Comparison of Geoffrey Chaucer Consolatione Philosophie 3 Prose 4 to Geoffrey Chaucer

neither they ne ioignen hem nat alwey to goode men, ne maken

hem alwey goode to whom that they ben y-ioigned.

same thinges, first or they ben doon, they ben to comen with-oute

god wot biforn that they ben to comen. But som of hem comen

Ye graunte me to han so gret a grace [continues next]

That I may han nat but my mete and drinke; [continues next]

... sinne'; or, 'wille na-more to do sinne.' Soothly, the vengeaunce of avoutrie is awarded to the peynes of helle, but-if so be that it be destourbed by penitence. Yet been ther mo speces of this cursed sinne; as whan that oon of hem is religious, or elles bothe; or of folk that been entred in-to ordre, as subdekne or dekne, or preest, or hospitaliers. And evere the hyer that he is in ordre, the gretter is the sinne. The thinges that gretly agreggen hir sinne is the brekinge of hir avow of chastitee, whan they receyved the ordre. And forther-over, sooth ... [continues next]

Fortune bindeth with the beautee of false goodes the hertes of [continues next]

folk that usen hem; the contrarie Fortune unbindeth hem by the [continues next]

wont to bringen to the bodies of folk that usen hem! Of whiche [continues next]

[continues previous] That I may han nat but my mete and drinke;

That usen folk thus to disceyven, [continues next]

[continues previous] ... quod Iesu Crist, 'and have na-more wil to sinne'; or, 'wille na-more to do sinne.' Soothly, the vengeaunce of avoutrie is awarded to the peynes of helle, but-if so be that it be destourbed by penitence. Yet been ther mo speces of this cursed sinne; as whan that oon of hem is religious, or elles bothe; or of folk that been entred in-to ordre, as subdekne or dekne, or preest, or hospitaliers. And evere the hyer that he is in ordre, the gretter is the sinne. The thinges that gretly agreggen hir sinne is the brekinge of hir avow of chastitee, whan they receyved the ordre. And forther-over, sooth is, that holy ordre is chief of al the tresorie of god, and his especial signe and mark of chastitee; to shewe that they been ioyned to chastitee, which that is most precious lyf that is. And thise ordred folk been specially tytled to god, and of the special meynee of god; for which, whan they doon deedly sinne, they been the special traytours of god and of his peple; for they liven of the peple, to preye for the peple, and whyle they been suche traitours, hir preyers availen nat to the peple. Preestes been aungeles, as by the dignitee of hir misterye; but for sothe, seint Paul seith, that 'Sathanas transformeth him in an aungel of light.' Soothly, the preest that haunteth deedly sinne, he may be lykned to the aungel of derknesse transformed in the aungel of light; he semeth aungel of light, but for sothe he is aungel of derknesse. Swiche preestes been the sones of Helie, as sheweth in the book of Kinges, that they weren the sones of Belial, that is, the devel. Belial is to seyn 'with-outen Iuge'; and so faren they; hem thinketh they been free, and han no Iuge, na-more than hath a free bole that taketh which cow that him lyketh in the toun. So faren they by wommen. For right as a free bole is y-nough for al a toun, right so is a wikked preest corrupcioun y-nough for al a parisshe, or for al a contree. Thise preestes, as seith the book, ne conne nat the misterie of preesthode to the peple, ne god ne knowe they nat; they ne helde hem nat apayd, as seith the book, of soden flesh that was to hem offred, but they toke by force the flesh that is rawe. Certes, so thise shrewes ne holden hem nat apayed of rosted flesh and sode flesh, with which the peple fedden hem in greet reverence, but they wole have raw flesh of folkes wyves and hir doghtres. And certes, thise wommen that consenten to hir harlotrie doon greet wrong to Crist and to holy chirche and alle halwes, and to alle soules; for they bireven alle thise him that sholde worshipe Crist and holy chirche, and preye for cristene soules. And therfore han swiche preestes, and hir lemmanes eek that consenten to hir lecherie, the malisoun of al the court cristen, till they come to amendement. The thridde spece of avoutrie is som-tyme bitwixe a man and his wyf; and that is whan they take no reward in hir assemblinge, but only to hire fleshly delyt, as seith seint Ierome; and ne rekken of nothing but that they been assembled; by-cause that they been maried, al is good y-nough, as thinketh to hem. But in swich folk hath the devel power, as seyde the aungel Raphael to Thobie; for in hir assemblinge they putten Iesu Crist out of hir herte, and yeven hem-self to alle ordure. The fourthe spece is, the assemblee of hem that been of hire kinrede, or of hem that been of oon affinitee, or elles with hem with whiche hir fadres or hir kinrede han deled in the sinne of lecherie; this sinne maketh hem lyk to houndes, that taken no kepe to kinrede. And certes, parentele is in two maneres, outher goostly or fleshly; goostly, as for to delen with hise godsibbes. For right so as he that engendreth a child is his fleshly fader, right so is his godfader his fader espirituel. For which a womman may in no lasse sinne assemblen with hir godsib than with hir owene fleshly brother. The fifthe spece is thilke abhominable sinne, of which that no man unnethe oghte speke ne wryte, nathelees it is openly reherced in holy writ. This cursednesse doon men and wommen in diverse entente and in diverse manere; but though that holy writ speke of horrible sinne, certes, holy writ may nat been defouled, na-more than the sonne that shyneth on the mixen. Another sinne aperteneth to lecherie, that comth in slepinge; and this sinne cometh ofte to hem that been maydenes, and eek to hem that been corrupt; and this sinne men clepen pollucioun, that comth in foure maneres. Somtyme, of languissinge of body; for the humours been to ranke and habundaunt in the body of man. Somtyme of infermetee; for the feblesse of the vertu retentif, as phisik maketh mencioun. Som-tyme, for surfeet of mete and drinke. And somtyme of vileyns thoghtes, that been enclosed in mannes minde whan he goth to slepe; which may nat been with-oute sinne. For which men moste kepen hem wysely, or elles may men sinnen ful grevously.

it so that, certes, thilke wrytinges profiten litel; the whiche [continues next]

[continues previous] Fortune bindeth with the beautee of false goodes the hertes of

[continues previous] folk that usen hem; the contrarie Fortune unbindeth hem by the

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]

[continues previous] wont to bringen to the bodies of folk that usen hem! Of whiche [continues next]

anguisshes byten him; and whan he ne may nat don tho defautes [continues next]

a-wey, he forleteth to ben mighty, and that is the thing that [continues next]

ayeins the vyces. Ne knowen they nat thanne wel that they [continues next]

corage with-inne; and, thogh they ne anoye nat the body, yit [continues next]

vyces wooden to destroye men by wounde of thought.' [continues next]

don that.' [continues next]

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

[continues previous] And for to make yow hem perceyven,

shrewes. For contrarious thinges ne ben nat wont to ben

[continues previous] foryetinge of wryteres put out of minde and don awey! Al be

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

sin that richesses ne may nat al don awey nede, but richesses

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

don awey the bytinges of bisinesse, ne eschewe the prikkes of

[continues previous] right as a maner fruit of wikkednesse, ben thilke delices [continues next]

[continues previous] wont to bringen to the bodies of folk that usen hem! Of whiche [continues next]

[continues previous] anguisshes byten him; and whan he ne may nat don tho defautes

ben som-thing that is parfit; for yif so be that perfeccioun is

don awey, men may nat thinke ne seye fro whennes thilke

[continues previous] so doth distemperaunce to feble men, that ne mowen nat wrastlen

[continues previous] ayeins the vyces. Ne knowen they nat thanne wel that they

[continues previous] corage with-inne; and, thogh they ne anoye nat the body, yit

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

And ther-of comth it that bi-twixen wikked folk and me han ben

And ther-of comth that good gessinge, first of alle thing, forsaketh

torment? And ther-of comth it that, though a man delyte him in

[continues previous] right as a maner fruit of wikkednesse, ben thilke delices

[continues previous] wont to bringen to the bodies of folk that usen hem! Of whiche

by the amenusinge of perfeccioun or of thing that is parfit.

And ther-of comth it, that in every thing general, yif that men

... right as god yaf his benison to Laban by the service of Iacob, and to Pharao by the service of Joseph, right so god wol yeve his malison to swiche lordshipes as sustenen the wikkednesse of hir servaunts, but-if they come to amendement. Pryde of the table appereth eek ful ofte; for certes, riche men been cleped to festes, and povre folk been put awey and rebuked. Also in excesse of diverse metes and drinkes; and namely, swiche manere bake metes and dish-metes, brenninge of wilde fyr, and peynted and castelled with papir, and semblable wast; so that it is abusion for to thinke. And eek in to ... [continues next]

now, yif so be that dignitees and powers be yeven to goode men, [continues next]

ben y-ioigned. And so, as I am in certein that right wikked folk

han dignitees ofte tyme, than sheweth it wel that dignitees and

cheynes that ne mowen nat be unbounden. And dignitees that

ben yeven to shrewede folk nat only ne maketh hem nat digne,

thanne how gret vilenye dignitees don to wikked men? Certes, [continues next]

unworthinesse of wikked men sholde be the lasse y-sene, yif they [continues next]

[continues previous] ... as god yaf his benison to Laban by the service of Iacob, and to Pharao by the service of Joseph, right so god wol yeve his malison to swiche lordshipes as sustenen the wikkednesse of hir servaunts, but-if they come to amendement. Pryde of the table appereth eek ful ofte; for certes, riche men been cleped to festes, and povre folk been put awey and rebuked. Also in excesse of diverse metes and drinkes; and namely, swiche manere bake metes and dish-metes, brenninge of wilde fyr, and peynted and castelled with papir, and semblable wast; so that it is abusion for to thinke. And eek in ...

[continues previous] now, yif so be that dignitees and powers be yeven to goode men,

a congregacioun of vyces in his brest, as a postum is ful of corupcioun, [continues next]

[continues previous] thanne how gret vilenye dignitees don to wikked men? Certes, [continues next]

[continues previous] a congregacioun of vyces in his brest, as a postum is ful of corupcioun, [continues next]

[continues previous] al were this Nonius set in a chayre of dignitee. Seest thou nat

men; for which thing Catullus cleped a consul of Rome, that [continues next]

[continues previous] highte Nonius, "postum" or "boch"; as who seyth, he cleped him [continues next]

[continues previous] highte Nonius, "postum" or "boch"; as who seyth, he cleped him [continues next]

weren born, ne duren nat thilke dignitees alwey? Certes, the [continues next]

dignitee of the provostrie of Rome was whylom a gret power; [continues next]

he wolde don that he may nat don? And holdest thou thanne [continues next]

setes he clepeth here, for that Nero, that was so wikked, yaf

tho dignitees. Who-so wolde thanne resonably wenen, that blisfulnesse

right grete desdeyn, that dignitees ben yeven ofte to wikked [continues next]

[continues previous] men; for which thing Catullus cleped a consul of Rome, that [continues next]

[continues previous] weren born, ne duren nat thilke dignitees alwey? Certes, the

[continues previous] he wolde don that he may nat don? And holdest thou thanne

... which it is more digne than any other preyere; for that Iesu Crist him-self maked it; and it is short, for it sholde be coud the more lightly, and for to withholden it the more esily in herte, and helpen him-self the ofter with the orisoun; and for a man sholde be the lasse wery to seyen it, and for a man may nat excusen him to lerne it, it is so short and so esy; and for it comprehendeth in it-self alle gode preyeres. The exposicioun of this holy preyere, that is so excellent and digne, I bitake to thise maistres of theologie; ...

[continues previous] right grete desdeyn, that dignitees ben yeven ofte to wikked

manere, for-sothe thou ne haddest nat what thou mightest answere. [continues next]

ther-to may be multiplyed, ne may nat, certes, ben comparisoned [continues next]

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]

of wisdom, certes, thou ne mightest nat deme that he were unworthy [continues next]

man, but thou ne mightest nat simplely callen it a man; so graunte [continues next]

thing is to comen? For right as science ne may nat ben medled [continues next]

... as there is no man certein, if he be worthy that god yeve him victorie, [namore than he is certein whether he be worthy of the love of god] or naught, after that Salomon seith, therfore every man sholde greetly drede werres to biginne. And by-cause that in batailles fallen manye perils, and happeth outher-while, that as sone is the grete man sleyn as the litel man; and, as it is written in the seconde book of Kinges, "the dedes of batailles been aventurouse and nothing certeyne;" for as lightly is oon hurt with a spere as another. And for ther is gret peril in werre, therfore ... [continues next]

[continues previous] manere, for-sothe thou ne haddest nat what thou mightest answere.

[continues previous] ther-to may be multiplyed, ne may nat, certes, ben comparisoned

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

[continues previous] of wisdom, certes, thou ne mightest nat deme that he were unworthy

[continues previous] man, but thou ne mightest nat simplely callen it a man; so graunte

[continues previous] thing is to comen? For right as science ne may nat ben medled

[continues previous] with falsnesse (as who seyth, that yif I wot a thing, it ne may nat

[continues previous] ... certein, if he be worthy that god yeve him victorie, [namore than he is certein whether he be worthy of the love of god] or naught, after that Salomon seith, therfore every man sholde greetly drede werres to biginne. And by-cause that in batailles fallen manye perils, and happeth outher-while, that as sone is the grete man sleyn as the litel man; and, as it is written in the seconde book of Kinges, "the dedes of batailles been aventurouse and nothing certeyne;" for as lightly is oon hurt with a spere as another. And for ther is gret peril in werre, ...

that thou noldest nat han lakked, or elles thou haddest that thou

noldest nat han had?'

senatoures and under the blythenesse of poeple; and whan thou

saye hem set in the court in here chayeres of dignitees? Thou,

But un-to which of hem I may nat telle. [continues next]

Farwel, for I ne may no lenger dwelle. [continues next]

palis, whider as that chateringe or anoyinge folye ne may nat

atayne, we scorne swiche ravineres and henteres of fouleste

sooth; ne I ne may nat forsake the right swifte cours of my

iugen worthy of preysinge, other folk iugen that it is worthy of [continues next]

as honours of poeple ne may nat maken folk digne of honour, it

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

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

[continues previous] But un-to which of hem I may nat telle.

She seyde, 'lord, undigne and unworthy [continues next]

Am I to thilke honour that ye me bede; [continues next]

considere ye nat over which thinge that it semeth that ye han [continues next]

[continues previous] among hem-self; so that thilke thing that som men

[continues previous] iugen worthy of preysinge, other folk iugen that it is worthy of

[continues previous] Am I to thilke honour that ye me bede;

[continues previous] considere ye nat over which thinge that it semeth that ye han

[continues previous] power? Now yif thou saye a mous amonges other mys, that

First, he that axeth conseil of him-self, certes he moste been with-outen ire, for manye causes. The firste is this: he that hath greet ire and wratthe in him-self, he weneth alwey that he may do thing that he may nat do. And secoundely, he that is irous and wroth, he ne may nat wel deme; and he that may nat wel deme, may nat wel conseille. The thridde is this; that "he that is irous and wrooth," as seith Senek, "ne may nat speke but he blame thinges;" and with his viciouse wordes he stireth other folk to angre and to ire. And eek sir, ye moste dryve coveitise out of your herte. For the apostle seith, that "coveitise is rote of alle harmes." And trust wel that a coveitous man ne can noght deme ne thinke, but only to fulfille the ende of his coveitise; and certes, that ne may never been accompliced; for ever the more habundaunce that he hath of richesse, the more he desyreth. And sir, ye moste also dryve out of your herte hastifnesse; for certes, ye ne may nat deme for the beste a sodeyn thought that falleth in youre herte, but ye moste avyse yow on it ful ofte. For as ye herde biforn, the commune proverbe is this, that "he that sone demeth, sone repenteth."

manere, for-sothe thou ne haddest nat what thou mightest answere.

nere renomed of none honours. Certes, thou thyself ne mightest

nat ben brought with as manye perils as thou mightest suffren

thou mightest seyen of the carayne of a man, that it were a deed

man, but thou ne mightest nat simplely callen it a man; so graunte

maladye of corage. And so as we ne deme nat, that they that ben

syke of hir body ben worthy to ben hated, but rather worthy of

that it susteneth and enforseth, by hise strengthes, that it nis nat

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

manere knoweth god biforn the thinges to comen, yif they ne be

nat certein? For yif that he deme that they ben to comen

'Wiltow than go thy wey ther-with?' quod she.

'Ye, certes, lemman,' quod this Absolon.

'Ye, ther nedeth,' quod I.

'Certes,' quod she, 'and he that hath lakke or nede of aught

'Who may sey nay?' quod I.

'Certes,' quod she; 'and him nedede non help, yif he ne hadde

'Nay,' quod I.

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

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

'What is that?' quod I.

'Certes,' quod she, 'that is, that thise wikked shrewes ben

'Why sholde he nat?' quod I.

'Thanne, certes,' quod she, 'han shrewes, whan they ben

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

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

'What is that?' quod I.

'Certes,' quod she, 'it folweth or comth of thinges that ben

the Iowes (sc. faucibus) of hem that gapeden. And for as moche [continues next]

as the peyne of the accusacioun aiuged biforn ne sholde nat [continues next]

do no more fors of the lost than of the havinge. And for as moche [continues next]

ben hoot. But for as moche as for to ben holden honourable or [continues next]

And for as moche as thou understonde which is the strengthe [continues next]

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

to-gider al the plentee of the lyf, algates yit, for as moche as it [continues next]

ne ceseth never for to ben in som maner, it semeth som-del to us, [continues next]

[continues previous] as the peyne of the accusacioun aiuged biforn ne sholde nat

[continues previous] do no more fors of the lost than of the havinge. And for as moche

[continues previous] as thou thy-self art he, to whom it hath ben shewed and proved

O! streite and nedy clepe I this richesse, sin that many folk

ne may nat han it al, ne al may it nat comen to o man with-outen

ben yeven to shrewede folk nat only ne maketh hem nat digne,

and of an accuser. Ne I ne may nat, for swiche honours, iugen

that he is despysed of most folk, so as dignitee ne may nat

maken shrewes digne of reverence, the which shrewes dignitee

[continues previous] ben hoot. But for as moche as for to ben holden honourable or

that dignitees maken folk digne of honour; anon therfore whan

that they comen ther-as folk ne knowen nat thilke dignitees, hir

honours vanisshen awey, and that anon. But that is amonges

opinioun of usaunces. Now yif that dignitees thanne ne mowen

nat maken folk digne of reverence, and yif that dignitees wexen

he most desireth. And right thus may I maken semblable

resouns of honours, and of glorie, and of delyts. For so as

conclusioun is al cleer, that shrewes ne mowen right naught, ne

[continues previous] And for as moche as thou understonde which is the strengthe

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

[continues previous] to-gider al the plentee of the lyf, algates yit, for as moche as it

[continues previous] ne ceseth never for to ben in som maner, it semeth som-del to us,

... or elles the Tail of the Dragoun, is in the hous of the assendent, ne that no wikked planete have non aspecte of enemite up-on the assendent; but they wol caste that they have a fortunat planete in hir assendent and yit in his felicitee, and than sey they that it is wel. Forther-over, they seyn that the infortuning of an assendent is the contrarie of thise forseide thinges. The lord of the assendent, sey they, that he is fortunat, whan he is in good place fro the assendent as in angle; or in a succedent, where-as he is in his ... [continues next]

name; that is to seyn, they nolde han no lenger no king. But

that thilke thing that hath no propre beautee of him-self receiveth [continues next]

thanne ne mowen they yeven no beautee of dignitee to non other.

Ne do no good, and yit han laude; [continues next]

[continues previous] ... or Mars, or elles the Tail of the Dragoun, is in the hous of the assendent, ne that no wikked planete have non aspecte of enemite up-on the assendent; but they wol caste that they have a fortunat planete in hir assendent and yit in his felicitee, and than sey they that it is wel. Forther-over, they seyn that the infortuning of an assendent is the contrarie of thise forseide thinges. The lord of the assendent, sey they, that he is fortunat, whan he is in good place fro the assendent as in angle; or in a succedent, where-as he is in his dignitee and conforted with frendly aspectes ...

laste? For yif it so be that men dyen in al, that is to seyn, body [continues next]

[continues previous] som-tyme prys and shyninge, and som-tyme leseth it by the

bitydeth it, that yif thou seest a wight that be transformed into [continues next]

coveiten. For yif so be that it be wrecchednesse to wilne to don [continues next]

[continues previous] Ne do no good, and yit han laude;

[continues previous] And that men wende that bele Isaude

more mighty folk hath alwey ben despysed of me for savacioun of [continues next]

[continues previous] laste? For yif it so be that men dyen in al, that is to seyn, body

[continues previous] bitydeth it, that yif thou seest a wight that be transformed into

[continues previous] coveiten. For yif so be that it be wrecchednesse to wilne to don

[continues previous] this libertee hath the freedom of conscience, that the wratthe of

[continues previous] more mighty folk hath alwey ben despysed of me for savacioun of

as honours of poeple ne may nat maken folk digne of honour, it [continues next]

maken shrewes digne of reverence, the which shrewes dignitee [continues next]

sheweth to moche folk, thanne maketh dignitee shrewes rather so [continues next]

moche more despysed than preysed; and forsothe nat unpunisshed: [continues next]

opinioun of usaunces. Now yif that dignitees thanne ne mowen [continues next]

nat maken folk digne of reverence, and yif that dignitees wexen [continues next]

gode folk and shrewes, ne shrewes ne mowen nat acorden amonges [continues next]

and so as it ne may nat countrefeten it ne feynen it ne be evenlyke

quantitee of future and of preterit: and so as it ne may nat han

To shryve folk of most dignitee

That been, as wyde as world may dure.

[continues previous] as honours of poeple ne may nat maken folk digne of honour, it

[continues previous] that he is despysed of most folk, so as dignitee ne may nat [continues next]

[continues previous] maken shrewes digne of reverence, the which shrewes dignitee [continues next]

[continues previous] sheweth to moche folk, thanne maketh dignitee shrewes rather so [continues next]

[continues previous] nat maken folk digne of reverence, and yif that dignitees wexen

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

the torments. And the prosperitee that is yeven to shrewes [continues next]

[continues previous] gode folk and shrewes, ne shrewes ne mowen nat acorden amonges

[continues previous] that he is despysed of most folk, so as dignitee ne may nat [continues next]

[continues previous] maken shrewes digne of reverence, the which shrewes dignitee [continues next]

[continues previous] moche more despysed than preysed; and forsothe nat unpunisshed: [continues next]

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

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

[continues previous] the torments. And the prosperitee that is yeven to shrewes

[continues previous] sheweth a greet argument to gode folk, what thing they sholde

[continues previous] that he is despysed of most folk, so as dignitee ne may nat

[continues previous] sheweth to moche folk, thanne maketh dignitee shrewes rather so

[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

seyn, they sholden accuse shrewes, and nat excuse hem. And eek [continues next]

to acomplisshen that. For shrewes don that hem list, whan, by

shrewes; that is to seyn, that the peyne of shrewes ne departeth nat

losten sone thilke unselinesse, that is to seyn, that shrewes weren

[continues previous] it sholde ben torned in-to the habite of accusacioun; that is to

[continues previous] seyn, they sholden accuse shrewes, and nat excuse hem. And eek

is now demed for aldermost iust and most rightful, that is to seyn,

that shrewes ben punisshed, or elles that gode folk ben y-gerdoned:

Ye ben so wys that ful wel knowe ye [continues next]

That lordes hestes mowe nat been y-feyned; [continues next]

deceivinge desiringes is don awey, thou mowe knowe the shyninge [continues next]

and the desert of thilke Fortune, thou shalt wel knowe that,

as in hir, thou never ne haddest ne hast y-lost any fair thing.

ne may nat beneme it thee. And that thou mayst knowe that [continues next]

resoun, ne thilke thing nis nat sovereyn good that may be taken [continues next]

'But for as mochel as thou shalt nat wenen', quod she, 'that I

goodes, and torned thyn eyen to that other syde, thou mowe knowe

that they comen ther-as folk ne knowen nat thilke dignitees, hir [continues next]

it befalleth that he, that thou wenest be glorious and renomed, [continues next]

that hem ne reccheth nat to knowe where thilke goodes ben [continues next]

body as mochel as ever thee list; so that thou knowe algates

'For sothe,' quod I, 'I see wel now that suffisaunce may nat [continues next]

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

which is thilke verray blisfulnesse, and eek whiche thilke thinges [continues next]

where thou mowe seke thilke verray blisfulnesse.' [continues next]

'Certes,' quod I, 'that desire I greetly, and have abiden longe [continues next]

that thilke good ne is, and that it nis right as welle of alle [continues next]

I may concluden, by right verray resoun, that thilke that is [continues next]

desireth; and for as mochel as we han gadered and comprehended

and parformeth thilke same thing by naturel office, and that [continues next]

other ne may nat doon thilke naturel office, but folweth, by other [continues next]

that it folweth and resembleth thilke thing that it ne may nat [continues next]

thilke thing that ne may nat unbityde it mot bityde by necessitee, [continues next]

[continues previous] That lordes hestes mowe nat been y-feyned;

... to destroyen alle spirituel thinges. Loke how that fyr of smale gledes, that been almost dede under asshen, wollen quike agayn whan they been touched with brimstoon; right so Ire wol everemo quiken agayn, whan it is touched by the pryde that is covered in mannes herte. For certes fyr ne may nat comen out of no-thing, but-if it were first in the same thing naturelly; as fyr is drawen out of flintes with steel. And right so as pryde is ofte tyme matere of Ire, right so is rancour norice and keper of Ire. Ther is a maner tree, as seith seint Isidre, ...

[continues previous] of verray light.

[continues previous] blisfulnesse ne may nat standen in thinges that ben fortunous

[continues previous] resoun, ne thilke thing nis nat sovereyn good that may be taken

ne may nat han it al, ne al may it nat comen to o man with-outen

yif it so were that thise dignitees or poweres hadden any propre [continues next]

[continues previous] that they comen ther-as folk ne knowen nat thilke dignitees, hir [continues next]

som-tyme prys and shyninge, and som-tyme leseth it by the [continues next]

[continues previous] folk, to whiche folk the renoun of a man ne may nat comen,

[continues previous] that hem ne reccheth nat to knowe where thilke goodes ben

[continues previous] 'For sothe,' quod I, 'I see wel now that suffisaunce may nat

[continues previous] comen by richesses, ne power by reames, ne reverence by

[continues previous] which is thilke verray blisfulnesse, and eek whiche thilke thinges

[continues previous] where thou mowe seke thilke verray blisfulnesse.'

[continues previous] thing that is summitted unto us. But it may nat ben deneyed

[continues previous] that thilke good ne is, and that it nis right as welle of alle

[continues previous] I may concluden, by right verray resoun, that thilke that is

[continues previous] other ne may nat doon thilke naturel office, but folweth, by other

good; ne thise wrecches ne comen nat to the effect of soverein

is this: that, for that the thing is to comen, therfore ne may it

nat ben hid fro the purviaunce of god; and in this manere this

[continues previous] that it folweth and resembleth thilke thing that it ne may nat

[continues previous] thilke thing that ne may nat unbityde it mot bityde by necessitee,

lettres the fraude hadde ben shewed apertly, yif I hadde had [continues next]

libertee for to han used and ben at the confessioun of myne [continues next]

now, yif so be that dignitees and powers be yeven to goode men,

[continues previous] yif it so were that thise dignitees or poweres hadden any propre

[continues previous] that they comen ther-as folk ne knowen nat thilke dignitees, hir

[continues previous] opinioun of usaunces. Now yif that dignitees thanne ne mowen

as by right that thilke thing be the mede of that; as thus: yif

a man renneth in the stadie, or in the forlong, for the corone,

woltow seyn of this: yif that a man hadde al forlorn his sighte

[continues previous] lettres the fraude hadde ben shewed apertly, yif I hadde had

ne binimeth nat fro the corages of goode folk hir propre [continues next]

honour. But yif that any wight reioyse him of goodnesse that he [continues next]

Thise straunge folk, and doth hem greet honour, [continues next]

And axeth hem of travail and labour [continues next]

[continues previous] ne binimeth nat fro the corages of goode folk hir propre

[continues previous] honour. But yif that any wight reioyse him of goodnesse that he

[continues previous] Thise straunge folk, and doth hem greet honour,

ben to comen after our dayes shullen knowen it, I have put it [continues next]

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

him. But for as moche as to every wight his owne propre bountee [continues next]

For to ben holden stable and eek secree,

the Iowes (sc. faucibus) of hem that gapeden. And for as moche

as the peyne of the accusacioun aiuged biforn ne sholde nat

[continues previous] thing al the ordinaunce and the sothe, for as moche as folk that

[continues previous] ben to comen after our dayes shullen knowen it, I have put it

But for as moche as it is nat tyme yit of faster remedies, and

But for as moche as the norisshinges of my resouns descenden

dremeth; but for as moche as thy sighte is ocupied and distorbed

thilke man to which she hir-self is conioigned. And for as moche

as honours of poeple ne may nat maken folk digne of honour, it

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

the erthe a-doun, but for as moche as thilke places and thilke

knowen. But for as moche as the fey of my sentence shal be the

And for as moche as thou understonde which is the strengthe

[continues previous] him. But for as moche as to every wight his owne propre bountee

dredeth thinges that ne oughten nat to ben dred, men shal holden [continues next]

'But for as moche as man and wyf

Is nat annexed to possessioun,

Sith folk ne doon hir operacioun

feblesse and infirmitee of wikkede folk, that ne mowen nat comen

to that hir naturel entencioun ledeth hem, and yit almost thilke

that ne deneye I nat; but certes, hir power ne descendeth nat of

strengthe, but of feblesse. For they mowen don wikkednesses;

ne binimeth nat fro the corages of goode folk hir propre [continues next]

[continues previous] dredeth thinges that ne oughten nat to ben dred, men shal holden

the whiche folk, sin that hir propre wil ne sent hem nat to that oon

they bityden, yit algates ne lese they nat hir propre nature in

Boece. 'What is this to seyn thanne,' quod I, 'that thinges ne

ben nat necessarie by hir propre nature, so as they comen in alle

... your messages, swiche as been discrete and wyse, un-to your adversaries; tellinge hem, on your bihalve, that if they wole trete of pees and of accord, that they shape hem, with-outen delay or tarying, to comen un-to us.' Which thing parfourned was in dede. And whanne thise trespassours and repentinge folk of hir folies, that is to seyn, the adversaries of Melibee, hadden herd what thise messagers seyden un-to hem, they weren right glad and Ioyeful, and answereden ful mekely and benignely, yeldinge graces and thankinges to hir lord Melibee and to al his companye; and shopen hem, with-outen delay, to go with the messagers, and obeye to the ...

Now lat us speke thanne of thilke stinkinge sinne of Lecherie that men clepe Avoutrie of wedded folk, that is to seyn, if that oon of hem be wedded, or elles bothe. Seint Iohn seith, that avoutiers shullen been in helle in a stank brenninge of fyr and of brimston; in fyr, for the lecherie; in brimston, for the stink of hir ordure. Certes, the brekinge of this sacrement is an horrible thing; it was maked ...

he is worthy to han that adversitee. This is the opinioun of some

suffisaunt of himself unto him-self. And folyen swiche folk thanne, [continues next]

that wenen that thilke thing that is right good, that it be eek right [continues next]

opinioun of usaunces. Now yif that dignitees thanne ne mowen [continues next]

nat maken folk digne of reverence, and yif that dignitees wexen [continues next]

[continues previous] honour. But yif that any wight reioyse him of goodnesse that he

[continues previous] that wenen that thilke thing that is right good, that it be eek right

as honours of poeple ne may nat maken folk digne of honour, it [continues next]

[continues previous] opinioun of usaunces. Now yif that dignitees thanne ne mowen [continues next]

[continues previous] nat maken folk digne of reverence, and yif that dignitees wexen [continues next]

richesses. Forwhy faire ne precious ne weren they nat, for that

they comen among thy richesses; but, for they semeden faire and

han dignitees ofte tyme, than sheweth it wel that dignitees and

powers ne ben nat goode of hir owne kinde; sin that they suffren

[continues previous] as honours of poeple ne may nat maken folk digne of honour, it [continues next]

vilenye. And for as mochel as thou mowe knowe that thilke

verray reverence ne may nat comen by thise shadewy transitorie

dignitees, undirstond now thus: yif that a man hadde used and

straunge folk, mayst thou seyn; but amonges hem ther they

weren born, ne duren nat thilke dignitees alwey? Certes, the

[continues previous] opinioun of usaunces. Now yif that dignitees thanne ne mowen

[continues previous] nat maken folk digne of reverence, and yif that dignitees wexen

feblesse and infirmitee of wikkede folk, that ne mowen nat comen

to that hir naturel entencioun ledeth hem, and yit almost thilke

forleten they vertues and folwen vyces? Nis it nat for that they

ne knowen nat the goodes? But what thing is more feble and

ayeins the vyces. Ne knowen they nat thanne wel that they

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

mighten wel beren; and somme dispyse that they mowe nat

beren; and thilke folk god ledeth in-to experience of himself by

uneschewably, and so may be that it is possible that they ne

shollen nat comen, god is deceived. But nat only to trowen that

But this condicioun ne draweth nat with hir thilke necessitee

This Melibeus answerde anon and seyde, 'What man,' quod he, 'sholde of his weping stinte, that hath so greet a cause for to wepe? Iesu Crist, our lord, him-self wepte for the deeth of Lazarus his freend.' Prudence answerde, 'Certes, wel I woot, attempree weping is no-thing defended to him that sorweful is, amonges folk in sorwe, but it is rather graunted him to wepe. The Apostle Paul un-to the Romayns wryteth, "man shal reioyse with hem that maken Ioye, and wepen with swich folk as wepen." But thogh attempree weping be y-graunted, outrageous weping certes is defended. Mesure of weping sholde be considered, after the lore that ... [continues next]

[continues previous] as honours of poeple ne may nat maken folk digne of honour, it

he loketh and seeth alle thinges alone, thou mayst seyn that he is [continues next]

After that the erthe yaf hem habundance.

Amonges thise povre folk ther dwelte a man

[continues previous] ... and seyde, 'What man,' quod he, 'sholde of his weping stinte, that hath so greet a cause for to wepe? Iesu Crist, our lord, him-self wepte for the deeth of Lazarus his freend.' Prudence answerde, 'Certes, wel I woot, attempree weping is no-thing defended to him that sorweful is, amonges folk in sorwe, but it is rather graunted him to wepe. The Apostle Paul un-to the Romayns wryteth, "man shal reioyse with hem that maken Ioye, and wepen with swich folk as wepen." But thogh attempree weping be y-graunted, outrageous weping certes is defended. Mesure of weping sholde be considered, after the lore that ...

But thou mayst seyn, thy princes han thee maked

richesses. Forwhy faire ne precious ne weren they nat, for that [continues next]

that they comen ther-as folk ne knowen nat thilke dignitees, hir [continues next]

renoun to the three forseyde thinges, so that ther ne be amonges [continues next]

hem no difference?' [continues next]

don to me, yit natheles they ne weren nat al-outrely unknowen to [continues next]

demen ne holden that thilke peynes weren torments to hem; and [continues next]

poynt of soverein good ne declyneth nat fro his biginninge. But

thou mayst seyn, what unreste may ben a worse confusioun than

[continues previous] he loketh and seeth alle thinges alone, thou mayst seyn that he is

covenable and necessarie. But thou mayst seyn, how may it be

bityden. But thou mayst seyn, that of thilke same it is y-douted,

thy-self by thy free wil in-to dyverse acciouns. But thou mayst

seyn ayein: "How shal it thanne be? Shal nat the devyne

But thou mayst seyn, the man sit not therfore,

She may nat alwey duren in swich rage.

Sir, ye ne be nat alwey in lyke disposicioun; for certes, som thing that somtyme semeth to yow that it is good for to do, another tyme it semeth to yow the contrarie.

[continues previous] richesses. Forwhy faire ne precious ne weren they nat, for that

al were this Nonius set in a chayre of dignitee. Seest thou nat [continues next]

thanne how gret vilenye dignitees don to wikked men? Certes, [continues next]

[continues previous] that they comen ther-as folk ne knowen nat thilke dignitees, hir

[continues previous] renoun to the three forseyde thinges, so that ther ne be amonges

and to duren.'

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

[continues previous] don to me, yit natheles they ne weren nat al-outrely unknowen to

[continues previous] demen ne holden that thilke peynes weren torments to hem; and

certes, thilke prescience ne mighte nat be signe of thing that nis

[continues previous] al were this Nonius set in a chayre of dignitee. Seest thou nat

wikked Nero hadde gret lordship, and yaf whylom to the

neither of hem ne mighte do that he wolde. What thing is [continues next]

As I have seyd, thurgh-out the Iewerye

This litel child, as he cam to and fro,

... for Salomon seith: "manye freendes have thou; but among a thousand chese thee oon to be thy conseillour." For al-be-it so that thou first ne telle thy conseil but to a fewe, thou mayst afterward telle it to mo folk, if it be nede. But loke alwey that thy conseillours have thilke three condiciouns that I have seyd bifore; that is to seyn, that they be trewe, wyse, and of old experience. And werke nat alwey in every nede by oon counseillour allone; for somtyme bihoveth it to been conseilled by manye. For Salomon seith: "salvacioun of thinges is wher-as ther been manye conseillours." [continues next]

'So is it,' quod she; 'for the same thing songe thou a litel

her-biforn, and biweyledest and biweptest, that only men weren

[continues previous] thanne thilke power, that though men han it, yit they ben agast;

to ben a foul thing, yif it ne be y-sprad and encresed. But, [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,

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

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

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

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

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

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

But lat us loken the thinges that we han purposed her-biforn.

Have I nat noumbred and seyd,' quod she, 'that suffisaunce is in

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

devyne? For certes, a litel her-biforn, whan thou bigunne at

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]

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

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

nothing is so mighty as soverein good.' [continues next]

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

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

the purviaunce and the destinee that thou taughtest me a

litel her-biforn, this sentence is sustened by stedefast resouns.

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

as thou songe a litel her-biforn, be departed and unioined from

thou thy-self hast confessed it and biknowen a litel her-biforn, what

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] ... Salomon seith: "manye freendes have thou; but among a thousand chese thee oon to be thy conseillour." For al-be-it so that thou first ne telle thy conseil but to a fewe, thou mayst afterward telle it to mo folk, if it be nede. But loke alwey that thy conseillours have thilke three condiciouns that I have seyd bifore; that is to seyn, that they be trewe, wyse, and of old experience. And werke nat alwey in every nede by oon counseillour allone; for somtyme bihoveth it to been conseilled by manye. For Salomon seith: "salvacioun of thinges is wher-as ther been manye conseillours."

... that ye han understonde what is pryde, and whiche been the speces of it, and whennes pride sourdeth and springeth; now shul ye understonde which is the remedie agayns the sinne of pryde, and that is, humilitee or mekenesse. That is a vertu, thurgh which a man hath verray knoweleche of him-self, and holdeth of him-self no prys ne deyntee as in regard of hise desertes, consideringe evere his freletee. Now been ther three maneres of humilitee; as humilitee in herte, and another humilitee in his mouth; the thridde in hise werkes. The humilitee in herte is in foure maneres: that oon is, whan a man holdeth ... [continues next]

is wel seyn cleerly that they ne han no propre beautee of dignitee. [continues next]

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

[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] 'What was that?' quod I.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[continues previous] hath beinge is oon, and thilke same oon is good; thanne is this

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

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

[continues previous] thing that is y-wist nis nat knowen by his nature propre, but by

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

[continues previous] that it is unworthy thing to seyn, that our futures yeven cause of

[continues previous] ... han understonde what is pryde, and whiche been the speces of it, and whennes pride sourdeth and springeth; now shul ye understonde which is the remedie agayns the sinne of pryde, and that is, humilitee or mekenesse. That is a vertu, thurgh which a man hath verray knoweleche of him-self, and holdeth of him-self no prys ne deyntee as in regard of hise desertes, consideringe evere his freletee. Now been ther three maneres of humilitee; as humilitee in herte, and another humilitee in his mouth; the thridde in hise werkes. The humilitee in herte is in foure maneres: that oon is, whan a man holdeth him-self ...

[continues previous] And yit men oughten taken more heed in this. For yif it so be

verray reverence ne may nat comen by thise shadewy transitorie [continues next]

foule of hir wille by the filthe of shrewes, and yif that dignitees [continues next]

lesen hir shyninge by chaunginge of tymes, and yif they wexen [continues next]

devyne prescience more than the opinioun of mankinde, yif so be [continues next]

that it demeth the thinges uncertein, as men doon; of the whiche [continues next]

richesses ne mowen nat passen in-to moche folke with-oute [continues next]

now, yif so be that dignitees and powers be yeven to goode men,

cheynes that ne mowen nat be unbounden. And dignitees that [continues next]

ben yeven to shrewede folk nat only ne maketh hem nat digne, [continues next]

blisful by thilke thinges that they han geten. But yif so be that [continues next]

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

that ther be defaute of manye goodes, sheweth it nat thanne [continues next]

as honours of poeple ne may nat maken folk digne of honour, it [continues next]

that he is despysed of most folk, so as dignitee ne may nat [continues next]

[continues previous] dignitees, undirstond now thus: yif that a man hadde used and

but only of the false opinioun of folk, that is to seyn, that wenen [continues next]

that dignitees maken folk digne of honour; anon therfore whan [continues next]

that they comen ther-as folk ne knowen nat thilke dignitees, hir [continues next]

[continues previous] foule of hir wille by the filthe of shrewes, and yif that dignitees [continues next]

[continues previous] lesen hir shyninge by chaunginge of tymes, and yif they wexen [continues next]

thanne ne mowen they yeven no beautee of dignitee to non other.

and sorye. And yif thilke delices mowen maken folk blisful, [continues next]

goodes, whiche that ne mowen nat yeven that they biheten, ne [continues next]

tho thinges that I have shewed, that ne mowen nat yeven that [continues next]

thus: that ther ne mowen nat ben two soverein goodes that [continues next]

seen apertly that it nis nat soverein. The thinges, thanne, that

ben sovereinly goode, ne mowen by no wey ben dyverse. But

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

desired of alle folk more thanne the same good. But we han [continues next]

ne mowen nat sone dyen ne dryen, as longe as hir nature may [continues next]

feblesse and infirmitee of wikkede folk, that ne mowen nat comen [continues next]

to that hir naturel entencioun ledeth hem, and yit almost thilke [continues next]

so doth distemperaunce to feble men, that ne mowen nat wrastlen [continues next]

ayeins the vyces. Ne knowen they nat thanne wel that they [continues next]

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

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

to ben confus and trouble to us men, for we ne mowen nat considere [continues next]

And som men, that ne mowen nat ben overcomen by torments, [continues next]

gode folk and shrewes, ne shrewes ne mowen nat acorden amonges [continues next]

naught; but yif this ne may nat ben don, thanne is it nat possible, [continues next]

[continues previous] devyne prescience more than the opinioun of mankinde, yif so be

[continues previous] that it demeth the thinges uncertein, as men doon; of the whiche

thilke thinges that the prescience wot biforn ne mowen nat unbityde? [continues next]

That is to seyn, that they moten bityde. But thanne, yif [continues next]

that prescience ne putteth no necessitee to thinges to comen, as

comth to beestes that ne mowen nat moeven hem-self her and [continues next]

wit and imaginacioun, ne mowen nat strecchen ne enhansen hem-self [continues next]

some thinges han certein and necessarie bitydinges, they ne [continues next]

mowen nat ben wist biforn certeinly to bityden. And thanne [continues next]

Philosophie. 'Certes, thanne, if men mighte maken any digne [continues next]

put in god hope and preyeres, that ne mowen nat ben unspeedful [continues next]

ne with-oute effect, whan they ben rightful. [continues next]

So benigne and so digne of reverence,

And coude so the peples herte embrace,

[continues previous] fulfilleth to-gidere the hering of moche folk; but certes, youre

[continues previous] richesses ne mowen nat passen in-to moche folke with-oute

[continues previous] cheynes that ne mowen nat be unbounden. And dignitees that

[continues previous] ben yeven to shrewede folk nat only ne maketh hem nat digne,

for to ben right digne of reverence; and enforcen hem to ben

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

[continues previous] as honours of poeple ne may nat maken folk digne of honour, it

[continues previous] that he is despysed of most folk, so as dignitee ne may nat

[continues previous] maken shrewes digne of reverence, the which shrewes dignitee

[continues previous] but only of the false opinioun of folk, that is to seyn, that wenen

[continues previous] that dignitees maken folk digne of honour; anon therfore whan

[continues previous] that they comen ther-as folk ne knowen nat thilke dignitees, hir

[continues previous] foule of hir wille by the filthe of shrewes, and yif that dignitees [continues next]

[continues previous] lesen hir shyninge by chaunginge of tymes, and yif they wexen [continues next]

[continues previous] foule by estimacioun of poeple: what is it that they han in hem-self [continues next]

[continues previous] and sorye. And yif thilke delices mowen maken folk blisful,

[continues previous] goodes, whiche that ne mowen nat yeven that they biheten, ne

[continues previous] tho thinges that I have shewed, that ne mowen nat yeven that

[continues previous] thus: that ther ne mowen nat ben two soverein goodes that

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

[continues previous] desired of alle folk more thanne the same good. But we han

[continues previous] ne mowen nat sone dyen ne dryen, as longe as hir nature may

[continues previous] feblesse and infirmitee of wikkede folk, that ne mowen nat comen

[continues previous] so doth distemperaunce to feble men, that ne mowen nat wrastlen

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

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

[continues previous] to ben confus and trouble to us men, for we ne mowen nat considere

[continues previous] And som men, that ne mowen nat ben overcomen by torments,

[continues previous] gode folk and shrewes, ne shrewes ne mowen nat acorden amonges

[continues previous] hem-self. And why nat? For shrewes discorden of hem-self by

[continues previous] naught; but yif this ne may nat ben don, thanne is it nat possible,

[continues previous] thilke thinges that the prescience wot biforn ne mowen nat unbityde?

[continues previous] comth to beestes that ne mowen nat moeven hem-self her and

[continues previous] wit and imaginacioun, ne mowen nat strecchen ne enhansen hem-self

[continues previous] mowen nat ben wist biforn certeinly to bityden. And thanne

[continues previous] Philosophie. 'Certes, thanne, if men mighte maken any digne

[continues previous] put in god hope and preyeres, that ne mowen nat ben unspeedful

And in hem greet [and hy] sentence;

Of whiche I wol yow telle fonde,

som-tyme prys and shyninge, and som-tyme leseth it by the [continues next]

opinioun of usaunces. Now yif that dignitees thanne ne mowen [continues next]

[continues previous] nat maken folk digne of reverence, and yif that dignitees wexen [continues next]

[continues previous] foule of hir wille by the filthe of shrewes, and yif that dignitees [continues next]

[continues previous] lesen hir shyninge by chaunginge of tymes, and yif they wexen [continues next]

[continues previous] foule by estimacioun of poeple: what is it that they han in hem-self

supplien hem that yeven tho dignitees. And yif thou coveitest [continues next]

by honour to gon biforn other folk, thou shalt defoule thy-self [continues next]

[continues previous] som-tyme prys and shyninge, and som-tyme leseth it by the

[continues previous] opinioun of usaunces. Now yif that dignitees thanne ne mowen [continues next]

[continues previous] nat maken folk digne of reverence, and yif that dignitees wexen [continues next]

[continues previous] foule of hir wille by the filthe of shrewes, and yif that dignitees [continues next]

[continues previous] by honour to gon biforn other folk, thou shalt defoule thy-self

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

[continues previous] nat maken folk digne of reverence, and yif that dignitees wexen

[continues previous] foule of hir wille by the filthe of shrewes, and yif that dignitees

[continues previous] thrist thy-self in-to wikke thinges: right as thou mightest loken by

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

ben sovereinly goode, ne mowen by no wey ben dyverse. But [continues next]

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

desired of alle folk more thanne the same good. But we han [continues next]

nat yvel of the noumbir of thinges that oughte ben desired. But

alle power oughte ben desired and requered. Than is it open and

hoolnesse of thoght, (as who seyth, ben men now so wyse), that

libertee of willinge and of nillinge. But I ne ordeyne nat, as who [continues next]

seyth, I ne graunte nat, that this libertee be evene-lyk in alle [continues next]

and unleveful. Ne I ne proeve nat thilke same resoun, as who [continues next]

seyth, I ne alowe nat, or I ne preyse nat, thilke same resoun, by [continues next]

thing is to comen? For right as science ne may nat ben medled

with falsnesse (as who seyth, that yif I wot a thing, it ne may nat

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

seyth, indifferently, that thinges mowen ben doon or elles nat [continues next]

ben referred to the maker of alle good (as who seyth, than folweth

it, that god oughte han the blame of oure vyces, sin he constreineth us

to be, it ne may ben non other weyes thanne he knoweth it to be. [continues next]

maken nede, what may it thanne be, that ye wenen that richesses

mowen yeven you suffisaunce?

is wel seyn cleerly that they ne han no propre beautee of dignitee.

opinioun of usaunces. Now yif that dignitees thanne ne mowen

goodes, whiche that ne mowen nat yeven that they biheten, ne

tho thinges that I have shewed, that ne mowen nat yeven that

they beheten.'

'Certes, no,' quod I.

blisfulnesse in swiche thinges as men wene that they ne mowen

yeven but o thing senglely of alle that men seken.'

[continues previous] seen apertly that it nis nat soverein. The thinges, thanne, that

[continues previous] ben sovereinly goode, ne mowen by no wey ben dyverse. But

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

[continues previous] desired of alle folk more thanne the same good. But we han

[continues previous] libertee of willinge and of nillinge. But I ne ordeyne nat, as who

[continues previous] seyth, I ne graunte nat, that this libertee be evene-lyk in alle

[continues previous] seyth, I ne alowe nat, or I ne preyse nat, thilke same resoun, by

[continues previous] seyth, indifferently, that thinges mowen ben doon or elles nat

[continues previous] to be, it ne may ben non other weyes thanne he knoweth it to be.