Comparison of Geoffrey Chaucer Consolatione Philosophie 5 Prose 6 to Geoffrey Chaucer

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

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

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 next]

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

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

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

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

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

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 [continues next]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

'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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yif blisfulnesse be the sovereyn good of nature that liveth by

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

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

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

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

is every blisful man god; but certes, by nature, ther nis but

o god; but, by the participacioun of divinitee, ther ne let ne

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ben enforced by the same rote, filthe or sinne, by the propre [continues next]

For ther nis no-thing don for cause of yvel; ne thilke thing

that is don by wikkede folk nis nat don for yvel. The whiche

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

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

[continues previous] nat. But certes, it is now certein that the proeve of this,

and knowen, nat after his strengthe and his nature, but after the

othre, sin it knoweth by his propre nature nat only his subiect, as [continues next]

simple. For certes, this necessitee conditionel, the propre nature

of it ne maketh it nat, but the adieccioun of the condicioun

they bityden, yit algates ne lese they nat hir propre nature in [continues next]

beinge; by the which first, or that they weren y-doon, they [continues next]

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

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

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

[continues previous] ben enforced by the same rote, filthe or sinne, by the propre

[continues previous] nature of it, maketh men wrecches; and it sheweth wel, that the

[continues previous] othre, sin it knoweth by his propre nature nat only his subiect, as

mochel as it is leveful to us, as who seith, lat us loke now as we [continues next]

mowen, which that the estat is of the devyne substaunce; so that [continues next]

[continues previous] beinge; by the which first, or that they weren y-doon, they

binethe the divyne thoght. For which, yif that we mowen, as [continues next]

who seith, that, yif that we mowen, I counseyle, that we enhanse us [continues next]

[continues previous] the nature of hem that comprehenden it, lat us loke now, in as [continues next]

[continues previous] mochel as it is leveful to us, as who seith, lat us loke now as we [continues next]

But that science is so fer us biforn, [continues next]

'Thanne mowen we conclude sikerly, that the substaunce of [continues next]

For this is the forme of the devyne substaunce, that is swich that

Greek of thilke devyne substaunce; he seyde thus: that "thilke

devyne substaunce torneth the world and the moevable cercle of

thinges, whyl thilke devyne substaunce kepeth it-self with-oute

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

[continues previous] binethe the divyne thoght. For which, yif that we mowen, as

[continues previous] who seith, that, yif that we mowen, I counseyle, that we enhanse us

[continues previous] the nature of hem that comprehenden it, lat us loke now, in as

[continues previous] But that science is so fer us biforn,

[continues previous] We mowen nat, al-though we hadde it sworn,

[continues previous] 'Thanne mowen we conclude sikerly, that the substaunce of

... of thy conseillours acorde ther-to, or no. Thanne shaltou considere what thing shal folwe of that conseilling; as hate, pees, werre, grace, profit, or damage; and manye othere thinges. And in alle thise thinges thou shalt chese the beste, and weyve alle othere thinges. Thanne shaltow considere of what rote is engendred the matere of thy conseil, and what fruit it may conceyve and engendre. Thou shalt eek considere alle thise causes, fro whennes they been sprongen. And whan ye han examined your conseil as I have seyd, and which partie is the bettre and more profitable, and hast approved it ... [continues next]

... they, that consenteden to your adversaries. And certes, as to the firste poynt, it is wel knowen whiche folk been they that consenteden to your hastif wilfulnesse; for trewely, alle tho that conseilleden yow to maken sodeyn werre ne been nat your freendes. Lat us now considere whiche been they, that ye holde so greetly your freendes as to your persone. For al-be-it so that ye be mighty and riche, certes ye ne been nat but allone. For certes, ye ne han no child but a doghter; ne ye ne han bretheren ne cosins germayns, ne noon other neigh kinrede, wherfore that your enemys, for drede, sholde stinte to plede with yow or to destroye your persone. Ye knowen also, that your richesses moten been dispended in diverse parties; and whan that every wight hath his part, they ne wollen taken but litel reward to venge thy deeth. But thyne enemys been three, and they han manie children, bretheren, cosins, and other ny kinrede; and, though so were that thou haddest slayn of hem two or three, yet dwellen ther y-nowe to wreken hir deeth and to slee thy persone. And though so be that your kinrede be more siker and stedefast than the kin of your adversarie, yet nathelees your kinrede nis but a fer kinrede; they been but litel sib to yow, and the kin of your enemys been ny sib to hem. And certes, as in that, hir condicioun is bet than youres. Thanne lat us considere also if the conseilling of hem that conseilleden yow to taken sodeyn vengeaunce, whether it accorde to resoun? And certes, ye knowe wel "nay." For as by right and resoun, ther may no man taken vengeance on no wight, but the Iuge that ... [continues next]

thanne soothly, that god is eterne, and the world is perpetuel. [continues next]

Thanne, sin that every Iugement knoweth and comprehendeth by [continues next]

[continues previous] ... he lyeth. And after this, thou shalt considere the thinges that acorden to that thou purposest for to do by thy conseillours, if resoun accorde therto; and eek, if thy might may atteine ther-to; and if the more part and the bettre part of thy conseillours acorde ther-to, or no. Thanne shaltou considere what thing shal folwe of that conseilling; as hate, pees, werre, grace, profit, or damage; and manye othere thinges. And in alle thise thinges thou shalt chese the beste, and weyve alle othere thinges. Thanne shaltow considere of what rote is engendred the matere of thy conseil, and what fruit it may conceyve and engendre. Thou shalt eek considere alle thise causes, fro whennes they been sprongen. And whan ye han examined your conseil as I have seyd, and which partie is the bettre and more profitable, and hast approved it ...

[continues previous] ... examine the seconde condicioun, which that the same Tullius addeth in this matere. For Tullius put a thing, which that he clepeth "consentinge," this is to seyn; who been they and how manye, and whiche been they, that consenteden to thy conseil, in thy wilfulnesse to doon hastif vengeance. And lat us considere also who been they, and how manye been they, and whiche been they, that consenteden to your adversaries. And certes, as to the firste poynt, it is wel knowen whiche folk been they that consenteden to your hastif wilfulnesse; for trewely, alle tho that conseilleden yow to maken sodeyn werre ne been nat your freendes. Lat us now considere whiche been they, that ye holde so greetly your freendes as to your persone. For al-be-it so that ye be mighty and riche, certes ye ne been nat but allone. For certes, ye ne han no child but a doghter; ne ye ne han bretheren ne cosins germayns, ne noon other neigh kinrede, wherfore that your enemys, for drede, sholde stinte to plede with yow or to destroye your persone. Ye knowen also, that your richesses moten been dispended in diverse parties; and whan that every wight hath his part, they ne wollen taken but litel reward to venge thy deeth. But thyne enemys been three, and they han manie children, bretheren, cosins, and other ny kinrede; and, though so were that thou haddest slayn of hem two or three, yet dwellen ther y-nowe to wreken hir deeth and to slee thy persone. And though so be that your kinrede be more siker and stedefast than the kin of your adversarie, yet nathelees your kinrede nis but a fer kinrede; they been but litel sib to yow, and the kin of your enemys been ny sib to hem. And certes, as in that, hir condicioun is bet than youres. Thanne lat us considere also if the conseilling of hem that conseilleden yow to taken sodeyn vengeaunce, whether it accorde to resoun? And certes, ye knowe wel "nay." For as by right and resoun, ther may no man taken vengeance on no wight, but the Iuge that hath the Iurisdiccioun of it, whan it ...

Thanne shal man looke and considere, that if he wole maken a trewe and a profitable confessioun, ther moste be foure condiciouns. First, it moot been in sorweful bitternesse of herte, as seyde the king Ezekias to god: 'I wol remembre me alle the yeres of my lyf in bitternesse of myn herte.' This condicioun of bitternesse ...

[continues previous] putten worthy names to thinges, and folwen Plato, lat us seye

[continues previous] thanne soothly, that god is eterne, and the world is perpetuel.

maneres in the lyknesse of necessitee by the condicioun of the

devyne science?' [continues next]

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

seyn ayein: "How shal it thanne be? Shal nat the devyne [continues next]

science be chaunged by my disposicioun, whan that I wol o thing [continues next]

cleerly, that of good and of blisfulnesse is al oon and the same [continues next]

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

[continues previous] seyn ayein: "How shal it thanne be? Shal nat the devyne

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

[continues previous] cleerly, that of good and of blisfulnesse is al oon and the same

of shrewednesse, than sheweth it cleerly that thilke

comparisoun or collacioun of the presence devyne and of the [continues next]

[continues previous] comparisoun or collacioun of the presence devyne and of the

man out of his place, that is to seyn, fro the stablenes and perfeccioun [continues next]

of thinges; and the same chaunginge from oon in-to an-other, [continues next]

that is to seyn, from adversitee in-to prosperitee, maketh that the [continues next]

loketh the helles,' that is to seyn, in-to lowe thinges of the erthe. [continues next]

faylen, that is to seyn, torne in-to nought. [continues next]

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

in-to simplicitee, that is to seyn, in-to unmoevabletee, and it ceseth [continues next]

the infinit spaces of tymes, preterits and futures, and loketh, in

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

... Pisces in longitude, and his latitude was 3 degrees meridional; tho tok I the point of A, and sette it in the firste degree of Pisces on the ecliptik, and thanne sette I the point of F dounward in the same signe, by-cause that the latitude was south 3 degrees, that is to seyn, fro the heved of Pisces; and thus have I 3 degrees by-twixe bothe prikkes; thanne sette I the degree of the longitude up-on the orisonte. Tho tok I my label, and leide it fix upon the degree of the longitude; tho sette I the point of A on my label, evene over the ecliptik lyne, in the ende evene of the degree of the longitude, and sette the point of F endlang in my label the space of 3 degrees of the latitude fro the zodiak, this is to seyn, southward fro the ecliptik, toward the bordure; and turned my riet til the prikke of F sat up-on the orisonte; thanne saw I wel that the body of Iuppiter, in his latitude of 3 degrees meridional, ascended with 14 degrees of Pisces in horoscopo. And in this maner maistow wirke with any ... [continues next]

Ther nis no-thing in gree superlatyf, [continues next]

... body, by a strenger resoun he defendeth and forbedeth a man to yeven him-self to his enemy. And nathelees I conseille you, that ye mistruste nat my lord. For I wool wel and knowe verraily, that he is debonaire and meke, large, curteys, and nothing desyrous ne coveitous of good ne richesse. For ther nis no-thing in this world that he desyreth, save only worship and honour. Forther-more I knowe wel, and am right seur, that he shal no-thing doon in this nede with-outen my conseil. And I shal so werken in this cause, that, by grace of our lord god, ye shul been reconsiled un-to ... [continues next]

... quod she, 'ye han wel and goodly answered. For right as by the conseil, assent, and help of your freendes, ye han been stired to venge yow and maken werre, right so with-outen hir conseil shul ye nat accorden yow, ne have pees with your adversaries. For the lawe seith: "ther nis no-thing so good by wey of kinde, as a thing to been unbounde by him that it was y-bounde."'

... him by wit and by resoun and by discrecioun. Thanne arn ther the vertues of feith, and hope in god and in hise seintes, to acheve and acomplice the gode werkes in the whiche he purposeth fermely to continue. Thanne comth seuretee or sikernesse; and that is, whan a man ne douteth no travaille in tyme cominge of the gode werkes that a man hath bigonne. Thanne comth Magnificence, that is to seyn, whan a man dooth and perfourneth grete werkes of goodnesse that he hath bigonne; and that is the ende why that men sholde do gode werkes; for in the acomplissinge of grete goode werkes ... [continues next]

... is the blisful companye that reioysen hem everemo, everich of otheres Ioye; ther-as the body of man, that whylom was foul and derk, is more cleer than the sonne; ther-as the body, that whylom was syk, freele, and feble, and mortal, is inmortal, and so strong and so hool that ther may no-thing apeyren it; ther-as ne is neither hunger, thurst, ne cold, but every soule replenissed with the sighte of the parfit knowinge of god. This blisful regne may men purchace by poverte espirituel, and the glorie by lowenesse; the plentee of Ioye by hunger and thurst, and the reste by travaille; and the lyf by ... [continues next]

Textus. Whan it was in the soure hungry tyme, ther was [continues next]

sterre Sirius eschaufeth hem. Ther nis no-thing unbounde from

his olde lawe, ne forleteth the werke of his propre estat.

[continues previous] man out of his place, that is to seyn, fro the stablenes and perfeccioun

[continues previous] that is to seyn, from adversitee in-to prosperitee, maketh that the

counfort of this tyme present ne the hope of tyme cominge to [continues next]

passen ne to faylen.' [continues next]

me wel that over thilke good ther nis no-thing more to ben [continues next]

of alle goodes; for with-outen him nis ther no-thing founden

[continues previous] loketh the helles,' that is to seyn, in-to lowe thinges of the erthe.

'But he,' quod she, 'that is almighty, ther nis nothing that he [continues next]

ne may?' [continues next]

ther nis no wight that may merveylen y-nough, ne compleine, [continues next]

don yvel. For ther nis no-thing so late in so shorte boundes of [continues next]

[continues previous] faylen, that is to seyn, torne in-to nought.

[continues previous] in-to simplicitee, that is to seyn, in-to unmoevabletee, and it ceseth

For ther nis no-thing don for cause of yvel; ne thilke thing

'How shal it thanne be?' quod I. 'Nis ther thanne no-thing [continues next]

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

That ther nis man that thinke may [continues next]

Ther may no-thing as tyme endure, [continues next]

Ther may no-thing ben his socour [continues next]

That he ne shal ther seen som thing [continues next]

[continues previous] ... longitude, and his latitude was 3 degrees meridional; tho tok I the point of A, and sette it in the firste degree of Pisces on the ecliptik, and thanne sette I the point of F dounward in the same signe, by-cause that the latitude was south 3 degrees, that is to seyn, fro the heved of Pisces; and thus have I 3 degrees by-twixe bothe prikkes; thanne sette I the degree of the longitude up-on the orisonte. Tho tok I my label, and leide it fix upon the degree of the longitude; tho sette I the point of A on my label, evene over the ecliptik lyne, in the ende evene of the degree of the longitude, and sette the point of F endlang in my label the space of 3 degrees of the latitude fro the zodiak, this is to seyn, southward fro the ecliptik, toward the bordure; and turned my riet til the prikke of F sat up-on the orisonte; thanne saw I wel that the body of Iuppiter, in his latitude of 3 degrees meridional, ascended with 14 degrees of Pisces in horoscopo. And in this maner maistow wirke with any ...

That we han lad, and forth the tyme dryve;

And eek of tyme cominge us reioye,

[continues previous] Ther nis no-thing in gree superlatyf,

[continues previous] ... defendeth and forbedeth a man to yeven him-self to his enemy. And nathelees I conseille you, that ye mistruste nat my lord. For I wool wel and knowe verraily, that he is debonaire and meke, large, curteys, and nothing desyrous ne coveitous of good ne richesse. For ther nis no-thing in this world that he desyreth, save only worship and honour. Forther-more I knowe wel, and am right seur, that he shal no-thing doon in this nede with-outen my conseil. And I shal so werken in this cause, that, by grace of our lord god, ye shul been reconsiled un-to us.'

[continues previous] ... by resoun and by discrecioun. Thanne arn ther the vertues of feith, and hope in god and in hise seintes, to acheve and acomplice the gode werkes in the whiche he purposeth fermely to continue. Thanne comth seuretee or sikernesse; and that is, whan a man ne douteth no travaille in tyme cominge of the gode werkes that a man hath bigonne. Thanne comth Magnificence, that is to seyn, whan a man dooth and perfourneth grete werkes of goodnesse that he hath bigonne; and that is the ende why that men sholde do gode werkes; for in the acomplissinge of grete goode ...

[continues previous] ... ther-as is the blisful companye that reioysen hem everemo, everich of otheres Ioye; ther-as the body of man, that whylom was foul and derk, is more cleer than the sonne; ther-as the body, that whylom was syk, freele, and feble, and mortal, is inmortal, and so strong and so hool that ther may no-thing apeyren it; ther-as ne is neither hunger, thurst, ne cold, but every soule replenissed with the sighte of the parfit knowinge of god. This blisful regne may men purchace by poverte espirituel, and the glorie by lowenesse; the plentee of Ioye by hunger and thurst, and the reste by ...

[continues previous] Textus. Whan it was in the soure hungry tyme, ther was

[continues previous] establisshed or cryed grevous and inplitable coempcioun, that men

[continues previous] counfort of this tyme present ne the hope of tyme cominge to

[continues previous] me wel that over thilke good ther nis no-thing more to ben

[continues previous] 'But he,' quod she, 'that is almighty, ther nis nothing that he

[continues previous] ne may?'

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

[continues previous] ther nis no wight that may merveylen y-nough, ne compleine,

[continues previous] don yvel. For ther nis no-thing so late in so shorte boundes of

[continues previous] that by right may be cleped either "hap" or elles "aventure of

eterne. For al-thogh that it comprehende and embrace the space [continues next]

of lyf infinit, yit algates ne embraceth it nat the space of the lyf [continues next]

thilke thing thanne, that hath and comprehendeth to-gider al the [continues next]

plentee of the lyf interminable, to whom ther ne faileth naught of [continues next]

thing is it to embrace to-gider al the present of the lyf interminable, [continues next]

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

[continues previous] That ther nis man that thinke may

[continues previous] What tyme that now present is:

[continues previous] But never drope retourne may;

[continues previous] Ther may no-thing as tyme endure,

[continues previous] Ther may no-thing ben his socour

[continues previous] That he ne shal ther seen som thing

som man haboundeth both in richesse and noblesse, but yit he

bewaileth his chaste lyf, for he ne hath no wyf. And som man is

it mochel, and outrely, and longe; but yit ne hath it nat ben

[continues previous] of lyf infinit, yit algates ne embraceth it nat the space of the lyf

[continues previous] al-togider; for it ne hath nat the futures that ne ben nat yit, ne it

[continues previous] plentee of the lyf interminable, to whom ther ne faileth naught of

[continues previous] thing is it to embrace to-gider al the present of the lyf interminable,

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

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

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

thilke thing thanne, that hath and comprehendeth to-gider al the [continues next]

it sholde seme thanne, that thilke thing is alderworst, which that [continues next]

[continues previous] thilke thing thanne, that hath and comprehendeth to-gider al the [continues next]

that he walke. Thilke thing thanne that any wight hath y-knowe [continues next]

than mot thilke thing ben by necessitee, al-thogh that it ne have [continues next]

[continues previous] it sholde seme thanne, that thilke thing is alderworst, which that

[continues previous] thilke thing thanne, that hath and comprehendeth to-gider al the

[continues previous] that he walke. Thilke thing thanne that any wight hath y-knowe

[continues previous] than mot thilke thing ben by necessitee, al-thogh that it ne have

that it nis no lenger no beest. And the body of a wight, whyl [continues next]

thinges bringen to men swich a thing that no good ne fayle hem

[continues previous] from that other, than sheweth it wel that it is a ded thing, and

[continues previous] that it nis no lenger no beest. And the body of a wight, whyl

establisshed in tyme that may enbracen to-gider al the space of [continues next]

of lyf infinit, yit algates ne embraceth it nat the space of the lyf [continues next]

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

the infinit spaces of tymes, preterits and futures, and loketh, in [continues next]

estat? For-why ful anguissous thing is the condicioun of mannes [continues next]

goodes; for either it cometh nat al-togider to a wight, or elles it [continues next]

is unstaunchable and infinit, it ne sholde nat only semen litel, but

so that they may chaungen the limes of the body, algates yit [continues next]

they may nat chaunge the hertes; for with-inne is y-hid the

yit ne may it nat, by the infirme light of his bemes, breken or [continues next]

of the sitting, and nat of the trewe opinioun), algates yit is ther

seen and to formen the figures, algates, al-thogh that wit ne were [continues next]

nat present, yit it environeth and comprehendeth alle thinges [continues next]

[continues previous] establisshed in tyme that may enbracen to-gider al the space of [continues next]

[continues previous] his lyf. For certes, yit ne hath it taken the tyme of to-morwe, and [continues next]

[continues previous] eterne. For al-thogh that it comprehende and embrace the space [continues next]

[continues previous] of lyf infinit, yit algates ne embraceth it nat the space of the lyf [continues next]

[continues previous] al-togider; for it ne hath nat the futures that ne ben nat yit, ne it [continues next]

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

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

it sholde continue the lyf in goinge, of the whiche lyf it ne mighte [continues next]

nat enbrace the plentee in dwellinge. And for-thy, yif we wollen [continues next]

[continues previous] simplicitee of his presence, and embraceth and considereth alle

[continues previous] the infinit spaces of tymes, preterits and futures, and loketh, in

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

But it shal nat ben of philosophye, [continues next]

Ne physices, ne termes queinte of lawe; [continues next]

... swerd, hold thee on the lift syde." And after this, thanne shul ye kepe yow wysely from alle swich manere peple as I have seyd bifore, and hem and hir conseil eschewe. And after this, thanne shul ye kepe yow in swich manere, that for any presumpcioun of your strengthe, that ye ne dispyse nat ne acounte nat the might of your adversarie so litel, that ye lete the keping of your persone for your presumpcioun; for every wys man dredeth his enemy. And Salomon seith: "weleful is he that of alle hath drede; for certes, he that thurgh the hardinesse of his herte and thurgh the hardinesse of ...

... and to thy conseillours. And certes, thou mayst wel seyn that "nay." For sikerly, as for to speke proprely, we may do no-thing but only swich thing as we may doon rightfully. And certes, rightfully ne mowe ye take no vengeance as of your propre auctoritee. Thanne mowe ye seen, that your power ne consenteth nat ne accordeth nat with your wilfulnesse. Lat us now examine the thridde point that Tullius clepeth "consequent." Thou shalt understonde that the vengeance that thou purposest for to take is the consequent. And ther-of folweth another vengeaunce, peril, and werre; and othere damages with-oute nombre, of whiche we be nat war as at ...

serve to godde, and not to goddes. Ne it was nat convenient, [continues next]

ne no nede, to taken help of the foulest spirites; I, that thou [continues next]

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

[continues previous] goodes; for either it cometh nat al-togider to a wight, or elles it

al-though it seme swete and ioyful to hem that useth it, [continues next]

yit may it nat ben with-holden that it ne goth away whan it wole. [continues next]

of the heye pyn-trees. Ne no gest ne straungere ne carf yit [continues next]

his book, that the renoun of the comune of Rome ne hadde nat [continues next]

yit passed ne cloumben over the mountaigne that highte Caucasus; [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]

ne ben nat weyes ne pathes that bringen men to blisfulnesse, [continues next]

'This take I wel,' quod I, 'ne this ne may nat ben withseid [continues next]

o god; but, by the participacioun of divinitee, ther ne let ne [continues next]

desturbeth nothing that ther ne ben manye goddes.' [continues next]

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

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

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

so grete thinges; ne I ne doute nat that thou ne mayst wel [continues next]

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

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

pleinly, that they ne ben nat, ne han no beinge. For right as [continues next]

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

manere, that shrewes ben more unsely whan they ne ben nat [continues next]

punisshed, al-be-it so that ther ne be had no resoun or lawe of [continues next]

[continues previous] yit ne may it nat, by the infirme light of his bemes, breken or [continues next]

neither nother habite; for he noot nat al, ne he ne hath nat al [continues next]

foryeten: but yit him remembreth the somme of thinges that he [continues next]

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

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

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

table of wex or in parchemin that ne hath no figure ne note in it. [continues next]

it mochel, and outrely, and longe; but yit ne hath it nat ben [continues next]

determined ne y-sped fermely and diligently of any of yow. And [continues next]

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

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

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

and the sensible material conceived by wit; ne it ne useth nat nor [continues next]

of resoun ne of imaginacioun ne of wit withoute-forth; but it [continues next]

[continues previous] seen and to formen the figures, algates, al-thogh that wit ne were [continues next]

[continues previous] nat present, yit it environeth and comprehendeth alle thinges [continues next]

[continues previous] his lyf. For certes, yit ne hath it taken the tyme of to-morwe, and

[continues previous] of lyf infinit, yit algates ne embraceth it nat the space of the lyf [continues next]

[continues previous] al-togider; for it ne hath nat the futures that ne ben nat yit, ne it [continues next]

[continues previous] ne hath no lenger the preterits that ben y-doon or y-passed. But [continues next]

and so as it ne may nat countrefeten it ne feynen it ne be evenlyke [continues next]

[continues previous] it sholde continue the lyf in goinge, of the whiche lyf it ne mighte

[continues previous] nat enbrace the plentee in dwellinge. And for-thy, yif we wollen

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] Ne physices, ne termes queinte of lawe;

[continues previous] serve to godde, and not to goddes. Ne it was nat convenient,

[continues previous] ne no nede, to taken help of the foulest spirites; I, that thou

[continues previous] yit may it nat ben with-holden that it ne goth away whan it wole.

[continues previous] of the heye pyn-trees. Ne no gest ne straungere ne carf yit

[continues previous] the heye see with ores or with shippes; ne they ne hadde seyn

[continues previous] his book, that the renoun of the comune of Rome ne hadde nat

[continues previous] yit passed ne cloumben over the mountaigne that highte Caucasus;

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

[continues previous] ne ben nat weyes ne pathes that bringen men to blisfulnesse,

[continues previous] 'This take I wel,' quod I, 'ne this ne may nat ben withseid

[continues previous] in no manere.'

same thing fro which it is understonden to ben dyvers. Thanne [continues next]

folweth it, that thilke thing that by his nature is dyvers fro [continues next]

[continues previous] o god; but, by the participacioun of divinitee, ther ne let ne

[continues previous] desturbeth nothing that ther ne ben manye goddes.'

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

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

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

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

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

[continues previous] so grete thinges; ne I ne doute nat that thou ne mayst wel

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

[continues previous] in no manere.'

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

[continues previous] pleinly, that they ne ben nat, ne han no beinge. For right as

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

[continues previous] manere, that shrewes ben more unsely whan they ne ben nat

[continues previous] punisshed, al-be-it so that ther ne be had no resoun or lawe of

[continues previous] yit ne may it nat, by the infirme light of his bemes, breken or

[continues previous] neither nother habite; for he noot nat al, ne he ne hath nat al

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

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

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

[continues previous] table of wex or in parchemin that ne hath no figure ne note in it.

[continues previous] it mochel, and outrely, and longe; but yit ne hath it nat ben

[continues previous] determined ne y-sped fermely and diligently of any of yow. And

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

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

[continues previous] y-sustened by stidefast resoun, ne shal nat ben lad ne proeved by

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

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

[continues previous] and the sensible material conceived by wit; ne it ne useth nat nor

[continues previous] of resoun ne of imaginacioun ne of wit withoute-forth; but it

[continues previous] seen and to formen the figures, algates, al-thogh that wit ne were

[continues previous] al-togider; for it ne hath nat the futures that ne ben nat yit, ne it

[continues previous] and so as it ne may nat countrefeten it ne feynen it ne be evenlyke

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

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

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

[continues previous] same thing fro which it is understonden to ben dyvers. Thanne

[continues previous] folweth it, that thilke thing that by his nature is dyvers fro

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

y-doon — what is thilke prescience that ne comprehendeth no

certein thing ne stable? Or elles what difference is ther bitwixe

it sholde seme thanne, that thilke thing is alderworst, which that

establisshed in tyme that may enbracen to-gider al the space of [continues next]

day, ye ne liven no more but right as in the moevable and

transitorie moment. Thanne thilke thing that suffreth temporel

condicioun, al-thogh that it never bigan to be, ne thogh it never

thing is it to embrace to-gider al the present of the lyf interminable, [continues next]

the whiche thing it is cleer and manifest that it is propre to the [continues next]

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

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

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

that he walke. Thilke thing thanne that any wight hath y-knowe

'I nas nat deceived,' quod she, 'that ther ne faileth somwhat,

[continues previous] establisshed in tyme that may enbracen to-gider al the space of

[continues previous] his lyf. For certes, yit ne hath it taken the tyme of to-morwe, and

the future, and to whom ther nis naught of the preterit escaped [continues next]

[continues previous] thing is it to embrace to-gider al the present of the lyf interminable,

[continues previous] the whiche thing it is cleer and manifest that it is propre to the

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

[continues previous] plentee of the lyf interminable, to whom ther ne faileth naught of

[continues previous] the future, and to whom ther nis naught of the preterit escaped

'Now god, to whom ther nis no cause y-wrye,

bihoveth it by necessitee, that either the thinges to comen ben [continues next]

it bihoveth, by necessitee, that every thing be right as science [continues next]

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

that ben y-doon, thilke thing, for which any-thing is don, it semeth

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

comen. For certes, yif that any wight sitteth, it bihoveth by

necessitee that the opinioun be sooth of him that coniecteth that

opinioun be sooth of any wight for that he sitteth, it bihoveth by

necessitee that he sitte. Thanne is heer necessitee in that oon

[continues previous] bihoveth it by necessitee, that either the thinges to comen ben

that a thing is, it bihoveth by necessitee that thilke selve thing be;

and eek, whan I have knowe that any thing shal bityden, so

byhoveth it by necessitee that thilke thing bityde: — so folweth it

[continues previous] seyth, why that witinge ne receiveth nat lesinge of that it wot); for

[continues previous] it bihoveth, by necessitee, that every thing be right as science

For which it bihoveth, by necessitee, that the linage of mankinde,

knoweth anything to be, he ne unwot nat that thilke thing wanteth [continues next]

necessitee to be; this is to seyn, that, whan that god knoweth any [continues next]

necessitee is simple, as thus: that it bihoveth by necessitee, that

alle men be mortal or deedly. Another necessitee is conditionel,

as thus: yif thou wost that a man walketh, it bihoveth by necessitee

that he walke. Thilke thing thanne that any wight hath y-knowe

than mot thilke thing ben by necessitee, al-thogh that it ne have

Than by necessitee bihoveth it

That, certes, thyn opinioun soth be,

al-wey present to him-self, and compotent; as who seith, al-wey [continues next]

present to him-self, and so mighty that al be right at his plesaunce; [continues next]

[continues previous] necessitee to be; this is to seyn, that, whan that god knoweth any

[continues previous] al-wey present to him-self, and compotent; as who seith, al-wey

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

weren whylom men; wher-for, whan they ben perverted and

miracle; so that shrewes han maked shrewes to ben gode men.

For whan that som shrewes seen that they suffren wrongfully

... 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 shal nat perisse an heer of his heed, ne a moment of an houre ne shal nat perisse of his tyme, that he ne shal yeve of it a rekening.'

'And that, to governe this world,' quod she, 'ne shal he never

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

bityden to shrewes, certes, no man ne wondreth; for alle men

wenen that they han wel deserved it, and that they ben of

Ne shal I never on him han other routhe.' —

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

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

god purvyeth the thinges to comen for they ben to comen, what

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

ben eschued. And at the laste, yif that any wight wene a thing

to ben other weyes thanne it is, it is nat only unscience, but it is

the whiche thing it is cleer and manifest that it is propre to the [continues next]

[continues previous] thing is it to embrace to-gider al the present of the lyf interminable, [continues next]

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

his lyf. For certes, yit ne hath it taken the tyme of to-morwe, and

thilke thing thanne, that hath and comprehendeth to-gider al the [continues next]

plentee of the lyf interminable, to whom ther ne faileth naught of [continues next]

[continues previous] by lyf interminable, as Plato graunted to the world, and other [continues next]

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

noble thing and a cleer thing is power, that is nat founden

that contenede that he hath conioined and y-bounde. Ne the

'It mot nedes be so,' quod I; 'for the reaume ne sholde nat

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

For this is the forme of the devyne substaunce, that is swich that [continues next]

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

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

thing and manifest, that they that mowen don yvel ben of lasse

rightful veniaunce. But this is open thing and cleer, that it is

right that shrewes ben punisshed, and it is wikkednesse and

[continues previous] thilke thing thanne, that hath and comprehendeth to-gider al the

[continues previous] plentee of the lyf interminable, to whom ther ne faileth naught of

[continues previous] and that is a wrongful weninge. For other thing is it to ben y-lad

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

present. Wher-fore this devyne prescience ne chaungeth nat the [continues next]

nature ne the propretee of thinges, but biholdeth swiche thinges [continues next]

mayst nat eschuen the devyne prescience; right as thou ne mayst [continues next]

[continues previous] For this is the forme of the devyne substaunce, that is swich that [continues next]

to beren up a-heigh thy corage; so that thy thoght ne be nat [continues next]

[continues previous] present. Wher-fore this devyne prescience ne chaungeth nat the [continues next]

[continues previous] mayst nat eschuen the devyne prescience; right as thou ne mayst [continues next]

... it hath to swelwe and devoure." And as wel as ye wolde eschewe to be called an avaricious man or chinche, as wel sholde ye kepe yow and governe yow in swich a wyse that men calle yow nat fool-large. Therfore seith Tullius: "the goodes," he seith, "of thyn hous ne sholde nat been hid, ne kept so cloos but that they mighte been opened by pitee and debonairetee;" that is to seyn, to yeven part to hem that han greet nede; "ne thy goodes shullen nat been so opene, to been every mannes goodes." Afterward, in getinge of your richesses and in usinge hem, ye ...

as the peyne of the accusacioun aiuged biforn ne sholde nat

sodeinly henten ne punisshen wrongfully Albin, a counseiller of

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

is unstaunchable and infinit, it ne sholde nat only semen litel, but

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

parfit good, sholde ben more worthy than god, and it sholde

semen that thilke thing were first, and elder than god. For

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

that contenede that he hath conioined and y-bounde. Ne the

certein ordre of nature ne sholde nat bringe forth so ordenee

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

'It mot nedes be so,' quod I; 'for the reaume ne sholde nat

semen blisful yif ther were a yok of misdrawinges in dyverse

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

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

And per-aventure it sholde semen to som folk that this were

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

woldest fayn lernen that it ne sholde nat longe dure: and that

ne in erthe, ne saye no-thing more; than it sholde semen to

which it decerneth and demeth every thing; thanne knoweth it, [continues next]

mochel as apertieneth to that, sholden thanne thinges that comen [continues next]

[continues previous] to beren up a-heigh thy corage; so that thy thoght ne be nat

[continues previous] y-hevied ne put lowe under fote, sin that thy body is so heye

thanne tho thinges that ben absolut and quite fro alle talents [continues next]

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

[continues previous] present. Wher-fore this devyne prescience ne chaungeth nat the

[continues previous] nature ne the propretee of thinges, but biholdeth swiche thinges

[continues previous] wolt chaunge it or no, and whiderward that thou torne it, thou ne

[continues previous] mayst nat eschuen the devyne prescience; right as thou ne mayst

to entrechaunge stoundes of knowinge;"' as who seith, ne shal it

nat seme to us, that the devyne prescience entrechaungeth hise dyverse

Ageyns these points that ye han to him meved;

A god ne sholde nat be thus agreved,

Agayns al this that ye han to him meved;

A god ne sholde nat be thus agreved,

... at the poynt of thy label in the bordure set a prikke. Turn thanne thy riet aboute til the degree of the sonne sit up-on the west orisonte, and ley thy label up-on the same degree of the sonne, and at the point of thy label set a-nother prikke. Rekne thanne the quantitee of tyme in the bordure by-twixe bothe prikkes, and tak ther thyn ark of the day. The remenant of the bordure under the orisonte is the ark of the night. Thus maistow rekne bothe arches, or every porcion, of whether that thee lyketh. And by this manere of ... [continues next]

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

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

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

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

[continues previous] 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] 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

'And certein is,' quod she, 'that by the getinge of good ben

men y-maked goode?'

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

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

[continues previous] mochel as apertieneth to that, sholden thanne thinges that comen

[continues previous] of free wil ben constreined to bityden by necessitee?'

[continues previous] thanne tho thinges that ben absolut and quite fro alle talents

[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] ... poynt of thy label in the bordure set a prikke. Turn thanne thy riet aboute til the degree of the sonne sit up-on the west orisonte, and ley thy label up-on the same degree of the sonne, and at the point of thy label set a-nother prikke. Rekne thanne the quantitee of tyme in the bordure by-twixe bothe prikkes, and tak ther thyn ark of the day. The remenant of the bordure under the orisonte is the ark of the night. Thus maistow rekne bothe arches, or every porcion, of whether that thee lyketh. And by this manere of wyrking maistow see how ...

rethorike rethoriens. For-why the nature of every thing maketh

his propretee, ne it is nat entremedled with the effects of the

to god, al-weys, an eterne and presentarie estat; and the science [continues next]

of him, that over-passeth al temporel moevement, dwelleth in the [continues next]

thou thing in thy power that thou noldest never lesen, ne Fortune

ne may nat beneme it thee. And that thou mayst knowe that

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

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

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

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

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

which that is inestimable, that is to seyn, that it is so greet, that it

ne may nat ben ful y-preysed. And this is only the manere, that is

and the sensible material conceived by wit; ne it ne useth nat nor

of resoun ne of imaginacioun ne of wit withoute-forth; but it

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

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

that it folweth and resembleth thilke thing that it ne may nat

atayne to ne fulfillen, and bindeth it-self to som maner presence

[continues previous] to god, al-weys, an eterne and presentarie estat; and the science

bityde, it ne may nat unbityde (as who seith, it mot bityde), and

... avysed and cast biforn; with wikked wil to do vengeance, and therto his resoun consenteth; and soothly this is deedly sinne. This Ire is so displesant to god, that it troubleth his hous and chaceth the holy goost out of mannes soule, and wasteth and destroyeth the lyknesse of god, that is to seyn, the vertu that is in mannes soule; and put in him the lyknesse of the devel, and binimeth the man fro god that is his rightful lord. This Ire is a ful greet plesaunce to the devel; for it is the develes fourneys, that is eschaufed with the fyr of helle. For certes, right so ...

larger spaces, in so moche as it is forthest fro the middel simplicitee [continues next]

of the poynt; and yif ther be any-thing that knitteth and [continues next]

[continues previous] of the poynt; and yif ther be any-thing that knitteth and

ne may nat han it al, ne al may it nat comen to o man with-outen [continues next]

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

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

it sholde continue the lyf in goinge, of the whiche lyf it ne mighte [continues next]

nat enbrace the plentee in dwellinge. And for-thy, yif we wollen [continues next]

bityde, it ne may nat unbityde (as who seith, it mot bityde), and

Thy sys fortune hath turned into as; [continues next]

And yit for thee ne weep she never a tere! [continues next]

thyn hete of lyf shal shyne. [continues next]

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

[continues previous] ne may nat han it al, ne al may it nat comen to o man with-outen

thilke man to which she hir-self is conioigned. And for as moche [continues next]

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

establisshed in tyme that may enbracen to-gider al the space of [continues next]

his lyf. For certes, yit ne hath it taken the tyme of to-morwe, and [continues next]

eterne. For al-thogh that it comprehende and embrace the space [continues next]

of lyf infinit, yit algates ne embraceth it nat the space of the lyf [continues next]

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

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

thing is it to embrace to-gider al the present of the lyf interminable,

the whiche thing it is cleer and manifest that it is propre to the

[continues previous] it sholde continue the lyf in goinge, of the whiche lyf it ne mighte

[continues previous] nat enbrace the plentee in dwellinge. And for-thy, yif we wollen

[continues previous] And yit for thee ne weep she never a tere!

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

[continues previous] thilke man to which she hir-self is conioigned. And for as moche

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

same thing fro which it is understonden to ben dyvers. Thanne [continues next]

[continues previous] his lyf. For certes, yit ne hath it taken the tyme of to-morwe, and

[continues previous] of lyf infinit, yit algates ne embraceth it nat the space of the lyf

of the ay-dwellinge presence of god, it graunteth, to swiche maner [continues next]

thinges as it bitydeth to, that it semeth hem as thise thinges han [continues next]

palis, whider as that chateringe or anoyinge folye ne may nat [continues next]

thou thing in thy power that thou noldest never lesen, ne Fortune [continues next]

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

Yif blisfulnesse be the sovereyn good of nature that liveth by

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

awey in any wyse, (for more worthy thing and more digne is

thilke thing that may nat ben taken awey); than sheweth it wel, [continues next]

that the unstablenesse of fortune may nat atayne to receiven [continues next]

ne may nat han it al, ne al may it nat comen to o man with-outen [continues next]

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

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

verray reverence ne may nat comen by thise shadewy transitorie

which thing it folweth, that yif thou ne have no gentilesse of

thing that is summitted unto us. But it may nat ben deneyed

that thilke good ne is, and that it nis right as welle of alle

[continues previous] folweth it, that thilke thing that by his nature is dyvers fro

no good in it-self, ne semblaunce of good, it ne may nat wel in [continues next]

be oo same thing.'

'I ne may nat denye that,' quod I.

good thanne mayst thou descryven right thus: good is thilke

thing that every wight desireth.'

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

and parformeth thilke same thing by naturel office, and that

other ne may nat doon thilke naturel office, but folweth, by other

byhoveth it by necessitee that thilke thing bityde: — so folweth it

thanne, that the bitydinge of the thing y-wist biforn ne may nat

ne be nat certein ne necessarie, who may weten biforn that thilke

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

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

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

which that is inestimable, that is to seyn, that it is so greet, that it [continues next]

ne may nat ben ful y-preysed. And this is only the manere, that is [continues next]

resoun wel seen that, that it ne may nat biholden in it-self. And [continues next]

and so as it ne may nat countrefeten it ne feynen it ne be evenlyke [continues next]

[continues previous] thinges as it bitydeth to, that it semeth hem as thise thinges han

knoweth anything to be, he ne unwot nat that thilke thing wanteth [continues next]

And yif thou seyst heer, that thilke thing that god seeth to [continues next]

bityde, it ne may nat unbityde (as who seith, it mot bityde), and [continues next]

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

[continues previous] palis, whider as that chateringe or anoyinge folye ne may nat

[continues previous] atayne, we scorne swiche ravineres and henteres of fouleste

[continues previous] thou thing in thy power that thou noldest never lesen, ne Fortune

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

[continues previous] that the unstablenesse of fortune may nat atayne to receiven

[continues previous] verray blisfulnesse. And yit more-over: what man that this

[continues previous] ne may nat han it al, ne al may it nat comen to o man with-outen

moment som porcioun of it, al-though it litel be. But natheles, [continues next]

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

[continues previous] no good in it-self, ne semblaunce of good, it ne may nat wel in

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

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

[continues previous] ne may nat ben ful y-preysed. And this is only the manere, that is

[continues previous] resoun wel seen that, that it ne may nat biholden in it-self. And

[continues previous] and so as it ne may nat countrefeten it ne feynen it ne be evenlyke

of this litel and swifte moment: the which presence of this litel [continues next]

and swifte moment, for that it bereth a maner image or lyknesse [continues next]

And, for that the presence of swich litel moment ne may nat [continues next]

[continues previous] knoweth anything to be, he ne unwot nat that thilke thing wanteth

[continues previous] necessitee to be; this is to seyn, that, whan that god knoweth any

[continues previous] And yif thou seyst heer, that thilke thing that god seeth to

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

[continues previous] moment som porcioun of it, al-though it litel be. But natheles,

[continues previous] atayne to ne fulfillen, and bindeth it-self to som maner presence [continues next]

[continues previous] of this litel and swifte moment: the which presence of this litel [continues next]

[continues previous] and swifte moment, for that it bereth a maner image or lyknesse [continues next]

[continues previous] And, for that the presence of swich litel moment ne may nat [continues next]

[continues previous] atayne to ne fulfillen, and bindeth it-self to som maner presence

[continues previous] of this litel and swifte moment: the which presence of this litel

[continues previous] And, for that the presence of swich litel moment ne may nat

as that a maner necessitee be imposed to gentil men, for that [continues next]

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

of people, whiche that yeveth to men, as it semeth hem, a maner

Certes, now am I redy to referren the goodes of the body to

thise forseide thinges aboven; for it semeth that strengthe and

body semeth yeven delyt. In alle thise thinges it semeth only

that blisfulnesse is desired. For-why thilke thing that every man

to have and to usen that may delyten hem. Certes, thise ben [continues next]

the thinges that men wolen and desiren to geten. And for this [continues next]

[continues previous] any good in gentilesse, I trowe it be al-only this, that it semeth

[continues previous] as that a maner necessitee be imposed to gentil men, for that

'So,' quod she, 'as it semeth that blisfulnesse conteneth many

thinges, it were for to witen whether that alle thise thinges maken

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]

han pitee of hem that han suffred and receyved the thinges that [continues next]

taken hem-self to hir Iuges and to hir accusors. For which it

bitydeth that, as to the wyse folk, ther nis no place y-leten to

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

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

[continues previous] to have and to usen that may delyten hem. Certes, thise ben

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

[continues previous] han pitee of hem that han suffred and receyved the thinges that [continues next]

[continues previous] ben grevous and aspre, and yit men sholden more rightfully han [continues next]

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

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

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

[continues previous] han pitee of hem that han suffred and receyved the 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

atayne to ne fulfillen, and bindeth it-self to som maner presence

of this litel and swifte moment: the which presence of this litel

and swifte moment, for that it bereth a maner image or lyknesse

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

of imagininge and of wit, that is to seyn, by resoun and by imaginacioun [continues next]

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

[continues previous] of imagininge and of wit, that is to seyn, by resoun and by imaginacioun

Ne Priapus ne mighte nat suffyse, [continues next]

vigour and strengthe that it ne mighte nat ben empted; al were it [continues next]

'Certes,' quod I, 'al-outrely it ne mighte nat availen him.' [continues next]

the whiche they ne mighte nat don, yif they mighten dwellen in [continues next]

of lyf infinit, yit algates ne embraceth it nat the space of the lyf [continues next]

al-togider; for it ne hath nat the futures that ne ben nat yit, ne it [continues next]

quantitee of future and of preterit: and so as it ne may nat han [continues next]

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

[continues previous] Ne coude of it the beautee wel devyse;

[continues previous] Ne Priapus ne mighte nat suffyse,

[continues previous] vigour and strengthe that it ne mighte nat ben empted; al were it

[continues previous] 'Certes,' quod I, 'al-outrely it ne mighte nat availen him.'

[continues previous] the whiche they ne mighte nat don, yif they mighten dwellen in

[continues previous] of lyf infinit, yit algates ne embraceth it nat the space of the lyf

[continues previous] al-togider; for it ne hath nat the futures that ne ben nat yit, ne it

[continues previous] quantitee of future and of preterit: and so as it ne may nat han

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

Lat us considere thanne what is eternitee; for certes that shal [continues next]

[continues previous] of alle creatures resonables thanne is this: that god is eterne. [continues next]

[continues previous] Lat us considere thanne what is eternitee; for certes that shal [continues next]

his owne nature thinges that ben subiect un-to him, ther is soothly

to god, al-weys, an eterne and presentarie estat; and the science

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

which it decerneth and demeth every thing; thanne knoweth it,

by it-self, thinges that ben to fleen and thinges that ben to desiren.

thinges been y-knowe al-oonly by the strengthe and by the nature [continues next]

knowe thise thinges, but demeth and knoweth, of his owne strengthe, [continues next]

othre, sin it knoweth by his propre nature nat only his subiect, as [continues next]

[continues previous] of alle creatures resonables thanne is this: that god is eterne.

thyne? Fortune ne shal never maken that swiche thinges ben

thyne, that nature of thinges hath maked foreine fro thee. Sooth

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

[continues previous] thinges been y-knowe al-oonly by the strengthe and by the nature

[continues previous] of the thinges that ben y-wist or y-knowe; and it is al the

[continues previous] knowe thise thinges, but demeth and knoweth, of his owne strengthe,

[continues previous] othre, sin it knoweth by his propre nature nat only his subiect, as

sooth, ne that ther nis nothing sensible; or elles, for that resoun

wot wel that many thinges ben subiect to wit and to imaginacioun,

thanne soothly, that god is eterne, and the world is perpetuel. [continues next]

of temporel thinges folweth this presentarie estat of lyf unmoevable; [continues next]

and so as it ne may nat countrefeten it ne feynen it ne be evenlyke [continues next]

[continues previous] thanne soothly, that god is eterne, and the world is perpetuel.

[continues previous] of temporel thinges folweth this presentarie estat of lyf unmoevable;

of lyf infinit, yit algates ne embraceth it nat the space of the lyf [continues next]

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

imaginatif. Seestow nat thanne that alle the thinges, in knowinge, [continues next]

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

[continues previous] eterne. For al-thogh that it comprehende and embrace the space

[continues previous] of lyf infinit, yit algates ne embraceth it nat the space of the lyf

knowinge, establissheth maner to alle thinges, and it ne oweth [continues next]

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

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

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

[continues previous] imaginatif. Seestow nat thanne that alle the thinges, in knowinge,

[continues previous] usen more of hir facultee or of hir power than they doon of the

beinge; by the which first, or that they weren y-doon, they [continues next]

thanne ben they absolut fro the bond of necessitee. Right so as

alle thinges that apereth or sheweth to the wittes, yif thou referre

[continues previous] science, which that embraceth alle thinges by his presentarie

[continues previous] knowinge, establissheth maner to alle thinges, and it ne oweth

Is ther any-thing more precious to thee than thy-self? Thou

wolt answere, "nay." Thanne, yif it so be that thou art mighty

thanne wolt thou seye now that that is the contree that thou [continues next]

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

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

[continues previous] beinge; by the which first, or that they weren y-doon, they

... save your grace, certes ye despysen alle wommen in this wyse; and "he that alle despyseth alle displeseth," as seith the book. And Senek seith that "who-so wole have sapience, shal no man dispreise; but he shal gladly techen the science that he can, with-outen presumpcioun or pryde. And swiche thinges as he nought ne can, he shal nat been ashamed to lerne hem and enquere of lasse folk than him-self." And sir, that ther hath been many a good womman, may lightly be preved. For certes, sir, our lord Iesu Crist wolde never have descended to be born of a womman, if alle wommen ... [continues next]

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

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

false opinioun, that mayst thou nat rightfully blamen ne aretten [continues next]

to thinges: as who seith, for thou hast yit many habundaunces of [continues next]