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{"content": "The true history of the valiant knight Iason, how he conquered or won the golden fleece, by the counsel of Medea, and of many other victorious and wonderful acts and deeds that he performed through his prowess and chivalry in his time.\n\nLady Margaret, by the grace of God, Duchess of Burgundy, Brabant, and so forth: I have translated above out of French into English, named Recuyell of the Histories of Troy, in which is contained how Lady was three times destroyed [and also the labors and histories the coquette set the said Iason and the history of the beginning of their books]. touching the conquest of the said golden-named city of Troy, is not set in the said book of Recuyell of the Histories of Troy. Therefore, under the king, my most dread natural liege Lord Edward, by the grace of God, king of England, and of France, and lord of Ireland, I intend to translate the said book of histories according to my author as near as I can or may, not changing the sense, nor presuming to add or omit anything. otherwise, my author has represented it in Fresh. And since the greatest fame and renown stem from the conquest of gold, from which an order of knights originated, our said sovereign lord is one and has taken the profession thereof. Some persons, however, firmly maintain that this said order took its original from the said order, and made a chamber in the castle of Hesdin, where was craftily and curiously painted the conquest of the golden Fleece, which I have seen three times, snow and rain notwithstanding. And all within the said chamber, as often as it pleased him, which was all made for his singular pleasure. Then, for the honor and worship of our said most revered liege lord, who has taken the said order, I have, under the shadow of his noble protection, undertaken to compile this little book, not presuming to approach your lordship, my revered and esteemed lord. My lord of Wales, your illustrious son, Torde, whom I,\n\n(Note: The text appears to be written in Early Modern English. No major OCR errors were detected, and no meaningless or unreadable content was found in the text.) praye god saue & encrease in vertue & bryng him vn\u2223to asmoche worship and goode reno\u0304 me as euer had ony of his noble {pro}\u2223genytours to the\u0304 tent / he may begyn\u2223ne to lerne rede englissh / not for ony beaute of good Endyting of out englissh tonge that is therin / but for the nouelte of the histories whiche ns I suppose hath not be had bifore the translatio\u0304 herof Moost humblie besekyng my sayd most drad soue\u2223rayn & naturel liege lorde the kyng and also the Quene to pardon me so presumyng / And my sayd toco\u2223myng sonerayne lord / My lord the Prince to receyue it in gree & tha\u0304ke / of me his humble subgiett & seruau\u0304\u2223te: and to {per}done me of this my sim\u2223ple and Rude translacion / and a\n\u00b6 Here endeth the prologue of the translatour\u25aa\nTHe galeye of myn en\u2223gyn floting not lo\u0304g syn i\u0304 the depnes of the sees of diuerce au\u0304cient his\u2223tories i\u0304 suche wyse as I wold haue brought myn esperite vnto the porte or haue\u0304 of rest / So\u2223daynly apperid by me a ship co\u0304dui\u2223ted by one ma\u0304 only This man\u0304 anon\u0304 behelde my regarde & containance / Which gave me title and cause of thought and of awe, as much as I saw his visage sad, heavy, and desolate. Smython, with compulsion, urged that I should behold him by great desire. He held him still and said to me in this way: Man of Rudeness, why marvelest thou at Anchises, your galley here and take up your pen, and he engendered Lacus, king of the mournful. This Cacus engendered my father Aeneas. I am Jason, who conquered the fleets of gold in the isle of Colchos, and daily labor in sorrow, rotting in sadness for the dishonor that some persons inflicted and tarnished my glory. They imposed upon me not to hold my promises before Medea: of which you have read the truth. Then I pray you that you make known to those who daily speak and impugn my glory, may they know their rash judgment. And for Tacitus' sake, I have chosen you / that you present this present writing to the father of writers of histories, Yand of Brabant and others. Who, in all his time, has been the most eloquent and truthful. Once upon a time, I was deeply moved to hear and see the ancient histories, and to be told the deeds of the worthy and noble men who once flourished in virtues, valor, and prudence during their singular past times. These words accomplished the ship, and Jason vanished away. And I remained, pondering. But in the meantime, desiring to show the honor and declare the virtues of the said Jason, I anchored my galley and put in writing his deeds, as will be declared plainly and at length. I present my little book to the right high and right revered Duke of Burgundy, not presuming on my eloquence but presenting my right humble and indign servitude. And it is well said before this prologue that Esau was born to Jacob. But Boethius says in the general history of the gods that he was born to Jupiter as the thirty-third son. As you may see more clearly in the thirteenth book of the general history of the gods, the twenty-fourth chapter.\n\nOnce upon a time, the kings and princes of high felicity were in attendance and. When their seed should bring forth a new generation, but they could not: Their life was troubled in continuous mourning and they visited temples and oracles until the end of their days or the appearance of their offspring. The noble king Eson of Myrmydon, of whom mention is made in the prologue, reigned over all other things and worldly prosperities rightfully. Indeed, he maintained his realm in peace. He had a beautiful queen as his wife, but they were unable to bear a child, causing their days to be filled with mourning and little pleasure in the goods of fortune. Yet they were continually in the temples and oracles: And nothing of their desire came to them until the king began to grow old in age. Then his wife received his seed and multiplied the human generation of a beautiful son. At the birth of this son, the noble queen died. And a month following, they would... come and attend his wedding. What shall I say, and some said way. And so the supper passed. Jason was feasted there for a long time, particularly by the high princes and princesses. After taking leave and bidding farewell, he returned to his country. Then, when he considered the time for Pyrrhus' wedding, as arranged by his father, he prepared himself and set out. He went there with his uncle Peleus. They made diligent progress and came in a short time to the noble city of Thessalonica. When King Ixion knew that Jason and Peleus were coming, he went out to meet them and made marvelous cheer to Peleus. But he showed even more favor to Jason, for the good repute and high renown he had gained in Thebes. And he entertained him in his palaces. Later, he brought him to Hercules, who was there in a chamber. He urged him to make and accept the knighthood, saying that it was the time and place for it. of his son he should sit among the knights. That pleased him well. The right worthy Hercules listened gladly as the king spoke and made him a knight with great honor. Jason, full of right good will, opened himself and became a knight among all others, shining in all places, to call me unworthy and inappropriate to be of the high and noble order of knighthood. I thank you with all my heart for that, and this noble king also, from whom honor has come to me in part. But among all this well-being and worship, I pray you that it pleases you to employ your time so much to honor and worship me. And that I may, in the days of my youth, see us, the high and praised, and securely found the foundation. Upon which my total hope and expectation rest for coming to the works of reclamation.\n\nCertainly, fair brother, answered Hercules. It has come to pass that I have promoted you to the dignity of knighthood. I have no command over you, and if it is your desire to have arms and to occupy yourself in them. Enquire about the wars of the world. If you engage in battle, beware of oppressing anyone. Be humble and courteous to all people. With these words, Hercules and Jason came upon you. And Jason spoke of the first war he would encounter. They began to devise and discuss the past. The morning came, and on this day Pygmalion espoused the fair Podame with great honor. He made such a great display that Euryches, the head and captain of the centaurs, was moved. And they were all so moved that Pythias and Polymeles fought each other with pots and platters for a long time, and their furor was such that Hercules and Jason could not set any remedy. This battle raged: Loge. Euric and many other of the courtiers were disposed to commit a great outrage, of which they were too late to repent. They hastily armed and returned to the wedding. In this drunkenness, they seized the fair Ipodaine and carried her off on Euric's shoulders. Then Hercules and Iaso began to renew their resolve to take up their arms and were soon ready to depart. Following the drunken courtiers, they waited in the fields, and so overtook them in a green field. They were left only with the two of them. Yet many saw them as knights and ladies and gentlewomen. But this was not far from the truth. The worthy Hercules and the noble Preu Iaso had restrained these courtiers. Each of them had a bow, which they drew. And when they called out to all the drunken courtiers to their deaths, they shot at them in such a fashion that Hercules killed one of them named Srineus between the eyes. With his arrow nailed fast to a tree that stood behind him, and the noble Iaso struck another centaur in the neck with a sharp arrow, bringing him down, named Suericus. With this cry, all the centaurs rallied against the two knights and charged towards them, causing them to soon retreat due to Hercules and Iaso's arrow strikes and their swords' defense, resulting in their immediate deaths. The centaurs saw the swords of Hercules and Iaso stained in their blood, and upon witnessing their comrades die with sorrow, they too succumbed to their wounds with all their might.\n\nCertes defeated him as if he doubted nothing. Hercules had four gests of the same centaurs named Petrus, Doillas, Cillarus, and Periones, and others not so great. He conquered the place with the aid of Jason and others, but Euricus and his companions lost the place and supposedly fled. However, Jason among them struck him on the right shoulder, piercing his heart, which filled them with such despair that they sparkled and the most part of them suffered and let him be slain, dismembering him without making or showing any defense. The others fled here and there. Fair Iphodame was delivered from these vile, outrageous gluttons by the high valor of the two worthy knights and delivered to her parents and freed.\n\nGreat was the loss and precious merchandise that Jason gained there with the noble Hercules for his recommended peers. which died for sorrow for the great worship that was made to him in his presence. Then the ladies began to rejoice in themselves and change their sorrow into gladness. The fair Japanese woman was surrounded and arrayed anew. She slept that night with her lord. The night passed, and Jason said that their long separation displeased him and that he would return to his country. What Jason had understood, he answered her and said that he was ready to depart at his pleasure. Then the Japanese woman made for to saddle her horse. And she urged Jason to take leave of the king Yxiothaking, Pirithous of Ydaine, Hercules, and many others. They returned to their lodgings. But what they supposed to have taken and mounted on their horses, they presented to King Yxiothaking many times the noble king and queen. And then he gave one of the same horses to his uncle Pelusius. But he would never accept it, and said that he was not worthy nor dignified to receive such a noble gift. And what he had said, he struck. this horse with spears and followed after him carefully. Certainly Peleus did not lie when he said he was worthy to receive such a noble gift as that which followed him: for he was a traitor to Jason. This Peleus could not rest or sleep, he was so thoughtful, considering how he might bring about making Jason his prophet and promoting him, and he urged him on and deceived him. You make him mount up to the highest top and promise him greatly. But what comes of the promises you cast at them? You break their necks and crush their backs / \u00b6 A perverse murderer, how many men and also women have been slain and killed by your poison: it is now no need to bring forth examples of this time present to approve your covered falsehoods and how you deceive those who have affection for you, but to continue our matter with this is sufficient to see the deeds of our history. this said Peleus, who gave him some cause to trust and be affectionate towards him. Peleus and Jason departed from Thessalonica in the morning, one right sad and sorrowful, the other right joyous. And when they were on the seashore, Iason, as fresh and lusty, began to prove and test his horse. Peleus, as sorrowful and traitorous as he was, began to abash and lower his head: and then said to himself in his evil rage, \"Shall I never come to my desire? What is this? How shall I do? I certainly know not. Shall I murder Jason? Nay: and why not? For truly, as much as I should be ensnared, for murder cannot be hidden. Notwithstanding, he must be dead certainly. This is the conclusion. Or else I shall be put down. And leave the honorable one to accuse me, if I order any poison and he is put to death by it. They who have made and mixed it shall not keep it secret. And also, Jason will surely keep himself from such poison. O what thoughts have I? I see no other means but that...\" I must come to this case with my own hands. Peleus, conspiring in this way not knowing how he might exploit to attain to execute his dangerous envy: rode forth all this day unto the evening, which took loggreceyuid with great joy and Jason also. And they found her covering the table to feast a strange knight whom she had logged for charity.\n\nIncontinently then, as Peleus and Jason alighted from their horses, the ancient lady made them wash and sit at the table. And the strange knight with them served them with such food as she had. And as they had taken their refreshment, Jason asked the strange knight after diverse words, what he was and what he sought.\n\nIn truth, noble gentleman, the knight answered, I am from the rich realm of Oliferne and little servant to the queen of the country that I have named. And I certify you that in remainder of all the world, there is no fairer lady, and also there is none more desolate and sorrowful. For the mighty king of Sklauonye would have her to his wife. for her great beauty: to whom she will in no way accord herself, and since she has clearly refused him, he has entered her realm in arms, destroying all before him with fire and sword. He has come and has besieged her in her city of Olferne. In order to take which city, and during the siege, he has had many fair victories against the aids and helpers of the queen. In their various battles, they have lost and been greatly diminished in their forces and strength, for they have summoned me among the others for her soldiers and men trained in war to help her against her enemies, as well for her money as to help keep the honor of ladies. Therefore, I pray you, if you know anyone in this country who it may please you, to address me to them, and you will do great charity and to me great courtesy.\n\nI told the knight this, and he could not keep himself from weeping but wept tenderly. And when Jason had understood and thought a little about it, The lady, considering her great beauty, wept and addressed her words to Peleus, saying, \"Dear uncle, you have heard this good knight speak. What do you think?\" Peleus answered, \"Certes, fair niece, we think the same. I believe that the king of Iscahotin is doing great evil and destroying the country of such a fair lady without just cause, making long journeys and tarrying: I should go to her aid. I assure and promise you, Iason, that by morning, as early as I may, I will mount on horseback and in the company of this good knight. With my lord's grace, my father, may you often pray for me.\"\n\nIf Peleus had understood Iason's vow, he was joyous, for he thought he would never return from this journey and would be free of him, with his worship and honor. Then, Peleus promised. To Jason that he should accomplish with good heart all that he had required of him, and then recommended him to the knight of Oliferne. It was time to withdraw, so they waited until morning. Then, they rose and took leave of each other. Jason with the strange knight went to the noble city of Olferne. Peleus returned to Myrmidon, praying to the gods that Jason might be struck by thunder or pierced with five-headed Cerberus, or buried in the sea, so that there would never be any more tidings of him. Such or similar were the prayers that the Persians made for the total destruction of his gentle new wife. We, Iason, the most addressed knight that ever was in Marmonia.\n\nDespite this, noble Jason conducted himself throughout his journey and went so far that he and the knight he brought with him reached Olferne. He presented himself to the queen to serve her in her war. This queen was called Mirror, which is to say, a mirror in beauty.\n\nWhen Iason saw him before the queen: he beheld her with great intent, bending towards him and making a reverence. She, seeing that he was very fair and a young, well-conducted gentleman, brought him from the palaces into the town and delivered him a good loggia for him. Fair Mirror had trials with her enemies for fifteen days at that time. Indeed, these trials pleased Jason greatly, for he demanded nothing but to employ her in all military matters on that side, to please so fair a lady. This was always in his mind, for you should understand that since that time, Jason had beheld and seen the great beauty of the lady. She was written, endowed, and adorned, and she had no more than eighteen years of age. Moreover, he brought to mind her fair and fresh complexion, her ladylike bearing and noble countenance and figure, which is why he was so enamored and captivated by love, not knowing what to think, for during this time he had given charge for: The king of Scotland has told the princess certain secrets. She agreed, and the messenger departed, reporting to the king that the faith mirror was ready for him to meet his lady. The king of Scotland knelt down on his knees, right before her, hubly, and was greatly moved and beholden by her marvelous beauty, as he had never seen such a creature before. After the reverences were made, he said to her in this manner:\n\nNoble and right revered princess, the king of Scotland, my sovereign and liege lord, recommends him humbly to your good grace and noble memory. And since he has understood that you are willing to hear his request and that he offers for your love, for your welfare, honor, and profit of you and your realm, if it pleases you, you shall give him audience and good expedition with these words. The lady commanded him to stand. vp, as she who did not know what he was, and Lyn drew a little apart. Wherefore the king approached near her and said, \"Right virtuous one, you are advised by your barons and chamberlains that it would please you to be his wife and lady-in-waiting, and always you have refused him. And for this reason, he has entered your realm and assailed it by war. Yet, always to put himself in your debt, he has set me before you as a revered lady, according to the judgment of the men you are with. Here then are the voices of your servants speaking by my mouth and requiring your grace and pity, the poorest, desolate king, your right true welcome, may not be in a place without thinking of you, with his imagination.\n\nIn pronouncing these or similar words, the dolorous king made many sighs and began to cough and weep in such agony as he had been a prisoner presented before a judge to receive Sentence of grace. The wise and discrete mirror sustained him, teaching him all his propositions. When he had planned all that love intended for this time, she was not so disposed of advice or entrancement, but promptly and meekly she made to him this response: \"Messenger who have well understood you, I am utterly ashamed how my mortal enemy can or may read and enter into my armed hand, plundered and robbed my land, slain my people, burned my town, and yet more has besieged me in my city from afar. And what have I overlooked in saying these things, I answer you at this time for all: that I would rather suffer myself and my entire kingdom to be destroyed than in any way yield to his requests and to his will. Indeed, madam answered the king: 'You are not well advised. And how can you have no regard that he is so noble and so powerful a king, and that he loves you with such perfect love that all his desire is not but to come to your good grace.'\" that who tells you that he has greater pity for your noble person, your men, and your desolate kingdom than you do? Therefore, make him these threats and beware, lest your good lover and friend not fall into despair. I don't know what may bring you here, but if it is that you will and desire the general and total destruction of your kingdom rather than otherwise, and by all my gods, it is a great outrage and folly that moves you thus.\n\nThe king, with the wrangling of your words, made this declaration to all the world, and also let it be known that my soul remains in my body. I shall never have love or alliance with my enemy, and speak no more to me of it. With this, the king was utterly vanquished and discouraged of succor; and was so terribly displeased and angry with asp and mortal anger that in great despair and woe he said to her, O fallen lady and most rebellious and least pious who ever departed from women's belly. The king of Slavonia said that J must acquit me, for I perceive that your sweet heart will not accord to me or enter into the continual supplications of your so true lover. I shall henceforth deport myself and speak no more of this matter, but you shall be rewarded as soon as the truths fail. With these words, the king of Slavonia departed, leaving with a pesky face, and returned to his east more desiring to come to his intention. The sad mirror little setting by his menaces began to devise with some of her gentle women in recovering the prayers and requests that her mortal enemy had made to her. What shall I say more? The truths failed at the set time and were espied. And what they were that failed, the king of Slavonia, who was needy of her, made his men put him in arms many days, hoping that they of Oliferne would come out and make him skirmishes. But he lost his pain. For there I was not I the only man who dared to assemble the them. For as much as they had always been against him, and those who knew that others from afar were cowardly and retreated, he chose fifty of his knights. And said to them, \"For the love of my lady, I will justify myself against them. One after another, and bring you to a place nearby for the jousting. It was right fair in sight for the citizens. And there they began the jousting, making such merry chaos that those from afar heard it and ran to the lists and leapt over the walls. Iaso wept to see these jousts with the others. And immediately, as he saw the manner of the Scots he had granted mercy to, he was filled with marvelous courage. He went to the palace to face the fair mirror. And after the reverence was paid, he said to her, \"My revered lady, I cannot have enough marvel at the great disorder in all things of men and of defense. What is, madame?\" This text receives great blame for those within it. I pray you, for your honor and mine, deliver me from your soldiers. May it please you that I conduct them against our enemies, and if you will, I suppose we shall make an affray as great as they have had for a long time. The fair Myrrha, hearing Iason's request, inquired of him the number of their enemies. When she was informed that there were not more than fifty, she summoned twelve knights who had recently come from Damascus. To them, she declared Iason's request and asked if they would accompany him. They beheld Iason and, seeing his maintenance and that he was the best-addressed knight they had ever seen, and that his request proceeded from a right noble heart, they answered that they would accompany him unto death. Then, the noble maiden, hearing what they said, agreed with Iason to undertake the enterprise he had requested. What Iason. Perceival, finding that his request was granted, he thanked the fair lady with good heart. Afterward, he recommended him to her noble prayers. Then he hastened to put him in readiness, promising good fortune. They went and armed him. They mounted upon their horses and donned their helmets and shields. They rode out into the field and joyfully rode against the enemy, who were reportedly rejoicing against their king by feasting.\n\nWhen the noble Maiden and the ladies saw that Jason was on his way, they mounted a high lookout, from which they could clearly see the east of their enemies. They did not tarry long. What the king of Scythia had perceived was that Jason and his men were approaching him. Therefore, he left the joyous gathering and called his knights. To them he said, \"Fair lords, you have made an experiment of chivalry for the love of my Lady. But now think of gaining honor and glory.\" laude for the love of me / and prove you mightily against this little company of knights, Olifernoys, that come upon us. We are four against one. Therefore we shall put him to death as lightly as the lion devours the lamb with his teeth and claws. With these words, the noble Jaso and his companions spurred on their horses, took up their shields which were firmly bound to their breasts, broadened their spears and cried out their enemies, who broke their horses with their spears and received them and retreated with the might of their spears, and so fiercely assailed them that it seemed they would have the horses of all the others before them. The first received the stroke from the horse of the king of Slavonia with such might that he struck the shield and Jaso struck him on the shoulder of his shield with such force that his feet were lifted upwards, and the rain of his horse broke and fell from his horse to the ground. Then the horse ran astray into the field. Iason, rejoicing from his successful adventure, was attacked by one of the best knights who had recognized him and struck him, piercing his hauberk and haqueton into his body, causing him to fall from his horse to the earth. Then they signaled to gather on both sides by the strength of their spears, well sharpened with steel. And due to the great number of slaves guarding them, some left the fray and went to comfort their kin, while others intended to pursue their enemies. Thus, the battle began fiercely and regalously, with spears that were soon truncated as with good trenchant swords. And they of Damas maintained them so fiercely by the example of noble Iason that they were overpowered. Six of their enemies were killed, of whom four fell on the field and the other two were so severely hurt in the fall that they could not continue.\n\nYou may well understand that this melee began fiercely and marvelously. The slaves set their. The king on horseback attacked one of them as well as he could. Then, they all put their hands on their swords, smiling disconcertingly at him. Jason knew that if he defended himself, he would either make his reputation grow in Olferne and Escalonian or die there as a slave, cleaving his head off to the one who defeated him. Or, he would die in such a way that his deed would be renowned.\n\nKing Perceiving that Jason departed with such strokes, he had doubts about his person. But, he was worthy and valiant as he was, he called out to Jason to die. And when he came to him with his sharp sword enhanced, he struck him so mightily on the top of his helmet that sparks flew out. His head inclined low in submission, not surprising him. Iason scoffed at him, saying, \"You have served well, but how can you recount a man with a spear? I will show you the sharpness of my sword, and you, who are not as good a knight as I am. If you escape my hands without receiving death, I will have you tell my lady Parmahoun of Fair Mirror that her lover and friend from Sklauonye has neither strength nor might.\n\nIason was disdainful when he had understood the boasts of his mortal enemy. But who knew that he was the king of Sklauonye, he was well pleased to know him and said to him in derision, \"Ha! A right outrageous fool! Are you the one who is infatuated with the fair features of my renowned lady? Now see and learn who is the boaster of faith and truly more of folly than wisdom. It is folly indeed to name the better knight than I am. Let us see who is the better. With these words, they began to fight each other fiercely again.\" giving to his enemy many terrible and poisonous blows. And so many gave him in making Reed's sword of the Esclanon king that the rightful king was constrained to cry and to call his knights to his aid and help. But there came so many that Jason was surrounded and assaulted on all sides.\n\nWhen the noble Jason felt himself so surrounded on all sides by his enemies, he was more encouraged than afraid. And he began to strike with his good sword of steel on the right side and on the left side by such virtue and might that the ladies of the city knew him among all others. And they perceived that he scarred with his sword all dyed with new blood here and there. And after saw him cut off heads and legs and fists. And made arms at his will and more than all the remainder. And truly by his maintenance he seemed better a thing of that other world than a human person. And from this time forth, on the fair Myrro sees this that is said, took Jason soul her good grace. In this battle, she favored him above all other knights, as she had completely set her love on him. The noble Iason fought valiantly against the Eskluan soldiers. When the twelve knights of Damascus saw their master's great prowess and dangerous courage, they joined the fray, assaulting him. Iason, in turn, displayed such bravery that he killed those who attacked him with such fury and fear that he had bound the place and his knights, who all followed him. After this marvelous battle, and having repelled his enemies almost by the east as mentioned, Jason tarried for two reasons. The first was due to the pain he endured from their wounds. The second was for Astraea, with great honor that day. Every man wed her and she rendered to him his due wage. Since then, she demanded of him how he felt and how he fared. Indeed, madam, I felt as Jason began the king's throne. I do not feel any fear or doubt on my body but all good disposition: and I am joyously returned to your city. And regarding your enemies, by this I have felt them, it seems to me that they ought not to be feared nor doubted, and in a short time, you shall have good reason. I have made my sword red in their blood today. Whose mortal enemy, your moral enemy, has had great sorrow and grief because of this. And yet, I have good will that tomorrow I shall redouble that. And yet, that will be worse for him and his if the good is in my aid and help.\n\nWhile Jason spoke thus to the noble lady, as is said, she beheld him now and then with great ardent love. She could not abstain from herself. For she was so overwhelmed with love at this time that for to hide her will and to refrain and: Cole her alityl, without further speaking to Jason: she left him with two damoiselles to entertain and keep him company, while she withdrew into her chamber. There, she began to think about the great virtues that were in Jason: his high prowess, his fair countenance, his laughing eyes, his well-made body, and his gracious speech. So much did she think of him that she had to return to the place where he was. Then she found in the palace hall plenty of her friends and the most noble of the city. And there had newly arrived a messenger of the king of Damascus. He certified to her that \"Enyo,\" a force of two thousand Assyrians, which the king her lord had sent in the conduct of his brother named Prusias, had arrived. The noble queen, comforted by these tidings, commanded that they should make proper arrangements for them to eat and drink. She covered the tables and received Prusias rightly. In this setting, Mirro and Jason were so captivated by the reflection of love that they paid no attention to food or drink. The messenger of love, Doulce Regarde, was continually on the move, and both were embarrassed and blushed. Iason could not contain himself, and Mirro perceived his longing. In these circumstances and with these appearances, they passed the supper. No lady or damsel present paid any heed to Iason's great beauty. After the supper, it was arranged that:\n\nThis night, the Escalion king passed by in these or similar imaginings from the evening until early morning. Corfus, a mercurial giant born in Tuscany, came to him and asked how he had fared and how it went with him. Certainly, Corfus answered the king. For as much as I have dreamed of my loves, And they occupy me so much that they see me because I occupy myself with them. he so much and how well she refuses and firstly said Corpus. Think you yet on her, you said the king. That must be. Must he hide the king. Corpus said, you are a fool and badly advised. For all things considered, he is not wise who enforces himself to have a wife above his degree, for as much as there are others please. Right well said the king, you speak truly, but do you not know that some one is better and more worth than five hundred? Certainly my lady is the outmatch of all other ladies. Ought I to leave her for her refusal? You said the giant if you do, said the king. My enterprise, how that it be? Asked Corpus. I report to your simplicity, But if you will leave her, you shall woo her well / You shall leave her for such as she is, said the giant. And never while you live, never woman but one, said they thence, the king / A true lover uses never such terms as you speak, and when a prince may come to the love of a lady. Fair, true. A discrete gentleman is not enough for him. If one comes to such felicity and goes to change: certainly he is worthy of reproach, said Sir Giant Corfus. Do you not know more than you say and show? Certainly, there is another point, and what is that, said the king. I shall tell you what Sir Giant Corfus said: Take the fairest lady who pleases you, and be as amorous over her as ever you can or may. As soon as you have enjoyed her as little as it may be, you will be weary and full of her. She will seem foul to you, and yet I shall say more to you: soon you will wish her burned. And if you are like other men, you will leave her and take another if it is in your power. Sir Giant Corfus said then to the king, \"If I should believe your counsel, I would never do well, and as for me, these things that you say were said to me by Sir Giant Corfus. Sir, all that I have said proceeds from no fear or dread of any of your enemies. But I counsel you to my true power: for As soon as it seems convenient for your health and profit. And in order that you may be found within without further delay, I shall send your messenger to the noble queen Myrro, signifying her that for maintaining the noble profession of arms, I offer myself against eight of the best knights in the city of Olferne, to fight in the champion's close as it pertains. When the king of Slayer, who was the giant's adversary, perceived that he was angry: he kept his peace so long that the giant wore himself out and armed him in his tent. And since he put him on the way to guard the city in the company of a messenger of the kings. Whom he sent directly to Queen Myrro, as the fool is said, and when the messenger had reported that he had in charge The noble queen called together more of her knights and declared to them that the giant had demanded, as they of Olferne had heard in the message, that:\n\nIason and plenty of others. other knights strangers who were there gave the honor to speak first to them about the same matter to give their advice on this work. They said that the giant Corfus was the one who, by his force and valor, had put to death most of the nobles of Olifer. And it seemed foolish to them to miss the battle that he demanded. But all the knights strangers were so abashed by this answer that they concluded to be outnumbered by the knights of Olifer. Reserved the noble and proud Jason, who, unable to contain his noble courage any longer, spoke out with a loud voice, making it clear to all men:\n\nLords, do not displease you. If the virtue of my heart does not now know the weakness of my body, I know it rightly. Well, I am not great or mighty as a giant. Nevertheless, I want it to be known that there is no greater heart than mine. And to make this evident, and the noble... A lady where my heart and all my well-being rest, may she always receive good news of me. I enterprise to fight continually against the giant Corfus man for mankind, and I shall never rest until I have proven myself against him. The noble lady the queen, who was present, having heard of my enterprise, was so struck with sorrow that it seemed to her that she was pierced through the heart with a spear, for she loved Jason so much. Nevertheless, she held good composure, as much as was possible for her. And immediately, as Jason had declared his courage, she said to him, \"Jason, fair sir, beware what you say, and let not your youth mislead you. If you were armed and in a position to fight, you should know for certain that he would never leave but would remain, even if you had sworn his death.\"\n\nWhen the noble Queen Mirro had understood this, she did not know what to answer. What should I say to you? The messenger of King Esklauonie was told to instruct Corfus the giant. Once noble Iason was armed, he mounted his horse and spear, and departed towards the east. Corfus, who was extremely cunning in battle and warfare, had all his armor trussed and his horse saddled and bridled. Perceiving this, Corfus said, \"What do you seek?\" Iason replied, \"Are you Corfus? I answered, 'Yes, I am.' Iason asked, \"Do you know that it is I who seek you?\" Corfus answered, \"Yes, you truly speak the truth, Iason. Why do you hesitate? Do not underestimate the strength and force of my body and the fury of my sword. I am the cause of all the desolation of Olferne. If it pleases me, I shall see you by the head and break your neck. You speak marvels to frighten and intimidate the people, but my courage does not change.\" Our process takes too long. Go thy way and fetch thy spear. Then show what thou canst do: thou hast found a maid for to outmatch the lithe speaking and well working. The giant with these words meant to fetch his spear, and Jason covered him with his shield, saying to himself in his saddle. And when he had done so and saw that the giant struck his horse with his spurs and charged against him: he rode to meet him so courageously that it seemed more like thunder descending from heaven than any other thing, and struck the most fiercely that they could or might. And their strokes were so painful and heavy that the reins of his horse broke, and the noble Jason was born unto the earth, and the giant was reversed with the saddle under the crupper of his horse. And from the pain of the two great strokes, the reins of his horse fell, and his two legs behind in such a way that he tumbled head under and feet upward at right great mischief.\n\nMany knights of Slavonia and Olferne were present. Greatly grieved were they when they perceived that Jason had received from the giant Corinthus such a heavy and great blow without death or injury. Iason and the giant, born to the earth and set a foot. As it is said, they released themselves immediately in their standing and marched one against the other. Then the strong giant drew his good sword out of his sheath and said to Jason, \"Vassal or fellow, you have done to me now the greatest dishonor that ever happened or came to me. And therefore keep yourself from my vengeance as wisely as you can. For if the arm with the good sword fails me not at this time: I shall soon sound you in short time. And after, I shall drink your blood and eat your heart in contempt of the tears and sorrow that you have caused my heart.\" The giant, a tyrant and felonious, answered the noble prince Jason, \"What evil would you do if it held at no man but at him?\" It happens often that such menaces are spoken by great fear and dread. And all is done. For his life, I make no compromise, no doubt in anything. And in your threat of drinking my blood and eating my heart, I will keep the right well, with the aid and help of the gods. I hope that where I have angered you in your heart, it will not be long before you are angry in heart, body, and soul. When the cruel giant Corus understood Jason's words, he lifted up his head and charged at him like a bull, and after enhancing his sharp sword. With great courage, Jason was rightfully angry and struck Corus, giving him a terrible and poisonous blow that cut more than a great quarter of his shield. When the mighty giant felt the blow from the giant: he left his sword raised high where he had struck his mortal enemy, on the rim of his helmet, engaging all his might. Therefore, the giant was forced to lower his head. The two champions began to clash with their sharp swords. After receiving this painful stroke, the giant raised his hand with his sword, intending to strike Jason. But Jason, who was quick and agile, drew back and avoided the stroke, leaving the giant confused. Then, the Greek hero Iason stepped forward and struck the giant on the right shoulder, breaking his hauberk and inflicting a great wound. Iason withdrew his bloodied sword. When the strong giant Corfus felt this, he was certain that Jason had hurt him severely. Seeing the sword of his adversary stained with his blood and feeling enraged, Corfus was on the verge of losing his composure. But Jason remained calm, smiling slightly and lowering his sword. If he was pleased, so were the people of Olympus who watched the battle between the two champions. But it was not long after this,\nbut their laughter changed into weeping, for the giant, as all had demanded, ran upon Iason so eagerly that he did not know how to save himself. On the other side, he saw his shield in pieces. With that, he gave him a wound on the left side, and the blood ran abundantly from the wound. The two righteous champions fought each other valiantly, one against the other, so much so that they shattered and broke their shields by fine force: it was a wonderful sight to see Iason, the noble knight, delivering himself against the giant Corfus in such a marvelous battle, giving him so much trouble in pursuing him that the giant began to tire in suffering so many strokes. Then, to refresh himself and withdraw a little, Iason perceived the giant's many weaknesses and that he intended to rest. He would have been just as glad to have yielded to him as his adversary had been. But considering himself, he... that he might rest and ease himself. And he was not hurt but in one place. He approached the giant and said to him, \"Ha, right miserable tyrant. Approach me and perform, make an end of this tale now begun. I perceive now right well that a bed for resting should be more pleasurable than a battle or a stout contest. But I advise you that it is necessary for us to come to the end of our enterprise. And there is no remedy. And know that my courage has brought and conducted my body to this point. But from here forth my body shall conduct it by the virtue of love, which, above all other things, seems to me the best beloved. As she who is truly without exception. Incontinently, Corpus the cruel giant had understood from the noble damsel Jason that he was so amorous: \"Certes, right gentle knight, perceive\" Right, your heart is pleased, and by their faith, rest beside me a little. And we shall discuss our adventures, sir/madam. A very recalcitrant and evasive person you were, they replied. The noble damsel Jason said nothing more but to rest. And if I accede to your request, it is to my prejudice, for you may no longer be. Notwithstanding, in the name of my right modest mistress, I am content to do as required. But beware that you do not remain long. With these words, the giant Corpus and the noble Jason sat down on the grass. And after they began to discuss, the giant Corpus said to him, \"Gentle knight, as I understand, you are Amorous.\" It may well be said, Jason replied, of whom is it said, the giant asked, of a lady, said Iason. What did the lady say, the giant asked. The fairest of all fair answered Iason, \"You said the giant, as to your semblance, the world says the giant. You are a great fool. For you saw never your lady, and yet you say and name her the fairest of all others.\" \"worse is she holding herself for your lady, and it is possible that she is longing for more than a hundred. How many are there who are not double: I loved not a lady fair to my advice. But she is foul and terribly so. Men praise and allow much the fair Mirror. But I believe whoever beheld her well round about should find something of reproach: She is a right disloyal traitor to Jason. How dare you, by your great outrage, think evil of the flower of all ladies, who had so much bounty, beauty, wit, and were garnished with so many virtues and noble qualities: and is a very mirror unto all others. Therefore, by the faith that I owe to love, ever I eat or drink, thou shalt abstain from it. Stand up lightly and keep her from me if you think good.\n\nAnd gentle knight Iason arose with words all inflamed with ire and malice. He took forth with his sword that lay on the grass all bloody. The Giant arose also, but it was not lightly.\" His legs were like those of a weary traveler who had spent the entire day voyaging or journeying. Then Jason appeared and struck him on the lifted arm, employing all his strength. Iason defended himself skillfully, turning aside each stroke of his sword, which his enemy could never reach. The battle lasted a long time, and eventually began to move towards the west. But Iason, among many strokes, injured himself by such valor in striking the giant Corus with his sharp sword. He struck him on the highest part of his helmet, three times in a row, the edge of the sword into his head. The great agitation that the giant suffered caused him to fall down, surprising all of Oliferne. And on the other side, the Esklauons, who were sorrowful, Incontinent as the worthy Iason had slain and dismounted the giant Antaeus down to the earth, as it is said. He found him dead and left him there lying. In sign of victory, he displayed his sword. Afterwards, he went unto his horse, which he found pasturing. But he had no leisure to saddle him because of many slaves that he saw coming to attack him. Then he mounted his horse by the bridle and rode away without a saddle. And for all doubts, he withdrew into the city as soon as possible. The slaves had great contempt for this, and when they realized they gained nothing in pursuing Iason because they were all on foot, they retreated, greatly discomforted. Among other things, when the king learned of the death of his giant, he was so sorrowful that afterward he could hardly see. He had great love and affection for Antaeus. The wonderful sorrow of the king of Escalonia and his men was for the death of the strong giant Corfus. On the contrary, the noble Queen Mirro and all the citizens of Olferne showed great joy and made joyful faces for the noble victory of the vaillant Iason. Then the noble and beautiful Queen Mirro, accompanied by a great number of ladies and damsels, as well as knights, rejoiced and consoled each other so much that it cannot be described. As soon as noble knight Iason saw her, he dismounted from his horse and made a reverence to her. Afterward, he presented to her the sword of the giant Corfus and said, \"Lady, your knights have doubted greatly before. Behold it well and do with all your pleasure.\" Then the noble and fair lady answered Iason, \"Excellent knight, thanked be God that by your high presence and valor, you have today delivered the city and all the people of Olferne from a wonderful fear and terror.\" corpus is dead. All the remainder who say they are good as vainquishers. And therefore come to our palaces. We shall visit your wound diligently for your health.\n\nThen the noble Jaso was brought to the palaces with great loving and praising of the ladies and damsels of the knights and of the people of the city of Olferne. The weddings were greatly mourned because he had not come earlier for the loss of her husband. They who were discovered and desolate recovered their courage all new. For in the valiance and in the high virtues of Jaso they rested all their hope. In his strength they took affiance. In his wit they trusted. In his valiance they were comforted. And in his good fortune they were consoled. It seemed to them then that they were delivered from the pains of hell and brought into paradise.\n\nWhat more shall I say, fair Mirror, who often dreamed of Jaso as of the knight whom she loved most in the world. Preu Jason remained in the palaces for three days without bearing arms. During these three days, the fair Mirro frequently visited him, hoping that Jason would have requested her love, which he would have gladly granted, but he was cautious and hesitant due to the reports of refusal. No man dared to make any overture to her or to anyone else.\n\nOn the fourteenth day, when the nobles of Olferne learned that Jason had recovered from his wounds and was once again able to bear arms, they assembled and went to Queen Mirro, saying, \"Madam, you have good reason to rejoice if a heart that has suffered one grief after another can be revived when fortune favors and aids. We and your council have often observed and admired your knight Jason's discreet conduct. It is truly said that his like has never been found. It seems to us that fortune has brought him to your possession: to restore and raise you up; to take vengeance for the great evils and mischiefs inflicted upon you.\" that has been done to you and your men during this war. And for many reasons we counsel you to ordain and constitute the noble Iason captain of this realm and chief of your war. For we think so much nobility and virtue in him: that he shall never have rest in his conscience until he has chased away your mortal enemies from your realm and brought them to disconsiture. She highly recommended him above all the men in the world. It is no marvel that she so willingly and debonairly accorded the request that the nobles and her council had made to her. And forthwith she sent for Jason. In the presence of those who had made the request, as aforeisaid, she constituted him Captain general of all her realm. Then Jason thanked and rejoiced in the honor that the noble Queen Myrrh had done him, as well as the nobles and her council for their good endeavor. Excusing himself greatly, he said that he was not worthy. Notwithstanding his excuses, all who were present insisted that he should be the one to undertake the task, as far as he was unwilling to disobey Queen Mirro. She showed him so many demonstrations that he accepted and took on the charge. Queen Mirro delivered to the noble knight Jason all that was necessary for him. And whatever the noble knight Jason felt in this high honor set in his estate, he sent forthwith to the king of Escalon, commanding him to depart he and all his host from these parts. And immediately he should void the realm of Oliferne, or else on the morrow he should dispose him and make him ready to be received by battle. The powerful king of Escalon understood that Jason had sent for him in such a manner. He had great marvel at how he answered the herald that he had no intention of withdrawing. him not raise his siege and that he would first have at his command the noble queen Emma for doing with her as he pleased. He sent word again to the noble priest Jason that, as long as he had his life, he should keep her from coming into his presence. And if she came into his presence: he should do him a miserable death.\n\nUpon this answer, as the noble priest Jason had understood, he published in all the quarters of the city that all those who were of age to bear arms should be ready in the morning early for going out with him to invade and fight with their enemies, and those who had received passage. Then, whenever he was withdrawn into his chamber, continuing his amorous pleasures, it is not possible for me to express the excess of beauty, cleanness, and other attractions.\n\nI ought not to marvel if your surpassing beauty draws the hearts of strange prices to our love, for you are addressed in all bounties. The fairest. creature and the most discrete that God and Nature ever formed, the rightmost faithful one who is worthy, where should it be then but if you were beloved by all people: Indeed, you are worthy that the air be filled with callings and voices crying after you and requiring your grace and mercy / Hail, the one who is so excellent and virtuous. That all my thoughts and imaginations are turned to you. Grant to those who are of such high valor: I shall not abstain from loving your noble person. For I shall prosper the better and be of greater value in such or similar words, the priest Jason spoke the most fervent part of the night and until early morning. The day appeared fair and clear, and Anoand the Syrians assembled them before the palaces of Queen Mirro. When Jason saw and knew that his people were set in order, he went to the fair Mirro and said to her, \"That which you desire, I will do that which is right agreeable to you: \" prouffitable to you and your cyte. Certes right ex\u2223cellent and vaillan\u0304t knight answere the quene myrro / ye ar moche prey\u2223sed and hygly recom\u0304ended of my men\u0304 / And for so moche j praye you that in this iourneye ye haue goode corage for to defe\u0304de mi quarele whi\u2223che is goode & iuste / And as to the regarde of my selfe / I put myn Ar\u2223mee and my men vnder the co\u0304duy / te of youre preudho\u0304mye and your wyPrayng vnto the goddes that they wille make youre fortune to shine clere. and tenhau\u0304se my god\u2223de quarele\nThus as the nobie que\u2223ne spack & admonestid the worthy knight ja\u2223son & his me\u0304 to do wel & fighte vayliantly in defending her iuste & good quarele / jason began to beholde her so arda\u0304tli that she was ashamed hou wel that she as wyse & discrete helde honeste manere. & than the noble jason after theleue and congye taken as well of her as of the ladyes and damoy\u2223selles departed fro\u0304 the palays with grete bewailinges / and mounted on his hors: But there were many of the ladyes and damoiselles of the court / that He began to weep himselves out, praying to the goddess to give him good fortune. They said none had ever seen one so courteous and gracious, and he was the true source and well of nobles. As the noble Preu Jason was on horseback, he set himself in right fair order and then set them on the way toward the field. And the people by all the way that he passed knelt down before him and prayed to the goddess for his aid and help. And when he had come into the field, he assembled all his people and put them in battle formation. Then he required them instantly and admonished them to do well. He did march them against their enemies who stood a foot's length away and well ordered. At the meeting, Iason did do so wondrously with trumpets, tabors, and cornets, and other instruments that they seemed to have gone to a wedding or marriage or some great feast. And thus, triumphing in one high will combined with joy, desiring to do well: Rejoicing themselves singly in the Valliance and good conduct of the right worthy and noble knight Iason, they approached in such a way that they began to couch their good spirits and begin the stone throwing. And in the same time as the king of Scalony held his men in array, a merciless great Raven came flying over his head crying right horribly. Incontinent as the king of Scalony heard such a cry, he began to tremble with fear and be in a great agony / and looked after the raven and said, \"Oh, over hard and trembling, hope.\" This makes me enter into frenzy. For this foul bird is a messenger of death / or of right evil adventure / and this is an evil sign / for I feel my veins all void of blood. Lady, what shall I now do? Certainly, I shall never put myself to reproach for fleeing. I had rather die and let my life be forfeit / than ever be reproached by you with dishonest tidings. Certainly, all those about him were foreboded. And not without cause. But nevertheless they reinforced themselves the best way they could. And soon both were marched against each other, and the battle began so closely that the air was darkened and obscured with quarrels and arrows and stones, flying so thick and making such a great uproar, a most marvelous sight.\nThe valiant knight Iason was in the foremost front of his people, holding his bow in hand, from which he let fly arrows abundantly upon his enemies. But at last the arrows ran short. And when Iason saw this, he took his spear in hand, incensing Oliferne by name, and charged at him, beginning the fight when the spears clashed.\nThe king of Tuscany and the king of Bongye recognized him immediately: therefore they ran against him, vowing to avenge the death of the great giant Corpus and both valiantly attacking him with their spears, without endangering his shield, but it is well to believe that the noble prince Iason was not harmed. Iason failed at the first encounter: for he struck down the king of Bongye with such ferocity that he left him outside of his army and carried him to the earth. Then the king of Pulane came against him, but he was in poor health. Jason's spear transversed his shield, pierced his hauberk, and struck his body. Afterward, Prusus and his knights entered the fray, maintaining themselves marvelously in the face of Jason's attacks. The two parties began to show themselves with great effusion of blood on both sides. But immediately, as Iason had broken his spear, he grabbed his good, clear and sharp sword in his hand. Pretending to enter their ranks, he addressed them on that side where he saw the royal baner of Escalon. Supposedly intending to enter among his enemies, they held their ground and attacked Iason instead. Asperously, Jason found their heads in such numbers due to his supernatural power. They fortified their shields and slew great numbers of good knights. Prusus and his knights joined the battle, attacking Jason at every stroke, bathing his sword in the blood of his enemies. They fought great feats of arms on all sides, and those who beheld them called him \"Death,\" saying, \"Certainly Death assails us, having the form of a knight. Flee, his father and his trenchant sword, for he whom he reaches shall never see fair day again.\"\n\nIn this time, Jason performed arms as he pleased. For he, being on horseback, made the slave knights march on foot and many others beyond number. One and another said that his body was all steel, and that he was no mortal, but a thing of that other world. For it seemed to his adversaries that they had no spear nor sword that could enter his body.\n\nWhat shall I say to you? He died. so wise that by force with his trenchant sword he broke the wards and array of the Esclans and came unto the banner of the king Esclan, where he was accompanied by xxx knights who rode for the guard of the banner. But inconveniently, when they saw the sword of Jason ready to strike them. The most assured of them began to tremble. Nevertheless, they set themselves in array and took their shields, held their swords and entered freely and firmly a foot, the proud Jason swinging in a new courage by Gre's play pleaded for good favor and good repute, smote among the knights who opposed him with all their power. And then in this manner began the battle again and a marvelous storm: in so much that on all sides men might see knights flee each other, shields to break and flee, dismayed, he-blood spring out of their wounds and fall upon the earth. Indeed, the noble proud Jason had much to do and sustained assaults from his enemies. For his shield was smitten. In many places, this man, defending himself, would never cease enslaving others. He struck the knight bearing the banner so disparately that he cleaved his head from his body, causing both the man and the banner to fall to the ground in the presence of the king of Esclauonye. The knight, upon perceiving the stroke, withdrew. One knight advanced to relieve the banner, but the noble Preu Iason treated him as he had the other. Afterward, Preu Iason attacked and killed all on the left side. And then, the Esclavonians, seeing their captain's good conduct, began to grow bolder in valor, slaying as many enemies as they met with their swords. In the end, as the noble Preu Iason encountered the king, he slew him with one stroke of his sword. The Esclavonians, discouraged and defeated, despaired. esperance hopes not to obtain the victory proclaimed, saying late we flee and save ourselves, for all is lost. For the king is dead: with this cry they turned their backs and put them to flight. Then the valiant Captain Jason and all his battle pursued them and chased them out of the realm of Olferne. This done, noble Jason and his company returned to the place where the slaves had held their siege, and there they found riches in abundance. And when they had distributed their gains among every man according to his codicion, the Roman commander ordered his troops to pack up the tents and provisions of their enemies. Then he and his company returned into the city as triumphants.\n\nFair Myrrha came then to meet me with Jason, garnished with a gracious maintenance. And she made to him the greatest honor and reverence: that was within her power, leading him to her palaces, where he entered with great pain. For the people were assembled there on all sides about him in a marvelous throng to see him. And cried all with high voices, saying. Now is returned again Victorious, our defeater: our sword, our health, and all our hope: which has in himself more vaisselage than is in all of Esclavony, and ought to be honored and recommended above all others. Indeed, the noble Jaso was feasted this night and recovered from such and similar longings of the ladies of Oliferne, who made in the streets dances and revelries, thanking their goddesses. And always Jaso was more admired by the ladies, for the best born, the most fair, the most accomplished, and the most special all burned with love for him. All were jealous of him: but Jaso never thought of any of them, but only of the sole and surpassing beauty of the virtuous Mirro, who was always in his memory. And all wondered and marveled at the beauty, grace, wit, and perfection of Jaso. And to summarize this story, the valiant and overachieving Jaso was in this glory and triumph until midnight. The withdrew him: And when he was withdrawn into his chamber, he entered into his reverie of love as he had been accustomed before. And set all in oblivion and forgetting the painful and dangerous strokes that he had received in the battle against the Esklauos. Whose body was right sore. And concluded within himself that on the morrow he would declare his courage to the lady. But what the day came and when he came before her, he felt himself so sore surprised with love that he knew not what to say. And thus he dropped forth long and many a day that he for giving him hardiness / for to discover his courage to his lady. Wherefore on a night in his bed, he began to blame himself and said softly to himself in this manner:\n\nThat may profit the continual delaying that I make for my lady. I am not afraid when I find myself in a troublous battle of a hundred thousand men. but what should I speak to my lady? I tremble for fear and dread and knew not what to say. For her I am as all too wise. In like wise as a poor and shamefast man who suffers to die for hunger rather than shame, he dares beg his bread. O what shameful proceedings of such shameless ones. I speak to myself alone, and I answer / Ofte times I am advised that to morrow I shall do marvels and so conclude right well / but what it comes for to be done j have no memory nor recall of all my conclusions: Am I not then wel simple? When unto thee, the most fair, the most sage, the most discrete, and the most virtuous of all others, I have no hardiness for to say my desire and will. How well my heart understands that I am somewhat in her grace / but now comes upon me another thought. And it seems to me that she will never accord to my requests. O right noble and unequaled Mirror, she is without peer / as the rose among thorns: Alas, and what shall I do without you. I have made a present to you of my heart and my will. If I understood that you were born in a constellation favoring you with the influence of love. Love had no power to testify upon you his virtues, I would not employ my time in seeking you out, but only what seems to me that such great bondage of desiring your grace, wishing your alliance, and requiring the gods and fortune to make one of you and me, how and one bed where we might embrace the sovereign pleasures of this world and play.\n\nThe prince spoke with these words, and after he awoke, he was so alarmed by love that it was impossible for him to rest but to turn and wallow and travel in his bed. And there, as love thus assailed him again, he determined utterly that he would adventure to speak to his lady: whatever might happen thereof, and so he did, for the same day he came to her and said in this way: Madam, I have served you as well as I can, for two reasons: primarily because of that one, and the other not to disserve the riches that you have under the power of fortune. But only that singular thing that nature has made you, lady. And upon which occasion you have shown me much courtesy. Madame, you have done me many courtesies and offered great gifts of money. I thank you: yet I am but little indebted to you for them. I ask not the great treasures that are in the depths of the sea, nor those that are enclosed in mountains: my desire seeks but two things: one is to conquer fame in arms, which should be the appetite of every noble heart. The other is to obey commands and pleasures of love that bind and oblige me to you. For to think of you, to attend and abide your benevolence, to do things that please your eyes and heart. Alas, my dear lady, all good and honor comes from you: and if you are all my delight and fortune. And the gods have allowed me to have done things worthy of your amusement and the right humble and obedient heart. From whom the body seeks with all your pleasures to obey him who has made all his treasure of our beauty. From. Our good fortune brought me to your presence. I was ready to live and die for you in your service. In this juncture, I submitted myself freely to bear the burden of your war. Have mercy on me, my dear lady. I humbly beg for your favor, as no truer lover ever desired his lady with more desire and affection in all honor and courtesy.\n\nThe fair Mirror, Jason ceased then his request in beholding her amorously. But she made no semblance of response. Yet, since she wished to prove that Jason was as much in love as in arms, she answered him as her followers say:\n\n\"Fair sir Jason, I know that you are the one who has discharged my kingdom of those who eat and destroyed its substance, and who would by force have occupied and wasted it. And so, I will not deny but that you are rightly deserving of great merit. And that your reward and thanks ought to be...\" You are told: But to request love of me, you seem enterprising. You know well that I am but a knight, and what the kings and high princes, to whom I have lately made refusal, might say. If I ask you to be content with me, I know of no better remedy for your appeasement. Alas, my dear lady, I beseech you. Remember that my heart chooses no other lady in love but you. Certainly, this will not be the case until the fish fly in the air and the birds swim in the water. My friend said the lady to the regarder, \"it is no great pride you are in your young age, arms. But beware that you do not put yourself in such an error that you cannot easily come out. Certainly, I love you more than you think. I am ready to yield you your merit for the great goodness that you have done to the city of Olifer ne. I pray you, require me of no more from henceforth. And this suffices you. Ha, madame. As I was Jason then. How may I have sufficiency when I cannot find grace before your noble visage, Of which right indigent and not satisfied I remain. You do not deign to condescend to my prayers. It is now your play, sir, that I fall into despair, and that you will have no compassion for a true knight who has been yours, and the defender and head that has obtained the peace for your realm. And the proper arm that has taken vengeance for your ancient forfeiters and enemies. All despair, I depart, praying unto the goddesses that will have mercy.\n\nWith this conclusion, the priest Iason, all in a trance and half rebuke, went unto the ladies and damsels. And the fair mirror and one woman, who was secret with her deep in thought, but the queen entered alone into her chamber, thinking much on Jason. Who at that time came among the ladies as is said, with a sorrowful heart and surrounded by disappointment. She greatly thanked him for the great courtesy he had found in her, and at this point took notice. He recommended himself to them in their good grace. Afterward, he departed and sent to see his arms and had him adorned and forthwith, without any more speech, it was nearly night: he rode south out of the city, and was so angry and displeased that he knew not where to go, and when the ladies saw that Jason departed from the city alone and disheartened, thinking of the virtues where he was endowed, they comforted him much and said one to another that he did not have his heart in ease. Many of them bewailed him in such a way that the great tears took his horse all armed and departed from the city to Myrto, all weeping as she was, and said to her in this manner:\n\nMadam, what ails your knight, or some sudden chance may come to him to depart from your city armed and alone at this hour, when you have sent him, pressed with heavy sorrow and despair: Certainly, believe answered the Queen, / I do not know what ails him. But I truly believe that he is not all right: for in receiving the good services. that he has done to me in this war. He has desired and required my love. Since I have not acceded to his request, he is angry with me and I do not know more. Madame said the damsel. Did you give him no manner of hope or expectation at his departure? I gave him none, said the lady. And how did the damsel speak to me? You have told me more than once before this time that he was the only desire of your heart? I confess that to you. I never knew why, but I was so abashed and so confused in my blood, that I did not know how to answer when he required my love. And also, lovers ought to be ashamed Regarding love, and also there are many who can do nothing else but serve ladies and gentlewomen with lies and deceit. My mother told me and bade me keep this lesson when she sent me first to school. If I have well retained her doctrine, I think I have not done much more. Amy's experience shows that what is obtained with great trouble and long requests is more valuable and worthy of preservation than that which is obtained easily. The lady, whose love is required of her, can do no better than to endure her stranger's prolonged attentions and feel shame in his departure. I have my doubts that you will ever see him again, if he indeed left as the lady said. The damsel did not specify where or through which gate he departed, but I believe it would be better for him to return to his country than to any other place.\n\nWhat the noble queen Myrrha understood from this is unclear. And she was reminded of the departure of her dear love and friend. She fell to the earth, struck and truncated with bitter sorrow and grief. She began to wring her hands and strike her feet, saying nothing. passing lowde. Alas, fortune is cruel to me. Alas, what have I done to myself when I was required to love the most renowned knight of the world: the most valiant in arms, the fairest that lives? And that I have not humbled myself before his great humility, good fortune that the gods of their secret treasure had set before me and brought and placed in my hands. By my little advice and endeavor, I have chased out of Olifer the one who had rescued and brought back what he had taken away from mortal encumbrance, through the high valor of his person and the travel of his body with the precious price of his blood. And then, what have I done? Have my heart what have you consented? My mouth what have you voiced? My tongue what have you produced? And my intent where were you: Where was your force or your power. or your will, that desiring the love and thralldom of him who was abased to which hadst thou closed thy mouth for shame, and hast suffered the corporal and bodily mouth to speak? You appled for something above all other things, yet you deny that thing, O righteous shamefastness, I, what plot or in what pass am I now, because of your cause? Certes, I am ashamed that I have refused the feast of my friend and of my household. But certes, I shall amend it to my power. I shall go after him so far until I find him. And I shall have no shame to put myself there.\n\nThe maiden, the damsel, perceived the great displeasure where her maidenhood was. She shut the chamber door to them, so that no person should come upon them: and began there to weep till night: and a lady came and said the supper was ready.\n\nThe queen did answer her by the damsel, that she would not sup until she felt herself well disposed, and also commanded that no one among all other things.\n\nThe queen said these words, yet may it worsen for me, for after much dangerous inconvenience she sends me death. Give it to me. If I sorrow, but what should I do? I do not know what to think, and what ought I to do by your faith? Do you think it is good that I should go after him? Or that I should send any faithful man after him of my knowledge? Certainly, I think if I should send a messenger after him, he would not come back. And if I went after him, that would be the greatest dishonor for me in the world. The lady answered then the damsel: You ought to know your case; and of two ways to take the best: If you have intention that Jason is your husband, it behooves no longer to delay. For you must go or send to him with all diligence. And in my opinion, if it happened to me as it is to you, I would send no other messenger but myself. And know truly that you may have no dishonor for going after him, understood and well considered the good and agreeable services that he has done to you and to your kingdom. Under the color of reconciliation and rewarding him, you may take occasion. The queen spoke to come into words and give him something yet to serve you. Fair daughter said the queen. I don't know what to think or what is best to do. For if I follow him and find him, what shall I say? My dear good service he has done to you in your necessity. This seems little substance for entering into speech of my principal cause said the queen. Fair lady answered them the damsel. When you shall come and be before the knight, love shall teach you to speak. If you will remember the lessons and epistles of love by the space of a year, it will but little profit your advancement. For there lacks nothing but inspiration of love mixed with courage and human endurance: speaking with the mouth which is the instrument of the discharging and discovering of hearts. Since it is so said, the fair Myrro, queen of Oliferne. All things considered, I had much rather cover a little blame than in all points never to recover again. The whole desire and pleasure of mine heart and the consolation of my eye. Then I shall tell you my advice. It is necessary and required that you do this. And that you now go to my women and tell them that I shall go on pilgrimage, accompanied only by you, at dawn. And they should take care and see to all things. And you and I, before the sun rises, will secretly embark on our quest for the most noble and valiant knight, the fairest and most addressed, whose living is Jason, my only friend. We will do so much that he will be found. This advice seemed good to the damsel, and with all diligence she obeyed her mistress's command. And around midnight, they prepared their things and rode forth in disguise: and such was their haste that they came upon the logging where her friend Jason had lodged that night. And she began to ask the host of that fair and noble knight about the content of his evening and what cheer he had made before his departure, and what way he had taken and held. The host answered the lady that, as for the knight's appearance and his fair countenance, he had neither eaten nor drunk anything all evening. He had also instructed the lady, who was then deeply pensive about Jason, that neither had he taken any refreshment of food or drink.\n\nThe noble Quidam then made no delay: they mounted their horses and rode as quickly as possible. They rode for three days following Jason, halting each night where they descended. On the fourth day, as they were sailing, they came upon a part of the sea where a ship was shown to them, in which were merchants of Athens. They were told that Jason was there and that he was going to Athens, and that there was yet another ship of merchants about to depart \u2013 but then the fair mirror appeared. was in such a state of displeasure that she knew Jaason was departed, and she made great sorrow. Nevertheless, she was soon counseled what to do, and concluded since she had traveled so much that she would prove Lady Fortune and went after Jaason. With this decision filled with deep sighs, she went to the ship that was to depart for Athens, and agreed with the mariner who was brought there by the force of the tempest and wind. And they departed: and when they saw that it was calm and sailed not, they made ready their oars and rowed by the force of their arms. At that time, there were not as many sails as there are now. They rowed into the high sea, where they rowed for a long time. In this time, Queen Mirro became sick unto death. And finally, when they had been certain of a space of time, an intermittent storm and great wind cast them here and there. In such a way that fortune brought her to the port. trace: The mariners were warned that it was dangerous to arrive there because of the kingdom called Dyomedes. King Dyomedes, who was extremely inhumane, had long been accustomed to robbing all those who arrived in his realm, whether by sea or by land. He was at that time besieging his city named Byzance. This city was later called Constantinople and Constantinople, and this ship had arrived at Byzance's port. Diomedes acted quickly and brought with him thirty of his tyrants to the port where the two ships of Athens had arrived. As soon as he heard of the mariners, he summoned them and said, \"Vilians, merchants, and unhappy ones, come up on high and come out of my ships, for you must log in my prison.\"\n\nWhen he had understood the great treachery of the tyrant and saw that all the mariners trembled with fear, he raised his head. And in response to Dyomedes saying \"Miserable Gloton, what do you demand? Are we not unfortunate, as you seem to suggest we are in this dispute?\" Dyomedes, upon hearing this answer, became as angry as he could be. Therefore, he commanded his companions to avenge him for the insult Jason had spoken to him in their presence. The companions, who were just as eager and ready to do evil as anything else, called out to Jason and approached him until they reached his ship on the sand. When Jason had comforted himself as best he could and his mariners, who were so disheartened that they had no power to put up a defense, Jason took up his shield and held firmly to his good sword. He urged them to take up their oars and armor and defend themselves bravely and courageously. But in saying this, the Glotons approached Jason with their swords, fiercely enraged. They surrounded him on all sides with great wickedness, but they could not. well are they armed, as much as there was between him about a juris of water, therefore they sought of the water to fetch a bridge of tree right strong & prophetic: and in it were nails of iron on both sides: and they did so much as they fastened this bridge to the ship of Jason: And then three of the most valiant of them mounted thereupon and could go forth: But supposed to have struck upon the noble prize Jason. As valiant and right assured knight as he was, he encountered him by such conduct that with three strokes of his good sword that he gave them, he made all three to tumble into the sea, where they drank so much that they never arose but left their lives.\n\nWhen the mariners of the ship saw that their lord Jason defended himself so valiantly with the treacherous bridge, they took courage, for they saw their faces and armor. And entered the battle against their enemies to support and help. The noble Iaso kept the passage of the bridge effectively against the tyrants, supplying them well on the threshold where they waited one after another. Many were hurt and encouraged him with cries, for the tyrants' cohorts could not match nor overpower the knight Jason's valor. Despite his great pride, he did not dare to launch an assault except by the bridge. Indeed, the battle between Jason and the Tracians lasted long. The queen Mirzo heard news of it and was told that there was a knight in their company who made such valiant stands against the Tracian tyrants, never before seen in prowess. What the queen Mirzo understood. These tidings she thought inconvenient, for it was Jason who fought so valiantly to defend the two ships. She had gladly offered herself to have a look at his great vessel, but she was so very weak that in no way could she lift up her head, and her damsel was likewise. The terrible battle lasted so long that the ill-fated party of the Tracians and of Jason found no more alive but eighteen of the three thousand who had come there. Of these eighteen, seeing the death of their fellows, none was so hardy that dared present himself before Jason, nor could Homides, who said this, contain his anger. He might no more be held back. Thinking to do valiantly and to give courage to his companions, he went up onto the platform and presented himself so far that Jason saluted him and welcomed him with such a stroke of his sword upon the bridge, and then lifted up his arm with the sword. But the Paladins, tyrants as they were, were weary and recalcitrant. The men were astonished when they saw their king Dionedes suddenly disappear into the water. Some of his accomplices were pulled from the bridge and taken below decks, where they took his horn from around his neck and blew and sounded it loudly to summon the Cithaeronians to come to their lord's rescue. But the sea tempest ceased then, and the mariners lowered the bridge into the water. And when they were disarmed, they departed with their ships out of the harbor with haste. They began to rejoice joyously, thanking their gods and the high valor of the noble knight Jason, who had saved them from the perilous clutches of the felon tyrant. On the other side, Tyrian was filled with great despair and sorrow; he seemed more mad than anything else, for he had not found the knights who possessed such great prowess and valor as he had encountered in Jason.\n\nThe two ships departed. From the text: \"Four days long they sailed on the sea. On the fifth day, they arrived at Athens, where Jason went ashore. And Fair Mirro began to grow worse with her illness. At a land Mirro espied where Jason took lodging: she followed, accompanied by her damsel, until she saw the lodging, which was the house of an nobleman. She was filled with great thoughts and variations, wondering whether she would lodge in the same place or not. Approaching the lodging, the lodgings-keeper returned and came again, and finally, when she saw that Jason was not present, she wept and asked the nobleman for a chamber in his house. Seeing that the lady was well-dressed and spoke graciously, he lodged her and her damsel to their pleasure. He put their two horses in a stable by Jason's horse, which immediately began to neigh as he (Jason) appeared.\" Sinelle greeted them, for he knew them as they had gathered in Oliverna, and they made great cheer with each other. The burghers were greatly amazed, but thought only well and gave them a warm welcome. Afterward, they came to serve Jason and found that his chamber was full of merchants and mariners who had come with him on the sea. These presented him with wine and food and gave him great gifts of rich jewels and other strange things. In his chamber was a man of sixty years, honest in his person and always strong and capable. Seeing this presentation to Jason, he approached the host and demanded, \"Who is this young knight to whom men show such great honor?\" But the burghers and the old man asked one of the mariners about this matter. The mariner said, \"He is the best, the most virtuous, and the most valiant knight in the world. We give these presents to him because, through his high prowess, he has saved us.\" But the mariner of Jaso spoke of the tyranny and danger of King Dyomedes and his companions. And so the mariner persuaded him with his maintenance and semblance to be a noble knight and yielding. Among these deceits, the merchants offered to command him, and after they had returned to their houses, the burghers covered the table, which was covered with the feasts. Jason wanted the knight to sit first because of his age and ancient status, for in that time men held ancient and aged men in great reverence and honor.\n\nHowever, in this presenting, they are weak in body, mind, and nature, and there are many children who do not understand that they are foolish, willing to have in governance the poor old man, not the poor but rich. It is great riches to amass and bring one's days to the degree of old age, yet have children who do worse, for they desire and wish they could displease their fathers and mothers, and serve them with things contrary to their health and life. The which is the greatest treasure that a man may have, as worldly goods are concerned. There are hardly any of them in these days that I see; for the young people may not hear the doctrine of the old me. And they believe that they are so wise that men need not show them any wisdom. Moreover, they are unkind and full of ingratitude; in so much that if they knew of any thing wherewith they might dishonor them, they would do it. Alas, what cursed and blind young man was that who extorted Jaso to make good his demand or raised a quarrel. After supper, when the table was cleared, Iason and the ancient knight were laid in one chamber: where were two beds: and Iason was laid he began to sigh in such a way and of such inward sorrow of his heart that it seemed that the soul should depart from the body. Therefore, the theologian in the other bed began to pray. \"bedde by: and when he had long listened to their sighs and heard that they grew increasingly louder and louder, he could no longer endure it. Sir knight answered the old knight. If you wish to live with some sickness or malady that you have, I will do my best and power to help you, near or far, answered the ancient knight. I solemnly declare to you that I am someone who can help with the painful affliction of love. If death is what you fear, then you have no reason to be afraid. For the malady that proceeds from love is so gracious, of great significance and pain, but it is a malady to which I must necessarily submit. Said the ancient knight Jason. If I can help, then I will not die. Alas, I must truly admit that I am deeply afflicted and tormented by this anguish, and I wish I were there where I shall be. A hundred years hence.\" That of your love you have not expressed your first desire but I would willingly know if any man has wronged your lady, or else if this malady comes and proceeds by her ruling. Sir Knight answered her grace and requested her to be his lady in love, but she has not willed to see in me so much virtue or valor that she would accord her to my request. Therefore, I have therefore my life in great hate and see no other remedy but to fall into despair.\n\nFair sir answered the knight, have you not often heard it said that one loses and two recover? If it is so that a woman has made you refuse, by your faith shall you therefore be such a fool as to fall into despair. Consider you not that there are now others, and if you have not one, I shall make you have a dose: there is no great danger or scarcity of women. Marked and take heed of your words. You speak according to your pleasure. These are things that may better be. The ancient knight told you the secret and the true history: I win in time and in season. Women one and other properly speak, and this procedure is that each of them addresses the proudest creature that is. The devil is the first, and next after him is the fool who is overcoming. Some women there are who, and lean to signs they make, also far as they may not speak to him: Others there are that are more prayerful and shortly conclude. Sir answered then, \"Iason I fear to do, and if any wealth or honor comes to him, it is against good equity, and if there is any such. They are not worthy to live in this world.\" And for that cause say no more. When the uncouth knight had understood Sir's answer, he, for I suppose well to know that if now you should choose between two things, that is, to swear, that for the love of their. ladies. They would attend and take the death, but I suppose if they saw death come, they would no more abide him than the quail abides the spearhawk, and for all openings. And comfort yourself the best way you can in your lady. Also with these words, do not reply further to them. He then awakened Iason and began to make new sighs so loudly that the ancient knight heard it and awoke. And when Iason knew that he was awakened, he saluted him and gave him a good morning and said to him, \"Sir knight, because of your great age, you have seen much in your time. Cease this night from dreaming. By my loyalty, good old knight, if you have dreamed of anything that requires explanation or interpretation: there is no man, and therefore without any doubt. Tell me plainly your dream. And I shall expound it for you, for as much as you are coming in the science of its explanation, this marvelous dream which I shall declare to you in this manner.\" A female it was not, but another. The male approached the female and feigned companionship. The female paid him no heed, but withdrew behind. When the man entered and passed over, and caressed and lay with me here in this bed, it was not long after. But I thought that the female had passed by and gone to the chamber door, making pitiful cries according to her nature, so that the man might not hear. And so I had great pity for her sorrowful weeping, waking me up. I saw nothing more, therefore I know not what to think.\n\nWhen the ancient knight had well understood the dream of Perceval, he said to him in this manner: Sir knight, what do you say, if that noble lady, for whom you suffer so much sorrow, is as much or more amorous of you as you are of her? And by this love she comes into this house after you. A knight answered Perceval, I have no charge of that matter, for my lady is so noble and so. endowed with such beauty that she sets nothing by any other in the world, and enters in a similar manner. She has come after you into this very house, where by chance she is in great pain for your love: In this manner, I can predict and divine this work after the nature of your dream, and from whence comes to me this fantasy that may move me more than help. I know well that it is a great abuse for me to think and have a renewal of pain and sorrow. O what pain it is for a heart in love to be in continual martyrdom. Why have you not the eyes so clear to behold within my heart and know in what martyrdom I am, in what sorrow, and in what anguish? Your eyes, basilica, have hurt me unto death. O what distress, O what reward for good service! I find myself in the hands of cruel death, but yet I shall pass the sooner my sorrow. I shall pray to the goddesses that I may be like you after my great unhappiness. Then the sage. And ancient knight Mopsius, hearing the noble Preu Iason lamenting so sadly, was greatly moved by nobility. He said to him in this manner: \"For God's sake, knight, leave and go out of this fantasy. It is unprofitable to ponder too much on misfortune.\" A man with great toil and labor brings his days to an end, having lived through many contradictory things. There is no man so fortunate that he has his way entirely. Time must be taken as it comes. Is it hard or soft? The heart of a man should not be abashed, and the place of your birth and the name of your house and dwelling place. Verily, sir knight answered Iaso then: \"If there is any man who can redeem and give comfort to a desolate and disconsolate heart, you are most propitious above all others. I have found so much goodness in you that, if you will tell me your name without fault, I will tell you mine also.\" Fair sir answered Thauceytus. knight, your desire is acceptable to me in such a way that I shall recover to you my life and all my associates more than any man who I have seen. You have twenty scores of years. Know that my name is Mopsius. The god Neptune was my father. I am king of Sylice. I have conquered the country Pamphile. I have had two sons, and when they came to man's age, I made them possessors of my lands. Since I am deeply distressed in such an estate as you now see me in, I have seen and learned plenty of good and strange works. I pray and request that you show my estate and conditions to no one by any means of the world, and whoever you speak to, name or call me nothing but Mopsius openly and collectively. For diverse reasons, I answered Mopsius rather than the noble Iason, since it pleases you to be named and called by that name. I promise you upon my honor that whatever you have said shall be kept secret. my heart was closed as firmly as you had in the most harsh rock of the world, and I turned my gaze to tell you that I am called Jason, born in the province of Thessaly, the son of the noble king Aeson of Mirmidon, who still lives, as I suppose. But he is very ancient. With these words, Mopsius intended to distract me from my melancholy. He began to ask me about the nature of the kingdom of Myrth, demanded my age and adventures from me, and inquired about many other things until we began to rise and prepare. But whatever I said or heard, my thoughts were always on my lady, and I sighed often out of measure.\n\nThe two noble knights rose and donned their armor. I, Jason, entered the stable to my horse. I loved him well: but when I had been there a little while and had seen the two palfroes of the lady and the damsel, I was disturbed. The servant of the stable identified the horses' owner as my lady beloved. The servant replied that they belonged to two damsels lodged there. Frede, the good knight, asked which damsels. The horses belonged to my lady beloved, and when the knight understood, he said to Iason. Iason, remember your dream; your lady is in this house, or else the damsels are here, who will tell you good tidings. Without further question or answer, Iason departed from the stable and went to the hostess. The damsels were lodged here. Sir knight answered the hostess, \"I know them no other way but as they seem to be good women and come from a good house. Is it possible that I may see them?\" Iason requested. \"Fair hostess, I require you that I may see them,\" said Iason. And there is a knight, your servant, who earnestly desires to speak with you. The good hostess went to the two damsels and said, \"Fair damsels, I come to you in the name and at the request of a gentle knight, your servant, who requests that it please you to grant him audience and advise me what pleases you in response to him.\" But as soon as Queen Mirro had heard her hostess speak of the knight's request, the color of her face changed marvelously, and she thought her entire body was aflame. Yet she held her composure as best she could, and since she doubted the arrival of the prince Iason and was unsure what to say to him, she answered and said, \"Fair damsels, who is this knight who has sent you to me? I have never seen him.\" I: To forego what I wrote of, but to my seeming he is the most gentle and the most well-made of body and also the most courteous that any man may find or speak of. Danie then said to the fair Mirror, \"since he is so virtuous and so well accomplished as you say, do bid him come hither.\" With these words, the good hostess did bring Jason into the chamber. And then, as soon as he came in, he beheld the noble Queen, who was very beautiful and having a heart full of shame and agitated, made to her the reverence and salutation. The fair Mirror welcomed and saluted her in turn with great courtesy. They entered into conversation, and then, after certain words, Jason said to the Queen in this manner:\n\nI: Had I not known that you had been in this hostelry, nor had I seen you, I would not have supposed that you had been in this house. How welcome I am, when I understood that the two passports belonged to you, ladies. Thinking that they had been two of your damsels, I have come to hear tidings of you: Indeed. Sir knight, I doubt not the contrary and I had not supposed or thought to have found you now here. I declare to you that I have departed secretly to go on a pilgrimage. A long time ago, I have accompanied you and I have greatly expected that you had been here in my absence at your rest. You are very swift in your works. I have good will and great desire to reward and compensate you for the good and agreeable services that you have done for me during my war in persecuting and delivering of my mortal enemies. If you do not return to Olfern, I may not or cannot do so much for you as I could have. But I have employed myself only for your love and God's grace. I have paternal riches in abundance, and therefore I say to you so much, that if you do not grant me your love: you cannot content me. And know for certain that after this day you shall never see me again. Your treasure is worthless. A lower and humble servant donned. I shall go withdraw myself into some desert. Weeping and wailing that part after you. And unto my death I will do no other way. Therefore I supplicate with all my heart that pity may enter into your noble corage: in such a way that on me your poor suppliant, you have pity and mercy, or else of me you shall never see good.\n\nWhen the noble lady had understood what was said: She answered the priest in this manner. Certes, sir knight, there is no heart of a lady so hard, but by the virtue of your requests must needs be softened and moved. You have served me kindly and well in all truth and loyalty. In all valor and diligence: things you may not demand of me. Nor is there anything more touching me. Nevertheless, those who appear to possess your great and good valor, to them that have no cause for despair, I am content to accord myself unto your prayers and requests. For I have always seen that you shall go into your country: And there you shall assemble your most noble company. The noble and valiant knight Jason thanked the fair Myrrh for her gracious answer. He promised to her to do and accomplish all that she had desired. That is, he would go to Myrrhine to assemble his friends and allies, and he would return to Oliphant to marry and wed her in their presence. But what of the damsel who came with the queen to keep her company? Hearing such or sensible promises from her mistress, she was pleased and said to them all, \"I call upon all the gods to witness this alliance.\" \"Indeed,\" said the fair Myrrh. \"Let us make proper arrangements for the wedding.\" But it seems to me that it may not be fittingly done now, for I would not be unaware: but it is necessary for my honor and worship that I depart from her incontinence. out to the place where no one spoke of us but all we: and we shall go secretly to the poorth for to get some good maronner. Which shall bring us unto our secret pilgrimage. Iabas was sorrowful and full of love for his lady, whom he saw endowed with such high honor for her sake: But she would in no wise hear him: but smiling, she took her leave in such a way that Jason embraced and kissed her once or twice. Finally, he departed from there, promising her that in a short time he would return to her again and as soon as he was departed, and went his way. Mirro and the Damoiselle saddled their horses and rode to the porte where they took their shipping and went to the sea.\n\nFor the sake of our history, let us omit:\nhad. In a short time, he delivered the queen Mirro and her damoiselle to Oliferne: where they tarried after Jason for a long time and in great annoyance and displeasure with his delays for this present time, and I shall recount the conduct of Jason, who died. Her deity's lady's messenger brought good news: he declared to him that he had not spoken to her in person. But he made him understand that two of her damsels had promised and sworn to him that if he would go into Oliphant's company of his kin and friends, they would do something on her behalf, causing her to espouse and wed him, and that she would crown him king of her country. For this reason, Jason declared that he had taken an oath by the promises of these two damsels. I shall go to my country to appease my friends and kin in the most beautiful and hasty way. I shall move on, and I will not cease until I reach the summit of my love, where I have good hope.\n\nHerald of Peleus, brother of King Esopus of Myrmidon and uncle of Jason, went to the temple of Apollo. And he received an answer that the first woman he met with a hose on one foot and none on the other would deprive her of the kingdom of Myr.\n\nThus, as Jason recounted these tidings to the unnamed listener. good and ancient knight Mostus/the son of the king of the city named Thebes came to them there. He was advertised by the merchants: that Jason had said by his valiant courage and delivered from the fury and tyranny of the Persian king Dionedes. And from as far as he had seen Jason, he knew him. For he had seen him before at the wedding of Perithoos. And then he greeted him with great cheer: The brave Jason returned joyously to these men. And when they had each other welcomed, Theseus brought Jason and Mostius, for the love of Jason, to the king his father, who was named Aegeus. And when the king saw Jason, he did him much great honor and worship for his high renown. And he feasted him in various ways. And Jason desired nothing but to return to his country: and thanked him for the worship that he had done him and for his good cheer. And King Theseus and Mostius, who knew that he was a right noble and right valiant knight, said to Iason requested that they stay and not join him, as he would not go the right way. But they insisted on keeping their promise. Iason then departed from Athens with Theseus and Mopsius. They made great progress by land and sea, without any memorable event. They arrived at the city of Myrmidon, where King Eeton was living. Peleus welcomed Iason with his body but not with his heart, making great signs of joyfulness of his reception. He brought Iason to his father, the old king, who was greatly comforted by the coming of his dear son Iason. After Iason had received the king's welcome, the king demanded news from him. Iason, without assuming any vain glory for the great works he had done, answered him with great humility, saying, \"Sir, I come to you now, straight from the service of the noble queen Mirror, who is lady of the noble city of Olferne: the wisest, the fairest, and the most discreet. And at the time of my arrival in her court, she was in a marvelous tribulation due to the right powerful king of Escalon, who made war against her with fire and blood. Because of this, but since my coming to this place and having been given charge as her heed and conductor of her men, I entered into the struggle to sustain the quarrel of the noble lady. And in three battles where I was accompanied by her people, the gods have given us victory over the Escalonians. In such a manner that the king himself and most of his men were slain and cut into pieces. Among all others in the host of the said king of Escalon, there was a\" A marvelous and powerful man, a giant named Corfus: He had slain many a knight of Olferne. With whom I fought body against body. Not by my strength that was in me, but by the desire to gain the worship and honor, and to do that thing which might bring me into the grace of that noble lady. Whom I put to utterance by the great beauty of her countenance, and to her belongs the right worship and honor. Since I have told you so much, and it is reasonable that you know: I declare to you that I come now in earnest. My kinsmen and friends are assembled to keep me company and to wed this high and noble lady, who is esteemed worthy to be my wife, foreseeing that I should honor her accordingly, as befits the daughter of a king. For by these conditions are the promises made and agreed upon.\n\nThe noble and ancient king Eson, hearing these tidings, had much more joy in his heart than he had before and said, \"My dear\" I am right yours in well-being and worship, of your profit and increase. I think fortune has been kind to the noble lady to whom you have been servant. But with great pain I believe that you alone have vanquished the giant. And if it is so, take God's grace, but let it pass. And if you have obtained the grace of such a fair and noble lady, have no great marvel thereof: for love. And never the less to me that you know how I desire above all things in the world to see multiplication in your seed. I shall then arrange for the son of a king, who is lawful and fitting. And I shall send him the point of ability in war and of noble men appointed, so that by reason she ought to have sufficient. Then Jason prayed the king his father for this good answer. And at that time they spoke no more of the matter, but intended to feast Mopsius and Theseus. Whom they prayed to tarry and accompany Jason unto the day of his wedding and the feast. Two good knights proposed that they should do so: and so they were greatly feasted by the king and his nobles, and also by Pelus, who did it against his heart, feigning a cheerful countenance. Among many devices, Mopsius and Theseus considered Jason to be like-minded and provided him with their assistance and companionship. Hercules, who was the strongest man and best advised under the heavens, they recommended to their fellow. And because of his recommendations, the fame of Jason grew and increased from day to day. It is not to be wondered that the jealousy of the unfaithful Pelus grew so terribly that he could have no rest day or night. In the coming again of noble Jason, he was warned that on the island of Delphos, the god Apollo gave answers concerning things that were to come and of all destinies. Therefore, he went to that island and entered the temple, marveling and pensive. And there in the temple, whoever heard him, answered him that the kingdom was his. Peleus, on his returning to Mirmidone, was constantly plotting the death of the right noble Jasoo. Imagining how he might resist his miserable and foolish destiny, a good old knight met him on the way. This knight began to observe him in his plain visage and returned the salutation of both. Recognizing that he was much afflicted and full of melancholies, he devised many wonders and marvels of the world to him. Among all other devices, he said to him that on an island standing in the eastern sea was a much rich and noble monster or sheep with fleece of fine gold. This was not possible. Coquered. And so, many valiant knights had lost their lives there. These devices came to an end. The two knights departed from each other. Then Pelus, returning into his melancholies, thinking much on the answer he had received from the god Apollo, concluded within himself that if it happened that he met Jason barefoot on that one foot, he should find the manners if he might send him to the isle: of which the knight had told him that the rich motley or flees of gold were: to the place where he might be there devoured and never return again. What shall I say more? The treacherous and untrustworthy Pelus passed on his way in such conspiracies.\n\nCertes, the noble Jason and Theseus were then in a meadow with many noble bachelors of the country: passing their time in making pleasure of diverse pastimes and plays in strength of body. As wrestling, leaping, casting the bar or stone, or drawing the bow. And when Jason saw his uncle Pelus come, he went to him sorrowfully. welcome. Aeacus was anointed and shod on his right foot. Aeacus made to him the reception: And then Peleus, who doubted that he had seen his foot bare: how well he said not a word but showed a great sign of favor to his new Jason. Who thought nothing of his uncle's malice and false heart, garnished with hypocrisy, treason, and all evil. And since passed forth, saying to himself, \"Jason should be put out of the kingdom, but if he found some remedy.\" Aeacus returned right sorrowful and dolorous and greatly desirous to destroy and do to death his new Jason. He frowned in this way and bit on his lip a long while. After he had thought and concluded in himself that he would order and make a rich dinner: to which he would call all the nobles of the kingdom and the countries by and adjacent, saying that he would show to his new Jason all that he had heard reported of the noble Moton. Peleus, intending to acquire the golden sheep, made this decision in his mind. He then summoned most of the nobles from the Kingdom and the surrounding areas, who came gladly to this feast and assembled on the designated day. Peleus ensured that this dinner was lavishly decorated with various delicacies and noble dishes, as well as beautiful ornaments and sumptuous drinks flavored with spices. The most esteemed barons were seated at the first tables. Among them were the noble Hercules, and each nobleman sat according to his rank. After they began exchanging pleasantries, they spoke of many things, particularly the great exploits of the mighty and noble Hercules. They discussed the monstrous and cruel beasts he had destroyed through his valor and strength. The dinner continued in such a manner until the end, with Peleus and Hercules. I said to him, in the presence of many kings, barons, and knights, in this manner:\n\nIason, my dear lord, and new you are the man in the world that I love best, after King Esau my brother and our father. Know that I have great joy in my heart to hear the praises and recommendations of the valiant knight Hercules. Whom I see here present, for the terrible beasts, for the monstrosities, and for the great and strong giants, from whom he had delivered the world. By his valor: But what I behold is your great physical power, and next after that, you are one of the most strongest members, best assured, and one of the most valiant knights that live. It greatly displeases me in my heart that fortune has not given place where your power and valor may be shown. And that your reputation and renown is not so great as I desire. I would have given the most part of the goods that the gods have sent me in this world, and that you were come to your above. You are a knight and have undertaken an enterprise that is honorable and recommended for you and your lineage. Fair uncle Jason answered Jason. I greatly appreciate your good will towards me. I know well that you have often encouraged me in my honor and worship, and have brought matters to a successful conclusion where I might employ my time. I ask that I may do as much as possible to come and join our household.\n\nFair Sir Iason replied to the disloyal and unfaithful Peleus, I take great pleasure in seeing your good will, which proceeds from a noble courage. And since I know that you are a knight of great enterprise, I tell you that in the original parts there is an island enclosed by the sea. In which there is such a noble and rich sheep or moton of such a nature that instead of being fed with a pasture, those who dare approach the noble moton or sheep of gold at this present time. If there is such in you. \"moche valour and for the rich favor and worship, which is above all other things that every noble heart desires; and truly, I desire nothing more. For honor is the principal treasure above all other, and the sovereign recommendation that any gentle may get, and ought to be desired more than any worldly thing: To this I answer, by all our good fair uncle, I am much obliged to you in many ways. For I know and am certain truly, that honor ought to be preferred and put before all worldly things, and to the end that men may see the great affection and desire to get worship is so near me, that the covetous desire for glory and honor is not in me reputed feignedly. I make here a solemn vow, that I shall never cease to labor to seek the rich sheep or fleece of gold until I have found it, and that I have heard this before, much from Jason of his enterprise. And forthwith I vow to you, wisely.\" If Jason had not achieved his enterprise, they should have put him in debt to bring it to an end. During this dinner, they spoke long and devised much about the vow of Jason, and above all others were glad and joyous that he prolonged and held a great solemn feast for eight days. Eson, nevertheless, was dangerous and mortal for the enterprise. Yet Eson, despite this, was well content that his son should fulfill his vow: For Tiresias had set the matter in motion, and many workers were employed to build a ship. Among all others, there was one named Argos, who undertook such a fair and subtle work that none had seen its like before. He was called Argonaut because of Argos.\n\nIndeed, this Argos was a very wise and virtuous man, and an experienced mariner who was in that time the best in all Greece. And when this ship was made, he informed Peleus and Jason, who were as glad and joyful as they could be. For always, as long as they lived, they had desired this. Iason found everything ready and the ship prepared for departure. He took leave of his father, the king, and his uncle Pelus. Noble Hercules, Theseus, and Mopsius, along with a hundred knights of Greece who wished to accompany Jason on this voyage, entered the ship with great diligence. Argos, the good patron, had dismissed some knights from the port where the ship had been built, which was named Seferre. Argos was so diligent that he brought this noble company onto the high sea, where Argos sailed with them for many days, always heading east after the sight of the stars and the sun. He conducted them for so long in this manner that victuals began to fail them, and they were forced to go and load at the first port of Frugality named Themison, which was near Troy, where Laomedon was king. He showed great rudeness to Jason and the knights. Argos, a good and subtle mariner, ordered all things that failed to benefit the noble ship where the noble knight was under sail. The wind blew in their favor. At that time, many people were on the banks of the sea who were displayed and set upon a hand-steered vessel fast in its course on the sea, so sore amazed that they did not know what it might be. Some of them were so afraid that they fled to Troy. Those who fled to Troy went to the powerful king Priam and said to him, weeping and in great fear, that they had seen from afar a great monster lifting itself. In this country, there were reportedly marvelous swimmers in the water more swiftly than a horse could run. They approached King Laomedon and claimed that this monster, without comparison, was twice as great and fearsome as the monster Hercules had slain through his great valor. Indeed, in this land before that time, Hercules had slain a monster as great as a whale, as clearly stated in the history of Hercules. When King Laomedon heard these tidings, he was utterly abashed. He then ordered one of his knights to take a horse and something the people were greatly afraid of. In this way, he sent the knight to spy on the Nereids near Tenedos, inquiring if they had seen any such monster on the sea. The people of the country answered the knight that they had seen no such monster on the sea, and those who had brought such tidings to King Laomedon were: Troy's knights were greatly astonished to see any monster and that there was nothing but a Greek ship sailing on the sea, in which a great number of knights of Greece were skillfully armed and possessed necessary things for entering into battle. What the knights of Troy had understood was that the knight had dismounted from his horse and approached the knights of Greece. He demanded from them what they sought and intended in that country. Then Jason answered the knight that there was a great need for provisions for no other reason. Upon understanding these tidings, the knight returned and took his horse and rode back to his king, Lord Laomedon, and reported all that he had encountered. King Laomedon, thus informed of the departure of the Greek knights and understanding that they were coming to plunder their land, immediately imagined that they were spies. He realized that they were indeed Hercules' spies. The king therefore recalled the knight and ordered the Greeks strictly to dispose of their troops and leave his land, going elsewhere if they had need. If they did not depart promptly and disavow their intentions, he threatened to invade them with his power so severely that they would never again dare to challenge his kingdom, city, castle, or country.\n\nUpon hearing this harsh and impolite command from the Trojan king, Jason and his companions were greatly displeased. Since they had to leave, Jason responded courteously to the knight and explained that they had not come there to spy on the kingdom, cities, castles, or the king Laomedon or any other. Hercules, who heard Jason's response, could not contain his anger despite his initial inclination to be lenient, and he took action. Iason spoke to the knight in this manner: Know, knight, that Laomedon, with a wicked heart, has banished Jason of Myrnmode from all nobility. He promises that in a short time, men in the name of Jason will descend upon these lands. In great numbers, they will bring ruin and perplexity to his kingdom, cities, towns, and castles. Fifty years after this, not a stone will be found nor any corn will be sown in the kingdom. My lord, I tell you truly, courtesy is not unrequited, nor rigor in the same way, unless it is remembered. As I am a messenger, I will gladly report to King Laomedon what I have found about you. Then Iason demanded that Argos and his men should disperse and depart from there, but if they wished to endure cruelty. And fury of King Laomedon and all his power dismissed the good patron Argos and his mariners, and we waited at sea. Shortly after, the wind began to rise and the tempest was horrible and impetuous. But Demand, he asked, what had become of the Greeks, who had come and had encamped on his land to watch over his realm and his cities? The knight answered and said, \"Sire, I have delivered your message. They are a great number of knights. And they resemble, in conduct and appearance, those who have been deprived from noble and good houses. I had also seen and knew for certain that they were not robbers, nor had they hidden their purpose from you.\" Another of them, who had a marvelous and cruel face, and resembled Hercules in appearance and conduct more than any other, spoke to me in great anger and fixed his gaze in this manner. \"Knight, know that since Laomedon, your master, acted treacherously and banished Jason of Myrmidon without cause, refusing him provisions.\" That in a short time shall descend into their countries men in the name of Iaso, and in such great destruction that within fifty years after, not one stone will be upon another, nor any corn be sown and grown before the ground. And forthwith they have discredited and soon after they had sailed by the force of wind and rowing so far that I had lost sight of them. What King Laomedon had understood of the report that his knight made to him, he was so angry that he seemed more frantic or out of his wits than otherwise, and said well that if he had known before what they had been and their intent, he would have had them all put to death miserably: and therewith the messenger departed and Laomedon withdrew him into his chambers, sore troubled and perplexed because of the knights of Greece. Whom he knew not but by the report of the knight: which knights being then well forth upon the sea, were sore with great winds blowing on all sides, with thunder, rain, and great storms and tempests. Whose rage was so huge and terrible that the air was troubled and the weather was so dark that the sun shone not for four days during which the tempest did not subside. In this tune, their victuals failed in such a way that the knights of Greece had to eat nothing, and their ship was often in great peril: for there was a tempestuous wind named Euroclydon rising up in the sea that blew away their sails and all to break their mast. The cords and ropes were broken unto a port named Le\u00f1os where he hurriedly went ashore in such a rage and force that it was all broken and retained those who were within in great danger. Had they been worse off.\n\nThis port was called Le\u00f1os after the name of a much powerful city which was not far from here but began to be inhabited by the Greeks, seeing the great danger that they had been in and which suddenly filled their ship full of water. And what they saw outside of that mortal peril and had well survived. Supposedly, there were to have been a thousand women, armed and garnished with pennons and recognizances, in fair order by the coast of the sea. Close by the gate, and after they had sent two of their women messengers to summon the Greek knights to retreat into the sea without delay and not without cause. For he beheld before him so many heads armed that he did not know the number. And since he considered how they had been in great danger by the fortune of the sea, and provisions had failed them, and his ship was all broken, which was on all sides full of water: This notwithstanding, because he did not want to discourage or abash his companions more than they already were, he showed good courage and said to one of the two damsels, in answering to her message:\n\nNoble damsel, I have right well understood your summons. I pray you, of your grace, that it may please you to tell me, into what country fortune has brought us at this time. And for what reason am I being summoned to the sea, my lady? The knight, Sir, replied to the damsel. The country you are distressed in is not very large, but it is quite convenient. It is called Lenos, after the name of this city here. The reason and cause for this summons, I will tell you, so that you may be better content. There was once a king in this city of Lenos named Thoas. This king had great war against the Argians. To maintain this war, he had with him all the young and old men. He left the city without men, and the ladies, damsels, and others were greatly discontented. Seeing that they were bereft of men, they assembled together with the king's daughter, who was named Isophile. By measured deliberation, they sent to the king and to their husbands that they should return to their city. Therefore, King Thoas asuredly/ he had besieged his enemies and if his city should be lost, he would not depart from his east to the end of the war.\n\nWhen the ladies and damsels of the City had heard this answer, they took it ill in grace. And yet they returned home to their city, but that was in vain: for they would not do anything according to their desire. And what the ladies saw, they conspired against the king and their husbands. They put to death all the men, children who were in the city. After they determined and judged that if their husbands or fathers, parents and friends came again from the war or other whatsoever they were, they should be slain the first night of their coming, as soon as they should be asleep, and that never after should they suffer Nomas to enter into their city. After this conclusion taken, they crowned Isophile queen over them. And afterward, when the king was returned from the war with his people, the ladies and damsels of the city did with their fathers, husbands, and parents, and others. in such a way that not one of those who returned from this war escaped from this murder and pestilence, except he was slain and murdered. The king Theodes, whom Queen Isophile would in no way murder, but this notwithstanding she delivered him to the hands of the ladies who put him in a sack alone and sent him to the sea in exile and banishing him from his kingdom.\n\nWhen this damsel, as messenger, had reported to the noble Jaso this that is said: another messenger took the word from her and said, \"Lords and knights, my fellow, has told you now the reason and cause: wherefore you may not be received into this city; and therefore greater harm will befall and come to you: withdraw you unto the sea; for if you tarry here long, the ladies will deliver to you a marvelous battle.\" Iason answered and said, \"By all my fair goddess, lady, our ship is all too broken and frustrated as you may see, and is not able to withstand such a battle.\" And on one side we perish for thirst if we are not shortly succored: for it has been two days since we ate any morsel. Therefore, if it must be and no remedy, we would rather die by the sword and war than by famine. How well you shall return to the Queen and ladies: and that we all together pray them and request instantly if there is in them any virtue or nobility that they will now show, having pity on us for the fortune of the sea that has troubled us for many days, against the will of our mariners and of us.\n\nWith this request, the two damsels messengers returned into their city to their queen Isophile and other ladies, to whom they reported the answer. Then the queen, having heard the answer of the two messengers, asked and inquired what people these knights of Greece were. of what condition and appearance were they, and of what noble rank they were. Madame was certain that one of the two damsels had never before in my days seen more gallantly men or spoken better: and it is to be supposed that they were the choice and picked out of all human people. And there may well be among them the number of an C, all of one condition and of like clothing. Then the queen, hearing the messenger's report of these knights of Greece, began to have pity for their misfortune and their sufferings they had on the sea by tempest. And forthwith she sent for four of them to come and speak with her. The knights wondered at these tidings: they consulted among themselves which four of them they might best send to Queen Isophile, and they decided to send Jason Hercules among them. A knight named Castor approached the queen and a great number of her damsels. The queen and her damsels were not long in coming when they were greatly enamored of these four knights. There was neither queen nor damsel who did not desire their company for the singular and especial beauty of each one. Indeed, Ysiphile, whose two noble eyes had beheld the great beauty of Jaso, was so enamored as was possible of the most fair, the most gracious, and the most courteous of the four. She spoke to him and demanded in general what they sought in her realm, where they came from, and where they wished to go. Then the noble Iason, considering the queen's demands and the great danger they were in, and the necessity of famine and hunger that threatened, he, as captain and chief of the voyage, answered humbly, \"Madame, please it you to\" We are the numbering of a hundred knights, all gentle men of one company and of one country. We departed in one ship, but we have had upon the sea so many misfortunes by tempests and storms that provisions failed us two days past. And to make it short, we go to seek provisions to help our necessity. Since it pleases you to know from what country we come and whither we are bound, I declare to you that we come from Greece. Our intent is to sail so far until we find an issue of the sea: where it is rich and powerful beasts keep it; among which I myself am allowed and promised for adventure to conquer it. Or I shall die in the pursuit thereof, as many knights have done before me. Wherefore, right high and noble lady, I humbly request you to have mercy and pity on me and mine. unfortunate fellows/dying for distress of hunger and famine, and that we may have victuals for our sustenance and money. And also grant leave for us to remedy and make our ship shape again, which is broken and detained in taking land upon your lordship. What the noble Jason had made his remonstrance unto Queen Isophile, as said is, she withdrew her demanded of what was best to do with these noble men. They were of the opinion that it would be a great sin and disgrace to let them die for famine and hunger. And at their request, they were to be received into the city, notwithstanding their orders and statutes by them foremade: therefore they returned to Jason and said to him that for the honor of noblesse, the ladies would receive him and his fellows in like manner. Then the noble Jason thanked the queen for this grace courteously and sent for his fellows to come into the city. which they knew would be an insult. Shall they have passed by you, appearing to them as if God was descending among them / Then they came before the ladies who sold themselves right reverently / And anon as the queen saw this noble company before her, in all humility, she delivered to a hundred of her ladies, the hundred knights of Greece / To each of them one of their own, as seemed best to her / And she retained Jason for herself / In so much, the Greeks entered into the city with the ladies / And without other difficulty, they brought them into their houses / Each departed from another. Where each lady feasted her knight with good viands and meals according to their power, and with good heart: serving them in such a way with the terms of love / And more I say not at this time present.\n\nIn continuance, when Queen Isophile saw that she had Jason in her and above all others, she desired to have his acquaintance / And in the beholding and advising him, she made so many gracious signs and tokens of love during many. dayes & often tymes. But the noble Iason whyche had his corage sette in other place toke none hede: how be it she myght no lenger dure without she sholde be ded somoch was she esprysed with his loue: a\u0304d yet she durst not speke o\u2223ne word: and whan jason had so\u2223iourned there a certayn space & nombre of dayes. he ordeyned vnto hys patron\u0304moneye that his shippe mig\u2223ht be sette inpoint. & ordeyned men that sholde helpe him / Then\u0304e Argos sette hand vnto the werk bi ryght grete dilige\u0304ce: & dide so moch that in short terme the shippe was all redy / for to helpe he\u0304. But inco\u0304tine\u0304t as the quene jsiphile was therof aduertised she dyde do breke it by night by ony of her damoiselles. & she spack with argos the goode patrone a\u0304d dide so\u2223moche with him that he assembled alle the knightes of grece / a\u0304d i\u0304 their p\u0304sence sayde to jaso\u0304. the shippe mygt not be made agayn for to de{per}te the\u0304s in vin\u0304. monethes hole / wherof ma\u2223ny of the grekes were meruayllous\u2223ly joyous.\nWha\u0304 Hercules which had a mo\u2223che noble courage Understood these tidings: he said to Jason, since they should not depart from that country, he would go see the country around, courtesied to Iason that he should stay in the city to keep his companions together, and Jason agreed with good will. Then the right valiant Hercules set forth on his way. All recalled to stay for all adventures. It happened to him that he came to a place of a king named Furius. Whom he delivered from the Harpies, and enchanted the king in such a way as it is contained in the history of the labors of Hercules and Jason: listen gladly to the docking and making of his ship. And Isophile, on the other side, was always in her amorous semblances and regards; Mopsius was mostly of the time with Jason and Isophile, and he perceived of the gracious looks of the noble queen Myrrh, and as he was one day sitting at dinner with Jason and Isophile: he perceived the gracious looks of the queen. Athena regarded him frequently and understood well that she had given him all her love. In this manner, he passed the meal without saying or showing anything. But after dinner, Athena called Jason. She said to him, \"You will go with me to my ship, and so we depart from the hall.\" When they were in the field, Mopsius spoke to Jason, \"Sir, I would ask you a question if it pleases you. Fair sir replied Jason, \"Late, not for anything but to declare your courage and desire.\" Mopsius then demanded, \"Are you in any way unfaithful to Queen Isophile?\" Jason swore to Mopsius that he was not unfaithful to her. \"Sir,\" said Mopsius, \"I am quite certain that Isophile is terribly unfaithful to you. Therefore, I advise you to find a way to speak to her in private. If you can manage it, it will be a pleasant passage of time for you for a while, and we all shall fare well.\" By all my goddesses answered then the prince Jason. I would rather use dishonorable actions against my lady, Fair Myrto, than condemn myself to endure and accomplish as many perilous adventures as Hercules did, or ever return again to grace. The nobles of this time are not disposed to grant us the terms of the renowned prince Jason as was previously declared. I therefore advise the ladies not to give any more audience, suspecting that in some way they may be deceived.\n\nThe two noble knights spoke of Fair Myrto and of Ysiphile. They went where Argos, the master patron, solicited the work and the making of the ship. They passed the time there until they returned to their logs. And after that, the noble queen Ysiphile was so enamored of the noble prince that she thought of nothing else but to please him to her power. He never departed from these thoughts but that: She held him campaigning or else she was always at a window to look if he returned at this time.\nWhat then saw she that Iason returned to his lodging at this time? She went against him and took him by the hand and led him into one of her chambers. There she showed him a great part of her riches and treasures. And after she said to him in this manner: \"Right noble and valiant knight, all these riches are yours alone at your commandment. And also my body with all: I give them to you as a gift and present.\" And furthermore, \"I have no value but that you shall have at your disposal, and I will do whatever it takes for me to deserve honorably your grace.\" Then what the prize Jason understood that she said, he answered the lady, saying, \"My dear lady, I thank you most humbly for your courtesy. And I declare to you that in your service, I will accept the high honor that you present to me.\" She, the lady, said then, \"It is well in your power to deserve all if it is your pleasure.\" In good truth, madame, I am at your service; if there is any task or pleasure I may do for you, command it and I shall accomplish it freely and with a good heart. Fair lady, you said, will you accomplish my commandment? Certes, madame, I shall not fail in any point if it is within my power. Therefore, declare to me your good pleasure and desire, and after that you shall see how I shall employ myself to it. The queen Ysiphile, hearing the courtes' answer, that Jason replied: was so joyous and glad that she could hardly contain herself: and said to him, \"Certes, fair sir, your courtesies and humble words have put me in such danger that I cannot hide from you a request that weighs more heavily on my heart than a millstone on my head. And long before this time, you should have known, nor is Dame Esperance, who has nourished and entered to hide my speech and courage, which at this hour I shall show unto your noble presence.\" person and truly I have perceived that you are of a most noble and ancient house, above this that you exceed and pass all men in beauty and valor, if your appearance does not match and then, I have put in my memory all these things I have had great desire for your love and alliance: For which reasons it is necessary that I pray you that it please you to be my husband, and I shall be your wife and espouse: and thus you shall be king and lord of this your kingdom. My right dear lady answered then the noble prince Jason. you have done me a great pleasure in giving to me your gods generously in eating & drinking & in like way to my company and favors. I may never deserve it as well for such good as for the love of the ladies to whom I will be obedient with all my might & power in all their commandments. And know, noble princess, that there is no service or pleasure but that I am content to do for you, except for this request, for I may not well. A good accord was made with you, my lord, and kept for as long as I promised a noble lady and a woman of good reputation for her marriage. Therefore, I request that you excuse me. Jason, my dear friend, for one promise more or less, what will you make: it is commonly said that far is from the eye is far from the heart.\n\nThe noble Jason saw that the lady oppressed him in such a manner that with great pain he did not know how to answer, notwithstanding he said to her, \"Certes, my dear lady, I know well that the heart of a noble woman ought to desire nothing so much as honor without reproach. Truly, I am bound by promise. If I do not acquiesce, I am daily dishonored: I would rather be dead or compensated for eternal exile, and, madame, I do not refuse your alliance for any disdain. In good faith, I should hold myself righteous and worthy if I had to wife one so fair a lady as you.\" A noble knight answered then the lady. You all know well how you and your company had been on the verge of death from hunger and distress. If I had not recalled you to this city and fed you, I humbly ask that you grant my request, and without any reproach, I believe there are many reasons why you are obligated to do so: I am compelled to make this request, and I imagine that the goddesses have sent you to this city for two principal reasons. The first is that you should be succored in this city, you and all your company, in the critical moment of your death where you were. And the second: that you should inhabit this city so that it would not be deserted. For this city is inhabited by women without a king and has no other pastor but me, who am their chief. And so, someone, I implore you, succor this city as it has succored you, and enter to repel all of your enemies in true faith, and in earnest, you will do so. Accomplish a virtuous work, of greater merit than maintaining a simple promise made to a lady or damsel. Such promises are often made lightly and with rightest occasion they are easily frightened and broken.\n\nMadame addressed herself then to Jason. I confess well that you and the ladies of your city have aided us in our rightful necessity. In repayment, there is nothing possible for us except that we will employ ourselves towards it, that is, in rebuilding this city, or otherwise, but as for myself, I cannot conduct myself towards that. But if I should directly return my other: you ought to know that my honor touches me nearer than anything else. Furthermore, under the cover of this gracious courtesy, I have not entered into a such great evil, which would be reproachable for me and mine.\n\nImmediately, as Ysisiphile understood this answer of Iason, and perceived that,\n\n(Note: The text appears to be in Early Modern English. No significant OCR errors were detected.) He was firm in his purpose, intending to remain true to his lord. She spoke no more to him about this matter but took leave of him and departed. And Jason withdrew in the same way into his chamber. Ysiphile remained in her chamber, deeply moved by love on one hand, and on the other hand, so angry that she could not overcome Jason. No one can tell or write about what followed in the profound darkness of the night. But what the deep darkness of the night concealed, she lay down in her bed, greatly agitated by anger and deeply troubled, for her stomach was in turmoil between her heart and shame: her courage then advised her to go to Jason. But shame said no and resisted it. Therefore, the struggle was great and prolonged, but in the end, she gave in to her desire. For shame held her back in such a way that the fair Ysiphile arose from her bed and went to Jason, who then received her. And when she was in bed, she began to tremble, for shame followed her. And so, trembling, she embraced Jason and awoke him, saying, in this manner. My very friend and love, Jason, your continuance and the commanded me to come to you. It is great shame and disdain to me, but since you have not willed to be my husband and spouse, at least you shall be my love and friend. Take no disdain of the love of a poor foolish woman.\n\nWhen the noble knight Jason heard the fair Ysiphile speak and felt her by him all naked, he was sore abashed. Indeed her flesh was right tender and sweet; she always approached to him and he to her. For he was a man, and then, when he was awakened, he said to her angrily, \"Why may I not be your husband? You well know that above all others you have me in your grace. I should be your husband and obey you and with embraced ecstasy gather And more during these four months. The ladies and many of them were conceived with their seed. In this way was the city repopulated with young children.\n\nWhat shall I make you long for? The days pass lightly. Master Argos repaired his ship and made it ready. Hercules returned to Lechos: Iason also intended to depart on his journey, and every day he assured one of his companions, \"My good brothers and friends, you know how long we have been here and yet we have no more knowledge or have heard nothing about the motion of the gold or the golden fleece. We departed from our country long ago. I want you to know that I live here in great sorrow and terrible misery, for I cannot find comfort or pleasure in anything I see. Since I am constantly urged by various causes and pressured to bring us to the gods in a short time for their honor and glory. Therefore, Hercules rejoiced greatly when he heard the good disposition of Jason. They asked him to be ready as soon as possible, and then one and the other began to prepare. for the vitals: and of all such things necessary for the queen and the other ladies knew one of Jason's department: therefore they were much displeased and right desolate, and sore annoyed to see the Greek knights make their preparations to depart, and one comforted the other saying, \"Certes these knights of Greece abash us and give us over; we shall never have joy or solace. The queen Isophile among the others was most aggrieved by this departing, and called to Jason and said to him. Alas, Lord Jason. Have you the courage to withdraw from me and give me over to these before you have seen the fruit of your noble person, which is nourished in my blood? Have mercy on my soul, the pleasure of my eyes, may it not be that the righteous prayer of the mother that shall be of your child may hold you here yet. Three months. It is a little time of three months. They shall be expired and past soon. Alas, Jason, alas my comfort, prolong you and tarry your. department of me, I am she who so much loves you that I may no longer behold with pity my womb, your chamber and mansion of your blood. I do not request that you depart so hastily, noble lady. I, good faith, answer thus: if I might abide with you lawfully, I assure you that I would, with good heart. But I have avowed and promised to devote myself in the quest for the noble motto or fleets of gold. I do not know how long I shall live nor how long it will be before I come there. It is necessary and of great urgency for my singular well-being and enduring honor that I employ my time entirely while I may and that I acquit myself diligently to the accomplishment of my said vow.\n\nWith this answer, the queen, isophile, felt such anguish in her heart that she began to weep and sigh profoundly. And after she began to say softly, \"Alas, alas, how may many see the departing of my true joy, alas. Alas, I was born in an evil constellation: when I may not find a...\" Little of good fortune in this world consoles me. All honor seems to forsake me, while all sorrow reigns over me. Wealth is the only thing I desire. Madame answered me, \"It seems that for no reason you ought to mourn or be so merciless. You are in a worse state than I, and as for me, if there is anything honest and possible for me to do: require it of me, and I will employ myself in such a way that you will have cause to be content. It seems that you ought to be excused in this case. See the vow in which I am bound. If I stayed here, I should not be able to employ myself but would lose my time.\" My dear friend and love answered the lady, \"What cause should I have to complain and lament now? If I had lost all my kingdom, or if I saw all my riches and pleasures and all that I could find and cherish perish in the abysses and depths of the sea: all that would not matter to me.\" He is a great disappointment to keep at my heart, as it will be for me to see your departure. The sea is terrible and fortunes/prosperities/adversities rise up on all sides, therefore I am not certain whether you will ever return or not. And then you ought not to have your face banished from all places and mine heart not to lie on the bed of tribulation under the cover of right mortal distress and between the sheets of weeping. Alas, alas. Think what this does, but when I perceive that there is no remedy and that your honor had your departure promising to go on your promised voyage. I shall bear it as patiently as is possible for me. For seen that you shall promise me faithfully if you come to your above, i.e., your enterprise of Colchos, that you shall come again by this city to tell me of your tidings.\n\nThe noble knight understood that the lady, by such a condition to his departure, was rightly jealous and not without cause; and all his. Then he promised and swore solemnly before the representation of the goddess Pallas, who was present, that he would return to her as soon as he reached the culmination of his enterprise, and if the gods granted him such good fortune, that he might live and make a full return. The noble and fair Queen Isophile, reassured and comforted by this, ceased her lamentations.\n\nThe day came for noble Prince Jason to go to the sea. On that day, the noble prince and his companions took leave of Queen Isophile, the ladies, and the damsels, and thanked them profusely for the gifts and good cheer they had shown them. Then they departed from Lenos and went to the port. But as they were about to enter the ship, Queen Isophile presented to Jason the idols of the gods and made him put them in his ship, saying that no evil should befall him.\n\nWhen Jason beheld the great largesse The noble queen Isiphile and her good love for him were reciprocated by him most humbly. He thanked her greatly and then set sail for the sea, departing from Lennos to sail toward the isle of Colchos. I will not speak of Isiphile, Jason, and the Queen Isiphile for now. When she had nurtured her fruit for nine months, she was delivered of a very fair son, born of God. It is a difficult and hard thing to believe for many people who have not studied ancient chronicles. I will also give you knowledge of the noble Isle of Colchos: what was there, how it was held, and the two marvelous and terrible bulls and the great containing, which is called Jupiter in Athens, but this was not the Jupiter who was the son of Saturn. That ruled in Crete was a man named Apollon, who in his time had ruled against his brother in Archadia. This Apollon was a man of great governance; he introduced the Archadians to live honestly. He ruled over many kingdoms and had a great number of children. When they grew to age, he delivered his lands to them to govern, and after that, he departed secretly from Archadia. He wandered in the most part of the provinces of the world for ten years. At the end of those years, he arrived at Athens. He found that his brother Mars had recently died and had been passed out of this world. A temple had been made for him, which endured until the time of the conversion of Saint Denis. He entered the temple with a heart filled with tears and knelt down before the representation of his brother, the god Mars, asking him to show him what was best for him to do and to grant him this. with all his might comprehend and accept his doctrine and command. He had finished his prayer. A great whirlwind or tourbillon of wind came suddenly and struck him on the face, where he was astounded, not knowing what it was. In this disturbance, he thought that the god Mars spoke to him. Apollo Apollo: Thy prayers are presented in the heavens to the goddesses. Thou hast seen many marvels of the world. But that is nothing in comparison to one that thou shalt see. And it shall not be said but by thee. Then it pleases us that thou go into the pyre to make an ark to the likeness and appearance of that ark which no one made some time ago to save him and his family from the deluge: and after that we will that thou do charge it with as great a number of Pyrrhians as it may receive. And thou and they put yourselves into it. And when you have done so, I shall bring you into the best island, the most rich and the most fertile of all the world: which shall be inhabited by the Pyrrhians. And you shall understand that by this isle is a resort of the sea to another little isle where is the noble motor sheep with the fleece of gold. This which was not long since sent by the goddess Juno to her sister Helles, both enchained their stepmother to make the passage through the sea. Which now is named Hellespont, the most marvelous beast, the motor of gold, is the most marvelous creature that ever was in the world. And it must be conquered, but that shall be with great peril and well becomes a marvelous craft and mystery. And therefore, as you shall be in the isle habitable, which I shall conduct and bring you and keep it also dear as you have your life: that you go not into the isle where the motor of gold is. For I have there witnessed three beasts. Which destroyed all who descended in that isle. Except only one unto a certain term, with these words Apollon came again to himself and thinking on the voices that he had heard. He had made his oblations and departed from the temple and Athens. Obeying the will of the god Mars, he traveled in such a way by his journeys that he came to the Kingdom of Pirre, in the city of Salathiel, which was of the lineage of the Hebrews. Apollo then logged him in the house of a burgher named Loth and required him to bring him to King Phylitus of that country. Loth acceded to the request of Apollo and brought him before Phylitus. Then Apollo made him the reception. And he said to the king in this manner:\n\n\"Right excellent sire, I have come to you not only by my poor vocation, complying with the command of the god Mars, god of battles. He who has chosen me to lead and to accomplish the task that he has given me, requests that you make for me an ark in such a way as I shall design, and after that you deliver to me three hundred of your men.\" The following individuals and children will enter the ark with me, and this is what will be done. The god Mars, by his grace, will bring prosperity to the isle, for he has said. First, he will tame and populate the said isle. And above that, he will show men marvelous works that are there. And to those who think that I am a deceiver or abuser, I oblige myself to die miserably if I am found in any fault proceeding from my side.\n\nWhat King Phylitus had heard about Apollo, that he had beheld that he was of honorable maintenance, he commanded him to declare what he was and of what life. But immediately when the king commanded him, he began to weave a little, ashamed, notwithstanding, he afterwards affirmed to him that he was king of Arcadia and son of Jupiter, first king of Athens, and brother to Mars. And after he declared how he had left his kingdom, and how he had wandered in the world, and how the god Mars was in the temple and appeared to him, and many things more said to him. That the king judged him to be the wisest. The most discreet man of the world. After Appollo's favor was granted to him for what he had done, he made the ark in such a way as it seemed best, at Appollo's expense, at the Ark's exhibition. When it was all made ready and the king had put it in, Jeshold held the yoke where Appollo should bring them, in sovereignty. And when the Piriene had put in the ark their necessities for their sustenance and had taken leave of the king and his lords, Appollo shut it. Then, daily, a terrible and great tempest rose, and the cords and cables that held the ark to the land broke. And it happened that the ark was transported by an impetuous wave into the depths of the sea.\n\nThe king Appollo and all the Pirians, seeing this and all those who were in it, should have endured the greatest sorrow of the world, and they began to make great lamentations and murmurings against Appollo. The king Philistenus and his men, believing none of them had returned from the ark, were waylaid near the poorte, weeping bitterly. This tempest lasted for three days. During this time, King Apollo comforted his men as best he could and promised them they would be delivered from this ordeal. And so it came to pass. For on the fourth day after their departure from Pyre, the tempest ceased at sunrise. The noble ark was cast adrift in a remarkable way, with the sea being calm between two waves and the other losses.\n\nKing Apollo felt that the sea calmed a little and perceived that the ark was grounded. The wind ceased its strong blowing, and on the other side, the waves were at rest. He went aboard. He entered the highest part of the ark and opened a window to hold and see where they were. Then he first perceived the air well attempted and the sun shining fair and clear. After he cast his sight downward, he then saw the two noble jars. The larger one was next to the ark, which seemed fair and delicious to him, and he knew plainly that it was the proper one for him. And the other jar being next, was that jar which the habitation was granted to him for the great marvels that would fall. Then he was so glad, joyous, and comforted that he began to sing high praises and lovings to the god Mars. And also his ostensible (ostensibly) to whom he said that they ought to render and yield graces and praises to the god of battles. And they arrived in the land of Canaan and the other men and women understood these tidings. They rose up from their feet, made themselves clean, and cleansed their faces. Their eyes, filled with tears and weeping, looked up and requested Apollo to open the doors and widows of the ark, so that they might see the load of provisions sent by Apollon, the noble king. Apollo granted their request, considering the great pleasure and high gladness they had expressed, and opened all the entrances of the ark. The Pyryens then flew towards the firm land they had discovered, which they found to be so noble, delightful, and fertile in all good things, seeming to them like a veritable paradise. For the land was right fertile, the pastures lush, the herbs sweet, the trees heavy with fruit, the woods and high forests teeming with wild beasts and venison. Apollon had visited this noble land and had well surveyed and comprehended its circuit and the same places. He founded in a forest a water source in the name of God Mars and offered sacrifice there. In the same place, the Amazons founded an altar and made an agreement with them. After the foundation of this water, when the sacrifice was done, Apollo called the two knights, Zechius and Zetheus, and also Lot with the people he had brought. He asked them what they would do and what was their intention. Then they answered as one voice. \"Certainly our intention and will is to live here and cultivate the earth with good yield. We shall inhabit the low mountains and territories, and thus we shall live in high felicity if it pleases you. If it pleases me, Apollo, I would not have abandoned myself to the tempests and perils of the sea. Nor to the great orages and turbulences of the impetuous winds. It pleases me well that this noble country is your habitation. But since your intention is such, it is fitting that you close it with walls.\" The wise and sensible men shall induce and teach the rude and hard-headed people; the poor shall be held and bound, each man according to his degree and calling. The most subtle shall devise props for you as towers or other habiliments serving to keep you in times of doubt. And with this, they shall order solemn edifices and houses for the city.\n\nWhen the Pyrians had understood Apollon, all answered freely that they would accomplish this to their power; that he would counsel them, and that he should be their father and they his children. Then they chose a suitable place to build their city and did not delay long before they began to dig and house a log by the seashore in such a way that within a span of time they founded and built a very noble city and enclosed it with walls, ditches, and gates. Apollon named this city Iliyon. The Pyrians edified in the middle. The people of God Mars, when I ask that you serve him with good heart: And after that I pray you to maintain peace and harmony among you. And that you keep yourselves from all divisions and strife, and I pray you to vanquish from your hearts pride, hate, covetousness, and all other vices. And consequently I advise you to establish at this time judges among you, the two virtuous knights Zechius and Zethepus. And that you obey them sovereignly: and if you do these things, certainly all goods will have abundance in your borders, near your houses, or one stone upon another. Apollo had not yet finished these words but that all they there present opened their mouths and cried out, saying, \"So be it.\" Truly you are Apollo, the god of wisdom, and we shall submit ourselves and all our affairs to you, and desiring to learn your holy sacrifices, manners, and honest doctrines, we will make you our pastor or herdsman, and we shall be your sheep. When Apollo had understood this, he answered them and said, \"Indeed, fair lords, it does not belong to me to receive the great honor that you all offer and present to me. You know how Zeus and Aethepus are in your nation, and I am here alone and a stranger. It is evident and notorious among you that you should not take my correction as you should of Zeus and Aethepus. And for this reason, I pray you not to lay such a great burden and care on my back. It is not necessary, and in truth, Zeus and Aethepus are two wise knights well-prepared and worthy to exercise those dignities. And therefore, you ought to receive them.\" these your words shall follow and be evident, and you doing peace and love shall be rooted in you. And there shall be no man so hardy to conspire any rumor of Ra\u00e7our Rebellion: nor make any trouble in any manner of the world. And saying these words, all the people began to murmur. And Jechius and his fellows heard this, and some other principals who were there. The people in no way broke their opposition: concluded to make an answer such as follows. Which Loth pronounced, and Apollon in no way put doubt in this work, for as much as thou art among us of unknown generation. Thy sapience and wisdom are more pleasing to the people. That the naivete or birth of Zechius and Zethepus. Thou art the right mirror of our doctrine. The patron of our polity. The rightoust that polishes and ennobles knights Zechius and Zethepus. They, being joined with the people, will take the great honor that thou dost them. thou hast received the city and its signory, and therefore thou wilt no longer seek such ways as before; but employ thy courage according to our desires, for it is ordained and concluded that thou shalt be our king. And for its support, Jachius and Zethepus, thy lieutenants, will be commissioned and will have charge and thought under the common people for small matters. They shall have the knowledge to determine these.\n\nImmediately, after Loth had finished his proposition, before all the people: Apollon accorded to all things with them, and then, before the crowd, cried out, \"Vive le roi Apollon,\" which means \"Long live King Apollon.\" They carried him to the palaces, and there they set him on the throne of justice. Jachius and Zethepus made homage to King Apollon and entertained a certain number of people after this was ordained. ther sholde be forgid moneye in the cyte. For the king Appollo enseigned the place in the yle where he had a right good myne of golde: whan alle these thinges were thus ordeyned & con\u2223cluded\u25aa the peple withdrewe he\u0304 E\u2223uery man into his place thanki\u0304g the goddes that Appollo had agreed & accorded that thi\u0304g that they somo\u2223che desired / that was that he sholde abide there their ki\u0304g for to holde the\u0304 in pees\u25aa reso\u0304 & iustice. Then\u0304e appol\u2223lo as there souerayn abode & dwellid in the palays accompanyed of the. ij knightes zechy{us} & zethephius and many other that he withhelde i\u0304 hys seruice / & from that daye forward appollo gouerned a\u0304d conduysed the peple so wisely and discretly that by the space of xij. yere. he was merua\u2223belou of alle his subgettis and also of the countrees by: whiche had knowleche of him / \nTHe historie that moche is auncient Reherceth that at the ende of these xij. yeres / A terrible & grete meruaile apperid gretly in the lytil yle that was there by: For ther was see\u0304 in many nigh\u2223tes Certain oxen or bulls of fire so great that they enflamed the entire region of the air. And then Zechius and Zetephius and the people perceived this marvel clearly. They came on a night to King Apollo and asked him how the little isle was in a terrible state, supposing that there were men come there by some occasion. Then Apollo answered them in this manner. Certes, fair lords, I have told you before this time, that in this isle the god Mars and the god of nature shall make an appearance, the greatest and most terrible marvel of the world. And yet I tell and say to you, that there is nothing other and therefore be ye content and in peace, and think no more of it. And some were content with this answer. But among other things Zechius said aloud and clearly that he did not believe it, and that on the morrow he would pass through the isle to know the truth with such a great company, if there were any. Stranger he would put to death or in his mercy with weapons. The king Apollo understood not this answer of Zechius. Wherefore he let him speak what he would. Then Zechius drew him aside secretly, accompanied by thirty men; all of one opinion, and they concluded among themselves that on the morrow early they should come to the gate. And they should go to this isle and deceive the king Apollo. This isle was of the fashion of a bird that men call in that country Colchis. This night passed over. And on the morrow at the crack of dawn, Zechius and his thirty felons, all armed and ready, went to the sea. And they began to row toward the isle of Colchis. But it did not long remain after the king Apollo, who was accustomed to rise by certain hours, came to a widow in his palace and looked toward the sea. And he perceived at once on the river or sea side many women and children. And also saw the ship that Zechius and his fellowship led toward Colchis. Therefore he did not know what to think or say. And Callid, along with his servants, who were watching the water, curtly demanded from them what they were beholding and whether they had entered so hastily. At whose command, they answered that it was Zechius and thirty men, well-armed and ready in his company. They had the intention to go to the isle of Colchos to learn the truth about the great and terrible signs they had seen.\n\nWhat King Apollo understood from these tidings, he lifted his eyes to the heavens and said, \"O creator of all creatures, what folly! Then he struck his breast with his fist in a sign of great anger. Afterward, he sent for Zethepus and some Maronians. And Zethepus, he said to him, 'My dear brother Halas, if you ever want to see Zechius in a hurry, see him there in a ship with thirty young men with him: they are intending to descend in Colchos, as these women have certified me. And truly, if they go any further, they will come to harm.' for they shall never return, and therefore let us take a ship in all haste and row after them to retrieve them if it is possible for us to turn them from this foolish enterprise, or else I suppose that a great calamity will soon befall them: you, in such a way that they all will lose their lives, uttering these words, \"the king Appollo,\" \"Zethus the good night,\" \"Loth,\" and their people.\n\nThey entered the ship that the mariners had prepared and towed with all their haste after Zechius and his companions to retain them. But all was in vain. For they could not. And from far they saw them enter into the perilous isle. Yet when Apollon perceived the great danger in which Zechius and his companions had placed themselves against his will and left, he was so angry that he demonstrated the most marvelous sorrow of the world. He looked upon Zechius and Zethus and many others in the same way. Yet all the while he restrained himself. not to go forth and row till he came near the isle, on a bow shot and in beholding, he perceived many buffs of flame and of a thick smoky spray into the air. After this, it was not long after he heard many pitiful cries: one and other right fearful. And finally, he perceived one of Zechius' companions run out of this isle, as a man all despairing. The crying man right horribly put himself into the sea up to the neck.\n\nIncontinently, when Apollon saw and understood these things, and among all others, he beheld him who had put him in the sea. Certainly, he was sore abashed. But to know all the boiling men around them kept me from this mortal danger:\n\nApollon saw the poor fellow in such desolation, the tears fell down from his eyes. And since the water boiled so about him, he had great pity, and demanded of him why he cried and wept. And from where came that water which boiled about him: and asked, where was Zechius? Alas, answer the poor fellow who labors living there unto death in dolor and pain inestimable: Pray, sire, for Zechius and his fellows. For I have seen one after another die in a mournful and anguished manner, so that they could not tell it to you.\n\nThen Apollon heard speak of the death of Zechius and his fellows. He was so sorrowful that he knew not what to do, but answered the poor fellow and said, in great admiration, \"How may that be fair, sire? For I just saw Zechius and all his fellows who were with him, as they took load into Colchos, entering their ships. From afar, in a passing fair meadow, we beheld a living beast, feeding on gold: It was as great as a horse in shape and form, or a motet. Then we concluded with one will that we would take it. And we went forth, intending to take it by force or otherwise. And for that purpose, we marched towards our evil health.\" right suddenly sprang out of a temple the most fair and the most rich I ever saw: a most marvelous dragon and fearful with three tongues casting fire and flame with smoke out of his throat. And forthwith incontinently sprang also out of holes in the earth two most horrible beasts, having legs and feet all of copper. Their horns were great and sharp. Their eyes were greater and more red than boiling copper or metal. The three beasts so dreadful disgorged and cast out fire from their throats and breathed upon us in such a fashion. That Zechius and all the others died there in such pain and dolor that was never like it recorded before / and of us thirty, felaws there is none escaped except myself: who was last and farthest behind. For who appears to you as their chief so great spared me, holding me in such a burning in all my body / that I must needs take bitter-sweet death the end of this world / therefore I require you that you go no near Colchos.\n\nWith these words the dolorous man finished his speech. days in anxiety and pain, and the soul departed from the body in the presence of Apollo: which for this reason was deemed the greatest and most terrible sorrow that could be. And with that, the wind rose by great sudden pyres that came from the west, tormenting the sea and making it marvelous. After this, in the air appeared great lightnings of fire: which called Laocoon between the statue of Apollo and Jupiter and the other gods, but only with the wide. And the fearsome lightnings struck them down to the bottom of the ship: and in such a way they were struck with the lightning and turmoils and with the hailstones. Apollo himself did not know whether he would escape this danger or not. About him they saw no more. In a winter's night at midnight, I heard a voice saying to him, \"Apollo, the god Mars commands, good Fred is dead by his great outrage in this.\" perilous isle and his fellows seem wise as it has been. To whom thou shalt leave a bill written with Mars' name. The which is now under thy head. It begins from point to point all the mysteries and craft that he behooved celebrated and hallowed.\n\nWith this, the voice was still and Apollon was ashamed and amazed by this work. And found under his head the bill aforementioned, which he kept and drove away in the air and vanished. And then, as he and his people were arrived at the port and out of the ship, immediately the weather began to change and to snow, to rain, to blow, and make such a terrible storm and tempest that by the force of the outrageous orage, the ark in which Apollon and all his companions, as well as all the ships and other boats that they had made, were gathered together and the said vessels and ships were blown onto the perilous isle of Colchos by such a merciless furor that they were all smitten in pieces and broken in such a manner that. The borders of the boats and other pieces were lost and scattered here and there in the sea in this way. They were all lost and spent, and those at the port watched in horror, for never before had such a tempest been seen. They thought their gods were angry and prejudiced.\n\nAfter this evil tempest, King Apollo and those with him returned to the palaces, bowing their heads in shame. Mena came there to hear news of her husband. It was said to her that he had been left dead on the island of Colchos, which was why she showed such marvelous sorrow. She fell to the earth in a spasm and a swoon, drawn out of her head by great anger and sorrow. In such a manner, she was delivered of a child, which she had conceived of her lord and husband. The child died as soon as it was born. Not his full time. For the death of which child, her anger and sorrow were much the more. Apollon then went to comfort her, doing all he could. But no help or profit came, and she was brought to his house to make her weeping and lamentations at her will. There was none who could comfort her. The woman, the king and friends of those who were dead, mourned with zealous semblance during this sorrow. Apollon visited her often and found that she had continually tears in her eyes. How beautiful she was: By haunting from day to day, Apollon knew the great and good love she had for her husband, De, and that in no manner could she forget him. He grew increasingly amorous of the lady and required her to be his wife. She agreed and consented in such a way that one espoused the other. They engaged in making a daughter. She was born in good term and named Fanoles. Among other things. Zethepus began to envy the king Apollo, for as much as his glory increased daily more and more. This miserable envy grew in his heart, and he seemed to think that if Apollon and Menas had a son, that son should succeed to the kingdom after Apollo. For this reason, he employed himself with all his power to please and win over the citizens. And when he felt himself in their grace, he assembled them one day in his house and said to them in this manner: \"My brethren and good friends, you know well that I am of your lineage, and that all my life I have lived among you. In like wise, my ancestors with yours have always had entire alliance. Considering this, my heart desires my son's increase and honor. And since your power is great in this city, I pray and request of you, if it happens that Apollo goes from life to death, that you will have my son as successor and that he may be king after him, as you know well that he is.\"\n\nThe friends of Zethepus hearing this. these words. All agreed with good hearts to do for them all that they could. Zeusethius promised them many great things if they would make Feris his son king. And in deed they conspired the death of King Apollon and publicly declared that they would.\n\nAfter this conspiracy, these miserable and treacherous men were withdrawn into their houses. They came to their neighbors about the death of King Apollon and promised great sums of money if they could come and obtain entrance: some were covetous desiring their singular profit, but also some were not at all willing to consent, but allowed the great pretense.\n\nPlainly, Zeusethius and his companions counterfeited many murders of those who would not accord to their treasonous schemes. And some multiplied these outrageous acts: some of the well-wishers of King Apollon saw their fellows murdered. They drew themselves into a sedition. to the king appollo & tolde to him the machinaco\u0304n of zethephyus & the oultragyons syn\u0304es that his fe\u2223lawes dide: & requyred him moche that he wolde take hede & entende to their fayte / and to finde suche reine\u2223die to kepe his lyf wele. & honour a\u0304d the proufryt of the co\nThe king Appollo was meruayl\u2223lonssy troubled & had grete sorow i\u0304 his corage wha\u0304 he was aduerrised of these harde tydinges / how wel he him right wysely: for with alle dilige\u0304ce he dide take enformacio of these thinges. & founde that they had saide to him the verite & trouth & that zethephius seduysed the peple ayenst him by tyrannye al euydente & that co\u0304tynuelly he had in his house an. C. men\u0304 of euyl lyf. the whiche co\u0304\u2223mysed al the euyll they coude thinke vpon them / that they founde not of their ve\u0304de: the grete trouble & displai sir of king Appollo doubled then\u0304e: whan he knewe for trouth that it was trewe that he was aduertised of Notwithsta\u0304ding he endured the malice of zethephius & his comply\u2223ces acertayn space. but whan he The apparition perceived their conduct, and from day to day they appeared more unruly. He sent to Tyrrhenus in the city. If he would not, he would seek remedy for himself. When Thespius understood the king's message, he answered him with a mouth full of flattery. He was wise enough to correct his servants, he would not do so at his pleasure, and the messenger came and reported this answer to King Apollon. Who, hearing this, deliberated within himself that he would allow it a little longer to see how his enemies would maintain themselves. But before, they had done cruel things. In such a way that all the people rose and mourned on one day. And some came to Apollon, and others went to the treasuries: the latter assembled in this manner, boasting greatly and sent a message to Apollon that he should leave the palaces and go his way out of the city immediately or else. We know that they were his mortal enemies. Once Apollon had received this news, he understood that the situation was critical if he did not take action and subdue these traitors. Wherefore he called the people who were of his party and said, \"Fair sirs, you know well now: I have been constituted king over you. How does Zeus wish to take this dignity from me? He has been declared my enemy. What is to be done? You are our king: we will not have any other king ruling our lives. Every king is bound to keep and defend his people, and similarly, are all people bound to offer their bodies and goods for their king. It seems expedient that without further delay, we ought to go and assault the enemy and punish him and his accomplices.\"\n\nWhen Apollon had understood this, he agreed and put them to arms at once. And so did all those of his party. As soon as they were all towards the market place, the king sent one of his knights to Zethophius to signify to him that he should come to Apollo to answer for his misdeeds of which he and his companions were charged. Then Zethophius answered that he would go to his enemy, but that would be said with the strength of men of arms: be resolute and strong. It would have been better for him if he had never set foot in this country. And Zethophius, without any delay, marched forth accompanied by his companions, all armed, to the place where he supposed he would find Apollo. As the one informed of the treachery of the king, he went so far that they found their adversaries: the latter, who had been surprised upon them, were so enraged that they could not contain themselves. They cried out to each other. The two encountered each other on the street, one armed with a basinet on his head, another with a body armor. One brandished a club, the other responded evilly and without further parley, initiating a battle in the marketplace, filled with thundering cries. Women and little children of the city ran and cried, weeping pitifully. Thus began the battle between the two, striking each other cruelly without regard for anything but to see each other. Apollos, giving resplendent blows, struck terribly on the right and left sides by such power that the place was instantly dyed and wet with the blood of the malefactors. They fought so knightly and chivalrously, and in particular Apollos. The trembling king approached him. And every man made way for the noble king Theudas, who was filled with such sorrow that he came and stood before the beard of Knight Fletheris and Loth. He had with him ten of his best fighters, and such was their prowess that with one stroke, the gentle knight Fletheris knocked the physician to the earth among the dead bodies and took him. And in this heat, Apollo and Loth fought so fiercely and eagerly that they slew the most part. And it was not long after that the traitors knew that their captain was so severely hurt and taken, wherefore they turned their backs and put themselves in the fight. In all parties, along the broad sparkling brook.\n\nWhen the noble king Apollo saw that his mortal enemy was held and that his companions had put themselves in the fight, he ceased the battle and returned to his palaces with great glory. And each man cried, \"Health be given to King Apollo.\" Many of the principal people came then to him. Setpheius entered the vault of Setpheius, but Setpheius required them humbly for mercy and confessed his great fault. And there, his wife knelt before the earth before the nobles and the people, and she humbly requested grace for her husband. The king had pity on her and saved Setpheius' life. But that same day, he accused all those who had caused the great evil: among whom, King Apollodorus judged. And after this, he gave the office of Setpheius to Phleteris. From this day on, the city was nourished in peace for many years, to the loving and praising of Apollodorus.\n\nSetpheius, dismissed from his office as mentioned, attempted to regain his courage and governed himself so well and discreetly that, by the intervention of Mena, King Apollodorus gave his daughter Phaole to the son of Setpheius, named Phereus. This Phereus was a wise young man, prudent, discreet, and much loved by the gods. All virtues and good justice came with him, two things: the first was that he would return to Greece. He ruled in this kingdom as Phereus, the king. The people confirmed him, and it was not long after that Medea intervened, causing trouble because of her desire for life. Apollon made marvelous sorrow over this. Then, when he had long mourned the death of his wife, and felt his end approaching, he called on his even daughter Phaole and said to her, \"My dear daughter, I take leave of you. For I must secretly depart from this country and go alone to Greece, where I was born.\" Before I depart, I will leave the queen of this isle. I have great joy in my heart for her wit, her discretion, and her virtues. I will deliver to you the bylaw that the god Mars has written, explaining how one should conquer the noble mountain or sheep of gold in the island of Colchos, and how to destroy all the terrible beasts that are in the same island. And I command that this bill be shown to no man or creature, but if it be in your life to your daughter, to whom you shall make her swear that she will not show it to anyone except to her daughter. And so from daughter to daughter. May it please Mars that this bill be kept until a knight comes from Greece to these palaces who is worthy to see it, and shall conquer the noble Motonor shepe of gold.\n\nWith these words, the king delivered the bill to his dear daughter, which contained the following terms: If you love your life and are willing to adventure yourself, to conquer the Motonor shepe of gold, it is of pure necessity that you have the habits that Apollo was clad with, all that this bill was delivered to him. Afterward, you shall have his armor and wear his gown above them. Of the other clothes, you make this. sacrifice to the god Mars. Place a bolt with the blood: After this, take the powder of the sacrifice. Put it in three parts - one with the blood of the bolt. This mixture has such power that if your body is anointed with it, neither the venom of the dragon nor the two marvelous balls that keep the motion may harm you.\n\nRegarding the second part of this powder, mix it with glue. With this glue, anoint the mosels of these two marvelous balls. Approach them securely, even though they cast fire at you, but when their mosels are engulfed in glue, they may then cast no more fire nor venom.\n\nThen go to the dragon, whom you must address with your courage: And when you have slain him, return to the two balls and hide their eyes. Yoke them and make them turn four roots of land: the. thou shalt sow with the teeth of the dragon / that which died, and after thou shalt make them into arrows. And when it comes to thee, cast the third part of the powder upon them. They shall fight each other then, and each of them shall say to thee when thou hast conquered it. And then thou shalt flee from him / and with the reserved body, make sacrifice to the god Mars, kneeling and humbling thyself.\n\nMars, my god, who by the suffering of the God of nature have power to change the nature of beasts, and who by thy own virtue conduct all battles and bring them to thy pleasure. I thank thee with all my heart for that thou hast made me do: And I humbly pray that thou receive my sacrifice and that thou wilt conduct me with honor and bring me to my country. And thus when thou hast finished thy prayer, thou mayest return with glory to thy country and be at peace. With the noble father's gold. My daughter said then, \"Behold the writing that I have spoken of, and after that, behold my habits that are required to obtain the conquest of the sheep of gold, and my armor is in the temple of the god Mars. It shall remain there until this noble conquest is completed. Therefore, keep it well, and singeousand, I charge you by the commandment of the goddesses. I pray you for all the pleasure that you may do to me that no person be informed of my departure.\" Then Phanoles promised and swore to her father that she would do all that he had required and charged her with. And they took leave of each other tenderly. And since Phanoles went with King Pherix: For it was night. And the good ancient king Apollo abode in his chamber until the early morning, and then he departed secretly alone\n& entered into a little boat that he had made there, which he had reconstructed in the guard. The keeping of the goddess, and then a wide smoke on the ship that brought him up over the deep sea, and you shall understand that on the same day, King Pherix was well informed that his father in law was gone and departed. He began to reign and rule magnificently, and so did all the people. But those who saw him that they could not have him near or recall him, they commanded him to the guard of the god Mars. Then King Pherix began to have the governance of the kingdom, and conducted it in such a way that in a short time he gained the love of all the people and of the nobles of the kingdom.\n\nKing Pherix, after the departure of the old king Appollo, had a daughter named Ortis by his wife Phaoles. This daughter grew up and was married to a noble Greek named Oetes, who by fortune of the sea was brought into this country in the time that King Pherix was in his old and active days. The ladies of Sychaeus then came into this march and well supposed to have taken this. The city of Iacon was assaulted, but its inhabitants bore him so strongly that this multitude of women were constrained to cease their enterprise, of which they had great sorrow. During their siege, Oethes, who was strong and courageous and more than valiant in arms and of great conduct, frequently engaged with them and did so much that when they had finished their temple, and considered that the city was impregnable by assault and that the city's forces could not come out against them in battle, they lost their time: they raised their siege and returned to the isle of Colchos, but they never returned again. After the departure of this assembly of ladies, the men made them marry one to another king Oetes, whom they found. Oethes discovered a mine of gold. Therefore he did this. The king, the richest in the world at that time, made vessels and other necessities for his household. He created an idol of fine gold representing Mars as a god, and another idol of fine gold representing the goddess Diana, which was in a wooded area filled with all manner of wild beasts. Afterward, he founded a temple for Venus and created a rich image of her, also of fine gold. Around the image were 50 men and as many women who desired and required love from each other, and their manners were so amorous that anyone who beheld them was easily moved to lust. The king, named Oethes, had another daughter by his wife, named Medea, and a son, Absinthius. At the birth of Absinthius, the queen Ortis was so overjoyed that she named him. Her daughter Medea was called to her in her mortal bed, and she delivered to her all the things that King Apollon had given to his daughter Phaules concerning the fate of the conquest of the golden fleece. She also taught her many enchantments and gave her a ring of gold, in which was a stone of such power that it would make the bearer invisible. With this, she passed from this world. Oetes and Medea, and the sorceress Circe, mourned greatly and wailed. The remainder of their sorrow and the end of King Apollon will be recounted.\n\nKing Apollon was alone at sea, as it is said, abandoning himself to the mercy of the winds and waters. His fortune was such that he reached the gates of Styra, a city of the kingdom of Piraeus. There, he found King Philitenus encamped, and went to him, paying his respects. He recounted to him from the beginning. The king Philotas succeeded him in his kingdom, a son named Serath. The god Apollo obeyed King Pyrrhus. He came to him one day to take leave for returning to his country. But Serath would not allow him to depart, and demanded that he spend the remainder of his life with him. Apollo excused himself and took leave once more, but Serath would not comply. When Apollo saw this and realized he could not stay, he departed secretly that night, and no one knew until the following morning. The report of one of his knights then revealed it. The king Serath understood these tidings: he was deeply troubled because he greatly admired Apollon. He immediately took his horse and set out to catch up with him, accompanied by two good knights of his court. However, he could never overtake him until Apollon was passing and laboring in the extreme drafts of death. The annoyance of King Serath increased when he saw and found Apollon defended from going any farther into the isle of Colchos to conquer the golden fleece or its shape, and since Apollo's life expired for which death the king Serath and his knights were terribly angry. They decided to bear the body into their country and make for him a fair and rich sepulcher. They garnished the body with great quiches and onions, and the king Serath and his knights spent the remainder of the night without any light or clarity.\n\nOn the morrow, what The dapper id it happened that King Apollo had scarcely left his person. Wherefore, King Serath, seeing this miracle, knelt down on both knees to the earth to worship it. And then he heard a voice that said to him, \"Serath, seek not Apollo but among the goddesses: he has prayed for thee and for all who shall come to his temple. Therefore know thou that thou shalt have good fortune, and all they who shall come here with good devotion shall have answers for the things they shall ask for, and here with the voice be silent: and King Serath confessed then openly that without error, Apollo was a god. After these things he did make in honor of his sign, designating all that he had seen and heard to be true. And from thence on, the Greeks were accustomed to come to this temple from far countries to worship him diligently and inquire about their destinies. And among all others, Peleus was there. Thus ends the history of Apollo and his deeds. And now I will [end]. When Iason departed from Lennos and dedicated his ship to the goddess Pallas and the goddess of the sea, he sailed for many journeys from one coast to another. In the end, Argos steered his course by the sun, and one day he arrived at the island he had long desired to find, which was Colchos. It wasn't long after Argos had brought his ship into this gulf or arm of the sea that his son went ashore. Thinking he might best anchor and make his ship fast, he happened to see before him the city of Iacynthus. On one side of the island of Colchos, there spread out terrifying whirlpools of fire so fearsome that, upon seeing them, Iason began to cry out. \"Hercules, help me!\" Theseus & the other kni\u2223ghtes of grece herd the maister thus crye. they sprang vp & cam to hym / and the maister told the\u0304 the cause of his crye. & syn shewd to hem the cite & the yle / & asseured hem how they were come\u0304 to thende of their vyage and of this mater they deuised so long that speking therof their ship ca\u0304 to the porte into there\u0304drid louyng & prey\u2223sing vnto th\u0304e goddes / & so dyde her\u2223cules. Then\u0304e they se\u0304te Theseus vn\u2223to the king Oetes for to signefte to him their comyng / & for tenquere yf this was the countre that they sou\u2223ght. Certes Theseus wente a\u0304d dide his message in suche wyse / that the king Oetes prese\u0304ted to him his pa\u2223lais / and sente vnto the noble Iason foure of his knightes that requyred him on the kinges behalue that he wolde take his herberow in his pa\u2223lays / a\u0304d he was to him right welco\u2223me: And whan jason hadde vnder\u2223stande the will of the king by the iiij. knightes: he {pro}mysed the\u0304 that wyth a goode will he wolde come theder / and then\u0304e he entrid in to the cyte / whiche was noble and fair. Yet, the city was as light as it had been daytime due to the clarity and reflection of torches, lanterns, and other fires that the king had made in the city to celebrate the Greeks.\n\nJason and his companions, who were accompanied by Hercules and his men, entered the city. They were richly clad and attired in gold and silk. The street through which they passed to go to the palaces was lined on both sides with ladies, damsels, knights, burghers, merchants, maids, and common people, who watched their approach and their orderly procession.\n\nWhen Jason arrived before the palaces, he found there the noble King Oetes, who was seated in a royal position to welcome Jason and his company. He received Jason honorably as their chief and welcomed them. He took Jason's hand and led him to his palaces. Immediately, as they mounted their steeds to go up, I looked into a window. And beholding, I saw fair Medea among many ladies. I passed by this window where Medea, Jason, and King Esylus, as Theseus your fellow, have said to me. But I do not know why you are entering here or what you seek. I promise you that if I can be helpful in any way for the love of your father, whom I have known for some time, I will give you aid and comfort in all that descended into your country. I declare to you that I undertook to go to the isle of Colchis, not standing idly by, and with this I have conquered and will bring with me the golden fleece. If I cannot finish this enterprise, Hercules my companion will take it up. Furthermore, I request that you will counsel me in this enterprise to the best of your ability. Indeed, Iason said, \"King, you have made a small vow.\" \"How so?\" said Iason. \"For as much as by any adventure or fortune you have the power to make a great vow, and you have not done so.\" e\u0304tre into this ya\u0304d meruail\u2223lous bulles enueny com\u0304ysed to the kepyng of the moto\u0304 or fsees of golde / wherof ye spak: also ther is co\u0304\u2223mysed for the garde of the same the most terryble and the most crimynel drago\nThe which thre bestescast {con}tinuelly consider syn that ye haue dema\u0304ded me co\u0304ceyle. & also that efor\u2223med & conceyled: I pray you / & cou\u0304\u2223ceyle as my propre \nThe soupper was redy. wyth these wordes the ki\u0304g satte at the table be\u2223twene jason & Hercules / & sente af\u2223ter Medea a\u0304d Caliope: whiche we\u2223re sette to fore him / this don\u0304 he com\u2223manded the other grekes to sytte at an other table where they were ry\u2223chely seruid. But whan hit cam for to ete the noble mayde medea e\u0304trou\u2223bled at that tyme her mayntene / and cast her regarde vpo\u0304 jaso\u0304: where she rested le\u0304ger then\u0304e hyt ap{per}teyned to her {con}tenau\u0304ce. for jason semed to her more fayr tha\u0304 he was at the first ti\u2223me. & he was so playsan\u0304t & agreable that wha\u0304 she herde reco\u0304pte amo\u0304g o\u2223ther deuyses & thinges that he was come\u0304 for to \"Conquer the motivated one who was destined to conquer this. She said to herself that she would help him obtain the same, with the condition that he would take her as his wife. This greatly displeased her, and she could not speak to him privately. When King Jason and the Greeks had reflected on this, the tables were taken up, and among all others, Jason was lodged near the fair Medea, for there was only a little alley between their chambers. When Jason was withdrawn into his chamber and was alone with Mopsius, he began to devise with him and said to Mopsius, \"I see no way and know of no other thing but matter of sorrow and dolour: for every man of this house will get you killed if you go into this perilous land of Colchos, where there is such fear and terrible beasts as has been told to you.\" Despite this, Jason answered.\" \"behold that said Mopsius has no need to go any further if it pleases you. For commonly it is said, it is better to leave folly than to maintain folly. Fair sir Mopsius, Iason says: If I have promised and sworn to use all my life in your service, and truly since I have come thus far, abiding the grace of the gods, I shall perform my enterprise and shall endure the adventure. Sir, Mopsius said, you shall do what seems good to you. But you do not understand your cause well: for know that it is certain that your uncle Peleus sent you here cautiously to undertake and achieve this venture. In truth, Mopsius, fair sir, answered you, I cannot add faith to all that you have said to me. And for this reason, he began to weep, and Iason laid him down in his bed.\" Synched purposes and began to dwell on the good chief who had made the great offering to him on behalf of King Oetes and Medea. He filled a sepulchre with the great beauty and fair container of Medea, focusing solely on this. The fair Medea was at this time at the door of Jason's chamber, and heard all the devices of Jason and of Mopsius. As one inspired by the gentle prince of Greece, she could not quell her passion, nor could she move from the door as long as their devices lasted. When they ceased their purposes, she returned to her chamber. There was only one ancient lady, her guardian or mistress, present. Then the noble maiden Medea sat and laid herself in her bed, filled with thoughts and imaginings. She could not sleep, for so many thoughts and imaginings assailed her from all sides, causing her to toss and turn. Forsooth of a marvelous enveloping of love, she began to say softly to herself, \"Alas, my eyes, what labor have you put me through. Certes, you are the cause, and none other, that I am not she who was wont to be. For you have enveloped my heart with an ardent fire of amorous desire. Have I what shall fall/or what shall I do being in this pain and sorrow. Certes, I can say no more but of veritable necessity. I yield me all in the submission of love, in his servitude shall I be subject, it is certain. And therefore, forasmuch as I am smitten to the heart with the great beauty of Jason, the bravest of all the world, and to my judgment, the glory of Greece, O marvelous dart, wherewith I feel myself smitten to the heart. Certes, my eyes, you are the cause which displeases me. And for what reason, forasmuch as you are culpable of this folly. Howbeit, it is no folly. I believe it not: it must be believed: for it is great folly to desire that which can be obtained.\" enchanted by a lady in his country, and furthermore, his courage is fortified with great and wonderful constance. Therefore, it may be said that I cannot enjoy him. And consequently, I may conclude that my eye has inclined and submitted me to an over great folly.\nWhy do my eyes not reply to this argument? Do you not see that I do nothing but think: for the gentle and noble Jason thinks no more of me than of her whom he never saw. In what jeopardy did I stand in comparison with her? I cannot require Jason's love, for that would bring great shame upon me, and I would go against the honor of love. Therefore, it would be necessary for me to believe in all my folly, and also to doubt it for two reasons. The first is, for I would be defamed unto the end of the world if it happened that I required this knight's love. The second reason is evident: for Jason, without contradiction, goes into the isle of Colchos. There, he will be soon devoted to the terrible beasts. What sorrow and anguish. damage shall that be if such a prince should perish in such a manner, for he is the choice of all nature, the choice of nobles, and the flower of worship. I have heard his reasons. He preferred to die honorably, accomplishing his avowal to return to Greece, rather than to torment himself with rest. How noble and excellent was his courage! How happy and enviable should I be, and nearly to great felicity, if I might be called to his love, that he might do me as I think, and how? For to teach and learn him the industry and administer to him the manner to conquer the noble flesh of gold, I have all things propitious to bring this quest to an end. If I knew that he would take me as his wife, I would deliver them to him with a better will and greater joy from my heart. What shall I do? Alas, I know not, and I was recalled by mopsius as I rightly heard. Certes, I should die for sorrow, and shall I let him have a widow to furnish his avowal, and then death shall follow. Alas, no. For if he died there, my death would follow me rightly. For as much as I love him more than my life, and my heart established this mercilious adventure in the isle of Colchos. And furthermore, it seems to me that if I do for him such a great thing as to save his life, and by my means he shall come above his enterprise honorably: for the merit and reward of my benefaction, he shall be content and joyous to take me as his wife. Medea, the noble lady, with this conclusion filled a sleep, and passed the night till the day came. And the king rose up earlier than was wont to come to Iason, intending to hinder and break his enterprise. How well he welcomed him when he knew that he was risen, and found Hercules with him. They entered into a conspiracy with each other. After they began to discuss the isle of Colchos, and the king recalled those who had been in Colchos and how they had been slain and devoted. And after this, he advised Hercules and Jason not to go there in any way, but what remonstrance he showed them, Jason delayed in his purposes. King Jedidah intended to take him and place his body among the three terrible and crimson-colored beasts. He concluded that Jedidah would perish there within four days, when the good king realized there was no other remedy but to carry out the just and righteous deed of Colchos. Jedidas then prepared to speak more on the matter. He advised Jason to pass his time by going to the temple of the goddess Diana, which the ladies of Sycra had recently discovered in a forest called Ede.\n\nJason thanked him greatly for his kindness and good counsel. He agreed to go there with a good heart and sent for all the Greeks in his company. He also took with him the representation of the noble goddess Pallas, which was in his ship. After this, he set his knights on their way, and he himself, bearing the said representation, followed behind them. Hercules and these accompanied them. Jason approached with trumpets, clarions, tabors, and other instruments, creating such a joyous noise and commotion that the citizens were astonished. Among them followed Medea and her sister, as well as other ladies and damsels, numbering three hundred. They hurried to the temple to meet the Greeks.\n\nWhen Jason arrived at this temple, Medea came and met him, encouraged by the prompting and admonishment of love. They exchanged courtesies, and many Greeks watched Medea as they made their prayers. Jason, preoccupied only with his devotions, entered the temple: he placed the representation of the goddess Pallas near the goddess's dean, and having done so, he cast himself down on both knees before the altar. Medea was greatly distressed and annoyed, as she longed to speak with him and was determined to save his life. Persuing him from the fire and venom that the three mermaids had cast and rendered,\nAt last Jason arose from his prayers: and came to the ladies, to whom he made reverence, and primarily to Medea: who rose against him, whom the ladies and damsels beheld with great interest and led him, and she showed him all the places of the temple, and among all other, she showed him there the representation of the god Mars, intending to speak to him about certain things, which she desired to know the truth about. But Hercules and Theseus and other of the Greek ladies and damsels followed so near that she could not tell Hercules that she would bring them into the temple of Venus. Then the priestess Jason and Hercules asked the noble lady of her courtesies: and departed from the temple of Diana to go to the temple of Venus. But in going, Medea, unable to hide that which entered, declared and advertised to you of the parables that are in this affair. for to bring to effect you shall lose your life: yet always you will not believe Courcel. Certes, Jason, it is evil done. And you act against nature, which every man ought to flee so severely. What Jason understood by this, he answered the noble lady in this manner. \"Fair madam, I have right well understood your words and your resolution, which are good and holy, to bring this tragedy to an end: how fortunate and doubtful that I then go against my word. Certes, there is no way or means but that I must necessarily provide for this adventure. Or else, I am pointed with the finger of reproach and cowardice. And as a right recreant knight, By all my gods, I had rather stay away from this adventure. Then fortune should have predestined me to do things that I might in any way be reproached or reproached.\" Immediately, as Medea under the high will of Jason, she was much rejoiced. Nevertheless, she feigned to be dolorous and sorrowful. And indeed, she refused to provide for this. Lady Ascerved then spoke to Jason: \"In truth, noble knight, I am drawn to you by your great beauty. Trusting that if I do anything for you, you will know it. The hour has come for me to appear before your eyes, not only the secret of my heart, but also the one by which you will obtain and come to the end of your marvelous enterprise, to your great glory and honor and reclamation, with the help of the gods. And since I declare these things to you out of great love, if you wish to know more of them, it is necessary that you swear to me to keep it secret above all other things in the world.\" Lady Ascerved then spoke to Jason: \"I am a poor and true knight sent to you.\" \"When you have shown me such honor, it has pleased you more than I will ever be able to deserve. Nevertheless, when your pitying heart inclines towards me, I swear to you by the names of all the gods that men worship, if you declare to me anything that as long as I live it shall not burden you. It will redound to your great honor and profit. Madame, I assure Iason. It shall not bind me, and if you know of anything propitious to my worship, I will accept it without danger to your body, and in such a way that you will return whole and safe to your glory and honor. To which no mortal man may come but if it be by a secret manner, coming from the gods. The reasons for which I pray you, when Iason had understood me to speak thus, he began to frown, and I would that it pleased the gods that I were worthy and deserving of such a lady. Fair sir said Medea, it assured and encouraged me.\" Madame answered, \"I have certainly given myself to you, Jason. I promised to stay with you for the rest of my life. Medea said, \"Whatever may come of it, it is necessary that you leave her and forget her. And if I am the cause of saving your life, as far as I am concerned, I will enjoy being with you alone, without anyone else. My dear lady, as was Jason, the poor abandoned body is yours. I will honor and serve you in all that is possible in me. In good faith, fair sir Jason: if you will give yourself to me,\n\nJason answered, \"My right dear lady, you do me great honor without deserving it. Lady, love is the cause of this well-being, and pity has moved me to do it. But it seems to pitiful in my favor that I desire to save your life. Lady, I will never be so shameless as to come back.\"\n\nThe good gift. of one so noble lady, as you are, I would wish it to be more so. But what shall become of her, and what should I say, she who has kept your love since that should have saved your life, and then another enjoyed your company? It therefore behooves you to consider what you have to do and be advised. With these words, Jason and Medea were led into the garden of pleasure and began to feign a very pleasant parade.\n\nThey approached Jason and Medea. Therefore, it was fitting for them to leave and behold the pleasure garden, and they had great marvel and were much delighted. After they entered the temple, they represented the amorous people all around the goddess Venus, and what they had seen and beheld all. Medea took leave of Jason and said that she would stay a little while: and then Jason departed from the temple and returned with the Greeks to the palaces. The father Medea remained in the temple much pensively, and in great departing from the Greeks she knelt down humbly before the representation. Venus, and I yield myself to your gracious mercy, the right sovereign goddess of lovers, who holds all the faeries of nature in your dominion and signory. Have mercy, and required of the noble knight Jason of love, or at least I have revealed and shown to him the secret of my heart and thoughts. With that, I have offered to say to him and declare the secret of the gods: have I done evil? I never knew. But at least I clearly perceive that I have abandoned myself to him and yielded to my will. This shall be the greatest glory that may come to any woman of a noble house: have a high goddess counsel me and teach me to aid in this work, to your roused and was so long there till the lady, who had been keeping watch over her, cautioned her and said that she tarried too long and made her prayers, and it was time to return to the palaces. Then Medea, from her contemplation, all aflame with love, turned away. And when she came to her senses and returned, The queen found that the king invited her to dinner, but she told him that she was not feeling well disposed. The king seated her next to Jason, Hercules, Theseus, and Caliope, his second daughter, while Medea went to her chamber. She managed to make them all leave and kept the lady in charge company. The lady, who was very upset, told her that \"Your reason is good said she, but when sickness comes, one must seek remedy as soon as possible. Tell me then your necessity and where the sickness is.\" I suppose it is love that troubles you. And I have, up to this time, governed and nurtured you the best I could. It seems to me that you should hide nothing from me, and if you are afflicted with anything. disccover the dart of love. That shall be great delight to your heart, for every amorous person sets his pain and grief lightly, when she finds to whom she may open her heart and design clearly. My fair mother said then, \"Medea, I see well that it behooves you to know all my affections. Certes, truly, I am in love with Jason, and so much that I would have jeopardized my life for him, and indeed I have required him that he take me as his wife. I shall deliver to him the industry and teach him how he shall win the prize. Hail, dear daughter.\n\nWhat have you done? I am dishonored by you, praying the strange knights of love. Ha, what outrage! They shall mock us if it is known; you shall never be honored or called by that name again: as you have been before, answer my fair mother Medea, that I have not done: so evil as you think. And if I have required the noble knight Jason of love, it shall be reputed to me as virtue, not shame or dishonor, for pity has moved me to do so, for as much as I am here to save his life and bring him back with glory and victory from his enterprise. You should know that when I have seen such a fair and well-addressed knight, his like will not be seen in a thousand years. I have pitied him, and love has moved me to make this enterprise. I have considered him in many things, and he has never required me, and I have made him a promise which I will keep and entertain if he will ensure me that I shall be his wife. For I have within me by writing the manner in which the gods will that the motion or shepherd of gold shall be conquered: therefore I request and pray that you counsel me and help me, so that by your conjoining and conducting, I might gain and draw him to my love, and that you would do something for the love of me so that he has no suspicion of any other lady in the world except for me: for it is necessary that it be so, or else he be dead and perished in the isle of Colchos where he has sworn to go and finish the task. Perillus' account of Medea's actions regarding the fleece of gold: And finally, when Medea was in this state, lamenting and weeping for her husband's death, she saw that Medea was of remarkable and great courage. Yet she thought that harm might come if the maiden did not comply with her desire. And when she recalled that she could bring Jason to conquer the fleece of gold, she weighed all these things in her mind and, having made up her mind, she began to comfort Medea. In truth, she promised her that she would do so, that without any other means she would enjoy Jason's love. It was not long after that she went to Jason's bed and made certain promises and gestures. For she was an expert in all kinds of enchantments and sorceries, and whatever she had done, she came to Medea and said, \"Do not doubt anything anymore. For after the time that Jason\" be laid and coupled in his bed, he should never love another woman but her, and so it fell. For as soon as Jason was laid in his bed at the evening, all his courage and inclination were consumed in thinking about the great beauty of Medea in such a way that he could not sleep.\n\nMopsius had a custom to speak every night with Jason, and then Jason would speak of the beauty of the noble queen Myrto, and often times he spoke so much of her that he grew weary. And then, when this Mopsius saw that on this night he made no mention of his lady, he was all abashed and said to him, \"Verily, Jason, I perceive well that your desire is troubled by new fancies. I have seen that you have spent most of the night praising and extolling the beauty of your lady, the fair Myrto. Yet you spoke of her the night before. But in this night, the rule fails. For certainly, as for Myrto, I care nothing for her, not at all.\" \"But tell me truly, what do you think of Medea? Is she not the paragon of all ladies in the world? Is there any other in the world who could or might desire her for recreation more than I? Regarding Medea, but concerning the matter at hand, Myrrha, who has been so highly recommended to you, I cannot believe you have forgotten her. My fair friend said then, \"Who is farther from my eye, my heart recoils from Mirror. Mirror is clear as gold, but Medea shines and hides like a precious stone. If I could find myself in her grace, I would love her sovereignly: remembering Isophile, whom you would never will to love, and that you said, 'If Myrrha had not been, I would have espoused her.' Mopsius answered Jason, 'If you wish to please me, speak no more of Myrrha or Isophile. But of fair Medea speak logically and at length. For this reason'\" is she the one I will keep in my heart and serve unto death, and he who speaks to me of other things will be my enemy?\n\nWhen Mopsius had understood Iason's will, he spoke no more but slept. And Iason remained, deeply pondering over the fair lady Medea. Medea, who had listened, entered her chamber according to the perfume seller's instructions and said to her, recounting all that she had heard. Since then, she imagined how she might find a way to speak with Jason. She concluded that she would embark on a pilgrimage to the temple of the goddess Diana. If Jason loved her,\n\nAfter this, she dressed and adorned herself as beautifully as she could or might. In the process, she put herself on the way, righteously accompanied by ladies and damsels. Jason was very joyous when he knew it, and he desired the way as soon as he could. Indeed, he followed Medea under the guise of going by good devotion to the temple. Oh fair disguise. Humans living at this day hold the same term in many places and go to temples and churches or holy places to worship God in denial of their sins. Yet nevertheless they commit their sins and come to the love of one another. They go more to mass to behold and look at each other and make tours and signs for any devotion. O high devotion, O rightly named hypocrisy: men commit sins where they ought to be in devotion and do virtuous works, but they lightly beguile the world to its charge and damnation. But certainly God in no way can be abused.\n\nFor returning to our matter, Jason came to the temple where Medea was. First, he made a show of adoring and worshiping the gods and sat down on his knee before the altar of the goddess Pallas and Athena. But for this time he neither made prayer nor supplication. Instead, he thought what manners he might best use against Medea. And of this: what purpose could he make to her in his entrance. And when he had long awaited him: he rose and took his way to Medea, who approached him. But then, when she saw that he drew himself toward her and that they had entered into an agreement, and that Jason had paid respect to the other ladies: Medea entered subtly, disguising herself with him. And in disguising one another, she drew him aside against the altar of Diana, whom they began to behold. Then Jason, making a gesture as he had spoken of the goddess Diana, and of rich wood that here and there adorned it, he said to her in this manner: Madam, behold your poor knight; I yield myself to your mercy. And I am ready to comply with all your good commands. And pray, if there is anything that was to your disposal, sir, that it would please you to pardon me, and if you can help and aid me in bringing to a good end my vow and enterprise, I swear and call upon you as witnesses of my oath, the high goddess Diana and Palas. That if I pleasantly ask you to be my dear friend and companion. I shall be yours all my life and will bring you with me to Greece without making any mistake. Iason answered then, Medea, I declared to you yesterday my case in private, and how I had great pity on you. I pitied you and will not consent that you should finish your days in Colchos, and that they have inspired you to submit to my will. For otherwise, it were not possible but that you should be there dead and lost. Therefore, to go forth and make haste, for we may not logically hold a parliament after your order, and although I promised you yesterday: And yet I promise you that from your own enterprise, you shall come above your honor and profit. You to morrow the evening be dark and obscure, then it is expedient that you lie alone this night in your chamber: to the end that I may better speak to you and at more ease: and to introduce you more secretly into such things as shall become you to hold. Speke no more to me of this matter at this present time, as none appear to perceive our enterprise or our love. With this, the noble lady began to show the great riches of this representation of the goddess Diana to the noble Preusus / and Iason highly allowed King Etes' generosity that had done it so well. Medea took leave of Iason and the other knights of Greece, who tarried a little there. And after she returned to the city, and after she departed from them, Iason was complained of and bewailed by all the people. They spoke much one to another, and in particular the noble King Etes. Who came to Iason as he departed from the temple of the goddess Diana, and much discouraged his enterprise in Colchos and urged him not to descend. Affirming to him that he should lose his life if he entered there and that the one who had sent him there did it to make him cautious. Jason, hearing the counsel that King Aetes gave, considering how a knight lives in great reproach when he goes against his own wife and promise. And reflecting on the conclusion and promise that he had made to Medea: remained firm and steadfast in his first purpose, saying to King Aetes that for death or any other reason, without any longer delay, he would make an end of it on the morrow. Wherefore King Aetes greatly mourned, and in the same way did all the knights of Greece - Hercules and Theseus included - remain silent. And so they passed that day speaking of this marvelous work, unto the eye of every man withdrawing him to his place, and the valiant knight Jason took leave of every man to withdraw to his chamber and bade Mopsus understand that he would spend that night in prayer. It was a great marvel, for he had not been accustomed to do so. And so men should not allow him to undertake such a perilous endeavor, from which he would never return. Considering the high and revered vines wherewith he was endowed, at the point where the stars hid their clarity, and the moon began to wane, opening before him. And Jason, who was right beside him, saw the door open and called out to him. He went joyously to Medea and greeted her, and after, approached her to kiss and embrace her. But Medea told him to cease, and taking her by the hand, led her into her chamber where they sat upon rich tapestry. The mistress of Medea entered between them then, and when she had come, Medea began to speak and say, \"Iason, my lord and my friend, you know well the promises between us. I will gladly, in the presence of my good mother who is here, acknowledge and ratify them.\" permanent, and after that we shall attend to your quest. Then Jason and Medea swore and created a pact that they should take each other in marriage. And there they made solemn promises. Medea was righteous, and so was her mistress. Then Medea opened a chest she had prepared. From it, she drew a shirt: with the bill containing the instructions which were necessary and proper for going to the isle of Colchos to make the quest of the fleece of gold.\n\nWhen Medea had drawn out the letter, she had it read to her friend Iason. And after, she said to him in this manner: Iason, my dear friend, return to Holofernes and with your worship from the isle of Colchos, from whence no man has ever returned. It is necessary that before all other things, you accomplish all these things that are contained in this writing. Why which the god Mars sent to the king Apollo. And first and foremost, go to the temple of the goddess Diana at the hour. Then you shall address yourselves to the priest, to whom you shall give whatever you wish to him. You must put the blood of this bolt, with part of the ashes of your sacrifice, into your box. With this blood and ashes shall enjoy all your bodies, and this will preserve you from fire and venom of the right terrible beasts. After the remainder of these ashes, you shall divide them into two parts. Of one part, you shall keep the clean and pure, and you shall mix the other with glew in a box which I shall give you. This glew shall serve to tame the two horrible bolts. Then you shall take the arms of Apollo's statue, which are on that one side of the water of the god Mars. You shall anoint yourselves with them. And then, when you have accomplished all these things, you shall return here again to me, and I shall provide you with the remainder, which will be necessary to bring your quest to an end. Certainly, Priapus was much more astonished than you when he understood the high matter. Jason had mysteries to attend to before embarking on his quest. When he heard news of Medea, he often asked for the bill, the shirt, the box with the glew, and whatever else was necessary. Departing secretly from there, he went into the forest to the temple of the goddess Diana. He added so much that he arrived at the temple where he found the priest asleep. Waking him up, the priest demanded to know who he was and what he sought. Sir Answered then, Jason: I am a knight who has come here to sacrifice to the god Mars. I pray you, grant me immediately a bolt with fire, and I will give you fifty besants as an offering. When the priest understood that he promised such a good offering, he rose quickly. And in the same way, all the priests and curates at that time, when they felt and understood that there would be a good offering coming to their singular profit, put aside their duties. Then the master priest, having risen, came forward to Jason and paid him great reverence. He said to him that he should be diligently served with all that he demanded. The priest did so: for he prepared and made ready the fire and bole he had brought into the temple. Then the noble Iaso made his prayer to Mars and Apollo. He took the bole and made his sacrifice, putting the shirt on it. Whatever was turned into ashes, he distributed into three parts. One part with the blood of the bole, which he retained and anointed his body with, by the priest. The second part, he mixed with the glewe in the box. The third part, he put in a small silk sack which he reserved and kept clean.\n\nJason knelt down and made his prayers the second time. And when he had made all his devotions, he delivered to the priest fifty besantes, which he had promised him. With that, he presented and gave him a [something]. Jason presented to the priest a rich mantle of gold, and the priest anointed him with the arms of Apollo. The arms of Apollo were there, promising him to bring them back. When the priest had armed Jason at every point, Jason commended himself to Mars and Apollo. And to the goddesses Diana, Pallas, and Venus, and took leave of the priest. Then, he did something secretly that caused him to descend into the chamber of Medea, whom he found sleeping. When Jason saw Medea in this state and saw her maids sleeping, he was terribly inspired by love and burned with such passion that the blood began to boil in his body. His heart longed for her in such a way that he approached Medea and kissed her mouth. But with the kiss, she awoke and took greater joy than when she had seen and recognized him so armed with the arms of the king Apollo. Then, Jason made reverence to Medea and spoke to her in this manner: \"Lady, I have done all that was required of me.\" With this, I am nearly ready. And I am anointed with the blood of the bull/from whom I have made a sacrifice to the goddesses: and lo, here the gleam mingled with a part of the ashes. Command me now what shall please you, and hasten you, for it is nearly day. My friend answered, \"Welcome, Medea. And with the aid of the goddesses, you shall obtain the greatest glory that ever knight living has gained. And in your recommendation, it will be spoken of to the end of the world.\"\n\nWith these words, she took a vestment which was rich and gave it to him, saying, \"My fair love, you are provided with all that is becoming for you, so that you have this vestment upon your arms. See that you work freely and courageously with this that you have. You must be provided with hardiness and valor. Keep well your bill. And be diligent to do and accomplish all that it contains. And by the pleasure of the goddesses, I shall have you here at evening with greater clothing for him above his. harnois with the proper vestment that Apollo was clad at the hour when he received the bill. With that, the day appeared fair and clear. Therefore Jason took leave of Medea. Who was utterly ravenous with love. At leave taking, they kissed each other many times. Finally, Medea conveyed Jason to his chamber door: and there their passion began, she shut the door fast. It was not long after that Mopsius and Hercules came and knocked at Jason's chamber door. And with them, the good knight Theseus and many other Greeks, who saluted Jason and gave him a good morning. But what they saw, that he was thus armed and would have asked of him who had armed and clothed him. But the king and other of his knights came also to him and saluted Jason and the king, seeing Jason in this state, took the words and said: Ah, sir knight what will you do? You seek your destruction? So early you begin to put yourself forth: I counsel you that you depart from this enterprise. I declare you, Elxis, are the author of your own death. For he who knows his death in a place and voluntarily puts himself there. Sir king answered then, \"I confess that you have wisely concealed me, but nevertheless, in hope for my eternal reputation, I have good intention to achieve my enterprise without further delay. I thank you for the great honor you have made me up to this time.\" Mospsius spoke next, \"Fair Sir, I have had this night a marvelous vision: which comforts me in your victory. In my first dream, it seemed to me that I saw a sparrowhawk, which, seeing his prayer, put himself among many other terrible and strange birds, and in a little while had overcome and put to death. I understand you, seeking aid from the same terrible and strange birds and the serpent in the isle of Colchis, which every night casts fire and smoke.\" the goddess, you shall be made victorious over the horrible monsters and possessor of righteous glorious renown. When Jason had understood this that was said, he answered Mopsus, saying, \"Fair sir, the gods shall do their will with me. And if it is their good pleasure, your vision shall be held for certain a prophecy. And with that, he addressed his words to Hercules and said, 'My loving brother and well-beloved friend, make good cheer and pray for me. I have no manner of doubt that I shall sup at even with you, and that I shall free you from your vow similar to mine.' With these words, many began to weep. Then the noble prince Jason took leave of one another. And since he required it of the king, he assembled them, and when they were come into the hall: he brought Jason, who made to them the reverence, and primarily to Medea and Calypso. And since he had done this, by space of time, the king recommended him to their prayers.\" He put him on the way to the river by the sea, where his master Maroner was, residing in a little boat he had prepared the day before. Into which he entered, commending himself to all the world. He departed from the port to descend into the isle of Colchos. This was fair and clear, free from all clouds. The sun cast its clear rays and beams upon the earth. The ladies and damsels mounted and went upon the high stages of the palaces. The burghers and merchants, along with the common people of the city, ran some to the cruel battles at the walls. And others to the river's edge to behold the adventure of the noble knight of Greece. Iaso joyously went with Argos, her master Maroner. She addressed him and set her foot on the ground on the gravel. She took her quiver and ashes and entered the isle with great desire and courage. Had not gone far when he espied the rich mountain or sheep of gold, which was so resplendent that it rejoiced all the isle. After he had espied the two bolts leaping out of their holes, so great, so dreadful, so right fierce and hideous that just looking at them was enough to lose wit and understanding, and what he had well beheld. He knelt down on the earth against the east where he saw a temple all of gold, fifteen feet in eight squares, founded on eight small pillars, thirty feet high. In the midst of which was an idol Mars.\n\nThen there Iason worshipped the god Mars, and in the vicinity, until he saw the cruel and terrible dragon spring out of the temple. For he was as great as a horse and thirty feet long. And immediately, as soon as he was out of the temple, he began to raise his neck, set up his ears, and let out smoke by a marvelous eruption from his mouth. Then saw Iason all these: three beasts with whom he. The knight took and beheld his bill to know what he had to do. He found that first he must adjust the two bolts. He rose from his position and prepared the box with glue. After he marched promptly and in great courage toward the two bolts, which glared at him fiercely and brightly with their sparks and burning as Greek fire. And they began to discharge fire and flame from their throats so excessively that the entire region of the air and the country seemed to burn with wild and Greek fire. Yet they could not trouble or harm the noble knight Iason. But by great courage, he endured the fire, flames, and venom they cast, and did so much that he anointed the muzzles of both. He cast into their throats the glew that he had mixed with ashes which he brought with him, as it is said. But as soon as these bolts felt the glew and cinders, they closed their throats and kept their promise. mosels that were wider than they could ever open again or cast more fire. The noble knight was so joyous at the experiment's high recommendation. Then, he thought of Medea and said to himself that she had given him good and true help, and for certain, he would have lost his life in this adventure without her.\n\nAfter this consideration, the noble prince Jason immediately perceived that these two marvelous bolts were overcome and daunted. Then, he beheld the content of his bill. He found that he was required to fight against the marvelous dragon, terrible without comparison. Then, he drew out his good sword from the sheath he had and went to the temple where the dragon held him. As soon as the monster had appeared, it attacked him. The monster opened its throat terribly wide and let out three tongues casting fire and venom in such a way that the good knight had all his body. Jason avoided the fire and venom, which had no effect on him. He struck the monster between its eyes with his sword, causing it to recoil violently against its tail and release a thick cloud of venom upon Jason. Undeterred, Jason swung his sword again, aiming for the monster's head, and struck it so forcefully that he severed its three heads as close to the base as possible. The serpent felt such astonishing pain and agony that it thrashed its head and turned suddenly, striking the vainglorious knight on the back with its tail, causing him to fall down on the sand in astonishment. He didn't know what had befallen him. And with this, he released himself and stood up at once. But at his release, the dragon's fume had vanished, and on looking around, he perceived the three tongues of the serpent, which he had struck off, and since he had held the dragon, it hissed at him an herb. Then he ran upon it again and struck it in the middle of the tail, using the full extent of all his strength and also his treasured sword in such a manner that he cut off a piece, which was seven feet long. The dragon, in great pain, raised its head and came fiercely and recovered itself with all its power and might, causing Jason to be beaten down to the ground. And the dragon passed over him. But then Jason took his sword and plunged it into the dragon's paunch up to the cross, striking it to the heart. The dragon, feeling itself struck to death, began to writhe with Jason's sword in its body. hyde himself in his cave. But his life departed from his body as if he had entered the temple. And there he overthrew all the serpents and foul creatures from his blood and from his human forms, filled with venom, in such a way that it seemed that it was a source or a spring flowing out of his body, lighter than a great hour.\n\nIncontinent that Jason was released and that he beheld the dragon returning and dead at the third of the temple, with a heart comforted he waited there and drew out his sword from his body; and put it again in his sheath or scabbard. And then he went and seized the bolts by the horns; and yoked them into a plow that there was by: and made them to plow four measures of land. Enclosing their eyes: And then, when he had so done, he returned to the dragon and drew out its teeth. 12 teeth. After that he sowed them in the earth that he plowed: and that deed he did the bolts do harow. And then the bolts fell down to the earth and lost the sight of life. In the land that Jason had journeyed with the teeth of the dragon, eighteen terrible giants emerged and appeared. Armed as was the custom of the time, they immediately drew their swords and charged towards Jason. But Jason took the pure ashes of his sacrifice that he had kept and cast them into the air. Suddenly, the same eighteen giants attacked each other with such intense ferocity and sharpness that they each slew one another. Jason remained unharmed and unscathed, showing reverence and love to the goddesses.\n\nWhen these eighteen giants had killed each other, as I have recounted to you, Jason drew out his sword, which was still covered in blood. He approached the richly adorned ram that he found in the noble meadow and seized its horns, bringing it into the temple before the altar of the god Mars. There, he slew it with great pain and then fled, taking the spoils. The man takes all the fine gold and says it is distributed among the members, holding it up on an altar outside the temple. He puts large straw and dry wood on it, having done this, he takes fire from a lamp burning before the representation of God Mars. Kneeling down on the earth before the idol, he says the prayer. Afterward, he worships God Mars and recommends himself to his grace. He then puts fire into the sacrifice, which is consumed and turns into ashes or cinders. He prays and afterward takes the three tongs of the marvelous and terrible dragon. Two of the feet of the idols, which are made of bronze, and two of their horns, which are made of iron. He wraps and envelops it all in gold leaves, which he charges and places on his shoulders. Later, he returns to the journey of the sea where his master Maroner, named Argos, awaits him. The brazen arms of the sea. As frightened was Hadad there, in much great double. Argos, the skilled seafarer, was greatly dismayed that Jason had stayed so long; he intended to wait no longer. For he had seen the fire and the thick smoke rising into the air, and also many evil apparitions, voices, and strange noises. For these reasons, he supposed that his master Jason had been devoured by the terrible beasts. And he began to weep and lament tenderly. But as soon as he saw the valiant knight Jason with the fleece of gold around his neck, his tears and weeping ceased. For sorrow and doubt departed from his heart. And all the others rejoiced and surrounded him in such a way that smiling, he knelt down before him and said, \"Sir knight, mirror of all valor and of all enterprise, you are truly well turned out. Hail, what joy and gladness will be in Myrmidon and with my lord your father. Men have murmured against Peleus, your uncle.\" every man said that he had seated you there to be quiet, thinking that you should never have returned, but I can perceive otherwise. He desires above all other things your glory and honor. Argos, fair sir, answered then. Fortune has helped and aided me so much that I have returned whole in body and limbs from the most terrible, dangerous, and mortal peril that shall ever befall and come upon the earth, for which I yield loving and thanks to good Mars, prince primarily. But now, with these words, the Greeks who were standing on the seashore began a great strife. Some said that Jason had been seen to enter Hades and had witnessed the resplendent hour of the noble fleet of gold, which was long since dead and should never be seen again. But as each man was maintaining his argument, the boat was seen approaching rapidly the seashore. Iason took up his fleece and lifted it aloft. The ayer was held so high that those at the river and on the city walls beheld it and showed it to one another in great admiration and wonder. Many rejoiced and thanked the gods when they had seen the noble and rich fleets. From far off, Jaso made a show, and some ran to gather green herbs and verdure to cast along the way where Jaso should pass on his way to the palaces. Jaso told every man that he was certain of his return, and that all honor was due to him for one so noble and glorious conquest. Among all others, Medea was so righteous who, upon seeing the light and shining of the fleets of gold, seemed as if she should enter into a terrestrial paradise. She commanded her ladies and damsels to put on a fair countenance to make a festival in honor of this right excellent one. Victorious/ and in order to come to a conclusion, troupes/ minstrels/ horns blew melodious tunes after that time was used. The mariner Argos rowed in such a way that he brought Jason to the porthole and saved him/ where he was feasted by the king Oetes: of the worthy Hercules and Theseus/ and generally of all the Greeks. Hercules took the rich fleece when Jason descended upon the land/ and bore it before the valiant knight Jason, who went first into the temple of the goddess Diana. And there he thanked very highly the gods Mars and Diana and the goddesses. After he had been disarmed, he yielded again the arms of the god Apollo: and since then made his oblation of one of the feet of the bolus/ and of one of their horns with one of the dragons' togas/ and when he had done all this solemnly/ he returned to the palaces where he was most honorably received by Medea above all others and by her ladies and maidens. Which I saw Iason marvelously. And in particular, his rich flees of gold. Which Hercules bore high before him.\n\nThere is no man so eloquent or so well able to write that could describe to you: how great pleasure the eye of the noble and beautiful Medea and the eyes of the much fairer Jason took on them,\n\nwhen they began to behold each other. And all the world marveled greatly and rejoiced.\n\nAnd when the noble knight Iason went up into the hall: The richly arrayed cupbearer followed. And immediately after the knights of Greece and many other knights, ladies and damsels began the dances joyously. And the feast was fair and great until the hour of supper,\n\nthat the tables were covered. And the king and the noble Preu Iason was seated,\n\nand with them the noble and fair lady Medea. Hercules, Theseus, and Mopsius.\n\nAt this table were seated the noble Iason and the fair Medea one before the other. But in no way they dared to speak one to the other. The men made secret signs of love that could not be perceived. But they proceeded with their feet hidden under the table while Jason recounted in great detail the sorrows he had endured. The king Oetes, Hercules, and other knights and noblemen who sat and served at this supper were greatly astonished and marveled at this marvelous occurrence. They praised Jason highly and heartily recommended this enterprise and ruse. Hercules and Theseus, who had previously slain many monsters, confessed that all their feats paled in comparison to the amazing event that Jason had undertaken and brought to a close.\n\nThe supper passed, and the hour came when King Oetes and Jason withdrew to their chambers. Then Jason was conveyed to his chamber with many noblemen. One man and another brought the noble and rich flees of gold. But at this time they could not devise or play there as they had been accustomed, but sent him into her chambers and Mopsius with the other. Saying that all that night he would wake in orisons and prayers to the goddesses. For as much as they had done great night comfort and honor in his works\n\nAnother said nothing. The master of the house came and opened the door of the chamber. And demanded Jason if he would come to her daughter. Jason answered \"yes, right good will.\" Then he went down into the chamber of his lady who had made ready a right fair bed. Then he lay with her. And after that said to her in this manner: \"My dear lady, know that I have had much great desire to see you secretly and in your privacy. For the great honor that comes to me because of you, and also for the mortal parley and danger that you have delivered me from. Wherefore I take you right humbly for all these benefits.\" Furthermore, I have sent you the body that you have preserved from death. Ready to obey all your commands and pleasures, Jason my dear love and friend answered the fair Medea. If your desire has been great and such as you say, mine has been more so, for we have both. I have done the best that was possible in me. And I have great joy and gladness from the knowledge that you have. All my heart is nothing save to please you. You are most welcome and with great worship returned for you and for me. And I have prepared a bath for you to wash in, with which you have been anointed. Therefore, dispose yourself ill and enter into this bath. And then we shall devise at our leisure all works.\n\nWhen the proud Jason had understood this that I said: he did off his clothes gladly of this adventure; and then entered into the bath. And the fair Medea in her courtesan's attire, which had no sleeves, came up to him at this point and fondled and caressed her friend. And then he, upon seeing the gentle bachelor approach the fair and beautiful body of Medea. Her white flesh shone, and he felt her hands marvelously soft. It seemed to him that his heart and body yearned: He was greatly enamored with an ardent desire of love. He began then to court the lady by her body. And after beheld her great beauty, he kissed her many times. And then, when he had been well eased and washed, Medea made him lie in her bed, holding his body close and shaping and making it fair and quick. She could not turn her gaze from him. They were thus gazing at each other without saying any word. But at last, the noble prince Jason spoke. \"My dear lady, you know well how I have promised to be your husband, and in the same way, you have promised to be my wife. Then, I say, I am yours and you are mine. And from us two, there is but one thing. Therefore, I require your consent to this marriage.\" Jason replied in turn, \"For.\" goddes sake saue myn ho\u2223nour. Madaine a\u0304swerde jaso / Ther is no man in the world that shal ke\u2223pe it more then\u0304e j shal / j am your ho\u2223usbonde. & yf ye come and lye in your bed by me. ye doo nothi\u0304g but hono\u2223ur / My dere fre\u0304de sayde medea. ther is no plaisir but that I shall gladly do to yow / but for this night ye shal ha\u2223ue pacyence of your requeste / and I praye yow / that to morn\u0304 be tyme ye desire of my fadere the king that he wolde gyue me to yon in mariage: & then\u0304e do ye your deuoir: & if he be co\u0304\u2223tent we shal make our wedding a\u0304d spousailles here within honourably. and if he will not I somone you he\u2223re to morn\u0304 at nyght at houre acusto\u2223med / a\u0304d knowe ye for certayn that I shal do alle that ye wille comma\u0304de me to do as reson is: For I am vou\u0304\u2223den therto by vertue of the {pro}messes made bytwene yow and me / And allewaye I recomma\u0304de to you myn honour.\n\u00b6 Whan Iason hadde vnderstande the goode wille of medea. he sayd in his corage that she had wysely ans\u2223werd / and that he was content for tobeye to Iason asked for his request. The night passed in such a way as mentioned before: Iason lay there until it was day and saw the time. He made his request to the noble king Oetes for his daughter Medea in marriage. But the king Oetes was sad and deep in thought, unlike his usual self, and gave him this answer: \"Take with you from my dominion the most rich treasure that is in the whole world; this grieves me greatly. If I had known this before, you would not have come in time for it. And now you have taken my daughter Medea, who is most dear and precious to me. Suffice it that you have her, and never speak to me about it again. Go, and take your life with you.\" With these or similar words, the king Oetes went one way, and noble Iason went another, much abashed by the words of the king. Hercules, Theseus, and Mopsius came here. Then to Jason, who told them how he had been with King Oetes and had requested to have his father-in-law's daughter, Medea, as his wife. The king had responded angrily. But once they had understood all this, they decided among themselves to leave on the morrow. Afterward, they went and visited their ship, passing the day with little pleasure since King Oetes made them no cheer. Nevertheless, when night came, Jason went to the fair Medea and told her how he had made his request to her father, King Oetes, regarding their marriage and how he had been expelled from his presence. Medea was astonished and deeply troubled by this news, considering her situation and affairs. But she made good cheer towards Jason as if abandoning her. In this night, Medea took all the richest jewels and portable bags that King Oetes, her father, had. She put them in a pack and, when it was almost day, she woke Jason, who was ready at once. Then, when she was ready, she took with her all the riches and her fifteen-month-old brother, whom she took secretly from the nurse in a chamber. Her maid cut his throat privately for certain reasons, which will be declared later. After this, Medea and her maid dressed them in men's clothing. They were brought aboard the ship by the noble Preu Jason. And as soon as Jason had delivered them into the care of Master Maroner of Argos, he returned to his chamber until it was day, awaiting his companionship. Hercules, along with Theseus and many other knights, set sail with him at the blowing of a horn. He declared that he would depart from them urgently for certain reasons. Without further explanation at that time, he took his way to the ship. The mariners disbelieved him and began to row with great effort, as the wind did not help them. At this point, they put out to sea and, at the proper hour, they were not more than a mile from the port. By chance, Argos, the master mariner, looked towards the port and saw that it was filled with people. After this, he saw another ship and perceived that four little ships, resembling barges, were stealthily departing to gather there. The porter asked, \"Why do those four little galleys leave the port? And who was in them? The history answers: they intended to follow the knights of Greece. King Oetes was in one of them, accompanied by four hundred men, all burghers of the town he had armed. For he had learned that his daughter Medea was with Jason. King Oetes, as reported, had been sorrowful and distressed the day before, unable to sleep or rest, consumed by many thoughts. He concluded within himself that he would go and accompany Jason at his departure, to bring this to an end. He arose and, wishing to be away from chamber to chamber, he came to Jason's chamber. He entered the chamber of Jason's nurse, Absarthius, whom he did not find with his nurse, who was asleep. He was greatly embarrassed and awakened the nurse. He demanded, \"Where is my dear son Absarthius?\" Then the nurse began to look about, but it was in vain, for she found him gone and searched him diligently all around. The king Oetes entered the chamber and found no one there, neither his daughter Medea nor the one who had long governed her.\n\nWhen King Oetes found that his daughter Medea was not there, he was so angry that his blood boiled, and without speaking any word, he went into the chamber of the noblewoman. Iason found neither Jason nor Medea nor anyone he could speak to. For this reason, he departed suddenly and went to the gate, where he found many of his citizens who showed him the ship where the Greeks were. This was farther than a quarter of a mile from the gate at that time. The king, weeping tearfully, demanded of them if they had seen his daughter Medea, and they answered no.\n\n\"Fair sirs,\" said the king then, \"The Greeks have witlessly spoken traitorous words to her, and have deceitfully brought her onto their ship. Yet, she has been so cruelly deceived that she has borne her son Absarthius with her. O evil daughter, O unfortunate child! Medea's great disloyalty has forced me, with the power of the people, to go and find out who has caused this to happen. And with this, I shall take vengeance on the disloyal knight Jason, who, to his power, has done me evil for good.\" The king spoke and returned to his palaces, crying out that every man should arm him. The people demanded to know the cause of the alarm. This was soon determined. They put them on the king, who came out of his palaces, armed and on the verge of entering battle. He then went to the gate and chose out four hundred of the best men, selecting four galleys and the finest galleys available. With haste, he had his galleys rowed after the Greek knights. The master mariner noticed that these galleys came swiftly after them, intending to retrieve the fair Medea. He called out to Jason, urging him to present his wife Hercules. Medea, recognizing the galleys approaching, approached quickly. The galleys were light, and Jason saw his entourage approaching. He called upon Hercules, who knew nothing of this, and... Hercules told him that he knew no other remedy but that every man should arm themselves and be ready to defend the ship if necessary. He swore to the gods that if King Oetes made any enterprise against them, he would put them all to death.\n\nWith these words, Hercules and Jason quickly armed themselves and so did their companions. Medea and her mistress rushed to the ship's plank to watch the king and his men. Iason and Hercules, each with a sword in hand, came up to the high part of the ship. Medea grew fearful as she saw her father approaching so near. King Oetes pursued the ship of the noble Jason so fiercely with his oars that they were only two bowshots apart before they were out of the gulf or the sea's brazen depths. Then, the fair Medea, seeing that the distance between them was so small, My good master, I wept tenderly and begged for my little brother Absarthus. The evil-deed woman opened her lap and unfolded the body of the child whom she had hacked into pieces. Medea took the head and held it high. Hercules, Jason, and others were filled with great horror at this cruelty. Neithertheless, when Iason saw this creature so treated, he would know from whence:\n\n\"My dear love, what is in your thoughts? And what will you do with this pitiful and pitiable child?\"\n\nMy dear love answered then: \"The experience of my work reveals this to you, my dear. Madame answered then the noble Prince Jason: \"What is this child that I see here, thus dismembered and slain? Indeed, he is in an unhappy hour born.\" That is Absarthus. my young brother Know that he is not malicious but is earnest and happy: for this day he shall be the cause of the salvation of the life of his father and of his men & then he is earnest and in a good hour born: whatever he may do in his youth, because of the help of so many people, especially of his father's nature. Certainly Medea said then, \"Jason, I see no other way or means but that you be dishonored in every respect for what you have done. As for having my own brother innocent of all things / A horrible cruelty / My dear love answered then, \"Do not trouble others with this, Medea. If it is your pleasure, you shall hear what I have to say. And after the case I make you judge. You know how I am brought by you from the kingdom, and I considered and thought that I could not withdraw myself but he should be advised. For he has a custom that every time he goes\" The following person will see his son and me as well: I have arranged that, as soon as he does not find me or his son, he will come after me with arms, as you see he does. And when I have considered all these things and the great danger that might threaten us, for me should be the battle mortal between you and him, in which without remedy he would be slain or taken by his high valiance, seen to abandon himself to recover me. And to show greater parley and damage for him, I have taken his own son, my brother. I have commanded him to be put in this state, to cast himself at this time abroad, to the course of the sea here and there. And to give impediment to the ship of my father, which then will tarry, to see his son absconding thus dismembered on the water. For this reason, with the departure of these devils, the king's oars approached in such a way. The Greek ship was so close that only a stone's throw separated them. Medea and the old woman filled their hands with the limbs of the noble child Absarthius, showing them to King Oetes and his men. As soon as the old queen saw the king, she cried out these words: \"King, do not come near, do not try to recover your son or daughter. Regarding your daughter, you have wasted your time. She is married to Jason. But at least we shall send your son's dismembered parts to the sea, so that you may save your life. For if he had compelled you to have occupation to recover your limbs for burial, as is fitting for a king, you should have had battle against the knights of Greece, who are of such high valor that there is no animal, monster, serpent, or tyrant that they do not bring to destruction. The victory of which...\" With the battalion should abide with them. And certes, thou shouldest receive thy death. So all things well overseen, it is better for thee to return to the city than to approach nearer to receive thy death. And well oughtest thou to have great joy for to see thy happy one be dead and detached by pyres pitied, for thou art not very near a natural father. If thou takest not his members and if thou do so, thy life shall be saved and all they of thy company.\n\nWith these words, the old woman and Medea cast into the sea the members of the young child Absarthius. And the king Oetes and his people, hearing and seeing the great inhumanity and cruelty, began to cry out right pitifully and dolorously. They were so sore vexed and troubled by this marvelous act that they did not know what to do, some there were that began to weep tenderly. The others smote themselves on the breasts, and some began to arm themselves to go to battle, and cried to death the knights of Greece shooting on arrows and other traitors with great courage. for them, but when the king saw that she said to his citizens, \"Fair sirs, pray you to travel no more to recover Medea: she has murdered her own brother, my son, and he who was her lord. I have loved her with all my heart, but her disloyal will has brought me such a painful reward or gift. She said, 'The king said aloud, \"I shall never see or desire to meet with her again for the cause of such a cruel and unnatural deed that she has done to her own blood.'\nThou hast spoken to thy own detriment. And therefore, farewell to all those who are with her. But know for certain that if I now had her at my disposal, I would make her die a cruel death. How fortunate that such a thing should bring me a new sorrow. Therefore, it is better that she goes: & let us endeavor to assemble the members of my son's body, which float as you may see upon the waves of the sea, to prevent his flesh from becoming food for the birds.\"\nWhat then of the nobles &c. The citizens of the city understood their king. They all began to search for the members of Absarthius, judging the greatest sorrow of the world. And thus they disposed themselves to complain to the king and no longer to harass their enemies. When they had fished out the members of the child, they returned to the city by a right sorrowful and uncomfortable manner, grieving for the death of Absarthius. And since Medea was also gone with Jason, Medea was then joyous and more assured than before. But when she perceived that her father and his men tarried for a long time to fish out the members of their son, Jason, seeing this, did not know what to think. Argos, the good mariner, rowed away as much as he could in withdrawing from the port and the island of Colchos. And in a short while, he had lost sight of King Oetes and his eyes. And that he came into the high sea, where the wind blew and arose. Anon they deployed their sail which they had good wind for. Argos was much pleased with this. You said that every man might lay down his harneys freely, promising them to be out of all paril, and spoke not one word. He seemed more tragic than joyous. And not without cause: When Medea had understood that Argos had assembled all the company for that time from all parils that they had been in, she was greatly comforted. But she beheld her hands that yet were all foul with the blood of her brother Absinthius. She went and washed them and made them clean. And after, she called and sat down by Jason. And seeing that he was much pensive, she said to him in a gracious and courteous manner, My dear love, wherefore think you? Jason answered not one word. And when she saw that, she said to him again, My dear love, wherefore think you? Then Jason answered to her thus, Lady, since you desire to know where I think, know for truth that if it were not for the great love that I have in you and for that I have promised to wed you and make you my wife, I would not have come here to this place. bryng\nyow into Grece. I wolde not do it / wherfore kepe from henssorward that ye do no suche thing as dere as ye will haue pees bytwene yow a\u0304d me / Vpon thise wordes Medea ex\u2223cused her the fairest wyse she coude a\u0304d was to her possible Sayng that alle this that she had don was of ve\u2223ray good wille in somoche as she so doyng supposed that to haue vsed cruelte ne humanyte ne of hayne or hate precedent. a\u0304d that in the nyght tofore the goddesse Deane had she\u2223wed & made reuelacyon to her that king / Octes must nedes dey or absir\u2223thius his sone for him And by suche wordes in colouri\u0304g her caas she tra\u2223ueyled so sore that she fou\u0304de her self in the godod grace of jason.\nDuryng thys voyage whan they had be\u0304 certain dayes on the see. mo\u2223psius cam on a time to Iason & theu\u0304 brought to his remembran\u0304ce hou he had {pro}mysed to ysipssayd trouth and that he wolde holde his {pro}messe So he spak to hercules to Theseus and to the maister argos. which we\u2223re glad hoping to make good chere in that cyte: But whan medea kne\u2223we That Jason had promised and would go there: to see Queen Diospoleia, as she and her maids had arranged their sorts and enchantments in a secret place, which were of such power. When Argos intended to set sail by an arm of the sea that goes towards Lennos: his governance broke in more than a thousand pieces. And by a subtle wind, the ship was turned around and brought all the way to the opposite direction, away from the noble knight and his company. Therefore, all who were in the ship were right sorrowful, reserving Medea and her old maid: who were at their ease.\n\nQueen Diospoleia was upon a high rock by the sea side, not far from Lennos at the point where the noble prince Iason passed by, as it is said. She accustomed herself daily to keep herself and hide her deep longing for Iason. All her thoughts and desire were for him, and she loved him so much that she often waylaid him from morning until evening on this rock. times thise propre wordes that folowe: Ha a Neptunus god of the see & of the windes. where is my de\u2223re loue jason. Bring him agayn to me / Rendre hym agayn to her that daye a\u0304d nyght wepeth and lygheth after hym ded or alyue I will haue hym. and Ipraye yow that ye will sende me this grace and ewer leuer this day then\u0304e to morn\u0304. Thus then\u0304e as she was alle disco\u0304forted one daye among alle other she loked into the see toward the cest. and saw fro\u0304 fer\u2223re the ship moche desired that sayled by a grete radour & a fulle saill whe\u2223re jason was in Certes she knew it\nanone as well by the gretenes as by the baners and enseignes that were displayed wyth the winde / Wherof she had so grete gladnesse that she be\u2223ga\u0304 to make the best chere of the worl\u00a6de / But as she was thus rauysshed in grete ioye / a\u0304d that her semed that jason ca\u0304 seuerly vnto her. Wyth that the olde maistresse and the fayr me\u2223dea putte their sorceries to werke a\u0304d theire e\u0304cha\u0304teme\u0304ts: wherof thaue\u0304 tu\u2223re of the shippe sorted as sayd is / for she tourned suddenly at that other cost, whereof the poor Jephilo was all abashed and sore amazed. In stead of making you rejoice, she was constrained to weep great tears, and in stead of singing, she was forced to complain: What shall I say more, as suddenly as the ship turned, so suddenly changed was the manner of Jephilo. She abode there and passed that night, making fires and lighting many fagots: to redress Iason and Argos to her ward, thinking without fault she had remained in this place for six weeks. Weeping, waking, and continually bemoaning Jason: whom she loved more than herself.\n\nAfter six weeks had passed and Jephilo perceived that she should have no tidings of her love, Iason, because of the enchantments of Medea and her mistress, the ship of Iason could not approach the isle of Lemnos. Rightly dismayed, Jephilo, who had been long waiting, departed. A wonderful opening she returned to Lenos, and when she was entered into her chamber, she made her son brought to her. whom she kissed many times for the love of Jason. And after, she began to think and repent in her mind in various manners. And then, who she had long thought by great habit of melancholy: she said in beholding her child and crossing her arms with a sigh coming from the bowels of her heart. Alas, my dear son: alas, that you could speak to demand me tidings of your father: who is the most fair knight, the most virtuous, and the most valiant in arms that the god ever formed. If you could speak and ask me about him, I might well answer to thee. But how? Alas, I know never for a certainty when or where he departs. And at an adventure, where he goes as that other day. It seemed to me that I knew his ship, who the wind and tempest compelled to return and to sail all at opposite. And in traversing the waves and floods of the sea. see so is perished then, not: For in forty days that I have seen you on the rock, I could never see him again, of which I am right disappointed in my heart. My dear son, where is now the nature that should teach you to weep, and me more than you: after the loss of one so desired prince, ought I more desire to live? What can it avail me to live: Certainly, if I should live, my life would be from here forth full of continual bewailings of dolors, of weeping, and of sighs, oh what sorrow. I wote no more to say, I have loved Jason so perpetually that I am constrained to weep after him. However, all the creatures desire to live only for enjoying the worldly pleasures. And then, when all worldly pleasure fails, what ought I desire? Is this a life. Certainly not. And what then, a life that lives dying: and a death. that lives in lingering: O marvelous and right terrible desire, I shall die truly in this journey. It is concluded: For what some ever. I shall go to the high sea: To ensure that if the noble prince Jason is there buried, I may be with him in sepulture. And to ensure also that if he is not dead, the sea that brought him hither may bring me to him, alive or dead. But first, I shall compile an epistle which shall be sewn unto my vestments or cloak. To this end, if Jason lives yet, I have hope that the gods shall present me before him. And then, by this my epistle, he shall know of what excellent love and courage I have loved him.\n\nMany ladies and damsels were in the company of Isophile when she lamented her dear love, Jason. And also the desperate one, she who should leap and spring into the sea. All of them began to demonstrate great sorrow marvelously and not without cause. Some were merely sorrowful that they could not speak a word. Others were drowned in tears that compelled them. She wrote this to comfort her and distract her from this wretched desire, but it was in vain; for Isiphile had lost her pain. As Isiphile wrote this, she wrapped it in a sealed cloth and sewed it onto her golden robe. Once she had done this, she took her crown and placed it on her head firmly. Then, she took her scepter. Afterward, having done all this, she went to her son and kissed him many times, commending him to the ladies and damsels. Lastly, when she had taken leave of all the women, she departed from Leonos, the City, weeping tenderly. She took one of her damsels with her: it was through her that all her lamentations and manners were known afterward, until she cast herself into the sea.\n\nAs she approached the sea, she came near a high rock; the sea touched it far below. She began to gaze at the sea in a low voice and then stretched herself out. the earth beholding heaven and the sea, and said, \"Verily, God lord of the sea, of winds, of turbulences and fortunes, of rains and tempests, you brought into this country and this place the perfect knight: in beauty, in vaillance, and in all virtues, Iason. And after you sent him to the isle of Colchos, and consequently you have kept me from him far from his ship and drowned him or at least led him into another country. And when it is a thing concerning him, I require that you will make my sepulture by him, if he has passed out of this world. And if he is alive, that you will conduct me into his presence: for it must needs be, and other things I command not of you.\n\nAnd when the desolate queen Isiphile had said these words, she returned to the city: and said in this manner aloud and clear voice,\n\nFarewell, my dear child. farewell, Lennos the noble city. farewell, ladies and damsels.\n\nAnd when she returned to the sea, crying, \"Iason, Iason.\" She sprang forth. The summit of the rock plunged into the high sea, and there she drowned herself in sorrow. Her death was a source of great pity, but her fate was such that on that same day, the sea brought her body to the ship of the noble prince Jason, who was still in the sea in a harbor where they had anchored for the night. When they saw the poor Ysiphile cast against the ship, Hercules and Jason leapt up high to take in the air. Upon seeing the desolate, richly adorned body, they called for Argos, their master, and showed him. Argos called some of his men and had them fish and draw the body out of the sea, bringing it aboard the ship for all to see. Medea did not fail to come with the others to witness this sorrowful sight. Indeed, the dead lady's body was brought on board. hadde her face swollen and pale that none in the ship knew her, but at the coming and for the presence of the old woman. She bled by the conduit of her mouth, as it had been a little renning water departing from a font or a spring. Whereof all they had great marvel.\n\nWhen Argos the good mariner saw the marvel, he stooped down to put a cloth on her robe to keep it from the fouling of the blood that departed from her mouth. And as he put the cloth about her neck, he perceived the cercled cloth that kept the water from the pistol that she had compiled. Therefore, to know what it was, he detached or ripped it off and delivered it to Jason. Then the knight received the cloth and opened it and found the epistle. He read it and understood its content, and his blood began to change and he grew red as a rose. And after, pale and dead as ashes, and then began to weep and to lament a sorrow much greater and sharper. Certes, the fair maid Hercules. Iason, along with the other knights of Thebes and Argos, were deeply distressed, as was Jason, upon learning of the great grief and sorrow that Jason had endured. They inquired about the source of this sorrow and the tidings he had received from the contents of the letter. But it was of no use, for he could not speak or respond, his heart was so closed and strained with anguish and sorrow. He had read it and received it from Medea, and the message was as follows:\n\nIason, the chosen one of Greece in prowess, beauty, and virtues, where are you? And when will you fulfill your promise to her who has always kept her eyes on the sea, longing to see you again, her heart filled with passionate desires and more than the heavens contain stars? My dearest love. Have you put me off or made no commitment, bound to pay and hold your promises, on pain of reproach? You have promised to me. The day of your promise has passed. You I have not entered a house to take pleasure or to be dry: I have not lain on a bed to rest. I have not sat at a table to eat, nor have I been in a privy to judge the causes of my men. But I have spent the space of forty days away from a rock where I was when you entered my kingdom, and that famine drove you to take land. There I have held myself day and night in the rain, in the wind, in the cold of the moon, and in the heat of the sun: in fasting, in prayers and orisons, in sufferings, in imaginations, in desire, in hope, and finally in despair and in death anguish. For what I have perceived that you cannot undo to me. In forty days after the day of your promise, all abandoned I have compiled and written this epistle with my hands and yours. In this place, I have cast myself, praying the gods to make me quick or dead there, where thou art quick or dead. By great defiance of thy promise, and to that end that thou mayst see what terrible affection and love I had for thee.\n\nWhile reading this epistle, Preus Jason wept so pitifully that he could no longer continue. And as for Hercules Theseus and Mopsius, they did not fail to be part of Jason's retinue. When Medea had finished declaring the contents of her epistle, and he had lamented and wailed over her for a long time, he excused himself before them all from keeping the promise he had made to her to return by the city of Ionian Ionnis. He said it was not his fault but that the god of wind was to blame. And as witnesses, he called upon Hercules Theseus and Mopsius. Argos had intended to go to Lemnos, returning from his pursuit of Hippolyta in Colchis, to see this noble lady. But finally, the turbulence of the wind had prevented him from doing so against his will. Medea appeared to Jason's manner. She began to demand him. What profited his weeping and such excuses? She then said to him, \"Indeed, it seems to me that you have the courage of a woman more than a man. And there is no need to weep nor so bewail a lady who was so despairing. But for your honor and the goodness she has done for you, rightly you should cease your sorrow and part with the Argonauts' company. Iaso commanded you to depart from there, and you were sailing certain journeys on the sea. But in the meantime, without making any delay or memory of any event, Argos, the good master, sailed so far that at the twentieth month after their departure from Mirmidon, he arrived at the port from where he had departed. The dwellers welcomed and praised the gods of that place for his coming. They had returned home and had escaped. Many dangers and perils awaited the worship and profit of the Greeks with right great triumph of victory. At that time when Argos arrived in this port, the stars appeared large in the heavens, the night was fair and the sea calm. Therefore, the knights of Greece remained in the ship all night without going ashore. And on the morrow, by the time Jason set Theseus ashore to signify his coming to Pelias, Theseus went and found Pelias in a city named Elis: where was merry and passed the time with his wife, whose name was Cysippe, supposed never to have heard tidings of Jason. And Pelias saw and knew Theseus. He went against him and made him great reverence and worship. Then Theseus began to tell a part of the tidings of Jason, in particular recounting to him the adventure that he had performed in Colchis: and how he had brought the rich and noble fleece of gold; and that he had arrived at the port of Seyros; and that he had with him the fleece which was the fairest and the most noble. The noble Jewel, who had ever been seen, told him that he had conquered in hand excellent qualities, which in all respects might be held the best accomplished lady in the world. The noble knight Peleus, hearing these tidings, was so moved at heart that all the blood changed in every vein of his body. He sent word to King Aeson to show these good tidings to him, and then assembled the nobles, the burghers, the merchants, the ladies, and damsels of the city, and brought them in fair order to meet with Jason. When the coming of Jason was emerging from the ship, Iaso and Hercules were the first to issue forth. And after them came Mopsius and another knight of Greece. They bore before Jason the rich flees of gold as a sign of triumph and victory. The three, with the marvelous dragon, the legs and horns of the two dreadful bulls, led the noble lady. Medea, richly adorned and beautiful as a fair day, followed by other knights and noblemen of Greece. Peleus and his valiant men were astonished by the noble fleet and Medea's great beauty. They paid her respect first, bringing Jason to Eleusis with great honor and glory where they stayed the night. The next morning, they departed and went to Pintaquo, where King Eson was sojourning at that time. Since the place was situated in a good location, and all around it had great wealth and honoring marvels of Venus,\n\nPintaquo was a fair, strong castle standing on a great river and broad one that ran swiftly around the place. It was surrounded by lovely and paradise-like forests, of good land, and fair meadows in abundance. Indeed, the good king was greatly rejoiced and not without cause when he appeared and saw his noble son Jason and the fair Medea. Medea, his lady, possesses the riches of gold. The three tongues of the merciless dragon: and the horns and legs of the two marvelous bulls. I have come before the king, my father, and the other nobles to declare plainly in the hall: I have never reached the pinnacle of this conquest, nor have I been a part of Medea's council, who is present here. Therefore, I say: I have renounced the love of my lady Mirro. I have promised this lady that she shall be my wife and my companion. And thus, I will espouse and wed her on the third day. I therefore request that all noblemen and other ladies and damsels do her honor as befits a noble lady.\n\nWhen Peleus understood that the fair Medea had been the cause of Jason's arrival at the pinnacle of his enterprise without danger of death, and that without her aid, he would have perished, he changed color and became all dead. And as well advised. Jason said nothing in response, but always kept Jason in his good graces. He declared that he would take charge of making the feast and also requested that his parents and friends be present. Among these things, Jason sent Theseus and Mopsius to the gates of Desire, instructing them specifically to bury the noble queen Isiphile with great solemnity and reverence. The two knights went with good hearts and carried out this task. Tabarege, who had been guarding the fair Medea on Cyprus until the day Jason had set for their wedding, was now joined by Castor, Pollux, Nestor, and many rich dukes at Pintaquo. Jason married the fair Medea according to the laws and customs of Greece with great honor and reverence. As was possible for him, he died to her with as great honor as a lady could receive. The feast was noble and fair, and it was well and plentifully served with all manner of things. But of the meals and entertainments, and with how many courses and how many dishes at every course there were served, I will make no mention at this time. But I will say this much: Peleus and Cypriane and their daughters held a most sumptuous and costly feast. There were rich foods and beverages or drinks. The day passed and the feast in dances, caroles, and lasted for fifteen whole days. And during this feast, the noble and rich beds of gold were ordinarily hung up in the hall in the sight of all the world, and there anyone who wanted could come to behold it with great admiration. And so many people came, both far and near, in such a multitude that it seemed a real procession. For which reason Jason was marvelously renowned in many a court for his high vassalage and for this so glorious conquest.\n\nAt the end of fifteen days, and of the high solemnity of these espousals, the noble princes and noble men were upon the point for returning to their own lands. Iason and Hercules gathered the convened trees. King Jason and the knights of this company had suffered hardship and danger from him, as he had refused to provide them with fresh water and provisions for their money. In response, the princes and nobles of Greece, upon hearing of Jason and Hercules' great distress, granted them permission and swore to avenge this default and hasty revenge. After making these agreements, they gave charge to Argos to prepare and set up one hundred ships of war, to bring fifty thousand men before Troy, or at least forty thousand. Argos, who was skilled in this undertaking, accepted the charge and promised that within three years all these ships would be ready to help them. And whatever they had decided upon all these matters, they made Medea the honor and reverence of the world. By the passage of time, they all departed from there. Every man returned to his country, leaving Iason and the fair Medea in repose. Eleus went to Elis and bore duell and rancon. As he saw Jason triumphing and did not know how he might make him die, and Jason, who intended nothing but to make his pleasure, was allowed to continue ruling his kingdom and was acquitted of the debt of marriage against the fair Medea in such a way that she conceived of him a right fair son. This son, at the end of nine months, was delivered and was named Jason after his father. The father of Medea, King Getes, came then to Pintapuo with a small retinue. As he loved Medea as a father loves a child, and when he understood and knew the great honor that the proud Jason had done to her, he was content with him and with his daughter. And without any other transaction, he returned to his country, not long after these things had happened, and the old nurse of Medea departed from her. After her master's death, Medea taught her the art of necromancy and many other sciences in which she excelled. She also taught Medea how to make old people become young again, but the power of the science could not extend life or destiny for such persons, as it is predestined by nature.\n\nAfter her master's death, Iason demanded Medea. Having lost great companionship and privacy with her mistress, Medea responded to Iason and said that there was nothing more certain for every creature than death. The gods would take her soul. After many days, Medea realized among all other sciences she had learned, she had one for making old people become young, specifically men. Since she also believed that the good King Eson was growing ancient and old, she decided to use this power on him. She believed she could obtain great liberty and renew his age, so she called on a day her lord Jason and said to him that by her sciences she could do something such that his father, the good King Esau, should seem no older than 34 years old. Jason understood this and remained silent, but he seemed skeptical. Yet, although it seemed impossible to him, he answered and said to her, \"Fair lady, I know for truth that you are right wise and well experienced in full knowledge. You can do much more than all other ladies and damsels. But this seems a great and a remarkable thing to do as you say to me. I would be pleased if your science could reach so high a matter for my sake. For I would that my father might live so long that he could put me in my sepulcher without abridgment or shortening of my life. Every man knows that I, your goddess's son, have always intended\nTo truthfully answer you, my lady. I assure you that I will not harm or deceive you. I declare this truthfully. Regarding extending your father the king's life beyond what God and nature have decreed by the limits of time, I cannot do so with my powers. However, I will make every effort to reduce his appearance to seem younger, if it is your wish and his.\n\nLady Medea replied, \"Jason, I am willing and pray you earnestly with all my heart. But we must go to my father, the king, and reveal the entire truth to him. With these words, Jason brought the fair Medea before King Esopus, her father. He declared to him Medea's goodwill, stating that if he consented and granted her request, she would make him appear young. When the noble and ancient king Eson had understood this, being set upon a couch and resting his head on his white and bald arm, he said to Medea: My fair daughter, as I have learned, Jason my son has come to his honor and profit and surpassed his enterprise, and this without your counsel, means, and aid, he would have been dead and devoured by the dreadful and horrible beasts that kept the noble and rich fleece of gold in the isle of Colchos. And since you have kept and saved his life in his youth, flourishing in virtues and valor, will you also save mine in my last days? For truly, according to the course of nature, I am at the brink of my pit or sepulcher, and thus living a long time in the shadow or embrace of death, I had lease to be and dwell in. the world then to be divided: for there is nothing I desire more than it being possible for me to return to the prosperity of youth and my fair daughter. If it is in your power or your knowledge to do this, as you have suggested and then promised, I should be greatly indebted to you. And if it pleases you to take the crown of my kingdom, I will give it to you without ever claiming it back. My dear father answered Medea. It is well known that you are a high prince, renowned for noble conversation, fit to bear the crown. Therefore, your dignity shall remain with you all your life, and in favor of your graciousness, I will renew you as I have said, within nine days, to the age of thirty-two years, and I will not labor on anything without delay.\n\nFair Medea took leave of her lord Jason for eight days, and then she departed from the palaces. She waited the most secretly that she could. all alone unto a great wood. And when the night was come and the moon shone bright and clear, she knelt and studied at each time her science. Since lifting up her vision to the heavens and making this invocation that follows:\n\nMoon, resting in the midst of the stars that shine and confirm the charms,\nAnd you, goddesses of mountains, valleys, woods: deserts, fountains,\nseas, herbs, and trees,\nbe present in my beginning and give me aid in my work for the salvation and health of King Aeson.\n\nWhen she had said this, she made certain signs and afterward performed some secret invocations. Then she was lifted up into the air and born into all the regions of the world. There she gathered and took many herbs of various forms and conditions, and many precious stones, and was thus in the process of laboring for six days. And on the seventh day, she was restored to the same wood and to the very place from where she was lifted up into the air. And there she: Medea found herself before a rich temple dedicated to the goddesses Hebe and Hecate. It was early in the day when Medea arrived before the temple, and she raised her hands to the rising sun and then entered the temple. Hebe was called the goddess of youth, and Hecate of charm. After performing her rites to the goddesses, Medea emerged from the temple and dug a pit in the earth. In this deep pit, she sacrificed a black sheep to the goddesses of the underworld, keeping and mixing its blood with herbs. Afterward, she returned to the old, ancient king Eson and prepared a fair basket for him. In it, she put the herbs, milk, honey, and all that was necessary for him. In the presence of Jason, she placed the king into the basket. The sweet smell filled the room and grew stronger and stronger until he was there. And shortly after that, she rubbed and massaged him with herbs, causing him to fall asleep through her arts. When he was asleep, she made a small wound: from which she drew out old blood, leaving him in this state for about seven hours. After this, she woke him up and made him emerge from the bedchamber naked, revealing all his limbs as if he were in the age of two or three years.\n\nWhen the noble Jason and his father, the king, saw this strange and mysterious experience, they were greatly astonished and not without reason. For this was a work that had never been seen or happened before. They praised the wisdom, the skill, and the virtues of the beautiful Medea, deeming her inspired by the goddesses. Then, when the noble king Aegeus found himself in this state, he sent for the best tailors and makers of garments. He had new clothing made for his body. The fashion: that the young men were at that time. After this, he went and put him to the chase or hunting and deducted of falcons and hawks / to make festivities: dances and tournaments / jousts and other plays / and to summarize, he conducted himself as a man anew. It was not long after this that Peleus and all the nobles of the country & others were informed. Wherefore, great numbers of people came to Penthesilia only to see the king Encedatus sing dance and do all youthful things. And yet, he appeared gladly the fair damsels: and to make it shorter, he held himself as a prince who had no regard for good cheer and to pass the time pleasantly\n\nEleus, his wife Cyprian, and his daughters came to the king in the renowned reception he received from him. A right fair son of whom she was delivered in good time. And immediately after the birth of this second son, Cyprian came one day to the fair Medea and requested Meleagro to grow young again. Peleus, who was growing old, saw fair Medea, who, finding herself required by her, thought she would avenge the disloyal Peleus, who intended to make Jason his wife. She granted this request and set a day for it. When the day came, Medea commanded Cyprus to prepare a magnificent barge. She sent for Peleus, who was supposed to regain his youth, and when all was ready, Peleus disrobed and entered the barge. Medea put him to sleep there. And when he was asleep, she took his two daughters, each holding a sharp sword in her hands, and made them wound their father's body with more than fifty wounds, saying they must do so, and then, when Peleus was bathed and wounded, and his life had no remedy, Medea awakened him and said, \"Ah, unhappy traitor, you send.\" Late Jason was led into Colchos, intending to have him die there without any mercy: therefore, thou hast deserved the death that shall now be inflicted upon thee, by the gods of thy precious daughters. And Medea departed from the chamber. Thus miserably did Peleus end his life and his days.\n\nThe Cyprusians mourned these tidings sorrowfully. And in weeping great tears in great anguish, they drew out of the marvelous barge the poor body of Peleus and laid it on a table. But Cytareas could not speak, and not without cause. For as soon as she had Peleus on the table, she fell down swooning, and then the daughters, considering the great harm that had befallen them, took the two swords with which they had put their father to death, and struck themselves in the heart in such a way that they both fell down dead and despaired upon the body of their sorrowful mother, who then revived from her faint. Swomme. A heavy and dolorous cry came from a right pitiful and terrified son: Cyprian commanded his son, who was afraid because of this cry. And especially when they first beheld the body of Peleus placed on the table, surrounded by wounds. Secondly, what they saw and perceived were the two young damsels, daughters of Peleus, who had been stabbed in their bodies to their hearts with the sword where they were slain. Thirdly, seeing Cypriane lying on the pavement, her heart failing, her face contorting in grief, and drawing her close in sorrow.\n\nKing Eson and his son Jason, seeing this, approached and came to the lady. Jason approached and gently laid her on a bed that was there. Then Jason began to doubt Medea because she had often asked him to put Peleus to death, as they had brought the lady to the bed. King Eson and his son Eson began to comfort her as best they could. Weeping tenderly, they asked her who had done this. The lady committed this dolorous murder: Then the lady answered them all the manner in which she had made us die by the hands of his two daughters. And they, seeing the shameful feet committed by them, were desperate and slew themselves in great sorrow. And telling this to her heart failed. The king intended to her: Iason departed and waited to speak to Medea, who was in her chamber, and said to her, \"A damsel, where were you ever born into this world? The merits of your benefactions are great and worthy of glory. But your perverse demerits are so horrible and foul-supposed that you should never have returned. And also you would have been dead without remedy, nor would you have escaped the danger by my counsel as it is well known. These things considered and seen, I have many times desired you to take punishment upon the treacherous Pelusus. To which you would never attend: for it happened that Pelusus had a will to.\" be reduced into young age, as the king, your father, is by my introduction and style, but his two daughters have put him to death. Therefore, you ought to be righteous towards him. Ceridwen's daughter answered Jason, \"Whatever pleases you.\" But you have done many enormous inhuman and hydra-headed things and command you to the goddesses. After these words, Jason departed from the chamber, sore discomforted, and without taking leave of the king, his father, or anyone else, he departed alone upon his horse from the castle of Pintaquo.\n\nWhen Medea understood that Jason had done so much as seemed honorable and other things to her: she renounced her company. And, upon understanding that he had taken his horse and was alone departed from the castle, she took her youngest son in her arms and two damsels in her company. In this way, she went after Jason, intending to appease him with fair words. But Jason's pride was in such great trouble and anger that he rode all the way ahead of him, so long that he entered a forest. The king continued to keep watch over the earth, thinking about Medea's wicked deeds and inhumanities, her murders. He wandered so far into the wood that Medea could not find where he had turned back, but she always sought Jason as long as day lasted. At night, she, her child, and her two maidens lay under a tree for comfort.\n\nKing Eson had his brother Pelus and his two daughters buried honorably that night. His sorrow was great, and he could not spend the entire night in deep thought and melancholy. When morning came, he sent out his men to search for Jason and Medea in the wood, but they could find no news of them. Jason went on, always pensive, and his journey was long and arduous. He traveled by day and rested at night, letting his horse graze and pasture in the fields. Iason arrived in the city of Corinth, where the king, named Creon, resided. Creon had a fair daughter named Creusa. Iason went to Creusa and told her who he was. But as soon as Creon learned of him, he showed him great honor because of the reputation and good repute Iason had gained through his high valor in many a kingdom and country. In Corinth, the king expressed his desire for Iason to accompany him, but Iason was so overwhelmed with sorrow and melancholy that he could not pay attention. Furthermore, he was so charmed that he could not love anyone but Medea. When King Creon observed Iason's behavior and saw that he made no joy, he summoned him one day and asked him to explain the cause of his annoyance and grief. Iason excused himself, but the king pressed him further, and Iason confessed to him the events that had transpired between him and Medea. Medea told him additionally why he had been parted from his country, intending to withdraw him from Medea and make him forget her for any reason other than this. But he could not find a way to come to her or me.\n\nKing Creon, a wise prince, knowing the reason for Jason from this, offered to be his good friend. He advised him to marry a new wife as soon as possible. He said that the new love and acquaintance of a new wife would make him easily forget the thoughts and imaginations of love and the pleasures he had experienced in the beginning. Jason understood the king's counsel and thanked him much. He said he would marry if he could find a wife to his liking. And with that, he took leave of the king and withdrew into his lodgings. It was not long before he returned to the king's palaces to see the ladies, and among all others. Jason approached Creusa, intending to ask for her love, but the memory of Medea intervened. When he saw this, he rose up, distraught and uncertain of what to do. Shortly after, the king entered the garden to reclaim a sparrowhawk. Jason hid beneath the tree. The king approached him and asked why he was there and how he felt. Jason replied, \"Sir, it seems to me that I am always in the same state. I remind you of how you advised me to abstain from thinking about Medea. She continues to occupy my thoughts as I seek to take a new wife. I implore and beg you to grant me your permission.\" me, Creusa's daughter, to you as spouse and fellow / And you doing so shall do me the greatest honor and blessed knight that is in the remainder of the world\nImmediately as the generous king had understood Jason's request / as a prince, you responded righteously to him and said, \"Indeed, Jason, you do great honor to me and to all our houses when you request for my favor and my daughter.\" I give to you my daughter. She is well prepared and has come into this world for you. Indeed, sir, king, and for the barons and knights of your court, the ladies and damsels, both from your palace and from your city, we sent forth. And in the presence of all who were there, he made Jason and his daughter promise that they would wed and espouse each other. Within a certain term, he set the day of their espousals and it was made a fair and notable festival. The king and the queen were pleased by this. noble island Carrolles began instruments of all kinds and various manners, setting to work songs and fair ditties. Wine and food were plentiful and provided for all who wished to partake. And thus this great and notable feast continued until the night, when the king, queen, Jason, Creusa, the barons, knights, ladies, and damsels departed from this garden with great joy. Each man was encouraged to make merry in honor of the noble alliance between Jason and the fair Creusa. The young lady was much comforted and thought often of the high virtues that were in the person of the valiant prince Jason.\n\nThe renown of Jason and the fair Creusa spread throughout all the lands. He announced that he would hold a solemn feast and sent messengers into many and diverse countries. To assemble the prices of the courts, his friends, and to seek clothes of gold, silk, and other sumptuous and rich things. Always for. Medea, daughter of Creusa, did not leave night or day as she sought her way to Corinth. In her journey, she came across a beautiful fountain or well where many laborers had gathered to refresh themselves. Three fair women were there, and when Medea asked them where they were from, one laborer replied that he was going to the city of Corinth. \"My friend,\" Medea answered, \"our intention is also to go to that city, and we would be pleased to have your company.\" With that, the noble ladies and laborers continued on their way. One of them began to gaze at the little child that Medea carried in the arms of one of the damsels. A little behold the child he said, all in this manner: Cerides joyfully welcomed all our goddesses. My lady Creusa, who will come tomorrow, and why don't you know her and have lived so long? Certes, she is the daughter of the king of Corinth, whom they will marry tomorrow the most fair knight of all the world: and the most valiant in renown. For it is he who had conquered - I never knew what shape or form of gold that men say is passing noble and rich. Therefore, we all gather to see what feast there will be. And each of us brings there of our goods to do worship.\n\nThe custom at that time was such that a king did marry his son or daughter, and all the men of the realm were bound by him each for himself to make a present of victuals. And the merchants and burghers of the cities made to him an aid of a certain sum or other goods with which they were discharged.\n\nAnon, so valiant and he who had conquered the fleets of gold, she... She believed it was her lord Jason who was to marry Fair Creusa on the morrow, causing her great distress. She remained silent, unwilling to speak. Therefore, she thought the less of it and, in such a state, entered Corinth by fair daylight. She was conducted within the palace of the king into a great fair hall. There, she was disguised and disguised.\n\nAs soon as she entered the hall, she began to look around, hoping to see Iaso. She gazed at him for so long that she finally saw him. But her heart sank when she saw his heavy countenance and sorrowful expression. Medea was now certain that it was Jason who was to marry Creusa. Her heart melted, and she was overwhelmed by many and great sighs. Tears flowed down her cheeks and filled her breasts.\n\nThus, she thought and thought again, unsure of what to do for the best. She then returned to the two damsels and took her seat among them. Iason, disguised, was asked by the damsel Rosamund to request that he speak to a lady who was present. The noble Preusos, thinking nothing of fair Medea, rose and accompanied her. Medea, withdrawn a little apart, held her small son in her arms. But when Iason saw her there in that condition, he was astonished. After Medea had paid her respects to him and saluted him in the name of all their gods, she spoke to him in this way:\n\n\"Alas, my dear lord Iason, what intention do you have? Are you really going to take for your wife Creusa, whom you have promised, as I have been informed? And how will my only loving friend and I be rewarded for the salvation of your life? For none would have been saved if it had not been for my intervention, as you well know. Is this the recompense I receive for my love?\"\n\n\"Why, for your love, I...\" I have abandoned the king, my father, and his realm. This is the reward I have sought after reducing, by great labor, my lord, your father the king, from his ancient age to the youth of 48. I am Iason, a right noble and valiant knight. I suppose you will remember all that you have promised me: for God's sake, do not forget it and put it out of your mind. And if it is so that you will take and have any other lady than me, truly I would rather now lose my life than live any longer: may my death be granted to you.\n\nIason answered then. As for the matter of the wedding now begun, if it pleases the gods, they shall be satisfied and fulfilled as it is ordained, not with standing any promise made between you and me.\n\nMedea heard this answer and was filled with fury. \"Then you shall be my only and sovereign wealth,\" she said. \"Certainly, lady,\" answered Iason. \"Save your honor. I have acquitted myself.\" you / all that I haue promysed vnto you. For j haue brought you i\u0304to my countre a\u0304d solempnly haue espoused you: & syn I haue be trew in maria\u2223ge vnto the deth of myn vncle pele{us}. where as ye well know hath\u0304 ben co\u0304\u2223mised by yow a grete defaulte Not withsto\u0304dyng this that is past j ente\u0304\u2223de not that by me ye sholde be sclaun\u2223drid: But knowe ye that j had moch\u0304\nleuer lyue in honour and ensiewe the termes and werkes of noblesse then\u0304 for to holde me le\u0304ger in your compa\u2223nye. I telle yow these thinges for so moche as yf I helde me le\u0304ger by you And of you ne were done good ius\u2223tice / hit mighte be sayd that I sholde be culpable of one so cruelle a murdre wherof is ensiewed the deth of two so fayre & noble madyens & pAnd for thys cause & other cruelles by yow co\u0304my\u2223sed: I shall holde that I haue sayd / And so I may doo and ought to doo lawfully in keping myn honour a\u0304d the termes & commandeme\u0304ts of ou\u2223re lawe.\n\u00b6 Whan the fayr medea had vnder\u2223standen alle the wylle & co\u0304clusion of the noble preu Iason: If she She had to be sorrowful and overly angry. Yet she was then much more, for she began to weep with these words and signed deeply from her heart so profoundly that it seemed that tears flowed from her two fair eyes like two rushing streams or two springs of a fountain. Nevertheless, after many sighs from her heart so profoundly, she replied to Jason's answer and said, \"Sir knight, I now know well that it is destined that I be the most unfortunate lady in the world. If I have or the death of the treacherous Peleus, it has been for the great love and true heart that I have had for avenging you of this which he sent you to Colchos to acquire the gold. Knowing that it was a thing impossible ever to restore without being devoured and dead if it had not been my journey. And when I have done all these things with good intention, and for obtaining your good favor, Iason shall have no other reward or other wage for all my merits:\n\nDesired. for such reward. For covering the treaspas by you, I cannot excuse you from doing the best you can or may, and your children also. Withdraw yourself with your children into some country, and so you will act wisely and also your profit. And so it always be that your pleasures be fulfilled: yet at least, to rejoice me a little: you shall do something great for me, that of your courtesy I may be lodged here within until tomorrow, to behold the solemnity of the wedding. And if you will thus accommodate me, I promise you that tomorrow at dinner, for the love of you, I shall make appear one of the great marvels that ever was seen at the wedding of a king's daughter or of a prince.\n\nWhen Jason had understood the request of the lady. Not thinking that she pretended otherwise than to all things well and good, and also to be quit of her agreed request: and was delivered to her a right fair chamber, within the palace. And what the lady was in this chamber, she sent her two damsels. for when she was alone in the town, she began to study in various sciences. When it came about midnight, she was transported into the air. She brought with her a plentiful amount of works, right secretly. There, she composed four great and horrible dragons, which she bound together by their tails. And then, having done this, she passed the night in such a state of passionate jealousy of love that it seemed her heart and all her body were consumed by fire and passion.\n\nOn the following morning, when Jason had espoused the fair Creusa and was seated at dinner with her, the king, her father, and the knights, ladies, and damsels of the country,\n\nMedea, sitting in the midst of the four dragons, held her youngest son naked in her arms. At this point, she was brought before the table, where noble Prince Jason was seated. was\nIt is lightly to be believed that the king and the noble Preus Jason, and all they who were there, were greatly amazed and feared when they beheld Medea in such array enter into the hall sitting between four dragons so terrible to behold by seeming / and some there were that fled and some remained to see the event. Seeing that she held between her hands her young child. But when Medea saw that she was before Jason, she cried out to him in this manner: \"Iason, Jason, thou knowest that I am thy wife: thou leavest me for another and believest not to have wronged me / I have saved thy life. And thou dost do great wrong and excessive blame to me. And this proceeds from all disloyalty and all cruelty: whereof thou art chief and head. And such wilt thou be and abide. But I shall keep thee from it if my counsel fails not. For certainly I promise thee that thy new wife Creusa and the king her father, and all they who are here within, shall lose their lives.\" You are asking for the cleaned text of the given input, which I will provide below:\n\nthy self, and consequently thy proper son, who holds in my arms, shall be the first to begin the feast. When the desolate lady had said these words, she held her young child, who was very tender, to take him by the two legs, and with the force of her hand, crushed him. And with that, the four terrible dragons, of whom she sat upon, opened their throats in disgorging fire and venom. So much and so horribly that all who were there died miserably and in great torment, reserving Iason. Who could not receive any harm from any venom due to the blood mixed with the ashes, as it is said in the chapter, making mention of the conquest of the noble flees of gold.\n\nThen, when the noble prince Iason appeared and saw in his presence the miserable and sorrowful death of his lady Trensa, the king, the queen, his damoiselles, squires, and others, were overcome by Medea's sorceries and enchantments. He was so overcome by anger and wrath that he could no longer. more bewitching you had not been within my mind, then he arose from the table in a confused state and exclaimed to Medea, \"A right wicked enchantress, you have replied with all evil. It is over great damage that the earth bears and sustains you: you have, with your two hands, murdered your own son and mine. And since by your false and unreasonable enchantments you have caused to die so many high princes, valiant knights, ladies, damsels, and gentle esquires assembled here to do me honor and company: they did not trespass nor grieve you. What horrible cruelty have you committed? Certainly, you have not the courage of a human woman, but of a beast or serpent, tormenting all creatures or else of a cruel tyrant with no pity. Ha, a right perverse and felonous courage. What have you done by your great outrage or cruelty? What should I now do or where shall I become after this evil has befallen?\" If you were a man, as you are a woman. \"persist and mirror, the chief of all evil. Without longer delay, I should take vengeance for this trespassed grief, but since you are a woman, it shall never happen that my hand harms you. A nobleman who for any anger or trespass strikes a woman or lays hands on her, he loves his honor and with good cause.\n\nWhen the lady had understood the complaint of her lord Iason. She answered him in this manner. Indeed, my dear love, know the truth: I would rather see the whole world die than know that you should have habitation with any other woman than me. You know how I have employed myself to preserve you from danger of death. Many a knight has lost his life for it. Also, you know what honor you have by my fee, granted perpetually: and all this I have done gladly, intending that you should be my husband and espouse all your life with me. And now I perceive that you will leave and abandon me for another in all things.\" When I am gone, consider what harm you may cause by your default: keep carefully the promises you have made to me, or know for certain that the vengeance of the goddess shall overtake you. When Jason understood this, he was even more troubled than before, unable to utter a single word but departed from the hall. Medea and her four dragons also left, and went through the city of Corinth, infecting men, women, and children as she went. Her handmaidens followed and went after her, and all the world fled from her except for a few. People knew well that it was not well for anyone who followed her so strangely, as Jason was, having seen Medea depart. He called some of those who had escaped from this pestilence and brought them to see his daughter Creusa and a great number of others who lay ill. There were many bodies among the tables on the benches and on the ground. It was a pitiful sight to see and behold, for most of them were swollen from the venom they had received through the conduits of her noses and mouths, and were as great as vials. Then there was a marvelous sorrow and wailing in all the city. Each man began to weep and cry out piteously, covering their faces and tearing their hair: one and another did so, and searched for their parents and friends, with great pain, for they found it difficult to recognize them due to the venom's swelling. And when they were drawn apart, they buried them honorably according to their estate. In the same way, the king, the queen, and the fair Cruse her daughter were put in their sepulchers fitting to their estate. Iason was present to oversee and do all things, and remained until the time that the (text truncated) prayers and ceremonies were accomplished according to the law and custom of that time. Afterward, Syn departed from Corinth and parted ways with Jason. But he was so disheartened and sorrowful in spirit that he could no longer ride on one side and then the other, lost in thought. Above all other things, he pondered and decided to ride and wander so far that he might find some adventure. And he comforted himself as best he could after the misfortunes he had suffered.\n\nThe cavalcade and noble retinue accompanying Jason, as it is said, set out from the city of Corinth. They put him on his way and rode through many countries and cities, some of which were dolant and angry. Sometimes he pitied the fair Medea, and sometimes, suddenly, he remembered her malefices and cruelties, which were inhuman. In his journey from one place to another, he was in a state of great turmoil. Greet perplexity and sorrow that he might no more. But if he had died, and for this cause his intent was so troubled that he knew not what to do. In this manner, trist and pensyv drawing from one country to another, he was told on a day that King Tollus of Elis, his father, was to wed the king's daughter of Thessaly named Anestor. And for some reason, to refresh himself, he concluded that he would go to this wedding, which was to be solemnized without tarrying, for he thought well that there would be kings, dukes, prices, queens, and noble ladies in great number: The fair Mirro was coming there; with other princesses because King Tollus was her near cousin. But inconveniently, as the kings and princes knew, Iason was welcomed on all sides most honorably. Always the queen Mirro made no semblance of knowing him: for why, Iason had been feasted by one and another, and he approached the queen Mirro, who was deeply pensived. behind the other ladies and called out to him with an open voice which was well heard, saying: \"long since in Athens you promised me that you would be my husband. Yet you have done nothing towards that, but have espoused another lady as it has been received and certified to me. O dishonest, unfaithful liar. Whereas you have not held nor faith nor truth. Approach not in any way to me, depart from my presence, and be never found in my way.\"\n\nBut notwithstanding that the queen had given this reproachable answer, he said to her in this manner: \"My dear lady, I am so wretched and malevolent that I am not worthy to be found before your noble presence. I know plainly that I have sinned, and I cannot think how my courage is thus corrupted and ill-advised. Since I took leave last time from you and when I parted, I remember right well that in my voyage to Colchos I had you always in continual remembrance. I was hoping to have taken you to my wife. Until the time that on a certain day...\" Curiosity overcame Jason night by night, as he was suddenly inspired with the love of Medea. Previously, she had required me to be her husband. However, I always refused her request. Leaving Corinth, we journeyed, but he was so disconsolate and sorrowful in spirit that he could no longer ride on one side and then the other, lost in thought. Above all other things, he pondered and decided to ride and wander so far that he might find some adventure. And he comforted himself the best way he could after the misfortunes he had suffered.\n\nThe retinue and noble price Jason, as it is said, departing from the city of Corinth, put himself on his way and rode through many countries and cities, doling out both kindness and anger. Sometimes he encountered the fair Medea, and sometimes, suddenly, he remembered her malefices and cruelties. In hunger, he traveled from one country to another, greatly troubled and sorrowful, unable to endure it any longer. But if he had died, and for this reason his intent had been so troubled, he did not know what to do. In such a manner, he was drawn, sad and pensive, from one country to another. He was told on one day that King Tollus of Elis, his father and of his kin, was to wed the king's daughter Anestis of Thessalia. To refresh himself, he decided to go to this wedding, which was to take place without delay, for he thought there would be kings, dukes, prices, queens, and noble ladies in great numbers. The fair Mirro was coming there, as well as other princesses, because King Tollus was her near cousin. But the inconvenience being known to the kings and princes, Iason was welcomed on all sides most honorably. Always, Queen Mirro made no sign of recognizing him; for she did not know that he had been with one and the other, and that he had approached her. \"queen Myrro, who drew herself aside behind the other ladies and whispered to him with an open voice, which was clearly heard, saying: \"Long since in Athens you promised me that you would be my husband. Yet you have done nothing towards that but have espoused another lady, as it has been received and certified to me. O disloyal and false liar. Whereas you have not held nor faith nor truth. Approach in no way towards mediating between us, and be never found in my way. But notwithstanding that the queen had achieved this reproachable answer, he said to her in this manner: \"My dear lady, I am so much in mourning and unhappy that I am not worthy to be found before your noble presence. And I cannot think how my courage is thus corrupted and ill-advised. Since I took leave last time from you and parted, I remember well in my voyage to Colchos that I had you continually in remembrance, hoping at my return to have taken you as my wife. Until the time\" on a curious night, I was suddenly inspired by the love of Medea: who before had required me to be her husband. I always refused her request, out of respect for you and my own mind. Despite her promise to make me conquer the noble and rich moton with the flesh of gold, a promise no knight had accepted before and lost his life. I knew well that all her promises that day had not changed my purpose or courage. But as soon as I was laid in my bed, an evil surprised me, which was such in every way that I left your love and intended to make Medea my lady paramour, as I did. For this reason, she gave me the introduction and the manner to conquer the noble and rich moton: from whom I have brought the noble flees to this side of the sea. I have also brought Medea to Myrmidon, without any further thought of you or what had been concluded between us then. But you shall I know what has happened since I took her as my wife. She, by her cursed enchantments, caused the painful death of my uncle Pelus and also the death of his two daughters. For these enormities, know that I have left and repudiated her, and in all abandoned and withdrawn myself from her, being inestimably devoted from the country. Sir, I have been in such condition that I have been in the city of Corinth. But Medea was ever in my thoughts and mind. Then, seeing that I could in no way forget her and would willingly have put her out of my mind, I took and wedded the king's daughter of that city. But in truth, Medea arrived in the city before I wedded: she did such that she spoke to me. And after many entreaties, many sighs, and seeing that she might not tear me away or have other things, she requested that she might be lodged within the palaces. I agreed to it not. She thought she would do harm, and when it came that we were at dinner on the day of the wedding, I took another wife. She, by the power of her charms and enchantments, became tamer at the dinner. Among all the nobles, she sat upon the thrones, entwined and knitted with four horrible dragons, spewing fire and venom from their throats. And in her hands she held her young son, dreading him. She took him by the two legs and tore and maimed him. After the same dragons began to spew fire and venom from their throats: in such a way that she showed the king, queen, and his daughter sitting at the table, and consequently all who were in the hall, how I could not behave myself. But I thought of her inestimable beauty, and yet I do all the diligence and pain to abstain. Whereof I have great marvel. And for this reason I am entered into doubtful shame and suppose I should be defamed. Indeed, I doubt that I should be compelled to take her back. The noble queen Mirror heard Jason recount his adventures, imagining lightly that Medea had bewitched him. She took a ring and delivered it to him, saying, \"Sir knight, I am in doubt that Medea has bewitched you with her sorceries and enchantments. For right now you say she is an enchantress. Therefore, put this ring on your finger. I assure you that if she has cast any sorceries or enchantments upon you, they shall lose all their power by the virtue of the precious stone enclosed within the gold. With these words, the queen gave Jason the ring and he put it on his finger. Immediately, he forgot about Medea and had no thought of any lady but the fair Mirror. Thus, he recovered his joyous manner and behavior towards the noble lady, beholding her with a joyous countenance and saying, \"Madame, take back your ring. Since it has been on my finger.\" I have found and felt myself estranged and accused of all my sorrows. I seem to love no other lady but you. Therefore, I humbly request that if in any way I have transgressed or offended you, you will forgive me. And it pleases me that our compromise long since made may have no harmful effect. I love you: that no misfortune may in any way make me conceive hatred towards you. And so, my dear lady answered Jason: My desire and intention is nothing but to come to you so that I may be your husband, if it is possible for me. But it is necessary for us to conduct this matter secretly, lest my death be advertised, and they make you die. Sir knight answered the lady: We shall do well if the fault is not in you. And I will tell you how you shall come with me after this wedding, and you shall put yourself in the guise of a person of yours and of mine, and we will see if the strong enchantress who has long held sway over you will allow it. Then the noble Jason was content to conduct himself in all ways as Queen Mirro had ordered. During these wedding celebrations, Iason and Mirro often spoke of their love for each other, and Iason received many fair praises from her which were worth recalling. Once the wedding was finished, they took leave of each other and returned to their respective countries. It is worth noting that Jason went to Olympia with Mirro disguised as a servant or a youth and named himself Sabor.\n\nWhen the lover and the lady had been in Olympia, the lady lodged her lover in a small chamber not far from her. She gave him the position to be her chamberlain: she kept him with her person, except for one maidservant who knew most of her secrets. The queen always kept four damsels in her chamber, the orders and conclusions having been made on the same day they arrived. When the night came, and every maid was drawn to her place to rest, the queen, moved by desire, sent secretly to fetch the priest of their law and Sambor. And with little noise and disturbance, she married Sambor in her chamber. After sending the priest away, she kept her spouse with her. And when the priest was gone and they were both together, they began in earnest the delight that is customary in the amorous life. They comforted each other in a very joyous manner and continued this amorous life throughout the long winter. And so it is to be believed that on the day Prince Jason served in his office, and in the night he enjoyed such a gracious life of love with his lady, who loved him marvelously.\n\nThe virtuous Prince Jason, finding him in such a manner\n\n(Note: The text appears to be in Early Modern English, and there are no significant OCR errors or meaningless content that needs to be removed. Therefore, the text can be left as is.) The man was not subtle or well-advised enough to avoid the eye of the servant within the room. The queen herself could not abstain but to frequently make amorous semblances and gestures to him, and similarly made Jason such signs. This was observed by many, and in particular the three maidens whom she had removed from her chamber: They spied such a company through a little hole they had made in the chamber where they saw all the scene - how Sambor often lay with the queen. The maidens were greatly displeased, for they knew nothing of Jason but thought him some villain. One of these three had a brother named Brutorus, who also loved the queen, but he dared not declare it. When this sister of Brutorus observed Jason's conduct and that of Myrrha, knowing her brother loved the queen: spite and envy grew in her so much that she could not contain it. Kepehit secretly. But calmly on a day, Brutorus, and said to him that Sambor had wronged him with his love, and certified him how she had seen him lying by night with Mirro in her own bed.\n\nWhen Brutorus had understood these tidings, he was much pensive, and conceived a mortal hate against Jason. And he concluded within himself that he would murder him if he could find him or retain him at his advantage. Yet he dared not say so nor make any semblance, and was right long in this pain. And always machining an even-handed will, and for so great a desire bore his stomach to bring the vainglorious knight to death. And on the other side, the fair Mirro, who thought of nothing but well maintaining herself amorously with her lord Jason, remembered him at the beginning of the new joyful season. And then the noble Pren Jason recalled that at the early ear of the ninth month of March the greaves would go with a great army to Troy, where he had promised to be. Jason spoke of the great injustice and outrage the king had inflicted upon him and his companions. With this remembrance, he lay between his lady's arms and began to sigh, and she asked him what ailed him. Jason replied that he was grieved in his heart. The lady asked him whence came this grief or evil. Jason answered, \"I have no other sorrow in my heart but that I have great necessity to go to my country with those of Greece to take vengeance for a great outrage and injustice done to me and to many noble knights of Greece. Therefore, my dear lady, why must I leave you? I am so burdened with anguish and grief that I can no longer bear it. I have promised it. My friend answered the noble lady, \"You are absolved from that which you have promised. I will in no way hinder or delay you from your worship nor your journey. Therefore, you shall ride at your pleasure to your country.\" Return again, keep you well from the arts and enchantments of Medea. Then Jason proposed to her that he would do this and conclude the day of his detaining. And when Iason and the queen had ceased speaking of this matter, the damsel who had declared that her brother Brutorus was waiting and spying at the hole, understood all that the lady and Jason had devised. She then advised her brother and told him all that she had understood. Brutorus was right joyous when he understood these tidings, and concluded within himself that he would lie in wait for Jason: in a wood by a way that he must necessarily pass. Then he called to the twelve gentlemen of his acquaintance and told them that Sambor had trespassed against him. And that he would flee him on such a day as he should depart to his country. When the day came, the noble prince departed with much weeping of his. Lady. And he went alone by that wood. He had not long err'd and ridden in the wood when Brutorus and his twelve companions, without cry or warning, attacked him with great strokes, mortally wounding him if he had not been well armed at his coming. Among all others, Brutorus gave him a marvelous stroke upon the head. Whether he would or not, he forced him to bow on the left side.\n\nWhen Jason felt himself so unexpectedly assaulted and attacked on all sides by these traitors, he was completely abashed. Nevertheless, he set himself at defense and drew out his good sword. With it, he fought his enemies valiantly and as a noble knight as he was. But the place where Brutorus assaulted him fiercely was hollow and narrow. In such a way, Jason could not help himself but with great pain. For the disloyal traitor and his companions were on both sides, six on that one side and six on the other side, mounted upon high. territories that surrounded the hollow way: And cast stones upon him. In such a way that they flew and murdered his horse beneath him / and in fear they frustrated his helmet / & made him a marvelous wound in his head. Then Jason saw his horse dead / and that he felt the pain of the wound in his head, he set a foot aside, astonished: But Brutorus and his companions assaulted him aggressively, cast stones, clubs, and swords / wherewith they bruised and wounded him in many places. For the horrors and strokes came from above. Nevertheless, Jason, as a valiant knight, marched out over the passage / and did so that he entered a right fair land. Then Brutorus and his people saw him so far off. That they came to fight hand to hand. And among all others, Brutorus approached his evil face. For Jason struck him on the top of his helmet with such force that he cleft the helmet and the head asunder. Teeth that he filled down dead at his feet\n\nThus, as you may understand, was the disloyal Brutorus. miserably flayn\u0304 And then\u0304e whan his companye ap\u2223perceyued that he was put to vtte\u2223ran\u0304ce they escryed al vpon jason a\u0304d assayled him on a new right anguis\u2223shouly in renewyng to hi\u0304 the dolour and grete payne of his woundes a\u0304d frousshures that they made to hym. in the holowe waye as sayd is. and so began the stoure aspre a\u0304d terryble How well that jason had more co\u2223rage then\u0304e puissaunce Alway he de\u2223fended hym by right grete vigour in bathing his trenchau\u0304t swerde in su\u2223che wyse in the blood of these xij. murdres that he put seuen of the\u0304 to deth wyth Brutor{us}: And after fou\u2223ghtlong with the remenan\u0304t / and it fortuned him that in scarmusshing that he hurte the remenan\u0304t vnto the deth / as he that escaped not nette but was hurte in so many places that bi theffusyon of blood that fyll fro\u0304 hys hede. his herte faylled him in the\u0304de / and fyll doun\u0304 among the dede men The foure laste that were lefte were but lytyl better then\u0304 dede. But what meruayle\n\u00b6 Whan the twoo murdriers had born\u0304 to ground the preu jason They thought he had been dead, and sat down to rest. After softly and fair, they drew them into the city. With great difficulty, they might not overcome themselves to pass before the palaces. The queen then saw them from afar and perceived at once that they were all besprent with blood. She ordered them to be called and asked from where they came. \"Alas, my dear lady,\" said one of them, \"we come from an evil place: Sabor and eight of our next kin and friends are lying dead in the wood with the brutish one: which brought us there to lie in wait for Sabor. He, as he has said to us, has shown himself to her. But Sabor has put us all to death, reserving us four, who are so pitously hurt that, but for the gods' grace to us, we are in great danger of our lives.\n\nIn saying these words, two of these four knights died suddenly. the noble queen was so distressed that her heart failed and fell swoon / she was carried into her chamber by her damsels and the two malicious knights were carried to be buried according to the custom of the country. When the lady came to herself, by the force of the great sorrow that she had in her heart, she cried out passing by and said, \"Jason, alas, my love and my lord, but the great misfortune or misshape that has befallen you: that you have thus been slain in the wood. The terrible cruelty of the gods, so horrible, had no power to harm your person. Nor the sudden perils of the sea, nor also the great hardships of the Slavs. Brutus, you have the right evil, you have slain him and he has slain you. Alas, what great loss must I suffer on this day. I am born in an unhappy hour: when it must be that I have nourished lord and husband. Noble and worthy of all praise, he in whom all virtues abounded. May the gods have mercy on your soul, and if thou.\" The ladies and damoiselles, having heard and understood from the queen's limp gestures that he named Sambor was Iason, who was highly recommended in valiance and virtues. And in the end, he comforted the fairest lady they had. Then she declared openly that Sambor was the noble knight, and no other but he had wedded her. She also declared the reason why Jason had disguised himself as a servant: why he maintained himself as a yeman or servant. After this declaration and lamentations, she summoned all the nobles of the cities, both men and women. And thus she sent word to fetch the body of the valiant prince. She commanded that Brundus and his companions should be brought. quartered and hung on the gallows was Jason, and those who were commissioned to accompany him complied with their charge and commission. The company that had been tasked with retrieving Jason's body arrived at the place where the discommissioned men were. But who were they there to find? They found that Jalan had been brought to one of the traitors. Thus, this noble company, seeing that he was still alive, made great cheer towards him and called him by his name, saying that Queen Mirror and they all were most loving there. They laid the noble and valiant knight Jason upon a shield which they found there and carried him to the city. And Queen Mirror came towards him. For she had been warned by her men that he was not yet dead: how well she wept most tenderly.\n\nWhen Fair Mirror came near to her lord, and perceived that he was so frustrated and bruised with stones and statues, her heart failed; and those who bore Jason came back to her. And then she, Iason, could not speak, for his anguish, and she, for the great distress in her heart. But it was not long after Iaso was born to the chamber of his spouse and companion, that the best surgeons of the city came and visited and searched his wounds. They found him in such terms that they undertook to make him whole and sound of all his hurts and wounds in a short time. The queen was greatly comforted by this. They did not fail in their promise, for they worked on him in such a way that within six months they delivered him whole and out of danger of all his hurts and wounds. During these six months that the noble prince Iason kept his chamber, as soon as he could speak and have understanding, he began to grieve the loss of his time, for he could not be present at the destruction of King Iamus and the Trojans. Therefore, he had great distress in his heart, for he had not I am an assistant designed to help clean and prepare text for analysis or further use. Based on the given requirements, I will do my best to clean the provided text while preserving its original content as much as possible.\n\nInput Text: \"be accustomed gladly to keep: the chambers matted not strewn with herbs and flowers nor the beds curtained. the halls hung with rich tapestries. Ne the places magnificent and sumptuous, as by his feats appeared, comforted him always: and much required him that he should take no melancholy for nothing / and that he should attend only to his garishing and healing. And as for the war of Troy, he might in no way be there. _Said the pren (Priam) Iason was distracted for to accompany Hercules and the chiefantry of Greece that should go lay siege before the puissaut city of Troy: wherefore the king Priam and Hercules were right sorrowful and abode xv. days longer than they had set for to go to the sec: what the / xv. days were past and appeared that they had no tidings of the coming of Iason, they departed from the porter where they had tarried And sailed so far that they arrived, notwithstanding the resistance of Laomedon of all the city and country about, they besieged it.\"\n\nCleaned Text: The king Priam was accustomed to keeping chambers free of herbs and flowers, and beds not curtained. The halls were hung with rich tapestries, and the magnificent and sumptuous surroundings, as evidenced by his deeds, always comforted him. He was urged to take no melancholy for anything and to focus only on his garishing and healing. However, the war of Troy was not an option for him. _Priam announced that Iason would join Hercules and the Greek forces to lay siege before Troy. Consequently, Priam and Hercules were sorrowful and remained for fifteen extra days. Once the fifteen days had passed and there were no signs of Iason's arrival, they departed from the gatekeeper and sailed far enough to reach Troy, despite the resistance of Laomedon and the entire city and countryside. They laid siege to the city. And so they remained and did merciless assaults, destroying it in the form and manner as is well declared in the history of the twelve labors of the noble and mighty Hercules. And what they had brought this enterprise to, each of them departed from then, returning to his country. In the twelfth year, the noble king Eson of Myrmidon was returned from the conquest of Troy, deeply troubled for his son Jason, who had not been present at this high hour. Medea, who was not yet come again to Myrmidon after she had departed, returned there that same day, delayed and disfigured. She set down on both her knees before King Eson and said to him in this manner: \"Sir, I am the most pitiable and most unfortunate woman who ever was, or shall be. Thou knowest and canst not deny that I am the true wife of thy son Jason.\" The knight returned triumphantly from the mortal paradise where his uncle Pelus had sent him through his malice. This, notwithstanding inconvenience and fear, he had abandoned me since the day I was consenting to the impossible death of the disgraceful thing, impossible for any human being without my consent. He was supposed to have died and never returned, but he had feigned his death. Which I always did for his love and to shield him.\n\nThe lady said yet, \"You know that the day Pelus died: your son departed from here very hastily. And I waited. It was such our adventure that I spoke with him for a long time. Among many remonstrances, I required him right away to be true to his word as he had made in acknowledging his faith. But I labored in vain, for he would not enter into that.\" And when I perceived that I could have no other thing from him, I died by the power of some enchantments. suddenly the woman whom he had supposed to have enjoyed, and with her death her father and all who were in the hall set aside Jason, whom in no way I would touch, and after her departure, he was determined to return to you: thus fortune has been certified to me that he has espoused her, of whom I have such sorrow and dolor that I could not speak with him, but yet am determined to leave these things and come to you: in recognition of the merit that I might have deserved in the forty-eighth year, I ask that your son Iason will deal with me justly without rigor.\n\nWhen King Eson of Myrmidon had understood her lamentation and the report that he saw her in such pitiful estate, appearing as if she were an entirely different woman. For she was so discolored, thin, and ill-appearing. Truly, he had great pity for her. Then he began to comfort her. thinking on the good services she had done to him, of which all his wealth and renown had come, and in the same way, the great pleasure she had given to some others, as well as how she had handled the king her father and her country on the pretext of his son. Among other words in comforting her, he said and promised her that he would punish Jason for such a great offense. And he had taken him in disdain for some reasons, as he had failed at the tasks and had gained great honor. Indeed, he loved Medea marvelously. And whatever he had done, he sent word to Olferne for Jason and commanded him to come to his court without delay. But Jason excused himself to the messenger in the most courteous way, and in fear he answered that at that moment he might go near, but not yet ride on a horse\n\nKing Eason understood Jason's response. He took it badly and swore that he would go to him, but that should be in arms. Then he sent Into all parties for his friends and allies, he said to them and showed how he would punish Iaso for the unfaithfulness of his body. And this was just cause, for because of his lust he had failed at the conquest of Troy, and under this pretext he assembled unto the name of ten thousand Greek warriors. Some did this by sea, and some by land, and without further ado, he called the company together. Where the king of Scyros and his host had held their siege before, in his place, Alcinous had arrived with his queen Nausicaa, who, with all her affection and courtesy, welcomed him as one who had long been expected.\n\nWhat the king Alcinous did before Scyros, he had done. He set up his tents and palisades, and sent word to his son Jason that he should come to him. For the purpose of receiving the punishment for this disobedience. Certainly Iaso was abashed and not without cause, when she had understood that her father had come for her. to come to hi\u0304 vpo\u0304 this {con}dicio\u0304 And then\u0304 wha\u0304 he ap{per}ceiued that his fad had besieged the cite wy\u2022 armed ha\u0304d helid of his\nwoundes & frossures: a\u0304d seeyng that sayd is / him semed that the king hys fader was angry with him a\u0304d that he was comen theder al replenisshid with grete\u25aafurour. Notwithstandi\u0304g that i\u0304 no maner he supposed to haue deseruid hit: And co\u0304sidering all thi\u2223se thinges / and also by the counceylle of his frendes / for to answer the mes\u00a6sager of his fader. he callyd hym a\u0304d sayde to him in this maner. Syr mes\u00a6sager I haue vnderstand & thought for ta\u0304swere vpo\u0304 that my fader hath sente me by you: on that other syde I see how he is here comen with puis\u2223saunce in armes Thise thinges con\u2223sidered I wote not what is hys en\u2223tenco\u0304n ne wylle. Wherfore j am not for this present counseiled to put me in his handes / how well that I am alwai bou\u0304de\u0304 bi al right & holde\u0304 to ser\u2223ue him & obeye his co\u0304ma\u0304deme\u0304ts / a\u0304d that oute of furour / he shal not fynde me other disposed\nThe messager hering the Iason gave Discret answer to him. He assured him and would remain in his hostage. If Jaso\u0304 would take me back as by virtue of his faith he was bound, and by the promises they had made to each other that he should find his traitor and peace with the king his father, then Jaso\u0304 answered the messenger that if the king his father came there in such order and on that condition, he would abuse him greatly. And that Medea, by her enchantments, should never deceive him again during her life. What the messenger had understood of Jaso\u0304's will and answer, he took leave of him and departed from the palaces. The king and Lady Medea hearing his voluntary surrender and will, and that he was not a man to be moved and turned from his heart, had a marvelous sorrow. Then King Aeson swore that he and his siege would never depart from there for cold nor anything else. for heat or frost. not snow. for rain or for fever that might come upon him until he had subdued the city of Olferne, with that Medea when she had heard these words. She took leave of the king and returned his head to her own and began to study in her each meal and sort, where she learned. And in such a way she brought it about that in a moment she was born within Olferne and was set in the public hall where Jason and Medea, the queen, were at a window speaking of their works and in particular of the enterprise that the king had made against her, which they, having learned that it was necessary, were preparing to fortify with arrows and to defend their strength with all their power. But Jason and Medea were filled with the greatest wonder of the world, and not without cause: who so suddenly they saw Medea appear in their presence. Then Medea opened her mouth to say and declare plainly and said in this manner:\n\ncursed be the our arms and the day that you saved and spared us from. Deth. Why should I reward you and grant I what you do not know, to whom you are so greatly bound and hold? / Dame answered then, \"Jason shall your fortunes and enchantments never cease. I cannot think how you have the audacity to harm one of my sons. And how did Medea answer then? Am I a lady born in such an unhappy hour and so unfortunate that in no way can I be found to forego my espouse and husband, and him who holds his life in the hands of any other but me? A Jason said yet, \"The great good deeds that I have done for you up until now are little remembered and known by you. And if I have wronged you: you alone are to blame; for you cause me so many displeasures and annoyance that I cannot think how the heart of any lady as desolate as I am can endure so long.\" / \"Certes, Dame answered then, \"I hold nothing against you, but what you have done is immense and very evil. For which I may lawfully repudiate and abandon you in all respects. How well that for the love of me you have doubled what I never had.\" maintene not and speak no more to me. Behold the noble lady whom I declared I had arrived in your country: during the time that I have been with you and you with me, you put me under your protection. This is my lady, and I am her lord and husband; and as long as my soul shall dwell in this body, I shall be her bearer and shall not withdraw from her. This conclusion was made at her birth, and at the same time, she was delivered and brought to your pantheon in the chamber where her little son Iason was nursed. And there, being full of right, she demanded to see him. And there she went out alone by that gate. The nobles of Olferne knew these tidings, and they were sore troubled, for they held that they had no lord or lady. Therefore, they once submitted themselves to King Eson. And they took counsel together and concluded to yield themselves and the town. King Eson came forward and made a salutation. They first informed him that the queen, his lady, was dead and had been put in a sepulcher. Secondly, they told him that Jason had gone out of the city and they did not know to what place. Thirdly, they said to him that fortune was such for the city that they demanded peace and were content to make him king upon the condition that he should not touch their lives nor movable goods, whatever they were.\n\nKing Eson of Myrmidon understood that his son Jason was so detached. He was deeply sorrowful and gave him his attention. King Eson made Jason king of Olferac. He sent him back to their lord without reporting news of him. For Jason rode from country to country by many journeys where he had pleasure of marvels to recall: of whomsoever there were such who he had long erred and toiled in the world, he was in great desire to come and see the sad king and cry mercy. For as much as he had disobeyed his commandment against him, of which he was rightly repentant. Upon this conclusion, the noble Preus had put him on the way so far that he came into Thessaly. But fortune made him be in the great wood, where Medea had long been and pitied him, and relieved her if she had anything to say that he had desired. And that day he had not eaten nor drunk. Then Medea made him sit upon the earth to rest a little and said to him that he should make good rest and that since a certain time that she had been there, she had eaten no other way.\n\nWhen Iason, who was a much virtuous prince, had understood the lady and knew her great power, he began to remember: the countless good deeds she had done for him, and how she had for love's sake abandoned her father and her nation to go with him. She had transgressed or offended against him, and in fear she said that her husband should be her husband again as he had been before. Medea was more jealous in her heart than if he had given her the best of worlds, and then she swore to him and acknowledged that she would never meddle again with sorcery, enchantments, or any other malefic practices, nor would she use them against Jason at that time. They both continued on their journey, and they strayed so far that they came to the court of King Eson of Myrmidon, who had recently come to power. Eson, knowing their reconciliation, contented himself with his son Iason, pardoning him for his old rancor and malice. And it was not long after that the noble king Eson resigned the kingdom of Myrmidon into the hands of his son Iason, out of the great love he had for the fair Medea, as she well showed. For her incontinence that he knew. She arrived in his palaces. He received her with the most youthful and honorable reception possible: and thus did Jason and Medea reign and govern their realm for a long time during which they lived together in great love and harmony. They had many fair children who ruled after them: of whom I have found no history or record. Therefore, I shall finish this history in the following way, praying my aforementioned most revered young lord and all those who shall read the contents of this present volume. Or it may please them to excuse me for as much as my little and rude engine has not been able to touch or grasp the matter. &c & here ends my author's book\n\nAnd yet, my author writes that he has found no more of this history of Jason. However, I have found and read the book that Boccaccio made of the genealogy of the gods in his xivth book, where it is related that Jason and Medea were reconciled again to each other after she had fled from Egeon. went with her into Colchos again. When he arrived there, he found the old king, Oetes, banned and exiled from his kingdom. Whom he restored and set by his high valor and power in his kingdom again. And afterward waited in Asia, where he had victory in many battles. And made so many conquests with great magnificence that he was honored and worshipped as a god and temples were built in his name. Which after were destroyed by the command of King Alexander of Macedon, as Stachys says. Who were born at once: and since it was not the custom in Leontian feeding and nourishing their children, they were set in another country to be nursed. Therefore, the mother was put out of her kingdom. She took pirates and thieves as companions and was sold to Lygurgs, king of Nemee. And after the said sons grew up, they waited with King Adrastus against their enemies. And as they waited in the wood of Nemee, they heard of the said king. Adrastus recounted the story of his birth and that of his mother. From this account, they identified her as their mother. At Lygurgis court, they found her charged with treason against the Greeks, as more clearly shown in the siege of Thebes. However, what followed regarding her two sons is uncertain. Bochace writes in the fourteenteenth book of the genealogy of the gods that she had another son named Philemelus. I have found more about the noble Jaso than my author relates in his book. Therefore, I add this story of Jaso, whose blame I do not wish to incur.\n\nPray, my lord prince, accept and take God Almighty to worship, that His renown may perpetually be remembered among the most worthy. And after this present life, everlasting life in heaven, who grants us this and blesses us, I Jesus am. Amen.\n\nHere ends the story of the noble and valiant knight Jason.\n\nTranscribed by Gerard Leeu. [Andrewpe, 1462, finished the second day of July]", "creation_year": 1492, "creation_year_earliest": 1492, "creation_year_latest": 1492, "source_dataset": "EEBO", "source_dataset_detailed": "EEBO_Phase1"},
{"content": "In the time of King Charles of France, in the year of our Lord Jesus Christ M. CC. lxxi., in the land of Vyenois, there was a rich baron named Daulphin, lord of the land, who was called Sir Godefroy of Bouillon. He was a mighty and great lord, both in high esteem and in lands. He was a very wise man, and for his great wisdom, he was highly esteemed not only by the king of France, but also by all the lords and barons of his court. There was a very fair lady, his wife, named Dame Diane. She was of such great beauty that she was worthy and fitting to be named after the fair star that is called Diana, which appears and shines a little before the day, and she was endowed with all nobility and kindness that a lady may possess. The said Dauphin and this noble lady Diane were without issue for seven years, despite their earnest desire and constant prayer to our Lord for a child, playful and ready for His divine service. Our Lord, through His benevolence, heard their prayer, and in accordance with His pleasure, granted them a right fair daughter for whom great joy was made throughout the Dauphin's land. The child was baptized with great honor and joy. In token of great love, they named her Vienne because the city where she was born was so called. This daughter was delivered to an noble lady to be nursed with her. The lady was of the same city and had a little daughter of the age of Vienne. She was named Isabeau, and so the fair Vienne was raised with the same Isabeau. From her tender age until many years after, and so great love existed between them that they called each other. every other sister and the fair Venus\ngrew and excelled ever in sorrow,\nbeauty and gentleness. So that the\nrenown of her exceeded beauty's\nflourishing not only through all France\nbut also through all the Kingdom of\nEngland and other countries. It happened\nafter she was fifteen years old,\nthat she was desired to marry by many knights and great lords / and at that time was in the court of the dauphin\namong many his knights / a nobleman of ancient lineage and of Fairyland / who was well beloved\nby the dauphin and all the lords. And was called Sir Jacques:\nThis nobleman had a very fair son, named Paris / and his father made him learn all good customs / and when he was eighteen years old, he was entrusted to the discipline of arms. And demonstrated himself so nobly and worthily in all kinds of chivalric deeds that within a short time after, he was dubbed knight by the hand of the said Dauphin: No fortune of knighthood or any adventure of chivalry happened afterwards / But He found himself at it so much that his reputation ran through the whole world. Men said that he was one of the best knights that could be found in any country. He held himself right clean in arms and lived chastely and joyfully. He had hounds and hawks about him for his pastime, sufficient for a duke or an earl. Through his prowess and hardiness, he was acquainted and known by many other great lords. Among all others, he was greatly and lovingly acquainted with a young knight of the Light of Vyne, who was named Edward. They were both of one age and much loved each other, as two brothers in arms went together wherever they knew any kind of jousting or tournament to be had for the sake of getting honor. It is well known that besides their worthiness in arms, they were good musicians and could play all manner of musical instruments. They could sing very well. But Edward, Notwithstanding Edward. Paris was already in love with a noble lady of Brabant's court. But Paris yet knew nothing of Amorous. Not long after, Venus, the goddess of love, ignited his thought with desire for a noble young lady, that is to say, the fair Vienne, the daughter of Vyennes, his liege lord. The more Paris grew towards his flourishing age, the more he was inspired and burning with love for her due to her great beauty. But Paris believed in his heart that his love was not reciprocated. For he was not of such high lineage as the maiden Vienne was, and therefore Paris kept his love a secret, so that none would perceive it except Edward, his trusted friend, to whom he revealed and showed his countenance. And the fair Vienne perceived not that Paris was in love with her. Nor did Paris dare to show or say anything to her. But the more he saw her, the more the fire of love within him grew. Paris and Edward then conspired in agreement. for the noble maid Vyenne and her musicians, as remembrancers: They went by night towards that part of and there they swore in his castle of Vyenne. And when they were all come, they played and sang in their best way: but among them were not found the minstrels that the Lord Dauphin sought. Whereof he was sorrowful and desired to know what they were. And what the fair Vyenne heard of all the minstrels of the land that swore at the feast. She said to Ysabel her damsel and precious fellow: \"By my faith, sweet sister, these minstrels play nothing to the regard of those who were wont to come before our chamber. For certainly they come not here for nothing. They love neither you nor me.\"\n\nWhen the Dauphin understood his daughter's words, he, willing to please her, said to her: \"If it were possible, you should know what they were.\" Every night before her chamber, he ordered ten men-at-arms and commanded them to hide themselves privately there as the sound was heard. And he commanded them to bring to him whoever made that sweet melody.\n\nThe night came that the two young knights, Parys and Edward, who knew nothing of the bushelment laid for them, approached. They came with their instruments toward the castle and began to sing and swore their instruments were sung so melodiously that great pleasure it was to hear. And when they had sung and were about to return thither as they came from Thetford, the ten knights leapt out and accosted them, saying that they needed to come with them to speak with their lord, the dauphin. Then Parys said to them, \"Fair lords, abide a little while. If it pleases you and of us, you shall have an answer.\"\n\nParis and Edward went apart and spoke to Guidon. \"Fair brother,\" said Paris to Edward. party we be now, and I would not that you should have any displeasure or harm from me. But so much I tell you that, or I should suffer myself to be led before the dauphin, I had rather be with you. Therefore, fair brother, advise what is best to do. And Edward hearing Parys words said, \"Brother, my men have no fear of anything and let us do as you will.\" Then they said to the ten men-at-arms, \"Lord, through your courtesy, allow us to return thither where we came from, for we are at my lord the dauphin's pleasure and of all the lords and barons of his court, but in no way can we fulfill his commandment at this time.\"\n\nWhen the said ten men-at-arms saw the two knights disobeying, they answered them, \"You shall now come to him, with your will or by force,\" and began to pull out their swords and came against the two naked knights who were armed only with their swords and their quivers. They covered themselves: and so manfully defended their bodies that they hurt and wounded all the ten armed men so much that they made them all void and flee from the place, whether they would or not. And on the morrow early, the ten men of arms came before the dauphin, all wounded and foremost hurt. He received from them how two young men only had armed them so and how they needed to flee for fear of their lives. The dauphin was right angry to see them so sorely hurt and took great displeasure in it. And he thought well that the said two young knights were of great strength and virtue: wherefore he charging that none should harm them, but after their song was done they should be brought to him. But this chivalry came to no effect. For the two young knights came not again but kept all that they had done secret.\n\nWhat the fair vine saw that she might not know, she thought that they were some great lords who were envious of her: and she, Isabel, spoke of none other thing. Among these minstrels, one in particular pleased Paris greatly. He dared not express nor show the great love he had for the fair Venus. Therefore, he sought the bishop of St. Laurent's acquaintance. The bishop, who was holy, taught him holy scripture. The Dauphin, showing deep concern and penitence, so that Venus might not know of the melancholic minstrels who played before her chamber, he ordered a jousting place within his city of Vienne. He made lists and scaffolds to be set up, and sent his heralds in France and Normandy to announce and show to all knights and gentlemen who would do feats of arms and chivalry for the love of all ladies and damsels that the jousts should be held the first day of May in the city of Vienne. And he who did best in arms should have as reward from the Dauphin's daughter a shield of great value and a garlond with roses and flowers of fine gold. were you well, those who came to the noble and fair Maude's aid? She was right glad of the tournaments her father arranged for her sake. For great tale and desire she had to know him who was so amorous of her. And after the messengers who had pronounced the tournaments had returned to the city of Venice, the most part of the knights and gentlemen of the Kingdom of France and England and Normandy made ready to come to the Light of Diennes to the said tournaments. And in particular, many noble barons of the kingdom of England and France, who were amorous of the fair Maude of the renown of her great beauty, came to the said tournaments with rich and noble array. Among whom was John, duke of Bourbon. Nephew to the king of France, Edward, the king's son of England, Atony, son to the son of the earl of Perche. Gerard, marquis of Montferrat; and William, son to the duke of Lorraine. Paris then knew this. this noble assembly had convened at fair Vienna. Nevertheless, he consulted with Edward his fellow. The latter answered, \"If you go, I will keep you company there. But we must depart secretly, so that we are not known.\" And they made ready their harness immediately, all in white, and none other wore anything but that which might be known to them. And one like a youth approached, and all the lords and barons before said, \"Two days before the feast, at the city of Vienne, where the dauphin, for love of them, did make a noble scaffold where the fair Venus was richly arrayed. And all that saw her were amazed by her great beauty. To this feast came many knights and squires, richly clothed and arrayed according to the fashion of their country, and there were many minstrels playing on all manner of instruments: and many good singers, whom the noble maiden Venus listened to attentively. For her heart was only for him. Set thinking how she might know him who was her lover, Paris, came there and was ordered to serve at the dauphin's table where Venus sat and knew well that he served and attended her very graciously and curiously. Which day came that the lords knights and gentlemen should joust for love of the ladies, Paris and Edward, went to a secret place where they armed themselves secretly. And when they came to the lists with their badges and tokens, and were horsed and armed richly and well. All other knights were known by their arms, but the two white knights were unknown. The dauphin then commanded that every one should show themselves or the jousting would begin along the field before the ladies and damsels. And so they showed themselves riding before the fair Venus' scaffold. And they were so nobly and richly armed and arrayed, and so godly men they were, that every one said, the Earl of Warwick of England was most amorous of all and right renowned in arms. A maiden named Pucelle from Vyenne, seeing all these noble knights, said to her damsel Ysabel, \"Fair sister, which of them do you think loves me most?\" Ysabel answered, \"Honorable lady, it seems to me that he who bears the lion of gold in his arms does more for your love than the other knights. Certes said, \"Vyenne, those two white knights who bear no arms in their shields seem more to my fancy to you than any of the others.\" We shall see now what they can do. Then the knights were ready to do battle with arms. And first, a hardy and valiant knight who bore a crown of gold in his arms began the first course. Ranulph, Edward's squire, parried for him and recovered each other so vigorously that they both broke their spears. Many others immediately gave great strokes. Some were thrown to the ground, and some broke their spears worthily and kept their shields rightly. The other knights returned each other's blows so skillfully that both were evenly matched. horses and maids were cast to the ground. For every maid did her best to get worship there. Edward the king of England received him well and had the better of many a knight there. But the strong knight Paris broached his horse toward him and met him so vigorously that at the end he overthrew him and had the better of him. For this he gained great worship and was much praised for his great prowess. This contest lasted until supper time. And when the evening came, many were weary of the jousts and rested. But Paris showed more of arms, displaying his marvelous prowess than he had done all day. In so much that none dared approach him or withstand his apparatus in arms. He did so much that honor and prize of the jousts rested and remained with him that day. The feast ended: great worship and longing remained with the two knights with the white arms. And Paris was led unto the scaffold. There Venus was, who delivered him the shield. of the crystal and the knights departed then in the secret wise that they could, to arm them to the place where they first armed themselves. The barons and knights who were there spoke well of the prowess and chivalry of the knights with white arms. The dauphin and other great lords had great desire to know what they were and to have their acquaintance, but they departed so secretly from the field that no man knew where they had become or what way they took.\n\nAfter all this was done, the knights returned to their countries speaking ever of the royal feast and cheer that the dauphin had done for them, and of the prowess of the white knights and the right sovereign beauty and nobility of Venice: and in the meantime, a strife was moaning between the barons and knights of France and England. For some were there who were angry about the daughter of the duke of Normandy, and some who loved and bore out the beauty. of the sister of the king of England. She said she was fairer than any, and there were those who held contrary opinions, saying that the Dauphinpassed in beauty among all women in the world. For this reason, there was great debate and strife between the knights of France and those of England over the beauty of these three damsels. Ever multiplied and grew more, Bran and Viviane each thought in her heart who might have gained the worship and praise of the nobles. To Isabeau, she said, \"Never trust me, dear sister, but the knight to whom I have given the shield of crystal and my garter is he who so sweetly speaks for the love of me before our chamber. For my heart gives it to me, and by my faith, sister, he is noble and worthy, and in all his deeds courteous and gentle as we might have seen. Why, I say to you, my sweet sister, that in him I have put the rein of my entire heart: my will and all my love. Nor will I have pleasure or joy until I know.\" what he is mine love is all his, and of whatever estate he be, I never shall take my heart from him. Then she began to wail and fight for the love of him, full tenderly. For now she had not felt the sparkles of love that sprang out of her heart. But Paris kneeled nothing from that which she desired to have him and to know what he was. But he kept his love secret in his heart; for he dared not show it to her. Therefore he led his life in great sadness and sorrow, he wept ever in the fellowship of the bishop of Saitlaurece: & made a show of nothing. And James the father of Paris, who had seen the noble feast and the royal jousts in the city, was very sorry, and showed great displeasure, saying, \"Fair son Paris, I am in great displeasure, and in thought for you, that you are not so joyful and merry as you were wont to be. Here before time I saw you ever ready for the jousts and to all manner of feats of chivalry to get honor.\" I now see you have changed since you took acquaintance with this bishop. I am disappointed that I did not see you become a man of religion as I had hoped. He will bring you to your rightful place. I am angry that you were not at the noble and royal tournament that has been held in Venice for the sake of all the ladies of this land. Therefore, I implore you to take heed of yourself and not lose your good reputation. Your worship and the praising you have received also apply. And may you not spend your youth in idleness. Paris, hearing this answer, said nothing to his father but remained thoughtful, pondering the great beauty of Venice.\n\nNow says the story that a great strife befell among the knights aforementioned for the love of the three damsels aforementioned. The earl's son of Flanders was greatly angry for this reason, with the duke of Brittany: and had beaten and hurt each other so that no peace could be made between them. Each one was angry with the other. Five knights, bold and valiant, emerged and declared they were ready to fight and prove, by the strength of their arms, that the duke's daughter of Normandy was the fairest damsel in the world. Incoherently, five other knights rose and claimed that Costance, the king's sister of England, was the fairest. This dispute soon reached the knowledge of the king of France, who feared it might lead to great trouble and discord among his barons and other lords. So he sent word to them that they should come to him, and that he would give a seat to their strife, ensuring they would all be content with the outcome. The messenger's words pleased them well, and they all came towards him as soon as they could. Upon their arrival before the king, they spoke of their dispute, but the king immediately ordered a jousting tournament in the name of love. The three ladies spoke and made their proposal that they all should come with arms and horses to join the festivities on the ninth day of September in the City of Paris. And the one who performed best in arms at the day would receive the prize and the worship of the festival, and the title of the fairest damsel of all the world. The king of France then sent word to the fathers of the three lady's invitation, requesting each of them to bring a gift of riches as a presentation to be given in the worship of their three daughters, to the best performer in the taking of victory.\n\nKing of England first sent for his sister Constance, a beautiful golden crown set with pearls and precious stones of great value. The Duke of Normandy, out of love for his daughter Florie, sent a very beautiful girdle set with various pearls and precious stones, rich and of great esteem. And the Dauphin for love of his daughter, the king of France sent a very rich collar of gold all enameled with precious stones of various colors, worth a great treasure. These three jewels were delivered to the king of France. The knights then made ready and appeared in rich array, coming all to the city of Paris. And take note that in France there had not been seen before that day such great noblesse of barons and knights assembled. For there were the highest princes and barons of England, France, and Normandy, and each of them set all his wisdom and attention to uphold and carry out what they had planned and said. And every baron gave his livery, so that each might be known from the other. And the bright and renowned was that my lady Constance should have the honor of the festival, for many a fair and hardy knight made ready to maintain the quarrel of her beauty. However, neither of these three parties: hoped to have the worship of the feast:\nand Paris that was in Venice the city,\nknew the great apparition\nof this feast took counsel\nof Edward his fellow. Whether he\nshould go to Paris or not. And Edward\ncounseled him to go there.\nso that he went secretly. And said,\nif you go there secretly and if God\ngives you grace that you get the worship\nof the feast, great wealth and good\nshall come to you thereby. And if you go\nand are known by the dauphin and the\nother lords, they will not praise you so much\nas they would if you were unknown,\nfor cause that you are not of such great lineage\nas they are. Another thing is,\nif you go openly and my lady Venus\nhappens to have the honor of the feast\nby your prowess. She shall not be set by,\nconsidering the other great lords that shall be there,\nproceeding your degree. And if she gets the worship\nof the feast by a knight unknown,\nlove and honor shall grow the more for him\non her account. Therefore, You are requested to go there in the most secret way you can. For my trust is that you shall receive great worship there: and but if you go, trust me, I shall make myself ready to go with you. For I will be loath to see the beauty of my lady vexed. At these words, Paris granted them leave to go to the jousts. And he was ready and had all things according to a noble knight. He departed in the secretest manner towards the city of Paris, where the king of France made great provisions of all manner of food and of all other things necessary for such a royal feast. In the midst of the city of Paris, he ordered the place where the knights should joust, and did make many fair scaffolds for the ladies and damsels to be seated on, for to behold the jousting. Also, he did make three banners very fair and rich. The first banner was white: and there was written upon it in letters of gold, \"Virgin daughter to my lord God, from Alais. Dauphin of Auvergne.\" The second banner was read. It was written on it in letters of gold: Constantine, the sister of England. The third banner was white and in letters of gold was written: Flory, daughter of the duke of Normandy. These three banners were hoisted at three corners of the field. And know that such great press was there that the people took their places on the scaffolds two days before the festival. The lords were ready for all things that were necessary and were detained from their countries. They all assembled at Paris on the twenty-fourth day of September. Never before had there been such a great company of nobles. Some came to do battle, and others to see the festival. Which it was: that the lords were ready for all things necessary, and were detained from their countries, they all assembled at Paris on the twenty-fourth day of September. Never before had there been such a great company of nobles. Some came to do battle, and others to see the festival. This was much magnificent and noble. And when the day of the jousts arrived, early in the morning, he caused these three jewels or yewels to be set in the banners, which shone and reflected much. \"meradiously for the name of perles and precious stones that we were in the banners. Now it should be overlong to recite of the barons and of the knights that were in that joust: For many were come thither from the Kingdom of Spain of Aragon and of many other countries to prove their strength / and persons. And for to maintain the ladies maids of whom we shall rehearse of the principalest here after the shortest way we may. And when it came in the morning that every man was / armed & apparelled in. the field / and that the king of France was set in his great scaffold / and began to say all allowde and most marvelous and understand. Knights and barons that be here for to do the faith of arms go each under that banner that he will maintain for the love of his lady / and we give in commandment that this field be of love and of courtesy. as it to you appertains / howbeit we will well that each of you do valiantly his\" arms and his knights for the damsel whom he will maintain : and he who shall win the field shall have the prize and honor of the feast, and that lady or damsel shall be maintained and allowed as the most beautiful damsel of the world. She shall have the prize and honor of England, France, and Normandy. And no man should be so hardy to deny this on pain of losing his life. And yet after this he said, \"Behold a fair crown; the queen of France has ordered that it be delivered to the father of the damsel who shall have the prize and honor of the field and of the jousts. And the knight who shall obtain the prize and honor of the jousts shall have the three jewels and the three banners, and he commanded that the banner of Normandy should make its display first, next the banner of Constance, and then that of Dinan. And first under the banner of Normandy were those who followed: that is, John, son of the earl of Falmouth. Phelip, son of the king of France. Edward, son of the Duke of Bourgogne. John, Earl of Armagnac / Balaxo, brother of the Marquis of Saluzzo. Geoffroy, Duke of Picardy. And after them came many other well-armed and habilited men. After came the banner of Constance. Which accompanied John, son of the Duke of Brittany. Gaston de Gaston, brother of the Earl of Foix. Anthony Allegre, son of the Duke of Carrouges. Land knights. Then after came the banner of the Fair Maiden. Which accompanied Hugh, son of the Duke of Bourbon. Edward, son of the King of England. William, son of the Duke of Barri. Anthony, son of the Count of Prouans. Paris, son of Sire de Vic, of Vic-en-Bigorre: Dormado, son of the Marquis. Three sons of the Duke of Carrouges. Iohannes Perruel, Duke of Normandy. And after them came many other barons and knights, well-armed and well-horsed.\n\nWhen the muster was made, every banner returned to its place, which was most noble and marvelous. It was a sight to see and behold, the nobility of barons and knights so well horsed and armed as they were. The dauphin and Sir Jacques, father of Paris, had come to see the festival and the jousts.\n\nWhen it was the hour of terce, the jousts began and entered the field. Nobly armed, John, son of the earl of Flanders, appeared, and against him came John, son of the duke of Brittany. They clashed so fiercely that they broke their spears. John, son of the earl of Flanders, tumbled under his horse, and before Edward, son of the duke of Burgundy, came. These two knights brought down John of Brittany.\n\nUntil then, John Perillous, duke of Normandy, had come against him. With such great force, he struck him under his horse and broke his arm, leaving him uncertain whether it was day or night. Against John Perillous came Anthony, the joyous, son of the duke of Bourbon, who displayed such prowess with his person. that he conquered John Perilous and very other knights mighty, men of his party. whom he struck to the earth by force of arms. After came against Anthony agleer Geoffroy of Picardy: and struck Anthony agleer in such a way that he fell to the earth, and six other knights of his party. And after did such marvelous feats of arms that every man said that he had honor of the field. Then came the free knight Parrys against Geoffroy bearing low his spear. And they gave such great strokes that the knights and horses went all to the earth. Wherefore the king said, \"Since both throw themselves to the earth, they should return again to the jousts.\" And Parrys with great desire consented, and so both returned and came running. And Parrys gave to Geoffroy such a great stroke that his horse stood and Geoffroy overthrew to the earth. But because the horse stood, it was said that the horse was the cause that he overthrew. For much they mocked Geoffroy and said that he was not. vaynquished: and it should be well done that they should justify themselves against him, because Paris was not known there. There was none who maintained him or sustained him. Nevertheless, the king of France knew well that Geoffrey was vaynquished loyally and well. For he had well seen the adventure. And he would do no wrong to the knight who was of great strength and might. And immediately he sent him a herald who said to him in the name of the king of France: that the king had well seen and well known that Paris had vaynquished his knight, notwithstanding if he would yet once return to the joust by his noblesse: that he would do great honor to himself, and then Paris made his answer, saying that the beauty of his lady was so great that in all the world there was none to her likeness. If it pleased you, king, he was ready to furnish the jousts for his love against the knight another time, and to joust until Geoffrey was vaynquished, and that was without any gain said the herald. The knight returned and told the king, who was well pleased and said that the knight should be a great lord. For he was of great valor and power, and spoke much sweetly and courteously. Afterward, Paris changed horses, and Edward his companion had one ready for him. He returned to the jousts and struck down Geoffroy with great might, causing him to fall to the earth, badly hurt.\n\nWhen it came toward Eve, the jousts were so thick and strong that all three parties, whether of the French or the Normans, were thrown to the earth. There was no one left from the party of the French alone, and three strong and powerful knights remained from the Norman party: Balazo, brother of the Marquis of Saluzzo; Jean Sans Peur of Armagnac; and Phelip of Banyeres; and three strong and mighty knights from the party of Constance: Iohannes de Barbaria, Larernew of the Duke of Burgundy; and Salamon dalasan, Brother of the King. The justices remained: and they said that the justices should abide by it. Paris saw that they would have returned. He felt fear. And there came towards him Balaxo, brother of the marquis of Saluzzes. Paris, at the first stroke, struck him down to the earth under his horse. In the same manner, he did the same to the other. Valiantly and nobly, he wanted the honor of the justices and of the field. The justices finished Paris. Paris, who had the three fair banners and the three rich jewels in them, was led to the scaffold: where the king was, and the other great lords and knights. There, they were delivered to him. Paris showed them through the field as a sign that the said Dienne had gained the honor to be the fairest damsel that was in all the world by the same young knight. And Paris, who had the three fair banners and the three rich jewels, departed secretly from the city of Paris and from France with Edward, his companion. might have returned to Dauphine, / Paris returned to the company of the bishop of Saint Laurence. He had not been at the feast, and he continually asked for news of the tournaments that had taken place in France, and who had won their honors. What the feast was, all the barons and knights there greatly desired to know. Who was he that had so valiantly and nobly won the journey and the honor of the tournaments to do him homage? But they could never know him. Whence they had great displeasure and said that the knight was of great wisdom, because he would not be known. After this, the barons and knights took leave of the king / and returned to their lands, all disgraced, because they had not received the honor of the feast. And yet they were even angrier because they did not know to whom the honor of the feast or the tournaments had been given. The king of France, who greatly loved the Dauphin, made him great feasts and much great honor. And the king The queen gave him the crown to deliver to her,\nwho was to have the honor of the jewels. Therefore,\nhe gave it to his daughter Venus, in sign\nand took notice that she was the fairest damsel\nof the world. And then, the dolphin and the faun of Paris\nreturned into the dolphin, bringing great honor and great joy.\n\nWhen Venus knew that her father came,\nshe came and met him as she was accustomed. Then,\nthe dolphin saw her. He kissed her and set the crown\nwhich the king had given him on her head. And he told her,\n\"Behold, fair daughter, this is the fair crown\nthat the queen of France gave you, for you have gained\nthe honor. Notwithstanding, fair daughter,\nyou have had many things contrary to this,\nbut you have had a good defense and rightly\nquelled him in your need: For of each party were\nthree knights more strong and\" In the absence of the original text in a readable form, it is impossible for me to clean it without introducing errors or assumptions. The given text appears to be in Old English, and while I can provide a rough translation, I cannot guarantee its accuracy without access to the original or a reliable reference. Here is a possible translation of the text:\n\n\"Puisanne. And on your property was left\nbut one knight alone, who vaingloriously\ndispersed all the others without any token,\nand is hidden secretly, so that no one\nknew him, not the king of France,\nhas any knowledge of him. But he\nhas carried away with him the three\nbanners and the three jewels that were in them,\nand also the prize and honor of the feast.\nTherefore, sweet and fair daughter: you never knew\nto whom to give such great honors,\nas have been done for you, but you pray\nto God in heaven and to the glorious virgin Mary,\nthat it pleases him to give to him\ngood and honor, joy and excellence,\nand victory in all his battles,\nlike the chief and head of all honor and of all chivalry in this world.\nFor I never saw nor heard of a knight\nwho carried himself so graciously and so courteously\nin his arms and in his chivalry,\nand who spoke of these tidings. And she said to Isabeau, her damoiselle.\" My sister told me late that I was beloved by the most noble and valiant knight of France. And by my faith, my sweet sister: this is he who so sweetly sang and won the youngest in this city, and bore the shield of crystal and my garnet and went his way, so that no man might know him. Advise you well, fair sister, what honor has come to me through his prowess and his bounty. I may well be sorry and dolorous because I may not know who he is, and my heart is heavy and my intent that I never found the means to see and know him. Yet she said, \"Certes, my sweet sister Isabeau, I believe that my days are short. And that I shall die of some cruel and false death / for the great display I have continually in my heart. For I can do nothing but weep and wail / and continue all ways in sorrowful and heavy life, but none perceived it but only her damosel Isabeau. The father of Paris, who had been with the Dauphin in that feast, had \" not seen there his son Paris, whereof he had great sorrow in his heart. For he had been accustomed to be in all noble jousts, but the one he saw him go with the bishop of St. Laurent: and disposed him not to do arms as he was used. Wherefore I pray thee, that thou leave him; and let it be pleasing and to the honest Paris, that he hears him well. But he gave not a word in answer. The father of Paris, seeing this weep to his secret fellow, Edward, and said to him, I see well that the great amity and love that you bear my son, and know you for certain that I have in my heart great melancholy, remembering that Paris has had great honor and fame in chivalry. And now I see that he has this bishop. And lets his hawks, his hands, and horse to die for her. Wherefore I, pray that you give me some counsel: I am so distressed that I die for sorrow. And what he had said these words, Edward had pity on him and comforted him the best way he could and departed from him, and I wept straightway to my friend Paris, and said to him. I know well that love constrains so strongly that you have no power over yourself. Your life may not endure long, and also your father and your friends are ill-disposed towards you. And I say to you that for the love of one woman you do much displease your father. And also for no person whatever, he or she be, you ought not to lose the well-being and renown that you have in chivalry. It appears not in you that you have any virtue or courage. Wherefore I pray that you will do something that may be pleasing to your father, who has desired and prayed me to say this to you. When Paris had heard all this: he answered and said to her:\n\n(Note: The text appears to be in Early Modern English, and there are some minor spelling errors and abbreviations that have been expanded for clarity. The text itself is relatively clean and does not contain any meaningless or completely unreadable content, nor does it contain any introductions, notes, logistics information, or other modern additions. Therefore, no cleaning is necessary, and the text can be outputted as is.) \"but they have been grievous to me. For constantly I am plagued by these thoughts. Nevertheless, I pray thee, tell me what is best for me to do. Edward said, \"If it pleased you, we should go to war: For it is long since I have not seen my lady. And there we shall do battle, by which we may gain fame and honor. Paris agreed to this, saying that he was content if it pleased her so. And without further delay, they prepared their armor and horses, and all the things necessary to them. Before Paris departed, he put in his chamber all the things and prizes he had won through chivalry. He closed them fast in his chamber and delivered the key to his mother. He begged her most earnestly not to open it or allow any person to enter. And after they went towards Brabant. There they performed great feats of chivalry.\" In this time, Paris, whom they greatly honored and worshiped, and who was more praised by ladies and damsels, made a vow to remain in Brabant for the love of Edward. But his heart drew him secretly towards the fair Venus. Now it happened during this time that Paris and Edward engaged in a duel in Brabant. Paris' father fell ill with a fever or an access, and the cause of his concern was his son Paris. The Dauphin went to see him one day and demanded the reason for his lady's absence. He comforted him as wisely as he could, and after returning home, he said to his wife, \"It is well that she should go and visit Messire Jacques, who is sick. And forthwith, Lady Diane, her daughter Venus and her damsel Yseubeau, with a great company, went to the castle of Sir Jacques, and they married him nobly as it was fitting. And when they were married, in the chamber where Master Jacques was lying, Dame Jeanne demanded him to leave his sickness. And Master Jacques said that all his disease came from his son Paris, because he wasted so much time and always went with the bishop of Saint Laurens. I fear that he will become a man of religion. I have no other children but him. I do not know what I shall do with the goods that God has given me. And my lady Diane comforted him and said that his son was much beloved of the dauphin, and that he had great affection from many great lords, barons, and knights. She also advised him to make arrangements for his health, and after this: the mother of Paris prayed that it might please her to come see the castle. And she answered that she much desired it. Then the mother of Paris showed her the entire castle and led her into a hall filled with arms and military equipment for battle. Afterward, she led her into another hall where many people were gathered. Hawkes (falcons) and many other fowls of chase. And after, into many halls and chambers richly adorned which were too long to repeat:\n\nAfter the manner of Paris,\nshe showed unto her the chamber of Paris,\nwhere he slept. In which were\nmany habiliments which would suffice the chamber of a great price, and in the same chamber were two great standards, one covered in the style of France. The one was full of cloth of gold and silk; the other of harneys and other many things. Then said Venus to Isabeau, \"Fair sister, I have no great marvel of this youth knight Paris, though he is made great magnate. For the reason of these things you have seen, he is of great value. And in beholding of these things, she saw the accoutrement of a horse all white: and it seemed to her that it was the same that the knight wore who won the prizes at the tournaments that were made in the city of Diennes, and that had the shield of crystal: and the garlond (garland). She told Ysabeau not to think so highly of herself for all day. Her white couches and tokens could be deceiving. Dyenne urged herself to be more careful. And of the great joy she had, she said to her mother, Madame, \"I am a little crushed and suddenly taken. If it pleases you, I would like to rest a little in this chamber. I want to be alone with my sister Ysabeau. I will have no one else and anyone else excluded from the chamber. Ysabeau shut the door so that no one could come in.\n\nThen Vyenne said, \"Now we shall see if we can find anything that we may have better knowledge of. My heart says yes. After they had searched and inspected the entire chamber, they came to a side of the chamber where they found a little door. Hanging by a hook was a little key, and they opened the door and entered. There was a little chamber which was twelve feet long and was an oratory. Whereas the majesty of our Lord Jesus Christ was upon a little altar. At each corner was a candlestick of silver. And there came Parris to make His sacrifice when He arose, and when He went to His bed. And there were the three banners that the noble knight Parris had won in the city of Paris, and the three jewels of the three damsels mentioned earlier. And also there was the shield of Crystal and the girdle that Vienne had delivered to him: whom he won the prize at the jousts in the city of Vienne. And all these he kept secret in that place. And what Vienne saw these things, she was sure that Parris was he whom she had so much desired to know: and that so much honor had been done to her. And for the great joy that she had, she set her dowry on the ground. And there she remained a long while and could not speak a word afterwards, except to Isabeau and faded away. My sweet sister, blessed and prayed to our Lord for this good journey. For me, it seems I should never depart from this chamber. \"alas I have so long desired to know who played so sweetly on his instruments near me, and now he is so far. Then Beau began to reprove her and said, \"Sweet lady, I pray you, say or do nothing that might lead you to folly, and be ruled by wisdom and reason. Paris has so much good and virtues. Yet you ought to consider that he is not equal to you in lineage or estate. I know that many noble and powerful lords have demanded you in marriage and loved you greatly. The honor of Paris, your vassal and subject, is not worthy of you. Then Beau was much angered by this, and said, \"Alas, I am displeased by you that thus again speak to me of him: Alas, I had supposed that in nothing would you have revealed this to me. In good faith, I said to that man, 'I will love him and demand him, and I promise you in good faith that'\" If only you had given me more, I would flee myself, and then you would be the cause of my death. For I will not abandon him whom I have so long loved. But I tell you truly, if you ever speak such words of my friend Paris, you shall never again have the opportunity to say them another time: for you consider well his noble codify and customs. You should praise him more than you do, and you do not know that the king of France would have given half his kingdom for his son Louis to be as worthless as Paris is. And also, there are many notable lords who desire to know his name and to have his amity. Therefore, take heed and beware by my faith: if ever you see a man who can be compared to him, certainly all virtues are in him. And since fortune has brought me to his love, he is worthy of my love. And yet more than is in me, and I have not reason and cause to love him, who has done such great good and honor to me, doubting. no problem for his person. Isn't it great worship to my father to have for servant and subject the best knight who is in the world? For in all the world, there is no knight I would rather serve or one who has done so much for me. And thus to speak of the deeds of Paris, she could not stop. Then came two damsels knocking at the chamber door, weeping. Viene, you must come to my lady and Isabeau sprang out, saying she should come at once. And Vienne saying that she must necessarily depart from them, told Isabeau, \"Since we must depart late, let us take some of these jewels. We shall keep them secretly until Paris becomes and we shall see what contention he will make in himself.\"\n\nWhen they took the colyer and the white banner of Viene and other jewels and hid them under their cloaks, they went into the chamber of Messire Jaques. But Viene desired greatly to speak with Paris and thought to lie in wait for him. In the meantime. While Messer Jacques recovered from his malady and became merry once again. But she dared not show it. How Paris and Edward returned from Brabant after certain time that Paris had been in Brabant with his fellow Edward, he desired strongly to see the fair Yvaine, for the love of her had distraught him much. Nevertheless, he dared not tell it to his fellow, lest he should take offense. And soon after the passage of five days, Paris received a letter that his father was seized, and then he said to Edward, \"Right dear brother and fellow. It pleases you to know that my father is in danger. And it seems to me good that we departed if you consent. But I pray you that you take no offense in this departing, for if it pleases us well, we shall soon return.\" And Edward, seeing the just reason of Paris and his good will, said to him that he was well content and pleased. Wherefore they departed from Brabant and came back. into the city of Vienne. Of whose coming Messer Jacques had sovereign pleasure, especially because he had heard that Paris his son had performed valiant deeds of arms. Now it happened that who Paris arrived at home like one accustomed, all the way, or wore himself out to his bed. He wore himself out to make his orisons and prayers, and afterwards inquired if he lacked anything. And fed that those things which he loved dearly were taken away, of which he was much angered and half in despair: in such a way that all the night he could not sleep. And what came in the morning, he came to himself and said, \"Mother, how is it that you have not kept my chamber closed and shut? For I lack certain things which I would not gladly lose, and have great displeasure.\" To whom her mother answered, \"My son, by my faith, no uninvited person has entered. But once, when your father was seeking, came my lady Diane and her daughter Yvaine, and what they had visited your father: they wore themselves out.\" about the castle. And then they entered into your chamber. But I cannot think that they took anything, for they tarried not long, except only Venus, who remained alone, except for her damsel. Because she was ill at ease in her heart. Therefore, my dear son Paris, I pray you to take no offense. And then Paris said to himself, \"If no other thief has taken it, except she, I shall not be discovered.\" For anything. And after he had arranged himself and dressed nobly, he went to do reverence to the Dauphin and to Dame Diane. And afterward, to Venus their daughter, the Dauphin received him courteously. The Dauphin demanded news from him and of many other things. And what the fair lady Venus saw of the great desire she had to see him, and of the great love she bore him: all her countenance was colored like a fresh rose in the month of May, and could not be content nor filled to behold. \"Fair love and friend Paris. The more she beheld him, the more her love grew and was enticed toward him. Paris, before the dolphin on his knee, humbly dared not look at Venus, but in his heart he had great pain. Whoever had observed him would have seen in his face his thoughts. After the dolphin had demanded it, Paris took leave of the dolphin and of my lady Diane and her daughter. And they returned home to his father's house.\n\nAfter a few days, Venus, in such a way as love compelled her, said to her maid Ysabeau, \"My sister, I tell you truly, it seems to me that Paris is much troubled. I believe it is because of the things which he does not find in his oratory. It seems best to me that we let him know this. Isabeau answered, \"It would be well done so, but it must be done honestly and secretly.\" Then Venus said, \"I shall advise the manner. After certain days, Venus said to her mother, \"Mother, I let you know that\" \" I am a little one confessed in my absence. I wish to confess to some good person. It is told to me that the bishop of Sait Laurens is a very honest and devout man. Therefore, madam, I pray you to send for him so that I might speak with him. And my lady Diana seeing the goodwill of her daughter set out to fetch the bishop. And Venus confessed herself to him devoutly, speaking always of our Lord and His commandments. After that, she was confessed. She prayed the bishop to come again on the morrow, for she found great comfort in his words. And on the morrow, the bishop came again to Vienne. He said to him, \"Some things have been taken away in a place, which soon belong to misery, Iaques. The person who has them feels conscience-stricken. I pray you as much as I can, that by your benevolence, you say to him that if he may, he come to morrow here with us.\" The bishop, who thought nothing of Venus, said she should bring him without fear. In the morning, the bishop came with great diligence and brought and rendered his salves again more humbly. Then Venus withdrew her from the bishop and the others and said to Paris, \"It is not long since you went into quarrelsome business, and I accompanied my lady, my mother, to visit your father who was sick. We saw and beheld the castle until we came to your oratory. And there I saw certain relics which greatly pleased me, and I took them and have kept them until this present time. And now I shall return them to you. Therefore, I pray that if I have done any displeasure or made any fault, you will pardon me. For I promise you by my faith that I have done it for no evil.\" To this Paris answered humbly and with great reverence and said, \"Lady, by your courtesy you came to visit my father. Of this visitation, \" (end of text) not only my father, but all our friends / have received great and sovereign honor: therefore, my excellent lady, my father, mother, and I are all yours, and all that we have is also. And if by chance your ladyship had any pleasure in taking my jewels: I assure you by my faith, that my heart has greater pleasure in them than any man may think; and yet more so if the said jewels were worthier than they are. So then, I pray you, right honorable damsel, that you will do me this favor. For not only these jewels, which have little value, but my father, mother, and I are all yours, and we are already willing to serve you. And know you truly that it is not long since the said jewels were given to me by a French knight.\n\nThen Vyonne said, \"You need not tell me where these jewels come from, for I know them as well as you. And Vyonne marveled greatly at how long you have hidden your love from me.\" I pray you as much as I may, and by the faith that you have told me that which you will declare to me, for much I desire to know. Then Parris spoke, right honorable damsel, you ought not to ask me, for all that your ladyship pleases to command me, I shall tell you the truth with a good heart and good will. Then Parris said, I will first that you tell me, if you want to know if it was made on the first day of May in this city, and if you carry away the shield of crystal and the chaplet which I have seen in your oratory. After that, you shall tell me, you want, the eighth of September, which were made in the city of Paris, where so many noble knights and barons were, and if you had obtained the three banners which I have seen in your oratory, and I pray you. You tell me if you have done such services for me. You ought not to hide such things. And by the way, you may have done them for the love of my father or of his court: we are greatly indebted to you and bound to thank you. And if by any chance for any lady or for the love of me you have done it, I thank you as much as I may, and it is well reason that you therefore be rewarded. And yet Venus said to Paris: know truly that it is long since I have desired to know, and I strongly desire to know it now. Therefore, if you will do me any favor, I pray you tell me the truth without leaving out anything or any word.\n\nThen Paris spoke humbly, with great shame, that he had to utter the folly that he had entered into. Right honorable and fair lady, I am not worthy to be named the one who has done this, which has pleased you to ask of me. But notwithstanding that I am a man of low estate, I humbly offer to supply you in case you find disappointment in me. \"You please me to pardon me and take no offense that I shall speak, for your nobility shall not be less in value. For my cause enforces me to say that, which is folly for me to think. Then Paris, ashamed and in great reverence, kneeling on his knee said, \"Right revered damsel Paris, your humble servant is he from whom you have spoken and demanded, and shall obey and serve in all things that you have demanded of me. For since I have had any remembrance, my will and thought have been subject to your noble person, and shall be as long as I live. They said, \"Vainly, Paris, my sweet friend.\" It is not now the time that I make answer to your words. But I will well that you know that your love overwhelms me so strongly that there is nothing in the world that I love as much as you, therefore abide in good hope joyously: for if it pleases God, you shall have my answer.\" see that this is why I say shall be three / Then said Paris to me,\nwho may think the joy in which I am by your answer is right sweet / For I never supposed to have had such an answer from you: but to have endured in pain & in lingering. Not only for myself, but a king should be overmuch to have your love / and I pray God that I may do such things as may please you: and that I never live to do to you things that would displease you: nor turn you to melancholy / and thus departed one from the other in greater love than before. & took term to see each other as hastily as they might: and Venus returned more joyous than she showed / and went into her chamber. And after the bishop departed / and Paris accompanied him to his palaces. & took leave of him & returned home into his father's lodging / & after told to Edward his fellow and the parliament that he had with Venus. And Edward said to him, \"fair brother and friend, here is no lack.\" ne Truffes, but I pray you act secretly, for there are many false tongues. Venus was more joyous then she had been accustomed, and Paris also. And the said Paris and his friend made great vows and did great arms, which were much pleasing to the fair Venus. Then it happened that after certain time, seeing the Dauphin that his daughter had come to fifteen years of age, he intended to give her a husband: and many times he had been required by many noble princes, but because he had her only and no more sons or daughters, he would consent. And in treating of marriage, Paris heard some tidings whereof he was fore enjoyed in himself, and thought, \"Why should I not have this noble lady, who is so much desired by so many noble princes and barons? And deceived himself, and did so that he spoke to Venus: O sweet and fair Venus, where is your fair and agreeable promise that you made to me when I departed from you? How is it?\" that your father speaks of marrying you.\nWhen Venus heard Paris speak in this manner, she said to him, \"If my father speaks to me of marriage: it is no great marvel. For I cannot defend him, I have not consented to any marriage, and you know well that marriage is nothing without the consenting of both parties. Therefore, I pray you to be content. For I promise you that I shall never have man in marriage but you, and I would that it should be shortly accomplished if it pleased God honestly and justly and not in sin or disorder: Therefore, will that you try one thing: which will be much difficult to do and dangerous: but nevertheless it behooves that it be done, then Paris said, \"honorable lady, which shall please you to command me: I shall accomplish it with God's heart, though I should die.\" And then Venus said, \"I will require you to speak to your father and ask him to give me in marriage.\" to you. And therein be no default: Whoever hears the will and desire of Venus, he was as all abashed and said, Right honorable lady, how will you that I die thus? I pray you much humbly, if it pleases you. Then Venus said, set yourself so little by me that you will not enterprise this: alas, where is your entreatment, Lestes? It must needs be done. Inconytes answers, worshipful lady, it displeases you; I shall accomplish your commandment though I should die therefore a hundred times: and thus took leave of Venus and went to his father incontinently and said to him, Dear father, all ways you have shown to me great love. Wherefore I beseech almighty God that he reward you as I desire, dear and honorable father. I would pray you of one thing, and because it is doubtful, I will not say it to you unless you promise it to me first; for otherwise I will not say it to you. And his father said to him, My son, there is nothing in the world that I would not do for you. I may do for thee: but I shall accomplish it by the grace of God. Therefore, tell me thy pleasure and will. Then Paris told his father a part of the privacy and promised that he had with Venus. Because he should with the better will do that: which he would require of him. Then said Paris to his father, \"The prayer that I pray and require of you is, that it pleases you to say to the Dauphin, that he gives to me his daughter to wive and in marriage. I humbly beseech you that herein you will not fail me.\" And Messire Jacques his son thus spoke. Almost he was from himself for the great joy he felt that his son Paris had said to him. And he said in reproving him that he should speak no more of that fair one, for he would not die for his daughter. And he should demand of her some other things. For it were great folly to speak to him of such a thing. And Paris said, \"Whorshipful father:\" as dangerous it is to me as to you, therefore I am abashed though. You refused to do it, but love enforces and constrains me so strongly that I am half confused: and am as well content that he does not do it as to do it, but that you do your duty only. Then Jacques went to the Dauphin's alley, changed in color, and said to him, \"My right revered and foreign lord, a certain quest is made to me which I must tell you. The which seems to me of passing little reason and therefore it must be at your mercy. If you find displeasure in it, pardon me, and take no regard for my great folly: The Dauphin, trusting in the great wisdom of Master Jacques, granted him leave to say whatever he would. Then Master Jacques said, \"My high and sovereign lord, Paris your son has asked of you to requite Venus your daughter as his wife. This thing is not only to say, but also to think great presumption and great folly, but the love of my son constrains me.\" The dolphin was moved so strongly that before this I must tell you. And suddenly the dolphin was moved in great felony and would not suffer him to end his words. But he reproved him harshly, saying, \"Dilan and vasal, who are you? How do you keep my worship by God? I shall well chastise you, so that you shall never think such things again. I commanded him that the inconvenient one should depart thence; and that neither he nor his son should come in his sight. Therefore, Messire Jaques departed, holding down his head, and returned to his house. And he told his son Paris all that had been said and done between him and the dolphin. Paris thanked his father much for this. The dolphin was filled with great indignation and all anger, so much that none dared to speak to him or come in his way. And he, being in this manner, sent for his daughter Viyenne and made her come to him. And he said to her, \"Where have you had words of great displeasure? This villain, Messire Jaques\" \"Paris has told us that we should give you to wife and marry his son. Advise you what to do, it were by God or that I should do it. I would rather make you a none or a menchon; and it shall not be long. But that you shall be highly married; so that you shall hold your content. Here I swear to you / that if it were not for the great services that he has done to me, I would do harm to his head. Why did she see her father agree so greatly with Master Jacques and his son? She sent for Edward to come speak to her. And when Edward was come, Wyene said to him, \"Edward, it is said fairly, brother. It seems to me that it would be good if you departed from his country for a while, for it may be that the dolphin will long endure his agreement. As I understood by what Wyene has said to me.\" Then Paris answered, \"If that is what you have counseled me, I shall do so. Notwithstanding that it will be to me a sorrowful and heavy parting.\"\" but I depart, I shall leave Venice, though I should die. Then Paris did so much please him that he spoke to Venus at a low window. Whereas they might well say what they wanted. I am certain Venus said that my father has willed to harm you: whence I live in great melancholy. For in all the world, there is nothing I love so much as you. And if by chance you die, I will not live. Then Paris said, honorable lady, it seems best to me that I depart from here a certain time until my lord your father is more pacified and has passed his evil will. Howbeit, that it shall be to me a very sorrowful thing to withdraw from you. For my life will be heavy. Nevertheless, I shall accomplish your will in all that you command me, whatever it may be. And Venus, saying the good will of Paris after many words, Paris my friend, I know well the great love that you bear to me. And since it is so, I swear to you by my faith that you shall never depart from this city with. I go with you: For it is my will. As soon as you are ready for all things necessary and find a way that we may escape from the Kingdom of France and go to some other lordship where we may live joyously and securely. Nevertheless, before or we depart from here, I will that you promise two things. The first is that you touch not my body until we are lawfully married. The second is that Isabeau partakes in all the goods that we shall have, and other things I will not ask for now, but that only our departure may be shortly made. I shall provide some jewels and money for our necessities. And each departed from the other for their addresses such things as seemed necessary to them:\n\nWhen Paris was departed from Venice, he went to a man named George. And said to him, \"George, my friend always, I have trusted in you; and have always loved you. Wherefore I pray you now that to this I shall say.\" you promise me not. For I promise you shall notless be affected by that, and George promised the same to him, to do all that is possible with right good heart. Then Paris said to him, know for certain that I have wrath and rage towards a man of this town for certain displaisance that he has done to me. Therefore I will tell you to go to Aigesmortes, and there make ready a galley furnished with all things necessary until we arrive there as we would be. And also I pray you that you order horses from him to Aigesmortes, from five miles to, until always good horses are ready there that we may surely refresh ourselves if it be needed. And also I will that you do this as secretly as you may. And look here is money enough to furnish these said things, George said. I shall do all this gladly, and he made him ready. And when he came to Aigesmortes, he hired a galley and established all the passages. And did well all that Paris had charged him, and came again. And told to Paris how. He had paid for all that he had asked, which gave him great joy. And Paris went and told Venus that all the things she had commanded were done. They concluded that the next night following, each of them should be ready at a certain hour. Then he took leave of her and went home, instructing George to take out two horses from his stable and saddle them, and wait for him outside the city at a certain place until he came. Edward, Paris's fellow, knew nothing of this, and Paris was greatly ashamed and amazed.\n\nWhen Paris was preparing to go, he went alone and secretly to the place at the designated hour. He made a sign that Venus recognized. And at once Venus and Ysabeau dressed as Indians and left the castle through a false door. The two damsels came to the place where Paris was waiting, and they departed and waited. as they rode, taking whom they could and urging their horses as fast as possible. George rode ahead because he knew the way, and they continued to ride through a storm with heavy rain that lasted until the morning. Upon arriving near a small town, they did not enter because they did not want to be recognized. They waited and lodged in a little church nearby: there they found a chaplain who received them warmly as he could, and then they spent the night. Paris and the chaplain stepped into a small house adjoining the church: George and his servant stepped into the stable with the animals. The Venus and Ysabeau stepped into the church, and in the morning they woke early and rode until they came near a river. The river had risen high due to the rain that had fallen. Then Paris grew angrier because he saw that it was very dangerous, and he told George to search and be cautious. Some good places where they might pass over: and George withdrew him a little from it, and Charles chose a place which he thought good, and took the river with his horse, and when he was in the midst of the stream, his horse fell, and he was drowned, and his horse also. Paris, seeing that George was drowned, was much more abashed and dared make no false show. Because the fair Venus should have no melancholy, and after Venus demanded of Paris where George was, Paris answered her that he had sent him to search for a good passage, and they would turn into the church again until George came. And Venus answered him that it pleased her well to do so. For she had great doubt and fear to pass the water. And what they were in the church, Paris was much afraid to stay long in that place, for he saw that it was not sure. Therefore he demanded of the chaplain if they might in any way pass that water, and the chaplain said not for three days until the water receded. decreed and ordered Paris, saying to him that he should go into the town to seek and see if he might find any men who would make a bridge so that they could pass, and that he should spare no money, for I will pay them as much as they will have. The chaplain said that he should do his best. Paris did nothing but think how they might cross the river. Now let us leave Paris and turn to the Dauphin, who had lost his fair daughter Yvaine. On the morning that Yvaine was lost and had departed from her father's house, and the Dauphin knew it, he supposed that he had gone out of his mind. The entire court was troubled, and they sent men on horseback and on foot in various directions, the most secretly they could, to bring Yvaine back quickly, dead or alive. It happened by chance that one of his men, who was sent to seek Yvaine, came into the town where the chaplain had come to seek me to make the bridge. The footman Every man who had seen two damsels who had fled from the Dauphin's court, the chaplain told him that it was not long since such two had departed with other men. And the maid supposed that the chaplain had said it in jest or mocking. And she said that the Dauphin was much angered and had sworn that if any man or woman knew where they were and revealed it, he would make them lose their heads. What the chaplain heard these words, he remembered those in his house, and in great fear said to her that she should stay there a little longer. And for the love of my lord Dauphin, he would gladly search for them. And as soon as he could find tidings of them, he would let her know. Therefore departed from then and returned home again and told all this to Paris. And what he had heard in the town, he doubted that it was for them of his company. Wherefore he said further to her, Sir, I pray you that you depart from here. hens and suffer not that I lose my life, but take ye the best counsel you can. For there are fifty men on horseback seeking us. When they heard him, they said this it is not necessary to ask if he was heavy and melancholic, and for the great sorrow that he had, he had changed all his color, and he said to the chaplain: I pray you stay a little, and I shall make you an answer. Then Paris went to Vienne to tell her all this deed. And what did Vienne see when she saw him enter and change in his color? She said to Paris, what tidings bring you which are so pale and your color changed? I pray you heartily as I can that it pleases you to tell me. Then Paris said to her, The tidings that I bring are evil for you and formidable. For shortly shall be accomplished our adventure. Therefore I will take my life. He also complained, O God, how my life is sorrowful and heavy to have brought this excellent lady as you are in such danger: O good God, why gave you not to me the death before, or that. I fetched her out of her father's house, alas, my father and mother, what shall befall you. When the Dauphin finds out that I have stolen his daughter, O my good fellow Edward, why did you not counsel me beforehand? I would not have done this folly. And after he returned to Vienne, saying, \"What shall befall you, my lady? When your father sees you.\" Certainly, I think that he will be cruel, for he shall not be able to endure the sight of your noble person. O almighty God, do to me the grace that I may bear the pain of this fate and no other. O unhappy lady, that day was for you and for me when you first acquainted yourself with me. Paris had finished his complaint. He told Vienne all that the chaplain had said to him. And as a desperate person, he took his sword and would have run it through his body. And Vienne, virtuous and valiant, took her heart. She took the sword from him and comforted him, saying, \"O free knight, my joy. My life.\" \"And what will you do? Do you not know that he who kills himself deliberately kills both soul and body? And if you die, I assure you I will also die, and you will be the cause of my death as much as your own. Paris, where is your wisdom and your prowess? Now when you should have the most strength and most courageous spirit, you are afraid. O my knight, this is no new thing that the persons who live in this world have tribulations: indeed, it is not the courage of one so valiant a knight as you are. For now, whoever you fight for, she must now comfort you. Therefore, my fair brother and friend, I pray you as much as you may, to depart from here. And if you do not, I will kill myself with your sword. Your departing is as grievous to me as my own will be to you: but it is fitting to endure two evils the worse, and also you ought to consider anything that is not connected to the great fault\" and promises I have made to my father, yet he shall not put me to death, considering the great love he has always had toward me. And if you were taken, I know well that you and I both would die. Yet I have good hope that my intention will come to a good end. For be sure, though he never pardoned me, I shall never have another husband but you; I promise you this by my faith. But always remember me for no other lady. And when you are in another country, write to me about your adventure and this ring of gold with a diamond: keep it for the love of me. After much other language, Paris kissed Venus with great sighs and thoughts, and she comforted him as well as she could in praying, \"our Lord Jesus Christ, that in short time she might see him, like as her heart desired most of any thing in the world.\" Then Paris departed from Venus. \"Great sorrow and hewnesse. He took his way with his servant until they came to the river where they could not pass: and as despairing, doubted nothing but entered therein: and the water was so overwhelmed that they passed without any peril. They rode two days without any food for they dared not pass through any town. And they passed until they came to Aiguesmortes. And there he found the galley that George had hired. Which he took immediately and rowed until they arrived at Genoa. Paris made marvelous countenances in the galley, such that all who were there supposed him to be a fool. For all the way he was pensive and imaginative: and until then he would neither speak nor say a word about where he was at Genoa. He hired him, paying him handsomely and lived there in great hewnesse and sorrow. Now leave we to speak of Paris and return we to Vienne, which abode alone in the chaplains house.\n\nWhen Paris was departed from Vienne, she remained alone with Ysabeau, making the greatest sorrow of the world.\" \"She grieved to behold him, as if she had rather died than lived, and she was very sorry to weep. It was compulsion that forced her to return to the mercy of her father, the dolphin. She composed herself. And anon the chaplain went to seek the footman and brought him into the church. Whoever saw him recognized him, for she had often seen him in her father's house. The man spoke to her of all his charge, and he told her that many knights were out seeking her. And she said to him, \"Go and tell them that you have found me here.\" Then the man waited and found the knights who had come into the town. He told them how he had found her, and they should come with him and he would bring them to the place where she was when the knights heard these tidings. Anon each made great haste until they came to her. Before they saw her, they saluted her and said to her that the dolphin had sought her in various countries.\" after they comforted her and said that she should not be afraid of her father, for he would do no harm to her. For he will have such great joy when he sees you. He will pardon you and appease his anger. And then they urgently mounted their horses and brought the chaplain with her to speak before her father. They told him that she was completely clean of his body. Now this story says that whoever came before her father, the dauphin, he made a show of warding her off and ill-treating her. But despite this, she knelt down on both knees to the earth, saying and weeping, \"Revered father, I see well and know in myself that I have wronged and displeased you. Wherefore I have great remorse / Neverless, foolish love has compelled me to love him: whom the most greatest lady of the Kingdom of France, in all ways, finds worthy to be loved. For I believe that in all the world there is none like him or his equal.\" I think that I am not the first to have transgressed for similar reasons. Therefore, revered father, I am in your mercy and ask for your forgiveness and an example to others. Nevertheless, I will gladly have you know, and I swear by my soul: I am as pure and clean of body as I was on the day that I departed from him. And behold, the chaplain who can tell you the truth. Then, the chaplain told how she came with three men, of whom one was a fair young knight. The one I believe is drowned in passing. They were in my house, and the two damsels slept together in the church, and the knight slept with me. The other two slept in the stable with the horses. Then, when the dolphin heard these tidings, he had great pleasure from which he gave no semblance to the chaplain, much money and great gifts, and ordered him to return. After the dolphin took Venus by the hand in repentance for her. \"moche greatly and led her into her mother's chamber with Ysabeau, for her mother was severely sorrowful for her daughter. And there the mother blamed both of them. But Ysabeau said that Venus was as pure and clean of her body as she was the day she departed. Alas said the dolphin: thou hast put us in the greatest shame of the world. And I promise that all who have consented to this shall be well punished: and in particular evil traitor Paris, which is the cause of all this fate. And if ever I may have him, I shall make dogs devour him. And also both you two shall suffer therefore great penance. Then Venus weeping, I see well and know that you have ententment to do to me much grief and harm, and I see well that my life shall not long endure: Therefore I swear to you in good faith that there is no one in the world that I so much love as I do him whom you menace and threaten.\" \"faille him: and if you give to me my pardon soon, my death will be imminent. And if you allow me to endure it longer, I will hear more of it and my soul will be more certain before almighty God, and know that for his love I am ready to die. Then the dolphin issued out of the chamber in great indignation and commanded that the father of Paris should be put in a wicked prison. And all his goods should be taken from him. And also that Venus and Isabeau should be enclosed in a chamber, and scanty food should be given to them. He threatened and menaced them greatly, and they remained a long time in that chamber, and Venus continually dreamed of Paris.\n\nAnd whenever Venus had an opportunity to speak to Edward about Paris, she asked him to search for any news of Paris and to let her know of it.\n\nIn this way Venus spent her time in great sorrow and continually longing to hear from Paris.\" When the noble and fair Venus had been in prison for a long time, the dolphin, thinking that then his daughter Venus had been well cast off: And the dolphin, father of Venus, ordered that she be brought out of prison. Then he proposed to give her a husband and set her in her first estate. The court was very joyful about this, and in particular, Edward, the friend of Paris.\n\nAfter a certain time, the dolphin wrote to the Earl of Flauders that he would marry his daughter Venus: Therefore, he requested him to give him a dowry in this matter, for it was a burden on him. During the time that Venus was out of prison, her heart was never at rest but was always heavy and sorrowful because of her sweet and faithful friend Paris, whom she could not see, and did not know whether he was dead or alive:\n\nAnd what the dolphin saw of her sorrow, on one day he said to her, \"My sweet daughter, why are you so sad?\" sorrowful: give yourself to pleasure, for I remember no more the things passed, and there is nothing in the world that you ask of me. But I shall do it gladly for you, and then the fair vine who had not forgotten Paris, said to her, Honorable father, if I were sure of the things passed that they were forgotten by you, I would be more certain that I am, but I firmly believe that you still remember them. For you always keep Messire Jacques in prison, the father of Paris. Who is not guilty of any part of this deed or cause, And if you would do me such grace as to pardon him and restore to him all his goods and possessions, I would be very joyous, and the dolphin, for the pleasure of his daughter, said to her, \"It delights me well,\" and the dolphin induced Messire Jacques to be released from prison, and returned to him all his goods and possessions that had been taken from him. Messire Jacques was greatly pleased if he had remained longer in prison. He had been dying of hunger. For him, there was none who offered comfort but Edward. Which comforted him best, he might give to him daily, that which was necessary for his life, when he knew that Sir Jaques was out of prison. She was more joyful and had great pleasure. Nevertheless, all the comfort of Jaques was what she might speak with Edward of his love in Paris. And thus she passed her time in great pain and sorrow the best way she could.\n\nWhat the Earl of Falmouth had read in the letters of the Dolphin, and understood that he would marry his daughter Jaques. Which was fifteen years old. He arranged that she should have one of two barons, either the son of the King of England or the son of the Duke of Burgundy, who then had great renown in France. And the said Earl made this arrangement with the Dolphin, setting words to the Dolphin that it seemed best to him that the son of the Duke of Burgundy should marry Jaques. The dolphin, who was best for her, because it should please the king of France, and he being a noble knight of great prowess, had received these letters from the earl of Flanders. He sent word to the king of France to let him know which of the two prices mentioned earlier should have his daughter. If he would have her, the king had great pleasure and considered it a great honor. The king then agreed that it would please him best if he married his daughter to the son of the duke of Burgundy, his nephew. In doing so, he would do great favor and would do as much for him. What time and place require: And seeing the dolphin the will of the king of France, sent word to the earl of Flanders that he had consulted with his barons, and also that it was the will of the king of France that his daughter should be married to the son of the duke of Burgundy. The earl labored greatly in this matter. sayd sone of the duc to agree as for\nhis partye\nNOw late vs leue to speke of\nthis mater / a\u0304d retorned we\nvnto parys / which abode in\nthe cyte of Gene moche heuy / & whi\u2223les\nthis mariage was in trayry. Pa\u2223rys\ndwelled in Gene out of all joyes\nand playsau\u0304ces worldy. & all for the\nloue that he had to the fayr vyenne / \nwhome he had somoche at his hert\nAnd abode alle way in his lodgyng\nallone / & by came so deuoute & so hu\u0304\u2223ble\ntoward god /  that it was grete\nmeruaylle: and also for the good cou\u0304\u2223tenau\u0304ces\nthat he made: he was mo\u2223che\nwel beloued of alle the nobles &\nthe peple of the cyte / and they helde\nhym for a noble man. & sayd he must\nnedes be the sone of a grete lorde / a\u0304d\nparys beyng in this maner had gre\u2223te\ndesyre to haue tydinges of vyenne\nand what was hyr aduenture And\nanone ordeyned two letters. that one\nto hys fader. and that other to his fe\u2223lawe\nEdward / Of whiche the letter\nto hys fader sayd in this maner\nRyght dere and honourable sit a\u0304d\nfader playse yf you to wete that i am \"I am most sorrowful and heavy-hearted about my cruel adventure. I endure great pains and tribulations, and I was that I am at Geneses, dwelling alone, deposed from all joys and consolations. For my intention is to serve God and our lady from henceforth. I purpose that you shall see me no more. I will depart and go through the world to seek holy pilgrimages, and if it pleases you, grant me pardon and your blessing. Also, dear and father, I pray you and supplicate, that my dear brother and fellow Edward will take in my name and place. I recommend him to you as your son, both in your heritage and in other things. And the grace of the holy ghost be with you. Recommend me to my mother and others.\n\nAnd the letter of Edward said:\nDear and special brother and singular friend Edward, the peril of Paris\" and of his adventure is prolonged\nof all evil and cruel fortune. I command me to you as much as I may say or think / Nevertheless, like\nas we have been accustomed to write letters of love & of chivalry Now I must write letters anxious of sorrow and of evil fortune. for alas I am unhappy all alone in a strange country & exiled from all joys and from all pleasure. and out of all worldly pleasure. thinking night and day\non the fair Venus / which I think that for me has suffered mortal sorrow and I say to you that if I knew\nthat for me she suffered pain and sorrow. I would be in despair / for I am worthy to be punished cruelly.\nfor that fair and none other Wherefore I pray God and all his saints\nthat she may be kept from all evil / & give her grace to prosper in all good and honor like as she is worthy &\nmy heart desires\nA dear brother and fellow, the most dear things that I love in this world are first the fair and sweet Venus\nand next you: to whom I pray you if it may be in only one way that you will say to her in my name, how that I am living in Genes, passing my life much heavier and sorrowful due to the absence of her noble person, and for the cruel and evil fortune that has befallen me. And also tell her that I cry for her mercy. And it may please her to pardon me if by me she has been displeased, and God knows my intent and in what tribulation I live. Since it has not pleased our lord that we accomplish our desire and will, we ought to be patient. And also you shall tell her that I pray and provide for her as much as I may that she yet takes no husband until she sees the end of our adventure. After this, I pray you, dear brother of the consolation of my father and mother, and that you be to them as a son, for seeing the love that we have always had together. I have written to my father that in my stead he takes you as his son, and after his life, he will leave to you his heritage. forso much brother and fellow, I pray you be humble and obedient to them. The better part shall be yours, and if by chance you write to me any letter, let it be kept in my father's house. The holy ghost have you in keeping, and he delivered this letter to a courtesan who within a few days was at Vienne. And secretly he delivered his letters to Edward the good knight. When Edward had received these letters and knew that Paris was alive, he had great joy, as anyone could think or believe. Nevertheless, he held the courtesan secretly in his house, to prevent the dolphin from knowing of it. And when he had read the letters, he went to the house of Master Jacques, the father of the noble Paris, and said to him, \"Master Jacques, I bring you this letter. When Master Jacques had read the letter, he could not be satisfied with reading it; he took great pleasure in it. After he had read it at his leisure, he prayed Edward to write to him. an answer was given to all who had fallen since his departure. & Edward departed from him and went to Beauvais. Whom he found much heavier and sorrowful for her love and friend Paris. / And Edward said, \"Honorable lady, and why are you thus heavy?\" And Venus said to him, \"Alas, fair brother Edward, I have good reason and cause to be heavy. For my heart remains day and night thinking of my good knight Paris. And I do not know whether he is alive or dead. Of this thing, I much desire to know: for if he is dead, I am the cause and certainly, if he is dead, I may not live after him. If our lord would grant such grace, that he be alive. In truth, I would know in what land he is: to the place that I might have said to him a little money: so that he has no need for his person.\" And Edward said to her, \"Madame, what will you give me if I tell you good news and certain of him?\" Then Venus said, \"By my faith, there is nothing that I have in this world, which I may give with my honor.\" Edward said: \"Here is a letter he has given to me. Who saw the letter? She opened it and read it all aloud. When she had read it, she had such great joy that she seemed as if God had appeared to her. The joy she had in her heart, she wore on her face. For since she departed from Paris, she had not such a good face or cheer as then. Edward said: \"Give me back my letter. I want to make an answer to her. Vyeune said: \"It pleases me much that you make an answer for Paris, my sweet friend. But surely the letter shall remain with me. Then he said: \"Madame, have you not promised to give me that thing which I shall ask of you? Yes, she said. Edward said: \"I desire and will have nothing but that you give me my letter. But if you will ask for anything else, I will willingly give it to you. Then Edward said: \"I am content.\" that the letter remains with you\nand after he ordered another letter to Paris. which said in his manner: Right dear brother and fellow Paris, your father and mother greet you well. The ones who have suffered much disease, pain, and hardships on your behalf. In particular, your father: who has long been in prison, and all his goods were taken from him. And I certify you that, by the grace of God and at the request and prayer of Vienne the Dolphin, has pardoned him for all his evil will, and delivered him out of prison, and restored to him all his goods again.\n\nPlease know, fair brother, that Vienne has had so much joy and pleasure knowing that you are alive. It is a wonder to believe. For all her consolation was to have tidings of you, and she commends herself to you as much as she may, and has great desire to see you. And she also prayed you not to withdraw from her nor from that country, but that you write often to her of your estate, and sends to you. an eschaton of three thousand sorrows, of which she wills that you take your place and yield. For all her hope is in you. Also, you shall understand that she has been kept in prison for a certain time. But thanked be God, she is now out. I have shown her your letter, which she receives, and after that she had read it. I could never have it again. But she said: that she would rather lose all that she had than the said letter; and you shall know that the dolphin arranges a marriage for her, the which is the son of the duke of Burgundy, and he hopes from day to day that it will be accomplished. Nevertheless, I trust so little in him. She has said to me that she will never have another husband but you; therefore live forth joyously in hope: Dear brother, I take you as I can or may for the representation that you have done for me. Your soul be with God. To whom I pray that He keep you in His holy ward and protection. &c. This letter was written, he delivered it to the. Courour who made hasty journeys so that he arrived at Genes where the god knight Paris dwelt and abode. When the noble Paris had read the letter and knew that Venus had been in prison almost for sorrow, almost out of his wits, he cursed his evil fortune and the day he was born. Much discomforted, he also cursed the Dauphin, saying, \"O evil father and unconscionable one. How may your heart suffer to put in prison she who is so noble a creature, the fair Venus, who is no cause of this fate? For I myself have done it, and ought to bear the punishment alone. Alas, and why did God not grant me more grace, that I might have taken her stead? O fair Venus, what have I done for you? Who have suffered so much pain on my account? Thus he made a great while his sorrow, weeping strongly. After Paris saw that the fair Venus was returned to her first estate, of which he was much joyous, When he had received these messages from Guy of Lusignan, he hired a beautiful house and clothed him honestly and welcomed him warmly. They did much good and gained great honor. He remained in Paris for a long time, always keeping the love of Guy in his heart. Every month they wrote letters to each other: of which there is no need to make mention. For it would be too long to recount. And here we come to the marriage feast of the excellent Guy.\n\nWhen the lord of Flanders had arranged the marriage with the duke of Burgundy, he made his son ready and provided him with companions and horses. He informed the Dauphin that he should make ready all things necessary and that he should send his son to him urgently. When the Dauphin heard these tidings, that he, whom he so desired, should come, he was much pleased. joyous and incotineet made ready many great and marvelous feasts, and during these, he made ready his son, the duke of Burgundy, horses and people to accompany him. It was a fair sight to see. And after sending him to the earl of Flanders, who received him with great joy and honor and feasted him for two days, and delivered his son to him in his company. He then sent him to the dauphin. And when the dauphin knew of their coming, he made ready to receive him. And they were near Vienne by a day's journey. He rode out with great chivalry and received them with much great joy and pleasure. Each made great feasts for the other: which we are over long to recount. Nevertheless, before the dauphin came to the son of the duke of Burgundy, he had his wife enter the chamber of Vienne. To whom the dauphin said, \"Fair daughter, it was the pleasure of God that I and your mother were to endure nine years without having a child. And in the ninth year, our lord gave us a son.\" We have all our affection for you. For we have neither son nor daughter but you, and we never supposed we would have any other. It is true that, as God wills and has ordained, we intend to assemble you to a more honorable marriage: this pleases us much. The daughter of the noble king of France has much desired to have him whom you shall have. God has endowed him with wisdom and honor as the heart of a knight may have. Thus, to the pleasure of God, we have made the marriage of the son of the Duke of Burgundy and you. Therefore, we pray you that you will give your good will and pleasure to this, and also that you will make the marriage agreeable. Then, answer your father, Honorable Father and Lord. I well know that this which you have eaten is for my welfare and profit. But notwithstanding that I am in age to marry, and that in this marriage I should receive more honor than I am worthy, nevertheless, If we have not yet married this man, and if it pleases God, we shall have another as good or better. And think not, my lord, that I say this for any excuse. But it has been twenty days since I have been badly disposed towards my person, and the illness that I have caused me to take no pleasure in marriage. For I have avowed to God never to marry this man nor any other, as long as I shall be in this illness. Then the dolphin, who often said it for my shame, traveled every day with fair words that she should consent to this marriage, but it availed him nothing; for her will was more in Paris than in any man in the world. Then on the morrow, the son of the duke of Burgundy and the son of the earl of Flanders entered the city of Vienne. The Dauphin took great joy and pleasure in this, and this feast lasted well for several days, during which they did nothing but dance and sing. and the dauphin said to the son of the duke of Burgundy, \"Therefore, my fair son, I pray and beseech you to think nothing evil because you tarry or you may espouse my daughter.\" Fair son, I pray you and beseech you to take yourself to pleasure and rejoice. And do not be grieved by this long staying here. For truly my daughter is so sick that she cannot speak, which causes her great distress and shame, for she would willingly be out of her chamber. And then the son of the noble duke of Burgundy, as he met me, swore it lightly. Nevertheless, the dolphin did nothing night or day. But he admonished his daughter once in fair words and another time in threats. But in no way could he make his daughter consent. And he commanded that she should have nothing but bread and water. And he remained one day thus with her. And all this the dauphin did to bring about her consent in this marriage. And he always did more harm and pain to her. more hed further from his desire, whereof the dolphin had much grief displays himself, and not without cause. Saying the dolphin that his daughter was so indurate: he thought that by some good means he would send her home again to the son of the duke of Burgundy, for he doubted that if he remained there, this deed might be discovered. He gave him fair jewels and afterwards said to him, \"Fair son, I will that you take no further displays in that I shall say to you. Ale seems well that at this time this marriage may not go forth from you and from my daughter. For after that I see and as it seems to me, the will of God is farther than I would at this time. He will not that the marriage of you and of my daughter take now effect. Wherefore I have great displays in my heart alone for your love. Then the son of the duke of Burgundy, seeing that at that time he might do nothing, took leave of the dolphin and returned to his court. By cause that Venus was not in health, and promised that as soon as he knew\nthat she would be well / he would return\nto accomplish the marriage:\nlike how the dolphin had promised\nto him\n\nThe dolphin made Emperor Yves imprison\nVienne because she would not consent to the marriage\nto the son of the Duke of Burgundy.\nAfter certain days that the son of the Duke of Burgundy was departed from the city of Vienne, the dolphin came before him again, and he made within his palaces a little prison dark and obscure. He put Vienne and Ysabeau into that prison and commanded that they should have nothing to eat but bread and water. And in this manner Vienne and Ysabeau passed their time in great sorrow. And think not that for this prison, the heart of Vienne would in any way consent to her father's will, but always increased her will toward her sweet friend Paris, and with sweet words she Ysabeau comforted me, saying, \"My dear sister Abigail, do not grieve for this harshness: for I have confidence in God that you shall have much wealth. For my fair sister, it is a very becoming thing that, for the good knight Parris, who suffers so much on my account, I suffer this in turn. I also tell you that all the pains of this world are nothing grievous to me, when I think on his sweet visage. In this way, one comforted the other. Speaking of the valiant knight Parris every day,\n\nWhen the son of the duke of Burgundy had remained long in his country, on a day he had great thoughts of Joan: and this was because of her great beauty, which displeased him much that, at his being there, he had not seen her. And so he decided to go and see her. It was not long after that he came to the dolphin, and the dolphin received him most gladly and with great honor. Then he prayed the dolphin to show him Joan as she was. For in the meantime, world was nothing that he desired to see as much as her. And the dolphin, showing the will and desire of her, would not hide his courage. But he said to her, \"My fair son by the faith that I owe to God. I have had great desire that this marriage should be made. But my daughter, for this present time, will take no husband or be married. Therefore I have great disappointment and that for your sake. And know that it does not depend on me. I swear to you that I have detained her from this town. I have had her kept in a dark and obscure prison. She has eaten only bread and water. And I have sworn that she shall not go out of prison until she shall consent to have you in marriage. And thus I pray you that you take no offense if at this time you see her not. For you may not fail to have great marriage. In case that this fails you, And then he answered, \"Honourable sir, I pray you heartily. Since it is so, that before I return I may speak to her, and I shall pray her as much as possible.\" as I see if by any means I may convert her from her will. Then the dolphin said he was content. Then he sent for his daughter's clothing and vestments to clothe her, and also food for her to eat, for in two months she had eaten only bread and water, of which she was very weak and this showed well in her appearance. He did this because she should accustom herself to the marriage. And then it was concluded that the son of the duke of Burgundy should come see her and speak with her. And when Vienne saw this and had received it all and knew that the son of the duke of Burgundy would come and speak with her, she said to Isabeau her damsel, Fair sister, behold how my father and mother deem these vestments and this hen to deceive me and turn me from my purpose. But God forbid that I should do so. Then she took the hen and said to her that brought it: if you please, tell him that he may not come these three days. when he comes, he brings wit with him, the bishop of Sainte Laurens. She who had brought the hen to her said all this to the dolphin and to Dame Jeanne her mother. Then she took the two quarters of the hen and put them under her arms, holding them so long that they stoked strongly. And on the third day, the bishop of Sainte Laurence and the son of the duke of Burgundy came to see Vienne. Before they entered, they opened a trellis which gave light into the prison. Then, when the son of the duke saw Vienne in the prison, he said to her with great pity, \"Noble Vienne, why will you die thus for such folly, by your own default? Do you not know well that your father has given you to me to have as my wife? I live in great pain and much sorrow for the distress of your courage, which you do with great sin, and do not doubt that God punishes you for your obedience to your father and to your.\" \"Moder, I pray you, fair Venus, tell me why you refuse to let me marry your husband Doubt you that what we shall be together. I promise you by my faith that you shall have pleasures and freedoms in all the ways you may command Then I pray you not to die so sorrowfully here & if you will not do it for my love, at least do it for your father's and mother's sake: they live in great sorrow and in great grief. Therefore you ought to have pity on them. When Venus had heard these words, she was abashed and said, Sir, saving your honor, I am married. How can you know who is in my heart? I also know and grant truly that you are worthy to have a much greater and higher lady than I, and I would endure more pain than I feel. Therefore I pray you, from henceforth speak to me no more.\" of this matter. I am disposed in my person that if it endured in me, my life shall not be long, and if it were honest, I should show it to you before now, and then you would see how it stands with me. Nevertheless, approach not near me: and you shall believe me better. The son of the duke of Burgundy and the bishop of Saint Laurent approached Vienne. From whom issued such a great sting that neither might suffer or endure it. This favor came from under her armholes of the two quarters of the hen: which were rotten. And Vienne, who saw that they had suffered enough of the stench, said to the lords, \"You may now know enough in what evil adventure I am disposed.\" Then they took leave, having great compassion on her. And they said to the dolphin that Vienne was then half rotten and that she stank. They deemed in themselves that she might not live long and that it would be great damage for the sovereign beauty that was in her, and initiated the son of the duke. duke Bourgoyne took leave of the dolphin and returned to his country, and recounted to his father the life of Venus. All who heard him had great pity in their hearts. The dolphin, seeing that the marriage was broken by his daughter Venus' default, swore that she should never depart from there. But if she would consent to his will, she remained a long time in that prison: where she had great thought and sorrow for her sweet and true friend Paris: and her desire was on nothing else but to hear tidings of Paris' love. But in the state that she was in, no man could bring tidings to her. And Edward, the favorite of Paris, seeing that Venus remained in such great pain, and that none dared speak to her, had great sorrow in his heart and was greatly moved by great pity, and also for the great love he had for Paris. He therefore conceived the idea of building a chapel in the church that touched the dolphin's palisades, and in a corner he dug so deep that it was nearly. to the priory's foundation, where in Vyenne was: and because he would not have the thing disclosed, he demanded that they should dig no farther/and until the chapel was achieved and finished, Edward alone dug himself so deeply. That he made a hole: by which he spoke to Vyenne, who he was, and then Vyenne, having heard him and known him, had such great joy and consolation that she seemed to have risen from the dead to live, and the first tidings that Vyenne demanded of him were if he knew any tidings of Paris. And Edward told her that it was not long since he had received a letter from him written at Genes. Then Vyenne, weeping to him, said: \"Alas, what day will come that I shall see him, and that day I would be content that God's will be done to me. For none other thing I desire in this world, Alas, fair brother.\" what seems to you of my life and of this fair chamber in which I dwell? Certainly, I believe very truly that if Paris knew it, for his love I would suffer so much sorrow that his heart would melt for sorrow. After she told Edward the lame knight she had been with the son of the Duke of Burgundy and the Handsome One, and begged him to speak of all this to Paris, and recommended herself to him. And she had no other hope in this world but him. Edward brought her every day from thence food and drink, and all that was necessary for her. For her life, and comforted her with fair words, the best wise he might. Edward wrote plainly to Paris how she should have grieved, and that he had daily provided for her all that was necessary: and he wrote to him all the manner in which Venus had held herself with the son of the Duke of Burgundy. And this fair lady Venus desired nothing in this world but to see him only: and also that she prayed that he should not depart\nout of the country that he was in.\nWhat the noble Paris had received\nthe letter from Edward: and knew\nthat upstanding in prison. it is no need to demand if he had great delight.\nand almost was in such cases as to lose his wit for sorrow: and on the other hand, he had great fear\nthat she should be married in eschewing\nthe great harm and pain\nthat she suffered. and herein he was persistent\nnight and day / saying to himself\nI see well that I may not escape but\nthat vice must necessarily be married\nand by that means her love and mine\nshall fail. Alas now see I well that\nnow me behooves no hope nor trust\nAlas, Catherine and unhappy, what shall\nbefall me / I shall go so far that\nfrom her I may never hear tidings /\nne also she from me / and after this beginning\nhis complaint continued saying,\nO true God of heaven, why have you not done to me\nso much grace / that I in her place might suffer\nthe pain that she suffers for me: O After he had made his complaint, he wrote a letter to Edward, telling him of his sovereign sorrow for Venus, who was in prison. He begged him for the goodness and diligence he had shown her, praying that he would never fail her but continue to aid and help her greatly. Afterward, he wrote to him that for true displeasure and melancholy, he would go into some strange country. And from then on, he should send him no more letters, and he should not long for many tidings from him, except for those of a dead person. Then Edward, having received these letters from Paris and knowing that he would leave that land of Genes, was much angered. And then Edward became incited and told it to the father and mother of Paris, of whom they took great sorrow. Edward also told it to Vienne. It was unnecessary for them to demand great sorrow from her, for it was so great and overwhelming that if Edward had not comforted her, she would have died. Then she complained to Isabeau, saying that since she had not entered to hear tidings of her love Paris, she was right well content to die and would never more have pleasure of anything that was in this world. And then she wished that she were dead. If Isabeau had comforted her always, After that Paris had sent the letter to Edward: Inconveniently, he departed from Genoa with his servant and set sail. He sailed so far that he came to Alexandria. There he stayed a while and learned the way to the mountain of Calvary. and of Jerusalem, and he decided to go there safely. Afterward, Paris concluded to travel to that country. When Paris could well speak Moroccan, he took his servant and set off towards India. They traveled far and arrived in the land of Priest John. In this land, he stayed for a long time. While his beard grew long, and after, he took the habit of a monk and also learned all the customs and manners of the country. He remained steadfast in believing in our Lord Jesus Christ and in the glorious virgin Mary, his sweet mother. And thus, living in this way, he had a great desire to go to Jerusalem to the holy sepulcher to see the holy sanctuaries and to complete the pilgrimage. Then, when he was in Jerusalem, he set all his courage in devotion and earnestly begged that it was meritorious. He prayed continually to our Lord that by the merit of his passion, he would grant him salvation for his soul and consolation for his body. And also for the fair Venice, and after he departed from thence and went into Egypt: and arrived in the country of the Sudan. His money began to fail: and he hired a little house where he dwelt much, heavy and sorrowful for his misfortune. And also he had great displeasure when he saw other triumphs and grew lords.\n\nNow it happened on a day that Paris went to play and amuse himself outside the town in the fields. And there met with him the falconers of the Sudan, who came from hawking. Among them was one falcon more sickly; and that falcon the sultan loved best of all the others. Then Paris asked the falconer what ailment the falcon had. And the falconer said to him that he did not know. Then Paris said to him truly, if he continues in this illness he will not live three days, but if you do this I will tell you. And if he is not whole with it, he will never be whole. Then the falconer said to him, \"I pray you, tell me what I shall do.\" For I ensure that... you faithfully make this hole. It will more easily help you and me, and I promise you, for the sultan had rather lose the best city he has than this falcon:: Then, Paris went and sought certain herbs, and gave them to the falconer and ordered him to bind it to the feet of the falcon, and he did so. The falcon soon amended and became as whole as it had been before. The sultan was greatly joyful because of this falcon, and for the love of this falcon, the sultan made the falconer a great lord in his court. Then the falconer, seeing that by Paris's means he had obtained lordship: he did much pleasure to him, showed him great amity and friendship as if he had been his brother, and brought him into his grace. He was received into his court. The sultan loved him so well that he gave him great office and maintained him in great honor.\n\nIn this time, a much holy pope reigned. He was named Innocentius. And he was a very holy and devout person. He gave out a decree against the false mystics and men, to ensure that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ was sanctified and encircled throughout Christendom. Therefore, a great council was convened, attended by the cardinals and prelates. It was concluded by their parliament that this decree should be written to the king of France and other Christian kings, dukes, earls, and other great lords.\n\nWhen the king of France had received the letters from the pope, Inquisitor Constance, the seneschal for the Dauphin of Vendome, was summoned to come and speak with him. The inquisitor came at his command. Then the king said to him, \"Sir Godfrey, we have summoned you here because you are one of the wisest in our court, and because you are of our lineage. We want you to know that our holy father the pope has written to us that he has given you a decree against the heretics.\" For the love and reverence of God, we entered to go there. Nevertheless, we have advised that you should go first into the parties, and we pray you, for the love and reverence of God, take on you the charge for espying the countries and the passages. Then the dolphin said, \"I am ready and appointed to do your commandment with good will. But how shall I manage it to pass surely among the heathen people? For if they perceive in any way that I go to spy on their country, they will not keep me. Then the king said, \"You may go and your company safely, clothed in pilgrim's habit, for you know well that this is not the first time that many Christian men have been in the holy land. Wherefore I pray you yet once more, in the name of Jesus Christ, that you make yourselves ready to go there. And take with you of our knights as many as it pleases you. Then the dolphin, seeing the will of the king and that it was necessary for him to depart, sent letters to his wife / that he would go to the holy land / to seek the holy sanctities and pilgrimages. And prayed that she should wisely govern his land; and that Venus his daughter should not escape from prison. Until he returned. For in a short time he would come again after the dolphin had taken his ship. And passed into Syria and Damascus / to Jerusalem and many other places. And had advised and espied much wisely and well all the country. And inquired of the Christ me who dwelt there about many things. Without discovering his will and intent. Nevertheless, some evil Christ me told it to the sultan of Babylon. Then when the sultan knew it, he made no feigned semblance. But I continued, he made all the passages to be kept where the pilgrims went by, in such a manner as the dolphin was taken and all his company in a place called Ramah, not far from Jerusalem. Which was brought before the sultan. And he ordered that the dolphin should be tortured. and the dolphin seeing himself in such a position said that they should not torment him; and he would tell them the truth. Thus he recounted to the soldier how the pope had given out a crucifix against them and how he had come to spy on the country. When the sultan saw this: he said that he would advise him of what death he would do him. And he commanded that he should be led into Alexandria immediately and there to be put into a strong and harsh prison. And none should give him but bread and water. Then the dolphin was brought into Alexandria / and was put into a hard and strong tower. And there he suffered a miserable life and had keepers who kept him night and day. Thus was the dolphin in great sorrow, thinking never to issue out of that prison but died. However, the pope and the king of France often caused great pain to have him out by finances; but they could not have him. For the soldier said that he would do such punishment to him that all others would take example from it. Two religious brothers sought indulgences in the Holy Land and arrived in Babylon, where they wished to see the power and might of the soldiery. The sultan held him in Babylon with great power. These two brothers were among the parties. As they were in the town of Paris, they were sold into slavery and demanded of the parties in this manner: \"After I have heard among you, Christian men, that you have a pope, who is very strong and powerful, and also have many kings and great lords, and such great cities, towns, and castles, I am amazed that you allow those who are not of your law to have the sovereignty of the Holy Land. Which ought to be...\" They approached you as you say, and the brothers had heard him speak thus. They were afraid, and one of them answered in the language of the mob. For they knew none other but Paris was a mob leader, and so did all the country. He said to him, \"Sir, I believe well that you have heard: there have been great companies of people and men-at-arms assembled in our parties to come into these parties, because our holy father the pope has granted a cross: and in the meantime our men-at-arms have assembled. The king of France, who is the greatest of Christendom, sent a noble baron, named the Duke of Venosa, to visit and spy on these parties. The soldiers had set men in such places where pilgrims were accustomed to pass. Suddenly, he took him in a city named Ramon, and after sent him into an alexandry. And there he set him in an evil prison; I suppose that he is dead. And thus for this cause the faith was discovered.\" Then Paris said, \"How\" is it Lord named Then said the friar,\nhe is named Godfrey of Allanson,\ndolphin of Vienneys, & when Paris\nheard this he was much abashed,\nbut he made no semblance. And thought,\nin his heart, that his adventure\nmight yet come to good and effect.\nThen he demanded of many things,\nand said to them, that he would speak to them another time,\nand demanded where they were lodged,\nand they told him, out of fear rather than love,\nfor they thought he would do them some harm.\n\nWhen Paris was departed from the friars, he was much pensive, how and in what manner he might go to Alexandria,\nfor to see the dolphin, and how he might get him out of prison. And so much he thought on his fate: that he purposed to go to the hostel where the friars were lodged,\nand so went there. And when the friars saw him they were sore afraid.\nThen Paris took them by the hands,\nand led them through the city speaking of many things always in the language of more, and said to them, I have great desire to see the Christian knight who is in Alexandria. I have always been willing to help Christian men. If you will come with me, I promise by my law that I will make you welcome and you need not fear anything. And when the friars heard him speak thus, they did not know what to answer. They had such great fear. Nevertheless, trusting in God's mercy, they promised him that they would die and pray to God for grace that he might be released from prison. Then Paris had great joy at the friars' answer and we never saw the hour that he might be with us to see the end of his adventure. And so he departed from the friars and went straight to the falconer of the sultan, with whom he had great knowledge. Saying to him, \"Signor, I thank you for the great honor, courtesy, and gentleness you have shown me. I promise you,\". for your love I shall not tarry long, but that I shall return hither again. And because I am unknown there and have never been there before, I humbly request that you obtain a mandate from the sultan. He commanded the governors that I may pass through all his lands safely. For you know well that one cannot keep him well from evil people. Therefore, I pray and request that you will obtain such a mandate for me and also command me humbly to the good grace of my lord the sultan. And with the falconer we went to the sultan, and he granted him all his desires, saying that it greatly pleased him of Paris. If he would abide and dwell in his court, he would make him a great lord. Then the falconer said, \"Sir, he has promised me that in short time he will return.\" Then the sultan did make the mandate like he would decree. Charging all his lords officers. Subjets of towns, cities, and castles of his land were to do great honor to him, and were to give and deliver to him all that was necessary without taking any money or other thing from him. Paris received many rich clothes and vestments of cloth of gold and silk, and great treasure. He prayed that he should not delay but hastily return again. He promised him that he would make him a great lord and delivered his mandate, which was sealed with the proper seal of the sultan and signed with his own hand.\n\nAfter Paris had received all these things that the soldier had given to him, he took leave of him and of his court and went with the friars to Alexandria. Inconsiderate after he had come, he showed the mandate to the admiral. The admiral, upon seeing it, did great honor to Paris and provided for him a fair lodging with all things necessary. He also delivered another person to the friars. The admiral came every day to him. see Paris in his logging for honor and company, and went and rode together through the city. Because Paris was richly clad, every man made great honor to him and said he seemed well to be the son of some great lord. And on a day as they rode in the city, they passed forth by the tower where the dolphin was in prison. Then Paris asked the admiral what tower it was that was so fair. Then he told him that it was a most cruel and terrible prison in which the sultan held a great lord and baron of this land, who had come to spy on these countries. Then said Paris, \"I pray you, let us go see him.\" The admiral said he would gladly. They alighted from their horses and entered into the prison. And when Paris saw the dolphin held in his heart, great despair: because of the miserable and fearful life that he suffered. Paris demanded of the keepers what man he was. They said that he was a great baron of France. \"Paris said. He understood her not, and they replied that they would not listen to him unless he spoke to them. Then Paris said he would return another day to demand something from the western parties. He asked Thadmiral to give command to the keepers that whenever he came, they should show him. He commanded them as Paris desired, and then they departed. A few days later, Paris returned and came to the prison and brought one of the friars with him who could speak Moroccan. When they were in prison, Paris said to the friar that he should tell him courteously that the lord had come to visit him. That he loved Christian men well, and was in the favor of the sultan, trusting as much in him as in any man of his country.\" The friar demanded many things of the dolphin in the name of Paris and said he would do so gladly. When the dolphin heard the religious friar speak in the name of the more powerful ruler, he was greatly abashed in his courage. He begged the lord that he would put him in such courage and good will to bring him out of prison. Paris asked the friar to ask the dolphin if he had a wife or children. Then the dolphin began to weep and said he had a wife and a daughter, the fairest in France, whom he held in prison because she would take no husband. Paris began to comfort him through the friar's mouth, saying he should take everything in peace and that God would yet deliver him from prison once more. The dolphin was so rejoiced and joyous by these words that it seemed to him as if God had appeared to him. The dolphin then said to the friar that it was a great pity that the more powerful ruler was not baptized and prayed the lord. \"yt he would give to her pleasure to keep him in the good will that he had abandoned one from the other more, comforted then paris said to you keepers that he had found great pleasure in the prisoner, and would often come to entertain him. They said what pleased him he should return and be welcome. Then paris said to the brother who was there if I thought to be sure of you: I think well to find a way to bring this prisoner out of prison. And the brothers were much admired by this which paris had said to them. They said to him by the say that we owe to our god that you need not doubt. And in case that you are willing to attempt it, but it must be done secretly. For you see well how many keepers there are continually. Then said paris I shall give you good counsel and release from all this. But I will have two things. The first thing is, I will that you go with me. The second is, that he shall give to me my living.\" In my country, I have acted honorably for I am in great doubt what I have delivered him: and he will set nothing by me, and I have no use nor craft. Therefore, if he will assure me and give to me a gift such as I shall demand from him when I am in his country, I will deliver him and leave my country for love of him. On the morrow Paris and the friars came into the prison, and the friar reported all this to the dolphin. When the dolphin understood this, he thought that God was taking him away, and said, \"I thank you and this more of the good will it has to ward me: for I never served him nor pleased him. Nevertheless, I hope it is the pleasure of God that he will deliver me out of prison: I am ready to swear by the body of Jesus Christ or ever I depart from him, as I shall be in my own charge, I shall maintain him in a greater estate than this.\" he is here and I will that he do all his will on my land, for it shall be sufficient to me alone that I have a living for me and my wife. I shall do all that he wills. Tell him this on my behalf. Then the friar told all to Paris that which the dolphin had said and promised to do. And to ensure that Paris would be more certain, he said to the friar that he should bring before him the body of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that before him he should swear to keep all that he had promised. The friar told it to Paris. The dolphin swore it to Paris to accomplish all that he had promised, and when he had sworn to the end that Paris should be the better contender, the dolphin received the precious body of our Lord Jesus Christ, saying that it would be to the damnation of his soul if he did not accomplish all that he had promised. They should be in his land, and this was Paris and the friars departed from the dolphin, and went to the gate: to wait. if there were only first ones coming here and by chance they found a first. And Paris spoke to the patron and promised him a thousand gold pieces if they would let five persons pass. The patron, seeing the great treasure, said to them that he was content, but he would have half at the door. And he said to them, lords, I pray you make yourselves ready. For in case the more of this land finds us, we shall all be dead. Then Paris made himself ready. And after this Paris returned to his lodging and made ready much victuals and the best wines that he could get, and with the brothers he made provisions of all other things and clothing and to wells. Then all was ready, Paris went to the keepers of the prison and said, I thank you many times for the great pleasures that you have done to me. I will now depart from here for the return to my lord the Sultan. But for your love I will sup with you this night. and pray that we may sup together. And they answered that it pleased him for his love. Then Paris sent for the victuals and the wine. And after it was come they suppered together. The keepers, who had not been accustomed to drink wine, drank so much that they all became drunk and lay down to sleep so soundly that for no reason they could awake them. When Paris saw this, he said to the friars: that they should open the gates of the prison, and if any keeper awakened, I will kill him. Then the friars began to unfetter the dolphin with great fear. Pray God to be with us and help us, and what the dolphin was loose, he clad him like a moor. After Paris slew all the keepers one after another because if they awakened they would not come after them. Thus the dolphin, with Paris and his varlet and the two friars, came to the portal. And they hastily entered into the first which was already ready. And they wondered up. The dolphin and with God's help began to sail so quickly that within a few days they arrived at a place that was Christian then. The dolphin went ashore because he was much grieved and annoyed, not only by the harm he had suffered in captivity but also by the sea. There he borrowed money and went to Cyprus, where there was a king who had lived in the court of the king of France. As soon as he knew that the dolphin of Venus had come, he went to meet him and begged him to come and lodge in his palaces. The dolphin went there. The king took great joy in this and made him great cheer. They had seen each other many times in the king's court of France. After the king demanded his adventure from him, and the dolphin related it to him in full. Because of the dolphin's coming, he made more great feasts and received him more warmly. He made him stay as long as it pleased him. And when the dolphin had stayed, there at his pleasure: he took leave of the king and of all his court, thanking him much for the great favor he had done to him. The king, seeing it was the dolphin who would depart, gave him great gifts and armed two galleys which accompanied him. And brought him upon the sea, and had such good wind that within a few days they brought him into Aigue-Marine.\n\nThen the dolphin was arrested / the knights of the dolphin heard it at once / and forthwith made them ready and went to horseback and met him at Aigue-Marine / and there received him in great honor / and so came forth the right way to Vienne. And for your information, all they of the city made a most noble and marvelous feast which lasted well fifteen days / and the pleasure and joy was so great among them because they had received their lord, that no one could have thought it. Paris in all this way never changed his attire or clothing. But continually went to mass. And by the commandment of The dolphin revered and honored Paris so much that Paris was ashamed of it. He spoke nothing but mournfully and had a great beard. After a while, the dolphin, to keep his promise to Paris, spoke to him through the friar and demanded, \"If you will grant me the seigniory of your land and territory. I am ready to fulfill that which I promised.\" Paris answered, \"You should keep your land.\" Then, the dolphin demanded him through the friar, \"Say ye, for that pleases me well, and then we will go to her.\" When they arrived before Yvaine, the friar spoke first, \"Madame, you know well that your father has been in prison for a long time and would still be, had it not been for the love of my lord your father. Thus, you may well know how much he is valued.\" your father is held by him and therefore your father asks that you do all the favors you will for him. He requests that you take him as your husband, and he will pardon all the displeasures you have caused him. The friar had finished speaking when the bishop of St. Lawrence, who was present, interjected, saying that it is long since if I had wished to be married, I could have been married with more honor to my father. The son of the Duke of Burgundy had espoused me if I had consented. But God has put me in such a malady: that I may not long live in this world, and every day my malady increases and so enrages me that I am half rotten. Therefore I pray you to tell my father that I am excused. At this time I will not be married. They then took their leave of the friar and reported all this to the dolphin. Then the dolphin said to the friar that he should The brother told it to the more, and then Paris, who was afraid to lose the love of Venus, went to see her in prison with the brother and the bishop of St. Laurece. Paris saw Venus in that position, and he had great sorrow and marvel. Then he made the brother sell her to him in his name, and he answered her courteously. The brother spoke in the name of Paris: \"Lady, you know well that I have delivered your father from prison. You ought to show him great pleasure, and yet he should have been there if I had not helped him. He pardons you with a good heart and good will for all the displeasures you caused him. And I pray you that you take me for your husband and that we have the lordship of the dolphin. Therefore, I pray you, neither you nor I lose this honor: and yet more, even if this were not the case, you ought not to disobey the commands of your father. And then Venus.\" I have cleaned the text as follows:\n\nI answered the friar as to the person of Paris. I know well that you have delivered my father out of prison. Notwithstanding, my father shall have no regard for you that you shall lose anything. And I well know that you are a man of great lineage. And you are worthy to have a greater lady than I. But the bishop of St. Lawrence, who is present, knows well that for the malady that I am in, I may not lodge here. Then the friar said, \"This is because I am a more persistent one that you refuse me. I promise you that I shall become Christian: but I think well that if you knew who I am and what I have left behind to bring your father out of prison, you would value me more than you do. You know for certain that your father will be indicted, for he has promised that you shall be my wife. Therefore, if it pleases you, grant him his will.\" Then Vienne said, \"Lord, I have heard much good of you: and you are he who has done so much.\" my father, but nevertheless in the maiden in whom I am none have the power to persuade me to take a husband, for my life may not endure, and for your sake, that you may know that I speak truth, approach near to me: and you shall feel and smell in what disposition I am: of my person. Then they approached near to her. And yet had put two quarters of an hen under her two armholes. And there issued so great a stench that the bishop and the friar could not endure it. Nevertheless, the stench was pleasing to Paris, for he smelled it not. And he said, \"I know not what you smell, for I feel no evil savour. They marveled greatly because he felt no odour. And the friar said in Paris' name, 'For this odour shall I never leave you, and I assure you I shall never depart from him until you have made it known to your father.' And yet he answered angrily and said, 'By the faith that I owe to God, I shall rather rend my head against the wall than let it make my brain issue out of my mouth.'\" \"So you shall be the cause of my death,\" said the brother. \"Then you shall not do that, madame,\" she replied. \"I promise you from here forth that I shall never speak to you again, unless it is your will or pleasure. But at least, I pray you this night you advise yourself, and I shall return to the morning for an answer from you. And you should take counsel of your fellow. I pray to God that you may be well counseled. And all these things said the brother in the name of Paris to Vienne. And after they took their leave of Vienne, they said all to the dolphin, of whom he was much displeased. He bade the brother tell it all to Paris to excuse him and that he should not lay the blame on him. And when they were departed from Vienne, she said to Isabeau, \"My dear sister, what do you think of the wickedness of my father, that thinks I should take this more to my husband and refuse the son of the duke of Burgundy, but God forbid that in my life I have any other lord than Paris.\" to my husband: whom I hope yet to have. Isabeau said, \"Tertes, madam, I don't know what to say about your father, who would give you in marriage. I have given this much thought: for he has said that he will return tomorrow to see you. And has said that you should remember and advise yourself. And on the morrow, before parsing himself, he came richly clad and girded with a rich sword to the prison with the friar, and the friar said to her, \"Madam, we have returned to know your God's will and your entreaty.\" And she answered. Lords, my intent is that I shall never break my promise that I have made. For I have vowed that I shall never take a husband nor go out of this prison, but for him. To whom I have promised and therefore return you in good time.\" Then said the friar. \"By my faith, I don't know what to say. It is great damage that you suffer so much sorrow and pain. And since it is your will and that you will not be otherwise.\" do not hesitate, the more prays you to do me this great grace. That since you will not take me in marriage, you will wear this ring for the love of me. Now this ring was the same ring that Pygmalion gave to Paris when he departed from her in the chapel's chamber, and since they should not come again together until he took the ring back. And when she had received the ring, Paris said to the friar, \"I pray you tarry a little without.\" For I will see what counsels she will make of the ring, and the friar said gladly. But the incontinent friar went out, and immediately began to hold the ring. And when Paris saw that Venus held the ring so strongly, he began to speak in his plain tongue and said, \"O much noble lady, why are you so marveled at this ring?\" Then Venus said, \"To my seeming, I saw never a fairer.\" Then Paris prayed, \"Therefore, I pray you that you take pleasure in it. The more that you behold it, the more you shall praise it.\" Whym have you heard these more speak? Theadmerueled thee before, and I was as a person abashed, saying \"Alas, am I enchanted. What is this that I see and hear speak? In saying these words, she would have fled far from the priory. Because I heard the more speak:\nThen said Paris, O more noble lady Yvaine. Marvel ye nothing, nor have ye any doubt: lo, here is Paris your enchanted work: for I am your servant Paris. Why did you leave Ysabeau in such a church and give to me the damsel whom I have never taken as husband but me, and be nothing astonished at the bird nor the clothing that I bear? For they take away from me the knowledge of me. And Paris said many other words to Yvaine, by which she knew clearly that he was Paris, and for the sovereign love that she bore him and for the great joy that she had, she began to weep in his arms and to comfort each other sweetly. Sweet words and she could not enough kiss him,\nand embrace her: also Paris demanded\nof her farewell, and she told him all.\nAnd of all this Isabeau had nothing\nheard from, for she had been fast asleep\nbecause she had watched all night before.\nAnd for the great joy and sweetness\nthat Paris and Venus demonstrated\nbetween them. She awoke and when she\nsaw Venus being embraced with the mouth,\nshe said, \"Madame, what is this?\nHave you lost your wits, that you embrace\nthis mouth: has he enchanted you,\nthat you suffer him so familiar\nwith you. And is this the faith that\nyou keep to Paris, for whom you have\nsuffered so much pain and sorrow?\nAnd Venus said, \"Sweet sister, say no more\nsuch words but come and take your part\nof the solace that I have, for also\nhave you found good farewell as I have\nseen. Then Isabeau approached near to him,\nand saw that it was Paris, and she wept\nand kissed him. And they demonstrated so. much joy between them three. There is no person in the world who could say or think otherwise. Above all, this soul and joy lasted until at last Paris spoke sweet Venus. It is necessary for us to go before my lord the dolphin, your father, for now from him forth it is necessary that he knows all our fate. Nevertheless, I pray you to say nothing until I desire you. And the three came out of prison; the brother marveled greatly and all they greeted the dolphin. Who had sovereign pleasure in seeing him. And nevertheless, he was much abashed how his daughter had come. Then Paris said to the brother, \"Say to the dolphin that I have converted his daughter to his will and to mine, and that it pleases him that she be my wife.\" The brother said so. Then the dolphin said to his daughter, \"Will you take this man for your husband, who has delivered me out of prison in great danger of my person?\" Then demanded Venus of Paris. And then she said to the dolphin, \"I shall speak. And the dolphin replied, \"My father, I am ready to do your commandment. And he: added, \"pray you pardon me and give me your blessing. I am the one who so sweetly sang and played the lute in this city. I am the one who won the jousts in the city of Paris: and these are the three banners with the three jewels. I went away with them without the knowledge of any man. He has delivered you from prison, putting his life in jeopardy for you. And you, dolphins, understood all this, he was marvelously glad and joyous. After all this, Paris went to his father. And when he saw him and knew it was his son, Paris, whom he had so much desired.\" He embraced her and kissed her. And for the joy that he had, he could not speak a word. And after all the other lords and knights ran, for to brace and kiss him, Paris father said to the dolphin, \"My lord, may I borrow my son home to my house, so that I may see his mother and his fellow Edward.\" Then the dolphin replied, \"It pleases me right well one-ly for this day. For to mourn I will it be the marriage of her and of my daughter be made and solemnized here. And messire Jacques went with his son to his house. In truth, his father, mother, and fellow Edward did not know where they were for joy and play. And that was no wonder, for they had no more children but her and him, who was to wed the daughter of their lord. And at that time Paris was becoming a valiant knight and full of beauty. And for many reasons, it was no marvel that they had great joy and pleasure in him. Edward demanded of him his adventures and many other things, and he recounted and told him all. Then on the morning, the dolphin gave his daughter in marriage to Paris, and the feast was much noble and sumptuous. For more people came there to see the feast, and it lasted fifteen days. The pleasure and solace done for the love of Paris and Venus was so great that it is hardly believable. Paris and Venus lived together in great companionship and pleasure for a long time. But after the consummation of the marriage, the father and mother of Paris did not live long in this world, and Paris had by Venus three children: that is, two sons and one daughter. The dolphin arranged for the more noble marriage: And Paris, after the death of his father and mother, bequeathed all the goods that his father left to Edward, his dear friend, and gave Isabeau to his wife, who lived with him for a long time in great love and harmony. And soon after, the dolphin and his wife died. Then Paris the dolphin had possession. of all the seigniories. Those who lived without sin in this world for forty years and led a good and holy life, such that according to some men they are saints in heaven, and they both died in one year. Edward and Isabeau died in one year. Therefore, let us pray to our Lord that we may do such works in this world that we may accompany them in the enduring glory of heaven. Amen\n\nThus ends your story of the noble and valiant knight Parzival. And the fair young daughter of the duke of Venus. Translated freshly into English by William Taxton at Westminster. Printed by me, Gerard Lord Neville.\n\nCCCC four score and twelve. And finished on the twenty-third day of July.\n\nHow he conquered or won the golden fleece, by the counsel of Medea, and of many other victory and wonderful acts and deeds that he did through his prowess and chivalry in his time.", "creation_year": 1492, "creation_year_earliest": 1492, "creation_year_latest": 1492, "source_dataset": "EEBO", "source_dataset_detailed": "EEBO_Phase1"},
{"content": "This is the dialogue or communing between the wise King Solomon and Marcolphus. Once upon a time, Salomon, full of wisdom and riches, saw a man come before him, named Marcolphus. He was greatly misshapen and foul-looking, yet he was right talkative and wise. His wife was with him, who was more fearful and rude to behold.\n\nAs they both came before King Solomon, he beheld them well. Marcolphus was hunchbacked. His face was like an ass's, and the hair on the top of his head was like that of a goat. His shoes on his feet were overly shabby and rude, and his clothes were foul and dirty. He wore a short coat that reached only to his buttocks, full of wrinkles, and all his clothes were of the most sullen color. His wife was of short stature and out of proportion in her body, with great breasts. The hair on her head was clustered like thistles. She had long, sweeping brows like those of a pig. Long cries. Like an ass. Renning then: berated like a good woman with a handsome visage and skin black and full of wrinkles, and on her great breasts she had a broad brooch: a brooch of lead. She had short fingers, full of jewels. Her nostrils were large. Her legs were short, and her clothes were rough and torn. Of such a woman or another like her: a young man has composed the following verses.\n\nFemina deformis tenebrarum subjugat formis,\nCum turpitudine transit absque die.\nEst mala res multum turpi concedere cultum,\nSed turpis nimirum turpe ferat vicium.\n\nThat is to say, an evil-favored and foul black woman should show the day's light. It is to our eyes a medicine to see that fair is pleasing. Asking Solomon these two persons saw and beheld: he demanded of them who they were and of what lineage they came. Marcolphus answered. First tell us your kin and nobility and of your fathers, then I will show and declare yours, Solomon. I am of the twelve kindreds of patriarchs. That is to say, I am Judas, Phares was Esron, Esron was Aron, the son of Amminadab. Amminadab was Naazon, Naazon was Salmo, Salmo was Boos, Boos had Obeth, Obeth had Ishai. Ishai had Curta, Curta had Curtula, Curtula had Curtella, Curtella had Polica, and this is my wife Policana. Solomon said, \"I have heard of the one that you can rightly rule and speak, and that you are subtle.\" wyt-although you may be misshapen and chaotic:\nLet us have between us altercation. I shall ask questions to you, and you shall answer. Marcolphus answered, he who sings worst begins first.\n\nSalo.\nIf you did not answer all my questions, I shall become rich and be named above all others within my realm.\nMarcol.\n\nThe physician promises health to the sick when he has no power.\nSalo.\nI have judged between two light women who lived in one house and settled a quarrel.\nMar.\nWhere women are, there are causes. Where words are, Eris is there.\nSalo.\nGod grant me wisdom in my mouth. None is likeable to me in all parties of the world.\nMarcolphus.\nHe who has evil neighbors prays for himself.\nSal.\nThe wicked man flees. Nomus following.\nMarcol.\nWhen the child runs: men can see his arms.\nSalomo.\nA good wife and a fair one are a pleasure to her husband.\nMar.\nA potful of milk must be kept well from the cat.\nSal.\nA wise woman builds a house; and she who is unwise and a fool destroys it with her hands. A pot that is well baked may best endure, and that which is clean is browning, so they may drink fairly. A fearful woman shall praise a Sabbath. Marcolfus: A latte with a good skin shall be flayed. Solomon: A shamefast wife and a fair one is greatly to be beloved. Marcol: To poor men, white meat are to be kept. A woman strong in doing good who shall find. Who shall find a true cat in keeping milk? Salo: None. Marcol: And a fair and honest woman is to be prayed for above all riches that a man may find. Marcol: A fat woman and a great one is larger in giving than others. Solomon: A white kerchief becomes well a woman's head. It is written: that the fur is not all alike the sheep's. He who sows wickedness shall reap evil. He who sows chaff shall have little. Out of the mouth of a holy man shall come good learning and wisdom. The ass needs to be all the way where it feeds, for it grows where it congregates. there growe xl. ayen where he dungyth: there\nit fattyth: where he pyssyth there makyth he\nwete and where he wallowyth there brekyth\nhe the strawe.\nSal.\nLete an othre preyse the\nMar.\nyf I shulde my self dyspreyse noma\u0304 shall\nI please.\nSal.\nThou shalt ete moche ony.\nMar.\nThat beys dryve lykke faste theyre fyngres\nSal.\nIn an evyll wylled herte the spyryt of wy\u00a6sedome\nshall not entre.\nMar.\nAs ye smyte wyth\nau ave in an hard tre beware that the chippes\nfalle not in yourcye.\nSal\nIt it is hard to spurne\navenst the sharp prykyl.\nMar:\nThe ov that dra\u2223wyth\nbacwarde shalbe twyse prycked.\nSal\nFe\u00a6de\nvp youre children & from thayre youthe ler\u2223ne\nthaym to do well.\nMar.\nHe that fedyth well\nis cowe etyth often of the mylke.\nSalo.\nAllma\u2223ner\nkyndes turne ayen to theyre furste nature:\nMar.\nA worne tabyll cloth turnyth aye\u0304 to his\nfurste kynde Sal What the iuge knowyth of\nright & trouthe that spekyth he out.\nMar.\nA bis\u2223shop\nthat spekyth not is made a porter of a yate\nSalo.\nHonoure is to be yeue\u0304 to the maistre and \"the rodde to be borne\nMar.\nHe who is accustomed to anoint the judges oftentimes makes his ass lean\nSal.\nA strong and mighty man shall not fight or strive against the stream\nMarc.\nThe vulture takes the skin of strong birds and makes them naked of their feathers\nSalo: Let us come together in good faith, for unwittingly we have done amiss\nMarc:\nAs a man may appear,\nhis arms he does nothing else\nSal:\nWilton\ncan deceive any man with fair words.\nMarc:\nBy wisdom he eats what nourishes the ether:\nSalo:\nwith brawling people keep no company\nMarc:\n/ It is reasonable that he who eats with swine is burnt among them /\nSal:\nThere are many\nwho can have no shame\nMar:\n/ They live undisciplined\nthe meek that are like hounds.\nMar:\nTheir good doers do evil for\nMarcolphus:\nHe who gives bread to another many times shall have no thanks\nSalomon:\nIt is no friend that endures not in friendship\nMar:\nThe dung of a calf does not stink long /\nSal:\nHe seeks many opportunities that\nwill depart from his master /\nMar: \" A woman who will not consent says she has a scabby rear.\nSolomon\nA king's word should be unchangeable or steadfast.\nMarcolfus\nHe is very wary, plowing with a wolf. Sa\u00fcl/Solomon\nThe radishes rot are good food but they stink in the council.\nMar.\nHe who eats radish rot coughs above and beneath.\nSal.\nIt is lost that is spoken before people who did not understand. Mr. Helesyth's staff that stands in the sand: Sal. He who stops his cries from the crying of the poor people. Our lord God shall not hear him.\nMar.\nHe who weeps before a judge lessens his tears:\nSal.\nRise up thou northern wind and come forth thou southern wind and blow through my garden\nAnd the well-smelling herbs shall grow and multiply:\nMarcan\nWhen the northern winds blow, then are the high houses in great trouble and danger:\nSolomon\nThe death nor poverty will not be hidden.\nA man who is broken and hides it, they grow the more.\nSal.\nAs you sit at a rich man's table, behold diligently. What comes before the:\nMarch.\nAll metals that are ordered for the body must pass through the belly:\nIt goes in the stomach:\nSalo.\nWhen you sit at the table, beware that you do not taste first:\nMarch.\nHe who sits in the highest seat holds the uppermost place.\nSal.\nAs the strong overpowers the weak, he takes all that he has:\nMarch.\nThe cat sees well whose verge she likes:\nSalo:\nThat he who is wicked fears, often falls:\nMarch:\nHe who does evil and hopes good is deceived in them both.\nSal.\nFor the cold, the slothful would not go to plow if urged, and no man would help him.\nMarch.\nA naked arse no man can rob or dispossess.\nSalo.\nStudy makes a master well-versed.\nMarch.\nThose things used in the fire fear not the cauldron.\nSal.\nBrawlers and janglers are to be cast out of all good company.\nSal.\nAn angry wife, the smoke, the rat, and a broken pot are often unprofitable in a house.\nFor God's love, men are bound to love one another,\nMarch.\nIf you love. hym that loveth not thee leaveth thy love\nSalo.\nSay not to your friend come to morrow\nI shall give thee that thou mayest forthwith give him\nMar.\nHe says another time he shall\ndo it that has not wherewith to do it with all\nSal.\nHe that is wine drunk: holds nothing that he says\nMarcolph{us}\nAn open arse has no lord Salo / Many covet to have richesse that with poverty are held unwilling /\nMlarcol.\nEat that you have / and see what shall remain\nSalomo_\nThere are many that sustain hunger and yet feed their wives\nMar.\nThe poor had not bred and yet he bought an acre\nSal.\nThe fool answers after his folly / for that / he should not be known wisely /\nMar.\nWhat the stone hears / that shall answer\nanswersal.\nWrath has no mercy & therefore he that angrily speaks / is either evil or shrewdly /\nMar.\nSay not in your anger to your friend\nno evil / lest you think it astray\nSal.\nThe mouth of an enemy can say no good.\nHis lips shall sound no truth:\nMar. that which does not love me defames me.\nSalo.\nSleep as you have need.\nHe who lies down to step and cannot,\nis not at his own ease.\nSal.\nWe have well filled our beliefs. Let us thank God.\nMar.\nAs the owl wisely answers the thrush the hungry and the sulky,\nsing not one song.\nSal.\nLet us eat and drink,\nwe shall all die.\nMar.\nThe hungry dies as well as the full-fed:\nAs a man plays upon a harp, he cannot well indicate\nMar.\nSo he who holds out his hand, he does not bear it.\nSal:\nThe wretched womb is full. Go we now to bed.\nMarcol.\nHe turns and wallows and stumbles,\nevil that has not for eating.\nSalo.\nDispise not a little gift that is given by a true friend.\nMar.\nA gelded man has that which he gives,\nto his neighbors.\nSal.\nGo not with the cunning or the brawling,\nlest you suffer for him or peril.\nMarcolphus.\nA dead man makes no honey,\nSalo.\nIf you make friendship with a false and evil-willed man,\nit will hinder more than profit. Marcolphus: What pleases the wolf pleases the wolf's companion.\nSalomon: He who answers before being asked is a fool.\nMarcolphus: When a man approaches you, every thing delights his liking. Where a scabby horse is, he seeks his likeness, and either of them snaps at the other.\nSalomon: A meek maiden does well to her soul.\nMarcolphus: He despises a great gift that does not know itself.\nSalomon: He who spares the wolf meets the lion.\nMarcolphus: From evil to worse, as the look is to a baker.\nSalomon: Let no man do evil, if he does, let him not do it again.\nSalomon: The style standing, water, and the man who speaks little, they are not to be believed.\nSalomon: We may not all be alike.\nMarcolphus: It is written in a book, he who has no horse must go on foot.\nSalomon: A child of a hundred years is cursed.\nMarcolphus: It is too late, an old hound in a bond to lead.\nSalomon: He who is to be given and will flow.\nSalomon: Woe to him who has friends and no breed. He that has a doubting heart in both ways shall go three steps, or stumble. (Mar)\nHe that goes two ways must put his arms or breast in Salom\u00f3n's way. (Mar)\nOut of a full heart comes trumpet. (Salo)\nTwo are in one pocket, like: (Mar)\nTwo veins are like one arm. (Salo)\nA fair woman is to be loved by her husband. (Mar)\nIn the neck is she white as a dove, and in the arms black and dark like a mole. (Salo)\nOut of the generation of Inda is my kindred, the lord of my father has made governor over his people. (Salo)\nI know well a tablecloth and what it is made of. (Salo)\nNede makes a wise man to do evil. (Mar)\nThe wolf that is taken and held fast, bites or shits. (Sal)\nWould that God had given the world under my power, it would satisfy me. (Marc)\nMen cannot give the cat as much as that she will wag her tail. (Sal)\nHe that comes late to dinner is least in the food. (Mar) The glutton cannot see or run about Salo. Though it be so that your wife be sore, fear not. The shepherd who wakes well: there shall the wolf not shyte: Sal. It becomes not a fool to speak or bring forth any reason. Mar. It becomes not a dog to bear a sad face / Salo while the children are little: rightly they form their limbs & manners Mar: He who kisses the lamb loves the sheep Salo. All right paths lead to wars don we way: Marc So do all the veins run toward the arms: Salo. Of a good man comes a good wife Marcolf. Of a good meal comes a great torment that men with their feet tread So must I also / all the bestial ways tread under foot / Salo: A fair wife becomes well by her husband Mar. A pot full with wine becomes well by the thrusty Salo. Well becomes my hedge a great heap of stones Sal. The greater that you be, the more meek you should be in all things / Mar. He rides well who rides rightly. With his fellows,\nThe wise child delights the father; and the foolish child is a sorrow to the mother,\n\nMar.\nThey do not all sing in one voice,\nthe glad and the sorrowful;\n\nSalo.\nHe who sows with bitterness reaps bitterness;\nMar:\nThe more it tries, the more it finds;\nSal.\nDo all things by counsel, and you shall not regret it.\nMar:\nHe is sick enough that his sickness draws or follows,\nSal.\nAll things have their seasons and time,\nMar:\n\"Now day to morrow day,\" said the ox, \"that the hare chased.\"\nSa:\nI am weary of speaking; let us therefore rest,\nMar:\n\"Therefore,\" said Sa, \"shall not I leave my clapping;\nI may no more,\nMar: if you may no more yield yourselves to us,\ncome: and give me what you have promised.\nThis spoke to Maccalf Hanany as the son of Jo'iade; and Zabus, the king's friend; and Adonias, the son of Abde, who had the charge and governance over the kings tribute; and said:\n\"Thou shalt not therefore be the third in the kingdom\nof our sovereign lord Me.\" put both your worst enemy out of your most vile head: for it becomes better to lie among the dead than to be exalted to any dignity or honor. Marcolphus asked why the king had promised this folly. The king replied, \"The seven provosts: that is, Neuthur Benadachar, Benesya Benanides, Banthabar, Arthurady Bominia, Iosephus Semes, and Samer. Why does our sovereign lord trouble and mock him in this way? Why don't you drive him out with staves of his fight? Solomon said not so, but give him well to eat and drink and let him go in peace. Marcolphus went his way to the king. I suffer enough what you have said. I will always say, \"There is no king where no law is. One time the king rode hunting with his hunters and fortune favored him to come by Marcolphus' house. He turned himself and demanded with his head inclined under the door. Who was within?\" Marcolphus answered. To the king: Within is a fool, a man and a half. And a horse's head / And the more that they ascend, the more they descend. To that spoke Salomon what meanest thou therewithal? Marcolphus: The whole man is myself sitting within / You are the half man sitting without, looking at you with your head declining. And the horse's head is the head of your horse that you sit on: Then Salomon demanded of Marcolphus what they were that came up and fell down.\n\nMarcolphus answered and said: they are the benches boiling in the pot Salomon, where is your father? your mother? and your sustenance? and your brother?\n\nMar: My father is in the field and puts thorns in a foot,\nMy mother is gone and does to her neighbor that she never more shall do,\nmy brother lying without the house stays all that he finds,\nMy sustenance sits in her chamber and weeps that formerly she laughed.\n\nSalomon: What does this mean?\n\nMar: My father is in the field and sets traps,\nMy mother has gone and does harm to her neighbor,\nmy brother stays outside and takes care of all that he finds,\nMy sustenance sits in her chamber and weeps because she once laughed. In the time of King David, your father, there was a young man named Marcolfus, his physician. One time, he took a vulture for his medicines and took from it what was beneficial for him. Your mother Barseba took the heart and placed it on a loaf of bread and roasted it. She gave you the heart to eat, and I, being in the kitchen, she threw the crust at my head, moistened with the vulture's heart. I then ate it. And thereof I suppose comes to me my subtlety, like as to you comes by the wisdom thereof. Solomon:\nAs truly God help thee. In Gabaa,\nI have been favorably received and filled with wisdom: Marcolphus. He is held wise who reputes himself a fool: Sa.\nHave you not heard what riches God has given me above wisdom? Mar.\nI have heard it. And I know well that where God wills it rains. To that said Solomon, laughing in the folk way, / on me without me may no legerity be with the talk / but say to your mother that she sends me of her best cow a pot full of milk and that the pot of the same cow be covered and bring it to me: Marcolphus.\nIt shall be done. King Solomon, with his company, riding to the wardens of Jerusalem, was honorably received as a rich and mighty king. And when Floscemy, Marcolphus' mother, was coming home to her house, he gave her the king's message: Thou shalt take a pot with milk of thy cow / and cover it. A servant made a pitcher of the same milk and sent it to the king by her son. Marcolphus went over the field. The weather was warm of the sun. Saw there a dry cow dung torpedo: and in his haste, he unable to set down the pot to the earth but that he had eaten the dung/ and taken up the cow dung torpedo. And thus covered the pot. And so presented it before the king. And he asked why is the pot thus covered.\n\nMarcolf: My lord, have you not commanded that the milk should be covered by the same cow's hide?\n\nSal: I did not command that.\n\nMarcolf: I understood,\n\nSal: It would have been better covered with a dung ball made with the milk of the same cow.\n\nMar: So it was first done / but Hungry Chamygid with it.\n\nSal: How?\n\nMar: I knew well that you had no need of food / and I, having great hunger, ate the dung ball with milk. And for that reason, with it, I have thus covered the pot with a cow dung torpedo.\n\nSal: Now leave me all this. And if you this night do not wake up as I: you may have no trust. to morne of thy hede. Salomo\u0304 & maccolph con\u2223sentyd\nbothe. & wythin a lytyll whyle aftyr mar\u00a6colph\nbegan to rowte / Salo. sayde marcolf thou\nstepyst:\nMarcolph\nansweryd. Lord I do not I\nthinke / \nSalomon\n/ what thinkyst thon / \nMarcolf\nI thinke that there are as many joyntys in the\ntayle of an hare / as I hire chyne:\nSalomo\u0304\nif thou\n{pro}ve not that to morne thou arte worthy to deye\nSalomon beyng stylle / began marcolph to slepe:\nayen and sayde to hym / thou slepyst And he ans\u00a6weryd\nI do not / for I thynke / \nSalomon\nwhat\nthynkest thou / \nMarcolphus\n/ I thynke that the\npye hath as many whyte fethrys as blacke.\nSa\u00a6lomo\nBut thou also prove that trewe thou shalt\nlefe thyn hede / As salomon ayen began to be styl\nle\nMarcolph began ayen terowte and to blowe\nAnd Salomo\u0304 sayd to hym thou slepyst / \nMarcol\u00a6phus\nNay I thinke / \nSalomon\n/ What thinkest\nthou / \nMarcolph\nI thinke that vndre therhe\nis no clerer thing than the / daye\nSalom\u0304\nIs the\ndaye clerer than mylke / \nMarcolph\nIe / Salomo\u0304 That must thou prove. Anon Marcolphus began to sleep. Salo. Thou sleest Mar/ I sleep not, but I muse, Salomon. What musest thou, Marcolph? I muse how men cannot truly trust women, Salomon. And that, of the shadow, provided Anon after Salomon was sorrowful, Marcolph began again to blow and to sleep. Salomo Thou sleest. Marcolph do not, but I think, Salomo. What thinkest thou, Marcolph? I think that nature goes before learning: Salomon, If thou prove not true, thou shalt lose thy head. After the night was over and Salomon was on the verge of waking, then Marcolph left the king and ran hastily to his sister Fudasa. He feigned himself forlorn and heavy, and said to her: The king Salomon is against me, and I may not bear his threats and insolences: but I shall take this knife & hide it secretly under my clothes, and there with this day, all privately, he not knowing, I shall strike him to the heart and kill him: now, good dear sister, I pray thee. The accused me not, but keep it secret, reveal it not to my own brother Buffrydo/Fudasa. My dear and leaving brother Marcolf answered me, and Marcolf had no doubts that I had rather die than discover it or accuse the one who returned. Marcolf acted privately toward the king's Court. The sun rising and spreading its branches over it, the joyful and fully filled the king's palace: and Solomon rising from his bed went and sat in the throne or seat of his palace. Then he commanded that an hare be brought before him, and as many joints in its tail as in its chin were found by Marcolph and named. Then an apple was brought before the king, and as many white fetches as black were found by Marcolph. Then Marcolph brought a great pan with milk and set it in the king's bedchamber privately. He closed all the windows so that no light might come in. Then he called the king into the chamber. As he came in, he stumbled at the pan. Marcolphus: \"You are angry and displeased, and you say I do evil things. But you have not said that milk is clearer than the day. Can't you see as well by the clarity of the milk as you do by the clarity of the day? Judge equally, and you will find that I have wronged you not.\n\nSalomon: \"God have mercy. My clothes are all spoiled with milk, and I was just about to have my neck broken, yet you have accused me of nothing.\n\nMarcolphus: \"Another time sit down and do me justice on a matter that I will show before you: When he was set, Marcolph complained and showed Lord I have a sister named Fudasa. She has given herself to a harlot and is with child, wherewith she shames and dishonors our blood and lineage. Yet she would still partake with me in my father's good and inheritance. Then Salomon said, Let her come before you.\" And we shall hear what she says here. As Solomon saw her come from far, he said, laughing, \"This may well be Marcolphus. This woman was short and stout, and she was much larger than her length suggested. She had thick legs and was short in stature, resembling Marcolph. Solomon said to Marcolph, \"What do you complain about or ask of your sister?\" Marcolph answered, \"My lord, I complain and openly show before you that she is a strong harlot and a strumpet, and with child. All our blood and kin are shamed by her. Yet she wants to deal and share in my father's good and inheritance. Therefore, I request justice from you. And I ask that you command her not to take any part or make any claim to it.\" Hearing this, Fudascry was frightened and said, \"You foul misshapen harlot, why should I not have my part in our father's good and inheritance? And is not Floscemya...\" Marcolph:\nThou shalt not have any deal or part in it for thy offense. Therefore I may not lose my heritage. For I have done amiss, I shall amend it, but one thing I promise thee and swear by God and all His might. If thou wilt not let me be in peace: and suffer me to have my part in the land. I shall show thee such a thing that the king or it be not night shall do thee hang.\n\nMarcolph:\nThou foul, stinking hore. What canst thou say of me? I have done no man wrong. Say thy worst. I diffy thee. Thou hast much misdone, thou foul-faced knave and ruffian that thou art. For thou gladly wouldst slay the king, and if thou believest not me, seek under his coat & thou shalt find the knife.\n\nThe knife was sought by the king's servants and it was not found. Said Marcolph to the king and to the aboutestanders. And have I not spoken the truth? That men should not put overmuch trust or confidence in women. With that they all began to laugh. Thou saidst Solomon. Marcolph\nThou doost all thy things by craft and subtleness, Marcolph replied, Lord, it is no subtleness. But my sister had promised me to keep it secret, and she has falsely revealed it as though it had been of truth. Solomon, why hast thou said that art or nature goes before learning, Marcolph? Take patience a little, and before you go to bed, I shall show you. The day passed over and the time for supper came on. The king sat to supper and others with him. With whom sat Marcolph. And he had privately put three quick mice in his sleeve. There was a cat in the king's house that every night, as the king sat at supper, was wont to hold between her forefeet a burning candlestick on the table. Then let Marcolph's mouse go out of his sleeve. As the cat saw she would have leapt after: but the king gave her a wink or countenance that she stayed sitting and did not remove. And in like wise did she of the second mouse. Then let Marcolph's third mouse go. Marcolph the third mouse went, and as the cat saw him, he could no longer endure. But cast the kettle away and followed the mouse and took it. And as Marcolph, who saw, said to the king: \"Here I have now provided before you that nature goes before learning. Thou commandedst Salomon thy servants. Have this man out of my sight, and if he comes here again, set my hounds upon him.\"\n\nMarcolph:\nNow for\nCertainly I know and can say that where the head is sick and uncomfortable, there is no law. As Marcolph was thus driven out, he said to himself, \"Neither so nor so shall the wise Salomon of Marcolf be appeased.\" On the next morning following, as he was out of his couch or kennel, he thought in his mind how he might best get himself again into the king's court without harm or devouring of the hounds. He wet and bought a quick hare and put it under his clothes and went again to the court. And when the king's servants saw him, they let upon him all the hounds and forthwith he cast it off. The hare and the hounds after it left Marcolph. And thus he came again before the king. And as he saw him, he asked who had let him in. Marcolph answered with great courtesy. \"I am here. Beware that this day thou spit not but upon the bare ground.\" The play was all covered with tapestries. And the walls were hung with rich cloths. Marcolph, within a short space after, with his talking and clattering with other men, was full of spittle. Beginning to cough and reaching up, he could find no bare earth: saw a bald man standing by the king, bareheaded and spat upon his forehead. The bald man was ashamed and made clean his forehead. And fell on his knees before the king's feet and made a complaint against Marcolph. Solomon: \"Why hast thou made this man's forehead foul?\" Marcolph: \"I have not made it foul but I have dunged it or made it fat. For on a barren ground, it behooves to be laid. That the corn that is there may grow.\" May it grow and multiply. Salmon\nWhat is that to this man? Mar. My lord, have you not forbidden me that I should not spy on the ground today, and I saw his forehead bare of hair: and thinking it seemed good upon it, The king shall not be angry for this thing, for I have done it for the man's profit. And if his forehead were thus used to be made fat, the herbs would even increase and multiply. Salo. God give you the shame. For baldness is no shame but a beginning. For Marcolphus, baldness is a fly's nest. Behold not fire how the flies follow more his forehead than all the others that are within this house. For they believe it to be a vessel turning full with some wonderful drink or else to be a stone anointed with any sweet thing. And therefore they hasten to his bare forehead. To this said the bald woman before the king: Why is this most vile rabble suffered in the king's presence to rebuke us? And shame. Let him be cast out. Marcolph, and here come two women bringing with them a living child, for whom they began to quarrel before the king: One said it was given to her, but the other had concealed her child sleeping, so they were distressed over the quarrel for the raising of the child. Solomon said to one of his servants: \"Take a sword and divide this child in two pieces, and give each of them one half.\" Hearing the natural voice of the living child, the woman said to the king, \"Lord, I beg you, give it to that woman whole living, for she is the true mother of it.\" Then Solomon said, \"She is the mother of the child,\" and gave it to her. Marcolph asked the king how he knew. Solomon, by changing her color and affection and by the effusion of her tears, Marcolph, you may be so deceived, for believe you the weeping of the woman, and are so wise and know the craft of them not better. A woman weeps while she laughs with one eye, and makes conversation with the face she do not think they are, speaking with the age they do not mean with their eyes. They promise many times not to perform, but change their conduct as their minds run. Women have innumerable crafts, Solomon says. As many crafts as they have, so many good conditions and properties they possess. Marcolph says not good conditions or properties, but cunning schemes and deceitful ways. Solomon Indeed she was an harlot who bore such a son. Marcolph Therefore say so, Solomon. For you blame all women, and they are honest, chaste, meek, loving, and courteous. Marcolph To that might you add and say that they are brood and mutable. Solomon If they are brood: that have they of men's condition, if they are changeable: women are thought to be made of men's rib and given to them for their help. And comfort for a woman is as much to say as a weak earth or a weak thing. Marjorie speaks in the same way. It is as much to say as a soft error. Sal. There you lie, false caitiff. Thou must be cruel and unhappy, who say so much shame and harm of women. For of women we are all come. And therefore he who says evil of the kind of women is greatly to be blamed. What is riches? What is kingdoms? What is possession? What is gold? What is silver? What is costly clothing or precious stones? What is costly meat or drinks? What is good company or solace? What is mirth without women? In truth, they may call the world dead that is exiled or banished from women. For women must bear the children they feed and nourish them, and love them well. She desires their health. She governs the household. She forgives the health of her husband and household. Women are the delight of all things: she is the sweetness of youth. She is the solace of life. She is joy and gladness of children, joy of the day, solace of the night, gladness of labor of all heaviness. She is the forgetter. She serves without grudging, and she shall watch my going out and my coming in. Therefore answered Marcophus. He says truth, that thinks with his heart as he speaks with his mouth. You have women in great favor, and therefore you praise them. Riches, nobility, beauty, and wickedness are in you. And therefore it behooves you to love women. But I assure you one thing, if you now praise them too much, or you sleep, you shall despise them just as quickly. Solomon says, \"Therefore you shall lie with women all the days of my life, for I have loved women and shall continue to do so. But now go from me, and may it never be that before me you speak evil of women.\" Marcophus going out of the king's palace called to him the woman who had her child given to her by the king and said to her, \"Do you not know?\" What is decided in the king's council today? She replied to my child, \"Yes, I am alive. I don't know what else is done. Marcoph the king has commanded and is very determined that you and your fellow shall come before him again tomorrow: and you shall have one half of your child and your fellow the other half.\" The woman said, \"Oh what evil king, and what false and untrustworthy counsel he gives. Marcoph said, \"You shall show the greater matters and more burdensome ones. The king and his council have ordered that every man shall have eight wives. Therefore, remember and think what is best to be done. For as one man has eight wives, so there will never be rest or peace in a house. One will be beloved, another will displease him because of the one he loves: she whom he loves best will have rings, jewels, gold, silver, furs.\" And she shall keep the keys of all the house. She shall be honored by all the servants and called mistress of all his goods. All his goods shall fall to her: what shall the others say if he loves another? And if he loves two, what shall the others say, and if he loves three, what shall the others do, and so on. He who loves best shall always have her by him and kiss her and honor her. The others must say that they are neither widows nor married nor yet unwedded. Nor without a husband. They must well consider that they have lost their minds. There shall always be strife, anger, envy, and brawling, and if a remedy is not found, many great inconveniences will arise. Since you are a woman and well acquainted with the conditions of women: hasten and show this to all the ladies and women within this city, and advise them to return and go back to the court privately. \"hym hid in a corner. The women believed his words to be true. Ran through the city and clapped their hands together, crying aloud with open mouths and showing all that they had heard and more. Each neighbor or gossip spread it to another, so that in a short time, there was a great assembly or gathering of women nearly all within the City. And they, gathered, went to the king's palace, well numbering over fifty thousand. God has anointed and made me king in Israel. May I not then do and accomplish all my will? Do your will, wymagined. For you have ordained that every maiden shall have lawfully seven vines, and certainly that shall not be: For there is not a prince, duke, or earl that is so rich and powerful that one woman alone cannot fulfill all his desires and will. What then should he do with seven wives? It is above any man's might or power. It were better ordered that one woman should have seven husbands, said Solomon.\" all laughing I had not thought that of men\nhad been fewer in number than of women. Though\ncried all the women as mad people without\nany reason. You are an evil king and your sentences\nare false and unrightful. Now may we well\nhere and see that it is truth that we have heard of you:\nand that you have of us said evil: and therefore\nyou scorn and mock us before our faces. O Lord God,\nwho was so evil as to create us first? Yet David was\nworse. And now this Solomon was worst of all,\nthe king being full of wrath saying, \"There is no\nhead more wicked than the serpent, and there is\nno malice to the malice of a woman: for it is\nbetter to dwell with serpents and lions than\nwith a wicked woman.\" All evil are but little,\nthough the cursedness of a shrewd woman. All\nwickedness falls upon women, as sand falls\nin the shoes of the old people going up a hill.\nSo a talkative and disobedient wife is a great confusion.\nThat wife who is her husband's A master is ever contrary to him. An evil woman makes a patient heart. And a sorrowful visage, and if as a plague of death, A woman was the beginning of sin, and through her we all die.\n\nA woman who is luxurious may be known in the utmost of her eyes. And by her brows. For her eyes are without reproach, and there is no need to wonder, although she forgets her husband.\n\nAs the king had said so spoke the prophet and said, \"My lord, why rebuke and shame you all these women of Jerusalem? Salomon, have you not heard what dishonor they have spoken of me without deserving? Na answered he who would live with his subjects, he must sometime be blinded in judgment. Salomon. It is to be answered to a fool after his folly. Thus spoke Marcolph out of the corner where he sat, and said to the king, \"Now have you spoken according to my intent. For once this day you prayed women out of all measure, and now have you disparaged them as much.\" that is it that I sought: always you make my saying true: Salo. Thou foul evil body, / knowest thou of this commission: Marcolph, no. Nevertheless, you should not give credence to all things that you hear. The king Solomon said, \"Go from here out of my sight!\" And I charge thee, that J se the number between theyes, forthwith, was Marcolph cast out of the king's palace. Then those who stood by the king said, \"My lord, speak to the thief's woman something that may please them to depart.\" Then the king turned toward them and said, \"Your goodness shall understand. That I am not to be blamed in that: that the evil-speaker Marcolph, / whom you lately heard, has himself imagined and feigned all this matter. And every man shall have his own wife and hers with faith and honesty love and cherish. That I have spoken against the wives, I have not said it but against the forward wives who should speak any evil of the good wives.\" A good wife makes her husband glad and blessed with her goodness. She is a part of her husband's earthly joy and her learning enhances or adorns his body. She is a gift from God. A wise and virtuous wife is a grace bestowed upon a man. A good wife is like the sun climbing up to God. A wife of good condition is the ornament or adornment of the house. She is a shining beacon, brighter than the light of candles. She is like the golden pillar standing upon her feet and an unyielding foundation grounded upon a sure stone, unchanging and obedient to God's commandments. The holy God of Israel bless you and multiply your seed and kindred unto the end of the world. They all said, \"Amen.\" And they took leave of the king and went their ways. Marcoph pondered in his mind the unkindness the king had commanded him, wondering what was best to do. It happened that the next day, The night following, Marcolph took a little cyve or Temse in one hand and a foot of a bear in the other. He turned his shoes around so they faced backward, and in the early morning he went through the street on all fours. When he was almost outside the town, he found an old oven and crept inside. As the light of the day was coming, one of the king's servants found Marcolph's footprints and thought they were the traces of a marvelous beast. In a great haste, he went and showed it to King Solomon, who mounted his horse and went to hunt and seek the wondrous beast, following its footprints until they came before the oven where they had lost them. King Solomon dismounted and began to look into the oven. Marcolph hid his face from him, having put down his breechcloth around his haunches so they could not see his holey arms. and all his other foul gear. The king Solomon asked what lay there. Mar. answered, \"I am here: Solomon, why do you thus / Marcolf. For you have commanded me that you should no longer see me between your eyes. Now and you will not see me between your eyes: you may see me between my buttocks in the midst of my anus: Then the king was greatly moved and commanded his servants to take him and hang him on a tree / Mar. So they took him. I said to the king, \"My lord, it pleases you to give me leave to choose the tree on which I shall hang myself, for it does not matter on what tree that you are hung / Then the king's servants took and led Marcolph out of the city / and through the valley of Josaphat and over the height of the hill of Olivet from them / and could not find any tree that Marcolph would choose to be hanged on. From thence they went over the Jordan and all Arabia through the great wilderness to the Red Sea: And nevermore. \"Cowde Marcolph found a tree which he would choose to hang on, and thus he escaped from the danger and hands of King Solomon, and turned again to his house, and lived in peace and joy. And so may we all do, with the Father of Heaven Amen.\nPrinted at Andrewes by me, M. Gerardleen.\"", "creation_year": 1492, "creation_year_earliest": 1492, "creation_year_latest": 1492, "source_dataset": "EEBO", "source_dataset_detailed": "EEBO_Phase1"},
{"content": "A promise of tapsters, sellers of kegs, fighters of beggars, dishwashers of pots, rascals of boys, ruffians of knaves, thieves of thrashers, lashes of carters, try, bleachers of sowters, smearers of coryers, pitiers of prisoners, glorifiers of liars, liars of pardoners, hasteners of cooks. Here ends a little treatise called the book of courtesy or little John. Printed at Westminster.\n\nRead his works in full of pleasure,\nClear in sentence in excellent language,\nBriefly to write such was his sufficiency,\nWhatever he intended, his language was fair and pertinent,\nIt seems to man's hearing,\nNot only the word but truly the thing,\nMy child reads his books all,\nRefuses none, they are expedient,\nSentence or language or both you shall find,\nFull delectable for that good father's mind,\nOf all his purpose and his whole intent,\nHow to please in every audience,\nAnd in our tongue was well of eloquence,\n\nBehold Occleve in his translation,\nIn goodly language & sentence passing wise. He gives his prince such exhortation as he could best devise,\nOf truth. peace. mercy. and justice,\nAnd virtues leaving for no sloth,\nTo do his duty and quit him of his t.", "creation_year": 1492, "creation_year_earliest": 1492, "creation_year_latest": 1492, "source_dataset": "EEBO", "source_dataset_detailed": "EEBO_Phase1"},
{"content": "For as much as it is often seen that a man's reason, whereby he should discern the good from the evil and the right from the wrong, is many times corrupted by the seduction of the devil, worldly covetise and sensual appetites repressed and vanquished. Whereupon commonly ensue discords, murders, robberies, divisions, disobedience to sovereigns, subversion of realms, and destruction of peoples. So it is that where these reign victory in time of war and justice in time of peace, the great tyranny of the Frenchmen now recently done and yet newly contrived and prepared to be done poses a manifest danger to his royalty of England and subjects of the same. Unless the said Frenchmen are the sooner and mightily withstood and recalled. Consider well that for the great security of the said often and threatening of his most noble purpose, it appertains and behooves a man to order his folly in war in justice, by the ministers of the law, to arrive them in battle, by the chiefains of the realm. His army. For which purpose His Highness, by the aid of such lords of his blood, captains of his army, and other fools as are of his council, has made or ordained and established the following statutes and ordinances:\n\nFirstly, all men of the king, of whatever nation, estate, or condition, are to be obedient to the king, our sovereign lord, on pain of drawing, hanging, and quartering. And over and above that, every man aforesaid, the king's lieutenant for the time being excepted, is to be obedient to the marshal of the army.\n\nAlso, every captain is to keep his watch ward steadfast and vigilant with as many men-at-arms and archers as shall be assigned to him.\n\nAlso, for no tidings nor for any manner of cry that may come into the host, no man is to lead him in disarray out of the battle if they ride or go but by leave of the chief captain.\n\nAlso, none unreasonable nor... Outrages are punishable by day or night with death for the one who initiates them, and imprisonment and bodily punishment for the remainder, at the king's will. The one who identifies the instigator will receive 40 shillings for their effort.\n\nEvery captain maintaining an ost who has soldiers in his retinue, if any of them are discharged or depart from his company, whether naturally or by mutual agreement, are to be punished upon pain of death.\n\nIf any man captures an enemy who has been sworn and has entered the ost or elsewhere, he is to bring the enemy into the marshal's ward, upon pain of having the same death inflicted upon him as the traitor or enemy. The one who brings in the prisoner will receive one hundred shillings from the king or the marshal for their labor.\n\nIf any man captures a prisoner immediately upon entering the ost, he is to bring the prisoner before his captain or master, upon pain of losing his share. The captain or master, and if he is outside the ost and in garrison or elsewhere, he is to certify the marshal as soon as conveniently may be, and declare his name. He shall not be led any other way upon pain of losing his share to him who does first accuse him. The marshal is to have knowledge of this, and his body to be imprisoned and punished at the king's will. Every man is to keep or do keep his prisoner, lest he ride or go out upon pain of losing the same prisoner. The third part is to be reserved for his lord or master, the second part for him who first accuses him, and the third part for the marshal. He is not to suffer his prisoner to go out of the ost for ransom or for any other cause. without the king or the marshal, on pain of the penalties aforementioned, every captain must bring his prisoner to the treasurer of the wars. The marshal shall certify the treasurer of all such certificates, brought in by the captains or any other persons, during the king's army, from eight days to eight days, upon pain of running in the king's indignation and forfeiting the double of the value of the said prisoner or prisoners to the king. A captain and soldier are bound to bring in and certify their prisoner under the aforementioned terms. In the same way and under similar penalties, they and each of them shall bring in and certify all other prizes, goods, and cattle won by war. Also, every man pays his thirds to his captain lord. master of all manner of winning by war, and those who are not in solitude but living or hosting under the banner or pennon of their captain, on pain of losing his share of his aforementioned winnings to his captain and his body to be in the marshal's ward until he has agreed with his aforementioned master. Every captain pays to the king one third of his own winnings of the war, as well as one third of the thirds whereof each of his retinue is answering to him, from which thirds and thirds of thirds, every captain shall be accountable before the treasurer of the king's wars, on pain of forfeiture of the said winnings to the king.\n\nmaster or captain, on pain of losing horse trappings and his share of the same, child reserving to his lord master or captain, so that they are not consenting to the said default. Also, the aforementioned lord master or captain brings him before the king within eight days.\n\nAdditionally, forasmuch as Our sovereign Lord, for the love and tender zeal and entire affection which he bears naturally to his subjects, would be most displeased and unhappy to see or understand any of them committing offenses deserving the least punishment by the said ordinances. Therefore, His Highness desires and tenderly prays his said subjects to consider and understand that his welfare in his journey, the honor of his royalty, and the well-being and security of the same subjects stand upon the observation of the said ordinances. In consideration of this, He wills and strictly charges His said subjects to have themselves in such good behavior that in no way they offend the said statutes, and to this end they have no cause to excuse themselves from their offenses by pretense of ignorance of the said ordinances. His Highness has commanded and ordered, by way of proclamation of the said statutes, through diverse and many separate books containing: the same statutes to be made and delivered to the captains, charging them to read them in the presence of their retinue as they will, avoiding his great displeasure for this at least once a week. Here ends certain statutes & ordinances.", "creation_year": 1492, "creation_year_earliest": 1492, "creation_year_latest": 1492, "source_dataset": "EEBO", "source_dataset_detailed": "EEBO_Phase2"}
]