Here followeth the Interpretacoin of the names of gods and goddesses as is rehearsed in this trety●se following as poets write ¶ Phoebus is as much to say as the Son. ¶ Apollo is the same or else God of sight. ¶ Morpleus Shower of dremis ¶ Pluto God of hell. ¶ Minos judge of hell. ¶ Cerberus Porter of hell. ¶ Colus the wind or God of the Eyre. ¶ Dyana Goddess of wood and chase. ¶ Phebe the Moon or Goddess of waters. Aurora Gods of the morowor spring of the day ¶ Mars God of battle ¶ jupiter God of wisdom. ¶ juno Goddess of richesse ¶ Saturn God of cold. ¶ Ceres Goddess of corn. ¶ cupido God of love. ¶ Othea Goddess of wisdom. ¶ Fortune The varyant Goddess ¶ Pan God shepherds. ¶ isis Goddess of fruit. ¶ Neptunus God of the se. ¶ Mynerue Goddess of the battle or of harvest ¶ Bacchus God of wine. ¶ Mercuryus God of language. ¶ Venus Goddess of love. ¶ discord Gods of debate & strife ¶ Atropos death ¶ Here endeth the interpretation of the names of Gods & Goddesses as is rehearsed in the/ treatise following as poets write. When Phoebus the crab had near his course run And toward the Leon his journey 'gan take To look on Pyctagoras spear/ I had begun ¶ sitting all solitary alone beside a lake. ¶ Musing on a manner how that I might make. ¶ Reason and sensuality in one to accord. ¶ But I could not bring about the manacorde. ¶ For long ere I might sleep me 'gan oppress ¶ So ponderously I could make none obstacle ¶ In mine heed was fall such an heaviness. ¶ I was fain to draw to mine habitacle. ¶ To rowne with a pylow me seemed best tryacle. ¶ So laid I me down my disease to relieve. ¶ Anon came in Morpleus & took me by the sleeve ¶ And as I so lay half in a trance ¶ Tween sleeping & waking he bade me arise. ¶ For he said I must give attendance. ¶ To the great Court of mines the justice. ¶ Me nought availed again him to sylogyse. ¶ For it is oft said by 'em that yet lives. ¶ He must needs go that the devil drives. ¶ When I see no better but I must go. ¶ I said I was ready at his commandment. ¶ whether that he would me lead to or fro. ¶ So up I arose and forth with him went. ¶ Till he had me brought to the parliament. ¶ Where Pluto sat and kept is estate. ¶ And with him Minos the judge desperate. ¶ But as we thitherward went by the way. ¶ I him besought his name me to tell. ¶ Morpleus he said thou me call may. ¶ A sir said I than where do ye dwell. ¶ In heaven or in earth either else in hell. ¶ Nay he said mine abiding most commonly ¶ Is in a little corner called fantasy. ¶ And as soon as he these words had said. ¶ Cerberus the porter of hell with his chain. ¶ Brought thither Colus in rags evil arrayed ¶ Agay whom Neptunus & Dyana did compeynt ¶ saying thus O Minos thou judge sovereign. ¶ give thy cruel judgement again this traitor so ¶ that we may have cause to praise thy lord Pluto ¶ Then was there made a proclamation. ¶ In Plutoos name commanded silence. ¶ Upon the pain of straight correction. ¶ that Dyana & Neptunus might have audience. ¶ To declare her grief of the great offence. ¶ To hem do by Colus whereon they complained ¶ And to begin Dyana was constrained. ¶ Which thus begin as ye shall here. ¶ saying in this wise. O thou lord Pluto. ¶ With thy judge Minos sitting with the in fere ¶ Execute your fury upon Colus so. ¶ According to thoffence that he to me hath do ¶ That I have no cause further to appeal. ¶ Which if I do shall not be for your we'll. ¶ Remember first how I a goddess pure. ¶ Over all deserts/ forests and chases. ¶ Have the guiding and under my cure. ¶ This traitor colus hath many of nu places ¶ Destroyed with his blasts & daily me menaces ¶ Where any wood is he shall make it plain. ¶ If he to his liberty may resort again ¶ The greatest trees that any man may find ¶ In forest to shade the dear for her comfort. ¶ He breaketh hem asunder or rendith he rote & rind ¶ Out of the earth this is his disport. ¶ So that the dear shall have no resort. ¶ Within short time to no manner shade ¶ Where thorough the game is likely to fade. ¶ Which too my name a reproach singular. ¶ Should be for ever while the world last. ¶ And to all the gods an high dyspleyser. ¶ To see the game so destroyed by his blast. ¶ Wherefore a remedy purvey in haste. ¶ And let him be punished after his offence. ¶ Cousyder the crime and give your sentence. ¶ And when Dyana had made her compleynt ¶ To minos the judge in Plutoos presence. ¶ Came forth Neptunus with visage pale & faint ¶ desiring of favour to have audience. ¶ saying thus Pluto to thy magnificence. ¶ I shall rehearse what this creature. ¶ Colus hath done me out of measure. ¶ Thou knowest well that I have the charge ¶ Over all these and thereof god I am. ¶ No ship may sail Keruel/ boat ne barge. ¶ great karyk nor hulk with any living man. ¶ But he have my saveconduyte than. ¶ who me offendeth within my jurisdiction▪ ¶ O with to submit him to my correction. ¶ But in asmuch as it is now so. ¶ That ye him here have as your prysonenre ¶ I shall show my complaint so. ¶ wherefore I pray you that ye will here. ¶ And let him not escape out of your daungerens. ¶ Till he have made full seethe & recompense ¶ For hurt of my name through his great offence ¶ first to begin this Colus hath oft. ¶ Made me to return mi course again nature. ¶ with his great blasts when he hath be aloft ¶ And charged me to labour far out of measure ¶ that it was great marvel how I might endure ¶ The come of my sweet will testify. ¶ That on the se banks lie beaten full high. ¶ secondly where my nature is. ¶ Both to ebb & flow and so thy course to keep. ¶ Oft of mine intent hath he made me miss ¶ where as I should have filled dykes deep. ¶ At a full water I might not thither creep. ¶ Before my season came to return again. ¶ And than went I faster than i would certain ¶ Thus he hathme driven again mine intent ¶ And contrary to my course natural. ¶ where I should have be he made me absent ¶ To my great dishonour & in especial. ¶ Oo thing he used that worst was of all. ¶ For where I my safeguard granted ¶ Ay in that cost he commonly haunted ¶ Of very pure malice and sylfwyll. ¶ them to destroy in despite of me. ¶ To whom I promised doth in good & ill. ¶ For to be her protector in all adversity. ¶ That to them should fall upon these. ¶ And even suddenly or they could beware ¶ with a sudden pyry he lapped them in care. ¶ And full oft sith with his boisterous blast. ¶ Or they might bewar he drof hem on the fond ¶ And other while he broke top sail & mast. ¶ which caused them to perish or they can to land ¶ Then cursed they the time that ever they me found ¶ Thus among the people lost is my name. ¶ And so by his labour put I am to blame. ¶ Consider this matter and ponder my case. ¶ Tender my complaint as rygure requireth ¶ Show forth your sencence with a brief clause ¶ I may not long tarry the time fast expyreth ¶ The offence is great wherefore it desireth. ¶ The more grievous pain and hasty judgement ¶ For offence done wilfully will non advisement And when the god pluto a while had him bethought ¶ He rowned with minos what was to do. ¶ Then he said openly look thou fail nought ¶ Thy sentence to give without favoore so. ¶ Like as thou hast heard the causes the too. ¶ And so evenly deal between these partyey twein ¶ That none of hem have case on the other compleint ¶ then said minos full indifferently. ¶ To Dyana & Neptunus is there any more. ¶ That ye will declare again him openly. ¶ Nay in deed they said we keep none in store/ ¶ we have said Enough to punish him fore ¶ If ye in this matter be not partial. ¶ Remember your name was wont to be equal ¶ Well than said Minos now let us see. ¶ What this boisterous Colus for himself can say ¶ For here/ Prima fancy to us doth appear. ¶ That he hath offended no man can say nay ¶ wherefore thou Colus without more delay ¶ Shape us an answer to thine accusement ¶ And else I must proceed upon thy judgement ¶ And even as colus was onward to have said ¶ For his excuse/ came in a messengere. ¶ From god Appolo to Pluto and him prayed. ¶ On his behalf that he without daungere ¶ would to him come & bring with him in fere ¶ Dyana and Neptunus unto his banquet ¶ And if they dysdeyned himself he would hem fet. ¶ Moreover he said to god Appolo ¶ Desired to have respite of the judgement ¶ Of Colus both of Minos and Pluto ¶ So Dyana & Neptunus were therewith content ¶ And if they were disposed to assent ¶ That he might come unto his present ¶ He it desired to know his offence ¶ What say ye hereto said Pluto to 'em tweyn ¶ will ye both assent that it shall be thus ¶ ye said the goddess for my part certain ¶ And I also said this Neptunus ¶ I am well pleased quod this Colus ¶ And when they had a while thus togy d spoke ¶ Pluto commanded the court to be broke ¶ And than together went they in fere. ¶ Pluto and Neptunus' leading the goddess ¶ whom followed Cerberus with his prisoner. ¶ And alderlast with great heaviness. ¶ Came I and Morpleus to the fortress. ¶ Of the god appolo unto his banquet. ¶ where many gods and goddesses met. ¶ When Appolo se that they were come. ¶ He was right glad & prayed them to sit. ¶ Nay said Dyana this is all and some. ¶ ye shall me pardon I shall not sit yet. ¶ I shall first know why Colus abide. ¶ And what execution shall on him be do ¶ For his offence/ well said Apollo. ¶ Madam ye shall have all your plesere. ¶ Sith that it will none other wise be. ¶ But fist I pray you let me the matter here ¶ why he is brought in this perplexity. ¶ well said Pluto that shall ye soon see. ¶ And 'gan to declare even by and by. ¶ Both their complaints ordinately. ¶ And when Appolo had herd the report ¶ Of Pluto in a manner smiling he said. ¶ I see well Colus thou hast small comfort. ¶ Thy self to excuse thoumayst be dismayed. ¶ For to here so great compleyntes again the laid ¶ And notwithstanding if thou can say aught ¶ For thine own we'll say and tarry nought ¶ Nota ¶ Forsooth said Colus if I had respite. ¶ Hereto an answer cowd I counterfeit. ¶ But to have her grace more is my delight. ¶ wherefore I pray you all for me entrete. That I may by your request her good grace get ¶ And what pain or grief ye for me provide ¶ without any grudging I shall it abide. ¶ Lo good dame said god Apollo. ¶ what may he do more but sew to your grace. ¶ Behold how the tears from his eyen go. ¶ It is satisfaction half for his trespass. ¶ Now glorious gods show your petious face ¶ To this poor prisoner at my request. ¶ All we for your honour think thus is best. ¶ And if it like you to do in this wise. ¶ And so to foryeve him clearly his offence. ¶ One thing surely I will you promise. ¶ If he ought rebel and make resistance ¶ Or disobey unto your sencence. ¶ For every tree that he maketh fall. ¶ Out of the earth an/ C/ rise shall. ¶ So that your game shall not dyscrease ¶ For lack of shade i dare undertake ¶ well sir Appolo said she than will I cease ¶ Off all my rancour and mercy with you make ¶ And than god Neptunus of his manner spoke ¶ saying thus appolo though dyana him release ¶ yet shall he sue to me to have his pease. ¶ A said Appolo ye wend I had forget. ¶ You for my lady Dyana the goddess. ¶ Nay think not so for I will you entrete. ¶ As well as her without long process. ¶ will ye agree that Phoebus your mistress. ¶ May have the guiding of your variance. ¶ I shall abide quod he/ her ordinance. ¶ Well than quod appolo I pray you god all ¶ And goddesses that been here present. ¶ That ye companable will a board fall. ¶ Nay than said Othea it is not convenient. ¶ A dew order in every place is expedyente. ¶ To be had wherefore ye may not let. ¶ To be your own marshal at your own banquet ¶ And when appolo se it would none other be ¶ He called to him Aurora the goddess. ¶ And said though ye weep ye shall before me. ¶ Ay keep your course and put yourself in pnsse ¶ So he her set first at his own mess. ¶ with her moist clothes with tears all be spreynt ¶ The medewes in may show thereof her compleint ¶ Dext her sat Mars mighty god and strong ¶ with a flame of fire environed all aboeut ¶ A crown o iron on his heed a spear in his hand ¶ It seemed by his chen as he would have fought. ¶ And next unto him as I perceive mought. ¶ Sat the goddess Dyana in a mantel fine. ¶ Of black silk purfyled with powdered ermine ¶ Like as he had take the mantel & the ring ¶ And next unto her arrayed roally. ¶ Sat the god jupiter in his demening. ¶ Full sad and wise he seemed sickerly. ¶ A crown of tin stood on his heed. ¶ And that I record of all philosophers. ¶ the little store of Coin keep in her cofres. ¶ joined to him in sitting next there was ¶ The goddess juno full richly beseen. ¶ In a sercote that shone as bright as glass Of goldsmith work with spangles wrought beden ¶ Of royal riches wanted she none I ween. ¶ And next to her sat the god saturn. ¶ That oft sith causeth many one to morn. ¶ But he was clad me thought strangely ¶ For of frost & snow was all his array. ¶ In his hand he held a falchion all bloody ¶ It seemed by his cheer as he would make a frai ¶ A baudryck of Isykles about his neckegaye ¶ He had. and above on high on his heed. ¶ Couchid with hail stones he wered a crown of lead ¶ And next in order was set by his side. ¶ Ceres the goddess in a garment. ¶ Of sack cloth made with sleeves large & wide ¶ Embrowdered with sheves and sycles bend ¶ Of all manner greynes she sealed the patente. ¶ In token that she was gods of corn. ¶ Old poets say she beareth the harvest horn ¶ Then was there set the god cupido. ¶ All fresh & galant and costly in array. ¶ With ouches and rings he was beset so. ¶ the palace thereof shonn as though it had be day ¶ A kerchyff of plesauns stood over his helm ay ¶ The goddess Ceres he looked in the face. ¶ And with one arm he her died embrace. ¶ Next to Cupid in order by and by ¶ Of worldly wysdum sat the fortress. ¶ Called Othea chief ground of policy. ¶ Reuler of knighthood of prudence the gods ¶ Clad all in purpur was she more & less. ¶ Saaf on her heed a crown there stood. ¶ Couched with pearls orient fine & good. ¶ And next to her was god Pluto set ¶ With a dark mist enuyrond all about. ¶ His clothy was made of a smoky net. ¶ His colour was both within & without. ¶ Fowl/ dark & dim his eyen great & stout. ¶ Of fire & sulfur all his odour wase. ¶ That woe was me while I beheld his face ¶ Fortune the goddess with her perty face. ¶ Was unto Pluto next in order set. ¶ Varyant she was ay in short space. ¶ Her wheel was ready to turn without let. ¶ Her gown was of gaudy green clamelet ¶ Changeable of sundry diverse colours. ¶ To the conditions according to her showers ¶ And by her sat though he unworthy were. ¶ The rued god Pan of shepherds the guide ¶ Clad in russet frieze & breched like a bear. ¶ With a great terbox hanging by his side. ¶ A shepcrok in his hand he spared for no pride. ¶ And by his feet lay a prekered cur. ¶ He rateled in the throat as he had the murr. ¶ isis the gods bore him company. ¶ For at the table next she sat by his side. ¶ In a close kyr ell embrowdered curyously ¶ with branches and leaves brood large & wide. ¶ Grene as any grass in the summer tide. ¶ Of all manner fruit she had the governance ¶ Of favours odiferous was her sustynauns ¶ Next to her than was god Neptunus' set. ¶ He savoured like a fisher 〈…〉 before ¶ It seemed by his clothes as they had be wet. About him in his gyrde●sted hang fishes many a xx ¶ Of his strange array marveled I sore. ¶ A ship with a top and sail was his crest. ¶ Me thought he was gaily disguised at the fest ¶ Than took minerve the gods her seat. ¶ jointly to Neptunus' all in curas clad. ¶ Gauntelettis on hands & sabatouns on her feet ¶ She looked about as though she had be mad. ¶ An hamer and a sith on her heed she had ¶ She wered two bokelers one by her side. ¶ that other ye wot were this was all her prind ¶ Than came the god bachus & by her set him down ¶ Holding in his hand a cup full of wine. ¶ Of green vine leaves he wered a jolly crown ¶ He was clad in clustres of grapes good & fine ¶ A garland of ivy he chose for his sign. ¶ On his heed he had a threadbare kendal hood. ¶ A gymlot and a fauset thereupon stood. ¶ Next him sat phoebus with her colour pale. ¶ Fat she was of face but os complexon faint. She said sherewled Neptunusp & made him vail ¶ And ones in the month with phebus was she meint ¶ Also ne were she Ceres were ateynte ¶ Thus she sat & told the might of her nature ¶ & on her heed she wered a crown of silver pure ¶ jointly to her Marcuryus took his see. ¶ As came to his course witness the zodiac. ¶ He had a gylden tongue as fill for his degree ¶ In eloquence of language he passed all the pake ¶ For in his talking noman could find lake ¶ A box with quicksilver he had in his hand/ ¶ Multyplyers know it well in every land ¶ By him sat dame Venus with colour crystalline ¶ whose long here shone as wire of gold bryȝt ¶ Cryspe was her skin her eyen columbine ¶ ravished mine heart her cheer was so lyȝt ¶ patrons of pleasance be named well she might ¶ A smock was her weed garnished curyusli ¶ But all other she had a wanton eye ¶ On her heed she wered a red copper crown ¶ A nosegay she had made full pleasantly ¶ between her & aurora Apollo set him down ¶ With his beams bright he shone so fervently ¶ That he therewith gladded all the company ¶ A crown of pure gold was on his heed set ¶ In sign that he was master & lord of the banquet ¶ Nota ¶ Thus was the table set round about ¶ With goddess & goddesses as i have you told ¶ Awaiting on the board was a great rout ¶ Of sage philosophers & poets many fold ¶ There was sad Sychero & Arystotle old ¶ Tholome Dorothy with Dyogenes ¶ Plato Myssehala and wise Socrates ¶ Sorts & Saphdrus with hermes stood behind ¶ avicen & Aueroys with hem were in fere ¶ Galyen & hippocras that physic have in mind ¶ with help of Esculapyon toward hem drowner ¶ Vyrgyle Orace ovid and Omere ¶ Euclyde and albert gave her attendance ¶ To do the god & goddesses pleasance ¶ Horeberded Orpheus was there with his harp. ¶ And as a poyt musycal made he melody Other minstral had they non saf Pan 'gan to carp ¶ Of his lewd bagpyp which caused the company ¶ To law yet many more their wē if i should notly ¶ Some young some old both better and worse ¶ But more of their names can I not rehearse ¶ Of all manner deyntes there was abundance ¶ Of meats & drinks foison plenteous ¶ In came discord to have variance ¶ But there was no roum to set her in that house ¶ The God's remembered the schism odious ¶ Among the three goddesses that he had wrought ¶ At the fest of Peleus wherefore they thought ¶ They would not with her deal in a venture ¶ Lest she hem brought to some inconuenyente ¶ She seeing this was wroth out of me●ure ¶ And in that great wrath out of the palace went ¶ saying to herself that cheer should they repent ¶ And anon with Attropes happened she to mete. ¶ As he had been a ghost came in a wynding sheet ¶ She took hymby the hand & rouned in his ere ¶ And told him of the banquet that was so delicate. How she was received & what cheer she had yere ¶ And how every god sat in his estate ¶ Is it thus qd attropos what in the devils date ¶ well he said I see well how the game goth ¶ Ones yet for your sake shall I make hem wroth ¶ And when she had him all together told ¶ From her he departed & of her took his leave/ ¶ saying that for her sake his way take he would ¶ In to the palace his matters to move ¶ And or he thence went he trowed hem to grieve. ¶ with such tidings as he would hem ●el ¶ So forth he went & spoke words fell ¶ When he came in the presence of the God's all ¶ As he had been mad he looked him a bout ¶ His sheet from his body down he let fall ¶ And on a reud manner he saluted all the rout ¶ with a bold voice speaking words stout ¶ But he spoke all hollow as it had been one ¶ Had spoke in another world that had wo begon ¶ He stood forth boldly with grim countenance ¶ saying on this wise as ye shall here ¶ All ye gods give attendance ¶ Unto my words without all daungere ¶ Remember how ye made me your offycere ¶ All though with my dart finally to chastise ¶ That thou/ disobeyed or would your law despise ¶ And for the more surety seiled my patent ¶ giving me full power so to ocupy ¶ Whereto I have employed mine intent ¶ And that can dame Nature testify ¶ If she be examined she will not it deny ¶ For when she forsaketh any creature ¶ I am all ready to take him to my cure ¶ Thus have I duly with all mi diligence. ¶ Executed thee office of old antiquity ¶ To me by you granted by your common sentence ¶ For I spared none high nor low degree ¶ So that on my part no fault hath be ¶ For as soon as any to me committed was ¶ I smote him to the heart he had none other grace ¶ Ector of Troy for all his chivalry ¶ Alexander the great & mighty conqueror ¶ julyus' Cezar with all his company ¶ david nor joshua nor worthy Artur ¶ Charlis the noble that was so great of honour ¶ Nor judas Machabee for all his true heart ¶ Nor Godfrey of Boleyn could me not asterte ¶ Nabugodonozor for all his great pride ¶ Nor the king of Egypt cruel Pharaoh ¶ jason ne Hercules wennt they never so wide. ¶ Cosdras Hanyball nor gentle Sypyo. ¶ Cyrus Achilles nor many another more ¶ for fair nor foul got of me no grace ¶ But all be at the last I seized hem with my mace. ¶ Thus have I brought every creature ¶ To an end bothman fish foul and best And every other thing in whomedame nature ¶ Hath any jurysdyction either most or lest ¶ Except only one in whom your behest ¶ Is to me broke for ye me promised That my might of none should have be despised ¶ Whereof the aontrary daoe I well a vow ¶ Is true for one there is that will not apply ¶ Unto my correction nor in no wise bow ¶ To the dint of my dart for dole nor destiny. ¶ What comfort he hath nor the cause why ¶ That he so rebellyth I can yet think of right But if ye him granted your alders safcondyght. ¶ And if he so have than do ye not as God's. ¶ For a God's writing may not reversed be. ¶ if it should I would not give you two pesecoddꝭ ¶ For granut of your patent of offycenere of fee. ¶ wherfdre in this matter do me equity ¶ Accerd&g to my patent for till this be do ¶ ye have no more my service nor my good wy ¶ And when all the gods had attropos hered ¶ As they had been wood brayed up atones ¶ & said they would not rest till he were conqred ¶ Taken an destroyed body blood and bones ¶ And that they swear great oaths for the noms ¶ Her lad to dyspyce that was so malapert ¶ They said he should be taught for to be so pert ¶ Well said Apollo if he on earth be ¶ with my brenning char I shall him confounded ¶ In faith quod neptunus & he keep these ¶ He may be well sure he shall be drowned ¶ A sy rsayd Mars this have we well found ¶ That any dysubeyed our goodly precept ¶ We may well think we have to long slept ¶ But nevertheless where I may him find ¶ with thund & lightning about I shall him chase ¶ And I quoth Saturnus before and behind. ¶ with my bit cold shall show him hard grace ¶ well said Mercuryus if I may see his face. ¶ For ever of his speech I shall him depryur ¶ So that him were better deed than alive ¶ Ye quoth Othea yet may he well be ¶ In the eyr where he will & axe you no leave ¶ wherefore my counseyl is that all we ¶ May entrete Neptunus his rahcour foryeve. ¶ And than I doubt not Colus will him myscheus ¶ So may ye be sure he shall you not escape ¶ & else. of you anger he will make but a jape. ¶ But for to tell you how Colus was brought. ¶ In daungere of Pluto yei had I forget ¶ wherefore on this matter further will I nought. ¶ proceed till I thereof have knowledge you let ¶ It befell on a day the weather was wete ¶ And Colus thought he would on his disport. ¶ Go tn rejoice his spyrytis and comfort ¶ He thought he would see what was in the ground ¶ And in a kravers forth he 'gan him dress ¶ A drough had the earth late before found. ¶ That caused it to chine & kravy more & less/ ¶ Suddenly by weet constrained by duresse ¶ Was the ground to close his suꝑfycyall face. ¶ So strait that to scape colus had no space ¶ This seeing Colus be still within abode. ¶ Seeking where he might have gene far or near. ¶ Auone he was espied and one to Pluto road ¶ And told him how Colus was in his danger ¶ Than said he to Cerberus fet me the prisoner/ ¶ Till I have him seen let him not go at large/ ¶ As the wilt answer of 'em I give the charge ¶ Thus was this Colus take prisoner ¶ Than happened it so that thhsame day ¶ Pluto had prefixed for a great matter ¶ Minos to sit in his rob of Ray ¶ Wherefore Cerberus took the next way ¶ And led him to the place where the court shallbe ¶ where I told you Morpleus brought me ¶ So thither came Dyava carried in car ¶ To make her complaint as I told you all ¶ And so did Neptunus' that doth make and mar ¶ Walewing with his waves & tomblyng as a ball ¶ Her matters they moved fall what may befall ¶ There was the first sight that ever I them saw ¶ And if I never do eft I care not a straw ¶ But now to my matter return again ¶ And tu begin new where I left. ¶ when all the gods had done her busy pain. ¶ The way to contrive how it should be reft ¶ Of his life Atropos had no cause eft ¶ To compleyn than Phoebus' start upon her feet/ ¶ And said I pray you let me speak a word yet ¶ Othea meaneth well to say on this wise ¶ But all to entret Neptunus thope shall notnede ¶ Me seemeth I alone durst take the entesprise. ¶ ere I am beguiled or ellie I shall speed ¶ How say ye Neptunus shall I do this deed. ¶ Will ye your rancour seal at my request ¶ Madam quod he rule me as ye liketh best ¶ G ramercy said she of your good will ¶ That it pleysyth you to show methatfavorus ¶ Wherefore the God's high pleysur to fulfil ¶ Perform my desire & leave all old rancour ¶ For our elders weal & saving of our honour ¶ Again this colus that ye long have had ¶ It is done quoth he forsooth than am I glad ¶ Said he now than Colus be thou to us trewe● ¶ Keep well the eyr and our great rebel ¶ May we than soon ever to us subdue ¶ Yes and that quod Colus shall here tell ¶ No where in the eyr shall he rest nor dwell ¶ If he do there of put me in the fault ¶ With my bitter blasts so shall I him asaut ¶ What said the god Pluto what is his name. ¶ That thus presumeth again us to rebel ¶ Virtue quod attropes that have he mykyl shame ¶ He is never confounded thus of him here I tell ¶ a said this pluto in deed I know him well ¶ Ho hath been ever mine utter enemy ¶ Wherefore this matter again him take will I ¶ For all the baits that we for him have laid ¶ Without my help be not worth a peer ¶ For though ye all the contrary had said ¶ yet would he breed right nigh your althris ere ¶ No manner of thing can him hurt or deer ¶ Save only a son of my bastard ¶ whose name is vice he keepeth my vawarad. ¶ Wherefore you Cerberus now I the charge ¶ Of Colus & will that thou heder fet ¶ My deer son Vice & say that I him charge. ¶ That he to me come without any let ¶ Armed at all points for a day is set ¶ That he with Virtue for all the God's sake ¶ In our defence must on him battle take. ¶ Forth than went Cerberus with his fiery chein ¶ Brought thither vice as he commanded was ¶ Again noble Virtue the battle to dereygne ¶ On a gliding serpent riding a great pace ¶ Form like a dragon scaled hard as glass ¶ whose mouth flammed fire without fail ¶ wyngis had it serpentyne & a long tail ¶ Armed was vice all in cure boyll ¶ Hard as horn blacker far than suit ¶ An ungodly sort followed him perdie ¶ Of unhappy captains of mischief crop & rot ¶ Pride was the first that next him road god wot ¶ On a roaring Lion next whom came Envy ¶ sitting on wolf he had a scornful eye ¶ Wrath bestrode a wild boar & next him 'gan ride. ¶ In his hand he bore a bloody sword ¶ Next whom came covetise y●goth so far & wide ¶ Riding on a Olyfaunt as he had been afeard ¶ After whom road gluttony with his fat beard ¶ sitting on a bear with his great belly ¶ And next him on a goat followed Lechery ¶ Sloth was so sleepy he came all behind ¶ On a dull ass a full weary pace ¶ these were the captains that vice could find ¶ Best to set his field & folowon the chase ¶ As for petty captains many more there was ¶ As sacrilege simony & dissimulation ¶ Manslaughter murder theft & extortion ¶ arrogance presumption with contumact ¶ Contemption Contempt & inobedience ¶ Malyle frowardness great jelasy ¶ woodness Hate Stryf and Impacyence ¶ unkindness Oppnssyon with woeful negligence. ¶ Murmur mischief Falsehood & detraction ¶ Usury Perjury Ly and adulation ¶ Wrong ravin Sturdy violence ¶ Falls judgement with obstination ¶ deceit drunkness & Improvydence. ¶ Boldness in ill with foul and Rybaudy. ¶ fornication Incest and Auoutry ¶ Vnshamfastnes with Prodygalyte ¶ Blasfeme vainglory & worldly vanity ¶ Ignorance diffidence with Ipocrysy ¶ schism Rancour Debate and Offence ¶ Herely Error with Idolatry. ¶ New fangylnes and subtle false Pretence ¶ jordynat desire of worldly excellence ¶ Feigned poverty with apostasy ¶ disclander scorn & unkind jealousy ¶ Hoordom bawdry false maintenance ¶ Treyson abusion and petty brybry ¶ usurpation with horrible vengeance ¶ Came alder last of that company ¶ All these petty capetayns followed by and by. ¶ Showing themself in the palace wide ¶ And say th●y were ready that battle to abide ¶ Idylnes set the comyns in a ray ¶ Without the palace on a fair field ¶ But there was an oft for to make a fray ¶ I trow such another never man beheld ¶ Many was the wepyn amonghen that they wield ¶ What they were that came to that disport ¶ I shall you declare of many a sundry sort ¶ There were boasters crackers & brybours ¶ Praters sasers' stretchers and wrythers ¶ Shameful shakelers sullen slavedours ¶ Oppressors of people and mighty crackers ¶ maintainers of quarrels horrible liars ¶ thieves traitors with false heretics ¶ Charmars' sorcerers & many schismatics. ¶ privy symonyakes with false usurers ¶ Multyplyers coin wasshers & clippers ¶ Wrong usurpers with great extortioners ¶ Bachyters Glofers and fair flatterers. ¶ malicious murmurers with great claterers ¶ Tregetours Tryfelers Feyners of tales. ¶ Lastyvous lurdeyns and Pykers of malices. ¶ Rouners Vagabundes Forgers & lesingis. ¶ Robbers Revers Ravenous Ryfelers. ¶ Choppers of churches finders of tidings ¶ Merrers of matters and money makers. ¶ Stalkers by night with Euysdroppers. ¶ fighters Brawlers' Brekers' of love days ¶ Getters Chyders Causers of frays. ¶ Tytyvyllis Tyrauntis with tormentors. ¶ cursed apostatis religious dyssymulers: ¶ Closshers' Carders with common hazarders. ¶ Tyburn colops and Purskytters. ¶ Pylary knights double tolling millers. ¶ Gay jolly tapters with hostelers of the stews. ¶ Hores and Bawds that many bale brews ¶ Bold blasfemers with false hypocrites. ¶ Brothellers Broker's abominable swearers. ¶ Dryvylls dastards dyspysers of ryghtis ¶ homicides poisoners & common morderers ¶ Scoldis caitiffs Cumbrous clappers. ¶ I dolatres Enchauntors' with false regenates. ¶ Sotyl ambydextries and sekeers of debatis. ¶ Pseudo Prophets false Sodemytes. ¶ Quesmers of children with fornicators. ¶ wetewoldes that suffer sin in their syghtis. ¶ Auoutrers' and abominable avauntours. ¶ Of sin great clappers & makers of clamours ¶ Vnthryftes & unlustes came all to that game ¶ with luskꝭ & loselis that might not thrive for shame ¶ These were the commons the came thither the day. ¶ Ready bown in battle Virtue to abide. ¶ Apollo them beholding began to say. ¶ To the goddies & goddesses being there y● tid ¶ Me seemeth convenient an herowd to ride ¶ To Virtue & bid him to battle make him boon ¶ himself to defend forsooth it shall be soon. ¶ And let him not be suddenly take. ¶ All dyspurneyed or that he beware. ¶ For than should our dishonour awake. ¶ If he were cowardly take in a snare. ¶ Ee quod Vice for that have I no care. ¶ I will advantage take where I may. ¶ That hearing Morpleus puely stolen away. ¶ And went to warn Virtue of all this afray. ¶ And bad him awake and make himself strong ¶ For he was like to endure that day. ¶ A great mortal shower ere. it were evensong. ¶ with Vice wherefore he bade him not long. ¶ Tarry to send after more-socoure. ¶ If he died it should torn him to dolour. ¶ And briefly the matter to he declared. ¶ Like as ye have hard beginning and end. ¶ Well quoth Virtue he shall not be spared ¶ To the field I will go how it wend. ¶ But gramercy Morpleus mine own dear friend ¶ Of your true heart & faithful intent. ¶ That ye in this mat to meward have meant. ¶ This done Morpleus departed away. ¶ From Virtue to the palace returning again. ¶ None him espied that I dare well say. ¶ In which time Virtue died his busy pain ¶ People to raise his quarrel to maintain. ¶ imagination was his messengere. ¶ He went to warn people both ter & near. ¶ And bad hem come in all hast they might ¶ For to strength Virtue for with out fail. ¶ He said he should have long or it were night. ¶ With Vice to do a mighty strong battle. ¶ Of ungracyoꝰ gests he bringeth a great tail ¶ Wherefore it behooveth to help at this need. ¶ And after this shall Virtue rewar your meed ¶ When imagination had gone his circuit ¶ To Virtue & friends thus all about. ¶ Within short time many men of might ¶ gathered to Virtue in all that they might. ¶ They him comforted & bade him put no doubt. ¶ His utter enemy Vice to overthrow. ¶ Though hw t him brought never so great a-row ¶ And when Virtue see the sustance of his host ¶ He prayed all the commons to the field 'em high ¶ With her petty captains both jest and most ¶ And with his captains should follow readily. ¶ For he said he knew well that vice was full nigh. ¶ And who might first of the field recover the centre ¶ Would keep out that other he should not easily entre ¶ Then sent he forth baptism to the field before ¶ And prayed him heartily it to oversee. ¶ That nomaner train nor cotlrop therein wor ¶ To noy nor hurt him nor his main. ¶ And when he thither came he began to see. ¶ How Vice his pursevannt crime original. ¶ Was entered before and had seized up all. ¶ But as soon as hereof Baptym had a sight. ¶ He fled fast away and left the field alone. ¶ And anon Baptym entered with his might. ¶ searching all about where this crym had gone ¶ But the field was clean default found he none. ¶ Then came Virtue after with his great host. ¶ And his mighty captains both jest and most▪ ¶ But to inform you how he thither came. ¶ And what manner captains he to the field brouȝt. ¶ Himself sekerly was the first man. ¶ Of all his great host the thitherward sought. ¶ sitting in a char the richly was wrought. ¶ With gold and peerless & gems precious. ¶ Crowned with laurer as lord victorious. ¶ Four doughty knights about the chare went. ¶ At every corner one it for to guide. ¶ And convey according to. Virtue his intent. ¶ At the first corner was rightwiseness the tide. ¶ Prudence at the second was set to abide. ¶ At the third strength the fourth kept temperance. ¶ These the chare guided to. Virtue his pleasance. ¶ Next to the chare seven capyteyns there rood. ¶ Echone after other in order by and by. ¶ humility was the first a lamb he bestroode. ¶ With countenance demure he rood full soberly. ¶ Afawcon gentle stood on his helm on hy. ¶ And next after him came there. charity. ¶ Riding on a tiger as fill to his degree. ¶ Boody as a roose ay he kept his cheer. ¶ On his helm on high a pellycan he bore. ¶ Next whom came patience that no where hath no peer ¶ On a camel riding as void of all care. ¶ Afenix on his helm stood so forth 'gan he far. ¶ Who next him followed but liberality. ¶ Syteng on a dromedary that was both good & free. ¶ On his helm for his crest he bore on ospray. ¶ And next after him followed abstinence. ¶ Riding on an heat was trapure and gay. ¶ He seemed a lord of right great excellence. ¶ A popyniay was his crest he was of great dyffence. ¶ Next him followed chastity on an unicorn. ¶ Armed at all points behind & before. ¶ A tortyldove he bore on high for his crest. ¶ Than came good business last of the seven. ¶ Riding on a panter a sundry coloured best. ¶ Gloriously beseen as he had come from heaven. ¶ A crane on his heed stood his crest for ●o steven. ¶ All these vii capteyned had standardis of price. ¶ Each of 'em according after his devise. ¶ Many petty captains after these went. ¶ As true faith & hope mercy pease & pity. ¶ Right troth meekness with rood intent. ¶ Goodness concord & perfit unity. ¶ Ho est true love with simplicity. ¶ Prayer fasting privy almsdeed. ¶ joined with the articles of the creed. ¶ confession contrition & satisfaction. ¶ With sorrow for sin & great repentance. ¶ For●euenesse of trespass with good disposition. ¶ resistance of wrong performing of penance. ¶ Holy devotion with good countenance ¶ Presth●de hem followed with the sacraments ¶ And sadness also with the commandments ¶ suffrance in trouble with innocency ¶ cleanness continence and virginity ¶ kindness reverence with courtesy ¶ Content & pleased with piteous poverty ¶ Intending well ministering equity ¶ Tween right & wrong hole indifferently ¶ And labouring the service of god to multiply ¶ Refuse of riches & worldly vainglory ¶ perfection with perfect contemplation ¶ religion profession well kept in memory ¶ very dread of god with holy predication ¶ celestial sapience with ghostly inspiration ¶ Grace was the guide of all this main ¶ Whom followed cunning with his genealogy ¶ That is to say grammar and sophistry ¶ Philosophy natural logic and Rythoryke ¶ Arsmetrycke geometry with astronomy ¶ Canon and civil melodious music ¶ Noble Theology and corporal physyke ¶ Moralyzayson of holy scripture ¶ Profound poetry and drawing of picture ¶ these followed cunning & thither with h●n camn ¶ With many one more offering her seruyie ¶ To Virtue at that need but notwithstanding than ¶ Some he refused and said in nowise ¶ They should with him go & as I could advise ¶ Thysewore her names first Nygrommancy ¶ Geomansy magic and gluttony ¶ Adryomansy Ornomancy with pyromancy ¶ Fysenomy also and pawmestry ¶ And all her sequels if I shall not lie ¶ Yet cunning prayed Virtue he would not deny ¶ them for to know nor dysdeyn his eye ¶ On hem to look whereto Virtue granted ¶ How be it in his wars ge would not they haunted ¶ So had they cunning lightly to departed ¶ From Virtue his field and they seeing this ¶ By common assent hired them a cart ¶ And made 'em be carried toward Vice iwis. ¶ from thence forth to serve him this would, not miss ¶ For loath they were to be maysterles ¶ In stead of the better the worse there they ches ¶ But forth to release all the rrmenaunt ¶ Of petty captains that with Virtue were ¶ Moderate diet and wisdom avenant ¶ Even weight and measure ware of contagyous gen ¶ Loath to offend ann loving ay to lere ¶ Worship and profit with mirth in manner ¶ these petty captains with Virtue were in fere ¶ Commons hem followed a great multitude ¶ But in came pyson to that other side ¶ I trow there was not briefly to conclude. ¶ The ten man that battle to abide. ¶ Yet nevertheless I shall not from you hide. ¶ what manner people they were & of what sect ¶ As near as my wit thereto will me direct. ¶ There were noble and famous doctors. ¶ Example yevers of living gracious. ¶ Perpetuel priests and discrete confessors. ¶ Of holy scripture declarers fructuous. ¶ Rebukers of sin & mischiefs odious. ¶ Fysshers of souls & lovers of cleanness. ¶ Dyspysers of veyn and worldly richesse. ¶ peaceable prelates justycial governors. ¶ Founder's of churches with merciful peers. ¶ Reformers of wrong of her progenitors ¶ On painful poor piteous compassyoners ¶ well meaning merchants with trewartefecers ¶ virgins pure and also Innocentes ¶ holy matrons with chaste continence ¶ pilgrims & palmers with true labourers ¶ Holy hermits God's solycytours ¶ Monesteryal monks & well disposed freres ¶ canons and nuns faith ꝓfessoures ¶ Of worldly people true coniugatours. ¶ lovers of christ Confounders of ill. ¶ And all that to godward give her good will ¶ maintainers of right very penytentes. ¶ Dystroyers' of error causers of unity. ¶ True active livers that set her ententis ¶ The dediss to perform of mercy and pity ¶ contemplative people that desire to be. ¶ Salytary servants unto god alone. ¶ Rather them to habound in richesses eachone. ¶ these with many more than I rehearse can ¶ were come thither ready that battle to abide. ¶ And take such part as fell to Virtue than ¶ Vice to voercome they hoped for all his pride ¶ All though he had more people on his side ¶ For the men that Virtue had were full sure. ¶ To trust on at need & cunning in armure ¶ Macrocosm was the name of the field ¶ where this great battle was set for to be ¶ In the mids thereof stood consyence & beheld ¶ which of hem should be brought to captivity ¶ Of that noble triumph judge would he be ¶ Synderesys sat him within closed as a park ¶ with his table in his hand her deeds to mark. ¶ To come in to the field were high ways .v. ¶ Fre to both parties large broad and wide ¶ Virtue would not tari but highed him thither bliue ¶ Lest he were by vice deceived at that tide ¶ Long out of the field loath was he to abide ¶ In adventure that he out of it were kept. ¶ For than would he have thought he had to long slept ¶ In this mean time while Virtue thus preceded ¶ For him & his people the field for to win. ¶ He charged every man by grace to be guided ¶ And all that ever might the field to enter in. ¶ In all that season went original sin. ¶ To let Vice know how baptism with his host. Had entered Macrocosm & searched every cooste ¶ A said Vice I see well it is tyme. ¶ Banners to display & standards to advance. ¶ All most to long hadst thou tarried crime. ¶ To let us have knowledge of this purveyance. ¶ Yet I trow I shall learn 'em a new dance. ¶ Wherefore I command you all without delay ¶ Toward the field draw in all the haste ye may ¶ Than said the god Pluto that all men might here ¶ Vice I the charge as thou wilt eschew. ¶ Our hevyous indignation thou draw not arere ¶ But put the forth boldly to overthrow Virtue. ¶ In faith quod Atropos & I shall after sew/ ¶ For if he escape our hands this day. ¶ I tell you my service have lost for ay. ¶ Forth than road Vice with all his hole strength ¶ On his stead serpentine as i told you before. ¶ The oft that him followed was of a great length. ¶ Among whom were penouns & g●yt̄s many a scor ¶ Of his petty captains he made many a kniȝt ¶ For they should not i'll but manly with him fight ¶ He doubed Falsehood with dissimulation. ¶ Simony Usury Wrong and Rybawdy. ¶ Malice Deceit Lie without exposition. ¶ Perjury diffidence and Apostasy. ¶ With boldness in ill to bear him company. ¶ these xiiii knights made vice that day. ¶ To win her spurs they said they would assay ¶ In like wise Virtue doubed on his side: ¶ Of petty captains other fourteen. ¶ Which made her avou with him to abide: ¶ Hor spurs would they wy the day should it be ●en̄ ¶ these wore her names if it be as I ween ¶ faith▪ Hope & Mercy Troth & also Right. ¶ with resistance of wrong a full hardy wight ¶ confession contrition with satisfaction ¶ Verrey dread of God Performing of penance ¶ perfection Cunning and Good dyspocision ¶ And all knit to Virtue they were by alyauns ¶ Wherefore to him they made assurance. ¶ That field to keep as long as they might. ¶ And in his quarrel again Vice to fight. ¶ The lord of Macrocosm & ruler of the fee ¶ Was called free-will changer of the chance: ¶ To whom Virtue sent ambassadors three ¶ Reason discretion & good remembrance. ¶ And prayed him be favourable his honour to enhans ¶ For but he had his favour at the point of need ¶ He stood in great doubt he could not lightly speed. ¶ In like wise. Vice ambassadors three. ¶ For his party unto free-will sent. ¶ temptation folly & sensuality. ¶ praying him of favour that he would assent. ¶ To him as he would at his commandment. ¶ Have him eftsoons when he list to call. ¶ On him for any thing that afterward might fall. ¶ Answer gave he none to neither party. ¶ Save oonli he said the battle would he see ¶ To weet which of him should have the victory. ¶ Hit hang in his balance the ambyguyte. ¶ He said he would not restrain his liberty. ¶ When he come where sorrow should awake. ¶ Than it should be know what part he will take ¶ When. Virtue & Vice be her ambassadors. ¶ Knew of this answer they stood in great doubt. ¶ Nevertheless they said they would endure though showers ¶ And make an end shortly of that they went about. ¶ So forth came. Vice with all his great rout. ¶ ere he came at the seld he sent yet privily. ¶ sensuality before in manner of a spy. ¶ Which sew the field with his unkind seed. ¶ That caused Virtue after mickle woe to feel ¶ For thereof grew nought but all only weed. ¶ Which made the ground as sleper as an yele. ¶ He went again to vice & told him every deal. ¶ How he had done and bade him come a way. ¶ For he had so purveyed the vice should have the day▪ ¶ So as it happened at the field they meet. ¶ free-will virtue and vice as tripartite. ¶ Saaf virtue a little before the field had get. ¶ And else his advantage forsooth had be fullyght ¶ Not for then encumbered so was never wight▪ ¶ As virtue & his men were with the rank. weed ¶ That in the field grew of sensualitees fede ¶ But as soon as vice of virtue had a sight. ¶ He 'gan suage gonnes as he had be wood ¶ That hearing virtue commanded every wight ¶ To pavise him under the sign of the road. ¶ And bad hem not dread but keep still where thy. ¶ It was but a shower should soon confound ¶ wherefore he commanded them stand & keep her ground stood. ¶ And when vice came nearer to the field. ¶ He called sore for bows & bad hem shoot fast ¶ But virtue & his meinie bare of with the shield. ¶ Of the b●yssyd trinity ay till shot was passed. ¶ And when shot was done vice came forth at last. ¶ Purposing the field with assault to win. ¶ But virtue kept it long he might not enter therein. ¶ All that time free-will stood & him bethought. ¶ To which he might leave & what ꝑe he would take. ¶ At last sensuality had him so far brought. ¶ That he said plainly he virtue would forsake. ¶ And in vice his quarrel all his power make. Nota Iwis quod reason that is not for the best. ¶ Noforse said free-will I will do as my list. ¶ Virtue was full heavy when he see free-will ¶ Take part with vice but yet nevertheless. ¶ He died that he might the field to keep still. ¶ Till vice with free-will so sore 'gan him oppress. ¶ That he was constranyed clearly by duresse. ¶ A little tyne aback to make abew retret. ¶ All thing considered it was the best feet. ¶ first to remember how vice part was. ¶ ten again one stronger by likeliness. ¶ And than how free-will was with him alas. ¶ Who could deme virtue but in heaviness. ¶ Moreover to think how that slipper grass. ¶ That of sensuality his on kind seed grew. ¶ Under foot in standing encumbered virtue ¶ Yet notwitstonding virtue his men all. ¶ Nobelly them bare and fought mightily. ¶ How be it the sleper grass made many of hem fall. ¶ And from thence in manner depart suddenly. ¶ That seeing vice his host began to shout & cry. ¶ And said on in Pluto name on & all is our. ¶ For this day shall Vice be made a conqueror. ¶ Thus Virtue was by might of vice & Frew ¶ driven out of the field it was the more pity ill ¶ How by it yet Baptym kept his ground still. ¶ And with him abode faith hope & unity. ¶ And cunning also with a great main. ¶ confession contrition were ready at her hand. ¶ And satisfaction Vice to wythstond. ¶ But all the time while Virtue was away. ¶ A myȝty conflict kept they with Vycys rout. ¶ And yet nevertheless for all that great afray. ¶ Hope stod upright & faith would never lout ¶ And evermore said baptism sires pu● no doubt. ¶ Virtue shall return & have his intent. ¶ This field shall be ours or let me be shent. ¶ And while these petty capteyns sustend thus the field ¶ With Virtue his reward come good ꝑseverauns ¶ An hugy mighty host & when he beheld. ¶ How Virtue him withdrew he took dysplesauns. ¶ And when he to him came he said ye shall your chans' ¶ Take as it falleth wherefore return ye must. ¶ Yet onefor your sake with Vice shall I Tust. ¶ Alas that ever ye should lose your honour. ¶ And therewith also the high perpetuel crown. ¶ Which is for you kept in the celestial tower. ¶ Wherefore be ye called christs champion. ¶ How is it that ye have no compassyone. ¶ On baptism faith & hope konning & unite. ¶ That stand so hard bestead & fight as ye may see. ¶ All the treasure earthly under the firmament ¶ That ever was made of God's creation. ¶ To reward them evenly were not equivalent. ¶ For her noble labour in his affliction. ¶ Wherefore take upon you your jurisdyccyon ¶ Rescu yonder knights & recontynu fight. ¶ And else a dew your crown: or all your great might ¶ With these & such words as I have you told ¶ By good perseverance uttered in this wise. ¶ Virtue him remembered & 'gan to vex bold. ¶ And said give true knights to rescu javyse ¶ Let us no lengar tarry from this enterprise. ¶ Again to that field so Virtue returned. ¶ That caused hem be merry that long afore had mourned ¶ Avaunt banner qd he in the name of jesus ¶ And with that his people set up a great shout. ¶ And cried with a loud voice a Virtue a Virtue. ¶ Then began Vice his host for to look a bout. ¶ But I trow perseverance was not long without ¶ He bathed his sword in his foos blood. ¶ The boldest of 'em all not once him withstood. ¶ constance him followed & brought him his spear ¶ But when perseverance saw Vice on his stead. ¶ Noman could him let till he came there. ¶ For to bid him ride I trow it was no need. ¶ All Virtue his host prayed for his good speed. ¶ Again Vice he road with his great shaft. ¶ And him overthrew for all his so●yll craft. ¶ That seeing Frewill came to conscience. ¶ And 'gan him to repent that he with him had be. ¶ praying him of counsel for his great offence. ¶ That he again Virtue had made his arm. ¶ What was best to do to hymylyte: ¶ Qd conscience must thou go so he him thither sent ¶ disguised that he were not known as he went. ¶ And when he thither came humility him took. ¶ A token & bade him go to conffessyon. ¶ And show him his matter with a peteous look ¶ Which done he him sent to contrition. ¶ And fro thensforthe to satisfaction. ¶ Thus fro poost to pillar was he made to dance. ¶ And at the last he went forth to penance. ¶ But now for to tell you when Vice was outhrow ¶ A great part of his host about him 'gan resort. ¶ But he was so feeble that he could noman know. ¶ And when they see that they knew no comfort. ¶ But carried him a way be a privy port. ¶ And as they carried despair with him met. ¶ With Vice his reward he came them for to fet ¶ Then came there down goodly ladies twain. ¶ From the high heaven above the firmament. ¶ And said the great Alpha & Oo most sovereign. ¶ For that noble triumph had 'em thither sent. ¶ One of 'em to drive Vice to great torment. ¶ With a fiery strong that she bare in her hand. ¶ And so he deed despair & all his hole band. ¶ The name of this lady was called Prestyence. ¶ She never left Vice ne none that would him follow. ¶ Till they were committed by the divine sentence. ¶ All to pain perpetual & infinite sorrow. ¶ Right wysnes went to see that noman should hem borrow. ¶ Thus all entreated sharply were they till Cerberus ¶ Had 'em beshut within his gates tenebrus. ¶ And all the while that Prestyence with her scourge smart ¶ To reward Vice 'gan her thus occupy. ¶ With all his hole, bend after her desert. ¶ That other glorious lady that came fro heaven on high. ¶ Having in her hand the palm of victory. ¶ Came down to Virtue & took him to that present. ¶ Saying thus that Alpha & Oo hath him sent. ¶ And as far as I right could understand ¶ That ladies name was predestination. ¶ Virtue & his host she blessed with her hand. ¶ And in heaven granted 'em habitation. ¶ Whereto each of 'em reserved was a crown. ¶ She said in token that they inheritors. ¶ Of the glory were & gracious conquerors. ¶ Wych done the ladies ' again to guider met ¶ And toward heaven up they 'gan to sty ¶ Embraced in arms as they had been knit. ¶ Togyd with a gyrdyl but so suddenly. ¶ As yy were vanished saw I neuthing with eye. ¶ And anon Virtue with all his company. ¶ Kneeled dounn & thanked god of that victory. ¶ Yet had I forget when Vice was overthrow. ¶ To have told you how many of Vycys host. ¶ 'Gan to seek pease & darked dounn full low. ¶ And besought mercy what so ever it cost. ¶ To be her mean to Virtue else y●y wē but lost. ¶ And some in like wise to faith & hope sought. ¶ What to do for pease they said they ne rouȝte. ¶ Some also baptism sewed to be her mean. ¶ Some to one some to other as they hem get myȝte. ¶ But all to confession went to make hem clean ¶ And as y●y came to consyence he them bade go lyȝte. ¶ ere than old attropes of hem had a syȝt. ¶ For if he so them took lost they wē for ever ¶ He said Vice to forsake better late thyn never. ¶ Some eke for succour drew to circumcision. ¶ But by him could they get but small favour. ¶ For he in that company was had but in derysyd ¶ Neueryelesse to faith he bad hem go labour. ¶ praying them for olden acqueyntance them succour ¶ Well qd faith for his sake I shall do that I may do ¶ But first for the best way baptism go ye to. ¶ For by him soonest shall ye recover grace. ¶ Which shall to Virtue bring you by process. ¶ Wherefore in any wise look ye make good face. ¶ And let noman know of your heaviness. ¶ So they were by baptism brought out of desires ¶ Turned all to Virtue & when this was done. ¶ Virtue cummaunded free-will before him come. ¶ To whom thus he said I have great marvel ¶ Ye durst be so bold Vices party to take. ¶ Who bade you do so & gave you that counseyl. ¶ justly unto that ye shall me privy make. ¶ Then said free-will & swemfully spoke. ¶ kneeling on his knee with a cheer dening. ¶ I pray you sir let pity your ears to me incline. ¶ And I shall you tell the very soothe of all. ¶ How it was & who made me that way draw. ¶ For soothe sensuality his proper name they call. ¶ A said reason than I know well that fellow. ¶ Wyld he is & wanton of me stant him none awe. ¶ Is he so qd Virtue well he shall be taught. ¶ As a player should to draw another draft. ¶ And with thal came sadness wit his sober cheer. ¶ bringing Sensualite being full of thought. ¶ And said that he had take him prisoner. ¶ A welcome said Versu now have I the I souȝt. ¶ Blessed be the good lord as the would it is nought ¶ Why art thou so wanton he said for shame. ¶ Or y● go at large thou shalt be more tame. But stand a part a while till I have spoke a word ¶ With free-will a little & then shaite thou know. ¶ What shallbe thy finance than he saydin board ¶ Unto free-will the bend of your bow. ¶ Begynnyth to s●ake but such as ye have sow ¶ Must needs reap there is none way, ¶ notwithstanding that let what ye can say. ¶ What is your ability me to recompense. ¶ For the great harm that ye to me have do. ¶ Forsooth said free-will in open audience. ¶ But only Macrocosm more have I not loo. ¶ Take that if it please you I will that it be so. ¶ If I may understand ye be my good lord. ¶ In deed said Virtue to that will I accord. ¶ Then made Virtue Reason his leyftenaunte. ¶ And gave him a great charge macrocosm to keep ¶ That done Sensualite yield him recreaunte. ¶ And began for anger bysterly to weep. ¶ For he deemed surely his sorrow should not sleep ¶ Then made Virtue free-will bail under Reason. ¶ The field for to ocupy to his behove that season. ¶ And then said Virtue to sensuality. ¶ Thou shalt be rewarded for thy business. ¶ Under this furme all fragility. ¶ Shalt thou forsake both more and less. ¶ And under the guiding thou shalt be of sadness. ¶ All though it somewhat be again thy heart. ¶ Thy judgement is given thou shalt it not asterte ¶ And even with that came in dame Nature. ¶ Saying thus to Virtue sir ye do me wrong. ¶ By duresse & constraint to put this creature. ¶ gentle sensuality that hath me proved long. ¶ clearly from his liberty & set him among. ¶ them that love him not to be her un. ¶ As it were a cast away or a shoe clout. ¶ And perdie ye know well a rewlehave I must ¶ Within Macrocosm forsooth I say not nay. Odd Virtue butsensualyte shall not perform your lust ¶ Like as he hath do before this if I may. ¶ therefro him restreyn sadness shall assay. ¶ How be it ye shall have your hoselyberte. ¶ Within Macrocosm as ye have had free. ¶ And when Virtue had to Nature said thns ¶ a little tyne his eye casting him beside. ¶ He see in a corner standing Morpleus. ¶ That him before warned of the verily tied. ¶ A sirs said Virtue yet we must abide. ¶ Here is a friend of ours may not be forget. ¶ After his desert we shall him entreat ¶ Morpleus said. Virtue I thank you heartily. ¶ For your true heart & your great labour. ¶ That ye list to come to me so readily. ¶ When ye understood the coming of that shower. ¶ I thank god & you of saving of myn honour. ¶ Wherefore this privilege now to you I grant ¶ That within Macrocosm ye shall have your haunt ¶ And of five posterns the keys shall ye keep. ¶ Letting in & out at him whom ye list. ¶ As long as in Macrocosm your fad will creep. ¶ Blere whose eye yewyll hardly with your mist ¶ And keep your works close there as in a chest ¶ Saaf I would desire you spare pollution. For no thing may me please the souneth to corruption. ¶ And when he had thus said the keys he him took. ¶ And toward his castle with his people went ¶ Bidding reason take good heed & about look. ¶ That sensualite by Nature were not shent. ¶ Keep him short he said till his lust be spent ¶ For better were a child to by unborn. ¶ Than let him have the will & forever be lore. ¶ And when old Atropos had seen & herd all this ¶ How Virtue had obtained astonied as he stood, ¶ He said to hynse lfe some what there is amiss. ¶ I trow well my patent be not all good. ¶ Saying to the goddies I see ye do but jape. ¶ After a worthy whew have ye made me gape. ¶ How a devil way should I Virtue overthrow. ¶ When he dreadeth not all your hole rout. ¶ How can ye make good your patent would I know ¶ Hit is to Impossable to bring that about. ¶ For strike him may I not that is out of doubt. ¶ A good Atropos said god Apollo. ¶ An answer convenient shall thou have herton. ¶ The words of thy patent dare I well say ¶ Stretch to no further but were dame Nature ¶ Hath jurisdiction them to have thy way Nota. ¶ And largesse to strike as longet to thy cure. ¶ And as for Virtue he his no cryature. ¶ Under the predycament contained of quantity ¶ Wherefore his destruction longeth not to the. ¶ A ha' said Atropos then I see well. ¶ That all ye goods be but coventerfete. ¶ For oo God there is that can everydeal. ¶ Turn as him lest both dry & wheat. ¶ In to whose service I shall assay to get. ¶ And if I may once to his scruycece me. ¶ Your names shall be put to oblyvyone. ¶ Thus went Atropos fro the palace wrooth. ¶ But in the mean time while the he there was. ¶ Gliding by the palace recidivation goeth. ¶ Toward Macrocosm with a penynted face. ¶ Clad like a pilgrim walking a great pace. ¶ In the form as he had been a man of ynde. ¶ He weed have made reason & fadnesse both blind ¶ With sensuality was he soon aqueynted. ¶ To whom he decared his matter privily. ¶ Yet he was espied for all his face painted. ¶ Then reason hy comauded pike him thence lightly. ¶ For his ease qd sadness so coum eyll him will I. ¶ So was sensuality ay kept under foot. ¶ That to recidivation might he do no boot. ¶ Then went he to Nature & asked her advice. ¶ His intent to opteind what was best to do. ¶ She said ever sith Virtue of vice man the prise. ¶ Reason with sadness hath ruled the field so. ¶ That I & sensnalyte may iytyll for the do. ¶ For I may no more but only keep my course. ¶ And yet is seusualyte stronger kept & wours. ¶ Thus hearing resydivaconn fro thence he went again ¶ Full of thought & sorrow that ehe might not speed. ¶ Than reason & saduesse took we dehokes twain. ¶ And all wild wantonness out the field 'gan weed. ¶ With all the slyper grass the grew of the seed. ¶ That sensuality before therein sew. ¶ And fro thence forth kept it clean for virtue ¶ Than began new graze in the field to spring. ¶ All unlike that other of colour fair & bright. ¶ But then I espied a marvelous thing. ¶ For the ground of the field 'gan wax hoar & whit. ¶ I could not conceive how the be might. ¶ Till I was informed & taught it to know. ¶ But where virtue occupyet must needs well grow Yet in the mean time while the field thus grow. ¶ And reason with sadness thereof had goveraunce. ¶ Many a privy messenger thither sent virtue. ¶ To know if it were guided to his pleasance. ¶ Now prayer eft fasting & often time penance. ¶ And when he might go privily almsdeed. ¶ And bad him to his power help where these need While the field thus ruled reason with sadness. ¶ Maugre dame Nature for all her carnal might ¶ Came thither Atropos void of all gladness. ¶ Wrapped in his sheet & axed of any wight. ¶ could wysse him the way to the lord of light. ¶ Or else where might find ryghwysnesse. ¶ Forsooth said reason I trowas I guess. ¶ At Virtue his castle ye may soon him find ¶ I ●ye list the labour thither to take. ¶ And there shall ye know if ye be not blind. ¶ The next weigh to the lord of light I undertake. ¶ So thither went Atropos petition to make. ¶ To rightwiseness preyeng that he might. ¶ Be take in to the service of the lord of light. ¶ What sad ryghwysnesse thou old doting fool. ¶ Whom yast thou served sith the world begun ¶ But oonlh him where hast thou go to school. ¶ Whethery art thou doubl cor else the same man. ¶ That thou were first a sir said he than. ¶ I pray you heartily hold me excused. ¶ I am old & febell my wits are dysused. ¶ Well said rightwiseness for as much as thou. ¶ Knowest not thy master thy name shall I change ¶ death shalt thou be called from hens forward now ¶ Among all the people that shall be had strange. ¶ But when thou begynnest to make thy chalaunge. ¶ dread shalt thou be where so thou become. ¶ And to no creature shalt thou be welcome. ¶ And as for them whom thou didst serve. ¶ For as moche as they presume on 'em to take. ¶ That high name of god they shall as they deꝓue ¶ Therefore he rewarded I dare undertake. ¶ With pain perpetual among fiends black. ¶ And her names shall be put to oblivion. ¶ Among men but it be in dyrysyon. ¶ Aha said Atropos now begin I wexglad. ¶ That I shall thus avenged of 'em be. ¶ Sith they so long time have made me so mad. ¶ Yre qd right wiseness here what I say to the. ¶ The lord of light sent the wordeby me. ¶ That in Macrocosm sesyne shalt thou take ¶ wherefore thy dart ready look thou make ¶ And as soon as Virtue that understood ¶ He said he was pleased that it should so be ¶ And even forth with he commanded presthood ¶ To make him ready the field for to see ¶ So thither went priesthood with benignity ¶ Conueyen●g thither the blessed sacrament ¶ Of Eukaryst but first were thither sent ¶ confession contrition and satisfaction nota ¶ Sorrow for sin and great repentance ¶ Holy devotion with good disposition ¶ All these thither came and also penance ¶ As her duty was to make purveyance ¶ Again the coming of that blessed lord ¶ faith hope & charity thereto were accord ¶ Reason with sadness died his diligence ¶ To cleanse the field within and without ¶ And when they see the bodily presence ¶ Of that holy Eukaryst lowly 'gan they lout ¶ So was that lord received out of doubt ¶ with all huble cheer debonair & benign ¶ Lykly to pleasure it was a great sign ¶ Then came to the field the minister final ¶ Called holy unction with a crysmatory ¶ The five high ways in especial ¶ Thereof he anointed & made hit sanctuary ¶ whom followed death which would not tarry ¶ His fervent power there to put in ure ¶ As he was commanded granting dame Nature ¶ Nota. ¶ He took his dart called his mortal ance ¶ And bent his stroke toward the fields heart ¶ That seeing priesthood bade good remembrance ¶ Toward the field turn him & advert ¶ For except him all virtues thence must start ¶ And even with that death there sesyne took ¶ And then all the company clercly hit forsook ¶ And as soon as death thus had sesyne take ¶ The colour of the field was changed suddenly ¶ The arasse therein sere as though it had be back ¶ And the five high ways were mured upon hy ¶ That fro thence forward none enter should therbi ¶ The posterns were also without let ¶ Both in ward & outward fine fast shut ¶ Which done suddenly death vanished a way ¶ And Verty exalted was above the firmament ¶ where he took crown of glory ● ᵗ is ay ¶ Preparate by Alpha & oo omnipotent ¶ The sweet fruit of macrocosm thither why went ¶ And on all this matter as I stood musing thus ¶ Again fro the field to me came Morpleus ¶ Saying thus what cheer how liketh the this fight ¶ Haste thou seen enough or will thou see inore ¶ Nay sir I said my truth I you plight ¶ This is suffycente if I knew wherefore ¶ This was to me showed for thereof he lore ¶ covet I to have if I get might ¶ Follow me quoth he and have thy delight ¶ So Thym followed till he had me brought ¶ To a foresquare herber walled round about ¶ Loo qd Morpleus here mayst thou that thousought ¶ find if thou will I put the out of doubt ¶ Alytyll while we stood still there without ¶ Till wit chief porter of that herber gate ¶ Required by study let us in there ate ¶ But when I came in marveled greatly ¶ Of that I beheld & heard report ¶ For first in a chair appareled royally ¶ There sat dam doctrine her children to exhort ¶ And about her was many a sundry sort ¶ Some willing to learn diverse science ¶ And some for to have perfit intelligence ¶ Crowned she was like an Empress ¶ Which three crowns standing on her heed on by ¶ All teing about her an infinite process ¶ were to declare I tell you certainly ¶ Nevertheless some in mind thereof have I ¶ which I shall to you as god will give me grace ¶ As I saw & heard tell in short space ¶ Fast by Doctrine on that one side ¶ As I remember sat holy Text ¶ That opened his mouth to the people wide ¶ But not in comparison to Gloze the sat next ¶ moralization with a cloak context ¶ Sat & scripture was scribe to them all ¶ He sat ay writing of that that should fall ¶ These were though that I there knew ¶ By no manner way of old acquaintance ¶ But as I before saw them with Vertewe ¶ Company in field & having dalliance ¶ And as I thus stood half in a trance ¶ while they were occupied in her business ¶ About the wallesmyn ey 'gan I dress ¶ where I beheld the marvelous story ¶ That ever I yet saw in any picture ¶ For on though walls was made memory ¶ singularly of every creature ¶ That there had been both form & stature ¶ whose names rehearse I will as I can ¶ Bring them to mind in order every man ¶ first to begin there was in portraiture ¶ Adam & Eve holding an apple round ¶ No in a ship & Abraham having sure ¶ Aflyntstone in his hand & I saaclay bound ¶ On an high mount Jacob sleeping sound ¶ And a long ladder stood beside ¶ Joseph in a Cysterne was also there that tide. ¶ Next whom stood Moses with his tables two ¶ Aaron and Vrre his arms supporting ¶ Ely in a brenning char was there also. ¶ And Elyze stood clad in hermits cothing. ¶ david with an harp and a stone sling. ¶ I say Jeremy and Ezechyell. ¶ And closed with lions holy Danyell. ¶ A bacuc Mychee with Malachy. ¶ And Jonas out of a whales body coming. ¶ Samuel in a Temple & holy zachary. ¶ Beside an altar all bloody standing. ¶ Dsee with Judyth stood there conspiring. ¶ The death of Oloferne & Solomon. ¶ A child with his sword dividing in two. ¶ Many more prephetes certainly there were. ¶ who names now come not to my mind. ¶ Melchysedech also Jespyed there. ¶ Brede & wine offering as fell to his kind. ¶ joachim & Anna▪ stood all behind. ¶ Embraced in arms to the golden gate. ¶ And holy johan baptist in desert sat. ¶ And now cometh to my remembrunce. ¶ I am advised I saw Sodechy: ¶ And Amos also with sober countenance. ¶ Stonding with her faces toward Sophony. ¶ Neemy & Eldras bare hem company. ¶ The holy man job as an Impotent. ¶ Then followed in picture with Thoby patient ¶ these with many more on that one side. ¶ Of that green herber portrayed were. ¶ A said Morpleus a little time abide. ¶ Turn thy face where thy back was ere. ¶ And behold well what thou seest there. ¶ Than I me turned as he me bad. ¶ With heart steadfast & countenance sad. ¶ Where I saw Peter with his keys stand. ¶ Poule with a sword and james also. ¶ With a sealop & Thomas holding in his hand ¶ Aspere and Phylyp approached him to: ¶ james the less next hem in picture loo. ¶ Stood with Bartylmew which was all flayn ¶ Simon & Thadee showed how they were slain ¶ Mathy and Barnaby drawing lots stood ¶ next whom was Mark a Lion him by. ¶ His book holding & Matthew in his mode. ¶ Resembled an angel with wyngys' glyouly. ¶ Luke had a calf to hold his book on high. ¶ And johan with a cup & palm in his hand. ¶ An Eagle bore his book thus saw I shem stand ¶ G regory and Jerome Austyn and Ambrose. ¶ With pyllyons on their heads stood like doctors ¶ Bernard with Amselme and as I suppeses. ¶ Thomas of alquyne and Domynyk confessors ¶ Benet and Hue religious governors. ¶ Martin & johan with bishops twain. ¶ Were there also and Crysostom certain. ¶ Behind all these was worshipful Bede. ¶ All behind and next him stood Orygene. ¶ Hiding his face as he of his deed. ¶ Had 'em a shamed ye wot what I mean. ¶ For of error he was not all clean. ¶ And on that side stood last of all. ¶ The noble ꝓphetyssa Sibyl men her call. ¶ Let me remember now I you pray ¶ My barayn is so thin I dame in my heart ¶ Some of the fellowship that I there say. ¶ In all this while to have oversterte. ¶ A benedicite none ere could I advert. ¶ To think on Andrew the apostle with his cross. ¶ Whom to forget were a great loss. ¶ Many one were painted on that wall. ¶ who names come not to my remembrance ¶ But these I marked in especial. ¶ And more could I tell in countenance. ¶ Of time but forth to show you the substance. ¶ Of this matter in the minds of that arbere. ¶ Sat Doctrine coloured as any crystal clear. ¶ Crowned as I told you late here before. ¶ who apparel wos worth treasure infinite ¶ All erthyly richesse count I no more. ¶ To that in comparison valuing them a mite. ¶ Over her heed hoved a culver fair & white. ¶ Out of her bill preceded a ●rete leme. ¶ Downward to Doctrine like a son beam ¶ The words of Doctrine gave great redolens ¶ In sweetness of savour to her disciples al. ¶ It fer exceeded myr & frankincense. ¶ Or any other ire spice or else gall. ¶ And when she me espied anon she 'gan me call. ¶ Ad commanded morpleus that he should bry me near ¶ For she would me hue th'effect of my desire. ¶ She said I know the cause of thy coming. ¶ Is too understand be mine enforma●yon. ¶ sensible the matter of morpleus his she wing ¶ As he hath the led about in vesyon. ¶ Wherefore now I apply thy natural reason. ¶ Unto my words & or thou hens wend. ¶ Thou shalt it know beginning and end. ¶ For when Colus to pluto was brought: ¶ By his own negligence taken prisoner. ¶ Within the earth for he so far sought. ¶ signified is no more be that matter. ¶ But only to show she how it doth appear: ¶ That wealth unbridled at thyneye. ¶ embraceth mysre wle and oft causeth folly. ¶ For like as Colus being at his large ¶ Streyted himself through his own lewdness ¶ For he would deal where he had no charge ¶ Right so wantonness by her wildness ¶ Oft sith bring himself in distress ¶ Be cause they sometime to largely deal ¶ what may worse be suffered than overmykell weel● ¶ By Minos the judge of hell desperate ¶ May be understand goddies rightwiseness ¶ That to every wight his pain deputate ¶ assigneth according to his wickedness ¶ Wherefore he is called Juge of cruelness ¶ And as for Dyana & Neptunus' complaint ¶ Fygured may be fools reason faint. ¶ For like as they made her suggestion ¶ To have me Colus from course of his kind ¶ which was impossible to bring to correceyon ¶ For evermore his liberty have will the wind ¶ In like wise fools other while be blind ¶ weening to subdue with her one hand ¶ That is overmykell for all an hole land ¶ But what followeth thereof that shall thou here ¶ when they were come to the bankete ¶ The great Apollo with his sad cheer ¶ So fair & courteously 'gan them entret ¶ That he made her beerdies on the new gete ¶ Loo what wisdom doothto a fool ¶ wherefore are children put to school ¶ Oft is it seen with sober countenance ¶ That wise men fools overcome ay ¶ turning as hem list & all her variance ¶ Change from earnest in to merry play ¶ what were they both amendeth that day ¶ when they were driven to her wits end ¶ were they not feign to grant to be his friend ¶ Right so fools when they have done ¶ All that they can than be they fain ¶ give up head matter to oblyvyone ¶ without reward they have no more brain ¶ And yet full oft hath it be sayne ¶ when they it have foryete & set at nought ¶ That they full dear have afterward it bought ¶ And as for all though that represent ¶ To be called goddies at that banquet ¶ Resemble false idols but to his intent ¶ was Morpleus commanded thither the to fet ¶ That thou shouldest know the manner & the get ¶ Of the paynim law and of her believe ¶ How false idolatry leadeth 'em by the sleeve ¶ For soon upon the Worlds creation ¶ when Adam and Eve had broke the precept ¶ which clerks call the time of deviation ¶ The worldly people in paynim law slept ¶ Till moyses under god the tables of stone kept ¶ In which time poets feigned many a fable ¶ To discrete Reason right acceptable ¶ And to the intent that they should sound ¶ To the ecres of 'em the more pleasantly ¶ That them should read or here they gave them a ground ¶ And added names unto them naturally ¶ Of whom they spoke & called hem gods high ¶ Some for the strength & might of her nature ¶ And some for her subtle witty conjecture ¶ By nature thus as the seven planets ¶ Have her proper names by Astronomeres ¶ But Gods were they called by old poets ¶ For her great fervency of working in her spears ¶ Experience proveth this at all years ¶ And for as other that goddies called be ¶ For subtle wit that shall I teach thee ¶ How they by that high name of god came ¶ In this said time the people was so rude ¶ That what manner creature man or woman ¶ could any newelte contrive and conclude ¶ For the common weal all the multitude ¶ Of the common people a god should him call ¶ Or a goddess after it was fall ¶ Of the same thing that was so new found ¶ As Ceres for she the craft of tilth fond ¶ whereby more plentovously corn did abound ¶ The people her called through out every land ¶ Goddess of corn wending in her hand ¶ Had lain all power of corns abundance ¶ Thus were the paynims deceived by ignorance ¶ In like manner isis was called the goddess ¶ Of fruit for she first made it multuply ¶ By the name of graffing & so by process ¶ The name of Pan 'gan to deyfy ¶ For he first found the mean sheep to guy ¶ Some took it also by her condition ¶ As Pluto Fortune and such other done ¶ Thus all that poets put under coverture ¶ Of fable the rural people hit took ¶ Properly as act refusing the figure ¶ which error some of 'em never forsook ¶ Oft a false mirror deceiveth a man's look ¶ As thou mayst daily prive at thine eye ¶ Thus were the paynims deceived generally ¶ That seeing the deadly enemy of mankind ¶ By his poor premyssyve entered the images ¶ within the Temples to make the people blind ¶ In her idolatry standing on high stagys' ¶ In so much who used dangerous passagys' ¶ any manner way by water or be land ¶ when hid his sacrifice his answer ready fond ¶ Thus during the time of devyation ¶ From Adam to Moses was idolatry ¶ Through the world used in common opinion ¶ These were the goddies that thou there sy ¶ And as for the a waiters that stood 'em by ¶ They politic Philosophers & poets were ¶ which feigned the fables that I speak of here ¶ Then seized the time of devy acyon ¶ when Moses received that tables of stone ¶ Entering the time of revocation ¶ On the mount of Synay standing alone ¶ God gave him might ayene all his fone ¶ And then began the old testament ¶ which to the people by Moses was sent ¶ And that time dured the incarnation ¶ Of christ and then began it to sese ¶ For than came the time of reconciliation ¶ Of man to god I tell the doutlese ¶ When the son of man put him in press ¶ wilfully to suffer death for mankind ¶ In holy scripture this mayst thou find ¶ This reconciliation was the time of grace ¶ when founded was the church upon the fair stone ¶ And to holy Peter the key delivered was ¶ Of heaven hell despoiled was anon ¶ This was mankind delivered from his fone ¶ wnd then began the new testament ¶ Which iii times a sundry divided ¶ Mayst thou heresee if thou list behold ¶ The first behind the in picture in provided ¶ The second of the life hand show prophet old ¶ The iii on the right hand here it is to y● told ¶ Thus hast thou in vision the very figure ¶ Of these iii times here showed in portraiture ¶ That is to say first of deviation ¶ From Adam to Moses recording scripture ¶ second fro Moses to the incarnation ¶ Of christ keepeth revocation cure ¶ And as for the third thou mayst be very sure ¶ will dure from thence to the worlds end ¶ But now the four must thou have in mind ¶ which is called properly the time of pilgrimage ¶ After some & some named it otherwise ¶ And call it the time of dangerous passage ¶ And some of were that fully hit despise ¶ But what so it be named I will the advice ¶ Remember it well and print it in thy mind ¶ whereof the figure mayst thou me behind ¶ And else remember thyself in thine heart ¶ How Vice & Virtue daily them occupy ¶ In manner one of hem him to pervert ¶ Another to bring him to endless glory ¶ Thus they continue fight for the victory ¶ Hit is no need hereof to tell the more ¶ For in this short vision thou hast seen it before ¶ And as for Atropos grievous complaint ¶ Unto the goddies betokeneth no more ¶ But only to show the how friendly constreynt ¶ On a steadfast heart weigheth full sore ¶ Good will requireth good will again therefore ¶ discord to death hath ay been a friend ¶ For discord bringeth many to her end ¶ Wherefore death thought he would avenged be ¶ On his trendes quarrel if that he might ¶ For her great unkindness in so much as she ¶ was among 'em all had so in despite ¶ And at that banquet made of so light ¶ which caused him among hem to cast in a bone ¶ That found them gnawing enough everyone ¶ Thus oft is seen on friend for another ¶ will say & do and some time matters feign ¶ And also kynnysmen a cousin or a brother ¶ will for his alyer he have cause complain ¶ And where that he loveth do his busy pain ¶ His friends matter as his own to take ¶ which oft sith causeth mychyll sorrow awake ¶ Be it right or wrong he chargeth not a mite Ap toward that point he taketh little heed ¶ So that he may have his froward appetite Per sormed he careth not how his soul speed not ¶ Of God or devil have such little dread ¶ How be it one there is that lord is of all ¶ which to every wight at last reward shall ¶ And as for the battle between Virtue hold ¶ So plainly appeareth to the inwardly ¶ To make exposition thereof new or old ¶ were but superfluity there fore refuse hit I ¶ In man shall thou find that were kept daily ¶ Like as thou hast seen it fowtyve before thy face ¶ The picture me behind showeth it in little space ¶ And as for Macrocosm it is no more to say ¶ But the less world to the common intent ¶ which applied is to man both night & day ¶ So is man the field to which all were sent ¶ On both parties & they that thither went ¶ signify no more but after the condition ¶ Of every manes opinion ¶ And as for the noble knygt perseverance ¶ which gate the field when it was almost gone ¶ Betokeneth no more but the continuance ¶ Of virtuous living till death hath avergone ¶ who so will do rewarded is anon ¶ As Virtue was with the crown on by which is no more but everlasting glory ¶ And as for predestination ¶ That each of 'em rewarded after his desert ¶ Is to understand no more but damnation ¶ To vicious people is the very scourge smart ¶ Reward for they fro Virtue would pervert ¶ And endless joy is to 'em that be elect ¶ Rewarded & to all that follow the same sect ¶ And as for the keys of the posterns five which were to Morpleus rewarded for his labour ¶ signify not else but while man is on live ¶ His five inward wits shall be every hour ¶ In his sleep occupied in hele & in languor ¶ with fantasies trifles illusions & dreams ¶ which poets call Morpleus streams ¶ And as for recidivation is no more to say ¶ But after confession turning again to sin ¶ which to every man retornyth sans delay ¶ To vicious living again him to win ¶ while any man liveth will it never blynne ¶ That cursed conclusion for to bring about ¶ But Reason with Sadness keep it still out ¶ Here hast thou properly the very sentence ¶ Herd now declared of this vision ¶ The picture also giveth clear intelligence ¶ Thereof beholden with good discretion ¶ Look well about and take consyderasyon ¶ As I have declared whether it so be ¶ A sir quoth Morpleus what told I the ¶ Hast thou properly the very sentence ¶ Look on yond wall yonder before ¶ And all that time stood I in a wire ¶ which way first mine heart would give more ¶ To look in a study stood I therefore ¶ Nevethelesse at last as Morpleus me bad ¶ I looked forward with countenance sad ¶ Where I beheld in portraiture ¶ The manner of the field even as it was showed me before & every creature ¶ On both sides being drawing in small space ¶ So curyously in so little a compass ¶ In all this world was never thing wrought ¶ Hit were impossible in earth to be thought ¶ And when I had long behold that picture ¶ what qd Morpleus how long shalt thou look ¶ Daring as a dastard on yond portraiture: ¶ Come of for shame thy wit stant a croak ¶ I hearing that mine heart to me took ¶ Toward the fourth wall turning my visage ¶ where I saw poets & Philosophers sage ¶ Many one more than at the banquet ¶ served the gods as I said before ¶ Some were made standing & some in chayris set ¶ Some looking on books as they had studied sore ¶ Some drawing almenakis & in her hands bore ¶ Astyrlabes taking the altitude of the son ¶ Among whom Dyogenes sat in a ton ¶ And as I was looking on that fourth wall ¶ Of Dyogenes beholding the image ¶ suddenly Doctrine began me to call ¶ And bad me turn toward her my visage ¶ And so then I died with humble courage ¶ when thinkest thou she said hast thou not th'intent ¶ Yet of these four walls what they represent ¶ The picture on the first that standeth at my bake ¶ showeth the the present time of pilgrimage ¶ Of which before I unto the spoke ¶ which is the time of dangerous passage ¶ The second dyscrettly again my visage ¶ The time expresseth of deviation ¶ while paynim law had the domination ¶ The third wall standing on my life hand ¶ The time representeth of revocation ¶ And the fourth standing on my right hand ¶ determineth the time of reconciliation ¶ This is the effect of thy vision ¶ wherefore the needeth no more thereon to muse ¶ Hit were but vain thy wits to dysuse ¶ But during the time of reconciliation ¶ Thy time of pilgrimage look well thou spend ¶ And then well gracious predestination ¶ Bring ●he to glory at thy law end ¶ And even with that came to my mind ¶ My first conclusion that I was about ¶ To have driven ere sleep made me to lute ¶ That is to say how sensuality ¶ with Reason to accord might be brought about ¶ which caused me to kneel down on my knee ¶ And beseek Doctrine determine that doubt ¶ Oo lord god said Doctrye canst thou not without ¶ Me that conclusion bring to an end ¶ Ferre is fro the wit & ferther good mend ¶ And even with that death 'gan appear ¶ Showing himself as though that he would ¶ His dart have occupied within that herbere ¶ But there was none for him young nor old ¶ Save only I Doctrine him told ¶ And when I heard her with him common thus ¶ I me withdrew behind Morpleus. ¶ Dreading full sore lest he with his dart. ¶ Through doctrines words any entresse. ¶ In me would have had or claimed any part ¶ which should have caused me great heaviness ¶ within which time & short process ¶ Came thynder Reason and sensuality. ¶ a quoth Doctrine right welcome be ye ¶ Hit is not long sith we of you spoke ¶ Ye must ere ye go determine a doubt ¶ And even with that she the matter broke ¶ To them & told it every where about ¶ I would have be thence if I had moute ¶ For fere I looked as black as a coal ¶ I would have cropen in a mouse hole ¶ what quoth Doctrine where is he now ¶ That moved this matter strange & dyffuse ¶ He is a coward I make mine avow ¶ He hided his heed his motion to refuse ¶ Blame him not qd Reason always that to use ¶ when he seeth death so near at his hand ¶ Yet is his part him to withstand ¶ Or at the lest way else fro time flee ¶ As long as he may who doth other wise ¶ Is an idiot quoth Sensualytee ¶ who dreadeth not death wise men him despise ¶ what said Doctrine how long hath this guise ¶ Be holden & used thus a twixe you twain ¶ ye were not wont to accord certain ¶ yes quoth Reason in this point always ¶ To every man have we yeven our counsel ¶ death for to flee as long as they may ¶ All though woe otherwise have done our travail ¶ Each other to repress yet without fail ¶ In that point only discordeth we never ¶ Thus condescended therein be we for ever ¶ A ha said Doctrine then is the conclusion ¶ clearly determined of the great doubt ¶ That here was moved & half in derision ¶ She me then called & bade me look out ¶ Come forth she said & fear not this rout ¶ And even with that Reason & sensuality ¶ And death fro thence were vanished all three ¶ Then looked I forth as Doctrine me bad ¶ when death was gone me thought I was bold ¶ To show myself but yet was I sad ¶ Methought my doubt was not as I would ¶ clearly and openly declared & told ¶ Hit swooned to me as a parable ¶ dark as a myhe or a feigned fable ¶ And Doctrine my conceit 'gan espy ¶ wherefore said she standest thou so still ¶ wherein is thy thought art thou in study ¶ Of thy question hast thou not thy fill ¶ To the declared tell me thy will ¶ heardest thou not Reason & sensuality ¶ Declared thy doubt here before the ¶ Forsooth quoth I. I heard what they said ¶ But nevertheless my wit is so thin ¶ And also of death I was so afraid ¶ That it is out where it vent in ¶ And so that matter can● I not win ¶ without your help & benevolence ¶ Thereof to express the very sentence ¶ Well quoth Doctrine then give attendance ¶ Unto my words & thou shalt here ¶ Openly declared the concordance ¶ Atwene sensuality & Reason in fere ¶ If thou take heed it clearly doth apere ¶ How they were knit in one opinion ¶ Both again death held contradyccon ¶ Which concordance no more signifieth ¶ To plain understanding but in every mane ¶ Both sensuality & Reason applieth ¶ Rather death to flee then with it to be ta'en ¶ Loom that point accord they holly then ¶ And in all other they clearly discord ¶ Thus is truly set thy doubtful monacorde ¶ I hearing that kneeled on my knee ¶ And thanked her lowly for her discipline ¶ That she wouchesafe of her benignity ¶ Of though great doubts me to enlumyne ¶ well was she worthy to be called Doctrine ¶ If it had be no more but for the solution ¶ Of my demand & of this strange vision ¶ And as I with mine heed began for to bow ¶ As me well ought to do her reverence ¶ She thence departed I can not tell how ¶ But within a moment gone was she thence ¶ Then said Morpleus let us go hens ¶ what should we here tarry lengere ¶ Hast thou not heard a general answer ¶ To all thy materes that thou list to move ¶ My time draweth near that I must rest ¶ And even therewith he took me by the sleeve ¶ And said go we hens for that should I best ¶ As good is enough as a great fest ¶ Thou hast seen enough hold the content ¶ And even with that forth with him I went ¶ Till he had me brought again to my bed ¶ where he me found and then pruyely ¶ He stolen away I could not understand ¶ were he became but suddenly ¶ As he came he went I tell you verily ¶ which done fro sleep I 'gan to awake ¶ My body all in sweat began for to shake ¶ For dread of the sight that I had seen ¶ weening to me all had be true ¶ Actuelly done where I had been ¶ That batyll hold between Vice & Vertew ¶ But when I see it it was but a whew ¶ A dream a fantasy & a thing of nought ¶ To study thereon I had no more thought ¶ Till at the last I 'gan me bethink ¶ For what cause showed was this vision ¶ I knew not wherefore I took pen & ink ¶ And paper thereof to make mention ¶ In writing taking consideration ¶ That no default were found in me ¶ whereon accused I ought for to be ¶ For sloth that I had left hit untold ¶ Neither by mouth nor in remembrance ¶ Put it in writing where thorough manifold ¶ ways of accusation might torn me to grievance ¶ All this I saw as I lay in a trance ¶ But whether it was with mine eye bodily ¶ Or not in certain god knoweth & not I ¶ That to discern I purpose not to deal ¶ So large by my will it longeth not to me ¶ were it dream or vision for your own weal ¶ All that shall it read here rad or see ¶ Take thereof the best & let the worst be ¶ Try out the corn clean from the chaff And then may ye say ye have a sure staff ¶ To stand by at need of ye Will it hold ¶ And walk by the way of Virtue ¶ But all weigh beware be ye young or old ¶ That your free-will ay to Virtue more ¶ Apply than to Vice the easier may be boar ¶ The burden of the field that ye daily fight ¶ Again your iii enemies for all her great might ¶ That is to say the devil & the Flesh ¶ And also the world with heath his glozing cheer ¶ which on you looketh ever new & fresh ¶ But he is not as he doth apere ¶ Look ye keep you ay out of his daungere ¶ And so the victory shall ye obtain ¶ Vice fro you exiled & Virtue in you rain ¶ And then shall ye have the trumphall guerdon ¶ That god reserved to every creature ¶ Above in his celestial mansion ¶ joy & bliss in finite eternally to endure ¶ whereof we say we would fain be sure ¶ But the way thitherward to hold be we loath ¶ That oft sith causeth the good lord to be wroth ¶ And by our desert our habitation changeth ¶ From joy to pain & woe perpetuelly ¶ From his glorious sight thus he us estraungeth ¶ For our vicious living thorough our own folly ¶ wherefore let us pray to that lord of glory ¶ while we in earth be that he will give us grace ¶ So us here to guide that we may have a place ¶ According to our regeneration ¶ which heavenly spirits his name to magnify. ¶ which down descendeth for our redemption ¶ Offering himself on the cross to his fad on high ¶ Now benign Ihesu that born was of Mary ¶ All that to this vision have give her audience ¶ Grant eternal joy after thy last sentence AMEN. ¶ Here endeth a little treatise named The assemble of gods