Chapter II: Part 2

And_e_ whan that / ye ete your mete small_e_ With open mout[=h] / beware ye not ete [Sidenote: Eat with your lips closed] But loke your lippea / be closed as a wall_e_ 241 Whan to and_e_ fro / ye trauerse your mete Kepe you so cloos / that men haue no co_n_seite To say of you / ony langage or vilonye Bicause ye ete your mete / vnmanerly 245

* * * * *

THE ORIEL TEXT.

[36]

Be ware, my child, of laughing ou_er_ mesure,
Ye shall not Also at the borde your_e_ naylis pare,
Ne pike not your_e_ teth wyth your_e_ knyff, I you ensure,
Ete at your_e_ messe, and odir folkes spare; 249
A glottou_n_ can but make dissches bare,
And of Inough he taketh neu_er_ hede,
He fedith for lust more than[1] he doth for nede.
[Sidenote 1: MS. that.]

[37]

And whan the borde is then [as] of s_er_uice, 253
Not replenyshide wyth gret diuercite,
Of mete and drincke good chere may than suffice,
Hit is A signe of gret humanite, 256
Wyth gladsom chere than fulsom for to be;
The poet seyth howe that the poure borde
Men may encrese wyth cherefull wille and worde.

[38]

And o thing, my childe, I warne you vndirstonde,
Specially for your_e_ owne honeste,
In the water wasschith so clene your_e_ hande, 262
That your_e_ towell neuer ensoyled be
So foule that hit be lothely vnto se;
Wasschith wyth watir_e_ till your_e_ handis be clene,
And in your_e_ clothe ther shall no spotte be sene.

[Sidenote: _Hill's Text._]

¶ Beware, my chyld, of laughynge ou_er_ mesure;
Ne at _th_e borde ye shall[e] no nayles pare,
Ne pyke yo_u_r teth w_i_t__h knyf, I you ensure. 248
Ete at yo_u_r messe, & other_e_ folk_i_s spare;
A gloton ca_n_ but make _th_e bonys bare,
& of ynowgh he takyth never_e_ hede,
he ffedyth more for lust than for nede. 252

¶ And wha_n_ _th_e borde ys thyn as of s_er_vyce,
Nowght replenysshed w_i_t_h_ gret dyversite
of mete & drynke, gud chere may tha_n_ suffice,
w_i_t_h_ honest talkyng; & also owght ye 256
w_i_t_h_ gladsu_m_ chere the_n_ fulsome for to be:
The poete seyth how _tha_t 'a powre borde
Me_n_ may enryche w_i_t_h_ cherfull[e] will[e] & worde.' 259

¶ And on thyng, my child, ye vnderstond,
In especyall[e] for yo_u_r own honeste:
In _th_e wat_er_ wasshe so clene yo_u_r hond
_tha_t yo_u_r towell[e] never ensoyled be
So fowle _tha_t yt be lothsome on to see; 264
wasshe w_i_t_h_ wat_er_ yo_u_r hond_is_ so clene
_tha_t in _th_e towell[e] shall[e] no spote be sene.

CAXTON'S TEXT.

[36]

Beware my child_e_ / of laughyng ou_er_ mesure Ne at the borde / ye shall no naylis pare [Sidenote: Don't pare your nails at table,] Ne pyke your teth / with knyf / I you ensure 248 [Sidenote: or pick your teeth with a knife.] Ete at your messe / and other folkes spare A gloton can but make the bones bare And_e_ of ynough / he taketh neuer hede He fedith more for lust / than for nede 252

[37]

[Sidenote: Leaf 7 a.]

And whan þ^e borde is thynne / as of seruyse Nought replenesshed with, grete diuersite [Sidenote: When there are not many dishes,] Of mete & dri_n_ke good chere may the[=n] suffise 255 With honest talkyng / and also ought ye With gladsom chere / thenne fulsom for to be [Sidenote: be satisfied with chatting cheerily.] The poete saith / hou that a poure borde Men may enriche / with cheerful wil & worde 259

[38]

And one thyng my chylde / ye vnderstonde In especyall_e_ / for your owne honeste In the water / wasshe so clene your honde 262 That your towel / neuer enfoyled be [Sidenote: Wash your hands clean in the water, so as to leave no dirt on your towel.] So fowle / that it be lothsom on to see Wasshe with water / your hondes so cleene That in the towel shal no spotte be sene 266

* * * * *

THE ORIEL TEXT.

[39]

Leue not your_e_ spone in your_e_ dissche standyng,
Ne vppon the brede hit shall not lie;
Lette your_e_ trenchoure be clene for eny thyng, 269
Yif ye haue no chaunge, yit as honestly
As ye can, maketh avoydie,
So that no fragment from your_e_ trenchour_e_ falle;
Do this, my childe, in chambre and in halle. 273

[40]

Whan Another speketh at the table,
Be ware ye interrupte[1] not is tale nor langage,
[Sidenote 1: MS. _corruptly has_ nattiripte.]
For that is a thing discommendable, 276
And hit is no signe of folkes sage
To ben of wordis besy and outrage;
For the wyse man seyth pleinly in sentence,
'He shall be wyse that yevith Audience.' 280

[41]

Vndre-stondeth ther-for_e_ or than ye speke,
Printyng in your_e_ mynde clerely the sentence,
He that vseth A mannes tale to breke 283
Lettyth vncurtesly the Audience,
And hurtyth hym-sylf for lacke of silence;
He may not yeue answere convenyent
That herith not fynally what is ment. 287

[Sidenote: _Hill's Text._]

¶ lete not yo_u_r spone in yo_u_r_e_ disshe stond,
Ne vpon _th_e table yt shuld not lye; 268
lete yo_u_r trenchowre be clen_e_ for any thyng,
& yf ye haue, change yet as honestly
As ye ca_n_; make avoyde manerly
So _th_at no fragme_n_t fro yo_u_r tre_n_cher_e_ fall[e]: 272
Do thus, my child, i_n_ chamber_e_ & i_n_ hall[e].

¶ And wha_n_ a-nother ma_n_ spekyth at _th_e table,
be ware ye int_er_rupte not his langage,
for _tha_t ys a thyng on-comendable, 276
& yt ys not no signe of folk_is_ sage
To be of langage besy & owtrage;
ffor the wyse sayd in his sentence
'he shuld be bold [& be wyse][1] _tha_t gevyth audyence.' 280
[Sidenote 1: In a later hand, above the line.]

[Sidenote: ffl C lxiij.]

¶ Vnd_er_stond _ther_for or than ye speke;
prynt i_n_ yo_u_r mynde clerly _th_e sentence;
who _tha_t vsyth a ma_n_ys tale to breke,
lettyth vncurteysly all[e] the audyence 284
And hurteth hy_m_ self for lake of scyence;
he maye not geve answere co_n_venyente
_tha_t heryt[=h] not fynally what ys mente.

CAXTON'S TEXT.

[39]

Lete not your spone / in your disshe sto_n_ding [Sidenote: Don't leave your spoon in your dish or on the table.] Ne vpon the table / it shold not lye Lete your trenchour / be clene for ony thing 269 [Sidenote: Keep your trencher clean.] And yf ye haue cha[=n]ge / yet as honestly As ye can / make a voyde manerly So that no fragme_n_t / fro your tre_n_cher falle Do thus my childe / in chambre & in halle 273

[40]

[Sidenote: Leaf 7 b.]

And whan another man / spekith atte table Beware ye enterrupte not / his langage [Sidenote: Don't interrupt man in his talk] For that is a thinge discomendable 276 And_e_ it is no signe of folkes sage To be of langage / besy and_e_ outrage For the wyse man said_e_ / in his sentence He shold_e_ be wyse / that gyueth audience 280

[41]

Vnderstonde therfore or than ye speke Prynte in your mynde / clerly the sentence [Sidenote: Before you speak, settle in your mind what you have to say.] Who that vsith / a mannes tale to breke 283 Letteth vncurteysly / alle the audyence And_e_ hurteth hym self / for lack of science He may not gyue answers conuenyente That herith not fynally / what is mente 287

* * * * *

THE ORIEL TEXT.

[42]

Be ware Also, my childe, of rehersaille
Of materis whiche ben at the table mevide;
Hit grevith ofte and dothe men disavaylle, 290
Full many a man that vice hath mysschevide,
Of evill thyng saide is wors often contrivide;
Suche reportis alway loke ye esschewe,
As may of olde frendis make enemyes newe. 294

[43]

Avise you well whan ye take your_e_ disporte,
Honest games that ye haunte and vse,
And suche as ben of violente reporte, 297
I counsell you, my childe, that ye refuse;
For trustith well ye shall nout you excuse
From berchely fest, yef I may you aspie
Playng at[1] eny game of rebaudie. 301
[Sidenote 1: MS. or.]

[44]

Itt is to A goodly childe well syttyng,
To vse disportis of myrth and plesaunce,
To harpe and lute, or lustely to syng, 304
And in the pres ryght manerly to daunce;
When men se A childe of suche gouernaunce,
They seyn, 'gladde may this [childes] frendis be
To haue a sone soo manerly as he.' 308

[Sidenote: _Hill's Text._]

¶ But beware, my child, also of rehersayle
Off maters whiche be at _th_e table meved: 289
It grewet[=h][1] ofte, & dot[=h] me_n_ dysavayle;
[Sidenote 1: The line is over the _th_.]
ffull[e] many a ma_n_ _th_at vyce hathe myscheved;
Off evyll[e] thynke sayd, ys worse co_n_tryved; 292
Suche reportes alwaye, my child, eschewe,
As may of olde frend_is_ make enmyes newe.

¶ Avyse you well[e] wha_n_ ye take yo_u_r dysporte,
honeste games _th_at ye hawnt & vse; 296
& suche as bene of vyleyns report,
I cownsell[e] you, my child, _tha_t ye refuse;
ffor truste ye well[e] ye shall[e] you not excuse
ffro_m_ brecheles feste, & I may you espye 300
Playenge at any game of rebawdrye.

¶ Ytt ys to a goodly child well[e] syttyng
To vse dysportes of myrth & plesavnce,
to harpe, to lute, or lustyly to synge, 304
Or i_n_ the prees right manerly to davnce.
wha_n_ me_n_ se a child of suche governavnce,
_the_i saye, 'glade may _th_is child_is_ frendys be
To haue a child so manerly as ys he.' 308

CAXTON'S TEXT.

[42]

But beware my child_e_ / also of rehersayll_e_ [Sidenote: Don't repeat what you hear at table.] Of maters / whiche ben atte table meuid_e_ It greuith ofte / and_e_ doth men disauayle 290 Ful many a man / þ^t vice hath myscheuid_e_ Of euyl thing_e_ said_e_ / is werse contryuid_e_ Suche reportis / alway my child_e_ eschewe As may of olde fre_n_dis / make enemyes newe 294

[43]

[Sidenote: Leaf 8 a.]

Aduise you wel whan ye take your disporte Honest games / that ye haunte and_e_ vse [Sidenote: Play only at proper games.] And suche as ben of vylayns reporte 297 I counceyl you my chyld / that ye refuse For truste ye wel / ye shal you not excuse From brecheles feste / and I may you espye Playng_e_ at ony game of Rybawdrye 301

[44]

It is to a godly chyld wel syttyng_e_ To vse disportes of myrthe & plesa[=n]ce To harpe or lute / or lustely to synge 304 [Sidenote: You should harp, lute, sing or dance.] Or in the prees right manerly to daunce Whan men se a chyld of suche gouernance They saye / glad may this chyldis fre_n_dis be To haue a chylde / so manerly as is he 308

* * * * *

THE ORIEL TEXT.

[45]

Exersice your_e_-selfe also in redyng
Of bokys enournede wyth eloquence;
Ther shall ye fynde both pleasaunce and lernyng, 311
And so ye may in eu_er_y good presence
Some [what] fynde and see as in sentence,
That shall accorde the tyme to ocupie,
That ye not nede to stondyn idelie. 315

[46]

Itt[1] is fare to be cominycatyfe
[Sidenote 1: MS. Iit.]
In matires vnto purpoos according,
So that a wight sume not excessyfe, 318
For trusteth well, hit is tedious thyng
For to here a childe multiplie talkyng,
Yif hit be not to the purpose applied,
And also wyth goodly termys aleyde. 322

[47]

Redith Gower in his writyng moralle,
That au[=n]cient faders memorie,
Redith his bokis clepide 'confessionalle,' 325
Wyth many anodir vertuous tretie,
Full of sentence sette so frutuously,
That them to rede shall yeue you corage,
So is he fulle of sentence and langage. 329

[Sidenote: _Hill's Text._]

¶ Excersyse also yo_u_r selfe in redyng
Off bokes enorned wit[=h] eloquence,
_ther_ shall[e] ye fynde bot[=h] plesyre & lernynge,
so _th_at ye may in eu_er_y good presence 312
Some-what fynde as in sentence
_th_at shall[e] accorde the tyme to occupye,
That ye not nede to stonde ydellye.

¶ It ys fayer to be comynycatyfe
In maters vnto purpose accordyng, 317
So _th_at a wyghte seme exersyfe;
ffor trustyth well[e] yt ys a tedyovs thy_n_g
ffor to here a child multyply talkyng 320
yf yt be not to _th_e purpose applyed,
& also w_i_t_h_ goodly termes alyed.

¶ Redyt[=h] gover i_n_ his wrytyng morall[e],
That Auncyente ffader of memorye, 324
Redyt[=h] his bookes called co_n_fessyonall[e],
w_i_t_h_ many a-nother_e_ vertuvs tretye
ffull[e] of sentence sett full[e] fructvously,
That hy_m_ to rede shall[e] geve you covrage, 328
he ys so full[e] of frute, se_n_tence, & langage.

CAXTON'S TEXT.

[45]

Excersise your self also in redyng_e_ Of bookes enorned_e_ with eloquence [Sidenote: Practice reading of eloquent books.] Ther shal ye fynde / bothe plesir & lernyng_e_ 311 So that ye may / in euery good presence Somwhat fynde / as in sentence That shal acorde / the tyme to ocupy That ye not nede / to stonden ydelly 315

[46]

[Sidenote: Leaf 8 b.]

It is fayr / for to be comynycatyf In maters vnto purpose acordyng_e_ [Sidenote: It is right to talk pertinently,] So that a wyght seme excersyf 318 For trusteth wel / it is a tedyous thyng_e_ For to here a chylde / multeplye talkyng Yf it be not to the purpose applyed_e_ [Sidenote: but a bore if the talk is irrelevant.] And_e_ also with / goodly termys alyed_e_ 322

[47]

Redeth gower in his wrytyng_e_ morall_e_ [Sidenote: Read Gower's] That auncyent[1] fader of memorye [Sidenote 1: Orig. anucyent.] Redeth his bookes / called_e_ confessionall_e_ 325 [Sidenote: _Confessio Amentis_.] With many another vertuous trayttye Ful of sentence / set ful fructuosly That hym to rede / shal gyue you corage He is so ful of fruyt, sente_n_ce and langage 329

* * * * *

THE ORIEL TEXT.

[48]

O Fader and Founder of eternate eloquence,
That eluminede all this oure britaigne;
To sone we lost his lauriate presence, 332
O lusty licoure of that fulsom_e_ fountaigne;
Cursed deth, why hast thou this poete slayne,
I mene Fadir chaucers, mastir Galfride?
Allas! the while, that eu_e_r he from vs diede. 336

[49]

Redith his bokys fulle of all plesaunce,
Clere in sentence, in longage excellent,
Brefly to wryte suche was his suffesaunce, 339
What-euer to sey he toke in his entent,
His longage was so feyre and p_er_tinent,
That semed vnto mennys heryng,
Not[1] only the worde, but verrely the thing. 343
[Sidenote 1: MS. But.]

[50]

Redith, my child, redith his warkys all,
Refuseth non, they ben expedient;
Sentence or langage, or both, fynde ye shall 346
Full delectable, for that fader ment
Of all his purpos and his hole entent
Howe to plese in euery audience,
And in our_e_ tou_n_g was well of eloquence. 350

[Sidenote: _Hill's Text._]

[Sidenote: ff C lxiij back.]

¶ O fader & fownder of ornate eloquence
_tha_t Illumyned hast all[e] owre bretayne!
To sone we loste thy lavreat science, 332
O lusty lyqvovre of _tha_t fulsu_m_ fontayn_e_!
O cursed det[=h]! why hast _tho_u _tha_t poete slayn_e_,
I mene fader chavucer, mayst_er_ galfryde?
Alas _th_e while _tha_t ever he from vs dyed! 336

¶ Redyt[=h] his werkes full[e] of plesavnce,
Clere in sentence, I_n_ langage excellente:
Bryefly to wryte, such was his suffysavnce,
What-ever_e_ to say he toke i_n_ his entente, 340
his langage was so fayer_e_ & p_er_tynente,
yt semet[=h] vnto manys heryng
Not only the worde, but veryly _th_e thyng. 343

¶ Redyth, my child, redyth his bookes all[e],
Refusith Non, they ben expedyente;
sentence or langage, bot[=h] fynd ye shall[e];
ffull[e] delectablé that good fader mente,
for all[e] his purpose & his hole entente 348
[was] how to please in eu_er_y audyence,
& In owr_e_ tonge was well[e] of Eloquence.

CAXTON'S TEXT.

[48]

[Sidenote: Leaf 163, back.]

O fader and founder of ornate eloquence [Sidenote: and the Father and Founder of Eloquence,] That enlumened hast alle our bretayne To soone we loste / thy laureate scyence 332 O lusty lyquour / of that fulsom fontayne O cursid deth / why hast thou þ^t poete slayne I mene fader chaucer / maister galfryde [Sidenote: mayster Galfryde Chawcer,] Alas the whyle / that euer he from vs dyde 336

[49]

[Sidenote: Leaf 9 a.]

Redith his werkis / ful of plesaunce [Sidenote: whose works are full of pleasaunce,] Clere in sentence / in langage excellent Briefly to wryte / suche was his suffysa[=n]ce 339 What euer to saye / he toke in his entente His langage was so fayr and pertynente It semeth vnto mannys heeryng_e_ Not only the worde / but verely the thynge 343 [Sidenote: whose language seems not only words, but truly things.]

[50]

Redeth my chylde / redeth his bookes alle Refuseth none / they ben expedyente [Sidenote: Read _all_ his books; refuse none:] Sentence or langage / or bothe fynde ye shall_e_ 346 Ful delectable / for that good fader mente [Sidenote: he is delightful.] Of al his purpose / and his hole entente How to plese in euery audyence And in our tunge / was welle of eloquence 350

* * * * *

THE ORIEL TEXT.

[51]

Beholde Oclyff in his translac_i_on,
In goodly langage and sentence passing wyse,
Yevyng the prince suche exortac_i_on 353
As to his highnesse he coude best devyse.
Of trouth, peace, of mercy, and of Iustice,
And odir vertuys, sparing for no slouthe
To don his devere, and quiten hym, as trouth 357

[52]

Required hym, anenste his souereyne,
Most dradde and louyd, whos excellent highnesse
He aduertysede by his writing playne, 360
To vertue p_er_teynyng to the nobles
Of a prince, and berith wyttenesse
His trety entitlede 'of regyment,'
Compyled of most entier true entent. 364

[53]

Loketh Also vppon dan Iohn lidgate,
My mastir_e_, whilome clepid monke of bury,
Worthy to be renownede laureate, 367
I pray to god_e_, in blis his soule be mery,
Synging 'Rex Splendens,' the heuenly 'kery,'
Among the muses ix celestiall,
Afore the hieghest Iubiter of all. 371

[Sidenote: _Hill's Text._]

¶ Behold Ocklyf in his transslacion,[1]
[Sidenote 1: transflacion]
In goodly langage & se_n_tence passyng wyse 352
howe he gewyth his p_ri_nce such exortac_i_on
As to the hyeste he covld best devyse
Off trowt[=h] / pees / m_er_cy / & Iustyse,
& vertu, lettyng for no slowth 356
To do his devoyre & qvyte hy_m_ his trowth.

¶ Requyre hy_m_ As Agaynst his soverayn_e_,
moste Drade & loved, whose excellent hyenes
he advertysed by his wrytyng playn_e_ 360
To vertu ap_er_teynyng to nobles
Off a p_ri_nce, as beryt[=h] god wytnes,
hys treatye entytled of regemente,
Compyled of entyer trewe entente. 364

¶ Loke also than vpon Ioh_a_n lydgate,
My mayrster, whylom monke of bury,
worthy to be renomed As poete lavreate;
I p_ra_y to god in blysse his sowle be mery, 368
Syngyng / Rex splendens / _tha_t hevenly Kyrye,
Amonge _th_e mvses nyne celestyall[e]
be-fore _th_e hyghest Iubyter of all[e],

CAXTON'S TEXT.

[51]

Beholde Ocklyf in his translac_i_on [Sidenote: Read Occleve too,] In goodly langage / & sente_n_ce passyng wyse How he gyueth his prynce / suche exortac_i_on 353 [Sidenote: who gave his Prince such wise advice] As to the hyest / he coude best deuyse Of trouthe. pees. mercy. and Iustise And vertues / leetyng for no slouthe To do his deuoir & quite him of his trouthe 357

[52]

[Sidenote: Leaf 9 b.]

Required_e_ hym / as ayenst his souerayne Most drad_e_ & louyd_e_ / wos excellent hyeues He aduertysed_e_ / by his wrytyng_e_ playne 360 To vertu / apperteynyng to nobles Of a prynce / as bereth good_e_ witnes His traytye / entitled_e_ of regymente [Sidenote: in his treatise _De Regimine Principum_.] Compyled_e_ of entyer trewe entente 364

[53]

Loke also / vpon dan Io[=h]n lydgate My maister whylome / monke of berye [Sidenote: John Lydgate, too, my master.] Worthy to be renomed_e_ / as poete laureate 367 I praye to god_e_ in blysse his soule be mercy Syngyng_e_ Rex splendens that heuenly kyrye [Sidenote: I pray God his soul is singing _Rex splendens_.] Amonge the muses nyne celestyall_e_ Byfore the hyest Iubyter of all_e_ 371

* * * * *

THE ORIEL TEXT.

[54]

I not why deth my mastir_e_ dide envie,
But for he shuld_e_ chaunge his habite;
Pety hit is that suche a man shulde die! 374
But nowe I trist he be a carmylite;
His amyse blacke is chaunged into white,
Among the muses ix celestiall,
Afore the hieghest Iubiter of all; 378

[55]

Passing the muses all of elicon_e_,
Where is ynympariable of Armonye,
Thedir I trist my mastir-is soule is gon_e_, 381
The sterrede palays aboue dapplede skye,
Ther to syng 'sanctus' incessantly
Among the muses ix celestiall,
Affore the highest Iubiter of all. 385

[56]

Redith is volumes that ben so large and wyde,
Souereynly sitte in sadnesse of sentence,
Elumynede wyth colouris fresshe on eu_er_y syde, 388
Hit passith my wytte, I haue no eloquence
To yeue hym lawde aftir his excellence,
For I dare say he lefte hym not on lyue,
That coude his cu_n_nyng suffisantly discreue. 392

[Sidenote: _Hill's Text._]

[Omitted. See Preface, p. ii] 372

376

¶ Passyng the mvses nyne of elycon,
Wher ys no pareyll[e] of Armonye; 380
Thyder I trust my Maysters sowle be gon,
The sterred paleys above _th_e dappled skye,
Ther to syng snactus insessavntly 384
Emonge the mvses nyne celestyall[e],
Before _th_e hyeste Iubyter of all[e].

¶ Redyth hys volumes _tha_t be large & wyde,
Severyly sette in sadnes of sentence,
Enlumined w_i_t_h_ colovres fresshe on eu_er_y side. 388
[Sidenote: ffl C lxiiij.]
Me lakketh wytt, I haue non eloquence,
To geve hy_m_ lawde after his excellence,
ffor I dare saye he lefte hy_m_ not alyve
That covde his cu_n_yng ssufficiently discryve. 392

CAXTON'S TEXT.

[54]

[Omitted. See Preface, p. ii.]

374

378

[55]

Passyng_e_ the muses nyne of Elyco[=n] Where is non pareyl of armonye Thider I truste my meistres soule begone 381 The sterrid_e_ paleys / aboue the dapplyd skye [Sidenote: in the starred palace above the dappled sky, before the] There to synge sanctus incessantly Amonge the muses ix celestyall_e_ Byfore the hyest / Iubiter of all_e_ 385 [Sidenote: highest Jupiter of all.]

[56]

[Sidenote: Leaf 10 a.]

Redeth his volumes / that ben large & wyde [Sidenote: Read his large volumes] Seueryly set / in sadnes of sentence Enlumyned with colours fressh on euery side 388 [Sidenote: illuminated with fresh colours.] Me lacketh witte / I haue none eloquence To gyue hym lawde / after his excellence For I dar saye / he lefte hym not a lyue That coude his co_n_nyng / sufficiently discriue 392

* * * * *

THE ORIEL TEXT.

[57]

But his werkys his laude moste nede conquere,
He may neuer oute of remembrance die,
His werkys shall his [name[1]] conuey and bere 395
[Sidenote: MS. _here repeats_ werkys.]
Aboute the world all-most eternallie;
Lette his owne werkys prayse hym and magnifie;
I dare not preyse, for fere that I offende,
My lewde langage shuld rather appeyre than amend.

[58]

Lo, my childe, thes good faders Au[=n]cient
Repide the feldis fresshe of fulsumnesse,
The floures feyre they gadderid vp and hent, 402
Of siluereus langage the tresoure and richesse;
Who wolle hit haue, my litle childe, doutelesse
Must of hem begge, ther is no more to say,
For of our_e_ toung they were bothe locke and key.

[59]

There can no man ther_e_ fames nowe disteyne,
Thanbawmede toung and aureate sentence,
Men gette hit nowe by cantelmele, and gleyne 409
Here and there wyth besy diligence,
And fayne wolde riche the crafte of eloquence;
But be the glaynes is hit often sene,
In whois feldis they glayned haue and ben_e_. 413

[Sidenote: _Hill's Text._]

¶ But his werkes his lavde must nede co_n_quere;
_the_i may never owt of reme_m_bravnce dye;
hys werkes shall[e] his name co_n_veye & bere
Abowte _th_e world almoste eternelly. 396
lete his own_e_ werk_is_ p_ra_yse hy_m_, & magnyfye;
I dare not p_ra_yse, leest for fere I offende;
My langage shuld rather_e_ apayer_e_ tha_n_ amend.

¶ Loo, my child, this faders avncyente
Repen _th_e fyldes ffresshe of fulsomnes; 401
_th_e flowres fresshe thei gadered vp, & hente.
Off syluer langage _th_e greate ryches
who will[e] yt haue, my child, dowtles 404
Muste of the_m_ bege: ther_e_ ys no more to saye,
ffor of owr_e_ tonge _the_i were both loke & keye;

¶ Ther ca_n_ no ma_n_ _ther_ werkes dysteyne:
The enbamed tonge & avreat sentence, 408
Me_n_ gete yt now by ca_n_telmele, & glene
here & ther_e_ by besy delygence,
& fayne wold reche _ther_ crafte of eloqvence;
& by _the_ gleyne ytt ys full[e] ofte sene 412
In whose fylde the gleners haue bene.

CAXTON'S TEXT.

[57]

But his werkis / his laude / must nede co_n_q_ue_re [Sidenote: His works] They may neuer / out of remembraunce dye His werkis shal [=h]is name conueye & bere 395 Aboute the world_e_ / almost eternely [Sidenote: shall bear his name about the world almost eternally.] Lete his owe_n_ werkis preyse hym & magnefie I dar not preyse / for fere lest I offende My la_n_gage / shold rather apeyre than amende 399

[58]

[Sidenote: Leaf 10 b.]

Loo my child_e_ / these faders auncyente Repen the feldes fresshe of fulsomnes [Sidenote: These fathers reaped the fields,] The flours fresh they gadred vp & hente 402 [Sidenote: and gathered the flowers.] Of siluer langage / the grete riches Who wil it haue my lityl childe doutles Muste of hem begge / ther is no more to saye [Sidenote: He who wants silver words must beg of them.] For of our tunge / they were both lok & kaye 406

[59]

Ther can noma[=n] now her werkis disteyne The enbamed tunge / and aureate sentence Men gete it now / by cantelmele & gleyne 409 [Sidenote: Now we only glean,] Here and there by besy diligence And fayne wold reche / her craft of eloque_n_ce And by the gleyne / it is ful oft sene In whos felde / the gleyners haue bene 413 [Sidenote: and by the gleaning one sees in whose fields the gleaners have been.]

* * * * *

THE ORIEL TEXT.

[60]

As vnto me Age hath bede good morowe,
I am not able clenly for to gleyne,
Nature is feyne of crafte here eien to borowe, 416
Me fayleth clerenesse of myn eien tweyne;
Begge I may, I can no gleyn certeyn,
Ther-for that werke I wolle playnly remytte
To folke yong, more p_er_saunt clere of wytte. 420

[61]

And syke also, and in case ye fynde
Suche gleynes fresch as hath some apparence
Of fayre langage, yet take them and vnbynde, 423
And preueth what they beth in existence,
Coloured in langage, savory in sentence,
And dou[te]th not, my childe, wythoute drede,
Hit woll profite such thyng to se and rede. 427

[62]

Yit eft-sonnys, my child_e_, let us resorte
To the intente of our_e_ fyrst matier_e_
Digresside, somwhat fulle we wolld reporte, 430
And reuyue the lawde of them that were
Founders of our_e_ langage, thilke fadyrs dere,
Who-is soulis god [aboue] in b[l]esse inhaunce
That lusten so our_e_ langage to Avaunce. 434

[Sidenote: _Hill's Text._]

¶ And unto my age bot good morowe
I am not able clerly for to gleyne,
Nature ys fayn_e_ of crafte her eyen to borow; 416
Me lakketh clernes of myn_e_ eyen twayn_e_;
Begge I may / gleyn_e_ I may not c_er_teyn_e_;
_ther_fore _tha_t werke I will[e] playnly remytte
To folk_is_ yong, more passyng clere of wyte. 420

¶ Seche ye _ther_fore, & in caas ye fynde
suche glenars fresshe as haue su_m_ apparens
Off fayer la_n_gage, yet take the_m_, & vnbynde,
& preve ye what _the_i be i_n_ existence 424
Colovred i_n_ langage, saverly i_n_ sentence,
& dowte not, my child, w_i_t_h_-owt drede
yt will[e] p_ro_fet to se such thy_n_g_is_, & rede. 427

¶ Ye, efte-soones, my child, let vs resorte
To _th_e yntent of yo_u_r fyrst matere
Degressed somwhat, for we wolde reporte
& revyue _th_e lawde of the_m_ _tha_t were
famovs i_n_ owr_e_ langage, thise faders dere 432
who_s_[1] sowles i_n_ blis, god et_er_nall[e] avaunce,
[Sidenote 1: The _s_ is by a later hand.]
_th_at lysten sone owr_e_ langage to enhavnce!

CAXTON'S TEXT.

[60]

And vnto me / age hath bode good morowe I am not able clenly / for to gleyne [Sidenote: I cannot glean,] Nature is fay[=n] of craft / her eyen to borowe 416 Me lacketh clerenes / of myn eyen tweyne Begge I maye / gleyne I can not certeyne [Sidenote: I can only beg:] Therfore Þ^t werck / I wil playnly remytte To folkis yong / more passyng clere of witte 420 [Sidenote: gleaning I give up to younger folks.]

[61]

Seche ye therfore / and in caas ye fynde [Sidenote: If you find such gleaners,] Such gleynors fressh as haue so[=m] appare_n_ce Of fayr langage / yet take hem & unbynde 423 [Sidenote: unbind their sheaves:] And preue ye / what they be in existence Colourd in langage / sauerly in sentence [Sidenote: their fair speech] And doubte not my childe / withoute drede It wil prouffite to see suche thingis & red[e][1] 427 [Sidenote: will profit you.]

[Footnote 1: A hole in the paper.]

[62]

[Sidenote: Leaf 11 a.]

Yet eft sones my child_e_ / lete vs resorte [Sidenote: But let us return to our first subject.] To thentente of yur first matere Degressed somwhat / for we wold reporte 430 And reuiue the laude of hem that were Famous in our langage / these faders dere Whos sowles in blysse / god et_er_nel aua_u_nce That lysten so our langage to enhaunce 434

* * * * *

THE ORIEL TEXT.

[63]

Than, litle childe, I councelle you that ye
Take hede vnto the norture that men vse,
Newe founden or Auncient whet[h]er hit be, 437
So shall no man your_e_ curteyse refuse;
The guise and custome shall you, my childe, excuse;
Mennys werkys haue often entirchaunge,
That nowe is norture, sumtyme had ben full straunge.

[64]

Thinges whilome vside ben layde aside,
And new fetis dayly ben contryvyde,
Men[nys actes] can in no plight abyde, 444
They ben chaungeable and oft mevide,
Thing some-tyme alowide is nowe reprevide,
And aftir this shall thingis vppe aryse,
That men sette nowe but [at] litle a prise. 448

[65]

Thus mene I, my childe, that ye shull vse and haunte
The guise of them that don most man_er_ly,
But be ware of vnthrefte ruskyn galaunte, 451
Counterfetour_e_ vncunnyng of curtesie,
His tecches ben infecte wyth vilonye,
Vngerde, vnblesside, seruyng at the table,
Me semeth hym s_er_u_a_unt full pendable. 455

[Sidenote: _Hill's Text_.]

[Sidenote: ffl C lxiiij back.]

¶ Then litill[e] Ioh[=n], I co_n_sayle you _tha_t ye
Take hede to _th_e nortvres _tha_t me_n_ vse, 436
newe fownd or avncyent, whe_ther_ yt be;
So shall[e] no ma_n_ yo_u_r curtesye refuse;
_the_ gyse & custu_m_, my child, shall[e] you excuse.
Menys werkes haue oftyn enterchavnce; 440
_tha_t now ys norture, so_m_tyme hath be stravnge;

¶ Thyng_is_ whylom vsed be now layd a-syde,
& newe fetes dayly be co_n_tryved:
Menys actes ca_n_ in no plyte abyde, 444
They be chavngable & ofte meved;
thynges su_m_tym_e_ alowed be now rep_re_ved;
& after this shall thynges vp a-ryse
that me_n_ sett now but at lytill[e] pryse: 448

¶ This mene I, my child, _tha_t ye shall[e] havnte
_th_e gyse of the_m_ _tha_t do most manerly;
but be ware of onthryft[1] ruskyn gallavnte,
[Sidenote 1: A later hand has added _y_.]
Co_n_terfetter[2] of vnco_n_nyng curtessy, 452
[Sidenote 2: The _r_ is by a later hand.]
hys taches ben enfecte w_i_t_h_ vylonye;
Vngerte / vnblessed / s_er_vyng at table,
Me semeth hy_m_ a s_er_vavnte no thyng able;

CAXTON'S TEXT.

[63]

Then_n_e lityl Io[=h]n / I counceyl you that ye [Sidenote: Little Jack,] Take hede to the norture / that men vse [Sidenote: take heed to the manners of your time,] Newe founde / or auncyent whether it be 437 So shal no man / your curtoisye refuse The guyse & custom / my child shal you excuse Me_n_ys werkis / haue often entercha[=n]ge [Sidenote: for customs change,] That nowe is norture / so_m_tyme had be stra[=n]ge 441

[64]

Thingis whilom vsed / ben now leyd a syde And newe feetis / dayly ben contreuid_e_ [Sidenote: new ways are invented every day,] Mennys actes / can in no plyte abyde 444 They be changeable and_e_ ofte meuid_e_ Thingis somtyme alowed / is now repreuid And after this / shal thinges vp aryse [Sidenote: and will be hereafter.] That men set now / but at lytyl pryse 448

[65]

[Sidenote: Leaf 11 b.]

This mene I my childe / þ^t ye shal haunte The guyse of them / that do most manerly But beware of vnthryft Ruskyn gala[=n]te 451 [Sidenote: Imitate the well-mannered, and beware of ruskyn gallants] Counterfeter of vnconnyng curtoisye His tacchis ben enfecte with vilonye [Sidenote: of bad habits,] Vngyrte. vnblyssed. seruyng atte table [Sidenote: serving ungirt,] Me semeth hym a serua[=n]t nothing able 455

* * * * *

THE ORIEL TEXT.

[66]

Wynter ne somer to his souerayne
Chappron hardy no bonet lust avale,
For euery worde yeuyng his maister tweyne, 458
Vaunparlere in euery mannes tale,
Absolon wyth the disculede heres smalle;
Lyke to A presener of seint Malouse,
A sonny bush myght cause hym to goo louse. 462

[67]

O I passe norture! fy! fy! for schame!
I shuld haue seide he myght go hauke and hunt,
For that schuld be A gentilmannys game, 465
To suche disportis thes gentis folkys be wounte;
I seide to ferre, my langage was to blounte,
But of this galaunte, loo! loke a while & fele,
He feccheth his compace whan he shall bowe or knele,

[68]

Braced so straytly th[at h]e[1] may not plie,
[Sidenote 1: MS. the.]
But gaderith hit in by man_er_ of wyndlese,
And 3*if he wrenche aside or lytil wrye, 472
His gere stonte all in pertous[2] case,
[Sidenote 2: _Read_ perlous?]
The scho, the hose, the point, doublet, and lace;
And if ought breke, som_m_e thing_es_[3] that ben badde
[Sidenote 3: _Read_ toung_es_.]
Shall sey anon, 'a knaue hath broke a ladde.' 476

[Sidenote: _ Hill's Text._]

¶ Wynter & somer to his soverayn_e_
Capron hardy, no bonet lyst to avayle, 457
For eu_er_y worde geveyng his mayst_er_ twayn_e_,
avavntp_ar_ler In eu_er_y manys tale,
Absolon w_i_t_h_ disheveld heres smale, 460
lyke to a prysoner of saynt malowes,
A sonny busshe able to the galowes.

¶ O! I passe nortvre! fy, fy, for sham!
I myght haue said he shuld go havke & honte, 464
ffor _tha_t shuld be a gentylman[i]s game,
To suche dysport_is_ gentill[e] folk_is_ be wonte;
I sayd to ferre, my langage was but blonte;
but yet, sir gallavnt, wha_n_ ye shall[e] bowe or knele 468
he got[=h] by co_m_passe rovnd as doth a whele.

¶ Brased so streyte þat he may not plye,
but gaderyth yt by maner_e_ of a wyndlas;
& he awght wrench a-side, or a litill[e] wrye, 472
hys gere stondyt[=h] the_m_ i_n_ full[e] p_ar_lovs caas,
hys sho / his hose / doblet, poynt & laas;
& yff owght breke, su_m_ tonges _tha_t be bade
will[e] moke & say, "A knave hath broke a lade." 476

CAXTON'S TEXT.

[66]

Wynter and somer to his souereyne Capron hardy / no bonet lyste to auale [Sidenote: not doffing his cap to his master,] For euery word / gyui_n_g his maister tweyne 458 Auauntparler / in euery mannys tale [Sidenote: forward in speech,] Absolon with disheueld heeris smale [Sidenote: rough-haired,] Lyke to a prysoner of seynt malowis [Sidenote: and lousy-headed,] A sonny busshe / able to go to the galowis 462

[67]

O I passe norture fy fy for shame [Sidenote: (though it's hardly good manners to say so.)] I myght haue said he shold go hauke & honte For that shold be a gentilmans game 465 To such disportes / gentil folkes be wonte I sayd to ferre / my langage was to blonte But yet sir gala_n_te wha_n_ ye shal bowe or knele [Sidenote: When he tries to kneel, he works round like a wheel,] He goth by compace round as doth a whele 469

[68]

[Sidenote: Leaf 12 a.]

Braced so strayt / that he may not plye [Sidenote: being braced so tight that he can't bend.] But gaderith it / by maner of a wyndelas And he ought wrenche a syde / or a litil wrie 472 [Sidenote: If he twists, a lace is like to crack.] His geer stondeth then_n_e / in ful parlo_us_ caas His sho / his hose / doblet / point & laas And yf ought breke / som_m_e tu_n_ges þ^t be bad_e_ Wil mocke & saie / a knaue hath broke a lad 476

* * * * *

THE ORIEL TEXT.

[69]

Lat galaunte go, I mene, recheles ruskyn;
Take hede, my childe, to suche as ben cu_n_nyng,
So shall ye wyrship best conquere and wynne, 479
Enforsith you in all your_e_ demenyng
To sewe vertu, and[1] from foly declynyng;
[Sidenote 1: _Omit_ and]
And, my childe, that ye loue of honeste.
Which is accordyng wyth humanyte. 483

[70]

That is, to you to vndirstond And knowe,
That your_e_ aray be manerly and resonable,
Not appeissh knawen[1] and to mowe, 486
[Sidenote 1: _Sic._]
I[n] nyse aray that is not couenable,
Fetis founde be folkys vnp_ro_fitable,
That maketh this world_e_ so pleynly t_ra_nsformate,
That men semen almost effeminate. 490

[71]

Pley not Iakke mAlaperte, that is to sey,
Be ware of p_re_sumpc_i_oun, be ware of pride,
Take not the fyrst place, my childe, be no way, 493
Till odir be sette manerly abyde,
Presomcion is often sette asyde,
And Avalith f[r]om his highe[1] de-gre,
[Sidenote 1: MS. hight.]
And he sette vppe that hath humanite. 497

[Sidenote: _Hill's Text._]

¶ Lete gallant go! I mene, recheles ruskyn:
Take hede my child to suche as be co_n_nyng,
so shall[e] ye best worship co_n_qvere & wynne;
Enforce you i_n_ all[e] yo_u_r demenyng 480
To folowe vertu, & fro foly declynnyng;
& weyte well[e] _tha_t ye love honeste
which ys accordyng vnto humanyte.

[Sidenote: Ihu 1503 per Richard Hill: ffl C lxv]

¶ That ys for you to vnd_er_stond & knowe,
_th_at yo_u_r araye be manerly resonable, 485
Not apysshe ynto moke ne to mowe;
To nyce araye _tha_t ys not co_m_mendable,
ffetys, newe fonden by foolis vnp_ro_fytable, 488
_th_at make _th_e worlde so playnly transformate
_th_at me_n_ seme_n_ Almost enfemynate.

¶ Playe not Iacke maleperte, _tha_t ys to say,
be ware of presumpc_i_on, be ware of pryde; 492
take not _th_e first place, my child, by _th_e waye;
till[e] oder be sette, ryght manerly a-byde,
presumtvous be ofte sette a-syde
& all[e] day avaled, as me_n_ may see, 496
& he ys sette vp _th_at hat[=h] humylyte.

CAXTON'S TEXT.

[69]

Lete galante go / I mene recheles rusky[=n] [Sidenote: Let Reckless Ruskyn go!] Take hede my chyld to suche as be connyng [Sidenote: You follow skilful men,] So shal ye best worship conquere & wynne 479 Enforce you in al your demenyng_e_ To folowe vertu / & fro folye declynyng_e_ [Sidenote: virtue and] And waite wel that ye loue honeste [Sidenote: honesty.] Whiche is acordynge[1] vnto humanyte 483

[Footnote 1: _Orig._ accrdynge.]

[70]

[Sidenote: Leaf 12 b.]

That is for you / to vnderstonde & knowe That your araye / be manerly resonable [Sidenote: Don't dress] Not apysshe / on to mocken ne to mowe 486 [Sidenote: apishly] To nyce araye / that is not commendable [Sidenote: or foppishly.] Fetis newe founden[1] by foolis vnp_ro_uffitable That make þ^e world so plainly transformate That men semen almoste enfemynate 490

[Footnote 1: _Orig._ fonuden.]

[71]

Playe not Iack malapert / that is to saye [Sidenote: Don't play Jack Malapert, that is,] Beware of presump_ci_on / beware of pryde[1] [Sidenote: don't be presumptuous.] Take not þ^e first place my child by the waye 493 Tyl other be sette / right manerly abyde [Sidenote: Wait till others are seated.] Presumptuo_us_ ben often set a syde. And_e_ alleday aualyd_e_ / as men may see And he is sette vp / that hath humylyte 497

[Footnote 1: _Orig._ pryte.]

* * * * *

THE ORIEL TEXT.

[72]

To[1] cu_n_nyng p_er_sones regarde ye take,
[Sidenote 1: MS. The.]
Where ye be sette in right atentif wyse,
Connyng folke cu_n_nyng folke shulde make, 500
To theire goodnesse ye shalle make your_e_ su_m_mise,
And as thei do, ye mosten deuyse;
For this, my childe, is as the gospell treue,
Whoo wolle be cu_n_nyng muste the cu_n_nyng sewe.

[73]

And o thing I charge you speciall[ie],
To womanhode good kepe you take alway,
And them to serue loke that ye haue an eie, 507
Ther comau_n_dementis, my child_e_, loke ye obey,
Plesaunt wordis to them I warne you saye,
And in all wyse do your_e_ dilligence,
To do them plesur_e_, honoure, and reuerence. 511

[74]

As at this tyme this tretice shall suffice,
Disposeth you to kepe in your_e_ mynde
The doctrines whiche for you I deuyse, 514
And douteth not, fulle welle ye shall hit fynde;
To youre honoure enrolle hit vp and bynde
Ryght in your_e_ brest, and in your_e_ ryper age
I shall wryten you here-of the surplusage. 518

[Sidenote: _Hill's Text._]

¶ To co_n_nyng p_er_sones regarde ye take,
wher ye be sette, right i_n_ ententyf wyse;
Co_n_nyng folke co_n_nyng me_n_ shall[e] make; 500
to _ther_ co_n_nyng ye shall[e] make yo_u_r surmyse,
& as _the_i do, ye must yo_u_r selfe devyse;
ffor this, my child, ys as _th_e gospell[e] trewe,
'who will[e] be co_n_nyng, he must co_n_nyng sewe.' 504

¶ And on thyng I warne you specyally:
to woma_n_hede take awe alway,
& the_m_ to s_er_ve loke ye haue an eye,
& _ther_ co_m_avndment_is_ _tha_t ye obeye; 508
Plesaunt word_is_ I avyse you to the_m_ saye,
& in all[e] wyse do ye yo_u_r delygence
To do the_m_ plesyre and reverence. 511

¶ And at this tyme _th_is treatise shall[e] suffice;
Do pose you to kepe it in yo_u_r mynde,
_th_e doctryne which for you I devyse;
& dowteth not, full[e] well[e] ye shall[e] yt fynde
To yo_u_r honowr_e_; enrolle yt vp & bynde 516
Rig[=h]t i_n_ yo_u_r brest, & at yo_u_r ryper age
I shall[e] write you here-of the surplusage.

CAXTON'S TEXT.

[72]

To connynd_e_ perso[=n]s regarde ye take [Sidenote: Watch knowing folk, and] Where ye be sette / right in ententyf wyse Connyng folk / connyng men shal make 500 To their co_n_nyng ye shal make your surmise [Sidenote: their skill.] And as they do / ye muste your self deuyse For this my child_e_ / is as the gospel trewe Who wil be co_n_nyng / he must þ^e co_n_nyng sewe 504

[73]

And one thing / I warne you specyally To womanhede / take awe alweye [Sidenote: Specially attend to women, and] And them to serue / loke ye haue an eye 507 And theire com_m_andementis that ye obeye Plesant wordes I auyse you to them seye [Sidenote: speak pleasant words to them.] And in alle wyse / do ye your diligence To do them plesure / and reuerence 511

[74]

And at this tyme this tretye shal suffise [Sidenote: This is enough for the present.] Dispose you / to kepe it in your mynde [Sidenote: Mind you attend to it,] The doctrine whiche for you I deuyse 514 And doubteth not / ful wel ye shal it finde To your honour / enrolle it vp and bynde Right in your breste / and at your riper age I shal wryte to you / herof the surplusage 518 [Sidenote: and when you're older I'll write you the rest.]

* * * * *

THE ORIEL TEXT.

[75]

Goo, litle childe, and who doth you Appose,
Seying, your_e_ quaire kepeth non accordaunce,
Tell [hym], as yite neyther of ryme ne prose 521
Ye be experte; pray hym of sufferaunce;
Childer must be of childly gouernaunce,
And they must also entredet[1] be
[Sidenote 1: _Read_ entreted]
Wyth esy thyng, [and not] of subtilte. 525

[76]

Your_e_ lytil quaier su_m_mitteth euery where
To corecc_i_on and beneuolence,
But where enuie is, loke hit come not there, 528
For eny thing kepith your_e_ trety thense;
Enuie is full of frowarde reprehense,
And howe to hurte liethe eu_er_e in awayte,
Kepeth your_e_ quaier_e_, that hit be not her baite.

EXPLICIT.

DOMINE, SALUU_M_ FAC REGEM.

[Sidenote: _Hill's Text._]

¶ Go, litill[e] Ioh[=n], & who doth you oppose,
sayenge yo_u_r quayre, kepeth no_n_ accordavnce; 520
Tell[e] hy_m_ as 3*et neyther_e_ i_n_ ryme ne p_r_ose
ye ben exp_er_te; p_ra_y hy_m_ of suffraunce.
Chyldren[1] muste be of childy gou_er_navnce,
[Sidenote 1: MS. Clyldren.]
& also _the_i muste entreted be 524
W_i_t_h_ easy thynge, & not w_i_t_h_ subtilte.

¶ Go, lytill[e] quayer, submyte you eu_er_y where
vnder correcc_i_on of benevolence;
& wher envy ys, loke you cu_m_ not ther_e_, 528
ffor any thyng kepe yo_u_r treatye thens;
Envye ys full of froward reprehens,
& how to hurte lyeth ever i_n_ a-wayte;
kepe yo_u_r quayre _th_at yt be not ther bayte. 532

Here endyth A lytyll[e] treatyse
called _th_e boke of curtesy or litill[e] Ioh_a_n.

CAXTON'S TEXT.

[75]

Go lytyl Io[=h]n / and who doth you appose [Sidenote: Whoever questions you,] Sayng your quayer / kepe non accordance Telle hym as yet / neyther in ryme ne prose 521 Ye ben expert / praye hym of suffra[=n]ce [Sidenote: say you are not yet up in rime or prose.] Chyldren muste be / of chyldly gouerna[=n]ce And also they muste entretyd_e_ be With esy thing / and not with subtylte 525

[76]

Go lytil quayer / submytte you euery where Vnder correct_i_on of benyuolence [Sidenote: Little book, I submit you to correction:] And where enuye is / loke ye come not there 528 [Sidenote: but go not where envy is.] For ony thing_e_ / kepe your tretye thens Enuye is ful of froward reprehens And how to hurte / lyeth euer in a wayte Kepe your quayer / that it be not ther bayte 532

Explicit the book of curtesye.

INDEX.

H. stands for Hill's MS. at the bottom of the pages, O. for the Oriel MS. on the even pages. Cot. is for Cotgrave's Dictionary.

Absolom with dissheveled hair, l. 460.

Amyse, l. 376, amice. Fr. _amict_, an Amict or Amice, part of a massing priest's habit. Cot. From L. _amicire_, to throw round; _am_ and _jacere_. Mahn.

Annoy no man, l. 170.

Apayer, l. 399 H., appeyre, O., worsen, impair.

Apish, don't let your dress be, l. 486.

Appose, l. 519, question. _See_ Oppose.

Avale, l. 457, lower, take off.

Ave Maria, say, l. 27, 77.

Avoyde, l. 271, emptying.

Austin, St, tells men how to behave at table, l. 158.

Author is old, l. 414-18.

Authors, the right ones to read, l. 323, 335, 351, 365, 393.

Bearing, men praised or blamed for their, l. 153.

Belch not, l. 202.

Beware of ruskyn, l. 451.

Birds and beasts, don't throw stones at, l. 64.

Blow not in your drink, l. 190.

Brecheles, l. 300, without breeches, of flogging.

Breth, l. 203, wind.

Capron, H., chappron, O., l. 457. O. Fr. _Chaperon_, "habillement de tête." Roquefort. Provençal, _capayron,_ from Lat. _caput_. Skeat. _Chaperon_ ... any hood, bonnet ... _Vn Chaperon fait à i'en veux_, A notable whipster or twigger; a good one I warrant her. Cotgrave. 'Capron hardy' must then be 'a bold or saucy young scamp.'

Cantelmele, l. 409, piecemeal: _cantel_, a corner, bit.

CHAUCER, read his works full of pleasance, l. 335-350.

Chere, l. 131, face, expression on it.

Childly, _adj._ l. 523, O., childy, H., fitted for children.

Children are like wax, l. 6.

Church, how to behave at, l. 71-98.

Clappe, l. 80, noise.

Claw not your visage, l. 194.

Comb your head, l. 36.

Communicative, be, l. 316.

Compace, l. 469. Fr. _compas_, a compasse, a circle, a round.

Constaunce, l. 102. Fr. _constance_, stabilitie, firmenesse. Cot.

Couenable, l. 487. Fr. _convenable_, apt, fit, meet for, beseeming, seemlie, &c. Cot.

Crede, say it, l. 77.

Cross yourself on rising, l. 25.

Cumpenable, l. 151. Fr. _compagnable_, companable, friendlie, sociable.

Cunning, (knowing) men, take heed to them, l. 478, l. 498-504.

Cup, soil not yours, l. 186.

Dancing, right for a child, l. 305.

Deprave, l. 157, backbite, run down. Fr. _despraver_, spoyle, marre, make crooked, wrest, wry to bad purposes. Cot.

Detraction, the vice of, l. 163.

Disauayle, l. 290, harm, damage.

Discreue, l. 392, describe.

Disculede, l. 460, O., dissheveled.

Disteyne, l. 407, stain, spot.

Dogs, don't irritate them, l. 67.

Dress, to be manerly, l. 47, 52; to be reasonable, l. 485.

Ears, clean yours, l. 37.

Entredet, l. 524, O., entretyde, H., taught.

Envy, keep clear of, l. 528.

Estate, l. 122, lord noble.

Exercyse, excersyf, l. 318, _?_ practised, able to handle a subject. Fr. _exercer_, to handle, manage. Cot.

Eye, cast not yours aside, l. 101.

Face, have no spots on it, l. 38.

Farsyone, l. 186, H., stuffing: _farse_ (or _ferce_, 1. 191), to stuff; _farsure_, stuffing. Cp. Chaucer's _ferthyng_, of the Prioress, _Prol. Cant. T._, and the Oriel text.

Fetis, l. 443, O., fashions. Fr. _faict_, feat, pranke, part. Cot.

Fewe, l. 171, little, few words.

First place, don't take it, l. 493.

Follow virtue, l. 481.

Founders of our language; revive their praise, l. 431.

Fulsom, l. 257, _?_ full, satisfied; or helpful, A.S. _fylst_, help, assistance.

Fulsomnes, l. 401, fulness, plenty. 'Fulnesse or plente (fulsu_m_nesse, K.H.P.) _Habundancia, copia_.' Promptorium.

Games, play only at proper ones, l. 296.

Girdle, don't loose yours at table, l. 197.

Glaynes, l. 412, O., gleynes, l. 422, O., gleanings. Fr. _glane_, a gleaning; also the corne thats gleaned or left for the gleaner. Cot.

Gluttonous, don't be, l. 180.

Good cheer, make it serve for a scanty table, l. 253-5.

GOWER'S moral writings, read them, l. 323; and his _Confessio Amantis_, l. 325.

Halke, l. 124, generally means corner; A.S. _heal_, an angle, a corner; but another _heal_ is a hall, place of entertainment, inn, which may be the meaning here.

Hands, wash yours, l. 43; wash 'em clean at table, l. 262-5.

Hanging, the servant that deserves it, st. 65, O.

Harping recommended, l. 304.

Head, don't scratch it at table, l. 194.

Holy water, l. 72.

Humanite, l. 497, Fr. _humanité_, courtesie, ciuilitie, gentlenesse. Cot.

Inhaunce, l. 433, put forward, up. Lat. _in antea_, Prov. _enansar_, to advance, exalt. Wedgwood.

Interrupt no man's talk, l. 275, 283.

Is, l. 386, O., his.

Iubiter, l. 371, 378, God.

Jangelynge, l. 80, chattering.

Kery, l. 369, [Greek: kyrie], Lord, [have mercy upon us!]

Knife, don't put it near your face, l. 192.

Ladde, l. 476, O., lade, H., a thong of leather, a shoe-latchet. Halliwell.

Language, silver, is to be learnt only from our old poets, st. 58, l. 400-6.

Lewed (ignorant), he must be who will not learn, l. 21.

Lips, wipe yours before drinking, l. 186, 189.

Look men, you speak to, in the face, l. 99.

Louse, l. 462, catching lice.

Luting recommended, l. 302.

LYDGATE, Jo[=h]n, my master, l. 365; read his volumes large and wide, l. 379.

Malapert, Jack, don't play, l. 491. Fr. _Müiere_, malapert, outrageous, ever doing one mischiefe or other. _Marmiton_, a saucie, malapert, or knauish fellow. Cot.

Malouse, l. 461, Malo's.

Manner & measure should guide you, l. 125.

Manners make man, l. 238.

Mass, help the priest at, l. 85.

Matins, our Lady's, l. 32.

Mouth, eat with it shut, l. 241.

Multiply talking, don't, l. 320.

Nails, clean yours, l. 44; don't pare them at table, l. 247.

Norture, l. 436, deportment, manners.

Nose, clean it, l. 39; don't pick it, l. 41.

OCKLYF; read his translation of _De Regimine Principum_, l. 351-64.

Oppose, l. 518, 'I oppose one, I make a tryall of his lernyng, or I laye a thyng to his charge, _ie appose_.' Palsgrave. See Towneley Mysteries, pp. 193-95. Way, in Promptorium.

We may bi oure law examyne hym fyrst.... ... let me _oppose_
hym ...

_T. Myst_, p. 195.

Outrage, l. 278, outrageous, beyond bounds, too talkative. _See_ Malapert.

Owers, l. 34, see _pryme_.

Pater noster, say yours, l. 26, 77.

Pendable, l. 455, O., Fr. _pendable_, hangable, that deserves hanging, thats fit to be hanged. Cot.

Poor table, men to be cheerful at, l. 253.

Presumption, beware of, l. 492.

Pride, beware of, l. 492.

Print your words in your mind before you speak them, l. 282.

Pryme & owers, l. 34. 'The _prime_ and other _hours_ are the services _Ad primam horam_, _Ad tertiam_, _Ad sextam_, and _Ad nonam_, found in the Primer, or layman's prayer-book. They are sometimes called the middle hours, as distinguished from Matins and Vespers.' H. Bradshaw.

Quaire, l. 520, 526, 532, quire, pamphlet, treatise.

Ravenous, don't be, l. 176.

Read eloquent books, l. 310.

Rehersaylle, l. 288, rehearsal, repetition.

Repeat conversations, don't, l. 288.

Report (tale-telling) is the chief nurse of mischief, l. 135.

Reward, l. 127, look at, watch.

Rising, what to do on, l. 23.

Secret, keep what you hear, l. 134.

Sewe, l. 481, follow, pursue.

Silence, keep, l. 140; in hall, l. 204.

Siluerous, l. 403, O., silvern.

Singing lustily is good for a child, l. 304.

Speak fair to folks, l. 60.

Speaking, the conditions to be observed in, l. 143.

Spoon, don't put it in your dish or on the table, l. 267.

Surplusage, l. 518, rest, remainder.

Syttyng, l. 302, fit, suitable. 'Syttyng or convenyent--m. _asseant ... aduenant_.' Palsgrave.

Table, how to wait at, l. 113.

Tacches, l. 176, tache, l. 198; Fr. _tache_, a spot, staine, blemish. Cot.

Taches, H., teches, O., l. 453, manners.

Teeth, don't pick 'em with your knife, l. 248.