King Horn, Floriz and Blauncheflur, The Assumption of Our Lady
Author: Unknown
Date: 2013-05-15T00:00:00+00:00
Keywords: Romances; English; Mary; Blessed Virgin; Saint -- Legends; English poetry -- Middle English; 1100-1500

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Title: King Horn, Floriz and Blauncheflur, The Assumption of Our Lady

Editor: J. Rawson Lumby

George Harley McKnight

Release date: May 15, 2013 [eBook #42713]

Language: English

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FIRST EDITED IN 1866
BY J. RAWSON LUMBY,

AND NOW RE-EDITED FROM THE MANUSCRIPTS,
WITH INTRODUCTION, NOTES, AND GLOSSARY,
BY
GEORGE H. McKNIGHT.

Published for
THE EARLY ENGLISH TEXT SOCIETY
by the
OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS
LONDON   NEW YORK   TORONTO

First Published (Edited by J. Rawson Lumby) 1866
Re-edited by George H. McKnight 1901
Reprinted (1901 Version) 1962

Original Series, No. 14

Reprinted in Great Britain by Richard Clay and Company, Ltd.,
Bungay, Suffolk.

CONTENTS.

All sections except the general Preface and the Glossary are in separate files, one for each text.

| PAGE
PREFACE | vi
INTRODUCTION | vii
King Horn | vii
Floris and Blancheflur | xxx

The Assumption of Our Lady

xlv

KING HORN, FROM THREE MSS.:

CAMBR. UNIV. MS. Gg. 4. 27. 2 | 1
LAUD MISC. MS. 108 | 1
HARL. MS. 2253 | 1

FLORIS AND BLAUNCHEFLUR, FROM THREE MSS.:

TRENTHAM MS | 71
MS. COTT. VITELL. D. III | 74, 84
CAMBRIDGE MS. Gg. 4. 27. 2 | 80

THE ASSUMPTION OF OUR LADY, FROM THREE MSS.:

CAMBR. UNIV. MS. Gg. 4. 27. 2 | 111
BRIT. MUS. ADD. MS. 10,036 | 111
HARL. MS. 2382 | 118
NOTES | 137
King Horn | 137
Floris and Blancheflur | 146

The Assumption of Our Lady

147

GLOSSARY | 155

PREFACE.

The triple labour involved in editing three independent works in one volume will, it is hoped, serve as an excuse for some of the shortcomings of the present publication. Under the circumstances it has been impossible to make the work as definitive as might have been the case with a single text. For example, while I have been able to print the three existing manuscript texts of King Horn, of the other two poems, the textual material is not nearly so complete.

The texts, it is hoped, are accurately printed. The credit for this is due, in large measure, to Dr. Furnivall,—who has read with the MSS. the proofs of all the British Museum texts,—and to the proof-readers at Oxford and Cambridge. The notes to King Horn represent a good deal of labour, and may, I trust, prove useful. The glossary, though not so complete as that in Wissmann’s excellent critical edition of King Horn, is intended to fit the volume, and to supply explanation of words and uses of words not intelligible to ordinary readers of Early English Texts.

It is my pleasant duty to acknowledge assistance from various quarters. I am indebted to the libraries of the British Museum and Cambridge University, and the Bodleian library at Oxford for the use of manuscripts; also to the Duke of Sutherland for permission to copy the text of Floris and Blauncheflur from the manuscript in his private library; also to the Cornell University library for conveniences placed at my disposal in the preparation of this volume. I must also acknowledge timely words of advice from Prof. J. M. Hart, notes on Layamon from Dr. B. S. Monroe, and assistance in proof-reading by Prof. W. Strunk, jr. But above all I must acknowledge the less apparent work of Dr. Furnivall in preparing the texts for press, a work the amount of which one who has not edited for the E.E.T.S. is not likely to realize.

G. H. M. K.

Ithaca, N.Y., July 8, 1901.

GLOSSARY.

ABBREVIATIONS.

Add.   Brit. Mus. Add. MS. of Ass.

Ass.   Assumption of our Lady.

C.   Cambridge Univ. MS. Gg. 4. 27. 2. of King Horn and Assumption.

Cott.   Cottonian MS. of Floriz and Bl.

F. & B.   Floriz and Blancheflur.

H.   Harleian MSS. of King Horn and of Assumption.

KH.   King Horn.

L.   Laud Misc. MS. 108 of King Horn.

OE.   Old English.

OF.   Old French.

T.   Trentham MS. of Floriz and Bl.

V.   Cottonian MS. of Floriz and Bl.

Yogh ȝ and thorn þ are alphabetized as “g” and “t”. I and J are alphabetized together. U/V as a vowel is alphabetized before V as a consonant.

a   b   c   d   e   f   g   h   i   l   m
n   o   p   q   r   s   t   u   v   w   y

abegge, abeie, see beien.

abide, see bide.

acupement, sb. accusation, F. & B. 664, 670, etc., C. OF. acoupement.

Adam, Ass. 429, 461, 465 Add.

Admiral, sb. emir, F. & B. 164, 170 C.; amirel, amirayl, F. & B. 175, 179 Cott.; Admirad, amyraud, Admyrold, KH. 95.

adrenche, see drenche.

adriȝe, see dreȝe.

adrinke, see drinke.

adun, adv. down, KH. 458 C, 485 C; adune, adowne, adoune, KH. 1608 C L H; adun, adoun, KH. 1610.

age, sb. be of ——, KH. 1420, F. & B. 37 T, of age. Cf. KH. 1420 Note.

aȝenes, see ȝen.

agesse, see gesse.

agrise, see grise.

Ailbrus, Aylbrus, see Aþelbrus.

Ailmar, Aylmar, Almair, Eylmer, King of Westernesse, KH. 169, 233, 359, 526, 538, 549, 729, 733, 747, 753, 1331, 1514, 1614, etc. OE. Aeþelmær.

al, adv. all, quite, KH. 38 L H.

alle veile, everywhere, KH. 262 L.

Allof, father of Horn, KH. 4, 33, 73 H.

also, conj. as, KH. 32, 1102 etc. OE. eal swā.

angussus, adj. full of anguish, F. & B. 366 C. OF. angoissous.

anhitte, see hitten.

apliȝt, adv. on one’s faith; aplyȝt, F. & B. 88 T; aplyst, F. & B. 200 Cott.; apliȝt, F. & B. 649 C. OE. on + pliht.

aquelde, see quelle.

aquite, see quite.

araȝte, see areche.

areche, v. explain, recount; infin., KH. 1308 C.; 3 sing. pret. araȝte, F. & B. 812 C. OE. areccean.

arecche, see recche.

areche ?, see reche.

aredde, infin. rid, deliver, F. & B. 689 C. OE. ahreddan.

Arnoldin, Arnoldyn, KH. 1561, 1613, 1618.

aroum, adv. apart; aroom), F. & B. 824 T; aroum, Cott. Cf. Gen. & Ex. 4000, 4021. OE. on rum, apart.

arre, see er.

arson, sb. saddle bow; n. s., F. & B. 369 T. OF. arçon.

aslawe, see slon.

asoke, see sake.

assoine, infin. prevent, F. & B. 423 T.

at, prep. from. KH. 619 etc. OE. æt.

atel, adj. dreadful, cruel, F. & B. 113 Cott. OE. atol, eatol.

Aþelbrus, Aylbrous, Ailbrus, etc., KH. 239, 257, 282, 309, 351, 385, 481, 495, 501, 1621, 1627.

Aþulf, Haþulf, ayol, KH. 27, 29, 300, 309, 311, 316, 537, etc. OE. Æthelwulf, Aþulf, or Eadwulf.

aton, adj. (at + one) agreed, KH. 997 C H.

at wite, v. find fault with, twit; infin. F. & B. 490 C.; 3 s. pret. atwist, F. & B. 490 C. OE. ætwītan.

awreke, v. avenge; infin., F. & B. 731 C.; 3 s. pret. awrek, KH. 952 H. OE. wrecan.

axede, askede, 3 s. pret. asked, KH. 43; askede H, axede C, acsede L. OE. āscian, āxian.

aye, see eie.

Babylon, dat. F. & B. 147 T; Babyloyn, 190 T, 191 T; -loigne, 119 C.; babyloyne, 147 T, 191 T; Babyloyne, 153 T; Babilloine, 172 C.; Babiloyne, 181 Cott.; Babilloigne, 120, 129 C.; Babilloine, 129 C, etc. French version has Babiloine, 406, 505, etc.

bale, sb. bale, calamity, F. & B. 821 C. OE. bealu.

barbecan, sb. outer work of a fortress, F. & B. 207 C. OF. barbecane.

barm, sb. lap, bosom; in bearme, KH. 752. OE. bearm.

barnage, sb. baronage, F. & B. 639 C. OF. baronage.

bede, sb. prayer, Ass. 89 C, 95 Add., 332 H, 486 Add. etc. OE. bēd.

bede, v. present, offer; infin., KH. 492; 2 pl. pres., KH. 977 C L. OE. bēodan.

beien, v. buy; 3 s. pret. boȝte, KH. 1442 C. abeie, v. atone for, expiate; infin. abeie C; abeye L, KH. 116; abugge C H; abygge L 1155; 3 s. pret. aboute L; abohte H, KH. 1493. OE. bycgan.

belamy, sb. good friend, F. & B. 633 C. OF. bel ami.

belde, see bolde.

belete, see leten.

bemeneþ, see bimene.

bene, sb. petition, KH. 590 C L. OE. bēn.

beode, v. offer; infin., F. & B. 369 C.; 3 s. pret. bed, F. & B. 733 C. OE. bēodan.

Berild, byrild, beryld, Byryld, KH. 816, 817, 825, 837, 845, 877, 878.

berwe, v. protect; infin., KH. 980 L. OE. beorgan.

beyne, num. both, KH. 949 H. OE. bēgen.

bi, by, prep. by, along, in, KH. 5, 20, etc. OE. be.

bicolwede, see colwen.

bidde, v. pray, beg; infin. bidde, bydde, KH. 1263; 1 s. pres. bidde, Ass. 135 C, 143 Add.; bid, 170 C; 3 s. pres. biddeþ, F. & B. 588 C.; byddeþ, F. & B. 1081 T; 3 s. pret. bad, bed, KH. 85, 1272; bad, badde, Ass. 90 C, 95 Add., 329, C; pp. ibede, F. & B. 579 C.; ybede, 859 T. OE. biddan.

bide, abide, v. (1) wait, (2) expect, (3) wait for, KH. 910, 1099, 1564. OE. ābīdan.

bidene, by dene, adv. at once, F. & B. 60 T, Ass. 347 Add.

bihelde, biholde, v. look on, behold, F. & B. 102 Cott., KH 639. OE. bihealdan.

biheue, adj. profitable, Ass. 676 Add. OE. behēfe.

bihoten, v. promise; 3 s. pret. bihet, KH. 500. OE. hātan.

biknewe, pp., see knowe.

bileue, see leue.

biliue, bliue, adv. quickly, KH. 350 L, 502 C, 771 C, 1042 C; blyue, Ass. 776 Add. OE. bī līfe.

bimene, v. bemoan, lament; infin., F. & B. 72 Cott.; 3 s. pres. bemeneþ, F. & B. 957 T. OE. bimǣnan.

binom, 3 s. pret. took away from, F. & B. 112 Cott.; pp. binomen, benome, Ass. 271 A, 273 C. OE. biniman.

birine, see reyne.

bisemen, v. befit, beseem; 3 s. pres. bisemeþ C, byseme L, bysemeþ H, KH. 518. Icel. sǣma.

bispac, see speke.

biswike, see swike.

bite, infin. bite, partake of as food, KH. 1211 L, H. OE. bītan.

biteche, 1 s. pres. entrust, KH. 613 L, H. OE. tǣcan.

bitide, see tide.

biþinne, prep. within, KH. 1122 C, 1387 C.

bitwexe, prep. between, KH. 454 C. OE. betweox, betwux.

biwente, see wende.

biwreien, see wreien.

Blancheflour, Blauncheflur, etc., nom. 18 T, 46 T, 22 V, 34 V; dat. 20 T, 22 T, 36 T, 58 T, 114 T, 122 T, 34, 46, 48, 64, 96, 102, 112 etc., C. Fr. Blanceflors, Blanceflor.

blenche, infin. overturn, KH. 1525 C L; ouerblenche, 1525 H. OE. blencan.

blesse, infin. bless, KH. 17 L H. OE. bletsian.

blessing, sb. blessing, KH. 170 C. OE. bletsung.

blethelyche, adv. blithely. OE. blīðelīce.

ble[y]ne, sb. whale, KH. 727 L. OF. baleine.

bliþe, blyþe, adj. blithe, KH. 1, 141, etc.

blynne, see linnen.

bode, dat. sing. message, Ass. 146 C; accus. bodes, Ass. 126 Add. OE. bod.

bold, bald, baud, adj. bold; sing. KH. 96; pl. belde, bolde, KH. 640. OE. beald.

bone, sb. prayer, boon, Ass. 522 H, 27 C, 329 C, 441 C. ON. bōn.

boneyres, adj. devoted, good looking, debonair, KH. 968 L. OF. bonaire.

bord, sb. (ship) board; dat. sing. borde, KH. 119, 123.

bord, sb. table, F. & B. 103 C, KH. 269, 1605.

bote, sb. remedy, redress, F. & B. 821 C. OE. bōt.

bote, KH. 1364 L; v. baddest, or scribal error.

bote, see bute.

braide, breide, 3 s. pret. draw, brandish, F. & B. 289 T, 1014 T. OE. brægd.

breche, dat. sing. breeches, F. & B. 258 C. OE. brēc.

breme, adj. valiant, spirited, famous, F. & B. 792 C, 1071 T. OE. brēme.

brenie, brunie, sb. coat of mail, KH. 627, 765, 897, 1310. OE. byrne.

bruken, v. use, enjoy; imper. 3 sing. bruc C, brouke L, brouc H, KH. 220. OE. brūcan.

brun, sb. beer (?); of a brun C, of þe broune L, H, KH. 1202.

brymme, sb. edge, shore, KH. 204 C.

buȝe, v. bow, writhe, twist, let fall (Mätzner); infin. buȝe C, unbowe H, KH. 458. OE. būgan.

bulmeþ, 3 sing. pres. boils, F. & B. 305 C. Probable error for welmeþ. Cf. ȝelle.

bur, sb. bower, women’s quarters, KH. 285. OE. būr.

burdon, sb. staff, KH. 1141. OF. burdoun.

burgeis, sb. burgess, citizen, F. & B. 115 C, 155 T, etc. Bugays, F. & B. 207 T. OF. burgeis.

burȝ, bureȝ, boruh, sb. castle, F. & B. 176, 181, 182 C.; boruh, F. & B. 190 Cott. OE. burg, burh.

burles, sb. tomb, sepulchre, F. & B. 63 Cott. OE. byrgels.

bute, bote, but, conj. but, unless, KH. 26 L, 69, 207 C, 37 L, H, etc. OE. būtan, except, unless.

buxom, adj. flexible, obedient, Ass. 410 H. OE. būhsum.

byȝete, sb. acquisition, F. & B. 202 T, and Cott. OE. begietan.

bygone, pp. surrounded, F. & B. 371 T. OE. bigān.

byne, (?), F. & B. 1010 T.

cacche, v. catch; infin. KH. 1307, 1465 H; 3 pl. pret. kaute, KH. 944 L.; infin. bikeche, KH. 328 L. OF. cachier.

can, v. can, know; 3 s. subj. pres. cunne; conne, KH. 602 C, H; infin. konne, KH. 598 L; 3 pl. pret. couþ, couth, F. & B. 33 T, 157 T. OE. cann.

care, sb. care, sorrow, KH. 279. OE. cearu.

catel, sb. property, capital, F. & B. 150 T, 988 T. OF. catel.

kele, infin. cool, F. & B. 995 T. OE. cēlan.

kelwe, see colmie.

ken, kenne, kunne, sb. race, people, KH. 156, 190, 1358. OE. cynn.

kende, cunde, sb. birth, kind, Nature, KH. 451, 1479 C, L; F. & B. 677 C, 960 T. OE. cynd.

kene, adj. keen, brave, KH. 42, 97, 178, 539, 1208, etc. OE. cēn.

kepe, v. (1) keep, (2) guard, protect, KH. 800, 1288 C H, Ass. 49 Add., 52 Add., 271 Add. OE. cēpan.

kep, sb. heed, care, Ass. 72 C, 78 Add.

kerue, v. carve, KH. 249. OE. ceorfan.

Cesar, F. & B. 181 T. French version has Cesar, v. 494.

chaere, sb. throne (?), KH. 1353. OF. chaere.

ycharged, pp. loaded, F. & B. 343 T. OF. charger.

chelde, kolde, kelde, infin. become cold, KH. 1230. OE. cealdian.

chepinge, sb. market, fair, F. & B. 186, 188 Cott. OE. cēapung.

chere, sb. mien, facial expression, KH. 1143, 1165 L. OF. chere.

child, sb. (1) child, (2) youth, KH. 10, 13, 27, 99, etc. OE. cild.

Claris, Clarice, Clariȝ, Clarys, F. & B. 895 T, 901 T, 905 T, 915 T, 931 T, etc.; C. 479, 485, 529, etc. French has Claris, 2125, 2131, 2115, 2339, etc.

cleche, infin. reach (with nails), KH. 1027 H ; pp. ycliȝt, Ass. 719 Add.

clef, scribal blunder (?), c + lef, KH. 161 L.

clenchen, infin. make to clink, KH. 1596.

clene, adj. pure, F. & B. 297 C. OE. clǣne.

clepe, clepen, clepede, clupede, cleped, icluped, etc., v. call, KH. 239, 840 L; F. & B. 137 T, 287 T, 137 T, 837 T; 607 C, 140 C, etc.; Ass. 707 H, 847 Add., 73 C, 180 C, etc. OE. cleopian.

clergie, sb. learned knowledge, F. & B. Cf. Hausknecht’s note.

cleppe, clippe, cluppe, klippt, klepte, iclupt, etc., v. embrace, KH. 1297 H, 1450; F. & B. 549 C, 594 C, 614 C, 806 T, 512 C, etc. OE. clyppan.

ycliȝt, see cleche.

knaue, sb. boy, servant, KH. 1012 C, 1095 C; F. & B. 166 T. OE. cnafa.

knowe, v. (1) know, (2) recognize, KH. 1294; (3) beon biknowe of = acknowledge (cf. Mätzner, KH. 983 Note; Lay. II. 355, III. 51; Alisaunder 724, etc.); pp. was iknowe C, was by cnowe L, was biknowe H, KH. 1059 = confessed. OE. cnāwan, becnāwan.

knyhty, v. knight, KH. 488 H, 547, 682.

colmie, kelwe, adj. sooty, KH. 1162, see colwen.

colwen, bicolwede, v. smear, blacken, KH. 1144, 1162.

con, v. auxil. = did, KH. 817 H, 825 H, 938 H, 1470 H, 1549 H, 1632 H; 3 s. pluperf. couþe, 1634 H, see gan.

icore, pp. chosen, F. & B. 268 C. OE. gecoren.

creyde, 3 s. pret. cried, KH. 1362 L. OF. crier.

crois, sb. cross, KH. 1405 C H; croyȝ, KH. 1398 H. OF. crois.

crowch, sb. cross, KH. 1398 L, 1405 L. Lat. crucem.

crude, infin. press, crowd, KH 1385. OE. crūdan.

crune, sb. skull, head, KH. 1607. ON. kruna.

culuart, adj. false, faithless, F. & B. 210, 329 C. OF. culvert.

cupe, sb. basket, F. & B. 435, 438, 452, 471 C, etc. OE. cȳpe, Lat. cūpa.

cuppe, cupe, coupe, sb. cup, KH. 250, 479; coupe, F. & B. 163 T, 181 T, 208 T, etc. OE. cuppa.

Cutberd, Cuberd, Cubert, KH. 876, 833, 851 C, 882, 895, 912, 938, 948, 965 L, 981. OE. Cūþbeorht.

cuþe, 1 s. pret. knew, Ass. 39 C; 3 pl. pret. couthe, Ass. 290 C.

cuþe, cowþe, couþe, 3 s. pret. subj. could, KH. 371.

dales, pl. valleys, dales, KH. 168. OE. dæl.

dar, v. dare, 3 s. pres. durþ, KH. 408 H; 3 s. pret. dorte, dorste, F. & B. 167 C, 204 T; 3 s. pret. subj. þorte, F. & B. 216 C, KH. 408 C. OE. dearr, dorste.

Daris, Dares, Dayre, daye, Darys, doyres, Darie, F. & B. 561, 570, 599, 737, 816. French has Daires, nom. 1470, 1531, 1853, etc. Dairon, accus. 1931.

dawes, pl. days, KH. 999 L; nom. sing. day. OE. pl. dagas.

ded, deed, sb. death, KH. 345 L.; dat. sing. deede, F. & B. 46 T.

deie, deye, deȝe, infin., KH. 115. ON. deyja.

del, sb. part, portion, deal, Ass. 212 C, 218 A, 261 A; dell, 225 C. OE. dǣl.

ideld, p. pl. separated, F. & B. 598 C. OE. dǣlan.

demure, demere, sb. delay, F. & B. 591 C. and Cott. OF. demeurer.

denie, v. din, rattle, KH. 628. OE. dynian.

dent, dunt, sb. stroke, blow, KH. 164 C, 607, 647, 913, 920, 933, 946. OE. dynt.

deol, dole, sb. grief, KH. 1128, 1129. OF. doel, duel.

dere, adj. dear, beloved, KH. 161 L, etc. OE. dēore.

derie, dere, infin. injure, harm, KH. 840, F. & B. 378 T, Ass. 162 C. OE. derian.

derne, adj. secret, hidden, Ass. 856 Add. OE. dierne.

deuise, 2 s. pres. subj. devise, KH. 253 L, H. OF. deviser.

direwurþe, adj. precious, F. & B. 289 C. OE. de͞orwyrðe.

don, dede, dude, v. (1) cause to, KH. 148, 284, 1069, Ass. 462 Add., 474 Add., etc. (2) put, KH. 360, 745, 1332 C; F. & B. 46 T, 200 T, 69 C.; Ass. 61 Add., etc. (3) intens. do, did, KH. 1003 (?), F. & B. 16 C, Ass. 17 Add., 80 C, etc. (cf. dede let wed, F. & B. 1065 T). OE. dōn, dyde.

dreden, 3 pl. pret. fear, dread, KH. 130; dradde C, adred L; pp. adred H; 1 sing. pres. of drede. C L; adrede H, KH. 307. OE. drǣdan.

dreȝe, adriȝe, infin. suffer, endure, KH. 1115. OE. dre͞ogan.

dreme, sb. sound, F. & B. 37 C, 397 T. OE. drēam.

drenche, v. drown; infin. adrenche, KH. 111 C H, 1526; to drenche, KH. 1045 L; pp. adrent, KH. 1053 C; drenched, KH. 1054 L. OE. drencan.

dright, driȝte, sb. lord, Ass. 275 C, KH. 1406 C. OE. drihten.

idriȝt, pp. troubled, Ass. 190 C. OE. gedreccan.

drinke, v. drink; infin. adrinke, adrynke, drown, KH. 111 L, 1045 C H. OE. drincan.

druerie, drury, sb. love, F. & B. 382 C, 820 T. OF. druerie.

dun, doun, down, sb. dune, hill, KH. 168. OE. dūn.

dunt, see dent.

dureþ, 3 sing. pres. extendeth, F. & B. 173 C. OF. durer.

durþ, see dar.

dute, v. fear, be afraid; infin. duti, F. & B. 4 C, 192 Cott.; 1 sing. pres. dute, doute, KH. 362; 2 pl. imper. douȝt, dute, F. & B. 817 T, 531 C. OF. douter.

dyȝcte, infin. arrange, KH. 904 L; pp. idiȝt, F. & B. 23, 260 C. OE. dihtan.

ede, see ȝede.

Edmound, seynt, Ass. 893 Add.

eidel, sb. anything, F. & B. 813 C. OE. ǣnig dǣl.

eie, aye, sb. fear, F. & B. 791 T. OE. ege.

eke, adv. also, KH. 17, 99, 1474, etc. OE. e͞ac.

enchesone, sb. occasion, F. & B. 78 T. OF. enchaisoun.

engynne, sb. device, scheme, artifice, F. & B. 313 T; engin, Ass. 755, 759 C. OF. engin.

Enneas, F. & B. 177 T. French version Eneas, 489.

entermeten, infin. meddle with, F. & B. 167 C. OF. entremetre.

er, arre, her, or, conj. before, ere, KH. 136 H, 567 C; arre, 567 L.

Ermenild, see Reynild, KH. 979 H. Cf. Eormenhild, daughter of Eorcenbriht, king of Kent, Leechdoms iii, index.

erndinge, sb. result of undertaking. OE. ǣrendung.

erne, v. run; infin. vrne, erne, KH. 936; 3 s. pret. arnde C, rende L, ernde H, KH. 1314; pp. iorne C, hy ȝouren L, yorne H, KH. 1228. OE. yrnan.

escheker, sb. chess board, F. & B. 344 C, etc. OF. eschekier.

Estnesse, KH. 1018 L H, 1295 L.

eþe, yþe, adv. easily, KH. 61, 891. OE. e͞aðe.

eþelikeste, superl. most precious, F. & B. 274 C. OE. æðel.

Eue, Ass. 461 Add.

euene, eueneliche, adv. equally, symmetrically, KH. 100.

euerich, adj. every, KH. 230. OE. ǣfrǣlc.

eure ȝut, ever yet, KH. 842.

fable, sb. story, KH. 762 L.

fader, sb. father; gen. sing. fader, C H; faderes L, KH. 116; fader, 1622 H.

fairhede, fayrhede, feyrhade, sb. fairness, KH. 89.

falle, v. fall; bifalle, biualle, happen, occur, become; infin., KH. 105, 186; pp. 450 C, L.

fawe, fain, F. & B. 986 T. OE. fægn.

fay, sb. faith, Ass. 576 C. OF. fei.

fayne, adj. glad, F. & B. 97 T. OE. fægn.

fayne, adv. gladly, F. & B. 286 T.

fecche, fette, infin. fetch, Ass. 129 C, 137 Add.; 3 pl. pret. fett, Ass. 456 C. OE. fetian.

feere, see fere.

feire, sb. market, fair, F. & B. 179 C. OF. feire.

felaurade, sb. company, KH. 180 H. ON. fēlagi.

yfelde, 3 pl. pret. feel, KH. 58. OE. gefēlan.

fele, vele, adj. many, KH. 60, 1425 C, 1464 H. OE. fela.

felle, v. fell, slay; infin., KH. 66; 3 pl. pret. felde, KH. 58.

felle, sb. skin, KH. 1015 L. OE. fell.

felle, adj. pl. fierce, cruel, fell, KH. 1581 L, Ass. 574 C, 684 Add. OE. fel.

felun, adj. savage, cruel, F. & B. 210, 329 C. OF. felon, felun.

fende, feond, sb. fiend, devil; dat. sing. KH. 1480 L, Ass. 164 C. OE. fēond.

feo, dat. sing. money, expense, F. & B. 25 C. OE. feo(h).

fer, adj. unharmed, sound, KH. 161 C, H; Ass. 67 C, 72 A. OE. fēre, Icel. færr.

veracle, sb. company, KH. 180 C. OE. ferræden.

ferde, sb. host, army; dat. sing., Ass. 116 Add. OE. ferd, fyrd.

ferde, 3 s. pret. went, KH. 663, 805, 1010. uerden, 3 pl. pret. behaved, F. & B. 24 C. OE. fēran.

fere, ifere, sb. companion, comrade; sing. accus. fere, Ass. 78 C, 84 Add., 78 Add.; ifere 46 C; dat. sing. ifere C, fere L, yfere H, KH. 1209; plur. feren, KH. 21, 53 H, 88, 108, 235 L, etc.; ifere C, yfere L, KH. 235; ferene, Ass. 406 C. OE. fēra, gefēra.

fere, feere, sb. companionship, F. & B. 5, 81, 280 T, etc. OE. gefēr.

ferli, ferlich, sb. miracle, wonder, F. & B. 456 C, Ass. 732 Add. OE. fǣrlīc.

ferli, ferly, adj. (1) fearful, (2) unexpected, sudden, (3) rare, wonderful, Ass. 327, Add. 347 C.

fett, see fecche.

Fikenhild, fykenyld, fykenild, fokenild, Fykenhild, Fekenyld, etc., KH. 28, 30, 731, 1336, 1493, 1509, 1513, 1516, 1543, 1554, 1567, 1589, 1613; gen. 1554, 1607.

fine, infin. end, KH. 274. OF. finer.

fiþeleres, fyþelers, sb. fiddler; nom. pl. KH. 1592. OE. fiðelere.

fle, infin. flay, KH. 1468 C. OE. flēan.

fleme, sb. fugitive, exile, KH. 1363 C, L. OE. flēma.

fleoten, flete, v. flow, float, swim; infin. flete, L; fleoten H, KH. 165; flette 811 L; 3 s. pret. flet, KH. 203 H; 3 pl. pret. fletten, 811 H; pp. bi flette, KH. 1504 C. OE. flēotan.

flitte, flecte, flette, 2 s. subj. pres. leave, depart, KH. 757. ON. flytta.

Floris, Florys, Floreys, Florens, Floyres, Floriȝ, Florice, Floures, Florisse, etc., F. & B. 40 T, 44 T, 49 T, 56 T, 65 T, etc. French version has Floires, Floire.

flotterede, 3 sing. pret. was tossed in the waves, KH. 135 H.

flur, flour, sb. flower, KH. 15, F. & B. 780 T, 482 C, etc.

flyten, infin. combat, KH. 903 H. OE. flītan.

fode, foode, sb. food, child, KH. 1436, F. & B. 149 T.

foȝel, foul, sb. bird, KH. 139, 1506; F. & B. 277 Cambr., etc. OE. fugol.

fole, sb. foal, horse, KH. 623. OE. fōla.

follyche, KH. 98 L. (?). OE. fūllīce.

fond, pret. sing. found, KH. 39. OE. findan.

fonde, v. try, experience, prove; infin., KH. 163 C H, 782, 1634 H; F. & B. 2 T, 55 T, 158, 399 C, etc.; 3 sing. pret. fonde, fondede, KH. 1634 C. OE. fandian.

fonge, underfonge, v. receive, take; infin. fonge, KH. 345 C L, 163 L, 769; F. & B. 300, 395 C. etc.; vnderfonge, KH. 607 H, 255, 976 C, etc. OE. fōn.

forbere, infin. do without, dispense with, Ass. 60 C, 66 Add. OE. forberan.

forbod, forbode, acc. sing. forbiddal, prohibition, KH. 82.

fordo, pp. destroyed, F. & B. 308 C. OE. fordōn.

foreward, forewart, sb. agreement, pledge, KH. 482, 586 H; F. & B. 426 C. OE. foreweard.

forȝolde, pp. paid for, F. & B. 388 T. OE. forgieldan.

forgone, pp. distressed, Ass. 829 Add.

forhele, 2 sing. imper. conceal, Ass. 192 Add. OE. forhelan.

forleie, forlauȝt, pp. commit adultery, F. & B. 301 Cambr., 618 T. OE. forlicgan.

forlesen, see lesen.

forliued, pp. mislived, F. & B. 99 Cott.

forloren, see lesen.

fort (for + to), until, F. & B. 66, 122 C.; fort he = for to þe.

forþinkeþ, 3 sing. pres., reflex., repent, Ass. 538 Add., 813 Add. ON. fyrirþykkja.

forto, forte, conj. in order to, KH. 25.

forto, prep. to, for to, KH. 166 L.

fremde, fremede, sb. foreigner, stranger, KH. 68. OE. fremede.

fremde, adj. strange, foreign, Ass. 181 C. OE. fremede, fremde.

frume, atte, first, F. & B. 135, 179, 345 C. OE. fruma.

ful, foul, foule, adj. foul, dirty, KH. 1143. OE. fūl.

fulde, 3 sing. pret. filled, KH. 1202. OE. fyllan.

funde, fonde, founde, v. go, KH. 109, 143, 780, 888, 942, 1372. OE. fundian.

fundlyng, fundyng, etc., sb. foundling, KH. 234 C H, 242 C, 450.

furst, sb. space of time, respite, F. & B. 638 C. OE. fyrst.

furthermost, foremost, F. & B. 1059 T.

fus, adj. ready, F. & B. 368 C. OE. fūs.

fyȝen, fissen, infin. fish, KH. 1216. OE. fiscian.

gabbe, joking, F. & B. 785 T.

gabbest, 2 sing. pres. (1) ridicule, (2) deceive, (3) chatter, F. & B. 235 T. ON. gabba.

gabbing, nom. sing., (1) deceit, (2) babble, F. & B. 236, T and Cott.

galeie, sb. galley, KH. 199, 1084 C, 1086 H. OF. galee.

game, sb. joy, pleasure, KH. 211. OE. gamen, gomen.

gan, v. auxil. did; gan, gon, KH. 257, 268, 312 C, 318 C, etc.; plur. gunne, gonne, gunnen, gonnen, KH. 55, 65, 193, 675, 1090, etc.; imper. gyn, KH. 329 H, 396 H; bigyn, KH. 329 L; bigan, began, did, KH. 127, 146 L, 203 C, 1271 H; con, did, KH. 372 H, 817 H, 825 H, 938 H, 1049 H, 1470 H, 1632 H, etc.; pluperf. couþe, KH. 1634 H.

ȝare, adv. quickly, KH. 497 C, 960 C, 1453 L. OE. gearu.

garysone, garisone, sb. treasure, F. & B. 206, T and Cott. OE. gersum, gersuma. OF. garison. Cf. gersume.

ȝede, yede, eode, v. pret. went; 3 sing. ȝede C, eode H, KH. 621, 622; yede Ass. 636 H; 3 pl. yede L, ede H, KH. 117; ȝede C, yede L, eoden H, KH. 167, 621; yede Ass. 634 H, ȝede Ass. 843 Add., ȝeden Ass. 849 Add., F. & B. 444 C.

gegges, sb. frivolous women (?), F. & B. 439 C.

ȝelde, yelde, v. (1) yield, (2) pay for; infin., KH. 514 C H, Ass. 249 C, 255 Add.; pp. iȝolde C, yolde L, ȝolde H, KH. 681; iȝolde C, hyȝolde L, yȝolde H, KH. 490; F. & B. 161 T, 809 C; 2 sing. subj. or imper. ȝeld, pay for, KH. 1066. OE. gieldan.

ȝelle = welle (?), F. & B. 621 T.

ȝem, 2 sing. imper. protect, care for. OE. gīeman.

ȝeme, sb. care, F. & B. 38 C.

ȝen, against; aȝeyn KH. 60, aȝenes C, ayenes L, aȝeyn H, KH. 82. OE. gegn, gēn.

ȝend, gonde, prep. throughout, KH. 1078; adv. yonder, far away; ȝent, KH. 1261 H; gonde, beyond, F. & B. 210 C. OE. geond.

geng, dat. sing. company, Ass. 220 C. OE. genge.

gent, adj. noble, F. & B. 47 Cott. OF. gent.

ȝere, yere, sb. year; pl. ȝere C, yere L, KH. 102. OE. ge͞ar.

ȝerne, v. desire, ask for; 1 sing. pres. ȝerne C H, herne L, KH. 985; infin. KH. 1495 L, 1517 C. OE. geornian.

ȝerne, adj. willing, desirous, eager, KH. 1165 C, 1472 H, etc. OE. georn.

ȝerne, adv. eagerly, F. & B. 127, 375, 588 C. OE. georne.

(þureȝ) gersume, reward, F. & B. 405, 419, 773 C. Cf. garisone.

gesninge, gestinge, iustinge, sb. entertainment, F. & B. 82, 125, 164 C., 175 Cott.

gesse, infin. guess (?), agesse C, agesce L, gesse H, KH. 1267.

ȝeuen, v. give, KH. 170, 172, etc. OE. giefan, gifan.

gigours, nom. plur. violin players, KH. 1592 C. OF. gigueour.

ginne, gynne, sb.? (1) contrivance, scheme. (2) tool, penis, KH. 1574 C H; F. & B. 131, 195, 206, 258 C., etc.; F. & B. 1032, 1048 T. ON. ginna, Lat. ingenium.

ginnur, sb. engineer, workman, F. & B. 324 C.

gle, glewe, sb. song, joy, KH. 1352 C H; Ass. 483 Add. OE. glēoẉ, glīw.

glede, sb. coal, KH. 532 L H. OE. glēd.

gleowinge, glewinge, gleynge, sb. play, KH. 1588.

glide, infin. (1) glide, (2) slip away, KH. 146 L, 1127. OE. glīdan.

gloue, glouen, acc. plur. gloves, KH. 848. OE. glōfa.

Godhild, Godild, Godyld, Godylt, KH. 7, 72, 75, 158, 159, 1458.

Godmod, Horn’s assumed name, KH. 821, 833, 879, 883, 895, 911, 925, 949, 952, 965, 987.

ȝonge, ȝynge, adj. young, KH. 137, etc. OE. geong.

ȝore, adv. long ago, F. & B. 174 C. OE. gēara.

grace, sb. virtue, power, KH. 605. OF. grace.

grame, sb. anger, wrath, F. & B. 712 C.; Ass. 515 H, Ass. 738 Add. OE. grama.

igraue, hygraue, ygraued, pp. scratched, engraved, KH. 599. OF. grafan.

grede, v. cry out; infin. F. & B. 454 C.; 3 sing. pret. gredde, KH. 1282 H. OE. grædan.

greding, sb. clamour, lamentation, Ass. 213 Add.

greithe, greþi, infin. prepare, make ready, Ass. 120 C, 128 Add. ON. greiða.

grete, infin. weep, KH. 957 C L. OE. grētan.

gripe, infin. grip, seize, KH. 55. OE. grīpan.

grisen, v. feel horror; infin. agrise C L; agryse H, KH. 925; 3 sing. pret. gros C, agros L, H, KH. 1410. OE. āgrīsan.

grom, sb. boy; nom. sing. grom, KH. 1035 L H; nom. pl. grome, KH. 175, F. & B. 111 T. ON. gromr.

grunde, grounde, sb.; dat. sing. ground, bottom, KH. 110, 144, 352, 1242.

gume, sb. man; nom. sing. gume, F. & B. 261 C.; nom. plur. gomes, KH. 24, gumes C, gomen H; grome L, KH. 175. OE. guma.

halke, dat. sing. corner, KH. 1167 C L. OE. healoc.

Harild, Alrid, Ayld, Aþyld, KH. 815, 877, 878.

harwed, 1 sing. pret. harrowed, Ass. 463 Add. OE. hergian.

hatere, sb. garments, Ass. 149 C. OE. hæteru.

hatte, 3 sing. pret. became hot, KH. 646 C. OE. hǣtan.

heele, 1 sing. pres. conceal, F. & B. 820 T, 533 C. OE. helan.

heete, 3 sing. pret. was named, F. & B. 1004 T. Cf. hoten.

helde, v., see holde.

helde, sb. faith, allegiance, F. & B. 397 C. OE. hyldo.

heleþ, 3 sing. imper. conceal, Ass. 188 C, see heele.

hende, adj. (1) prompt, gracious, alert, KH. 391, 1197, 1345, etc., F. & B. 156 T, etc.; (2) near, ready, KH. 1217 H. OE. (ȝe)hende.

henne, hanne, hennes, adv. hence, KH. 50, 337, 341 C.

hente, v. grasp, receive, get; infin. KH. 1032 H; 1 pl. pret. KH. 919 L; pp. hent, Ass. 453 C.

hepe, dat. sing. throng, crowd, F. & B. 466 C. OE. hēap.

her, see er.

here, poss. pron. their; nom. sing., KH. 9, etc.

heren, v. hire; 3 sing. pret. hurede C, herde L, herde L H, KH. 806. OE. hȳrian.

heste, dat. sing. command, hest, F. & B. 610 C. Cf. Skeat.

het, 3 sing. pret. bade, F. & B. 608, 619 C. OE. hātan.

heynde, sb. hind (?), KH. 686 L. OE. hind.

hiȝe, v. hasten, hie; 3 sing. pret. KH. 1042 C. OE. higian.

hiȝhede, sb. height, F. & B. 327 C.

hitten, v. hit, strike; 1 sing. pres. anhitte C; infin. hette L, KH. 758. ON. hitta.

hol, adj. safe, KH. 161 C H etc. OE. hāl.

holde, helde, v. hold, KH. 323, 482. OE. healdan.

holde, adj., accus. pl. faithful, KH. 1339 L H. OE. hold.

holt, adj. lame, halt, Ass. 516 H. OE. healt, halt.

hondhabbing, having in the hand, in the act, en flagrant delit, F. & B. 668 C. OE. hondhæbbende.

Horn, 9, 74, 121, 128, 135, 184, etc.; horn child 121 L, 128 C, 173, etc.; Horns 123 L; horn þe ȝynge 137 H; Hor 185 L, 397 L, 459 L, 558 L.

hoten, v. be called; 1 sing. pres. hote, KH. 821; 3 sing. pret. het C, hihte H, KH. 9, 27 C; pp. ihote C, hote L, yhote H, KH. 215, 1125 C. OE. hātan.

houe, 2 sing. pret. raised, KH. 1359 C H; ȝoue L. OE. hebban.

hurne, dat. sing. corner, KH. 1471 H. OE. hyrne.

hynde, adj. kind (?), F. & B. 355 T.

I—, I lome, etc., see lome, etc.

Ierusalem, Ass. 475 C, 594 Add.

Iewes, Iewis, Iewys, nom. sing. Iewe, Ass. 620 Add., 564 H, Iew 674 Add.; dat. sing. Iewe, Ass. 530 H, Iew, Ass. 620 Add.; gen. sing. Iewis, Ass. 553 H, etc.

Almost everything in this entry is wrong. As printed:
Iewes, Iewis, Iewys, nom. sing. Iewe, Ass. 620 Add., 674 H [564 H corresponds to 674 Add.], Iew 674 Add.; dat. sing. Iewe, Ass. 530 C, Iew, Ass. 620 Add. [this is wrong, but the correct form has not been identified]; gen. sing. Iewis, Ass. 553 C, etc.

Ihesu, Ass. 51 Add., 324 C, 388 Add., Ihesus 481 C, Iesus 486 C; gen. Ihesus 624 Add., Crist 76 C, Ihesu crist 248 T, etc.

ilk, ylk, adj. same; dat. sing. ilke, KH. 948 C, ylke F. & B. 78 T, vlke C, hulke L, KH. 1285, etc. OE. ilca.

ynde, India, Ass. 611 C, 775 Add., 807 Add.

Iogelours L, iogelers H; nom. pl. jugglers, KH. 1592. OF. jongleor.

Iohan, Ion, Ass. 14 C, 15 Add., 49 C, 52 Add., 55 Add., 77 C, 224 C, 228 Add., etc.; nom. sing. seynt Ione, 820 Add.

Iosaphath, Iosephas, Iosephat, Ass. 472 C, 581 C, 754 Add.

Irisse, yrisse, yrisshe, Hyrische, KH. 1080, 1302 L, 1382, 1464.

Irlond, hirelonde, yrlonde, KH. 810 L, 1078 C, 1633 C H.

lacchen, v. catch, take; infin. lacchen, KH. 686 L, lache KH. 702 L; 3 sing. pret. laȝte C, laucte L, lahte H, KH. 259; 3 pl. pret. laucte, KH. 943 L, by laucte 705 L; 3 pl. pret. of laucte, 943 L. OE. (ȝe)læccan.

laȝe, lawe, sb. (1) law, (2) religion, (3) custom, KH. 69 C H, 1190. OE. lagu.

largeliche, adv. liberally, F. & B. 71 C. OF. large.

laste, leste, v. last, endure, KH. 6, 433 L, etc. OE. lǣstan.

lay, ley, sb. law, religion, KH. 69 L, 1642 H, Ass. 686 Add. OF. lei.

lef, leue, leof, luef, adj. dear, KH. 126 L, 342, 695, 754, 1013, 1457, etc.; F. & B. 151 C., 321 C., etc.; Ass. 40 C, 167 C, 42 Add., 173 Add., etc. OE. lēof.

lef, leue, leof, lyfe, sb. dear one, darling, F. & B. 108 T, 89, 103 Cott., 312 T, 831 T, 542 C. OE. lēof.

leue, v. believe, F. & B. 325 T. OE. lēfan, lȳfan.

bileue, v. remain; infin. KH. 381, F. & B. 103 Cott., 51 C.; 3 sing. pret. bilefte, Ass. 57 T, bileft 63 Add., 151 Add.; 3 pl. pret. bileft, Ass. 759 Add., etc. OE. belǣfan.

leiȝe, leyhe, v. laugh; infin. leyhe L (lyþe H?), KH. 372; 3 sing. pret. lowe L, loh KH. 373, louȝe C, lowe L H, KH, 1600; 3 plur. pret. lowȝ, F. & B. 1053 T, 776 C. OE. hlehhan.

leme, sb. light, brightness, F. & B. 198 C, Ass. 607 H. OE. lēoma.

lemman, leman, sb. dear one, leman, KH. 463, 589, 721. OE. le͞ofmon.

lene, v. lend, KH. 491. OE. lǣnan.

leng, compar. longer, KH. 1183 etc. OE. leng.

lep, lepe, sb. basket, F. & B. 465 C., 738, 740, 741 T, 753 T, 758 T. OE. le͞ap.

lere, sb. cheek, F. & B. 501 C. OE hlēor.

lere, v. teach, KH. 257, F. & B. 148 C, Ass. 896 Add. OE. lǣran.

lese, leose, forlese, v. lose; infin. leose C. forlese L, forleose H, KH. 707; pp. forloren, KH. 511 C. OE. forle͞osan.

leste, luste, v. listen, KH. 355, 505, 1355 C. OE. hlystan.

leste, luste, v. desire, hanker, lust, KH. 426, 433, 918, 1298. OE. lystan.

lesing, lesyng, sb. falsehood, F. & B. 84 T, 233 T, 585 C. OE. le͞asung.

lete, late, v. let, permit, leave, lose, KH. 1124 C, 1330 L; belete, leave behind, F. & B. 201 T, 1593; forlete, desert, KH. 232, F. & B. 201 Cott. OE. lǣtan.

let, lette, v. hinder, retard, impede, KH. 100, F. & B. 333 T, 25 C. OE. lettan.

yliche, iliche, sb. like, equal, KH. 20, 305, 331, etc. OE. gelīca.

licte, lyhte, v. alight, KH. 51 etc; 3 sing. pret. aliȝte, KH. 51 C. OE. lihtan.

linne, lynne, blynne, v. cease, KH. 329, 372, 1068. OE. linnan.

list, sb. art, KH. 251, 1577. OE. list.

lite, lyte, adj., adv. little, KH. 1004, 678 L, 1211 C. ON. lītt.

liþe, lyþe, v. listen, KH. 2, 354, 372 H, 436 L. ON. hlȳða.

lodlike, adj. loathsome, hateful, KH. 1415 L.

lofte, sb. loft, upstairs, women’s apartments, KH. 974 C. OE. loft. ON. lopt. The peculiar turn of meaning is Scandinavian.

loke, loky, v. watch, guard, KH. 800, 1180, 1181 L H, 1419 L H, Ass. 47 C. OE. lōcian.

loking, lokyng, sb. care, watch, KH. 360.

ilome, adv. frequently, F. & B. 96 Cott. OE. gelōme.

londiss, adj. native, KH. 671. Cf. vnlondisshe, KH. 672 H. OE. lendisc.

longest, 3 sing. pres. belongest, KH. 1406 C. OE. longian.

lore, sb. teaching, bidding, KH. 472. OE. lār.

loþe, adj. hateful, KH. 1140, 1283. OE. lāð.

Lumbardy, F. & B. 179 T. French version has (En)Lombardie 49.

lure, v. (1) lour, look sullen (?), (2) lie in wait, set trap (?), KH. 286, 1312.

luste, impers. be pleasing, F. & B. 378 C.

lut, sb. little, KH. 658 H. OE. lȳt.

luþere, adj. evil, bad; nom. plur., KH. 530 C. OE. lȳðer. Cf. of þan luþer folke (= accursed), Lay. 29576 B.

lyst, sb. desire, pleasure, Ass. 2 Add. OE. lyst.

maine, meyne, meigne, sb. household, Ass. 110 C, 417, 475, 569, 573 Add.; F. & B. 782 C, 1059 T. OF. maisnee.

maister, sb. leader, KH. 659; maister-king, KH. 659 L, 680. OF. maistre.

make, sb. wife, spouse, KH. 1523, F. & B. 78 Cott., 303 T. OE. gemaca.

make, v. pretend to be, F. & B. 76 T.

male, sb. bag, pouch, F. & B. 689 T. OF. male.

manrede, sb. homage, F. & B. 395 C. OE. manrǣden.

Marie, Marye, gen. Maries, Ass. 29 C, 31 Add., 239 C, 241 Add., 253 C, 498 H, 500 H, 546 C, etc.; seynt Marye, F. & B. 248 T; seynte-marie, F. & B. 49 V.

may, sb. may, maid, KH. 329, 979 H, 1019 H, 1516 H; F. & B. 201 T, 393 T, 46, 102 C., etc.; Ass. 4 C, etc. OE. mǣg.

me, indef. pron. one, KH. 1008 C H, 1126 C; F. & B. 671, 672, 699 C., etc. OE. man(n).

mede, sb. mead, meadow, F. & B. 434 C. OE. mǣd.

mede, sb. reward, KH. 288 L, 500, 1498 L, Ass. 638 Add. OE. mēd.

meene, v. mourn, lament, 1 sing. pres. F. & B. 273 T. OE. (bi)mǣnan.

meigne, meyne, see maine.

meniuer, sb. a kind of fur, F. & B. 110 C. Cf. Hausknecht’s Note. Lat. minutus varius.

menske, sb. honour, F. & B. 56 T. OE. menniscu, humanity; Icel. menska, honour.

mesauenture, sb. ill luck, KH. 344 C L. OF. aventure.

mest, superl. adj. most, KH. 26.

mester, mystere, sb. (1) office, trade, (2) need, necessity, KH. 243, 581. OF. mestier.

mete, v. meet, encounter, 3 plur. pret. metten. KH. 169. OE. mētan.

ymete, adj. fit, reasonable, KH. 1401 L. OE. gemǣte.

mete, v. dream, KH. 1522. OE. mǣtan.

meting, metyng, sb. dream, KH. 699. OE. mǣtan.

mid, prep. with, KH. 22 L, 25 L, etc. OE. mid.

middelerd, sb. earth, world, F. & B. 272 C. OE. middangeard.

misliken, v. misplease, KH. 455. OE. mislīcian.

mod, sb. mood, mind, KH. 297, 1579 C H. OE. mōd.

modi, mody, adj. full of passion, angry, KH. 748. OE. mōdiȝ.

Modi, Mody, KH. 1023, 1094, 1121 L, 1331 L, 1626.

molde, sb. earth, KH. 335, F. & B. 343 T. OE. molde.

mone, ymone, sb. companion, KH. 560, 840 C L. OE. gemāna.

mone, sb. companionship, communion, participation, KH. 890 L, 1149 C.

mote, moste, v. may, might, was to; mote, KH. 197, 218 C, 829; moste, KH. 67 C, 186; munthe (?), KH. 1508 L.

Mountargis, F. & B. 66 T. French version, Montoire, 174, 316, etc.

murne, adj. troubled, KH. 748. OE. (un)murne.

Murry, Murri, morye, moye, moy, Mory, mury, KH. 4, 33, 73, 921, 1431. Cf. Maurius (Maurus), son of Aruiragus, Lay. 9895 ff. He defeats the invading Picts, and sets up a stone with runes to commemorate the victory.

nabod (ne + abod).

neb, nebbe, sb. face, F. & B. 615 C, 890 T. OE. nebb.

nime, v. take; infin. nyme, Ass. 121 C; 2 sing. subjunct. or imper. nym, KH. 1205 L; 1 sing. pres. nime, KH. 713 L; 3 sing. pret. nam, nom, KH. 619, 1269, Ass. 33 C, 35, 59 Add., etc.; 3 pl. pret. neme C, nomen L H, KH. 64; pp. ynome, Ass. 6 C; vndernome, F. & B. 128 T, 189 T, 219 T, 227 T, 920 T, etc.; nam = went, Ass. 53 C. Cf. vndernom. OE. niman.

niþing, sb. wretch, villain, evil man, KH. 210. OE. nīðing.

noȝ, enough, KH. 196; inoȝe C, hy nowe L, ynowe H. OE. genōh.

nonskyns, adj. of no kind, F. & B. 226 T. OE. nānes cynnes.

noþing, adv. not at all, KH. 290 C.

Nubil, F. & B. 665 C. French, (de) Nubie, 2492.

O, prep. until, KH. 134 H. OE. oð.

of drede, see dreden.

of reche, see reche.

on, prep. on, in; on mi lokyng, KH. 360 C; on kneuling, KH. 503 L.

onde, sb. envy, Ass. 424 C. OE. anda, onda.

one, sb. alone, solitary; hou one KH. 364 L, is one 559 L, go one 559 C, al one C, alon L, ys one H 650. Cf. Bradley-Stratmann.

oppe, prep. upon, KH. 466, 480 L.

or, see er, or oþer.

ord, sb. point, beginning; dat. sing. orde C H, horde L, KH. 662; dat. sing. ord H, hord L, KH. 1475; accus. sing., F. & B. 48 C. OE. ord.

ore, sb. favour, grace, KH. 695, 1629 C, F. & B. 173 C. OE. ār.

orfreys, sb. orfrey, gold fringe, F. & B. 371 T. OE. orfreis.

Orgas, F. & B. 101 T. French, Li dus Joras, 357.

oþer, num. second, KH. 201. OE. ōðer.

oþer, conj. or, KH. 44. OE. oððe.

oþer, pr. other, KH. 28. OE. ōðer.

otter (buterfliȝe C), sb. butterfly (?), F. & B. 772 T.

oueral, adv. everywhere, KH. 262 H. Cf. Germ. überall.

out londisse, adj. foreign, KH. 635 L.

ower, gen. plur. your, F. & B. 534 C. OE. e͞ower.

paene, adj. pagan, KH. 159 C.

payn, peynim, payen, pain, paynim, paen, etc., sb. paien, pagan, heathen, KH. 45, 63, 82, 87, 193, 935, 948, 950, 1412, etc.

paynime, sb. heathen land, KH. 859.

page, sb. boy, servant, KH. 1012 L H, 1379 H. OF. page.

pal, palle, sb. costly sort of cloth, F. & B. 822 T, and Cott.; Ass. 631 H, 795 Add. OE. pæll, OF. pal.

parage, sb. high birth, F. & B. 256, 269 C., etc. OF. parage.

paramur, adv. passionately, F. & B. 486 C., etc.

Paryse, nom. sing., F. & B. 168 T. Fr. Paris, 449, etc.

pel, pelle, sb. skin, KH. 421, 1582 L. OF. pel.

pelte, pulte, pylte, 3 sing. pret. pushed, KH. 1529.

pilegrim C, pylegrim L, pelryne H, KH. 1236 pilgrim. OF. pelegrin.

Petir, Petyr, Peter, Petre, Ass. 317, 327, 580, 581, 638, 639, 673 Add., 464, 470, 529 C, 499, 563 H, etc.

ipight, pp. placed, F. & B. 117, 183 C.

pine, pyne, v. pain; infin. KH. 726 C; 1 sing. pres., KH. 1280 L; pp. pined C, pyned H, KH. 1280. OE. pīnian.

pyne, sb. pain, torture, KH. 277 C H, Ass. 426, 458 Add. OE. pīn.

plawe, sb. sport, fight, KH. 1170 H. Cf. Bradley-Stratmann, plaȝe.

pleie, pleye, v. play, KH. 25, 200, 363. OE. plegian.

pleing C, pleyhunge L, pleyȝyng H, KH. 34, playing.

plener, plenere, adj. full, F. & B. 179 C., 188 Cott. OF. plenier.

pliȝte, v. plight; infin. pliȝte, plyȝte, plyhte, KH. 321; 2 sing. imper. plist, plyct, plyht, KH. 440; 1 sing. pres. indic. pliȝte C, plicte L, plyhte H, KH. 716; pp. ipliȝt, F. & B. 141 C. OE. plihtan.

pomel, sb. pommel, F. & B. 209, 213 Cott. OF. pomel.

porter, sb. doorkeeper, F. & B. 329 C. OF. portier.

posse, v. push; infin. KH. 1087 C; 3 sing. pret. puste, KH. 1153 H; pugde 1156 L. OF. pousser.

poure, pure, infin. pore, look, KH. 1172 C L.

prede, sb. pride, KH. 1497 L. OE. prȳta.

prime, sb. first quarter of the day, name of one of the offices of the Church, after ‘lauds,’ KH. 1040; at prime tide, KH. 905.

pris, prys, sb. value, worth, KH. 968 C, F. & B. 310, 350, 750 C., 1028 T. OF. pris.

pruesse, sb. brave deed, prowess, KH. 588. OF. proesse.

pugde, see posse.

quantyse, sb. cleverness, F. & B. 543 T.

qued, sb. bad, Ass. 174 C, 197, 465 Add. etc. OE. cwēd.

quelle, v. kill; infin. KH. 65, 656 C; 2 sing. imper. quel, F. & B. 1008 T, aquel 725 C.; 3 sing. pret. quelde, F. & B. 904 T, aquelde KH. 929 L H, aquelde H, quelde C, KH. 1064. OE. cwellan.

queme, v. please, KH. 517. OE. cwēman.

queme, adj. pleasing, KH. 501 L. OE. (ge)cwēme.

queþe, v. say; 3 sing. pret. quaþe, quoþ H, KH. 137, etc. OE. cweðan.

quic, quike, adj. alive, KH. 92 C, 1468 C, 1478 H. OE. cwic.

quite, aquite, pp. through with, quit of, F. & B. 171, 724 C., 180 Cott. OF. aquiter.

qware, where, KH. 735 L.

rake, infin. hasten, KH. 1126 L, 1158 L. OE. rācian.

rape, sb. haste, KH. 586 C, 1532 C.

rathe, adv. soon, quickly, KH. 1407 L, F. & B. 24 T, 193 T, etc. OE. hræð.

recche, rekke, v. reck, care for; 3 sing. pres. recche C, reche L, yrecche H, KH. 370; 3 sing. subj. arecche, KH. 710 H; 1 sing. pres. rekke, F. & B. 96 T. OE. reccan.

reche, areche, ofreche, þorhreche, v. reach; infin. areche, KH. 1308 C; of reche, gain, KH. 1375 C L; þorhreche, traverse, KH. 1375 H; pp. araȝt, F. & B. 687 C, rauȝt F. & B. 974 T. OE. rǣcan.

rede, reed, reede, sb. counsel, opinion, F. & B. 45 T, 50 T, 53 T, 314 T, Ass. 294, 298 Add., etc. OE. rǣd.

rede, v. (1) read, (2) counsel, advise; infin. KH. 308, 511 L, 881, 966 L, F. & B. 21 T, 148, 151 C.; 1 sing. pres. KH. 966 C, F. & B. 75 T; pp. rad, Ass. 891 Add., irad F. & B. 578 C., yredde 858 T. OE. rǣdan.

rein, sb. rain, KH. 11.

reme, sb. coast (?), OE. rima; or realm (?), OF. reaume, KH. 1625 H (reaume 1623 L).

rende, see erne.

rende, v. rend, tear; 3 sing. pret. rente C H, to rente L, KH. 775.

rente, sb. pay, wages, KH. 984 C L. OF. rente.

reue, sb. reeve, guard, KH. 1418. OE. (ge)rēfa.

reue, reyue, infin. rob, plunder, F. & B. 209 C., Ass. 168 Add. OE. re͞afian.

rewe, infin. rue, repent, KH. 398. OE. hrēowan.

rewlich, adj. sad, KH. 1129. OE. hre͞owlīc.

reyne, ryne, birine, infin. rain, KH. 11.

Reynes C, reny L, Raynis H, KH. 1023.

Reynild, Hermenyl, hermenylde, ermenyld, KH. 973, 1636. ON. Ragnhilda, OE. Eormenhild, daughter of Eorcenbriht, king of Kent.

riche, sb. kingdom, KH. 20. OE. rīce.

rigge, sb. back, KH. 1138. OE. hrycg.

rime, ryme, sb. rime, speech, KH. 860, 1461.

rive, adj. abundant, F. & B. 73 Cott. OE. rīf.

riuen, ariuen, v. arrive, land; infin. ariue C, aryue H, KH. 193; pp. riued, KH. 162 L, 193 L, ariued, aryued, KH. 40, 162.

riȝte, adv. direct, at once, KH. 1428 C.

roche, sb. rock, KH. 79.

rode, sb. cross, rood, KH. 346, Ass. 12, 19 C, 44 C, 46 Add., 270 C, etc. OE. rōd.

roþer, sb. rudder, KH. 202. OE. rōðer.

roune, rowne, sb. counsel, KH. 1378. OE. rūn.

runde, rounde, 3 sing. pret. whispered, F. & B. 716 C., 999 T. OE. rūnian.

Rymenhild, rimenild, rymenyld, reymnyld, rymenild, reymild, reymyld, Rymyld, rimenyld, etc., KH. 264, 293, 393, 472, 600, 652, 691, 738, 741, 1510, etc. Rimhild, OE. nomen mulieris.

ryue, sb. shore, KH. 142.

sake, v. contend, fight; 3 pl. pret. asoke C, forsoken L H, KH. 69, gave up. OE. sacan.

sale, sb. hall, KH. 1187 C H. OE. sal.

salyley, scribal error (?), KH. 199 L.

Sarazin, sarazyn, KH. 42, 636, 645, 671, 1415, 1477 H, 1479.

scene, schene, adj. beautiful, KH. 97 L, 178 L, F. & B. 263 C. OE. scēne.

schauntillun, sb. model, F. & B. 325 C.

schenche, v. give, serve, dispense; infin. schenche, shenche, KH. 1186; 2 sing. subjunct. or imper. shenh, KH. 1199 H. OE. scencan.

schende, v. (1) scold, (2) injure; infin. KH. 747 L, 724; 3 sing. pret. schente, schende, shende, KH. 340. OE. scendan.

schete, v. shoot, KH. 1011. OE. sce͞otan.

schillen, v. sound; 3 sing. pres. shilleþ, KH. 224 L. OE. scillan.

schonde, sb. harm, disgrace, KH. 746, 760 C, F. & B. 942 T. OE. scand, sceand.

schrede, v. clothe; 3 sing. pret. schredde L, sredde H, KH. 625, schredde C L, shredde H, KH. 896; 3 pl. pret. schrudde C, schurde L, KH. 1582. OE. scrȳdan.

schrewe, sb. shrew, evil person, KH. 60. OE. scre͞awa, barn mouse.

schulle, adv. shrill, sonorous, KH. 221 C. OE. scylle, scelle.

sclauyne, sb. pilgrim’s cloak, KH. 1134, 1137, 1310. OF. esclavine.

scrippe, sb. scrip, sack, KH. 1141. ON. skreppa.

scur, sb. shower, F. & B. 73 Cott. OE. scūr.

sekerly, see sikirli.

senpere, sb. bridge keeper (?), F. & B. 500 T, 513 T.

sere, sb. apparel (?), contrivance (?), Ass. 704 Add. OE. searo.

seriauns, sb. sergeant, man at arms, F. & B. 218 C. OF. sergant, serjant.

serie, infin. dispense, KH. 1489 C. OE. scerwen, ‘a scattering.’

seyne, sb. snare, fishing net, KH. 726 L. OE. segne, OF. seine.

shrelle, infin. cry, F. & B. 756 T.

sib, sibbe, sb. kinsman, kindred, KH. 68, Ass. 181 C, 185 Add., 585 H. OE. sibb.

side, syde, sb. (1) side, (2) shore, KH. 35, 145. OE. sīde.

sike, syke, syken, v. sigh, KH. 456; 3 sing. pres. sykes, F. & B. 113 T; 3 sing. pret. syȝt, syȝte, F. & B. 256, 270 T, 417, 431 C. OE. sīcan.

sikirli, sekerly, adv. certainly, Ass. 390 Add., F. & B. 92 T. OE. sicor.

siþe, syþe, sb. time, KH. 374 C, 1446, F. & B. 196 T. OE. sīð.

sithen, conj. since, Ass. 283, 422 Add. OE. siððan.

siþþe, sitthe, sithen, adv. afterwards, KH. 1185 C, 1238, Ass. 542 Add., 434 C. OE. siððan.

skeete, soon, quickly, F. & B. 1005 T. OE. scēot, ON. ski͞otr.

skille, skyle, sb. right, reason, Ass. 312 H, 352 Add. Icel. skil.

slitte, sb. opening in garment, pocket, F. & B. 348 C.

slon, v. slay; infin. slen C, slon L, slo H, KH. 91, 47; 3 pl. pret. sloȝen C, slowe L, slowen H, KH. 195; pp. aslaȝe C, yslawe L H, KH. 94. OE. slēan.

sloo, sb. slough, Ass. 507 H. OE. slōh.

smerte, v. pain, KH. 1602. OE. smeortan.

snelle, adj. quick, KH. 1581 C. OE. snell.

so, conj. as, KH. 14, 15, etc.

soler, sb. upper room, summer room, F. & B. 173. OF. solier, Lat. solarium.

sond, sonde, sb. (1) message, (2) dish at table, Ass. 634 H, 798 Add., F. & B. 1072 T.

sonde, sb. messenger, KH. 281, 287, (ysonde 287 L), 992 H, 1005 C H, etc., F. & B. 796 C., Ass. 106 C, 682 Add. OE. sand, sond.

sore, sb. pain, KH. 75 L H. OE. sār.

sore, adv. much, very, KH. 73, 362. OE. sāre.

soth, soþ, soþe, adj. true, F. & B. 321 T, etc. OE. sōð.

soune, sb. sound, KH. 224 H. Fr. son.

soune, adv. clearly, KH. 224 L.

Spaine, Spayne, Spaygne, Speine, F. & B. 413, 769 C., 1046 T.

spede, sb. speed, good luck, KH. 491. OE. spēd.

spede, infin. speed, have good fortune, KH. 852 C H, F. & B. 1026 T. OE. speke, bispac, spēdan.

spell, spelle, sb. tale, KH. 1015 H, 1106. OE. spell.

spille, spylle, v. perish, kill, KH. 208, 720 L, F. & B. 1007 T; pp. ispild, killed, Ass. 19 C. OE. spillan.

squire, sb. square, F. & B. 325 C. OF. esqvarre.

stage, sb. upper floor of a house, F. & B. 218, 270 C. OF. estage.

stede, sb. horse, steed, KH. 51. OE. stēda.

stede, sb. place, KH. 273, Ass. 730, 866 Add. OE. stede.

steke, v. pierce; 2 sing. pres. stikkest, F. & B. 98 Cott.

stere, sb. rudder, ship, KH. 107 C, 1471 C. OE. stēor.

stere, v. lead, command, KH. 464 C, L. OE. ste͞oran.

sterne, adj. stern, insolent, KH. 935 C, 784 H. OE. sterne, styrne.

sterte, v. start, leap, F. & B. 457 C. ON. sterta.

sterue, v. die, KH. 829, 980 C, 984 H, 1253 C. OE. steorfan.

steuene, sb. voice, KH. 1453 L, F. & B. 54 C., Ass. 73, 239 C, 79, 245 Add., etc. OE. stefn.

steyȝ, 3 sing. pret. climbed, F. & B. 892 C. OE. stīgan.

stonde, infin. spring up, rise, KH. 809 L, H. Cf. Lay. 20509.

stonge, 3 pl. pret. pierced, KH. 1475 L H, Ass. 447 Add. OE. stingan.

store, adj., nom. plur. great, strong, F. & B. 19 C. OE. stor.

stounde, stunde, sb. point of time, period of time, F. & B. 327 T, Ass. 635, 727 Add., KH. 181 C, 351, 791, 1030, 1371. OE. stund.

striken, 3 pl. pret. struck, stripped (Stratmann)?, striken L H, strike C, KH. 1089. OE. strīcan.

sture, infin. stir, move, KH. 1541 H. OE. styrian.

Sture, name of a river, KH. 729, 1551.

Suddene, Sodenne, Sudenne, Suddenne, KH. 155, 189, 542, 929, 1062, 1351, 1370, 1389, 1463, 1637.

sundry, adj. separate, apart, Ass. 148, 364 Add. OE. syndrig.

sune, 2 sing. subj. pres. sound, KH. 223 C. OF. soner.

swage, infin. assuage, abate, F. & B. 38 T. OF. asuager.

swere, swire, suire, sb. neck, KH. 796, 1144, 1291, F. & B. 1016 T. OE. swira, sweora.

sweting, sb. favourite, KH. 234 L.

sweuen, sb. dream, KH. 710, 723. OE. swefen.

sweuening, sb. dream, KH. 774.

swike, swyke, infin. deceive; biswike C L, bysuyke H, KH. 306; biswike C, swike L, byswyke H, KH. 711. OE. swīcan.

swilc, swihc, such, etc., such. OE. swylce.

swiþe, swyþe, suþe, adv. (1) very, KH. 96, 98 L H, 172, 192, etc., Ass. 355 C, F. & B. 87, 280 C.; (2) soon, quickly, rapid, KH. 129 L H, 374 L, 435 L, 289, 845, 1042, etc., F. & B. 148, 308 C., Ass. 612, 671 H, 839 Add., etc. OE. swīðe.

iswoȝe, yswowe, pp. in a faint, KH. 458, 914.

swoȝning C, swohinge L, swowenynge H, sb. fainting spell, swoon, KH. 474.

swongen, 3 pl. pret. suspended, (?) Ass. 443 Add. OE. swingan.

swymme, swemme, infin. move on water, KH. 203. OE. swimman.

take, v. take, give, KH. 568, 834, 1134, 1204, F. & B. 207 T, 159 C., Ass. 48, 682 Add., 572 H, etc.; bitak, KH. 839 C, bytoke L, bitoke H, KH. 1179. Cf. teche, biteche. ON. taka.

targeþ, v. delay, F. & B. 226 Cott. OF. targier.

te, ten, v. draw; infin. te, Ass. 282 C, ten KH. 767 T, teon 767 H; 3 sing. pret. teȝ, F. & B. 617 C.; 2 sing. imper. te, KH. 327 L. OE. tēon.

teche, v. usually ‘teach,’ sometimes ‘give’ (cf. take); infin. teche, give, Ass. 46 C; 1 sing. pres. biteche, KH. 619 L H.

tendeþ, v. set on fire, burn, F. & B. 672 C. OE. (on)tendan.

tene, teone, sb. injustice, harm, KH. 367, 727; anger, F. & B. 902 T. OE. te͞ona.

terme, sb. term, period, F. & B. 432 Cambr. OF. terme.

teyse, sb. measure of three yards, F. & B. 201, 203 Cott. OF. toise.

þar, v. need, KH. 408 L. OE. þearf.

þat, (1) demonstr. the, that, KH. 27, 28; (2) rel. that, KH. 2, 22; (3) conj. that, KH. 33 L; (4) comp. rel. him, who, KH. 1064 C.

the, infin. prosper, thrive, F. & B. 566 T. OE. ðēon.

þinke, v. seem; infin. KH. 1233; 3 sing. pres. þinkþ, KH. 1405 C, etc.; þincheþ, F. & B. 169 C.; of þinke, misplease, repent, infin., KH. 112, 1046 C H, 1136. OE. þyncean.

þo, adv. then, KH. 52, etc. OE. ða.

þole, þolie, v. endure, suffer; infin., F. & B. 422, 677, 678, 737 C., Ass. 22, 215 C, 26, 217, 219 Add.; 3 sing. pret., F. & B. 580 C., etc. OE. þolian.

Thomas, F. & B. 611 C, 659, 775, 796, 807, 821 Add.

þorhreche, see reche.

þral, þralle, sb. slave, thrall, KH. 449. OE. þrǣl.

þroȝe, sb. period of time, KH. 354, 1036. OE. þrāge.

þrottene, þrettene, num. thirteen. OE. þrēotȳne.

þulke (þe + ulke), the same, F. & B. 746 C., etc.

þurston, KH. 875, 1057. Seems to be Norse. A frequent name of Hus Carls. Thurstan (Turstayn) is one of two tax collectors sent by Hardicanute to Worcester.

tide, sb. time, KH. 1563. OE. tīd.

tide, bitide, v. happen, betide; infin., KH. 212 L H, 218 C; 3 sing. pres., tit, tyt, KH. 1442 L H; bitide, infin. KH. 218 L H, 575. OE. tīdian.

Printed on two lines with superfluous “OE.”:
tide, bitide, v. happen, betide; infin., KH. 212 L H, 218 C; 3 sing. pres., OE.
tit, tyt, KH. 1442 L H; bitide, infin. KH. 218 L H, 575. OE. tīdian.

timing, tymyng, sb. success, KH. 1701 C H. OE. tīmian.

tire, tyre, infin. tear, F. & B. 736 C., 1017 T. OE. teran.

tiþing, tidinge, etc., sb. tiding, KH. 138, 1058, 1318.

to, (1) prep. to, KH. 2; (2) adv. too, KH. 37 L H; (3) prefix apart, asunder.

to-brake, 3 sing. pret. broke apart, F. & B. 133 T.

to-draȝe, to drawe, infin. draw to pieces (cf. draw and quarter), KH. 1612; 3 pl. pret. KH. 195. Cf. alle þa chirchen he to droh, Lay. 29135 A.

toȝenes, see ȝen.

to-shake, v. shake to pieces. Ass. 356 C.

trende, 3 sing. pret. roll, KH. 460 H. OE. trendan.

trewage, truage, sb. tribute, homage, KH. 1618. OF. truage.

trewþe, sb. truth, troth, KH. 321. OE. trēowð.

Troye, dat. sing., F. & B. 178 T.

Tune, sb. town, city, KH. 168. OE. tūn.

tweie, tueye, tweyne, num. two, twain, KH. 943 H, 955. OE. twēgen.

twie, twye, adv. twice, KH. 1570 C L. OE. tuwa, twiwa.

tytte, 3 sing. pret. pull tightly (Bradley-Stratmann).

vȝten, sb. morning, dawn, KH. 1474. OE. ūhte.

uncuþe, vncouþe, adj. unknown, KH. 781. OE. cūð.

vnderfonge, see fonge.

vnderȝete, v. perceive, learn; infin. F. & B. 49 T; 3 sing. pret. vnderȝat, F. & B. 35 C., etc.; pp., F. & B. 292 T, and Cott. 556 C. OE. undergietan.

vndern, sb. noon, F. & B. 511 T; ondarne, Cott. OE. undern.

vndernome, pp. journeyed, F. & B. 189, 219 T; vndernome, set out, gone, 920 T. Cf. noome, gone, F. & B. 227 T.

vndrestode, 3 sing. pret. received, Ass. 564 Add.

vnmete, adv. violently, Ass. 354 C. OE. unmete.

vnmeþ, sb. immoderation, F. & B. 675 C. OE. unmet.

vnneþes, adv. with difficulty, F. & B. 63 T. OE. une͞aðe.

unorne, adj. old, ugly, KH. 348, 1646 C. OE. unorne.

vnpliȝt, sb. peril, Ass. 194 Add.

unspurne, infin. kick open, KH. 1159. OE. spurnan.

vnwemmed, adj. spotless, Ass. 537 C. OE. wamm.

vrne, see erne.

utrage, sb. error for truage (?), KH. 1618 L.

verde, see ferde.

verdoune, sb. troop, company (?), Ass. 455, 457 H.

vertu, sb. power, strength, F. & B. 370 T. OF. vertu.

vie, sb. life, Ass. 879, 889, 891 Add. OF. vie.

warysoun, sb. reward, F. & B. 1051 T, see gersume, garisone.

wat, water, KH. 634 L.

waxe, wexe, v. grow, wax; infin., KH. 101, 268 C, 312 C; 3 sing. pret. wex, KH. 268 L. OE. weaxan.

wed-broþer, sb. pledged brother, KH. 300 L. Cf. Lay. 14469 and Note 32209. Sax. Chron. 30, brother by baptism. Wace has for Layamon’s wed-broðer, in one instance ‘cousin,’ in another ‘nephew.’ Cf. also Plummer, Two Saxon Chronicles, p. 25, bottom. ON. veð brōðar.

wedde, v. wed, marry; infin., KH. 1021; 3 sing. pret. wedde (wax mad?); pp. wedde, KH. 316 C, L. OE. weddian.

wede, sb. clothes, KH. 1132. OE. wǣd.

wel, adv., (1) well, KH. 374 etc., (2) very, KH. 74 L, 97 L, 98 C, 131, F. & B. 147 C. OE. wēl.

welde, wolde, infin. wield, rule, KH. 324, 452 L, 972 L, F. & B. 207 T. OE. wealdan.

wem, sb. spot, stain, Ass. 647 Add. OE. wamm.

wende, v. turn, wend, go; infin., KH. 971 C L, F. & B. 60 C.; 2 sing. imper. went C H, wend L; go, KH. 343, 755 C, 759 C H; pp. wend H, I wend C, turned, KH. 1170; went, turned, Ass. 346 Add.; biwente C, bywende L, bywente H; 3 sing. pret. turned around, KH. 339. OE. wendan.

wendling, sb. vagrant (?), KH. 754 L.

wene, v. think, KH. 131, 313, 1204, 1207, 1213, 1365. OE. wēnan.

wene, weene, sb. (1) thought, F. & B. 651 C.; (2) doubt, F. & B. 197 T, 181 Cott. OE. wēn.

were, 2 sing. pres. subj. wear. OE. werian.

werie, werye, infin. protect, KH. 839. OE. werian.

werne, wurne, v. prevent, KH.; infin., KH. 938 L H, 1166 C, 1496 L, 1518 C. OE. wyrnan.

werþe, v. become, shall be; 2 sing. pres. wurstu C, worstu L, worþest þou H, KH. 342; 3 sing. pres. wurþ C, worþ L H, KH. 490, 728. worþe, KH. 509. OE. weorðan.

westernesse, westnesse, westene londe, westnesse londe, westnisse, KH. 172, 182, 228, 808, 993, 1017, 1088 C H, 1268, 1295 C H, 1615 C H.

whannes, wenne, whenne, inter. adv. whence, KH. 175. OE. hwanne, hwenne.

weturly, wytterli, adv. surely, F. & B. 819 T, Cott. ON. vitrliga.

wif, sb. woman, Ass. 18 C. OE. wīf.

wiȝt, sb. (1) bit, KH. 535; (2) being, person, KH. 715. OE. wiht.

wis, ywis, adv. certainly, indeed; KH. 131 C, 54 L H, 131 L H, 210 C, etc.

wise, sb. guise, KH. 378. OF. guise.

wise, wisse, v. conduct, direct, KH. 253 C, 443, 807 L, 1575. OE. wīsian.

wit, witte, wytte, sb. intelligence, understanding, wit, KH. 188, 692 C, 1164. OE. witt.

wite, v. 1 know; infin. KH. 309, 471 L, F. & B. 170, 609, 620 C.; 1 sing. pres. wole, Ass. 332 Add.; 2 pl. pres. woot, F. & B. 940 T; 2 pl. subj. weete, F. & B. 1031 T; 2 sing. subj. wite, 755 C.: 3 sing. pret. wiste, C L, nust H, KH. 84. Cf. also Ass. 32 C, 240 Add., etc. OE. witan.

wite, iwite, v. 2 guard, keep; 2 sing. subj. white, KH. 1569 H; infin. wite, F. & B. 555, 756 C. OE. wītan, gewītan.

wiþerling C, wiþering L, wytherlyng H, sb. enemy, foe, KH. 160.

wiþsegge, v. deny, KH. 1368. OE. secgan.

wode, adj. mad, KH. 950 L. OE. wōd.

woȝe, wowe, awowen, wowen, infin. woo, KH. 578, 847, 1517 C. OE. wōgian.

woȝe, wowe, sb. wall, KH. 1048. OE. wāg.

wolde, see welde.

won, sb. store, quantity, pomp (?); wiþ ryche won, KH. 962 H, F. & B. 386 C.

wonde, v. hesitate, delay, KH. 355, 788. OE. wandian.

wone, wonie, wune, v. dwell, be accustomed to; infin. KH. 783, 1456, F. & B. 218 Cott., Ass. 184 C; pp. wonede, KH. 80 L H, iwuned, F. & B. 567 C., etc. OE. wunian.

wone, wune, sb. custom, practice, F. & B. 557 C., 90 Cott., Ass. 20 Add. OE. (ge)wuna.

wood, adj. mad, F. & B. 936, 994 T. OE. wōd.

worship, sb. dignity, honour, F. & B. 1030 T. OE. weorðscipe.

worstu, thou shalt be, see werþe.

wreche, sb. vengeance, KH. 1376. OE. wrǣc.

wreie, wreye, v. (1) bewray, (2) accuse, KH. 1338, 1341 L, F. & B. 816 T. biwreie, bewray, accuse, KH. 380 C. OE. wrēgan.

wreke, infin. avenge, Ass. 726 Add., F. & B. 919 T; awreke, 640 C. OE. wrecan.

wringe, v. wring, twist; infin. wringe, wrynge, KH. 1142 H; 3 sing. pret. wrong, 1142 C; pr. part. wringinde C, wringende L, wryngynde H, KH. 118. OE. wringan.

wroþe, adj. fearful, afraid, KH. 366, 1304. OE. wrāð.

wunder, wonder, sb. wonder, harm, KH. 1335, 1536. OE. wundor. Cf. Mätzner, King Horn, 1247 Note, 1422 Note.

wyȝte, adj. brave, dexterous, KH. 1080 L, 1302 L.

wynne, sb. joy, pleasure, F. & B. 333 T. OE. wynn.

y-, see i-.

Differences between this e-text and the printed book

Sidenotes giving leaf-and-column information were often abbreviated for space. The forms “lf.” and “bk.” have been silently regularized to “leaf” and “back”. The full word “leaf” has been supplied where missing, except in references to the Trentham MS., where it was consistently omitted in the original.

Notes were variously printed in the side margin or at the bottom of the page, depending on space constraints. They have been treated as footnotes or sidenotes according to their function: information about the text or MS. (footnote), leaf- or column numbering (sidenote), narrative summary (sidenote). Where more than one MS was used, narrative sidenotes are shown at the beginning of each group of lines.

The recurring words “No gap in MS.” are in the original; they are generally followed by one or more blank lines inserted to keep the texts parallel. The words are retained in King Horn to preserve the editor’s line numbering; in the other texts they were retained only when needed to prevent ambiguity.

Each page of King Horn was divided into three: the Cambridge and Laud versions in adjoining columns, and the Harleian across the bottom, with lines printed in pairs separated by a | divider. For this e-text, the Harleian text has been separated into single lines to match the other two. General sidenotes were originally printed in the Harleian section.

Other Texts

At time of preparation, the three diagrams shown in the Introduction were available online at The Internet Archive:

Wissmann on King Horn:
http://www.archive.org/details/dasliedvonkingh00wissgoog (page n16)

Herzog on Floris and Blancheflur in Scandinavia:
http://www.archive.org/details/diebeidensagenk00herzgoog (page n100)

Hausknecht on Floris and Blancheflur:
http://www.archive.org/details/florisandblaunc00hausgoog (page n131)

In the Introduction to Floris and Blancheflur, the English passages printed alongside the French version are from Hausknecht’s edition.

Inconsistencies

Preface:

The forms “H Z”, “HZ.” and “H. Z.” (for “Haupt’s Zeitschrift für deutsches Alterthum”) each appear once.

The term “X type” (of OE. rime) appears both with and without period, and in both bold and ordinary type.

Some references to Hempl’s test have “-wǭ-, -wō-” instead of the expected “-wǭ-, -wọ̄-”. These are shown as printed.

In a few paragraphs, the abbreviation “O.E.” has been silently regularized to “OE.”

General:

The abbreviations “V.” and “Cott.” (see beginning of Glossary) refer to the same MS., Cott. Vitell. D. III.

“MS. Gg. 4. 27. 2.” is written both with and without final period (full stop).

When the editor is writing in his own voice, the Introduction uses “æ” while the notes use “ae”. Middle English is always “æ” (one letter); Latin is always “ae” (two letters).

The Laud MS. always has “crist...” instead of the more common “crist...”

In the Notes, anomalous quotation marks such as ‘R. H.’ for R. H. (without quotes) are unchanged.

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General Introduction and Table of Contents (separate file)

Introduction to King Horn
King Horn
Notes to King Horn

Floris and Blancheflur (separate file)
The Assumption of Our Lady (separate file)

Glossary (separate file)

1866 (re-edited 1901; reprinted 1962)

Price 30s.

INTRODUCTION.

KING HORN.

§ 1. Setting of the Story, p. vii.

§ 2. Versions, p. viii.

§ 3. Elements of the Story, p. xvi.

§ 4. Topography, p. xvii.

§ 5. Style, p. xx.

§ 6. Versification, p. xxi.

§ 7. Dialect, p. xxiv.

§ 8. Manuscripts, p. xxviii.

§ 1. SETTING OF THE STORY.

By the beginning of the 13th century, when literature in the English tongue began to show some signs of revival, the earlier English epic tales seem to have been almost entirely obliterated from memory. A solitary survival seems to have been the story of the dragon-killing Wade with his famous boat Guingelot; but even this story is lost to us save for occasional references,I.1 and from these we must infer that all definite idea of its origin was lost, since Wade is associated, now with Weyland, now with Horn and Havelok, now with Lancelot. The place of these earlier epic tales was filled in Middle English times by a new set of tales for the most part no longer of purely native, popular origin. Tales were imported from every conceivable quarter, though usually by way of France, and even in the popular romances of Guy of Warwick and Bevis of Hampton, which are supposed to contain a kernel of genuine English tradition, the original story is almost unrecognizable amid the embellishments added. Similarly in the stories of Waldef and Hereward the historical facts are almost lost amid this mass of added foreign matter, and in the late romance of Richard Cœur de Lion we have to do, not with the historical Richard, but with a conventionalized hero of mediæval romance.

Standing apart from these largely conventionalized tales are the stories of Havelok and King Horn. These are supposed to have been among the first products of the second growth of English story. They seem to preserve, more than the other, later romances, their primitive traits, and are hence usually classed as English, or Germanic, in origin.

§ 2. VERSIONS.

The story of Horn is known in several different versions. Of these the one printed in the present volume is the oldest and in many respects the most archaic. The story, which it will be unnecessary to summarize here, is told in a simple, direct style with a noticeable lack of unnecessary description inserted for embellishment. The explanation of the peculiar features of this version is no doubt to be found in the purpose for which this version was used. It was probably intended to be sung, as one would infer from the opening lines, and perhaps is such a song, or ballad, as the one which, as the French version informs us (R. H. 2776 ff. cf. p. xiv. below), Horn sang about his love Rigmenil. The manner of the narrative is determined by the song character of the poem. There is more detail than in a modern song, at the same time less detail than in a modern story. Events are sometimes simply referred to as though already known instead of being fully described. The bravery of Murry, Horn’s father, is alluded to in such a manner as to lead one to expect to hear more about his feats of prowess. No motive is given for the journey to Ireland. We are conducted from place to place with Horn, from Aylmer’s court in Westernesse to that of Thurston, or from Horn’s wedding feast at Aylmer’s court to the annihilation of the Saracen invaders of Suddenne, almost in a breath. In this way sometimes incidents are thrown absurdly out of perspective. For instance, when Horn wishes to ‘prove his knighthood’ (v. 588), while the others are at table, he sets out on his ‘fole,’ and at the seashore finds a shipload of heþene honde. He slays about a hundred of them. At eureche dunte þe heued of wente. He fixes the leader’s head on the point of his sword and thus returns to the hall. All this, which forms the matter for about four hundred twelve-syllabled lines in the more prolix French version, is here related in an off-hand manner, in about forty short lines. The pitched battle of the French version becomes here a mere after-dinner recreation. It would be possible to multiply instances (cf. pp. x-xii) showing the abridged character of the present version.

Very different from the English gleeman’s version, is the highly elaborated French version of the story. This version,I.2 which is preserved in three MSS. at Oxford, at Cambridge, and at London, consists of about 5250 lines of twelve syllables, arranged in laisses, or strophes, of about twenty lines bound together by a single rime. Here we have a full-fledged romance, with descriptions of rich adornments, of feastings, of battles, of games, and of tournaments quite in the manner of the contemporary romances current in France and in Norman England. The archaic traits of the English King Horn are no longer so obvious. The names of persons and of places, with the exception of those of Horn, Rymenhild : Rigmel (Rigmenil), Fiken(h)ild : Wikele, Modi : Modin, Westernesse : Westir (Yrlaunde), and Sudden(n)e, are quite different in the two versions.

But with all this difference of detail, the story in its essential elements is the same in the two versions. Wissmann,I.3 in the introduction to his critical edition, says, “der französische roman (R. H.) weist kein einziges notwendiges bindeglied, keinen schönen altertümlichen zug auf, den das englische gedicht, King Horn (K. H.) nicht enthielte; dieses dagegen hat trotz seines geringen umfanges, eine reiche von alten, wahrhaft poetischen motiven jenem voraus.” And further, “aus alle dem ergibt sich, dass K. H. keine bearbeitung des französischen romans sein kann.” Wissmann’s further conclusions, however, are less tenable, when he continues: “das umgekehrte verhältniss dagegen ist nicht nur denkbar, sondern bis zu einem gewissen grade sogar notwendig; eine ältere quelle als das lied von King Horn für R. H. vorauszusetzen sind wir durch nichts berechtigt.”

Limited space forbids a thorough-going comparison of the two versions. The essential elements of the story are in each case nearly the same. In the French version (R. H.) again Horn the prince with his companions is set afloat from Suddenne in an open boat, arrives in Bretaigne, is hospitably received by King Hunlaf, is loved by the princess Rigmenil, from whom he receives a magic ring, is betrayed by Wikele, one of his companions, and is exiled from Bretaigne. He takes ship for Westir, the court of King Godreche, and is well received by the king and his two sons. He distinguishes himself in all things, and is loved and wooed by the princess Lemburc. But after delivering the Irish kingdom (Westir) from an African invasion, he is recalled by a messenger to Bretaigne, where, after vanquishing his rival Modun in a tournament, he rescues Rigmenil and himself plays the part of bridegroom at the wedding prepared. He then repairs to Suddenne, and after ridding his father’s kingdom of the invaders, is warned in a dream of Wikele’s second treachery, and returns again just in time to save his bride from a forced marriage with Wikele. With the death of Wikele and the establishment of Horn’s loyal friend Haderof (Athulf) in Ireland and of Horn and Rigmenil in Suddenne, the French story ends.

In addition to this similarity in general outline must be mentioned occasional parallelism between the two versions in minor details or even in phraseology. As instances of the first we may cite: Of his feire siȝte Al þe bur gan liȝte K. H. 385-6; De la belte de horn tute la chambre resplent. R. H. 1053. Drink to horn of horne K. H. 1145; Mes com apelent horn li engleis naturer R. H. 4206. He lokede on his rynge And þoȝte on Rymenhilde K. H. 873-4; Si regarde sa main e lanel kest gemmeȝ. Ke li fud de Rimel al departir doneȝ R. H. 3166-7. And whan þu farst to woȝe tak him þine gloue K. H. 793-4; Mes une rien uus di joe dont seieȝ purgardez, Si alez donneier ke oue uus nel menez Kar il est de beaute issi enluminez ke uus la v il iert petit serreȝ preiseȝ R. H. 2323-6. Biuore me to kerue And of þe cupe serue K. H. 233-4; Horn me seruira vi de ma cupe portant R. H. 463. As instances of phrases from King Horn reflected in R. H., we may cite: Stiwarde, tak nu here Mi fundlyng for to lere Of þine mestere, Of wude and of riuere K. H. 227-30; De bois de riueer refet il altre tal R. H. 377. Wiþute sail and roþer K. H. 188; Kil naient auirun dunt a (!) seient aidanȝ Sigle ne guuernad (!) dunt il seint naianȝ R. H. 60-61. Ston he dude lade, ant lym þerto he made K. H. 1502 H. Vn castel ad ia fet de pere e de furment R. H. 5097. These instances, which might be multiplied, will serve to show how closely related in origin are these two versions, English and French.

The identity of the two versions is, however, by no means complete. The more condensed version (K. H.) presents some traits not to be found in R. H. We may mention: Horn’s farewell to his boat, 139 ff.; Rimenhild’s assistance in bringing about the dubbing of Horn, 435 ff.; Rimenhild’s dream, 651 ff.; Horn’s charge to Athulf to care for Rimenhild, 743 ff.; the drowning of the messenger from Rimenhild to Horn, 968 ff.; the palmer’s account of Rimenhild’s grief, 1035 ff.; Athulf’s watching from the tower, 1091 ff.; Horn’s fictitious tale to Rimenhild of his own death, 1175 ff.

If K. H. offers these few traits independent of R. H., the latter, longer narrative introduces episode after episode either barely suggested in a single line of K. H., or entirely foreign to the English version. For example, we may mention: the more circumstantial account of Horn’s descent, and of the heroic death of Aaluf, 250 ff.; Rimel’s amusing method of wheedling Athelfrus into bringing Horn to her, 604 ff.; her confidences to her maid Herselot, 729 ff.; the elaborate account of Horn’s victory over Malbroin and Rodmund, 1295 ff.; Wikele’s contrived pretext for a quarrel with Horn, 1839 ff.; Horn’s loathness to take oath, though he is willing to vindicate his word by meeting in combat any two or even five or six chosen antagonists, 1924 ff.; the love of princess Lemburc for Horn, 2394 ff.; the stone-throwing contest, 2568 ff.; the game of chess, 2696 ff.; Lemburc’s apartments, 2709 ff.; the harp-playing, 2776 ff.; the elaborate battle description once more, 3234 ff.; the death of Egfer, 3358 ff.; the meeting of Horn with Wikele and Modin, 4094 ff.; the tournament at Rimil’s wedding, 4456 ff.; the victory, with Hardre’s aid, over the Saracens in Suddenne, 4604 ff.; the touching description of Horn’s meeting with his mother, 4882 ff.; the besiegement of Hunlaf and Rimel by Wikele, 5100 ff.; the intervention of Wikele’s brother, Wothere, 5052 ff., etc.I.4

If the subject matter in the two versions is different, the style is far more so. The simple, condensed, somewhat archaic manner of K. H. stands in marked contrast to the sophisticated style of the French romance. The difference is perhaps that to be expected between two versions, one intended for English-speaking, the other for French-speaking people.I.5 But the difference is perhaps more largely that between ballad and romance. In K. H. the author gives no evidence of himself directly or indirectly, whereas Thomas, the author of R. H., continually addresses his public in the second person and directly introduces his personal opinion. The incidents which in K. H. are condensed almost to unintelligibility, in R. H. are liberally supplied with motives and explanations. The character of Rimenhild in K. H., almost wild in its naturalness, suggests somewhat one of the female divinities of Germanic mythology. Rimel, of the French romance, is an eminently sophisticated, almost modern young woman who understands the arts of coaxing and of coquetry.

The luxury and refinement described in the French version, contrastI.6 markedly with the primitive manners and surroundings suggested in the English version. Rimenhild shares her single sleeping-room with her six maidens; Rimel has so many maids that these have private rooms, Rimel keeping by her only her one trusted maid. Rimenhild on her wedding day, has four maid attendants; Rimel, thirty. King Murry’s retinue consists of two knights, and the sons of the king of Westir appear to have been without retinue; in R. H. the two princes in their mesnée privée have vingt de gens ben escernée. Even the seneschal of King Hunlaf has twenty knights in his retinue. Stimming further points out the feudalistic relations existing between Horn and his companions in R. H. (as well as in H. C.) of which one can hardly detect a trace in K. H. Further the author of the romance, quite in keeping with the conventions of contemporary romances, has introduced and elaborated descriptions of battles and of sports and tournaments on every possible occasion. In R. H. Horn is a curteis knight, whose knightly honour forbids him to take oath.

Stimming further points out the difference in cultivation of manner as reflected in the love-making scenes of the two versions. When Athulf is introduced to Rimenhild’s bower, Anon vpon Aþulf child Rymenhild gan wexe wild, K. H. 295-6, she has him seat himself on her bed, embraces him, and offers herself as his bride. Rimel, on the other hand, who before Aþulf’s coming has carefully regarded the glass, pur veer sa belted, Pur saver de su vis cum il est culured, on his appearance, takes him by the hand, leads him to a seat, seats herself beside him, and then expresses the wish, “Bels amis, dès ore voil estre mise en vostre justise,” politely adding, “si vostre plaisir est.”

All this, Stimming concludes, is an unmistakable evidence of the later time of R. H.’s composition. Granting the truth of this conclusion, the difference of treatment in the two versions is also no doubt in part due to the difference in the public for which each version was intended, and also still more, perhaps, to the difference in function of the two works. It must be noted that K. H. is a popular ballad-like poem perhaps of the kind referred to in R. H., while the French R. H. is an artificial and conventionalized romance of prowess and love.

That the ballad-like version K. H., simple, even primitive in matter, in manner, and in metrical form, should have been derived from the sophisticated, artificial romance, R. H. deserves little consideration. On the other hand that the artificial romance should have been derived from the simple ballad-like story, incomplete in its record of details, is even more unworthy of consideration, though quite probably Thomas, the French romancer, may have been to some extent influenced by this English version, with which he was probably acquainted, as we may infer from the following passage:

Mes un lai ai oi dunt ioe sai la meitie

Si iol sousse tut, par ma crestiente

En cest nostre pais nad taunt bone cite

Ki tant me fust a main e á ma uolente

Ke ainz ne la perdisse ke lousse ublie

. . . . . . . . . . . .

Mut en auez oi parler en cest regne

E de lamur de horn ke ele od taunt ame

. . . . . . . . . . . .

Coe est ueir dist Guffer, Rigmel est mut loéé

Bele soeur de beaute en meinte cuntréé

E de horn ai oi meinte feiz renoméé

Quil est pruz e uallanz e corteis sanz pounéé.

R. H. 2783-2801.

The French romance is no doubt constructed from an English story, as we may infer from the proper names, which in general seem to be Germanic in origin, from occasional English words, e.g. welcumeȝ 800, wite God, wrec 150, etc., from references to English such as, Mes com apelent horn li engleis, R. H. 4206, and especially from the general features of the story which seem to be Germanic. Further, “in the introduction to the French romance of Waldelf we are informed that the romance of Horn was taken from an English original” (T. Wright, Essays on Middle Ages, I, 102. London, 1846). The English gleeman’s version quite likely was composed directly from oral tradition, while the romance rests upon some version of the story, the “parchemin” so often referred to. This hypothetical version, judging from the identity of the story in its main outline with that in K. H., must be the version upon which R. H. rests also, or must rest upon the same tradition with K. H.

A third version of the story of Horn is the romance of Horn Childe and Maiden Rimnild, the only copy of which is the incomplete one contained in the famous collection of the Auchinleck MS. of the 14th century. (One leaf lost in the middle and one or two at the end.) Of this romance, which is composed in twelve-lined strophes, rime couée, there are preserved 1136 lines, that is to say, 96 strophes, not all complete. The story, very briefly summarized, is as follows:

Haþeolf, king of “al Ingelond fram Humber norþ,” has one son named Horn. To Horn Haþeolf gives eight companions and puts all under the instruction of Arlaund. Haþeolf annihilates a host of Danish invaders, but within nine months is again attacked, this time by three kings from Ireland, and after an heroic fight, in which he slays five thousand, is stoned to death, and “an erle of Northumberland” seizes the kingdom.

Herlaund conducts the nine boys “fer souþe in Inglond,” where they are received by Houlac the king. The king’s only daughter, Rimneld, loves him and asks Herlaund to bring Horn to her bower. As in the other versions, Arlaund first brings Haþerof, but the second time brings Horn to Rimneld, and the princess gives Horn rich presents, and promises to be his if he shall be dubbed knight. But Wikard and Wikel, two of Horn’s companions, calumniate Horn and Rimneld to the king, and Horn is banished. After vain attempts at a reconciliation with the king, he takes leave of Rimneld, who gives him a ring with a magic stone:

“When þe ston wexeþ wan

Þan chaungeþ þe þought of þi leman

When þe ston wexeþ rede

Þan haue y lorn mi maidenhed.”

Horn takes the name of Godebounde, has heroic adventure in the forest, wins a great tournament in Wales, then crosses over to Ireland, and delivers king Finlawe (Finlak) from his enemy, Malkan, the one who had slain Horn’s father. Atula, Finlak’s daughter, loves Horn, but he remains true to Rimneld, notices that the stone in his ring has turned pale, and with a hundred knights, crosses over into England in time to save Rimneld from marrying King Moioun, overthrows Moioun in the tournament, slays Wigard and smites out the eye of the false Wiȝel, Wigard’s brother. Horn marries Rimneld, and, after five days of feasting, makes ready a force to go into North-Humberland to win back his father’s kingdom. The single MS. ends abruptly at this point.

It will be seen that the main outline of the story as told in the other two versions, is here preserved, but with many modifications, with some omissions and some additions. The scene of action has shifted. We hear no more of the to us obscure names Suddenne and Westir; the whole action takes place in the British isles. The names of the persons, too, are greatly transformed, Horn and Rimneld, and possibly Moioun being about the only names common to all the versions. The whole introduction of the present version, dealing with the bravery and death of Haþeolf, Horn’s father, which forms about a quarter of this romance version as preserved to us, is entirely strange to K. H. and to R. H. Other features peculiar to H. C. are: Haþeolf’s instructions to the boy companions of Horn, to bear fealty to Horn, 137 ff.; the fine gifts and rich entertainment by Rimnild of Herlaund and Haderof and, later, of Horn, 330 ff., 377 ff.; the manner of the courtship, where Horn no longer plays the reluctant part, urging his poverty as an excuse, 373 ff.; the episode of the departure of Horn’s companions Tebeaud, Winwald, Garins and Aþelston for foreign lands, 445 ff. Wikel here does not accuse Horn of designs on the king’s life and kingdom, 486 ff. Horn remains at home from the hunting, not to visit Rimnild, but “for blodeleteing, Al for a maladye.” 485 ff. There is no Saracen invasion of Houlac’s kingdom. Horn tries to appease the king, 541 ff. The ring has a different function, 571 ff. The ring it is that prompts Horn’s return to Rimnild. Still other features peculiar to this edition are: the heroic adventure in the forest, 613 ff.; the tournament at the court of Elidan in Wales, 664 ff.; and the whole account of Horn’s experiences in Ireland, the occasion of his journey there, the character of the battle (in which Horn is wounded), and the absence of mention of king Finlak’s proposal to give his daughter and kingdom to Horn.

All these independent traits in H. C. lead us to conclude that this version must rest, directly or indirectly, on a tradition different from that underlying K. H. and R. H. That, as Stimming thinks probable, the writer “unmittelbar aus der sage selbst geschöpft” seems unlikely considering the highly sophisticatedI.7 nature and artificial form of this version, and the frequent remarks of the author, “in boke as we rede,” etc. More likely it rests directly on an earlier version of the story, which in its turn rests on a Northern tradition of the story. That such a Northern tradition existed we have evidence in the Scottish ballads of Hind Horn [Child’s (F. J.) English and Scottish Ballads. Boston, 1882-84], which while emphasizing only one element, the separation of the two lovers and their reunion through the agency of the magic ring, agree with the H. C. version rather than with that of K. H. and R. H.

What, then, is the relation of H. C. to K. H. and to R. H.? Wissmann says, apparently with truth: “Das Gedicht von Horn Childe hat von dem Gehalt des K. H. nichts bewahrt, was nicht auch R. H. hätte.” On the other hand H. C. has a number of important traits in common with R. H., for instance, the names: Herland (R. H.); Herlaund, Arlaund, Harlaund, Arlond, etc. (H. C.); Allof (R. H.); Haþeolf (H. C.); Wikel (R. H.); Wiȝel (H. C.); Haþerof (R. H.); Haderof (H. C.) and Hunlaf (R. H.); Houlac (H. C.); further, Haderof’s ignorance of Herland’s intention to palm him off as Horn, the love of the Irish princess for Horn, Horn’s meeting with Moioun (Moging) and Wikard, and his riddle of the net told here, the tournament and the contest between Horn and Moioun, Horn’s thanks to king Houlac (Hunlaf). From the considerable French element in the vocabulary of H. C., including frequent rime words, the French form Cornwayle riming with the French phrase saun faile, it is reasonable to suppose that the author was acquainted with French, and the general tone of the romance, the feudalism inculcated by King Haþeolf, 133 ff., the tournaments and the general air of luxury in addition to the above-mentioned striking traits in common with R. H., suggest almost inevitably that the author of H. C. must have been acquainted with, and influenced by, the French version.

The Scottish ballads of Hind Horn (cf. Child, as above, I, 187), as said above, emphasize only one element of the original story, namely, the separation of Horn and the princess, and their reunion through the agency of the magic ring. The story in Hind Horn agrees more closely (notably in the function of the ring, peculiar to the Northern versions) with H. C. than with R. H. or K. H., and seems to rest, along with H. C., on a northern version of the story.

The later French romance Ponthus et la belle Sidoine is an adaptation of the French version (R. H.) of the Horn story. It is purely an artificial product based on R. H., and has little bearing on the origin and history of the version in hand. It is interesting in this connection as showing how possible it is to tell the same story with different names, the only name in common between R. H., and the adaptation being that of the steward Herlant. (Cf. English translation, King Ponthus and the Fair Sidone, edited by F. J. Mather, Publ. of the Mod. Lang. Assoc. of America, xii, 1-150.) The story of Ponthus also appears in a German Volksbuch (cf. Simrock, I. 1 ff.).

§ 3. ELEMENTS OF THE STORY.

The story of Horn, it is generally believed, had its origin in the turbulent times of the Danish invasions, but the kernel of genuine historical tradition is probably small. How the different elements in such a story aggregate, we can plainly see in the case of the Hereward: “The writer of the life of Hereward,” according to Wright, “had, among other sources of information, the work of the presbyter, Leofric, Hereward’s archdeacon. This Leofric, he tells us, occupied himself in collecting for the edification of his hearers, all the acts of the giants and warriors from the fables of the ancients, or, in the instance of more modern heroes, from the trustworthy relations of those who had known them, and in writing them in English that they might be preserved in people’s memories.” In this way grew the Hereward story, and in a similar manner, we may suppose, that the story of Horn attracted to itself many new and foreign elements, receiving its development and final form probably at the hands of the jongleurs, or gleemen, whom we are to think of as wandering widely and gathering romantic material from the most remote regions.

In another place (Publ. of the Mod. Lang. Assoc. of America, xv. 221-232) I have attempted to point out some of the ‘Germanic elements’ in the story. It seems possible to distinguish two essential elements in the story: (1) Horn’s expulsion from his kingdom and his return and avengement of his father’s death; (2) the separation and reunion of the faithful lovers. Of these elements the first seems to be especially Germanic. At least historic incidents which might supply the nucleus for such a tale were particularly common in connection with the continual wars between Denmark, Norway and Sweden, and also with the invasions of England, Danish and Norman. (Cf. the death of Beaduheard. Eng. Chron. (Winch.) a. 787, also the death of Aethelwulf at hands of Danes, avenged by his brother Aethelstan. Gaimar, 2391 ff.) The second element also may have been of Germanic origin, though it has become greatly conventionalized and has come to be the more prominent element in the story. The minor features of the story, though often purely conventional, and, therefore, belonging to no distinct nationality, at times show Germanic traits, as for instance in the comitatus relation existing between Horn and his followers, in the manner of wooing and of wedding, in the etiquette of the feasts, in the etiquette of the duel, and in the formal challenge on the part of a champion of an invading host, to a duel upon the result of which shall depend the marriage of a princess or the fate of a kingdom (cf. Mod. Lang. Assoc. Publ., as above, pp. 228-231).

The story as it is preserved in K. H., the earliest of existing versions, is no doubt a greatly expanded form of the original nucleus. The timely rescue of the princess from a forced marriage, which in the Scottish ballad has been preserved at the expense of the complete loss of the other element, the recovery of the kingdom and the avengement of the father’s death, even in the earlier K. H. version has come quite to overshadow the recovery and revenge element. It seems very probable also that there has been a duplication of the rescue scene, due either to the desire of the jongleur, or minstrel, to repeat a successful climax, or to a blending of two versions of the same story, a not at all uncommon feature in such romances,I.8 and that the second rescue scene, with its more archaic and more particularly Germanic features, represents the sole turning-point in an earlier and simpler version, the first and more conventional rescue scene being an expansion contributed by a later composer. All this, which rests largely on conjecture, would assume for the nucleus of the story a relatively simple incident in which there are involved only two places, the kingdom from which the prince is expelled and which he regains, and the kingdom where he finds refuge.

§ 4. TOPOGRAPHY.

The topography of the Horn story offers some difficult but interesting problems. In the northern version (H. C.) all is made relatively clear. The author of this version assigns the events to very definite places. Horn’s father is king of “al Ingelond fram Humber norþ.” He repels a Danish invasion on the east coast, and is slain by invaders from Ireland. Horn and his companions take refuge “fer souþe in Inglond.” Thence Horn goes in exile to Wales and later into Ireland. The Norman trouvère, also, clarifies matters somewhat by assigning definite names to two of the three kingdoms involved, Bretaigne and Westir (Ki ore est Hirlonde lors westir fu apelee, 2184, H). But both the Norman and the older English versions have consistently the perplexing name Sudenne (Sodenne); and the earlier English version has also the vague name Westernesse (Westnesse), leaving as a certain starting-point in our study of the topography only Yrlonde, also referred to as westene lond (754 H).

From internal evidence in King Horn we learn little that is definite about the situation of Suddenne. In drifting from Suddenne to Westernesse, Horn and his companions spend “Al þe day and al þe niȝt, Til hit sprang dai liȝt,” K. H. 122-3; and again we are told of the same voyage “Dai hit is igon and oþer, Wiþute sail and roþer,” 187-8. On the return voyage to Suddenne, Biþinne daies fiue, þat schup gan ariue, 1295-6. On hearing of Fikenhild’s second treachery Horn exclaims, “Crist for his wundes fiue, To niȝt me þuder driue,” 1423-4, and then, Er þan horn hit wiste, To fore þe sunne vpriste, His schup stod vndur ture At Rymenhilde bure, 1435-39. From all which we can only conclude that ideas of direction and distance are very vague in the mind of the English composer.

In regard to the kingdom of Suddenne, some have thought that the name must be connected with Suðdene mentioned in Beowulf, which would make Suddenne refer to some place in northern Europe, possibly in Denmark. (Parallelism with the Havelok would also support this opinion.) But neither the proper names of the story, nor the phonology of the word Suddenne itself, support this view. WardI.9 suggests that the name is a mere vague poetical designation, and brings together historical facts and internal evidence in the attempt to determine the definite place. He cites the name Hornesbeorh on the Isle of Purbeck, Dorsetshire, calls attention to the phrase in King Horn, “y come into þis yle,” referring to the Sarazin incursion in which Horn’s father was killed, and from the fact that “it was upon Dorsetshire that a descent of the Northmen took place, which was the first recorded appearance in Wessex, and which evidently made a great impression upon the people,” concludes that “Dorsetshire has a very fair claim to be considered the birthplace of the Horn legend.”

One is loath, however, to let go the only thread that seems to lead to an explanation of the name Suddenne itself. Francisque Michel was the first to point out that in the Brit. Mus. text of Gaimar’s L’estorie des Engleis, one reads that “Edelbrit fu feit reis de Kent E de Sudeine ensement,” vv. 955-6. In spite of the fact that the other three versions have; one, Surrie, the other two Suthreie, one is tempted to cling to this clew, and the fact that in the same manuscript later, Gaimar, in referring to the same political division says,I.10 “Puis regnat son fiȝ, E Adelstán, un rei gentils, Li uns out Westsexe, e laltre Kent, Suthdreie, e Suthsexe ensement, vv. 2388-91, gives ground for the supposition that SudeineI.11 may refer collectively to Surrey and Sussex. In that case the coast of Sussex was probably the scene of the first act in the Horn drama.

Whichever of these views is the true one, we may be reasonably certain that the Suddenne in the mind of the composer of K. H. lay on the south coast of England. Knowing this, we may perhaps determine, at least approximately, the situation of Westernesse. In the Harleian and Laud MSS., the messenger sent to seek Horn, says, Ich seche from Westnesse horn knight of estnesse,” which indicates that the composer conceives Westernesse to be west of Suddenne. Further it is very certain, as Ward (as above, p. 449) points out, that an early version of the Horn story has supplied several of the incidents of the Hereward. The influence of the story of Horn on the Hereward is particularly obvious in chapters 4-6, where Hereward gets into trouble at the court of a king of Cornwall named Alef, by killing a champion who had claimed the princess in marriage; Hereward is imprisoned, but is released by the princess, who sends him to her chosen lover, the son of a king of Ireland; a letter subsequently reaches him, saying that she is about to be forced into marriage with another Irish prince. Hereward reaches Cornwall again, visits the bridal feast in disguise, and is presented with the cup by the princess. “This,” as Ward remarks, “is certainly some evidence that the Westnesse or Westernesse of our poem may be taken to signify Cornwall. The name, Aylmar (i.e. Athelmar), also does not oppose this view. The name was a very common one in South England, and was borne by two of the Aldermen of Devonshire, who seem to have had some authority over Cornwall also, one about 930, another in the early part of the 11th century, and both bearing the epithet ‘Ailmer the Great.’”

Another possible explanation of Westernesse may be suggested. The duplication of names and incidents in Westernesse and Ireland has been referred to above. The -er suffix of Westernesse certainly suggests the -r termination in Westir (the name in R. H.), which is probably a Norse name for Ireland (cf. the other Norse names in Ireland: Thurston, Regnild, = Norse Ragnhilda, and Harild. Cf. also R. H. 2184 H, quoted above, p. xviii), and it is not at all impossible to conceive that in the original, simpler form of the story, there were but two scenes to this drama, and that Westernesse of the English version, and Westir of the Norman version, alike refer to Ireland, only that on account of the amplification of the story, one came to think of Aylmar’s kingdom as in England, and added a -nesse to the Norse form Westir (Vestr) so as to make the term fit a promontory on the western end of the south coast of England, in Devonshire or in Cornwall.

§ 5. STYLE.

As we have seen, the story of Horn belongs to a second growth of English story. The manner of expression, and the general movement of the story are quite different from those peculiar to Anglo-Saxon poetry, lacking almost entirely the parallelism,—the appositional construction and the heaped-up epithets, or kennings of the earlier stories. With the large French element in the vocabulary, there seems to have been introduced a manner of expression more like the French than like the earlier English. The movement is direct, and the imagery very simple and popular. Cf. He was briȝt so þe glas. He was whit so þe flur, Rose red was his colur, 14-16, Also blak so eny cole, 624. Also he sprunge of stone, 1102, etc. In this respect King Horn is less closely linked with the past than is Layamon’s Brut, which was composed in the West Midlands, where the OE. traditions in poetry persisted the longest. The Brut, while presenting many of the modern features of manner and of phrase, still preserves much of the manner of the past. There are in King Horn a number of the conventionalized phrases, to be found also in Layamon (cf. Notes to vv. 11, 67, 69, etc.), but the number of such instances is much smaller than one would have expected, and if Layamon’s West Midland work represents an earlier stage than King Horn in the development from the Anglo-Saxon manner of writing, the composer of Horn has certainly been subjected to many new and modernizing influences.

The very element in common between Layamon and King Horn is, perhaps, the new, the modern phraseology more often than the old phraseology rooted in the past. While, then, there are but few traces of the older English poetic phraseology, there is much in common between King Horn and the romances of the 13th and 14th centuries. The language in King Horn seems to be already again crystallizing into new conventional forms. In spite of the different demands of the metre of Horn from those of the later, more regular, forms of versification, there are a very great number of stereotyped phrases common to King Horn and to the contemporary and succeeding romances composed in the other metre. I have brought together in the Notes a number of instances of this agreement in phraseology. The minor elements, also, are often rather mediæval than Anglo-Saxon, and the customs described, the princess’s manner of receiving visitors, the manner of salutation in meeting and in parting, etc., if truly representing the manners of the time of the composition of King Horn, soon became conventionalized and common to the whole body of Middle English romance. (Cf. Notes to vv. 315, 319, 321, 403, 537, 739, etc.) In these respects the composer of K. H. no doubt at times follows the conventional mode of composition of his time, but he is probably also at times an innovator, for several scenes in Horn seem to have been prototypes directly imitated in later romances in the Ipomydon and in the Richard Coeur de Lion. (Cf. Notes to 239 ff., 264.)

On the whole, then, we see that the language of King Horn is much less influenced, than one would expect, by older English models. The language of the second growth of story seems to have fallen into new conventional moulds quite independent of the older tradition.

§ 6. VERSIFICATION.

As we have seen, the phraseology of King Horn shows relatively little trace of influence by the older English traditional stereotyped forms of expression. In this respect if Layamon is the link connecting native English poetry with the past, King Horn is the link joining to the newer traditions of poetry, which were forming. For, as we have seen, if King Horn has some phrases in common with Layamon, these are the modern forms of expression more often than the phrases rooted in the older English tradition. And, as we have seen, while King Horn has relatively little of phraseology inherited from the past, it has a multitude of stereotyped phrases in common with the poetry of contemporary and later composition (cf. Notes). In the same way in versification, if Layamon is the link connecting with the Anglo-Saxon mode of versification, King Horn is the link connecting with the newer mode, of Romance or mediæval Latin origin.

The exact theory of the versification of King Horn remains yet to be established. Luick in his article in Paul’s Grundriss offers the very ingenious hypothesis that in the ‘beginnings of English as well as of German rimed verse, we have before us the coming to light again of the primitive Teutonic measured song verse.’ This hypothesis, though ingenious and plausible, does not admit of verification, and it is perhaps safer to adhere to the view of Schipper (Grundriss der englischen Metrik), who sees in Layamon’s verse the direct traditional descendants of the OE. types, and in King Horn a further development of the versification of Layamon.

We see then, probably, in the versification of King Horn a transitional stage in the development of native English metre, connecting, as we have seen, more closely with the future than with the past. It was probably the occurrence in each verse of two syllables marked from the other syllables by a stronger stress, that gave rise to a feeling of uniformity in rhythm. This tendency toward uniformity in rhythm was fostered by the regular introduction of rime, for since the riming syllable naturally bore one of the two verse accents, and since the riming syllables in two riming verses would occupy the same relative position, hence in a riming verse the second of the two verse accents must balance with that in the other verse of the pair, and the balance established between the second pair of accents would naturally lead to a complete balance between the two verses. In other words the two verses would be levelled to the same rhythm.

The regular introduction of rime was, no doubt, attended by the gradual loss of alliteration, which would cease to be significant as marking the verse accent, since it could hardly be made to fall regularly on the same syllable with the rime, and would hence be merely an unorganic adornment of the verse. As the position of the two verse accents came to be a fixed one, there seems to have been a tendency by raising some of the syllables bearing merely a logical stress, to rhythmic importance, thus to bring about a verse with regular measure.

The most natural products of this development are the two types: (1) with three accents and feminine rime, the natural product of the OE. A, D, and C metrical types, (2) with four accents and masculine rime, the natural product of the OE. B and E types. These forms of verse were very similar, as Schipper has pointed out (as above, § 39), to two popular Romance forms of verse—namely: the first form, three accents with feminine ending, to the half verses of the Alexandrine; and the second form, four accents with masculine ending, to the verses of the short riming couplets and to the first member of the septenar. The development toward regular measure, which had its origin as explained above, was furthered by the influence of the Romance and Mediæval Latin forms of verse. In certain ME. poems, notably the Bestiary, there are to be found verses constructed regularly after Romance or Mediæval Latin models along with native forms in all the stages of development:

1. His muð is yet wel unkuð

Wið pater noster and crede;

Faren he norð, er fare he suð

Leren he sal his nede.   vv. 112-15.

2. Ðe mire muneð us

Mete to tilen,

Longe liuenoðe,
ðis little wile.   vv. 273-6.

Ðe leun stant on hille

And he man hunten here.   vv. 1-2.

The native forms must have been influenced by this close association with foreign forms.

To these conditions and to this course of development we must probably attribute the origin of the versification in King Horn. The rime has become a regular and essential element, the alliteration, a rare and unessential element in the verse. The forms mark a transitional stage in development, but are more closely related to the new than to the old. There has been a half-hearted attempt to introduce regularity of measure, but the rhythm of the OE. types has still influenced the ear of the composer. The most frequent verse form is the one with three accents and feminine rime, about 1300 verses (Schipper). This is developed from the OE. through a stronger accent on one of the original theses; e.g., king he was biweste so longe so hit laste, vv. 5, 6 C, where the measure has been developed from the OE. A. type through stronger stress on was and so respectively. Sometimes the original OE. A. type is preserved; e.g., Hi slóȝen and fúȝten þe níȝt and þe úȝten, 1473-4 C. But that this was not considered normal is shown by the fact that the other two texts, L and H, have made these two verses quoted, fit into the new normal form, by adding a new syllable in each verse, so that we have in MS. L, He smýten ánd he foúten þe nýȝt and éke þe oúȝten, vv. 1473-4 L. Cf. also H. The next most frequent type is the one with four accents and masculine rime; e.g., Here sone hauede to name horn; Feyrer child ne micte ben born, 9, 10 L. Less frequent types are; that with three accents and masculine ending, e.g., þu art gret and strong, Fair and euene long, 99-100 C; and that with four accents and feminine rime, e.g., To deþe he hem alle broȝte, His fader deþ wel dere hi boȝte, 951-2 C (but cf. L and H, which have more normal forms).

While nearly all the verses may be made to fit into one of the types mentioned above, there are some which do not fit naturally into any one of the new types, but which seems rather to be a stereotyped form handed down from OE. tradition; e.g., Bi þe se side (OE. C type) 35, of alle wymmanne (OE. C type) 71, Wringinde here honde (OE. E type) 118, Bi þe se brinke 151, In to a galeie 199, He was þe faireste 187 C. (OE. C types). (Cf. L which tries to make this verse fit better into the new versification, For þat he was fayrest), We ben of sodenne 189 L, Of Cristene blode (OE. type E) 191 C. And þi fairnesse 227 C. þoru out westnesse 228 L (MS. C adapts the verse by changing the westnesse of L. H. to Westernesse).

Compound proper names seem to have been a source of confusion. Should bothI.12 elements of the name receive stress, primary and secondary, as in OE., or should only one? Notice the struggles of the scribes with verse 169: Hy metten wiþ almair king C, Metten he with aylmer king L, metten hue Eylmer, þe kyng H. Also 257. Ailbrus gan lere C, And aylbrous gan leren L, Aþelbrus gon leren H. On the whole the scribes have been fairly successful in making the native material fit into the new forms, but not unfrequently may be detected traces of the rhythm of the native OE. types, especially of the C type.

§ 7. DIALECT.

In what dialect King Horn was originally composed, it is not easy to determine. This is a particularly difficult matter because the real pronunciation is disguised behind a great diversity of written forms. Under the circumstances the only safe guide is to be found in the rimes. Even these are very unsatisfactory since they are too few to permit any safe generalizations. For instance, it is impossible to apply satisfactorily Prof. Hempl’s -wǭ-, -wō- test (cf. Journ. of Germ. Phil. I, pp. 14-30). In a similar way it is impossible to apply Pogatscher’s ingenious test by means of the shortened product of WG. ā, WS. ǣ (cf. Anglia, xxiii, pp. 301 ff.) because of want of rime material. Another difficulty in using the rime-test is the double pronunciation indicated, notably in the case of WS. -eald-, éa- as the result of contraction (e.g. WS. sléan), and of words with initial palatal ȝ- (e.g., WS. geong). Cf. examples below.

From a consideration of the phonology of the poem Wissmann concludes (King Horn, Untersuchungen, Strassburg, 1876, p. 33) that, “Im Allgemeinen ist der Charakter des Vocalismus ein südöstlicher, der jedoch von dem kentischen in vielen Punkten sich unterscheidet. Die grösste Wahrscheinlichkeit hat Essex als Gegend der Entstehung für sich.” A further investigation reveals to me no reason for dissenting from this view. Some of the more prominent features of the phonology are as follows:

In all of the three MSS. the sign æ has been disused. In its place occurs, now a, now e, so that the indication of pronunciation is often ambiguous. That the letter a sometimes denotes the æ sound seems certain (cf. Wissmann, Untersuchungen, as above, p. 10). The original pure ă, as in some districts of America, had nearly disappeared, or been lengthened, or become o or part of a diphthong. The letter a was thus left free to denote the æ sound, though sometimes assisted in this function by the letter e.

OE. æ̆ and OE. ǣ (ē) shortened.

In the North and the Midland, OE. æ̆ and ǣ (umlaut of WG. ai) shortened, appear as a, OE. (WS.) ǣ (= WG. ā) shortened usually as e. In the West-Southern and Middle-Southern, (1) early writings have e (æ, ea), (2) later writings have a. In Kentish and East-Southern the prevailing vowel is e. (Cf. Morsbach, §§ 96-105.)

In K. H. OE. æ̆ appears (1) in C usually as a (one exception bed 536), (2) in H as e, e.g., sumwet : net 725-6, (3) in L as a or e. OE. ǣ (i-umlaut) shortened seems to have been written the same. Cf. 5-6, 653-4, 1249-50, with some variations from the rule in 21-2, 553-4, 1305-6, 701-2 C H. The pronunciation of this shortened OE. ǣ (i-umlaut) seems to have been e. Cf. geste : feste 553-4, 1305-6, biweste : laste 5-6. Apparent evidence to the contrary are haste : laste 653-4 C L (but beste : leste H), and icaste : ilaste 701-2 C H (but keste L), hadde : ladde 21-2, hadde : dradde 1249-50 C L, but hedde : dredde 1249-50 H.

Note 1. OE. (WS.) ǣ must have had a close pronunciation (ẹ̄) if we may judge from the rimes; here : lere 241-2, lede : ȝede 309-10 C, ete : suete 1349-50, lere : yfere 257-8, swete : forlete 231-2, seche : speche 183-4, 483-4, etc. Or perhaps we must conclude that ẹ̄ close and ę̄ open were not carefully distinguished in rime, for cf. stede : drede 273-4 C, and Note 2.

Note 2. OE. a when lengthened in open syllables seems to have had an open ę̄ sound. Cf. makede : verade 179-80, þere : fare 497-8 L H, speke : take 567-8, þere : aylmere 537-8 L, C H, 1613-14, ȝate : late 1123-4 C, 1593-4 C, brake : gate 1157-8 C, lede : made 1501-2 L H, slape : rape 1531-2 C. Cf. also the ai : ei rimes. L and H write ai, ay, ei, and ey without distinction. Cf. 1087-8 L, 1361-2 C, 1399-1400, etc.

Note 3. Pogatscher’s ingenious test (Anglia, xxiii, 301 ff.) can not be applied here, because, so far as I can see, there are no instances of rimes with shortened OE. ǣ (WG. ā). This ǣ with original length occurs in rime, now with a lengthened in open syllable (cf. Note 2, above), now with ē. Cf. seche : speche 183-4, swete : forlete 231-2, etc.

On the whole, then, we may conclude that it is possible to assume for K. H. the East-Southern product e, but that if we do so we must also assume either inaccuracy in the rimes or a mixed dialect.

WS. ea before l + consonant is written, sometimes eld, sometimes old. It seems also to have had a double pronunciation. Both pronunciations are supported by rimes. Such rimes as welde : ȝelde 513-14 C H, felde : welde 451-2 H, bihelde : felde 901-2, support one pronunciation based on the OE. (WS.) breaking ea before l + cons., while Admirad : bald C, amyraud : baud L, Admyrold : bold H 95-6, seem to testify to the unbroken sound in OE. lengthened before -ld to ā and then opened to ǭ. For other instances with varying spelling cf. 17-18, 323-4, 397-8, 639-40, 1499-1500. In v. 497 the L reading talede seems to represent the OE. broken form as opposed to the unbroken form tolde in C and H.

OE. ĕ. There are many instances of e : i rimes. But it is seemingly impossible to determine thereby much concerning the dialect. (Cf. Morsb. §§ 109, 114, N. 1.) For examples of this rime, cf. wïlle : telle 383-4, 1015-16 C; stille : duelle 393-4 C; þikke : nekke 1327-8; snelle : wille 1581-2 C, etc.

The form sigge seems to belong especially to the South-East. (Morsb. 114, N. 1, 109, N. 4, also Wissman, King Horn, p. xiv.) Cf. K. H. vv. 1367-8, ligge : wiþsegge C, ligge : sigge L; lygge : wiþsugge H.

OE. ȳ̆, umlaut of ū̆ offers many difficulties. It is represented in writing by y, i, u, e. The rimes show the prevailing sound to have been e; e.g., Suddenne : kenne 155-6, 923-4, pelle : fulle 421-2, leste : beste 505-6, also 617-18, 671-2, 647-8, 703-4, 917-18, 919-20 L, 805-6, 795-6, 1479-80, 1637-8, 1341-2, 1367-8, etc. But cf. y : i in kesse : ywisse 461-2 C H, liȝte : driȝte 1405-6 C. That y : i rimes should occur, might be expected in view of the vague distinction between e and i as shown by the e : i rimes, but the number of y : e rimes attests to a pronunciation e. This is the strongest available evidence that K. H. was composed in the south-eastern district.

That the dialect of King Horn is a mixed dialect is supported by the treatment of æ above, by the double pronunciation of WS. -eald, and by further double pronunciations. OE. (WS.) slēan, flēan seem to have had double pronunciations. The ō pronunciation is attested to by the rime, slon : vpon C, slon : on L H, 47-8. The OE. e͞a is rendered probable by the written forms, sle : fle 1467-8 C, etc. Other double pronunciations are ȝonge : ispronge 579-80, and more frequently the i rime ȝonge : bringe 295-6, ringe : ȝonge 599-600.

Prof. Hempl’s -wǭ-, -wō- test does not yield very definite results in this text, but seems to indicate a southern dialect. Cf. two : þo 53-4 C, 37-8 L H, go : also 103-4, 107-8 L H, wo : þo 121-2, 279-80. But cf. wo : do 291-2. This might perhaps be cited as another evidence of mixed dialect.

For consonants we have no definite rime tests, and consequently can learn concerning them little more than the scribal preferences. In all three texts, however, the southern forms are the favoured ones; e.g. ȝeue, ȝate. Here again, however, we have double forms; e.g. wurche : chirche 1481-2, but werke : derke 1547-8 C H; yliche : riche 19, 20, 357-8; ilike : biswike 305-6, though, perhaps, we are to seek the explanation of these double forms in difference of vowel-ending rather than in difference of dialect.

From the inflections as from the consonants we can gain no very exact information, and for the same reason. The evidence, however, such as it is, points in the same direction, toward the south. The regular endings of the present indicative seem to be -e, -est, -eþ for the singular and -eþ for the plural. The forms are not numerous on account of the infrequent use of the present tense. There are some departures from these normal endings. ben occurs occasionally in the plural of the verb ‘be’; e.g. 882 L, 1643 C L, 177 H. Other traces of the Midland ending -en are to be seen, wilen 2 L, 7 H, etc. Such forms as þou seydes 588 L, þou biginnes 608 L, wepes þou 696 L, are probably to be explained as mistakes of the scribe of this MS., who frequently leaves off a final consonant.

The conservative forms of the past participle, preserving the old prefix as i- or y-, also indicate a southern dialect for the scribes at least.

The personal pronouns preserve the conservative southern forms, rare exceptions being sche 380 L, in place of the normal he, and þei 1557 C, þe 55 L, for the normal hi.

From what has been said above, it seems fairly certain that the original dialect was a southern one, and probably a south-eastern one. There are, however, some features which distinguish the dialect of Horn from the Kentish. (Cf. Morsbach, § 9, b.) For instance, I may cite the history of the breaking ea before r + cons. In K. H. this is usually written a. (Cf. 481-2, 751-2, 1147-8.) But in case of lengthening before -rn, we see that the OE. broken ea pronunciation must have been the basis; e.g., werne : berne C L, werne : berne H, 753-4, 985-6, 749-50 L, 1513-14 H, erne : werne 937-8 H. The combinations ē̆o, ī̆o, ēa are very regularly monophthonged, not preserving any of the Kentish diversity of form.

The time of composition must have been fairly late, as we must infer from the number of French words even in the rimes. That K. H. was composed later than the beginning of the 13th century, we may conclude from the fact that OE. ā has been regularly converted into -ǭ-. Cf. drof : of 129-30, forsoke : loke 799-800, etc. That it was composed in the second half of the century seems certain from the regularity of the conversion of ā to ǭ-, and further from the lengthening of short vowels in open syllables. Of this latter phenomenon we have very few certain instances. Such rimes, however, as þere : fare 497-8 L H and stede : drede 273-4 C, seem to be certain enough. (Cf. also 179-80, 537-8, 567-8, 1123-4 C, 1157-8 C, 1501-2 L H, 1531-2 C, 1613-14.)

§ 8. MANUSCRIPTS.

The English story of King Horn is preserved in three MSS.

1. The Cambridge University MS. Gg. 4. 27, 2, which forms the nucleus of the present volume, is merely a fragment of fourteen folios. It contains on its first folios the latter part of the story of Floris and Blauncheflur, which is printed in the present volume. This is followed by King Horn entire, which is followed by the fragment, printed in this volume, of the Assumption.

The Cambridge MS. is written in a very plain book-hand, apparently of the latter half of the 13th century. The folios are written in double columns, and occasionally, since the lines are short, two lines are joined in one. The initial letters are written a little apart from the rest, and are marked with strokes of red.

This text of King Horn is the one printed by Lumby in the first edition of the present volume.

2. Laud Misc. MS. 108 is well known because containing one of the earliest collections of legends. It contains sixty-one legends (the Southern Cycle) followed by three religious poems, these in turn followed by the romances of Havelok and Horn, and these followed by three further legends, in a later hand of the 15th century.

The MS. is written in double columns on parchment, and probably dates back to 1325. The texts of Horn and Havelok are written in a fine book-hand. The lives that are appended are written in a later, much less formal hand.

[For full description of the MS. and its contents, see C. Horstmann, Altenglische Legenden, pp. x-xii, Paderborn, 1875.]

This text of King Horn is printed by C. Horstmann in Herrig’s Archiv, 1872, pp. 39-58.

3. Harleian MS. 2253 is well known to all connoisseurs of early lyric poetry. It seems to be the collection of a genuine lover of poetry. In the words of the Brit. Mus. Catalogue it is, “A parchment book in small folio, written by several hands, upon several subjects; partly in old French, partly in Latin, and partly in old English; partly in prose, partly in verse.” The lyrical poems have been reprinted by T. Wright (Specimens of Lyric Poetry, Percy Society, London, 1842), who believes that the collection had its origin in the Abbey of Leominster in Herefordshire. The English poems have also been published by Dr. K. Böddeker (Altenglische Dichtungen des MS. Harl. 2253. Berlin, 1878).

The MS. is written in an informal, but legible hand, probably of the early 14th century. The writer of the text of King Horn seems to have been acquainted with the French version of the story, as we must infer from his substitution of Allof (R. H. aaluf) for Murry. The word geste in the heading, and the French orthography throughout, together with occasional forms as enimis 1024 H, nom. sing. of enemy (cf. Note), 659 H, maister gen. sing., 123 L, Horns, nom. sing. go along with the evidence of the French associations of the MS., to make us believe that the scribe was an Anglo-Norman.

This text of King Horn has been printed by J. Ritson (Anc. Engl. Metr. Rom., London, 1882, II, pp. 91-155).

We thus see that for the preservation of King Horn we are indebted to (1) a fragment of a collection of stories, (2) a southern collection of legends, to which have been appended Havelok and Horn, (3) a genuine literary collection probably made in Herefordshire by an Anglo-Norman.

Of these MSS. no one is derived from either of the others. To indicate their interrelations, I will borrow the diagram of Wissmann expressing the result of his studies in this matter. (Cf. Wissmann, King Horn, p. v, Strassburg, 1881.)

Missing “x” supplied from Wissman.

Footnotes to Introduction

I.1 Cf. Skeat’s Chaucer. Note to Marchaundes Tale 1424, and Tr. and C. iii, 614.

I.2 Brede (R.) und Stengel (E.). Das agn. Lied vom wackern Ritter Horn. Ausg. u. Abh. VIII. Marburg, 1883. Also Fr. Michel. For the Bannatyne Club, 1845.

I.3 Wissmann (Th.), Quell. u. Forsch. XVI. Strassburg, 1876.

I.4 For complete list of traits peculiar to R. H. cf. J. Caro, in Eng. Stud. xii, 331-2.

I.5 Cf. the relation of the English version of Fl. and Bl. to the French original.

I.6 Cf. Stimming. Review of Wissmann’s ed. of K. H. Engl. Stud. i, 357 ff.

I.7 The author of H. C. endeavours to be realistic. There are no more vague terms, like Sarazins, etc. Further, there is a parallelism with the story of Harold, suggesting that this version has been influenced by historical events.

I.8 Cf. the seeming duplication of names, Rymenhild, Reymyld etc.; Reynild, Ermenyld, etc., all of which may have come from an original Eormenhild (cf. OE. Leechdoms), the variants being due to metathesis as in OE. yrnan : rinnan. Cf. also the explanation of Westernesse below, p. xx.

I.9 Ward (H. L. W.), Catalogue of Romances in the British Museum, I, 450.

I.10 Aethelwulf was King of Kent, Surrey and Sussex (Gaimar, 2391. Cf. also 2476, 2480-82). Aethelstan had Wessex, for see 2480-82. Aethelwulf was defeated by the Danes (2440-46), and was avenged by his brother Aethelstan, who defeated the Danes (2480-83).

I.11 All three MSS. of K. H. say of Horn’s father, “king he wes by weste,” perhaps referring to this western division of the eastern kingdom. Asser visits Alfred at the latter’s royal ‘vill’ which is called Denne. East Dene (or Dean) and West Dene are two villages near Chichester. There are also two villages of the same name near Eastbourne.

I.12 The rimes throughout indicate that the second syllables in compound words and the more important suffixes still bore an accent. Cf. 169-70, 199-200, 209-10, 219-20, 1353-4, etc.

KING HORN.

Cambr. Univ. MS. Gg. 4. 27. 2.

Laud Misc. MS. 108, fol. 219 b.

Harl. MS. 2253.

[leaf 83]

Her bygynneþ þe geste of kyng Horn.

Alle beon he bliþe

Þat to my song lyþe,

A sang ihc schal ȝou singe

4Of Murry þe kinge.

Alle ben he bliþe

Þat to me wilen liþe,

A song ich wille you singe

4 Of morye þe kinge.

¶ Alle heo ben blyþe
þat to my song ylyþe,
a song ychulle ou singe

4 of Allof þe gode kynge.

The | corresponds to a sign used in the MS. to mark the divisions between the lines.

See endnote in main file.

King Murry and his queen, Godhild, have a son named Horn.

King he was biweste

So longe so hit laste.

Godhild het his quen;

8Faire ne miȝte non ben.

He hadde a sone þat het horn;

Fairer ne miste non beo born,

Ne no rein vpon birine,

12Ne sunne vpon bischine.

King he was bi westen

Wel þat hise dayes lesten,

And godild hise gode quene;

8 Feyrer non micte bene.

Here sone hauede to name horn;

Feyrer child ne micte ben born.

Ne reyn ne micte upon reyne,

12 Ne no sonne by schine.

kyng he wes by weste
þe whiles hit yleste,
ant godylt his gode quene;

8 no feyrore myhte bene.

ant huere sone hihte horn;
feyrore child ne myhte be born.

for reyn ne myhte by ryne

12 ne sonne myhte shyne.

He is marvellously fair and fifteen years old.

Fairer nis non þane he was;

He was briȝt so þe glas.

He was whit so þe flur,

16Rose red was his colur.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

In none kinge riche

20Nas non his iliche.

Fayrer child þanne he was,

Brict so euere any glas,

Whit so any lili flour,

16 So rose red was hys colur.

He was fayr and eke bold

And of fiftene winter hold.

Was noman him yliche

20 Bi none kinges riche.

feyrore child þen he was,
bryht so euer eny glas,
so whit so eny lylye flour,

16 so rose red wes his colour.

He wes feyr ant eke bold
ant of fyftene wynter old.

[leaf 83, back]

Nis non his yliche

20 in none kinges ryche.

Saracens invade the land.

Horn has twelve companions.

Twelf feren he hadde

Þat alle wiþ him ladde,

Alle riche mannes sones,

24And alle hi were faire gomes,

Wiþ him for to pleie.

And mest he luuede tweie;

xij feren he hadde

Þat he mid him ladde,

And alle rich kinges sones,

24 And alle swiþe fayre gomes,

Mid hym forto pleye.

But mest he louede tueye;

tueye feren he hadde
þat he wiþ him ladde,
alle richemenne sones,

24 ant alle suyþe feyre gomes,
wyþ him forte pleye.

mest he louede tueye;

Athulf the best, and Fikenhild the worst.

Þat on him het haþulf child,

28And þat oþer ffikenild.

Aþulf was þe beste

And fikenylde þe werste.

Þat on was hoten ayol child,

28 And þat oþer fokenild.

Ayol was þe beste

And fokenild þe werste.

Þat on wes hoten Athulf chyld,

28 ant þat oþer Fykenyld.

Athulf wes þe beste
ant fykenyld þe werste.

King Murry while riding, finds fifteen ships arrived on the strand.

Hit was vpon a someres day,

32Also ihc ȝou telle may,

Murri þe gode king

Rod on his pleing

Bi þe se side,

36Ase he was woned ride.

Hit was sone someres day,

32 Also ich nou tellen may,

Þat moye þe gode kinge

Rod on his pleyhinge

Bi þe se syde,

36 Þer he was woned to ryde.

Hyt was vpon a someres day,

32 also ich ou telle may,

Allof þe gode kyng
rod vpon ys pleyȝyng
bi þe see side,

36 þer he was woned to ryde.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

He fond bi þe stronde,

40Ariued on his londe,

Schipes fiftene,

Wiþ sarazins kene.

He axede what isoȝte

44Oþer to londe broȝte.

With him riden bote tvo;

Al to fewe ware þo.

He fond bi þe stronde,

40 Ariued on his londe,

Schipes xv,

Of sarazines kene.

He acsede wat he sowte

44 Oþer to londe broucte.

wiþ him ne ryde bote tuo;
al to fewe hue were þo.

he fond by þe stronde,

40 aryued on is londe,
shipes fyftene,
of sarazynes kene.

he askede whet hue sohten

44 oþer on is lond brohten.

A Payn hit of herde

And hym wel sone answarede,

“Þi lond folk we schulle slon

48And alle þat Crist luueþ vpon,

And þe selue riȝt anon;

Ne schaltu todai henne gon.”

A peynym it yherde

And sone answerede,

“Þi lond folc we wilen slon

48 And al þat god leuet on;

And þe we solen sone anon;

Sald þou neuere henne gon.”

a payen hit yherde
ant sone him onsuerede,

“þy lond folk we wolleþ slon

48 þat euer crist leueþ on;
ant þe we wolleþ ryht anon;
shalt þou neuer henne gon.”

Saracens kill Horn’s father.

After a brave defence, the king and his two companions are slain,

Þe kyng aliȝte of his stede,

52For þo he hauede nede,

And his gode kniȝtes two;

Al to fewe he hadde þo.

Swerd hi gunne gripe

56And to gadere smite.

Hy smyten vnder schelde

Þat sume hit yfelde.

Þe king hadde al to fewe

60Toȝenes so vele schrewe.

Þe king licte adoun of his stede,

52 For þo he hauede nede,

And hise gode knictes ij,

But ywis hem was ful wo.

Swerdes þe gonne gripe

56 And to gydere smyte.

He fouten an onder selde

Some of hem he felde.

He weren al to fewe

60 Ayen so fele srewe.

þe kyng lyhte of his stede,

52 for þo he heuede nede,
ant his gode feren tuo;
mid ywis huem wes ful wo.

swerd hy gonne gripe

56 ant to gedere smyte.

hy smyten under shelde,
þat hy somme yfelde.

¶ þe kyng hade to fewe

60 aȝeyn so monie schrewe.

and the Saracens begin to waste the land.

So fele miȝten yþe

Bringe hem þre to diþe.

¶ Þe pains come to londe

64And neme hit in here honde.

Þat folc hi gunne quelle

And churchen for to felle.

Sone micten atteþKH1

Bringen þre deþe.

Þe paynimes comen to londe

64 And nomen hyt al to honde.

Cherches he gonnen felle,

And folc he gonne quelle.

KH.1 after þ a letter erased

so fele myhten eþe
bringe þre to deþe.

þe payns come to londe

64 ant nomen hit an honde.

þe folk hy gonne quelle
ant sarazyns to felle.

Þer ne moste libbe

68Þe fremde ne þe sibbe,

Bute hi here laȝe asoke

And to here toke.

Of alle wymmanne

72Wurst was godhild þanne.

Þer ne micte libbe

68 Þe fremde ne þe sibbe,

Bote he here ley forsoken

And to here token.

Of alle wimmenne

72 Verst was godyld onne.

þer ne myhte libbe

68 þe fremede ne þe sibbe,
bote he is lawe forsoke
ant to huere toke.

of alle wymmanne

72 werst wes godyld þanne.

Godhild grieves much,

For Murri heo weop sore

And for horn ȝute more.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

For moy he wep sore

And for horn wel more.

Godild hauede so michel sore

76Micte no wimman habbe more.

for Allof hy wepeþ sore
ant for horn ȝet more.

Godild hade so muche sore

76 þat habbe myhte hue na more.

Godhild takes refuge in a cave.

but retires alone to a cave, where she continues to observe the Christian religion.

He wenten vt of halle,

Fram hire Maidenes alle,

Vnder a roche of stone.

80Þer heo liuede alone.

Þer heo seruede gode,

Aȝenes þe paynes forbode.

Þe vente hout of halle,

Fram hire maydenes alle,

In to a roche of stone.

80 Þar he wonede allone.

Þer he seruede god,

Ayenes þe houndes forbod.

hue wente out of halle,
from hire maidnes alle,
vnder a roche of stone.

80 þer hue wonede al one.

þer hue seruede gode,
aȝeyn þe payenes forbode.

Þer he seruede criste,

84Þat no payn hit ne wiste.

Euere heo bad for horn child,

Þat Iesu crist him beo myld.

Horn was in paynes honde

88Wiþ his feren of þe londe.

Muchel was his fairhede,

For ihesu crist him makede.

Þer he seruede criste,

84 Þat paynimes ne wiste,

And euere bed for horn child,

Þat ihesu crist him were mild.

Horn was in peynims honde,

88 Mid his feren of þe londe.

Miche was his fayrhede,

So ihesu him hauede made.

þer hue seruede crist,

84 þat þe payenes hit nust.

ant euer hue bad for horn child,
þat crist him wrþe myld.

¶ Horn wes in payenes hond,

88 mid is feren of þe lond.

muche wes þe feyrhade
þat ihesu crist him made.

Saracens deliberate over Horn.

The pagans save Horn and his companions on account of Horn’s fairness,

Payns him wolde slen

92Oþer al quic flen.

Ȝef his fairnesse nere,

Þe children alle aslaȝe were.

Þo hundes wolde slon,

92 And some him wolde flon.

Ȝif hornes fayrede nere,

Þe child yslawe ware.

payenes him wolde slo

92 ant summe him wolde flo.

ȝyf hornes feyrnesse nere,
yslawe þis children were.

Þanne spak on Admirad,

96Of wordes he was bald,

“Horn, þu art wel kene,

And þat is wel isene;

Þu art gret and strong,

100fair and euene long.

Þu schalt waxe more

Bi fulle seue ȝere.

Uan bi spek him amyraud,

96 Of wordes he was swiþe baud,

“Horn, þou art swiþe scene,

And follyche swiþe kene;

Þou art fayr and eke strong,

100 Þou art eueneliche long.

Þou scald more wexe

In þis fif yere þe nexte.

þo spec on Admyrold,

96 of wordes he wes swyþe bold,

“horn, þou art swyþe kene,
bryht of hewe ant shene;
þou art fayr ant eke strong

100 ant eke eueneliche long.

[No gap in MS.  . .

. . . . . . . . .]

at the same time with forebodings that if Horn lives, he will take revenge.

Ȝef þu mote to liue go,

104And þine feren also,

Ȝef hit so bi falle,

Ȝe scholde slen vs alle.

Þaruore þu most to stere,

108Þu and þine ifere.

To schupe schulle ȝe funde

And sinke to þe grunde.

Ȝif þu to liue mictest go,

104 An þine feren also,

Þat micte so bifalle

Þou suldes slen us alle.

Þe for þou scald to stron go

108 And þine feren also.

To schip ye schulen stounde

A sinken to þe grunde.

ȝef þou to lyue mote go,

104 ant þyne feren also,
þat ymay byfalle
þat ȝe shule slen vs alle.

[leaf 84]

þare fore þou shalt to streme go,

108 þou ant þy feren also.

to shipe ȝe shule founde
ant sinke to þe grounde.

Þe se ȝou schal adrenche;

112Ne schal hit us noȝt of þinche.

For if þu were aliue,

Wiþ swerd oþer wiþ kniue

We scholden alle deie,

116And þi fader deþ abeie.”

Þe se þe sal adrinke;

112 Ne sal hit us of þinke.

For yf þou come to liue,

With suerdes or with cniue

We sholde alle deye,

116 Þi faderes det abeye.”

þe see þe shal adrenche;

112 ne shal hit vs of þenche.

for ȝef þou were alyue,
wiþ suerd oþer wiþ knyue
we shulden alle deȝe,

116 þy fader deþ to beye.”

Horn is put to sea in a boat.

Grieving sorely, the children are put aboard the boat,

Þe children hi broȝte to stronde,

Wringinde here honde,

Into schupes borde

120At þe furste worde.

Ofte hadde horn beo wo,

At neure wurs þan him was þo.

[No gap in MS.  . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Þe childre yede to stronde,

Wringende here honde.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Ofte hauede horn child be wo,

Bute neuere werse þan þo.

Horns yede in to þe shipes bord

124Sone at þe firste word,

And alle hise feren,

Þat ware him lef and dere.

þe children ede to þe stronde,
wryngynde huere honde,
ant in to shipes borde

120 at þe furste worde.

ofte hade horn be wo,
ah neuer wors þen him wes þo.

[No gap in MS.  . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Þe se bigan to flowe

128And hornchild to rowe.

Þe se þat schup so faste drof,

Þe children dradde þer of.

Hi wenden to wisse

132Of here lif to misse,

Þe se bigan to flowen

128 And horn faste to rowen.

And here schip swiþe drof;

Þe children adred þer of.

Þei wenden alle wel ywis

132 Of here lif haued ymis,

¶ þe see bygon to flowen

128 ant horn faste to rowen
ant þat ship wel suyþe drof,
ant horn wes adred þer of,
hue wenden mid ywisse

132 of huere lyue to misse.

and the following morning see land.

Al þe day and al þe niȝt,

Til hit sprang dai liȝt.

¶ Til horn saȝ on þe stronde

136Men gon in þe londe.

“Feren,” quaþ he, “ȝonge,

Ihc telle ȝou tiþinge.

Al þe day and al þe nict,

Til him sprong þe day lyt.

Til horn bi þe stronde

136 Seth men gon alonde.

“Feren,” he seyde, “singe,

Y telle ȝou a tidinge.

al þe day ant al þe nyht,
o þat sprong þe day lyht,

Flotterede horn by þe stronde,

136 er he seye eny londe.

“feren,” quoþ horn þe ȝynge,

“y telle ou tydynge.

Horn announces land to his companions.

Ihc here foȝeles singe

140And þat gras him springe.

Bliþe beo we on lyue,

Vre schup is on ryue.”

Of schup hi gunne funde

144And setten fout to grunde.

Ych here foules singe

140 And so þe gras him springe.

Bliþe be we o liue,

Houre schip hys come ryue.”

Of schip þe gon fonde

144 An sette fot on grunde.

Ich here foules singe,

140 ant se þe grases springe.

blyþe be ȝe alyue,
vr ship is come to ryue.”

of shipe hy gonne founde

144 ant sette fot to grounde.

Horn’s farewell to the boat.

All disembark, and Horn bids the boat a touching farewell, wishing it ‘dayes gode,’

Bi þe se side

Hi leten þat schup ride.

Þanne spak him child horn,

148In suddene he was iborn,

“Schup, bi þe se flode,

Daies haue þu gode;

Bi þe se brinke

152No water þe na drinke.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Bi þe se side

Here schip bigan to glide.

Þanne spek þe chid horn,

148 In sodenne he was yborn,

“Go nou, schip, by flode,

And haue dawes gode.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Softe mote þou stirie,

No water þe derie.

by þe see syde
hure ship bigon to ryde.

þenne spec him child horn,

148 in sudenne he was yborn,

“nou, ship, by þe flode,
haue dayes gode,
by þe see brynke

152 no water þe adrynke.

softe mote þou sterye,
þat water þe ne derye.

and charging it with messages to his mother and friends.

Ȝef þu cume to Suddenne,

156Gret þu wel of myne kenne;

Gret þu wel my moder,

Godhild, quen þe gode.

And seie þe paene kyng,

160Iesucristes wiþering,

Þat ihc am hol and fer

On þis lond ariued her.

And seie þat hei schal fonde

164Þe dent of myne honde.”

Wanne þou comes to sodenne,

156 Gret wel al mi kinne,

And grete wel þe gode

Quen godild, my moder.

And sey þat heþene king,

160 Ihesu cristes wiþerling,

Þat ichc lef and dere,

On londe am riued here.

And sei þat he shal fonge

164 Þe deth of mine honde.”

ȝef þou comest to sudenne,

156 gret hem þat me kenne.

gret wel þe gode
quene godild, mi moder.

ant sey þene heþene kyng,

160 ihesu cristes wytherlyng,
þat ich hol ant fere,
in londe aryuede here.

ant say þat he shal fonde

164 þen deþ of myne honde.”

King Aylmer welcomes the children.

The children set out from the shore and meet King Aylmer,

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Þe children ȝede to Tune

168Bi dales and bi dune.

Þe schip bigan to flete

And horn child forto wepe.

Þe children yede to towne

168 Bi dales and bi downe.

¶ Þe ship bigon to fleoten
ant horn child to weopen.

by dales ant by dounes

168 þe children eoden to tounes.

Hy metten wiþ almair king,

Crist ȝeuen him his blessing,

King of Westernesse,

172Crist ȝiue him Muchel blisse.

Metten he with aylmer king,

God him yeue god timing,

King of westnesse,

172 God him yeue blisse.

metten hue Eylmer, þe kyng,
crist him ȝeue god tymyng,
kyng of westnesse,

172 c[ri]st him myhte blesse.

who greets them kindly and asks their history.

He him spac to horn child

Wordes þat were Mild,

“Whannes beo ȝe, faire gumes,

176Þat her to londe beoþ icume,

Alle þrottene

Of bodie swiþe kene?

Bigod þat me makede,

180A swihc fair verade

Ne sauȝ ihc in none stunde

Bi westene londe.

Seie me wat ȝe seche.”

For he spek to horn child

Wordes wel swiþe mild,

“Wenne be ye, fayre grome,

176 Þat here to londe ben ycome,

Alle xiij

Of bodi swiþe schene?

Bi ihesu þat me made,

180 So fayre on ereþ clade,

Ne say neuere stonde

In al westnesse londe.

Sey me wat ye seche.”

he spec to horn child
wordes suyþe myld,

“whenne be ȝe gomen,

176 þat bueþ her a londe ycomen,
alle þrettene
of bodye suyþe kene?

by god þat me made,

180 so feyr a felaurade
ne seh y neuer stonde
in westnesse Londe.

say me whet ȝe seche.”

184Horn spak here speche,

He spak for hem alle,

Vor so hit moste biualle.

He was þe faireste

188And of wit þe beste.

184 Horn spak here speche,

Hor spak for hem alle,

So hit moste by falle,

For þat he was fayrest

188 And of witte wisest.

184 horn spec huere speche.

¶ Horn spac for huem alle,
for so hit moste byfalle;
he wes þe wyseste

188 ant of wytte þe beste.

Horn tells his history.

Horn tells the king about their adventures,

¶ “We beoþ of Suddenne,

Icome of gode kenne,

Of Cristene blode

192And kynges suþe gode.

Payns þer gunne ariue

And duden hem of lyue.

Hi sloȝen and to droȝe

196Cristenemen inoȝe.

“We ben of sodenne,
ycomen of godemenne,

Of cristene blode

192 And of swiþe gode.

Paynims þer were riued

And broucten men of liue.

He slowe and to drowe

196 Cristene men hy nowe.

“we bueþ of sudenne,
ycome of gode kenne,
of cristene blode,

192 of cunne swyþe gode.

payenes þer connen aryue
ant cristine brohten of lyue,
slowen ant to drowe

196 cristinemen ynowe.

So crist me mote rede,

Vs he dude lede

In to a galeie,

200Wiþ þe se to pleie.

Dai hit is igon and oþer

Wiþute sail and roþer.

So god me mote rede.

Vs he deden lede

In to salyley,

200 Wit þe se to pleye.

Day igo and oþer

Wit uten seyl and roþer.

so crist me mote rede,
ous hy duden lede

[leaf 84, back]

In to a galeye,

200 wiþ þe see to pleye.

day is gon ant oper
wiþ oute seyl ant roþer.

and bids him do his will with them.

Vre schip bigan to swymme

204To þis londes brymme.

Nu þu miȝt vs slen, and binde

Vre honde bihynde.

Bute ȝef hit beo þi wille,

208Helpe þat we ne spille.”

¶ Þanne spak þe gode kyng,

I wis he nas no Niþing,

And hure schip swemme gan,

204 And he to londe it wan.

Nou men us binde

Oure honden us bi hinden,

And yf it be þi wille,

208 Help us þat we ne spille.”

Þo bispac aylmer king,

Was he neuere nyþing,

vre ship flet forþ ylome,

204 ant her to londe hit ys ycome.

Nou þou myht vs slen, ant bynde
oure honde vs bihynde.

ah ȝef hit is þi wille,

208 help vs þat we ne spille.”

¶ Þo spac þe gode kyng,
he nes neuer nyþyng,

Horn tells his name.

Aylmer asks Horn’s name,

“Seie me, child, what is þi name?

212Ne schaltu haue bute game.”

Þe child him answerde,

Sone so he hit herde,

“Horn ihc am ihote,

216Icomen vt of þe bote,

Fram þe se side,

Kyng, wel mote þe tide.”

“Sey me, child, wat is þi name,

212 Ne schal þe tide bote game.”

Þat child him answerede,

Sone so hit herde,

“Hor hich am hote,

216 Ycome out of þe bote,

Fram þe se syde,

King, wel þe bityde.”

“sey, child, whet is þy name,

212 shal þe tide bote game.”

þe child him onsuerede,
so sone he hit yherde,

“Horn ycham yhote,

216 ycome out of þis bote,
from þe see side,
kyng, wel þe bitide.”

and learning it, puns upon it,

Þanne hym spak þe gode king,

220“Wel bruc þu þin euening.

Horn, þu go wel schulle

Bi dales and bi hulle.

“Hon child,” qwad þe king,

220 “Wel brouke þou þi naming.

Horn him goth snille

Bi dales an bi hulle;

“horn child,” quoþ þe kyng,

220 “wel brouc þou þy nome ȝyng.

horn him goþ so stille
bi dales ant by hulles.

predicting that Horn’s fame shall spread like the sound of a horn.

Horn, þu lude sune

224Bi dales and bi dune.

So schal þi name springe

Fram kynge to kynge,

And þi fairnesse

228Abute Westernesse,

Þe strengþe of þine honde

Into Eurech londe.

And þoruuth eche toune

224 Horn him shilleþ soune.

So shal þi name springe

Fram kinge to kinge,

And þi fayrnesse

228 Þoru out westnesse,

And stregþe of þine honde

Þoruouth euerich londe.

horn haþ loude soune

224 þurh out vch a toune.

so shal þi nome springe
from kynge to kynge,
ant þi feirnesse

228 aboute westnesse.

[No gap in MS.  . .

. . . . . . . . .]

He then leads Horn home.

Horn, þu art so swete

232Ne may ihc þe forlete.”

Hom rod Aylmar þe kyng,

And horn mid him his fundyng

And alle his ifere,

236Þat were him so dere.

Horn þu art so swete

232 No schal yþe for lete.”

Hom rod him aylmer king,

And wit horn þe sweting

And alle hyse feren,

236 Þat weren lef and dere.

horn þou art so suete,

232 ne shal y þe forlete.”

Hom rod Aylmer þe kyng,
ant horn wiþ him, his fundlyng,
ant alle his yfere,

236 þat him were so duere.

Arrangements for education of the children.

The king entrusts Horn to Athelbrus, the steward, charging the latter to give Horn full instruction in hunting, fishing,

¶ Þe kyng com in to halle

Among his kniȝtes alle;

Forþ he clupede aþelbrus,

240Þat was stiward of his hus.

“Stiwarde, tak nu here

Mi fundlyng for to lere

Of þine mestere,

244Of wude and of riuere,

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Þe king com in to halle

Among hise kinctes alle.

He bad clepen aybrous,

240 Þe heye stiward of his hous.

“Stiward, haue þou here

Horn chil for to lere

Of þine mestere,

[No gap in MS.  . . . .]

244 Of wode and of felde

To riden wel wit shelde.

þe kyng com in to halle
among his knyhtes alle.

forþ he clepeþ Aþelbrus,

240 his stiward, ant him seide þus,

“stiward, tac þou here
my fundlyng, forto lere
of þine mestere,

244 of wode ant of ryuere,

[No gap in MS.  . .

. . . . . . . . .]

playing the harp, and in serving with the cup.

And tech him to harpe

248Wiþ his nayles scharpe,

Biuore me to kerue

And of þe cupe serue.

Þu tech him of alle þe liste

252Þat þu eure of wiste.

In his feiren þou wise

In to oþere seruise.

Tech him of þe harpe,

248 Wit his nayles sharpe

Biforn me for to harpen,

And of þe cuppe seruen,

And of alle þe listes

252 Þat þou on erþe vistes.

His feren deuise

Of oþer seruise.

and toggen o þe harpe

248 wiþ is nayles sharpe;
and tech him alle þe listes
þat þou euer wystest,
byfore me to keruen

252 ant of my coupe to seruen.

ant his feren deuyse
wiþ ous oþer seruise.

Horn þu vnderuonge

256And tech him of harpe and songe.”

¶ Ailbrus gan lere

Horn and his yfere.

Horn child þou vnderfonge;

256 Tech him of harpe and songe.”

And aylbrous gan leren

Horn and hise feren.

horn child þou vnderstond,

256tech him of harpe ant of song.”

¶ Aþelbrus gon leren,
horn ant hyse feren.

Rymenhild loves Horn.

Horn learns readily and becomes a general favourite.

Horn in herte laȝte

260Al þat he him taȝte.

In þe curt and vte,

And elles al abute,

Luuede men horn child;

264And mest him louede Rymenhild,

Þe kynges oȝene dofter.

He was mest in þoȝte.

Horn in herte laucte

260 Al þat men him taucte.

Wit hine þe curt and wit oute,

And alle veie aboute,

Men loueden alle horn child,

264 And mest him louede rimenild,

Þe kinge owne douter.

He was euere in þoute.

horn mid herte lahte

260 al þat mon him tahte.

wiþ inne court ant wiþ oute
ant oueral aboute,

Louede men horn child;

264 ant most him louede rymenyld,

Þe kynges oune dohter,
for he wes in hire þohte.

Rymenhild falls passionately in love with him,

Heo louede so horn child,

268Þat neȝ heo gan wexe wild;

For heo ne miȝte at borde

Wiþ him speke no worde,

Ne noȝt in þe halle

272Among þe kniȝtes alle,

Ne nowhar in non oþere stede,

Of folk heo hadde drede,

Bi daie ne bi niȝte,

276Wiþ him speke ne miȝte.

Hire soreȝe ne hire pine

Ne miȝte neure fine.

In heorte heo hadde wo,

280And þus hire biþoȝte þo.

So hye louede horn child,

268 Þat hye wex al wild.

Hye ne micte on borde

Wit horn speken no worde,

Noþer in þe halle

272 Among þe kinctes alle,

Ne nower in no stede,

For for folc þer was so meche.

Hire sorwe and hire pyne

276 Nolde he neuere fine.

Bi day ne bi nicte

Wit him speke ne micte.

In herte hye haue kare and wo;

280 Þus he hire bi þoucte þo.

hue louede him in hire mod,

268 for he wes feir ant eke god.

ant þah hue ne dorste at bord
mid him speke ner a word,
ne in þe halle

272 among þe knyhtes alle,
hyre sorewe ant hire pyne
nolde neuer fyne
bi daye ne by nyhte,

276 for hue speke ne myhte
wiþ horn þat wes so feir ant fre,
þo hue ne myhte wiþ him be.

In herte hue hade care ant wo,

280 ant þus hue biþohte hire þo.

and sends to Athelbrus.

Heo sende hire sonde

Aþelbrus to honde,

Þat he come hire to,

284And also scholde horn do

Al in to bure,
ffor heo gan to lure.

And þe sonde seide

288Þat sik lai þat maide,

And bad him come swiþe

For heo nas noþing bliþe.

He sende hire sonde

Aylbrous to honde.

And be, he schold hire comen to,

284 And also scholde horn do

In to hire boure,

For hye gan to loure.

And ysonde seyde

288 Wel riche was þe mede,

And bed him comen swiþe,

For hye nas naut bliþ.

Hue sende hyre sonde

Athelbrus to honde,

[leaf 85]

þat he come hue to,

284 ant also shulde horn do
in to hire boure,
for hue bigon to loure.

ant þe sonde sayde

288 þat seek wes þe mayde,
ant bed him come suyþe,
for hue nis nout blyþe.

Rymenhild bids Athelbrus bring Horn to her bower,

Þe stuard was in herte wo,

292For he nuste what to do.

Wat Rymenhild hure þoȝte,

Gret wunder him þuȝte.

Abute horn þe ȝonge

296To bure for to bringe,

Þe stiward was in herte wo,

292 He ne wiste wat he micte do.

Wat reymnyld wroute,

Mikel wonder him þoute.

Abote horn þe ȝenge

296 To boure for to bringe,

¶ Þe stiward wes in huerte wo,

292 for he nuste whet he shulde do.

what rymenild bysohte,
gret wonder him þohte,
aboute horn þe ȝinge

296 to boure forte bringe.

Athelbrus brings Athulf to bower.

but he, fearing some evil consequence, takes Athulf instead.

He þoȝte upon his mode

Hit nas for none gode.

He tok him anoþer,

300Athulf, hornes broþer.

He þoucte on his mode

Hit nas for none gode.

He tok wit him anoþer,

300 Þat was hornes wed broþer.

he þohte on is mode
hit nes for none gode.

he tok wiþ him an oþer,

300 aþulf, hornes broþer.

¶ “Aþulf,” he sede, “riȝt anon

Þu schalt wiþ me to bure gon,

To speke wiþ Rymenhild stille

304And witen hure wille.

In hornes ilike

Þu schalt hure biswike.

Sore ihc me ofdrede

308He wolde horn misrede.”

“Ayol,” he seyde, “ryt anon

Þou shalt wit me to boure gon,

To speke wit reymyld stille

304 And witen al hire wille.

In hornes ylyche

Þou schalt hire bi swike.

Wel sore y me of drede

308 Þat hye wile horn mis rede.”

“Athulf,” quoþ he, “ryht anon
þou shalt wiþ me to boure gon,
to speke wiþ rymenild stille,

304 to wyte hyre wille.

þou art hornes yliche,
þou shalt hire by suyke;
sore me adrede

308 þat hue wole horn mys rede.”

Reception of Athulf.

Athelbrus and Athulf go to Rymenhild’s bower, and Rymenhild, mistaking Athulf for Horn, embraces him

Aþelbrus gan Aþulf lede

And in to bure wiþ him ȝede.

Anon vpon Aþulf child

312Rymenhild gan wexe wild.

He wende þat horn hit were

Þat heo hauede þere.

Heo sette him on bedde,

316Wiþ Aþulf child he wedde.

On hire armes tweie

Aþulf heo gan leie.

Aylbrous, and ayol him myde,

Boþe he to boure ȝede.

Opon ayol childe

312 Reymyld was naut wilde.

Hye wende horn hit were

Þat hye hadde þere.

Hye sette him on bedde,

316 With ayol he gan wedde.

In hire armes tweye

Ayol he gan leye.

Athelbrus ant Athulf bo
to hire boure beþ ygo.

vpon Athulf childe

312 rymenild con waxe wilde.

hue wende horn it were
þat hue hade þere.

hue seten adoun stille

316 ant seyden hure wille.

In hire armes tueye

Athulf he con leye.

and declares her love.

“Horn,” quaþ heo, “wel longe

320Ihc habbe þe luued stronge.

Þu schalt þi trewþe pliȝte

On myn hond her riȝte,

Me to spuse holde,

324And ihc þe lord to wolde.”

¶ Aþulf sede on hire ire,

So stille so hit were,

“Horn,” hye seyde, “so longe

320 Ich habbe yloued þe stronge.

Þou schalt me treuþe plyȝte

In mine honde wel ryhcte,

Me to spouse welde,

324 And ich þe louerd to helde.”

And seyde in hire here,

So stille so it were,

“horn,” quoþ he, “wel longe

320 y haue loued þe stronge;
þou shalt þy treuþe plyhte
in myn hond wiþ ryhte,
me to spouse welde,

324 ant ich þe louerd to helde.”

so stille so hit were
athulf seyde in hire eere,

Athulf discloses his identity, and bids her desist.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

“Þi tale nu þu lynne,

For horn nis noȝt her inne.

“Ne te þou more speche,

328Sum man þe wile bi keche.

Þi tale bi gyn to lynne,

For horn nis nouth herinne.

“ne tel þou no more speche,

328 may, y þe by seche.

þi tale gyn þou lynne,
for horn nis nout her ynne.

Athulf declares himself in every way inferior to Horn, and his unwillingness to deceive.

Ne beo we noȝt iliche,

332Horn is fairer and riche,

Fairer bi one ribbe

Þane eni Man þat libbe.

Þeȝ horn were vnder Molde,

336Oþer elles wher he wolde,

Oþer henne a þusend Mile,

Ihc nolde him ne þe bigile.”

¶ Rymenhild hire biwente,

340And Aþelbrus fule heo schente.

Horn his fayr and riche,

332 Be we naut yliche,

Fayror honder ribbe

Þan onyman þat libbe.

Þei horn were honder molde

336 Oþer elles qwere e wolde,

Hanne ouer a þousond mile,

Ne schulde ich him bigile.”

Reymyld hire bi wende,

340 Þe stiward sone he schende.

ne be we nout yliche,

332 for horn is fayr ant ryche,
fayrore by one ribbe
þen ani mon þat libbe.

þah horn were vnder molde,

336 ant oþer elle wher he sholde,
hennes a þousent milen,
y nulle him bigilen.”

¶ rymenild hire by wente,

340 ant Athelbrus þus heo shende,

Rymenhild rages at Athelbrus.

Rymenhild storms at Athelbrus, and drives him from the bower.

“Hennes þu go, þu fule þeof,

Ne wurstu me neure more leof

Went vt of my bur,

344Wiþ muchel mesauenteur.

Schame mote þu fonge

And on hiȝe rode anhonge.

Ne spek ihc noȝt wiþ horn,

348Nis he noȝt so vnorn.

Hor[n] is fairer þane beo he,

Wiþ muchel schame mote þu deie.”

“Aylbrous, þu foule þef,

Ne worstu me neuere lef.

Wend out of mi boure,

344 Wyt muchel mesauenture.

Heuele ded mote þou fonge

And on heuele rode on honge.

Spak ich nou with horn,

348 His he nowt me biforn.

He his fayror of liue;

Wend out henne bilyue.”

“Aþelbrus, þou foule þef,
ne worþest þou me neuer lef.

went out of my boure,

344 shame þe mote by shoure,
ant euel hap to vnderfonge
ant euele rode on to honge.

Ne speke y nout wiþ horne,

348 nis he nout so vnorne.

[No gap in MS.  . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Athelbrus promises to bring Horn.

¶ Aþelbrus in a stunde

352Fel anon to grunde.

“Lefdi, Min oȝe,

Liþe me a litel þroȝe.

Þo aylbrous a stounde

352 On kneus fel to grunde.

“A, leuedy, min howe,

Lyþe a litel þrowe.

¶ Þo Athelbrus astounde

352 fel aknen to grounde.

“ha, leuedy, myn owe,
me lyþe a lutel þrowe,

Athelbrus explains his fears,

Lust whi ihc wonde

356Bringe þe horn to honde.

For horn is fair and riche,

Nis no whar his iliche.

Aylmar, þe gode kyng,

360Dude him on mi lokyng.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .]

356 To bringe þe horn to honde.

Horn hys fayr and riche,

His no man hys liche,

And aylmer, þe gode king,

360 Dede him in Mi loking.

ant list were fore ych wonde

356 to bringen horn to honde.

for horn is fayr ant riche,
nis non his ylyche.

Aylmer þe gode kyng

360 dude him me in lokyng.

Ȝef horn were her abute,

Sore y me dute

Wiþ him ȝe wolden pleie

364Bitwex ȝou selue tweie.

Þanne scholde wiþuten oþe

Þe kyng maken vs wroþe.

Ȝyf horn þe were aboute,

Wel sore ich me doute

Þat ye schulden pleye

364 Bitwen hou one tweye.

Þan scholde wit outen oþe

Þe king hus maken wroþe.

Ȝif horn þe were aboute,
sore ich myhte doute
wiþ him þou woldest pleye

364 bituene ou seluen tueye.

þenne shulde wiþ outen oþe
þe kyng vs make wroþe.

but asks Rymenhild’s forgiveness, and promises to bring Horn in all events.

Rymenhild, forȝef me þi tene,

368Lefdi, my quene,

And horn ihc schal þe fecche,

Wham so hit recche.”

For ȝyf me þi tene,

368 My leuedi and my quene,

And horn ich wolle feche,

Wam so hit euere reche.”

[leaf 85, back]

Ah, forȝef me þi teone,

368 my leuedy Ant my quene.

Horn y shal þe fecche,
wham so hit yrecche.”

Rymenhild is glad, and bids him bring Horn as a squire.

¶ Rymenhild, ȝef he cuþe,

372Gan lynne wiþ hire Muþe.

Heo makede hire wel bliþe

Wel was hire þat siþe.

Reymyld, ȝyf hye cowþe,

372 Gan leyhe wyt hire mouþe.

Hye lowe and makede blyþe

Wel was hire swiþe.

rymenild, ȝef heo couþe,

372 con lyþe wiþ hyre mouþe.

heo loh ant made hire blyþe,
for wel wes hyre olyue.

“Go nu,” quaþ heo, “sone,

376And send him after none

Whane þe kyng arise,

On a squieres wise.

To wude for to pleie.

380Nis non þat him biwreie;

He schal wiþ me bileue

Til hit beo nir eue,

To hauen of him mi wille.

384After ne recchecche what me telle.”

“Go,” hye seyde, “sone,

376 And bring him after none,

In a squieres wise,

Wan þe king aryse.

He wende forþ to horne;

380 Ne wolde sche him werne.

“He schal mid me bi leue

Til hyt be ner heue.

Had ich of hym my wille,

384 Ne reche y wat men telle.”

“go þon,” quoþ heo, “sone,

376 ant send him after none,
a skuyeres wyse,
when þe king aryse.

[No gap in MS.  . .

. . . . . . . . .]

he shal myd me bileue
þat hit be ner eue.

haue ich of him mi wille,

384 ne recchi whet men telle.”

Athelbrus invites Horn to Rymenhild.

Athelbrus finds Horn in hall, serving the king.

¶ Aylbrus wende hire fro;

Horn in halle fond he þo,

Bifore þe kyng on benche,

388Wyn for to schenche.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Aylbrous fram boure wende,

Horn in halle he fonde,

Bi forn þe king abenche,

388 Red win to schenche,

And after mete stale,

Boþe win and ale.

¶ Athelbrus goþ wiþ alle;
horn he fond in halle,
bifore þe kyng o benche,

388 wyn forte shenche.

[No gap in MS.  . .

. . . . . . . . .]

He bids him go to Rymenhild’s bower, at the same time urging him to be discreet.

“Horn,” quaþ he, “so hende,

392To bure nu þu wende,

After mete stille,

Wiþ Rymenhild to duelle.

Wordes suþe bolde

396In herte þu hem holde.

“Horn,” he seyde, “so hende,

392 To boure þo most wende,

After mete stille, wit

With reymild to dwelle.

Wordes swiþe bolde

396 In herte gon þu holde.

“Horn,” quoþ he, “þou hende,

392 to boure gyn þou wende,
to speke wiþ rymenild þe ȝynge,
dohter oure kynge,
wordes suyþe bolde;

396 þin horte gyn þou holde.

Horn, beo me wel trewe;

Ne schal hit þe neure rewe.”

Horn in herte leide

400Al þat he him seide.

Hor, be me wel trewe;

Ne schal it þe nouth rewe.”

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Horn, be þou me trewe,
shal þe nout arewe.”

[No gap in MS.  . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Rymenhild’s reception of Horn.

He ȝeode in wel riȝte

To Rymenhild þe briȝte.

Horn him wende forþricte

To reymyld þe brycte.

He eode forþ to ryhte
to rymenild þe bryhte.

On knes he him sette,

404And sweteliche hure grette.

Of his feire siȝte

Al þe bur gan liȝte.

He spac faire speche;

408Ne dorte him noman teche.

Hon kneus he him sette

404 And rimyld fayre grette.

Of þat fayre wihcte

Al þe halle gan licte.

He spak fayre speche;

408 Ne þar him no ma teche.

a knewes he him sette

404 ant suetliche hire grette.

of is fayre syhte
al þat bour gan lyhte.

he spac faire is speche;

408 ne durþ non him teche.

Horn greets Rymenhild with fair words.

“Wel þu sitte and softe,

Rymenhild þe briȝte,

Wiþ þine Maidenes sixe

412Þat þe sitteþ nixte.

Kinges stuard vre

Sende me in to bure.

Wiþ þe speke ihc scholde;

416Seie me what þu woldest.

Seie, and ich schal here,

What þi wille were.”

“Wel þou sitte and softe,

Reymyld, kinges douter,

With þine maydnes syxe

412 Þat sittet þe nexte.

Þe kinges stiward and houre

Sente me to boure.

With þe hy speke schulde;

416 Sey me wat þou wolde.

Sey, and ich schal here,

Wat þi wille were.”

“wel þou sitte ant soþte,
rymenild, kinges dohter,
ant þy maydnes here

412 þat sitteþ þyne yfere.

Kynges styward oure
sende me to boure,

[No gap in MS.  . .

. . . . . . . . .]

forte y here, leuedy myn,
whet be wille þyn.”

Conversation between Horn and Rymenhild.

She takes Horn by the hand and embraces him.

¶ Rymenhild vp gan stonde

420And tok him bi þe honde.

Heo sette him on pelle,

Of wyn to drinke his fulle.

Heo makede him faire chere

424And tok him abute þe swere.

Ofte heo him custe,

So wel so hire luste.

Reymild up gan stonde

420 And tok him bi þe honde.

Sette he him on palle;

Wyn hye dide fulle,

Makede fayre chere,

424 And tok him bi þe swere.

Often hye him kiste,

So wel hire luste.

rymenild vp gon stonde
ant tok him by þe honde.

[No gap in MS.  . .

. . . . . . . . .]

heo made feyre chere

424 ant tok him bi þe suere.

ofte heo him custe,
so wel hyre luste.

Rymenhild tells Horn of her love for him, and bids him plight her his troth.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .]

“Wel come, horn,” hye seyde,

428“So fayr so god þe makede.

An heue and amorwe

For þe ich habbe sorwe.

Haue ich none reste;

432Slepe me ne liste.

Leste me þis sorwe,

Lyue hy nawt to morwe.

Horn, þou schalt wel swiþe

436My longe sorwe liþe;

“Wel come, horn,” þus sayde

428 rymenild, þat mayde,

“an euen ant a morewe
for þe ich habbe sorewe,
þat y haue no reste,

432ne slepe me ne lyste.

[No gap in MS.  . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Horn, þou shalt wel swyþe

436mi longe serewe lyþe;

“Horn,” heo sede, “wiþute strif

Þu schalt haue me to þi wif.

Horn, haue of me rewþe,

440And plist me þi trewþe.”

¶ Horn þo him biþoȝte

What he speke miȝte.

Þou schalt, wit uten striue,

Habben me to wiue.

Horn, haue on me rewþe,

440 And plyct þou me þi trewþe.”

Horn child him bi þoute

Wat he speke myȝte.

þou shalt wyþ-oute striue
habbe me to wyue.

horn, haue of me reuþe,

440 ant plyht me þi treuþe.”

¶ horn þo him byþohte
whet he speken ohte.

Horn urges his low birth and foundling state in objection.

“Crist,” quaþ he, “þe wisse,

444And ȝiue þe heuene blisse

Of þine husebonde,

Wher he beo in londe;

Ihc am ibore to lowe

448Such wimman to knowe.

“God,” qwad horn, “þe wisse,

444 And ȝyue þe ioye and blisse

Of þine hosebonde,

Whare he be in londe.

Ich am hy born to lowe

448 Such a wyf to owe.

“crist,” quoþ horn, “þe wisse,

444 ant ȝeue þe heuene blisse
of þine hosebonde,
who he be a londe.

[No gap in MS.  . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Ihc am icome of þralle,

And fundling bifalle.

Ne feolle hit þe of cunde

452To spuse beo me bunde.

Hit nere no fair wedding

Bitwexe a þral and a king.”

¶ Þo gan Rymenhild mis lyke,

456And sore gan to sike.

Ich am born þralle,

And fundlynge am bi falle.

Ich am nawt of kende

452 Þe to spouse welde.

Hit were no fayr wedding

Bituene a þral and þe king.”

Reymyld gan to mys lyke,

456 And sore forto syke.

ich am ybore þral,
þy fader fundlyng wiþ-al.

of kunde me ne felde

452 þe to spouse welde.

Hit nere no fair weddyng
bituene a þral ant þe kyng.”

þo gon rymenild mis lyken,

456 ant soreKH2 bigon to syken.

KH.2 to syken crossed out after sore.

Horn asks Rymenhild’s assistance.

Rymenhild swoons when she hears Horn’s reply.

Armes heo gan buȝe;

Adun he feol iswoȝe.

¶ Horn in herte was ful wo,

460And tok hire on his armes two.

He gan hire for to kesse,

Wel ofte mid ywisse.

Armes hye nam boþe,

And doune he fel yswowe.

Hor hire ofte wende,

460 And in hys armes trende.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

armes bigon vnbowe,
ant doun heo fel y swowe.

Horn hire vp hente

460 ant in is armes trente.

he gon hire to cusse,
ant feyre forte wisse.

Horn caresses her, and promises that if she will help him to become dubbed knight, he will do her will.

“Lemman,” he sede, “dere,

464Þin herte nu þu stere.

Help me to kniȝte,

Bi al þine miȝte

To my lord þe king,

468Þat he me ȝiue dubbing.

“Lemman,” qwat he, “dere,

464 Þin herte gyn þou to stere,

And hep þou me to knicte,

Oppe þine myȝte

To my louerd þe kinge,

468 Þat he me ȝyue dobbinge.

“rymenild,” quoþ he, “duere,

464 help me þat ych were

[leaf 86]

Ydobbed to be knyhte,
suete, bi al þi myhte
to mi louerd þe kyng,

468 þat he me ȝeue dobbyng.

Þanne is mi þralhod

Iwent in to kniȝthod,

And i schal wexe more,

472And do, lemman, þi lore.”

¶ Rymenhild, þat swete þing,

Wakede of hire swoȝning.

And þanne hys my þralhede
yterned in knyt hede,

And þenne hy schal wite more,

472 And don after þi lore.”

Þo reymyl þe ȝenge

Com of hire swohinge,

þenne is my þralhede
al wend in to knyhthede.

y shal waxe more

472 ant do, rymenild, þi lore.”

Þo rymenild þe ȝynge
a-ros of hire swowenynge.

Rymenhild instructs Horn what to do.

Rymenhild promises Horn that he shall be made knight within a fortnight,

“Horn,” quaþ heo, “vel sone

476Þat schal beon idone.

Þu schalt beo dubbed kniȝt

Are come seue niȝt.

Haue her þis cuppe,

480And þis Ring þer vppe,

To Aylbrus and stuard,

And se he holde foreward.

And seyde, “horn, wel ricte,

476 Þou art so fayr and briycte,

Þou schalt worþe to knyte,
hyt comeȝ sone nyȝte.

Nym þou here þis coppe,

480 And þis ryng þer oppe,

And beryt houre styward,

And bid helde foreward.

“Nou, horn, to soþe,

476 y leue þe by þyn oþe,
þou shalt be maked knyht
er þen þis fourteniht.

ber þou her þes coppe,

480 ant þes ringes þer vppe,
to Athelbrus þe styward,
ant say him he holde foreward.

and tells him to bid Athelbrus fall on his knees before the king, in his behalf.

Seie ich him biseche,

484Wiþ loueliche speche,

Þat he adun falle

Bifore þe king in halle,

And bidde þe king ariȝte

488Dubbe þe to kniȝte.

Wiþ seluer and wiþ golde

Hit wurþ him wel iȝolde.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Bid hym for þe falle

To kinges fot in halle,

Þat he dubbe þe to knicte

488 Wyt hys swerde so bricte.

Wyt siluer and wit golde

Hyt worþ him wel hyȝolde.

Sey ich him biseche,

484 wiþ loueliche speche,
þat he for þe falle
to þe kynges fet in halle,
þat he wiþ is worde

488 þe knyhty wiþ sworde.

wiþ seluer ant wiþ golde
hit worþ him wel yȝolde.

Horn seeks out Athelbrus and tells his errand.

Crist him lene spede

492Þin erende to bede.”

Horn, god lene þe wel spede

492 Þi herdne forto bede.”

nou crist him lene spede

492 þin erndyng do bede.”

¶ Horn tok his leue,

For hit was neȝ eue.

Aþelbrus he soȝte

496And ȝaf him þat he broȝte,

And tolde him ful ȝare

Hu he hadde ifare,

And sede him his nede,

500And bihet him his mede.

Horn tok hys leue,

For it was ney eue.

Aylbrous he sowte

496 And tok him þat he browte.

He talede to him þere
hou he hauede hy fare.

He telde him of his nede,

500 And bi het him his mede.

¶ Horn tok is leue,
for hit wes neh eue.

Athelbrus he sohte

496 ant tok him þat he brohte,
ant tolde him þare
hou he hede yfare.

he seide him is nede,

500 ant him bihet is mede.

The King promises to knight Horn.

Athelbrus goes before the king in hall,

¶ Aþelbrus also swiþe

Wente to halle bliue.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

“Kyng,” he sede, “þu leste

A tale mid þe beste.

Þu schalt bere crune

508Tomoreȝe in þis tune.

Aylbrous wel bliþe

To halle he ȝede wel swiþe,

And sette him on kneuling,

504And grette wel þe king.

“Syre,” he seyde, “wiltu luste

Ane tale wit þe beste?

Þou schalt bere corune

508 In þis hulke toune.

Athelbrus so blyþe
eode in to halle swyþe,

[No gap in MS.  . .

. . . . . . . . .]

ant seide, “kyng, nou leste
o tale mid þe beste.

þou shalt bere coroune

508 to marewe in þis toune.

and urges him to knight Horn at the feast the following day.

Tomoreȝe is þi feste;

Þer bihoueþ geste.

Hit nere noȝt for loren

512For to kniȝti child horn

Þine armes for to welde;

God kniȝt he schal ȝelde.”

To morwe worþe þi festes;

Me by houed gestes.

Ich þe wolde rede ate lest

512 Þat þou horn knict makedest.

Þi armes to him welde;

God knict he schal ben helde.”

to marewe is þi feste;
þe bihoueþ geste.

Ich þe rede mid al my myht

512 þat þou make horn knyht.

þin armes do him welde;
god knyht he shal þe ȝelde.”

The king accedes to the request, and promises that Horn and his twelve companions shall be knighted.

¶ Þe king sede sone,

516“Þat is wel idone.

Horn me wel iquemeþ;

God kniȝt him bisemeþ.

He schal haue mi dubbing

520And afterward mi derling.

Þe king seyde sone,

516 “Þat hys wel to done.

Horn me wole ben queme,

To be knict him by seme.

He schal habbe my dubbing

520 And be my nowne derling.

þe kyng seide wel sone,

516 “hit is wel to done.

Horn me wel quemeþ;
knyht him wel bysemeþ.

He shal haue mi dobbyng

520 ant be myn oþer derlyng.

And alle his feren twelf

He schal kniȝten him self.

Alle he schal hem kniȝte

524Bifore me þis niȝte.”

And his feren xij

Ich schal dobbe My selue.

Alle ich hem schal knicte

524 Bi for me to fyte.”

ant hise feren tuelue
he shal dobbe him selue.

alle y shal hem knyhte

524 byfore me to fyhte.”

On the morrow, Horn with his twelve companions presents himself before king Aylmer,

Til þe liȝt of day sprang

Ailmar him þuȝte lang.

Þe day bigan to springe,

528Horn com biuore þe kinge,

Mid his twelf yfere;

Sume hi were luþere.

Amorwe her þe dey spronge

Aylmer king þoute wel longe.

Þe day by gan to springe,

528 Horn cam bi forn þe kinge.

Wit swerde horn he girde

Rit honder hys herte.

al þat þe lyhte day sprong
aylmere þohte long.

þe day bigon to springe;

528 horn com byfore þe kynge,
wiþ his tuelf fere;
alle þer ywere.

Horn is dubbed Knight.

and the king sets him on a red steed and dubs him knight.

Horn he dubbede to kniȝte

532Wiþ swerd and spures briȝte.

He sette him on a stede whit;

Þernas no kniȝt hym ilik.

He smot him alitel wiȝt

536And bed him beon a god kniȝt.

He sette him on stede

532 Red so any glede,

And sette on his fotes

Boþe spores and botes,

And smot alitel with,

536 And bed him ben god knict.

Horn knyht made he

532 wiþ ful gret solempnite,

Sette him on a stede
red so eny glede,

Smot him a lute wiht,

536 ant bed him buen a god knyht.

Athulf falls on his knees, and asks that Horn may dub him and the other companions.

¶ Aþulf fel a knes þar

Biuore þe king Aylmar.

“King,” he sede, “so kene,

540Grante me a bene.

Nu is kniȝ[t] sire horn

Þat in suddenne was iboren.

Ayol fel on knes þere

By forn þe king aylmere,

And seyde, “king so kene,

540 Graunte me my bene.

Þou hast knicted sire horn

Þat in sodenne was hy born.

Athulf vel a kne þer
ant þonkede kyng Aylmer.

[No gap in MS.  . .

. . . . . . . . .]

¶ “Nou is knyht sire horn
þat in Sudenne wes yborn.

Lord he is of londe,

544Ouer us þat bi him stonde.

Þin armes he haþ and scheld,

To fiȝte wiþ vpon þe feld.

Let him vs alle kniȝte,

548For þat is vre riȝte.”

Louerd he hys in londe,

544 Of vs þat bi him stonde,

Mid spere and wit scelde

To fyten in þe felde.

Let him os alle knicte,

548 So hyt hys hise ricte.”

Lord he is of londe

544 ant of vs þat by him stonde.

þin armes he haueþ ant þy sheld,
forte fyhte in þe feld.

Let him vs alle knyhte,

548 so hit is his ryhte.”

Aylmer seide ful ywis,

“nou do þat þi wille ys.”

Horn knights his twelve companions.

¶ Aylmar sede sone ywis,

“Do nu þat þi wille is.”

Horn adun liȝte

552And makede hem alle kniȝtes.

Murie was þe feste,

Al of faire gestes.

Þo seyde þe king wel sone wis,

“Do horn as hys wil hys.”

Horn adown gan lycte

552 And makede hem to knicte.

Comen were þe gestes,

Amorwe was þe feste.

Horn adoun con lyhte

552 ant made hem alle to knyhte,

[leaf 86, back]

for muchel wes þe geste
ant more wes þe feste.

Rymenhild reminds Horn of his promise.

Rymenhild becomes impatient and sends for Horn.

Ac Rymenhild nas noȝt þer,

556And þat hire þuȝte seue ȝer.

After horn heo sente,

And he to bure wente.

Reymyld was nowt þere,

556 Hire þoute seue yere.

After horn hye sende;

Hor to boure wende.

þat rymenild nes nout þere

556 hire þohte seue ȝere.

efter horn hue sende;
horn in to boure wende.

He takes Athulf as companion.

Nolde he noȝt go one;

560Aþulf was his mone.

Rymenhild on flore stod,

Hornes come hire þuȝte god,

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

He nam his felawe in hys honde,

And fonde Reymyld in boure stonde.

He nolde gon is one;

560 Athulf wes hys ymone.

[No gap in MS.  . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Rymenhild bids Horn fulfil his share of the compact by marrying her.

And sede, “Welcome, sire horn,

564And Aþulf, kniȝt þe biforn.

Kniȝt, nu is þi time

For to sitte bi me.

Do nu þat þu er of spake,

568To þi wif þume take.

Ef þu art trewe of dedes,

Do nu ase þu sedes.

Nu þu hast wille þine,

572Vnbind me of my pine.”

“Welcome art þou, sire horn,

564 And ayol chil þe bi forn.

Knict, nou it his tyme

Þat þo sitte by me.

Yf þou be trewe of dedes,

568 Do þat þou arre seydes.

Do nou þat we speke,

To wif þou schalt me take.”

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

¶ rymenild welcomeþ sire horn,

564 ant aþulf knyht him biforn.

“knyht, nou is tyme
forto sitte byme.

do nou þat we spake;

568 to þi wyf þou me take.

[No gap in MS.  . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Nou þou hast wille þyne,

572 vnbynd me of þis pyne.”

Horn proposes first to prove his Knighthood.

Horn replies that it is the custom for a knight to fight for his leman with some other knight,

¶ “Rymenhild,” quaþ he, “beo stille;

Ihc wulle don al þi wille.

Also hit mot bitide,

576Mid spere ischal furst ride,

And mi kniȝthod proue,

Ar ihc þe ginne to woȝe.

“Reymyld,” qwat horn, “be stille;

Hy schal don al þi wille.

Hat first hyt mote by tyde

576 Mid spere þat ich ride,

Mi knicthede for to proue,

Herst, here ich þe wowe.

“rymenild, nou be stille,
ichulle don al þy wille.

ah her hit so bitide,

576 mid spere ichulle ryde
ant my knyhthod proue,
er þen ich þe wowe.

We beþ kniȝtes ȝonge,

580Of o dai al isprunge,

And of vre mestere

So is þe manere,

Wiþ sume oþere kniȝte

584Wel for his lemman fiȝte,

Or he eni wif take;

For þi me stondeþ þe more rape.

We beþ kinctes yonge,

580 Alto day hy spronge;

Of þe mestere

Hyt hys þe manere,

Wyt som oþer knicte

584 For hys leman to fycte,

Her ich eny wif take.

Þer fore ne haue ich þe forsake.

we bueþ nou knyhtes ȝonge,

580 alle to day yspronge,
ant of þe mestere
hit is þe manere,
wiþ sum oþer knyhte

584 for his lemmon to fyþte,
er ne he eny wyf take
oþer wyþ wymmon forewart make.

and promises that after he has accomplished an act of prowess, he will make her his wife.

Today, so crist me blesse,

588Ihc wulle do pruesse

For þi luue in þe felde,

Mid spere and mid schelde.

If ihc come te lyue,

592Ihc schal þe take to wyue.”

¶ “Kniȝt,” quaþ heo, “trewe,

Ihc wene ihc mai þe leue.

To day, so god me blisse,

588 Ich sal do pruesce,

For þe lef wyt schelde,

In mideward þe felde.

And hy come to liue

592 Ich take þe wiue.”

“Knict,” qwat reymyl, þe trewe,

“Yich wene ich may þe leue.

to day, so crist me blesse,

588 y shal do pruesse,
for þi loue mid shelde
amiddewart þe felde.

ȝef ich come to lyue

592 ychul þe take to wyue.”

“knyht, y may yleue þe,
why aut þou trewe be.

Rymenhild gives Horn a Ring.

Rymenhild gives Horn a ring, which she bids him wear for her love,

Tak nu her þis gold ring,

596God him is þe dubbing.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Þer is vpon þe ringe

600Igraue, ‘Rymenhild þe ȝonge.’

Þer nis non betere anonder sunne,

Þat eni man of telle cunne.

For my luue þu hit were,

604And on þi finger þu him bere.

Haue nou here þis gold ring,

596 He his god to þi dobbing.

Ne hys none swilk vnder sonne,

Þat man may offe konne.

Hy graue hys on þe Ringe,

600 ‘Rymyld þi lef þe yenge’;

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

¶ Haue her þis goldring;

596 hit is ful god to þi dobbyng.

[No gap in MS.  . .

. . . . . . . . .]

ygraued is on þe rynge,

600 ‘rymenild þy luef þe ȝynge.’

nis non betere vnder sonne
þat enymon of conne.

For mi loue þou hit were,

604 ant on þy fynger þou hit bere.

and which will protect him if he will look on it and think of her.

Þe stones beoþ of suche grace,

Þat þu ne schalt in none place

Of none duntes beon ofdrad,

608Ne on bataille beon amad,

Ef þu loke þeran

And þenke vpon þi lemman.

¶ And sire Aþulf, þi broþer,

612He schal haue anoþer.

Þe ston him hys of swiche grace,

Þat þou ne schal in none place

Of none donte fayle,

608 Þer þou biginnes batayle.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

And sire ayol, þi broþer,

612 He sal haue anoþer.

þe ston haueþ suche grace,
ne shalt þou in none place
deþ vnderfonge,

608 ne buen yslaye wiþ wronge,
ȝef þou lokest þeran
ant þenchest o þi lemman.

ant sire aþulf, þi broþer,

612 he shal han en oþer.

She then mournfully prays for Christ’s blessing on Horn’s undertaking.

Horn, ihc þe biseche

Wiþ loueliche speche,

Crist ȝeue god erndinge,

616Þe aȝen to bringe.”

¶ Þe kniȝt hire gan kesse,

And heo him to blesse.

Horn, god hy þe bi teche,

Wit morninde speche.

God þe ȝyeue god endynge,

616 An hol þe aȝen bringe.”

Þe knict hyre gan to kusse,

And reymyld him blisse.

Horn, crist y þe byteche,
mid mourninde speche.

crist þe ȝeue god endyng,

616 ant sound aȝeyn þe brynge.”

þe knyht hire gan to cusse,
ant rymenild him to blesse.

Horn takes leave, arms himself, mounts his black steed, and sets out in search of adventure.

Leue at hire he nam

620And in to halle cam.

Þe kniȝtes ȝeden to table,

And horne ȝede to stable.

Þar he tok his gode fole,

624Also blak so eny cole.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Leue at hire he nom,

620 And in to halle com.

Þe knictes ȝyede to table,

And horn in to stable.

He tok forþ his gode fole,

624 So blac so eny cole.

In armes he him schredde,

And hys fole he fedde.

leue at hyre he nom,

620 ant in to halle he com.

knyhtes eode to table,
ant horn eode to stable,
þer he toc his gode fole,

624 blac so euer eny cole.

wiþ armes he him sredde,
ant is fole he fedde.

Þe fole schok þe brunie,

628Þat al þe curt gan denie.

Þe fole bigan to springe,

And horn murie to singe.

Horn rod in a while

632More þan a myle.

Hys fole schok hys brenye,

628 Þat al þe court gan denye.

Hys fole gan forþ springe,

And horn merie to synge.

He rod one wile

632 Wel more þan a mile.

[No gap in MS.  . .

. . . . . . . . .]

þe fole bigon to springe
ant horn murie to synge.

Horn rod one whyle

632 wel more þen a myle.

Horn meets some Saracen invaders.

He finds at the seashore a ship filled with Saracens, and asks their purpose.

He fond o schup stonde

Wiþ heþene honde.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

He axede what hi soȝte,

Oþer to londe broȝte.

¶ An hund him gan bihelde

640 Þat spac wordes belde,

“Þis lond we wulleȝ wynne,

And sle þat þer is inne.”

He sey a schip rowe,

Mid wat alby flowe,

Of out londisse manne,

636Of sarazine kenne.

Hem askede qwat he hadde,

Oþer to londe ladde.

A geant him gan by holde,

640 And spek wordes bolde.

“Þis lond we wile winne,

And slen al þat þer ben hinne.”

he seh a shyp at grounde,
wiþ heþene hounde.

[No gap in MS.  . .

. . . . . . . . .]

636 He askede wet hue hadden,
oþer to londe ladden.

an hound him gan biholde,

640 ant spek wordes bolde.

“þis land we wolleþ wynne,
ant sle þat þer bueþ inne.”

Horn slays the Saracen leader, and then, after

Horn gan his swerd gripe

644And on his arme wype.

Þe sarazins he smatte,

Þat his blod hatte.

At eureche dunte

648Þe heued of wente.

Þo gunne þe hundes gone,

Abute horn al one.

Horn gan hys swerd gripe,

644 And on his arm hyt wipe.

Þe sarazin so he smot,

Þat al hys blod was hot.

At þe furste dunte

648 Hys heued of gan wente.

Þo gonnen þo hundes gon

Aȝenes horn alon.

Horn gan is swerd gripe,

644 ant on is arm hit wype.

þe sarazyn he hitte so,
þat is hed fel to ys to.

[No gap in MS.  . .

. . . . . . . . .]

þo gonne þe houndes gone
aȝeynes horn ys one.

Horn bears the leader’s head before the king.

looking on his ring, slays a hundred more.

He lokede on þe ringe,

652And þoȝte on rimenilde.

He sloȝ þer on haste

On hundred bi þe laste.

Ne miȝte noman telle

656Þat folc þat he gan quelle.

Of alle þat were aliue

Ne miȝte þer non þriue.

He lokede on his gode ringe,

652 And þoute on reymild þe yenge.

He slow þer on haste

An hundred at þe leste.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Of þat þe were aryue,

Fewe he leued on liue.

[leaf 87]

He Lokede on is rynge,

652 ant þohte o rymenyld þe ȝynge.

he sloh þer of þe beste
an houndred at þe leste.

ne mihte no mon telle

656 alle þat he gon quelle.

of þat þer were o ryue
he lafte lut o lyue.

Horn fixes the leader’s head on the point of his sword, and bears it before the king.

Horn tok þe maisteres heued,

660Þat he hadde him bireued,

And sette hit on his swerde,

Anouen at þan orde.

He verde hom in to halle,

664Among þe kniȝtes alle.

Þe meyster kinges heued

660 He haddit him by reued.

He settit on hys swerde,

Anoven on þe horde,

Til he com to halle,

664 Among þe knictes alle.

¶ Horn tok þe maister heued,

660 þat he him hade byreued,
ant sette on is suerde,
abouen o þen orde.

he ferde hom to halle,

664 among þe knyhtes alle,

Horn relates his adventure.

Horn relates his adventure.

“Kyng,” he sede, “wel þu sitte,

And alle þine kniȝtes mitte.

To day, after mi dubbing,

668So irod on mi pleing,

I fond o schup Rowe,

Þo hit gan to flowe,

Al wiþ sarazines kyn,

672And none londisse Men.

To dai, for to pine

Þe and alle þine.

He seyde, “king, wel mote þou sitte,

An þine knictes mitte.

Þer y rod on my pleying,

668 Sone hafter my dobbing,

Y say a schip rowe

Mid watere al by flowe,

Of none londische menne,

672 Bote sarazines kenne,

To deye, for to pyne

Þe and alle þine.

“Kyng,” quoþ he, “wel þou sitte,
ant þine knyhtes mitte.

to day ich rod o my pleyyng,

668 after my dobbyng,
y fond a ship rowen,
in þe sound byflowen,

Mid vnlondisshe menne,

672 of sarazynes kenne,
to deþe forte pyne
þe ant alle þyne.

Hi gonne me assaille.

676 Mi swerd me nolde faille;

I smot hem alle to grunde,

Oþer ȝaf hem diþes wunde.

Þat heued iþe bringe

680 Of þe maister kinge.

Nu is þi wile iȝolde,

King, þat þu me kniȝti woldest.”

He gonnen me asaylen.

676 My swerd me ne wolde fayle;

Ich broute hem alto grunde

In one lite stounde.

Þe heued ich þe bringe

680 Of þe meyster kinge.

Nou ich haue þe yolde,

Þat þu me knicten wolde.”

hy gonne me asayly.

676swerd me nolde fayly;
y smot hem alle to grounde
in a lutel stounde.

þe heued ich þe bringe

680of þe maister kynge.

nou haue ich þe ȝolde
þat þou me knyhten woldest.”

King Aylmar goes hunting.

A Moreȝe þo þe day gan springe,

684Þe king him rod an huntinge.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Þe day bi gan to springe,

684 Þe king rod on huntingge.

To wode he gan wende,

For to lacchen þe heynde.

þe day bigon to springe,

684 þe kyng rod on hontynge
to þe wode wyde,
ant Fykenyld bi is syde,

At hom lefte ffikenhild,

688Þat was þe wurste moder child.

Heo ferde in to bure,

To sen auenture.

Wyt hym rod fokenild,

688 Þat alþe werste moder child.

And horn wente in to boure,

To sen auenture.

þat fals wes ant vntrewe,

688 whose him wel yknewe.

¶ Horn ne þohte nout him on,
ant to boure wes ygon.

Horn proceeds to Rymenhild’s bower, and finds her weeping.

Heo saȝ Rymenild sitte

692Also he were of witte.

Heo sat on þe sunne,

Wiþ tieres al birunne.

Horn sede, “lef þinore,

696Wi wepestu so sore?”

He fond Reymild sittende,

692 Sore wepende,

Whit so eny sonne,

Wit teres albi ronne.

He seyde, “lemman, þin ore,

696 Wy wepes þou so sore?”

he fond rymenild sittynde

692 ant wel sore wepynde,
so whyt so þe sonne,
mid terres al byronne.

Horn seide, “luef, þyn ore,

696 why wepest þou so sore?”

Rymenhild tells Horn her Dream.

She tells him her dream, how a great fish broke her net.

Heo sede, “noȝt ine wepe;

Bute ase ilay aslepe,

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

To þe se my net icaste,

And hit nolde noȝt ilaste.

Hye seyde, “ich nawt ne wepe,

Bote ich schal her ich slepe.

Me þoute in my metynge,

700Þat ich rod on fischinge.

To se my net ich keste;

Ne Mict ich nowt lache.

Hue seide, “ich nout ne wepe,
ah y shal er y slepe.

me þohte o my metyng,

700 þat ich rod ofysshyng.

to see my net ycaste,
ant wel fer hit laste.

A gret fiss at þe furste,

704Mi net he gan to berste.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Ihc wene þat ihc schal leose

708Þe fiss þat ihc wolde cheose.”

A gret fys ate furste

704 Mi net he makede berste.

Þe fys me so by laucte,

Þat ich nawt ne kaucte.

Ich wene ich schal forlese

708 Þe fys þat ich wolde chese.”

a gret fyssħ at þe ferste

704 my net made berste.

þat fyssħ me so bycahte,
þat y nout ne lahte.

y wene y shal forleose

708 þe fyssħ þat y wolde cheose.”

Horn comforts her.

¶ “Crist,” quaþ horn, “and seint steuene,

Turne þine sweuene.

Ne schal iþe biswike,

712Ne do þat þe mislike.

“God and seynte steuene,”

Qwad horn, “terne þi sweuene.

Ne shal ich neuere swike,

712 Ne do þat þe mis like.

¶ “Crist ant seinte steuene,”

quoþ horn, “areche þy sweuene.

no shal y þe byswyke,

712 ne do þat þe mis lyke.

Horn plights his troth to Rymenhild, but both weep and forebode evil from the dream.

I schal me make þinowe,

To holden and to knowe,

For eurech oþere wiȝte;

716And þarto mi treuþe iþe pliȝte.”

Muchel was þe ruþe

Þat was at þare truþe,

For Rymenhild weop ille,

720And horn let þe tires stille.

Ich nime þe to my nowe,

To habben and to howe,

For euerich wyȝte;

716 Þarto my treuwþe ich plicte.”

Miche was þat rewþe

Þat was at here trewþe.

Reymyld wel stille,

720 And horn let teres spille.

ich take þe myn owe,
to holde ant eke to knowe,
for eueruch oþer wyhte;

716 þerto my trouþe y plyhte.”

wel muche was þe reuþe
þat wes at þilke treuþe.

rymenild wep wel ylle,

720 ant horn let terres stille.

“Lemman,” quaþ he, “dere,

Þu schalt more ihere.

Þi sweuen schal wende,

724Oþer sum Man schal vs schende.

Þe fiss þat brak þe lyne,

Ywis he doþ us pine.

Þat schal don vs tene

728And wurþ wel sone isene.”

He seyde, “lemman dere,

Þou schalt more here.

724 Þy sweuene ich schal schende.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .]

Þe fis þat brac þi seyne,

Hy wis hyt was som ble[y]ne

Þat schal us do som tene;

728 Hy wis hyt worþ hy sene.”

“Lemmon,” quoþ he, “dere,
þou shalt more yhere.

þy sweuen shal wende;

724 summon vs wole shende.

þat fyssħ þat brac þy net,
ywis it is sumwet
þat wol vs do sum teone;

728 ywys hit worþ ysene.”

Fykenhild calumniates Horn.

Fykenhild tells the king that Horn is plotting to kill him and to marry Rymenhild.

¶ Aylmar rod bi sture,

And horn lai in bure.

Fykenhild hadde enuye

732And sede þes folye:—

“Aylmar, ihc þe warne,

Horn þe wule berne.

Ihc herde whar he sede,

736And his swerd forþ leide,

To bringe þe of lyue,

And take Rymenhild to wyue.

Þe king rod bi his toure,

And horn was in þe boure.

Fykenyld hadde envie,

732 An seyde hise folye:—

“Aylmere, king, ich wole warne,

Horn chil þe wile berne.

Ich herde qware he seyde,

736 And his swerd leyde,

To bringe þe of liue,

And take rimenyld to wiue.

¶ Aylmer rod by stoure,
ant horn wes yne boure.

Fykenild hade enuye

732 ant seyde þeose folye:—

“Aylmer, ich þe werne,
horn þe wole forberne.

Ich herde wher he seyde,

736 ant his suerd he leyde,
to brynge þe of lyue
ant take rymenyld to wyue.

He liþ in bure,

740Vnder couerture,

By Rymenhild, þi doȝter;

And so he doþ wel ofte.

And þider þu go al riȝt;

744Þer þu him finde miȝt.

Nou he hys in boure,

740 Al honder couerture,

By reymyld, þi douter;

And so he hys wel ofter.

Ich rede þat þu wende;

744 Þer þu myct him schende.

[leaf 87, back]

He Lyht nou in Boure,

740 vnder couertoure,
by rymenyld, þy dohter;
ant so he doþ wel ofte.

[No gap in MS.  . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Þu do him vt of londe,

Oþer he doþ þe schonde.”

¶ Aylmar aȝen gan turne,

748Wel Modi and wel Murne.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Do him out of þi londe,

Her do more schonde.”

Aylmer king him gan torne,

748 Vel mody and wel Mourne.

To boure he gan ȝerne,

Durst hym noman werne.

do him out of londe,
er he do more shonde.”

¶ Aylmer gan hom turne,

748 wel mody ant wel sturne.

[No gap in MS.  . .

. . . . . . . . .]

King Aylmar banishes Horn.

Aylmar finds Horn in Rymenhild’s embrace, and bids him leave the land at once.

He fond horn in arme,

752On Rymenhilde barme.

“Awei vt,” he sede, “fule þeof,

Ne wurstu me neuremore leof.

Wend vt of my bure,

756Wiþ muchel messauenture.

He fond horn wit arme,

752 In rimenyldes barme.

“Henne out,” qwad aylmer king,

“Henne, þou foule wendling,

Out of boure flore,

756 Fram Reymyld, þi hore.

he fond horn vnder arme,

752 in rymenyldes barme.

“go out,” quoþ aylmer, þe kyng,

“Horn, þou foule fundlyng.

forþ out of boures flore,

756 for rymenild, þin hore.

Wel sone bute þu flitte,

Wiþ swerde ihc þe anhitte.

Wend ut of my londe,

760Oþer þu schalt haue schonde.”

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Sone bote þe flecte,

Wit swerd hy wole þe hette.

Hout of londe sone,

760 Here hauest þou nowt to done.”

Horn cam in to stable,

Wel modi for þe fable.

759 wend out of londe sone;

760 her nast þou nout to done.

757 wel sone bote þou flette,

758 myd suert y shal þe sette.”

Horn eode to stable,
wel modi for þat fable.

Here and in next section, lines rearranged by editor.

Horn saddles his horse, arms himself, and then visits Rymenhild.

¶ Horn sadelede his stede,

764And his armes he gan sprede.

His brunie he gan lace,

So he scholde, in to place.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

His swerd he gan fonge;

Nabod he noȝt to longe.

He sette sadel on stede,

764 With armes he hym gan schrede.

Hys brenye he gan lace,

So he scholde, in to place.

Þo hyt þer to gan ten,

768Ne durst him noman sen.

Swerd he gan fonge;

Ne stod he nowt to longe,

he sette sadel on stede,
wiþ armes he gon him shrede.

his brunie he con lace,

766 so he shulde, in to place.

769 his suerd he gon fonge;

770 ne stod he nout to longe.

767 to is suerd he gon teon;

768 ne durste non wel him seon.

Horn takes leave of Rymenhild.

He tells her that her dream has come true,

He ȝede forþ bliue

772To Rymenhild his wyue.

He sede, “lemman, derling,

Nu hauestu þi sweuening.

Þe fiss þat þi net rente,

776Fram þe he me sente.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

And ȝyede forþ ricte

772 To reymyld þe bricte.

He seyde, “leman, derling,

Now hauestu þi meting.

Þe fys þi net to rente,

776 Fram þe he me sente.

Þe king gynneþ wiht me striue;

Awey he wole me driue.

[No gap in MS.  . .

. . . . . . . . .]

He seide, “lemmon, derlyng,
nou þou hauest þy sweuenyng.

þe fyssħ þat þyn net rende,

776 from þe me he sende.

þe kyng wiþ me gynneþ striue;
a wey he wole me dryue.

that he is going to an unknown country for seven years.

Rymenhild, haue wel godne day,

780No leng abiden ine may.

In to vncuþe londe,

Wel more for to fonde.

I schal wune þere

784Fulle seue ȝere.

Reymyld, haue god day,

780 For nov ich founde awey,

In to onekuþ londe,

Wel more forto fonde.

Ich schal wony þere

784 Fulle seve ȝere.

þare fore haue nou godneday;

780 nou y mot fonnde ant fare away

In to vncouþe londe,
wel more forte fonde.

y shal wonie þere

784 fulle seue ȝere.

He bids her not to await him longer than seven years.

At seue ȝeres ende,

Ȝef ine come ne sende,

Tak þe husebonde,

788ffor me þu ne wonde.

In armes þu me fonge,

And kes me wel longe.”

Ate vij ȝeres hende,

Bot ȝyf hy come oþer sende,

Tac þou hosebonde,

788 For me þat þou wonde.

I armes þou me fonge,

An kusse swiþe longe.”

at þe seueȝeres ende,
ȝyf y ne come ne sende,
tac þou hosebonde,

788 for me þat þou no wonde.

In armes þou me fonge,
ant cus me swyþe longe.”

Rymenhild faints.

He custe him wel a stunde,

792And Rymenhild feol to grunde.

Horn tok his leue;

Ne miȝte he no leng bileue.

He tok Aþulf, his fere,

796Al abute þe swere,

He kusten one stunde,

792 And reymyld fel to grunde.

Horn tok his leue,

For hyt was ney heue.

He nam ayol, trewe fere,

796 Al aboute þe swete,

hy custen hem a stounde,

792 ant rymenyld fel to grounde.

¶ Horn toc his leue;
he myhte nout byleue.

He toc Aþulf, is fere,

796 aboute þe swere,

Horn entrusts his ‘new love’ to Athulf.

And sede, “kniȝt so trewe,

Kep wel mi luue newe.

Þu neure me ne forsoke,

800Rymenhild þu kep and loke.”

And seyt, “knict so trewe,

Kep Mi leue wiue.

So þou me neuere forsoke,

800 Reymyl kep and loke.”

ant seide, “knyht so trewe,
kep wel loue newe.

þou neuer ne forsoke

800 rymenild to kepe ant loke.”

His stede he gan bistride,

And forþ he gan ride.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Horn gan stede by stride,

And forþ he gan ride.

Ayol wep wit heye,

804And alle þat hym seye.

his stede he bigan stryde,
ant forþ he con hym ryde.

Aþulf wep wiþ eyȝen,

804 ant alle þat hit yseyȝen.

Horn sets sail from West[er]nesse.

He sets sail.

To þe hauene he ferde,

And a god schup he hurede,

Þat him scholde londe

808In westene londe.

¶ Aþulf weop wiþ iȝe,

And al þat him isiȝe.

Horn chil forþ hym ferde;

A god schip he him herde,

Þat hym scholde wisse

808 Out of westnisse.

Þe whyȝt him gan stonde,

And drof tyl hirelonde.

Horn forþ him ferde;
a god ship he him herde,

Þat him shulde passe

808 out of westnesse.

Þe wynd bigon to stonde,
ant drof hem vp o londe.

Horn reaches land.

To lond he him sette,

812And fot on stirop sette.

To londe he gan flette,

812 And out of schip him sette.

to londe þat hy fletten;

812 fot out of ship hy setten.

Horn is received by Harild and Berild.

He meets two princes, Harild and Berild.

He fond bi þe weie,

Kynges sones tweie;

Þat on him het harild,

816And þat oþer berild.

Berild gan him preie

Þat he scholde him seie

What his name were,

820And what he wolde þere.

He mette by þe weye,

Kingges sones tweye;

Þat on was hoten ayld,

816 And þat oþer byrild.

Byrild him gan preye

Þat he scholde seye

Wat hys name were,

820 And qwat he wolde þere.

he fond bi þe weye,
kynges sones tueye;

Þat on wes hoten Aþyld,

816 ant þat oþer beryld.

beryld hym con preye
þat he shulde seye
what he wolde þere,

820 ant what ys nome were.

He gives his name as Cutberd (Godmod),

“Cutberd,” he sede, “ihc hote,

Icomen vt of þe bote,

Wel feor fram biweste,

824To seche mine beste.”

Berild gan him nier ride,

And tok him bi þe bridel.

“Wel beo þu, kniȝt, ifounde;

828Wiþ me þu lef a stunde.

“Cuberd,” he seyde, “ich hote,

Comen fram þe bote,

Fer fram bi weste,

824 To chesen mine beste.”

Byryld him gan ryde,

And tok hym by þe bridel.

“Wel be þou, knict, here founde;

828 Whyt me bileuest a stounde.

¶ “Godmod,” he seid, “ich hote,
ycomen out of þis bote,
wel fer from by weste,

824 to seche myne beste.”

beryld con ner him ryde,
ant toc him bi þe bridel.

“wel be þou, knyht, yfounde;

828 wiþ me þou lef a stounde.

and is conducted by the princes before the king.

Also mote i sterue,

Þe king þu schalt serue.

Ne saȝ i neure my lyue

832So fair kniȝt aryue.”

Cutberd heo ladde in to halle,

And he a kne gan falle.

So ich ne mote sterue,

Þe kyng þou schal serue.

Ne sey ich neuere on lyue

832 So fayr knyt aryue.”

Cubert he ledde to halle,

And adoun gan falle.

also ich mote sterue,
þe kyng þou shalt serue.

ne seh y neuer a lyue

832 so feir knyht her aryue.”

godmod he ladde to halle,
ant he adoun gan falle,

Cutberd greets the king.

He sette him a knewelyng,

836And grette wel þe gode kyng.

He sette hym on knewlyng,

836 And grette wel þe gode king.

[leaf 88]

Ant sette him a knelyng,

836 ant grette þene gode kyng.

Berild asks that he be taken into the king’s service.

Þanne sede Berild sone,

“Sire king, of him þu hast to done.

Bitak him þi lond to werie;

840Ne schat hit noman derie,

For he is þe faireste man

Þat eureȝut on þi londe cam.”

Þo seyde byrild wel sone,

“Whit hym hauen to done.

Tak hym þi lond to werye;

840 Ne schal hym noman derye.

He hys þe fayreste man

Þat euere in þis londe cam.”

þo saide beryld wel sone,

“kyng, wiþ him þou ast done.

þi lond tac him to werie;

840 ne shal þe nomon derye,
for he is þe feyreste man
þat euer in þis londe cam.”

Horn enters the service of the king.

The king welcomes Cutberd.

¶ Þanne sede þe king so dere,

844“Welcome beo þu here.

Go nu, Berild, swiþe,

And make him ful bliþe.

And whan þu farst to woȝe,

848Tak him þine gloue.

Iment þu hauest to wyue,

Awai he schal þe dryue;

For Cutberdes fairhede

852Ne schal þe neure wel spede.”

Þo seyde þe king so dere,

844 “Wel come be he here.

Go nov, byryld, swyþe,

An mak him glad and blyþe.

Wan þou farest awowen,

848 Tak hym þine glouen.

Þer þou hauest Mynt to wyue,

Awey he schal þe dryue.”

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

¶ þo seide þe kyng wel dere,

844 “welcome þe þou here.

go, beryld, wel swyþe,
ant make hym wel blyþe,
ant when þou farest to wowen,

848 tac him þine glouen.

þer þou hast munt to wyue,
a wey he shal þe dryue;
for godmodes feyrhede

852 shalt þou no wer spede.”

At the Christmas feast a giant appears.

HIt was at Cristesmasse,

Neiþer more ne lasse,

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Hyt was at Cristesmesse,

Naþer more ne lesse.

Þe king hym makede a feste,

856Wyt hyse knyctes beste.

hit wes at cristesmasse,
nouþer more ne lasse.

þe kyng made feste,

856 of his knyhtes beste.

The giant’s challenge.

The giant proclaims a challenge.

Þer cam in at none,

A Geaunt suþe sone,

Iarmed fram paynyme,

860And seide þes ryme:—

“Site stille, sire kyng,

And herkne þis tyþyng.

Her buþ paens ariued,

864Wel mo þane fiue.

Her beoþ on þe sonde,

King, vpon þi londe.

Þer com ate none,

A geaunt swiþe sone,

Armed of paynime,

860 And seyde in hys rime,

“Syte, knytes, by þe king,

And lusteþ to my tydyng.

Here beþ paynyms aryued,

864 Wel mo þanne fyue.

By þe se stronde,

Kyng, on þine londe.

þer com in at none,
a geaunt suyþe sone,
y-armed of paynyme,

860 ant seide þise ryme:—

“Site, kyng, bi kynge,
ant herkne my tidynge
her bueþ paynes aryue,

864 wel more þen fyue.

her beþ vpon honde,
kyng, in þine londe.

One pagan will fight any three in the land,

On of hem wile fiȝte

868Aȝen þre kniȝtes.

One þer of wille ich fyȝte

868 Aȝen þi þre knyctes.

on þer of wol fyhte

868 to ȝeynes þre knyhtes.

the combat to determine who shall possess the land.

Ȝef oþer þre slen vre,

Al þis lond beo ȝoure;

Ȝef vre on ouercomeþ ȝour þreo,

872Al þis lond schal vre beo.

Tomoreȝe be þe fiȝtinge,

Whan þe liȝt of daye springe.”

Ȝyf þat houre felle þyne þre,

Al þis lond schal vre be;

Ȝyf þyne þre fellen houre,

872 Al þys lond þanne be ȝyure.

To morwe schal be þe fyȝtyng,

At þe sonne op rysyng.”

ȝef oure þre sleh oure on,
we shulen of ore londe gon;
ȝef vre on sleh oure þre,

872 al þis lond shal vre be.

to morewe shal be þe fyhtynge,
at þe sonne vpspringe.”

Horn, Berild and Alrid accept it.

King Thurston names Cutberd (Godmod), Harild and Berild as the three defenders.

¶ Þanne sede þe kyng þurston,

876“Cutberd schal beo þat on;

Berild schal beo þat oþer;

Þe þridde, Alrid, his broþer.

For hi beoþ þe strengeste,

880And of armes þe beste.

Bute what schal vs to rede?

Ihc wene we beþ alle dede.”

Þo seyde þe king þurston,

876 “Cubert he schal be þat on,

Ayld chyld þat oþer,

Þe þrydde, byryld, hyse broþer.

Hye þre beþ þe strengeste,

880 And ín armes þe beste.

At wat schal do to rede?

Ich wene we ben alle dede.”

¶ þo seyde þe kyng þurston,

876 “godmod shal be þat on;
beryld shal be þat oþer;
þe þridde, Aþyld, is broþer.

for hue bueþ strongeste,

880 ant in armes þe beste.

ah, wat shal vs to rede?

y wene we bueþ dede.”

¶ Cutberd sat at borde,

884And sede þes wordes:—

Cubert set on borde,

884 And seyde þis worde:—

Godmod set at borde,

884 ant seide þeose wordes:—

Cutberd says that it were shame for three Christians to fight against one pagan, and offers to fight alone.

“Sire king, hit nis no riȝte,

On wiþ þre to fiȝte;

Aȝen one hunde,

888Þre cristen men to fonde.

Sire, ischal al one,

Wiþute more ymone,

Wiþ mi swerd wel eþe

892Bringe hem þre to deþe.”

“Syre kyȝeking, hyt no ryȝcte,

On wiþ þre to fyȝcte.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

At wille ich alone,

With outen mannes mone,

Mid my swerd wel heþe

892 Bringen hem alle to deþe.”

“sire kyng, nis no ryhte,
on wiþ þre fyhte,
aȝeynes one hounde,

888 þre cristene to founde.

ah, kyng, y shal alone,
wiþ-oute more ymone,
wip my suerd ful eþe

892 bringen hem alle to deþe.”

Preparations for the combat.

He arms himself,

¶ Þe kyng aros amoreȝe,

Þat hadde muchel sorȝe;

And Cutberd ros of bedde,

896Wiþ armes he him schredde.

Horn his brunie gan on caste,

And lacede hit wel faste,

Þe kyng ros a morwe,

And hadde meche sorwe.

Cubert ros of bedde;

896 Wyt armes he hym schredde.

Hys brenye on he caste,

Lacede hyt wel faste.

þe kyng aros amorewe;
he hade muche sorewe.

godmod ros of bedde;

896 wiþ armes he him shredde.

his brunye he on caste,
ant knutte hit wel faste,

visits the king,

And cam to þe kinge,

900At his vp risinge.

“King,” he sede, “cum to fel[de],

For to bihelde

Hu we fiȝte schulle,

904And togare go wulle.”

He cam biforn þe godeking,

900 At hyse op rysyng.

He seyde, “king, com to felde,

Me for to by helde,

Hou we scholen fyȝte

904 And to gydere hus dyȝcte.”

ant com him to þe kynge,

900 at his vp rysynge.

“kyng,” quoþ he, “com to felde,
me forte byhelde,
hou we shule flyten

904 ant to gedere smiten.”

and with him rides to the combat.

Riȝt at prime tide,

Hi gunnen ut ride,

And funden on a grene,

908A geaunt suþe kene,

His feren him biside,

Hore deþ to abide.

Ryȝt at prime tyde,

He gonne hem out ryde.

He founden in a grene,

908 A geant swyþe kene,

Armed with swerd by side,

Þe day for to abyde.

¶ riht at prime tide,
hy gonnen out to ryde.

hy fonnden in a grene,

908 a geaunt swyþe kene,
his feren him biside,
þat day forto abyde.

The fight begins.

Cutberd strikes so hard, that the giant asks for a breathing spell,

¶ Þeilke bataille

912Cutberd gan assaille.

He ȝaf dentes inoȝe;

Þe kniȝtes felle iswoȝe.

His dent he gan wiþdraȝe,

916For hi were neȝ aslaȝe.

Cubert him gan asayle;

912 Wolde he nawt fayle.

He keyte duntes ynowe;

Þe geant fel hy swowe.

Hys feren gonnen hem wyt drawe,

916 Þo here mayster wa slawe.

Godmod hem gon asaylen;

912 nolde he nout faylen.

[leaf 88, back]

he ȝef duntes ynowe;
þe payen fel y swowe.

ys feren gonnen hem wiþ drawe,

916 for huere maister wes neh slawe.

and says he has never before experienced such blows, save at the hand of King Murry.

And sede, “kniȝtes, nu ȝe reste

One while, ef ȝou leste.”

Hi sede, “hi neure nadde

920Of kniȝte dentes so harde.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

He was of hornes kunne,

924Iborn in suddenne.”

He seyden, “knyct þo reste

Awile ȝyf þe luste.

We neuere ne hente

920 Of manKH3 so harde dunte,

Bute of þe king Mory,

Þat was so swyþe stordy.

He was of hornes kinne;

924 We slowe hym in sodenne.”

KH.3 MS. adds ‘nes honde’ underdotted as a mistake.

he seide, “knyht, þou reste
a whyle, ȝef þe leste.

y ne heuede ner of monnes hond

920 so harde duntes in non lond,
bote of þe kyng Murry,
þat wes swiþe sturdy.

he wes of hornes kenne;

924 y sloh him in sudenne.”

Horn is enraged,

¶ Horn him gan to agrise,

And his blod arise.

Cuberd gan agrise,

And hys blod aryse.

¶ Godmod him gon agryse,
ant his blod aryse.

and renews the fight.

Biuo him saȝ he stonde

928Þat driuen him of londe,

And þat his fader sloȝ.

To him his swerd he droȝ.

By for hym he sey stonde

928 Þat drof hym out of londe,

And hys fader aquelde.

He smot hym honder schelde.

byforen him he seh stonde

928 þat drof him out of londe,
ant fader his a-quelde;
he smot him vnder shelde.

Cutberd looks on his ring, then smites the giant through the heart.

He lokede on his rynge,

932And þoȝte on Rymenhilde.

He smot him þureȝ þe herte,

Þat sore him gan to smerte.

Þe paens þat er were so sturne,

936Hi gunne awei vrne.

He lokede on hys gode ringe,

932 And þoute on reymyld þe ȝonge.

Myd gode dunt ate furste,

He smot hym to þe herte.

Þe hondes gonnen at erne

936 In to þe schypes sterne.

he lokede on is rynge,

932 ant þohte o rymenild þe ȝynge.

mid god suerd at þe furste,
he smot him þourh þe huerte.

þe payns bigonne to fleon,

936 ant to huere shype teon.

Horn kills the Giant.

The pagans flee to their ship.

Horn and his compaynye

Gunne after hem wel swiþe hiȝe,

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

To schip he wolden ȝerne,

And cubert hem gan werne,

And seyde, “kyng, so þou haue reste,

940Clep nou forþ ofi þi beste,

And sle we þyse hounden,

Here we henne founden.”

to ship hue wolden erne;
godmod hem con werne.

[No gap in MS.  . .

. . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

The king’s sons are slain, but Cutberd annihilates the pagan host,

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Þe houndes hye of laucte,

944An strokes hye þere kaute.

Faste aȝen hye stode,

Aȝen duntes gode.

Help nawht here wonder;

948Cubert hem broute al honder.

þe kynges sones tweyne

944 þe paiens slowe beyne.

þo wes Godmod swyþe wo,
ant þe payens he smot so,
þat in a lutel stounde

948 þe paiens hy felle to grounde.

And sloȝen alle þe hundes,

Er hi here schipes funde.

He schedde of here blode,

And makede hem al wode.

godmod ant is men
slowe þe payenes eueruchen.

King Thurston’s two sons are slain.

thus avenging his father’s death.

To deþe he hem alle broȝte;

952His fader deþ wel dere hi boȝte.

Of alle þe kynges kniȝtes,

Ne scapede þer no wiȝte.

Bute his sones tweie

956Bifore him he saȝ deie.

To deþe he hem browte,

952 Hys fader deþ he bowten.

Of al þe kinges rowe,

Þer nas bute fewe slawe.

Bote hys sones tweye

956 By fore he sey deye.

his fader deþ ant ys lond

952 awrek godmod wiþ his hond.

[No gap in MS.  . .

. . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

The king mourns.

Þe king bigan to grete,

And teres for to lete.

Me leiden hem in bare,

960And burden hem ful ȝare.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Þe king bi gan to grete,

And teres for to lete.

Men leyden hem on bere,

960 And ledde hem wel þere

In to holy kyrke,

So man scholde werke.

þe kyng wiþ reuþful chere
lette leggen is sones on bere,
ant bringen hom to halle;

960 muche sorewe hue maden alle.

in a chirche of lym ant ston
me buriede hem wiþ ryche won.

King Thurston offers Horn his kingdom.

The following section—through line 986—has been rearranged by the transcriber. Line numbers show the original alignment of the three texts.

¶ Þe king com in to halle,

964Among his kniȝtes alle.

Þe king cam hom to halle,

964 Among þe kniyctes alle.

¶ Þe kyng lette forþ calle

964 hise knyhtes alle,

He offers to make Horn (Cutberd) his heir, and to give him his daughter Reynild. Cutberd declines, but offers to continue in the king’s service.

“Horn,” he sede, “i seie þe,

Do as i schal rede þe.

Aslaȝen beþ mine heirs,

968And þu art kniȝt of muchel pris,

And of grete strengþe,

And fair o bodie lengþe.

MiRengne þu schalt welde,

972And to spuse helde

Reynild, mi doȝter,

Þat sitteþ on þe lofte.”

“Do, cubert,” he seyde,

“As ich þe wolle rede.

Dede beþ myn heyres,

968 And þou þe boneyres,

And of grete strengþe,

Swete and fayr of lengþe.

Mi reaume þou schalt helde,

972 And to spuse welde

Hermenyl, my douter,

Þat syt in boure softe.”

ant seide, “godmod, ȝef þou nere,

[966] alle ded we were,

[No gap in MS.  . . . .]

[973] þou art boþe god ant feyr;
her y make þe myn heyr;
for my sones bueþ yflawe,

976ant ybroht of lyfdawe.

dohter ich habbe one;
nys non so feyr of blod ant bone.

KH5(Ermenild, þat feyre may,

980bryht so eny someres day,)

hire wolle ich ȝeue þe,
ant her kyng shalt þou be.”

KH.5 This line was at first left out by the scribe, and then written in the margin of the MS.

¶ “O sire king, wiþ wronge

976 Scholte ihc hit vnderfonge.

Þi doȝter þat ȝe me bede,

Ower rengne for to lede.

Welmore ihc schal þe serue,

980 Sire kyng, or þu sterue.

Þi sorwe schal wende

Or seue ȝeres ende.

Wanne hit is wente,

984Sire king, ȝef me mi rente.

Whanne i þi doȝter ȝerne,

Ne schaltu me hire werne.”

He seyde, “king, wit wronge

976 Scholde ich hire honder fonge,

Þing þat þou me bede,

And þy reaume lede.

At more ich wile þe serue,

980 And fro sorwe þe berwe.

Þy sorwe hyt schal wende

Her þis seue ȝeres hende.

And wanne he beþ wente,

984 Kyng, ȝyf þou me my rente.

Wan ich þi douter herne,

Ne schalt þou hire me werne.”

he seyde, “more ichul þe serue,

984 kyng, er þen þou sterue.

when y þy dohter ȝerne,
heo ne shal me noþyng werne.”

During seven years he does not communicate with Rymenhild.

Cutberd wonede þere

988Fulle seue ȝere,

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . ]

Þat to Rymenild he ne sente,

992Ne him self ne wente.

Rymenild was in Westernesse,

Wiþ wel muchel sorinesse.

Horn child wonede þere

988 fulle sixe yere.

Þe seuenþe, þat cam þe nexte

After þe sexte,KH4

To reymyld he ne wende,

992 Ne to hyre sende.

Reymyld was in westnesse,

Myd michel sorwenesse.

KH.4 MS. adds ‘yeres hende’ underdotted as a mistake.

¶ godmod wonede þere

988 fulle six ȝere;

[No gap in MS.  . .

. . . . . . . . .]

ant þe seueþe ȝer bygon;

992 to rymynyld, sonde ne sende he non.

rymenyld wes in westnesse,
wiþ muchel sorewenesse.

A king sues for Rymenhild.

A king sues for Rymenhild.

¶ A king þer gan ariue

996Þat wolde hire haue to wyue.

Aton he was wiþ þe king,

Of þat ilke wedding.

Þe daies were schorte,

1000Þat Riminhild ne dorste

Leten in none wise.

A writ he dude deuise;

A kyng þer was aryuede

996 Þat wolde hyre habbe to wyue.

At sone ware þe kynges

Of hyre weddinges.

Þe dawes weren schorte,

1000 And reymyld ne dorste

Lette in none wise.

A writ he dede deuise;

a kyng þer wes aryue,

996 ant wolde hyre han to wyue.

at one were þe kynges,
of þat weddynge.

þe dayes were so sherte,

1000 ant rymenild ne derste
latten on none wyse.

a wryt hue dude deuyse;

Athulf writes a letter to Horn.

Aþulf hit dude write,

1004Þat horn ne luuede noȝt lite.

Heo sende hire sonde

To euereche londe,

To seche horn, þe kniȝt,

1008Þer me him finde miȝte.

Ayol hyt dide write,

1004 Þat horn ne louede nawt lite.

And to eueryche londe,

For horn hym was so longe,

After horn þe knycte,

1008 For þat he ne Myȝte.

Aþulf hit dude wryte,

1004 þat horn ne louede nout lyte.

hue sende hire sonde
in to eueruche londe,
to sechen horn knyhte,

1008 whe so er me myhte.

Horn meets Rymenhild’s messenger.

Horn, while hunting, meets a page, who says that he is seeking Horn,

Horn noȝt þer of ne herde,

Til, o dai þat he ferde

To wude for to schete,

1012A knaue he gan imete.

Horn seden, “Leue fere,

Wat sechestu here?”

“Kniȝt, if beo þi wille,

1016I mai þe sone telle.

I seche fram biweste,

Horn of westernesse,

Horn þer of ne þoute,

Tyl, on a day þat he ferde

To wode for to seche,

1012 A page he gan mete.

He seyde, “leue fere,

Wat sekest þou here?”

“Knyt, feyr of felle,”

1016 Qwat þe page, “y wole þe telle.

Ich seke fram westnesse,

Horn, knyt of estnesse,

Horn þer of nout herde,
til, o day þat he ferde
to wode forte shete,

1012 a page he gan mete.

Horn seide, “leue fere,
whet dest þou nou here?”

[leaf 89]

“Sire, in lutel spelle

1016 y may þe sone telle.

Ich seche from westnesse,
horn, knyht, of estnesse,

and that Rymenhild is to marry King Mody of Reynes, on Sunday.

For a Maiden Rymenhild

1020Þat for him gan wexe wild.

A king hire wile wedde,

And bringe to his bedde,

King Modi of Reynes,

1024On of hornes enemis.

Ihc habbe walke wide

Bi þe se side,

For þe mayde reymyld,

1020 Þat for hym ney waxeþ wild.

A kyng hire schal wedde,

A soneday to bedde,

Kyng mody of reny,

1024 Þat was hornes enemy.

Ich haue walked wide

By þe se syde.

For rymenild, þat feyre may,

1020 soreweþ for him nyht ant day.

A kyng hire shal wedde,
a sonneday to bedde,

Kyng Mody of reynis,

1024 þat is hornes enimis.

ich habbe walked wyde
by þe see side.

The messenger laments that he cannot find Horn.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Nis he no war ifunde,

Walawai þe stunde.

Wailaway þe while,

1032Nu wurþ Rymenild bigiled.”

Horn iherde wiþ his ires,

And spak wiþ bidere tires,

Ich neuere myȝt of reche

1028Whit no londisse speche.

Nis he nower founde,

A weylawey þe stounde.

Reymyld worþ by gile,

1032 Weylawey þe wile.”

Horn hyt herde with eren,

And wep with blody teren.

ne mihte ich him neuer cleche,

1028 wiþ nones kunnes speche,
ne may ich of him here
in londe fer no nere.

weylawey þe while,

1032 him may hente gyle.”

¶ Horn hit herde wiþ earen,
ant spec wiþ wete tearen,

Horn discloses his identity, and sends word to Rymenhild that he will come Sunday before ‘prime.’

“Knaue, wel þe bitide,

1036Horn stondep þe biside.

Aȝen to hure þu turne,

And seie þat heo ne murne,

For ischal beo þer bitime,

1040A soneday bi pryme.”

Þe knaue was wel bliþe,

And hiȝede aȝen bliue.

Þe se bigan to þroȝe

1044Vnder hire woȝe.

“So wel þe, grom, by tide,

1036 Horn stant by þy syde.

Aȝen to reymyld turne,

And sey þat he ne morne.

Ich schal ben þer by tyime,

1040 A soneday by prime.”

Þe page was blyþe,

And schepede wel swyþe.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

“So wel, grom, þe bitide,

1036 horn stond by þi syde,
aȝeyn to rymenild turne,
ant sey þat hue ne murne.

y shal be þer bi time,

1040 a sonneday er prime.”

þe page wes wel blyþe
ant shipede wel suyþe.

[No gap in MS.  . .

. . . . . . . . .]

The messenger on his return journey is drowned.

The messenger is drowned, and Rymenhild looks for him in vain.

Þe knaue þer gan adrinke;

Rymenhild hit miȝte of þinke.

Rymenhild vndude þe dure pin

1048Of þe hus þer heo was in,

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Þe se hym gan to drenche;

Reymyld hyt Myȝt of þinche.

Þe se hym gan op þrowe,

1048 Honder hire boures wowe.

Reymyld gan dore vn pynne,

Of boure þat he was ynne,

þe see him gon adrynke;
þat rymenil may of þinke.

þe [see] him con ded þrowe

1048 vnder hire chambre wowe.

rymenild lokede wide
by þe see syde,

Rymenhild grieves when she finds the drowned messenger.

To loke wiþ hire iȝe,

1052If heo oȝt of horn isiȝe.

Þo fond heo þe knaue adrent

Þat he hadde for horn isent,

And þat scholde horn bringe;

1056Hire fingres he gan wringe.

And lokede forþ riȝcte

1052 After horn þe knyte.

Þo fond hye hire sonde

Drenched by þe stronde,

Þat scholde horn bringe;

1056 Hyre fingres hye gan wringe.

ȝef heo seȝe horn come,

1052 oþer tidynge of eny gome.

þo fond hue hire sonde
adronque by þe stronde,
þat shulde horn brynge;

1056 hire hondes gon hue wrynge.

Horn asks King Thurston’s aid.

Horn discloses his identity to King Thurston

¶ Horn cam to þurston þe kyng,

And tolde him þis tiþing.

Þo he was iknowe

1060Þat Rimenh[ild] was hise oȝe,

Of his gode kenne,

Þe king of suddenne,

And hu he sloȝ in felde

1064Þat his fader quelde,

Horn cam to þurston þe kinge,

And telde hym hys tydinge.

So he was by cnowe

1060 Þat reymyld was his owe.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

¶ Horn com to þurston þe kynge,
ant tolde him þes tidynge.

ant þo he was biknowe,

1060 þat rymenild wes ys owe,
ant of his gode kenne,
þe kyng of sudenne,
ant hou he sloh afelde

1064 him þat is fader aquelde,

and asks his pay and also aid to win Rymenhild.

And seide, “king þe wise,

Ȝeld me mi seruise.

Rymenhild help me winne;

1068Þat þu noȝt ne linne,

He seyde, “kyng so wise,

Ȝeld me my seruyse.

Reymyld me help to winne;

1068 Þat þou ich nowt ne lynne,

ant seide, “kyng so wyse,
ȝeld me my seruice.

rymenild, help me to wynne,

1068 swyþe þat þou ne blynne,

He promises that Athulf shall marry Thurston’s daughter.

And ischal do to spuse

Þi doȝter wel to huse.

Heo schal to spuse haue

1072Aþulf, mi gode felaȝe,

God kniȝt mid þe beste,

And þe treweste.”

And hy schal to house

Þy douter do wel spuse.

He schal to spuse haue

1072 Ayol, My trewe felawe,

He hys knyt wyt þe beste,

And on of þe treweste.”

ant y shal do to house
þy dohter wel to spouse,
for hue shal to spouse haue

1072 Aþulf, my gode felawe.

he is knyht mid þe beste,
ant on of þe treweste.”

The king consents.

Þe king sede so stille,

1076“Horn, haue nu þi wille.”

Þo seyde þe kyng so stille,

1076 “Horn, do þine wille.”

þe kyng seide so stille,

1076 “horn, do al þi wille.”

Horn levies men, and sets sail.

He dude writes sende

Into yrlonde,

After kniȝtes liȝte,

1080Irisse men to fiȝte.

To horn come inoȝe,

Þat to schupe droȝe.

Horn dude him in þe weie,

1084On a god Galeie.

Þe him gan to blowe

In alitel þroȝe.

Horn sente hys sonde

In to eueryche londe,

After men to fyȝte,

1080 Hyrische men so wyȝte,

To hym were come hy nowe,

Þat in to schipe drowe.

Horn tok hys preye.

1084 And dude him in hys weye.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

he sende þo by sonde,
ȝend al is londe,
after knyhtes to fyhte,

1080 þat were men so lyhte.

to him come ynowe,
þat in to shipe drowe.

¶ Horn dude him in þe weye,

1084 in a gret galeye.

þe wynd bigon to blowe
in a lutel þrowe.

Horn arrives at the latest possible moment.

He arrives after the bells for the wedding have been rung.

Þe se bigan to posse

1088Riȝt in to Westernesse.

Hi strike seil and maste,

And Ankere gunne caste,

Or eny day was sprunge

1092Oþer belle irunge.

Þe word bigan to springe

Of Rymenhilde weddinge.

Horn was in þe watere;

1096Ne miȝte he come no latere.

Here scyp gan forþ seyle,

1088 Þe wynd hym nolde fayle.

He striken seyl of maste,

And anker he gonne kaste.

Þe soneday was hy sp[ronge],

1092 And þe messe hy songe,

Of reymylde þe ȝonge,

And of mody þe kinge;

And horn was in watere;

1096 Myȝt he come no latere.

þe see bi-gan wiþ ship to gon,

1088 to westnesse hem brohte anon.

hue striken seyl of maste,
ant ancre gonnen caste.

matynes were yronge

1092 ant þe masse ysonge,
of rymenild þe ȝynge
ant of Mody þe kynge,
ant horn wes in watere;

1096 ne mihte he come no latere.

He leaves his ship, and comes to land.

He let his schup stonde,

And ȝede to londe.

His folk he dude abide

1100Vnder wude side.

He let scyp stonde,

And ȝede hym op to londe.

Hys folc he dide abyde

1100 Honder þe wode syde.

He let is ship stonde,
ant com him vp to londe.

His folk he made abyde

1100 vnder a wode syde.

Horn meets a Palmer.

Horn sets forth alone, and meets a palmer,

Hor[n] him ȝede alone,
also he sprunge of stone.

A palmere he þar mette,

1104And faire hine grette.

“Palmere, þu schalt me telle

Al of þine spelle.”

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

He wende forþ alone,

So he were spronge of stone.

A palmere he mette;

1104 Wyt worde he hym grette,

“Palmere, þou schalt me telle,”

He seyde, “on þine spelle,

So brouke þou þi croune,

1108Wi comest þou fram toune?”

[leaf 89, back]

¶ Horn eode forh al one,
so he sprong of þe stone.

on palmere he y-mette,

1104 ant wiþ wordes hyne grette,

“palmere, þou shalt me telle,”

he seyde, “of þine spelle,
so brouke þou þi croune,

1108 why comest þou from toune?”

who tells him of the wedding

He sede vpon his tale,

“I come fram o brudale,

Ihc was at o wedding

1112Of a Maide Rymenhild.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Þe palmere seyde on hys tale,

“Hy com fram on bridale.

Ich com fram brode hylde

1112 Of Mayden reymylde.

Fram honder chyrche wowe,

Þe gan louerd owe,

ant he seide on is tale,

“y come from a brudale,
from brudale wylde

1112 of maide remenylde.

[No gap in MS.  . .

. . . . . . . . .]

and of Rymenhild’s grief.

Ne miȝte heo adriȝe

1116Þat heo ne weop wiþ iȝe.

Heo sede þat ‘heo nolde

Ben ispused wiþ golde;

Heo hadde on husebonde,

1120Þeȝ he were vt of londe.’

Ne miyȝte hye hyt dreye

1116 Þat hye wep wyt eye.

He seyde þat ‘hye nolde

Be spoused Myd golde;

Hye hadde hosebonde,

1120 Þey be nere nawt in londe.’

ne mihte hue nout dreȝe

1116 þat hue ne wep wiþ eȝe.

hue seide, ‘þat hue nolde
be spoused wiþ golde;
hue hade hosebonde

1120 þah he were out of londe.’

And in strong halle,

Biþinne castel walle,

Þer iwas atte ȝate;

1124Nolde hi me in late.

Modi ihote hadde

To bure þat me hire ladde.

Awai igan glide;

1128Þat deol inolde abide.

Þe bride wepeþ sore,

And þat is muche deole!”

Mody Myd strencþe hyre hadde,

And in to toure ladde,

Into a stronge halle,

1124 Whit inne kastel walle.

Þer ich was attegate;

Moste ich nawt in rake.

Awey ich gan glyde;

1128 Þe deþ ich nolde abyde.

Þer worþ a rewlich dole,

Þer þe bryd wepeþ sore.”

ich wes in þe halle,
wiþ-inne þe castel walle.

[No gap in MS.  . .

. . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

a wey y gon glide;

1128 þe dole y nolde abyde.

þer worþ a dole reuly;
þe brude wepeþ bitterly.”

Horn exchanges clothes with the Palmer.

Horn changes clothes with the palmer,

¶ Quaþ horn, “So crist me rede,

1132We schulle chaungi wede.

Haue her cloþes myne,

And tak me þi sclauyne.

Today i schal þer drinke,

1136Þat some hit schulle ofþinke.”

His sclauyn he dude dun legge,

And tok hit on his rigge.

He tok horn his cloþes,

1140Þat nere him noȝt loþe.

“Palmere,” qwad horn, “so god me rede

1132 Ich and þou willen chaungen wede.

Tac þou me þi sclauyne,

And haue þou cloþes myne.

To day ich schal þere drynke;

1136 Som man hyt schal of þinke.”

Þe sclavyn he gan doun legge,

And horn hyt dide on rigge.

Þe palmere tok hys cloþes,

1140 Þat ne weren hym nowt loþe.

quoþ horn, “so crist me rede,

1132 we wolleþ chaunge wede.

tac þou robe myne,
ant ȝe sclaueyn þyne.

to day y shal þer drynke,

1136 þat summe hit shal of-þynke.”

sclaueyn he gon doun legge,
ant horn hit dude on rugge,
ant toc hornes cloþes,

1140 þat nout him were loþe.

and blackens his face and neck with coal.

Horn tok burdon and scrippe,

And wrong his lippe.

He makede him a ful chere,

1144And al bicolmede his swere.

He makede him vn bicomelich;

Hes he nas neuremore ilich.

Horn toc burdoun and scrippe,

And gan wringe hys lippe.

He makede a foul chere,

1144 And kewede hys swere.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

¶ Horn toc bordoun ant scrippe,
ant gan to wrynge is lippe.

he made foule chere,

1144 ant bicollede is swere.

[No gap in MS.  . .

. . . . . . . . .]

The gate-keeper forbids Horn entrance.

¶ He com to þe gateward,

1148Þat him answerede hard.

Horn bad undo softe,

Mani tyme and ofte.

Ne miȝte he awynne

1152Þat he come þerinne.

He cam to þe gateward,

1148 Þat hym answered hard.

He bed on do wel softe,

Fele syþe and ofte.

Myȝte he nowt wynne

1152 For to come þerinne.

he com to þe ȝateward,

1148 þat him onsuerede froward.

horn bed vn-do wel softe,
moni tyme ant ofte.

ne myhte he ywynne

1152 forto come þer-ynne.

Horn enters the hall, and sits with the beggars.

Horn breaks through the wicket, after having thrown the gate-keeper over the bridge.

Horn gan to þe ȝate turne,

And þat wiket vnspurne.

Þe boye hit scholde abugge;

1156Horn þreu him ouer þe brigge,

Þat his ribbes him to brake;

And suþþe com in atte gate.

He sette him wel loȝe,

1160In beggeres rowe.

He lokede him abute,

Wiþ his colmie snute.

Horn gan to þe yate turne,

And þe wyket op spurne.

Þe porter hyt scholde abygge;

1156 He pugde hym ofer þe brigge,

Þat hys ribbes gonnen krake;

And horn into halle rake.

He sette hym wel lowe,

1160 In beggeres rowe.

He loked al aboute,

Mid hys kelwe snowte.

horn þe wyket puste,
þat hit open fluste.

þe porter shulde abugge;

1156 he þrew him a-doun þe brugge,
þat þre ribbes crakede.

horn to halle rakede,
ant sette him doun wel lowe,

1160 in þe beggeres rowe.

he lokede aboute,
myd is collede snoute.

He sees Rymenhild weeping, but looks in vain for Athulf.

He seȝ Rymenhild sitte

1164Ase heo were of witte,

Sore wepinge and ȝerne;

Ne miȝte hure noman wurne.

He lokede in eche halke;

1168Ne seȝ he nowhar walke

Aþulf his felawe,

Þat he cuþe knowe.

He sey Reymyld sytte

1164 Al so hy were of witte,

Wyt droupnynde chere,

Þat was hys lemman dere.

He lokede in eche halke;

1168 Sey he nowere stalke

Ayol hys trewe felawe,

Þat trewe was and ful of lawe.

þer seh he rymenild sitte

1164 ase hue were out of wytte,
wepinde sore;
ah he seh nower þore

[No gap in MS.  . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Aþulf is gode felawe,
þat trewe wes in vch plawe.

Athulf despairs of Horn’s coming.

Athulf from the tower watches in vain for Horn.

Aþulf was in þe ture,

1172Abute for to pure

After his comynge,

Ȝef schup him wolde bringe.

He seȝ þe se flowe,

1176And horn nowar rowe.

Ayol was op in toure,

1172 Aboute for to poure

After hornes cominge,

Ȝyf water hym wolde bringe.

Þe se he sey flowe,

1176 And horn nower rowe.

¶ Apulf wes o tour ful heh,

1172 to loke fer ant eke neh
after hornes comynge,
ȝef water him wolde brynge.

þe see he seh flowe,

1176 ah horn nower rowe.

In his soliloquy he says that Horn will be too late.

He sede vpon his songe,

“Horn, nu þu ert wel longe.

Rymenhild þu me toke,

1180Þat i scholde loke.

Ihc habbe kept hure eure;

Com nu oþer neure.

I ne may no leng hure kepe;

1184 For soreȝe nu y wepe.”

He seyde in hys songe,

“Horn, þou art to longe.

Reymyld þou me by toke,

1180 Þat ich hyre scholde loke.

Ich haue hire yloked euere,

And þou ne comest neuere.”

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

he seyde on is songe,

“horn, þou art to longe.

rymenild þou me bitoke,

1180 þat ich hire shulde loke.

Ich haue yloked euere,
ant þou ne comest neuere.”

[No gap in MS.  . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Rymenhild bears wine and beer to the guests.

¶ Rymenhild Ros of benche,

Wyn for to schenche,

After mete in sale,

1188Boþe wyn and ale.

On horn he bar anhonde,

So laȝe was in londe.

Reymyld ros of benche,

Þe knyȝtes for to schenche.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

An horn hye ber on honde,

As hyt was lawe of londe.

Rymenild ros of benche,
þe beer al forte shenche,
after mete in sale,

1188 boþe wyn ant ale.

an horn hue ber an honde,
for þat wes lawe of londe.

Kniȝtes and squier

1192Alle dronken of þe ber;

Bute horn al one

Nadde þerof no mone.

Horn sat vpon þe grunde;

1196Him þuȝte he was ibunde.

Hye drank of þe bere,

1192 To knyt and to squiere.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

And horn set on þe grunde;

1196 Hym þoute he was bounde.

hue dronc of þe beere,

1192 to knyht ant skyere.

[No gap in MS.  . .

. . . . . . . . .]

horn set at grounde;

1196 him þohte he wes y-bounde.

Horn addresses Rymenhild.

Horn asks Rymenhild to serve the beggars.

He sede, “quen so hende,

To meward þu wende.

Þu ȝef vs wiþ þe furste;

1200Þe beggeres beoþ of þurste.”

He seyde, “quen so hende,

To meward gyn þou wende.

Schenk hus Myd þe furste;

1200 Þe beggeres beþ of þerste.”

¶ he seide, “quene so hende,
to me hydeward þou wende.

[leaf 90]

þou shenh vs wiþ þe vurste;

1200 þe beggares bueþ afurste.”

Rymenhild fills a gallon bowl with brown beer, and offers it to Horn.

¶ Hure horn heo leide adun,

And fulde him of a brun,

His bolle of a galun,

1204For heo wende he were a glotoun.

He seide, “haue þis cuppe,

And þis þing þer vppe.

Ne saȝ ihc neure, so ihc wene,

1208Beggere þat were so kene.”

Þe horn hye leyde adoune,

And fulde hem of þe broune,

A bolle of one galun;

1204 Hye wende he were a glotoun.

“Nym þou þe coppe,

And drinkyt al oppe.

Sey ich neuere, ich wene,

1208 Beggere so bold and kene.”

hyre horn hue leyde a doune,
ant fulde him of þe broune,
a bolle of a galoun;

1204 hue wende he were a glotoun.

hue seide, “tac þe coppe,
ant drync þis ber al vppe.

ne seh y neuer, y wene,

1208 beggare so kene.”

He refuses it, saying that he will have nothing ‘bote of coppe white,’

Horn tok hit his ifere,

And sede, “quen so dere,

Wyn nelle ihc, Muche ne lite,

1212Bute of cuppe white.

Horn tok þe coppe hys fere,

And seyde, “quen so dere,

No drynk nel ich bite,

1212 Bote of one coppe wite.

horn toc hit hise yfere,
ant seide, “quene so dere,
no beer nullich i bite,

1212 bote of coppe white.

and that he is no beggar, but a fisher.

Þu wenest i beo a beggere,

And ihc am a fissere,

“Wel feor icome bi este,

1216For fissen at þi feste.

Mi net liþ her bi honde,

Bi a wel fair stronde.

Þou wenst ich be a beggere;

For gode ich am a fyȝssere,

Hy come fram by weste,

1216 To fyȝen an þi feste.

My net hys ney honde,

In a wel fayr ponde.

þou wenest ich be a beggere;
ywis icham a fysshere,
wel fer come by weste,

1216 to seche mine bestee.

Min net lyht her wel hende,
wiþ-inne a wel feyr pende.

Horn further alludes to her dream of the fish net, and bids her ‘drynke to horn of horne.’

Hit haþ ileie þere

1220Fulle seue ȝere.

Ihc am icome to loke

Ef eni fiss hit toke.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Ihc am icome to fisse;

Drink to me of disse.

Drink to horn of horne,

1228Feor ihc am i orne.”

Hyt hat hy be here

1220 Al þis seueȝere.

Hyc am hy come to loke

Ȝif any he toke.

Ȝyf any fyȝs hys þerynne,

1224Þer of þou winne.

Ich am hy come to fyȝsse,

Drink to me of þy disse;

Drynk to horn of horn,

1228 For ich habbe hy ȝouren.”

Ich haue leye þere,

1220 nou is þis þe seueþe ȝere.

Icham icome to loke
ȝef eny fyssħ hit toke.

ȝef eny fyssħ is þer-inne,

1224 þer-of þou shalt wynne.

For icham come to fyssħ,
drynke nully of dyssħ.

drynke to horn of horne;

1228 wel fer ich haue y-orne.”

Rymenhild looks at him and trembles, not fully comprehending his meaning.

Rymenhild him gan bihelde;

Hire heorte bigan to chelde.

Ne kneu heo noȝt his fissing,

1232Ne horn hymselue noþing;

Ac wunder hire gan þinke,

Whi he bad to horn drinke.

Reymyld hym gan by holde,

And hyre herte to kolde.

Neyȝ he nowt hys fyssing,

1232 Ne hym selue no þyng.

Wonder hyre gan þynke,

Wy he hyre bed drynke.

¶ Rymenild him gan bihelde;
hire herte fel to kelde.

ne kneu hue noht is fysshyng,

1232 ne him selue noþyng.

ah wonder hyre gan þynke,
why for horn he bed drynke.

Horn puts the ring in the horn.

She fills the horn with wine and bids him drink his fill, and then tell her if he knows aught of Horn.

Heo fulde hire horn wiþ wyn,

1236And dronk to þe pilegrym.

Heo sede, “drink þi fulle,

And suþþe þu me telle

If þu eure isiȝe

1240Horn vnder wude liȝe.”

He fulde horn þe wyn,

1236 And dronk to þe pylegrim.

“Palmere, þou drinke þy fulle,

And syþe þou schalt telle,

Ȝyf þou horn awt seye

1240 Honder wode leye.”

hue fulde þe horn of wyne,

1236 ant dronk to þat pelryne.

hue seide, “drync þi felle,
ant seþþen þou me telle
ȝef þou horn euer seȝe

1240 vnder wode leȝe.”

Horn drinks, then throws the ring in the horn.

Horn dronk of horn a stunde,

And þreu þe ring to grunde.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Horn drank of horn a stounde,

And þrew hys ryng to þe grounde.

He seyde, “quen, nou seche

1244Qwat hys in þy drenche.”

¶ Horn dronc of horn a stounde,
ant þreu is ryng to grounde,
ant seide, “quene, þou þench

1244 what y þreu in þe drench.”

Rymenhild goes to her bower, and finds the ring.

Þe quen ȝede to bure,

Wiþ hire maidenes foure.

Þo fond heo what heo wolde,

1248A ring igrauen of golde,

Þat horn of hure hadde.

Sore hure dradde

Þat horn isteue were,

1252For þe Ring was þere.

Reymild ȝede to boure,

Wyt hyre maydenes foure.

He fond þat he wolde,

1248 A ryng hy grauen of golde,

Þat horn of hyre hadde.

Wel sore hyre of dradde

Þat horn child ded were,

1252 For þe ryng was þere.

þe quene eode to boure,
mid hire maidnes foure.

hue fond þat hue wolde,

1248 þe ryng ygraued of golde,
þat horn of hyre hedde.

fol sore hyre adredde
þat horn ded were,

1252 for his ryng was þere.

Rymenhild summons Horn to her bower.

She sends for the palmer, and inquires where he got the ring.

Þo sente heo a damesele

After þe palmere.

“Palmere,” quaþ heo, “trewe,

1256Þe ring þat þu þrewe,

Þu seie whar þu hit nome,

And whi þu hider come.”

Þo sende hye a damysele

Adoun after þe palmere.

“Palmere,” hye seyde, “so trewe,

1256 Þe ryng þou here þrewe,

Sey war þou ith nome,

And hyder wi þou come.”

þo sende hue a damoisele
after þilke palmere.

“palmere,” quoþ hue, “so trewe,

1256 þe ryng þat þou yn þrewe,
þou sey wer þou hit nome,
ant hyder hou þou come.”

Horn says that in his wanderings he has met Horn by the strand.

He sede, “bi seint gile,

1260Ihc habbe go mani Mile,

Wel feor bi ȝonde weste,

To seche my beste.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

I fond horn child stonde,

To schupeward in londe.

He seyde, “bi seynt gyle,

1260 Ich aue hy go mani amyle,

Wel fer her by weste,

To seche my beste,

My mete for to bidde,

1264So hyt me by tidde.

Þat fond ich horn child stonde,

To scyppeward on stronde.

he seyde, “by seint gyle,

1260 ich eode mony a myle,
wel fer ȝent by weste,
to seche myne beste,

Mi mete forte bydde,

1264 for so me þo bitidde.

ich fond horn knyht stonde,
to shipeward at stronde.

He continues to relate how Horn, on ship board, fell ill and died, and how Horn charged him to bear the ring to Rymenhild.

He sede he wolde agesse

1268to ariue in westernesse.

Þe schip nam to þe flode,

Wiþ me and horn þe gode.

Horn was sik and deide,

1272And faire he me preide,

‘Go wiþ þe ringe,

To Rymenhild þe ȝonge.’

Ofte he hit custe,

1276God ȝeue his saule reste.”

He seyde he wolde agesce

1268 To ryuen in westnesse.

Þat scyp hym ȝede to flode,

Myd me and horn þe gode.

Horn was sech and ded,

1272 And for his loue me bed,

‘To schipe with me þe ring

To Reymyld quene þe ȝeng.’

Ofte he me kuste,

1276 God ȝyue hys soule reste.”

he seide he wolde gesse

1268 to aryue at westnesse.

þe ship nom in to flode,
wiþ me ant horn þe gode.

Horn by-gan be sek ant deȝe,

1272 ant for his loue me preȝe
to gon wiþ þe rynge,
to rymenild þe ȝynge.

wel ofte he hyne keste,

1276 crist ȝeue is soule reste.”

Horn prevents Rymenhild from stabbing herself.

The princess raves with grief, and attempts to slay herself with a knife, but is prevented by Horn,

¶ Rymenhild sede at þe furste,

“Herte, nu þu berste,

For horn nastu namore,

1280Þat þe haþ pined þe so sore.”

Reymyld seyde ate ferste,

“Herte, nou to berste;

Horn ne worþ me na more,

1280 For wam hy pyne sore.”

¶ Rymenild seide at þe firste,

“herte, nou to berste.

horn worþ þe no more,

1280 þat haueþ þe pyned sore.”

Heo feol on hire bedde

Þer heo knif hudde,

To sle wiþ king loþe,

1284And hure selue boþe,

In þat vlke niȝte,

If horn come ne miȝte.

To herte knif he sette;

1288Ac horn anon hire kepte.

Hye fel adoun on þe bed

Þer hye hauede knyues leyd,

To slen hire louerd loþe,

1284 And hyre selue boþe,

In þat hulke [nyȝte],

Bote horn come myȝte.

Knyf to hyre herte hye sette,

1288 And horn hire gan lette.

[leaf 90, back]

Hue fel adoun a bedde,
ant after knyues gredde,
to slein mide hire kyng loþe,

1284 ant hire selue boþe.

wiþ-inne þilke nyhte,
come ȝef horn ne myhte.

to herte knyf hue sette,

1288 horn in is armes hire kepte.

who then wipes away the black from his face.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Hys schirt lappe he gan take,

And wiped awey þat blake

his shurte lappe he gan take,
ant wypede a wey þe foule blake

Horn makes himself known.

Horn tells who he is, and bids Rymenhild kiss him.

He wipede þat blake of his swere,

1292And sede, “Quen so swete and dere,

Ihc am horn þinoȝe;

Ne canstu me noȝt knowe?

Ihc am horn of westernesse;

1296In armes þu me cusse.”

Þat was on hys swere,

1292 And seyde, “quene so dere,

Canst þou me nawt knowe?

Ne am ich al þyn owe?

Ich am horn of estnesse;

1296 In þyn armes þou me kusse.”

Þat wes opon his suere,

1292 ant seide, “luef so dere,
ne const þou me yknowe?

ne am ich horn þyn owe?

Ich, horn of westnesse;

1296 in armes þou me kesse.”

After fond embraces, he tells her that he has armed men by the ‘wodes ende,’ who will prevent the wedding.

Hi custe hem mid ywisse,

And makeden Muche blisse.

¶ “Rymenhild,” he sede, “ywende

1300Adun to þe wudes ende.

Þer beþ myne kniȝtes,

Redi to fiȝte,

Iarmed vnder cloþe.

Hye clepten and hye kuste

Þe wile þat hem luste.

“Reymyld,” qwad horn, “ich moste wende

1300 To þe wodes hende,

After mine knyȝtes,

Hyrische men so wyȝte,

Armed honder cloþe.

yclupten ant kyste
so longe so hem lyste.

“Rymenild,” quoþ he, “ich wende

1300 doun to þe wodes ende,
for þer bueþ myne knyhte,
worþi men ant lyhte,
armed vnder cloþe;

1304Hi schulle make wroþe

Þe king and his geste

Þat come to þe feste.

Today i schal hem teche,

1308And sore hem areche.”

1304 He scholen maken wroþe

Þe king and hyse gestes

Þat sytten atte feste.

To day we schole hem keche,

1308 Ryȝt nou ich wolle hem teche.”

1304hue shule make wroþe
þe kyng ant hise gestes
þat bueþ at þise festes.

to day ychulle huem cacche,

1308 nou ichulle huem vacche.”

He leaves the bower, and Rymenhild sets out in search of Athulf.

¶ Horn sprong ut of halle,

And let his sclauin falle.

Þe quen ȝede to bure,

1312And fond Aþulf in ture.

HOrn sprong out of halle;

Þe sclavyn he let falle.

And Reymyld wente to toure,

1312 And fond ayol lure.

¶ Horn sprong out of halle;
ys brunie he let falle.

rymenild eode of boure;

1312 aþulf hue fond loure.

“Aþulf,” heo sede, “be bliþe,

And to horn þu go wel swiþe.

“Ayol, be wel blyþe,

And go to horn swyþe.

“aþulf, be wel blyþe,
ant to horn go swyþe.

Athulf goes to find Horn, and embraces him.

He is vnder wude boȝe,

1316And wiþ him kniȝtes Inoȝe.”

¶ Aþulf bigan to springe

For þe tiþinge.

After horn he arnde anon,

1320Also þat hors miȝte gon.

He him ouertok ywis;

Hi makede suiþe Muchel blis.

He hys honder wode bowe,

1316 And Myd hym felawe ynowe.”

Ayol forþ gan springe,

Wel glad for þat tydyngge.

Faste after horn he rende;

1320 Hym þoute hys herte brende.

Of tok he horn hy wys,

And kuste hym wit blys.

he is vnder wode bowe,

1316 wiþ felawes ynowe.”

Aþulf gon froth springe,
for þat ilke tydynge.

efter horn he ernde;

1320 him þohte is herte bernde.

he oftok him ywisse,
ant custe him wiþ blysse.

Horn breaks up the wedding feast.

Horn, with his armed men, breaks into the hall and slays many of the guests,

Horn tok his preie,

1324And dude him in þe weie.

He com in wel sone,

Þe ȝates were vndone,

Iarmed ful þikke

1328Fram fote to þe nekke.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

He com aȝen wel sone,

Þe gates weren ondone.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

horn tok is preye

1324 ant dude him in þe weye.

hue comen in wel sone,
þe ȝates weren vndone;
y-armed suiþe þicke

1328 from fote to þe nycke.

Alle þat were þerin,

Biþute his twelf ferin

And þe king Aylmare,

1332He dude hem alle to kare

Þat at þe feste were.

Here lif hi lete þere.

Hye þat ate feste heten,

Here lyue he gonnen þer leten.

And þe kyng mody

1332 Hym he made blody.

And þe king aylmere

Þo hauede myche fere.

alle þat þer euere weren,
wiþ-oute is trewe feren
ant þe kyng aylmare,

1332 ywis he hade muche care.

monie þat þer sete,
hure lyf hy gonne lete.

but he does not understand Fikenhild’s treachery, for all deny the treason.

Horn ne dude no wunder

1336Of ffikenhildes false tunge.

Hi sworen oþes holde,

Þat neure ne scholde

Horn no wonder ne makede

1336 Of fykenildes falsede.

He sworen alle and seyde

Þat here non hym by wreyde.

Horn vnderstondyng ne hede

1336 of Fykeles falssede.

Hue suoren alle, ant seyde,
þat hure non him wreyede

All swear that they have not betrayed Horn.

Horn neure bitraie,

1340Þeȝ he at diþe laie.

Hi Runge þe belle,

Þe wedlak for to felle.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

And ofte he sworen hoþes holde,

1340 Þat þere non ne scholde

No ware horn by wreyen,

Þou he to deþe leyen.

He rongen þe bellen,

1344Þe wedding for to fullen,

Of hor þat was so hende,

And of reymyld þe ȝonge.

ant suore oþes holde

1340 þat huere non ne sholde

Horn neuer bytreye,
þah he on deþe leye.

þer hy ronge þe belle,

1344 þat wedlake to fulfulle.

[No gap in MS.  . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Horn weds Rymenhild.

The wedding is celebrated in the king’s palace.

Horn him ȝede with his,

1348To þe kinges palais.

Þer was brid and ale suete,

For riche men þer ete.

Telle ne miȝte tunge

1352Þat gle þat þer was sunge.

Horn ledde hyre hom wit heyse,

1348 To hyre fader paleyse.

Þer was brydale swete;

Riche men þer hete.

Tellen ne Myȝte no tonge

1352 Þe joye þat þer was songe.

hue wenden hom wiþ eyse,

1348 to þe kynges paleyse.

þer wes þe brudale suete,
for richemen þer ete.

telle ne mihte no tonge

1352 þe gle þat þer was songe.

Horn addresses the king, and begins to recount his history.

¶ Horn sat on chaere,

And bad hem alle ihere.

“King,” he sede, “þu luste

1356A tale mid þe beste.

Horn set on hys cheyere,

And bed he scholden alle here.

He seyde, “kyng so longe,

1356 My tale þou honderstonde.

¶ Horn set in chayere,
ant bed hem alle yhere.

he seyde, “kyng of londe,

1356 mi tale þou vnderstonde.

I ne seie hit for no blame,

Horn is mi name.

Þu me to kniȝt houe,

1360And kniȝthod haue proued.

To þe king men seide

Þat iþe bitraide;

Hy was born in sodenne;

Kyng was My fader of kunne.

Þo me to knyȝte þou ȝoue;

1360 My knyȝthede ich haue proued.

To þe of me men seyde

War for þi herte creyde.

Ich wes ybore in sudenne;
kyng wes mi fader of kenne.

þou me to knyhte houe;

1360 of knythod habbe y proue.

[No gap in MS.  . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Horn explains to the king his innocence,

Þu makedest me fleme,

1364And þi lond to reme.

Þu wendest þat iwroȝte

Þat y neure ne þoȝte,

Bi Rymenhild for to ligge,

1368And þat i wiþsegge.

Þou makedest me to rewe,

1364 Þo þou bote me fleme.

Þou wendes þat ich wroute

Þat hy neuere ne þoute,

Wyt Reymyld for ligge.

1368 I wys ich hyt wyt sigge.

þou dryue me out of þi lond,

1364 ant seydest ich wes traytour strong.

þou wendest þat ich wrohte
þat y ner ne þohte,
by rymenild forte lygge;

1368 ywys ich hit wiþsugge.

and says that he will not take Rymenhild to wife until he has regained his kingdom of Sudenne.

Ne schal ihc hit biginne,

Til i suddene winne.

Þu kep hure a stunde,

1372Þe while þat i funde

In to min heritage

And to mi baronage.

Ich ne schal neuere a gynne,

Er ich sodenne wynne.

Kep hire me a stounde,

1372 Þe wille ich hennes founde

In to myn heritage,

Mid myn hirysce page.

[leaf 91]

Ne shal ich hit ner agynne,
er ich sudenne wynne.

þou kep hyre me a stounde,

1372 þe while þat ich founde

In to myn heritage,
wiþ þis yrisshe page.

Þat lond i schal ofreche,

1376And do mi fader wreche.

I schal beo king of tune,

And bere kinges crune.

Þanne schal Rymenhilde

1380Ligge bi þe kinge.”

Þat lond ich schal of reche,

1376 And do my fader wreche.

Ich schal be kyng of tune,

And wite of kynges r[?]owne.

Þenne schal Reymyld þe ȝonge

1380 Lyggen by horn þe kynge.”

þat lond ichulle þorhreche,

1376 ant do mi fader wreche.

ychul be kyng of toune,
ant lerne kynges roune.

þenne shal rymenild þe ȝynge

1380 ligge by horn þe kynge.”

Horn sets sail for Sudenne.

He sets sail with Athulf and his Irish companions, and has a favouring wind.

¶ Horn gan to schupe draȝe,

Wiþ his yrisse felaȝes.

Aþulf wiþ him his broþer;

1384Nolde he non oþer.

Þat schup bigan to crude,

Þe wind him bleu lude.

Hor gan to schipe ryde,

And hys knyȝtes bi side.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Here schip gan to croude,

Þe wynd hym bleu wel loude.

¶ Horn gan to shipe drawe,
wiþ hyse yrisshe felawe.

Aþulf wiþ him, his broþer,

1384 he nolde habbe non oþer.

þe ship by-gan to croude;
þe wynd bleu wel loude.

They reach Sudenne within five days.

Biþinne daies fiue

1388Þat schup gan ariue,

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Abute middelniȝte.

1392Horn him ȝede wel riȝte.

Honder sodenne syde

1388 Here schip bi gan to glide,

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Abowte myd niȝte.

1392 Horn hym yede wel ryȝte,

wyþ-inne dawes fyue

1388 þe ship began aryue.

vnder sudennes side
huere ship by-gon to ryde,
aboute þe midnyhte.

1392 horn eode wel rihte;

He finds a knight sleeping by the wayside.

Horn and Athulf land, and find a goodly knight sleeping by the wayside.

He tok aþulf bi honde,

And vp he ȝede to londe.

Hi founde vnder schelde,

1396A kniȝt hende in felde.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Þe kniȝt him aslepe lay

1400Al biside þe way.

Horn him gan to take,

And sede, “kniȝt, awake.

Nam ayol on hys honde,

And yeden op hon londe.

Hye found honder schelde,

1396 A knyt liggen in felde.

Op þe scheld was drawe

A crowch of ihesu cristes lawe.

Þe knyt hy lay on slepe,

1400 KH6In armes wel ymete.

Horn hym gan take,

And seyde, “knyt, awake.

KH.6 Between vv. 1399 and 1400 stands in the MS. Laud the incomplete line Horn hym gan m, underdotted to indicate that it is due to a mistake of the scribe.

he nom aþulf by honde,
ant ede vp to londe.

hue fonden vnder shelde,

1396 a knyht liggynde on felde.

o þe shelde wes ydrawe
a croyz of ihesu cristes lawe.

þe knyht him lay on slape,

1400 in armes wel yshape.

¶ Horn him gan ytake,
ant seide, “knyht, awake.

Horn bids him tell his business, under pain of death.

Seie what þu kepest,

1404And whi þu her slepest.

Me þinkþ, biþine crois liȝte,

Þat þu longest to vre driȝte.

Bute þu wule me schewe,

1408I schal þe to hewe.”

Þe gode kniȝt vp aros;

Of þe wordes him gros.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Me þynkeþ, by þe crowches lyste,

Þat þou leuest on criste.

Bote þou hit raþe schewe,

1408 Wyt Mi swerd ich schal þe hewe.”

Þe gode knyt op aros;

Of hornes wordes hym agros.

þou sei me whet þou kepest,

1404 ant here whi þou slepest!

me þuncheþ, by crois liste,
þat þou leuest on criste;
bote þou hit wolle shewe,

1408 my suerd shal þe to-hewe.”

þe gode knyht vp aros;
of hornes wordes him agros.

The knight tells his story.

The knight says that he serves the Saracens against his will,

He sede, “ihc haue, aȝenes my wille,

1412Payns ful ylle.

Ihc was cristene a while,

Þo i com to þis ille

Sarazins blake,

1416Þat dude me forsake.

He seyde, “hy serue ylle

1412 Paynyms, aȝen My wille.

Ich was cristene som wyle,

And þo were come into þis yle

Sarazyns lodlike and blake,

1416 And dide me god forsake.

he seide, “ich seruy ille

1412 paynes, toȝeynes mi wille.

Ich was cristene sum while;
y come in to þis yle.

Sarazyns loþe ant blake

1416 me made ihesu forsake,

and tells how the Saracens invaded the land and slew King Murry.

On Crist ihc wolde bileue;

On him hi makede me reue,

To kepe þis passage

1420Fram horn þat is of age,

Þat wunieþ bieste,

Kniȝt wiþ þe beste.

Hi sloȝe wiþ here honde,

1424Þe king of þis londe,

Bi god on wam yleue,

Þo he makeden me reue,

To loke þis passage

1420 For horn þat hys of age.

He woneþ alby weste,

God knyt myd þe beste.

He slow Mid hys honde

1424 Þe kyng of þise londe,

[No gap in MS.  . .

. . . . . . . . .]

to loke þis passage

1420 for horn þat is of age,
þat woneþ her by weste,
god knyht mid þe beste.

hue slowe mid huere honde,

1424 þe kyng of þisse londe,

He wonders that Horn does not return to avenge his father’s death.

And wiþ him fele hundred.

And þerof is wunder

Þat he ne comeþ to fiȝte;

1428God sende him þe riȝte,

And wind him hider driue,

To bringe hem of liue.

Hi sloȝen kyng Murry,

1432Hornes fader, king hendy.

Horn hi vt of londe sente;

Tuelf felaȝes wiþ him wente,

And wyt hym men an hundred.

Þer fore me þinkeþ wonder

Þat he comeþ fiȝþcte.

1428 God yeue hym þe miyȝte,

Þat wynde hym driue

To bringen hem of liue.

He slowen þe kyng mory,

1432 Hornes fader so stordy.

Horn to water he sente,
xij children myd hym wente.

ant wiþ him mony honder.

þer fore me þuncheþ wonder
þat he ne comeþ to fyhte;

1428 god ȝeue him þe myhte,
þat wynd him hider dryue,
to don hem alle of lyue.

ant slowen kyng mury

1432 hornes cunesmon hardy.

Horn, of londe hue senten;
tuelf children wiþ him wenten.

The knight proves to be Athulf’s father.

He continues to tell how his son, Athulf, is Horn’s faithful companion.

Among hem aþulf þe gode,

1436Min oȝene child, my leue fode.

Ef horn child is hol and sund,

And Aþulf biþute wund,

He luueþ him so dere,

1440And is him so stere,

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Miȝte iseon hem tueie,

1444For ioie i scholde deie.”

Þer mong was ayol þe gode,

1436 Myn owe child, myn owe fode.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

He louede horn wel derne,

1440 And horn hym also ȝerne.

Ȝyf horn hys hol and sounde,

Ayol ne tyt no wounde.

Bote ich nou se hem tweye,

1444 I wys ich wolle deye.”

wiþ hem wes aþulf þe gode,

1436 mi child, myn oune fode.

ȝef horn is hol ant sounde,
aþulf tit no wounde.

[No gap in MS.  . .

. . . . . . . . .]

he louede horn wiþ mihte,
ant he him wiþ ryhte.

ȝef y myhte se hem tueye,

1444 þenne ne rohti forte deye.”

The two make themselves known, and a joyful scene of recognition follows.

¶ “Kniȝt, beo þanne bliþe,

Mest of alle siþe.

Horn and Aþulf his fere,

1448Boþe hi ben here.”

To horn he gan gon,

And grette him anon.

“Knyt, be swiþe blyþe,

Mest of alle syþe.

Ayol and horn yfere

1448 Boþe he ben here.”

Þe knyt to hem gan steppe,

And in armes cleppe.

¶ “knyht, be þenne blyþe,
mest of alle syþe.

Aþulf, ant horn is fere,

1448 boþe-we beþ here.”

Þe knyht to horn gan skippe,
ant in his armes clippe.

Muche ioie hi makede þere,

1452Þe while hi togadere were.

“Childre,” he sede, “hu habbe ȝe fare?

Þat ihc ȝou seȝ hit is ful ȝare.

Wulle ȝe þis londe winne,

1456And sle þat þeris inne?”

Þe joie þat he made,

1452 Myȝte no man rede.

He seyde wit steuene ȝare,

“Children, hou abbe ȝe fare?

Wolle ȝe þis lond winne,

1456 And wonye þer inne?”

Muche ioye hue maden yfere,

1452 þo hue to gedere y-come were.”

[leaf 91, back]

He saide wiþ steuene þare,

“ȝungemen, hou habbe ȝe ȝore yfare?

wolle ȝe þis lond wynne,

1456 ant wonie þer ynne?”

The old knight informs Horn that his mother, the queen Godhild, still lives.

He sede, “leue horn child,

Ȝitt lyueþ þi moder Godhild.

Of ioie heo miste,

1460If heo þe aliue wiste.”

He seyde, “leue horn child,

Ȝet liueþ þy moder godild.”

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

he seide, “suete horn child,
ȝet lyueþ þy moder godyld.

of ioie hue ne miste,

1460 o lyue ȝef hue þe wiste.”

Horn informs the old knight that he has with him many Irish companions.

¶ Horn sede on his rime,

“Iblessed beo þe time

I com to suddenne,

1464Wiþ mine irisse menne.

We schulle þe hundes teche

To speken vre speche.

Alle we hem schulle sle,

1468And al quic hem fle.”

Horn seyde on hys rime,

“Hyblessed be þe tyme

Ich am ycome to sodenne,

1464 Wyt Myn hyrysce menne.

Þis lond we schollen winne

And fle at þat þere ben inne.

And so we scholen hem teche

1468 To speken oure speche.”

Horn seide on is ryme,

“yblessed be þe time

Icham icome in to sudenne,

1464 wiþ fele yrisshemenne.

we shule þe houndes kecche,
ant to þe deȝe vecche.

ánt so we shulen hem teche

1468 to speken oure speche.”

Horn delivers Sudenne from the Saracens.

Horn blows his horn, and his men arrive;

Horn gan his horn to blowe;

His folk hit gan iknowe.

Hi comen vt of stere,

1472Fram hornes banere.

Horn gan hys horn blowe,

Þat hys folc it gan knowe.

He comen out of scyp sterne,

1472 To horn ward wel ȝerne.

¶ Horn gon is horn blowe;
is folc hit con yknowe.

hue comen out of hurne,

1472 to horn swyþe ȝurne.

and they attack and slay the Saracens, old and young.

Hi sloȝen and fuȝten,

Þe niȝt and þe vȝten.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Þe Sarazins cunde,

1480Ne lefde þer non in þende.

He smyten and he fouten,

Þe nyȝt and eke þe ouȝten.

Myd speres hord he stonge,

1476Þe held and eke þe ȝonge.

Þat lond he þoru sowten;

To deþe he hus brouten

Sarazines kende,

1480 Þe leuede on þe fende.

hue smiten ant hue fyhten,
þe niht ant eke þe ohtoun.

[No gap in MS.  . .

. . . . . . . . .]

þe sarazyns hue slowe,
ant summe quike to drowe.

mid speres ord hue stonge

1480 þe olde ant eke þe ȝonge.

Then Horn causes chapels and churches to be built.

Horn let wurche

Chapeles and chirche;

Horn let sone werchen

Chapeles and cherchen;

¶ Horn lette sone wurche
boþe chapel ant chyrche.

Horn causes the bells to be rung and masses to be celebrated.

He let belles ringe,

1484And Masses let singe.

Bellen he dide ryngen,

1484 And prestes messe syngen.

He made belle rynge

1484 ant prestes masse synge.

Then he seeks his mother, and all make merry.

He com to his Moder halle,

In a roche walle.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Corn he let serie,

And makede feste merie.

Murie lif he wroȝte;

1492Rymenhild hit dere boȝte.

He sowte hys moder oueralle,

Wit inne eueriche walle.KH7

He custen and hye cleten,

1488And in to halle wenten.

Croune he gonnen werie,

And makede festes merye.

Murye he þere wroute;

1492 Reymyld hyt aboute.

KH.7 This line repeated in the MS.

He sohte is moder halle,
in þe roche walle.

He custe hire ant grette,

1488 ant in to þe castel fette.

Croune he gan werie,
ant make feste merye.

Murie he þer wrohte,

1492 ah rymenild hit abohte.

Fikenhild builds a strong castle.

In the meantime Fikenhild, by gifts, wins powerful support,

¶ Fikenhild was prut on herte,

And þat him dude smerte.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Ȝonge he ȝaf and elde,

1500Mid him for to helde.

Wile þat horn was oute,

Fikenyld ferde aboute.

To wiue he gan hire ȝerne;

1496Þe kyng ne dorst him werne.

Muche was hys prede;

Þe ryche he ȝaf mede,

Ȝonge and eke þe helde,

1500 Þat Mid hym scholde helde.

¶ Þe whiles horn wes oute,

Fikenild ferde aboute.

[No gap in MS.  . .

. . . . . . . . .]

þe betere forte spede,
þe riche he ȝef mede,
boþe ȝonge ant olde,

1500 wiþ him forte holde.

and builds a castle entirely surrounded by the water.

Ston he dude lede,

Þer he hopede spede.

Strong castel he let sette,

1504Mid see him biflette.

Þer ne miȝte liȝte

Bute foȝel wiþ fliȝte;

Bute whanne þe see wiþ droȝe,

1508Miȝte come men ynoȝe.

Ston he dede lede,

And hym þerto he made.

A kastel he dude feste

1504 Wit water alby sette.

Miȝt no man hon on legge,

By paþe ne by brigge;

Bote wan þe wit drowe,

1508 Þer munthe come.

Ston he dude lade,
ant lym þerto he made.

Castel he made sette,

1504 wiþ water by flette.

Þat þer yn come ne myhte
bote foul wiþ flyhte;
bote when þe see wiþ-drowe,

1508 þer mihte come ynowe.

Fikenhild then plots to wed Rymenhild, and sets the day for the wedding.

Fikenhild gan wende

Rymenhild to schende.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Þis fykenild ganto wendeKH8

Reynyld for to wende.

Þe day by gan to wexe,

1512Þat hem was by twexe.

Fekenyld, her þe day gan springe,

Ferde to aylmer þe kynge,

After reynyld þe bryȝte,

1516And spousede hire by niȝte.

KH.8 Written wēnde

þus fykenild gon by-wende

Rymenild forte shende.

[No gap in MS.  . .

. . . . . . . . .]

to wyue he gan hire ȝerne;
þe kyng ne durst him werne.

ant habbeþ set þe day,

1516 Fykenild to wedde þe may.

Rymenhild weeps tears of blood.

To woȝe he gan hure ȝerne;

Þe kyng ne dorste him werne.

Rymenhild was ful of mode;

1520He wep teres of blode.

He ledde hyre hom in derke,

To his newe werke.

Þe festes he by gonne,

1520 Here aryse þe sonne.

wo was rymenild of mode;
terres hue wepte of blode.

[No gap in MS.  . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Horn dreams of danger to Rymenhild.

Horn dreams that Rymenhild is shipwrecked, that she tries to swim to land, but that Fikenhild prevents her with his sword hilt.

Þat niȝt horn gan swete,

And heuie for to mete

Of Rymenhild his make,

1524Into schupe was itake.

Þe schup bigan to blenche;

His lemman scholde adrenche.

Þat nyȝt gan horn swete,

And harde forto mete

Of Reymyld hys make,

1524 Þat in to schype was take.

Þat schip scholde on hire blenche;

Hys leman scholde adrenche.

þilke nyht horn suete
con wel harde mete
of rymenild his make,

1524 þat in to shipe wes take.

þe ship gon ouerblenche;
is lemmon shulde adrenche.

Rymenhild wiþ hire honde

1528Wolde vp to londe.

Fikenhild aȝen hire pelte

Wiþ his swerdes hilte.

Reymyld wit hire honde

1528 Wolde suemme to londe.

Fykenyld hire ȝen pulte

Wit his sword hylte.

¶ Rymenild mid hire honde,

1528 swymme wolde to londe.

Fykenild aȝeyn hire pylte,
mid his suerdes hylte.

Horn awakes, and tells Athulf his dream.

¶ Horn him wok of slape,

1532So a man þat hadde rape.

“Aþulf,” he sede, “felaȝe,

To schupe we mote draȝe.

Fikenhild me haþ idon vnder,

1536And Rymenhild to do wunder.

Crist, for his wundes fiue,

To niȝt me þuder driue.”

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

“Ayol,” qwat horn, “trewe felawe,

Into schip gonne we drawe.

Fykenyld haueþ gon onder,

1536 And don Reynyld som wonder.

God, for his wordes fiue,

To nyȝt us þyder driue.”

Horn awek in is bed;

1532 of his lemmon he wes adred.

“Aþulf,” he seide, “felawe,
to shipe nou we drawe.

Fykenild me haþ gon vnder,

1536 ant do rymenild sum wonder.

Crist, for his wondes fyue,
to nyht þider vs dryue!”

Horn sets out to the rescue of Rymenhild.

He immediately sets sail, with a good wind.

Horn gan to schupe Ride,

1540His feren him biside.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Fikenhild, or þe dai gan springe,

1544Al riȝt he ferde to þe kinge,

Horn gan to Scype Ride,

1540 And his knyȝtes by side.

[leaf 92]

¶ Horn gon to shipe ride,

1540 his knyhtes bi his side.

þe ship bigon to sture,
wiþ wynd god of cure.

ant fykenild her þe day springe,

1544 seide to þe kynge,

Fikenhild espouses Rymenhild by night, and leads her to his castle.

After Rymenhild þe briȝte,

To wedden hire biniȝte.

He ladde hure bi þe derke,

1548Into his nywe werke.

After rymenild þe brhyte,
ant spousede hyre by nyhte.

he ladde hire by derke,

1548 in to is newe werke.

They begin the feast before sunrise.

Þe feste hi bigunne,

Er þat ros þe sunne.

Er þane horn hit wiste,

1552To fore þe sunne vpriste.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Here schip bigan to terne

1552 By þe wateres sterne.

þe feste hue bigonne,
er þen aryse þe sonne.

[No gap in MS.  . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Horn’s ship arrives under the castle.

His schup stod vnder ture,

At Rymenhilde bure.

Hys schip stod in store,

Honder fikenildes boure.

Hornes ship atstod in stoure,
vnder fykenildes boure.

Horn does not recognize the new castle, but meets Arnoldin, who is awaiting him,

Rymenhild, litel weneþ heo

1556Þat Horn þanne aliue beo.

Þe castel þei ne knewe,

For he was so nywe.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Horn fond sittinde Arnoldin,

Þat was Aþulfes cosin,

Þat þer was in þat tide,

1564Horn for tabide.

Ne wiste horn on liue

1556 Whar he was a Ryue.

Þe kestel he ne knewe,

For he was so newe.

Þe sond by gan to drye,

1560And hyt hym makede weye.

He fond stonde arnoldyn,

Þat was ayolles cosyn,

Þat was þere in tyde,

1564 Horn for to abyde.

Nuste horn a-lyue

1556 wher he wes aryue.

þene castel hue ne knewe,
for he was so newe.

þe see bigon to wiþ drawe;

1560 þo seh horn his felawe,
þe feyre knyht arnoldyn,
þat wes aþulfes cosyn,
þat þer set in þat tyde,

1564 kyng horn to abide.

Arnoldin explains the situation to Horn.

and who tells him that Fikenhild that day has wedded Rymenhild.

“Horn kniȝt,” he sede, “kinges sone,

Wel beo þu to londe icome.

Today haþ y wedde fikenhild,

1568Þi swete lemman, Rymenhild.

Ne schal i þe lie;

He haþ giled þe twie.

He seyde, “horn, kynges sone,

Wel be þou here to londe come.

Nou hat wedded fikenyld

1568 Þy nowe lemman, Reymyld.

Nele ich þe nowt lye;

He haueþ þe gyled twye.

he seide, “kyng horn, kyngessone,
hider þou art welcome.

to day haþ sire Fykenild

1568 yweddeþ þi wif, rymenild.

white þe nou þis while;
he haueþ do þe gyle.

Þis tur he let make

1572Al for þine sake.

Ne mai þer come inne

Noman wiþ none ginne.

Horn, nu crist þe wisse,

1576Of Rymenhild þat þu ne misse.”

Þis castel he dude make

1572 For Reymyldes sake.

Þer may mo man on legge,

By paþe neby brigge.

Horn, nou crist þe wisse,

1576 Of Reymyld þat þou ne misse.”

þis tour he dude make

1572 al for rymenildes sake.

ne may þer comen ynne
no mon wiþ no gynne.

¶ Horn, nou crist þe wisse,

1576 rymenild þat þou ne misse.”

Horn enters the castle, disguised as a harper.

Horn, and some companions, disguise themselves as harpers, hiding their swords under their garments.

¶ Horn cuþe al þe liste

Þat eni man of wiste.

Harpe he gan schewe,

1580And tok felaȝes fewe,

Of kniȝtes suiþe snelle,

Þat schrudde hem at wille.

Horn her kenede al þe lyste

Þat any man of wiste.

To herpe he gan drawe,

1580 And wyȝt hys tweye felawe,

Knyȝtes swyþe felle,

And schurde hem in pelle.

Horn couþe alle þe listes
þat eni mon of wiste.

harpe he gon shewe,

1580 ant tocKH9 him to felawe,
knyhtes of þe beste
þat he euer hede of weste.

KH.9 MS. tot

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Hi ȝeden bi þe grauel,

Toward þe castel.

Hi gunne murie singe,

1588And makede here gleowinge.

Wyt swerdes he hem gyrte

1584Anouen here schirte.

He wenden on þe grauel

Toward þe castel.

He gonne murye synge,

1588 And makede here glewinge.

ouen o þe sherte

1584 hue gurden huem wiþ suerde.

hue eoden on þe grauele,
towart þe castele.

hue gonne murie singe,

1588 ant makeden huere gleynge,

Fikenhild hears their singing, and bids bring them in.

¶ Rymenhild hit gan ihere,

And axede what hi were.

Hi sede hi weren harpurs,

1592And sume were gigours.

He dude horn in late,

Riȝt at halle gate.

He sette him on þe benche,

1596His harpe for to clenche.

Þat fykenyld myȝt yhere;

Hearkede wat hye were.

Men seyde hyt harperes,

1592 Iogelours and fiþeleres.

He dude hem in lete;

At halle dore he sete.

Horn set on þe benche;

1596 Hys harpe he gan clenche.

þat fykenild mihte y-here;
he axede who hit were.

men seide hit were harpeirs,

1592 iogelers ant fyþelers.

hem me dude in lete;
at halle dore hue sete.

horn sette him a benche;

1596 is harpe he gan clenche.

Horn makes a lay to Rymenhild, and she falls in a swoon.

He makede Rymenhilde lay,

And heo makede walaway.

Rymenhild feol yswoȝe;

1600Ne was þer non þat louȝe.

Hit smot to hornes herte

So bitere þat hit smerte.

He makede Reymyld a lay,

And reynyld makede weylawey.

Reymyld fel yswowe;

1600 Þo was þer non þat lowe.

Hyt ȝede to hornes herte;

Sore hym gan smerte.

he made rymenild a lay,
ant hue seide weylawey.

¶ Rymenild fel y swowe;

1600 þo nes þer non þat lowe.

hit smot horn to herte;
sore con him smerte.

Horn looks on his ring and thinks of Rymenhild, then with his good sword slays Fikenhild and all his men.

He lokede on þe ringe,

1604And þoȝte on Rymenhilde.

He ȝede vp to borde,

Wiþ gode suerdes orde.

Fikenhildes crune

1608Þer ifulde adune,

And al his men arowe

Hi dude adun þrowe!

Hey lokede on hys gode Ryng,

1604 And Reymyld þe ȝonge.

Hey ȝede op to borde,

Mid hys gode swerde.

Fykenyldes crowne

1608 He leyde þere adowne;

And alle hys men arewe

He dide adoun þrewe.

he lokede on is rynge,

1604 ant o rymenild þe ȝynge.

he eode vp to borde,
mid his gode suorde.

Fykenildes croune

1608 he fel þer adoune;
ant alle is men arowe
he dude adoun þrowe.

[No gap in MS.  . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Horn slays Fikenhild, and makes Arnoldyn king.

He makes Arnoldin king there, after Aylmer,

Whanne hi weren aslaȝe,

1612Fikenhild hi dude to draȝe.

Horn makede Arnoldin þare

King, after king Aylmare,

Of al westernesse,

1616For his meoknesse.

Þe king and his homage

Ȝeuen Arnoldin trewage.

Þo he weren alle yslawe,

1612 Fykenyld he dide to drawe.

He makede arnoldyn kyng þere,

After þe kyng aylmere,

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Þe knytes and þe barnage

Dude hym alle utrage.

ant made arnoldyn kyng þere,

[1612] after kyng aylmere,
to be kyng of westnesse,
for his mildenesse.

þe kyng ant is baronage

[1616] ȝeuen him truage.

and taking with him Athulf and Rymenhild, sets out for King Modi’s kingdom.

¶ Horn tok Rymenhild bi þe honde,

1620And ladde hure to þe stronde,

And ladde wiþ him Aþelbrus,

Þe gode stuard of his hus.

Horn tok rymyld by þe hond,

1620 And ledde hire by þe se strond.

He tok hym syre aylbrous,

Stiward of þe kynges hous.

¶ Horn toc rymenild by honde,
ant ladde hire to stronde,

Ant toc wiþ him Aþelbrus,

[1620] þe gode stiward of hire fader hous.

Þe se bigan to flowe,

1624And horn gan to Rowe.

He riuede in a reaume,

1624 In a wel fayr streume,

[leaf 92, back]

þe see bigan to flowen,
ant hy faste to rowen.

hue aryueden vnder reme,

1624 in a wel feyr streme.

Horn slays King Modi, and makes Athelbrus king in his place.

Hi gunne for ariue

Þer king modi was sire.

Aþelfrus he makede þer king,

1628For his gode teching.

He ȝaf alle þe kniȝtes ore,

For horn kniȝtes lore.

Þer kyng mody was syre,

Þat horn slow wyt yre.

Aybrous he makede þer kyng,

1628 For hys gode tydyng;

For syre hornes lore,

He was kyng þore.

kyng Mody wes kyng in þat lond;
þat horn sloh wiþ is hond.

Aþelbrus he made þer kyng,

1628 for his gode techyng;
for sire hornes lore
he wes mad kyng þore.

Athulf weds Reynild, and Horn marries Rymenhild.

He then proceeds to Ireland, and causes Athulf to marry the princess Reynild.

Horn gan for to ride;

1632Þe wind him bleu wel wide.

He ariuede in yrlonde,

Þer he wo fondede.

Þer he dude Aþulf child

1636Wedden maide Reynild.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

Horn ariuede in hyre londe,

Þer he hadde woned so longe.

Þer he dude ayol childe

1636 Wedden mayden hermenylde.

¶ Horn eode to ryue;

1632 þe wynd him con wel dryue.

he aryuede in yrlonde,
þer horn wo couþe er fonde.

He made þer Aþulf chyld

1636 wedde mayden ermenyld,

Then he returns to Sudenne, and makes Rymenhild his queen.

Horn com to suddenne,

Among al his kenne.

Rymenhild he makede his quene,

1640So hit miȝte wel beon.

Horn wente to sodenne,

To hys owe kunne.

Reymyld he makede quene,

1640 So ich Miyȝte wel bene.

ant horn com to sudenne,
to is oune kenne.

Rymenild he made þer is quene,

1640 so hit myhte bene.

They live in true love, and cherish God’s law. ‘Nu ben hi boþe dede.’

Alfolk hem miȝte rewe,

Þat loueden hem so trewe;

Nu ben hi boþe dede;

1644Crist to heuene hem lede.

Her endeþ þe tale of horn

Þat fair was and noȝt vnorn.

Make we vs glade Eure among,

1648For þus him endeþ hornes song.

Jesus þat is of heuene king,

Ȝeue vs alle his suete blessing.

Alle folc hyt knewe

Þat he hem louede trewe.

Nou ben he alle dede;

1644 God hem to heuene lede.

[No gap in MS.  . . . .

. . . . . . . . .]

In trewe loue hue lyueden ay,
ant wel hue loueden godes lay.

Nou hue beoþ boþe dede,

1644 crist to heouene vs lede. AmeN!

EX—PLI—CIT. Amen.

Am  .  .  .  e  .  .  .  n.

NOTES.

KING HORN.

Links generally lead to the next lower multiple of 4, corresponding to visible line numbers.

4, H. Allof. An undoubted trace of the influence of the French version on the H text of the English version. The French has Aaluf.

6. laste. Cf. ‘Lay.’ 7017: þe while þe hit ilæste.

8. Fairer ... Cf. ‘The Erl of Tolous’ (ed. by G. Lüdtke, Berlin, 1881): were no fayrer undyr hevyn, That any man myght see, Fayre myght none bee. 354. Cf. also 980-1. Further, ‘The King of Tars.’ (Engl. Stud. xi. pp. 1 ff.): Feirer miȝt non ben oliue 8.

10, C. miste. In many southern texts the s- initial has the phonetic value sh-. Hence here it is to be assumed that medial -st- has the pronunciation -sht, a loose way of representing the pronunciation of the -ht, -ȝt like German -cht in nicht, etc.

11, 12. rine : schine. Cf. ‘Lay.’ 31889-90: þa sunne gon to scine, Þe rein bigon to rine; 28303, muchel rein him gon rine; 31086-7, nis nan feirure wifmon þa whit sunne seineð on.

14. briȝt so þe glas. Cf. ‘Rich. C. de L.’ (Weber, Early Engl. Romances, II.). 75. And a lady þerinne was bryght as the sunne thorough glas.

15. whit so þe flur. Cf. ‘Rich. C. de L.’: off that lady whyt so flour, 128.

17, 18. bold : old. Cf. ‘The Erl of Tolous’: He was a feyr chyld and a bolde, Twenty wyntur he was oold, 712-13; Reinbroun 4, 4. Faire child he was and bolde, He was boute seue winter olde. ‘Beues’ 3899-3900: Be þat he was seue winter old, He was a fair child and a bold.

“Faire child he was ...” is Beues l. 52; “Be þat he was ...” is Reinbroun st. 4 l. 4.

19, 20. iliche. Cf. ‘Guy of Warwick’ 1336: In all þys worlde ys none hym lyke.

21, H. tueye feren. The H text here lacks one of the archaic features of the story, referring to only two companions, viz., Aþulf and Fikenhild. The other ten, save for the abrupt introduction of Arnoldin at the conclusion, play no active part in the present version.

23. riche menne sones. Cf. ‘Lay.’ 28932-3: monies riches monnes sune, monie hæðene gume.

25. for to with infinitive. This is frequent, especially in H, and is probably due to French influence, por à. Cf. 166 L, 242 H, 388 C H, 902, 1011, 1186, etc.

27. him het. For frequent use of reflexives cf. 134 L, 140 C L, 147 C, 173 C, 233 L, 293 C, 294, 526 C, 307 C, 364, 398 C, 426, 806 L, 802 L, 1250, 1269, 1297-8, 1386, 1410, 1545.

27, H. Athulf. In the early part of the H text th is used in proper names.

31-35. Cf. ‘Erl of Tolous’ 181-3: So hyt befell upon a day, The erl and he went to play, Be a reuer syde. Cf. also ‘Lyb. Disc.’ 25, 26 (Ritson): As hyt befelle upon a day, To wode he wente on hys play; also ‘Lay.’ 25661 A, bi þere sæ side; ‘Lyb. Disc.’ 645-6: Yesterday yn the mornynge y wente on my playnge.

42. sarazins. The conventional enemy in mediaeval romance. Probably due to French influence and ultimately due to the stories originating in the crusades and in the struggles between Mohammedans and Christians culminating in the Battle of Tours.

44. Oþer to londe brohte. Murry mistakes them for merchants (cf. also 637-8). The whole incident, vv. 39-62, reminds one of the quite parallel historical incident of the first landing of the Northmen in 787, and the death of Beaduheard and his retinue.

45. Payn. Cf. Note on Sarazins, 42. of herde, an unusual combination. This is the only instance cited in Bradley-Stratmann.

55. gunne = ‘did’ intensive, as frequently. See gan in Glossary, also con, couþe, began.

57. vnder schelde means perhaps ‘in arms.’ Cf. ‘Rich. C. de L.’ 5691-3: And yiff the sawdon off that land Myghte sloo Richard in that feeld With swerd or spere undyr scheeld. Cf. also Wissmann’s note.

67-8. libbe : sibbe. Cf. ‘Lay.’ 11605-6: þenne maȝen we libben mid sæhten & mid sibben (Wissmann).

69. hi here. The representatives of the OE. forms of the personal pronouns are usually very strictly adhered to. þei, þe occurs twice (55 L and 1557 C), sche once (380 L), ‘their’ and ‘them,’ not at all.

69, 70. asoke : toke. Cf. ‘Lay.’ 12114-16: & sūme heo god wiðsoken & to haðenescipe token (Wissmann). Also ‘Lay.’ 29187-8: for crist seolue he for soc, and to þon wursen he tohc.

82, L. hundes. Cf. also 91 L, 634 C H, 887, 1465, etc. For a possible explanation of the term cf. ‘Rich. C. de L.’ 337-40: Upon his creste a rede hounde. The tayle henge to the grounde. That was Sygnyfycacioun The hethene folke to brynge down. Cf. 634 Note.

89, 90. made. Cf. ‘Lay.’ 28067-8: deoren swið hende, þa ure drihten make (Wissmann). The contracted form made of L H, is that of the original as shown by the rime and rhythm.

92. quic flen perhaps a trace of a primitive custom in this crystallized phrase (cf. also 1468 C).

98. iseene. Cf. Chaucer, ‘Knight’s Tale’ 65: Now be we caytifs as it is wel seene (Wissmann).

100. strong : long. Cf. ‘Havelok’ 2242-3: Non so fayr, ne non so long, ne non so mikel ne non so strong.

107, C. stere. Cf. Glossary.

109. Cf. the parallel historical incident where Aethelstan sets his brother Eadwine adrift, in Thorpe’s translation of Lappenberg’s England under the Anglo-Saxon Kings, II, iii, London, 1845 (Wissmann).

118. wringinde. Cf. ‘Havelok’ 152: He wrungen hondes and wepen sore (Wissmann).

121-122. wo : þo. A stereotyped couplet in romance. Cf. ‘Lay.’ 8429-30, 20383-4, 8677-8, ‘Sir Isumbras’ 380-1, 759-60, ‘Rich. C. de L.’ 6521-2.

123. Horns. Perhaps a scribal error, so common in this MS.; perhaps a trace of the OF. inflection with -s in the nom. sing. Cf. Horns 1560 H, enimis 1023 C, 1024 H; also page and crois in Glossary.

127. flowe. Cf. ‘Proverbs of Alfred,’ v. 197 (M. and S. selections): Uppe þe see þat floweþ. Kölbing (Eng. Stud. vi. 154) thinks flowe means ‘flood’ as distinguished from ‘ebb.’

128. rowe. The ‘ship’ was a ‘galeie,’ cf. 199, 1084, 1086, etc.: cf. also ‘Rich. C. de L.’ 2521-4: They rowede hard, and sungge ther too With henelow and rumbelooo. The galeye wente also faste As quarrel dos off the arweblast.

131-2. ywis : ymis. Cf. ‘Lay.’ 19067-8: for æuere heo wende ful iwis þat it weoren þe eorl Gorlois.

134. sprang. Cf. ‘Owl and Nighting.’ 734: Wane þe liȝt of daie springe. Also ‘Ipomydon’ 776: To-morrow, or the day sprynge. Hence the modern word ‘dayspring.’ For reflexive phrase, him sprong, cf. 27 Note.

150, L. dawes, the natural phonetic development from OE. nom. accus. plur. dagas. The more usual forms daies, dayes, are formed by analogy with the singular.

161, C H. hol and fer. Cf. ‘Ass.’ 62 Cambr.: so hol ne fer.

168. dales and dune. A common collocation of words. Cf. ‘Lay.’ 27352-3: iseȝen alle þa dales, alle þa dunes (Wissmann).

170. blessing. The accent on the second syllables of dissyllabic words as revealed by the rimes in ‘Horn’ is an interesting feature. This accent is no doubt in part to be explained as a French characteristic, in part as the survival of an OE. secondary accent. For further instances cf. 209-10, 219-20, 233-4, 239-40, 243-4, 253-4, 263-4, 359-60, 467-8, 529-30, 609-10, 859-60, 1169-70, 1235-6, etc.

174. mild. Cf. ‘Rich. C. de L.’ 6887-8: Tho sayde to hym with mylde stevene, also a frequent phrase in the ‘Assumption.’

176. beoþ icumene. For other examples of beon as auxiliary cf. beþ ygo 310 H, am iorne 1228 C, etc. Cf. also ‘Lay.’ 13838-9: whæt cnihten ȝe seon & whænnenen ȝe icumen beon.

175 ff. Compare with Aylmer’s greeting the in many ways similar greeting of Vortiger to Hengest and Horsa. ‘Lay.’ 13826 ff.

180-2. Ne sauȝ ihc ... Cf. 180-2 Note.

202. sail and roþer. Cf. ‘R. H.’ 60-61: Kil naient auirum dunt a (!) seient aidanȝ sigle ne guuernad (!) dunt il seient naianȝ.

204. brymme. Cf. ‘Lay.’ 272: ferde bi þere sæ brimme (Wissmann).

206. honde bihynde. Cf. Wissmann’s parallel citations from Alexander (Weber, as above I.) 2013 ff. and ‘Chron. of Engl.’ (Ritson II.) 873.

208. spille. Cf. ‘Havelok’ 242: Helpe me nu in þis nede and late ye nouth mi bodi spille (Wissmann).

210. Niþing. Cf. Wissmann’s note.

221. schulle. Cf. Wissmann’s note and citation from ‘Oct. Imp.’ (Weber III.). 535. to blowe swyþe schylle.

239 ff. Horn’s education. Cf. the similar scene in the later romance, ‘Ipomydon’ 32 ff., which, like ‘Rich. C. de L.,’ has many traits in common with King Horn, and was no doubt influenced by King Horn. (Weber, as above, II, pp. 281 ff.):

A feyrer child myght no man see

Tholomew a clerk he toke,

That taught the chyld vppon the boke,

Bothe to synge and to rede;

And after he taught hym other dede;

Aftirward to serve in halle

Bothe to grete and to smalle

Before the kyng mete to kerve,

Hye and lowe feyre to serve:

Bothe of howndis and haukis game

Aftir he taught hym, all and same.

In se, in feld, and eke in ryuère

In wodde to chase the wild dere

And in the feld to ryde a stede

That all men had joy of his dede

Verses 67-70 of ‘Ipomydon’ remind more directly of the French version, ‘R. H,.’ so that perhaps it was by this version of the Horn story that the composer of ‘Ipomydon’ was influenced.

244. Of wude and of riuere. Cf. the similar phrase in ‘R. H.’ 377: De bois e de riuere, refait il autre tal.

247 ff. Cf. ‘Lay.’ 4893 ff.: Brennes wes swiðe hende v his hap wes þe betere. Brennes cuðe on hundes, Brennes cuðe on hauekes, he cuðe mid his honden hanlie þa harpe.

250. Cupe serue. Cf. ‘Ipomydon’ (as above) 295, where the princess says to Ipomydon, “Of the cuppe ye shall serve me,” and 320 where Ipomydon does serve with the cup. Cf. also ‘R. H.’ 471: Horn serui le rei bien de la cupe acel ior.

264 ff. Cf. the apparently borrowed scene in ‘Rich. C. de L.’ vv. 879 ff., where the princess falls in love with the captive Richard and bids the jailer, “And aftir soper, in the evenyng, To my chaumbyr thow hym bryng In the atyr of a squyer” (909-11).

266. He = ‘she’ as elsewhere (OE. hēo): mest in þoȝte. For similar phrase cf. Wissmann 254 Note.

268 wexe wild. A popular word combination. Cf. ‘Proverbs of Hendyng’ (Böddeker’s ed.) 121: Ne wax þou nout to wilde (Wissmann).

275. Bi daie ne bi niȝte. Cf. ‘Erl of Tolous’ 42: Be dayes and be nyght. ‘Launfal’ 412: Be dayes ne be nyȝt. ‘Lay.’ 13829: bi dæie no bi nihtes, etc.

282. him þuȝte. Cf. Wissmann’s note with incorrect reference to ‘Lay.’ 312. See present volume, 268 Note.

300. wed broþer. Cf. Glossary.

315. sette him on bedde. The usual mode of entertainment. Cf. ‘Beues of Hampton’ (E.E.T.S.) 1090; ‘Guy of W.’ (E.E.T.S.) 3043; ‘Sir Eglamour’ 679: sche sett hym on hur beddys syde.

319 ff. For other instances of the maiden wooing the man see ‘Beues of H.’ 1093 ff.; ‘Amis and Amiloun’ 550 ff.: ‘Sir Eglamour’ 674 ff., etc.

321. trewþe pliȝte. Cf. ‘Sir Eglamour’ 674: Therto ther trowthys they plyght. ‘Erl of Tolous’ 210: Therto my trouth y plyght, etc., frequently.

333. bi one ribbe. Not clear. Cf. Wissmann’s Note, also Kölbing (Engl. Stud. vi. 155), who translates bi, ‘im bezug auf,’ ‘with reference to.’

341. fule þeof. Cf. ‘Havelok’ 1780: Goth henne swiþe fule þeues (Wissmann).

350. mote þu deie. Cf. ‘Rich. C. de L.’ 6858: God geve the wel evyl pyne; 6862, God geve you wel evyl endyng.

364. hou one. Cf. 559 C H, 650 C H, also Glossary. The OE. weak form āna seems to have the same experience as seolfa, ‘self.’

366. vs wroþe. wroþe means ‘fearful’ (Mätzner).

373. makede hire bliþe. Cf. ‘Havelok’ 2244, ‘Rich. C. de L.’ 1606 (Wissmann).

378. squieres wise. Cf. 264 Note.

379, C. pleie. Cf. ‘Lyb. Disc.’ 25-26: As hyt befelle upon a day To wode he wente on hys play.

387-8. kyng on benche. Cf. ‘Lay.’ 14963-4: & heo gon scenchen, on þas kinges benche. Also ‘Ipomydon’ 229: Of þe cuppe ye shall serve me. Cf. also 1185.

403. On knes he him sette. The conventional mode of salutation. Cf. ‘Lay.’ 22147-8: Comen to þan ki[n]ge, & setten an heore cneowen. Cf. also ‘Lay.’ 13821 and ‘King of Tars.’ 719: & gret hir feir vpon his kne, also 90, 221. ‘Guy of Warwick’ 161-2: Gye on his kneys sone hym sett, And that mayden feyre he grett. ‘Rich. C. de L.’ 891-3, 1591; ‘Ypotis’ 15: On his kne he hym sette. Well fayr þe emperour þer he grette. ‘Ipomydon’ 267-8: Ipomydon on knees hym sette And the lady feyre grette. 187-8: Vppon his knees he hym sette, And þe kyng full feyr he grette. Cf. also 902-3, also ‘Erl of Tolous’ 1066: To the emperour he knelyd blyve. Cf. Wissmann’s Note.

405-6. of his feire siȝte ... Cf. ‘R. H.’ 1053: De la belte de horn tute la chambre resplent. Compare with this the flame which came from Havelok’s mouth when he slept.

420. honde. Cf. ‘Ipomydon’ 2164: Ipomydon toke hyr by the hond. Cf. also ‘Havelok’ 408; ‘Amis and Am.’ 550 ff.; ‘Guy of W.’ 217 ff.; ‘Rich. C. de L.’ 891-3: Fayr he grette that lady bryght, And sayde to her with herte free, What is thy wille, Lady, with me.

425. ofte heo hine custe ... Cf. ‘Lay.’ 5012-14: bitwixen hire ærmes heo hine nom, ofte heo hine clupte, & ofte heo hine custe.

436. liþe. Cf. ‘Life of Alex.’ 431: He wol solace me and lythe and in this care make me blythe, and ‘Will. de Shoreham’ (ed. Wright), p. 19: and lytheth oure pyne.

437. wiþute strif. Cf. ‘Erl of Tolous’ 240: Wythoute any stryfe. ‘Ipomydon’ 1607-8: He sayd, he wold haue hyr to wyffe, If she wold withouten stryff.

440. plist. Cf. 10 Note: trewþe. Cf. 321 Note, also Wissmann’s Note.

441-2. biþoȝte : miȝte. Cf. ‘Lay.’ 28410-11: Modred þa þohte, what he don mihte (Wissmann).

450, H. þy fader fundlyng. An instance of the preservation of the OE. ‘irregular’ genitive form. Cf. also 116 C H, 951 H; moder 1485 C.

451. ... cunde. ‘It would not be in keeping with thy rank’ (Mätzner).

452. welde. Cf. 324.

454. wedding. Cf. Wissmann’s ref. to Grimm, Rechtsalt. 439.

458. iswoȝe. Swoons are frequent in mediaeval romance. Cf. ‘Ipomydon’ 873-8: Uppon hyr bedde she gan downe falle On swoone, afore hyr maydens alle. Cf. also Wissmann’s Note.

464. stere. Cf. ‘Ritson’ III. 35, 825: Ther myght no man hure stere (Wissmann).

473, C. þat swete þing. Cf. ‘Ipomydon’ 1021: Than sory was that swete thynge. ‘King of Tars.’ 374: For Maries loue, þat swete þing; ‘Lyb. Disc.’ 2127, ‘Fl. and Bl.’ 272 T, etc.

474. swoȝning. Cf. ‘Ipomydon’ 875: And whan she roos of swounynge.

478, C. seue niȝt, a ‘week,’ like ‘fortnight.’

480. cuppe : vppe. Cf. also 1205-6, where the couplet is a stereotyped one and does not fit.

482. foreward. Cf. ‘Erl of Tolous’: Yschall hold thy forward god; also ‘Lay.’ III. 177 (Wissmann).

485. adun falle. Cf. 403 Note.

486. halle. Cf. ‘Havelok’ 157: Bifore þe king into þe halle (Wissmann).

492. bede. Cf. Wissmann’s Note.

506. mid þe beste. Cf. ‘Lay.’ 20449: cniht mid þam beste, also 23259.

520. derling. Cf. ‘Lay.’ A. 28342: i-sloȝen is Angell þe king, þe wes min aȝen deorling.

524. sprang. Cf. 134 Note, also ‘Lay.’ A. 28314: ase þe dæi gon lihte.

526. þuȝte lang. ‘Lay.’ A. 28297: feouwertyne niht him þuhte to lōg.

537. fel a knes. Cf. 403 Note.

562, C. þuȝte god. Cf. ‘Life of Alex.’ 1145 (Wissmann); also ‘Ipomydon’ 599: And of his comyng she was glad; and ‘Lay.’ 13832; for eouwer cumen ich æm bliðe.

572. vnbynd me of my pine. Cf. ‘Fl. and Bl.’ 308: of care vnbynde.

573-4. stille : wille. Cf. ‘Seven Sages’ (Weber III.) 485 (Wissmann).

581. mestere. Cf. ‘Sir Eglamour’ 252, The knight must accomplish “dedes of armys thre” before he can marry the princess. Cf. the similar conditions in ‘Guy of Warwick.’

586, L. forsake, ‘give up,’ ‘renounce.’ Cf. Wissmann’s Note and Ritson II. 70 ff., 159.

595. gold ring. The ring element is almost invariably present in mediaeval romance. Cf. ‘Guy of W.’ 7264; ‘Sir Eglamour’ 617-21; ‘Ipomydon’ 2060 ff.; ‘Rich. C. de L.’ 1635 ff.; ‘Erl of Tolous’ 392, 1029, 1077; ‘Fl. and Bl.’ etc. Cf. also discussion of the subject in Child’s Engl. and Scot. Metr. Ballads I. pp. 194 ff.

607, C. of drad. Cf. ‘Havelok’ 278: Al Engelond was of him adrad (Wissmann).

619. Leue at hire he nam. Cf. ‘Ipomydon’ 745-6: They toke there leve at the quene. And wente forthe all by dene.

624. blak so eny cole. Cf. ‘Ipomydon’ 2182: rede as any blode. ‘Rich. C. de L.’ 1515: Vpon a stede whyt so mylke. ‘Ipomydon’ 645: That one (steed) was white as any mylke. ‘Rich. C. de L.’ 824: ded as ony stone. ‘K. Horn’ 532 L H: red so eny glede.

628. gan denie. Cf. ‘Lay.’ 27441: þa eorðen gon to dunien (Wissmann). ‘Beowulf’ 226: syrcan hrysedon.

631-2. while : myle. Cf. Wissmann’s Note with parallel references to ‘Lay.’ I. 248; ‘Squyr of Lowe Degree’ 489; ‘Lyb. Disc.’ 5, v. 103 (Ritson II.); also Wolfram’s Parz. 132, 16.

634. heþene hunde. Cf. ‘Lay.’ 28982, 29202, etc.: heðene hundes alle; ‘King of Tars.’ 92 (Ritson II.).

637-8. Cf. 44 Note.

640. wordes bolde. Cf. ‘Rich. C. de L.’ 2407: And I say thee wordes bold.

641-2. wynne : inne. Cf. ‘Chron. of Engl.’ 465-6: Engelond to bywynne And sle that ther weren ynne (Wissmann).

643. swerd gripe. Cf. ‘Rich. C. de L.’ 4471: Her wepene he gunne þer to gripe; also 5070.

649-50. Abute horn al one. Cf. ‘Beues’ 3885, 4403: Al aboute þai gonne þringe. Also ‘Guy of W.’ 1072: And þey aboute syr Gye can goo.

659, H. maister gen. sing. Another trace of French influence on this text, the French gen. sing. without ending. Cf. enimis 1024 H, Horns 123 L.

678, L H. lite stounde. Cf. ‘Life of Alex.’ 947; ‘Chron. of Engl.’ 469 (Wissmann).

681, C. wile iȝolde. Cf. ‘worth while.’ Cf. Wissmann’s parallel citations; ‘Life of Alex.’ 734; ‘Chron. of Eng.’ 871, etc.

684. huntinge. Cf. ‘Erl of Tolous’ 937: He rod on huntyng on a day. ‘Guy of W.’ 1315: On huntyng Gye went on a day. Hunting was a favourite amusement at the time of the Danish invasions, as we know from the life of Alfred.

692, C. sat on þe sunne. The sun shone in the bower. Cf. Wissmann’s citation from The Squire of L. D.: Anone that lady, fayr and fre, Vndyd a pynne of yvere, And wyd the windowes open set; The sonne schone in at her closet.

710. turne þine sweuene. Cf. ‘Lay.’ 25573: Let þu mi sweuen to selþen iturnen (Wissmann).

716. treuþe iþe pliȝte. Cf. 321 Note.

729. bi sture refers to one of the rivers Stour. Cf. like opinions of Mätzner and Wissmann.

731 ff. Cf. ‘Guy of W.’ 3065 ff.; ‘Amis and Amil.’ 781 ff.; and ‘Rich. C. de L.’ 1000, for other instances of betrayal.

734. berne. Not clear. Cf. Mätzner, Ae. Sprachproben, p. 219.

740. Vnder couerture. Cf. ‘Life of Alex.’ 549: In he cam to here bur and crape under hire couertour (Wissmann).

767-8, L H. Meaning somewhat obscure. Cf. Wissmann’s Note with somewhat parallel citation from ‘The Squire of L. D.’. 507 ff.: his drawen swerd in his hande, There was no more with him wolde stande.

779. haue wel godneday. Common form of parting salutation. Cf. ‘Lay.’ 26002, 32187 (Wissmann); also ‘Rich. C. de L.’ 106: Lemman haue thou good day. ‘Ipomydon’ 463: Have good day; noue wille I fare, etc.

780. No leng abiden. Cf. ‘King of Tars.’ 283, 314, 760: The messengers nold no leng abide. Also ‘Yw. and Gaw.’ (Ritson I.) 2673-4: He said, No lenger dwell I ne may Beleves wele, and haves goday. Cf. also ‘Assumption’ 142 C, 288 A.

783-4. wune þere : seue ȝere. Cf. ‘Lay.’ 29437-8, also 30088-9 (Wissmann). Seven years, like seven days, is a period of time conventional in romance. Cf. ‘Squire of L. D.’ 117: I haue thee loved this seven yere. Also ‘Beues’ 1274, 3835, 3897, etc. Cf. also Grimm, Rechtsalt. 214.

798. Kep wel. Cf. ‘Beues’ 2372: I pray þe kepe wel Iosian.

808. westene londe. Ireland, without a doubt. Westnesse as distinguished from estnesse; Aylmer’s kingdom as distinguished from Murry’s.

809, L H. stonde, spring up, rise. Cf. ‘Lay.’ 20509: wind stod.

827 ff. Cf. the description of the coming of Hengest (‘Lay.’ 13785 ff.).

829. Also mot i sterue. For other forms of asseveration cf. 179, 197, 365, 437, 709, 1131, 1259, etc.

831. Ne saȝ i neure. Cf. ‘Lay.’ 13830-1: bi dæie no bi nihtes ne sæh ich nauere ær swulche cnihtes. Cf. also 180-2, also ‘Beowulf’ 246-7: Næfre ic māran geseah eorla ofer eorþan þonne is ēower sum.

834. Cf. 403 Note.

836. Cf. ‘Lay’ 13816 ff.

838, L. hauen to done. Cf. ‘Seven Sages’ 452: With me ne hadde he neuer to done. ‘Life of Alex.’ 1429: There he hadde thought to done, Ac he hit aleyde sone (Wissmann).

839. bitak ... to werie. Cf. ‘Lay.’ 3021 (Wissmann).

841. faireste man. ‘Lay.’ 13797-8: þis weoren þe færeste men þat auere her comen.

848. Tak him þine glorie. Cf. Wissmann, Note, also Kölbing (Engl. Stud. vi, 156). The glove had many significations. It might be used as a sign of challenge (cf. ‘Erl of Tolous’ 1100); or it might signify a handing over of authority from a superior to a subordinate (Grimm, Rechtsalt. 154, 4). It is in this latter way that Kölbing believes the word to be used here in Horn. When a prince for any reason left his land, he must leave some one behind, to hold the court (‘Sir Tristrem,’ v. 1985), and must supply this one with the badge of authority. This opinion of Kölbing’s seems very plausible. It is interesting, however, to note two other uses of the glove. Cf. ‘Rich. C. de L.’ 5696-1: Thertoo I holde, Thertoo my glove (= ‘make agreement’). And ‘R. H.’ 909-11 C: E horn uent cuntre li cumme il iest costumez, E lespée e les gaunz sire dist ca donez, Issil soleit faire ainz quil fust encusez. The clue to the meaning might be suggested by either one of these phrases. One thing seems certain; in our poem (K. H.) the king’s meaning is that Horn should be left at home. This is the meaning in R. H. 2324-6: Si alez doneer k’od vus ne le menez, K’il est de belté issi inluminez. Ke vus là ù il ert, petit serrez preisez.

861, C. site stille. Cf. ‘Lay.’ 28173, 24866: sitteð adun stille cnihtes inne halle (Wissmann).

867 ff. Regarding the custom of single combat, cf. ‘Publ. of Mod. Lang. Assoc. of America’ xv. pp. 228, 230. Cf. also the triple combat in ‘Rich. C. de L.’ 5691 ff. Cf. also the Arundel MS. version (French) of ‘Havelok,’ in which Havelok overcomes Hadulf in single combat and thus regains his Danish kingdom.

876-7. þat on : þat oþer. Cf. ‘Lay.’ 29215-16: him seoluen he heol þat ane, Isembard þat oðer.

881-2. to rede : alle dede. Cf. ‘Havelok’ 118: Louerd what schal me to rede; Böddeker, G. L., ix. 16, sone, what shal me to rede (Wissmann). Also ‘Lay.’ 13904-5: her-of þou most ræden, oðer alle we beoð dæden.

886. wiþ used in the OE. sense ‘against.’ Cf. the use of on (= ‘in’) and at, 619 Note. (= ‘from’) in Glossary.

895, H. ros of bedde. Cf. ‘Lay.’ 6717: þe king aros of bedde (Wissmann).

904, H. to gedere smiten. ‘Lay.’ 25605: heo smiten heom to-gaderen (Wissmann).

909. on a grene. Inconsistent with ‘at Cristesmasse,’ v. 853.

911 ff. Cf. Wissmann’s Note.

921-2. King Mory. This is one of several references to a fuller, longer tale, in which Murry must have played a more important rôle. Cf. vv. 4 ff. and the abrupt introduction of Arnoldin, 1561.

925. agrise. Cf. ‘King of Tars.’ 1202: so sore hem gan agrise.

931. rynge. Unlike the ring in the Scotch ballads and in H. C. the ring in this version serves as a protection.

933-4. smerte. Cf. ‘Havelok’ 2646: þorw þe brest unto þe herte þe dint bigan ful sore to smerte (Wissmann).

935. sturne. Cf. ‘Lay.’ 25841, 6732 (Wissmann).

947-8, H. stounde : grounde. Cf. ‘Rich. C. de L.’ 4537-8: Soone, withinne a lytyl stounde The moste party yede to grounde.

952. fader. OE. gen. sing. Cf. 116 ‘C. H.’

964 ff. Cf. the similar offer made to Brennes by Sequin, ‘Lay.’ 4919 ff.

974. lofte. In the sense ‘women’s apartments’ seems to be of Norse origin. Cf. Skeat, Etymol. Dict., also Wissmann, 928 Note. Cf. also 1050 L. It seems probable that the women’s apartments were in the ‘tower.’ Cf. also Kölbing (Engl. Stud. vi. 155).

1002-3. dude seems to be used in the modern, intensive sense, and not as ‘cause to’ or ‘put.’

1010-11. For similar situations cf. ‘Guy of W.’ 1315-16: On huntyng Gye went on a day, He mett a palmer by the way. Also ‘Erl of Tolous’ 937-8: He rode on huntyng on a day, A marchand mett he be þe way. Cf. also ‘Beues’ 1300 ff.

1021-2. wedde : bedde. Cf. ‘Lay.’ 31126-7 B: he þat maide weddede, and nam hire to his bedde.

1024, H. enimis. Perhaps trace of OF. nom. sing. ending in -s, due to French scribe. Cf. 123 Note.

1034. bidere, error for bitere (?).

1056. wringe. Cf. ‘Ipomydon’ 876: Hir handes fast gan she wrynge.

1068. linne. Hortative (?).

1073. kniȝt mid þe beste. A common phrase. Cf. ‘Lay.’ 20449, etc.

1077-8. sonde : londe. Cf. ‘Lay.’ 28676-7: and sende his sonde wide ȝeond his londe.

1089. striken. Stratmann suggests ‘strip.’

1091-2, H. yronge : ysonge. Cf. ‘Lay.’ 29441-2: no belle irungen. no masse isunge.

1093. word bigan to springe. Cf. ‘Havel.’ 959: of him ful wide þe word sprong. ‘Lay.’ 26242: Wel wide sprong þas eorles word (Wissmann). Also ‘King of Tars.’ 1065: þe word wel wide sprong. ‘Lyb. Disc.’ 264 ff.: Hys name ys spronge wide.

1102. sprunge of stone. The simile is one of quickness that of a spark from the stone in striking a light, like modern “quick as a flash.” Cf. He sprange als any spark one glede, ‘Sir Isumbras,’ 451.

1103-4. mette : grette. A very common rime. Cf. ‘Lay.’ 31041-2: þer he hine mette and fæire hine grette. ‘Beues’ 2051-2: þar wiþ a palmer he mette, And swiþe faire he him grette.

1117. nolde. Cf. ‘Lay’ 28900: and seiden þat he nolde.

1118 L. ispused wiþ golde. Reference, probably, to an old custom of buying the bride.

1121. Myd strencþe. Cf. ‘Squire of L. D.’ 443 (Wissmann).

1132 ff. chaungi wede. Compare with this ‘Beues’ 2051 ff., where Beues meets a palmer, learns from him the news, exchanges garments with him, and in disguise goes to see Iosiane after an absence of seven years. Disguises are an almost universal feature of these mediaeval tales. Cf. Brian’s disguise in ‘Pierre de Langt.’ (Rolls Series), pp. 248-350. Cf. also disguises in ‘Guy of W.’, ‘Layamon’ (17637 ff.), ‘Ypomydon,’ ‘Rich. C. de L.,’ ‘Isumbras,’ etc. They are frequent in Germanic story from the stories of Thor down.

1134. sclauyne. Cf. ‘Rich. C. de L.’ 611-12: with pyke and with sclavyn, As palmers were in Paynim.

1139. horn his = Hornes, evidently due to scribe’s mistake in hearing.

1144. bicolmede. Cf. ‘Lay.’ 17700-1, iblæcched he hæfde his licame: swulc ismitte of cole.

1147-8. gateward. Cf. ‘Ipomydon’ 245-6: They com to the castelle-gate, The porter was redy there at.

1155. abugge. Cf. ‘Lay.’ 3841, 8159 (Wissm.).

1158, L. rake. Cf. ‘Beues’ 2183: Let me wiþ þe reke.

1164. ȝerne. Cf. Ritson, II. 25, 589: þe mayde cryde yerne (Wissm.).

1184 ff. Cf. the story of Brian, ‘Lay.’ III., pp. 234-8: Brian, disguised as a palmer, enters the banqueting hall. Galarne, his sister, the queen, serves the guests to drink from a bowl. She recognizes Brian, and gives him a ring in token of recognition.

1185-6. benche : schenche. Cf. ‘Lay.’ 14963-4: & heo gon scenchen on þas kinges benche. Cf. also ‘Beowulf,’ 1226-54.

1190. so laȝe was in londe. Cf. ‘Rich. C. de L.’: Thenne as hit was lawe of land (Wissm.).

1191-2. Hye drank of þe bere To knyt and to squiere. An old Germanic custom. Cf. Wissmann, ‘Untersuchungen’ (‘Q. u. F.’ xvi. Strassb., 1876), p. 110.

1202. brune. Cf. Wissm., 1142 Note, also Kölbing (‘Engl. Stud.’ vi. 156). Wissmann takes brun to be a collective referring to ‘beer.’ Kölbing, with greater probability, takes brun to mean an ordinary brown horn, as distinguished from the cuppe white, which she has laid down, 1201.

1204. glotoun. The same phrase in Wolfram’s ‘Parz.’: si wænde, er wære ein garzūn (Wissm.).

1206. þing, probably a mistake for ring. Cf. 479-80.

1240. vnder wude liȝe. Cf. ‘Lay’: Ich eou wille leden forð to mine lauerd i þon wade rime þer he under rise lið (Wissm.).

1259. bi seint gile. Cf. Wissm. 1197 Note. Cf. also 829 Note.

1275. custe. Cf. ‘Erl of Tolous’ 401: And kyssyde hyt fele sythe. Cf. also 425 Note.

1281-2. Heo feol on hire bedde. Cf. ‘Erl of Tolous’ 871, 875: He hent a knyfe with all his mayn ... And fell in swoun upon hys bedd; also ‘Ipomydon’ 871 ff.: Uppon hyr bedde she gan downe falle. Cf. also 458, 792.

1282, H. gredde. Cf. ‘Beues’ 2151: After Bonefas ȝhe gan grede.

1297, L, H. kuste. Cf. ‘Lay.’ 15017-18, 5012-14.

1304. wroþe. Cf. 366 Note.

1311-12. bure : ture. Cf. ‘Havelok’ 2072-3: I shal lene þe a bowr þat is up in þe heye tour.

1321-2. ywis : blis. Cf. ‘Lay.’ 7605-7 B: Mochel was þe blisse þat hii makede mid iwisse.

1335. wunder. Cf. Mätzner 1247 Note.

1336. falsede. Early instance of a hybrid word.

1398. crouch. Lat. crucem, OE. cru*ce.

1410. hym agros. Cf. 925 Note.

1419. kepe þis passage. Cf. ‘Beowulf’ 230 ff.: se þe holmclifu healdan scolde, etc.

1420. of age. This phrase seems to have very nearly its modern meaning, and if so, is probably the earliest recorded instance. Cf. New Oxford Dict.

1422. bi este C, by weste L H. This confusion, here as elsewhere, seems due to changing points of view. Westernesse is of course west to Suddenne, and both are east to Yrlonde.

1428. þe riȝte, direct. Cf. Wissmann, 1356 Note.

1462. I blessed beo þe time. Cf. ‘Havel.’ 1215; ‘Chron. of Engl.’ 705 (Wissmann).

1465-6. teche : speche. Cf. ‘Lay.’ 26544: for þus we eou scullen techen ure Bruttisce speche, and 26834: Nu is we wulle teche Bruttisce spæche. For a very similar use cf. ‘Lay.’ 18424-25: we scullen heom to teon & tiðende tellen; 20605-6, and we heom sculleð tellen Bruttisce spelles; 21698, sorhfulle spelles; 24942, ȝeomere spelles. In all these instances, as in the phrase in K. H., the meaning seems to be to inflict dire punishment. Cf. also ‘Lay.’ 23503-4: & techen heō to riden þene wæi touward Romen.

1467-8. sle : fle. Cf. ‘Lay.’ 6417-18: oðer mid fure he lette hom slæn · oðer he heom lette quic flan. Cf. also ‘Lay.’ 27376-7, 29049-50; ‘Life of Alex.’ 1734 (Wissmann). Cf. also ‘Havelok,’ 612: He shal hem hangen, or quik flo. For details of the flaying, cf. ‘Havelok’ 2492 ff.

1469. horn to blowe. In both French versions of ‘Havelok,’ Havelok proves his identity in Denmark by his ability to blow the horn which Sigar presents to him, and which no one else can blow. Cf. also ‘Beues’ 3377: Saber is horn began to blow, þat his ost him scholde knowe. Cf. also Roland’s horn in the Song of Roland and a similar incident in the German romance, ‘König Rother.’

1481-2. wurche : churche. Cf. ‘Lay.’ 10205-6: chirchen he lettē areren monie & wel iwhare; also 29531-2.

1483-4. ringe : singe. Cf. ‘Havelok’ 242: Belles he deden sone ringen, monkes and prestes masse singen (Wissmann).

1487, L. cleten. Scribal error for clepten.

1501-2, L H. ston ... lym ... The combination of stone and lime is probably a sign of French influence on MSS. L and H. Cf. R. H. 5047: de pere e de furment. Cf. also ‘Erl of Tolous’ 467: Was made of lyme and stone; also ‘Sir Eglamour,’ 252.

1509-10. wende : schende. Cf. ‘Lay.’ 1793-9: Þe kaisere wende Walwaī to scende.

1516-17. For mode of marriage cf. ‘Rich. C. de L.’ 185-8.

1518. newe werke. Cf. ‘Rob. of Glouc.’ p. 449 (Wissmann).

The following single line was printed at the end of the section, after the note to l. 1574.

1536. wunder = harm, evil. Cf. Mätzner, 1247 Note, 1422 Note.

1537. wundes fiue. Cf. ‘King of Tars.’ 57: þat suffred wowndes fiue.

1574. ginne. Cf. ‘Lay.’ 30567: þurh nanes cunnes giñe (Wissmann).

General Introduction and Table of Contents (separate file)

Introduction to King Horn
King Horn
Notes to King Horn

Floris and Blancheflur (separate file)
The Assumption of Our Lady (separate file)

Glossary (separate file)

General Introduction and Table of Contents (separate file)

King Horn (separate file)

Introduction to Floris and Blauncheflur
Floris and Blauncheflur
Notes to Floris and Blauncheflur

The Assumption of Our Lady (separate file)

Glossary (separate file)

1866 (re-edited 1901; reprinted 1962)

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INTRODUCTION.

FLORIS AND BLAUNCHEFLUR.

§ 1. Introductory, p. xxx.

§ 2. History, p. xxx.

§ 3. English Version, p. xxxvii.

§ 4. Dialect, p. xxxix.

§ 5. Date of Composition, p. xli.

§ 6. Versification, p. xlii.

§ 7. Manuscripts, p. xlii.

§ 1. INTRODUCTORY.

If in King Horn we have a story Germanic in descent, and betraying everywhere traces of its Germanic origin, in Floris and Blauncheflur we have a romance of extraneous, probably ultimately of oriental origin, and the contrast is in many ways interesting and instructive. The love element, which in King Horn plays so large a part, in Fl. and Bl. is the all in all. This story of all-absorbing passion, which in spite of seemingly insurmountable obstacles and desperate perils, in the end reunites the devoted lovers, was one of the most popular during the Middle Ages, and one of the earliest to be imported from the East. The history of the tale vies in interest with the story itself. The story in a perplexing variety of versions spread over all the countries of Christendom, as we shall see later. It seems to be the basis of the charming chantefable, Aucassin and Nicolete, which Andrew Lang and Walter Pater have made so well known to the modern world. The English version, which unfortunately is incomplete at the beginning in each one of the four manuscripts in which it has been written down, was probably derived directly from one of the French versions, as we shall see.

§ 2. HISTORY.

(a) Origin.

The story of Floris and Blauncheflur is probably an oriental product, and shows many traces of Byzantine influence. It was one of the first of these oriental tales to be retailed in the Occident and had a wide circulation in all the countries of western Christendom, from Spain and Italy to the Scandinavian North. Its route from East to West it is not easy to trace with certainty, though the Crusades were quite probably the means of its importation. Further than this it is not easy to determine. The Provençals, whose active part in the Crusades is well known, may have been the agents, or, as is so often the case with the oriental tales, it may have been imported in a Latin dress.

The history of the story in the West is complicated on account of the puzzling multiplicity of versions among which it is sometimes exceedingly difficult to determine the interrelations. The clue to the difficulty was early hinted at by Sommer (E. Sommer, Einl. zu R. Fleckes Flore und Blaunscheflur, Quedlingburg und Leipzig, 1846), and more recently the matter has been very thoroughly explained by Herzog (H. Herzog, Die beiden Sagenkreise von Flore und Blanscheflur, Wien, 1884) in his investigation of the subject. Herzog points out that there are to be distinguished in the Occident, two distinct general versions of the story. In the first of these, A, seems to be preserved the story in its original and genuine form. The second of these versions, B, seems to be a remodelling of the original version in the attempt to adapt to common folk a story in its existing form intended for higher circles of society.I.13 For this purpose slight allusions in A, are expanded in B into striking incidents. To bring out into strong light the injustice of Floris’s father and the final triumph of true love, supernatural and horrible elements and episodes are introduced. Since these new elements are of a kind common in other Byzantine tales, it is concluded that the remodelling of the story had already taken place before the importation from the East.

The second of these imported versions, B, first circulated in Italy, in Spain and in Greece. It also seems, somewhat indirectly as we shall see, to have served as a basis for the second French version and for one group of the German Volksbücher. The versions of B, if we leave the second French version out of consideration, all represent the parents of Blauncheflur as Italian, and in part have the same names for the characters. This circumstance, with other corroborating facts, seems to indicate that version B first took root in Italy, and from there spread into Spain and into Greece, possibly its original home.

Version A, on the other hand, seems first to have been imported into France, the great jobbing nation of the Middle Ages in all sorts of romantic stuffs and materials. From France it was early retailed to Germany, to England, to Scandinavia, and, possibly, to Italy. From Germany in turn it was re-exported into Bohemia. Version A was without doubt the first to become known, since we find it not only in the Old French, but in the Germanic versions springing from a French source, in an unperverted state. All the different versions of B, on the other hand, have been very noticeably influenced by A, indicating that the arrival of B was after A had become established and well known.

(b) In France.

We encounter the story of Floris and Blauncheflur earliest in France, and the French seem to have been the first to make the story a subject for poetic treatment. The story appears in French, besides in two songs celebrating episodes in this tale of true love, in two distinct versions. The earliest of these versions, which we may designate as I., had its origin, it seems, about 1160.I.14 (Cf. F. Steinmeyer, H Z, xxi, 319.) Certain it is that a French version of A must have existed about 1170, to serve as a basis for one of the German (the low Rhenish) versions, Floyris und Blanscheflur. This French version, I, seems to represent fairly well the A general form of the story. As so often in the case of other romances, the jongleurs tried to bring this foreign importation into the cycle of French story by connecting in bonds of kinship, its characters with the names celebrated in French epic. Blauncheflur is represented as being the mother of Bertha of the big foot, the wife of Pepin, father of Charlemagne.I.15

Du Méril (E. du Méril, Floire et Blancheflor, Paris, 1876) in discussing the interrelations of the two French versions, characterizes one as a version for a select public, “version aristocratique,” and the second as a version for the entertainment of the masses, “version populaire.” The French II. version, the “version populaire,” is, according to Herzog, p. 4, the result of a sort of fusion of the A and B general forms of the story,I.16 with which have been woven in various episodes which elsewhere are not known to either general form of the story, A or B. Herzog further on continues (p. 11), “Ich halte dafür dass dieselbe (the OF. II. version) ebenfalls aus Italien nach Frankreich hinübergewandert ist, wo ihr Bearbeiter den Inhalt des zweiten Kreises mit dem ihm geläufigen ersten Kreise so verschmolzen hat, dass dieser einige nur dem zweiten Sagenkreise angehörige Züge ganz verdrängte.”

The general style and manner of handling the story is quite different in the two French versions. The “version aristocratique” preserves the traits of an oriental romance, and Floire is represented as a love-sick youth. “Sans li ne puis jou pas aprendre” he replies when his father proposes to educate him alone. There is hardly a more sentimental passage in literature than the one in I. (212-266) describing the school-days of the children:

Ensamble vont, ensamble vienent

Et la joie d’amor maintient

Nus d’aus deus chose ne savoit

Que lués a l’autre ne disoit.

. . . . . . . . . .

On ooient parler d’amors.

Ensamble lisent et aprendent;

A la joie d’amor entendent:

Un vergier a li peres Floire

. . . . . . . . . .

D’amors i chantent li oisel.

Quant il mangoient et bevoient

Li oisel seure aus se séoient;

Des oiseles oent les chans:

Cou est la vie as deus enfans.

. . . . . . . . . .

Et quant a l’escole venoient

Lor tables d’yvoire prenoient,

Adont lor veissiez escrire

Letres et vers d’amors en cire.

Letres et salus font d’amors

Du chant des oisiaus et des flors.

The writer of I. is evidently a genuine poet, though perhaps somewhat of the ‘spring poet’ order. He exalts the sentiment of love, as we have seen, and feelingly describes the elaborately constructed tomb (vv. 530-652), the finely wrought cup (vv. 431-498), and the birds and flowers and fountains and trees of the gardens of the king and of the ‘Admiral.’ He dwells in sensuous fondness in his enumeration equally of the fine stuffs and precious stones; the mantiaus, vairs osterins and bliaus indes porprins (429-30), or the saffirs and calcidoines and boines jagonses and sardoines, etc. (1755-77), and of flowers and trees; the “poivre, canele et garingal,” or the “encens, girofle et citoval,” or the beuns, the plantoine, the alïer, the boins figiers, the peschiers, the periers and the noiers (1761-8).

The “version populaire,” on the other hand, seems to be adapted somewhat to the ideal of the native French epic, and Floire is represented as a model of courage and knightly virtue, in a class with the douze pers and the other heroes of the Charlemagne cycle of stories. The writer interpolates scenes in which Floire may display his fighting qualities. In the early part of the story, he returns from school just in time to rescue Blauncheflur, who is about to be committed to the flames. He accomplishes her rescue by acting as her champion and fighting the seneschal, who has accused her of attempting to poison the king. The combat is a stirring one quite in the manner of the Chansons de geste (vv. 920-1160). On the journey to Babylon, Floire has heroic adventures in a battle with Diogenes, son of Samones, king of the city of Fusis (1854-1984). Later, when the trial of Fl. and Bl. is interrupted by the arrival of an invader, Jonas de Handreas, Fl. offers to vanquish the invaders if his life be spared. At first he is unsuccessful in his attempt, but after being taken prisoner by the invaders, he is aroused by the reproachful words of Bl. and breaking loose, slays Jonas, thus delivering the city and winning Bl. (3120-3410). The writer of II. emphasizes the battle scenes at the expense of the descriptive passages, devoting to the description of the tomb only 32 verses, and to that of the wonderful cup, only 14. He seems also to be of a practical turn of mind, and instead of fondly enumerating the gems received for Bl., describes rather the circumstances of the sale. Babyloine is a rich city with no poor, and has a rent of three thousand ounces of gold each day (vv. 2319, 2342). From all these instances one can see that the sweet and sentimental tale of the I. version is quite modified in II. If we agree with Herzog that this version was the result of the blending of the B version imported from Italy, with the A version, which was already well known in France, we must conclude also that this “version populaire” is influenced by the ideals of contemporary French poetry of native origin, by the manners and conventions of the chansons de geste, and the heroic romances springing from or influenced by them.

(c) Provence.

Among the troubadours of Provence the story of Fl. and Bl. was early known and popular, as one must judge from the very frequent allusions. There is, however, no proof of the existence of a Provençal romance.

(d) In Germany.

In Germany are to be encountered many versions of the popular story. The earliest one seems to have been the Low Rhenish poem Floyris and Blaunchiflur, of about 3700 lines, translated by an unknown poet about 1170 (Steinmeyer, H. Z. xxi, 307-331). To the middle of the 13th century belongs the MHG. poem in 8006 lines by Konrad Fleck, composed, quite independently of the Low Rhenish version above mentioned, after an OF. original. (Ed. by E. Sommer, Quedlingburg u. Leipzig, 1846.) Somewhat younger is the Mid. Low Germ. poem, Floris ende Blancefloer of 3983 lines (Ed. by H. von Fallensleben, Leipzig, 1836, and by H. E. Moltzer, Groningen, 1879, in the Bibl. van Middelnederlands Letterkunde). The poet, Dideric van Assenede, says, himself, that he derived his material from the “Walsche.”I.17 As a matter of fact his original seems to have been French. To the third half of the 14th century belongs the Low Germ. poem Flosse un Blankflosse of 1534 lines (Ed. by Stephan Waetzoldt, Bremen, 1880), which also seems to go back to a French original.I.18

If we look more closely into the question of the French original of the German poems, we must assume a version, χ, earlier than the version preserved in the three existing MSS. of French I. version. These three MSS. may be classed into a group, z, whose chief characteristic is the attempted suicide of Floris in the Lion pit. This scene appears in two of the existing MSS., and the writer of the third MS. seems to have had the scene in his original but to have left it out. (Cf. H. Sundmacher, Die altfrz. u. mittelhd. Bearbeitung der Sage von Fl. und Bl., diss. Göttingen, 1872.) Among the German versions it appears only in the LG. Flosse un Blankflosse. The other German versions must rest on an OF. version, χ, which at the hands of FleckI.19 underwent an artistic reconstruction, but at the hands of Dideric was translated simply, without the addition of any new ideas by the adapter.

In addition to these early German versions must be mentioned two groups of Volksbücher: (1) from Boccaccio’s Filocolo, (2) from Fleck’s poem, also a Bohemian adaptation and a German Jewish adaptation, (Cf. Hausknecht, ed. of Fl. u. Bl., pp. 13-20, Berlin, 1885.)

(e) In Scandinavia.

Our story had a wide circulation also in the North, as one must infer from the number of Scandinavian versions preserved: (1) the old Norweg. fragment of a saga (ed. by G. Storm, Nordisk Tidskrift for Filologi og Pædagogik, Copenhagen, 1874, pp. 24-28), (2) the complete Icelandic saga of Flóres ok Blankiflúr, (3) the fragments of a second Icelandic Saga (ed. by Brynjolf Snorrason, Annaler for nordisk old kyndighed og historie, 1850); (4) the Old Swed. poem (ed. by E. Klemming, Samlingar utgifna af svenska formskrift-sällskapet, I., Stockholm, 1844); and (5) the Danish translations from the Swedish (ed. by C. J. Brandt, Romantisk Digtning fra Middelalderen, I. and II. København, 1869-77). The distinguishing characteristic of the Northern versions is the conclusion. According to the Norse version, Floris, to refute the charge that he has gained admittance to Bl.’s tower by the use of magic tricks, offers to fight in single combat the bravest of the Admiral’s knights. In the ensuing combat he overcomes the Admiral’s champion, and receives as his guerdon, Blauncheflur. If we accept Herzog’s conclusions (pp. 15, 35, 45-6, 66) we must assume as an original for the Scandinavian versions, a French original, N, with the ending peculiar to the Northern versions. The development from this original is shown by the following plan (also borrowed from Herzog, p. 92).

(f) In Italy.

In Italy also the story of Fl. and Bl. enjoyed great popularity. The two chief versions were: (1) the Cantare, written by a popular poet in ottave rime; and (2) Boccaccio’s youthful production, his first prose romance, Filocolo. That the I. version of the story, the one most popular in France, was also current in Italy, we see in these two versions, both of which show, in addition to the special traits of II., many traits peculiar to version I. To determine exactly the interrelations of these two versions is no easy matter. From allusions in the Filocolo we know that the Cantare was the older. Internal evidence, however, forbids the supposition that the Filocolo has sprung from the Cantare. Rather the two versions go back to a common source. This Italian, or Franco-Italian, version, which probably had no differences of real moment from the Cantare in its present form, must in many points have been more ample and complete, and in individual instances nearer the French tradition, than the Cantare is.

In connection with the Italian group must also be mentioned the Greek poem of Florios and Platziaflore, composed in the 14th century and founded upon the Cantare.

(g) In Spain.

In Spain we find allusion to our story already in the 13th century, when the Gran conquista de Vltramar refers to Fl. and Bl. as the most devoted pair of lovers that one had ever heard of. But there is no proof of the existence of a Spanish version of the story as early as this. In the year 1512, appeared at Alcala the prose romance, Flores y Blancaflor, which is current to the present day. The close relationship of this to the Italian versions is very evident. Its source, however, seems hardly to be directly the Cantare. The beginning of the Spanish romance, which is entirely peculiar to this version, points rather to a version in the North of Italy, which the Spanish adapter has quite probably translated into Spanish without important alteration.

§ 3. ENGLISH VERSION.

The story of Fl. and Bl. found its way into England in the 13th century, that is to say, when it had been for a hundred years familiar to French hearers and after it had already spread into many lands outside of France. As has been said, the English version goes back to a French original. This original was certainly of the I. form. Of the features peculiar to the French II. version, the English version does not show one, while it agrees with the French I. version to the extent of exact translation of many phrases and verses and even of reproduction of French rime-words. At the same time the French original that lay before the English adapter can not have been the text exactly as it is preserved in any one of the three extant French MSS., but rather an older, or purer text which we have designated by χ, a distinguishing feature of which is the absence of the attempted suicide of Floris in the lion pit. The text that must be assumed as the original of the English poem must have been very similar to the original from which Fleck and Dideric derived their German versions, but not exactly identical as is evidenced by frequent slight divergences.

The English poet has not expanded and amplified by the addition of further details or by the introduction of personal reflections, as the German Fleck has done. He has presented the essential features of the love story as it impressed him, in a condensed form to be sure, at the same time without bareness or baldness. Unlike the adapter of the Low Rhenish condensed version, he has preserved the original order of incidents, and has usually preserved faithfully the smallest details that have any essential bearing on the plot.

Some idea of the English writer’s fidelity to the details and even to the phraseology of his French original, and of his method of translating, may be gained from the following parallel passages:

The English text, including line numbers, is from Hausknecht’s edition.

Que bien sorent parler latin

Et bien escrivre en parchemin
vv. 263-4.

Inouȝ þey couþ of latyne

And wel wryte on parchemyn
vv. 33-4.

Faites la moi tost demander

Ja li ferai le chief couper.

vv. 399-400.

Let do bryng forþ þat mayde,

Fro þe body þe heved schal goo.

vv. 140-41.

Et il l’a tant bien acatée

Qu’a fin or l’a sept fois pesée.

vv. 507-8.

Þe amyral hur bouȝt anoon

And gafe for hur, as she stood upryȝt,

Seven sythes of gold her wyȝt.

vv. 194-6.

Ci gist la bele Blanceflor

A cui Floires ot grant amor.

vv. 651-2.

Here liþ swete Blauncheflur

Þat Floris loved par amur.

vv. 217-18.

Un grafe a trait de son rapier

. . . . . . . . .

En son cuer bouter le voloit,

Quant sa mere cou apercoit.

vv. 787-890.

His knif he droȝ ut of his scheþe

And to his herte hit hadde ismite,

Nadde his moder hit underȝite.

vv. 308-10.

The grafe is elaborately described in vv. 788-98:

Li roi li done un palefroi,

Qui d’une part estoit tous blans,

De l’autre rouges comme sans.

vv. 964-6.

Þe king let sadel a palfray

Þe oon half white, so mylke

And þat oþer reed, so sylk.

vv. 382-4.

Fius, fait ele, gardez le bien;

Tant com l’aurez, mar cremez rien;

Car vous ja rien ne requer(r)iez

Que tost ou tard vous ne l’aiez
vv. 1003-6.

Mi sone, he rede, have þis ring;

While he is þin, ne dute noþing.

. . . . . . . . .

And be hit erli and be hit late

To þi wil þu schalt habbe whate.

vv. 393-8.

La le troevent ou siet, sous l’arbre,

Sor un perron qui fu de marbre.

vv. 1355-6.

Þe briggere he fond ate frome,

Sittinde on a marble ston.

vv. 558-9.

Le millor conseil que jou sai
v. 1858.

Þe beste red þat ihc þe can
v. 742.

Si maudient qui s i foula
v. 2060.

Hi beden God ȝive him wel fin

Þat so manie flures dide þerin
vv. 855-6.

Des flors sali un paveillon

Des eles feri mon menton;

Del paveillon tel paor oi,

Que m’escriai plus tost que poi
vv. 2093-6.

Þer fliste ut a buterfliȝe,

Are ihc wiste, on mine iȝe.

So sore ihc uas offerd of þan,

Þat ihc loude crie bigan
vv. 889-92.

Bele compaigne, Blanceflor,

Volez vous veoir bele flor?

vv. 2117-18.

And sede, “Swete Blauncheflur,

Wiltu se a wel fair flur?”

vv. 897-8.

Damoisele qui a amor

Et joie en soi, doit avoir flor.

vv. 2124-30.

Ho þat loveþ par amur,

An haþ þerof joie, mai love flur.

vv. 903-4.

In spite of this number of tolerably exact correspondences, in word and phrase, with the French original, the English poem is a condensed adaptation rather than a slavish translation. As in the French II. version, the tender and sentimental element is much condensed; but the English writer, unlike the writer of French II., does not introduce the heroic and warlike element in the form of duels and battles. He does not amplify by adding new details, as Fleck did, nor does he confuse the order of incidents as does the adapter of the Low Rhenish version. He makes rather a faithful condensation quite after the manner of English adapters from the French, which is no doubt to be explained as due not so much to difference between the writers, English and French, as to a difference between the hearing publics, French and English, for whom the production was intended.I.20

No doubt with his English public in mind, the English poet, in adapting the story from the French, has modified to some extent the tenderness and sentimentality, even at times the poetic descriptions, of his French original (compare vv. 1117-1194 of the French with the corresponding English vv. 457-72), and has omitted the enumeration of gems and of precious stuffs suggestive of an elegance perhaps unintelligible to an English speaking and hearing public at this time. The wonderful cup, to the description of which 67 verses (431-498) are devoted in the French romance, in the English poem is dismissed with 17 verses (163-184). The garden so elaborately described in the French, vv. 1724-1835, in the English poem occupies only vv. 685-732. The description of the knife (grafe), which serves no other purpose than that of external adornment in the French version (vv. 788-799), is entirely neglected in the English translation. The translator’s method is well illustrated in the case of the description of Floris’s equipage preliminary to setting out on his journey. The description of the saddle and harness occupies 37 verses (964-1000) of the French poem, and is dismissed by the English translator with 5 (vv. 382-389), I ne can telle ȝou noȝt Hu richeliche þe sadel was wroȝt, and three verses following.

To sum up, the English version is a free, somewhat condensed, translation from the French I. version. The translator has introduced almost no new traits, and the extent of the condensation may be judged by considering the 1296 verses of the English as compared with the 2974 verses in the French I. version. The manner of the condensation has been indicated. But with all the condensation, especially in the descriptive passages, it is important to note that in the essential features of the story, the translator follows his original faithfully, so that the main outline of the story is preserved as accurately in English as in French.

§ 4. DIALECT.

In Fl. and Bl. as in King Horn it is difficult to distinguish certain criteria of dialect on account of the variety of orthography in the different manuscripts. Here again the only safe guide is the rimes, and the evidence of these is not entirely uniform for the different texts. There is a great difference in age between MS. C, the oldest, and MS. T, probably the youngest of the four MSS. Further there is a difference in the dialects represented by the different scribes. The scribes of MSS. C and Cott. were evidently southerners, and seem, here and there, to have twisted the verses around to make them fit the Southern dialect. On the other hand the later scribe of MS. T seems to have changed verses to make them fit his later dialect. Either the phrases are less stereotyped than in Horn or the poem was not so well known; in any event the scribes of the individual texts seem to have allowed themselves greater independence. The result is that the rime test here is not a sure one. The evidence of rimes in MS. C is not necessarily valid for MS. T, and vice versā; and which rimes indicate the pronunciation of the original composer, it is often difficult to say. If we bear these points in mind we may perhaps draw some satisfactory conclusions from the following criteria:

1. OE. ȳ̆ seems to have been pronounced ī̆. e.g.; cusseþ : blisse, custe : wiste 549-52 C, ywys : kysse 1067 T, winne : kinne 806 C, blisse : kisse 786 C, fylle : wylle 738 T, lyke : lyte 782 T. Only apparent exceptions are meene : kyne 274 T (these words do not rime together in the original), and bygge : segge 989 T. Ostesse : kysse belongs only to MSS. T and Auch.

2. If we apply Prof. Hempl’s -wǭ-, -wọ̄- test we find some evidence of a Midland dialect, e.g.; too : soo 94 T, vndoo : soo 74 T, also : doo 224 T, 764 C, soo : doo 64 T, 336 T, 624 T, so : fordo 307-8 C. This test applied to Fl. and Bl. is not certain in itself, but supports the other evidence. That the test is uncertain we see from the occurrence of apparently inaccurate rimes such as hoom : doom 1079 T, 802 C, and from a few rimes which oppose the evidence of those above cited, e.g., þoo : twoo 30 T, two : mo 218 T (and Cott.), so : go 438 C, 824 C, bo : atuo 548 C, 614 C, þo : so 666 C, also : bo 780 C, whoom : froom 70 T. It would seem then that the change had affected the ā in OE. swā but not in twā and hwā. It must be noted that all the quoted so rimes with ọ̄ occur in MS. C, which, as we shall see later, has a strong Southern colouring.

3. The product of OE. a before l + cons. seems to be a, or with lengthening before -ed, ō. e.g.; wal : cristal 273-4 C (also 609-10 T), wolde : golde 208 T, tolde : holde, sholde : holde 435-6 T (also 77-80 C), wolde : beholde 751 T (also 449-50 C), 769-70 T (also 471-2 C). Exceptions occur in the Southern MSS. e.g.; elde : helde 102 Cott., halle : welle 230 C, welle : alle 224 C, 280 C, but are not paralleled in MS. T.I.21

4. The inflectional endings of the pres. indic. seem to be -e, -est, -eþ for the singular. There are rimes to prove the 3rd sing. in -eþ; seith : withe 106 T, he sit : nabit 40 C, geþ : deþ 200 C (also T and Cott.), 422 C (also T). The plural ending is less evident. The Cambr. MS. has rcularly -eþ. e.g.; habbeþ 20, serueþ 1256, beoþ 294, 295, weneþ 314, leteȝ 448, chaungeþ 510, goþ, seoþ, spekeþ 708 C, crieþ 526; the T. MS. -en, e.g.; seruen 590 T, cryen 815 T, ben 909 T, etc. That the -eþ ending did not belong to the original we may probably infer from the fact that while the -eþ of the 3rd sing. counts metrically, the -eþ of the plural usually does not. Cf. 20 C, 256 C, 448 C, 526 C, 708 C, etc. But cf. springeþ 296 C, bisecheþ 765 C, falleþ 786 C. These endings, then, point to an East Midland dialect. Cf. also the rimes; wepinge : bringe Cott. p. 105, cusseþ : blisse 549-50 C.

5. OE. æ̆ (e) and shortened OE. ǣ, umlaut of WG. ai, or WG. ā.

The OE. short æ appears regularly as a. trespas : was 1043 T, orgas : was 102 T, Cesar : bar 182 T, are probably to be explained as due to one of the Southern scribes of MSS. C and Cott. e.g. vnderȝet : set 166 C (but cf. vnderȝat : sat 98 C). The shortening of OE. ǣ (umlaut of WG. ai) also appears regularly as a. e.g.; glade : ladde 480 T, ilast : cast 338 C, glad : ilad 114 C. But cf. lasse : wytnesse 952 T. In the rime, rest : mest 120 C, 384 C, it is impossible to determine whether the ǣ is shortened to ĕ, as in parts of the South, or the ĕ is lengthened to ē. The shortening of OE. ǣ (WG. ā) does not occur in rime often enough to permit any safe conclusion. The rimes radde : madde 826 T and radde : hadde 1025 T, seem to show that the product of shortening was a. That the representative of WG. ā was the Saxon ǣ rather than the Anglian, and Kentish ē, seems probable from the rimes rede : seide 21-2 T, 51-2 T, 215-16 T, 263-4 T (66 Cott.); reede : deede 45-6 T, 53-4 T.

From these criteria, which seem to be the best available, we may infer that Fl. and Bl. belongs further north than King Horn. Further, the inflections seem to point to the Eastern rather than to the Western Midland, so that we may feel fairly safe in attributing Fl. and Bl. to the East Midland.

§ 5. DATE OF COMPOSITION.

We shall probably be safe in setting the date of composition in the second half of the 13th century. Lengthening in open syllables seems to have taken place, e.g.; coome : soone 100 T, grome : coome 112 T, come : hoome 500 T, wite : vnderȝete 556 C (also Cott.), wite : wite 756 C, þerone : stone, 112 T, vppone : stone 172 T, 212 T, þare : ware 1036 T, etc. From this we must conclude that the date of composition is not earlier than 1250. On the other hand the earliest MS. (C) dates back to the second half of the 13th century. Indeed in this MS. there are still traces of the old distinction of grammatical gender, and OE. ū is still always represented by u; while the second oldest MS. (Cott.) has the newer writing ou. (Cf. Hausknecht, ed. of Fl. and Bl. p. 130, Berlin, 1885.)

§ 6. VERSIFICATION.

The poem is composed in short rimed couplets. The normal verse has four stresses. In no one of the MSS., however, are all the verses perfectly regular, due largely, no doubt, in part to the variety of forms available to each composer and to the variety of spellings to choose from, also to the attempts of each scribe to make the verses of the original fit into his own dialect. The rimes may be masculine or feminine. At times they are mere assonances, e.g.; first : lyst 693-4, furste : luste 377-8 C, lyke : lyte 781-2 T, longe : sonde 795-6 C, coome : soone 100 T, etc. At times they are inaccurate, e.g.; grunde : honde 303-4 C, meene : kyne 273-4 T. Peculiar are the rimes; þerate : gate 153-4 C, etc., fyne : þeryne 369-70 T, 441-2 C, etc., þerone : stone 112 T, 212 T.

§ 7. MANUSCRIPTS.

Floris and Blauncheflur appears in four MSS., in each of the four with a greater or smaller part of the beginning lost.

1. T., the Trentham MS., is in the library of the Duke of Sutherland at Trentham Hall in Staffordshire. The MS. is a relatively late one (about 1440), and is written in a very legible, informal running hand, with loops to the b’s, l’s, etc. It contains a series of metrical romances; besides Floris and Blauncheflur, also Kyng Rychard, Bevous of Hampton, The Batell of Troye, Amys and Amylion, and Sir Eglamoure. Our poem stands on folios 98-111. The headings to the pages are; on the even, left-hand pages, Florence, on the odd, right-hand pages, & Blanchefloure. The MS. contains 1083 lines of our poem. The beginning of the poem is lost in this MS., as in the three others, and the first preserved folio is an odd, right-hand page, with the heading, & Blanchefloure. The first verse in this MS. corresponds to verse 193 of the French.

The reading of the MS. is made difficult and uncertain by the end flourishes to certain letters, e.g.; gold), stoon), vppon), which it is hard to interpret. It has been collated with the three others by Hausknecht, in his admirable critical edition of the poem.

2. Cott., the Brit. Mus. MS. Cott. Vitell. D. III., which probably belongs to the second half of the 13th century, suffered badly from fire in 1731. Of the original 219 folios of this parchment MS., 26 remain, and these are in many parts exceedingly difficult to read, so that the readings here offered, which are based mainly on Lumby’s text, are offered with apologies, and may no doubt be bettered here and there by comparison with the other MSS. Our poem, which occupies folios 6a-8b of the existing MS., is preceded by Versus de historibus sacris veteris et novi Testamenti, veteri lingua Gallicana (O. French), and in the same handwriting with Fl. and Bl. The following folios (9-26) contain in Latin prose, Expositiones quaedam sive comentarii in Macrobii Saturnalia.

Of our poem only 451 lines are preserved in this MS., and of these only 180 are completely legible. The first verse corresponds to about v. 508, and the last to about v. 2514 of the French. The writing is in a fine, apparently French, book hand.

This MS. has been printed by Lumby in the original to the present edition for the E.E.T.S., and has been used by Hausknecht in collation.

3. A., the celebrated Auchinleck MS. of the Advocates’ Library in Edinburgh, is a veritable mine of romance. Perhaps the best description is still that given in Sir Walter Scott’s introduction to Sir Tristrem, where is to be found an enumeration of the 44 different articles, mostly romances, still contained (besides 13 lost). It is a large quarto on vellum, and according to Ellis, belongs to the very first of the 14th century. Of our poem, which occupies five double-columned folios (100-104), 861 verses are contained, of which the first corresponds to v. 1001 of the French.

Fl. and Bl. has twice been reprinted from the Auchinleck MS.: (1) C. H. Hartshorne, Ancient Metrical Tales, London, 1829, (2) David Laing, A Penni Worth of Witte, etc., Abbotsford Club, Edinburgh, 1857.

4. C., the Cambr. Univ. MS. Gg. 4. 27. 2, has already been described. (See page xxviii.) Of the fragment of a MS. that now exists, the final 824 verses of Fl. and Bl. occupy folios 1a-5b. The first verse preserved corresponds to verse 1001 of the French poem.

The interrelations of these four MSS. have been carefully studied by Hausknecht (as above, pp. 98-108), whose results may be summarized as follows: MSS. A., Cott., T form a group x. Now C., now group x has gaps, and neither is free from individual changes.

Within the group x, A and Cott. form a special sub-group, y going back to a common origin, but at the same time independent of each other.

We may borrow from Hausknecht the following diagram representing the interrelations.

T misprinted as I (both here and in Hausknecht).

As regards the relative value of the different MSS., it must be said that T is the least to be depended on for accuracy, but is valuable because it preserves more of the early part of the story than is preserved in any of the other MSS. As regards the relative value of C and x it is hard to decide. Still the instances in which C, in opposition to A, agrees with the French are more numerous than are the instances of the contrary case.

Footnotes to Introduction

I.13 G. Paris distinguishes three general versions, two French versions and a third, “Roman” version, in which the parents of Blauncheflur are not French but Roman.

I.14 The evidence cited by G. Paris, consists of allusions to—(1) History of Troy, (2) Siege of Troy, (3) Aeneid, etc. The place of origin, according to G. Paris, was probably in the region about Beauvais, lying between Normandy, Picardy and the Île de France.

I.15 Perhaps this is a mere coincidence, since in a poem about Berthe, her father happens to be named ‘Florie,’ a Florie with a different history, roi de Hongrie. Later this relationship was commonly assumed. In the Gran Conquista de Vltramar, the story of Berthe is intercalated. She is daughter of Blancaflor and Flores.

I.16 G. Paris makes this II. version the sole representative of a third distinct form of the story, the 2o of his general classification, 1o, 2o, 3o.

I.17 That is to say, French or Italian.

I.18 This version was evidently not translated from a French MS. but written from memory. The details are not always exactly identical with those of the French, though often so, enough so to make the origin of the poem unmistakable though it is much condensed and the order of events somewhat transposed.

I.19 Fleck’s work is a paraphrase. The details are identical but are amplified to 8006 verses.

I.20 This same consideration, as we have seen, probably explains in part the difference between the English King Horn and the Norman French Horn et Rigmenil.

I.21 That the Cambr. scribe was from the South is very apparent from: (1) the pres. indic. plur. endings in eþ, e.g. comeþ 282, etc., (2) the above rimes of OE. call : ell, (3) axede 576, 602, etc., (4) rede : hadde 453-4, (5) hi for ‘they’ 284, etc., heo for ‘she’ 303, etc., (6) ifere 502 C, in fere 827, 280 T, (7) vaire 16, wuder 114, etc.

FLORIS AND BLAUNCHEFLUR.

Trentham MS., fol. 98 a; vellum, c. 1440: beginning lost. Headlines ‘Florence and Blanchefloure.’

Ne thurst menFB1 neuer in londe

After feirer Children fonde.

Þe Cristen woman fedde hem þoo,

4 Ful wel she louyd hem boþ twoo.

So longe sche fedde hem in feere
þat þey were of elde of seuen ȝere.

Þe kyng behelde his sone dere,

8 And seyde to him on this manere,

Þat harme it were muche more

But his sone were sette to lore

On þe book+ letters to know,

12 As men done, both hye and lowe.

“Feire sone,” she seide, “þou shalt lerne,

Lo þat þou do ful ȝerne.”

Florys answerd with wepyng,

16 As he stood byfore þe kyng+;

Al wepyng+ seide he,

FB.1 first ‘mey,’ then alterd

Floris says that he cannot learn unless Blauncheflur is with him.

“Ne schal not Blancheflour lerne with me?

Ne can y noȝt to scole goone

20 With-out Blanchefloure,” he seide þane.

“Ne can y in no scole syng+ ne rede

With-out Blancheflour,” he seide.

Þe king+ seide to his soone,

24 “She shal lerne for þy loue.”

The two are put to school together, and make good progress.

To scole þey were put;

Boþ þey were good of+ wytte.

Wonder it was of+ hur lore,

28 And of+ her loue wel þe more.

Þe Children louyd to-geder soo,

Þey myȝt neuer parte a twoo.

When þey had .v. ȝere to scoole goone

32 So wel þey had lerned þoo,

Inowȝ þey couþ of latyne,

And wel wryte on parchemyne.

Þe kyng+ vnderstod þe grete Amoure

36 Bytwene his sone and Blanchefloure,

And þouȝt when þey were of Age

Þat her loue wolde noȝt swage;

Nor he myȝt noȝt her loue withdrawe

40 When Florys shuld+ wyfe after þe lawe.

[98 b]

Þe king+ to þe Queene seide þoo,

And tolde hur of+ his woo,

Off+ his þouȝt and of his care,

44 How it wolde of+ Floreys fare.

The king begins to devise to separate the two, and proposes to put the maiden to death.

“Dame,” he seide, “y tel þe my reede,

I wyl þat Blaunchefloure be do to deede.

When þat maide is y-slawe,

48 And brouȝt of her lyf+ dawe,

As sone as Florys may it vnder ȝete,

Rathe he wylle hur forȝete.

Þan may he wyfe after reede.”

52 Þe Queene answerde þen and seide,

And þouȝt with hur reede

Saue þe mayde fro þe deede.

“Sir,” she seide, “we auȝt to fonde

56 Þat Florens lyf+ wit menske in londe,

And þat he lese not his honour

For þe mayden Blauncheflour.

Who so myȝt þat mayde clene,

60 Þat she were brouȝt to deþ bydene,

Hit were muche more honour

Þan slee þat mayde Blancheflour.”

Vnneþes þe king+ g[ra]unt þat it be soo.

64 “Dame, rede vs what is to doo.”

Floris is sent to Mountargis to school.

The queen suggests that Floris be sent away.

“Sir, we shul oure soone Florys

Sende into þe londe of Mountargis.

Blythe wyl my suster be

68 Þat is lady of+ þat Contree.

And when she woot for whoom)

Þat we have sent him vs froom),

She wyl doo al hur myȝt,

72 Boþ by day and by nyȝt,

To make hur loue so vndoo

As it had neuer ben soo.

And, sir,” she seide, “y rede eke

76 Þat þe maydens moder make hur seek+.

Þat may be þat other resoun)

For þat ylk+ enchesoun,

Þat she may not fro hur moder goo.”

80 Now ben þese Children swyþ woo,

[99 a]

Now þey may not goo in fere

Drewryer þinges neuer noone were.

Florys wept byfore þe kyng+,

84 And seide, “Sir, with-out lesyng+,

For my harme out ȝe me sende,

Now she ne myȝt with me wende.

Now we ne mot to-geder goo,

88 Al my wele is turned to woo.”

Þe king+ seide to his soone aplyȝt,

“Sone, withynne þis fourtenyȝt,

Be her moder quykke or deede,”

92 “Sekerly,” he him seide,

“Þat mayde shal come þe too.”

Floris is sent to his aunt at Mountargis, with the promise that Blauncheflur shall follow within fourteen days.

“Ȝe, sir,” he seid, “y pray ȝow it be soo.

Ȝif þat ȝe me hur sende,

96 I rekke neuer wheder y wende.”

Þat þe Child+ graunted þe kyng+ was fayne,

And him betauȝt his Chamburlayne.

With muche honoure þey þeder coome,

100 As fel to a ryche kynges soone.

Wel feire him receyuyd þe Duke Orgas,

Þat king+ of þat Castel was,

And his Aunt wiþ muche honour;

104 But euer he þouȝt on Blanchefloure.

Glad and blythe þey ben him withe;

But for no ioy þat he seith,

Ne myȝt him glade game ne gle,

108 For he myȝt not his lyf+ see.

His Aunt set him to lore

Þere as other Children wore,

Boþ maydons and grome;

112 To lerne mony þeder coome.

Inowȝ he sykes, but noȝt he lernes;

For Blauncheflour euer he mornes.

Yf+ enyman to him speke

116 Loue is on his hert steke.

Loue is at his hert roote

Þat no þing+ is so soote:

Galyngale ne lycorys

[99 b]

120 Is not so soote as hur loue is,

Ne nothing+ ne none other.

So much he þenkeþ on Blancheflour,

Of+ oo day him þynkeþ þre,

124 For he ne may his loue see.

The King proposes to put Blauncheflur to death.

He grieves until the fourteen days are past.

Þus he abydeth with muche woo

Tyl þe fourtenyȝt were goo.

When he saw she was nouȝt ycoome,

128 So muche sorow he haþ noome,

Þat he loueth mete ne drynke,

Ne may noone in his body synke.

The chamberlain reports Floris’s sorrow to the king.

Þe Chamberleyne sent þe king+ to wete,

132 His sones state al y-wrete.

The king is very angry, and again proposes to put Blauncheflur to death.

Þe king+ ful sone þe waxe to-brake,

For to wete what it spake:

He begynneth to chaunge his moode,

136 And wel sone he vnderstode,

And with wreth he cleped þe Queene,

And tolde hur alle his teene,

And with wraþ spake and sayde,

140 “Let do bryng+ forþ þat mayde!

Fro þe body þe heued shal goo.”

Þenne was þe Quene ful woo.

Þan spake þe Quene, þat good lady,

The queen proposes, instead, to sell the maiden.

144 “For goddes love, sir, mercy.

At þe next hauen þat here is,

Þer ben chapmen ryche y-wys,

Marchaundes of+ babyloyne ful ryche,

148 Þat wol hur bye blethelyche.

Than may ȝe for þat louely foode

Haue muche Catełł and goode.

And soo she may fro vs be brouȝt,

152 Soo þat we slee hur nouȝt.”

Vnneþes þe king+ graunted þis;

But forsoþ so it is,

Þe king+ let sende after þe burgeise,

156 Þat was hende and Curtayse,

And welle selle and bygge couth,

And moony langages had in his mouth.

This is done, and for the maiden they receive among other things a magnificent cup with a romantic history.

Wel sone þat mayde was him betauȝt;

160 An to þe hauene was she brouȝt.

[100 a]

Þer haue þey for þat maide ȝolde
xx. Mark+ of reed golde,

And a Coupe good and ryche,

164 In al þe world+ was none it lyche.

Þer was neuer noone so wel graue;

He þat it made was no knave.

Þer was purtrayd on, y weene,

168 How Paryse ledde awey þe Queene;

And on þe Couercle a-boue

Purtrayde was þer both her love;

And in þe Pomel þerone

172 Stood a Charbuncle stoone.

In þe world+ was not so depe soler,

Þat it nold+ lyȝt þe Botelere,

To fylle boþ ale and wyne,

176 Of syluer and golde boþ good and fyne.

Enneas þe king+, þat nobel man,

At Troye in batayle he it wan,

And brouȝt it in-to Lumbardy,

180 And gaf+ it his lemman, his Amy.

Þe Coupe was stoole fro king+ Cesar;

A þeef+ out of his tresour hous it bar.

And sethe þat ilke same þeef+

184 For Blaunchefloure he it ȝeef+.

For he wyst to wynne suche þree,

Myȝt he hur bryng+ to his contree.

Now þese Marchaundes saylen ouer þe see,

188 With þis mayde, to her contree.

So longe þey han vndernome,

Blauncheflur is sold and carried to Babylon.

Blauncheflur is taken to Babylon and sold to the Admiral.

Þat to Babyloyne þey ben coome.

To þe Amyral of+ Babyloyne

192 Þey solde þat mayde swythe soone;

Rath and soone þey were at oone.

Þe Amyral hur bouȝt Anoone,

And gafe for hur, as she stood vpryȝt,

MS. Cott. Vitell. D. III., 6 a, col. 1.

The 3 leaves of this MS. are burnt and shrunk, and are hardly legible.

196 Seuyne sythes of+ golde her wyȝt,

For he þouȝt without+ weene

Þat faire mayde haue to Queene;

Among+ his maydons in his bour

200 He hur dide with muche honour.

. . . . . FB2so dere

. . . . wiþ þoute wene.

. . þat maide to his quene.

4 .   his maidenes vp in is tur,

.   hire wiþ muchel honur

FB.2 MS. note. See Introduction; also Floris et Blanch., Paris 1856, p. 28, l. 673.

Now þese merchaundes þat may belete,

[100 b]

And ben glad of+ hur byȝete.

n   Ow let we of Blauncheflour be,

204 And speke of Florys in his contree.

Now is þe Bu[r]gays to þe king+ coome

With þe golde and his garysone,

And haþ take þe king+ to wolde,

208 Þe seluer and þe Coupe of golde.

. . marchans þis maide forlete,

. . . bliþe mid here by-ȝete.

8 . . . . we blancheflur be.

. . floires in his cuntre.

.   burgeys to þe king icome.

. . . gold and þisse garisome.

12 . . . þan king i ȝolde.

. . þo cupe of golde.

The king and queen cause to be made a supposititious tomb for Blauncheflur.

They lete make in a Chirche

As swithe feire graue wyrche.

And lete ley þer-vppone

212 A new feire peynted stone,

With letters al aboute wryte

With ful muche worshippe.

Who-so couth þe letters rede,

216 Þus þey spoken, and þus þey seide:

“Here lyth swete Blaunchefloure

Þat Florys louyd Paramoure.”

Now Florys haþ vndernome,

. . . let at one chiriche.

. . . . les wereche,

16 . . . [þ]at anouen . .

. . pointe stonde

. . . . bi write.

. . . . . hele worþsipe

20 . . . þe letters rede.

. . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . .

24 . . [h]aueþ vnder-nome

Floris returns and inquires for Blauncheflur. ‘She is dead.’

Floris returns, and asks his father and mother for Blauncheflur in vain.

220 And to his Fader he is coome.

In his Fader halle he is lyȝt,

His Fader him grette anoone ryȝt,

And his moder, þe Queene, also,

224 But vnneþes myȝt he þat doo,

Þat he ne asked where his Lemman bee;

Nonskyns answere chargeþ hee.

So longe he is forth noome,

228 In to Chamber he is coome.

. . faderlonde he is icome

. . . halle he is alyȝt

. . . . he grette anonryȝt

28 . . þe quene he grette also

. . . haueþ his gretinge ido,

. . . askeþ war þat maide beo

. . . were nou targeþ heo.

32 . . . res hit haueþ vnder nome

. . boure & a is icome

He then asks the girl’s mother.

Þe maydenys moder he asked ryȝt,

“Where is Blauncheflour, my swete wyȝt?”

“Sir,” she seide, “forsothe ywys,

232 I ne woot where she is.”

She beþouȝt hur on þat lesyng+

Þat was ordeyned byfoore þe king+.

“Þou gabbest me,” he seyde þoo,

236 “Þy gabbyng+ doþ me muche woo.

Tel me where my leman be.”

Al wepyng+ seide þenne shee,

. . . to hire anonriȝt

.   [bl]ancheflur mi suete wiȝt

36 . . . . . . ful iwis

. . . . . war heo is

[leaf 6, col. 2]

Þine gabbinge deþ me wo;

Tel me war my lemmon beo.

40 Al wepinge onsuerede heo,

The mother at length tells Floris that Blauncheflur is dead.

“Sir,” shee seide, “deede.” “deed!” seide he.

240 “Sir,” sche seide, “for sothe, ȝee.”

“Allas, when died þat swete wyȝt?”

[101 a]

“Sir, withynne þis Fourtenyȝt

Þe erth was leide hur aboute,

244 And deed she was for thy loue.”

“Sire,” heo seyde, “ded.” “ded!” quad he.

“Sire,” heo seyde, “for soþe ȝe,

Alas, wenne deide my suete wyȝt?”

44 “Sire,” heo seyde, “wiþ inne þis seueniȝt

Þat vrþe hire was leyd aboue,

And ded heo is for þine loue.

Floris swoons.

Flores, þat was so feire and gent,

Sownyd þere verament.

Þe cristen woman began to crye

248 To ihesu crist and seynt Marye.

Þe king+ and þe queene herde þat crye;

In to þe Chamber þey ronne on hye.

And þe Queene herde her byforne

252 On sowne þe Childe þat she had borne.

Floyres þat was so fayr and gent,

48 He fel iswoue vp on þe pauement.

And þe cristene wimmon gon to crie

To crist and to seyntemarie.

Þe king & þe quene iherdde þat cri;

52 In to þe bure þo vrne hy.

And þe quene ate frome

By wepeþ hire dere sone.

Þe kinges hert was al in care,

Þat sawe his sone for loue so fare.

When he a-wooke and speke moȝt,

256 Sore he wept and sore he syȝt,

And seide to his moder ywys,

“Lede me þere þat mayde is.”

And þe kinges herte is ful of care

56 Þat he sikþ is sone vor loue so fare.

Anon he of swoninge awok and speke miste.

Sore he wep and sore he syȝte,

And on his moder he by siþt.

60 “Dame,” he sayde, “led me þar þat mayde lyþ.”

His mother comes to him, and conducts him to the supposititious tomb.

Þeder þey him brouȝt on hyȝe;

260 For care and sorow he wolde dyȝe.

As sone as he to þe graue com,

Sone þere behelde he þen,

Þider heo hine broute wel suþe,

Vor care a[n]d sorwe of hire deþe.

Anon þat he to þe burles com,

64 Wel ȝerne he bi-hul þer-on,

Floris reads the inscription on the monument, and swoons.

Floris reads the inscription, and then swoons three times.

And þe letters began to rede,

264 Þat þus speke and þus seide:

“Here lytħ swete Blauncheflour,

Þat Florys louyd paramoure.”

Þre sithes Florys sownydde nouth;

268 Ne speke he myȝt not with mouth.

As sone as he awoke and speke myȝt,

Sore he wept and sore he syȝt+.

And letteres bigon to rede.

Þus spek and þus sede

Þat þar lay suete blancheflur.

68 [Þat] floyres louede par amur.

Þ . . . . swouneþ nouþe

And asone ase he speke myȝte.

Sore he wep and sore he syȝte,

72 And gon blancheflur bi mene

Wit teres riue ase a scur of r[e]ne.

Floris weeps and sighs, and laments Blauncheflur’s death.

“Blauncheflour!” he seide, “Blauncheflour!”

272 So swete a þing was neuer in boure.

Of Blauncheflour is þat y meene,

For she was come of+ good kyne.

“Blancheflur,” he seide, “blancheflur,

So sute þing nas ner in bur,

[leaf 6, back]

76 Vor þou were ibore of gode cunne,

Vor in worle nes nere non

Þine imake of no wimmon.

Inouȝ þou cuþest of clergie

80 And of alle curteysie.

Lytel and muche loueden þe

276 For þy goodnesse and þy beaute.

Ȝif deþ were dalt aryȝt,

We shuld be deed boþ on oo nyȝt.

On oo day borne we were;

280 We shul be ded boþ in feere.”

& muchel and litel hit louede þe

Vor þi fayr hede and þi bunte.

Ȝif þat deþ were ideld ariȝt,

84 We scholden habbe idiȝed boþe in ar niȝt.

Vor in one deye ibore we were;

Mid riȝte we scholden deie ifere.”

He apostrophizes death.

[101 b]

“Deeþ,” he seide, “ful of+ enuye,

And of alle trechorye,

Refte þou hast me my lemman.”

284 “For soth,” he seide, “þou art to blame.

She wolde haue leuyd, and þu noldest,

And fayne wolde y dye, and þu woldest.

“Deþ,” he seyde, “vol of enuie,

88 and vol of alle tricherie,

Mid traisun þou me hast mi lef binome.

To bi-traie þat folk hit is þi wone;

Heo wolde libbe and þu noldest.

92 Þou nelt me slen and ihc wolde;

[No gap in MS.]

Wiþ þere me wolde þat þou were.

Nul tu no wiȝt come þere,
and þer me wolde þat þou . . ne come,

96 Þer þou wolt come Ilome.

Þilke þat buste best to libbe,

Hem þou stikest under þe ribbe.

and ȝif þer is eni forliued wrecche,

100 Þat of is liue nouȝt ne recche,

Þat fawe wolde deie for sorewe & elde,

On hem neltou nouȝht bi helde.

No lengore ich nelle mi lef bileue,

104 I chulle be mid hyre ere eue.

After deeþ clepe nomore y nylle,

288 But slee my self+ now y wille.”

Nou after deþ clepie ich þe nulle,

Ac mi sulue aslen ich wille.”

He tries to stab himself, but is prevented by his mother.

He attempts to stab himself with a knife, but is prevented by his mother.

His knyf+ he braide out of his sheth;

Him self he wolde haue doo to deth.

And to hert he had it smetene

292 Ne had his moder it vnder ȝetene.

Þen þe Queene fel him vppone,

And þe knyf+ fro him noome.

She reft+ him of+ his lytel knyf+,

296 And sauyd þere þe Childes lyf+.

Forþ þe Queene ranne, al wepyng+,

Tyl she come to þe kyng+.

Ase a mon þat draȝh him sulue to þe deþe,

108 His knif he draȝh out of his scheþe,
and to his herte hit wolde habbe ismite,

Nadde his moder hit vnder gete.

Ac þe quene his moder . . fel vpon,

112 & þis knif heo him binom.

Heo bi nom him his atel knif.

[leaf 6, back, col. 2]

Þat heo com bi . . . . . . .

The queen discloses to Floris the deception.

The queen persuades the king to reveal the truth.

Þan seide þe good lady,

300 “For goddes loue, sir, mercy!

Of .xii. children haue we noone

On lyue now but þis oone.

And better it were she were his make,

304 Þan he were deed for hur sake.”

Þanne spac þe quene þe . .

116 and seyde to þe kinge, “sire, mercy,

Sire, of þis children nabbe we non,

Non aliue bote þis on,
and bote hit were þat hit wer . .

120 Þane eyþer deȝede vor oþer . . .

“Dame, þou seist soþ,” seide he;

“Sen it may noone other be,

Leuer me were she were his wyf+,

308 Þan y lost my sonnes lyf+.”

Of+ þis word þe Quene was fayne,

And to her soone she ran agayne.

“Dame, þou seist soþ,” þo seyde he,

“Nu hit nele non oþer bee.

Leuere me were þat heo were

124 Þane ihc for lore mine sone l[yf].”

Of þisse wordes þe quene w . .

To floyres, hire sone, . . .

They tell him the facts, and together open the grave and find it empty.

“Floryes, soone, glad make the,

312 Þy lef þou schalt on lyue see.

Florys, sone, þrouȝ engynne

Of+ þy Faders reed and myne,

Þis graue let we make,

316 Leue sone, for þy sake.

Ȝif+ þou þat maide forgete woldest,

After oure reed wyf+ þou sholdest.”

“Floyres, sone, glad make þe .

128 For ut þou schalt þi lef . .

Leue sone . . . . . . .

. . . . fader rede and . .

. . . . . wo . . .

132 Leue sone so . . . . . .

Vor [two lines illegible here]

. . . . . vre rede . . .

Now euery worde she haþ him tolde,

320 How þat þey þat mayden solde.

[102 a]

“Is þis soth, my moder dere?”

“For soth,” she seide, “she is not here.”

Þe rowȝ stoone adoune þey leyde,

324 And sawe þat was not þe mayde.

. . . word and ende him .

136 Hou hei habbeþ þat mayde,

“and is þis soþ, mi moder dere?”

“Ȝe, for soþe,” heo nis not .

Þane stond hii panne . . . .

140 He isay þat þere nas . . . .

Floris declares his resolve to find Blauncheflur.

“Now, moder, y þink þat y leue may.

Ne shal y rest nyȝt ne day,

Nyȝt ne day ne no stounde,

328 Tyl y haue my lemmon founde.

Nu me þencheþ . . . . .

. . . ne schal ihc . . . .

Niȝt ne da . . . . . .

144 . . . ich . . . . . .

[Some folios lost here. Continued at bottom of page 84.]

Hur to seken y wołł wende,

Þauȝ it were to þe worldes ende.”

To þe king+ he goþ to take his leue,

332 And his Fader bade him byleue.

“Sir, y wyl let for no wynne;

Me to bydden it it were grete synne.”

Þan seid þe king+, “seth it is soo,

336 Seþ þou wylt noone other doo,

Al þat þe nedeþ we shul þe fynde;

Ihesu þe of+ care vnbynde.”

Floris equips a company with which to search for Blauncheflur.

He describes to the king the retinue that he would like.

“Leue Fader,” he seide, “y telle þe

340 Al þat þou shalt fynde me.

Þou mast me fynde, at my deuyse,

Seuen horses al of+ prys,

And twoo y-charged vppon) þe molde

344 Boþ with seluer and wyþ golde,

And two ycharged with monay

For to spenden by þe way,

And þree with clothes ryche,

348 Þe best of+ al þe kyngryche,

Seuen horses and seuyn) men,

And þre knaues without hem,

And þyne owne Chamburlayne,

352 Þat is a wel nobel swayne.

He can vs wyssħ and reede,

As marchaundes we shułł vs lede.”

His Fader was an hynde king+,

The king gives him also the marvellous cup, and an elegantly caparisoned ‘palfray.’

356 Þe Coupe of golde he dide him bryng+,

Þat ilke self+ Coupe of golde

Þat was Blauncheflour for ȝolde.

“Haue þis, soone,” seide þe king+,

360 “Herewith þou may þat swete þing+,

[102 b]

“Wynne so may betyde,

Blauncheflour with þe white syde,

Blauncheflour, þat faire may.”

364 Þe king let sadel a Palfray,

Þe oone half so white so mylke,

And þat other reed so sylk+.

I ne can telle nouȝt

368 How rychely þat sadel was wrouȝt.

Þe Arson) was of golde fyne,

Stones of vertu stode þeryne,

Bygone aboute wit orfreys.

The queen gives him a magic ring.

372 Þe Queene was kynde and curtays,

Cast hur toward þe kyng+

And of+ hur fynger she brayde a ryng+:

Cambridge MS. Gg. 4. 27. 2.

Heo tok forþ a wel fair þing,

Of hire finger a riche Ryng.

“Haue now þis ylke ryng+:

376 While is it þyne, douȝt no þyng+

Of+ fire brennyng+ ne water in þe See;

Ne yren) ne steele shal dere thee.”

“Mi sone,” heo sede, “haue þis ring.

4 “Whil he is þin, ne dute noþing,

Þat fur þe brenne ne adrenche se,

Ne ire ne steil ne mai þe sle.

And to þi wil þu schalt habbe grace,

8 Late and rathe in eche place.”

Floris and his company arrive at the haven.

Floris takes leave and comes to the haven,

He took+ his leue for to goo;

380 Þer was ful muche woo;

Floris nimeþ nu his leue;

No longer nolde he bileue.

He custe hem wiþ softe muþe;

12 Al wepinge hi departeþ nuþe.

and lodges at the same house where Blauncheflur had been.

Þey made him noon) other chere

Þan her soon) were leide in bere.

Ne makede his Moder non oþer chere,

Bute also he were ileid on bere.

For him ne wende hi neuere mo

16 Eft to sen; ne dude hi no.

Furþ he went with al his mayn);

384 With him went þe Chamberlayn).

So haue þey her hauyn) nome

Þat þey ben to þe hauyn) come

Þere Blaunchefloure was alnyȝt,

388 Wel rychely þey ben dyȝt;

Forþ he wende wiþ al his mein,

And wiþ him his fader chaumberlein.

Fort to þe hauene hi beoþ icume,

20 And þer habbeþ here in inome.

At þe selue huse hi buþ aliȝt

Þat blauncheflur was þat oþer niȝt.

Riche soper þer was idiȝt,

They find there good entertainment. All make good cheer except Floris,

Þe lord of+ þe ynne was welle hende;

Þe Child+ he sette next þe ende,

In al þe feirest seete

392 Alle þey dronken and al þey ȝete:

24 And murie hi verden þer aniȝt.

Floriz ne let for ne feo

To finden al þat neod beo,

Of fless, of fiss, of tendre bred,

28 Of whit win, and eke red.

Glad and bliþe hi weren alle

Þat weren wiþ hem in þe halle,

And pleide and gamenede ehc wiþ oþer.

who thinks ever on Blauncheflur.

[No gap in MS.]

Ete ne drynke myȝt he nouȝt;

On blauncheflour was al his þouȝt.

32 Ac floriȝ þencheþ al on oþer,

For he net ne dronk riȝt noȝt.

On blauncheflur was al his þoȝt.

Floris mourns. He hears of Blauncheflur, and is glad.

The hostess observes his ‘mourning,’ and tells him that she is reminded of the mourning of Blauncheflur.

Þe lady of þat vnderȝat

396 Þat þe Childe mornyng+ sat,

And seide to her lord with styl dreme,

“Sir, nyme now goode ȝeme

How þe Child+ mournyng syttes:

400 Mete and drynke he forȝetes:

[103 a]

Lytel he eteþ, and lasse he drynkeþ;

He is a marchaund, as me þynkeþ.”

Þe lefdi of þer inne vnderȝat

36 Þat he murninge sat.

To hire louerd heo sede wiþ stille dreme,

“Sire, nimestu no ȝeme

Hu þis child murninge sit?

40 Mete ne drinke he nabit.

He net mete ne he ne drinkeþ;

Nis he no marchaunt, ase me þinkeþ.”

To Flores þen seide she,

404 “Al ful of+ mournyng+ y the see.

Þer sate þer þis sender day,

Blauncheflour, þat swete may.

Heder was þat mayde brouȝt

408 With Marchaundes þat hur had bouȝt;

Heder þey brouȝt þat mayde swete;

Þey wold haue solde hur for byȝete;

To Babyloyne þey wylle hur brynge,

412 Boþ of semblant & of+ mornynge.”

“Floriz,” heo sede, “what mai þe beo,

44 Þus murninge as ich þe seo?

Þus her inne þis oþer day

Sat blauncheflur, þat faire may.”

Ord and ende he haþ him told,

48 Hu blauncheflur was þarinne isold.

[No gap in MS.]

“Þu art hire ilich of alle þinge,

Boþe of semblaunt and of murninge,

Of fairnesse and of muchelhede,

52 Bute þu ert a man and heo a maide.”

Floris rejoices at the mention of the name. He gives the hostess a silver cup, etc., and inquires further about Blauncheflur.

When Florys herd speke of+ his lemman,

Was he neuer so glad a man,

And in his hert bygan to lyȝt;

416 Þe Coupe he let fulle anoon) ryȝt:

Þo floriz iherde his lemman nempne,

So blisful him þuȝte þilke steuene,

He let fulle a cupe of win.

“Dame,” he seide, “þe fessel is þyne,

Boþ þe Coupe and þe wyne,

Þe wyne and þe gold eke,

420 For þou of my leman speke:

On hur y þouȝt, for hur y syȝt;

I ne wyst where I hur fynde myȝt;

Wynde ne weder shal me assoyne,

424 Þat y ne shal seche hur in Babyloyne.”

56 “Dame,” he sede, “þis hail is þin,

Þat win and þat gold eke,

For þu of mi lemman speke.

For hire iþoȝte, for hire isiȝte,

60 For inot wher hire seche miȝte.

Hire to seche ihc wille i wende,

Þeȝ heo beo at þe wordles ende.”

Now Florys resteþ him al a nyȝt.

Floriz geȝ to his rest;

64 On blauncheflur he þoȝte mest.

Ac rest ne miȝte he nabbe none,

Fort þe dide slep him nome.

Floris sets sail once more.

At morne, when it was day lyȝt,

He dide him in-to þe wylde flood+.

428 Wynde and weder with him stood;

Sone so Florys come to londe,

Þere he þanked goddes sonde

A moreȝe so sone so hit was day

68 He tok his leue and wente his way,

And dude him into þe salte flod;

He hadde wind and weder ful god.

Þe Mariner he ȝaf largeliche,

72 Þat broȝte him ouer bluþeliche.

Floris reaches the land where his Leman is.

He arrives in the country where his leman is.

To þe londe þer his lyf+ ynne is:

432 Him þouȝt he was in paradyse.

Þer hi wolden hem self alonde,

For hi funden hem so hende,

To þe lond þer his lemman is;

76 Him þuȝte he was in parais.

Sone to Florys tydyng men tolde

Þat þe Amyral wold+ Fest holde;

His Erls, Barons, comyn) sholde,

436 And al þat wold+ of him lond holde,

For to herkyn) his hest

And for to honoure his Feest.

Anon me him tiþinge tolde

Þat þe admiral wolde feste h[olde].

Erles, baruns þer come sch[olde],

80 And þat wolden of him h[olde].

Glad was Florys of þat tydyng+;

440 He hoped to come to þat gestyng+,

Ȝif+ he myȝt, in þat halle,

His lemman see among hem alle.

Bliþe was floriz of þe tiþinge;

He hopede come to þat gesninge.

Wel he hopede among hem alle

84 His lemman sen in þe halle.

[103 b]

n   OW to þat Citee Florys is come;

444 Feire he hath his ynne y-noome

At a palaise; was none it lyche;

Þe lord of þat ynne was fulle ryche;

He hadde ben ferre and wyde.

To a riche Cite hi buþ icume;

Vaire hi habbeþ here in inome,

At one paleis suþe riche;

88 Þe lord of þer inne nas non his liche.

Him feol gold inoȝ to honde,

Boþe in water and in londe.

At the inn there is good cheer, and Floris enters into conversation with the host.

448 Þe Childe he set next his syde,

In al þe feirest seete.

Alle þey dronken and ete,

Al þat þerynne were,

452 Al þey made good chere,

Þey ete and dronke echoon) with other;

But Florys þouȝt al another,

Ete ne drynke he myȝt noȝt,

456 On Blauncheflour was al his þouȝt.

He hadde ilad his lif ful wide;

92 Þis child he sette next his side.

Glad and bliþe hi weren alle,

So fele so were in þe halle.

[No gap in MS.]

Ac floriz net ne dronk noȝt;

96 Of blauncheflur was al his þoȝt.

Þan spake þe Burgays

Þat was hende and Curtays:

“Ow, child+, me þynkeþ welle

460 Þat muche þou þynkest on my catelle.”

“Nay, sir, on Catel þenke y nouȝt,”

(On Blauncheflour was al his þouȝt,)

“But y þynke on al wyse

464 For to fynde my marchaundise;

And ȝit it is þe most woo,

When y it fynd, y shal it forgoo.”

Þe lord of þerinne vnderȝat

Þat þis child murninge sat.

“Floriz,” he sede, “what mai þe beo,

100 Þus murninge þat ihc þe seo?

Þan spak+ þe lord of+ þat ynne,

468 “Þis sender day, þer sate hereyne

Þat faire Maide Blauncheflour,
boþ in halle and in boure.

Euer she made mornyng chere,

472 And bement Florys, her lyf+ fere;

Ioye ne blis made she noon),

But for Florys she made her moon).”

[Þ]us herinne þis oþer day

[S]at blauncheflur þat faire may.

[I]n halle ne in bur ne at bord,

104 [O]f hire ne herde we neure a word.

[B]ute of floriz was hire mone;

[Heo] nadde in herte ioie none.”

Florys toke a Coupe of+ syluer clere,

476 A mantyl of+ Scarlet with menyuere:

“Houe þis, sir, to þyn) honour;

Þou may þonke it Blauncheflour.

He myȝt make myn) hert glade,

480 Þat couþ me tel wheder she is ladde.”

[Whanne] herde he nempnen his lemman,

108 [Bliþe] he was iwis for þan.

[He lat] bringe a cupe of seluer

[And eke] a pane of menuuer.

[Þanne] he sede, “haue þis to þin honur,

112 [So þ]u speke of blauncheflur.

[Þu mi]ȝtest make min heorte ful glad;

[Þu tel]le me wuder heo were ilad.”

[Þanne] sede þe burgeis,

116 [Þat was] wel hende and curtais,

The innkeeper tells Floris how the Admiral bought Blauncheflur.

The host tells him that Blauncheflur has been sold to the Admiral at Babylon.

“Child+, to Babyloyne she is brouȝt;

Þe Amyral hur haþ bouȝt:

[104 a]

He gaf+ for hur, as she stood vpryȝt,

484 Seuen sithes of+ gold hur wyȝt;

For he þenkeþ with-out weene,

Þat faire may haue to Queene.

Among+ his maydons in his toure

488 He hur dide, with much honoure.”

[“To Babi]lloigne he was ibroȝt;

[Þe adm]iral hire haȝ iboȝt.”

Now Flores resteþ him þere al nyȝt,

Tyl on þe morrow þe day was lyȝt;

He roos on þe morownyng+,

492 He gaf+ his Ost an hundryd shelyng+,

Ac reste ne miȝte he habbe none;

Fort þe dide slep him nome.

Amoreȝe so sone so hit was day,

124 He nem his liue, and wende his way.

Floris gives the host a hundred shillings, and asks his assistance.

To his ost and to his Ostesse,

And toke his leue, and feire dide kysse;

And for his niȝtes gestinge

He ȝaf his oste an hundred schillinge.

And ȝerne his ost he besouȝt,

496 Þat he him help, ȝif he myȝt ouȝt,

Ȝif+ he myȝt+, with any gynne,

Þat feire may to him wynne.

And ȝerne he haþ his oste bisoȝt

128 Þat he him helpe wiþ al his þoȝt,

In Babilloine, oþer wher a beo,

Þat he miȝte hire iseo,

Hu he miȝte mid sume ginne,

132 His lemman blauncheflur awinne.

Þanne sede þe burgeis,

Þat was hende and curtais,

MS. Cott. Vitell. D. III.

[leaf 7]

. . . . . . . by souht

. . . . . mid al his mauht

. . frend in babiloyne hadde

. . wisede and wel radde

. . . he mihte mid eni ginne

. . . blancheflour iwinne

The innkeeper gives Floris instructions.

“Childe,” he seide, “to a brygge þou shalt come,

500 The Senpere fynde at hoome:

He woneth at þe brygges ende;

Curtays man he is, and hende;

We arn) bretheren, and trouthes plyȝt:

504 He can þe wyssh and rede a-ryȝt;

At babilloine atte frume,

136 To one brigge þu schalt cume.

Whane þu comest to þe ȝate,

Þe porter þu schalt find þarate.

Wel hende man and fair he is;

140 He is icluped sire daris.

Mi felaȝe he is þureȝ truþe ipliȝt,

And he kan rede þe ariȝt.

. . one longe brugge þou schalt come

. . . ngere finde þer ate frome.

. . . c is ate brugge ende

. . . mon he is and hende

. . . breþeren and treweþe ipliht

. . . wisi and reden wel riht.

The innkeeper sends him with a ring of introduction to the bridge porter at Babylon.

Þou shalt bere him a rynge

Fro my-self+ to tokenynge,

Þat he help þe in boure and halle

508 As it were my self+ befalle.”

Haue and ber him þis ring,

144 On mine halue to tokning,

Þat he þe helpe in alle halue,

Ase he wolde me selue.”

. . . bere him nesenoFB3 ring

. . . . . . to toking

. . . . . elpe on eche halue

FB.3 ?

Florys takeþ þe ryng+, and nemeþ leue,

For long+ wold+ he nouȝt beleue.

Floriz herof was wel bliþe,

148 And þonkede his oste wel suiþe.

Feire of him he nimeþ leue;

No lengur nolde he bileue.

. . . . . and takeþ is leue

. . . . . . þer by sene

Floris takes leave, and by midday reaches the bridge and finds the porter.

By þat it was vndern) hyȝe,

512 Þe Brygge come he swyth nye.

Þe Senperes name was Darys.

Florys gret him wel feire ywys,

And he him þe ryng+ arauȝt,

516 And ful feire it him betauȝt.

Biþat hit was middai hiȝ,

152 Floriz was þe brigge niȝ.

Þe he com to þe gate

Þe porter he fond anon þerate,

Sittinde one a marbelston,

156 Suþe fair and hende mon,

And so him sede child floriz,

“Rest þe murie, sire daris,”

. . . . . . ondarne heyȝ

. . . . . [bru]gge suiþe neyȝ

. . . . . þane brugge icome

. . . . . bruggere ate frome

. . . . . . . a Marbreston

. . . . . mon he was on

. . . . . was of Muchel pris

. . . . . . him sulf iwis

. . . . . ys was i hote doyre

. . . . . s him grette wel fayre

. . . . . him þane ring arauht

. . . [d] ayre hine him bi tauht

Floris presents his ring of introduction to Daris.

Floris presents the ring, and is hospitably received.

Þrouȝ þe token of þat ilk+ ryng+

Florys had ful faire gestnyng+

Off+ Fyssħ and flessh and tender breed+,

520 Of+ wyn), both white and reed+:

And tok him to tokne þis ring;

160 And þerfore he hauede wel fair gestning.

Glade and bliþe hi weren alle,

So fele so weren in þe halle,

. . . . þe tockne of þe ringe

.   hadde þer aniht wel gode gistinge

. . . . b of fles of tendre bred

. . . . t win and eke of red

Floris sits mourning.

And euer Florys sate ful colde,

And Dares bygan þe Childe beholde:

Ac floriz net ne dronk noȝt;

164 On blauncheflur was al his þoȝt

Sire daris vnderȝet

Þat floriz murninge set.

. . . . re floyres sike and colde

. . . . gon þat chil by holde

Daris asks if he is not pleased with his entertainment.

[104 b]

“Leue Child, what may þis be,

524 Þus þouȝtful as y the see?

And þou nouȝt al in feere,

Þat þou makist þus sory chere,

Or þou lykkest noȝt þis yn)?”

“Floriz,” he sede, “what mai þe beo,

168 So þoȝtful ase ihc þe seo?

Me þincheþ bi þine chire,

Þu nert noȝt glad of þi sopere,

Oþer þe ne likeþ noȝt þis in.”

. . . . wat may þe be

. . . . . þe i see

. . . . . . . uoice al fere

. . . . . . . . ele chere.

[leaf 7, col. 2]

. . . . . . . . þin in.”

528 Þan Floreys answered him):

“Ȝis, sir, by goddes ore,

So good ne had y mony day ȝore:

God let me abyde þat daye

532 Þat y þe quyte wel may:

172 Þo floriz ansuerede him:

“Sire,” he sede, “bi godes ore,

So god in nauede ihc wel ȝore,

Vre louerd me lete ibide þe day

176 Þat ihc hit þe ȝulde may.

Bot floyres onswerede him,

“Nay, sire, bi godes ore,

So god nadde [I] wel ȝore.

God lete me abide þane day

Þat ich hit þe ȝelde May.

Floris tells him, in veiled words, his real trouble.

But y þenke on al wyse

Most vppon) my marchaundyse;

[No gap in MS.]

And ȝit it is most woo,

536 When y hit Fynde, y shal it forgoo.”

Ihc þenche, sire, on fele wise

Nu vpon mi marchaundise,

Last ine finde noȝt atte frume

180 Þat þing for whi ihc am hider icume.

And þeȝ ihc hit finde hit is mi wo

Lest ihc schulle hit forgo.”

Ac ich þenche on alle wise

Vppon mine Marchaundise

Ware vore ich am hider icome,

Lest ich ne feynde hit ate frome,
and þat is ȝet mi meste wo,

Ȝif ich hit finde and hit forgo.

Daris bids him speak plainly, and Floris speaks out.

[No gap in MS.]

“Childe, woldest þou telle me my gryf+,

To hele þe, me were ful lyf+.”

Þo sede daris, þe freo burgeis,

184 Þat was wel hende and curteis,

“Fain ihc wolde þe rede and lere,

Þat þu muche þe betere were,

Ȝef þu toldest me þi gref,

188 To rede þe me were lef.”

Child, woldest þou telle me of þi gref

To helpe þe me were lef.

Floris tells his story to Daris.

Euery word he haþ him tolde,

540 How þe mayde was fro him solde,

And how he was of+ Spayn) a kynges sone,

For grete loue þider y-come,

To fonde, with quantyse and with gyn),

544 Blauncheflour for to wynne.

Þo floriz bigan his consail schewe,

And to daris beon iknewe.

Ord and ende he haþ him told,

192 Hu blauncheflur was isold,

And hu he was a kinges sune,

For hire luue þider icume,

To fonde þureȝ sume cunnes ginne

196 His lemman blauncheflur biwinne.

And now floyres him haueþ itold

Hou þat mayd from him wa sold,
and hou he was of spayne one kinges sone,

Vor hire loue þider icome.

Daris begins to tell of the Admiral and the city.

Daris takes him to be a fool, and proceeds to tell the strength of the Admiral and the size of the city.

“Now,” seith Dares, “þou art a Folt,”—

And For a Foole þe Childe he halt,—

“Now y woot how it gooth,

548 Þou desirest þyn) own) death.

Þe Amyral haþ to his Iustinges

Oþer half+ hundred of ryche kinges;

And þe Alder-rychest king+

552 Durst not begynne suche a þing+.

Daris þanne floriz bihalt,

And for more þane fol him halt.

“Floriz,” he sede, “iseo hu hit geþ;

200 Þu ert abute þinoȝe deþ.

Þe Admiral haueþ to his gestninge

Oþer half hundred of riche kinges.

Ne þer nis non so riche king

204 Þat dorste entermeten of eni such þing,

Þilke maide to awinne,

Noþer wiþ strengþe ne wiþ ginne,

Nou doyres þat chil[d] by halt,
and for a fol he hine halt.

“Child, nou ich wot al hou hit geþ;

Iwis þou welnest þin owene deþ.

Þe amirel haueþ to his iustninge

Oþer half hondert of riche kinge,

Þe alre richeste kinge

Ne dorste bi ginne swch a þing.

Ȝif+ Amyral myȝt it vnderstonde,

He shulde be drawe in his owne londe,

A-bout Babyloyne, y wene,

556 Six longe myle and tene;

At euery myle is a walle þerate,

Seuen sithes twenty ȝate;

And .xx. toures þer ben ynne,

560 Þat euery day chepyng is ynne;

And þe Admiral hit miȝte iwite,

208 Þat he nere of his lif aquite.

And Babilloine, ihc vnderstonde,

Dureþ abute furtenniȝt gonde.

Abute þe walle þer buþ ate,

212 Seuesiþe tuenti ȝates.

And ine þe bureȝ amidde riȝt

Beoþ twe tures ipiȝt.

And mihste þe amirayl hit vnder ȝete,

Sone of his liue he were quite.

Aboute babiloyne beþ to ȝonge wiþoute wene,

Sixti longe Mile and tene,
and ate walle þer beþ ate,

Seuesiþe tuenti ȝate.

And tueye toures þer beþ inne,

Þat þe chepinge is eche day inne.

Euery day and nyȝt þrouȝ-out þe ȝere

Þe Chepyng+ is y-lyche plenere;

[105 a]

And þauȝ al þe men þat ben bore,

564 Had on hur lyf+ swore

To wynne þat maide feire and free,

Al shul þey die, so moot y the.

Eche day in al þe ȝere

216 Þe feire is þer iliche plenere.

Seue hundred tures and two

Beoþ in þe burȝ, biþute mo.

Nis þer day þoruh out þan ȝer,

Þat þe chepinge is iliche plener.

Seue hundred tures, wit outen þan tuo,

Þ[er] beþ in þan boruh and somdel mo.

Þe alre febleste tour

Nolde nouht duti þe amperur.

Description of the maidens’ ‘tower.’

Daris tells of the ‘towers,’ the spring, the wonderful carbuncle,

In þat bour, in mydward pyȝt,

568 Stondeþ a toure, y the plyȝt,

An hundryd fathum) it is hye,—

Who-soo beholdeþ hit, fer or nere,

An hundred fathum it is y-fere;—

572 It is made with-out[en] pere,

And ine þe burȝ amidde riȝt,

220 Beoþ twe tures ipiȝt,

Vor to come þer wiþ inne,

No þer wid stregþe ne wid ginne.

[leaf 7, back]

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . aȝen woo

.   schal to iwinne þat Mayd al so sone

. . . . . þe sonne and mone.

. . . þe bor . . mid rift

. . . . . . . . aplyft

. . hondred teyse þe tour is heie

. . . . by halt fur and nei.

and an hundret teyse hit is wid,
and imaked wiþ muchel pruid.

Of lyme and of Marbulstone;

In al þis world+ is suche noone.

Now is þe morter made so wele,

576 Ne may it breke, iren ne steele.

Þe Pomel þat aboue is leide,

It is made with muche pride;

Of lym and of marbelston;

In þe world nis swich tur non.

In þe tur þer is a welle,

224 Suþe cler hit is wiþ alle.

He vrneþ in o pipe of bras,

Whider so hit ned was.

Fram flore in to flore

228 Þe strimes vrneþ store,

Fram bure in to halle

Þe strimes of þis welle.

In þe tur is o kernel

232 Of seluer and of crestel.

On þe tur anouenon

Is a charbugleston

Þat ȝiueþ leme day and niȝt,

236 Ne bi hit neure so derk niȝt.

Of lym and of marbel ston;

In cristiante nis swich non.

Þat morter is i maked se wel,

Ne May hit breke ire ne stel.

And þe pomel about þe lede

Is i wrouht mit so . . . . .

Þat man ne þar in þe Tour berne

580 Nouther torcherFB4 ne lanterne;

Suche a pomel was þer bygone,

Hit shyned a nyȝt so doþ þe soone.

FB.4 MS. torther

In þe bureȝ ne darf me berne

Lampe ne torche ne lanterne,

Þat he ne ȝiueþ liȝt and leme

240 As doþ a day þe sunne beme.

Ne þarf me aniht . . . . .

Nouþer torche . . . . . .

. . . . . a pomel . . .

. . . . . . . . . . .

How the maidens are guarded.

the porter on guard,

[No gap in MS.]

Þe porter is prud wiþalle;

Eche day he goþ on þe walle.

And ef þer comeþ eniman

244 Biþinne þilke barbecan,

Bute he him ȝeue leue,

He wule him boþe bete and reue.

Þe porter is culuart and felun;

248 He wule him sette areisun.

and the forty-four maidens kept in the ‘high tower.’

Now arn) in þat ilk+ Tour

584 Twoo and fourty nobełł boure;

Wel were þat ilke man

Þat myȝt woone in þat oon)!

Ne durst him neuer more ywys

588 Couete after more blysse.

“Þer buþ in þe hiȝe tur

Forti Maidenes and four.

Wel were þat ilke mon

252 Þat miȝte winne wiþ þat on.

Ne þorte he neure ful iwis

Wilne more of paradis.

. . . . . beþ in þan . .

Foure and fourti . . . . .

[Þ]at wel were þat ilke . . .

. . Mihte wonie . . . . .

[About twenty lines illegible here.]

Naw arn) þer Seriauntes in þat stage

Þat seruen þe maydons of hyȝe parage;

But no serieaunt may serue þerynne

592 Þat bereþ in his breche þat gynne

To serue hem day and nyȝt,

But he be as a Capoun dyȝt.

At þe gate is a ȝateward+;

596 He is not a Coward+;

He is wonder proude with alle;

Euery day he goþ in ryche palle.

Þer buþ seriauns in þe stage

256 Þat serueþ þe maidenes of parage.

Ac ne mot þer non ben inne

Þat one þe breche bereþ þe ginne,

Noþer bi daie ne biniȝt,

260 Bute he also capun beo idiȝt.

The Admiral takes a new wife each year.

And þe Amyral haþ a wonder woon),

600 Þat he þat is come of cristendome,

Euery ȝere to haue a new wyf+,

Þen he loueþ his Queene as his lyf+.

And þe Admiral is such a gume,

In al þe world nis such a sune.

Ne bu his wife neure so schene,

264 Bute o ȝer ne schal heo beon his quene.

Þeȝ heo luue him ase hire lif,

Þat he nele habbe anoþer wif.

And, floriz, imai þe telle fore,

268 Heo schal beon his quene icore.

[leaf 7, back, col. 2]

Neuer . .

To chesen hire . . . . . .

Þeyȝ he louede is quene . . .

Description of the wonderful orchard.

The maidens are brought down into a beautiful orchard in which is a marvellous spring and a wonderful tree.

[105 b]

Then shul men brynge doun) of þe Toure

604 Al þe Maidens of grete honour,

And brynge hem into an Orchard+,

Þe feirest of al mydlerd+:

Þeryn is mony fowles song+;

608 Men myȝt leue þeryn ful long+:

About þe Orchard is a walle,—

Þe fowlest stone is Cristalle,—

Alle þe maidenes of parage

Me schal bringe adun of þe stage,

And leden hem in to on orchard,

272 Þe faireste of al þe Middellerd.

Abute þe orchard is a wal;

Þe eþelikeste ston is cristal.

Ho so wonede a moneþ in þat spray,

276 Nolde him neure longen away.

So merie is þerinne þe foȝeles song,

Þat ioie and blisse is eure among.

Me schul fecche adoun of þe . .

Alle þe maydenes of parage.

and bringe hem in on orcharde

Þe fayreste of þe middel[erd].

Þer is fowelene song

Ne mihte wel libbe hem a[mong]

Abute þan orchard is a wa[l]   .

Summe of þe stones be . . .

Þer me may ise uppon a . . .

I write muchel of þe w . . .

And a wełł spryngeþ þerynne,

612 Þat is made with muche gynne;

Þe wel is of+ muche prys,

Þe stremes com froo Paradyse;

Þe grauel of+ þe ground is precious stoones,

616 And al of vertu for þe noones.

Now is þe wełł of muche auȝt;

In þe orchard is a welle

280 Þat is suþe cler wiþ alle.

Ihc mai seggen iwis,

Þe strimes comeþ fram paradis.

For in þe strimes þe smale stones,

284 Hi beoþ þer funden eurech one,

Boþe saphirs and sardoines,

And suþþe riche cassidoines,

And Iacinctes and topaces,

288 And onicle of muchel grace,

And mani on oþer direwerþe ston

Þat ich nu nempne ne can.

Aboue þe walle stant atreo

292 Þat faireste þat miȝte in erþe beo.

Hit is ihote þe treo of luue,

For lef and blosme beoþ þer buue.

So sone so þe olde beoþ idon,

296 Þer springeþ niwe riȝt anon.

Alle þilke þat clene maidenes beo,

Schulle sitte arewe vnder þat treo;

And which falleþ on þat furste flur

300 Schal beo quene and fonge þonur.

And a welle þat springeþ . . .

Þat is i mad mid muchel . . .

Þis welle is . . Muchel

Þat grauel bi þe . . . . .

And of v   .   eu . . . .

Of safir . . and of . . .

Of omcie and of . . . . .

Þe welle is al . . . . . .

The marvellous spring and marvellous tree.

If any maiden, who is not a virgin, approach the spring, the water boils up as if mad.

Ȝif a woman com þat is for-lauȝt,

And she be doo to þe streeme

620 For to wesshe her honndes clene,

Þe water wylle ȝelle as it were wood+,

And bycome red as blood+.

On what maide þe water fareþ soo,

624 Sone she shal to deþ be doo.

Þoo þat ben maidens clene,

Þey may wesshe þeryn, y wene;

Þe water wołł stonde feire and clere;

628 To hem makeþ it no daungere.

At þe walles hed stondeþ a tree,

Þe feirest þat on erthe may be;

It is cleped þe tree of loue:

632 Flowers and blossomes spryngen aboue;

Ȝef þer is eni maide forleie,

Þe wal is of so muchel eie,

An heo stepe to þe grunde,

304 For to wassche hire honde,

Ha bulmeþ vp so he were wod,

And chaungeþ fram water in to blod.

On wuche þe welle fareþ so,

308 Also suiþe he wurþ fordo.

Ȝif þer come . . . . . . .

. . . ho . . . . . . .

For . . . . . . . . .

. . w . . wele . . . .

. . come al so . . . . .

. . wlyche w . . . . .

Wel sone . . . . . . .

Alle þat . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . .

. . . wole . . . . . .

[About nine more lines illegible. Several folios lost here.]

The maiden upon whom first falls a blossom from this tree is chosen queen.

Þen þey þat maydons clene bene,

Þei shul be brouȝt vnder þe trene,

And whicħ so falleþ þe floure,

636 Shal be queene with muche honour.

Ȝif+ any mayden þer is

Þat þe Amyral telleþ of+ more pris,

Þe flour shal be to her sent

640 Þrouȝ art of+ enchauntement.

Ac ȝef þer eni maiden is,

Þat þe Admiral luueþ mest of pris,

On hire schal beo þat flur i went,

312 Þureȝ coniureson and chauntement.

Þe Amyral cheseþ hem by þe flour,

And euer he herkeneþ after Blauncheflour.

[106 a]

Thre sithes Flores sownyd anoon)

644 Riȝt byfore hem euerychoon):

When he awoke, and speke myȝt+,

Sore he wept, and sore he syȝt,

Þus he cheoseþ his wif þureȝ þe flur;

Alle weneþ hit schulle beo blauncheflur.”

Ihc wene ne darf me axi noȝt

316 If floriz were of dreri þoȝt.

Daris suggests to Floris a plan.

Floris implores the aid of Daris.

And seide, “Dares, y worth now deed+,

648 But þat y hope of þe som reed+.”

“Leue soon), wyl ȝe see

Þat þy trust is muche on me;

Þen is þe best+ reed þat y can)—

652 Other reed ne can y noon)—

“Daris,” he sede, “ihc wurthe ded

Bute if þu do me summe red.”

Þanne se Daris, þe freo burgeis,

320 Þat was wel hende and curteis,

“Floriz,” he sede, “leue man,

Þe beste red þat ihc þe can,

Daris bids him go, disguised as a mason, to the tower,

Wende to-morn) to þe toure

As þou were a good gynoure;

Take on þy honde squyer and scantlon)

656 As þou were a free mason);

Behold+ þe tour vp and doun),

Þe porter is cruel and Feloun);

Wel sone he wyl come to the,

660 And aske what maner man þou be,

And bere on þe, Felonye,

And sey þou art come to be a spye.

Wend tomoreȝe to þe Tur,

324 Also þu were a gud ginnur.

Ber wiþ þe squire and schauntillun,

Also þu were a gud Mascun.

Bihold of þe ture þe hiȝhede,

328 And wiþ þi fot met þe brede.

Þe porter is culuert and felun;

Forþ he wule setten his resun,

And bere vpon þe felonie,

332 And segge þat þu art a spie.

and induce the porter to play at draughts.

And þow shalt+ answere swetlyche,

664 And sey to him myldelyche,

Sey þou art a gynoure,

To beholde þat feire Toure,

For to loke and for to fonde

668 To make suche another in þy londe.

Ansuare him wel hendeliche,

And spek wiþ him wel sueteliche,

And seie þert icome fram ferren londe,

336 For to seche and for to fonde,

[No gap in MS.]

Wel sone he wyl com þe nere,

And wyl byd þe play at þe chekere.

When þou art at cheker brouȝt,

672 Without seluer [be] þou nouȝt;

Þou shalt haue redy with the

XX. Marke beside þy knee;

Ȝif+ þou wynne ouȝt of+ his,

676 Þow tel þerof+ lytel prys;

And yf+ he wynne ouȝt of+ þyn),
loke þow leue it with hym);

So þou shalt, al with gynne,

680 Þe porters loue forsoth wynne,

Þat he þe help on þis day:

But he þe helpe, no man may.

If mi lif so longe ilast,

To makie atur after þis cast,

In þine londe ate frume

340 Whanne þu ert hom icume.

Whane he þe hireþ speke so hendeliche,

And ansuerie so sueteliche,

Þenne he wule come þe nier,

344 And bidde þe pleie at þe escheker.

Whane þescheker is forþ ibroȝt

Biþute panes ne plei þu noȝt.

Þu most habbe redi mitte

348 Twenti Marc ine þi slitte.

Þeȝ þu biwinne oȝt of his,

Hold hit of wel litel pris.

If he biwinneþ oȝt of þe,

352 Ȝif him of þine suche þre.

Muche he wule þonki þe

And of þe suþe iwundred beo,

For he is suþe couetus,

356 And at þescheker enuius.

Details of the plan.

Manage him so as to secure an invitation for the morrow.

[106 b]

Wel ȝerne he wyl þe bydde and pray

684 Come anoþer day to playe:

Þou shalt seye þou wylt soo;

Þou shalt take with þe suche twoo;

Ȝerne he wile þe bidde and preie

Þat þu come amoreȝe and pleie.

Grante him þat þu wilt so,

360 And tak mid amoreȝe suche two.

[No gap in MS.]

Þe þrydde day take an hundred pound+,

And wel þi nedes for to do

Þat þridde day þu wend him to,

And ber wiþ þe forti pund,

Show him your cup, and he will be greedy for it.

688 And þy Coupe hool and sound+:

Ȝeue him markes & poundes of þy male;

Of+ þy tresour tel þou no tale;

Wel ȝerne he wyl þe bydde and pray

692 To lay þy Coupe, and to play.

Þou shalt answere alþerfirst,

Lenger to play þe ne lyst.

Ful muche he wylle for þe Coupe bede,

696 Ȝif+ he myȝt þe better spede;

364 And þine cupe hol and sund.

Whanne þu lest lest him þe cupe iseo,

Wel angussus he wile beo.

He wile beo wel coveitus,

368 And hire to bigge suþe fus.

Muchel he þe wule beode

If him miȝte þe betere spede.

Ihc wot he wille þilke day

372 Honure þe so muche so he may.

At length give him the cup.

Þou shalt it blethly ȝeue him

Ȝif it be of+ gold fyne;

And he wol ful moche loue þe,

700 And to þe bowe also, parde,

He wule þe lede to his inne

Þe cupe of þe to biwinne.

Ȝerne he wule þe bidde and preie

376 Þat þu legge þe cupe to pleie.

Þu him ansuere atte furste,

Þat no leng pleie þe ne luste.

Ansuere him wel hendeliche,

380 ‘Þin beo þe cupe,’ seie bluþeliche.

For his gode compaygnie

A wunne he haþ þi druerie.

[No gap in MS.]

Ihc wot þat he mai alrebest

384 Of þine neode helpe þe mest.

Þu miȝt segge, ‘þe ne faileþ non

Gold ne seluer ne riche won.’

Seie þu wilt parte wiþ him of þan,

388 Þat he schal eure beo riche man.

Whanne he hereþ þe speke so richeliche,

And ansuerie so hendeliche,

Þanne he wile beo wel bliþe,

392 And biginne to luuie þe suiþe,

Promise him unlimited gold and silver if he will aid you. He will then fall at your feet and be your man.

Þat he wyl falle to þy foote,

And become þyn), ȝif+ he moote.

And homage þou shalt fonge,

704 And þe trouþ of his honde.”

And falle he wile to þi fote,

And bicome þi man, if he mote.

His manrede þu schalt fonge,

396 And his truþe of his honde,

Þat he þe bere al þe helde

Þat man schal to his louerd ȝelde.

And þus þureȝ þe cupe and his ginne

400 Þu miȝt þi lemman best awinne.

Þanne þu miȝt beon iknewe,

And þi cunsail to him schewe.”

By this plan Floris wins over the ‘porter.’

As he seide, he dide ywys;

And as he ordeynd, so it is:

Þe Porter ys Florys man bycome,

708 For his gold+ and his warysone.

And alþus floris hath iwroȝt,

404 As daris him haþ itaȝt.

Ac þureþ (sic) þe cupe and þureȝ gersume,

Þe porter is his man bicume.

Then reveal to him your wishes.

Florys seide, “now art þou my moon),

Al my trust is þe vppon);

Now my consel y wyl þe shewe;

712 Rede me ryȝt, ȝif+ þou be trew.”

¶ Nu quaþ floriz, “þu art mi man;

408 Al mi trest is þe vpon.

Þeruore þu most me helpe nede;

Biþute þe ne mai me spede.”

Floris acts as advised, and discloses his identity.

Now euery word he haþ him tolde,

How þe mayde was fro him sholde,

And how he was of+ Spayn) a kynges soon),

716 For grete loue þeder ycoom)

To fonden, with some gynne,

Þat feire mayde for to wynne.

Ord and ende he haþ him told,

412 Hu þat maide was isold,

And hu he was of spaygne a kinges sune,

For hire luue he was þider icume,

To fonde mid sume kunnes ginne,

416 Hu he miȝte hire awinne.

The porter covers Floris in a basket of flowers.

The porter at first reproaches himself, but presently promises his aid.

Þe Porter þat herde, and sore syȝt,

720 And seide, “y am betrayde aryȝt;

Þrouȝ þy Catel, y am dismayde;

Þerfore y am wel euyl a-payde

[107 a]

Now y woot how it gooþ;

724 For þe shal y suffre deth;

I shal þe faile neuer moo,

Þe while y may ryde and goo;

Þy forwardes shal y holde alle,

728 What-so-euer may befalle.

Wynde now hoom) to þyn)) ynne

While y beþenke me of sum gynne;

Bytwene þis and þe þrydde day.

732 Fonde y shal, what y do may.

Flores spake and wept amonge

And þouȝt þe terme al to longe.

Þo þe porter iherde þis, he siȝte,

“Ihc am,” he sede, “bitraid wiþ riȝte,

Þat þureȝ þis cupe and þis gersume

420 Ihc am nu þi man bicume.

Nu ihc seo hu hit geþ;

For þe ihc drede þolien deþ.

Noȝt for þan while ihc mai go,

424 I ne schal þe failli neure mo.

What me bitide oþer bifalle,

Ihc schal þe foreward holden alle.

I-wend nu, floriz, to þin inne,

428 While i biþenche of sume ginne.

Ihc wulle fonde what ido may

Bituene þis and þe þridde day.”

Floriz siȝte and weop among

432 Þulke terme him þuȝte long.

Þe Porter þouȝt þe best reed,

736 And let geder floures in a meed+;

He wist it was þe maydons wylle.

To lepes he lete of floures fylle:

ÞE porter þoȝte what to rede;

He let flures gadere on þe mede.

Cupen he let fulle of flures,

436 To strawen in þe maidenes bures.

He covers Floris in a basket of flowers, which is borne above.

Þat was þe best reed, as him þouȝt þoo,

740 Floures in þat oon) lep to doo.

Twoo maydens þe lepe bore;

So heuy charged neuer þey wore,

And bade god ȝeue hem euyl fyne;

744 To mony floures he dide þerynne.

To Blaunchefloures Chamber þey shulde tee;

Þey ȝede to anoþer, and let þat be:

Þey shuld haue gone to Blauncheflour,

748 And ȝede to swete Clarys boure,

Þat was his red to helpe him so;

He let floriz on þat on cupe go.

Tuei gegges þe cupe bere,

440 And for heuie wroþ hi were.

Hi beden God ȝiue him vuel fin,

Þat so manie flures dude þerin.

To þe chaumbre þer hi scholde go,

444 Ne ȝeden hi ariȝt no.

To anoþer chaumbre hi beoþ agon,

To blauncheflures chaumbre non.

Floris mistakes another maiden for Blauncheflur and leaps forth.

And cursed him so fele brouȝt to honde;

Þey ȝede hoom), and lete hem stonde.

Clarys to þe lepe come wolde,

752 Þe Flores to hondel and to be-holde;

Florys wende it hadde be his swete wyȝt;

Of+ þe lepe he stert vpryȝt;

Þe cupe hi sette to þe grunde,

448 And goþ forþ and leteȝ hire stonde.

O maiden com and wolde

Þe flures handlen and biholde.

Floriz wende hit were his swete wiȝt;

452 Vt of þe cupe he lep ariȝt;

The maiden cries out.

And þe mayde, al for drede,

756 Bygan to shrelle and to grede.

And þat maide, for þe drede,

Bigan to crie and to grede.

Floris covers himself again.

When he sawȝ it was not shee,

In-to þe lepe aȝen) stert he,

And held+ him betrayde clene;

760 Of+ his lyf+ tolde he not a beene.

Þo nuste floriz what to rede,

456 For þe ferlich þat he hadde.

Into þe cupe he sterte aȝen,

And wiþ þe flures he hudde him.

Þis maide þoȝte anon riȝt

460 Þat hit was floriz, þat suete wiȝt,

For here chaumbres niȝ were;

Selde was þat hi togadere nere;

And ofte blauncheflur hire hadde itold

464 Hu heo was fram him isold.

Claris discovers Floris.

Þer come maydons, and to Clarys lepe
by ten, by twelf+, on an heepe

[107 b]

And þey asked what hur were,

764 And why she made suche a bere.

Clarys byþouȝt hur anooneryȝt

Þat hit was Blauncheflour þe white,

Nu Maidenes comeþ in to hire lepe,

Wei fiftene in on hepe,

And axede hire what hire were,

468 And whi heo makede suche bere.

Wel heo was biþoȝt and whare,

To finden hem ansuare.

The maiden conceals the fact by a clever story.

And gaue þe Maydons answere anoon),

768 Þat to her Chamber were goon),

Þat to þe lepe come she wolde,

Þe Flowres to hondel and to beholde;

“And, or y it ere wyst,

772 An Otter fleyȝ a-geynst my brest:

I was so soore a-drad þan,

Þat y loude crye can.”

Þe Maydons þerof+ hadden glee,

776 And turned hem, and lete hur be.

[No gap in MS.]

“To þe cupe,” heo sede, “ihc com and wolde

472 Þis flures handlen and biholde,

Þer fliste vt a buterfliȝe,

Are ihc wiste, on min iȝe.

So sore ihc was offerd of þan,

476 Þat ihc crie bigan.”

Þis oþere loȝen and hadde gleo,

And goþ aȝen and leteþ beo.

Claris bids Blauncheflur come see a ‘well fair flower.’

As sone as þe maydons were gon),

To Blauncheflour she ȝede anoon),

And seide boldly to Blauncheflour,

780 “Felow, come and see a feire Flour!

Suche a flour þe shal wel lyke,

Haue þou it sene a lyte.”

CLarice hatte þat maide hende:

480 To blauncheflures chaumbre heo gan wende,

And sede, “suete blauncheflur,

Wiltu seo a wel fair flur?

Hit ne greu noȝt on þis londe,

484 Þat flur þat ihc bringe þe to honde.”

Blauncheflur bids Claris depart, and reproaches Floris for his inconstancy.

“Awey, Clarys!” quod Blauncheflour;

784 “To scorne me, it is none honoure.

[No gap in MS.]

I here, Clarys, without gabbe,

Þat þe Amyral wyl me to wyf+ habbe;

But þat day shal neuer be,

788 Þat he shal euer haue me,

Þat y shal be of+ loue so vntrewe,

Ne chaunge my loue for no newe;

For no loue, ne for noon) aye,

792 Forsake Florys in his Contraye.

Now y shal swete Florys mysse,

Ne shal noon) other of me haue blysse.”

“Away, Clariz,” quaþ blancheflur;

“Ho þat luueþ par amur

And haþ þer of ioye, mai luue flures;

488 Ac ic libbe in soreȝe in þis tures,

For ihc wene bithute gabbe,

Þat þe Admiral me wule habbe.

Ac þilke day ne schal neure be;

492 Ne schal me neure at-wite me,

Þat ihc beo of luue vntrewe,

Ne chaunge luue for no newe,

Ne lete þe olde for no newe be,

496 So doþ floriz on his Contre.

Ac þeȝ floriz forȝe me,

Ne schal ihc neure forȝete þe.”

Claris brings Blauncheflur to Floris.

Claris further urges Blauncheflur, who at length comes.

Clarys stood and beheld þat rewth,

796 And þe trewnesse of+ hur trewth,

And seide, “lady Blaunchefloure,

Goo we see þat ilk+ floure.”

Clariz iherde þes ille reuþe,

500 Of trewnesse and of trewþe.

Þe terres glide of hire lere;

“Blauncheflur,” he sede, “go we ifere,

Leue suete blauncheflur,

504 Cum and se a well fair flur.”

Floris springs forth, and they embrace one another.

To þe lepe þey went both.

800 Ioyful man was Florys þoo,

For he had herde al þis.

Of+ þat lepe he stert y-wys:

[108 a]

Wel sone Blauncheflour chaunged hewe;

804 Ayther of+ hem other knewe:

Withoute speche togeder þey lepe,

And klippt+ and kyst+ wonder swete.

To gedere hi goþ nu iwis,

And floriz haþ iherd al þis.

Vt of þe cupe he lep anon,

508 And to blauncheflur he gan gon.

Eiþer oþer sone ikneu;

Boþe nuþe hi chaungeþ heu.

To gadere wiþute word hi lepen,

512 Klepte and keste and eke weopen

Here kessinge ileste a mile;

And þat hem þuȝte litel while.

Joyful reunion of the lovers.

Claris asks Blauncheflur if she knows this flower.

Clarys beheld+ al this,

808 Her countenaunce and her blysse,

And seide þen to Blaunchefloure,

“Felow, knowist þou auȝt þis flour?

Clarice biheold al þis,

516 Here cuntenaunce and here blis.

Seide Clarice to blauncheflur,

“Knowestu oȝt ȝete þis flur?

A litel er þu noldest hit se;

520 Nu ne miȝte hit lete fram þe.

She shul konne ful muche of+ Art

812 Þat þou woldest þerof+ geue part+.”

He moste kunne muchel of art

Þat þu woldest ȝeue þer of part.”

“Certes,” quaþ blauncheflur to Clariz,

524 “Þis is min oȝene suete floriz.”

[MS. lf. 8: Fr. p. 32, l. 522.]

. . . . wel muchel of art

. . woldest ȝeue þer of eny part.

. . . . de blancheflur to clarise

. . . min owene leue floyres

Both beg Claris not to betray them.

Now Blauncheflour and Florys,

Boþ þese swete þinges ywys,

Cryen her mercy, al wepyng+,

816 Þat she ne wrey hem to þe king+.

Nu boþe tuo, þes suete þinges,

Crieþ hire merci, al wepinge,

To þe Admiral þat hem ne wreie,

528 For þenne were here soreȝe niwe.

. . . . þis ilke swete þinges

. . . . clarisse merci . .

Vnto þe amyrayl noȝt ne wreye

. . . . . . scholden deȝe

Claris promises silence.

[No gap in MS.]

“Ne douȝt no more of+ me in alle,

Þan it were myself+ byfalle.

Wete ȝe wel weturly,

820 Heele y wyl ȝoure drury.”

Clarice hadde of hem pite;

“Noþing,” heo sede, “ne dute ȝe,

Ne dute ȝe nammore wiþ alle,

532 Þat hit were to me bifalle.

Hele ihc wulle and noþing wreie,

Ower beire cumpaignie.”

. . . . . namore mid alle

. . . hit were to me by falle

. . . . . wel wytterli

. . . . . beyre drewori

To a bedde þey ben brouȝt,

Þat is of palle and of+ sylke wrouȝt;

And þere þey sette hem doun)

824 And drouȝ hem self+ al a room):

Þer was no man þat myȝt radde

Þe ioye þat þey twoo madde.

Clarice hem haþ to bedde ibroȝt,

536 Þat was of pal and selc iwroȝt.

In bedde heo broȝte hem adun,

An hure self wende hem fram.

. . bedde heo hem haueþ ibrouȝt

. . selk and pal i wrouht

. . heo sette hem þer adoun

. . . . . . wende aroum

. . . more bote cluppe and cusse

. . . blancheflur hit wiste

The two rejoice together greatly.

Florys þen to speke bygan),

828 And seide, “lord þat madest man,

I it þonke goddes sone

Þat al my care I haue ouercome;

Now my leue I haue y-founde,

832 Of+ al my care y am vnbounde.”

Þo floriz furst speke bigan.

540 “Vre louerd,” he sede, “þat makedest man,

Þe ihc þonki, godes sune,

Þat ihc am to mi leof icume.

Mi leof, nu ihc habbe þe ifunde,

544 Of al mi care ihc am vnbunde.”

. . . . formest speke bigon

. . . d þat makedest mon

. . . . nou godes sone

. . . . he is ouer [c]ome

. . . . habbe ifounde

. . . . . am vnbounde

The maidens are at mornings to assist at the ‘Admiral’s’ toilet.

Clarys hem seruyd al at wylle,

Boþ dernlyche and stylle.

c   Larys with þe white syde

836 Rose vp on morne tyde,

And cleped after Blaunchefloure

To wende with him in to þe Toure:

She seide “y am commaund+”;

840 But her answere was slepaund+.

Nu aiþer haþ oþer itold

Of here soreȝe and care cold,

Þat hi hadde ifunde bo

548 Suþþe hi were ideld atuo.

Nu hi cluppeþ and cusseþ

And makeþ togadere muchel blisse.

If þer was aȝt bute custe,

552 Swete blauncheflur hit wiste.

Non oþer heuene hi ne bede,

Bute eure swich lif to lede.

Ac longe ne miȝte hi hem wite

556 Þat hi neren vnderȝete.

. . . . . oþer haueþ told

. . . . . kare ful cold

. . . . . me wel stronge

. . . . . rt so longe

. . . . . serueþ al to wille

. . . . [dern]eliche and stille

. . . . heo noȝh longe wite

. . . . eren vnder ȝete

Each morning two maidens went to the Admiral’s tower to comb his hair and wash his hands,—

Þe Amyral had such a woone,

Þat euery day shulde come

[108 b]

Twoo maydons of+ hur bour

844 Vp to him in to þe Toure,

[No gap in MS.]

With water and clooth, and basyn),

For to wesshe his hondes ynne:

Vor þe Admiral hadde such a wune,

Ehc moretid þer moste cume

Tuo maidenes wiþ muchel honur

560 Into þe heȝeste Tur,

Þat were feire and suþe hende,

Þat on his heued for to kembe,

Þat [oþer] bringe towaille and bacin,

564 For to wasse his honden in.

but especially often, Claris and Blauncheflur.

Þat day þey seruyd him feire;

848 Anoþer day come another peire;

But most were wonyd into þe Toure,

Clarys and Blauncheflour.

Swiche him serueþ a day so faire;

Amoreȝe moste anoþer peire.

Ac mest were iwuned in to þe tur

568 Maide Clariz and blauncheflur.

. . . . wel hire mote bi tide

. . . . . amorewe tide

. . . . . ed blanche flur

. . . . hire in to þan tour

. . . . ich am cominge

. . . . . was slepinge

Claris invents an excuse for Blauncheflur’s absence.

The next morning Claris calls Blauncheflur, but she falls asleep again.

Clarys come þenne aloon):

852 Þe Amyral asked a-noon),

[No gap in MS.]

“Where is Blauncheflour so free?

Why comeþ she not heder with þe?”

Clarice, ioie mote hire bitide,

Aros vp in þe moreȝentide,

And haþ icluped blauncheflur

572 To go wiþ hire in to þe tur.

Quaþ blauncheflur, “ihc am cominge.”

Ac heo hit sede al slepinge.

Clariz com in to þe Tur;

576 Þe Admiral axede blauncheflur.

. . . . . . ane wine

. . . . . . . . come

. . . . of herd . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . .

[leaf 8, col. 2]

. . . . . . . . . . .

Þe amiral askede blanche[flur]

Claris invents an ingenious excuse for her.

“Sir,” she seide anoon) ryȝt,

856 “She haþ wakyd al þis nyȝt,

And y-cryde and y-loke

And y-redde on hur booke,

And y-bede to god her orysoun

860 Þat he geue þe his benysoun,

And þat he holde long+ þy lyf+;

And now þe mayde slepeþ swyth;

She slepeþ so fast, þat mayde swete,

864 Þat she may not com ȝete.”

“Sire, Alniȝt heo set at hire boke,

And haþ þeron irad and loke,

And þeron ibede hire oresun,

580 Þat god, þat þolede passiun,

Þe holde, sire, longe aliue;

And nu heo is asleped suiþe,

[No gap in MS.]

Þat heo ne mai come to þe.”

and clarisse seyde anonriȝht,

“Sire, he haueþ i waked al niȝht,
and iwaked and iloked,
and irad on hire boke,
and ibede to god hire orison,

Þat ȝeue þe his beniscun,
and god þe holde longe aliue.

and nou þat mayde slepeþ so suiþe,

Heo slepeþ so faste, þat mayde suete,

Þat heo ne may nouȝt come ȝete.”

[No gap in MS.]

“Certes,” seide þe kyng+,

“Now is she a swete þing+:

Wel auȝt me ȝerne her to wyf+,

868 Þat so preyeth for my lyf+.”

584 “Is þat soþ?” sede he.

Heo sede, “ȝe, sire, withute lesing.”

“Heo is,” he sede, “a suete þing;

Wel aȝte ihc willen hire to wif,

588 Þat so ȝerne biddeþ mi lif.”

and þo bi spak him þe king

Iwis heo is a swete þing.

Wel auȝhte ich wilny habbe hire to wiue

So ȝerne heo bit for mine liue.

The ‘Admiral’ doubts Claris’s second story.

The following morning Claris again calls Blauncheflur in vain to go with her.

Anoþer day Clarys erly Aryst;

Þat Blauncheflour wełł wyst,

[No gap in MS.]

And seide, “y come anoon),”

872 When Clarys her clepe bygan),

And fel in a slepe newe.

Sone after it made hem to rewe:

Amoreȝe, þo Clariz arist,

Blauncheflur heo atwist

Þat he makede so longe demure.

592 “Aris,” heo sede, “and go we ifere.”

Quaþ blauncheflur, “ich come anon.”

Ac floriz cleppen hire bigon,

And he him also vnwise

596 And feolle aslepe one þis wise.

Clarisse a noþer day arist,
and haueþ blancheflur at wist

Þat heo haueþ so longe de mere,

“Aris vp nou and g[on]e ifere.”

Þer heo seyde ich come anon

. . . floyres hire . . . .

Abode þe children ase don wise.

Vell aslepe on þisse wise

On þisse wise hey . . . . .

Sone þer . . . . . . . .

Clarys to þe Pyler cam);

876 A basyn) of gold+ in hond she nam),

And Cleped after Blaunchefloure

To wende with hur in to þe Toure.

Þo Clarice to þe piler com,

And þe bacin of golde nom,

To bere wiþ into þe Tur,

600 Heo lokede after blauncheflur.

Clarise to þe piler wende anon

A basin of gold þer heo nom,
and haueþ ycleped [blanchef]lur

To wende . . . . . . .

Heo ne . . uerede ȝe ne . .

Þo wende clarisse þat heo were ago.

The Admiral again inquires for Blauncheflur, and not content with Claris’s story,

Þe Amyral asked after Blauncheflour,

[No gap in MS.]

880 “What! is she not come ȝet?

Now she me douteþ al to lyte.”

Þo Clarice com into þe tur,

He axede after blauncheflur.

“Sire, ihc wende hire finde here;

604 He was arise are ihc were.

Nis heo noȝt icume ȝete?”

Quaþ he, “heo duteþ me to lite.”

Þo clarisse com in to þe tur,

Þe amiral askede blanchefl[ur],
and askede whi heo ne come,

Also heo was woned to done.

“Heo was arise are ich were,

Ich wende hire habbe ifunde þere.

What nis heo . . icome . .

Wod heo . . . me to . .

The ‘Admiral’ finds the children in bed together.

sends his chamberlain, who finds the two children in bed together.

Forþ he cleped his Chamburlayn),

And bade him wende with his mayn)

[109 a]

884 To wete why she wyl not come

As she was wonyd to doon).

Þe Chamburlayn) is forth noom);

In to Chambre he is coom),

He clupede to him his chaumberlayn,

608 And het him go wiþ alle mayn,

For to wite whi heo ne come

To his heste suthe sone.

Forþ he wende sone anon

612 To hire chaumbre þat he com.

. . . . . . . chaumberlen

. . . . . . . his . .

. . . . . . . . . . .

So heo was . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . .

888 And stondeþ byfore hur bedde,

And fyndeþ þere, nebbe to nebbe,

Nebbe to nebbe, and mouþ to mouþ.

To þe Amyral it was sone couþ;

892 Vp in to þe Toure he steyȝ,

And told his lord al þat he seyȝ.

In hire bedde he fond tuo,

Wel faste iclupt, aslepe bo,

Neb to neb and muþ to muþ;

616 Sone were here soreȝeren cuþ.

[T]o þe Admiral sone he teȝ

[A]nd tolde him what he iseȝ.

. . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . .

[leaf 8, back]

. . . . . a ȝe . . . .

. . his louerd wat he i aȝheþ
and ȝet he þouhte, are he hem quelle,

Wat he were hui scholden telle.

and seþþe he þoute hem to deþe don.

The Admiral then goes with drawn sword and finds the children.

Þe Amyral late him his swerd brynge,

For wete he wolde of+ þat tydynge:

[No gap in MS.]

896 He went to hem þere þey lay:

Ȝit was she a-slepe þere ay.

[Þe] Admiral het his suerd bringe;

620 [Iw]ite he wolde of þus þinge.

[Fo]rþ he wende wiþ al his mayn,

[He] and his chaumberlayn.

[In] þe bed heo fond tueie;

624 [Ȝit] was þe slep in here eie.

Þe amirayl bed his swerd him bringe

W[i]te he wolde of þisse tiþinge.

Vorþ he wende mid al his mayn,

Þat he com þer hei boþe leie.

Þe ȝet was þe slep in here eȝe.

The Amyral lete þe clothes doun) cast

A lytel by-nethe hur brest,

900 And sone he knew anoon)

Þat oon) was woman, & þat oþer groom).

He quaked for tene þere he stood;

Hem to sloon) was in his mood+;

904 Ȝit he þouȝt, or he hem quelde,

What þey were, þey shuld him telle,

And seth he wyl with dome hem done.

[He] let Adun þe cloþes caste

[Bin]eþen here breste.

Bi here breste he kneu anon

628 Þat on was maide and þat oþer a mon.

Þe amiral het here cloþes adoun caste

A lutel bi neþe here breste.

Þo iseih he wel anon

Þon was may and þoþer mon.

Þe amirayl quakede, for angys þe astod,

Hem to quelle, hit was on his mod.

They awake and cry for mercy.

Þe Children wakyd swyth soone,

908 And saw þe swerde ouer hem drawe;

Þey ben adrad, and in awȝe.

Þan seide Florys to Blauncheflour,

“Of+ oure lyf+ is no socour.”

912 But þey cryde him mercy swyth,

For to length her lyue.

Þe children awoke þo anon

And seȝe þe Admiral biuore hem gon,

Wiþ his suerd al adraȝe;

632 Sore hi beoþ offerd and wel maȝe.

“Seie,” quaþ þe Admiral, “belamy,

Ho makede þe so hardy,

For to come in to mi Tur

636 And to ligge bi blauncheflur?”

Hi crieȝ him “merci,” boþe suiþe,

Þat he ȝiue hem furst of liue.

Þe children a woken vnder soon (?)

And seȝen þat swerd ouer hem a drawe,

Hij weren agr . . and eþe hui mawe.

. . . . . . . . belami

Who makede þe so hardi

. . . . . . . in my tour

. . . . . . . blancheflur.

. . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . þe . . . . fore.

Þo seyde floyres to blancheflur,

“Of vre liue nis no socur.”

Ak hei crieþ him merci so suiþe

Þat he ȝaf hem furst of here liue.

Vp he bade hem sytte booth,

And do on boþ her cloþ;

916 Seþ he dide hem bynde fast,

And in prison) lete hem be cast.

[No gap in MS.]

Vp he bad hem sitte boþe,
and don on here beyre cloþe,
and þo he bad hem binde faste,
and in to one prisun he het hem cast.

The ‘Admiral’ summons his counsellors.

The Admiral summons his counsellors and tells them the case.

Now haþ he after his Barons sent,

To wreke him after Iugement,

920 Now han þe Barons vndernome,

And to þe Amyral þey ben coome.

After his barnage he haþ isend,

640 To awreke him wiþ iugement.

And let hem þe while binde faste,

And in to prison ben icaste.

His palais þat was so faire ibuld,

644 Of Erles and barons hit was ifuld.

. . . he . . after his barenage

. . . . he him . . . .

. . . barenage . . . . .

Þat to nan amyrayl abeþ nome .

. . . . . . . . . ibuld

. . . . . . . . was ifuld.

He stood vp a-monge hem al,

With semblant wroþ withalle,

[109 b]

924 And seide: “Lordynges, with much honour,

Ȝe herde speke of Blauncheflour,

Þat y bouȝt hur dere a plyȝt

For seuen sithes of golde hur wyȝt;

928 For y wende with-out wene

Þat feire mayde to haue had to Quene.

Vp he stod among hem alle,

Bi semblaunt wel wroþ wiþ alle.

“Lordinges,” he sede, “wiþ muchel honur,

648 Ȝe habbeþ iherd of blauncheflur,

Hu ihc hire boȝte apliȝt,

For seuesiþe of gold hire wiȝt.

To hire was mi meste wene,

652 For to habbe to mi quene.

Þe amiral stod up among hem alle

. . . . . . wreþ mid [alle]

. . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . .

[leaf 8, back, col. 2]

. . . . . . wiþoute w[ene]

To habben hire to mi quene

The trial of the children.

Among+ my maydons in my Toure

I hur dide, with muche honoure;

932 Byfore her bedde my self+ y coom);

I fonde þeryn a naked man.

Þan were þey to me so looþ,

I þouȝt to haue sleyn) hem booþ,

936 I was so wroþ and so wood+.

[No gap in MS.]

Nis noȝt ȝore þat i ne com

And fond hire wiþ hordom,

Me to schame and deshonur,

656 In hire bedde on mi Tur.

. . . hire bedde miself ich co[me]

. . . hire ane naked grome

. . . . . . . me wel loþe

. . . . . . . hem boþe.

and ich was so wroþ and wod

Ȝit y withdrowȝ myn) hoot blood+

Tyl y haue sende after ȝow, by assent,

To wreke me with Iugement.

940 Now ȝit ȝe woot how it is goon),

Wreke me soon) of+ my foon).”

[No gap in MS.]

Ihc habbe ȝou told hu hit is went;

A wrekeþ me wiþ Jugement.”

and ȝet ihc wiþ drou . . . .

Þat ich hadde after . . . .

To wreke me þoruh iugem[ent].

Nou ȝe habbeþ iherd hou it is.

Awrekeþ me of mine fon.”

One suggests that the children be heard before being judged.

Þan spake a kyng+ of þat londe,

“We haue herd al þis shame and shonde;

944 But, or we hem to deth deme,

Lat vs hem see, ȝif it þe Queeme,

What þey wolde speke or sygge,

Ȝif+ þey wyl auȝt ageyn) vs legge:

948 Hit were nouȝt ryȝt iugement,

Without answere make acoupement.

Þanne spak a freo burgeis,

660 Þat was hende and curt[eis],

“Sire, are hi beo to diþe awreke,

We mote ihere þe children speke.

[No gap in MS.]

Hit nere noȝt elles rist iugement,

664 Biþuten ansuare to acupement.”

¶ Þo spak a king of þulk . .

“Ȝe habbeþ iherd þis . . . .

Ak are we hem to deþe . . .

We schullen i heren þe . . .

What huy wolleþ speke . . .

and ȝif huy wolleþ ou . . .

Hit nis no riȝht iugem[ent].”

Wiþ oute onsuere . . . . .

The trial continued.

The king of Nubia advises that they be instantly burned.

Til þis is herde of+ more and lasse,

What myster is, to bere wytnesse?”

Þe king of Nubie sede þo,

“For soþ, ne schal hit noȝt go so.

Hit is riȝt þureȝ alle þing

668 Felons inome hond habbing,

For to suffre Jugement

Biþute ansuere oþer acupement.”

¶ Þe king of nubie . . . .

“Sire, so ne schal hit . . . .

Traitour þat is nome hond . .

Hit is riȝht þoru alle þ . . .

To beo for don oþer i sch . .

Wiþ outen oni here of . . .

Al þis ihe . . and lag . .

and bereþ him þer of w . . .

952 After þe Children haue þey sent,—

To brenne hem was his entent;—

Two serieauntes hem gan brynge

Toward+ hur al wepynge.

956 Drery booþ þese children goo;

Ayther bemeneþ oþeris woo.

After þe children nu me sendeþ;

672 Hem to berne fir me tendeþ.

After þes childeren . . . .

Hem to for berne þer . . . .

Twene seriauns hem forþ bringe

To fonge here dom sore wepin[ge]

Dreri weren þo chyldren . .

Her eyþer by wepeþ oþer . .

Floris reproaches himself to Blauncheflur.

Þan seide Florys to Blauncheflour,

“Of+ oure lyf+ is no socour:

Seide floriz to blauncheflur,

“Of vre lif nis no sucur;

Ac min is þe guld and þe vnmeþ,

676 Þat þu for me schalt þolie deþ.

¶ Þo seyde floyres to blanche[flur]

Of vre liue nis no soc[ur].

960 Yf+ kinde of+ man it þole myȝt,

Twyes y shuld dye with ryȝt,

Oones for my self+, anoþer for the,

For, þy deeþ þou hast for me.”

[110 a]

964 Blauncheflour seyde þoo,

“Þe gylt is myn), of oure woo.”

Ac if cunde hit þolie miȝte,

Ihc oȝte deie tuye wiþ riȝte.

O deþ for þe, on oþer for me;

680 For þis þu þolest nu for me.

For if i nere in to þis tur icume,

Wiþ mireȝþe þu miȝtest her inne wune.”

He gives her the ring, telling her of its properties.

Florys drouȝ forþ þat ryng

Þat his moder him gaff at her partyng+:

968 “Haue þis ryng+, lemman myne;

Þou shalt not dye while it is þyne.”

Blaunchefloure seide þoo,

[No gap in MS.]

“So ne shal it neuer goo,

972 Þat þis ryng+ shal help me,

And þe deed on þe see.”

He droȝ forþ a riche ring,

684 His moder him ȝaf at his parting.

“Haue þis ring, lemman min,

Þu ne miȝt noȝt deie þe while he is þin.”

Þe ring he haueþ forþ araȝt

688 And to blauncheflur bitaȝt.

“Þe ring ne schal neure aredde me;

For deþ ne mai ihc se on þe.”

She attempts to force the ring back on him; it falls to the ground and is picked up by an earl.

Florys þat ryng+ hur rauȝt,

And she it him agayn) betauȝt,

976 Nouther ne wyl other deed seene;

Þey let it falle hem bytwene;

A king+ com) after; a ryng+ he fonde,

And brouȝt it forth in his honde.

Þe ring heo wolde aȝe reche,

692 And to floriz him biteche.

Ac for al þat heo miȝte do,

He him nolde aȝen ifo.

And þe ring bi one stunde,

696 Fel adun to þe grunde.

A duc stupede and him vp nom,

And was þer of wel bliþe mon.

980 Þus þe Children wepyng+ com)

To þe fire and hur doom).

Byfore þe folk+ þey were brouȝt;

Drery was her bothes þouȝt;

Nu þes childre forþ me bringeþ

700 To here dom, al wepinge.

The ‘fairness’ of the children excites compassion.

The ‘fairness’ of the children excites compassion.

984 Þere was noon) so sterne man

Þat þe Children loked oon),

Þat þey ne wolde, al wel fawe,

Her iugement haue withdrawe,

988 And with grete Catel hem bygge,

Ȝif+ þey durst speke or sygge;

For Flores was so feire a ȝonglyng+,

And Blaunchefloure so swete a þing+,

992 Þer wyst no man whor hem were woo,

For no semblaunt þat þey made þoo.

Ac þer nas non so sturne mon,

Þat hem lokede vpon,

Þat nolde þo suþe saȝe

704 Þat iugement were wiþdraȝe.

[No gap in MS.]

For floriz was so fair ȝongling,

And blauncheflur so suete þing,

Of men and wimmen þat buþ nuþe,

708 Þat goþ and seoþ and spekeþ wiþ muþe,

Ne buþ so faire in here gladnesse,

So hi were in here sorinesse.

But the Admiral is very wroth.

Þe Admyral was so wood+,

Ne myȝt he nouȝt kele his hoot blood+;

996 He bade þe Children fast be bound+,

And in to þe fire slong+.

Ac þe admiral was so wroþ and wod,

712 He quakede for grame þer he stod.

And het hem binde wel faste

And in to þe fire caste.

The earl with the ring steps forward and speaks in behalf of the children.

Þat ilke king+ þat þe ryng+ fond+,

To Amyral he spake and round+,

1000 And wolde hem saue to þe lyf+,

And told+ how for þe ryng+ þey gon) stryf+.

Þe Amyral lete hem ageyn) clepe,

For he wolde here hem speke,

[110 b]

1004 And asked Florys what he heete:

And he tolde him ful skeete:

Þe duc þat þe ring funde,

716 Com to þe Admiral and runde,

And al to gadere he gan him schewe;

Of þat þe children were biknewe.

Þe Admiral let hem aȝen clepe,

720 For he wolde wiþ floriz speke.

The ‘Admiral’ is touched with pity.

Floris asks clemency for the maiden, and the maiden prays for him.

“Sir,” he seide, “yf+ it were þy wylle,

Þou ne getest not þat maide to spylle;

1008 But, good sir, quel þou me,

And lete þat maide on lyue be.”

[No gap in MS.]

Blauncheflour seide byne,

“Þe gilt of+ oure dedes is moyne.”

“Sire,” quaþ floriz, “forsoþ ihc telle,

Þu noȝtest noȝt þat maide quelle.

Of al þis gilt ihc am to wite;

724 Ihc oȝte deie and he go quite.”

Quaþ blauncheflur, “aquel þu me,

And let floriz aliue be.

Ȝef hit nere for mi luue,

728 He nere noȝt fram his londe icome.”

1012 Þe Admyral seide þoo

“I-wys ȝe shul dye boo.”

His swerd he breide out of his sheeth,

Þe Children to haue done to deeth.

1016 Blaunchefloure put forþ hur swire,

And Florys dide her agayn) to tyre,

And seide, “I am man; I shal byfore,

With wrong hast þou þy lyf loore.”

1020 Florys forth his swerd putte,

And Blauncheflour agayn) him tytte.

Quaþ þe Admiral, “so ihc mote go,

Ȝe schulle deie togadere bo.

Miself ihc wulle me awreke;

732 Ne schulle ȝe neure go ne speke.”

Floriz forþ his nekke bed,

And blauncheflur wiþdraȝe him ȝet.

Blauncheflur bid forþ hire suere,

736 And floriz aȝen hire gan tire.

Neiþer ne miȝte þere þole

Þat oþer deide bifore.

The Admiral is at length touched with pity.

Þe king+ seide, “dredry mot ȝe be,

Þis rouþ by þis Children to see.”

1024 Þe king+ þat þe ryng+ hadde,

For routh of+ hem sone he radde,

And at þe Amyral wyl he spede,

Þe Children fro þe deþ to lede.

Þo þe Admiral, þeȝ he wroþ were,

740 Þer he chaungede his chere.

For he seȝ þat eyþer wolde for oþer deie,

And for he seȝ mani wepinde eie,

And for he luuede so muche þat mai,

744 Al wepinge he turnde away.

His swerd fel of his hond to grunde;

Ne miȝte he hit holde þulke stunde.

The earl with the ring speaks for the children.

1028 “Sir,” he seide, “it is lytel prys,

Þese Children for to slee y-wys;

And it is wel more worship,

Florys counsel þat ȝe weete,

1032 Who him tauȝt þat ilke gynne,

Þy toure for to come ynne,

And who him brouȝt þare,

And other, þat ȝe may be ware.”

Þe duc þat here ring hadde,

748 For hem to speke wille he hadde.

“Sire Admiral,” he sede, “iwis

Hit is þe wel litel pris

Þis feire children for to quelle.

752 Ac betere hit is þat hi þe telle

Hu he com in to þi tur,

To ligge þer bi blauncheflur.

His engin whan þu hit wite,

756 Þe betere wiþ oþere þu miȝt þe wite.”

1036 Þan seide þe Amyral, “as god me saue,

Florys shal his lyf+ haue,

Ȝif+ he me telle who him tauȝt þerto,

Of Florys, þat shal y neuer doo.”

Alle þat herde wordes his,

Bisecheþ þat he granti þis.

He het him telle his engin,

760 Hu he to blauncheflur com in,

And to him radde and help þarto.

Floris tells his story.

Floris refuses to tell how he gained entry to the tower until pardon has been promised the porter.

1040 Now þey bydden al y-wys

Þat þe Admyral graunted þis,

To forȝeue þat trespas

Ȝif+ Florys told how it was.

“Þat,” quaþ he, “nelle ihc neure do,

For þing þat me mai me do,

764 Bute hit hem beo forȝiue also.”

Alle þoþere bisecheþ þis,

And of þe Admiral igranted is.

He then tells his story.

[111 a]

1044 Now euery word+ he haþ him tolde,

How þat maide was for him solde,

And how he was of+ spayn) a kynges sone,

For grete loue þeder y-come,

1048 For to fonde, with sum gynne,

Þat feire maide for to wynne,

And how þe porter was his man by-come,

For his gold and for his warysoun),

1052 And how he was in þe Florys borne.

Alle þe lordinges lowȝ þerforne:

Nu ord and ende he haþ hem itold,

768 Hu bla[un]cheflur was fram him isold,

And hu he was of spaygne a kinges sone,

For hire luue þuder icume,

To fonden wiþ sume gīnne,

772 Hu he miȝte hure awinne,

And hu þureȝ þe cupe and þureȝ þe gersume,

Þe porter was his man bicume,

And hu he was in a cupe ibore;

776 Alle þes oþere lowe þeruore.

Scene of reconciliation.

The Admiral lifts them up, dubs Floris knight, and causes them to be married in church with a ring.

Now þe Admyral wol him tyde;

Florys setteþ next his syde,

1056 And efte he made him stonde vpryȝt,

And dubbed him þere knyȝt,

And bade he shulde with him be,

Þe furthermost of his meyne.

Þe Admiral þo, wel him bitide,

Þat Child he sette bi his side,

And haþ forȝiue his wraþþe bo,

780 Floriz and blauncheflur also.

And sede wiþ him hi scholde be,

Þe beste of al his maine.

1060 Florys falleþ doun) to his feet,

And prayeþ geue him his sweet.

Þe Amyral gaf+ him his lemman):

Al þat þere were, þankyd him þanne.

1064 To a Chirche he let hem brynge,

And dede let wed hem with a rynge.

Boþ þese twoo swete þinges y-wys

Fel his feet for to kysse;

And floriz he makeþ stonde vpriȝt,

784 And þer he dubbede him to kniȝt.

Nu boþe togadere þes childre for blisse

Falleþ to his fet hem to kisse.

He let hem to one Chirche bringe,

788 And spusen hem wiþ one gold ringe.

The Admiral takes Claris to be his queen.

1068 And þrouȝ consel of Blauncheflour,

Clarys was fet doun) of þe Toure,

And Amyral wedded hur to queene.

Þere was fest swythe breeme;

1072 I can not telle al þe sonde,

But rycher fest was neuer in londe.

Þureȝ þe red of blauncheflur,

Me fette Clariz adun of þe Tur.

Þe Admiral hire nam to quene.

792 Þilke feste was wel breme,

For þer was alle kunnes gleo,

Þat miȝte at eni briddale beo.

Messengers come to Floris announcing his father’s death.

Was it nouȝt longe after þan),

Þat to Florys tydyng+ cam),

1076 Þat þe king+ his Fader was deed+.

Hit nas þer after noþing longe

796 Þat þer com floriz writ and sonde,

Þat þe king his fader was ded,

The Admiral tries in vain to induce him to remain.

Þe Baronage gaf+ him reed

Þat he shuld wende hoom),

And fonge his feire kyngdoom).

1080 At þe Amyral þey toke leue,

And he byddeþ þem byleue.

And þat he scholde nimen his red.

Þanne seide þe Admiral,

800 “If þu dost bi mi consail,

Bilef wiþ me; ne wend naȝt hom,

Ihc wulle ȝeue þe a kinedom

Also long and also brod,

804 Also eure ȝet þi fader ibod.”

Floris makes rich presents in parting,

Home he went with royal array,

And was crownyd with-in a short day.

(Follows. The batełł of Troye,
sithe þat god þis world+ wrouȝt+

Heuen and erthe made of+ nouȝt+
leaves 111-134. Then Amys and Amylion, leaves 134-147. MS. ends with one leaf of Sir Eglamour.)

Ac floriz nolde for no winne;

Leuere him were wiþ his kinne.

Þe Admiral he bid god day,

808 And þonkede Clariz þat faire may,

And to hire he haþ iȝolde

Twenti pond of ride golde.

And to Daris þat him so taȝte,

812 Twenti pund he araȝte.

And alle þat for him duden eidel,

He ȝeld here while suþe wel.

Floris and Blauncheflur depart for their native land.

and comes home, where he and Blauncheflur reign as king and queen.

He bitaȝte hem alle godalmiȝte

816 And com hom whane he miȝte.

He was king wiþ Muchel honur,

And heo his quene blauncheflur.

Nu ȝe habbeþ iherd þane ende

820 Of floriz and his lemman hende,

Hu after bale comeþ bote;

God leue þat vs so mote,

Þat we him mote louie so,

824 Þat we mote to heuene go.   AMEN.

E-X-PLI-C-IT.

NOTES.

FLORIS AND BLAUNCHEFLUR.

Links generally lead to the next lower multiple of 4, corresponding to visible line numbers.

2, T. þe cristen woman, the captive mother of Blauncheflur.

28, T. louyd togeder, a French idiom, s’entr’amoient.

72, T. Boþ by day and by nyȝt. Cf. ‘K. Horn,’ 275 Note.

77, T. þat oþer, preservation of the OE. definite inflected form, þæt, source of modern English dialect ‘tother.’

80, T. ben ... wo. Cf. 142 T, and ‘K. Horn,’ 121 Note.

100, T. fel to, was due. Cf. Bradl.-Stratm. fallen.

110, T. wore : lore. Cf. were : fere, 82.

113-14, T. sykes, lernes, mornes. These forms seem due to Northern influence on MS. T.

140, T. Let do bring forth. A curious combination. ‘Let’ is beginning to usurp the place of ‘do’ in the sense of ‘cause to.’ Cf. 155 T, 211 T, 434 C, etc.

168, T ff. In these allusions to other romances are to be found the most certain clues as to the time of composition of ‘Fl. and Bl.’

193, T. at oone. Cf. ‘K. Horn,’ 997 Note.

194, T. Amyral, emir, saracen ruler.

210, T. wyrche. Cf. ‘K. Horn,’ 1481.

226, T. chargeþ. Error for targeþ. Cf. MS. Cott.

227, T. noome, gone. Cf. vndernome, 152, 219 T.

250, T. ronne on hye, ran to the chamber above.

270, T. wept. Cott. has the older form wep. Cf., however, Aryst (: atwist), 869 T and 589 C, and Cott.

272, T. So swete a þing. Cf. v. 525, also ‘K. Horn,’ 473 C, Note.

338, T. care vnbynde. Cf. ‘K. Horn,’ 572.

341-2, T. devyse : prys. These words have a meaning somewhat different from the modern meaning. Deuyse means direction, supervision; prys means value. Like charged 343, and monay 345, they are French words with French meanings.

343, T. charged, loaded. Fr. influence.

345, T. monay, small money. Fr. influence.

376, T. douȝt. This use of ȝ where it has no right etymologically shows that it was no longer pronounced. Cf. anooneryȝt : white 766 T.

40, C. nabit. Cf. ‘K. Horn,’ 1211 L., H.

67, C. Fort he dide slep him nome. ‘Until the dead sleep seized him.’ Fort he comes from for to he (Hausknecht).

76, C. parais. A French form. The -d- shaded out in French about 1110.

110, C. pane of meniuier. Cf. Hausknecht’s Note. Hausknecht reads: I paned al wiþ meniver, supplied with panes of meniver. Meniuier (menu + vair) means a kind of fur, probably of squirrel.

145, C. in alle halue. Cf. Map, 338, on alle halve (Bradl.-Stratm.).

173, C. furtenniȝt, a journey of a fortnight. (?)

176, C. amidde riȝt, right in the middle of. Cf. also 182.

231, C. kernel (kanel), canal (Hausknecht).

275, C. spray. Cf. Bradl.-Stratm.

300, C. þonur (þe + honur).

304, C. bulmeþ, error for welmeþ. (?)

308, C. for do, old force of for-. Cf. Germ. ver-.

448, C. hire stonde. Trace of gram. gender. Cf. Hausknecht, 854 Note.

465, C. lepe. Cf. Hausknecht, 875 Note.

486, C. Ho, who so. Early instance of loss of w-.

497, C. forȝe me (forȝete me).

513, C. ileste a mile, time to go a mile. Cf. ‘K. Horn,’ 631-2 Note.

536, C. pal. Cf. Hausknecht, 952 Note.

589, C. arist (: atwist). Early instance of a strong verb become weak.

597, C. piler, the pillar in the tower, the one in which the water-pipe runs. Cf. 223-232 C.

937, T. withdrowȝ, restrained. Rare in this sense.

941, T. soord. Hausknecht reads soon.

960, T. kinde of man. Fr. nature. Kind is felt to be no longer an exact equivalent of nature; hence in T, of man is added.

692, 697, C. him. Further traces of grammatical gender. Cf. 448, C Note.

988, T. lygge. Read bygge. French racatassent.

718, C. biknewe. Cf. Glossary.

1007, T. ne getest not. Scribal error. Cf. C and A.

1009, T. on lyue. Mod. Engl. alive. Cf. adown, a-fishing, etc.

1011-12, T. byne : moyne. byne not clear; moyne error for myne. (?)

1017, T. tyre (tear), did struggle toward her.

814, C. ȝeld here while, paid for their pains. Cf. ‘worth while.’

General Introduction and Table of Contents (separate file)

King Horn (separate file)

Introduction to Floris and Blauncheflur
Floris and Blauncheflur
Notes to Floris and Blauncheflur

The Assumption of Our Lady (separate file)

Glossary (separate file)

General Introduction and Table of Contents (separate file)

King Horn (separate file)
Floris and Blancheflur (separate file)

Introduction to The Assumption of Our Lady
The Assumption of Our Lady
Notes to The Assumption of Our Lady

Glossary (separate file)

1866 (re-edited 1901; reprinted 1962)

Price 30s.

INTRODUCTION.

THE ASSUMPTION OF OUR LADY.

§ 1. Introductory, p. xlv.

§ 2. Setting, p. xlv.

§ 3. The rise of the Legend, p. xlvii.

§ 4. The place of our Legend of the Assumption, p. xlix.

§ 5. Origin, p. xlix.

§ 6. Other English Versions, p. lii.

§ 7. Manuscripts, p. liv.

§ 8. The Time and Place of Composition, p. lvi.

§ 9. Versification, p. lviii.

§ 1. INTRODUCTORY.

From the valorous atmosphere of King Horn and the sentimental atmosphere of Floris and Blauncheflur, to the devout atmosphere of the “Assumption,” is a very appreciable change. At the same time the oriental romance of Floris and Blauncheflur and our legend, also, no doubt, of eastern origin, betray their common descent in a certain similarity of sentimental tone; and further, both romances, Germanic and oriental, share to some extent their romantic colour with the religious legend. It is perhaps the love of this romantic colour, which the three poems have in common, that has brought them together in the Cambridge MS. (Gg. 4. 27. 2) which forms the nucleus of the present volume, though the fact that the existing manuscript is but a fragment, forbids any certain conclusion as to the tastes and probable purpose of the collector.

§ 2. SETTING.

In turning from the romances of King Horn and Floris and Blauncheflur to the legend of the Assumption we are entering the most productive field of early English literature. The religious element is the predominant element in Anglo-Saxon poetry. Christianity, from the very first, was received in England with an extraordinary warmth. In the year closely following the conversion of England there came into bloom a rich Christian poetry which soon took the place of, almost displaced, the earlier national epos.

The Norman Conquest was the means of introducing a flood of romances of every conceivable origin, and probably explains the slight revival of genuine English romantic traditions such as those of Horn, Havelok and Waldef, and possibly of Wade. But through the period, immediately following the Conquest, of the domination of the French and Latin languages in English literature, there had persisted a thread of the old English tradition in the homilies which continued for a long time to be industriously read and copied. With these in the 12th century were associated new homilies (cf. R. Morris, Old English Homilies), the direct lineal descendants of those of Alfric and Wulfstan, and in the beginning of the 13th century, in the northern midlands the metrical Ormulum, which betrays some French influence in a somewhat scanty French element in its vocabulary and in its proper names (cf. F. Kluge, Engl. Stud. xxii), but which nevertheless is composed quite in the style and manner of the earlier time.

When, after two centuries, the English language had to some extent come back into use as a language of literature, Cynewulf also found successors, and the legend flourished once more. Indeed in this new period it came to flourish to an extent hitherto unparalleled. This revival was due in part, no doubt, to the story-telling spirit so manifest in this period, and in part to the fact that this period marks the highest point in the progress of saint worship.

Probably the earliest of these newer legends were those of St. Juliana, St. Margeret and St. Katherine, which are written in rhythmical alliterative prose clearly manifesting the earlier English tradition, but which give premonition of a new era in the ring of a lyrical tone and in the already richer, more highly coloured diction. (Cf. C. Horstmann, Altenglische Legenden, Neue Folge, p. xv, Heilbronn, 1881.) Quite romantic in tone and colour are the very early, fine poems, in four-line strophes, of Katerine, Gregory, Mergrete, and the Magdalen, all of which unfortunately are preserved only in later, remodeled forms, and are perhaps only scant remains of an originally much richer literature. (Cf. Horstmann, as above, p. xlii, 225, 242.) According to Horstmann, the poems of Margaret and Gregory belong to the most beautiful productions of the early English language. Even more finely constructed, but rather lyric than narrative in form, are the few legends which fall in with the movement, influenced by French and especially strong in the South of England shortly before 1250, toward the development of the religious lyric. (Cf. R. Morris, Old English Miscellany.) Of these semi-lyrical legends, Eustas (MS. Digby 86) and the legends of the Psalter (MSS. Digby and Auchinleck) are composed in six-line strophes. (Cf. Horstmann, pp. 211, 228.) Other poems of this period, such as the xi Pains of Hell, already have the short riming couplet. Nearly to this same time belongs the Assumption of our Lady, in riming pairs and also in the Southern dialect.

The Assumption thus finds its setting among the very finest of the English legendary poems. According to Horstmann (as above, p. xliii): ‘Never again has legendary poetry reached the same height of pathos, the same purity and beauty of form as in these older legends. The period immediately following shows a decided falling off in poetic power and in talent for form. The tone loses in depth and warmth, the style in fullness and swing.’ In the last quarter of the 13th century, as we shall see, the legendary poetry entered the service of the church, and was worked over by the monks into great collections for reading in the services. This no doubt explains the remarkable falling off in poetic style and quality.

§ 3. THE RISE OF THE LEGEND.

The story of the riseI.22 of the legend from the Acta Martyrorum, the earliest records concerning the saints, to the martyrologies, the records of the recognized martyrs in each individual church, which in turn were expanded after the 8th century, from mere lists of names to the Latin legendaries upon which rest the OE. collections of legends,—all this forms an interesting chapter in the history of the church and in the history of literature, but has no place here except in so far as it throws light on the origin of the poem with which we are concerned. The relation too of the legend to the service of the church has a very much involved history. The Lectiones or ‘readings’ in the daily offices of the church were of three kinds: either (1) selections from the Scriptures, or (2) selections from the commentaries or homilies of the church fathers, or (3) the Acta Sanctorum. The last kind came generally to be denoted as Legenda, or ‘legends.’ At first treated with distrust, in time the legend came to play an important part in the service of the church. It seems to have first found its full development in the ‘nocturns,’ into which it was admitted apparently by the Benedictines in the 8th century. There it first appeared in an amplified and extended form.

The height of the legend’s development lies in the 12th and 13th centuries, and coincides with the period (Horstmann, as above, p. xv) of full bloom of the cult of the saints. At this time the number of saints’ days multiplied. Each church honoured its special saints. One celebrated not alone the death-day of the saint, but that of the burial and the translation. New saints came to be venerated, and long-forgotten ones were again brought to memory. The relics and traditions were collected, and the lives were written. Special church offices were made for them, and hymns and songs were written in their praise. In these new offices of the church the legend found its use. These special festivals often fell on week-days, and one had to fill in lectiones for which nothing was ready. Under these circumstances the legend offered itself as if expressly fitted, and became the key to the entire religious celebration. In this situation, amid these most favourable circumstances, the legend developed its full power, and must have been an important factor in the religious life of the period.

In addition to this place of the legend in the offices of the church, it came later to be read within, or instead of the sermon, after the Evangelium during the mass, and in the popular language. From very early times it was permitted to the clergy, in place of original productions to read the homilies of others, and to this usage, no doubt, we owe such collections as the Blickling Homilies, Bede’s Homiliae de tempore, Aelfric’s collections, the Ormulum, etc. That the early legends were intended to be delivered as sermons, or in sermons, is apparent from the frequent direct appeals to the congregation, and from their association, in the MSS., with homilies.

During the 11th and 12th centuries the homily, the older element, continued to prevail even on saints’ days, but in the 13th and 14th centuries the homily came to be in great measure displaced by the legend on the festival days of the saints, and was used only for Sundays and for the Festae Christi. To make a complete liber festivalis, either to the book of homilies was joined a legendary for saints’ days, or later the legendary, on the other hand, absorbed the book of homilies, as happened for instance in the case of the Legenda aurea, which marks the final step in the development of the Latin legendary, and which presents the homilies of the Festae Christi, perhaps the remains of the book of homilies, side by side with the legends. In the north of England the collection of Evangelia dominicalia, that is to say the gospels for Sundays and Festae Christi, which, according to the original plan, embraced only the Sunday gospel readings with their expositio and a narratio (i.e. a legendary narrative as an illustration) came in later MSS. to be supplemented by a collection of legends, evidently intended to complete the work by providing also for the saints’ days something in the place of the proprium sanctorum (i.e. gospels for saints’ days). In the South of England, on the other hand, the complete liber festivalis grows out of the legendary, which comes to include the homilies.

To sum up, the place of the evangelium in the mass for saints’ days comes to be filled by the legend, while in the mass on Sunday, the evangelium is still retained, though probably often supplemented by an expositio and a narratio, or legendary tale as illustration for the expositio. In consequence the liber festivalis falls into two parts, the temporal (for Sundays and Festae Christi) and the sanctoral, or legendary for the saints’ days.

§ 4. PLACE OF OUR LEGEND OF THE ASSUMPTION.

What then was the original function of our legend of the Assumption? The evangelium and the homily, as we have seen, still retained their places, in part at least, in the temporal, where the Assumption would belong, but were supplemented by legendary anecdotes, or even by entire legends. Was our poem originally intended for a place in the religious service, or was it rather a lyrico-romantic production with a sacred theme? What was the original purpose of the poem, it is not easy to determine. In actual use, however, it seems to have played a double role. In two of the six MSS. in which the present version of the story is preserved (viz. the Chetham MS. and Cambr. Univ. MS. Gg. 4. 27. 2.), the legend is associated with romances, and we must infer that it is the romantic quality of the legend that has appealed to the collectors. (Cf. also the slightly different version in the Auchinleck MS.) In the other four MSS., however, the associations, as will be seen later, are distinctly religious, though Harl. MS. 2382 seems rather a literary collection than one designed for church use. In all of the MSS. the poem is referred to as a tale (cf. Harl. MS. 2253, near the end, where occurs the line, This tale y haue tolde wit mouthe), and as a lesson, that is to say a ‘reading,’ and if we may judge by the general tone of the different versions, the place for this ‘reading’ was quite likely the church. Even if the reading was not confined to the church, it usually was of a professionally religious character as we must judge from the remarkable conclusion in Brit. Mus. Add. MS. 10036:

We biseche þee for alle þat hereþ þis vie

Off oure ladi seynt marie,

That Ihesu schelde hem fram grame

Fro dedly synne and fro schame,

Ne mysauenture schal bi falle þat man

That þis a vie here can.

Ne no womman þat ilke dai,

That of oure ladi hereþ þis lai,

Dien ne schal of hure childe;

For oure ladi hure schal be mylde.

Ne noone mys-auenture schall be-falle,

In felde, in strete, ne in halle,

In stede þer þis vie is rad,

For oure ladi hure sone it bad,

And þe archibisshop, seynt Edmound,

Haþ graunted xl. daies to pardoun

To alle þat þis vie wol here,

Or with good wille wol lere. vv. 879-896.

§ 5. ORIGIN.

The legend of the Assumption, according to ten Brink (Geschichte der engl. Litt. I, p. 331), had its origin in the second half of the 4th century. Tischendorf (Act. Apocr. p. xxxiv, Leipzig, 1866) believes a still earlier origin to be not impossible. The story had a wide circulation in the East. Besides the Greek versions we know (cf. F. Gierth, Engl. Stud. vii, pp. pp. 1-33) of three Syriac, one Arabic, and one Sahidic version. Even in Ethiopia there exists a similar tale (Journ. of Sacr. Lit. and Bibl. Rec., Jan. 1865, p. 48). From the orient the legend spread into the literatures of western Christendom. Tischendorf (as above, p. xliii.) gives a list of a dozen Latin manuscripts of the legend, and from these he offers critical editions of two versions, which, with Gierth, we may indicate as: (1) Transitus Mariae, A (Tischendorf, pp. 113 ff.) in Latin prose; (2) Transitus Mariae, B, a fuller version differing from A in some respects, notably in the absence of the scene in which Thomas appears.

Other Latin versions are those published by Th. Graesse: (1) The section, De assumtione beatae Mariae virginis in Jacobi a Voragine Legenda Aurea,I.23 ed. Th. Graesse, Dresdae et Lipsiae, 1846, pp. 504 ff., (2) De modo assumtionis beatae Mariae, published by Graesse, as above, pp. 517 ff.

In French may be mentioned the version by Wace (L’Établissement de la fête de la conception Nôtre-Dame dite la fête aux Normands. Caen, 1842, or, in another edition, Vie de la vierge Marie, Tours, 1859). For account of other unpublished French versions cf. E. Stengel, Mittheilungen aus franz. hss., etc., Halle, 1873, pp. 20 ff.

In German we may mention the version by Conrad v. Heimesfurt, about 1200 (HZ. viii, pp. 156 ff.).

Our story in its present form seems to have made its first appearance in England in the French version, above mentioned, by Wace, in the second quarter of the 12th century. (Cf. however, Assumptio sanctae Mariae virginis, Blickling Homilies, E.E.T.S. 58, 63, 73.) Of an English version of the present form of the legend, for English hearers, we have no trace before the middle of the following century, from which it seems we are to infer that the legend remained the property of the French clericals about a century before coming into general circulation in the English-speaking world. This earliest English version of the story is the one of the present edition in short riming couplets.

What then was the source of this earliest English version? Was it derived from Wace, or does it rest on one of the Latin versions? Wace’s poem consists of three parts (cf. Gierth, Engl. Stud. vii, p. 6): (1) the institution of the feast of the Conception of Mary, (2) her birth, rearing and marriage, (3) her death and burial. For the first part his source seems to have been the Miraculum de conceptione sanctae Mariae; for the second part, the Evangelium de nativitate Sanctae Mariae. About these two works, which he has followed almost word for word, Wace grouped a number of minor anecdotes and commentary notes from Anselm, Eadmer, and other of the church writers of the 11th and 12th centuries. For part (3) Wace seems certainly to have used the Latin version of the story, designated by Tischendorf as Transitus Mariae, B.

The English version has in common with Wace’s poem some traits that in the other versions are wanting. For instance, only in these two versions is it related that Mary cared for and instructed the maidens in the temple. (Engl. vv. 60 ff.) Another feature in common is contained in the speech of Christ to his mother shortly before her death, in which he promises her, La porte d’aidier auras A trestous ceus que tu vorras (Wace, p. 71, vv. 6, 7), which the English poet seems to have expanded into a number of verses, in which is promised pardon to every sinner who will betake himself to Mary.

On the other hand, in several instances the English agrees more closely with the Latin, where Wace has considerably abridged, and in these instances the French cannot have been the original of the English poem. A Latin original seems much more probable. The first two-thirds of the English poem corresponds almost exactly with the Tischendorf Latin B version. On the other hand, the introduction of Thomas in the last one-third of the poem is a feature of the Latin A version, but is foreign to B. In other respects the English poem corresponds more closely to a third Latin version from which Tischendorf quotes variants, the Codex Laurentius. The English has in common with the Legenda Aurea the peculiar trait of making no mention of the miraculous transit of John from Ephesus. Again, some traits in Latin B do not appear in the English version, and, on the other hand, the English version contains a few traits not to be found in any of the other versions spoken of.

From the above we must conclude either that the English version rests on a very composite version of which we do not know, or that the composer of the English version was very eclectic, and selected his material from very different sources. The latter explanation seems the more probable one. In this connection it is important to note an observation first made by Zarncke and afterwards corroborated by Kölbing (Engl. Stud. ii, pp. 281-2) that the different prose versions of legends influence each other reciprocally, producing mixed or composite forms of the legend (mischredactionen) whose exact descent it is impossible to trace. It is here that the learned element makes itself felt and differentiates the tradition of a legend from the tradition of a romance or of a song. The influence of this learned element we must probably assume in explaining the tradition of our legend of the Assumption, which seems to be a mischredaction.

§ 6. OTHER ENGLISH VERSIONS.

The story of the Assumption seems to have circulated, as we have seen, both as a romantic story and as a devout legend. It must have been in the first of these two rôles that it was admitted to the famous collection of romances in the Auchinleck MS. Here the story appears in a new dress, composed in six-line strophes, with rime couée, probably under the influence of the ballad singers. The content of this version (cf. M. Schwarz, Engl. Stud. viii, pp. 428 ff.) seems to be substantially that of the earlier version of the present volume. The first stanza of this version is,—

Who so bereȝ palm, þe tokne is þis,

Þat in clene lif he is;

Þat is to vnderstonde:

Hit is tokning of loue,

Þat god him haueȝ wraththe forȝoue,

Þat bereȝ palm on honde.

The Assumption also forms a member of the Southern cycle of legends, which go to form a legendary. In this rôle it appears in Harl. MS. 2277, “a parchment book in a long 4to, imperfect at the beginning and elsewhere; which formerly contained the legends of the Saints, etc., according to the course of the year, written in very old English verse.... The handwriting of this MS. seems to be older than that year” (1320). The MS. contains 69 legends, of which number 38 is Assumpcio S. Marie, in 246 long riming lines, the first two of which are,—

Seinte marie godes moder : fram þaposteles nas noȝt

Þo þe holi gost a wit sonedai : among hem was ibroȝt.

This version seems to rest on the Legenda AureaI.24 as an original, although the incident of the tardy arrival of Thomas, which is contained in the Latin, is wanting in this version.

This same version appears in a later MS., Bodl. 779,I.25 of the 16th century. In this MS. the legend cycle is greatly extended by the addition of a whole new series of legends. The number of legends in this MS. reaches the number of 135, of which the version of the Assumption is number 57.

Another version of our legend is that belonging to the Northern legend cycle, and preserved in two MSS.: Harl. 4196 and Cott. Tiber. E. VII,I.26 of which the latter is the older, but the former the more complete. These two texts correspond word for word, and apart from possible scribal blunder, letter for letter, abbreviation for abbreviation. Harl. MS. 4196 is a large folio on parchment, evidently of about the middle of the 14th century, and written in a beautiful large hand of the Northern type. It has 258 double-columned leaves, and contains (1) several parts of the gospel in verse, which end at fol. 132 a, then after a blank page, (2) collection of legends in verse, with special title and an introduction of eight verses (folios 133-205), then as a sort of appendix, (3) a metrical gospel of Nicodemus (folios 206-215 a), and (4) the Prick of Conscience in verse. This version, which appears as number 8 in the second division, the legend collection of the Harl. MS., and whose text is identical in the two MSS. above mentioned, opens as follows,—

Of mari milde now will I mene

Þat of all heuyns es corond quene

And lady of all erth to tell

And also Emperise of hell.

Another version belonging to the Southern cycle is that contained in the younger MS. of this cycle, Lambeth MS. 223, a 4to parchment from the beginning of the 15th century. (Cf. Horstmann, Neue Folge, p. xlvii. and Notes.) In this MS. the Assumption appears, not in the legendary itself, but as the fifth and last division in the temporal, which is prefixed to the Southern cycle of legends. This version has frequent rimes within the verse, and the last half verse has four stresses. The version agrees in many respects with the Northern one just described and also with the earlier Southern version, the one of our present volume. The opening lines are as follows,—

Herkkenes alle gode men, ȝif ȝe ben wise and slye

And I wole to ȝow rede þe assumpcioun of Marie

How she was from erþe taken into heuen on hegh

And þere she shal euer wone and sitte Ihesu negh.

Another English version of our legend is that incorporated into the Cursor Mundi (vv. 19993-20064). This version is translated into a Northern dialect from a Southern English poem. (Cf. Cursor Mundi, ed. by R. Morris, Introduction by Dr. Haenisch, pp. 42 ff.)

And sant edmund o ponteni

Dais o pardun þam gis tuenti

In a writt þis ilk i fand,

He-self it wroght, ic understand.

In sotherin englis was it draun

And turnd it haue i till our aun

Langage o northrin lede,

Þat can nan oþer englis rede.

vv. 20057-64.

The poet of Cursor Mundi follows the Southern author nearly line for line, so that there cannot be the slightest doubt that he refers to the Southern English version of the present volume. But now and then he has made additions, for some of which Haenisch finds no source. (Horstmann believes this version to have been translated from Wace.)

The fact that the poet of Cursor Mundi “attributes his original to Edmund of Pontenay was caused by a misunderstanding of the lines 893-96 of the SE. Assumption” (Haenisch).

Cursor Mundi, vv. 20057-60.

And sant edmund o ponteni

Dais o pardun þam gis tuenti;

In a writt þis ilk i fand

He self it wroght, ic understand.

Assumption, vv. 893-6.

And þe archibisshop seynt Edmound

Haþ graunted xl. daies to pardoun

To alle þat þis vie wol here

Or with good wille wol lere.

Still another version, which formed part of a work by Barbour, the author of the Scotch collection of legends, is mentioned in his prologue, but, along with the rest of this work referred to, is unfortunately lost.

Still further deserving of mention are (1) the prose version contained in the ‘Festial’ of Johannes Mirkus (Horstmann, Neue Folge, pp. cix. ff.), a collection of sermons, derived for the most part from the Legenda Aurea and written about 1400 for the festivals of the church, Festae Christi and Saints’ days;I.27 and (2) that contained in the English translation of the Legenda Aurea (cf. Horstmann, Neue Folge, pp. cxxx ff.). “The Assumption of oure ladi” stands 111 in Harl. MS. 4775.

The above enumeration of versions of our legend will demonstrate effectively its popularity in England, also its use in the service of the church. Further investigation is needed to determine more exactly the interrelations of the various versions, though it is doubtful if such an investigation would produce any very conclusive results, since, as suggested above, many versions of the legends were probably mixed versions (mischredactionen).

§ 7. MANUSCRIPTS.

The earliest English version, the one of the present volume, is known to exist in six manuscripts.

1. Cambr. Univ. MS. Gg. 4. 27. 2. (For description cf. introduction to King Horn, p. xxviii.) This fragmentary text (240 lines) is printed in the present volume.

2. Chetham MS. 8009, Manchester, a collection of romances and legends. (For description cf. Engl. Stud. vii, 195 ff., viii, pp. 1 ff.)

3. Cambr. Univ. MS. Dd. 1. 1., a long narrow MS. from about the middle of the 14th century and written in a large, informal, very legible hand. The content of the MS. is the Northern collection of Evangelia dominicalia, with which is included, in addition to the sermons with legends attached for the festivals of John and Peter and Paul, also our Southern legend poem of the Assumption, which is perhaps to be attributed to the scribe (named Staundon), who is Southern. (For a full account of this MS. cf. Horstmann, Neue Folge, p. xxvi. and pp. lxvii. ff.) This text of 544 verses has not been printed.

4. Cambr. Univ. MS. Ff. 2. 38, a paper MS. in an informal but legible hand by a Southern scribe. It contains miscellaneous religious writings, the list of which I neglected to copy. Our poem is followed by “þe lyfe of seynt Kateryn.” This text of 770 verses has not been printed.

5. Harl. MS. 2382, a paper book in 4to, in an informal hand, and containing nine miscellaneous theological poems by Lydgate, Chaucer, etc. Poem number 1 is Lydgate’s Life of the Virgin Mary, four books at the end of which stands this note, Explicit quartus liber de sancta Maria. The second poem is our present version of the Assumption, evidently the end of a sequel to Lydgate’s poem, for at the end stands the note, Explicit Sextus liber Sancte Marie, which shows that two other books were added to the original four of Lydgate, written in stanzas, to King Henry V. The other contents of this MS. seem also to be literary, and are as follows: 3. Oracio ad Sanctam Mariam, 4. The Testament of Dan Johan Lydgate, 5. Fabula Mornalis de Sancta Maria, Chaucer’s Prioress’s Tale, 6. Vita Sancte Cecilie, Chaucer’s Second Nonne’s Tale, 7. De Sancto Erasmo Martire, 8. Testamentum Cristi, 9. The Childe of Bristow. This text of 710 verses is in part reprinted in the present volume.

6. Brit. Mus. Add. MS. 10036, a small parchment volume (about 8 × 4) of 100 folios, written in black letter, perhaps in the second half of the 14th century, and containing a miscellaneous religious collection: (1) History of the siege and destruction of Jerusalem by Vespasian (ff. 1-61), (2) The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin (ff. 62-80), (3) A question of the peynes of helle (prose, ff. 81-84), (4) Here bigynneth the thre arowis that God schal schete at domys-dais apon hem that schullen be dampned (prose, ff. 85-91), (5) The seven petitions in the Pater Noster (prose, ff. 91-94), (6) Ave Maria, Pardons and Indulgences for repeating (prose, f. 94), (7) Ten Commandments trans. and expl. (prose, ff. 94-96), (8) The 51st Psalm, Miserere mei, trans. into English verse (96-100). This text, in 904 verses, is printed in the present volume.

If for the sake of conformity with the German investigations, we designate Cambr. MS. Gg. 9. 27. 2. as A, Brit. Mus. Add. MS. 10036 as B, Harl. MS. 2382 as C, Cambr. MS. Dd. 1. 1. as D, Cambr. MS. Ff. 2. 38. as E, and Chetham MS. as Ch., then the interrelations of the different texts of this version are about as follows (F. Gierth, Engl. Stud. vii, pp. 1 ff.). A and B form a special group as opposed to C, D, E, on the one hand, and to Ch. alone, on the other. No one of these versions is the direct source of any other. The different texts may be characterized somewhat as follows:

A offers the best text as far as it goes.

B introduces many important changes, and seems to be somewhat confused in the order of events, but in the passages preserved intact, preserves the text and the rime better than do C, D, or E.

C gives best the true course of the story, but often alters the rime, in particular, individual rime words.

D has many gaps, and is particularly defective after the entrance on the scene of Thomas.

E stands in closer relation to D than to C, and often takes an intermediate position between C and D. Ch. (cf. M. Schwarz, Engl. Stud. viii, p. 460) we must regard as a compilation of different MSS., and owes its origin perhaps to oral tradition. In the case of Ch., as in the case of the other texts of this version, it will be safer not to set up any diagram representing the interrelations of MSS., since these MSS. are no doubt all of them influenced by written as well as by oral tradition, and, as has been pointed out above, there is at least a possibility, as in the case of Ch., of mixed versions. In dealing with legend, even less than in dealing with romance, does one have to do with a purely epic growth.

§ 8. TIME AND PLACE OF COMPOSITION.

We have already seen that the author of Cursor Mundi attributes the authorship of this version of the Assumption to Edmund of Pontenay (pp. liii, liv, above). But we have also seen the probable source of his error. In one thing the Northern writer is no doubt right, when he says (v. 20061), “In sotherin englis was it draun.” The poem is undoubtedly Southern in origin. To gain more definite knowledge is not easy. The rimes, our usual guide in such cases, in this poem are very uncertain. The writer’s ear seems to have been not a delicate one. He does not distinguish carefully open ę̨̄ and close ẹ̄, e.g. here : lere 4 Add., wel : del 212 C, 206 D, 218 Add., 256 C, 262 Add., were : here 716 Add., etc.

In a similar way he does not distinguish carefully open ǭ and close ọ̄, e.g. gone : done 86 Add., 594 H, done : one 416 Add., 562 H, 588 H, 750 Add., anon : done 530 Add., sloo : doo 508 H, þo : do 262 D, etc. In consequence we are not able to apply the -wǭ-, -wọ̄- test with any degree of certainty. OE. -wā rimes, now with ǭ, now with ọ̄, e.g. fro : so 342 Add., 324 D, so : fo 374 Add., tho : so 278 H, also : mo 17 C, etc.; but so : to 179 C, 184 Add., 214 C, 296 C, 300 Add., 314 H, 344 Add., 718 Add., 904 Add., atwo : do 280 H, whom : come 306 F (wham : cam 336 Add.), etc.

In the same way OE. æ, and shortened OE. ǣ, rimes now with a, now with e, e.g. was : gracias 310 Add., 774 Add., Thomas : was 656 C, Iosephas : was 582 H; but fless : was 34 C, best : lest 392 H, fed : bed 124 C, 132 A, les : wes 566 D.

In the same way OE. y rimes now with e, now with i, e.g. stede : dude 57 C, 62 Add., 88 Add., 800 Add., 82 C, 624 Add., kyng : geng 220 C, him (= ‘them’) : kyn 642 Add.; but mankyne : pyne 426 A, Inne : kynne 430 A, 478 A, 360 H, 338 D, 346 D, it : pytt 506 H, þerynne : synne 604 H, blisse : gladnesse 384 H, etc.

In the same way in the 3rd plur. pres. indic., the ending is sometimes -eþ, sometimes -n, e.g. listneþ 8 C, serueþ 418 H, goth 476 H, 593 A, buþ 22 C, 26 C, etc.; but ben 25 A, beon 141 C, 149 A, etc., and the rime kenesmen : ben 122 C, 130 A.

Details may be multiplied indefinitely to show the general Southern character of the language, e.g. the verbal endings in -i or -y, as blessi : herkni 7, 8 C, loky 47 C, gladie 75 C, etc.; the infinitive preserving its final -n, as quene : bene 6 Add., bene : ysene 40 A, gon : on 140 C, quen : ben 98 C, 104 A, 114 C, 120 A, etc.; but beo : gleo 10 C, etc.; the present participle in -and, as lepand : hande 614 A, etc.; the use of the palatalized consonants, as in yyeue 566 H, ayene 597 H, etc.

The dialect then certainly is of the Southern part of England; but the rimes do not enable one to locate the dialect more exactly. The composition is undoubtedly that of a scholar in whom one might expect a wider range in pronunciation. Doubtless both Southern and Midland dialects were familiar to him. The pronunciation, however, of OE. y as e and of OE. æ as e belongs to the East Southern, and we shall probably be safe in calling the dialect a compromise between East Southern and East Midland.

The time of composition was probably not later than 1250. The OE. ā had regularly changed to ǭ (if we neglect an isolated instance like thomas : ras 822 A); but I find no certain instance of lengthening in open syllables, and further, the oldest MS. (C) is not much later than 1250, as we have seen. It preserves the unmonophthonged eo, e.g. weop 29, treo 35, heo 36, beo 37, iseo 38, etc.

§ 9. VERSIFICATION.

The legend, like the romance of Floris and Blancheflur, is composed in short riming pairs. Each verse nominally has four metrical stresses. The rime may be either masculine or feminine. Frequently assonance takes the place of perfect rime; e.g. weop : fet 30 C, gode : fote 70 Add., þolen : y-boren 220 Add., etc.

Footnotes to Introduction

I.22 Cf. Horstmann, as above, pp. xxviii ff.

I.23 A legend cycle composed in Latin prose by the Italian Jacobus a Voragine, Bishop of Genoa.

I.24 Cf. M. Schwarz, Engl. Studien, viii, pp. 461 ff. But cf. ten Brink, I, p. 336; Horstmann, Neue Folge, p. xxxix.

I.25 Cf. C. Horstmann, Altengl. Legenden, p. xxxiv, Paderborn, 1875.

I.26 Cf. Horstmann, Neue Folge, pp. lxxviii ff., Text, pp. 112 ff.

I.27 The sermons are arranged according to the calendar, so that here the book of homilies and the legendary are at length completely formed into one. In the oldest and best MS., Cott. Claud. A. II, the Assumption is number 52.

¶ ASSUMPCIOUN DE NOTRE DAME

HIC INCIPIT ASSUMPCIO BEATE MARIE

Cambr. Univ. MS. Gg. 4. 27. 2.

Brit. Mus. Add. MS. 10,036, lf. 62.

MErie tale telle ihc þis day

Of seinte Marye þat swete may.

Al is þe tale and þis lescoun

4 Of hire swete assompcioun,

Hu heo was fram erþe ynome

In to blisse wiþ hire sone.

Þe kyng of heuene hem blessi

8 Þat þis listneþ and wel herkni.

Alle moten hi iblessed beo,

Þat vnderstonde wel þis gleo.

IN honorance of ihesu cryst

Sitteþ stille and haueþ lyst;

And ȝif ȝe wille to me here,

4 Off oure ladi ȝe mai lere,

Floure of heuene, ladi and quene,

As sche auȝt wel to bene,

To wham aungeles doun here myȝt

8 To serue hure boþe day and nyȝt.

Par auenture ȝe haue noȝt iherde

How oure ladi went out of þis werde:

Sitteþ stille and herkeneþ to me;

12 Now ihesu cryst oure helpe be!

¶ Whan ihesu crist was don on rode,

12 And þolede deþ for vre gode,

He clepede to hym seint Iohan

Þat was his oȝe qenes man,

And his oȝene moder also;

16 Ne clepede he hym feren no mo.

¶ Whan ihesu crist was doun on þe rode

And þolede deþ for oure goode,

He callide to hym seynt Iohan,

16 That was his fleschli kynnes man.

His moder swete he dide also;

He callid no men mo him to.

And sede, “wif, lo her þi child,

Þat on þe rode is ispild.

[No gap in MS.]

Nu ihc am honged on þis tre,

20 Wel sore ihc wot hit reweþ þe.

Mine fet and honden of blod [buþ red];

Biþute gult ih[c] þolie þis ded.

And seide, “womman, lo here þi sone,

20 And, man, take hure to moder in good wone.

And þenkeþ on my sorwe nowe

How I hange here abowe,

How I hange apone a tre,

24 Ful sore, I wote, hit reweþ þee.

[leaf 62, back]

Myn feet, myn hondes, of blode ben rede;

With owte gilt I þole dede.

Mine men þat aȝte me to loue,

24 For whan ihc com fram heuene abuue,

Me haueþ idon þis ilke schame,

Ihc naue no gult; hi buþ to blame.

To mi fader ihc bidde mi bone

28 Þat he forȝiue hit hem welsone.”

But þei haue wille to louen me

28 For wham I hange on þis tree.

The Iewis me deden mychel schame;

Ther of hadde I neuer blame.”

Jesus entrusts Mary to John.

¶ Marie stod and sore weop;

Þe terres feolle to hire fet.

No wunder nas þeȝ heo wepe sore;

32 Of soreȝe ne miȝte heo wite nomore,

Whenne he þat of hire nam blod and fless,

Also his suete wille was,

Heng Inayled on þe treo.

MArie his moder sore dide wepe;

32 The teeres fellen at hure fete.

Nas no wondre þouȝ sche wepe sore;

Of sorwe wist sche neuer more.

When he þat of hure flesche nam,

36 For his holi swete nam,

Honge þer nailed to a tre,

36 “Alas, my sone,” seide heo,

“Hu may ihc liue? hu may þis beo?

Hu mai ihc al þis soreȝe iseo?

Ne cuþe ihc neure of soreȝe noȝt;

40 Mi leue sone, wat hastu þoȝt?

Hou schal ihc lyue biþute þe?

Leue sone, what seistu me?”

“Alas, my sone,” þo saide sche,

“How mai I lyue? how mai I bene?

40 How mai I þis sorwe ysene?

Neuer ere wist I of sorwe nouȝt;

Leue sone, what hauest þou þouȝt?

How schal I leue with oute þee?

44 Leue sone, what saist þou to me?”

¶ Þo spac ihesu wordes gode,

44 Þer he heng vpon þe rode,

And sede to his moder dere,

“Ihc schal þe teche a trewe ifere,

Þat trewliche schal loky þe,

48 Þe while þat þu in erþe be.”

Ihesu spak þo wordes goode,

As he henge on þe rode,

And seide to his moder dere,

48 “I schal þee take a trewe fere,

[leaf 63]

That trewly schal kepen þee,

While in erþe þou schalt be.”

¶ Þo seide vre lord to seint Iohan,

“For my loue qep me þis wymman.

Ȝem hire wel wiþ al þi miȝte

52 Þat noman do hure non vnriȝte.”

Than seide Ihesu to seynt Iohan,

52 “For my loue kepe wel þis womman.

Kepe hure wel with al þi myȝt,

That no man do hure vnryȝt.”

¶ Þan nam þe apostel, seynt Iohan,

56 On his kepynge þis womman.

He kept hure wel with al his myȝt,

That no man do hure none vnryȝt.A.1

A.1 MS. viryȝt

In to þe temple mid hire he nam,

And also sone so he þar cam,

Among þe lefdis in þe stede,

56 God to serui he hire dude.

To þe temple he hure nam,

60 And also sone as he þer cam,

God to serue he hure dede,

Amonge þe nunnes in þat stede.

Þer bilefte heo al hure lif;

Ne louede he noþer fiȝt ne strif,

Þeo þat in þe temple were,

60 Ne miȝte noȝt hire forbere.

Wiþ al hure miȝte þe while heo was þore,

Heo seruede boþe lasse and more;

Poure and sike he dude god,

64 And seruede hem to hond and fot.

Ther sche bileft al hure lyfe,

64 Ne loued sche noþer fiȝt ne stryf.

¶ The ladies þat þer Inne weren,

Ful wel þei ne myȝt hure forberen,

For euer þe while sche was þore,

68 Sche wolde serue las and more.

Seke and hole sche dide gode

And seruede hem to hande and fote.

Poure and hungrie wel faire he fedde,

And sike heo broȝte in here bedde.

Nas þer non so hol ne fer,

68 Þat to hire nadde mester.

Hi louede hure alle wiþ here miȝte,

For heo seruede hem wel riȝte.

Naked and hungry sche cloþed and fedde;

72 Colde and seke sche brouȝt to bedde.

[leaf 63, back]

Ne was þer noþer seke ne fere,

That þei nadde to hure mystere.

Thei louede hure wel with al here myȝt;

76 Sche it serued and þat was ryȝt.

He wakede more þane slep;

72 Hire sone to serui was al hire kep.

To him heo clupede wiþ Murie steuene,

And hire he sente an aungel fram heuene,

Te gladie hire him self he cam,

76 Crist þat fless of hire nam.

Sche woke more þan sche slepe;

Hure sone to serue was al hure kepe,

To hym sche callid with rewful steuene,

80 And he hure sent an angel fro heuene,

To glade hure, hym self he cam,

That of hure bodi flesche nam.

Christ sends to Mary an angel messenger.

¶ Seint Ion hire kepte and was hire dere;

He was hire eure a trewe fere.

Nolde he neure fram hire gon;

80 Al þat heo wolde he dude anon.

Þe whiles hi were in þat stede,

Al þat heo wolde he hit dede.

Whane heo hadde beo þer longe,

84 Ten wyntere hem amonge,

Hire sone wolde heo come hym to,

Whane he hit wolde, hit was ido.

Seynt Iohan hure keper was hure dere,

84 And to hure was a trewe fere.

Ne wolde he neuer fro hure gone;

Al þat sche wolde he wolde done.

While sche was in þat stede,

88 Al þat sche wolde he hure dede.

When sche hadde þer longe ben,

That faire ladi, heuene quen,

Than wolde hure sone sche com him to.

92 When he wolde, hit was do.

¶ He sente hire on Aungel of heuene,

88 And grette hire wiþ murie steuene.

In þe temple he bad hire bede;

Þer liȝte þe aungel in þat stede,

And sede, “lefdi ful of grace,

He sent to hure an angel of heuene,

That gret hure with myry steuene,

Ther sche was and bad hure bede,

96 Lyȝth an angel in þat stede,

[leaf 64]

And seide, “ladi, ful of grace,

The angel announces that Mary will be summoned to heaven.

92 “Wel þe beo in eche place.

Ne beo noȝt of drad þeȝ ihc beo her;

Ihc am þi sones Messager.

Fram hym to þe ihc am icome

96 Þe grette wel þi dere sone.

Flur of erþe, of heuene quen,

Iblessed mote þu eure ben.

“Blessed be þou in eche place.

Be nouȝt adrad þouȝ I be here;

100 I am þi sones messagere.

Fro hym I am to þee come;

He gret þee wel, þi dere sone.

Floure of erþe, heuene quene,

104 Blessed mote þou euer bene.

Wel beo þe time þat þu were ibore,

100 For al þis wordle were forlore;

Ef þu nere and þat frut of þe,

Marie lefdi, wel þe be.

Lefdi, best of alle þinge,

104 Wel bliþe bode ihc þe bringe,

Nym þis palm wiþ þi riȝt honde;

Hit is þi dere sones sonde.

Wel be þat tyme þat þou was born,

For al þis worlde hit was forlorn,

Ȝif þou ne were and þe fruyt of þee;

108 Marie, ladi, wel þee be.

Ladi, best of al þinge,

Bliþe tiþynges I þee brynge,

Thou take þis palme þat I brynge þee;

112 Thi dere sone haþ sent it þee.

He þinkeþ long hym to se;

108 Ne schaltu her no lenger beo.

He wile senden after þe,

Fram heuene adun of his meigne,

And fecche þe in to his blisse,

112 Þat eure schal leste wiþute misse.

Þer he is kyng þu schalt beo quen;

Al heuene for þe schal bliþe beon.”

The þynkeþ longe him to see;

Ther fore most I no lengere be,

He schal sende after þee

116 Of heuene ferde moche plente,

And brynge þee in to his blisse,

That euer was and now is.

Þer he is kyng, þou schalt be quene;

120 Al heuen ryche bliþe schal bene.

[leaf 64, back]

And alle him þenkeþ swiþe longe

Til þou comest hem amonge.”

¶ Þanne ansuaredi vre lefdi,

116 To þe aungel þat stod hire by,

“Artu Mi sones Messager,

Þat bringest me þis greting her?

Haþ he set me any day

120 Aȝenes þat ihc me greþi may,

And nyme lyue of mine kenesmen,

And myne frend þat wiþ me beon,

And of him þat haþ me cloþed and fed,

124 And don also my sone hym bed?”

Than answerede oure ladi,

124 And seide to þe angel, “belamy,

Art þou my sones massagere,

That bryngest me þis bodes here?

Haueþ he me sette any day,

128 Aȝens when I me greithe may,

With my frendes and my kynnes men,

And with hem þat I in erþe haue ben,

And hem þat I haue fedde and clad,

132 And don al þat my sone hem bad?”

¶ Þo sede þe aungel, “ihc telle þe;

Þu ne schalt beo her bute daȝes þre.

Þe þridde day we schulle come,

128 Aungles fram heuene aboue,

“And fette þe wiþ murye song;

For after þe us þinket long.”

Tho seide þe angel, “I sei þee;

Thou schalt be here but daies þre.

The þridde dai we schal come,

136 Alle ix. ordres fram heuen a boue,

“And fecche þee with myry songe;

For after þee vs þinketh longe.”

¶ Þanne ansuarede vre lefdy,

132 “What is þi name, belamy?”

He sede, “my name ne telle ihc þe noȝt;

Bute nym þis palm þat ihc habbe þe broȝt

And kep hit wel ihc bidde þe;

136 Ne let hit neure fram þe be.

To þat aungel seide oure ladi,

140 “What is þi name, þat standeþ me bi?”

“My name seie I þee nouȝt;

But take þis palme þat I haue brouȝt.

Kepe it wel, I bidde þee,

144 Ne lete it neuer be fro þee.

I ne dar no leng dwelle her,

For ihc was sent as Messager.

To þe apostles ihc schal gon,

140 And bidde hem alle, eurech on,

Þat hi beon her þe þridde day;

No leng abiden I ne may.”

[leaf 65]

Ne mai I no lengere abide here,

For I am sent a massagere.

I schal to þe apostles sone anone,

148 And seie to hem sundry, on and one,

That þei ben here þe þridde dai;

No lengere abide I ne mai.”

Mary attires herself, then prays to her Son.

¶ Þo he hadde ydon, to heuene he steȝ;

144 Marie abod and was wel sleȝ,

And nam þat palm þat hire was broȝt,

And of þat bode heo hadde gret þoȝt,

In to hire Chaumbre stille he nam;

148 And so sone so heo þar cam,

He dude of al hire hatere,

And wessch hire body wyþ clene watere,

Þo heo hauede so idon,

152 Al y newe schrud heo dude hire on.

When he had iseide, to heuene he steie;

152 And marie þer bi-left he.

[No gap in MS.]

Vn-til hure chambre sone sche nam;

And also sone as sche þider cam,

Sche dide of hure cloþes alle,

156 And wasche hure with water of wille.

So sone as sche hadde doun,

Newe cloþes sche dide hure apoun.

Þo heo was schurd and faire iclad,

To ihesu crist abone heo bad,

And sede, “sone, ihc þonky þe

156 Þat þu hauest iþoȝt of me.

Sone, þu ert of heuene kyng,

Ihc bidde þe þi blessing;

Sone, for þin holy name,

160 Schild me fram pine and fram schame,

Þat þe deuel ne habbe no myȝt;

When sche was faire schred and clad,

160 To ihesu cryst aboue sche bad,

And seide, “sone, I þanke þee,

That þou hast yþouȝt on me,

My sone, þat is heuene kynge,

164 I praie þee of þi blessing.

Sone, for þyn hye name,

Schelde my bodi fro payne and schame,

That þe deuel haue no myȝt;

To derie me hit were vnriȝt.

Sone, help me nu ihc haue ned,

164 Þat ine haue of þe feond no dred,

For wiþ þe giles þat he can,

He bitraieþ many man.

168 To reyue þee hit were no ryȝt.

[leaf 65, back]

Kepe me, sone; now is nede

That I ne haue of þe deuel no drede.

For with þe wiles þat he can,

172 He bigileþ many a man.

She announces her departure to her friends.

“Leue sone, ne ȝef him noȝt,

168 Þat þu hauest so dere iboȝt.

Sune, þu art ful of pite;

For senful manne bid ihc þe,

Þat þu for þin holy grace,

172 ȝef hem boþe wille and space,

“Leue sone, ȝeue hym nouȝt

Man kynde þat þou hast bouȝt.

Mi sone, þat art ful of pite,

176 For man kynne I praie þee,

That þou, for þi holi grace,

Ȝeue hem boþe myȝt and space,

Hem to amendy er hy beo ded,

Þat þe deuel hem do no qued.

Þenk, sone, þat þu hast hem wroȝt,

176 And þat þu hauest hem dere iboȝt.

For hem þu þoledest pine and wo;

Wite hem wel fram here fo.”

Hem to amende or þei ben dede,

180 That þei haue of þe deuel no drede.

Thynke, leue sone, þou hast hem wrouȝt,

And dere þat þou hast hem bouȝt.”

¶ Þo heo hadde bisoȝt so,

180 Hire frend he clupede hire to,

Boþe sibbe and fremde Men,

Wiþ reuful speche heo spak wiþ hem,

And sede, “leue frend, my sone

184 Nele no leng þat ihc her wone;

He wile ihc wende and mid him be.

When sche hadde praied so,

184 Hure frendes sche callid hure to,

[No gap in MS.]

Hure sibbe and hure kynnes men.

With reuful steuene sche spak to hem,

An seide, “leue frendes, my sone

188 Wol no lenger þat I here wone.

He wol þat I with him be;

And bidde ihc ȝou par charite,

Ȝef ihc habbe eny þing mis wroȝt,

188 Telleȝ hit me, ne heleþ hit noȝt.

Ihc wulle amende, and þat is riȝt

Þat my saule ne beo idriȝt.

Where fore I praie ȝow par charite,

Ȝif I any þinge haue mys wrouȝt,

192 Seieþ me now; for-hele ȝe nouȝt.

[leaf 66]

I it wole amende with my myȝt,

That my soule haue no vnplyȝt,

Þat god ȝe habbeþ me ydon,

192 Mi sone þat was in rode ydon,

Man to bigge fram þe ded,

Ȝelde hit ȝou at ower ned,

And bringe ȝou in to þat blis

196 Þat eure ilest þar my sone is.”

The good þat ȝe haue doun me,

196 My sone þat was doun on þe tree,

Man to bigge fro þe quede,

He ȝelde it ȝow at ȝoure nede,

And brynge ȝow in to his blis,

200 Ther I schal be and my sone is.”

¶ Alle þat stoden hire by,

Of þat tiþinge were sory,

And sede, “lefdi, hu mai hit be?

200 Hu schulle we liue wiþ outen þe?

[No gap in MS.]

Lefdi dere, what hastu þoȝt?

Reu of vs; ne wend þou noȝt.

“In soreȝe and in Muche wo

204 Schulle we lyue beo þu vs fro.”

Alle þat weren hure bi,

Off suche tiþinges weren sori,

And saide, “lady, how mai þis be?

204 How schulle we lyuen with oute þee?

Ladi, þou hast vs serued so;

Alas, how schulle we parte a two?

Swete ladi, what is þi þouȝt?

208 Rewe on vs; departe vs nouȝt.

“In moche sorwe and in myche wo

Schulle we lyue, be þou a go.”

John comes and inquires the cause of her grief.

¶ Þanne spak vre lefdy

To hem þat were hire by,

“Leteȝ beon; ower wepinge ne helpeþ noȝt;

208 Habbeþ ioye in ower þoȝt.

Þe while ihc am her, wakeþ wiþ me;

Hit doþ me god þat ihc ȝou se.

Þan answerede oure ladi

212 To þat folke þat stode hure bi,

“Lateþ be ȝour greding+ hit helpeþ noȝt;

And haueþ blis in ȝoure þouȝt.

Whiles I am here, wakeþ with me;

216 Hit doþ me good þat I ȝow se.

Nabbeþ no drede ac witeþ hit wel;

212 Of pine ne schal ihc þole no del.

Ne schal no soreȝ come me to,

For my sone hit wule so,

Mi body ne schal no pine þole,

216 For he was þer of ibore,

He þolede pine him self for me,

Þo he deide vpon þe tre.

[leaf 66, back]

Haueþ no drede in wel;

Of peyne schal I þole no del.

[No gap in MS.]

Mi bodi mai no peyne þolen,

220 For he was þer of y-boren.

He þoled deþ him self for me;

He honged nailed on þe tree.

He þat is almiȝtful kyng,

220 Schal me sende of his geng.

Iohan and þe apostles, whei hy be,

Alle hi schulle come to me.”

Mi sone þat is kyng+ of heuene,

224 Schal me sende worde wel euene;

Iohan and þe apostles, where so þei bene,

Schulle alle come for to sene.”

Þe while he spac þus to þis men,

224 Of al þat þing nuste noȝt Ion.

He com to speke wiþ vre lefdi,

And hym þuste heo was sori,

As sche so spak to þe mon,

228 Off al þat wist nouȝt seynt Ion.

He come to speke with oure ladi;

Ferli him þouȝt þat sche was sory,

And sede, “lefdy, what is þe?

228 For my seruise tel hit me.

Lefdi, what is þe ised?

Me were leffre to beo ded,

Þane iseo þe make such chere.

232 What is þe, my lefdi dere?

[No gap in MS.]

Ne schal ihc neure habbe blis,

Fort þat ihc wite what þe is.”

And seide, “ladi, what is þee?

232 What is þis folk þat I here se?

Seie me, ladi, what is þee?” he sede;

“For me were leuer þat I were dede,

Than I þee se suche semblaunt make,

236 “For schal I neuer suche a ladi take.

Hastou ouȝt herde þat I ne can,

Off me or of any oþer man?

Schal I neuer haue blis

240 Til I wite, ladi, what þee is.”

Mary consoles John.

Vre lefdi wep and Iohan also;

236 Trewe loue was bituex hem tuo.

“Lefdi,” he sede, “what is þe?

For my loue, tel hit me.”

Marie ansuerde wiþ Milde steu[ene],

240 “A sonde Me cam while er fram h[euene],

The MS. ends here. Continued from Harl. MS. 2382.

[leaf 67]

Oure ladi wept and Iohan also,

For trewe loue was bitwene hem two.

Iohan seide, “ladi, what is þee?

244 For þi sones loue, seie þou me.”

Marie answerde with rewful steuene,

And seide, “me cam bode fram heuene,

Harl. MS. 2382, lf. 78, bk.

fro my sone a messynger;
he wołł no lenger that y be here.

but y wote that rueth me,

244 that y shałł departe fro the;
for thi loue and thi seruice
that thu me dost in al wise.

thu hast made me ofte glad;

248 thu has done as my sone bad.

my sone shal it yelde to the;
y wol hym pray when y hym se.”

Fro my sone a massagere;

248 He wol no lengere þat I be here,

Wite þou wel hit rewiþ me

That I schal, Iohan, parte fram þee.

For þi loue and þi seruyce

252 That þou hast doun on eche wise,

Thou hast me boþe fed and clad,

And doun also my sone þee bad.

My sone schal it wel ȝelde þee;

256 I schal him telle when I him se.”

Iohannes

Tho answerd to here seynt Iohan,

252 and was a fułł sory man),

“A, lady Marie, what shal y be
when y shałł the no lenger se?

my ioye thu art euery dełł;

256 no lenger in erthe worth y wełł,
now we shul departe a two.”

Than answerde seynt Iohan,

That was a ful sori man,

And seide, “ladi, how mai þis be

260 That I schal þee no more se?

Mi ioie, my blis, is doun eche del;

Ne schal me neuer worþen wel,

Sithen we ben parted atwo.”

Maria

Then seid Marie, “whi seist þou so?

for sothe, thogh y go be-fore,

260 yet shal thu not be for-lore.

y shall pray my lef sone,
that thu may vnto vs come.

And o thyng, Iohan, y bidde the,

[leaf 79]

264 for the loue thu hast to me,

264 Þo seide our ladi, “why saistou so?

[leaf 67, back]

Wite þou wel, I go be-forn;

Thi seruyse schal noȝt be forlorn;

I schal to my sone seie of þee

268 That þou with hym and me schal be.

But herestou now, my frende Iohan,

When þou sest þat I am gon,

nota hic verbis Marie
loke anone when y am nome,
that the fals Iewys ne come
my body for to done shame,

268 for thei haten moche my name.

thei wole feyn shame me,
that honged my sone on þe rode tre.

y wote wełł thei loue me noght;

272 ther-for thei bene mysthought.

Kepe my bodi þat I ne be binomen,

272 When þe fellon Iewes comen,

Mi bodi forto doun no schame,

For þei hate no þing+ more þan my name.

Mi sone þei hongen on a tre;

276 Wel I wote so wolde þei me.

I wote wel þei louen me nouȝt;

But þer of be þi most þouȝt.

when y am be-nome fro the,
to my body they do no foly.

Ihesu Crist oure allere dright,

276 gef ham neuer that ilke myght.”

When I am parted, Iohan, fram þee,

280 That þei do my bodi none euelte.

My sone, þat woneþ in heuene liȝt,

Lete hem neuer þer to haue myȝt.”

The apostles arrive from distant regions.

Iohannes
seynt Iohan answerd tho,

“sey me, lady, if it is so,
that we shall departe atwo.

280 “swete lady, how shałł y do?

sey me þe tyme when it shal be,
that thu shalt to heuene te.”

“Ladi, sithen hit is so,

284 That we schal departe a two,

Seie me how long hit is to þan.”

Maria
she seid, “Iohan, that þou shałł se;

284 ne bide y here but dayes thre.”

Then was Iohan ful hertely sory.

“For soþe,” marie seide to Iohan,

“Bi þis and þe þridde day,

288 No lenger abide I ne may.”

[leaf 68]

When he it herde, he was sory;

Iohannes
wepand he seyd, “dame, mercy!

how shal y leue? how shal y fare?

288 now cometh al my sorow and care.

my lord was hard y-broght to detħ,
thurgh fals Iewis that couthe no metħ.

now shal oure lady me fro;

292 now cometh to me al my woo.

wold god that y were ded,
for right now can y no red.”

He wept, and seide, “ladi, mercy.

How schal I lyue? how schal I fare?

292 How schal I blis or ioie haue?

Furst my lord was brouȝt to dede,

Thorw þe felun iewes rede,

And now my ladi wil me fro,

296 Swete lord, now me is wo.

Wolde my lord I wolde be dede,

For I ne can no better rede.”

Maria

[leaf 79, back]

“Nay,” she seid, “whi seist thu so?

296 angelis the shałł come to,
and loke to the where thu be,
erlich and late to comfort the.”

“Iohan,” sche seide, “whi seistou so?

300 Th[e] aungeles schal þee come to,

To kepe þee where so þou be,

Erliche and late to gladen þee.”

nota de apostolis omnibus miraculose.

when she spake to seynt Iohan,

300 thapostellis cam yn euerychon),
and none of hem wiste be-forn),
how thei were theder y com,

Whiles he spak so to seynt Ion,

304 Come þe apostles euerychon,

To gidre; but þei wist nouȝt

How þei weren to gidre brouȝt;

and seid, “lady, ne drede þou noght,

304 thi sone hath vs hider broght,
to knowe the for oure lady,
while that we bene the by.”

Off oþeres come ne wist none;

308 But of hure come bliþe was Ion.

He cust hem alle, so fayn he was,

And seide, “deo gracias;

Blessed, ihesu, be þi myȝt,

312 For it is faire and hit is ryȝt

[leaf 68, back]

That þi moder come to þee,

That sche faire welcom be

Of þine apostles þat most þee louen,

316 I ne wote how þei ben hidre ycomen.”

Than seide Petyr to seynt Ion,

“Whi art þou so sory A mon?

John bids them go and greet Mary.

(Not in Harl. 2382)

“Whi wepistou, and what is þee?

320 For felaschip telle þou me.

I schal þee seie, seynt Ion,

Whi I am so sory a mon,

But seie me furst, for godes loue,

324 Whi ȝe arn hider icome,

And weryn so wide isprad:

Seieþ what haþ ȝou hidre ilad.”

Tho seide Petyr a ferli þinge:

328 “I was fer hens atte my prechinge.

I was so henne in anoþer londe

And helde my boke in my honde,

And tauȝt men of my sermoun,

332 I ne wote how I cam to þis toun.”

So seide alle þat weren þere,

Suche wondre sawe I neuer ere.

None of hem ne wist þorw wham,

[leaf 69]

336 Ne what wai þei þidre cam,

Than seide seynt Iohan, “for soþe, I wys,

I schal ȝow telle what it is.

Comeþ wiþ me in to þis hous;

340 Oure ladi þer abideþ vs.

Sche ordeyneþ hure to fare vs fro,

For hure sone hit wolle so.

Hure sone haþ sent his messagere;

344 He wol no lengere þat sche be here.

And hider he haþ ȝow alle ysent

To kepe hure bodi when sche is went.

Bi fore hure knele ȝe alle bi-dene

348 And seieþ, ‘ladi, heuene quene,

Off alle wymmen, best þee be;

Thi sone vs haueþ sent to þee,

To kepe þee and do þi wille:

352 Vs þenkeþ wel þat it is skille,

That heuene and erþe bowe þee to,

For þi sone hit wol so,

Thi sone, þat is heuene kynge,

356 And alle þing haþ in his kepinge.’”

Than comen þe apostles alle,

And bi hure bigan to falle.

Vp ros oure swete ladi

360 And kist þe apostles bi and bi.

[leaf 69, back]

Off here come sche was glad;

Alle þei dide þat sche bad.

Sche asked hem how þei come þere,

364 That sprad so sundry were.

The seide in ful good þouȝt,

“Thi sone vs haþ hidre ybrouȝt

To kepe þee, and by þee by;

368 Ther fore we comen to þe, lady.”

Mary bids them keep her body from the Jews.

Maria

“Blessid,” she seid, “be my sone.”

308 glad was she was of here come.

“y am his moder,” so seid he,

“glad ther for may y be.

Ful bliþe sche was of here come;

“Blessed,” sche seide, “be my sone!

now when it is my sones wille

312 to hym y come, and that is skyle,
to my body ye loke al so,
that my foos ne come ther to.

When it is my sones wille

372 That I come him to, hit is skille.

Mi bodi ȝe schal kepe so

That þer-to come nouȝt my fo.

Kepeþ faire my body,

376 That none do me no vilany.

The Iewis ben ful of felony;

My sone þei slow þorw enuye.

moche hateth they my name;

316 ther for wold thei do me shame.

y you bidde pur charite,
for the loue ye haue to me,
when y fare to heuene blisse,

320 waketh ther my body ys.

The haten no þing more þan my name,

380 God late hem neuer do me schame.

Ther fore I praie ȝow, pur charyte,

And for þe loue þat ȝe haþ to me,

When I am faren to heuen blis,

384 Wakeþ alle þer my body is.

loketh bothe nyght and day,
that þe Iewis bere it not away.

thay wold it brenne or do shame.

324 Ihesu, for thi holy name,
gef ham neuer strengthe to haue
my bodi in erthe for to laue.”

[leaf 70]

Kepiþ it boþe nyȝt and dai,

That no Iewe stele it awai.

Thei wolde it brenne or do it schame;

388 But ihesu, for þi holi name,

Late hem neuer þer-to haue myȝt,

For sikirli hit were vnryȝt.”

[leaf 80]

Thei answerd, “for sothe, y-wys,

328 it shal be as thi wille ys.”

The whiles Marie badde here bone
to the apostellis euerychone,

Thei seiden, alle soþe, I wys,

392 “Hit schal be, ladi, as þi wille is.”

Whiles oure ladi spak+ so

To þe apostles þat come hure to,

Angelus
an Angel a-light on that stede,

332 and seid, “Marie, god herd þi bede,
and all they that bene with the;

“loke that thu arayed be.

thu shalt to heuene and be quene;

336 ful blithe may thi hert bene.

thu shalt in hast be in heuene.”

Come an aungel and stode hure bi,

396 And seide, “wel þee be, ladi,

And so be alle þat ben þee bi;

“Loke þou be ful redi.

Þou schalt to heuene and be made quene;

400 Ful bliþe mai þine hert bene.

Alle schal þee serue, þe company of heuene.”

when our lady herd this steuene
the angel seid here then to,

340 ful of blisse was she tho.

to here bed she went to aray,
a-boute þe tyme of hy mydday.

Iohan the apostell sate here by,

344 to kepe here body sikerly.

As soone oure ladi herd þat steuene

That þe aungel seide hure to,

404 Wel ful of Ioie was sche þo;

Sche ȝede to hure bedde and lai,

A bowte þe tyme of myddai;

Iohan and þe apostles weren hure bi,

408 To kepen hure as oure ladi.

[leaf 70, back]

Sche badde Iohan and þe apostles alle,

To kepen hure what so bi falle.

Jesus tells the angels about His life on earth.

Sitteþ now stille, boþe more and lesse,

412 And herkeneþ of þe moche blesse

Off Ihesu, þer he come so lyȝt:

He dide his moder ful moche riȝt,

As a sone auȝt his moder to done,

416 He callid þe aungeles euerychone,

And alle þe mayne þat was in heuene,

And seide to hem with mury steuene:

“Commeþ with me to my lemman!

420 Sche is my moder; hure sone I am;

Off hure I toke flesche and blode.

And sithen I hange on þe rode,

I þat euer was and ay schal ben,

424 In al þis blisse þat ȝe here sen,

I hadde reuþe on al mankyne,

That alle went to helle pyne.

I made man to serue me,

428 And þorw þe appel of a tre,

That adam toke and ete it Inne,

To helle he went, and al his kynne.

“Hit rewid me, and for-þouȝt sore,

432 And I it wolde þole no more.

[leaf 71]

I lyȝt doun, and man bi-cam,

And of þat maide flesche nam.

odor suauissimus de paradiso venit
emonge them alle sone ywys,
a swete smełł cam fro paradys,
swete it was, and ferly,

348 that alle þat were tho here by,
bothe yong and olde and euerychone,
thei fełł a-slepe, and þat anone.

alle the slepte, saue oure lady.

“Bi fore alle oþer I hure ches,

436 And I was born of hure flesches.

Thritti wynter and somme del more,

Men to wissen, I was þore.

Men dide me moche euelte;

440 Myn owyn þat ouȝt for to be,

Thei token me and bette me sore,

He announces that He will bring Mary to heaven.

nota de transitu sancte Marie

352 herkeneth now, y tełł yow why.

and als sone thei were a-slepe,
it gan to thondre al vnmete,
and the erthe so swithe gan quake,

356 as al the world shuld to-shake.

Marie awaked then seynt Iohan
and the apostels euerychon,
thre maydens þat were the[re]-ynne,

360 and no man els of hire kynne.

“waketh now, and slepe ye nought!

Sone y worth to heuene be broght;
now is tyme y were a fare,

364 Shałł y neuer more suffre care.”

And atte þe last þei dide wel more,

With oute gult þei me swongen,

444 And to a piler þei me bounden.

Nailes þei smyten in my fette;

Off blode myne handes weren rede.

Myn hert þei stongen with a spere;

448 That sawe alle þat weren þere.

Ther I hange nailed on þe tree,

My modre was wel wo for me,

And also was hure cosin Ion.

452 I callid hure to me soone anon,

And seide, ‘Iohan, for my loue,

Kepe wel þis wyf; I am hure sone.’

Boþe þei wenten þo fro me;

456 Al one I hanged on þe tree,

[leaf 71, back]

Mi soule fram my bodi I nam,

In to þe pyne of helle sone I came.

Alle my frendes þat I þer fonde,

460 I toke hem oute with my ryȝt honde,

Adam and Eue and many mo,

I dide hem oute of helle go.

When I hadde harwed helle,

464 And don as I ȝow telle,

And fet adam fro þe quede,

The þridde dai I ros fro dede.

Fram erþe to heuene I cam;

468 God and man, bothe I am,

In heuene and in erþe is my myȝt;

“Now I wol forþe in ryȝt,

That my modre be me bi;

472 This tyme I wol for þi,

Comeþ with me with mury songe,

And do we hure come vs amonge.”

Conversation between Jesus and Mary.

Ihesus

Tho cam Iesus from heuene,
with angelis and archangelis seuene,
yn to hire boure with mery song;

368 moche merthe was them among.

no wonder thogh ther be blisse
in eche place ther Ihesus ys.

Than cam ihesu with his mayne,

476 Aungeles, archaungeles, moche plente,

In to þe chambre þer sche was Inne,
with ful many of hure kynne.

That chambere was ful of moche blis,

480 As euer is þer ihesu is.

none of them that were there

372 a soche blisse saw they nere.

amonge al blisses of the trone

Mary knew here leue sone.

[leaf 72]

Tho seide alle þat were þere,

Suche a blis sawe þei neuer ere.

Amonge þat Ioie and þat glewe,

484 Oure ladi, hure sone knewe.

Maria
when she hym saw, she was ful glad,

376 he herd the bone that she bad.

When sche him sawe, sche was glad;

Listeneþ þe bede þat sche bad:

“y-blessed mote that tyme be
that thu were borne of me.

hit is sene, y am thi moder

380 when thu comest þi self hider.

Furst þou sendest thyn apostelis to me;
now thu comest with thi meyne,
to fette me vnto that blisse

384 that euer lasteth with ałł gladnesse.

Sone thu art hider y-come
with thyn angelis from a-bone.

do þou now what thi wille ys;

388 me hath longed to the, y-wys.”

“Sone, blessid mote þou be,

488 That þou bicome man of me;

Hit is wel sene, I am þee dere,

Now þi self art comen here.

Thine apostles þou sendist furst to me,

492 And now þou art come with þi meyne,

To fecchyn me in to þi myȝt:

Was neuer modre sone so bryȝt.

Mi leue sone, now art þou come

496 With þi meyne, here a bone.

Do, my sone, þat þi wille is;

To þee me þinkeþ longe I wis.”

Ihesus

Then Iesus to Marie sede,

[leaf 81]

“Moder, with ioye y wołł the lede.

of all wymmen the worth best,

392 in heuene blisse that shal lest.

ther y am kyng; thu shalt be quene;
in grete ioye thu shałł bene.”

[No gap in MS.]

“Modre,” he seide, “come with me;

500 Of alle wymen best þee be.

[No gap in MS.]

Thou schalt to heuen and be made quene;

Wel bliþe may þine hert bene.”

Maria

“leue sone, y be-seche the

396 o thyng that thu telle me.

shall y any deuyłł se,
or any with the shałł be?

“for y loue them neuer one,

400 thei bene noght, so mote y gone.”

“Sone,” sche seide, “I be-seke þee

504 O þing þat þou graunt me,

[leaf 72, back]

That I noȝt þe deuel se,

Ne none þat euer with him be.

“I loue hem nouȝt; þei arn my fone;

508 Ne wolde I neuer sene hem none.”

Jesus promises mercy to man for Mary’s sake.

Iesus

“Moder, y sey, drede thu noght;
ne stode it neuer on my thoght,
for thu shalt no deuyłł se,

404 y wołł go be-fore the;
ne þou shalt no deuyłł herene,
but only me and my ferene.

Maiden and moder, euer thu be wełł;

408 thu shalt of sorwe wete no dełł.

alle the spirettes that meten with the,
buxom to the shałł they be.

Moder, one thyng y gef to the;

412 thu shalt be in heuene with me.

“Moder,” he seide, “ne drede þee nouȝt;

Ne come it neuer in my þouȝt;

Ne wille I neuer more þole

512 That any of hem come þee bi fore;

Ne schal þou neuer se-ne here

But me and aungeles, þine fere.

Moder, a ȝift I schal þee ȝyue,

516 Thou schalt with me in heuene lyue,

And more schal I ȝeue þee;

Al heuene companye schal serue þee.

“moder, for the loue of the,
y wołł haue mercy and pite
of al man kynde thurgh þi prayere,

416 yf þou ne were, they were for-lore.

“Modre, for þe loue of þee

520 I schal haue mercy and pite

Off al man kynne for þi praiere,

That were forlorn ȝif þou ne were.

nota bene de seruientibus sancte Marie deuote

“and of them namelich
that the serueth trulich,
and that to the done mercy crye

420 and sey, ‘help vs, dere ladye,’

In what synne that thei be,

[leaf 81, back]

moder, for the loue of the,

“Alle þat doun þee worschipe,

524 And seruen þee wel, and treuliche

Bi seke to þee, and mercy will crie,

And seyn, ‘help, seynt marie,’

In what peyne so he be,

528 Moder, for þe loue of þee,

[leaf 73]

I schal hem reles sone anon;

For þi loue I schal þus done.

“thogh a man had lad his lyf

424 in onde, in synne, and in strif,
yf he on his last dawe
wepe and crye, and to the be-knawe,
and telle it oute vnto the preste,

“Ȝif any haue ben al his lyue

532 In hede synne, maide or wyue,

And he wille, on his last þrowe,

Schryue him and ben y-knowe,

And telle it, ȝif he haue þe prest,

nota bene de confessione

428 “or in case, vnto his nexte,
yf that he may do no more,
but that he aruwe it sore,
in what synne that he be,

432 moder, for the loue of the,

I wołł of hym haue mercy.

and sitthe he shałł come me by,

536 “Or a noþer man þat is him nest,

And ȝif he ne mai do no more,

But þat him forþinkeþ sore,

In what synne so he be,

540 Moder, for þe loue of þee,

I schal on him haue mercy,

And sithen þei schulle wone þee bi.

Mary is borne to Heaven.

“thogh a man had fully wroght

436 all the synne that he had thought,
and he on his laste day
in none other wise may,
yf he wepe and telle to the,

440 in what synne that he be,

“Ȝif a man hadde al one wrouȝt

544 Alle þe synnes þat myȝt be þouȝt,

And he on his last dai,

Ȝif he none ere ne mai,

Repent him, and calle to þee,

548 In what synne so he be,

full wełł y shałł his bone here,
for thi loue, my moder dere.

I schal here his praiere,

For þi loue, modre dere,

Al þat þou wolt bi seke fore,

552 Be it lasse, be it more,

[leaf 73, back]

Hit schal ben aftur þi wille,

For I it wille, and þat is skille,

Þat no þing with seie þee,

556 Off þat þou wolt biseke me.”

Alle tho that thu wolt bidde fore

444 and blesse the tyme þat thu were bore.

of alle thyng y-blessid thu be,
for that y bidde, thu grauntes me.”

Oure ladi knelid him bi forn,

And seide, “þe tyme þat þou were born,

Ouer alle oþer blessed þou be,

560 For alle þat I wol, þou grauntest me.”

Then Ihesus his hand vp heue,

448 and to his moder his blessyng yeue,
and called to hym seynt Mighełł,
and seid, “kep thu my moder wełł,
that she fele no maner fere;

452 ther is no thyng to me so dere.”

¶ “So I auȝt, moder, and so I wille;”

He left vp his hond and blessed hure stille;

His blessing sche þouȝt good,

564 And he hure soule vndrestode.

He callid to him seynt myȝhel,

“Thou kepe me þis soule wel,

Thou and alle þine fere;

568 Is no þinge me so dere.”

Ihesus assumpsit animam matris
and when he had the soule hent,
and she was fro the body went,

Then all the verdoune of heuene

[leaf 82]

456 fett that soule full aboue;
with the verdoune to heuene thei come,
with gret ioye she was yn nome.

she was made quene of heuene

460 and blessid hire sone with mylde steuene.

Alle þat mayne þat cam fro heuene,

Thei syngen with a myry steuene;

Men myȝt wite bi here songe

572 That moche ioie was hem amonge.

With alle þat mayne to heuen he hure nam;

And as soone as he þer cam,

He made hure quene of heuen liȝt;

576 Blessid be hure sones myȝt! amen!

The apostles in procession bear the body through Jerusalem.

nota modum assumpcionis anime Marie per ihesum

Now shałł ye here how she was nome,
wher she was, and wheder be-come.

when þe soule fro þe body was nome,

464 god bede seynt Petre to hym come:

“for the loue y owe to the
my moder-is body thu kep to me.

[leaf 74]

NOw schal we here of þe bodi,

Where it bi cam, and where it li.

When þe soule was þere fro hure nomen,

580 Than bad god Peter to him comen,

And seide, “Peter, I comaunde þee,

Mi moder bodi kepe þou me.

Iohan and alle þine fere,

584 Nis no þinge me so dere;

when y first to erthe came,

468 of this body flesħ y name.

y was of this body bore,
ther-for, Petre, go thu be-fore,
and thi bretheren forth with the

472 vnto Iosaphatħ that vale,
and leueth it there sone anone;

When I furst in þis worlde cam,

Off hure bodi flesche I nam;

Off hure bodi, I was born,

588 Petyr, go forþe þou be forn,

Thou and alle þine feres with þee,

To Iosephat, to þat vale,

And leiþ þe bodi in a stone;

and drede ye nothyng of your foone,

To Ierusalem thurgh that toune

476 goth feire with youre processione.

592 Haueþ no drede of ȝoure fone;

Goth with faire processioun

To ierusalem þorwe þe toun.

Doþ þe belles alle to ryngen,

596 And loke þat ȝe mury syngen.

Loke þat ȝe haue candele,

Torches boþe faire and fele.

foure of them shul bere þe bere,
for one shal kepe my moder dere.

and for no thyng dredeth ye,

480 for y my self wol with yow be.”

when Ihesus had thus y-seyd,
and the body in bere was leyd,
he yeaue them alle his blessyng,

484 and styed to heuene, þer he was kyng.

which blessyng he geue tiłł vs,
oure blessid lord, swete Iesus.

Foure of þe apostles schal bere þe beere;

600 Ther-on schal ligge me modre deere.

[leaf 74, back]

Haueþ no drede of no Iew,

For I my self schal be with ȝow.”

When ihesu hadde him so seide,

604 And þe bodi was on bere leide,

He ȝaf hem alle his blessinge

And stye to heuen, þer he is kynge.

Tho to them seyd seynt Iohan,

488 “go we theder right anone,
and gray we tħis processioune,

[leaf 82, back]

And go we syngand thurgh þe toune.”

¶ To hym þo seide seynt Ion,

608 “Felawes, go we soone anon,

And turne we þis processioun,

And synge we faire þorw þis toun.”

foure of the apostelis that ther were,

492 that holy body fourth dud bere.

ful mery thei song, and that was right;
many tapers ther-with thei light.

The Iewis that were Cristes foone,

496 this thei herd sone anone.

[See the parallel lines to these, below, on page 130, col. 2.]

The Jews attack the procession, but are rendered motionless.

thei asked what was the crye.

we seid it was seynt Marie,
that seynt Petre and his fere

500 bare Marye apone a bere.

nota contra iudeos

“Allas,” quod the Iewis, “for shame,
yf thei scape, we bene to blame.

arme we vs swithe anone

504 and let vs take them euerychone.

that body also, take we it,
and cast it in-to a foule pytt.

Cast we it in a foule sloo,

508 and moche shame we it do.”

Tho cam thei lepe thedeward;
that be-fełł them swithe hard.

two of the Iewis that there were,

512 were honged ouer the bere.

nota miraculum

Ihesus Crist wold se no shame,
by his moder swetely came.

ful sone had thei goddes grame;

516 he them made bothe holt and lame.

A Jew repents and receives his strength again.

of alle þe Iewes ther was none
that euer myghte further gone.

one of them that there were,

520 had knowed Petre be-fore.

Ther was a Iew hem amonge,

612 Off þe apostles harde þe songe.

To þe beere he cam lepand,

And as he wolde lai on his hande;

Iudeus
the Iewe gon clepe to Petre sone,
and seid to hym with wepand bone:

and seid then, “knowest þou noght,

[leaf 83]

524 when Crist was to deth broght,
how thu hym folwest, and y þe knew,
now, y the pray, on me thou ruwe,
and pray to Crist, if it may be,

528 that he now haue mercy on me.”

To þe bere he cleued fast,

616 And to Petir he criede atte þe last,

And seide, “Petir, þenkest þou nouȝt,

When þi lord was to vs brouȝt,

Thou him forsoke, and I þe knewe?

620 Praie for me,” seide þe Iewe,

“Praie þi lord, ȝif I mai so be,

That he haue mercy on me.

[No gap in MS.]

Thenke,” quod þe Iewe, “what I þee dede.

624 When þou was with vs in þat stede,

[leaf 75]

When þi lord was ytakyn,

And þou haddest him forsakyn,

Oure mayne þee knewe þat ilke nyȝt

628 Bothe bi speche and by syȝt,

And seiden alle, for I stode þee bi,

[No gap in MS.]

That þou was of Ihesus companye.

Thou seidest with wordes and with þouȝt,

632 ‘For soþe þat þou knewe him nouȝt.’

Praie þi lord of moche myȝt,

And his moder þat art so bryȝt,

That he me help at þis stounde,

636 For I was neuer so harde ybounde.

As I þee helped atte þi nede,

Ȝelde me, Petir, now my mede.”

Petrus

Seynt Petre answerid tho
to the Iewe that was so woo,

“yf thu wolt on hym be-leve,

532 whom thy kynne broght to dethe,
and that he is goddis sone,
and sithens man for vs be come,
and that Marie hym bare hire be best,

536 a clene Maide and right honest,
and clene vnwemmed with outen man,

Seynt Petir answerde þo

640 To þe Iewe þat was so wo,

“Ȝif þou woldest leue on him,

That on þe rode dide þi kyn,

That he is soþefast godes sone,

644 God and man for him bi come,

That marie bare in hure lyf,

Clene maide and clene wyf,

Clene widewe with oute wem,

we shal alle bidde for þe than,
to Ihesu Crist that is a-boue,

540 for his owne moder loue,
he gef the myght for to go,
and brynge the oute of this woo.”

648 For þee I wol praie þen,

[leaf 75, back]

Ihesu cryst vs liȝteþ aboue,

That he, for his moder loue,

So ȝeue þee myȝt for to go,

652 And bringe þee oute of þi wo.”

nota conuersionem Iudei

The Iewe that honged apone the bere,

544 answerd then as ye may here,
and seid, “y be-leue, vnder that fourme,
on Ihesu Crist, Maries sone,
that Iewis peyned on the rode,

548 with-outen gilt, for oure gode,
and for vs he lost his lyf,
that Marie bare, maide and wif.

y be-seche that he me brynge

552 of this peyne, thurgh your biddynge.”

The Iewe þat henge apoun þe bere,

Answerde anone as ȝe mai here,

“I leue wel, and better I schal done,

656 On ihesu crist, godes sone,

That Iewes diden on þe rode,

And for vs he schedde his swete blode,

That marie bare in hure lyf,

660 Clene maiden and clene wyf;

He brynge me, I praie it him,

Oute of þe wo þat I am Inne.”

Peter christens the Jew and ordains him priest.

Crist vnderstode the Iewis bone.

he was holpe, and that anone;
on feet and hand he yeaue hym myght,

[leaf 83, back]

556 and alle his lymes for to right.

he gan to stonde vp anone
before the Iewis euerychone.

he that was bothe halt and lame

560 be gan to preche in Cristes name,
and seid, “worship we euerychone
that soche a miracle hath done.”

As soone as he hadde seide þis bede,

664 He was al hole in þat stede:

Off fote, of honde, he hadde myȝt;

Alle his lymes bi come ful ryȝt.

He stode vp swiþe anone

668 Bi-fore þe Iewes euerechone,

That suche a myracle haþ done,

Ihesu crist, godes sons,

Of a wilde hounde haþ made a lomb,

672 To preche his worde in eche a lond.

Tho seynt Petre, that holi mane,

564 that Iewe Crystened after anone;
he taught hym his by-leue;
he knew he was to god y-yeue;
he ordeyned hym to prest anone,

568 and bade hym that he shuld gone,
and preche ouerałł, of goddis sone,
in euery lond where he be-come.

[leaf 76]

Seynt Petir, þat holi man,

The Iew he crystened anone,

He tauȝt him al his bi leue;

676 He wist he was to godes biheue;

He ordeyned him to prest anone,

And bad him soone for to gone

And prechen al of godes sone,

680 In eche a lond where he come.

The palme þat Petre had in hond,

572 he toke it hym, thurgħ goddes sond,
and bade hym goddes word to telle
to the Iewis that were so felle.

That palm þat Petir helde in his honde,

He toke it him þorw godes sonde,

And bad him godes wordes telle

684 Among þe Iewes þat were so felle.

Iudeus conuersus predicabat ita christum

Tho he spake the fourthe day,
he turned into goddes fay
xx thousant, and somdel mo,
thurgh the word þat he spake tho.

all the apostolis that þer were,

580 that holy body fourth thei bere

So he spak þe furst day,

That he turned to godes lay

Twenty þousand and sommedel mo,

688 Thorw wordes þat he spak þo.

[See the parallel lines to these, on p. 127, col. 1, at foot, and p. 128, col. 1, at top.]

Foure of þe apostles þat were þere,

That swete bodi forþe þei bere,

The Iewes þat were godes fone,

692 Thei herde þe cri sone anone,

And þei asked what was þat crie,

And men seiden it was mari,

That seynt Petir and his fere

696 Bare þare apoun a beere.

[leaf 76, back]

“Alas,” seide þei, “for schame,

Ascape þei vs, we schulle haue blame.

Arme we vs alle sone anone,

700 And take we hem alle þer þei gone.

That bodi þat þei bere, nyme we it,

And cast we it in a foule pit,

Or brenne we it, and do it somme where,

704 Or cast we it in a foule sere.”

[Not in it]

Thei comen lepand þiderwarde,

And þat hem fel swiþe harde.

Ihesu wolde nouȝt þat schame;

708 He made hem boþe blynde and lame.

Off hem alle, was þer none

That myȝt a fote on erþe gone.

Here mouþes were to here nek went;

712 Thei þouȝt alle þat þei were schent.

Boþe here feet and here handes

Where bounde with stronge bandes:

Ful sore bounden þei were,

716 For þei ne myȝt go ne here.

Than comen here frendes hem to,

And seide, “alas, whi leie ȝe so,

In ȝoure armour so fast ycliȝt,

720 That beþ so faire and so bryȝt?

[leaf 77]

Ȝoure speres, ȝour schildes, helpeþ ȝow nouȝt;

Telleþ vs what ȝe haue þouȝt.”

Thei answerd nouȝt þat leyen þere,

724 For þei ne myȝt hem noȝt here,

But somme of hem þat myȝt speke

Seide, “alas! who schal vs wreke?”

And euer þei cryede many a stounde,

728 “Alas, how harde we lie here ybounde!”

Off fyue þousand was þer none

That myȝt of þat stede gone.

Than seide some þat stode hem bi,

732 That hadde ysene þat ferli,

That ‘seynt Petir and his fere

Bare oure ladi on a beere,

“Thise men wolde hure haue nomen,”

736 And þus þei ben ouer comen.

The ladi þei wolde haue doun schame;

Ther fore þei hauen godes grame.’

The folke hem bad mercy to crie

740 To ihesu cryst of here folie,

And leue þat he is godes sone,

And siþen crysten men bi come.

The Virgin Mary’s body is laid in the tomb.

“We hope þat ihesu schal sone tyme

744 Delyuere ȝow of ȝoure pyne.”

[leaf 77, back]

Thei criede “mercy” with good wille,

Somme lowde and somme stille,

And ihesu, þorw his mochil myȝt,

748 Here feet and handes gan to ryȝt.

Thorw myracle þat þer was doun,

Bi-come cristene many on,

And leuede on cryst and criede mercy,

752 That none oþer god was so myȝty.

to the vale of Iosephas
to ley here, there here wille was,

[No gap in MS.]

582

and leid the body in a stone,

The apostles went forþe on here way,

To Iosephat, to þat Valay.

When þe apostles comen were,

756 Wel softe þei setten doun þe beere.

With gret deuocioun, euerychone,

Thei leide þe bodi in a stone,

Sepultura sancte Marie
ther-in was body neuer none.

frendes and sibbe that þer were,
for here wepte many a tere.

[leaf 84]

when she was in the ston done,

588 ayene thei turned euerychone.

all the apostelis then were sory
for the deth of oure lady;
and ther a voice cam them among,

592 that ne lasted not full long,
and bade them alle for to gone
where thei had for to done.

The apostelis went hem ayene

596 in-to the Burgħ of Ierusalem;
and as thei sate atte mete,
of many thynges thei gon speke.

als thei were out of that place,

resussitacio corporis Marie

Iesus, with his holy grace,
he gon to take vp anone
his moder body of the stone.

he hym self dud þerynne,

604 that neuer had y-done synne.

he wolde not in no manere
that the body lafte there.

in that body he dud a leme,

608 brighter then the sonne beme,
and made here quene of heuene blisse;
in that place she was and ys.

And bileft alle in þat stede,

760 As oure ladi hadde hem bede,

And woke þer al þat nyȝt

With many torches and candle lyȝt.

On þe morwe when it was dai,

764 Thei loked where þat bodi lai.

Thei ouerturned þat ilke stone;

Bodi þei founde þer none;

But þei sawe in þat stede þana

768 Liand as it were a mana.

[leaf 78]

That manna bitokned hure clene lyf,

That sche was modre, maide, and wyf.

Tho wist þe apostles, I wis,

772 The bodi was in to paradis,

Also godes wille was.

Thei seide, “Deo gracias.”

Mary lets fall her girdle to Thomas.

Thomas yndie

Seynt Thomas of ynde thederward com,

612 also swithe as he myght gone,
and wold haue bene at here berying,
yf he myght haue come be tyme.

as he loked hym be syde,

[leaf 84, back]

616 he saw then a bright thyng glide
in that stede as he come,
ther oure lady to heuene was nome.

Seynt Thomas of ynde þiderward cam

776 Also blyue as he myȝt gan,

And wolde haue ben at hure fyne,

Ȝif he myȝt haue come bi tyme.

As he loked him bi side,

780 He sawe a briȝtnesse bi him glide;

Bi þat stede þer he come,

Oure ladi to heuene was nome.

he kneled adoune and seid, “lady,

620 now on me thu haue mercy.

lady, quene of heuene bright,
for thi mochel holy myght,
send me a token this ilke day,

624 soche thyng þat y bryng may
to my felawes, ther y ham fynde,
that y was toward þi berynge:

thei wol not leue þat y was there;

628 now graunte me, lady, my prayere.”

He knelede doun and seide, “ladi,

784 Off me, I praie ȝow, haue mercy.

Ladi, quene of heuene lyȝt,

For þine swete mychel myȝt,

Sende me token þis ilke day,

788 What þing þat I say may

To myn felawis, þer I hem fynde,

That I was toward þi buriynge.

Thei wil nouȝt leue þat I were;

792 Now graunt me, ladi, my praiere.”

nota de zona sancte Marie
a-boute here gurdel a mydełł sought,
that she hire self had y-wroght,
of siluer and gold wonde in palle;

632 a-doune to hym she lete it falle.

he toke that gurdełł in his hond,
and thanked here of here sond.

[leaf 78, back]

A-bowte hure myddel a seynt sche souȝt,

That sche hure self hadde wrouȝt,

Off silk and gold wounden in pal;

796 Doun to thomas sche lete it fal.

He toke þer þe gurdel in his honde,

And þanked hure of hure sonde.

fourth he went of that stede;

636 toward the toune he hym yede.

his felaus then he dud seche
yf he myght hem ouer mete.

atte temple of dominus

640 he them founde alle in ane hous.

ther ful feire he them grette;
and ayenward thei hym chidde.

Forþe he went of þat stede;

800 Toward þe toune he him dede,

His felawis for to seke on his fete,

Ȝif he hem ouȝt myȝt mete.

Atte þe temple dominus

804 He fonde hem alle in an hous.

When he hem sawe, he gret hem,

And þei answerde alle hym,

And seiden, “thomas of ynde,

808 Euer art þou bi-hynde.

The apostles find the tomb empty.

“where has thu so long y-bene?

644 we haue beried our heuene quene.

“thu lakkest euer at euery nede;
thu helpest neuer at gode dede.”

“sore me thenketh þat y nas here;

[leaf 85]

648 but y ne myght come no nere.

I-blessid be the quene of blys,
in the place there she ys,
for wełł y wote in my thought,

652 there ye here layde is she nought.”

“Whare hast þou so longe bene?

We haue buried heuene quene.

Thou helpest noȝt at no good dede;

812 Thou failest euer at most nede.”

“Sore me forþinkeþ þat I ne was here,

But I ne myȝt come no nere.

Blessed be sche, quene of blis,

816 In þat stede þer now sche is!

[leaf 79]

For wel I wote bi my þouȝt,

Ther ȝe hure left, is sche nouȝt.”

Thei seid to hym swithe anone,
bothe Petre and seynt Iohan,

“thow woldest not be-leue, Thomas,

656 that oure lord y-nayled was.

euer thu leuys amysse in mynde,
and tales y-now thu dos fynde.

thu bi-leuest in god right noght;

660 soche tales ne kepe we noght.”

Than seide to him sone anone,

820 Bothe Petir and seynt Ione,

“Thou ne woldest, leue thomas,

That oure lord fram deth ras.

Come, þou art mys bileuyd,

824 And tales ynow þou canst fynde,

Thou leuest nouȝt on godes craft;

Swylk felawis wille we nauȝt.”

nota de verbis sancti Thome apostoli.

“be stille,” he seid, “brother Iohan,
why chide ye me so, one and one?

me thenketh ye can litel good,

“Be stille,” he saide, “broþer Iohan.

828 Whi chyde ȝe me euerychone?

I am ful wery man for-gone;

Me ne list answeri neuer one.

But I thanke oure lord god,

664 for y here saw bothe flesħ and blood,
how oure lady to heuene wend;
here is the token that she me send.”

832 I sawe hure with flesche and blood,

Ther oure ladi to heuene went:

Here is þe token þat sche me sent.”

Then seid seynt Petre, “that is soth;

668 this ilke webbe here self woof.

with here y dud it on the bere;
wonder me the thenketh þat it is here.

go we swithe in-to the vale,

672 to knowe the sothe of this tale
that he hath vs now y-sayde,
for it was in the tombe y-laide.”

Quath seynt Petir, “þat is sothe.

836 This seynt sche hure self wof.

We dide it on hure in þe beere;

Wonder me þinkeþ þat it is here.

Go we swiþe in to þe vale,

840 To wite þe sothe of þis tale

[leaf 79, back]

That he haþ vs here yseide,

For it was in þe tumbe ylaide.”

Jesus appears to the apostles and blesses them.

nota de sepulcro Marie vacuo.

owte of þat that place then they yede,

676 and the tumba they vndede.

nothyng ther-on there thei founde

[leaf 85, back]

but a floure atte grounde.

Oute of þe place swiþe þei ȝede,

844 And þe tumbe þei vndede;

No þing þer Inne þei ne founde,

But a manere floure at þe grounde.

Manna

That flour manna was cleped

680 that in the tumba was steked.

they went ałł a-boute þe tumbe
and kneled on the bare grounde,
and seid, “Ihesu, goddis sone,

684 ałł that thu sendes, it is wel-come.

Mightefułł is the heuene kyng;
and that we know bi thi sayng.

no man may know his priuyte,

688 nother his swete dignite.”

That floure was ‘manna’ yclepid;

848 Hit was in þe tumbe ystekyd.

Thei ȝeden alle abowte þe tumbe

And knelede on þe bare grounde,

And seiden, “ihesu, godes sone,

852 Al þi sonde be welcome.

Myȝtful art þou, heuene kynge;

That mai we wite bi þis tokenynge;

For no man mai wite ne se

856 What is þi derne priuete.”

Amonge þe apostolis alle a light,
the kyng that is in heuene bright,
and blessid ham alle in fere

692 emonge the angelis þat there were,
and seid, “my pees be with yow nowthe,
blessid ye be of goddis mowthe.”

Cryst of heuene, þat is so bryȝt,

Amonge þe apostles sone he lyȝt,

And gret hem alle yfere,

860 With aungeles fele þat with him were,

And seide, “now pees be with vs!

Blessed be ȝe,” seide Ihesus.

nota miraculum apostolorum.

A mysty cloude cam after thane,

696 and ouersprad them euerychone,
and bare them alle þer they were,
in-to the stede that they were ere.

A lyȝt cloude come after þan,

864 And ouer sprad hem euery man,

[leaf 80]

And bar hem alle þat ben þere,

In to here stedes þer þei preched ere;

And fonden alle þat folke ȝete,

868 Sittand stille atte here fete.

And þei bigonne for to preche,

And þe folke for to teche.

moche wonder then hem thought

700 how thei were theder y-brought,
for thei ne wiste whi ne whane;
and thei seid euerychone
that rightfull is heuene kyng,

704 Ihesus lord ouer ałł thyng.

Moche wondre hem þo þouȝt

872 How þei weren þidre brouȝt.

Miȝtful art þou, heuene kynge,

Ihesu Crist, in alle þinge!

The apostles kneled in þat stede;

876 To ihesu þei bede a bede.

Ihesu herde here praiere,

For þei were him leue and dere.

Conclusion and invocation.

¶ This tale y haue tolde with mouthe,
with wordes that bene ful couthe.

it is cleped the Assumpcioun;

708 Iesus gef vs his benesoun.

Iesu crist, for his myght,

[leaf 86]

we pray to hym with herte light,
and with his holy grace,

712 gef vs bothe myght and space,
soche workes for to worche,
thurgh the lore of holy churche,
that we may to heue[ne] wende,

716 that is with oute begynnyng and ende.

Amen!

Explicit Sextus liber sancte Marie.

WE biseche þee for alle þat hereþ þis vie

880 Off oure ladi seynt marie,

That Ihesu schelde hem fram grame,

Fro dedly synne and fro schame.

Ne mys auenture schal bi falle þat man

884 That þis a vie here can.

Ne no womman þat ilke dai

That of oure ladi hereþ þis lai,

Dien ne schal of hure childe,

888 For oure ladi hure schal be mylde.

[leaf 80, back]

Ne none mys auenture schal be-falle

In felde, in strete, ne in halle,

In stede þer þis vie is rad,

892 For oure ladi hure sone it bad.

And þe archibisshop seynt Edmound

Haþ graunted xl. daies to pardoun

To alle þat þis vie wol here

896 Or with good wille wol lere.

Ihesu, for þi modre loue,

That woneþ in heuene vs aboue,

Graunt vs, ȝif þi wille is,

900 The mochil Ioye of paradis!

A praier þer-to seie alle we,

A Pater noster pur charite,

And an Aue marie þer-to,

904 That Ihesus vs graunt so. Amen!

¶ Celi regina sit scriptori medicina.

NOTES.

ASSUMPTION.

Links generally lead to the next lower multiple of 4, corresponding to visible line numbers. In this section, missing commas in note references have been silently supplied.

4, C. lescoun, reading. Lat. lectiones.

7, 8, C. blessi : herkni. Cf. blessyth : herkenythe F, blis : herkenis D.

15, 16, C. also : mo. H and F have also : two.

19-22. Add. Not in H or D, or F.

21-2, C. red : ded. The scribe has neglected to cross his d to make ð. D 21-2 has beth : deth.

17-44, C. Omitted in F.

29-30, C. weop : fet. let : fet in H and D.

33-4, C. fless : was. H and D have blode : mode.

41-2, C. Not in H, or F, or D.

51-56, C. In D (49-54) all is told in a command to John. F (25-32) follows D rather than C in rimes.

59-60, C. were : forbere. F (35-5) has saumpull : tempull. D (57-8) has exemple : temple.

61-2, C. þore : more. Cf. F (37-8) more : ore, D (59-60) more : lore.

63-4, C. Not in F or D.

69-70. fedde : bedde. Cf. F (43-4), D (65-6): Therfore þey loued hur well all (D is substantially, not exactly, the same as F): And sche hyt seruyd wele with all F.

The rimes are at 65-66, C, and 71-72, A.

70-1, C. slep : kep. Cf. F (45-6) and D (67-8):

Besy sche hur made þat swete may
hur sone to serue nyght and day. F.

and H 67-8:

besy shee was day and nyght
for to serue god almyght.

75-88, C. Not in F.

80-86, C. Cf. D (76-80):

al þat sche wolde he dide sone

Crist hem sette boþe Iliche

In to þe blisse of heuene riche

But whan mane þat mayden hende

Schulde out of þis world wende.

Cf. also H (75-78):

Crist ham blessid bothe y liche
that sone hem brought to heuen riche.

Tho Marie that mayden hende
shuld out of this world wende,

Crist here sent an Angel fro heuen.

97-8, C. quen : ben. Cf. F (57-8):

That hye flowre þat groweþ on a tree

Mary modyr he sent to the.

also D (91-2):

þe lilye flour þat grew on the

Mayden & moder wel the be.

also H (89-90):

lady þe flour that come of the
mayde and moder y-heried þu be.

103-4, C. þinge : bringe. Cf. brynge : tithynge. F (61-2), D (97-8), H (95-6).

107-8, C. beo : þe. Cf. come : wone. F (65-6), D (101-2), H (99-100).

110, C. meigne. Cf. F 68, D 104, H 102, plente.

121-2, Add. F, D, and H have these verses and an additional couplet: lady swete y say to the That here schall þow no lengur be. F (75-6.) D and H have substantially the same.

116, C. hire by. F, D, and H have belamy in agreement with Add.

121-2, C. kenesmen : beon. Cf. H 118: and of my frendes that y kene.

127-8, C. come : aboue. Cf. H (123-4), come : doune.

131-2, C. lefdy : belamy. Cf. H (127-8):

Then seid Marie to þat angel fre.

What is thi name tel thu me.

139-146, C. Cf. F (101-4):

The aungell to heuene wande

Whan he had seyde hys errande

Mary toke that palme in honde
and thoght moche of þat sonde.

D (135-8) has substantially the same. H (135-8) has, yede : seide, hond : sond.

151-2, C. idon : on. Cf. F (109-10) ydo : to, D (143-4) ido : to.

162, C. vnriȝt. Cf. F (154): boþe be dayes & be nyght; do. D (154), H (154).

164, C. dred. H, F, and D have qued : for I dowte me of þe quede, F 156.

177-180, C. wo : fo, so : to. F (137-40) has bone : sone, also : to. D (171-4) has the same rimes. H (171-4) has bone : sone, also : tho.

190, C. idriȝt. F (148), D (172), and H (182) have plight.

193-4, C. ded : ned. F (151-2), D (185-6) have pyne : tyme. H does not have these verses.

199-200, C. Cf. F (157-60):

And sayde lady how may thys be
yf thow wynde sory we bee.

lady thou haste seruyd vs so
allas how schall we the for goo.

D (191-4) has be : we, so : go. H (189-92) has:

and seid lady how may this be

Yf þu wendist how shal we do
lady whi dos thu serue vs so
how shal we then lady do.

213-14, C. to : so. Cf. F (173-4):

ye schall see a wondur dreche
whan my sone wole me fecche.

D (207-8):

schal no sorwe me drecche
for my sone wile me fecche.

H (203-6):

ther shal me no sorow dery
for my sone wol me wery.

my body shal haue no woo
for Ihesus sake to whom y go.

219-20, C. kyng : geng. Cf. F (179-80):

he þat y bare my leue sone
schall sende me aungellys soon

D (213-14):

he þat I bar my leue sone
wile þat good folk to me come.

H (209-10):

he þat y bare my lef sone
he wol sende other come.

226, C. Two lines are omitted here. Cf. F (187-8).

Seynt John wyste ther of noght.

what tydyng þat the angell broȝt.

With F agree D (221-2) and H (217-18).

231-4, C. chere : dere, blis : is. Cf. F (193-96):

Than thou haddyst ony schame
where þorow Ihc myȝt me blame.

and y schall neuyr blythe bee

Tyll y wott what eyleyth the.

D (227-30) agrees with F. H (223-26) has the rimes, shame : blame, the : be.

247, H. glad. F (210) has:

Thou haste me bothe fedd and ladd.

C (244) has:

boþe þou feddist me & clad.

251-262, H. Not in D.

261-2, H. sone : come. F 223-4 has abouen : comen.

274, H. foly. F (236) and D (258) have velane.

275, H. oure allere dright. F (237) has: that ys so bryght. D (199) has: king ful of Right.

277-80, H. D has only two lines (261-2):

Seynt John answerid tho

Swete ladi what schal I do.

289-92, H. deth : meth, fro : woo. Not in D. F (251-4) has dyght : ryght, froo : twoo.

298, H. At this point there follow in D (277-80):

For soþe þouh I go before

Schalt þou no þing ben for lore.

I schal bidde my leue sone,
þat þou may to vs come.

301-2, H. beforn : com. D (283-4) has manere : there.

303 ff., H. From this point F and D follow Add. (309-340).

320, Add. Here D (299-300) has two lines not in Add. or F:

Telle þou me my leue fere

Whi þou makist so drere chere

Lines printed before note to 320.

322, Add. mon. F (240): Why I wepe anone.

332, Add. F (301-2) and D (313-14) have two extra lines here:

So helpe me Ihesus
y not how y come to thys howse.

355-6, Add. wham : cam. F (305-6) whom : come. D 317-18 nouht : brouht.

347 ff., Add. At this point there is a transposition in Add. D and F agree in the main. After 346 A there follow in F (317-337):

Come now forthe now with me
all before hur knele wee

And seyde lady well thou be

320 Thy sone vs hath sent to the

To serue the & be the by

For now we be come to the lady
anodur thyng seynt John

To the apostolys oon be oon

325 loke whan ye come ther yn
ye schall see many of hur kynne

That sory semblant they make
and sore wepe for hur sake

But make we alle feyre chere

330 For hur frendys that ben there

Than went þe apostelys oon lasse þen xii

Euyn before oure lady hur selfe

Into the chaumbur þat sche was ynne
and many moo of hur kynne

335 On kneys they sett them ylke oon

As them badd seynt John

They seyde lady heuene queue etc.

357-8, Add. alle : falle. Cf. 331-2 above; also D 343-4.

360, Add. bi and bi. Cf. F 348: And welcomyd þe apostelys tendurly. D 358: & welcomid hem hendeli.

363-6, Add. þere : were, þouȝt : ybroȝt. F (351-4) has forme : come, noght : broght. 363-4, Add. are wanting in D. For 365 Add., D has: þei seyde : ladi doute þow nouht.

369, Add. come. D 365 has: Than seyde oure ladi as was hire wone.

309-10, H. he : be. F (359-60) has:

I am hys modur þat he me cutt

Full fayne I am þat he me fett.

D (367-8) has:

I am his modur þat is full of myght
ful fayne he haþ ȝow to me dight.

375-8, Add. Not in F or D.

315-16, H. name : shame. Not in D.

326, H. laue. F (376) has scathe. D (382) gabbe.

329, H. badde here bone. F (383) has speke theron.

327-30, H. Not in D.

331-2, H. stede : bede. F (381-2) and D (383-4) have hur by : mary.

339-40, H. Not in D.

341, H. went to aray. F (391) dud hur ley. D (391) ȝede and ley.

344, H. here body sikerly. F (344) hur os hys lady. D (394) wiþ al hire myght oure ladi.

409 ff., Add. F and D agree with H here. The address of Jesus to the angels is peculiar to Add.

365-6, H. heuene : seuene. F (415-16) meyne : plente.

348, H. Some leaves in D at this point are lost. D resumes at 477 H.

373-4, H. trone : sone. F (423-4) blys : with owt mys.

379-80, H. dere : here. F (429-30) moder : hider.

382, H. now thu comest with thi meyne. F (432) and thy aungels with mery glee.

384, H. with all gladnesse. F (434) with owt mys.

394, H. thu shall bene. F (444) schalt þere seene.

398, H. or any with the shall be. F (448) The syght of hym þou do fro mee.

399-400, H. one : gone. F (499-50) agrees in thought with Add. foone : oone.

403-4, H. se : the. F (453-4) agrees with Add. thole : before.

405-6, H. Not in F.

409-10, H. the : be. F (457-8):

all the goostys that wrathedd mee

Blynde schall they all bee.

411-12, H. the : me. F (459-60) yeue : leue.

416, H. forlore. F (464): That were forlorne nere thow were. Cf. Add. (467-70).

419-22, H. F. transposes order, mary : ynne, crye : thee.

529-30, Add. anon : done. F (471-2):

I schall them helpe sone

Swythe modur for þy louen.

424, H. and in strif. F (474) has: In deedly synne man or wyfe.

425-6, H. dawe : be-knawe. F (475-6), throwe : a knowe.

433-4, H. mercy : me by. F (483-4):

y schall haue of them pete
and sone they schall sauyd bee.

444-6, H. bore, be : me. F (494-98):

Schall they neuer be for lore

All hyt schall be at thy wylle

Cf. Add. 552-6:

So hyt schall be & þat ys skylle,

Modur y wyll no thyng geyn sey the

What thyng ryghtfull þow aske of me.

451-2, H. fere : dere. F (507-8):

Thou and all thy felaschypp

That no wyght do hyt no dyspyte.

452, H. hent. F (509): to heuene sente.

455-60, H. Cf. F (511-18):

all the aungels of heuen
songyn wyth a mery stevyn
hyt was well seene in ther songe

That moche yoye was þem among

With all þe aungels of heuen sche wan
and as sone as sche thedur came

Sche was made heuene quene

Soche a sone blessyd muste bene.

461-2, H. nome : be-come. F (519-20):

Now ye schall here a ferly case
how the body kepte was.

583-4, Add. Not in F.

473, H. and leueth it. F 531: Do delue a pytt sone anoone.

485-6, H. vs : Iesus. Not in F or D.

488, H. theder right anone. F 544, frendys ylkeson.

491-2, H. Not in D.

504, H. euerychone. D (420), as þei gon.

505-6, H. Not in D.

507-8, H. it : pytt. D (421-2):

& caste we hem in a slouh

& do we hem schame I nouh.

509-10, H. Not in D.

511-12, H. Not in D.

514-15, H. Not in F or D.

516, H. holt and lame. D (426), blynd & lame.

519, H. there were. F (573), hyng on þe bere.

520, H. before. D (430), ere.

623-638, Add. Peculiar to Add. Not in H, or F, or D.

535-6, H. be best : honest. F (589-90), D (443-4), that here lythe : and clene wyfe.

537-8, H. Not in D.

539-40, H. aboue : loue.

F (593): ys owre be houe.

D (445-6):

Ihesu þat was of hire born

& ellis we had alle ben lorn.

544, H. as ye may here. D (450), as anoþer it were.

545-6, H. fourme : sone. D (451-2):

I beleue at þe forme come
þat ihesu crist is goddis sone

551-2, H. Not in D.

552, H. thurgh your biddynge. F (606), þat y am yn.

554, H. anone. D (458), swiþe sone.

561-2, H. Not in D.

562, H. Here follows in F (617-18):

Of an hounde he hath made hys knyȝt

To preche of hym day and nyght.

565-6, H. by-leue, y-yeue. F (621-2):

he wyste he was to goddys be hove
he taght hym all goddys beleue.

569-72, H. D (471-4):

In eueri lond wher he becam
ouer al to preche in goddis name
a good palme of þe lond
he betauht him in his hond.

571-2, H. Not in F.

574, H. that were so felle. D (476), for to spelle.

576, H. fay. F (630), D (478), lay.

577-8, H. Not in D.

691 ff., Add. The order here is peculiar to Add. F and D agree with H.

581-2, H. Iosephas : was. F (635-6):

In to the vale of Joseph

Os ihesu cryste them badd hath.

D (481-2):

to þe vale of Josaphath þei lad
as ihesu crist him self bad.

587-94, H. Not in D.

587-8, H. done : euerychone. F (641-2):

Whan þey had beryd þat body
home þey goon sekurlye.

592, H. long. F (646), and a full mery songe.

598, H. Here follow in F (653-4):

as soone as they were at þe borde

They began goddys worde.

603-4, H. Not in F or D.

607-8, H. leme : beme. F (661-2):

he broght the sowle in to þe body aȝen

That was bryghter þen þe sunne beme.

D (499-500) has the same as F transposed, beme : aȝen.

609-10, H. blisse : ys. F (663-4) has ywys : ys. D (501-2), quen Iwis : heuene blis.

611-16, H. F (665-72):

Thedurward come seynt Thomas
as soone as he myght passe
he was not at hur forthfare

Therfore he was in moche care
he wolde fayne haue be there,
yf that goddys wyll hyt were.

as he thedur toke the way
a bryghtnes hym thoght he say.

D (503-10) agrees in thought and rime with F, save in verses 509-10, which are:

& as he thedirward went
a brightnes he saw in þe firmamente.

625-632, H. Cf. F 681-90:

To my felows some tokenyng

That y was toward thyn endyng
lady graunte me my boone

Ellys y not what y schall done

They will not leue for nothyng

That y was at thy berying
abowte hur myddyll was a gyrdyll

That hur selffe louydd mekyll

Of sylke ymade wele wythall
adowne to Thomas sche let hyt falle.

D (519-24) has:

to my felawis sum tokenyng
of thi bodili vpsteyeng.

and certis þer aboute hire myddil
sche had vpon a wel good girdil
al of silk well wrouht wiþ alle

& doun to Thomas sche lete it falle.

636, H. yede. D (528) has dede.

639-642, H. F (697-702) has:

In the tempull of Jerusalem
at mete he fonde them

Whan he þem sye he grett þem anoon
and they hym chydd euerychon
and sayde all to Thomas of ynde

Euyr more thow art be hynde.

D (531-6) agrees in thought with F, and has, ierusalem : hem, Inouh : wouh, Inde : behynde.

645-6, H. Not in D.

647-50, H. F (707-712):

Sore me for thynkyth quod Thomas

That y was not there sche beryed was
as y myght not there come

That wyste wele goddys sone

I blessyd be that quene so mylde

That ys in heuyn wyth hur chylde.

D (539-544) agrees in matter with F, and has, Thomas : was, come : sone, quen : schen.

657-60, H. F (719-24) has:

Or thou sye hys blody syde
and hys wounde depe and wyde

Of false be leue thou haste ybee

Thou art so we may well see

Thou art of an euyll beleue
we kepe no soche maner fere.

D (551-6) agrees with F, save in v. 555: þou art of a lither manere.

662, H. F (726), wole ye all vpon me goone. D (558), I wile answer the a non.

Here follow in F (727-8):

Be iħc þat was in bedlem borne
me lyste to answere of yon neuer oon.

664, H. F (730) has, os me thynkyth in my mode.

Then follow in F (731-2):

I sey hyt yow be my hode

In the place there y stode.

D (559-62) has, gode : mode, hode : blode.

667-8, H. Cf. D (565-8):

Quod petir this is no les

In þis seynt sche beryed wes

Me þinkiþ wunder þat it is here
for it was beried with bere.

F (735-38) agrees with H in thought, but inverts the last two lines, the last of which reads: For hyt was beryed with hur in fere.

675, H. yede. Cf. D (573): Ferth þei went of þat stede.

679-82, H. Not in D. D ends thus (576 ff.):

But a flour in þe grounde
þei seyde ihesu goddis sone
þi sonde to vs is welcome

Jhesu crist ful of myght
among þe apostlis þer a light

& þe aungelis þat wiþ him were

Grette þe apostelis alle in fere.

& þan oure lord ihesu crist
hem ouersprad wiþ a myst

& brouhte hem alle in a stounde

In selcouth place fro þe toumbe
þei com alle to hire contray
but non wiste be what way.

Beseke we now þat swete may
þat sche prey for vs nyght & day

& bere oure arnde to hire sone
þat we may to him come.

In to heuene þer he is king

& ȝeue vs alle good ending. amen.

686, H, sayng. F (754) reads: and þat þou wolde sende vs good tydyng.

687-8, H. Not in F.

689-90, H. F (755-6):

cryste of heuyn full ryght
among þe apostelys he sente a lyght.

695 ff., H. F ends thus (761-790):

Soone aftur to heuyn wente cryste

Vpon the apostelys spreed a myste
and broȝt them all fro þat grounde

In to sondry placys in a stounde

Come they all in to ther cuntrey
wyste noon how thedur come they.

moche wondur þan þem thoght
how they were thedur broght.

cryste we thanke in euery place

That hath sent vs thys grace.

here endyth thys lesson

That ys clepydd the assumpcion

Of seynt mary meke and mylde

That ys in heuyn wyth hur chylde.

Beseche we all that swete may

To pray for vs nyght and day
and pray for vs to hur sone

That we may to heuyn come

To haue þat blys þere he ys kyng
and gyf vs all goode endynge. amen.

General Introduction and Table of Contents (separate file)

King Horn (separate file)
Floris and Blancheflur (separate file)

Introduction to The Assumption of Our Lady
The Assumption of Our Lady
Notes to The Assumption of Our Lady

Glossary (separate file)

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FIRST EDITED IN 1866
BY J. RAWSON LUMBY,

AND NOW RE-EDITED FROM THE MANUSCRIPTS,
WITH INTRODUCTION, NOTES, AND GLOSSARY,
BY
GEORGE H. McKNIGHT.

Published for
THE EARLY ENGLISH TEXT SOCIETY
by the
OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS
LONDON   NEW YORK   TORONTO

First Published (Edited by J. Rawson Lumby) 1866
Re-edited by George H. McKnight 1901
Reprinted (1901 Version) 1962

Original Series, No. 14

Reprinted in Great Britain by Richard Clay and Company, Ltd.,
Bungay, Suffolk.

CONTENTS.

All sections except the general Preface and the Glossary are in separate files, one for each text.

| PAGE
PREFACE | vi
INTRODUCTION | vii
King Horn | vii
Floris and Blancheflur | xxx

The Assumption of Our Lady

xlv

KING HORN, FROM THREE MSS.:

CAMBR. UNIV. MS. Gg. 4. 27. 2 | 1
LAUD MISC. MS. 108 | 1
HARL. MS. 2253 | 1

FLORIS AND BLAUNCHEFLUR, FROM THREE MSS.:

TRENTHAM MS | 71
MS. COTT. VITELL. D. III | 74, 84
CAMBRIDGE MS. Gg. 4. 27. 2 | 80

THE ASSUMPTION OF OUR LADY, FROM THREE MSS.:

CAMBR. UNIV. MS. Gg. 4. 27. 2 | 111
BRIT. MUS. ADD. MS. 10,036 | 111
HARL. MS. 2382 | 118
NOTES | 137
King Horn | 137
Floris and Blancheflur | 146

The Assumption of Our Lady

147

GLOSSARY | 155

PREFACE.

The triple labour involved in editing three independent works in one volume will, it is hoped, serve as an excuse for some of the shortcomings of the present publication. Under the circumstances it has been impossible to make the work as definitive as might have been the case with a single text. For example, while I have been able to print the three existing manuscript texts of King Horn, of the other two poems, the textual material is not nearly so complete.

The texts, it is hoped, are accurately printed. The credit for this is due, in large measure, to Dr. Furnivall,—who has read with the MSS. the proofs of all the British Museum texts,—and to the proof-readers at Oxford and Cambridge. The notes to King Horn represent a good deal of labour, and may, I trust, prove useful. The glossary, though not so complete as that in Wissmann’s excellent critical edition of King Horn, is intended to fit the volume, and to supply explanation of words and uses of words not intelligible to ordinary readers of Early English Texts.

It is my pleasant duty to acknowledge assistance from various quarters. I am indebted to the libraries of the British Museum and Cambridge University, and the Bodleian library at Oxford for the use of manuscripts; also to the Duke of Sutherland for permission to copy the text of Floris and Blauncheflur from the manuscript in his private library; also to the Cornell University library for conveniences placed at my disposal in the preparation of this volume. I must also acknowledge timely words of advice from Prof. J. M. Hart, notes on Layamon from Dr. B. S. Monroe, and assistance in proof-reading by Prof. W. Strunk, jr. But above all I must acknowledge the less apparent work of Dr. Furnivall in preparing the texts for press, a work the amount of which one who has not edited for the E.E.T.S. is not likely to realize.

G. H. M. K.

Ithaca, N.Y., July 8, 1901.

GLOSSARY.

ABBREVIATIONS.

Add.   Brit. Mus. Add. MS. of Ass.

Ass.   Assumption of our Lady.

C.   Cambridge Univ. MS. Gg. 4. 27. 2. of King Horn and Assumption.

Cott.   Cottonian MS. of Floriz and Bl.

F. & B.   Floriz and Blancheflur.

H.   Harleian MSS. of King Horn and of Assumption.

KH.   King Horn.

L.   Laud Misc. MS. 108 of King Horn.

OE.   Old English.

OF.   Old French.

T.   Trentham MS. of Floriz and Bl.

V.   Cottonian MS. of Floriz and Bl.

Yogh ȝ and thorn þ are alphabetized as “g” and “t”. I and J are alphabetized together. U/V as a vowel is alphabetized before V as a consonant.

a   b   c   d   e   f   g   h   i   l   m
n   o   p   q   r   s   t   u   v   w   y

abegge, abeie, see beien.

abide, see bide.

acupement, sb. accusation, F. & B. 664, 670, etc., C. OF. acoupement.

Adam, Ass. 429, 461, 465 Add.

Admiral, sb. emir, F. & B. 164, 170 C.; amirel, amirayl, F. & B. 175, 179 Cott.; Admirad, amyraud, Admyrold, KH. 95.

adrenche, see drenche.

adriȝe, see dreȝe.

adrinke, see drinke.

adun, adv. down, KH. 458 C, 485 C; adune, adowne, adoune, KH. 1608 C L H; adun, adoun, KH. 1610.

age, sb. be of ——, KH. 1420, F. & B. 37 T, of age. Cf. KH. 1420 Note.

aȝenes, see ȝen.

agesse, see gesse.

agrise, see grise.

Ailbrus, Aylbrus, see Aþelbrus.

Ailmar, Aylmar, Almair, Eylmer, King of Westernesse, KH. 169, 233, 359, 526, 538, 549, 729, 733, 747, 753, 1331, 1514, 1614, etc. OE. Aeþelmær.

al, adv. all, quite, KH. 38 L H.

alle veile, everywhere, KH. 262 L.

Allof, father of Horn, KH. 4, 33, 73 H.

also, conj. as, KH. 32, 1102 etc. OE. eal swā.

angussus, adj. full of anguish, F. & B. 366 C. OF. angoissous.

anhitte, see hitten.

apliȝt, adv. on one’s faith; aplyȝt, F. & B. 88 T; aplyst, F. & B. 200 Cott.; apliȝt, F. & B. 649 C. OE. on + pliht.

aquelde, see quelle.

aquite, see quite.

araȝte, see areche.

areche, v. explain, recount; infin., KH. 1308 C.; 3 sing. pret. araȝte, F. & B. 812 C. OE. areccean.

arecche, see recche.

areche ?, see reche.

aredde, infin. rid, deliver, F. & B. 689 C. OE. ahreddan.

Arnoldin, Arnoldyn, KH. 1561, 1613, 1618.

aroum, adv. apart; aroom), F. & B. 824 T; aroum, Cott. Cf. Gen. & Ex. 4000, 4021. OE. on rum, apart.

arre, see er.

arson, sb. saddle bow; n. s., F. & B. 369 T. OF. arçon.

aslawe, see slon.

asoke, see sake.

assoine, infin. prevent, F. & B. 423 T.

at, prep. from. KH. 619 etc. OE. æt.

atel, adj. dreadful, cruel, F. & B. 113 Cott. OE. atol, eatol.

Aþelbrus, Aylbrous, Ailbrus, etc., KH. 239, 257, 282, 309, 351, 385, 481, 495, 501, 1621, 1627.

Aþulf, Haþulf, ayol, KH. 27, 29, 300, 309, 311, 316, 537, etc. OE. Æthelwulf, Aþulf, or Eadwulf.

aton, adj. (at + one) agreed, KH. 997 C H.

at wite, v. find fault with, twit; infin. F. & B. 490 C.; 3 s. pret. atwist, F. & B. 490 C. OE. ætwītan.

awreke, v. avenge; infin., F. & B. 731 C.; 3 s. pret. awrek, KH. 952 H. OE. wrecan.

axede, askede, 3 s. pret. asked, KH. 43; askede H, axede C, acsede L. OE. āscian, āxian.

aye, see eie.

Babylon, dat. F. & B. 147 T; Babyloyn, 190 T, 191 T; -loigne, 119 C.; babyloyne, 147 T, 191 T; Babyloyne, 153 T; Babilloine, 172 C.; Babiloyne, 181 Cott.; Babilloigne, 120, 129 C.; Babilloine, 129 C, etc. French version has Babiloine, 406, 505, etc.

bale, sb. bale, calamity, F. & B. 821 C. OE. bealu.

barbecan, sb. outer work of a fortress, F. & B. 207 C. OF. barbecane.

barm, sb. lap, bosom; in bearme, KH. 752. OE. bearm.

barnage, sb. baronage, F. & B. 639 C. OF. baronage.

bede, sb. prayer, Ass. 89 C, 95 Add., 332 H, 486 Add. etc. OE. bēd.

bede, v. present, offer; infin., KH. 492; 2 pl. pres., KH. 977 C L. OE. bēodan.

beien, v. buy; 3 s. pret. boȝte, KH. 1442 C. abeie, v. atone for, expiate; infin. abeie C; abeye L, KH. 116; abugge C H; abygge L 1155; 3 s. pret. aboute L; abohte H, KH. 1493. OE. bycgan.

belamy, sb. good friend, F. & B. 633 C. OF. bel ami.

belde, see bolde.

belete, see leten.

bemeneþ, see bimene.

bene, sb. petition, KH. 590 C L. OE. bēn.

beode, v. offer; infin., F. & B. 369 C.; 3 s. pret. bed, F. & B. 733 C. OE. bēodan.

Berild, byrild, beryld, Byryld, KH. 816, 817, 825, 837, 845, 877, 878.

berwe, v. protect; infin., KH. 980 L. OE. beorgan.

beyne, num. both, KH. 949 H. OE. bēgen.

bi, by, prep. by, along, in, KH. 5, 20, etc. OE. be.

bicolwede, see colwen.

bidde, v. pray, beg; infin. bidde, bydde, KH. 1263; 1 s. pres. bidde, Ass. 135 C, 143 Add.; bid, 170 C; 3 s. pres. biddeþ, F. & B. 588 C.; byddeþ, F. & B. 1081 T; 3 s. pret. bad, bed, KH. 85, 1272; bad, badde, Ass. 90 C, 95 Add., 329, C; pp. ibede, F. & B. 579 C.; ybede, 859 T. OE. biddan.

bide, abide, v. (1) wait, (2) expect, (3) wait for, KH. 910, 1099, 1564. OE. ābīdan.

bidene, by dene, adv. at once, F. & B. 60 T, Ass. 347 Add.

bihelde, biholde, v. look on, behold, F. & B. 102 Cott., KH 639. OE. bihealdan.

biheue, adj. profitable, Ass. 676 Add. OE. behēfe.

bihoten, v. promise; 3 s. pret. bihet, KH. 500. OE. hātan.

biknewe, pp., see knowe.

bileue, see leue.

biliue, bliue, adv. quickly, KH. 350 L, 502 C, 771 C, 1042 C; blyue, Ass. 776 Add. OE. bī līfe.

bimene, v. bemoan, lament; infin., F. & B. 72 Cott.; 3 s. pres. bemeneþ, F. & B. 957 T. OE. bimǣnan.

binom, 3 s. pret. took away from, F. & B. 112 Cott.; pp. binomen, benome, Ass. 271 A, 273 C. OE. biniman.

birine, see reyne.

bisemen, v. befit, beseem; 3 s. pres. bisemeþ C, byseme L, bysemeþ H, KH. 518. Icel. sǣma.

bispac, see speke.

biswike, see swike.

bite, infin. bite, partake of as food, KH. 1211 L, H. OE. bītan.

biteche, 1 s. pres. entrust, KH. 613 L, H. OE. tǣcan.

bitide, see tide.

biþinne, prep. within, KH. 1122 C, 1387 C.

bitwexe, prep. between, KH. 454 C. OE. betweox, betwux.

biwente, see wende.

biwreien, see wreien.

Blancheflour, Blauncheflur, etc., nom. 18 T, 46 T, 22 V, 34 V; dat. 20 T, 22 T, 36 T, 58 T, 114 T, 122 T, 34, 46, 48, 64, 96, 102, 112 etc., C. Fr. Blanceflors, Blanceflor.

blenche, infin. overturn, KH. 1525 C L; ouerblenche, 1525 H. OE. blencan.

blesse, infin. bless, KH. 17 L H. OE. bletsian.

blessing, sb. blessing, KH. 170 C. OE. bletsung.

blethelyche, adv. blithely. OE. blīðelīce.

ble[y]ne, sb. whale, KH. 727 L. OF. baleine.

bliþe, blyþe, adj. blithe, KH. 1, 141, etc.

blynne, see linnen.

bode, dat. sing. message, Ass. 146 C; accus. bodes, Ass. 126 Add. OE. bod.

bold, bald, baud, adj. bold; sing. KH. 96; pl. belde, bolde, KH. 640. OE. beald.

bone, sb. prayer, boon, Ass. 522 H, 27 C, 329 C, 441 C. ON. bōn.

boneyres, adj. devoted, good looking, debonair, KH. 968 L. OF. bonaire.

bord, sb. (ship) board; dat. sing. borde, KH. 119, 123.

bord, sb. table, F. & B. 103 C, KH. 269, 1605.

bote, sb. remedy, redress, F. & B. 821 C. OE. bōt.

bote, KH. 1364 L; v. baddest, or scribal error.

bote, see bute.

braide, breide, 3 s. pret. draw, brandish, F. & B. 289 T, 1014 T. OE. brægd.

breche, dat. sing. breeches, F. & B. 258 C. OE. brēc.

breme, adj. valiant, spirited, famous, F. & B. 792 C, 1071 T. OE. brēme.

brenie, brunie, sb. coat of mail, KH. 627, 765, 897, 1310. OE. byrne.

bruken, v. use, enjoy; imper. 3 sing. bruc C, brouke L, brouc H, KH. 220. OE. brūcan.

brun, sb. beer (?); of a brun C, of þe broune L, H, KH. 1202.

brymme, sb. edge, shore, KH. 204 C.

buȝe, v. bow, writhe, twist, let fall (Mätzner); infin. buȝe C, unbowe H, KH. 458. OE. būgan.

bulmeþ, 3 sing. pres. boils, F. & B. 305 C. Probable error for welmeþ. Cf. ȝelle.

bur, sb. bower, women’s quarters, KH. 285. OE. būr.

burdon, sb. staff, KH. 1141. OF. burdoun.

burgeis, sb. burgess, citizen, F. & B. 115 C, 155 T, etc. Bugays, F. & B. 207 T. OF. burgeis.

burȝ, bureȝ, boruh, sb. castle, F. & B. 176, 181, 182 C.; boruh, F. & B. 190 Cott. OE. burg, burh.

burles, sb. tomb, sepulchre, F. & B. 63 Cott. OE. byrgels.

bute, bote, but, conj. but, unless, KH. 26 L, 69, 207 C, 37 L, H, etc. OE. būtan, except, unless.

buxom, adj. flexible, obedient, Ass. 410 H. OE. būhsum.

byȝete, sb. acquisition, F. & B. 202 T, and Cott. OE. begietan.

bygone, pp. surrounded, F. & B. 371 T. OE. bigān.

byne, (?), F. & B. 1010 T.

cacche, v. catch; infin. KH. 1307, 1465 H; 3 pl. pret. kaute, KH. 944 L.; infin. bikeche, KH. 328 L. OF. cachier.

can, v. can, know; 3 s. subj. pres. cunne; conne, KH. 602 C, H; infin. konne, KH. 598 L; 3 pl. pret. couþ, couth, F. & B. 33 T, 157 T. OE. cann.

care, sb. care, sorrow, KH. 279. OE. cearu.

catel, sb. property, capital, F. & B. 150 T, 988 T. OF. catel.

kele, infin. cool, F. & B. 995 T. OE. cēlan.

kelwe, see colmie.

ken, kenne, kunne, sb. race, people, KH. 156, 190, 1358. OE. cynn.

kende, cunde, sb. birth, kind, Nature, KH. 451, 1479 C, L; F. & B. 677 C, 960 T. OE. cynd.

kene, adj. keen, brave, KH. 42, 97, 178, 539, 1208, etc. OE. cēn.

kepe, v. (1) keep, (2) guard, protect, KH. 800, 1288 C H, Ass. 49 Add., 52 Add., 271 Add. OE. cēpan.

kep, sb. heed, care, Ass. 72 C, 78 Add.

kerue, v. carve, KH. 249. OE. ceorfan.

Cesar, F. & B. 181 T. French version has Cesar, v. 494.

chaere, sb. throne (?), KH. 1353. OF. chaere.

ycharged, pp. loaded, F. & B. 343 T. OF. charger.

chelde, kolde, kelde, infin. become cold, KH. 1230. OE. cealdian.

chepinge, sb. market, fair, F. & B. 186, 188 Cott. OE. cēapung.

chere, sb. mien, facial expression, KH. 1143, 1165 L. OF. chere.

child, sb. (1) child, (2) youth, KH. 10, 13, 27, 99, etc. OE. cild.

Claris, Clarice, Clariȝ, Clarys, F. & B. 895 T, 901 T, 905 T, 915 T, 931 T, etc.; C. 479, 485, 529, etc. French has Claris, 2125, 2131, 2115, 2339, etc.

cleche, infin. reach (with nails), KH. 1027 H ; pp. ycliȝt, Ass. 719 Add.

clef, scribal blunder (?), c + lef, KH. 161 L.

clenchen, infin. make to clink, KH. 1596.

clene, adj. pure, F. & B. 297 C. OE. clǣne.

clepe, clepen, clepede, clupede, cleped, icluped, etc., v. call, KH. 239, 840 L; F. & B. 137 T, 287 T, 137 T, 837 T; 607 C, 140 C, etc.; Ass. 707 H, 847 Add., 73 C, 180 C, etc. OE. cleopian.

clergie, sb. learned knowledge, F. & B. Cf. Hausknecht’s note.

cleppe, clippe, cluppe, klippt, klepte, iclupt, etc., v. embrace, KH. 1297 H, 1450; F. & B. 549 C, 594 C, 614 C, 806 T, 512 C, etc. OE. clyppan.

ycliȝt, see cleche.

knaue, sb. boy, servant, KH. 1012 C, 1095 C; F. & B. 166 T. OE. cnafa.

knowe, v. (1) know, (2) recognize, KH. 1294; (3) beon biknowe of = acknowledge (cf. Mätzner, KH. 983 Note; Lay. II. 355, III. 51; Alisaunder 724, etc.); pp. was iknowe C, was by cnowe L, was biknowe H, KH. 1059 = confessed. OE. cnāwan, becnāwan.

knyhty, v. knight, KH. 488 H, 547, 682.

colmie, kelwe, adj. sooty, KH. 1162, see colwen.

colwen, bicolwede, v. smear, blacken, KH. 1144, 1162.

con, v. auxil. = did, KH. 817 H, 825 H, 938 H, 1470 H, 1549 H, 1632 H; 3 s. pluperf. couþe, 1634 H, see gan.

icore, pp. chosen, F. & B. 268 C. OE. gecoren.

creyde, 3 s. pret. cried, KH. 1362 L. OF. crier.

crois, sb. cross, KH. 1405 C H; croyȝ, KH. 1398 H. OF. crois.

crowch, sb. cross, KH. 1398 L, 1405 L. Lat. crucem.

crude, infin. press, crowd, KH 1385. OE. crūdan.

crune, sb. skull, head, KH. 1607. ON. kruna.

culuart, adj. false, faithless, F. & B. 210, 329 C. OF. culvert.

cupe, sb. basket, F. & B. 435, 438, 452, 471 C, etc. OE. cȳpe, Lat. cūpa.

cuppe, cupe, coupe, sb. cup, KH. 250, 479; coupe, F. & B. 163 T, 181 T, 208 T, etc. OE. cuppa.

Cutberd, Cuberd, Cubert, KH. 876, 833, 851 C, 882, 895, 912, 938, 948, 965 L, 981. OE. Cūþbeorht.

cuþe, 1 s. pret. knew, Ass. 39 C; 3 pl. pret. couthe, Ass. 290 C.

cuþe, cowþe, couþe, 3 s. pret. subj. could, KH. 371.

dales, pl. valleys, dales, KH. 168. OE. dæl.

dar, v. dare, 3 s. pres. durþ, KH. 408 H; 3 s. pret. dorte, dorste, F. & B. 167 C, 204 T; 3 s. pret. subj. þorte, F. & B. 216 C, KH. 408 C. OE. dearr, dorste.

Daris, Dares, Dayre, daye, Darys, doyres, Darie, F. & B. 561, 570, 599, 737, 816. French has Daires, nom. 1470, 1531, 1853, etc. Dairon, accus. 1931.

dawes, pl. days, KH. 999 L; nom. sing. day. OE. pl. dagas.

ded, deed, sb. death, KH. 345 L.; dat. sing. deede, F. & B. 46 T.

deie, deye, deȝe, infin., KH. 115. ON. deyja.

del, sb. part, portion, deal, Ass. 212 C, 218 A, 261 A; dell, 225 C. OE. dǣl.

ideld, p. pl. separated, F. & B. 598 C. OE. dǣlan.

demure, demere, sb. delay, F. & B. 591 C. and Cott. OF. demeurer.

denie, v. din, rattle, KH. 628. OE. dynian.

dent, dunt, sb. stroke, blow, KH. 164 C, 607, 647, 913, 920, 933, 946. OE. dynt.

deol, dole, sb. grief, KH. 1128, 1129. OF. doel, duel.

dere, adj. dear, beloved, KH. 161 L, etc. OE. dēore.

derie, dere, infin. injure, harm, KH. 840, F. & B. 378 T, Ass. 162 C. OE. derian.

derne, adj. secret, hidden, Ass. 856 Add. OE. dierne.

deuise, 2 s. pres. subj. devise, KH. 253 L, H. OF. deviser.

direwurþe, adj. precious, F. & B. 289 C. OE. de͞orwyrðe.

don, dede, dude, v. (1) cause to, KH. 148, 284, 1069, Ass. 462 Add., 474 Add., etc. (2) put, KH. 360, 745, 1332 C; F. & B. 46 T, 200 T, 69 C.; Ass. 61 Add., etc. (3) intens. do, did, KH. 1003 (?), F. & B. 16 C, Ass. 17 Add., 80 C, etc. (cf. dede let wed, F. & B. 1065 T). OE. dōn, dyde.

dreden, 3 pl. pret. fear, dread, KH. 130; dradde C, adred L; pp. adred H; 1 sing. pres. of drede. C L; adrede H, KH. 307. OE. drǣdan.

dreȝe, adriȝe, infin. suffer, endure, KH. 1115. OE. dre͞ogan.

dreme, sb. sound, F. & B. 37 C, 397 T. OE. drēam.

drenche, v. drown; infin. adrenche, KH. 111 C H, 1526; to drenche, KH. 1045 L; pp. adrent, KH. 1053 C; drenched, KH. 1054 L. OE. drencan.

dright, driȝte, sb. lord, Ass. 275 C, KH. 1406 C. OE. drihten.

idriȝt, pp. troubled, Ass. 190 C. OE. gedreccan.

drinke, v. drink; infin. adrinke, adrynke, drown, KH. 111 L, 1045 C H. OE. drincan.

druerie, drury, sb. love, F. & B. 382 C, 820 T. OF. druerie.

dun, doun, down, sb. dune, hill, KH. 168. OE. dūn.

dunt, see dent.

dureþ, 3 sing. pres. extendeth, F. & B. 173 C. OF. durer.

durþ, see dar.

dute, v. fear, be afraid; infin. duti, F. & B. 4 C, 192 Cott.; 1 sing. pres. dute, doute, KH. 362; 2 pl. imper. douȝt, dute, F. & B. 817 T, 531 C. OF. douter.

dyȝcte, infin. arrange, KH. 904 L; pp. idiȝt, F. & B. 23, 260 C. OE. dihtan.

ede, see ȝede.

Edmound, seynt, Ass. 893 Add.

eidel, sb. anything, F. & B. 813 C. OE. ǣnig dǣl.

eie, aye, sb. fear, F. & B. 791 T. OE. ege.

eke, adv. also, KH. 17, 99, 1474, etc. OE. e͞ac.

enchesone, sb. occasion, F. & B. 78 T. OF. enchaisoun.

engynne, sb. device, scheme, artifice, F. & B. 313 T; engin, Ass. 755, 759 C. OF. engin.

Enneas, F. & B. 177 T. French version Eneas, 489.

entermeten, infin. meddle with, F. & B. 167 C. OF. entremetre.

er, arre, her, or, conj. before, ere, KH. 136 H, 567 C; arre, 567 L.

Ermenild, see Reynild, KH. 979 H. Cf. Eormenhild, daughter of Eorcenbriht, king of Kent, Leechdoms iii, index.

erndinge, sb. result of undertaking. OE. ǣrendung.

erne, v. run; infin. vrne, erne, KH. 936; 3 s. pret. arnde C, rende L, ernde H, KH. 1314; pp. iorne C, hy ȝouren L, yorne H, KH. 1228. OE. yrnan.

escheker, sb. chess board, F. & B. 344 C, etc. OF. eschekier.

Estnesse, KH. 1018 L H, 1295 L.

eþe, yþe, adv. easily, KH. 61, 891. OE. e͞aðe.

eþelikeste, superl. most precious, F. & B. 274 C. OE. æðel.

Eue, Ass. 461 Add.

euene, eueneliche, adv. equally, symmetrically, KH. 100.

euerich, adj. every, KH. 230. OE. ǣfrǣlc.

eure ȝut, ever yet, KH. 842.

fable, sb. story, KH. 762 L.

fader, sb. father; gen. sing. fader, C H; faderes L, KH. 116; fader, 1622 H.

fairhede, fayrhede, feyrhade, sb. fairness, KH. 89.

falle, v. fall; bifalle, biualle, happen, occur, become; infin., KH. 105, 186; pp. 450 C, L.

fawe, fain, F. & B. 986 T. OE. fægn.

fay, sb. faith, Ass. 576 C. OF. fei.

fayne, adj. glad, F. & B. 97 T. OE. fægn.

fayne, adv. gladly, F. & B. 286 T.

fecche, fette, infin. fetch, Ass. 129 C, 137 Add.; 3 pl. pret. fett, Ass. 456 C. OE. fetian.

feere, see fere.

feire, sb. market, fair, F. & B. 179 C. OF. feire.

felaurade, sb. company, KH. 180 H. ON. fēlagi.

yfelde, 3 pl. pret. feel, KH. 58. OE. gefēlan.

fele, vele, adj. many, KH. 60, 1425 C, 1464 H. OE. fela.

felle, v. fell, slay; infin., KH. 66; 3 pl. pret. felde, KH. 58.

felle, sb. skin, KH. 1015 L. OE. fell.

felle, adj. pl. fierce, cruel, fell, KH. 1581 L, Ass. 574 C, 684 Add. OE. fel.

felun, adj. savage, cruel, F. & B. 210, 329 C. OF. felon, felun.

fende, feond, sb. fiend, devil; dat. sing. KH. 1480 L, Ass. 164 C. OE. fēond.

feo, dat. sing. money, expense, F. & B. 25 C. OE. feo(h).

fer, adj. unharmed, sound, KH. 161 C, H; Ass. 67 C, 72 A. OE. fēre, Icel. færr.

veracle, sb. company, KH. 180 C. OE. ferræden.

ferde, sb. host, army; dat. sing., Ass. 116 Add. OE. ferd, fyrd.

ferde, 3 s. pret. went, KH. 663, 805, 1010. uerden, 3 pl. pret. behaved, F. & B. 24 C. OE. fēran.

fere, ifere, sb. companion, comrade; sing. accus. fere, Ass. 78 C, 84 Add., 78 Add.; ifere 46 C; dat. sing. ifere C, fere L, yfere H, KH. 1209; plur. feren, KH. 21, 53 H, 88, 108, 235 L, etc.; ifere C, yfere L, KH. 235; ferene, Ass. 406 C. OE. fēra, gefēra.

fere, feere, sb. companionship, F. & B. 5, 81, 280 T, etc. OE. gefēr.

ferli, ferlich, sb. miracle, wonder, F. & B. 456 C, Ass. 732 Add. OE. fǣrlīc.

ferli, ferly, adj. (1) fearful, (2) unexpected, sudden, (3) rare, wonderful, Ass. 327, Add. 347 C.

fett, see fecche.

Fikenhild, fykenyld, fykenild, fokenild, Fykenhild, Fekenyld, etc., KH. 28, 30, 731, 1336, 1493, 1509, 1513, 1516, 1543, 1554, 1567, 1589, 1613; gen. 1554, 1607.

fine, infin. end, KH. 274. OF. finer.

fiþeleres, fyþelers, sb. fiddler; nom. pl. KH. 1592. OE. fiðelere.

fle, infin. flay, KH. 1468 C. OE. flēan.

fleme, sb. fugitive, exile, KH. 1363 C, L. OE. flēma.

fleoten, flete, v. flow, float, swim; infin. flete, L; fleoten H, KH. 165; flette 811 L; 3 s. pret. flet, KH. 203 H; 3 pl. pret. fletten, 811 H; pp. bi flette, KH. 1504 C. OE. flēotan.

flitte, flecte, flette, 2 s. subj. pres. leave, depart, KH. 757. ON. flytta.

Floris, Florys, Floreys, Florens, Floyres, Floriȝ, Florice, Floures, Florisse, etc., F. & B. 40 T, 44 T, 49 T, 56 T, 65 T, etc. French version has Floires, Floire.

flotterede, 3 sing. pret. was tossed in the waves, KH. 135 H.

flur, flour, sb. flower, KH. 15, F. & B. 780 T, 482 C, etc.

flyten, infin. combat, KH. 903 H. OE. flītan.

fode, foode, sb. food, child, KH. 1436, F. & B. 149 T.

foȝel, foul, sb. bird, KH. 139, 1506; F. & B. 277 Cambr., etc. OE. fugol.

fole, sb. foal, horse, KH. 623. OE. fōla.

follyche, KH. 98 L. (?). OE. fūllīce.

fond, pret. sing. found, KH. 39. OE. findan.

fonde, v. try, experience, prove; infin., KH. 163 C H, 782, 1634 H; F. & B. 2 T, 55 T, 158, 399 C, etc.; 3 sing. pret. fonde, fondede, KH. 1634 C. OE. fandian.

fonge, underfonge, v. receive, take; infin. fonge, KH. 345 C L, 163 L, 769; F. & B. 300, 395 C. etc.; vnderfonge, KH. 607 H, 255, 976 C, etc. OE. fōn.

forbere, infin. do without, dispense with, Ass. 60 C, 66 Add. OE. forberan.

forbod, forbode, acc. sing. forbiddal, prohibition, KH. 82.

fordo, pp. destroyed, F. & B. 308 C. OE. fordōn.

foreward, forewart, sb. agreement, pledge, KH. 482, 586 H; F. & B. 426 C. OE. foreweard.

forȝolde, pp. paid for, F. & B. 388 T. OE. forgieldan.

forgone, pp. distressed, Ass. 829 Add.

forhele, 2 sing. imper. conceal, Ass. 192 Add. OE. forhelan.

forleie, forlauȝt, pp. commit adultery, F. & B. 301 Cambr., 618 T. OE. forlicgan.

forlesen, see lesen.

forliued, pp. mislived, F. & B. 99 Cott.

forloren, see lesen.

fort (for + to), until, F. & B. 66, 122 C.; fort he = for to þe.

forþinkeþ, 3 sing. pres., reflex., repent, Ass. 538 Add., 813 Add. ON. fyrirþykkja.

forto, forte, conj. in order to, KH. 25.

forto, prep. to, for to, KH. 166 L.

fremde, fremede, sb. foreigner, stranger, KH. 68. OE. fremede.

fremde, adj. strange, foreign, Ass. 181 C. OE. fremede, fremde.

frume, atte, first, F. & B. 135, 179, 345 C. OE. fruma.

ful, foul, foule, adj. foul, dirty, KH. 1143. OE. fūl.

fulde, 3 sing. pret. filled, KH. 1202. OE. fyllan.

funde, fonde, founde, v. go, KH. 109, 143, 780, 888, 942, 1372. OE. fundian.

fundlyng, fundyng, etc., sb. foundling, KH. 234 C H, 242 C, 450.

furst, sb. space of time, respite, F. & B. 638 C. OE. fyrst.

furthermost, foremost, F. & B. 1059 T.

fus, adj. ready, F. & B. 368 C. OE. fūs.

fyȝen, fissen, infin. fish, KH. 1216. OE. fiscian.

gabbe, joking, F. & B. 785 T.

gabbest, 2 sing. pres. (1) ridicule, (2) deceive, (3) chatter, F. & B. 235 T. ON. gabba.

gabbing, nom. sing., (1) deceit, (2) babble, F. & B. 236, T and Cott.

galeie, sb. galley, KH. 199, 1084 C, 1086 H. OF. galee.

game, sb. joy, pleasure, KH. 211. OE. gamen, gomen.

gan, v. auxil. did; gan, gon, KH. 257, 268, 312 C, 318 C, etc.; plur. gunne, gonne, gunnen, gonnen, KH. 55, 65, 193, 675, 1090, etc.; imper. gyn, KH. 329 H, 396 H; bigyn, KH. 329 L; bigan, began, did, KH. 127, 146 L, 203 C, 1271 H; con, did, KH. 372 H, 817 H, 825 H, 938 H, 1049 H, 1470 H, 1632 H, etc.; pluperf. couþe, KH. 1634 H.

ȝare, adv. quickly, KH. 497 C, 960 C, 1453 L. OE. gearu.

garysone, garisone, sb. treasure, F. & B. 206, T and Cott. OE. gersum, gersuma. OF. garison. Cf. gersume.

ȝede, yede, eode, v. pret. went; 3 sing. ȝede C, eode H, KH. 621, 622; yede Ass. 636 H; 3 pl. yede L, ede H, KH. 117; ȝede C, yede L, eoden H, KH. 167, 621; yede Ass. 634 H, ȝede Ass. 843 Add., ȝeden Ass. 849 Add., F. & B. 444 C.

gegges, sb. frivolous women (?), F. & B. 439 C.

ȝelde, yelde, v. (1) yield, (2) pay for; infin., KH. 514 C H, Ass. 249 C, 255 Add.; pp. iȝolde C, yolde L, ȝolde H, KH. 681; iȝolde C, hyȝolde L, yȝolde H, KH. 490; F. & B. 161 T, 809 C; 2 sing. subj. or imper. ȝeld, pay for, KH. 1066. OE. gieldan.

ȝelle = welle (?), F. & B. 621 T.

ȝem, 2 sing. imper. protect, care for. OE. gīeman.

ȝeme, sb. care, F. & B. 38 C.

ȝen, against; aȝeyn KH. 60, aȝenes C, ayenes L, aȝeyn H, KH. 82. OE. gegn, gēn.

ȝend, gonde, prep. throughout, KH. 1078; adv. yonder, far away; ȝent, KH. 1261 H; gonde, beyond, F. & B. 210 C. OE. geond.

geng, dat. sing. company, Ass. 220 C. OE. genge.

gent, adj. noble, F. & B. 47 Cott. OF. gent.

ȝere, yere, sb. year; pl. ȝere C, yere L, KH. 102. OE. ge͞ar.

ȝerne, v. desire, ask for; 1 sing. pres. ȝerne C H, herne L, KH. 985; infin. KH. 1495 L, 1517 C. OE. geornian.

ȝerne, adj. willing, desirous, eager, KH. 1165 C, 1472 H, etc. OE. georn.

ȝerne, adv. eagerly, F. & B. 127, 375, 588 C. OE. georne.

(þureȝ) gersume, reward, F. & B. 405, 419, 773 C. Cf. garisone.

gesninge, gestinge, iustinge, sb. entertainment, F. & B. 82, 125, 164 C., 175 Cott.

gesse, infin. guess (?), agesse C, agesce L, gesse H, KH. 1267.

ȝeuen, v. give, KH. 170, 172, etc. OE. giefan, gifan.

gigours, nom. plur. violin players, KH. 1592 C. OF. gigueour.

ginne, gynne, sb.? (1) contrivance, scheme. (2) tool, penis, KH. 1574 C H; F. & B. 131, 195, 206, 258 C., etc.; F. & B. 1032, 1048 T. ON. ginna, Lat. ingenium.

ginnur, sb. engineer, workman, F. & B. 324 C.

gle, glewe, sb. song, joy, KH. 1352 C H; Ass. 483 Add. OE. glēoẉ, glīw.

glede, sb. coal, KH. 532 L H. OE. glēd.

gleowinge, glewinge, gleynge, sb. play, KH. 1588.

glide, infin. (1) glide, (2) slip away, KH. 146 L, 1127. OE. glīdan.

gloue, glouen, acc. plur. gloves, KH. 848. OE. glōfa.

Godhild, Godild, Godyld, Godylt, KH. 7, 72, 75, 158, 159, 1458.

Godmod, Horn’s assumed name, KH. 821, 833, 879, 883, 895, 911, 925, 949, 952, 965, 987.

ȝonge, ȝynge, adj. young, KH. 137, etc. OE. geong.

ȝore, adv. long ago, F. & B. 174 C. OE. gēara.

grace, sb. virtue, power, KH. 605. OF. grace.

grame, sb. anger, wrath, F. & B. 712 C.; Ass. 515 H, Ass. 738 Add. OE. grama.

igraue, hygraue, ygraued, pp. scratched, engraved, KH. 599. OF. grafan.

grede, v. cry out; infin. F. & B. 454 C.; 3 sing. pret. gredde, KH. 1282 H. OE. grædan.

greding, sb. clamour, lamentation, Ass. 213 Add.

greithe, greþi, infin. prepare, make ready, Ass. 120 C, 128 Add. ON. greiða.

grete, infin. weep, KH. 957 C L. OE. grētan.

gripe, infin. grip, seize, KH. 55. OE. grīpan.

grisen, v. feel horror; infin. agrise C L; agryse H, KH. 925; 3 sing. pret. gros C, agros L, H, KH. 1410. OE. āgrīsan.

grom, sb. boy; nom. sing. grom, KH. 1035 L H; nom. pl. grome, KH. 175, F. & B. 111 T. ON. gromr.

grunde, grounde, sb.; dat. sing. ground, bottom, KH. 110, 144, 352, 1242.

gume, sb. man; nom. sing. gume, F. & B. 261 C.; nom. plur. gomes, KH. 24, gumes C, gomen H; grome L, KH. 175. OE. guma.

halke, dat. sing. corner, KH. 1167 C L. OE. healoc.

Harild, Alrid, Ayld, Aþyld, KH. 815, 877, 878.

harwed, 1 sing. pret. harrowed, Ass. 463 Add. OE. hergian.

hatere, sb. garments, Ass. 149 C. OE. hæteru.

hatte, 3 sing. pret. became hot, KH. 646 C. OE. hǣtan.

heele, 1 sing. pres. conceal, F. & B. 820 T, 533 C. OE. helan.

heete, 3 sing. pret. was named, F. & B. 1004 T. Cf. hoten.

helde, v., see holde.

helde, sb. faith, allegiance, F. & B. 397 C. OE. hyldo.

heleþ, 3 sing. imper. conceal, Ass. 188 C, see heele.

hende, adj. (1) prompt, gracious, alert, KH. 391, 1197, 1345, etc., F. & B. 156 T, etc.; (2) near, ready, KH. 1217 H. OE. (ȝe)hende.

henne, hanne, hennes, adv. hence, KH. 50, 337, 341 C.

hente, v. grasp, receive, get; infin. KH. 1032 H; 1 pl. pret. KH. 919 L; pp. hent, Ass. 453 C.

hepe, dat. sing. throng, crowd, F. & B. 466 C. OE. hēap.

her, see er.

here, poss. pron. their; nom. sing., KH. 9, etc.

heren, v. hire; 3 sing. pret. hurede C, herde L, herde L H, KH. 806. OE. hȳrian.

heste, dat. sing. command, hest, F. & B. 610 C. Cf. Skeat.

het, 3 sing. pret. bade, F. & B. 608, 619 C. OE. hātan.

heynde, sb. hind (?), KH. 686 L. OE. hind.

hiȝe, v. hasten, hie; 3 sing. pret. KH. 1042 C. OE. higian.

hiȝhede, sb. height, F. & B. 327 C.

hitten, v. hit, strike; 1 sing. pres. anhitte C; infin. hette L, KH. 758. ON. hitta.

hol, adj. safe, KH. 161 C H etc. OE. hāl.

holde, helde, v. hold, KH. 323, 482. OE. healdan.

holde, adj., accus. pl. faithful, KH. 1339 L H. OE. hold.

holt, adj. lame, halt, Ass. 516 H. OE. healt, halt.

hondhabbing, having in the hand, in the act, en flagrant delit, F. & B. 668 C. OE. hondhæbbende.

Horn, 9, 74, 121, 128, 135, 184, etc.; horn child 121 L, 128 C, 173, etc.; Horns 123 L; horn þe ȝynge 137 H; Hor 185 L, 397 L, 459 L, 558 L.

hoten, v. be called; 1 sing. pres. hote, KH. 821; 3 sing. pret. het C, hihte H, KH. 9, 27 C; pp. ihote C, hote L, yhote H, KH. 215, 1125 C. OE. hātan.

houe, 2 sing. pret. raised, KH. 1359 C H; ȝoue L. OE. hebban.

hurne, dat. sing. corner, KH. 1471 H. OE. hyrne.

hynde, adj. kind (?), F. & B. 355 T.

I—, I lome, etc., see lome, etc.

Ierusalem, Ass. 475 C, 594 Add.

Iewes, Iewis, Iewys, nom. sing. Iewe, Ass. 620 Add., 564 H, Iew 674 Add.; dat. sing. Iewe, Ass. 530 H, Iew, Ass. 620 Add.; gen. sing. Iewis, Ass. 553 H, etc.

Almost everything in this entry is wrong. As printed:
Iewes, Iewis, Iewys, nom. sing. Iewe, Ass. 620 Add., 674 H [564 H corresponds to 674 Add.], Iew 674 Add.; dat. sing. Iewe, Ass. 530 C, Iew, Ass. 620 Add. [this is wrong, but the correct form has not been identified]; gen. sing. Iewis, Ass. 553 C, etc.

Ihesu, Ass. 51 Add., 324 C, 388 Add., Ihesus 481 C, Iesus 486 C; gen. Ihesus 624 Add., Crist 76 C, Ihesu crist 248 T, etc.

ilk, ylk, adj. same; dat. sing. ilke, KH. 948 C, ylke F. & B. 78 T, vlke C, hulke L, KH. 1285, etc. OE. ilca.

ynde, India, Ass. 611 C, 775 Add., 807 Add.

Iogelours L, iogelers H; nom. pl. jugglers, KH. 1592. OF. jongleor.

Iohan, Ion, Ass. 14 C, 15 Add., 49 C, 52 Add., 55 Add., 77 C, 224 C, 228 Add., etc.; nom. sing. seynt Ione, 820 Add.

Iosaphath, Iosephas, Iosephat, Ass. 472 C, 581 C, 754 Add.

Irisse, yrisse, yrisshe, Hyrische, KH. 1080, 1302 L, 1382, 1464.

Irlond, hirelonde, yrlonde, KH. 810 L, 1078 C, 1633 C H.

lacchen, v. catch, take; infin. lacchen, KH. 686 L, lache KH. 702 L; 3 sing. pret. laȝte C, laucte L, lahte H, KH. 259; 3 pl. pret. laucte, KH. 943 L, by laucte 705 L; 3 pl. pret. of laucte, 943 L. OE. (ȝe)læccan.

laȝe, lawe, sb. (1) law, (2) religion, (3) custom, KH. 69 C H, 1190. OE. lagu.

largeliche, adv. liberally, F. & B. 71 C. OF. large.

laste, leste, v. last, endure, KH. 6, 433 L, etc. OE. lǣstan.

lay, ley, sb. law, religion, KH. 69 L, 1642 H, Ass. 686 Add. OF. lei.

lef, leue, leof, luef, adj. dear, KH. 126 L, 342, 695, 754, 1013, 1457, etc.; F. & B. 151 C., 321 C., etc.; Ass. 40 C, 167 C, 42 Add., 173 Add., etc. OE. lēof.

lef, leue, leof, lyfe, sb. dear one, darling, F. & B. 108 T, 89, 103 Cott., 312 T, 831 T, 542 C. OE. lēof.

leue, v. believe, F. & B. 325 T. OE. lēfan, lȳfan.

bileue, v. remain; infin. KH. 381, F. & B. 103 Cott., 51 C.; 3 sing. pret. bilefte, Ass. 57 T, bileft 63 Add., 151 Add.; 3 pl. pret. bileft, Ass. 759 Add., etc. OE. belǣfan.

leiȝe, leyhe, v. laugh; infin. leyhe L (lyþe H?), KH. 372; 3 sing. pret. lowe L, loh KH. 373, louȝe C, lowe L H, KH, 1600; 3 plur. pret. lowȝ, F. & B. 1053 T, 776 C. OE. hlehhan.

leme, sb. light, brightness, F. & B. 198 C, Ass. 607 H. OE. lēoma.

lemman, leman, sb. dear one, leman, KH. 463, 589, 721. OE. le͞ofmon.

lene, v. lend, KH. 491. OE. lǣnan.

leng, compar. longer, KH. 1183 etc. OE. leng.

lep, lepe, sb. basket, F. & B. 465 C., 738, 740, 741 T, 753 T, 758 T. OE. le͞ap.

lere, sb. cheek, F. & B. 501 C. OE hlēor.

lere, v. teach, KH. 257, F. & B. 148 C, Ass. 896 Add. OE. lǣran.

lese, leose, forlese, v. lose; infin. leose C. forlese L, forleose H, KH. 707; pp. forloren, KH. 511 C. OE. forle͞osan.

leste, luste, v. listen, KH. 355, 505, 1355 C. OE. hlystan.

leste, luste, v. desire, hanker, lust, KH. 426, 433, 918, 1298. OE. lystan.

lesing, lesyng, sb. falsehood, F. & B. 84 T, 233 T, 585 C. OE. le͞asung.

lete, late, v. let, permit, leave, lose, KH. 1124 C, 1330 L; belete, leave behind, F. & B. 201 T, 1593; forlete, desert, KH. 232, F. & B. 201 Cott. OE. lǣtan.

let, lette, v. hinder, retard, impede, KH. 100, F. & B. 333 T, 25 C. OE. lettan.

yliche, iliche, sb. like, equal, KH. 20, 305, 331, etc. OE. gelīca.

licte, lyhte, v. alight, KH. 51 etc; 3 sing. pret. aliȝte, KH. 51 C. OE. lihtan.

linne, lynne, blynne, v. cease, KH. 329, 372, 1068. OE. linnan.

list, sb. art, KH. 251, 1577. OE. list.

lite, lyte, adj., adv. little, KH. 1004, 678 L, 1211 C. ON. lītt.

liþe, lyþe, v. listen, KH. 2, 354, 372 H, 436 L. ON. hlȳða.

lodlike, adj. loathsome, hateful, KH. 1415 L.

lofte, sb. loft, upstairs, women’s apartments, KH. 974 C. OE. loft. ON. lopt. The peculiar turn of meaning is Scandinavian.

loke, loky, v. watch, guard, KH. 800, 1180, 1181 L H, 1419 L H, Ass. 47 C. OE. lōcian.

loking, lokyng, sb. care, watch, KH. 360.

ilome, adv. frequently, F. & B. 96 Cott. OE. gelōme.

londiss, adj. native, KH. 671. Cf. vnlondisshe, KH. 672 H. OE. lendisc.

longest, 3 sing. pres. belongest, KH. 1406 C. OE. longian.

lore, sb. teaching, bidding, KH. 472. OE. lār.

loþe, adj. hateful, KH. 1140, 1283. OE. lāð.

Lumbardy, F. & B. 179 T. French version has (En)Lombardie 49.

lure, v. (1) lour, look sullen (?), (2) lie in wait, set trap (?), KH. 286, 1312.

luste, impers. be pleasing, F. & B. 378 C.

lut, sb. little, KH. 658 H. OE. lȳt.

luþere, adj. evil, bad; nom. plur., KH. 530 C. OE. lȳðer. Cf. of þan luþer folke (= accursed), Lay. 29576 B.

lyst, sb. desire, pleasure, Ass. 2 Add. OE. lyst.

maine, meyne, meigne, sb. household, Ass. 110 C, 417, 475, 569, 573 Add.; F. & B. 782 C, 1059 T. OF. maisnee.

maister, sb. leader, KH. 659; maister-king, KH. 659 L, 680. OF. maistre.

make, sb. wife, spouse, KH. 1523, F. & B. 78 Cott., 303 T. OE. gemaca.

make, v. pretend to be, F. & B. 76 T.

male, sb. bag, pouch, F. & B. 689 T. OF. male.

manrede, sb. homage, F. & B. 395 C. OE. manrǣden.

Marie, Marye, gen. Maries, Ass. 29 C, 31 Add., 239 C, 241 Add., 253 C, 498 H, 500 H, 546 C, etc.; seynt Marye, F. & B. 248 T; seynte-marie, F. & B. 49 V.

may, sb. may, maid, KH. 329, 979 H, 1019 H, 1516 H; F. & B. 201 T, 393 T, 46, 102 C., etc.; Ass. 4 C, etc. OE. mǣg.

me, indef. pron. one, KH. 1008 C H, 1126 C; F. & B. 671, 672, 699 C., etc. OE. man(n).

mede, sb. mead, meadow, F. & B. 434 C. OE. mǣd.

mede, sb. reward, KH. 288 L, 500, 1498 L, Ass. 638 Add. OE. mēd.

meene, v. mourn, lament, 1 sing. pres. F. & B. 273 T. OE. (bi)mǣnan.

meigne, meyne, see maine.

meniuer, sb. a kind of fur, F. & B. 110 C. Cf. Hausknecht’s Note. Lat. minutus varius.

menske, sb. honour, F. & B. 56 T. OE. menniscu, humanity; Icel. menska, honour.

mesauenture, sb. ill luck, KH. 344 C L. OF. aventure.

mest, superl. adj. most, KH. 26.

mester, mystere, sb. (1) office, trade, (2) need, necessity, KH. 243, 581. OF. mestier.

mete, v. meet, encounter, 3 plur. pret. metten. KH. 169. OE. mētan.

ymete, adj. fit, reasonable, KH. 1401 L. OE. gemǣte.

mete, v. dream, KH. 1522. OE. mǣtan.

meting, metyng, sb. dream, KH. 699. OE. mǣtan.

mid, prep. with, KH. 22 L, 25 L, etc. OE. mid.

middelerd, sb. earth, world, F. & B. 272 C. OE. middangeard.

misliken, v. misplease, KH. 455. OE. mislīcian.

mod, sb. mood, mind, KH. 297, 1579 C H. OE. mōd.

modi, mody, adj. full of passion, angry, KH. 748. OE. mōdiȝ.

Modi, Mody, KH. 1023, 1094, 1121 L, 1331 L, 1626.

molde, sb. earth, KH. 335, F. & B. 343 T. OE. molde.

mone, ymone, sb. companion, KH. 560, 840 C L. OE. gemāna.

mone, sb. companionship, communion, participation, KH. 890 L, 1149 C.

mote, moste, v. may, might, was to; mote, KH. 197, 218 C, 829; moste, KH. 67 C, 186; munthe (?), KH. 1508 L.

Mountargis, F. & B. 66 T. French version, Montoire, 174, 316, etc.

murne, adj. troubled, KH. 748. OE. (un)murne.

Murry, Murri, morye, moye, moy, Mory, mury, KH. 4, 33, 73, 921, 1431. Cf. Maurius (Maurus), son of Aruiragus, Lay. 9895 ff. He defeats the invading Picts, and sets up a stone with runes to commemorate the victory.

nabod (ne + abod).

neb, nebbe, sb. face, F. & B. 615 C, 890 T. OE. nebb.

nime, v. take; infin. nyme, Ass. 121 C; 2 sing. subjunct. or imper. nym, KH. 1205 L; 1 sing. pres. nime, KH. 713 L; 3 sing. pret. nam, nom, KH. 619, 1269, Ass. 33 C, 35, 59 Add., etc.; 3 pl. pret. neme C, nomen L H, KH. 64; pp. ynome, Ass. 6 C; vndernome, F. & B. 128 T, 189 T, 219 T, 227 T, 920 T, etc.; nam = went, Ass. 53 C. Cf. vndernom. OE. niman.

niþing, sb. wretch, villain, evil man, KH. 210. OE. nīðing.

noȝ, enough, KH. 196; inoȝe C, hy nowe L, ynowe H. OE. genōh.

nonskyns, adj. of no kind, F. & B. 226 T. OE. nānes cynnes.

noþing, adv. not at all, KH. 290 C.

Nubil, F. & B. 665 C. French, (de) Nubie, 2492.

O, prep. until, KH. 134 H. OE. oð.

of drede, see dreden.

of reche, see reche.

on, prep. on, in; on mi lokyng, KH. 360 C; on kneuling, KH. 503 L.

onde, sb. envy, Ass. 424 C. OE. anda, onda.

one, sb. alone, solitary; hou one KH. 364 L, is one 559 L, go one 559 C, al one C, alon L, ys one H 650. Cf. Bradley-Stratmann.

oppe, prep. upon, KH. 466, 480 L.

or, see er, or oþer.

ord, sb. point, beginning; dat. sing. orde C H, horde L, KH. 662; dat. sing. ord H, hord L, KH. 1475; accus. sing., F. & B. 48 C. OE. ord.

ore, sb. favour, grace, KH. 695, 1629 C, F. & B. 173 C. OE. ār.

orfreys, sb. orfrey, gold fringe, F. & B. 371 T. OE. orfreis.

Orgas, F. & B. 101 T. French, Li dus Joras, 357.

oþer, num. second, KH. 201. OE. ōðer.

oþer, conj. or, KH. 44. OE. oððe.

oþer, pr. other, KH. 28. OE. ōðer.

otter (buterfliȝe C), sb. butterfly (?), F. & B. 772 T.

oueral, adv. everywhere, KH. 262 H. Cf. Germ. überall.

out londisse, adj. foreign, KH. 635 L.

ower, gen. plur. your, F. & B. 534 C. OE. e͞ower.

paene, adj. pagan, KH. 159 C.

payn, peynim, payen, pain, paynim, paen, etc., sb. paien, pagan, heathen, KH. 45, 63, 82, 87, 193, 935, 948, 950, 1412, etc.

paynime, sb. heathen land, KH. 859.

page, sb. boy, servant, KH. 1012 L H, 1379 H. OF. page.

pal, palle, sb. costly sort of cloth, F. & B. 822 T, and Cott.; Ass. 631 H, 795 Add. OE. pæll, OF. pal.

parage, sb. high birth, F. & B. 256, 269 C., etc. OF. parage.

paramur, adv. passionately, F. & B. 486 C., etc.

Paryse, nom. sing., F. & B. 168 T. Fr. Paris, 449, etc.

pel, pelle, sb. skin, KH. 421, 1582 L. OF. pel.

pelte, pulte, pylte, 3 sing. pret. pushed, KH. 1529.

pilegrim C, pylegrim L, pelryne H, KH. 1236 pilgrim. OF. pelegrin.

Petir, Petyr, Peter, Petre, Ass. 317, 327, 580, 581, 638, 639, 673 Add., 464, 470, 529 C, 499, 563 H, etc.

ipight, pp. placed, F. & B. 117, 183 C.

pine, pyne, v. pain; infin. KH. 726 C; 1 sing. pres., KH. 1280 L; pp. pined C, pyned H, KH. 1280. OE. pīnian.

pyne, sb. pain, torture, KH. 277 C H, Ass. 426, 458 Add. OE. pīn.

plawe, sb. sport, fight, KH. 1170 H. Cf. Bradley-Stratmann, plaȝe.

pleie, pleye, v. play, KH. 25, 200, 363. OE. plegian.

pleing C, pleyhunge L, pleyȝyng H, KH. 34, playing.

plener, plenere, adj. full, F. & B. 179 C., 188 Cott. OF. plenier.

pliȝte, v. plight; infin. pliȝte, plyȝte, plyhte, KH. 321; 2 sing. imper. plist, plyct, plyht, KH. 440; 1 sing. pres. indic. pliȝte C, plicte L, plyhte H, KH. 716; pp. ipliȝt, F. & B. 141 C. OE. plihtan.

pomel, sb. pommel, F. & B. 209, 213 Cott. OF. pomel.

porter, sb. doorkeeper, F. & B. 329 C. OF. portier.

posse, v. push; infin. KH. 1087 C; 3 sing. pret. puste, KH. 1153 H; pugde 1156 L. OF. pousser.

poure, pure, infin. pore, look, KH. 1172 C L.

prede, sb. pride, KH. 1497 L. OE. prȳta.

prime, sb. first quarter of the day, name of one of the offices of the Church, after ‘lauds,’ KH. 1040; at prime tide, KH. 905.

pris, prys, sb. value, worth, KH. 968 C, F. & B. 310, 350, 750 C., 1028 T. OF. pris.

pruesse, sb. brave deed, prowess, KH. 588. OF. proesse.

pugde, see posse.

quantyse, sb. cleverness, F. & B. 543 T.

qued, sb. bad, Ass. 174 C, 197, 465 Add. etc. OE. cwēd.

quelle, v. kill; infin. KH. 65, 656 C; 2 sing. imper. quel, F. & B. 1008 T, aquel 725 C.; 3 sing. pret. quelde, F. & B. 904 T, aquelde KH. 929 L H, aquelde H, quelde C, KH. 1064. OE. cwellan.

queme, v. please, KH. 517. OE. cwēman.

queme, adj. pleasing, KH. 501 L. OE. (ge)cwēme.

queþe, v. say; 3 sing. pret. quaþe, quoþ H, KH. 137, etc. OE. cweðan.

quic, quike, adj. alive, KH. 92 C, 1468 C, 1478 H. OE. cwic.

quite, aquite, pp. through with, quit of, F. & B. 171, 724 C., 180 Cott. OF. aquiter.

qware, where, KH. 735 L.

rake, infin. hasten, KH. 1126 L, 1158 L. OE. rācian.

rape, sb. haste, KH. 586 C, 1532 C.

rathe, adv. soon, quickly, KH. 1407 L, F. & B. 24 T, 193 T, etc. OE. hræð.

recche, rekke, v. reck, care for; 3 sing. pres. recche C, reche L, yrecche H, KH. 370; 3 sing. subj. arecche, KH. 710 H; 1 sing. pres. rekke, F. & B. 96 T. OE. reccan.

reche, areche, ofreche, þorhreche, v. reach; infin. areche, KH. 1308 C; of reche, gain, KH. 1375 C L; þorhreche, traverse, KH. 1375 H; pp. araȝt, F. & B. 687 C, rauȝt F. & B. 974 T. OE. rǣcan.

rede, reed, reede, sb. counsel, opinion, F. & B. 45 T, 50 T, 53 T, 314 T, Ass. 294, 298 Add., etc. OE. rǣd.

rede, v. (1) read, (2) counsel, advise; infin. KH. 308, 511 L, 881, 966 L, F. & B. 21 T, 148, 151 C.; 1 sing. pres. KH. 966 C, F. & B. 75 T; pp. rad, Ass. 891 Add., irad F. & B. 578 C., yredde 858 T. OE. rǣdan.

rein, sb. rain, KH. 11.

reme, sb. coast (?), OE. rima; or realm (?), OF. reaume, KH. 1625 H (reaume 1623 L).

rende, see erne.

rende, v. rend, tear; 3 sing. pret. rente C H, to rente L, KH. 775.

rente, sb. pay, wages, KH. 984 C L. OF. rente.

reue, sb. reeve, guard, KH. 1418. OE. (ge)rēfa.

reue, reyue, infin. rob, plunder, F. & B. 209 C., Ass. 168 Add. OE. re͞afian.

rewe, infin. rue, repent, KH. 398. OE. hrēowan.

rewlich, adj. sad, KH. 1129. OE. hre͞owlīc.

reyne, ryne, birine, infin. rain, KH. 11.

Reynes C, reny L, Raynis H, KH. 1023.

Reynild, Hermenyl, hermenylde, ermenyld, KH. 973, 1636. ON. Ragnhilda, OE. Eormenhild, daughter of Eorcenbriht, king of Kent.

riche, sb. kingdom, KH. 20. OE. rīce.

rigge, sb. back, KH. 1138. OE. hrycg.

rime, ryme, sb. rime, speech, KH. 860, 1461.

rive, adj. abundant, F. & B. 73 Cott. OE. rīf.

riuen, ariuen, v. arrive, land; infin. ariue C, aryue H, KH. 193; pp. riued, KH. 162 L, 193 L, ariued, aryued, KH. 40, 162.

riȝte, adv. direct, at once, KH. 1428 C.

roche, sb. rock, KH. 79.

rode, sb. cross, rood, KH. 346, Ass. 12, 19 C, 44 C, 46 Add., 270 C, etc. OE. rōd.

roþer, sb. rudder, KH. 202. OE. rōðer.

roune, rowne, sb. counsel, KH. 1378. OE. rūn.

runde, rounde, 3 sing. pret. whispered, F. & B. 716 C., 999 T. OE. rūnian.

Rymenhild, rimenild, rymenyld, reymnyld, rymenild, reymild, reymyld, Rymyld, rimenyld, etc., KH. 264, 293, 393, 472, 600, 652, 691, 738, 741, 1510, etc. Rimhild, OE. nomen mulieris.

ryue, sb. shore, KH. 142.

sake, v. contend, fight; 3 pl. pret. asoke C, forsoken L H, KH. 69, gave up. OE. sacan.

sale, sb. hall, KH. 1187 C H. OE. sal.

salyley, scribal error (?), KH. 199 L.

Sarazin, sarazyn, KH. 42, 636, 645, 671, 1415, 1477 H, 1479.

scene, schene, adj. beautiful, KH. 97 L, 178 L, F. & B. 263 C. OE. scēne.

schauntillun, sb. model, F. & B. 325 C.

schenche, v. give, serve, dispense; infin. schenche, shenche, KH. 1186; 2 sing. subjunct. or imper. shenh, KH. 1199 H. OE. scencan.

schende, v. (1) scold, (2) injure; infin. KH. 747 L, 724; 3 sing. pret. schente, schende, shende, KH. 340. OE. scendan.

schete, v. shoot, KH. 1011. OE. sce͞otan.

schillen, v. sound; 3 sing. pres. shilleþ, KH. 224 L. OE. scillan.

schonde, sb. harm, disgrace, KH. 746, 760 C, F. & B. 942 T. OE. scand, sceand.

schrede, v. clothe; 3 sing. pret. schredde L, sredde H, KH. 625, schredde C L, shredde H, KH. 896; 3 pl. pret. schrudde C, schurde L, KH. 1582. OE. scrȳdan.

schrewe, sb. shrew, evil person, KH. 60. OE. scre͞awa, barn mouse.

schulle, adv. shrill, sonorous, KH. 221 C. OE. scylle, scelle.

sclauyne, sb. pilgrim’s cloak, KH. 1134, 1137, 1310. OF. esclavine.

scrippe, sb. scrip, sack, KH. 1141. ON. skreppa.

scur, sb. shower, F. & B. 73 Cott. OE. scūr.

sekerly, see sikirli.

senpere, sb. bridge keeper (?), F. & B. 500 T, 513 T.

sere, sb. apparel (?), contrivance (?), Ass. 704 Add. OE. searo.

seriauns, sb. sergeant, man at arms, F. & B. 218 C. OF. sergant, serjant.

serie, infin. dispense, KH. 1489 C. OE. scerwen, ‘a scattering.’

seyne, sb. snare, fishing net, KH. 726 L. OE. segne, OF. seine.

shrelle, infin. cry, F. & B. 756 T.

sib, sibbe, sb. kinsman, kindred, KH. 68, Ass. 181 C, 185 Add., 585 H. OE. sibb.

side, syde, sb. (1) side, (2) shore, KH. 35, 145. OE. sīde.

sike, syke, syken, v. sigh, KH. 456; 3 sing. pres. sykes, F. & B. 113 T; 3 sing. pret. syȝt, syȝte, F. & B. 256, 270 T, 417, 431 C. OE. sīcan.

sikirli, sekerly, adv. certainly, Ass. 390 Add., F. & B. 92 T. OE. sicor.

siþe, syþe, sb. time, KH. 374 C, 1446, F. & B. 196 T. OE. sīð.

sithen, conj. since, Ass. 283, 422 Add. OE. siððan.

siþþe, sitthe, sithen, adv. afterwards, KH. 1185 C, 1238, Ass. 542 Add., 434 C. OE. siððan.

skeete, soon, quickly, F. & B. 1005 T. OE. scēot, ON. ski͞otr.

skille, skyle, sb. right, reason, Ass. 312 H, 352 Add. Icel. skil.

slitte, sb. opening in garment, pocket, F. & B. 348 C.

slon, v. slay; infin. slen C, slon L, slo H, KH. 91, 47; 3 pl. pret. sloȝen C, slowe L, slowen H, KH. 195; pp. aslaȝe C, yslawe L H, KH. 94. OE. slēan.

sloo, sb. slough, Ass. 507 H. OE. slōh.

smerte, v. pain, KH. 1602. OE. smeortan.

snelle, adj. quick, KH. 1581 C. OE. snell.

so, conj. as, KH. 14, 15, etc.

soler, sb. upper room, summer room, F. & B. 173. OF. solier, Lat. solarium.

sond, sonde, sb. (1) message, (2) dish at table, Ass. 634 H, 798 Add., F. & B. 1072 T.

sonde, sb. messenger, KH. 281, 287, (ysonde 287 L), 992 H, 1005 C H, etc., F. & B. 796 C., Ass. 106 C, 682 Add. OE. sand, sond.

sore, sb. pain, KH. 75 L H. OE. sār.

sore, adv. much, very, KH. 73, 362. OE. sāre.

soth, soþ, soþe, adj. true, F. & B. 321 T, etc. OE. sōð.

soune, sb. sound, KH. 224 H. Fr. son.

soune, adv. clearly, KH. 224 L.

Spaine, Spayne, Spaygne, Speine, F. & B. 413, 769 C., 1046 T.

spede, sb. speed, good luck, KH. 491. OE. spēd.

spede, infin. speed, have good fortune, KH. 852 C H, F. & B. 1026 T. OE. speke, bispac, spēdan.

spell, spelle, sb. tale, KH. 1015 H, 1106. OE. spell.

spille, spylle, v. perish, kill, KH. 208, 720 L, F. & B. 1007 T; pp. ispild, killed, Ass. 19 C. OE. spillan.

squire, sb. square, F. & B. 325 C. OF. esqvarre.

stage, sb. upper floor of a house, F. & B. 218, 270 C. OF. estage.

stede, sb. horse, steed, KH. 51. OE. stēda.

stede, sb. place, KH. 273, Ass. 730, 866 Add. OE. stede.

steke, v. pierce; 2 sing. pres. stikkest, F. & B. 98 Cott.

stere, sb. rudder, ship, KH. 107 C, 1471 C. OE. stēor.

stere, v. lead, command, KH. 464 C, L. OE. ste͞oran.

sterne, adj. stern, insolent, KH. 935 C, 784 H. OE. sterne, styrne.

sterte, v. start, leap, F. & B. 457 C. ON. sterta.

sterue, v. die, KH. 829, 980 C, 984 H, 1253 C. OE. steorfan.

steuene, sb. voice, KH. 1453 L, F. & B. 54 C., Ass. 73, 239 C, 79, 245 Add., etc. OE. stefn.

steyȝ, 3 sing. pret. climbed, F. & B. 892 C. OE. stīgan.

stonde, infin. spring up, rise, KH. 809 L, H. Cf. Lay. 20509.

stonge, 3 pl. pret. pierced, KH. 1475 L H, Ass. 447 Add. OE. stingan.

store, adj., nom. plur. great, strong, F. & B. 19 C. OE. stor.

stounde, stunde, sb. point of time, period of time, F. & B. 327 T, Ass. 635, 727 Add., KH. 181 C, 351, 791, 1030, 1371. OE. stund.

striken, 3 pl. pret. struck, stripped (Stratmann)?, striken L H, strike C, KH. 1089. OE. strīcan.

sture, infin. stir, move, KH. 1541 H. OE. styrian.

Sture, name of a river, KH. 729, 1551.

Suddene, Sodenne, Sudenne, Suddenne, KH. 155, 189, 542, 929, 1062, 1351, 1370, 1389, 1463, 1637.

sundry, adj. separate, apart, Ass. 148, 364 Add. OE. syndrig.

sune, 2 sing. subj. pres. sound, KH. 223 C. OF. soner.

swage, infin. assuage, abate, F. & B. 38 T. OF. asuager.

swere, swire, suire, sb. neck, KH. 796, 1144, 1291, F. & B. 1016 T. OE. swira, sweora.

sweting, sb. favourite, KH. 234 L.

sweuen, sb. dream, KH. 710, 723. OE. swefen.

sweuening, sb. dream, KH. 774.

swike, swyke, infin. deceive; biswike C L, bysuyke H, KH. 306; biswike C, swike L, byswyke H, KH. 711. OE. swīcan.

swilc, swihc, such, etc., such. OE. swylce.

swiþe, swyþe, suþe, adv. (1) very, KH. 96, 98 L H, 172, 192, etc., Ass. 355 C, F. & B. 87, 280 C.; (2) soon, quickly, rapid, KH. 129 L H, 374 L, 435 L, 289, 845, 1042, etc., F. & B. 148, 308 C., Ass. 612, 671 H, 839 Add., etc. OE. swīðe.

iswoȝe, yswowe, pp. in a faint, KH. 458, 914.

swoȝning C, swohinge L, swowenynge H, sb. fainting spell, swoon, KH. 474.

swongen, 3 pl. pret. suspended, (?) Ass. 443 Add. OE. swingan.

swymme, swemme, infin. move on water, KH. 203. OE. swimman.

take, v. take, give, KH. 568, 834, 1134, 1204, F. & B. 207 T, 159 C., Ass. 48, 682 Add., 572 H, etc.; bitak, KH. 839 C, bytoke L, bitoke H, KH. 1179. Cf. teche, biteche. ON. taka.

targeþ, v. delay, F. & B. 226 Cott. OF. targier.

te, ten, v. draw; infin. te, Ass. 282 C, ten KH. 767 T, teon 767 H; 3 sing. pret. teȝ, F. & B. 617 C.; 2 sing. imper. te, KH. 327 L. OE. tēon.

teche, v. usually ‘teach,’ sometimes ‘give’ (cf. take); infin. teche, give, Ass. 46 C; 1 sing. pres. biteche, KH. 619 L H.

tendeþ, v. set on fire, burn, F. & B. 672 C. OE. (on)tendan.

tene, teone, sb. injustice, harm, KH. 367, 727; anger, F. & B. 902 T. OE. te͞ona.

terme, sb. term, period, F. & B. 432 Cambr. OF. terme.

teyse, sb. measure of three yards, F. & B. 201, 203 Cott. OF. toise.

þar, v. need, KH. 408 L. OE. þearf.

þat, (1) demonstr. the, that, KH. 27, 28; (2) rel. that, KH. 2, 22; (3) conj. that, KH. 33 L; (4) comp. rel. him, who, KH. 1064 C.

the, infin. prosper, thrive, F. & B. 566 T. OE. ðēon.

þinke, v. seem; infin. KH. 1233; 3 sing. pres. þinkþ, KH. 1405 C, etc.; þincheþ, F. & B. 169 C.; of þinke, misplease, repent, infin., KH. 112, 1046 C H, 1136. OE. þyncean.

þo, adv. then, KH. 52, etc. OE. ða.

þole, þolie, v. endure, suffer; infin., F. & B. 422, 677, 678, 737 C., Ass. 22, 215 C, 26, 217, 219 Add.; 3 sing. pret., F. & B. 580 C., etc. OE. þolian.

Thomas, F. & B. 611 C, 659, 775, 796, 807, 821 Add.

þorhreche, see reche.

þral, þralle, sb. slave, thrall, KH. 449. OE. þrǣl.

þroȝe, sb. period of time, KH. 354, 1036. OE. þrāge.

þrottene, þrettene, num. thirteen. OE. þrēotȳne.

þulke (þe + ulke), the same, F. & B. 746 C., etc.

þurston, KH. 875, 1057. Seems to be Norse. A frequent name of Hus Carls. Thurstan (Turstayn) is one of two tax collectors sent by Hardicanute to Worcester.

tide, sb. time, KH. 1563. OE. tīd.

tide, bitide, v. happen, betide; infin., KH. 212 L H, 218 C; 3 sing. pres., tit, tyt, KH. 1442 L H; bitide, infin. KH. 218 L H, 575. OE. tīdian.

Printed on two lines with superfluous “OE.”:
tide, bitide, v. happen, betide; infin., KH. 212 L H, 218 C; 3 sing. pres., OE.
tit, tyt, KH. 1442 L H; bitide, infin. KH. 218 L H, 575. OE. tīdian.

timing, tymyng, sb. success, KH. 1701 C H. OE. tīmian.

tire, tyre, infin. tear, F. & B. 736 C., 1017 T. OE. teran.

tiþing, tidinge, etc., sb. tiding, KH. 138, 1058, 1318.

to, (1) prep. to, KH. 2; (2) adv. too, KH. 37 L H; (3) prefix apart, asunder.

to-brake, 3 sing. pret. broke apart, F. & B. 133 T.

to-draȝe, to drawe, infin. draw to pieces (cf. draw and quarter), KH. 1612; 3 pl. pret. KH. 195. Cf. alle þa chirchen he to droh, Lay. 29135 A.

toȝenes, see ȝen.

to-shake, v. shake to pieces. Ass. 356 C.

trende, 3 sing. pret. roll, KH. 460 H. OE. trendan.

trewage, truage, sb. tribute, homage, KH. 1618. OF. truage.

trewþe, sb. truth, troth, KH. 321. OE. trēowð.

Troye, dat. sing., F. & B. 178 T.

Tune, sb. town, city, KH. 168. OE. tūn.

tweie, tueye, tweyne, num. two, twain, KH. 943 H, 955. OE. twēgen.

twie, twye, adv. twice, KH. 1570 C L. OE. tuwa, twiwa.

tytte, 3 sing. pret. pull tightly (Bradley-Stratmann).

vȝten, sb. morning, dawn, KH. 1474. OE. ūhte.

uncuþe, vncouþe, adj. unknown, KH. 781. OE. cūð.

vnderfonge, see fonge.

vnderȝete, v. perceive, learn; infin. F. & B. 49 T; 3 sing. pret. vnderȝat, F. & B. 35 C., etc.; pp., F. & B. 292 T, and Cott. 556 C. OE. undergietan.

vndern, sb. noon, F. & B. 511 T; ondarne, Cott. OE. undern.

vndernome, pp. journeyed, F. & B. 189, 219 T; vndernome, set out, gone, 920 T. Cf. noome, gone, F. & B. 227 T.

vndrestode, 3 sing. pret. received, Ass. 564 Add.

vnmete, adv. violently, Ass. 354 C. OE. unmete.

vnmeþ, sb. immoderation, F. & B. 675 C. OE. unmet.

vnneþes, adv. with difficulty, F. & B. 63 T. OE. une͞aðe.

unorne, adj. old, ugly, KH. 348, 1646 C. OE. unorne.

vnpliȝt, sb. peril, Ass. 194 Add.

unspurne, infin. kick open, KH. 1159. OE. spurnan.

vnwemmed, adj. spotless, Ass. 537 C. OE. wamm.

vrne, see erne.

utrage, sb. error for truage (?), KH. 1618 L.

verde, see ferde.

verdoune, sb. troop, company (?), Ass. 455, 457 H.

vertu, sb. power, strength, F. & B. 370 T. OF. vertu.

vie, sb. life, Ass. 879, 889, 891 Add. OF. vie.

warysoun, sb. reward, F. & B. 1051 T, see gersume, garisone.

wat, water, KH. 634 L.

waxe, wexe, v. grow, wax; infin., KH. 101, 268 C, 312 C; 3 sing. pret. wex, KH. 268 L. OE. weaxan.

wed-broþer, sb. pledged brother, KH. 300 L. Cf. Lay. 14469 and Note 32209. Sax. Chron. 30, brother by baptism. Wace has for Layamon’s wed-broðer, in one instance ‘cousin,’ in another ‘nephew.’ Cf. also Plummer, Two Saxon Chronicles, p. 25, bottom. ON. veð brōðar.

wedde, v. wed, marry; infin., KH. 1021; 3 sing. pret. wedde (wax mad?); pp. wedde, KH. 316 C, L. OE. weddian.

wede, sb. clothes, KH. 1132. OE. wǣd.

wel, adv., (1) well, KH. 374 etc., (2) very, KH. 74 L, 97 L, 98 C, 131, F. & B. 147 C. OE. wēl.

welde, wolde, infin. wield, rule, KH. 324, 452 L, 972 L, F. & B. 207 T. OE. wealdan.

wem, sb. spot, stain, Ass. 647 Add. OE. wamm.

wende, v. turn, wend, go; infin., KH. 971 C L, F. & B. 60 C.; 2 sing. imper. went C H, wend L; go, KH. 343, 755 C, 759 C H; pp. wend H, I wend C, turned, KH. 1170; went, turned, Ass. 346 Add.; biwente C, bywende L, bywente H; 3 sing. pret. turned around, KH. 339. OE. wendan.

wendling, sb. vagrant (?), KH. 754 L.

wene, v. think, KH. 131, 313, 1204, 1207, 1213, 1365. OE. wēnan.

wene, weene, sb. (1) thought, F. & B. 651 C.; (2) doubt, F. & B. 197 T, 181 Cott. OE. wēn.

were, 2 sing. pres. subj. wear. OE. werian.

werie, werye, infin. protect, KH. 839. OE. werian.

werne, wurne, v. prevent, KH.; infin., KH. 938 L H, 1166 C, 1496 L, 1518 C. OE. wyrnan.

werþe, v. become, shall be; 2 sing. pres. wurstu C, worstu L, worþest þou H, KH. 342; 3 sing. pres. wurþ C, worþ L H, KH. 490, 728. worþe, KH. 509. OE. weorðan.

westernesse, westnesse, westene londe, westnesse londe, westnisse, KH. 172, 182, 228, 808, 993, 1017, 1088 C H, 1268, 1295 C H, 1615 C H.

whannes, wenne, whenne, inter. adv. whence, KH. 175. OE. hwanne, hwenne.

weturly, wytterli, adv. surely, F. & B. 819 T, Cott. ON. vitrliga.

wif, sb. woman, Ass. 18 C. OE. wīf.

wiȝt, sb. (1) bit, KH. 535; (2) being, person, KH. 715. OE. wiht.

wis, ywis, adv. certainly, indeed; KH. 131 C, 54 L H, 131 L H, 210 C, etc.

wise, sb. guise, KH. 378. OF. guise.

wise, wisse, v. conduct, direct, KH. 253 C, 443, 807 L, 1575. OE. wīsian.

wit, witte, wytte, sb. intelligence, understanding, wit, KH. 188, 692 C, 1164. OE. witt.

wite, v. 1 know; infin. KH. 309, 471 L, F. & B. 170, 609, 620 C.; 1 sing. pres. wole, Ass. 332 Add.; 2 pl. pres. woot, F. & B. 940 T; 2 pl. subj. weete, F. & B. 1031 T; 2 sing. subj. wite, 755 C.: 3 sing. pret. wiste, C L, nust H, KH. 84. Cf. also Ass. 32 C, 240 Add., etc. OE. witan.

wite, iwite, v. 2 guard, keep; 2 sing. subj. white, KH. 1569 H; infin. wite, F. & B. 555, 756 C. OE. wītan, gewītan.

wiþerling C, wiþering L, wytherlyng H, sb. enemy, foe, KH. 160.

wiþsegge, v. deny, KH. 1368. OE. secgan.

wode, adj. mad, KH. 950 L. OE. wōd.

woȝe, wowe, awowen, wowen, infin. woo, KH. 578, 847, 1517 C. OE. wōgian.

woȝe, wowe, sb. wall, KH. 1048. OE. wāg.

wolde, see welde.

won, sb. store, quantity, pomp (?); wiþ ryche won, KH. 962 H, F. & B. 386 C.

wonde, v. hesitate, delay, KH. 355, 788. OE. wandian.

wone, wonie, wune, v. dwell, be accustomed to; infin. KH. 783, 1456, F. & B. 218 Cott., Ass. 184 C; pp. wonede, KH. 80 L H, iwuned, F. & B. 567 C., etc. OE. wunian.

wone, wune, sb. custom, practice, F. & B. 557 C., 90 Cott., Ass. 20 Add. OE. (ge)wuna.

wood, adj. mad, F. & B. 936, 994 T. OE. wōd.

worship, sb. dignity, honour, F. & B. 1030 T. OE. weorðscipe.

worstu, thou shalt be, see werþe.

wreche, sb. vengeance, KH. 1376. OE. wrǣc.

wreie, wreye, v. (1) bewray, (2) accuse, KH. 1338, 1341 L, F. & B. 816 T. biwreie, bewray, accuse, KH. 380 C. OE. wrēgan.

wreke, infin. avenge, Ass. 726 Add., F. & B. 919 T; awreke, 640 C. OE. wrecan.

wringe, v. wring, twist; infin. wringe, wrynge, KH. 1142 H; 3 sing. pret. wrong, 1142 C; pr. part. wringinde C, wringende L, wryngynde H, KH. 118. OE. wringan.

wroþe, adj. fearful, afraid, KH. 366, 1304. OE. wrāð.

wunder, wonder, sb. wonder, harm, KH. 1335, 1536. OE. wundor. Cf. Mätzner, King Horn, 1247 Note, 1422 Note.

wyȝte, adj. brave, dexterous, KH. 1080 L, 1302 L.

wynne, sb. joy, pleasure, F. & B. 333 T. OE. wynn.

y-, see i-.

Differences between this e-text and the printed book

Sidenotes giving leaf-and-column information were often abbreviated for space. The forms “lf.” and “bk.” have been silently regularized to “leaf” and “back”. The full word “leaf” has been supplied where missing, except in references to the Trentham MS., where it was consistently omitted in the original.

Notes were variously printed in the side margin or at the bottom of the page, depending on space constraints. They have been treated as footnotes or sidenotes according to their function: information about the text or MS. (footnote), leaf- or column numbering (sidenote), narrative summary (sidenote). Where more than one MS was used, narrative sidenotes are shown at the beginning of each group of lines.

The recurring words “No gap in MS.” are in the original; they are generally followed by one or more blank lines inserted to keep the texts parallel. The words are retained in King Horn to preserve the editor’s line numbering; in the other texts they were retained only when needed to prevent ambiguity.

Each page of King Horn was divided into three: the Cambridge and Laud versions in adjoining columns, and the Harleian across the bottom, with lines printed in pairs separated by a | divider. For this e-text, the Harleian text has been separated into single lines to match the other two. General sidenotes were originally printed in the Harleian section.

Other Texts

At time of preparation, the three diagrams shown in the Introduction were available online at The Internet Archive:

Wissmann on King Horn:
http://www.archive.org/details/dasliedvonkingh00wissgoog (page n16)

Herzog on Floris and Blancheflur in Scandinavia:
http://www.archive.org/details/diebeidensagenk00herzgoog (page n100)

Hausknecht on Floris and Blancheflur:
http://www.archive.org/details/florisandblaunc00hausgoog (page n131)

In the Introduction to Floris and Blancheflur, the English passages printed alongside the French version are from Hausknecht’s edition.

Inconsistencies

Preface:

The forms “H Z”, “HZ.” and “H. Z.” (for “Haupt’s Zeitschrift für deutsches Alterthum”) each appear once.

The term “X type” (of OE. rime) appears both with and without period, and in both bold and ordinary type.

Some references to Hempl’s test have “-wǭ-, -wō-” instead of the expected “-wǭ-, -wọ̄-”. These are shown as printed.

In a few paragraphs, the abbreviation “O.E.” has been silently regularized to “OE.”

General:

The abbreviations “V.” and “Cott.” (see beginning of Glossary) refer to the same MS., Cott. Vitell. D. III.

“MS. Gg. 4. 27. 2.” is written both with and without final period (full stop).

When the editor is writing in his own voice, the Introduction uses “æ” while the notes use “ae”. Middle English is always “æ” (one letter); Latin is always “ae” (two letters).

The Laud MS. always has “crist...” instead of the more common “crist...”

In the Notes, anomalous quotation marks such as ‘R. H.’ for R. H. (without quotes) are unchanged.

Table of Contents

- CONTENTS.

- PREFACE.

- GLOSSARY.

- ABBREVIATIONS.

- Differences between this e-text and the printed book

- THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG™ LICENSE

- INTRODUCTION.

- KING HORN.

- § 1. SETTING OF THE STORY.

- § 2. VERSIONS.

- § 3. ELEMENTS OF THE STORY.

- § 4. TOPOGRAPHY.

- § 5. STYLE.

- § 6. VERSIFICATION.

- § 7. DIALECT.

- § 8. MANUSCRIPTS.

- Footnotes to Introduction

- KING HORN.

- NOTES.

- KING HORN.

- INTRODUCTION.

- FLORIS AND BLAUNCHEFLUR.

- § 1. INTRODUCTORY.

- § 2. HISTORY.

- § 3. ENGLISH VERSION.

- § 4. DIALECT.

- § 5. DATE OF COMPOSITION.

- § 6. VERSIFICATION.

- § 7. MANUSCRIPTS.

- Footnotes to Introduction

- FLORIS AND BLAUNCHEFLUR.

- NOTES.

- FLORIS AND BLAUNCHEFLUR.

- INTRODUCTION.

- THE ASSUMPTION OF OUR LADY.

- § 1. INTRODUCTORY.

- § 2. SETTING.

- § 3. THE RISE OF THE LEGEND.

- § 4. PLACE OF OUR LEGEND OF THE ASSUMPTION.

- § 5. ORIGIN.

- § 6. OTHER ENGLISH VERSIONS.

- § 7. MANUSCRIPTS.

- § 8. TIME AND PLACE OF COMPOSITION.

- § 9. VERSIFICATION.

- Footnotes to Introduction

- ¶ ASSUMPCIOUN DE NOTRE DAME

- HIC INCIPIT ASSUMPCIO BEATE MARIE

- Explicit Sextus liber sancte Marie.

- NOTES.

- ASSUMPTION.

- CONTENTS.

- PREFACE.

- GLOSSARY.

- ABBREVIATIONS.

- Differences between this e-text and the printed book