❧ The Knight of the swan.  
¶ Here beginneth the History of the noble Helyas knight of the swan, newly translated out of french in to english at thinstygacion of the puissant& Illustryous prince lord Edwarde Duke of Buckyngham.  
  

❀ Prologue of the translator.  
veritably it is that all virtues and noble intencions ben nourished& engendered in the hearts and courages of gentle persons, the which causeth them to incline to all perfection of bounty. Endeueryng thē to hear, ●●and advance the glorious renown of their foregoer, predecessors replenisshed with the grace and love of god among all other endued with bounty and noblesse in high dygne and Illustryous prince my lord Edward by the grace of god Duke of Buckyngham earl of Herforde, Stafforde, and of Northampton desiring cotydyally to increase and augment the name and famed of such as were relucent in virtuous feats and triumphaunte acts of chyualry. And to encourage and stir every lusty and gentle heart by the exemplyficacyon of the same having a goodli book of the high and miraculous histori of a famous& puissant king name orient sometime reynynge in the parties of beyond the sea having to his wife a noble Lady of whom she conceived six sons and a daughter& chylded of them at one onely tym at whose birth eachone of them had a chain of silver at their necks the which were all turned by the providence of god into white tens( save one) of the which this present history compiled, name Helyas the knight of the swan of whom lineally is dyscended my said lord. The which ententifly to haue the said history more amply and vnyuersally known in this his natif country as it is in other, hath of his high bounty bi some of his faithful& trusti servants cohorted mi master wynkin de word to put the said virtuous hystori in print. And he as willing and glad to content accomplish& obey the gracious mind and pleasure, hath sough and found a true approved copy, enprinted and corrected in the frenssh language, at whose instigacion& stirring( I Robert Copland) haue me applied moiening the help of god to reduce and translate it into our maternal& vulgar english tongue, after the capacite and rudeness of my weke entendemet. Beseceing my said lord& consequently al them that readeth or heareth it read to take no regard to the languag misorned and rude, for without high style& enerue industry I haue al onely verbated& followed mine author as nigh as I could with the profoundite of good heart, and where as oni fault bi me or wrong Impression be found intelligibly after their science to correct and amend in pardoning al ygnoraunce. In the which doing I shal be oblygate& bound to pray for thē to almighti God that he give unto them his realm celestial unto the which we al may come Amen.  
Explicit prologus.   

¶ Here beginneth the table of this present book.  

¶ How the king Pyeron of Lylefort had to wife and spouse Matabrūe for that she was rich and endowed of great earthly goods. that which between them had a son name orient. Ca. primo  
How king Orant chased a heart so swiftly that he lost his folk,& came to a fountain where as he spake with fair beatrice whom he choose to be his wife. Ca ii.  
How the king orient at his returning fro the chase brought with him the fair beatrice for to espouse and take her to his wife. Ca, iii.  
How the might king Oriant espoused the noble queen beatrice, the which conceived of him .vi. sons and a daughter at one burden. Ca iiii.  
How king Oriant took leave of the noble Queen Beatrice his spouse. And how the false& perverce Matabrun composed and machined with another matron to commit crime and treason toward the said noble Queen beatrice. Ca. v  
How the queen beatrice childed naturally .vi. fair sons and a daughter, the which in their birth brought eachone of thē a chain of silver miraculously wrought at their necks. Ca. vi.  
How marks bare the .vii. children into foreste,& left them on his mantell. Ca. vii.  
How the .vii. children were found in the foreste by a devout eremite name Helias. Ca. viii.  
How the good and devout hermit prayed to our lord for the aid and succour of the .vii. poor children, whose prayers were exalted, Ca. ix.  
How the .vii. children were myraculouslie nourished of a white gote sent by goddes grace. And how matabrune accused falsely the good queen Beatrice to king Oriant her spouse. Ca. x.  
How king orient assembled his counceyle to know by what maner he ought to entreat the queen his wife the wrongfully and without cause was iniuryed of the perverce. Matabrune mother of king orient. Ca. xi.  
How the devout hermit Helyas baptized the .vii. light children in his hermytage. Ca. xiil  
How one of the yomen of the hunt of the perverce Matabrune found the .vii. children in the said foreste, the which told of them to Matabrune. Ca. xiii.  
How at the commandment of Matabrune an hounds man name savary came for to slea the .vii. ltile children of king orient unknown in the foreste, where as they were transmued into tens. Ca. xiiii.  
How the good hermit Helyas returned into his hermitage with his godson one of king orient sons,& found not the other children, transmued into swanes. Ca. xv.  
How the false& perverce Matabrune made wickedli to affirm by an untrue knight name Makayre that the noble queen Beatrice had forfeited with a dog. Ca. xvi.  
How the angel of god announced to the devout hermit Helias that the .vii. children that he had found in the foreste were king Oryantes children,& that he should sand young Helias to prove the truth. Ca. xvii.  
How king Oriant sent for the good queen Beatrice his wife for to make expose to her that whereof she was accused, and condempne her to death. And how Helyas his son arrived at the palace of his father for to defend and succour his mother from death, Ca. xviii.  
How king orient commanded to make armoures for his son Helyas to fight against Makayre,& after went to the good hermit in the foreste. Ca. xix.  
How the noble king orient delivered out of prison the good queen Beatrice his wife. and after ordained to his son Helyas all thing to fight with Makayre. Ca. xx.  
How Helyas the noble knight of the swan vanquished and overcame the fals knight Makirae in camp of battle. Ca. xxi.  
How the wicked knight Makaire confessed openli before the king and the queen and al the people the treason done to the said queen and her seven children. And how he was shamefully hanged as a fals reproved traitor on the gallows. Ca. xxii.  
How the noble king orient did send for the gold smith that which brought the other five chains& the cupe that he had detained and recited all the miracle done with them. Ca. xxiii  
How the fals Matabrune made al the keepers of the prison so drunken that they did sleep whiles she fled away And how .v. of the tens returned into their form human. Ca. xxiiii.  
How king Oriant gave his realm to his noble sone Helyas wherefore he made to crown him king honourably and than gave him leave to go take his mother Matabrune in the castle of Maubruyant, and there he made to brenne her in a great fire. Ca. xxv.  
How Helyas took leave of king orient his father& of queen beatrice his mother for to follow the aduentur of his brother the swan that appeared on the river before a ship. Ca. xxvi.  
How the swan brother of king Helyas conduited the said ship wherein Helyas was till they came to the city of Nymaie. Ca. xxvii  
How the earl of Frankebourke made wrongfully to come and appear by justice Clarysse duchess of Boulyon at Nymaye willing to usurp her of her duchy in giving fals understanding to Otton Emperour of Almayne the which held the court of his parliament at the said city of Nymaie. Ca. xxviii.  
¶ How Helyas the noble knight of the swan arrived at the city of Nymaie for to defend the right of the noble duchess of Boulyon whom the Emperour received with great honour. Ca. xxix.  
¶ How Helyas the virtuous knight of the swan did fight against the earl of Frankebourke the which he conquered and slew in the field. Ca. xxx.  
¶ How the noble knight Helyas wedded the daughter of of duchess of Boulyon. Ca. xxxi.  
¶ How the noble duke of boulyon left his land because his wife disobeyed his commandment, and after his brother the swan brought him to Nymaye to the emperour Octon. Ca. xxxii.  
¶ How the noble duchess of Boulyon complained piteously to the emperour for the departing of her good husband Helyas. Ca. xxxiii.  
¶ How Helyas arrived at Nymaie where he was goodly received of the emperour. Ca. xxxiiii.  
¶ How Helyas the noble knight of the swan did return into the city of Lylefort within the ship of his brother the swan. The which miraculously& by the divine will of our lord returned before his parentes& friends into his first form and natural estate of humanity. Ca. xxxv.  
¶ How queen beatrice made great Ioy of her son that was returned to his right form. Ca. xxxvi.  
¶ How the noble Helyas took leave of his parent& friends, and made himself religious there as he was nourys●hed with the good hermit, where he made to build a castle like to that of Boulyon. Ca. xxxvii  
How the puissant& virtuous emperour Octon espoused the earl of Boleyn to the fair ydain daughter of the noble knight of the swan Helyas. And how after the drem that she had the angel of god announced to her that she should conceive and bear three noble knights. Ca. xxxviii  
How the duchess of Boulion sent many squires& messengers over all countries and regions for to find her noble husband Helias knight of the swan, Ca. xxxix.  
How the abbot of Saincteron and the squire Ponce departed fro Rome at their returning fro the holy sepu●cre And sith by the will of god they arrived at the new castle of Boulyon. Ca. xl.  
How the squire Ponce arrived at Boulion for to bear tidings to the duchess of Helias knight of the swan the which at that time was become religious. Ca xli.  
How ydain the noble duchess of Boulion endoctrined her three sons Godfrey, Baudwyn,& Eustace in all maner of good operacyons, virtues,& manners. Ca. xlii.  
How the three noble brethren Godfrey, Baudwyn,& Eustace appropried and used thē in all maner of noble games, and assays of worthiness Ca. xliii   
¶ Explicit tabula.   

❀ How the king Pieron of Lilefort had to wife& spouse Matabrune for that she was rich,& endowed of great earthly goods. The which between them had a son name Oriant. Ca. .i.  
 
WE rede in the ancient and authentic cro●●cles that sometime ther was a noble king in lilefort, otherwise name ●he strong yle a much rich land, that which king had to name Pieron. And he took to wife& spouse Matabrunne the daughter of an other king puissant and rich marvelously. Bi the reason of which marriage was made and accorded peace between two mighty kings, the which long time before had ben aduersaries and ennemes one another by mortal war. But as than& by the treaty of marriage was pacified the said discord. How be it nevertheless that the said king Pieron him accorded to take to wife the said Macabrūe for that she had great possession of lands& other infinite richesses whereby as the story saith the marriage was made be coueitise and not by love whereof many harms grew, and all bi the said macabrūe that wrongfully sew discord between king Oriant, his wife and his children. The which possible came by gods will for that the said marriage was not cordialli made as is said, or for a more meritorious wealth, as sith happened to the high praise of god& his holy faith, for finably al turned to honour by the grace of the hye god that often approveth them that he loveth sending them some aduercites first. For he hath no merit toward god to haue any sweetness if first he taste no bitterness of heart, as saint paul saith. By many triblations we must entre into the realm of god. But finally our lord resisteth the perverse, in giuing his glory to the meek as in this story appeareth. For al the punition fel on macabrune finabli that had caused al the ill. And they that had ben iniusly vilipended were miraculousli exalted. and it is often sene that marriage made by covetise cometh to no perfection of goodness. For if the coniuntions be not made bi love as god ordained often of cometh grievous desolacion as did of her, like as thistory sheweth here after  
AFter the marriage of king Pieron& Matabrūe as the maner is, they had between thē a son noble& wise name Oriant, the which after the dyscease of his father abode with his mother as heir of the realm, which he succeeded& governed peastabli without to be married   

❀ How king Oriant chased a hart so swiftely that he lost his folk and came to a fountain where as he spake with faire Beatrice whom he choose to be his wife. Ca. ii.  
 
AFter that the noble king Oriant was gro●en in age, in force, and prudence, on a day he ●●●ibered him for to go to hunt. And when al things were redy and he comen in the forest he at the play and pursuit of his greyhounds raised a great heart, whereate he took so great pleasure that he chased him so swifely that his folk might not follow till returned in plain field where as was hedge ne bush And thus he left of his folk he pursued marvelously till he approached a river wherein they said hart wart for saufte,& so escaped the king& his hounds. wherefore the king left him& returned alone till unto a fountain that he found, the which was so clear and pleasant to his light that he a light from his horse for to refresh him a little in the same place. And there he sat down under a three, to the which he had reined his horse the better to solace& sport him at his own pleasure.¶ And thus as he was in consolation there came to him a young damosel much grievous& of noble maintene name Beatrice accompanied of a noble knight,& two squires, with iiii damoyselles the which she held in her service& famyliarite. And there as she that in title of signory posseded the said ground began to speak to the king Oriant in repreuing him for that he was comen to hunt with in the bounds and limits of hir signourye& possession And as unto him that which she knew not she began to say prudently. Faire lord who hath moeued you to come hunt or take ony beasts within that forests of my region, know ye not that I am lady& possess resse of this land, damosel said the king nay. And wo hath than said she given you leave or licence so to do. I haue well apperceived the heart that ye haue chased and put to flight,& hath saved him in the river, but howe be it that ye had taken him yet should he not haue abiden as yours. And yet is mine intention if it please god that ye shall recompense me or ye depart. For ye haue none action of right for to chase or take any beast wild or tame in mi forests, nor on mi ground. And when king Oriant had heard the faire Beatrici speak thus bī reason so right notably, he took her in so great pleasure that he was suddenly surprysed of her love in such wise that fro than he purposed in himself to take her to wife& spouse. And the better to manifest& wake her haue knowledge of him he began to lift up his visage in beholding her with a joyful cheer& said Know ye faire damosel that I wolde not think to do you any displeasure, but me think that I may well come and sport me s●il unto this region& loud as sovereign lord therof, by reason wherofre owe me homage. And to thende that ye pretend no cause of ygnoraunte wit ye( without that I will hid it) that I am Oriant king of Lylefort. whereby there is neither lord ne damosel in all this country but they ben holden to yield me tribute& homage as my vassayll and fee al subject. But that not withstanding if I thought to haue endēaged you of one seile ferdinge I wolde recompense it at your desire, for that noble prudence, curteysy,& graciosite that I perceive being in you, by your maintene& moderate speech. How be it that it is well in my power to make yourself amend and repair the injury that ye haue done in repreninge and chiding me for that which is mine own. But your noble, faconde,& pleasant behaviour causeth me somewhat to refrain mi courage,& receive your offence to marci. And when a noble knight name savary that long time had served the said damosel had heard the right mighty king Oriant speak thus benignly he descended incontinent from his horse,& with his knees flexed he prostened him& did him honour& reverence in saluinge him and said. Sir king if it please you ye shall pardon my lady if she haue ony thing offended you, for she had no cognycion of your rial majesty when she reasoned with you. And she knowledgeth also that she hath nothing but that it is at your pleasure& commandment,& otherwise would she not do, wherefore ye shal pardon her if it please you For she hath said nothing but bi ignorance, and as she that right willi& with good courage will keep yours& hers. Than answered the king to him and said. Know ye noble knight that I accept enough the excuse that ye haue made for your noble lady. But she shall make me amendes in such maner as she shalbe agreeable, for the beauty and for mosite of hir noble person moveth me to be her husband,& to take her to wife and spouse, as she the which is my whole desire. Than the king began for to speak in this maner& said. Gentill damosel pleasant, virtuous, garnished of al beauty in whom I haue totali set the love of my heart, is it not well your will that I be your husband. Pleaseth it you not to be mi wife& spouse to thende that I make you to be crwoned as queen and lady of Lilefort. May ye find in your heart by such maner to accomplish my will, that you& I might be assembled& conionct by marriage. answer ye now& say your aduise. Ha sir said she right humbly. I am not dinge ne suffisaunt that ye do to me such honour, for the handmaiden or subject ought not ne may not in any thing compare to her prence and lord. But sith that it pleaseth you to command me so to do, in disparsinge to me of your grace I were right simplo& evil instruct if I refused your pleasure,& the excellent honour that ye so benignly& of your goodness unto me present. For if it should please you to marye me to the least knight of your noble company yet ought I to consent of right. wherefore to you that is my lord,& to other in comparable: I am all redy to abbey& accept your good& noble will in the honour whereto ye require me, the which with good heart I ot troy& grant you. And than king Oriant took her by the hand and said Certes lady I pr●mise you on the faith of knighthod that as long as ye be on live never to espouse other woman than you,& I assure you even here that I shal be your husband. And thus bi a coming accord& by the consentement of them both was promised the said marriage with one cordial love.   

¶ How king Orient at his returning fro the chase brought with him the faire Beatrice for to espouse& took her to wife. Ca. iii.  
 
when the promise was thus made the king incontinent made her to be lead to Lylefort for to marye her. And in may when the trees springeth and bring forth their odiferaunte flowers, and that the birds being their armonical tunes on the small green twiges was made the entre of the noble queen Beatriece into the realm of Lilefort. At the which entre all the people afflued from all partes leding great joy& mirth euerech in his possibility That is to wit, some to make fyrs and games of mirth. Other made diuers faire mysteries& tourneimentes of feats of arms. And before the same came the old qeuene Matrabrune mother of the prue king Oriant. The which when he saw her come began for to smile& haue great joy of the pleasure that he had to see the noble beatrice his love, which he loved merueilousli& with al his heart. wherefore he said to his said mother which he perceived murmur a little, I require you my right dere lady& mother that ye will make joyous cheer& behold here howe I haue found the most faire lady of the world, replenisshed of wit& virtues as much as ony woman living. And I am advised that never as long as she liveth to haue other wedded wife, for in her is all mi pleasure. Than as heavy& angry answered his said mother by a maner of envy. Ah my son little rejoice I for presently I apperceiue your ygnouraunce that ye now will so abate your estate, as to take a simplo damosel& you being a right puissant& noble king might demand& haue to wife the daughter of the most rich& noble prince that might be found vpon the earth, and finabli you& yours possede his realm by succession. madam said the king, ye, yf it please me so. know ye that I never ●ounde none that so much pleased me,& that was to me so agreeable as she is. And ye know that ther is nothing as to haue his pleasure in this world. And also marriage ought not to be made but yf the parties were content and of good accord. wherefore I beseech you to take it in gree as well as I. For to morrow in the morning if it please god I will that the feast and solemnity of the marriage be celebred as it behoveth. And eke I hope sithit is by the will of god,& of good love& assent of us both that there may be but al wealth come thereto. Certainly son said she sith that it please the that it be so it cannot displease me in any maner. But I accord totally to thin good will. All these words said she with mouth, but not with heart, as many done that be faint symulacyon make semblant to consent to some good work, but they haue an other thought and cursed will at heart. And so had the said Matabrūe, for she ceased not to murmur in herself against the said marriage,& malignousli thought alway to put therein some diversity,& seperacion. But not withstanding this the feast was not deferred. For the night before the day of weddinge for the honour& magnificence of the good king Oriant and of his noble love Beatrice were made moriskes, comedies, dances, interludes,& al maner of joyous sports in the kings palace, whereas were many great princes and knights of renown Pipes, taborins, dourimers, fidles, organs, psaltries, clauicordes,& many other instruments there was in great nombre swooning al songs of armony. On the morrow the king was had to the church accompanied of many great princes and lords, in so great triumph& honour that it may not be recited. And in likewise was appareled the noble lady Beatrice& conduited of many noble ladies& damosels pages with diuers liueraies, as well of the kings as the queens. In such wise that at the conioyninge of this noble marriage was made al singular& inestimable solimpnite in the church. The mass done every man returned to the palace royal, where they were received in open court for to take their rejection. And ther were all the assestent is served of diuers dilicates& veni●o●● of wines& of al noueltees as plenteously as they coul● wish. And there presently for the honour of the noble king Oriant eueriche of the company efforced them to do honour and service to the noble queen Beatrice, th● which was so pleasant& acceptable to all the people that eachone praised her. And in likewise were made the sam●daye many other new games,& service to all honours. Than after with all mirth& sown of trumpetes& other armonious instruments, the mighti king Oriant& the noble queen Beatrice his wife lay together. And on the morrow was yet made great joy& exultacion of al other new pastimes, In this estate lasted the feast& solemnnite of the marriage long space in great abundance o gifts, largess of goods,& sumptuousness of services in such maner that of long time had not be sene semblable feast, to the pleasure of every man. But the said Matabrune murmured alway in herself bi wicked detraccion, which she put sith in effect. And yf she made any cheer at the said feast it was by false semblant and maner of doing, for unjustly and wrongfully she conspired alway some evil vpon the noble queen Beatrice.   

¶ How the mighty king Oriant espoused the notable Beatrice, the which conceived of him .vi. sons and a daughter at one burden. Ca. iiii.  
 
chamber royal she saw a woman in the street that bare to christening two children that an other woman had conceived and born at one time. And than familiarily she called the king of whom she was right well beloved& said. Sir I greatly meruai●e me of a thing that I see yonder. And whereof sweet love said the king. Of ●i. children said she that a woman hath contained at one time, which I see yonder born to christening, me seemeth that it is difficile for a woman to conceive two children without having the company of two men. Sweet love said the king, yes right well, put away the opinion to your mind. For by the will of god& after nature a woman may conceive of one man to the nombre of .xii. children at ones, naturally formed, and perfect. The which words precedent is compared full dearly the forenamed queen, by the false and malignus Matabrune. And it is so often sene fortune, that it is better to be stil than to speak evil, whereof the sage saith. That a great speaking is seldon seen pronounced, without to haue any fault, whereby he saith after that he never repented him of to little speech. But al things promised the king Orient and queen Beatrice loved well together. Than it happened with in a while after that tidings came unto the king that some of his enemies had destroyed and slain of his folk, and all ready had conquered of his lands bi war. And that soon enough& easily they had moeued to entre many princes. But what tidings so ever he had, he made no ●emblaunt to resist against his contraries. For he was in such wife enprised& taken in the love of his wife that after the tidings he was about .vi. month that he could in no wise leave her, n● purvey any thing for the said affairs, wherbi fina●l● his enemies came so farforth in his lands that bi constraint he was driven to prepaire men of war& to live his spouse. And consequently he made to dissemble his chivalry to thende that without delay they might be redy to accompany him in his warres against his enemies the which was done at his commandment. Than saw he the time that his wife approached to be delivered, wherefore beningneli he called Matabrum his mother for to be to her as to command& said, My lady mother ye see that I am constrained to depart for to go war vpon mi enemies. Ye know also that in likewise of the grace of god my wife hath conceived& is great with child, wherefore I pray you if it please you of your benign grace to haue her for recommaunded in al her singular affairs, praying you also that in mine absence ye take and keep her as your daughter in showing you to be her mother, And I believe in the pleasure of god that she will haue you in honour& reverence as mother and obey you as your daughter. Ye se that she is mecke as adoue, soft& amiable as a lamb, prudent and virtuous as is possible, wherefore I recommend her to you as she that knoweth the great love that is conjoined between us two, and as to mi parte I ween that never man loved woman more than I love her. Ye know also the danger that might come to a woman big with child as she is wherefore if bi your default any inconvenient cam to her I should not be glad ne content with you. Ye haue folk of all estates at your pleasure for to command thē to do all the service& help that to her shal be requisite. Therfore madam I put& leave her all in your keeping& solicitude Mi faire son said Matabrune thou knowest that what pleaseth thee, to me is agreeable, and all thi will is mine wherefore thou mayst well know that I shall keep thy wife the queen as my singular daughter,& better than mi selfe. Thou mayst in likewise wit that I am she that wolde be most heavy and soroful if any harm came to her. And therfore doubt not but that I shal diligentli do thi pleasure, for I love her with al mi heart for gracious and noble maintene that I se in her dayli increase, therfore take no thought. well madam said he, I thank you and totally put her in your grace, wherefore in saying adewe I take my leave humbly at you. Now go said she god be thi guide. And thus the king departed from the said Matabrun his mother, whose words were not accordaunt to her deeds, for they were al but abuse& false simulacion, like as vntruely she shewed bi her curssednes Than after the king cam to take leave of his noble spouse and in weeping tenderly spake long with her,& than took an amerous leave of her, in kissing her beningnely so that she fell down in a swonne. And he took her up amiably m●king a great lamentation and sorrow. And at her awaking in weeping bi her were made many complaints, the which were so prudently ordained that al the nobles knights& barons wept profoundly in beholding her for pity that they had at heart. And than the kissed each other right curtessi, taking a cardial leave with out power to speak any more for sorrow. Than he took leave of her& of the other ladies& damoysells, and with out any more tarieng mounted on horse beck, for to go to his people against his enemies, where as he did many faire valiantines▪ and diuers great and noble feats of armis.   

¶ How king Oriant took leave of the noble queen Beatrice his spouse. And how the false and perverse Matabrune composed& machined with another matron to commise crime& treason toward the said noble queen Beatrice. Ca. v.  
 
when the nobie king had thus taken his leave of his spouse& of many other of his friends he went to the war for to be fight his enemies the paynims& to sustain the faith catholic of god, and to defend his land. But of his noble feats of arms that he with his knights and many other might do in the said war as true knights of all mighty god,& of the victory that they obtained as now I shall leave to speak any further to thende that I may return to speak of the effect of the matter And also the more sooner to come without prolixite to the ture chronicles and miraculou● histories, of the which I pretend to make singular m●cion. And consequentli procede unto the deduccion of this present book containing diuers noble feats and notable virtues worthy of memory& high recommendacions as after this declared. So it happened that after the departing of king Oriant& that he was out of the limits of lilefort with al his army& excercite, the right cursed matabrune considering the ab●●n●e of her son began to compass the treason& evil that she had conspired to do unto the noble queen Beatrice. And for to come unto her damnable& cursed will she sent for the midwife that was chosen and deputed to receive of women the children that ben born on earth. The which midwife cam incontinent at her sending. To whom Matabrune said. Mi friend I haue sent for you for a certain secret that I haue to tell you& declare under maner of confession. And therfore ye shal swear& promise to me your faith that never to any creature living ye shal discover mi secret,& that that I intend to tell you. But if you will consent& do it in keeping to me faith and promiss I shall give to you so much gold& silver that you nor none of yours shal never haue default ne need of goods. And fe● ◇〉 more. I shal help you to mary your children and fre●des highly and honourably, when the old midwife heard the promises that Matabrune made to her she consented to her cursed desire saying. certainly madam ye may alway say& command me as to your servant, and I promise you mi faith that any thing what soever it be never to do person living shall it be discovered. Therefore may that I shall do as if it were in confession. And verily said Matabrun yf ye do so mi desire I shall hold to you that I haue promised, wherefore in trusting to your words I shal recite unto you mi secret,& that that I pretend to do Ye know& it is true how my son king Oriant hath taked the queen Beatrice that present is to his wife, that which was but a simplo gentle woman as ye well know And ye wote well that he might haue had& may, one richer& more noble of blood without comparison than she is, seeing& considering the magnifike and excellent lineage whereof he is sprung. But his said wife hath so enchained& bound him in her lines that he may neither eat, drink ne rest, but if he be alway bi her,& to make short tale, when his enemies were comen into his land for to endamage him for nothing cold he leave her, in any wise to resist thē for his defence▪ wherefore I wolde that you and I had advised singularly to turn his heart fro the love of her,& set her in so great indignation of him that he may aquaint him with some other high& noble lady& mary her. Now ye se that this queen is great with child, wherefore more easily may we cause this diversity& seperacion of his love by some maner. madam said the false old matron, even as you please to devise of this matter I accord me to your will, and if you seem it good I shal make her to waste& sle the child within her body,& than I shal certify to the king that she wolde haue it slain. friend? said Matabrune I had thought another means more expedient& that should be of right great abominacion& horror to the king as I shall show you the maner, ye se that she is meruailousli big, wherefore it is to be presupposed that she shal haue two or three children, therfore when it cometh to the term of her deliverance that shalbe shortly ye shal come to her& bi faint semblant make maner to present& offer you al to her service. And when she shalbe delivered of her children ye shal give thē to me secretly for to transport thē. And I shal ordain as many young whelps that I shal make to be taken from under some bitche that hath newli whelped,& by this maner she shall give her to understand the the hath born them,& that they ben issued of her body whereby after we may make her, the king, and all the other barons to believe that she had the company of some dog the which hath engendered the said whelps, bi the which we shall come to our desire without any contradiccion. For I haue one my faithful servant that I haue nourished of youth to whom I shall secretelye give the thildren as soon as they be born,& at mine only commandment he shal go and cast them into the river of whom shal never be mention. And I promise you madam said the false old matron that I shal do even as it pleaseth you to aduerte and show me, by so cautelus and subtle maner that the work shall seem to be sure& notarious like as bi our entendement ye haue devised.   

¶ How the queen Beatrice childe● naturally .vi. fair sons and a daughter, the which in their birth brought each of them a chain of silver miraculously wrought at their necks. Ca. vi.  

queen beatrice,  
matabru●   
when the time limited and ordained of almighti god approached that the noble& goodly queen Beatrice should be delivered after the course of nature, ●he false matron aforesaid went and delibered in herself to execute& put in effect her mangnus or most wicked purpose& the cursed treason the which bi the exhortement and counseile of the perverse& in grace Matabrune she had consented for to prepare and do against the said noble queen Beatrice& her poor innocent children, the which neuerthelsse were miraculousli kept& preserved fro death bi the divine grace and halcyon of our saviour Iesu christ, as it shalbe said here after. And so than at the hour determined that the noble Beatrice felt her oppression with grief of childinge incontinent the said false old midwife was sent for. The which when she was comen by false semblant reasoned the noble queen of her affairs as in such case is accustomed. And she declared to her all the trouth& how she felt her oppressed sore. Than the said matron by feigned blandisshinges gave her good courage in making semblant to expose her al to her service, for that she knew that the hour approached to accomplish her cursed intent. And forthwith was sē for matabrune the which all redy had prepaired the whelps for to perform the reason. But she comen made m●ners of great wealth to the said noble queen Beatrice. And suddenly in great pain and traiuable of body sh● childed .vi. sons and a faire daughter, at whose birt● each of thē brought a cain of silver about their neck● issuing out of their mothers womb. In which was v●tuousli demonstred the pure& singular dignity of the n●ble mother& her child, and that god wolde vpon then extend his divine grace. But the evil& detestable herts enforce thē alway to pervert& totally adnichil al good works. And when Matabrune saw the .vii. little children born having eachone a chain of silver at neck, she made thē lightli& secreteli to be born a side by her chamberer of her teaching, and than took the .vii. little dogges that she had prepared, and all bloody laid them under the queen in maner as they had issued of her body. And anon the matron or midwife began to escrie with an high voice saying. Ha lady queen here is a great& marvelous mischief that to you is presently comen. For I haue received .vii. stinking dogges the which be issued of your body bi an horroure over detestable. Matabrun in likewise endeavoured her on the other side to approve the said injury( bi her commised& purpensed) saienge, Take away lightly this infamite& make to bear this foulness of dogges into the fields,& that eachone hold secret this mischief& enorm forfeit in such maner that for the honour& reverence of misonne it never be known ne discovered to any that liveth.¶ Now it is not to be doubted that the noble queen Beatrice to whom had be done this injurious treason ne was at that hour greatly travailed& vexed of her body so to haue childed .vii. children at one burden, for a woman is often sore pained to bear one all onely. wherefore she was as dead in her childing& apparceiued nothing of the said treason that was to ●er done. But when she was comen again to herself having somewhat more vigoure than she had before, the false matabrune began to cast an eye on her by a false& cursed regard more mortal than of a Baselike, and reproved her of the fault that herself had made& commised arguing her without a cause& said. O vnhappi& miserable woman full of shameful harlotri. Here is the midwife that presently hath received .vii. dogges of your body, that which I haue made to be born to the fields for to hide ●●orrour & infection of your enorm sin. And therfore confess here your dede& declare to us if ye haue had company& habitation with any dog whereof this prosedeth and we shall keep your counsel. And when the noble queen heard these words she was so sorrowful that she swooned nere for anguish. And after that her courage was a little renewed she prayed Matabrune pitiouslye to show her that, that she said to be issued of her body. And incontinent she made to show her the .vii. whelps that she had ordained for to do the treason, whereof the noble queen wept and sobbed profundly in bearing her culp beholding thē in axing mercy for that she had not done. But that notwithstanding the false Matabrune alway redargued her in approprieng the crime to her saying. vnhappi woman thou ought to be brent when thou hast willed to conceive with a dog. Ha madam said she I thought it never, ne the case never happened me. And therfore I pray you give me no more great matter of sorrow than I suffer presentli, but thanked be god mi creator sith that it pleaseth him to be thus. For it is yet in his might to transmut me or any other that him pleaseth into some dumb beast and that, that pleaseth him ought to please vs. Than departed the false Matabrune, and the wicked matron bi faint simulacion made semblaunte to recomfort her saying. Alas madam take not so much sorrow that ye be not worse therfore, for if it please god we shall do in such wise that your noble spouse king orient in no wise shal haue cognicion. And it shalbe kept ●o secret that no slander shall come therof. Ha sweet love said the good queen, never will the king take any consolation with me, for he will charge me of this offence without ever to pardon me,& will judge me culpable of deaeh. But if it pleased his grace to assign mi poor life in sume religion for ever to serve god and do penance for my sins, alas I wolde take it in patience and pray for him, and put pain to appease the ire of god which I so stretched on me, wherefore I pray you humbly that ye will require mi lady that she will impetret his grace of the king mi faithful spouse. And thus suffered the good queen anguish on all sides. For she was betrayed of them which made maner to be sorrowful and haue compassion of her mischief, and of thiniuries that themself had made bi their untrue courages.   

¶ How marks bare the .vii. children into a foreste and left them on his mantell. Ca. vii.  
AND after that the false old woman had parfet& done their treason that they had enterprised as said is Matabrune called a squire of hers name marks& said, marks my true secretary it behoveth that presently ye do me a service the which I shall declare to you. madam said he it is well reason that I obey to you, for I haue received mi wealth& honour of your grace only, wherefore know that I shal accomplish with right good heart that that ye please to command me. Now marks said she mi friend it behoveth that to me ye be true& secret in that I haue to do with you, for it must not be known ne revealed to no person that liveth vpon pain of your life. And also if ye hid& keep it secret I shal give you goods enough. Lady said marks command what it pleaseth you, I {pro}mise you to be true& loyal. It is of trouth said Matabrūe that the queen of late hath childed .vi. sons& a daughter, that which children hath brought each of thē a chain of silver about their necks, which me seemeth an evil sign& that in their age veril& descret they may be murderers or thieves, wherefore I haue advised that it is better to drown thē or make thē to die in their child hood than to haue a greater slander at the last& to eschew the sorrow that he might haue had I haue given her to understand that .vii. little dogges ben issued of her body, that which I haue made to slay& cast into the fields And I prai you on my peril and my will to take the .vii. children& go kill them or cast them in some river, in such wise that never be tidings of them. lady said that marks it shal be done wholly as ye haue pleased to ordain me,& I {pro}mise you that of these .vii children shal never be any nencion. And than at the commandment of matabrune marks mounted on his horse,& took that .vii. childred as he was ordained, that which he took& wrapped in his mantell& in a great hast transported them out of the city of Lilefort. And when he was 'bout .x. mile out of the said city he entred into a foreste he was inspired with the grace of god for to descend of his horse,& to behold how the poor children did. And when he was defended he laid them in the said plain upon his mantle, and than began for to behold them. And when he saw thē so faire so pleasant,& so well formed he had great pity at his heart,& considered in himself that sith that they had brought those chaīes of silver out of their mothers womb that god hath chosen& ordained them to some perfection of wealth and excellent honour. And thus as bi love& benignity he beheld these poor children they began all to laugh& to behold him sweetli. And than he was in such wise moeued with pity& compassion that he delibered in himself to do thē no harm but by himself commanded thē into the holy guard halcyon& mercy of god in manner of speaking to them saying. now I pray to god fair children that he will keep& preserve you from al evil and encombraunce by his holy benign grace and that shortly be confounded all your enemies,& the false old witch that hath sent you hither for to purchase your death and destruction. Alas poor children it grieveth me sore for to leave you here in this place as desolate, wandered& abandoned of your blood. But I hope that he that hath will lead to creat& form you in your good mothers body will not leave you dispurueyed, and fare ye well to god I command you children, for I shall se you nevermore. And thus amyably took the said marks leave of the .vii. little children the which at his departing took them in his arms and pitiousli kissed them in weeping tenderly with salt tears. And than he returned to Lilefort making much sorrow inwardly for them.   

¶ How the .vii. children were found in the foreste by a devout hermit name Helyas. Ca. viii.  
 
INcontinent after that he had thus taken his leave of the children he returned to lilefort where as the perverse Matabrūe came to fore to meet him for to know tidings of her cursed will saying. Now my friend marks haue ye done mi commandment of the .vii. children as I bad you. Madam said he, know you that ye shal never haue tidings of thē for I haue al to hewed their membres and casted thē in the river. And she said mi friend ye haue done well and I shall reknoledge the pleasure or it be long. For that ye haue ben faithful to me I shall content you well. And when my son king Oriant shalbe returned I shal do so much toward him that he shall make to die his espouse whereof mi heart shalbe glad, and I shalbe avenged to my gree. And with these words departed matabrune and the forenamed marks one fro the other.  
¶ Thus leave we to speak of thē,& return to speak of the children that which were in the foreste dolorouslye wailing and as all dead for hunger. But by the grace divine of god ther came into that place an holy and devout hermit name Helias, the which had his habitation in the said foreste. And when he apperceived the .vii poor little children there abandoned& weeping for hunger: he had so great sorrow at his heart that he wept for pity and compassion to behold them, wherefore he took& lapped thē tenderly in his mantle& with al their chains at their necks he bare thē into the li●le house of his hermitage,& there he warmed and sustened them of his poor goods as well as he could.   

¶ How the good& devout hermit prayed to our lord for the aid and succour of the .vii. poor children, whose prayers were exalted. Ca. ix  
 
AFter that the good hermit had done his possibility to sustain& rechaufe the .vii. little children of the noble queen Beatrice to him unknown. He seeing the indigent puerylite of them had great fear that they should die for fault of natural food and had none hope but only in the marcie of god. And than for them he made his prayers saying humbly sovereign god almighty very rector& gobernatour of all things that by thy divine grace willed ●o repast the children of Israel in desert with manna of heaven And that in like wise sustained the good prophet Daniel in the pit of Lions And that also sithence in the new testament hast repasted five thousand men beside the women and chldren with five barley loues and two fishes I supply thee and require humbly that bithi biti, mercy and sweetness it pleaseth thee to repast and sustain these .vii. poor little children that which ●i thi grace I haue found naked and dei●ge for hunger in this foreste, to th'end that when thou hast nourished them they may devoutly serve and honour thee as thou knowest. And incontinent was exalted to the orison of the devout hermit before god, for miraculously there came into his house a faire white goat, the which beningnely came nere to the .vii. little children in presenting to them her milk, and ther she gave them suck naturally as their nurse. And than the good hermit knew clearly that god had vertously sent her for the nourisshing and sustentation of the poor little children that he had founden, whereof he thanked god greatly of his divine sauitude. And thus this white goat gave milk sufficiently to them and than returned to the wood. And so long she gave thē suck that they began to gro and wax somewhat strong and followed her in the wood and about the hermitage.   

¶ Howe the .vii. children were miraculuslie nourished of a white goat sent bi goddes grace. And how Matabrune accused falsely the good queen Beatrice to king Oriant her spouse. Ca. x  
 
when the foresaid children were come to age of puerilete the devout hermit Helyas made and appropried to each of them a cote of leaves of the trees or of such as he could get. And so they went playing with in the foreste where as they gathered fruit to eat with their bread, for in that point were they nourished under the grace of god, and by the diligence of the good hermete which with good heart administered the bread of the almesses given to him. Now it happened by space of time that king Oriant their father returned victorious out of the war that he had against his eneiems when he left his good queen big of the vii children abandoned of their blood, And when the false old Matabrūe knew that the good king Oreant her son was comen she went against him making the good mother& feigning as she wolde weep she began to say for to accomplish her fiers courage. A my most dear son ye be right heartily welcome. I am all joyful that ye be returned in joy and health accompanied of your barons But on the other parte my heart is so heavy& sorry for your wife and for that is to her happened the little lacketh that it ne breaketh. And when the king heard her speak so he was as abashed and said, why madam is ther any harm come to my wife, is she dead or how. Ha my son said she nay: but the case is much more enorm the which I may not ne dare not well reher●e for the horror and abhomynacion of the dead, And also I had lever that an other tel it you than I for it is well known of al your servants forsooth said the king yf ●ny ●uyll be happened it is more decent& conuenable that ye tel me t●ā an other with whom I should be angry, Ha my child sith it pleaseth you so I shal tel you, but it grieveth mi heart for the honour of you& yours Know ye that when ye departed fro this country I thuoght that your wife had conceived a child of you, but she had conceived of a dog the which is a foul sine. For here is the midwyfe that hath received .vii. little dogs of her body the which I haue made to kill and be casten in the fields for to undo the slander, wherefore ye ought to make her die and cast in a fire And the matron was with her for to approve the lie. And when the king heard these words affirmed by false tongues he had so great sorrow at his heart that none might haue more. And bi great despite he demanded where that she was. And Matabrune said that she was recluse in her chamber, unfixed she durst not come for shane of hir villainous dead. And than the king entred into a chamber with one of his knights& began inwardly discomforted to say. Alas what is happened to me. Alas what dolour is this, hath mi wife conceived .vii. dogges. Hath she abandoned her to brute beasts she that I thought had be the honour& beauty of al ladies. Hath she betrayed me that I loved more than ever man loved woman. Am I bi her dishonoured and brought to confusion in mi realm. Why hath not god advanced my daies where as I was vpon mine enemies. I was well born in an unhappy hour for to se now this obprobre. Alas who shal counsel me Mi god almighti help me, for I require no more to approach her that I haue so much loved. In this sharp anguish reconforted him the knight in the beste wise that he might. But he was so inwardli disconforted that he laid him on a bed where as he fell on sleep for sorrow& melancholy. On that other part was the noble queen Beatrice in an other chambre where as she made no less sorrow than her noble spouse. Than came to her a squire that long time had served her,& declared to her al the maner howe king Oriant was returned fro the war, whereof she was greatly abashed, and asked the squire if in an●e wise she had ben spoken of. And he answered yea?& recited to her al how the perverce Matabrune, and the false and disloyal matron had told& affirmed to the noble king Oriant of her fait. And than she began for to make her complaint to almighti god& his glorious mother saying right sweat lady and sacred mayden mother of the saviour and redemptor Iesu christ what sign might I haue commysed toward thy dere son Iesu christ that .vii. dogges bē issued out of my body wherbi I haue lost the love of my husband the most pleasant& the best that ever woman might haue chosen. Alas common king Iesus christ that for to wash the crimes& offences of all poor sinners hath shed wather and blood fro your precious fid whereof your most worthy mother received so great dolour at her heart I beseech you that it will please you to cleanse, wash, and purge me of all my sins and crimes that ever I commised against you. And as truly as ye comforted your sweat mother the day of your holy resurrection, when first& before all other ye shewed you to her in body impassable and glorified and consequently to the other holy ladies& to your most happy apostles I beseech you humbly that ye will recomfort your servant inding to requir you, and to restablisshe her to the good grace and love of her true husband and spouse to whom she never thought to do wrong ne offence in any maner And thus she abode heui& sorrowful in her chamber incessauntly requiring our sweet saviour Iesu christ& the glorious Virgin Mary his right worthy mother for to impetre and get mercy.   

¶ How king Oriant assembled his counsel for to know bi what maner ought to entreat the queen his wife the which wrongfuliy and without cause was injuried of the paruers Matabrune mother to king Oriant. Ca. xi  
 
THe king Oriant being reposed in melancholy as it is said made me incontinent to assemble his counsel, that is to wit Dukes, erles, knights and other lords of renown, with the bishop and prelate of the church. And when they were al assembled in the consistory the king arose& began to speak in saying. Faire lords I haue made you all to assemble in this place for to discute of a matter, that which to me is heui& grievous to support. It is of truth notorily that sith my returning it is shewed to me& affirmed that my wife that which ye know during mi voyage hath be delivered of .vii. little whelps, which she hath conceived of a dog, as it is presupposed, wherefore it were shane to me if ever I return to her by copulacion carnal. And I will that bi your aduise this maner be consulted,& howe I may acheue it. And for to answere of this matter was prefrred, the bishop that said. Sir king under correction of you& mi lords here present I shal say as be seemeth of that, that is proposed hereof the queen your noble spouse that which is said to haue conceived .vii. dogges, me seemeth that bi iustice she ought not to receive death. And here is the reason wherefore. It is possible that in her sleep be comen to her some beast that hath done her this outrage without her knowledge& consent, wherefore she is in nothing culpable. And fertermore your noble person hath touched often●imes to hers after that constitution of the sacrament of marriage. wherefore me seemeth under reverence that ye ought not consent to her death, but howbeit ye may make her diligently to be kept in some honest place bi maner of prison,& of the surplus let the iudgement to god that is the true judge& only retribuer of good& evil,& the trouth shall finabli be known apartly. Of this counsel the king was somewhat consoled in his heart, for he had alway a certain love to his wife. But after that arose another knight having a fiers Lions courage saying there against what sir wolde ye leave this woman thus seing that dishonour& shane that she hath done to you? yf she be but a loneli put in prison ye may never mari you to another wife& bi consequence this pusaunt realm should be left with out heir of your body. Bi the which thing considered if I were believed she should be brent in a great fire, as it is well known that she hath enough deserved it,& than ye might mari a more noble lady than she is, that which would appease the sorrow that he haue for this. Of this coumsel king Oriant was not over glad, but without shewing great semblant as he that desired to save the body of the good queen concluded this matter saying. Now lords I shal tel you in giuing you aduertence, if it so were that she be culpable of death yet haue I vowed& againe ward made promise to god that she being dead or alive never to espouse other wife, for ony treasours or realms that any man living may give or habandon to me and thus I certify it you. Than al the nobles and great lords of the asistence concluded with a comune accord that it was convenable bi this maner that she held aloneli prison in likewise as the bishop had delibered. And at their advice the king ordained two of his knights that they should put the queen his wife into some gracious prison and that she should be honestly served& administered of meate& drink as to her noble estate appertained and that they should charge her for to pray to god for him,& to advertise her how he had preserved& defended her from death And when the cruel Matabrun had known the deliberacion of the bishop she spake to him reuerentli,& greatly injured him for his counseile that he had given to save the queens life. After that came the to knights to the noble queen Beatrice and benignly at the commandment of the king and his counsel put her in a faire chamber bi maner to hold prison and there they revealed to her al that had ben said and ordined bi the said counseyl. And how the king had defended her from peril,& yet moreover had commanded to entreat her honistly and that she should pray to god for him, whereof greatly she thanked& praised god which seeing the case wherein she wend to be culpable had saved his life. And thus patiently in wepinges she abode in prison. But she recommaunded her oft to the king thanking him of his grace done to her for the offence to her imposed, wherbi she was obliged for ever to pray to god for him. And also she recommended her humbli to god& to the glorious virgin mary in al her needs abiding long in that place shitte, tell that one of her sons name Helias delivered her out of prison as it shalbe said here after.   

¶ How the devout hermit Helias baptized the .vii. little children in his hermitage. Ca. xii.  
 
FOr this time we shal leave to speak of the noble king Oriant and of the noble queen Beatrice his true and faithful spouse for some thing right dign and worthy of memory that I hope to say of their .vii. little children esclaues, nourished, and alimented in the poor house of the good holy and devout hermit name Helias.¶ After that the .vii. children were nourished and alaced of the said white goat miraculously sene of god as before is rehearsed. The above said devout hermit to th'end that they should be acceptable to god bi the virtue of washing in the holy water sacramental made them to be baptized and christened at his good will and pleasure. And of the said .vii. little children there was one among the other the which to him was right beauteous and agreeable& that pleased him much, the which he name and called Helias after his own name. And when that they were in the age of their pleasant& fresh green yongth they reane all about sporting and playing in the said foreste about the trees and flowers only clad and habitued with poor roots made of green leaves of the trees of the said foreste, and were barefeted euerichone without ony covering vpon their heads in cold and heat,& in this estate went they alway together the one with the other.   

¶ How one of the yomen of the hunt of the perverse matabrune found the .vii. children in the said foreste, that which told of them to Matabrune. Ca. xiii  
 
VPon a time it fortuned that a yeoman of Matabrunes hunt name Sauarie went for to chase and hunt in the said foreste in the which dwelled the devout hermit Helias. Than almighti god our lord willed that the said ye man should find the said children of the noble king Oriant& of the good qeuene Beatrice his wife. The which children sat under a three eachone having a chain of silver as it is said, under the said three they gathered wild appelles& eat them with bread. The yomā beholded thē gladly,& salved them beningnely,& they answered nothing but ran away before him. Than he sued& ran after thē unto the hermitage, the better& singularly to know& consider their estate& their maner. And when the good hermitte saw the yeoman renning after the .vii. children he salved him and said. Good friend I pray you for the love of god that ye do no harm to these poor children. Nay for god good father said he. But I am greatly admeruailed to consider their estate,& of the silver chains that I see about their necks. My friend said the good aermite know ye for truth that even so as ye see I found them as young children new born in this foreste. And for to nourisshe them miraculously came into this pleace a white goat, the which hath well sustained and given them her tetes to suke her milk the space of three yeres. And also to my power I haue also diligently kept them winter and summer. Faire father said the yomā god yeld you good retribucion,& than he departed fro the holy hermit, in taking leave benignly of him and of the .vii. children. And when that yeoman was returned to Lilefort he went and salved Matabrune and to her recounted how he had found .vii. young children in the foreste having chains of silver about their necks, the which were sitting under a tre in gathering of wild apple. Of whose words matabrune was greatly admeruailed, wherefore she inquired of him diligently the truth. And when she understood him she wist well that they were the .vi. sons& the daughter that the noble queen Beatrice had born& conceived of king Oriant. The which bi her wickedness she wende to haue made to die, but god our sovereign helper that alway saveth thē that he hath choose, had kept them from all harms under his holy halcyon for he is that just judge strong& patient the which abideth the ire of his vengeance unto the hour bi him ordained And ye ought to wit that Matabrune was full sorry& pertourbed of these tidings, wherefore she called secretly the said yeoman& said. Come hither my friend I would not for no treasure but that I had heard these tidings that thou hast brought. But if that wilt haue my grace& that I give the great goods it behoveth thou take such fellows with thee as thou wilt, and forthwith go& slea that .vii. children that thou hast found in the foreste. And if thou do it not at mi pleasure and commandment I promise thee& be thou sure that I shal make thee die an evil death. But if thou obey me be thou also sure that I shall reward thee& thi fellows in such wise that ye shall never haue need, madam 〈◇〉 the yeoman I shall do your desire,& I promise you to 〈◇〉 them without doubt, so that ye shal know it expressly. ●●ll than said she it sufficeth, go and do your diligence. 〈◇〉 than Matabrune full of woodness and furoure came to ●ur●es that she had first ordained for to bear the .vii. lit●●●●●dren out of Lilefort& to make them die or to drown 〈…〉 a river, that which he had not done for pity that he had to behold them when he left them in the foreste, and put out his eyen and handled him so that many wende that he had be dead.   

¶ How at the commandment of Matabrune an hounds man name savary came for to slea the .vii. little children of king Oriant unknown in the foreste, where as they were transmued into tens. Ca. xiiii  
 
AT the commandment 〈◇〉 the ne●uers Matabrune her yeoman or hounds man name savary took .vii. fellows strong& mighti with him for to but in execution that, that unto them was commanded for to slea the .vii. children of the noble king Oriant& his good spouse Bea●rice. And so as the said yeoman and his fellows passed bi ● village they saw much people assembled. wherefore they ●●ew nere. And when they were approached Sauarie de●aunded wherefore they were so assembled. And they answered for to see a woman executed and brent by Iustice. And wherefore said savary, what harm hath she done And they said for that she hath murdered& slain the child that she bare in her own bely. Than sauarie departed thence, and by those words remenbred the execution and the murder that he went to do on the .vii. small children of the king& of the queen, whereby he was much efmayed and began to refrain his courage& that which he had undertaken to do in saying to his fellows. My brethren& fellows here is a fair glass or spectacle for vs. Howe said they? Haue ye not seen said he that these people go for to do Iustice& put to death that unhappy woman for that she hath murdered& slain that child that she bare in her own body. And therfore faire friends ye wot that my lady matabrune hath sent us hither for to go occise& put to death vii. faire little children the which the other day I found in the mids of the foreste, eachone of them having a fa●●e chain of silver at his neck, but cursed be he of God and confounded may he be that any harm shall do to them. behold this woman that they go to brenne& execute for one only child that she hath murdered and was her own Consider we than what punition might renne to us for to put to death the .vii. children of the which I haue spoken, the which to us ne to her that commandeth canno● hinder nor b●re any damage. sir hounds man said his fellows ye spake wiseli, and we be al of the same aduis● They shall haue no harm said he: but this wee may do for to appease& content the insatiable iniquity of the perverce Matabrun●, we shall go to the .vii. children& take al onely the chains of silver that ben at their necks,& than here them to the cursed matabrune& make her to believe that we haue slain and put thē to death by the tokens of the said chains. To the which thing accordid his fellows as good& true counceile. And thus delibered they entred into the foreste& came unto the little hermitage where as were dwelling the said little children with the devout hermit Helias. But at that hour they ne found but .vi. of the said children, for the good hermit was gone to ask meate in the villages there about& hadled with him his godson one of the vii. children for to bear the bread and such as was given to him in the country for food of him and the .vii. unknown children. And when the hounds man Sauari and his fellows came nere the .vi. children abiden in the hermytage they set hands on them& took them for to take away the chains of silver that each of them had at their necks, but the poor children began to cry piteously for fear that they had. Than said savary. Doubt you of nothing faire children, for we shall do you no harm if it please God. And in this saying: they took the chains of their necks. And as soon as their chains were of they were al transmued in an instant in faire white tens by the divine grace,& began to flee in the air through the foreste making a piteous& lamentable cry, whereof savary and his fellows were so afraid t fel to the earth as in a swonne. And when they were ●isen in trimblinge all for fear they said one to another alas what haue we found here? veri God comfort us, what meaneth this that those .vi. children ben transmu●ed into tens? Ha false, disloyal,& traytresse Matabrune by thee haue we over grievously offenced god. And bi thee haue we merited right grievous punition, cursed be that that ever the sent us hither into this foreste so to commit this grievous offence& evil. depart we hence said sauarie for all to long haue we ben here, we haue founden but vi. of the children but if the other were here present he should haue no harm of us ne displeasure. return we lightli without showing to ony of this marvelous adventure. But for to render answer of our commission to that cursed& perverce Matabrūe we shal bear to her these .vi. chains of silver and shal give her to understand that we haue lost one by the way as were turned. And thus they ben departed out of the foreste& ben returned to Lylefort where as they haue found matabrune, to whom they haue certified to haue slain the .vii. children,& for a witness they her presented the .vi. chains that they had about their necks. And haue given her to understand that they had lost one by the way, whereof Matabrune nigh enraged and waxed mad for anger that they had not brought al seven and in her woodness reproved and threatened thē sharpli But for to haue peace they promised and offered to her to yield& restore, the value therof, whereof she somewhat contented her,& gave them some reward for their travail. And when Matabrūe had that said chains: she sent to seek for a goldsmith to whom she commanded to make a cup of the chains. And as the goldsmith had put one in the fire to approve the silver: it multiplied in such maner that it alone melted weighed as much and more than all the .vi. together whereof the said goldesmyth& all his meinie had great marvel and were all abashed, wherefore the said gyldesmith gave the five other chains of silver unto his wife for to keep and set apart with in her chamber or coffre. For the said only chain the which he had so melted was sufficient for to make two such cups as that, that Matabrune had ordained him to make So he forged two cups of that which he withheld one for himself with the .v. other chains of silver that he kept till a certain time ordained of god as ye shal hear. And than he brought the other and presented it to Matabrūe that was all admeruayled how he might haue forged a cup so great& materyall as it was of so little silver as she seemed to haue given, but there as God list to work nothing abideth impossible to his divine will.   

¶ How the good hermit Helyas returned to his hermitage with his godson one of king orient sones, and found not the other children transmued into white tens. Ca. xv.  
 
FOr to ensue the original of that I haue entreprysed to writ I shal return to speak of the devout hermit Helyas& of his godson one of king orient sons, and of the patient queen beatrice. It is to be known that anon after that the .vii. children were transmued into white tens returned into the hermitage the abovesaid hermit& his godson Helias, that which found not the .v. sons and the daughter that they had left there when they departed whereof they were meruaylosly displeasaunte. And than they began to call them with hye voice within the foreste, but none answered. The good hermit sought on the one side, and his godson on the other side on all partes of the foreste as long as the day lasted, but they found them not wherefore they ceased not to make great dole and sorrow all the night long. And on the morrow young Helyas began again to seek his brethren and his sister weeping and wailing dolorouslye as all discomforted through the foreste. And so long he went hither and thither that he arrived nigh to a st●●ge or pond where as he saw .vi fair tens all white swimmyng on the water, the which were his bretheren and sister so transmued by the will of god but it was unknown to him, how well the naturally he took pleasure to behold them, wherefore he approached to thē& they came and feested him,& he gave them bread that he had and stroked plain their 〈◇〉 with his hand by nature that moeued him thereto. And as it is notably recited in the chronicle of this present history the said young Helyas their brother went to visit them every day, and did bear them to eat of the bread that was given to him for goddes sake. And when the hermit had apperceived him diuers times so going to the said stagne he demanded him why he went so diligently theither to sport him. And he prayed him not to be displeased, for he had found .vi. fair white tens the which made the greatest cheer that was possible to see. Now was the said Helias so faire big, and well formed of body and membres that his godfather that good hermit took a singular pleasure for to behold him, for he was as perfect in his adolence that he seemed almost a man viril in his force. He ne knew his pareyl in prudence of understanding. There was not a wild beast but he took lightly bi renewing. He was honest and well mannered in all his gestes, and well attempred in his force and noble hardiness, and all bi thintusion of the divine grace. For he never had conversed ne haunted the world. And yet was he sufficientli instruct& right well learned in science& good manners in such wise that his godfather had enterprised and was delibered for to dedie him to the service divine in office of a p●●●e, till that the angel of heaven came down and relieved to the said good and devout hermit that God our soueray●● Lord almight●● ◇〉 otherwise ordained for as it shal be oppressely reherc●● here after in this present History.   

¶ How the 〈◇〉 and paruerce Matabrune made malegnelously to aff●●●● by an untrue knight name Makayry that the noble 〈◇〉 Beatrice had forfeited with a dog. Ca. xvi  

matabrun  
Makayre.  
King Oriant.   
DVring this time was the good queen Beatrice incessably detained of prison, the whithe pacientli in her adversity alway praised the name of god in praying for her spouse the noble king Oriant,& that it wolde please him for to succur her. But the perverce Matabrune sought incessauntly the means& occasions that she might for to make her die. So it happened that she had in her court a knight disloial and wicked name Makaire the which she suborned so with money that she made him to tell& affirm to king Oriant that the good queen Beatrice his wife had be known and habited of a dog. whereof she had conceived .vii. little whelps, of whom after is made mention. And that she had moreover delibered to poison and make the king to die and his mother Matabrun bi venom& other poison that he said that the noble queen Beatrie● had ordained to do it with all, whereto that good queen never thought, for she loved as truli her husband as ever woman loved hers,& wolde not haue done ony vntrouth to his body to haue died therfore. But the evil and wicked folk pain themself alway to noye and do accombraunce to them that ben good and loved of god. And when the noble king Oriant had heard the fals and untrue report that bi this cursed knight was affirmed he was marvelously sori& angry of the tidings. wherefore the more steadfastly to affirm this lye the said fals Makaire presented him to fight against all men that wolde say or defend the contrari of that he had reported, whereof the king was more angry than before and totalye dispited against his wife, the which was in nothing culpable of al that she was accused. So he swore god& his oath that for these tidings she should die, but if that there were ony that wolde defend her therof in champe of battle. Than went there a noble squire and told from end to end al these evil tidings to the good queen and how that king had sworn his oath that she should die grievously therfore, but if there were any that wolde sustain her quarrel against the forenamed Makayre, and when that good queen heard these piteous tidings little lacked that she ne died for sorrow, wherefore al lamentably she began to complain her saying. Alas I haue anguish on all sides. Alas now see I well appertly that I am falsli betrayed, and yet I know no man living that for to sustain& defend mi right wolde in any maner dispose himself. But I shall return me to my sweet Lord Iesu christ the which is the only pillar& fundament of all verity, and I haue hope that he will help me. Alas mi God mi creator that by your divine will raised the spirit of young daniel for to return to the Iudiement and to save fro death the noble lady Suzanne that which was publikeli lead in iustice bi to fals iudges, the which with wrong and unjustly had accused her of the 'vice& sin of adultery wherein she never thought, as afterward before al the people was notably known and approved the trouth by the good Daniel the which yielded the two Iudges al confused. Thou knowest my soueraine god in likewise the wrong fulli and without cause I am accused to mi good& faithful spousy king Oriant. wherefore I beseech and require thee humbli that it will plaise thee to keep and preserve me fro shameful death and confusion of the crime and sin that I am accused of, whereof thou knowest me innocent and nothing worthy. And than benignly recomforted her the said Squire,& after in weeping for pity he departed humbly from her company. And the good queen abode alway dolorously reclused and shitte in prison unto the time that god that which in every place succoureth his servants diuineli had purueied and ordained as afterward ye shall hear.   

¶ How the angel of god announced to the devout hermit Helias that the .vi. sons and a daughter that which he had found in the foreste were king Oriantes children,& that he should send young Helias to prove the trouth. Ca. xvii.  
 
HOw hath god our sovereign lord heard& exalted the devout prayer of the noble queen Beatrice,& hath sent his holy angel fro heaven to tel& declare to the devout hermit Helias that the .vi. sons and a daughter which he had found in the foreste where the children of king Oriant,& that his good spouse Beatrice had conceived them of him,& had childed them at on only time. But the perverce Matabrūe made him to believe bi the midwife that she had born& conceived .vii. dogges which were issued of her womb. And also that the tens that his god son Helias hent every day to feed& sustain with bread in the pond where his .v. brethren& his sister in such wise transmued when savary Matabrūes hounds man and his fellows took away the chains that which they had about their necks as he hath. And that he should send his god son for to be fight the false Makaire that with wronge and without cause had accused his good mother the said queen by the enhortement of thee perverce mattabrun that wolde haue made him to die and the other .vi. children, when she charged a servant of hers for to slea or make them perish, but for pit that he ●ad to behold thē he left them in the foreste where as the devout he●mite found them. And sith Matabrun 〈…〉 good mother in prison, the which 〈…〉 space of .xvi. year, 〈…〉 Iustice of his enemies, and of succession of time his br●thrē& his sister should return into their own form and nature humane as they were before. And of them should come a great fruit. For of his lineage should descend Godfrey of Boulion, that for to agment the holy faith of God shal conquer the holy land of Iherusalem. So descended the heavenly angel at the holy commandment of our lord,& came to amnounce unto the devout hermit al that to him was ordained of god as is before said. And when he had done his message he returned& the good hermit abode alone al rauisshed in spirit. But after as al rejoiced he called beningly his godson Helias, the which camē fro the stagne where as he had given bread to the tens like as he was accustomend bi natural inclination, and recited to him all that the angel had announced to him, saying: Mi godson, mi friend I wist not that ye were of so noble a blood as ye be, whereof I ought highly to praise and honour you as well for the honour that god hath done to you as for your noble potentes. And how said he godfather, what tidings haue ye heard? wit ye mi lord and mi friend said the good hermit that an angel of heaven cam to me that anounced&  told to m in goddes name that ye be son of the right noble king Oriant& of the good queen Beatrice his faithful spouse and your mother. But it behoveth that bi the divine commandment of god to you be declared bi me all the tidings as the angel told me. So ye ought to know that your mother conceived you al .vii. together of your noble father,& sith childed of you at one only time. But the perverce ●●ta●●un stepdame of your noble mother bi the consentment of the 〈◇〉 wife that you your .v. brethren, and your sister reseiued of her body ●ade her to believe that .vii. whelps were issued of her womb the which they had vnfaithfulli prepaired, and so wende your said mother. For Matabrūe gave you incontinent to one of her seruaunts whom she charged to sle or drown you But the pity that he had to behold you moeued him to leave you al naked and nere dead for hunger in the same place where as I first found you. Than short time after the said Matabrun hard some tidings of you, and sent som● folk again for to destroy you, but they found as than but your .v. brethren& your sister, fro whome they took the chains of silver that eachone of thē had about their neck as ye haue, and forthwith bi the divine will of god they were transmued into white tens,& ben they to whom he gave every day bread in the stagne. But in time coming they shal return into their own nature humane as they were afore,& shal make great fruit, but for the things beforesaid your father commanded to put& hold your good mother in prison, that which hath be captive the space of .xvi. whole yeres. And now again matabrune hath so much done bi money that an untrue knight name Makaire of your fathers court hath affermd that she had conseiued& habited with a dog,& that she had willed to kill and enpoysen him and the said Matabrune wherefore the king hath sworn to make to die your good mother, if none befounde that against the said Makaire will sustain her honour and hir quarrel in camp of battle. wherefore bi me is ordeided of god that I admonest and warn you to go and uphold her good right against the forenamed Makaire and al the other that willingly hath blamed her. And without doubt ye shal obtain victory and triumph against al her false enemies .v here bi she shalbe delivered fro prison& restablisshed unto greater honour than she had before. And also there shal issue of your lineage a valiant and chiualrous prince that shal be name Godfrey of Boulion, that which in his age virill shall conquer the holy land of Iherusal●m, and other countries of beyond the sea for ever to augment& increase the right high and puissant name of Iesus,& the holy faith catholic. And when young Helias( wisely taught& inspired of god) heard his godfather speak in such maner of that he had commanded of god, he conformed him al holy to his divine will, and loving he delibered him to go see the father that had engedred him, and the good mother that had childed him,& of whose body he his .v. brethren, his sister miraculously issued. And after al these things premised to eschew prolixite that hermit& his godson disposed thē that he should go so clothed in leaves& barfoted as he was with a simplo staff in his hand to succour his said mother, to th'end that more aperili the divine& virtuous miracle of god should be shewed in him and than in weeping they departed amiably. And at their departing young Helias ententiuely besought his godfather that it wolde please him diligentli to feed with bread the whit tens his brethren and sister. And the good hermit promised him to do his best until it pleased god to dispose for them as he had ordained. And than young Helias departed and went toward the city of Lilefort for to accomplish the holy commandment of god.   

¶ How king Oriant sent for the good queen Beatrice his wife for to expose to her that whereof she was accused& to condemn her to death. And how Helias his son arrived at the palace of his father for to defend& succour his mother fro death. Ca. xviii.  

Mata  
beatrice.   
IN this time came the day that the noble king Oriant had decreed for to condemn and make to die his good spouse queen Beatrice by the false accusacions that of her vniustli had ben made So the knight sent for her to the prison for to make to expose in her presence the crime of the which by the said Makarie she had be wrongfully accused. And when she was lead thither publykely before many noble knights& men of council that there were present assembled: she began incontinent to salve the king her husband inclining her knees in requiring of mercy so pytiouslye that al the noble knights had pity to behold her, and in like wise the king was so sorry of her estate that with great pain might he speak a word he had such sorrow at his heart. Than he commanded the false Makaire to declare in her presence the crime whereof he had accused her to him And forthwith he assured as a false murderer began to say on high. sir I haue told you& yet will uphold before all here present, that I haue seen her haue company& habitation with a dog, whereof she hath conceived .vii. whelps, the which sith ben issued of her own body. And more over she wolde haue given venom to me for to haue enpoysened and made to die you and your Mother my lady Matabrune the which I wolde never do unto you nor to none other person. Now lady said the king to the good Beatrice his wife, ye hear how ye ben openly accused of a shameful, horrible, and vilaneous forfeit before me and my baronny, what defence will ye finde. your fault displeaseth me sore. But yf that ye will confess the truth ye shall not die, for I shall assign your life in some holy monastery of religion for to do there penance and satisfaction for our sin& pray to god for you and me. And yf you confess not your dede: I promise you that shamefully I shall make you die, if ye finde not any that will sustain your quarrel against him that hath accused you. Alas my lord said the good queen I cannot find ony knight ne other that for to sustain mi good right in ony maner will expose him. But I promise you and swear here tofore all by the faith of gentleness that with great wrong and unjustly I am here before you accused. And how be it that it hath pleased the divine grace to so send me this yet I never commised ne thought for to commit any villainy forfeit against you ne against mine honour. And I complain me to god almighty of this that I am accused in requiring him vengeance of all mine enemies.¶ And thus as this said assemble was made for to condemn the good queen to death in the kings palace, thither came the young Helyas son to king Oriant and of the queen beatrice, the which having a staff in his hand was delibered in courage in in the confidence of god to sustain his good mother. And when he was comen to the gate of the palace he met first with a boistous churl that rigorousli asked him what he sought there? I seek( said he) a false and traitorous knight name Makayre. And he weeninge to mock him said that it was he. And Helyas than lift up his staff and with a free will hit him on the head that he felled him to the ground. And forthwith came a sergeant that took him& weening that he were a fool for that he was poorly clothed& barefoted& mocked him that had the stroke, saying that he should not play with a fool. Than Helyas drew him vigorously out of the sergeants hands and said to him. Let me go, for by the faith that I owe to god I shall never cease until I haue vengeance of the fals Makaire that wrongfully hath done great injury unto my mother the good queen. And among the other there was one in that place that when he herde him speak so, told him that makaire was in the consistory in the hall of the palace whereas he accused the queen before the king of certain crimes the which him seemed to be falsely imposed,& said that the queen was a right notable lady& full of virtues,& that with great wrong the same day they wolde make her die. And when Helias heard him say so he came lightly to him and enbrasing him said, gentle friend I pray thee that it please thee to lead me to the place that the sayest,& he lead him streight. And when Helias entred into the consistori where as many folk wear assembled to se the domayne of the noble queen beatrice, and yet many other that came to see 〈◇〉 Helias wolde do that seemed to be a wild man. Than the noise came to king orient which demanded what it was. And it was told him that it was a yongling as al naked that asked after Makaire,& saith that he will fight against him& put him to death for to sustain& defend the good quarrel of the queen the which he saith is his mother. Ha said the king it is than a fool, sir said a knight I haue heard him speak wisely. And than the king made to question him what he sought there. I seek said he makayre And than one shewed him, and than he approached to him& said. Ha false traiter& untrue knight I defy thee thou shalt abie. And therwith he gave to Makaire such a buffet with his fist that he felled him to the ground incontinent and held him so that he wolde haue cut his throat yf and had any knife for to do it withall. But he was lightly taken from his hands,& than he fled away al be bled with his own blood. How well that many noble knights were right glad of that high adventure, for they were sore displeasaunt to see him so vilaynously accuse the noble queen so patient as was possible. And when the king had seen him give so great a stroke to Makayre with his fist he reproved him& said. How art thou so hardy to do this outrage in my presence. Ha sir said he, know ye that I am come hither at the only commandment of God in likewise as ye see, for to tel you the verity of the cause and of al the fait wherefore ye ben here assembled presently in this consistory. And how said the king. And Helias answered. sir I shall show you, but or I procede any further I will go embrace and kiss mine own mother that I se yonder. And incontinent he approached the good queen& in kissinge& a colling her said. My right dere and faithful mother be nomore sorrowful at your heart Cease your waylynges for this day. I shall yield to you all joy and consolation bi the pleasure of god,& shall show that falsely& with great wrong ye haue be betrayed of thē that should haue kept you Than of this thing the king was marvelously abashed thinking and saying to himself. Here is some token of god,& in likewise were admeruayled all they that were there present. Than Helyas perfurnisshed his purpose saying. My lord my father I do you to understand for truth that when ye left in the keeping of your mother matabrune my mother the which was big of child with me my brethren and my sister and that ye went to war and fight against your enemies, your said mother Matobrune conceived such an envy against my mother that she accompanied with the false old midwife by silver suborned delibered for to do as ye shall heart. And for truth at the deliverance of her burden she chylded .vi. sons whereof I am one& a daughter, and also we brought from her womb eachone a faire chain of silver at our necks such as ye se me haue one. And when we were thus born she made to transport us from this place. Than she took the said little dogges and gave my good mother to understand that they were issued of her body, the which she wende to be true for that she perceived us not for the great anguish that she had. Consequentli she had given charge to one of her servants for to slea us or to drown us in some river. But when he was in a foreste he beheld us on a plain,& of pity that he had to behold us he left us there al naked and perisshing for hunger without doing us other harm. sithence were we founden by a good and devout hermit name Helias, the which beninegli bare us into his hermitage within the foreste where as he dwelleth yet presently. And there he warmed and sustained us with his small goods as much as to him was possible. Than he made orison to god that he would purvey us, the which at his devout prayer sent thither myracuously a fair white Gore that sustained and nourished us with milk,& the good hermit fed us with bread that was given him for goddes sake. And one day among all other as we were al vii. little children under a three gathering of wild apple in the foreste the hounds man of Matabrun found us having each one a chain of silver at our necks of whom he made to her report. And she sent him again for to slea or make us to die. And an other day as the good hermit and I were gone in provision for to sustain our lives the same hounds man came with .vii. other fellows the which took away the chains fro my .v. brethren& my sister, the which incontinent by the will of god were transmued in faire white tens,& ben yet presently in a fair stagne or pond in the said foreste, where as often times I haue fed and given them bread for to eat. sithence finably is comen the angel of god that hath recited al to the good& devout hermit my godfather, in making him commandment by god that this same day he should sand me into the place where as I am present for to save mi faithful mother. And for this intention I am come hither with courage dilibered in the confidence of god for to sustain& defend her from scathe by natural inclynacion, and to be fight the traitre and untrue Makaire that bi his wickedness wolde openly blame her. And for to make this notabli to be verified ye may make the said makaire& me to be kept in prison till ye please to send for the good hermit for to witness the truth. And when his father king orient heard him speak thus he was yet more admeruailed than before. So he began to speak to the noble queen his wife saying. How say ye lady, what seemeth you of the words of this yoge man? Certainly my lord I wot not how it is for I was at the hour of mi childing so sore travailed that I had not on me onie feeling. How be it I know well that mi lady your mother never loved me, wherefore yf she haue done well yl I believe that she shal find it. Thus I report me to god and this yongeling that I se yonder, which he hath sent me for my champion& I pray you that it please you to make him be entreated as your son and grant him that he requireth, desiring above all to sustain your noble honour and mine.   

¶ How the king Oriant commanded to make armoures for his son Helias to fight against Makayre, and than went to the good hermit in the foreste. Ca. xxix.  
 
AFter these words the noble king orient made to with draw the queen Beatrice honourably into a fair chamber, in praising god his creator as all recomforted. Than he recited to Matabrune his mother all that young Helias had declared whereof she blushed all read& began to haue fear, but not withstanding she wende well assuredly to haue renied al the case. How be it that the king made not over great semblant for that time: After consequentli he commanded to inprisone and make sure the untrue knight Makaire the which was done at his commandment, for he doubted him of the great treason and malignite commised vpon his noble spouse. Than after he gave charge to .ii. noble knights to make forge armours propice and meet for young Helyas, the whice by the divine will was so pleasant and hardi of courage the eachone loved him with good heart. And when the king had ordained all these things he made maner as he wolde go bount and was meruailousli glad of these tidings he purposed for to go to the good hermit in the foreste, for to be al assured of that that his son had said& promised before him and his counsel. And thus is departed the noble king Oriant with diuers of his secret knights, and is comen in to the said forest, and without making delay they haue so long sought that they haue found the hermitage of that hermit Helias. And when the king saw him he descended of his horse, and in their salving reuerentli the king demanded his name. And the good hermit said. sir I am brother He●ias, and than knew the king that it was he that he sought whereof he was right joyous,& took him aside me●eli to be confessed of him. In the which confession he declared to him all the case as the child had said. By the which the good hermit in likewise declared the hour, the day,& the time that he had founden the .vii. children in the foreste& al that was happened by the self maner as the young Helias had told his father. And than king Oriant knew certainly the malice done to the good queen Beatrice. It is not be doubted of the sorrow that he made for the pain and greauous vexation that so long time& unjustly he had made his wife to suffer by false and traitorous reports. O said he my right faithful lady. O my right dear and noble spouse, how may I make thee amendes how may I satisfy to thee? O false and perverce tongues much worse than deadli venom. Haue ye ben so hardy to make strife between the husbunde and the wife. Haue ye made to lye in the bead of tribulation between the sheets of wepynges those that were wont to be in all mirth& consolation. O good lord god I beseech thee of merci,& pardon me mine ygnouraunce. Thou knowest how I haue done it, for I myself haue be traied,& malignelousli deceived by fals report. In this wise disconforted took the king leave of the devout hermit. To whom he made for to deliver a great some of gold and silver to the intent that he should found and edify a church of religion for the honour and reverence of the glorious virgin our lady saint Mary, And for the remuneracion of his vii. children the which in such wise myraclusly there had be nourished& sustented by the divine providence of god. And than he returned to his city of Lylefort with his people for to comferme the journey that he had ordained of his son young Helyas and of the fals knight Makayre, and to dispose all the matter as him seemed best.   

¶ How the noble king Oriant delivered out of prison good queen beatrice his wife. And after ordained all thing to his son young Helyas for to fight against his enemies. Ca. ●x.  

matabrun  
Geyler.   
when the noble king Oriant was returned fro the hermitage,& that he had known the verity of the. vii children he made incontinent to deliver the noble queen Beatrice out of prison,& captivity, and restored her to al liberty& franchise, the better to love and honour her without comparison more than ever he did before, so that she might go& come where as her pleased, as innocent& not culpable of that to her was imposed, whereof right humbly she yielded graces& praisynges to god. And also for her deliverance made joy in thanking our lord. After he made to take Matabrun& put her fast in prison with .iiii. sergeants to keep her that she should not fle thence till her case we redetermined by Iustice. Than consequently he sent for the untrue knight Makaire for to be at the journey( ordained by the king) for to fight against his son young Helias, that god hath sent for to sustain the just quarrel of his good mother the queen Beatrice. Helyas than was well armed by two knights that the king had ordained thereto al maner of pieces of harneys right well steled. The helm of the same richeli besene as it appertained unto a kings son, with precious devises to him condesent. His sheilde on his arm,& his spear in his hand the which he couched in the reest as al inspired of god. After they gave him a fair armynge sword well steeled and cuttinge. And finably they mounted him surely vpon a good& mighty courser well barded& trapped as it belongeth to such a point. And on the other parte was appareled the false Makayre, the which was not over glad of that, that him behoved to do. For he considered well that he had no good cause ne just quarrel of that that he sustained against the faithful queen Beatrice. And moreover that he saw her all redy delivered of prison at her free liberty,& the false Matabrune straightly holden in prison. But al these things t yet made he maner to haue just cause in his feat, but there is no wisdom against the will of god. And when they were both redy on the one side and other, there assembled anon many knights the which made them to swear that each of thē thought to haue good cause in that quarrel different that the one against the other wolde sustain. The which Mrekaire like as did Helias, but or he left the field himself confessed the contrary before the king, the queen and many other noble knights and damoyselles.   

¶ How Helyas the noble knight of the swan vanquished and overcame the false Makayre in camp of battle. Cap. xxi.  
 
THus hath Helyas& Makayre sworn before thē that were ordained for to judge the champ of battle,& of that, that should be done. And for to se this noble adventure of arms there came so great multitude of people that they could not be numbered.  
And also there was present king Oriant with his good spouse Beatrice acconpanied of great lords that which desired marvelously that the honour of the good queen might be sustained in the place. Than entred the .ii. champions in to the place,& with young Helias that was appointed as a kings son came many great lords of the court,& he was al assured as he that had the grace of god with him to whom none may noye. And on the other parte was the said Makaire as all heavy and malacolious of the favour and good grace that every man bare to him. But as al fiers and proud he began to say, Come, come, draw nere my minion ye shal see this day if your ouerwening youth may resist against me. And how be it that he wend to show himself hardy yet he said these words but for great fear that he had. And on the other parte the noble Helias said. A traitor I am now right glad to see thee hear in this place, as I haue desired, For I come to thee humbly in the name of our lord& at his commandment for to sustain veritably the just quarrel of my good mother the which vntruely thou hast over much defamed wherefore in my good confidence I hope this day to show against thee, the strength and high praise of the right arm of god. Now come, come, said Makayre approach. So I will said Helyas. Than with great course of horse and the spear couched in the reest they met with such raundō that Helias made Makaire and his horse to foundre to the earth. Of the which thing Makayre was greatly admeruayled and said. Ha young son will ye show the might of your pleasant youth against me, truly ye shall feel this day that there is strength in my arm. well well said Helias, come nere, I am all assured of thee. And than with course of horse Makaire came wening to smite him al vnwars, so that by treason he made him a little wound so that a little blood issued. And when the queen saw that she was right sori at heart, wherefore she prayed meekly unto god& his holy mother that it wolde please them to succour her poor child, that sustained verity,& proclaimed her voice saying. sovereign god of paradise that gave victory unto the children of Isarael against the froward Pharaon that unjustly held them in captivity. I pray thee if it please thee to give victory to my son, the which it hath pleased thee to sand hither for to deliver me out of prison,& reprove the treason and falseness that wickedly& with wrong was propenced against me as the knowest the truth. And also all the assistentes were sorry for that stroke, for eachone had set their love on young Helyas but he could in no wise perish in the keeping of god. And when he felt himself so traitrously wounded he resembled the knight that taketh courage when he seeth his blood shed. And in escrienge high he said to makayre. A traytre, false,& disloyal hadst that at this hour thought to betray me. sufficeth it thee not to haue willed to betrayed mi good mother without willing to betray mortally her son. Now return to me, for I hope in the pleasure of god to meet thee in such wise that vpon thy body presently by me shall be executed the insuperable right arm of god wherein is all my trust. well said Makayre come nere I defy thee. So shal I said Helyas in such wise that it shall not need to return any more. And in this saying Helias broached his horse with his spurs and couched his spear in the reest with such courage so that he reversed Makaires helm to the earth& vncouered his head. And when Helias saw that he alight of his horse& drew his sword of arms wherewith he gave him such a stroke that scantly he might remove. And on the other parte came his horse against Makaires horse, the which by might of flynging broke his reins behind,& sith miraculously made him to fall from his horse, whereby young Helyas recovered to smite vpon him virtuously smote of his arm with his sword to the earth. And when the false Makaire saw himself suddenly vaynquisshed he began humbly to yield him to Helias saying. Ha young son, that hast overcome me,& I yield me wholly to thee but I adjure thee in the name of god that thou tel me what thou arte. I am said he Helyas son of king Oriant and of his good queen Beatrice that am comen hither at the commandment of god for to sustain her good and just quarrel against thee& all her enemies. Ha noble kings son said he I require thee take me to mercy and pardon me mine offence. A false recraunt traytre said Helias thou shalt not escape so. For I will se the consumacion of thi life or I leave this field. Yet I pray thee said Makaire that it will please thee to save my life for this hour till I haue told thee, the truth of the fals treason that hath be done to thi good mother& to her children without to hid any point before the king thy noble father, the mother, and the assyste●tes. And also I shall name& tel where the goldsmith is that hath chains of silver that theuisshely& by violence were taken fro thi brethren and sister, whereby they were forthwith trammuted into white tens as thou hast said. And when Helias heard him speak so he differred to put him streight to death to the end that by himself, should be confessed the treason that to his mother himself, with his brethren and sister had be done. And when he called them that were ordained to make report of them two done in the said field.   

¶ How Makaire confessed openly before the king& the queen all the people the treason done to the said queen and his children. And how he was hanged as a fals traitor on the gallows. Ca. xxii.  
 
THan they came reverently as to him that miraculously had abtayned victory and triumph over his enemy. And he had them incontinente that they should make the king, the queen and the knights to approach thither and told them that Makayre had promised to recite the treason that he and Matabrune had done to his good mother and to her children. The which thing was incontinent reported to the king, whereof he and his good queen were right joyous, and came nigh to the two champyons with all their noble barons, and chyualry. And than the king questioned diligentli with the said Makayre saying. Now Makayre be ye confused, demand ye mercy of your vainquissher? Alas sir said he, yea. And what sai ye more: Certainly sir I yield me humbly unto your son, and mow I know well that a good dede is never unrewarded ne an evil vnpunisshed, and that none may resist against thee will of god, But indemaundinge you pardon I shall tell you truth of all the treason that afore hath ben done to your noble wife and to your children, and than do with me what it pleaseth you, for I haue well deserved the death That is well said quoth the king, now say on. Sir said Makaire it is of truth the Matabrune your mother counseled her with me of all that she hath done. And first she gave the good queen your wife to vnderstad that she had conceived, vii. dogges, but know ye that it was a lising, for she childed .vii. faire children, that is to wit .vi. sons& a daughter, the which brought at their birth each of thē a chain of silver at their necks. But Matabrune sent them to be lost or slain by one of her servants name marks, how be it he did not so, but left thē in a forest as your son hath said. whereof when she was advertised& that she had ridinges of them: her self put out both the eyene of the said marks so that he is yet blind. Than the sent thither other of hir servants for to put them to death, but they found but .vi. children, to whom they did nothing but took away their chains that was about their necks whereby incontinent they were mued in white tens. And of the said chains Matabrune made to make a cup by her goldsmith, for whome ye may send& know the truth. And of this that I charged culpable the good queen to haue poisoned you and your mother, I confess here presently before you and your baronni that she never propenced it, but myself adiusted it to her at thynstygacion of your mother. And here I cry her mercy,& you also of the offence that I haue commised. And when the noble king Oriant heard Makayre speak in this wise he began to weep tenderly and sith benignly he came& embraced his good spouse the noble queen Beatrice in saying. My love I haue done you great wrong, but pardon me if ye please, for I haue done it bi ygnoraunce, which displeaseth me greatly. My lord said she I forgive it you with right good heart, for I know well that ye be sorrowful of my grievous mischief, And therwith the king and the queen went and kissed their soon Helias in blessing and thanking him of the victory and triumph that he had and yielded graces unto god. And in likewise all the knights, squires, and ladies with all the whole comynalty that there were feasted him and made joy and solemnity for so high& sumptuous a miracle, whereby they saw the king and the queen remised and set in good love and unite of heart together. Than bi the commandment of the noble king Oriant the said fals reproved traytre Makayre was drawn to the gallows and there shamefully hanged and strangled as a recreant knight that he was.   

¶ How king orient sent for the goldsmith the which brought the other .v. chains that he had detained& recited al the miracle done with them. Ca. xxiii  
 
when young Helyas son of king orient and of the good queen beatrice had miraculously obtained victory of his enemy Makayre as it is said, the king and the queen returned ammerousli together into the hall of the palace with their said son. The which by his knights was incontinent unarmed for to refresh him. And after with so great Ioy& honour he was so nobli feasted that non hath possiblite to tell it. every person reioyced them in their degree, Conuiues, dances,& sports were incontinent raised in the palace. charet, clerous& many other instruments of music were assembled there to rejoice his company. The bishop& the clergy withal the habytauntes and burgesses were honestly received. Open court was holden to all comers, for to collaude in magnificence the said noble adventure. That on the morrow were made devout processions whereto all the people came in giuing graces and thankes to god of all his divine benefits,& at the returning was song and celebred a mass solemnly by the said bishop, in the presence of the king, the queen, their noble son Helyas, and al their cheualrye.& after mass eachone were received better than they were before, in such wise that bilonge space of time was madefeest, game, and tourneimentes so that there was never seen such, And during this feest the goldsmith was sent for, to whom Macabrune had given the chains of silver to make a cup, for to know the trouth of him. The which came incontinent and borough .v. of the said chains and a cup of silver that he had over when he made the other, as it pleased god for to recover the vi. children. And so freely he came to the king and said. sir here ben .vi. chains of silver& a cup the. which miraculously I haue had of the surplus of the cup that. your mother, Matabrune gave me to make,& how was this done said the king: wyte ye sir said the Goldsmith that your mother brought me .vi. chains of silver for to make a cup, such as she devised. But when I began to melt▪ the first of the said chains it multiplied so by the grace of god that it weighed twice as much as all the .vi. chains together. wherefore I reserved one for paynent of the fashion. And sith I haue kept reverently the other .v. chains in my coffre as precious and full of virtue, the which I present you here. And if in this doing I haue offended or miss done against your rial majesty: I offer me to make amendes. Certainli said the king ye speak wisyly& like a good man,& if ye haue commised oni wrong in this I forgive you heartily. Than the king,& the queen took those precious chains and kissed them reverently in weeping and bewailing naturally their poor children that by so great treason were mued and converted into tens. And soon vpon that came marks that was blind by Matabrune. and by the furour of her rage had both his tine put out▪ when the king saw him he demanded him who hath done it. Alas sir said he, your mother hath done this evil. And wherefore said the king: Alas sir said he, when your .vii. children where born she gave me them for to drown or make them die to the end to make the queen believe that she had whelped .vii. dogges. But when I was in a foreste I laid them all in a plain vpon my mantell for to se them. And as I began to behold thē they began all to laugh vpon me so louinglye that for to haue lost my life I could not haue done them any harm but yet it grieved me sore to be constrained to leave them in that place all dispourueyed. And when she wist that they were yet alive,& that I had not fulfilled her wicked will she herself by her madness put out both mine ey●ne. And when Helyas heard him speak thus he had great pity on him. wherefore humbly he turned him to god saying. sovereign god of paradise that by thy divine goodness and insatiable mercy enlumined and gave sight to the poor blind man the which sat in the high way begging for his life. I thee supply and requyer humbly by the benignife that it will please thee to enlumyne& give sight to this poor blind creature, the which hath ben cause of the salvation of my life, by the which he hath lost his ceyen And when he had made his prayers he made the sign of the cross vpon the eyen of the said marks, the which incontinent after bi the grace of almighti god saw as clearly as ever he did, wherefore the king& the queen with all the whole assistentes were greatli admeruayled. And incontinent they gave lauds and thankynges unto our lord. with him the which was newly enlumined of his sight. In reknowledgyng the graces and virtues. of our saviour, and redemptour Iesu christ the which he had myraculousli shewed at the prayer and supplycacion of his good knight Helyas.   

¶ How the false Matabrune made the keepers of the prison so dronkin that they slept whiles she fled away. And how the tens, returned to their form human. Ca. xxiiii  
 
NOow ye ought to wit or we procede any further that the same day that the Iustes were made between Helias& Makaire that Matabrune being in prison made in such wise to drink them the king Oriant had commysed to keep her that she made them to sleep all drunken. And sith found maner to escape,& with certain of her folk she withdrew her in a castle of hers name Maubruiant to th'end to keep and preserve her from harm which she thought should come to her, for the perverce treason and vntrouth that she had commised against the king& his good spouse the noble queen Beatrice. wherefore the king made grievously to punish them that had her in keeping¶ But for to return to the subgect of the crony kill of the noble Helias knight of the swain. It is to be noted that the said Helias knight of the swan demanded of king Oriant his father that it wolde please him to give him the chains of silver of his brethren and sister that the goldsmith had brought. The which he delivered him with good heart for to dispose them at his pleasure. Than he made an oath and swore that he wolde never rest till he had so long sought by ponds and stagnes that he had found his .v. brethren and his sister, which were transmued in to tens. But our lord that consoleth his friends in exaltinge their good will shewed greatly his virtue. For in the river that ran about the kings palace appeared visibly the tens before all the people. And when Helias had seen them: he called diligentli the king and the queen his father& mother saiing. I pray you my lord& my lady that ye will lightly come and se your other notable children mi. brethren& my sister. The which ben now presently arrived vpon the river that is about this palace. And incontinent the king and the queen descended with many lords, knights,& gentlemen,& came with great diligence vpon the water side, for to see the above said tens. The king and the queen beheld them piteousli in weeping for sorrow that they had to se their poor children so transmued into tens. And when they saw the good Halias come nere them they began to make a marvelous feast and reioyced them in the water. So he approached vpon the brink, and when they saw him nere them: they came lightli fawning and flikering about him making him cheer, and he playned louingli their feathers After he shewed thē the chains of silver, where by they set them in good order before him. And to five of them he remised the chains about their necks, and sodeynlye they began to return in their proper human form as they were bofore, and before al miraculsly they shewed: them .iiii. fair sons and a daughter. To whom diligently the king& the queen ran,& naturalli kissed thē as their children, whereof every man had marvel,& joyed of the divine miracle of god so notably shewed. And when the other swan( whose chain was melted for to make the cups as afore is said( saw his brethren and his sister returned into their humane forms he lept again all sorrowfully into the river,& for dole that he had he plucked almost al his feathers to the bare flesh. And when the good Helias saw him so dolorously demean himself: he took him ●o weep for sorrow,& recomforted him saying My dere brother my friend, haue somewhat patience,& discomfort you not, For I shall make someeke and humble prayers unto god almighti for you, that yet I shall se you ones a noble knight. And than the swan began to incline and bow down his head as in thanking him and sith plunged himself all together in the water. And for him in likewise the king& the queen made much lamentation. But Helyas comforted them sweetly, and said to them that he wolde in such wise pray unto our lord for him that in short time he should return into his own natural form. And thus they ceased somewhat of their sorrow by the consolation and goodly words of the said Helias for their other son, wherefore than they took benignly the other .v. children and led them to the church where they made them to be baptized. And the maiden was name Rose, of whom afterward descended a noble lineage and worthy of praising. And the other son were name and called at the font after the good discretion of the king and the queen. The which sons also in likewise were right noble& virtuous knights and beloved of god. Than after their baptizing they were solemnly conduited and led into the palace,& there feasted in all joy as it appertained well. And thither can many for to see them in laudinge and magnifienge the name of our almighty saviour, that so miraculously shewed his great virtue.   

¶ How king Oriant gave his realm to his son Helias, whereof he made to crown him king honourably And than gave him leave to go take his mother Matabrum in the castill of Maubruyant, and there he brent her in a great fire. Ca. xxv  

matabrun  
king Helias.   
AFter all these things afore said king orient knwledged the grace of god that was sown in his son the noble Helyas: he made to call afore him dyvers great Barons and knights with his peers which were alway with him. And they comen he made to call in present the noble Helias& said to him. My right dere& well beloved son. I haue knowledged& also my lords her present haue sene that ye be fulfilled of gods grace, as notabli appeareth by the miracles& dign feats that by your holy prayer haue here bē shewed. wherefore I depose me presently of al my realm constituing you king& lord of all my lands& countreys,& will the fro hens forward ye be honoured& served and obeied without any gaynsayinge. And in the witness of this thing,& for to show that it so pleaseth me, hear is the crown of the realm, the which in the presence of the queen your mother and all the noble assistentes I set vpon your head& give it to you as king. My lord said Helis I thank you humbly, how well that I am not worthy ne suffisaunt to rule and govern one so noble and puiff●an at realm as yours is. But sith that it pleaseth you so to do, and that it is the will of god in nothing will I gain say you. For sooth said king Oriant I give it you with all my heart. moreover my son noble king I do you to wit that Matabrune my mother the which I had made to enpryson for the treason& injury that she did to your mother and her children whereof ye be one, hath found maner to escape,& is flede for warrandise into a castle of hers called Maubruant. So I tel you that I put her case toward you for to do right and Iustice, such as by you and your council shall be found& ordained, but I will not be present. well my lord said Helyas sith it pleaseth you so I promise you my faith that I ●hall never cease till I haue won and taken the said castle name Maubruant and done right Iustice vpon her that in such maner with wrong hath willed to betray my mother and us her children. And after that the noble Helias was crwoned and constituted king and lord of the realm of Lilefort with all honour and triumph as afore is said in the presence of his mother queen Beatrice and of al the noble princes and knights of the realm, the which were right joyous. He made to prepaire a little host of men of war to go with him to Maubruyant, that is to wit about. four. thousand crossbow men, two. M. men of arms, al chosen folk beside footmen that were about vi. C. And than accompanied with an. C. noble knights he departed fro Lylefort, with his people he went& besieged the castle of Maubruyant, and to make short he gave so strong and marvelous assault to al them that were within that they might nothing resist. wherefore he and his men well armed entred their in valyauntlye without any gaynsaying And in entering in to the said castle escried king Helias with an high voice to his people saying Vpon your lives keep ye that the false Matabrune issue not out of this place. The which vntruelye wolde haue betrayed and caused to die my good mother and all her children. And when Matabrune had heard the noise,& that she saw the castle taken, she fortified her within a tower with certain of her gentlemen& damoyselles wening to hold her there in saufte. But when king Helyas knew it he came to the door of the said tour with certain of his folk and broke it open, and found her therein. And as soon as the king apperceyued her: he came to her with great courage& kest her to the earth saying. Ha false old witch thou hast betrayed my mother& made us to suffer so much evil. Yf it were not for the honour of god, and the blood whereof I am comen myself should flay thee. And that she wist not what to say but that they should lead her to king Oriant her son. But Helias  told her that she should never se him,& made to lead her down to that base court, where as a great place was made with a stake and wood& coals for to brenne her as she had deserved. whereto eachone besied. And when she was so bound at the stake,& that ther was no more remedi of her life she was somewhat moved with contrition, and cried unto king. Helyas in saying. Ha my son I cry you mercy. I knowledge and it is true that I haue well deserved the death for I haue falsely betrayed your mother,& made her to understand that of her body were issued .vii. whelps,& she of trouth childed .vii. fair children, the which at their birth brought each of them a chain of silver at their neck but by mine vntrouthe I sent thē by on of my servants for to drown or flay them, but god preserved them fro ill, And yet by my wickedness I thought to make to die the good queen beatrice your mother, in imposynge to her crime that she would haue betrayed her spouse king Oriant& me, wherein she never thought, so is it good right that I die, for toward god I haue deserved it. To whom I beseech that he pardon me,& that the pain that I shal suffer in dienge may be turned if it please him to the satisfaction of all my sins. And also I require you to pardon me for I die willingly, and I forgive you mi death. Truly said king Helias I pardon you as to my parte, but yet shall ye die by Iustice, and I pray god forgive you. Than was wood and dry thorns laid about her& fire set therein and so she was brent for her demirites before al the people And when the execution was done, the king with his people returned diligently to Lilefort where as he was honourabli received,& than he went and told his mother what he had done saying. Mother rejoice you, for ye be revenged now of the perverce matabrune, for I haue made her to be brent for her demerits. And the queen answered. My right dere son I thank you. Iesus forgive her soul. And thus they abode amiable in good peace whereof all the people reioyced.   

¶ How Helyas took leave of the king his father and of his mother for to follow the adventure of his brother the swan that appeared on the river before a ship. Ca. xxvi  
 
AFter certain time that the victoryous king Helyas had posseded the realm of Lyleforte in good peace and tranquillity of Iustice it happened on a day as he was in his palace looking toward the river that he apperceived that swame one of his brethren that was not yet turned into his form humane, for that his chain was moltē for to make matabrune a cup as it is said. And the said swan was in the water before a ship the which he had lead to the wharf as abiding king Helias And when Helias saw him: he said in him self. Here is a signification that god sendeth to me for to show to me that I ought to go by the guiding of this swan into some country for to haue honour& consolation, under the bounty and magneficence of his holy and excellent name. And in this good purpose inspired of the holy ghost he assembled his brethren and his sister, and came to king orient his father and queen Beatrice his mother,& in the presence of all his parentes he said. My right dear& honoured father,& you also my sweet mother with all my brethren& sister& friends here present. It is now needful& convenient that I take leave at you. For here bi within the river is mi brother the swan that cometh to f●tche me in a ship that he leadeth and gideth to the wharf in abiding me. wherefore know ye my lord my father that I render to you the crown rial the which it pleased you to give me. And I remit whole into your hands the realm of Lilefort. And th{us} humbly I take leave of you in leuing this noble country for to go at the commandment of our lord bi the condutinge of my brother. For I haue steadfast hope in me that our lord hath done all for the best, and that he will leave him yet in the form of a swan for to guide and lead me surely to some good port where as I may to his dign will do some virtuous fruit. And thus will I go with him,& to Iesu christ I command you. And in this saying: he went and kissed the king and the queen his father and mother, his brethren& his sister. The which wept so tenderly that it was pity for to se them.   

¶ How the swan brother of king Helyas conduted the said ship wherein Helyas was till they came to the city of Nymaie. Ca. xxvii.  
 
ANd when Helyas had thus mekelye taken his leave of all his parentes and friends he made to bear his armours and arms of honour into the ship, with his target& his bright shield, of which as it is written the telde was of silver and there on a double cross of gold. Than after the noble king Oriant came& presented to his son an horn, and said. My right dere and well-beloved son, here is an horn that I give you, the which ye shal keep yf it please you, for my sake. And be ye sure that it hath such virtue that what man soever bloweth it loud may not haue annoy ne damage at the pleasure of god. And I beseech god humbly that he give you joyful going and honour at your returning, and saufte in your voyage. And thus as Helias was yet in the palace with the king the swain kest three or four marvelous cries as by maner to call his brother, whereof the king& the queen withall them that were there were greatli abashed. So descended anon the said Helyas with his parentes and friends, the which came to convey him unto the brink of the water. And when the swan saw hem he flickered and regoysed as in making maner to meet the said Helyas. And there every man blessed the said swan saying. It is damage of this poor child that hath lost his form human the which god send him. But yet was not the time comen ordained of god that he should turn in his humanity, for a more greater wealth that should ensue after. And there was the king and the queen with their children weeping profoundeli for pity that they had to behold their noble blood so transfigured into a swain. Than entred Helias into a ship taking general leave of all his friends. The which returned weeping& sorrowing for the good Helias the noble knight of the swan, that went at his adventures in strange countries at the good commandment of god, and the guiding of the swan. So the swan put him 〈◇〉 e ◇〉, the which he made to scour vpon the water in such wi●t that they were anon far fro Lyleforte And thus conduited the swan from river to river the noble Helyas till unt● the place ordained of god for to give him a wife, of whom should issue a fair daughter that should bear three sons, by whom should be gratli exalted the faith of our lord Iesu christ. Of the which the first was Godfrey of Boulyon, the which sithence conquered& posseded the realm of the holy land of jerusalem. The second was his brother Baudwyne the which succeeded him in the said realm. And the thyrde was their brother Eustace the which was a right noble knight. But that not withstanding yet was he not a king as the two first were for that he sucked another nurse than his mother because the child cried. And the mother was marvelous angry, as hereafter shal be shewed in following by order the true chronicle.   

¶ How the earl of Frankbourke made to come& appear by Iustice Clarysse duchess of Boulyon at Nimaye willing to usurp her of her duchy, in giving false understanding to Otton Emperour of Almayne, the which held the court of his parliament at the said city of Nymaie. Ca. xxviii.  
TO come alway to the effect of the noble chronicle the which I haue begon to treat to the verity of that which is written in many other notable histories. I shall leave a little to speak of the noble Helyas knight of the swan that is fletinge on the wate● coming to the eytye of Nimaye before the emperour and by divine providence to sustain the right 〈◇〉 good d●chesse of Boulyon, as after it is said.  
 
¶ It is so that the right noble emperour of almayne name Otton first of that name, that had under him the land of Dardaine, of Lyege,& of Nammur, held his siege of Iustice& the court of his parliament in the city of Nimay And thither al they that were oppressed, or domaged cāe to axe right of themperour, that was a very just judge& good Iusticier. So than the earl of Frankebourke made to appear the duchess of Boulyon before him, unjustly to usurp the duchy bi false giuing to understand. And at a d●y set appeared the earl demandant in matter of nouelte on the on parte,& the duchess of Boulyon defendresse on the other parte. The which had brought her daughter with her that was a faire damaisel. And when the coumsel was comen and assembled afore the emperour, the earl made to plead his cause. In the which plea he made injuriously to pose and put in feat that the said duchess had made to enpaysen her husband, the which was his brother. And the her said husband about the space of .iii. yeres was in strange countreys without returning home. During the which time and in his absence she had conceived& born a daughter, the which for the said cause he wolde say that she was not of legitime marriage. And moreover that the land and duchi of Boulias was comen of his father. By the which he wolde say& promise by his pleding that the duchess might not of right possede ne hold the said duchy as dowayresse of her husband, ne her daughter in likewise as heir of the said duke, for she was not ligitime as he said before,& that he offered to prove it, tendaunt to the end to take and hold in his hand the said duchy of boulion as a successor& sole heritier of his brother( in his life husband to the said duchess) and duke of Boulion. Than after the pledynge of the said demandant, the duchess defended her cause to the best she might, denienge al that he had proposed against her& her daughter, whose honour he had hurt in protesting of theniuries. Certes lady said themperour, here is an injurious matter& that will cause your death if ye pouruei not, seing that he offereth him to prove it, if it be not let by your opposites. Sir said the earl to thende that ye seem it not to be true here is mi gage for to sustain it to the utterance, and befight it to the death that it is as I haue said. wherefore she is culpable to die& not to possede the said duchy. Now lady said themperour ye haue heard the offer that he maketh you, which seemeth me way of right, wherbi I cannot refuse him his demand And therfore make diligence to seek a knight for to sight and sustain your quarrel, by the which ye may deny that which hath be now proposed by your adverse party And yf ye think that ye may find ony that will take this charge for you: I shall gladly give you space and delay to purvey you. Than the good lady as al abashed looked about her if there were ony present that in her need wolde help her. But none wolde meddle seeing the case to her imposed. wherefore she committed her to God praying him humbly to succour her,& reprove thiniury that wickedly to her was imposed by the said earl.   

¶ How Helias the noble knight of the swan arrived at Nymaie for to defend the duchess of Boulon, who themperour received gladly. Ca. xxix.  
 
FOr to return to the miraculous history of the right noble and valiant Helyas knight of the swan, the which hath be somewhat interrupt for to recite this that afore is said serving to the matter following. It is to be noted that so as the earl of Franckebourcke and the duchess of Boulyon were so pledynge before the emperour of Almayne in his parliament at the town and city of Nymaie for the matter aforesaid, approached thither the the good Helyas guided by the swan the which began to blow hyghly his horn that his father king Oriant had given him, in such maner that they that were in the parlyment with the Emperour were all admeruailed to hear a sown so loud. Than in continent they looked out at the windows and saw the swan come ledinge a ship, within the which was the noble Helias knight of the swan, well garnished of spear, sword& armours as belongeth to a knight. And when the emperor saw him arm he had great marvel. For he apperceived the swan that returned with the ship incontinent that the noble Helias was out with his armoures, wherefore he sent for him. And in this wise beheld him the noble Clarysse duchess of Boulion. The which to this purpose told a dream to her daughter, whereof she had vision the night before saying. Truly daughter I ween that our lord this day will help and succour me by his divine grace. For this night me thought in my dream that I pleaded against the earl of Frankenbourke that by his Treason accused me of crime of death wherbi I was condemned too be brent in a fire. But there came a swan fleynge that brought me water that put out the said fire. And of this water issued a big fish the which fructified in such wise that eachone lived therwith till into jerusalem& all the country. whereby I believe at the pleasure of god that the swan which hath guided this noble knight hither shal be cause to deliver me of the crime whereof I am falsely accused. And thus as the duchess of Boulyon devised with her daughter thy ther came the good knight Helias, which at the commandment of the emperour arrived in the hall where as he held his parliament. And there reverently he salved the said emperour. And the emperour againwarde received him much honestly, in demanding him of his tidings and how he was theither comen. sir said Helias I am a poor knight adventurous for to serve you truly when ye shall haue any need of my simplo saruice. Than said the emperour. My friend I thank you, and ye be welcome. And sith you seek adventures in feats of arms and chyualry ye may find them here without going further. And for to declare you al the case. Here is this noble lady duchess of Boulyon with her daughter, the which the earl of Frankebourke her present hath accused her of a crime enough to make her die,& also to disheryte her daughter of the said Duchy of Boulion, yf she find not some champion or noble knight that wolde defend her right against the said earl afore name, the which hath casten his guage for to sustain publicly against any defendaunte that which he hath proposed. And now ye haue heard the case, the which should be a fair adventure, yf ye would sustain it. And I shall save her in restablysshynge unto her her heritage,& also ye shall haue her daughter in marriage, which ye se so gracious& a right fair maiden. And when the good Helyas had heard themperour he beheld the duchess the which seemed him much beninge and of noble maintain. Also he considered the beauty& gracous countenance of her daughter, the which to him was meruayiously pleasant and agreeable to behold. Than he demanded of themperour that it wolde please him to give him leave to speak a little secretly with the duchess of boulion. which he granted gladly, wherefore he thanked him And than Helias took her by the hand and drew her somewhat apart,& said to her. fair lady it behoveth yf it please you that ye tell to me and swear the trouth of this that I shal demand of you. And this same day bi the pleasure of god I shall be your faithful servant. Alas noble knight said she. I promise you by the living god and on the faith of gentleness that I shall tel you al the trouth of that ye shal are me. Now madam said he by the oath that he haue here made, be ye not in any thing culpable of this crime whereof ye be presently accused? Bi mi trouth my friend said she, nay. And I beseech god that he never do me any grace to my body and soul if I ever thought of that whereof I am falsely and without cause accused. And truly madam said he than haue ye found a champion of me for to sustain and defend your right in such wise that by the pleasure of god that it very berite this day your enemy shalbe overcome.   

¶ How Helyas the virtuous knight of the swan did fight against the earl of Francbourcke, the which he conquered and slay. Ca. xxx.  
 
when the noble knight of the swan had interrougued and questioned the duchess of Boulyon he came straight to the emperor and said. sir make him to come hither that injustly accuseth this noble lady, for to disherite or make her die, for I am ready for to defend her. And with these words issued the earl saying My friend what demand ye? Ye show you much o●●r brenning to me●le you of a thing that toucheth you not. vassal said Helias here is my glove that I deliver you, in suchewise that the honour of god and for this ladies sake ye shal se what an adventurous knight can do And the earl received his guage. So was the battle accorded incontinent by the emperour, the which received their oaths, demanded when they wolde fight. Than Helias required themperour that it wolde please him to ordain it presently, the which he grant. And the earl for shane durst not refuse him. Than forthwith the field was prepayred, the lists dressed, and the champions surely armed as behoved in such a case. Incontinent the noble Helias took his spear, his sword, and his shield of silver with a double cross of gold, the which he set vpon his left arm. And on the other parte the earl was mounted on his horse. And sith they came into the field arrayed for them. And there was present the emperour with his counseyl and the duchess of Boulion with her daughter, accompayned of many lords and ladies. And when the duchess and her daughter saw coming Helias their noble champion, they prayed god that he wolde keep him fro harm, and give him victory over his enemy after the right of that he justly defended. So incontinent was ordained the battle of the two knights, the which with course of horse came rinning one against the other the spears in the rest, and encountered so rudely that both their spears shivered all in pieces. And than they drew their swords wherewith they smote together so long that the earl might scarce do any more. But the noble Helias had alway good courage as he that had set all his trust in god, and that with just title sustained charitabli the right of the noble duchess of Baulion. Than the earl demanded of the noble Helyas that it wolde please him to give him trewes for to speak with him, the which he granted. Certes free knight said the earl yf it wolde please you to appease this battle& that I may win that that I demand I shall give you my daughter in marriage, and ye shal haue my land of Dardayne that is a noble and fruitful country. And than answered Helias. Traytre weenest thou to make me of thy consorce. wit thou that I wolde sooner let me to be hewn in al my membres than I wolde commit treason as thou hast done,& therfore speak nomore of it. For of me getest thou no merci for this dede. And I promife thee that this day bi the pleasure of god which hath sent me hither I shall deliver the noble duchess of thy treason, and I shal espouse her daughter maugre thy wicked will. Now defend thee against me. Than Helias approached the said earl& smote him so couragiousli with his sword that he frushed al his helm wherewith the earl fel backward vpon his horse. Than the earl thought to reuete himself and came to Helias, the which he smote so hard vpon his right arm that he made the sword flee out of his hand. And when Helias saw that he was dystytute of his sword, he descended lightli from his horse, and came& seized the earl by the body,& valiantly by force kest him to the earth. And wolde he or not be arached his shield fro his neck. And sith by strength of his hands he diseased him of his sword maugre his teeth. And when the earl felt him so dispourueyed he began to yield him to Helyas saying. A knight save my life and I shal give thee my lands. Ha false traitor said Helyas thou shalt not escape so. For I will haue whole victory of the for to venge the noble duchess& her daughter that thou hast sclaundred. And therwith he lift up the sword that he had taken fro the earl, and gave him such a stroke that his helm went of and than he cut of his head& so he dyed mischeuousli. And than the duchess and her daughter gave lauds and graces to God of the victory of their enemy which they saw vain quysshed by the grace of god, which had sent the noble knight to be their helper.   

¶ How the good Helias wedded the daughter of the duchess of Boulyon. Ca. xxxi  
 
THan after that the noble Helias had victorious ye conquered the earl of Frankebourke his enemi: he came benigneli and salved the emperour Otton which received him benignly as a prue& noble knight. After he sa●ued Clarysse the noble duchess of Boulyon, the which thanked him reverently of that he had done for her, for he had saved her life, and the heritage of her noble douchy. Than Helias took the duchesses daughter bi the hand& embraced and kissed her benignly in saying. Miloue ye ought well to be mi wife, for I haue frelie bought you, and saved your honour in champ of battle. And ●he maiden answered humbly. certainly noble knight my mother and I ben beholden to god& you of the right happy iurney that this day we haue by you received. wherefore at the good pleasure of mi mother I yield me totalli to you, as it hath ben promised. And forthwith the emperour came to the duchess saying. lady I yield to you your land& duchy of Boulyon playnle and peaceably,& restablysshe you in honour without any culp of cr●me as the truth is seen. Certes said the duchess I thank you highly. But as to the regard of my land& duchi of boulion I give it freely to this valiant knight that notabli hath conquered it. And also I give him my daughter in marriage the which from bensforth with him shalbe said and called lady. For I will shortly go& yield me a nune or religious in some nonery, as I haue avowed to god the which this day hath succoured me by so noble a knight. And when the Emperour called to him Helias the noble knight of the swain, unto whom he declared publicly and openly before all that he was duke of Boulyon, and that him behoved to wed the daughter of the noble dame Clarisse like as he had promised. whereto benignly consented the said Helias. And thus by consentement of both parties was in continent made apparel for the morrow to make the feast and solemnity of the spousayles.  
And al that night till on the morrow eachone were delibered to sport and joy. Knights and gentlemen reioyced thē of this marvelous adventure. Ladies and domoyselles danced with them in al games and merry cheres, and in such wise that it should be to long for to tel al the games dances, and turneymentes that were done at the said feast. And on the morrow was reverently celebred the marriage in the church where as came many great lords ladies, and other estates. And after was the feast made in themperours hall, where as every man to his poor reioyced with al his heart. Trumpetes, clerons, tabourins and other minstralsi was there in that place assembled to make mirth melodiously. And to make short there was the greatest triumph that ever was seen. Than at night the good Helias duke of Boulion lai with his spouse the which night she conceived of him a daughter that at her baptism was name Ydian, of whom issued the prue& worthy prince Godfrey of Boulion, and sith his two brethren Baudwin and Eustace. The which were to noble and valiant knights as their deeds shewed afterward And thus appeareth that the noble Helyas knight of the swan conquered and won victoriousli the duchi of Boulion with the sword. And after that the feast and ●ylempnite of the weddinge had lasted about .xv. dayes, the said Helias duke of Boulion and his noble wife disposed them to go into their country with their estate. So the said new duke took leave of themperour in sweringe and promising to him homage of the said duchi as it was of right, and in thankinge him honourablye he departed from him and fro al his noble barons and knights for to go to Boulyon. But in going he found many of the parentes and friends of the foresaid earl of Frankebourke, the which assailed him on the way weening to avenge his death. But he shewed him so valiant and knightli that they were not the most strongest, for he& his folk had passage at their own pleasure whither his enemies wolde or not And triumphantli he came unto the said place of boulion where as he was honourabli received with great joy& exultation. After he held on a day open court to al comers In which were received honourably al the noble barons and lords of the country, and this time hanging waxed great with child the noble duchess his wife in such maner that at the end of .ix. moneths she childed of a faire daughter. The which was honestlye baptized in great company of diuers noble lords and damoyselles. And she was name Ydain at the font, the which sithe was mother of the prue and valiant prince Godfrey of Boulyon, and of his brethren Baudwin and Eustace. And during the childebed of the noble duchess were made many notable conuiues and merry pastimes. Then afterward grew and sprainge the said maiden by the will of God that she was in pleasant age of flouringe youth. And vpon a day as the duchess went in sporting with her husband the good Helyas, she demanded of him pryuelie of what country he was,& what friends he had. but he said nothing,& defended her never to speak therof, or he wolde go his way and never dwell with her any more So she held her stil for that time,& they abode the spa●● of .vii. year living in love& cordialite one with the other.  
And in this time during the ancient duchess mother of the good Helias wife was yielded in religion, like as she had promised and vowed to god.   

¶ How Helias the noble duke of Boulion left his land for that his wife disobeyed his commau●diment, and after the swan his brother brought him to Nymaye to the emperour Otton. Ca. xxxii  
 
ON a day as the duchess of Boulion lay in bed with her husband Helyas there took her a marvelous will to ask again of him of what folk he was comen. The which notably he had defended her, or that he wolde go his way. But as a woman that is light heart& will sooner do the contrary to that her husband commandeth her than otherwise. It happened on a night as they were to gether she was not at her ease because she durst not say and fulfil her will. But at the last she was hardi enough, so that she said. Certainly my lord I wolde fain know of what place ye be come,& who ben your parentes and friends, as otherwhyle I haue asked? wherefore I wolde fain that it wolde please you to tell me. And when the noble Helias heard her sai so he was greatli angri at his heart. And in anger said. Certes ye shall know nothing. And I swear& promise you by my faith that to morrow erlye I shall depart fro this country. And at Boulion shal ye se me never more. And I shall go straight to Nimaie& take leave at themperour& of you in the presence of all his barons.  
And when the duchess understood him: she began to weep tenderli,& sith arose from her bed and came and complained to her folk saying. Alas, alas my lords and ladies now haue I lost the company of my good and faithful friend, by mine everich speaking, and could not hide my courage. And anon after she came to the bed of her daughter Ydain that her father loved dearly,& told her therof. And than she addressed her to her fathers bed weeping piteously saying. Alas mi lord my father haue pity on my good mother and me. Alas will ye leave us: Virgin Mary help, shall I abide orpheline in mi young days. Alas father leave us not for gods sake regard your blood, and take pity thereon. And than the noble duke that was marvelously sorry recomforted her saying. fair daughter make not such sorrow, for I shal well purvey your mother and you yf god will, or that I depart. Than in the morning Helias arose and tenderly weeping he went and hard mass devoutly as he was accustomend. And after mass he said to his knights and familiars. Lords I require& pray you charitably that ye will guide my wife your lady and my daughter unto the city of Nimaie whereas themperour is, to the end that I may take leave of him honourably as appertaineth, and that I may command also to him mine affair in these parties, for I shal never return, The noble knights accorded gladly his demand And yet he said again. My friends I you recommend that ye be alway redy to keep and defend this noble country of Boulyon and the honour of my wife your duchess a of my daughter. And so they promised him to do at his good will. Now my lords said he I thank you al, praying you that ye hold me faith as ye haue promised. More over my lords and friends the hour is comen that I must depart fro this place, for anon ye shal se come nere the swan the which by the will of god shal lead his ship for to guide me to Nimaie. And as they spake thus together the swan arrived miraculously as he had said,& kest a marvelous cry in calling his brother Helias. And than he took leave mekeli of al his knights, gentlemen and damoyselles that wept tenderly the departing of their good lord with the noble duchess& her daughter that it was piti to se them. And semblably al the Citezins wept a wailed the absence& departing of their noble duke, that so swetlie had sustained thē in good peace& liberty without to vex ro trouble them with oni subsides or tailies, but for to take them from grief had annulled al false usages and set good customs& freedoms wherefore they wende never to recover such a nother. Than entred Helyas into the ship, where as he and the swan feasted them ioyusle as brethren, for the hour approached that he should return to his form human. And so they left Bulion and drew toward Nimaie to go to themperour as the noble Helias had proposed to do for to put his wife and his daughter in his saufgarde with their noble country of Boulion.   

¶ How the duchess of Boulion complained to the emperour for the departing of Helyas. Ca. xxxiii.  

Clarysse   
INcontinent after that the noble Helyas was departed fro Boulyon, the duchess his wife and her daughter Ydain companied of many noble knights and damoyselles prepared them for to go to Nymaie before the Emperour. And when they were comen into his palace she fell down before him we pynge and complaining her of her good husband that wolde leave her, saying. Alas noble emperour I pray you yf it please you haue pity on me and on my poor daughter, for if it be not by your mean and benignity I shal lese this day the noble knight that here in your presence took me to wife and spouse. How lady said the Emperour is your husband dead? Alas sir said she, nay, but he will return into the country fro thence he came when he arrived here in this place for to succour me, as eachone saw clearly. For the swan that ye saw is returned with his ship to fetch him, and he is gone with him. It must be than said the emperor that ye haue done him some offence, whereof he is anger with you. Than the said duchess told and recited to him howe and what maner she had trespassed his commandment, wherefore he reproved hyr, saying that she had not well done.  
¶ And thus as they spake together: cam Helias that by the guiding of his brother the swan arrived nigh to the palace of themperour. wherefore he began to sown his virtuous horn, as he had done when he arrived first.  
And when the Emperour had heard him he marveled& said to the duchess that he had heard her husband. Alas said she I know well that he wolde come hither. But it is to take leave at you, without ever to return but if ye moeue him by your high sapience.   

¶ How Helias arrived at Nimaie where as he was goodly received of the Emperour. Ca. xxxiiii  
 
at these words arrived Helias before th, the which he salved humbly. And the emperour received him benignly in saienge Noble duke ye be right welcome. Sir said he pardon me, for I haue forsaken my duchi, and never will I possede any thing of it, for it behoveth me singularly to return to the country fro whence I first departed by the will of god. But this not wythstandyng& all stryle premysed right affectuously I recommaund you my wife. And semblably my noble daughter the which presentli I give you as your daughter. And I pray you that it please you of your benignity to be her good father& friend& to mary her when time shall come at your good discretion. Al redy of your grace& bounty ye haue be mean of the cause of our marriage, so again I require you to keep their honour, and maintene them under your safgarde in the franchise of your country, and noble duchy of Bolion for I will never return. A noble duke mi dere friend, yf ye haue made any oath therof as ye say, it is not of necessity to hold vows against charity. For ye shal sooner haue pardon to break your oath that is not lawful than to accomplish it. If ought be misdoone,& so shortly to leave your wife is against god& charity, ye haue also your faire daughter Ydian that ye se weep so piteousli before you of whom ye should haue pity. Certis sir said Helias me behoveth to go lightli into an other region by the commandment of god that calleth me for an other wealth. wherefore I pray you pardon me for I may abide no longer. yonder is the swan that abideth. My friend said the emperour, sith it is the will of god I will not gainsay it. And than he came neat to his wife and his daughter the which he kissed tenderly weeping, so that he left them as al in a swonne before themperour, or whom he took humbli leave in recommaunding thē again to his good grace. And he promised so to do, and to mary his daughter nobly without fail. And so departed the noble Helias, and went toward the river where as his brother abode him in likeness of a swan For he keep the ship al way till that his brother were returned. And when he was comen the swan reioyced for to see him So she departed with great diligence fleting alway fro river to river till they came into the country of Lilefort that was the land of their nativity   

¶ How Helias the noble knight of the swan returned into the city of Lylefort within the ship of his brother the swan. The which miraculously& by the will of our lord returned before his parentes& friends in his first form human. Ca. xxxv.  

his son the swan.  
king Orint.   
upon a day as the noble king orient sat at the table, and his noble spouse the good queen Beatrice with their .iiii. sons and their daughter, there arrived their two other noble sons Helyas& his brother the swan that had guided him in his voyage as it is said. And when Helias knew the place of Lilefort he began joyously to blow his horn vpon the river, in such maner that the voice therof came to his father. The which incontinent arose fro the table as all reioyced saying. My wife& ye al mi children haue ye joy& mirth at heart, for here is mi sone Helias. Than diligently they arose and went to the windows of the palace. And in beholding to the river they apparceyued the noble Helyas the which al redy issued out of the ship. And anon there ran to meet him his four brethren with their sister for to welcome him. And there they embraced& kissed him for Ioy that they had to se him,& after joyously he went with them into the palace before his father& his mother, where as was made so goodly meeting that it is not possible to tel. For incontinent his father and his mother kissed and embraced him wepinge for Ioy that they had to receive him for the noble virtues and miraculous deeds the god had shewed in him. The one feasted him, the other reioyced him. They were allrauisshed for to se him and when they had well received him, his mother asked him beni g●●ly. sweat sone where haue ye be? It is now well nere .viii. yeres that we haue hot sene you. Mother said he ye shal know it a nother time if it please god. And where is said she my son the swan that lead you in a ship. Certes mad 〈◇〉 said he, he is returned into the water. certainly said the noble queen, me seemed this ●ight in my slept that the swan should be turned to his own form human, yf that we had the two cups that the goldsmith forged of his chain,& make to be made of thē ii. chalices. And than set the chalyces vpon two altars in the church. And between the altars make a bed and lay the swan therein,& after make to say two masses by two good& devout preestes vpon the said altars and consacre in the chalyces. Than that each of us dispose our conscience well& devoutly so that we were worthy to pray our saviour Iesu christ. And I believe that he will streche his virtues over him,& he shall return to his form human. Than king Oriant and Helias held her counsel good.   

¶ How queen beatrice made great joy of her son that was returned to his right form. Ca. xxxvi  

beatrice   
THan incontinent they sent for the goldsmith that had forged the two cups of the chain of silver And he comen to the king made to deliver to him the two cups for to make two chalices, as it had ben ordained. And for to make it short were well and duli ordained two altars and a bed as it was said. Than came the noble Helias to the water side where he found his brother the swann,& made maner to call him. And familierly he came to him, and followed him as his good and faithful brother. And in likewise as afore time he had conduited the said Helyes, so Helyas conduted him to the church before the crucifix● And in the presence of the king, the queen, their children and other lords he was laid in the bed between the two altars, where as were devoutly said two masses, which al they above said heard well and devoutly being meekly prosterned on both their knees praying almighty god that by his divine bounty it wolde please him to show his virtue. So it happened that the time ordained of god was accomplysshed that the swan should return in his form human. right so as the preestes consacred the body of our lord at the mass the swan returned into his proper form and was a man. And thus transmued he arose fro the bed joining his hands, and eseried saying. lords I thank you humbly. Iesu by his grace yield you the devout prayers that ye haue made for me, for bi his mercy I am delivered& put fro great pain. And than went he& meekly kissed the king his father, his mother.& after al his brethren& his sister. Than after the mass were the belles solemnly rongen, and Te deum song for joy in thanking god of his divine virtues. After that were made processions and praysinges to god. And at the returning was baptized the said child, and name Emery. The which sith was a noble knight. And at the coming fro the church the tables were arrayed in the kings palace where as eachone were honourabli received with great joy for love of the divine adventure so clearly shewed tofore all. And thus the noble king Oriant and the good queen Beatrice finabli recovered all their children bi the grace of god, wherefore fro than forthon they lived holily and devoutly in our lord.   

¶ How the noble. Helyas took leave of his parantes and ferendes,& made himself religious there as he was nourished with the good hermit, where he made to build a castle like to that of Boulyon. Ca, xxxvii.  
 
when the good and worthy knight of the swan name Helyas had sith his returning abiden a space of time in Lylefort with his father and mother in the company of his five brethren and his sister the which he loved of a singular, fylyall, and fraternal love, he disposed himself to go into the hermitage where he had be nourished with his godfather the good devout hermit Helyas, the which was disceased in our lord.  
And in that place his father king Oriant had do make a religion for the honour of god and memory of his .vii. children, as it is said before. So the said noble knight Helias assembled his parentes and friends, and to them recounted al the adventures that to him were happened sith his departing. And how he had espoused the noble duchess of Boulyon, the which had conceived of him a fair daughter name Ydain. And when he had told to them as it is said, he shewed them his courage and that that he had intention to do saying. My lord mi father and you mi lady my mother, my brethren my sister. and al my friends. I will here in general recommend you to god, and say farewell, for to go amend my life and yield me religious. For seeing the graces and divine benefices that god hath pleased to show for us, it behoveth to his divine will that I take pain to save my soul and pray for al my friends. wherefore humbly I recommaund you your subiects that ye treat them amyably without to oppress them with ony grievousness. And my brethren and friends I pray and require you all that knightly ye keep and defend alway your country as good and valiant knights. And in these words saying there was none that durst gain say him for the love of god the which in all their anguishes had succoured them, but began all to weep dorolorusly for the departing of the good Helias. The which all thing, promised took his leave of them benignly,& kissed them al at his parting lovingly in weeping, and thus he departed from them with a simplo staff in his hand. sith as a good and devout knight he came to the place of the said hermitage that he had chosen for to save his soul. And there he was mekli received of the other religious men that his father the king Oriant had there founded. After that he made to edify and build in that place a castle semblable& like to that of Boulyon. The which when it was ended he made in like wise to name Boulion, and the foreste that was about it dirdayne. Than in the said castle of Boulyon he ordained certain markets& fairs, the which he made s●●e and quiter of all customs& imposicions to all merchants going, coming, and soiournyng at the said fairs in that place of Boulion, for the augmentacion and profit of the said religion. In such wise that he ordained xxx. religious men for to sing and minister the divine service in the said religion. And there he abode religious observing the rule that there was constituted, and used his dayes in our lord Iesu christ.   

¶ How the puissant and virtuous emperour Otton espoused the earl of Boulyon to the fair Ydain daughter of the noble knight of the swan Helyas. And how after the dream that she had the angel of god announced to her that she should conceive and haue three noble knights. Ca. xxxviii  
 
when fair Ydain daughter of Helyas the noble knight of the swan was at the will of god comen to the age of .xiii. yeres. Otton the puissant Emperour, of Almayne married her to the noble earl of Bouleyn name Eustace. And the feast was made in the emperours palace at Nymaie. And theyther came many great lords and noble knights, gentlemen, and damoiselles, the which were well received. And among the other laydyes was the noble duchess of Boulion moth of Ydain The which in weep piteously bewailed her good spouse the noble Helyas. Than was the feast great, and the wedding honourably solempnised as themperour wolde for the love of Helyas. And the night comen the said earl of Boleyn lay with his spouse fair Ydaine. The which c●ceyued of him the prue knight Godfrey of Boulyon. And he same night in her sleep she thought that she found in her bed three fair children. The which she elacted& gave to suck of her own milk in so great abundance that they were well and substauncially nourished. And than her seemed that the two first had each of thē a crown of fine gold vpon their heads, but the crown of the thyrde was broken by cause another woman than his mother had given him suck of her milk. And at this point the noble ydain a waked of her dream. Than hard she the voice of an angel that god had sent her saying. ydayn god sendeth the greeting. Know thou for trouth that thou shalt conceive of thy husband three male children which thou shalt nourisshe with thine own milk. And god shall give them his blessed benediction. For they shall conquere the realm of the holy land of jerusalem, and shall deliver the holy sepulchre of our lord Iesu christ out of the puissance and captivity of the vnbeleuinge saracens. And therfore govern them well. And when the good ydaine had heard these tidings she thanked and praised our sovereign lord god of his good aduertising●, and of the grace that he did to her. And thus by three yeres following she conceived and childed three fair sons. That is to wit the first Godfrey of Boulion, the second Baudwin and the thrde Eustace. The which she loved and nourished diligently. But in a solemnity of penthecost arrived at Boulion the bishop of Liege, the duke of Brabant, the duke of Fryse, the earl of flanders, the earl of Nammei& many other great princes and mighti barons. The which were there assembled for to make a certain parliament touching the preuysyon of some affairs the was to do in the country. So that the countess was at the mass the right solemnly was sungen before the said princes. B. the which she left young, Eustace somewhat to long fro the breast, wherefore he began to weep so fast that a woman being one of the nourices ran diligently for to appease him, and gave him her pap for to suck, And when his mother the countess returned for to visit him she found the said nurse the which gave him to suck of her milk. wherefore she was so greatly angered and displeased that she said. Ha woman evil advised what haue ye presently done. Now shall my son Eustace lese his noble dignity for to haue taken of your milk, wherefore I ought well to hate you Alas madme said the nurse for goddes love pardon me, for certaynli I wende to haue done well because he wept so fast to thende to haue stilled him So the said countess abode all the day by her three children without any meate or drink for the displeasure that she had of that an other woman than she had given suck to her child. And after dinner the earl of Boulyon lead all the princes, lords, and barons afore name into his secret chamber for to show unto them his three faire sons, Godfrey Baudwin, and Eustace. And when that they saw the noble countess beside her three children they salved her and them right benignly. And in likewise on her seed she received and fested them with her speech as much as to her was possible, and to thē shewed her .iii. children, but for to make thē any welcoming she wolde notons arise. wherefore her husband the earl was for displeased, but he conveyed each of them to his loging with out making ony semblant therof. Than he returned again to her al angry for to blame her therof and said. wit ye lady that ye haue greatly angered me, when ye dayned not ones to arise before so high and notable princes, before whom a queen of ony realm should well haue risen for to salve them. A my lord said she be not discontent with me yf ye please. For by the honour of your three sons I may preaise mi selfe as much as any queen how noble that she be. How so said the earl. certainly my lord said she all the world ought well to honour and praise me for their dignitees. For they shal yet venge ones more the death of our saviour Iesu christ. And shall conquer the realm of the holy land of jerusalem, whereby they shall deliver the holy sepulchre of our lord fro the hands of the misbeleuinge sarazyns, the which there is no king that dare undertake. what said the earl I trow that ye dream: And of truth who that should here you say and prefer such words would say that ye had not good mind. Ha my lord said she, hold not for a vain thing this that I tell you. For this hath told me and announced the angel of our lord god by holy prophesy. And at these words her husband the earl of Boulein regarded her no more. But that he said, god give that it be so as ye haue said.   

¶ How the noble duchess of Boulion sent many squires and mesengers over all countreys and regions for to finde her noble husband the good Heiais knight of the swan. Ca. xxxix.  

Ponce.  
The abbot.   
BY the holy will and commandment of god the good countesse of Boleyne ydaine was nourisshinge diligently of her three children Godfrei Baudwyn, and Eustace. And in this doing held her company her good mother the noble duchess of Boulyon, the which of times devised with her of her good husband Helias. For whom she had sent many messengers squyres and other in diuers countreys and regions to the end that they might find him, or in ony maner bear tidings of him as she right for desired. And among the messengers that sought him one her squire name Ponce arrived in jerusalem, for to know and diligently inquired if the said Helias had enterprised the voyage of the holy sepulchre for his remission. And in such wise that he was the space of .xv. dayes within jerusalem and in the pilgrimages and devout places cyrcumiacentes accustomend to be done in the said holy viage, So he came into a church, at the entering whereof he found an abbot of a church, clothed after the french fashion of his religion. whom he demanded of whence he was. And he said. Mi friend I am of the country of Gaule not f●rre fro Boulyon,& am abbot of Saincteron name Girarde. And than in likewise the abbot demanded of whence he was. My lord said Ponce th● noble squire I am of Boulyon properly My friend said the abbot, you be right well found. Glad am I of your coming,& sith it pleaseth god thus we two together shall return into our country. Than the good abbot Gyrarde of Saincteron led the squire Ponce to his lodging where as he feasted him greatly. And there they devised one with another of their affairs.¶ And it it to be noted that at that same time were assembled in jerusalem many princes and great lords, saracens and balsams of turkey. As the sowdan of pierce. The king Dorbrye, Abraham of Damas. The king of Dortaine. Dodekin of Thabarie. The king of Anthyoche. Solyment of Nikes. The king Feliston. The king of Scabon. Dodequin of damas. king Mabrum of Oliferne,& Corborant his son. the which were commen al thither at the commandment of king Corbadas, that in their presence& during his life wolde give his realm of Ierusalen to Cornumaraunt his son and crown him king therof. The which was .xv. year old. And the said new king was crwoned by the consentment of the said princes resigned fro the father to the son in great feast and solemnity within jerusalem like as they were accustomend to do after their gestes and ceremonies. And it is for to be known that the said Cornumeraunt the new king of jerusalem found maner and space for to speak to the abbot of Saincteron the which for that time was in the city of Ierusalen of whom he inquired diligentli of the state of the princes of Gaule and of their maner of doing, The which abbot  told and cited unto him truth, wherefore greatly he praised& loved him. Than all wisely the said abbot of Sainteron demanded of him familiarly the saufconduyt and acquit for the countreys and lands of beyond the sea for him and the said squire Ponce the more sureli to return into their countries. The which the king Cornumeraunt him granted benignly, in presentinge to him larglye of his goods for the wisdom and the honour of speaking that he had found in him. And after their saufconduyte made they took reverently leave of the king and on the next day in the morning they departed fro the holy city of jerusalem and sith came unto the port of Iaffe otherwise name Ioppen. And fro thence mounted vpon the sea and after by valeis and mountains they went till they arrived within Rome.   

¶ How the abbot of Saincteron and the squire Ponce departed fro Rome at their retournyng fro the holy sepulchre. And sith by the will of god they arrived at the new castle of Boulyon. Ca. xl.  

Ponce.  
The curat   
AFter that Gyrarde the abbot of Saincteron, and the squire Ponce had done their deuocions within the city of jerusalem they departed diligently for to return into their country. And even as they were in the fields almighti god( that alway doth for the best) wolde that they should be wandered of their way. And in such wise they were fro their way in a place inhabitable that they wist not what to think, So it happened that after many travails pains, and labaurs they arrived nigh to the said castle of Boulyon that the good Helyas had newly made to edify after the form and construccion of the other Boulion toward Dardayne. wherefore Ponce said to the abbot. Certes my lord hear is Boulyon, we ben in our country. In our country said the abbot I trow that it lacketh a great deal. Certainly my lord said ponce, yet is this castle like& of the same form of it name Boulyon, and I believe that he that made it had intecion so to do. And after al these words because the night came on, they went and lodged them in a village nigh enough to the said castle. And in their lodgis they sent for the curat of the village for to wit of him in what place and in what country they were arrived. Truly lords said the curat, you haue passed the greatest foreste of Dardeyne and ben presently arrived nigh to the castle of Boulyon. Now said the abbot we ben of the country that ye name,& it is well. CC. leges fro hens. It is trouth my lord said the curate, I haue be in the country that he speak of. But for to declare you the trouth the castle that ye haue seen is called Boulyon le restaure, that is to sai restored, for that a noble& virtuous knight name Helias son to the mighty king orient and of the queen beatrice his spouse went in a ship vpon the guiding of a swan, that so lead him bi adventure to Nimaie, were as he won a champ of battle against the earl of Fraokebourke, wherbi the emperour made to give him in marriage the duchess of boulyon whereof ye speak. In such wise that he was about .viii. year there& than after he returned into his realwe of Lilefort by the leding of the swan aforesaid. And at his coming he did do make this castle& name it boulyon as the other& the foreste about it dardayne. And when ponce herad him speak so he wist well that he should haue certain tidings of that he desired, whereof he thanked our lord,& than without making semblant he said to the curate. Good sir the king and the queen that ye say to be father& mother of the knight ben they now abiding in the castle: Certes sir said he ye For they loved so much the said Helyas their son that they haue left Lilefort& ben comen to dwell here for the love of him And the noble knight said Ponce that ye speak of is he dead: Nay forsooth said ther curate,& it is not .vi. dayes sith I saw him. But for to declare you the verity, he hath bē during his youth of so good life that almighty god hath done& shewed many fair virtues& divine miracles at his holy prayer& orison whereby he hath mad him religious. And is now in a devote religion that his father hath edified for the honour of god& in the commemoracion of him& his brethren, where as he prayeth god and doth penance for to save his soul. verily said the squire I am all reioyced in this that ye say. wherefore said the curat? For I was said he servant to the said Helias that was duke of boulion, and am yet servant to the duchess his wife, the which hath sent me into many countries for to seek him& thanked be god I haue heard of him. And so-Ponce abode merry there al night. And on the morn the abbot& he went to the said castle. wherein at coming fro the mass they met king Oriant. the queen, their .v. sons& their daughter. And when Emeri the last transmued son of the king saw them& had known their habit he came to them& made them cheer asking thē of whence they were. And Ponce said▪ My lord we ben of Boulion in the land of Dardein. And what do you in these parties said Emery. sir said Ponce, it is long sith I cesedret to go in many countreys& regions, as well on this side as beyond the se for to find a noble knight that a swan quided& led out of boulyon, when he left his wife the noble duchess of Boulyon, whose servant I am. And when Emery heard him he began to laugh, Certes my friend it is my brother Helias. My lord said Ponce, liveth he yet: Yea truly my friend said Emery,& ye shall se him if god will or ye pass this country. I pray you therof said Ponce. Than Emery called the king, the queen, his brethren,& his sister and say. certainly if ye will hear any tidings of the duchess of Boulyon my brothers wife, and of Ydan his noble daughter, here bē to notable lords, that bē of the same country. And forthwith they came to Ponce, the which recited to them the contency of the noble duchess of Boulion that was marvelously soroful for that her good husband Helias had left her. And of her noble daughter Ydaine, of whom he told them to haue received certain tidings that she was married to the mighti earl of Boulein Than said the king& the queen, wolde god that they were here. And therwith they embraced& kissed the abbot& ponce. And than he lead them into the castle, where they were feasted& served of the king sons& other barons. In the which cheer they sojourned a whole day in visiting all the places of the castle. And on the morrow the noble Emery lead the abbot of Sainterō and the good squire Ponce to the place where as his brother Helias was religious. And there his brother Emery found him kneeling on his knees before the high altar in the church. So he salved him humbli. And reuerenli he yielded him his salute in saying fair brother Emeri, what is ther of new: Brother said Emery. Here ben two notable lords that I bring you. The which will tell you tidings of your wife the duchess of Boulyon& of your daughter ydain, that is married to the earl of Boleyn. Than Helias knew ponce for he had afore seen him. wherefore humbly he came and embraced and kissed him saying. My friend ye be welcome, tell me yf it please you some tidings of my wife, and of my daughter ydain. And than he told him how she had sent him into many countries,& of his adventures sith his departing And than he asked him if he would return into his country of Boulion. Certes said Helias, nay. For never by the will of god shall I depart fro this region where as I pretend to save my soul be his holy& worthy grace. certes my lord said he, I am right glad to see you,& also mi lady shal be greatli rejoiced for to here of you. My friend said Helyas ye shall recommend me singulerli to her good grace.& also to my daughter ydain. Of whom I am right joyous that she is honourabli married with the noble earl of Boulion. And than in weeping he took the abbot of Sainteron bi the hand& with Ponce led him to se al the places of his religion. Than with his brother Emery he made them good cheer and fested them greatly and after all these things the squire Ponce prayed him humbli of his good pleasure to give him some true token, whereby the duchess might notably know that he had done his devoir to finde him. And Helias said. My friend ye speak wisely. And for a token of me ye shall bear her this ring. The which or now she gave me right amerously. Than after the good Helyas gave great gyites to the abbot& to Ponce. And with them he sent to his wife& his ●oughter ydain great treasoures and many fair gifts Than took they leave humbly of the said Helias& with his brother Emery they returned to the castle of boulion restaure, where they were again honourably received. And than king orient and the queen his wife prepared rich& sumtuous gifts. The which they sent to their daughter the noble duchess of Boulyon, and also to her daughter the noble countess of Boleon, in recommaunding them singularly to their good grace. Than the abbot of saincteron and the squire Ponce took reverently their leave of the noble king Oriant, and of the queen his wife and of al their court, and departed fro thē for to retourn into their country, in the place of Boulyon in Dardayn●   

¶ How the squire Ponce arrived at Boulyon for to bear tidings to the duchess of the noble Helias knight of the swan, the which was at that time yoleden a religious. Ca. xli.  
 
VPon a day of the feast of the ascencyon of our lord Iesu christ as the earl of Boulyon, his wife ydain, and the noble duchess her mother with many other lords and damoyselles were sitting at the table& held court plenayre by maner of consolation, arrived Ponce the noble squire at the castle of Boulyon, the which lead a mule charged with dyvers gifts& rich presentes& came into the hall whereas was the feast aforesaid. And incontinent that the noble duchess apperceyued him she arose fro the table,& cam● tenderly enbracing him and said. My friend Ponce ye be right welcome. Haue ye found my husband or can ye ony tidings of him. Cyrtes madam said Ponce. yea? By the same tooken that here is his ring that he gave me to bear to you. And when she saw the ring she was al reioyced, and kiss it mo than an. C. times, in weeping& bewayl●ng piteously the absence of her good and faithful husband Helyas, and than said. Truley Ponce my friend this is a good tooken that ye haue found him. madam said he highli I haue also brought a mule charged with many notable gifts and rich presentes that he& his mighty parentes haue sent to you. and to my lady the countess ydain your noble daughter. For I do you notably to wit that he is son of the right puissant and redoubted king of Lylefort name Oriant, and of the illustred and noble queen Beatrice his wife And eke he hath five noble brethren and all valiant knights. And he hath also a fair sister,& shortly he is of right great kine of these words was greatly enjoyed the duchess his wi●e his daughter& the noble earl, in such wise that they wept for joy that they had at their hearts to here such good tidings. Than the said Ponce recited to them that he was religious in a fair abbai that his father and he had made to constyt●e and edify for the honour of god. And how he had sene all with the abbot of Sainteron, in returning fro the holy city of jerusalem. where vpon saythe the cro●icle& gest of this miraculous history that when the noble duchess of Boulyon knew& understood that her good husband helias was yoleden religious, she made incontinent to prepare her estate. And with her daughter ydayn she set her on the way with the said Ponce, which they took for to guide thē to the religion where he had found the good Helyas Than took they leave of the noble earl of Bolyon in recommaunding him his three sons Godfrey, Baudwin, and Eustace. the which were all redy in age adolescent. And after they departed fro Boulyon and travailed so long by mountains and valees that they came to the place of religion where as the noble Helias was yoleden religious Than the noble duchess his wife with her daughter ydain demanded so much after him that they came and found him lying in a bed right sore sick And god knoweth than in what joy they beholded each other The wife be wept her husband, the daughter bewailed her father. And he on the other side wept tenderly to se there his wife and his daughter, so that all they that beheld them wept for sorrow and pity. And after that they had bē there a space of time, the good Helias was so sick a weyke of pains and travails that he had sustained in his yough that holili and deuoutli he desceased in our lord Iesu christ, the which called him to be with him for to reward him for the pains and grievous, vexacions that he had suffered and wyllyngli born at his holy& divine commandment and to give him space in the glory pardurable with the happi sainetes of the realm of paradise, And when the duchess saw her husband dead, she was so sorrowful at her heart that she disceased with him in our lord. wherefore her noble daughter, ydain and all the lords and damoyselles that were comen with her made such sorrow the pity was to see. And after al things all the religious of the said abbey assembled them& honestly with great reverence they butted the noble Helias and his wife in one tomb before the high altar of the church. And their service was well and devoutly done as it appertained to their estate. Than the noble ydain departed& gave much of her goods to the said abbaye for the honour of god and for the love of her father and mother the which there were engraved.& so departed fro the place with her folk,& returned into her country and duchy of bonlion where as she found Eustace her noble husband. To whom she recited in weeping how her good father and mother were discesed in our lord, and both butted together bi the divine will. And when the said Eustace her husband heard these tidings he was much sorrowful and dolen at his heart. And he with his wife and all his household did bear the doole as long as it was expedient for such a noble prince.   

¶ How Ydain the noble duchess of Boulyon end●ctryned her three sons, Godfrey, Baudwyn, and Eustace in all maner of good operacyons, virtues, and manners, Ca. xlii.  

¶ Godfrey.  
Baudwin.  
Eustace.   
AFter that the noble ydain duchess of Boulyon was returned into her country she kept singularly her three sons Godfrey, Baudwin& Eustace. which she made to be instruct by a wise master. And she herself endoctryned. them in all good manners& honest of life saying alway above all things give laud and glory to god in all your works, and said. My childre ye ought to know that ye be extract& issued of a lineage as noble and virtuous as is possible to be. That is to wete of the noble knight of the swan son of the puissant king orient& of the good queen beatrice his spouse. And ye haue .v. kings and a queen of your excellent and illustryous parent. The which all miraculously& by the announcement of an angel haue ben product in valour and you also in likewise. And therfore than my fair children abide alway in the fear and love of god our sovereign protector in giuing him laud and honour. Be sweat, soft, and curteys to your subgectes without oppressyng or domaginge them in any wise yf ye be able and possible to re-edify the churches of god, and offer willingly your own bodies insacrifice in sustaining the holy faith catholic. keep and defend justly your country. bear and sustain the right of poor widows and orphelins. Distribute& deele of your goods to the needy, comfort the sorrowful, and think for to save your souls for to haue the grace of god. And I promise you my children that yf ye govern you thus ye shal prosper in this world and haue heaven at your end. And in this maner where bi their good mother ydain devoutly introduct and taught these three young sons godfrey, Bauwyn and Eustace the, which were al way together in their youth, often times to remember the good and healthful doctrine that she had given them. And semblably also they were bi their notable school master sufficiently enstructe in science and in all good manners.   

¶ How the three noble brethren Godfrey, Baudwyn,& Eustace appropred and used them in all maner of noble games and assays of worthiness. Ca. xliii.  
 
ANd when in ther adolescence they were somewhat comen to the age of strength, they beg in to practise them in shootinge with their bow and arbelstre, to play with the sword and buckler, to run, to just, to play with a poll axe, And to wrestle. And began to bear harneys, to ronne horses& to approve thē as desiring to be good and faithful knights to sustain the faith of god. And thus they grew al three in strength and height marvelously& in such wise that of their age was none found like to them they were fair and well formed of body, wise, curteys, and well taught. Th●y served god gladli, they made them to be beloved of great& small And eachone honoured thē eachone gave them benediccion, and also they gate grace of great Princes and noble lords. And when Godfrye the first born was comen to the age of .xv. yeres accomplisshed his good mother Ydain made to dispose and put him in point as to him well appertained for to go to Nimaie to themperour for to receive the order of knight hood,& said to him. My fair son Godfres ye be the eldest of your brethren and are of age competent for to be knight, wherefore here is a rob of honour the which I haue diligently prepaired for you to receive the noble degree and virtuous title. Your squires& pages ben well appointed of liuerayes to you appertaining,& all they of yours also. wherefore ye shall go into the city of Nimaie to themperour the which hath good knowledge of you because of your grant father the noble and virtuous knight of the swan, and my good mother his wife, whose soul●s god pardon. And so of him you shalbe made knight in giuing you the sword of honour. And your two brethren shall go with you for to bear you company. And than answered Godfrey My right deary lady& mother I hertelye thank you when you procure me such honour. And I am al redy to depart& go toward themperour at your good commandment. Now go than my son your case is al redy. And than departed Godfrey of Boulyon mounted vpon a horse of price accompanied of his two brethren,& of many noble and gentill knights, squires, and pages. The which haue ridden so long that they came to Nimaye. And incontinent the good Godfrey came and pe●ented hem tofore the emperour, in saluinge him debonayrlye. And he received him gladly and al his company with good heart saying. Right noble child, and my dear friend, ye be right hertli welcome. I know you to be extract& issued of the most noble and illustrious Helias knight of the swan. Therfore for the love of him and of your mother his daughter, the which I haue married and conjoined in my noble palace bi their good consentement wherefore bi the pleasure of god I shal adube you knight or ye depart fro me. sir said Godfrey, I thank you humbly. And than the noble emperour made to prepare and ordain a sol●mpne feast for the love of Godfrey of Boulyon. Than incontinent after the feast wree ordained Iustes, turn mentes and many other games and noble feats of arms In the whichy the noble Godfrei shewed him right prue and valiant, in such wise that by the said Emperour he was made and ordained knight with right great honour and joy. And when the feast was passed Godfrey returned honourabli to Boulion with his brethren baudwin and Eustace. The which sith in their age were mad● noble knights as their brother Godfrey. And thus the● arrived at Boulyon with their company, where they wer● received with great joy and honour. Than certain t● me after their noble father Eustace duke of Boulion an● earl of Boleyn disceased in our lord. The which by hi● grace& mercy haue him into his infinite glory with th● holy saints and blessed company of heaven. And thus abode the said Godfrey duke of Boulion, as the first born of his brethren. And he was so good& so prue to right& govern the wealth public, and so politic in keeping his country that he was beloved of every person. Than began soon after to approach the time that our lord God had ordained for to put and reduce the realm of the holy land of jerusalem into the hands of prue and noble godfrey of Boulyon. In the which time chosen of god and by his good enhortement should be vnyed& congregeed the princes of christendom for to pass over the sea and sustain the faith of god Iesu christ against the misbeleuinge paynims As it is written and recited in the chronicles and faytes of the said Godfrey and his brethren. And al by the will of god the which exalteth his friends in this world and after their bodily death bringeth them to the life everlasting of heaven. To the which bring us, the father, the son and the holy ghost. Amen.  
¶ Thus endeth the life& miraculous history of the most noble and illustryous Helyas knight of the swan with the birth of the excellent knight Godfrey of Boulyon, one of the nine worthiest, and the last of the three chryst●n   

¶ Imprinted at London by me Wyllyam Copland.