.]
Oh Truth! immortal daughter of the skies, Too lyttle known to wryters of these daies, Teach me, fayre Saincte! thy passynge worthe to pryze, To blame a friend and give a foeman prayse. The sickle moone, bedeckt wythe sylver rays, 5 Leadynge a traine of starres of feeble lyghte, With look adigne the worlde belowe surveies, The world, that wotted not it coud be nyghte; Wyth armour dyd, with human gore ydeyd, She sees Kynge Harolde stande, fayre Englands curse and pryde. 10
With ale and vernage drunk his souldiers lay; Here was an hynde, anie an erlie spredde; Sad keepynge of their leaders natal daie! This even in drinke, toomorrow with the dead! Thro' everie troope disorder reer'd her hedde; 15 Dancynge and heideignes was the onlie theme; Sad dome was theires, who lefte this easie bedde, And wak'd in torments from so sweet a dream. Duke Williams menne, of comeing dethe afraide, All nyghte to the great Godde for succour askd and praied. 20
Thus Harolde to his wites that stoode arounde; Goe, Gyrthe and Eilward, take bills halfe a score, And search how farre our foeman's campe doth bound; Yourself have rede; I nede to saie ne more. My brother best belov'd of anie ore, 25 My Leoswinus, goe to everich wite, Tell them to raunge the battel to the grore, And waiten tyll I sende the hest for fyghte. He saide; the loieaul broders lefte the place, Success and cheerfulness depicted on ech face. 30
Slowelie brave Gyrthe and Eilwarde dyd advaunce, And markd wyth care the armies dystant syde. When the dyre clatterynge of the shielde and launce Made them to be by Hugh Fitzhugh espyd. He lyfted up his voice, and lowdlie cryd; 35 Like wolfs in wintere did the Normanne yell; Girthe drew hys swerde, and cutte hys burled hyde; The proto-slene manne of the fielde he felle; Out streemd the bloude, and ran in smokynge curles, Reflected bie the moone seemd rubies mixt wyth pearles. 40
A troope of Normannes from the mass-songe came, Rousd from their praiers by the flotting crie; Thoughe Girthe and Ailwardus perceevd the same, Not once theie stoode abashd, or thoghte to flie. He seizd a bill, to conquer or to die; 45 Fierce as a clevis from a rocke ytorne, That makes a vallie wheresoe're it lie; [1]Fierce as a ryver burstynge from the borne; So fiercelie Gyrthe hitte Fitz du Gore a blowe. And on the verdaunt playne he layde the champyone lowe. 50
Tancarville thus; alle peace in Williams name; Let none edraw his arcublaster bowe. Girthe cas'd his weppone as he hearde the same, And vengynge Normannes staid the flyinge floe. The sire wente onne; ye menne, what mean ye so 55 Thus unprovokd to courte a bloudie fyghte? Quod Gyrthe; oure meanynge we ne care to showe, Nor dread thy duke wyth all his men of myghte; Here single onlie these to all thie crewe Shall shewe what Englysh handes and heartes can doe. 60
Seek not for bloude, Tancarville calme replyd, Nor joie in dethe, lyke madmen most distraught; In peace and mercy is a Chrystians pryde; He that dothe contestes pryze is in a faulte. And now the news was to Duke William brought, 65 That men of Haroldes armie taken were; For theyre good cheere all caties were enthoughte, And Gyrthe and Eilwardus enjoi'd goode cheere. Quod Willyam; thus shall Willyam be founde A friend to everie manne that treades on English ground. 70
Erie Leofwinus throwghe the campe ypass'd, And sawe bothe men and erlies on the grounde; They slepte, as thoughe they woulde have slepte theyr last, And hadd alreadie felte theyr fatale wounde. He started backe, and was wyth shame astownd; 75 Loked wanne wyth anger, and he shooke wyth rage; When throughe the hollow tentes these wordes dyd sound, Rowse from your sleepe, detratours of the age! Was it for thys the stoute Norwegian bledde? Awake, ye huscarles, now, or waken wyth the dead. 80
As when the shepster in the shadie bowre In jintle slumbers chase the heat of daie, Hears doublyng echoe wind the wolfins rore, That neare hys flocke is watchynge for a praie, He tremblynge for his sheep drives dreeme awaie, 85 Gripes faste hys burled croke, and sore adradde Wyth fleeting strides he hastens to the fraie, And rage and prowess fyres the coistrell lad; With trustie talbots to the battel flies, And yell of men and dogs and wolfins tear the skies. 90
Such was the dire confusion of eche wite, That rose from sleep and walsome power of wine; Theie thoughte the foe by trechit yn the nyghte Had broke theyr camp and gotten paste the line; Now here now there the burnysht sheeldes and byll-spear shine; 95 Throwote the campe a wild confusionne spredde; Eche bracd hys armlace siker ne desygne, The crested helmet nodded on the hedde; Some caught a flughorne, and an onsett wounde; Kynge Harolde hearde the charge, and wondred at the sounde. 100
Thus Leofwine; O women cas'd in stele! Was itte for thys Norwegia's stubborn sede Throughe the black armoure dyd the anlace fele, And rybbes of solid brasse were made to bleede? Whylst yet the worlde was wondrynge at the deede. 105 You souldiers, that shoulde stand with byll in hand, Get full of wine, devoid of any rede. Oh shame! oh dyre dishonoure to the lande! He sayde; and shame on everie visage spredde, Ne sawe the erlies face, but addawd hung their head. 110
Thus he; rowze yee, and forme the boddie tyghte. The Kentysh menne in fronte, for strenght renownd, Next the Brystowans dare the bloudie fyghte, And last the numerous crewe shall presse the grounde. I and my king be wyth the Kenters founde; 115 Bythric and Alfwold hedde the Brystowe bande; And Bertrams sonne, the man of glorious wounde, Lead in the rear the menged of the lande; And let the Londoners and Suffers plie Bie Herewardes memuine and the lighte skyrts anie. 120
He saide; and as a packe of hounds belent, When that the trackyng of the hare is gone, If one perchaunce shall hit upon the scent, With twa redubbled fhuir the alans run; So styrrd the valiante Saxons everych one; 125 Soone linked man to man the champyones stoode; To 'tone for their bewrate so soone 'twas done, And lyfted bylls enseem'd an yron woode; Here glorious Alfwold towr'd above the wites, And seem'd to brave the fuir of twa ten thousand fights. 130
Thus Leofwine; today will Englandes dome Be fyxt for aie, for gode or evill state; This sunnes aunture be felt for years to come; Then bravelie fyghte, and live till deathe of date. Thinke of brave AElfridus, yclept the grete, 135 From porte to porte the red-haird Dane he chasd, The Danes, with whomme not lyoncels coud mate, Who made of peopled reaulms a barren waste; Thinke how at once by you Norwegia bled Whilste dethe and victorie for magystrie bested. 140
Meanwhile did Gyrthe unto Kynge Harolde ride, And tolde howe he dyd with Duke Willyam fare. Brave Harolde lookd askaunte, and thus replyd; And can thie say be bowght wyth drunken cheer? Gyrthe waxen hotte; fhuir in his eyne did glare; 145 And thus he saide; oh brother, friend, and kynge, Have I deserved this fremed speche to heare? Bie Goddes hie hallidome ne thoughte the thynge. When Tostus sent me golde and sylver store, I scornd hys present vile, and scorn'd hys treason more. 150
Forgive me, Gyrthe, the brave Kynge Harolde cryd; Who can I trust, if brothers are not true? I think of Tostus, once my joie and pryde. Girthe saide, with looke adigne; my lord, I doe. But what oure foemen are, quod Girth, I'll shewe; 155 By Gods hie hallidome they preestes are. Do not, quod Harolde, Girthe, mystell them so, For theie are everich one brave men at warre. Quod Girthe; why will ye then provoke theyr hate? Quod Harolde; great the foe, so is the glorie grete. 160
And nowe Duke Willyam mareschalled his band, And stretchd his armie owte a goodlie rowe. First did a ranke of arcublastries stande, Next those on horsebacke drewe the ascendyng flo, Brave champyones, eche well lerned in the bowe, 165 Theyr asenglave acrosse theyr horses ty'd, Or with the loverds squier behinde dyd goe, Or waited squier lyke at the horses syde. When thus Duke Willyam to a Monke dyd saie, Prepare thyselfe wyth spede, to Harolde haste awaie. 170
Telle hym from me one of these three to take; That hee to mee do homage for thys lande, Or mee hys heyre, when he deceasyth, make, Or to the judgment of Chrysts vicar stande. He saide; the Monke departyd out of hande, 175 And to Kyng Harolde dyd this message bear; Who said; tell thou the duke, at his likand If he can gette the crown hee may itte wear. He said, and drove the Monke out of his syghte, And with his brothers rouz'd each manne to bloudie fyghte. 180
A standarde made of sylke and jewells rare, Wherein alle coloures wroughte aboute in bighes, An armyd knyghte was seen deth-doynge there, Under this motte, He conquers or he dies. This standard rych, endazzlynge mortal eyes, 185 Was borne neare Harolde at the Renters heade, Who chargd hys broders for the grete empryze That straite the hest for battle should be spredde. To evry erle and knyghte the worde is gyven, And cries a guerre and slughornes shake the vaulted heaven. 190
As when the erthe, torne by convulsyons dyre, In reaulmes of darkness hid from human syghte, The warring force of water, air, and fyre, Brast from the regions of eternal nyghte, Thro the darke caverns seeke the reaulmes of lyght; 195 Some loftie mountaine, by its fury torne, Dreadfully moves, and causes grete affryght; Now here, now there, majestic nods the bourne, And awfulle shakes, mov'd by the almighty force, Whole woods and forests nod, and ryvers change theyr course. 200
So did the men of war at once advaunce, Linkd man to man, enseemed one boddie light; Above a wood, yform'd of bill and launce, That noddyd in the ayre most straunge to syght. Harde as the iron were the menne of mighte, 205 Ne neede of slughornes to enrowse theyr minde; Eche shootynge spere yreaden for the fyghte, More feerce than fallynge rocks, more swefte than wynd; With solemne step, by ecchoe made more dyre, One single boddie all theie marchd, theyr eyen on fyre. 210
And now the greie-eyd morne with vi'lets drest, Shakyng the dewdrops on the flourie meedes, Fled with her rosie radiance to the West: Forth from the Easterne gatte the fyerie steedes Of the bright sunne awaytynge spirits leedes: 215 The sunne, in fierie pompe enthrond on hie, Swyfter than thoughte alonge hys jernie gledes, And scatters nyghtes remaynes from oute the skie: He sawe the armies make for bloudie fraie, And stopt his driving steeds, and hid his lyghtsome raye. 220
Kynge Harolde hie in ayre majestic raysd His mightie arme, deckt with a manchyn rare; With even hande a mighty javlyn paizde, Then furyouse sent it whystlynge thro the ayre. It struck the helmet of the Sieur de Beer; 225 In vayne did brasse or yron stop its waie; Above his eyne it came, the bones dyd tare, Peercynge quite thro, before it dyd allaie; He tumbled, scritchyng wyth hys horrid payne; His hollow cuishes rang upon the bloudie pleyne. 230
This Willyam saw, and soundynge Rowlandes songe He bent his yron interwoven bowe, Makynge bothe endes to meet with myghte full stronge, From out of mortals syght shot up the floe; Then swyfte as fallynge starres to earthe belowe 235 It slaunted down on Alfwoldes payncted sheelde; Quite thro the silver-bordurd crosse did goe, Nor loste its force, but stuck into the feelde; The Normannes, like theyr sovrin, dyd prepare, And shotte ten thousande floes uprysynge in the aire. 240
As when a flyghte of cranes, that takes their waie In householde armies thro the flanched skie, Alike the cause, or companie or prey, If that perchaunce some boggie fenne is nie. Soon as the muddie natyon theie espie, 245 Inne one blacke cloude theie to the erth descende; Feirce as the fallynge thunderbolte they flie; In vayne do reedes the speckled folk defend: So prone to heavie blowe the arrowes felle, And peered thro brasse, and sente manie to heaven or helle. 250
AElan Adelfred, of the stowe of Leigh, Felte a dire arrowe burnynge in his breste; Before he dyd, he sente hys spear awaie, Thenne sunke to glorie and eternal reste. Nevylle, a Normanne of alle Normannes beste, 255 Throw the joint cuishe dyd the javlyn feel, As hee on horsebacke for the fyghte addressd, And sawe hys bloude come smokynge oer the steele; He sente the avengynge floe into the ayre, And turnd hys horses hedde, and did to leeche repayre. 260
And now the javelyns, barbd with deathhis wynges, Hurld from the Englysh handes by force aderne, Whyzz dreare alonge, and songes of terror synges, Such songes as alwaies clos'd in lyfe eterne. Hurld by such strength along the ayre theie burne, 265 Not to be quenched butte ynn Normannes bloude; Wherere theie came they were of lyfe forlorn, And alwaies followed by a purple floude; Like cloudes the Normanne arrowes did descend, Like cloudes of carnage full in purple drops dyd end. 270
Nor, Leofwynus, dydst thou still estande; Full soon thie pheon glytted in the aire; The force of none but thyne and Harolds hande Could hurle a javlyn with such lethal geer; Itte whyzzd a ghastlie dynne in Normannes ear, 275 Then thundryng dyd upon hys greave alyghte, Peirce to his hearte, and dyd hys bowels tear, He closd hys eyne in everlastynge nyghte; Ah! what avayld the lyons on his creste! His hatchments rare with him upon the grounde was prest. 280
Willyam agayne ymade his bowe-ends meet, And hie in ayre the arrowe wynged his waie, Descendyng like a shafte of thunder sleete, Lyke thunder rattling at the noon of daie, Onne Algars sheelde the arrowe dyd assaie, 285 There throghe dyd peerse, and stycke into his groine; In grypynge torments on the feelde he laie, Tille welcome dethe came in and clos'd his eyne; Distort with peyne he laie upon the borne, Lyke sturdie elms by stormes in uncothe wrythynges torne. 290
Alrick his brother, when hee this perceevd, He drewe his swerde, his lefte hande helde a speere, Towards the duke he turnd his prauncyng steede, And to the Godde of heaven he sent a prayre; Then sent his lethale javlyn in the ayre, 295 On Hue de Beaumontes backe the javelyn came, Thro his redde armour to hys harte it tare, He felle and thondred on the place of fame; Next with his swerde he 'sayld the Seiur de Roe, And braste his sylver helme, so furyous was the blowe. 300
But Willyam, who had seen hys prowesse great, And feered muche how farre his bronde might goe, Tooke a strong arblaster, and bigge with fate From twangynge iron sente the fleetynge floe. As Alric hoistes hys arme for dedlie blowe, 305 Which, han it came, had been Du Roees laste, The swyfte-wyngd messenger from Willyams bowe Quite throwe his arme into his syde ypaste; His eyne shotte fyre, lyke blazyng starre at nyghte, He grypd his swerde, and felle upon the place of fyghte. 310
O Alfwolde, saie, how shalle I synge of thee Or telle how manie dyd benethe thee falle; Not Haroldes self more Normanne knyghtes did slee, Not Haroldes self did for more praises call; How shall a penne like myne then shew it all? 315 Lyke thee their leader, eche Bristowyanne foughte; Lyke thee, their blaze must be canonical, Fore theie, like thee, that daie bewrecke yroughte: Did thirtie Normannes fall upon the grounde, Full half a score from thee and theie receive their fatale wounde. 320
First Fytz Chivelloys felt thie direful force; Nete did hys helde out brazen sheelde availe; Eftsoones throwe that thie drivynge speare did peerce Nor was ytte stopped by his coate of mayle; Into his breaste it quicklie did assayle; 325 Out ran the bloude, like hygra of the tyde; With purple stayned all hys adventayle; In scarlet was his cuishe of sylver dyde: Upon the bloudie carnage house he laie, Whylst hys longe sheelde dyd gleem with the sun's rysing ray. 330
Next Fescampe felle; O Chrieste, howe harde his fate To die the leckedst knyghte of all the thronge! His sprite was made of malice deslavate, Ne shoulden find a place in anie songe. The broch'd keene javlyn hurld from honde so stronge 335 As thine came thundrynge on his crysted beave; Ah! neete avayld the brass or iron thonge, With mightie force his skulle in twoe dyd cleave; Fallyng he shooken out his smokyng braine, As witherd oakes or elmes are hewne from off the playne. 340
For, Norcie, could thie myghte and skilfulle lore Preserve thee from the doom of Alfwold's speere; Couldste thou not kenne, most skyll'd Astrelagoure. How in the battle it would wythe thee fare? When Alfwolds javelyn, rattlynge in the ayre, 345 From hande dyvine on thie habergeon came, Oute at thy backe it dyd thie hartes bloude bear, It gave thee death and everlastynge fame; Thy deathe could onlie come from Alfwolde arme, As diamondes onlie can its fellow diamonds harme. 350
Next Sire du Mouline fell upon the grounde, Quite throughe his throte the lethal javlyn preste, His soule and bloude came roushynge from the wounde; He closd his eyen, and opd them with the blest. It can ne be I should behight the rest, 355 That by the myghtie arme of Alfwolde felle, Paste bie a penne to be counte or expreste, How manie Alfwolde sent to heaven or helle; As leaves from trees shook by derne Autumns hand, So laie the Normannes slain by Alfwold on the strand. 360
As when a drove of wolves withe dreary yelles Assayle some flocke, ne care if shepster ken't, Besprenge destructione oer the woodes and delles; The shepster swaynes in vayne theyr lees lement; So foughte the Brystowe menne; ne one crevent, 365 Ne onne abashd enthoughten for to flee; With fallen Normans all the playne besprent, And like theyr leaders every man did flee; In vayne on every syde the arrowes fled; The Brystowe menne styll ragd, for Alfwold was not dead. 370
Manie meanwhile by Haroldes arm did falle, And Leofwyne and Gyrthe encreasd the slayne; 'Twould take a Nestor's age to synge them all, Or telle how manie Normannes preste the playne; But of the erles, whom recorde nete hath slayne, 375 O Truthe! for good of after-tymes relate, That, thowe they're deade, theyr names may lyve agayne, And be in deathe, as they in life were, greate; So after-ages maie theyr actions see, And like to them aeternal alwaie stryve to be. 380
Adhelm, a knyghte, whose holie deathless fire For ever bended to St. Cuthbert's shryne, Whose breast for ever burnd with sacred fyre. And een on erthe he myghte be calld dyvine; To Cuthbert's church he dyd his goodes resygne, 385 And lefte hys son his God's and fortunes knyghte; His son the Saincte behelde with looke adigne, Made him in gemot wyse, and greate in fyghte; Saincte Cuthberte dyd him ayde in all hys deedes, His friends he lets to live, and all his fomen bleedes. 390
He married was to Kenewalchae faire, The fynest dame the sun or moone adave; She was the myghtie Aderedus heyre, Who was alreadie hastynge to the grave; As the blue Bruton, rysinge from the wave, 395 Like sea-gods seeme in most majestic guise. And rounde aboute the risynge waters lave, And their longe hayre arounde their bodie flies, Such majestic was in her porte displaid, To be excelld bie none but Homer's martial maid. 400
White as the chaulkie clyffes of Brittaines isle, Red as the highest colour'd Gallic wine, Gaie as all nature at the mornynge smile, Those hues with pleasaunce on her lippes combine, Her lippes more redde than summer evenynge skyne, 405 Or Phoebus rysinge in a frostie morne, Her breste more white than snow in feeldes that lyene, Or lillie lambes that never have been shorne, Swellynge like bubbles in a boillynge welle, Or new-braste brooklettes gently whyspringe in the delle. 410
Browne as the fylberte droppyng from the shelle, Browne as the nappy ale at Hocktyde game, So browne the crokyde rynges, that featlie fell Over the neck of the all-beauteous dame. Greie as the morne before the ruddie flame 415 Of Phoebus charyotte rollynge thro the skie, Greie as the steel-horn'd goats Conyan made tame, So greie appeard her featly sparklyng eye; Those eyne, that did oft mickle pleased look On Adhelm valyaunt man, the virtues doomsday book. 420
Majestic as the grove of okes that stoode Before the abbie buylt by Oswald kynge; Majestic as Hybernies holie woode, Where sainctes and soules departed masses synge; Such awe from her sweete looke forth issuynge 425 At once for reveraunce and love did calle; Sweet as the voice of thraslarkes in the Spring, So sweet the wordes that from her lippes did falle; None fell in vayne; all shewed some entent; Her wordies did displaie her great entendement. 430
Tapre as candles layde at Cuthberts shryne, Tapre as elmes that Goodrickes abbie shrove, Tapre as silver chalices for wine, So tapre was her armes and shape ygrove. As skyllful mynemenne by the stones above 435 Can ken what metalle is ylach'd belowe, So Kennewalcha's face, ymade for love, The lovelie ymage of her soule did shewe; Thus was she outward form'd; the sun her mind Did guilde her mortal shape and all her charms refin'd. 440
What blazours then, what glorie shall he clayme, What doughtie Homere shall hys praises synge, That lefte the bosome of so fayre a dame Uncall'd, unaskt, to serve his lorde the kynge? To his fayre shrine goode subjects oughte to bringe 445 The armes, the helmets, all the spoyles of warre, Throwe everie reaulm the poets blaze the thynge, And travelling merchants spredde hys name to farre; The stoute Norwegians had his anlace felte, And nowe amonge his foes dethe-doynge blowes he delte. 450
As when a wolfyn gettynge in the meedes He rageth sore, and doth about hym slee, Nowe here a talbot, there a lambkin bleeds, And alle the grasse with clotted gore doth stree; As when a rivlette rolles impetuouslie, 455 And breaks the bankes that would its force restrayne, Alonge the playne in fomynge rynges doth flee, Gaynste walles and hedges doth its course maintayne; As when a manne doth in a corn-fielde mowe, With ease at one felle stroke full manie is laide lowe. 460
So manie, with such force, and with such ease, Did Adhelm slaughtre on the bloudie playne; Before hym manie dyd theyr hearts bloude lease, Ofttymes he foughte on towres of smokynge slayne. Angillian felte his force, nor felte in vayne; 465 He cutte hym with his swerde athur the breaste; Out ran the bloude, and did hys armoure stayne, He clos'd his eyen in aeternal reste; Lyke a tall oke by tempeste borne awaie, Stretchd in the armes of dethe upon the plaine he laie. 470
Next thro the ayre he sent his javlyn feerce, That on De Clearmoundes buckler did alyghte, Throwe the vaste orbe the sharpe pheone did peerce, Rang on his coate of mayle and spente its mighte. But soon another wingd its aiery flyghte, 475 The keen broad pheon to his lungs did goe; He felle, and groand upon the place of fighte, Whilst lyfe and bloude came issuynge from the blowe. Like a tall pyne upon his native playne, So fell the mightie sire and mingled with the slaine. 480
Hue de Longeville, a force doughtre mere, Advauncyd forwarde to provoke the darte, When soone he founde that Adhelmes poynted speere Had founde an easie passage to his hearte. He drewe his bowe, nor was of dethe astarte, 485 Then fell down brethlesse to encrease the corse; But as he drewe hys bowe devoid of arte, So it came down upon Troyvillains horse; Deep thro hys hatchments wente the pointed floe; Now here, now there, with rage bleedyng he rounde doth goe. 490
Nor does he hede his mastres known commands, Tyll, growen furiouse by his bloudie wounde, Erect upon his hynder feete he staundes, And throwes hys mastre far off to the grounde. Near Adhelms feete the Normanne laie astounde, 495 Besprengd his arrowes, loosend was his sheelde, Thro his redde armoure, as he laie ensoond, He peercd his swerde, and out upon the feelde The Normannes bowels steemd, a dedlie syghte! He opd and closd hys eyen in everlastynge nyghte. 500
Caverd, a Scot, who for the Normannes foughte, A man well skilld in swerde and soundynge strynge, Who fled his country for a crime enstrote, For darynge with bolde worde hys loiaule kynge, He at Erie Aldhelme with grete force did flynge 505 An heavie javlyn, made for bloudie wounde, Alonge his sheelde askaunte the same did ringe, Peered thro the corner, then stuck in the grounde; So when the thonder rauttles in the skie, Thro some tall spyre the shaftes in a torn clevis flie. 510
Then Addhelm hurld a croched javlyn stronge, With mighte that none but such grete championes know; Swifter than thoughte the javlyn past alonge, Ande hytte the Scot most feirclie on the prowe; His helmet brasted at the thondring blowe, 515 Into his brain the tremblyn javlyn steck; From eyther syde the bloude began to flow, And run in circling ringlets rounde his neck; Down fell the warriour on the lethal strande, Lyke some tall vessel wreckt upon the tragick sande. 520
CONTINUED.
Where fruytlefs heathes and meadowes cladde in greie, Save where derne hawthornes reare theyr humble heade, The hungrie traveller upon his waie Sees a huge desarte alle arounde hym spredde, The distaunte citie scantlie to be spedde, 525 The curlynge force of smoke he sees in vayne, Tis too far distaunte, and hys onlie bedde Iwimpled in hys cloke ys on the playne, Whylste rattlynge thonder forrey oer his hedde, And raines come down to wette hys harde uncouthlie bedde. 530
A wondrous pyle of rugged mountaynes standes, Placd on eche other in a dreare arraie, It ne could be the worke of human handes, It ne was reared up bie menne of claie. Here did the Brutons adoration paye 535 To the false god whom they did Tauran name, Dightynge hys altarre with greete fyres in Maie, Roastynge theyr vyctimes round aboute the flame, 'Twas here that Hengyst did the Brytons slee, As they were mette in council for to bee. 540
Neere on a loftie hylle a citie standes, That lyftes yts scheafted heade ynto the skies, And kynglie lookes arounde on lower landes, And the longe browne playne that before itte lies. Herewarde, borne of parentes brave and wyse, 545 Within this vylle fyrste adrewe the ayre, A blessynge to the erthe sente from the skies, In anie kyngdom nee coulde fynde his pheer; Now rybbd in steele he rages yn the fyghte, And sweeps whole armies to the reaulmes of nyghte. 550
So when derne Autumne wyth hys sallowe hande Tares the green mantle from the lymed trees, The leaves besprenged on the yellow strande Flie in whole armies from the blataunte breeze; Alle the whole fielde a carnage-howse he sees, 555 And sowles unknelled hover'd oer the bloude; From place to place on either hand he slees, And sweepes alle neere hym lyke a bronded floude; Dethe honge upon his arme; he sleed so maynt, 'Tis paste the pointel of a man to paynte. 560
Bryghte sonne in haste han drove hys fierie wayne A three howres course alonge the whited skyen, Vewynge the swarthless bodies on the playne, And longed greetlie to plonce in the bryne. For as hys beemes and far-stretchynge eyne 565 Did view the pooles of gore yn purple sheene, The wolsomme vapours rounde hys lockes dyd twyne, And dyd disfygure all hys femmlikeen; Then to harde actyon he hys wayne dyd rowse, In hyssynge ocean to make glair hys browes. 570
Duke Wyllyam gave commaunde, eche Norman knyghte, That been war-token in a shielde so fyne, Shoulde onward goe, and dare to closer fyghte The Saxonne warryor, that dyd so entwyne, Lyke the neshe bryon and the eglantine, 575 Orre Cornysh wrastlers at a Hocktyde game. The Normannes, all emarchialld in a lyne, To the ourt arraie of the thight Saxonnes came; There 'twas the whaped Normannes on a parre Dyd know that Saxonnes were the sonnes of warre. 580
Oh Turgotte, wheresoeer thie spryte dothe haunte, Whither wyth thie lovd Adhelme by thie syde, Where thou mayste heare the swotie nyghte larke chaunte, Orre wyth some mokynge brooklette swetelie glide, Or rowle in ferselie wythe ferse Severnes tyde, 585 Whereer thou art, come and my mynde enleme Wyth such greete thoughtes as dyd with thee abyde, Thou sonne, of whom I ofte have caught a beeme, Send mee agayne a drybblette of thie lyghte, That I the deeds of Englyshmenne maie wryte. 590
Harold, who saw the Normannes to advaunce, Seizd a huge byll, and layd hym down hys spere; Soe dyd ech wite laie downe the broched launce, And groves of bylles did glitter in the ayre. Wyth showtes the Normannes did to battel steere; 595 Campynon famous for his stature highe, Fyrey wythe brasse, benethe a shyrte of lere, In cloudie daie he reechd into the skie; Neere to Kyng Harolde dyd he come alonge, And drewe hys steele Morglaien sworde so stronge. 600
Thryce rounde hys heade hee swung hys anlace wyde, On whyche the sunne his visage did agleeme, Then straynynge, as hys membres would dyvyde, Hee stroke on Haroldes sheelde yn manner breme; Alonge the field it made an horrid cleembe, 605 Coupeynge Kyng Harolds payncted sheeld in twayne, Then yn the bloude the fierie swerde dyd steeme, And then dyd drive ynto the bloudie playne; So when in ayre the vapours do abounde, Some thunderbolte tares trees and dryves ynto the grounde. 610
Harolde upreer'd hys bylle, and furious sente A stroke, lyke thondre, at the Normannes syde; Upon the playne the broken brasse besprente Dyd ne hys bodie from dethe-doeynge hyde; He tournyd backe, and dyd not there abyde; 615 With straught oute sheelde hee ayenwarde did goe, Threwe downe the Normannes, did their rankes divide, To save himselfe lefte them unto the foe; So olyphauntes, in kingdomme of the sunne, When once provok'd doth throwe theyr owne troopes runne. 620
Harolde, who ken'd hee was his armies staie, Nedeynge the rede of generaul so wyse, Byd Alfwoulde to Campynon haste awaie, As thro the armie ayenwarde he hies, Swyfte as a feether'd takel Alfwoulde flies, 625 The steele bylle blushynge oer wyth lukewarm bloude; Ten Kenters, ten Bristowans for th' emprize Hasted wyth Alfwoulde where Campynon stood, Who aynewarde went, whylste everie Normanne knyghte Dyd blush to see their champyon put to flyghte. 630
As painctyd Bruton, when a wolfyn wylde, When yt is cale and blustrynge wyndes do blowe, Enters hys bordelle, taketh hys yonge chylde, And wyth his bloude bestreynts the lillie snowe, He thoroughe mountayne hie and dale doth goe, 635 Throwe the quyck torrent of the bollen ave, Throwe Severne rollynge oer the sandes belowe He skyms alofe, and blents the beatynge wave, Ne stynts, ne lagges the chace, tylle for hys eyne In peecies hee the morthering theef doth chyne. 640
So Alfwoulde he dyd to Campynon haste; Hys bloudie bylle awhap'd the Normannes eyne; Hee fled, as wolfes when bie the talbots chac'd, To bloudie byker he dyd ne enclyne. Duke Wyllyam stroke hym on hys brigandyne, 645 And sayd; Campynon, is it thee I see? Thee? who dydst actes of glorie so bewryen, Now poorlie come to hyde thieselfe bie mee? Awaie! thou dogge, and acte a warriors parte. Or with mie swerde I'll perce thee to the harte. 650
Betweene Erie Alfwoulde and Duke Wyllyam's bronde Campynon thoughte that nete but deathe coulde bee, Seezed a huge swerde Morglaien yn his honde, Mottrynge a praier to the Vyrgyne: So hunted deere the dryvynge hounds will flee, 655 When theie dyscover they cannot escape; And feerful lambkyns, when theie hunted bee, Theyre ynfante hunters doe theie oft awhape; Thus stoode Campynon, greete but hertlesse knyghte, When feere of dethe made hym for deathe to fyghte. 660
Alfwoulde began to dyghte hymselfe for fyghte, Meanewhyle hys menne on everie syde dyd slee, Whan on hys lyfted sheelde withe alle hys myghte Campynon's swerde in burlie-brande dyd dree; Bewopen Alfwoulde fellen on his knee; 665 Hys Brystowe menne came in hym for to save; Eftsoons upgotten from the grounde was hee, And dyd agayne the touring Norman brave; Hee graspd hys bylle in syke a drear arraie, Hee seem'd a lyon catchynge at hys preie. 670
Upon the Normannes brazen adventayle The thondrynge bill of myghtie Alfwould came; It made a dentful bruse, and then dyd fayle; Fromme rattlynge weepons shotte a sparklynge flame; Eftsoons agayne the thondrynge bill ycame, 675 Peers'd thro hys adventayle and skyrts of lare; A tyde of purple gore came wyth the same, As out hys bowells on the feelde it tare; Campynon felle, as when some cittie-walle Inne dolefulle terrours on its mynours falle. 680
He felle, and dyd the Norman rankes dyvide; So when an oke, that shotte ynto the skie, Feeles the broad axes peersynge his broade syde, Slowlie hee falls and on the grounde doth lie, Pressynge all downe that is wyth hym anighe, 685 And stoppynge wearie travellers on the waie; So straught upon the playne the Norman hie
* * * * *
Bled, gron'd, and dyed; the Normanne knyghtes astound To see the bawsin champyon preste upon the grounde. 690
As when the hygra of the Severne roars, And thunders ugsom on the sandes below, The cleembe reboundes to Wedecesters shore, And sweeps the black sande rounde its horie prowe; So bremie Alfwoulde thro the warre dyd goe; 695 Hys Kenters and Brystowans slew ech syde, Betreinted all alonge with bloudless foe, And seemd to swymm alonge with bloudie tyde; Fromme place to place besmeard with bloud they went, And rounde aboute them swarthless corse besprente. 700
A famous Normanne who yclepd Aubene, Of skyll in bow, in tylte, and handesworde fyghte That daie yn feelde han manie Saxons sleene, Forre hee in sothen was a manne of myghte; Fyrste dyd his swerde on Adelgar alyghte, 705 As hee on horseback was, and peersd hys gryne, Then upwarde wente: in everlastynge nyghte Hee closd hys rollyng and dymsyghted eyne. Next Eadlyn, Tatwyn, and fam'd Adelred, Bie various causes sunken to the dead. 710
But now to Alfwoulde he opposynge went, To whom compar'd hee was a man of stre, And wyth bothe hondes a myghtie blowe he sente At Alfwouldes head, as hard as hee could dree; But on hys payncted sheelde so bismarlie 715 Aslaunte his swerde did go ynto the grounde; Then Alfwould him attack'd most furyouslie, Athrowe hys gaberdyne hee dyd him wounde, Then soone agayne hys swerde hee dyd upryne, And clove his creste and split hym to the eyne. 720
* * * * *
[Footnote 1: In Turgott's tyme Holenwell braste of erthe so fierce that it threw a stone-mell carrying the same awaie. J. Lydgate ne knowynge this lefte out o line.]
[Editor's note: l. 578 see Introduction p. xlij]
ONN OURE LADIES CHYRCHE.
As onn a hylle one eve sittynge, At oure Ladie's Chyrche mouche wonderynge, The counynge handieworke so fyne, Han well nighe dazeled mine eyne; Quod I; some counynge fairie hande 5 Yreer'd this chapelle in this lande; Full well I wote so fine a syghte Was ne yreer'd of mortall wighte. Quod Trouthe; thou lackest knowlachynge; Thou forsoth ne wotteth of the thynge. 10 A Rev'rend Fadre, William Canynge hight, Yreered uppe this chapelle brighte; And eke another in the Towne, Where glassie bubblynge Trymme doth roun. Quod I; ne doubte for all he's given 15 His sowle will certes goe to heaven. Yea, quod Trouthe; than goe thou home, And see thou doe as hee hath donne. Quod I; I doubte, that can ne bee; I have ne gotten markes three. 20 Quod Trouthe; as thou hast got, give almes-dedes soe; Canynges and Gaunts culde doe ne moe.
T.R.
ON THE SAME.
Stay, curyous traveller, and pass not bye, Until this fetive pile astounde thine eye. Whole rocks on rocks with yron joynd surveie, And okes with okes entremed disponed lie. This mightie pile, that keeps the wyndes at baie, 5 Fyre-levyn and the mokie storme defie, That shootes aloofe into the reaulmes of daie, Shall be the record of the Buylders fame for aie.
Thou seest this maystrie of a human hand, The pride of Brystowe and the Westerne lande, 10 Yet is the Buylders vertues much moe greete, Greeter than can bie Rowlies pen be scande. Thou seest the saynctes and kynges in stonen state, That seemd with breath and human soule dispande, As payrde to us enseem these men of slate, 15 Such is greete Canynge's mynde when payrd to God elate.
Well maiest thou be astound, but view it well; Go not from hence before thou see thy fill, And learn the Builder's vertues and his name; Of this tall spyre in every countye telle, 20 And with thy tale the lazing rych men shame; Showe howe the glorious Canynge did excelle; How hee good man a friend for kynges became, And gloryous paved at once the way to heaven and fame.
EPITAPH ON ROBERT CANYNGE.
Thys mornynge starre of Radcleves rysynge raie, A true manne good of mynde and Canynge hyghte, Benethe thys stone lies moltrynge ynto claie, Untylle the darke tombe sheene an eterne lyghte. Thyrde fromme hys loynes the present Canynge came; Houton are wordes for to telle hys doe; For aye shall lyve hys heaven-recorded name, Ne shall yt dye whanne tyme shalle bee no moe; Whanne Mychael's trumpe shall sounde to rise the solle, He'll wynge to heavn wyth kynne, and happie bee hys dolle.
THE STORIE OF WILLIAM CANYNGE.
Anent a brooklette as I laie reclynd, Listeynge to heare the water glyde alonge, Myndeynge how thorowe the grene mees yt twynd, Awhilst the cavys respons'd yts mottring songe, At dystaunt rysyng Avonne to be sped, 5 Amenged wyth rysyng hylles dyd shewe yts head;
Engarlanded wyth crownes of osyer weedes And wraytes of alders of a bercie scent, And stickeynge out wyth clowde agested reedes, The hoarie Avonne show'd dyre semblamente, 10 Whylest blataunt Severne, from Sabryna clepde, Rores flemie o'er the sandes that she hepde.
These eynegears swythyn bringethe to mie thowghte Of hardie champyons knowen to the floude, How onne the bankes thereof brave AElle foughte, 15 AElle descended from Merce kynglie bloude, Warden of Brystowe towne and castel stede, Who ever and anon made Danes to blede.
Methoughte such doughtie menn must have a sprighte Dote yn the armour brace that Mychael bore, 20 Whan he wyth Satan kynge of helle dyd fyghte, And earthe was drented yn a mere of gore; Orr, soone as theie dyd see the worldis lyghte, Fate had wrott downe, thys mann ys borne to fyghte.
AElle, I sayd, or els my mynde dyd saie, 25 Whie ys thy actyons left so spare yn storie? Were I toe dispone, there should lyvven aie In erthe and hevenis rolles thie tale of glorie; Thie actes soe doughtie should for aie abyde, And bie theyre teste all after actes be tryde. 30
Next holie Wareburghus fylld mie mynde, As fayre a sayncte as anie towne can boaste, Or bee the erthe wyth lyghte or merke ywrynde, I see hys ymage waulkeyng throwe the coaste: Fitz Hardynge, Bithrickus, and twentie moe 35 Ynn visyonn fore mie phantasie dyd goe.
Thus all mie wandrynge faytour thynkeynge strayde, And eche dygne buylder dequac'd onn mie mynde, Whan from the distaunt streeme arose a mayde, Whose gentle tresses mov'd not to the wynde; 40 Lyche to the sylver moone yn frostie neete, The damoiselle dyd come soe blythe and sweete.
Ne browded mantell of a scarlette hue, Ne shoone pykes plaited o'er wyth ribbande geere, Ne costlie paraments of woden blue, 45 Noughte of a dresse, but bewtie dyd shee weere; Naked shee was, and loked swete of youthe, All dyd bewryen that her name was Trouthe.
The ethie ringletts of her notte-browne hayre What ne a manne should see dyd swotelie hyde, 50 Whych on her milk-white bodykin so fayre Dyd showe lyke browne streemes fowlyng the white tyde, Or veynes of brown hue yn a marble cuarr, Whyche by the traveller ys kenn'd from farr.
Astounded mickle there I sylente laie, 55 Still scauncing wondrous at the walkynge syghte; Mie senses forgarde ne coulde reyn awaie; But was ne forstraughte whan shee dyd alyghte Anie to mee, dreste up yn naked viewe, Whych mote yn some ewbrycious thoughtes abrewe. 60
But I ne dyd once thynke of wanton thoughte; For well I mynded what bie vowe I hete, And yn mie pockate han a crouchee broughte, Whych yn the blosom woulde such sins anete; I lok'd wyth eyne as pure as angelles doe, 65 And dyd the everie thoughte of foule eschewe.
Wyth sweet semblate and an angel's grace Shee 'gan to lecture from her gentle breste; For Trouthis wordes ys her myndes face, False oratoryes she dyd aie deteste: 70 Sweetnesse was yn eche worde she dyd ywreene, Tho shee strove not to make that sweetnesse sheene.
Shee sayd; mie manner of appereynge here Mie name and sleyghted myndbruch maie thee telle; I'm Trouthe, that dyd descende fromm heavenwere, 75 Goulers and courtiers doe not kenne mee welle; Thie inmoste thoughtes, thie labrynge brayne I sawe, And from thie gentle dreeme will thee adawe.
Full manie champyons and menne of lore, Payncters and carvellers have gaind good name, 80 But there's a Canynge, to encrease the store, A Canynge, who shall buie uppe all theyre fame. Take thou mie power, and see yn chylde and manne What troulie noblenesse yn Canynge ranne.
As when a bordelier onn ethie bedde, 85 Tyr'd wyth the laboures maynt of sweltrie daie, Yn slepeis bosom laieth hys deft headde, So, senses sonke to reste, mie boddie laie; Eftsoons mie sprighte, from erthlie bandes untyde, Immengde yn flanched ayre wyth Trouthe asyde. 90
Strayte was I carryd back to tymes of yore, Whylst Canynge swathed yet yn fleshlie bedde, And saw all actyons whych han been before, And all the scroll of Fate unravelled; And when the fate-mark'd babe acome to syghte, 95 I saw hym eager gaspynge after lyghte.
In all hys shepen gambols and chyldes plaie. In everie merriemakeyng, fayre or wake, I kenn'd a perpled lyghte of Wysdom's raie; He eate downe learnynge wyth the wastle cake. 100 As wise as anie of the eldermenne, He'd wytte enowe toe make a mayre at tenne.
As the dulce downie barbe beganne to gre, So was the well thyghte texture of hys lore; Eche daie enhedeynge mockler for to bee, 105 Greete yn hys councel for the daies he bore. All tongues, all carrols dyd unto hym synge, Wondryng at one soe wyse, and yet soe yinge.
Encreaseynge yn the yeares of mortal lyfe, And hasteynge to hys journie ynto heaven, 110 Hee thoughte ytt proper for to cheese a wyfe, And use the sexes for the purpose gevene. Hee then was yothe of comelie semelikeede, And hee had made a mayden's herte to blede.
He had a fader, (Jesus rest hys soule!) 115 Who loved money, as hys charie joie; Hee had a broder (happie manne be's dole!) Yn mynde and boddie, hys owne fadre's boie; What then could Canynge wissen as a parte To gyve to her whoe had made chop of hearte? 120
But landes and castle tenures, golde and bighes, And hoardes of sylver rousted yn the ent, Canynge and hys fayre sweete dyd that despyse, To change of troulie love was theyr content; Theie lyv'd togeder yn a house adygne, 125 Of goode fendaument commilie and fyne.
But soone hys broder and hys syre dyd die, And lefte to Willyam states and renteynge rolles, And at hys wyll hys broder Johne supplie. Hee gave a chauntrie to redeeme theyre soules; 130 And put hys broder ynto syke a trade, That he lorde mayor of Londonne towne was made.
Eftsoons hys mornynge tournd to gloomie nyghte; Hys dame, hys seconde selfe, gyve upp her brethe, Seekeynge for eterne lyfe and endless lyghte, 135 And sleed good Canynge; sad mystake of dethe! Soe have I seen a flower ynn Sommer tyme Trodde downe and broke and widder ynn ytts pryme.
Next Radeleeve chyrche (oh worke of hande of heav'n, Whare Canynge sheweth as an instrumente.) 140 Was to my bismarde eyne-syghte newlie giv'n; 'Tis past to blazonne ytt to good contente. You that woulde faygn the fetyve buyldynge see Repayre to Radcleve, and contented bee.
I sawe the myndbruch of hys nobille soule 145 Whan Edwarde meniced a seconde wyfe; I saw what Pheryons yn hys mynde dyd rolle; Nowe fyx'd fromm seconde dames a preeste for lyfe. Thys ys the manne of menne, the vision spoke; Then belle for even-songe mie senses woke. 150
ON HAPPIENESSE, by WILLIAM CANYNGE.
Maie Selynesse on erthes boundes bee hadde? Maie yt adyghte yn human shape bee founde? Wote yee, ytt was wyth Edin's bower bestadde, Or quite eraced from the scaunce-layd grounde, Whan from the secret fontes the waterres dyd abounde? Does yt agrosed shun the bodyed waulke, Lyve to ytself and to yttes ecchoe taulke?
All hayle, Contente, thou mayde of turtle-eyne, As thie behoulders thynke thou arte iwreene, To ope the dore to Selynesse ys thyne, And Chrystis glorie doth upponne thee sheene. Doer of the foule thynge ne hath thee seene; In caves, ynn wodes, ynn woe, and dole distresse, Whoere hath thee hath gotten Selynesse.
ONN JOHNE A DALBENIE, by the same.
Johne makes a jarre boute Lancaster and Yorke; Bee stille, gode manne, and learne to mynde thie worke.
THE GOULER'S REQUIEM, by the same.
Mie boolie entes, adieu! ne moe the syghte Of guilden merke shall mete mie joieous eyne, Ne moe the sylver noble sheenynge bryghte Schall fyll mie honde with weight to speke ytt fyne; Ne moe, ne moe, alass! I call you myne: 5 Whydder must you, ah! whydder must I goe? I kenn not either; oh mie emmers dygne, To parte wyth you wyll wurcke mee myckle woe; I muste be gonne, botte whare I dare ne telle; O storthe unto mie mynde! I goe to helle. 10
Soone as the morne dyd dyghte the roddie sunne, A shade of theves eche streake of lyght dyd seeme; Whann ynn the heavn full half hys course was runn, Eche stirryng nayghbour dyd mie harte afleme; Thye loss, or quyck or slepe, was aie mie dreme; 15 For thee, O gould, I dyd the lawe ycrase; For thee I gotten or bie wiles or breme; Ynn thee I all mie joie and good dyd place; Botte now to mee thie pleasaunce ys ne moe, I kenne notte botte for thee I to the quede must goe. 20
THE ACCOUNTE OF W. CANYNGES FEAST.
Thorowe the halle the belle han sounde; Byelecoyle doe the Grave beseeme; The ealdermenne doe sytte arounde, Ande snoffelle oppe the cheorte steeme. Lyche asses wylde ynne desarte waste 5 Swotelye the morneynge ayre doe taste,
Syke keene theie ate; the minstrels plaie, The dynne of angelles doe theie keepe; Heie stylle the guestes ha ne to saie, Butte nodde yer thankes ande falle aslape. 10 Thus echone daie bee I to deene, Gyf Rowley, Iscamm, or Tyb. Gorges be ne seene.
THE END.
[NOTE ON THE GLOSSARY
The following glossary was compiled by Tyrwhitt before he had discovered Chatterton's use of Kersey's and Bailey's dictionaries (vide Introduction, p. xxviii) and a number of words were thus necessarily left unexplained by him. The present editor has added, in square brackets, explanations of all these words except about half-a-dozen which neither Kersey's Dictionarium Anglo-Britannicum (K.), nor Bailey's Universal Etymological Dictionary (B.), nor the glossary to Speght's edition of Chaucer (Speght), nor the notes of Prof. Skeat in his 1871 edition (Sk.), nor any native ingenuity of his own has served to elucidate.]
A GLOSSARY OF UNCOMMON WORDS IN THIS VOLUME.
In the following Glossary, the explanations of words by CHATTERTON, at the bottom of the several pages, are drawn together, and digested alphabetically, with the letter C. after each of them. But it should be observed, that these explanations are not to be admitted but with great caution; a considerable number of them being (as far as the Editor can judge) unsupported by authority or analogy. The explanations of some other words, omitted by CHATTERTON, have been added by the Editor, where the meaning of the writer was sufficiently clear, and the word itself did not recede too far from the established usage; but he has been obliged to leave many others for the consideration of more learned or more sagacious interpreters.
EXPLANATION OF THE LETTERS OF REFERENCE.
AE stands for AElla; a tragycal enterlude, Ba. ——— The dethe of Syr C. Bawdin, Ch. ——— Balade of Charitie, E. I. —— Eclogue the first, E. II. —- Eclogue the second, E. III. — Eclogue the third, El. ——— Elinoure and Juga, Ent. ——- Entroductionne to AElla, Ep. ——— Epistle to M. Canynge, G. ———- Goddwyn; a Tragedie, H. 1. —— Battle of Hastings, No 1. H. 2. —— Battle of Hastings, No 2. Le. ——— Letter to M. Canynge, M. ———- Englysh Metamorphosis, P.G. ——- Prologue to Goddwyn, T. ———- Tournament,
The other references are made to the pages.
A GLOSSARY.
[B.Bailey's Universal Etymological Dictionary (8th ed. 1737). K.Kersey's Dictionarium Anglo-Britannicum (1708). Sk.Prof. Skeat's Aldine Edition (1871). SpeghtGlossary to Speght's Chaucer (1598). T.Tyrwhitt. C.Chatterton's notes to the poems.]
Abessie, E. III. 89. Humility. C.
Aborne, T. 45. Burnished. C.
Abounde, H. 1. 55. [Evidently avail; K. B. and Speght do not help.]
Aboune, G. 53. Make ready. C.
Abredynge, AE. 334. Upbraiding. C.
Abrewe, p. 281. 60. as Brew.
Abrodden, E. I. 6. Abruptly. C.
Acale, G. 191. Freeze. C.
Accaie, AE. 356. Asswage. C.
Achments, T. 153. Atchievements. C.
Acheke, G. 47. Choke. C.
Achevments, AE. 65. Services. C.
Acome, p. 283. 95. as Come.
Acrool, El. 6. Faintly. C.
Adave, H. 2. 402. [Probably beheld; cannot be explained from K., who has nothing nearer than adawe (O.), to awaken; awoke can hardly be the meaning.]
Adawe, p. 282. 78. Awake.
Addawd, H. 2. 110. [Limply. Sk. translates wakened from B.'s addawe, to waken, which makes no sense. K. has 'adaw, to awaken; but it is used by the poet Spencer to slacken'; hence the meaning I have given.]
Adente, AE 396. Fastened. C.
Adented, G. 32. Fastened, annexed. C.
Aderne, H. 2. 272. See Derne, Dernie. [Sad, cruel, from K.'s dern (O.), sad, &c.]
Adigne. See Adygne.
Adrames, Ep. 27. Churls. C.
Adventaile, T. 13. Armour. C.
Adygne, Le. 46. Nervous; worthy of praise. C.
Affynd, H. 1. 132. Related by marriage.
Afleme, p. 287. 14. as Fleme; to drive away, to affright.
After la goure, H. 2. 353. should probably be Astrelagour; Astrologer. [A singular mistake for B.'s Asterlagour an astrolabe. Sk.]
[Agested, p. 278. 9. Heaped up (B.). (For C.'s clowde Sk. boldly reads clod.)]
Agrame, G. 93. Grievance. C.
Agreme, AE 356. Torture. C.—G. 5. Grievance. C.
Agrosed, p. 286. 6. as Agrised, terrified.
Agroted, AE. 348. See Groted.
Agylted, AE. 334. Offended. C.
Aidens, AE. 222. Aidance.
Ake, E. II. 8. Oak. C.
Alans, H. 2. 124. Hounds.
Alatche, AE. 117. [? call for help. K. has latch (O.) release, let go, but this cannot be the meaning intended.]
Aledge, G. 5. Idly. C.
Alest, AE. 50. Lest.
All a boon, E. III. 41. A manner of asking a favour. C.
Alleyn, E. I. 52. Only. C.
Almer, Ch. 20. Beggar. C.
[Alofe, H. 1. 292. Aloft.]
[Alse, AE. 1063. Else.]
Aluste, H. i. 88. [The sense is clearly draw himself out, release himself; but K. B. and Speght throw no light on the word.]
Alyne, T. 79. Across his shoulders. C.
Alyse, Le. 29. Allow. C.
Amate, AE. 58. Destroy. C.
Amayld, E. II. 49. Enameled. C.
Ameded, AE. 54. Rewarded.
Amenged, p. 278. 6. as Menged; mixed.
Amenused, E. II. 5. Diminished. C.
[Ametten, M. 46. Met.]
Amield, T. 5. Ornamented, enameled. C.
[Anenste, as Anente; against.]
Anente, AE. 475. Against. C.
Anere, AE. 15. Another. C. [Ep. 48. another time or occasion.]
Anete, p. 281. 64. [put an end to, from C.'s nete, nothing.]
Anie, p. 281. 59. as Nie; nigh.
[Anie, H. 1. 120. Annoy.]
Anlace, G. 57. An ancient sword. C.
Antecedent, AE. 233. Going before.
Applings, E. I. 33. Grafted trees. C.
Arace, G. 156. Divest. C.
[Arcublaster, H. 2. 52. K. has arcubalista, a warlike engine for casting great stones, and Speght has arblasters, crosse-bowes. This last is evidently C.'s meaning.]
[Ardurous, p.25. 30. ? as if ardourous, valiant.]
Arist, Ch. 10. Arose. C.
Arrowe-lede, H. 1. 74. [Neither K.B. nor Speght throws any light on -lede. Sk. reads arrow-head.]
Ascaunce, E. III. 52. Disdainfully. C.
Asenglave, H. 1. 117. [Ashen-spear. K. has glaive, a weapon like a halbert.]
Askaunted, Le. 19. [Look carelessly at, from two words side by side in K., askaunce (O.), if by chance, and askaunt (O.) to look askaunt i.e. to look sideways.]
Aslee, AE 504. [Probably sidle would give the meaning. Sk. renders dost but slide away.]
Asseled, E. III. 14. Answered. C.
Ashrewed. Ch. 24. Accursed, unfortunate. C.
Asswaie, E. 352. [There is no satisfactory explanation; the sense is clearly cause.]
Astedde, E. II. II. Seated. C.
Astende, G. 47. Astonish. C.
Asterte, G. 137. Neglected. C.
Astoun, E. II. 5. Astonished. C.
Astounde, M. 83. Astonish. C.
Asyde, p. 282. 90. perhaps Astyde; ascended. [More probably wyth Trouthe asyde means at the side of Truth.]
Athur, H. 2. 466. as Thurgh; thorough.
Attenes, AE 18. At once. C.
Attoure, T. 115. Turn. C.
Attoure, AE 322. Around.
Ave, H. 2. 636. for Eau. Fr. Water.
Aumere, Ch. 7. A loose robe, or mantle. C.
Aumeres, E. III. 25. Borders of gold and silver, &c. C.
Aunture, H. 2. 133. as Aventure: adventure. Autremete, Ch. 52. A loose white robe, worn by priests. C.
Awhaped, AE. 400. Astonished. C.
Aynewarde, Ch. 47. Backwards. C.
B.
Bankes, T. III. Benches.
[Bante, AE. 207. Banned, cursed.]
Barb'd hall, AE. 219. [See Appendix, p. 317, Sec. 8.]
Barbed horse, AE. 27. Covered with armour.
[Bardi, H. 1. 305. Bards. (Latin plural!)]
Baren, AE. 880, for Barren.
Barganette, E. III. 49. A song, or ballad. C.
Bataunt, Ba. 276. 292. [Evidently a musical instrument, but Sk. can get no nearer an etymological explanation than O.F. battant, a fuller's mallet.]
Battayles, AE. 707. Boats, ships. Fr.
Batten, G. 3. Fatten. C.
Battent, T. 52. Loudly. C.
Battently, G. 50. Loud roaring. C.
Battone, H. 1. 520. Beat with sticks. Fr.
Baubels, Ent. 7. Jewels. C.
Bawfin, AE. 57. Large. C.
Bayre, E. II. 76. Brow. C.
Beheste, G. 60. Command. C.
Behight, H. 2. 365. [Name; from hight, called.]
Behylte, AE. 939. Promised. C.
Belent, H. 2. 121. [? from Speght's blent, stayed, turned back.]
Beme, AE. 563. Trumpet.
Bemente, E. I. 45. Lament. C.
Benned, AE. 1185. Cursed, tormented. C.
Benymmynge, P.G. 3. Bereaving. C.
Bercie, p. 278. 8. [No explanation.]
Berne, AE. 580. Child. C.
Berten, T. 58. Venomous. C.
Beseies, T. 124. Becomes. C.
Besprente, T. 132. Scattered. C.
Bestadde, p. 286. 3. [Lost, K.'s bestad (O.).]
Bestanne, AE. 411. [=Bestadde.]
Bested, H. 2. 140. [Contended. ? from B.'s bestad, beset, oppressed.]
Bestoiker, AE. 91. Deceiver. C.
Bestreynts, H. 2. 634. [Sprinkles, from K.'s betreint (O.), sprinkled; but affected by bestrewed.]
Bete, G. 85. Bid. C.
Betrassed, G. 7. Deceived, imposed on. C.
Betraste, AE. 1031. Betrayed. C.
Betreinted, H. 2. [634] 707. [Sprinkled; from K.'s betreint (O.), sprinkled.]
Bevyle, E. II. 57. Break. A herald term signifying a spear broken in tilting. C.
Bewrate, H. 2. 127. [Treachery.]
Bewrecke, G. 101. Revenge. C.
Bewreen, AE. 6. Express. C.
Bewryen, Le. 42. Declared, expressed. C.
Bewryne, G. 72. Declare. C.
Bewrynning, T. 128. Declaring. C.
Bighes, AE. 371. Jewels. C.
Birlette, E. III. 24. A hood, or covering for the back part of the head. C.
Bismarde, p. 285. 141. [Curious, wondering; from bismar, curiosity, K.B. and Speght.]
Blake, AE. 178. 407. Naked. C.
Blakied, E. III. 4. Naked, original. C.
Blanche, AE. 369. White, pure.
Blaunchie, E. II. 50. White. C.
Blatauntlie, AE. 108. Loudly. C.
[Blents, H. 2. 638. ?]
Blente, E. III. 39. Ceased, dead. C.
Blethe, T. 98. Bleed. C.
Blynge, AE. 334. Cease. C.
Blyn, E. II. 40. Cease, stand still. C.
Boddekin, AE. 265. Body, substance. C.
Boleynge, M. 17. Swelling. C.
[Bollen, II. 2. 636. Swollen (K.).]
Bollengers and Cottes, E. II. 33. Different kinds of boats. C.
Boolie, E. I. 46. Beloved. C.
Bordel, E. III. 2. Cottage. C.
Bordelier, AE. 410. Cottager.
Borne, T. 13. AE. 741. Burnish. C.
[Borne, H. 2. 289. ?ground. (No satisfactory explanation.)]
Boun, E. II. 40. Make ready. C.
Bounde, T. 32. Ready. C.
Bourne, AE. 483. [Borne.]
Bouting matche, p. 23. 2. [Bout, trial of skill.]
Bowke, T. 19.—Bowkie, G. 133. Body. C.
Brasteth, G. 123. Bursteth. C.
Brayd, G. 77. Displayed. C.
Brayde, AE 1010. [cf. B.'s braid, a small lace, &c.]
Breme, subst. G. 12. Strength. C.
———adj. E. II. 6. Strong. C.
Brende, G. 50. Burn, consume. C.
Bretful, Ch. 19. Filled with. C.
[Brigandyne, H. 2. 645. An old-fashioned coat of mail, K.]
Broched, H. 2. 335. Pointed.
Brondeous, E. II. 24. Furious. C.
Browded, G. 130. Embroidered. C.
Brynnyng, AE. 680. Declaring. C. [? contracted for bewrynning.]
Burled, M. 20. Armed. C.
Burlie bronde, G. 7. Fury, anger. C.
[Burne, AE. 585. H. 2. 265. ? Run (no explanation).]
Byelecoyle, p. 288. 2. Bel-acueil. Fr. the name of a personage in the Roman de la Rose, which Chaucer has rendered Fair welcoming. [Speght followed by K. has Bialacoyl [Fr. Bel-acueil], faire welcoming. C. did not observe that the word was a proper name, but uses it to mean hospitality.]
Byker, AE. 246. Battle.
Bykrous, M. 37. Warring. C.
Bysmare, M. 95. Bewildered, curious. C.
Bysmarelie, Le. 26. Curiously. C.
C.
Cale, AE. 854. Cold.
Calke, G. 25. Cast. C.
Calked, E. I. 49. Cast out. C.
Caltysning, G. 67. Forbidding. C.
Carnes, AE. 1243. Rocks, stones. Brit.
Castle-stede, G. 100. A Castle. C.
Caties, H. 2. 67. Cates. [Dainties.]
Caytisned, AE. 32. Binding, enforcing. C. [AE. 1104. Bound, fettered.]
Celness, AE. 882. [Probably coldness; no explanation.]
Chafe, AE. 191. Hot. C.
Chastes, G. 201. Beats, stamps. C.
Champion, v. P.G. 12. Challenge. C.
Chaper, E. III. 48. Dry, sunburnt. C.
Chapournette, Ch. 45. A small round hat. C.
Chefe, G. 11. Heat, rashness. C.
Chelandree, AE. 105. Gold-finch. C.
Cheorte, p. 288. 4. [? Pleasant; K. B. and Speght have chert, cheorte, love, jealousy, and K. and B. have also chertes, merry people.]
Cherisaunce, Ent. 1. Comfort. C.
Cherisaunied, AE. 839. perhaps Cherisaunced. [The mistake is in C.'s authorities; Cherisaunei (K.) Cherisaunie (B.).]
Cheves, Ch. 37. Moves. C.
Chevysed, Ent. 2. Preserved. C.
Chirckynge, M. 23. A confused noise. C.
Church-glebe-house, Ch. 24. Grave. C.
[Chyne, H. 2. 640. Cut thro' the back. K.]
[Cleembe, as Cleme.]
Cleme, E. II. 9. Sound. C.
Clergyon, P.G. 8. Clerk, or clergyman. C.
Clergyon'd, Ent. 13. Taught. C.
Clevis, H. 2. 46. [Cliffs, or rocks. K.]
Cleyne, AE. 1102. [Sound. ? from clymbe (O.) noise. K.]
Clinie, H. 1. 431. [Apparently a declination, a stooping attitude; part of the science of arms.]
Cloude-agested, p. 278. 9. [See Agested.]
Clymmynge, Ch. 36. Noisy. C.
Coistrell, H. 2. 88. [A young lad (O.) K.]
Compheeres, M. 21. Companions. C.
Congeon, E. III. 89. Dwarf. C.
Contake, T. 87. Dispute. C.
Conteins, H. 1. 223. for Contents.
Conteke, E. II. 10. Confuse; contend-with. C.
Contekions, AE. 553. Contentions. C.
Cope, Ch. 50. A cloke. C.
Corven, AE. 56. See Yeorven.
Cotte, E. II. 24. Cut.
Cottes, E. II. 33. See Bollengers.
Coupe, E. II. 7. Cut. C.
Couraciers, T. 74. Horse-coursers. C.
Coyen, AE. 125. Coy. q?
Cravent, E. III. 39. Coward. C.
Creand, AE. 581. as Recreand.
Crine, AE. 851. Hair. C.
Croched, H. 2. 511. perhaps Broched. [What is broched? Sk. renders crooked, but surely a javelin should be straight. Perhaps C. was thinking of the cross-piece of a halbert. Cf. croche.]
Croche, v. G. 26. Cross. C.
Crokynge, AE. 119. Bending.
Cross-stone, AE. 1122. Monument. C. [Crouchee, p. 281. 63. Cross; from Speght's crouch, cross.]
Cuarr, p. 281. 53. Quarry. q?
[Cuishes, H. 2. 230. Armour for the thighs; cuisses K.]
Cullis-yatte, E. I. 50. Portcullis-gate. C.
Curriedowe, G. 176. Flatterer. C.
Cuyen kine, E. I. 35. Tender cows. C.
D.
Dareygne, G. 26. Attempt, endeavour. C.
Declynie, H. i. 161. Declination. q? [See Clinie.]
Decorn, E. II. 14. Carved. C.
Deene, E. II. 69. Glorious, worthy. C.
[Deene, p. 288. II. Dine?]
Deere, E. III. 88. Dire. C.
Defs, M. 9. Vapours, meteors. C.
Defayte, G. 52. Decay. C.
Defte, Ch. 7. Neat, ornamental. C.
Deigned, E. III. 53. Disdained. C.
Delievretie, T. 44. Activity. C.
Demasing, H. 1. 276. [?Considering; no explanation.]
Dente, AE. 886. See Adente.
Dented, AE. 263. See Adented.
Denwere, G. 141. Doubt. C.—M. 13. Tremour. C.
Dequace, G. 56. Mangle, destroy. C.
Dequaced, p. 280. 38. [Dashed K. and Speght.]
Dere, Ep. 5. Hurt, damage. C.
Derkynnes, AE. 229. Young deer. q?
Derne, AE. 582.—H. 2. 522. [Barbarous, cruel K.]
Dernie, E. I. 19. Woeful, lamentable. C.——M. 106. Cruel. C.
Deslavate, H. 2. 333. [Lecherous, beastly, from K.'s deslavy.]
Dellavatie, AE. 1047. Letchery. C.
Detratours, H. 2. 78. [Slanderous detractors.]
Deysed, AE. 46. Seated on a deis.
Dheie; They.
Dhere, AE. 192. There.
Dhereof; Thereof.
Difficile, AE. 358. Difficult. C.
Dighte, Ch. 7. Drest, arrayed. C.
Dispande, p. 276. ult. perhaps for Disponed. [B. has dispand, to stretch out.] Dispone, p. 279. 27. Dispose.
Divinistre, AE. 141. Divine. C.
Dolce, AE. 1187. Soft, gentle. C.
Dole, n. G. 137. Lamentation. C.
Dole, adj. p. 283. 13. [Doleful.]
Dolte, Ep. 27. Foolish. C.
[Dolthead, H. 1. 335. Blockhead.]
Donde, H. 1. 51. [Done, finished.]
Donore, H. 1. 5. This line should probably be written thus; O sea-oerteeming Dovor!
Dortoure, Ch. 25. A sleeping room. C.
Dote, p. 279. 20. perhaps as Dighte.
Doughtre mere, H. 2. 481. D'outre mere. Fr. From beyond sea.
[Draffs, AE. 717. Lees, dregs, so useless, worthless.]
Dree, AE. 983. [H. 2. 664. ? Work, or Drive.]
Drefte, AE. 466. Least. C.
[Drenche, AE. 85. Drink. (Really to dose with medicine.)]
Drented, G. 91. Drained. C.
Dreynted, AE. 237. Drowned. C.
Dribblet, E. II. 48. Small, insignificant. C.
Drites, G. 65. Rights, liberties. C.
Drocke, T. 40. Drink. C.
Droke, AE. 461. [Meaning and source quite uncertain.]
Droorie, Ep. 47. See Chatterton's note. Druerie is Courtship, gallantry.
Drooried, AE. 127. Courted. [Probably modest, from B.'s drury, modesty.]
Dulce, p. 283. 103. as Dolce.
Duressed, E. I. 39. Hardened. C.
Dyd, H. 2. 9. should probably be Dyght.
Dygne, T. 89. Worthy. C.
[Dyngeynge, AE. 458. Dinging or striking.]
Dynning, E. I. 25. Sounding. C.
Dysperpellest, AE. 414. Scatterest. C.
Dysporte, E. I. 28. Pleasure. C.
Dysportisment, AE. 250. as Dysporte.
Dysregate, AE. 542. [? Deprive of command.]
E.
Edraw, H. 2. 52. for Ydraw; Draw.
Eft, E. II. 78. Often. C.
Eftsoones, E. III. 54. Quickly. C.
Ele, M. 74. Help. C.
Eletten, AE. 448. Enlighten. C.
Eke, E. I. 27. Also. C.
Emblaunched, E. I. 36. Whitened. C.
Embodyde, E. I. 33. Thick, stout. C.
[Embollen, AE. 596. as Bollen.]
Embowre, G. 134. Lodge. C.
Emburled, E. II. 54. Armed. C.
Emmate, AE. 34. Lessen, decrease. C.
Emmers, p. 287. 7. [? coins. No explanation.]
Emmertleynge, M. 72. Glittering. C.
[Emprize, M. 74. Adventure. C.]
Enalse, G. 159. Embrace. C.
Encaled, AE. 918. Frozen, cold. C.
Enchased, M. 60. Heated, enraged. C.
Engyne, AE. 381. Torture.
Enheedynge, p. 283. 105. [Taking heed, studying.]
Enlowed, AE. 606. Flamed, fired. C.
Enrone, AE. 661. [Evidently Unsheath; no explanation.]
Enseme, AE. 971. To make seams in. q?
Enseeming, AE. 746. as Seeming.
Enshoting, T. 174. Shooting, darting. C.
[Ensooned, H. 2. 497. Probably, In a swoon; not in K.B. or Speght.]
Enstrote, H. 2. 503. [No explanation.] Enswote, AE. 1175. Sweeten. q?
Enswolters, AE. 629. Swallows, sucks in. C.
Ensyrke, p. 25. 10. Encircle.
Ent, E. III. 57. A purse or bag. C.
Entendement, AE. 261. Understanding.
Enthoghteing, AE. 704. [Thinking; cf. Enheedynge.]
Entremed, p. 276. 4. [Intermingled, from Speght's Entremes, entermingled. (Really entremes means a side-dish.)]
Entrykeynge, AE. 304. as Tricking.
Entyn, P.G. 10. Even. C.
Estande, H. 2. 271. for Ystande; Stand.
Estells, E. II. 16. A corruption of Estoile, Fr. A star. C.
Estroughted, AE. 918. [Stretched out]
Ethe, E. III. 59. Ease. C.
Ethie, p. 280. 49. Easy.
Evalle, E. III. 38. Equal. C.
Evespeckt, T. 56. Marked with evening dew. C.
Ewbrice, AE. 1085. Adultery. C.
Ewbrycious, p. 281. 60. Lascivious.
Eyne-gears, p. 279. 13. [Sk. considers this a compound of eyne, eyes and gear, tackle and renders objects.]
F.
Fage, Ep. 30. Tale, jest. C.
Faifully, T. 147. Faithfully. C.
Faitour, Ch. 66. A beggar, or vagabond. C.
Faldstole, AE. 61. A folding stool, or seat. See Du Cange in v. Faldistorium.
[Fay, H. 2. 144. Faith.]
[Faytour, p. 280. 37. as Faitour.]
Fayre, AE. 1204. 1224. Clear, innocent.
Feere, AE. 965. Fire.
Feerie, E. II. 45. Flaming. C.
Fele, T. 27. Feeble. C. [A Rowleian contraction, cf. gorne for garden.]
Fellen, E. I. 10. Fell pa. t. sing. q?
Fetelie, G. 24. Nobly. C.
Fetive, Ent. 7. as Festive.
Fetivelie, Le. 42. Elegantly. C.
Fetiveness, AE. 400. as Festiveness.
Feygnes, E. III. 78. A corruption of feints. C.
Fhuir, G. 58. Fury. C.
Fie, T. 113. Defy. C.
Flaiten, H. I. 84. [Frightful, from B.'s flaite, to affright, to scare.]
Flanched, H. 2. 242. [Arched, from K.'s flanch, in heraldry, an ordinary made of an arch-line.]
Flemed, T. 56. Frighted. C.
Flemie, p. 278. ult. [Daunted, from B.'s flemed.]
Flizze, G. 197. Fly. C.
Floe, H. 2. 54. Arrow.
Flott, Ch. 33. Fly. C.
[Flotting, H. 2. 42. ? Flying, cf. flott; or Whistling, from B.'s floting (O.), whistling, piping.]
Foile, E. III. 78. Baffle. C.
Fons, Fonnes, E. II. 14. Devices. C.
Forgard, AE. 565. Lose. C.
Forletten, El. 19. Forsaken. C.
Forloyne, AE. 722. Retreat. C.
Forreying, T. 114. Destroying. C.
Forslagen, AE. 1076. Slain. C.
Forslege, AE. 1106. Slay. C.
Forstraughte, p. 281. 58. Distracted.
Forstraughteyng, G. 34. Distracting. C.
Forswat, Ch. 30. Sun-burnt. C.
Forweltring, AE. 618. Blasting. C.
Forwyned, E. III. 36. Dried. C.
Fremde, AE. 430. Strange. C.
Fremded, AE. 555. Frighted. C.
Freme, AE. 267. [and Fremed, H. 2. 147. Strange, from K.'s fremd (O.), strange.]
Fructile, AE. 185. Fruitful.
[Furched, AE. 519. Forked.]
G.
Gaberdine, T. 88. A piece of armour. C.
Gallard, Ch. 39. Frighted. C.
Gare, Ep. 7. Cause. C.
Gastness, AE. 412. Ghastliness.
Gayne, AE 821. To gayne so gayne a pryze. Gayne has probably been repeated by mistake. [More probably C. intended it to mean Worth gaining.]
Geare, AE. 299. Apparel, accoutrement.
Geason, Ent. 7. Rare. C.—G. 120. Extraordinary, strange. C.
Geer, H. 2. 284. as Gier.
Geete, AE. 736. as Gite.
Gemote, G. 94. Assemble. C.
Gemoted, E. II. 8. United, assembled. C.
Gerd, M. 7. Broke, rent. C.
Gies, G. 207. Guides. C.
Gier, H. 1. 527. A turn, or twist.
Gif, E. II. 39. If. C.
Gites, AE. 2. Robes, mantels. C.
Glair, H. 2. 570. [? Glare.]
[Gledes.H. 2. 217. Glides]
Gledeynge, M. 22. Livid. C.
Glomb, G. 175. Frown. C.
Glommed, Ch. 22. Clouded, dejected. C.
Giytted, H. 2. 272. [Glittered.]
Gorne, E. I. 36. Garden. C.
Gottes, AE. 740. Drops.
Gouler, p. 282. 76. [Usurer, from K.'s goule, usury.]
Graiebarbes, Le. 25. Greybeards. C.
Grange, E. I. 34. Liberty of pasture. C.
Gratche, AE. 115. Apparel. C.
Grave, p. 288. 2. Chief magistrate, mayor. [Where does T. find this meaning? B. and K. have grave, a German title signifying a great lord etc., but no word of mayor.]
Gravots, E. I. 24. Groves. C.
Gree, E. I. 44. Grow. C.
Groffile, AE. 547. [Grovelling, from K.'s groff or gruff (O.), groveling.]
Groffish, AE. 257. [Gruffly.]
Groffynglie, Ep. 33. Foolishly. C.
Gron, G. 90. a fen, moor. C.
Gronfer, E. II. 45. A meteor, from gron a fen, and fer, a corruption of fire. C. [? then whether C. does not mean a will o' the wisp.]
Gronfyres, G. 200. Meteors. C.
Grore, H. 2. 27. [No explanation.]
Groted, AE. 337. Swollen. C.
[Gryne, H. 2. 706. Groin.]
Gule-depeincted, E. II. 13. Red-painted. C.
Gule-steynct, G. 62. Red-stained. C.
[Guylde, G. 152. Tax.]
[Guylteynge, AE. 179. Gilding.]
Glyttelles, AE. 438. Mantels. C.
H.
[Habergeon. H. 2. 346. A little coat of mail (K.).]
Haile, E. III. 60. Happy. C.
Hailie, AE. 148. 410. as Haile.
Halceld, M. 37. Defeated. C.
Hailie, T. 144. Holy. C.
Hailie, AE. 33. Wholely. [But here Hallie would seem to be put for hailie, happy. Sk. renders blissful.]
Halline, Ch. 82. Joy. C.
Hancelled, G. 49. Cut off, destroyed. C.
Han, AE. 734. Hath. q? [One of C.'s fundamental mistakes.]
Hanne, AE. 409. Had. particip. q?—AE. 685. Had. pa. t. sing. q?
Hantoned, AE. 1094. [A mistake for hancelled; hanten in B.K. and Speght means use, accustom.]
Harried, M. 82. Tost. C. [But in AE. 209 plainly=hurried.]
Hatched, p. 25. I. [Probably C. meant covered with a cloth exhibiting its rider's coat of arms. Cf. Hatchments.] |
|