The Sarafen lokes owte: he doethe feere,
That Englondes brondeous[37] sonnes do cotte the waie.
That Englondes brondeous[37] sonnes do cotte the waie.
Thomas Chatterton - Rowley Poems
1, was given to Mr.
Barrett by Chatterton with the following title; "_Battle of Hastings,
wrote by Turgot the Monk, a Saxon, in the tenth century, and
translated by Thomas Rowlie, parish preeste of St. Johns in the city
of Bristol, in the year 1465. --The remainder of the poem I have
not been happy enough to meet with. _" Being afterwards prest by Mr.
Barrett to produce any part of this poem in the original hand-writing,
he at last said, that he wrote this poem himself for a friend; but
that he had another, the copy of an original by Rowley: and being then
desired to produce that other poem, he, after a considerable interval
of time, brought to Mr. Barrett the poem marked No. 2, as far as ver.
530 incl. with the following title; "_Battle of Hastyngs by Turgotus,
translated by Roulie for W. Canynge Esq. _" The lines from ver. 531
incl. were brought some time after, in consequence of Mr. Barrett's
repeated sollicitations for the conclusion of the poem.
ONN OURE LADIES CHYRCHE. p. 275
ON THE SAME. 276
The first of these Poems is printed from a copy made by Mr. Catcott,
from one in Chatterton's hand-writing.
The other is taken from a MS. in Chatterton's hand-writing, furnished
by Mr. Catcott, entitled, "_A Discorse on Bristowe, by Thomas
Rowlie_. " See the Preface, p. xi. n.
EPITAPH ON ROBERT CANYNGE. p. 277
This is one of the fragments of vellum, given by Chatterton to Mr.
Barrett, as part of his original MSS.
THE STORIE OF WILLIAM CANYNGE. p. 278
The 34 first lines of this poem are extant upon another of the
vellum-fragments, given by Chatterton to Mr. Barrett. The remainder
is printed from a copy furnished by Mr. Catcott, with some corrections
from another copy, made by Mr. Barrett from one in Chatterton's
hand-writing. This poem makes part of a prose-work, attributed to
Rowley, giving an account of _Painters, Carvellers, Poets_, and other
eminent natives of Bristol, from the earliest times to his own.
The whole will be published by Mr. Barrett, with remarks, and large
additions; among which we may expect a complete and authentic history
of that distinguished citizen of Bristol, Mr. William Canynge. In the
mean time, the Reader may see several particulars relating to him in
_Cambden's Britannia_, Somerset. Col. 95. --_Rymers Foedera,_ &c.
ann. 1449 & 1450. --_Tanner's Not. Monast. _ Art. BRISTOL and
WESTBURY. --_Dugdale's Warwickshire_, p. 634.
It may be proper just to remark here, that Mr. Canynge's brother,
mentioned in ver. 129, who was lord mayor of London in 1456, is called
_Thomas_ by Stowe in his List of Mayors, &c.
The transaction alluded to in the last Stanza is related at large in
some Prose Memoirs of Rowley, of which a very incorrect copy has been
printed in the _Town and Country Magazine_ for November 1775. It is
there said, that Mr. Canynge went into orders, to avoid a marriage,
proposed by King Edward, between him and a lady of the Widdevile
family. It is certain, from the Register of the Bishop of Worcester,
that Mr. Canynge was ordained _Acolythe_ by Bishop Carpenter on
19 September 1467, and received the higher orders of _Sub-deacon,
Deacon_, and _Priest_, on the 12th of March, 1467, O. S. the 2d and
16th of April, 1468, respectively.
ON HAPPIENESSE, by WILLIAM CANYNGE. p. 286
ONNE JOHNE A DALBENIE, by the same. Ibid.
THE GOULER'S REQUIEM, by the same. 287
THE ACCOUNTE OF W. CANYNGE'S FEASTE. 288
Of these four Poems attributed to Mr. Canynge, the three first are
printed from Mr. Catcott's copies. The last is taken from a fragment
of vellum, which Chatterton gave to Mr. Barrett as an original. The
Editor has doubts about the reading of the second word in ver. 7,
but he has printed it _keene_, as he found it so in other copies. The
Reader may judge for himself, by examining the _Fac simile_ in the
opposite page.
With respect to the three friends of Mr. Canynge mentioned in the last
line, the name of _Rowley_ is sufficiently known from the preceding
poems. _Iscamm_ appears as an actor in the tragedy of _AElla_, p.
66. and in that of _Goddwyn_, p. 174. ; and a poem, ascribed to him,
entitled "_The merry Tricks of Laymington_," is inserted in the
"_Discorse of Bristowe_". Sir _Theobald Gorges_ was a knight of an
antient family seated at Wraxhall, within a few miles of Bristol [See
_Rot. Parl. _ 3 H. VI. n. 28. _Leland's Itin. _ vol. VII. p. 98. ]. He
has also appeared above as an actor in both the tragedies, and as
the author of one of the _Mynstrelles songes_ in _AElla_, p. 91. His
connexion with Mr. Canynge is verified by a deed of the latter,
dated 20 October, 1467, in which he gives to trustees, in part of a
benefaction of ? 500 to the Church of St. Mary Redcliffe, "_certain
jewells of_ Sir _Theobald Gorges_ Knt. " which had been pawned to him
for ? 160.
ADVERTISEMENT.
_The Reader is desired to observe, that the notes at the bottom of
the several pages, throughout the following part of this book, are all
copied from MSS. in the hand-writing of_ Thomas Chatterton.
POEMS, &c.
ECLOGUE THE FIRST.
Whanne Englonde, smeethynge[1] from her lethal[2] wounde,
From her galled necke dyd twytte[3] the chayne awaie,
Kennynge her legeful sonnes falle all arounde,
(Myghtie theie fell, 'twas Honoure ledde the fraie,)
Thanne inne a dale, bie eve's dark surcote[4] graie, 5
Twayne lonelie shepsterres[5] dyd abrodden[6] flie,
(The rostlyng liff doth theyr whytte hartes affraie[7],)
And wythe the owlette trembled and dyd crie;
Firste Roberte Neatherde hys sore boesom stroke.
Then fellen on the grounde and thus yspoke. 10
ROBERTE.
Ah, Raufe! gif thos the howres do comme alonge,
Gif thos wee flie in chase of farther woe,
Oure fote wylle fayle, albeytte wee bee stronge,
Ne wylle oure pace swefte as oure danger goe.
To oure grete wronges we have enheped[8] moe, 15
The Baronnes warre! oh! woe and well-a-daie!
I haveth lyff, bott have escaped soe,
That lyff ytsel mie Senses doe affraie.
Oh Raufe, comme lyste, and hear mie dernie[9] tale,
Comme heare the balefull[10] dome of Robynne of the Dale. 20
RAUFE.
Saie to mee nete; I kenne thie woe in myne;
O! I've a tale that Sabalus[11] mote[12] telle.
Swote[13] flouretts, mantled meedows, forestes dygne[14];
Gravots[15] far-kend[16] arounde the Errmiets[17] cell;
The swote ribible[18] dynning[19] yn the dell; 25
The joyous daunceynge ynn the hoastrie[20] courte;
Eke[21] the highe songe and everych joie farewell,
Farewell the verie shade of fayre dysporte[22]:
Impestering[23] trobble onn mie heade doe comme,
Ne on kynde Seyncte to warde[24] the aye[25] encreasynge dome. 30
ROBERTE.
Oh! I coulde waile mie kynge-coppe-decked mees[26],
Mie spreedynge flockes of shepe of lillie white,
Mie tendre applynges[27], and embodyde[28] trees,
Mie Parker's Grange[29], far spreedynge to the syghte,
Mie cuyen[30] kyne [31], mie bullockes stringe[32] yn syghte, 35
Mie gorne[33] emblaunched[34] with the comfreie[35] plante,
Mie floure[36] Seyncte Marie shotteyng wythe the lyghte,
Mie store of all the blessynges Heaven can grant.
I amm duressed[37] unto sorrowes blowe,
Ihanten'd[38] to the peyne, will lette ne salte teare flowe. 40
RAUFE.
Here I wille obaie[39] untylle Dethe doe 'pere,
Here lyche a foule empoysoned leathel[40] tree,
Whyche sleaeth[41] everichone that commeth nere,
Soe wille I fyxed unto thys place gre[42].
I to bement[43] haveth moe cause than thee; 45
Sleene in the warre mie boolie[44] fadre lies;
Oh! joieous I hys mortherer would slea,
And bie hys syde for aie enclose myne eies.
Calked[45] from everych joie, heere wylle I blede;
Fell ys the Cullys-yatte[46] of mie hartes castle stede. 50
ROBERTE.
Oure woes alyche, alyche our dome[47] shal bee.
Mie sonne, mie sonne alleyn[48], ystorven[49] ys;
Here wylle I staie, and end mie lyff with thee;
A lyff lyche myn a borden ys ywis.
Now from een logges[50] fledden is selyness[51], 55
Mynsterres[52] alleyn[53] can boaste the hallie[54] Seyncte,
Now doeth Englonde weare a bloudie dresse
And wyth her champyonnes gore her face depeyncte;
Peace fledde, disorder sheweth her dark rode[55],
And thorow ayre doth flie, yn garments steyned with bloude. 60
[Footnote 1: _Smething_, smoking; in some copies _bletheynge_, but in
the original as above. ]
[Footnote 2: deadly. ]
[Footnote 3: pluck or pull. ]
[Footnote 4: _Surcote_, a cloke, or mantel, which hid all the other
dress. ]
[Footnote 5: shepherds. ]
[Footnote 6: abruptly, so Chaucer, Syke he abredden dyd attourne. ]
[Footnote 7: affright. ]
[Footnote 8: Added. ]
[Footnote 9: sad. ]
[Footnote 10: woeful, lamentable. ]
[Footnote 11: the Devil. ]
[Footnote 12: might. ]
[Footnote 13: sweet. ]
[Footnote 14: good, neat, genteel. ]
[Footnote 15: groves, sometimes used for a coppice. ]
[Footnote 16: far-seen. ]
[Footnote 17: Hermit. ]
[Footnote 18: violin. ]
[Footnote 19: sounding. ]
[Footnote 20: inn, or public-house. ]
[Footnote 21: also. ]
[Footnote 22: pleasure. ]
[Footnote 23: annoying. ]
[Footnote 24: to keep off. ]
[Footnote 25: ever, always. ]
[Footnote 26: meadows. ]
[Footnote 27: grafted trees. ]
[Footnote 28: thick, stout. ]
[Footnote 29: liberty of pasture given to the Parker. ]
[Footnote 30: tender. ]
[Footnote 31: cows. ]
[Footnote 32: strong. ]
[Footnote 33: garden. ]
[Footnote 34: whitened. ]
[Footnote 35: cumfrey, a favourite dish at that time. ]
[Footnote 36: marygold. ]
[Footnote 37: hardened. ]
[Footnote 38: accustomed. ]
[Footnote 39: abide. This line is also wrote, "Here wyll I obaie
untill dethe appere," but this is modernized. ]
[Footnote 40: deadly. ]
[Footnote 41: destroyeth, killeth. ]
[Footnote 42: grow. ]
[Footnote 43: lament. ]
[Footnote 44: much-loved, beloved. ]
[Footnote 45: cast out, ejected. ]
[Footnote 46: alluding to the portcullis, which guarded the gate, on
which often depended the castle. ]
[Footnote 47: fate. ]
[Footnote 48: my only son. ]
[Footnote 49: dead. ]
[Footnote 50: cottages. ]
[Footnote 51: happiness. ]
[Footnote 52: monasterys. ]
[Footnote 53: only. ]
[Footnote 54: holy. ]
[Footnote 55: complexion. ]
ECLOGUE THE SECOND.
Sprytes[1] of the bleste, the pious Nygelle sed,
Poure owte yer pleasaunce[2] onn mie fadres hedde.
Rycharde of Lyons harte to fyghte is gon,
Uponne the brede[3] sea doe the banners gleme[4];
The amenused[5] nationnes be aston[6], 5
To ken[7] syke[8] large a flete, syke fyne, syke breme[9].
The barkis heafods[10] coupe[11] the lymed[12] streme;
Oundes[13] synkeynge oundes upon the hard ake[14] riese;
The water slughornes[15] wythe a swotye[16] cleme[17]
Conteke[18] the dynnynge[19] ayre, and reche the skies. 10
Sprytes of the bleste, on gouldyn trones[20] astedde[21],
Poure owte yer pleasaunce onn mie fadres hedde.
The gule[22] depeyncted[23] oares from the black tyde,
Decorn[24] wyth fonnes[25] rare, doe shemrynge[26] ryse;
Upswalynge[27] doe heie[28] shewe ynne drierie pryde, 15
Lyche gore-red estells[29] in the eve[30]-merk[31] skyes;
The nome-depeyncted[32] shields, the speres aryse,
Alyche[33] talle roshes on the water syde;
Alenge[34] from bark to bark the bryghte sheene[35] flyes;
Sweft-kerv'd[36] delyghtes doe on the water glyde. 20
Sprites of the bleste, and everich Seyncte ydedde,
Poure owte youre pleasaunce on mie fadres hedde.
The Sarafen lokes owte: he doethe feere,
That Englondes brondeous[37] sonnes do cotte the waie.
Lyke honted bockes, theye reineth[38] here and there, 25
Onknowlachynge[39] inne whatte place to obaie[40].
The banner glesters on the beme of daie;
The mittee[41] crosse Jerusalim ys seene;
Dhereof the syghte yer corrage doe affraie[42],
In balefull[43] dole their faces be ywreene[44]. 30
Sprytes of the bleste, and everich Seyncte ydedde,
Poure owte your pleasaunce on mie fadres hedde.
The bollengers[45] and cottes[45], soe swyfte yn fyghte,
Upon the sydes of everich bark appere;
Foorthe to his offyce lepethe everych knyghte, 35
Eftsoones[46] hys squyer, with hys shielde and spere.
The jynynge shieldes doe shemre and moke glare[47];
The dotheynge oare doe make gemoted[48] dynne;
The reynyng[49] foemen[50], thynckeynge gif[51] to dare,
Boun[52] the merk[53] swerde, theie seche to fraie[54], theie blyn[55].
Sprytes of the bleste, and everyche Seyncte ydedde,
Powre oute yer pleasaunce onn mie fadres hedde.
Now comm the warrynge Sarasyns to fyghte;
Kynge Rycharde, lyche a lyoncel[56] of warre,
Inne sheenynge goulde, lyke feerie[57] gronfers[58], dyghte[59],
Shaketh alofe hys honde, and seene afarre. 45
Syke haveth I espyde a greter starre
Amenge the drybblett[60] ons to sheene fulle bryghte;
Syke sunnys wayne[61] wyth amayl'd[62] beames doe barr
The blaunchie[63] mone or estells[64] to gev lyghte. 50
Sprytes of the bleste, and everich Seyncte ydedde,
Poure owte your pleasaunce on mie fadres hedde.
Distraughte[65] affraie[66], wythe lockes of blodde-red die,
Terroure, emburled[67] yn the thonders rage,
Deathe, lynked to dismaie, dothe ugsomme[68] flie, 55
Enchasynge[69] echone champyonne war to wage.
Speeres bevyle[70] speres; swerdes upon swerdes engage;
Armoure on armoure dynn[71], shielde upon shielde;
Ne dethe of thosandes can the warre assuage,
Botte salleynge nombers sable[72] all the feelde. 60
Sprytes of the bleste, and everych Seyncte ydedde,
Poure owte youre pleasaunce on mie fadres hedde.
The foemen fal arounde; the cross reles[73] hye;
Steyned ynne goere, the harte of warre ys seen;
Kyng Rycharde, thorough everyche trope dothe flie, 65
And beereth meynte[74] of Turkes onto the greene;
Bie hymm the floure of Asies menn ys sleene[75];
The waylynge[76] mone doth fade before hys sonne;
Bie hym hys knyghtes bee formed to actions deene[77],
Doeynge syke marvels[78], strongers be aston[79]. 70
Sprytes of the bleste, and everych Seyncte ydedde,
Poure owte your pleasaunce onn mie fadres hedde.
The fyghte ys wonne; Kynge Rycharde master is;
The Englonde bannerr kisseth the hie ayre;
Full of pure joie the armie is iwys[80], 75
And everych one haveth it onne his bayre[81];
Agayne to Englonde comme, and worschepped there.
Twyghte[82] into lovynge armes, and feasted eft[83];
In everych eyne aredynge nete of wyere[84],
Of all remembrance of past peyne berefte. 80
Sprites of the bleste, and everich Seyncte ydedde,
Syke pleasures powre upon mie fadres hedde.
Syke Nigel sed, whan from the bluie sea
The upswol[85] sayle dyd daunce before his eyne;
Swefte as the withe, hee toe the beeche dyd flee. 85
And founde his fadre steppeynge from the bryne.
Lette thyssen menne, who haveth sprite of loove,
Bethyncke untoe hemselves how mote the meetynge proove.
[Footnote 1: Spirits, souls. ]
[Footnote 2: pleasure. ]
[Footnote 3: broad. ]
[Footnote 4: shine, glimmer. ]
[Footnote 5: diminished, lessened. ]
[Footnote 6: astonished, confounded. ]
[Footnote 7: see, discover, know. ]
[Footnote 8: such, so. ]
[Footnote 9: strong. ]
[Footnote 10: heads. ]
[Footnote 11: cut. ]
[Footnote 12: glassy, reflecting. ]
[Footnote 13: waves, billows. ]
[Footnote 14: oak. ]
[Footnote 15: a musical instrument, not unlike a hautboy. ]
[Footnote 16: sweet. ]
[Footnote 17: sound. ]
[Footnote 18: confuse, contend with. ]
[Footnote 19: sounding. ]
[Footnote 20: thrones. ]
[Footnote 21: seated. ]
[Footnote 22: red. ]
[Footnote 23: painted. ]
[Footnote 24: carved. ]
[Footnote 25: devices. ]
[Footnote 26: glimmering. ]
[Footnote 27: rising high, swelling up. ]
[Footnote 28: they. ]
[Footnote 29: a corruption of _estoile_, Fr. a star. ]
[Footnote 30: evening. ]
[Footnote 31: dark. ]
[Footnote 32: rebus'd shields; a herald term, when the charge of the
shield implies the name of the bearer. ]
[Footnote 33: like. ]
[Footnote 34: along. ]
[Footnote 35: shine. ]
[Footnote 36: short-lived. ]
[Footnote 37: furious. ]
[Footnote 38: runneth. ]
[Footnote 39: not knowing. ]
[Footnote 40: abide. ]
[Footnote 41: mighty. ]
[Footnote 42: affright. ]
[Footnote 43: woeful. ]
[Footnote 44: covered. ]
[Footnote 45: different kinds of boats. ]
[Footnote 46: full soon, presently. ]
[Footnote 47: glitter. ]
[Footnote 48: united, assembled. ]
[Footnote 49: running. ]
[Footnote 50: foes. ]
[Footnote 51: if. ]
[Footnote 52: make ready. ]
[Footnote 53: dark. ]
[Footnote 54: engage. ]
[Footnote 55: cease, stand still. ]
[Footnote 56: a young lion. ]
[Footnote 57: flaming. ]
[Footnote 58: a meteor, from _gron_, a fen, and _fer_, a corruption of
fire; that is, a fire exhaled from a fen. ]
[Footnote 59: deckt. ]
[Footnote 60: small, insignificant. ]
[Footnote 61: carr. ]
[Footnote 62: enameled. ]
[Footnote 63: white, silver. ]
[Footnote 64: stars. ]
[Footnote 65: distracting. ]
[Footnote 66: affright. ]
[Footnote 67: armed. ]
[Footnote 68: terribly. ]
[Footnote 69: encouraging, heating. ]
[Footnote 70: break, a herald term, signifying a spear broken in
tilting. ]
[Footnote 71: sounds. ]
[Footnote 72: blacken. ]
[Footnote 73: waves. ]
[Footnote 74: many, great numbers. ]
[Footnote 75: slain. ]
[Footnote 76: decreasing. ]
[Footnote 77: glorious, worthy. ]
[Footnote 78: wonders. ]
[Footnote 79: astonished. ]
[Footnote 80: certainly. ]
[Footnote 81: brow. ]
[Footnote 82: plucked, pulled. ]
[Footnote 83: often. ]
[Footnote 84: grief, trouble. ]
[Footnote 85: swollen. ]
ECLOGUE THE THIRD.
Wouldst thou kenn nature in her better parte?
Goe, serche the logges [1] and bordels[2] of the hynde[3];
Gyff[4] theie have anie, itte ys roughe-made arte,
Inne hem[5] you see the blakied[6] forme of kynde[7].
Haveth your mynde a lycheynge[8] of a mynde? 5
Woulde it kenne everich thynge, as it mote[9] bee?
Woulde ytte here phrase of the vulgar from the hynde,
Withoute wiseegger[10] wordes and knowlache[11] free?
Gyf soe, rede thys, whyche Iche dysporteynge[12] pende;
Gif nete besyde, yttes rhyme maie ytte commende. 10
MANNE.
Botte whether, fayre mayde, do ye goe?
O where do ye bende yer waie?
I wille knowe whether you goe,
I wylle not bee asseled[13] naie.
WOMANNE.
To Robyn and Nell, all downe in the delle, 15
To hele[14] hem at makeynge of haie.
MANNE.
Syr Rogerre, the parsone, hav hyred mee there,
Comme, comme, lett us tryppe ytte awaie,
We'lle wurke[15] and we'lle synge, and wylle drenche[16] of stronge beer
As longe as the merrie sommers daie. 20
WOMANNE.
How harde ys mie dome to wurch!
Moke is mie woe.
Dame Agnes, whoe lies ynne the Chyrche
With birlette[17] golde,
Wythe gelten[18] aumeres[19] stronge ontolde, 25
What was shee moe than me, to be soe?
MANNE.
I kenne Syr Roger from afar
Tryppynge over the lea;
Ich ask whie the loverds[20] son
Is moe than mee. 30
SYR ROGERRE.
The sweltrie[21] sonne dothe hie apace hys wayne[22],
From everich beme a seme[23]; of lyfe doe falle;
Swythyn[24] scille[25] oppe the haie uponne the playne;
Methynckes the cockes begynneth to gre[26] talle.
Thys ys alyche oure doome[27]; the great, the smalle, 35
Mofte withe[28] and bee forwyned[29] by deathis darte.
See! the swote[30] flourette[31] hathe noe swote at alle;
Itte wythe the ranke wede bereth evalle[32] parte.
The cravent[33], warrioure, and the wyse be blente[34],
Alyche to drie awaie wythe those theie dyd bemente[35]. 40
MANNE.
All-a-boon[36], Syr Priest, all-a-boon,
Bye yer preestschype nowe saye unto mee;
Syr Gaufryd the knyghte, who lyvethe harde bie,
Whie shoulde hee than mee
Bee moe greate, 45
Inne honnoure, knyghtehoode and estate?
SYR ROGERRE.
Attourne[37] thine eyne arounde thys haied mee,
Tentyflie[38] loke arounde the chaper[39] delle[40];
An answere to thie barganette[41] here see,
Thys welked[42] flourette wylle a leson telle: 50
Arist[43] it blew[44], itte florished, and dyd welle,
Lokeynge ascaunce[45] upon the naighboure greene;
Yet with the deigned[46] greene yttes rennome[47] felle,
Eftsoones[48] ytte shronke upon the daie-brente[49] playne,
Didde not yttes loke, whilest ytte there dyd stonde, 55
To croppe ytte in the bodde move somme dred honde.
Syke[50] ys the waie of lyffe; the loverds[51] ente[52]
Mooveth the robber hym therfor to slea[53];
Gyf thou has ethe[54], the shadowe of contente,
Beleive the trothe[55], theres none moe haile[56] yan thee. 60
Thou wurchest[57]; welle, canne thatte a trobble bee?
Slothe moe wulde jade thee than the roughest daie.
Couldest thou the kivercled[58] of soughlys[59] see,
Thou wouldst eftsoones[60] see trothe ynne whatte I saie;
Botte lette me heere thie waie of lyffe, and thenne 65
Heare thou from me the lyffes of odher menne.
MANNE.
I ryse wythe the sonne,
Lyche hym to dryve the wayne[61],
And eere mie wurche is don
I synge a songe or twayne[62]. 70
I followe the plough-tayle,
Wythe a longe jubb[63] of ale.
Botte of the maydens, oh!
Itte lacketh notte to telle;
Syr Preeste mote notte crie woe, 75
Culde hys bull do as welle.
I daunce the beste heiedeygnes[64],
And foile[65] the wysest feygnes[66].
On everych Seynctes hie daie
Wythe the mynstrelle[67] am I seene, 80
All a footeynge it awaie,
Wythe maydens on the greene.
But oh! I wyshe to be moe greate,
In rennome, tenure, and estate.
SYR ROGERRE.
Has thou ne seene a tree uponne a hylle, 85
Whose unliste[68] braunces[69] rechen far toe fyghte;
Whan fuired[70] unwers[71] doe the heaven fylle,
Itte shaketh deere[72] yn dole[73] and moke affryghte.
Whylest the congeon[74] flowrette abessie[75] dyghte[76],
Stondethe unhurte, unquaced[77] bie the storme: 90
Syke is a picte[78] of lyffe: the manne of myghte
Is tempest-chaft[79], hys woe greate as hys forme,
Thieselfe a flowrette of a small accounte,
Wouldst harder felle the wynde, as hygher thee dydste mounte.
[Footnote 1: lodges, huts. ]
[Footnote 2: cottages. ]
[Footnote 3: servant, slave, peasant. ]
[Footnote 4: if. ]
[Footnote 5: a contraction of _them_. ]
[Footnote 6: naked, original. ]
[Footnote 7: nature. ]
[Footnote 8: liking. ]
[Footnote 9: might. The sense of this line is, Would you see every
thing in its primaeval state. ]
[Footnote 10: wise-egger, a philosopher. ]
[Footnote 11: knowledge. ]
[Footnote 12: sporting. ]
[Footnote 13: answered. ]
[Footnote 14: aid, or help. ]
[Footnote 15: work. ]
[Footnote 16: drink. ]
[Footnote 17: a hood, or covering for the back part of the head. ]
[Footnote 18: guilded. ]
[Footnote 19: borders of gold and silver, on which was laid thin
plates of either metal counterchanged, not unlike the present spangled
laces. ]
[Footnote 20: lord. ]
[Footnote 21: sultry. ]
[Footnote 22: car. ]
[Footnote 23: seed. ]
[Footnote 24: quickly, presently. ]
[Footnote 25: gather. ]
[Footnote 26: grow. ]
[Footnote 27: fate. ]
[Footnote 28: a contraction of wither. ]
[Footnote 29: dried. ]
[Footnote 30: sweet. ]
[Footnote 31: flower. ]
[Footnote 32: equal. ]
[Footnote 33: coward. ]
[Footnote 34: ceased, dead, no more. ]
[Footnote 35: lament. ]
[Footnote 36: a manner of asking a favour. ]
[Footnote 37: turn. ]
[Footnote 38: carefully, with circumspection. ]
[Footnote 39: dry, sun-burnt. ]
[Footnote 40: valley. ]
[Footnote 41: a song, or ballad. ]
[Footnote 42: withered. ]
[Footnote 43: arisen, or arose. ]
[Footnote 44: blossomed. ]
[Footnote 45: disdainfully. ]
[Footnote 46: disdained.
Barrett by Chatterton with the following title; "_Battle of Hastings,
wrote by Turgot the Monk, a Saxon, in the tenth century, and
translated by Thomas Rowlie, parish preeste of St. Johns in the city
of Bristol, in the year 1465. --The remainder of the poem I have
not been happy enough to meet with. _" Being afterwards prest by Mr.
Barrett to produce any part of this poem in the original hand-writing,
he at last said, that he wrote this poem himself for a friend; but
that he had another, the copy of an original by Rowley: and being then
desired to produce that other poem, he, after a considerable interval
of time, brought to Mr. Barrett the poem marked No. 2, as far as ver.
530 incl. with the following title; "_Battle of Hastyngs by Turgotus,
translated by Roulie for W. Canynge Esq. _" The lines from ver. 531
incl. were brought some time after, in consequence of Mr. Barrett's
repeated sollicitations for the conclusion of the poem.
ONN OURE LADIES CHYRCHE. p. 275
ON THE SAME. 276
The first of these Poems is printed from a copy made by Mr. Catcott,
from one in Chatterton's hand-writing.
The other is taken from a MS. in Chatterton's hand-writing, furnished
by Mr. Catcott, entitled, "_A Discorse on Bristowe, by Thomas
Rowlie_. " See the Preface, p. xi. n.
EPITAPH ON ROBERT CANYNGE. p. 277
This is one of the fragments of vellum, given by Chatterton to Mr.
Barrett, as part of his original MSS.
THE STORIE OF WILLIAM CANYNGE. p. 278
The 34 first lines of this poem are extant upon another of the
vellum-fragments, given by Chatterton to Mr. Barrett. The remainder
is printed from a copy furnished by Mr. Catcott, with some corrections
from another copy, made by Mr. Barrett from one in Chatterton's
hand-writing. This poem makes part of a prose-work, attributed to
Rowley, giving an account of _Painters, Carvellers, Poets_, and other
eminent natives of Bristol, from the earliest times to his own.
The whole will be published by Mr. Barrett, with remarks, and large
additions; among which we may expect a complete and authentic history
of that distinguished citizen of Bristol, Mr. William Canynge. In the
mean time, the Reader may see several particulars relating to him in
_Cambden's Britannia_, Somerset. Col. 95. --_Rymers Foedera,_ &c.
ann. 1449 & 1450. --_Tanner's Not. Monast. _ Art. BRISTOL and
WESTBURY. --_Dugdale's Warwickshire_, p. 634.
It may be proper just to remark here, that Mr. Canynge's brother,
mentioned in ver. 129, who was lord mayor of London in 1456, is called
_Thomas_ by Stowe in his List of Mayors, &c.
The transaction alluded to in the last Stanza is related at large in
some Prose Memoirs of Rowley, of which a very incorrect copy has been
printed in the _Town and Country Magazine_ for November 1775. It is
there said, that Mr. Canynge went into orders, to avoid a marriage,
proposed by King Edward, between him and a lady of the Widdevile
family. It is certain, from the Register of the Bishop of Worcester,
that Mr. Canynge was ordained _Acolythe_ by Bishop Carpenter on
19 September 1467, and received the higher orders of _Sub-deacon,
Deacon_, and _Priest_, on the 12th of March, 1467, O. S. the 2d and
16th of April, 1468, respectively.
ON HAPPIENESSE, by WILLIAM CANYNGE. p. 286
ONNE JOHNE A DALBENIE, by the same. Ibid.
THE GOULER'S REQUIEM, by the same. 287
THE ACCOUNTE OF W. CANYNGE'S FEASTE. 288
Of these four Poems attributed to Mr. Canynge, the three first are
printed from Mr. Catcott's copies. The last is taken from a fragment
of vellum, which Chatterton gave to Mr. Barrett as an original. The
Editor has doubts about the reading of the second word in ver. 7,
but he has printed it _keene_, as he found it so in other copies. The
Reader may judge for himself, by examining the _Fac simile_ in the
opposite page.
With respect to the three friends of Mr. Canynge mentioned in the last
line, the name of _Rowley_ is sufficiently known from the preceding
poems. _Iscamm_ appears as an actor in the tragedy of _AElla_, p.
66. and in that of _Goddwyn_, p. 174. ; and a poem, ascribed to him,
entitled "_The merry Tricks of Laymington_," is inserted in the
"_Discorse of Bristowe_". Sir _Theobald Gorges_ was a knight of an
antient family seated at Wraxhall, within a few miles of Bristol [See
_Rot. Parl. _ 3 H. VI. n. 28. _Leland's Itin. _ vol. VII. p. 98. ]. He
has also appeared above as an actor in both the tragedies, and as
the author of one of the _Mynstrelles songes_ in _AElla_, p. 91. His
connexion with Mr. Canynge is verified by a deed of the latter,
dated 20 October, 1467, in which he gives to trustees, in part of a
benefaction of ? 500 to the Church of St. Mary Redcliffe, "_certain
jewells of_ Sir _Theobald Gorges_ Knt. " which had been pawned to him
for ? 160.
ADVERTISEMENT.
_The Reader is desired to observe, that the notes at the bottom of
the several pages, throughout the following part of this book, are all
copied from MSS. in the hand-writing of_ Thomas Chatterton.
POEMS, &c.
ECLOGUE THE FIRST.
Whanne Englonde, smeethynge[1] from her lethal[2] wounde,
From her galled necke dyd twytte[3] the chayne awaie,
Kennynge her legeful sonnes falle all arounde,
(Myghtie theie fell, 'twas Honoure ledde the fraie,)
Thanne inne a dale, bie eve's dark surcote[4] graie, 5
Twayne lonelie shepsterres[5] dyd abrodden[6] flie,
(The rostlyng liff doth theyr whytte hartes affraie[7],)
And wythe the owlette trembled and dyd crie;
Firste Roberte Neatherde hys sore boesom stroke.
Then fellen on the grounde and thus yspoke. 10
ROBERTE.
Ah, Raufe! gif thos the howres do comme alonge,
Gif thos wee flie in chase of farther woe,
Oure fote wylle fayle, albeytte wee bee stronge,
Ne wylle oure pace swefte as oure danger goe.
To oure grete wronges we have enheped[8] moe, 15
The Baronnes warre! oh! woe and well-a-daie!
I haveth lyff, bott have escaped soe,
That lyff ytsel mie Senses doe affraie.
Oh Raufe, comme lyste, and hear mie dernie[9] tale,
Comme heare the balefull[10] dome of Robynne of the Dale. 20
RAUFE.
Saie to mee nete; I kenne thie woe in myne;
O! I've a tale that Sabalus[11] mote[12] telle.
Swote[13] flouretts, mantled meedows, forestes dygne[14];
Gravots[15] far-kend[16] arounde the Errmiets[17] cell;
The swote ribible[18] dynning[19] yn the dell; 25
The joyous daunceynge ynn the hoastrie[20] courte;
Eke[21] the highe songe and everych joie farewell,
Farewell the verie shade of fayre dysporte[22]:
Impestering[23] trobble onn mie heade doe comme,
Ne on kynde Seyncte to warde[24] the aye[25] encreasynge dome. 30
ROBERTE.
Oh! I coulde waile mie kynge-coppe-decked mees[26],
Mie spreedynge flockes of shepe of lillie white,
Mie tendre applynges[27], and embodyde[28] trees,
Mie Parker's Grange[29], far spreedynge to the syghte,
Mie cuyen[30] kyne [31], mie bullockes stringe[32] yn syghte, 35
Mie gorne[33] emblaunched[34] with the comfreie[35] plante,
Mie floure[36] Seyncte Marie shotteyng wythe the lyghte,
Mie store of all the blessynges Heaven can grant.
I amm duressed[37] unto sorrowes blowe,
Ihanten'd[38] to the peyne, will lette ne salte teare flowe. 40
RAUFE.
Here I wille obaie[39] untylle Dethe doe 'pere,
Here lyche a foule empoysoned leathel[40] tree,
Whyche sleaeth[41] everichone that commeth nere,
Soe wille I fyxed unto thys place gre[42].
I to bement[43] haveth moe cause than thee; 45
Sleene in the warre mie boolie[44] fadre lies;
Oh! joieous I hys mortherer would slea,
And bie hys syde for aie enclose myne eies.
Calked[45] from everych joie, heere wylle I blede;
Fell ys the Cullys-yatte[46] of mie hartes castle stede. 50
ROBERTE.
Oure woes alyche, alyche our dome[47] shal bee.
Mie sonne, mie sonne alleyn[48], ystorven[49] ys;
Here wylle I staie, and end mie lyff with thee;
A lyff lyche myn a borden ys ywis.
Now from een logges[50] fledden is selyness[51], 55
Mynsterres[52] alleyn[53] can boaste the hallie[54] Seyncte,
Now doeth Englonde weare a bloudie dresse
And wyth her champyonnes gore her face depeyncte;
Peace fledde, disorder sheweth her dark rode[55],
And thorow ayre doth flie, yn garments steyned with bloude. 60
[Footnote 1: _Smething_, smoking; in some copies _bletheynge_, but in
the original as above. ]
[Footnote 2: deadly. ]
[Footnote 3: pluck or pull. ]
[Footnote 4: _Surcote_, a cloke, or mantel, which hid all the other
dress. ]
[Footnote 5: shepherds. ]
[Footnote 6: abruptly, so Chaucer, Syke he abredden dyd attourne. ]
[Footnote 7: affright. ]
[Footnote 8: Added. ]
[Footnote 9: sad. ]
[Footnote 10: woeful, lamentable. ]
[Footnote 11: the Devil. ]
[Footnote 12: might. ]
[Footnote 13: sweet. ]
[Footnote 14: good, neat, genteel. ]
[Footnote 15: groves, sometimes used for a coppice. ]
[Footnote 16: far-seen. ]
[Footnote 17: Hermit. ]
[Footnote 18: violin. ]
[Footnote 19: sounding. ]
[Footnote 20: inn, or public-house. ]
[Footnote 21: also. ]
[Footnote 22: pleasure. ]
[Footnote 23: annoying. ]
[Footnote 24: to keep off. ]
[Footnote 25: ever, always. ]
[Footnote 26: meadows. ]
[Footnote 27: grafted trees. ]
[Footnote 28: thick, stout. ]
[Footnote 29: liberty of pasture given to the Parker. ]
[Footnote 30: tender. ]
[Footnote 31: cows. ]
[Footnote 32: strong. ]
[Footnote 33: garden. ]
[Footnote 34: whitened. ]
[Footnote 35: cumfrey, a favourite dish at that time. ]
[Footnote 36: marygold. ]
[Footnote 37: hardened. ]
[Footnote 38: accustomed. ]
[Footnote 39: abide. This line is also wrote, "Here wyll I obaie
untill dethe appere," but this is modernized. ]
[Footnote 40: deadly. ]
[Footnote 41: destroyeth, killeth. ]
[Footnote 42: grow. ]
[Footnote 43: lament. ]
[Footnote 44: much-loved, beloved. ]
[Footnote 45: cast out, ejected. ]
[Footnote 46: alluding to the portcullis, which guarded the gate, on
which often depended the castle. ]
[Footnote 47: fate. ]
[Footnote 48: my only son. ]
[Footnote 49: dead. ]
[Footnote 50: cottages. ]
[Footnote 51: happiness. ]
[Footnote 52: monasterys. ]
[Footnote 53: only. ]
[Footnote 54: holy. ]
[Footnote 55: complexion. ]
ECLOGUE THE SECOND.
Sprytes[1] of the bleste, the pious Nygelle sed,
Poure owte yer pleasaunce[2] onn mie fadres hedde.
Rycharde of Lyons harte to fyghte is gon,
Uponne the brede[3] sea doe the banners gleme[4];
The amenused[5] nationnes be aston[6], 5
To ken[7] syke[8] large a flete, syke fyne, syke breme[9].
The barkis heafods[10] coupe[11] the lymed[12] streme;
Oundes[13] synkeynge oundes upon the hard ake[14] riese;
The water slughornes[15] wythe a swotye[16] cleme[17]
Conteke[18] the dynnynge[19] ayre, and reche the skies. 10
Sprytes of the bleste, on gouldyn trones[20] astedde[21],
Poure owte yer pleasaunce onn mie fadres hedde.
The gule[22] depeyncted[23] oares from the black tyde,
Decorn[24] wyth fonnes[25] rare, doe shemrynge[26] ryse;
Upswalynge[27] doe heie[28] shewe ynne drierie pryde, 15
Lyche gore-red estells[29] in the eve[30]-merk[31] skyes;
The nome-depeyncted[32] shields, the speres aryse,
Alyche[33] talle roshes on the water syde;
Alenge[34] from bark to bark the bryghte sheene[35] flyes;
Sweft-kerv'd[36] delyghtes doe on the water glyde. 20
Sprites of the bleste, and everich Seyncte ydedde,
Poure owte youre pleasaunce on mie fadres hedde.
The Sarafen lokes owte: he doethe feere,
That Englondes brondeous[37] sonnes do cotte the waie.
Lyke honted bockes, theye reineth[38] here and there, 25
Onknowlachynge[39] inne whatte place to obaie[40].
The banner glesters on the beme of daie;
The mittee[41] crosse Jerusalim ys seene;
Dhereof the syghte yer corrage doe affraie[42],
In balefull[43] dole their faces be ywreene[44]. 30
Sprytes of the bleste, and everich Seyncte ydedde,
Poure owte your pleasaunce on mie fadres hedde.
The bollengers[45] and cottes[45], soe swyfte yn fyghte,
Upon the sydes of everich bark appere;
Foorthe to his offyce lepethe everych knyghte, 35
Eftsoones[46] hys squyer, with hys shielde and spere.
The jynynge shieldes doe shemre and moke glare[47];
The dotheynge oare doe make gemoted[48] dynne;
The reynyng[49] foemen[50], thynckeynge gif[51] to dare,
Boun[52] the merk[53] swerde, theie seche to fraie[54], theie blyn[55].
Sprytes of the bleste, and everyche Seyncte ydedde,
Powre oute yer pleasaunce onn mie fadres hedde.
Now comm the warrynge Sarasyns to fyghte;
Kynge Rycharde, lyche a lyoncel[56] of warre,
Inne sheenynge goulde, lyke feerie[57] gronfers[58], dyghte[59],
Shaketh alofe hys honde, and seene afarre. 45
Syke haveth I espyde a greter starre
Amenge the drybblett[60] ons to sheene fulle bryghte;
Syke sunnys wayne[61] wyth amayl'd[62] beames doe barr
The blaunchie[63] mone or estells[64] to gev lyghte. 50
Sprytes of the bleste, and everich Seyncte ydedde,
Poure owte your pleasaunce on mie fadres hedde.
Distraughte[65] affraie[66], wythe lockes of blodde-red die,
Terroure, emburled[67] yn the thonders rage,
Deathe, lynked to dismaie, dothe ugsomme[68] flie, 55
Enchasynge[69] echone champyonne war to wage.
Speeres bevyle[70] speres; swerdes upon swerdes engage;
Armoure on armoure dynn[71], shielde upon shielde;
Ne dethe of thosandes can the warre assuage,
Botte salleynge nombers sable[72] all the feelde. 60
Sprytes of the bleste, and everych Seyncte ydedde,
Poure owte youre pleasaunce on mie fadres hedde.
The foemen fal arounde; the cross reles[73] hye;
Steyned ynne goere, the harte of warre ys seen;
Kyng Rycharde, thorough everyche trope dothe flie, 65
And beereth meynte[74] of Turkes onto the greene;
Bie hymm the floure of Asies menn ys sleene[75];
The waylynge[76] mone doth fade before hys sonne;
Bie hym hys knyghtes bee formed to actions deene[77],
Doeynge syke marvels[78], strongers be aston[79]. 70
Sprytes of the bleste, and everych Seyncte ydedde,
Poure owte your pleasaunce onn mie fadres hedde.
The fyghte ys wonne; Kynge Rycharde master is;
The Englonde bannerr kisseth the hie ayre;
Full of pure joie the armie is iwys[80], 75
And everych one haveth it onne his bayre[81];
Agayne to Englonde comme, and worschepped there.
Twyghte[82] into lovynge armes, and feasted eft[83];
In everych eyne aredynge nete of wyere[84],
Of all remembrance of past peyne berefte. 80
Sprites of the bleste, and everich Seyncte ydedde,
Syke pleasures powre upon mie fadres hedde.
Syke Nigel sed, whan from the bluie sea
The upswol[85] sayle dyd daunce before his eyne;
Swefte as the withe, hee toe the beeche dyd flee. 85
And founde his fadre steppeynge from the bryne.
Lette thyssen menne, who haveth sprite of loove,
Bethyncke untoe hemselves how mote the meetynge proove.
[Footnote 1: Spirits, souls. ]
[Footnote 2: pleasure. ]
[Footnote 3: broad. ]
[Footnote 4: shine, glimmer. ]
[Footnote 5: diminished, lessened. ]
[Footnote 6: astonished, confounded. ]
[Footnote 7: see, discover, know. ]
[Footnote 8: such, so. ]
[Footnote 9: strong. ]
[Footnote 10: heads. ]
[Footnote 11: cut. ]
[Footnote 12: glassy, reflecting. ]
[Footnote 13: waves, billows. ]
[Footnote 14: oak. ]
[Footnote 15: a musical instrument, not unlike a hautboy. ]
[Footnote 16: sweet. ]
[Footnote 17: sound. ]
[Footnote 18: confuse, contend with. ]
[Footnote 19: sounding. ]
[Footnote 20: thrones. ]
[Footnote 21: seated. ]
[Footnote 22: red. ]
[Footnote 23: painted. ]
[Footnote 24: carved. ]
[Footnote 25: devices. ]
[Footnote 26: glimmering. ]
[Footnote 27: rising high, swelling up. ]
[Footnote 28: they. ]
[Footnote 29: a corruption of _estoile_, Fr. a star. ]
[Footnote 30: evening. ]
[Footnote 31: dark. ]
[Footnote 32: rebus'd shields; a herald term, when the charge of the
shield implies the name of the bearer. ]
[Footnote 33: like. ]
[Footnote 34: along. ]
[Footnote 35: shine. ]
[Footnote 36: short-lived. ]
[Footnote 37: furious. ]
[Footnote 38: runneth. ]
[Footnote 39: not knowing. ]
[Footnote 40: abide. ]
[Footnote 41: mighty. ]
[Footnote 42: affright. ]
[Footnote 43: woeful. ]
[Footnote 44: covered. ]
[Footnote 45: different kinds of boats. ]
[Footnote 46: full soon, presently. ]
[Footnote 47: glitter. ]
[Footnote 48: united, assembled. ]
[Footnote 49: running. ]
[Footnote 50: foes. ]
[Footnote 51: if. ]
[Footnote 52: make ready. ]
[Footnote 53: dark. ]
[Footnote 54: engage. ]
[Footnote 55: cease, stand still. ]
[Footnote 56: a young lion. ]
[Footnote 57: flaming. ]
[Footnote 58: a meteor, from _gron_, a fen, and _fer_, a corruption of
fire; that is, a fire exhaled from a fen. ]
[Footnote 59: deckt. ]
[Footnote 60: small, insignificant. ]
[Footnote 61: carr. ]
[Footnote 62: enameled. ]
[Footnote 63: white, silver. ]
[Footnote 64: stars. ]
[Footnote 65: distracting. ]
[Footnote 66: affright. ]
[Footnote 67: armed. ]
[Footnote 68: terribly. ]
[Footnote 69: encouraging, heating. ]
[Footnote 70: break, a herald term, signifying a spear broken in
tilting. ]
[Footnote 71: sounds. ]
[Footnote 72: blacken. ]
[Footnote 73: waves. ]
[Footnote 74: many, great numbers. ]
[Footnote 75: slain. ]
[Footnote 76: decreasing. ]
[Footnote 77: glorious, worthy. ]
[Footnote 78: wonders. ]
[Footnote 79: astonished. ]
[Footnote 80: certainly. ]
[Footnote 81: brow. ]
[Footnote 82: plucked, pulled. ]
[Footnote 83: often. ]
[Footnote 84: grief, trouble. ]
[Footnote 85: swollen. ]
ECLOGUE THE THIRD.
Wouldst thou kenn nature in her better parte?
Goe, serche the logges [1] and bordels[2] of the hynde[3];
Gyff[4] theie have anie, itte ys roughe-made arte,
Inne hem[5] you see the blakied[6] forme of kynde[7].
Haveth your mynde a lycheynge[8] of a mynde? 5
Woulde it kenne everich thynge, as it mote[9] bee?
Woulde ytte here phrase of the vulgar from the hynde,
Withoute wiseegger[10] wordes and knowlache[11] free?
Gyf soe, rede thys, whyche Iche dysporteynge[12] pende;
Gif nete besyde, yttes rhyme maie ytte commende. 10
MANNE.
Botte whether, fayre mayde, do ye goe?
O where do ye bende yer waie?
I wille knowe whether you goe,
I wylle not bee asseled[13] naie.
WOMANNE.
To Robyn and Nell, all downe in the delle, 15
To hele[14] hem at makeynge of haie.
MANNE.
Syr Rogerre, the parsone, hav hyred mee there,
Comme, comme, lett us tryppe ytte awaie,
We'lle wurke[15] and we'lle synge, and wylle drenche[16] of stronge beer
As longe as the merrie sommers daie. 20
WOMANNE.
How harde ys mie dome to wurch!
Moke is mie woe.
Dame Agnes, whoe lies ynne the Chyrche
With birlette[17] golde,
Wythe gelten[18] aumeres[19] stronge ontolde, 25
What was shee moe than me, to be soe?
MANNE.
I kenne Syr Roger from afar
Tryppynge over the lea;
Ich ask whie the loverds[20] son
Is moe than mee. 30
SYR ROGERRE.
The sweltrie[21] sonne dothe hie apace hys wayne[22],
From everich beme a seme[23]; of lyfe doe falle;
Swythyn[24] scille[25] oppe the haie uponne the playne;
Methynckes the cockes begynneth to gre[26] talle.
Thys ys alyche oure doome[27]; the great, the smalle, 35
Mofte withe[28] and bee forwyned[29] by deathis darte.
See! the swote[30] flourette[31] hathe noe swote at alle;
Itte wythe the ranke wede bereth evalle[32] parte.
The cravent[33], warrioure, and the wyse be blente[34],
Alyche to drie awaie wythe those theie dyd bemente[35]. 40
MANNE.
All-a-boon[36], Syr Priest, all-a-boon,
Bye yer preestschype nowe saye unto mee;
Syr Gaufryd the knyghte, who lyvethe harde bie,
Whie shoulde hee than mee
Bee moe greate, 45
Inne honnoure, knyghtehoode and estate?
SYR ROGERRE.
Attourne[37] thine eyne arounde thys haied mee,
Tentyflie[38] loke arounde the chaper[39] delle[40];
An answere to thie barganette[41] here see,
Thys welked[42] flourette wylle a leson telle: 50
Arist[43] it blew[44], itte florished, and dyd welle,
Lokeynge ascaunce[45] upon the naighboure greene;
Yet with the deigned[46] greene yttes rennome[47] felle,
Eftsoones[48] ytte shronke upon the daie-brente[49] playne,
Didde not yttes loke, whilest ytte there dyd stonde, 55
To croppe ytte in the bodde move somme dred honde.
Syke[50] ys the waie of lyffe; the loverds[51] ente[52]
Mooveth the robber hym therfor to slea[53];
Gyf thou has ethe[54], the shadowe of contente,
Beleive the trothe[55], theres none moe haile[56] yan thee. 60
Thou wurchest[57]; welle, canne thatte a trobble bee?
Slothe moe wulde jade thee than the roughest daie.
Couldest thou the kivercled[58] of soughlys[59] see,
Thou wouldst eftsoones[60] see trothe ynne whatte I saie;
Botte lette me heere thie waie of lyffe, and thenne 65
Heare thou from me the lyffes of odher menne.
MANNE.
I ryse wythe the sonne,
Lyche hym to dryve the wayne[61],
And eere mie wurche is don
I synge a songe or twayne[62]. 70
I followe the plough-tayle,
Wythe a longe jubb[63] of ale.
Botte of the maydens, oh!
Itte lacketh notte to telle;
Syr Preeste mote notte crie woe, 75
Culde hys bull do as welle.
I daunce the beste heiedeygnes[64],
And foile[65] the wysest feygnes[66].
On everych Seynctes hie daie
Wythe the mynstrelle[67] am I seene, 80
All a footeynge it awaie,
Wythe maydens on the greene.
But oh! I wyshe to be moe greate,
In rennome, tenure, and estate.
SYR ROGERRE.
Has thou ne seene a tree uponne a hylle, 85
Whose unliste[68] braunces[69] rechen far toe fyghte;
Whan fuired[70] unwers[71] doe the heaven fylle,
Itte shaketh deere[72] yn dole[73] and moke affryghte.
Whylest the congeon[74] flowrette abessie[75] dyghte[76],
Stondethe unhurte, unquaced[77] bie the storme: 90
Syke is a picte[78] of lyffe: the manne of myghte
Is tempest-chaft[79], hys woe greate as hys forme,
Thieselfe a flowrette of a small accounte,
Wouldst harder felle the wynde, as hygher thee dydste mounte.
[Footnote 1: lodges, huts. ]
[Footnote 2: cottages. ]
[Footnote 3: servant, slave, peasant. ]
[Footnote 4: if. ]
[Footnote 5: a contraction of _them_. ]
[Footnote 6: naked, original. ]
[Footnote 7: nature. ]
[Footnote 8: liking. ]
[Footnote 9: might. The sense of this line is, Would you see every
thing in its primaeval state. ]
[Footnote 10: wise-egger, a philosopher. ]
[Footnote 11: knowledge. ]
[Footnote 12: sporting. ]
[Footnote 13: answered. ]
[Footnote 14: aid, or help. ]
[Footnote 15: work. ]
[Footnote 16: drink. ]
[Footnote 17: a hood, or covering for the back part of the head. ]
[Footnote 18: guilded. ]
[Footnote 19: borders of gold and silver, on which was laid thin
plates of either metal counterchanged, not unlike the present spangled
laces. ]
[Footnote 20: lord. ]
[Footnote 21: sultry. ]
[Footnote 22: car. ]
[Footnote 23: seed. ]
[Footnote 24: quickly, presently. ]
[Footnote 25: gather. ]
[Footnote 26: grow. ]
[Footnote 27: fate. ]
[Footnote 28: a contraction of wither. ]
[Footnote 29: dried. ]
[Footnote 30: sweet. ]
[Footnote 31: flower. ]
[Footnote 32: equal. ]
[Footnote 33: coward. ]
[Footnote 34: ceased, dead, no more. ]
[Footnote 35: lament. ]
[Footnote 36: a manner of asking a favour. ]
[Footnote 37: turn. ]
[Footnote 38: carefully, with circumspection. ]
[Footnote 39: dry, sun-burnt. ]
[Footnote 40: valley. ]
[Footnote 41: a song, or ballad. ]
[Footnote 42: withered. ]
[Footnote 43: arisen, or arose. ]
[Footnote 44: blossomed. ]
[Footnote 45: disdainfully. ]
[Footnote 46: disdained.
