Comparison of Geoffrey Chaucer Consolatione Philosophie 4 Prose 1 to Geoffrey Chaucer

To telle yow hir wordes and hir chere; [continues next]

Ne thogh I speke hir wordes properly. [continues next]

And of Grisildis wordes and hir chere [continues next]

Avysed wel hir wordes and hir chere; [continues next]

And Pandarus, in ernestful manere, [continues next]

And by hir wordes eek, and by hir chere, [continues next]

[continues previous] To telle yow hir wordes and hir chere;

[continues previous] Ne thogh I speke hir wordes properly.

[continues previous] And of Grisildis wordes and hir chere

the gold ne hadde hid the gold in thilke place, the gold ne hadde [continues next]

nat been founde. Thise ben thanne the causes of the abregginge [continues next]

[continues previous] Avysed wel hir wordes and hir chere;

[continues previous] And by hir wordes eek, and by hir chere,

Thanne if I ne hadde spoken, as grace was,

The wo that in myn herte was, and pyne? [continues next]

[continues previous] nat been founde. Thise ben thanne the causes of the abregginge

Or that myn herte was set o-wher, [continues next]

That I did thus, and niste why; [continues next]

[continues previous] The wo that in myn herte was, and pyne?

thinges, that is to seyn, suffisaunce, power, and this othre thinges; [continues next]

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

tyme; that is to seyn, first whan I loste my memorie by the [continues next]

moevinge;" that is to seyn, that it ne moeveth never-mo, and yit it [continues next]

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

She hadde seyd, and torned the cours of hir resoun to some [continues next]

othre thinges to ben treted and to ben y-sped. Thanne seyde I, [continues next]

Boece. 'What is this to seyn thanne,' quod I, 'that thinges ne [continues next]

[continues previous] Or that myn herte was set o-wher,

[continues previous] thinges, that is to seyn, suffisaunce, power, and this othre thinges;

'This is open and cleer,' quod she, 'that alle othre thinges ben

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

[continues previous] moeveth alle othre thinges. But natheles, yif I have stired resouns

[continues previous] She hadde seyd, and torned the cours of hir resoun to some

[continues previous] othre thinges to ben treted and to ben y-sped. Thanne seyde I,

by whiche thinges thou art troubled.'

'It semeth,' quod I, 'to repugnen and to contrarien greetly,

[continues previous] Boece. 'What is this to seyn thanne,' quod I, 'that thinges ne

of thinges that ben aposed ayeins thee, thou hast remembred

thinges that ben knowen to alle folk. And of the felonyes and

thou ne tarye nat to telle me thilke thinges that thou hast

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

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

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

oon is voluntarie and that other necessarie. Right so thanne the

devyne lookinge, biholdinge alle thinges under him, ne troubleth

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

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

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

ne semeth fayle, certes than wole I graunte that they ben maked [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]

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

ben nat parfit by the congregacioun of alle goodes; that they [continues next]

blisfulnesse in swiche thinges as men wene that they ne mowen [continues next]

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

ben that lyen falsly blisfulnesse, that is to seyn, that by deceite [continues next]

thus: that ther ne mowen nat ben two soverein goodes that

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

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

but-yif alle thise thinges ben alle oon same thing, they ne han nat [continues next]

wherby that they mowen ben put in the noumber of thinges that [continues next]

ardaunt love of his wif brende the entrailes of his brest, ne the [continues next]

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

the thinges that thou hast graunted, it ne shal nat ben right fer [continues next]

that thou ne shalt remembren thilke thing that thou seydest that [continues next]

moeveth alle othre thinges. But natheles, yif I have stired resouns

that ne ben nat taken fro with-oute the compas of thing of which

so as the governour of thinges is good, yif that yveles mowen ben [continues next]

sheweth ful evidently that they ne mowen right naught. For so [continues next]

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

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

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

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

oon and of that other, he shal lightly mowen seen, that thise two [continues next]

thinges ben dyverse. For purviaunce is thilke divyne reson that [continues next]

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

by it-self, thinges that ben to fleen and thinges that ben to desiren. [continues next]

And thilke thing that any wight demeth to ben desired, that axeth [continues next]

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

comen y-received, what thing is ther thanne by whiche we mowen [continues next]

ben conioined and clyven to thilke soverein prince of thinges? [continues next]

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

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

some thinges han certein and necessarie bitydinges, they ne

mowen nat ben wist biforn certeinly to bityden. And thanne

knowen by the devyne sighte, sin that, forsothe, men ne maken [continues next]

nat thilke thinges necessarie which that they seen ben y-doon in [continues next]

the sonne arysinge and the man walkinge, that, ther-whyles that [continues next]

thilke thinges been y-doon, they ne mighte nat ben undoon; [continues next]

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

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

Also Opilion and Gaudencius han accused me, al be it so that the [continues next]

Iustice regal hadde whylom demed hem bothe to go in-to exil for [continues next]

hem that he hadde whylom overcomen. Wenest thou thanne [continues next]

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

[continues previous] ne semeth fayle, certes than wole I graunte that they ben maked

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

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

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

[continues previous] blisfulnesse in swiche thinges as men wene that they ne mowen

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

[continues previous] ben that lyen falsly blisfulnesse, that is to seyn, that by deceite

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

[continues previous] wherby that they mowen ben put in the noumber of thinges that

The poete of Trace, Orpheus, that whylom hadde right greet sorwe [continues next]

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

[continues previous] that thou ne shalt remembren thilke thing that thou seydest that

[continues previous] so as the governour of thinges is good, yif that yveles mowen ben

thou ne tarye nat to telle me thilke thinges that thou hast

[continues previous] the forme and in the doinge of good folk. And thilke power

[continues previous] sheweth ful evidently that they ne mowen right naught. For so

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

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

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

[continues previous] oon and of that other, he shal lightly mowen seen, that thise two

[continues previous] thinges ben dyverse. For purviaunce is thilke divyne reson that

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

which wey thou mayst come ayein to thy contree. But al-be-it

so that the thinges which that thou axest ben right profitable to

[continues previous] by it-self, thinges that ben to fleen and thinges that ben to desiren.

[continues previous] And thilke thing that any wight demeth to ben desired, that axeth

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

[continues previous] ben conioined and clyven to thilke soverein prince of thinges?

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

[continues previous] nat thilke thinges necessarie which that they seen ben y-doon in

[continues previous] the sonne arysinge and the man walkinge, that, ther-whyles that

[continues previous] thilke thinges been y-doon, they ne mighte nat ben undoon;

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

[continues previous] Also Opilion and Gaudencius han accused me, al be it so that the

[continues previous] Iustice regal hadde whylom demed hem bothe to go in-to exil for

[continues previous] hem that he hadde whylom overcomen. Wenest thou thanne

men wene that ben goode, yit ben they desired as though that [continues next]

[continues previous] The poete of Trace, Orpheus, that whylom hadde right greet sorwe

[continues previous] for the deeth of his wyf, after that he hadde maked, by his weeply

seyn, that more unsely ben they that don wrong to othre folk [continues next]

that hath don the wrong, or elles him that hath suffred the [continues next]

to him that hadde suffred the wrong by the sorwe of him [continues next]

that hadde don the wrong.' [continues next]

lat that ben called destinee. And al-be-it so that thise thinges [continues next]

ben dyverse, yit natheles hangeth that oon on that other; for-why [continues next]

they ne ben don rightfully and ordenely, to the profit of hem to [continues next]

ben purveyed, ther-fore ne bityde they nat. Yit natheles, [continues next]

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

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

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

[continues previous] men wene that ben goode, yit ben they desired as though that

[continues previous] they weren verrayliche goode. And therfor is it that men oughten

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

in this wyse they ne forleten nat only to ben mighty, but they [continues next]

forleten al-outrely in any wyse for to ben. For they that forleten [continues next]

[continues previous] seyn, that more unsely ben they that don wrong to othre folk

[continues previous] that hath don the wrong, or elles him that hath suffred the

[continues previous] that hadde don the wrong.'

medicine of thee, al-be-it so that I have litel tyme to don it,

yit natheles I wol enforcen me to shewe somwhat of it. But

[continues previous] ben dyverse, yit natheles hangeth that oon on that other; for-why

[continues previous] they ne ben don rightfully and ordenely, to the profit of hem to

swete ditees, singeth, that the sonne is cleer by pure light; natheles

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

[continues previous] ben purveyed, ther-fore ne bityde they nat. Yit natheles,

They ne were nat forpampred with outrage;

Unknowen was the quern and eek the melle;

To been unknowen of folk that weren wyse,

Ne finde excuse aright that may suffyse,

[continues previous] in this wyse they ne forleten nat only to ben mighty, but they

myn astonyinge god, governour of thinges, that, so as god [continues next]

cause of so greet a disposicioun, natheles, for as moche as god, [continues next]

dignitees benethe the lowest thinges. For yif that al the good of

of alle thinges, is good. For, so as nothing ne may ben thought

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

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

wherby that they mowen ben put in the noumber of thinges that

by thy resouns, that they ne mowen ben overcomen. And

thilke thinges that thou toldest me, al-be-it so that I hadde

by any weyes; or elles yif that yveles passen with-oute punisshinge. [continues next]

[continues previous] myn astonyinge god, governour of thinges, that, so as god

[continues previous] cause of so greet a disposicioun, natheles, for as moche as god,

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

mowen ben axed, and to the whiche questioun unnethes is ther

oon and of that other, he shal lightly mowen seen, that thise two

thinges ben dyverse. For purviaunce is thilke divyne reson that

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

... in sondry Astrolabies ben compouned by on and on, or elles by two and two, it is necessarie to thy lerning to teche thee first to knowe and worke with thyn owne instrument. Wher-for, whan that the degree of thy sonne falleth by-twixe two almikanteras, or elles yif thyn almikanteras ben graven with over gret a point of a compas, (for bothe thise thinges may causen errour as wel in knowing of the tyd of the day as of the verrey assendent), thou most werken in this wyse. Set the degree of thy sonne up-on the heyer almikanteras of bothe, and ... [continues next]

... the clokke, ben departed by 15 degrees al-redy in the bordure of thyn Astrolabie, as wel by night as by day, generaly for evere. What nedeth more declaracioun? Wher-for, whan thee list to know how manye houres of the clokke ben passed, or any part of any of thise houres that ben passed, or elles how many houres or partie of houres ben to come, fro swich a tyme to swich a tyme, by day or by nighte, knowe the degree of thy sonne, and ley thy label on it; turne thy riet aboute ioyntly with thy label, and with the point ... [continues next]

that may be thyn in any tyme, or elles that it nis foul, yif that it

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

parties or of membres; or elles, yif that any of alle thilke thinges

propre heved; or elles, yif ther be any thing to which that

han nede of non help fro with-oute? For elles, yif he hadde

nede of any help, he ne sholde nat have no ful suffisaunce?'

[continues previous] so as the governour of thinges is good, yif that yveles mowen ben

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

[continues previous] ... and two, where-as some almikanteras in sondry Astrolabies ben compouned by on and on, or elles by two and two, it is necessarie to thy lerning to teche thee first to knowe and worke with thyn owne instrument. Wher-for, whan that the degree of thy sonne falleth by-twixe two almikanteras, or elles yif thyn almikanteras ben graven with over gret a point of a compas, (for bothe thise thinges may causen errour as wel in knowing of the tyd of the day as of the verrey assendent), thou most werken in this wyse. Set the degree of thy sonne up-on the heyer almikanteras ...

[continues previous] ... seyn, the houres of the clokke, ben departed by 15 degrees al-redy in the bordure of thyn Astrolabie, as wel by night as by day, generaly for evere. What nedeth more declaracioun? Wher-for, whan thee list to know how manye houres of the clokke ben passed, or any part of any of thise houres that ben passed, or elles how many houres or partie of houres ben to come, fro swich a tyme to swich a tyme, by day or by nighte, knowe the degree of thy sonne, and ley thy label on it; turne thy riet aboute ioyntly with thy label, and with the point of it rekne ...

in the whiche thing only I moot graunten that thy welefulnesse is

nis nat rather for thise thinges to ben wondred up-on, than for [continues next]

thing ther is yit another thing y-ioigned, more to ben wondred [continues next]

up-on. For felonye is emperesse, and floureth ful of richesses; [continues next]

of alle thise thinges it sheweth wel, that the goode folke ben certeinly [continues next]

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

[continues previous] nis nat rather for thise thinges to ben wondred up-on, than for [continues next]

[continues previous] up-on. For felonye is emperesse, and floureth ful of richesses;

[continues previous] of alle thise thinges it sheweth wel, that the goode folke ben certeinly

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

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

[continues previous] nis nat rather for thise thinges to ben wondred up-on, than for [continues next]

The whiche thing only, how worthy it is to ben wondred [continues next]

ensaumple to fleen fro vyces; but I understande yit in another

manere, that shrewes ben more unsely whan they ne ben nat

[continues previous] nis nat rather for thise thinges to ben wondred up-on, than for

[continues previous] The whiche thing only, how worthy it is to ben wondred

[continues previous] up-on, thou considerest it wel thy-self certeinly. But yit to this

And thinges whiche that were nat doon a-bedde, [continues next]

acountedest for thyne goodes nas nat thy good. In the whiche [continues next]

thinges, yif ther be no beautee to ben desyred, why sholdest thou [continues next]

by the hete of a fevere of three dayes. Of alle whiche forseyde

thinges I may reducen this shortly in a somme, that thise worldly

alle thinges?' [continues next]

that oon and good be oo same thing. For of thinges, of whiche [continues next]

now on this syde and now on that syde. Two thinges ther ben [continues next]

in whiche the effect of alle the dedes of mankinde standeth, that [continues next]

of alle thise thinges it sheweth wel, that the goode folke ben certeinly [continues next]

thanne of olde men it was cleped destinee. The whiche thinges, [continues next]

that is don by wikkede folk nis nat don for yvel. The whiche [continues next]

by adversitees; and of alle thinges ther nis no doute, that [continues next]

to-gidere? But ther nis no discord to the verray thinges, but they [continues next]

alle thinges that men may desiren? Thanne sholde ther be doon [continues next]

nis ther no prescience of thilke thinges; and yif we trowe that [continues next]

I owe to alle my brethren free, [continues next]

Of which ther nis wight under heven [continues next]

And that no wight ne may endure the ferthe; [continues next]

'Ther nis no werkman, what-so-ever he be,

That may bothe werke wel and hastily;

[continues previous] And May his wyf, and no wight but they two;

[continues previous] And thinges whiche that were nat doon a-bedde,

Ther nis no man that may reporten al.

For in this world, certein, ther no wight is,

That he ne dooth or seith som-tyme amis.

... founden many a womman ful good and trewe. Or elles per-aventure the entente of Salomon was this; that, as in sovereyn bountee, he fond no womman; this is to seyn, that ther is no wight that hath sovereyn bountee save god allone; as he him-self recordeth in his Evaungelie. For ther nis no creature so good that him ne wanteth somwhat of the perfeccioun of god, that is his maker. Your thridde resoun is this: ye seyn that "if ye governe yow by my conseil, it sholde seme that ye hadde yeve me the maistrie and the lordshipe over your persone." Sir, save your grace, it is nat so. ...

... toucheth to the keping of your persone; ye shul understonde that he that hath werre shal evermore mekely and devoutly preyen biforn alle thinges, that Iesus Crist of his grete mercy wol han him in his proteccioun, and been his sovereyn helping at his nede. For certes, in this world ther is no wight that may be conseilled ne kept suffisantly withouten the keping of our lord Iesu Crist. To this sentence accordeth the prophete David, that seith: "if god ne kepe the citee, in ydel waketh he that it kepeth." Now sir, thanne shul ye committe the keping of your persone to your trewe freendes that been approved ...

... wolde repenten him and forsake sinne: thurgh which despeir or drede he abaundoneth al his herte to every maner sinne, as seith seint Augustin. Which dampnable sinne, if that it continue un-to his ende, it is cleped sinning in the holy gost. This horrible sinne is so perilous, that he that is despeired, ther nis no felonye ne no sinne that he douteth for to do; as shewed wel by Iudas. Certes, aboven alle sinnes thanne is this sinne most displesant to Crist, and most adversarie. Soothly, he that despeireth him is lyk the coward champioun recreant, that seith creant withoute nede. Allas! allas! nedeles is he recreant and nedeles despeired. ...

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

ther nis no drede that he may deserve to ben exiled. But who-so

she hath forsaken thee, ne ther nis no man siker that she ne

wrecched but whan thou wenest it: as who seith, thou thy-self, ne

no wight elles, nis a wrecche, but whan he weneth him-self a wrecche

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

thyne? Fortune ne shal never maken that swiche thinges ben [continues next]

[continues previous] thinges, yif ther be no beautee to ben desyred, why sholdest thou

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

[continues previous] 'Certes,' quod I, 'it nis no doute, that it is right worthy to

blisfulnesse in swiche thinges as men wene that they ne mowen [continues next]

veyn and inparfit, ther may no man doute that ther nis som

[continues previous] that the effect nis nat naturelly diverse, nedes the substance mot

ne ther nis no man that ne wot wel that they ne

oon were destroyed, certes, beinge ne shulde ther non dwellen

to no wight.'

'That is sooth,' quod I.

thing that every wight desireth.'

'Ther ne may be thought,' quod I, 'no more verray thing.

'But he,' quod she, 'that is almighty, ther nis nothing that he

'That is sooth,' quod I.

thou yave me as a covenable yift, that is to seyn, that no wight

nis blisful but-yif he be god also ther-with. And seidest eek,

[continues previous] now on this syde and now on that syde. Two thinges ther ben

ther nis nothing that may be don. For yif that wil lakketh, ther

nis no wight that undertaketh to don that he wol nat don; and

'Knit forth the remenaunt,' quod I; 'for no wight ne douteth [continues next]

that he that may gon by naturel office of feet ne be more mighty [continues next]

[continues previous] cleer that the power ne the mowinge of shrewes nis no power; and

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

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

[continues previous] yif that any wight loketh wel in his thought the strengthe of that

[continues previous] that is don by wikkede folk nis nat don for yvel. The whiche

[continues previous] by adversitees; and of alle thinges ther nis no doute, that

[continues previous] they ne ben don rightfully and ordenely, to the profit of hem to

[continues previous] to-gidere? But ther nis no discord to the verray thinges, but they

elles, he ne coude nat desire it. Or who may folwen thinges that ne [continues next]

[continues previous] alle thinges that men may desiren? Thanne sholde ther be doon

how so that this knowinge is universel, yet nis ther no wight that

ne woot wel that a man is a thing imaginable and sensible; and

[continues previous] nis ther no prescience of thilke thinges; and yif we trowe that

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

establisshed in tyme that may enbracen to-gider al the space of

But ther nis no misaventure

That she ne thenketh in hir corage.

That can y-nough of such usage;

Withouten hir may no wight spede

[continues previous] Of which ther nis wight under heven

[continues previous] That can her fadris names neven,

[continues previous] And that no wight ne may endure the ferthe;

... servage and subieccion of sinne; and atte laste it is slayn fynally. For this disordinaunce of sinful man was Iesu Crist first bitraysed, and after that was he bounde, that cam for to unbynden us of sinne and peyne. Thanne was he biscorned, that only sholde han been honoured in alle thinges and of alle thinges. Thanne was his visage, that oghte be desired to be seyn of al man-kinde, in which visage aungels desyren to looke, vileynsly bispet. Thanne was he scourged that no-thing hadde agilt; and fynally, thanne was he crucified and slayn. Thanne was acompliced the word of Isaye: 'he was wounded for ... [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

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

ben purveyed of god, whiche that temporel welefulnesse

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

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

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

[continues previous] thyne? Fortune ne shal never maken that swiche thinges ben

[continues previous] thyne, that nature of thinges hath maked foreine fro thee. Sooth

remenaunt of thinges that ben yit to seye ben swiche, that first

[continues previous] blisfulnesse in swiche thinges as men wene that they ne mowen

[continues previous] that he that may gon by naturel office of feet ne be more mighty

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

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

that alle thinges ben doon. Thanne is thilke same good purposed

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

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

This is the comune Love to alle thinges; and alle thinges axen [continues next]

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

in Greek, that "alle thinges he seeth and alle thinges he hereth." [continues next]

[continues previous] elles, he ne coude nat desire it. Or who may folwen thinges that ne

[continues previous] ben nat y-wist? And thogh that he seke tho thinges, wher shal he

seyth, indifferently, that thinges mowen ben doon or elles nat

Why axestow thanne, or why desputestow thanne, that thilke

thinges ben doon by necessitee whiche that ben y-seyn and

with-oute doute, alle the thinges shollen ben doon which that

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

... 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 ... [continues next]

[continues previous] ... servage and subieccion of sinne; and atte laste it is slayn fynally. For this disordinaunce of sinful man was Iesu Crist first bitraysed, and after that was he bounde, that cam for to unbynden us of sinne and peyne. Thanne was he biscorned, that only sholde han been honoured in alle thinges and of alle thinges. Thanne was his visage, that oghte be desired to be seyn of al man-kinde, in which visage aungels desyren to looke, vileynsly bispet. Thanne was he scourged that no-thing hadde agilt; and fynally, thanne was he crucified and slayn. Thanne was acompliced the word of Isaye: 'he was wounded for ...

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

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

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

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

a perdurable sete, and ne wole nat ben cast down with the loude

good is in him. For yif god ne is swich, he ne may nat ben

prince of alle thinges; for certes som-thing possessing in it-self

nothing nis more worth. For alwey, of alle thinges, the nature

of hem ne may nat ben bettre than his biginning; for which

othre thinges ben desired; thanne is it thus: that, certes, only [continues next]

songes that hadden overcomen alle thinges ne mighten nat

parties; ne the savinge of obedient thinges ne sholde nat be.' [continues next]

Thanne seyde she thus: 'I ne scorne thee nat, ne pleye, ne

[continues previous] 'Thanne,' quod she, 'so as he that is mighty to doon only but

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

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

studies of men, who is he to whom it sholde seme that he ne [continues next]

sholde nat only leven thise thinges, but eek gladly herkne [continues next]

[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] This is the comune Love to alle thinges; and alle thinges axen

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

alle thinges from an heigh, ne withstondeth nat no thinges by

[continues previous] in Greek, that "alle thinges he seeth and alle thinges he hereth."

of libertee. For yif so be that god loketh alle thinges biforn, ne

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

destinee, which that ne may nat ben inclyned, knitteth and streineth

alle thinges that men may desiren? Thanne sholde ther be doon

avyse the prescience, by which it knoweth alle thinges, thou ne

shal nat demen it as prescience of thinges to comen, but thou

devyne lookinge, biholdinge alle thinges under him, ne troubleth

nat the qualitee of thinges that ben certeinly present to him-ward;

mutaciouns. And this presence to comprehenden and to seen

alle thinges, god ne hath nat taken it of the bitydinge of thinges

... ben founde, or elles possibly mighten be founde in so noble an instrument as an Astrolabie, ben un-knowe perfitly to any mortal man in this regioun, as I suppose. A-nother cause is this; that sothly, in any tretis of the Astrolabie that I have seyn, there ben some conclusions that wole nat in alle thinges performen hir bihestes; and some of hem ben to harde to thy tendre age of ten yeer to conseyve. This tretis, divided in fyve parties, wole I shewe thee under ful lighte rewles and naked wordes in English; for Latin ne canstow yit but smal, my lyte sone. But natheles, suffyse to thee thise ...

[continues previous] ... 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 ...

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

to geten alle thise thinges to-gider?' [continues next]

'Thise thinges thanne,' quod she, 'that is to sey, erthely [continues next]

'Up-on thise thinges thanne,' quod she, 'right as thise geometriens, [continues next]

[continues previous] othre thinges ben desired; thanne is it thus: that, certes, only [continues next]

'The thinges thanne,' quod she, 'that ne ben no goodes [continues next]

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

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

Thanne seyde she: 'sin thou felest thus thise thinges,' quod [continues next]

[continues previous] parties; ne the savinge of obedient thinges ne sholde nat be.' [continues next]

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

[continues previous] sholde nat only leven thise thinges, but eek gladly herkne

alle thinges,' quod she, 'and alle the progressiouns of muable [continues next]

Philosophie. 'The thinges thanne,' quod she, 'that, whan men [continues next]

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

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

'Thanne make thee redy,' quod she, 'I come anon;'

But after that in pley thus seyde she:

'Aurelie,' quod she, 'by heighe god above,

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 ...

Than seyde she thus: 'That felede I ful wel,' quod she, 'whan

[continues previous] Philosophie. 'Certes,' quod she, 'I wolde seye, that he wolde

'Certes, no,' quod I.

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

[continues previous] 'Thise thinges thanne,' quod she, 'that is to sey, erthely

[continues previous] 'Up-on thise thinges thanne,' quod she, 'right as thise geometriens,

[continues previous] othre thinges ben desired; thanne is it thus: that, certes, only

'Certes,' quod she, 'that shal I do thee by verray resoun, yif

[continues previous] 'The thinges thanne,' quod she, 'that ne ben no goodes

[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

Thanne seyde she thus: 'O my nory,' quod she, 'I have

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

[continues previous] Thanne seyde she: 'sin thou felest thus thise thinges,' quod

[continues previous] she, 'I trowe that I have litel more to done that thou, mighty of

[continues previous] 'Thanne is ther nothing,' quod she, 'that kepeth his nature,

Thanne seyde I thus: 'I delyte me,' quod I, 'nat only in the

Thanne seyde she thus: 'I ne scorne thee nat, ne pleye, ne

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

don that.'

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

'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

'Certes,' quod she, 'ye; and that right greet; of which sowles,' [continues next]

[continues previous] by another biginninge, and seyde thus. 'The engendringe of

[continues previous] alle thinges,' quod she, 'and alle the progressiouns of muable

to speken right thus. 'Certes,' quod she, 'yif any wight diffinisshe

[continues previous] Philosophie. 'The thinges thanne,' quod she, 'that, whan men

And gan hir to compleyne thanne;

And seyde, that she cause was

That she first lovede [Eneas],

'Now thanne thus,' quod she, 'I wolde him preye

[continues previous] 'Certes,' quod she, 'ye; and that right greet; of which sowles,'

Of alle lovers wel more than biforn; [continues next]

chaunged ayein thee; but thou wenest wrong, yif thou that

wel and proeve it by the same thing. But I axe yif that thou

wenest that hap be any thing in any weys; and, yif thou wenest

that hap be anything, what is it?'

certes, they semen to discorden. For thou wenest that, yif that

[continues previous] Of alle lovers wel more than biforn;

sholden ben honoured and heried, and the precious vesseles [continues next]

sholden ben defouled and vyle; but it nis nat so. For yif tho [continues next]

[continues previous] ordenour of meynee, that the vesseles that ben foule and vyle [continues next]

[continues previous] sholden ben honoured and heried, and the precious vesseles [continues next]

[continues previous] sholden ben defouled and vyle; but it nis nat so. For yif tho [continues next]

And yet somme clerkes seyn, it nis nat so,

whan I wende. I dar wel affermen hardily, that yif tho thinges, [continues next]

For if thou therfor wenest thy-self nat weleful, for thinges that [continues next]

tho semeden ioyful ben passed, ther nis nat why thou sholdest wene [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]

geten him sovereyn blisfulnesse; but that shal he nat finde in [continues next]

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

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

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

'Certes,' quod she, 'that shal I do thee by verray resoun, yif [continues next]

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

[continues previous] ordenour of meynee, that the vesseles that ben foule and vyle

[continues previous] sholden ben honoured and heried, and the precious vesseles

the outtereste deeth. For yif I have concluded sooth of the unselinesse [continues next]

nis nat speedful to a necessarie conclusioun. And yif it

be nat so, but that the premisses ben y-graunted, ther is not why

in this world. For it nis nat leveful to man to comprehenden by [continues next]

it is bifalle by fortunous bitydinge. But, for sothe, it nis nat of

domes of men the bitydinge nis nat certein? But yif so be that [continues next]

purviance wot biforn to comen ne ben nat to bityden; but that

ne sholden we nat demen; but rather, al-thogh that they shal

that no-thing ne may ben comprehended by science but certein; [continues next]

and yif tho thinges that ne han no certein bitydinges ben purveyed [continues next]

instaunce, that never ne faileth. For which it nis nat y-cleped

"previdence," but it sholde rather ben cleped "purviaunce," that

Philosophie. 'This is the difference,' quod she; 'that tho [continues next]

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

her-biforn, and biweyledest and biweptest, that only men weren [continues next]

[continues previous] whan I wende. I dar wel affermen hardily, that yif tho thinges,

[continues previous] of which thou pleynest that thou hast forlorn, hadde ben thyne,

[continues previous] For if thou therfor wenest thy-self nat weleful, for thinges that

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[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

I have wel concluded that blisfulnesse and god ben the soverein

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

thou wistest nat a litel her-biforn.'

'What was that?' quod I.

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

'Thou ne wendest nat,' quod she, 'a litel her-biforn, that men

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]

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

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

thee of thilke noble corolarie that I yaf thee a litel her-biforn;

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

[continues previous] the outtereste deeth. For yif I have concluded sooth of the unselinesse

graunte; but I knowe wel that it acordeth moche to the thinges

that I have graunted her-biforn.'

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

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

[continues previous] purviaunce; sin that the right stronge god governeth alle thinges

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 previous] domes of men the bitydinge nis nat certein? But yif so be that

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 previous] and yif tho thinges that ne han no certein bitydinges ben purveyed

Therfor thanne, as I have shewed a litel her-biforn, that al

thing that is y-wist nis nat knowen by his nature propre, but by

[continues previous] Philosophie. 'This is the difference,' quod she; 'that tho

[continues previous] thinges that I purposede thee a litel heer-biforn, that is to seyn,

thilke thing that thou puttest a litel her-biforn, that is to seyn,

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

[continues previous] her-biforn, and biweyledest and biweptest, that only men weren

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.

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

man suffisaunt, mighty, honourable, noble, and ful of gladnesse.

And, for thou shalt wel knowe that I have wel understonden

[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

infortune comth alwey to wikked folk. And thou shalt wel [continues next]

knowe many thinges of this kinde, that shollen cesen thy pleintes, [continues next]

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

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

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

Thou wel this boor shalt knowe, and of what kinde

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

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

[continues previous] mede; and that blisfulnesses comen alwey to goode folk, and [continues next]

[continues previous] infortune comth alwey to wikked folk. And thou shalt wel [continues next]

'First,' quod she, 'thou most nedes knowen, that goode folk [continues next]

ben alwey stronge and mighty, and the shrewes ben feble and [continues next]

thanne nis it no doute that the goode folk ne ben mighty and [continues next]

the wikkede folk ben feble?' [continues next]

'Who-so that ever,' quod I, 'douteth of this, he ne may nat [continues next]

thinges that I have graunted; that nedes gode folk moten ben [continues next]

mighty, and shrewes feeble and unmighty.' [continues next]

of alle thise thinges it sheweth wel, that the goode folke ben certeinly [continues next]

mighty, and the shrewes douteles ben unmighty. And it is [continues next]

'Have we nat thanne graunted,' quod she, 'that goode folk [continues next]

ben blisful, and shrewes ben wrecches?' [continues next]

yveles and aspre thinges: and yeveth ayeinward to gode folk hardnesses, [continues next]

swiche folk as they demen to ben gode folk or shrewes, that [continues next]

it moste nedes ben that folk ben swiche as they wenen? But in [continues next]

cause of continuacioun and exercysinge to gode folk and cause of [continues next]

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

that shrewes ben punisshed, or elles that gode folk ben y-gerdoned: [continues next]

the whiche folk, sin that hir propre wil ne sent hem nat to that oon [continues next]

And they wolde binde on folk alwey, [continues next]

That ben to [be] begyled able, [continues next]

Ne never-mo ne shal they roten be, [continues next]

Ne lese her sote savour, trusteth me; [continues next]

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

[continues previous] never-mo with-oute peyne, ne the vertues ne ben nat with-oute [continues next]

[continues previous] mede; and that blisfulnesses comen alwey to goode folk, and [continues next]

[continues previous] infortune comth alwey to wikked folk. And thou shalt wel

[continues previous] ben alwey stronge and mighty, and the shrewes ben feble and

[continues previous] desert and naked of alle strengthes. And of thise thinges, certes,

[continues previous] thanne nis it no doute that the goode folk ne ben mighty and

[continues previous] the wikkede folk ben feble?'

[continues previous] thinges that I have graunted; that nedes gode folk moten ben

[continues previous] mighty, and shrewes feeble and unmighty.'

[continues previous] of alle thise thinges it sheweth wel, that the goode folke ben certeinly

[continues previous] mighty, and the shrewes douteles ben unmighty. And it is

good that they desiren; but they ne geten ne ateinen nat ther-to, [continues next]

for vyces ne comen nat to blisfulnesse. [continues next]

vyces); ne the herbes of Circes ne ben nat mighty. For al-be-it [continues next]

[continues previous] ben blisful, and shrewes ben wrecches?'

[continues previous] and to shrewes he graunteth hem hir wil and that they

[continues previous] swiche folk as they demen to ben gode folk or shrewes, that

[continues previous] it moste nedes ben that folk ben swiche as they wenen? But in

[continues previous] cause of continuacioun and exercysinge to gode folk and cause of

[continues previous] torment to shrewes. For so as ther nis non alyaunce by-twixe

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

[continues previous] that shrewes ben punisshed, or elles that gode folk ben y-gerdoned:

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

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

[continues previous] And they wolde binde on folk alwey,

Ne never-mo ne lakkede hir pitee; [continues next]

[continues previous] Ne never-mo ne shal they roten be,

[continues previous] Ne lese her sote savour, trusteth me;

... openly be knowe. And as seith Seint Bernard: 'ther ne shal no pledinge availle, ne no sleighte; we shullen yeven rekeninge of everich ydel word.' Ther shul we han a Iuge that may nat been deceived ne corrupt. And why? For, certes, alle our thoghtes been discovered as to him; ne for preyere ne for mede he shal nat been corrupt. And therfore seith Salomon: 'the wratthe of god ne wol nat spare no wight, for preyere ne for yifte'; and therfore, at the day of doom, ther nis noon hope to escape. Wherfore, as seith Seint Anselm: 'ful greet angwissh shul the sinful folk have at that tyme; ther shal the sterne and wrothe Iuge sitte above, and under him the horrible put of helle open to destroyen him that moot biknowen hise sinnes, whiche sinnes openly been shewed biforn god and biforn every creature. And on the left syde, mo develes than herte may bithinke, for to harie and drawe the sinful soules to the pyne of helle. And with-inne the hertes of folk shal be the bytinge conscience, and with-oute-forth shal be the world al brenninge. Whider shal thanne the wrecched sinful man flee to hyden him? Certes, he may nat hyden him; he moste come forth and shewen him.' For certes, as seith seint Ierome: 'the erthe shal casten him out of him, and the see also; and the eyr also, that shal be ful of thonder-clappes and lightninges.' Now sothly, who-so wel remembreth him of thise thinges, I gesse that his sinne shal nat turne him in-to delyt, but to greet sorwe, for drede of the peyne of helle. And therfore seith Iob to god: 'suffre, lord, that I may a whyle biwaille and wepe, er I go with-oute returning to the derke lond, covered with the derknesse of deeth; to the lond of misese and of derknesse, where-as is the shadwe of deeth; where-as ther is noon ordre or ordinance, but grisly drede that evere shal laste.' Lo, here may ye seen that Iob preyde respyt a whyle, to biwepe and waille his trespas; for soothly oon day of respyt is bettre than al the tresor of the world. And for-as-muche as a man may acquiten him-self biforn god by penitence in this world, and nat by tresor, therfore sholde he preye to god to yeve him respyt a whyle, to biwepe and biwaillen his trespas. For certes, al the sorwe that a man mighte make fro the beginning of the world, nis but a litel thing at regard of the sorwe of helle. The cause why that Iob clepeth helle 'the lond of derknesse'; under-stondeth that he clepeth it 'londe' or erthe, for it is stable, and nevere shal faille; 'derk,' for he that is in helle hath defaute of light material. For certes, the derke light, that shal come out of the fyr that evere shal brenne, shal turne him al to peyne that is in helle; for it sheweth him to the horrible develes that him tormenten. 'Covered with the derknesse of deeth': that is to seyn, that he that is in helle shal have defaute of the sighte of god; for certes, the sighte of god is the lyf perdurable. 'The derknesse of deeth' been the sinnes that the wrecched man hath doon, whiche that destourben him to see the face of god; right as doth a derk cloude bitwixe us and the sonne. 'Lond of misese': by-cause that ther been three maneres of defautes, agayn three thinges that folk of this world han in this present lyf, that is to seyn, honours, delyces, and richesses. Agayns honour, have they in helle shame and confusion. For wel ye woot that men clepen 'honour' the reverence that man doth to man; but in helle is noon honour ne reverence. For certes, na-more reverence shal be doon there to a king than to a knave. For which god seith by the prophete Ieremye: 'thilke folk that me despysen shul been in despyt.' 'Honour' is eek cleped greet lordshipe; ther shal no man serven other but of harm and torment. 'Honour' is eek cleped greet dignitee and heighnesse; but in helle shul they been al fortroden of develes. And god seith: 'the horrible develes shulle goon and comen up-on the hevedes of the dampned folk.' And this is for-as-muche as, the hyer that they were in this present lyf, the more shulle they been abated and defouled in helle. Agayns the richesses of this world, shul they han misese of poverte; and this poverte shal been in foure thinges: in defaute of tresor, of which that David seith; 'the riche folk, that embraceden and oneden al hir herte to tresor of this world, shul slepe in the slepinge of deeth; and no-thing ne shul they finden in hir handes of al hir tresor.' And more-over, the miseise of helle shal been in defaute of mete and drinke. For god seith thus by Moyses; 'they shul been wasted with hunger, and the briddes of helle shul devouren hem with bitter deeth, and the galle of the dragon shal been hir drinke, and the venim of the dragon hir morsels.' And forther-over, hir miseise shal been in defaute of clothing: for they shulle be naked in body as of clothing, save the fyr in which they brenne and othere filthes; and naked shul they been of soule, of alle manere vertues, which that is the clothing of the soule. Where been thanne the gaye robes and the softe shetes and the smale shertes? Lo, what seith god of hem by the prophete Isaye: 'that under hem shul been strawed motthes, and hir covertures shulle been of wormes of helle.' And forther-over, hir miseise shal been in defaute of freendes; for he nis nat povre that hath goode freendes, but there is no freend; for neither god ne no creature shal been freend to hem, and everich of hem shal haten other with deedly hate. 'The sones and the doghtren shullen rebellen agayns fader and mooder, and kinrede agayns kinrede, and chyden and despysen everich of hem other,' bothe day and night, as god seith by the prophete Michias. And the lovinge children, that whylom loveden so fleshly everich other, wolden everich of hem eten other if they mighte. For how sholden they love hem togidre in the peyne of helle, whan they hated ech of hem other in the prosperitee of this lyf? For truste wel, hir fleshly love was deedly hate; as seith the prophete David: 'who-so that loveth wikkednesse he hateth his soule.' And who-so hateth his owene soule, certes, he may love noon other wight in no manere. And therefore, in helle is no solas ne no frendshipe, but evere the more fleshly kinredes that been in helle, the more cursinges, the more chydinges, and the more deedly hate ther is among hem. And forther-over, they shul have defaute of alle manere delyces; for certes, delyces been after the appetytes of the fyve wittes, as sighte, heringe, smellinge, savoringe, and touchinge. But in helle hir sighte shal be ful of derknesse and of smoke, and therfore ful of teres; and hir heringe, ful of waymentinge and of grintinge of teeth, as seith Iesu Crist; hir nosethirles shullen be ful of stinkinge stink. And as seith Isaye the prophete: 'hir savoring shal be ful of bitter galle.' And touchinge of al hir body, y-covered with 'fyr that nevere shal quenche, and with wormes that nevere shul dyen,' as god seith by the mouth of Isaye. And for-as-muche as they shul nat wene that they may dyen for peyne, and by hir deeth flee fro peyne, that may they understonden by the word of Iob, that seith: 'ther-as is the shadwe of deeth.' Certes, a shadwe hath the lyknesse of the thing of which it is shadwe, but shadwe is nat the same thing of which it is shadwe. Right so fareth the peyne of helle; it is lyk deeth for the horrible anguissh, and why? For it peyneth hem evere, as though they sholde dye anon; but certes they shal nat dye. For as seith Seint Gregorie: 'to wrecche caytives shal be deeth with-oute deeth, and ende with-outen ende, and defaute with-oute failinge. For hir deeth shal alwey liven, and hir ende shal everemo biginne, and hir defaute shal nat faille.' And therfore seith Seint Iohn the Evangelist: 'they shullen folwe deeth, and they shul nat finde him; and they shul desyren to dye, and deeth shal flee fro hem.' And eek Iob seith: that 'in helle is noon ordre of rule.' And al-be-it so that god hath creat alle thinges in right ordre, and no-thing with-outen ordre, but alle thinges been ordeyned and nombred; yet nathelees they that been dampned been no-thing in ordre, ne holden noon ordre. For the erthe ne shal bere hem no fruit. For, as the prophete David seith: 'god shal destroie the fruit of the erthe as fro hem;' ne water ne shal yeve hem no moisture; ne the eyr no refresshing, ne fyr no light. For as seith seint Basilie: 'the brenninge of the fyr of this world shal god yeven in helle to hem that been dampned; but the light and the cleernesse shal be yeven in hevene to hise children'; right as the gode man yeveth flesh to hise children, and bones to his houndes. And for they shullen have noon hope to escape, seith seint Iob atte laste: that 'ther shal horrour and grisly drede dwellen with-outen ende.' Horrour is alwey drede of harm that is to come, and this drede shal evere dwelle in the hertes of hem that been dampned. And therefore han they lorn al hir hope, for sevene causes. First, for god that is hir Iuge shal be with-outen mercy to hem; ne they may nat plese him, ne noon of hise halwes; ne they ne may yeve no-thing for hir raunson; ne they have no vois to speke to him; ne they may nat flee fro peyne; ne they have no goodnesse in hem, that they mowe shewe to delivere hem fro peyne. And therfore seith Salomon: 'the wikked man dyeth; and whan he is deed, he shal have noon hope to escape fro peyne.' Who-so thanne wolde wel understande these peynes, and bithinke him weel that he ... [continues next]

manaces of Fortune ne ben nat for to dreden, ne the flateringes

ne ben nat weyes ne pathes that bringen men to blisfulnesse,

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

requered of many folkes ne ben nat verray goodes ne parfite, for

that ne ben nat taken fro with-oute the compas of thing of which [continues next]

[continues previous] and shrewes ben alwey out-cast and feble; ne the vyces ne ben [continues next]

[continues previous] never-mo with-oute peyne, ne the vertues ne ben nat with-oute [continues next]

partye of men, ne ben nat ne han no beinge; but natheles, it is so,

pleinly, that they ne ben nat, ne han no beinge. For right as

[continues previous] good that they desiren; but they ne geten ne ateinen nat ther-to,

[continues previous] for vyces ne comen nat to blisfulnesse.

[continues previous] vyces); ne the herbes of Circes ne ben nat mighty. For al-be-it

this sheweth it wel, that to goode folk ne lakketh never-mo hir

medes, ne shrewes lakken never-mo torments. For of alle thinges

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

from hem-self never-mo. For so as goode and yvel, and peyne and

of libertee. For yif so be that god loketh alle thinges biforn, ne

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

is this: that, for that the thing is to comen, therfore ne may it [continues next]

nat ben hid fro the purviaunce of god; and in this manere this [continues next]

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

that thilke resouns of hem that assoilen this questioun ne ben

nat speedful y-nough ne sufficient: the whiche solucioun, or the

y-sustened by stidefast resoun, ne shal nat ben lad ne proeved by

that the thinges ne bityden nat that ben y-purveyed to comen? [continues next]

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

ne sholden we nat demen; but rather, al-thogh that they shal [continues next]

al-togider; for it ne hath nat the futures that ne ben nat yit, ne it

ne hath no lenger the preterits that ben y-doon or y-passed. But

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

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

[continues previous] Ne never-mo ne lakkede hir pitee;

... prively, and conseille yow the contrarie openly. For Cassidorie seith: that "it is a maner sleighte to hindre, whan he sheweth to doon a thing openly and werketh prively the contrarie." Thou shalt also have in suspect the conseilling of wikked folk. For the book seith: "the conseilling of wikked folk is alwey ful of fraude:" And David seith: "blisful is that man that hath nat folwed the conseilling of shrewes." Thou shalt also eschewe the conseilling of yong folk; for hir conseil is nat rype. [continues next]

[continues previous] ... seith Seint Bernard: 'ther ne shal no pledinge availle, ne no sleighte; we shullen yeven rekeninge of everich ydel word.' Ther shul we han a Iuge that may nat been deceived ne corrupt. And why? For, certes, alle our thoghtes been discovered as to him; ne for preyere ne for mede he shal nat been corrupt. And therfore seith Salomon: 'the wratthe of god ne wol nat spare no wight, for preyere ne for yifte'; and therfore, at the day of doom, ther nis noon hope to escape. Wherfore, as seith Seint Anselm: 'ful greet angwissh shul the sinful folk have ...

And ther-of comth it that bi-twixen wikked folk and me han ben [continues next]

neither they ne ioignen hem nat alwey to goode men, ne maken [continues next]

hem alwey goode to whom that they ben y-ioigned. [continues next]

[continues previous] that ne ben nat taken fro with-oute the compas of thing of which

[continues previous] whos regne I speke, that certes the gode folk ben alwey mighty, [continues next]

[continues previous] and shrewes ben alwey out-cast and feble; ne the vyces ne ben [continues next]

'First,' quod she, 'thou most nedes knowen, that goode folk [continues next]

ben alwey stronge and mighty, and the shrewes ben feble and [continues next]

it acordeth and is covenable to ben goddes. Thanne is the mede

of goode folk swich that no day shal enpeiren it, ne no wikkednesse

bountee and prowesse ben the mede to goode folk, al-so is

[continues previous] is this: that, for that the thing is to comen, therfore ne may it

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

[continues previous] that the thinges ne bityden nat that ben y-purveyed to comen?

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

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

[continues previous] ... thing prively, and conseille yow the contrarie openly. For Cassidorie seith: that "it is a maner sleighte to hindre, whan he sheweth to doon a thing openly and werketh prively the contrarie." Thou shalt also have in suspect the conseilling of wikked folk. For the book seith: "the conseilling of wikked folk is alwey ful of fraude:" And David seith: "blisful is that man that hath nat folwed the conseilling of shrewes." Thou shalt also eschewe the conseilling of yong folk; for hir conseil is nat rype.

[continues previous] And ther-of comth it that bi-twixen wikked folk and me han ben

and the desert of thilke Fortune, thou shalt wel knowe that, [continues next]

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

[continues previous] neither they ne ioignen hem nat alwey to goode men, ne maken

[continues previous] hem alwey goode to whom that they ben y-ioigned.

And, for thou shalt wel knowe that I have wel understonden [continues next]

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

[continues previous] whos regne I speke, that certes the gode folk ben alwey mighty, [continues next]

[continues previous] and shrewes ben alwey out-cast and feble; ne the vyces ne ben

[continues previous] 'First,' quod she, 'thou most nedes knowen, that goode folk

[continues previous] ben alwey stronge and mighty, and the shrewes ben feble and

Thorugh which thou shalt wel bringen it aboute, [continues next]

To knowe a sooth of that thou art in doute. [continues next]

Thou wel this boor shalt knowe, and of what kinde [continues next]

[continues previous] and the desert of thilke Fortune, thou shalt wel knowe that,

[continues previous] man suffisaunt, mighty, honourable, noble, and ful of gladnesse.

[continues previous] And, for thou shalt wel knowe that I have wel understonden

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

[continues previous] To knowe a sooth of that thou art in doute.

[continues previous] Thou wel this boor shalt knowe, and of what kinde

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

For as moche thanne as thou hast seyn, which is the forme [continues next]

thought; for ther shalt thou sen anon thilke verray blisfulnesse

that I have bihight thee.'

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

[continues previous] For as moche thanne as thou hast seyn, which is the forme

[continues previous] of good that nis nat parfit, and which is the forme of good that

'And we han shewed that god and verray blisfulnesse is al oo [continues next]

they weren. But thilke other forme of mankinde, that is to seyn,

the forme of the body with-oute, sheweth yit that thise shrewes

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]

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

body semeth yeven delyt. In alle thise thinges it semeth only [continues next]

that blisfulnesse is desired. For-why thilke thing that every man [continues next]

over alle thinges, that it be blisfulnesse. [continues next]

Now hast thou thanne biforn thyn eyen almest al the purposed [continues next]

cleerly that fals beautee of blisfulnesse is knowen and ateint in [continues next]

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

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

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

blisfulnesse, so that alle thise othre thinges ben referred and [continues next]

'Adde thanne,' quod she, 'thilke good, that is maked blisfulnesse, [continues next]

[continues previous] 'And we han shewed that god and verray blisfulnesse is al oo

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

'Certes,' quod she, 'thou wost wel whennes that alle thinges

ben comen and procedeth?'

'I wot wel,' quod I, and answerede, that 'god is beginning

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

[continues previous] body semeth yeven delyt. In alle thise thinges it semeth only

[continues previous] that blisfulnesse is desired. For-why thilke thing that every man

[continues previous] over alle thinges, that it be blisfulnesse.

[continues previous] cleerly that fals beautee of blisfulnesse is knowen and ateint in

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

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

[continues previous] blisfulnesse, so that alle thise othre thinges ben referred and

[continues previous] 'Adde thanne,' quod she, 'thilke good, that is maked blisfulnesse,

[continues previous] to alle the forseide thinges; for thilke same blisfulnesse

And thilke thing, what-so-ever it be, by which that alle thinges

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

now al redy to the understondinge, I shal shewe thee more thikke [continues next]

wonderful; but of the thinges that ben taken also it is necessarie;'

nat thilke thinges necessarie which that they seen ben y-doon 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

For wommen shal him bringen to meschaunce! [continues next]

I shal shewe thee shortely the poynt of sovereyne blisfulnesse.

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

And yif thy wey ledeth thee ayein so that thou be brought thider, [continues next]

[continues previous] now al redy to the understondinge, I shal shewe thee more thikke

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

shewe thee in covenable place; but natheles, yif so were that thilke

Now that I shal wel bringen it aboute [continues next]

But dredelees, if pleynly speke I shal,

A wyf wol laste, and in thyn hous endure,

[continues previous] Un-to his lemman Dalida he tolde

seyn, of the worlde; have minde certeinly to ficchen thyn hous of

a merye site in a lowe stoon. For al-though the wind, troubling

[continues previous] And yif thy wey ledeth thee ayein so that thou be brought thider,

[continues previous] Now that I shal wel bringen it aboute

[continues previous] To come ayein, sone after that I go,