What
tydynges
from the kynge?
Thomas Chatterton - Rowley Poems
mie Birtha fallethe to the grounde!
Botte yette I am a manne, and so wylle bee.
HURRA.
AElla! I amme a Dane; botte yette a friende to thee. 1215
Thys damoyselle I founde wythynne a woode,
Strevynge fulle harde anenste a burled swayne;
I sente hym myrynge ynne mie compheeres blodde,
Celmonde hys name, chief of thie warrynge trayne.
Yis damoiselle foughte to be here agayne; 1220
The whyche, albeytte foemen, wee dydd wylle;
So here wee broughte her wythe you to remayne.
COERNIKE.
Yee nobylle Danes! wythe goulde I wyll you fylle.
AELLA.
Birtha, mie lyfe! mie love! oh! she ys fayre.
Whatte faultes coulde Birtha have, whatte faultes could AElla feare?
BIRTHA.
Amm I yenne thyne? I cannotte blame thie feere.
Botte doe reste mee uponne mie AElla's breaste;
I wylle to thee bewryen the woefulle gare.
Celmonde dyd comme to mee at tyme of reste,
Wordeynge for mee to flie, att your requeste, 1230
To Watchette towne, where you deceasynge laie;
I wyth hym fledde; thro' a murke wode we preste,
Where hee foule love unto mie eares dyd saie;
The Danes--
AELLA.
Oh! I die contente. -- [_dieth_.
BIRTHA.
Oh! ys mie AElla dedde?
O! I will make hys grave mie vyrgyn spousal bedde. 1235
[Birtha _feyncteth_.
COERNYKE.
Whatt? AElla deadde! & Birtha dyynge toe!
Soe falles the fayrest flourettes of the playne.
Who canne unplyte the wurchys heaven can doe,
Or who untweste the role of shappe yn twayne?
AElla, thie rennome was thie onlie gayne; 1240
For yatte, thie pleasaunce, & thie joie was loste.
Thie countrymen shall rere thee, on the playne,
A pyle of carnes, as anie grave can boaste;
Further, a just amede to thee to bee,
Inne heaven thou synge of Godde, on erthe we'lle synge of thee. 1245
THE ENDE.
[Footnote 1: robes, mantels. ]
[Footnote 2: a pen. ]
[Footnote 3: express. ]
[Footnote 4: countenance. ]
[Footnote 5: covered. ]
[Footnote 6: such. ]
[Footnote 7: another. ]
[Footnote 8: at once. ]
[Footnote 9: mighty. ]
[Footnote 10: hardy, valourous. ]
[Footnote 11: violence. ]
[Footnote 12: binding, enforcing. ]
[Footnote 13: fate. ]
[Footnote 14: lessen, decrease. ]
[Footnote 15: faith. ]
[Footnote 16: blinded. ]
[Footnote 17: lights, rays. ]
[Footnote 18: fellows, equals. ]
[Footnote 19: disdainful. ]
[Footnote 20: presents, offerings. ]
[Footnote 21: scarfs. ]
[Footnote 22: robes of scarlet. ]
[Footnote 23: bounded. ]
[Footnote 24: large. ]
[Footnote 25: elephants. ]
[Footnote 26: destroy. ]
[Footnote 27: stretched. ]
[Footnote 28: services. ]
[Footnote 29: memory, understanding. ]
[Footnote 30: Shepherd. ]
[Footnote 31: deceiver. ]
[Footnote 32: meadows. ]
[Footnote 33: The black bird. ]
[Footnote 34: Gold-finch. ]
[Footnote 35: loudly. ]
[Footnote 36: lectures. ]
[Footnote 37: Apparel. ]
[Footnote 38: At once. ]
[Footnote 39: a divine. ]
[Footnote 40: A cottage. ]
[Footnote 41: Lord. ]
[Footnote 42: stretch. ]
[Footnote 43: tender. ]
[Footnote 44: Naked. ]
[Footnote 45: Hot. ]
[Footnote 46: health. ]
[Footnote 47: Quickly. ]
[Footnote 48: Laughable. ]
[Footnote 49: Drouned. ]
[Footnote 50: Stilled, quenched. ]
[Footnote 51: Swelling. ]
[Footnote 52: Body, substance. ]
[Footnote 53: Still, dead. ]
[Footnote 54: arrows, darts. ]
[Footnote 55: Terrible. ]
[Footnote 56: Offended. ]
[Footnote 57: upbraiding. ]
[Footnote 58: cease. ]
[Footnote 59: swollen. ]
[Footnote 60: Torture. ]
[Footnote 61: asswage. ]
[Footnote 62: difficult. ]
[Footnote 63: Jewels. ]
[Footnote 64: stay. ]
[Footnote 65: Wrapped closely, covered. ]
[Footnote 66: fastened. ]
[Footnote 67: astonish'd. ]
[Footnote 68: Naked. ]
[Footnote 69: Scatterest. ]
[Footnote 70: Strange. ]
[Footnote 71: Quickly. ]
[Footnote 72: offerings. ]
[Footnote 73: mantels. ]
[Footnote 74: Enlighten. ]
[Footnote 75: Least. ]
[Editor's note: l. 467 _see Introduction p. _ xli]
[Footnote 76: Against. ]
[Footnote 77: Work. ]
[Editor's note: l. 489 sphere: _see note on p_. xli]
[Footnote 78: Terror. ]
[Footnote 79: cowards. ]
[Footnote 80: Wave. ]
[Footnote 81: Contentions. ]
[Footnote 82: frighted. ]
[Footnote 83: Lose. ]
[Footnote 84: Child. ]
[Footnote 85: Fate-scourged. ]
[Footnote 86: flamed, fired. ]
[Footnote 87: lighted. ]
[Footnote 88: dead. ]
[Footnote 89: blasting. ]
[Footnote 90: swallows, sucks in. ]
[Footnote 91: unaccustomed. ]
[Footnote 92: Declaring. ]
[Footnote 93: Shall. ]
[Footnote 94: Coward. ]
[Footnote 95: Retreat. ]
[Footnote 96: Burnish. ]
[Footnote 97: Frighted. ]
[Footnote 98: Eternal. ]
[Footnote 99: Grief. ]
[Footnote 100: Running. ]
[Footnote 101: hair. ]
[Footnote 102: complexion. ]
[Footnote 103: Water-flags. ]
[Footnote 104: Frozen, cold. ]
[Footnote 105: horse coursers, couriers. ]
[Footnote 106: Risen. ]
[Footnote 107: church-yard. ]
[Footnote 108: Promised. ]
[Footnote 109: Life. ]
[Footnote 110: Scarcely, sparingly. ]
[Footnote 111: Torch. ]
[Footnote 112: Betrayed. ]
[Footnote 113: Letchery. ]
[Footnote 114: heaven. ]
[Footnote 115: hide. ]
[Footnote 116: Furious. ]
[Footnote 117: slain. ]
[Footnote 118: Adultery. ]
[Footnote 119: Slay. ]
[Footnote 120: Monument. ]
[Footnote 121: Scarce. ]
[Footnote 122: Only, alone. ]
[Footnote 123: Search. ]
[Footnote 124: Cursed, tormented. ]
[Footnote 125: unarmed. ]
[Footnote 126: soft, gentle. ]
[Footnote 127: renown. ]
[Footnote 128: Un-souls. ]
GODDWYN;
A TRAGEDIE.
BY THOMAS ROWLEIE.
PERSONS REPRESENTED.
HAROLDE, bie _T. Rowleie_, the Aucthoure.
GODDWYN, bie _Johan de Iscamme_.
ELWARDE, bie Syrr _Thybbot Gorges_.
ALSTAN, bie Syrr _Alan de Vere_.
KYNGE EDWARDE, bie Mastre _Willyam Canynge_.
Odhers bie _Knyghtes Mynnstrells_.
PROLOGUE,
Made bie Maistre WILLIAM CANYNGE.
Whylomme[1]bie pensmenne[2] moke[3] ungentle[4] name
Have upon Goddwynne Erie of Kente bin layde:
Dherebie benymmynge[5] hymme of faie[6] and fame;
Unliart[7] divinistres[8] haveth faide,
Thatte he was knowen toe noe hallie[9] wurche[10]; 5
Botte thys was all hys faulte, he gyfted ne[11] the churche.
The aucthoure[12] of the piece whiche we enacte,
Albeytte[13] a clergyon[14], trouthe wyll wrytte.
Inne drawynge of hys menne no wytte ys lackte;
Entyn[15] a kynge mote[16] bee full pleased to nyghte. 10
Attende, and marcke the partes nowe to be done;
Wee better for toe doe do champyon[17] anie onne.
GODDWYN; A TRAGEDIE.
GODDWYN AND HAROLDE.
GODDWYN.
Harolde!
HAROLDE.
Mie loverde[18]!
GODDWYN.
O! I weepe to thyncke,
What foemen[19] riseth to ifrete[20] the londe.
Theie batten[21] onne her fleshe, her hartes bloude dryncke,
And all ys graunted from the roieal honde.
HAROLDE.
Lette notte thie agreme[22] blyn[23], ne aledge[24] stonde; 5
Bee I toe wepe, I wepe in teres of gore:
Am I betrassed[25], syke[26] shulde mie burlie[27] bronde
Depeyncte[28] the wronges on hym from whom I bore.
GODDWYN.
I ken thie spryte[29] ful welle; gentle thou art,
Stringe[30], ugsomme[31], rou[32], as smethynge[33] armyes seeme; 10
Yett efte[34], I feare, thie chefes[35] toe grete a parte,
And that thie rede[36] bee efte borne downe bie breme[37].
What tydynges from the kynge?
HAROLDE.
His Normans know.
I make noe compheeres of the shemrynge[38] trayne.
GODDWYN.
Ah Harolde! tis a syghte of myckle woe, 15
To kenne these Normannes everich rennome gayne.
What tydynge withe the foulke[39]?
HAROLDE.
Stylle mormorynge atte yer shap[40], stylle toe the kynge
Theie rolle theire trobbles, lyche a sorgie sea.
Hane Englonde thenne a tongue, butte notte a stynge? 20
Dothe alle compleyne, yette none wylle ryghted bee?
GODDWYN.
Awayte the tyme, whanne Godde wylle sende us ayde.
HAROLDE.
No, we muste streve to ayde oureselves wyth powre.
Whan Godde wylle sende us ayde! tis fetelie[41] prayde.
Moste we those calke[42] awaie the lyve-longe howre? 25
Thos croche[43] oure armes, and ne toe lyve dareygne[44].
Unburled[45] undelievre[46], unespryte[47]?
Far fro mie harte be fled thyk[48] thoughte of peyne,
Ile free mie countrie, or Ille die yn fyghte.
GODDWYN.
Botte lette us wayte untylle somme season fytte. 30
Mie Kentyshmen, thie Summertons shall ryse;
Adented[49] prowess[50] to the gite[51] of witte,
Agayne the argent[52] horse shall daunce yn skies.
Oh Harolde, heere forstraughteynge[53] wanhope[54] lies.
Englonde, oh Englonde, tys for thee I blethe[55]. 35
Whylste Edwarde to thie sonnes wylle nete alyse[56],
Shulde anie of thie sonnes fele aughte of ethe[57]?
Upponne the trone[58] I sette thee, helde thie crowne;
Botte oh! twere hommage nowe to pyghte[59] thee downe.
Thou arte all preeste, & notheynge of the kynge. 40
Thou arte all Norman, nothynge of mie blodde.
Know, ytte beseies[60] thee notte a masse to synge;
Servynge thie leegefolcke[61] thou arte servynge Godde.
HAROLDE.
Thenne Ille doe heaven a servyce. To the skyes
The dailie contekes[62] of the londe ascende. 45
The wyddowe, fahdrelesse, & bondemennes cries
Acheke[63] the mokie[64] aire & heaven astende[65]
On us the rulers doe the folcke depende;
Hancelled[66] from erthe these Normanne[67] hyndes shalle bee;
Lyche a battently[68] low[69], mie swerde shalle brende[70]; 50
Lyche fallynge softe rayne droppes, I wyll hem[71] slea[72];
Wee wayte too longe; our purpose wylle defayte[73];
Aboune[74] the hyghe empryze[75], & rouze the champyones strayte.
GODDWYN.
Thie suster--
HAROLDE.
Aye, I knowe, she is his queene.
Albeytte[76], dyd shee speeke her foemen[77] fayre, 55
I wulde dequace[78] her comlie semlykeene[79],
And foulde mie bloddie anlace[80] yn her hayre.
GODDWYN.
Thye fhuir[81] blyn[82].
HAROLDE.
No, bydde the leathal[83] mere[84]
Upriste[85] withe hiltrene[86] wyndes & cause unkend[87],
Beheste[88] it to be lete[89]; so twylle appeare, 60
Eere Harolde hyde hys name, his contries frende.
The gule-steynct[90] brygandyne[91], the adventayle[92],
The feerie anlace[92] brede[93] shal make mie gare[94] prevayle.
GODDWYN.
Harolde, what wuldest doe?
HAROLDE.
Bethyncke thee whatt.
Here liethe Englonde, all her drites [95] unfree, 65
Here liethe Normans coupynge[96] her bie lotte,
Caltysnyng[97] everich native plante to gre[98],
Whatte woulde I doe? I brondeous[99] wulde hem slee[100];
Tare owte theyre sable harte bie ryghtefulle breme[101];
Theyre deathe a meanes untoe mie lyfe shulde bee, 70
Mie spryte shulde revelle yn theyr harte-blodde streme.
Eftsoones I wylle bewryne[102] mie ragefulle ire,
And Goddis anlace[103] wielde yn furie dyre.
GODDWYN.
Whatte wouldest thou wythe the kynge?
HAROLDE.
Take offe hys crowne;
The ruler of somme mynster[104] hym ordeyne; 75
Sette uppe fom dygner[105] than I han pyghte[106] downe;
And peace in Englonde shulde be brayd[107] agayne.
GODDWYN.
No, lette the super-hallie[108] seyncte kynge reygne,
Ande somme moe reded[109] rule the untentyff[110] reaulme;
Kynge Edwarde, yn hys cortesie, wylle deygne 80
To yielde the spoiles, and alleyne were the heaulme:
Botte from mee harte bee everych thoughte of gayne,
Not anie of mie kin I wysche him to ordeyne.
HAROLDE.
Tell me the meenes, and I wylle boute ytte strayte;
Bete[111] mee to slea[112] mieself, ytte shalle be done. 85
GODDWYN.
To thee I wylle swythynne[113] the menes unplayte[114],
Bie whyche thou, Harolde, shalte be proved mie sonne.
I have longe seen whatte peynes were undergon,
Whatte agrames[115] braunce[116] out from the general tree;
The tyme ys commynge, whan the mollock[117] gron[118] 90
Drented[119] of alle yts swolynge[120] owndes[121] shalle bee;
Mie remedie is goode; our menne shall ryse:
Eftsoons the Normans and owre agrame[122] flies.
HAROLDE.
I will to the West, and gemote[123] alle mie knyghtes,
Wythe bylles that pancte for blodde, and sheeldes as brede[124] 95
As the ybroched[125] moon, when blaunch[126] shedyghtes[127]
The wodeland grounde or water-mantled mede;
Wythe hondes whose myghte canne make the doughtiest[128] blede,
Who efte have knelte upon forslagen[129] foes,
Whoe wythe yer fote orrests[130] a castle-stede[131], 100
Who dare on kynges for to bewrecke[123] yiere woes;
Nowe wylle the menne of Englonde haile the daie,
Whan Goddwyn leades them to the ryghtfulle fraie.
GODDWYN.
Botte firste we'll call the loverdes of the West,
The erles of Mercia, Conventrie and all; 105
The moe wee gayne, the gare[133] wylle prosper beste,
Wythe syke a nomber wee can never fall.
HAROLDE.
True, so wee sal doe best to lyncke the chayne,
And alle attenes[134] the spreddynge kyngedomme bynde.
No crouched[135] champyone wythe an harte moe feygne 100
Dyd yssue owte the hallie[136] swerde to fynde,
Than I nowe strev to ryd mie londe of peyne.
Goddwyn, what thanckes owre laboures wylle enhepe!
I'lle ryse mie friendes unto the bloddie pleyne;
I'lle wake the honnoure thatte ys now aslepe. 115
When wylle the chiefes mete atte thie feastive halle,
That I wythe voice alowde maie there upon 'em calle?
GODDWYN.
Next eve, mie sonne.
HAROLDE.
Nowe, Englonde, ys the tyme,
Whan thee or thie felle foemens cause moste die.
Thie geason[137] wronges bee reyne[138] ynto theyre pryme; 120
Nowe wylle thie sonnes unto thie succoure flie.
Alyche a storm egederinge[139] yn the skie,
Tys fulle ande brasteth[140] on the chaper[141] grounde;
Sycke shalle mie fhuirye on the Normans flie,
And alle theyre mittee[142] menne be sleene[143] arounde. 125
Nowe, nowe, wylle Harolde or oppressionne falle,
Ne moe the Englyshmenne yn vayne for hele[144] shal calle.
KYNGE EDWARDE AND HYS QUEENE.
QUEENE.
Botte, loverde[145], whie so manie Normannes here?
Mee thynckethe wee bee notte yn Englyshe londe.
These browded[146] straungers alwaie doe appere, 130
Theie parte yor trone[147], and sete at your ryghte honde.
KYNGE.
Go to, goe to, you doe ne understonde:
Theie yeave mee lyffe and dyd mie bowkie[148] kepe;
Theie dyd mee feeste, and did embowre[149] me gronde;
To trete hem ylle wulde lette mie kyndnesse slepe. 135
QUEENE.
Mancas[150] you have yn store, and to them parte;
Youre leege-folcke[151] make moke[152] dole[153], you have theyr worthe asterte[154].
KYNGE.
I heste[155] no rede of you. I ken mie friendes.
Hallie[156] dheie are, fulle ready mee to hele[157].
Theyre volundes[158] are ystorven[159] to self endes; 140
No denwere[160] yn mie breste I of them fele:
I muste to prayers; goe yn, and you do wele;
I muste ne lose the dutie of the daie;
Go inne, go ynne, ande viewe the azure rele[161],
Fulle welle I wote you have noe mynde toe praie. 145
QUEENE.
I leeve youe to doe hommage heaven-were[162];
To serve yor leege-folcke toe is doeynge hommage there.
KYNGE AND SYR HUGHE.
KYNGE.
Mie friende, Syr Hughe, whatte tydynges brynges thee here?
HUGHE.
There is no mancas yn mie loverdes ente[163];
The hus dyspense[164] unpaied doe appere; 150
The laste receivure[165] ys eftesoones[166] dispente[167].
KYNGE.
Thenne guylde the Weste.
HUGHE.
Mie loverde, I dyd speke
Untoe the mitte[168] Erle Harolde of the thynge;
He raysed hys honde, and smoke me onne the cheke,
Saieynge, go beare thatte message to the kynge. 155
KYNGE.
Arace[169] hym of hys powere; bie Goddis worde,
Ne moe thatte Harolde shall ywield the erlies swerde.
HUGHE.
Atte seeson fytte, mie loverde, lette itt bee;
Botte nowe the folcke doe soe enalse[170] hys name,
Inne strevvynge to slea hymme, ourselves wee slea; 160
Syke ys the doughtyness[171] of hys grete fame.
KYNGE.
Hughe, I beethyncke, thie rede[172] ys notte to blame.
Botte thou maiest fynde fulle store of marckes yn Kente.
HUGHE.
Mie noble loverde, Godwynn ys the same
He sweeres he wylle notte swelle the Normans ent. 165
KYNGE.
Ah traytoure! botte mie rage I wylle commaunde.
Thou arte a Normanne, Hughe, a straunger to the launde.
Thou kenneste howe these Englysche erle doe bere
Such stedness[173] in the yll and evylle thynge,
Botte atte the goode theie hover yn denwere[174], 170
Onknowlachynge[175] gif thereunto to clynge.
HUGHE.
Onwordie syke a marvelle[176] of a kynge!
O Edwarde, thou deservest purer leege[177];
To thee heie[178] shulden al theire mancas brynge;
Thie nodde should save menne, and thie glomb[179] forslege[180]. 175
I amme no curriedowe[181], I lacke no wite [182],
I speke whatte bee the trouthe, and whatte all see is ryghte.
KYNGE.
Thou arte a hallie[183] manne, I doe thee pryze.
Comme, comme, and here and hele[184] mee ynn mie praires.
Fulle twentie mancas I wylle thee alise [185], 180
And twayne of hamlettes[186] to thee and thie heyres.
So shalle all Normannes from mie londe be fed,
Theie alleyn[187] have syke love as to acquyre yer bredde.
CHORUS.
Whan Freedom, dreste yn blodde-steyned veste,
To everie knyghte her warre-songe sunge, 185
Uponne her hedde wylde wedes were spredde;
A gorie anlace bye her honge.
She daunced onne the heathe;
She hearde the voice of deathe;
Pale-eyned affryghte, hys harte of sylver hue, 190
In vayne assayled[188] her bosomme to acale[189];
She hearde onflemed[190] the shriekynge voice of woe,
And sadnesse ynne the owlette shake the dale.
She shooke the burled[191] speere,
On hie she jeste[192] her sheelde, 195
Her foemen[193] all appere,
And flizze[194] alonge the feelde.
Power, wythe his heasod[195] straught[196] ynto the skyes,
Hys speere a sonne-beame, and his sheelde a starre,
Alyche[197] twaie[198] brendeynge[199] gronfyres[200] rolls hys eyes, 200
Chastes[201] with hys yronne feete and soundes to war.
She syttes upon a rocke,
She bendes before his speere,
She ryses from the shocke,
Wieldynge her owne yn ayre. 205
Harde as the thonder dothe she drive ytte on,
Wytte scillye[202] wympled[203] gies[204] ytte to hys crowne,
Hys longe sharpe speere, hys spreddynge sheelde ys gon,
He falles, and fallynge rolleth thousandes down.
War, goare-faced war, bie envie burld[205], arist[206], 210
Hys feerie heaulme[207] noddynge to the ayre,
Tenne bloddie arrowes ynne hys streynynge fyste--
* * * * *
[Footnote 1: Of old, formerly. ]
[Footnote 2: writers, historians. ]
[Footnote 3: much. ]
[Footnote 4: inglorious. ]
[Footnote 5: bereaving. ]
[Footnote 6: faith. ]
[Footnote 7: unforgiving. ]
[Footnote 8: divines, clergymen, monks. ]
[Footnote 9: holy. ]
[Footnote 10: work. ]
[Footnote 11: not. ]
[Footnote 12: author. ]
[Footnote 13: though, notwithstanding. ]
[Footnote 14: clerk, or clergyman. ]
[Footnote 15: entyn, even. ]
[Footnote 16: might. ]
[Footnote 17: challenge. ]
[Footnote 18: Lord. ]
[Footnote 19: foes, enemies. ]
[Footnote 20: devour, destroy. ]
[Footnote 21: fatten. ]
[Footnote 22: Grievance; a sense of it. ]
[Footnote 23: cease, be still. ]
[Footnote 24: idly. ]
[Footnote 25: deceived, imposed on. ]
[Footnote 26: so. ]
[Footnote 27: fury, anger, rage. ]
[Footnote 28: paint, display. ]
[Footnote 29: soul. ]
[Footnote 30: strong. ]
[Footnote 31: terrible. ]
[Footnote 32: horrid, grim. ]
[Footnote 33: smoking, bleeding. ]
[Footnote 34: oft. ]
[Footnote 35: heat, rashness. ]
[Footnote 36: counsel, wisdom. ]
[Footnote 37: strength, also strong. ]
[Footnote 38: taudry, glimmering. ]
[Footnote 39: People. ]
[Footnote 40: fate, destiny. ]
[Footnote 41: nobly. ]
[Footnote 42: Cast. ]
[Footnote 43: cross, from crouche, a cross. ]
[Footnote 44: attempt, or endeavour. ]
[Footnote 45: unarmed. ]
[Footnote 46: unactive. ]
[Footnote 47: unspirited. ]
[Footnote 48: such. ]
[Footnote 49: fastened, annexed. ]
[Footnote 50: might, power. ]
[Footnote 51: mantle, or robe. ]
[Footnote 52: white, alluding to the arms of Kent, a horse saliant,
argent. ]
[Footnote 53: distracting. ]
[Footnote 54: despair. ]
[Footnote 55: bleed. ]
[Footnote 56: allow. ]
[Footnote 57: ease. ]
[Footnote 58: throne. ]
[Footnote 59: pluck. ]
[Footnote 60: Becomes. ]
[Footnote 61: subjects. ]
[Footnote 62: contentions, complaints. ]
[Footnote 63: choke. ]
[Footnote 64: dark, cloudy. ]
[Footnote 65: astonish.
Botte yette I am a manne, and so wylle bee.
HURRA.
AElla! I amme a Dane; botte yette a friende to thee. 1215
Thys damoyselle I founde wythynne a woode,
Strevynge fulle harde anenste a burled swayne;
I sente hym myrynge ynne mie compheeres blodde,
Celmonde hys name, chief of thie warrynge trayne.
Yis damoiselle foughte to be here agayne; 1220
The whyche, albeytte foemen, wee dydd wylle;
So here wee broughte her wythe you to remayne.
COERNIKE.
Yee nobylle Danes! wythe goulde I wyll you fylle.
AELLA.
Birtha, mie lyfe! mie love! oh! she ys fayre.
Whatte faultes coulde Birtha have, whatte faultes could AElla feare?
BIRTHA.
Amm I yenne thyne? I cannotte blame thie feere.
Botte doe reste mee uponne mie AElla's breaste;
I wylle to thee bewryen the woefulle gare.
Celmonde dyd comme to mee at tyme of reste,
Wordeynge for mee to flie, att your requeste, 1230
To Watchette towne, where you deceasynge laie;
I wyth hym fledde; thro' a murke wode we preste,
Where hee foule love unto mie eares dyd saie;
The Danes--
AELLA.
Oh! I die contente. -- [_dieth_.
BIRTHA.
Oh! ys mie AElla dedde?
O! I will make hys grave mie vyrgyn spousal bedde. 1235
[Birtha _feyncteth_.
COERNYKE.
Whatt? AElla deadde! & Birtha dyynge toe!
Soe falles the fayrest flourettes of the playne.
Who canne unplyte the wurchys heaven can doe,
Or who untweste the role of shappe yn twayne?
AElla, thie rennome was thie onlie gayne; 1240
For yatte, thie pleasaunce, & thie joie was loste.
Thie countrymen shall rere thee, on the playne,
A pyle of carnes, as anie grave can boaste;
Further, a just amede to thee to bee,
Inne heaven thou synge of Godde, on erthe we'lle synge of thee. 1245
THE ENDE.
[Footnote 1: robes, mantels. ]
[Footnote 2: a pen. ]
[Footnote 3: express. ]
[Footnote 4: countenance. ]
[Footnote 5: covered. ]
[Footnote 6: such. ]
[Footnote 7: another. ]
[Footnote 8: at once. ]
[Footnote 9: mighty. ]
[Footnote 10: hardy, valourous. ]
[Footnote 11: violence. ]
[Footnote 12: binding, enforcing. ]
[Footnote 13: fate. ]
[Footnote 14: lessen, decrease. ]
[Footnote 15: faith. ]
[Footnote 16: blinded. ]
[Footnote 17: lights, rays. ]
[Footnote 18: fellows, equals. ]
[Footnote 19: disdainful. ]
[Footnote 20: presents, offerings. ]
[Footnote 21: scarfs. ]
[Footnote 22: robes of scarlet. ]
[Footnote 23: bounded. ]
[Footnote 24: large. ]
[Footnote 25: elephants. ]
[Footnote 26: destroy. ]
[Footnote 27: stretched. ]
[Footnote 28: services. ]
[Footnote 29: memory, understanding. ]
[Footnote 30: Shepherd. ]
[Footnote 31: deceiver. ]
[Footnote 32: meadows. ]
[Footnote 33: The black bird. ]
[Footnote 34: Gold-finch. ]
[Footnote 35: loudly. ]
[Footnote 36: lectures. ]
[Footnote 37: Apparel. ]
[Footnote 38: At once. ]
[Footnote 39: a divine. ]
[Footnote 40: A cottage. ]
[Footnote 41: Lord. ]
[Footnote 42: stretch. ]
[Footnote 43: tender. ]
[Footnote 44: Naked. ]
[Footnote 45: Hot. ]
[Footnote 46: health. ]
[Footnote 47: Quickly. ]
[Footnote 48: Laughable. ]
[Footnote 49: Drouned. ]
[Footnote 50: Stilled, quenched. ]
[Footnote 51: Swelling. ]
[Footnote 52: Body, substance. ]
[Footnote 53: Still, dead. ]
[Footnote 54: arrows, darts. ]
[Footnote 55: Terrible. ]
[Footnote 56: Offended. ]
[Footnote 57: upbraiding. ]
[Footnote 58: cease. ]
[Footnote 59: swollen. ]
[Footnote 60: Torture. ]
[Footnote 61: asswage. ]
[Footnote 62: difficult. ]
[Footnote 63: Jewels. ]
[Footnote 64: stay. ]
[Footnote 65: Wrapped closely, covered. ]
[Footnote 66: fastened. ]
[Footnote 67: astonish'd. ]
[Footnote 68: Naked. ]
[Footnote 69: Scatterest. ]
[Footnote 70: Strange. ]
[Footnote 71: Quickly. ]
[Footnote 72: offerings. ]
[Footnote 73: mantels. ]
[Footnote 74: Enlighten. ]
[Footnote 75: Least. ]
[Editor's note: l. 467 _see Introduction p. _ xli]
[Footnote 76: Against. ]
[Footnote 77: Work. ]
[Editor's note: l. 489 sphere: _see note on p_. xli]
[Footnote 78: Terror. ]
[Footnote 79: cowards. ]
[Footnote 80: Wave. ]
[Footnote 81: Contentions. ]
[Footnote 82: frighted. ]
[Footnote 83: Lose. ]
[Footnote 84: Child. ]
[Footnote 85: Fate-scourged. ]
[Footnote 86: flamed, fired. ]
[Footnote 87: lighted. ]
[Footnote 88: dead. ]
[Footnote 89: blasting. ]
[Footnote 90: swallows, sucks in. ]
[Footnote 91: unaccustomed. ]
[Footnote 92: Declaring. ]
[Footnote 93: Shall. ]
[Footnote 94: Coward. ]
[Footnote 95: Retreat. ]
[Footnote 96: Burnish. ]
[Footnote 97: Frighted. ]
[Footnote 98: Eternal. ]
[Footnote 99: Grief. ]
[Footnote 100: Running. ]
[Footnote 101: hair. ]
[Footnote 102: complexion. ]
[Footnote 103: Water-flags. ]
[Footnote 104: Frozen, cold. ]
[Footnote 105: horse coursers, couriers. ]
[Footnote 106: Risen. ]
[Footnote 107: church-yard. ]
[Footnote 108: Promised. ]
[Footnote 109: Life. ]
[Footnote 110: Scarcely, sparingly. ]
[Footnote 111: Torch. ]
[Footnote 112: Betrayed. ]
[Footnote 113: Letchery. ]
[Footnote 114: heaven. ]
[Footnote 115: hide. ]
[Footnote 116: Furious. ]
[Footnote 117: slain. ]
[Footnote 118: Adultery. ]
[Footnote 119: Slay. ]
[Footnote 120: Monument. ]
[Footnote 121: Scarce. ]
[Footnote 122: Only, alone. ]
[Footnote 123: Search. ]
[Footnote 124: Cursed, tormented. ]
[Footnote 125: unarmed. ]
[Footnote 126: soft, gentle. ]
[Footnote 127: renown. ]
[Footnote 128: Un-souls. ]
GODDWYN;
A TRAGEDIE.
BY THOMAS ROWLEIE.
PERSONS REPRESENTED.
HAROLDE, bie _T. Rowleie_, the Aucthoure.
GODDWYN, bie _Johan de Iscamme_.
ELWARDE, bie Syrr _Thybbot Gorges_.
ALSTAN, bie Syrr _Alan de Vere_.
KYNGE EDWARDE, bie Mastre _Willyam Canynge_.
Odhers bie _Knyghtes Mynnstrells_.
PROLOGUE,
Made bie Maistre WILLIAM CANYNGE.
Whylomme[1]bie pensmenne[2] moke[3] ungentle[4] name
Have upon Goddwynne Erie of Kente bin layde:
Dherebie benymmynge[5] hymme of faie[6] and fame;
Unliart[7] divinistres[8] haveth faide,
Thatte he was knowen toe noe hallie[9] wurche[10]; 5
Botte thys was all hys faulte, he gyfted ne[11] the churche.
The aucthoure[12] of the piece whiche we enacte,
Albeytte[13] a clergyon[14], trouthe wyll wrytte.
Inne drawynge of hys menne no wytte ys lackte;
Entyn[15] a kynge mote[16] bee full pleased to nyghte. 10
Attende, and marcke the partes nowe to be done;
Wee better for toe doe do champyon[17] anie onne.
GODDWYN; A TRAGEDIE.
GODDWYN AND HAROLDE.
GODDWYN.
Harolde!
HAROLDE.
Mie loverde[18]!
GODDWYN.
O! I weepe to thyncke,
What foemen[19] riseth to ifrete[20] the londe.
Theie batten[21] onne her fleshe, her hartes bloude dryncke,
And all ys graunted from the roieal honde.
HAROLDE.
Lette notte thie agreme[22] blyn[23], ne aledge[24] stonde; 5
Bee I toe wepe, I wepe in teres of gore:
Am I betrassed[25], syke[26] shulde mie burlie[27] bronde
Depeyncte[28] the wronges on hym from whom I bore.
GODDWYN.
I ken thie spryte[29] ful welle; gentle thou art,
Stringe[30], ugsomme[31], rou[32], as smethynge[33] armyes seeme; 10
Yett efte[34], I feare, thie chefes[35] toe grete a parte,
And that thie rede[36] bee efte borne downe bie breme[37].
What tydynges from the kynge?
HAROLDE.
His Normans know.
I make noe compheeres of the shemrynge[38] trayne.
GODDWYN.
Ah Harolde! tis a syghte of myckle woe, 15
To kenne these Normannes everich rennome gayne.
What tydynge withe the foulke[39]?
HAROLDE.
Stylle mormorynge atte yer shap[40], stylle toe the kynge
Theie rolle theire trobbles, lyche a sorgie sea.
Hane Englonde thenne a tongue, butte notte a stynge? 20
Dothe alle compleyne, yette none wylle ryghted bee?
GODDWYN.
Awayte the tyme, whanne Godde wylle sende us ayde.
HAROLDE.
No, we muste streve to ayde oureselves wyth powre.
Whan Godde wylle sende us ayde! tis fetelie[41] prayde.
Moste we those calke[42] awaie the lyve-longe howre? 25
Thos croche[43] oure armes, and ne toe lyve dareygne[44].
Unburled[45] undelievre[46], unespryte[47]?
Far fro mie harte be fled thyk[48] thoughte of peyne,
Ile free mie countrie, or Ille die yn fyghte.
GODDWYN.
Botte lette us wayte untylle somme season fytte. 30
Mie Kentyshmen, thie Summertons shall ryse;
Adented[49] prowess[50] to the gite[51] of witte,
Agayne the argent[52] horse shall daunce yn skies.
Oh Harolde, heere forstraughteynge[53] wanhope[54] lies.
Englonde, oh Englonde, tys for thee I blethe[55]. 35
Whylste Edwarde to thie sonnes wylle nete alyse[56],
Shulde anie of thie sonnes fele aughte of ethe[57]?
Upponne the trone[58] I sette thee, helde thie crowne;
Botte oh! twere hommage nowe to pyghte[59] thee downe.
Thou arte all preeste, & notheynge of the kynge. 40
Thou arte all Norman, nothynge of mie blodde.
Know, ytte beseies[60] thee notte a masse to synge;
Servynge thie leegefolcke[61] thou arte servynge Godde.
HAROLDE.
Thenne Ille doe heaven a servyce. To the skyes
The dailie contekes[62] of the londe ascende. 45
The wyddowe, fahdrelesse, & bondemennes cries
Acheke[63] the mokie[64] aire & heaven astende[65]
On us the rulers doe the folcke depende;
Hancelled[66] from erthe these Normanne[67] hyndes shalle bee;
Lyche a battently[68] low[69], mie swerde shalle brende[70]; 50
Lyche fallynge softe rayne droppes, I wyll hem[71] slea[72];
Wee wayte too longe; our purpose wylle defayte[73];
Aboune[74] the hyghe empryze[75], & rouze the champyones strayte.
GODDWYN.
Thie suster--
HAROLDE.
Aye, I knowe, she is his queene.
Albeytte[76], dyd shee speeke her foemen[77] fayre, 55
I wulde dequace[78] her comlie semlykeene[79],
And foulde mie bloddie anlace[80] yn her hayre.
GODDWYN.
Thye fhuir[81] blyn[82].
HAROLDE.
No, bydde the leathal[83] mere[84]
Upriste[85] withe hiltrene[86] wyndes & cause unkend[87],
Beheste[88] it to be lete[89]; so twylle appeare, 60
Eere Harolde hyde hys name, his contries frende.
The gule-steynct[90] brygandyne[91], the adventayle[92],
The feerie anlace[92] brede[93] shal make mie gare[94] prevayle.
GODDWYN.
Harolde, what wuldest doe?
HAROLDE.
Bethyncke thee whatt.
Here liethe Englonde, all her drites [95] unfree, 65
Here liethe Normans coupynge[96] her bie lotte,
Caltysnyng[97] everich native plante to gre[98],
Whatte woulde I doe? I brondeous[99] wulde hem slee[100];
Tare owte theyre sable harte bie ryghtefulle breme[101];
Theyre deathe a meanes untoe mie lyfe shulde bee, 70
Mie spryte shulde revelle yn theyr harte-blodde streme.
Eftsoones I wylle bewryne[102] mie ragefulle ire,
And Goddis anlace[103] wielde yn furie dyre.
GODDWYN.
Whatte wouldest thou wythe the kynge?
HAROLDE.
Take offe hys crowne;
The ruler of somme mynster[104] hym ordeyne; 75
Sette uppe fom dygner[105] than I han pyghte[106] downe;
And peace in Englonde shulde be brayd[107] agayne.
GODDWYN.
No, lette the super-hallie[108] seyncte kynge reygne,
Ande somme moe reded[109] rule the untentyff[110] reaulme;
Kynge Edwarde, yn hys cortesie, wylle deygne 80
To yielde the spoiles, and alleyne were the heaulme:
Botte from mee harte bee everych thoughte of gayne,
Not anie of mie kin I wysche him to ordeyne.
HAROLDE.
Tell me the meenes, and I wylle boute ytte strayte;
Bete[111] mee to slea[112] mieself, ytte shalle be done. 85
GODDWYN.
To thee I wylle swythynne[113] the menes unplayte[114],
Bie whyche thou, Harolde, shalte be proved mie sonne.
I have longe seen whatte peynes were undergon,
Whatte agrames[115] braunce[116] out from the general tree;
The tyme ys commynge, whan the mollock[117] gron[118] 90
Drented[119] of alle yts swolynge[120] owndes[121] shalle bee;
Mie remedie is goode; our menne shall ryse:
Eftsoons the Normans and owre agrame[122] flies.
HAROLDE.
I will to the West, and gemote[123] alle mie knyghtes,
Wythe bylles that pancte for blodde, and sheeldes as brede[124] 95
As the ybroched[125] moon, when blaunch[126] shedyghtes[127]
The wodeland grounde or water-mantled mede;
Wythe hondes whose myghte canne make the doughtiest[128] blede,
Who efte have knelte upon forslagen[129] foes,
Whoe wythe yer fote orrests[130] a castle-stede[131], 100
Who dare on kynges for to bewrecke[123] yiere woes;
Nowe wylle the menne of Englonde haile the daie,
Whan Goddwyn leades them to the ryghtfulle fraie.
GODDWYN.
Botte firste we'll call the loverdes of the West,
The erles of Mercia, Conventrie and all; 105
The moe wee gayne, the gare[133] wylle prosper beste,
Wythe syke a nomber wee can never fall.
HAROLDE.
True, so wee sal doe best to lyncke the chayne,
And alle attenes[134] the spreddynge kyngedomme bynde.
No crouched[135] champyone wythe an harte moe feygne 100
Dyd yssue owte the hallie[136] swerde to fynde,
Than I nowe strev to ryd mie londe of peyne.
Goddwyn, what thanckes owre laboures wylle enhepe!
I'lle ryse mie friendes unto the bloddie pleyne;
I'lle wake the honnoure thatte ys now aslepe. 115
When wylle the chiefes mete atte thie feastive halle,
That I wythe voice alowde maie there upon 'em calle?
GODDWYN.
Next eve, mie sonne.
HAROLDE.
Nowe, Englonde, ys the tyme,
Whan thee or thie felle foemens cause moste die.
Thie geason[137] wronges bee reyne[138] ynto theyre pryme; 120
Nowe wylle thie sonnes unto thie succoure flie.
Alyche a storm egederinge[139] yn the skie,
Tys fulle ande brasteth[140] on the chaper[141] grounde;
Sycke shalle mie fhuirye on the Normans flie,
And alle theyre mittee[142] menne be sleene[143] arounde. 125
Nowe, nowe, wylle Harolde or oppressionne falle,
Ne moe the Englyshmenne yn vayne for hele[144] shal calle.
KYNGE EDWARDE AND HYS QUEENE.
QUEENE.
Botte, loverde[145], whie so manie Normannes here?
Mee thynckethe wee bee notte yn Englyshe londe.
These browded[146] straungers alwaie doe appere, 130
Theie parte yor trone[147], and sete at your ryghte honde.
KYNGE.
Go to, goe to, you doe ne understonde:
Theie yeave mee lyffe and dyd mie bowkie[148] kepe;
Theie dyd mee feeste, and did embowre[149] me gronde;
To trete hem ylle wulde lette mie kyndnesse slepe. 135
QUEENE.
Mancas[150] you have yn store, and to them parte;
Youre leege-folcke[151] make moke[152] dole[153], you have theyr worthe asterte[154].
KYNGE.
I heste[155] no rede of you. I ken mie friendes.
Hallie[156] dheie are, fulle ready mee to hele[157].
Theyre volundes[158] are ystorven[159] to self endes; 140
No denwere[160] yn mie breste I of them fele:
I muste to prayers; goe yn, and you do wele;
I muste ne lose the dutie of the daie;
Go inne, go ynne, ande viewe the azure rele[161],
Fulle welle I wote you have noe mynde toe praie. 145
QUEENE.
I leeve youe to doe hommage heaven-were[162];
To serve yor leege-folcke toe is doeynge hommage there.
KYNGE AND SYR HUGHE.
KYNGE.
Mie friende, Syr Hughe, whatte tydynges brynges thee here?
HUGHE.
There is no mancas yn mie loverdes ente[163];
The hus dyspense[164] unpaied doe appere; 150
The laste receivure[165] ys eftesoones[166] dispente[167].
KYNGE.
Thenne guylde the Weste.
HUGHE.
Mie loverde, I dyd speke
Untoe the mitte[168] Erle Harolde of the thynge;
He raysed hys honde, and smoke me onne the cheke,
Saieynge, go beare thatte message to the kynge. 155
KYNGE.
Arace[169] hym of hys powere; bie Goddis worde,
Ne moe thatte Harolde shall ywield the erlies swerde.
HUGHE.
Atte seeson fytte, mie loverde, lette itt bee;
Botte nowe the folcke doe soe enalse[170] hys name,
Inne strevvynge to slea hymme, ourselves wee slea; 160
Syke ys the doughtyness[171] of hys grete fame.
KYNGE.
Hughe, I beethyncke, thie rede[172] ys notte to blame.
Botte thou maiest fynde fulle store of marckes yn Kente.
HUGHE.
Mie noble loverde, Godwynn ys the same
He sweeres he wylle notte swelle the Normans ent. 165
KYNGE.
Ah traytoure! botte mie rage I wylle commaunde.
Thou arte a Normanne, Hughe, a straunger to the launde.
Thou kenneste howe these Englysche erle doe bere
Such stedness[173] in the yll and evylle thynge,
Botte atte the goode theie hover yn denwere[174], 170
Onknowlachynge[175] gif thereunto to clynge.
HUGHE.
Onwordie syke a marvelle[176] of a kynge!
O Edwarde, thou deservest purer leege[177];
To thee heie[178] shulden al theire mancas brynge;
Thie nodde should save menne, and thie glomb[179] forslege[180]. 175
I amme no curriedowe[181], I lacke no wite [182],
I speke whatte bee the trouthe, and whatte all see is ryghte.
KYNGE.
Thou arte a hallie[183] manne, I doe thee pryze.
Comme, comme, and here and hele[184] mee ynn mie praires.
Fulle twentie mancas I wylle thee alise [185], 180
And twayne of hamlettes[186] to thee and thie heyres.
So shalle all Normannes from mie londe be fed,
Theie alleyn[187] have syke love as to acquyre yer bredde.
CHORUS.
Whan Freedom, dreste yn blodde-steyned veste,
To everie knyghte her warre-songe sunge, 185
Uponne her hedde wylde wedes were spredde;
A gorie anlace bye her honge.
She daunced onne the heathe;
She hearde the voice of deathe;
Pale-eyned affryghte, hys harte of sylver hue, 190
In vayne assayled[188] her bosomme to acale[189];
She hearde onflemed[190] the shriekynge voice of woe,
And sadnesse ynne the owlette shake the dale.
She shooke the burled[191] speere,
On hie she jeste[192] her sheelde, 195
Her foemen[193] all appere,
And flizze[194] alonge the feelde.
Power, wythe his heasod[195] straught[196] ynto the skyes,
Hys speere a sonne-beame, and his sheelde a starre,
Alyche[197] twaie[198] brendeynge[199] gronfyres[200] rolls hys eyes, 200
Chastes[201] with hys yronne feete and soundes to war.
She syttes upon a rocke,
She bendes before his speere,
She ryses from the shocke,
Wieldynge her owne yn ayre. 205
Harde as the thonder dothe she drive ytte on,
Wytte scillye[202] wympled[203] gies[204] ytte to hys crowne,
Hys longe sharpe speere, hys spreddynge sheelde ys gon,
He falles, and fallynge rolleth thousandes down.
War, goare-faced war, bie envie burld[205], arist[206], 210
Hys feerie heaulme[207] noddynge to the ayre,
Tenne bloddie arrowes ynne hys streynynge fyste--
* * * * *
[Footnote 1: Of old, formerly. ]
[Footnote 2: writers, historians. ]
[Footnote 3: much. ]
[Footnote 4: inglorious. ]
[Footnote 5: bereaving. ]
[Footnote 6: faith. ]
[Footnote 7: unforgiving. ]
[Footnote 8: divines, clergymen, monks. ]
[Footnote 9: holy. ]
[Footnote 10: work. ]
[Footnote 11: not. ]
[Footnote 12: author. ]
[Footnote 13: though, notwithstanding. ]
[Footnote 14: clerk, or clergyman. ]
[Footnote 15: entyn, even. ]
[Footnote 16: might. ]
[Footnote 17: challenge. ]
[Footnote 18: Lord. ]
[Footnote 19: foes, enemies. ]
[Footnote 20: devour, destroy. ]
[Footnote 21: fatten. ]
[Footnote 22: Grievance; a sense of it. ]
[Footnote 23: cease, be still. ]
[Footnote 24: idly. ]
[Footnote 25: deceived, imposed on. ]
[Footnote 26: so. ]
[Footnote 27: fury, anger, rage. ]
[Footnote 28: paint, display. ]
[Footnote 29: soul. ]
[Footnote 30: strong. ]
[Footnote 31: terrible. ]
[Footnote 32: horrid, grim. ]
[Footnote 33: smoking, bleeding. ]
[Footnote 34: oft. ]
[Footnote 35: heat, rashness. ]
[Footnote 36: counsel, wisdom. ]
[Footnote 37: strength, also strong. ]
[Footnote 38: taudry, glimmering. ]
[Footnote 39: People. ]
[Footnote 40: fate, destiny. ]
[Footnote 41: nobly. ]
[Footnote 42: Cast. ]
[Footnote 43: cross, from crouche, a cross. ]
[Footnote 44: attempt, or endeavour. ]
[Footnote 45: unarmed. ]
[Footnote 46: unactive. ]
[Footnote 47: unspirited. ]
[Footnote 48: such. ]
[Footnote 49: fastened, annexed. ]
[Footnote 50: might, power. ]
[Footnote 51: mantle, or robe. ]
[Footnote 52: white, alluding to the arms of Kent, a horse saliant,
argent. ]
[Footnote 53: distracting. ]
[Footnote 54: despair. ]
[Footnote 55: bleed. ]
[Footnote 56: allow. ]
[Footnote 57: ease. ]
[Footnote 58: throne. ]
[Footnote 59: pluck. ]
[Footnote 60: Becomes. ]
[Footnote 61: subjects. ]
[Footnote 62: contentions, complaints. ]
[Footnote 63: choke. ]
[Footnote 64: dark, cloudy. ]
[Footnote 65: astonish.
