Comparison of Geoffrey Chaucer Consolatione Philosophie 1 Prose 6 to Geoffrey Chaucer

Sey boldely thy wille,' quod he, [continues next]

I am thin ayel, redy at thy wille;

Weep thou namore, I wol thy lust fulfille.'

Sey what thou wolt, I shal it never telle

Hir answere shal she have, I undertake; [continues next]

[continues previous] That ye wratthed shulde been with me.'

[continues previous] Sey boldely thy wille,' quod he,

[continues previous] I nil be wroth, if that I may,

Sin I am thyn, and hoolly at thy wille?

What Ioye hastow thyn owene folk to spille?

[continues previous] Hir answere shal she have, I undertake; [continues next]

[continues previous] 'And I,' quod she, 'a queene of fayërye.

with my compleintes, seide thus: 'Whan I say thee,' quod she,

sey me this: sin that thou ne doutest nat that this world be [continues next]

governed, for-thy wenestow that thise mutaciouns of fortune [continues next]

And thanne seide she thus: 'yif thou loke,' quod she, 'first

'By whiche governement,' quod she, 'that this world is [continues next]

sholden doute that this world nis governed by god.' [continues next]

'Certes,' quod I, 'ne yit ne doute I it naught, ne I nel never [continues next]

Thanne seide she: 'this is,' quod she, 'the olde question of [continues next]

And to her bedde right thus she speketh tho: —

'Thou bed,' quod she, 'that hast receyved two,

[continues previous] sey me this: sin that thou ne doutest nat that this world be

[continues previous] governed by god, with whiche governailes takestow hede that

[continues previous] for thou hast foryeten by whiche governements the world is

[continues previous] governed, for-thy wenestow that thise mutaciouns of fortune

al-though that selde is ther any feith that fortunous thinges wolen [continues next]

that may be thyn in any tyme, or elles that it nis foul, yif that it [continues next]

propre heved; or elles, yif ther be any thing to which that [continues next]

[continues previous] 'By whiche governement,' quod she, 'that this world is

[continues previous] governed.'

[continues previous] sholden doute that this world nis governed by god.'

[continues previous] Thanne seide she: 'this is,' quod she, 'the olde question of

Now preye I to hem alle that herkne this litel tretis or rede, that if ther be any thing in it that lyketh hem, that ther-of they thanken oure lord Iesu Crist, of whom procedeth al wit and al goodnesse. And if ther be any thing that displese hem, I preye hem also that they arrette it to the defaute of myn unconninge, and nat to my wil, that wolde ful fayn ...

[continues previous] al-though that selde is ther any feith that fortunous thinges wolen

[continues previous] that may be thyn in any tyme, or elles that it nis foul, yif that it

on any syde?' [continues next]

'Certes,' quod I, 'it ne remembreth me nat that evere I was [continues next]

[continues previous] propre heved; or elles, yif ther be any thing to which that

the endes and the bitydinges of hem ben absolut and quit of alle [continues next]

That it hath chaunged my colour, I trowe.

I am nat wont in no mirour to prye,

He was so glad, that I can nat expresse

In no manere his mirthe and his gladnesse;

so that she was ful of so greet age, that men ne wolde nat trowen,

in no manere, that she were of oure elde. The stature of hir was

of thinges. Ne I trowe nat, by the Iugement of Socrates, that

certein, that fortunous welefulnesse endeth by the deeth of the [continues next]

[continues previous] 'Certes,' quod I, 'it ne remembreth me nat that evere I was

And certes, amonges thise thinges I ne trowe nat that the

nis non, ne the thing al hool that they ne desire nat.'

'In which manere?' quod I.

'Thilke man,' quod she, 'that secheth richesses to fleen

'Thanne,' quod she, 'ne sholden men nat by no wey seken

'Certes,' quod I, 'I trowe it naught; and thou hast shewed

'This take I wel,' quod I, 'ne this ne may nat ben withseid

'Certes,' quod I, 'I ne may nat denye ne withstonde the

no good in it-self, ne semblaunce of good, it ne may nat wel in

no manere be desired ne requered. And the contrarie: for

it was biforn. And, who-so wolde renne in the same manere by [continues next]

alle thinges, he sholde seen that, with-oute doute, every thing is [continues next]

'Certes,' quod she, 'ne ther-of thar thee nat doute. Now

thou mayst nat drede, by no manere, that alle the thinges [continues next]

'Certes,' quod I, 'ne yit ne doute I it naught, ne I nel never [continues next]

'Certes,' quod I, 'al-outrely it ne mighte nat availen him.'

'Certes,' quod I, 'no wight ne douteth it, yif he be in his

'This is open and cleer,' quod I; 'ne it may nat ben deneyed

'No, forsothe,' quod I.

'Ne thou ne doutest nat,' quod she, 'that thilke naturel office

'Certes,' quod she, 'ne is nis nat leveful to hem, as I shal wel

'Whan I consider thy resouns,' quod I, 'I ne trowe nat that

'I ne doute nat,' quod I, 'that I nolde don suffisaunt satisfaccioun

god ne may nat ben desseived in no manere, than mot it nedes

[continues previous] necessitee. For certes, I ne trowe nat that any man wolde seyn

strengthe; but the lowere strengthe ne aryseth nat in no manere

'Certes,' quod I, 'in al myn age,

Ne saugh I swich a hous as this.'

'Bet? ne no wight so wel!' quod he.

I trowe hit, sir,' quod I, 'parde!'

Toward the rose, that plesed me so;

But I ne durste in no manere,

But wel I wot greet stryf is us among. [continues next]

'I wot wel,' quod I, and answerede, that 'god is beginning [continues next]

[continues previous] certein, that fortunous welefulnesse endeth by the deeth of the

delices I not what Ioye may ben had of hir moevinge. But this [continues next]

wot I wel, that who-so-ever wole remembren him of hise luxures, [continues next]

[continues previous] it was biforn. And, who-so wolde renne in the same manere by

[continues previous] alle thinges, he sholde seen that, with-oute doute, every thing is

[continues previous] thou mayst nat drede, by no manere, that alle the thinges

[continues previous] wene that it were to doute; as who seith, but I wot wel that god [continues next]

wolde wondre wel the lasse, yif I trowede that al thise thinges

weren medled by fortunous happe; but now hepeth and encreseth

But wel I wot, with that he can endyte, [continues next]

But wel I wot, thou wilt answere and seye: [continues next]

But wel wot I, thou art now in a drede; [continues next]

How the ordre of causes stant; but wel wot I, [continues next]

[continues previous] But wel I wot greet stryf is us among.

[continues previous] 'I wot wel,' quod I, and answerede, that 'god is beginning

[continues previous] wot I wel, that who-so-ever wole remembren him of hise luxures,

[continues previous] wene that it were to doute; as who seith, but I wot wel that god

[continues previous] But wel I wot, with that he can endyte,

[continues previous] But wel I wot, thou wilt answere and seye:

That she ne mighte al abate his prys, [continues next]

[continues previous] But wel wot I, thou art now in a drede;

[continues previous] How the ordre of causes stant; but wel wot I,

[continues previous] That it bihoveth that the bifallinge

That never swich another nas;

And yit hit was by aventure

[continues previous] That she ne mighte al abate his prys,

[continues previous] Yit wolde she blame his worthinesse,

inset greveth the thought.'

'Right so is it,' quod she. 'For thise ne ben yit none remedies

thanne thilke provostrie? And, as I have seyd a litel her-biforn, [continues next]

as I seyde a litel her-biforn that, sin ther mot nedes ben many [continues next]

a blinde man; and that shewedest thou me ful wel a litel her-biforn, [continues next]

whan thou enforcedest thee to shewe me the causes [continues next]

empty and with-outen frut. But, as I have y-shewed a litel [continues next]

that tho thinges that I have concluded a litel her-biforn dwellen [continues next]

thing hath ben descovered to thee, in that thou seydest that [continues next]

thou wistest nat a litel her-biforn.' [continues next]

'Thou ne wendest nat,' quod she, 'a litel her-biforn, that men [continues next]

'I acorde me greetly,' quod I; 'and I aperceivede a litel her-biforn [continues next]

that thou woldest seye thus; al-be-it so that it were by [continues next]

devyne? For certes, a litel her-biforn, whan thou bigunne at [continues next]

blisfulnesse, thou seydest that it is soverein good; and seydest [continues next]

thinges that I have concluded a litel her-biforn ben kept hole [continues next]

and unraced, thou shalt wel knowe by the autoritee of god, of the [continues next]

as I have gadered and proeved a litel her-biforn, that yvel is [continues next]

of this power of shrewes, I have definisshed a litel her-biforn, that [continues next]

thee of thilke noble corolarie that I yaf thee a litel her-biforn; [continues next]

For thou hast lerned a litel her-biforn, that al thing that is and [continues next]

we han concluded a litel her-biforn. But I praye thee that thou [continues next]

'Certes,' quod she, 'so it is; but men may nat. For they han

the purviaunce and the destinee that thou taughtest me a [continues next]

litel her-biforn, this sentence is sustened by stedefast resouns. [continues next]

thinges, of whiche thou seydest a litel her-biforn, that they ne were [continues next]

For which it bihoveth, by necessitee, that the linage of mankinde, [continues next]

as thou songe a litel her-biforn, be departed and unioined from [continues next]

thou thy-self hast confessed it and biknowen a litel her-biforn, what [continues next]

Therfor thanne, as I have shewed a litel her-biforn, that al [continues next]

thilke thing that thou puttest a litel her-biforn, that is to seyn, [continues next]

[continues previous] thanne thilke provostrie? And, as I have seyd a litel her-biforn,

[continues previous] as I seyde a litel her-biforn that, sin ther mot nedes ben many

[continues previous] a blinde man; and that shewedest thou me ful wel a litel her-biforn,

[continues previous] her-biforn, that yif ther be a blisfulnesse that be freele and

[continues previous] that tho thinges that I have concluded a litel her-biforn dwellen

[continues previous] only in hir first graunting.'

[continues previous] thing hath ben descovered to thee, in that thou seydest that

[continues previous] thou wistest nat a litel her-biforn.'

[continues previous] 'What was that?' quod I.

[continues previous] 'Thou ne wendest nat,' quod she, 'a litel her-biforn, that men

[continues previous] 'I acorde me greetly,' quod I; 'and I aperceivede a litel her-biforn

[continues previous] that thou woldest seye thus; al-be-it so that it were by

[continues previous] devyne? For certes, a litel her-biforn, whan thou bigunne at

[continues previous] thinges that I have concluded a litel her-biforn ben kept hole

[continues previous] and unraced, thou shalt wel knowe by the autoritee of god, of the

[continues previous] as I have gadered and proeved a litel her-biforn, that yvel is

[continues previous] naught; and so as shrewes mowen only but shrewednesses, this

[continues previous] of this power of shrewes, I have definisshed a litel her-biforn, that

[continues previous] thee of thilke noble corolarie that I yaf thee a litel her-biforn;

[continues previous] and gader it to-gider in this manere: — so as good him-self is

[continues previous] For thou hast lerned a litel her-biforn, that al thing that is and

[continues previous] 'Certes,' quod I, 'these thinges ben clere y-nough; and that

[continues previous] we han concluded a litel her-biforn. But I praye thee that thou

[continues previous] the purviaunce and the destinee that thou taughtest me a

[continues previous] litel her-biforn, this sentence is sustened by stedefast resouns.

[continues previous] thinges, of whiche thou seydest a litel her-biforn, that they ne were

[continues previous] as thou songe a litel her-biforn, be departed and unioined from

[continues previous] thou thy-self hast confessed it and biknowen a litel her-biforn, what

[continues previous] Therfor thanne, as I have shewed a litel her-biforn, that al

[continues previous] thilke thing that thou puttest a litel her-biforn, that is to seyn,

sey me this: sin that thou ne doutest nat that this world be [continues next]

the beginning of thinges, that thou ne knowest nat what is the [continues next]

thilke thinges ne mowen nat performen that they bi-heten, and [continues next]

prince of alle thinges; for certes som-thing possessing in it-self [continues next]

nothing nis more worth. For alwey, of alle thinges, the nature [continues next]

of hem ne may nat ben bettre than his biginning; for which [continues next]

songes that hadden overcomen alle thinges ne mighten nat [continues next]

nis no-thing. And thise thinges ne shewedest thou nat with none [continues next]

woot and alle thinges may, and ne wole nat but only gode [continues next]

don yvele thinges ne mowen nat alle thinges: thanne is it open [continues next]

hir eyen so wont to the derknesse of erthely thinges, that they ne [continues next]

dyverse tymes the foule erthe and the hevene, and that alle other [continues next]

thinges stinten fro with-oute, so that thou nere neither in hevene [continues next]

thee nat that alle thinges ben doon a-right. [continues next]

alle thinges from an heigh, ne withstondeth nat no thinges by [continues next]

of libertee. For yif so be that god loketh alle thinges biforn, ne [continues next]

avyse the prescience, by which it knoweth alle thinges, thou ne [continues next]

devyne lookinge, biholdinge alle thinges under him, ne troubleth [continues next]

what contree thou art born, it nis nat governed by emperours, ne

by governement of multitude, as weren the contrees of hem of

[continues previous] sey me this: sin that thou ne doutest nat that this world be

[continues previous] governed by god, with whiche governailes takestow hede that

[continues previous] the beginning of thinges, that thou ne knowest nat what is the

Yif blisfulnesse be the sovereyn good of nature that liveth by

resoun, ne thilke thing nis nat sovereyn good that may be taken

[continues previous] thilke thinges ne mowen nat performen that they bi-heten, and

the resoun by which it is governed. But the shyning of thy

[continues previous] good is in him. For yif god ne is swich, he ne may nat ben

[continues previous] of hem ne may nat ben bettre than his biginning; for which

[continues previous] songes that hadden overcomen alle thinges ne mighten nat

[continues previous] nis no-thing. And thise thinges ne shewedest thou nat with none

[continues previous] woot and alle thinges may, and ne wole nat but only gode

Than seyde I thus: 'owh! I wondre me that thou bihetest me [continues next]

[continues previous] don yvele thinges ne mowen nat alle thinges: thanne is it open

[continues previous] hir eyen so wont to the derknesse of erthely thinges, that they ne

[continues previous] may nat liften hem up to the light of cleer sothfastnesse; but

[continues previous] thinges stinten fro with-oute, so that thou nere neither in hevene

[continues previous] the gode governour, atempreth and governeth the world, ne doute

[continues previous] thee nat that alle thinges ben doon a-right.

[continues previous] alle thinges from an heigh, ne withstondeth nat no thinges by

[continues previous] of libertee. For yif so be that god loketh alle thinges biforn, ne

[continues previous] god ne may nat ben desseived in no manere, than mot it nedes

seyth, I ne alowe nat, or I ne preyse nat, thilke same resoun, by

which that som men wenen that they mowen assoilen and

[continues previous] avyse the prescience, by which it knoweth alle thinges, thou ne

[continues previous] shal nat demen it as prescience of thinges to comen, but thou

[continues previous] devyne lookinge, biholdinge alle thinges under him, ne troubleth

[continues previous] nat the qualitee of thinges that ben certeinly present to him-ward;

of the stones hem-self, and nat of men; for whiche I wondre

gretly that men mervailen on swiche thinges. For-why, what

[continues previous] Than seyde I thus: 'owh! I wondre me that thou bihetest me

Sin that thou art so gretly in hir dette, [continues next]

thou that art put in the comune realme of alle, ne desyre nat to

the see, thondre with over-throwinges, thou that art put in quiete,

overcomen by adversitees. Ne certes, thou that art put in the

encres or in the heighte of vertu, ne hast nat comen to fleten with

[continues previous] Sin that thou art so gretly in hir dette,

But sey me this: remembrest thou what is the ende of thinges, [continues next]

ben false and unparfit. But sey me this. Wenest thou that [continues next]

That wol nat be governed by hir wyves; [continues next]

Tho seide she thus: 'Whether wenestow,' quod she, 'that [continues next]

this world be governed by foolish happes and fortunous, or [continues next]

put out of the cure of god. For of alle other thinges thou [continues next]

ne doutedest nat that they nere governed by resoun. But owh! [continues next]

[continues previous] But sey me this: remembrest thou what is the ende of thinges,

for thou hast foryeten by whiche governements the world is [continues next]

governed, for-thy wenestow that thise mutaciouns of fortune [continues next]

[continues previous] ben false and unparfit. But sey me this. Wenest thou that

[continues previous] he, that hath nede of power, that him ne lakketh no-thing?'

'By whiche governement,' quod she, 'that this world is [continues next]

sholden doute that this world nis governed by god.' [continues next]

'Ne thou ne doutest nat,' quod she, 'that thilke naturel office

[continues previous] That wol nat be governed by hir wyves;

Almachius seyde, 'ne takestow non hede

[continues previous] this world be governed by foolish happes and fortunous, or

[continues previous] ne doutedest nat that they nere governed by resoun. But owh!

[continues previous] for thou hast foryeten by whiche governements the world is

[continues previous] governed, for-thy wenestow that thise mutaciouns of fortune

[continues previous] 'By whiche governement,' quod she, 'that this world is [continues next]

[continues previous] governed.' [continues next]

[continues previous] sholden doute that this world nis governed by god.'

[continues previous] 'By whiche governement,' quod she, 'that this world is

[continues previous] governed.' [continues next]

[continues previous] 'Me remembreth it wel,' quod I; 'and I confesse wel that I [continues next]

[continues previous] 'Me remembreth it wel,' quod I; 'and I confesse wel that I

that thilke resouns of hem that assoilen this questioun ne ben [continues next]

thus with al thy fortune, sin thou hast yit thy beste thinges. But [continues next]

I may nat suffren thy delices, that pleynest so wepinge and [continues next]

yit may it nat ben with-holden that it ne goth away whan it wole.

yit ne may it nat, by the infirme light of his bemes, breken or

[continues previous] that thilke resouns of hem that assoilen this questioun ne ben

[continues previous] nat speedful y-nough ne sufficient: the whiche solucioun, or the

The commune profit coude she redresse.

Ther nas discord, rancour, ne hevinesse

Agayn hir foos she faught so cruelly,

That ther nas king ne prince in al that londe

[continues previous] I may nat suffren thy delices, that pleynest so wepinge and

'What was that?' quod I.

'That thou ne wistest nat,' quod she, 'which was the ende

parties; ne the savinge of obedient thinges ne sholde nat be.'

'Thanne is ther nothing,' quod she, 'that kepeth his nature,

'Thanne is yvel nothing,' quod she, 'sin that he ne may nat

'No, forsothe,' quod I.

'Ne thou ne doutest nat,' quod she, 'that thilke naturel office

don that.'

'Certes,' quod she, 'ne is nis nat leveful to hem, as I shal wel

'It acordeth,' quod I.

'Thanne ne doutestow nat,' quod she, 'that thilke folk that ben

plentee of the lyf interminable, to whom ther ne faileth naught of

She axeth grace, and seith al that she can.

'Ne wolt thou nat,' quod he, this cruel man,

and weleful by strengthe of thy palis, shalt leden a cleer age,

depper; I coniecte that ther lakketh I not nere what. But

sey me this: sin that thou ne doutest nat that this world be

the beginning of thinges, that thou ne knowest nat what is the

ende of thinges? But swiche ben the customes of perturbaciouns,

for thou ne wost what is the ende of thinges, for-thy demestow [continues next]

blisfulnesse, that alle the kinde of mortal thinges ne descendeth [continues next]

alle thinges, and devydest it by membres acordinge; and whan [continues next]

ben false and unparfit. But sey me this. Wenest thou that

'That thou ne wistest nat,' quod she, 'which was the ende [continues next]

of thinges; and certes, that is the thing that every wight [continues next]

Thanne seide I thus: 'I acorde me gretly to Plato, for thou [continues next]

remembrest and recordest me thise thinges yit the secounde [continues next]

requered and desired of alle the kinde of thinges. And thou [continues next]

[continues previous] that felonous and wikked men ben mighty and weleful. And

[continues previous] blisfulnesse, that alle the kinde of mortal thinges ne descendeth

[continues previous] Thou knittest to-gider the mene sowle of treble kinde, moevinge

[continues previous] alle thinges, and devydest it by membres acordinge; and whan

[continues previous] 'That thou ne wistest nat,' quod she, 'which was the ende

[continues previous] of thinges; and certes, that is the thing that every wight

[continues previous] remembrest and recordest me thise thinges yit the secounde

[continues previous] requered and desired of alle the kinde of thinges. And thou

Nis nat gold, as that I have herd it told;

ficched in my memorie.' [continues next]

Thanne dame Prudence discovered al hir wil to him, and seyde, 'I conseille yow,' quod she, 'aboven alle thinges, that ye make pees bitwene god and yow; and beth reconsiled un-to him and to his grace. For as I have seyd yow heer-biforn, god hath suffred yow to have this tribulacioun and disese for your sinnes. And if ye do as I sey yow, god wol sende your adversaries un-to ...

Thanne was Prudence right glad and loyeful, and seyde, 'Certes, sir,' quod she, 'ye han wel and goodly answered. For right as by the conseil, assent, and help of your freendes, ye han been stired to venge yow and maken werre, right so with-outen hir conseil shul ye nat accorden yow, ne have pees with your adversaries. For the lawe seith: "ther nis no-thing so good ...

nat unskilfully axed thus: "Yif god is, whennes comen wikkede [continues next]

thinges? And yif god ne is, whennes comen gode thinges?" [continues next]

of thinges that ben aposed ayeins thee, thou hast remembred [continues next]

thinges that ben knowen to alle folk. And of the felonyes and [continues next]

For whennes comen elles alle thise foreyne compleyntes or [continues next]

'Certes,' quod she, 'thou seyst a-right. For yif so be that

it procedeth of thinges that ben al hoole and absolut, and [continues next]

we han shewed apertly that alle thinges that ben parfit ben [continues next]

and brought to soverein good, right as alle thinges that ben brought [continues next]

'Certes,' quod I, 'it hath wel ben shewed heer-biforn, that alle [continues next]

thise thinges ben alle o thing.' [continues next]

'This is open and cleer,' quod she, 'that alle othre thinges ben [continues next]

of alle the thinges that ben to requeren. But certes, thilke that [continues next]

to ryden, as the effect of his hele. Now thanne, sin that [continues next]

alle thinges ben requered for the grace of good, they ne ben nat [continues next]

the same thinges fro whennes they ben arraced. But fyr fleeth [continues next]

thou mayst nat drede, by no manere, that alle the thinges [continues next]

that ben anywhere, that they ne requeren naturelly the ferme [continues next]

And thilke thing, what-so-ever it be, by which that alle thinges [continues next]

'Thanne ordeineth he by him-self al-one alle thinges?' quod she.

'That may nat be deneyed,' quod I.

'It remembreth me wel,' quod I.

'Thanne ordeineth he alle thinges by thilke good,' quod she;

'Thanne is thilke the soverein good,' quod she, 'that alle

thinges governeth strongly, and ordeyneth hem softely.'

don yvel that may don alle thinges.'

'Scornest thou me?' quod I; 'or elles pleyest thou or deceivest

is y-set, alle thinges y-treted that I trowe ben necessarie to [continues next]

[continues previous] 'Alle folk thanne,' quod she, 'goode and eek badde, enforcen

geteth and ateyneth to the ende of alle thinges that ben to desire, [continues next]

the comune fyn of alle thinges that ben, they forleten also therwith-al [continues next]

goode thinges may don alle thinges; and they that ben mighty to [continues next]

that alle thinges, that oughten ben desired, ben referred to good, [continues next]

medes, ne shrewes lakken never-mo torments. For of alle thinges [continues next]

that ben y-doon, thilke thing, for which any-thing is don, it semeth [continues next]

that alle thinges ben doon. Thanne is thilke same good purposed [continues next]

brestes of men; the moevable poeple is astoned of alle thinges [continues next]

that comen selde and sodeinly in our age. But yif the troubly [continues next]

thee nat that alle thinges ben doon a-right. [continues next]

me,' quod she, 'to telle thing that is grettest of alle thinges that [continues next]

that is destinee. For which it is, that alle thinges that ben put [continues next]

have seyd?' Boece. 'What thing?' quod I.

'Certes,' quod she, 'al-outrely, that alle fortune is good.'

of alle thinges that may ben thought.' [continues next]

the blake cloudes. Thilke god seeth, in oo strok of thought, alle [continues next]

thinges that ben, or weren, or sholle comen; and thilke god, for [continues next]

it bihoveth, nedes, that thinges that ben to comen ben y-porveyed: [continues next]

and of thinges to comen. For althogh that, for that thinges ben [continues next]

sinne. But yif that god wot that, right so as thinges ben to [continues next]

our sowle, that discerneth and biholdeth alle thinges? And [continues next]

whennes is thilke strengthe that biholdeth the singuler thinges; [continues next]

But, certes, right as we trowen that tho thinges which that the [continues next]

comprehended the forme, it knoweth and demeth alle the thinges [continues next]

that ben under that forme. But she knoweth hem in thilke manere [continues next]

Al sey I nought, thou wost wel what I mene. [continues next]

As thou wel wost, above the goddes alle?

[continues previous] nat unskilfully axed thus: "Yif god is, whennes comen wikkede

[continues previous] thinges? And yif god ne is, whennes comen gode thinges?"

[continues previous] But al hadde it ben leveful that felonous folk, that now desiren

[continues previous] thinges that ben knowen to alle folk. And of the felonyes and

[continues previous] For whennes comen elles alle thise foreyne compleyntes or

[continues previous] took nat hir beginninge of thinges amenused and inparfit, but

[continues previous] it procedeth of thinges that ben al hoole and absolut, and

[continues previous] we han shewed apertly that alle thinges that ben parfit ben

[continues previous] and brought to soverein good, right as alle thinges that ben brought

[continues previous] 'Certes,' quod I, 'it hath wel ben shewed heer-biforn, that alle [continues next]

[continues previous] thise thinges ben alle o thing.' [continues next]

[continues previous] 'Thanne ben they none membres,' quod she; 'for elles it

[continues previous] 'This is open and cleer,' quod she, 'that alle othre thinges ben

[continues previous] referred and brought to good. For therefore is suffisaunce requered,

[continues previous] of alle the thinges that ben to requeren. But certes, thilke that

[continues previous] alle thinges ben requered for the grace of good, they ne ben nat

[continues previous] the same thinges fro whennes they ben arraced. But fyr fleeth

[continues previous] that ben anywhere, that they ne requeren naturelly the ferme

[continues previous] ben y-maked and y-lad, I clepe him "god"; that is a word that [continues next]

[continues previous] is y-set, alle thinges y-treted that I trowe ben necessarie to [continues next]

[continues previous] geteth and ateyneth to the ende of alle thinges that ben to desire,

[continues previous] the comune fyn of alle thinges that ben, they forleten also therwith-al

[continues previous] goode thinges may don alle thinges; and they that ben mighty to

[continues previous] that alle thinges, that oughten ben desired, ben referred to good,

[continues previous] that ben y-doon, thilke thing, for which any-thing is don, it semeth

[continues previous] that alle thinges ben doon. Thanne is thilke same good purposed

[continues previous] that comen selde and sodeinly in our age. But yif the troubly

[continues previous] thee nat that alle thinges ben doon a-right.

[continues previous] mowen ben axed, and to the whiche questioun unnethes is ther

[continues previous] that is destinee. For which it is, that alle thinges that ben put

[continues previous] under destinee ben, certes, subgits to purviaunce, to whiche purviaunce

[continues previous] of alle thinges that may ben thought.'

[continues previous] thinges that ben, or weren, or sholle comen; and thilke god, for

[continues previous] it bihoveth, nedes, that thinges that ben to comen ben y-porveyed:

[continues previous] and of thinges to comen. For althogh that, for that thinges ben

[continues previous] to comen, ther-fore ben they purveyed, nat, certes, for that they

[continues previous] sinne. But yif that god wot that, right so as thinges ben to [continues next]

[continues previous] comen, so shullen they comen — so that he wite egaly, as who [continues next]

[continues previous] our sowle, that discerneth and biholdeth alle thinges? And

[continues previous] purviance wot biforn to comen ne ben nat to bityden; but that [continues next]

[continues previous] comprehended the forme, it knoweth and demeth alle the thinges

[continues previous] that ben under that forme. But she knoweth hem in thilke manere

[continues previous] As maken wommen un-to men to comen;

certein thinges sholde be moeved by fortunous fortune; but I

wot wel that god, maker and mayster, is governour of his werk.

[continues previous] 'Certes,' quod I, 'it hath wel ben shewed heer-biforn, that alle

[continues previous] ben y-maked and y-lad, I clepe him "god"; that is a word that

[continues previous] is y-set, alle thinges y-treted that I trowe ben necessarie to

[continues previous] sinne. But yif that god wot that, right so as thinges ben to

[continues previous] purviance wot biforn to comen ne ben nat to bityden; but that

'Thanne is yvel nothing,' quod she, 'sin that he ne may nat

I have lost more than thou wenest.'

'Lo, [sir,] how may that be?' quod I;

put out of the cure of god. For of alle other thinges thou

ne doutedest nat that they nere governed by resoun. But owh!

But sey me this: remembrest thou what is the ende of thinges, [continues next]

for thou ne wost what is the ende of thinges, for-thy demestow [continues next]

that swiche thinges ben doon in the regne of god, that alle thinges [continues next]

geteth and ateyneth to the ende of alle thinges that ben to desire, [continues next]

That what love is, thou canst nat see ne gesse.'

to the aventure of fortune; and iugen that only swiche thinges

ben purveyed of god, whiche that temporel welefulnesse

[continues previous] But sey me this: remembrest thou what is the ende of thinges,

[continues previous] for thou ne wost what is the ende of thinges, for-thy demestow

honours, and swiche other thinges ben of my right. My servauntes

may be maked comparisoun, but of thinges that ben with-outen

ende, to thinges that han ende, may be maked no comparisoun.

[continues previous] that swiche thinges ben doon in the regne of god, that alle thinges

[continues previous] geteth and ateyneth to the ende of alle thinges that ben to desire,

... fourthe resoun, ther ye seyn that "the Ianglerie of wommen hath hid thinges that they woot noght," as who seith, that "a womman can nat hyde that she woot;" sir, thise wordes been understonde of wommen that been Iangleresses and wikked; of whiche wommen, men seyn that "three thinges dryven a man out of his hous; that is to seyn, smoke, dropping of reyn, and wikked wyves;" and of swiche wommen seith Salomon, that "it were bettre dwelle in desert, than with a womman that is riotous." And sir, by your leve, that am nat I; for ye han ful ofte ... [continues next]

[continues previous] ... resoun, ther ye seyn that "the Ianglerie of wommen hath hid thinges that they woot noght," as who seith, that "a womman can nat hyde that she woot;" sir, thise wordes been understonde of wommen that been Iangleresses and wikked; of whiche wommen, men seyn that "three thinges dryven a man out of his hous; that is to seyn, smoke, dropping of reyn, and wikked wyves;" and of swiche wommen seith Salomon, that "it were bettre dwelle in desert, than with a womman that is riotous." And sir, by your leve, that am nat I; for ye han ful ofte assayed my grete silence and my gret pacience; and ...

'Certes,' quod Melibee, 'I graunte yow, dame Prudence, that pacience is a greet vertu of perfeccioun; but every man may nat have the perfeccioun that ye seken; ne I nam nat of the nombre of right parfite men, for myn herte may never been in pees un-to the tyme it be venged. And al-be-it so that it was greet peril to myne enemys, to do me ... [continues next]

swiche hertes as ben y-brought to the fulle perfeccioun of vertu, [continues next]

that is to seyn, coveitise of glorie and renoun to han wel administred [continues next]

tyme it is present, and procedeth fro preterits in-to futures, that is

to seyn, fro tyme passed in-to tyme cominge; ne ther nis no-thing

... of the sonne swich a quantite of latitude as sheweth by thyn almikanteras. And yif the altitude of the planete be lasse than the degree of the sonne, thanne is the planete south fro the wey of the sonne swich a quantite of latitude as sheweth by thyn almikanteras. This is to seyn, fro the wey wher-as the sonne wente thilke day, but nat from the wey of the sonne in every place of the zodiak. And for the more declaracioun, lo here the figure.

... the meridional lyne; and departe alle thilke degrees in 3 evene parties, and take the evene equacion of 3; for ley thy label over everich of 3 parties, and than maistow see by thy label in which degree of the zodiak is the by-ginning of everich of thise same houses fro the assendent: that is to seyn, the beginning of the 12 house next above thyn assendent; and thanne the beginning of the 11 house; and thanne the 10, up-on the meridional lyne; as I first seide. The same wyse wirke thou fro the assendent doun to the lyne of midnight; and thanne thus hastow other 3 ...

... compas, and sette the point of A in the wex on my label, as evene as I coude gesse over the ecliptik lyne, in the ende of the longitude; and sette the point of F endlang in my label up-on the space of the latitude, inwarde and over the zodiak, that is to seyn, north-ward fro the ecliptik. Than leide I doun my compas, and lokede wel in the wey upon the prikke of A and of F; tho turned I my riet til that the prikke of F sat up-on the orisonte; than saw I wel that the body of Venus, in hir latitude of 2 degrees septentrionalis, assended, in the ende of the 6 degree, in the heved of Capricorne. And nota, that in the same maner maistow wirke with any latitude septentrional in alle signes; but sothly the latitude meridional of a planete in Capricorne may not be take, by-cause of the litel space by-twixe the ecliptik and the bordure of the Astrolabie; but sothly, in alle other signes it may. Also the degree, par aventure, of Iuppiter or of a-nother planete, was in the first degree of Pisces in longitude, and his latitude was 3 degrees meridional; tho tok I the point of A, and sette it in the firste degree of Pisces on the ecliptik, and thanne sette I the point of F dounward in the same signe, by-cause that the latitude was south 3 degrees, that is to seyn, fro the heved of Pisces; and thus have I 3 degrees by-twixe bothe prikkes; thanne sette I the degree of the longitude up-on the orisonte. Tho tok I my label, and leide it fix upon the degree of the longitude; tho sette I the point of A on my label, evene over the ecliptik ...

... book seith, that "in olde men is the sapience and in longe tyme the prudence." And Tullius seith: that "grete thinges ne been nat ay accompliced by strengthe, ne by delivernesse of body, but by good conseil, by auctoritee of persones, and by science; the whiche three thinges ne been nat feble by age, but certes they enforcen and encreesen day by day." And thanne shul ye kepe this for a general reule. First shul ye clepen to your conseil a fewe of your freendes that been especiale; for Salomon seith: "manye freendes have thou; but among a thousand chese thee oon to be thy conseillour." For ... [continues next]

[continues previous] 'Certes,' quod Melibee, 'I graunte yow, dame Prudence, that pacience is a greet vertu of perfeccioun; but every man may nat have the perfeccioun that ye seken; ne I nam nat of the nombre of right parfite men, for myn herte may never been in pees un-to the tyme it be venged. And al-be-it so that it was greet peril to myne enemys, to do me a vileinye in takinge vengeance ...

[continues previous] swiche hertes as ben y-brought to the fulle perfeccioun of vertu,

In this wyse may nede be counforted by richesses; but certes, [continues next]

nede ne may nat all outrely ben don a-wey. For though this nede, [continues next]

devyne knowinge. But certes, yif thilke thinges be considered

[continues previous] ... For the book seith, that "in olde men is the sapience and in longe tyme the prudence." And Tullius seith: that "grete thinges ne been nat ay accompliced by strengthe, ne by delivernesse of body, but by good conseil, by auctoritee of persones, and by science; the whiche three thinges ne been nat feble by age, but certes they enforcen and encreesen day by day." And thanne shul ye kepe this for a general reule. First shul ye clepen to your conseil a fewe of your freendes that been especiale; for Salomon seith: "manye freendes have thou; but among a thousand ...

[continues previous] nede ne may nat all outrely ben don a-wey. For though this nede,

'Have heer my trouthe,' quod the knight, 'I grante.' [continues next]

'Thanne,' quod she, 'I dar me wel avante, [continues next]

That I was born," but to no wight,' quod she, [continues next]

'Dar I nat telle how that it stant with me. [continues next]

Why sholde I nat thyn infortune acounte,

'That shal I telle,' quod she, 'er I go. [continues next]

'What elles?' quod I. [continues next]

'This is a consequence,' quod I. [continues next]

'This thing thanne,' quod she, 'that ne hath nede of no [continues next]

'It mot needly been so,' quod I. [continues next]

'Thilke thing thanne,' quod she, 'that is oon and simple [continues next]

'Certes, no,' quod I. [continues next]

'Thanne,' quod she, 'ne sholden men nat by no wey seken [continues next]

'I acorde me wel,' quod I. [continues next]

'Thanne,' quod she, 'for as mochel as thou hast knowen [continues next]

'And that is sooth,' quod I. [continues next]

'Thanne,' quod she, 'moten we nedes graunten and confessen [continues next]

'I graunte it,' quod I. [continues next]

'Thanne most thou graunten,' quod she, 'by semblable resoun, [continues next]

'I ne may nat denye that,' quod I. [continues next]

'Hast thou nat knowen wel,' quod she, 'that al thing that is [continues next]

'That is sooth,' quod I. [continues next]

'Thanne,' quod she, 'desiren alle thinges oon?' [continues next]

'Ye, for sothe,' quod I. [continues next]

'Alle thinges thanne,' quod she, 'requiren good; and thilke [continues next]

'Thanne ordeineth he by him-self al-one alle thinges?' quod she. [continues next]

'That may nat be deneyed,' quod I. [continues next]

'May god don yvel?' quod she. [continues next]

'Nay, forsothe,' quod I. [continues next]

'Thanne is yvel nothing,' quod she, 'sin that he ne may nat [continues next]

'No, forsothe,' quod I. [continues next]

'Ne thou ne doutest nat,' quod she, 'that thilke naturel office [continues next]

'I ne doute it nat,' quod I. [continues next]

'Thanne,' quod she, 'yif that a wight be mighty to moeve and [continues next]

'Certes, no,' quod I. [continues next]

'Is ther any wight thanne,' quod she, 'that weneth that men [continues next]

'Yis,' quod I. [continues next]

'Thanne,' quod she, 'yif that any good were added to the [continues next]

'So semeth it,' quod I. [continues next]

'And what seystow thanne,' quod she, 'of thilke wrecche that [continues next]

'Why sholde he nat?' quod I. [continues next]

'Thanne, certes,' quod she, 'han shrewes, whan they ben [continues next]

the deserte of felonye.' 'I ne may nat denye it,' quod I. 'Moche [continues next]

more thanne,' quod she, 'ben shrewes unsely, whan they ben [continues next]

'It acordeth,' quod I. [continues next]

'Thanne ne doutestow nat,' quod she, 'that thilke folk that ben [continues next]

'It acordeth wel,' quod I. [continues next]

'Yif thou were thanne,' quod she, 'y-set a Iuge or a knower of [continues next]

'As thou wolt,' quod I. [continues next]

'Demestow nat,' quod she, 'that al thing that profiteth is good?' [continues next]

'I confesse it wel,' quod I. [continues next]

'Thanne is it good?' quod she. [continues next]

'Why nat?' quod I. [continues next]

Thanne quod she, 'I haste me to yilden and assoilen to thee [continues next]

Boece. 'Nay,' quod I. [continues next]

'Thanne ayeinward,' quod she, 'I suppose that ther be prescience, [continues next]

'Sir,' quod I, 'wher is she now?' [continues next]

[continues previous] 'Have heer my trouthe,' quod the knight, 'I grante.'

[continues previous] 'Thanne,' quod she, 'I dar me wel avante,

[continues previous] That I was born," but to no wight,' quod she,

[continues previous] 'Dar I nat telle how that it stant with me.

[continues previous] And now of three how maystow bere witnesse?'

[continues previous] 'That shal I telle,' quod she, 'er I go.

[continues previous] 'What elles?' quod I.

[continues previous] 'Thanne may nat richesses maken that a man nis nedy, ne that

of his familier. What thing is thanne this power, that may nat

'What demest thou thanne?' quod she; 'is that a derk thing

[continues previous] 'This is a consequence,' quod I.

[continues previous] 'This thing thanne,' quod she, 'that ne hath nede of no

[continues previous] 'It mot needly been so,' quod I.

[continues previous] 'Thilke thing thanne,' quod she, 'that is oon and simple

[continues previous] 'Certes, no,' quod I.

[continues previous] 'Thanne,' quod she, 'ne sholden men nat by no wey seken

[continues previous] good that is verray and parfit, that may they nat yeven.'

[continues previous] 'I acorde me wel,' quod I.

[continues previous] 'Thanne,' quod she, 'for as mochel as thou hast knowen

[continues previous] 'And that is sooth,' quod I.

[continues previous] 'Thanne,' quod she, 'moten we nedes graunten and confessen

[continues previous] 'I graunte it,' quod I.

[continues previous] 'Thanne most thou graunten,' quod she, 'by semblable resoun,

[continues previous] 'I ne may nat denye that,' quod I.

[continues previous] 'Hast thou nat knowen wel,' quod she, 'that al thing that is

[continues previous] 'That is sooth,' quod I.

[continues previous] 'Thanne,' quod she, 'desiren alle thinges oon?'

[continues previous] 'Ye, for sothe,' quod I.

[continues previous] 'Alle thinges thanne,' quod she, 'requiren good; and thilke

'What thing?' quod I.

'By whiche governement,' quod she, 'that this world is

[continues previous] 'Thanne ordeineth he by him-self al-one alle thinges?' quod she.

[continues previous] 'That may nat be deneyed,' quod I.

parties; ne the savinge of obedient thinges ne sholde nat be.'

'Thanne is ther nothing,' quod she, 'that kepeth his nature,

'Certes,' quod I, 'al-outrely it ne mighte nat availen him.'

'Thanne is ther no-thing,' quod she, 'that either wole or may

[continues previous] 'May god don yvel?' quod she.

[continues previous] 'Nay, forsothe,' quod I.

[continues previous] 'Thanne is yvel nothing,' quod she, 'sin that he ne may nat

'And recordeth thee nat thanne,' quod she, 'that blisfulnesse

is thilke same good that men requeren; so that, whan that

'Thou wilt nat thanne deneye,' quod she, 'that the moevement

[continues previous] 'No, forsothe,' quod I.

[continues previous] 'Ne thou ne doutest nat,' quod she, 'that thilke naturel office

[continues previous] 'I ne doute it nat,' quod I.

[continues previous] 'Thanne,' quod she, 'yif that a wight be mighty to moeve and

[continues previous] 'Certes, no,' quod I.

[continues previous] 'Is ther any wight thanne,' quod she, 'that weneth that men

'Have we nat thanne graunted,' quod she, 'that goode folk

[continues previous] 'Yis,' quod I.

[continues previous] 'Thanne,' quod she, 'yif that any good were added to the

[continues previous] 'So semeth it,' quod I.

[continues previous] 'And what seystow thanne,' quod she, 'of thilke wrecche that

[continues previous] 'Why sholde he nat?' quod I.

[continues previous] 'Thanne, certes,' quod she, 'han shrewes, whan they ben

[continues previous] the deserte of felonye.' 'I ne may nat denye it,' quod I. 'Moche

[continues previous] more thanne,' quod she, 'ben shrewes unsely, whan they ben

[continues previous] 'It acordeth,' quod I.

[continues previous] 'Thanne ne doutestow nat,' quod she, 'that thilke folk that ben

[continues previous] 'It acordeth wel,' quod I.

[continues previous] 'Yif thou were thanne,' quod she, 'y-set a Iuge or a knower of

me,' quod she, 'to telle thing that is grettest of alle thinges that

[continues previous] 'As thou wolt,' quod I.

[continues previous] 'Demestow nat,' quod she, 'that al thing that profiteth is good?'

[continues previous] 'I confesse it wel,' quod I.

[continues previous] 'Thanne is it good?' quod she.

[continues previous] 'Why nat?' quod I.

[continues previous] that hap be anything, what is it?'

[continues previous] Thanne quod she, 'I haste me to yilden and assoilen to thee

[continues previous] Boece. 'Nay,' quod I.

[continues previous] 'Thanne ayeinward,' quod she, 'I suppose that ther be prescience,

[continues previous] So wel, I can nat telle how.'

[continues previous] 'Sir,' quod I, 'wher is she now?'

'Ye, holy god!' quod she, 'what thing is that?

What? bet than swiche fyve? ey, nay, y-wis!

conseyte right thus: — man is a resonable two-foted beest. And [continues next]

how so that this knowinge is universel, yet nis ther no wight that [continues next]

That but ye wayte wel and been privee,

I woot right wel I nam but deed,' quod she.

That gentil text can I wel understonde.

Eek wel I woot he seyde, myn housbonde

leten to wilne it, and that I confesse and am aknowe; but the

Boece. 'Now confesse I wel,' quod I, 'that I see now wel

'Me remembreth it wel,' quod I; 'and I confesse wel that I

ne wiste it naught. But al-be-it so that I see now from a-fer

'I confesse it wel,' quod I.

Than seyde I thus: 'I confesse and am a-knowe it,' quod I;

'ne I ne see nat that men may sayn, as by right, that shrewes ne

'And certes, thilke thing that exercyseth or corigeth, profiteth?'

'I confesse it wel,' quod I.

'Thanne is it good?' quod she.

[continues previous] conseyte right thus: — man is a resonable two-foted beest. And

And seyde, 'I woot wel I am here;

For wel I woot, thou menest wel, parde;

Therfore I dar this fully undertake.

'Ye, certainly,' quod he, 'no wonder is.' [continues next]

'Now, sire,' quod she, 'I coude amende al this, [continues next]

'Alas,' quod she, 'god woot, I have no gilt.' [continues next]

'No,' quod I. [continues next]

'Now woot I,' quod she, 'other cause of thy maladye, and [continues next]

absence of that other?'

'I graunte wel,' quod I. [continues next]

'Forsothe,' quod she, 'than nedeth ther som-what that every [continues next]

'No,' quod I. [continues next]

'And thou,' quod she, 'in al the plentee of thy richesses haddest [continues next]

'This is a consequence,' quod I. [continues next]

'This thing thanne,' quod she, 'that ne hath nede of no [continues next]

'It mot needly been so,' quod I. [continues next]

'Thilke thing thanne,' quod she, 'that is oon and simple [continues next]

'Certes, no,' quod I. [continues next]

'Thanne,' quod she, 'ne sholden men nat by no wey seken [continues next]

'What thing?' quod I. [continues next]

'What thing?' quod I. [continues next]

'Certes, no,' quod I. [continues next]

'Is ther any wight thanne,' quod she, 'that weneth that men [continues next]

'Yis,' quod I. [continues next]

'Thanne,' quod she, 'yif that any good were added to the [continues next]

'Who mighte deneye that?' quod I. [continues next]

'But,' quod she, 'may any man denye that al that is right nis [continues next]

'It acordeth wel,' quod I. [continues next]

'Yif thou were thanne,' quod she, 'y-set a Iuge or a knower of [continues next]

have seyd?' Boece. 'What thing?' quod I. [continues next]

'Certes,' quod she, 'al-outrely, that alle fortune is good.' [continues next]

'And how may that be?' quod I. [continues next]

'Now understand,' quod she, 'so as alle fortune, whether so it [continues next]

'As thou wolt,' quod I. [continues next]

'Demestow nat,' quod she, 'that al thing that profiteth is good?' [continues next]

'What is that?' quod I. [continues next]

'Certes,' quod she, 'it folweth or comth of thinges that ben [continues next]

'This were a wonder thing,' quod Troylus,

'Thou coudest never in love thy-selven wisse;

[continues previous] 'Now, sire,' quod she, 'I coude amende al this, [continues next]

[continues previous] 'Alas,' quod she, 'god woot, I have no gilt.' [continues next]

[continues previous] 'Now woot I,' quod she, 'other cause of thy maladye, and [continues next]

[continues previous] 'Forsothe,' quod she, 'than nedeth ther som-what that every [continues next]

[continues previous] 'And thou,' quod she, 'in al the plentee of thy richesses haddest [continues next]

[continues previous] 'This thing thanne,' quod she, 'that ne hath nede of no [continues next]

[continues previous] 'Thilke thing thanne,' quod she, 'that is oon and simple [continues next]

[continues previous] 'Thanne,' quod she, 'ne sholden men nat by no wey seken [continues next]

[continues previous] 'So,' quod she, 'as it semeth that blisfulnesse conteneth many [continues next]

[continues previous] 'By whiche governement,' quod she, 'that this world is [continues next]

[continues previous] 'Is ther any wight thanne,' quod she, 'that weneth that men [continues next]

[continues previous] 'Thanne,' quod she, 'yif that any good were added to the [continues next]

[continues previous] 'But,' quod she, 'may any man denye that al that is right nis [continues next]

[continues previous] 'Yif thou were thanne,' quod she, 'y-set a Iuge or a knower of [continues next]

[continues previous] 'Certes,' quod she, 'al-outrely, that alle fortune is good.' [continues next]

[continues previous] 'Now understand,' quod she, 'so as alle fortune, whether so it [continues next]

[continues previous] 'Demestow nat,' quod she, 'that al thing that profiteth is good?' [continues next]

[continues previous] 'Certes,' quod she, 'it folweth or comth of thinges that ben [continues next]

[continues previous] 'Ye, certainly,' quod he, 'no wonder is.' [continues next]

[continues previous] 'Now, sire,' quod she, 'I coude amende al this, [continues next]

[continues previous] 'Alas,' quod she, 'god woot, I have no gilt.' [continues next]

'Wistestow never yit that thou were any other thing?' quod [continues next]

[continues previous] 'Now woot I,' quod she, 'other cause of thy maladye, and [continues next]

[continues previous] 'I graunte wel,' quod I. [continues next]

[continues previous] 'Forsothe,' quod she, 'than nedeth ther som-what that every [continues next]

[continues previous] 'No,' quod I.

[continues previous] 'And thou,' quod she, 'in al the plentee of thy richesses haddest

[continues previous] 'This is a consequence,' quod I.

[continues previous] 'This thing thanne,' quod she, 'that ne hath nede of no

[continues previous] 'It mot needly been so,' quod I.

[continues previous] 'Thilke thing thanne,' quod she, 'that is oon and simple

[continues previous] 'Certes, no,' quod I.

[continues previous] 'Thanne,' quod she, 'ne sholden men nat by no wey seken

[continues previous] 'What thing?' quod I. [continues next]

[continues previous] 'So,' quod she, 'as it semeth that blisfulnesse conteneth many [continues next]

[continues previous] 'What thing?' quod I. [continues next]

[continues previous] 'By whiche governement,' quod she, 'that this world is [continues next]

[continues previous] 'Certes, no,' quod I.

[continues previous] 'Is ther any wight thanne,' quod she, 'that weneth that men

[continues previous] 'Yis,' quod I.

[continues previous] 'Thanne,' quod she, 'yif that any good were added to the

[continues previous] 'Who mighte deneye that?' quod I.

[continues previous] 'But,' quod she, 'may any man denye that al that is right nis

[continues previous] 'It acordeth wel,' quod I.

[continues previous] 'Yif thou were thanne,' quod she, 'y-set a Iuge or a knower of

[continues previous] have seyd?' Boece. 'What thing?' quod I. [continues next]

[continues previous] 'Certes,' quod she, 'al-outrely, that alle fortune is good.' [continues next]

[continues previous] 'And how may that be?' quod I. [continues next]

[continues previous] 'Now understand,' quod she, 'so as alle fortune, whether so it [continues next]

[continues previous] 'As thou wolt,' quod I.

[continues previous] 'Demestow nat,' quod she, 'that al thing that profiteth is good?'

[continues previous] 'What is that?' quod I. [continues next]

[continues previous] 'Certes,' quod she, 'it folweth or comth of thinges that ben [continues next]

'Sir,' quod I, 'wher is she now?' [continues next]

[continues previous] 'Ye, certainly,' quod he, 'no wonder is.'

[continues previous] 'Now, sire,' quod she, 'I coude amende al this,

[continues previous] 'Alas,' quod she, 'god woot, I have no gilt.'

'My lord,' quod she, 'I woot, and wiste alway

[continues previous] 'Wistestow never yit that thou were any other thing?' quod

[continues previous] she.

[continues previous] 'No,' quod I.

thou art; thorugh whiche I have pleynly founden the cause of

thy maladye, or elles the entree of recoveringe of thyn hele.

[continues previous] absence of that other?'

[continues previous] 'I graunte wel,' quod I.

[continues previous] 'Forsothe,' quod she, 'than nedeth ther som-what that every

[continues previous] 'What thing?' quod I.

[continues previous] 'What thing?' quod I.

[continues previous] have seyd?' Boece. 'What thing?' quod I.

[continues previous] 'Certes,' quod she, 'al-outrely, that alle fortune is good.'

[continues previous] 'And how may that be?' quod I.

[continues previous] 'Now understand,' quod she, 'so as alle fortune, whether so it

[continues previous] 'What is that?' quod I.

[continues previous] 'Certes,' quod she, 'it folweth or comth of thinges that ben

Felawe and cause eek of thy deeth,' quod she.

'And thogh that nothing save the deeth only

[continues previous] 'Sir,' quod I, 'wher is she now?'

[continues previous] Now!' quod he, and stinte anoon.

mede; for thou hast ioyned thy-self to the most excellent thing. [continues next]

the libertee of free wille; the whiche thinges thou thy-self [continues next]

aperceyvest wel, of what weight they ben. But for as mochel [continues next]

Hast thou thy-self, alle fulle of stories grete,

'Now woot I,' quod she, 'other cause of thy maladye, and [continues next]

[continues previous] mede; for thou hast ioyned thy-self to the most excellent thing.

[continues previous] the libertee of free wille; the whiche thinges thou thy-self

[continues previous] 'Now woot I,' quod she, 'other cause of thy maladye, and

art thou, yif thou knowe thy goodes! For yit ben ther [continues next]

swiche thinges as every felonous man hath conceived in his [continues next]

thinges? And yif god ne is, whennes comen gode thinges?" [continues next]

me semeth that I see the felonous covines of wikked men [continues next]

But sey me this: remembrest thou what is the ende of thinges, [continues next]

the beginning of thinges, that thou ne knowest nat what is the

ende of thinges? But swiche ben the customes of perturbaciouns,

[continues previous] art thou, yif thou knowe thy goodes! For yit ben ther

first or thinges that ben unparfit; and for-thy, for as moche as [continues next]

[continues previous] that, in the present sighte of god, may ben acheved and performed

[continues previous] swiche thinges as every felonous man hath conceived in his

[continues previous] But al hadde it ben leveful that felonous folk, that now desiren

[continues previous] me semeth that I see the felonous covines of wikked men

[continues previous] habounden in Ioye and in gladnesse. And I see that every

[continues previous] and whider that the entencioun of alle kinde tendeth?'

soun of strenges, how that Nature, mighty, enclineth and flitteth [continues next]

the governements of thinges, and by whiche lawes she, purveyable, [continues next]

[continues previous] we han shewed apertly that alle thinges that ben parfit ben

[continues previous] first or thinges that ben unparfit; and for-thy, for as moche as

this world be governed by foolish happes and fortunous, or [continues next]

sey me this: sin that thou ne doutest nat that this world be [continues next]

governed by god, with whiche governailes takestow hede that [continues next]

[continues previous] the governements of thinges, and by whiche lawes she, purveyable,

But the shyninge, by whiche the hevene is governed and whennes [continues next]

'By whiche governement,' quod she, 'that this world is [continues next]

the world by the governements of bountee, and seydest, that alle

tormented in this see of fortune. Thou governour, withdraw [continues next]

[continues previous] Tho seide she thus: 'Whether wenestow,' quod she, 'that

[continues previous] this world be governed by foolish happes and fortunous, or

[continues previous] sey me this: sin that thou ne doutest nat that this world be

[continues previous] governed by god, with whiche governailes takestow hede that

[continues previous] But the shyninge, by whiche the hevene is governed and whennes

[continues previous] 'By whiche governement,' quod she, 'that this world is

[continues previous] governed.'

[continues previous] a foule party, but a fayr party of so grete a werk, we ben

[continues previous] tormented in this see of fortune. Thou governour, withdraw

folk thider as they biheten to leden hem. But with how grete [continues next]

harmes thise forseyde weyes ben enlaced, I shal shewe thee [continues next]

[continues previous] folk thider as they biheten to leden hem. But with how grete

yif thou loke your biginninge, and god your auctor and your

maker, thanne nis ther no forlived wight, but-yif he norisshe