[POEMA MORALE]:
Parallel Texts
| (Lambeth MS.) | (Trinity MS.) |
| ich em nu alder þene ich wes awintre ⁊ a lare. Ich welde mare þene ich dede mi `wit´ ahte bon mare. Wel longe ich habbe child ibon a worde ⁊ a dede þa`h´ ich bo a wintre ald to ȝung ich em on rede. 5 vnnet lif ich habbe iled. ⁊ ȝet me þingþ ilede. þenne ich me bi þenche wel ful sare ich me adrede. mest al þ̵ ich habbe idon bi fealt to child hade. Wel late ich habbe me bi þocht; bute God me nu rede. Fole idel word ich habbe iqueðen soððen ich speke kuðe. 10 fole ȝunge dede idon; þe me of þinchet nuðe. | I ch am nu elder þan ich was a wintre ⁊ a lore. Ich wealde more þan idude mi wit oh to be more To longe ich habbe child iben a worde ⁊ a dade. Þeih ibie a winter eald to jung ich am on rade. 5 Vnnet lif ich habbe ilad ⁊ ȝiet me þincheð ilade Þan ibiðenche me þar on wel sore ime adrade. Mast al ich habbe idon is idelnesse ⁊ chilce. Wel late ich habbe me bi þoht bute me god do milce. Fele idel word ich habbe ispeken seðen ich speken cuðe. 10 ⁊ fele ȝeunge dade idon þe me ofðinkeð nuðe. Alto lome ich habbe igult a werke ⁊ a worde. Alto muchel ic habbe ispend to litel ileid on horde. |
| Mest al þ̵ me likede er nu; hit me mis likeð þa muchel fulieð his wil; hine solf he biswikeð. Ich mihte habbe bet idon. hefde ich þe iselþe. Nu ich walde ah ich ne mei; for elde ⁊ for un helþe. 15 Elde me is bi stolen on. er ich hit wiste. ne michte ich seon bi fore me. for smike ne for miste. Erȝe we beoð to done god. ⁊ to ufele al to þriste. Mare eie stondeð men of monne þanne hom do of criste. þe wel ne doð þe hwile þe ho muȝen. wel oft hit schal rowen; 20 þenne ȝe mawen sculen ⁊ repen þ̵ ho er sowen. Do he to gode þ̵ he muȝe þe hwile þ̵ he bo aliue. ne lipnie na mon to | muchel to childe ne to wiue. þe him solue forȝet for wiue ne for childe; he scal cumen in uuel stude bute him God bo milde. 25 Sendeð sum god bi foren eow. þe hwle þ̵ ȝe muȝen to houene. for betere is an elmesse biforen; þenne boð efter souene. Alto lome ich habbe igult a werke ⁊ o worde. Al to muchel ich habbe ispent. to litel ihud in horde. | Mast al þat me likede ar nu hit me mislicað. Þe mu[c]hel folȝeð his iwil him selfen he biswicað. 15 Ich mihte habben bet idon. hadde ich þo iselðe Nu ich wolde ac ine mai for elde ⁊ for unhalðe. Elde me is bistolen on ar ich hit iwiste Ne mai ich isien bifore me for smeche ne for miste. Arȝe we beð to don god to juel al to þriste 20 More eie stondeð man of man þan him do of criste. Þe wel ne deð þe hwile he mai wel ofte hit sal him rewen. Þan alle men sulle ripen þat hie ar sewen. Do al to gode þat he muȝe ech þe hwile he beð aliue. Ne lipne noman to muchel to childe ne to wiue. | 25 Þe þe him selfe forȝiet for wiue oðer for childe He sal cumen on euel stede bute him god be milde. Sende god biforen him man þe hwile he mai to heuene For betre is on almesse biforen þan ben after seuene. |
| Ne beo þe loure þene þe solf; ne þin mei. ne þin maȝe. 30 Soht is þ̵ is oðer`s´ monnes frond betre þen his aȝen. Ne lipnie wif to hire were. ne were to his wiue bo for him solue ech .Mon. þe `h´wile þ̵ he bo aliue. | Ne bie þe leuere þan þe self ne þi mæi ne þi mowe 30 Sot is þe is oðer mannes frend betere þan his owen. Ne hopie wif to hire were ne were to his wiue Be for him self afric man þe hwile he beð aliue. |
| Wis is þe to him solue þench þe hwile þe mot libben. for sone wule hine forȝeten þe fremede ⁊ þe sibbe. 35 þe wel ne deð þe hwile he mai; ne scal wenne he walde. Monies monnes sare iswinc habbeð oft un holde. Ne scal na mon don afirst. ne slawen wel to done. for moni mon bihateð wel þe hit forȝeteð sone. Þe .Mon. þe wule siker bon to habben Godes blisse. 40 do wel him solf hwile þ̵ he mai; þenne haueð he his mid iwisse. þes riche .Men. weneð bon siker þurh walle ⁊ þurh diche. þe deð his echte on sikere stude he hit sent to heueneriche. for þer ne þerf he bon of dred of fure ne of þoue þer ne | þerf he him binimen þe laðe ne þe loue. 45 þer ne þerf he habben kare of ȝeve ne of ȝelde. þider he sent. ⁊ solf bereð to lutel ⁊ to selde. | Wis þe him selue biðencheð þe hwile he mót libben For sone willeð him forȝiete þe fremde ⁊ þe sibbe. 35 Þe wel ne doð þe hwile he mai ne sal he þan he wolde. For manimannes sore iswinc habbeð ofte unholde. Ne solde noman don a furst ne laten wel to done For maniman bihoteð wel þat hi forȝieteð sone. Þe man þe wile siker ben to habben godes blisse. 40 Do wel him self þe hwile he mai þanne haueð hes mid iwisse. Þe richemen weneð siker ben þu`r´ch wallen ⁊ thurh dichen. He deð his aihte an siker stede þe hit sent to heueriche. For þar`f he´ ben ofdrad of fure ne of þieue. Þar ne mai hit him binime þe loðe ne þe lieue. 45 Þar ne þarf he habben care of here ne of ȝielde Þider we sendeð ⁊ ec bereð to litel ⁊ to selde. |
| þider we sculen draȝen ⁊ don wel ofte ⁊ ilome. for þer ne scal me us naut binimen mid wrangwise dome. þider ȝe sculen ȝorne draȝen. walde ȝe god ileue. 50 for ne mei þer hit ou binimen king ne reue. Al þ̵ beste þ̵ we hefden þider we hit solde senden for þer we hit michte finden eft. ⁊ habben buten ende. Þo þe er doð eni God for habben godes are. al he hit scal finden eft þer ⁊ hundred fald mare. 55 Þe þet echte wile halden wel hwile þe he muȝe es welden. Giue hies for godes luue; þenne deþ hes wel ihalden. | Þider `we solden´ drawen ⁊ don wel ofte ⁊ ilome. For þar ne sal me us naht binime mid wrong wise dome. | Þider we solde ȝierne drawen wolde ȝie me ileuen. 50 For ne mai hit us binime no king ne no sẏrreue. Alþat beste þat we habbeð her þider we solde sende. For þar we mihte finden eft. ⁊ habben abuten ende. Se þe her doð ani god for`to´ haben godes ore. Al he hit sal eft finde þar ⁊ hundredfealde more. 55 Se þe aihte wile holde wel þe hwile hes muȝe wealden. Ȝieue hes for godes luue þanne doð hes wel ihealden. |
| Vre swinc ⁊ ure tilþe is ofte iwoned to swinden. Ach þ̵ þe we doð for godes luue; eft we sculen al finden. Ne scal nan ufel bon un bocht. ne nan god unforȝolden. 60 vfel we doþ al to muchel. ⁊ god lesse þenne we sculden. Þo þe mest doð nu to gode. ⁊ þe lest to laðe. Eiðer to lutel ⁊ to muchel scal þunchen eft hom baþe. Þer me scal ure werkes weien bi foran þe heuen king. and ȝeuen us ure swinkes lan efter ure erninge. | For ure swinch ⁊ ure tilðe is ofte wuned to swinde. Ac al þat we ȝieueð for godes luue al we hit sulen eft finden. Ne sal þar non euel ben unboht ne god unforȝolden. 60 Euel we doð al to muchel ⁊ god lasse þan we solden. Se þe mast doð nu to gode ⁊ se last to lothe. Eiðer to litel ⁊ to muchel hem sal þunche boðe. Þar me sal ure werkes weiȝen bifore þan heuen kinge. ⁊ ȝieuen us ure werkes lean after ure erninge. |
| 65 Ech mon mid þ̵ he hauet. mei buggen houene riche. þe mare haueþ ⁊ þe þe lesse; baþe hi | muȝen iliche. Al se mid his p`e´nie alse oðer mið his punde. þ̵ is þe wunderlukeste chep; þ̵ eni mon efre funde. ⁊ þe ðe mare ne mai don; do hit mid his gode þonke. 70 Alse wel se þe þe haueð golde fele manke. ⁊ oft god kon mare þonc þen þe him ȝeueð lesse. ⁊ his werkes ⁊ his weȝes his milce. ⁊ rihtwisnesse. |
65
Africh man mid þat he haueð mai bugge heueriche
Þe þe more haueð ⁊ þe þe lasse boðe iliche.
Alse on mid his peni se oðer mid his punde
Þis is þet wunderlukeste ware þat animan funde.
⁊ se þe more ne mai don mid his gode iþanke.
70
Alse wel se þe þe haued goldes fele manke.
And ofte god can more þanc þan þe him ȝieueð lasse.
Al his werkes ⁊ his weies is milce ⁊ rihtwi |
| lutel lac is gode lof; þ̵ kumeð of gode wille. ⁊ ec lete muchel ȝeue of þan þe herte is ille. 75 Houene ⁊ horþe he ouer sich. his eȝen boð swa brichte. Sunne ⁊ mone ⁊ houen fur boð þestre aȝein his lihte. | Litel lóc is gode lef þe cumeð of gode wille ⁊ eðlate muchel ȝieue þan his herte is ille. 75 Heuene ⁊ erðe he ouer sihð his eien beð ful brihte. |
| Nis him noht for holen ni hud. swa muchele boð his mihte. nis hit ne swa derne [idon] ne [a] swa þostre nihte. he wat wet þenkeð ⁊ hwet doð alle quike wihte. 80 Nis na lauerd swich se is crist. ne king swuch ure drihten. | Nis him no þing forholen swo muchel is his mihte. Ne bie hit no swo derne idon ne on swo þuster nihte. He wot hwat þencheð ⁊ hwat doð alle quike wihte Nis louerd swilch is crist ne king swilch ure drihte 80 Boðe ȝiemeð þe his bien bi daie ⁊ bi nihte. |
| houene ⁊ orðe ⁊ al þ̵ is biloken is in his honde. he deð al þ̵ his wil is; a wettre ⁊ alonde. He makede fisses in þe se ⁊ fuȝeles in þe lifte. he wit ⁊ waldeð alle þing ⁊ scop alle scefte. 85 he is hord buten horde ⁊ ende buten ende. he ane is eure an ilche stude wende þer þu wende. he is buuen us ⁊ bi noþen. bi foren ⁊ bi hinden. þe þe deð godes wille uwer he mei him finden. | Heuene ⁊ erðe ⁊ al þat is biloken is in his honden He doð al þat his wille is awatere ⁊ alonde. He makeð þe fisses in þe sa þe fueles on þe lofte. He wit ⁊ wealdeð alle þing ⁊ he sop alle safte. 85 He is ord a buten ord ⁊ ende abuten ende He is one afre on eche stede wende þar þu wende. He is buuen us ⁊ bineðen biforen ⁊ bihinde Þe godes wille doð aihware he maiȝ him finde |
| Helche rune he iherð ⁊ wat alle deden. 90 he þurþ sicheþ uches monnes þonc. Wi hwat scal us to rede. We þ̵ brokeð godes hese ⁊ gulteð swa ilome. hwet scule we seggen oðer don et þe muchele dome. Þa þe luueden unriht ⁊ ufel lif | leden. Wet sculen ho seggen oðer don; þen þe engles bon of dred. | Elche rune he hereð ⁊ he wot alle dade 90 He þurh sihð elches mannes þanc wi hwat sal us to rade. We þe brekeð godes has ⁊ gulteð swo ilome Hwat sulle we seggen oðer don á te muchele dome We þe luueden unriht ⁊ euel lif ladden Hwat sulle we seggen oðer don þar ængles beð ofdradde |
| 95 hwet sculen we beren biforen us mid hom scule we iquemen. þo þe neure god ne dude þe houenliche deme. þer sculen bon doule swa fole þ̵ wulleð us for wreien. ⁊ nabbeð hi naþing forȝeten of al þ̵ ho iseȝen. | 95 Hwat sulle we beren us biforen mid hwan sulle we iqueme We þe nafre god ne duden þan heuenliche deme. | Þar sulle ben deflen swo fele þat willeð us forwreien. Nabbeð hie no þing forȝieten of þat hie her iseien. |
| Al þ̵ we mis duden her; ho hit wulleð kuðe þere. 100 [buten wé habbe hit íbét. ðe hwile wé her wére] Al ho habbeð in hore write; þ̵ we mis duden here. þach we nusten ne ni seȝen. ho weren ure ifere. | Alþat hie iseien her hie willeð cuðen þare 100 Bute we haben hit ibet þe hwile we here waren. Al hie habbeð on here write þat we misduden here. Þeih we hes ne niseien hie waren ure iferen. |
| Hwet sculen ordlinghe`s´ don. þa swicen ⁊ ta forsworene hwi boð fole iclepede. ⁊ swa lut icorene. 105 wi hwi weren ho bi ȝeten to hwon weren ho iborene. þ̵ sculen bon to deþe idemet. ⁊ eure ma for lorene. Ech .Mon. scal him solue þer bi clepie ⁊ bidemen. his aȝen werch ⁊ his þonc te witnesse he scal temen. ne mei him na .Mon. alsa wel demen ne alswa rihte 110 for nan ne knauð him ase ȝere; buten ane drihte. Ech .Mon. wat him solue best; his werkes. ⁊ his wille. Þe ðe lest wat bi seiþ ofte mest; þe hit al wat is stille. nis nan witnesse alse muchel se monne`s´ aȝen horte. Wa se seið þ̵ he bo hal. him solf wat best his smirte. | Hwat sullen horlinges don þes wichen ⁊ þe forsworene Wi swo fele beð icleped swo fewe bed icorene 105 Wi hwi waren hie biȝiete to hwan waren hie iborene. Þe sulle ben to deaðe idemd ⁊ afremo forlorene. Elch man `sal´ þar biclepien himselfen ⁊ ec demen. His oȝen werc ⁊ his þanc to witnesse he sal temen. Nemai him noman alse wel demen ne alse rihte 110 For non ne cnoweð hine alse wel buten one drihte. Man wot him self best his werkes ⁊ his wille. Se þe last wot he seið ofte mast se þit al wot is stille Nis no witnesse alse muchel se mannes oȝen hierte Hwo se seið þat hie beð hol him self wot his smierte. |
| 115 Ech .Mon. scal hm solf demen to deðe oðer to liue. þa witnesse of his aȝen werch; hine þer to scal driue. Al þet ech .Mon haueð idon soððen he com to monne sculde he | hit sechen o boke iwriten he scal iþenchen þenne. Ah drihten ne demeð nenne .Mon. efter his biginnigge. 120 ah al his lif scal bon suilch boð his endinge. | 115 Elch man sal him selfen demen to deaðe oðer to liue. Þe witnesse of his oȝen werc to oðer þan hine sal driue. Alþat afri man haueð idon seðen he cam to manne Swo he hit iseie abóc iwrite he sal hit þenche þanne. Ac drihte ne demeð noman after his biginninge 120 Ac al his lif sal ben teald after his endinge. | |
| ȝef þ̵ his uuel al hit is uuel ⁊ God ȝefe god his ende. God ȝeue þ̵ ure ende bo god. ⁊ wite þ̵ he us lende. þe .Mon. þ̵ uuel don na god. ne neure god lif leden. er deð ⁊ dom come to his dure he mei him sare adreden. 125 þ̵ he ne muȝe þenne biden are. for þ̵ itit ilome. for þi he is wis þe biet ⁊ bit ⁊ bet bi fore dome. | Ȝief þe endinge is god al hit is god· ⁊ euel ȝief euel is þe ende. God ȝieue þat ure ende be god ⁊ ȝieue þat he us lende. Se man þe nafre nele don god ne nafre god lif lade. Are deað ⁊ dom cumeð to his dure he maiȝ him sore a drade 125 Þat he ne muȝe þanne bidden ore for þat itit ilome. For þi he wis þe bit ⁊ biȝiet ⁊ bet bifore dome. |
| Wenne deð is attere dure wel late he biddeþ are. Wel late he latheð uuel werc; þe ne mei hit don ne mare. | Þanne þe deað is ate dure wel late he biddeð ore. Wel late he lateð euel werc þan he hit ne mai don no more. Senne lat þe ⁊ þu nah him þan þu hit ne miht do no more; 130 For þi he is sot þe swo abit to habben godes ore. |
| þ̵ achten we to leuen wel. for ure drihten solf hit seide. 130 A hwilke time se eure .Mon. of þinchþ his mis dede. Oþer raþer oðer later; milce he scal imeten. Ac þe þ̵ þer naf[ð] nocht ibet; wel muchel he haueð to beten. | Þeih hweðere we hit leueð wel for drihte self hit sade. Elche time sal þe man of þunche his misdade Oðer raðer oðer later milce he sal imete. Ac þe þe her naueð ibet muchel he haued to bete |
| Monimon seit hwa rechð of pine þe scal habben þende. Ne bidde ich na bet bo alesed a domes dei of bende. 135 lutel he wat wet is pine. ⁊ lutel he hit scaweð hwice hete is þer þa saule wuneð hu biter wind þer blaweð. hefde he bon þer enne dei oðer twa bare tide; nolde he for al middenerd þe þerdde þer abiden. þet habbeð iseid þ[e] comen þonen þa hit wisten mid iwissen. 140 wa wurð sorȝe seueȝer. for souenihte blisse. | 135 Maniman seið hwo reche pine þe sal habben ende Ne bidde ich no bet bie ich alesed a domesdai of bende. Litel wot he `h´wat is pine ⁊ litel he cnoweð Hwilch hit is þar sowle wunieð hwu biter wind þar bloweð. Hadde he ben þar on oðer two bare tiden. 140 Nolde he for al midden eard þe þridde þar abiden. Þat habbed isaid þe come þanne þit wiste mid iwisse. Wo wurðe soreȝe seue ȝier for seue nihte blisse. |
| In hure blisse þe | þe ende haueð. for endelese pine. betere is wori water drunch; þen atter meind mid wine. Swines brede is swiðe swete. swa is of wilde dore. alto dore he is abuh; þe ȝefð þer fore his swore. 145 Ful wombe mei lihtliche speken of hunger. ⁊ of festen; swa mei of pine þe ne cnauð þe scal a ilesten. Hefð he ifonded summe stunde; he wolde al seggen oðer. Et lete him were wif. child. suster. feder ⁊ broðer. | ⁊ ure blisse þe ende haueð for ende lease pine Betere is wori water þan atter imengd mid wine. 145 Swines brade is wel swete swo is of wilde diere. Ac al to diere he hit abuið þe ȝiefð þar fore his swiere. Ful wombe mai lihtliche speken of hunger ⁊ of fasten Swo mai of pine þe not hwat is pine þe sal ilasten. | Hadde fonded sume stunde he wolde seggen oðer 150 Eðlate him ware wif ⁊ child suster ⁊ fader ⁊ broðer. |
| Al he walde ⁊ oðerluker don ⁊ oðerluker þenchen 150 Wenne he bi þohte on helle fur þe nawiht ne mei quenchen. Eure he walde her inne wawe ⁊ ine wene wunien; Wið þ̵ þe mihte helle pine bi flien ⁊ bi sunien Et lete him were al world wele ⁊ orðliche blisse. for to þ̵ muchele blisse cumen is murþe mid iwisse. | Al he wolde oðerluker don ⁊ oðerluker þenche Þan he biðohte an helle fur þat no wiht ne mai quenche. Afre he wolde her in wo ⁊ in wane wunien Wið þan he mihte helle fur biflen ⁊ bisunien. 155 Eðlate him ware al wele ⁊ erðeliche blisse For to þe muchele blisse cume þis murie mid iwisse. |
| 155 Iwule nu cumen eft to þe dome þ̵ ich er ow of sede A þa dei ⁊ at ta dome us helpe crist ⁊ rede. þer we muȝen bon eþe offerd ⁊ herde us adreden. þer he scal al son him bi foren his word ⁊ ec his deden. Al scal þer bon þenne cud þer men luȝen her ent stelen. 160 Al scal þer bon þanne unwron; þ̵ men wruȝen her ⁊ helen. We sculen alre monne lif iknauwen al se ure ahen. þer sculen eueningges bon þe riche ⁊ þe laȝe. Ne scal na mon skamie þer ne þerf he him a dreden. Gif him her of þincþ | his gult ⁊ bet his misdede. 165 for him ne scameþ ne ne gromeð þe sculen bon iborȝen. | ¶Ich wulle nu cumen eft to þe dome þe ich eow ar of sade. On þe daie ⁊ on þe dome us helpe crist ⁊ rade Þar we muȝen ben sore offerd ⁊ harde us ofdrade. 160 Þar elch sal al isien him biforen his word ⁊ ec his dade. Al sal þar ben þanne cuð þat men luȝen her ⁊ halen. Al sal þar ben þanne unwrien þat men her hudden ⁊ stalen. We sullen alre manne lif icnowen alse ure oȝen Þar sullen efninges ben to þe heie ⁊ to þe loȝe. 165 Ne sal þeih no man samie þiar ne þarf he him adrade. Ȝief him her ofþincheð his gult ⁊ bet his mis dade. For hem ne sameð ne ne grameð þe sulle ben iboreȝe |
| Ach þo þre habbeþ scome ⁊ grome ⁊ oft fele sorȝe. Þe dom scal sone bon idon ne lest he nawiht longe. ne scal him na mon mene þer of strengþe ne of wronge. þe sculen habbe herdne dom þa her weren herde. 170 þa þe uuele holden wreche men ⁊ uuele laȝe redde. Ec efter þ̵ he efþ idon sal þer þenne [beon] idemet. [bliðe mei hé ðenne beon. þe god háfð wel icwemed] | Ac þoðre habbeð same ⁊ grame ⁊ oðer fele soreȝe. Þe dom sal ben sone idon ne last hit nowiht longe 170 Ne sal him noman mene þar of strencðe ne of wronge Þo sulle habben hardne dom þe here waren hardde Þo þe euel hielden wreche men ⁊ euel laȝe arerde. Elch after þat he haueð idon sal þar ben þanne idemd Bliðe mai he þanne ben þe god haueð wel iquemd. |
| Alle þa þi sprunge boþ of adam ⁊ of eue. Alle hi sculen cumen þider for soðe we hit ileueð. 175 þa þe habbeð wel idon efter hore mihte. to houene riche hi sculen faren forð mid ure drihte. Þa þe habbeð doules werc idon. ⁊ þer inne bo ifunde. hi sculen faren forð mid him in to helle grunde. Þer hi sculen wunien a buten are ⁊ ende. 180 Ne brekeþ neure drihte helle gate for lesen hi of bende. | 175 Alle þo þe sprunge beð of adam ⁊ of eue Alle hie sulle þider cume for soðe we hit ileued. | Þo þe habbed wel idon after here mihte To heueriche hie sulle fare forð mid ure drihte. Þo þe deueles werkes habeð idon ⁊ þar inne beð ifunde 180 Hie sulle fare forð mid hem in to helle grunde. Þar hie sulle wunien abuten ore ⁊ ende. Brecð nafre eft crist helle dure for lesen hem of bende |
| Nis na sullic þech hom bo wa ⁊ hom bo uneade. Ne scal neure eft crist þolie deþ for lesen hom of deaþe. Enes drihten helle brec his frond he ut brochte. him solf he þolede deð for him . wel dore he hom bohte. 185 Nalde hit mei do for mei. ne suster for broðer. nalde hit sune do for fader. ne na mon for oðer. | Nis no sellich þeih hem be wo ⁊ þeih hem be uneaðe Ne sal nafre eft crist þolien deað for lesen hem of deaðe. 185 Ænes drihten helle brac his frend he ut brohte Him self he þolede deað for hem wel diere he hes bohte. Nolde hit moȝe don for mai ne suster [for] broðer Nolde sune don for fader ne no man for oðer. |
| Vre alre lauerd for his þrelles ipined wes a rode. vre bendes he unbon[d] ⁊ bohte us mid his blode. We ȝeueð | uneðe for his luue a stuche of ure brede. 190 Ne þenke we noht þ̵ he scal deme þa quike ⁊ þa dede. Muchele luue he us cudde. walde we hit understonde þ̵ ure eldre misduden; we habbeð uuele on honde. Deþ com in þis middenerde þurh þes doules honde. ⁊ sake ⁊ sorȝe ⁊ swinc a watere ⁊ a londe. | Vre alre louerd for his þralles ipined he was arode 190 Ure bendes he unbond ⁊ bohte us mid his blode. We ȝieueð uneaðe for his luue a steche of ure breade Ne þenche we naht þar þat sal deme þe quica ⁊ þe deade. Muchel luue he us kedde wolde we hit understonde. Þat ure elderne mi`s´duden we habeð euel an honde. 195 Deað cam in þis middenærd þurh ealde deueles onde ⁊ senne ⁊ soreȝe ⁊ iswinch awatere ⁊ [a]londe. |
| 195 Vre forme fader gult. we abuȝeð alle. [eal his óf spring efter him. en hearme is bi fealle.] þurst ⁊ hunger. chele ⁊ hete. helde ⁊ unhelðe. þurh him deð com in þis middenerd ⁊ oðer uniselðe. Nere na mon elles ded ne sec ne nan unsele. 200 ac mihten libben eure ma a blisse ⁊ a hele. | Vre foremes faderes gult we abugeð alle Al his ofsprung after him in harem is biualle Þurst ⁊ hunger. chele ⁊ hete ⁊ alle unhalðe. 200 Þurh deað cam in þis midden eard ⁊ oðer unisalðe. Nare noman elles dead ne sic ne unsele Ac mihte libbe afremo ablisse ⁊ an hale. | Litel lac is gode lief þe cumeð of gode wille. ⁊ eðlate muchel ȝieue þan his herte is ille |
| lutel hit þuncheð moni mon. ac muchel wes þa sunne. for hwam alle þolieð deð þe comen of hore cunne. Hore sunne ⁊ ec ure aȝen sare us mei of þinche. þurh sunne we libbeð alle in sorȝe ⁊ in swinke. 205 Suððen God nom swa muchele wrake for are misdede; We þe swa muchel ⁊ swa ofte mis doð. we muȝen eðe us adrede. Adam and his of sprung for are bare sunne. Wes fele undret wintre an helle pine ⁊ an unwunne. þa þe ledden hore lif mid unriht ⁊ mid wrange. 210 buten hit gode`s´ milce do ho sculen bon þer wel longe. Godes wisdom is wel muchel ⁊ alswa is his mihte ⁊ nis his milce naut lesse. ac bi þan ilke iwichte. | 205 Litel hit þuncheð maniman ac muchel was þe senne For hwan alle þolieð deað þe comen of here kenne Here senne ⁊ ec ure oȝen us muȝe sore of þunche For senne we libeð alle her in soreȝe ⁊ in swunche. Seðen god nam swo mukel wrache for one misdede 210 We þe swo ofte misdoð we muȝen us eaðe ofdrade. Adam ⁊ al his ofspreng for one bare senne. Was fele hundred wintre an helle a pine ⁊ unwenne. Þo þe ladeð here lif mid unrihte ⁊ mid wronge Bute hit godes milce do hie sulle wunie þar longe. 215 Godes wisdom is wel muchel ⁊ alsse is his mihte Ac nis his mihte nowiht lasse ac biðer ilke wihte. |
| Mare he ane mei for ȝeuen. þen | al folc gulte cunne. Sulf douel mihte habben milce. ȝif he hit bigunne. 215 Þa þe godes milce secheð; he iwis mei ha ifinden. Ac helle king is are les with þa þe he mei binden. þe þe deþ is wille mest; he haueð wurst mede. His baþ scal bon wallinde. his bað scal bon berninde glede. | More he one maiȝ forȝieue þan alle folc gulte cunne Self deuel mihte habben milce ȝief he hit bigunne. Þeþe godes milche secð iwis he mai hes finden 220 Ac helle king is ore leas wið þo þe he mai binden. Se deð his wille mast he sal habbe werest mede His bað sal be wallinde pich his bed barnende glede. |
| Wurst he deð his gode frond; þenne his fulle fond; 220 God scilde alle godes frond. a wih swilche freonde. Neure in helle hi com. ne þer ne come reche. þach ich elches worldes wele. þer me mahte feche þ̵ his wulle seggen on þat wise men us seiden. ⁊ aboken hit writen þer [me] mei hit reden. 225 Ich hit wille seggen þan þe hit hom solf nusten. warni hom wið hore unfrome. ȝif ho me wulleð lusten. vnderstondeð nu to me edi men ⁊ arme. Ich wulle tellen of helle pin; ⁊ wernin ow wið herme. In helle his hunger ⁊ þurst; twa uuele iuere. 230 þas þolieð þa [þe] weren maket niþinges here. | Werse he doð his gode wines þan his fiendes God silde alle godes friend wið swo euele friende. 225 Nafre an helle ine cam ne cumen ich þar ne reche Þeih ich aches woreldes wele þare mihte feche. Þeih ich wille seggen eow þat wise men us saden ⁊ [a] boc hit is write þar me hit mai rade. | Ic wille seggen hit þo þe hit hem self nesten 230 ⁊ warnin hem wið here unfreme ȝief hie me willeð hlesten. Vnderstondeð nu to meward eadimen ⁊ arme Ich wille tellen eow of helle pine ⁊ warnin eow wið harme. An helle hunger ⁊ þurst euel two iferen. Þos pine þolieð þo þe ware meteniðinges here. |
| Þer is waning ⁊ wow. efter eche streche. ho fareð from hete to hete. ⁊ hech to frure þe wreche. þenne hi bið in þere hete; þe chele him þunchet blisse. þenne hi cumeð eft to þe chele; of hete hi habbeð misse. 235 hi hem deð wa inoch nabbeð hi nane blisse. | 235 Þar is woning ⁊ wop after ache strate Hie fareð fram hate [to] chele fram chele to hate. [Þ]an hie beð in þe hate chele hem þuncheð blisse [Þ]an hie cumeð eft to chele of hate hie habbeð misse. [E]iðer doð `hem´ wo inoh nabbeð none lisse. |
| Nute hi hweþer hem deþ wurs mid neure nane wisse. hi walkeð eure ⁊ secheð reste | ac `ho´ ne muȝen imeten. for þi þe ho nolden þe hwile þ̵ ho mihten here sunne beten. ho secheð reste þer nis nan. for þi ne muȝen hi es finden. 240 Ac walkeð weri up ⁊ dun; se water deþ mid winde. þo boð þa þe weren her a þanke unstedefeste. ⁊ þa þe gode biheten heste ⁊ nolden hit ileste. þa þe god werc bigunnen ⁊ ful enden hit nolden. | 240 [N]iten hweðer hem doð wers to nafre none wisse. [H]ie walkeð afre ⁊ secheð reste ac hie hes ne muȝen imeten. [F]or þi þe hie nolde þe hwile hie mihten here senne beten. [H]ie sec`h´eð reste þar non nis ac hie hies ne muȝen ifinden. [A]c walkeð weri up ⁊ dun se water doð mid winde 245 [Þ]at beð þo þe waren her an þanc unstedefaste [⁊] þo þe gode biheten aihte ⁊ hit him ilaste. [⁊] þo þe god werc bigunnen ⁊ ful endin hit nolden. |
| Nu witen her. ⁊ nuðe þer. ⁊ nusten hwat hi wolden. 245 þer is bernunde pich hore saule to baþien inne. þa þe ledden here lif in werre ⁊ in winne. þer is fur þ̵ is undret fald hattre. þene bo ure. Ne mei quenchen salt weter ne uersc of þe burne. þis is þ̵ fur þ̵ efre bernd ne mei nawiht hit quenchen; 250 Þer inne boð þa þe was to lof wreche men to swenchen. þa þe weren swikelemen ⁊ ful of uuel wrenchen. þa þe mihten uuel don. þe þe lef hit wes to þenchen. Þe luueden tening ⁊ stale. hordom ⁊ drunken. ⁊ a doules werche bliþeliche swunken. 255 Þa þe weren swa lese þ̵ me hom ne mihte ileuen. Med ierne domes men. ⁊ wrongwise reuen. þ̵ oðer monnes wif lof. his aȝen et lete. þo þe sungede muchel; a drunke ⁊ an ete. þe wreche mon binom his ehte. ⁊ leide his on horde. 260 þ̵ lutel let of godes borde. ⁊ godes worde. | [N]u waren her ⁊ nu þar ⁊ nesten hwat he wolden [Þ]ar is pich þat afre walleð þar sulle wunien inne 250 [Þ]o þe ladeð here lif on werre ⁊ an unwinne. [Þ]ar is fur þis hundredfeald hatere þan be ure. [N]e mai hit quenche salt water ne auene stream ne sture. [Þ]is is þat fur þat afre barneð ne mai no wiht [hit] quenche. [Þ]ar inne beð þe was to lef wreche men to swenche. | 255 Þo þe [waren] swikele men ⁊ ful of euele wrenchen. ⁊ þo þe mihten euel don ⁊ lief hit was to þenchen. Þe luueden rauing ⁊ stale hordom ⁊ druken ⁊ an defles werkes bliðeliche swunken. Þo þe waren swo lease men þat mes ne mihte leuen 260 Medȝierne domes men ⁊ w`r´ongwise reuen. Þo þe oðer mannes wif was lief her oȝen eðlate ⁊ þo þe sunegeden muchel on druken ⁊ on ate. Þe wreche men binomen here aihte ⁊ leide his on horde. Þe litel lete of godes bode ⁊ of godes worde. |
| ⁊ þo þe his aȝen nalde ȝeuen þer he isech | þe node Ne nalde iheren godes sonde. þenne he hit herde bode. Þe þ̵ is oðers monnes þing. loure þene hit sculde. ⁊ weren to gredi of solure ⁊ of golde. 265 ⁊ þa þe untrownesse duden þon þe ho scu`l´den bon holde. ⁊ leten þet ho sculden don. ⁊ duden þ̵ ho wolden. Þa þe weren eure abuten þisse worldes echte. ⁊ duden al þ̵ þe laþe gast hechte to ⁊ tachte. ⁊ alle þe þen anigewise doulen i quemde. 270 Þa boð nu mid him in helle fordon ⁊ fordemet. | 265 ⁊ þe his oȝen nolde ȝieue þar he iseih þe niede Ne nolde ihere godes men þan he sat at his biede. Þo þe was oðer mannes þing leuere þan hit solde ⁊ waren alto gradi of siluer ⁊ of golde. Þo þe untrewnesse deden þan þe he solden ben holde. 270 ⁊ leten al þat hie solden don ⁊ deden þat hie wolden. Þo þe waren ȝietceres of þis wereldes aihte ⁊ dude al þat þe loðe gost hem tihte to ⁊ taihte. ⁊ Al `þo´ þe ani wise deuel iquemde Þo beð mid him in helle fordon ⁊ demde. |
| (EGERTON MS., SECOND COPY.) | |
| Bute þá þe óf ðufte sare heore mis dede. ⁊ gunne heore gultes beten ⁊ betere líf læde. Þer beoð neddren ⁊ snaken. éuete ⁊ frute. þa tereð. ⁊ freteð. þe uuele speke. þe nið fulle. ⁊ te prute. 275 Neure sunne ðer ne scínð. ne mone ne steorre. þer is muchel godes hate. ⁊ muchel godes eorre. Æure ðer ís uuel sméch. ðusternesse ⁊ eie. nis ðer neure oðer líht. ðene þe swierte leie. Þer ligget ladliche fund. in strange raketeȝe. 280 þ̵ beoð þa ðe wére mid gode on heuene wel heȝe. Þer beoð ateliche fund. ⁊ eisliche wihte. þas scule þa wrecche í fon. þe suneȝede ðurh sihte. | 275 Bute þo þe ofðuhte sore here misdade ⁊ Gunne here gultes bete ⁊ betere lif lade. Þar beð naddren ⁊ snaken. eueten ⁊ fruden Þe tereð ⁊ freteð þo euele swiken þe niðfule ⁊ þe prude Nafre sunne þar ne sineð ne mone ne storre. 280 Þar is muchel godes hete ⁊ muchel godes oerre. | Afre þar is euel smech þiesternesse ⁊ eie Nis þar nafre oder liht þan þe swarte leie. Þar ligeð ateliche fiend in stronge raketeie Þat beð þo þe waren mid god angles swiðe heie. 285 Þat beð ateliche fiend ⁊ Eiseliche wihten Þo sulle þe wreche sowle isien þe sinegeden þurh sihte |
| Þer is ðe laðe sathanas. ⁊ belzebud sé ealde. eaðe hi muȝen beo óf dréd. þe híne scule bi healde. 285 Ne mei nan heorte hit iðenche. ne tunge ne can telle. hu muchel píne na hu uele sunden ínne helle. Wið þa pine ðe þer beoð. nelle ich eow naht leoȝen. nis hit bute gamen ⁊ gléo. eal þ̵ man mei hér dreoȝen. End ȝut ne deð heom naht sa wá. ín ða laðe bende. | 290 þ̵ hí witeð þ̵ heore píne sceal neure habbe ende. | Þar is se loðe sathanas ⁊ belzebub se ealde Eaðe he muȝen ben sore ofdrad þe sullen hes bihealde. Nemai non herte hit þenche ne tunge hit ne mai telle 290 Hwu muchele pine ne hwu fele senden in helle Of þo pine þe þar bieð nelle ich eow naht lie Nis hit bute gamen ⁊ glie of þat man mai here drie. ⁊ ȝiet ne doð hem naht alse wo in þe loðe bende Swo þat he witen þat here pine sal nafre habben ende |
| Þar beoð þa heðene men. þé wǽre laȝe liese. þe nes naht óf godes bi bode. ne óf godes hése. [U]uele cristene men. hí beoð heore ifere. þa ðe heore cristen dom. uuele heo`l´de hére. 295 [Ȝ]ut hí beoð á wurse stede. on ðeré helle grunde. ne sculen hí neure cumen út. for marke ne for punde. [N]e mei heom naðer helpen þer. íbede ne elmesse. for nis naðer inne helle. áre ne for ȝiuenesse. Sculde him éch man ðe hwile hé muȝe óf ðas helle píne. 300 ⁊ werni ech hís freond þer wið swa ich habbe mine. Þá ðe sculden heom ne cunne. ich heom wulle teche. ich kan beon ȝief ich sceal. lichame ⁊ sawle leche. | 295 Þar beð þe haðene men þe waren laȝe lease. Þe nes naht of godes bode ne of godes hease. Euele cristene men hie beð here iferen Þo þe here cristendom euele hielden here. ⁊ ȝiet he beð awerse stede aniðer helle grunde 300 Ne sullen nafre cumen út for peni ne for punde. Ne mai hem noðer helpe þar ibede ne almesse For naht solden bidde þar ore ne forȝieuenesse. Silde him elch man þe hwile he mai wið þos helle pine. ⁊ warnie his frend þar wið swo ich habbe ido mine. 305 Þo þe silde hem ne cunnen ich hem wille tache [I]ch can ben aiðer ȝief isal lichame ⁊ sowle lache. | |
| Léte wé þ̵ god for but. ealle manne cunne. ⁊ do wé þ̵ hé us hét. ⁊ sculde wé us wið sunne. 305 Luuie we god mid ure heorte. ⁊ mid al ure mihte. ⁊ ure émcristen eal us sulf. swa us lerde drihte. Eal þ̵ me rǽt ⁊ eal þ̵ me singð. bi fore godes borde. eal hít hanget ⁊ bi halt. bi ðisse twam worde. Ealle godes laȝe he fulð. ðe níwe ⁊ ða ealde. 310 þe ðe ðas twá luue háfð. ⁊ wel hí wule healde. Ac hí beoð wunder earueð healde. swá ófte gulteð ealle. Fór hít ís strang to stande lange. ⁊ líht ís to fealle. [A]ac drihte crist hé ȝíue us strengðe. stande þ̵ wé mote. ⁊ óf ealle ure gultes `unne´ us cume to bote. | Late we þat god forbet alle mankenne ⁊ do we þat he us hat ⁊ silde we us wid senne. Luue we god mid ure herte ⁊ mid al ure mihte 310 ⁊ ure emcristen alse us self swo us tached drihte. Al þat me radeð ⁊ singed bifore godes borde Al hit hangeð ⁊ halt bi þese twam worde Alle godes laȝes hie fulleð þe newe ⁊ þe ealde Þe þe þos two luues halt ⁊ wile hes wel healde. 315 Ac hie bieð wel arefeð heald swo ofte we gulteð alle For hit is strong te stonde longe ⁊ liht hit is to falle. Ac drihte crist ȝeue us strengðe stonde þat we moten ⁊ of alle ure gultes ȝieue us cume bote. |
| 315 W é wilnieð éfter woruld wéle. ðe lange ne mei leste. ⁊ leggeð eal ure iswinch. ón ðinȝe unste`de´ feste. | Swunche wé for godes luue. healf þ̵ wé doð for æhte. ne béo wé naht swá óf bicherd. ne sa uuele bi kehte. Ȝif wé serueden gode swa wé doð ermínges. 320 mare wé hedden en héuene. ðenne eorles hér ⁊ kinges. Né muȝen hí werien heom wið chele. wið þurste ne wið hunger. ne wið ulde. ne wið deaðe. þe uldre ne ðe ȝeonger. Ac ðer nis hunger ne ðurst. ne dieð. ne unhelðe ne elde. of þisse riche wé ðencheð ófte. ⁊ of þere to selde. | We wilnieð after wereldes wele þe longe ne mai ilaste 320 ⁊ legeð mast al ure swinc on þing unstedefaste. Swunke [we] for godes luue half þat we doð for eihte. Nare we naht swo ofte bicherd ne swo euele bikeihte Ȝief we serueden god half þat we doð for erminges We mihten habben more an heuene þa[n] ȝierles ⁊ kinges 325 Ne muȝe we werien naðer ne wið þurst ne wið hunger Ne wid elde ne wið deað þe elder ne þe ȝeunger Ac þar nis hunger ne þurst. deað ne unhalðe ne elde. Of þesse riche we þencheð to ofte of þare alto selde. |
| 325 Wé scolden ealle us biðenche ófte. ⁊ wél ilome. hwét wé beoð to whán wé scule. ⁊ óf hwán wé come. Hú litle hwíle wé beoþ hér. hú lange elle`s´ hwáre. hwét wé muȝe habben hér. ⁊ hwét finde þere. Ȝíef wé were wise men. ðis wé scolde ðenche. 330 bute wé wurðe us íwer. ðeos woruld wule us for drenche. Mest ealle men he ȝíueð drinche. óf ane deofles scenche. hé sceal him cunne sculde wél. ȝíf hé híne nele screnche. | We solden biþenchen us wel ofte ⁊ ilome 330 Hwat we beð to hwan we sullen ⁊ of hwan we come. Hwu litle hwile we bieð her hwu longe elles ḥware Hwat we muȝen habben her ⁊ hwat we findeð þare. | Ȝief [we] waren wise men þus we solden þenchen Bute we wurðen us iwar þis wereld us wile drenchen 335 Mast alle men hit ȝieueð drinken of on euele senche He sal him cunnen silde wel ȝief hit him nele screnche. |
| M id ealmihtiȝes godes luue. ute wé us bi werien. wið ðises wrecches woreldes luue. þ̵ hé maȝe us derien. 335 Mid festen ælmes ⁊ ibede. werie wé us wið sunne. Mið ða wepne ðe god haueð. bi ȝíten man cunne. Léte wé þe brade strét. ⁊ ðene wei bene. þe let þ̵ niȝeðe dél to helle of manne. ⁊ ma ich wéne. Gá wé ðene nærewne wei. ⁊ ðene wei grene. 340 ðer forð fareð litel folc. ac hit is feir ⁊ scéne. Þé brade strét is ure íwill. ðe ís us lað to forlǽte. þa ðe eal folȝeð hís íwill. fareð bi ðusse stréte. Hí muȝen lihtliche gán mid ðere under hulde. ðurh ane godlíese wude `in to´ ane bare felde. | Mid al mihtin godes luue úte we us biwerien [W]ið þesses wreches woreldes luue þat hit ne muȝe us derien. Mid almesse. mid fasten ⁊ mid ibeden werie we us wid senne. 340 Mid þo wapne þe god haued ȝieue alle man kenne. [L]ate we þe brode strate ⁊ þane weiȝ bene [Þ]e lat þe nieðe dal to helle of manne me mai wene. Go we þane narewe pað ⁊ þene wei grene [Þ]ar forð fareð wel litel folc ⁊ eche is fair ⁊ isene 345 [Þ]e brode strate is ure wil. þe is loð te læte. [Þ]o þe folȝeð here iwil hie fareð bi þare strate. [H]ie muȝen lihtliche cumen mid þare niðer helde [Þ]urh one godelease wude to one bare felde |
| 345 [Þ]e nærewei ís godes hése. ðer forð fareð wél fiewe. þ̵ beoð ða ðe heom sculdeð ȝeorne wið ǽche un ðeawe. [Þ]as gað uníeðe ȝeanes ðe clíue. aȝean þe heaȝe hulle. ðas leteð eal heore aȝen wíll. for godes hése to fulle. [G]a wé alle þene wei. for he us wule bringe. 350 mid te feawe feire men. be foren heuen kinge. Þer is ealre murhðe mest. mid englene sange. ðe ís a þusend wintre ðer. ne ðincð him naht to lange. Þe ðe lest haueð. hafð swa michel þ̵ hé ne bit namare. þe ða blisse for ðas for lét hít him mei reowe sare. 355 [N]e mei nan uuel ne na wane beon inne godes riche. ðeh þer beoð wununges fele. æch oðer uniliche. | [Þ]a narewe pað is godes has · þar forð fareð wel feawe 350 [Þ]at beð þo þe hem sildeð ȝierne wið achen unðeawe. [Þ]os goð uneaðe aȝien þe cliue ⁊ aȝien þe heie hulle [Þ]os leten al here iwil for godes luue to fulle. [G]o we alle þane wei for he us wile bringe Mid þo feawe faire men bi fore þe heuen kinge 355 [Þ]ar is alre blisse mast mid angles songe. [Þ]e is a þusend wintre þar ne þuncheð hit him naht longe. | Þe last haueð blisse he haueð sswo muchel þat he ne bit no more Þe þat blisse forgoð hit sal him rewen sore. Ne mai non euel ne non wane ben in godes riche 360 Þeih þar ben wuniinges fele elch oðer uniliche |
| Sume ðer habbeð lesse murhðe. ⁊ sume habbeð mare. æfter ðan þe dude her. efter ðan þ̵ he swanc sare. [N]e sceal ðer beon ne bried ne wín. ne oðer cunnes éste. 360 god ane sceal beo eche líf. ⁊ blisse. ⁊ éche reste. [N]é sceal ðer beo fah ne græi. ne kuning ne `er´míne. ne aquierne. ne martres cheole. ne beuer né sabelíne. [N]e sceal ðer beo sciet ne scrud. ne woruld wele nane. eal þe murhðe þe me us bi hat. al hít sceal beo god ane. 365 [N]e mei na murhðe. beo swa muchel. se is godes sihte. [H]e ís soð sunne ⁊ briht. ⁊ dei ábuten nihte. | Sume þar habbeð lasse blisse ⁊ sume þar habbeð more Elch after þat he dude her after þane þe swanc sore Ne sal þar ben bread ne win ne oðer kennes este God one sal ben ache lif ⁊ blisse ⁊ ache reste. 365 Ne sal þar ben foh ne grai ne cunin ne ermine Ne aquerne ne metheschele ne beuer ne sabeline. Ne sal þar ben naðer scat ne srud ne wereldes wele none. Al þe blisse þe me us bihat al hit sal ben god one Ne mai no blisse ben alse muchel se is godes sihte. 370 He is soð sunne ⁊ briht ⁊ dai a bute nihte. |
| [H]e is ælches godes ful. nis him na wið uten. na god nis him wane þe wunieð him abuten. Þer is wéle ábute gane. ⁊ reste abuten swinche. 370 þe mei ⁊ nele ðider cume. sare hit him sceal óf ðinche. | He is aches godes ful nis him no wiht uten. Nones godes hem nis wane þe wunieð him abuten. Þar is wele a buten wane ⁊ reste a buten swunche. Þe muȝen ⁊ nelleð þider cume hit hem mai of þunche. |
| (EGERTON MS., FIRST COPY.) | |
| Þer is blisse a buten treȝe. ⁊ lif a buten deaþe þe eure scullen wunien þer. bliþe muwen ben eþe Þer is ȝeoȝeðe bute ulde. ⁊ hele a buten vn helðe nis þer so`re´we ne sor. ne neure nan vn sealþe 375 Þer me scal drihte sulf i seon. swa he is mid iwisse he one mai ⁊ scal al beo. engle ⁊ manne blisse And ðeh ne beod heore eȝe naht. alle iliche brihte ði nabbed hi nouht iliche. alle of godes lihte On þisse `liue´ hi neren nout. alle of one mihte 380 ne þer ne scullen hi habben god. alle bi one ȝihte | 375 Þar is blisse a buten treiȝe ⁊ lif abuten deaðe Þo þe afre sulle wunie þar bliðe hie muȝe ben eaðe. Þar is ȝieuð abuten elde ⁊ hale abuten unhalðe Nis þar sareȝe ne sor non ne nafre unisalðe. Þar me drihte self isien swo se is mid iwisse 380 He one mai ⁊ sal al ben angles ⁊ manne blisse. | ⁊ þeih ne bed here eien naht alle iliche brihte Hi nabbeð naht iliche muchel alle of godes lihte On þesse liue he naren naht alle of ore mihte Ne þar ne sullen habben god. alle bi one wihte. |
| Þo scullen more of him seon. þe luuede him her more ⁊ more icnawen ⁊ iwiten. his mihte ⁊ his ore On him hi scullen finden alþat man mai to lesten hali boc hi sculle i seon. al þat hi her nusten 385 Crist scal one beon inou. alle his durlinges he one is muchele mare ⁊ betere. þanne alle oþere þinges Inoh he haued þe hine haueð. þe alle þing wealded of him to sene nis no sed. wel hem is þe hine bi healdeð God is so mere ⁊ swa muchel. in his godcunnesse 390 þ̵ al þ̵ is. ⁊ al þat wes is wurse. þenne he ⁊ lesse Ne mai it neure no man oþer segge mid iwisse hu muchele murhðe habbet þo. þe beod inne godes blisse | 385 Þo sullen more of him isien þe luueden hine more ⁊ more icnowen ⁊ ec witen his mihte ⁊ his ore On him hie sulle finden al þat man mai to hleste On him he sullen ec isien al þat hie ar nesten. [C]rist sal one bien inoȝh alle his derlinges. 390 [Þ]e one is muche more ⁊ betere þan alle oðer þinges. [I]noh he haueð þe hine haueð þe alle þing wealdeð [O]f him to isiene nis non sæd swo fair he is to bihelden [G]od is swo mere ⁊ swo muchel in his godcunnesse [Þ]at al þat elles was ⁊ is is fele werse ⁊ lasse. 395 [Ne] mai hit nafre noman oðer seggen mid iwisse [H]wu muchele murihðe habbeð þo þe beð in godes blisse |
| T o þere blisse us bringe god. þe rixlet abuten ende þenne he vre soule vn bint. of licames bende 395 Crist ȝyue us leden her swilc lif. ⁊ habben her swilc ende þat we moten þuder come. wanne we henne wende. AmeN. | [T]o þare blisse us bringe god þe rixleð a buten ende. [Þ]ane he ure sowle unbint of lichamliche bende [C]rist ȝieue us laden her swilch lif ⁊ habben her swilch ende; 400 [Þ]at we moten þider cumen þane we henne wende. AMEN. |
[ IX. ANCRENE WISSE]
(Corpus MS.)
“i. Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, 402 (A); on vellum, 215 × 150 mm.... There are glosses in red pencil and words underlined in red.
“The MS. belongs to the second quarter of the thirteenth century. It cannot be earlier than 1225 A.D., for it mentions the Dominicans and Franciscans, and it is probably later than 1230. It is the most correct, but it has additions to the original, such as 62/46–64/62, 64/73–78.
“ii. Caius College, Cambridge, 234 (B); on vellum, 124 × 93 mm.; 368 pages; late thirteenth century. Pages 1-185 consist of extracts from the AR, but not in the order of the other manuscripts (ES iii. 536).
“iii. Cotton Nero A 14, British Museum (N); on vellum, 146 × 114 mm.; written in the second quarter of the thirteenth century. Its contents are ff. 1-120r, the Ancren Riwle; 120v-123v, [The Orison].