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

the Parthes and eek of other folk enhabitinge aboute. Seestow

nat thanne how streit and how compressed is thilke glorie that ye

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

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

ferme by resoun; ne a more worthy thing than god may nat

ben concluded.'

'Up-on thise thinges thanne,' quod she, 'right as thise geometriens,

'Certes,' quod she, 'that is, that thise wikked shrewes ben [continues next]

Seestow nat thanne what thing folweth alle the thinges that I

nat been founde. Thise ben thanne the causes of the abregginge

imaginatif. Seestow nat thanne that alle the thinges, in knowinge,

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

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

[continues previous] 'Certes,' quod she, 'that is, that thise wikked shrewes ben

thilke thing that may nat ben taken awey); than sheweth it wel,

that the unstablenesse of fortune may nat atayne to receiven

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

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

from that other, than sheweth it wel that it is a ded thing, and

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

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

the wikkede folk ben feble?' [continues next]

soverein good: Ne shrewes ne requeren nat lighte medes ne veyne [continues next]

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

cleped good. For which thing, folk of goode maneres, hir medes [continues next]

ne forsaken hem never-mo. For al-be-it so that shrewes wexen [continues next]

And sin it is thus, that goode men ne failen never-mo of hir mede, [continues next]

shrewes; that is to seyn, that the peyne of shrewes ne departeth nat [continues next]

from hem-self never-mo. For so as goode and yvel, and peyne and [continues next]

seen that they ne weren never-mo with-outen the torments of hir [continues next]

nature of it, maketh men wrecches; and it sheweth wel, that the

that torments of felonyes pressen and confounden goode folk, and [continues next]

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

I nil foryete hir never-mo.'

'Now, goode sir,' quod I [right] tho,

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

'Certes,' quod she, 'thou wost wel whennes that alle thinges [continues next]

a ful holy maner thing. Alle thise othre thinges, forsothe, ben [continues next]

taken for cause of power or elles for cause of delyt. [continues next]

of alle thinges, be feble and with-oute strengthe. And cleernesse [continues next]

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

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

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

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

biginning of alle thinges, thilke same thing is soverein good [continues next]

parties or of membres; or elles, yif that any of alle thilke thinges [continues next]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

graunted that blisfulnesse is that thing, for whiche that alle thise [continues next]

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

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

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

For either alle thinges ben referred and brought to nought, [continues next]

alle thinges tenden and hyen, that thing moste ben the soverein [continues next]

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

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

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

[continues previous] soverein good: Ne shrewes ne requeren nat lighte medes ne veyne

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

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

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

I have shewed that blisfulnesse is thilke same good for which [continues next]

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

[continues previous] cleped good. For which thing, folk of goode maneres, hir medes

[continues previous] ne forsaken hem never-mo. For al-be-it so that shrewes wexen

[continues previous] And sin it is thus, that goode men ne failen never-mo of hir mede,

[continues previous] shrewes; that is to seyn, that the peyne of shrewes ne departeth nat

[continues previous] from hem-self never-mo. For so as goode and yvel, and peyne and

[continues previous] seen that they ne weren never-mo with-outen the torments of hir

[continues previous] greetly,' quod I, 'why that the thinges ben so mis entrechaunged, [continues next]

[continues previous] that torments of felonyes pressen and confounden goode folk, and [continues next]

[continues previous] shrewes ravisshen medes of vertu, and ben in honours and in [continues next]

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

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

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

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

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

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

graunted, that alle fortune, what-so-ever it be, of hem that ben [continues next]

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

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

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

other thing is it but for to wene that thilke thinges that bitidden [continues next]

whylom ben causes of thilke soverein purvyaunce that is in god? [continues next]

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

bityden first or they weren y-doon; and thilke same thinges, [continues next]

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

his simple knowinge, alle thinges of preterit right as they weren [continues next]

thinges ben doon by necessitee whiche that ben y-seyn and [continues next]

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

with-oute doute, alle the thinges shollen ben doon which that [continues next]

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

... be taken by so smal an instrument. But natheles, in general, wolde I warne thee for evere, ne mak thee nevere bold to have take a iust ascendent by thyn Astrolabie, or elles to have set iustly a clokke, whan any celestial body by which that thow wenest governe thilke thinges ben ney the south lyne; for trust wel, whan that the sonne is ney the meridional lyne, the degree of the sonne renneth so longe consentrik up-on the almikanteras, that sothly thou shalt erre fro the iust assendent. The same conclusioun sey I by the centre of any sterre fix ... [continues next]

Thorugh which that thinges liven alle and be, [continues next]

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

[continues previous] 'Certes,' quod she, 'thou wost wel whennes that alle thinges

[continues previous] ben comen and procedeth?'

[continues previous] a ful holy maner thing. Alle thise othre thinges, forsothe, ben

[continues previous] taken for cause of power or elles for cause of delyt.

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

[continues previous] elles? For it is nat to wene that thilke thing, that is most worthy

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

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

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

[continues previous] biginning of alle thinges, thilke same thing is soverein good

[continues previous] parties or of membres; or elles, yif that any of alle thilke thinges

[continues previous] be swich that it acomplisshe by him-self the substaunce of

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

[continues previous] that is demed to ben soverein suffisaunce, thilke selve is soverein

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

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

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

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

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

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

[continues previous] is cause for which men requeren any thing, it semeth that thilke [continues next]

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

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

[continues previous] graunted that blisfulnesse is that thing, for whiche that alle thise

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

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

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

[continues previous] 'Ther ne may be thought,' quod I, 'no more verray thing.

[continues previous] For either alle thinges ben referred and brought to nought,

[continues previous] alle thinges tenden and hyen, that thing moste ben the soverein

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

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

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

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

graunten absolutly and simplely that they ben. For thilke thing

that with-holdeth ordre and kepeth nature, thilke thing is and

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

[continues previous] I have shewed that blisfulnesse is thilke same good for which

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

[continues previous] greetly,' quod I, 'why that the thinges ben so mis entrechaunged,

[continues previous] that torments of felonyes pressen and confounden goode folk, and

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

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

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

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

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

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

they demen that tho thinges ne sholden nat han ben don. For

which thing thilke soverein purveaunce hath maked ofte tyme fair

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

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

[continues previous] graunted, that alle fortune, what-so-ever it be, of hem that ben

entenden to don bitydeth by some causes, it is cleped "hap." [continues next]

in thinges that ben don for som other thing. But thilke ordre,

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

[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] other thing is it but for to wene that thilke thinges that bitidden

[continues previous] whylom ben causes of thilke soverein purvyaunce that is in god?

that a thing is, it bihoveth by necessitee that thilke selve thing be; [continues next]

be false that I ne wot it), right so thilke thing that is conceived by [continues next]

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

[continues previous] y-doon — what is thilke prescience that ne comprehendeth no

[continues previous] bityden first or they weren y-doon; and thilke same thinges,

[continues previous] al-thogh that men had y-wist hem biforn, yit they han free

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

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

thilke thing thanne, that hath and comprehendeth to-gider al the

be eterne. And it bihoveth by necessitee that thilke thing be [continues next]

[continues previous] y-doon presently right now. Yif thou wolt thanne thenken and

[continues previous] Why axestow thanne, or why desputestow thanne, that thilke

[continues previous] thinges ben doon by necessitee whiche that ben y-seyn and

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

[continues previous] with-oute doute, alle the thinges shollen ben doon which that

[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] ... myn assendent; as verreyly as may be taken by so smal an instrument. But natheles, in general, wolde I warne thee for evere, ne mak thee nevere bold to have take a iust ascendent by thyn Astrolabie, or elles to have set iustly a clokke, whan any celestial body by which that thow wenest governe thilke thinges ben ney the south lyne; for trust wel, whan that the sonne is ney the meridional lyne, the degree of the sonne renneth so longe consentrik up-on the almikanteras, that sothly thou shalt erre fro the iust assendent. The same conclusioun sey I by the centre of any sterre fix by ...

[continues previous] Ye Ioves first to thilke effectes glade,

[continues previous] Thorugh which that thinges liven alle and be,

Glose. As thus: that, yif a wight have prosperitee, he is a [continues next]

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

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

[continues previous] is cause for which men requeren any thing, it semeth that thilke [continues next]

[continues previous] same thing be most desired. As thus: yif that a wight wolde [continues next]

woltow seyn of this, that thilke thing that is right softe, as the

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

to be shad and to fleten dyversely: right so, by semblable resoun,

thilke thing that departeth forthest fro the first thoght of god, it is

[continues previous] For ther nis no-thing don for cause of yvel; ne thilke thing

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

[continues previous] other thing, and an-other thing than thilke thing that men

[continues previous] entenden to don bitydeth by some causes, it is cleped "hap."

[continues previous] that a thing is, it bihoveth by necessitee that thilke selve thing be;

[continues previous] be false that I ne wot it), right so thilke thing that is conceived by

it bihoveth, by necessitee, that every thing be right as science

[continues previous] be eterne. And it bihoveth by necessitee that thilke thing be

as thus: yif thou wost that a man walketh, it bihoveth by necessitee [continues next]

[continues previous] Glose. As thus: that, yif a wight have prosperitee, he is a

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

[continues previous] same thing be most desired. As thus: yif that a wight wolde

[continues previous] as thus: yif thou wost that a man walketh, it bihoveth by necessitee

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

'And I have shewed,' quod she, 'that thilke same oon is [continues next]

'And that, to governe this world,' quod she, 'ne shal he never [continues next]

'And I have shewed that god is the same good?' [continues next]

that the forme of good is the substaunce of god and of blisfulnesse; [continues next]

and seidest, that thilke same oon is thilke same good, that is [continues next]

thilke thinges shynen with which a man is aparailed, certes, thilke [continues next]

good; but I have defyned that blisfulnesse is the sovereyn good; [continues next]

for which every wight demeth, that thilke estat that he desireth [continues next]

elles? For it is nat to wene that thilke thing, that is most worthy [continues next]

thought; for ther shalt thou sen anon thilke verray blisfulnesse

that I have bihight thee.'

of alle thinges, is good. For, so as nothing ne may ben thought [continues next]

thinges have y-take thilke soverein good any-wher out of him-self, [continues next]

him-self, and thilke blisfulnesse that is in him, weren dyvers in

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

biginning of alle thinges, thilke same thing is soverein good [continues next]

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

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

that is demed to ben soverein suffisaunce, thilke selve is soverein [continues next]

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

graunted that blisfulnesse is that thing, for whiche that alle thise [continues next]

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

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

[continues previous] 'I assente,' quod I. [continues next]

[continues previous] 'And I have shewed,' quod she, 'that thilke same oon is [continues next]

[continues previous] thilke that is good?' [continues next]

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

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

blisfulnesse, and we han acorded that god is thilke same [continues next]

blisfulnesse?' [continues next]

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

[continues previous] 'And that, to governe this world,' quod she, 'ne shal he never

[continues previous] 'And I have shewed that god is the same good?'

'Thanne ordeineth he alle thinges by thilke good,' quod she; [continues next]

'Thanne is thilke the soverein good,' quod she, 'that alle [continues next]

[continues previous] that the forme of good is the substaunce of god and of blisfulnesse; [continues next]

[continues previous] and seidest, that thilke same oon is thilke same good, that is [continues next]

'And recordeth thee nat thanne,' quod she, 'that blisfulnesse [continues next]

is thilke same good that men requeren; so that, whan that [continues next]

blisfulnesse is requered of alle, that good also is requered and [continues next]

nothing is so mighty as soverein good.'

'That is sooth,' quod I.

'And thilke same soverein good may don non yvel?'

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

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

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

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

hem by entrechaungeable mutacioun; and thilke same [continues next]

they sholden fleten folily. For which it is, that alle thinges semen [continues next]

thanne moten thilke thinges fleten to-gidere which that the water [continues next]

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

same thinges, first or they ben doon, they ben to comen with-oute [continues next]

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

with-oute doute, alle the thinges shollen ben doon which that [continues next]

... myn assendent; as verreyly as may be taken by so smal an instrument. But natheles, in general, wolde I warne thee for evere, ne mak thee nevere bold to have take a iust ascendent by thyn Astrolabie, or elles to have set iustly a clokke, whan any celestial body by which that thow wenest governe thilke thinges ben ney the south lyne; for trust wel, whan that the sonne is ney the meridional lyne, the degree of the sonne renneth so longe consentrik up-on the almikanteras, that sothly thou shalt erre fro the iust assendent. The same conclusioun sey I by the centre of any sterre ... [continues next]

Ye Ioves first to thilke effectes glade, [continues next]

Thorugh which that thinges liven alle and be, [continues next]

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

ben comen and procedeth?'

[continues previous] thilke thinges shynen with which a man is aparailed, certes, thilke

[continues previous] thinges ben comended and preysed with which he is aparailed;

[continues previous] good; but I have defyned that blisfulnesse is the sovereyn good;

[continues previous] elles? For it is nat to wene that thilke thing, that is most worthy

[continues previous] of alle thinges, be feble and with-oute strengthe. And cleernesse

me wel that over thilke good ther nis no-thing more to ben

'Thise thinges thanne,' quod she, 'that is to sey, erthely

which is thilke verray blisfulnesse, and eek whiche thilke thinges

ben that lyen falsly blisfulnesse, that is to seyn, that by deceite

[continues previous] of the corages of men proeveth and graunteth, that god, prince

[continues previous] of alle thinges, is good. For, so as nothing ne may ben thought

we han shewed apertly that alle thinges that ben parfit ben

first or thinges that ben unparfit; and for-thy, for as moche as

[continues previous] 'Wenest thou aught,' quod she, 'that this prince of alle

[continues previous] thinges have y-take thilke soverein good any-wher out of him-self,

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

[continues previous] biginning of alle thinges, thilke same thing is soverein good

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

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

[continues previous] that is demed to ben soverein suffisaunce, thilke selve is soverein

soverein delyt. Conclusio. What seyst thou thanne of alle thise

thinges, that is to seyn, suffisaunce, power, and this othre thinges;

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

'Certes,' quod I, 'it hath wel ben shewed heer-biforn, that alle

thise thinges ben alle o thing.'

'Thanne ben they none membres,' quod she; 'for elles it

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

of alle the thinges that ben to requeren. But certes, thilke that

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

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

[continues previous] graunted that blisfulnesse is that thing, for whiche that alle thise

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

he imagineth to ben in thinges with-oute. And thanne alle the

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

thou mayst nat drede, by no manere, that alle the thinges

that ben anywhere, that they ne requeren naturelly the ferme

[continues previous] 'And I have shewed,' quod she, 'that thilke same oon is

[continues previous] thilke that is good?'

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

good thanne mayst thou descryven right thus: good is thilke

that good is thilke thing that is desired of alle, thanne

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

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

[continues previous] blisfulnesse, and we han acorded that god is thilke same

[continues previous] 'Thanne ordeineth he alle thinges by thilke good,' quod she;

[continues previous] 'Thanne is thilke the soverein good,' quod she, 'that alle

[continues previous] thinges governeth strongly, and ordeyneth hem softely.'

[continues previous] and seidest, that thilke same oon is thilke same good, that is

that swiche thinges ben doon in the regne of god, that alle thinges

[continues previous] 'And recordeth thee nat thanne,' quod she, 'that blisfulnesse

[continues previous] is thilke same good that men requeren; so that, whan that

[continues previous] blisfulnesse is requered of alle, that good also is requered and

geteth and ateyneth to the ende of alle thinges that ben to desire,

the comune fyn of alle thinges that ben, they forleten also therwith-al

don yvele thinges ne mowen nat alle thinges: thanne is it open

that alle thinges, that oughten ben desired, ben referred to good,

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

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

[continues previous] I have shewed that blisfulnesse is thilke same good for which

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

thee nat that alle thinges ben doon a-right.

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

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

dyverse tymes, by destinee, thilke same thinges that he hath

Thanne, whether that destinee be exercysed outher by some

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

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

[continues previous] hem by entrechaungeable mutacioun; and thilke same

[continues previous] ordre neweth ayein alle thinges growinge and fallinge a-doun, by

[continues previous] they sholden fleten folily. For which it is, that alle thinges semen

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

of alle thinges that may ben thought.'

[continues previous] thanne moten thilke thinges fleten to-gidere which that the water

the blake cloudes. Thilke god seeth, in oo strok of thought, alle

thinges that ben, or weren, or sholle comen; and thilke god, for

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

non uncertein thing ne may ben in him that is right certein welle

of alle thinges, thanne is the bitydinge certein of thilke thinges

damages ther folwen of thinges of mankinde. For in ydel ben [continues next]

ther thanne purposed and bihight medes to gode folk, and peynes [continues next]

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

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

[continues previous] same thinges, first or they ben doon, they ben to comen with-oute

comprehended the forme, it knoweth and demeth alle the thinges

that ben under that forme. But she knoweth hem in thilke manere

Ne it ne sholde nat semen to us, that god is elder thanne

thinges that ben y-maked by quantitee of tyme, but rather by

Why axestow thanne, or why desputestow thanne, that thilke

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

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

bityden by freedom of arbitre, god seeth hem alle to-gider present.

Thise thinges thanne, yif they ben referred to the devyne sighte,

[continues previous] cesen nat of the libertee of hir owne nature. Thanne, certes,

[continues previous] with-oute doute, alle the thinges shollen ben doon which that

[continues previous] ... assendent; as verreyly as may be taken by so smal an instrument. But natheles, in general, wolde I warne thee for evere, ne mak thee nevere bold to have take a iust ascendent by thyn Astrolabie, or elles to have set iustly a clokke, whan any celestial body by which that thow wenest governe thilke thinges ben ney the south lyne; for trust wel, whan that the sonne is ney the meridional lyne, the degree of the sonne renneth so longe consentrik up-on the almikanteras, that sothly thou shalt erre fro the iust assendent. The same conclusioun sey I by the centre of any sterre fix by ...

[continues previous] Ye Ioves first to thilke effectes glade,

[continues previous] Thorugh which that thinges liven alle and be,

cleped good. For which thing, folk of goode maneres, hir medes [continues next]

[continues previous] the consequence, that it semeth wel, that al that is and hath beinge

[continues previous] ther thanne purposed and bihight medes to gode folk, and peynes

fleen or to desiren any thing. But resoun is al-only to the linage

of mankinde, right as intelligence is only [to] the devyne nature:

comen, but right as the resoun of mankinde knoweth hem. For

And for she was of toune, he profred mede.

For som folk wol ben wonnen for richesse,

of the body ben so devyded and dissevered, that oon fro that

[continues previous] right, fro thennes-forth that him lakketh goodnesse, ne shal ben [continues next]

[continues previous] cleped good. For which thing, folk of goode maneres, hir medes

... as it forleteth his werkinge. Than leseth the sinful man the goodnesse of glorie, that only is bihight to gode men that labouren and werken. Wel may he be sory thanne, that oweth al his lif to god as longe as he hath lived, and eek as longe as he shal live, that no goodnesse ne hath to paye with his dette to god, to whom he oweth al his lyf. For trust wel, 'he shal yeven acountes,' as seith seint Bernard, 'of alle the godes that han be yeven him in this present lyf, and how he hath hem despended; in so muche that ther ...

aparayles and aray that me lakketh, that ben passed away fro

ther failede any thing, it mighte nat ben cleped sovereyn good: [continues next]

he, that hath nede of power, that him ne lakketh no-thing?'

[continues previous] mede ne may ben dissevered fro good folk. For no wight as by [continues next]

blisfulnesse, thanne is it cleer and certein, that alle good folk ben [continues next]

maked blisful for they ben goode; and thilke folk that ben blisful, [continues next]

thing that unknowinge folk ben astoned. But for to constreine, [continues next]

[continues previous] ther failede any thing, it mighte nat ben cleped sovereyn good:

[continues previous] for thanne were ther som good, out of this ilke sovereyn good, that

this sheweth it wel, that to goode folk ne lakketh never-mo hir [continues next]

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

[continues previous] to the workes of mankinde right as a comune mede; which

[continues previous] mede ne may ben dissevered fro good folk. For no wight as by

ne binimeth nat fro the corages of goode folk hir propre

[continues previous] blisfulnesse, thanne is it cleer and certein, that alle good folk ben

[continues previous] maked blisful for they ben goode; and thilke folk that ben blisful,

And sin it is thus, that goode men ne failen never-mo of hir mede, [continues next]

that torments of felonyes pressen and confounden goode folk, and

shrewes ravisshen medes of vertu, and ben in honours and in

[continues previous] destinal, whan god, that al knoweth, doth swiche thing, of which

[continues previous] thing that unknowinge folk ben astoned. But for to constreine,

... they enforcen and encreesen day by day." And thanne shul ye kepe this for a general reule. First shul ye clepen to your conseil a fewe of your freendes that been especiale; for Salomon seith: "manye freendes have thou; but among a thousand chese thee oon to be thy conseillour." For 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 ...

to acomplisshen that. For shrewes don that hem list, whan, by [continues next]

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

so that they may chaungen the limes of the body, algates yit

[continues previous] this sheweth it wel, that to goode folk ne lakketh never-mo hir

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

[continues previous] And sin it is thus, that goode men ne failen never-mo of hir mede,

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

that men wenen be leveful to shrewes were binomen hem, so that

they ne mighte nat anoyen or doon harm to goode men, certes, a

releved. For al-be-it so that this ne seme nat credible thing,

felonyes of othre shrewes, they wexen eschaufed in-to hate of hem [continues next]

that anoyeden hem, and retornen to the frut of vertu, whan they [continues next]

[continues previous] to acomplisshen that. For shrewes don that hem list, whan, by

[continues previous] felonyes of othre shrewes, they wexen eschaufed in-to hate of hem

For wyse folk in bokes it expresse, [continues next]

... 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; ... [continues next]

by ful manye demonstraciouns, as I wot wel, that the sowles of

men ne mowe nat deyen in no wyse; and eek sin it is cleer and

it ne slydeth nat in-to outterest foreine thinges, ne ne receiveth [continues next]

uttereste and the worste kinde of shrewednesse) ne defouleth ne [continues next]

enteccheth nat hem only, but infecteth and envenimeth hem [continues next]

[continues previous] For wyse folk in bokes it expresse,

[continues previous] "Men shal not wowe a wight in hevinesse."

(So priketh hem nature in hir corages):

Than longen folk to goon on pilgrimages

[continues previous] ... 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 ...

for they holden the hertes of men in usage, but they ne delivere

nat folk fro maladye. But if ye Muses hadden withdrawen fro

him worshipful and redouted of straunge folk? Certes, yif that [continues next]

honour of poeple were a naturel yift to dignitees, it ne mighte [continues next]

reverent ne cometh nat to folk of hir propre strengthe of nature, [continues next]

and floteren with-oute governour, despoiled of oon as of hir [continues next]

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

[continues previous] it ne slydeth nat in-to outterest foreine thinges, ne ne receiveth

cleped good. For which thing, folk of goode maneres, hir medes

[continues previous] uttereste and the worste kinde of shrewednesse) ne defouleth ne

[continues previous] enteccheth nat hem only, but infecteth and envenimeth hem

y-medled to-hepe, after the qualitee of hir corages, and remordeth

som folk by adversitee, for they ne sholde nat wexen proude by

[continues previous] him worshipful and redouted of straunge folk? Certes, yif that

[continues previous] honour of poeple were a naturel yift to dignitees, it ne mighte

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

of honour, yif him nedeth any cleernesse of renoun, which

on roches, and somme waxen plentivous in sondes; and yif [continues next]

that any wight enforce him to beren hem in-to othre places, [continues next]

[continues previous] 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 [continues next]

hadde take fro with-oute (as who seith, yif that any wight hadde [continues next]

his goodnesse of any other man than of him-self), certes, he that yaf [continues next]

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

comen. For certes, yif that any wight sitteth, it bihoveth by [continues next]

ben eschued. And at the laste, yif that any wight wene a thing [continues next]

To witen yif that any straunge wight [continues next]

That any hadde of other avauntage [continues next]

[continues previous] on roches, and somme waxen plentivous in sondes; and yif [continues next]

[continues previous] that any wight enforce him to beren hem in-to othre places, [continues next]

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

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

[continues previous] hadde take fro with-oute (as who seith, yif that any wight hadde [continues next]

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

[continues previous] comen. For certes, yif that any wight sitteth, it bihoveth by [continues next]

[continues previous] ben eschued. And at the laste, yif that any wight wene a thing [continues next]

fro bodies withoute-forth; as who seith, that thilke Stoiciens wenden

binethe the divyne thoght. For which, yif that we mowen, as

who seith, that, yif that we mowen, I counseyle, that we enhanse us

And north, as loude as any thunder, [continues next]

That every wight hadde of hit wonder, [continues next]

[continues previous] To witen yif that any straunge wight [continues next]

Ones a yeer, as seith the book, [continues next]

Er any wight his housel took, [continues next]

[continues previous] That any hadde of other avauntage

[continues previous] Of worthinesse, ne of estaat, ne age,

... thinges sholde men suffre paciently, for they comen by the rightful Iugement and ordinance of god. Som-tyme comth grucching of avarice; as Iudas grucched agayns the Magdaleyne, whan she enoynte the heved of oure lord Iesu Crist with hir precious oynement. This maner murmure is swich as whan man gruccheth of goodnesse that him-self dooth, or that other folk doon of hir owene catel. Som-tyme comth murmure of pryde; as whan Simon the Pharisee grucched agayn the Magdaleyne, whan she approched to Iesu Crist, and weep at his feet for hir sinnes. And somtyme grucching sourdeth of Envye; whan men discovereth a mannes harm that was privee, or ...

... I first of misericorde. Thanne is misericorde, as seith the philosophre, a vertu, by which the corage of man is stired by the misese of him that is misesed. Up-on which misericorde folweth pitee, in parfourninge of charitable werkes of misericorde. And certes, thise thinges moeven a man to misericorde of Iesu Crist, that he yaf him-self for oure gilt, and suffred deeth for misericorde, and forgaf us oure originale sinnes; and therby relessed us fro the peynes of helle, and amenused the peynes of purgatorie by penitence, and yeveth grace wel to do, and atte laste the blisse of hevene. The speces of misericorde been, as ...

... it by word outward, to remoeven harmes and to han thinges espirituel and durable, and somtyme temporel thinges; of whiche orisouns, certes, in the orisoun of the Pater-noster, hath Iesu Crist enclosed most thinges. Certes, it is privileged of three thinges in his dignitee, for 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 ...

good out of him-self, thou mayst wene that he that yaf thilke [continues next]

[continues previous] that any wight enforce him to beren hem in-to othre places,

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

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

[continues previous] comen. For certes, yif that any wight sitteth, it bihoveth by

[continues previous] ben eschued. And at the laste, yif that any wight wene a thing

certes, thilke prescience ne mighte nat be signe of thing that nis [continues next]

[continues previous] And north, as loude as any thunder,

[continues previous] That every wight hadde of hit wonder,

[continues previous] To witen yif that any straunge wight

[continues previous] Er any wight his housel took,

But for as moche as it is nat tyme yit of faster remedies, and [continues next]

tyme to herknen it.' [continues next]

'But for as moche,' quod she, 'as it lyketh to my disciple [continues next]

[continues previous] good out of him-self, thou mayst wene that he that yaf thilke

[continues previous] is signe of this necessitee; or elles, yif ther nere no necessitee,

[continues previous] certes, thilke prescience ne mighte nat be signe of thing that nis

Or his goddesse, dame Iuno,

Or som wight elles, I ne roghte who —

Or on som other wight this charge leye.

[continues previous] 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

right as fyr in every contree ne stinteth nat to eschaufen and to

ben hoot. But for as moche as for to ben holden honourable or

[continues previous] tyme to herknen it.'

[continues previous] 'But for as moche,' quod she, 'as it lyketh to my disciple

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

bountee and prowesse ben the mede to goode folk, al-so is [continues next]

For every wight preiseth his gentilesse. [continues next]

In him is bountee, wisdom, governaunce [continues next]

'But for as moche as man and wyf

And thanne at erst to him thus seyde she,

is ful and absolut? But thanne at erst ben they verray good,

oon; but whan it forleteth to ben oon, it mot nedes dyen and [continues next]

in his substaunce as longe as it is oon; and whan it forleteth to [continues next]

'Whan I considere,' quod I, 'manye thinges, I see non other.' [continues next]

wolde deme, that he that is right mighty of good were part-les of

mede? And of what mede shal he be guerdoned? Certes, of

[continues previous] answery, by the contrarye party, to shrewes. Now thanne, so as

[continues previous] bountee and prowesse ben the mede to goode folk, al-so is

bountee and prowesse, he forleteth to ben a man; sin he may [continues next]

[continues previous] In him is bountee, wisdom, governaunce

a-wey, he forleteth to ben mighty, and that is the thing that

thogh that thinges by hir nature ne ben nat goode, algates, yif [continues next]

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

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

'Have I nat shewed thee,' quod she, 'that the thinges that ben [continues next]

requered of many folkes ne ben nat verray goodes ne parfite, for [continues next]

[continues previous] oon; but whan it forleteth to ben oon, it mot nedes dyen and

[continues previous] in his substaunce as longe as it is oon; and whan it forleteth to

[continues previous] ben oon, it dyeth and perissheth.'

maked blisful for they ben goode; and thilke folk that ben blisful, [continues next]

medes ben contrarye, it mot nedes ben, that right as we seen [continues next]

[continues previous] foule delyces of the foule sowe. Thanne folweth it, that he that forleteth

[continues previous] bountee and prowesse, he forleteth to ben a man; sin he may

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

bityden to shrewes, certes, no man ne wondreth; for alle men [continues next]

loke the purviaunce ordeininge the thinges that men wenen ben [continues next]

and a greet enemy to the lord him-self. And yif they ben goode

men, how shal straunge or foreine goodnesse ben put in the

[continues previous] thogh that thinges by hir nature ne ben nat goode, algates, yif

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

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

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

[continues previous] 'Have I nat shewed thee,' quod she, 'that the thinges that ben

[continues previous] requered of many folkes ne ben nat verray goodes ne parfite, for

[continues previous] blisfulnesse, thanne is it cleer and certein, that alle good folk ben

[continues previous] maked blisful for they ben goode; and thilke folk that ben blisful,

[continues previous] medes ben contrarye, it mot nedes ben, that right as we seen

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

[continues previous] bityden to shrewes, certes, no man ne wondreth; for alle men

[continues previous] wenen that they han wel deserved it, and that they ben of

[continues previous] loke the purviaunce ordeininge the thinges that men wenen ben

which that som men wenen that they mowen assoilen and

yeveth him his mede, thanne at erst shal he failen of mede whan [continues next]

despysed, or elles that it be right digne of reverence aboven [continues next]

[continues previous] yeveth him his mede, thanne at erst shal he failen of mede whan

[continues previous] despysed, or elles that it be right digne of reverence aboven

[continues previous] alle thinges?'

and confesse, and that right dignely, that god is right worthy

aboven alle thinges; and, yif so be that this good be in him

'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]

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

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

whan thou enforcedest thee to shewe me the causes

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

her-biforn, that yif ther be a blisfulnesse that be freele and

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

'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

thinges that I have concluded a litel her-biforn ben kept hole

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

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

'Certes,' quod I, 'these thinges ben clere y-nough; and that

we han concluded a litel her-biforn. But I praye thee that thou

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

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 [continues next]

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

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

... that marchandyse is in two maneres; that oon is bodily, and that other is goostly. That oon is honeste and leveful, and that other is deshoneste and unleveful. Of thilke bodily marchandyse, that is leveful and honeste, is this; that, there-as god hath ordeyned that a regne or a contree is suffisaunt to him-self, thanne is it honeste and leveful, that of habundaunce of this contree, that men helpe another contree that is more nedy. And therfore, ther mote been marchants to bringen fro that o contree to that other hire marchandyses. That other marchandise, that men haunten with fraude and trecherie and deceite, with lesinges ... [continues next]

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

men ne mowe nat deyen in no wyse; and eek sin it is cleer and [continues next]

mighte ben desired. Now is it cleer and certein thanne, that [continues next]

blisfulnesse is a parfit estat by the congregacioun of alle goodes; [continues next]

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

soverein good is verray blisfulnesse: thanne mot it nedes be, [continues next]

soverein good is blisfulnesse.' [continues next]

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

of blisfulnesse men ben maked blisful, and blisfulnesse is [continues next]

divinitee: thanne is it manifest and open, that by the getinge [continues next]

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

blisfulnesse is requered and desired. By whiche thing it sheweth [continues next]

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

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

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

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

[continues previous] ... that marchandyse is in two maneres; that oon is bodily, and that other is goostly. That oon is honeste and leveful, and that other is deshoneste and unleveful. Of thilke bodily marchandyse, that is leveful and honeste, is this; that, there-as god hath ordeyned that a regne or a contree is suffisaunt to him-self, thanne is it honeste and leveful, that of habundaunce of this contree, that men helpe another contree that is more nedy. And therfore, ther mote been marchants to bringen fro that o contree to that other hire marchandyses. That other marchandise, that men haunten with fraude and trecherie and deceite, with lesinges and false othes, ...

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

[continues previous] men ne mowe nat deyen in no wyse; and eek sin it is cleer and

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

robbed. O precious and right cleer is the blisfulnesse of mortal

[continues previous] for thanne were ther som good, out of this ilke sovereyn good, that

[continues previous] mighte ben desired. Now is it cleer and certein thanne, that

[continues previous] blisfulnesse is a parfit estat by the congregacioun of alle goodes;

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]

[continues previous] soverein good is verray blisfulnesse: thanne mot it nedes be,

[continues previous] soverein good is blisfulnesse.'

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

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

[continues previous] of blisfulnesse men ben maked blisful, and blisfulnesse is [continues next]

[continues previous] divinitee: thanne is it manifest and open, that by the getinge [continues next]

[continues previous] of divinitee men ben maked blisful. Right as by the getinge [continues next]

whan they han geten divinitee, they ben maked goddes. Thanne [continues next]

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

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

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

[continues previous] blisfulnesse is requered and desired. By whiche thing it sheweth

right, fro thennes-forth that him lakketh goodnesse, ne shal ben [continues next]

cleped good. For which thing, folk of goode maneres, hir medes [continues next]

requered for men wenen that they ben goode, who is he that [continues next]

maked blisful for they ben goode; and thilke folk that ben blisful, [continues next]

it acordeth and is covenable to ben goddes. Thanne is the mede [continues next]

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

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

to punisshen or elles chastysen shrewes; thanne is alle fortune

good, the whiche fortune is certein that it be either rightful or

non uncertein thing ne may ben in him that is right certein welle

of alle thinges, thanne is the bitydinge certein of thilke thinges

[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

may ben thought fouler than swiche preysinge? For thilke folk

that ben preysed falsly, they moten nedes han shame of hir

[continues previous] of blisfulnesse men ben maked blisful, and blisfulnesse is

[continues previous] of divinitee men ben maked blisful. Right as by the getinge

[continues previous] whan they han geten divinitee, they ben maked goddes. Thanne [continues next]

[continues previous] is every blisful man god; but certes, by nature, ther nis but [continues next]

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

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

moevinges ben covenable to everich of hem? And forsothe [continues next]

'First,' quod she, 'thou most nedes knowen, that goode folk

ben alwey stronge and mighty, and the shrewes ben feble and

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

the wikkede folk ben feble?' [continues next]

graunten absolutly and simplely that they ben. For thilke thing

that with-holdeth ordre and kepeth nature, thilke thing is and

[continues previous] right, fro thennes-forth that him lakketh goodnesse, ne shal ben

[continues previous] cleped good. For which thing, folk of goode maneres, hir medes

[continues previous] he forleteth to ben good. And at the laste, so as alle medes ben

[continues previous] requered for men wenen that they ben goode, who is he that

[continues previous] blisfulnesse, thanne is it cleer and certein, that alle good folk ben [continues next]

[continues previous] maked blisful for they ben goode; and thilke folk that ben blisful, [continues next]

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

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

'But,' quod she, 'I am certein, by many resouns, that shrewes [continues next]

ben unsely.' [continues next]

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

worthy of torment, that they ne ben wrecches?' [continues next]

destinee; and tho ben thilke that stably ben y-ficched negh to the

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]

swete thinges ben covenable to some bodies that ben hole, and to [continues next]

some bodies bittere thinges ben covenable; and also, why that [continues next]

some syke folk ben holpen with lighte medicynes, and some folk [continues next]

Now sith man understondeth generally, which is venial sinne, thanne is it covenable to tellen specially of sinnes whiche that many a man per-aventure ne demeth hem nat sinnes, and ne shryveth him nat of the same thinges; and yet nathelees they been sinnes. Soothly, as thise clerkes wryten, this is to seyn, that at every tyme that a man eteth or drinketh more ...

[continues previous] whan they han geten divinitee, they ben maked goddes. Thanne

[continues previous] is every blisful man god; but certes, by nature, ther nis but

[continues previous] moevinges ben covenable to everich of hem? And forsothe

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

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

[continues previous] blisfulnesse, thanne is it cleer and certein, that alle good folk ben

that is to seyn, to ben maked goddes. [continues next]

And sin it is thus, that goode men ne failen never-mo of hir mede,

bountee and prowesse ben the mede to goode folk, al-so is [continues next]

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

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

[continues previous] ben unsely.'

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

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

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

[continues previous] swete thinges ben covenable to some bodies that ben hole, and to

[continues previous] some bodies bittere thinges ben covenable; and also, why that

That wyn ne dooth to folk no swich offence.

With-outen feynting, and shal evermo. [continues next]

Ne never, for no wele ne no wo, [continues next]

Ne shal the gost with-in myn herte stente [continues next]

... oure lord Iesu Crist'; wher-as he shal make a general congregacion, wher-as no man may been absent. For certes, there availleth noon essoyne ne excusacion. And nat only that oure defautes shullen be iuged, but eek that alle oure werkes shullen 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 ... [continues next]

... peyne of concupiscence, it is impossible but he be tempted somtyme, and moeved in his flesh to sinne. And this thing may nat faille as longe as he liveth; it may wel wexe feble and faille, by vertu of baptesme and by the grace of god thurgh penitence; but fully ne shal it nevere quenche, that he ne shal som tyme be moeved in him-self, but-if he were al refreyded by siknesse, or by malefice of sorcerie or colde drinkes. For lo, what seith seint Paul: 'the flesh coveiteth agayn the spirit, and the spirit agayn the flesh; they been so contrarie and so stryven, that a man may ... [continues next]

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

[continues previous] good; and the goode folk geten good, and nat the wikke folk;

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

[continues previous] ne shal derken it, ne power of no wight ne shal nat amenusen it, [continues next]

[continues previous] bountee and prowesse ben the mede to goode folk, al-so is

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

[continues previous] Ne never, for no wele ne no wo,

[continues previous] Ne shal the gost with-in myn herte stente

But it shal nat ben of philosophye,

Ne physices, ne termes queinte of lawe;

[continues previous] ... oure lord Iesu Crist'; wher-as he shal make a general congregacion, wher-as no man may been absent. For certes, there availleth noon essoyne ne excusacion. And nat only that oure defautes shullen be iuged, but eek that alle oure werkes shullen 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 ...

[continues previous] ... peyne of concupiscence, it is impossible but he be tempted somtyme, and moeved in his flesh to sinne. And this thing may nat faille as longe as he liveth; it may wel wexe feble and faille, by vertu of baptesme and by the grace of god thurgh penitence; but fully ne shal it nevere quenche, that he ne shal som tyme be moeved in him-self, but-if he were al refreyded by siknesse, or by malefice of sorcerie or colde drinkes. For lo, what seith seint Paul: 'the flesh coveiteth agayn the spirit, and the spirit agayn the flesh; they been so contrarie and so stryven, that a man may ...

And thou shalt understanden eek, that god ordeyned fastinge; and to fastinge appertenen foure thinges. Largenesse to povre folk, gladnesse of herte espirituel, nat to been angry ne anoyed, ne grucche for he fasteth; and also resonable houre for to ete by mesure; that is for to seyn, a man shal nat ete in untyme, ne sitte the lenger at his table to ete for he fasteth. [continues next]

stille, ne sholde nat elden;' that is to seyn, that [him] leste that, [continues next]

[continues previous] of goode folk swich that no day shal enpeiren it, ne no wikkednesse [continues next]

[continues previous] ne shal derken it, ne power of no wight ne shal nat amenusen it,

to badde folk, sin that no moevinge of free corage voluntarie ne [continues next]

hath nat deserved hem, that is to seyn, neither mede ne peyne; and [continues next]

moevinge of the resoun of mankinde ne may nat moeven to (that [continues next]

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

to entrechaunge stoundes of knowinge;"' as who seith, ne shal it [continues next]

nat seme to us, that the devyne prescience entrechaungeth hise dyverse [continues next]

'No wight shal speke of yow, y-wis,

Good ne harm, ne that ne this.'

No man so hardy ne so wight,

Ne no man of so mochel might,

[continues previous] And thou shalt understanden eek, that god ordeyned fastinge; and to fastinge appertenen foure thinges. Largenesse to povre folk, gladnesse of herte espirituel, nat to been angry ne anoyed, ne grucche for he fasteth; and also resonable houre for to ete by mesure; that is for to seyn, a man shal nat ete in untyme, ne sitte the lenger at his table to ete for he fasteth.

[continues previous] stille, ne sholde nat elden;' that is to seyn, that [him] leste that,

whan they han geten divinitee, they ben maked goddes. Thanne [continues next]

is every blisful man god; but certes, by nature, ther nis but [continues next]

sterre; that is to seyn, that the thought is maked goddes knight by [continues next]

[continues previous] it acordeth and is covenable to ben goddes. Thanne is the mede [continues next]

[continues previous] hath nat deserved hem, that is to seyn, neither mede ne peyne; and

[continues previous] moevinge of the resoun of mankinde ne may nat moeven to (that

[continues previous] is to seyn, applyen or ioinen to) the simplicitee of the devyne

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

But what yif that in bodies to ben feled, that is to seyn, in the

[continues previous] nat seme to us, that the devyne prescience entrechaungeth hise dyverse

naught to latter thinges; and sin that these thinges ben thus, [continues next]

That I ne tolde no deyntee of hir love! [continues next]

For certes, by no force, ne by no mede, [continues next]

[continues previous] is every blisful man god; but certes, by nature, ther nis but

[continues previous] sterre; that is to seyn, that the thought is maked goddes knight by

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

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

cleped good. For which thing, folk of goode maneres, hir medes

ne forsaken hem never-mo. For al-be-it so that shrewes wexen

[continues previous] it acordeth and is covenable to ben goddes. Thanne is the mede

[continues previous] naught to latter thinges; and sin that these thinges ben thus,

[continues previous] that is to seyn, sin that necessitee nis nat in thinges by the devyne

I nil foryete hir never-mo.'

'Now, goode sir,' quod I [right] tho,

I sey not this for no mistrust of yow, [continues next]

[continues previous] That I ne tolde no deyntee of hir love!

[continues previous] A wys womman wol sette hir ever in oon

[continues previous] For certes, by no force, ne by no mede,

swich thing as is transferred fram o man to another ne may nat

dwellen with no man; certes, thanne is thilke moneye precious

'Wenest thou,' quod she, 'that god ne be almighty? No man

is in doute of it.'

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

shrewes; that is to seyn, that the peyne of shrewes ne departeth nat [continues next]

despoyled of mowinge to don yvel.' [continues next]

to seyn, the same peyne that they suffren, which that is good by [continues next]

the wikkednesse that they han don, that is to seyn, defaute of [continues next]

peyne; which defaute of peyne, thou hast graunted, is yvel for [continues next]

[continues previous] I sey not this for no mistrust of yow,

[continues previous] Ne for no wys man, but for foles nyce,

... complexioun is so corageous, that he may nat forbere; or elles it is his destinee, as he seith, unto a certein age; or elles, he seith, it cometh him of gentillesse of hise auncestres; and semblable thinges. Alle this manere of folk so wrappen hem in hir sinnes, that they ne wol nat delivere hem-self. For soothly, no wight that excuseth him wilfully of his sinne may nat been delivered of his sinne, til that he mekely biknoweth his sinne. After this, thanne cometh swering, that is expres agayn the comandement of god; and this bifalleth ofte of anger and of Ire. God ... [continues next]

that is for to seyn, that shrewes revengen hem ayeinward

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

this sheweth it wel, that to goode folk ne lakketh never-mo hir [continues next]

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

ne forsaken hem never-mo. For al-be-it so that shrewes wexen [continues next]

[continues previous] certes, no wys man ne may doute of undepartable peyne of the

[continues previous] shrewes; that is to seyn, that the peyne of shrewes ne departeth nat

[continues previous] losten sone thilke unselinesse, that is to seyn, that shrewes weren

[continues previous] despoyled of mowinge to don yvel.'

[continues previous] punisshed, som-what of good anexed to hir wrecchednesse, that is