[Evil Example of Sardanapalus.]

P. iii. 237

These olde gestes tellen thus,

That whilom Sardana Pallus,[1348]

Hic ponit exemplum qualiter, pro eo quod Sardana Pallus[1349] Assiriorum Princeps muliebri[1350] oblectamento effeminatus sue concupiscencie torporem quasi ex consuetudine adhibebat, a Barbaro Rege Medorum super hoc insidiante in sui feruoris maiori voluptate[1351] subitis mutacionibus extinctus est.

Which hield al hol in his empire

The grete kingdom of Assire,

Was thurgh the slouthe of his corage

Falle into thilke fyri rage

Of love, which the men assoteth,