fol. 144r Ici cumence la passyun Jhesu Crist en Engleys.

Incipit prologus

Ihereth nu one lutele tale that ich eu wille telle, As we vyndeth hit iwrite in the godspelle — Nis hit nouht of Karlemeyne ne of the duzeper, Ac of Cristes thuwinge thet he tholede her.

line5 Al volk wes todreved, so schep beoth in the wolde; Lute ymunde hi hedde of Gode, heore heorten weren so colde. He thet is and ever wes in hevene myd his Fadere, Ful lowe he alyhte for bryngen heom togadere.

Thurst and hunger, chele and hete, this beoth stronge pyne; line10 Theos he tholede al vor us, that turnde water to wyne. Thrytty wyntre and more he wes among monkunne, Seoththe that Mayde hyne yber, al withute sunne.

Tho he hedde so longe ibeo ine wrecche lyve thisse, He wes swythe oflonged to his Fader blysse, line15 Nouht for than that he nedde in his god cunnesse, Ac he wolde that we myd him, bothe more and lesse. Heo habbe scolde, and so we muwe, ne therfth ther non adrede. Yf we us wyteth from heued-sunne and doth al by his rede, The Louerd thet alle thing ischop to there blysse us brynge. line20 Nu bigynneth ure tale — nys hit no lesynge.

Her biginneth Cristes throwynge .i. sa Passyun.

Levedi, thu bere that beste child that ever wes ibore; Of the he makede his moder, vor he the hedde ycore. Adam and his ofsprung al hit were furlore Yf thi Sune nere — iblessed thu beo thervore.

line25 After that he was yvolled in the Flum Jurdan Of the prophete that hatte Seynt Johan. The Holy Gost hyne ledde up into the wolde For to beon yvonded of Sathanas then olde.

Ther he wes fourty dawes al withute mete; line30 Tho he hedde heom yvast, tho luste hym ete. fol. 144v Ther hym com Sathanas, that is ful of hete; Mid his false wordes he gon myd him to speke.

A thre cunne wise he vondi hyne bigon, As he vondede Adam and hyne overcom: line35 Mid yvernesse and prude and yssyng wes that on. He nuste nouht that he wes bothe God and mon.

Tho seyde Jhesu Crist, thet is Godes Sune, “Ga abak, Sathanas! To hwan artu ycume?” Anon he hyne bylevede more to vondy, line40 And ther comen engles hym to servy.

Tho he bygon to prechi. Wel mylde weren his dede. He ches hym twolve yvere myd him vor to lede; Summe hi weren wyse and duden al bi his rede, Ac on hyne bitrayede, that et of his brede.

line45 Alle men he tauhte to holde treowe luve: Erest to God Almyhti that is us alle abuve; Seththe to luvye his evenyng al so hymseolve wolde, And everuich beo to othre bothe treowe and holde.

Muchel volk hym vulede. Wyte ye for-hwon? line50 Summe to beon hole of uvele thet wes heom on; Summe for beon yvedde of lykamlyche vode; And summe al for uvele and for none gode.

Men he helde, and wymmen, a vele kunne wise: The blynde he makede loki and the dede aryse; line55 Dumbe speke, deve ihere, and the holte gon. Swich leche bivore hym ne com her never non!

The Gywes and the Faryseus therof hi hedden onde — That swich leche wes ycume into heore londe. Hi seyden, “He is a smythes sune. Ne beo we noht his frend! line60 Alle his wndres that he doth is thurch thene Vend.”

Vor alle the gode that he heom dude, hi yolde him luthre mede. Me seyth, “His hwile he vorleost that doth for the quede.” fol. 145r Also dude Jhesu Crist: vor uvele he dude god; Thervore hi, at then ende, schedden his swete blod.

line65 Tho he com toward Jerusalem a Palme Suneday, Ne hedde he none robe of fowe ne of gray, Ne he nedde stede ne no palefray, Ac rod uppe on asse, as ich eu segge may.

As he com into the bureh, so rydinde, line70 The children of the tune comen syngynde. “Iblessed,” hi seyde, “mote he beo.” The cumeth on Godes nome. The Gywes and the Fariseus therof hi hedde grome.

Tho he com to the temple and wolde prechi, He vunde therynne chepmen thet were mody. line75 Theyh hi were prute, he heom ut drof; The byspes and the maystres, hi were swythe wroth.

And hym anon axede hwy he so dude. Ure Louerd heom onswerede anon yne the stude: “Hit is iwrithe that myn hus is bede-hus icleped, line80 And ye theovene dich hit habbeth ymaked.”

The maystres of the temple, hi were swithe prute, For to undernyme ure Louerd, hi were ever abute — If he ouht prechede toyeynes there lawe — Thet heo hyne myhte wreye and don of lyf-dawe.

line85 As hit neyhlechet to heore muchele feste — Of alle the twelf moneth that wes the alre meste — Hi nomen heom to rede at heore motynge Hw hi myhten ure Louerd to the dethe brynge.

At the Schere Thursday, as ye mawen ihere, line90 Tho ure Louerd wes isethe to his supere, He byheold abute myd swithe veyre chere, And seyde to his disciples that tho myd hym were: “On me scal bitraye that nu is ure yvere; Iwis, hym were betere that he ibore nere.” fol. 145v Everuych lokede to othre; hi were sore ofdredde. line96 Hi nuste never bi hwich of heom he hit iseyd hedde.

Tho quethen his disciples, on after on: “Louerd,” hi seyden alle, “hwo is so hardy mon That durre the bytraye, of us everuych on? line100 We willeth to the dethe alle myd the gon.”

Tho seyde ure Louerd Crist, that is ful of blysse: “Nymeth gode yeme that ye nouht ne mysse: Hwam ich biteche that bred that ich on wyne wete, He me schal bitraye tonyht er he slepe.” line105 He hit bitauhte Judas that alle hit myhte iseo, Ther he wes bivoren him and set on his kneo. He hit et blutheliche and lokede ful brode, And the Veond him on bicom myd therylke snode.

Judas tho onswerede, and spek myd ure Dryhte: line110 “Mayster, am ich thilke that the wile so dyhte?” “Thu hit seyst,” queth ure Louerd, “and dest al thine mihte.” And he hym ut iwende al bi thuster nyhte.

He com to the Gywes ther heo togadere were, Al hymseolf one — nedde he nenne yvere — line115 And chepte heom to sullen ure Helare. Hi were swithe blythe for there cheffare.

He queth to the Gywes: “If ich so ispede That ich bitraye Jhesu, hwat schal beon my mede?” “Thrytty panewes,” hi seyden, “Hi beoth alle irede.” line120 “Cumeth mid me,” queth Judas, “and ich eu wile lede.

Cumeth swithe myd me, bothe yonge and olde; Thene that ich cusse, vaste ye hyne holde And ledeth hyne warlyche — he con wndres monye. If he nuthe eu askapeth, eu schal sore schomye.”

line125 After thet Judas Skariot him wes ut igon. Ure Louerd nom his apostles, everuychon, fol. 146r And forth myd him ledde to the Munt of Olyvete, Ther he to heom wordes spek myd his muthe swete.

“Ye seggeth alle,” queth ure Louerd, “ye willeth myd me deye; line130 Tonyht eu schal scomye that ye me evere yseye. Hit is write in the bok ther me hit may rede. Vele wintre hit is ago the prophete hit seyde: ‘Beo the seopheorde aquold and of lyve bireved, Thenne scule sone his seop alle beon todreved.’ line135 After that ich from dethe eft aryse beo; Ich wile bivoren eu alle cumen to Galyle.”

Tho queth Seynte Peter, theyh alle ofschomed beo: “Ne schal me never schomye, Louerd, for theo.” “Peter,” queth ure Louerd, “nu thu seyst so. line140 Er hit beo day tomorewe, al other hit schal go. Thu ne knowest nouht thiseolve, ac ich the yknowe, Thu me schalt thryes fursake er the cok crowe.”

“Louerd,” queth Seynte Peter — iwis, hym wes ful wo — “Theyh ich to the dethe schulle myd the go, line145 Other into prysune, hwether hit wile byvalle, Ic nele never the vorsake.” And so hi seyden alle.

Tho hi hedden al this iherd, heo were ful sori. Ure Louerd myd heom iwende to Gethsemany. Seththe he to heom seyde — iblessed mote heo beo: line150 “Sytteth her the hwile ich go to abidde me.” He nom Seynte Peter, Seynt Jame, and Seynt Jon. He wes ofdred of the deth, thet is God and mon — Wel ouhte we beon aferd if we wyse were, And ure sunnes bete the hwile we beoth here!

line155 Jesus from heom iwende the wrp of o ston, And gon hyne to abidde al himseolf on. “Vader,” he seyde, Jhesu Crist, “if hit may so beo, Of this ilche calche nu forber thu me. fol. 146v If ich hine schal drynke, iworthe thine wille.” line160 He wyste that the Gywes hyne thouhte spille.

As ure Louerd hine ybed, he bigon to swete, That blod orn adun of hym, dropes swythe grete. Ther com of hevene on engel and stod hym vaste by; Hyne vor to gladye he wes ful redi. line165 Tho he hedde hyne ibede one gode stunde, He com to his apostles and heom aslepe funde.

“Slepestu,” he seyde, “Symon?” He wes on of the thre. “Ne myhtestu one tyde wakien myd me? Wakieth and ybiddeth eu, alle togadere, line170 That ye ne cumen in vondinge, up to myne Vadere. The tyde is wel neyh icume, ich do eu to understonde, And monnes Sune bith bitauht in sunvulle honde.

Ariseth up,” he seyde, “and ute we heonne go. Ther him cumeth Judas, that is my fulle ivo. line175 He me hafth tonyht isold. Ever wrthe him wo, And alle that other bitraye, nu and evermo.”

Nedde he bute thet word iseyd, Judas him com thrynge Mid Gyues and myd Phariseus from heore motynge, Mid speres and myd staves and othe vele thinge. line180 Lutle luve hi beren to then hevene Kynge.

Jesus com toyeynes heom myd alle his ivere, And he to heom seyde, “Hwam ye seche here?” Heo hym onswerede, “Jhesum Nazaren.” Jhesu heom to seyde, “Lo, ich hit em.

line185 Yf ye me secheth, her ich am yfunde. Leteth theos bileven hol and isunde; Ne schullen hi nouht yete tholie none wnde.” The Gywes myd thon worde veollen to the grunde.

Judas com avoreward, thet al that baleu wrouhte, fol. 147r Mid Gywes and other volke that he myd hym brouhte. line191 “Heyl,” he seyde, “Mayster,” to Jhesu that hi souhte, And hyne myd muthe custe as he non uvel ne thouhte.

“Freond,” seyde Jhesu Crist. “To hwan ertu ycume? Mid thine valse cosse thu trayest monnes Sune.” line195 The Gywes up asturte, that leyen in the grunde, And nomen anon Jhesu Crist and hyne vaste bunde.

Seynte Peter hedde o swerd, and he hit ut drouh And smot of Malkes ere and nouht hyne ne slouh. Tho iseyh Jhesu Crist that Peter so dude, line200 “Put in,” he seyde, “thi sweord anon in the stude; Ne mot ich nouht drynke, Peter, vor the, Thene calch that my Vader haveth yyeve me.”

Seoththe him spek Jhesu Crist — iheried beo his mihte — And seyde to the Gywes nolde he nowiht vyhte: line205 “Mid sweordes and myd bottes ye beoth her icume So me doth to theove that schal beon ynume.

Uyche day in the temple wes myne ywune To techen eu Godes lore, ther ye were summe. Nes tho non so hardy that on me leyde honde, line210 Bute nu, by nyhte, thet is for muchel onde.”

Peter iseyh the Gywes ure Louerd vaste bynde. Anon he drouh hyne abak and eode heom byhynde; Leste he were iknowe, he wes swithe ofdred. Notheles he wolde iwite hwuder he were iled.

line215 The Gywes nomen Jhesu Crist and forth hine ledde — Of all his apostles, nenne help he nedde; Alle heo hyne bylevede, so sore hi weren ofdredde, As ure Louerd therbyvore heom iseyd hedde.

Heo brouhte hyne to Kayphas al wythute ivere; line220 Heo wes heore biscop in then ylke yere. fol. 147v Of alle his disciples, ne vulede hym never on Bute Seynte Peter and on yong mon. Jon hedde enne mantel of cendal hym abute. He wende in myd Jhesu Crist, and Peter stod therute — line225 For he wes iknowe, he wes more bold. He stod bi the fure and wermd hym for the cold. He bed thene dureward lete in his ivere; Hi wolden heore Louerdes dom iseon and ihere.

The dureward hine in lette al wythute mede; line230 Peter stod myd thon othre and wermede hym at the glede. Summe of thet ther weren ykeneu Seynt Jon And nom him by the mantel that he hedde upon. He bilevede his mantel in thes Gywes hond, And, himseolf al naked, at there dure ut wond. line235 Er he were him atbroke, him thuhte ful long For the dute of the deth is swithe strong.

Tho ure Louerd wes ibrouht byvore Kayphas, Thet mayster and byscop in than yere was, The princes and the Phariseus hi were swithe blythe. line240 Tho heo iseyen Jhesu Crist, hi thouhte hyne do of lyve. A veole kunne wise hi lowen him upon To bryngen hyne to dethe. Hi nusten vor-hwon.

Ther arysen tweyne and bigunne to speke, Thes seyde hwat he wolde the temple al tobreke, line245 That the Kyng Salomon makede ful yere, And thene thridde day himseolf a new a areare: “This we iherde; herof we bereth witnesse.” Tho onswerede the more and the lasse: “Theyh he nedde no more ydo, he ouhte hit forbeode! line250 Al his wndres that he doth is thureh thene quede!”

Cayphas spek to Jhesu Crist — he thouhte hine derye: “Ne herestu hwat theos seggeth? Hwy neltu onswerye?” fol. 148r Jhesu hym wes stille. Nolde heo nowyht speke. He mihte, if he wolde, ful sone hyne awreke. line255 Seoththe he hym axede of his techinge, And of his disciples, and feole other thinge.

Ure Louerd hym onswerede myd swythe veyre speche: “Ofte in the temple ich wes iwuned to preche Al by lyhte daye, ther men hit mihte ihere. line260 And thu and othre ynowe that weren thine ivere, Hwat ich to heom seyde, wel wyten heo — Iwyte at heom that hit iherde, and nouht ne axe me.”

Ther leop forth o gadelyng, as ye mawen ihere, And smot anon Jhesu Crist anunder that ere. line265 “Hit is the byscop,” he queth, “schaltu so onswerie! He is the hexte of there lawe! We hyne willeth werie!” Jhesu to hym seyde and yef hym onswere: “If ich habbe uvele iseyd, witnesse thu myht bere, And if ich habbe wel ispeke, therof thu nym gome, line270 And nouht me vor to beten al wythute dome.”

The Gywes that heolde Jhesu Crist muchele schome him dude, Blyndfellede and spatten him on in then ilke stude, And smyten under that ere, and thus to him seyde: “Hwo is that the smot tho? Constu hit arede?” line275 Muchele schendnesse hi duden ure Dryhte; For bryngen hyne to dethe hi duden heore myhte.

Peter stod bi the fur; he wes swithe ofdred! He iseyh hw Jhesu Crist wes uvele biled. Ther com o schelchene gon that wes myd Kayphas; line280 Heo bywste the dure ther al that mot was. Heo byheold Peter and seyde to heom that sete: “Iwis, thes is myd Jhesu thene valse prophete!”

Peter tho onswerede: “Ne yknowe ich hyne nouht. Never er ich hyne ne yseyh. Thu ert mysbythouht.” fol. 148v Sone herafter on other ther com gon, 286 And seyde: “Siker thu ert myd him, a Galilewis mon.” “Mon,” queth Seynte Peter, “Y not hwat seyst thu. Ne ikneu ich hyne nevere ne yseyh bute nu.” Tho onswerede on other thet wes hire yvere; line290 He wes Malkes kunesmon thet Peter smot of that ere: “Iwis, thu were myd Jhesu Crist in the leyhtune. Ich iknowe the ful wel. Ther he wes ynume.”

Peter atsok and seyde: “Awaryed mote heo beo That ever hyne iknewe. Ich segge vor me.” line295 Nedde he bute thet word iseyd, the cok crowe bigon. Jhesu hyne bywende and lokede him upon. Peter anon therafter hyne understod Hwat his Louerd hedde iseyd. He wes sori-mod.

Anon he ut iwende and bigon to wepe. line300 Theyh he hedde his Louerd fursake, he thoughte for to bete. Anon, an ernemorewe so sone so hit wes day, Hi comen alle togadere, as ich eu seggen may. The Gywes and al that other volk hi weren swithe vouse, And brouhten ure Louerd Crist to heore mothuse. line305 Heo him to seyden: “Nu thu ert her ibrouht. Say us nuthe if thu ert Crist that we habbeth isouht.”

Ure Louerd heom onswerede: “Theyh ich eu segge soth, Ye nelleth me nouht ileve, ich hit wot inouh. If ich eu ouht axi, ye nelleth me nouht telle, line310 Ne lete me gon quite. Ye thencheth me to quelle. Thervore ich ine hevene schal sytte by myne Vadere, And seththe cumen and deme eu alle togadere.” Tho sayden hi alle: “Thenne ertu Godes Sune?” “Ye hit seggeth, for ich hit am. Thervore ich am ynume.”

line315 This iherde Kayphas. His weden he tobrek, And sethth to then volke theos wordes he spek: “Hwat abyde ye nuthe to habben mo wytnesse? fol. 149r Alle ye habbeth this iherd, the more and the lesse. Hw he haveth her ispeke. Hwat is eur red?” line320 Alle hi onswerede: “He is wrthe to beo ded.”

Seththe hi alle arysen up and forth hyne ledde; Of the Kynge of hevene none reuthe hi nedde. “Heo brouhten hyne to Pylates, thet wes heore herre. Herkne nu,” hi seyden, “we nelleth the nouht bicherre. line325 Thesne mon, we funde, vorbeoden ure lawe That we nu and ure eldre heolde by olde dawe. Muchel of ure volke he haveth iturnd therfrom; He seyth that he is Godes Sune and is a dedlich mon, And he vorbeod Cesares gavel of alle kunnes thing. line330 He yelp tovore us alle that he is ure king.”

Pilates queth to Jhesu Crist: “Seye thu me soth, Yf thu ert Gywene Kyng other hi habbeth woh.” “Thu hit seyst,” queth ure Louerd, “that ich am Godes Sune, I not for hwiche gulte hi me habbeth inume.”

line335 Pilates him ut iwende therafter ful sone. He seyde: “Hwat haveth thes mon ido that is ibrouht to me?” The Gywes him onswereden: “If he nedde mysdo, Nere he nouht for us inume ne ibrouht the to.” Pylates heom to seyde: “After eure lawe, line340 That ye nu habbeth and heolde bi olde dawe, Demyth hyne nuthe other leteth hyne beo. Nenne gult of dethe ich on hym iseo.”

The Gywes onswerede: “After ure lawe, We ne mote nenne mon do of lyf-dawe.” line345 Pilates eft iwende him in ther ure Louerd stod. The Gywes were ful bysie to scheden his blod. Pilates clepede ure Louerd, and thus hym seyde to: Thu ert Gywene Kyng, theyh hi the schome do.”

Ure Louerd him onswerede — iblessed mote he beo: line350 “Hwether seystu hit thiseolf, other othre hit seyde by me.” fol. 149v Pilates hym onswerede: “Am ich Gyu thenne? The byspes the me bitauhte and mo of thine menne. Hwat havestu ido? For hwan ertu inume?” Jhesu him onswerede, Seynte Marie Sune,

line355 “Yf mi kyneriche were ine worlde thisse, Mine men wolde wythstonde, wite thu myd iwisse, That ich nere nouht bitauht in Gywene honde, Ac my kyneriche is in other londe.”

Pilates tho him seyde: “Thenne ertu kyng?” line360 “Thu hit seyst,” queth ure Louerd. “Nabbe ich non evenyng. Ich theron am ibore and to this world icume; And bere witnesse of sothe: thervore, ich am inume. Alle that beoth in sothe, ihereth myne word, And heo wel atholdeth, and leggeth ine hord.”

line365 Tho seyde Pilates him to: “Hwat is sothnesse?” Ure Louerd ne onswerede, more ne lesse. Pilates eft ut eode and bilevede Jhesus, And com to than volke and seyde to heom thus: “I ne vynde nenne gult in thisse monne. line370 Hit is eur kustume to habbe quyt enne At eure muchele feste everuyche yere. Schal ich there Gywene Kyng lete gon al skere?”

And hi alle gradden Pilates upon: “Nouht hyne,” hi seyden, “ac yef us Barraban!” line375 Barraban wes a theof; thervore he wes inume And myd other theoves ido ine prysune.

Pilates nom tho Jhesu Crist and hyne heyhte bete That al his swete likame of blode gon to swete. The knyhtes hyne nomen and in hyne ledde, line380 And duden al of his clothes thet he on hym hedde; Seththe hi nomen a red cloth and duden him abute, And one yerd on his hond, and gunnen him alute; fol. 150r Of one wrase of thornes he wrythen hym one crune, Of than alre kennuste that grewen in the tune. line385 Hi setten heo on his heued and vaste ther tobeote. On everyche halve that blod gon ut yeote. Seththe hi knowede and seyde, “Hayl, Gywene King,” And smyten under that ere, ne sparede hi no thing.

Pilates eft ut eode and to the Gywes seyde: line390 “Lo, her ich brynge thisne mon and tovore eu lede; Ich nenne gult ne vynde on him, i do eu to understonde.” He wuste thet he wes inume vor heore muchel onde.

Ure Louerd ber his crune and com him ut gon. “Lo,” seyde Pilates, “her is thes ilke mon.” line395 The byspes and thet other volk gradden him upon. “Do a rode! Do a rode!” hi seyden hyne anon.

Pilates tho onswerede and thus heom seyde to: “Nymeth hym euseolve and on rode do.” The Gywes hym onswereden: “We habbeth ure lawe. line400 Therafter, he schal beo idon ut of lyf-dawe; Vor he maketh him Godes Sune, we holdeth hyne amed.” Pilates theos word iherde. Tho wes heo more ofdred. He iwende eft ayeyn thar he wes ere, And axede tho Jhesu Crist hwenene heo were.

line405 Ure Louerd ne yef nenne onswere ac stod him al stille. He myhte sone hyne awreke if hit were his wille. He ne onswerede hym nowiht — iblessed beo he. Pilates to hym seyde: “Thu ne spekest nouht with me; Nostu that ich habbe myhte on rode to do the? line410 And ich habbe myhte to lete the quyte beo?”

Ure Louerd him onswerede: “Neddestu none myhte Me vor do to dethe, myd wowe ne myd ryhte, Bute hit were the iyeve, wite thu to iwisse, Of him that is us alle abuve in heveryche blysse. fol. 150v Vor than he more sunne hafth nuthe, of me, line416 He that me bitrayde and seththe bitauhte the.”

Therafter Pilates thouhte to leten hyne go, Ac the Gywes him seyden: “Ever wurthe heom wo. If thu thysne bilevest and hine letest so, line420 Nertu nouht Cesares freond ac ert his ivo. Everuych mon that maketh hym king, we hit seggeth the. He wythseyth Cesare. No king nys bute he.”

Pilates ladde ut ure Louerd; he nolde no leng abyde — Thet wes a longe Vryday at thare sixte tide — line425 And seyde to thon Gywes: “Lo, her eur kyng.” “Do hine awey!” hi gredden. “Anhong an hying! ”

Pilates heom onswerede and thus heom seyde to: “Wille ye that eur king on rode beo ido?” The bispes tho onswereden and seyden to him thar: line430 “We nabbeth nenne other king bute Cesar.”

Pilates nom tho ure Louerd and heom bitauhte on honde. Heo hine bitauhte knyhtes that duden him muchele schonde. The knyhtes thet hine ledden bitauhten him the rode Theron he deth tholede and bouhte us myd his blode. line435 He ber heo on his schuldre toward than ilke stude That hatte Kalvarie, theron hi hine dude.

Tho he wes on the rode idon, the Gywes were ful gled. Hi nome twey theoves that weren myd him iled. Thene enne hi honge in one half for to don him teone, line440 And on bi that other half, and Jhesu heom bitweone. Ure Louerd tho this seyde, that is ful of soth: “Vader, voryef heom thisne gult; hy nuten hwat hi doth.”

Tho Jhesu wes uppe the rode that tholede pyne strong. The knyhtes nome his clothes to delen heom among. line445 Tho funden heo his curtel, that he wes al ihol. Hi nolden therof makie nones cunnes dol, fol. 151r Ac hi casten heore lot hwes he scolde beo. Hi nolden hyne nouht delen a-to ne a-threo.

The princes and thet other volk hokerede him upon. line450 Thes hi seyde haveth iheld mony en other mon Crist thet other havest iheld, Kyng of Yrahel. “Help nu thiseolve for thu myht ful wel. Yf thu ert so myhti so thu seyst that thu beo, Lyht adun of the croyz that we hit alle iseo.”

line455 On of the theoves that him heng by, He seyde to ure Louerde and gon him hokeri: “Crist, help thiseolve, and eke help us.” The other him onswerede, and to him seyde thus:

“Thu nert, wrecche, of Gode ofdred that her ert anhonge. line460 We after ure gultes mede habbeth yvonge; Thes thet uppe the rode is nevere uvel ne dude.” He seyde to ure Louerde anon in the stude:

“Louerd,” he seyde, “thench on me,” and bigon to syche, “Hwenne thu cumest to hevene ther is thi kyneriche.” line465 Jhesu him onswerede: “Soth, ich segge the, Today in paradyse thu schalt beo myd me.”

Pilates wrot himseolf a wryt al on hying: Thar is Jhesu of Nazareth, the Gywene Kyng.” Monye Gywes hit radden and were swythe grym. line470 Hit wes iwryten en Ebreu, on Gryv, and Latyn.

The bispes of the Gywes seyden Pilates to: “Thu ne schuldest nouht thi wryt habben iwryte so, Ne wryt thu nouht ‘Her is there Gywene Kyng.’ Theyh he seyde that he hit wes, hit is lesyng.”

line475 Pilates tho onswerede and thus heom seyde to: “Thet ich wrot beo iwryte; ne may hit no mon undo.” Hit wes welneyh mydday tho thusternesse com In alle midden-herde, fort thet hit wes non. fol. 151v The sonne bilevede hire lyht, and the mone al so, line480 That huding-cloth todelde in the temple a-to.

Jhesu him gon clepyen myd stefne vul stronge: “Vader, ich myne soule biteche in thyne honde.” Tho he hedde so yseyd that scop the sunne and mone, He deyede therafter wel swithe sone.

line485 Thet iseyh centurio, that ther bisydes stod, Hw ure Louerd gon deye, that bouhte us myd his blod. He seyde to the knyhtes that weren his ivere: “Iwis, thes mon wes Godes Sune thet we iseoth here.”

The Gywes to Pilates comen and thus him seyden to: line490 “We biddeth that heore thyes beon tobroken a-to, And seoththe let heom don adun of the waritreo, Vor ure muchele feste tomorewe schal beo.”

Of then one theove hi breken his thyes a-to, And of his yvere hi duden al so. line495 Tho heo comen to Jhesu Crist and seyen hine ded, Ne breken hi nouht his thyes — the bok hit forbed.

Hi bitauhte one knyhte a sper on his hond And setten to his syde; hit wes sarp and long. He schef hit myd strenkthe that to his heorte hit com. line500 Bothe blod and eke water therafter ut ron.

The ilke that hit iseyh, he wrot this godspel: “That he soth segge. We leveth hit ful well.” Tho hit wes wel neyh eve, Joseph ther com gon, Of Arymathia — he wes a riche mon. line505 He com to Pilates and sayde to him thus: “Yef me thes prophetes body that hatte Jesus.” Tho heyhte Pilates that body him biteche Of ure Louerd Jhesu Crist, that is soule leche.

Joseph nom ure Louerd adun of the rode line510 And wond him on o cheysil cloth, thet bouhte us mid his blode. fol. 152r Seoththe he hyne leyde in one thruh of stone That he hedde newe imaked to himself one. He hwelfde at thare sepulchre dure enne grete ston. Seththe he wende forth his wey hwer he hedde to gon.

line515 Thene other day therafter that Jhesu Crist wes ded, The Gywes and the Phariseus nomen alle enne red. Hi comen to Pilates, then maystre of the londe. “Louerd,” hi to hym seyde, “we beoth understonde Thes ilke swike seyde, for hwan we beoth unblythe, line520 ‘Ich wile thene thridde day aryse from dethe to lyve.’

Let wite the sepulchre fort thene thridde day That his disciples hine ne stele and beren hyne away, And seggen to the volke thet beoth of ure lawe, ‘He is aryse from dethe thet Gywes hedden islawe,’ line525 Thenne wrth the laste dwele — wurse to alegge Thene the vorme were, hwatevere men segge.”

Pilates heom onswerede, that wes icume of Rome: “Goth nu and wyteth hyne wel hyedliche and sone.” The Gywes tho vorth wende, and nomen heore knyhtes line530 To witen the sepulchre bothe a day and nyhtes. Seththe hi dude heore sel upe thene ston. Lutel hi wiste wrecches hw hit sculde gon.

The Gywes weren wode that yeven thene red, And wende holde Jhesu Crist theyh he were ded. line535 Nu wolden heo hyne atholden — that scop alle thing Ne tobrek he helle dure! — and overcom heore King.

Jesus, tho his wille wes, aros from dethe to lyve. Theyh hyne biwusten knyhtes, voure other vyve, Hwy nolden hi hine atholden so the Gywes redde, line540 Ne hi ne myhten hyne iseon, so hi weren ofdredde. Of then engel thet ther com tho hi iseyen that lyht. Hi vellen so hi were ded, anon vorth riht.

fol. 152v Jesus Crist, thet suo aros thurh his muchele myhte And com into this mydden-erd sunfulle men to ryhte, line545 Lete us so ure lyf in this world dihte That we mote alle cumen to than eche lyhte.

Bidde we alle, leove men, God that is so hende That he of the Holy Gost so ure heorte atende, That we mote at ure scrift thane Veond schende line550 That myd fule sunnes us thencheth alle a blende, And yef that eche lif that nevere ne haveth ende Hwanne ure soule unbynd of lykamlyche bende.

Her is hwon Jhesu Crist aros from dethe to lyve.

Seoththe Crist from dethe aros, thet is of sunnes clene, The vorme that he myd spek wes Marie Maudeleyne. line555 Tho heo com to his buryles hyne for to seche, Heo wende that the Gywes hedde furstole ure soule leche. Marie stod withute the dure and sore wepe bigon Tho heo ne funde nouht Jhesu Crist, thet wes hire leofmon. He adun stupede and lokede myd eye line560 If heo, of ure Louerde, ouht ther iseye. Tho seyh heo ther twey engles myd hwite clothes and swote; The on set at the heuede, the other at the vote. “Wymmon, hwi wepestu?” hi seyden hire to. “For hi habbeth myne Louerd, I not hwer ido.” line565 Marie hire drouh abak and lokede heo bihynde. Tho yseyh heo Jhesu Crist, thet heo ther wende vynde. Ure Louerd hire gon axi: “For hwi and for hwan Wepestu, and hwam thu seche? Say me, wymmon.” Marie him onswerede and thus him seyde to: line570 “The Gywes habbeth mynne Louerd of thisse stude ido. Ich not never hwydere hi habbeth hyne ibrouht. Thervore ich am ful sori and habbe hyne isouht. Havestu hyne awey ibore? Seye me, gode mon, fol. 153r And ich hyne vecche wille al myseolf on.” line575 Heo nuste nouht that he hit wes thet ure bendes tobrek. Heo wende hit were the leyhtunward that to hire spek. Jesus tho nemde, “Marie,” and cudde hwat he wes. Marie in hire lyve nevere so blythe nes. Heo clepede hyne “Mayster,” thet is, “Rabony,” line580 And fel to his fote and bed hym mercy. Jhesu spek to Marie and hire tho forbed That heo attryne ne scolde his honde ne his fet. “Ich ne astey nouht yete up to myne Vadere, Ac go to myne brothren ther hi beoth togadere. line585 Saye heom that ich astye to mynes Vader riche, Ther is my Vader and eke heore, and joye ever ilyche.” After thet Jhesu Crist myd Marie hedde ispeke, Heo nolde vor none thinge his heste tho tobreke. Heo com to his disciples ther hi togadere were. line590 Never of tydinge hy er so glad nere! Heo seyde to heom the wordes thet hire heyhte Jhesu, And that “he wes from dethe aryse and to me seyde thus.” Tho hi this iherde, hi were swythe blythe That ure Louerd wes aryse from dethe to lyve.

line595 As heo stode and speken and weren at wenynge Of ure Louerdes aryste and fele other thinge, Ure Louerd Jhesu Crist, the wes ibore of the meyde, He stod amydde heom alle and to heom thus seyde: “Sibsumnesse eu beo among. Ne beo ye nouht ofdredde. line600 Ich hit am that her bivore eu alle myd me ledde.” Hi weren aferd and offruyht, and no wunder nes. Heo wenden thet hit were a gost that among heom wes. Jhesu to heom seyde: “Of hwan beo ye offerde? And beoth in eure heorte thouhtes fele arerde, line605 Iseoth nuthe bothe myne vet and ek myne honde, fol. 153v That ich hit am Jhesu Crist that her myd eu stonde. Hondleth nu and iseoth that gost naveth none bon — Ne vleys ne bon nouther, as me is upon.” Tho he hedde so yseyd, he dude more yet. line610 He schewede heom his honde and so he dude his fet. Yet heo hit ny levede, the more ne the lesse. Ac thuhte muche wunder, of heore gladnesse. Ure Louerd Jhesu Crist myd heom bigon to speke: “Habbe ye ouht here that mon may of ete?” line615 Hi hym bivore brouhten of one visse ibred And ek enne hunycomb. Hi weren swithe gled. Ure Louerd nom and et therof tovore heom everuychone, And sewede that he wes aryse myd fleysse and myd bone.

Aveole kunne wise ure Louerd him tok on line620 To schewen his apostles thet he wes God and mon. Seoththe that he wes aryse from dethe to lyve — Thet us alle bouhte myd his wndes fyve. Ofte he heom myd spek ther hi weren togedere Er he wolde astyen to hevene to his Vedere. line625 He heyhte heom “holde treowe luve everych to othre, As ich habbe eu yluved, for ye beoth all brothre.”

Ure Louerd heom bleu upon, thet alle thing con dyhte Undervongeth, he seyde, the Holi Gostes myhte: “Theo that ye aleseth here of heore sunnes bende line630 Hi schulle beon unbunden ever buten ende; And theo that ye her byndeth ine lyve thisse Hi beoth ever ibunde, wyteth ye myd iwisse.”

Tho ure Louerd astye wolde from eorthe to hevene, He seyde to his apostles — hi weren elleovene: line635 “Herkneth alle to me, the more and the leste. Ich eu wille senden on mynes Fader biheste. Sytteth in the burewe, and ich eu wille dihte fol. 154r Fort ye beon byweved of heveliche myhte.”

He seoththe heom ut ledde into Bethany, line640 And myd his swete honde gon heom blessy. Tho he heom hedde iblessed, that scop the sunne and mone, He astey to hevene therafter ful sone. Hi stoden and biheolden hw he to hevene asteyh, Mid his swete moder — he wes hire heorte neyh.

line645 Ther stoden twei veyre men; neren hi nouht ihud, Ac were myd hwite clothes swythe veyre iscrud. And hi to heom seyden: “Men of Galile, Toward thare hevene, hwat biholde ye? The ilke sulve Jhesu that is from eu ynume line650 He wile hymsulf eftsone hider to eu cume Mid fleysse and myd bone, as he heonne ywende. He wile eft hider cume — theos word he eu sende.”

Tho heo this iherden, hi turnden heom ayeyn Mid muchele gladnesse eft to Jherusalem, line655 And weren in the temple, God heryinde And thene King of hevene, ever blessynde.

At thon heye undarne a Witsuneday Ther hi were togadere, as ich eu segge may, And heryeden ure Louerd Crist and heore bede sunge. line660 The Holy Gost heom com upon in fury tunge. So sone so hi weren of the Holy Goste attende, Heo arysen alle togadere and ut heom iwende And speken Godes Wordes. Hi weren swithe gled. Of none monne in eorthe nere hi tho ofdred.

line665 Tho were in Jherusalem, as ich me understonde, Men wunyinde of alle kunnes londe. Tho heo iherden the apostles Godes lore teche, Everuych ther understod his icunde speche. Heo seyden heom bitwenen: “Hwat may this beo? fol. 154v Theos men that we heren speke, hi beoth of Galile, line671 And we iherden heom heryen in heore preching After ure tunge then heoveliche Kyng.”

Seoththe in alle londes hi eoden vor to prechen, And for to fully that folk, and Godes lawe techen. line675 Hi nolden tho bileve, vor kayser ne vor kynge, Ne vor nore pyne, heore prechynge. Thervore heo iwenden into alle londes And fullede kinges, eorles, and bondes, And alle men and wymmen that wolde to heom cume line680 And bileven on Jhesu Crist thet is Godes Sune.

Thervore the Veond of helle hedde muchel onde Vor hi bynomen him saulen in water and in londe. Thervore he hine bithouhte hw he don myhte And ever wes abute bi daye and bi nyhte line685 Vor bryngen heom to dethe thet spek myd his ycorene. That wes Nerun and Dacyen and mo thet beoth vorlorene. Theos nomen the apostles and heom to dethe dude, And ure Louerd heom underveng anon i the stude.

Nu hi beoth ine blisse myd thon hevene Kynge — line690 That is heore mede vor heore prechinge. Bidde we alle Jhesu Crist vor heore erndinge, That he ure saule to thare blisse brynge. Vor his swete moder luve, of hwam he vleyss nom, He habbe mercy of us that is God and mon, line695 And lete us so her libben in thisse wrecche lyve, That we moten to him cume, for his wundes fyve. And he that haveth this rym iwryten, beo hwat he beo, God in thisse lyve hyne lete wel itheo, And alle his iveren, bothe yonge and olde. line700 God heom lete heore ordre trewliche her holde, That hi mote togadere cume to heveriche blysse fol. 155r Hwanne hi schullen toparty ut of lyve thisse. He thet alle thing ischop, this us graunty, Vor his leve moder luve Seynte Mary, line705 And heo ure erende bere, so is hire ywune, Mid alle other halewe, to hire swete Sune. Amen.

fol. 144r Here begins the Passion of Jesus Christ in English.

Prologue

Listen now to a little tale that I’ll tell you, As we find it written in the gospel — It’s not about Charlemagne or the twelve peers, But rather about Christ’s suffering that he endured here.

5 All folk were scattered, like sheep in the meadow; They barely thought about God, their hearts were so cold. He who is and always was with his Father in heaven, He descended very low to bring them together.

Thirst and hunger, cold and heat, these are rough pains; line10 He suffered all these for us, who turned water to wine. For thirty winters and more he was among mankind, After the Virgin bore him, entirely without sin.

When he’d been long enough in this wretched life, He was very eager for his Father’s bliss, line15 Not because he was insufficient in his divine nature, But because he wanted us with him, both rich and poor. He had, and thus we have, no need to be afraid. If we avoid mortal sin and do all by his counsel, May the Lord who created all bring us to that bliss. line20 Now begins our tale — it does not lie.

Here begins Christ’s suffering in his Passion.

Lady, you bore the best child who was ever born; He made you his mother, for he had chosen you. Adam and all his offspring would have been lost Had your Son not existed — you are blessed therefore.

line25 After that he was baptized in the River Jordan By the prophet who was named Saint John. The Holy Ghost led him into the wilderness In order to be tempted by Satan the old.

He was there forty days entirely without food; line30 Because he had fasted, he wanted to eat. fol. 144v There came to him Satan, full of hatred; With his false words he started to talk to him.

In three different ways he tempted him, Just as he’d tempted Adam and overcame him: line35 Through gluttony and pride and avarice too. He didn’t know he was both God and man.

Then said Jesus Christ, who is God’s Son, “Depart, Satan! Why have you come?” Immediately he left him to go tempt others, line40 And there arrived angels to serve him.

Then he started to preach. Quite gentle were his actions. He chose for himself twelve comrades to be led by him; Some of them were wise and did all by his counsel, But one of them betrayed him, who ate of his bread.

line45 He taught all people to uphold true love: First toward God Almighty who’s above all of us; Next to love his neighbor as he would himself, And to be to each other both true and loyal.

Many folk followed him. Do you know why? line50 Some to be rid of evil that was in them; Some to be fed with bodily food; And some just for evil and for no good.

Men he healed, and women, in different ways: He caused the blind to see and the dead to rise; line55 The dumb speak, the deaf hear, and the lame walk. Such a physician before him had come never here!

The Jews and the Pharisees were jealous of that — That such a physician was come into their land. They said, “He is a carpenter’s son. We’re not his friends! line60 All the miracles he works are done by the Fiend.”

For all the good he did them, they rewarded him poorly. As men say, “He loses his labor who serves the wicked.” fol. 145r Just so did Jesus Christ: he did good for evil men; Therefore, in the end, hey shed his precious blood.

line65 When he came into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, He had no robe of variegated or gray fur, He had no fine horse and no palfrey, But he rode upon an ass, as I tell you.

As he came into the village, riding thus, line70 The town’s children came singing. “Blessed,” they said, “is he.” They come in God’s name. The Jews and the Pharisees were angry about that.

When he came into the temple in order to preach, He found therein merchants who were arrogant. line75 In spite of their pride, he drove them out; The bishops and masters, they were enraged.

And they soon asked him why he’d acted so. Our Lord answered them soon in the place: “It is written that my house is called a prayer-house, line80 And a den of thieves you have made it.”

The masters of the temple, they were very proud. To capture our Lord, they lay always in wait — If he were ever to preach against their law — So that they could accuse him and take his life.

line85 As the time drew near for their great feast day — Of all the twelve months it was the most important — They plotted among themselves at their meeting About how our Lord they could bring to death.

On Holy Thursday, as you may hear, line90 When our Lord was seated at his supper, He looked about with a gentle expression, And said to his disciples who were then with him: “One will betray me who’s now our comrade; Indeed, it’d be better for him if he hadn’t been born.” fol. 145v Each looked at the others; they were frightened. line96 They didn’t know which of them he’d said it about.

Then his disciples asked, one after another: “Lord,” they all said, “who’s the man so audacious That he’d dare betray you, the one who’s among us? line100 We desire unto the death to go all with you.”

Then said our Lord Christ, who is full of bliss: “Pay close attention so you don’t miss it: He to whom I hand the bread that I wet in wine, He will betray me tonight before he sleeps.” line105 He handed it to Judas so that all could see it, Where he was in front of him and sat at his knee. He ate it pleasurably and looked all about, And the Fiend came into him with that very morsel.

Judas then spoke, saying to our Lord: line110 “Master, am I the one who will treat you so?” “You say so,” said our Lord, “and do all you’re able.” And he removed himself out into the dark night.

He came to the Jews where they were together, All alone by himself — he had no companion — line115 And made a bargain to sell our Savior. They were very pleased with their purchase.

He said to the Jews: “If I may so succeed That I betray Jesus, what shall be my reward?” “Thirty pennies,” they said, “They’re all ready.” line120 “Come with me,” said Judas, “and I will lead you.

Come quickly with me, both young and old; The one whom I kiss, you must hold him tightly And lead him warily — he works many wonders. If he now escapes you, you’ll be badly humiliated.”

line125 After that Judas Iscariot went away. Our Lord took his apostles, every one, fol. 146r And led them with him to the Mount of Olives, Where he spoke to them with his sweet mouth.

“All of you say,” said our Lord, “you desire to die with me; line130 Tonight you’ll be ashamed that you ever saw me. It’s written in the book where men may read it. Many winters ago the prophet said it: ‘When the shepherd is killed and robbed of life, Then soon will his sheep be entirely scattered.’ line135 Afterwards from death I will rise again; I will before all of you come to Galilee.”

Then said Saint Peter, as though abashed: “I will never shame myself, Lord, on your account.” “Peter,” said our Lord, “now you say so. line140 Before daylight tomorrow, it shall go otherwise. You know not yourself, but I do know you, You shall forsake me thrice before the cock crows.”

“Lord,” said Saint Peter — truly, he was upset — “Although even to death should I go with you, line145 Or else into prison, whatever befalls, I will never forsake you.” And so said they all.

When they’d heard all this, they were quite anxious. Our Lord went with them to Gethsemane. Next he said to them — blessed may they be: line150 “Sit here while I go to pray by myself.” He took Saint Peter, Saint James, and Saint John. He was frightened of death, he who’s God and man — Well ought we be afraid if we are wise, And conquer our sins while we are here!

line155 Jesus went from them a stone throw’s length, And left them to pray all by himself. “Father,” he, Jesus Christ, said, “if it may so be, From this very chalice spare me now. fol. 146v If I must drink it, thy will be done.” line160 He knew that the Jews plotted to kill him.

As our Lord prayed, he started to sweat, So that blood flowed down him, very large drops. An angel came from heaven and stood firm nearby; To give him comfort he was fully ready. line165 After he’d said his prayer a good while, He came to his apostles and found them asleep.

“Do you sleep,” he said, “Simon?” He was one of the three. “Couldn’t you one time stay awake with me? Wake up and offer prayer, all together, line170 That you not enter into temptation, up to my Father. The time has drawn very near, understand, When man’s Son will be handed into sinful hands.

Rise up,” he said, “and we will go from here. There does Judas approach, my wicked foe. line175 He has sold me tonight. May he be wretched, And all who betray others, now and forevermore.”

Barely had he said that when Judas hurried to him With Jews and with Pharisees from their meeting, With spears and staves and many other things. line180 They bore little love for heaven’s King.

Jesus came toward them with all his comrades, And he said to them, “Whom do you seek here?” They answered him, “Jesus Nazarene.” Jesus said to them, “Lo, I am he.

line185 If you seek me, here I am found. Let these others stay whole and sound; They don’t need to suffer any wounds.” The Jews at that word fell to the ground.

Judas came forward, who’d created all that grief, fol. 147r With Jews and other folk whom he’d brought with him. line191 “Hail,” he said, “Master,” to Jesus whom they sought, And kissed him with his mouth as if he meant no evil.

“Friend,” said Jesus Christ. “Why have you come? With your false kiss you betray man’s Son.” line195 The Jews leapt up, who had lain on the ground, And soon seized Jesus Christ and bound him fast.

Saint Peter had a sword, and he drew it out And smote off Malchus’s ear but didn’t slay him. When Jesus Christ saw what Peter had done, line200 He said, “Put aside your sword from this spot now. Must I not drink, Peter, for you, The chalice that my Father has given to me?”

Next Jesus Christ spoke — praised be his might — And said to the Jews that he’d not resist at all: line205 “With swords and with clubs have you come here To treat me like a thief who has to be caught.

Every day in the temple it was my custom To teach you God’s lore, where you gathered. Then no one was so rash as to lay hands on me, line210 But now, by night, it’s done very hostilely.”

Peter saw the Jews bind fast our Lord. Soon he drew himself back and went behind them; Lest he be known, he was deeply frightened. Nonetheless he wanted to know where he’d be led.

line215 The Jews seized Jesus Christ and led him forth — From all his apostles, he had no help; All of them left him, so great was their fear, Just as beforehand our Lord had told them.

They brought him to Caiphas without any company; line220 He was their bishop in that same year. fol. 147v Of all his disciples, not one followed him Other than Saint Peter and one young man. John wore a mantle of sendal upon him. He went in with Jesus Christ, and Peter stood outside — line225 Because he was known, he was the more daring. He stood by the fire and warmed himself from the cold. He entreated the gatekeeper to let in his comrade; Their Lord’s trial he wanted to see and hear.

The gatekeeper let him in without any fee; line230 Peter stood with others and warmed himself by the coals. Some of those who were there knew Saint John And grabbed him by the mantle that he wore. He left behind his mantle in the Jews’ hands, And, being wholly naked, ran out their door. line235 Before he broke free, it seemed a long time, For the fear of death is very strong.

When our Lord was brought before Caiphas, Who was a master and bishop in that year, The leaders and the Pharisees were quite pleased. line240 When they saw Jesus Christ, they plotted to kill him. In many different ways they blamed him To bring him death. They knew not for what cause.

There arose two who began to speak, Saying that he intended to destroy the temple, line245 Which King Solomon had made long ago, And on the third day he’d build a new one: “This we heard; of this we bear witness.” Then responded the great and the lowly: “Even if he’s done nothing further, he should stop it! line250 All the wonders he performs are done by evil!”

Caiphas spoke to Jesus Christ — he hoped to hurt him: “Don’t you hear what they say? Why won’t you answer?” fol. 148r Jesus was quiet. He wouldn’t speak at all. He could, if he wanted, be suddenly avenged. line255 Afterwards he asked him about his teachings, And about his disciples, and many other things.

Our Lord answered him with very gentle speech: “Often in the temple I was accustomed to preach During the daylight, where men could hear it. line260 And you and many others who were your comrades, What I said to them, know it well — Learn from those who heard it, and don’t ask me.”

There leapt forth a scoundrel, as you may hear, And he suddenly struck Jesus Christ under the ear. line265 “He’s the bishop,” he said, “so you must respond! He’s chief of the law! We will defend him!” Jesus spoke to him and gave him an answer: “If I’ve spoken evil, you may bear witness, And if I’ve spoken well, pay attention to it, line270 But don’t strike me before a legal decision.”

The Jews who held Jesus Christ did him much shame, Blindfolded and spat on him in that very place, And struck him under the ear, and spoke to him thus: “Who struck you then? Can you figure it out?” line275 Much dishonor they did to our Lord; To bring him to death they applied their power.

Peter stood by the fire; he was deeply afraid. He saw how Jesus Christ was vilely treated. There came a handmaid who was with Caiphas; line280 She guarded the door where the meeting occurred. She beheld Peter and said to those seated: “Truly, he is with Jesus the false prophet!”

Peter then replied: “I know nothing about him. Never before have I seen him. You’re mistaken.” fol. 148v Soon after that someone else came there, line286 And said: “Surely you’re with him, a Galilean.” “Man,” said Saint Peter, “I don’t know what you mean. I never knew him or saw him before now.” Then answered another who was their comrade, line290 A kinsman of Malchus whose ear Peter had cut off: “Yes, you were with Jesus Christ in the garden. I know you very well. He was apprehended there.”

Peter denied and said: “Cursed be Anyone who knew him. I speak for myself.” line295 As he uttered that word, the cock crowed. Jesus turned toward him and looked at him. After that Peter suddenly understood What his Lord had said. He was full of regret.

Immediately he ran out and started to weep. line300 Though he’d forsaken his Lord, he wanted to make amends. Soon, in the early morning just as it was daylight, They came all together, as I tell you. The Jews and all other folk were very eager, And brought our Lord Christ to their meeting-house. line305 They said to him: “Now that you’ve been brought here. Tell us now whether you’re Christ whom we’ve sought.”

Our Lord answered them: “If I tell you the truth, You won’t believe me, I’m certain. If I ask you anything, you’ll tell me nothing, line310 And not let me go free. You plan to kill me. Therefore in heaven I shall sit by my Father, And afterwards come and judge you all together.” They all said: “Then are you God’s Son?” “You say it, for I am it. Thus am I named.”

line315 Caiphas heard this. He tore his clothes, And then to the people he spoke these words: “Why should you wait to have more witnesses? fol. 149r All of you have heard this, more or less, How he’s spoken here. What is our verdict?” line320 All of them answered: “He deserves to die.”

Then they all rose up and led him forth; For the King of heaven they felt no compassion. They brought him to Pilate, their superior. “Listen now,” they said, “we will not deceive you. line325 This man, we find, has broken our law That we and our elders have anciently held. Many of our people he’s turned from it; He says he’s God’s Son but is a mortal man, And he forbade tribute to Caesar of any kind. line330 He boasted before us all that he’s our king.”

Pilate said to Jesus Christ: “Tell me the truth, Whether you’re King of the Jews or whether they’re wrong.” “You say it,” spoke our Lord, “that I’m God’s Son, I don’t know for what crime they’ve taken me.”

line335 Pilate went out very soon after that. He said: “What’s this man done who’s brought to me?” The Jews answered him: “If he’d done no wrong, He’d not have been taken by us nor brought to you.” Pilate said to them: “According to your law, line340 Which you now have and have anciently held, Judge him now or else leave him alone. No guilt worthy of death do I see in him.”

The Jews answered: “According to our law, We may no man condemn to death.” line345 Pilate went again to where our Lord stood. The Jews were eager to shed his blood. Pilate called our Lord, and said to him thus: “You are King of the Jews, but they shame you.”

Our Lord answered him — blessed may he be: line350 “You either say it yourself, or else it’s said by me.” fol. 149v Pilate answered him: “Am I then a Jew? The bishops handed you to me and some of your men. What have you done? For whom are you taken?” Jesus answered him, Saint Mary’s Son:

line355 “If my kingdom were of this world, My men would have resisted, know truly, And I wouldn’t be held in Jewish hands, But my kingdom is of another land.”

Pilate said to him: “Then are you king?” line360 “You say it,” spoke our Lord. “I have no equal. I am born for that purpose and come to this world; And bear witness to truth: for that, I am taken. All who dwell in truth, hear my words, And heed them well, and store them up.”

line365 Then Pilate said to him: “What is truth?” Our Lord did not answer, more or less. Pilate went away again and left Jesus, And came to the folk and spoke to them thus: “I don’t find any guilt in this man. line370 It’s your custom to acquit one At your great festival every year. Shall I the King of the Jews release all free?”

And they all cried out upon Pilate: “Not him,” they said, “but give us Barrabas!” line375 Barrabas was a thief; on that account he was taken And with other thieves imprisoned.

Pilate took then Jesus Christ and ordered him scourged Until his entire precious body began to sweat blood. The knights took him and led him in, line380 And took off all the clothes that he had on him; Then they took a red cloth and put it on him, And a rod in his hand, and began to bow to him; fol. 150r From a wreath of thorns they formed a crown for him, Of the sharpest of all that grew in town. line385 They set it on his head and violently fastened it there. On every side blood gushed out. Then they kneeled and said, “Hail, King of the Jews,” And struck him under the ear, spared him nothing.

Pilate then went out and said to the Jews: line390 “Lo, here I bring this man and lead him before you; I don’t find any guilt in him, I want you to understand.” He knew he’d been taken because they were envious.

Our Lord bore his crown and was put on display. “Lo,” said Pilate, “here is the very man.” line395 The bishops and other people cried out upon him. “Crucify him! Crucify him!” they said immediately.

Pilate then answered and said to them thus: “Take him yourselves and put him on the cross.” The Jews answered him: “We have our law. line400 According to it, he must be condemned to death; Because he calls himself God’s Son, we consider him mad.” Pilate heard this word. Then he was more frightened. He went out again to where he stood before, And then asked Jesus Christ where he was from.

line405 Our Lord gave no answer but stood completely silent. He could’ve avenged himself had it been his will. He didn’t answer him at all — blessed may he be. Pilate said to him: “You do not talk to me; Don’t you know I have the power to crucify you? line410 And I have the power to let you go free?”

Our Lord answered him: “You don’t have the power To put me to death, either wrongly or rightly, Except as it’s given to you, know truly, By him who’s over all of us in heaven’s bliss. fol. 150v The one who has greater sin now, regarding me, line416 Is he who betrayed me and then handed me to you.”

After that Pilate wanted to let him go, But the Jews told him: “Keep punishing him. If you believe this and therefore release him, line420 You’re not Caesar’s friend but rather his foe. Every man who says he’s a king, we tell you about it. He defies Caesar. There’s no king but he.”

Pilate led out our Lord; he would not delay — It was on Good Friday at the sixth hour — line425 And said to the Jews: “Lo, here’s your king.” “Take him away!” they cried out, “Hang him at once!”

Pilate answered them and said to them thus: “Do you want your king to be crucified?” The bishops then answered and said to him there: line430 “We have no other king beside Caesar.”

Pilate then took our Lord and handed him over. He handed him to knights who shamed him greatly. The knights leading him gave him the cross Whereon he suffered death and bought us with his blood. line435 He bore it on his shoulder toward that very spot Named Calvary, where they led him.

When he was put on the cross, the Jews rejoiced. They took two thieves who were led with him. One hung high on one side to be subjected to torture, line440 And one on the other side, and Jesus between them. Our Lord then said this, full of truth: “Father, forgive them this guilt; they know not what they do.”

Then Jesus was on the cross suffering hard pain. The knights took his clothes to divide among themselves. line445 When they found his cloak, it was all whole. They didn’t want to divide it in any way, fol. 151r So they cast their lots for whose it would be. They didn’t want to divide it into two or three.

The leaders and the other folk mocked him. line450 They said this cross had held many another man Whom others had called Christ, King of Israel. “Help yourself now by your mighty power. If you’re as powerful as you say you are, Come down off the cross so that we can see all of it.”

line455 One of the thieves who hung beside him, He spoke to our Lord and began to mock him: “Christ, help yourself, and also help us.” The other one answered him, saying this to him:

“You, wretch, are unafraid of God who’s hung here. line460 For our crimes we’ve received the punishment; This one on the cross has never committed sin.” He spoke to our Lord soon in that spot:

“Lord,” he said, “remember me,” and started to sigh, “When you come to heaven where your kingdom is.” line465 Jesus answered him: “Truly, I say to you, Today in paradise you will be with me.”

Pilate himself wrote a sign very quickly: “Here is Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” Many Jews read it and were very angry. line470 It was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin.

The bishops of the Jews said to Pilate: “You shouldn’t have written your sign this way, Nor written ‘Here is the King of the Jews.’ Although he claimed he was, it is a lie.”

line475 Pilate answered them and said to them thus: “What I wrote is written; none may undo it.” It was close to midday when darkness fell Over all middle-earth, until it was noon. fol. 151v The sun abandoned its light, and the moon too, line480 So that the veil split in two in the temple.

Jesus cried out in a very strong voice: “Father, my soul I commend to your keeping.” Once he’d said this, he who created sun and moon, He died after that very soon.

line485 The centurion saw, standing nearby, How our Lord died, who bought us with his blood. He said to the knights who were his companions: “Indeed, this man was God’s Son whom we see here.”

The Jews came to Pilate and said to him thus: line490 “We ask that their thighs be broken in two, And then let them be brought down from the gallows, For our great festival will be tomorrow.”

Of one thief they broke his thighs in two, And of his companion they did likewise. line495 When they came to Jesus Christ and saw him dead, They didn’t break his thighs — the book forebade it.

They gave to a knight a spear in his hand To strike his side; it was sharp and long. He stabbed it hard till it went into his heart. line500 Both blood and water flowed out from it.

The same one who saw it, he wrote this testimony: “He told the truth. We believe it completely.” When it was almost evening, Joseph came there, From Arimathea — he was a rich man. line505 He came to Pilate and said to him thus: “Give me the body of this prophet named Jesus.” Then Pilate ordered the body be given to him Of our Lord Jesus Christ, the soul’s physician.

Joseph took our Lord down from the cross line510 And wound him in linen, who bought us with his blood. fol. 152r Afterwards he laid him in a grave of stone That he’d newly made for himself alone. He rolled to the sepulchre door a large stone. Then he went on his way to where he needed to go.

line515 On another day after Jesus had died, The Jews and the Pharisees conferred together. They came to Pilate, governor of the land. “Lord,” they said to him, “we understand That this deceiver said, for which we’re unhappy, line520 ‘On the third day I will arise from death to life.’

Let us guard the sepulchre until the third day So that his disciples not steal and bear him away, And then say to the folk who are of our faith, ‘He’s risen from death whom the Jews ordered killed,’ line525 Then carry out a final deception — to claim something worse Than happened before, whatever men say.”

They were answered by Pilate, who’d come from Rome: “Go now and guard it attentively and quickly.” The Jews then went forth, taking their knights line530 To guard the sepulchre both day and night. Later they sealed it up with a stone. Little did those wretches know what would happen.

The Jews were foolish to give that order, And expected to hold Jesus Christ as if he were dead. line535 Now they thought to confine him — he who created all Immediately broke hell’s door! — and overcome their King.

Jesus, by his will, arose from death to life. Even though knights guarded him, four or five, They couldn’t keep him as the Jews had ordered, line540 Nor might they see him, so they were afraid. Then from the angel coming there they saw the light. They fell as if dead, right there at once.

fol. 152v Jesus Christ, who raised himself by his mighty power And came to this middle-earth to redeem sinful men, line545 Let us be so that our life in this world be arranged That we may all come to the eternal light.

Let us all, beloved men, pray to God who’s so gracious That by the Holy Ghost he kindle our hearts, So that we may by our confession destroy the Fiend line550 Who with foul sins thinks to blind us completely, And grant that each life may never have an end When our soul is unbound from fleshly bonds.

Here is when Jesus Christ arose from death to life.

After Christ arose from death, clean of sin, The first to whom he spoke was Mary Magdalene. line555 When she came to his tomb in order to seek him, She thought that the Jews had stolen our soul’s doctor. Mary stood outside the door and began to weep sadly When she didn’t find Jesus Christ, her beloved. She bent down and searched with her eyes line560 Whether she, of our Lord, might see anything. Then she saw there two angels in white clothes and fragrant; One sat at the head, the other at the foot. “Woman, why do you weep?” they said to her. “Because they’ve taken my Lord — I don’t know where.” line565 Mary drew back and looked behind her. Then she saw Jesus Christ whom she’d gone there to find. Our Lord asked her: “Why and for whom Do you weep, and whom do you seek? Tell me, woman.” Mary answered him and said to him thus: line570 “The Jews have taken my Lord from this place. I don’t know where they’ve brought him. Therefore I’m very sad and have sought him. Have you borne him away? Tell me, good man, fol. 153r And I’ll fetch him all by myself.” line575 She didn’t know it was he who’d broken our bonds. She thought it was the gardener speaking to her. Jesus then said, “Mary,” and revealed who he was. In all her life Mary was never so joyful. She called him “Master,” that is, “Rabbi,” line580 And fell at his feet and asked his mercy. Jesus spoke to Mary and then told her That she must not touch his hands or his feet. “I’ve not yet ascended up to my Father, But go to my brethren where they’re gathered. line585 Tell them that I ascend to my Father’s kingdom, Where my Father and his own are, and joy unceasingly.” After Jesus Christ had spoken with Mary, She wouldn’t for anything break his commandment. She came to his disciples where they were gathered. line590 Never of tidings were they ever so glad! She told them the words Jesus had told her, And that “he was risen from death and said thus to me.” When they heard this, they were jubilant That our Lord had arisen from death to life.

line595 As they stood and spoke and were in doubt Of our Lord’s resurrection and many other things, Our Lord Jesus Christ, born of the Virgin, Stood among them all and said to them thus: “Peace be among you. Don’t be afraid. line600 It is I who’s here before all of you whom I led.” They were afraid and terrified, and it was no wonder. They thought it was a ghost who was among them. Jesus said to them: “Of whom are you afraid? And if now in your heart many questions arise, line605 See now both my feet and also my hands, fol. 153v And that I’m Jesus Christ who stands among you. Observe now and see that a ghost has no bones — Neither flesh nor bone, as are upon me.” After he’d said this, he did even more. line610 He showed them his hands and likewise his feet. But they believed it not, neither more nor less. Yet they marveled much, in their happiness. Our Lord Jesus Christ began to speak with them: “Do you have anything here that one can eat?” line615 They brought before him a roasted fish And also a honeycomb. They were overjoyed. Our Lord took and ate thereof before every one of them, And showed that he’d arisen with flesh and with bone.

In very many ways our Lord exerted himself line620 To show his apostles that he was God and man, After he arose from death to life — He who bought us all with his five wounds. Often he spoke with them when they were together Before he wished to ascend to heaven to his Father. line625 He commanded them to “hold true love for one another, As I’ve loved you, because you’re all brothers.”

Our Lord breathed upon them, he who rules all, To receive, he said, the Holy Ghost’s power: “Those whom you release here from their sinful bonds line630 Shall be unbound forever without end; And those whom you bind here in this life Are always bound, know this truly.”

When our Lord was ready to ascend from earth to heaven, He said to his apostles — they were eleven: line635 “All listen to me, the highest and the lowest. I will send you out on my Father’s behest. Remain in the city, and I’ll make you ready fol. 154r Until you are girded in heavenly might.”

Afterwards he led them out into Bethany, line640 And with his precious hand began to bless them. When he had blessed them, he who created sun and moon, He rose to heaven very soon after that. They stood and beheld how he rose to heaven, With his blessed mother — he was close to her heart.

line645 There stood two fair men; they couldn’t be missed Because they were in white clothes fairly shrouded. And they spoke to them: “Men of Galilee, Looking toward heaven, what do you see? The very same Jesus who is taken from you line650 Will himself soon come here to you In flesh and in bone, just as he went forth. He’ll come here again — he sends you this message.”

When they heard this, they turned again With much rejoicing back to Jerusalem, line655 And went into the temple, praising God And the King of heaven, always rejoicing.

At mid-morning on Whitsunday They were there together, as I may tell you, And praised our Lord Christ and sang their prayers. line660 The Holy Ghost came upon them in fiery tongues. As soon as they were kindled by the Holy Ghost, They arose all together and went out And spoke God’s Word. They were jubliant. Of no man on earth were they then afraid.

line665 Then there were in Jerusalem, as I understand, Men dwelling from all different lands. When they heard the apostles teach God’s lore, Everyone there understood his native speech. They said among themselves: “How may this be? fol. 154v These men whom we hear speak, they’re from Galilee, line671 And yet we heard them praise in their preaching According to our language the heavenly King.”

Afterwards into all lands they went forth to preach, And to baptize the people, and to teach God’s law. line675 They wouldn’t then forsake, not for any kaiser or king, Nor for any pain, their preaching. Therefore they traveled into all lands And baptized kings, earls, and servants, And all men and women who wished to come to them line680 And believe in Jesus Christ who is God’s Son.

On that account the Fiend of hell felt much jealousy Because they took souls from him everywhere. Therefore he plotted what he might do And was always lurking about by day and by night line685 To bring to death whoever spoke with his chosen ones. Then Nero and Decius and more who were lost, They seized the apostles and put them to death, And our Lord received them soon in that place.

Now they’re in bliss with heaven’s King — line690 That’s their reward for their preaching. Let us all pray to Jesus Christ for their intercession, That he may our souls bring to that bliss. For his blessed mother’s love, from whom he took flesh, May he have mercy on us who is God and man, line695 And allow us so to live here in this wretched life, That we may come to him, for his five wounds. And he who’s written this rhyme, be what he may, God in this life allow him to thrive, And all his comrades, both young and old. line700 God allow them their order truly to maintain here, So that they may together come to heavenly bliss fol. 155r When they depart out of this life. He who created all things, grant us this, For love of his dear mother Saint Mary, line705 And may she bear our message, as is her custom, With all the other saints, to her precious Son. Amen.