Inperator I command sylyns, in the peyn of forfetur, Emperor silence under penalty of loss To all myn audyens present general! audience Of my most hyest and mytyest volunté, volition I woll it be knowyn to all the world unyversalline5 That of heven and hell chyff rewlar am I, chief ruler To wos magnyfycens non stondyt egall. whose equal For I am soveren of al soverens subjugal subjugated On to myn empere, beyng incomparable empire Tyberyus Sesar, wos power is potencyal. whose mightyline10 I am the blod ryall, most of soverenté, royal, highest in Of all emperowers and kynges my byrth is best, And all regeons obey my myty volunté. will Lyfe and lem and goodys all be at my request, limb So, of all soverens, my magnyfycens most mytyestline15 May nat be agaynsayd of frend nor of foo; opposed by by foe But all abydyn jugment and rewle of my lyst. endure pleasure All grace upon erth from my goodnys commyt fro, kindness comes And that bryngis all pepell in blysse so.line19 For the most worthyest, woll I rest in my sete. As will seat

Serybyl Syr, from your person growyt moch grace! much grace emanates

Inperator Now, for thin answer, Belyall blysse thi face! your Belial Mykyl presporyté I gyn to porchase; Great begin to acquire I am wonddyn in welth from all woo. wrapped woefol. 95v Herke thou, provost, I gyff thee in commandment command youline25 All your pepull preserve in pesabyl possessyon. peaceful Yff any ther be to my goddys disobedyent, gods Dyssever tho harlottys and make to me declaracyon. Isolate those scoundrels And I shall make all swych to dye, such Thos precharsse of Crystys incarnacyon! preachers

Provost Lord of all lorddys, I shall gyff yow informacyon.

Inperator Lo, how all the world obeyit my domynacyon!line32 That person is nat born that dare me dysseobey! Syrybbe, I warne yow, se that my lawys In all your partyys have dew obeysauns. regions dueline35 Inquere and aske, eche day that daunnes, dawns Yf in my pepul be found ony weryons Contrary to me in ony chansse, Or with my goldyn goddys grocth or grone I woll marre swych harlottys with mordor and myschanse!line40 Yff ony swyche remayn, put hem in repreffe, such reprove them And I shall you releff. reward

Serybyl Yt shall be don, lord, withowtyn ony lett or withowt doth. delay doubt

Inperator Lord and lad to my law doth lowte. bow Is it nat so? Sey yow all with on showte! one shout

Here answerryt all the pepul at onys: “Ya, my lord, ya.”

Inperator So, ye froward folkes, now am I plesyd! disobedientline46 Sett wyn and spycys to my consell full cler.fol. 96r Now have I told yow my hart, I am wyll plesyd. Now lett us sett don alle and make good chyr. cheer

Syrus Emperor and kyngges and conquerors kene, braveline50 Erlys and borons and knytes that byn bold, barons knights are Berdys in my bower so semely to senne, Young women house attractive see I commaund yow at onys my hestes to hold. at once orders to obey Behold my person, glysteryng in gold, glittering Semely besyn of all other men. Deemed comely amongline55 Cyrus is my name, be cleffys so cold, cliffs I command yow all obedyent to beyn. be Woso woll nat, in bale I hem bryng, Whoso suffering them And knett swyche caytyfys in knottys of care. bind such wretches Thys castell of Maudleyn is at my wylddyng, commandline60 With all the contré, bothe lesse and more, surrounding lands And Lord of Jherusalem. Who agens me don dare? Who dares act against me? Alle Beteny at my beddyng be. Bethany is at my bidding I am sett in solas from al syyng sore, And so shall all my posteryté,line65 Thus for to leven in rest and ryalté. I have her a sone that is to me ful trew, very No comlyar creatur of Goddys creacyon; more attractive To amyabyll douctors full brygth of ble Two daughters very countenance Ful gloryos to my syth an ful of delectacyon. sight and delightfol. 96v Lazarus, my son in my resspeccyon, regard (sight)line71 Here isMary, ful fayur and ful of femynyté, very fair And Martha, ful of beuté and of delycyté, completely beautiful and delightful Ful of womanly merrorys and of benygnyté. virtues kindness They have fulfyllyd my hart with consolacyon.line75 Here is a coleccyon of cyrcumstance: To my cognysshon nevyr swych anothyr, As be demonstracyon knett in contynens, Save alonly my lady that was ther mother. Now Lazarus, my sonne, whech art ther brothyr, wholine80 The lordshep of Jherusalem I gyff thee aftyr my dysses; death And Mary, thys castell alonly an non othyr; only and And Martha shall have Beteny, I say exprese. expressly Thes gyftes I graunt yow withowtyn les lie Whyll that I am in good mynd. While

Lazarus Most reverent father, I thank yow hartelyline86 Of yower grett kyndnes shuyd onto me. For shown Ye have grauntyd swych a lyfelod worthy livelihood Me to restreyn from all nessesyté. keep hardship Now, good Lord, and hys wyll it be, may it beline90 Graunt me grace to lyve to thy plesowns, And agens hem so to rewle me, Thatt we may have joye wythowtyn veryans.

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Mary Maudleyn ThattGod of pes and pryncypall counsell, peace More swetter is thi name than hony be kynd. sweeter by natureline95 We thank yow, fathyr, for your gyftes ryall, royal Owt of peynes of poverté us to onbynd. Thys is a preservatyff from streytnes we fynd, impoverishment From worldly labors to my coumfortyng,

For thys lyfflod is abyll for the dowttyr of a kyng,line100 Thys place of plesauns, the soth to saye.

Martha O, ye good fathyr of grete degré, father of great social stature you are good Thus to departe with your ryches, Thus to part with Consederyng ower lowlynes and humylyte, lowly estate Us to save from worldly dessetres.line105 Ye shew us poyntes of grete jentylnes, examples great So mekly to mayntyn us to your grace. benevolently keep us Hey in heven avansyd mot yow be high; High may you be advanced In blysse, to se that Lordys face Whan ye shal hens passe. pass from here (die)

Syrus Now I rejoyse wyth all my mygthtys. to the fullness of my abilitiesline111 To enhanse my chyldryn, it was my delyte. to elevate to prosperity Now, wyn and spycys, ye jentyll knyttes, Onto thes ladys of jentylnes.

Inperator Syr provost and skrybe, juggys of my rem, scribe judges realmline115 My massengyr I woll send into ferre cuntré distant region Onto my seté of Jherusalem, city Onto Herowdys, that regent ther ondyr me,fol. 97v And onto Pylat, jugges of the countré. Myn entent I woll hem teche. themline120 Take hed, thou provost, my precept wretyn be, heed that my orders be in writing And sey I cummaund hem, as they woll be owit wrech, that harm will come to them Yf ther be ony in the cuntré ageyn my law doth prech, anyone Or ageyn my goddys ony trobyll tellys, against gods speaks ill That thus agens my lawys rebellys, Wholine125 As he is regent and in that reme dwellys, realm And holdyth his croun of me be ryth, crown right Yff ther be ony harlettys that agens me make replycacyon, Or ony moteryng agens me make with malynacyon. muttering evil intent

Provost Syr, of all this they shall have informacyon,line130 So to uphold yower renoun and ryte. prerogative

[Inperator] Now, massengyr, withowtyn taryyng, Have here gold onto thi fe. as your payment So bere thes lettyrs to Herowdys the kyng, And byd hem make inquyrans in every cuntré, inquiriesline135 As he is jugge in that cuntré beyng. Since

Nuncyus Soveren, your arend it shall be done ful redy, errand readily In all the hast that I may; haste For to fullfyll your byddyng, I woll nat spare nother be nyth nor be day. neither night

Herodys In the wyld, wanyng world, pes all at onys! Curse on you, silence at onceline141 No noyse, I warne yow, for greveyng of me. angering me Yff yow do, I shal hourle off yower hedys, be Mahondys bonys, hurl off heads As I am trew kyng to Mahond so fre. noble Help, help, that I had a swerd! swordline145 Fall don, ye faytours, flatt to the ground. down scoundrels Heve off your hodes and hattys, I cummaund yow alle; Take off hoods Stand bare hed, ye beggars! Wo made yow so bold? bare headed Who I shal make yow know your kyng ryall. Thus woll I be obeyyd thorow al the world,line150 And who so wol nat, he shal be had in hold, restrained And so to be cast in carys cold, into a miserable condition That werkyn ony wondyr agens my magnyfycens. Who devises Behold these ryche rubyys, red as ony fyr, any With the goodly grene perle ful sett abowgth. aboutline155 What kyng is worthy or egall to my power? equal Or in this world, who is more had in dowt feared Than is the hey name of Herowdys, kyng of Jherusalem, high Lord of Alapye, Assye, and Tyr, Of Abyron, Beryaby, and Bedlem?line160 All thes byn ondyr my governons. are control Lo, all thes I hold withowtyn reprobacyon. reproof No man is to me egall, save alonly the emperower, equal except for Tyberyus, as I have in provostycacyon. whom I serve as provostfol. 98v How sey the phylyssoverys be my ryche reyne? philosophers about reignline165 Am nat I the grettest governowur? Lett me ondyrstond; whatt can ye seyn? say

Phylysofyr Soveren, and it plece yow, I woll expresse: please Ye be the rewlar of this regyon, ruler And most worthy sovereyn of nobylnesline170 That evyr in Jude barre domynacyon. Judea held Bott, syr, skreptour gevytt informacyon, scripture gives And doth rehersse it verely, truly report That chyld shal remayn of grete renoun, continue in And all the world of hem shold magnyfy: shall glorify himline175 Et ambulabunt gentes in lumine tuo et reges In splendore ortus tui.

Herodys And whatt seyst thow?

Secundus Phylysofyr The same weryfyyt my bok; as how, verifies As the skryptour doth me tell,line180 Of a myty duke shal rese and reyn, mighty duke [who] shall rise Whych shal reyn and rewle all Israell. Who No kyng agens hys worthynes shall opteyn, prevail The whech in profesy hath grett eloquence: Non auferetur sceptrum de Juda et dux deline185 Femore eius, donec veniet qui mitendus est.

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Herodys A, owt, owt! Now am I grevyd all wyth the worst! completely grieved Ye dastardys! Ye doggys! The dylfe mote yow draw! With fleyyng flappys I byd yow to a fest. flaying whips command feast A swerd, a swerd! Thes lordeynnes wer slaw!line190 Ye langbaynnes! Loselles! Forsake ye that word! That caytyff shall be cawth, and suer I shall hem flaw; caught surely him flay For hym many mo shal be marryd with mordor.

Primus Miles My sovereyn lord, dyssemay yow ryth nowt. First Soldier dismay not at all They ar but folys, ther eloquens wantyng; fools lackingline195 For in sorow and care sone they shall be cawt. soon caught Agens us they can mak no dysstonddyng. They cannot withstand us

Secundus Miles My lord, all swych shall be browte before your audyens, And levyn ondyr your domynacyon, Or elles dammyd to deth wyth mortal sentense,line200 Yf we hem gett ondyr ower gubernacyon.

Herodys Now thys is to me a gracyows exsortacyon, exhortation And grettly rejoysyth to my sprytes indede. spirits indeed Thow these sottes agens me make replycacyon, Although fools oppose me I woll suffer non to spryng of that kenred, allow no one from that lineageline205 Some voys in my lond schall sprede, Prevely or pertely in my lond abowth.fol. 99v Whyle I have swych men, I nede not to drede But that he shal be browt ondyr, withowtyn doth.

Her commyt the emperowers masengyr, thus sayyng to Herodys:

Mesengyr Heyll, prynse of bountyowsnesse! generous princeline210 Heyll, myty lord of to magnyfy! worthy to extol Heyll, most of worchep of to expresse! Heyll, reytyus rewlar in thi regensy! righteous ruler kingdom My sofereyn, Tyberyus, chyff of chyfalry, chief of chivalry Hys soveren sond hath sent to yow here: messageline215 He desyrth yow and preyyt on eche party desires beseeches in every way To fulfyll hys commaundment and desyre.

Herodys Be he sekyr, I woll natt spare He may be sure hesitate Forto complyshe his cummaunddment, to fulfill Wyth sharp swerddes to perce them bare pierce bare fleshline220 In all countres wythin this regent kingdom For his love to fulfyll his intentt. Non swych shall from ower handys stertt, escape For we woll fulfyll his ryall juggement Wyth swerd and spere to perce thorow the hartt!line225 But, masengyr, reseyve thys lettyr wyth, in haste And ber ytt onto Pylattys syth. bear sight

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Mesengyr My lord, it shall be done ful wygth. quickly In hast I woll me spede! hurry

Pylatt Now ryally I reyne in robys of rychesse, reign robesline230 Kyd and knowyn both ny and ferre Recognized near For juge of Jherusalem, the trewth to expresse, As judge Ondyr the Emperower Tyberius Cesar. Therfor I rede yow all, bewarre advise Ye do no pregedyse agen the law. do no damage to existing lawline235 For and ye do, I wyll yow natt spare, if you do Tyl ye have judgment to be hangyd and draw. torn to pieces For I am Pylat, prommyssary and presedent. procurator and ruler All renogat robber inperrowpent, To put hem to peyn, I spare for no peté.line240 My serjauntes semle, what seye ye? attractive say you Of this rehersyd I wyll natt spare. Plesauntly, syrrys, aunswer to me, sirs For in my herte I shall have the lesse care. So that concern

Primus Serjunt As ye have seyd, I hold it for the best, First Sergeantline245 Yf ony swych among us, may we know. If [there be] any such

Secundus Serjunt For to gyff hem jugment, I holdd yt best, Second Sergeant give them And so shall ye be dred of hye and low. feared by high and low

Pylatt A, now I am restoryd to felycyté!

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Her comyt the emprorys masengyr to Pylat.

Mesengyr Heyll, ryall in rem in robis of rychesse! realmline250 Heyl, present thou prynsys pere! present one peer of princes Heyl, jugge of Jherusalem, the trewth to expresse! Tyberyus, the emprower, sendyt wrytyng herre, emperor writing here And prayyt yow, as yow be his lover dere, beseeches since you are his loyal subject Of this wrytyng to take avysement noticeline255 In strenthyng of his lawys cleyr, strengthening plain As he hath set yow in the state of jugment. Since seat

Pylatt Now, be Martes so mythy, I shal sett many a snare Mars so mighty His lawys to strenth in al that I may. strengthen can do I rejoyse of his renown and of his wylfare, I am happy for well-beingline260 And for thi tydyngges, I geyff thee this gold today. give

Mesengyr A, largeys, ye lord, I crye this day! largesse (generosity) For this is a geft of grete degré. gift quality

Pylatt Masengyr, onto my sovereyn thou sey On the most specyall wyse recummend me.

Her avoydyt the masengyr, and Syrus takyt his deth.

Syrus A, help, help! I stond in drede!line266 Syknes is sett ondyr my syde. A, help! Deth wyll aquyte me my mede! grant me my rewardfol. 101r A gret God, thou be my gyde! guide How I am trobyllyd both bak and syde. troubled (pained in)line270 Now, wythly help me to my bede. quickly A, thys rendyt my rybbys! I shall nevyr goo nor ryde. tears my ribs The dent of deth is hevyar than led. stroke heavier A, lord, lord, what shal I do this tyde? at this time A gracyows God, have ruth on me, mercyline275 In this world no lengar to abyde. I blys yow, my chyldyrn. God mot with us be! bless May God be

Her avoydytSyrus sodenly, and than sayyng Lazarus:

[Lazarus] Alas, I am sett in grete hevynesse! Ther is no tong my sorow may tell, So sore I am browth in dystresse. sorrowfully put in distressline280 In feyntnes I faltyr for this fray fell; weakness deadly attack This dewresse wyl lett me no longar dwelle, But God of grace sone me redresse. A, how my peynys don me repelle. do attack me Lord, withstond this duresse! [may I] withstand

Mary Maudleyn The inwyttissymusGod that evyr shal reyne, most wiseline286 Be his help an sowlys sokor. [May] he be your soul’s succor To whom it is most nedfull to cumplayn, necessary to appeal He to bryng us owt of ower dolor. He is most mytyest governowre,line290 From soroyng us to restryne. restrain (keep)

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Martha A, how I am sett in sorowys sad, That long my lyf I may nat indeure. no longer endure Thes grawous peynes make me ner mad. grievous pains nearly Undyr clowyr is now my fathyris cure,line295 That sumtyme was here ful mery and glad. Ower Lordes mercy be his mesure, desert (reward) And defeynd hym from peynes sad. protect sorrowful

Lazarus Now, systyrs, ower fatherys wyll we woll exprese; fulfill Thys castell is owerys with all the fee. ours income

Martha As hed and governower, as reson is,line301 And on this wyse abydyn with yow wyll wee. We wyll natt desevyr, whattso befalle.

Mary Maudleyn Now, brothyr and systyr, welcum ye be, And therof specyally I pray yow all.

Her shal entyr the Kyng of the World, the Flesch, and the Dylfe with the Seven Dedly Synnys, a Bad Angyll, an an Good Angyl, thus seyyng the World:

[World] I am the World, worthyest that evyrGod wrowth, wrought (made)line306 And also I am the prymatt portature principal supporter Next heveyn, yf the trewth be sowth, Next to heaven sought And that I jugge me to skryptur. And I am he that longest shal induere endureline310 And also most of domynacyon. greatest infol. 102r Yf I be hys foo, woo is abyll to recure? someone’s foe who thrive For the whele of fortune wyth me hath sett his senture. center In me restyt the ordor of the metellys sevyn, is fixed metals The whych to the seven planyttys ar knett ful sure: planets securely knitline315 Gold perteynyng to the sonne, as astronemere nevyn; sun says Sylvyr to the mone, whyte and pure; moon Iryn onto the Maris that long may endure; Iron Mars The fegetyff mercury onto Mercuryus; fugitive (unstable) Copyr onto Venus, red in hys merrour; Copper mirror (image)line320 The frangabyll tyn to Jubyter, yf ye can dyscus; breakable tin Jupiter On this planyt Saturne, ful of rancure, And to rancor This soft metell led, nat of so gret puernesse. lead purity Lo, alle this rych tresor wyth the World doth indure. treasure endure The seven prynsys of hell of gret bowntosnesse, princes bounty (generosity)line325 Now who may presume to come to my honour? approximate my

Pryde Ye, worthy World, ye be gronddar of gladnesse founder To them that dwellyn ondyr yower domynacyon.

Covetyse And who so wol nat, he is sone set asyde, Wher as I, Covetyse, take mynystracyon.

Mundus Of that, I pray yow, make no declareracyon. Worldline331 Make swych to know my soverreynte, And than they shal be fayn to make supplycacyon, If that they stond in ony nesessyté.

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Her shal entyr the Kyng of Flesch wyth Slowth, Gloteny, Lechery.

Flesch I, Kyng of Flesch, florychyd in my flowers, adornedline335 Of deyntys delycyows I have grett domynacyon. By means of delicious luxuries So ryal a kyng was nevyr borne in bowrys, royal bowers Nor hath more delyth ne more delectacyon. Nor has [one] delight pleasure For I have comfortatywys to my comfortacyon: Dya galonga, ambra, and also margaretton —line340 Alle this is at my lyst, agens all vexacyon. Alle wykkyt thyngys I woll sett asyde. Clary, pepur long, wyth granorum paradysy, Zenzybyr and synamom at every tyde — Lo, alle swych deyntyys delycys use I. daintiesline345 Wyth swyche deyntyys I have my blysse. Who woll covett more game and gle could wish for greater mirth and sport My fayere spowse Lechery to halse and kysse? Here is my knythGloteny, as good reson is, knight as reason would have it Wyth this plesaunt lady to rest be my syde. remainline350 Here is Slowth, anothyr goodly of to expresse; another good one to speak of A more plesaunt compeny doth nowhere abyde. cannot be found anywhere

Luxuria O ye prynse, how I am ful of ardent lowe, Lechery prince love With sparkylles ful of amerowsnesse! amorousness With yow to rest fayn wold I aprowe, remain gladly would I agreeline355 To shew plesauns to your jentylnesse. show gentility

The Flesch O ye bewtews byrd, I must yow kysse! beauteous young woman I am ful of lost to halse yow this tyde. lust (desire) to embrace you right now

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Here shal entyr the prynse of dyllys in a stage and helle ondyrneth that stage, thus seyyng the Dylfe:

[Dylfe] Now I, prynse pyrles, prykkyd in pryde, Devil peerless dressed up Satan, yower sovereyn, set wyth every cyrcumstanse,line360 For I am atyred in my towyr to tempt yow this tyde. fitted out time As a kyng ryall I sette at my plesauns, sit pleasure Wyth Wrath andInvy at my ryall retynawns. in my royal retinue The bolddest in bowyr I bryng to abaye, Mannis sowle to besegyn and bryng to obeysauns. besiege obedienceline365 Ya, wyth tyde and tyme I do that I may, time what I can For at hem I have dysspyte that he shold have the joye That Lycyfer wyth many a legyown lost for ther pryde. The snarys that I shal set wher nevyr set at Troye. snares (traps) were never So I thynk to besegyn hem be every waye wyde. plan to besiege them by every meansline370 I shal getyn hem from grace whersoevyr he abyde, That body and sowle shal com to my hold, So that control Hym for to take. Now, my knythtys so stowth stout (strong) Wyth me ye shall ron in rowte, run togetherline375 My consell to take for a skowte, Whytly that we were went for my sake.

Wrath Wyth wrath or wyhyllys we shal hyrre wynne. wiles win her over

Envy Or wyth sum sotyllté sett hur in synne. subtlety cause her to sin

Dylfe Com of, than, let us begynneline380 To werkyn hure sum wrake! cause her some harm

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Satan Heyle, World, worthyest of abowndans! abundantly worthy In hast we must a conseyll take: take counsel Ye must aply yow wyth all your afyauns, A woman of whorshep ower servant to make.

Mundus Satan, wyth my consell I wyll thee avansse. advance (promote) youline386 I pray thee, cum up onto my tent. Were the Kyng of Flesch her with hys asemlanus! Masengyr! Anon that thou werre went were on your way Thys tyde. At this timeline390 Sey, the Kyng of Flesch wyth grete renown, Wyth hys consell that to hym be bown, bound In alle the hast that evyr they mown, may Com as fast as he may ryde.

Mesengyr My Lord, I am your servant, Sensualyté.line395 Your masege to don, I am of glad chyr. deliver cheer (disposition) Ryth sone in presens ye shal hym se, Very soon before you Your wyl for to fulfylle her. here

Heyl, lord in lond, led wyth lykyng! by pleasure Heyl, Flesch in lust, fayyrest to behold! fairestline400 Heyl, lord and ledar of emprore and kyng! leader The worthy World, be wey and wold, by highway and forest Hath sent for yow and your consell. Satan is sembled wyth hys howshold, assembled Your counseyl to have most for aweyle. for the greatest profit

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Flesch Hens in hast that we ther where! were thereline406 Lett us make no lengar delay.

Senswalité Gret myrth to ther hertys shold yow arere, Sensuality By my trowth I dare safly saye. safely

[Flesch] Heyl be yow, soverens lefe and dere! belovedline410 Why so hastely do ye for me send?

Mundus A, we are ryth glad we have yow here, very pleased [that] Ower counsell togethyr to comprehend. to plan Now, Satan, sey your devyse. tell your device (plan)

Satan Serys, now ye be set, I shal yow say: that you are seatedline415 Syrus dyyd this odyr day. died Now Mary, hys dowctor, that may, daughter maiden Of that castel beryt the pryse. bears the prize

Mundus Sertenly, serys, I yow tell, Certainly Yf she in vertu stylle may dwelle, remains virtuousline420 She shal byn abyll to dystroye helle, be able But yf your counseyll may othyrwyse devyse. Unless

Flesch Now ye, Lady Lechery, yow must don your attendans, attend upon her For yow be flowyr fayrest of femynyté. femininity Yow shal go desyyr servyse and byn at hure atendauns,line425 For ye shal sonest entyr, ye beral of bewte.

Lechery Serys, I abey your counsell in eche degré. obey in every way Stryttwaye thethyr woll I passe. Straightaway there go

Satan Spiritus malyngny shal com to thee, An evil spirit Hyre to tempt in every plase. Her everywhereline430 Now all the six that here be,fol. 104v Wysely to werke, hyr favor to wynne, To entyr hyr person be the labor of Lechery, That she at the last may com to helle. How, how, spiritus malyng, thou wottyst what I mene? do you knowline435 Cum owt, I sey! Heryst nat what I seye? Do you not hear

Bad Angyl Syrrys, I obey your counsell in eche degree. Stryttwaye thethyr woll I passe. Speke soft, speke soft, I trotte hyr to tene. hurry in order to torment her I prey thee pertly, make no more noyse. ask you openly

Her shal alle the Seven Dedly Synnys besege the castell tyll Mary agre to go to Jherusalem. Lechery shall entyr the castell wyth the Bad Angyl, thus seyyng Lechery:

[Luxuria] Heyl, lady, most laudabyll of alyauuns! kindredline441 Heyl, oryent as the sonne in hys reflexité! brilliant Myche pepul be comfortyd be your benyng afyauns. Bryter than the bornyd is your bemys of bewté, Most debonarius wyth your aungelly delycyté.

Mary Maudleyn What personne be ye that thus me comendyd?

Luxuria Your servant to be, I wold comprehende. intend

Mary Maudleyn Your debonarius obedyans ravyssyt me to trankquelyté.line448 Now, syth ye desyre, in eche degree, since desire [it] every way To receyve yow I have grett delectacyon. pleasureline450 Ye be hartely welcum onto me! sincerely Your tong is so amyabyll, devydyd wyth reson.

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Luxuria Now, good lady, wyll ye me expresse say to me Why may ther no gladdnes to yow resort?

Mary Maudleyn For my father I have had grett hevynesse;line455 Whan I remembyr, my mynd waxit mort. becomes deadened

Luxuria Ya, lady, for all that, be of good comfort, For swych obusyons may brede myche dysese. abuses breed unease Swych desepcyons potyt peynys to exsport; Prynt yow in sportys whych best doth yow plese.

Mary Maudleyn Forsothe, ye be welcum to myn hawdyens! Truly presenceline461 Ye be my hartys leche. healer of my heart Brother Lazarus, and it be yower plesauns, if pleasure And ye, systyr Martha, also in substawns, truly This place I commend onto your governons, entrustline465 And onto God I yow betake. commend

Lazarus Now, systyr, we shal do your intente, In this place to be resydent Whyle that ye be absent, To kepe this place from wreche. harm

Here takyt Mary hur wey to Jherusalem wyth Luxsurya, and they shal resort to a tavernere, thus seyyng the tavernere:

[Tavernere] I am a taverner, wytty and wyse,line471 That wynys have to sell, gret plenté. wines in great abundance Of all the taverners, I bere the pryse, take the prize That be dwellyng wythinne the ceté. Who are cityfol. 105v Of wynys I have grete plenté,line475 Both whyte wynne and red that is so cleyre. white clear Here is wynne of Mawt and malmeseyn, Clary wynne, and claret, and other moo, Wyn of Gyldyr and of Galles, that made at the Grome, Wyn of Wyan and Vernage, I seye also,line480 Ther be no bettyr as ferre as ye can goo.

Luxuria Lo, lady, thee comfort and thee sokower. help yourself Go we ner and take a tast; Let’s go closer taste Thys shal bryng your sprytys to favor. comfort your spirits Tavernere, bryng us of the fynnest thou hast. finest

Tavernere Here, lady, is wyn, a repast refreshmentline486 To man and woman, a good restoratyff. cordial Ye shall nat thynk your mony spent in wast; is spent wastefully From stodyys and hevynes it woll yow relyff. cares and burdens relieve

Mary Maudleyn Iwys, ye seye soth, ye grom of blysse. Certainly the truth manline490 To me ye be courtes and kynde. courteous

Her shal entyr a galaunt, thus seyyng:

Galaunt Hof, hof, hof! A frysch new galaunt! lively Ware of thryst; ley that adoune! What? Wene ye, syrrys, that I were a marchant Do you suppose sirs Because that I am new com to town? newly arrived infol. 106r Wyth sum praty tasppysstere wold I fayne rownd!line496 I have a shert of reynnys wyth slevys peneawnt, A lase of sylke for my lady constant. silken sash faithful A, how she is bewtefull and ressplendant! Whan I am from hyre presens, lord, how I syhe! away from her sighline500 I wol awye sovereyns and soiettys I dysdeyne. In wyntyr a stomachyr, in somyr non att al; [I wear] a waistcoat summer My dobelet and my hossys evyr together abyde. I woll, or even, be shavyn for to seme yyng. before evening look young With here agen the her I love mych pleyyng —line505 That makyt me ilegant and lusty in lykyng. elegant amorous in my desires Thus I lefe in this world; I do it for no pryde. live

Luxuria Lady, this man is for yow, as I se can, To sett yow in sporttys and talkyng this tyde. pleasures at this time

Mary Maudleyn Cal him in, tavernere, as ye my love will han, if haveline510 And we shall make ful mery yf he wolle abyde. stay (remain)

Tavernere How, how, my mastyre, Coryossyté! Curiosity (the gallant)

Coryosté What is your wyll, syr? What wyl ye wyth me?

Tavernere Here ar jentyll women dysyore your presens to se, are [who] desire And for to drynk with yow this tyde.

Coryosté A, dere dewchesse, my daysyys iee! duchess daisyline516 Splendaunt of colour, most of femynyté! Bright complexion Your sofreyn colourrys, set wyth synseryté! sovereign disposition sincerityfol. 106v Consedere my love into yower alye, Or ellys I am smet wyth peynnes of perplexité. else smitten (struck) pains

Mary Maudleyn Why, syr, wene ye that I were a kelle? think loose woman

Coryosté Nay, prensses, parde, ye be my hertys hele.line522 So wold to God ye wold my love fele!

Mary Maudleyn What cause that ye love me so sodenly? Why do you suddenly

Coryosté O, nedys I must, myn own lady. necessarilyline525 Your person, itt is so womanly, I can nat refreyn me, swete lelly. restrain myself lily

Mary Maudleyn Syr, curtesy doth it yow lere.

Coryosté Now, gracyus gost wythowtyn pere, spirit peer Mych nortur is that ye conne.line530 But wol yow dawns, my own dere? dance

Mary Maudleyn Syr, I asent in good manyr. Go ye before, I sue yow nere, I will follow close behind you For a man at alle tymys beryt reverens. times possesses

Coriosté Now, be my trowth, ye be with other ten. you are grieved by other thingsline535 Felle a pese; tavernere, let us sen Fill a cup let’s see (we’ll have) Soppes in wynne. How, love ye? Sops

Mary Maudleyn As ye don, so doth me. I am ryth glad that met be we; My love in yow gynnyt to close. begins

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Coryosté Now, derlyng dere, wol yow do be my rede? counsel (advice)line541 We have dronkyn and ete lytyl brede. Wyll we walk to another stede? place

Mary Maudleyn Evyn at your wyl, my dere derlyng, Even Thowe ye wyl go to the worldys eynd Though endline545 I wol nevyr from yow wynd, wend (go) To dye for your sake.

Here shal Mary and the galant avoyd, and the Bad Angyll goth to the World, the Flych and the Dylfe, thus sayyng the Bad Angyl:

[Bad Angyl] A lorges, a lorges, lorddys alle at onys! Ye have a servant fayur and afyabylle, affable For she is fallyn in ower grogly gromys. grisly snaresline550 Ya, Pryde, callyd Coriosté, to hure is ful laudabyll, laudable And to hure he is most preysseabyll, worthy of praise For she hath graunttyd hym al hys bonys. boons (requests) She thynkyt hys person so amyabyll, thinks To here syte, he is semelyare than ony kyng in tronys.

Diabolus A, how I tremyl and trott for these tydyngys! tremble newsline556 She is a soveryn servant that hath hure fet in synne. feet Go thow agayn and ewer be hur gyde. ever guide The laudabyll lyfe of lecherry let hur nevyr lynne, ceaseline559 For of hure al helle shall make rejoysseyng. Because of

Rex Diabolus Farewell, farewell, ye to nobyl kyngys this tyde, King of Devils two For hom in hast I wol me dresse. home go

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Mundus Farewell, Satan, prynsse of pryde!

Flesch Farewell, semlyest, alle sorowys to sesse.

Her shal Satan go hom to hys stage, and Mari shal entyr into the place alone, save the Bad Angyl, and all the Seven Dedly Synnys shal be conveyyed into the howse of Symont Leprous. They shal be arayyd lyke seven dylf, thus kept closse. Mari shal be in an erbyr, thus sayyng:

Mary Maudleyn A, God be wyth my valentynys,line565 My byrd swetyng, my lovys so dere! lover dear For they be bote for a blossum of blysse, Me mervellyt sore they be nat here! marvel greatly But I woll restyn in this erbyre, Amons thes bamys precyus of prysse, Among balms of priceline570 Tyll som lover wol apere Until That me is wont to halse and kysse. accustomed to embrace

Her shal Mary lye doun and slepe in the erbyre.

Symont Leprus This day holly I pot in rememberowns completely I intend to keep To solas my gestys to my power. I have ordeynnyd a dynere of substawns, prepared a sumptuous dinnerline575 My chyff freyndys therwyth to chyre. best friends cheer Into the seté I woll apere, city appear (go) For my gestys to make porvyawns, guests preparationsfol. 108r For tyme drayt ny to go to dynyr, draws near And my offycyrs be redy with this ordynowns.line580 So wold to God I myte have aqueyntowns make the acquaintance Of the profyth of trew perfytnesse, prophet (Christ) perfection To com to my place and porvyowns. purveyance (the dinner) It wold rejoyse my hert in gret gladnesse, For the report of hys hye nobyllnesse highline585 Rennyt in contreys fer and nere. Runs (circulates) Hys precheyng is of gret perfythnes, Of rythwysnesse, and mercy cleyre. righteousness pure

Her entyr Symont into the place, the Good Angyll thus seyyng to Mary:

[Good Angyl] Woman, woman, why art thou so onstabyll? Ful byttyrly thys blysse it wol be bowth. bitterly boughtline590 Why are thou agens God so veryabyll? inconstant (variable) Wy thynkys thou nat God made thee of nowth? In syn and sorow thou art browth, brought Fleschly lust is to thee full delectabyll; very pleasurable Salve for thi sowle must be sowth, Salve (salvation) soughtline595 And leve thi werkys vayn and veryabyll. abandon actions Remembyr, woman, for thi pore pryde, because of How thi sowle shal lyyn in helle fyre. lie fire A, remembyr how sorowful itt is to abyde Wythowtyn eynd in angure and ir! end in anger and ireline600 Remembyr thee on mercy, make thi sowle clyre. pure I am the gost of goodnesse that so wold thee gydde. spirit guide

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Mary Maudleyn A, how the speryt of goodnesse hat promtyt me this tyde. And temtyd me wyth tytyll of trew perfythnesse! Alas, how bettyrnesse in my hert doth abyde! bitternessline605 I am wonddyd with werkys of gret dystresse. grieved by works A, how pynsynesse potyt me to oppresse, That I have synnyd on every syde! O, Lord, wo shall put me from this peynfulnesse? who remove A, woo shal to mercy be my gostly gyde? who spiritual guideline610 I shal porsue the prophett, wherso he be, pursue wherever For he is the well of perfyth charyté. perfect Be the oyle of mercy he shal me relyss. By oil relieve With swete bawmys, I wyl sekyn hym this syth, seek time And sadly folow hys lordshep in eche degré. earnestly

Here shal entyr the prophet with hys desyplys, thus seyyng Symont Leprus:

Symond Leprus Now ye be welcom, mastyr most of magnyfycens.line616 I beseche yow benyngly ye wol be so gracyows, kindly gracious If that it be lekyng onto yower hye presens Thys daye to com dyne at my hows.

Jhesus Godamercy, Symont, that thou wylt me knowe,line620 I woll entyr thi hows with pes and unyté. peace unity I am glad for to rest ther grace gynnyt grow, where begins to grow For wythinne thi hows shal rest charyté, charity shall remain And the bemys of grace shal byn illumynows. beams enlighteningfol. 109r But syth thou wytystsaff a dynere on me,line625 With pes and grace I entry thi hows.

Symond I thank yow, mastyr most benyng and gracyus, kind That yow wol, of your hye soverenté. To me itt ys a joye most speceows, most pleasing Wythinne my hows that I may yow se.line630 Now syt to the bord, mastyrs alle! come to the table

Mary Maudleyn O I, cursyd cayftyff that myche wo hath wrowth Agens my makar, of mytys most! I have offendyd hym with dede and thowth, thought But in hys grace is all my trost, trustline635 Or ellys I know well I am but lost, else Body and sowle damdpnyd perpetuall! eternally damned Yet, good Lord of Lorddys, my hope is perhenuall Wyth thee to stand in grace and favour to se. Thow knowyst my hart and thowt in especyal; especiallyline640 Therfor, good Lord, aftyr my hart reward me. according to the wishes of

Her shal Mary wasche the fett of the prophet wyth the terrys of hur yys, whypyng hem wyth hur herre, and than anoynt hym wyth a precyus noyttment. Jhesus dicit:

[Jhesus] Symond, I thank thee speceally especially For this grett repast that here hath be. repast (meal)fol. 109v But, Symond, I tell thee fectually, earnestly I have thyngys to seyn to thee. say

Symond Leprus Mastyr, what your wyll be, whateverline646 And it plese yow, I well yow here; If will hear you Seyth your lykyng onto me, Speak what you like And al the plesawnt of your mynd and desyyr. pleasure

Jhesus Symond, ther was a man in this present lyf,line650 The wyche had to dectours well suere, Who two debtors surely The whych wher pore and myth make no restoratyf. But stylle in ther dett ded induour. ever debt endure The on owt hym an hondyrd pense ful suere, And the other fefty, so befell the chanse; fifty as it happenedline655 And becawse he cowd nat hys mony recure, could not recover They askyd hym for foryevnesse, and he foryaf in substans. But, Symont, I pray thee, answer me to this sentens: address this problem Whych of thes to personnys was most beholddyn to that man? two indebted

Symond Leprus Mastyr, and it plese your hey presens, may it pleaseline660 He that most owt hym, as my reson yef can.

Jhesus Recte judicasti. Thou art a wyse man, You have judged rightly And this quesson hast dempte trewly. question have judged (deemed) Yff thou in thi concyens remembyr can, conscience Ye to be the dectours that I of specefy. two debtors of whom I speakfol. 110r But, Symond, behold this woman in al wyse, in every wayline666 How she wyth terys of hyr bettyr wepyng, tears bitter She wassheth my fete and dothe me servyse, serves me And anoytyt hem wyth onymentys,lowly knelyng, them ointments, humbly And with hur her, fayur and brygth shynnyng, her hair brightline670 She wypeth hem agayn wyth good entent. But, Symont, syth that I entyrd thi hows, since entered To washe my fete thou dedyst nat aplye, did not offer Nor to wype my fete thou were nat so favorus; obliging Wherfor, in thi conscyens, thou owttyst nat to replye. ought notline675 But, woman, I sey to the verely, truly I forgeyffe thee thi wrecchednesse, forgive And hol in sowle be thou made therby!

Mary Maudleyn O, blessyd be thou, lord of evyrlastyng lyfe, And blyssyd be thi berth of that puer vergynne! birth pure virginline680 Blyssyd be thou, repast contemplatyf, Agens my seknes, helth and medsyn. And for that I have synnyd in the synne of pryde, because I wol enabyte me wyth humelyté. clothe myself humility Agens wrath and envy, I wyl devyde opposeline685 Thes fayur vertuys, pacyens and charyté. patience

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Jhesus Woman, in contrysson thou art expert, contrition And in thi sowle hast inward mythe, strength (might) That sumtyme were in desert, And from therknesse hast porchasyd lyth.line690 Thy feyth hath savyt thee and made thee bryth. faith saved bright Wherfor I say to thee, “Vade in pace.” Go in peace

Wyth this word sevyn dyllys shall devoyde from the woman, and the Bad Angyll entyr into hell with thondyr.

[Mary Maudleyn] O thou, gloryus Lord, this rehersyd for my sped, Sowle helth attys tyme for to recure. Lord, for that I was in whanhope, now stond I in dred, because despairline695 But that thi gret mercy wyth me may endure. Unless My thowth thou knewyst wythowtyn ony dowth. thoughts doubt Now may I trost the techeyng of Isaye in scryptur, trust Isaiah Wos report of thi nobyllnesse rennyt fere abowt. Whose circulates widely

Jhesus Blyssyd be they at alle tyme those who timesline700 That sen me nat and have me in credens. see on faith With contrysson thou hast mad a recumpens, made recompense Thi sowle to save from all dystresse. Beware and kepe thee from alle neclygens, negligence And aftyr thou shal be partenyr of my blysse. afterwards partner

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Bonus Angelus Holy God, hyest of omnipotency, Good Angelline706 The astat of good governons to thee I recummend, Humbylly besecheyng thyn inperall glorye imperial In thi devyn vertu us to comprehend. divine include And, delectabyll Jhesu, soverreyn sapyens, sapience (wisdom)line710 Ower feyth we recummend onto your pur peté, pure pity (mercy) Most mekely prayyng to your holy aparens, spiritual manifestation Illumyn ower ygnorans with your devynyté. ignorance divinity Ye be clepyd redempcyon, of sowlys defens, Whyche shal ben obscuryd be thi blessyd mortalyté.line715 O Lux Vera, graunt us yower lucense, True Light brilliance That wyth the spryte of errour I nat seduet be. spirit seduced (led astray) And, Sperytus Alme, to yow most benyne, Bounteous Spirit kind Thre persons in trenyté and onGod eterne, trinity one eternal Most lowly ower feyth we consyngne,line720 That we may com to your blysse gloryfyed from malyngne, And wyth your gostely bred to fede us, we desyern.