The very true history of the valiant knight jason How he conquered or won the golden fles. by the Counsel of Medea. and of many other victoryouse and wonderful acts and deeds that he died by his prowess and chivalry in his tyme.  
  

●Or asmuch as late by the commandment of the right high & noble princess my right redoubted lady margarete by the grace of god Duchess of Bourgoyne Brabant etc.: I translated aboke out of frenssh in to englissh named recuyel of the histories of Troy/ in which is comprehended how Lady was thrice destroyed▪ And also the labours and historie● of 〈◊〉 Titan jupiter 〈◊〉 a●●● hercules. & other 〈…〉. but as to the histo●●● of 〈◊〉/ touching the cōque●●e ●…e goldē●●●se: ●yn auctor hath 〈…〉 his book. but breue●● a●● th●●aus●●s 〈◊〉 asmuch as 〈…〉 aboke of the ●…che he p̄sen●ed 〈◊〉 th●…▪ Prince in his 〈…〉 of Bourgoyne/ ●…ke should ha●…ad set the sai●…ke. for it con●cy●…torie of ja●on ●…or a●●oche as this said ●…newe made apart of all thistor●●● as the said jason & the history of hi● which that Dares/ 〈…〉 & Guido de co●●pnys wro●●●●● the beginning of their books. touching the conquest of the said golden f●ese. by occasion whereof grew the cause of the second destruction of the said cite of troy. is not set in the said book of Recuyel of th'histories of troy. Therefore under the ●tectiō & sufferance of the most high puissant and xp̄en king/ my most dread natural liege Lord Edward by the grace of god king of england/ and of france and lord of Irland. I intend to translate the said book of th'histories o● jason: follow wing mine author as nigh as j can or may not changing the sentence. ne presuming to add ne mynusshe any thing other wise than mine author hath made in French. And in so much as the greatest fame and renome standeth & resteth in the conquest of the f●ese of gold/ where of is founded an order of knights Whereof our said sovereign lord is one & hath taken the profession thereof/ how well some persons affirm and say that the said order hath taken his original of the f●ese of Gedeon. where in I will not dispute. But well wot I that the noble due Philippe first foundeur of this said order/ did do maken a chamber in the castle of hesdyn/ where in was craftily and curious●● depeynted the conquest of the golden f●ese by the said jason. In which chambre I have been & seen the said historic so depainted/ & in remembrannce of medea & of her cunning & science. he had do make in the said chamber by subtle engine/ that when he would it should seem that it lichtend and after thunder/ snow & rain. And all within the said chambre as oft times & when it should please him/ which was all made for his singular pleasure. Thenne for the honour & worship of our said most redoubted liege lord which hath taken the said order/ I have under the shadow of his noble protection enterprised taccomplissh this said little book not pnsuming to ●sente it unto his highness/ for as much as j doubt not his good grace hath it in french which he well undstandeth/ but not displesing his most noble grace contend by his licence & congye. & by the supportation of our most redoubted liege lady/ most ●●●ellent princess the Queen to present this said bok●● unto the most fair: andry andry mo●s● redoubted young lord. My lord prince of Wales ourtocoming sonerayne torde/ whom I pray god save & increase in virtue & bring him unto asmuch worship and good renon me as ever had any of his noble progenitors to them tent/ he may begin to learn read English/ not for any beauty of good enditing of out english tongue that is therein/ but for the novelty of the histories which ns I suppose hath not be had before the translation hereof most humbly beseeking my said most dread sovereign & natural liege lord the king and also the Queen to pardon me so presuming/ And my said tocoming sonerayne lord/ My lord the Prince to receive it in gree & thank/ of me his humble subgiett & servant: and to pardon me of this my simple and Rude translation/ and a●● other that lust to read or here●t/ to correct where as they shall find default  
¶ Here endeth the prologue of the translator▪   

¶ The prologue of th'author  
THe galley of mine engine floating not long sin in the deepness of the sees of diverce ancient histories in such wise as I would have brought mine esperite unto the port or haven of rest/ Suddenly appeared by me a ship conducted by one man only This man anon beheld my regard & countenance/ Which gave me title and cause of thought and of abashment for as much as I saw his visage trist. heavy & desolate. whereof smitten with con● passion of his envy & grief assoon as he rceyvid that j so beheld him by great desire He held him still and said to me in this wise Man of rude engyn what meruaillest thou Anchor thy galley here & take thy pen̄● for to write & put in memory my faites & deeds. The king jupiter of crete was mine old bele father. and he engendered Lacus king of mirmidone. This cacus engendered my father Aeson. I am jason that conquered the flees of gold in the isle of colchos And that daily labour in sorrow rooted in tristresse for the dishon̄eur that some persons hurt & empesshe my glory. jnposing to me not to have holden my promise anent medea: whereof thou hast red the trouth. Thenne I pray the that thou do make aboke unto them that daily speak & impugn my glory may know their indiscrete judgement. And for taccomplisshe the same j have chosen the to th'end/ that thou present this present writing unto the father of writers of histories/ which y● unto Philip father & lover of all rertues in his time Duc of bourgoyne and of etc. The which hath been in all his time inclined/ and of great affection to here and see red the ancient histories/ And to here told the faites of the worthy and noble sometime flourishing in virtues in vailyance and prudence for his singnlier pass temps: these words accomplished the ship & jason vanished away. and j abode there pensive: But in th'end desiring to show the honour and declare the virtues of the said jason I anchored my galley and put in writing his feats/ as here after shall be declared plainly & a long/ so than I present my little book unto the right high and right redoubted Duc of bourgoyne not presuming mine ineloquence/ but presenting mine right humble & indign service ¶ Thus ●●deth mine auctor his prologue And how well that it is said afore this prologue that Eson was son to Lacus Yet bochace saith in the genelagie of gods/ that he was son to Erictheus the thirty. son of jupiter/ As ye may see more plainly in the xiij. book of the genelagye of goods the xxiv. Chapytre   

 
ANciently the kings & Princes of high felicity were attendant and awayed when their seed should bring fortfj generation: But when so was that they might not come thereto. what prosperity they had/ Their life was traversed in continual bewailing and they visited temples and oracles unto the consnmmation of their days or unto thenhaunsementenhancement of thyer oroysonns/ The noble king Aeson of Myrmydone whereof is made mention in the prologue. among all other things & worldly prosperities was rightnobly regning. Certes he had his royalme maintained in peace. He had in marriage a right fair lady/ but they were long together without having generation/ whereof their days were full of bewailing and of little pleasure in the goods of fortune. But they were continually in the temples and oracles: And no thing of their desire befell unto them unto the time that the king begun to fall ●wexe old biaage. thenne his wife rceyved of his seed & mlteplied the generation humaī of a right fair son. At the burthe of this son the noble queen died. & when the king month following they would come & be at his wedding ¶ What shall I saye●… said that they would come/ and some said vay/ And so the supper passed. And jason was feasted there right long and in especial of the high princes and princesses. And after congee and licence taken and ottroied he returned into his country And thenne when he considerid that time wa● for to go to the wedding of Pyrithion: by the gree & con●enting of his father: he arrayed him sfelfe and put him in point Right nobly. and thenne he went thither and his uncle Peleus with him. And they made such diligence that they came in short time unto the noble city of Thessalonycque When the king Ixion knew the coming of jason & Peleus/ he went again them and made marvelous cheer unto peleus/ but yet he made right moche more unto jason for the good loose & high renome that he had gotten in thebes/ And mad him to descend in his palace. and after brought him unto Hercules that was there with in a chamber. & reared him that he would make & adub hiknight saying that it was time/ and that his playsit was/ that at the weddlg of his son he should sit among the knights. & that it well appteyned to him. The right worthy hercules herd gladly the king speak and made there jason knight with great honour And jason full of right good will opened hi● month & said in this manner. Right noble worthy Chosen/ and right wise knight among all other shining in all ●tue● it hath pleased unto you/ for to call me unworthy and indign to be of the high and comeuded order of knighthood/ Whereof I thank you with all mine heart/ and this noble king also from whom in party th'honour is comen to me/ But among all this we'll & worship I pray you that it may please you ●●ssigne me a place where I may do the feats Chevaulerous & knightly▪ unto this end that ye have not employed your time evil so moche to honour and worship me/ And that I may in the days of my yongthe ensue the high & praised ●tue● of you that are the very and sewre fundament. upon which my total espoyr and hope resteth for to come unto the works of recomendation ¶ Certes fair brod ●ason/ answered Hercules. it is so now that I have promoted you unto the dignity of knighthood. I have no commandment over you/ & if it be your desire to haunt arms and to occupy you therein. Inquire of the wars of the world. and if it hap that ye put you in arms/ beware that ye in the youstes do to no man oppression/ and be ye to all people humble & courteous. Nature hath begun in you a man garnisshid w●th virtues. the goods continue hit.  

How the giant ypodaniē a weyhade & how jasō●ylide him  
with these words peleus came upon hercules & jason And jason avowed that he should go unto the first war that he should here speak of And than one & other begun to devise & speak of the prowesses of hercules. ¶ What shall ● make you long tarrying/ this day passed And the morn came: & this day Py tithon espoused the fair ypodame with moche great honour: & made them so great cheer that Eurichus the head & captain of the centaurs was drunken: and in like wise were their ●●●●ws These 〈◊〉 were an. c. men that always held 'em ●armes for to keep the country of Thessaylle. And they held 'em in one place which was named Molo●e/ they were all great and formed as giants ¶ When than they were so drunken as said is/ And that the win had su●●●oū●ed 'em in words and ●ēcions as is a Coustume in such a caa●/ and brawled among hem self. in so much that Pyrith●ō with some other began to reverse their ●●●es and tables fight with hem with pots and platters right long and by such furor that hercules ne jason the ladies might ne could not set any remedy: & this batilles dured so long. that euricus & many other of the centaurs departed thence/ disposed for to do & commise a great outrage as they deed. whereof they can to late to repent hem: for they went & armed them hastily And a●● thus armed returned unto the wedding. and in this dronkenship they ravished the fair Ipodaine out from all the other Ladies & damoiselles. and Euricus bore her away upon his shoulders  
Than hercules & jason begun to run to take their arms & were soon ready for to depart And followed aft the drunkards that went reling on all sides in the fields. & so sore stewed them that they overtook them in a green field. & were no more on their side but they two only/ how be it that many siewed them as well knights as ladies & getilwomen. but that was not far When the worthy hercules & the noble prew jason had retained these centaurs. they had each of them a bow which they bend. & sin they escried all the drunken centaurs unto the death: & shot on them in such fashion/ that hercules araught one of them named Srineus between the eyen/ & with his arrow nailed him fast unto a tree which stood by hind him. & the noble jason smote another centaur in the neck with a trenchant arrow: and smote him down in the ●●●ce of one named Suericus/ which escried right ●uriously upon hercules & jason. And with this cry all the centaurs rengid 'em against the two knights & marchid against them so troublid that they soon after recoiled for jason & hercules slew them with thayre arrows & with their swear desfaught with them that they anon were died with their blood When the centaurs saw the swords of hercules & jason so died in their blood: & also when they perceived their fellows die so with sorrow afore them: feeling also the languisshing & ●●artif of their wounds/ some there were that put hem to the flight. & the other defended than with all their puissance Than the noble jason showed his vailliance meruayllousli for he araught noman with a right struck but he bore him down to the earth: or made his soul depart fro the body: & they that abode & saw his sword trenchant wax red of the blood of their fellows were not right well assured. Certes he defended him as one that doubted nothing. & so died Hercules semblably What shall ● make you lō● process. jason slew with his own hand iiij. geants of the said centaurs named Petreus/ do illas/ cillarus & Pertones & other moo which were not so great: & the worthy hercules●●ewe & hew down moo than tretty & so much traveled by the aid of jason & other that he when the place upon than & can to his above. This euricus & his conplices lost the place & supposed to have fled/ but jason smo than among them 〈◊〉 such ardent courage/ in discharging his sword upon the shoulder on the right side of euricus. that it c●tted a two his heart/ which fylled●● deed at is feet/ wherefore the other seeing that were anon so discouraged. that they sparklid abroad/ that the most part of them suffered & let hem be slain & hewn in pieces without making or showing any defence. & the other fled some here & sommethere Thus was the fair Ipodaine deliured of these villain glotouns & oultrageous by the high valiance of the two worthy knihgti● jason & hercules. Whom aft this noble victory they rendrid & delivered unto her parents and fredes  
great was the loos & preissing meruailloussy that jason gate there with the noble hercules for his stew/ certes Hercules brought her again to the palace with great glory/ & all the world recommended jason reseruid peleus which died for sorrow for the great worship that was made to him in his pnsece Thenne begun the ladies to reioie themself & to change their sorrow into gladness The fair jpodaine was adorned & arrayed all new. she slept that night with her lordre The night passyble peleus on the morn called jason/ & said that their long sojourning displaisid him. & that he would return unto his country When jason had understand peleus/ he answered to him & said that he was ready to depart at his good pleasure Thenne peleus mad for to saddle his horse. & ● the mean while he lad jason for to take congie & leave of the king Ixion of pirithyon of Ypodaine. of hercules & of many other. ● after they returned into their logyse. but when they supposed to have taken & mounted on their horses/ 〈◊〉. esquires can to jason which pnsented to 〈◊〉 ij. right fair & excellent destriers or horses/ that one from the king yxio●● & that oath from jpodaine. certes jason received this present in gre●e gladness. thanking many time the noble king & queen. & thenne he me ●ted on that one of the same hor●● offered that other to his uncle peleus. but he would never accept it/ & said that he was not dign ne worthy to receive so noble a present: & when he had thus said he smote his horse with spurs & departed & jason followed aft. Certes peleus lied not saying that he was not worthy to receive so noble a present as that was which jason pnsented him: For he was a servitor to jason. which intended to nothing but for to do to him plasirs/ o cursed blood. certes this peleus might not res te ne sleep he was so pensif/ how he might bring about to make jason his proper neveu to die & to this promove him envy & disloyal detraction whereof he was full Ha a right miserable & right disnaturell envy how may these noble men & also other nourish the in their hearts They that incline & give them unto these traitorous mevinges. may in no manner have rest day ne night. thou liftest hem up into high thoughts of glie. thou makesthen to mount unto the highest top by oultr qdaunce & sur●drie above king & emperors promising to hem largeli. but when it cometh for tacquite the promises thou castest 'em low down & breakest their necks/ ¶ Ha a perverse murderer/ how many men & also women have been slain & dead by thy poisons: it is now no need for to bring forth example of this time present for to approve thy covered falseness & how thou abusest & deceivest them that have affiance in the but for to continued our matter with this it sufficeth for to see th'end of our history of this said peleus which gaf him to so moch travail for ●o imagine & proiecte the death of his nevewe jason which so moche affied & trusted in him.   

¶ How jason went for to serve the queen Myrro. and how the king of sclavony was vaynquishid and chased fro his siege  
p Eleus and jason departed than fro Thessalonyque in a morening that one right triste & sorrowful. And that other right joyous. & when they were on the seld jason as fresh & lusty began to prove & essay his horse/ & peleus as sorrowful & traitor as he was/ began to abash and hang down his heed: & sin said to himself in his evil courage. Shall I never come to my desire/ what is this/ how shall I do. certes I wot never. shall I murder jason/ nay: & wherefore: for truly for as much as I should be ensamed/ for murder cannot be hid. not withstanding he must be dead certainly. this is the conclusion. or else I shall be put down. & leave the honour's royal/ and shall come to mendicite and poverty O what mortal pain shall j make him to die/ it is force: but who shall give him the morsel of death. Hit must be thought on. if j require another to do this. peraventure he shall have pite of jason for as much as he is in the grace of all the world and shall accuse me/ if I do ordain any poison & jason be put thereby to death they that have made and mixed it. shall not con keep it secret And all so that more is jason shall weal keep himself from such poison: O what thoughts have I/ I see none other moyen but that I must commise/ this caas with my proper. Peleus' conspiring in this façon not knowing how he might exploit for to attain to execute his damnable envy: road forth all this day unto the even: which took logg●● in the house of an ancient lady whom she received with great joy & jason also. & they fond her covering the table for to feast a strange knight which she had lodged for charity  
i Ncontinent thenne as Peleus and jason where alighted from their horse/ the ancient lady made 'em to wash & sit at table. and the strange knight with them & served hem with such meet as she had: and as they had taken their refectonn/ jason asked the strange knight after diverce words. what he was & what he sought. In troth noble gentleman answered the knight j am of the rich royalme of Oliferne And little servant unto the queen of the country that j have named/ & j certify you that in remnant of all the world is no fairer lady/ & also there is none more desolate & sorrowful/ for the mighty king of sclavony would have her to his wife for her great beauty: unto whom she will in no wise accord herself & for asmuch as she hath plainly refused him/ he is entered into her royalme in arms destroying all to fore him with fire & sword he is comen and hath besiegid her in her city of Oliferne/ to fore which city and during the siege he hath had many fair victories against the aydants & helpars of the queen the which in livering diverce battles unto the Esklavons they have lost and been sore dimuinsshid of their forces & strength for they have slain of the knights of the said lady a great number that tho few that yet live dare not nowyss●e out more for to make any sault or scar much against their enemies ¶ Wherefore the vaillyant princess willi●… to defend herself unto the de●…th sent into diverce places her messengers/ and me among the other for tasseble for her soldiers and men learned in the war for to do her aid against her enemies as well for her money as for to help to keep th'honour of ladies. wherefore j pray you if ye know any in this country that it may please you/ to address me to them and ye shall do great charity & to me great curtosie  
i N telling the knight this that said is he could not keep himself from weeping/ but wept tenderly. And when jason had understood & thought a little of the necessity of the lady/ considering also her great beauty/ he wept for also pite & addressed his words unto peleus and said Dear uncle ye have well herd this good knight speak/ what seemeth you. To whom peleus answered/ certes fair neve we/ Me thinketh in mine advice that the king of Esklavonye doth evil & great sin for to war and destroy the country of one so fair a●lady/ & if j had no more charge thenne ye have/ without making long sojourn or tarrying: j should go unto the succour of one so noble a lady/ And I ensure & promise upon my troth answered jason thenne that to morn as early as I may shall monnte on horseback and in the company of this good knight ● shall go unto this lady. and shall do her all the service & pleasure that I shall can do & may/ for to begin & ensue the order of knighthood. wherefore I pray you that ye reco●●ande me unto the good grace of my lord my father. and that ye of your good grace will oft times pray unto the gods for me  
w Han peleus had understand the vow of jason/ he was right joyous/ for he was in thopinyon that he should never retoorne fro this viage/ & that by this moyen he should be quite of him with his worship & honour. Thenne peleus promised to jason that he should accomplish with good heart all that he had required of him/ & sin recommended him to the knight of oliferne/ & thenne it was time to withdraw them wherefore they went to rest unto on the morn & then arose & took leave each of other and thus went jason with the strange knigt unto the noble city of Oliferne/ & peleus returned unto myrmydone praying the gods that jason might be smitten with thunder or through pierced with v. C. speris/ or to be buried in the see to th'end that there were never moo tidings of him Such or semblable were the prayers that the perverse peleus made for the total destruction of his gentle nephew jason/ the most addressed knight that ever was in myrmidone. This notwithstanding the noble jason exploited always his journey & went so far he & the knight that he brought him and rendered him in oliferne/ & presented him unto the queen for to serve her in her war/ This Queen was called Mirro/ which is as much to say as mirror in beauty  
When jason saw him to fore the queen: he beheld her with great intent inclining himself & making to her reverence And she seeing that he was much fair & a young gentleman well made in all his 〈…〉 a cheer of a vaillerous 〈…〉 him into her wages as a soldier/ a●● she that had great need to have such knigtes in great number. but this was not only upon his person but also upon his high maintain & behaving iuging in him great courage which was notlyk to any noble man that ever she had seen/ After the presentation of jason & that the fair mirro had retained him in her wages & soldiers of her ordinance. The knight that conduited him brought him fro the palace into the town & delivered for him a good logys'. The fair Mirro had at that time triews with her enemies for xv. days. Certes these triews annoyed much to jason for he demanded nothing but for to employ him in all faites of arms to that end that he might do pleasure unto so fair a lady/ the fair mirro. which never was out of his mind/ for ye shall understand that sin time that jason had beholden & sec the great beauty of the lady/ she was written bilove ● his heart so acertainli that he could never keep him fro thinking on her in allowing & praising. her yonghte/ her contena●ice: her wy●ie ●●d all her other virtues/ where with she was endowed & adorned & she had no more but xuj. yet of age. also he brought to his mind her fair & fresh colour: her ladly entertain & her noble fashion & corpolente/ wherefore he was so esmevid & esprised with love that he wist not what to think what thing was him befall/ and in 〈…〉 he was many a day. among these things duringg the ●●ws: the king of sclavony sent his proper messenger unto the fair mirro for to requir her that she should give audience to one of his knights that he would send unto her/ to whom he had give charge for to say to her certain secret things: which audience she agreed/ & than the said messenger departed & reported to the king that the faith mirro was stente for to here his knight Of these tidingis the king of sclavony had much great toy●/ & as he that so moch brende in the love of the queen mirro & witted not what thing should befall him/ wher fore he disguised high self the best wise that to him was possible. & by the ●ouse of certain herb she frotted his visage & changed▪ his colour. & sin took. ●. of his knights with high whom he trusted to whom he declared how he would go unto his lady ꝑamours ●ayn●g that he was a simple knight of the kings court & defended 'em expnssy that they should not make to high honour ne reverence. safe only th'honour of a fellow to a fellow/ & anon as he had a●utifed of that they should do he put high on the way so secretli that he cntrid in to olyferne & so exploited that he was brought to for the noble queen mirro whom he had ne● sec tofore where he kneeled down on his knees right humbly to fore her. & how well as he was all ravished in thinking & beholding her marvelous beauty. for he had never seen tofore so fair a creature/ after the reverences there made he said tò her in this manner.  
Noble and right renoined princess the king of Esclavonie my sovereign & puissant lord recomandeth him right humbly to your good grace & noble memory: and for so moche as he hath understand that ye be content to here his demand/ & that he offrith for the love/ for the weal: the honour and profit of you & of your roiame. if it please you ye shall give me audicce and good expedition with these words the lady ꝯmanded thenking that he should stand up as she that witted not what he was/ & sin drew a little a part. wherefore the king approached ner her & said. right utuouse ●ncesse/ ye know how by diucrce times your right humble servant the king of esclavonte hath reared you by his barons & chassadours that it should please you to be his wife & felaw/ & always in feet ye have refused him/ & for cause of which refuse as j am advised he hath entered into your royalme & assailid it by war as ye may ꝑceyne/ yet always to put himself in devoir he hath sent me to you for to rear your desired grace/ as he that hath more greater pite of you. & your country thenne ye have yourself as me seemeth: wherefore he re●reth you by me that at this time ye have pite of your true lover: of whom the fortune is such that certes he dieth in languysshing after you/ ha a my right redoubted lady after the judgement of the men ye are the very mirror of all virtues/ of all bounty and noblesse here thenne the voys of your servant speaking by my month and requiring your grace & pite the most huble wise that to him is possible/ the pour a desolate king your right true we'll willare/ may not be into place without thenking on you his ymaginaciō●pryseth nothing but your name & beauty/ his stomach digesteth nothing but your triumphant glory. his prayers ne suffrages monte not unto the gods but in calling them to the augmentation of your we'll. Alas have ye pity & mercy on him. on your people & on your royaulnte/ and on me that am his secret messenger of love Land scende ye in will for to be his lady and mistress to th'end that he may attain to the chief of his desires & also to th'end that your city & your men may dwell in peace & rest  
In pronounsing these or semblable words the dolorous king made many sighs and began to cauffe and lo sweet in such agony as he had been a prisoner presented to fore a judge for to reccyve Sentence of grace or of death The wise and discrete mirro suffered him tachiene all his proposition/ And when he had purposed all that love high for this time She was not so disp●urueyed of advice ne of intendment/ but promptly & meurly she made to him this answer ¶ Messagyer when j have well understand you/ j am all abashed how my mortal enemy can or may rear me of love of my alliance when by his oul●age and and 〈…〉 is by great wrong entered in to my ●oy aume with armed hand pilled & rob my land/ slain my people/ brent my country. & yet more in fair hath besieged me in my city of oliferne. & when j have well ovithought these said things I answer you at this time for all/ that j shall rather suffer myself & all my royalme to be destroyed than in any manner shall condescend to his requests & to his will. Certes madame answered the king/ me thinketh ye be not well concealed. ne ●sidere ye not that your disdain have been cause of the death of fifth thousand men/ And how have ye no regard that he is so noble and so puissant a king. & that he loveth you with so parfait love that all his desire is not but for to mow come to your good grace In troth it appeareth by that/ that is said to you that he hath more greater pity of your noble person of your men and of your desolate royalme: thenne ye have yourself And therefore madame think ye on these things and beware that by your cruelty & defaure your good lover and friend if it please you/ fall not in despair. I wot never what may incline you her to/ but if it be that ye will & desire rather the general & total destruction of your royalme thenne other wise. And by all my gods it is great outrage & folly that moveth you thereto.  
●ertes messenger answered the wise 〈…〉 unto the ●●●auō king▪ the 〈◊〉 or wrestling of your words 〈◊〉 not strong enough to beat down & overcome the constancy of my continence/ j love my men & people naturally And to this end that all the world know that I say troth/ also long als the soul abideth in my body/ j shall never have love ne alliance unto mine enemy/ & speak no more to me thereof/ With this the king was all vainquisshid & discomforted of succour: & was so terribly displaisid & angry of asper & mortal anger that in a great despair & wanhope he said to her O fell lady & most rebel & lest pietous that ever departed out of woman's belly sin that j must acquit me when I perceive that your sweet courage will not accord unto me/ ne intend unto the continuel supplications of your so true lover/ I me deport from henceforth for to speak any more of this matter/ but j you ensure as soon as the triews shall fail: ye shallbe guerdoned after your fierste ¶ With these words the king of sclavony departed thence with a cheer pensyf: and returned to his Ooste more desiring to come to his intention. than ever he had been to sore. And the sayr mirro lytil setting by his menaces: begun to devise with some of her gentle women in recounting to them the prayers & requests that her mortal enemy had made to her ¶ What shall I say you more/ the triews failed at time set & espired. And when they were thus failed the king of sclauonie more thinking on the fair mirro/ than was need to him: made his men to put hem in arms many a day▪ hoping that they of Oliferne should come out and make him skarmuches but he lost his pain. for there was not in the city any man that durst issue out for to assayble them. for asmuch as they had always against hem the worse. & than when he knew that they of oliferne were so cremeuse & rebouted & durst not come out/ he chose on a day thirty of his knights. & said to them. that for the love of his lady he would just again them all. one aft an other/ & sin brought hem unto a place propice for to just in/ which was right fair in the sight for them of the cite. & there begun they to just making so marvelous abruyt that they of olyferne heard it anon & ran unto the vateillement & lowpes of the walls. jason went for to see these jousts with the other & anon as he saw the manner of the Sklavonoys he had great sorrow in himself: and by marvelous courage he went to the palas tofore the fair mirro/ And after the reverence made/ he said to her. my right redoubted lady I can not have marvel enough of the great ●southe & lachenes of your men/ for j have see your mortal enemies devise & just right nigh to your cite with a little ●panye in such wise as oliferne were dispurveyed in all points of men and of defence/ Ha a madame what is this▪ Certes all they that been therein receive great blame: and therefore I pray you for your honour & also myun that ye will delivers mex. of your soldiers: & that it please you that I may conduit them upon your enemies/ & if ye would so do j suppose that we shall make affray to them as great as they had any long sin. The fair Myrro hearing the request of jason allowed much his good will: And inquired of him the number of her enemies. and when she was advertised that there were no moo but fifty/ she sent for xij knighthes which were newli comen fro the cite of damask to whom she declared the request of jason/ & asked of them if they would adventure hem with him. They beheld jason & seeing his maintain & that he was the best addressed knight that every they had seen/ & that his request departed fro a right noble courage They answered that they would acompanye him unto the death. Thenne the noble maid hearing what they said accorded to jason to enterprise that he had required of her. When jason perceived that his request was accorded to him He thanked the fair lady with good heart/ & after recommended him unto her noble prayers After that he reared the xij. knights that they should speed them to put hem in point promising them good adventure/ This done they went & armed them/ And mounteth upon their horses/ & when their helms & shields we● laced. They died do● open one of the gates of the city which they held continually closed for all doubts & availed the draw bridge. and they rood out in to the field/ & jously rood against the esklavons: which as said were jousting again their king by solace  
When the noble Maid mirro and the ladies knew that jason was on his way. they monted upon an high tower, out of the which they might plainly see in the host of their enemies: & they tarried not long. When the king of Sklavonie had perceived jason & his fellows which came to him ward: wherefore he left the jousting & called his knighthes. to whom he said Fair lords ye have made upon my body an esprove of Chyvalerye for the love of my Lady. but now think ye for to get honour & laud for the love of me/ and procue you mightily upon this little number of knights Olifernoys that come upon us/ we been four against one. wherefore we shall put hem to death also lightli as the lion devoureth the lamb with his teth & claws ¶ With these words the noble jason & his fellows assewrid on their horses took their shields which were fast bounden to their breasts brandished their spears and escried their enemies/ which broached their horses with their spurs & received them & recountered with the might of their spears & so asperly assailed them that it seemed that they should have ●foūded them tofore hem 〈◊〉 when it came to the troncho●●●g of their speris. jason that hest was horsid of all the other received the first struck And with his spear he was attained of the king of sclavony by such a might/ that he acid the shield 〈◊〉 the right side. & there he broke his spear. and jason smote him on the somette of his shield by such a ●●●ht. that he made him to reversions heed & made h● to hurtle agan● the cruper of his horse by hind so astoned that high feet were lift upward that the rain of his horse brack and fill down from his horse unto the ground/ the which horse than Ran astray into the field. than passed forth jason right joyous of his good adventure. A●● with another spear that he had taken of his esquye●●or to fulcome his emprise. came and reco●●trid one of the best knight 〈◊〉 of sclavony/ to whom he gaffo desmcsurable a st●●ke in the mids of his shield. that he pierced it and the hauberk and haqueton in to the body in such wise that he fill down deed fro the horse to the earth. And than they sinote to guider on both ptyes by the strength of their spears weal sharped with steel. And for the great number of the slavons that were there in Regard of them that recountered them Some left the stour and went for to comfort their kin●/ which lay on the earth all astoned and as dead And the other intended for to furnish their enemies Thus began the battle fires asper and Regoronuse as welen with spears that soon were tronchonned as with good triumphant swords. & they of Damask maynted them so highly by the example of noble jason/ that with jousting they vare down. vj. of their enemies/ Of whom four were deed on the field and the other ij. were so hurt in th● falling that they nughtneve ●●●pe hem self after  
¶ Ye may well understand that this stour began asper and marvelous The Esclavons set their king on horsebak again as well as they could upon one of the horses of them● that were deed. and thenne all they set hand on 〈◊〉 werdes/ and came for to entre●e ●e with jason/ and them of this company/ smile on them so dismesurably that jason knew anost that he should be ssayn. if he defended h●●●t with all his power And thenne concluded in his courage that ere he left his life he would make his renomee grow in Olyferne and in Esclavonye: or he would die in the 〈◊〉/ with that he haū●●● his 〈◊〉 enchant swerve of ●●●le And di●hargid it upon the heime of a Esclavosis by such virtue that he cleft his heed unto the ●̄rayū/ that he f●● dounndede fro his horse to the earth. and in passing further he smote an other in the presence of his king/ by such force that he cut of a quarter of his shield: and his lift atine with all/ And when the king apperceived that jason departed such strokes he had doubt of his person/ And that was no great marvel. thenne as worthy & vaylliaunt as he was he escried jason to the death. And sin came to him with his trenchunt sword enhanced/ and smote him so mightily upon the top of his helm: that he made the sparcklis flee out. and his heed to incline low dousi: whereof he was notlityll atoned. but escried him saying. Vaissale ye have well showed to me: how ye can recounter a man with the spear. but I shall she we to you the sharpness of my sword/ & thou that I am better knight thenne ye: And if ye escape fro my hands without receiving of death/ I will well that ye say to my Lady paramours the fair Mirro/ that her love and friend of sclavony hath neither force ne might   

¶ How the king of sclavony was vanquished by jason in the field by battle.  
_●Oche was jason desplaysaunt when he had understand the vauntises of his mortal enemy But when he knew that he was the king of sclavony/ he was well joyus for to know high & thus said to him by derision Ha/ a right oultrageous fool Art thou he that art affoyled with the blanch fevers for cause of my right redoubted lady/ Now see ● well that in the is more of pnsumption: than of vayllyaunce: and of vauntise than of feat and truly more of folly than of wisdom For it is parfayte folly to the for to name the better knight than j am: Than late us see who is the better. With these words they began again to smite each other right asperly/ Certes jason provid himself right fiersiy in giving to his enemy many strokes terrible and poysaunt/ And so many gave high in making reed his sword of the Esklanon king that the right malerouse king was constrained to cry and to call his knights unto his aid and help/ but there came so many that jason was environed and assailed on all sides  
When te noble jason felt himself so advironned on all sides by his enemies/ He was more recomforted than tofore/ And begun to smite with his good sword of steel on the right side and on the lift side by such virtue and might: that the ladies of the city knew him among all other: and perceived that he skarmusshid with his sword all died with new blood now here/ and now there: And after saw him cut of heeds ●●●●es and legs and fists And made arms at his will and more thenne all the remenamnt. And certes by his maintain he seemed better a thing of that other world thenne an human person. And fro this time forth on the fair Myrro see●●g this that said is/ took jason sol her good grace/ that unto the death she loved him above all other knights▪ as she that setted her love totally in him: The noble jason fought thenne vailliauntly again the Esklau●̄s. and right long endured the battle And when the xij. knights of damask saw the great prowess and dangerous stour that was about their master They smote in among ●h●̄ that so assailed him And thenne enforced him jason for to make himself to be of valour/ truly by such ardeur of courage that he slew there t●̄ of the most hardiest knights of all the host of his enemies wherefore the king of sclavony seeing his maintain & the valour of jaso had such furor and dread. that he habaundoned the place & his knights that thenne all weary followed him. And thenne the noble jaso ●●●●wed the chase and chased 〈◊〉 unto the great cost in such confusion & mo●al occision that of the thirty knights that were at the beginning of the battle there escaped no moo but ten But tey were all slain & detrenched or he wenl pieces And of the party of jason their bleef no moo but twain upon the field And of the remanasit all were hurt that one more anguisshously thenne that other   

¶ How jason was joyously received of the queen Mirro of Olyferne and how athey be wailed each other  
AFter this marvelous battle▪ and that the worthy jaso had rechaced his enemies unto nigh by the host as said is he tarried for two reasons The first was for as much as he ●owe his fellows weary & sore pained by their wounds/ & the second was for as●noche as he saw the Ooste ●●●ue for to come upon them/ & than as wise and discrete he withdrew high saying that more to worth a good retrayte● than a foolish abiding: and reentrid with great honour & glory into the city: whereof the fair ●●yrro was as joyous as she could be/ & contrary to this was the king of sclavony as sorrowful & angry for the great damage that he had suffered that day. Every man ●●olyferne as soon jason was reentry sie wed him & man women & children blessed him saying one to another that they had never seen none lyk 〈◊〉 him in beauty ne more vaillyaunt knight of his body: and than all the city began to ●eyoye●● when the sayr myrro thought that jason was unarmed▪ she sent for him: & he came gladly to her/ for that was all his desire. than when he was comen to fore her/ he sale wed her/ & she rendered to him his sale we. & sin demanded him how he felt himself & how he feared. Certes madame answered to god begyve the thanking I ne feel on my body but all good disposition: and am joyously returned into your city and as to the regard of your enemies/ by that I have felt of them me thinketh that they ought not fore to be dread ne doubted/ and that in short time: ye shall have of them good reason. I have this day made my sword reed in their blood. whereof their king your mortel enemy hath had great dueyl and sorrow we/ And I have yet good will that to morn I shall redouble that. & yet that shallbe worse to him & to his if the goodd be in mine aid & help  
¶ Whilis that jason spoke thus to the noble lady as said is. she beheld him now and now by right great ardent love. and could not abstain herself. for she was so surmounted with love at this time that for to hide her will and to refroide & coal her a a little without more speaking to jason: that she left him with two damoiselles for to entretene & tarry high and she withdrew her into her chamber/ where she begun to think on the great virtues that were in jason/ That is to weet on his high prowess/ on his fair cheer. on his laughing eyen: on his well made body. and on his gracious speaking/ And so much she thought on him that she must come again unto the place where he was Thenne she fonude in the hall of the palace plenty of her friends/ and of the most noble of the city/ and there was newly artyved a messenger of the king of damask. that certified to her: that that evening should come unto her aid. ij. thousand assyriens/ which the king his lord had sent to her in the conduit of his brother named Prusius which was a right valiant knight in arms. Of these tidings was the noble queen moche reconsorte 〈◊〉 and commanded that they should ordain well for 'em to eat & drink: and died do cover the tables & received this Prusius right solemnly/ but when each was set at table/ the fair myrro and jason were in such wise served by the refection of love: that they took none heed of meet ne of drink: The messenger of love that is to weet/ doulce Regard was continually on the way/ that on was shamefast and changed colour. and in like wise died that other. jason could not contain himself. & Mirro perceived well enough his maintaining. ●ut myrro was much subtle for she beheld him raysonably/ & more died by wisdom than her heart desired: In these regards and in these semblances they passed the soupꝑ. there was no lady ne damoiselle that ne employed her eyen for to behold jason for his great beauty/ what shall j say more. aft the supper it was ordained: that on the  
In these or semblable imaginations the Esclavon king passed all this night unto the morn early: that Corfus a meruaulious Geant born in Toscane can unto him/ and demanded how he feared/ and how it stood with him/ Certes corfus answered the king. For so moche as I dream of my loves/ And that they occupy me so sore/ that they ssee me because I occupy hem so moche: & how well that j find in her but refuse & fierstee. & how said corfus. think ye yet on her ye said the king. That must needs be. Must hy● needs said Corfus. Ye certes aid the king. Than said corfus/ ye be a fool and right evil advised/ For all thing considered he is not wise that enforceth him to have a wife above his degree for as much as there been of other plenty. Right well said the king/ ye say right weal: but know not ye that some one is better and more worth than some five ninety. Certayuli my lady is the oultrepasse of all other ladies. aught j to leave her for her refuse/ ye said the giant if ye do w●sely. by my law said the king 〈…〉 shall never befall me for to dey●… the pain as her true seruaū●/〈…〉 that I hope to come to thabove of mine enterprise how that it be. ●●yre said Corfus. I report me unto your simplesse But and ye will believe me ye shall beguile her well/ Ye shall leave her for such as she is said the giant. and never whiles ye live lone never woman but for one ny●●●ye may every day have a new there is none so great pleasure as for to change oft. Ha a corfus said thenne the king/ a true lover useth never such terms as ye speak of/ and when a prince may come to the love of a lady. fair/ true/ discrete. and a of good house. is not that enough for him. if he that cometh to such felicity and goth to change: certes he is worthy of reproach: Sire said the Geant Corfus. ne know ye no more thenne ye say and show: Certes there is well another point/ and what is that said the king/ I shall say you said the giant Corfus: Take ye the fairest lady that lives/ and be as amorous over her as ever ye can or may/ Anon as ye have enjoyed her as little as it may be/ ye shallbe weary and full of her/ she shall seem to you foul? and yet more I shall say you that soon yet shall wish her burnt And if ye be as other men be ye shall leave her▪ and take an other if it be in your puys●●unce  
_●A a Corfus said thenne the king if j should believe your council. I should never do well/ & as to the regard of me j ween that ie say to me these thinger▪ for to make me return into my country to th'end that ye go not to the field against them that yesterday shed my blood/ by miloyaulte said then Corfus/ Sire all that I have said proceedeth nor for any fere ne dread/ that I have of all your enemies But I council you to my true power: for asmuch as me seemeth it covenable for your health and profit. And to th'end that your weening be founden vntre we with out more delay. I shall send your messenger unto the noble queen Myrro/ for to signify her/ that for to maintain the noble métier of arms/ I offer myself alloun against viij. the best knights that been in the city of olyferne/ for to fight in champ close as it appertaineth. in such a caas  
When the king of Skla●onye had herd that answer of the giant. & perceived that he was angry: he held his peace so long/ that the giant went & armed him in his tent/ And sin put him on the way to ward the. city in the company of a messenger of the kings. whom he sent unto the Queen Myrro right in such wise as afore/ is said/ and when the messenger had said that he had in change The noble queen called the more part of her knights and declared to them that the Geant had demanded/ A none as they of olyferne had herd the contenue of this mandment. For as much as jason and plenty of other knights straungiers that were there gave the honour for to speak first to them of the same country for to say their advice of this work They said all on high that this giant Corfus was he that by his force & vayllaunce had put to death the most part of the noblesse of olyferne. and that them seemed it should be great folly for to furnish the battle that he demanded. but of this answer were all the knights strangers so abashed that they concluded to be conducted by the knights of oliferne Reseruid the noble & prew jason the which as he that might not lengher hold his noble courage to speak but said with so high a voys that he was weal understand of all men in this manner  
Hair lords displease you not. if the virtue of my courage know not now the feblesse of my body/ j know rigght. well that I am not great ne membrrd as a giant. nevertheless I will well that it be known that there is no giant that hath greater heart thenne I have/ And to this end that it appear evidently. & the noble lady where my heart & all my weal Rests/ may always here good tidings of me/ j enterprise for to fight against the giant Corfus man for man/ and j shall never rest unto the time that I have prou●d myself against him Thenne the noble lady the queen that though was present having herd thenterprise of the noble jason/ was so utterly smitten with sorrow. that her seemed that she was smeten with a spear a travers the heart so moche she loved jason/ nevertheless she held good countenance. asmuch as to her was passable/ And incontinent as jason had declared there his courage/ She said to him/ jason fair sire be ware what ye say: & see that youth abuse you not/ For if ye were you. xx. armed and in point for to fight know ye for trouth that he should never leave but abide you thawh ye had sworn his death ● Ertes dear lady said jason: know ye that if youngth abuse me/ oultrequydaunce & presumption deceiveth the Geant/ For to sse a man how great or puissant that he be/ there behoveth but one stroke well set. But whether it be of iron or of steel or of any other thing j doubt not but it shall come to point. When the noble Queen Mirro had understand this that jason said/ She wist not what to answer ¶ What shall I make you long tale he died do be said to the messenger of the king of Esklavonie. that he would befighte the Geant Corfus/ And thenne when the noble jason was armed wyth his arms/ he mounted on horseback & his spear on his thy. & so departed fr● the city And addressed him toward the giant which was right subtle in the faith of arms & of the war. he had all his harnois trussid & his horse sadlid & bridled  
●ncōti●●t as the giant perceived that ●he va●lliant prince jason came riding unto him/ he start upon his horse & came to ward him: & by great felony said to him. what seekest thou. to whom jason said/ Arte thou corfus/ Ie answered corfus. j am he truly Than know thou that thou art he that j seek/ Thou said corfus. ye truly said jason/ and what meviths the so to do said corfus/ considerest thou not the strengeth & force of my body and the furor of my sword/ and how I am cause of all the desolation of olyferne: if me good seemeth I shall sese the by the heed and break thy neck. as the neck of a chicken/ Thou tellest me marvels said jason for to fere & abash the people/ but for all that my courage changes not/ our process endureth to long. go thy way & feche thy spear. & than show what thou canst do: thou hast found a man for to furnish thee/ little speaking & well werking. The giant wyth these words went for to fecche his spear And jason covered him with his shield assewring himself in his saddle. And when he had so done & saw that the giant smote his horse with his sporis & can against him: he rood to ward him so courageously. that it seemed more lyk thunder desceending from heaven than any other thing/ and so smote the most fiercely that they could or might: and their strokes were so peysaunt & heavy that the sengles of their saddles broke in so much that the noble jason was born unto the earth/ and the giant was reversed with the saddle under the crupe of his horse/ and of the peysanteur of the two great strokes the reins of his horse failed/ & his two legs behind in such wise as he tumbled the heed under & the feet upward at right great mischief  
Many knights of sclavony and of Olyferne were greatly abashed when they apperceived that jason had received of the Geant Corfus one so heavy & so great a struck with out death or maim/ jason and the Geant so born to the earth and set a foot. as said is relieved themself anon in their standing and marchid one against that other/ Thenne the strong Geant drew his good sword out of his sheath. & y jason saying. Vaissale or fellow thou hast done to me now the most greatest dishonour that ever happened or came to me. And therefore keep thyself from my feats the best wise thou mayst. for if the arm with the good sword fail me not at this time: j shall consounde the in short tyme. And after I shall drink thine blood and eat thine heart in despite of the dueyl and sorrow that thou hast done to mine heart. Ha a tyrant felonnous & oultrecuydannt answered the noble prew jason/ what evil wouldest thou do/ if it held at no man/ but at the. Certes it happeth oft times that such menaces been said of great fere and dread And all is done for to save his life/ But to the regard of the and of all thy menaces j make no count net doubt the in no thing. And in that thou sayest/ of drinking my blood▪ and eating mine heart I shall keep the right well by the aid and the help of the gods for to fall in such j●h●●anyte or furor/ And j hope where I have angered the in thine heart▪ that it shall not be long to but that thou shalt be angrid in heart in body/ and in soul. Than that corfus the right cruel giant had understand the words of jason he left up his heed and chin a●● charged with here▪ like a Beer/ and after enhanced his trenchant sword: with a great Corage right angry and smote jason and gaf him so terrible and poyssaunt stroke that he bore a way more than a great quarter of his shield/ And when the noble prew jason felt him so smeton: of the Geant: he left up his sword a height where with he araught his mortel enemy/ upon the top of his helm in employing all his might/ that the Geant was constrained to incline his heed all low. Whereof many had great marvel  
As ye may understand the two champions began to entretaste each other with their trenchant swords all way the giant after that he had received this peysaunt struck: he haunced his hand with his sword▪ again and supposed to have sineton jason: But jason which was light & deliver and well advised in his feet drew him a part in such wise that the stroke of● the giant fill on the earth so deep. that if he had araught him plainly/ he had confounded him: Than the prew jason which had so voided him fro the struck stepped to the giant: And gaf him such a stroke upon the right shoulder that he broke his hauberk: and made him a great wound Than jason withdrew his sword all bloody. And when Corfus the strong giant felt that jason had so hurt him Certainly he went he should have goon out of his wit: for asmuch as he saw the sword of his adversary▪ was died with his blood/ & was much angry. But jason set little there by. Saving he begun a little to smile and law/ And if he was glad so were they of Olyferne/ that beheld the battle of the two champions/ But it was not long after but their laughings changed into weepings/ For the giant as all despaired Ran upon jason so eagerly/ that he witted not how to save him/ on that other side he saw his shield all in pieces And with that he gaf him a wound upon the lift side that the blood ran down fro the wound largely: Right long fought the ij. right valiant champions that one against that other in so much that they detrenched & brake theyt shields by fine force: it was a good sight to see jason the noble knight how he delivered again the giant Corfus so marvelous battle giving to him so much travail in pursuing him so busily that the Geant began to wax weary in suffering so many strokes: and began strongly to sweet. Than for to refress●e himself/ he must needs depart & leave to fight and smite jason and to withndrawe him a part/ When the worthy jason apperceived the manyere of the Geant and that he sought for to rest him. he had great yoye: how well he had as gladly rested him as his adversaire had/ when he considerid in himself: that he might rest him and ease him. and that he was not hurt but in one place/ he▪ approached to the giant & said to him/ Ha/ a right miserable tyrant. Approach the toward me and late us perform & make an end of this battle now begun. I perceive now right well that a bed for to rest the on/ should be to the more play si●: thenne should a battle or a stout to be furmisshid. but I advertise the that it behoveth us to come to th'end of our enterprise. And that there is no remedy. and know that my courage hath brought and conducted my body unto this point/ But from hens forth my body shall conduit it by the virtue of love/ by which me thinketh I feel my puissance redouble/ when that I remember her. which above all other aught to be best belo●id of me. As she that is verily withouthe any exception  
Incontinent that Corfus the crimynell Geant had understand of the noble sorrow jason that he was so amorous he began to say to him by great malice: Certes right gentle knight/ j perceive right well that your heart is prisoners the mercy of s●me lady: I require you in the name of her/ and by the faith thai●e owe to her: that ye come and rest you beside me a little. And we shall devise us together of our adventures Ha/ a right recreant and weary ●ybaulde answered then the noble damoiseau jos●. Thou seekest nothing more but for to rest the. And if j accord to the thy request. it is to mi prejudice for thou mayst no more. notwithstanding in the name of my right hygle mistress I am content to do n● thou hast required: But be ware that thou rest not long: With these words the Geant Corfus and the noble jason sat down upon the grass: And after they began to devise and the Geant corfus said to him Right gentle knight as j understand ye been amerous. Hit may well be said jason/ Of whom is it said the Geant/ of a laydy said jason: What is she said the Geant. The most fair of all fair answered jason Ye said the giant as to your semblant The world i●geth her so answered jason. Ha. a sir knight said the Geant. ye be a great fool. for pereventure ye saw never your lady: And ye say and name her for the most fair of all other: and yet that worse is. ye hold her for yours/ and it is possible that she is longing to moo that an honderd/ How many been there of them that been not double: I loved not long sin a lady right fair to mine advise. But she is foul right terribly. Men praise and allow much the fair Mirro. But I trow who beheld her well round about/ there should befounden some what of Reprehension: Ha a right disloyal traitor answered jason/ how darsi thou by thy great oultrege to think evil upon the flower of all ladies/ which had so moche/ of bounty/ of beauty/ of wit/ And which is garnisshid of so many. hyhe and noble virtues: and is a very mirror unto all other/ wherefore by the faith that I own unto love ere ever I eat or drink thou shalt abye it/ Stand up lightli●● thy feet and keep the from me if thou think good.  
●He noble and gentle knight jason aroose with the words all inflamed of ire and maltalent. And took forth with his sword that lay on the grass all bloody/ The Geant roose also/ but it was not lightly: For his legs were Royde like a a voyager. that had all the day tofore have voyaged or goon a journey/ and than jason came and smote him upon his lift arm and so employed all his puissance that he departed the arm fro the body in●uche wise that he fill down to the earth. Than the giant by right asper distress made a marvelous & right horrible cry. After this as one full of a terrible courage haunced his sword swearing by all● his gods that he would avenge him/ but he wist not how he might sew jason for so moche as he was light & deliver and abel well knowing the tower of his strookes in such wise as he alway defended him vailliauntly & distourned the struck of his sweid That his enemy sought all way and could never attain to reach him/ And in this wise the battle dured long in so much that the son begun to devale in to the west/ But the no blepreu jason among many strookes enuertued him self by such vailliaunce in smiting upon the Geant corfus with his trenchant sword/ that he araught him on the highest of his helm/ iij. strokes one after an ot● in oon place that at the third stroke he enfondrid & to frusshid his helm and the coyffe into the heed. in such wise that of the great anguisshe that the giant suffered: that he fill down a swoune vpon●the sand seeing all they of oliferne: And of that other part the Esklavons which were sorrowful & abashed  
Incontinent as the worthy jason had slain and smitten down the giant to the earth as said is. he dishelmed him. but he foude that he was deed/ wherefore he left him there lying. And in sign of victory he seasid his sword. and after went unto his horse. whom he found pasturing. But he had no leisure to saddle him because of many Esclavons that he saw move for to come and run upon him. Thenne he seasid his horse by the bridal: & without saddle start upon him: And for all doubts he withdrew into the city as soon as was possible for him/ Whereof the Esclavons had right great despite/ And than when they apperceived that they gate nought in pursuing of jason for they were all a foot/ they withdrew h●to Corfus whom they foundeded: for whom they were greatly discomforted in so much that hem seemed that all her trust and hoop was lost and goon. And among all other when the king knew the misadventure of his giant/ he was so sorrowful that of all the even after he ●…not●… d/ For he had great 〈…〉 strength: in his great hardiness 〈◊〉 in her enterprise  
ORete and marvelous was the sorrow that the king of Esclavonie and his men demeaned for the death of the strong Geant Corfus. And on the contrary the noble Queen Mirro & all they of the city of oliferne demeaned great joy and made right joyous cheer for the noble victory of the vaylliaunt jason. Than the noble queen Myrro accompanied of a great number of ladies and of damoiselles of knights/ and s●nyers came to the gate against jason esprised with such gladness and consolation that it can not bespoken And anon as the noble knight jason espied her/ he sprang down of his horse and made to her the reverence. and after presented to her the sword of the giant Corfus. and said Madame ●o here is the sword that your knights have so much doubted here tofore. behold it well/ and do with all your pleasure/ Than the noble & fair lady answered to jason Right excellent knight. thanked be the god that by your high enterprise & vaillance have this day delivered the city & all the people of olyferne of a marvelous dread & fere. & sin that the crymynuell Geant corfus is deed all the remnant as who saith is as goods as vaynquissijid. and therefore come ye unto our palace. & we shall▪ do visit your wounde● by our surgeons. which shall ordain right well and diligently for your health  
Thenne was the noble jason brought unto the palace with great loving & praisings of the ladies & damoiselles of the knights and of the people of the city of Olyferne. The widows be wailed greatly because he was not erst comen for the loss of her hus●ondes they that were ma●ed rejoiced and were glad of his coniing. They that were discomforted and desolate recoured their courage all new For in the vaillaunce and in the high virtues of jason rested all their hope. In his strength they took affiance. in his wit they trusted. In his vaylliaunce they we●e reconforted/ And in his good fortune consolate/ Eertes it seemed to they thenne. that they were delivered from the pains of hell/ and brought into paradise ¶ What shall j more say the fair Mirro thoughre and dreamed oft times of jason/ as of the knight that she loved most of the world. The prew jason was three days long in the palace without any arms bearing/ And during these three days the fair Mirro went oft times unto him. hoping that jason should have required her of love/ whithe he had gladly done: but as cremetous and doubting the recountres of refuse. durstei no manner touch that materene make any semblant to her ne to none other  
On the fourte day than when the nobles of Oliferne knee we that jason was hole of his hurts/ and might well bear arms/ they assembled & came unto the Queen Mirro & said to her: Madame ye have well cause for to reioye yourself/ if a heart ifortunat after grief upon grief may resourdre when fortune will favour and aid. We and your council have often times behold and ●eē the right high prowess and discrete conduit of your knight jason. Certes it may weal be said/ that his like was never founden. it semetsyto us. that fortune hath brought him unto your hands: for to resuscyte and Raise you. for to take vengeance of the over great evils and meschyeves that hath been done to you and your men during this war. And for many raisins we council you. that ye ordain and consiytute the said noble jason captain of this Royaume and chief of your war For we think so moche noblesse & virtue in him: that he shall never have rest in his courage unto the time/ that he have chased away your mortal enemies out of your royalme/ and brought them to disconsiture  
●It●s to wete/ whether the noble queen Myrro was right joyous in her heart: when she herd so hygly recommended him that she mo●●e loved above all the men of the world it is no marvel thawh she so were & debonayrly she accorded the request that the nobles & her conceyll had made to her. And forthwith she sent for jason. and in the presece of them that had made the request as afore is said. she constitued him captain general of all her royalme. Thenne jason remercyed & thanked the noble Queen Myrro of the honour that she had done to him▪ & also the nobles & her council for their good pourchare Inexcusing greatly himself of nonhabilite saying that he was not propice ne worthy of so high charge & honour to enterprise: But all they that there were present said/ That notwithstanding his excusations. they would have none other capy●●yne but him/ and that he should be it: as far as he would not disobey the noble queen Mirro They showed him so many demonstraunces that he enterprised and took upon him the charge/ and that same our the noble queen Myrro delivered unto the noble damoiseau jason all that was necessary to hi. and ordained his estate: And when the noble prew jason felt him in this honour so high set in his estate/ he sent forth with to the king of esclavonye. commanding him to depart he and all his host from thence. And that anon he should void the royalme of oliferne: or else on the morum betimes he should dispose him & make him ready to be received by battle When the puissant king of Esclavonye understood that jason had so send him his mandment. he had right great marvel. how well he answered to the herald that he had not intention for to dissoge him ne to raise his siege/ & that he would erst have at his ꝯmandement the noble queen mirro/ for to do with her his wille/ & sent word again unto the noble preujason. that also dear as he had his life he should keep him that he came not in his presence. and if he came in his hands: he should do him die a miserable death  
¶ Incontinent as the noble prew jason had understanden this answer. he died to publish in all the quarefours of the city/ That all they that were of age to bear arms should be ready on the morn early for to go with h: for to envahye & fight with their enemies/ & thus passed that ●dy ●●to the night/ That jason thenne begun to think on the great honour & charge that he had received. & thenne when he was withdrawn in to his chambre continuing his amorous p●sees & thoughts He begun to say by himself in this manner Ha a mydere ladi how have ye done to me this great worship & given to me more good thenne appteyneth to mine estate. and how shall it be possible to number the excess of bounty/ of clearness of beauty with all other ●tues that benl you I ought not to marvel if your right excellent beauty draweth to your love the courages of strange prices/ for ye be addressed in all bounties. the most fair creature and the most discrete that god and Nature ever formed The right most ꝑfayt that is ought where. how should it be thenne but if ye were beloved of all folk: Certes ye are worthy that the air be replenisshid with callings and of voyses crying after you and requiring your grace & mercy/ Ha ay that be so much excellent and virtuous. That all my thoughts and imaginations been turned. and given to you that are of so much high valour: Not wistanding j shall not abstain me to love your noble person. For j shall the better prosper & be of the more value ¶ In such or semblable words the prew jason passed the most part of the night. & unto morn early. the day appeared fair and clear And ano●●●●ter in short time after the death of 〈◊〉 corfus. jason and the syrien ●●doubed them/ and assembled them of the city to fore the palace of the queen Mirro and than when jason saw & knew that his people were set in ordinance he went unto the fair mirro & said to her ● this manner/ Madame pray ye for your knight/ the which above all thing desireth: that he migght do that thing. that might be to you right agreeable: & profitable to you and your city. Certes right excellent and vaillannt knight answer the queen myrro/ ye are much praised and hygly recommended of my men/ And for so much j pray you that in this journey ye have good courage for to defend mi quarrel which is good & just/ And as to the regard of myself/ I put mine army and my men under the conduy/ te of your preudhommye and your wytson/ praying unto the gods that they will make your fortune to shine clear. and tenhaunse my godde quarrel   

¶ How by the high valiance of jason the king of sclavony & his host were discomfited & himself slain tofore Oliferne:  
Thus as the nobie queen spoke & admonested the worthy knight jason & his men to do well & fight vayliantly in defending her just & good quarrel/ jason began to behold her so ardantli that she was ashamed how well that she as wise & discrete held honest manner. & than the noble jason after theleve and congye taken as well of her as of the ladies and damoiselles departed from the palace with great bewailings/ and mounted on his horse: But there were many of the ladies and damoiselles of the court/ that began to bewep him/ praying unto the gods to give h● good adventure/ And they said on● unto an other that it should be great dominage if tohill came one fortune other thenne good/ & that they had never seen none so courteous ne so gracious/ and that he was the very sourdre and well of noblesse. Anon thenne as the noble prew jason was on horse back he set his men in right fair ordnance/ and after set 'em on the way toward the field And the people by all the way that he passed kneeled down to fore him & provoqued the gods unto his aid and help. And thenne when he was comen into the field he assembled all his folk and put 'em in faith ordnance of battle And thenne wha●● he had required them instantly and amonested them to do well. he died do march them against their enemies which abode them a foot rengid and right well ordained. At the moving jason died do sound trompettis. tabours. and cornessatasins/ business & other instruments so melodiously that it seemed that they had gone unto a wedding or marriage or sommme great feste: And thus triumphing of one high will meddled with joy desiring to do well: Rejoicing themself singularly in the vaylliance and good conduit of the right worthy and noble knight jason they approached in such wise their mortal enemies that they began to couch their good spears and begin the stonr And in that same time as the king of sclavony held his men in array a marvelous great Raven came fleeing over his heed crying right horribly INcontinent as the king of heard such a cry he begun to tremble for Ire & be in a great agony/ & looked after the raven & said O over hard and trembling hope. This maketh me to enter in to frenzy For this fowl is messenger of the death/ or of right evil adventure/ and this is an evil sign/ for I feel my veins all void of blood/ Ha a midere lady what shall I now do Certes j shall never put me to reproach for to flee/ I had liefer die and let here my life/ than ever should be rehearsed to you of me any dishonest tidings/ Certes all they that were tho about him were sore abashed. & not without cause But nevertheless they reconfor●ed themself the best wise they might. and anon was made than on both ●●desameruayllous cry with which they marched that one against that other And began by the archers and arblasters the battle so asper that the Air was darked and obscurid with the quarrels and arrows & stones that i'll we so thikk/ and made with their Cries a great bruit right meruayllons.  
THe vayllyaunt knight jason was in the formest front of his people holding his bow in his hand where with he let flee Arrows upon his enemies largeli/ But at last the shot lassed And when jaso saw that▪ he s●e●te upon his horse and took his sheld and his spear In escryeng Oliferne by th●e times. and smote his hor● with his sporis & thrested ●to the mids of his enemies so swiftly/ that prusus ne thee syriens could not follow him at the beginning Thenne when it came to breaking of speris/ The king of toscane and the king of bongye knew him anon: wherefore they ran against him/ saying that they would avenge the death of the si●ōg geant corfus And both vaylliaū●y him tronchonyg their spears upon his shield/ without endamaging his shield/ but it is well to believe that the noble pren jason failed not at this first course: for he smote the king of bongye by such vainqueur that he left him out of his arsonns/ and bore him there unto the earth: And so passed forth. and thenne came against him the king of Poulane/ but that was to his evil health/ For jason's spear traversid his shield his hauberk & the body all to breaking his spear/ And thenne came on unto the battle Prusus accompanied of his knights That marvelously maintained themself in ensuring the feats of jason/ and thus began one and other to show themself with right great effusion of blood on both parties: But much more of the● of Esclavonye/ thenne of them of Oliferne.  
Incontinent that the noble jason had broken his spear/ he griped in his hand his good sword that was clear and triumphant/ And pretending that men should speak of his faites and vailliaunces. he addressed him on that part where he saw the banner royal of Esclavonye. And supposed to have entered there upon his enemies▪ but they held 'em thikke together. and cast and smote upon jason right asperly. And jason upon them by such virtue that he offoundred plenty of their heeds. detrenched their shields and slew great number of good knights/ For the vaylliaunt Prusus and his knights aborded than there in suing jason at every struck bathed his sword in the blood of his enemies And died so great feet of arms on all sides/ that they that beheld him: and his maintain. called him death and said/ Certes the death assaileth us having the form ꝯhabylement of a knight. Flee that will his furor and his triumphant sword/ for whom he arecheth shall never after see fair day.  
jason thus in this while died Arms at his will/ For he being on horse made the Slavon knights march a foot and many other with out number/ one and other said that his body was all of steel/ And that he was noman mortal/ but that he was a thing of that other world: For it seemed to his adversaries that they had no spear no sword that might enter in to his body. ¶ What shall I say unto you: he died so well that by vive force with his trenchant sword he broke the wards and array of the Esclavons and came unto the banere of the king esclavon where he was accompanied with thirty. knights that rengid them for the guard of the banner But incontinent when they saw the sword of jason ready for to smite on them. The most asseured of them began to tremble. Nevertheless they set 'em in array and took their shields haunced their swords/ and entered freely and fast a foot/ the prew jason swyming in a new courage by great plai●ir and appetite for to get good loos & good renomee smote in among the knights that withstood him with all their puissance. And thenne in this manner begun again the battle and a marvelous stour: in so much that on all sides men might see knights flee each other/ shields to break & i'll ● pieces/ hauber●s dismailled▪ he●mes broken/ & blood spring out of their wounds. and fall upon the earth  
Certes the noble prew jason had there much to do & suffer as well for to keep his men in array/ as for to e●●aye and assail his enemies For his shield was smy●en in many pieces: his armours were adommaged in many places/ This notwithstanding he e●●ertued himself defending/ would never cease. till he came unto the banere of the king of Esclavonye/ and to the knight that bore the banner he gaf a struck so dismesurabli that he cleft his heed unto the chin. And fill down deed fro his horse to the ground: & the banner also in the presence of the k●ng of esclavonye: The which anon as he perceived that stroke/ withdrew him a part. and one of the knights went for to advance & relieve the banere/ but the noble prew jason made of him as he died of that other And after that he brac and all to ●ente the banere in pieces at the horse feet. This done he began to smite on the right side and on the lift side. And thenne the Esclanon● lost courage and vailliance/ And on the contrary they of olyferne seeing the good conduit of their captain/ begun to grow better and better in such valour that as many enemies as they met/ they slew with their swords. And so in the end it happened that as the noble jason ran here ●d the●e▪ he recontred the king & slew him with one struck that he gaf him with his sword/ Than the esci●●ōs all discomforted & despaired as they that hath no more esperance ne hope to obtain the victory escried saying. Late us flee and save ourself for all is lost. for the king is deed: ¶ With which cry they turned their back. and put 'em to flight ●d dysaroye/ how well that they were yet more than. v. ●. And than the vaylliaunt Capiteyn jason and all his battle poursewed them chasing/ and s●eing them out of the royalme of olyferne/ This done the noble jason and his company returned unto the place where the esclavons had hold their siege/ & there they found richesses plenty. & than when they had de●ted their gain & bu●● as it appteyneth unto such a caa● to every man his part after his condition/ The right vaylliannt jason commanded to truss the tents & pavilonns of his enemies. And than he and his company returned in to the cite as ●ayn●ueurs with moche great glory and triumph.  
The fair Myrro came than to meet with jason garnished with a gracious maintain. And made to him the greatest hononr & reverence: that was to her possible/ leading him unto her palace/ where he entered with great pain. for the people was assembled there on all parts about him in a marvelous number for to see him And cried all with an high voys saying. Now is returned again victorious our defender: our sword. our health and all our esperance: which hath only in himself more of vaisselage than is in all Esclavonye/ and aught to be honoured & recomanded above all other. Certes the noble jason was feasted this night & recommanded of such and semblable loenges of them of Oliferne/ which made in the streets dances and esbatement thanking their gods And alway jason was more and more in the grace of the ladies/ For the best born the most fair the best accomplished & the most especy all fired their love in him/ Alle were jalouse of him: But jason never thought on none of them/ but only/ upon the seulle and oultrepassed beauty of the virtuous Mirro: which alway was in his memory/ And all they had wonder & marvel of the beauty/ graeiousete. wit & perfection of jason. And for to abregge this story the vailliaunt & oultrepreu jason was in this glory and triumph unto midnight which than withdrew him: And when he was withdrawn in his chambre he re-entered in to his reverye of love as he had been to fore acustomed. And set all in oublie and forgetting the poysannt & dangerous strokes that he had that day received in the battle against the Esklavons. whereof his body was right sore. and concluded in himself that on the morn he would declare his courage unto the lady. But when the day was come and when he came to fore her. he felt him self so sore surprised with love that he wist not what to say. And thus he drof forth long and many a day that he for ●●le his hardiness of arms. his ●w●●e speech ne his strength could not avail in giving him hardiesse/ for to discover his courage unto his lady Wherefore on a night in his bed began to blame himself/ and said softly to himself in this manner  
THat may profitten the continuell be way linges that I make for my lady. I am not a feared when I find me in a troublous battle of an honderd thousand men. but when j suppose to speak to my lady/ j tremble for fear and dread and wot not what to say/ for to fore her I am as all tauiss●●●d. in like wise as a power and shammefast man that suffereth to die for hunger rather thenne for shame he dare beg his breed O what vergoigne proceedeth of such shamesasines. I speak to myself alone & I answer/ Oft times I am advised that to morn I shall do marvels & so j conclude right well/ but when it cometh for to be done j have no memory ne remembraunof all my conclusions: Am j not thenne well simple: when unto te most fair the most sage. the most discrete: and the most virtuous of all other/ I have no hardiness for to say my desire & will. how well my heart judgeth that I am somewhat in her grace/ but now cometh upon me an other judgement. & me seemeth that she will never accord to my requests O right noble and nonparaille Mirro/ she is without peer/ as the rose among thorns: Alas & what shall j do without you. j have made a present to you of my heart & my will. if I understood that ye were born in a constellation cupesshing you of thinfluence of love & that love had no power tesprove upon you his virtues j would not employ my time for to think on you but when me seemeth that so great abundance of the●cesse of beauty natural as yours is. it may not be but that it is entremedlid of love of pite/ & of merci. it must needs be that your humble friend be ravished in the contemplation of your glorionse value: desiring your good grace wishing your alliance/ & requiring the gods and fortune that of you & me they make oon how and one bed where we might embrace the sovereign play sirs of this world & platly find amorous felicity.  
THe prew jason with these words fill a ssepe: and after he awoke so alumyned with the fire of love that it was to him ipossible to take his rest but to turn and wallow and travail in his bed. And there as love thus assailed him again/ he determined utterly that he would adventure high to speak to his lady: what that ever happen thereof/ And so he died/ for the same day he came unto her & said in this wise/ Madame j have served you as well as to me is possible for two causes Principally that one for tha●quite of chevalerie. and that other not for to disserve the richesses that ye have under the power of fortune But alonely that singular thing that nature hath made you lady of and upon which fortune hath puissance. Madame ye have done to me plenty of curtoysies/ And offered great yefies of monoye Whereof I thank you: how well I hold them but of little exti●e. for covetise of avarice have not alumed me of their fire. j demand not the great treasures that been in the abysms of the see▪ ner then that been enclosed in the mountains: my desire testith in ij. singular things: that one is for to conquer name in arms: which ought to be th'appetite of the vocation of all noble hearts That other is to obey unto the comaundements & plaisaunces of love that bindeth. and obligeth me to be yours: for to think on you. to attend & abide your benevolence to do thing that may please your eyen & your heart  
Alas my dear lady all good & honour cometh of you: and if ye be all my deport and fortune. And the gods have suffrid me▪ to have do thing dign of amorous meri●e in your favour/ put not ye your heart in discognysaunce. by the which your noble royalme is put in peace receive hire to your man true friend and lovar your knight/ and the right humble & obeissaunt heart. of whom the body seeketh with all your pleasures to obey him that hath made all his treasure of your beauty. from the our that the good fortune brought me hither unto your presence. I was and have been in all points ready to live & die for you in your service. in which j took arestance/ j submised prestly my neck to bear the farthel of your war/ ye know how I have born it. ha a my dear lady have mercy on me. I supply yond humbly for asmuch as never true lovar required his lady with more desire & affectonn in all honour & curtoisie.  
The prew jason cessed thenne his request in beholding the fair myrro right amorously/ the which herd high with a glad will. but this not wistanding she made no manner semblant. but for asmuch as to prove if jason was asmuch affected in love as in arms/ she answered to high as her followeth saying/ Certes fair sire jason j know that ye be he that have discharged my royalme of them that eat & destroyed the substance & which would by force have occupied & wasted it/ And so j will not say but that he be right dign of great merit. and that your thank and reward ought to be yolden unto you: But unto the regard for to require me of love/ me semet●ye have much to far enterprised/ ye know well ye are none other but a knight/ what might say the kings & high princes of whom I have late made refuse. if I g●fe me to you. how well mine ente cionis not in no wise to blame you But unto th'end that ye lose not your tyme. I advise you to seche oughwer else your party. & than do ye wisely and require you to be content her with for j know no better remedy for your appaisement Alas my dear lady answered jason. Remember you that my heart is such that can chief by no way none other lady in love but you Certes that shall not be unto the time that the fishes flee in the air: And that the birds swim in the water/ My friend said the lady unto the regard for tendende to take a thing difficile. is no great prudence ye be mure in your young age a●touching Arms/ Butler beware that ye put you not in so parsounde an error that ye can not easily come out/ Certes I love you more than ye ween. I am ready for to yield you your merit for the great goodness that ye have done to the city of olifer ne/ I pray you that ye require me no more from hens forth. and late this suffice you/ Ha a madame answered jason than. how may j have suffisance when I may not find grace to fore your noble visage Of which right indigent and not satisfied I remain. ye deign not to condescend to my prayers. it is now your play sir that I fall in despair. ●nt sin it goth so and that ye will have no compassion of a true knight that hath been yours/ and the deffendour & the hand that hath obtained the peace for your royalme. and the proper arm that hath taken vengeance of your ancient forfaiteurs and enemies. all despaired j depart praying unto the gods that will eulu●●ne you. with pite and mercy as they know that is needful for you & unto all our gods I command you.   

¶ How that jason after that he had required the queen mirro of love departed all discomforted from oliferne: & how she went after him  
WIth this conclusion the prew jason all in a trance & half rebuqued went unto the ladies & damoiselles. And the fair mirro & on woman which was secret with her dept fro thence/ but the queen entered alone into her chamber/ thinking moche on jason. which at that time comen among the ladies as said is with an heart sorrowful & environed with displeasure. thanked them greatly of the great curtoisie that he had fonden in them/ & in this point took leave recomanding himself in their good grace. After departed th●● unto his stable & commanded to 〈◊〉 le his horse. and after that he sent see his arms & adoubed him/ & forthwith without any more speech how well it was nigh night: he road forth out of the city: & was so angry & desplaisaunt that he witted never whither to become/ & when the ladies saw that jason departed from the cite so alone & discomforted thinking on the virtues where in he was endowed they complained him moche: and said one to an other that he had not his heart in ease. Many of them bewailed him in such wise that the great tears fi●● down from their eyen/ and among them there was one that kneu somewhat of the secrets of the queen. & she having seen jason taking his horse all armed & depart out fro the city can unto myrto all bewept as she was & said to her in this manner  
Madame what aileth your knight or sudden chance may come to him to depart out of your cite armed & alone at this our have ye sent h●īto any place it seemeth thathe hath his heart oppressed with asper dueil and sorrow: Certes bele answered the Queen/ I wot not what high aileth. but j trow right well that he is not all at his ease: for in recompensing of the good services that he hath doen to me in this war. he hath desired & required me of love. & for asmuch as j have not accorded to him his request. he is departed from me all angry/ & more know not I Madame than said the damoiselle. gave ye to him no manner hope ne esperance at his departing/ Certes j gaf to high none said the lady. And how said the damoiselle/ ye have said to me more than a. M. times to fore this time/ that he was the only desire of your heart? j confess that to you said t●● queen. for yet mi love is set on him merueyllonsly. and bear alway in my sovenance his great beauty & his we le doings/ Ha/ a madame answered than the damoiselle/ why have ye than ansuerd high so coldeli & refusingly: certes said the lady/ j wot never why But that j was so abashed & so chafed in my blood/ when j understood that he required me of love that I witted not to answer. & also ●i mine advise mine honour requireth that at this first request. I should hold me strange & not tabondone myself. For they that at the first re●●ste of their lovers agree to them▪ aught to be ashame●●▪ For as moche as the more part of men have no verity ne loyalty as to the Regard of love And also there be many that can none other wise do/ but serve ladies & gentle women with lies and deceits My mother told me & bade me keep this lesson when she sent me first to school. if in have well retained her doctrine me thinketh I have not done moche amiss. for the thing that is gotten by great travail & long requests is much more worth and better kept thenne that is gotten lightly: Certes that lady that of her love is required can do no better/ thenne to hold her strange & be moche required  
● Adamen answered the damoiselle▪ I accord moche to that ye say to me▪ but theridamas is in all thing manner how well that there be many men that pray & require ladies of their love asmuch as they may mak●g leasings & false oaths that can not be counte● but certes madame this noble & vaylliant knight jason is not in mine adnies no thing like as to the count of other. & after that j understand by your words ye have sent him from you all hountose & shamed in so much as j dame that he is gone in such wise as he came hither. For at his departing he came & took leave of the ladies/ Wherefore I am in doubt that ye shall never see him more. And is he goon as ye say said thenne the lady/ ye certes said the damoisell/ he is certaili ghost/ By what place & by which gate/ That wot I not said the damoiselle/ but j trow better that he is returned into his country/ thenne to any other place  
When the noble queen Myrro understood this that said is. and that she had a little remembered herself of the departing of her dear love & friend: she fill down to the earth as all through smitten and tronchoned with amorous sorrow & dueil/ she began thenne to wring her hands and to smite with her feet saying not passing loud. Alas. alas Fortune is to me hard. Alas and what have j done myself evil advised when I was required of love of the most renowned knight of all the world: of the most vaillaunt in arms/ of the fairest that liveth And that I have not humelyed myself with his great humility/ ● have made refuse of my right great weal & of my greatest ewer & hap. Certes I could not keep in mine house the good fortune that the goddies of their secret treasure of their grace had sent to me & brought & planted in my hands. By my little advise & intendment I have chased out of olyferne him that hath rescued and brought it again fro mortal encumbrance by the high valiance of his person & the travail of his body with the pcioꝰ pries of his blood. & thenne what have j do/ Haa my heart what hast thou consented My mouth what haste thou voided My tongue what hast thou ꝓ●erred And mine intendment where were thou: Where was thy force or thy puissance. or thy will▪ that desiring the love & thalyance of high that was abandoned to the which hadst thy mouth closed for shame. & hast suffered the corporal & bodily mouth to deny that thing▪ that thou approvedest to seche above all otherthing O right power shamefastness/ ye hountouse shamefastness/ in what ploye or in what pnsse am j now by thy cause/ Certes j am ashamed that j have refused thalyance of my friend & of my domicille But certes j shall amend it to my power/ j shall go after him so far till j shall find him And I shall have no shame to put me ● his mercy  
When the young damoisell aꝑceyved the great displeasure where in her mistress was/ she shut the chamber door to th'end that no person should come upon them: & begun there to weep till night: & that a lady can: and said the souppe was all ready Than the queen died do answer her by the damoiselle/ that she would not souppe for so moche as she felt her not well disposed & also commanded that no ꝑ●one should come to her that night/ Which answer so made the queen & the damoiselle begun to make new bewailinges & tears & after began to be wail jason/ and among all other things/ The queen said these words/ yet may their worse aveuture grieve me more for after Turrian over moche dangerous inconvenience she sendeth to me the death/ Ha a late me sorrow. but what shall I mow do I wot never what to think. and what ought I to do by your faith: seem ye good that I ought to go after him. or that I send any faithful man fter him of my knowledge Certes I think if I should send a messenger after him that he would not come again/ And if j went myself after hi. that should be to me the greatest dishonour of the word. madame answered than the damoiselle. ye ought to know your caas/ and of two ways to take the best: If ye have intention that jason be your husband/ it behoveth no longer to sojourn. for ye must go or send unto him with all diligence/ & for to say to yond mine opinion: if it were so happened to me as it is to you: j would send none other messenger/ but myself. And know ye verily that ye may have no dishonour for to go after him understanden and well considered the good and agreeable services that he hath doen to you/ and to your royalme For under the colour for to guerredone and reward him/ ye may take occasion to come into words & to give him some matter yet for to serve you. Certes fair daughter said the queen. j wot not what to think/ what me is best to do. for if j go after him and find him/ what shall j say My dear ●…de the damoiselle: as j have right now said ye shall present to him the guerredom of the great honour & good service that he hath doen to yond in your necessity. this thinketh to me little substance for to enter into speech of my principal cause said the guene/ Certes madame answered then the damoiselle. when ye shall come and be to fore the knight/ love shall teach you to speak/ if ye will record the lessons and epistles of love by the space of ten year. it shall but little prouffite to your avamcement/ for there lacketh nothing but th'inspiration of love medlid with hardiness & of human intendment: speaking with the month which is instrument of the discharging & discovering of hearts: Sin that it is so said the the fair Myrro queen of oliferne. all thing considered j had much liefer to cover a little blame/ thenne that I should in all points with out ever to recover again all the hole desire and pleasure of iniherte & the consolation of mine eyen. thenne j shall say to you mine advise. that it is need and necessity so to do. and that ye must now go unto my women and say to them/ that to morn betimes j shall go in pilgrimage accompanied of you only/ and that they take heed & see well to all things. And ye & I to fore the son rising shall enterprise in the most secret wise that shall be possible our enqueste upon the most noble and vailliannt knight/ the most fair/ & the most addressed that his living/ That is jason mine only friend & we shall do so much that he shall be founden. This advise seemed right good unto the damoiselle/ the which with all diligence obeyed to the commandment of her mistress: and after these things about midnight. they made ready her things and on the mor● early to fore day. both they took each a good palfroye in habit unknown and road forth on their way: and such was their adventure that they came for to bait in the logging where her friend jason had logged that night/ And than she began to demand of the host of thaffayre dnd countenance of the knight & what cheer he had made the even tofore. and at his departing what way he had taken & hold. And the host answered to the lady: that as to the regard of his cheer and thaffair of the knight: he had nether eaten ne drunken in all the evening/ And a● 〈◊〉 the way that he had holden/ he▪ enseigned to the ladi/ which was than moche pensif for jason. that had not that evening taken no refection of meet ne of drink   

¶ How jason fougt with the king Diomedes in the sheep  
THe noble qu●…mirro and her dam●…yed than not long 〈◊〉 bating: for they took their horses and rood as hastily as to hem was possible. & so rood iij. days long after jason. hearing in every logyse where they descended ●idinges of high: but they could not overtaken ne find him. And on the fourth day suing they came unto a part of the see▪ where was showed unto them a ship/ where in were merchants of athens/ & was told to them that jason was therein & that he would go to athens & furthermore if they would go there was yet a ship of other merchants that was on the point to depart: but thenne the fair mirro was in such a point of displeasure when she knew that jason was departed that she made great sorrow. This notwithstanding she was anon conseylled what she would do. & concluded sin that she had so much travailed that she would prove dame fortune & went after jason. with this conclusion all full of asper sighinges she went to the ship that should disancre for to go to Athenes and agreed with the mariner which was brought thither by force of tempest & wind and anon they disanchored & departed: and when they saw that it was calm & flew nont. they made ready their oores & rowed by the force of their arms: for at that time men used not so many sails as they do now notwithstanding they exploited in such manner that they can into the high see/ where they rowed long time/ in which time the queen Mirro became seek unto the death. & finally when they had bencertaine space of time a interuaillous orage & great wind cast 'em here & there. in such wise that fortune brought hem to the port of trace: inagre all the mariners for they were all nduertysed that it was perilous to arrive there because of the king of that country which was named Diomedes  
The king Diomedes then was a tyrant right inhuman/ and had of long time been acoustu●nted to rob all them that arrived in his royalme were hit by see or by land he was at that time soiourinng in his city named Bysance. The which was after ward called constantinoble & incontinent that this ship was arrived at the port of Bysarice. Djoinedes died hastily do arine him. & brought with him thirty. of his tyrants and in this inanee can unto the port where were arrived the two ships of athens. & assoon as he might be herd of the mariners he escried them & said. vylayns meschants & unhappy come up on high & come out of my ships▪ for ye must log in my pris●s/ or ye shall have as many strokes as ye may suffer  
When the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 jason had understand the great felony of the tyrant/ and that he saw that all the mariners tremblid for dread in such wise. that they dursie not son a word. he enhanced his heed and answered to Diomedes saying glutton miserable what demandest thou: be we not infortunate enough/ as thou semesilate us in peace. Dyomedes hearing this answer was as angry as he might be: wherefore he ꝯmanded his conplices that incontment they should avenge him of the injury that jason hath said to him in his presence. than the complices which were right asper & more ready to do evil than otherwise/ escried jason to the death & descended from thence that they were till they came to his ship upon the sand: and when the prew jason s●●●e the manner of these tyrauts: he recomforted himself the best wise he might and his mariners which were so dysconforted that they had no power to put 'em to defence/ he took his shield & held fast his good sword/ and bad them to take their vastons and arniures: & that they should defend 'em vaylliauntly and of good courage/ But in this saying the gluttons approached jason & sinote upon him with their swords right fierssy: Certes they enuayhed him on all sides by great felony/ But they could not well areche him for as much as there was between hem about a. seven. foot of water/ wherefore som of them went for to fecche a brigge of tree right strong & propice: & wherein were nails of iron/ on both sides: and they died so much as they fastened this brighe unto the ship of jason: And then they that were well asseurid three of the most vaylliannt of them mounted there upon & might go thereon a front: But w●an they supposed to have smitten upon the noble prew jaso. As vailliaunt and right asseured knight as he was/ he enuertued himself upon them by such conduit that with three strokes of his good sword that he gaf to them he made all three to tumble into the see/ where they drank so moche that they never arose but left there their life  
When the mariners of the ship saw that their lord jason defended him so vayliauntly withh the trenching of his good sword they took courage/ for they seasid their siaves/ and arniures. And enterprised the battle against their enemies for to support and help a lytyl jason/ how well they held hem gladli by hind as they that fled the strokes to their power. Certes the noble jason kept right vaylliauntly the passage of the bridge against the tyrants & furnished 'em well upon th'entry of the plank upon which they went up one after an other of whom many were hurt and slain/ There was the tyrant Dyomedes the which entremedlid him to his power. to conduit his complices and there brayed as alien/ for so much as his men might not match ne beat down the vayliaunce of the knight jason: The which alone resisted their fiersie and puissance Notwithstanding for all his great pride he ne deigned not to make any assault but by the bridge/ What shall in say you/ certes the battle dured right long between jason & the traciens. in so much that the queen mirzo herd tidings thereof: And was told to her that there was a knight in the ship of their conpanye that made so many high vaylliaunces upon the tyrants of trace: that there was never none seen like to him in prowess  
¶ when the queve mirzo understood these tidings she thought incontinent that it was jason that fought so vaylliauntly for to defend the two ships/ she had gladly advanced herself for to have see his great vasselage/ but she was so right feeble that in no wise she might lift up her heed and in like wise was her damoiselle And so long dured the terrible battle the ill party of the Traciens and of jason/ that the traciens found no more a live but xij. of. thirty that were come thither And of these. xij. seeing the death of their fellows. there was none so hardy that dursie present him to fore jason/ ne couple with h● Than the king dyomedes seyng this that said is: was so angry that he might no more be/ Than weening to do vayllyaunce & for to give courage to his complices: he went up on the plank & presented himself so far that jason salved him/ & welcometh him with such a stroke of his swords upon the highest of his helm/ that he smote him doiireversid upon the bridge and sin lift up his arm with the sword/ but the paillards tyrants as weary and recreant fsed all trembling and were so abashed when they saw their king Dyoinedes so suddenly sinetondoun. than some of his complices drewehi by the legs down from the bridge in so much that they took from hihies horn that was about his neck/ & blewe & souned it loud for to make assemble there the Cythe●eins of the city/ the which hearing the sound of the horn assembled them for to come to the rescousse of their lord/ but the tempest of the see cessed than and the mariners casied the bridge in to the water. And than when they were disanchored they departed with their ships out fro the port with at diligence. And began right joyously to row thanking their gods and the high vaylliauces of the noble knight jason that they were so escaped of the dangerous paryllies of the fellow tyrauni/ The which on that other side had so great despite & sorrow: that he seemed better amam out of his wit than other wise/ for he had not founden to fore the knights that had so moche prowess & vailliaunce as he had founden to in jason  
THe two ships than departed from trace as said is: and were four days long upon. the see. And on the fifth day they arrived at Athenes/ where jason went aland. and so died the fair Mirro/ the whice begun to wax hole of her malady. At which descent a land Mirro espied where jason took his logging: and she followed acompaynied of her damoiselle unto the time that she saw the loggig/ which was the house of an notable burgess: And than was she in great thoughts & variations for to know. whether she would log in the same logging or not/ Thus● varying in this doubt she approached the loggyse/ & sin returned again and after came again/ and finally when she saw that jason was not in the way she wentein/ & required of the bourgoys that for her money she might have a chambre in that house. Thenne the bourgoys seeing that the lady was moche weal addressed of gracious manner of speaking & otherwise/ he logged her & her damoiselle to her pleasure: And died do put the two palfreys in a siable by jasons horse/ wiche anon began to nigh assoon as he sinellïd them▪ for he knew them for asmuch as they had benlong to guider in olyferne/ & so made they great cheer each to other whereof the burgess had great marvel But thought nothing but well and gave hem hay and oats And after came to serve jason And found that his chambre was full of merchants and mariners that were comen with him on the see/ which presented him wine and meet/ and gave him great yefts of rich jewels & other strange things/ In this ehambre was with jason a man of six score year honest of his person: and always strong and habyle: the which seeing this made to jason came unto the host and demanded him: who was this yongknight to whom men dydeso moche honour. but the burgess and ancient man asked one of the mariners of this matter And the mariner said/ that he was the best/ the most virtuous and the most vayllyaunt knight of the world: and that they gaf to him these presents/ for as much as by his high prowess he had preserved them from the tyranny and danger of the king Dyomedes and of his complices. And so moche said the mariner of jaso/ that they judged him with his maintain & semblance to be a noble knight & vailliaunt. Among these devices the merchants ● mariners took their leave of the prew jason & offered them to his commandment/ & after rejourned unto their houses: & anon after that they were goon. the burgess died do cover the table: which was covered of the yefts. and jason would that the knight should sit first be cause of his age & ancient/ for in that time men held the ancient & aaged men in moche great reverence and honour  
But in this present time it goth all otherwise. the young men presume to go & sit above old & ancient men. & mock & scorn them that been come to great age saying/ that they be feeble of their members of their intendment and of nature. and there by many children. that done their sader to understand that they be fools/ willing to have in governance the pour old men/ not pour but rich. For it is great richesse to amam when that honourably may amass and bring his days unto the degree of old age/ and yet been their children that don worse/ for they desire and wish their faders and mods ded/ and serve 'em with things contrary to their health & life. the which is greatest treasure that amam may have as to worldly goods. Ha a how many been there of them in these days I see all most non other: for the young people may not here the doctrine of the old men: and ween that they been so wise/ that men need not to show them any wisdom: & also they been unkind and full of ingratitude▪ in so much that if they knew any thing where with they might dishonour them they would do it: & they resenible unto the son of no which by derision showed the secret membres of his father Alas what cursed & blind young the was that ●or to come again unto our matter the noble jason set him down at the table by the ancient knight▪ & after that the host & hostess which often time exhorted jason to make good ●here. but jas●n might neither stene drink. for certes he died nothing but think▪ & spoke not one word but if he were demanded or araisoned. Afther souper when the table was voided jason & ancient knight were laid in one chambre: where were two beds: & whanjaso was laid he began to sigh in such wise & of so inward sorrow of his heart/ that it seemed that the so wle should depart from the body/ wherefore the ancient knight that was lodged in that other bed by: ●●ght not sleep/ ● thought right well in himself that ●ason was not at his ease. and when he had long hearkened his sighs & herd that they encry●●d always more & more. he might no lenge● tarry but he must speak/ and said in this manner/ Sir knight I have great marua●lle of you Wherefore said jason: for as much said ancient knight. that your sighe● & bewailinge●iuge to me that ye are in the bed of death/ how well by a● that I see ● comprise in you/ it seemeth not by the sight o● the eye that ye be seek for your colour is fress● a● roose in may. is it not the●e great merua●●e for to here you sigh/ yes certain/ ha ● sit knight answered then jason. if ye judge the disposition o● my body after the colour of my face ye be greely abused for j have a sickness & malady right secret which shall first s●ee me e● my face be stained or discoloured I am all certain; Sir said th auncient knight/ ye hold a great rame of despair: it is consiraynt said jason  
Certes sireknight answered the old knight. If ye will live what some ever sickness ye have or malady/ ●ut you in my hinds & cure/ and j make me strong for to hele & make you hole. I trow sir knight ansnerde jason that it is not in your cunning and power that to do/ ner in all th● sub●lte of a●●e the men mortal ¶ Than answered the ancient knight: be ye seek of the malady of love/ where of no man may remedy but your lady ●a asire knight ●suerde jason tha▪ who hath tol● you/ me thinketh that ye oppsse me so sore that I must confess to you my caas: And so I declare to you/ that j am so much smeten with the pestilence of love/ that j may not live ne endn●e ne ●te ne drink ne res●e nightne day/ In good faith answered ancient knight/ ye dare not be afeard of death sin that ye have none other infirmity. For the malady that proceedeth of love is so gracious/ that ●it putteth noman to death. Certes the sickness is of great ensoigne and pain But it is a malady whereof men recoure Sir said than jason. If j die not of bodili death. j shall die of spiritual death for it is in no wise possible that never in this world j shall have plasirs or solace/ and than shall j not be deed. Alas I must needs/ ye truly of the most anguyss●yst death that ●ny man may endure. Sire answered thancient knight/ ye tell me right great marvels. j tell you ●routh saith jason: ●or j am so infortunate in love & so much unhappy and have in myself so lipyl of valeu●. that j am ashamed and hountouse to live. And would that j were there. where j shall be. v. hundred year here after with out any respite  
When ancient knight vn●stode that jason was in so moche & bitter despair: he had pite of him/ & said to him for a little to comfort him Certes gentle knight j know well myself & understand of this merchandise that of your love ye have not enyoyed your first desire & will/ but j would fain know if any man hath doen you wrong of your lady. or elliss if this malady cometh & proceedeth by the rigour of her. Certes gentle knight answered jas●. all my mischief proceedeth of the great rigour of my lady & by the ●alour & simpleness of me. for j have sernid that fair lady in a moche dangerous war that her mortal enemies m●de to her not long sin ● the most diligat wise that j could or might/ & after whanshe was at her above of her aduersaire●. j have required her of her grace that she would be my lady in love/ but she hath not willed to see in me so much virtue ne so much valour that she would accord her to my request. and thus I have therefore my life in great hate & see none other remedy that/ but j fall in despair  
Fair sire answered th auncient knight have not ye oft times herd say▪ that one lost & two recovered/ if it be so that a woman hath made of you refuse/ by your faith shall ye therefore be such a fool as for to fall in despair. Considere ye not that there be enough of other: and if ye have not enough of one. j shall make you to have a dosayne: there is no great dearth ne scarcete of women/ Certes ●f ye remember you well. ye shall say tha● they cracce out men's eyen: & therefore all this well ●siderid if your lady set little by you/ do the same to her & seche another without long tarrying. Certes sir knight said jason/ when I have well marked and take heed of your words. ye speak after your pleasure/ These been things that may better be said than exploited. Certayu said the ancient knight j tell to you the secret and the very history: I w●l well that every man be amorous andlove/ but that he have two strenges on his ●owe And that noman put him so fersorth in love/ but that he may withdraw high in time and in season. women one & other properly to speak ●en malicious in her works. and this proceedeth that each of them address other of s●che councey●● exhort and of favour. Men say: that the most orguilloust and proudest creature that is. is the devil/ and next after him 〈◊〉 the woman/ and next after is the fool that is ouer●uydaunt. for pride cometh not but of▪ folly and so much weening. Some women there be that ●●ste have one amerous man/ to whom they keep 'em truly. Other be many that be full of words and le●e their ●●ris to all the world. Other love to have acye and tokens ●d they make like signs also far as they may not speak to hem: Other there been that been more pray●● and requyrid for to enyoye them ●o to have their grace. than the gods been for to have their fair paradise▪ For tabregge and shortly conclude: Certes gentle knyght● they be well happy that have not to do with them money such recepts/ and they be fools that have to do moche with 'em/ for he that may p●sse from them/ may do no better than to withdraw him far from'hem in fleing the places/ and all the circumstances: Sire answered than jason I suppose and think well that ye could say moche better if ye voolde/ first as to the regard for to have. ij. strings on his ●owe/ That is to understand: two ladies. certes it is not possible that he that so doth. may be ●s●●●t in his works ne in his thoughts/ for no man may well serve. ij. masters. for that one corrumpeth that other/ Thenne it is so/ that if a noble man for to advance himself in worship may do no better thenne for to cheese an honourable lad● which he may love truly secretly and so perfaytly that he fear and dread to do● any thing but that it be honest in all things ●d of ●ecom̄andaciō●or all ladies desire nothing but honour and high ●enommce it is their proper vocation and their natural condition. thenne how shall he have desir of honour that is no true lover/ for he that is double is to moche outrew and falls. and if any weal or honour happen to come to him/ it is against reason/ right/ and good equy●e: and if there be any such. certes they be not worthy to lyves seen that the ladies been of ●o parfounde excellē●●. that the least of all is worthy to have the best knight of all the world. And for that cause say no more: that ● take two cords or striges on my ●owe: For certainly I had liefer to receive and passee the destrayt of death  
When ancient knight had understand thanswer of ●ason/ he was much abashed & said to him: that he would never hold that way ne purpose. wherefore fair sire said ●ason. for asmuch said the knight that men should mocque him/ for j suppose well to know that if right now ye should cheese of two thingesone/ That is to we●e to receive death/ or else cheese a new ladi. that ye would more soon the lady than the death. & for good cause Certes there been plenty of amoreusis that sustain and swear/ that for to sane th'honour of their ladies. they would attend & take the death/ But I suppose if they saw the death come they would no more abide him thenne the quail abideth the sparrowhawk/ and for al●● these raysonns above said I council you that ye leave this errors and opinions. and recomfort yourself the best wise ye can in your malady ●or by mine advise I believe not that you● pain be mortal: and I have not herd say that evyr any man amorous by malady of love lost his life: But if he went out of his mind:  
_●asō with these words could no more reply●que for he apperceived that he could not make his matter goodner maintain it against the old knight/ and thu●ending their parliament/ he s●epte unto the time it was nigh day. And thenne jason awoke & begun to make new sighs inso moche/ that ancient knight heard it again. how well that he was a s●epe & was suddenly awaked And thenne when jason knew that he was awaked he salued him and gaf him good morrow and said to him/ Sire knigt because of your great ageye have seen moche thing in your tyme. ● demand you by your faith if ye have knowledge in dreams/ wherefore axe ye answered the knight. For asmuch said jason. as j have not cessed this night to dream. By my loyalty ●ayr sire answered the good old knight/ if ye have dreamed any thing that have need of exposition or any interpretation: there is no man ● grece that shall better answer thereto: thenne myself: and therefore without any doubt. Tell me plainly your dream. and I shall expow●e to you the substance. Certes sire knight said jason/ j had a marvelous dream this night. which in manner of a pass temps j shall declare to you/ for as moche as ye are cunning in the science of thexpositionexposition thereof/ which dream or vision was thy●: Me thou▪ ghte that j saw. ij. swans/ which were right fair in a medo we. of whom that one was a male: and that other a female: The male came unto the female & made semblant for to have accompanied with her. the female set nought there by. but withdrew her aback/ And when the mal● saw that/ he entered unto a gyver that was by: and passed over/ and can & a lie with me here in this bed/ and it was not long after/ but me thought that the female passed the gyver in like wise/ and came unto the chambre door and made many pietous cries after her nature that the male might not here for he was asleep/ And so had I much great pity for the sorowfulllchere that she made in so much that j awoke/ and no more I saw/ wherefore I wot never what to think  
When the ancient knight had well understand along the dream of the prew jason he said to him in this manner: Sir knight what will ye say if that noble lady for whom ye suffer so moche sorrow be as moche or more amorous of you as ye be of her. And by this love she be comen in to this house after you/ Ha a sir knight answered jason/ I have no charge of that stroke/ for my lady is so noble and so endowed of so high beauty that she setteth nought by any man in the world/ A●e way fair sir said ancient knight your dream signifieth by these two swans Of whom would make the battle or th'enterprise that desireth company of the female that ye have willed to be husband to your lady. The which would not here you. and nevertheless when she hath known that/ ye entered on the see. she entered after in semblable wise. and is comés after you into this proper house/ where by adventure she is in moche great pain for the love of you: In this fashion may I prenosticque & divine this work after the nature of your dream  
●ason with these words began to sigh right ardanntly and said. what is this: and fro whence cometh to me this fantasy that may more grieve me thenne help/ I know well that it is a great abuse to me for to think and have a renovelement of pain and of sorrow O what pain is to a tree we lovar infortunate for to be in continual martyr. Ha a my dear lady why have ye not the eyen so clear for to behold with in my heart and know in what martyrdom I am/ In what sorrow. and in what anguish. Certes madame your eyen basilique have hurt me unto the death O what distress O what guerdon for good service: I find me in the hands of right hard death But yet for to pass the sooner my sorrow. j shall pray the gods that j may be eurews after my great unhappiness. Thenne the sage and ancient knight Mopsius hearing the noble prew jason thus sorrowfully complain himself and lamenting: in favour of noblesse was greatly enyoyed in courage. and for so much he said to him in this manner. For god's sake sir knight leave and go out of this fantasy. for to much to muse in infortune is nothing profitable A man with great travail and labour bringeth his days to an end having his life traversed in many contrary things. There is no man so ewrous & happy that hath all way his will Certes te thyme must be taken as it cometh. is it hard or soft The heart of a man should not abash ● no thing Me seemeth we have spoke ynowh of love. spray you that from hens forth we may entte into an other purpose/ And that ye would tell to me your name and the place of your buyrth/ & the name of your house and dwelling place Veritably sir knight answered jaso than: If there be any man that may redress and give comfort to a desolate heart and discomforted ye be he most propice above all other: I have founden so much goodness in you that if ye will tell me your name with out any fault/ I shall tell you mine also/ Fair sire answered ancient knight/ your desire is to me agreeable: in such wise that I shall recompre to you my life and all mine asiate more than any man that I have seen this. vj. score year/ Know ye than that my name is Mopsius The god nppollo was my father/ j am king of Sylice. I have conquered the coutre Pamphile. I have had two sons And when they were come to man's age/ I have made them possessors of my lands/ & sin I am departed in such estate as ye me now see j have been in the world. vi. score year/ during which time I have seen & have lerdned plenty of good & strange works. praying you and require that ye show to no person mine estate ne conditions by no fashion of the world/ and when so is that ye speak to me that ye name ne call me none other name but Mopsius openly ne collectly: and for diverce cause/ Mopsius answered than the noble jason/ sin it so pleaseth you to be named & called. j promise you upon my honour that in so much as toucheth that ye have said. it shall beholden secret in mine heart also fast & such manner as ye had closed it in the most hard roche of the world/ & to the regard to say to you how j am named know ye for certain that I am called jason/ & am borne of the province of thessaile son of the gentle king Aeson of Mirmidone that yet liveth as j suppose. but he is moche auncieun. With these words Mopsius for to make jason for to forget his melancolyes. he began to demand him of the nature of the royalme of myr●●done & of the countries about. ad after demanded him of the birth of his age and of his adventures/ and after this he inquired of him many other things unto the time that they began to rise & make 'em ready. but what thing that jason said or harkened. he had always his thought on his lady and sighed oft times out of measure.  
When the two noble kinghtes were risen and clad in point. jason went straight in to the stable to his horse. whom he loved well: but incontinent when he had been there a lytil & that he had perceived the. ij. palfroyes of the lady & of the bastille/ hisem●d that he had seen them to fore tyn● Thenne he called the servant of the stable & demanded of him to whom tho two horses belonged Thenne the servant answered that they appertained to two damoiselles that were logged there with inn: Truly friend said jnson what damoiselles that ever they be: The two horses belong to my lady best beloved/ & when the good ancient knight understood jason he said to him. jason remember ye of your dream j take it on my life that your lady is in this house/ or else the damoiselles been here for her the which shall say to you good tidings. Without any other question or answer jason departed incontment from the slable/ and went unto the hostess. ● when he had boden to her good morrow he said to her Fair hostess/ know ye the two damosels that belongged here in. Certes sir knight answered the hostess I know 'em none other wise but as me seemeth that they been gentle women & comen of a good house/ Is it possible that I may see 'em said jason j wot never said thosts/ se but j first demand them. Fair hostess said than jason j require you that j may see them/ And that ye will go say that here is a knight their serimin̄t that hath great desire to speak with them  
The good hostesie for to do playsit unto jason. went unto the two damoiselles and said to them My fair mistresses in come to you in the name and at the request of a gentle knight he saying your servant. the which requireth you/ that of your grace it would please you that he might speak with you/ And advise you what it shall please you that I answer to him. But incontinent that the Queen Myrro had herd her hostess speak of the request of the knight. Certes the colour began to change meruailloussy/ and her thought that all her body wasesprised with fire/ But this no withstanding she held her countenance the best wise she might/ And how well that she doubted of the coming of the pren jason/ and that she was than in a trance what she should say to her/ yet answered and said. fair deign: who is that knight that hath sent you hither/ Certes said the hostess/ I saw him never to fore that I wot of/ But to my seeming he is the most gentle & the most well made of body and also most courteous that any man may or can find or speak of/ Danie said thenne the fair Mirro/ sin that he is so virtuous & so well accomplished ns ye say: do high to come hither. With these words the good hostess died do jason come unto the chambre/ And thenne assoon as he came in. he beheld the noble Queen which was tight shamefast/ and having the heart shit and ravished made unto her the reverence & salued her And the fair mirro welcomed & salued him again much curtoissy/ This done they entered into devices: and thenne after certain words jason said to the queen in this manner  
●ertes my dear lady j had not known that ye had been in this hostelrye ne had ●bē your two palfroys Which j have this morning found in the stable by my horse. and yet when I had seen and known them j had not supposed that ye had been in this house/ how well when j understood that the two passroyes belonged to you Oamoiselles/ weening that here had been two of your damoiselles I am comen for to here tidings of you: Certes sire knight j doubt not the contrary/ and in like wise j had not supposed ner thought to have founden you now here: & I declare to you that j am departed secretly for to go a pilgrimage: where I have promised long sin accompanied o●●● with this danjoy sell. & j avo w●● so to go in the most strength of the war: and j have great me●●nylle for to see you now here. For without doubt j had supposed that ye had been this our in olyferne at your rest  
●adame answered jason I have none hope that ever ye shall see me more in ●●●●erne/ Certes jason fair sire●● 〈◊〉 and moche fwift in your works/ I have good will and great desire for to reward & content you of the good & agreeable services that ye to fore this time have done to me during my war in persecuting and delivering of my morbell enemies/ and yfye resoume not to Olyferns/ I may not ner can not do reward and content you/ Ha a my dear lady answered than jason As j said you that other day in your yalays: I have not served you in such wise as j have could best do/ for menoye or other movable gods. but I have employed myself only for to gefe your love & your godde grace: I have paternal richesses largely/ and therefore j say to you so moche/ that if so be that ye grant not me your love: ye may not content me. And know ye certainly that after this day ye shall never see me For as your tree we lover and humble servant quamnguer donned. I shall go withdraw me into some desert. be wailing and weeping that part after you. And unto my death j will do none other wise. wherefore I you supply with all my heart that pity may enter into your noble courage: in such wise that on me your power suppliaunt/ ye have pity and mercy/ and else of me ye shall never see good.  
When the noble lady had understand that said is/ She answered to the prew jaso in this manner. Certes sir knight there is no heart of lady so hard/ but by the virtue of your requests musie needs be softed and molefied/ ye have sernid mehyely & well in all tronth & loyalty/ In all valiance & diligence: ● confess knowledge it ye require me as I under stand that I should be your w●f and felaw/ a more greater thing ye may not demand me. ne that more me toncheth. Nevertheless when j apperceive your great and good valour. to th'end that ye have no cause for to fall in despair j am content for to accord myself unto your prayers & requests. for seen always that ye shall go into your country: And there ye shall assemble your most next parents and friends. which ye shall bring into my city that in their presence ye shall wed and spouse me solemnly.  
The noble and vayllaunt knight jason thanked the fair myrro of this good answer. and promised to her to do and accomplish truly all that she had desired. that is to weet that he should go into myrinidone for tassemble his friends & allies and that he should return into oliferne to mary and wed her in their presence▪ But when the damoiselle that was comen with the queen for to hold her company/ heard such or seniblable promesses made by her mistress/ which was so well comen to the point of her desire: she was replenished with isolation & yoye/ & forthwith she came between the. ij. lovers and said to then that she called all the gods to witness and thanked them for this alliance. Certes than said the fair Myrro. ●yn that ye have done so moche/ I would well that we had leisure and place for to make good cheer together/ but as me seemeth it may not now goodly be done/ for in no wise j would not been beknown: but it behoveth for mine honour & whorship. that jason depart from hens incontinent with out longer tarrying/ to th'end that none speak of us but all we'll: and we shall go secretli to the port for to get us some good mariner. which shall bring us unto our secret pilgrimage  
Ia●o the noble prince hearing the fair mirro so ordain and conclude of their sudden departing begun to make simple cheer/ for he was ●ore abashed & sorrowful in such wise to love his lady/ whom he saw endowed with so high ●tues. Certes he had intention to have told to the queen a part of his sorrow & bewailings/ that he had made for her sake: But she would in no wise here him: but smile she took her leave in so moch that jason embraced & kissed her once or twice. finably he departed from thence promitting her that in short time he should return unto her again & assoon as he was departed & go his way the fair. Mirro & the damoisel died do saddle their horses/ & road to the port where they took their shipping & went to the see  
¶ For tabregge our history without 〈◊〉 auē●ire that aught to be remembered their mariner exploited in such wys● with help of the good wind that he had. that in short time he delivered the queen Mirro and her damoiselle in olyferne: where they tarried after jason right long and in right great annoy and displaisi● as it shallbe said along & declared here after/ But now j shall rest to speak of thee▪ fair Myrro and of her feats for this present time/ & shall recount of the conduit of jason: which de●ied fro the presence of his lady as said▪ js: & returned with all diligence unto mopsius the good old knight right joyous/ & said to him: what was happened of his dream evyry thing. and that he had herd of his lady good tidings: how well he declared not to him that he had spoken to her in her proper person. But he made him understand that ij. of her damoiselles had promised to him and sworn that if he would go into oliferne accompanied of his kinsmen and friends that they should do so much anent his lady that she should espouse and wed him and that she should crown him king of her country/ And for so moche said jason that I have taken affiance in the promise of these two damoiselles▪ j shall go into my country for tassemble my friends and kinsmen in the most goodly and hasty wise j shall mow and I shall not cease unto the time I shall come to the above of my love wherein I have good hoop  
How peleus brother of king Eso of myrmidone & damoiselle of jason went unto the temple of Apollo. & how he had answer that the first man that he met with an hose on that one foot & none on that other should impeach him of the royalme of myr● midone which he had ●npposid to have enjoyed   

THus as jason rehearseth these tidings unto the good & ancient knight mopstus/ the son of the king of that cite named the seus came unto them there. Which was advertised by the merchants: that jason had saved by his vaylliaunce: and delivered from the furor and tyranny of the perurrse king dyoinedes/ And from as far as he had espied jason he knew him. For he had seen him tofore at the wedding▪ of perytheon. And thenne he saluwed him with great cheer: The prew jason rendered again joyously his saluing unto teseus. And when they had each other welcomed theseus brought jason & Mopsius for the love of jason unto the king his father/ which was named Egeus. & when the said king saw jason/ he died hem much great honour & worship for his high renomee. and fested him in diverce manners. and jason desired nothing safe to return unto his country: and thanked him of the worship that he had down to him and of his right good cheer. and ●yn took leave of the king. of Theseus. and of mopsius. the which knowing that he was right noble and right vayllaunt knight said to him. that they would go with him. and hold him copanye unto his country. whereof the noble prew jason desired them that they should abide and not go with him/ for he would not go the right way/ But this was for nought: for they said plainly that they would hold their promise And jason witted not what to say. but accorded to them that they should go to guider unto Myrmidone  
jason thenne Theseus and Mopsius departed from Athenes at three: and died so moche by land & by water/ without any adventure dign of memory/ that they came unto the city of Myrmidone where was yet living the noble king Aeson. Peleus came thenne against the noble prew jason: and welcomed him with his body but not with his heart. making great sign to be right joyous of his returning. And brought him unto his father the old king/ which was greatly comforted of the coming of his dear son jason. And when the noble prew jason had made the reverence unto the king his father. the king demanded him of his tidings/ and where he had been & what he had done. jason without taking on him any vain glory of any high and great work that he had done & brought to end. answered to him by great humility saying. Dear sir I come now straight from the service of the noble queen Mirro/ which is lady of the noble city of olyferne: & the most sage/ the most fair. and the most discre●e that is in the remnant of at the world/ and at such time as j arrived in her court/ she was in a mereayllous tribulation by the right puissant king of Esklavonye/ which made her war of fire and of blood. for so much n●she would in no wise consent to take him to her husband. But sin my coming to that part and that I had charge as heed and as conductor of her men j enterprised to sustain the quarrel of the noble lady/ And in three battles where I was accompanied of her people. the gods have given us victory upon the Esclavons. in such manner that the king himself and the most part of his men have been slain and smitten in pieces And among all other there was in the host of the said king of Esclavonye/ a marvelous and puissant man/ a geant named Corfus: The which had put to death many a good goodknight of olyferne. With whom I fought body against body. not by my strength that was in me. but by desire to get the worship and honour. and to do that thing that might bring me in to the grace of that noble lady. whom j put to utterance by the virtue of the great beauty. of her. and to her appertaineth the right worship and honour And sin that in have said to you so moche/ and that it is reason that ye know all: I declare to you that I come now to you in entemcion. that my kinsmen & friends be assembled for to hold me company to go and wed her so high and so noble a lady/ the which is content to be my wife/ foreseen that I should espouse & wed her hononrably asit appertaineth to the daughter of a king. For by these conditions been the promises made and accorded.  
The noble and ancient king Aeson hearing these tidings had much more joy at his heart thenne he had afore and said. Certes my deer son I am right joyous of thy weal and worship▪ of thy profit and of thine advancement. I think well that fortune hath been socourable to the noble lady/ to whom thou hast been servant. but with right great pain may I believe that thou alone hast vay●●uyssh●d the giant. and if it be so j thank the gods/ but late it pass forth. & if thou hast gotten the grace of her so fair & so noble lady j have no great marvel there of: for love ● such a caas beholdeth no person And never the less to th'end that thou know how j desire above all thing of the world to see multiplication in thy seed. j shall array thence to the son of a king is lawful & appertaining: and j shall send the so well in point of abillemens' of war & of noble men accompanied/ that by raison she ought have suffisance Thenne the prew jason thanked the king his fad of this good answer: And at that time they spoke no more of the matter/ but intended to feast Mopsius and Theseus. whom they prayed to tarry. and accompany jason unto the day of his wedding and the two good knigtes promised that they should so do: and so they were greatly feasted of the king and of his nobles/ and also of Peleus which died it again his heart making a feigned cheer  
Among many devices Mopsius & Theseus recounted of jason thau●ture that he had in Trace against the tyrant king Dyomedes and likened jason for his vayliaunce & ability unto his fellow Hercules/ which was the most strong man and best assured that was under the clouds: And because ●f his high preysinges and recomendations the bruit of prew jason augmentid and encresid from day to day: And it is not to be unremembered that thenuie of the untrue peleus grew so terribly that he by no fashion might ne conude have no rest day ne night. in so much that in the coming again of noble jason he was advertised that in the isle of delphos the god Apollo gave answers of things that were to come and of all destinees: wherefore he went himself into that isle and entered into the temple annoyed marvelously and pensif. & when he had made his orison by great devotion & ꝯsequently his demand for to know whether ever he should eniyoe the royalme of mirmidone. The devil which was in the idol that heard him/ answered to high that the royalme should be taken from him by the hand of a man that he should meet having none hose ner shoe/ ō that one foot Peleus hearing this hard answer was marvelously abashed. & departed from thence so passing sorrowful. that he seemed better a man nourished in all his life in sorrow or condemned to cruel death than any other wise: as it shall be declared here after a long  
As thenne Peleus was in this returning unto Mirmidone always conspiring the death of the right noble j a so. & imagining how he might resist his miserable & foolish destiny/ a good old knight met him on the way. This knight begun to behold him in his plain visage and the salutation of them both given & rendered And knowing that he was moche pensif & full of melancolies/ he devised to him of many things & marvels of the world And among all other devices he said to him. that in a isle standing upon the East see/ was a much rich & noble mutton or sheep having his flees all of fyn gold. the which was not possible to be conquered And that many vailaunt knights had lost there their life These devices taken an end. the two knights departed each from other: and thenne peleus reentring into his melancolyes thinking moche on the answer that he had received of the god Apollo. and concluded in himself that if it happened that he meet jason barfoot on that one foot: he should find the manners if he might to send him into the isle: whereof the knight had told him/ that the rich mutton or flees of gold was: to th'end that he might be there devoured and never return again What shall j say more/ the perverse & untrue peleus passed forth on his way in such ꝯspirations against jason/ and came so far that he found his nephew jason in a meadow by myrmidone  
Certes the noble jason and Theseus were thenne in a meadow with many noble bachelors of the country: passing her time in making plenty of diverce esbatements & plays in strength of body. as wrestling/ leping: running/ casting the bar or stone or drawing the bow. & when jason saw his uncle peleus come/ he went to him sore to welcome him. and was unhosed & unshoed on his right foot. and made to him the reverence: And thenne peleus: which was in doubt of him apperceived anon his foot bare: how well he said not a word/ but showed a right great sign of love unto his nephew jason. which thought nothing of the malice & fellow courage of his uncle which was garnisshid of hypocrisy/ of treason & of all evil And sin passed forth saying to himself/ that jason should put him out of the royalme But if he found some remedy. and that briefly▪ As ye may understand peleus returned right sorrowful & dolannt & right desirous for to destroy and do to death his nephew jason: he frowned in this wise and boat on this lip a great while: after he be thought him & concluded in himself that he would do ordain & make a rich dinner: to which he would do call all the nobles of the royalme and of the countries by and adjacent/ saying that he would show unto his nephew jason all that he had herd recounted of the noble mutton or sheep of gold. to th'end that he should enterprise for to go to conquer it. And when he had made this deliberation in his courage/ he sent for to pray & to somone the most part of the nobles of the royalme and the countries by/ Which came gladly unto this feste: & assembly at the day to them signified. Certes this Peleus died do garnish this dinner with all viands and noble meats delicious and with beaurages and drinks sumptuous composed with spices. But when all was ready the most high baronns were set at the first tables And among all other nobles: there was the noble Hercules/ and thenne after sat every man after his estate/ and thus after they began on all parties to make great cheer/ and spoke of many things▪ and inespecial of the high vaylliances of the prew & noble Hercules. and of the monsters and cruel beasts that he had destroyed and put to death by his vaylliaunce and hardiesse. And thus passed the dinner in such or semblable devices unto the end that peleu● came to fore jason. and said to him in the presence of many Kings Barons & knights in this manner.  
jason my dear lord and nephew ye are the man of the world that I love best next after the king Eson my brother your father/ know ye that I have in mi heart great joy for to have herd the preysinges and Recommendations of the vailliaunt knight Hercules. whom I see here present For the terrible beasts/ for the monsters/ and for the great and strong giants/ of whom he had delivered the world of. by his vaisselage: But when I behold your great puissance corporal/ and that next after her/ cules ye be one of the most strongest membrid/ best asseurid and one of most vaylliauntest knights that liveth/. it greatly displeaseth me in my heart that fortune hath not give place/ where your puissance and valour may be showed. and that your bruit & renomee is not so great as I desire/ I would it had cost me the most part of the goods the gods have sent me in this world/ & that ye were comen to your above of an enterprise and conquest that j know/ we in a place. the which should be much honourable and recommanded for you & for your lineage Certes fair uncle answered jason. I than/ ke you greatly of your good will toward me. j know right well that of ten times ye have highly counseled me to mine honour and worship/ and therefore if ye know any adventure or enterprise to be poursiewed and brought to the end where in j▪ might employ my tyme. j require you that I shall do as much as in me shall be possible to do to come ●o mine above of honour and worship to me and of our house.  
Certes fair sire jason answered the disloyal and untrue peleus/ I take a great pleasure to see your good will/ which proceedeth of an noble courage: and for so moche as I know that ye are a knight of high enterprise/ know ye that in the parties oriental is an isle enclosed round about with the see: In the which there is so noble and rich sheep or mutton of such nature/ that in stead of f●ese of w●lle. he is endowed with a f●ese all of fyn gold. But he is kept with certain beasts so cruel & so fires/ that there hath been no man so hardy or so well assured unto this present time that durst approach the noble mutton or sheep of goold: if thenne there be in you so much valour and prowess/ that ye might conquer the rich f●●es or this sheep. me thinketh your renomee should grow greatly in honour and worship Which is the thing above all other that every noble heart desireth: & in troth me ought desire no thing so much. for honour is the principal treasure above all other and the sovereign recommendation that any gentle man may get and aught more to be desired thenne any worldly thing: To this answered jason. by all our gods fair uncle I am much beholden to you in many manners For j know and am certain verily/ that honour ought to be preferred and put to fore all worldly things/ and to th'end that men may see the great affection and desire to get worship is so nigh my● heart/ and that the covetous desire of glory and honour be not in me reputed feignedly/ I make here a solemn avow unto the gods & promise here in the presence of all the nobles that been here assembled. that j shall never cease to labour to seche the rich sheep or fsese of gold unto the time that I shall have founden it/ and that I shall d●o the utterest of my power for to conquer it/ what some ever danger or peril fall or hap to me in the con●●st ¶ When Peleus had heard this a●●we he was much joyous: & him seemed that the work went well forth in so much that him thought & supposed by this me●e for to come to the above of his desire. Certes the noble & prew Hercules & Theseus preisid much jason of his enterprise And forthwith in feat they vowed in like wise that if jason achieved not his enterprise that they should put hem in anchor for to bring it to an end & during this dinner they spoke long & devised moche of the manner of the vow of jason & above all other pe leus was so glad and yoyous that he prolonged and held great solemn feast eight days long/ and advertised the king Aeson of the right noble enterprise of his son jason. always Aeson notwithstanding thenterprise/ was dangerous & mortal. yet was sie well content that his son should achieve his avow: ¶ For tabregge the matter peleus sent for many workmen for to make a ship/ & among all other there was one named Argos the which ordained to high one so fair & so subject a work that never was seen such/ and was calud Argyne because of argoes  
Certes this Argos was a passing wise man and virtuous. and me●pecial he was the most learned & expert mariner that was in that time in all grece. And when this ship was made he advertised peleus & jason also which was as glad & joyous as he might be. for all that ever was necessary for him he fond it ready and the ship arrayed and ready for to depart. Theūe jason took leave of the king his father & of his uncle peleus. And so died the noble Hercules Theseus & Mopsius & other unto the number of an hundred knights of grece/ which would accompany jason in this voyage/ and this licence & congee taken with all diligence they entered in to the ship the hole. C. knights/ & when the good patron argoes had disanchored from the port where the ship had been made/ which port was named Seferre: he died so much diligence that he brought this noble company upon the high see/ where argos sailed with 'em many days always sailing toward the east after the sight of the stars & of the son: and so long he conduy●ed 'em in this point that victuals begun to fail them/ & were ●strained by force to go a land at the first port of frigye named Thenadon: which standeth nigh unto troy the grannde. of whom Laomedon was king. which used great rudesse unto jason & to the knights of his company. & this evil fill upon him afterward & upon his subjects/ He was not greatly to be complained as it shall be declared along here after in this present volume   

¶ How the king Laomedon of Troy would not suffer Iasōne his company descend on the land/ & how the queen Ysiphyle received them  
IN this pace saith one history that Argos the good and subtle mariner made and ordained all things that failed unto the noble ship where the noble knight was in under sail. And the wind blewe there in at their will. h●● was about x. of the clock afore none/ the fair son shone clear & spread his rays upon the land/ & the weather was soft and well disposed. And at that time moche people were upon the banks of the see which beheld from far the noble ship of the Greeks. which a● said is ca● that time the sail displayed and set upon a hy●e: and sailed fast in his course upon the see whereof they were so sore amarveled/ that they wist not what thing it might be: In so much that some of them were so sore afeard/ that they fled in to Troy. And the other abode at the port abiding thaventureadventure. They that fled to wite in troy went unto the puissant king Laomedoun/ and said to high all be wep●e and drowned in teeris proreding of great fe●● and dread/ that they had apperceived from far in the feera great monster lifting him self meruayllous●y swimming andren andren ning upon the water more swiftly: than an horse could run on the ●●●inde or on the land. And affirmed to the king Laomedon by their faith that this monster without comparisonn was more to double & fear than the monster that hercules had slain by his high vaillyaunce. Certes in this said country to fore that time Hercules had slain a monster also great as a wale/ as it is plainly contained in th'history of hercules When the king Laomedon had heard these tidings rehearsed: he was all abashed/ Thenne he made one of his knights to take an horse a ●swift as the wind: and s●te him to thenadon for to ask and inquire of the troth. What thing it might be that the people were so sore afeard of. And in such wise exploited the knight that he can to the port of thenadon●& there he found the prew jason & his knights of Grece. but first he espied argoes that ankred his ship right nyghh to thenedon̄●and went not into the town for asmuch as it was no need/ ●siderīg that they were nigh the city of Troy/ which was so great in magnificence that there was no like in the remnant of the world/ he inquired first of the habitaunts and dwellers of the country if they had seen any such monster on the see: Thenne the men of the country answered to the knight. that they had seen no such monster upon the see/ & they that had brought such tidings to Troy were greatly abused to have seen any monster/ & that there was none other thing but Turrian ship of grece sailling on the see in the which by their advise were great number of knights of Grece Right well in point of arms. and such things as should be needful and necessary for them to enter into bataille  
When the knight of troy had understand all that said is he descended of his horse & went a foot unto the knights of Grece: To whom he demanded what they sought & had to do in that country Than jason answered to the knight that great necessity of vitaylle for ●o traverse into far countries caused them for to take their port there and none other thing. Incontinent when the knight had understand these tidiges he returned and took his horse and rood unto the king his lord & recounted to him all that he had exploited. Than the king Laomedon thus advertised of the descent of the knights of Grece & understood that they were descended for to vytaille their ships/ imagined anon. that they were espies: which Hercules had sent thither for tespye the roiaume. wherefore he renuoyed & sent again the knight unto the greeks and commanded them straightly. that they dispose them with all diligence for to depart out of his land. and to go elliss where to seek vytailles if they had need: And if they departed not sodaynli & disanchored & took some other way/ he should come with his puissance in Arms upon them so mightily that never after they should have will for tespie royalme cite castle ne country  
Than when jason and his fellowship had herd thexpresse and rude commandment of the Trojan king They were sore displeased and not without cause. for as much as they must needs depart/ Than the noble jason for the better: answered curtoyssy unto the knight/ and showed him that they were not comen thither for to espy the royalme ne the cities/ castles ne country of the king Laomedom ne of none other. when herculs heard th'answer of jason which high seemed was to benign considering how Laomedon had commanded them. he might not hold his peace but took the words from jason and said to the knight in this manner. know thou knight sin that Laomedon as vylayn of heart and banished from all noblesse hath refused to jason of Myrnndone victuals for his money/ that there shall descend in short time at the parts of this country men in the name of jason: and that in so great number that all his roiaume. his cities. towns and castles shall be put in such ruin and perplexite that in thirty year after shall not be founden a stone ner no corn shall be erid ●e sown: Fair lords thenne answered the knight of troy. j am sorry that ye at not better content with the king my lord and that he hath not received you other wise in his country/ And ye know well. that where curtoysie is showed it bleveth not unrecompensid. ne Rigour in like wise but if it be remembered▪ and for as much as I am a mesfager. j shall gladly make unto king Laomedom report of that j have founden of you/ and with these words the knight returned unto Troy  
THenne the prew jason demanded Argos/ and said to high that they must disancre and depart fro thence but if they would abide the cruelty and furor of the king Laomedon & of all his power Thenne the good patron Argos and his mariners disanchored the noble ship: & went again to the see. where soon after the wind began to rise & tempest horrible & impetuose: But ● the trojan knight which was messenger as soon as he was comen to for his lord ● had made his reverence the king demannded him what was becomen of the glontons of grece that were come and had descended on his land for tespye his royalme/ and his cities/ The knight answered & said. Sire j have done to them your message. They been a great number of knights. & resemble well by their countenance & habiliments that they been departed from noble & good houses and know for certain that when I had 〈◊〉 your message/ one of them that se●●ed virtuous & discrete answered me that they were not comen thither but only for victual/ & for to pass forth on their way/ and that they were no rob●eurs ne pirates of the see/ but when the young knight which was fair & courteous as a maid had finisshid his purpose/ Another of them/ which had a marvelous and cruel cheer. & better resembled Hercules by his visage & countenance thenne any other: said to me in a great anger & fiexte in this manner. know thou knight that sin that Laomedon thy master as vylayn of heart & banisshid from all nobi●sse hath refused to jason of Myrmidone victuals for his money: That in short time shall descend into his countries men in the name of jason & in so gre●e number/ that all his royalme his cities towns and chastels shallbe put to such ruin perplexite and destruction that within thirty year after. shall not be found one stone upon an other/ nor no corn shallbe sown & er●d upon the ground. And forth with they have disanchored & soon after they had sailed by force of wind: & rowing of oores so far that j had lost the sight of them ¶ When the king laomedon had understand the report that his knight made to hi. he was so angry. that he seemed better frantic or out of his wit thenne other wise & said well that if he had known tofore what they had been & their intent/ he had hem all have donndye miserably: and therewith the messenger departed & laomedon withdrew him into his chambers sore troubled & penfif for the menaces of the knights of grece. whom he knew not but by raporte of the knight: which knights being thenne well forth upon the see/ were sore ●exed with great wides blowing on all sides/ with thunders/ with rains/ & great orages and tempests/ which ro●ed so hugely and terribly that the air was troubled & the weather was so dark. that the son shone not in. iiij. days during that the tempest seced not/ in which tune their vytailles failed in such wise that the knights of grece had not to eat/ & their ship was host times in moche great peril: for in th'end a meruaillo: is turbilloun of wind roose in the see that blewe a way their sail and all to broke their mast/ that the cords & roopes were brokē●to pieces/ but fortune help hem in this need For notwithstanding this great adventure the ship was ●duyted unto a port named Lemnos where he hurtled again the ground in such a random & force that it was all to broken & rent that they that were with in were in great danger. & had been in worse caa● than they were tofore/ if they had not set foot a land  
This port was called Lemnos after the name of a moche puissant city which was richly set not far thence but incontinent that the grekyssh knights had taken land seeing the great danger that they had been inn sprang out of the ship: which anon was filled full of water/ And when they saw hem out of that mortaun peril and had well supposed/ for to have bē● sau●●e: Suddenly came out of Lennos the rich city moo thenne thirty thousand women/ armed garnished with pennonns and recognisances which came renging them in fair ordinance a long by the cooste of the see. fast by the port. and after they sent two of their women messengers for to somene the grekyssh knights for to re-enter into the see with out any long 〈◊〉/ But when jason understood the somaconn that the two damoiselles made/ he was sore abashed and not withhut cause/ for he apperceived tofore so many heads armed that he knew not the number. & sin confiderid how they had been in great danger by the fortune of the see/ & that vytailles failed them: and that worse was he saw his ship all to broken/ which was on all sides full of water: This notwithstanding by cause he ne would discourage ne abash his fellowship more thenne they were. he showed well that he had good courage/ and said to one of the two damoiselles in answering to her message  
Noble damoiselle I have right well understanden your somation I pray you of your grace that it may please you to say to me. into what country fortune hath brought us at this time. and for what cause j am b●yow sommenid for to re-enter unto the see Certes sire knight answered the bastille/ The country that ye be arryiled in is not right great. but it is rygh●fertyle and commodious/ & hi● is named Lennos after the name of this city here by. Which is named after the same name: And as to the Regard of the reason & cause. why this somation is made thus to you I will well that ye know to th'end that ye hold you te better content/ That it happened now late that in this city of Lemnos was a king named Thoas. This king had great war against the Argiens'/ & for to maintain this war. he had with him all the men young and old. And left this city without men whereof the ladies damoiselles & other of the city were right evil content. and seeing that they were without men/ they assembled them together with the daughter of the king which is named Ysiphile/ and by mure deliberation sent to the king and to their husbands/ that they should return into their cite. upon which the king Toas answered/ that he had besieged his enemies and if his city should be lost he would not depart from his host unto the end of his war  
¶ When the ladies and damoiselles of the city had herd this answer/ they took it evil in gree. and yet they ●ent again unto the king & to these husbands that they should come and return home unto their cite But that was for nought: for they would no thing do after their desire/ And when the ladies saw this they conspired against the king & their husbands. & put to death all the men children that were in the city: after they detmined & judged that if their husbands or faders. parents & friends came again from the war or other what somever they were should be slain the first night of their coming assoon as they should be a sleep/ & that never after they should suffer noman to enter in to their cite/ after this conclusion taken they crowned ysiphile queen upon them. & afterward when the king was returned from the war with his people. the ladies and damoiselles of the city did with their faders husbands and parents & other in such wise as they had concluded tofore. in so much that of all them that returned from this war escaped none from this murder & pestilence but he was slain and murdrid. reserved the king Thoas/ Whom the queen ysiphile would in no wise murder/ but this notwithstanding she delivered him into the hands of the ladies which put him in a boot alone. and sent him to the see in exyliug and banisshing him out of his royalme.  
When this damoisell as messenger had recounted unto the noble jason this that said is. That other messenger took the word fro her & said Lords and knights my fellow hath said & told you now the reason and cause: wherefore ye may not be received into this cite/ & therefore ere greater mischief befall & come to you: withdraw you unto the see/ for if ye tarry here long. the ladies will assail you asperly/ and shall deliver to you a marvelous battle/ jason answered & said/ by all my gods fair lady/ our ship is all to broken and forfrushed as ye may see & is full of water/ And on that other side we perish for hunger if we be not shortly socourid: for it is two days passed sin we eat any morsel meet/ & therefore if it must needs be & no remedy we had liefer to die by glaives and war/ thenne by famine: how well by your grace ye shall return unto the Queen & ladies: ● recompte to them our estate and necessity And that we all together pray them and require instantly if there be in 'em any virtue or noblesse that they will now show it having pity on us. for the fortune of the see that hath travailed us by many days in such wise that we supposed to have perished from our to our hath brought us hither/ as ye may see against the will of our mariners and of us  
¶ With this request the two damosels messengers returned in to their city unto their queen ysiphile & other ladies to whom they recounted from word the word the answer that jason had rendered & what he required Thenne the queen having heard the answer of the two messagieres. she asked & inquired what people these knights of grece were/ & of what condition & fashion/ & of what number they were. Certes madame answered one of the ij. damosels j saw never in my days more goodly men ne better spoken: and j suppose there were never seen so well faring men & great & upright/ so well in point of habiliments so well taught & so curtays in all manners. & it is to be supposed that they been the choice & piked out of all the human people: and there may well been of them the number of an C. all of one fashion & of lyk clothing. Thenne the queen hearing the messagiere that so highly recommended the state of these knights of grece: thinking also of their request. begun to have pite of their misadventure & of their myseases that they have had on the see by tempest. & forth with she sent for to fecche four of them for to come & speak with her. w●om she would examine ¶ When the hundred knights understood these tidings: they advised among hem all which four of them they might best send unto the queen Ysiphile/ and ●cluded in one that they would send jason Hercules' theseus/ & an other knight named Castor right fair/ which came to fore the queen & great number of her damosels/ And they were not long comen but that the queen and her damoiselles were terribly ●●rifed of the love of these four knights. For there was nether Queen ne damoiselle but desired with all their heart their company for the singular & especial beauty of each of them. Certes ysiphile at thinstant that her two noble eyen had beholden the great beauty of jason/ she was becomen so much amorous as was possible as of the most fair/ the most gracious and the most covoytable of the iiij. Tha she spoke to hem & demanded them in general. what they sought in her royalme. & whence they can and whither they would go/ & of what country they were. Thenne the noble jason thinking of the demands of the queen considering the great danger where they were in. and the necessity of famine & hunger that surmounted/ he as capiteyn & chief of the viage/ answered humbly saying in this manner Madame please it you to know that we been the number of an hundred knights all gentle men of one company & of one country. we been departed in one ship But we have had upon the see so many infortunes by tempest of winds & of orages that hath holden us so long in great doubt to be perished: that victuals been failed us two days passed/ & for to make short we go to seche victuals for to help our necessity/ & sin it plesith you to know from what country we been parted & whither we attend to go/ I declare to you that we come from Grece. and our intent is to sail so far till we find an icy of the see: where & is a moche rycl● mutton or shepebering his fleece all of fyn gold: the which never knight yet had the powe●●● hardiness for to ●quere ne approach/ nenyther only for to behold & see For many marvelous and terrible beasts have it in keeping: Among the which ● have understand there is a right cruel dragon how well I have allowed & promised for tauenture myself for to conquer hiter I ever return again into my country: or I shall die in the pursuit thereof as many knights have donhere tofore/ whereof is pity.  
¶ Wherefore right high and noble la/ die I require you humbly. that ye will have mercy & pity on me and of mine infortunate fellows/ dying for distress of hunger and famine/ & that we may have victuals four our silver and money. and also grace and leave for to remyse & make our ship/ again which is broken & rent in taking land upon your signory/ and lordship  
When the noble jason had made his remounstraunce unto the queen ysiphile as said is. she withdrew her ● part with her damoiselles. & demanded of them what was best to do with these noble men They were as of opinion that it should be a great sin and mesfeets for to late them there die for famine & hunger/ And at th'end they ●cludēd that they should be received into their city/ notwithstanding their ordinances & statutes by them tofore made: in so much that the● Queen ysiphile returned unto jason/ & said to him/ that for the honour of noblesse: the ladies woldreceyve him and his fellows in like wise Thenne the noble jason thanked the queen of this grace right curtoissy/ & died do send for his fellows/ that they should come into the cite. which incontinent as they knew that they should have victuals were passing joyous & seemed to them propreli that god was descended among them/ Than they came to fore the ladies whom they sale wed right reverently/ and anon as the queen saw this noble company to fore her in all humility she delivered to an ninety of her ladies the ninety knights of grece/ to each of them one of their own as for the best as her seemed/ & she retained jason for her part/ In so much the greeks entered into the city with the ladies/ & with out other difficult/ they brought than into their houses/ each departed from other. where each lady feasted her knight with good viands & meats after their power and with good heart: making to them a cheer in such wise ● fashion that many of the knights found hem so plainly in the grace of their ladies. in as much as they might that they were served with the terms of love/ & more I say not at this time present.  
IN continent when the queen ysiphile saw that she had jason in her ●aillye. she was so much joyous as she might be/ she had set all her intent to behold the great beauty of the noble prince. and above all other she desired to have his acquaintance/ & in the beholding & advising him she made so many gracious signs & tokens of love. during many days & often times. But the noble jason which had his courage set in other place took none heed: how be it she might no longer dure without she should be dead so moch was she esprised with his love: and yet she durst not speak one word: and when jason had sojourned there a certain space & number of days. he ordained unto his patronmmoneye that his ship might be set inpoint. & ordained men that should help him/ Thenne Argos set hand unto the work by right great diligence: & died so much that in short term the ship was all ready/ for to help hem. But incontinent as the queen jsiphile was thereof advertised she died do break it by night by any of her damoiselles. & she spoke with argoes the good patron and died so much with him that he assembled all the knights of grece/ and in their presence said to jason. the ship might not be made again for to depart thence in vin̄. months hole/ whereof many of the greeks were marvelously joyous.  
When Hercules which had a moche noble courage understood these tidings: he said unto jason/ sin that it is so that they should not depart out of that country/ he would go see the country about ● counciled jason that he should abide in the cite for to keep together his fellows/ & jason accorded thereto with good/ will. Thenne the right vaylliaunt hercules went forth on his way. all recomforted tabide all adventures. And it happened him that he can unto a place of a king named Furius. whom he delivered from the arpies/ & enchaced them unto the river of sturphale in such wise as it is contained in the history of the feats of hercules jason which abode in the city of Lemnos as said is: intend gladly unto the dubbing and making of his ship. And Isiphile on that other side alway in her amorous semblants and regards/ Mopsius was the most part of the time with jason and devised often times of the great beauty of the noble queen myrro: and as he was one a day set at dinner with jason & Isiphile: he perceived of the gracious atrayns regards that she gaf fte times unto the pren jason/ & apperceived right well that she had set and given to him all her love: and thus passed he the meal with out any word or semblant making. But after the dinner he called jason. And said thus to him▪ That he would go walk with him unto his ship and so departed out of the hall they two a●●ōne. and thenne when they were in the field/ mopsius said to jason/ Certes sire I would fain ask you a demand if it were your pleasure/ Fair sire said thenne jason/ Late not for any thing but declare your courage & desire/ than mopsius demanded him: if he were any thing amorous of the queen ysiphile. jason swore to mopsius that he was not amorous of her: Certes sir said Mopsius I am all certain that Ysiphile is terribly amorous of you And therefore j advertise you to th'end that ye find the means for to speak to her a part. for if ye may attyne thereto it should be to you a right fair pass temps for a space/ and we all should far the better  
By all my gods answered thenne the prew jason. ere I would use any dissoyalte against my lady the fair Myrro: I had liefer be condemned to bring to end and adchieve as many perilous adventures. as ever the worthy hercules achieved ere ever j should return again to grece ¶ The nobles of this time present been not so disposed to ensue the terms of the right renowned prince jason as it is tofore declared & therefore I council not the ladies that they give no more affiance than enough doubting that by some weigh they be not abused/ Thus as the ij. gentle knights spoke of the fair myrto & of ysiphile: they came where as argos the master patron solicited the work and making of the ship: and so passed the time a lytil in speaking of diverce purposes/ And after that they returned unto their loggys': & the noble queen ysiphile was enamoured in such wise on the noble prew. jaso: that she thought on none other thing/ but for to please him unto her power And he never departed from thence but that she held him compaignye. or else she was alway at a window for to look whither he went  
¶ When thenne she apperceived that jason returned unto his logging at this time/ She went againsi high & took him by the hand and lad high into one of her chambers. where she showed him great party of her richesses and treasures/ And after she said to him in this manner. Right noble and vailliant knight all these richesses been all only at your commandment. and also my body with all: whereof I make now to you the ghifte and present/ And furthermore. j have no thing of valour/ but that ye shall have at your abandon/ & will to th'end that I may deserve honourably your grace: Thenne when the prew jason had understand this that said is. he answered to the lady saying/ My dear lady I thank you right humbly of your curtoy●●e And I declare unto you that in n● fashion I have deserved the high honour that ye present to me: Ha/ ha gentle knight said thenne the lady. it is well in your power for to deserve all if it be your pleasure/ In good troth madame answered thenne jason/ if there be any service or plaisire that I may do unto you. command ye it and j shall accomplish it freely and with good heart How fair site said she thenne/ will ye accomplish my ꝯmandement. certes madame said he j shall not fail in no point if it be to me possible. and therefore declarelye to me your good pleasure & desire. and after that ye shall perceive how I shall employ myself thereto. The queen Ysiphile hearing the courteous answer that jason answered: was so much joyous and glad that she might ner could be more: and said to him. Certes fair sire your courteous & humble words have put me in such danger that in no wise I may no longer hide from you a request/ that weigheth more heavier on my heart/ than a miln stone should upon my heed. and that long afore this time ye should have known/ ne●had been dame esperance which had nourished and entertiened to hide my saith and courage which at this our j shall show unto your noble person/ and know ye for troth that I have perceived that ye be of a moche noble and ancient house: above this that ye exceed and pass all men in beauty and in valiance/ if your semblauntlye not And thenne that I have put in my sovenance all these things I have had right great desire for to have your love and alliance: For which things it is necessary that I pray you that it shall please you to be my husband: and I shall be your wife and espouse: and thus ye shall be king and lord of this thy royaume/ My right dear lady answered thenne the noble prew jason. ye have done to me a pleasure so great in giving to me your gods largely in eating & drinking & in like wise to my company and fellows: that I may never deserve it as well for such good as for the love of the ladies to whom I will obey with all my might & power in all their commandments And know ye noble princess. that there is no service ne pleasure but that j am content to do for you/ safe only this request/ for I may not well goodly accord it unto you my worship saved & kept/ for as much as late j have promised unto a noble lady and of a good place for to take her by marriage/ wherefore I require you that ye will hold me for excused. Ha a jason my dear friend for one promise ne more ne lass what will ye make: men say commonly That far is from the eye/ is far from the heart  
When the noble jason saw that the lady oppressed him in such manner that with great pay ne he witted not how to answer/ notwithstanding he said to her Certes my dear lady j knowledge that the heart of a noble man ought to desire nothing so much as honour with out reproach Troth it is that I am bounden by promise The which if I acquit not/ I am at all days dishonoured: I had liefer be deed or condemned to perpetual exile/ and think not madame that I refuse your alliance for any disdain/ for in good faith j should hold me right ewrous and well for tunat if I had to wife one so fair a lady. so noble and so rich as ye ar. Noble knight answered thenne the lady. ye know right well/ how ye and all your company had been deed for hunger & of distress. if j had not recuyellid you in this city & fed you and for so moch j pray you yet once that ye accord my request/ & with out any reproach me thinketh by many raisins that ye are bounden greatly so to do: I am driven for to require you in this fashion: and I imagine that the gods have sent you unto this city for two causes principally/ The first is to th'end that ye should be succoured in this city/ ye & all your company in th'article of the jeoꝑdie of your death where ye were in. And the second: that ye should inhabit this cite to th'end that it should not be diserte: For this cite is inhabited with women without king & have none other pastor but me which am their chief/ And for so inoche j somene & pray you that ye succour this city as she hath succoured you/ and that ye intend to repeuple all of your seed & in very frouth ye so doing shall accomplish a virtuous work & of greater merit than to maintain a simple promise made unto a lady or damoiselle/ how well oft times they been made lightly & with right liest occasion they been enfrained & broken  
Madame answered thenne jason. j confess right well that ye and the ladies of your city have succoured in our rightgrete necessity/ me & my fellowship with victual. and in recompensing whereof there is nothing to us possible but that all we will employ us thereto is it in repeupling this city or other wise/ but to the regard of myself/ j may not conduit myself thereto. But if j should do directly again mine oath: ye ought to know/ that mine honour gooth & toucheth ner mine heart than any other thing/ and for so moche know ye that under the coverture of this gracious courtosye I have not entemeion to commise one so great Turrian evil/ which should be to me and to mine thing over moche reprochable/ Incontinent as ysiphile understood this answer of jason: and that she apperceived that he was farm in his purpose/ for to abide true unto hisladi. she spac no more to him of this matter/ but took leave of him and departed. and jason in like wise withdrew him into his chambre. And ysiphile abode in her chambre sore esprised with love/ and on that other side she was so angry that she might no convert jason. that noncan tell ne write. But when the profound darkness of the night was come/ she lenyde her down in her bed greatly esprised of anger & right pensive/ for in her stomach was a great battle between her heart & shame: her courage was than admonested that she should go & lie with jason. but shame said nay and withstood it: wherefore the battle was great and dured long/ but in th'end theart vayn●sshid all. For shame was put aback in such wise/ that the fair Ysiphile arose from her bed & went & laid her down by jason which than ssepte. And when she was a bed she begun to tremble for asmuch as shame followed her. & so trembliug she embraced jason/ & awoke him saying in this manner. my very friend & love jason/ your continence & the ●stāce of love have ꝯmanded me to come to you/ how well it is to me amoche great shame and villainy. but sith that ye have not willed to be my husband & spouse: at the lest ye shall be my love & friend & take ye no disdain of the love of a pour foolish gentle woman  
¶ when the noble knight jason heard the fair ysiphyle speak & felt her by him all naked: he was sore abassijid. Certes her flesh was right tender and sweet: always she approached to him & he to her. for he was a man/ & thenne when he was awaked he said to he● in good troth madame I am right sorrowful and angry that j may not be your husband/ ye she we well how that above all other ye have me in his grace A ha & that I now ●…re free and without promise upon my faith/ j should be your hnsbonde & obey you 〈…〉 power. and with ●…hey enbrnced ec●…sshed to guider And more 〈…〉 j not but that they maynte●…lyf the space of iiij. months 〈…〉 such wise that ysiphile ●…ith child & wax great of a 〈…〉 sayr son/ of whom she 〈…〉 by space of time/ & during these four months the ladies of ●●●●●laye lay with the knights of Grece. and many of them were conceived with their seed And in this wise was the city repeopled of young childed masses ¶ what shall j make you long process. The days that have no rest pass lightli. master argos rendered his ship all repaired & made. and hercules cain again into Lemnos: jason also would depart toward his journele/ & asseblid one a day his fellowship & laid to them My good brethren & friends ye know well how we have been here and soyourned a moche long space of time and yet we have no more knowledge ne have herd speak of the mutton of gold or goolden uliese no more. thenne we heard tofore we departed from our country/ I will that ye know that I live here in great sorrow & in terrible great moyance/ for I can not take solace ne pleasure in any thing that j see/ for asmuch as I am pricked by contynuell exhortations proceeding of diverce causes & procnrlg the exped c●entretienyng the end of my labourous voyage to 〈◊〉 which bring us the gods in short time to one health honour & glory. wherefore j pray you all that every ●…ke him ready for to remene & dep●…or I have intention for to depa●… at th'end of iiij. days without ●…ger abiding Hercules These●● & Mopsius & all the other knighte● had great joy when they heard the good disposition of jason. & they answered him. that they should be as soon redi as he & thenne one & other begun to purvey for than victuals: & of all such things as were necessary for them The queen & the other ladies knew anon of the departement of jason: wherefore they were much displaysaunt & right desolate/ and sore annoyed them to see the Grekysh knights make their pmparations for to depart/ and that one complained to that other saying/ Certes these knights of grease abandon us & give us over/ we shall never have joy ne solas The queen ysiphile among the other was most anguysshous of this departing/ and can to jason and said to him. Alas/ alas lord jason. have ye well the courage for to withdraw you from me & to give me ovyr tofore ye have seen the fruit of your noble ꝑsoen/ which is nourisshid in my blood/ Ha a my soulace the plesir of mine eyen/ may it not be that the rightamerouse prayer of the mod that shall be of your child may hold you here yet. iij. months. it is a lytyl time of. iij. months. they shallbe anon expired & passed. Alas jason: alas my comfort prolonged ye and tarry your departementat my request For j am she that so moche loveth you that j may no more Alas behold with pite my womb/ the chamber & mansion of your blood: & in no wise j require you to depart so hastily ¶ I good faith noble lady answered thenne jaso if j might abide with you lawfully/ j assure you that j would so with good heart/ but j have avowed & promised for to adventure myself in the conquest of the noble mutton or flees of gold/ I know not how long j shall live ner how long it shallbe ere I come there/ it is force and great necessity for my singular weal and perdurable honour that I employ my time entirely whilis I may & that I acquit me diligently to thacomplisshement of my said avow ¶ With this answer the queen ysiphile had in her heart such annoy: that she begun to weep & right profoundly to sigh/ and after she begun to say softly/ Alas alas how may myneyen see the departing of mine evident yoye/ Alas. alas I was born in an evil constelltion: when I may not find a little of good fortune in this world/ and all consolationed withdraw them from me. all honour fseeth from me all bountees forsake me & contrary all sorrow runneth upomme. All wealth is ayēs●me. and all evil cometh to fore me. in my presence/ for certes if there sourde any mi serie in the ferthest place of the world. that misery departeth from that place for to come to me. A what sorrow Certes j am not good enough ner of so much vale we that any man shall do any thing at my request  
Certes madame answered jason/ me seemeth that for no thing ye ought to demene ner make so marvelous sorrow/ for ye are in vale we much more thenne j can esteem/ and as to the regard of me if there be any thing licite & honest to me possible: require ye it & I shall employ me in such wise that ye shall have cause for to be content/ and me seemeth that ye ought to have me excused in this caas seen the vow in which j am bound & if j abode here j should not exploit but lose my tyme. Ha a my dear friend & love answered the lady/ when shall I have better cause for to complain & lament than now/ if anon jhad lost all my royalme. & if j saw all my richesses & chevamche & all that j could fine & chevisshe perish in the abysmes & deepness of the see: all that should not be to me so heavy to bear at my heart ner so great treasure as shallbe to me to see your departing. for the see is so terrible/ and the fortunes. prosperities/ adversities: & perils rise and lourde on all sides wherefore j am not certain whether ever ye shall return again or no. And thenne ought not j to have the visage banisshid fro all ●solacion and yoye: & ought not my heart to lie on the bed of tribulation under the coverture of right mortal distress & between the sheets of bewailings/ Alas/ alas. think ye what this doth/ but when I perceive that there is no remedy/ and that your honour had ●cluded your departing promising to go in your promised voyage. j shall bear it as patiently as to me is possible. foreseen that ye shall promise me faithfully if ye come to your above in your enterprise of Colchos. that ye shall come again by this city for to tell me of your tidings  
THan the noble knight understood that the ladi ●descēded by such condition to his departing he was right joyous and not without cause: ●siderīg the danger where he and all his fellowship were in: And thenne he promised to her & swore right solemnly to fore the representation of the goddess pallas/ which was there that he should return unto her assoon as he should come to the above of his enterprise and that if the gods would give him so good fortune/ that he might a live and hole return. Thenne the noble and fair Queen ysiphile some what reronforted and ha'▪ 〈◊〉 a great hope● the returning of jason cessed herself of her lamentations ¶ For tabregge the matter the day came that the noble prew jason should go to the see: on which day the noble prince and his fellows took leave of the noble Queen ysiphile/ of the ladies and damoiselles and thanked them largely of their goods & good cheer that they had made to them/ And thenne departed fro Lennos & went unto the port But when they should enter into the ship. the queen ysiphile presented unto jason the idol of the goddess pallas & many other idols of the gods of the see. and made him to put them in his ship/ saying that none euyl●e trouble might come to him in any wise ●s log as he kept & held 'em in reverence  
When jason apperceived the great largesse of the noble queen ysiphile/ & the good love whet with she loved him. he thanked her moche humbly: and sin went to the see & made to wind up the sail. And thus he and his company departed from lennos/ for to sail toward the isle of colchos/ of whom j willeve to speak for this present tyme. & also of jason & of the Queen ysiphile/ the which when she had bornher fruit by the space of. ix. months hole/ she was delivered of a moche fair son For ●o recount well a long of the right fair and noble isle of colchos in devising the manner how it was first foun●…y the god 〈…〉 so 〈◊〉 the country was first 〈◊〉 cited. and 〈◊〉 what kings hi● was governed which is a right difficile and hard thing to believe for many persons that have not estudied the ancient crony●ues/ of whom many been full hard and doubtable to be believed for the strange & meruayllogs works that been founden in many histories and places.   

¶ How apollo was sent by the god Mars into the country where as was the rich & noble sheep or weather that bore the uliese of gold & how he founded there a city  
_●Or to give you knowledge of the noble I'll of Col●… shall deport & tayre for this present time to speak of the ●●●tes of jason/ and will recount & tell in brief what ●…d first in colchos/ and by what manner & fashion hi● was known that the rich mutton or sheep with the flees of gold was there and also the two marvelous & terrible booles & the great ●pouētable dragon Thenne for to come unto this history I have founden an old ancient chronicle containing/ that wh●lom̄e was a king in athens named jupiter/ but this was not that jupit that was son of saturn that reigned in Crete. wh●● is a moche noble country  
●…g of Athe●…d 〈…〉/ the first was na●…a●●o●…/ that is a●●o●he as ●…s in Latin: which by the athenians was called god of ●atayll. for cause of many battle ●…at he had in his time against his ●●●ghbours/ of which he had ●…ay the victory The second● was apis which was king of argis●● Apollo that reigned in archade was the third This apollo was a man of great government/ he introduysed the archadyens for to live honestly  
¶ Certe he ●querd many royavines he had great number of children/ And finally when they were grown to age. he delivered to them his lands to govern. and after that departed right secretly from archade. and in the aslate of a medicine or a physician he went in the most part of the provices of the world/ he was thus wandering ten years. & at th'end of ten year he arrived at athenes'/ And there found that this brother Mars was newly deed and passed out of this world. and that there was made to him a temple/ which endured after unto the time of the conversion of saint denys. He went into the temple with an heart replenisshid with tears/ & kneeled down to the earth to fore the representation of his brother the god mars: requiring high that he would she we to him that thing that was best for him to do/ and that he would with all his might ensue & accomplisse his doctrine & commandment.  
●non̄ as apollo had finisshid his prayer. a great whirling or tourbillon of wind came suddenly & flapped high on the visage where with he was astonied that he witted not what it was/ and being in this ravisnment him thought that the god mars said to him. Apollo Apollo: thy prayers been presented in the huen to the gods/ Thou hast seen many marvels of the world. but that is nothing in regard of one that thou shalt see/ & it shall not mow be seen but by the. Thenne it pleaseth us that thou go into pyre for to make an ark unto the semblance & likeness of that ark that no made some time for to save him & his family from the deluge: & flood: after that we will that thou do charge it with as great a number of pyrriens as it may receive/ and that thou and they put you to the see therein/ and when ye have down so. j shall bring you in to the best isle the most rich & the most fertile of all the world: which shall been habited by the pyrriens: And thou shalt understand that by this isle/ is a resort of the see unto an other little jle where in is the noble motonor sheep/ with the fsiese of gold. the which not long sin was sent by the goddess juno. to ●rixus/ and to his sister Helles/ both enchassed bitheir stepmod for to make them pass the see. which that now is named hellespont: by cause that hells let her fall into the see. The noble and rich mutton thenne or sheep of gold is the most marvelous best/ that ever was in the world. & it must be once conquered but that shallbe with great apparel & well behoveth thereto a marvelous craft & mister: And for so much thenne as thou shalt be in the isle habitable in the which j shall conduit & bring the beware & keep the also dear as thou hast thy life: that thou go not into the isle. where the noble mutton of goold is in: For I have therein ordeyend three beasts. the which ●t space of time shall cast fire flabe fumyer & venyn out of their throats whereof shallbe destroyed all they that shall descend in that isle. except only one unto a certain term. with these words Apollo came again to himself & thinking on the voys that he had herd after that he had made his oblations. he departed out of the temple and also from athens. & obeying to the will of the god mars he travailed in such wise by his iournees that he can unto the royalme of pirre/ in the city of salathie/ that whilom had founded salathyel: which was of the lignye of the Hebrews/ Thenne Apollo logged him in the house of a bourgoys named loath/ and required himoche that he would bring him unto the king of that country/ which was called Phylitenus: Thenne loath accorded unto the request of Apollo/ & brought him to fore phylitenus. and thenne apollo made him the reverence. and sin said unto the king in this manner.  
¶ Right excellent sire I am comen unto you not only by my power vo●ente and authority. but come in taccomplisshing the ꝯmandement of the god mars/ god of battles. the which hath choose me for to led● certain number of they people into the best isle of the world: and for th'accomplish the said he hath ●māded the that thou do make for me an ark in such wise as I shall devise/ And after that thou deliver to me. iij. ninety of thy men/ with their wives & children/ the which shall enter into the ark with me. & thenne when all this shallbe done. the god mars by his grace shall brigeus unto the isle for said. first tenhabite & people the said isle. and above that for to show unto men marvelous works that been there: & to th'end that thou ne think that j be any deceiver or abuser j oblige me to die miserably in caas that j be found in any fault proceeding fro my party.  
When the king phylitenus had herd apollo & that he had beholdeu that he was of honourable maitiene/ he d●e we him apart & conjured him that he should declare what he was & of what life/ but incontinent when the king conjured him he begun a little to wax ashamed not withstanding he affirmed to him that he was king of archade & son of jupiter first king of Athenes & brother unto god mars And.. after he declared how he had left his royalme/ & how he had wandered in the world: & how the god Mars was in the temple and appeared to him: & so much said to him. that the king juged him to be most wise & most discrete man of the world. & after accorded to him all that he had demanded in the favour of the god mars For tabregge the matter apollo died do make the ark in such wise as high seemed best at the expenses of the king And▪ incontinent when it was all made ready & the king died do put there i●. iij. C. men of his royalme ●d as many women with two knights of his lineage. of whom that one was named ʒe●hius & that other ʒethephius/ & made hem promise that they should hold the isle/ where Apollo should bring them to/ of his royalme in sovereignty/ and when the piriene had put in the ark their necessities for their vytailles & that they had taken leave of the king & his lords. Apollo shut the ark fasito. & thenne sodaily rose & was lift a tempest so terrible & so great/ that the cords and cables that held the ark unto the land brake. & thenne it happened that the ark was with an impetuous wave transported into the deepness of the see  
The king Apollo and all the Pyriens seeing so ●npetuouse ten pest & torment supposed that the ark and all they that were therein: should have periss●ed wherefore they begun to cry and demene the greatest sorrow of the world & began to make great be wailings & murmur upon Apollo but yet that worse is/ the tempest continued more and more in such wise that it seemed that incontinent all the world should have finished. Thenne the king philitenus and his men being arenged upon the side/ of the port▪ supposing never more to have seen none of them being in the ark returned into their houses be wailing them and weeping bitterly. This tempest dured thread days whole. during which time the king Apollo comforted his men the best wise he might/ & promised them that with out fault they should be delivered from this paritt And so it happened them to be. for on the fourth day after their departing from pyre the tempest cessed. at the son rising And the noble ark was cast in a marvelous. Regorte of the see being between two ●les: of which that one was great and that other loss  
¶ Incontinent that the king apollo felt that the tempest of the see c●ssed little & a little: and after apperceived that the ark was a ground fast. and the wind left his strong blowing: and on that other side the wawes were in rest. he went up into the highest of the ark and opened a window for to be hold and see where they were. and thenne he apperceived first the air well attempered & the son shining fair and clear. after he cast his sight downward. & thenne he saw the two noble jles. whereof the moreyle was next unto the ark/ which seemed to hiso fair and so delicious that he knew plainly that it was the propreyle that was ●●ysed to him/ And that other isle being next that/ was that isle that the habitation was defended to him for the great marvels that there should fall And thenne he was so glad joyous and reconforted/ that he begun to sing an high thanks & lovings unto the god mars/ & incontinent when he had so done he began to ka●le ●pon the two knights ʒechius & zethephius And also his host loath to whom he said that they aught render and yield graces and thanks unto the god of butailles. And that they arrived into the land of ꝓ●●is sion. Anon as these two noble knights zechyus andʒethephiꝰ andʒethephiꝰ and the other men & women understoodd these tidings they rose upon her feet/ made clean their visages and clensid their eyen of their tears & wepinges looked up an high & required Apollo that he would open the doors & widows of the ark to th'end that they might see that land of promission Apollo the noble king heerlg this request and considering the right gretedisplaisir in which they had been/ and the right high gladness that they had rec●●ured/ opened all the entrees of the ark and let go out though Pyryens she wing to them the farm land that they had founden Which they found so noble. so delectable and so fertile in all goods that them iemed that they were in a very paradise/ For the land was right fertile/ the pastures. & the herbs sweet smelling/ the trees charged with fruit/ the woods & high forestes full of wild beasts & venison/ when Apollo had visited this noble land and had well comprised & ●siderid the circuit & the places of the same. he founded in a forest an a water in the name of god Mars. and died to high sacrifice/ And in the same place the amozones founded after a ●●ple unto the goddess dean. In which jason & Medea saw each other first and acqueynted than as if shallbe said here after & declared more a long in his place  
After the foundation of this altar when the sacrifice was done. Apollo died do call the. ij. knights zechius and zethephius & also loath with the people that he had brought/ and demanded them what they would do & what was their intention/ And thenne they answered as with one voice Certes our intention & will is to abide here & ly●e & die: we desire never to depart: for this shall be the sepulture of all us & of our heirs unto th'end of the world/ the honey that here habonndeth shallbe our meet: & we shall labour and cultive the earth with good vines▪ we shalt inhabit with people the low montaignes & the territoires: and thus we shall live in high felicity if it be your pleasure/ If it be my pleasure answered Apollo/ if it had not be only for to have distributed this so noble a land know ye for certain that in had not abandoned myself to the tempests & perils of the see. ne to the great orages & tourbillouns of the impetuose winds. it plesets▪ me right weal that this noble country be your habitation. but sin your entemtion is such. it ●● above all things necessary greatly for your weal and recomendation. that ye surrender & do your pain to edeffye a city/ and that ye close it with wall●s tours and yates to th'end that none may come run upon you pill/ rob ne assoil you in other manner/ and after it behoveth for to cō●ynny que together by good policy in such fashion that the hardy & puissant of body and courage/ habille them with arms for to resist them terpryses of your enemies if any come for to grieve you The sage & wise men shall induce & teach the rude people and hard of ententement: The power shall be holden & bound the labour each man after his degree & calling/ And the most subtle shall devise thing propice for you as towers har●ois and other habyllement serving to keep you in time of doubt. and with this they shall ordain solemn edyfices & houses for the city ● the place thereto most propice & covenable  
¶ When the pyriens had understand Apollo/ all they answered freely/ that they would accomplish to their power: all that he would connceyle them. and that he should be their father and they his childreen: Thenne they chose a place covenable to build their city/ and tarried not long after but that they began to vylde and house a long by the see side/ in such wise that by space of time they founded & builded a right noble city and closed it with walls dichiss & yates/ Apollo named this city jacoynte. The pyriens edified in the mids thereof a moche sumptuous palace. And on that other side Zechius & ʒethephius & loath made also many houses and by space of time their generation multiplied greatly & marvelously. Whereof Apollo thanked the god mars & died to him sacrifice. This don: he assembled on a day all the people & said to hem in this manner to fore hem all.  
people of god Mars when I ●sidere the weal & the valour of your habitation: ye been much held to the gods: wherefore I pray you from hens forward that ye serve high with good heart: And after that I pray you that ye nourish peace and concord together. And that ye keep you from all division & rancour/ & I pray you to vanish from your courages pride hate covetise gloutonye & all other vices. & consequently I counceyle you. that at this time ye constitute upon you judges the two virtuous knights zechius and zethephius. and that ye to them obey sovereignly: and if ye do these things. certaily all goods shall abound ● you: & if ye do not jdeclare to you for troth that in short time in this city shall not abide board ner house standlg ner one stone upon an other/ Apollo had not so soon finisshid these words but that all they there stondlg opened her mouths & cried w● an high voys saying/ Truly Apollo thou art the god of sapience/ as long ●s we live we will have none other judge but the and to the we shall submit us & all our affairs/ and desiring thine holy sacrifices/ manners and honest doctrines to ensue to our powers/ we will that thou be our pastor or herdman/ & we shall be thy sheep  
¶ When Appoll● had understand this that said is he answered to hem and said. Certes fair lords it appertaineth not to me to receive the great honour that ye all offer & present to me/ ye know how that zechius and zethephius been in your nation And I am here alone and a strauger: it is among you evident and notoyre/ that ye shall not take in patience my correction as ye should do of zechyus and zethephius/ And for sonioche I pray you that with so great charge & burden yeleye not on my back. for it is none need: and for to say the verity zechius and zethephyus been two wise knights well attempered and propice to excersite those dignytes/ And therefore ye ought to receive them/ for certes ye been holden so to do. and theste your we'll shall follow & be evident/ & ye so doing peace and love shall be rooted in you. and there shall be no man that shall be so hardy to conspire any rumour Rancour Rebellion: ne machine any trouble in no manner of the world/ and saying these words all the people begun te murmur Andʒechius Andʒechius and his fellow ●ethephius hearing this parliament together with loath. and some other principals then there that heard/ ●siderid the people would in no wise break their oppimon: concluded to make an answer such as followeth. which loath pronounced and● said in this manner.  
Apollo in no wise put no doubt in this work for so much as thou art among us of unknown generation. Thy sapience and wisdom is more pleasance to the people. that the naissaunce or birth of zechius & of zethephius. Thou art the right myrtour of our doctrine. the patron of our policy. the right oustyll that polisshith and enl●mineth us & our rude ingenyes. Certes the two good knights zechius & ʒetephius thank the of the right great honour that thou dost them And they being adjoined with the people will. that thou have upon us and the city sonerayn signory/ and therefore will thou no more seche ways so contrepeysed: but employ thy courage after the taste of our desires/ for it is ordained & concluded that thou shalt be our king And for to support the shallbe commised ʒechius & zethephius thy lieutenants/ the which by thy introduction shall have charge and thought under the of the comyn business & small things. of which they shall have the knowledge for to determine. ¶ Incontinent as loath had finished his proposition: at th'instance of all the people: Apollo accorded in all things unto their with▪ And thenne forthwith two of the most greatest of the people took him upon their shoulders and▪ crying/ vine le roy Apollo. which is as much to say as live the king Apollo: they bore him unto the palace/ and there they set him in the throne of justice: And zechius & zethephiu● were set in an other siege more lower  
¶ What shall I make you long process. the one and other made there to the king Apollo homage. And for to entertain his as●ate/ were ordained certain number of people: And after this was ordained that there should be forged money in the city. For the king Apollo enseigned the place in the isle where he had a right good mine of gold: when all these things were thus ordained & concluded▪ the people withdrew hem Every man into his place thanking the gods that Apollo had agreed & accorded that thing that they so much desired/ that was that he should abide there their king for to hold them in peace▪ reason & justice. Thenne Apollo as there sovereign abode & dwelled in the palace accompanied of the. ij knights zechyus & zethephius and many other that he withheld in his service/ & from that day forward apollo governed and conduysed the people so wisely and discretely that by the space of xij. year. he was merua●llou●●y belou●d of all his subjects and also of the countries by: which had knowledge of him/   

¶ How the god mars sent to the king Apollo the manner how the mutton or sheep of gold might and ought be conquered  
THe history that moche is ancient rehearseth that at the end of these xij. years/ A terrible & great marvel appeared greatly in the little isle that was there by: For there was seen in many nights certain oxen or bulls of fire so great. that they enflammed all the region of the air: And thenne that zechius and zetephius and the people apperceived all plainly this marvels/ they came on a night to the king Apollo and showed him how the little isle was in a terrible f●awme. And sin f●●de▪ to him that they would know what hi● might be: and that they supposed that there were men comen thither by some adventure/ Thenne Apollo answered to them in this manner. Certes fair lords j have told you to fore this time/ that in this isle the god Mars and the god of nature shall do make appear the most great & the most terrible marvel of the world. and yet I tell & say to you. that there is none other thinger but the marvels of the gods/ and therefore be ye content and in peace/ and think no more thereof/ and that ye keep you in o●y wise of the world that ye go not thither: for ●smoche as it is straightly defend ●/ some there were that were content with this answer. and so she not And among other zechius said a high & clearly that he believed it not/ and that on the morn he would pass over in that isle for to know the troth with so great a company that if there were any strangers he would put 'em to death or in his mercy by arms  
The king Apollo understood not this answer of zechius/ Wherefore he let him speak what he would: and thenne zechius drew him apart from thence right secretly accompanied of thirty. men: which were all of one opinion: and concluded among them that on the morn early they should come to the port. and they should go to this isle & deceive the king Apollo/ This isle was of the fashion of a bird that men call in that country colcu: This night passed over. and on the morn in the kreking of the day zechyus and his thirty. fellows all armed and well in point went to the zee. and began to row toward the isle of colchos. but it abode not long after that the king Apollo which was accustomed to rise by times. can to a widow of his palace & beheld toward the see. And apperceyned anon at the rive or see side many women & children. and also saw the ship that zechius and his fellowship led toward colchos/ wherefore he witted not what to think ner say and called loath and his servants that were beholding upon the water Of whom he demanded courteously what they were that they beheld ● the ship. and whether they intended so hastily. and at whose commandment/ Thenne they answered that it was zechyus and thirty. men armed and well in point in his fellowship. and that they had intention for to go into the isle of colchos for to know the truth/ whereof proceeded the great flames fumyers and vapours that they had seen.  
¶ When the king Apollo understood these tidings he lift his eyen on high & escried and said. O god creator of all creatures what folly/ & thenne smote his breast with his fist in sign of great angour/ after he sent for to seek zethephius and some mariners/ & when zethephius was come Apollo said to him Halas my dear brother if ever ye vil see zechius haste you/ see him there in a ship & thirty. young men with him: they been in intention for to descend in Colchos as these women have certified me. And verily if they go over far/ they shall take harm/ for they shall never return. and therefore late us take a ship in all haste and late us row after them for to retain them if it be to us possible for to let and turn them from this foolish enterprise: or else j suppose that shortly a great mischief shall fall on them: ye in such wise that they all shall lose their 〈◊〉/ In saying these words the king Apollo: zethephius the good hnyght/ loath and their people entered into the ship/ that the mariners had made ready & towed with all the haste they might after zechius and his fellows for to have retained them/ but all was for nought/ For they could not sonore haste them that they could come so nigh: that they might speak to them And from far they saw them enter into the perilous isle. ye ere they were half way thitherward  
When when Apollo apperceived the great danger/ where zechius & his fellows had▪ put 'em in against his will and leave/ he was so angry that he demeaned the most meraailloust sorrow of the world/ hor he loved parfaytly zechius: and in like wise zethephius & many other Yet all way he cess not to go forth and row till he came nigh the isle upon a bow shot/ and in beholding he apperceived many bouffes of flame & of a thick fumyere or smoke spring into the air After this was not long after when he heard many pietous cries: one and other right fearful. and finably he apperceived one of the fellowship of zechius run out of this isle as a man all despaired. The which crying right horribly put him self into the see up to the neck ¶ Incontinent when apollo apperceived & understood these things: & among all other he beheld him that was thu● come & had put him in the see/ Certes he was sore abashed. but for to know all the ●●●●nges. be made to row ●er him/ & fo●de that the water where he was in. boiled by great heat all about hy● body. The pour fellow incontinent that he know the king Apollo. begun passing pi●tous●y to escry upon▪ him weeping and saying. Ha a sire Apollo if it be possible to thee/ help and deliver me from this mortal danger: When Apollo saw the power fellow in such desolation the tears fill down from his eyen. & for asmuch as the water boilled so about him he had great pity/ & demanded of him what ailed him so to cry & weep. & from whence that water came that so boilled about him: & asked sin where was zechius/ Alas answered the power fellow which labo●rid living there to the death in a dolour and pain inestimable: Pray ye sire for zechius and for his fellows. For I have seen all one after an other die in a mortal dis●resse. and so anguyss●ous●y. that uneath that is creature living that could verayly account and tell it to you  
THan apollo herd speak of the death of zechius and his fellows. he was so sorrowful/ that he witted not what to do/ but answered to the pour fellow and said by great admiration. how may that be fair sire. for j saw right now zechius and all his fellows that were with him when they took land in colchos in descending from the ship. al●s ●ere sire answered the fellow/ it is well Reason that j recount & tell yond the troth & verity of the manner of this cruel adventure. Certes sire it is very troth that incontinent that zechius & we other entered into they'll. we apperceived from far in a passing fair meadow a living best feeding all offyn goold: And was as great as an horse of the fashion & form of a sheep or mutton: Thenne we concluded together with one will that we would have taken him. & thenne we went forth & supposed to have taken it by force or other wise And for to so do we marched thedward to our evil health/ for anon after & right suddenly sprang out of a temple the most fair and the most rich that I ever saw: a moche marvelous dragon and fearful with three tongues casting fire & flame with smoke out of his throat. & forthwith incontinent sprang also out of holes in the earth two moche horrible booles having legs and feet all of copper/ their horns were great and sharp. their eyen greater & more reed than boylling copper or metal: the which three beasts so dreadful disgorged & cast out fire of their throats & venyn upon us in such fashion. that Zechius & all the other died there in such pain & dolour that was never like thereto recorded/ and of us thirty. fellows there is none escaped except myself: which was last & ferthest behind. for when j apperceived themes chief so great spntme to f●ight/ but I could not so fast fsee: but that the terrible dragon cast upon me a gobbet of the most detestable infection/ that ever was. the whic● doth me so much pain & mischief: and holdeth me in such a brenning in all my body/ that j must needs take by dolonrouse death the end of this world/ wherefore j require you that ye go no ner Colchos.  
¶ With this words the dolorous man finished his days in anguisthe and pain/ and the soul departed from the body in the psece of Apollo: the which for this cause demeaned the greatest & most terrible sorrow that might be. and with that roose the wind by great sudden pyries that came from the west/ which tormented the see and moved it meruaillous●y/ and after this appeared in the air great lightnings of fire: the which can launching between the king Apollo & ʒethephius & the other be●g in the ship. & there was none of them so assured but with the wind. & the impetuous lightning they were beaten down unto the boton of the ship: & in such wise they were smitten with the lightning & tourniens and with the orage of haylle stones: that apollo himself knew not a great while if ever he should escape this danger or no For about hem they saw no more/ than men do in a wintres' night at midnight when it raineth Notwithstanding during this tempest & darkness the good king Apollo herd a voys said to him ● this manner not aloud: But with a moderate voys in such wise as some well understood hit.  
Apollo the god Mars commandeth thee that thou return incontinent to thy city: for zechius thy good friend is dead by his great outrage in this perilous isle/ & his fellows in like wise as it hath been late us declared/ also all they that fro hen's fort● put he● or descend in to this isle/ for to seche anenture or other wise shall never return again: for as much as the gods will not that it be enhabïted unto the time/ that a knight sha● descend therein whic● shall conquer the noble mutton or sheep of goold by the mien of them that shall come of thy seed. to whom thou shalt leave a bill wreton wit● the hand of the god mars. the which is now under thy heed. & teyneth from point to point all the mysteries and craft that he behouet● to observe & keep for to obtain & come to thing of so high recommendation that like thereto hat● been ne never shallbe in the world unto the time/ that the holy & new law shall come: & after that time long after/ the mystery of the f●ees of gold shall highly be celebrerd & hallowed  
With this the voice was still/ & Apollo on this that he had herd begun to rise abashed and dismayed of this work/ And found under his heed the bill afore said which he kept ●oygneus●y & aft he & his fellowship returned unto the city. for the time & the great storm was incontinent gone and driven away in the air & vanished, and thenne assoon as he and his people were arrived at the port and out of the ship/ forth with the weather begun to change and begun to snow. to rain. to blow & make one so terrible a storm & tempest/ that by force of the outrageous orage/ the ark in the▪ which apollo and all his company came into that isle that they inhabited: and also all the ships and other boots that they had made/ moved them together ● such wise that the cables and cords that held them all to the port all to break. and the said vaissels & ships were blown unto the perilous isle of colchos by so marvelous a furor that they were all to smitten in pieces & broken in such manner that the boards of the boots & other pieces without number footed here & there in the see: & thus by this way. they were all lost and spent/ of the which adventure all they that were then at the port beholding were sore esbayed & not without cause for never tofore was seen so marvelous a tempest/ & thought well that it went not well: & said one to that other: that their gods were angry wit● them when such tempest can to them there to their great damage and prejudice   

¶ How the knight zethephius conspired against Apollo the king. and how they had battle together  
AFter this evil adventure the king Apollo and they that were with him returned unto the palace inclining their heeds a down & shew●g that annoy had enterprised them when they were come to the palace all they bewaylid zechius. & durig this sorrow/ the wife of zechius named Mena came thither for to here tidings of her husband. & it was said to her that he was left deed in the isle of colchos wherefore she demeaned so marvelous sorrow: that she fill to the earth all in a spasm & a swoū●e/ and after came to herself. & thenne she rend of her a tire and drew her here out of her heed by moche asper anger & sorrow: in such a fashion that forth with she was delivered of a child/ which she had conceived of her lord and husband/ the which died assoon as it was born. for it had not his full tyme. for the death of which child the anger & sorrow was much the more. Apollo thenne weening to comfort her/ died all that he could. but ye halp not ner profited no thing & made her to be brought in to his house for the better to make her weepings & lamentations. at her will And there was none that might comfort her/ The women/ the king & friends of them that were deed with zechius semblably made great sorrow/ during which sorrow. Apollo▪ visited oftentimes Mena. and found that she had continually the tears in her eyen/ how well she was a moche fair lady: By haunting from day to day/ Apollo knew the great and good love that she had to her husband/ & that in no manner might forget him: began to wax amorous of the lady in so much that he required her to be his wife: and she agreed and accorded thereto in such wise that the one espoused that other/ and engendered on her a daughter. the which was borne in good term. and was named fanoles.  
Among all other things zethephius began to have envy upon the king Apollo. for as much as his glory encresid dayli more and more: This miserable envy encresid in his courage/ & him seemed that if of Apollo & of mena came a son/ that soon should succeed to the royalme after Apollo/ for which cause he employed himself with all his power to complaire & please aꝑtye of the citizens. and when he felt him in their grace: he assembled hem on a day in his house and said to them in this manner My brethren and good friends ye know well that I am of your lineage/ and that all my life j have conversed lovingly among you/ and in like wise mine auncetres with yours have had always entire alliance. this considered my heart iuget● that ye own me good will and desire mine increases and honour And for so much as you power is right great in this city. I pray● and require you if it so hap that Apollo go fro life to death that ye will have my son for recommanded and that he may be king after him as ye know well that he●s thereto worthy  
The friends of zethephius hearing these words. all accorded with good heart to do for him all that they might/ Thenne zethephius promised to them many great things in cans they would make Feris his son kind. and promised so much good that they conspired the death of the king Apollo/ And in deed they made covenant that they should s●ee him if they found him at their advantage  
After this conjurisons thenne that these miserable & ꝑuers traitress were withdrawn in to their houses/ They commened with their neighbours of the death of the king Apollo & promised them great number of money if they might come and obtain their intent: some there were covetous desiring their singular profit accorded unto this sedition/ but also some there were that in no wise would consent thereto/ but allowed the great preudho●●ie & wisdom of Apollo. & showed well that they▪ had him better in grace▪ than zethe●ius. Thus among them begun to move & rise many rancours discords & debats & this rumour rose in so high t●es & so plainly/ that zethephius & his complices counertiy murdered many of them that would not accord unto their trey son/ and somoch multiplied these oultragious syunes: that when some of the well willars of the king Apollo saw their felawesmurdrid/ they drew to the king Apollo & told to him the machination of zethephyus & the oultragyons' sins that his fellows died: & required him much that he would take heed & intend to their feat/ and to find such reinedie to keep his life weal. & honour and the proufryt of the co●yn weal  
The king Apollo was meruayllonssy troubled & had great sorrow in his courage when he was adverrised of these hard tidings/ how well he ●duysed him right wisely: for with all diligence he died take enformacio of these things. & found that they had said to him the verity & troth & that zethephius seduysed the people against him by tyranny all evident & that continually he had in his house an. C. men of evil life. the which commised all the evil they could think upon them/ that they found not of their vend: the great trouble & displeasure of king Apollo doubled thenne: when he knew for troth that it was true that he was advertised of Notwithstanding he endured the malice of zethephius & his complices a certayn space. but when he apperceived their conduit/ and that fro day to day they apayred more thenne amended/ he sent to z●●ephius that he should do iu●●●ce of his servants and such as were culpable of the death the which tyrannysed in the city. & if he would not/ he would seche remedy himself  
When zethephyus understood the message of the king Apollo. he answered to him wit a mounth full of felony. that he was wise enough for to correct his servants: and that he would not do but at his pleasure/ & than the messenger can & reported this answer to the king Apollo. the which he heard. Apollo deliberid in high self that he would suffer a lytil for to see how his enemies would maintain 'em/ during which time he beheld him welassurid in his palace. bu●▪ it was not long after but zc●hephyus & his folk commised more outrages and cruelty then they died tofore. in so much that all the people rose & moved on a day/ And there were some that came under apollo. and the other went to the traytres: the which assembled in this manner by great pride that surmonnted on them and sent to apollo that he should prestly depart out of the palace and go his way out of the city. or else they would weal that he knew that they were his mortal enemies. Anon as apollo had received this mandment he understood well that the thing was in evil term if he put not pain to subdue & put under these traytres by artned wherefore he called the people them that were of his party and said to thee/ Fair sirs ye know well enough: ye have me constitued king above you/ how well methinketh zethephius would take from me this dignity/ & of feat he is declared mine enemy/ what is to be do● her to: They answered/ Thou art our king: other king than the we will not have during our life/ and for so moche as every king is bound to keep & defend his people/ And semblably been all people bounden to expose body & goods for their king Hit seemeth us expedient that without longer, tarrying we ought to go & assail thynenemye &. ours. to th'end to punish him▪ & his complices  
When Apollo had understand this that said is. he accorded to the same lightly/ and put him anon to arms. And so died all they of his party. & assoon as they were all in ●●olt. they went on the way toward the market place/ & therecomen the king synt one of his knights unto Zethephius to signify to him that he should come to apollo for to amend his meffaytes of which he & his complices were charged with. thenne zethephius answered that he would go unto his enemy but that shallbe said with strength of men of arms: so puissant & strong. that it had been better for him that he had never set foot in this country. and say to him hardily: that if he be well counseled that he & his we'll willare be not ●●den to fore my strength. but that the● go so far that of them we here never after tidings assoon as the knight had understand this that said is heretorned unto hislorde and recounted to him what he had exploited. And zethephius without longer tarrying marched forth accompanied of his complices all armed to the place where he supposed to fide Apollo/ as he that was advertised of thenterpryse of the king/ and went so far forth that they found their adversaries: the which were so esmeuved upon them/ that incontinent that they had espied each other/ they escried them to the death. & ran upon each other armed one with an bassenet on the heed/ an other armed the body. one bearing a club. an other answered evil fourbousshed. and without other parliament holding they began a battle upon the market felonnous & hgrd meruaillousty. in casting terrible cries. one an other as it had been thunder comen down from henen. & with this all the women & little children of the city can running & cried weeping so right anguisshoussy that it was great pity to sec hem make their bewailinges & sorrow.  
Thus as ye may understand begun the battle of the citizens the one against that other/ &. in the coming to guider they smote each other cruelly/ without having regard safe only to ssee each other but the king Apollo ●●● there is & loath put 'em forth among their enemies so ferrelin giving peasant strokes and terrible on the right side & on the life side by such virtue that the place was anon died and wet with the blood of the malefactors. and they died so knightly and chevaleroussy/ & in especial Apollo. that there was no trey tree but that he tremblid to fore hem. And every man began to make place to the noble king The●e zethephius had such sorrow. that he came and put him tofore the beard of the knight Fletheris and of loath. and he had with him x. of▪ his best fightars: and such was their adventure. that with one stroke the gentle knight i'll there is sinote done zethephius to the earth among the deed bodies and took him/ And in this heat Apollo and loath fought so sore with the other and so eygrely that they sle we the most part. And it was not long after that the traitors knew that their captain was sore hurt & taken. wherefore they turned their back & put them in fsyght. in all parties along by the ●yue of the city/ & so sparklid a broad   

¶ How the king Apollo gaf to his daughter the bill & manner for to conquer the ●noton̄ or sheep of gold/ which came after to medea:  
When the gentle king Apollo saw that his mortal enemy was held & that his complices put them to fiyght/ incontinent cess the battle/ and returned to his palace with great glory. and each man cried health be given to the king Apollo/ Many of the principal of the people came thenne to fore the king & would there have ssaynthe untre we zetpephius/ But zethephius required them humbli mercy & confessid his great fault/ and there with can there his wife that kneeled to the earth tofore the nobles & the people: and required them of grace for her husband so humbly that the king had pity of her/ & saved zethephius life. But that same day he accused all them that had commised the great evil: of whom the king Apollo died do justice/ And after this gaf to Fletheris the office of zethephius. & from this day forthward the cite was nourisshid in peace the space of many years to the loving and praising of Apollo.  
¶ Zethephius dismissed of his office as said is: attemprid his courage and governed him so well and discretely/ that he recowrid the love and good grace of the king/ ye in such wise that by the move of Mena/ the king Apollo gaf in marriage his daughter Phavoles: unto the son of Zethephius which was named Pherys/ This Pheris was a wise young man: prudent/ discrete/ attempered and moche lou●d the gods: all virtues & good justice: when they 〈…〉 com●●rsed with him a certain 〈…〉 considered two things/ the preudo●iye & wisdom of pheris was that one. And that other was that he would return in to grece. he constitued in this royaume pheris king. & the people confirmed him: And it was not long after that Menadeꝑted fro the life bideth. whereof apollo made marvelous sorrow: And thenne when he had long wept the death of his wife: and felt his end to approach/ he called on an even his daughter phavoles and said to her My dear daughter I take leave of the For I must secretly depart from this country/ and alone return into grece where j was born. how well first ere j depart I late the Queen of this isle. whereof I have in mine heart great joy. And for as mocheas I know thy wit thy discretion and thy virtues/ j shall deliver to the. the bill that the god Mars hath written steyning all the manner how oon shall do for to conquer the noble mutton or sheep of gold in the isle of colchos. and for to destroy all the terrible beasts that been in the same isle. And I command that to no man living ne to no creature of the world thou show it not/ But if it be in th'end of thy life unto a doughther that shall come of thee: unto whom thou shall make her swear that semblably she shall not she we hitto noꝑsone save only to her daughter And so from daughter to daughter. Hyt plesen● the god Mars/ that this bill be kept upon pain of death unto the time that out of grece shall come a knight into this palace that shall be worthy to see it/ And shall conquer the noble motonor sheep of gold  
With these words the king delivered the bill to his dear daughter: the which contained in substance the terms that follow/ If thou love thy life & wilt adventure they self. for to conquer the mutton orshepe of gold/ it is of pure necessity that thou have the habits that apollo was clad with all at the our that this bill was delivered to him/ after it behoveth that thou have his armours and that thou were his gown above them/ and of the other clothes thou make sacrifice unto the god Mars. & put there with a bull whereof thou shalt keep the blood: After this thou shalt take the powldre of the sacrifice. & put it in three parties/ that is to weet one with the blood of the bull. and this myxtion have such virtue/ that if thy body be anointed there with the fire. ne the venyn of the dragon and of the two marvelous booles that keep the mutton may not noye thee/ Unto the regard of the second part of this powder thou shalt meddle it with glue. & with this glue thou shalt anoint the mosels of these two marvelous booles. to whom thou mayst thenne seurely approach notwithstanding that they cast fire against the dismesurably/ but when their mosels been englued they may thenne cast no more fire ne venyn/ Thenne thou shalt go to the dragon/ whom thou must s●ee bythy strength and by thy hardiness: ad thenne when thou shall have slain high thou shalt return to the two booles and hide their eyen. And thou shalt yoke 'em & make hem to turn four rood of land: the which thou shlt sow with the teth of the dragon/ that the●e is dead And after thou shalt make them to harowe it/ And the●e suddenly shall grow of this earth many giants armed/ which shall arise ayensi the. And when it shall comen to s●●ytyng. cast upon them the third part of the powder And anon they shall fight to guider. and each of them shall s●ee that other. and thenne when thou shalt have do● all this that said is. th āe thou mayst take the noble moto● or sheep of gold and conquer it. and then thou shalt flee him/ & with the body reserved the uliese of gold thou shalt make sacrifice to the god mars kneeling and humiling thyself ●o fore him thou shalt say thisoroyso● that followeth.  
Mars my god that by the sufsraunce of the God of nature hast puissance for to change the nature of beasts And that by thy proper virtue conduytest all battles and bringest them to thy playsire. I thank the with all my heart of that thou hast made me to do: And pray the humbly that thou receive my sacrifice in gree And that thou wilt conduit me with mine honour and bring me unto my country. And thus when thou hast fynisshid thy prayer. thou mayst return with glory into thy country and be seized with the noble f●yese of gold.  
MY dear daughter said thenne Apollo lo here the writing that I have spoken of/ And after that lo here mine habits that be requisite for to obteyve the conquest of the sheep of gold/ and mine armours been in the temple of god Mars: and there shall abide unto the time that this noble conquest shall be do●. And therefore keep them well/ and soyngneus●y that no danger come to you. and that I charge the by the commandment of the gods. And I pray you for all the pleasure that ye may do to me that no person be advertised of my departing: Thenne Phanoles promised and swore to her father that she should do to her power all that he had required her and charged her with. and then they took leave each of other weeping right tenderly. and sin went Phanoles with the king Pherix: For it was night: and the good ancient king Apollo abode in his chambre unto on the morn early. and then he departed secretly all alone & entered into a little boot all propice which he had do make th āe he recommanded him in the guard & keeping of the gods/ And thenne a wide smote on the ship that brought him upon the deep see/ & ye shall understand/ that the same day the king Pherix was well adnertised/ that his father in law was gone & departed he begun to demene & make a marvelous sorrow: & so died all the people: but when they saw that they could not have him again ner recover him They commanded him to the guard of the god mars/ Thenne the king Pherix began to have the governance of the royalme/ & conduysed it in such wise that in short time he gate the love of all the people & of the nobles of the royaume  
The king pherix thenne after the departing of the old king Apollo had of his wife phavoles a daughter named Ortis: This daughter came to age & was married unto a noble man of grece named Oetes/ the which by fortune of the see was brought into this country/ in the time that the king Pherix was in his old & ancient days: the ladies of Sychye came thenne into this march▪ & well supposed to have gotten & taken this city of jaconyte by assault. But the inhabitants of the cite bare hem so strongly that this multitude of women were constrained to cease of their enterprise/ whereof they had great sorrow & assieged the city And during their siege they made the temple of the goddess dean/ of whom is spoken tofore. this temple ie like to an otherthat they made in Ephese  
During their siege Oethes which was strong and chivalrous and much valiant in arms/ and of great conduit scarmusshed with 'em many times to his honour/ and did so moche/ that when he ladies had performed their temple/ & that they considered that the cite was imprenable by assault/ & also that the citizens came not out against them in battle. wherefore they lost their time: they raised their siege and returned unto the isle of colchos but they so adventured them returned never again. after the departing of this assemble of ladies/ the 〈…〉 Pherix gave his daughter to Oetes: and made them to wed that one to that other ● the temple of diane which was marvelous rich: Thenne anon after pherix & phanoles died/ and oetes was the third king of this isle by the assent of all the people: This king Oetes found a mine of gold. Whereof he died do make vaissell & other utensilles necessary & propice unto his household/ this was the most rich king of all the world in that time/ he died do make an ydole all of fyn gold representing the god Mars. and another representing the god's dean the which were in a wooed ed●ffied of gold/ wherein he had all manner of wild beasts: After he died 〈…〉 a fair garden of playsa●●ce. in which he founded a temple unto the god's venus/ unto whom he died do make a rich image: which was all of fyn gold And about the same were fifti men & as many women that desired & required each other of love/ & they were made with so amerous manners. that all they that beheld them/ where lighlty and soon moved to luxure/ Hit is not to be unremembered that among all these things, the said king Oethes had ● daughter by his wife Ortis/ This dow grew & was named Medea & became passing beautevous & fair yet he had an other doughtere by his wife & a son/ the daughter was named Calliope/ & the son was named abserthius. At the burthe of this Abserthius/ the queen ortis was so seek that she laid her down in her mortal bed/ and called to her/ her daughter Medea: and delivered to her all the things that the king apollo had delivered to his daughter Phavoles touching the feat of the conquest of the golden f●ese And also taught her many enchantements: & with this she gave to her a Ring of gold: wherein was a sione of such virtue/ that it should make them invisible that bore it: and this done/ she passed out of this world/ where fore Oetes Medea & caliopes demeaned marvelous great sorrow/ and there j will rest of this sorrow & shall recount what was the end of the king Apollo.   

¶ How the king apollo arrived at the port of Starille/ and how he departed secretli fro the king Serath and arrived at they'll of Colchos/ & of his death: and how the king Serath confessed Apollo to be a god.  
When the king Apollo was alone on the see as said is: he abandoned him unto the fortune of the winds & of the waters/ confying and trusting in the grace of the gods. And his fortune was such/ that he arrived at the port of Starille a city of the royalme of Pyre. and there fond that the king Philitenus lay there passing seek. and thenne went to him/ & after the reverences made. recounted to him fro point to point all that was befallen to him and his people/ how that he had fond the isle that the gods had promised to him/ & how they had made the cite/ & how they had made him king/ & how zechius & his fellows died in the ●le of colchos/ how zethephius had conspired against him. how he had made his son Pherix king. and how he was departed thence alone/ The king philytenus 〈…〉 marvel of these things 〈…〉 great cheer to apollo after 〈◊〉▪ power. but anon after he died & after him succeeded in his royalme a son that he had which was named serath. Than when apolloes saw● that Serat●y was obeyed king of pyrre. he came to him on aday to take leave for to return into his country? but Serath would not that he should depart And required him instantly that he would use the remnant of his life with him. Apollo excused him and took leave yet once: but in no wise serath would accord thereto: and when Apollo saw this & felt that he might not long live/ he departed thence on an even so secretli that no man knew till on the morn. and thenne on the morn they knew it by the report of one of his knights/ which certified him that he had met & recount●id him in a place that he named  
Incontinent that the king Serath understood these tidings: he was sore troubled. for he loved parfaitly Apollo. and forthwith he took his horse and in intention to bring him again/ he road after him accompanied of. ij good knights of his court/ but he could never overtake him till that he was come ●to the isle of colchos where he found him passing seek and labouring in the extreme draughts of death/ The annoy of king Serath redoubled when he saw & found apollo ● this estate & wept. Thenne the king apollo defended him that he should go no ferther into the isle of colchos for to conquer themoton or sheep of gold/ & sin recommended him to the gods. and that done expired his life/ for which death the king Serath & his knights were terribly sorry/ and concluded that they would bear the body into their country: & make for him a fair and rich sepulture. & than they garnisshid the body with great ●oison̄ of candles for to wake that night/ but than it was about midnight/ & that all the luminaire brende about the body of Apollo: all went out & queuchid suddenly/ & than must the king Serath & his knights wake the remnant of the night without any light or clearness whereof they had great meru●●lle/ And on the morn when the da●e appeared it happened that the●●●●nde not the body of king Apollo: ●ut in the place where they had le●●it the day tofore. they found an altar of crystal passing clear. upon which was anymage of fyn gold so quickly made after the fashion of Apollo. that it seemed properly his person. Wherefore the king Serath seeing this muracle. kneeled down on both his knees to the earth to f●●ehī & worshipped it. And than he heard a voys that said to him. Serath seek not apollo but among the gods: he hath prayed for the and for all them that shall come to his sepulchre. & therefore know thou that thou shalt have good fortune/ and all they that shall come hither by good devotion shall have answer of things that they shall demand/ & here with the voys made silence: & the king Serath confessed thenne openly that without error. Apollo was a god. After these things he died do make in the honour of h●a ●emple en signifying all that he had seen & herd to been true. & fro then forth on the greeks were acusiomed to come to this temple fro far country to worship him and diligently demand & inquire of their destinees/ And among all other Peleus went thither as ●ayd is And thus endeth the history of Apollo and his feats And now j will return for to speak of the feats and vaillaunces of the noble and prew jason/ for that is our principal matter.   

¶ How the king Oete● received jason into his his city. And how Medealovyd jason/ and brought him to the temple of Venus/ & how the old woman enchanted the bed of jason  
When jason was departed from Lennos. And that he had sacred his ship unto the goddess pallas: & to the goddess of the see. he sailed by many journees from one coast to an other. that in the end Argos ruled so his course by the son/ that on a day he arrived in the isle that he had desired to find by a great storm and impetuous fortune that by force were constrained for to take the regorte or gulf/ where as the isle of colchos was by Hit was not long after that when Argos had brought▪ his ship in this gulf or arm of the see/ that the son went done. & thenne as argoes thought where he might best cast anchor/ & make his ship fast/ it happened that he saw tofore him the cite of jacoynte. & on that one side of the isle of Colchos/ theridamas sprung out sodayuly tourbillons of fire so terrible that of fear that he had in beholding it he begun to cry. When jason hercules and Theseus & the other knights of grece herd the master thus cry. they sprang up & came to him/ and the master told them the cause of his cry. & sin showed to hem the cite & the isle/ & asseured hem how they were comen to th'end of their viage and of this matter they devised so long that speaking thereof their ship can to the port into the●pre place where the ark of king Apollo was comen at that time when they can first into the land. Thenne the master of the ship cast his anchors into the see/ Thenne jason rendrid loving & praising unto the gods/ & so died hercules. Thenne they sent Theseus unto the king Oetes for to signefte to him their coming/ & for tenquere if this was the country that they sought. Certes Theseus went and died his message in such wise/ that the king Oetes presented to him his palace/ and sent unto the noble jason four of his knights that required him on the kings behalf that he would take his herberow in his palace/ and he was to him right welcome: And when jason had understand the will of the king by the iiij. knights: he promised them that with a good will he would come thither/ and thenne he entered in to the city/ which was noble and fair. & how well it was night at that time/ yet was the city as light as it had been day by the clarte & resplendonr of torches. cresettes & other fires/ that the king had do make in the city right notably accompanied for to feast the greeks  
¶ Ye may well understand that the right noble jason entered into this city/ accompanied of Hercules and his fellows that were right rich clad and habilled with cloth of gold & of silk/ The street by which they passed for to go to the palace was on two renges high: & low peupled of ladies. of damoiselles: of knights burgess. merchanns: maidens & young people beholding their coming & ordinance. And when jason was comen unto thentry of the palace. he found there the noble king Oetes. which was set in estate royal for to feast jason and his company/ and received jason right honourably as chief of them all. and the●e wha he had welcomed them. he took hī●y the hand ad leode him unto his palace And anon as they went upon the steyres for to go up jason looked into a window. and beholding he espied the fair Medea among many ladies/ to whom he took no● other heed as for this time: but it was not so on her part: For she began to behold him so affect●o●s●y for his great because. that he was more in her g●e than ● can tell you. For ●●bregge the matter jason & all his ●pa●ye passed forth by this window where Med●a was. & came into an hall where the tables were covered And tha● why●es they made ready the so● per. the king Oetes began to demand the gentle knight jason & after many words he began to say to him in this manner  
¶ jason fair sire ● know for troth that ye be son of king Esoulyke as Theseus your fellow hath said to me But I know not whither ye intend to go/ ne what thing ye seek/ wherefore ● pray you by manner of a pass time that ye will a little recount/ to me of yo●● estate & enterprise/ if it be possible that ye so do may ● any manner/ and I promise you that if I may be propice in any fashion for the love of your father/ whom I have some time known I shall deliver to you aid comfort in all that ● me shall be possible: Sire answered thenne jason ● thank you humbli of the great honour that ye present to me: and sin it must nede● be that once ye must know the cause wherefore ● am descended into your country/ I declare to you that ● have enterprised for to go into the isle of Colcho● notwithstanding the perils which been moche to doubt & not with out cause/ & with this I have made a●owe that ● shall never return into grece/ unto the time that I have conquered & shalbring with me the sheep or ●●ese of gold. and if I may not make an end of this enterprise Hercules my fellow shall adventure him. wherefore I require you that of this enterprise ye will council me to your power. Certes jason said the●e the king ye have made a little vow. How sire said jason how so/ for asmuch a●s●erde the king as by any adveture or fortune ye sequester into this y●● of colchos. it is not possible that ye ever return hither aga●/ for there be in that isle two great and marvelous bulls enueny●●ed commised to the keeping of the mutton or fsees of gold/ whereof ye spoke: also there is commised for the guard of the same the most terrible and the most crimynel drago● that ever was spoken of or seen The which three bestescast continually ●ire ● fenyn out of their throats/ which shall ●●ee yo● without remedy in/ contin●t that ye approach them: the which things considered sin that ye have demanded me conceal. & also that e●yri noble man is bound to give council to them that been evylen form & concealed: I pray you/ & council as my proper ●one that ye cease of this your enterprise. for if ye do other wise all the gold of the world may not save you▪ & therefore thē●e well that ye have to do before ye put you in such a dannger I co●ceylle you as though ye were mine own son or my brother germane. & herewith they left their words  
The supper was ready. with these words the king sat at the table between jason & Hercules/ & sent after Medea and Calliope: which were set to fore him/ this done he commanded the other greeks to sit at an other table where they were richly served. But when it came for to eat the noble maid medea entroubled at that time her maintain/ and cast her regard upon jason: where she rested longer thenne it appertained to her countenance. for jason seemed to her more fair than he was at the first time. & he was so playsannt & agreeable that when she heard recompte among other devices & things that he was comen for to conquere the motō●or ●●ees of gold/ she judged that this was the knight of grece which was destined for to conquer it. & said in herself. that she would help him to obtain the same: with that he would take her to his wife: such or ●●blable were the thoughts of the fair medea at souper She beheld oft times jason when she saw her time. & it annoyed her moche that she might not speak to him privily. What shall ● say more for when the king & the greeks had right well take her refection the tables were take up/ & after the greeks were brought into divers chambers. & among all other jason was lodged nigh by the fair medea/ for there was no more between but a little aleye from her chamber/ to his by which jason went afterward oft times unto medea. ¶ When thenne jason was withdrawn into his chamber. and that he was alone with mopsius/ he begun to devise with him & said Mopsius fair sire. what say ye of mine enterprise of Colchos: By my law sire said mopsius. I see no way ne know none other thing but matter of dolour and sorrow: for every man of this house judgeth you dead if ye go in this perilous isle of colchos. where there been so dread full & terrible beasts as it hath been said to you. Notwithstanding answered jason/ it behoveth that ● ac●te mine avow Certes sire said mopsius it is now no need for to go any further if it please you & be well ●ceiled ye ought to be content without going any ferther. for as it is said commonly. it is better to leave folly: thenne to maintain folly: Ha a fair sire Mopsius said jason: If ● do not my power to par●or●●e that I have promised & avowed I should use all my life after in reproach Certes yet had in liefer finish my days honourably/ And know ye verily that sin I am come thus far abiding the grace of the gods I shall parsorme mine enterprise & shall abide the adventure. Sire said Mopsius ye shall do that ye good seem. but ye understand not well your caas: for know ye that it is a certain that peleus your uncle hath sent you hither cautelously for to enterprise & achieve this au●ture: to th'end that he might obtain your royalme/ & therefore ye may return from hens in to grece without more further enterprise. ye shall get thereby no reproehe▪ but ye shallbe held for mice: for he is discrete that can fse from his mysanenture & keep him from damage  
¶ In verity Mopsius fair sire answered themee jason/ I ne may not adiouste faith to all that ye have to me now said. And for so much know ye for certain that for part● of death. or danger that may befall and come to me/ I shall not depart me but that I shall furnissh mine avow. & therefore if it so happe● that I die in this perilous yle/ I require you to recommande me unto the good grace of the fair Mirro. When Mopsins had understand that said is: he began sore to weep/ And jason laid him down in his bed/ and synchaunged purposes and began to devise of the good cheer that the king Oetes & Medea had made to him In recommanding above all other things the great beauty and the fair countenance of Meden. And in continuing this purpose he fill a ssepe  
The fair Medea was at this time at the door of the chambre of jason/ & heard all▪ the devices of jason & of mopsius. as she that was esprised of the love of the gentle prince of grece. that in no wise she might vaynquisshe her courage/ And also long as their devices dured. so long stood she at the door harkening/ And when they cess their purposes she returned into her chamber. where was but one ancient lady her gardyene or mistress which was though a ssepe. & thenne the noble maid Medea went and laid her in her bed full of thoughts & imaginations. that when she would have slept she could not. For as much as so many thoughts & imaginations assailed her on all parties by such fashion. that she turned her often in yielding many asyghe/ and thenne by force of a marvelous enbrasing of love she began to say softly to herself Alas mine eyen in what labour have ye put me. certes ye be the cause & none other that I am not she that was wont to be. For ye have enuoluped mine heart. with an ardant fire of amerous desire. Ha a what shall be fall/ or what shall j mow do being in this pain and sorrow. Certes I can say no more but of very necessity. j yield me all in the subjection of love in his servitude shall j be subject it is force. and wherefore for as much as j am smitten to the heart with the great beauty of jason the bruit of all the world: and to my judgement the glory of grece/ O marvelous dart where with I feel me smitten to the heart. Certes mine eyen ye been the cause which displeaseth me. And for what reason/ for asmuch as ye be coulpable of this folly. how be it/ it is no folly Hit is: j believe it not: it must be believed: for it is great folly to desire thing that can be goten. j know verayli that jason is so more enamoured of a lady in his country/ And furthermore his courage is garnisshid of agrete & marvelous constance Then may it be said that I may not enjoy him. & by consequent I may conclude that mine eyen have inclined & submised me unto an over great folly  
Ha a mine eyen why reply not ye to this argument/ see not ye that j do no thing but think: for the gentle and noble jason thenketh no more on me. thenne on her that he never saw Ha a in what jeopardy stand I in. For I may not require jason of love/ for that should redound in me great blame: & I should go again the honour of love And then must it needs be that I believe in all my folly/ & also I must doubt it for two reasons The first is. for I should be defamed unto the end of the world If it happened me to require this knight of love And the second reason is all evident/ For jason without contradiction goth into the isle of Colchos. there where he shallbe anon devoured of the terrible beasts Ha' a what sorrow and damage shall that be if such a prince should perish by such manner/ for he is the choose of all nature/ the choice of nobles/ and the flower of worship. j have heard his reasons. he had liefer die honourably in accomplishing his avow then to return with rest to grece: ha a what noble & excellent courage/ o how happy & ewrous should j be & nigh to great felicity if j might be called by him unto his love/ that might he do ye as me thinketh/ & how: for to tech & learn high the jndustrie & administer to him the manner for to ꝯqre the noble fles of gold I have all things propice for to brige this conquest to an end/ if I wist that he would take me to his wife j should deliver them to him with the better will & 'gree of mine heart/ what shall j do/ Alas j wot never/ & ●f I died him this advancement/ & after set nought by me for the love of his first lady in amours To whom he recommanded him by mopsius as j right now herd. certes j should die for sorrow/ & shall j late him adventure to furnissh his avow/ & then death shall follow. alas nay. for if he died there: my death were me right nigh: for as much then as I love high bet then my life. & my heart ●●●eth that this is he for whom the gods have established this marvelous adventure in the isle of Colchos/ And furthermore me seemeth that if I do for him so great a thing/ as for to save his life. and that by my moyen he shall come to above of his enterprise honourably: that for the merit & reward of my benefice/ he shall be content and joyous to take me to his wife  
MEdea the noble lady with this conclusion fill a sleep/ & passed the night till the day can/ & the king rose up more early thenne he was wont to do for to come to jason. weening to let & break his enterprise. how well he went unto him when he knew that he was risen: And found Hercules with him. They entresalewed each other. After they began to devise of the isle of Colchos. and the king rehearsed of them that had been in colchos▪ and how they had been slain & devowred. and after this counciled Hercules & jason that they should in no wise go thither/ but what remonstrance he showed hem/ jason abode in his purposes for to take th aduenture/ and to put his body in jeopardy among the three terrible & crymynell beasts/ & concluded that he would depart thitherward with in four days following/ When the good king apperceived that there was none other remedy. but that jason was verily delibered & concluded taccomplisshe his avow upon the right marvelous adventure of Colchos. he deported high self for speaking more thereof. and counseled jason that for to pass his time he should go to the temple of the goddess Deane/ which the ladies of Sychye had newly founded/ in a forest called Edee. jason thanked him moche of his good counsel/  & said that he would go thither with good heart. & th āe he disposed him to go thither and sent for all the greeks of his company: & took with him the representation of the noble goddess pallas: which was in his ship: after this he set forth his knights on the way/ & himself/ bearing the said representation went after with them. Hercules & theseus went beside the prew jason. & had to fore hem trumpets/ clarions tabours/ & other instruments that made so joyous anoise & bruit/ that they of the city had marvel/ & some there were that followed them For among all other Medea & her sister & other ladies and damoiselles unto the number of iij. C. followed & hasted 'em so sore. that they were at the temple to fore the greeks  
¶ When jason was come to this temple medea came & met with him by the incitation & admonishment of love/ and entresalewed each other curtoissy/ and there were many of the greeks that beheld medea in making their prayers. Always jason that thought on nothing but on his devotions eutrid into the temple: and set the repnsentation of the goddess pallas: by & nigh the god's dean/ & when he had so done he cast high self down on both his knees to fore the altar. & there was so long in prayers & oroisons that the fair medea was sore grieved and annoyed. for she desired sore to speak with him/ & was in all determined for to save to him his life in pnseruing him from the fire & venyn that the. iij. marvelous beasts cast & rendered  
At the last jason arose from his prayers: and came to the ladies/ to whom he made reverence and principally to medea: the which arose against high/ whom the ladies and damosels beheld much entētif●. after she took him by the hand & led him and showed him all the places of the temple/ and among all other she showed him there the repnsentation of the god mars weening for to speak to him of certain things/ the which she desired sore to know the troth But hercules and theseus & other of the greeks ladies and damoiselles followed so nigh that she witted not●ou thacomplisshe her entemtion/ how well that she lad him long. & when she saw that she might not have her intent there: she said to hercules that she would bring them into the temple of Venus. Thenne the prew jason and Hercules thanked the noble lady of her courtosye: & departed from the temple of dean for to go to the temple of Venus. but in going mede● began to sigh as she that had theart ●flam̄ed of a marvelous ardeur and brenning. thenne when she could not hide that 〈…〉 her heart/ by force she entemed ● 〈◊〉 to open her matter in this wy●… Certes right noble knight j 〈◊〉 much your great beauty/ wherefore inada●ne answered jason/ for as much said she as I have understand that none may break ne torn you fro thenterprise that ye have taken but that ye will adventure you in the conquest of the flces or sheep of gold/ which is a thing impossible to any man living & know ye for certain that if ye go thither: ye shall never return/ & for as much as ye be comen of so noble extraction of ryal lineage: & that it is so that every like loveth his semblable/ by this very and natural resou I complain you above all other/ me thinketh that ye be meruaillonssy abused. for to so will lose your life. certes I have not herd of a greater simpleness. for naturally every creature fleeth the death and desireth to live/ it hath well been declared & advertised to you of the perils that been in this adventure & that for to bring to effect/ ye shall lose your life: & yet always ye will not believe council/ Certes jason it is evil done/ & ye do against nature when ye be cause of your death which every man ought to flee sovereignly ¶ When jason had understand this that said is. he answered to the noble lady in this manner. Ha a fair madame j have right well understand your words & reasons which ●●n good & holsos●e/ but ye count not that evyri noble body ought so●●er cheese the death: the●●e to do or consent thing that should be against their honour. it is well troth/ that in the presence of the greatest princes of grece. I have avo wed to bring to end this enterpse: how well that it be marvelous and doubtous: shall j thenne go against my word. Certes there ne is way ne moyen none but that I must needs furnish this adventure. or elliss that I be pointed with the finger of reproach & cowardice/ & as a right recreate knight/ By all my gods I had liefer tabyde this auēture. thenne fortune should predestine me to do thing that j might in any manner be reprehended or reproached. Incontinent as medea understood the high will of jason. she was much ioyod/ nevertheless she feigned to be dolente & sorrowful: and of fait she reared Hercules. that he would show to high the great peril that he would put him in. but hercules answered to her that he would rather counceile jason to do it thenne to leave it/ For if jason failed to furnish this emprise that he himself would take it on hand to br●ge it to end/ Nevertheless said thenne Medea if jason believed my council he should go no ferther. and I shall say to him such reason apart And when she saw that they were so far from the other/ that they might not understand what she said. she said to him in this wise/ In verity right noble knight▪ hit●ehoueth that pity of a woman ●ust 〈◊〉 excused by your g●t●nesse/ j have pite of you and of your great beauty. ●d certes nature hath inclined me there to. & trusting if I do any thing for you ye will know it The hour is come that it behoveth that I do appear to your eyen the secret not only of my heart: but also that same by the which ye shall obtain & come above to brenge to end your marvelous enterprise to your great glory & honour & recommendation by the help of the gods. And for asmuch as if I declare to you by great love things that been high & great/ if ye will further know of them it is of necessity/ that ye swear to me to keep it secret above all other things of the world▪  
Madame answered thenne jason/ j am a pour & true knightsent unto the se monsters. certes it hath pleased you to do me more honour thenne ever it shall lie in my power to deserve: nevertheless when your pietous heart will incline unto my poverty j swear to you by the names of all the gods that men worship/ that if ye declare to me any thing that as long as j shall live. it shall not dept● from my mouth. By my law sir knight answered Medea/ I have great confidence in your noblesse/ wherefore I am resolewed for to discower to you the secret of the gods/ & after that lieth on my heart which if it be noting on you/ it shall redound to your great honour & profit. Madame answered jason. it shall not hold on me/ & if ye know any thing propice to my whorship I me submit in all unto your right noble grace/ Haa noble knight said thenne medea. I may no longer feign. my●eyen have beholden your great beauty. ye been a● the desire of mine heart. where there worketh love so perfondly that j have great pity of you: & in such wise that if ye will promise me to be my true husband/ & bring me into your country after your vow & enterprise brought to an end. I shall promise you & also show how ye shall mow conquer the mutton or f●ees of gold without danger of your body & in such wise as ye shall return hole and safe to your glory and honour/ To the which no mortal man may come but if it be by a secret manner/ coming from the gods/ The which not long sin was delivered to me by my mother. wherefore I pray you that ye wi●●●ue regard to mine offer abadoned. ● also to your health  
When jason had understand medea thus speak/ he began to frown ● himself & sighing with an heavy heart answered/ Madame ye constrain me to be beholden more to you then to any creature living: and I can not conceive from whence this ewr cometh: when I feel me thus fallen in your grace: and I would it pleased the gods that I were dign & worthy thereto: & that I never had made vow to lady in the world Certes fair sire said medea/ me ●emeth that your herthath attained the mercy of some lady. have ye insured & wedded her/ Madame answered jason: j certify you nay/ but I have set my love in her so ꝑfaitly/ thamin no manner I may forget her. & I have promised that j shall be hers all my life/ Then said/ Medea. what some ever be there of/ it is of necessity that ye leave & put her in oublia●ice. & that ye intend to complaire me ●f ye will not receive the death: for b●t if ye depart you fro your enterprise/ without mine aid there is no remedy/ And if I be cause of salvation of your life/ as to the regard of me/ j will enyoie you alone without any other. My dear lady answered jason the pour abandonned body is yours. for to honour & serve you in all that in me shall be possible. In good faith fair sire jason: if ye will give yourself all ●ome. I shall give myself to you in like wise  
In verity jason answered my right dear lady ye do to me right great honour without deserving/ Certes sire jason answered the lady/ love is cause of this we'll and pity hath commanded me to do it. the which cause me to run in so great a shame as for to require you to be my lord/ but it seemeth to pite that in favour that j desire to save your life/ ye aught to excuse me Madame answered jason j shall never be so ewrous as to come j●stely unto the good grace of one so noble lady/ as ye be. & would right well that it should mow be. but what shall become & shall mow say she that ● have given myself to: if ye forsake her not: on all parties said then medea j may not help you to do your conquest ne ssave you life/ & therefore cheese ye/ for j am smitten to the heart wyth your love sin that ● must sayeal. If I should be cause of saving of your life/ & then happened an other should enyoye your person. it should beho●e me to die for sorrow/ and therefore think ye what ye have to do & be ye advised. Wyt these words jason & medea entered into the garden of plaisa●ice: in which was set the temple of venus 〈◊〉 such wise ad●i●ōned & set about wyth flowers & with delicious works that it seemed a very parady● terrestre.  
The●●e hercules & the other ladies & da●●o●selles approached unto jason & meden. wherefore it behoved 'em to leave & ●esse their ꝑlaine ●: & to behold the plaisa●ice & that the delices of that place of flowers/ & all the fashions of vines & trees highly cond●yted by conpas. ¶ When the greky ss●● knights had seen & ●●cyued the beauty of this place. they had thereof great marvel & were much esbayed & after they entered into the temple, and there made their oroiso●●s & sin beheld the composition & ordonnances of the images that repnsented the amorous people all about the goddess venus/ and when they had long seen & beholden all. meda took leave of jason & said that she would abide a little while: & thenne jason departed fro the temple & returned with the greeks unto the palace/ & the fair medea abode in the temple much pensif & in great ●ayne ● somoch that after the departing of the greeks she kneeled down humbli tofore the representation of venus. & said in this manner Right sovereign goddess of lovers which holdest all the feats of nature in thy domination & signory I yield me unto thy good mercy. ha a & where may ● be come for to have good council. j have required the noble knight jason of love or at lest j have revealed & showed to him the secret of mine heart and of my thought & with that I have offered to say to him and declare the secret of the gods: have I done evil/ I wot never. but at lest I apperceive clearly that I have myself to him abandoned & gylen. Haa what shame is this. ye verayli and more if he daigneth not to hear me: but if I may do so much that he accord unto my will/ this shallbe to me the most greatest glory that may come to any woman of a noble house: ha a high gods counceylle me ensign & tech me put your help to this work to your ●cell. it is now time or never After this oriso●i abode there the fair medea as all ravished & was so long there till the lady thather had in guard can to her & said that she tarried and made her prayers to long and that it was time to return to the palace Thenne arose medea from her contemplation all esprised of love. as her visage showed it plainly & reforned homeward. And when she was comen to the palace. she found that the king abode her for to go to dinner but she gaf the king to understand that she was not well dispesed and so the king set him at the table with jason. the noble hercules/ & theseus and Calliope the second daughter: & Medea went unto her chamber & many ladies and damoiselles followed her. how well she made 'em all depart and go out of the chambre/ & retained none with her reserved the lady that had the conduit and charge of her: the which was right sore abashed of the maintain of Medea Wherefore incontinent as all the women were withdrawn she came to her & said thus. My dear daughter I have great marvel from whence this malady is comen to you. In good faith answered medea fair mother/ it needeth nothing to you to marvel. For there is no creature what that ever they be. but that they must be subget to receive the maladies & skewes whamn they come & when the god & fortune will send them/ Your reason is good said then the lady/ but when the maladies been comen. it behoveth to seche remedy assoon as is possible/ & therefore tell ye to me your necessity/ & where the seke●es holdeth & grieveth you/ and j shall advertise the medicine or physician that he shall purvey for remedy/ A ha fair mother said Medea. Late me in pee● It must needs be that ye tell me ●swerde the lady It is adventure said medea. Wherefore said the lady. For asmuch as mine infirmity is over secret & for so moch I dare not discover it. A ha my dete lady said then. I suppose that it been amourettis that thus travail you. and/ I am in doubt that the●●eaute & the noble virtues of jason been cause berof/ for j see you all in other manners then ye were wont to be/ and if it be so: tell it to me hardily/ for ye be the creature above all other of the world that I love best: I have unto this time/ the best wise I could governed and nourisshid you: & for so much me seemeth that ye should hide no thing from me and if ye be any thing smitten wyth the dart of love. discover it unto me: that shallbe unto your heart great alegement/ for every person amorous passeth his pain & grief lightly. when she findeth/ to whom she may open heart and devise clearly. My fair mother said thenne medea/ I see well that it behoveth that ye know't all mine of fair. Certes verily I amourouse of jason/ & so much that I should jeoꝑde my life for him/ and in deed I have required him that he take me to his wife. & j shall deliver to him the industry and teach him how he shall win the ●sces of gold. & also adaunte the fearful beasts of the isle of Colchos ¶ When the lady had understand this that said is. she began to weep tenderly saying. Ha a dear daughter what have ye done. I am all dishonoured by you/ when ye go praying the strange knights of love. Haa what outrage Certes they shall moc● you. and if it be known ye shall never be honoured ne called: as ye tofore have been/ Know ye fair mother answered then medea/ that I have not done: so ill as ye ween. and if I have required the noble knight jason of love/ it shall reputed to me virtue and not shame ne dishonour/ for pity hath ●strayned me so to do/ for as much as it is in me to save his life/ & to make him return with glory and victory of his enterprise. & for so much know ye that thenne when j have seen so fair & so well addressed knight that his like shall not be seen in a. M. year. I have had pity of him. and above this love hath made me enterprise that I have required him considered many things. & that he would never have required me/ and j have made to him a promise which I will hold & abandon/ if he will ensure me that I shall be his wife. for j have here within by writing the manner how the gods will that the mutton or sheep of gold shallbe conquered: wherefore I require and pray you: that ye counsel me and help that by your cunning & conduit I might get and draw him to my love/ & that ye would do so moch for the love of me/ that he have no sovenance of any other lafoy die in the world/ save only on me: for it is force that it so be or else he be deed & perished in the isle of colchos where he hath avowed to go & finish th'end of the right perilous adventure of the mutton or flees of goold: And finably that in be wailing and be weeping his death j be homicide of him and of myself.  
Thenne the lady seeing medea to be in this point beheld & saw how she was of a marvelous & great courage and yet she thought that there might come harm of if the maid accomplished not party of her desire: and sin brought to her remembrannce/ that she might bring jason to conquere the mutton or flees of gold: and when she had put all these things in a balance and fiched in her engine she began to recomfort medea: and in deed promised her that she should so do/ that without other moyen she should enjoy the love of jason. & it was not long after but that she went to the bed of jason▪ & there made certain conjurisons & carectes. for she was all expert in all manners of enchantments & of sorceries/ and when she had thus done she camagayn to medea. & said to her that she should no more doubt of any thing: for from after the time that jason be laid & couched in his bed he should never love other woman but her▪ and so it befell. for assoon as jason was laid in his bed at the even/ all his courage & intendment were ranysshed in thinking on the great beauty of Medea in such fashion as he might in no wise sleep  
MOpsius had a custom to speak every night with jason/ And thenne jason would speak of the beauty of the noble queen myrto/ and oft times he spoke so moche of her that he was weary/ And thenne when this mopsius saw that in this night he made no mention of his lady/ he was all abashed & said to him. verily jason I apperceive well that your esperite is traveled with new fantasies. I have seen that ye have passed the most part of the night for tailowe & praise the beauty of your lady in love the fair Mirro: & yet ye spoke of her the night precedent▪ But in this night the rule faileth/ Certes answered jason it is expedient that she be put with the sins in oubliance: For as for mirro I recche never though I never seen mere with her/ But say to me freely. what seemeth you of Medea/ Is she not the passerowte of all the ladies of the world Is not she the triumph of all beauty. Is there any man in the world that could or might better wish for his recreation. Answer to me: Sy●e said Mopsius I me accord right well to that ye say touching the caas of medea But unto the regard of the faith Myrro that so moche have be recommanded in your courage/ I may not believe that ye have put her in oubliance By my law my fair friend said thenne jason. Who is fer fro the eye. fro the heart recoileth/ Mirro is clear as gold/ but medea flaumeth & shineth as the precionse stone And if I might find myself in her grace/ I should love her soweraynly: ● ha said Mopsius/ I held you for the most loyal & most constant knight. that ever gave him to serve love. & now I apperceive that ye be variable as other be. Be ye not remembered of ysiphile whom ye would never will to love/ and that ye said If myrro ne had been ye would have espoused her I am esbaied of you more thenne of any man/ Certes mopsius answered ja son if ye will do to me any pleasure. speak to me no more of Myrro ne of ysiphile. but of the fair medea speak long enough & largely. For this is she that I will keep in my conceit and her that I shall serve unto the death/ and who that speaketh to me of other shall be mine enemy.  
When Mopsius had understand the will of jason he spoke no more/ but slept. & jason abode all pensive on the fairelady Medea/ And medea that harkened/ as she had done the night tofore went into her chamber anon as the parlement of the ij. knights was done: & can to her mother all recomforted & said to her. & recounted all that she had herd/ & sin laid her in her bed imagining how she might fide herself a part to speak wyth jason. & concluded in herself that she would go on pilgrimage unto the temple of the goddess dean. saying if that jason loved her a● he had said he would not depart for nothing but come after her ●●is conclusion was not taken without abundance of sighs. The night drew over and the day begun to show. & the fair medea arose. and made the noise run that she was whole. & that for the recowrance of her health. she would go thank the goddess dean in her temple/  
After this she attired & arrayed her in the fairest wise she could or might/ and in process she put her on the way rightnobly accompanied of ladies & damosels/ Whereof jason was right joyous when he knew it/ and desired the way assoon as he might/ Certes he followed Medea under the coversure of will to go by good devotion to the temple. O fair coverture the humane people living at this day hold the same term in many places/ & go to the temples and churches or in the holy places ordo●ned to god by devotion for tefface. and put away their sins And yet nevertheless they commyse there their sins and for to come to the love of one & other/ they go more to the mass for to behold and look each upon other. & for to make their tours and signs thenne for any devotion. O high devotion/ o right dampened ypocresie: men cominyse sins where they ought to be in devotion. and do virtuous works/ they beguile lightly enough the world to her charge and damnation. But certes god in no wise may be abused  
FOr thenne to return to our matter/ jason thus comen to the temple where as medea was/ first of all he made semblant for to adore and worship the gods & set him down on his knee to fore the altar of the goddess pallas and Deane. but for this time he neither made prayer ne orison. but thought what manners he might best hold against Medea. And of what purpose he might make to her his entry. And when he had long advised him: he arose and took his way unto medea/ which came against him But then when she saw that he drew him toward her/ and that they had entersalewed and that jason had made the reverence unto the other ladies: Medea entered subtilely/ in devices with high And in devising of one and other she drew him a little a part against the altar of diane whom they began to behold. & then jason making manner as he had spoken of the goddess diane. & of rich wood that here and there advironned it he said to her in this manner Madame lo here your power knight I yield me unto your mercy. and am ready taccomplisshe all your good commandments. and pray you if ● said yesterday any thing that was to your display sir/ that it would plaise you to pardonne me/ & if ye may help & aid me to bring to a good end my vow & enterprise & succour me in that great work I swear and prinse to you in calling to witness of mine oath the high goddess diane & pallas. that if it please you to be my dear fellow and friend/ I shall be yours all my life and shall bring you with me into Grece wythouthe making any fault  
jason answered thenne Medea I declared to you yesterday my caas all privily/ and how I had great pity of you. ● know also that the gods have had pity on you/ and will not consent that ye should finish your days in Colchos/ & that they have inspired you to submit you to my will. for other wise it were not possible but that ye should be there dead & lost. therefore for to go forth and make short/ for we may not long hold parliament after your ordinance and covenant I shall accord me to●●e your wife. in all such manner as I promised to you yesterday: And yet I promise you that of your avow & enterprise ye shall come above to your honour and profit/ ye to morner the even be dark and obscure/ thenne it is expedient that ye lie alone this night in your chambre: to th'end that I may the better speak to you and at more leisure: and to introduce you more secretly into such things as shall behove you to hold/ & speak no more to me of this matter at this present time▪ that none apperceive of our enterprise or of our love. With this the noble lady began to show to the noble prew jason/ the great richesse of this representation of the goddess dean/ & jason allowed highly the king oetes that so well had done it to be ediffied/ with these words Medea took leave of jason and of the other knights of grece/ which tarried a little there. and after returned unto the city/ and after she departed from thence And there was jason complained and bewailed of all the people: saying one to an other that it was right great damage of one so gentle a knight and so well addressed that would go and do destroy himself in all points in the mortal adventure of Colchos. They spoke and said moche thing one and other: And in especial the noble King Oetes. the which came to jason as he departed out of the temple of the god's dean: & much discounceyled him th'enterprise of colchos and that for nothing he should descend affirming to high that he should lose his life if he entered▪ and that he that had sent him thither. did it for to make him die cautelously  
IAson hearing the council that the king Oetes gave h● for his we'll: thinking how a knight liveth in great reprouche when▪ he goth against his avow and promise. And considering the conclusion & promise that he had made with medea: abode farm and stable in his first purposes/ saying unto the king Oetes that for death ne for any other 〈…〉 that might come to him he would not deport him but brengen to an end and in deed xcluded that on the morn without any longer tarrying he would make an end thereof. wherefore the king Oetesdemened much great sorrow. & in like wise did all the knights of grece/ reseruid Hercules & Theseus/ & so passed that day speaking of this marvelous work/ unto the even that every man withdrew him unto his place/ & the valiant knight jason took leave of every man for to withdraw him I to his chamber & gas Mopsius to understand. that he would pass that night in orison̄●. and all devotion & contemplation/ & that he he would have no man with him at at that time. whereof diverse had great marvel/ for asmuch as he had not be acoustomed so to do/ and so in said that men should not suffer him to take so mortal an enterprise. from when he should never return: Considering the high and recommended vines where with he was endowed   

¶ How the promesses between jason & Medea were rateffied/ And how medea deliverld to him all the métier & craft that he ought to have to conquer the noble mutton: or flees of gold: & how he gate hit  
_●T▪ the point thenne when the stars rendrid their clearness & clarte. and that the moan begā●●●●mine the night. jason withdrew him into his chamber/ & Medea 〈…〉 not: she espied & seeing that he ●…thdrawen all alone as she ●…ged him: she opened the do●…steyre by which descended 〈…〉 from the chambre of jason into heerls And called down jason which was right pensyf. And when jason saw the door open. & medea that called him/ he went unto her moche joyously and salued her/ and after approached to her for to have kissed & enbrached her. but Medeasaide to him that he should cease. & taking high by the hand brought him into her chamber where they sat upon a moche rich tapyte. The mistress of medea came thenne between them/ & when she was comen Medea begun to speak & say. jason my lord & my friend/ ye know well the promesses that been between you & me/ I will well that in the presence of my good mother that here is/ that we make recognition and ratefye them to th'end that they be hole & permanent. and after that we shall intend to your conquest And thenne jason & medea swore and creanced that they should take each other by marriage. & there made solemn promises. Whereof Medea was rightyoyouse/ & so also was her mistress Thenne Medeaopende a coffer which she had made ready/ where out she drew a shirt: with the bill containing thordonnaunces which were requisite & propice for to go into the isle of Colchos to make the conquest of the flees of gold  
¶ When Medea had drawn out the letter. She died it to be red to her friend jason: and after she said to him in this manner. jason my dear friend for to return whole & with your worship from the isle of Colchos from whence never man returned. it is of necessity that to fore all other things ye accomplish all though things that been contained in this writing Which the god Mars sent to the king Apollo. And for so much first to fore all other thing ye shall go unto the temple of the goddess dine at thy hour/ And thenne ye shall address you unto the priest: to whom ye sha●●●yue thirty bezants for your of●…. & demand of him a bull of w●… ye shall make sacrifice unto the 〈…〉 Mars. with this shirt/ which●●he ●…ollo was clad wha● this writing was delivered to him/ and ye must put in your box the blood of this bull with part of the ashen of your sacrifice/ and with this blood & asshenye shall anoint there all your body/ & this shall preserve you from fire and venyn of the right marvelous beasts. After of the residue of these ashes ye shall deal them in ij. parties. whereof that one part ye shall keep clean and pure: and ye shall meddle that other with glue in a box which I shall give you: and this glue shall serve for to dompte the two horrible boles/ this done. ye shall take the arms of the king Apollo. which been on that one side of the altar of the god mars/ and ye shall adoube you with them. and thenne when ye have accomplished all these things/ ye shall return hither again to me/ & I shall furnish you of the residue of that shallbe behoveful to bring your conquest to an end: Certes the prew jaso was much esineuruaylled thenne when he understood the high mysteries that him behoved to make for to come above of his conquest. & when he had herd thensignements of medea/ he thanked her often times. and thenne took the bill/ the shirt. the box with glue/ and that which was necessary to him. And sin departed from thence secretly. and went him into the forest where as was the temple of the goddess dean. anddyde so moche that he came to the temple where he found the priest sleeping: wherefore he a waked him/ Thenne the priest demanded him what he was & what he sought. Sire answered thenne jason: I am a knight that come hither for to sacrefie unto the god Mars. I pray vow that ye would deliver me incontinent a bull with the fire and I shall give you for mine offering thirty besannts: When the priest had understand jason/ that he promised so good an offide he rose up hastelis. & in like wise done all the priests & curates at this day when they feel and understand that there shall one a good offrande come to their singular profit anon put their hand to the cause. Thenne when this master priest was risen he came to fore jason and died him great reverence/ and after said to him that diligently he should be served of all that he demanded. as he died: for he prepared & made ready the fire/ & bull which he brought into the temple. Thenne the noble jason mad his orison unto god mars. and unto god Apollo/ He took after this the bull & made his sacrifice & put the shirt thereto. & when all was turned into ashes he distributed it into three parties/ one part with the blood of the bull/ which he retained & anointed his body with all by the priest/ The second party/ he meddled with the glue that was in the box. and the third part he put in a little sack of silk which he reserved & kept clean  
These things done and accomplished as said is. jason kneeled down & made his prayers the second time: and when he had made all his devotions/ he delivered to the priest thirty besanntes. that he had promised to him: & with that he presented & gave him a rich mantle of cloth of gold which he brought with him/ & made the priest to a adoube him with the arms of god Apollo. which was there: promising him to bring them again: and when the priest had armed jason at all points/ jason recommanded him unto god mars & Apollo. & to the goddesses dyane/ pallas & venus & sin took leave of the priest & died so much that he returned secretly into his chambre/ by the which he descended into the chambre of Medea whom he fond sleeping When jason saw Medea in this point: & also saw her masters asleep; he was terribly esprised with love/ & chauffid in so much that the blood began to boylle in his body. & his heart began to desire so sorein such fashion/ that he approached to medea and kissed her mouth: but with the kysshing she awoke: & had much great joy then when she had seen and espied him so armed with the arms of the king Apollo: Then jason made the reverence to Medea & after said to her in this manner/ Madame I have done all ●hatye have enseigned nigh also nigh as I might. and am anointed with the blood of the bull/ of whom in have made sacrifice to the gods: and lo here the glue medlid with a part of the ashes. command me now that shall please you what I shall do. & speed you for it is nigh day/ My friend answered medea welcome be the day. & anon with the aid of the gods ye shall get the greatest glory that ever knight living gate/ and know ye in the recommendation of you and great preysing it shall be spoken of/ unto the end of the world  
¶ With these words she took a vestiment which was rich and gave it to him saying: My fair love ye be purveyed of all that is behoveful for you so that ye have this vestiment upon your arms. see that ye work freely & corageeusly with this that ye have. ye must be purveyed with hardiness & valiance/ keep well your bill. & be diligent to do and accomplish all that it contieneth. and by the pleasure of the gods▪ j shall have you here at even with more greater isolation/ Thenne jason clad him above his harness with the proper vestiment that apollo was clad at the hour when he received the bill afore said With that the day appeared fair & clear. wherefore jason took leave of medea. which was all ravished with love/ At leave taking they kissed each other many times/ finally medea conveyed jason unto his chamber door: and their begins there amotonse baisier● & kisshinges unto the time that it was force that Medea must withdraw her. & thenne she recommanded jason in the guard of the gods. & shut fast the door. it was not long after that Mopsius & hercules came & knokked at the chamber door of jason/ and with them the good knight Theseus & many other all of grece/ which salued jason & gave him the good morrow. but when they espied that he was tho armed and ●● point; they were much esbayed and would have axed of him who had so armed him & adowbed. But the king octes & other of his knights came also to him & salewed jason and the king seeing jason in point/ took the words & said: A ha' sire knight what will ye do/ ye seek your destruction/ when so early ye begin to put you forth: I council you that ye deport you of this enterprise/ & I declare you elliss homycide of yourself: For he is of himself homicide: that knoweth his death in a place and voluntarily he put himself therein Sire king answered thenne jason: I confess that ye conceal me wisely/ but nevertheless in hope for to live j have well intention to achieve mine enterprise without longer delay/ j thank you of the great honour that ye have made me unto this time/ Mopsius took the word & said/  
Certes jason fair sire I have this night had a marvelous vision: the which comforteth me in your victory/ For me seemeth in my first dream. that j saw a sparrowhawk the which seeking his pray put himself among many other terrible birds/ & of strange nature/ the which in a little while he had all overcome/ and put to death. & so j compare though same birds terrible & of strange nature: unto the two boles and to the serpent being in the isle of colchos: which every night cast fire & fumyer/ and as touching the sparrowhawk I understand you that seching his 〈…〉 that i● to say your adventure on this day/ by the aid of the gods▪ ye shall be made vaynqueure of the horrible monsters & possessor of right glorious renomee  
¶ When jason had understonden this that said is. He answered to mopsius saying. Certes fair sire the gods shall do their will of me And if it be their good pleasure/ your vision shall be held for certain a prophecy/ And with that he addressed his words to hercules and said. My loyal brother and well beloved fellow Make good cheer & pray for me. I have no manner donbtance that I ne shall soup at even with you/ and that I shall affranchyse you of your vow semblable to mine. With these words many begun to weep/ Then the noble prew jason took leave of one and other. & sin required to the king that he might go unto the ladies & damoiselles. The king died do assemble them/ & when they were comen into the hall: he brought jason which made to them the reverence and principally to Medea and caliope. and sin recommanded him unto their prayers/ and when he had done this by space of time. he put him unto the way unto the rivage of the see/ where his master mariner was/ that abode and awaited upon him in a little boat that he had made ready the day tofore: Into the which he entr●d ●nd in recommanding himself to all the world/ he departed from the port for to descend into the isle of Colchos  
This morning was fair & clear. and clean from all clouds. And the son casted his clear rays and beams upon the earth/ The ladies and damoiselles mounted & went upon the high stages of the palace/ And the burgesses and merchants with the common people of the city ran some to the creueaul● and batillements of the walls. and other to the rivage of the see for to behold the adventure of the noble knight of grece. jason that joyously went with Argos his master maronner that brought him into a right good entry of the marvelous isle addressed him and set foot a ground upon the gravel And took his glue and his ashes & entered into the isle by great desire and hardiness/ And he had not far gone when he espied the rich mutton or sheep of gold/ which was so resplendisannt that it reyoyced all the isle. After he espied the two boles leaping out of their holes. so great/ so dreadful/ so right fires and hydouse that only for to look on them it was enough for to lose wit and understanding/ & when he had well beholden them. He kneeled down on the earth against the east where he saw a temple all of gold of the greatness of. xuj. foot in eight squares founded on viij. small pillars, thretty foot of height. in the mids where of was an m●ter upon which was an image representing the god Mars  
Thenne there jason worshipped the god Mars/ and there was in contemplation unto the time he saw the cruel and terrible dragon spring out of the temple For he was great as an horse. And was thretty foot long the which incontinent assoon as he was out of the temple he began to raise his neck. set up his eeris: s●racche himself. Opened his throat and cast out brenning flame and smoke by a marvelous voiding which deꝑtad out of his stomach Then saw jason all these. iij. beasts with whom he must have to do. he took and beheld his bill for to know what he had to do: he found that first he must adaunte the two boles/ wherefore he arose from his contemplation and made ready the box wyth glue/ After he marched promptly/ in great hardiness toward the▪ two boles which beheld him right fiercely and asperly with her eyen sparkking and brenning as fire grekyssh And they began to desgorge fire & flame out of their throats against the knight so desmesurably that all the region of the air and all the country seemed burn with wild and greekish fire. But this notwithstanding they might never travail ne do harm unto the noble prew jason: But he by great hardiness ●●proched by the fire the flame & vonyn that they casted/ and died so moche that anointed the mosels of both two. and cast into their throthee the glue that was mixed and medlid wyth ashes which he brought with him as said is: But assoon as these boles felt the glue & cendres to guider medlid. certes they closed their troths and mosels in such wise as they might never opene after ne cast more fire/ whereof the noble knight was so joyous as he might be seeing thexperiment to be of so high recommendation. Then he thought on Medea and said well in himself that she had delivered to him a good & very succour and for certain he had lost his life in this adventure ne had she have been.  
After this consideration incontinent as the noble prew jason apperceived that these two marvelous boles were overcomen & adaunted/ thenne he beheld the contenu of his bill. & fond that thenne him behoved anon to go fight against the marvelous dragon and terrible without comparison/ Thenne he drew out his good sword of the shut he and went unto the temple where the dragon held him. anon as the monster had apperceived jason/ he eufeloned himself/ & by great Ire opened his throat rigght terrible in greatness out of whom sprang three thongs casting fire flame and venyn in such wise that the good knight had all his body advironed there with: how well that the fire ne the venyn had no power upon him. but passed by jason like as it had be the clearness of the son & he came & gaf the monster so great a stroke with his sword between the two eyen that he made his heed hurtle against the croupe right sore & durely And when the dragon felt this struck/ he relieved himself & sin opened again his throat & disgorged upon jason a fume so thikke of venyn that the noble knight saw nothing about him. but this not withstanding he haunced his sword & discharged it upon the dragon/ where he thought his heed was: & smote so well the monster that he cut of his three tongues even by the mosel as nigh as they might be: whereof the serpent felt so marvelous pain & dolour that he began to frote & rub his heed And turned on that one side so suddenly that with his taille he smote the vaillaunt knight on the back that he fill down on the sand  
¶ When jason felt him so smitten down to the earth he was so fore astonied that he witted not what was befall him. and with this he had great shame He relieved him and stood up anon. but at his relieving the fume of the dragon was vanished/ and in seeing about him he apperceived the three tongues of the serpent/ which he had smitten of/ & sin he beheld the dragon which frotted his mosel an herb. and thenne he ran upon him again & smote in the mids of the tail: in exploiting the most part of all his strength & also his trenchant sword in such manner. that he cut of a piece which was seven foot long Thenne the dragon by great pain that he felt haunced his heed & came right fiercely and recountered jason wyth all his pesaunteur and might/ in such a fashion that jason was beaten down to the ground And the dragon passed over him/ But thenne the prew jason took his sword and roof into the paunch of the dragon up to the cross & smote him to the heart/ & the dragon feeling that he was smitten to the death began to run with the sword of jason in his body weening to hide him self in his cavern. But his life departed out of the body even as he should have entered into the temple And there he overthrew all to stracched and fowlid of his blood and of his humeurs full of venyn/ in such wise as it seemed that it had been a source or a spring running out of his body longer then a great hour  
Incontinent that jason was relieved & that he apperceived the dragon reversed and deed at thentry of the temple/ with an heart recomforted he went thither & drew out his sword of his body: & put him agyn in his sheath or skabarde. & thenne he went & seized the boles by the horns/ and yoked them in a plough that there was by: and made them to ere four mesures of land. enclosing their eyen: And thenne when he had so done/ he returned to the dragon and esrachd out of his heed. xij. teth/ after that he sowed them in the earth that he ploughed: & that done he died the boles do harowe it/ And thenne the boles fill down to the earth & lost the spirit of life/ and out of the land that jason had so wen with the teth of the dragon grew and sprang up in an instant xij. geants of a terrible maintene/ the which were all armed after the manner of that time And assoon as they were comen out of the earth drew their swords & without delaing came & supposed to have smitten upon jason. but jason took the cendres or ashes pure that he had kept of his sacrifice/ & cast it into the air. & then suddenly to same xij. geants assailed that one that other by such asprete and sharpness that in a little while each slew other. whereof jason was ryghtyoyous & rendrid thanks & lovings to the gods  
When these. xij: giants had slain each other as I have rehearsed unto you jason drew out his sword/ which was yet all bloody. and came to the rich mutton or sheep whom he found in the right noble medewe: & took him by the horns and brought him into the temple to fore the altar of the god Mars/ And there he slew him with moche great pain and sin flew him and took the flees that ●●●d the wool all of fyn gold & said 〈◊〉 a part/ And the body he dispieced by membres: and bore it up on an altar which stood without the temple. & put thereto largely straw & dry wood/ & when he had done this he took fire at a lamp brenning to fore the representation of god mars/ And sin kneeled down on his knees on the earth by devotion to fore the idol saying the orison to fore written After the contenu. whereof he thanked the god Mars. and recommanded him much into his grace/ After this he put fire into the sacrifice which anon was consumed & turned in to cendres or ashes/ This done he put himself to prayer: & after he took the three tongues of the marvelous & terrible dragon. two of the feet of the boles which were of metal of laton and two of their horns/ which were of iron. and enuolupped and wrapped it all in the flees of gold which he charged & laid it on his shoulders/ And afterward he returned unto the rivage of the see where his master mariner named Argos which had guided his boot over the braas or arm of the see. as said is had abiden there in moche great double.  
Argos the good shipman was sore abashed of that/ that jason was so long there: ere he returned to him and thought for tabyde no longer. for he had seen the fire and the fume great & thikke life up into air And also he had seen many evil apparauces voyses. and right strange bruyts. for which causes he supposed that his master jason had been devoured of the terrible beasts/ And began to weep and bewail him right tenderli. but incontinent when he espied the vailliaunt knight jason with the flees of gold on his neck: his tears & weepings cessed/ For sorrow crainte and doubt departed from his heart/. and all yoye advirouned him in such manner. that smile he kneeled down on his knee to fore him & said Sire knight mirror of all vailliaunce and of all enterprise. ye be right well turned. Ha a what consolation & gladness shall be in Myrmidone and with my lord your father. Men have murmured upon peleus your uncle and every man said that he had sent you hither for to be quite of you/ thinking that ye should never have returned but to that I can apperceive. he desireth above all other thing your glory and honour. Certes argoes fair sire answered then sason. Fortune hath so moche aid & holpen me. that▪ I am returned hole of body and of membres fro the most terrible dangerous & mortal peril that ever shall befall and come upon the earth during the world whereof I yield lovings & thankinges unto the go Mars principally/ but now 〈◊〉 us think to return unto our fellows: For it is more thenne time to eat  
¶ With these w●●des the good shipman began to ro we with afrank courage. And the greeks that were standing upon the rivage of the see. began thenne a great strife/ For some said that jason was re-entered in to ●he bark/ & that they had seen the resplendisshour of the noble flees of gold. which was with great pain ●●●●le▪ for asmuch as from this rivage unto the isle of colchos was. iiij good●●nyles: and the other said that jason was long agone deed & that he should never be seen. But thus as each man was sustaining his argument sherwy ᵗ was the boot seen approaching much radely the rivage: and was about amyle nigh to the porthe. jason took his flees & lift it up a lytyl in the air. ye as high as he might/ and held it so high/ that they that were at the rivage and on the walls of the city beheld it and apperceived it and showed it one to an other by great admiration and wonder.  
Many therwere that demeaned great joy. and thanked the gods with good heart when they had perceived the noble and the rich flees. whereof the prew jason made the muster fro ferte/ and some ran for to gather of the green herbs and verdure for to cast along on the way/ where as jason should pass for to go to the palace/ saying to every man that they were certain of his returning/ and that all honour ought to be mad to him for one so noble & glorious conquest/ Medea among all other was so ryghtioyous when she espied the light and shining of the flees of gold that her seemed that she should enter into a paradise terrestre. And commanded that her ladies and damoiselles should put on the fair front in intention to make feast soleinpne for the honour of this right excellent victory/ & for to come to a conclusion: trompes/ tabours menestreles/ horns sa●fasinois and business began to blow up and sown melodyoussy after that time used/ The mariner argos rowed in such wise that he brought jason to the port hole and safe/ where he was feasted of the king oetes: of the worthy hercules & of theseus/ and generally of all the greeks Hercules took the rich flees when jason was descended upon the land/ and bare it tofore the vaillyaunt knight jason which went first into the temple of the goddess dean. and there thanked much highly the god mars. & the goddess pallas and Deane. After he made him to be disarmed. And there he yielded again the arms of the god Apollo: & sin made his oblation of one of the feet of the boles/ and of one of their horns with one of the tongues of the dragon/ and when he had done all this solemnly/ he returned to the palace where he was right honourably received of medea above all other & of her ladies and danjoyselles/ which beheld jason marvelously. and in especial the noble and rich flees of gold. which hercules bare on high tofore him.  
CErtes there is no man so eloquent/ ne so well can indite by writing that could describe to you: how great pleasure the eyen of the noble & vayllyaunt prew jason/ and the eyen of the moche fair medea took on thenne/ when they began to behold each other. And all the world there demeaned great yoye and gladness. And when the noble knight jason was goon up in to the hall: The vayllyann● knight Hercules set the noble flees of gold upon a cupberd moche richly arrayed. And anon after the knights of grece and many other knights ladies and damoiselles began the dances much joyously. and the feast was fair and great unto the hour of the supper/ that the tables were cowerd. and that the king oetes and the noble Preu jason was set/ and with them the noble and fair lady medea. Hercules Theseus and▪ Mopsius. At this table was the noble jason and the fair Medea set one tofore that other. But in no wise they durst not speak one word how they made many secret signs of love that could not beapperceived. but they entremarched with their feet under the table/ whiles that jason rehearsed in grows the great perils. where he had been in. wylhout shaking of any mention of ordinances manners and ceremonies that he had holden.  
OF this marvelous adventure were the king Oetes Hercules and the other barons knights and noble men that sat and serve at this souper much abashed and greatly marveled/ & how the noble prew jason was escaped of so great and marvelous adventure And highly recommanded this enterprise and vayliaunce/ Hercules and Theseus that a fore time had slain many monsters confessed there that all their feats passed were nothing to the regard of the adventure that jason had enterprised and brought to an end.  
¶ What shall we make long count: the souper passed/ and the hour can that the king oetes & jason withdrew 'em into her chambers And thenne was jason conveyed into his chamber wyth many noble menone and other/ & thither was brought the noble & rich fleesof gold. but at this time they might not devise ne play there as they had been accustomed/ but sent hem into her chambers & mopsius with the other/ saying that all that night he would wake in orisonns and prayers unto the gods. for asmuch as they had done to him so great nyde comfort and honour in his works  
Anon ●●●●e as the prew jason. was left ●●●●ys chambre as said is. the mistress of me dea came & opened thedore of the chamber. and demanded jason if he would come unto her daughter/ jason answered ye with right good will. then he went down into the chambre of his lady which had made ready a right fair baygne. Thenne he sale wed her. & after said to her in this manner My dear lady know ye that I have had much great desire to see you secretli & in your pryvaulte. for to thank you of the right great honour that by your cause is comen to me. and also of the mortal peril & danger that ye have delivered me fro. Wherefore I thank you right humbly of all these benefits▪ and furthermore I present you the body that ye have preserved fro death/ Ready to obey all your comandements and pleasures Certes jason my dear love and friend answered the fair Medea. If your desire have been great and such as ye say yet hath mine be more as j ween/ I have done the best that in me hath be possible. and I have right great joy and gladness of the knowledge that ye have all my courage is nothing save to please you. ye be right welcome and with great worship returned for you and for me: And make good cheer hardyli I have ordained for you a baygne for to wash you from the blood/ wherewith ye have been anointed/ & therefore despoil you/ & enter into this bath. & then we shall devise at our leisure of all works/  
¶ When the prew jason had understand this that said is: he died▪ of his clothes right glad of this adventure/ and sin entered into the baygne. & the fair Medea in her coursett which had no sleeves terued up her smo● sleeves and in this point came & frotted & washed her friend jason/ And then when the gentle bachelor apperceyeyuid  so gentle corpse & body of Medea. her fair and ronde tetes the whiteness of her flesh/ and that he felt her hands marvelously soft/ him seemed that his heart & his body flew: He was so much esprised of an ardant desire of love. he begun thenne tenbrase the lady by the body. and sin beheld her great beauty/ and thus doing he kysshed her many times And thenne when he had been well eased & washed. medea made him to lie in her bed beholding his members well formed shapen and made and his colour fair and quick. and could not turn her sight from him They were thus beholding & avysing each other with out sayug any word But atte last the noble prew jason took the word and said. my dear lady/ ye know well how j have promised to be your husband: & also in like wise ye have promised to be my wife/ thenne may I say I am yours & ye are mine. & of us two is but one thing/ thenne I require you so a● fe●tuelly as I can or may/ and for all the pleasure that ye may do to me: that ye will come and lie by my heat in your bed. A ha jason answered then inedea. for god's sake save mine honour. Madaine answered jaso/ There is no man in the world that shall keep it more thenne j shall/ j am your husband. & if ye come and lie in your bed by me. ye do nothing but honour/ My dear friend said medea. there is no pleasure but that I shall gladly do to you/ but for this night ye shall have patience of your request/ and I pray you/ that to morn be time ye desire of my father the king that he would give me to yond in marriage: & thenne do ye your devoir: & if he be content we shall make our wedding and spousailles here within honourably. and if he will not I somone you here to morn at night at hour accustomed/ and know ye for certain that I shall do all that ye will command me to do as reason is: For I am vounden thereto by virtue of the promises made between you and me/ And allway I recommande to you mine honour.  
¶ When jason had understand the good will of medea. he said in his courage that she had wisely answered/ and that he was content for t'obey to her request. What shall I say more/ the night drew over in such terms as said is: how well jason lay there till it was day And on the morn when he was risen & saw his tyme. he made his request unto the noble king Oetes that he would give his daughter Medea to him in marriage. but he found the king Oetes triste & much pensif and all other wise thenne he was accustomed to be and made him an answer in this manner. jason yebere with you out of my domination the most rich treasure that is in all the world: which grieveth me greatly/ & if I had known that I now know. ye had not comen in time thereto. and now ye demand me my daughter medea which is most cunning and the most dear thing that I have. Suffice you with that ye have And never speak to me more thereof. also dear as ye have your life With these or semblable words/ the king Oetes went on oon part And the noble jason went on an other side much abashed of the fires and herd answer of the hang Oetes. Hercules Theseus and Mopsiuscam thenne unto jason/ which told 'em how he had been with the king Oetes/ and how he had required to have to his wife his daughter Medea. and how the king oetes had answered him fiercely. But when they had understanden all this/ they concluded among them that they would depart from thence on the morn/ After this done they went & took leave of the king & thanked him of the great honour that it had pleased him to do to jason. And after they went & visited their ship/ and passed this day with litil pleasure. for the king Oetes made 'em no cheer This notwithstand when the night was come jason went unto the fair Medea & told to her how he made his request to the king Oetes her father. And how he had answered to the regard of their marriage: & how he was departed from him. whereof the fair Medea was meruaylloussy sorrowful and sore troubled thinking on many things. But when she had well bethought her considering her cas & her affair/ she made right good cheer to jason as she that abandoned her all unto his pleasure/ and so it is to be supposed that this night they lay together/ & more say I not for this present as touching their feats of love/  
In this night the fair Medea took all the most richest jeweles & bags portatif that the king oetes her father had. And she put and trussed them in a farthel/ and when it came a litill to fore day she made jason to rise/ which was anon ready/ And thenne when she was all ready she took with her all the richesses: & also her young brother absirthius of the age of xuj. months. whom she took secretly in a chambre from the nurse. and made her mistress to cut his throat privily for certain causes/ which shall here after be declared: After this the fair medea & her mistress clad 'em and disgulsed them in man's habit. and by the noble prew jason they were brought unto the ship: And assoon as jason had delivered them in guard unto master mariner Argos: he returned into his chambre till it was day abiding his fellowship Hercules Theseus Mopsius and many other knights that came with him/ at the blowing of an hor●ād with that he took his flees of goold/ and said to them that he would depart from thence with all diligence for certain causes. and without more saying at this time he took his way to th'end that the other knights of grece should follow/ And went so far that he entered in to this ship. so well at appoint that all his men entered with him: And thenne the mariners disanchored and began to row by force of oores forasmuch as 〈◊〉 blewe not. and the wind helped hem not by cause it was calm: and thus in this point they put them on the way unto the son rising/ And at that proper hour when they were not withdrawn past a mile from the port: it happened by adventure that Argos the master mariner began to look toward the port and he saw that on all sides it was full of people After this he saw anon and apperceived that four little ships at fashion of balinger's orgaleyes subtle departed together from the port/ from whence that they they came Whereof the good patron Argoshadde much great marvel/ And he wist not what to think/ he was so encumbered/ For he▪ had well seen that/ when the noble Preu jason and his company entered into his ship: that the king his baronns ne the ladies had not conveyed him/ He had great marvel/ but he said not one word   

¶ How the king Oetes father of Medea advertised of the departing of jason and his daughter Medea followed. And how Medea cast her brother Absirthyus by pieces into the see doubting her father the king Oetes/ And how the noble Queen ysiphyle fill down from an high montayn into the see.  
WHo that demandeth of these four litil galleys snbtill for what cause they moved fro the port. And what people were inn: the history answerth/ that their intention was to come after the knights of grece And the king Oetes was in one of them accompanied of four ninety men/ which were all burgesses of the town that he had made to be armed▪ For asmuch as he was ascertained that his daughter medea was gone with jason/ and I shall tell you/ This king Oetes as said is. had been sorrowful & annoyed all the day precedent fond himself so full of melancholy that he could not sleep ne rest/ allway after many thoughts and precogitations he concluded in himself that he would go and convey jason at his departing to this end. that he comen into Grece should praise him and say. that he had made him good cheer. For to bring to an end this conclusion. he arose and willing to enter fro chambre to chambre till he came to jason/ he entered in to the chambre of the nurse of his son absirthius▪ whom he fond not with his nurse that slept/ whereof he was sore abashed & awaked the nurse. and after demanded her. where was his dear son absirthius/ And thenne the nurse begins to look about her/ but that was for nought for she fond h● not/ wherefore all effrayed she sprung out of her bed/ and began to seche him diligently all abouts/ & the king Oetes entered in to the chambre o● Medea/ and there he fond ne person ne his daughter ne her that had governed her long time  
¶ When the king Oetes fond not his daughter Medea. he was so angry that his blood changed/ and withouthe speaking any word/ he went up in to the chamber where the noble jason was logged. but he fond neither jason ne Medea ne person to whom he might speak. & for so much he departed suddenly and went unto the port where he fond many of his citizens that showed him the ship/ where the greeks were in. which was at that time from the port more then a quater of a mile/ then the king weeping terderly demanded them if they had seen his daughter medea and they answered nay. Ha a fair sirs said then the king: The traictres of grece have wyhtdrawen her wyth words traitorously in so much as they have deceived her & brought her into their ship: and yet that more is have so evil counseled her that she hath born with her my son absirthius/ O evil daughter/ o the evil fortuned child/ Certes medea thy great disloyaulte constraineth me that with force of people j will go incontinet fecche the for to wete who hath moved the thus to do: & wyth this I shall take vengeance of the disloyal knight jason which to his power rendereth to me evil for good.  
¶ When the king had said thus he returned into his palace crying that every man should arm him: & thenne all the people purveyed them of stave ● & armours/ & sin demanded whereof proceeded the cause of this alarome. the which anon was all common. Thenne they put them on the ● way for to go unto the king: which came and issued on't of his palace armed. and in point for tentre into battle. Thenne he went unto the port & cheese out four hundred of the best in po●t for to put in to the said four galleys/ and finably when he had do● all this he moved fro the port as said is/ and with all haste made his galleys to be rowed after the knights of Grece: in such wise as the master falconer apperceived that though galleys came swiftly after them for to fetch again the fair medea. & called jason that japed & played with medea: present his fellow hercules: & showed to him the four galleys armed/ wherein was the king Oetes and his men well in point which approced fast. For the galleys were light: & jason seeing his encumbrance approach. called Hercules which knew nothing hereof and demanded him council Thenne Hercules answered to him that he knew none other remedy/ but that every man should put him to arms and be ready tabyde the battle if it were need: and avowed unto the gods that if the king oetes made any enterprise upon them/ that he would put to death as many as he might arethe.  
With these words & with out longer tarrying the noble knight hercules and jason put them in arms/ and in like wise died their fellows Thenne Medea and her mistress sprang upon the plank of the ship. for to behold the king and his galleys. And anon after jason & hercules all in arms came up on high by Medea and each with a sword in his fist/ And Medea began to tremble for fere. when she had espied her father to approach so nigh/ at th'end the king Oetes pursued so sore the ship of the noble prew jason by force of oores. that oer. they were out of the gulf or braas of the see. that there was no more distance fro on to an other but two bow shoot. Then the fair Medea/ seeing that is was time to bring to end that she had begun to fore/ said to her masters in weeping tenderly. My good mod where is my little brother absirthius/ give him to me. Then the evil oolde woman opened her lap and unwonde the body of the child/ whom she had smitten into pieces. Medea took the heed & list it an high/ whereof Hercules' jason & other seeing this had great horror of this cruelty. and weresore abashed. nevertheless when the prew jason apperceived this he would know fro when● came this creature so deed: And said to Medea in this manner. My dear love what have ye in your thought. and what will ye done with this so malerous and pyteus child  
My dear love answered thenne Medea: Thexperience of my work enseigneth to you the thought of my heart. Madame answered thenne the noble prew jason: what is this child that I see here thus detrenched and smitten in pieces. certes he is in an evil hour born. that thus myserabli hath finished his days/ My dear love answered thenne the fair medea This is absirthius my young brother Know ye that he is not malerouse. but is ewrous and happy: for this day/ he shall be cause of the salvation of the life of his father. and of his men & thenne he is much ewrous and in a good our born: when he in his tender youth may because of the health of so much people and specially of his father natural: Certes medea said thenne jason I see none other fashion ne moyen but that ye be of all points dishonoured when ye have commised so right pyetousa case. as for to have m●rdryd your proper brother innocent of all things/ A hawhat horrible cruelty/ My dear love answered thenne medea: ne trouble you other wise thenne by reason For if it be your pleasure ye shall here what I shall say. and after of the case I make you judge. ye know how I am by you brought from the how● of my father against his will/ I have considerid what my departyngiss. and further more I have thought & have had regard unto the great and marvelous courage of my father. and all thing over thought and considered that I could not withdraw me far but he should be advertised/ for he hath of custom that every morning ere he go down he will see his son and me also: I have jmagyned that anon as he findeth not me ner his son: that withonte fault he will come after me in arms like as ye see he doth/ and thus when I have all these things considered and the great danger that might ensue to us that for me should be the battle mortal between you and him in which without remedy he should be slain or taken by his high vaylliaunce seen that unto de●h he would abandon himself for to recowere me. and to th'end t'eschew more great peril and damage for him I have taken his owen son/ which is my brother. and have commanded to put him in the state as ye see for to cast at this time abroad in to the course of the see here and there And to give empechement unto the ship of my father/ which thenne shall tarry when he shall see his son absirthius thus dismembrid floating upon the water. for to guard and recuyelle the pieces as ye shall seen plainly anon.  
¶ With thachievementachievement of these devices the king oetes approached in such manner the ship of the greeks that there was no more distance but a stone caste/ Thenne the fair medea and the old woman filled their hands with the members of the noble child absirthius/ in showing them to the king oetes & his men/ For assoon as the oolde queen sspy●d the king she escried these words following and said thus/ King in no wise come no near weening to recover thy son ne thy daughter. As to the regard of thy daughter/ thou losest thy time. for she is married unto jason. But at lest we shall render to the thy son slain and detrenched by pieces. the which we cast into the see to th'end that thou mayst have thy life saved: for but If he caused the to have occupation for to recuyelle his proper membres for to do bury them as it appertaineth to the son of a king know thou that thou shouldest have the battle against the knights of grece which been of so high vaylliaunces that there ne is animal monster serpent ne tyrannt but that they bring to destruc●yon: thenne it aught to be believed that the victory of the battle should abide with them. and certes thou shouldest receive thy death. so all thing well overseen it is better to the that thou return unto the cite thenne tapproch more ner for to receive thy death. and well oughtest thou to have great yoye for to see thy happy son be dead and detrenched by py●ces/ by the which thy life is despited/ for thou art not very ne natural father. if thou take not his membered out of the see/ and if thou so do thy life shall be saved and all they of thy company.  
WIth these words the old woman and Medea cast in the see the membres of the young child absirthius/ and the king Oetes and his people hearing and seeing the great inhumanite & cruelty began to escry right pyetoussy: and dolorous●i. And were so sore vexed and troubled of this marvelous adventure: that they witted not what to do/ some there were that begun to weep tenderli. the other smote themself on the breasts/ & some began to array 'em to go to battle/ and escried to death the knights of grece shooting on them arrows & other trait by great courage for tanenge them/ but when the king saw that ● no wise he might recover the death of his dear son: he made to cease the escarumssijs & said to his cytezels/ certes fair siresjs pray you to travail you no more for to recover medea: shehath murdrid her proper broad absirthius which was my son/ & he that ● time to come should have been your natural lord/ certes j have loved wyth all my heart her all her life that wyth her disloyal will hath brouht to me one so dolorous guerdon or reward Ha a meda said the king all on high j shall never sech ne desire to meet wyth the for cause of so cruel and disnaturell a deed that▪ thou hast ● my sed to thy proper blood. and therefore fay● lords late her and all them that been with her go where the gods will suffer him: but know ye for certain that if j now had her at my liberty I should make her to die a cruel: death: how weal that should sourdre thereof to me a new sorrow/ wherefore it is better that she go: & that we intend to reassemble the members of my son which floten as ye may see upon the wawes of the see/ to th'end that his flesh be not pasture to the birds  
¶ When thenne the nobles & burgesses of the city understood their king all they began to sech the membres of absirthius iudemening the most great sorrow of the world: and thus they disposed them to complaire the king & no more t'assail their enemies. And when they had fysshed the membres of the child they retorand unto the city by space of time right sorrowful & discomforted for the death of Absirthius: and for asmuch as medea also was gone with jason Medea was thenne well joyous and more assured then tofore: when she apperceived that her father & his men tarried for to fish the members of his son/ Certes jason seeing this that said is/ witted not what to think. and Argos the good mariner rowed all way in withdrawing from the port and the isle of Colchos as much as he might in so much that in a lytil while he had lost the sight of the king Oetes & of his galleys. and that he came into the high see: where the wind blewe & aroose that anon they desployed their sail which they wonder up an high/ wherefore the ship made good way. whereof argoes was much joyous/ and thenne he said that every man might leye down his harness freely promising them to be out of all parile for that time. jason at this time was right pensive for the cruelty & inhumanyte that he had seen this day and spoke not one word/ and seemed by comparison more triste thenne joyous. & not without cause: When medea had understand that Argos assured all the company for that time from all perils that they had been in. was thoo comforted greatly/ but she beheld her hands that yet were all foul of the blood of her brother Absuthius: she went & washed 'em and made 'em clean. & after she can & set her down by jason. & seeing that he was moche pensive/ said to him by a gracious & curtays manner/ My dear love whereon think you Certes jason answered not one word And when she saw that/ she said to him: again the same word: My dear love jason whereon think you. Then jason answered to her thus. Lady sin that ye desire to know whereon I think. know ye for troth that if it were not for the great love that I have in you and for that I have promised to wed you and bring you into Grece. I would not do it/ wherefore keep from henssorward that ye do no such thing as dear as ye will have peace between you and me/ Upon these words Medea excused her the fairest wise she could and was to her possible saying that all this that she had done was of very good will in so much as she so doing supposed that to have used cruelty ne humanity ne of hayne or hate precedent. and that in the night tofore the goddess Deane had showed & made revelation to her that king/ Octes must needs day or absirthius his son for him And by such words in colouring her case she travailed so sore that she found herself in the godod grace of jason.  
During this voyage when they had been certain days on the see. mopsius came on a time to jason & theun brought to his remembrance how he had promised to ysips●le to return by the city of Lennos/ upon which jason answered that he said troth and that he would hold his promise So he spoke to hercules to Theseus and to the master argos. which were glad hoping to make good cheer in that city: But when medea knew that jason had promised & would god thither: for to see the queen jsiphile as high behoved/ she & her mistress ordained their sorts and their enchantements in a secret place which were of such virtue. that when Argos wend to take his way by an arm of the see which gooth sirait to lennos: his governaile brake in more thenne a thousand pieces. and by a wind much subtle the ship was in continent turned and brought all in thopposite to theniention of the noble knight & his company/ wherefore all they that were in the ship/ were right sorrowful reserved Medea and her old mistress: which were at their ease  
The queen Ysiphile was upon a high roche being upon the see side: not far from Lennos at the point when the noble prew jason passed forth by as said is: And she acustomed daily to hold her and await there right sore desiring to see jason. on whom was all her thought and desire. and so much loved him that she be wailed him from the morn unto the even upon this roche and sinned oft times these proper words that follow: Ha a Neptunus' god of the see & of the winds. where is my dear love jason. Bring him again to me/ render him again to her that day and night weepeth and lieth after him dead or alive I will have him. and Ipraye you that ye will send me this grace and ewer liefer this day thenne to morn. Thus thenne as she was all discomforted one day among all other she looked into the see toward the East. and saw from far the ship much desired that sailed by a great radour & a full sail where jason was in Certes she knew it anon as well by the greatness as by the banners and ensigns that were displayed with the wind/ Whereof she had so great gladness that she begun to make the best cheer of the world/ But as she was thus ravished in great joy/ and that her seemed that jason can severely unto her. With that the old mistress and the fair medea put their sorceries to work and their enchantements: whereof thadventure of the ship sorted as said is/ for she turned all suddenly at that other cost▪ whereof the pour jsiphile was all abashed & sore dismayed. In stead to make yoye she was constrained to weep great tears/ and in stead of singing/ she was enforced to complain/ What shall I say more as sodaynli as the ship turned/ so suddenly changed the manner of le/ she abode there & passed that night & died do make fires & light of many fagoties: for to redress jason and Argos to her ward/ thinking that without fault jas● would come unto her/ and she abode in this place by the space of vj. weeks: weeping/ waking and contynuelly bewailing jason: whom she loved more thenne her proper heart  
¶ when the six weeks were past and that the fair jsiphyle apperceived that she should have no tidings of her love jason. for thenchantementesenchantments of medea & of her mistress made that that the ship of jason might not approach the isle of Lennos/ The right discomforted Isiphile seeing that said is/ as upon the point as full of despair. she departed ● from the roche where she had been long abiding: and in a marvelous opinion she returned to lennos/ And thenne mhan she was entered into her chambre she made her son to the brought to her/ whom she kissed many times for the love of jason. and after began to think & contrepeyse in her mind in diverce manners/ and thenne when she had long thought by great habondance of melancholy: she said in beholding her child & crossing her arms with a sigh coming from the boron of her heart. Alas my dear son: alas that thou canst not▪ speak for to demand me tidings of thy father: which is the most fair knight: the most virtuous/ & the most vaylliaunt in arms that the god ever formed If thou couldst speak & demand me of him I might weal answer to thee/ but how. alas I wot never for at all adventure he daygneth not to come. & at adventure when he weeneth to come as that other day. me seemed when j knew his ship/ whom the wind & tempest constrained to return and to sail all at thopposite/ in showing me his back: & in traversing the wawes & flothes of the see so ●petuous● that j think better that he isperisshed then not: For in forty days that j have sin soyourned on the roche/ j ne could never see him again: whereof j am right displaisant in my heart  
My deer son thenne where is now nature which should ensign the to weep. & me more thenne thee: after the loss of one so desired prince/ aught j more desire to live. What may it avail me to live: Certes if I should live/ my life should be from hens forth full of continual bewailings of dolours/ of weepings/ and of sighs/ o what sorrow: I wot no more to say I have so much loved jason that ꝑdurably I am constrained to weep after him/ how be it all way the creatures ne desire to live but for to enjoy the worldly plaisances: & thenne when all mondayn pleysir faileth what aught j desire: js this a life. certes nay And what then/ it is a life that liveth dying: and a death. that liveth in languisshinge: O marvelous and right terrible desire/ j shall die verily in this yourneye Hit is concluded: For what some ever shall or may come thereof. j shall spring in to the high see: To th'end that if the noble prew jason be there buried that j may be with him in sepulture And to th'end also/ that if he be not dedy that the see that brought him hither a live may bring me to him a live or deed. but first ere I commyse this marvelous & dolorous caas I shall compile an epistle which shallbe sewed unto my vestments or clothes/ To this intention. that if jason live yet j have an hope that the gods shall do me be presented tofore him. & thenne by this mine epistle he shall know of what excellent love & courage I have loved him  
Many ladies and damoiselles were in the company of ysiphile then when she had 〈…〉 wailed her dear love jason: And also the conclusion as she that was desperate should leap & springe into the see. all they begun to demene great sorrow marvelously and not without cause. Somme there were that were jnly sorrowful that they could not speak o word. Other were there drowned in tears that enforced 'em to recomfort her and for to let and distourne her fro this damnable will/ but that was for nought▪ for they lost her pain. for asmuch as ysiphile wrote herepisile/ which she wrapped in a cered cloth and sin sewed it unto her rock of cloth of goold which she clad her with. and when she had so do she took her crown and set it on her heed firmly. and after took her sceptre/ And then when she had done all this. she came to her son and kissed him many times & recommanded him unto the ladies & damosels/ And last when she had taken leave of all the women she departed from lennos the Cite weeping tenderly. & took with her one of her damoiselles: by whom where known afterward all her bewailings/ lamentations and all her manners that she held tofore she cast herself into the see  
THan she was comen nigh unto the see: she approached unto an high roche/ to whom the see touched beneath a far low down: she began to behold a low and see the see/ And after she stracched herself on the earth in beholding the heaven and the see. and said. very god lord. of the see/ of winds. of tourbillons and of fortunes. of rains and of tempests/ ye brought into this country. and into this place the tyght parfayt knight: in beauty/ in vayllyaunce: and in all virtues jason/ and after ye sent him in to the isle of Colchos/ and consequently ye have: showed me from far his ship and ●yn ye have drowned him/ or atleste lad him into another country And when it i● so/ that I may by no way have none other thing of him/ I you require that ye will make my sepulture by him/ if he have made the passage out of this world. and if he be on live that ye will conduit me into his presence: for it must needs be/ and other thing j demand not of you: And when the desolate queen Isiphile had said these words she returned her unto the city: and said in this manner all on high and clear voys  
ADyeu my dear child. adieu Lennos the noble cite: adieu ladies and damoiselles/ and sin she returned her unto the see. and crying jason jason. She sprung fro the sommet or top of the roche into the high see/ And there drowned herself in sorrow. whereof was great pity But her fortune was such that on that same day the see bare the body unto the ship of the noble prew jason abiding yet inthe see in a rood where they were anchored for to rest there that night: At this our when the pour ysiphyle was cast against the ship/ Hercules and jason went up on high for to take the air Thenne they perceived the desolate body so richly arrayed that the cloth of gold shone by the disgorgements of the water: anon as they had seen this they called argoes their master mariner and showed to him. anoun argos called some of his solke & made them to fish and draw out of the see/ and to bring into the ship that pour creature so richly habylled with Royal atours▪ and when she was drawn on high. all they in the ship went up. for to see the body of this noble lady: And Medea failed not to come with the other for to be hold this pity. Certes the deed lady had her visage swollen and pale that none in the ship knew her/ But at the coming and for the presence of the old woman. she v●yed blood by the conduit of her mouth/ as it had been a little running water departing from a fountain or a spring. whereof all they had great marvel.  
¶ when Argos the good mariner saw the marvel he stooped down for to put upon her roobe a cloth for to keep it from the fowling of the blood that departed from her mouth. And as he put the cloth about her nek he apperceived the cered cloth that kept the water from the pistle that she had compiled. wherefore for to know what it was/ he distached or rypte it of & delivered it to jason Then the knight received the cloth & opened it & found the episile. and disployed it and as he read it and understood the contenu of the same his blood began to change & he wax red as a rose. and after became pale & deed as ashes/ and sin begun to weep & to demean a sorrow moche aygre and sharp/ Certes the fair medea Hercules Theseus and the other knights of gerce were sore abastard so were argoes & the mariners/ when they apperceived that jason demeaned so great adveil & sorrow. Thenne it was demanded from whence this sorrow came: & what tidings he found & had by the contenu of the letter but it was for nought For he might not speak ner answer his heart was so closed & strained wyth anguissh and sorrow/ notwithstanding when he had red it and seen the conten● of the pistle He delivered it to medea: and the containing thereof was this that followeth  
jason jason the chosen of grece in prowess/ in beauty/ and in virtues where art thou/ And when shall thou hold thy promise unto her/ that alway hath her eyen planted on the see after thee: desiring to see again the body bytamorouse desires: and by moo bewailings than the heaven containeth stars. A ha my dear love. hast thou put in no recchig ner no challoy● the promise that thou me madest at that time when thou goest to Colchos. knowest not thou well that every man of noble name or vocation is holden and bounden to pay and hold his promise/ upon pain of reproach. thou hast promised to me. the day of thy promise is passed. Thou acavytest the not. O so grievous a shame & large reproach. ye if. thou have not lawful examination. Synon the day of thy promise expired/ I never entered into house for to take pleasure ne to cover me to be dry: I have not laid on bed to take my rest. I have not seten a table for to eat/ Ne j have not been in pretoire for to judge the causes of my woe men/ but I have the space of xl. days awaited upon a roche where I was when thou entredest into my royalme/ And that famine ●strained the to take land: There have I hold me day and night/ in the rain in the wind. in the cold of the moan and in the heat of the son: In fastings/ in prayers and oroisons. in souffrages. in thoughts: in imaginations/ in desire/ in hope/ & finally in despair and in death anguisshous For when I have apperceived that thou cam'st not again to me. in fourthy days after the day of thy promise All despaired I have compiled and written this epistle wyh my hands and with thine. and in all such wise and fashion as she that might no longer abide thy coming & return/ j have cast myself into the see praying the gods. that they bring me quick or deed in to that place there thou art quick or ded. by great deffanlte of thy promise/ & to that end that thou see what terrible affection & love j have had to thy perfone.  
In reading this epistle. the prew jason wept so pyetoussy that he might no more: And as to the regard of hercules Theseus & Mopsius they failed not to be of the livery of jason. And when Medea had read all the conten● of the pistle. jason began to complayve this so miserable lady that was deed by his cause▪ as she declared in her epistle. And thenne when he had complained & be wailed her long: he excused him to fore them alle of the promise that he had made to her for to return by the city of jennos. saying that it was not his deffaute/ but that the god of wind was coulpable. And thereof he took witness of Hercules Theseus & mopsius/ Argos the good ●atōner & of many other/ the which ●●ew right well how he had purposed to have gone into lennos in returning from hisenterpryse from Colchos for to see this noble lady and how the tourbyllonns of wind had destourned hem against his wil But finably when medea apperceived the manner of jason. she begun to demand him. what prouffited him his weepings & such excusations: & sin said to him. Certes Inson me seemeth that ye have better the courage of a woman thenne of a man. and that is no need to weep ne so bewailc a lady that was so despaired: but right welfor your honour & for the goodness that she hath done for you & in ●passyon of noblesse: ye shall do her to be adoubed for to bring her into your country/ & there ye shall do her richly and honourahly be put in sepulture. as in such a caas appertaineth  
By the words & remonstraunces of the fair Medea: the duiel & sorrow of her love jason cessed a little & a l●●yll and Medea with her mistress when they saw her time took the body of the Qnene ysiphile and laid it a part with the atours ryalle. What shall I make long process on the morum. jason commanded to disancre from thence And was sin sailing certain journeys on the see/ but in th'end without making mention of any adventure dig ne of memory/ Argos the good master sailed so far bigousfres & bifsotes that at the. xx. month after their departing of mirmidone he arrived at the port from whence he was de●ted/ for whose coming the dwellers 〈…〉 inhabytants of that country of grece were as yoyouse as they might be/ & on that otherside jason & all they of his ship incontinent as they had espied & known that is was the port that they weredeꝑted fro/ began to sing all on in praising & thanking the gods of that. they were comen home and had escaped so many dangers & perils to their worship & profit with right grere triumph of victory  
At that time when argoes arrived in this port/ the stars appeared largely on the heaven/ the night was fair and the see paysible/ And therefore the knights of grece abode in the ship all night without going alonde. & on the morn be time jason sent Theseus for to signify his coming unto Peleus'/ Theseus went & fond peleus in a city named Elsebee: where was merry & passed the time with his wife whose name was Cy●ane. & supposed never to have herd tidings of jason & when peleus saw & knew theseus he went against him and made to him great reverence and worship/ and sin demanded him of all tidings: Thenne theseus began to tell a part of the tidings of jason & in especial recounted to him thadventure that he had done in Colchos: and how he had brought the rich & noble flees of gold: and that he was arrived at the port of seseyre/ and that he had with him the flees which was the most fair & the most noble jewel/ that ever was seen. & after told him that he had conquered in hy● voyage the greatest honour that ever knight might get. & also he told how he brought with him the daughter of the king of Colchos. which was most wise fair▪ and exellent/ which in all qualities after reason might be holden for the best accomplished lady of the world: The noble knight Peleus hearing these tidings thus told: was so pressid at the heart/ that all the blood changed▪ by all the veins as his body. how well he made semblant as he had been meruaillousli joyous. for he sent unto the king Aeson for to she we to him these good tidings: and sin assembled the nobles the burgess/ the merchants. the ladies & damoiselles of the city: and brought them in fair ordinance for to meet with jason  
¶ when the coming of jason was ●●owen in the city & in the country ●●he man began to make great cheer At comyug out of the ship jason and Hercules were the first that issued out. and after them came mopsius & an other knight of grece. which bore tofore jason the rich flees of gold in sign of triumph & of victory. The three tongues of the marvelous dragon/ the legs & horns of the two dreadful boles/ and they led by the arm the noble lady Medea. which was richly arrayed & fair as the fair day/ and after them followed the other knights and noble men of grece/ Incontinent as peleus & the gentle men of his rout saw the noble flees that was so rich. & the great beauty of Medea. they were all amarveled: they made to them the reverence first And with great honour and glory brought jason to elsebee the city. where they sojourned that night. & on the morn they departed thence and went to pintaquo. where the king Aeson soyourned at that time. For asmuch as that place was set in a good air. and all about had great deduyt of chase and honnting meraillously of venery  
Pyntaquo was a fair strong castle standing upon a great river and broad which ran swiftli round about the place: and with this it was environed with fair & parfonnde forestes. of good land arable and fair meadows plente. Certes the good king was moche reioyed/ and not with out cause when he apꝑceived and saw his noble son jason and the fair medea his lady/ the rich flees of gold. the three tongues of the marvelous dragon: & the horns and legs of the two marvelous boles. for to content each man/ when he had made the reverence unto the king his father and to the other nobles. he declared all plainly in the hall: that he had never comen to the chief of this conquest/ ne had been the council the aid and address of Medea which was there present/ & therefore said he: j have renonced the love of my lady Mirro: and have promised to this lady that she shallbe my wife and my fellow: and thus I will espouse and wed her at the third day/ wherefore I pray all noble men and other ladies and damoiselles. that each person do to her honour as it appertaineth to do unto a noble lady  
¶ when Peleus had understanden that the fair Medea had been cause that jason was comen▪ to the above of his enterprise without danger of death/ & that without the aid of her he had been devoured/ he changed colour & became all deed. and as well advised said nought thereto/ but alway for to hold jason in love he said to him/ that he would take the charge for to make the fest/ and furthermore he would send for to pray his parentis & friends for to be thereat: Among these things the prew jason sent Theseus & Mopsius unto the port of deseire & charched them expressly. that they should go & bury with all solemnity and reverence the body of the noble queen Isiphile. The two knights went with good heart/ and acquitted them of this charge/ For tabregge the history Cyprian had in guard the fair medea unto the day that jason had set for tespouse. Castor polux & Nestor with many rich Dukes came thenne to pintaquo: what shall I make long reher sail jason espoused the fair medea after the law that time used in grece with moche great honour & reverence. As in any wise to him was possible a down. ¶ For he died to her as much great honour as lady might receive The feast was noble and fair. and it was full and plenteously served of all things/ But of the meats and entremetes & with how many course & how many dishes at every course there were served. I will make no mention at this tyme. But thus moche will I say that Peleus' Cyprian and her daughters made right great po●pes And peleus ordained this feast sumptuous and costlewe of rich meats. and bewrages or drinks The day passed and the feast in dances. carols & es●atements/ The even came and after the night that jason & medea lay together: Always this feast endured. xv. days hole: & during this feste/ the noble and rich slees of gold was ordynantly hanged up in the hall in the sight of all the world/ and there might come every man that would to behold it by great admiration/ And there came people so far & nigh in such multitude that it seemed a very ꝑcession. for which cause jason was marvelously renowned in many a country/ for his high vasselage & for this so glorious conquest  
AT th'end of xu days/ and of the high solemnity of these espousals as the noble princes Baronns and noble men were upon the point for to retonre to their conntrees. jason and hercules assembled them and there recounted to them the rudesse that the king Laomedon had done to jason/ and to the knights of this company/ in reffusing to them fresh water & victual for their money For the which cause they had been in danger & peril of death. Thenne the princes and varonns of grece hearing the great doleance of jason and Hercules: ꝑmised prestly and swore that they would avenge this default and ●mu●ie They were asper. hoot and hasty in vengeance And after these covenants thus made. they gave charge to Argos to make and set up an ninety ships of war/ for to bring thirty thousand men tofore Troy: or at lest forty thousand/ Argos that was well cunning in that work enterprised the charge. & promised that with in three year all these ships should be ready to help 'em And when they had take a conclusion upon all these things. and that they had made to Medea all the honour and/ reverence of the world: by space of time they departed all thence. and every man returned into his country leaving jason and the fair Medea in their rest  
ꝑEleus went unto Elsebee & bare dueyll and rancon● in his courage more thenne need was/ for so moch as he saw jason so triumph/ and that he knew not how he might make him to die. And jason which intended to nothing saving to make his pleasure. let him yet govern his royalme. and so acquit him in the debt of marriage against the fair medea in such faonn/ that she conceived of him a right fair son. which at th'end of ix. months was delivered and was named jason after his father/ The king geats father of medea came thenne to Pintapuo with a prive main & litil company. as he that loved Medea like as the father loveth the child: And when he understood & knew the great honour that the prew jason had done to her/ he was content with him & with his daughter And without exploiting of any other thing he returned into his country moche yoyous: And it was not long after these things thus befallen that the old mistress of medea departed out of this world and died. But when it came unto the article of death/ she taught Medea a great part of the art of necromancy & of many other sciences where in she was expert And also she taughnt her among other sciences and art and craft for to make old people to become young of the age of xxxij year. But the life and destiny for to die might not be lengthid unto such persones by the virtue of the science ne other wise: for asmuch as it is predestinqtion natural   

¶ How Medea changed the king Aeson in to young age. And of the death of Peleus  
After the death of the mistress of the fair Medea/ jason demanded Medea. wha●… thought best to ddo. She answer●e to him: that she had lost great fellowship and privaulte by the death of her mistress To whom the noble prew jason answered and said/ that there was nothing so certain for every creature as the death And that the gods would take her soul. After many days medea took heed that among all other sciences she had one for to make old people to become young and specially men. And sin she beheld also that the good king Aeson was passing ancient and old/ for which cause she considered that she my ᵗ get a great loose & an high renō●ice. if she renewed his age/ wherefore she called on a day her lord jason & said to him that by her sciences she could do so much that his father the good king Eson should recover new youth in such wise as he should seem none older but xxxij year old: When jason understood this that said 〈◊〉 he marvelously abashed and not without cause/ but how well that him seemed a thing ipossible whereto he gaf no faith yet he answered & said to her Certes fair lady I knosaide to her. Certes fair lady I know for troth that ye are right wise and well eyperimented in plenty of high sciences/ ye can much more then all other ladies and damoiselles/ but yet this seemeth a moche & a great thing to do so as ye say to me/ & I would it pleased the gods now that your science might stracch into so high a matter for so much as that should be to me a right great weal. For I would that my father might live so long that he should put me in my sepulture: without abreging or shorting of my time: ye know well that every man desireth to live  
By all my god's sire answered the lady ye shall well know that for no thing I will abuse ne deceive you/ But I declare you for troth. that for to length the life of your father the king longer thenne the gods and nature hath ordained by limitation of time: as touching that I will not touch/ for my science may not furnish that. But as to the regard for to reduce his yongth in such wise as he shall seem to you and all other in the age of xxxij. year/ I will make me strong so to do if it be your pleasure and his/ Madame answered then jason I am as for myself more thenne content/ and pray you thereof with all my heart/ But we must go unto the king my father and declare to him all the feat for to here his opinion With these words jason brought the fair Medea unto the king Eson his father. And declared to him the good will that medea had toward him saying that if he would consent thereto and qid himself that she should make him young again & brig high from his old age unto the age of xxxij. year/ But as to the regard of the lengthing of your life other wise thenne god and nature hath ordained as to that she will nothing touch  
When the noble & ancient king Aeson had understand this that said is he being set upon a couch. and resting his heed upon his arm which was white & bald. he said unto medea: My fair daughter ye have been cause as I understand that jason my son is comen to his honour and profit and to his above of his enterprise/ and that without your counsel/ moyen and aid he had been deed & devoured by the dreadful & horrible beasts that kept the noble and rich mutton or sheep of gold in the isle of Colchos. & as ye have kept & saved his life in his young ange flourishing in virtues and valent. will ye also save mine in my last days. for certes after the course of nature I am at the brink of my pit or sepulture. and thus lying a long time in the umbre or shadow of death/ I had liefer to be and dwell in the world then to part out thereof: for there is no thing that j desire so much/ when it shallbe to you possible as for to return me into the prosperity of youth & therefore my fair daughter. if it be in you or in your science to do this that ye have put in terms by your moeving and after by your word. j should be greatly held unto you. and if it please you to take the crown of my royalme. I shall give it unto you: without claiming it ever aft. My dear father answered medea. it is well known that ye are an high prince garnished with good renomee/ of noble conversation dign to bear the crown/ wherefore as reason is your dignity shall abide with you all your life and in favour of your seignorous gentleness/ ye yet ere: ix. days been past j shall renew you as said is unto the age of xxxij. year: & j shall not labour on no● other matter unto the time that j am come to the above of mine enterprise/ whic● is no little thing  
Without mak●g of any delay the fair Medea took leave of her lord jason for viij. days hole: & then she departed fro the palace. and went the most secretly that she could all alone unto a great wood. and when the night was comen/ and that the moan shone bright & clear/ she kneeled do●n thrice on her knees/ studying at each time her science/ sin life up her visage unto the heaven & made this oroison that followeth moon reposing in the mids of the stars that shinest & confirmest the charms. and ye the gods of montaignes of the valleys/ of woods: of deserts: of the fountains. of sees/ of herbs/ and of trees. beye in my begynnyug/ and give me aid in my work for the salute & health of king Aeson. when she had said this she made certain signs about her: and after she made some secret invocacyons. and thenne she was lift up into the air and born into all the regions of the world/ Where she gathered and took many herbs of diverce fashions and conditions. & many precious stones: and was thus in point labouring by the space of viij. days: And on the ix. day she was restablisshid in the same wood and in the proper place from whence she was lift up into the air And there she fond herself tofore a moche rich temple that was t●ere dedyed unto the goddess/ Hebe and to the goddess Hekates  
¶ Hit was on the point of the day early when Medea fond herself tofore the temple/ And then medea abode there all ravished unto the son rising. & thenne she entered into the temple & made sacrifice unto the god's hebe and hekates: Hebe was called goddess of yongthe & hekates of charmerye. When she had done. thus she issued out of the temple. and died make a pit in the earth. and in this pit which was deep she sacrefied a black sheep unto the gods of hell: of whom she held and kept the blood and meddled it with the herbs. And after that she was garnisshid of all that was needful for her returned unto the old ancient king Aeson. and died do make for him a fair bayne/ wherein she put these herbs/ & milk and honey. and when she had prepared & made ready all that was for him necessary In the presence of jason she pnt the king into the baygne where the herbs begun to smell right sweet/ and ever more and more gave good odour/ And anon after that he was therein. and that she had rubbed and frotted him wyth the herbs/ he fill a sleep by her art. & when he was a sleep she made him a lytyll wound: where out she drew his old blood/ and left him in this point by the space of. seven. hours. after this she awoke him and made him to issue out of the baygne all naked hole and so●d of all his members as he had been in the age of two an thretty year  
¶ When the prew jason & the king his father himself saw th'experience of this craft and mister/ Certes they had great marvel and not without cause/ for this was a work that never was seen ne happened tofore. And so moch praised the wit. the cunning: & the virtues of the fair medea: that they yuged her to be inspired of the gods/ Thenne the noble king Aeson/ when he fond himself in this estate he sent for the best tailors and makers of garnements And died do make for his body all new habiliments after the fashion: that the young men beware at that time. after this he went and put him to the chase or hunting and to deduyt of falcons and hawks/ to make esbatements festes: dances and tournoyes/ jousts and other plays/ and for to short our matter/ he so conduised him self as a man made all new Hit was not long ofter that Peleus and all the nobles of the country & other were advertised hereof. Where fore great number of people came to pintaquo only for to see the king E●on that was strongly inclined to sing dance and to do all yoyouse things And yet that more is he saw gladly the fair damoiselles: and for to make short he held him self as a ●ong Prince that had no regard sa●● only to make good cheer and to pass the time yoyously  
ꝑ Eleus/ his wife Cyprian. & his daughters came unto the king in the renovellyte of this noble respyrem●t Medea lay with jason and conceived of him a right fair son of whom she was delivered in good tyme. and anon after the birth of this second son/ Cypryane came on a day to the fair medea & required moc● instantly that of her grace she would make young again Peleus. which began strongly to wax and old. Certes the fair medea was right joyous when she saw her so required/ and thinking in herself that she would be avenged of the disloyal peleus the which intended to have made jason be ded▪ She accorded to her this reqneste & took day for to do it: And when the day was comen Medea commanded to Cyprian that she should make ready a moche noble baygne After she sent for to fecche peleus which was much joyous/ for so moc● as he supposed to become young again like as he had been tofore. and thenne when all was ready. peleus dispoylled him of his clothes & entered in to the baygne. Medea made him to sleep there/ And when he was a sleep she took to his two doughteres to each a sword well triumphant in her hands/ and made 'em to make on the body of peleus their father moo thenne thirty wounds mortal. saying that they must needs do so: & thenne when peleus was adubbed and hurt: and that of his life was no remedy. Medea awoke him and said in this manner: Ha a right unhappy traittre/ thou sendest late jason into Colchos▪ weening for to have made him die there without any respite: wherefore thou hast deserved the death that shall be now this our inhumayn and by the hands of thy ꝑpre daughters. & therewith Medea departed from the chambre. And peleus thus miserably finished his life & his days  
¶ When Cypr●ane & his two doughtes were advertised of these tidings they escried much sorrowfully. and in weeping great tears in great anguish drew out of the marvelous baygne the power body of peleus. and laid it a long upon a table. but Ci: prone had the heart so straight shut that she might not speak/ and not without cause. For assoon as she had peleus upon the table. she fill down reverssed all a swoumne/ and thenne the daughters considering the great mischief that was befall to them took the two swords yet all blood with which they had put their father to death/ & smote themself to the heart in such wise that they fill down dead & despaired upon the body of their sorrowful mother/ which then revived out of her swoumme. A ha right pyetous and dolorous caas: Cypryane com● again to herself & seeing in her presence this mischief & redoublement of sorrow/ could hold none other maintain safe for to cry with all her puissance also high & ferdfulli that the king Aeson and his son being ●ot far fro●thens in a tour by the chambre: were greatly afraid with this cry. And in especial when they beheld first the body of peleus put upon the table all environed with wounds. Secondly when they saw & apꝑceived the ij. young damosels daughters of peleus having stiked in their bodies unto their hearts the sword where wyth they were slain. & thirdly seeing cypryane lying upon the paviment: her heart faylling cracching her face & drawing her here by great asprete of sorrow.  
The king Aeson & his son jason seeing this that said is came thenne unto the lady: & in approaching relieved her and laid her on a bed that was there. Thenne jason began to doubt of Medea for asmuch as oft times she had required him that he would put to death peleus because he had sent him into the isle of colchos When thy had brought the lady on the bed. Aeson the noble king & his so ne jason began to recomfort her the best wise that they might. and weeping tenderly they demanded her who had commised this dolorous murder: Thenne the lady answered wit● moche great pain that medea was culpable: & rehearsed to hem all the manner how she had made peleus to die by the hands of his two daughters▪ & how they seeing the shameful feet commised by them were desperate & slew 'em self in great sorrow/ & telling this her heart failed/ The king intended to her: & jason departed thence & went to medea which was in her chambre and said to her: a hadame whereto were yeevyr born into this world/ the merits of your benefits been great and dign of glory: but your ꝑuers demerits been so much horrible & fow●●. that they stain all your virtues. My dear lord said thenne Medea Ne knowxe not how▪ peleus sent you into Colchos by his enhortement for so moch as he supposed that ye never should have returned/ & also ye had been deed without remedy/ ne had been that ye escaped the danger by my council as it is well known/ these things considered & seen that he had no cause to purchase to you such a danger for ye never deserved it. wherefore j have many times desired you to take punycion upon the disloyal peleus. to which ye would never intend: for it happened that Peleus had a will for to be reduyte in to young age/ as the king your fad is by mine introduction & stile but his two daughters have put him to death. whereof ye ought to be right yoyus/ Certes dame answered jason ye say that pleseth you. but ye have do so now 〈◊〉 also other times that ye shall ●uere be holden in reproach. & therefore that now & other times ye have commised & done to be commised many enorm inhumayne & hydo●se feats: I renonce you in all points: & your company/ and command you unto the gods. After these words jason departed from the chamber sore discomforted/ and without taking leveof the king his faderne of other person he departed alone upon his horse fro the castle of Pintaquo  
¶ When Medea had understand that jason to whom she had do so much as her seemed of honour & other things: renonced her conpanye. and that she apyceyved that he had taken his horse▪ & was alone departed out of the castle/ She took her youngest son in her arms and two of damoiselles in her company And in this wise went after jason thinking to repease him by fair words▪ but the prew jason was in over great trouble and anger road all way forth to fore him so long that he entered into a forest. And continually had his veu and sight to ward the earth▪ thinkng on the malefetes of Medea/ & of her inhumanytes and murders. And he went so far in the wood that medea knew not where he became how we●e she returned not to Pintaquo/ but sought always jason as long as the day endured. And at night. she▪ her child. & her two damoiselles lay under a tree for the better with sore bewailing  
The king Aeson died do bury this night his brother peleus & his two daughters honourably▪ and made a merua●lloꝯ sorrow for their death/ but when it came at the even & that Medea ne jason his son came not to him as they were accustomed/ his sorrow doublid in great anguiss●e and in great displeasure/ & cess not all the night to be in great thought & melancholy: When the morning was comen▪ he sent out his men into the wood for to seche jason & medea/ but they that so were sent could wilt find them ne here no tidings of them: And the prew jason went alway forth also pensif as he might be/ & his adventure was such that after many journeys & many ways and champaynes traversed as he that toad by day & in the night rested & let his horse bait & pasture in the fields and meadows/ he arrived in the city of Corinthe▪ where as waste king of that country named Creante: the which had thenne a fair daughter named Creasa/ jason went unto this creante and gaf him to knowlech what he was▪ but creante assoon as he had knowlech of him died him moche great honour for the loos & good renomee that he had gotten by his right high valiance in many a royalme and country  
In cormthe the●e jason dwelled and abode a certam space of time Lteusa that was a right fair lady▪ beheld oft times jason. And desired wyth good will to be accompanied with him▪ but jason was so empesshid wyth sorrow & of melancholy▪ that he might take none heed of it. And furthermore he was so charmed that in no wise he might love none except medea. When the king creante apperceived the maintain of jason/ and that he made no joy by continuance of time▪ he can to him on a day & ●iured high that he should tell hinthe cause of his annoy & grief And how well that jason excused him: all way the king oppressed him more & more/ & died so much by fair words jason confessed to him the adventures that were befallen between him & medea▪ and said to him also how he was departed fro his country/ more for to withdraw him fro Medea & to forget her then for any other cause▪ but he could not find the manner ne me ne for to come to his above  
The king Creante which was a wise prince knowing the case of jason by this that he gaf him knowledge would be his cordial friend: for be counseled him that assoon as he might he should take & wed a new wife. saying that the love & new acqueyntance of a new wife should make▪ him lightly to lose and forget the thoughts & Imaginations of love and the plaisits that he hath had in the first. When jason had understand that the king counciled him wisely. & that he said to him the secret of the case he thanked him much/ and said that he would marry him if he could find a wife after his estate. And therewith he took leave of the king and withdrew him into his logys'/ & it was not long after that he ne returned unto the palace of the king for to see the ladies/ & among all other de began to behold the fair Creusa. And approached to her wening to require her of love/ but when it came to the opening of his mouth: certes the sovenance of medea came to fore him that took away all his entendements in all points When jason saw this that said is▪ he arose up from thence & entr●ō into a garden where he fond himself so melancoliod & troubled in his courage that he knew not what he might do best Then it happened that the king anon after came into this garden for to reclaim a sperhawke of his▪ but he found jason set under the tree. Then he went to him for to reason with him▪ and jason arose incontinent as he saw him come/ and thenne the king a●ed him how it was/ & how he felt him/ Certes sire answered then jason/ me seemeth that I am alway in one point▪ & after said to him in this wise: Sire j remember well how ye have counseled me for to abstain me to think on Medea: the which is contynuelli in mine intendment for to take to wife some new Lady/ Wherefore I require you and pray with all my heart that ye will give to me creusa your daughter to spouse and fellow/ & ye so doing shall do to me the greatest honour & plays● that may come to me/ For if it be other wise I am the most evil fortuned knight that is in the remnant of the world  
Incontinent as the gentle king had understonden the request of jason/ as a prince right joyous answered to him and said Certes jason ye do to me and to all our house great honour when ye require for your fellow and wife my dear daughter/ I give to you my daughter/ And she is well destyneed and comen in to this world for you Certes sire I ●●corde your request and give her to you: With these words the king ●●nte for the guene▪ his daughter▪ and for the baronns and knights of his court The▪ lady's and damoiselles as well of his palace as of his city were sent fore▪ and in the presence of all them that there were he made jason and his daughter to promise that they should wed and espouse each other: within a certain terme●that was though said/ and after these things by thavis of his baronns' knights and the ladies the day of their espousals was ordained and did do make there a feast so fair and notable. that like●was never seen in all that country/ For the king & the queen were so joyous of this noble ayll●aunce/ as possible was for 'em to be: Th●re were dances and carolles begun instruments of all manners and many fashions set a work/ songs & fair dities sungen in the best wise. wine and meet were plenteou●fy arrayed & dressed for all them that would take. And thus endured this great & notable feast unto the night/ that the king/ the queen/ jason/ crensa the Barons/ knights ladies & damoiselles departed fro this garden with moche great joy: for each man enforced him to make great cheer for the noble alliance of the prew jason and of the fair creusa/ but who that ever was joyous or sorrowful the young lady was moche comforted and not without cause thinking on the high virtues that where in the person of the vailliaunt prince jason   

How jason espoused the fair creusa the kings daughter of corinth: and of her death by Medea  
THe Renō●nee of this wedding of jason and of the fair ●teusa was anon sprad in all the ●o● aume of Corinthe/ The king concluded that he would make a solemyne feste/ and sent the messengers into many & diverse countries. for to assemble the Prices of the coum/ trees his friends and for to seek clothes of gold of silk and other sumptuous & rich things Always for to ensiew● the very and true narration of our matter/ during the fyansayl les and trouthpligthing of jason and of creusa/ medea that left not night ne day for to seek her h●●bonde jason. as said is▪ She erred & laboured in such wise as she came unto the m●tes & marches oscorinthe: & well cocluded in herself that she would go unto Corinthe. And as she went in her way she found a moche fair fountain or well where about sat & were many labourers that at this spring refreshed them/ when they apperceyne● the lady & the two damoiselles come unto the fontaine certes they were sore amarveled to see. iij so fair women/ how well they axd 'em whither they went/ whersore demand ye said medea. for asmuch fair dame answered one of the labourers that he will go unto the city of corinth. & if it please you to go thither & that our company may plaise you: we shall gladly hold you company: My friend answered medea. know ye that our entemcionis for to go into the city that ye speak of/ & that right well pleaseth us your company With that the noble lady damoiselles and though labourers went on her way. and so going one of them began to behold the little child son of Medea/ that one of the damoiselles bare in her arms/ and when he had a little behold the child he said all on high in this manner/ Ceries' j weld that i● pleased all our gods that my lady creusa that to morrow come i●. mon●thed might have one so fair a son by her lord: Fair friend said thenne Medea/ What is that Creusa that ye now speak of/ what is she said the labourer/ And why know ye her not and have lived so long. Certes she is daughter of the king of corinth whom shall wed to morn the most fair knight of all the world: and the most vaylliaunt in renomee/ For it is he that had conquered I wot never what a sheep or a ram of gold that men say is passing noble & rich. wherefore we all go together for to see what feast there shall be. And each of us bear thither of our goods for to do worship unto the wedding/ The custom at that time was such when that a king died do mary his son or daughter/ that all the men of the royanme were bounden each by himself for to make a present of victuals: And the merchants and burgesses of the cities made to him an aid of a certain somm● of money e and of other goods wherewith they were discharged  
Anon then as ●…a understood this that the labourer spac of the knight that was so ●ay●and so vailliaunt & that had conquered the flees of gold. she thought well that it was her lord jason that should so wed on the morn the fair creusa: wherefore she was sore troubled. and not without cause/ how well she answered not one word. wherefore she thougghte not the lass: And in such wise she exploited that she entered into Corinthe by fair day. and made her to be conducted unto within the palace of the king into a great ●d fair hall. where as was 〈…〉 & the greatest yoye of all 〈…〉/ but ye must understand that 〈…〉 was comen in habit dissimiled and disguised. And incontinent as she was entered into the hall/ she began to look all about if she might see jason She looked so long that she espied hi. but her scenteth that he had an heavy cheer and was sorrowful/ thenne was medea sewer that it was jason that should wed Creusa: Thenne began her heart to melt in such wise that there departed from thence many & great plenty of sighs. & many teerls devaled and fill down from her eyen upon her breast And thus doing she thought and again thought what was to do for the best. And thenne she returned unto the two damoiselles/ & sent one of them well disguised unto jason for to require him that he would come & speak to a ladi that was there.  
Thenne the noble prew jason nothing thinking on the fair medea hearing the request of the damoisel roose up and went with her/ and she bronght him unto Medea/ Which was withdrawn a little a part holding her little son in her arms/ But incontinent as jason apperceived her there in that point he was marvelously dismayed. And after that Medea had made to him the Reverence in sale wing him by all their gods/ She said to him in this manner/ Alas my dear lord jason. what have ye intention to do: is it so that to morn without longer tarrying ye will take for your wife Creusa whom ye have promised as I am certified: And how my only cordial love & friend shall I be sallaryed of such payment in the recompensation of the salvation of your life. of which none had been: if it had not been saved by my moyen as ye well know: Is this the merit that ye render to me/ When for your love j have abandoned the king my father and all his royalme/ Is this the guerdon that I have awaited after that I have reduysed by so great labour and travail my lord your father the king from his ancient age unto the youth of xxxij. year as ye well know Ha a jason right noble and vaillant knight/ I suppose ye hold well in your remembrance all that ye have promised to me: for god's sake forget it not and put it not in oubliaunce And if it be so that ye will take and have any other lady than me/ Certes I had liefer now to lose my life then to live any longer: sse my: me death be ꝑdonned unto you/  
_●ame answered thenne jason. what as to the regard of the wedding now begun/ if it please the gods. they shall be ꝑfaited & fulfyld as it is ordained not with standing any promise that hath been made between you and me/ When medea heard this answer she fill do●● to the earth all a swoune or in trance saying. A ha mine only & sovereign weal thenne shall ye be pariured. Certes dame answered jason. Save your honour/ I have acquytte unto you/ all that I have promised unto you. For j have brought you into my country and solemnly have espoused you: & sin I have be true in marriage unto the death of mine uncle peleus. where as ye well know hath been commised by you a great default Not withstanding this that is past j intend not that by me ye should be sclaundrid: But know ye that j had moch liefer live in honour and ensue the terms and works of noblesse then for to hold me longer in your company. I tell you these things for so moche as if I held me longer by you And of you ne were done good justice/ it might be said that I should be culpable of one so cruel a murder whereof is ensiewed the death of two so fair & noble madyens & p●celles daughters of Peleus. And for this cause & other cruelties by you commised: I shall hold that I have said/ And so I may do and aught to do lawfully in keeping mine honour and the terms & commandments of our law.  
¶ When the fair medea had understanden all the will & conclusion of the noble prew jason: If she had been to fore sorrowful and over angry. yet was she thenne much more/ For she began to weep with these words & to sigh fro her heart so ꝑfondly that it seemed that there departed from her two fair eyen two ruysseauls or two springs of a fontaine This notwithstanding after many sighs from the heart so ꝑfondly she replycqued unto thanswer of jason and said/ Ha a sir knight I know well now that it is destine that I own to be the most infortunate lady of the world/ If I have ●sented or ●●ūceylled the death of the desloy all peleus. it hath been for the great love & true heart that I have had for t'avenge you of this that he by his falls council sent you into Colchos to make the conquest upon the f●ees of gold. knowing that it was a thing impossible ever to return wythoute to be devoured and ded if it had not be my pourneyance. and when I have done all these things with good intention/ & for to get your g●ace/ ye will now leave and repudie me in all points/ wherefore I may well say: that under the firmament is no more infortunate creature in all tribulation then I am/ Ha a my dear love and friend jason shall j have none other salaire ne other guerdon for all my merits:  
●ertes dame answered then jason/ ye have much more thenne ye have deserved for such trespass/ such reward. for the cowerture of the trespass by you done can not excuse you do the best ye can or may & your children also. withndrawe you wyth your children into some country/ & so shall ye do wisely & also your proffy●/ My dear lord said thenne medea. sin s●t is your pleasure that it so be/ it must needs be that it please me/ And so be it always that your pleasures been sulfillid: yet at the lest for to reioye me a little: ye shall do to me so much gce that of your curtoysye I may be logged here within unto to morrow to th'end that I may see the solemnity of the wedding. and if ye will thus accord to me/ I promit you that to morn at dinner for the love of you I shall make appear vysibli one of the great marvels that ever was seen at wedding of a kings doughtere/ or of a prince.  
¶ When jason had understand the request of the ladi. not thinking that she pretended but unto all well and good. and also for to be quytt of her accorded her request: and was delivered to her a right fair chambre/ within the palace/ And when the lady was in this chambre. she sent her two damoiselles for to be logged in the town. So it happened when she was there alone she began to study in many of her sciences. and when it came about midnyghtshe died her to be transported into the air. & she brought in to her chambre wyth her plenty of works right secret. where of she composed four great & horrible dragons/ Whom she knetted to guider by their tailles: and made as it had been a chain: And thenne this done she passed in this point that night/ so sore passioned with jealousy of love that her seemed that her heart and all her body were all esprised with fire and fiambe/ So it happened on the morn when jason had espoused the fair creusa and that he was set at dinner with her & wyth the king father of the lady and with the knights ladies & damoiselles of the country/ Thenne medea departed from her chambre sitting in the mids of the four dragons holding her youngest son all naked in her hands And in this point she made her to be brought to fore the table/ where as the noble prew jason was  
_●Ertes hit is well lightli to believe that the king & the noble prew jason. and also all they that were there/ were greatly dismayed and fir when they apperceived Medea in such array enter into the hall sitting between four dragons so terrible to behold by semblant/ and some there were that fled And some abode to see thadventure/ seeing that she held between her hands her young child. But when medea saw that she was to fore jason. She escried him in this manner jason jason. thou knowest that I am thy wife: thou leavest me for an other & weenest thyself not to have mesprised to me/ I have saved thy life. and thou dost to me great wrong and overmuch great blame/ And this proceedeth fro the of all desloyalte▪ & of all mavastie: whereof thou art chief and heed. And such wilt thou be and abide. but I shall keep the from it if mine cunning fail not For certainly I promise the that thy new wife Creusa and the king her father. and all they that been here within shall lose their life: Reserved thyself. and by consequent thy proper son that j hold in my proper arms shall be the first that shall begin the feste  
¶ When the desolate lady had said these words she holding henr young child which was much tender/ took him by the two legs/ and by the force of he● arms Rent him in two p●eces/ & in that point cast high in the piater tofore jason and creusa. And with that the four terrible dragons of whom she sat opened their throats in disgorging fire and venyn. so moche and so horribly that all they that were there died miserably and in great torment reserved jason/ Which might not receive any grief by no venyn by cause of the blood oft the bull/ meddled with the ashes. where with he had been anointed: as it is said all a long in the chapiter making mention of the conquest of the noble flees of gold  
THenne when the noble prew jason appertained the young child so inhumaynly slain And after saw in his presence die miserably/ and in sorrow his lady Trensa▪ the king. the Queen his ●aroūs/ knights/ ladies/ and damosels/ squires and other by the sorts and enchantements of Medea/ he was so over angry and wroth/ that he might no more be. without he had benowt of his mind/ Then he arose from the table all confuse. and escried upon Meden saying: A sia right evil enchanteresse replenished with all evil. certes it is over great damage/ that the earth beareth and sustaineth you: ye have with your two hands murdrid your own son and mine. And sin by your enchantementes falls and unreasonable ye have maked to die myscrably and with dolour so many high princes. vayliaunt knights ladies and damoiselles and gentle esquires here assembled for to do me honour and company: the which did to you never trespass ne grief. Haa what horryblecruelte is by you commised. Certes ye have not the courage of a woman human/ but of a best or serpent denourlg all creatures or elliss of a cruel tyrant without pity. Ha a right perverse and felon' courage. what hast thou done by thy great outrage or cruelty what ought j now to do or where shall j become after that this evil is befallen. If thou were a man like as thou art a woman perverse and mirror or chief of all evil. without longer tarrying I should take vengeance of this this trespaasand grief But for asmuch as thou art a woman. it shall never happen that my hand employ him upon thy body/ Considering that a noble man that for any anger or trespass smiteth a woman or set hands on her/ he lefeth his honour and with good cause.  
¶ When the lady had understand the complaint of her lord jazon. She answered him and said in this manner. Certes my dear love know ye for troth: that I had liefer see all the world die Thenne I knew that ye should have habitation with any other woman thenne with me/ ye know how I have employed me for to preserve you from danger of death. Where many a knight hath lost his life tofore/ Also ye know what honour ye have by mi feat gotten perpetually: and all this have I done gladly to th'intent that ye should be my husband and espouse all your life during And now j apperceyne that ye will leave & abandon me for one other in all estate lass thenne I am. Considere in what peril ye may fall by your default: see well to that ye keep the promise that ye have made to me/ Hold and keep ye it entirely or elliss Know for certain that the vengeance of the gods shall punish you  
When when jason had understand this that said is. If he were tofore sore troubled: yet he was now moche more. without comparison and in such wise that he could not one word answer but departed out of the hall/ And medea with her four dragons went out also. and went thorough the cite of Corinthe infecting men women and children all a long by the way/ Her damoiselles followed and went after/ and all the world fled from her save they. which knew well that it was not well for asmuch as she went so strangely Incontinent as the desolate jason was out of the hall. & that he saw medea depart/ he called some of them that were escaped from this pestilence, and brought them for to see the king his daughter Creu●a/ And plenty of other that lay there deed among the tables upon the benches and on the ground. Hit was much pyetous thing to see and behold/ for the most part of them were swollen by the venyn. that they had received by the conduits of her noses/ and of her mouths/ and were as great as varellis. Then was there made in all the city a marvelous sorrow and dueill. each man began to weep and cast out moche pyetouse cries in cracching their faces/ and tering their here: & thus doing. one and other sought & searched after their parents & friends: that with great pain they might know 'em/ for they found hem so desfigured by the venyn that they were swollen that uneath they might know 'em/ and when they were drawn out each a part. they died do bury them right honourably after their estate. And in like wise the king. the queen/ and the fair Creusa her daughter were put in their sepulture appertaining to their estate: jason was present for to achieve and do all things/ and soyourned there unto the time that the prayers & cerimonyes were accomplished after the law & custom of that time: & sin departed from Corinthe and went his wuye. But he was so discomforted and sorrowful in courage that he might no more be/ Thus riding now an one side & after on an other side thinking on the marvels and adventures that he had had. and above all other things on the great inhumanites and cruelties that he had seen commised by Medea by her enchantements. and in an other manner he deliberid and concluded to ride and err so far/ that he might find any adventure. and recomforted himself the best wise he could after the misadventure that he had had.   

¶ How jason Espoused the queen Myrro of Olyfern● and how he was awaited in a wood & assailed by xij. knights of Oliferne/ as he was going to Troy: and how he put 'em to death  
THe vaylliaunt and noble prince jason departing after this as said is fro the city of corinth put him on his way and rood through many countries & cities right dolannt and angry/ Some time he bewailed the fair Medea/ and sometime after suddenly he remembered her malefices & her crueltes overmuch inhunmyne/ and in riding from one place to an other/ he was in so great perplexite and sorrow that he might no more. but if he had died. and for this cause he had his intendment so traveled that he witted not what to do. In this manner trist and pensive drawing from one country to an other it was told him on aday that the king Tollus of elsebee that was his parent and of his kin should wed for his wife the kings daughter of Thessale named Anestor/ and for some what to refresh himself he concluded that he would go to this wedding/ which should be solempnel without tarrying/ for he thought well that there should be kings Duke's princes Queens and nobleladyes in great number: The fair Mirro was comen thither/ with other princesses because that the king Tollus was her nigh cousin But incontinent as the kings and princes knew jason/ they welcomed him on all sides much honourably: Always the queen Mirro made no semblannt to know him: for when jason had been feasted of one & other: & that he approached the queen Myrro which was thoo pensive drawn her a part behind the other ladies & escried him with an open voys which was well herd saying thus/  
●a a right evil knight withdraw you jncontynent from me/ have ye forgotten that ye long sin promised me in athens that ye should be my husband. And yet ye have do nothing thereto▪ but have espoused an other lady as it hath been recounted & certified to me/ O dys●oyall and untrue false liar. where as ye have not held ne faith ne troth. Approach thou in no wise unto me depart out of my presence: And be never founden in my way But notwithstanding that the queen had achieved this reprouchable answer/ yet he said to her in this manner/ My dear lady I am so much malewrous & whappy that I am not dign to be founden to fore your noble presence. I know plainly that I have made fault/ And I can not think how my courage is thus corrumped & ill counseled/ for sin I took leave last time of you & when j parted I remember right well that in my voyage to Colchos I had you always in continual remembrance. wreton within my heart hoping a● my returning to have taken you to my wife. unto the time that on a cursed night j was sodaynli esprised wyth the love of Medea: which afore had required me to be her husband. always I refused▪ her request. by ver●yn departed from Corinthe and went his way. But he was so discomforted and sorrowful in courage that he might no more be/ Thus riding now an one side & after on an other side thinking on the marvels and adventures that he had had. and above all other things on the great inhwianites and cruelties that he had seen commised by Medea by her enchantements. and in an other manner he deliberid and concluded to ride and err so far/ that he might find any adventure. and recomforted himself the best wise he could after the misadventure that he had had.   

¶ How jason Espoused the queen Myrro of Olyfern● ●nd how he was awaited in a wood & assailed by xij. knights of Oliferne/ as he was going to Troy: and how he put 'em to death  
THe vaylliaunt and noble price jason departing after this as said is fro the city of corinth put him on his way and rood through many countries & cities right dolasit and angry/ Some time he bewailed the fair Medea/ and sometime after suddenly he remembered her malefices & her crueltes overmuch inhumane/ and in riding from one place to another/ he was I so great perpleyite and soro we that he might no more. but if he had died. and for this cause he had his intendment so traveled that he witted not what to do. In this manner trist and pensive drawing from one country to another it was told him on a day that the king Tollus of elsebee that was his parent and of his kin should wed for his wife the kings daughter of Thessalenamed Anestor/ and for some what to refresh himself he concluded that he would go to this wedding/ which should be solempnel without tarrying/ for he thought well that there should be kings Duke's prices Queens and noble ladies in great number: The fair Mirro was comen thither/ with other princesses because that the king Tollus was her nigh cousin But incontinent as the kings and princes knew jason/ they welcomed him on all sides much honourably: Always the queen Mirro made no semblannt to know him: for when jason had been feasted of one & other. & that he approached the queen Myrro which was thoo pensive drawn her a part behind the other ladies & escried high with an open voys which was well herd saying thus/  
●a a right evil knight withdraw you jncontynent from me/ have ye forgotten that ye long sin promised me in athens that ye should be my husband. And yet ye have do nothing thereto but have espoused an other lady as it hath be recounted & certified to me/ O dyssoyall and untre we false liar. where as ye have not held ne faith ne troth. Approach thou in no wise unto medeparte out of my presence: And be never founden in my way But notwithstanding that the queen had achieved this reprouchable answer/ yet he said to her in this manner/ My dear lady I am so much maleurous & unhappy that I am not dign to be founden to fore your noble pre●ence. I know plainly that I have made fault/ And I can not think how my courage is thus corrumped & ill counseled/ for sin I took leave last time of you & when j parted I remember right well that in my voyage to Colchos I had you always in continual remembrance. wreton within my heart hoping at my returning to have taken you to my wife. unto the time that on a cursed night j was sodaynli esprised wyth the love of Medea: which afore had required me to be her husband. always I refused her request. by vernie of the sovenance & mind that I had of you. Notwitstonding that she made to me promise to make me conquer the noble & rich motonn with the fleece of gold. where never knight went tofore to conquer but if he lefte and lost there his life. I know well that when she made me thy promise all that day I changed never my purpose ne courage. But assoon as I was laid in my bed an evil ●olente or will surprised me which was such in all points that j left your love and ●cluded that I would make of medea my lady paramours as j died: and for this cause she gave to me the introduction and the manner to conquer the noble and rich mutton: of whom I have brought the noble flees on this side the see/ And also I have brought with me in to Myrmidone Meden no more thinking on you ner on that/ that was concluded between us thenne j had never seen you. But ye shall know what is happened sin/ I have take her to my wife. She hath by her cursed enchanteméts & reprochable made mine uncle Peleus die dolorously And also she is cause of the death of his two daughters: which is ouerfowle'a vylaynous case foraladi  
●ertes madame said yet jason for these enormities know that I have left & repudyed her: & in all abandonned & witdrawe me from her and by an inestimable. displeasure am departed from the country/ Mine adventure hath been of such condition that I have been in the city of Corinthe. but Medea was all way in my thought and mind/ Thenne seeing that j could in no wise forget her & would fain have put her out of mi memory/ I took & wedded the kings daughter of that city/ But in troth medea arrived in the city even tofore I wedded: & she did so moch that she spoke to me. & after many remonstrances many sighs & be waillges seeing that she might not torn me ne have other thing/ she required me that she might be logged within the palace/ I agreed it not thinking that she would do any evil/ & when it can that we were at dinner the day of wedding for t'avenge herself of that I took an other wife. that she by the virtue of her sorts and enchantements made t'appear at the dinner. among all the noblesse/ herself sitting upon the tails interlaced/ and knit of four horrible dragons casting fire and venyn out of their throats/ And held in her hands her yongesi●sone: that I had engendered of her. and took him by the two legs and tore and ●ente him in two pieces/ whom she cast into the platter of my wife and me/ And after though same dragons began to cast fire and venom out of her throats: in such wise that she made toldye the king the queen and his daughter sitting at the table. and consequently all them that were in the hall. how well yet I might not deport me: but that I think on her inestimnble beauty/ and yet I do all the dylsgence and pain for to abstain me. whereof j have great marvel. & for this cause j am entered into ●euerye/ that if it were not that I doubted shame & suppose I should be defamed. Certes I doubt that I should be constrained to take her again  
The noble queen myrro hearing jason that thus recounted to her his adveutures: imagined lightly that Medea had ensorted and be wicched him/ She took a ring and delivered to him saying Certes sir knight I am in doubt that medea hath be wycched you with her sorts and enchantements/ For right now ye said that she is enchanteresse. and therefore put this ring on your finger. And j assure you that if she hath made any sorts or enchantements on you they shall lose all her puissance by the virtue of a precious stone that is closed within the gold With these words the prew jason received of the lady this ring/ and put bit on his on his finger: and thenne forth with he forgot modea. & had sovenance of no ladi save only of the fair mirro/ wherefore he lost his noyous maintenein such wise that he recovered all new cheer & countenance in so much as he began thenne to behold the noble lady with a yoyous cheer & said. Madame j thank you of your ring For certaynli sin it hath been on my finger/ I have founden and felt myself eslonged & alleged of all my sorrows & me seemeth that I love none other lady but you: & therefore j require you right humbly if in any manner I have trespassed or nusprysed against you: that ye will pardonne me/ And that it please you: that our compromise long sin made may no wsorte good effect.  
●Ertes sire knight answered then the noble lady: I have here tofore so much loved you: that none infortune may in any wise make me to conceive hate unto you: and therefore see what is your intention. My dear lady answered jason/ My desire & intention is nothing. but to come to that j may be your husband. if it be to me possible. as I have sym long promised But it is of necessity for to conduit this work secretly. to th'end that me dea be not advertised thereof For if she knew that ye were mine espouse she should not cease day ne night unto the time that she had made you to die. Certes sir knight answered the lady We shall do right well if the default be not in you. and shall tell you how/ ye shall come with me after this weddingis: & ye shall put you in guise of a●uaūtin disfiguring yourself asmuch as is in you possible. & ye shall serve as me abvaunt but when we shall be in oliferne/ ye may have me secretli to your wife: & thus medea shall nothing know ne none other person of you & of me And will she or not the strong enchantress that so long hath holden you in her sorts & in danngeres of her arts. from hens forth we shall enyoye the loves of us each other. Thenne the noble prew jason was content for to conduit himself in this manner in all such wise as the queen Myrro had ordained whereof he was right joyous ¶ For tabregge the matter during these weddings jason and Myrro oft times spoke to guider of their amorettes and jason received there many fair praisings which were to long to rehearse In th'end the weddings finisshid & one and other took leave and went home into their countries/ and so it ought not to be forgotten that jason went to Olyferne wyth the fair mirro in habit disguised as a yeoman or a servant & named himself Sambor  
When thenne the lover & the lady had so exploited that they were in oliferne. the lady logged her lover in a little chambre not far from her. and gaf him th'office for to be her huyssher: & held thenne with her person but one damoiselle that knew the most part of her secrets/ how well she was accustomed always to have in her chamber four damoiselles/ the ordinances and conclusions made the same day when they were comen. when the night was comen: & every man withdrawn in his place for to rest The queen whom desire had long chased/ sent secretly to fecche the pressed of their law. and sambor also. And with little noise and bruyt she married sambor/ and after sent the priest away. and to th'end that he should be secret she gave him a purse full of gold She held her spouse in her chambre And then when the pressed was gone and that they were both to guider: they began in good earnest the deduyte that is used in the amorous life: And right yoyously they comforted each other. and demeaned this amorous life all the long winter. and so ye ought to believe that on the day the prew jason seruid in his office/ and in the night he entremeted with this so moche gracioas life of love as in such chase appertained wyth his lady that loved him marvelously.  
The virtuous prince jason maytening him thus in fashion was not so subtle ne so well advised that he could keep him from the eyen of them that serve within forth/ The queen herself could not abstain her/ but tofore the servants and damoiselles she made to him oft-times overmuch amorous semblants & contenances. & in like wise made jason to her. & so many apperceived it/ And by especial the three damoiselles which she had put out of her chamber: They espied in such manner this amerous company by a little hole that they had made in the chamber of the lady by which they saw all the feat/ how sambor lay oft times in the bed wyth the queen. where of they were much displaisaunt/ for they knew nothing jason/ but thought that he had been some chaplain/ And one of these three had a brother named Brutorus that soreloved the queen/ but he durst in no wise declare it: and when this sister of brutorus apperceived the conduit of jason and of Myrro knowing that her brother loved the quenc: despite and envy grew in her in such wise that she could not kepehit secret. but called on a day Brutorus and said to him that Sambor died him wrong of his love/ and certified to him how she had seen him lie by night with Mirro in her proper bed.  
¶ When brutorus had understand these tidings he was moche pensif/ & conceived a mortal hate against jason. and concluded in himself that he would murder him/ if he might find him or retain him at his advantage/ how well he durst not say so ne make any semblant and was right long in this pain: and always machyning a right envenymoꝰ will And for so much bare in his stomasi the desire for to bring the vaylliaunt knight to death And on that other side the pren jason that thought nothing but well maintained him right amerously with his lady the fair myrro/ At last the winter passed and the new jolly season begun to come/ and thenne the noble pren jason remembered him that at the entry of the next month of Marce the greeks would go with a great army tofore Troy/ where he had promised to be for t'avenge him of the great injury and outrage that the king had done to him & his fellowship. and wyth this remembrance he lay between th'arms of his lady/ and began to sigh that his lady heard it. and she demanded him what him ailed ad said she would know/ jason answered that he was grieved at his heart. From whence cometh this grief or evil said the lady/ Certes madame answered jason. I have not other sorrow at my heart/ but that I have great necessity for to go into my country in tharmy of them of Grece/ for to take vengeance of a great outrage & injury that the Trojans died to me and to many noble knights of grece/ wherefore mi deer ladi when it is so that I must leave you/ j have so moche annoy & grief/ that I may no more have/ but I have promised it. and promise is dew. My friend answered the noble lady/ acquit you of that ye have promised. I will in no wise retard ne let you from you worship ne we'll/ and therefore ye shall ride at your pleasure unto your country/ but whanye return again keep you well fro the art & enchantments of Medea/ Thenne jason promised to her that he so would do/ and conclude there the day of his departing And when jason & the queen myrro had cessed of speaking of this matter the damoiselle that had declared the feet of her brother brutorus was awaiting and espying at the hole▪ and understood all that the lady and jason had devised/ said & concluded Thenne she advertised her brother and told to him all that she had understonden & the day that he should depart in to his country This brutorus was right joyous when he understood these tidings/ & concluded in himself that he would lie in a wait of jason: in a wood by a way by which he must needs pass. then he called to hem xij. gentlemen of his knowledge/ and told them that sambor had trespassed to him. & that he would flee him on such a day as he should depart unto his country. For tabregge the matter when the day was comen the noble prince departed with much be wailing of his lady. & went himself alone by that wood. and he had not long erred & riden in the wood when Brutorus and his xij. fellows without escrying or swooning of any word smote upon him great strookes & mortalif he had not well be armed at his departing as his adventure was he had be deed. and among all other brutorus gaf him a marvelous stroke upon the heed. that whether he would or not be made him bow on the lift side  
When jason felt him so advironned & assailed of these traitress & that they smote upon him on all sides he was all abashed: Nevertheless he set him at defence/ and thehe he drew out his good sword. with which he be fought his enemies right vaylliauntly and as a noble knight as he was. But the place where Brutorus assailed him over asperly/ was in hollow and straight passage. in such wise as jason might not but with great pain help himself. for the disloyal traitor and his camphces were on both sides/ six on that one side & six on that other side/ mounted upon high territoires that hinge over the hollow way: And casted stones upon him. in such wise that they flew & murdered his horse under him/ and in feat they frusshed his helm/ & made him a marvelous wound in his heed/ Thenne when jason saw his horse deed/ and that he felt the smart of the sore in his heed he set him a foot all astonied: But brutorus & his fellows assailed him agaymand cast on him stones. glaives & swords/ wherewith they bruised and wounded him in many places. for the horions and strokes came from above/ Nevertheless jason as a vaylliaunt knight marched out over the passage & died so moch that he came into a right fair land Then Brutorus and his folk siewed him so far. that they came to fight hand a hand: And among all other brutorus approached unto his evil auēture. For jason smote him upon the top of his helm by such fierste that he cleft the helm and the heed unto the. teeth that he fill down dead at his feet  
Thus as ye may understand was the disloyal brutorus miserably slain And thenne when his company apperceived that he was put to utterance they escried all upon jason and assailed him on a new right anguisshouly in renewing to him the dolour and great pain of his wounds and frousshures that they made to him. in the hollow way as said is. and so began the stoure asper and terrible How well that jason had more courage thenne puissance Always he defended him by right great vigour in bathing his trenchant sword in such wise in the blood of these xij. murders that he put seven of them to death with Brutorus: And after foughtlong with the remenannt/ and it fortuned him that in scarmusshing that he hurt the remenannt unto the death/ as he that escaped not net but was hurt in so many places that by theffusion of blood that fill from his heed. his heart failed him in th'end/ and fill down among the deed men The four last that were left were but little better then deed. But what marvel  
¶ When the two murdriers had born to ground the prew jason/ they wend that he had been deed/ and satt down by for to rest them. and after soft and fair they witdrewe 'em: into the city. as they that with moche great pain might uneath sustain hem self. but for to go unto their houses: they must pass to fore the palace. The queen than espied them from far/ and apperceived anon that they were all bespreynt wyth blood. whereof she was much dismayed She dydedoo 'em to be called & sin demanded them from whence they came/ Alas my dear lady said one of them. We come from an evil journey: for Sambor and viij. of our next kin and friends been lying deed in the wood wyth brutorus: which brought us thither for to lie in a wait for to flee Sambor: the which as he hath said to us/ hathdon to him displaysit/ but sambor hath put us all to death/ reseruid us four/ which been so piteously hurt/ that but if the gods inparte to us of their grace. we been in great danger of our lives  
In saying these words/ two of these four knights died there suddenly Whereof the noble queen was so sore abashed that her heart failed & fill down in swoune/ that she was born into her chamber by her damoiselles & the two malerous knights were born for to be buried after the custom of the country/ When the lady was a lytyl comen to herself/ by thesforce of the great sorrow that she had in her heart. she escried passing high and said. jason/ Alas my love jason and my lord But frowhens sourdeth one so great maleurtee or mishap: that ye have thus been slain in the wood The terrible cruelteof thenuenimed & so horri ●le beasts of Colchos had no power to grieve thy person. Ne the sudden perils of the see/ ne also the great▪ hardiness of the Esclavons/ Ha a the right evil Brutorus ye have slain him & he hath slain you. Alas what great loss must j suffer this day/ j am born in an unhappy our: when it must be that I have nourisshi● the murdrere that traytours●y hath put to death the noble knight jason which is my lord and husband/ Hannoble & worthy of all worthy/ the wailia●● of all vayllian̄●. and he in whom all virtues habounden. the gods have mercy of thy soul/ and if thou be not over deed. that they will hold the so long alive that I might yet one● speak with the. And I shall be much the more comforted that j shall dear more eys●ly And thenne I desire no longer no line in this world after the.  
¶ When the ladies and damoiselles there being had herd & understonden of the queen by her lamentations that he that was named Sambor was jason/ that so much was recommanded in vaylliaunces and in virtues marveled strongly for asmuch as he served as a yeoman. and at last comforted the lady the fairest wise they might And thenne she declared all openly that Sambor was jason the noble knight and none other but he had wedded her/ and furthermore she declared for what cause jason had changed his name: & why he maintained him as a yeman orseruaunt. After this declaration & lamentations made/ she died do assemble all the nobles of the cities/ as well men as women. and thus she sent solemnly for to fecche the body of the vailliaunt prince. And commanded that brutorus & his fellows should be quartered and hanged on the gallows as traitors. and they that were commised to the●secusion of the justice accomplished highly their charge and commission/ and the company that had charge for to fecche the body of jason went unto the place where the di●soyal murder was commised▪ But when they were there comen. they found that ja●on was not yet deed/ but he sat up & leaned unto one of the traitress. Thus this noble company seeing that he was yet alive▪ made to him right great cheer and called him by his name/ saying that the queen Mirro and they all were so right ●is plaisannt of his inconvenient that they might no more be/ and without long soyourning there: they layed the noble & vailliaunt knight jason upon a shield which/ they found there lying upon th'earth/ and bore him unto the city. And the noble Queen came against him. for she had been advertised by her men that he was not yet deed: how well she wept much tenderly  
¶ When the fair Myrro was comen nigh unto her lord. and that she apperceived that he was so frushed & brussijid with stones & staves. certes her heart failed: & they that bare jason resrid unto that she was comen again to herself And thenne she ne jason might not speak/ jason for the anguisshe that he suffered/ and she for the great displeasure that she had/ at her heart/ But it was not long after that jason was born unto the chamber of his espouse and fellow: where the best Cirurgyens of the city can that anon visited & searched his wounds▪ & fond him in such terms/ that they undertook to render high hole and sound of all his hurts and wounds in short time/ whereof the queen was all recomforted: they failed not of their promise/ for they so wrought about him by such fashion that in the space of six months they delivered him hole and out of danger of all his hurts and wounds During which time ofsixe months that the noble prew jason kept his chambre/ assoon as he might speak and have intendment he began to be wail the loss of his time for as much as he might not be at the destruction of the king jaomedon and of the Trojans: Wherefore he had much great displeasure at his heart/ For he had not been accustomed gladly to keep: the chambers matted ne strewed with herbs and flowers ne the beds encurtyned. the halls hanged with rich tapesseryes Ne the places magnificque ne sumptuous as by his feats appere●j/ but he might not amend it For the noble queen recomforted him alway: and much required high that he should take no melancholy for no thing/ and that he ne should intend save only to his garisshing and heeling and as for the war of troy he might in no wise be there   

¶ How the king Aeson of Myrmidon asseged his son jason in the city of Olyferne/ And how Medea spoke to jason/ & how she slew his oldest son named jason.  
_●● ye may understand by thin convenient afore said the pren jason was distourned for tacompanye hercules and the chivalry of Grece that should go lay siege tofore the puissant cite of Troy: wherefore the king Aeson and hercules were right sorrowful and abode xv. days longer thenne the term that they had set for to go to the sec: when the/ xv. days were past and apperceived that they had no tidings of the coming of jason/ they departed fro the port where they had tarried And sailed so far that they arry●… tofore Troy/ with so great nō●… of people that notwithstanding the resistance of laomedon of all the city & country about/ they besieged it/ and so long abode and died marvelous assaults/ that they took it and destrored it in the form & manner as is well declared in the history of the xij. labours of the noble & prew Hercules: And when they had brought this enterprise to attend each of them departed from thence/ & returned into his country  
¶ In the novelty then that the noble king Aeson of Myrinydone was returned fro the conquest of Troy sore troubled for his son jason that was failed to have been at this high honour Medea that was not yet comen again into Myrmydone after that she was departed the same day that she had made to die the des●oyal peleus. as said is Returned thenne unto the king Aeson all destayned & discoloured: clad with clothes all to rent and lapped/ Thenne she set her down on both her knees to fore the king Ezon & after said to high in this manner. Sire lo here Medea most pour and the most infortunate lady that ever was/ or shallbe/ Thou knowest and mayst not deny that j ne am the proper wife of thy son jason. whom j made not long sin return gloriously fro the mortal peril where his uncle peleus had sent him to by his malice This not withstanding incontinent & in feat he hath abandonned me sin the day that j was consenting to the death of the disloyal peleus. & I died it for to take vengeance of this that he sent him traitorously under the shadow of the conquest of the rich mutton/ with the flees of gold which was a thing impossible to any creature/ humane without mine adressement and well supposed he that he never should have returned but have advanced his death. and he would excuse him under the colour of this death. the which allway I died for his love▪ and for t'avenge him  
Sire said yet the lady. ye know that the day that peleus died: your son departed from hens much hastily: & how I went after. & it was so our adventure that I fo●de him on a day in the cite of Corithe: where he had fianced the kings daughter. And there I spoke long with him. And among many remonstra●ces I required him right instantly that he would be true according to hy● promise/ that he had made in acquitting his faith: But I laboured in vain. for he would in no wise intend thereto/ and when j apperceived that I could have none other thing of high I made by the virtue of some enchanthements die suddenly the espouse/ whom he had supposed to have enjoyed And with her died her father and by consequent all they that were in the hall set at dyner/ reserved jason whom in no manner j would touch/ & after j departed from ●●ens & have goon at the adventure of the gods not thinking that ever I should return unto you: thus hath fortune be t● me of such condition that she hath sith two months brought me into the city of oliferne: & there I have founden & seen jason with the queen Mirro▪ & it hath been certified to me that he hath espoused her/ whereof j have at my heart such dolour and midday: that for nothing I might ner could speak with him/ but yet am departed from thence & am come unto you: for to require reffuge that in the savour of ladies it may please you to have pity of me so desolate a lady/ and that in recoignoissaunce of the merit that I might have deserved in redu●… your ancient age in the being ●● xxxij. year: that ye of your son jason will do me right without Rigour.  
¶ When the king Aeson of myrmydone had understand the doleance and the request of Medea. and that he saw her in so pour estate of habiliments that she seemed all an other woman For she was so discoloured leanly/ & evylarayed. Certes he had great pity of her: Theune he began to recomfort her & thinking on the good services that she had down unto his son whereof all his weal & renomee was comen And in like wise of the great pleasure that she had down to sum also how she hath habandonned the king her father & her country upon the pmysse of his son. Among other words in recomforting her he said & promised her that he should punish jason of that so great offence. and also he had taken him in disdain for so much as he had/ failed at the business & destruction of Troy where the chevalerve of grece had gotten great honour▪ certes he loved medea meruailous●y and anon he died do cloth her new right honourabli: & tamynistre to her all that was needful & necessary for her: And when he had so do/ he sent into oliferne unto jason and commanded him that incontinent he should come unto his court/ but jaʒon excused high to the messenger the most curtoys●y that he might for cause of his wounds that he had received in the wood not long sin assayed is/ & in feat he answered that at that present he might go ner yet ride on an horse  
Incontinent as the king Aeson had understand th'answer of his son jason. he took it evil in gree/ and swore that he would go unto him. but that should be in arms Then he sent into all parties for his friends and allies/ & said to thaim & she we how he would punish jason for the lavishness of his body. & that by good cause. for because of his luxury he had failed at the conquest of Troy/ & under this coverture he assembled unto the number of ten. M. greeks. whom he brought tofore olyferne the cite/ & so much dydeby see & by land▪ that with out adventure dign of memory he can on the champanye. where the king of Esclavonye and his host tofore had held their siege to their unhelthe as it is said fo fore in his place/ Always ineden was comen in tharinee of the king Aeson as she that hath in high all her affiance and her socourse/ as half garisshed or easid  
When the king Aeson fond himself tofore olyferne/ He died do set his tents & pavyllouns/ & sent unto his son jason that he should comen unto hi. for to receive the punition of this disobey sans. certes jason was sore abashed and not without cause. when he had understand that his father scent for him to come to him upon this condition And then when he apꝑceived that his fad had besieged the cite with armed hand ●he was at that time all helid of his wounds & frossures: and seeing that said is/ him seemed that the king his father was angry with him and that he was comen thither all replenisshid with great▪ furor. Notwithstanding that in no manner he supposed to have deserved it: And considering all these things/ and also by the council of his friends/ for to answer the messenger of his father. he called him and said to him in this manner. Sir messenger I have understand & thought for tanswere upon that my father hath sent me by you: on that other side I see how he is here comen with puissance in arms These things considered I wot not what is his intention ne will. Wherefore j am not for this present counseled to put me in his hands/ how well that I am alway bound by all right & held to serve him & obey his commandments/ and that out of furor/ he shall not find me other disposed  
The messenger hearing the discreet answer that jason gaf him. he acertayned high & thereof would abide in hostage. that if jason would take again medea as by virtue of his faith he was holden: & by the promesses that they had made one to that other that he should find his traittye & peace with the king his father Thenne jason answered to the messenger that if the king his father were comen thither therefore in such ordinance & upon that intention. he abused him greatly/ & that Medea by her enchantements should never deceyvehi more during her life. when the messenger had understand the will & answer of jason/ he took leave of him & departed from the palace/ & returned unto the king his lord. which abood high at foot of his tent & told to high & to medea all this that he had exploited with his son jason. The king & the lady Medea hearing his volente & will: & that he was not a man to be moved & turned from his courage had a marvelous sorrow▪ Thenne the king Aeson swore that he ne his siege should never depart from thence for cold ne for heat for frost. ne snow. for rain ne for tempest that might comen upon him unto the time that he had subjuged the city of Olyferne/ with that medea when she had herd these words. she took leave of the king & returned its her tent & then she begun to study in her enchantements & sorts/ where in she wa● much learned. & in such wise exploited that in a moment she made her to be born within oliferne & died her to be set in the ppre hall where jason and▪ mirro the queen were at a window spek●g together of their works & in especial of thenterprise that the king some made upon them of which they ha● great marvel. & so they wist not what to, think saving that it were need for tentende to forte●ye the muraillelwalles of the city/ the tours & yates to garnisse with stones & wyth shot. & to defend their strength wyth all their power/ But jason & mirro had the greatest marvel of the world. & not wyth out cause: when so sodaynli they saw Medea there appear in their presence/ Thenne medea opened this that she had in will to say & declare playnli and said in this manner  
●a● Alas sir jason have ye not intention tame your life. which is much reprochable tofore the gods and the world: & cursed be the our and theday that j saved & waranted you fro the death. when for my reward and guerdon I must suffer so moch & in so many manners as I do/ and that in that time and in place ye know not her to whom ye be so greatly bound and held/ Dame answered thenne jason shall your sorts ne enchantementes never cease/ I can not think how ye have the hardiness to come to fore mine eyen seen that in my presence ye have murdered one of my sons. & how answered thenne medea. Am I alady born in so unhappy an our & so in fortunate that in no manner I dare be founden to fore mine espouse & husband/ & him that holdeth high life of any other but by me. A jason said yet the lady. the great goodness that I have done for you tofore this tune is little remembered and known by you/ which I did all of good heart. and if I have slain your child. ye be only culpable: for ye do to me so many displeasures & annoyance/ that I can not think how the heart of any lady so desolate as I am may so long endure  
Certes dame answered then jason I hold no, thing that ● have done to you despleisi● ne annoy in no wise the e have ●mysed & made many enorm and right evil caas/ For which I may lawfully repudie and pardon you in all points. how well that for the love of me ye have down that I ne maintene not. and of that other side speak no more to me. lo here the noble lady that I had ●mys●d tofore that I arrived in your country: and during the time that I have been with you & ye with me. ye put me by your enchaū●emēts in such point that I had all forgeten her & thought on none other but on you/ whether ye were far or nigh: & in this estate was I a long space of time & till that the gods have resemblid this lady & me by your great default The which have now espoused. this is my lady & j am her lord & husband/ & as long as the soul shall abide in my body. j shall be beers▪ & shall not withdraw me from heroner shall took other then her for nothing that may befall me/ & otherwise ye shall not find it: & therefore abide no longer here. for if yedide it should be all tymeloste for more to pursue this inquest Medea wyth this conclusion made her to be born from thence also suddenly as she was comen And in that same n●ght she was delivered and rendered at pintaquo in the chambre where her little son jason was nourished▪ and there she being full of a Right tiers: and demanded 〈…〉 had seen him. and there 〈…〉 answered for certanyn that at the our of midnight jason was issued out alone by that gate/ & more he knew not/ When the nobles of olyferne knew these tidings they were sore troubled & not without cause/ for they beheld that they had no lord ne lady. And that therefore ones they must submyse them unto the king Aeson. and took heeir council to guider and concluded to yield them and the town sau● their lives & their gods Then they cheese twain of the most noble knights of the city and most propice to the erande/ And sent 'em unto the noble king Aeson: that made with all diligence his things ready for tassaile the city in many places: And when they were comen to fore him & salutation made. they told him first that the queen her lady was deed and put in sepulture. Secondly they said to him that jason was gone out of the city. & wist not into what place thirdly that the city was without lord. & finally they said to him. that fortune was such for them/ that they of the Cite demanded but peace & that they were content to constitute him king upon them by condition that he should ne touch their lives ne movable goods what some ever they were  
¶ When the noble king Aeson of mirmydone understood that his son jason was so departed. he was right soro●… feat 〈…〉 that they 〈…〉 made to cease 〈…〉 him for tentre 〈…〉 te of olyferne. & it 〈…〉 when they of the city 〈…〉 their city: and in the 〈…〉 their king & gaf him 〈…〉 his heed. and made 〈…〉 & fault: & by this 〈…〉 king Aeson king of olyfer●● 〈…〉 myrmydone: After these 〈…〉 ne & accomplished He sent m●… knights after his son jason for 〈…〉 seek & find him/ but they lost their time/ For they returned unto their lord without reporting tidings of him/ For jason went riding fro country to country by many yourneyes where he had plenty of meruayllou● adventures/ which were to long to rehearse: of whom th'end was such when he had long time erred & travailed in the world he was in great desire to come & see the king his sad and cry him mercy. for as much as he had disobeyed his commaundem●nt & mespryfed against him/ whereof he was right sore repentannt Upon this conclusion the noble prew jason put him on the way so far that he came in to Thessaylle. But that more is. fortune made him enter in to the great wood. where as Medea had long been & soyourned 〈…〉/ And 〈…〉 in his way ●…oun. Anon as 〈…〉 each other forth 〈…〉 each other: With 〈…〉 began strongly to weep/ ●…elyd down on both her ●…ete humility tofore jason 〈…〉 & crying him mercy Their 〈…〉 had pity on her & relieved ●…er up by the hands. & sin de●…ded her if she had any thing to 〈◊〉 or drink/ saying that he had hunger. & that he had not that day eaten ne drunken Thenne medea made him sit upon the earth for to rest him a little and sy●wēte & fet him of the notes akehornes/ and roots. & other small fruits that she had gathered in the wood. & said to him that he should make good ●here with such as h●founde/ And that sith a certain time that she had been there: she had eaten none other wise meet  
When jason which was a much virtuous prince had understand the lady and knew her great poverty he began to remember: of the innumerable good deeds. that she had down for him tofore and how she had for his love▪ abandoned her father and her nation for to go with him. And also that 〈◊〉 was of anoble house as daughter ●…ke her by the hand & 〈…〉 he ꝑdonned her of a● thing that she had trespassed or mesprysed against him: and in feat said that his pla●sit was that she should be his wife again as she had been tofore/ Certes medea incontinent as she understood the good will of her lord. she was more joyous in her courage then if he had given to her the bes●e & he most noble royalme of the world/ & then she swore to him & avowed that she should never meddle more with sorts ne enchantements ne none other male●ices ne of any thing 〈◊〉 first he should have the cognoissaunce & knowledge: & in such wise she conduysed herself against jason that in that time they reconcilled hem self to guider: and went both on their way. & so far erred by their journeys that they came unto the court of the king Aeson of Myrmydone that was newly comen in his royaul●e/ Theun the noble king Aeson knowing their reconciliation contented himself wyth his son jason/ in pardonning him also old Rancour and maletalents. And it was not long after that the noble king Aeson resigned in the hands of his son jason the noble Royaume of Myrmydone/ for the moche and great love that he had unto the fair meden as he well showed. For incontinent that he knew that she was arrived in his palace. he received her the most yoyous●y and honourably that was in him possible to do: & thus the prew jason & medea reigned & governed their royalme hyelilong time/ during the which they lived to guider in great love & concord/ and had many fair children to guider that reigned after 'em: of whom j have founden none history or sentence. & therefore j shall finish this history in this wise/ praying my foresaid right redoubted young lord & all them that shall read the contenu of this present volume. or here it red that it may please them of their grace to excuse me for so much as my little and rude engine hath not coune touch ne comprise the matter. etc. & here endeth mine auctor his book ANd how be it that mine author writeth that he hath found no more of th'history of jason/ yet have I founden & red in the book that bocace made of the genelagye of godaes in his. xiij. book/ that when so was that jason & medea were reconciled again together after that she fled from egeon that he went with her into colchos again And when he was comen thither/ he found the old king oetes fad unto medea banissed & exiled out of his royalme. whom he restored & set him by his high vailliaunce & puissance in his kingdom again. and after went into asie/ where he had victory in many battles. And made so many conquests with great magnificence in so much that he was honoured and worshipped for a god & were made & edifiod diverce temples in his name. Which after wenre destroyed by the commandment of king Alexand of macedon: who ꝑ au●ture had envy of his glory. & also he saith that thoant & ●uneus whe● hi● sons/ whom he bengate on Isiphile as he went to colchos ward as stachius saith. which were born at ones: & for as much as it was not the custom in lennosto feed & norysse themen children. they were sent in to another country for to be nourished/ wherefore the mother was put out of her royalme: & taken wyth pirates & thieves. & after sold unto Ligurgys' king of nemee/ & after when the said sons wax men they went wyth king Adrastus unto the hataile of thebes/ & as they went in the wood of nemee they herd of the said king adrastus rehearse her birth and the case of her mother. by which rehersaill they knew that she was their mod. & in king Lygurgis court they fond her/ w●●●e opheltes his son was found deed in the garden. what time the lady that had charge of him went wyth the greeks to show him the wain as in the sieghe of thebes it is more plainly showed▪ but what can afterward of the. ij. sons it is incertayn this saith bochace in the xiij. book of the geneolagie of gods And he saith he had another son/ whose name was philemelus. & more have I not red of the noble jason/ but this have I fonnden more thenne mine author reherceth in his book.  
& therefore j make here anende of this story of jason/ whom diverce meumblame be●… use that he left & repudied med med●… ●…sent book ye may see the eu●…es/ why he so did.  
praying ●…yd lord prince taccepte & take ●…gree of me his indign redemptor ●…hom I beseech god almighty to 〈◊〉 increase in virtue now in his tender yongthe. that he may come unto his ꝑfait eage to his honour and worship that his renomee may perpetually be remembered among the most worthy/ And after this present life everlasting life in heaven who grant him & us that bought us with his blood blesshid Jesus Amen▪    

¶ Here endeth Thistory of the noble & vailliaunt knight jason: & printed by me Gerard Leeu in the town of Andewarpe/ In the year of our lord/ M. CCCC. four score and twelve/ & finished the second day of June