fol. 148r ¶ Verba Translatoris Words of the Translator

O yee folkes harde-hertid as a stone, Wich to the worlde have al your advertence, attention Liche as it shulde laste evere in oone — Like always the same Where is your witt, wher is your providence wit preparation for the futureline5 To se aforn the sodeine violence in advance sudden Of cruel Dethe, that ben so wis and sage, prudent Wiche sleeth, allas, by stroke of pestilence Bothe yong and olde, of lowe and hy parage? parentage

Deeth sparith not lowe ne hy degré. statusline10 Popes, kynges, ne worthy emperours — Whan thei shyne most in felicité, prosperity He can abate the fresshnes of her flours, their flowers The bright sonne clipsen with his shours, eclipse its showers Make hem plunge from her sees lowe. fall low from their high positionsline15 Magré the myght of alle these conquerours, In spite of Fortune hath hem from her whele ythrowe. themthrown

Considerith this, ye folkes that ben wys, are wise And it enprentith in youre memorial, imprint memory Like the exawmple wiche that at Parys Parisline20 I fonde depict oones in a wal once Ful notably, as I reherce shal: as I will tell Ther, of Frensshe clerkis takyng aqueintaunce, French clerics making I toke on me to translatyn al, Oute of the Frensshe, Machabres Daunce.

fol. 148v By whos avys and counceil atte the leste, advice and counsel at lastline26 Thorugh her steryng and her mocioun, guidance suggestion I obeide unto her requeste, their Therof to make a playn translacioun complete translation In Englissh tonge, of entenciounline30 That proude folkes, wiche that ben stout and bold, valiant As in a mirrour toforn in her resoun before Her ougly fine may cleerly ther bihold, Their ugly end

By exaumple that thei in her ententis their intentions Amende her lif in every maner age. every stage of their lifeline35 The wiche Daunce at Seint Innocentis Portreied is with al the surplusage with all the rest To shewe this worlde is but a pilgrimage Yeven unto us our lyves to correcte. Given And to declare the fyne of oure passage relate outcome journeyline40 Right anoon my stile I wille directe. stylus

¶ Verba Auctoris Words of the Author

O creatures ye that ben resonable who are reasonable The liif desiring wiche is eternal, Ye may se here doctrine ful notable, see Youre lif to lede wich that is mortal,line45 Therby to lerne in especial in particular Howe ye shul trace the Daunce of Machabre, follow To man and womman yliche natural, alike For deth ne spareth hy ne lowe degré. does not spare

In this mirrour every wight may finde personline50 That him bihoveth to goo upon this daunce. That he must go Who goth toforn or who shal goo behinde, goes first Al dependith in Goddis ordinaunce. God’s plan Wherfore eche man lowly take his chaunce; humbly Deeth spareth not pore ne blood royal.line55 Eche man therfore have in remembraunce: Of o mater God hath forged al.

fol. 149r ¶ Deeth to the Pope

O yee that ben set most hie in dignité Of alle estatis in erthe spiritual, And like as Petir had the soverenité line60 Overe the chirche and statis temporal: Upon this daunce ye firste bigyn shal, As moste worthy lorde and governour, For al the worship of youre astate papal high esteem papal estate And of lordship to God is the honour. dominion

¶ The Pope aunswerith

line65 First me bihoveth this daunce for to lede it is proper for me Wich sat in erthe hiest in my see — Who seat of authority The state ful perillous ho so takith hede To occupie Petris dignité — But al for that Deth I may not fle,line70 On his daunce with other for to trace, to follow For wich al honour, who prudently can se, Is litel worth that dothe so sone pace. so soon pass [away]

¶ Deeth to the Emperour

Sir Emperour, lorde of al the ground, earth Soverein prince and hiest of noblesse: preeminent nobilityline75 Ye must forsake of golde your appil round, Septre and swerd and al youre hy prowesse. Scepter sword martial deeds Behinde leve your tresour and ricchesse, And with othir to my daunce obeie. obey Agein my myght is worth noon hardinesse; Against no valorline80 Adamis children alle thei mosten deie. Adam’s children (i.e., humanity) must

¶ The Emperour answerith

I not to whom that I may apele know not appeal Touching Deth wiche doth me so constreine. Concerning compel Ther is no gein to helpe my querele, aid complaint But spade and pikois my grave to ateyne, pickaxe reachline85 A simple shete — ther is no more to seyne — to say To wrappe in my body and visage, face Therupon sore I may compleine fervently That lordis grete have litel avauntage. advantage

fol. 149v ¶ Deeth to the Cardinal

Ye ben abaisshid, it semeth, and in drede upset full of dreadline90 Sir Cardinal — it shewith by youre chere — expression But yit forthy ye folowe shulle in dede you shall follow forth in death With othir folke my daunce for to lere. to learn Youre grete aray al shal bileven here, fine clothingshall be left Youre hatte of reed, youre vesture of grete cost. red hat [ecclesiastical] garmentline95 Alle these thingis rekenyd wele yfere: In greet honour good avis is lost. judgment

¶ The Cardinal answerith

I have grete cause — certis this is no faille — certainly mistake To ben abaisshid and greetly drede me, upset to have great dread Sithen Deeth is come me sodeinly to assaille, Because to attack me suddenlyline100 That I shal nevere heraftir clothed be In grys ne ermyn like to my degré, gray fur (possibly squirrel) ermine My hatte of reed leve eke in distresse, leave also By wiche I have lerned wel and see Howe that al joie endith in hevynesse. sorrow

¶ Deeth to the Kyng

line105 O noble kyng, moste worthi of renoun, renown Come forthe anone for al youre worthinesse, at once nobility That somtyme had aboute yow enviroun on all sides Greet rialté and passing hy noblesse. royalty very high nobility But right anoone al youre grete hynes immediately great statusline110 Sool fro youre men in hast ye shul it lete. Who moste aboundith here in greet ricches abounds Shal bere with hym but a sengle shete.

¶ The Kynge answerith

I have not lernyd here aforn to daunce heretofore No daunce in sooth of footyng so savage, in truth frenziedline115 Wherfore I see by clere demonstraunce: by clear proof What pride is worth force or hy lynage? power noble birth Deeth al fordothe — this is his usage — destroys practice Greet and smale that in this worlde sojourne. Who is most meke I hold he is most sage, meek wiseline120 For we shal al to dede asshes tourne.

fol. 150r ¶ Deeth to the Patriarke

Sir Patriarke, alle youre humble chere attitude Ne quite yow not, ne youre humilité. Do not acquit you Youre double crosse of gold and stones clere, double cross Youre power hoole, and al youre dignité whole rankline125 Some othir shal of verrey equité in accordance with divine law Possede anoone, as I reherce can. as I can say Trustith nevere that ye shal pope be, For foly hope deceiveth many a man. foolish

¶ The Patriarke aunswereth

Worldly honour, greet tresour, and richesseline130 Have me deceivid sothfastly in dede. truly in death Myn olde joies ben turned to tristesse. sadness What vailith it suche tresour to possede? What use is it possess Hy clymbyng up a falle hath for his mede; for its reward Grete estates folke wasten oute of noumbre.line135 Who mountith hy — it is sure and no drede — rises high Greet berthen dothe hym ofte encoumbre. burden

¶ Deeth to the Constable

It is my right to reste and yow constreine arrest detain With us to daunce, my maister Sir Constable, For more strong than evere was Charlemayne Charlemagneline140 Deeth hath aforced and more worshipable, forced worthy of respect For hardines, ne knyghthood — this is no fable — Ne stronge armure of plates ne of mayle. plate armor chainmail What geyneth armes of folkes moste notable What gain is Whan cruel Deeth luste hem to assaile? desires them

¶ The Constable answerith

line145 My purpos was and hool entencioun entire intent To assaille castelles and mighty forteresses, And bringe folke unto subjeccioun, To seke honour, fame, and grete richesses. But I se wel that al worldly prowesses see clearly earthly valorline150 Deeth can abate, wich is a grete dispite. demolishvengeance To him aloone sorwe and eke swetnesses, alone also For agein Deeth is founded no respite. against is found reprieve

fol. 150v ¶ Deeth to the Archebisshop

Sir Archebisshoppe, whi do ye yow withdrawe retreat So frowardly as it were by disdeyn? insolently with contemptline155 Ye muste aproche to my mortel lawe: draw near to It to contrarie it were not but in veyn. to oppose For day by day, ther is noon othir geyn, Deeth at hande pursueth every coost. course of action Prest and dette mote be yolde agein,line160 And at o day men counten with her oost. the last day reckon host

¶The Archibisshoppe answereth

Allas, I woote not what partie for to flee, don’t know where to flee For drede of Dethe I have so grete distresse, To ascape his myght I can no refute se. That who so knewe his constreint and duresse, whoever oppression crueltyline165 He wolde take resoun to maistresse. mistress Adewe, my tresour, my pompe, and pride also, Goodbye My peintid chaumbres, my port, and my fresshnesse, For thing that bihoveth nedes must be do.

¶ Deth to the Baroun

Ye that amonge lordis and barounsline170 Hav had so longe worship and renoun, Forgete youre trumpetis and youre clariouns. This is no dreme ne simulacioun. deception Somtime youre custome and entencioun desire Was with ladies to daunce in the shade,line175 But ofte it happith, in conclusioun, That o man brekith that anothir made. one breaks

¶ The Baroun or the Knyht answerith

Ful ofte sithe I have bene auctorised times authorized To hie emprises and thinges of greet fame. enterprises Of hie and lowe my thanke also devised, gratitude contrivedline180 Cherisshed with ladies and wymmen hie of name. Ne nevere on me was put no defame In lordis court, wiche that was notable. But Deethis strook hath made me so lame — stroke helpless Undre hevene in erthe is nothing stable.

fol. 151r ¶ Deeth to the Lady of Grete Astate Estate

line185 Come forthe anone, my lady and princesse, Ye muste also goo upon this daunce. Nowt may availle youre grete straungenesse, No help will be haughtiness Nouther youre beauté, ne youre greet plesaunce, Neither charm Youre riche aray, ne youre daliaunce, fancy clothes flirtingline190 That sumtyme cowde so many holde on honde could hold in your sway In love for al youre double variaunce. duplicity Ye mote as nowe this footing undirstonde.

¶ The Lady answerith

Allas, I see ther is none othir boote. remedy Deeth hath in erthe no lady ne maistresse, mistressline195 And on his daunce yit muste I nedis foote. yet step For ther nys qwene, contesse, ne duchesse Flouringe in beauté ne in fairnesse Flourishing fair appearance That she of Deeth mote Dethes trace sewe. dance behold For to youre bewté and countirfeet fresshnesse false youthfulnessline200 Owre rympled age seith farewele, adewe. Our wrinkled age goodbye

¶ Deeth to the Bisshoppe

My lorde sir Bisshoppe, with youre mytre and croos, miter and cross For al youre ricchesse, sothly I ensure, truly I assure you For al youre tresour so longe kept in cloos, privately owned Youre worldly goodes and goodes of nature,line205 And of youre sheep the gostli dredeful cure, flock spiritual pastoral duty With charge committid to youre prelacie, prelacy (i.e., office of bishop) For to acounte ye shulle be broughte to lure. brought under control No wight is sure that clymbeth overe hie. person secure

¶ The Bisshoppe answerith

My herte truly is nouther glad ne myrie neither happyline210 Of sodein tidinges wiche that ye bring. Because of the unexpected news My festis turned into simple ferye food (fare) That for discomfort me list nothing syng; desire The worlde contrarie nowe to me in workyng That alle folkes can so disherite. disinheritline215 He that al withhalt, allas, at oure parting, withholds And al shal passe save only oure merite.

fol. 151v ¶ Deeth to the Squier

Come forth Sir Squier, right fresshe of youre aray, youthfulattire That can of daunces al the newe gise: knows new fashion Though ye bare armes fressh horsed yisterday,line220 With spere and shelde at youre unkouthe devise, And toke on yow so many hy emprise, undertaking Daunceth with us, it wil no bettir be; Ther is no socour in no manere wise, assistance of any kind For no man may fro Dethes stroke fle.

¶ The Squier aunswerith

line225 Sithen that Dethe me holdith in his lace, Because snare Yet shal Y speke o worde or Y pace: I; one; before; go Adieu, al myrthe, adieu nowe, al solace; Adieu, my ladies, somtime so fressh of face; youthful Adieu, beuté, plesaunce, and solace! charmline230 Of Dethes chaunge every day is prime; a new beginning Thinketh on youre soules or that Deth manace, before Death threatens For al shal rote, and no man wote what tyme. decay knows

¶ Deeth to the Abbot

Come forth, Sir Abbot, with youre brood hatte, broad Beeth not abaisshed (though ye have right). upset good reasonline235 Greet is your hede, youre bely large and fatte; belly Ye mote come daunce though ye be nothing light. must Leveth youre abbey to some othir wight, person Youre eir is of age youre state to occupie. heir position Who that is fattest, I have hym behight, designatedline240 In his grave shal sonnest putrefie. soonest decay

¶ The Abbot answerith

Of thi thretis have I noon envie threats grudge That I shal nowe leve al governaunce. But that I shal as a cloistrer dye — cloistered monk This doth to me passinge grete grevaunce. causes me exceedingly great offenseline245 Mi liberté nor my greet habondaunce What may availe in any manere wise? help in any kind of way Yit axe I mercy with hertly repentaunce, ask heartfelt Though in diynge too late men hem avise. examine themselves

fol. 152r ¶ Deeth to the Abbesse

And ye, my lady gentil Dame Abbesse, of noble rank or birthline250 With youre mantels furred large and wide, sleeveless overgarment Youre veile, youre wymple passinge of greet richesse, And beddis softe ye mote nowe leie aside, bedding discard For to this daunce I shal be youre guyde. Though ye be tendre and born of gentil blood, delicate nobleline255 While that ye lyve for youresilfe provide, prepare yourself For aftir Deeth no man hath no good. possessions

¶ The Abbesse answerith

Allas, that Deeth hath thus for me ordeined That in no wise I may it not declyne, way avoid Though it so be ful ofte I have constreyned very often compelledline260 Brest and throte my notes out to twyne, to sing My chekes round vernysshed for to shyne, coated (i.e., as with a cosmetic) Ungirt ful ofte to walke atte large — Ungirdled out and about Thus cruel Dethe dothe al estates fyne. bring to an end Who hath no ship mote rowe yn bote or barge. must boat

¶ Deeth to the Bally

line265 Come forthe, Sir Bailly, that knowen al the gise, ways By youre office, of trouthe and rightwisnes. Ye must come to a newe assise session of civil court Extorciouns and wronges to redres. Ye ben somonyd as lawe bit expres, summoned as required by lawline270 To yelde acountes, the Juge wole yow charge, give accounts Wiche hath ordeyned, to exclude al falsnes, That every man shal bere his owne charge. accept responsibility for

¶ The Bayly answerith

O thou, Lorde God, this is an hard journé, To whiche aforne I tooke but litel hede. before paid little attentionline275 Mi chaunge is turned and that forthinkith me. fortuneunsettles me Sumtyme with juges what me list to spede liked to accomplish Lay in my myght by favour or for mede. power through favors or bribes But sithen ther is no rescuse by bataille, Because deliverance by battle I holde hym wys that cowde see indedeline280 Agein Deeth that none apele may vaille. no appeal will prevail

fol. 152v ¶ Deeth to the Astronomere

Come forthe, maister, that loken up so ferre With instrumentis of astronomy To take the grees and heighte of every sterre. degrees and height What may availe al youre astrologie, helpline285 Sethen of Adam alle the genolagie, Since descendants Made ferst of God to walke uppon the grounde, Deeth dooth areste? Thus seith theologie, And al shal die for an appil round.

¶ The Astronomere answerith

For al my craft, kunnynge, or science knowledgeline290 I cannot finde no provisioun, provision (i.e., against Death) Ne in the sterris serche oute no defence, By domefiynge ne calculacioun, By locating the position of the stars Safe finally — in conclusioun — Except For to discrive oure kunnyng every dele, explain in every aspectline295 Ther is no more by sentence of resoun: by doctrine Who lyveth aright mote nedis dye wele. must necessarily die well

¶ Deeth to the Burgeys

Sir Burgeis, what do ye lenger tarie longer delay For al youre aver and youre greet ricchesse? possessions Though ye be straunge, deynous, and contrarie, haughty, scornful crossline300 To this daunce ye mote yow nedis dresse, you must necessarily prepare yourself For youre tresour, plenté, and largesse plenty abundance From othere it cam and shal unto straungers. He is a fool that in suche bysynes business Woot not for whom he stuffith his garners. Knows storerooms

¶ The Burgeis aunswerith

line305 Certis to me it is greet displesaunce Certainly displeasure To leve al this and may it not assure. I may not secure it Houses, rentes, tresour, and substaunce: material goods Deeth al fordothe, suche is his nature. destroys Therfore wys is no creatureline310 That set his herte on good that moot dissevere. must fall away The worlde it lente, and he wille it recovere, And who most hath lothest dieth evere. loathes to die always

fol. 153r ¶ Deeth to the Chanoun

And ye, Sir Chanoun, with many grete prebende, Ye may no lenger have distribucioun a share [of alms]line315 Of golde and silver largely to dispende, extravagantly to squander For ther is nowe no consolacioun, But daunce with us for al youre hie renoun, lofty reputation For ye of deeth stonde uppon the brink. Ye may therof have no dilacioun, postponementline320 Deeth comyth ay whan men lest on him think. always least

¶ The Chanoun answerith

My benefices with many a personage, parsonage God wote, ful lite may me nowe comforte. knows, very little Deeth hath of me so grete avauntage; Al my ricches may me not disporte. cheer me upline325 Amys of grys, thei wille agein resorte Garments of gray again return Unto the worlde, surplys and prebende; surplice Al is veinglorie, truly to reporte, To die wel eche man shulde entende.

¶ Deeth to the Marchaunt

Ye riche marchaunt, ye mote loke hiderwarde, must over hereline330 That passid have ful many divers londe, various On hors, on foot, havynge moste reward esteem To lucre and wynnyng, as I undirstond: To profit and wealth But nowe to daunce ye mote yeve me youre honde, must give For al youre laboure ful litel availeth now. helpsline335 Adieu, veinglorie, bothe of free and bonde! master and servant No more coveite than thei that have ynow. covet enough

¶ The Marchaunt answerith

By manie an hil and many a straunge vale foreign valley I have traveilid with my marchandise, Overe the see do carie many a bale sea measurement of goodsline340 To sundry iles, mo than I can devise. tell My herte inwarde ay fret with covetise, always loaded But al for nought — nowe Deeth doth me constreine — detain By wiche I seie, by recorde of the wise, Who al enbraceth litel shal restreine. embraces restrain

fol. 153v ¶ Deeth to the Chartereux Carthusian

line345 Yeve me youre hond with chekis dede and pale, Give Causid of wacche and longe abstinence, wakefulness (i.e., for a vigil) Sir Chartereux, and youresilfe avale help yourself Unto this daunce with humble pacience. To stryve agein may be no resistence; againstline350 Lenger to lyve set not youre memorie. direct not your attention Thow I be lothsom as in apparence, loathsome Above alle men Deth hath the victorie.

¶ The Chartereux aunswerith

Unto the worlde I was dede longe agone ago By my ordre and my professioun. [Carthusian] orderline355 Though every man, be he nevere so stronge, Dredith to die by kindly mocioun natural instinct Aftir his flesshly inclinacioun, But plese it to God my soule for to borowe From fendis myght and from dampnacioun; the Devil’s power damnationline360 Some bene today that shulle not be tomorwe. are

¶ Deeth to the Sergaunt

Come forthe, Sir Sergant with youre statly mace; Make no defence ne no rebellioun. Not may availe to grucche in this cace, aid complain case Though ye be deynous of condicioun, arrogant by natureline365 For nouther pele ne proteccioun appeal May yow fraunchise to do nature wrong. empower For ther is noone so sturdy champioun; Though he be myghty, another is as stronge.

¶ The Sergeant answereth

Howe dare this Dethe sette on me areste, take me into custodyline370 That am the kinges chosen officere, Who Wiche yisterday bothe west and este Min office dide ful surquidous of chere? haughty attitude But nowe this day I am arestid here detained And may not flee, though I hadde it sworn.line375 Eche man is lothe to die, ferre and nere, unwilling That hath not lerned for to die aforn. before

fol. 154r ¶ Deeth to the Monke

Sir Monke also, with youre blak habite, black habit Ye may no lenger holde here sojour. sojourn Ther is nothing that may yow here respite, reprieveline380 Agein my myght yow for to do socour. Against to render assistance Ye mote acounte touching youre labour, must concerning Howe ye have spent it in dede, worde, and thought. To erthe and asshes turneth every flour; The life of man is but a thing of nought.

¶ The Monke answerith

line385 I hadde levere in the cloistre be would rather cloister At my book and studie my service, the Mass Wiche is a place contemplatif to se, But I have spent my life in many vice, Liche as a fool dissolut and nyce. Like frivolousline390 God of his mercy graunt me repentaunce, By chere outwarde harde to devise. appearance Alle be not mery wich that men se daunce. see

¶ Deeth to the Usurere

Thou Usurer, loke up and biholde: Unto wynnynge you settist al thi peine, profit effortline395 Whos covetise wexith nevere colde. grows Thy gredy thrust so sore thee doth constreine, thirst powerfully But you shalt nevere thi desire ateyne. Such an etik thin herte frete shal consuming passion devour That, but of pité God his hande refreine, unless stayline400 O perillous strook shal make thee lese al. One dreadful lose

¶ The Usurere answerith

Nowe me bihoveth sodeinly to dey Wiche is to me grete peine and greet grevaunce. Socour to finde I see no maner wey, Assistance Of golde ne silver by no chevesaunce. reliefline405 Deeth thorugh his haste abit no parveaunce makes no provisions Of folkes blinde, that cannot look wel. Ful ofte happith by kinde or fatal chaunce nature accident Some have faire eyghen that see nevere adele. good eyes a bit

fol. 154v ¶ The Pore Man to the Usurere

Usuré to God is ful grete offenceline410 And in his sight a grete abusioun. abuse The pore borwith par cas for indigence, borrow because of The riche lent by fals collucioun lend conspiracy Only for lucre in his entencioun. profit Deeth shal hem bothe to acountes sette, take to accountline415 To make rekenynge by computacioun; settle accounts counting No man is quit that is bihinde of dette. discharged [from debt] behind

¶ Deeth to the Fisician Physician

Maister of phisik, wiche on youre uryne medicine who urine So loke and gase and stare agein the sonne, gaze against For al youre craft and studie of medicine,line420 Al the practyk and sience that ye konne, practical and theoretical knowledge Your lyves cours so ferforthe is ironne. to a great extent run Agein my myght youre craft may not endure For al the golde that ye therby have wonne. Good leche is he that can himsilfe recure. doctor cure

¶ The Fisician answerith

line425 Ful longe agon that I unto phisik ago medicine Sette my witt and my dilligence, In speculatif and also in practik, theorizing practice To gete a name thorugh myn excellence, To finde oute agens pestilenceline430 Preservatives to staunche it and to fine, Protections stop end (it) But I dar seie, shortly in sentence, concisely Agens Deeth is worth no medicine.

¶ Deeth to the Amerous Squier

Ye that be gentil, so fresshe and amerous, noble youthful amorous Of yeres yonge, flouringe in youre grene age,line435 Lusty, free of herte, and eke desirous, Vigorous also filled with desire Ful of devises and chaunge in youre corage, intrigues inconstancy heart Plesaunt of port, of look, and of visage — deportment appearance But al shal turne into asshes dede, For al bewté is but a feint ymage, beauty unreliable imageline440 Wiche stelith aweye or folkes can take hede. steals away before take notice

fol. 155r ¶ The Squier answerith

Allas, allas I can nowe no socour know assistance Agens Dethe for mysilfe provide. Adieu, of youthe the lusty fresshe flour, lively youthful Adieu, veinglorie of bewté and of pride, beautyline445 Adieu, al service of the god Cupide, Adieu, my ladies, so fressh, so wel besein, youthful good looking For agein Dethe nothing may abide, And windes grete gon doun with litil reyn.

¶ Deeth to the Gentilwomman Amerous

Come forthe, maistresse, of yeris yonge and grene mistress freshline450 Wiche holde youresilfe of bewté sovereyne. preeminent As faire as yee was somtyme Polycene, fair once Polyxena Penolope, and the quene Eleyne, Helen Yit on this daunce thei wente bothe tweine, Yet both of them And so shulle ye for al youre straungenesse. despite haughtinessline455 Though daunger longe in love hath lad youre reine, resistance reign Arestid is youre chaunge of doubilnesse. Halted faithlessness

¶ The Gentilwomman answerith

O cruel Deeth that sparest none estate, To old and yonge thou art indifferent. To my bewté thou hast yseide chekmate,line460 So hasty is thi mortal jugement. swift For in my youthe this was myn entent, To my service many a man to have lured. But she is a fool, shortly in sentement, concisely That in hir bewté is too moche assurid.

¶ Deeth to the Man of Lawe

line465 Sir Advocate, short processe for to make, legal argument Ye mote come plete afore the highe Juge. plead your case before Many a quarel ye have undirtake complaint And for lucre to do folke refuge, profit legal redress But my fraunchise is so large and huge body of legal rightsline470 That counceile none availe may but trouthe. He skapith wisly of Deeth the greet deluge escapes flood Tofore the doom who is not teint with slouthe. Before judgment tainted

fol. 155v ¶ The Man of Lawe answerith

Of right and resoun by Naturis lawe, I cannot putte agein Deeth no defence,line475 Ne by no sleighte me kepe ne withdrawe cunning protect nor excuse myself For al my wit and my greet prudence To make apele from his dredful sentence. appeal Nothing in erthe may a man preserve Ageins His myght to make resistence;line480 God quite al men like as thei deserve. repays

¶ Deeth to the Jourrour

Maister Jurrour, wiche that at assise Juror sessions of civil court And atte shires questes doste embrace, shire’s inquests illegally influence Departist londe like to thi devise, Divided scheme And who most yaf moste stode in thi grace: gave (i.e., bribed)line485 The pore man lost londe and place; position For golde thou cowdest folkes disherite. disinherit But nowe lete se, with thi teint face, see guilty Tofore the Juge howe thou canst thee quite. Before acquit yourself

¶ The Jourour answerith

Somtyme I was clepid in my cuntré called countryline490 The bellewedir, and that was not a lite. bellwether small thing Nought loved but drad of lowe and hie degré, feared by For whom me list by crafte I coude endite, I pleased cunning convict And hange the trewe and the theef respite; reprieve Al the cuntré by my worde was lad. ledline495 But I dar sey, shortly for to write quickly Of my dethe many a man is glad.

¶ Deeth to the Minstral

O thou mynstral, that canst so note and pipe sing Unto folkes for to do plesaunce, delight By the right honde I shal anoone thee gripeline500 With these other to goo upon my daunce. Ther is no scape neither avoidaunce escape On no side to contrarie my sentence, resist judgment For in musik, by craft and acordaunce, harmony Who maister is shewe his science. knowledge

fol. 156r ¶ The Minstral answerith

line505 This newe daunce is to me so straunge, Wondir diverse and passingly contrarie. Extraordinarily unusual very inconsistent The dredful fotyng doth so ofte chaunge, hazardous steps And the mesures so ofte sithes varie, patterns continually vary Wiche nowe to me is nothing necessarie, Which is to me not at all profitableline510 If it were so that I myght asterte, escape But many a man (if I shal not tarie ) delay Ofte daunceth but nothing of herte. although his heart’s not in it

¶ Deeth to the Tregetour Court magician

Maister John Rikele, sometyme Tregetour Of noble Harry, Kyng of Engelond Englandline515 And of Fraunce the mighty conquerour: For alle the sleightes and turnyng of thin hond hand Thou must come ner this daunce to undirstond. near Nought may availe al thi conclusions, help intentions For Deeth shortly, nouther on see ne lond, in brief sealine520 Is nought deceivid by none illusions. any

¶ The Tregetour answerith

What may availe magik natural, sorcery Or any craft shewid by apparence, conjuring Or cours of sterres above celestial, Or of the hevene al the influence,line525 Ageins Deeth to stonde at defence? Legerdemeyn nowe helpith me right nought. Sleight of hand Farewel, my craft and al suche sapience, wisdom For Deth moo maistries yit than I hath wrought.

¶ Deeth to the Parsoun

O Sir Curat that bene nowe here present,line530 That had youre wordly inclinacioun, Youre herte entire, youre studie, and entent Moste on youre tithes and oblacioun, offerings Wiche shulde have bene of conversacioun, manner of living Mirrour unto othir, light and exaumplarie: exampleline535 Like youre desert shal be youre guerdoun, worth reward And to eche labour dewe is the salarie. due

fol. 156v ¶ The Persoun answerith

Maugré my wille I must condiscende, Despite acquiesce For Deeth assailith every lifly thing. living Here in this worlde who can comprehendeline540 His sodein stroke and his unware comyng? sudden unforeseen Farewele, tithis, and farewel, myn offryng, tithes I mote goo counte in ordre by and by, go to judgment And for my shepe make a just rekenyng; Whom He aquyteth I holde he is happy. believe

¶ Deeth to the Laborer

line545 Thou, laborer, wiche in sorwe and peine Hast lad thi life in ful greet travaile, toil Thou moste eke daunce and therfore not disdeyne, also do not be angry For if thou do, it may thee not availe. help And cause why that I thee assaile attackline550 Is oonly this: from thee to dissevere to separate The fals worlde that can so folke faile. He is a fool that weneth to lyve evere. desires

¶ The Laborer answerith

I have wisshed aftir Deeth ful ofte, Al be that I wolde have fled hym now — Althoughline555 I had levere to have leyn unsofte rather uncomfortable In winde and reyn and have gone at plow, With spade and pikoys and labourid for my prow, pickaxe fortune Dolve and diched and at the carte goone. Worked hard at manual labor For I may seie and telle pleinly howeline560 In this worlde here ther is reste none.

¶ Deeth to the Frere Minour

Sir Cordeler, to yow myn hand is raught extended To this daunce yow to conveie and lede, Wiche in youre preching have ful ofte itaught: taught Howe that I am moste gastful forto drede terrifyingline565 (Al be that folke take therof noon hede). Although Yit is ther noon so stronge ne so hardy, no one fearless But Deth dare reste and let for no mede, capture free compensation For Deeth eche hour is present and redy.

fol. 157r ¶ The Frere answerith

What may this be that in this world no manline570 Here to abide may have no sureté? certainty Strengthe, ricchesse, ne what so that he can, nor anything else he can do Worldly wisdom: al is but vanité. vanity In grete astate ne in poverté estate Is nothing found that may fro Dethe defende.line575 For wiche I seie, to hie and lowe degré, Wys is that synner that dooth his life amende.

¶ Deeth to the Childe

Litel enfaunte that were but late borne, infant recently Shape in this worlde to have no plesaunce, Created delight Thou must with other that goone here toforn beforeline580 Be lad in haste by fatal ordinaunce. led predetermined judgment Lerne of newe to goo on my daunce, again Ther may noon age escape in soth therfroo. escape in truth there from Lete every wight have this in remembraunce: person Who lengest lyveth moost shal suffre woo.

¶ The Childe answerith

line585 A, A, A — o worde I cannot speke. one I am so yonge, I was bore yisterday. Deeth is so hasty on me to be wreke eager to do me harm And list no lenger to make no delay. desires I cam but nowe and nowe I goo my way,line590 Of me no more no tale shal be told. The wil of God no man withstonde may, As sone dieth a yonge man as an old. soon

¶ Deeth to the Clerke

O ye Sir Clerke, suppose ye to be free Fro my daunce or youreselfe defende,line595 That wende have rysen unto hie degré thought to position Of benefices or some greet prebende? Who clymbeth hiest sometyme shal dissende. descend Lat no man grucche agens his fortune, complain against But take in gree whatevere God hym sende, good willline600 Wich ponissheth al whan tyme is oportune. Who punishes

fol. 157v ¶ The Clerke answerith

Shal I that am so yonge a clerke nowe deye Fro my service and have no bettir guerdoun? reward Is ther no geyn ne no bettir weye, scheme No sure fraunchise ne proteccioun? privilegeline605 Deeth makith alweie a short conclusioun. always a quick end Too late ware whan men bene on the brinke; aware The worlde shal faile and al possessioun, For moche faileth of thing that foles thinke. fools

¶ Deeth to the Hermyte

Ye that have lived longe in wildernesseline610 And ther contynued longe in abstinence; Atte laste yet ye mote yow dresse must prepare Of my daunce to have experience, For ther agein is no recistence. Take nowe leve of thin ermytage. hermitageline615 Wherfore eche man adverte this sentence: take note of wisdom That this life here is no sure heritage. inheritance

¶ The Hermite answerith

Life in desert callid solitarie solitary May agein Dethe have no respite ne space. reprieve At unset our his comyng doth not tarie, unspecified hour delayline620 And for my part welcome be Goddes grace, Thonkyng hym with humble chere and face Thanking attitude Of al his yiftes and greet haboundaunce, gifts abundance Fynally affermynge in this place, No man is riche that lackith suffisaunce. contentment

¶ Deeth ayein to the Hermite

line625 That is wel seide, and thus shulde every wight person Thanke his God and alle his wittis dresse direct To love and drede Hym with al his herte and myght, Seth Deeth to ascape may be no sikernesse. Since certainty As men deserve God quit of rightwisnesse repaysline630 To riche and pore uppon every side. A bettir lessoun ther can no clerke expresse, Than til tomorwe is no man sure to abide.

fol. 158r ¶ The Kyng ligging dead and eten of wormes

Ye folke that lokyn upon this portrature, Biholdyng here alle the estates daunce,line635 Seeth what ye bene and what is youre nature: See are Mete unto wormes, not ellis in substaunce. Meat nothing else And have this mirrour evere in remembraunce, Howe I lie here somtyme crownyd kyng, once To alle estates a trewe resemblaunceline640 That wormes food is fyne of oure lyvyng. final end

¶ Machabre the Doctour

Man is not ellis, platly forto thinke, nothing else plainly But as a winde wiche is transitorie, Passinge ay forthe, whether he wake or winke, always sleep Towarde this Daunce. Have this in memorie,line645 Remembringe ay ther is no bet victorie always better In this life here than fle synne at the leste. fleeing at least Than shul ye regne in Paradys with glorie; shall Happy is he that maketh in hevene his feste. feast

Yit ther be folke mo than six or sevene, Yet moreline650 Reckles of liif in many maner wise, many different ways Like as ther were helle none ne hevene. neither hell nor heaven Suche false errour lete every man dispice. despise For hooly seintis and oolde clerkis wise Writen contrarie her falsnes to deface. their falseness refuteline655 To lyve wel — take this for best emprice — undertaking Is moche worth whan men shul hens pace. much hence

¶ Lenvoye de Translator The envoy of the Translator

O ye, my lordis and maistres alle in fere altogether Of aventure that shal this Daunce rede, By chance Lowly I preie with al myn herte entere Humbly entireline660 To correcte whereas ye see nede. For nought ellis I aske for my mede, reward But goodly support of this translacioun And with favour to sowpouaile drede, encourage reverence Benignely in youre correccioun. With good will

line665 Out of the Frensshe I drewe it of entente, with purpose Not worde by worde but folwyng the substaunce. And fro Paris to Engelonde it sente Oonly of purpos yow to do plesaunce. delight Rude of langage (I was not born in Fraunce),line670 Have me excusid; my name is John Lidgate. Of her tunge I have no suffisaunce their language fluency Her corious metris in Englisshe to translate. Their unfamiliar meters

Here endith the Daunce of Deeth.