# List of subjects and tales in Confessio Amantis

This index is based on Macaulay’s marginal notations, which are a running analysis of the contents of the Confessio Amantis, a 33,000-line Middle English poem by John Gower. These have been used for subdivisions of the work in order to break it into smaller, more usable units and to serve as a very rough index of contents.
Some changes from the Harvard version have been made for Wikipedia purposes.
* links to the Wikipedia version of Gower's stories have been added.
* spelling of names follows Gower rather than modern usage. (This facilitates searching within CA.)

## Prologue

* Design of the Book; Dedication Pro.1-92
* Temporal Rulers Pro.93-192
* The Church Pro.193-498
* The Commons; Man the cause of Evil Pro.499-584
* Nebuchadnezzar's Dream; The Empires of the World; The latest Time Pro.585-848
* Division the Cause of Evil Pro.848-1088

## Book I

* Love rules the world; example of the author Bk1.1-92
* Author's woful Case; His Complaint to Cupid and Venus; The Fiery Dart; Venus Queen of Love; Genius, the priest of Love Bk1.93-202
* The Lover's Shrift Bk1.203-288
* The Five Senses; Seeing Bk1.289-332
* Tale of Acteon Bk1.333-388.
* The Tale of Medusa Bk1.389-435
* Hearing; Prudence of the Serpent Bk1.436-480
* Tale of the Sirens Bk1.481-529
* The Sins of the Eye and Ear Bk1.530-574
* The Seven deadly Sins; Pride; Five Ministers of Pride; i. Hypocrisy; Hypocrisy of Lovers Bk1.575-760
* Tale of Mundus and Paulina Bk1.761-1076
* The Trojan horse Bk1.1077-1189
* Hypocrisy in Love Bk1.1190-1234
* Inobedience Bk1.1235-1342
* Murmur and Complaint Bk1.1343-1406
* Tale of Florent Bk1.1407-1882
* Surquidry or Presumption Bk1.1883-1976
* Tale of Capaneus Bk1.1977-2020
* The Trump of Death Bk1.2021-2274
* Tale of Narcissus Bk1.2275-2358
* Presumption of Lovers Bk1.2359-2398
* Avantance or Boasting Bk1.2399-2458
* Tale of Albinus and Rosemund Bk1.2459-2680
* Vain-glory Bk1.2681-2717
* The Lover's Confession Bk1.2718-2784
* Nabugodonosor’s Punishment Bk1.2785-3042
* Humility Bk1.3043-3066
* Tale of the Three Questions Bk1.3067-3402
* Humility Bk1.3403-3446

## Book II

* Envy; Sorrow for another man's Joy Bk2.1-96
* Tale of Acis and Galatea Bk2.97-220
* Joy for another man's Grief Bk2.221-290
* The Travellers and the Angel (Greed and Jealousy) Bk2.291-382
* Detraction; Detraction of Lovers Bk2.383-586
* Tale of Constance Bk2.587-1612
* Demetrius and Perseus Bk2.1613-1878
* False-Semblant Bk2.1879-2144
* Deianire and Nessus Bk2.2145-2326
* Supplantation Bk2.2327-2458
* Geta and Amphitrion Bk2.2459-2500
* Tale of the False Bachelor Bk2.2501-2802
* Pope Boniface Bk2.2803-3049
* Joab and Ahitophel Bk2.3085-3094
* Nature of Envy Bk2.3095-3161
* Charity and Pity Bk2.3162-3186
* The Tale of Constantine and Sylvester Bk2.3187-3530

## Book III

* Ire or Wrath; Melancholy Bk3.1-142
* Tale of Canace and Machaire Bk3.143-360
* Tiresias and the Snakes Bk3.361-394
* Melancholy Bk3.395-416
* Cheste Bk3.417-638
* Patience of Socrates Bk3.639-730
* Jupiter, Juno, and Tiresias Bk3.731-767
* Cheste Bk3.768-782
* Phebus and Cornide Bk3.783-817
* Jupiter and Laar Bk3.818-842
* Hate Bk3.843-972
* King Namplus and the Greeks Bk3.973-1088
* Contek and Homicide; Contek within the Heart Bk3.1089-1200
* Tale of Diogenes and Alexander; Bk3.1201-1311
* Contek Bk3.1312-1330
* Pyramus and Thisbe Bk3.1331-1494
* The Lover's Confession; Danger; More haste worse than speed Bk3.1495-1684
* Tale of Phebus and Daphne Bk3.1685-1728
* Fool-haste Bk3.1729-1756
* Athemas and Demephon Bk3.1757-1884
* Tale of Orestes Bk3.1885-2200
* Lawful Homicide Bk3.2201-2250
* Evil of War Bk3.2251-2362
* Alexander and the Pirate Bk3.2363-2438
* Wars and Death of Alexander Bk3.2439-2484
* Are Crusades Lawful? Guilt of Homicide; Bk3.2485-2558
* Peleus Bk3.2547-2557
* A Strange Bird; Mercy Bk3.2559-2638
* Tale of Telaphus and Teucer Bk3.2639-2774

## Book IV

* Sloth; Lachesse Bk4.1-76
* Eneas and Dido Bk4.77-146
* Ulixes and Penolope Bk4.147-233
* Grossteste Bk4.234-243
* The Foolish Virgins Bk4.254-260
* Lachesse Bk4.261-312
* Pusillanimity Bk4.313-370
* Pymaleon and the Statue Bk4.371-450
* Tale of Iphis Bk4.451-538
* Forgetfulness Bk4.539-730
* Demephon and Phillis Bk4.731-886
* Negligence Bk4.887-978
* Tale of Phebus Bk4.979-1034
* Tale of Icarus Bk4.1035-1082
* Idleness Bk4.1083-1244
* Tale of Rosiphelee Bk4.1245-1446
* Idleness in Love Bk4.1447-1504
* Tale of Jephtha's Daughter Bk4.1505-1614
* Lovers must approve themselves in arms Bk4.1615-1687
* Arguments to the Contrary Bk4.1688-1770
* The Confessor replies Bk4.1771-1814
* Tale of Nauplus and Ulysses Bk4.1815-1900
* Examples of Prowess; Protheselai Bk4.1901-1934
* Saul Bk4.1935-1962
* Education of Achilles Bk4.1963-2023
* Prowess Bk4.2024-2044
* Tale of Hercules and Achelons Bk4.2045-2134
* Penthesilea Bk4.2135-2164
* Philemenis; Eneas Bk4.2147-2199
* Gentilesse Bk4.2200-2291
* Effects of Love; Love contrary to Sloth Bk4.2292-2362
* Uses of labour; discoverers and inventors Bk4.2363-2456
* Alchemy Bk4.2457-2530
* The Three Stones of the Philosophers Bk4.2457-2603
* The First Alchemists Bk4.2602-2632
* Letters and Language Bk4.2633-2700
* Somnolence Bk4.2701-2759
* The Lover's Wakefulness Bk4.2760-2890
* Dreams Bk4.2891-2926
* Tale of Ceix and Alceone Bk4.2927-3123
* Sleeping and Waking Bk4.3124-3186
* The Prayer of Cephalus Bk4.3187-3316
* Argus and Mercury Bk4.3317-3388
* Tristesse or Despondency Bk4.3389-3514
* Tale of Iphis and Araxarathen Bk4.3515-3712

## Book V

* Avarice Bk5.1-140
* Tale of Midas Bk5.141-362
* The Punishment of Tantalus Bk5.363-397
* Avarice Bk5.402-428
* Jealousy of Lovers Bk5.398-634
* Tale of Vulcan and Venus Bk5.635-746
* Belief of the Chaldeans Bk5.746-783
* Belief of the Egyptians Orus, Typhon and Isirus Bk5.784-834
* Belief of the Greeks Bk5.835-1496
* Birth of Venus Bk5.843-859
* Conception of Romus and Remus Bk5.883-914
* Apollo Bk5.915-936
* Mercury Bk5.916-952
* Vulcanus Bk5.953-966
* Eolus Bk5.967-980
* Neptune Bk5.981-1004
* Pan Bk5.1005-1042
* Bachus Bk5.1043-1058
* Esculapius Bk5.1059-1082
* Hercules Bk5.1083-1102
* Pluto Bk5.1083-1132
* Sibeles Bk5.1133-1152
* Juno Bk5.1155-1188
* Minerve Bk5.1189-1219
* Cereres Bk5.1221-1244
* Diana Bk5.1245-1276
* Proserpina Bk5.1277-1302
* Nereïdes Bk5.1336-47
* Origin of Idol Worship Bk5.1497-1590
* Belief of the Jews Bk5.1591-1736
* The Christian Faith Bk5.1737-1970
* Coveitise Bk5.1971-2020
* Tale of Virgil's Mirror Bk5.2031-2224
* Coveitise Bk5.2225-2272
* Tale of the Two Coffers Bk5.2273-2390
* Tale of the Beggars and the Pasties Bk5.2391-2441
* Coveitise of Lovers Bk5.2442-2642
* Tale of the King and his Steward's Wife Bk5.2643-2858
* False Witness and Perjury Bk5.2859-2960
* Tale of Achilles and Deidamia Bk5.2961-3218
* Perjury Bk5.3219-3246
* Tale of Jason and Medea Bk5.3247-4242
* Tale of Frixus and Hellen Bk5.4243-4382
* Usury Bk5.4383-4572
* Love Brokerage; Tale of Echo; Bk5.4573-4670
* Parsimony Bk5.4671-4780
* Tale of Babio and Croceus Bk5.4781-4884
* Ingratitude Bk5.4885-4936
* Tale of Adrian and Bardus Bk5.4937-5162
* Ingratitude Bk5.5163-5230
* Tale of Theseus and Ariadne Bk5.5231-5504
* Ravine Bk5.5505-5550
* Tale of Tereus Bk5.5551-6074
* Robbery Bk5.6075-6144
* Neptune and Corone Bk5.6145-6224
* Tale of Calistona Bk5.6225-6358
* Virginity; Chastity of Valentinian Bk5.6359-6492
* Stealth and Michery Bk5.6493-6542
* Stealth of Lovers Bk5.6543-6712
* Tale of Leucothoe Bk5.6713-6896
* Tale of Hercules and Faunus Bk5.6807-6960
* Sacrilege Bk5.6961-7031
* Sacrilege of Lovers Bk5.7032-7194
* Tale of Paris and Helen Bk5.7195-7590
* Sacrilege of Lovers; Divisions of Avarice Bk5.7591-7640
* Prodigality and Largesse Bk5.7641-7760
* Prodigality of Lovers Bk5.7761-7844

## Book VI

* Gluttony; Drunkenness; Bk6.1-75
* Love-Drunkenness Bk6.76-324
* Jupiter's Two Tuns Bk6.325-390
* Prayer; Bacchus in the Desert Bk6.391-466
* Love Drunkenness; Tristram Bk6.467-484
* Marriage of Pirithous Bk6.485-536
* Galbus and Vitellius Bk6.537-616
* Delicacy; Bk6.617-664
* Love-Delicacy; Delicacy Bk6.665-974
* Dives and Lazarus Bk6.975-1150
* Delicacy of Nero Bk6.1151-1227
* Love-Delicacy Bk6.1228-1260
* Sorcery and Witchcraft Bk6.1261-1390
* Tale of Ulysses and Telegonus Bk6.1391-1788
* Tale of Nectanabus Bk6.1789-2366
* Zoroaster; Saul and the Witch; Magic to be Eschewed Bk6.2366-2440

## Book VII

* The Education of Alexander; Three Parts of Philosophy Bk7.1-72
* Theoric (Theology) Bk7.73-134
* Physics Bk7.135-144
* Mathematics Bk7.145-202
* Creation of the Four Elements Bk7.203-392
* The Four Complexions of Man Bk7.393-489
* The Soul of Man Bk7.490-520
* The Division of the Earth Bk7.521-632
* Astronomy Bk7.633-684
* Planets and Signs Bk7.685-720
* The Planets Bk7.721-954
* The Signs Bk7.955-1280
* The Fifteen Stars Bk7.1281-1438
* Aldebaran VII.1310-1318
* Pliades VII.1320-1327
* Algol VII.1328 VII.1328-1336
* Alhaiot VII.1337-1344
* Canis maior VII.1345-1354
* Canis minor VII.1355-1362
* Regulus VII.1363-1370
* Ala Corvi VII.1371-1378
* Alaezel VII.1379-1386
* Almareth VII.1387-1392
* Venenas VII.1393-1400 Benenais
* Alpheta Bk7.1401-1408
* Cor Scorpionis Bk7.1409-16
* Botercadent Bk7.1417-1424
* tail of Scorpio Bk7.1425-32
* Authors of the Science of Astronomy Bk7.1439-1506
* Rhetoric Bk7.1507-1640
* Practicique; Five Points of Policy Bk7.1641-1710
* The First Point of Policy; Truth Bk7.1711-1782
* King, Wine, Woman, and Truth Bk7.1783-1984
* Daires Bk7.1783-1984
* Tale of Alcestis Bk7.1917-1949
* The Second Point of Policy. Liberality Bk7.1985-2060
* Tale of Julius and the Poor Knight Bk7.2014-2057
* Tale of Julius and the Poor Knight$^{:V.xxiv}$ Bk7.2061-2114
* Antigonus and Cinichus Bk7.2115-
* Discretion in Giving$^{:II.xvi.2-xvii.2}$ Bk7.2115-2130
* Prodigality of Kings Bk7.2131-2176
* Flatterers Bk7.2177-2216
* Tale of Diogenes and Aristippus Bk7.2217-2317
* Flattery Bk7.2318-2354
* The Roman Triumph Bk7.2355-2411
* The Emperor and his Masons Bk7.2412-2448
* Caesar's Answer Bk7.2449-2490
* Flatterers of a King Bk7.2491-2526
* Ahab and Micaiah Bk7.2527-2694
* Justice Bk7.2695-2764
* Justice of Maximin Bk7.2765-2782
* Gaius Fabricius Bk7.2783-2832
* The Emperor Conrad Bk7.2833-2844
* The Consul Carmidotirus Bk7.2845-2888
* Example of Cambyses Bk7.2889-2916
* Lycurgus and his Laws Bk7.2917-3028
* The First Lawgivers Bk7.3029-3061
* Kings must keep the Laws Bk7.3062-3102
* The Fourth Point of Policy; Pity Bk7.3103-3162
* Troian Bk7.3142-3162
* The Jew and the Pagan in Stafford MS not in Fairfax
* The Tale of Codrus Bk7.3163-3214
* Pompeie and the King of Armenia Bk7.3215-3248
* Cruelty Bk7.3249-3266
* Cruelty of Justinian and Leontius Bk7.3267-3294
* Cruelty of Siculus Bk7.3295-3340
* Dionysius and his Horses Bk7.3341-3354
* Lichaon Bk7.3355-3386
* Nobleness of the Lion Bk7.3387-3416
* Spertachus and Thamaris Bk7.3417-3513
* Mercy must be without Weakness Bk7.3514-3552
* The Mountain and the Mouse Bk7.3553-3593
* There is a time for War Bk7.3594-3626
* Story of Gideon Bk7.3627-3806
* Saul and Agag Bk7.3807-3845
* David and Joab Bk7.3846-3890
* Solomon's Wisdom Bk7.3891-3944
* The Courtiers and the Fool Bk7.3945-4026
* Folly of Roboas Bk7.4027-4146
* Wisdom in a King's Council Bk7.4147-4166
* Mercy and Justice Bk7.4167-4214
* Anthonius Bk7.4181-4188
* The Fifth Point of Policy. Chastity Bk7.4215-4312
* Evil Example of Sardana Pallus Bk7.4313-4343
* Barbarus Bk7.4331-4344
* David Bk7.4344-4360
* Cyrus and the Lydians Bk7.4361-4405
* The Counsel of Balaam Bk7.4406-4468
* Evil Example of Solomon Bk7.4469-4514
* Division of His Kingdom Bk7.4515-4573
* Anthonie Bk7.4574-4592
* Tarquin and his son Aruns Bk7.4593-4753
* The Rape of Lucrece Bk7.4754-5130
* Tale of Virginius Bk7.5131-5306
* Tobias and Sara Bk7.5307-5365
* Chastity Bk7.5366-5438

## Book VIII

* Lechery; The Origins of Mankind Bk8.1-66
* Laws of Marriage Bk8.67-198
* Examples of Incest; Caligula; Ammon Bk8.199-222
* Lot and his Daughters; Incest Bk8.223-270
* Apollonius of Tyre Bk8.271-2018
* The Lover requires Counsel Bk8. 2029-2062
* The Confessor replies Bk8. 2150-2148
* The Controversy Bk8. 2149-2216
* The Supplication Bk8.2217-2300
* Venus replies to the Supplication Bk8.2301-2376
* Venus replies to the Supplication (continued) Bk8.2377-2439
* The Companies of Lovers Bk8.2440-2744
* Cupid and the Lover; Bk8.2745-2787
* The Fiery Dart withdrawn Bk8.2788-2807
* The Healing of Love; The Absolution Bk8.2809-2897
* Leave-taking of Venus Bk8.2899-2970
* Author Prays for the State of England; Bk8.2971-2994
* Evil of Division in the Land Bk8.2995-3053
* The Duty of a King Bk8.2971-3105
* The Book Completed Bk8.3106-3137
* Farewell to Earthly Love; Heavenly Love Bk8.3138-3172

## Gower's Revisions

* Design of the Book; Dedication CAvarPro.24*-92*
* Virginity; example of Valentinianus introduced CAvar5.6395*-6439*
* Tale of Lucius and the Statue CAvar5.7016*-7210*
* Example of Dante CAvar7.2329*-2342*
* Pity; example of Alexander CAvar7.3149*-3180*
* Tale of the Jew and the Pagan CAvar7.3207*-3360*
* Leave-taking of Venus CAvar8.2941*-2970*
* Author prays for the King; The King commended CAvar8.2971*-3043*
* The Author presents his Book to the King CAvar8.3044*-3069*
* Farewell to Earthly Love; Heavenly Love CAvar8.3070*-3114*

## Sources

* Confessio Amantis at Project Gutenberg (based on Macaulay 1901)
* Macaulay facsimile edition includes Introduction, Marginal notations and Notes
* G.C.Macaulay, ed. (1899). Vol 2:The complete works of John Gower. first half of Confessio Amantis(to V.1970)
* G.C.Macaulay, ed. (1899). Vol 3:The complete works of John Gower. second half of Confessio Amantis (from V.1970)

## Other Reading

* George L. Hamilton (1912). "Some Sources of the Seventh Book of Gower's "Confessio Amantis"". Modern Philology. 9 (3 (Jan., 1912)). University of Chicago Press: 323–346. doi:10.1086/386864. JSTOR 432439.