The gospels of distaffs. Isengryne. dame Abunde Isengryne. dame Abunde THere been many men at this day the which alleggeth and groundeth their words/ & reasons on the gospels of the distaffs/ & knoweth full little of what importance & authority they been of/ nor who was the wise doctouresses and the first inventouresses/ and yet that worse is they allegge them more by derision and mockery than they do for affection that they have to the great substance the which they contain. And this they have alway in diminishing and reproaching of ladies/ wherefore it is great sin and great shame to them that so do. For they adnychyll the great noblesse of ladies/ and the great goodness that from them proceedeth/ for because that the first woman was made and created in a place high and noble full of cleanness and fragrant aer/ therefore been all women naturally noble/ honest/ sweet/ fair/ & courtesy and full of sapience/ light and gentle & so right so tell that it lacketh but little that they know things for to come. For they know by their proper nature after the comectures & dispositions of the weather/ of persons/ of arguments/ of birds/ & of beasts & shortly of all other creatures/ as it appeareth by this present book. Now it is so that for to contrary such injuries & set their mockings at nought/ and exalt the ladies & verify their gospels I have studied & been their humble servant from my youth/ and for the goodness that they have done to me I can not praise them enough/ at the request of some my well-beloved I. H. W. have translated this treatise that containeth the text of the gospels of distaffs/ with divers gloss and postylles added thereto by some wise and discrete ladies of whom I shall speak here after ensuing in this treatise. ¶ The names of the ladies that made the text of the gospels of the distaffs. FOr to begin than this work it is clearly known to all good and true catholic christian men to the end that there should be perpetual memory of the holy words and virtuous operations of our redemptoure Ihesu cryst/ and of his holy apostles and saints that there were four ryghtwysmen elect among them that were replete with virtue & verity for to make the holy mysteries the which been named by the scriptures the gospels/ by which the true and holy faith catholic is enlumined and shall be unto the end of the world. Assemble than for to verefye & put forth the words and authorities of the ancient women. To the end also that they should not be lost/ nor in such wise vanished but that the memory should remain fresh among the women of this present time/ so there hath been found six matrons wise & prudent for to recite & read the said gospels of the distaffs in the manner the which hereafter shall be declared/ & by cause that in every witness of vice there must be iii women for two men/ for to make and accomplish than the number of the said four evangelists/ it is of necessity that there hath been six women busy for to make this work/ because of the more approbation of troth/ of whom the names ensueth The first was named dame Isengryne of glay. The second was called dame Transelyne of the croak. The third was named dame Abunde of the oven/ The fourth was called dame Sebylle of the marsh. The fifth was named dame Gamberde the fayee. The sixth was called dame Berthe horned. These six ladies were so right wise in their time that they might have conjured a black devil or bound him upon a quysshen they were so expert and nimble. ¶ Who was the first woman that put forth the gospels. And how the composer of this book was constrained to make this work. AFter as I find in ancient regystres these gospels were begun in the second age of the world/ in the time that the puissant king zoroates did reign that was the first finder of the art of nigromancy/ of the which art he showed & taught a little to the queen his wife called Hermofrodita/ the which sith made fair prycyples for the beginning of these gospels/ but they were not ended in her time/ but from age to age/ and from seed to sede they have been multiplied/ & correct of the prudent women eachone in their time after the arguments and signs that they might apperceive & see as well in the earth as in the air. And sith that time hath not been yet any/ ye that I have known and comen to my memory that would take the pain upon them to put them in writing or in order/ and this little that hath been made hath been tossed about from one to an other. And yet that which hath been made was more made by derision & mockery than otherwise/ & for all that they fail not to be of great mystery/ & for to give you to understand how I am comen to this obtuous & presumptuous hardiness & wanhope to will write & put in order this work/ it is troth that upon a night after souper for to take my disport & pass the time joyously in the long winter nights between christmas and Candelmas last passed I transported me in to the house of a well aged damosel my neighbour near/ where as I was accustomed for to resort & devise with her/ for divers of her neighbours came thither for to spin and devise of divers small and joyous purposes/ whereat I took great pleasure and solace. But at that time was there the six ladies assembled that were strongly busy for divers reasons/ & often for the great haste that they had to declare their purpose they argued the one with the other and spoke all at ones. I which was a little shame fast of that I had entered in among them so suddenly. would have withdrawn me aback in taking my leave of them for to depart thence/ but suddenly I was called of them again/ & in effect retained by my gown by one of them/ at whose request and prayer I returned & sat me down among them & prayed them humbly that they would pardon me of that I had entered in among them so familiarly and so suddenly. One took the words for them all and said that truly I was welcome unto them everichone the which was in that place assembled there and welcomer than any man of the world/ & that them seemed that god had sent me thither for to be in their aid to understand the matter in which they were so busily occupied at that time/ and that I should do their work well saying that other times I had written of ladies unto their laud & praising. And yet they prayed me that in likewise I would do at that their right great work & they in time to come or their successors should make me such remuneration that it should suffice me in praying me furthermore that I would undertake to put in scripture a little volume that for the name of it should be called the gospels of distaffs/ in memory & mind of them perpetually/ and the upholding of all them to come I somewhat ashamed of the praising that they gave me wend for to have excused me/ but anon I was caducke and so oppressed with their words and reasons that all confused I was constrained to undertake the charge. In the which if there be any fault or evil inditing I supply you for to pardon me/ & repute the said fault to them that by so great haste declared it to me that I had no leisure nor space sometime for to understand them well/ nor my hand that was by age made heavy/ nor mine eyen that were obscure might not comprehend it so fast as they had well would. This charge than by me undertaken the ladies thanked me greatly/ & set day amongst them and hour for to return upon the morrow after souper. And charged me that I should bring paper and ink enough with me and also pens for they would determine high and notable things. ¶ The ordinance of this book put in terms by dame Isengryne. ON the morrow at the hour assigned I furnished of ink/ paper & pens returned to the place assigned/ in the which was assembled all ready the six ladies that after me died abide. And they of my coming were right joyous as it seemed by their semblauntes. After that they had prepared for me my place there I as might hear them best one of them & the most ancient named dame ysengryn of glay began for to speak after that silence was mad of her fellows the words that ensueth. My right dear neighbours in this vagation ye see/ & in likewise know clearly how the men of this present time ceaseth not for to write & make ballads dyffamous and books courageous in dispraising the honour of our sex. And saying that they & we were made of one workman descending the one from the other. And yet sith that I must needs say it we been descended of a more high & noble place than they be/ and made of a matter more purer and cleaner than they be. It is mine advise under the correction of you all that it should be good with the help of this our secretary & friend that we made a little treatise of chapters that we will keep & put by order. The which of long time hath been found by our ancient moders/ to the end that they be not put in forgetting and that it may come in to the hands of them that been yet to come. The which chapters shall contain the gospels of distaffs with the gloss that some wise and discrete matrons have added and yet shall in multeplyenge the text. And for to enter in to the matter and put order in our beginning ye know that there been six work days in the week/ & we be two that have undertaken this work/ and that have seen and heard recorded by our predecessors divers things of the old testament & the new/ & other things true & of good authority. Wherefore it is mine advise in conclusion that it should be good that on mondaye next we assemble us in the house of Maroye ployarde where as we have been accustomed to hold our disport at vii of the clock at night/ And there if ye will one of us shall begin her lecture/ and shall recite her chapters in the presence of all them that shall come thither for to keep and put them in perpetual memory. The assistentes anon and without any other deliberation said that dame Isengryne had well spoken. And in conclusion they prayed her that she would take upon her to read the first monday where as was assigned/ & said that withouten fault they would be there/ & prayed some of their neighbours as well young as old that they would be there to auctoryse better their chapters This charge took right gladly dame Isengryne & said that she would do her best/ in saying this she turned her toward me and required me right lovingly that I would be her secretary/ & in like wise died all the other/ & that they would make me be rewarded by some of them the which were the youngest at my choosing/ for the which reward I thanked them and held me for content. ¶ The ordinance of the first day/ & of the description of dame Isengryne of Glaye & what she was. Isengryne. dame Abunde Gamberde THe monday at night between seven & eight of the clock after souper assembled the foresaid six ladies together and all the neighbours that were accustomed to come thither/ & divers other that were summoned thither for to here the mystery that should be done there. Dame Isengryne of glay came thither accompanied with divers of her knowledge the which brought with them their distaffs and standards/ with their spyndels and wherles & all that appertained to their art. And to make it short it seemed a right market where as is but sold words & reasons and divers purposes of small effect and little valour. The siege of dame Isengryne was prepared at one side/ a little higher than the other/ and mine was even beside her/ and afore me was a lamp full of oil for to cast light upon my work/ and all the assistants had turned their visages toward dame Isengryne/ the which after silence obtained spoke in this manner. But or that I begin for to write her chapters I will rehearse to you the estate & genealogy of her. Dame Isengryne was of the age of .lxv. year or there about/ she had been a fair wife in her time/ but she was becomen greatly wydred/ her eyen were hollow/ & her eye lids somewhat reversed & reed alway watrynge she had had five husbands beside her acquaintance apart. She meddled in her old age to receive young children/ but in her young age she received great children/ she was much expert in diverse arts. Her husband was young of whom she was right jealous/ and made many complaints of him to her neighbours/ nevertheless silence obtained she began her gospel and took her substance of her husband and said. ¶ Here beginneth the first chapter of the gospel of dame Isengryne of Glay for the monday. My good neighbours there is none of you but ye know that I took my husband josselyn more for his beauty than for his richesse/ for a poor fellow he was/ & loo I saw him not to day nor yesterday/ wherefore I have great sorrow at my heart. And certainly he hath great cheap of the goods that my husbands his predecessors had assembled together with great labour & pain/ wherefore I think it will be my death. Now to this purpose and for the first chapter I tell you for as true as the gospel that the man that spendeth the goods unduly that cometh to him by his wife withouten leave shall give accounts before god as of things stolen. Gloze. Upon this chapter saith an ancient matron named Grayll johan bybebecked wife. Truly that husband that doth against this chapter is put after his death in a cauldron in purgatory full of brimstone/ if he have not done his penance in this world upon the hospitals. ¶ The second chapter. ¶ There is no thing more certain than the husband that doth contrary to the which his wife counseleth him to do/ & who that gainsayeth any thing that she saith he is false & disloyal forsworn. Gloze. Certainly said Gonbande of the ditch I have seen divers miracles of them that have transgressed this chapter/ for my stepfad broke his leg because he would not believe the counsel of my mother. ¶ The third chapter. ¶ He that beateth his wife shall never have grace of our lady till he have pardon of his wife. glow. Maroye saith it is as great sin as if he would despair himself/ for after that which I hove heard our vicar say it is but one body man and woman coupled by marriage. ¶ The four chapter. ¶ The man that doth any thing without that he do his wife to understand it. I say to you as the gospel that he is worse in conscience than a thief/ who durst well say it. Gloze. The ancient matrons hath maintained for a troth that the children that come of such marriage shall never be rich in this world/ and yet they shall be lightly great liars ¶ The .v. chapter. ¶ My friends I say to you for a troth that there is no dolour nor anguish like to the which a woman beareth/ when her husband beareth else where his substance and in especial when the goods cometh by her. Gloze. For certain said a matron that was named florette the black He that breaketh his marriage by adultery is less to be praised than a jew or a saracen/ for he is forsworn. ¶ The vi chapter. ¶ A maiden that will know the name of her to coming husband/ aught to hang before her door the first thread that she spynneth that day/ and the first man that passeth thereby ask his name/ and know for certain that the same name shall her husband have. Gloze. At the same words rose up one of the assystentes named Geffryne johan blewes wife/ and said that she had proved that thing and that it had happened so to her/ wherefore she cursed the hour that she had met with such a man that had lost all colour and beauty/ and yet he was so evil a work man that he died no thing but sleep. ¶ The vii chapter. When a woman beareth a child & if they will know if it be a son or a daughter ye must lie salt upon her heed so softly that she know not of it and after in devising with her if that she name a man know that it shall be a son/ & if that she name a woman it shall be a daughter. Gloze. That same thing happened unto me when I bore my daughter. Lyle tempremeur said Grelle of the shoe/ and mine aunt died it to me & learned me it the which was right ancient and greatly renowned in divers arts. ¶ The viii chapter. Ye should not give to young maidens to eat the heed of a hare to the end that they should marry/ and in especial to them that be with child/ for certainly their children might have cloven lips. Gloze. Then said anon Marget of the wheat/ even so it happened to one of my cousins for because that she had eaten of the heed of a hare her daughter that was in her womb brought forth four lips. ¶ The ix chapter. Ye ought not to let young maidens eat no sheeps heads nor cockescomes/ nor eyes/ to the end that they have not the falling of saint lupe behind. Gloze. Certainly said Be let the short nose/ it is a right great danger/ for because that my mother eat of them I have three taches the which I think will never fail me. The one is that oftentimes I let myself fall backward/ the second that I can not rise again lightly/ and the third is that my husband saith that I cry to high when he blameth me whereof I have great shame. ¶ The ten chapter. I swear to you as the gospel that when a young maid eateth customably boiled milk in the pan/ or in a pot of earth/ that it rains commonly at their wedding/ & also they have commonly husbands melancholious & grutchers And also she shall not fail oftentimes to have a dirty tail and to be evilly clad. Gloze. Said dame Abunde to this text needeth none exposition/ for the rule is all common & there is never fault/ as it appeared at my wedding where divers of you was. ¶ The xi chapter. ¶ For certain & for also true as the gospel when a man lieth with his wife/ or with his love having his feet foul and stinking/ & it happen that he engender a son/ he shall have an evil & a stinking breathe/ & if it be a daughter she shall have it stinking behind. Gloze. Marroye ployarde saith upon this chapter that of her cousin germayne happened even so/ for all about where she went she rendered such a stinking odour behind that all the assistants were fain to stop their noses/ but she knew not what was the cause thereof. ¶ The xii chapter. For also true as the gospel I tell you that when a young man maiden weddeth a young woman virgin the first child commonly that they get is a fool. Gloze. Berte the straight upon this chapter saith that it was not long a gone sith it happened so to one of her daughters that she had married to the swyneherde of her house/ for the first night she died teach them/ & their first son was a fool. ¶ The xiii chapter. I say to you as the gospel that when a child is newly borne if ye give him a roasted apple to eat or he souke that he shall be no glutton but serve ladies demurely. Gloze. Marroye morel saith upon this text that when a child is borne who that beareth the little bowel to his heed he shall have long life/ sweet breath/ good voice/ & gracious eloquence. ¶ The xiiii chapter. I warrant you for also true as the gospel if that ye will make young children's heeds curled/ also soon as they been borne wash their heads with white wine/ & put in their bain the rote of a white vine. Gloze. Dame Hermofrode saith on this passage in corrumping the text that who would make to dry by two children young & fair the aubete of a little child upon the point of a sharp & a bright sword should make the child all his life fair hardy/ and welcome among the noble men. ¶ The xu chapter Now understand you all the which been here present I advertise you that ye never draw sword afore a woman with child but if that ye lie your sword first upon her heed all softly to the end that she abide steadfast/ & her fruit shall be the hardy all his life. Gloze. Peronne Bevette said that because they died not so to her mother when she died bear her she was and is so feared that she dare not go to bed without the company of men. ¶ The xvi chapter. I tell you for as true as the gospel that young maidens should never eat cherries with their lover who should have the last/ for oftentimes it happeneth so that they which have the last cherry is the last married of all. Gloze Dame Sebyll of mates saith upon this passage that young women should not eat pottage with their lover for by custom it happeneth often that their husbands have acquaintance apart and not the women. ¶ The xvii chapter. Sisters and neighbours yet I tell you that god and reason defendeth every man & woman that they should not speak afore a woman married or able to bear children/ or afore a woman great with child of any manner of meet/ that for the present and at a need may not be found/ to the end that the fruit that she beareth have not a mark upon his body. Gloze. Dame Abunde of the oven saith that by casting on a woman's visage that is with child cherries or red wine that the child shall bear a mark or some token upon him. ¶ The xviii chapter. Know that the man that doubleth in marriage is unable to come to any dignity & if his wife do to him the same withouten fault he shall be cause of the one evil & of the other/ and she ought to be judged quite without punition. Gloze. Dame Ysoree the short saith upon this pace that the woman that will not have her husband meddle with other wives that she make to sing mass of saint Auoye three mondays together/ & I say to you for certain that the women beyond the see do so to their husbands. ¶ The xix chapter. When any child is baptized be it a son or a daughter if the daughter have two godfaders/ she shall have two husbands or more/ & also if the son have two godmoders he shall have two wives. Gloze. Certainly said Ampelune huket I ought well to curse the hour that Wyllymyne my husband had ever so many/ for he hath three wives beside his acquaintance that I know not. ¶ The twenty chapter. When ye see little children run through the streets riding upon horses of wood with spears & disguised in manner of men of war/ it is a true sign of war near hand or dissension in the country. Gloze. Perrine Hulortore saith upon this pace that when little children go in the streets with banners singing it is a sign of mortality. ¶ The xxi chapter. ¶ If a woman will know certainly if her husband do double/ let her take heed if that he touch her not in the full of the moan/ and if he have not ado with her there is no suspection without a cause. Gloze. This gospel is very true said maroye ployarde: for it is more than three moans sith johan ployarde my husband smote stroke nor half stroke/ and yet I am a woman for to endure it well. ¶ The. xxii· chapter. ¶ One ought not to give to a woman with child no heeds of fish to eat/ to the end that by their imagination their fruit bring not forth their mouths more greater & more sharper than it is of custom. Gloze. Paret fatoys midwife said that she had received divers children that had their mouths more greater out of measure than other had. ¶ The xxiii chapter. ¶ If by adventure a man beat his wife/ or defile her with his feet/ she shall be delivered with great pain/ & oftentimes they die in the pain. Gloze. Dame Hermofrode saith that there is no remedy in this/ save that she must drink in the shoe that died defile her/ and know if she do so she shall be delivered quickly. ¶ The xxiiii chapter. ¶ If it happen that some body strided over a little child/ know ye for certain that he shall never grow more but if they strided backward over it again. Gloze. Certainly said Sebylle of such thing cometh dwerfes and lytel women. ¶ The xxv chapter. ¶ Know ye for as true as the gospel that if the hose of a woman or of a maiden unbindeth in the street & that she lose it/ it is sign & faileth never that her husband or her love goeth else where. Gloze. At these words left spinning one named Transye of love young of the age of lx and seven year/ and said that there was nothing more truer than that gospel/ for sith wednesday last paste I saw not my love jolyet/ because that the same day I lost my garter. ¶ The xxvi chapter. ¶ And for conclusion my friends and neighbours/ and for to make an end of my chapters I tell you that when there cometh to a wife the sickness in her paps/ she needeth none other thing but that her husband make her with his instrument natural three sercles about the sore/ & without any doubt she shall be hole. Gloze. Sayntefoute ne tempremure saith that it ought to be understand that those three sercles should be made at the end of the belly/ a little under the girdle. ¶ All the assistants began for to laugh apace of that joyous conclusion/ and died praise right strongly the wisdom of dame Ysengryne that so highly had contained her gospel and departed it in xxvi articles that were all of great authority and importance/ and promised that they would take pain for to learn them by rote/ for to publish them to them that had not been at that lecture. ¶ Full glad was I when dame Isengryne made an end of her speech/ for both paper and candle died fail me/ with slumber that did strongly assail me/ for it was almost midnight/ wherefore I would have taken leave of them: but they made me abide till another was elect to read on the morrow. So they took counsel and of a common accord died cheese Transelyne of the croak which was an ancient damosel the which took on her the charge right gladly/ and required me instantly before them all that at her need I would serve her/ and I promised her to do it/ but of one thing I required her/ that was that she should come a little sooner than they had done upon monday/ to the end to eschew the travail of the night. ¶ Here followeth the continuation of the gospels made & red by dame Transelin of the croak for the tuesday in the house and at the hour accustomed. When it came upon the tuesday about five of the clock at night there began for to come wives as well old as young from all sides/ for they had already published that which had been done upon the monday: and that which should be done upon tuesday by dame Transelyn of the croak a good renowned wife/ for she was a gentylwoman of the age of lx and seven year/ she was long and small/ in her young days she had dwelled with a lady that could somewhat of the art of nigromancy and rendered reasons of divers things to come/ with whom she learned madagury for which afterward she was much renowned and honoured/ but because that she had eaten her pottage one day with Venus made in the cauldron of love/ never sith she cess not to exercise her service to the subjects of the same/ and in her old age she was withdrawn and allied with the curate of the town that night and day heard her confession/ wherefore all her neighbours about her had her in great reverence. Dame Transelyne than comen amongst them salved all the company. And after that she had demanded me if I were ready she said thus. ¶ The first chapter. ¶ Now quoth she my good neighbours and friends in contynewing our purpose of the last night I pray you that silence be made/ and I shall tell you for also true as the gospel that if a woman or a maiden will be well-beloved of her lover/ let her make him to eat the herb of a cat/ & he shall love her so fervently that he shall never have rest but if he be with her. Gloze. This thing is true said Burge fawele/ for I died even so to my husband & made him a salad/ but that love endured but six weeks/ wherefore I think that it must be renewed. ¶ The second chapter. ¶ And also I tell you that who may find a true mandrake and lie him between a pair of white sheets & present him meet and drink twice a day/ notwithstanding that he neither eateth nor drinketh/ he that doth it shall become rich within short space and shall not know how. Gloze. Certes said jone baker it is said but it is in rapmage/ that Alexus of the corner is becomen rich with the same. ¶ The third chapter. ¶ I say to you as a gospel that when one goothe on his way and if he encounter a haare it is an evil sign. And for to eschew all dangers he ought for to return thrice from whence he was departed/ and after go on his way withouten peril. Gloze. With this word rose up maroye the fa●e and said all on high that that chapter was right veritable/ for her cousin had broken his leg with the fall of a horse after that he had encountered a haare/ but who that meeteth a wolf or a heart/ or a beer is a right good sign and token. ¶ The fourth chapter. ¶ Never wise man mounted upon an axe for the love of our lord that road upon one but right well upon a horse/ for who that falleth of an axe he saith bryst/ and who that falleth of a horse he sayeth rise. Gloze. Upon this article may be made an argument for when joseph led the virgin Mary in to Egypte she mounted upon an ass/ & for all that she had no grievance. Then answered Sebylle of the ditch that our lord had not yet mounted upon an ass as he died afterward. Then answered an ancient woman named Parette of the stinking hole that he had/ and that our lady bore him with her mounted upon the ass. For this argument arose great noise among the assistentes/ in such wise that the one sustained the text of this gospel/ and the other sustained the gloze/ and there arose so great a clamour & cry among them that one knew not to which intend. Nevertheless dame Isengryne as president for that night made silence to the end that she might peaceably make an end of her lecture/ the which thing she obtained with right great pain. ¶ The .v. chapter. ¶ My neighbours for to move purpose and to abate your strife I say to you for a gospel that if a woman leave the trivet/ or the gyrdyron upon the fire without dying on a stick or a fire brand that she shall wax much old and wrinkled in the face. Gloze. Said one of the spinners named Pyate frelysshe who that goeth to bed without removing of the seat that they put of their hose on they be in danger that the mare ride on them that night. ¶ The vi chapter. ¶ Who that leaveth by night a stole or a trivet the feet upward/ also long as they been so the devil is on horseback upon the house. Gloze. Certes said Isore the white my grandam said that there is as many devils sitting upon them as there be feet upward if they abide so. ¶ The vii chapter. ¶ I assure you and say to you for a gospel that when pies chatter upon a house it is sign of right evil tidings/ but and swallows chatter or make their nests it is sign of good air and good fortune. Gloze. Gertrude of wheat saith that when a stork buildeth his nest upon a chimney/ it is sign that the lord of the house shall be rich and live long. ¶ The viii chapter. ¶ When the ears of one doth burn or itch/ know and it be the right ere it is a good token/ and if it be the left ere it is an evil sign. Gloze. Isabella of the reed crest saith upon this purpose that when the nose of one doth drop it is sign to drink red wine. ¶ The ix chapter. ¶ When pesen doth boil in a pot after it is taken of the fire/ know for a truth that in that same house is no witches. Gloze. Parette son clothed said that the cat hateth and feareth most the pot that boylleth. ¶ The ten chapter. ¶ Now understand well this chapter/ for I tell you that who that feareth that the night witch ride not on him/ he must set a stole of wtodde before a great fire/ & when she is comen if she sit down upon it/ she may never rise thence till it be light day/ it is a thing proved. Gloze. johannet brownemayre saith that she forgot ones to do that thing/ but after that she had been riden she tasted what it might be/ and found that it was a rough thing/ and had here soft enough. ¶ The xi chapter. ¶ Who that leaveth on the saturday to make an end of the flackes on her rock all that she spynneth on monday after shall never do good and if cloth be made of it/ it shall neu●r be white Gloze. Saith Maryon the blue because that women of holland been accustomed to leave it on their rocks upon the saturday they have never white cloth/ And it is truth for it appeareth well by their shirts that they bring over the see with them. ¶ The xii chapter. ¶ Who that abstaineth him from wiping of his arse with leaves or other green thing that hath grown upon the earth: he shall not have no evil in his back nor in his rains Gloze. Pyattyne the green saith to this purpose that who that doth this shall never have the tronchons on his heed but in that place he shall have his shirt guilt. ¶ The xiii chapter. ¶ He that doth not cast/ or suffereth not to cast bones in the fire shall not have the tooth ache for the honour of saint Laurens. But Maude the brown affirmeth that in that place dogs fight gladly. ¶ The xiiii chapter. ¶ He that hath no money in his purse ought to abstain him from looking on the new moan/ or else he shall have but little all along that moan. Gloze. Margot black attach saith upon this chapter that he that apperceiveth the crescent with a full purse he ought to salue it and incline devoutly to it/ and for certain it shall multeply all that moan. ¶ The xu chapter. ¶ He that findeth the trayfle with four leaves/ and keep it in reverence know for also true as the gospel that he shall be rich all his life. Gloze. Upon this article saith Dame Sebylle the read that if a man tread barefoot upon a trayfle with four leaves he may not escape without the white axes/ and if it be a woman she shall be cukquene. ¶ The xvi chapter. ¶ When a man findeth a spider upon his gown it is a sign to be that day right happy/ and in like wise he that findeth a horse shoe or a piece of one/ he shall have good fortune. Gloze. Then rose up Francyne soft paps and said that when one findeth silver in the morning it is a right evil sign if there be no gold among it. ¶ The xvii chapter. ¶ Who somever rubbeth a wart upon saint Iohans even with an elder leaf/ and after put the leaf deep in the earth where as it may rot/ the wart shall dry upanone. Gloze Isbell of the wood said that she had assayed it but who that would rub them with the milk of the leaf of a thistle that drieth sooner/ Lalle had proved it. ¶ The xviii chapter. ¶ When a man findeth in his garden a vessel of bees fastened in a tree if that he give them not a piece of silver to their new years gift it is an evil sign. Gloze. Baudinon gorgette saith that he that appropryeth the bees to him without he give to them as said is in the text they shall do but pick him and shall never love him nor do him profit. ¶ The twenty chapter. ¶ He that giveth a pair of knives to his lady paramour on new years day know that their love shall wax cold. Gloze. Then said Colette the hollow to this article. I assure you that he that giveth his love a pyncell with a great heed to her new years gift that the love will be more ardent and more durable. ¶ The xxi chapter. ¶ He that may ride upon a bear freely ix pace: he is affraunchysed from ix pair of sickness. Gloze. Then said an old matron that was behind the other I think well it is true of the garrison of the ix sicknesses/ but not of them that we fall backward of. ¶ The xxii chapter. ¶ When ye see a cat sit in a window in the son/ & that she lick her ars/ and that one of her feet be above her ere ye need not to doubt but that it shall rain that day. Gloze. Then rose up dame mehalte and said that it was no losing/ for she said her buck of clothes stood at the river and because that her cat cess not to lick her arse she durst not go to wash it. ¶ The xxiii chapter. ¶ Who that sitteth by the fire and writeth in the ashes with his finger or with a staff/ is sign that he hath pysled in bed or shall piss in bed. Gloze. Peronne the smoky saith in afferming the text that he that beholdeth his wife covering the fire before him without taking her up know that of all that night he shall not leave sleeping and routing/ and if it be a maiden she shall not be wedded of all that year. ¶ The xxiiii chapter. ¶ When one feareth that his dog be bitten of a wood dog/ make him eat and drink through a trivet/ and he shall be preserved that day from biting. Gloze. To this purpose said Guyllemette the halting that who will have his cat or his hen to keep the house for losing/ take the cat or the hen and torn him thrice about the croak of the chimney/ and than rub their feet against the wall of the chimney. And without any fault they shall never depart part from that house. ¶ The conclusion of this journey. FOr this gospel all the assistants began to laugh mightily/ & in effect they left their spinning and praised right moche Dame Transelyne of the croak for the great actoryte of her gospel/ and semblably all the doctouresses and the wise and prudent wives which had glossed upon the chapters so honourably after the postylles that none might not expose them better. ¶ I rose up from my place half weary and already summoned of the messangere of god Morpleus for to go and take my rest/ but before my departing I would see & behold whom they would cheese amongst them for to read the gospel upon the morrow as the other had done. The wives then having left all their laughing said that it was time for to cheese the lady that should succeed upon the morrow. So they did cheese with a common accord dame Abunde of the oven/ that died accept it benignly/ and promised that she would do all that were possible. After this election of dame Abunde of the oven. I departed the most secretly that I might for they began to babble so mightily that they took no keep of my departing. ¶ Here followeth the continuation of the gospels of distaffs/ made the wednesday at night by dame Abunde of the oven. UPon the wednesday at the hour accustomed came and assembled all the wives the which were accustomed for to come thither to hear the lecture and reading/ and there came with them divers other as well young as old that had not been there before/ by the instruction of their neighbours. And they thus assembled came dame Abunde of the oven that for that night had been established for to read her gospel so as she died. But before that I proceed to the chapters of the same I will write of her estate and manner. It is truth that in her young age she was a chap woman of lechery all by tail/ and then afterward she held a fair shop at bruges among the merchants she had been a fair wife in her young age/ but the wine and the good morsels that she had eaten had made her so fat that she was also broad as long/ she had studied at Paris by the space of seven year in the college of Gletygne/ from whence she brought many a perfounde science/ She than comen went and sat her down in the siege determined/ and after silence made she began for to speak in this manner. ¶ The first chapter. ¶ For the first chapter of my gospel I assure you that he that pisseth between two houses or against the son/ know that he shall have sore eyen. Gloze. Saith Beautrise Bousette I think better that the sickness cometh of to much drinking at the fountain of love. ¶ The second chapter. ¶ For to keep them that they fall not in to the palsy/ they must abstain them from eating the heads of cats or the flesh of bears. Gloze. Saith dame Berte with the short hele I think and believe that for the palsy of the reins one must keep him from dying on his back/ ye the wives and the men the contrary. ¶ The third chapter. ¶ Who that pisseth against a church/ or there as fire is made it is great marvel but that before his death he fall in popelysye/ for at the lest he shall have the gravel. Gloze Certainly said jaquemyne Galoys that had served the curate long time I assure you that he that pisseth thus/ or doth his necessity against the church that the holy-water that he receiveth on sunday can not help him against the thunder for that week. ¶ The fourth chapter. ¶ If a woman apperceive a wolf following her/ she ought to trail her girdle after her in saying/ keep the wolf that the mother of god smite the not/ and anon all confused he shall return again. Gloze. jone the savage saith that if any see a wolf before that the wolf see him/ he hath no power to do him any hurt/ and in like wise the person of the wolf. ¶ The .v. chapter. ¶ When the lord or the lady of a house is seek/ and that a raven cometh and crieth upon the chamber where as the patient lieth it is sign that he shall die of that sickness Gloze. Mehalte soon ready saith to this purpose that when a pie cometh and chattreth upon the chamber it is a good sign that the patient shall have his health. ¶ The sixth chapter. ¶ When the chipping wind bloweth/ the wise wives and good houswyves' ought to cut the end of the right ere of her young calf and cast the same piece against the wind/ to the end that he grow and amend as he shall do. Gloze. Certainly said Maroye the brent cheek I bylyve that who would promise to saint bartholomew the right horn it should suffice. ¶ The vii chapter. ¶ My good neyghbou●●s I will tell you in this chapter one of the greatest secret ●●at ever I learned in Savoy/ That is for also true as the gospel that when some tempest doth arise in the air we ought anon to make a fire of four staves of an ash tree in cross wise above the wind and then afterward make a cross upon it/ and anon the tempest shall torn a side and come not at your goods. Gloze Baudyne camuse saith well that in the country of Savoy been divers wise women/ for to make fair or foul weather they been mistresses. ¶ The viii chapter. ¶ When the semawes feeleth the tempest move in the air and that they flee and cry upon the water all softly/ it is sign that it shall be rain withouten any tempest/ but when they be still withouten any noise they doubt right strongly the thunder and the tempest. Gloze. To this purpose saith Mabylle jolyette that when the swans or the gese bayneth or plungeth them in the water/ know for certain and without any doubt that the weather shall change and rain that day ¶ The ix chapter. ¶ When one heareth dogs howl and cry he ought for to stop his ears/ for they bring evil tidings/ and to the contrary one ought for to hearken and here a horse nigh and cry. Gloze. Magnon broquette saith in approving this article that when one heareth the wolves howl and cry/ every body ought put them in good estate and hold it/ for it is sign of great pestilence and mortality to come by famine and war. ¶ The ten chapter. ¶ When ye see the wolfs come and seek their pray near the villages or within the villages it is sign of a dear season. Gloze. Isabella basket saith upon this text that when hearts and hinds or bucks or does cometh & pastureth beside the villages and near the houses it is a right good sign of multitude and abundance of all goods. ¶ The xi chapter. ¶ I say to you for a gospel that none that will win at the dice or cards should sit him down & torn his back toward the moan/ in what place somever it be at that time/ but aught for to torn his visage/ and if he do the contrary he shall never rise withouten losing. Gloze. Michelette hochue saith to this purpose that who will wine at the cards by day he must do the contrary for he must torn his back to the son. ¶ The xii chapter. ¶ I tell to you for a truth my neighbours that when one putteth clean sheets upon a bed the angel of god reposeth him therein till the time that one have farted/ or fysted therein. Gloze. Maryon foul hole saith that as soon as the angel is departed out of the bed the devil entereth stinking and unhonest whereof oftentimes sourdethe great noise between the man and the wife. ¶ The xiii chapter. ¶ He or she that receiveth holy-water on sunday at the church at the high mass the devil cursed and disloyal in all the week may not tempe him or her/ nor approach near them by seven foot length. Gloze. Berte the gentle sayeth that who that receiveth not holy-water every sondaye the devil may be invisibly upon his shoulder night and day/ and who that receiveth it not of the hand of a priest know for certain that it hath no strength nor virtue. ¶ The xiiii chapter. ¶ He that doth of ten bliss the son and the moan/ the stars his goods shall multiply double. Gloze. jossyne son ready saith that who that at his going to bed salueth the star poucynyere/ it shall not be possible for to lose any of their chickens or hens/ and also they shall multiply ye ¶ The third chapter. ¶ He that knoweth carnally his gossep at his request may never enter in to paradise if his godson do not with his good will the penance/ first for his prayer/ and after for his mother. Gloze. Crystyne the savage saith that who that weddeth his gossep nevertheless that they be joined together carnally yet it thundereth/ or maketh some orage/ either by land or by water. ¶ The fourth chapter. ¶ Who somever knoweth a nun carnally/ or a woman vyoled/ and deflored by copulation of a man of religion/ or secular priest/ know for certain that they shall all die an evil death/ and with greater pain and dolour than the other folk. Gloze. Fyllette the straight saith that if of such accomplishing come any children they be inclined unto many evils and fortunes. ¶ The .v. chapter. ¶ A priests hoore the which persevereth alway in her sin unto the death/ know for also true as the gospel that she is the devils horse/ and it behoveth not to pray for her in any manner. Gloze. One amongst them said the which knew that article that the sin might be forgiven by the prayers of the priest and by the children that they have together/ notwithstanding that commonly they make an evil end. ¶ The vi chapter. ¶ If a secular priest/ or another man of religion know carnally a wedded woman/ he shall never have pardon of the sin/ till that he have impetred pardon of her husband against the which he died offend so grievously. Gloze Certainly answered an old matron of five score year/ ¶ If that a close have plenty of sheep that hath diverse lambs/ after that the dime is all paid/ there is one presented every year to the wolf/ for certainly he will take one but if they be well watched. Gloze. Emmelote of glay saith to this purpose that who doth not present a lamb to the wolf in the honour of the lamb of god/ know for certain that there shall be many dirty arse in the year. ¶ The xix chapter. ¶ Who that gathereth herbs for the pot on the saturday after none for to seethe on the sunday to eat/ there happeneth lightly to them that do it the evil that is called the ioian of our lady. Gloze. jennet short heel's said that it happened even so to her in her young age/ but a young physycyan died hele her softly enough within a short space. ¶ The twenty chapter. ¶ When a man is all ready for to mount on horseback he ought not to take his sword in no wise of the hand of his wife/ nor no piece of harness/ for at his need he may not in no wise defend himself. Gloze. Said one of the assistants named Angelyne green gown that it happened even so to her first husband/ for as he road by night/ he saw by the light of the moan beside him a goblin that was on one side of the way/ but he could never draw out his sword that I had given him for the haste that he had to flee. ¶ The xxi chapter. ¶ He that pisseth against the son he becometh in his full age gravellous/ and it engendereth the stone. Gloze. I believe said jenyken that the gravel cometh sooner of drinking of troubled wine/ or other troubled drink/ and especially for to ride without a saddle. ¶ The conclusion of this journey. AFter this gospel dame Abunde of the oven held her pease/ for it was not possible to her for to proceed forth in her lecture for the murmur of the assistants and spinners together. nevertheless when that silence was obtained they thanked right graciously dame Abunde of the oven for her good and true gospels promising that they would not put them in a calves ere/ but would put them in fair rhetoric terms/ and publish them all about their progeny/ to the end that from generation to generation they were continued and augmented. Upon this they began for to rise up everichone and take their distaffs and spyndelles/ with whirls aprons and flax and all their instruments that appertained to their art of spinning for to return unto their houses. And then I trussed up all my gobbets for to go and take my rest/ for midnight approached. They after diverse reasons died cheese dame Sebylle of the marish for too read upon the morrow at the hour accustomed/ whereof they were right glad/ and in the meant while I picked me to bed. ¶ Here after ensueth the containing of the gospels red by dame Sebylle of the marish the thursday at night. THe thursday between vi & vii at night assembled a great sort of matrons that were accustomed for to be there/ with divers other that had not been accustomed for to be there/ and all for to here the gospel of dame Sebylle of the marish. ¶ Dame Sebille the which was of great poll came in the company of divers of her knowledge and sat her down for to proceed forth the night as she that was ordained to do the office/ but or that I rehearse any thing more I will tell you of her estate and conversation. ¶ This Sebylle was by her grandam comen out of Savoy of a country that is named meaux/ where out came first the vaudoys/ of the which science she had retained a great part/ she was of the age of lvii year/ small and long/ & also she named herself a gentlewoman because of vaulx/ And in what place or assemble that she was in she had alway the last word for to make conclusion/ and so she took alway advantage/ for the which cause there came divers wives which had not been there before. Dame Sebylle then set in her siege after silence obtained she began her gospel thus. ¶ The first chapter. ¶ Who will that his children be no cowards/ it is expedient that as soon as the child is baptized that the father make him to handle his sword or his glaive with his right hand and he shall be all his life more hardy. Gloze Dame Alyx of the marreys her sister said that who maketh a priest to read upon the child the gospel of the three kings/ or the orison of saint Charlemagne/ he shall be hardy and victorious. ¶ The second chapter. ¶ When two young folk son or daughter be to take up a child/ the priest ought to put him between them/ for if it happened that the one took the other by marriage/ there should never be pease between them. Gloze. A matron that was there said that it was true/ and more over said and they had any children they should make a naughty end. twyes the double. ¶ The xu chapter. ¶ He or she that in the morning at their uprising maketh the sign of the cross/ and washeth his hands or he depart out of the house/ the devil shall have no power to grieve him that day/ and if he do it not what somever labour that he doth it shall not multiply. Gloze. To this purpose said Katheryn fendu that who somever maketh not the benedycyte to be said at his dinner/ the devil invisibly sitteth at the table and eateth and drinketh. ¶ The xvi chapter. ¶ When any woman beareth her capons to the good town for to sell or some other thing/ if by adventure she do the on her right shoe first in the morning it is good hap for to sell well. Gloze. This thing hath happened me oft said jone/ and more over I have often had my faring by the way/ of which and my husband had knowledge of it he would not be content. ¶ The xvii chapter. ¶ When a woman entereth in the morning in to her stable for to milk her kine or goats/ if she say not god save you and saint bride lightly the kine doth strike with their hinder feet and casteth down the pot/ or the pale with milk. Gloze. At these words rose up an old wife that which had but one tooth in her heed/ and said on high in the audience of them all/ that when the calves will not drink at the pond/ nor else where it is sign that the bull that engendered them had but little love to the mother. ¶ The xviii chapter. this article I believe well/ for god may never upon the right of another/ and after he pardoneth the right of the party safe. ¶ The vii chapter ¶ If a man married inhabit with the wife of his neighbour he closeth the gate of paradise himself/ and shall never enter knock he never so hard. Gloze. Margot clap●te saith that it shall never be opened to him till he have obtained pardon of him that he died the offence to. ¶ The viii chapter. ¶ When the priest hath sungen mass and that some folk go and kiss the altar/ they oughne not of all that week kiss no woman if they be married. Gloze. Certainly and for a truth quod an old spinner they that do against this article shall not fail to have the tooth ache or the heed ache. ¶ The ix chapter. ¶ When a woman with child beareth her child most on the right side/ and that she eat gladly venison and wild foul/ and that she here gladly speak of torneymentes and jousting/ know ye that she beareth a son. Gloze. Mabylle fair face saith that when a woman beareth upon her left side and that she appetiteth dances & sown of Instruments/ it is a daughter. ¶ The ten chapter. ¶ If a woman with child desire to know what she bear the here her speak & by herself ye shall know it/ for when she demandeth what fruit she beareth/ if ye say a fair son & that she blush not read know for a truth that it is a daughter. Gloze. Saith Laurette the serye that if a woman with child trede sooner upon the right foot than upon the left foot/ she beareth a son withouten fail/ and if she do the contrary it is a daughter. ¶ The vi chapter. ¶ When a man engendereth naturally a child/ if he might think than on the time to come/ & that he thought how after the deed he findeth him disposed/ other judge than himself there needed not/ for when the man engendereth a son he changeth but a little/ because that he engendereth his semblable/ but for to engender a daughter that is out of his complexion he findeth himself strongly altered for two or three days.. Gloze. Parette Galoys sayeth that incontinent as a woman hath conceived a child male the first three months she is meetly well enough at ease/ but the other six months she hath much great dolour more than with a daughter/ nevertheless the first three months the daughter giveth her moche to suffer. ¶ The xii chapter. ¶ When ye see the hens gather under a pentous know that the weather shall change and torn to rain shortly Gloze. Sith that we be entered to speak of hens said emmelyne trumely●re I shall tell you great marvels/ for when ye will have your hens copped upon their heads for also true as we be here ye must take a copped sack and set the hen therein with her eggs and let her sit on broad in the sack and her chickens shall be all copped on their heads. ¶ The xiii chapter. ¶ And when ye see the fire bren in your chimney make a mow at it and for also true as the gospel it shall quench and go out. ¶ The xiiii chapter. ¶ My friends and neighbours when ye go to the wedraght beware that ye wipe not your arse with leaves/ and for also true as the gospel ye shall never have the sickness of saint wolf of fevylloye. Gloze. Callette short hele said that she died it ones/ but she might not endure no where for itching of the in side of her thighs/ wherefore I believe that the devil is is the herbs. ¶ The xu chapter. ¶ When a child is borne before that he be baptized beware that ye bear him not upon your left arm/ for than shall he be left handed all his life. Gloze. Martyne soon ready saith to this purpose that if ye make your husband torn his face toward the orient whiles that he doth the deed of love and if there be any generation it is a sone. ¶ The xvi chapter. ¶ Who that looketh in a glass upon the night for also true as the gospel they shall see the cursed thief/ and yet ye shall not wax more fairer but more fouler. Gloze. Belette Camuse sayeth that there been glasses at Bruges the which been natural/ and rendereth the folk that looketh therein all brown/ but they have an evil breathe. ¶ The xvii chapter. ¶ Who that will be victorious in war and battle/ or happy and fortunate in merchandise/ let him put on his shirt in the morning the contrary wise/ and for certain and for a truth he shall be right happy and fortunate Gloze. Quod dame wrynchefyste this rule is true withouten any fault/ so that the war be not against his wife or his love/ for there he may no while resist/ but lose all incontinent. ¶ The xviii chapter. ¶ When a woman hath her cock feeble & nice/ she must give him garlic to eat/ and anoint his crest to the end that he become more stronger and more vigorous/ and also he shall keep the better his rights toward the hens Gloze. Who that may find said Marote wydred the herb that awakeneth the nice husbands I would give all that I have to my smock/ and if I should go and beg my breed. ¶ The xix chapter. ¶ Who that will nourish and bring up little dogs without great growing/ he aught to wash his hands in the morning in a great quantity of water/ and in that same wet the breed that is given to the dogs/ and give them the water to drink/ and for a truth they shall never wax more. Gloze. I believe well that it is so/ but ales gracious died nourish them in a pot/ and they might not grow greater than the pot was. ¶ The twenty chapter. ¶ When a wife doth rise on the night for to piss/ and that she strided over her husband know that and he have any of his membres stiff that it shall wax soft if she return not thither as she had striden. Gloze. Maroye ployar de saith that and it be after the first cock crow she may return where somever it shall please her without any preiudyse. ¶ The xxi chapter. ¶ For certain my neighbours and friends when ye here the wind blow strongly/ know for truth that it is sign of treason/ or at the least of evil tidings. Gloze. It is a thing that is oftentimes proved/ wherefore all the examples were to long to rehearse. ¶ The xxii chapter. ¶ When a man rideth upon his journey and if he meet a woman spinning it is a right evil sign/ wherefore he ought to return and ride by another way. Gloze. jaket jokesus saith that and if the wife will hide her rock in her lap or behind her/ it can not impeach him/ but if by adventure he fall of his horse he may hurt some of his membres. ¶ The xxiii chapter. ¶ I say to you for conclusion/ and for also true as we be here that if any woman will that her husband/ or her paramour love her well/ she aught to put in his shoe a leaf of brekens that had been gathered on saint Johan's even whiles that they ring none/ so that it be in the left shoe/ and without fault he shall love her marvelously. ¶ The conclusion of the thursday. AT that conclusion began all the old wives & the young that were there present to devise together and make a great murmur as all abashed of the noble actorytees and true gospels that dame Sebylle had exposed to them & promised well among them that they should retain them and imprynte them in their memories/ for they died hold them for good and holy. It disposed me moche that I might not have the company of any man for to laugh & pass the time/ for certainly the countenance and manner of them was right savage and strange/ and to my thinking it seemed them that all the world should be governed by their constititions and words. Now hearken to me said one of the crooked matrons that was named mabylle of the chyfte/ my friends & neighbours it is thursday to day/ and the greatest day of roast in the week: wherefore it seemeth me that it should be good that we made among us all together a little joyous banquet for to refresh our understandings with and our spirits. And especially for to feast & rejoice our wise doctouresses that unto this time hath instructed and admonested us of the noble doctrine the which here after withouten any doubt shall be perpetually praised and honoured/ and peraventure we shall come to have domination over the men/ what say ye Certes said one of her neighbours that was a right good gossep/ and knew well for to flee by night named Mehalte ployarde I shall tell you/ there was never woman that said better to my thinking. I will go to my house secretly whiles that my husband ployarde sleepeth/ and shall bring a dozen eggs with me. Another said and I shall go and fetch flower and butter for to make pancakes with/ and I take upon my conscience that the villain jokesus my husband shall not eat one morsel. Then answered an old matron named florette of the field. And I shall go and fetch a great quart of sweet wine/ for yet have I spared four or five pence whereof my husband evil ready knoweth nothing. Now up let every body do their diligence and put pain to do their devoir/ then there was one the which said that she would dress the meet. The whiles that they were thus impeached & busy/ & thought upon none other thing but for to accomplish their desire I departed the most secretly that I might/ and with out any leave I went unto my rest. Of the good cheer that they made for to tell you truth without any losing I can not tell you/ save that which was told me/ but there is no thing worthy to be put in memory/ form in that banquet was so many reasons without effect that it is not possible to write them. ¶ The continuation of the journey of friday made by dame Gonbarde the face. When it came upon the friday at the hour accustomed/ and that the old matrons & neighbours of all sorts were there arrived and comen/ before that dame Gonbarde the face was comen for to proceed in her siege/ they began for to devise amongst them of the good cheer that they made the night before after my departing/ whereby I knew somewhat how they had done/ then said Mabylle of the clyfte to florette of the green/ Ihesu neighbour how ye drunk yester night/ I believe that ye died it because that ye would sleep the better ye touched well the third pint I think well said Florette/ for it was long ago sith that I had so good a night for the dreamer jokesus my husband doth me no good but sleepeth alway/ for it is ix days sith that he touched me/ wherefore I believe that he hath made some vow to some saint/ evil might he thrive for his sparing of me but sith that we have time for to devise how died Mehaulte ployarde make herself drunk it seemed that all was hers and for to make it short there was but for her alone/ it were good for to know if that she died not waken her husband ployarde when she went to bed. Aha answered mehaulte for the love of god let him sleep in peace/ for he is nought from hens forth that cold joy may ye have of him. And how said a young maiden that was there. Dame mehaulte you that is so old and so ancient would ye yet winch/ and is there any stiff vain in you yet. At those words dame Mehaulte set her hands in her side and in great anger and felony answered her that it was true that she had yet a green vain/ and that she was not so old but that she might lie upon her back/ and that one ought for to take heed to the good will of a body/ and yet thanked be god the butter melteth in my mouth/ notwithstanding that I may crack no nuts/ for she had but one tooth. Then came dame Gonbarde the face for to begin her gospel/ at whose coming was made silence/ but that was with great pain/ for dame mehaulte was so evil content because that she had been called old/ and yet she had but lxxvii years that she could not be appeased in no manner. Nevertheless they prayed her so moche that she held her pease thanked be god. So I took my pen and paper for to write that which she said/ but or that I proceed to her chapters I will tell you what was this doctouresse dame Gonbarde. She was by her mother side of Querne/ and by her father side of Pymont/ she was of a simple countenance before the people/ for she named her a gentlewoman/ but and any body had lost any thing she meddled her for to ensign them to it/ and if some had had any need of a wench/ she would have done him pleasure for gracious wine and this was the pratyke that she dealed most with. When she was sitten down and that silence was made she began her gospel in this manner. ¶ The first chapter. ¶ Now said dame Gonbarde let be all riot and debate/ & let us begin for the honour of the friday that is to day for to speak of the holy sacrament of marriage/ for I have been seven times wedded/ but this notwithstanding if the eight came to me and that he be to my pay/ yet he should be received gladly/ and for to be well-beloved of him I would make him eat a salad of herbs that should be gathered on saint Johan's even at none/ and for truth it shall not be possible to him for to leave me for another that is more younger than I am. Gloze. Said Belotte the brown unto this purpose that if a wife put in her husbands ere the feeders of a capon that had brought up young chickens/ and of the here of the right foot of her dog/ and of the here of her cats tail/ he may never forget the love of her. ¶ The second chapter. ¶ If that a woman will be master over her husband/ and that he shall not beat her/ she must take all his shirts and when the parish priest readeth the passion on good frydaye put them under the altar/ and make him put one on the sunday ensuing/ know that also long as it is on his back he shall be gracious and meek to his wife. ¶ The third chapter. ¶ if a woman will have her husband to love one of her children better than another/ let her make him eat a piece of the ears of her dog: and the child the other half: and they shall love so fervently together that with pain they may be one from another. ¶ The fourth chapter. ¶ if a woman will that her husband love all her children out of measure/ let her take of the brine of all her children/ with fair and clear water/ & make him wash his hands and his face therein or ever he issue out of the house/ & withouten fault he shall love them out of measure. ¶ The .v. chapter. ¶ Who that will preserve his dog from being wo●de. give him to eat every day in the morning a morsel/ or twain of the proper breed that ye take at the church upon sunday/ and if that he refuse it for troth he is evil disposed. Gloze. Marotte pylle saith that who will not that the dogs bark at him night nor day/ let him have always a good piece of roasted cheese with him and give them to eat of it in saying unto them. In chamo et freno all a long/ & for certainty they shall let you alone/ ye and if they were sterke mad. ¶ The vi chapter. ¶ The woman that desireth that her kine may give as much milk as them of her neighbours/ she aught for to rub her vessel well in the which she receiveth the milk with good herbs that hath been gathered upon saint johannes even whiles that they ring none. Gloze. I by leave said jenettte with the great lips that who would put the foresaid herbs that had been gathered upon saint johannes even underneath the door of the stable where as the kine doth lie/ in saying unto them god save you and saint bride that they should give alway from well unto better. ¶ The vii chapter. ¶ Who th●t will have both winter & summer fresh butter of their kine/ they ought when that they be in shalour to lead them before the bull/ and let him smell at them with out any touching/ and than lead the cow thrice about the bull/ and after let him leap her/ and ye shall have fresh butter all the year long. ¶ The viii chapter. ¶ When that a woman great with child strydeth over a snale/ if that it be a son he shall have great membres and hard/ and if it be a daughter she shall have great lips/ and read/ as well beneath as above. ¶ The ix chapter. ¶ The woman that will not lose her good cat ought for to anoint her four feet with butter by three nights/ and she shall never depart from that house for a truth and a certainty. ¶ The ten chapter. ¶ I tell to you for also true as the gospel that if a person eat of the be'st that the wolf hath strangled/ and of the which peraventure he hath eaten/ with great pain may that same person give up the ghost but if that the wolf were first deed. Gloze. At the least he may not speak of a long time said Belette the horned if that he make not his offering to saint wolf. ¶ The xi chapter. ¶ When one seeth a white religious go or ride by the way none ought for to go that way because of the foul weather that happeneth often to them. Gloze. Some wise women sayeth that it is an evil sign for to encounter a white monk in a morning/ but for to encounter a black monk it is a good sign so that he have no white. ¶ The xii chapter. ¶ When that a bride goeth from her house to the church for to be wedded/ the best prayer that is given to her abideth to her profit/ so that she thank incontinent the giver thereof/ or else the prayer availeth nothing. Gloze. Then said Perrette blewe that when she went to the church for to be wedded to janot blewe mine aunt salved me and prayed god for to send me good and hard encounter wherefore I thanked her/ but it happened to me all otherwise/ for I found it so soft that one have bound might it at the right knot/ that cold joy have it. ¶ The xiii chapter. ¶ One ought never to set the hens on broude upon a friday/ for lightly the chickens that cometh of them is devoured by wild beasts and fowls. Gloze. Certainly said marroye of the cleft I have often herd say that one must keep him that he set not the hen on broude when the moan changeth nor a day after/ for the chickens that cometh of them hath never good end. ¶ The xiiii chapter. ¶ When that a woman's throat doth itch it is sign of good tidings that she shall go to some wedding/ or some chirching to make great che●e but when her heed doth itch it is all the contrary/ for she may happen to be bet of her husband. Gloze. Perrette long heed saith that when a man's throat doth itch that he hath asore times be ten his wife it is sign to hang. ¶ The xu chapter. ¶ When one seeth plenty of backs flee about a house it is good for to dislodge be times. for it is a great sign that fire shall be put in it shortly. ¶ The xvi chapter. ¶ Who th●t leaveth their table cloth spread all the night on the table/ and that the mice come and eat the crumbs of breed by night/ who somever eateth on that on the morrow his teeth shall become black and soon after rot. Gloze. Marroye with the gilted mouth saith to this purpose that who somevereteth hot pottage and especially fourment shall have their teeth black. ¶ The xvii chapter. ¶ When a child is newly borne if it be a son/ he must be borne in to the field/ and put his feet against his breast and for a truth he shall never make an evil end. Gloze. Then Emenye fawele said to this purpose that when a woman is delivered of a daughter/ she must be set upon her mothers breast in saying/ god make the a good woman and she shall never have shame of her body. ¶ The xviii chapter. ¶ When a woman lieth with her husband and that she would sooner have a son than a daughter/ it behoveth her for to hold her hands close while that her husband doth the work of nature/ & for a truth she shall have a son Gloze. Some ancient matrons maintaineth that who that will make a son it behoveth to make him in the morning by day/ and a daughter at even by night. ¶ The xix chapter. ¶ A woman that will have small children/ whiles that she beareth him she ought to break her fast in the morning with a tossed of white breed in wine/ and without any fault the child that she beareth shall be little. Gloze. Said a matron that was there I believe better that the little children been sooner engendered in the default of the moan than other wise/ for customably the men been than in defante. ¶ The twenty chapter. ¶ My good friends & neighbours if that ye will know if a woman be with child/ cause her to make water in a basin/ and than let her put a lock or a key in to it/ but a lock is better/ and let the lock abide therein three or four hours/ and then empte the basin and take out the lock/ & if that ye see that the print of the lock abide in the basin know for a certainty that the said woman is with child right great. ¶ The conclusion of the journey of friday. FOr this last gloze sourded great tumult among the wives that were there assembled/ also well of laughing as of speaking all together and it seemed none other thing but a market where as is but he ha' without any ordinance/ and without any hearkening the one of the other/ nor abiding the end of their reasons. Wherefore when I saw that murmuration I rolled up my paper/ & stopped mine inkhorn and put up my pen/ and arose up thine king for to steel away secretly from them/ but anon I was apperceived of some of them the which retained me and made me abide by force/ for the which cause they made a little silence/ that endured but a while. In the which they prayed me all together that I would return upon the morrow with them at the hour accustomed/ to the end for to enchieve and make an end of their intention/ & the thing the which was so well begun/ and for to put in writing the residue of their gospels the dame Berthe the horned that was the last assembled should make/ where as they ought for to conclude and make an end of their articles. I considering the common proverb that saith/ Who serveth and maketh not an end loseth his meed/ died utter unto them their request liberally. And after that I had taken my leave graciously of them I went unto my chamber for to take my rest. For my heed was greatly empty because of the foolish reasons that they babeled unto me in such wise that mine understanding could not comprehend them. So I left them there trussing their baggages and went me to my bed. ¶ The continuation of the journey of saturday. THe saturday at night about six of the clock after the salve of our lady/ and that I had taken a little short refection/ as well for the honour of the day as for the affection that I had to see and here to what end they would take conclusion of their gospels/ and after when I had taken my gobbets/ both paper/ pen/ and ink I transported me to the place accustomed. And I comen thither sat me down in my siege accustomed. divers of the scholars was comen thither already that began for to void their distaffs. For they might not spin for the honour of the saturday and of the virgin Mary. I had not sojourned there but a while when dame Berthe the horned came accompanied with divers of her friends and neighbours/ for to read her gospel and continue as to do that which she was chosen to do. But or that I proceed to her chapters. I will write somewhat of her genealogy and issue. Dame Berthe the horned was of the country of League/ & was about the age of four score year or more/ she was daughter unto Reynarde the horned a marvelous wise man/ In his time he had studied at tollette in the art of grammar and geomatrye/ and after that he had been at monpellyer where as he had studied in physic/ and of that art he lived all his life/ and died enduse dame Berthe therein in the which she profited much/ and lived therewith afterward in Tapynage dishonestly enough/ she then set down in her siege & silence obtained began her gospel in this manner. My good friends & neighbours sith that my torn is comen that I must make an end and conclusion of the work that by my good ladies was begun/ I shall treat to my power of the science that I have learned as touching physic/ and shall acquit me the best wise that I may. Wherefore make ye diligence for to retain them/ for they been dign to be put in the profoundenes of your memory. ¶ The first chapter. ¶ For the first chapter I tell you that who that hath the axes and he fast the first sunday after that they have taken him/ know for a truth that they shall leave him. ¶ The second chapter. ¶ He that hath the fevers tyerces and he bear about his neck with a little silk the high names bound/ without any doubt he shall guarish. ¶ The third chapter. ¶ If ye have a husband rebel the which will give you no money at your need/ take the first knot of a wheat straw/ but it must be gathered near the earth upon saint johannes even whiles that they ring none/ and put that in the key hole of the coffer/ and withouten fault it shall once open. ¶ The fourth chapter. ¶ He that hath the fever quarteyns/ let him do so much that he find a trayfle with four leaves/ and break his fast four times with them/ and they shall leave him. ¶ The .v. chapter. ¶ The woman that is sick of the rogereule let her take holy water and make a candle thereof/ and after sup it of/ and for certain she shall be hole. ¶ The vi chapter. ¶ divers folk speaketh of the malady of the white axes the which knoweth full little what it meaneth/ for they be twice as ill as the fever quartayns/ nevertheless they may be heeled with ones drinking in saint George's vessel. ¶ The vii chapter. ¶ For to hele fevers contynuelles/ one must write the three first words of the pater noster upon a sage leaf/ and eat it three mornings together/ and they shall guarish. ¶ The viii chapter. ¶ if a woman do wrest her foot in such wise that it be out of joint. It behoveth that her husband go on pilgrimage to saint Martin for her health/ and bring with him of the washing of saint martyn's horse foot/ and with the same wash her foot and she shall be hole. ¶ The ix chapter. ¶ if a woman have the small pocks/ it behoveth that her husband buy her a black lamb of the same year/ and after bind her in the skin/ and than let him make his pilgrimage and offering to saint Arragonde/ and for a truth she shall heel. ¶ The ten chapter. ¶ if that a horse have writhen his leg or his foot/ it behoveth that he ride him toward the priests house/ and call him without/ and without speaking to him return again/ and for a truth he shall go as even as ever he died/ & without dolour. ¶ The xi chapter. ¶ I would tell you marvels of horses and of their medecyns'/ but because that the men should not take them to their profit I will hold my pease & speak of other things. But nevertheless yet I will tell to you that when ye see a terrible horse that will not suffer that they mount upon him/ or will not enter in to a ship/ or pass a bridge say to him in his ere these words. Horse also true as the leman of a priest is the devils horse suffer me to mount upon thee/ and incontinent he shall be peaceable and do all yo it will. ¶ The xii chapter. ¶ My good neighbours and friends yet I tell you for a truth that if any man bear upon him in some battle the little skin that he bringeth out of his mothers womb/ know that he may not be hurt nor wounded in his body. Gloze. Then rose up an old matron among them called jone soon clothed/ & said hearing them all that if a man bare upon him when he went into battle the high names which been such. Late thou go/ far the hold though/ if they fight/ come away right/ and thou shalt never be hurt in battle. ¶ The xiii chapter. ¶ I can not withhold me from speaking alway of the things to the advantage of the men/ and yet I know well enough that they set but little by us/ for they hold their parlayment and jangling of us in the reproach of our sex/ but know that I will well yet tell you/ that when a woman hath newly the axes/ if that she oynte all her conduits with honey the first thursday after that she hath had them and trembled/ know for certainty that she shall be quite of them. ¶ The xiiii chapter. ¶ When ye see the swallows build their nests in some house/ know that it is sign of poverty. And if the sparrows build their nests it is sign of prosperity and of all good fortune. ¶ The xu chapter. ¶ Also every time and as often as ye make your buck/ & that the cauldron is upon the fire full of lee/ and that the fire is under/ the which maketh it to boil and seethe/ ye ought not for to say a my gossep the lee boylleth/ but ye ought to say that it laugheth/ otherwise all the clothes will go in to smoke. Gloze. Then answered a wife the which was not very old that was all enlumined with rubies/ It is truth and certain for I know it well enough/ For upon a time I made my buck of thread/ and my husband was there/ and I forbade him that he should not say the lee boiled/ and told him if he said it that all our thread would become straws/ for all that my husband could not keep him from saying of it when he saw that it laughed/ & so my thread became straw. And I the consumer durst not say that it/ I had drunk it. ¶ The xvi chapter. ¶ My friends for conclusion final of my gospel/ & for the sunday that approacheth I will tell you a thing that few men knoweth. I tell to you for a truth that the storks that keepeth them in these countries in summer/ and in winter returneth again in to their country which is about the mount of Synay been creatures there as we be. For it appeareth that they have great reason for when they have little ones they pay their dimes to god. Gloze. For to confirm that conclusion rose up dame Abreyge the swollen/ the which was so old that it was great marvel & said that it was true which dame Berthe the horned had said for she had often heard it said and told of her uncle/ that when he had been at saint Katheryns' mount of Synay/ & that in the desert when all his fellowship was deed he saw from far a creature to the which he spoke/ and began for to ask him the way in flemish. That creature anon began for to answer him and showed and taught him his way: and in deed he went a great while with him and devised with him of his country and told him that he was a stork here and made his nest in Flaundres upon the house of his neighbour. Clays which would not believe that thing prayed him that he would give him a certain token to the end that if he returned in to the country that he might thank him of his courtesy. Then the stork drew out a ring of gold that he had taken up in a place beside his house and showed it to him/ and also soon as Clays saw it he knew it well/ for it was the proprering wherewith he had wedded his wife. Then the stork gave him his ring again upon a condition that he defended the swyncherde and the cowherde of his house that they should do him no more outrage as they had been accustomed for to do. And after these promesses mine uncle took his leave of him and return again to Bruges where ever sith he lived so well and so long that he was great ye well fourteen palms about when he died. great was the laughing among the assistants that had already washed and combed their heads: and wound up their yarn/ and was already for to truss up their getes whereof I was right joyous/ for certainly I began for to be much weary of them/ because that to my seeming all the words that they had spoken was without reason/ & with out any good sentente as I thought well it should be at the first beginning. But for to show myself not partial nor also a dyspreyser of their wills I with half a joyous cheer abode among them to see what end they would make of their gospels and actorytees/ & how that I might take my leave honestly of them for to save mine honour. It was yet nothing apperceived that there was any scylence amongst them/ wherefore I put me in their sight to the end that by my beholding of them they might have some shame of their affair the which was withouten rule or ordinance like a battle that had been finished. At the last the six ladies that had been the beginners & presedentes all the week came toward me/ & thanked me graciously for the great pain that I had taken for them/ & for my hire and reward they promised me if I required them for to advance me toward some damosel/ for the which I thanked them in excusing me by mine age the which was sore run on/ for I abode nothing but the messenger of god for to call me unto the joy eternal/ unto the which he bring you and me. Amen. ¶ The conclusion and excusing of the author. YOu my lords and also my ladies that this little treatise doth read/ or heareth red/ take it in pass time/ praying you that ye take no regard unto the chapters/ as to the appearance of any truth/ or of any good introduction/ But take it all for to be said and written for to show and declare the fragility of them that so devise right often when they be together. And yet I have herd more of them divers times/ but it ought to suffice at this present time for my part. for another may come the which may augment them. ¶ Thus endeth the gospels of distaffs. imprinted at London in Flete street at the sign of the son by Wynkynde word. winkin. de. word.