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| − | == The Regius Poem Part 1 ==
| + | [[Datei:Regius.jpg|thumb|350px]] |
| − | Here begins the first article.
| |
| − | <poem>
| |
| − | The first article of this geometry;-
| |
| − | The master mason must be full securely
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| − | Both steadfast, trusty and true,
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| − | It shall him never then rue;
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| − | And pay thy fellows after the cost,
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| − | As victuals goeth then, well thou knowest;
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| − | And pay them truly, upon thy faith,
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| − | What they may deserve;
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| − | And to their hire take no more,
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| − | But what that they may serve for;
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| − | And spare neither for love nor dread,
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| | | | |
| − | Of neither parties to take no bribe;
| + | ==Regius Poem== |
| − | Of lord nor fellow, whoever he be,
| |
| − | Of them thou take no manner of fee;
| |
| − | And as a judge stand upright,
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| − | And then thou dost to both good right;
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| − | And truly do this wheresoever thou goest,
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| − | Thy worship, thy profit, it shall be most.
| |
| − | </poem>
| |
| − | ==== Second article====
| |
| | | | |
| − | <poem>
| + | *[[En:The Regius Poem|The Regius Poem]] |
| | + | *[[En:The Regius Poem Part 1|The Regius Poem Part 1]] |
| | + | *[[En:The Regius Poem Part 2|The Regius Poem Part 2]] |
| | + | *[[En:The Regius Poem Part 3|The Regius Poem Part 3]] |
| | + | *[[En:The Regius Poem Part 4|The Regius Poem Part 4]] |
| | + | *[[En:The Regius Poem Part 5|The Regius Poem Part 5]] |
| | + | *[[En:The Regius Poem Part 6|The Regius Poem Part 6]] |
| | + | *[[En:The Regius Poem Part 7|The Regius Poem Part 7]] |
| | | | |
| − | The second article of good masonry,
| + | ---- |
| − | As you must it here hear specially,
| |
| − | That every master, that is a mason,
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| − | Must be at the general congregation,
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| − | So that he it reasonably be told
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| − | Where that the assembly shall be held;
| |
| | | | |
| − | And to that assembly he must needs go,
| + | == A Poem of Moral Duties == |
| − | Unless he have a reasonable excuse,
| |
| − | Or unless he be disobedient to that craft
| |
| − | Or with falsehood is overtaken,
| |
| − | Or else sickness hath him so strong,
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| − | That he may not come them among;
| |
| − | That is an excuse good and able,
| |
| − | To that assembly without fable.
| |
| − | | |
| − | </poem>
| |
| − | | |
| − | ==== Third article ====
| |
| | | | |
| | + | Here begin the constitutions of the art |
| | + | of Geometry according to Euclid. |
| | <poem> | | <poem> |
| | + | Whoever will both well read and look |
| | + | He may find written in old book |
| | + | Of great lords and also ladies, |
| | + | That had many children together, certainly; |
| | + | And had no income to keep them with, |
| | + | Neither in town nor field nor enclosed wood; |
| | + | A council together they could them take, |
| | + | To ordain for these children's sake, |
| | + | How they might best lead their life |
| | + | Without great disease, care and strife; |
| | + | And most for the multitude that was coming |
| | + | Of their children after great clerks, |
| | + | To teach them then good works; |
| | | | |
| − | The third article forsooth it is,
| + | And pray we them, for our Lord's sake. |
| − | That the master takes to no 'prentice, | + | To our children some work to make, |
| − | Unless he have good assurance to dwell
| + | That they might get their living thereby, |
| − | Seven years with him, as I you tell,
| + | Both well and honestly full securely. |
| − | His craft to learn, that is profitable;
| + | In that time, through good geometry, |
| − | | + | This honest craft of good masonry |
| − | Within less he may no be able
| + | Was ordained and made in this manner, |
| − | To lords' profit, nor to his own
| + | Counterfeited of these clerks together; |
| − | As you may know by good reason.
| + | At these lord's prayers they counter- |
| | + | feited geometry, |
| | + | And gave it the name of masonry, |
| | + | For the most honest craft of all. |
| | + | These lords' children thereto did fall, |
| | + | To learn of him the craft of geometry, |
| | + | The which he made full curiously; |
| | | | |
| − | </poem>
| + | Through fathers' prayers and mothers' also, |
| | + | This honest craft he put them to. |
| | + | He learned best, and was of honesty, |
| | + | And passed his fellows in curiosity, |
| | + | If in that craft he did him pass, |
| | + | He should have more worship than the less, |
| | + | This great clerk's name was Euclid, |
| | + | His name it spread full wonder wide. |
| | + | Yet this great clerk ordained he |
| | + | To him that was higher in this degree, |
| | + | That he should teach the simplest of wit |
| | + | In that honest craft to be perfect; |
| | + | And so each one shall teach the other, |
| | + | And love together as sister and brother. |
| | | | |
| − | ==== Fourth article ====
| + | Futhermore yet that ordained he, |
| | + | Master called so should he be; |
| | + | So that he were most worshipped, |
| | + | Then should he be so called; |
| | + | But masons should never one another call, |
| | + | Within the craft amongst them all, |
| | + | Neither subject nor servant, my dear brother, |
| | + | Though he be not so perfect as is another; |
| | + | Each shall call other fellows by friendship, |
| | + | Because they come of ladies' birth. |
| | + | On this manner, through good wit of geometry, |
| | + | Began first the craft of masonry; |
| | + | The clerk Euclid on this wise it found, |
| | + | This craft of geometry in Egypt land. |
| | | | |
| − | <poem>
| + | In Egypt he taught it full wide, |
| | + | In divers lands on every side; |
| | + | Many years afterwards, I understand, |
| | + | Ere that the craft came into this land. |
| | + | This craft came into England, as I you say, |
| | + | In time of good King Athelstane's day; |
| | + | He made then both hall and even bower, |
| | + | And high temples of great honour, |
| | + | To disport him in both day and night, |
| | + | And to worship his God with all his might. |
| | + | This good lord loved this craft full well, |
| | + | And purposed to strengthen it every part, |
| | + | For divers faults that in the craft he found; |
| | + | He sent about into the land |
| | | | |
| − | The fourth article this must be,
| + | After all the masons of the craft, |
| − | That the master him well besee,
| + | To come to him full even straight, |
| − | That he no bondman 'prentice make,
| + | For to amend these defaults all |
| − | Nor for no covetousness do him take;
| + | By good counsel, if it might fall. |
| − | For the lord that he is bound to, | + | An assembly then could let make |
| − | May fetch the 'prentice wheresoever he go.
| + | Of divers lords in their state, |
| − | If in the lodge he were taken,
| + | Dukes, earls, and barons also, |
| − | Much disease it might there make,
| + | Knights, squires and many more, |
| − | And such case it might befall,
| + | And the great burgesses of that city, |
| − | That it might grieve some or all.
| + | They were there all in their degree; |
| − | | + | There were there each one always, |
| − | For all the masons that be there
| + | To ordain for these masons' estate, |
| − | Will stand together all together.
| + | There they sought by their wit, |
| − | If such one in that craft should dwell,
| + | How they might govern it; |
| − | Of divers disease you might tell;
| |
| − | For more ease then, and of honesty,
| |
| − | Take a 'prentice of higher degree.
| |
| − | By old time written I find
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| − | That the 'prentice should be of gentle kind;
| |
| − | And so sometime, great lords' blood
| |
| − | Took this geometry that is full good.
| |
| | | | |
| | + | Fifteen articles they there sought, |
| | + | And fifteen points there they wrought. |
| | </poem> | | </poem> |
| − |
| |
| − | ==== Fifth article ====
| |
| − |
| |
| − | <poem>
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| − |
| |
| − | The fifth article is very good,
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| − | So that the 'prentice be of lawful blood;
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| − | The master shall not, for no advantage,
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| − |
| |
| − | Make no 'prentice that is deformed;
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| − | It is mean, as you may hear
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| − | That he have all his limbs whole all together;
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| − | To the craft it were great shame,
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| − | To make a halt man and a lame,
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| − | For an imperfect man of such blood
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| − | Should do the craft but little good.
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| − | Thus you may know every one,
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| − | The craft would have a mighty man;
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| − | A maimed man he hath no might,
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| − | You must it know long ere night.
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| − |
| |
| − |
| |
| − | == Sixth article. ==
| |
| − |
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| − |
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| − | The sixth article you must not miss
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| − |
| |
| − | That the master do the lord no prejudice,
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| − | To take the lord for his 'prentice,
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| − | As much as his fellows do, in all wise.
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| − | For in that craft they be full perfect,
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| − | So is not he, you must see it.
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| − | Also it were against good reason,
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| − | To take his hire as his fellows do.
| |
| − |
| |
| − | This same article in this case,
| |
| − | Judgeth his prentice to take less
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| − | Than his fellows, that be full perfect.
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| − | In divers matters, know requite it,
| |
| − | The master may his 'prentice so inform,
| |
| − | That his hire may increase full soon,
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| − | And ere his term come to an end,
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| − | His hire may full well amend.
| |
| − |
| |
| − | == Seventh article. ==
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| − |
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| − |
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| − | The seventh article that is now here,
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| − | Full well will tell you all together,
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| − | That no master for favour nor dread,
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| − | Shall no thief neither clothe nor feed.
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| − | Thieves he shall harbour never one,
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| − | Nor him that hath killed a man,
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| − | Nor the same that hath a feeble name,
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| − | Lest it would turn the craft to shame.
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| − |
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| − | == Eighth article. ==
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| − |
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| − |
| |
| − | The eighth article sheweth you so,
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| − | That the master may it well do.
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| − | If that he have any man of craft,
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| − | And he be not so perfect as he ought,
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| − | He may him change soon anon,
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| − | And take for him a more perfect man.
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| − | Such a man through recklessness,
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| − | Might do the craft scant worship.
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| − |
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| − |
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| − | == Ninth article. ==
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| − |
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| − |
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| − | The ninth article sheweth full well,
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| − | That the master be both wise and strong;
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| − | That he no work undertake,
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| − | Unless he can both it end and make;
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| − | And that it be to the lords' profit also,
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| − | And to his craft, wheresoever he go;
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| − | And that the ground be well taken,
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| − | That it neither flaw nor crack.
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| − |
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| − |
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| − | == Tenth article. ==
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| − |
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| − |
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| − | The tenth article is for to know,
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| − | Among the craft, to high and low,
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| − | There shall no master supplant another,
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| − | But be together as sister and brother,
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| − | In this curious craft, all and some,
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| − | That belongeth to a master mason.
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| − | Nor shall he supplant no other man,
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| − | That hath taken a work him upon,
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| − | In pain thereof that is so strong,
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| − |
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| − | That weigheth no less than ten pounds,
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| − | but if that he be guilty found,
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| − | That took first the work on hand;
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| − | For no man in masonry
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| − | Shall not supplant other securely,
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| − | But if that it be so wrought,
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| − | That in turn the work to nought;
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| − | Then may a mason that work crave,
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| − | To the lords' profit for it to save
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| − | In such a case if it do fall,
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| − | There shall no mason meddle withal.
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| − | Forsooth he that beginneth the ground,
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| − | If he be a mason good and sound,
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| − | He hath it securely in his mind
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| − |
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| − | To bring the work to full good end.
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| − |
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| − |
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| − | == Eleventh article. ==
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| − |
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| − |
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| − | The eleventh article I tell thee,
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| − | That he is both fair and free;
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| − | For he teacheth, by his might,
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| − | That no mason should work by night,
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| − | But if be in practising of wit,
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| − | If that I could amend it.
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| − |
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| − |
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| − | == Twelfth article. ==
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| − |
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| − |
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| − | The twelfth article is of high honesty
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| − | To every mason wheresoever he be,
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| − | He shall not his fellows' work deprave,
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| − | If that he will his honesty save;
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| − | With honest words he it commend,
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| − |
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| − | By the wit God did thee send;
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| − | But it amend by all that thou may,
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| − | Between you both without doubt.
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| − |
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| − |
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| − | == Thirteenth article. ==
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| − |
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| − |
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| − | The thirteenth article, so God me save,
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| − | Is if that the master a 'prentice have,
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| − | Entirely then that he him tell,
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| − | That he the craft ably may know,
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| − | Wheresoever he go under the sun.
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| − |
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| − |
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| − | == Fourteenth article. ==
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| | | | |
| | | | |
| − | The fourteenth article by good reason,
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| − | Sheweth the master how he shall do;
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| − | He shall no 'prentice to him take,
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| − | Unless diver cares he have to make,
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| − | That he may within his term,
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| − | Of him divers points may learn.
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| | | | |
| − | == Fifteenth article. ==
| |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| − | The fifteenth article maketh an end,
| + | {{Languages|Regius-Poem (1390) Teil 1|Deutsch}} |
| − | For to the master he is a friend;
| + | [[Kategorie:English|Regiuspoem1]] |
| − | To teach him so, that for no man,
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| − | No false maintenance he take him upon,
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| − | Nor maintain his fellows in their sin,
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| − | For no good that he might win;
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| − | Nor no false oath suffer him to make,
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| − | For dread of their souls' sake,
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| − | Lest it would turn the craft to shame,
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| − | And himself to very much blame.
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| − | | |
| − | == Plural constitutions. ==
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| − | | |
| − | | |
| − | At this assembly were points ordained more,
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| − | Of great lords and masters also.
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| − | That who will know this craft and come to estate,
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| − | He must love well God and holy church always,
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| − | And his master also that he is with,
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| − | Whersoever he go in field or enclosed wood,
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| − | And thy fellows thou love also,
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| − | For that thy craft will that thou do.
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| − | | |
| − | Second Point.
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| − | | |
| − | The second point as I you say,
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| − | That the mason work upon the work day,
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| − | As truly as he can or may,
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| − | | |
| − | To deserve his hire for the holy-day,
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| − | And truly to labour on his deed,
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| − | Well deserve to have his reward.
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| − | | |
| − | Third point.
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| − | | |
| − | The third point must be severely,
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| − | With the 'prentice know it well,
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| − | His master's counsel he keep and close,
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| − | And his fellows by his good purpose;
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| − | The privities of the chamber tell he no man,
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| − | Nor in the lodge whatsoever they do;
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| − | Whatsoever thou hearest or seest them do,
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| − | Tell it no man wheresoever you go;
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| − | The counsel of hall, and even of bower,
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| − | | |
| − | Keep it well to great honour,
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| − | Lest it would turn thyself to blame,
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| − | And bring the craft into great shame.
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| − | | |
| − | Fourth point.
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| − | | |
| − | The fourth point teacheth us also,
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| − | That no man to his craft be false;
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| − | Error he shall maintain none
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| − | Against the craft, but let it go;
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| − | Nor no prejudice he shall no do
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| − | To his master, nor his fellow also;
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| − | And though the 'prentice be under awe,
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| − | Yet he would have the same law.
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| − | | |
| − | Fifth point.
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| − | | |
| − | The fifth point is without doubt,
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| − | That when the mason taketh his pay
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| − | Of the master, ordained to him,
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| − | Full meekly taken so must it be;
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| − | Yet must the master by good reason,
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| − | Warn him lawfully before noon,
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| − | If he will not occupy him no more,
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| − | As he hath done there before;
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| − | Against this order he may no strive,
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| − | If he think well for to thrive.
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| − | | |
| − | Sixth point.
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| − | | |
| − | The sixth point is full given to know,
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| − | Both to high and even low,
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| − | | |
| − | For such case it might befall;
| |
| − | Among the masons some or all,
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| − | Through envy or deadly hate,
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| − | Oft ariseth full great debate.
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| − | Then ought the mason if that he may,
| |
| − | Put them both under a day;
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| − | But loveday yet shall they make none,
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| − | Till that the work-day you must well take
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| − | Leisure enough loveday to make,
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| − | Hinder their work for such a fray;
| |
| − | To such end then that you them draw.
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| − | | |
| − | That they stand well in God's law.
| |
| − | | |
| − | Seventh point.
| |
| − | | |
| − | The seventh point he may well mean,
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| − | Of well long life that God us lend,
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| − | As it descrieth well openly,
| |
| − | Thou shalt not by thy master's wife lie,
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| − | Nor by thy fellows', in no manner wise,
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| − | Lest the craft would thee despise;
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| − | Nor by thy fellows' concubine,
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| − | No more thou wouldst he did by thine.
| |
| − | The pain thereof let it be sure,
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| − | That he be 'prentice full seven year,
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| − | If he forfeit in any of them
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| − | So chastised then must he be;
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| − | Full much care might there begin,
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| − | For such a foul deadly sin.
| |
| − | | |
| − | Eighth point.
| |
| − | | |
| − | The eighth point, he may be sure,
| |
| − | If thou hast taken any cure,
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| − | Under thy master thou be true,
| |
| − | For that point thous shalt never rue;
| |
| − | A true mediator thou must needs be
| |
| − | To thy master, and thy fellows free;
| |
| − | Do truly all that thou might,
| |
| − | To both parties, and that is good right.
| |
| − | | |
| − | Ninth point.
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| − | | |
| − | The ninth point we shall him call,
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| − | That he be steward of our hall,
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| − | If that you be in chamber together,
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| − | Each one serve other with mild cheer;
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| − | Gentle fellows, you must it know,
| |
| − | For to be stewards all in turn,
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| − | Week after week without doubt,
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| − | Stewards to be so all in turn about,
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| − | Amiably to serve each one other,
| |
| − | As though they were sister and brother;
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| − | There shall never one another cost
| |
| − | Free himself to no advantage,
| |
| − | But every man shall be equally free
| |
| − | | |
| − | In that cost, so must it be;
| |
| − | Look that thou pay well every man always,
| |
| − | That thou hast bought any victuals eaten,
| |
| − | That no craving be made to thee,
| |
| − | Nor to thy fellows in no degree,
| |
| − | To man or to woman, whoever he be,
| |
| − | Pay them well and truly, for that will we;
| |
| − | Therof on thy fellow true record thou take,
| |
| − | For that good pay as thou dost make,
| |
| − | Lest it would thy fellow shame,
| |
| − | And bring thyself into great blame.
| |
| − | Yet good accounts he must make
| |
| − | Of such goods as he hath taken,
| |
| − | | |
| − | Of thy fellows' goods that thou hast spent,
| |
| − | Where and how and to what end;
| |
| − | Such accounts thou must come to,
| |
| − | When thy fellows wish that thou do.
| |
| − | | |
| − | Tenth point.
| |
| − | | |
| − | The tenth point presenteth well good life,
| |
| − | To live without care and strife;
| |
| − | For if the mason live amiss,
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| − | And in his work be false I know,
| |
| − | | |
| − | And through such a false excuse
| |
| − | May slander his fellows without reason,
| |
| − | Through false slander of such fame
| |
| − | | |
| − | May make the craft acquire blame.
| |
| − | If he do the craft such villainy,
| |
| − | Do him no favour then securely,
| |
| − | Nor maintain not him in wicked life,
| |
| − | Lest it would turn to care and strife;
| |
| − | But yet him you shall not delay,
| |
| − | Unless that you shall him constrain,
| |
| − | For to appear wheresoever you will,
| |
| − | Where that you will, loud, or still;
| |
| − | To the next assembly you him call,
| |
| − | To appear before his fellows all,
| |
| − | And unless he will before them appear,
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| − | | |
| − | The craft he must need forswear;
| |
| − | He shall then be punished after the law
| |
| − | That was founded by old day.
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| − | | |
| − | Eleventh point.
| |
| − | | |
| − | The eleventh point is of good discretion,
| |
| − | As you must know by good reason;
| |
| − | A mason, if he this craft well know,
| |
| − | That seeth his fellow hew on a stone,
| |
| − | And is in point to spoil that stone,
| |
| − | Amend it soon if that thou can,
| |
| − | And teach him then it to amend,
| |
| − | That the lords' work be not spoiled,
| |
| − | And teach him easily it to amend,
| |
| − | | |
| − | With fair words, that God thee hath lent;
| |
| − | For his sake that sit above,
| |
| − | With sweet words nourish his love.
| |
| − | | |
| − | Twelfth point.
| |
| − | | |
| − | The twelfth point is of great royalty,
| |
| − | There as the assembly held shall be,
| |
| − | There shall be masters and fellows also,
| |
| − | And other great lords many more;
| |
| − | There shall be the sheriff of that country,
| |
| − | And also the mayor of that city,
| |
| − | Knights and squires there shall be,
| |
| − | | |
| − | And also aldermen, as you shall see;
| |
| − | Such ordinance as thy make there,
| |
| − | | |
| − | They shall maintain it all together
| |
| − | Against that man, whatsoever he be,
| |
| − | That belongeth to the craft both fair and
| |
| − | free.
| |
| − | If he any strife against them make,
| |
| − | Into their custody he shall be taken.
| |
| − | | |
| − | Thirteenth point.
| |
| − | | |
| − | The thirteenth point is to us full lief,
| |
| − | He shall swear never to be no thief,
| |
| − | Nor succour him in his false craft,
| |
| − | For no good that he hath bereft,
| |
| − | And thou must it know or sin,
| |
| − | Neither for his good, nor for his kin.
| |
| − | | |
| − | Fourteenth point.
| |
| − | | |
| − | The fourteenth point is full good law
| |
| − | To him that would be under awe;
| |
| − | A good true oath he must there swear
| |
| − | To his master and his fellows that be there;
| |
| − | He must be steadfast be and true also
| |
| − | To all this ordinance, wheresoever he go,
| |
| − | And to his liege lord the king,
| |
| − | To be true to him over all thing.
| |
| − | And all these points here before
| |
| − | To them thou must need be sworn,
| |
| − | And all shall swear the same oath
| |
| − | Of the masons, be they lief be they loath.
| |
| − | To all these points here before,
| |
| − | | |
| − | That hath been ordained by full good lore.
| |
| − | And they shall enquire every man
| |
| − | Of his party, as well as he can,
| |
| − | If any man may be found guilty
| |
| − | In any of these points specially;
| |
| − | And who he be, let him be sought,
| |
| − | And to the assembly let him be brought.
| |
| − | | |
| − | Fifteen point.
| |
| − | | |
| − | The fifteenth point is full good lore,
| |
| − | For them that shall be there sworn,
| |
| − | Such ordinance at the assembly was laid
| |
| − | Of great lords and masters before said;
| |
| − | For the same that be disobedient, I know,
| |
| − | | |
| − | Against the ordinance that there is,
| |
| − | Of these articles that were moved there,
| |
| − | Of great lords and masons all together,
| |
| − | And if they be proved openly
| |
| − | Before that assembly, by and by,
| |
| − | And for their guilt's no amends will make,
| |
| − | Then must they need the craft forsake;
| |
| − | And no masons craft they shall refuse,
| |
| − | And swear it never more to use.
| |
| − | But if that they will amends make,
| |
| − | Again to the craft they shall never take;
| |
| − | And if that they will no do so,
| |
| − | The sheriff shall come them soon to,
| |
| − | | |
| − | And put their bodies in deep prison,
| |
| − | For the trespass that they have done,
| |
| − | And take their goods and their cattle
| |
| − | Into the king's hand, every part,
| |
| − | And let them dwell there full still,
| |
| − | Till it be our liege king's will.
| |
| − | </poem>
| |
| − | | |
| − | == Another ordinance of the art of geometry ==
| |
| − | | |
| − | <poem>
| |
| − | They ordained there an assembly to be hold,
| |
| − | Every year, wheresoever they would,
| |
| − | To amend the defaults, if any were found
| |
| − | Among the craft within the land;
| |
| − | Each year or third year it should be held,
| |
| − | | |
| − | In every place weresoever they would;
| |
| − | Time and place must be ordained also,
| |
| − | In what place they should assemble to,
| |
| − | All the men of craft there they must be,
| |
| − | And other great lords, as you must see,
| |
| − | To mend the faults the he there spoken,
| |
| − | If that any of them be then broken.
| |
| − | There they shall be all sworn,
| |
| − | That belongeth to this craft's lore,
| |
| − | To keep their statutes every one
| |
| − | That were ordained by King Althelstane;
| |
| − | These statutes that I have here found
| |
| − | | |
| − | I ordain they be held through my land,
| |
| − | For the worship of my royalty,
| |
| − | That I have by my dignity.
| |
| − | Also at every assembly that you hold,
| |
| − | That you come to your liege king bold,
| |
| − | Beseeching him of his grace,
| |
| − | To stand with you in every place,
| |
| − | To confirm the statutes of King Athelstane,
| |
| − | That he ordained to this craft by good reason.
| |
| − | | |
| − | The art of the four crowned ones.
| |
| − | | |
| − | Pray we now to God almighty,
| |
| − | And to his mother Mary bright,
| |
| − | | |
| − | That we may keep these articles here,
| |
| − | And these points well all together,
| |
| − | As did these holy martyrs four,
| |
| − | That in this craft were of great honour;
| |
| − | They were as good masons as on earth shall go,
| |
| − | Gravers and image-makers they were also.
| |
| − | For they were workmen of the best,
| |
| − | The emperor had to them great liking;
| |
| − | He willed of them an image to make
| |
| − | That might be worshipped for his sake;
| |
| − | Such monuments he had in his day,
| |
| − | To turn the people from Christ's law.
| |
| − | | |
| − | But they were steadfast in Christ's law,
| |
| − | And to their craft without doubt;
| |
| − | They loved well God and all his lore,
| |
| − | And were in his service ever more.
| |
| − | True men they were in that day,
| |
| − | And lived well in God's law;
| |
| − | They thought no monuments for to make,
| |
| − | For no good that they might take,
| |
| − | To believe on that monument for their God,
| |
| − | They would not do so, though he was furious;
| |
| − | For they would not forsake their true faith,
| |
| − | | |
| − | And believe on his false law,
| |
| − | The emperor let take them soon anon,
| |
| − | And put them in a deep prison;
| |
| − | The more sorely he punished them in that place,
| |
| − | The more joy was to them of Christ's grace,
| |
| − | Then when he saw no other one,
| |
| − | To death he let them then go;
| |
| − | By the book he might it show
| |
| − | In legend of holy ones,
| |
| − | The names of the four-crowned ones.
| |
| − | | |
| − | Their feast will be without doubt,
| |
| − | After Hallow-e'en eighth day.
| |
| − | You may hear as I do read,
| |
| − | That many years after, for great dread
| |
| − | That Noah's flood was all run,
| |
| − | The tower of Babylon was begun,
| |
| − | As plain work of lime and stone,
| |
| − | As any man should look upon;
| |
| − | So long and broad it was begun,
| |
| − | Seven miles the height shadoweth the sun.
| |
| − | King Nebuchadnezzar let it make
| |
| − | To great strength for man's sake,
| |
| − | Though such a flood again should come,
| |
| − | Over the work it should not take;
| |
| − | For they had so high pride, with strong
| |
| − | boast
| |
| − | All that work therefore was lost;
| |
| − | An angel smote them so with divers speech,
| |
| − | That never one knew what the other should
| |
| − | tell.
| |
| − | Many years after, the good clerk Euclid
| |
| − | Taught the craft of geometry full wonder wide,
| |
| − | So he did that other time also,
| |
| − | Of divers crafts many more.
| |
| − | Through high grace of Christ in heaven,
| |
| − | He commenced in the sciences seven;
| |
| − | | |
| − | Grammar is the first science I know,
| |
| − | Dialect the second, so I have I bliss,
| |
| − | Rhetoric the third without doubt,
| |
| − | Music is the fourth, as I you say,
| |
| − | | |
| − | Astronomy is the fifth, by my snout,
| |
| − | Arithmetic the sixth, without doubt,
| |
| − | Geometry the seventh maketh an end,
| |
| − | For he is both meek and courteous,
| |
| − | Grammar forsooth is the root,
| |
| − | Whoever will learn on the book;
| |
| − | But art passeth in his degree,
| |
| − | As the fruit doth the root of the tree;
| |
| − | | |
| − | Rhetoric measureth with ornate speech among,
| |
| − | And music it is a sweet song;
| |
| − | Astronomy numbereth, my dear brother,
| |
| − | Arithmetic sheweth one thing that is another,
| |
| − | Geometry the seventh science it is,
| |
| − | That can separate falsehood from truth, I know
| |
| − | These be the sciences seven,
| |
| − | Who useth them well he may have heaven.
| |
| − | Now dear children by your wit
| |
| − | Pride and covetousness that you leave it,
| |
| − | And taketh heed to good discretion,
| |
| − | And to good nurture, wheresoever you come.
| |
| − | Now I pray you take good heed,
| |
| − | | |
| − | For this you must know needs,
| |
| − | But much more you must know,
| |
| − | Than you find here written.
| |
| − | If thee fail therto wit,
| |
| − | Pray to God to send thee it;
| |
| − | For Christ himself, he teacheth us
| |
| − | That holy church is God's house,
| |
| − | That is made for nothing else
| |
| − | But for to pray in, as the book tells us;
| |
| − | There the people shall gather in,
| |
| − | To pray and weep for their sin.
| |
| − | Look thou come not to church late,
| |
| − | For to speak harlotry by the gate;
| |
| − | | |
| − | Then to church when thou dost fare,
| |
| − | Have in thy mind ever more
| |
| − | To worship thy lord God both day and night,
| |
| − | With all thy wits and even thy might.
| |
| − | To the church door when thou dost come
| |
| − | Of that holy water there some thou take,
| |
| − | For every drop thou feelest there
| |
| − | Quencheth a venial sin, be thou sure.
| |
| − | But first thou must do down thy hood,
| |
| − | For his love that died on the rood.
| |
| − | Into the church when thou dost go,
| |
| − | Pull up thy heart to Christ, anon;
| |
| − | | |
| − | Upon the rood thou look up then,
| |
| − | And kneel down fair upon thy knees,
| |
| − | Then pray to him so here to work,
| |
| − | After the law of holy church,
| |
| − | | |
| − | For to keep the commandments ten,
| |
| − | That God gave to all men;
| |
| − | And pray to him with mild voice
| |
| − | To keep thee from the sins seven,
| |
| − | That thou here may, in this life,
| |
| − | Keep thee well from care and strife;
| |
| − | Furthermore he grant thee grace,
| |
| − | In heaven's bliss to have a place.
| |
| − | | |
| − | In holy church leave trifling words
| |
| − | Of lewd speech and foul jests,
| |
| − | And put away all vanity,
| |
| − | And say thy pater noster and thine ave;
| |
| − | Look also that thou make no noise,
| |
| − | But always to be in thy prayer;
| |
| − | If thou wilt not thyself pray,
| |
| − | Hinder no other man by no way.
| |
| − | In that place neither sit nor stand,
| |
| − | But kneel fair down on the ground,
| |
| − | And when the Gospel me read shall,
| |
| − | | |
| − | Fairly thou stand up from the wall,
| |
| − | And bless the fare if that thou can,
| |
| − | When gloria tibi is begun;
| |
| − | And when the gospel is done,
| |
| − | Again thou might kneel down,
| |
| − | On both knees down thou fall,
| |
| − | For his love that bought us all;
| |
| − | And when thou hearest the bell ring
| |
| − | To that holy sacrament,
| |
| − | Kneel you must both young and old,
| |
| − | And both your hands fair uphold,
| |
| − | And say then in this manner,
| |
| − | | |
| − | Fair and soft without noise;
| |
| − | "Jesu Lord welcome thou be,
| |
| − | In form of bread as I thee see,
| |
| − | Now Jesu for thine holy name,
| |
| − | Shield me from sin and shame;
| |
| − | Shrift and Eucharist thou grand me both,
| |
| − | Ere that I shall hence go,
| |
| − | And very contrition for my sin,
| |
| − | That I never, Lord, die therein;
| |
| − | And as thou were of maid born,
| |
| − | Suffer me never to be lost;
| |
| − | But when I shall hence wend,
| |
| − | | |
| − | Grant me the bliss without end;
| |
| − | Amen! Amen! so mote it be!
| |
| − | Now sweet lady pray for me."
| |
| − | Thus thou might say, or some other thing,
| |
| − | When thou kneelest at the sacrament.
| |
| − | For covetousness after good, spare thou not
| |
| − | To worship him that all hath wrought;
| |
| − | | |
| − | For glad may a man that day be,
| |
| − | That once in the day may him see;
| |
| − | It is so much worth, without doubt,
| |
| − | The virtue thereof no man tell may;
| |
| − | But so much good doth that sight,
| |
| − | | |
| − | That Saint Austin telleth full right,
| |
| − | That day thou seest God's body,
| |
| − | Thou shalt have these full securely:-
| |
| − | Meet and drink at thy need,
| |
| − | None that day shalt thou lack;
| |
| − | Idle oaths and words both,
| |
| − | God forgiveth thee also;
| |
| − | Sudden death that same day
| |
| − | Thee dare not dread by no way;
| |
| − | Also that day, I thee plight,
| |
| − | Thou shalt not lose thy eye sight;
| |
| − | And each foot that thou goest then,
| |
| − | | |
| − | That holy sight for to see,
| |
| − | They shall be told to stand instead,
| |
| − | When thou hast thereto great need;
| |
| − | That messenger the angel Gabriel,
| |
| − | Will keep them to thee full well.
| |
| − | From this matter now I may pass,
| |
| − | To tell more benefits of the mass:
| |
| − | To church come yet, if thou may,
| |
| − | And hear the mass each day;
| |
| − | If thou may not come to church,
| |
| − | Where that ever thou dost work,
| |
| − | When thou hearest the mass toll,
| |
| − | | |
| − | Pray to God with heart still,
| |
| − | To give thy part of that service,
| |
| − | That in church there done is.
| |
| − | Furthermore yet, I will you preach
| |
| − | To your fellows, it for to teach,
| |
| − | When thou comest before a lord,
| |
| − | In hall, in bower, or at the board,
| |
| − | Hood or cap that thou off do,
| |
| − | Ere thou come him entirely to;
| |
| − | Twice or thrice, without doubt,
| |
| − | To that lord thou must bow;
| |
| − | With thy right knee let it be done,
| |
| − | | |
| − | Thine own worship thou save so.
| |
| − | Hold off thy cap and hood also,
| |
| − | Till thou have leave it on to put.
| |
| − | All the time thou speakest with him,
| |
| − | Fair and amiably hold up thy chin;
| |
| − | So after the nurture of the book,
| |
| − | In his face kindly thou look.
| |
| − | Foot and hand thou keep full still,
| |
| − | For clawing and tripping, is skill;
| |
| − | From spitting and sniffling keep thee also,
| |
| − | By private expulsion let it go,
| |
| − | And if that thou be wise and discrete,
| |
| − | | |
| − | Thou has great need to govern thee well.
| |
| − | Into the hall when thou dost wend,
| |
| − | Amongst the gentles, good and courteous,
| |
| − | Presume not too high for nothing,
| |
| − | For thine high blood, nor thy cunning,
| |
| − | Neither to sit nor to lean,
| |
| − | That is nurture good and clean.
| |
| − | Let not thy countenance therefor abate,
| |
| − | Forsooth good nurture will save thy state.
| |
| − | Father and mother, whatsoever they be,
| |
| − | Well is the child that well may thee,
| |
| − | In hall, in chamber, where thou dost go;
| |
| − | | |
| − | Good manners make a man.
| |
| − | To the next degree look wisely,
| |
| − | To do them reverence by and by;
| |
| − | Do them yet no reverence all in turn,
| |
| − | Unless that thou do them know.
| |
| − | To the meat when thou art set,
| |
| − | Fair and honestly thou eat it;
| |
| − | First look that thine hands be clean,
| |
| − | And that thy knife be sharp and keen,
| |
| − | And cut thy bread all at thy meat,
| |
| − | Right as it may be there eaten,
| |
| − | If thou sit by a worthier man,
| |
| − | | |
| − | Then thy self thou art one,
| |
| − | Suffer him first to touch the meat,
| |
| − | Ere thyself to it reach.
| |
| − | To the fairest morsel thou might not strike,
| |
| − | Though that thou do it well like;
| |
| − | Keep thine hands fair and well,
| |
| − | From foul smudging of thy towel;
| |
| − | Thereon thou shalt not thy nose blow,
| |
| − | Nor at the meat thy tooth thou pick;
| |
| − | Too deep in cup thou might not sink,
| |
| − | Though thou have good will to drink,
| |
| − | Lest thine eyes would water thereby-
| |
| − | | |
| − | Then were it no courtesy.
| |
| − | Look in thy mouth there be no meat,
| |
| − | When thou begins to drink or speak.
| |
| − | When thou seest any man drinking,
| |
| − | That taketh heed to thy speech,
| |
| − | Soon anaon thou cease thy tale,
| |
| − | Whether he drink wine or ale,
| |
| − | Look also thou scorn no man,
| |
| − | In what degree thou seest him gone;
| |
| − | Nor thou shalt no man deprave,
| |
| − | If thou wilt thy worship save;
| |
| − | For such word might there outburst.
| |
| − | | |
| − | That might make thee sit in evil rest.
| |
| − | Close thy hand in thy fist,
| |
| − | And keep thee well from "had I known."
| |
| − | Hold thy tongue and spend thy sight;
| |
| − | Laugh thou not with no great cry,
| |
| − | Nor make no lewd sport and ribaldry.
| |
| − | Play thou not but with thy peers,
| |
| − | Nor tell thou not all that thou hears;
| |
| − | Discover thou not thine own deed,
| |
| − | For no mirth, nor for no reward;
| |
| − | With fair speech thou might have thy will,
| |
| − | With it thou might thy self spoil.
| |
| − | | |
| − | When thou meetest a worthy man,
| |
| − | Cap and hood thou hold not on;
| |
| − | In church, in market, or in the gate,
| |
| − | Do him reverance after his state.
| |
| − | If thou goest with a worthier man
| |
| − | Then thyself thou art one,
| |
| − | Let thy foremost shoulder follow his back,
| |
| − | For that is nurture without lack;
| |
| − | | |
| − | When he doth speak, hold thee still,
| |
| − | When he hath done, say for thy will,
| |
| − | In thy speech that thou be discreet,
| |
| − | And what thou sayest consider thee well;
| |
| − | But deprive thou not him his tale,
| |
| − | Neither at the wine nor at the ale.
| |
| − | Christ then of his high grace,
| |
| − | Save you both wit and space,
| |
| − | Well this book to know and read,
| |
| − | Heaven to have for your reward.
| |
| − | Amen! Amen! so mote it be!
| |
| − | So say we all for charity.
| |
| − | | |
| − | </poem>
| |
