Jason and Medea - Old English Greek mythology

Jason - Argonauts (Greek mythology)

Raoul Lefèvre
1460

FOr asmoche as late by the comaūdement of the right hye & noble princesse my right redoubted lady / My lady Margarete by the grace of god Duchesse of Bour∣goyne Brabant &c. I translated aboke out of frensshe in to Englissh̄ named Recuyel of the histories of Troye in whiche is comprehended how Troye was thries destroyed And also the labours & histories of Saturnus Tytan / Iubyter Perseus and Hercules / & other moo therin Re¦hersed. but as to the historie of Iason / towchyng the con∣queste of the golden flese / myn auctor hath not sett in his boke. but breuely and the cause is for asmoche as he hadde made before aboke of the hoole lyf of Iason. whyche he pre∣sented vnto the noble Prynce in his dayes Philippe Du• of bourgoyne / •nd also the sayde boke shulde haue ben to grete. if he had se•t the saide historie in his boke. for it con∣•eyneth thre bokes beside thistorie of Iason· Then̄e 〈…〉 moche as this sayd boke is late newe made aparte of 〈◊〉 this•ories of the sayd Iason & the historie of him 〈◊〉 that Da•es Frigius & Guid• de columpnys wrote 〈◊〉 beg•nnyng of their bokes / touchyng the conqueste of the sayd golden flese. by occasion wherof grewe the cause of the seconde destruction of the sayd cite of Troye. is not 〈◊〉 the sayd boke of Recuyel of thistories of Troye / 〈◊〉 vnder the prote•cion & suff•aunce of the most hyghe puis∣sant & xp̄en kyng. my most dradde naturel liege Lord Edward by the grace of god kyng of englond and of Fraunce and lord of Island / I entende to translate the sayd boke of thistories of Iason. folowyng myn auctor as nygh̄ as I can or may not chaungyng the sentence▪ 〈◊〉

presumyng to adde ne mynusshe ony thing oth•rwyse than myne auctor hath made in Frensshe / And in somoche as the grettest fame & renomme standeth & resteth in the con∣quest of the flese of gold / where of is founded an ordre of knightes. wherof oure sayd souerayne lord is one & hath taken the profession the rof / howe well som̄e persones affer∣me and saye that the sayd ordre hath taken his orygynal of the flese of Gedeon. where in I will not dispute. But well wote I that the noble Duc Philippe firste foundeur of this sayd ordre / dyd doo maken a chambre in the Cas∣tell of Hesdyn / where in was craftyly and curi•usly de∣peynted the conqueste of the golden flese by the sayd Ia∣son / in whiche chambre I haue ben and seen the sayde his∣torie so depeynted. & in remēbraūce of medea & of her con∣nyn• & science· he had do make in the sayde chambre b• s•btil •ngyn that whan be wolde it shuld s•me that it 〈◊〉 tend & th•n • thondre / snowe & rayne· And all within the s••de chambre as ofte tymes & whan it shuld please him. which 〈◊〉 made for his singular pleas•r. Th•n̄e for the honour 〈…〉 of our sayd moost redoubted liege lorde whiche hath taken the sayde ordre / I haue vnder the •hadewe of •is 〈◊〉 {pro}teccion enterprised •accomplissh this sayd litil boke· 〈…〉 to p̄sente it vnto his highnesse. for asmoch as I doubte not his good gra•• hath it in fro•sh / which he w•le vnderstandeth· but no• displesing his most noble grace I •••ntende by his licence & •ongye & by the supportacōn of our most redoubted liege lady / most exellent princesse the 〈◊〉 to presente this sayde boke vnto the most fayr· and my ••ost redoubted yong lorde. My lord Prynce of Wales

our •ocomyng souayne lorde· whom I praye god saue and encrease in vertue & bryng him vnto asmoche worship and goode Renōme as euer had ony of his noble progenytours To thentent / he may begynne to lerne rede Englissh. not for on• beaute or good Endyting of our englissh tonge that is therin. but for the nouelte of the histories whiche as I suppose hath not be had b•fore the translacion herof Moost humb••e besekyng my sayd most drad souerayn & naturel liege lorde the kyng and also the Quene to pdon me so presumyng. And my sayd tocomyng souerayne lord / M• lord the Prynce to receyue it in gree & thanke of me his humble subg•ect & seruaūte. and to pardon• me of this my simple and Rude translacion / and all •ther that •use• to rede •r here it / to correcte where as they shalle finde defaulte

Here endeth the prologue of the translatour

1. translator's prologue
2. The prologue of thauctor
3. How the king of Sklauonye was vaynquysshid by Iason in the felde by bataylle
4. How Iason was Ioyously receyuid of the quene Myr∣ro of Olyferne and how they bewaylled eche other
5. How Iason befought a meruayllous Gyant named Corfus and how he slewe him in the bataylle
6. how by the hye vailliaūce of Iason / the king of sklauonye & his ooste were desconfited & him self slain tofore oliferne
7. How that Iason after that he had required the quene mirro of loue de{per}ted alle disconforted from oliferne / & how she wente after him
8. How Peleus broder of king Eson of mirmidone & oncle of Iason wente vnto the temple of Appollo. & how he hadde answere that the firste man that he mette with an hose on that one foot & none on that other sholde empesshe him of the royame of mirmidone whiche he had supposid to haue enioyed
9. Howe the king Laomedon̄ of Troye wold not suffre Iason ne his companye descende on the londe· And how the Quene Ysiphyle receyued them
10. How Appollo was sent by the god Mars into the coū∣trey where as was the riche & noble shepe or weder that bare the vlcse of golde & how he foūded there a cyte
11. How the knight zethephius conspired ayenst Appollo the kyng and how they had batayll to geder
12. How the kyng Appollo gaf to his doughter the ll & manere for to conquere the moton̄ or sheep of gold· why∣che cam after to Medea
13. Howe the kyng Appollo arryued at the porte of Sta / rille. And how he departed secretly fro the king Serath̄ and arryued at the yle of Colchos & of his deth̄ and how the kyng Serath̄ confessid Appollo to be a god
14. How the kyng Oetes receyuid Iason into his cite. & how Medea louid Iason & brought him to the temple of ve∣nus / & how the olde woman enchanted the bedde of Iason̄
15. How the kyng Oetes fader of Medea aduertised of the departing of Iason and of his doughter Medea folowed And how Medea caste her broder Absirthius by pieces in to the see doubting her fader the kyng Oetes / And howe the noble Quene ysiphile fill doun from an hygh̄ montayn̄ into the see
16. How Medea chaūged the kyng Eson into yong aage And of the deth̄ of Peleus
17. How Iason espoused the fair Creusa the kinges dough∣ter of Corinthe· & of her deth̄ by Medea
18. How the kyng Eson of Mirmidone asseged his sone Iason in the cite of Oliferne / And howe Medea spack to Iason / & how she slewe his oldest sone named Iason
19. How a knight named Patroclus slew the quene Mir∣ro. How Iason departed secetly from oliferne. Howe the Cyte was yelden vnto the king Eson. And how Iason & Medea were Reconcilled to gyder

The prologue of the auctor

THe galeye of myn engyn floting not long syn in the depnes of the sees of d•uce aūcient histories in suche wise as I wolde haue brought myn esperite vnto the porte or hauen of rest. Sodaynly apperid by me a ship conduited by one man̄ only. This man anon̄ behelde my regarde and contenan̄ce. Whiche gaue me tytle & cause of thoughte & of abasshement· for asm•ch as I saw his visage triste-heuy & desolate▪ Wherof symton̄ with compassion of his ennuye & greef. assone as he conceyued that I so beheld h•m by greet desir. he helde him still & sayde to me in this wise / Man of rude engyn what meruail•st then / Anc•e thy galeye h•re & take thy pen̄e for to write & put in mem••re my faites & de∣des / The king Iupiter of crete wa• myn old• bel• fader & he enge•drid 〈◊〉 king of my•••dene / Th•• Cacus engen•dred my f•der Eson. I am Iason that conquerd the flees of golde in the yle of colchos. And that dayly laboure in sorowe roted in tristresse for the dishon̄our that som̄e perso∣nes hurte & empesshe my glorie· Inposing to me not to ha∣ue holden my promys anoist med•a. Wherof thou hast Xed the trouh. Then̄e I pray the that thou do make a boke vn¦to them that daily speke & inpugne my gloire maye knowe their indiscrete Iugem•nt. And for •accomplisshe the same I haue chosen the to thende / that thou presente this present writing vnto the fader of writ••• of histories / whiche y• vnto Phelip fader & louer of all vertues in his time •uc of Bourgoygne and of Brabant &c / The whiche hath ben in a•• his time enclined and of grete affeccion to he∣re and see red the auncient histories / And to here told

the faytes of the worthy and noble somtyme flourisshing in vertues in valyance and prudence for his singuler pas∣setemps· Thyse wordes accomplisshid the shippe & Iason vanisshed away and I abode there pensyf / But in thende desiring to shewe the honour and declare the vertues of the sayde Iason I ancred my galeye & put in wrytyng hys faytes as here after shal be declared playnly & a long / so than I presente my litil book vnto right hye and right re∣doubted •u• of Bourgoyne not presuming myn / I•elo∣qu•nce / but presenting myn right humble & indigne serui∣ce Thus endeth myn Auctor his prolege / And how wel that hi• is sayd afore this prologe that Eson was sone to Cacus· Yet •ochace saith in the Genelagye of god•es that he was sone to Erictheus the ·xxix· sone of Iupiter / As ye may see more playnly in the ·xiij· book of the Genelogy• of goddes the .xxiiij· Chapytre

ANciently the kynges and Princes of hye felicite were attendaunt and awayted whan their seed shold bringe forth generacion. But whan so was that they myghte not come therto. What prosperite they had Their lyf was trauersid in contynuell bewailing / and they vysited temples and oracles vnto the comsūmacion of their dayes. or vnto thenhaunsement of theyr •roysen̄s. The noble kyng Eson of Myrmydone wherof is made men∣cion in the prologue. among alle other thinges & worldly prosperitees was right nobly regnyng. Certes he had hi• Royaume m•yntened in pees / He had in mariage a right fayr lady· but they were long to geder with oute hauyng generacion / wherof their dayes were full of bewaylynges and of litill playsir in the goodes of fortune. But t•ey were contynuelly in the temples and oracles. And no thing of their desire befelle vnto them vnto the tyme that the king began to fall and wexe old by aage. Then̄e h•s wyf conceyued of his seed and multeplied the generaci∣on humayn of a right fayr sone At the burthe of this so∣ne the noble quene deyde / And whan the king Eson sawe his wyf so departe from lyf to deth. he bewepte her long tyme and made her obsequye Right solempnly. And af∣ter he reioyed in his sone newe born̄. Whom he named Ia∣son Iason then̄e grewe in beaulte meruaillously. in so moche that his fader the kyng Eson toke grete playsir to nourisshe hym· The tyme passid Iason grewe so long that he coud g•o and speke. And the noble king his fader be∣cam aūcient in suche manere that he myght no more helpe hym self / And on a daye c•llid▪ Iason his sone and sayd

to him· Fayr sone Iason hyt is force that I passe out of this world by age whiche ledeth me to the deth / For hit is the dowaire th•t nature hath endowed to me / & the passage whiche I muste nedes make / howe be hit I take hit well in pacience / But whan I beholde thy grete yongthe / & knowe that thou art not yet pourueyed of discrecion for to gouer∣ne thy Royaume / hit is to me a grete displeasir / For hit behoueth that I leue the tree that I haue planted to fore I see what fruyt he shal brynge forth / My dere sone thou art the tree. And the fruyt that thou shalt bringe forth shalbe thy werkes· Certes my corage is right sore troublid fayr sone Iason that I shall departe fro this worlde and thou shalt abyde vnpourueyd of wi•te and discrecion & right yong of age / thou begynnest dayly to growe and thou sh•lt waxe vnto the Age of a Man· And than thou shalt ren∣dre the fruyt that I desire to see· But in thende whan thou shalt haue taken thy ful growing thou shalt decline a litil and a litil· and after that shalt be shadowed with deth like as the day wex•th derke by the night / And for as mo∣che as ther shal leue nothing in the worlde of the· but only the Renōmee of thy lyf / And that ther is nothing so low∣able as the vertues I •omande the that thou be vertuous and that thou flee the vyces and synnes· My dere sone kepe the· that Couetise blynde the not· But In ony wyse Ap∣plye the vnto alle thinges vertuous. Hyt is ouer grete domage whan a man lyueth riche of synnes. and Ryght poure of vertues / ensiewe alway tho men that be wyse & wel renōmed / Lerne whylis thou art yong / & beleue no lyars Theuis / Ioglers / ne deffamers of women / ne be not ydell

ne prodigous of thy tonge. take hede beholde & see· and saye litil· blame ne hurte not thy neyghbour / do to noman̄ ony wrong / be freendly to thy neyghbour. and be good lord and fader to thy subgettis in tyme & place / Thus my fayr sone put my doctrine to effect. and if thou do thus I doubte not but thou shalst haue habondan̄ce of all good•s· W•th this the teens cam vnto the eyen of the an̄cient & wise king and au•led a doun by his visage by suche superfluite that he was constrayned to cesse his spek•ng. and the damoi∣s•a• Iason notwithstanding that he was yet a child. be∣gan then̄e to foundre in •eeris right habondantly. and there were plente of oth•r that wepte for pite / and diconforted them self right p•etousl•• Among all other the broder of kyng Eson named Peleus there beyng present / coude not holde n• kepe his mayntening / there was none but he wa• troblid & sory for the au•ciente & age of the king & not with oute cause. Neuertheles among these wepinges & ahasshe∣men••· the king Eson becam agayn to him self & lifte vp his hede / And after callid peleus and sayde to him

MY right wel belouid b•dder and the most nigh that I haue of my blode after my right dere sone / thou art also my secrete and right especial frend· And he aboue all the men of the worlde in whom I haue grettest affian̄ce Take hede and herkene my testament· my ordenan̄ce· my com̄andement and the conclusion of my last wille / Fyrst I am redy and content to deye whan it shal plese the god∣des to sende me the deth / Secondly I recom̄ande vnto the my dere sone Iason. Thirdly I Recom̄ande to the and d•¦liuere the conduyte of my peple into thy garde & proteccio

And constytute the Regent and gouernour of my Roy∣aume / vnto the tyme that my sone Iason shall be of aage And fynably I pray the that then̄e thou wilt corone him with my Corone that belongeth & apperteyneth̄ to hym by right. With this the noble king finisshed his testament And his broder Peleus toke the charge of the gounaūce of the royaume. And fro then̄e forthon toke the rewle of the cite / and Iason that by space of tyme cam to the age of .xviij. yere was a goodly yong man fayre of vysage meruaillously / & wel made in all his membres / The noble king Eson endoctrined him alway· & admonested him eu to do vertuous werkes • sayng that the herte adourned with vertue rendrith the man noble / & nothing the noble stok or progenye Tydingis can then̄e into mirnridone that the king of Thebes sholde make a grete solempne feste in his cite for the loue of a new knight that he wolde make· and whan Iason knew that / he required the king his fader that he wolde gyue him licence for to go vnto this feste for to begynne & ensiewe Armes. The kyng was right wel con∣tent / & ordeyned that peleus sholde go with̄ him What shal I make you long compte peleus & his neuewe putte hem to poynt in armes & of horses. & syn wente to Thebes at the daye assigned that the feste sholde be ordeyned and kepte. And foūde there many Prynces / kynges Baron̄s and knightes. of whom they were wel receyued & gretly fested. and hercules him self for whom the feste was ma∣de welcomed hem hyely & with̄ grete Reuerence

Thapparail then was at this day in thebes grete & sōp∣tuo{us} / for the king held open court / & the kinges prīces baron̄s

and knightes ladies & damoiselles ete in the halle / and after the dyner the tables taken vp / the ladyes & Damoy∣selles moūted vpon the scaffoldes / And on that other side the knightes arayed them in armes & moūted on their hor∣ses. & drew hem vnto a place {pro}pice for the ioustes / & whan the king of thebes had gyuen to his sone hercules the ordre of knighthode. then̄e one & other couched goode speres cora∣geously & began to iuste in suche wise that many were born̄ doun to the erth̄ / & specially al they that encoūtrid hercules

THe noise began right grete in this place. and there was grete nombre of speeres broken & goode sheldes persed / Hercules dide there grete & hye prowesses / And in like wise mayntened him Iason / for they mette wyth no knightes in recoūtring what they where but that they bar• hem out of their arson̄s. And at this time the worthy h•••cules began to loue Iason of so parfayt loue that for then̄e forth̄on he named him his broder. and helde him for the moost adressid knight in armes that he had seen in his ti∣me. In this Iourney hercules & Iason asayed eche oth•r many times in the ioustes & otherwise / and neu bare that one that other to the erth̄. wherof all they that sawe it had grete meruaille· for as moche as Hercules was more in membres & hygh̄er then Iason was / but Iason was so wel on horse back / that noman̄ might vnhorse him· The ladies and damoiselles behelde gladly Iason for his hye vayl∣lian̄ces. and preysed and honoured him aboue all other And so dide all other beholding his noble faytes Reser∣uid peleus whiche seeyng that Iason was somoche recom∣mended of euery man / deliberid and concluded. that by

his power he shold gete anone a grete bruyt. And that by his valiance he shold acquire thonour of alle thassem∣blee. and conceyuyd a meruayllous enuye vpon the glorie that Iason gate / And wisshid that Hercules had persid his herte with his spere What shall I make you longe compte / Iason ouerthrewe to the grounde the kyng fokenes The king of mylicene. The king of mydicque & the king of Epydance / And ·xxx. other goode knightes / he had no re•te in him self / he neuer refuseth strook of spere· he sought none but the strengest and the most aspre & moste expert in Armes / And in trouth as to their semyng that behelde him he semed aboue all̄ oth•r to be right well̄ vsid in the faites of Armes· & that in alle his lyff he had den other style / but to Ious•e· tournoye & to smyte with his sw•rd grete strokes and poysan̄t· so fiers was his contenaūce

SO long dured these Ioustes that these two worthy Gentilmen̄· Hercules & Iason outhrew their felaw• & gate the felde In suche wise that there ne abode knight ne esquyer in the sadyl / but they fonde hem in their waye. then̄ whan the Ioustes •ailled / Ladies & Damoisells depar∣ted fro the scaffoldes & retourned vnto the palays. The Iousters vnarmed them / And put hem in fayr araye. & after wente them vnto the ladies in to the palays / There then̄e began the daunses / the carolles. & the feste right no∣ble and Ioyous vnto the tyme that the tables were coue∣rid / & that euery man was sette as it apperteyned to his degree & estate. As of the metes & viande that they were seruid of / it nedeth not to make m••cōn· euy man wa• seruid solempnly & ther was speking of the hye valian̄ce•

of Hercules & of Iason. And in especial of the damoys•au Iason / for so moche as he was estranger. The ladyes helde their deuises a part. and sayd that they had neuer seen so fayr and so goodly a yong man / Pyrithron of Thes∣sayle was there among all other· the whiche whan he ap∣perceyuid that euerich hadde well eten and dronken ray∣sonably. he stode vp and required al them that were there that on that daye a moneth folowing they wold come and •e at his wedding What shal I saye· Som̄e sayde that they wolde come and som̄e sayd nay. And so the s••pper pass•••. And Iason was fested there right long and in especiall of the kyḡe Princes and princesses / And aft•• •ong•e and l•cen•e taken and •ctroi•d he retourned in•o his coūtre•. And then̄e whan he cons•derid that tyme was for to goo to the w•dding of Pyrithion / by the gr• & con∣senting of his fader / he arayed him selfe and putte hym in poynt Ryght nobly / and then̄e he went theder / and his uncle Peleus with him. And they made suche dyligence that they came in short tyme vnto the noble Cyte of thes∣salonycque

WHan the king •xion̄ knew the comyng of Iason & pe∣leus he went agayn them & made meruaillous there unto Peleus / but yet he made right moche more vnto Ia∣son for th• good loos and hye Renom̄e that he had goten in Thebes· And made him to descende in his palays / and after brought him vnto Hercules that was there with in a chambre. And requyred him that he wolde make and a doube him knight / sayng that hit was tyme. & that hys playsir was. that at the weddyng of his sone he shold

sytte among the knightes / and that hit wel appart•yned to him The right worthy hercules herd gladly the king speke & made there Iason knight with grete honour / And Iason full of right good wille opend his mouth̄ & sayde in this manere Ryght noble worthy Chosen / and right wyse knight among alle other shyning in alle vertues hit hath plesid vnto yow / for to calle me vnworthy and indigne to be of the hye and comended ordre of knighthode Wherof I thanke yow with alle myn herte / and this no∣ble kynge also from whom in partie thonour is comen to me / But among alle this wele & worship I praye yow that hit may plese yow tassigne me a place where I may do the saytes Cheuaulerous & knightly / vnto this ende that ye haue not enployed your tyme euyll so moche to honoure & worshippe me / And that I may in the dayes of my yong the ensiewe the hye & preysed vertues of yow that ar the ve∣ray and sewre foūdem•nt / vpon whiche my total espoyr & hope resteth for to come vnto the werkes of Recomēdacion Certes fayr broder Iason / ansuerd Hercules / hit is now that I haue {pro}moted yow vnto the dygnite of knigh̄t∣hode / I haue no comandement ouer yow / And if it be your desir to haūte Armes & to ocupie yow therin / Enquire of the warres of the world / and if hit happen that ye putte yow in armes / be ware that ye in the Ioustes do to no man oppression / and be ye to all peple humble & curtoys / Nature hath̄ begonne in yow a man garnisshid with̄ vertues· the goddes continue hit

WYth these wordes Peleus cam vp on Hercules and Iason And Iason auowed that he shold goo vnto

the first warre that he sholde here speke of / And than one & other began to deuise & speke of the prowesses of Hercules What shal I make yow longe taryeng / this day passed And the morn cam / And this day Pyrithyon espoused the fayr Ypodame with moche grete honour / and made them so grete chere that Eurichus the heed & Captayn of the cen∣taures was dronken / And in like wyse were their felaws These Centaures were an ·C· men that alway helde •em in Armes for to kepe the Contreye of thessaylle / And they helde hem in one place whiche was named Molose / th•y we∣re all grete and fourmed as gyants Whan than they were so dronken as said is / And that the wyn had 〈◊〉 moūted hem in wordes and tencions as is a Custome in suche a a•as / and brawlid among hem self / In so moche that Pyritheon with somme other began to Reuerse th•re metes and tables fighting with hem with pettes & pl•∣ters right longe and by suche furour / that hercules ne Ia∣son ne the Ladyes might ne coude not sette ony Reme•ie And this batayll dured so longe / that Euricus & many other of the Centaures departed thens / disposed for to doo and cōmise a grete outrage as they dyde· wherof they cam to late to repente hem· for they wente & Armed them has∣tely / And after thus armed Retourned vnto the wed∣ding· And in this dronkenship they Rauisshed the fayr Ypodaine oute from alle the other Ladyes & Damois•lles And Euricus bare her away vpon his sholdres

THan Hercules & Iason began to Renne to take their Armes & were sone redy for to departe· And folo∣wed after the dronkardes that went relyng on alle sydes

in the feldes / And so sore siewed them that they ouerto•e them in a grene felde. And were nomore on their side but they two only / how be hit that many siewed them as well̄ knightes as ladyes and gentilwomen̄ / but that was not ferre· Whan the worthy Hercules and the noble preu Ia∣son had retayned these centaures. they had eche of them a bowe whiche they bende. And syn they escried all the dron∣ken centaures vnto the deth / And shotte on them in suche facōn / that Hercules araught one of them named Grine{us} bitwene the eyen / and with his arowe nayled hym faste vnto a tre whiche stode by hynde him· And the nobl• Ia∣son smote another centaure in the nekke with a trenchan̄t arowe. and smote him doun̄ in the presence of one named Guericus / whiche escried right furiously vpon Hercules & Iason. And with this crye all the centaures rengid hem agaynst the two knightes and marchid agaynst them so troublid that they sone after reculed as moche o• more as they hadde goon̄ forward as peple replenisshid out of me∣sure of drynke & mete / for Iason & hercules pers•cuted them with̄ their arowes as long as they dured & slewe a gre•• nombre. And whan her shotte faylled they drew out good swerdes and came & foughte hand to hand the myserable glotons by suche vigour that their swerdes were anon̄ dy∣ed with̄ their bloode

WHan the centaures sawe the swerdes of hercules & Ia∣son so dyed in their bloode / & also whan they {per}ceyuid their felaws deye so with̄ sorow tofore them / feling also the languisshing & smarting of their woūdes / som̄e there were that put hem to the flight. & the other deffended them with̄

alle their puissaūce / Than the noble Iason shewid his vail∣liance meruayllously for he araught noman with̄ a right strook but he bare him doun to the erthe / or made his sowle departe fro the body / And they that abode & sawe his swerd trenchaūt wexe rede of the bloode of their felawes were not right well assewred / Certes he defended him as one that doubted nothing / and so dide hercules semblably What shal I make yow long processe / Iason slewe with̄ his ow∣ne hand .iiij. geants of the saide Cent••ures named / Pe∣treus / Doillas / Cillarus / & Perthones & other moo which were not so grete / And the worthy Hercules slewe & hewe doun moo than thretty and somoche trauaylled by the ayde of Iason & other / that he wan the place vpon them and cam to his aboue / This Euri•us & his complices lost the place and supposed to haue fledde. but Iason smote than amōg them by suche ardaūt corage / in discharging his swerde vp∣on the sholdre on the right syde of Euricus / that hit cutted a two his herte / whiche fylle doun dede at his feet. wherfore the other seeyng that / were anon so discoraged / that they sparklid abrode / that the moste parte of them suffrid & lete hem be slayn & hewen in pieces without making or shewing ony deffence / And the other fledde sōme here & sōme there Thus was the fayr Ypodayne delyuered of these vylayn glotoūs and oultrageous by the hye vaillyance of the two worthy knyghtis Iason and Hercules / Whome after this noble victorye they rendrid and deliuered vnto her parēts and frendes

GRete was the loos & preyssing meruaillously that Ia¦son gate there with the noble hercules for his hye vertu• / certes

Hercules brought her agayn to the palays with grete glo∣rie / And all the worlde recom̄ended Iason reseruid peleus whiche deyde for sorou / for the grete worship that was made to him in his presence / Then̄e began the ladyes to Reioye them silf and to chan̄ge their sorou into gladnes / The fare ypodayne was a•urned & arayd all newe / she slepte that nyght with her lorde. The night passid. and pele{us} on the morn̄ callid Iason / and sayd that their long s•••urnyng displaisid him / and that he wolde retorne vnto his coun∣t•eye. Whan Iason had vnd•rstande peleus / he answerd to him & saide that he was redy to departe at his goode plai∣sir. Th•n̄e peleus made for to sadle his hors. And in the mene while he ladd Iason for to take congie • leue of the kyng yxion̄· of Pirithyon. of Ypodayne / of Hercules and of many other. And after they retorn•d into their logyse But whan they supposed to haue taken and •••nted on their horses. two esquyers cam to Iason which• presented to him two right fayr and exellent destriers or horses / that one from the king yxion̄. and that other from Ypodayne Certes Iason receyuid this present in grete gladnes / than∣king many time the noble king and Quene· And then̄e he mounted on that one of the same hors. and offrid that other to his vncle Peleus. but he wolde neuer accepte hit And saide that he was not digne ne worthy to receyue so noble a present / and whan he had thus sayd he smote his hors with̄ spores & departed & Iason folowed after Cer∣tes pele{us} lyed not sayng that he was not worthy to receyue so noble a p̄sent / as that was which̄ Iason presented him For he was a traitre to Iason / which̄ entended to nothing

but for to do to him playsir / O cursid blood / certes this pele∣us might not reste ne slepe he was so pensif / how he might bring aboute to make Iason his {pro}pre neuew to deye & to this •mouid him enuye & disloyal detraccōn wherof he was full

HA / a / Ryght Myserable and right disnaturall enuie how maye these noble men & also other nourisshe the in their hertes / They that enclyne & gyue them vnto these tray∣trous meninges / may in no maner haue rest daye ne nyght Thou lyftest hem vp into hye thoughtes of glerie / thou ma¦kest hem to moūte vnto the hyest t•ppe by oultrequydaūce & furquydrye aboue kinges & emperours {pro}mysing to them lar∣gely· but whan hit cometh for tacquyte the {pro}messes / thou cas¦test hem lowe doun: brekest their neckes Ha a / puerse mur¦deyer • howe many men & also women haue ben slayn & ded by thy poysons / it is now no nede for to bringe forth exam∣ple of thi• tyme present for to approue thy couerd falsenes & how thou abusest & deceyuest them that haue affiance in •he but for to cōtinue our mater with this hit suffiseth̄ for to see thende of our historie of this saide peleus which gaf him to somoch̄ trauaile for to ymagine & {pro}iecte the deth̄ of his ne¦vewe Iason which̄ so moche affied & trusted in him how Iason went for to serue the quene mirro & how the king of Sklauonye was vaynquishid & chaced fro his siege

PEleus and Iason Departed than fro Thessalony∣que in a morening that one right triste and sorow∣full. And that other right Ioyeus / And whan they we∣re on the felde Iason as fresshe & lusty began to proue & es∣saye his hors / & Peleus as sorowfull & trayttre as he was began to abasse & hange doun his heed / & syn saide to him

self in his euyl corage / shal I neuer come to my desir / what is this / how shal I do / certes I wote neuer. shal I murdre Iason· nay. & wherfore / for treuly for asmoch as I shold be enfamed / for murdre can not be hyd / notwithstonding he must be ded certainly / this is the conclusion. or ellis I shal be put doun̄ & leue the honours royal· & shal come to mendi∣cite & poute· O what mortall payne shall I make him to deye. it is force / but who shal gyue him the morsel of deth̄ Hit must be thought on̄· if I require another to doo this. parauenture he shal haue pite of Iason for asmoch as he is in the grace of al the worlde & shal accuse me. if I do ordey∣ne ony poyson̄ & Iason be put therby to deth / they that haue made & mixte hit / shal not cōne kepe it secrete· And also that more is Iason shal wele kepe him self from suche poy∣son̄. O what thoughtes haue I. I see none other moyen but that I must {con}myse this caas with my propre hand. Pele{us} conspiring in this facōn not knowing how he might exploite for to attayne to execute his dampnable enuye r•d• forth all this daye vnto the euen / whiche toke loggis. in the hous of an aūcient lady whom she receyuyd with̄ grete Ioye and Iason also. & they fonde her couering the table for to feste a strange knight whiche she had loggid for charyte

INcontinent then̄e as Pele{us} & Iason were alighted from their hors / the aūcient lady mad• hem to wasshe & sytte at table. and the strange knight with̄ them & seruid hem with̄ suche mete as she had. & as they had taken their re∣feccōn / Iason axid the strange knight after diuce wordes. what he was & what he sought / In trouth noble gentilman •nsuerde the knight / I am of the riche royaume of Olifern•

And litil seruaūt vnto the quene of the contre that I ha∣ue named / & I certefye yow that in remenaūt of all the worlde is no fayrer lady / and also ther is none more deso∣late & sorowful / for the mighty king of sklauonye wolde ha∣ue her to his wyf for her grete beaute / vnto whome she wil in no wyse accorde her self / & for asmoche as she hath plain∣ly refused him / he is entrid into her royame in armes des∣troyng all to fore him with fyre & swerde he is comen and hath besiegid her in her cyte of Oliferne / to fore which cyte & during the siege he hath had many fayr victories ayenst the aydāts & helpars of the quene / the which in liuering di∣uerce batailles vnto the Esclauons whiche they haue loste ben sore dimunisshid of their forces & strengthe / for they ha¦ue slayn of the knightes of the saide lady a grete nombre that tho fewe that yet lyue dare not now yssue out more for to make ony saulte or scarmusche ayenst their ennemyes Wherfore the vaillyant princesse willing for to deffende her self vnto the deth / hath sent into diuce places her messa∣gers / and me amonge the other for tassemble for her sould∣yours and men lerned in the warre for to doo her ayde ay∣enst her enemyes as wel for her money as for to helpe to ke∣pe thonour of ladyes wherfore I pray yow if ye knowe ony in this contre that hit may plese yow to adresse me to them and ye shal doo grete charite and to me grete curtosie

IN telling the knight this that said is he coude not kepe him self from weping / but wept tenderly / And whan Iason had vnderstōde & thought a litil of the neces∣site of the lady / considering also her grete beaute / he wepte also for pyte / & adressid his wordes vnto peleus and saide

Dere vncle ye haue wel herd this goode knight speke / what semeth you. To whom peleus ansuerde / Certes fayr neuew Me thinketh in myn aduys that the king of Esclauonye doth euyl & grete syn̄e for to warre and destroye the coūtre of one so fayr a lady / and if I had nomore charge then̄e ye haue. without making long soiourn̄ or tarieng I shold go vnto the socours of one so noble a lady. and I ensure & promise vpon my trouth ansuerde Iason then̄e. that to morn as erly as I may shal mon̄te on horsback and in the com∣panye of this goode knight I shal go vnto this lady / and shal do to her all the seruice & plaisir that I shal can do and maye / for to begyn̄e & ensiewe the ordre of knighthode / where fore I pray you that ye recom̄ande me vnto the good grace of my lorde my fader. and that ye of your goode grace wole ofte times praye vnto the goddes for me

Whan p•le• had vnderstande the vowe of Iason / he was right ioyous / for he was in thopynion that he shold neu retorne f•o this vyage / & that by this moyen he shold be quyte of him with his worship & honour / Then̄e peleus {pro}mised to Iason that he sholde accomplisshe with goode hert al that he had required of him· & syn̄ recom̄ended him to the knight of oliferne / & then̄e it was time to withdrawe them wherfore they wente to reste vnto on the morn & then̄e aroos & toke leue eche of other. and thus wente Iason with the strange knight vnto the noble cite of oliferne / & pele{us} retor∣ned vnto mirmydone prayng the goddes that Iason might be smyten with thonder or thurgh {per}syd with .v.C. speris or to be buried in the see to thende that ther were neu moo ti∣dinges of him. Suche or semblable were the prayers that the

peruers pele{us} made for the total destruccōn of his gentil ne∣uewe Iason. the most adressed knight that eu was in mir∣midone· This notwithstanding the noble Iason exployted alway his iourney / & went so f•rre he & the knight that he brought him and rendrid him in oliferne. & p̄sented him vnto the quene for to serue her in her warre / This quene was callid Mirro / which is asmoch to saye as mirrour in beaute

Whan Iason sawe him to fore the quene / he behelde her with grete entente enclinyng him self & making to her re∣uerence· And she seeing that he was moche fair & a yong gentilman̄ wel made in al his membres / & hauyng a chiere of a v•iller•{us} man̄ / receyuid him into her wages as a s•ul∣dyer / as she that hadde grete nede to haue suche knightes in grete nombre / but this was not only vpon his persone but also vpon his hye maintene & behauyng iuging in him gre•• corage which was not lyk to ony noble man̄ that eu she 〈◊〉 seen / After the p̄sentacōn of Iason & that the fair m•rro had reteyned him in her wagrs & souldies of her ordenan̄ce / The knight that {con}duyted him brought him fro the palays into the toun̄ & deliuerid for him a goode logys. The fair Myrro hadde at that time triews with her enemies for .xv. dayes Certes these triews anoied moch to Iason for he deman̄ded nothing but for to employe him in all faites of armes to that end• that he might do plaisir vnto so fair a lady / the fair mirro / which neu was out of his mynde / for ye shal vnder∣stande that syn the time that Iason̄ had beholden & seen the grete beaute of the lady / she was wreton̄ by loue in his hert so acertainly that he coude neu kepe him fro thinking on her in alowing & preysing / her yonghte / her {con}tenan̄ce. her wytte

and all her other vertues / wher with̄ she was endowed & ad∣ourned & she had no more but / xvi / yer of age also he brought to his mynde her fair and fresshe colour / her ladyly maytie∣ne & her noble facōn & corpul•ce / wherfore he was so esmeuid & esprised with loue that he wiste not what to th•nke what thing was him befalle / & in this estate he was many a day

AMong these thinges during these triew• / the king of sklauonye sente his {pro}pre messager vnto the farr mir∣ro for to require her that she sholde gyue audience to one of his knightes that he wolde sende vnto her / to whom he had gyue charge for to saye to her cert•yn secrete thinges whiche audience she agreed / & than the saide messager de{per}ted & re∣ported to the king that the farr myrro was cōten•e for to he∣re his knight. Of thise tidingis the king of sclauonye had moche grete ioye & as he that somoch b•••de in the loue of the quene myrro & wist not what thing sholde befall him / wher¦fore he disguised him self the best wise that to him was pos¦sible / & by the i•se of certain herbes he f•oted h•e visage & chā∣ged his colour / & syn toke .ij. of his knightes with him whom he trusted / to whome he declared how he wolde goo vn¦to his lady pamours fayning that he was a simple knight of the kinges court & deffended hem expresly that they shold• not make to him honour ne reuerēce / sauf only thonour of a felaw to a felaw / & anon as he had adutised of that they shold doo / he put him on the way so secretly that he •ntrid in to oliferne & so exployted that he was brought to for the no¦ble quene Mirro / whome he had neuer seen to fore / where he knelid doun on his knees right humbly to fore her / & howe wel as he was all rauisshed in thinking & beholding her

meruaillous beaute· for he had neu seen tofore so farr a cre∣ature / after the reuerences there made he sayde to her in this manere

NOble and right renomed princesse the king of Es∣clauonye my souerayn & puissaūt lorde recom̄andeth him right humbly to your goode grace & noble memorie. & for so moche as he hath vnderstonde that ye be contente to here his demande. & that he offrith for the loue / for the wele / the honour & prouff••t of you / & of your royame / if hit plese you ye shal gyue me audience & goode expedicōn / With the∣se wordes the lady com̄anded the king that he sholde stand vp as she that wist not what he was· & syn drew her a litil a part· wherf•re the king approuched ner h•r & saide / Right vertuouse princesse / ye knowe how by diuce times your right humble seruaūt the king of esclauonye hath̄ required you by his barons & enbassadours / that it sholde plese you to be his wyf & felaw. And alway in feet ye h•ue refus•d him And for cause of whiche refuse as I am aduised he hath ••trid into your royame & assailid it by warre as ye maye {per}ceyue / yet alway to put him self in deuoir / he hath sent me to you for to require your desired grace / as he that hath more gretter pite of you and your coūtre then̄e ye haue your self as me semeth· wherfore he requireth you by me that at this time ye haue pite of your trewe louer / of whom the fortune is suche that certes he d•yeth in languisshing after you. ha a my right redoubted lady after the Iugement of the men̄ ye ar the veray myrrour of al vertues / of al boūte & noblesse Here then̄e the voys of your seruaūt speking by my mouth̄ & requiring your grace & pite the most humble wise that to

him is possible / the poure and desolate king your right trewe wele willare may not be in no place withoute thenking on yow his ymaginacion {con}pryseth nothing but your name & beaute / his stomack digesteth̄ nothing but your triūphant glorie / his prayers ne suffrages mōte not vnto the goddes but in calling them to the augmētacion of your wele / Alas haue ye pyte & mercy on him· on your peple & on your Roy∣aume / & on me that am his secrete messager of loue / Con∣descēde ye in wille for to be his lad• & ma•stresse to thende that he may atteyne to the chief of his d•sir• & also to th•n∣de that your cyte & your men may dwelle in pe•• & reste

IN pronoūsing these or semblable wordes the dol••ous king made many sighes and began to chauffe and to swete in suche agonye as he had ben a prysoner presented to fore a Iuge for to receyue Sentence of gra•• or of deth The wyse and discrete Myrro suffrid him •ach•e•e alle his {pro}posicion / And whan he had purpos•d alle that leue enseygned him f•r this tyme. She was not so dispour∣ueyed of ••uis ne of entendem•nt / but prōptly & me•rly she made to him this answere Messagyer wh•n I haue well vnderstand yow I am all abasshed how my mort•l enmye can or may require me of loue of ony aliaūce w•an by his cultrage and cruelte he i• by grete wronge ••tr•d in to my Royaume with Armed hand pylled & co••ed my londe / slayn my peple / b•ēte my contre. & yet 〈…〉 hath besieged me in my cyte of Oliferne. & whan I h•∣ue wel ouerthought these saide thinges I answere 〈…〉 this tyme for al / that I shal rather suffre my self & al my royame to be destroyed than in ony maner shal cōdes•••de to

his requestes & to his will / Certes madame ans•erde the king me thinketh ye be not wel conceyled· ne considere ye not that youre desdayne haue ben cause of the deth of fifty thousand men̄ / And how· haue ye no regarde that he is so noble and so puissaūt a king. & that he loueth you with so parfayt loue that all his desir is not but for to mowe come to your goode grace / In trouth it apperith by that / that ys sayd to you· that he hath more gretter pite of your noble persone. of your men and of your desolate Royaume / then̄e ye haue your self And therfore madame thenke ye on the∣se thinges & beware that by your cruelte and defaute your goode louer & frende if hit plese you / fall not in despayre / I wote neuer what may encline you 〈◊〉 to. but if it be that ye wil and desire rather the general & total destruccōn of your ro•a••• then̄e other wise. And by all my goddes hit is gre•e ou••age and folye that meuith you therto

CErtes messager ansuerde the wise mayde vnto the Esclauon king / the •uyte or wrastling of your wor∣des is not strong ynouh̄ for to bete doun̄ & oucome the con∣stan̄ce of my continence / I loue my men & peple naturelly And to this ende that alle the worlde knowe that I saye trouth· also long as the soule abideth in my body / I shall neu haue loue ne alian̄ce vnto myn enmye / & speke nomore to me therof / With this the king was all vainquisshid & desconforted of socours / & was so terribly displaisid & angry of aspre & mortal angre th•t in a grete dispair & wanhope he saide to her / O fell lady & most rebell & leste pieto{us} that eu de{per}ted out of womans bely syn that I must acquite me whan I {per}ceyu• that your swete corage wole not acorde vnto

me· ne entende vnto the continuel supplicacions of yowe so trewe louer / I me deporte from hens forth for to speke ony more of this mater / but I yow ensure as sone as the triew• shall faylle. ye shalbe guerdoned after yower fyerste With th•se wordes the kyng of S•lauonye departed thens with a chiere penfyf / And retour•ed to his Ooste more desiring to come to his entencion •han •uer he hadde ben to fore / And the fayr Myrro litil s••ing by his me∣naces / b•gan to deuise with sōme of her Gentilwomen in recoūting to them the prayers & request •s that her mortal enmye had made to her What shal I ••ye yow more / the t•iews faylled at tyme sette & exsp••ed And whan they were thus faylled the king of S•lauonye more thēking on the fayr Myrro / than was nede to him / made his men to putte hem in Armes many a daye. hoping that they of O∣liferne sholde come out & make him skarmuches / but he los∣te his payne / for ther was not in the cyte ony man that dur∣ste yssue out for to assaylle them / for asmoche as they had alway agaynst hem the worse / & than whan he knewe that they of Oliferne were so crem•use & rebowted & durst not come out / he chose on a daye fyfty of hys knightes / & saide to them / that for the loue of his lady he wolde Iust• agayn them all / one after an other / & syn b•ought hem vnto a pla¦ce {pro}pice for to Iuste in / whiche was right fayr in the sighte for them of the cyte / & there began they to ••ste making so merueyllous ab•uyt that they of Oliferne herde hit and & ran vnto the bateillement & lowpes of the walles

IAson wente for to set these Ioustes with the other & anon as he sawe the maner of the sklauonoye h•

had grete sorou in him self / & by a meruaillous corage he went to the palays to fore the fair Myrro / And after the re∣uerence made· he saide to her / My right redoubted lady I can not haue meruaile ynouh̄ of the grete slouthe & lachenes of your men / for I haue see your mortal enemyes deuise & iuste right nygh to your cite with a litil companye / in suche wise as oliferne were dispourueyed in all̄ pointes of men̄ & of deffence. Ha a madame what is this· Certes all they that ben therin receyue grete blame. & therfore I praye you for your honour & also myn̄ that ye wil deliue me .x. of youre souldiers / & that it plese you that I may {con}duyte them vpon your enemyes & if ye wole so do I suppose that we shal ma∣ke affraye to them as grete as they had ony long syn· The fair myrro hering the requeste of Iason alowed moche his goode wil & enquired of him the nombre of her enemyes / & whan •he was ad•tised that ther were no moo but fifty / she sente for .xij· knightes which were newly comen fro the ci∣te of damask to whom she declared the request of Iason / & a•id of them if they wolde aduenture hem with him. They behelde Iason & seeyng his mayntene & that he was the best ad•esshid knight that eu they had seen. & that his request departed fro a right noble corage / They ansuerde that they wolde acompanye him vnto the deth. Then̄e the noble mayde he•ring what they sayde acorded to Iason to enteeprise that he had requyred of her / Whan Iason perceyuid that his request was acorded to him. he thanked the fayr lady with goode herte· & after recom̄anded him vnto her noble prayers After that he required the .xij. knightes that they shold spede them to put hem in point {pro}mising them goode auenture

This don they wente & armed them And moūteth̄ vpon their horses / And whan their helmes and sheldes were la∣ced / They dide doo opene one of the gates of the Cyte whi∣che they helde continuelly closed for alle doubtes and aua∣led the drawe brigge / and they Rood out in to the felde / & Ioyously Rood ayenst the esclauons / whiche as said is were Iousting agayn their king by solace

WHan the noble Mayde Myrro and the Ladyes kne∣we that Iason was on his waye they monted vpon an hye tour / out of the whiche they might playnly see in the ooste of their enmyes / and they taried not longe whan the kynge of Sclauonye had perceyuid Iason & his felawes whiche cam to him ward / wherfore he lefte the Iousting & callid his knightes / to whom he sayde / Fayre lordes ye ha∣ue made vpon my body an esproue of Chyualerie for the lo∣ue of my Lady / But now thenke ye for to gete honour & laude for the loue of me / & proeue yow mightly vpon this li∣til mombre of knightes Olifernoys that come vpon vs / we ben foure agaynst one / wherfore we shal put hem to deth al so lightly as the lyon deuoureth̄ the lambe with̄ his teth & clawes With these wordes the noble Iason and his fe∣lawes assewrid on their horses syn toke their sheldes why∣che were fast bonden to their brestes brandisshed their speris and es•ryed their enemyes / whiche broched their horses with̄ their spores and receyuid them & recoūtrid with̄ the myght of their speris & so asprely assayled them that it se∣med that they sholde haue confoūded them to fore hem· bu• whan hit cam to the tronchoning of their speris / Iason that best was horsid of alle the other receyuid the first strook•

And with his spere he was atteyned of the king of scla∣uonye by suche a might that he {per}cid the shelde on the right side. And there he brake his spere / and Iason smote hym on the sōmette of his shelde by suche a might / that he made hym to reuerse his heed and made hit to hurtle agayn the Cruper of his horse by hinde so astonyed that his feet we∣re lyfte vpward that the rayn of his horse brack and fyll doun from his horse vnto the groūde / the whiche horse than Ran astraye in to the felde / than passid forth Iason right Ioyous of his good aduenture / And with̄ an other spe∣re that he had taken of his esquyer for to fulcome his em∣prise / cam and recoūtrid one of the beste knightes of slila∣uonye / to whom he gaf so desmesurable a stroke in the mid∣des of his shelde / that he percyd hit and the hauberk and haqueton in to the body in suche wyse that he fyll doun dede fro the horse to the erthe / And than they smote to gyder on bothe parties by the strengthe of their speres wele sharped with̄ stele / And for the grete nombre of thesclauons that were there in Regarde of them that recoūtrid them / Sōme lefte the stour and wente for to conforte their king which laye on the erthe alle astoned and as ded· And the other entended for to furnisshe their enemyes / Thus began the ba∣taylle fiers aspre and Rygorouse as wele with̄ speris that sone were tronchōned as with good trenchaūt swerdes / & they of Damask mayntened them so hyely by the example of noble Iason that with̄ Iousting they bare doun .vj· of their enemyes· Of whome foure were dede on the felde and the other two were so hurte in the falling that they might neuer helpe hem self after

YE may wel vnderstande that this stour began aspre and meruaillous / The Esclauons sette their kyng on horseback agayn as well as they coude vpon one of the horses of them that were dede / and then̄e all they se•te hand on their swerdes and came for to entremedle with Iason and them of his companye / smyting on them so dismesu¦rably that Iason knewe anon̄ that he sholde be slayn / if he defended him not with all his power. And then̄e conclu∣ded in his corage that er he left his lyf he wolde make his Renōmee growe in oliferne and in Esclauonye. or he wold deye in the payne / with that he haūced his clere •••nchaūt swerde of steele / And dischargid hit vpon the •••me of a Esclauon̄ by suche vertue that he clefte his 〈◊〉 vnto the brayn̄. that he fill doun̄ dede f•o his horse to 〈◊〉 erthe and in passing further he smote an other in the 〈◊〉 of his kyng. by suche force that he cutte of a quartre of 〈◊〉 s••lde and his lefte arme with all. And whan the ••ng apper∣ceyuyd that Iason departed suche strokes he h•d doubte of his persone / And that was no grete meruaille. then̄e as worthy and vailliaūt as he was he es•ried Iason to the deth. and syn cam to him with his trenchūt swerde othoū∣sed· And smote him so mightily vpon the toppe of hys helme / that he made the sparklis flee ou•e / and his heed to enclyne lowe doun̄· wherof he was not liti•• astoned. but escried him sayng. Vaissale ye haue well shewid to me how ye can recoūtre a man with the spere / but I shal shewe to you the sharpnes of my swerde and how that I am better knight then̄e ye. And if ye escape fro my handes without receyuyng of deth̄. I well well that ye saye to my Lady

paramours the fayr Myrro. that her loue and frende of Sklauonye hath neyther force ne might

How the king of Sklauonye was vaynquysshid by Iason in the felde by bataylle

MOche was Iason desplaysaūt whan he had vnder∣stande the vaūtises of his mortall ennemy. But wh•n he knewe that he was the king of sklauonye he was well Ioyous for to knowe him and thus saide to him by derysion. Ha / a right oultrageous fole / Arte thou he that arte aff•yled with the blanche feures for cause of my right redoubted lady· Now see I wel that in the is more of pre∣sumpcion than of vayllyaūce / and of vaūtise than of fayte and t•uly more of folye than of wysedom. For hit ys p•rfayte folye to the for to name the better knight than I am. Than la•e vs see who is the better With these wor∣they began agayn to smyte eche other Ryght asprely· Cer∣tes Iason prouyd hym self Ryght fiersly in gyuyng to hys enem•e many strokes ter•yble and poysaūt. And so many gaf hym in makyng Reed hys swerd of the bloode of the Esklauon king that the right malerouse king was constrayned to crye and to calle his knightes vnto his ayde and helpe. but ther cam so many that Iason was •nuirōned & assayled on alle sydes

WHan the Noble Iason felte hym self so aduironned on alle sydes by hys enemyes / He was more recon∣forted than to fore. And began to smyte wyth̄ hys good swerd of steele on the Ryght syde and on the lyfte syde by suche vertue and might / that the ladyes of the Cyte

knewe him among all other / and perceyuyd that he skar∣musshid with̄ his swerde all dyed with̄ newe blood now here / & now there· And after sawe him cutte of heedes / ar∣mes and legges and fystes / And made armes at his wyll and more thēne all the remenānt· And certes by his mayntene he semed better a thing of that other worlde then̄e an humayne persone / And fro this tyme forth̄ on the fair Myrro seeyng this that sayd is / toke Iason so in her good grace that vnto the deth she 〈…〉 aboue all other knightes. as she that setted her l•ue totally in hym The noble Iason fought th•n̄e vaill•aūtly agayn the Es∣clauons / and right long endured the bat•ylle. And whan the .xij. knightes of damask sawe the grete ••ow•ss• and the dangerous stour that was aboute their maister / Th•• smote in among them that so assayled h•m / And then̄e enforced him Iason for to make hym s•lf to be of val•ur· truly by suche ardeur of corage that he slewe their ten of the most hardyest knightes of all •he ••oste of his •••myes. wherfore the king of esclauonye seeyng his ma•ntene: the valeur of Iason had suche fur•ur and d••de. that •e h•••n∣don̄ed the place and his knightes / that then̄e all wery fo∣lowed him / And then̄e the noble Iason folowed the chaas and chaced hem vnto the grete •ost in suche afusion & mo•∣tal occ•sion̄ / that of the fyfty knightes that were at the be∣gynnyng of the batayll ther escaped no moo but ten. but they were all slayn & detrenched or hewen in pieces· And of the partye of Iason ther bleef no moo but tweyn̄ vpon the felde. And of the remanan̄t alle were hurte that one more anguisshously then̄e that other

How Iason was Ioyously receyuid of the quene Myr∣ro of Olyferne and how they bewaylled eche other

AFter this meruayllous bataylle. and that the wor∣thy Iason had rechaced his enmyes vnto nyghe by the ooste as said is he taried for .ij. resons / The first was for as moche as he sawe his felaws wery & sore payned by their woūdes / and the seconde was for asmoche as he sawe the O•ste meue for to come vpon them / & than as wyse and discrete he withd•ewe him sayng that more is worth a good retrayte / than a folisshe abydinge / and reentrid with̄ grete honour & gle•e into the cyte / wherof the fair myrro was as Io•ouse as she coude be / & cōtrarye to this was the king of sclauonye as soro•ful & angry for the grete domage that he had suffrid that day / Euery man in oliferne as sone as Ia¦son was reentrid s•ewed him & man women & children bles∣sid him sayng one to an other that they had neu seen none lyk to him in beaute ne more vaillyaūt knight of his body / & than al the cyte began to reioye / & whan the fair mirro thought that Iason was vnarmed / she sente for him / & he cam glad∣ly to her / for that was al his desir / than whan he was comen to fore her he salewed her / & she rendrid to him his salewe / & syn demāded him how he felte him self & how he ferde / Certes madame •nfuerde Iason to god begyue the thanking I ne fele on my body but al good disposicion / & am ioyously re∣tourned into your cyte & as to the regarde of your enmyes / by that I haue felt of them / me thinketh̄ that they ought not sore to be dredde ne doubted & that in short tyme / ye shal ha∣ue of them good rayson I haue this day made my swerd reed

in their bloode. Wherof their king your mortel enemye hath̄ had grete dueyl & sorowe. And I haue yet goode wil that to morn̄ I shal redouble that· and yet that shalbe worse to him & to his / if the goddes be in myn ayde and helpe

WHilis that Iason spack thus to the noble Lady as sayd is / she beh•lde hym now & now by right grete ardaūt loue / & coude not absteyne her self / for she was so surmoūted with loue at this tyme that for to •yde her wil and to refroide & cole her a litil without mo•• speking to Iason / that she left him with two damois•ll•s for to entre∣tene & tarye him. & she withdrewe her into her chamb•• wh•re she began to thinke on the grete vertues that w•re in Iason That is to wete on his hye prowesse•on 〈…〉 on his laughyng eyen on his •ell mad• body / and on hy• graciouse speking. And so moche she thought on 〈◊〉 that she must come agayn vnto the place where 〈…〉 she fonde in the halle of the palays plente of her 〈◊〉 & of the most noble of the cite· and ther was ne•ly arryued a messager of the king of damask. that certef•ed to her· that tath euenyng sholde come vnto her ayde two thousand ass•¦ri•ns. whiche the king his lorde had sente to her in the con•duyte of his broder named Prus•{us}. whiche was a Ryght valyant knight in armes / Of these tidynges was the no∣ble quene moche reconforted· & com̄anded that they sholde or∣deyne wel for hem to ete & drynke· & dide do couere the table• & receyued this prusi{us} right solempnly / but whan eche was sette at table / the fair myrro & Iason were in such wise seruid by the refeccōn of loue / that they toke none hede of mete ne of drinke / The messager of loue that is to wete dou••e Regarde

was continuelly on the way / that on was shamefaste and changed colour / & in like wyse dide that other / Iason coude not conteyne him self / and myrro {per}ceyued wel ynow his mayntenyng / but myrro was moche subtyll / for she behelde hym raysonably / & more dide by wysedom than her herte desi∣red / In these regardes & in these semblances they pass•d the soupper / ther was no lady ne damoyselle that ne employed her eyen for to beholde Iason for his grete beaute what shal I saye more / after the soupper hit was ordeyned that on the morn the siriens which were wery & trauaylled in coming theder shold peste them / but the next day folowing they sholde goo out vnder the conduyt of Iason for tassayle the siege of the king of sklauonye / & than eche man toke leue & withdre∣we h•m into their logyse one & other & into her hosteleryes

ANone as Iason was withdrawen into his logys & leyde in his bedde for to reste / The souenaūce of his lad• pres•nted her into his memorie / Whiche enlumy∣ned in him so tereyble a fyre in the myddes of his herte that him thought he was in a brennyng fournayse. He began than first to thenke on the fayt of his lady. And after he began to make castellis in Spaygne as louers doo / & fina∣•ly whan he had long labourd in thise thinges / he spack to him self / & saide softely. ha. a fortune / knight what shal be∣fall of the & of this noble lady hit behoueth̄ that thou praye her of loue / and than am I not hardy ynow to doo so / wher∣fore I wil not / be what rayson she is good / but she cōpry∣seth̄ the bruyt of al̄ the worlde / & that more is she hath̄ refu∣sed a king / certes I am wel a fole for to thenke on her / ye trewly a fole / & how wel that I be a fole yet haue I gyuen to

her myn herte / hit is heeris / & it shal abide with̄ her / the gen∣til damoyseau Iason thought the most part of the nyght in this rederye amerouse / And after slepte / but he dremed of his lady. for thenforcement of loue / In like wise it must be sayd that she bleef not al quyt / for incontynent as she was leyde in her bed / her thought that she sawe Iason flourisshing aboue all other men / Then̄e she began to coueyte his loue. And desired the daye that she myght see him agayn. & so moche she desirid him during the nyght / that she began to saye in this wise / Ha a obscure & derke night wherfore en∣durest thou so long / it disples•th̄ me oumoche. & not with out cause. for I am in terrible payne be cause that the daye tarieth̄ so long er he come. Ha a daye where art thou / if thou were come I shold see my loue & frende / my solace & {con}forte· Certes thou makest long soiournyng. by thy tarieng myn eyen may not see my bewayling the desire of my herte / thac∣complisshement of my wissh•s. the esperance of my ioye· but what enioye haue I / I may not slepe in stede where I was wonte to wisshe after the nyght for to withdrawe me fro the publicque affaires / now I must wisshe after the daye for to come to my singuler playsir in a secrete regarde & syght

SVche or semblable were the wordes of the noble lady esprised of loue / she desired the preu Iason. and he coueyted her also. And in the same wyse faylled not the king of Esklauonye. for in the same nyght. the dolour & payne of his woundes were to him so aspre that he myght not reste. And then̄e for to passe with̄ all more esily his payne. he began to bewaille the grace of his noble lady / & fayde in this maner among alle other wordes. Ha a dere

lady shall ye neuer haue pyte on my poure & desolate herte. the whiche notwithstandyng your reffuse and grete Ru∣desse may not put you in oublian̄ce ne out of his desir / the whiche more and more you loueth̄ / the whiche can not tra∣uaille him self ynowh̄ for to finde the maner to gete youre benyuolence and good wyll. And whether hit plese you or plese you not hit is all youris· O my desir if ye wole alwaye remayne with out mercy· wherfore were euer ye so habondantly garnisshid so well of excessiue and chief of all beaute· your resplendour is clere among the women̄ as the sonne is among the sterres· shall ye be without mercy and withoute compassion. I suppose that ye shall not / an• my herte Iugeth̄ that ye shall haue grete Regard vnto my good wil / The ladies other whilis take plaisir for to ma∣ke her trewe seruan̄ts to languisshe. And their honour ac∣cordeth̄ well therto / for in trouthe a lady to sone abandon∣ned and gyuen ouer. embraceth̄ not grete honour· then̄e hit is expedient that she suffre her louers to tarye by pray∣ers and oroison̄s / And in this manere I wille conclude in my selfe· not onely for one Reffuse / ne for ·xx· of the grace of my lady / I wille not falle in despayr / The ver∣ray courage of a trewe louer maye in no wise be knowen but only by the moyen̄ of many Reffuses. Howe well the stone is myned and holowed by contynuell droppyng of water. And then̄e shalle not the Rigour and the ref∣fuse of my noble lady be myned and adoulced by my ha∣bondan̄t prayers and oroison̄s. yes verily. that shall she be or nature shall faylle. And if not / the goddes shall be in∣iuste and agaynst me

How Iason befought a meruayllous Gyant named Corfus and how he slewe him in the bataylle

IN these or semblable ymaginacions the Esklauon king passid all this nyght vnto the morn erly / that Corfus a meruayllous Geant born in Toscane c•m vnto him And demanded how he ferde / and how hit stode with̄ him. Certes Corfus answerd the kyng· For so moche as I dreme of my loues. And that they occupye me so so∣re. that they slee me because I occupye •em somoche. & how wel that I fynde in her but reffuse & fierst••. And h•we sayd Corfus thens•e ye yet on her. ye sayde the k•ng / That muste nedes be. Must hyt nedes sayd Corfus· Ye certes sayd the kyng. Than sayde Corfus / Ye be a fole and right euyll aduysed· For alle thinge considerid he is not wyse that enforceth hym to haue a wyf a boue h•s degree / for as moche as ther ben of other plente. Ryght well sa•d the king. ye saye Ryght wele / but knowe not ye that some one is better & more worth than somme fyue honderd. Cer¦taynly my lady ys the oultrepasse of al other ladyes / ought I to leue h•r for her reffuse / ye saide the grant •f ye do wyse∣ly / by my lawe said the king that shal neu befa•• me for to deye in the payne as her trewe seruaūt / but that I hope to co∣me to thaboue of myn enterpryse how that it be / Syre sai∣•• Corfus I reporte me vnto your symplesse· But and ye wyll beleue me ye shall beguy•• her well· Ye shall leue her for suche as she ys sayd the Geant / and neuer why∣les ye lyue loue neu woman but for one night ye may euy day haue anew / ther is none so grete plaisir as for to change

ofte. Ha a Corfus sayde then̄e the king / a trew louer vseth neuer suche termes as ye speke of. and whan a prince may come to the loue of a lady. fayr. trewe. discrete & a of good house. is not that ynouh̄ for him / if he that cometh to suche felicite and goth̄ to chaūge / certes he is worthy of reproche Syre sayde the Geant Corfus. ne knowe ye nomore then̄e y• saye and s•ewe / Certes ther is well another poynt / and what is that sayde the king / I shall saye you saide the Ge∣ant▪ Take ye the fayrest lady that liueth and be as amou∣rous ouer her as eu•rye can or may. Anone as ye haue en∣ioyed her as litill as hit may be / ye shalbe wery and full of her. she shall seme to you fowle / and yet more I shal saye you that sone ye shall wisshe her brend. And if ye be a• other men be ye shall leue her and take an other yf hit be in your pu•ssaū•e

HA a Corfus sayde then̄e the king / if I shold beleue your counceyll / I shold neu do well / & as to the Re∣garde of me I wene that ye saye to me th•se thinge. for to make me retorne into my coūtrey to thende that ye goo not to the felde agaynst them that yesterday shedde my bloode. by my loyaulte saide then̄e Corfus / sire all that I haue sayd procedeth not for ony fere ne drede that I haue of all youre enemyes. but I coūceyll you to my trew power / for asmoche as me sem̄eth hit couenable for your hel the and prouffyte And to thende that youre wenyng be founden vntrewe / with oute more delaye / I shall sende youre messager vn∣to the noble Quene Myrro for to signefye her / that for to mayntene the noble mestier of armes / I offre my self alloh ayenst .viij· the best knightes that ben in the cite of oliferne

For to fyghte in Champe cloos as hit Apperteyneth in suche as caas

WHan the kinge of sklauonye had herd thanswer of the Geant & {per}ceyued that he was angry / he helde his pees so long / that the geant wente & armed him in his ten∣te / And syn put him on the way toward the Cyte in the companye of a messager of the kinges / whom he sente vnto the quene Myrro right in suche wyse as a fore is said / and whan the messager had sayd that he had in charge / The noble quene callid the more parte of her knightes & decla∣red to them that the Geant had demaūded. Anone as they of Oliferne had herd the contenue of this mandemēt For as moche as Iason & plente of other knightes straū∣giers that were there gaf the honour for to speke first to them of the same cōtre for to saye their aduis of this wer∣ke / They saide alle on hyhe that this geant Corfus was he that by his force & vaillyaūce had put to deth̄ the most part of the noblesse of Oliferne / & that hem semed hit shold be grete folye for to furnisshe the batayle that he demanded / but of this answere were alle the knightes straūgers so abas∣shed that they concluded to be conduyted by the knightes of Oliferne / Reseruid the noble & preu Iason / the whiche as he that might not lenger holde his noble corage to speke but saide with̄ so hyhe a voys that he was wele vnderston∣den of alle men in this manere

Fayr lordes displese yow not / yf the vertue of my corage knowe not now the feblesse of my body / I knowe right wel that I am not grete ne mēbred as a geant / neutheles I wil wel that hit be knowen that ther is no geāt that hath̄ gretter

herte then̄e I haue / And to this ende that it appere euydent∣ly· And the noble lady where my herte & all my wele Res∣teth· may alway here goode tydinges of me / I enterprise for to go fighte ayenst the Geant Corfus man for man̄. and I shall neuer reste vnto the time that I haue prouyd my self ayenst him / Then̄e the noble lady the quene that tho was present hauyng herd thenterprise of the noble Iason / was so v•terly smyten̄ with sorou. that her semed that she was smeten̄ with̄ a spere a trauers the herte / so moche she lo∣uyd Iason. neuertheles she helde goode contenānce· asmoche as to her was possible. And Incontinent as Iason hadde declared there his corage. She sayde to him / Iason fayr sire beware what ye saye / & see that your yongthe abuse you not For if ye were you .xx. armed and in point for to fighte knowe ye for trouth that he sholde neuer leue but abide you thawh̄ ye had sworn̄ his deth̄

CErtes dere lady saide Iason· knowe ye that if yongth abuse me / oultrequydance & presumpcion deceyueth the Geant / For to sle a man̄ how grete or puyssaūt that he be ther behoueth but one stroke. well sette / But whether hit be of yron̄ or of steell or of ony other thing I doubte not but hit shall come to poynt / Whan the noble quene Myrro had vnderstande this that Iason sayde. She wiste not what to answere What shall I make you long tale he dyde doo be sayd to the messager of the kyng of Esclauonye. that he wolde befighte the Geant Corfus / and then̄e whan the noble Iason was armed with̄ his armes / he moūted on horseback and his spere on his thye and so departed from the Cyte / And adressid him toward the Geant

whiche was right subtyll in the fayt of Armes & of the warre / he had all his harnoys trussid and his hors sad∣••d and baydl•d

INcontinent as the Geant {per}ceyuid that the vailly∣aūt prince Iason cam riding vnto him / he sterte vp¦on his hors & cam toward him / and by grete felonnye said to him / what sekest thou / to whom Iason saide / Arte thou Corfus / ye ansuerd corfus / I am he trewly. Than knowe thou that thou arte he that I seche / Thou saide Corfus / ye trewly I saide Iason / and what m•uith the so to doo sayd Corfus / cōsiderest thou not the strength & force of my body and the f•rour of my swerde / and how I am cause of alle the desolacion of Oliferne / yf me good semeth I shal sese the by the heede & backe thy necke / as the necke of a che•en Thou tellest me meruaylles saide Iason for to f•re & abas∣she the peple / but for alle that my corage changeth not / our processe endureth to long / go thy way & feche thy spere / & than shewe what thou canst doo / thou hast foūde aman for to furnisshe the / litil speking & wel werking / The g•ant wyth •hese wordes wente for to fe•ch• his spere / And Iason co∣uerd him with his shelde assewring him self in his sadell And whan he had so don & sawe that the Geant smote his hors with hys sporis & cam agaynst him he ro•de toward him so corageously / that hit semed more lyk thonder des∣cending from heuen than ony other thing / and so smote the most fiersly that they coude or mighte / & their stroke• we∣re so peysaūt & heuy / that the sengles of there sadles •eake in so moche that the noble Iason wa• born vnto the erthe / and the geant was reused with the sad•• vnder the crupe of his

hors / And of the peysanteur of the two grete strokes· the raynes of his horse faylled & his two legges behynde in su∣che wise as he tumblid the hede vnder & the feet vpward at right grete meschief

MAny knightes of sclauonye and of Oliferne were gretly abasshid whan they apperceyued that Iason hadde receyued of the Geant Corfus oon̄ so heuy & so grete a strook with out deth or mayme. Iason and the Geant so born̄ to the erthe & sette a fote as sayd is Releuyd them self anon̄ in their standing and marchid oone agaynst that other· Then̄e the strong Geant drewe his goode swerd out of his •hethe and escried Iason sayng. Vaissale or felawe thou hast don̄ to me now the most gre•test dishonour that euer happend or came to me· And therfore kepe thy self from my faytes the best wise thou maist / For yf the arme with the good swerd faylle me not at this tyme. I shal confoūde the in short time / And after I shall drynke thy blood and ete thyn herte in despyte of the dueyl and sorou that thou hast don̄ to myn herte / Ha a tyran̄t felon∣nous & oultrecuydānt ansuerde the noble preu Iason. what euyll woldest thou doo. if hit helde at no man̄ / but at the· Ce•tes hit happeth ofte tymes that suche menaces ben said of grete fere and drede. And al is don̄ for to saue his lyf But to the Regard of the and of al thy menaces I ma∣ke no compte ner doubte the in no thing. And in that thou sayest / of drynkyng my blood / and etyng myn̄ hert I shall kep• the Ryght well by the ayde and the helpe of the goddes· for to falle in suche Inhumanyte or furour. And I hope where I haue angred the in thyn herte / that

hit shal not be long to. but that thou shalt be angrid in herte in body. and in sowle / Than that Corfus the right Cruell geant had vnderstand the wordes of Iason he lef∣te vp his heed and chyn alle chargid with̄ heer / like a Beer. and after enhaūced his trenchaūt swerd with̄ a grete Corage right angry and smote Iason & gaf hym so terryble and poyssaūt stroke that he ha•e a way more than a grete quarter of his shelde. And whan Iason felte him so smeton of the Geant. he lefte vp his swerd a heyght wher with̄ he araught his mortel ennemy vpon the coppe of his helme in enployeng alle his might / that the Geant was constrayned to enclyne his heed alle lowe. Wherof many had grete meruayle

As ye may Vnderstonde the two Champyons began to entretaste eche other with̄ their trenchaūt swerdes Alle way the geant after that he had receyuid this pey∣saūt strook / he haūced his hand with̄ his swerd agayn & supposed to haue smeton Iason. But Iason whiche was lyght & delyuere and wel auised in his feet / drewe him a part in suche wyse that the stroke of the Geant fylle on the erthe so depe· that if he had araught him playnly he hadde confoūded him. Than the preu Iason whiche had so wy∣ded him fro the stroke. stept to the geant And gaf hym suche a stroke vpon the right sholdre that he brake his hau∣berk and made him a grete wounde· Than Iason with̄dre∣we his swerde alle blody. And whan Corfus the stronge Geant felte that Iason had so hurte him. Certaynly he wende he shold haue goon out of his witte for asmoche as he sawe the swerd of his aduersarie was dyed with̄ his

blood. and was moche angry / But Iason sette litil ther¦by / Sauyng he began a lytil to smyle and lawhe / And if he was glad so were they of Olyferne that beheld the ba∣taylle of the two champyons. But hit was not long after but their lawhynges changed into wepynges· For the ge∣ant as all despayred Ran vpon Iason so eygrely that he wist not how to saue him / on that other syde he sawe hys shelde all in pieces. And with̄ that he gaf him a wounde vpon the lyfte syde that the blood ran doun fro the wounde largely / Ryght long fought the two right vayllyant cham∣pyons that one agaynst that othre in so moche that by fyn force they detrenched their sheldes by pieces. But than whan their sheldes were broken / hit was a good sight to see Iason the noble knight how he delyuerid agayn the Ge∣ant Corfus so meruayllous bataylle gyuyng to him s•mo∣che trauayle in poursuyng him so besely that the Geant be∣gan to waxe wery in suffring so many strokes / and be∣gan strongly to swete / Than for to refresshe hym selfe he muste nedes departe & leue to fyght and smyte Iason / & to with̄drawe hym a parte / Whan the worthy Iason ap∣perceyuyd the manyere of the Geant and that he soughte for to reste him / he had grete Ioye. how wel he had as glad∣ly Rested him as his aduersayre had. whan he considerid in him self. that he might Reste him and ease hym· and that he was not hurte but in one place / he approched to the Geant and sayd to hym. Ha / a right myserable tyraūt Approche the toward me and late vs {per}forme & make an ende of this batayle now begonne. I perceyue now right wel that a bedde for to reste the on / sholde be to the more plaisir

then̄e shold a bataille or a stour to be furnisshid. but I ad∣uertise the that hit behoueth̄ vs to come to thende of our en∣treprise / And that ther is no Remedye / And knowe that my courage hath brought and conduyted my body vnto this point / But from hens forth my body shall conduyte hit by the vertue of loue. by whiche me thinketh̄ that I fele my puissaunce redouble whan that I remembre her / whiche aboue alle other ought to be beste belouid of me. As she that is veraily withoute ony excepcion

INcontinent that Corfus the crymynell G•ant hadde vnderstande of the no•le damoiseau Iason that he was so am•rous he began to saye to him by grete mali•e. Certes right gentill. knight / I perc•yue right well that youre hert is prisoner in the mercy of som̄e lady. I Require you in the name of her. a•d by the faith that ye owe to her / that ye come and rest you beside me a litill. And we shal deuise vs to geder of oure auentures / Ha a right Recreant and wery rybauld ansuerd then̄e the noble damois•au Iason. Thou sek•st no•hing more but for to reste the. And if I accorde to the thy requeste / hit is to my preiudice for thou maist nomore. Notwithstandyng in the name of my right hyghe maistresse I am content to do as thou hast requyred But beware that thou reste not long / With̄ these wordes the Geant Corfus and the noble Iason satte doun̄ vpon the grasse / And after they began to deuise / and the Geant Corfus sayde to him / Right gentil knight as I vnderstan∣de ye ben amerous / hit may well be sayd Iason / of whom is hit sayd the Geant / of a lady sayd Iason / what is she sayde the Geant / The most fayr of all fair ansuerde Iason

Ye saide the geant as to your semblaūt. the worlde iugeth̄ her so ansuerde Iason. Ha. a sir knight saide the Geant / ye be a grete sole / for perauenture ye sawe neuer your lady And ye saye & name her for the most fayre of alle other And yet that worse ys. ye holde her for youris / and hyt ys possible that she ys longyng to moo that an honderd Howe many ben ther of them that ben not double. I louid not long syn a Lady right fayr to myn aduise· But she ys fowle right terribly / Men preyse and alowe moche the fayr Myrro. But I trowe who behelde her well round abeute· ther shold be founden somwhat of Reprehencion H•. a right dysloyall traytre answerd than Iason / howe darst thou by thy grete oultrage to th•nke euyll vpon the flour of alle ladyes. whyche hadde so moche / of bounte of beaulte / of wytte / And whiche is garnisshyd of so many hyhe and noble vertues / and is a verray myr∣rour vnto alle other. wherfore by the fayth̄ that I owe vn∣to loue er ouer I ete or drynke thou shalt abye it / Stand vp lyghtly on thy feet and kepe the from me if thou thin∣ke good

THe noble and gentil knight Iason aroose with̄ the∣se wordes alle enflamed of Ire and maltalent / And toke forwith̄ his swerd that laye on the grasse alle blody· The Geant roose also. but hit was not lightly / For his legges were Royde like a voyager that had alle the day to fore / haue voiaged or goon a Iourney. and than Iason cam & smote him vpon his lyfte arme and so em∣ployed all his puyssaūce that he departid the arme fro the body in suche wyse that he fyll doun to the erthe. Than the

Geant by right aspre distresse made a meruaillo{us} & righ̄t horrible crye· After this as one full of a terrible courage haūced his swerde swering by all his goddes that he wold auenge him. but he wiste not how he myght sewe Iason for so moche as he was light & deliuere and able wel knowing the tour of his strookes in suche wise as he alwaye defended him vaillian̄tly and distourned the strook of his swerd That his enemy sought all waye and coude neuer attayne to reche him. And in this wise the bataille dured long in so moche that the sonne began to deuale in to the weste· But the noble preu Iason among many strokes enuertu∣ed him self by suche vailliaūce in smyting vpon the Ge∣ant Corfus with his trenchan̄t swerde that he araught him on the hyest of his helme .iij. strokes one after an other in one place that at the thirde stroke he enfondrid & to frusshid his helme and the coyffe into the heed / in suche wyse / that of the grete anguisshe that the geant suffrid. that he fylle doun̄ a swoūne vpon the sande seeyng all they of Oliferne And of that other part the Esclauons whiche were sorou∣full & abasshid

INcontinent as the worthy Iason hadde slayn and smyton̄ doun̄ the Geant to the erthe as sayd is. he dishelmed him / but he fonde that he was dede· wherfore he lefte him there lyeng / And in signe of victorie he seasid his swerde. And after wente vnto his hors / whom he fon∣de pasturing· But he had no leyser to sadle him because of many Esclauons that he sawe meue for to come and ren∣•e vpon him. Then̄e he seasid his hors by the brydel and withoute sadle sterte vpon him· And for alle doubtes he

withdrewe in to the Cyte as sone as was possible for him wherof the Esklauons hadde right grete despyte. And than whan they apperceyuid that they gate nought in pour∣fuyng of Iason for they were alle a foote / they withdre∣we hem to Corfus whom they foūde ded. for whom they we∣re gretely disconforted in so moche that hem semed that alle her truste and hoope was loste and goon. And among alle other whan the king knewe the mysauenture of his Geant / he was so sorouful that of alle the euen af∣ter he spack not one word / For he had grete aff•aūce in his strengthe / in hys grete hardynesse. and in hys En∣trepryse

GRete & meruayllo•s was the s•rowe that the •yng of Esklauonye and his men demened for the deth of the stronge Geant Corfus. And on the contrarye the Quene Myrro and alle they of the cyte of Oliferne deme∣ned grete Ioye and made right Ioyous chiere for the no∣ble vyctorie of Iason. Than the Quene Myrro accom∣panyed of a grete nombre of ladyes and of damoysell•s of knyghtes and squyers cam to the gate ayenst Iason esprysed with̄ suche gladnes and consolacion that hit can not be spoken / And anon as Iason espyed her / he sprang doun of his horse and made to her the Reuerence / and af∣ter presented to her the swerd of the Geant / And sayd Madame lo here is the swerd that your knigh̄tes haue so moche doubted here to fore / beholde hit wel / & doo with all your playsir / Than the noble lady ansuerd to Iason / right exellent knight / thanked be the goddes that by your h•he entrepryse and vaillyaūce haue this day deliuerid the Cyte

and all the peple of Oliferne of a meruaillous drede and fere / And syn that the crymynell Geant Corfus is dede / Alle the Remenaunt as who saith̄ is as good as vayn∣quisshid / and therfore come ye vnto our palais. & we shal doo visite your woundes by our Surgyens / whiche shall or∣deyne right well and diligently for your helthe

THen̄e was the noble Iason brought vnto the palays wyth grete loenge and preysinges of the ladyes & damoyselles of the knightes and of the peple of the cite of Oliferne / The wedowes bewailled gretly because he was not erst comen for the losse of her husbondes / they that were mari•d reioysed and were glad of his comyng. They that were disconforted and desolate recoured their corage alle newe / For in the vailliaūce and in the hyghe vertues of Iason rested all their hope. In his strength̄ they toke affian̄ce / In his witte they trusted / In his vaillyaunce they were Reconforted. And in his goode fortune conso∣late. Certes hit semed to them then̄e / that they were deli∣uerid from the paynes of helle and brought into paradys What shall I more saye the fayr Myrro thoughte and dremed oft tymes of Iason / as of the knight that she lo∣uyd most of the worlde. The preu Iason was thre dayes long in the palays without ony armes beryng / And du∣ring these thre dayes the fayr Myrro wente ofte tymes v•¦to him / hoping that Iason shold haue required her of lo∣ue / whiche he hadde gladly doon̄. but as cremetous and doubting the recountres of Reffuse. durste in no manere touche that matere ne make ony semblaūt to her ne to none other

ON the fourthe daye than whan the nobles of Olifer∣ne knewe that Iason was hole of hys hurtes / and might well bere Armes / they assembled and cam vnto the Quene Myrro and sayd to her· Madame ye haue wel cause for to reioye your self / yf a herte Infortunat after grief vpon grief may resourdre whan fortune wyll fauou∣re and ayde / We and your coūceylle haue often tymes beholde and seen / the Ryght hyhe prowesse and dyscrete conduyte of your knyght Iason. Certes hyt may wele be sayd / that hys lyke was neuer founden· hyt semeth to vs / that fortune hath̄ brought hym vnto your handes. for to resuscyte and Reyse yow· for to take veng•aunce of the ouer grete euyllys and meschy•u•s / that hath ben doon to yow and your men duryng thys warre. And for many Raysons we coūceylle yow. that ye ordeyne and constytute the sayd noble Iason Capytayne of thys Roy∣aume and Chief of your warre. For we thinke so mo∣che noblesse in hym. that he shalle neuer haue reste in hys corage vnto the tyme / that he haue chassed awaye youre mortell enemyes oute of your Royaume / & brought them to dysconfiture

HIt is to wete / whether the noble quene Myrro was right Ioyous in her herte / whan she herd so hyghly Recomended him that she moste louid aboue alle the men of the worlde. hit is no meruaylle thawh̄ she so were and dehonayrly she acorded the Requeste that the nobles and her conceyll hadde made to her. And forthwith̄ she sente for Iason / and in the presence of them that had made the requeste as afore is sayd / she constituted him Capitayne

generall of all her royaume / Then̄e Iason̄ remercyed and thanked the noble Quene Myrro of the honour that she had don̄ to him / And also the nobles and her coūceyll for their goode pourchace / In excusing gretly him self of nonhabilite Sayng that he was not {pro}pice ne worthy of so hye charge and honour to enterprise / But all they that there were pre∣sent sayde. That notwithstanding his excusacions. they wolde haue none other Capitayne but him· And that he sholde be it / as ferre as he wolde not disobeye the noble que∣ne Myrro· They shewid him so many demonstran̄ces that he enterprised and toke vpon him the charge / And that same ou•e the noble Quene Myrro deliuerid vnto the no∣ble damoiseau Iason all that was necessarie to hym and ordeyned his estate / And whan the noble preu Iason̄ felte him in this honour so hygh sette in his astate / he sente forth̄ with to the kyng of Esclauonye / com̄andyng him to de∣parte he and alle his ooste from thens. And that anone he sholde voyde the royame of Oliferne. or ellis on the morn̄ betymes he sholde dispose him & make him redy to be recey∣uyd by bataille

WHan the puissaūt king of Esclauonye vnderstood that Iason hadde so sende him his man̄dement· he had right grete meruaille / how well he ansuerde to the heraulde that he hadde not entencion for to disloge him ne to Reyse his siege. and that he wolde erst haue at his com̄andement the noble Quene Myrro for to doo with her his wille / and sente word agayn vnto the noble preu Iason. that also dere as he had his lyf / he sholde kepe him that he came not in his presence. And if he came in his handes. he sholde doo hym

deye a myserable deth

INcontynent as the noble preu Iason had vnderstan∣den this answere. he dyde to publisshe in all the qua∣refours of the Cyte· That all they that were of age to bere armes shold be redy on the morn̄ erly for to goo with him for to enuahye and fighte with their enemyes· And thus passid that day vnto the nyght / That Iason then̄e began to thenke on the grete honour and charge that he hadde re∣ceyuid· And then̄e whan he was withdrawen in to hys chambre contynueng in his amorouse pensees & thoughtis He began to saye by him self in this maner / Ha a my de∣re lady how haue ye don to me this grete worship / & gyuen to me more goodes then̄e apperteyneth to myn astate. and how shall hit be possible to nombre the excesse of b•unte / of clerenes of beaulte with all other vertues that ben in yow I ought not to meruaille if youre right exellent beaulte draweth̄ to your loue the corages of strange Princes. for ye be adressid in all bountees / the most fayr creature and the moste discrete that God and Nature euer forumed The right most p•rfayt that is ougwher. how sholde hit be then̄e but if ye were belouyd of alle folke / Certes ye are worthy that the ayer be replenisshid with callinges and of voyses cryeng after you and requyreng youre grace & mercy / Ha a ye that be so moche exellent and vertuous. That alle my thoughtes and Imagynacions ben torned And gyuen to you that ar of so moche hye valour. Not witstanding I shall not absteyne me to loue youre noble persone / For I shalle the better prospere and be of the mor• value

IN suche or semblable wordes the preu Iason passid the moste parte of the night / and vnto morn erly The daye apperid fayr and cleer. And anone after in short tyme after the deth of the Geant Corfus / Iason and the syriens adoubed them. And assemblid them of the Cyte to fore the palays of the Quene Myrro. and than whan Iason sawe and knewe that hys people were sette in ordenaunce / he wente vnto the fayr Myrro and sayd to her in this manere. Madame praye ye for your knight / the whiche aboue alle thing desireth. that he myght doo that thing· that might be yow right agreable. and prouffi∣table to yow and your Cyte / Certes right excellent and vay•lyaūt knight answerde the Quene Myrro / ye ar mo∣che preysed and hyghly recom̄ended of my men. And for so moche I praye yow / that in this Iourneye ye haue goode corage for to defende my quarele whiche is goode and Iuste / And as to the Regarde of my selfe. I put myn Armee and my men vnder the conduyte of youre preud∣hōmye and your wysedom. Prayng vnto the goddes That they wille make your fortune to shine clere. and tenhaunse my goode quarele

how by the hye vailliaūce of Iason / the king of sklauonye & his ooste were desconfited & him self slain tofore oliferne

THus as the noble quene spack & admonestid the wor∣thy knight Iason & his men to do wel & fighte vayli∣antly in defending her iuste & good quarele / Iason began to beholde her so ardantly that she was ashamed how wel that she as wyse & discrete helde honeste manere / & than the noble

Iason after the leue and congie taken as wel of her as of the ladyes and damoiselles departed from the palays with grete bewailinges· and moūted on his hers. But there were many of the ladyes and Damoiselles of the court that began to bewepe him / Prayng vnto the goddes to gy∣ue him good auenture / And they sayd one vnto an other that hit sholde be grete dōmage if to him came ony fortune other then̄e goode / And that they had neuer seen none so courtoys ne so gracious. And that he was the veray sour∣dre and welle of noblesse. Anone then̄e as the noble preu Iason was on hors back he sette his men in right fayr or∣denaūce. and after sette hem on the waye toward the felde And the peple by all the waye that he passed knelid doun tofore him and prouoqued the goddes vnto his ayde and helpe. And then̄e whan he was comen into the felde he as∣sembled all his folke and putte hem in fayr ordenaūce of bataylle. And then̄e whan he had required them instant∣ly and amonested them to doo well / he dide doo marche them ayenst their enemyes whiche abode them a fote Rengid and righ̄t well ordeyned / At the menyng Iason dide do sowne trompettis / tabours / and cornes sarasins· buysines / and other instruments so melodiously that hit semed that they hadde goon̄ vnto a wedding or mariage or som̄e grete feste / And thus tryumphing of one hye wille medlid with̄ Ioye desiring to doo well. Reioysing them self sin∣gulerly in the vailliaūce and goode conduyte of the righ̄t worthy and noble knight Iason they approched in suche wise their mortell enemyes that they began to couche their goode speris and begynne the stour. And in that same

tyme as the king of Sklauonye helde hys men in Araye a meruayllous grete Rauen cam fleyng ouer his heede cry∣eng right horrybly

INcontinent as the king of Esklauonye herde suche a crye he began to tremble for Ire & be in a grete ago∣nye / & loked after the Rauen & sayde. O euer hard and trembling hope / This maketh̄ me to en•re in to frenesye For this fowle is messag•r of deth̄ or of right euyll auen∣ture / and this is an e•yll signe / for I fele my vaynes alle voyde of blood / Ha / a my dere lady what shal I now doo / •ertes I sha• neuer put me to reprouche for to flee / I hadde •euer deye and lete here my lyf / than euer shold be rehers•d to yow of me ony dishoneste tydinges / Certes all they that were thoo aboute him were sore abasshid / & not withoute cause. But neuertheles they reconforted them self the best wyse they might. and anon was made than on bothe sydes a meruayllous crye with whiche they marched that one ayenst that other. And began by the Archers & arblasters the batayll so aspre that the Ayer was derked and obscurid with̄ the quarels and arowes and stones that flewe so thikk. And made with̄ their Cryes a grete br••t right meruaillous

THe vayllyaūt knight Iason was in the formest fronte of his people holdyng his bowe in hys h•nd wher with he lete floe Arowes vpon hys Enemyes large∣ly. But atte last the shotte lassed· And whan Iason sawe that / he sterte vpon his horse and toke hys sheld and his spere In escry•ng O••ferne by thre tymes / And smote his hors with̄ his sporis & thrested into middes of

his enemyes so swiftly. that prusus ne the siriens coude not folowe him at the begynnyng / Then̄e whan hit cam to bre∣king of speris / the king of Toscane and the king of bon∣gye knewe him anon̄. wherfore they ran̄ ayenst him. sayng that they wolde auenge the deth̄ of the strong Geant corf{us} And bothe vailliaūtly smote him tronchonyng their spe∣ris vpon his shelde / with̄ oute endomagyng his shelde / but hit is well to beleue that the noble preu Iason failled net at this first cours· for he smote the king of bongye by such radeur that he lefte him oute of his arson̄s / and bare him there vnto the erthe. And so passid forth / and then̄e cam agaynst him the king of Poulane. but that was to his euyl helthe / For Iasons spere trauersid his shelde his hau∣berk & the body alle to breking his spere. And then̄e cam on vnto the bataille Prusus acompanyed of his knyghtes That meruaillously mayntened them self in ensewing the faytes of Iason / and thus began one and other to shewe them self with̄ right grete effusion̄ of blood on bothe par∣ties. But moche more of them of Esclauonye / then̄e of them of Oliferne

INcontinent that the noble Iason had broken his spe∣re he griped in his hand his good swerd that was clere and trenchan̄t / And pretending that men shold speke of his faytes and vaillia•̄ces / he adressid him on that parte where he sawe the banyer royall of Esclauonye And supposed to haue entrid there vpon his enemyes· but they held hem thikke to geder. and cast & smote vp¦on Iason right asprely / And Iason vpon them by suche vertue that he effoūdred plente of their heedes / detrenched

their sheldes and slewe grete nombre of good knyghte• For the vayllyaūt Prusus and his knightes aborded than there in suyng Iason at euery stroke bathed his swerd in the blood of his ennemyes / And dide so grete fete of Armes on alle sydes that they that behelde hym and hys mayntene / callid him deth and saide / Certes the deth as∣saylleth vs hauyng the forme & habylement of a knight Flee that wole hys sureur and hys trenchaūt swerd / For whom he arecheth shall neuer after see fayr daye

IAson thus in this whyle dyde Armes at hys will For he beyng on his horse made the sklauon knigh∣tes marche a foot and many other with oute nombre / one and other sayde that his body was all of stele / And that he was noman mortall / but that he was a thing of that other worlde / For hit semed to his aduersaries that they hadde no spere ne swerde that myght entre in to his bo∣dy What shal I saye vnto yow / he dyde so well that by vyue force with his trenchaūt swerde he brake the war∣des and Araye of the Esklauons & cam vnto the banere of the kinge Esklauon where he was acompanied with xxx. knightes that rengid them for the garde of the baner But incontinent whan they sawe the swerd of Iason redy for to smyte on them / The moste asseured of them began to tremble / Neuerthelesse they sette hem in araye and toke their sheldes / haunced their swerdes / and attended frely and fast a fote / the preu Iason and his folke that folo∣wed him· And than Iason swym̄yng in a newe corage by grete playsir and appetite for to gete goode loos & goode

Renom̄e smote in among tho knightes that withstode him with̄ al their puissaūce / And then̄e in this manere began agayn the bataille and a meruaillous stour· in so moche that on alle sides men mighte see knightes slee eche other· sheldes to breke & fle in pieces / hauberes dismailled / helmes broken & blood spring out of their woūdes and falle vp∣on the erthe.

CErtes the noble preu Iason hadde there moche to doo and suffre as well for to kepe his men in araye / as for to enu•ye and assaille his enemyes· for his shelde was smyten in many pieces· his armures were adommaged in many places. This notwithstanding he enuertued hym selfe defending. wold neuer cesse. til he came vnto the b•nere of the king of Esclauonye / and to the knight that bare the ban•re he gaf a strook so dismesurably that he clefte his h•de vnto the chyn̄. And fill doun̄ dede fro hys horse to the grounde and the baner also in the presence of the king of Esclauonye / The whiche anone as he perceyued that stroke withdrewe him a parte / and one of the knigh∣tes wente for to auan̄ce and Releue the banere. but the no∣ble preu Iason made of him as he dide of that other / And after that he brack and all to rente the banere in pieces at the hors feet. This don̄ he began to smyte on the right side and on the lifte side / And then̄e the Esclauons loste co∣rage & vailliaūce. And on the contrarie they of Oliferne s•eyng the goode {con}duyte of their capitayne began to growe better and better in suche val•ir that as many of their ene∣myes as they mette / they slewe with̄ their swerdes. And so in the ende hit happend that as the noble Iason Ran̄ here

and there he recōtred the king & slewe him with one s•roke that he gaf hym with his swerd. Than the Esklauons alle discon•orted & despayred as they that had no more esperance ne hope to obteyne the vyctorie escryed sayng Late vs flee and saue our self. for alle ys loste· for the king is dede / with whiche crye they tourned their back & put hem to flyght and dysaroye. how wel that they were yet more than .v.M. And than the vaillyaūt Capytayn Iason and alle his batayle poursiewed them chacyng and sleing them out of the Royame of Oliferne. This don the Noble Iason and his companye Retourned vnto the place where the Esklauons had holde their siege / and there they foūde richesses plente. & than whan they had departed their gayn & butin as hit apperteyneth vnto suche a ••as to euery man his part after his condicion. The right va∣liant Iason comaūded to trusse the tentes and pauileūs of his enemyes And than he and his companye Retour∣ned in to the cite as Vainqueurs with moche grete glorie and Triumphe

THe fayr Myrro cam than to mete with Iason gar∣nisshed with a gracious maintene. And made to him the grettest honour and reuerence that was to her pos∣sible. leding him vnto her palays / where he entrid with grete payne. for the peple was assemblid there •n alle par∣tes aboute him in a meruayllous nombre for to see him And cryed alle with an hyhe voys sayng. Nowe is re∣tourned agayn victorious our defendour. our swerd / our helthe and all our esperaūce· whiche hath̄ only in him self more of vaisselage than is in all Esklauonye / and ought

to be honoured & Recomanded aboue alle other. Certes the noble Iason was fested this night & Recomended of suche and semblable loenges of them of Oliferne / whiche made in the stretes daunses & esbatemens thanking their goddes And alwaye Iason was more and more in the grace of the ladyes / For the best born the most fayre the best accom∣plisshed & the most speciall fyxed their loue in hym / Alle were Ialouse of him / But Iason neuer thought on none of them / but onely / vpon the seulle & oultrepassed beaute of the vertuouse Myrro / whiche alwaye was in his memorie And alle they had wondre & meruayle of the beaute gra∣ciousete wytte & perfeccion of Iason. And for to abregge this storie the vaillyaūt & oultrepreu Iason was in this glorie & tryumphe vnto mydnight whiche than withdrewe hym. And whan he was withdrawen in his chambre •••reentred in to his Reuerie of loue as he hadde ben to fore acustomed. And sette all̄ in oublie and forgeting the poysaūt and dangerous strokes that he had that day recey / uid in the bataylle ayenst the Esklauons wherof his body was right sore / and concluded in him self that on the morn he wolde declare his corage vnto the lady. But whan the daye was come and whan he cam to fore her. he felte him self so sore surprised with loue that he wiste not what to saye / And thus he drof forth longe and many a day that he for alle his hardines of Armes / his swete speche ne his strengthe coude not auaylle in gyuing him hardiesse / for to discouere his corage vnto his lady. wherfore on a night he beyng in his bedde began to blame hym self. and saide softely to him self in this manere

WHat may prouffiten the contynuell bewailinges that I make for my lady / I am not a ferde whan I finde me in a troublous bataille of an honderd thousand men̄ / but whan I suppose to speke to my lady / I tremble for feere & drede & wote not what to saye. for tofore her I am as al rauisshid / in like wise as a poure and shamefast man that suffreth to dye for honger rather then̄e for shame he dar beg∣ge his breed / O what vergoigne {pro}cedeth of such shamefast∣nes / I speke to my self allone & I answere / Ofte tymes I am aduised that to morn̄ I shal do meruayles & so I con∣clude right wel / but whan it cometh for to be don̄ I haue no memorie ne remembran̄ce of all my {con}clusions / Am I not then̄e wel simple / whan vnto the most fayr. the moste sage. the most discrete & the most vertuo{us} of all other. I haue no hardynesse for to saye my desire & will / how wel my herte iu∣geth that I am somwhat in her grace / but now cometh vpon me an other iugement / & me semeth that she wel neu acorde to my requestes / O right noble & nonparaille Mirro. she is with̄out peer / as the rose among thornes. Alas & what shal I do without you / I haue made a p̄sente to you of my hert & my will / if I vnderstode that ye were born̄ in a {con}stellaci∣on enpesshing you of thinfluence of loue / & that loue had no power tesproue vpon you his vertues I wolde not enploye my tyme for to thenke on you· but whan me semeth that so grete habondan̄ce of thexcesse of beaute naturell as youris is· it may not be but that it is entremedlid of loue of pite & of mercy / it must nedes be that your humble frende be ra∣uisshed in the {con}templacōn of your gloriouse value. desiring your goode ḡce wisshing your alian̄ce. & requiring the goddes

and fortune that of yow & me they make oon hows & one hed where we mighte enbrase the soueraine playsirs of this w••lde & plainly fynde amerouse felicite

THe preu Iason with̄ thise wordes fyll a slepe / and after he awoke so alumyned with̄ the fyre of loue that hit was to him inpossible to take his rest / but to tour∣ne and walowe & trauaille in his bedde / And there as lo∣ue thus assaylled him agayn· he determined vtterly that he wolde aduenture him to speke to his lady. what that eu happen therof. And so he dide / for the same day he cam vn¦to her and sayde in this wyse. Madame I haue seruid yow as well as to me is possible for two causes / Principally that one for thacquite of cheualerye / And that other not for to disserue the richesses that ye haue vnder the power of fortune / But allonly that singuler thing that nature hath made yow lady of and vpon whiche fortune hath puissaū∣ce / Madame ye haue don to me plente of curtoysies / And offred grete yeftes of monoye. wherof I thanke yow / how wel I holde them but of litil extime / for couetise of auarice haue not alumed me of their fyre / I demande not the grete tresours that ben in the abismes of the see· ner them that ben enclosed in the montaignes / my desir restith in two singuler thinges / that one is for to conquere name in armes / whiche ought to be thappetite of the vocacion of alle noble hertes That other is to obeye vnto the com̄aūdements & plaisaūces of loue that bindeth / & obligeth me to be youris / for to then∣ke on yow / to attende & abide your beniuolence to doo thing that may playse your eyen & your herte

Alas my dere lady all good & honour cometh of you / and

yf ye be all my deport and fortune. And the goddes haue suffrid me to haue doo thing digne of amerouse merite in your fauour. put not ye your herte in discōgnysaūce / by the whiche your noble royaume is put in pres / Receyue hier to your man trew frende & l•uar your knight / and the right humble & obeyssaūt herte / of whom the body secheth with al your plaisirs to obeye him that hath made al his tr•sour of your beaute / fro the oure that the goode fortune brought me hether vnto your presence / I was & haue ben in all poyntes redy to lyue & dye for you in your seruice / in which I toke arestan̄ce. I submysed pres•ly my necke to bere the fardell of your warre / ye knowe how I haue born̄ it / Ha a my dere lady haue mercy on me / I supplye you humbly for asmoche as neuer trewe louar required his lady with more desire & affeccōn in all honour & curtoisye

THe preu Iason cessed then̄e his requeste in beholding the fayr Myrro right amorously. the whiche 〈◊〉 him with a glad will. but this notwithstanding she made no maner semblaūt / but for asmoche as to proue it Iason was asmoche affected in loue as in armes. she ansuerde to him as hit foloweth sayng· Certes fayr sire Iason I knowe that ye be he that haue discharged my royame of them that ete & destroyed the substan̄ce. & whiche wolde by force haue ocupied & wasted hit. And so I will not saye but that ye be right digne of grete merite. And that your thanke and reward ought to be yolden vnto you. But vnto the regarde for to require me of loue. me semeth ye haue moche to ferre enterprised / ye knowe well ye ar none other but a knight / what might saye the kynges and hye Prynces

of whom I haue late made refuse / If I gafe me to yow. howe wel myn entencion is not in no wyse to blame yow But vnto thende that ye lose not your tyme / I auise to seche oughwher ellis your partie. And than do ye wysely And I require yow to be content her with / for I knowe no better remedye for your appaysement

ALas my dere lady answerde Iason / Remembre yow that my hert is suche that can chiese by no way none other lady in loue but yow. Certes that shal not be vnto the tyme that the fysshes flee in the ayer. And that the byrdes swym̄e in the water. My frende sayd the lady vn¦to the Regarde for tendende to take a thing difficile. is no grete prudence. ye be meure in y•ur yong age as tow∣ching Armes / But beware that ye put yow not in so parfoūde an errour that ye can not easely come oute / Cer∣tes I loue yow more than ye wene. I am redy for to y•lde yow your merite for the grete goodnes that ye haue don to the cyte of oliferne / I praye yow that ye require me nomore from hens forth̄. And late this suffise yow. Ha / a ma∣dame ansuerde Iason than. howe maye I haue suffisaunce whan I may not finde grace to fore your noble vysage. of whiche right indigent and not satisfyed I remayne. ye daigne not to condescende to my prayers. hit is now your plaisi• that I fall in despair / but syn hit goth̄ so & that ye will haue no compassion of a trewe knight that hath ben youris. and the deffendour & the hande that hath obteyned the peas for your royame / & the propre arme that hath̄ taken vengeaūce of your aūcient forfaiteurs & enemyes / al dispai∣red I de{per}te prayng vnto the goddes that will enlumine yow

with pite & mercy as they knowe that is nedeful for you· & vnto all oure goddes I com̄ande you

How that Iason after that he had required the quene mirro of loue de{per}ted alle disconforted from oliferne / & how she wente after him

WYth this conclusion the preu Iason all in a traūce & half rebuqued wente vnto the ladyes & damoiselles And the fair Myrro & one woman which was secrete with her de{per}ted fro thens / but the quene entrid allone into her chambre / thinking moche on Iason / whiche at that tyme co∣men among the ladies as said is with an herte sorouful & enuyrōned with displaisir / thanked them gretly of the grete curtoisie that he had fonden in them / & in this poynte toke leue recōmanding him self in their goode grace. After de{per}ted thens vnto his stable & com̄anded to sadle his hors And after that he sente for his armes & adouled hym / & forthwith without ony more speche how well it was nygh̄ night. he rode forth out of the cite. & was so angry & des∣plaisaūt that he wist neu whither to become / & whan the la∣dies sawe that Iason de{per}ted from the cite so allone & dys∣conforted thinking on the vertues where in he was endowed they {con}playned him moche / & saide one to an other that he had not his herte in ease / Many of them bewailed him in suche wise that the grete teres fill doun from their eyen / and among them ther was one that knew somwhat of the secre∣tes of the quene / & she hauyng seen Iason taking his hors all armed & departe out fro the cite cam vnto Myrro alle bewept as she was and saide to her in this manere

MAdame what eyleth your knight or sodayne chaūce may come to him to departe out of your cite armed and allone at this oure haue ye sente him into ony place hit semeth̄ that he hath̄ his herte oppressid with aspre dueil and sorowe· Certes bele answerde the Quene / I wote not what him eyleth. but I trowe right wel that he is not alle at his ayse. for in recompensing of the goode seruices that he hath don to me in this warre / he hath desired & required me of loue. and for asmoche as I haue not acorded to him his requeste / he is departed from me all angry / & more kn•∣we not I. Madame than saide the damoyselle. gaf ye to him no maner hope ne esperaūce at his departing. certes I gaf to him none saide the lady· And how saide the damoiselle • ye haue said to me more than a·M· tymes to fore this tyme that he was the only desir of your herte / I confesse that to yow saide the quene / for yet my loue is sette on him merueyl∣lously / & bere alwey in my souenaūce his grete beaute & his wele doinges / Ha / a madame ansuerde than the Damoyselle Why haue ye than ansuerd him so coldely & refusingly / cer∣tes said the lady / I wote neuer why / but that I was so abasshid & so chauffed in my blood / whan I vnderstode that he required me of loue that I wist not to answere. & also by myn aduise myn honour requireth that at this first requeste / I sholde holde me straūge & not tabondon̄e my self For they that at the firste requeste of their louers agree to them / ought to be ashamed· For as moche as the more parte of men haue no verite ne loyaulte as to the Reg•rd of loue. And also ther be many that can none otherwyse doo but serue ladyes & gentilwomon with lyes & deceytes

My moder tolde me and bad me kepe this lesson whan sh• sente me first to scole / if I haue wel reteyned her doctrine me thinketh I haue non don̄ moche amys· for the thyng that is goten by grete trauayle & long requestes is moche more worth & better kept· then̄e that is goten lightly. Cer∣tes that lady that of her loue is required / can doo no better then̄e to holde her strange & be moche requyred

MAdame ansuerde the Damoiselle I accorde moche to that ye saye to me / but ther is in all thinge manere / how wel that ther be many men that praye & requyre ladies of their loue asmoche as they maye / making lesinges and false othes that can not be coūted. but certes madame this noble and valiant knight Iason is not in myn aduys no thing like as to the compte of other / & after that I vnder∣stonde by your wordes ye haue sent him from you all houn∣touse & shamed / in so moche as I deme that he is goone in suche wise as he cam hether / For at his departing he came & toke leue of the ladies. wherfore I am in doubte that ye shal neuer see him more. And is he goon as ye saye saide then̄e the lady. ye certes sayde the damoisell / he is certaynly goon̄ By what place & by whiche gate. That wote I not sayd the damoisell / but I trowe better that he is retourned into his coūtre then̄e to ony other place

WHan the noble Quene Myrro vnderstood this that sayd is / and that she had a litil remembrid her self of the departing of her dere loue & frende. she fill doun̄ to the erthe as all thurgh̄ smyten & tronchoned with amerouse sorowe & dueil / she began then̄e to wrynge her handes & to smyte with her feet sayng not passing lowde· Alas. Ala•

Fortune is to me hard Alas & what haue I don̄ my selfe euil auisid whan I was required of loue of the moste Re∣nomed knight of all the worlde. of the most vaillyaūt in armes. of the fayrest that lyueth̄. And that I haue not humelyed my self with̄ his right grete humylite / I haue made refuse of my right grete wele and of my grettest ewre and happe. Certes I coude not kepe in myn hous the goode fortune that the goddes of their secrete tresour of their grace had sente to me and brought and planted in my handes By my litil aduyse & entendement I haue chaced oute of Oliferne him that hath̄ rescowed and brought hit agayn fro mortal encombran̄ce by the hye valiaūce of his persone & the trauaile of his body with̄ the precious prys of his blood And then̄e what haue I do. Ha a my herte what hast thou consented. my month̄ what haste thou voided. my tonge what hast thou {pro}ferred· And myn entendement where were thou / where was thy force or thy puissaūce / or thy will / that desiring the loue & thalyan̄ce of him that was abandon̄ed to the whiche haddest thy monthe closed for shame· And hast suffred the corporall and bodily moūth̄ to denye that thing. that thou approuedest to seche aboue all other thing O right poure shamefastnes / ye hoūtouse shamefastnes· in what ploye or in what presse am I nowe by thy cause. Cer∣tes I am ashamed that I haue refused thalyan̄ce of my frende and of my domycille. But certes I shalle amende hit to my power / I shalle goo after hym so ferre til I shal fynde hym / And I shall haue no shame to putte me in his mercy

Whan the yong damoisell a{per}ceyued the grete displaisi•

where in her· maistresse was / she shitte the chambre dore to thende that no persone shulde come vpon them / and begonne there to wepe til night. and that a lady cam knocking at the dore & saide that the soupper was all redy / than the que∣ne dide do answere her by the damoyselle· that she wlde not souppe / for so moche as she felte her not wel disposed / and also comanded that no {per}sone sholde come to her that night Whiche answere so made / the Quene & the damoyselle began to make newe bewailinges & teeris and after began to be∣waile Iason. and among alle other thinges the Quene saide these wordes. yet maye ther worse auenture greue me more / for after an ouer moche dangerouse inconuenience she sendeth to me the deth̄ / Ha a late me sorowe / but what shal I mowe doo. I wote neuer what to thenke. & what ought I to doo by your faith̄. seme ye good that I ought to goo after him· or that I sende ony faithfull man after him of my knowleche· Certes I thinke if I sholde sende a messa∣ger after him that he wolde not come agayn / And if I wente my self after him / that sholde be to me the grettest dishonour of the worlde. Madame ansuerde than the damoi∣selle ye ought to knowe your caas· and of two wayes to take the beste / If ye haue intencion that Iason be your hus∣bonde / hit behoueth̄ no lenger to soiourne. for ye muste go or sende vnto him with̄ alle diligence· and for to saye to yow myn opinion. yf hit were so happend to me as it is to yow I wolde sende none other messager. but my selfe / And knowe ye verily that ye may haue no dishonour for to goo after him vnderstonden & well considerid the good & agre∣able seruices that he hath̄ don to yow & to your royame· for

vnder the colour for to guerredone & rewarde him / ye maye take occasion to come into wordes and to gyue him som ma∣tere yet for to serue you· Certes fayr doughter saide the que∣ne / I wote not what to thinke what me is best to do / for if I goo after him and finde him. what shal I saye / My dere lady ansuerde the damoiselle. as I haue right now sayd ye shal presente to him the guerredon of the grete honour and good seruice that he hath don to you in your necessite. this thinketh to me litil substance for to entre into speche of my pryncipal cause sayd the quene / Certes madame answerd then̄e the damoisell•. whan ye shal come and be to fore the knight / loue shall teche you to speke / if ye will recorde the lessons and epistles of loue by the space of ten yere. it shal but litil prouffite to your auancement / for ther lacketh̄ no¦thing but thinspyracion of loue medlid with̄ hardynesse and of humayne entendement. spekyng with̄ the month̄ whiche is instrument of the dischargyng and discouering of hertes / Syn that it is so sayde then̄e the fayr myrro que∣ne of Oliferne· All thing considerid I had moche leuer to couere a litill blame. then̄e that I sholde in alle poyntes with̄ oute euer to recouere agayn alle the hole desire and playsir of my herte. and the consolacion of myn̄ eyen / then̄e I shalle saye to you myn aduyse / that hit is nede and ne∣cessite so to do. and that ye muste nowe goo vnto my wo∣men̄ and saye to them. that to morn̄ betymes I shalle goo in pilgremage accompanyed of you onely / And that they take hede and see well to alle thinges. And ye and I tofore the sonne rising shal enterprise in the most secrete wise that shall be possible oure enqueste vpon the most noble and

vailliaūt knight / the most fair / & the most adressed that is liuing· That is Iason myn only frende. and we shall do so moche that he shall be founden. This aduise semed right good vnto the Damoyselle / the whiche with alle diligence obeyed to the comaūdemēt of her maistresse / and after these thinges aboute midnight. they made redy her thinges and on the morn erly tofore day. bothe they toke eche a good palfroye in habite vnknowen and rode forth̄ on their waye. and suche was their auenture that they cam for to bayte in the logging wher her frende Iason had log∣ged that night. And than she began to demande of the hoost of thaffaire and contenance of the knight and what chere he had made the euen to fore· and at his departing what way he had taken & holde. And the hooste ansuerde to the lady. that as to the regarde of his chere and thaf∣faire of the knight· he had nether eten ne dronken in alle the euening / And as to the waye that he had holden· he enseigned to the lady. whiche was than moche pensif for Iason. that had not that euening taken no Refeccion of mete ne of drinke

THe noble Quene Myrro & her damoyselle taried than not longe at that bayting / for they toke their horses and rood as hastely as to hem was possible & so roode ·iij dayes long after Iason / hering in euery logise where they descended tidinges of him / but they coude not outaken ne finde him / And on the fourth̄ day fuyng they cam vnto a porte of the see / where was shewid vnto them a ship where in were marchants of athenes / & was told to them that Ia∣son was therin & that he wold go to athenes & furthermore if

they wolde go ther was yet a ship of other marchan̄s that was on the poynt to departe / but then̄e the fayr Myrro was in suche a poynt of displaisir whan she knewe that Iason was departed that she made grete sorowe· This notwyth∣standing she was anon̄ conseylled what she wolde doo / & concluded syn that she hadde so moche traueyled that she wolde {pro}ue dame fortune. & went after Iason· with̄ this {con}clusion all ful of aspre sighinges she went▪ to the ship that sholde disancre for to go to Athenes & agreed with the ma∣ron̄er whiche was brought theder by force of tempest & winde and anon̄ they disancred & de{per}ted / & whan they sawe that it was calme & blewe not· they made redy their oores & ro∣wed by the force of their armes / for at that tyme men vsid not so many sailles as they do now. notwithstanding they exploited in such̄ maner that they cam into the hye see· where they rowed long tyme· In which̄ tyme the quene mirro becam seke vnto the deth̄. & fynably whan they had ben certayne space of tyme. a meruaillo{us} orage & grete winde caste hem here & there / in suche wise / that fortune broughte hem to the porte of trace· magre al the maron̄ers / for they were al ad∣utised that it was perillo{us} to ariue there because of the king of that coūtre whiche was named Dyomedes

THe kyng Dyomedes then̄e was a tyran̄t right in∣humayne. And had of long time ben acustomed to robbe all them that arryued in his royaume were hit by see or by lande. he was at that tyme soiournyng in his ci∣te named Bysance. The whiche was afterward callyd constantynoble / & incontinent that this ship was arryued at the porte of Bysance Dyomedes dide hastely doo arme

him & brought with̄ him .xxx. of his tyrants / and in this maner cam vnto the porte where were arriued the / ij / ships of athenes. & assone as he might be herd of the maronners he escried them & sayde / vylayns meschants & vnhappy come vp on hye and come out of my shippes / for ye must logge in my prisons. or ye shal haue as many strokes as ye may suffre

WHan the vaillyaūt knight Iason ••d vnderstand the grete felōnye of the tyrant and that he sawe that alle the maronners tremblid for drede in suche wyse· that they durste not sowne a worde. he enhaūced his heed and answ•rde to Dyomedes sayng· Gloton myserable what de∣mandest thou / be we not infortunat ynowh̄ as thou semest late vs in peas. Dyomedes he ring this answer was as angry as he might bee. wherfore he comanded his compli∣ces that incontinent they sholde auenge him of the Iniurie that Iason had sayd to him in his presence / than the com∣plices whiche were right aspre & more redy to do euyl than otherwise / escryed Iason to the deth & descended from thens that they were til they cam to his ship vpon the sande / and whan the preu Iason sawe the manere of these tyrants / he recomforted him self the best wyse he might and his ma∣ronners whiche were so dysconforted / that they had no po∣wer to put hem to deffence. he toke his shelde and held fast his goode swerde / and bad them to take thair bastons and armures. & that they sholde deffende hem vaylliaūtly and of goode corage· But in this sayng the glotons ap∣proched Iason & smote vpon him with̄ their swerdes right fiersly / certes they enuayhed him on all sides by grete felonie

But they coude not well areche him for as moche as ther was betwene hem aboute a .vij. fote of watre / wherfore som of them wente for to fe•che a brigge of tre right stronge & propice and wherin were nayles of yron̄. on bothe sides / & they dide somoche as they fastned this brigge vnto the ship of Iason / And then̄e they that were wel asseurid / thre of the most vailliaūt of them mounted therevpon & myghte goo theron a fronte / But whan they supposed to haue smi∣ten vpon the noble preu Iason. As vailliaūt and Ryght asseured knight as he was. he enuertued him selfe vpon them by suche conduyte that with̄ thre strokes of his good swerde that he gaf to them he made alle thre to tumble into the see / where they dranke so moche that they neuer arose but lefte there their lyf

WHan the maron̄ers of the shippe sawe that their lorde Iason defended him so valiantly. with̄ the trenching of his good swerd they toke corage. for they seasid their staues and armures. And enterprised the batayle ayenst their enemyes for to supporte and helpe a litill Iason / howe well they helde hem gladly be hynde as they that fledde the strokes to their power· Certes the noble Iason kepte right valiaūtly the passage of the brigge ayenst the tyrants and furnysshed hem wel vpon thentre of the planke· vpon which̄ they went vp •ne after an other of whom many were hurt and slayn· There was the tyran̄t Dyomedes the whyche entremedlid him to his power / to conduyte his complices and there brayed as a lyon for somoche as hys men might not mate ne bete doun̄ the vailliaūce of the knyghte Iason The whiche allone resisted their fierste and puyssaunce

Notwith̄standing for alle his grete pride he ne daygned not to make ony assault but by the brigge What shal I saye yow. Certes the bataylle dured right long betwene Iason & the Traciens / in so moche that the Quene Myr•o herde tidinges therof / And was told to her that ther was a kmght in the shippe of ther companye that made so many hye vayllyaūces vpon the tyrantes of Trace. that ther was neuer none seen like to him in prowesse

WHan the Quene Myrro vnderstode these tydinges she thought incontinēt that hit was Iason that fought so vaillyaūtly for to deffende the .ij. shippes. she had glad∣ly auaunced her self for to haue seen his grete vasselage / but she was so right feble that in no wyse she might lifte vp her heed / and in like wyse was her damoyselle / And so long dured the terryble bataill the ylle partie of the tra∣ciens / & of Iason / that the Traciens foūde no more a lyue but .xij. of .xxx. that were comen the dir / And of these / xij seyng the deth̄ of their felaws / ther was none so hardy that durst presente him to fore Iason ne cople with̄ him. Than the king Diomedes seyng this that sayd is· was so an∣gry that he might no more be / Than wening to do vailly∣aūce & for to gyue corage to his complices he wente vp on the planke & presented him self so ferre that Iason salued him / & welcom̄eth him with̄ suche a stroke of his swerde vpon the hyest of his helme / that he smote him doun reuer∣sid vpon the brigge and syn lyfte vp his arme with̄ the swerde / but the paillards tyrants as wery and Recreaūt fled alle trembling and were fore abasshid whan they sawe their king Dyomedes so sodainly smeton doun / than

som̄e of his complices drewe him by the legges doun from the brigge in so moche that they toke from him his horn that was aboute his necke / And blewe and sowned hit lowde for to make assemble there the Cythezeins of the cite / the whiche h•ring the soun of the horn assembled them for to come to the rescousse of their lord / but the tempest of the see cessed than and the maronners casted the brigge into the watre And than whan they were disan••ed they departed with̄ their shippes out fro the p•rte with̄ all diligence. And be∣gan right Ioyously to rowe thanking their goddes and the hye vailliaūces of the no•le knight Iasen that they were so escaped of the dang•rous parillys of the felon tyraūt. the whiche on that other syde had so grete despyte & sorowe / that he semed better a man out of his witte than otherwyse / for he had not foūden to fore the knightes that hadde so moche prowesse & vailliaūce as he had foūden tho in Iason

THe two shippis than departed from Trace as sayd is and were four dayes long vpon the see / And on the fyfthe day they arryued at Athenes where Iason went a lande· and so dide the fair Myrro / the whiche began to waxe hole of her maladye. At whiche descente a londe mir∣ro espied where Iason toke his logging. and she folowed acompanied of her damoiselle vnto the tyme that she sawe the logging. whiche was the hows of an notable burgeys And than was she in grete thoughtes & variacions for to knowe· whether she wolde logge in the same logging or not Thus in varieng in this doubte she approched the l•ggyse And syn retourned agayn and after cam agayn / and fynably. whan she sawe that Iason was n•t in the waye

she wente in / & required of the bourgoys that for her money she myght haue a chambre in that hous / Then̄e the bourgois seeyng that the lady was moche wele adressid of gracious maner of speking & otherwise. he logged her & her damoy∣selle to her plaisir / And dide do put the two palfrayes in a stable by Ias••• •ors which anon began to neyhe assone as he smellid them / for he knewe them for asmoche as they had ben long to gyder in oliferne / And so made they grete chere eche to other. wherof the bourgoys had grete meruaile But thoughte nothing but well and gaf hem heye and otes / And after came to serue Iason· And foūd that his chambre was full of marchan̄s and maronners that were comen with him on the see / whiche p̄sented him wyne and mete· & gaf him grete yeftes of riche Iewels & other strange thinges

IN this chambre was with Iason a man of syxe score yere honeste of his persone and alway strong and habyle. the whiche seeyng this presentacion made to Iason cam vnto the hoost and demanded him. who was this yong knight to whom men dide so moche honour / but the bourgoys coude not answere. in so moche the bourgoys and thauncient man axid one of the maronners of thys matere. And the maronner sayde / that he was / the beste. the moste vertuous and the moste vailliaūt knight of the world / And that they gaf to him these presentes / for as moche as by his hye prowesse he hadde preserued them from the tyrannye and daūger of the kyng Dyomedes and of hys complices. And so moche sayd the maron̄er of Iason That they Iugged him with̄ his mayntene & semblaūce

to be a moche noble knight and vailliaūt. Among these deuises the marchants & maronners toke their leue of preu Iason & offred them to his com̄andement & after retorned vnto their howses. & anon after that they were goon. the bourgeys dide do couere the table whiche was couerid of the yeftes. and Iason wolde that the knight shulde sitte first because of his aage & aunciente / for in that time men helde the auncient & aaged men in moche grete reuerēce & honour

BVt in this present time hit goth all otherwyse. the yong men presume to go & sitte aboue olde & auncient men· & mocque & skorne them that ben come to grete aage Saying / that they be feble of their membres of their enten∣dement and of nature· And ther be many children. that don their fader to vnderstande that they be foolis. wylling to haue in gouernaūce the poure olde men· not poure but ri∣che. For hit is grete Rychesse to a man whan that hono∣rably may amasse and bringe his dayes vnto the degre of old aage· And yet ben ther children that don worse. for they desire and wisshe their faders and moders ded. and serue hem with̄ thinges contrarye to their helth̄ & lyf· the whiche is the grettest tresour that a man may haue as to worldly goodes· Ha a howe many ben ther of them in these dayes I see al most non other. for the yong peple may not here the doctrine of the olde men. and wene that they ben so wyse· that men nede not to shewe them ony wisedom / & also they ben vnkinde and full of ingratitude / in so moche that yf they knewe ony thing wherwith they might dishonoure them they wolde do hit. & they resemble vnto the sone of no• whiche by d•ri•ion sh•wed the secrete membres of his fader

Alas what cursed & blinde yongthe was that

HOr to come agayn vnto our mater the noble Iason sette him doun at the table by the aūcient knight. & after that the hooste & hostesse whiche often tyme exorted Iason to make good chere / but Iason might nether ete ne drinke· for certes he dide nothing but thinke & spack not one worde but if he were demanded or araison̄ed. After soper whan the table was voided Iason & thaūcient knight werd leyde in one chambre where were two beddes / & whan Iason was leyde. he began to sighe in suche wise & of so in∣ward sorow of his herte that it semed that the fowle sholde departe from the body· wherfore thaūcient knight that was loggid in that other bedde by. might not slepe / & thoughte right well in him selfe that Iason was not at his case / & whan he had long herkened his sighes & herde that they en∣cresid alway more & more. he might no lenger tarye but he must speke. and sayde in this manere· Syr knight I ha∣ue grete meruaile of you / wherfore saide Iason / for asmoch̄ saide thaūcient knight / that your sighes & bewailinges iug∣ge to me that ye ar in the bedde of deth̄ / how wel by al that I see & {con}prise in you / hit semeth not by the sight of the eye that ye be seke. for your colour is fressh as roose in maye. is it not then̄e grete meruaile for to here you so sighe / yes certayn. Ha a sir knight ansuerde then̄e Iason / if ye Iuge the disposicōn of my body after the colour of my face ye be gretly abused. for I haue a seknes & maladye right secrete whiche shal first slee me. er my face may be stayned or dis∣coloured I am al certayn. Sir saide thaūcient knight. ye holde a grete ram̄e of dispair. it is {con}straynt saide Iason

CErtes sir knight answerd the olde knight. If ye will lyue what som euer sekenes ye haue or malad•e Put yow in my handes and cure. and I make me strong for to hele and make yow hole. I trowe sir knight ansuerde Iason that hit is not in your cunnyng and power that to doo. ner in all the subtilte of all the men mortall. Than answerd the auncient knight. be ye seke of the maladye of loue wherof no man may remedye but youre lady. Ha / a sir knight answerde Iason than. who hath told yow· me thinketh that ye oppresse me so sore that I muste confesse to yow my caas. And so I declare to yow / that I am somo∣che smeten with the pestilence of loue that I may not lyue ne endure ne ete ne drinke ne reste night ne day. In good faith̄ answerde thauncient knight. ye dar not be aferd of deth syn that ye haue non other infirmite. For the maladye that {pro}cedeth̄ of loue is so graciouse / that hit put•eth noman to deth / Certes the sekenes is of grete ensoigne and payne But hit is a maladye wherof men recouere. Sir sayde than Iason. If I dye not of bodily deth / I shal dye of sprituel deth̄. for hit is in no wyse possible that neuer in this worlde I shall haue plaisir or solace / And than shall I not be de•e Alas I muste nedes. ye treuly of the moost anguisshyst deth̄ that ony man may endure. Syre ansuerd thauncient knight ye tell me right grete meruailes. I tell yow trouth̄ saith̄ Iason / For I am so infortunat in loue and so mo∣che vnhappy and haue in my self so litil of valeur / that I am ashamed and hountouse to lyue. And wolde that I were there / where I shall be .v. honderd yere h•re after with̄ oute ony respyte

WHan thaūcient knight vnderstode that Iason 〈◊〉 in somoche & bitter dispair / he had pite of him & said to him for a litil to reconforte him. Certes gentil knight / I knowe wel my self & vnderstonde of this marchandyse wherof ye wene to entremete. and I ap{per}ceyue all plainly that of your loue ye haue not enioyed your first desire & wil But I wolde fayn knowe if ony man hath don̄ you wrong of your lady· or ellis if this maladye cometh & {pro}cedeth by the rigour of her / Certes gentil knight ansuerde Iason· all my myschief {pro}cedeth of the grete rigour of my lady & by the valour & simplenes of me / for I haue seruid that farr lady in a moche daūgero{us} warre that her mortal enemyes made to her not long syn in the most diligent wise that I coud o•∣might / & after whan she was at her aboue of her adusaires I haue requyred her of her grace that she wolde be my lady in loue / but she hath not willed to see in me somoche ver∣tue ne somoche valour that she wolde acorde her to my request And thus I haue therfore my lyf in grete hate & see none other remedie but that I fall in despayr

HAyr sire ansuerde thaūcient knight haue not ye ofte tymes herd saye. that one lost and two recouerid. yf hit be so that a woman hath̄ made of you refuse / by your fayth shall ye therfore be suche a fooll as for to fall in des∣pair / Considere ye not that ther be ynowh̄ of other / & if ye haue not ynowh̄ of one I shal make you to haue a dosayne / ther is no grete derthe ne scarcete of women̄· certes if ye re∣mēbre you wel / ye shal saye that they cra•che out men̄es eyen / & therfore al this wel {con}siderid if your lady sette litil by you Do the same to her & seche another without long taryyng

CErtes sir knight saide Iason· whan I haue wel mar∣ked & take hede of your wordes / ye speke after your playsir. These ben thinges that may better be said than ex∣ployted / Certain saide the auncient knight I telle to yow the secrete & the verray historie / I wil wel that euery man be amerous & loue. but that he haue .ij. strenges on his bowe And that noman put him so ferforth in loue / bu that he may withdrawe him in time & in season̄ / women one and other {pro}prely to speke ben malicious in her werkes. & this {pro}cedeth that eche of them adresse other of suche conceyll exhor∣te & of fauour. Men saye / that the most orguilloust & prou∣dest creature that is / is the deuill / and next after him is the woman. and next after is the foole that is ouquidaūt / for pride cometh̄ not but of folie & tomoche we•ng. Somme women ther be that must haue one amerous man to whom they kepe hem treuly / Other ther be many that ben full of wordes and lene their eeris to alle the worlde. Other loue to haue a eye and tokenes· and they make like signes al∣so ferre as they may not speke to hem. Other they ben that wole ben more prayid & requirid for to enioye them & to ha∣ue their grace / than the goddes ben for to haue their fair pa∣radys· For tabregge & shortly to conclude· Certes gentyll knight· they be wel happy that haue not to do with̄ them in ony suche rec•ptes. & they be foles that haue to do moche with̄ hem / for he that may passe from them. may do no better than to wit•drawe him fer from hem in fleing the places & alle the circumstaūces· Sir answerde than Iason I suppose and thinke wel that ye coude saye moche better if ye wolde· first as to the regarde for to haue / ij / cordes or strenges on his bowe

That is to vnderstande two ladyes / certes it is not possi∣ble that he that so doth may be constant in his werkes ne in his thoughtes. for no man may wel serue two maistres. for that one corumpeth̄ that other. Then̄e it is so that if a noble man for to auaūce him self in worship maye doo no better then̄e for to chese an honourable lady whiche he maye loue treuly secretly & so parfaytly that he fire and drede to doo ony thing but that it be honest in all thingis & of Re∣com̄andacion / for all ladies desire nothing but honour and hye renōmee / hit is their {pro}pre vocacion & their naturell con∣dicōn· then̄e how shal he haue desire of honour that is no trew louer / for he that is double is to moche vntrew & fals / and if ony wele or honour happen to come to him / it is agaynst Reson. right / and good equite. And if ther be ony suche Certes they be no worthy to liue. seen that the ladies ben of so parfon̄de excellence / that the leest of all is worthy to haue the best knight of all the world. And for that cau∣se saye no more / that I take two cordes or strenges on my bowe. For certaynly I had leuer to receyue and passe the destrait of deth̄

WHan thaūcient knight had vnderstonde thanswer of Iason / he was moche abasshid & saide to him / that he wolde neuer holde that waye ne purpose / wherf•re fayr syre sayd Iason̄. for asmoche saide the knight that men shold mocque him. for I suppose wel to knowe that if right now ye sholde these of two thinges one. that is to wete to receyue deth̄ or ellis chese a new lady / that ye wolde more sone the lady then̄e the deth̄. And for good cause· Certes ther ben plente of amoreusis that susteyne and swere. that for to

saue thonour of their ladies they wolde attende & take the deth̄ / But I suppose if they sawe the deth̄ come they wold nomore abide him then̄e the quayle abideth̄ the sperhauke / & for a ll thise raisons aboue sayd I coūceyle you that ye le∣ue this errours & opynyons & reconforte your self the best wise ye can in your maladie. for by myn aduise I beleue not that your payne be mortal. & I haue not herde saye that eu ony man amerous by maladye of loue lost his life· but if he went out of his mynde

IAson with these wordes coude nomore Replicque for he ap{per}ceyued that he coude not make his mater good ner mayntene it agaynst the olde knight / & thus ending their parlament he slepte vnto the tyme hit was nygh daye And then̄e Iason awoke & began to make new sighes in so moche that thaūciennt knight herde it agayn. how well that he was a slepe & was sodainly awaked / And then̄e whan Iason knewe that he was awaked he salewed him & gaf him goode morow & sayd to him. Sir knight because of your grete age ye haue seen moche thing in your tyme / I demande you by your fayth̄ if ye haue knowleche in dremes Wherfore axe ye ansuerde the knight / For asmoche sayd Iason as I haue not cessed this nyght to dreme· By my loyaulte fayr sire ansuerde the good old knighte. yf ye haue dremed ony thing that haue nede of exposicion or ony interpretacōn. there is noman is grece that shal better ans∣were therto then̄e my self / and therfore without ony doubte Tell me plainly your dreme / and I shal expowne to yow the substance. Certes sire knight saide Iason I had a mer∣uailo{us} dreme this night· whiche in maner of a passe temps

I shal declare to yow for as moche as ye ar conning in the science of thexposicion therof. whiche dreme or vysion was this. Me thoughte that I sawe two swannes whiche were right fair in a medowe / of whom that one was a male and that other a female. The male cam vnto the female & made semblaūt for to haue acompanyed with̄ her· the female sette nought therby / but withdrewe her aback. And whan the male sawe that / he entrid vnto a Ryuer that was by and passid ouer & cam lye with̄ me here in this bedde· and hit was not long after but me thoughte that the female passed the Ryuer in like wise· and cam vnto the chambre dore and made many pyetous cryes after her nature. that the male might not here· for he was a slepe. And so hadde I mo∣che grete pite for the sorowful chere that she made in so mo∣che that I awoke. And nomore I sawe· wherfore I wote neuer what to thnike

WHan the auncient knight hadde wel vnderstande a longe the dreme of the preu Iason he sayde to him in this manere. Sir knight what wole ye saye if that noble lady for whom ye suffre so moche sorow be as moche or mo∣re Amerous of yow as ye be of her. And by thys loue she be comen in to this howse after yow. Ha / a sir knight answerde Iason. I haue no charge of that stroke. for my lady is so noble and so endowed of so hyghe beaute that she setteth̄ nought by ony man in the worlde· Alleway fayr sir sayde than thaūcient knight / your dreme signifieth by thi∣se / ij / swannes / of whom wolde make the bataille or thenter∣prise that desireth̄ {con}panye of the female. that ye haue willed to be husbonde to your lady. the whiche wold not here yow

And neuertheles whan she hath̄ knowen that ye entred on the see / she entred after in semblable wise & is comen after you into this {pro}pre hous· where by auenture she is in moche grete payne for the loue of you / In this facōn maye I pre∣nostique and dyuyne this werk after the nature of your dreme

IAson with̄ these wordes began to sighe right ardan̄t∣ly and sayde. What is this & •ro whens cometh̄ to me this fantasye that maye more greue me then̄e helpe / I knowe well that it is a grete abuse to me for to thinke & haue a renouelement of payne & of sorow. O what payne is to a trewe louar infortunat for to be in contynuel martire Ha a my dere lady why haue ye not the eyen so cleer for to beholde with̄ in my herte and knowe in what matirdom I am. in what sorow and in what anguisshe / Certes mada∣me youre eyen basilique haue hurte me vnto the deth / O what distresse / O what guerdon̄ for good seruice· I fynde me in the handes of right harde deth. but yet f•r to passe the sonner my sorowe. I shall praye the goddes that I may be eurews after my grete vnhappines. Then̄e the sage and aūcient knight· Mopsius hering the noble preu Iason thus sorowfully complayne him selfe and lamenting / in fauour of noblesse was gretly en̄oyed in corage. and for somoch̄ he saide to him in this maner. For goddes sake sir knight leue and goo oute of this fantasye. for to moche to muse in Infortune is nothing prouffitable / A man̄ with̄ grete trauayle and labour bringeth̄ his dayes to an ende hauig his life trauersid in many contrarye thinges / Ther is no man so ewrous and happy that hath̄ alle waye hys wille

Certes the time muste be taken as hit cometh / is hit hard or softe. The herte of a man sholde not abasshe in no thing Me semeth we haue spoke ynowh of loue. I praye yow that from hens forth we may entre into an other purpose / And that ye wolde telle to me your name and the place of your burth. and the name of your hows and dwelling place V•ritably sir knight ansuerde Iason than / If ther be •ny man that may redresse and gyue confort to a desolat••• •t and disconforted ye be he most propice aboue alle other / I haue foūden so moche goodnes in yow / that if ye wole telle me your name with out ony faute / I shal telle yow myn also· Fair sir ansuerde thaūcient knight / your desire is to me agreable / in suche wise that I shal recompte to yow my lyf & all myn astate· more than to ony man that I heue seen this / vi / score yere / knowe ye than that my name is mop¦sius· the god Appollo was my fader / I am king of Si•ce I haue conquerd the coūtre of Pamphile I haue had / ij / so∣nes· And whan they were come to mannes age / I haue made them possessours of my landes. & syn I am departed in suche estate as ye me now see / I haue ben in the world vj / score yere / during whiche time I haue seen & haue lerned plente of good & straūge werkes / prayng yow & require that ye shewe to no {per}sone myn estate ne condicions by no facōn of the worlde & whan so is that ye speke to me / that ye na∣me ne calle me none other name but mopsius openly ne co∣uertly & for diuce cause / Mopsius ansuerde than the noble Iason syn it so pleseth yow to be named & called· I {pro}mise yow vpon my honour that in somoch as toucheth that ye haue said / hit shal be holden secrete in myn herte also fast & suche

manere as ye had closed it in the most harde roche of the worlde / & to the regarde to saye to you how I am named. knowe ye for certayn that I am callid Iason & am borne of the {pro}uynce of thessaile sone of the gentil king Eson of mirmidone that yet liueth as I suppose· but he is moche aū∣cien̄· With these wordes mops•{us} for to make Iason for to forgete his melancolies / he began to demande him of the na∣ture of the royaume of Mirmidone & of the coūtrees aboute And after demanded him of the birthe of his aage and of his auentures / and after this he enquired of him ma∣ny other thinges vnto the tyme that they began to Ryse & make hem redy. but what thing that Iason saide or herke∣nyd / he had alway his thought on his lady and sigh•d oftetymes out of mesure

WHan the two noble knightes were rysen and clad in poynt / Iason̄ wente strayt into the stable to hys horse / whome he louyd well. but incontinent whan he had ben there a litil and that he hadde parceyuid the two pal∣froyes of the lady and of the damoiselle / him semed that he had seen them tofore tyme. Then̄e he callyd the seruaūt of the stable & demanded of him to whom tho two horses belonged / Then̄e the seruaūt ansuerde that they appertey∣ned to two damoiselles that were loggid there with mne Truly frende saide Iason what damoiselles that euer they be The two horses belonge to my lady best belouyd / & whan the good aūcient knighte vnderstood Iason. he sayd to him / Iason Remembre ye of your dreme I take hit on my life that your lady is in this hous / or ellis the damoiselles ben here for her. the whiche shal saye to you goode tydinges

Withoute ony other question or answere Iason departed incontinent from the stable. and wente vnto the hostesse. & whan he had boden to her goode morowe he sayd to her / Fair hostesse· knowe ye the two Damoyselles that ben logged herein· Certes sir knight ansuerde the hostesse / I knowe hem none otherwise but as me semeth̄ that they ben gentil wo∣men & comen of a good hows / Is hit possible that I maye see hem saide Iason. I wote neuer saide thostesse but I first demande them· Fair hostesse said than Iason I require yow that I may see them / And that ye wylle go saye that here ys a knight their seruaūt / that hath grete desire to speke with them

THe goode hostesse for to do plaisir vnto Iason / wente vnto the two Damoyselles and sayd to them▪ My fayr maystresses I come to yow in the name and at the request of a gentil knight he saying your seruaūt / the whi∣che requireth̄ yow / that of your grace hit wolde plese yow that he might speke with̄ yow. And aduise yow what hit shal plese yow that I answere to him· But incontinēt that the Quene Myrro had herd her hostesse speke of the requeste of the knight· Certes the colour began to chaūge meruail∣lously and her thought / that alle her body was esprysed wyth̄ fyre· But this notwithstanding she held her con∣tenaunce the beste wyse she myghte. And howe wel that she doubted of the comyng of the pre• Iason. and that she was than in a tr•unce what she shold saye to her. yet she answerd and sayd. Fair dame. who is that knight that hath̄ sen•e yow hether / Certes sayd the hostesse I sa∣we 〈◊〉 ne•er to fore that I wote of▪ But to my seming

he is the most gentil and the most well made of body and also most curtois that ony man may or can finde or speke of. Dame sayde then̄e the fayr Myrro / syn that he is so ver∣tuous & so well accomplisshed as ye saye / do him to come hether / With̄ these wordes the goode hostesse dide do Iason come vnto the chambre / And then̄e assone as he cam in. he behelde the noble quene whiche was right shamefaste / and hauyng the herte shytte & rauisshid made vnto her the Re∣uerence & salewed her / And the fayr Myrro welcomed & salewed him agayn moche curtoisly· This don they entrid into deuises / And then̄e after certayn wordes Iason saide to the quene in this maner

CErtes my dere lady I had not knowen that ye had ben in this hostelerye ne had ben your two palfroies Whiche I haue this morenyng foūden in the stable by my hors· and yet whan I had seen and knowen them I had not supposed that ye had ben in this hows. how wel whan I vnderstode that the two palfroyes belonged to two Da∣moiselles / wenyng that here had ben two of your damoi∣selles. I am comen for to here tydinges of you / Certes sire knight I doubte not the contrarye / and in like wyse I had not supposed ner thought to haue foūden you nowe here. & I declare to you that I am departed secretly for to goo a pilgremage where I haue promysed long syn accompany∣ed only wyth̄ this Damoyselle / And I auowed so to doo in the moste strengthe of my warre / And I haue grete meruaylle for to see you now here. For without doubte I hadde supposed that ye hadde ben this oure in Oliferne at your reste

MAdame ansuerde Iason I haue none hope that euer ye shal see me more in Oliferne. Certes Iason fair sire ye ben hasty & moche swift in your werkes. I haue good will & grete desire for to rewarde and contente yow of the good & agreable s•ruices. that ye to fore this tyme haue don to me during my warre in persecuting and deliue∣ring of my mortell enemyes. and if ye retourne not to Oliferne. I may not ner can not doo rewarde and contente yow· Ha a my dere lady an•uerde than Iason / As I sayd yow that other day in your palais / I haue not s•ru•d yow in suche wise as I haue coude best doo / for menoye or other m•uable goodes. but I haue employed my self only for to gete your loue & your goode grace· I haue paternall riches∣ses largely. and therfore I saye to yow so moche. that yf so be that ye graūte not me your l•ue / ye may not contente me. And knowe ye certainly that after this daye ye shall neuer see me. for as your trewe louer and humble seruaūt vnguerdonned / I shal goo withdrawe me into som des•rte bewailing & weping that part after yow / And vnto my deth I wole doo non otherwise. wherfore I yow supplie with alle my herte / that pyte may entre into your noble correge in suche wyse that on me your poure suppliaūt / ye haue pyte and mercy. and ellis of me ye shal neuer see good

WHan the noble lady had vnderstand that sayd ys She ansuerde to the preu Iason in this manere / Cer∣tes sir knight ther is no herte of lady so hard / but by the vertu of youre requestes muste nedes be softed & molefied / ye haue seruid me hyely & well in alle trouth & loyaulte In alle williaūce & diligence. I confesse & knowleche hyt /

ye require me as I vnderstande that I sholde be your wyff and felaw / a more gretter thing ye may not demande me / ne that more me toucheth· Neuertheles whan I apperceyue your grete & good valoir· to thende that ye haue no cause for to falle in despair / I am content for to accorde my selfe vnto your prayers & requestes. forseen alway that ye shall goo into your coūtrey / And there ye shall assemble youre most next parents and frendes· whiche ye shal bringe into my cyte that in their presence ye shal wedde and spowse me solempnly

THe noble and vaillyaūt knight Iason thanked the fayr Myrro of this goode answere· And promised to her to doo and accomplisshe treuly alle that she hadde de∣sired· that is to wete that he sholde go into Myrmidone for tassemble h•s frendes & alyes. and that he sholde retourne into Oliferne for to marye and wedde her in their presence But whan the damoyselle that was comen with the quene for to holde her companye / herde suche or semblable promesses made by her maistresse / which̄ was so wel comen to the point of her desir. she was rēplesshed with̄ consolacion & ioye / and forth̄with̄ she cam betwene the / ij / louers and sayde to them / that she called alle the goddes to witnes & thanked them for this aliaūce. Certes than sayde the fayr Myrro / syn that ye haue don so moche. I wolde wel that we hadde leyzer and place for to make good chere to geder / but as me semeth̄ hit may not nowe goodly he don. for in no wyse I wold not ben beknowen· but hit behoueth̄ for myn honour & wor∣ship / that Iason departe from hens incontinent with̄ oute •••ger tarieng. to thende that none speke of vs but al wele

And we shal go secretly to the poort for to gete vs som̄e good maronner / which shal bring vs vnto our secrete pil∣gremage

IAson the noble prynce hering the fayr Myrro so ordey∣ne & conclude of their sodayn departing began to ma∣ke simple chere. for he was sore abasshid & sorouful in such̄ wise to leue his lady whome he sawe endowed with̄ so hye vertues. Certes he had entencōn to haue tolde to the quene a parte of his sorowe & bewailinges that he had made for her sake / but she wolde in no wise here him / but smyling she to∣ke her leue in somoch̄ that Iason enbraced & kissed her ones or twyes / finably he de{per}ted from thens {pro}mittyng her that in short time he sholde retorne vnto her agayn. & assone as he was de{per}ted & gon̄ his waye the fair Myrro & the damoi∣selle dide do sadle their horses. & rode to the porte where they toke their shippyng & wente to the see For tabregge our historie without ony auenture that ought to be remembrid their maron̄er exploited in suche wise with̄ helpe of the good winde that he had / that in short tyme he deliuerid the quene Myrro & her damoiselle in oliferne / where they taried after Iason right long & in right grete anoye & displaisir as it shalbe sayd along & declared here after. But now I shall reste to speke of the fayr myrro & of her faites for this pre∣sent tyme. & shal recompte of the {con}duyte of Iason. whiche de{per}ted fro the p̄sence of his lady as said is & retorned with al diligence vnto mops•{us} the goode olde knight right ioy•{us} & saide to him what was happend of his dreme euy thing / & that he had herde of his lady goode tydinges / how wel he de∣clared not to him that he had spoken to her in her {pro}pre {per}sone

But he made him to vnderstonde that two of her damoy∣selles had promised to him and sworn that if he wolde go into Oliferne accompanyed of his kinnesmen and fren∣des / that they sholde do somoche anenst his lady that she shold espouse and wedde him & that she sholde crowne him king of her contrey. And for so moche sayd Iason that I haue taken affiaūce in the promesse of these two damoyselles. I shal goo into my contrey for tassemble my frendes & kinnes∣men in the most goodly and hasty wise I shal mowe· and I shal not cesse vnto the time I shal come to the aboue of my loue· wherin I haue goode hoope

How Peleus broder of king Eson of mirmidone & oncle of Iason wente vnto the temple of Appollo. & how he hadde answere that the firste man that he mette with an hose on that one foot & none on that other sholde empesshe him of the royame of mirmidone whiche he had supposid to haue enioyed

THus as Iason reherceth̄ these tidinges vnto the good and auncient knight mopsius / The sone of the king of that cyte named Theseus cam vnto them there. whiche was aduertised by the marchantes that Iason had sauid by hys vayllyaūce. And deliuerid from the furour and tyrannye of the peruerse king Dyomedes / And from as ferre as he had•e espyed Iason he knewe hym. For he had seen hym to fore at the weddyng of Perytheon. And then̄e he salewed him and made hym right grete chere. the preu Iason rendryd agayn Ioyously hys salewyng vnto Theseus. And whan they hadde eche other welcomed the∣seus brought Iason and Mopsius for the loue of Iason

•nto the kyng his fader whiche was named Ege{us}. and whan this saide Egeus sawe Iason / he dide him moche grete honour & worship for his hye renom̄e / And fested him in diuerce maners· and Iason desired nothing sauf to re∣torne vnto his coūtrey· and thanked him of the worship that he had don̄ to him and of his right goode chere. and syn toke leue. of the kyng / of Theseus. and of Mopsius / the whiche knowing that he was right noble and Ryght valiyant knyght saide to him. that they wolde go with him and holde him companye vnto his coūtreye / wherof the no∣ble preu Iason desired them that they shold abide and not goo with him / for he wolde not goo the right way• / But this was for nought. For they sayd plainly that they wolde holde their promesse. And Iason wist not what to saye / but accorded to them that they sholde goo to gyder vn¦to Myrmydone

IAson then̄e Theseus and Mopsius departed from Athenes all thre. And dide so moche by lande and by watre withoute ony auenture digne of memorie. that they cam vnto the cite of Myrmidone wher• was yet liuing the noble kyng Eson. Peleus came then̄e ayenst the noble preu Iason and welcomed him with̄ his body / but not with̄ his herte / makyng grete signe to be right ioyous of his retornyng. And brought him vnto his fader the olde kyng / whiche was gretly conforted of the comyng of his dere sone Iason / And whan the noble preu Iason had ma∣de the reuerence vnto the king his fader· the king deman∣ded him of his tydinges. and where he had ben / & what he hadde don̄ / Iason without taking on him ony vayn glorye

of ony hye and grete werke that he hadde don̄ and brought to ende. ansuerde to him by grete humilite sayng. Dere sir I come now strait from the seruise of the noble quene Mirro whiche is lady of the noble cite of Oliferne. and the most sage· the most fayre· and the most discrete that is in the re∣menaūt of all the world. And at suche time as I ar∣riued in her court· she was in a meruayllous tribulacion by the right puissaūt king of Esklauonie. whyche made her warre of fyre and of blood / for so moche as she wold in no wyse consente to take hym to her husbond. But syn my comyng to that parte and that I hadde charge as he•d and as conduytour of her men· I entreprised to susteyne the quarele of the noble lady. And in thre batailles where I was accompanyed of her peple. the goddes haue gyuen vs vyctorie vpon the Esklauons in suche manere that the kyng hym selfe and the moost parte of hys men̄ haue ben slayn̄ and smyten in pieces. And amonge alle other ther was in the hoost of the sayd king of Esklauonye a meruayllous and puissaūt man. a Geant named Cor∣fus. the whiche hadde put to deth many a good knight of Oliferne. with̄ whom I faughte body agaynst body / not by ony strengthe that was in me. but by desire to ge∣te the worship and honour. and to doo that thing that might bringe me in to the grace of that noble lady. whom I putte to vttrance by the vertue of the grete beaute of her / And to her apperteyueth̄ the right worship and honour And syn that I haue sayd to yow so moche. and that hyt is Reason that ye knowe alle / I declare to yow that I come now to you in entencion̄. that my kinnes men & frendes

be assembled for to holde me companye to goo and wedd• her so h̄ye and so noble a lady. the whiche is contente to be my wyf. forseen that I sholde espouse and wed her honou∣rably as it apperteyneth̄ to the doughter of a kyng. For by thise condicions ben the promesses made and acorded

THe noble & aūcient king Eson heering thise tidi•∣ges had moche more Ioye at his herte then̄e he hadde afore / And saide / Certes my dere sone I am righ̄t ioyous of thy wele and worship / of thy prouffit & of thyn auaū∣cement· I thinke well that fortune hath̄ ben socourable to the noble lady to whom thou hast ben seruaūt / But wyth̄ right grete payne maye I beleue that thou allone hast va∣ynquysshid the Geant / And if it be so I thanke the god∣des. but late it passe forth̄. & if thou hast goten the grace of her so fair & so noble lady I haue no grete meruaile there of· for loue in suche a caas beholdeth̄ no persone / And neu the lesse to thende that thou knowe howe I desire aboue alle thing of the worlde to see multiplicacion in thy seed / I shall araye the as to the sone of a king is lawfull & ap{per}∣teynyng / and I shall sende the so well in poynt of abille∣mens of warre and of noble men̄ accompanyed / that by raison she ought haue suffisan̄ce / Then̄e the preu Iason than∣ked the king his fader of this goode answere / And at that tyme they spack nomore of the matere / but entended to feste Mopsius & Theseus / whom they prayd to tarie & accompanye Iason vnto the daye of his weddyng. & the two goode knightes {pro}mysed that they sholde so doo / and so they were gretly fested of the king & of his nobles & also of

Peleus which̄ dide it again his hert making a fained chere

AMong many deuises Mopsius & Theseus recomp∣ted of Iason thauenture that he had in Trace against the tyraūt king Dyomedes and likened Iason for hys vailliaūce & habilite vnto his felaw Herailes· whiche was the most strong man̄ and best assewred that was vnder the clowdes. And because af his hyghe preysinges and re∣com̄endacions the bruyt of preu Iason augmentid and en∣cresid from day to day. And hit is not to be vnremem∣brid that thenuie of the vntrewe Peleus grewe so terribly that he by no facōn mighte ne coude haue no reste daye ne night / in so moche that in the coming agayn of noble Iason he was aduertised that in the yle of delphos the god Ap∣pollo gaf answers of thinges that were to come and •f alle destinees· wherfore he wente him self into that yle and entrid into the temple anoyed meruaillously and pensif / And whan he hadde made his orisons by grete deuocion & conseqently his demande for to knowe whether euer he shold enioye the Royame of Mirmidone· The deuil whiche was in the ydole that herde him / ansuerde to him· that the royame sholde be taken from him by the hand of a man that he shold mete hauing-non̄ hose ner sh̄oo on that one foot. Peleus hering this harde answer was meruayllously abasshed· & departed from thens so passing sorowfull / that he semed better a man nourisshed in al his lyf in sorow or condemp∣ned to cruel deth̄ than ony other wise as hit shal be decla∣red here after a long

As then̄e Peleus was in his retourning vnto Mir∣midone alway conspiring the deth of the right noble

Iason. And ymagyning how he might resiste his mysera∣ble & folissh destine. A good olde knight mette him on the waye. This knight began to beholde him in his playn vy∣sage and the salutacion of them bothe gyuen and rendred And knowyng that he was moche pensif & full of Me∣lancolies· he deuised to him of many thinges & meruailes of the worlde· And among all other deuises he sayd to him / that in an yle standing vpon the este see / was a moch̄ riche and noble moton̄ or shepe hauyng his flees all of fyn golde / the whiche was not possi•le to be conquerd· And that many valian̄t knightes had lost there their lyf. The∣se deuises taken an ende / the two knightes depart•d •che from other. And then̄e pel•us reentryng into his melan∣colyes thinkyng moche on the answere that he had recey∣ued of the god Appollo. and concluded in him self that if hit happend that he mette Iason barfoot on that one fote He sholde fynde the maners if he might to sende him in to the yle / wherof the knight had told him that the riche mo∣ton̄ or flees of gold was. to thende that he mighte be there deuoured and neuer retourne agayn What shalle I saye more. the peruerse and vntrewe Peleus passid forth̄ on his waye in suche conspiracions ayenst Iason. And cam so ferre that he fonde his neuewe Iason in a medowe by Myrmidone

CErtes the noble Iason and Theseus were then̄e in a medowe with many noble bachelers of the coūtree passing her tyme in making plente of dyuce esbatements & playes in strength̄e of body· as wrastlyng / l•ping / ren∣nyng. casting the barre or stone or drawing the bowe. and

whan Iason sawe his vncle peleus come / he wente to him for to welcome him / And was vnhosed & vnshoed on his right foot / and made to him the reuerence. And then̄e Peleus. whiche was in doubte of him apperceyued anone his fote bare / howe well he saide not a worde but shewed a right grete signe of loue vnto his neuew Iason / whyche thought nothing of the malice & felon corage of his vncle whiche was garnisshid of ypocresye· of traison / & of alle euyll / And syn passed forth̄ sayng to him self that Ia∣son sholde put him out of the royame but if he fonde som re∣medie / & that briefly

As ye may vnderstande peleus retorned right sorou∣full & dolan̄t & right desirous for to destroye and do to deth his neuew Iason. he frowned in this wise & bote on his lippe a grete while / after he bethought him and con∣cluded in him self that he wolde do ordeyne & make a Riche dyner. to whiche he wold do calle alle the nobles of the roy∣ame and of the coūtrees by and adiacent. Sayng that he wolde shewe vnto his neuew Iason all that he had herd recompted of the noble moton̄ or sheep of gold. to thende that he sholde enterprise for to goo to conquere hit / And whan he had made this deliberacion in his courage / he sent for to praye & to somone the most part of the nobles of the royame & the coūtrees by. whiche cam gladly vnto thys feste and assemblee at the daye to them signefied. Certes this Pele{us} dyde do garnisshe this dyner with̄ al vyandes and noble metes delicious and with̄ beuurages and drin∣kes sumptuous composed with̄ spices· But whan al was redy the moste hye Baron̄s were sette at the firste tables

And among alle other nobles ther was the noble Hercu∣les· And then̄e after satte euery man after his astate· & thus after they began on alle parties to make grete chiere and spack of many thinges. and inespeciall of the hyhe vailliaūces of the preu and noble Hercules. and of the monstres and cruell bestes that he had destroyed and put to deth by his vailliaūce and hardiesse. And thus passed the dyner in suche or semblable deuises vnto the ende that pe∣leus cam to fore Iason· and sayde to hym in the presence of many kinges Barons and knightes in this manere

IAson my dere lord & neuewe. ye ar the man of the worlde that I loue best next after the king Eson my broder your fader. knowe ye that I haue in my herte grete Ioye for to haue herd the preysinges and Recom̄endacions of the vaillian̄t knight Hercules / whom I see here present For the terrible bestes. for the monstres and for the grete and stronge Geants. of whom he hadde deliuerid the world of. by his vaisselage. But whan I beholde youre grete puissaūce corporall and that next after hercules ye be one of the most strengest membrid / best asseurid and one of most vaillyaūtest knightes that lyueth̄. hit gretely dys∣plesith̄ me in my hert that fortune hath̄ not giue place wher your puissaūce & valoir may be shewd. & that your bruit & renom̄ee is not so grete as I desire. I wolde hit had coste me the most part of the goodes that the goddes haue sent me in this worlde / And that ye were comen to your aboue of an enterprise and conqueste that I knowe in a place / the which̄ sholde be moche honourable & recom̄anded for you & for

your lygnage. Certes fayr vncle ansuerde Iason· I than∣ke you gretly of your good wille toward me. I knowe right well that often tyme ye haue h̄yely coūceylled me to myn honour and worship / And therfore yf ye know ony auenture or enterprise to be poursiewed and brought to the ende where in I mygh̄t employe my tyme / I require you that ye will enseigne me therto. & I promyse you that I shal do asmoche as in me shal be possible to do to come to myn abo∣ue of honour & worship to me and of our house

CEertes fayr sire Iason ansuerde the disloiall & vn∣trewe Peleus I take a grete plaisir to see your good wille / whiche {pro}cedeth̄ of an noble corage· & for so moche as I knowe that ye are a knight of hye enterprise / knowe ye that in the parties orientall is an yle enclosed roūd aboute with̄ the see· In the whiche ther is so noble and riche sheep or moton̄ of suche nature that in stede of flese of wolle. he is endowed with̄ a flese all of fyn golde. But he is kept with̄ certayne bestes so cruell & so fiers. that ther hath̄ ben no man so hardy or so well assewrid vnto this present ty∣me that durst approche the noble moton̄ or sheep of gold· yf then̄e ther be in you so moche valour and prowesse / that ye myght conquere the riche flees or this shepe / me thinketh̄ your renōmee shold growe gretly in honour and worship Whiche is the th̄ing aboue alle other that euery noble hert desireth̄ / & in trouth̄ me ough̄t desire no thing somoch̄ / for honour is the principall tresour aboue all other and the so∣uerayn recom̄endacion that ony gentil man may gete and ough̄t more to be desired then̄e ony worldly thing. To this ansuerde Iason. by all oure goddes fair vncle I am moche

beholden to you in many maners. For I knowe and am certayn verayly. that honour ought to be preferrid and put to fore alle worldly thinges. and to thende that men may see that the grete affeccion and desire to gete worship is so mghe myn̄ herte & that the couetous desir of glorie and honour be not me reputed faynedly· I make here a solemp∣ne auowe vnto the goddes & promise here in the presence of alle the nobles that ben here assemblid· that I shall neuer cesse to laboure to seche the Ryche sheep or flese of golde vn¦to the time that I shal haue foūden hit. & that I shall doo the v•terist of my power for to conquere hit / what som euer daūger or parill fall or happen to me in the conquest

WHan Peleus hadde herde this auowe he was moche Ioyous / & him semed that the werke went wel forth in so moche that him thought & supposed by this mene for to come to the aboue of his desir. Certes the noble and preu Hercules & Theseus preysid moche Iason of this enterprise And forthwith in fayte they vowed in like wise that yf Iason achieuid not his enterprise that they shold put hem in deuoir for to bringe hit to an ende / & during this dyner they spack long & deuised moche of the maner of the vowe of Iason / & aboue alle other peleus wa• so glad and ioyous that he prolonged & helde solempne feste eyghte dayes long And adutised the king Eson of the right noble entreprise of his sone Iason / alway eson notwithstanding thenterpris was daūgerous & mortal· yet was he wel content that hi• sone sholde achieue his auowe For tab•egge the mater pele∣us sent for many werkemen for to make a ship / & among 〈◊〉 other ther was one named A•gos the which̄e ordeyned

to him one so fayr & so subtille a werke that neu was seen suche. and was callid Argyne because of Argos

CErtes this Argos was a passing wise man and vertuous / And inespecial he was the most lerned & experte maron̄er that was at that tyme in all grece. And whan this ship was made he adutised pele{us} & Iason also whiche was as glad & ioyous as he might be. for al that eu was necessarie for him he fonde it redy & the ship arayd and redy for to de{per}te. Then̄e Iason toke leue of the king his fader & of his vncle pele{us}· And so dide the noble Her∣cules / Theseus & Mopsius & other vnto the nombre of an honderd knightes of grece. whiche wolde accompanye Ia∣son in this wiage· And this licence & congie taken / with all diligence they entrid into the ship the hole .C. knightes And whan the goode patrone argos had disancred from the porte where the ship had ben made· whiche porte was na∣med Seserre. he dide somoche diligence that he broughte this noble companye vpon the hye see / where Argos sailed with̄ hem many dayes alway sayling toward the eest after the sigh̄t of the sterres & of the sonne / and so long he con∣duyted hem in this poynt. that vytailles began to faylle them / & were {con}strayned by force to go a lande at the firste porte that they fonde / that is to wete at the porte of frigye named Thenadon· whiche standeth̄ nygh̄ vnto troye the gran̄de / of whom laomedon̄ was king / whiche vsed grete rudesce vnto Iason and to the knightes of his companye And this euyl fill vpon him afterward & vpon his sub∣gettes / he was not gretly to be complained as it shall be declared a long here after in th•i present volume

Howe the king Laomedon̄ of Troye wold not suffre Iason ne his companye descende on the londe· And how the Quene Ysiphyle receyued them

IN this paas saith̄ one historie that Argos the good and subtill maronner made and ordeyned all thin∣ges that faylled vnto the noble ship where the noble knight was in vnder saylle. And the winde blewe there in at their wille· hit was aboute .x. of the clocke a fore none· the fayr sonne shone clere and spredde his rayes vpon the londe / and the weder was softe and well dysposed / And at that t•me moche people were vpon the bankes of the see whiche behelde from ferre the noble shippe of the Grekes. whyche as sayd is cam that tyme the saylle dysplayed and sette vpon an hyhe. And saylled faste in hys cours vpon the see· wherof they were so sore ameruaylled / that they wiste not what thinge hit mighte be· In so moche that somme of them were so sore aferd / that they fledde in to Troye And the other abood at the poorte abydyng thauenture They that fledde to wyth̄ in Troye. wente vnto the puis∣saūt kyng Laomedon̄· And sayd to hym alle be wepte and drowned in teeris procedyng of grete fere and dre∣de. that they hadde apperceyuid from ferre in the see a grete monstre lyfting hym selfe meruayllously swymming and R•nnyng vpon the water more swiftely than an horse coud renne on the grounde or on the londe· And af∣fermed to the king laomedon̄ by the•r faith that this mons∣tre without comparison̄ was more to doubte and feere than the monstre that hercules had slain by his hye vaillyaūc•

Certes in this sayd coūtre tofore that tyme Hercules had slayn a monstre also grete as a whale. as hit is plainly conteyned in thistorie of hercules

WHan the king Laomedon̄ had herde these tydinges reherced / he was all abasshid / Then̄e he made one of his knightes to take an hors as swift as the wynde· and sente him to thenedon̄ for to axe and enquire of the trouth What thing hit myght be that the peple were so sore aferd of· And in suche wise exploited the knight that he cam to the porte of thenadon̄ / & there he fonde the preu Iason & hys knightes of Grece / but first he aspied argos that ankred his ship right nygh̄ to thenedon̄· & wente not into the toun̄ for asmoch as it was no nede / {con}sidering that they were nygh the cite of Troye whiche was so grete in magnificence that ther was none like in the remenan̄t of the worlde / he enqui∣red first of the habitan̄ts and dwellars of the coūtree yf they had seen ony suche monstre on the see. Then̄e the men̄ of the coūtre ansuerde to the knight / that they had seen no suche monstre vpon the see / & they that had brought suche tydinges to Troye were gretly abused if they had suppo∣sed to haue seen ony monstre / & that ther was none other thing but a shippe of Grece saillyng on the see in the whi∣che by their aduise were grete nombre of knightes of Gre∣ce Ryght well in poynt of armes and suche thinges as shold be nedefull and necessarie for them to entre into ba∣•aylle

Whan the knight of troye had vnderstande al that said is he descended of his hors and wente a foote vnto the knightes of grece. To whome he demanded what they

sought & had to doo in that •oūtre. Than Iason answerd to the knight· that grete necessite of vytaille for to trauer∣se into ferre contrees caused them for to take their porte ther and non̄ other thing. Incontinent whan the knight hadde vnderstande these tidinges he retourned and toke his hors and rood vnto the king his lord. and recoūted to him alle that he had exployted. Than the king Laomedon thus aduertised of the descente of the knightes of Grece & vn∣derstode that they were descended for to vytaille their shippes ymagined anon̄. that they were espyes. whiche Hercules had sent theder for tespye the royaume. wherfore he renuoy∣ed & sent again the knight vnto the grekes / and com̄aū∣ded them straytly. that they dispose them with all dyli∣gence for to departe out of his lande· and to go ellis where to seke vytailles if they hadde nede. And if they departed not sodainly & disancred & toke som other waye. he shold come with his puissaūce in Armes vpon them so mightily that neuer after they sholde haue wylle for tespye Royaume cite castell ne coūtree

THan whan Iason and his felawship had herd thex∣presse and rude comaūdement of the troian king / they were sore displesid and not withoute cause. for asmoche as they muste nedes departe. Than the noble Iason for th• better / ansuerd curtoysly vnto the knight. And shewed hym that they were not comen theder for to espye the Roy∣aume ne the citees / castel• ne coūtre of the king Laomedon ne of none other. whan Hercules herde thanswere of Iason whiche him semed was to benygne considering howe Lao∣medon̄ hadde comaūded them. he might not holde hys pee•

but toke the wordes from Iason and said to the knight in this manere. knowe thou knight syn that Laomedon̄ as vyllayn of herte and banisshed from alle noblesse hath̄ re∣fused to Iason of Mirmidone vytailles for his moneye. that ther shal descende in short time at the portes of this coū∣tre men in the name of Iason and that in so grete nombre that all his Royame / his citees / townes and castels shall be put in suche ruyne and perplexite that in fyfty yere after shal not be foūden a stone vpon a stone ner no corn shal be eerid ne sowen̄. Fair lordes then̄e ansuerde the knight •f Troye· I am sory that ye ar not better content with̄ the king my lord / and that he hath not receyued yow other wise in his coūtre· And ye knowe wel. that where curtoi∣sie is shewd hit bleueth̄ not vnrecompensid. ne Rygour in like wise but if hit be remembrid· And for as moche as I am a messager. I shal gladly make vnto king Lao∣medon̄ reporte of that I haue foūden of yow / and with thise worde• the knight retourned vnto Troye

THen̄e the preu Iason demanded Argos. and sayde to hym / that they muste disancre & departe fro thens but if they wolde abide the cruelte and furour of the king Laomedon̄ & of alle his power. Then̄e the good patrone Argos and his maron̄ers disancred the noble shippe / & went again to the see / where sone after the winde began to rise & tempest horrible & impetuose· But the troian̄ knight whiche was messager as sone as he was comen to for his lord & hadde made his reuerence. the king demanded him what was becomen of the gloutons of grece that were come and hadde descended on his lande for respye his Royaume

and his citees. The knight ansuerde & saide. Sire I haue done to them your message. They ben a grete nombre of knightes. and resemble well by their contenan̄ce & habyl∣lemens that they ben de{per}ted from noble & goode hous. And knowe for certayn that whan I had don̄ your message / one of them that semed vertuo{us} & discrete ansuerde me that they were not comen theder but only for vytaille 〈…〉 to passe forth̄ on their waye / and that they were no robbours ne pi∣rates of the see / but whan the yong knight whiche was fa∣yr & curtois as a mayde had finyssh̄id his purpose / An other of them / whiche had a meruaillous & cruell chiere. & better resembled hercules by his vysage & contenan̄ce then̄e ony other. said to me in a grete anger & fierte in this ma∣nere / knowe thou knight that syn that laomedon̄ thy mays∣ter as villayn of herte & banisshid from all noblesse hath̄ reffused to Iason of Myrmydone vitailles for his money That in short tyme shal descende into his coūtrees men̄ in the name of Iason & in so grete nombre / that all his roya∣me his citees townes & castels shalbe put to suche ruyne & {per}plexite that within fyfty yere after· shal not be foūde one stone vpon another· ner no corn̄ shalbe sowen & ered vpon the groūde / And forth̄with̄ they haue disancred & sone af∣ter they had sailled by force of winde & rowyng of oores so ferre that I had lost the sight of them

WHan the king laomedon̄ had vnderstande the reporte that his knight made to him / he was so angry that he semed better frantyk or out of his witte then̄e oth•r wise And saide wel that if he had knowen tofore what they had ben & their entente / he hadde hem all haue don̄ dye myserably

And therwith̄ the messager departed & laomedon̄ withdrew him into his chambres sore troubled & pens•f for the mena∣ces of the knightes of grece· whome he knew not but by ra∣porte of the knight / whiche knightes beyng then̄e wel forth vpon the see / were sore vexed with̄ grete windes blowing on alle sides / with̄ thonders· with̄ raynes & grete orages and tempestes / whiche rored so hugely & terribly that the ayer was trobled & the weder was so derk. that the sonne shone not in foure dayes during that the tempeste seced not. in whiche time their vitailles faylled in suche wise. that the knightes of grece had not to ete· & their ship was ofte ti∣mes in moche grete paril / for in thende a meruaillous tur∣billoun of winde roose in the see that blewe away their saile and alle to brake their mast / that the cordes & roopes were broken into pieces. but fortune h•lpe hem in this nede / For notwith̄standing this grete auenture the ship was condui∣ted vnto a porte named Lennos where he hurtlyd ag•in the groūde in suche a randon̄ & force / that hit was all to bro∣ken & rente that they that were with in were in grete daū∣ger & had ben in worse caas than they were to fore / if they hadde not sette foot a lande

THis poort was callid Lennos after the name of a moche puyssaunt cyte. whiche was richely sette not ferre thens· But Incontinent that the Grekyssh̄ knigh∣tes hadde taken lande seeing the grete daūger that they had ben inne sprang oute of the shippe. whiche anone was fild full of water. And whan they sawe hem out of that mortall parill and had well supposed / for to haue ben in sauete / Sodaynly cam oute of Lennos the riche cite moo

then̄e fyfty thousand women̄ armed garnisshed with pen∣non̄s & recognysan̄ces whiche cam rengyng••• in in fair or∣denan̄ce a long by the cooste of the see / fast by the porte / and after they sente two of their women messagiers for to so∣mene the grekyssh̄ knightes for to reentre into the see with out ony long tarieng. But whan Iason vnderstode the so∣macōn that the two damoiselles made. he was sore abasshid and not without cause· for he ap{per}ceyuyd tofore so many hedes armed that he knewe not the nombre· & syn {con}siderid how they had ben in grete daūger by the fortun• of the see / & t•at vitailles failled them. and that worse was he sawe his ship all to broken. whiche was on all sides ful of wa∣ter. This notwithstanding by cause he ne wolde discorage ne abasshe his felawship more then̄e they were / he shewed well that he had goode corage / and saide to one of the two damoiselles in answering to her message

NOble damoisell I haue right wel vnderstanden your som̄acion I pray you of your grace that it may ple∣se you to saye to me. into what coūtre fortune hath̄ brought vs at this tyme / And for what cause I am by you som∣menid for to reentre vnto the see / Certes sir knight ans∣werde the damoiselle / The coūtre that ye be arriued in ys not right grete· but it is right fertyle and comodious / & hit is named Lennos after the name of this cyte here by Whiche is named after the same name. And as to the Regarde of the rayson and cause. why this som̄acion is made thus to you / I will wel that ye knowe to thende that ye holde you the better content. That hit happend now late that in this cite of Lennos was a kynge named Thoas

This king hadde a grete warre against the Argiens / and for to may••ene this warre· he ladd with hym alle the men yong and olde. And lefte this cite without men / wherof the ladyes damoyselles & other of the cite were right euyll content. And seeyng that they were withoute men They assembled them to geder with̄ the doughter of the king whiche is named Ysiphyle / And by meure deliberacion̄ sente to the king and to their husbondes. that they shold retourne into their cite / Vpon whiche the king Thoas ans∣werd / that he hadde besieged hys enemyes and if his cyte sholde be loste he wold not departe from his ooste vnto the ende of his warre

WHan the ladies and damoyselles of the cyte hadde herd this answere / they toke hit euyll in gree / And yet they sent agayn vnto the king & to their husbondes that they sholde come and retorne home vnto their cite. but that was for nought / for they wolde nothing do after their desir And whan the ladyes sawe this / they conspired against the king & their husbondes / & put to deth̄ al the men children that were in the cite / after they determined & iuged that if their husbondes or faders. parents & frendes cam again from the warre or other what someuer they were sholde be slain the first night of their coming assone as they shold be a slepe / & that neu after they sholde suffre noman to entre in to their ci∣te / after this {con}clusion taken they crowned ysiphile quene vpon them / & afterward whan the king was retorned from the war¦re with his peple / the ladies & damoiselles of the cite did with their faders husbondes & parents & other in such̄e wise as they had {con}cluded to fore / in somoch̄ that of al them that retorned

from this warre escaped none from this murdre & pesty∣lence but he was slayn & murdrid reseruyd the king thoas Whom the quene ysiphile wolde in no wise murdre / but this notwithstanding she deliuerid him into the handes of the ladies / whiche put him in a boot allone. and sente him to the see in exyling & banisshing him out of his royame

WHan this damoisell as messagere had recompted vnto the noble Iason this that said is / That other messager toke the worde fro her & saide / Lordes & knightes my felaw hath said & tolde you now the reson & cause wher fore ye maye not be receyued into this cite / & there fore t• gretter meschief befalle & come to you· withdrawe you vn∣to the see / for yf ye tarye here long the ladies will assayle you asperly. and shal deliuere to you a meruaillo{us} batayll Iason ansuerde and sayde. by all my goddes fayr lady our ship is all to broken & f•rfrusshid as ye may see & is ful of watre. And on that other side we perisshe for hunger if we be not shortly socourid. for it is two dayes past syn we ete ony morsell mete / And therfore if it must nedes be & no remedie / we had leuer to deye by glayu•s & warre then̄e by famyne. how wel by your grace ye shal retorne vnto the quene & ladies & recompte to them oure estate and necessite And that we all to geder pray them and require instant∣ly if ther be in hem ony vertu or noblesse that they wil now shewe hit hauyng pite on vs. For the fortune of the see that hath trauailled vs by many dayes in suche wise that we supposed to haue perisshid from our to our hath brought vs hether as ye may see agaynst the will of our maron̄ers and of vs

WIth̄ this request the / ij· damoyselles messagieres re∣torned into their cite vnto their quene ysiphyle and other ladyee to whom they recompted from word to word the answer that Iason had rendrid and what he requyred Then̄e the quene hauyng herde the answer of the / ij / messa∣gieres / she axid & enquired what peple these knightes of grece were & of what condycion & facōn & of what nombre they were / Certes madame ansuerd that one of the / ij / da∣moyselles. I sawe neu in my dayes more goodlier men ne better bespoken / & I suppose ther wer neu seen so wel faring men & grete & vpright / so wel in point of habillements so wel taught & so curtays in all maners / & it is to be supposed that they ben the choyse & pyked out of al the humain peple / & ther may wel ben of them the nombre of an / C· all of one facōn & of lyk clothing / Then̄e the quene hering the messagiere that so hyely recom̄ended the state of these knightes of grece / thin∣king also of their request / began to haue pyte of their mys∣auenture & of their myscases that they haue hadde on the see by tempeste / and forthwith she sente for to fecche foure of them for to come & speke with her / whom she wold examyne

WHan the honderd knightes vnderstode these tidyn∣ges· they aduysed among hem alle whiche foure of them they might best sende vnto the quene Ysiphile / And concluded in one that they wolde sende Iason / hercules / the∣seus & an other knight named Castor right fayr. whiche cam tofore the Quene & grete nombre of her Damoyselles And they were not long comen but that the Quene and her Damoyselles were terribly esprised of the loue of these four knightes. For there was nether Quene ne damoyselle

but desired with̄ all their herte their companye for the syn∣guler & especiall beaute of eche of them. Certes ysiphile at thinstan̄t that her two noble eyen had beholden the grete be∣aute of Iason. she was becomen somoche amerous as was possible as of the most fayr. the most gracious & the moste couoytable of the foure / Then̄e she spack to hem & demanded them in general. what they soughte in her royame. & whens they cam and whyther they wolde goo / and of what coūtre they were. Then̄e the noble Iason thinking of the demandes of the quene considering the grete daūger where they were in and the necessite of famyne & hunger that furmoūted· he as captayn & chief of the vyage ansuerde humbly sayng in this manere

MAdame plese hit you to knowe that we ben the nom∣bre of an honderd knightes all gentill men̄ of one companye and of one coūtre we ben departed in one shippe But we haue had vpon the see so many infortunes by tem∣peste of windes & of orages that hath holden vs so long in grete doubte to be perisshid. that vitailles ben faylled vs two dayes passid / And for to make short we goo to seche vitailles for to helpe our necessite· and syn hit plesith̄ you to knowe from what coūtre we ben parted and whither we attende to goo· I declare to you that we come from Grece / & oure entente is to saile so ferre til we finde an ysle of the see / where in is a moche riche moton̄ or shepe bering his fle∣se all of fyn golde. the whiche neu knight yet had the po∣wer ne hardynes for to conquere ne approche. neyther only for to beholde & see / For many meruaillous and terrible bestes haue hit in keping / Among the whiche I haue

vnderstande ther is a right cruell dragon / how well I ha∣ue auowed & promysed for tauenture my selfe for to con∣quere hit er I euer retorne agayn into my coūtreye / or I shall deye in the pourfuyte therof / as many knightes haue don̄ here to fore wherof is pyte / Wherfore Right hye and noble lady I Require you humbly. that ye will haue mercy and pyte on me and of myn̄ infortunate felawes deyng for distresse of honger and famyne / And that we maye haue vitailles for our siluer and moneye. and also grace and leue for to remyse & make oure shippe agayn whiche is broken & rente in takyng londe vpon your seygnourie & lordshipe

WHan the noble Iason had made his remonstraunce vnto the quene ysiphile as sayd is. she withdrew her a parte with̄ her damoiselles· and demanded of them what was best to doo with thise noble men / They were al of op∣pynyon / that it sholde be a grete synne & mesfeet for to late them there deye for famyne and honger / And at thende they concluded that they sholde be receyued into their Cyte notwith̄standyng their ordenan̄ces & statutes by them to fore made· in so moche that the Quene Ysiphile retourned vnto Iason and sayde to him. that for the honoure of no∣blesse· the ladyes wold receyue him and his felaws in lyk wise. Then̄e the noble Iason thanked the Quene of this grace right curtoisly. & dide do sende for his felawes that they sholde come into the cite. the whiche incontinent as they knew that they sholde haue vytaylles were passing ioyous & semed to them {pro}prely that god was descended amonge them. Then̄e they cam to fore the ladies whom they salewed

but desired with̄ all their herte their companye for the syn∣guler & especiall beaute of eche of them. Certes ysiphile at thinstan̄t that her two noble eyen had beholden the grete be∣aute of Iason. she was becomen somoche amerous as was possible as of the most fayr. the most gracious & the moste couoytable of the foure / Then̄e she spack to hem & demanded them in general. what they soughte in her royame. & whens they cam and whyther they wolde goo / and of what coūtre they were. Then̄e the noble Iason thinking of the demandes of the quene considering the grete daūger where they were in and the necessite of famyne & hunger that furmoūted· he as captayn & chief of the vyage ansuerde humbly sayng in this manere

MAdame plese hit you to knowe that we ben the nom∣bre of an honderd knightes all gentill men̄ of one companye and of one coūtre we ben departed in one shippe But we haue had vpon the see so many infortunes by tem∣peste of windes & of orages that hath holden vs so long in grete doubte to be perisshid. that vitailles ben faylled vs two dayes passid / And for to make short we goo to seche vitailles for to helpe our necessite· and syn hit plesith you to knowe from what coūtre we ben parted and whither we attende to goo· I declare to you that we come from Grece / & oure entente is to saile so ferre til we finde an ysle of the see / where in is a moche riche moton̄ or shepe bering his fle∣se all of fyn golde. the whiche neu knight yet had the po∣wer ne hardynes for to conquere ne approche. neyther only for to beholde & see / For many meruaillous and terrible bestes haue hit in keping / Among the whiche I haue

vnderstande ther is a right cruell dragon / how well I ha∣ue auowed & promysed for tauenture my selfe for to con∣quere hit er I euer retorne agayn into my coūtreye / or I shall deye in the poursuyte therof / as many knightes haue don̄ here to fore wherof is pyte / Wherfore Right hye and noble lady I Require you humbly. that ye will haue mercy and pyte on me and of myn̄ infortunate felawes deyng for distresse of honger and famyne / And that we maye haue vitailles for our siluer and moneye. and also grace and leue for to remyse & make oure shippe agayn whiche is broken & rente in takyng londe vpon your seygnourie & lordshipe

WHan the noble Iason had made his remonstraunce vnto the quene ysiphile as sayd is. she withdrew her a parte with̄ her damoiselles· and demanded of them what was best to doo with thise noble men / They were al of op∣pynyon / that it sholde be a grete synne & mesfeet for to late them there deye for famyne and honger / And at thende they concluded that they sholde be receyued into their Cyte notwith̄standyng their ordenan̄ces & statutes by them to fore made· in so moche that the Quene Ysiphile retourned vnto Iason and sayde to him. that for the honoure of no∣blesse· the ladyes wold receyue him and his felaws in lyk wise. Then̄e the noble Iason thanked the Quene of this grace right curtoisly. & dide do sende for his felawes that they sholde come into the cite. the whiche incontinent as they knew that they sholde haue vytaylles were passing ioyous & semed to them {pro}prely that god was descended amonge them. Then̄e they cam tofore the ladies whom they salewed

right reuerently· And anon as the Quene sawe this no∣ble companye tofore her in all humylite she deliuerid to an honderd of her ladyes the honderd knightes of Grece. to eche of them one of their owne as for the best as her semed and she reteyned Iason for her part. In somoche the gre∣kes entred into the cite with̄ the ladyes and with̄ oute other difficulte. they brought hem into their howses / eche departed from other. where eche lady fested her knight with good vyandes and metes after their power and with good herte. makyng to them a chiere in suche a wyse and facōn that many of the knightes foūde hem so plain∣ly in the grace of their ladyes in asmoche as they mighte that they were serued with the termes of loue / and more I saye not at this tyme present

INcontinent whan the Quene ysiphile sawe that she had Iason in her bayllye. she was somoche ioyous as she might be· she hadde sette all her entente to beholde the grete beaute of the noble prynce / and aboue all other she desired to haue his acqueyntaūce. & in the beholdyng and aduysing hym she made to him many gracious signes & tokenes of loue duryng many dayes & often tymes. But the noble Iason whiche had his corage sette in other place toke none hede. how be it she might no lenger dure without she sholde be ded somoche was she esprised wyth̄ hys loue / & yet she durst not speke one word· and whan Iason had soiourned there a certayn space & nombre of dayes / he ordey∣ned vnto his patron̄ moneye that his shippe might be sette in point / & ordeyned men that sholde helpe him / then̄e argos sette hand vnto the werk by right grete diligence. & dyd

so moche that in short terme the shippe was all redy for to helpe hem· But Incontinent as the Quene Ysiphile was therof aduertised. she dide do breke it by night by ony of her damoiselles / And she spack with̄ Argos the goode pa∣trone and dide som oche with̄ him that he assemblid alle the knightes of grece / and in their presence saide to Iason the shippe might not be made agayn for to departe thens in viij. monethes hole / wherof many of the Grekes were mer∣uaillously Ioyous

WHan hercules whiche had a moche noble courage vn∣derstode these tydinges / he saide vnto Iason. syn that it is so that they sholde not departe out of that countre / he wolde go see the coūtre aboute / and coūceylled Iason that he sholde abide in the cite for to kepe to geder his felawes. & Iason accorded therto with̄ goode will. Then̄e the Ryght valiant Hercules wente forth̄ on his waye / all reconfor∣ted tabide all auentures· And hit happend him that he cam vnto a place of a king named Furi{us} whome he deli∣uerid from the arpies & enchaced them vnto the Ryuer of sturphale in suche wise as it is conteyned in the historie of the faytes of hercules. Iason whiche abode in the cite of l•n∣nos as sayd is entended gladly vnto the dubbyng and making of his shippe / And Ysiphile on that other syde alwaye in her amerouse semblants and Regardes / Mopsi∣us was the most part of the tyme with Iason and deui∣sed often tymes of the grete beaute of the noble quene mir∣ro / And as he was one a daye sette at dyner with Iason & ysiphile / he parceyued of the graciouse atrayans regardes that she gaf ofte times vnto the preu Iason & apperceyued

right wel that she hadde sette and giuen to him alle her lo∣ue. And thus passed he the mele with̄ oute ony word or semblaūt making. But after the dyner he callid Ia∣son / And sayd to him / that he wold goo walke with̄ hym vnto his shippe and so departed out of the halle they two allone. And then̄e whan they were in the felde Mop∣sius sayd to Iason· Certes sire I wolde fayn axe yow a de∣mande if it were your playsir. Fair sir sayd then̄e Iason late not for ony thing but declare your corage & desir / then̄e Mopsius demanded him / if he were ony thing amerous of the Quene Ysiphile. Iason sware to Mopsius that he was not amerous of her. Certes sir sayd Mopsius. I am all certayn that Ysiphile is terribly amerous of yow. And therfore I aduertise yow to thende that ye finde the menes for to speke to her a parte. for if ye may atteyne therto. yt sholde be to yow a right fair passe temps for a space. and we alle sholde fare the better

BY alle my goddes answerd then̄e the preu Iason. er I wolde vse ony disloyalte ayenst my lady the fayr Mirro. I hadde leuer be condempned to bringe to ende and adchieue as many perillous auentures / as euer the worthy hercules achieued er euer I sholde retorne agayn to Grece The nobles of this time presente ben not so disposed to ensiewe the termes of the right renomed prince Iason as it is tofore declared· & therfore I conceyll not the ladyes that they giue no more affiaūce than ynowh̄ doubting that by som wey they be not abused / Thus as the / ij / gentil knigh∣tes spack of the fair mirro & of ysiphile / they cam where as argos the maister patrone solicited the werk and making

of the ship and so passed the tyme a litill in spekyng of dyuerce pourposes / And after that they retourned vnto theire logys. and the noble Quene Ysiphyle was enamou∣red in suche wise on the noble preu Iason. that she thought on none other thing· but for to plese hym vnto her power And he neuer departed from thens but that she helde him compaignye. or ellis she was alwaye at a wyndowe f•r to loke whither he wente

WHan then̄e she apperceyuyd that Iason retorned vn¦to his loggyng at this time. She wente agaynst him & toke him by the hande and lad him into one of her chambres· where she shewd to him grete partie of her riches∣ses & tresours / And after she saide to him in this manere Right noble & valiant knight all thise richesses ben alle onely at your com̄andement / and also my body wyth all. wherof I make now to you the ghifte and present / And furthermore I haue nothing of valeur / but that ye shal ha∣ue at your abandon̄ & will to thende that I may deserue ho∣nourably your grace. Then̄e whan the preu Iason had vn∣derstande this that sayd is. he ansuerde to the lady sayng My dere lady I thanke yow right humbly of your curtoy∣sye / And I declare vnto you that in no facōn I haue de∣seruyd the hye honour that ye presente to me. Ha. ha gen∣till knight saide then̄e the lady. hit is well in your power for to deserue all if it be your plaisir. In goode trouth ma∣dame ansuerde then̄e Iason if ther be ony seruice or plaisire that I may do vnto you / com̄ande ye it and I shal accom∣plisshe hit frely & with̄ goode herte· How fair sire sayd she then̄e. wil ye accomplissh̄ my {con}mandement. Certes madame

sayd he I shal not faile in no point if hit be to me possible And ther fore declare ye to me your good playsyr and desire. And after that ye shall parceyue howe I shall en∣ploye my self therto

THe Quene Ysiphyle hering the courtoys answere that Iason answerd / was so moche Ioyous and glad that she mighte ner coude be more· And sayde to him Certes fayr sire youre courtoys and humble wordes haue put me in suche daunger. that in no wyse I may no lenger hyde from yow a requ•ste· that weyeth̄ more heuier on my ••rte. than a mylne stone shold vpon my heed. And t••t long a fore this tyme ye shold haue knowen / ne had ben dame Esperaūce. whiche hadde nourissh d and enter∣t••n•d to hide my faith and courage. whiche at this oure I shall shewe vnto your noble persone· And knowe ye for trouth that I haue perceyued that ye be of a moche noble & auncient hows. aboue this that ye excede & passe / alle men in beaute & in vailliaūce. If your semblaūt lye not. And then̄e that I haue put in my souenaūce all thise thinges / I haue had right grete desir for to haue your loue & aliaūce· For whiche thinges hit is necessarie that I pray yow that hit shall plese yow to be my husbonde· and I shall be your wyf and espowse / And thus ye shall be king & lorde of this my royame. My right dere lady ansuerd then̄e the no∣ble Iason. ye haue don to me a playsir so grete in giuing to me your godes largely in eting & drinking / & in like wyse to my companye & felawes· that I may neuer deserue it as wel for such goode as for the loue of the ladyes to whom I wole obeye with al my might & power in al their {con}mandemēts

And knowe ye noble pryncesse. that ther is no seruice ne plaisir but that I am content to do for you / sauf only this requeste. for I may not wel goodly acorde hit vnto yow my worship saued and kept. for as moche as late I haue promysed vnto a noble lady and of a good place for to take her by mariage. wherfore I requyre you that ye wille holde me for excused / Ha / a Iason my dere frende for one promesse ne more ne lasse what wille ye make. Men saye communely / That ferre ys from the eye. Is ferre from the herte

WHan the noble Iason sawe that the ladye oppressid him in suche manere· that with grete payne he wist not how to answere / notwith̄standing he saide to her / Cer∣tes my dere lady. I knowleche that the herte of a noble man ought to desire nothyng so moche as honour with oute re∣proche. Trouth hit is that I am bounden by promesse. the whiche if I acquyte not. I am at all dayes dishonoured I had leuer be dede or condempned to perpetuell exill· and thynke not Madame that I reffuse your alyan̄ce for ony desdayne / for in good faith̄ I sholde holde me right ewrous and well fortunat / if I had to wyf one so fayr a Lady So noble and so riche as ye ar. Noble knight answerd then̄e the lady / ye knowe right well. how ye & all your com∣panye had ben dede for honger & of distresse yf I had not recuyellid you in this Cyte & fedde you / And fo• somoch̄ I praye you yet ones that ye accorde my requeste / and with oute ony reproche me thinketh̄ by many raysons that ye ar boūden gretly so to doo / I am dryuen for to require you in this facōn / & I ymagyne that the Goddes haue sente yow

vnto this cite for two causes principally. The first is •o thende that ye sholde be socoured in this cite / ye & all youre companye in tharticle of the Ieopardie of youre deth where ye were in. And the seconde. that ye sholde inhabite this cite to thende that hit sholde not be diserte· For this cite is enhabited with women̄ withoute king & haue non̄ other pastour but me whiche am their chief· And for so moche I somene & praye yow that ye socoure this cite as she hath̄ socoured you. And that ye entende to repeuple all of your seed / And in verray trouth̄ ye so doing shall accomplis∣she a v•rtuous werke & of gretter merite than to maintene a simple promesse made vnto a lady or damoyselle / how wel ofte times they ben made lightly & with right litil occasion they ben enfrainte & broken̄

MAdame ansuerde then̄e Iason / I confesse right well that ye and the ladies of your cite haue socoured in our right grete necessite / me & my felawship with̄ vytayll And in recompensing wherof ther is no thing to vs pos∣sible but that all we will enploye vs therto is hit in rep•u∣pling this cite or other wise. but to the regarde of my selfe I may not conduite my selfe therto. But if I shold doo directly against myn othe / ye ought to knowe / that myn̄ honour gooth̄ and toucheth̄ ner myn̄ herte than ony other thing. And for so moche knowe ye that vnder the couer∣ture of this gracious courtosie I haue not •nt•cion̄ to com∣mise one so grete an euyll. whiche sholde be to me and to myne thinge ouer moche reprochable· Incontinent as ysi∣phile vnderstode this answere of Iason. and that she ap∣perceyuid that he was ferme in his purpose / for to abyde

trewe vnto his lady· she spack nomore to him of this ma∣ter but toke leue of him & departed. and Iason in like wise withdrewe him into his chambre. And Ysiphyle abode in her chambre sore esprised with loue. & on that other side she was so angry that she might not conuerte Iason. that •on̄ can telle ne wryte. But whan the parfonde derkenes of the night was come / she leyde her doun in her bedde gretely espri∣sed of anger & right pensyue. for in her stomack was a grete bataylle betwene her herte & shame / her corage was than admonested that she sholde goo & lye with Iason· but sha∣me sayde nay & withstode it / wherfore the batayll was grete and dured long. but in thende therte vaynquisshid all· For shame was putte aback in suche wise that the fair ys•∣phyle aroos from her bedde & wente & leyde her doun by Iason whiche than slepte / And whan she was abedde she began to tremble for asmoche as shame folowed her. and so trem∣bling she enbrased Iason & awoke him sayng in this ma∣ner. My verray frende & loue Iason your continence & the constance of loue haue com̄anded me to come to yow / howe well hit is to me a moche grete shame & vylonye. but sythe that ye haue not willed to be my husbonde & spouse / at the leste ye shall be my loue & frende. and take ye no desdayne of the loue of a poure folissh̄ gentil woman

WHan the noble knight Iason herde the fayr Ysiphyle speke and felte her by hym all naked· he was sore abasshid / Certes her flessh̄ was right tendre and swete / al∣way she approched to him & he to her. for he was a man / & then̄e whan he was awaked he sayde to her· In good trouth̄ madame I am right sorowfull & angry that I may not be

your husbonde. ye shewe well howe that aboue all other yt haue me in your grace. A ha & that I now were free and without promesse vpon my fayth I sholde be your husbonde and obeye you vnto my power. And with thise wordes they enbraced eche other and kysshed to gyder· And more knowe I not but that they mayntened this lyf the space of four monethes or more in suche wise that Ysiphile was with childe and wax• grete of a right fayr sone. of whom she was deliuerid by space of tyme / And during these foure monethis the ladies of Len̄os laye with̄ the knigh∣tes of Grece / And many of them were conceyued with̄ there seed / And in this wise was the Cyte rep•••plid of yong childeren masles What shal I make you long {pro}ce• The dayes that haue no reste passe lightly. Maistre argos rendrid his shippe all repaired & made. And Hercules cam agayn into Lennos / Iason also wolde departe toward his Iourneye· and assemblid one a daye his felawship & sayde to them / My goode brethren & frendes ye knowe well how we haue ben here and soiourned a moche long space of tyme / And yet we haue nomore knowleche ne haue herd speke of the moton̄ of golde or golden vūese nomore then̄e we herde tofore we departed from our coūtre. I will that ye knowe that I lyue here in grete sorow & in terrible grete anoyan̄ce / for I can not take solace ne plaisir in ony thing that I see / for asmoche as I am pricked by contynuel ex∣hortacions procedyng of diuce causes and procuring the expedicion entretienyng the ende of my laboureuse voiage to the whiche bryng vs the goddes in short time to our helth• honour & glorye / wherfore I praye you alle that euery man̄

make him redy for to remeue and departe. for I haue en∣tencion for to departe at thende of four dayes without len∣ger abydyng

HErcules / Theseus & Mopsius & all the other knigh∣tes had grete Ioye whan they herde the good dispo∣sicion of Iason / and they answerde him / that they sholde be as sone redy as he / and then̄e one & other began to pourueye for them vitaylles & of all suche thinges as were necessa∣rie for them / The quene & the other ladyes knewe anone of the departement of Iason / wherfore they were moche display∣saūt & right desolate / and sore anoyed them to see the gre∣kysh knightes make their preparacions for to departe / and that one {con}playned to that other sayng / Certes these knigh∣tes of grece abandon̄e vs & gyue vs ouer / we shal n•u haue Ioye ne solaas· The quene ys•phyle among the other was most anguysshous of this departing / & cam to Iason & saide to him / Alas / alas lord Iason / haue •e wel the corage for to withdrawe yow from me & to gyue me ouer tofore ye ha∣ue seen the fruyt of your noble persone / whiche is nourisshid in my bloode / Ha a my soulace the plaisir of myn eyen / may hit not be that the right amerouse prayer of the moder that shal 〈◊〉 of your childe may holde you here yet thre monethis / hit is a litil tyme of / iij / monethes / they shalbe anon̄ exspi∣red & paste. Alas Iason / alas my confort prolonge ye & tarye your departement at my request / for I am she that so moche loueth you that I may no more / Alas beholde with̄ pite my wombe / the chambre & mansion̄ of your blood / & in no wise I requyre you to departe so hastely

IN good fayth̄ noble lady answerde then̄e Iason if I

myght abide with you lawfully· I assure you that I wold so with̄ good herte. but I haue auowed & promysed for to auenture my self in the conqueste of the noble moton̄ or flees of golde. I knowe not howe long I shall lyue ner how long hit shalbe er I come there / hit is force and grete necessite for my singuler were and perdurable honour that I employe my tyme entierly whilis I maye & that I ac∣quite me diligently to thacomplisshemēt of my sayd auowe

WIth̄ this answere the quene ysiphile had in her herte suche anoye. that she began to wepe & right perfoūd∣ly to sighe. and after she began to saye softly / Alas / alas how may myn eyen see the departing of myn euydent Ioye. Alas I was born̄ in an euyl {con}stellacōn whan I may not finde a litil of goode fortune in this worlde. all̄ consolaci∣ons withdrawe them from me / all honour fleeth from me / al boūtees forsake me. & {con}trarye all sorow ren̄eth̄ vpon me All welthe is ayenst me / & all euyll cometh tofore me in my p̄sence. for certes if ther sourde ony miserie in the fer∣thest place of the worlde. that miserie de{per}teth from that pla∣ce for to come to me. A what sorow / certes I am not goode ynowh̄ ner of so moche valewe that ony man shall doo ony thing at my requeste

CErtes madame ansuerde Iason· me semeth̄ that for no thing ye ought to demene ner make so meruailo{us} sorowe / for ye ar in valewe moche more then̄e I can exteme And as to the regarde of me if ther be ony thing licite & honeste to me possible. require ye hit & I shal emploie me in suche wise that ye shal haue cause for to be contente / And me semeth̄ that ye ought to haue me excused in this caas

seen the vowe in whiche I am boūden and if I abode here I sholde not exployte but lose my tyme. Ha / a my dere frende and loue answerde the lady whan shal I haue better cause for to complayne and lamente than now. If anon̄ I had lost alle my royame / and if I sawe all my richesses and cheuanche and all that I coude fine & cheuisshe perisshe in the abismes & depnes of the see. Alle that sholde not be to me so heuy to bere at my herte ner so grete displaysir as shalbe to me to see your departing. for the see is to terrible. and the fortunes / prosperitees· aduersites / and parils rise and sourde on alle sydes· wherfore I am not certayn whether eu ye shall retorne agayn or no. And then̄e ought not I to haue the vysage banisshid fro alle consolacion and Ioye / & ought not my herte to lye on the bedde of tribulacion vnder the couertour of right mortal distresse & betwene the shetes of bewaylinges· Alas. alas / thinke ye what this doth / but whan I parceyue that ther is no remedie / and that youre honour had concluded your departing promisyng to go in your promisid voiage / I shal bere hit as paciently as to me is possible. forseen that ye shall promyse me faythfully if ye come to your aboue in your enterpryse of Colchos. that ye shall come agayn by this Cyte for to tell• me of youre tydinges

WHan the noble knight vnderstood that the lady con∣descended by suche condicion to hys departing he was right Ioyous and not with̄out cause. considering the daū∣ger where he and all his felawship were in. And then̄e he {pro}mised to her & swore right solempnly tofore the rep̄sen∣tacion of the goddesse pallas whiche was there that he shold

retourne vnto her assone as he sholde come to the aboue of his enterprise. and that if the goddes wolde gyue him so goode fortune that he myght a liue & hole retorne / Then̄e the noble Quene Ysiphile som̄e what reconforted and ha∣uyng a grete hope in the retournyng of Iason cessed her selfe of her lamentacions For tabregge the matere the daye came that the noble preu Iason sholde goo to the see / on whiche daye the noble Prynce and his felawes toke l•ue of the noble Quene ysiphile / of the Ladyes and Damoy∣selles / and thanked them largely of th•ir go•des & goode chiere that they had made to them / And then̄e de{per}ted f•o Lennos & wente vnto the po•te. but whan th•• sholde entre into the shippe· the quene ysiphile presented vnto Iason the ydole of the goddesse pallas & many other ydoles of the god∣des of the see. and made him to putte th•m in his shipp• Sayng that none euyl ne trouble might• come to him in ony wise as long as he kept & helde hem in reuerence

WHan Iason ap{per}ceyued the grete la•g•sse of the no∣ble Quene ysiphile & the goode loue 〈◊〉 with s•e l•∣uid him / he thanked her moche humbly. and s•n w••t to the see and made to winde vp the sayle / And thus he and his companye de{per}ted from lennos for to saill• toward the yle of colchos. of whom I wil leue to speke for this p•sent tyme & also of Iason & of the quene Ysiphile. the whiche whan she had born̄ her fruyt by the space of .ix. monethes hole / she was del•uerid of a moche fair sone. For to recoun∣te wel a long of the right fayr & noble yle of colchos / in de∣uising the manere howe hit wa• first foūden by the God Appollo / And also how the coūtre was firste enhabyted

And by what kynges hit was gouerned. whiche is a right difficile and harde thing to beleue for many persones that haue not estudied the auncient Cronyques / of wh•m many ben full hard and doubtable to be beleuyd for the straūge and meruaillous werkes that ben foūden in many hystories and places

How Appollo was sent by the god Mars into the coū∣trey where as was the riche & noble shepe or weder that bare the vl•cse of golde & how he foūded there a cyte

FOr to gyue yow knowlege of the nobbe Ile of colchos I shall deporte & tarye for this present tyme to speke of the faytes of Iason / and will recompte & telle in bryef what king•s regned first in colchos and by what manere and facōn hit was knowen that the riche mouton̄ or shepe with the flees of gold was there· and also the two mer¦uayllous & terrible booles & the grete •spouentable dragon̄ / Then̄e for to come vnto this historie I haue foūden an olde auncien̄ cromcle conteynyng / that whilom̄e was a kyng in Athenes named Iupyter. but this was not that Iu∣pyter that was sone of saturne that regned long in Crete whiche is a moche noble coūtre

THis Iupiter then̄e king of athenes had / iij / sones / the first was named arropatreus / that is asmoch as mars in latyn̄ / which̄ by the athenyens was callid god of bataill / for cause of many batailles that he had in his time ayenst his neyghbours of which he had alway the victorie / the second was apis whiche was king of argys / & appollo that regned in archade wa• the thirde / this appollo was a man of grete

gouernement· he introduysed the Archadyens for to lyue honestly. Certes he conquerd many royames. he had grete nombre of children̄. And fynably whan they were growen to age· he deliuerid to them his landes to gouerne. And after that departed right secretly from Archade / And in the astate of a medycine or a phisicien he wente in the most part of the prouynces of the worlde / he was thus wandring ten yeres· And at thende of ten yere he arryued at Athe∣nes· And there foūde that his broder Mars was newly dede and passed out of this worlde· and that ther was made to him a temple whiche endured after vnto the tyme of the conusion of saynt denys. He wente into the temple with an herte replemsshed with̄ teres / & knelid doun̄ to the erthe to fore the rep̄sentacion of hys broder the god Mars Requiring him that he wolde shewe to him that thing that was best for him to do / & that he wolde with̄ all his might ensiewe & accomplisshe his doctrine & com̄andement

ANone as Appollo had finysshid his prayer· a grete whirling or tourbillon of winde cam sodaynly & flap∣ped him on the visage wherwith̄ he was astonyed that he wist not what hit was / And beyng in this rauisshement him thought that the god mars saide to him / Appollo / ap∣pollo. thy prayers ben p̄sented in the heuen to the Goddes Thou hast seen many meruailes of the worlde· but that is nothing in regarde of one that thou shalt see. & it shal not mowe be seyn but by the / Then̄e it pleseth̄ vs that thou go into pyrre for to make an arke vnto the semblan̄ce & like∣nes of that arke that noe made som tyme for to saue him & his famyllie from the deluge & flood / after that we wil

•hat thou do charge hit with̄ as grete a nombre of pyrriens as hit may receyue and that thou & they put you to the see therin / And whan ye haue don̄ so. I shal bring you into the best yle the moste riche & the most fertyle of all the world. whiche shalbe enhabited by the pyrriens. And thou shalt vnderstande that by this yle is a resorte of the see vnto an other litell yle where in is the noble moton̄ or sheep with̄ the fliese of gold / the whiche not long syn was sente by the goddes Iuno to frixus and to his suster Helles bothe enchassed by their stepmoder for to make them passe the see whiche that now is named hellespont by cause that Helles lete her fall into the see

THe Noble & riche moton̄ then̄e or shepe of golde is the most meruaillo{us} beste that eu was in the worlde / & hit must be ones conquerd / but that shalbe with grete pa∣rell and wel behoueth̄ therto a meruaillo{us} craft & mistere And for somoche then̄e as thou shalt be in the yle habitable in the whiche I shall {con}duyte & bring the / beware & kept the also dere as thou hast thy lyf / that thou go not into the yle where the no•le moton of golde is in· for I haue therin or∣deyned thre bestes. the whiche by space of time shal cast fire flambe fumyer & vemin out of their throtes wherof shalbe destroyed al they that shal descende in that yle / exepte only one vnto a certain terme / with̄ this wordes Appollo cam agayn to him self & thinking on the voys that he had herd after that he had made his oblacōns he de{per}ted out of the temple & also from athenes / & obeing to the wil of the god mars he trauailed in such̄ wise by his iournees that he cam vnto the royame of pirre in the cite of salathie· that whilom

had foūded salathiel· whiche was of the lignye of the he∣brews. Then̄e Appollo logged him in the hows of a bour∣goys named loth̄ / and required him moche that he wolde bringe him vnto the king of that coūtre· whiche was cal∣lid Philitenus. Then̄e loth̄ accorded vnto the requeste of Appollo / and brought hym to fore Phylitenus / And then̄e Appollo made to him the reuerence and syn sayde vn¦to the kyng in this manere

RYght exellent sire I am comen vnto you not only by my poure volente & auctorite· but I come in thacom∣plisshing the com̄andement of the god Mars / god of ba∣tailles· the which hath chosen me for to lede certayn nombre of thy peple into the best Ile of the worlde. And for thac∣complisshe the same he hath com̄anded the that thou do make for me an arke in suche wise as I shall deuise / And after that thou deliuere to me / iij / honderd of thy men̄ with̄ their wyues & children / the whiche shal entre into the arke with̄ me / & then̄ whan al this shalbe don̄ / the god mars by his ḡee shal bringe vs vnto the yle forsaide / first tenhabyte & peuple the sayde yle· & aboue that for to shewe vnto men̄ som̄e mer∣uaillo{us} werkes that ben there / & to thende that thou ne thinke that I be ony deceyuor or abuser I oblige me to dye mysera∣bly in caas that I be foūde in ony faute {pro}ceding fro my {per}tie

WHan the king philitenus had herde appollo & that he had beholden that he was of honourable maintiene. he drewe him a part & {con}iured him that he sholde declare what he was & of what lyf. but incontinent whan the king so con∣iured him he began a litil to wexe ashamed notwithstōding he affermed to him that he was king of archade & sone of

Iupiter first king of Athenes & b•oder vn to god Mars And after he declared how he had left his royame & how he had wandred in the worlde / & how the god Mars was in the temple & apperid to him· & somoche saide to him. that the king Iuged him to be most wise & most discrete man̄ of the worlde. & after acorded to him al that he had deman∣ded in the fauour of the god mars For tabregge th• ma∣ter appollo dide do make the arke in suche wise as him se∣med best at the expensis of the king. And Incontinent whan hit was al made & redy / the king dide do put there in iij.C. m•n of his royaume & as m•ny women with two knightes of his lignage. of whom that one was named zechius & that other zethephi{us} / & made hem {pro}mise that they sholde holde the yle where Appollo sholde bringe them to· of his royame in souerainte / & whan the pyriens had putte in the arke their necessites for their vytaill & that they had ta∣ken leue of the king & his lordes. appollo shette the arke fast to / & then̄e sodainly cose & was lift a tempeste so terrible & so grete / that the cordes & cables that helde the arke vnto the londe brak / & then̄e it happend that the arke was with an inpetuo{us} wawe transported into the depnes of the see

THe king Appollo and all the Pyriens seeyng so Inpetuouse tempeste and tormente supposed that the Arke and all they that were therin shulde haue perisshed Wherfore they began to crye and demene the gretteste so∣row of the worlde and began to make grete bewaylinges and murmure vpon Appollo. but yet that worse is. the tempeste contynued more and more in suche wise that it semed that incontinent al the world shold haue fynysshed

Then̄e the kyng philitenus and his men beyng arenged vpon the syde of the poorte. supposing neuer more to haue seen none of them beyng in the Arke retourned into their howses bewayling them and weping bytterly / This tempeste dured thre dayes hool. during whyche tyme the king Appollo conforted his men̄ the beste wyse he mighte and promised them that with̄ oute faute they sholde be deli∣uerid from this parill. And so hit happend them to be. for on the fourth daye after their departing from pyre the tempeste cessed at the sonne rising. And the noble Arke was caste in a meruayllous Regorte of the see beyng by¦twene two Iles. of whiche that one was grete and that other lasse

INcontinent that the king Appollo felte that the tem∣pest of the see cessed litil & a litil / and after apercey∣uid that the arke was a groūd faste. and the winde lefte his stronge blowing· & on that other side the wawes were in reste / he went vp into the hyest of the arke & opend a win∣dowe for to beholde & see where they were / & then̄e he appercey∣uid first the ayer wel attemprid & the son̄e shynyng fayr & cleer / after he caste his sight dounward. & then̄e he sawe the / ij / noble yles / wherof the more yle was next vnto the arke Whiche semed to him so fair and so delicious that he knewe plainly that it was the propre yle that was {pro}mised to him And that other yle beyng next that. was that yle that the habitacion was defended to him for the grete meruailes that there sholde falle. And then̄e he was so glad Ioyous & re∣conforted. that he began to synge an hye thankinges & lo∣uinges vnto the god mars / & incontinent whan he had so don̄

he began to calle vpon the two knightes zechius and zeth•∣phius· And also his oste loth̄ / to whom he sayde that they ought rendre and yelde graces and thankinges vnto the God of bataylles / And that they arryued into the lan•e of promyssion· Anone as these two noble knightes zechy{us} and zethephius and the other men & women vnderstood these tydinges they rose vp on her feet / made clene their vi∣sages and clensid their eyen of their teeris & wepinges lo∣ked vp an hygh̄ & required Appollo that he wolde opene the dores & windowes of the arke to thende that they myght see that lande of promyssion

APpollo heering this Requeste and considering the right grete displaisir in whiche th•y h•dde ben. and the right hye gladnesse that they hadde recouured· Opened all the entrees of the arke and lete goo oute the Pyryens shewyng to them the ferme lande that they hadde founden. whiche they foūde so noble / so dilectable and so fertyle in all goodes that them semed that they were in a verray paradys For the londe was right fertyle. the pastures· & the herbes swete smelling· the trees charged with fruyt. the wodes & hye forestes full of wilde bestes & veneson̄. whan Appollo had visited this noble lande and had well comprised & considerid the circuyte & the places of the same / he foūded in a forest an awter in the name of god Mars and dide to him sacrefice· And in the same place the Amazon̄es foū∣ded after a temple vnto the goddesse deane. In whyche Iason and Medea sawe e•he o•her first and acqueynted them as it shalbe sayd here after & declared more a long in his place

AFter the fondacion of this awter whan the sacrefic• was don̄ Appollo dyde do calle the / ij / knightes zechy∣us and zethephius & also loth̄ with̄ the peple that he hadde brought / and demanded them what they wolde doo & what was their entencion / And then̄e they ansuerde as with one voys / Certes▪ our entencion & will is to abyde here & lyue & dye / we desire neu to departe / for this shal be the sepulture of alle vs & of our eyres vnto thende of the worlde / the ho∣nye that here haboūdeth̄ shalbe our mete. & we shal laboure and culty•e the erthe with̄ goode vygnes / we shal enhabite with peple the lowe montaignes & the territoires / and thus we shal lyue in hye felicite if it be your plaisir. If it be my playsir ansuerde Appollo / if it had not be only for to haue distribu•d this so noble a londe / knowe ye for certayn that I had not abandon̄ed my self to the tempestes & parils of of the see / ne to the grete orages and tourbilloūs of the im∣petuouse windes· hit pleseth me right wele that this noble coūtre be your habitacion / but syn your entencion is suche / it is aboue all thinges necessarie gretly for you and for your wele and recom̄endacion / that ye rendre and do your payne to edeffye a cite and that ye close hit with̄ walles tours & yates to thende that none may come renne vpon you pylle. robbe ne trauaylle yow in other maner. and after hit beho∣ueth̄ for to com̄ynyque to geder by goode policie in such̄ facōn that the hardy and puissaūt of body and •orage / habylle them with̄ armes for to resiste thenterpryses of your ene∣myes if ony come for to greue yow / the sage and wysemen shal enduce and teche the rude peple and harde of entendemēt The poure shall be holden and boūden to laboure eche man

after hi• degre & callyng / And the most subtill shal deui∣se thinge {pro}pices for you as toures harnois & other habylle∣ment seruyng to kepe you in tyme of doubte / And with̄ this they shal ordeyne solempne edifices & houses for the ci∣te in the place therto most propice & couenable

WHan the pyriens had vnderstande Appollo / alle they ansuerde frely that they wolde accomplisshe to their po∣wer all that he wolde coūceyle them / and that he shold be their fader. & they his children̄. Then̄e they chose a place co∣uenable to bilde their cite / and taryed not long after but that they began to bylde & house a long by the see side in such wise that by space of tyme they founded & bilded a Ryght noble cite & closed with̄ walles dichis & yates / Appollo named this cite Iacoynte / the pyriens edified in the myd∣des therof a moche sumptuous palays. And on that other side zechius zethephius & loth made also many houses / & by space of tyme their generacion multeplied gretly & mer∣uaillously. wherof Appollo thanked the god Mars & dide to him sacrefice. This don he assembled on a daye alle the peple & saide to h•m in this maner tofore hem all

PEple of god Mars whan I considere the wele and the valoure of your habitacōn ye ben moche holden to the goddes· wherfore I praye you from hens forward that ye serue him with̄ goode herte. And after that I praye you that ye norisshe pees & concorde to geder / And that ye kep• you from all dyuysion & rancour. & I praye you to ba∣nisshe from your corages pride / hate couetise glouton̄ye & al other vices. & {con}sequently I {con}ceyle you that at this time ye {con}stitute vpon you iuges the two vertuo{us} knightes zechius

and zethephyus and that ye to them obeye souerai•ly / & if ye doo the•e thinges certaynly alle good•s shall 〈◊〉 in yow· And if ye doo not I declare to yow for trout•e 〈◊〉 in short tyme in this Cyte shall not abyde bord ner how• standyng ner one stone vpon an other. Appollo had not so sone finysshid thise wordes but that alle they th•re ston∣dyng opend her mowthes & cryed with an hye voys say∣ing Truly Appollo thou art the god of sapyence as long as we lyue we wyll haue none other Iuge but the / And to the we shall submytte vs & all our affayres· And desi∣ring thyn holy sacrefices / maners / and honest doctrines to ens•ewe to our powers. we wyll that thou be our pastour or herdman̄ / and we shall be thy sheep

WHan Appollo had vnderstande this that sayd ys he answerde to hem and sayd. Certes fair lordes hyt apperteyneth not to me to receyue the grete honour that ye alle offreand presente to me. ye knowe how that zechi•s and zethephyus ben of youre nacion· And I am here al∣lone and a straūger. hit is among yow euydent and no∣toyre. that ye shall not take in pacience my corre••ion as ye sholde doo of zechyus and zethephyus. And for so moche I praye yow that with̄ so grete charge & burthen ye leye not on my back. for hit is none nede. and for to saye the verite zechius and zethephyus ben two wyse knightes wel attempred and propice to ex••rsice those dygny••s. And therfore ye •ught to receyue thein· for certes ye ben holden so to doo and then̄e your wele shall folowe & be euydent. & ye so doyng pees and loue shall be •oted in yow. And ther shall be no man that shall be so ha•dy to conspire ony

Rumour. Rancour / Rebellion / ne machine ony troble in no 〈◊〉 of the worlde. And sayng thise wordes all the 〈…〉 to murmure. And zechius and his felawe ze∣•••phyu• hering this parlement to geder with̄ loth̄ & som̄e o•her princip•ls then̄ there that herde. considerid the people wolde in no wyse breke their oppinion / concluded to make an answere suche as foloweth̄. whiche loth̄ pronoūced and ••yde in this manere

APpollo in no wise putte no doubte in this werke for so moche as thou art among vs of vnknowen gene∣racion. Thy sapyence and wysedom is more playsaūte to the peple. that the naissaūce or birthe▪ of zechyus & of zethe∣phius. Thou art the right myrrour of our doctrine. the pa∣trone of our policie· the right oustyll that polisshith̄ and en∣lumyneth̄ vs & our rude ingenyes. Certes the two good knightes zechius & zethephius thanke the of the right grete honour that thou dost to them / And they beyng adioyned with̄ the peple will. that thou haue vpon vs and the Cyte souerayn seygnourye. and therfore wille thou nomore se••e weyes so contrepeysed / but enploye thy corage after the taste of our desires. for hit is ordeyned & concluded. that thou shalt be our kyng. And for to supporte the shalbe com̄ysed zechius & zethephius thy lieutenaūts / the whiche by thy in∣t••duccyon shall haue the charge & thought vndre the of the com̄yn besines & smale thinges. of whiche they shall haue the knowleche for to determine

INcontinent as loth̄ had finisshid his {pro}posicion / at thinstaūce of all the peple Appollo accorded in alle thing vnto their wyll. And then̄e forth̄with̄ two of the

INcontinent whan Appollo ap{per}ceyued & vnderstood thise thinges· & among all other he behelde him that was thus come & had put him in the see. Certes he was sore abasshid. but for to knowe all the tydinges / he made to rowe ner him· & foūde that the water where he wa• in. boilled by grete hete al aboute his body / The poure felawe incontinent that he knewe the king appollo his lorde / began passing pietously to escrie vpon him weping & sayng. Ha A sire Appollo if hit be possible to the / helpe & deliuere me from this mortal daūger· Whan appollo sawe the poure fe∣law in suche desolacōn the teeris fill doun̄ from 〈◊〉 eyen. & f•r asmoche as the water boilled so aboute him he had grete pite / & demanded of him what eyled him so to crye & wepe And from whens that water cam that so boilled aboute him. & axid syn where was zec••{us}. Alas ansuerde t•e po∣ure felawe whiche labourid lyuyng there to the deth in a dolour & payn• inestymab••. Praye ye sire for zechius & for his felaws. for I haue seen all▪ one after another dye in a mortell destresse and so anguiss•ously. that vnnethe that is creature lyuyng that coude veraily acompte and telle hit to you

WHan Appollo he•de speke of the deth̄ of zechi{us} and his felaws he was so soroufull that he wist not what to do / but ansuerde to the poure felaw and saide by grete ad∣myracion. how maye that be fayr sire / for I sawe right now zechi{us} and all his felaws that were with̄ him whan they toke londe in colchos in descendyng from the shippe / Alas dere sire ansuerde then̄e the felawe / Hyt is well Reson that I recompte & telle you the trouth̄ & verite of the manere of

this cruel auenture. Certes sire hit is veray trouth̄ that incontinent that zechius & we other entrid into the yle / we apperceyuyd from ferre in a passing fayr medowe a liuyng beste fedyng all of fyn golde. And was as grete as an hors of the facōn & fourme of a sheep or moton̄. Then̄e we concluded to geder with̄ one wyll / that we wolde haue ta∣ken him / & then̄e we wente forth & supposed to haue taken hit by force or other wise. And for to so doo we marched the derward to oure euyll helthe / for anon̄ after & right so∣daynly sprang out of a temple the most fair and the most riche that I euer sawe / a moche meruayllous dragon̄ and ferdful with̄ thre tong•s casting fyre and flambe wi•h smoke out of his throte· & forthwith incontinent sprang also out of hooles in the erthe two moche horrible booles ha∣uyng legges & feet all of coper / their hornes were grete and sharp. their eyen gretter & more reed then̄ boyllyng coper or metal / the whiche thre bestes so dredefull disgorged & caste out fyre of their throtes & venym vpon vs in suche facōn. that zechius & all the other deyde there in suche payn̄ & dolour that was neuer lyke therto recorded· and of vs .xxx. fe∣laws ther is none escaped exept my self whiche was laste and ferthest behinde / for whan I apperceyuid the meschyef so grete I put me to flight / but I coude not so fast flee / but that the terrible dragon̄ cast vpon me a gobet of the moste detestable infeccion that euer was / the whiche doth me somo∣che payn̄ & meschief and holdeth̄ me in suche a brennyng in all my body that I muste nedes take by dolourouse deth̄ the ende of this worlde. wherfore I require yow that ye goo no•ner Colchos

withoute nombre floted here and there in the see. & thus by this waye they were all lost and spent. of the whiche-auenture all they that were then̄ at the porte beholdyng were sore esbayed and not without cause / for neuer tofore was seen so meruaillous a tempeste / & thought wel that it wente not wel. and sayde that one to that other that their goddes were angry with̄ them whan suche tempest cam to them ther to their grete dom̄age and preiudice

How the knight zethephius conspired ayenst Appollo the kyng and how they had batayll to geder

AFter this euyl auenture the king Appollo & they that were with him retorned vnto the palays enclinyng their heedes adoun̄ & shewing that anoye had enterprised them whan they were come to the palays all they bewayl•d zechi∣us / & during this sorow / the wyf of zechius named Mena cam thether for to here tidinges of her husbonde. & hit was sayd to her that he was left dede in the yle of colchos / wherfor she demened so meruaillous sorow that she fyll to the erthe al in a spasme & a swoūne / & after cam to her self / & then̄e she rent of her a tyre and drew her h••r out of her hede by moche aspre anger & sorow / in suche a facōn t•at forth̄with̄ she was deliuerid of a childe whiche she had {con}ceyuid of her lorde & husbonde / the which̄ deyde assone as it was born̄ / for it had not his full time / for the deth̄ of whiche childe the anger & sorow was moche the more· Appollo then̄ wenyng to conforte her / dyde all that he coude / but yt halpe no• ner profited no thing / & made her to be brought into his hous for the better to make her wepinges & lamentacōns at her wyll

And ther was none that might comforte her. The women The king. & frendes of them that were dede with̄ zechi{us} sem∣blably made grete sorow. during whiche sorowe. Appollo visited ofte times Mena / & foūde that she had {con}tinuelly the teeris in her eyen / how wel she was a moche fayr lady / By haunting from day to daye Appollo knewe the grete & good loue that she had to her husbonde. & that in no maner might forgete him began to wexe amoro{us} of the lady in so moche that he required her to be his wyf / And she agreed and acorded therto in suche wise that the one espoused that other And engendryd on her a doughter / the whiche was borne in goode terme & was named fanoles

AMonge all other thinges zethephius began to haue enuye vpon the king Appollo for asmoche as his glo∣rie encresid dayly / & more & more. This miserable enuye en∣cresid in his corage. & him semed that if of Appollo & of mena cam a sone. that sone sholde succede to the royame after appollo / for which̄ cause he emploied him self with al his power to {con}plaire & plese a {per}tye of the citezeyns. & whan he felte him in their grace / he assembled hem on a daye in hys hous and saide to them in this maner. My brethren and goode frendes ye knowe well that I am of your lignage And that all my lyf I haue conused louyngly among you / and in lyke wise myn aūcetres with̄ youres haue had alway entier alian̄ce / this considerid my herte iugeth̄ that ye owe me goode will and desire myn encrees and honour And for somoche as your power is right grete in this ci∣te· I pray and require you. yf hit so happe that appollo go fro lyfe to deth̄ that ye will haue my sone for recom̄ended

and that he may be kyng after him as ye knowe wel that he is therto worthy

THe frendes of zethephius hering these wordes. alle accorded with̄ goode herte to do for him all that they mighte. Then̄e zethephius promised to them many grete thinges in caas they wold make Feris his sone king· & promised so moche good that they coniured the deth̄ of the king Appollo· And in dede they made couenaūt that they sholde slee him if they foūde him at their auantage

AFter this coniuroyson̄ then̄e that these miserable & peruers traytres were withdrawen into their howses They cōmened with their neyghbours of the deth of the king appollo· & {pro}mised them grete nombre •f money if they might come & obteyne their entent / som ther were couetous desiring their singuler prouffit accorded vnto this sedicōn / but also som ther were that in no wise wolde asente th•rto· but alowed the grete p•eudhem̄ye & wisedom of Appollo. & shewed wel that they had him better in ḡce than zethephius Thus among them began to meue & rise many rancours. discordes & debats / & this rumour roos in so hye termes & so plainly / that zethephy{us} & his complices couuertly murdred many of them that wolde not acorde vnto their trayson̄. & somo•• multeplied these outragious syn̄es / that whan som of the welwillars of the king appollo sawe their felawes murdrid / they drew to the king appollo & tolde to him the machinacōn of zethephius / & the outragio{us} syn̄es that his felaws dide. & required him moch̄ that he wolde take hede & entende to their fayt / & to finde such̄ remedie to kepe his lyf wele / & honour & the prouffit of the com̄yn wele

THe king Appollo was meruaillously troubled & had grete sorow in his corage whan he was adutised of these harde tydinges / how wel he {con}duysed him right wy∣sely / for with̄ all diligence he dide take enformacōn of the∣se thinges. & foūde that they had said to him the ve••te & trouth̄. & that zethephi{us} seduysed the peple ayenst him by tyrannye al euydente. & that {con}tinuelly he had in his house an .C. men of euyl lyf / the whiche com̄ysed al the euyl they coude thinke vpon them that they foūde not of their bende· the grete trouble & displaisir of king Appollo doubled then̄e whan he knewe for trouth that it was trewe that he was adutised of. Notwithstanding he endured the malice of zethephi{us} & his complices a certayn space· but whan he ap∣perceyued their •du•te / and that fro day to day they a pay∣red more then̄e amended / he sente to zehtephius / that he sholde do Iustice on his seruaūtes & suche as were culpable of the deth̄ the whiche tyrannysed in the cite. & if he wolde not / he wolde seche remedye hym self

WHan zethephius vnderstode the message of the king Appollo. He ansuerde to him with a moūth ful of felonnye / that he was wise ynough for to correcte his ser∣uaūtes. and that he wolde not do but at his plaisir / And then̄e the messager cam & reported this answere to king appollo / the whiche he herde. Appollo deliberid in him selfe that he wolde suffre a litil for to see how his enemies wold mayntene hem / during which̄ time he helde him wel assu∣red in his palais. but it was not long after but zethephi{us} & his folk {con}mised more outrages & cruelte then̄e they dide tofore / in somoch̄ that al the peple roos & meuid on a daye

And there were som̄e that cam vnder Appollo. And the other wente to the traytres. the whiche assemblid in thys maner by grete pryde that surmoūted on them and sente to Appollo that he shold prestly departe out of the palays and goo his waye out of the cyte· or ellys they wolde wele that he knewe that they were his mortell enemyes· Anone as Appollo had receyuyd this mandement he vndersto•d well that the thinge was in euyll terme if he put not payn̄ to subdue and put vnder thyse traytres by armes / wherfor he callid the peple them that were of hys partie and sayd to them / Fayr sirs ye knowe well ynow· ye haue me con∣stituted kyng aboue you / how wel me thinketh̄ zethephius wold take from me this dignite. And •f fayte he is de∣clared myn enemy· what is to be don̄ here to. They ans∣werd. Thou arte our kyng· other kyng than the we wyll not haue during ou•lyf / and for so moche as euery king is boūden to kepe & defende his peple / And semblably ben all peple boūden to expose body & goodes for their kyng Hit semeth̄ vs expedient that without lenger toryeng we ought to goo & assayle thyn enemye & oures / to thende to punisshe him & his complices

WHan Appollo had vnderstonde this that sayd is he accorded to the same lightly and putte hym anone to armes. And so dyde alle they of hys partie. & assone as they were all in poynt / they wente on the waye toward the market place. & there comen the kyng sent one of his knightes vnto zethephius to signyfie to hym that he sholde come to Appollo for to amende his mesfaytes of which̄ he & his {con}plices were charged with̄ / then̄e zethephius ansuerde

that he wolde go vnto his enemye but that shalbe said with strength̄ of men of armes so puyssaūt and strong / that hit had ben better for him that he hadde neuer sette foot in this coūtre. And saye to him hardily that if he be wel coū∣ceylled that he & his welewillars be not foūden to fore my strengthe / but that they goo so ferre that of them we here neuer after tydinges / Assone as the knight hadde vnder∣stande this that sayd is he retorned vnto his lord & re∣coūted to him what he had exploited / And zetheph̄ius with̄oute lengrr •arieng marched forth̄ acompanyed of his {con}plices al armed to the place where he supposed to fin∣de appollo as he that was aduertised of thenterprise of the king. & went so ferforth̄ that they foūde their adusaires the whiche were so esmeuyd vpon them / that incontinent that they had espyed eche other. they escried them to the deth̄. & ran vpon eche other armed one with̄ an basenet on the hede an other armed the body. one bering a clubbe. an other a swerde euil fourbousshed / & without other parlement holding they began a bataile vpon the market felonno{us} & hard mer∣uaillously. In casting terrible cryes one & other as it had ben thondre comen doun̄ from heuen. and with̄ this alle the women̄ & litil children of the cite cam ren̄yng & cryed weping so right anguisshously that hit was grete pite to see hem make their bewailinges & sorowe

THus as ye may vnderstande began the bataylle of the Cytezeyns the one ayenst that other / & in the comyng to gyder they smote eche other cruelly without ha∣uyng regarde sauf only to slee eche other. but the king appollo fletheris & loth put hem forth̄ among their enemies

so ferre in gyuing pesaūt strokes and terrible on the right syde & on the lift side by suche vertu that the place was anon̄ dyed and weet with̄ the blood of the malefactours· and they dyde so knyghtly & cheuaulerously / & in especial Ap∣pollo. that ther was no traytre but that he tremblid tofore hem / And euery man began to make place to the noble kyng. Then̄e zethephius had suche sorow that he cam and put him tofore the berde of the knight Fletheris & of loth And he had with̄ hym .x. of his best fightars· and such was their auenture that with̄ one stroke the gentil knight Fletheris smote doun zethephius to the erthe among the dede bodyes and toke him· And in this he•te Appollo & loth fought so sore with the other and so eygrely that they slewe the moste parte. And hit was not long after that the traytours knewe that their capitoyne was sore hurte & taken. wherfore they tourned there back and putte them in flight in alle parties a long by the Ryue of the cite and so sparklid abrode

How the kyng Appollo gaf to his doughter the ••ll• & manere for to conquere the moton̄ or sheep of gold· why∣che cam after to Medea

WHan the gentil king Appollo sawe that his morta•• enemy was holden and that his complices put them to flight incontinent cessed the bataylle. and retourned to his palays with̄ grete glorie. And eche man cryed. Helthe be gyuen to the kyng Appollo. Many of the p•in∣cipall of the peple cam then̄e to fore the kyng & wolde there •aue slayn the vntrewe zethephyus. But zethephyu•

Required them humbly mercy & confessid his grete faute And therwith̄ cam there his wyf that kneled to the erthe tofore the nobles & the peple and required them of ḡce for her husbond so humbly that the kyng had pytie of her. & saued zethephius lyf. But that same daye he accused all them that had com̄ysed the grete euyll· of whom the kyng Appollo dyde doo Iustice· And after this gaf to Flethe∣ris the office of zethephius / And from this day forthward the cyte was nourisshid in pees the space of many yeres to the louyng & preysing of Appollo

ZEth•phius dismyssed of his office as sayd is at∣temprid his corage and gouerned him so wel and discretly that he recouurid the loue and good grace of the kyng. ye in suche wyse that by the meue of Mena / the king Appollo gaf in mariage his doughter Phauoles vnto the sone of zethephius named Pheris. This Pheris was a wyse yong man. prudent. discrete. attemprid and moche louid the goddes. alle vertues & good Iustice. whan they had conuersed with̄ him a certayn space / he considerid two thinges. the preudom̄ye & wisedom of Pheris was that one And that other was that he wolde retourne in to grece. he constituted in this royame Pheris kyng. And the peple confermed him· And hit was not long after that mena departed fro the lyf by deth̄. wherof appollo made meruail∣lous sorowe. And then̄e whan he had long wepte the deth̄ of his wyf. and felte his ende to approche he called on an •uyn his doughter Phauoles and sayd to her. My dere doughter I take leue of the· for I must secretly departe from this coūtre. and allone retorne into Grece where I was

born̄ howe well first er I departe I late the Quene of this yle / wherof I haue in myn herte grete Ioye. And for as moche as I knowe thy wytte thy discresion and thy ver∣tues· I shall deliuere to the. the bylle that the god Mars hath wreton̄ conteynyng all the manere howe me shall do for to conquere the noble moton̄ or sheep of gold in the yle of colch•s. and for to destroye all the terrible bestes that ben in the same yle· And I com̄ande that to no man ly∣uyng ne to no creature of the worlde thou shewe hit not But yf hit be in thende of thy life vnto a doughter that shall come of the. vnto whome thou shalt make her swere that semblably she shall not shewe hit to no persone sauf only to her doughter. And so from doughter to doughter Hyt pleseth the god Mars that this bille be kepte vpon payne of deth̄ vnto the tyme that oute •f Grece shall come a knyghte in to this palays that shall be worthy to see it And shall conquere the noble moton or shepe of gold

Wyth̄ these wordes the kyng deliuerid the bill to his dere doughter / the whiche conteyned in substan̄ce the termes that folowe. Yf thou loue thy lyf & wilt auenture thy self for to conquere the moton̄ or shepe of golde. hit is of pure necessite that thou haue the habyts that appollo was clad with̄ all at the oure that this bill was deliuerid to him / After hit behoueth̄ that thou haue his armures and that thou were his gowne aboue them. And of the other clothes thou make sacrefice vnto the god Mars / and put ther with̄ a bole wherof thou shalt kepe the blood / After this thou shalt take the powldre of the sacrefice and pu•te

hit in thre parties. that is to wete one· with̄ the blood of the bole / And this myxtion̄ shall haue suche vertue▪ that yf thy body be anoynted therwyth̄ the fyre ne the venym of the dragon̄ and of the two meruaillous booles that ke∣pe the moton̄ may not noye the / Vnto the regarde of the seconde parte of this poulder thou shalt medle hit with̄ glue And with̄ this glue thou shalt enoynte the mosels of thise two meruayllous booles· to whom thou mayst then̄e seurely approche notwithstanding that they cast fyre ayenst the dismesurably / But whan their mosels ben englued they may then̄ caste nomore fyre ne venym / Then̄e thou shalt go to the dragon̄ / whom thou muste slee by thy strengthe and by thy hardynesse. And then̄e whan thou shall haue slain him thou shalt retorne to the two meruaillous booles / and hyde their eyen· And thou shalt yoke hem and make hem to tourne foure rodd of londe. the whiche thou shalt sowe with̄ the teth̄ of the dragon̄ that then̄ is ded. And af∣ter thou shalt make them to harowe hyt / And then̄ sodeyn∣ly shall growe of this erthe many Geants armed / why∣che shall arise ayenst the. And whan hit shall comen to smyting / caste vpon them the therthe parte of the pouldre And anone they shall fyghte to gyder· and eche of them shall slee that other. And then̄e whan thou shalt haue don• alle this that sayd is· then̄e thou mayst take the no∣ble moton̄ or shepe of golde and conquere hyt / And then̄ thou shalt flee hym. & with̄ the body reserued the vliese of golde thou shalt make sacrefice to the god Mars kneling and humylieng thy self tofore him thou shalt saye thys oroyson̄ that foloweth̄

MArs my god that by the suffraunce of the God of nature hast puissaūce for to chaūge the nature of bes∣tes· And that by thy propre vertue conduytest all batay∣les and bringest them to thy playsire. I thanke the wyth̄ all my herte of that thou hast made me to doo· And praye the humbly that thou receyue my sacrefice in gree. And that thou wilt conduyte me with̄ myn honour and brynge me vnto my countre / And thus whan thou hast finisshid thy prayer / thou mayst retourne with̄ glorie in to thy coū∣tre and be seased with̄ the noble fliese of gold

MY dere doughter said then̄e Appollo lo here the wri∣tyng that I haue spoken of / And after that lo here myn habytes that be requysite for to obteyne the conquest of the shepe of golde / And myn armures ben in the temple of god Ma•s / and there shall abyde vnto the tyme that this noble conqueste shall be don̄. And therfore kepe them well and soyngneusly that no daūger come to yow / and that I charge the by the com̄andement of the goddes / And I praye you for all the plaisir that ye may doo to me that no persone be aduertised of my departing. Then̄e Phanoles promysed & sware to her fader that she sholde doo to her po∣wer all that he had required her and charged her with̄. And then̄e they toke leue eche of other wepyng right ten∣derly. And syn wente Phanoles with̄ the kyng Pherix For hit was night and the goode king Appollo abode in his chambre vnto on the morn̄ erly. & then̄e de{per}ted al allo∣ne & entrid into a litil boot al {pro}pice whiche he had do make then̄e he recom̄anded him in the garde & keping of the goddes

And then̄e a winde smote on the ship that brought hym vpon the depe see. and ye shall vnderstande. that the same day the king Pherix was wel aduertised that his fader in lawe was goon̄ & departed / he began to demene and make a meruayllous sorow. & so dyde all the peple· but whan they sawe that they coude not haue him agayn ner recouure him They com̄anded him to the garde of the god mars. Then̄e the king Pherix began to haue the gouernaūce of the roya∣me / & conduysed it in suche wise that in short time he gate the loue of all the peple & of the nobles of the royame

THe kyng Pherix then̄e after the departyng of the olde king Appollo had of his wyf Phauoles a doughter named Ortis. This doughter cam to age & was maried vnto a noble man of grece named Oetes / the whiche by fortune of the see was brought into this coūtre in the time that the kyng Pherix was in his olde & aūcient dayes / the ladyes of Sychye cam then̄e into this marche. & wel suppo∣sed to haue goten & taken this cyte of Iacoynte by assault But the inhabitantes of the cite bare hem so strongly that this multitude of women were constrayned to cesse of their enterpryse. wherof they had grete sorow & assieged the cyte And during their siege they made the temple of the god∣desse deane· of whom is spoken tofore· this temple is lyke to an other that they made in Ephese

DVring their siege Oethes whiche was strong and cheualerous and moche vayllyant in Armes and of grete conduyte· scarmusshed wyth̄ hem many tymes to hys honour. And dyd so moche· that whan the La∣dyes had perfourmed their temple. & that they considered

that the cite was inprenable by assault / & also that the cite∣zeyns cam not oute agaynst them in bataille. wherfore they lost their tyme / they reysed their siege & retorned vnto the see. of whom som other ther were that wente vnto the yle of colchos. but they that so aduentured them retourned neu agayn. after the departing of this assemble of ladies / the king Pherix gaf his doughter to Oetes· & made them to wedde that one to that oth•r in the temple of dyane whiche was meruaillous riche / Then̄e anon after pherix & phano∣les deyde / & Oetes was the thirde king of this yle by the as∣sente of al the peple / This kynge Oetes foūde a myne of golde / wherof he dide do make vaissell & other vtensilles ne∣cessarie & {pro}pice vnto his housholde. this was the moste ri∣che kyng of al the worlde in that tyme. he dide do make an ydole al of fyn golde representing the god Mars. & ano∣ther rep̄senting the goddes deane the whiche were in a wode ede•fied of golde wherin he had al maner of wilde bestes. After he dide do make a fair gardyn of plaisan̄ce / in whi∣che he foūded a temple vnto the goddes venus vnto whom he dide do make a riche ymage whiche was al of fyn golde And aboute the same were fifty men & as many women that desired & required eche other of loue. & they were made with̄ so amero{us} maners· that al they that behelde them / were lightly & sone meuyd to luxure / Hit is not to be vnremē∣brid that among all these thinges the saide king Oethes▪ had a doughter by his wyf ortis / This doughter grewe & was named Medea. & becam passing beauteuo{us} & fayr. yet he had another doughter by his wyf & a sone. the doughter was named Caliope and the sone was named abserthi{us}

At the burthe of this Abserthius the quene Ortis was so seek that she leyde her doun̄ in her mortal bedde. and callyd to her / her doughter Medea. and deliuerid to her alle tho thinges that the kyng Appollo had deliuerid to his dough∣ter Phauoles touchyng the fayte of the conquest of the gol∣den flyese / And also taught her many enchantements· & with̄ this she gaf to her a Ryng of golde wherin was a stone of suche vertu that hit sholde make them inuysible that bare hit / And this don̄ she passed out of this worlde wher∣fore Oetes / Medea / & Caliopes demened meruayllous grete sorow / And there I wyl reste of this sorow & shal recomp∣te what was the ende of the kyng Appollo

Howe the kyng Appollo arryued at the porte of Sta / rille. And how he departed secretly fro the king Serath̄ and arryued at the yle of Colchos & of his deth̄ and how the kyng Serath̄ confessid Appollo to be a god

WHan the kyng Appollo was allone on the see as sayd is· he abandon̄ed him vnto the fortune of the wyndes & of the waters confyeng and trusting in the ḡce of the goddes. And his fortune was suche. that he arry∣ued at the porte of Starille a cite of the royaume of Pyre And there fonde that the kyng Philitenus laye there pas∣sing seek / And then̄e wente to him· and after the Reue∣rences made. recounted to him fro point the poynt all that was befallen to him & his peple / how that they had fonde the yle that the goddes had {pro}mised to him. and how they had made the cite / & how they had made him king & how ze∣chy{us} & his felaws deyde in the yle of colchos / how zethephi{us} had

conspired ayenst him. how he had made his sone pherix king And how he was departed thens allone. The king Phi∣liten{us} had moche meruaile of these thinges. And made grete chere to Appollo after his power· but anon̄ after he deyde & after him succeded in his royame a sone that he had whiche was named Serath̄ / Then̄e whan Appollo sawe that Serath̄ was obeyed king of Pyrre / he cam to him on a daye to take leue for to retorne into his coūtre. but Se∣rath̄ wolde not that he sholde departe / And required him Instantly that he wolde vse the remenaūt of his lyf with him. Appollo excused him and toke leue yet ones. but in no wise serath̄ wolde accorde therto. And whan Apoollo sawe this & felte that he might not long lyue / he departed thens on an euen so secretly that no man knewe til on the morn. and then̄e on the morn they knew it by the report of one of his knightes / whiche certefied him that he hadde mette & recoūtrid him in a place that he named

INcontynent that the king Serath̄ vnderstode these tydinges. he was sore trobled / for he louid parfaitly Appollo / And forth̄with̄ he toke his hors and in enten∣cion to bringe him agayn / he rode after him acompany•d of two goode knightes of his court / but he coude neuer ou∣take him til that he was come into the yle of colchos where he foūde him passing seek and labouring in the extreme draughtes of deth̄. The anoye of kyng Serath̄ redoubled whan he sawe and foūde Appollo in this estate and wept Then̄e the king Appollo defended him that he sholde go no ferther into the yle of Colchos for to conquere the moton or shepe of golde. And syn recom̄anded him to the Goddes

And that don̄ expired his lyf. for whiche deth̄ the king Serath̄ & his knightes were terribly sory· And conclu∣•ed that they wolde bere the body into their coūtrey / & ma∣ke for him a fayr and riche sepulture / and then̄e they gar∣nisshed the body with̄ grete foyson of candellis for to wa∣ke that night / but whan hit was aboute mydnight & that all the lumynaire brende aboute the body of Appollo· Alle wente out & quenchid sodaynly / And then̄e must the king Serath̄ & his knightes wake the remenaūt of the nighte without ony light or clerenes wherof they had grete mer∣uaile· And on the morn whan the daye apperid it happend that they foūde not the body of king Appollo. but in the place where they had left it the daye to fore / they foūde an awter of cristall passing c•ere / vpo• whiche was an ymage of fyn golde so quikly made after the facōn of Appollo. that it semed {pro}prely his persone. wherfore the king Se∣rath̄ seeyng this My•racle knelid doun on bothe his kne∣es to the erthe to fore him & worshipped it / And then̄e he herde a voys that said to him. Serath̄ seke not Appollo but among the goddes / he hath̄ praid for the & for al them that shal come to th̄is sepulcre / and therfore knowe thou that thou shalt haue goode fortune. and all they that shal come hether by goode deuocion shall haue answere of thyn∣ges that they shal demande / & here with̄ the voys made si∣lence. and the kyng Serath̄ confessid then̄e openly that with̄out errour appollo was a god· after these th̄inges he dide do make in the honour of him a temple en signefieng al that he had seen & herd to ben trew / & fro then̄e forth̄on the grekes were acustomed to come to this temple fro fer coūtre

to worshipe him & diligently demande & enquire of their des∣tinees· And among alle other Peleus wente theder as sayd is. And thus endeth̄ the hystorie of Appollo and his faytes. And now I wyll retorne for to speke of the faytes and vaillyaūces of the noble & preu Iason / for that is our principall matere

How the kyng Oetes receyuid Iason into his cite. & how Medea louid Iason & brought him to the temple of ve∣nus / & how the olde woman enchanted the bedde of Iason̄

WHan Iason̄ was departed from Lennos. And that he had sacred his shyp vnto the goddesse Pallas & to the goddesse of the see / he saylled by many Iournees from one coost to an other / that in the ende Argos ruled so hys cours by the sonne that on a day he arryued in the yle that he had desired to finde by a grete storme & impetuouse for∣tune that by force were constrayned for to take the regorte or goulf where as the yle of colchos was by / hit was not long after that whan argos had brought his ship in this goulf or arme of the see / that the son̄e wente doun / & then̄e as argos thoughte where he might best caste ancre & make his shippe faste / hit happend that he sawe tofore him the cite of Iacoynte· & on that one syde of the yle of colchos ther sprang out sodaynly tourbilloūs of fire so terryble that of feer that he had in beholding hit he began to crye. Whan Iason / her∣cules / and Theseus & the other kniyhtes of Grece herd the mayster thus crye. they sprang vp & cam to him / and the maister told them the cause of his crye. & syn shewd to hem the cite & the yle. & asseured hem how they were comen

to thende of their vyage· and of this mater they deuised so long that speking therof their ship cam to the porte into the {pro}pre place where the arke of king Appollo was comen at that time whan they cam first into the londe. Then̄e the maister of the ship caste his ancres into the see. Then̄e Ia∣son rendrid louyng & preysing vnto the goddes. & so dyde hercules. Then̄e they sente theseus vnto the king Oetes for to signefie to him their comyng / & for tenquere if this was the coūtre that they sought / Certes these{us} wente & dide hys message in suche wise. that the king Oetes presented to him his palais and sente vnto the noble Iason foure of his knightes that required him on the kinges behalue that he wolde take his herberow in his palais / & he was to him right welcome· And whan Iason hadde vnderstande the will of the king by the f•ure knightes / he {pro}mised them that with̄ a goode will he wolde come theder· and then̄e he entrid into the cite whiche was no•le and fayr· & how well it was nyght at that tyme. yet was the cite as light as it had ben daye by the clarte & resplendour of torches· cresettes & other fires· that the kinge had do make in the cite right notably acompanyed for to feste these grekes

YE may wel vnderstande that the right noble Iason entrid into th̄is cite acompanyed of Hercules and his felaws that were right riche clad and habilled wi•h̄ cloth̄ of golde and of silke / The strete by whiche they passed for to go to the palays was on two renges hye & lowe peupled of ladyes of damoiselles / of knightes bour∣geys marchan̄s maydēs & yong peple beholding their coming & ordenan̄ce / And whan Iason was comen vnto thentre•

of the palays he fonde there the noble kyng Oetes / whiche was sette in astate royall for to feste Iason and his com∣panye· And receyuyd Iason right honourably as chyef of them alle. And then̄e whan he had welcomed them. he toke him by the hand and ledde him vnto his palays And anone as they wente vpon the steyres for to goo vp Iason loked into a wyndowe And beholdyng he espyed the fayr Medea among many ladyes. to whom he toke non̄ other hede as for this tyme. but hit was not so on her part For she began to beholde him so affectuously for his grete beaute. that he was more in her grace than I can telle yow For tabregge the mater Iason & all his companye pas∣sed forth̄ by this windowe where Medea was & cam into an halle where the tables were couerd / And then̄e whiles they made redy the souper the kyng Oetes began to deman∣de the gentil knight Iason & after many wordes he began to saye to him in this maner

IAson fair sire I knowe for trouth̄ that ye be so•e of kyng Eson like as theseus your felaw hath̄ sayd to me. But I knowe not whyther ye entende to goo / ne what thing ye seche / wherfore I praye yow by maner of a passe tyme that ye wille a litil recompte to me of your astate & enterprise if hit be possible that ye so doo may in ony maner And I promyse you that if I may be propice in ony facōn for the loue of your fader. whom I haue som tyme knowen I shall deliuere to yow ayde and confort in all that in me shall be possible / Syre ansuerde then̄e Iason I thanke yow humbly of the grete honour that ye presente to me. & syn it must nedes be that ones ye must knowe the cause wherfor I

am descended into your coūtre / I declare to you that I ha∣ue enterprised for to goo into the yle of colchos notwyth∣stonding the parils whiche ben moche to doubte and not with̄ oute cause / And with̄ this I haue made auowe that I shal neuer retourne into Grece vnto the tyme that I haue conquerid and shalle bringe with̄ me the sheep o• fliese of golde / And if I may not make an ende of this enterprise hercules my felawe shal aduenture him / wherfore I require you that of this enterprise ye wille conceylle me to your power / Certes Iason said then̄e the king ye haue made a litill vowe. How sire said Iason how so· for asmo∣che ansuerde the king as by ony aduenture or fortune ye en∣tre into this yle of colchos / hit is not possible that ye euer retorne hether agayn / for ther be in that yle two grete and meruaillous bulles •••enymed com̄ysed to the kepyng of the moton̄ or flees of golde. wherof ye spack. Also th•r is com̄ysed for the garde of the same the most terrible and the most crymynel dragon̄ that eu was spoken of or seen The whiche thre bestes cast {con}tinuelly fire and venym out of their throtes. whiche shal slee you without remedie in∣continent that ye approche them / the whiche thinges consi∣derid syn that ye haue demanded me conceyle. & also that euy noble man is boūden to g•ue conceyle to them that ben euyl enformed & conceyled· I pray you & {con}ceyle as my {pro}pre sone that ye cesse of this your enterprise / for if ye doo other wise al the golde of the worlde may not saue you. & there fore thenke wel what ye haue to do before ye put you in su∣che a daūger I conceyle you as thaugh̄ ye were myn owne sone or my broder germayn / & herewith they left their wordes

THe soupper was redy. wyth̄ these wordes the kyng satte at the table betwene Iason and Hercules and sente after Medea and Caliope. whiche were sette tofore him / this don̄ he com̄anded the other grekes to sytte at an other table where they were richely seruid. But whan hyt cam for to ete the noble mayde Medea entrowbled at that ty∣me her mayntene / and cast her regarde vpon Iason where she rested lenger then̄e hit apperteyned to her contenaūce. for Iason semed to her more fayr that he was at the first time· & he was so playsant & agreable / that whan she herde recompte among other deuises & thinges that he was comen for to conquere the moton̄ or flees of golde / she iuged that this was the knight of grece whiche was destined for to conquere it & sayde in her self that she wolde helpe him to ob∣teyne the same / with̄ that he wolde take her to his wyf / such̄ or semblable were the thoughtes of the fair medea at souper She behelde ofte times Iason whan she sawe her time / & it anoyed her moche that she might not speke to him pryuely what shal I saye more / for whan the king & the grekes had right wel take their refeccōn the tables were take vp / & af∣ter the grekes were brought into diuers chambres / & among all other Iason was loged nygh̄ by the fair medea / for ther was nomore betwene but a litil aleye from her chambre to his by which̄ Iason went afterward ofte times vnto medea

WHan then̄ Iason was withdrawen into his chambre And that he was allone with̄ Mopsius he began to deuise with̄ him and sayd. Mopsius fayr sire • what saye ye of myn̄ enterpryse of Colchos. By my lawe sire sayd Mopsius. I see no way ne knowe none other thing

•ut matere of dolour & sorowe. for euery man •f this hous Iugeth̄ you ded if ye go in this perillo{us} yle of colchos where ther ben so dredeful & terrible bestes as it hath̄ ben said to you / Notwithstonding ansuerde Iason it behoueth that I acquite myn auowe. Certes sire saide Mopsi{us} hit is nowe no nede for to go ony further if it plese you & be wel {con}cey∣led ye ought to be content without goyng ony ferther· for as it is said {con}munly. hit is better to leue folie. then̄e to mayntene folie. Ha a Mopsi{us} said Iason. if I do not my power to {per}forme that I haue {pro}mised & auowed / I shold vse al my lyf after in reproche. certes yet had I leu finiss•e my dayes honourably / & knowe ye verily that syn I am co∣me thus ferre abiding the grace of the goddes I shal {per}for∣me myn entreprise & shal abide the auenture / Syre said mop∣sius ye shal do that ye good seme· but ye vnderstande not wel your caas / for knowe ye that it is al certayn that pe∣le{us} your vncle hath̄ sent you hether cautelously for to en∣terprise & achieue this auenture to thende that he might ob∣teyne your royame. & therfore ye may retorne from hens in to grete without more further enterprise / ye shal ge•e therby no reproche / but ye shalbe holden for wise / for he is discrete that can fle from his mysauēture & kepe him from dom̄age

IN verite Mopsius fayr sire ansuerde then̄e Iason. I ne may not adiouste fayth̄ to al that ye haue to m• now said / And for so moche knowe ye for certayn that for paril of deth̄ or daūger that may befall & come to me / I shal not de{per}te me but that I shal furnissh̄ myn auowe. & therfor if it so happen̄ that I dye in this perillo{us} yle I require you to recom̄ande me vnto the good grace of the fair Mirro

Whan Mopsius had vnderstand that sayd is / he began fore to wepe. And Iason leyde him doun̄ in his bedde / and syn̄ chaūged purpoos. and began to d•uyse of the good chiere that the kyng Oethes and Medea had made to him In recom̄andyng aboue all other thinges the grete beaute and the fair contenaūce of Medea· And in continuyng this purpoos he fyll a slepe

THe fayr Medea was at this tyme at the dore of the chambre of Iason & herde alle the deuises of Iason & of Mopsius. as she that was esprised of the loue of the gen∣tyll prynce of Grece· that in no wyse she might vaynquis∣s•e her corage. And also long as their deuises dured. so long stode she at the dore herkenyng· And whan they ••s∣sed their purpoos she retourn•d into her chambre / where was but one aūcient lady her gardyen̄e or maystresse why∣che was tho a slepe. And then̄e the noble mayde Medea wente and leyde her in her bedde full of thoughtes & yma∣ginacyons / that whan she wolde haue slepte she coude not For as moche as so many thoughtes & ymagynacōns as∣saylled her on alle parties by suche facōn / that she torned her often in yelding many a syghe. And then̄e by forse of a meruayllous enbrasing of loue she began to saye soft∣ly to her self / Alas myn eyen in what labour haue ye •ūcre me. Certes ye be the cause and none other that I am not she that was wonte to be. For ye haue enuoluped myn hert with̄ an ardant fyre of amerous desire. Ha / a what shall befalle or what shall I mowe doo beyng in this payne and sor•we. Certes I can saye no more but of verray necessite I yelde me all in the •uby••cyon and seruitude of loue· in

his seruitude shal I be subgette hit is force. And wherfore For as moche as I am smyten̄ to the herte with̄ the grete beaute of Iason the bruyt of alle the worlde. And to my Iugement the glorie of Grece. O meruayllous dart where∣with̄ I fele me smyten̄ to the herte. Certes myn eyen ye ben the cause whiche displeseth̄ me. And for what reson. for as moche as ye be coulpable of this folye. how be it· hit is no folye / hit is. I beleue hit not. hit must be beleuid. for hyt is grete folye to desire thing that can not be goten̄ / I know verayly that Iason is sore enamoured of a lady in hys coū∣tray. And furthermore his courage is garnysshid of a grete and meruayllous constaūce· Then̄e may it be sayd that I maye not eni•ye him / And by consequent I maye conclude that myn eyen haue enclined & submised me vnto an ouer grete folye

HA. a myn eyen̄ why replye not ye to this argument See not ye that I doo no thing but thinke. for the gentil & noble Iason thenketh̄ nomore on me / then̄e on her that he neuer sawe. Ha / a in what Ieopardye stande I in. For I may not require Iason of loue / for that shold re∣doūde in me grete blame / & I sholde go agayn the honour of loue / And then̄e muste hit nedes be that I bleue in all my folye. And also I must doubte hit for two resons. The first is. for I sholde be deffamed vnto the ende of the world •f hit happend me to require this kn•ght of loue / And the s•conde reson is all euydent. for Iason withoute contradic∣cion goth̄ into the yle of colchos· there where he shalbe anon̄ deuowred of the terrible bestes / Ha / a what sorow & dom̄age shall that be if suche a prince sholde perisshe by suche manere

for he is the chosen of all nature / the choyse of nobles. & the flour of worship / I haue herde his resons. he had leuer dye honourably in accomplisshing his auowe then̄e to Retorne with̄ reste to grece. A ha what noble & exellent corage· O howe happy & ewrous sholde I be & nygh̄ to grete felicite yf I myght be callid by him vnto his loue / that might he do Ye as me thinketh̄ / and how. for to teche & lerne him the Industrie & admynistre to him the maner for to conquere the noble flees of golde. I haue all thinges {pro}pices for to bringe this conquest to an ende. if I wist that he wold ta∣ke me to his wyfe I sholde deliuere them to him with̄ the better will & gre of myn herte / what shall I doo. Alas I wote neu / And if I dide him this auaūcement / & after sette nought by me for the loue of his first lady in amours To whom he recom̄anded him by Mopsius as I right now herde / certes I sholde dye for sorow. & shal I late him auen∣ture to furnissh̄ his auowe· & then̄e deth̄ shal folowe. Alas nay. for if he deyde there· my deth̄ were me right nighe. for asmoche then̄e as I loue him better then̄e my lyf / & my hert iugeth̄ that this is he for whom the goddes haue establis∣shid this meruaillo{us} auenture in the yle of colchos· And furthermore me semeth that if I do for him so grete a thing as for to saue his lyf· & that by my moyen he shal come to aboue of his enterprise honourably. that for the merite & re∣warde of my benefice he shalbe content and ioyo{us} to take me to his wyf

MEdea the noble lady with̄ this conclusion fill a slepe & passid the night til the day cam / & the king rose vp more erly then̄e he was wonte to doo for to come to Iason

wenyng to lette and breke his enterprise / how wel he wente vnto him whan he knewe that he was risen. And fonde Hercules with̄ him. They entresalewed eche other. After they began to deuise of the yle of Colchos. And the king reherced of them that had ben in Colchos. and how they had ben slayn & deuowred / And after this counceylled Hercules & Iason that they sholde in no wyse go theder / but what remonstrance he shewed hem / Iason abood in his pur∣poos for to take thaduenture· and to put his body in Ieo∣pardye among the thre terrible & crymynel bestes / & conclu∣ded that he wolde departe thederward with̄ in foure dayes folowyng / Whan the goode king apperceyuid that ther was none other remedye / but that Iason was verily deliberid & concluded taccomplisshe his auowe vpon the right meruail∣lous auenture of Colchos / he deported him selfe from spe∣king more therof. and conceylled Iason that for to passe his time he sholde goo to the temple of the goddesse Deane. whiche the ladyes of Sychye had newly foūded in a forest called Edee. Iason thanked him moche of his good {con}seyl & saide that he wolde go theder with̄ goode herte / & then̄e he disposed him to go theder & sente for all the grekes of his {con}panye & toke with̄ him the rep̄sentacion of the noble god∣desse pallas whiche was in his ship / aftre this he sette forth̄ his knightes on the way / & him self bering the saide rep̄sen∣tacōn went after with̄ them / hercules & these{us} went beside the preu Iason & had tofore hem trompettes / claryons tabours & other instruments that made so ioyo{us} anoise & bruit that they of the cite had meruaile. & som ther were that folowed them For among all other medea & her •uster & other ladyes and

damoiselles vnto the nombrre of ·iij.C. folowed & hasted hem so sore / that they were at the temple tofore the Grekes

WHan Iason was come to this temple medea cam & mette with̄ him by the incitacion & admonesshement of loue & entresalewed eche other curtoisly / & ther were ma∣ny of the grekes that behelde medea in making their praiers Alway Iason that thought on nothing but on his deuoci∣ons entrid into the temple. & sette the rep̄sentacōn of the goddes pallas by & nigh̄ the goddes deane. & whan he had so don he caste him self doun on bothe h̄is knees to fore the awter / & there was so long in praiers & oroison̄s that the fa∣rr medea was sore greuid and anoied. for she desired sore to speke with̄ him. as she that was not come theder onely but for to speke with̄ him. & was in al determined for to saue to him his lyf in p̄seruing him from the fire & venym that the thre meruailo{us} bestes caste & rendrid

AT the last Iason arose from his praiers & came to the ladies. to whom he made reuerence & principally to medea / the whiche aroos ayenst him. whom the ladies and damoiselles behelde moche ententifly / after she toke him by the hand & ledde him and shewid him al the places of the temple. and among al other she shewid him there the rep̄∣sentacion of the god mars wenyng for to speke to him of certain thinges the whiche she desired sore to know the trouth But hercules and these{us} & other of the grekes ladies and damoiseles folowed so nigh̄ that she wist not how thacōplis∣she her entencōn. how wel that she lad him long / & whan she sawe that she might not haue her entent there / she said to hercules that she wold bring them into the temple of ven{us}

Then̄e the preu Iason and Hercules thanked the noble la∣dy of her courtoysye & departed from the temple of deane for to go to the temple of venus. but in goyng Medea be∣gan to sigh̄e as she that hadde therte enflam̄ed of a mer∣uaillouse ardeur & bren̄yng. & then̄e whan she coude not hyde that laye on her hert / by force she entemed & began to opene her mater in this wise sayng / Certes right noble knight I {con}playne moche your grete beaute / wherformadame ansuerd Iason / for asmoche sayd she as I haue vnderstande that none may breke ne torne you fro thenterprise that ye haue taken but that ye wil auenture you in the {con}quest of the flees or shepe of golde / which̄ is a thing inpossible to ony man li∣uing. & knowe ye for certain that if ye go theder ye shal neu retorne· & for asmoch̄ as ye be comen of so noble extraccōn of rial lignage / & that it is so that euy like loueth̄ his sem∣blable / by this veray & naturel reson I complaine you aboue all other / me thinketh̄ that ye be meruaillously abused for to so wille lose your lyf· certes I haue not herd of a gretter simplenes / for naturrelly euy creature fleeth̄ the deth & desi∣reth̄ to liue / it hath̄ wel ben declared & adutised to you of the parils that ben in this auenture and that for to bringe to effect ye shal lose your lyf / and yet alway ye wole not byleue conceyll. Certes Iason it is euyll don̄. and ye doo against nature whan ye be cause of your deth̄ whiche euery man ought to flee soueraynly

WHan Iason had vnderstande this that sayd ys / he answerde to the noble lady in this maner. Madame I haue right wel vnderstande your wordes & resons which̄ ben good & holsom̄e / but ye compte not that euy noble body

ought son̄er chese the deth̄ then̄e to •o ne consente thing that sholde be ayenst their honour / hit is wel trouth̄· that in the presence of the grettest prynces of grece / I haue auowed to bringe to ende this enterprise / how wel that it be meruailo{us} and doubteuse. shal I then̄e go ayenst my word. Certes ther ne is waye ne moyen none but that I must nedes fur∣nisshe this aduenture. or ellis that I be poynted with̄ the finger a reproche & cowardise. & as a right recreat knighte By al my goddes I had leuer tabide this auenture. then̄e fortune sholde predestyne me to do thing that I mighte in ony maner be reprehended or reproched

INcontinent as Medea vnderstood the h•e wille of Iason she was moche ioyous / neutheles she fayned to be dolente and sorowful. and of fait s•e required hercu∣les that he wolde shewe to him the grete paril that he wolde put him in / but hercules ansuerde to her that he wolde rather coūceyle Iason to do it then̄e to leue it. for if Iason fayled to furnisshe this emprise / that he him self wolde take it on honde to bringe hit to ende. Neutheles saide then̄e Medea if Iason beleued my coūceyll he sholde go no ferther / And I shal saye to him suche reson a parte. that me semeth̄ he shal beleue me. And then̄e she drewe Iason a parte / and whan she sawe that they were so fer from the other that they might not vnderstonde what she sayde. she sayde to him in this wise In verite Ryght noble knight / hit behoueth that pitye of a woman must be excused by your gentilnesse I haue pite of you and of your grete beaute. and certes nature hath̄ enclined me therto / And trustyng if I do ony thing for you ye wil knowe it. The houre i• come that hit behoueth̄

that I doo appere to youre eyen the secrete not only of my herte· but also that same by the whiche ye shal obteyne and come aboue to bringe to ende your meruaillous enterpryse to your grete honour & recom̄endacion by the helpe of the goddes And for as moche as if I declare to yow by grete loue thinges that ben hyghe & grete / if ye will further knowe of them it is of necessite that ye swere to me to kepe it secrete aboue alle other thinges of the worlde▪

MAdame ansuerde then̄e Iason / I am a poure & trewe knight sent vnto these monstres / certes it hath̄ ple∣sid you to do me more honour then̄e euer it shal lye in my power to deserue / neutheles whan your pyetous herte wylle encline vnto my pouerte / I swere to you by the names of all the goddes that men worshipe / that if ye declare to me ony thing that as long as I shal liue it shal not de{per}te from my month / By my lawe sir knight ansuerde medea I haue grete {con}fidence in your noblesse· wherfor I am resolewed for to discouuer to you the secrete of the goddes / & after / that li∣eth̄ on my herte / whiche if it be not long on you / it shal re∣doūde to your grete honour & {pro}uffit / Madame ansuerde Ia∣son / it shal not holde on me / & if ye knowe ony thing {pro}pice to my worship I me submitte in all vnto your right noble ḡce / Ha a noble knight said then̄e medea / I may no lenger faine / myn eyen haue beholden your grete beaute / ye ben al the desir of myn herte where ther werketh̄ loue so {per}fondly that I haue grete pyte of you / & in suche wise that if ye wil {pro}mise me to be my trew husbonde / & brenge me into your coūtre af∣ter your vowe & enterprise brought to an ende / I shal {pro}mise you & also shewe howe ye shal mowe conquere the moton̄ or

flees of golde without daūger of your body & in suche wise as ye shal retorne hole and sauf to your glorie & honoure To the whiche no mortal man may come but if it be by a secrete manere / comyng from the goddes. The whiche not long syn was deliuerid to me by my moder / wherfor I pray you that ye wil haue regarde to myn offre abandon̄ed and also to your helthe

WHan Iason had vnderstande medea thus speke. he began to frowne in him self & sighing with̄ an heuy herte ansuerde. Madame ye constraine me to be beholden more to you then̄e to ony creature liuyng. & I can not conceyue from whens this ewr cometh̄ whan I fele me thus fallen in your grace. & I wolde it plesid the goddes that I were digne & worthy therto / & that I neu had made vow to lady in the worlde / Certes fayr sire sayde medea / me semeth that your hert hath̄ atteyned the mercy of som lady. haue ye en∣sured & wedded her / Madame ansuerde Iason I certefye you nay. but I haue sttte my loue in her so {per}faitly that in no maner I may forgete her / & I haue {pro}mised that I shal be heeris al my lyf. Then̄e saide medea / what som eu be ther of / it is of necessite that ye leue & put her in oublian̄ce. & that ye entende to complayre me if ye wille not receyue the deth̄· f•r but if ye deporte you fro your enterprise. wyth̄oute myn ayde ther is no remedie / And if I be cause of saua∣cion of your lyf· as to the regarde of me / I wil enioye you allone with̄ out ony other. My dere lady ansuerde then̄e Ia∣son the poure abandonned body is youris. for to honoure & serue you in al that in me shalbe possible / In good fayth̄ fayr sire Iason. if ye wil gyue your self al to me / I shalle

gyue my self to you in like wise

IN verite Iason ansuerde my right dere lady ye do to me right grete honour without deseruyng. Certes sire Iason ansuerde the lady loue is cause of this wele •nd pite hath̄ com̄anded me to do it. the whiche cause me to ren̄e in so grete a shame as for to require you to be my lord. but it semeth̄ to pite that in fauour that I desire to saue youre lyf / ye ought to excuse me / Madame ansuerde Iason I shal neu be so ewrous as to come Iustely vnto the goode grace of one so noble lady as ye be / & wolde right well that hyt shold mowe be. but what shal become & shal mowe saye she that I haue gyuen my self to / if ye forsake her not. on all partyes said then̄e medea. I may not helpe you to do your conqueste ne saue your lyf· and therfore chese ye· for I am smyten to the herte with̄ your loue syn that I must saye al Yf I shold be cause of sauyng of your lyf / & then̄e hap∣pend an other shold enioye your {per}sone / it shold behoue me to dye for sorow / And therfore thenke ye what ye haue to do and be ye aduised. With these wordes Iason & medea entrid into the gardyn of plaisan̄ce / in whiche was sette the temple of venus / in suche wise aduiron̄ed & sette about with̄ flowres & with̄ delicious werkes that hit semed a verray paradys terrestre / Then̄e Hercules and the other ladies & damoiselles approched vnto Iason and Medea wherfore it behoued hem to leue & cesse their parlement / & to behold the plaisan̄ce & the delites of that place of floures & al the facōns of vignes & trees hyly {con}duyted by compas

WHan the grekissh̄ knightes had seen & conceyued the beaute of this place· they had therof grete meruaile &

were moche esbayed & after they entred into the temple. & there made their orisons & syn behelde the composicōn & ordo∣naūces of the ymages that rep̄sented the amorous peple al aboute the goddesse venus. & whan they had long seen & be∣holden all / Medea toke leue of Iason & saide that she wold abide a litil while there· And then̄e Iason departed fro the temple & retorned with̄ the grekes vnto the palais. & the fair medea abode in the temple moche pensif & in grete payn̄ in so moche that after the departing of the grekes she kne∣lid doun humbly tofore the rep̄sentacion of ven{us} & sayd in this maner / Ryght soueraine goddesse of louers which hol∣dest all the faites of nature in thy domynacōn & seignourie I yelde me vnto thy goode mercy / Ha a & where may I be∣come for to haue good conceyll / I haue required the noble knight Iason of loue or atte lest I haue reueled & shew•d to him the secrete of myn herte and of my thought / and with that I haue offrid to saye to him and declare th• secrete of the goddes / haue I don̄ euil / I wote neu / but atte lest I ap∣{per}ceyue clerely that I haue my self to him abandon̄ed • gy∣uen / Ha a what shame is this / ye verayly and more if he daigneth̄ not to here me / but if I may do somoch̄ that he ac∣corde vnto my will / this shalbe to me the most grettest glo∣rie that may come to ony woman of a noble hous / ha a right hygh̄ goddes {con}ceyle me / enseigne & teche me / put your helpe to this werk to your ancell or handmaid / it is now time or neu

AFter this orison̄ abode there the fair Medea as al ra∣uisshed. and was so long ther til the lady • that had her in garde cam to her and saide that she taried & made her praiers to long & that it was time to retorne to the palays

Then̄• aroos medea from her comtemplacion al esprised of loue. as her visage shewid it plainly. & retorned homward And whan she was comen to the palais / she foūde that the king abode her for to go to dyner. but she gaf the king to vnderstonde that she was not wel disposed· & so the king sette him at the table with̄ Iason / the noble hercules & these{us} and caliope the seconde doughter. and medea went vnto her chambre & many ladies & damoiselles folowed her / how wel she made hem al de{per}te & go out of the chambre. & reteyned non̄ with her reseruid the lady that had the conduyte and charge of her· the which was right sore abasshid of the main∣tene of medea· wherfore incontinent as al the women were withdrawen she cam to her & sayde thus· My dere doughter I haue grete meruaile from whens this maladie is comen to you. In goode faith ansuerde medea fair moder· it nedeth nothing to you to meruaile. for ther is no creature what that eu they be / but that they must be subgette to receyue the maladies & sekenes whan they come· and whan the god∣des & fortune will send th̄em / your reson is good sayd then̄e the lady / but whan the maladies ben comen / it beho∣ueth̄ to seche remedie assone as is possible· & therfore telle ye to me your necessite· & where the sekenes holdeth̄ & gre∣ueth̄ you / and I shal adutise the medicine or phisicien that he shal pou•ueye for remedie / A ha fayr moder said Medea Late me in pees It must nedes be that ye tell me answerde the lady / it is auēture saide medea. wherfore saide the lady For asmoche as myn infirmite is ou secrete & for somoche I dar not discoue it / A ha my dere lady sayd she then̄e / I suppose that hit ben amourettis. that thus trauaylle yow

and I am in doubte that the beaute & the noble vertues of Iason ben cause herof / for I see yow all in other maners then̄e ye were wonte to be. And if it be so / telle hit to me hardily. for ye be the creature aboue alle other of the world that I loue best / I haue vnto this time / the best wise I coud gouerned & nourisshid you. & for so moche me semeth̄ that ye sholde hyde no thing from me. & if ye be ony thing smi / ten with the dart of loue. discouere it vnto me· that shalbe vnto your herte grete alegement. for euery {per}sone amourous passeth his payn̄ & grief lightly / whan she findeth to whom she may open her herte & deuise clerely / My farr moder sayd then̄e Medea I see wel that it behoueth that ye knowe alle myn affayre· certes verily I am amoureuse of Iason. & so moche that I sholde Ieoparde my lyf for him· and in d•de I haue required him that he take me to his wyf / • I shal de∣liuere to him the industrie and teche him how he shal wynne the flees of golde & also adaūte the ferdful bestes of the yle of Colchos

WHan the lady had vnderstande this that said is. she began to wepe tenderly sayng. Ha / a dere doughter what haue ye don̄ / I am all dishonoured by you / whan ye go prayng the strange knightes of loue. Ha / a what outrage Certes they shal mocque you / and if it be knowen ye shal neuer be honoured ne called as ye tofore haue ben. Knowe ye fair moder ansuerde then̄e Medea / that I haue not don̄ so yll as ye wene· and if I haue required the noble knight Iason̄ of loue hit shalbe reputed to me vertu and not sha∣me ne dishonour / for pyte hath̄ {con}strayned me so to do / for as moche as hit is in me to saue his lyf· & to make hym

R etorne with̄ glorie and victorie of his enterprise / & for so moche knowe ye that then̄e whan I haue seen so fair and so wel adressid knight that his like shal not be seen in a .M. yere / I haue had pite of him / and aboue this loue hath ma∣de me enterprise that I haue required him {con}sidered many thinges / and that he wolde neu haue required me· and I haue made to him a {pro}messe which̄ I wil holde and entre∣tiene / if he wil ensure me that I shalbe his wyf / for I haue here within / by writing the maner how the goddes wil that the moton or shepe of golde shalbe conquerd. wherfore I re∣quire and praye you that ye conceyle me and helpe that by your con̄yng & {con}duyte I might gete and draw him to my loue / and that ye wold do somoch for the loue of me / that he haue no souenaūce of ony other lady in the worlde / saue on∣ly on me. for it is force that it so be or ellis he be dede and perisshed in the yle of colchos· where he hath auowed to go & finisshe thende of the right perillo{us} auenture of the moton̄ or flees of golde / And finably that in bewailing & bewe∣pyng his deth̄ I be homicide of him and of my self

THen̄e the lady seeyng Medea to be in this poynt be∣helde & sawe how she was of a meruailo{us} and grete corage. and yet she thought that ther might come harme of if the maide acomplisshid not {per}tye of her desire. and syn brought to her remembran̄ce· that she might bringe Iason to {con}quere the moton̄ or flees of golde / and whan she hadde put al these thinges in a balan̄ce and fiched in her engyn she began to reconforte medea. and in dede {pro}mised her that she sholde so do. that wyth̄out other moyen she shold enioye the loue of Iason / and it was not long after but that she

wente to the bedde of Iason / and there made certayn coniu∣risoūs & carectes. for she was all expert in alle maners of enchantemens & of sorceries. and whan she had thus don̄ she cam agayn to Medea / & sayde to her that she sholde no∣more doubte of ony thing / for from after the time that Ia∣son be leyd & couched in his bedde he sholde neuer loue other woman but her· and so it befelle / for assone as Iason was leyd in his bed at the euen· alle his corag• & entendement were rauysshed in thinking on the grete beaute of Medea in suche facōn a• he might in no wise slepe

MOpsius h•dde a custome to speke euery nyght wyth̄ Iason. And th•n̄e Iason wolde speke of the beaute of the noble Quene Myrro / And ofte times be spack so moche of h•r that he was we•y / And then̄e whan this mop∣sius sawe that in this night he made no mencōn of his la∣dy he was all abasshid & sa•d to him. Verayly Iason I apperceyue well that your esp•rite is trauailled with̄ newe fantasies / I haue seen that ye haue pass•d the mos• parte of the night for tallowe & preyse the beaute of your lady in lo∣ue the fair myrro / & yet ye spake of her the night precedent / But in this night the rewle failleth. Certes ansuerde Ia∣son yt is expedient that she be put with̄ the sinnes in oubli∣ance. for as for Myrro I recche neuer thaugh̄ I neuer see ne mete with̄ her / But saye to me frely what semeth yow of Medea. Is she not the passerowte of alle the Ladys of the world· Is not she the tryumphe of al beaute· Is ther ony man in the world that coude or might better wisshe for his recreacōn / Answer to me / Sir sayde mopsi{us} I me accor∣de right well to that ye saye touching the caas of Medea

But vnto the regarde of the fair Mirro that somoche haue be recom̄anded in your corage I may not byleue that ye ha∣ue put her in oublian̄ce / By my lawe my fair frende sayd then̄e Iason / Who is fer fro the eye. fro the herte recueleth Myrro is clere as golde / but medea flawmeth̄ & shyneth as the preciouse stone. And if I might finde my selfe in her grace I sholde loue her souerainly· A ha sayde mopsi{us} I held you for the most loyal & most constant knight that eu gaf him to serue loue / & now I ap{per}ceyue that ye be variable as other be· be ye not remembrid of ysiphile whome ye wold neu will to loue· and that ye saide / if myrro ne had ben ye wolde haue espoused her. I am esbayed of you more then̄e of ony man / Certes mopsius ansuerde Iason yf ye wil do to me ony plaisir / speke to me nomore of Myrro ne of ysi∣phile. but of the fayr medea speke long ynowh and largely For this is she that I will kepe in my conceyte and h•r that I shal serue vnto the deth̄ / And who that speketh to me of other shalbe myn enemye

WHan Mopsi{us} had vnderstande the will of Iason he spack nomore but slepte. & Iason abode al pensif on the fair Medea. And medea that herkenyd as she had don the night tofore wente into her chambre anon̄ as the parle∣ment of the two knightes was don / & cam to her moder all reconforted. & saide to her & recoūted al that she had herd And syn leyde her in her bed ymagynyng how she mighte finde her self a part to speke with̄ Iason / & concluded in her self that she wolde go on pilgremage vnto the temple of the goddesse deane. sayng if that Iason louid her as he had said he wold not deporte for nothing but come after her

Thi• •••clusion was not taken without habūdance of sy∣ghes. th• •yght drewe ouer and the daye began to shewe· & the fair Medea aroos / & made the noyse renne that she was hool / & that for the recouurance of her helthe / she wolde goo thanke the goddesse deane in her temple

After this she atired & arayed her in the fayrest wise she coude or mighte· and in proces she put her on th• waye right nobly accompanyed of ladyes & damoys•lles Wherof Iason was right Ioyous whan he knewe h•t / and desired the waye assone as he might. Certes he folowed Medea vnder the couerture of will to go by good deuocion to the temple O fayr couerture the humayne peple liuing at this daye holde the same terme in many places. & goon̄ to the temples and chirches or in the holy places ordo•ned to god by deuocion for tesface and put away their synnes And yet neuth•les they com̄yse ther their synnes and for to come to the loue of one & other. they go more to the masse for to beholde and loke eche vpon other and for to make their tours and signes then̄e for ony deuocion. O hygh• deuocion. O right dampned ypocresye. men com̄yse synnes where they ought to be in deuocion and doo vertuouse wer∣kes· they begyle lightly ynowh̄ the world to her charg• and dampnacion. But certes god in no wyse maye 〈◊〉 abused

FOr then̄e to retorne to our mater· Iason thus comen to the temple where as Medea was. firste of all •e made semblaūt for to adoure and worshipe the goddes. & sette him doun on his knee tofore the auter of the goddes∣ses Pallas and Deane. but for this tyme he neyther

made prayer ne oroison̄ / but thought what maners he might best holde ayenst Medea. And of what purpoos he mighte make to her his entree. And whan he had long auised him he aroos and toke his waye vnto Medea whiche cam ayenst him· But then̄e whan she sawe that he drewe hym •oward her and that they had entersalewed and that Ia∣son had made the reuerence vnto the other ladyes. Medea entrid subtylly in deuises with̄ him. And in deuising of one and other she drew him a litil a part ayenst the awter of Dyane whom they began to beholde / And then̄e Iason makyng maner as he had spoken of the goddesse Dyane and of the riche woode that here and there aduirronned yt he sayde to her in this maner. Madame lo here youre poure knight / I yelde me vnto your mercy and am redy taccom∣plisshe alle your good com̄andemens. and praye yow if I sayde yesterday ony thing that was to your displaisir that hit wolde playse yow to pardon̄e me. And if ye may helpe and ayde me to bringe to a good ende my vowe & enterprise and socoure me in that grete werk. I swere and promyse •o you in callyng to wytnes of myn oth̄ the hyghe goddesse Dyane & Pallas. that if it please you to be my dere felaw and frende. I shal be youres alle my lyf & shal bringe yow with̄ me into Grece withoute making ony fawte

IAson Answerd then̄e Medea I declared to you yes∣terdaye my caas all priuely / and how I hadde grete pyte of you / I knowe also that the goddes haue had pite on you & will not consente that ye shold finysshe youre dayes in Colchos. And that they haue inspired you to submitte you to my wille. for other wise hit were not possible but

that ye shold be there ded and lost. therfore for to go forth and make short / for we may not long holde parlement af∣ter youre ordenan̄ce and couenaūt I shal accorde me to be your wyf. in all suche maner as I promysed to you yes∣terday / And yet I promyse yow that of your auowe and enterpryse ye shall come to your aboue / to your honour and prouffit. ye to morn̄ er the euen be derk and obscure. then̄e it is expedient that ye lye allone this night in your cham∣bre to thende that I maye the better speke to you and at more leyzer. and to introduce you more secretly into suche thingis as shal behoue you to holde. & speke nomore to me of this mater at this present tyme that none apperceyue of our enterprise or of our loue

WIth̄ this the noble lady began to shewe to the noble •reu Iason the grete richesse of this Representacion of the goddesse deane. and Iason allowed hyghly the king Oetes that so wel had don it to be ediffied· With̄ these wordes Medea toke leue of Iason & of the other knightes of grece whiche taried a litill there and after retourned vnto the cite. and after she departed from thens / And there was Iason complained and bewailled of al the pe∣ple / Sayng one to another that it was right grete dom∣mage of one so gentill a knight and so well adressid that wold goo & doo destroye him self in al pointes in the mortall aduenture of colchos. They spack & sayde moch̄e thing one and other / And in especiall the noble Kyng Oetes the whiche cam to Iason as he departed out of the temple of the goddes deane / & moche discoūceyled him then∣terprise of colchos· and that for nothing he shold descende

affermyng to him that he sholde lose his lyf if he entred / & that he that had sente him the der dyd hit for to make him dye cautelously

IAson hering the conceill that the kyng Oetes gaf him for his weel / thinking how a knight liueth in grete reprouche whan he goth̄ ayenst his auowe & promesse And considering the {con}clusion & {pro}messe that he had made with̄ Medea. abode ferme and stable in his firste purpoos Sayng vnto the king Oetes that for deth ne for ony other paril that might come to him he wolde not deporte him but brenge it to an ende / and in dede concluded that on the morn̄ without ony lenger tarieng he wolde make an ende therof / wherfore the king Oetes demened moche grete sorow· & in like wise did all the knightes of grece reseruid hercules & Theseus / & so passid that day speking of this meruaillous werk vnto the euen that euery man withdrew him vnto his place / & the valiaūt knight Iason toke leue of euy man for to withdraw him into his chambre / & gaf Mopsi{us} to vnder∣stande / that he wolde passe that night in orisons & all deuo∣cion & {con}templacōn / & that he wolde haue no man̄ with him at that time / wherof diuse had grete meruaile for asmoche as he had not be accustomed so to do / & som sai•• that men sholde not suffre him to take so mortall an enterprise· from whens he sh•lde neuer retorne / Considering the hyghe and recom̄anded vertues where with̄ he was endowed

How the promesses betwene Iason & Medea were ratef∣fied / And howe medea deliuerid to him all the mestier & crafte that he ought to haue to conquere the noble moton̄ or flees of golde / & how he gate hit

AT the poynt then̄e whan the sterres rendrid there cle∣renes & clarte. and that the mone began tenlumyne the night / Iason with̄drew him into his chambre. & Medea slept not. she espyed and seeyng that he was withdra∣wen al allone as she had charged him / she opende the dore of the steyre by whiche descended doun from the chambre of Iason into heeris. And callid doun Iason whiche was right pensif / And whan Iason sawe the dore open̄ & Medea that callid him. he wente vnto her moche ioyously and sa∣lewed her· and after approched to her for to haue kys•e & enbraced her / but Medea saide to him that he sholde cesse. & takyng him by the hande brought him into h•r chambre where they satte vpon a moche riche tapyte / The maistresse of me∣dea cam then̄e bytwene them / And whan sir was comen Medea began to speke & saye· Iason my lorde & my frende ye knowe well the promess•s that ben bytwene you & me / I w•ll well that in the presence of my goode ••der that here is / that we make recognycion & ratefye them to thende that they be hole & permanent. and after that w• sh•l entende to your conquest / And then̄e Iason & Medea swore & cre∣an̄ced that they sholde take eche other by mariage. & there made solempne {pro}messes / wherof Medea was right ioyouse & so also was her maistresse / Then̄e medea opende a coffre whiche she had made redy where out she drewe a sh•rte with the bille conteynyng thord•naūces whiche were requise and {pro}pice for to go into the yle of colchos to make the conquest of the flees of golde

WHan Medea had drawen out the lettre. She dide it to be redde to her frende Iason / And after she saide

to him in this manere. Iason my dere frende for to retorne hooll & with̄ youre worship from the Ile of Colchos. from whens neuer man̄ retorned. hit ys of necessite that to fore alle other thinges ye accomplisshe all tho thinges that ben conteyned in this wrytyng. whiche the G•d Mars sent to the kyng Appollo· And for so moche first to fore alle other thing ye shal goo vnto the temple of the goddesse dy¦ane at this houre / And then̄e ye shall adresse yow vnto the preest. to whom ye shall gyue fyfty besaūtes for youre offring & demande of him a bulle / of whom ye shall make sacr•fice vnto the god Mars with this sherte with which the king Appollo was clad whan this writing was deli∣uerid to him • and ye must putte in your boxe the bloode of this bulle with part of the asshen of your sacrefice / & wyth this blood & assh•• ye shall enoynte ther all youre body. & this shall preserue you from fyre & venym of the right mer∣uaillous bestes. After of the residue of these asshes ye shall dele them in two parties. wherof that ene part ye shall kepe clene and pure· And ye shal medle that other wyth glew in a bo•e whiche I shal gyue you. And this glewe shall serue for to dompte the two horrible bulles / This don̄ ye shal take the Armes of the king Appollo whiche ben on that one side of the awter of the god Mars. And ye shall adoube yow with̄ them. And then̄e whan ye haue accomplisshed all thise thinges / ye shal retorne hether agayn to me / And I shal furnysshe you of the residue of that shalbe behouefull to bringe your conqueste to an ende

CErtes the preu Iason was moch̄ esmeruailled then̄e whan he vnderstod the hyghe mysteres that hym

behoued to make for to come to aboue of his conqueste. & whan he had herd thensignements of Medea. he thanked her often times. And then̄e toke the bille. the sherte. the boxe with glewe and that whiche was necessarie to hym And syn departed from thens secretly / and wente hym in to the forest where as was the temple of the goddesse de∣ane. And dide so moche that he cam to the temple where he foūde the preest slepyng wherfore he awaked him / Then̄e the preest demanded him what he was & what he soughte Syre ansuerde then̄e Iason / I am a knight that come he∣ther for to sacrefie vnto the god Mars. I praye you that ye wold deliuere me incontinent a bulle with̄ the fire and I shal gyue you for myn offring fyfty besan̄ts / Whan the preest had vnderstande Iason / that he promysed so good an offrande / he rose vp hastely / And in like wise don̄ alle the preestes and curates at this daye whan they fele and vnderstande that ther shal a good offrand come to theyr singuler prouffit anone they put their hand to the cause. Then̄e whan this maister preest was risen he cam to fore Iason & dide him grete reuerence / & after saide to him that diligently he shold be seruid of al that he demanded· as he dide. for he p̄pared & made redy the fyre & bulle whiche he brought into the temple· Then̄e the noble Iason maad his oroison vnto god mars and vnto god Appollo. he toke after this the bulle & made his sacrefice & put the shert therto· & whan al was torned into asshes he distribued it into thre {per}tyes. one part with̄ the blode of the bull whiche he reteyned & enointed his body with̄ al by the prest / The se∣cond {per}tye he medlid with the glewe that was in the boxe

And the thirde part he putte in a litil sack of sylk which̄ he reseruid & kept clene

THese thinges don̄ and accomplisshed as said is / Ia∣son knelid doun & made his prayers the second time And whan he had made all his deuocions / he deliuerid to the preest fyfty besaūtes that he had {pro}mised to him. and with̄ that he presented & gaf him a riche mantel of cloth of golde whiche he brought with him. and made the preest to a doube him with̄ the armes of god Appollo whiche was there. {pro}mising him to bringe them agayn / & whan the p•eest had armed Iason at all poyntes / Iason recom̄anded him vnto god mars / & Appollo / & to the goddesses / dyane / pal∣las & venus. and syn toke leue of the preest & dide somoch that he retorned secretly into his chambre / by the whiche he descended into the chambre of medea whom he fonde sleping Whan Iason sawe Medea in this point / and also sawe her maistres a slepe / he was terribly esprised with̄ lou• and chauffid in somoche that the bloode began to boylle in hys body. & his herte began to desire so sore & in suche facōn that he approchid to Medea and kysshed her mouth. but with the kysshing she awoke. And had moche grete Ioye then̄e whan she had seen and espyed him so armed wyth̄ the Armes of the kyng Appollo· Then̄e Iason̄ made the reue∣rence to Medea & after sayd to her in this maner / Madame I haue don all that ye haue enseigned me also nigh̄e as I mighte. and am enoynted with̄ the bloode of the bulle of whom I haue made sacrefice to the goddes / & lo here the glew medlid with̄ a part of the asshes / com̄ande me now that shal plese you what I shall doo / & spede you for it is nygh̄e daye

My frende ansuerde Medea welcome be the day / & anon̄ with the ayde of the goddes ye shall gete the grettest glorie that eu knight liuyng gate. And knowe ye in the recom̄enda∣cion of you & grete preysing hit shalbe spoken of vnto the ende of the worlde

WIth thise wordes she toke a vestyment whiche was riche and gaf it to him sayng / My fayr loue ye be pourueyed of all that is behouefull for you so that ye haue this vestyment vpon your armes / see that ye werke frely & corag•ously with this that ye haue· ye must be pourueyed with hardynesse & valian̄ce. kepe well̄ your bill• / and be dilig•nt to do and accomplisshe al that 〈◊〉 cont•eneth. and by the playsir of the goddes / I shall haue you here at euen• with more gretter consolacion. Then̄e Iason clad him abo∣ue his harnoys with the propre ves•yment that appollo was cladd at the houre whan he receyuyd the bille a fore said With that the day apperid fayr and cl•re / wh••fore Ias•n toke leue of Medea whiche was al 〈◊〉 with loue / At leue takyng they kyssed eche other man• 〈◊〉. Fy∣nably Medea conueyed Iason vnto his chambre dore / and their began there amorouse b•isiers & kyssinges vnto the time that it was force that medea must withdrawe h•r / & then̄e she recom̄anded Iason in the garde of the goddes / and shette fast the dore. It was not long after that Mopsius and Hercules cam & knokked at the chambre dore of Ia∣son. And with them the goode knight Theseus & many other all of Gre•e / wh̄iche salewed Iason & gafe him the good morow / but whan they espyed that he was tho armed and in poynte. they were moche esbayed. and wolde hau•

axed of him who had so armed him &. adowbed. But the king Oethes & other of his knigh̄tes cam also to him & sa∣lewed Iason. And the kyng seeyng Iason in poynt. to∣ke the wordes & saide / A ha s•re knight what will ye do / ye seke your destruccyon / whan so erly ye begyn̄ to putte yow forth̄ / I conceyle you that ye deporte you of this enterpryse And I declare you ellis homycide of your self. For he is of him self homicide / that knoweth his deth in a place and voluntarily •e put him self therin. Syre king ansuerd then̄e Iason· I confesse that ye conceyle me Ryght wysely But n•utheles in hope for to lyue I haue well entencōn to achieue myn enterprise without lenger delaye / I thanke you of the grete honoure that ye haue made me vnto this tyme Mopsius toke the worde & sayde

CErtes Iason fa•r s•re I haue this night had a mer∣uaillous vysion / the whiche conforteth me in yowre victorie. For me semed in my first dreme / that I sawe a sperhauke· the whiche sechyng his praye / putte him selfe among many other terrible byrdes & of strange nature / the whiche in a litill while he had all oucome & put to deth / & so I compare tho same byrdes terrible & of strange nature vnto the two bulles and to the serpent beyng in the Ile of Colchos· whiche euery night caste fyre and fumyer. & as touchyng the sperhauke· I vnderstande you that seching his praye / that is to saye youre aduenture on this day / by the ayd of the Goddes· ye shalle be made vaynqueure of the horrible monstres and possessour of Ryghte gloriouse Renom̄ce

WHan Iason hadde vnderstonden this that said ys

He ansuerde to Mopsius sayng. Certes fayr s•re the god∣des shall doo their will of me. And yf hit be their good playsir· your vysion shall be holden for certayn a prophecye And wyth̄ that he adressid his wordes to Hercules and sayde. My loyall̄ broder and welbelouid felawe· make good chere and praye for me. I haue no maner doubtance that I ne shall soupe at euen with̄ you· and that I shall affranchyse yow of your vowe semblable to myn̄ / with̄ thise wordes many began̄ to wepe. Then̄e the noble preu Iason toke leue of one & other / And syn required of the kyng that he might go vnto the ladyes & damoyselles. The king dide do assemble them. And whan they were comen in to the hall he brought Iason whiche made to them the reuerence and principally to Medea and Caliope / & syn recom̄anded him vnto their praiers / and whan he had don̄ this by space of time he put him vnto the waye vnto the Ryuage of the see / where his maister maron̄er was / that abode & awayted vpon him in a litill bote that he had made redy the daye to fore· Into the whiche he entrid / and in recom̄anding hym self to all the worlde. he departed from the porte for to des∣cende into the yle of Colchos

THis morenyng was fayr and cleer / & clene from all clowdes. And the sonne casted his clere rayes and bemes vpon the erthe· The ladyes and Damoyselles moū∣ted & wente vpon the hyghe stages of the palays. And the bourgeyses and marchants wyth̄ the com̄yn people of the cite ran̄ som to the creueaulx and batillements of the walles / and other to the Ryuage of the see for to beholde the auenture of the noble knight of grece / Iason that Ioyously

wente with̄ Argos his maister maronner that brough̄te him into a righ̄t good entree of the meruailo{us} yle adressid him and sette fote a groūd vpon the grauell· And toke his glewe and his asshes and entrid into the yle by grete desire and hardynesse· And he had not ferre goon̄ whan he espyed the riche moton̄ or shepe of gold whiche was so resplendisan̄t that it reioyced all the yle / After he espyed the two bulles lepyng out of their holes. so grete. so drede∣full. so righ̄t fiers & hidouse / that only for to loke on them it was ynough̄ for to lose witte and vnderstanding / and whan he had well beholden them. He knelid doun̄ on the erth̄ ayenst the eest where he sawe a temple al of gold of the gretnes of .xvj. foot in eyght squares foūded on .viij smale pylers / thretty foot of heyght· in the myddes where of was an awter vpon whiche was an ymage rep̄senting the god Mars

THen̄e there Iason̄ worsh̄ipped the god Mars· and there was in contemplacion vnto the time he sawe the cruell & terrible dragon̄ spring out of the temple / For he was grete as an hors / And was thretty foot long the wh̄iche incontinent assone as he was out of the temple he began to reyse his neck / sette vp his eeris. stracch̄e him self Opende his throte and cast out brennyng flawme and smoke by a meruaillous voyding wh̄iche de{per}ted out of his stomack. Then̄e saw Iason al these .iij· bestes with̄ whom he muste haue to doo. he toke and behelde his bille for to know what he had to do. he foūde that first he must adaūte the two bulles. wherfore he aroos from his contemplacōn & made redy the boxe with̄ glew. After he marched promptly

in grete hardynes toward the two bulles whiche behelde him right fiersly and asprely with̄ her eyen sparkkyng and brennyng as fyre grekyssh̄. And they began to desgorge fyre and flambe out of their throtes ayenst the knight so des mesurably that alle the Regyon of the ayer and alle the coūtre semed brenne with̄ wild and grekyssh̄ fyre· But this notwithstandyng they might neuer trauayle ne doo harme vnto the noble preu Iason· But he by grete hardines approched by the fyre the flambe & venym that they casted And dide so moche that enoynted the mosels of bothe two And caste into their throtes the glewe that was myxed and medlid with asshes whiche he brought with̄ him as sayd is. But assone as thise bulles felte the glewe & •en∣dres to gyder medlid certes they closed their throtes and mosels in suche wise as they might n•u open̄ after ne caste more fyre· wherof the noble knight was so Ioyous as he might be seeyng thexperiment to be of so h•gh̄ recom̄endacōn Then̄e he thought on Medea & saide wel in him self that she had deliuerid to hym a goode & verray socours • for certain he had lost his lyf in this auenture ne had she haue ben

AFter this consideracion Incontinent as the no•le preu Iason apperceyuyd that thyse two meruaillous bulles were oucomen & adaūted / then̄e he behelde the {con}te¦nu of his byll / and fonde that then̄e him behoued anon to go fighte ayenst the meruaillous dragon & terrible withoute comparison̄ / Then̄e he drew out his good swerde of the shethe & wente vnto the temple where the dragon helde him / anon as the monstre had ap{per}ceyued Iason he enfelon̄ed him self / & by grete Ire opend his throte right terrible in gretnes

out of whom sprang out thre tonges castyng fire flambe and venym in suche wyse that the goode knight had al his body aduiron̄ed ther with̄ / how wel that the fire ne the ve∣mym had no power vpon him. but passed by Iason like as hit had be the clerenes of the son̄e. and he cam and gaf the monstre so grete a stroke with̄ his swerde bytwene the two eyen that he made his heed hurtle ayenst his crowpe right sore & durely / And whan the dragon felte this streok / he releuyd him self & syn opende agayn his throte & disgor∣ged vpon Iason a fumee so thikke of venym that the no∣ble knight sawe nothing aboute him· but this not with∣stonding he haūced his swerde & discharged hit vpon the dragon where he thought his hede was / & smote so wel the monstre that he cutte of his thre tonges euen by the mosel as nigh as they might be. wherof the serpent felte so mer∣uaillouse pa•ne & dolour that he began to frote & rubbe his hede. And tourned on that one side so sodainly. that with his taill he smote the valiaūt knight on the back that he fill doun̄ on the sande

WHan Iason felte him so smyten doun̄ to the erthe he was so sore astonyed that he wist not what was be∣falle him / And with̄ this he had grete shame / He Rele∣ued him & stode vp anon̄. but at his releuyng the fumee of the dragon̄ was vanisshed / & in seeyng aboute him he ap∣perceyuyd the thre tonges of the serpent whiche he hadde smyten of & syn he behelde the dragon whiche froted his mosell on an herbe / and then̄e he ran̄ vpon him agayn̄ & smote in the myddes of the taill. in exploiting the moste part of al his strength̄ & also his trenchan̄t swerde in such̄

manere / that he cutte of a piece whiche was seuen foot long Then̄e the dragon̄ by the grete payn̄ that he felt haūced his heed and cam right fiersly and recoūtred Iason wyth̄ all his pesaūteur and might. in suche a facōn that Iason was beten doun̄ to the grounde. And the dragon passed ouer him. But then̄e the preu Iason toke his swerd & roof into the paunche of the dragon vp to the crosse & smote him to the herte / & the dragon feling that he was smyten to the deth began to renne with̄ the swerde of Iason in his body wenyng to hyde him selfe in his cauerne. But his lyf de∣parted out of the body euen as he shold haue entrid into the temple / And there he ouerthrewe alle to stracched and fowlid of his blood and of hys humeurs full of venym In suche wise as hit semed that hit had ben a sourse or a sprynge rennyng oute of hys body lenger then̄e a grete houre

INcontinent that Iason was releued & that he apper∣ceyued the dragon reuersed and dede at th•ntre of the temple / with an herte recomforted he wente theder and drew out his swerde of his body / and putte him agyn in his shethe or skabarde / and then̄e he wente & seased the bul∣les by the hornes / & yoked them in a plowe that ther was by And made them to ere foure mesures of londe. enclosing their eyen̄. And then̄e whan he had so don̄ he retourned to the dragon and esrachd oute of his heede .xij. teth̄ / after that he sowed them in the erthe that he plowed· & that don̄ he dide the bulles do harowe hit. And then̄e the bulles fyll doun̄ to the erthe and loste the spyrite of lyf / and out of the londe that Iason had sowen̄ with the teth̄ of the dragon̄

grewe and sprang vp in an instant .xij. geants of a ter∣rible maintene· the wh̄iche were al armed after the maner at that time / And assone as they were comen out of the erthe drewe their swerdes & without delayng cam & supposed to haue smyten vpon Iason / but Iason toke the cendres or asshes pure that he had kept of his sacrefice. & cast it into the ayer. & then̄e sodainly tho same .xij. Geants assailled that one that other by suche asprete & sharpenesse that in a litil while eche slew other· wherof Iason was right ioyous and rendrid thankinges & louynges to the goddes

WHan these ·xij. geants had slayn eche other. as I haue reherced vnto you Iason drewe out his swerd whiche was yet all blody. and cam to the Ryche moton or shepe whom he foūde in the right noble medowe. & toke him by the hornes and brough• him into the temple tofore the awter of the god mars. And there he slew him with moche grete payne· and syn flew him and toke the fl•es that had the wolle all of fyn gold and leyd hit a parte And the body he dispieced by membres. and bare it vp on an awter wh̄iche stode without the temple· & put therto largely strawe & drye wode / And whan he had don this he toke fire at a lampe brennyng to fore the representacion of god Mars / And syn knelid doun on his knees on the erthe by deuocion tofore the ydole sayng the oroison̄ tofore wreton̄. after the contenu. wherof he thanked the god mars And Recom̄anded him moche into his grace / After this he put fyre into the sacrefice whiche anone was consumed and tourned into cendres or asshes / This done he putte him self to prayer. & after he toke the thre tonges of the

meruaillous dragon̄. two of the feet of the bulles whiche were of metall of laton / And two of their hornes whiche were of yron̄. and enuolupped and wrapped it all in the flees of golde. whiche he charged & leyde it on his sholdres And afterward he retorned vnto the Ryuage of the see where his maister maron̄er named argos whiche had gui∣ded his boot ouer the braas or arme of the see as sayd ys had abyden ther in moche grete doubte

ARgos the good shipman̄ was sore abasshid of that That Iason was so long there· er he retorned to him and thought for tabyde no lenger / for he had seen the fyre and the fumee grete & thikke lift vp into the ayer. And also he had seen many euyll apparances / voyses. and right strange bruyts / for whiche causes he supposed that his mais∣ter Iason had ben deuoured of the terrible bestes / And be∣gan to wepe & bewaile him right tenderly. but incontinent whan he espyed the vaillyaūt knight Iason with̄ the flees of gold on his neck. his teres & wepinges cessed. For sorow· craynte / and doubte departed from his herte / and alle Ioye aduiron̄ed him in suche maner. that smylyng he knelid doun̄ on his knee to fore him and sayde· Syre knight myrrour of all vailliaūce and of all enterprise / ye be right well retou•ned. Ha / a what consolacion & glad∣nes shal be in Myr••done and with̄ my lord your fader Men haue murmured vpon Peleus your vncle. and euery man said. that he had sente you hether for to be quite of you. thinkyng that ye shold neuer haue retourned. but to that I can apperceyue· he desireth̄ aboue all other thing your glorie & honour. Certes Argos fair sire answerd

then̄e Iason / Fortune hath̄ so moche ayde and holpen me / that I am retorned hoole of body and of membres fro the most terrible· dangerous / & mortall parill that euer shall be∣falle and come vpon the erthe during the world. wherof I yelde louinges & thankynges vnto the god Mars pryncy∣pally· but now late vs thinke to retorne vnto our felawes For it is more then̄e time to ete

WYth̄ these wordes the goode shipman began to rowe with̄ a franck corage. And the Grekes that were standyng vpon the Ryuage of the see began then̄e a grete stryf. For som̄e sayde that Iason was reentred in to the barque· and that they had seen the resplendisshour of the no∣ble flees of golde / whiche wa• with̄ grete payne creable for as moche as from this Ryuage vnto the yle of colchos was foure goode myles. And the other saide. that Iason was long agon̄ dede. and that he sholde neuer be seen. but thus as eche man was susteynyng his argument· therwith was the boote seen̄ approchyng moche radely the Ryuage / And was aboute a myle nygh̄ to the porte / Iason toke his flees & lyfte hit vp a lytil in the ayer. ye as hygh̄ as he mighte And helde hit so hye / that they that were at the Ryuage and on the walles of the Cyte beheld hyt and appercey∣ued hit and shewed hit one to an other by grete admy∣racion & wo•dre

MAny ther were that demened grete Ioye and than∣ked the goddes with̄ goode herte whan they had per∣ceyuid the noble & riche flees. wherof the preu Iason made the mustre fro ferre / and som ran̄ for to gadre of the grene herbes & verdure for to caste a long on the waye where as

Iason sholde passe for to goo to the palais sayng to euery man that they were certayn of his retournyng / & that alle honour ough̄t to be maad to him for one so noble & glori∣ouse conqueste / Medea among all other was so righ̄t Ioy∣ous whan she espyed the ligh̄t and shynyng of the flees of golde that her semed that she shold entre in to a paradyse terrestre. And com̄anded that her ladies & Damoiselles shold put on the fayr fronte in entencion to make feste so∣lempne for the honour of this righ̄t exellent victorie. & f•r to come to a conclusion. trompes tabours. menestrels. hor∣nes sarasinois & busines began to blowe vp & sowne melo∣diously after that tyme vsed / The maron̄er Argos Ro∣wed in suche wise that he brough̄t Iason to the porte hooll & sauf· where he was fested of the king Oetes / of the wor∣thy Hercules· & of theseus. & generally of all the Grekes. Hercules toke the riche flees whan Iason was descended vpon the londe / & bare hit tofore the valian̄t knigh̄t Iason whiche went first into the temple of the goddesse deane. & there thanked moche hygh̄ely the god mars / and the god∣desses pallas & Deane. After he made him to be disarmed And there he yelded agayn the armes of the god Appol∣lo· and syn made his oblacion of one of the feet of the bul∣le• and of one of their hornes with̄ one of the tonges of the dragon. and whan he hadde done all this solempnly. he retorned to the palais where he was Righ̄t honourably re∣ceyuid of Medea aboue all other and of her Ladyes and Damoiselles whiche behelde Iason meruaillously. & in es∣pecial the noble & riche flees of golde whiche hercules bare •n hye tofore him

CErtes ther is noman so eloquent ne so well can̄ en∣dyte by writyng that coude descriue to you how grete playsir the eyen of the preu Iason and the eyen of the fayr Medea toke on then̄e whan they began to beholde eche other / And all the worlde there demened Ioye & gladnes / And whan Iason was goon vp in to the halle. Hercules sette the noble flees of gold vpon a cupberd richely arayed. And anon̄ after the knightes / ladyes & damoyselles began the daūces / and the feste was fair & grete vnto the houre of the souper that the tables were couerd and that the kyng and Iason was sette. and with̄ them the noble lady Medea / her∣cules Theseus & mopsius· At this table was Iason and Medea sette one tofore that other. but in no wise they durst not speke one word / how wel they made many s•crete syg∣nes of loue that coude not be apperceyued / but they entre∣marched with̄ their feet vnder the table· whiles that Iason reherced in groos the grete parils where he hadde ben ynne. without making of ony mencōn of ordenaunces m•ners and cerimonyes that he had holden

OF this meruaillouse auenture were the kynge Oe∣tes / Hercules and the other Barons knyghtes and noble men̄ that satte & seruid at this soper moche abasshid and gretly meruaylled. And how the noble preu Iason was escap•d of so grete & perillous auenture / And hyely recom̄ended this enterprise and vailliaūce. Hercules and Theseus that a fore time had slayn̄ many monstres / con∣fessed there that all their fayttes passed were nothing to the regard of the auenture that Iason had enterprised and brought to an ende What shall we make longe compte

this souper passed· and the houre cam that the kyng Oe∣tes & Iason withdrewe hem into her chambres / And then̄e was Iason conueyed into his chambre with̄ many noble men one & other. and theder was brough̄t the noble & riche flees of golde· but at this tyme they migh̄t not deuise ne plaie there as they had ben acustomed / but sente hem in to her chambres & mopsius with̄ the other sayng that al that night he wold wake in oroisons & prayers vnto the god∣des for asmoche as they had don̄ to him so grete ayde com∣forte & honour in his werkes

ANone then̄e as the preu Iason was left in his cham∣bre as sayd is / the maistresse of medea cam & opend the dore of the chambre. and demanded Iason̄ if he wold come vnto her doughter / Iason ansuerde ye with̄ Right goode wille / Th•n̄e he wente doun̄ into the chambre of hys lady whiche had made redy a right fayr baygne· Then̄e he salewed her & after saide to her in this maner / My dere la∣dy knowe ye that I haue had moche grete desire to see you secretly & in our pryuaulte. for to thanke you of the right grete honour that by your cause is comen to me / and also of the mortal paril and daūger that ye haue deliuerid me fro / wherfore I thanke you right humbly of al thise bene∣fetes / and furthermore I presente you the body that ye ha∣ue preserued fro deth̄. Redy to obeye all youre com̄ande∣ments and playsirs / Certes Iason my dere loue & frend ansuerde the fayr Medea· yf your desire haue ben grete and suche as ye saye yet hath myne be more as I wene. I haue done the beste that in me hath̄ be possible. and I haue right grete Ioye and gladnes of the knowleche that ye haue.

Alle my corage is nothing saue to playse yow· ye be right welcome and with̄ grete worship retorned for you and for me / And make good chiere hardyly I haue ordeyned for you a bayne for to wassh̄ you from the bloode wherwith ye haue ben enoynted / and therfore dispoylle you & entre in to this bath̄ / and then̄e we shall deuise at oure leyser of all youre werkes

WHan the preu Iason had vnderstande this that said is he dide of his clothes right glad of this aduen∣ture and syn entred into the baygne / and the fayr Medea in her corse•t whiche had no sleues terned vp her smock sleues and in this point cam & froted & weesshed her frend Iason. And then̄e whan the gentil bacheler apperceyuid so gentil corps & body of Medea· her fair and ronde tetes the whitenes of her flessh̄. And that he felte her handes mer¦uaillously softe / him semed that his herte & his body slewe He was so moche esprised of an ardant desir of loue. he be∣gan then̄e tenbrase the lady by the body / and syn behelde her grete beaute / and thus doyng he kysshed her many ti∣mes. And then̄e whan he had ben wel eased & wasshed Medea made him to lye in her bed beholdyng his membres well formed shapen & made & his colour fair & quik. and coude not tourne her sight from him. They were thus be∣holdyng and auysing eche other wyth oute sayng ony worde. But atte last the noble preu Iason toke the worde & sayde. My dere lady. ye knowe wel how I haue {pro}mised to be your husbond / & also in like wise ye haue {pro}mised to be my wyf / then̄e may I saye I am youres & ye ar myn̄ / & of vs two is but one thing / then̄e I require you so affectuelly

as I can or may· and for all the plaisir that ye may do to me. that ye will come & lye by me here in your bed / A ha Iason ansuerde then̄e Medea / for goddes sake saue myn̄ ho∣nour. Madame ansuerde Iason. ther is no man in the world that shal kepe it more then̄e I shal· I am your husbonde. & if ye come & lye in your bed by me ye doo nothing but ho∣nour / My dere frend saide medea· ther is no plaisir but that I shal gladly do to you / but for this night ye shal haue pa∣cience of your requeste. & I pray you that to morn̄ be tyme ye desire of my fader the king that he wolde gyue me to you in mariage. & then̄e do ye your deuoir. & if he be content we shal make our weddyng & spousailles here within honou∣rably. and if he will not / I somone you here to morn at night at h•ure acustomed / & knowe ye for certayn that I shal do all that ye will̄ com̄ande me to do as reson is. for I am boūden therto by vertue of the promesses made bytwene you and me / And allewaye I recommande to yow myn honour

WHan Iason hadde vnderstande the good wil of me∣dea. he saide in his corage that she had wisely ans∣werd / And that he was content for tobeye to her requeste What shal I saye more the night drew ouer in such̄ ter∣mes as said is. how well Iason laye there til it was day And on the morn whan he was Rysen and sawe his ty∣me he made his Requeste vnto the noble kyng Oetes that he wold gyue his doughter Medea to him in mariage / but he foūde the kyng Oetes triste & moche pens•f and al other wise then̄e he was acustomed to be. & made him an ans∣were in this maner / Iason ye bere with̄ you oute of my

dominacion the most riche tresour that is in alle the worlde Whiche greuith̄ me gretly. And if I hadde knowen that I now knowe / ye had not comen in time therto / and now ye demande me my doughter Medea whiche is most con̄yng and the most dere thing that I haue. Suffise you with that ye haue. And neuer speke to me more therof also dere as ye haue your lyfe. Wyth̄ these or semblable wordes the kyng Oetes wente on oo part. And the noble preu Iason wente on an other side moche abasshed of the fiers & hard answere of the kyng Oetes. Hercules / Theseus. and Mopsius cam then̄e vnto Iason. whiche told them howe he had ben with the kyng Oetes. & how he had required to haue to his wyf his doughter Medea. and howe the kyng had ansuerd him fiersly / But whan they had vnderstan∣den all this / they concluded among the• that they wold departe from thens on the morn̄· After this don̄ they went and toke leue of the kyng & thanked him of the grete ho∣nour that hit had plesid him to do to Iason / And after they went & vysited their ship. and passid this day with̄ litill plaisir. for the kyng Oetes made hem no chere / This notwithstandyng whan the night was come Iason wente vnto the fayr Medea and tolde to her how he had made his Request• to the kyng Oetes her fader. And how he hadde answerd to the regarde of their mariage. And howe he was departed from him. Wherof the fair Medea was mer∣uaillously soroufull and sore troubled thinkyng on ma∣ny thinges. But whan she had wel bethought her conside∣ring her cas & her affayre / she made right goode chere to Ia∣son as she that abandon̄ed her all vnto his playsir. And

so it is to be supposed that this nigh̄t they laye to geder· & more saye I not for this present as towching their faytes of loue

IN this nigh̄t the fayr medea toke all the moste ri∣chest Iewels and bagnes portatif that the king oe∣tes her fader had / And she putte and trussed them in a sardell / And whan hit came a litill to fore daye she made Iason to Ryse. whiche was anon̄ redy. And then̄e whan she was all redy she toke wyth her all the richesses / and also her yong broder absirthius of the aage of .xvj. mone∣thes / whome she toke secretly in a chambre from the nourice And made her maistresse to cutte his throte pryuely for cer••yn causes whiche shall here after be declared / After this the fayr Medea and her maistresse. cladd hem and disguised them in mannes habyte. And by the noble preu Iason they were brought vnto the shippe· And assone as Iason had deliuerid them in garde vnto maister maron̄er Argos, he retourned into his chambre til it was day abi∣ding his felawship Hercules / Theseus Mopsius & many other knightes that cam with him at the blowyng of an horn̄· And with that he toke his flee• of golde and saide to them that he wold departe from thens with all diligen∣ce for certayn causes / And without more sayng at this tyme he toke his waye to thende that the other knightes of Grece shold folowe. And wente so ferre that he entrid in to his ship so well at poynt that all his men entrid with him / And then̄e the maronners disancred and began to rowe by force of oores for as moche as hit blewe not / and the wynde helped hem not be cause hit was calme. And

thus in this poynt they putte them on the waye vnto the sonne Rysing. And at that propre houre whan they were not withdrawen past a myle from the porte / hit happend by aduenture that Argos the maister maronner began to lo∣ke toward the porte. and he sawe that on all̄ sides it was full of peple. After this he sawe anon and apperceyued that foure litill shippes at facōn of balingers or Galeyes subtill̄ departed to gydre from the porte from whens they came. wherof the good patrone Argos hadde moche grete meruaille. And he wiste not what to thenke. he was so emcombred. For he hadde well̄ seen that whan the Noble preu Iason and his companye entrid into his shippe / that the kyng / his baron̄s ne the ladies had not conueyed him He had grete meruaile. but he sayde not one word

How the kyng Oetes fader of Medea aduertised of the departing of Iason and of his doughter Medea folowed And how Medea caste her broder Absirthius by pieces in to the see doubting her fader the kyng Oetes / And howe the noble Quene ysiphile fill doun from an hygh̄ montayn̄ into the see

WHo that demandeth of thise foure litill galeyes sub∣till for what cause they moued fro the poort. And what people were there inne / the historie answerth̄ / that theire entencion was to come after the knightes of grece And the kyng Oetes was in one of them accompany∣ed of foure honderd men / whiche were all bourgeyses of the toun̄ that he had made to be armed· For as moche as he was acertayned that his doughter Medea was goon̄

with̄ Iason / and I shall telle you how. This kyng Oe∣tes as sayd is had ben soroufull & anoyed alle the daye precedent fonde him self so full of melancolye that he coud not slepe ne reste· Allewaye after many thoughtes and precogitacions he concluded in him self that he wolde goo & conueye Iason at his departing to this ende / that he co∣men in to Grece sholde preyse him and saye· that he hadde made him good chere / For to bringe to an ende this con∣clusion / he aroos and willyng to entre fro chambre to cham∣bre til he cam to Iason. he entrid in to the chambre of the nourice of his sone Absirthius / whom he fond not wyth̄ his norice that slepte / wherof he was sore abasshid & awa∣ked the nourice. And after demanded her. where was his dere sone Absirthius / And then̄e the nourice began to loke aboute her / But that was for nought for she fonde him not. wherfore all effrayed she sprang oute of her bed and began to seche hym dyligently all aboutes. And the kyng Oetes entred in to the chambre of Medra / and ther he fonde no persone ne his doughter ne her that had go∣uerned her long time

WHan the kyng Oetes fond not his doughter Me∣dea he was so angry that his blood changed· and wyth̄oute spekyng ony worde / he wente vp into the cham∣bre where the noble Iason was logged / but he fond ney∣ther Iason ne Medea ne {per}sone to whom he mighte speke / & for so moche he departed sodaynly & wente vnto the porte where he fond many of his citezeyns that shewd him the ship where the grekes were in / which̄ was at that time from the porte more then̄e a quater of a myle / Then̄e the kyng

weping tenderly demanded them if they had seen his dough∣ter medea. And they ansuerde nay. A ha fayr sirs sayd then̄e the king. the traitres of grece haue withdrawen her with̄ wordes traiterously in somoche as they haue deceyued her & brought her into their ship / and yet that more is ha∣ue so euill coūceyled her that she hath̄ born̄ with her my so∣ne absirthius. O euil doughter. O the euil fortuned child Certes medea thy grete disloyaulte constraineth̄ me that with force of peple I wil goo incontinent fecche the for to wete who hath̄ meuyd the thus to do. & with̄ this I shal take vengean̄ce of the desloyal knight Iason which̄ to his power rendreth̄ to me euil for good

WHan the king had sayd thus he retorned into his palais cryeng that euy man sholde arme him / And then̄e all the peple pourueyed them of staues & armures▪ & syn demanded wherof proceded the cause of this alarom̄e / the whiche anon̄ was all com̄une / Then̄e they put them on the way for to go vnto the king. whiche cam and yssued out of his palais armed and in poynt for tentre into ba∣taill. Then̄e he wente vnto the porte & chese out four hon∣derd of the beste in poynt for to put into the sayd four ga∣leyes / And fynably whan he had don̄ all this he meuyd fro the por̄te as sayd is / and with̄ all haste made his ga∣leyes to be rowed after the knightes of grece / in suche wise as the maister maronner apperceyued that tho galeyes cam swiftely after them for to fecche agayn the fayr Medea· & called Iason that Iaped & played with medea / p̄sent his felawe hercules. & shewid to him the four galeyes armed where in was the king Oetes and his men wel in poynt

whiche approched faste / For the galeyes were light· and Iason seyng his encombrance approche / called Hercules whiche knewe nothing herof and demanded him coūceyll Then̄e Hercules ansuerde to him that he knewe none other remedie but that euery man sholde putte him to armes and be redy tabyde the batayll yf hit were nede· And auowed vnto the goddes that yf the kyng Oetes made ony enter∣prise vpon them that he wolde putte to deth̄ as many as he might a•eche

WYth thise wordes and wyth oute lenger tarieng the noble knight Hercules and Iason putte them in armes. and in like wise dyde their felawes / Then̄e Me∣dea and her maistresse sprang vpon the plank of the ship for to beholde the kyng and his galeyes / And anon af∣ter Iason & Hercules all in armes cam vp on hye by Me∣dea and eche with a swerde in his fyste. And Medea be∣gan to tremble for fere. whan she had espyed her fader to approche so nygh. at thende the kyng Oetes poursiewed so sore the shippe of the noble preu Iason by force of oores / that er they were out of the goulf or braas of the see / that there was nomore distance fro on to an other but two bowe shote Then̄e the fair Medea seyng that it was time to bringe to ende that she had begon̄e tofore· sayde to her maistres in we∣pyng tenderly / My goode moder wher is my litil broder ab∣sirthy{us} / gyue him to me / Then̄e the euyl olde woman opend her lappe and vnwonde the body of the childe. whom she had smiten into pieces / Medea toke the heede & lifte it an hyghe wherof hercules / Iason / & other seyng this had grete horrour of this cruelte & were sore abasshed. neutheles whan the preu

Iason apperceyuyd this he wold knowe fro whens came this creature so dede. & saide to medea in this manere / My dere loue what haue ye in your though̄t / & what wil ye don with̄ this so malerous & pyteus childe

MY dere loue ansuerde then̄e Medea / Thexperience of my werke enseigneth̄ to yow the thought of my herte Madame ansuerde then̄e the noble preu Iason. what is this child that I see here thus detrenched and smyten in pie∣ces / certes he is in an euill̄ houre born̄ / that thus myserably hath̄ finisshed his dayes. My dere loue ansuerde then̄e the fayr Medea. this is Absirthius my yong broder. knowe ye that he is not malerouse / but is ewrous and happy / for this daye he shall be cause of the sauacion of the lyf of his fader and of his m•n. & then̄e he is moche ewrous and in a goode oure born̄. whan he in his tendre yongth maye be cause of the helthe of so moche peple & specially of his fader naturel. Certes Medea saide then̄e Iason / I see none other facōn ne moyen but that ye be of all poyntes dishonoured whan ye haue com̄ysed so right pyetous a caas. as for to haue murdrid •our {pro}pre broder innocent of all thinges· A ha what horrible cruelte. My dere loue ansuerde then̄e Medea ne troble you other wise then̄e by reson. For if it be your plaisir ye shal here what I shal saye / and after of the caas I mak• you iuge. ye know how I am by you brought from the hous of my fader ayenst his will· I haue {con}siderid what my de{per}tyng is / & furthermore I haue thoughte & ha∣ue had regarde vnto the grete & meruailo{us} corage of my fader. & al thing ou thought & considerid that I coude not withdraw me fer but he sholde be adutised / for he hath̄ of

custome that euery morenyng. er he goo doun̄ he wil see his sone and me also· I haue ymagined that anon̄ as he fin∣deth̄ not me nor his sone / that withoute fawte he wil come after me in Armes lyke as ye see he doth̄ / and thus whan I haue alle these thinges considered and the grete daūger that might ensiewe to vs that for me shold be the bataylle mortall bytwene yow and him in whiche withoute Reme∣dye he shold be slayn̄ or taken by his hye williaūce seen that vnto deth̄ he wold abandonne hym selfe for to recoue∣re me. and to thende teschewe more grete parill and dom∣mage for hym. I haue taken his owen sone / whiche is my broder and haue com̄anded to put hym in the state as ye see for to caste at this time abrode in to the cours of the see here and there. And to gyue empechement vnto the ship of my fader. whiche then̄e shall tarye whan̄ he shall see his sone Absirthius thus desmembrid flotyng vpon the wa∣ter for to gadre and recuyelle the pieces / as ye shall seen playnly anon̄

WIth thachieuement of these deuises the kyng Oetes approched in suche manere the shippe of the Grekes that ther was no more distance but a stone caste· Then̄e the fayr Medea and the old woman̄ fylled there handes with the membris of the noble child Absirthius in she∣wyng them to the kyng Oetes & his men̄. For assone a• the olde Quene espyed the kyng she escried these wor∣des folowyng and sayd thus / Kyng in no wise come no nere wenyng to recouure thy sone ne thy doughter / As to the regard of thy doughter. thou losest thy tyme. for she is maried vnto Iason. But atte l•st we shall rendre

to the thy sone slayn and detrenched by pieces / the why∣che we caste into the see to thende that thou maist haue thy lyf saued. for but if he caused the to haue occupacion for to recuyelle his {pro}pre membres for to doo burye them as hit apperteyneth̄ to the sone of a king. knowe thou that thou sholdest haue the bataill ayenst the knightes of Grece whi∣che ben of so hye valian̄ces. that ther ne is anymal monstre serpent. ne tyran̄t but that they bringe to destruccion / then̄e it ough̄t to be bileuyd / that the victorie of the bataill shold abyde with̄ them. and certes thou sholdest receyue thy deth So alle thing well ouerseen hit is better to the that thou retourne vnto thy cite then̄e tapproche more ner for to Re∣ceyue thy deth̄· And wel oughtest thou to haue grete ioye for to see thy happy sone be ded and detrenchid by pieces By the whiche thy lyf is respyted. for thou art not very ne naturell fader if thou take not his membres out of the see· & if thou so doo thy lyfe shalbe saued and all they of thy companye

WIth̄ these wordes the olde woman & Medea caste in the see the membres of the yong child Absirthius / And the kyng Oetes and his peple heering and see∣yng the grete inhumanyte & cruelte began to escrie righ̄t pietously & dolourously / And were so sore vexed & trob∣led of this meruaillous auenture. that they wist not what to do. som ther were that began to wepe tenderly / the other smote them self on the brestes / & som began to araye hem to goo to bataille & escried to deth̄ the knightes of grece sho∣ting on them arowes & other trait by grete corage for tauen∣ge them / but whan the king sawe that in no wise he myght

recouure the deth of his dere sone· he made to cesse the esca•∣musshe and sayd to his Cytezeyns. Certes fayr sires I pray you to trauayle you nomore for to recouure Medea / she hath̄ murdrid her propre broder Absirthius / whiche was my sone / and he that in time to come sholde haue ben youre naturell lord / Certes I haue louid with̄ all my herte her alle her lyfe that with her desloyall wyll hath brought to me one so dolourouse guerdon̄ or rewarde. Ha a Medea saide the kyng all on hygh̄ I shall neuer seche ne desire to mete with̄ the for cause of so cruell and disnaturell a dede / that thou hast com̄ysed to thy propre bloode / And therfore fayr lordes late her & all them that ben with̄ her goo where the goddes will suffre hem. But knowe ye for certayn̄ that yf I nowe had her at my liberte I sholde make her to deye a cruell deth̄. how wele that sholde sourdre therof to me a new sorowe wh•rfore it is better that she goo / & that we entende to reassemble the membres of my sone whiche floten as ye may see vpon the wawes of the see to thende that his flessh̄ be not pasture to the byrdes

WHan then̄e the nobles & bourgeyses of the Cyte vn∣derstod their kyng / all they began to seche the mem∣bres of Absirthius in demenyng the moste grete sorow of the world. And thus they dysposed them to complayre the kyng & nomore tassaile their enemyes. And whan they had fysshed the membres of the child they retorned vnto the cite by space of time right sorowfull & disconfor∣ted for the deth̄ of Absirthius / And for as moche as Medea also was goon̄ with̄ Iason. Medea was then̄e well Ioyous & more assured then̄e tofore / whan she ap{per}ceyuid

that her fader & his men taried for to fysshe the membres of his sone. Certes Iason seyng this that sayd is wist not what to thinke / And Argos the goode maronner rowed alleway in withdrawyng from the porte and the Ile of Colchos as moche as he mighte in so moche that in a litill while he had lost the sighte of the kyng Oetes & of his ga∣leyes. and that he cam into the hyhe see. where the wynd blewe & aroose that anon̄ they desployed their saylle whiche they wonde vp an hygh̄e. wherfore the shippe made good way. wherof Argos was moche Ioyous / and then̄e he sayd that euery man mighte leye doun̄ his harnoys frely promi∣sing them to be oute of alle parils for that time· Iason at this time was right pensif for the cruelte & inhumanyte that he had seen this daye and spack not one worde / and semed by comparison̄ more triste then̄e Ioyous & not with̄ oute cause. Whan Medea had vnderstande that Argos as∣sewrid all the companye for that time from all parils that they had ben in / was thoo comforted gretly. but she behelde her handes that yet were all fowle of the bloode of her brother Absirthius. she wente & wasshed hem & made hem clene / & after she cam & sette her doun̄ by Iason / And seyng that he was moche pensif. sayde to him by a gracious & curtays manere· My dere loue wheron thinke you / Certes Iason answerde not one worde. And whan she sawe that / She sayde to him agayn the same wordes / My dere loue Iason wheron thinke you / Then̄e Iason ansuerde to her thus / la∣dy syn that ye desire to knowe wheron I thinke· knowe ye for trouth that if it were not for the grete loue that I ha∣ue in you and for that I haue promised to wed you and

bryng you into grece. I wolde not do it / wherfore kepe from hensforward that ye do no suche thing as dere as ye will haue pres bytwene you & me / Vpon thise wordes Medea ex∣cused her the fairest wise she coude and was to her possible Sayng that all this that she had don was of veray good will in somoche as she so doyng supposed not to haue vsed cruelte ne humanyte ne of hayne or hate p̄cedent / & that in the night tofore the goddesse deane had shewed & made Re∣uelacion to her that kyng Oetes must nedes deye or Ab∣sirthius his sone for him / And by suche wordes in colou∣ring her caas she traueyled so sore that she foūde her self in the good grace of Iason

DVring this voyage whan they had ben certayn day∣es on the see· mopsius cam on a tyme to Iason and then̄e brought to his remembran̄ce how he had {pro}mised to ysiphile to retorne by the cite of len̄os. vpon whiche Iason ansuerde that he saide trouth / And that he wold holde his {pro}m•sse. So he spack to hercules. to these{us} & to the maister Argos whiche were glad hopyng to make goode chiere in that cite. but whan Medea knewe that Iason had promi∣sed & wold go theder for to see the quene ysiphile as him behoued. she and her maistresse ordeyned their sortes and their enchantements in a secrete place whiche were of suche vertue. that whan Argos wende to take his waye by an arme of the see whiche gooth̄ strait to len̄os. his gounaile brack in more then̄e a thousand pieces / & by a winde mo∣che subtill the ship was incontinent torned & brought all in thopposite to thentencōn of the noble knight & his com∣panye. wherfore all they that were in the shippe were right

soroufull reseru•• Medea and her olde maystresse whiche were at their ease

THe Quene Ysiphile was vpon an hygh̄ roche beyng vpon the see side not ferre from Le•nos at the poynt whan the nobl• preu Iason passed forth̄by as sayd is / and she was acustomed dayly to holde her & awayte ther right sore desiring to see Iason on whom was all her thoughte and desir. And somoche loued him that she bewayled him from the morn̄ vnto the euen vpon this roche and sayd ofte times thise propre wordes that folowe. Ha / a Neptunus god of the see & of the windes where is my dere loue Iason Bring him agayn to me. Rendre him agayn to her that daye & night wepeth and sygheth̄ after him ded or a liue I wille haue him / And I praye you that ye will sende me this grace and ewer leuer this day then̄e to morn̄ / Thus then̄e as she was all dyscomforted one daye among alle other she loked into the see toward the eest. and saw fr•m ferre the ship moche desired that saylled by a grete radour and a full saill where Iason was in / Certes she knew yt anon̄ as well by the gretenes as by the baners & enseignes that were displayed with̄ the wynde. wherof she hadde so grete gladnesse that she began to make the best chere of the world. But as she was thus rauisshed in grete Ioye & that her semed that Iason cam seuerly vnto her· With̄ that the old maystresse and the fa•r Medea putte their sor∣ceries to werke and theire enchantements. wherof thauen∣ture of the shippe sorted as sayd is· For she tourned al sodaynly at that other coste / wherof the poure Ysiphile was all abasshed and sore esmayed. In stede to make Ioye

she was constrayned to wepe grete teeres / And in stede of syngyng she was enforced to complayne What shal I saye More· as sodeinly as the ship torned / so sodeynly chaūged the maner of ysiphile. she abode there & passed that night / & dide do make fires & ligh̄t of many fagots for to redresse Iason and Argos to herward. thinkyng that without faute Iason wolde come vnto her. And she abode in this place by the space of sixe wekes / wepyng. wakyng and continuelly bewailing Iason whom she louyd more then̄e her propre herte

WHan the sixe wekes were past and that the fayr ysi∣phile apperceyuid that she shold haue no tydinges of her loue Iason / for thenchantementes of medea & of her maistresse made that the shippe of Iason mighte not ap∣proche the yle of lennos. The righ̄t discomforted ysiphyle seeyng that sayd is· as vpon the point as full of despayr She departed from the roche. where she had ben long aby∣dyng / & in a meruaillous appinyon she retorned to len̄os And then̄e whan she was entred into her chambre she ma∣de her sone to be brough̄t to her whom she kyssed many ty∣mes for the loue of Iason. & after began to thinke & con∣trepeyse in her mynde in dyuce maners / & then̄e whan she had long though̄t by grete habondan̄ce of melancolye / she sayde in beholding her child & crossing her armes with a sighe comyng from the botom of her hert / Alas my dere sone Alas that thou canst not speke for to demande me tidinges of thy fader. wh̄iche is the most fayr knight the most ver∣tuo{us}· & the most valian̄t in armes that the goddes eu four∣med. If thou coudest speke & demande me of him I might

wele answere to the / but how / Alas I wote neuer· for at al auenture he daigneth̄ not to come / and at auenture whan he weneth̄ to come as that other daye. me semed whan I knewe his shippe / whom the winde & tempest constrained to retorne & to saylle all at thopposite in shewing me hys back / and in trauersing the wawes & flotes of the see so impeutously that I thinke better that he is perisshed then̄e not· For in fourty dayes that I haue syn soiourned on the roche / I ne coude neuer see him agayn. wherof I am Ryght displaisant in my herte

MY dere sone then̄e where is now nature whiche sholde enseigne the to wepe / & me more then̄e the / after the losse of one so desired prince. ought I more desire to lyue. what may it auaylle me to liue / Certes if I sholde lyue. my lyf sholde be from hens forth̄ full of continuell bewail∣linges / of dolours / of wepinges / and of sighes / O what so∣row· I wote nomore to saye / I haue so moche loued Iason that perdurably I am constrained to wepe after hym / how be it alleway the creatures ne desire to liue but for to enioye the worldly plaisaūces / and then̄e whan all mondayn plai∣sir failleth̄. what ought I desire / Is this a lyf· Certes nay And what then̄e / hyt is a lyf that liueth̄ deyeng. and a deth̄ that liueth̄ in languisshinge. O meruaillous and Ryght terryble desire. I shall deye verayly in this Iour∣neye. hit is concluded. For what som̄e euer shall or may come therof / I shall springe in to the hyghe see / to thend that if the noble preu Iason be there buryed. that I may be wyth̄ hym in sepulture. And to thend also / that yf he be not ded. that the see that broughte hym hether a lyue

may bringe me to him a liue or dede. but first er I com̄yse this meruaillo{us} & doloro{us} caas. I shal compyle an epistle whiche shalbe sewed vnto my vestyments or clothes. To this entencion. that if Iason liue yet I haue an hope that the goddes shall doo me be presented tofore him. & then̄e by this myne epistle he shal knowe of what exellent loue and corage I haue loued him

MAny ladies and damoiselles were in the companye of ysiphile then̄e whan she hadde thus bewailled her dere loue Iason. And also the conclusion as she that was desperate sholde lepe & springe into the see. All̄ they began to demene grete sorow meruaillously and not with oute cause. Som̄e there were that were Iuly sorowful that they coude not speke o worde / other were there drowned in tee∣ris / that enforced hem to recomforte her / and for to lette & distourne her fro this dampnable will· but that was for nought. for they loste her payne / for as moche as ysiphyle wrote her epistle wh•che she wrapped in a cered cloth and syn sewed hit vnto her robe of cloth of golde whiche she clad her with̄ / and whan she had so do. she toke her crowne and sette it on her hede fermely. and after toke her scep∣tre / And then̄e whan she had don̄ all this. she cam to her sone and kissed him many times and recom̄anded him vnto the ladies and Damoiselles / And at laste whan she had taken leue of all the women̄ she de{per}ted from Len∣nos the cite wepyng tenderly / & toke with̄ her one of her damoiselles by whom were knowen afterward all her be∣wailingis. lam•ntacōns & all her maners that she held tofore she caste her self into the see

WHan she was comen nygh̄ vnto the see / she approched vnto an hye roche to whom the see touched beneth̄ a ferre lowe doun̄ / she began to behold a lowe and see the see And after she stra••hed her self on the erthe in beholding the heuen & the see / and sayde / Veray god lorde of the see. of windes / of tourbillons and of fortunes / of raynes & of tempestes / ye brought into this coūtre & into this place the right parfayt knight. in beaute / in valiance• & in all vertu∣es Iason / and after ye sente him into colchos / & {con}sequent∣ly ye haue shewid me from ferre his ship. and syn ye haue d•owned him / or at leste lad him into an other coūtre. & whan it is so that I may by no waye haue non̄ other thing of him / I you require that ye wille make my sepulture by him if he haue made the passage out of this worlde / and if he be on liue that ye will̄ conduyte me into his presence / for hit must nedes be. and other thing I demande not of yow And whan the Quene Ysiphile had saide thise wordes she retorned her vnto the cite and sayd in this maner al en hygh̄ & clere voys

ADieu my dere childe / adieu lennos the noble cite· adieu ladyes and damoiselles. And syn she retorned her vnto the see· And cryeng / Iason· Iason / she sprang fro the som̄et or toppe of the roche into the hygh̄ see. And there drowned her self in sorow. wherof was grete pyte / But her fortune was suche that on that same daye the see bare the bo∣dy vnto the shippe of the noble preu Iason abydyng yet in the see in a Rood. where they were ancred for to reste ther that night / At this oure whan the poure Ysiphile was caste ayenst the shippe. Hercules and Iason wente vppe

on hygh̄ for to take the ayer. Then̄e they apperceyued the desolate body so richely arayd that the cloth̄ of golde shone by the disgorgements of the watre. anon as they had seen this they called Argos their maister maron̄er and she∣wed to hym. Anone argos callid som of his folke and made them to fisshe and drawe out of the see & to bring in to the ship that poure creature habilled with̄ Ryall atours And whan she was drawen on hygh̄ all they in the shippe wente vp for to see the body of this noble lady / and medea failled not to come with the other for to beholde this pyte Certes the dede lady had her visage swollen and pale that none in the ship knew her / but at the comyng & for the pre∣sence of the olde woman she voyded blood by the conduyte of her mouth as hit had ben a litill rennyng water de∣parting from a fontayne or a spring / wherof all they had grete meruaile

WHan Argos the goode maron̄er sawe the meruaylle he▪ stouped doun for to put vpon her Roobe a clothe for to kepe it from the fowling of the blood that departed from her mouth· And as he put the cloth aboute her neck he apperceyued the cered cloth̄ that kepte the watre from the pistle that she had compiled / wherfore for to know what it was he distached or ripte it of & deliuyd hit to Iason Then̄e the knigh̄t receyued the cloth̄ & opende hit & foūd the epistle / and disployed it & as he Red it and vnder∣stode the contenu of the same his blood began to chaunge & he waxe rede as a rose / & after becam pale & dede as asshes And syn began to wepe & to demene a sorowe moche aygre and sharp / Certes the fayr Medea. Hercules / & Theseus

and the other knightes of grece were sore abasshid so were Argos & the maron̄ers whan they apperceyuid that Iason demened so grete a duyel & sorow· Then̄e it was deman∣ded from whens this sorow cam & what tydinges he foūd & had by the contenu of the lettre / but hit was for nought For he might not speke ner answere his herte was so clo∣sid & strained with̄ anguissh̄ & sorow / notwithstonding whan he hadde redd it & seen the contenu of the pistle / He deliuid it to medea & the conteynyng therof was this that foloweth̄

IAson / Iason the chosen of grece in prowesse. in beau∣te. and in vertues where art thou· and whan shalle thou holde thy promesse vnto her that alway hath̄ her eyen planted on the see after the. des•ring to see agayn the body by amorouse desires and by moo bewaillings than the heuen conteyneth sterres· A ha my dere loue / hast thou put in no re•ching ner no challoir the promesse that thou me madest at that tyme whan thou wentest to Colchos / knowest not thou wel that euery man of noble name or vocacōn is hol∣den & boūden to paye and holde his {pro}messe. vpon payne of Reproche. Thou hast promised to me / the daye of thy pro∣messe is passed / thou acquitest the not. O so greuous a shame & large reproch / ye if thou haue not lauful excusacōn Syn the daye of thy promesse exspired / I neu entrid into hous for to take plaisir ne to couer me to be drie. I haue not leyd on bed to take my reste. I haue not seten at ta∣ble for to ete. Ne I haue not ben in pretoire for to iuge the causes of my women̄. but I haue by the space of .xl. dayes awaited vpon a roch̄ where I was whan thou entredest into

my royaume. And that famyne constrained the to take londe· There haue I holde me daye and night / in the rayn̄· in the winde. in the colde of the mone and in the heete of the sonne / In fastinges / in praiers & orisons. in souffrages. in thoughtes. in Imaginacions / in desirs. in hope / and fyna∣bly in despayr and in deth̄ anguisshous / For whan I haue apperceyuid that thou camst not agayn to me. in fourty dayes after the daye of thy promys. all dispayred I haue compiled & wreton this epistle with̄ my hand and with̄ thyn / and all in suche wise and facōn as she that might no lenger abyde thy comyng & retourne. I haue caste my selfe into the see prayng the goddes. that they bring me quyk or ded into that place there thou art quik or ded. by grete deffaulte of thy promesse. & to that ende that thou see what terryble affeccion & loue I haue hadde to 〈◊〉 persone

IN redyng this epistle· the preu Iason wepte so pie∣tously that he might no more. And as to the Re∣garde of Hercules Theseus & Mops•{us} they faylled not to be of the lyuerey of Iason. And whan Medea had red al the contenu of the pistle. Iason began to complaine this so miserable lady that was ded by his cause as she declared in her epistle / And then̄e whan he had complayned & be∣waylled her long / he excused him tofore them all of the pro∣messe that he had made to her for to retourne by the cyte of Lennos / Sayng that it was not his defaute / but that the God of winde was culpable· And therof he toke witnes of hercules th•seus & Mopsius· Argos the goode / maron̄er & of many other / the which knew right well how he had pur∣posed to haue gon̄ into len̄os in retorning from his enterprise

from colchos for to see this noble lady and how the· tour∣billon̄s of winde had destourned hem ayenst his wil. but fynably whan Medea apperceyued the manere of Iason She began to demande him· what prouffited him his we∣pinges & suche excusacions & syn sayde to him / Certes Ia∣son me semeth̄ that ye haue better the corage of a woman then̄e of a man / & that is no nede to wepe ne so bewaille a lady that was so despaired. but righ̄t wel for youre ho∣nour & for the goodnes that she hath̄ don̄ for you & in com∣passion of noblesse / ye shal do her to be adouled for to bring her in to your coūtrey & there ye shal do her richely & honou∣rably be put in sepulture as in suche a caas apperteyneth̄

BY the wordes & remonstran̄ces of the fayr Medea / the duiel & sorow of her loue Iason cessed a litill & a litil / And Medea with̄ her maistresse whan they sawe her time toke the body of the Quene ysiphile and leyde it a parte with̄ the atours riall What shal I make long {pro}ces on the morn̄ Iason com̄anded to disancre from thens And was syn saillyng certayn iourneyes on the see / but in thende without making mencōn of ony auenture digne of memoire· Argos the goode maistre saylled so ferre by gouffces & by flotes that at the twentyest moneth̄ after their de{per}ting of mirmydone. he arryued at the porte from whens he was departid. for whos comyng the dwellars and inhabytants of that coūtre of grece were as Ioyouse as they might be· & on that other side Iason & all they of his ship incontinent as they had espied & knowen that it was the porte that they were de{per}ted fro· began to singe al

on hygh̄ in preysing & thanking the goddes of that. that they were comen home & had escaped so many dangiers & parils to their worship & prouffit with̄ right grete tryum∣phe of vyctorie

AT that time whan argos arriued in this poort / the sterres apperid largely on the heuen / the night was fair & the see paysible / And therfore the knightes of Grece abode in the ship al night without going a londe. & on the morn̄ betime Iason sente These{us} for to signefie his coming vnto Peleus· Theseus went & fonde peleus in a cite named Elsebee. where he was mery & passed the time with̄ hys wyf whos name was Cypriant / & supposed neuer to haue herde tidinges of Iason / & whan peleus saw & knew these∣us he went ayenst him & made to him grete Reuerence and worship / and syn demanded him of all tidinges. Then̄e Theseus began to tell a parte of the tidinges of Iason. & in especial recounted to him thauenture that he had don̄ in colchos / & how he had brought the riche & noble flees of golde And that he was arriued at the porte of sese•re. & that he had with̄ him the flees whiche was the most fayr and the most noble Iewell· that euer was seen / & after told hym that he hadde conquerd in his vyage the gre•test honoure that euer knight might gete. & also he tolde how he brought with̄ him the doughter of the king of Colchos whiche was most wise· fayr / and exellente. whiche in alle qualitees af∣ter reson̄ might be holden for the best accomplisshid lady of the worlde· The noble knight peleus hering thise tydynges thus told. was so pressid at the hert / that al the bloode chaū∣ged by al the vaines of his body· how wel he made semblant

as he had ben meruaillously Ioyous. for he sente vnto the kyng Eson for to shewe to him these goode tydinges. and syn assembled the nobles / the bourgeys / the marchants / the ladies & damoiselles of the cite. & brought them in fayr or∣denan̄ce for to mete with Iason

WHan the comyng of Iason was knowen in the cite & in the coūtre / eche man began to make grete chiere At comyng out of the shippe / Iason and Hercules were the first that yssued out. and after them cam Mopsius & an other knight of Grece. whiche bare tofore Iason the ri∣che flees of golde in signe of tryumphe & of victorie / The thre tonges of the meruaillo{us} dragon / the legges & hornes of the two dredefull bulles. & they led by the arme the noble lady Medea / whiche was richely arayed & fayr as the fair daye / & after them folowed the other knightes & noble men of Grece· Incontinent as Peleus & the gentill men of his route sawe the noble •lees that was so riche. And the grete beaute of Medea / they were all ameruailed / they ma∣de to them the Reuerence first / And with̄ grete honoure and glorie they brought Iason to elsebee the cite where they soiourned that mgh̄t / & on the morn they departed thens and wente to pintaquo where the king Eson soiourned at that time. for asmoch̄ as that place was sette in a good ayer / and all aboute had grete deduyt of chaas and hoū∣ting meruaillously of venerie

Pyntaquo was a fayr strong castell standing vpon a grete Ryuer and brode whiche ran̄ swiftly round aboute the place· and wyth̄ this hit was enuiron̄ed with̄ fair and parfoūde forestes· of good londe erable and fayr

medowes plente. Certes the good kyng was moche reioy∣ed and not with̄ oute cause whan he apperceyued and saw his noble sone Iason and the fair Medea his lady. the riche flees of golde. the thre tonges of the meruayllous dragon / & the hornes and legges of the two meruayllouse bulles / for to contente eche man· whan he had made the reue∣rence vnto the kyng his fader and to the other nobles / he declared all playnly in the halle / that he had neuer comen to the chief of this conqueste. ne had ben the coūceyll. the ayde and adresse of Medea whiche was there present / and therfore saide he. I haue renonced the loue of my lady Mir∣ro / and haue {pro}mised to this lady that she shalbe my wyf and felaw / and thus I wil espouse & wed her at the thirde day. wherfore I pray all noble men and other. ladyes and Damoyselles. that eche persone do to her honour as it ap∣perteyneth̄ to do vnto a noble lady

WHan Peleus had vnderstanden that the fair Medea had ben cause that Iason was comen to the aboue of his enterprise with̄out daūger of deth̄· & that withoute the ayde of her he had ben deuoured / he changed colour & becam all dede. & as wel aduised sayde nought therto / but alway for to holde Iason in loue he sayde to him / that he wold take the charge for to prepare al that sholde be {pro}pice & necessarie for to make the fest / & furthermore he wold sende for to pray his parentis & frendes for to be therat / Among thise thinges the preu Iason sente These{us} & Mopsius vnto the porte of descire & charged them expressely / that they sholde • go & bu∣rie with̄ all solempnite & Reuerence the body of the noble Quene ysiphile / The two knightes went with̄ good herte

And acquited them of this charge For tabregge the historie Cypryane had in garde the fayr Medea vnto the daye that Iason had sette for tespouse her. Castor / polus & Nestor with̄ many riche Dukes came then̄e to Pyntaquo What shall I make long resersaill Iason espowsed the fayr Medea after the lawe that tyme vsed in Grece with̄ moche grete honour & Reuerence. For he dide to her asmo∣che grete honour as lady might receyue / The feste was no∣ble and fayr. and hit was full & plenteuously seruid of all thinges / But of the metes & entremetes and with how many course & how many disshes at euery cours there were seruid I will make no mencion at this time· But thus moche will I saye that peleus Cypriane & her dough∣ters made righ̄t grete pompes / and Peleus ordeyned this feste moche sumptuous & costlewe of Ryche metes and beu∣urages or drinkes. The daye passed & the feste in daūces / carolles & esbatements / the euen cam & after the night that Iason and Medea laye to geder. Alway this feste endu∣red ·xv. dayes hole / And during this feste / the noble & riche flees of golde was ordynatly hanged vp in the hall in the sighte of all the worlde. and there myght come euy man that wolde to beholde hit by grete admyracion. And ther cam peple fro ferre & nigh̄ in suche multitude that hit semed a veray procession. for whiche cause Iason was mer∣uaillously renōmed in many a coūtre for his hygh̄ vasse∣lage & for this so glorious conqueste

AT thende of ·xv. dayes & of the hye solempnite of the∣se espousailles as the noble prynces barons and noble men were vpon the poynt for to retorne to theire countrees

Iason and hercules assembled them and ••ere recounted to them the •idesse that the kyng Laomedon̄ hadde don̄ to Iason & to the knightes of this companye / in reffusing to them fressh̄ water and vytayll for their money / For the whiche cause they had ben in danger & paril of deth̄ / Then̄e the Princes & Barons of Grece hering the grete dolean•• of Iason and Hercules· {pro}mised prestly & swore that th•• wolde auenge this defaulte & miurie / They were aspre / hoo• and hasty in vengeance / And after these couenaunte• thus made / they gaf charge to Argos to make and sett• vp an honderd shippes of warre for to bringe fyfty thou∣sand men̄ to fore Troye / or atte lest fourty thousand / Ar∣gos that was well connyng in that werke enterprised the charge / And promised that with̄ in thre yere alle thise shippes shold be redy to helpe hem. And whan they hadde take a conclusion vpon alle thise thinges / And that they had made to Medea alle the honour and Reuerence of the world / by space of time they departed alle thens / And euery man retourned into his contre leuing Iason and Medea in their reste

PEleus wente vnto Elsebee and bare dueyll and Rancour in his courage more then̄e nede was / for so moche as he sawe Iason so tryumphe / and that he knewe not how he mighte make him to deye / And Iason which̄ intended to nothing sauing to make his plaisir / lete him yet gouerne his Royaume. & so acquitte him in the de•te of mariage ayenst the fair Medea in suche facōn. that she con∣ceyuid of him a right fair sone / whiche at thende of .ix. monthes was deliuerid· And was named Iason after

h•• •ader / The kyng Oetes fader of Medea cam then̄e to Pintaquo wyth̄ a priue meyne and litill companye. as he that loued Medea like as the fader loueth̄ the child•. And whan he vnderstode & knew the grete honour that the preu Iason had don̄ to her. he was content with̄ him and with hi• doughter / And withoute exploitityng of ony other t•ing he retorned into his countre moche Ioyous. And hit was not long after these thinges thus befallen / that the olde maystresse of Medea departed out of this world and deyde. But whan it cam vnto the article of deth she taught Medea a grete part •f the arte of nygromancye & of many other sciences where in she was experte / And al∣so she taught her among other sciences an art and crafte for to make olde peple to become yong of the age of· xxxij yere. But the lyf & destynee for to deye might not be leng∣thid vnto su•he persones by the vertu of the science ne other wise· for asmoche as it is predestinacōn naturell

How Medea chaūged the kyng Eson into yong aage And of the deth̄ of Peleus

After the deth̄ of the maistresse of the fayr Medea Ia∣son demanded Medea / what she thoughte beste to doo She answerde to him / that she had lost grete felawship & priuaulte by the deth̄ of her maistresse. To whom the noble preu Iason ansuerde and sayde. that ther was nothing so certayn for euery creature as the deth̄. And that the god∣des wold take her sowle. After many dayes Medea toke hede that among all other sciences she had one for to ma∣ke old peple to become yong and specially men. And

Syn she behelde also that the good kyng Eson was pas∣sing an̄cient & old. for whiche cause she considered that she might gete a grete loos & an hye Renomm••. if she re∣newed his aage / wherfore she called on a daye her lord Iason & sayde to him that by her sciences she coude do somo∣che that his fader Eson sholde retouure newe yongth in su∣che wise as he sholde seme non older but .xxxij· yere old / whan Iason vnderstode this that said is he was meruail∣lously abasshid & not without cause / but howe well that him semed a thing inpossible wherto he gaf no faith yet he ansuerde and saide to her / Certes fayr lady I knowe for trouth that ye are right wise & wel experimented in plen∣te of hy• sciences / ye can moche mere then̄e all other ladies & damoiselles / but yet this semeth a moche & a grete thing to do so as ye saye to me· & I wolde it plesed the Goddes now that your science might s•ra••he into so bye a matere for somoche as that sholde be to me a right grete wele. for I wolde that my fader myght liue so longe that 〈◊〉 shold put me in my sepulture wythout a••egyng or shorting of my time. ye know wel that euy man desireth to l•u•

By all my goddes sire ansuerde the lady ye shall well knowe that for nothing I will abuse ne deceyue you But I declare you for trouth. that for to lengthe the lyfe of your fader the king l•nger then̄e the goddes and nature hath ordeyned by limitacion of tyme / as touchyng that I wil not touche / for my science may not furnissh that. But as to the regarde for to reduce hi• yongth̄ in suche wise as he shal seme to you & all other in the aage of .xxxij. yere I wil make me strong so to do if it be youre plaisir and his

Madame ansuerde then̄e Iason I am as for my self more then̄e content / and pray yow therof with̄ all my herte / but we muste go vnto the kyng my fader and declare to him alle the fayte for to here his oppynion. Wyth these wordes Iason brought the fayr Medea vnto the kyng Eson hys fader. And declared to him the goode will that Medea had toward him. Sayng that if he wolde consente therto and ayde him self that she sholde make him yong agayn and bring him from his olde age vnto the aage of .xxxij. yere But as to the regard of the lengthing of youre lyf other wise then̄e god and nature hath ordeyned / as to that she will no•hing touche

WHan the noble & aūcient kyng Eson had vnderstond th•s that sayd is he beyng sette vpon a touche / & res∣ting his heed vpon his arme whiche was white & lulled he sayd vnto Medea / My fair doughter ye haue ben cause as I vnderstande that Iason my sone is comen to his honour and prouffit and to his aboue of his enterprise / and that without youre coūceyle / moyen & ayde he had ben dede & de∣uoured by the dredeful & horrible bestes that kept the noble and riche moton̄ or shepe of golde in the yle of Colchos. & as ye haue kept & saued his lif in his yong aage flouris∣shing in vertues & valeur / will ye also saue myn̄ in my last dayes. For certes after the cours of nature I am at the brinke of my pitte or sepulture. and thus liyng a long ti∣me in the vmbre or shadowe of deth̄. I had leuer to be and dwelle in the worlde then̄e to part out therof / for ther is no thing that I desire somoche / whan it shalbe to you possible as for to retorne me into the {pro}sperite of iongthe / & therfor my

Syn she behelde also that the good kyng Eson was pas∣sing an̄cient & old. for whiche cause she considered that she migh̄t gete a grete loos & an hye Renommee. if she re∣newed his aage / wherfore she called on a daye her lord Iason & sayde to him that by her sciences she coude do somo∣che that his fader Eson sholde recouure newe yongth̄ in su∣che wise as he sholde seme non older but .xxxij· yere old / whan Iason vnderstode this that said is he was meruail∣lously abasshid & not without cause / but howe well that him semed a thing inpossible wherto he gaf no faith̄ yet he ansuerde and saide to her / Certes fayr lady I knowe for trouth that ye are right wise & wel experimented in plen∣te of hy• sciences / ye can moche more then̄e all other ladies & damoiselles / but yet this semeth a moche & a grete thing to do so as ye saye to me· & I wolde it plesed the Goddes now that your science might stracche into so hye a matere for somoche as that sholde be to me a right grete wele. for I wolde that my fader myght liue so longe that he shold put me in my sepulture wythout abregyng or shorting of my time. ye know wel that euy man desireth to lyue

By all my goddes sire ansu••de the lady ye shall well knowe that for nothing I will abuse ne deceyue you But I declare you for trouth̄. that for to lengthe the lyfe of your ••der the king lenger then̄e the goddes and nature hath̄ ordeyned by limitacion of tyme / as touchyng that I wil not touche / for my science may not furnissh that. But as to the regarde for to reduce his yongth̄ in suche wise as he shal seme to you & all other in the aage of .xxxij. yere I wil make me strong so to do if it be youre plaisir and his

Madame ansuerde then̄e Iason I am as for my self more then̄e content / and pray yow therof with all my herte / but we muste go vnto the kyng my fader and declare to him alle the fayte for to here his oppynion. Wyth these wordes Iason brought the fayr Medea vnto the kyng Eson hys fader. And declared to him the goode will that Medea had toward him. Sayng that if he wolde consente therto and ayde him self that she sholde make him yong agayn and bring him from his olde age vnto the aage of .xxxij. yere But as to the regard of the lengthing of youre lyf other wise then̄e god and nature hath ordeyned / as to that she will nothing touche

WHan the noble & aūcient kyng Eson had vnderstond thys that sayd is he beyng sette vpon a touche / & res∣ting his heed vpon his arme whiche was white & balled he sayd vnto Medea / My fair doughter ye haue ben cause as I vnderstande that Iason my sone is comen to his honour and prouffit and to his aboue of his enterprise / and that without youre coūceyle / moyen & ayde he had ben dede & de∣uoured by the dredeful & horrible bestes that kept the noble and riche moton̄ or shepe of golde in the yle of Colchos. & as ye haue kept & saued his lif in his yong aage flouris∣shing in vertues & valeur / will ye also saue myn̄ in my last dayes. For certes after the cours of nature I am at the brinke of my pitte or sepulture. and thus liyng a long ti∣me in the vmbre or shadowe of deth̄. I had leuer to be and dwelle in the worlde then̄e to part out therof / for ther is no thing that I desire somoche / whan it shalbe to you possible as for to retorne me into the {pro}sperite of iongthe / & therfor my

fayr doughter· yf hit be in you or in your science to do this that ye haue put in termes by your moeuing and after by your worde. I sholde be gretly holden vnto you. and if yt plese you to take the crowne of my royame. I shal gyue hit vnto you. without •laymyng it eu after. My dere fader ansuerde medea it is well knowen that ye ar an hye pryn∣ce garnisshed with goode renōme. of noble conusacion dig∣ne to bere the crowne. wherfore as Reson is your dygnyte shal abide with you all your lyff / and in fauour of youre seignoureuse gentilnesse. ye yet er .ix. dayes ben past I shal renewe you as sayd is vnto the aage of ·xxxij. yere. and I shal not laboure on non̄ other mater vnto the tyme that I am come to the aboue of myn enterprise / whiche is no li∣til thing

Wythout making of ony delaye the fayr medea toke le∣ue of her lord Iason for .viij. dayes hole / & then̄e she de{per}ted fro the palais / and wente the most secretly that she coude all all one vnto a grete wode / And whan the nyght was comen· & that the mone shone brigh̄t & clere / she kne∣lid doun thries on her knees / studyeng at eche tyme her science / syn lift vp her visage vnto the heuen & made this oroison that foloweth / Mone reposing in the myddes of the sterres that shinest and confermest the charmes and ye the goddes of montaignes. of the valeyes. of wodes / of de∣sertes. of the fontaynes / of sees / of herbes / and of trees / be∣ye in my begynnyng and gyue me ayde in my werke for the salute & helthe of kinge Eson· whan she had said thys she made certayn signes aboute her / and after she maad som̄e s•crete Inuocacions. And then̄e she was lifte vp

into the ayer and born̄ into alle the Regyons of the world Where she gadred and toke many herbes of dyuce facōns and condicions / & many precious stones. And was thus in point labouring· by the space of .viij. dayes. And on the .ix. daye she was resta•lisshid in the same woode and in the propre place from whens she was lyfte vp in to the ayer / And there she fonde her silf tofore a moche ric•e tem∣ple that was there dedyed vnto the goddesse Hebe & to the goddesse H•kates

HIt was on the poynt of the daye erly whan Medea fonde her self tofore the temple. And then̄e Medea abode ther all rauisshed vnto the son̄e rising. & then̄e she en∣trid into the temple & made sacrefice vnto the goddesses hebe and hekates. hebe was callid goddesse of yongth & heka∣tes of charmerye / Whan she had don̄ thus she yssued cu•e of the temple / and dide make a picte in the erthe & in this pitte whiche was depe she sacrefied a black shepe vnto the goddes of helle. of whom she helde and kepte the blood & medlid it with̄ the herbes. And after that she was gar∣nysshid of all that was nedefull for her / retorned vnto the olde aūcient kyng Eson. And did do make for him a fayr bayne / wherin she put these herbes / & mylke and hony And whan she had prepared & made redy alle that was for him ne•essarie In the presence of Iason she put the king into the bayne where the herbes begon̄e to smell right swete And euer more & more gaf good odour. And anon̄ af∣ter that he was therin· and that she had rubbed and fro∣ted hym with̄ the herbes / he fill a slepe by her arte. & whan he was a slepe she made him a litill wound· where oute

•he drewe his olde blood / And lefte him in this poynte by the space of .vij· houres / After this she awoke him and made him to yssue out of the bayne all naked hole & soūd of all his members as he hadd ben in the aage of two an thretty yere

WHan the preu Iason and the Kyng his fader hym self sawe thexperience of this craft and mysiere. cer∣tes they had grete meruayll and not without cause. for this was a werk that neuer was seen ne happend to fore And so moche preysed the witte / the connyng· and the vertues of the fayr Medea. that they Iuged her to be inspi∣red of the Goddes· Then̄e the noble king Eson whan he fonde him self in this estate / he sente for the beste tailours and makers of garnements. And dide do make for his body all newe habillements after the facōn that the yonge men ware at that time / after this he went & put him to the chaas or hunting & to the deduyt of 〈◊〉 & ha••kes to make esbatements / fes•es. daūces & tourn•y•s •oustes and other plaies. And for to shorte our mater he so conduy∣sed him self as a man made all newe / Hit was not l•ng after this that Peleus and all the nob•• of the countre and other were aduertised herof· Wherfore grete nomb•e of peple cam to Pintaquo only for to see the kyng Eson that was strongly enclyned to singe. daū•e and to do al Ioyouse thinges. And yet that more is he sawe gladly the fayre Damoiselles / And for to make short he held him selfe as a yong Prynce that hadde no Regard saue only to make good chere and to passe the tyme Ioyously

PEleus. his wyf Cypriane. & his doughters cam vn¦to the kyng in the renouellite of this noble respyre∣ment / Medea laye with̄ Iason & conceyued of him a right fayr sone of whom she was deliuerid in good time. And anon̄ after the burth̄ of this seconde sone / Cypriane cam on a day to Medea & required moche instantly that of her grace she wolde make yong agayn Peleus / whiche began strongly to were aūcient & olde. Certes the fayr medea was right Ioyous whan she saw her so required. and thinking in her self that she wolde be auenged of the disloyall Pe∣leus the whiche entended to haue made Iason be ded. She acorded to her this request and toke daye for to do hit. & whan the daye was comen / Medea com̄anded to Cypryane that she shold make redy a moche noble bayne. After she sente for to fe•che peleus whiche was moche Ioyeus / for so moche as he suppos•d to become yong agayn lyk as he had ben tofore. And then̄e whan all was redy / peleus dispeil∣led him of his clothes & entred into the bayne / Medea ma∣de him to slepe there / And whan he was a slepe she toke to his two doughters to eche a swerde well trenchant in her handes / and made hem to make on the body of Peleus their fader moo then̄e fifty woundes mortal. Sayng that they must nedes do so / And then̄e whan pele{us} was adoubed and h•r• & that of his lyf was no remedye· medea awoke him & sayde in this maner. Ha / a right vnhappy trayttre thou sendest late Iason into Colchos wenyng for to haue made him deye there without ony respyte / wherfore thou hast deseruid the deth̄ that shall be now this our inhumayn & by the handes of thy {pro}pre doughters· & therwith̄ Medea de{per}ted

from the chambre. And peleus thus myserably finisshed his lyf & his dayes

WHan Cypryane & his two doughters were adutised of thise tydinges. they escried moche sorowfully. & in wepyng grete teeris in grete anguissh̄ drew out of the meruaillous bayne the poure body of peleus. and leyde hit a long vpon a table· but Cypryane had the herte so strayte shette that she might not speke. and not withoute cause For assone as she had leyd peleus vpon the table. she fyll doun̄ reussed all a swoūne / and then̄e the doughter• consi∣dering the grete meschief that was befalle to them. toke the two swerdes yet all blody with whiche they had put th•ir fader to deth & smote them self to the h•rt in suche wise that they fill doun̄ dede & despaired vpon the ••dy of the•• sorow∣full moder· whiche then̄e reuiued out of her swoūne. A 〈◊〉 right pietous & dolorous caas. Cypryane comen agayn to her self & seyng in her p̄sence this myschi•f & r•doublement of sorow / coude holde none other mayntene sauf for to crye with all her puissaūce also hye & ferdfully •hat the kyng Eson and his sone beyng not f•r fro thens in a toure by the chambre. were gretly affraid with̄ this crye. And in especial whan they behelde first the body of peleus put vpon the table al enuiron̄ed with̄ woūdes. Secondly whan they sawe and apperceyued the two yong Damoiselles dough∣ters of peleus hauyng styked in their bodies vnto theire hertes the swerdes where with̄ they were slayn / And third∣ly seyng cypryane lyyng vpon the pament / her hert faylling cra•ching her face & drawyng her here by grete asprete of sorowe

THe kyng Eson & his sone Iason seeyng this that sayd is cam then̄e vnto the lady & in approchyng re∣leued her & leyde her on a bed that was there. Then̄e Iason began to doubte of medea for asmoche as oftetimes she had required him that he wolde put to deth̄ pele{us} because he had sent him into the yle of colchos / whan they had brought the lady on the bed. Eson the noble kyng & his sone Iason be∣gan to reconforte her the best wise that they might / and we∣pyng tenderly they demanded her who had cōmysed this dolorous murdre / Then̄e the lady ansuerde with̄ moch grete payne that medea was culpable / & reherced to hem all the maner how she had made pele{us} to deye by the handes of his two doughters / & how they seyng the shameful feet com̄ysed by them were despate & sl•we hem self in grete sorow· & tel∣ling this her hert failled. the king entended to h•r & Iason de{per}ted thens & went to medea which was in her chambre & saide to her / A ha dame wherto were ye eu born̄ into this world / the merites of your benefetes ben grete & digne of glorie / but your puers demerites ben somoch̄ horrible & foule that they stayne al your vertues. My dere lorde saide then̄e medea. Ne know ye not how peleus sente you into colchos by his enhortement for somoche as he supposed that ye neu sholde haue retorned / & also ye had ben dede without reme∣die· ne had ben that ye escaped the daūger by my coūceyle as it is wel knowen. Thise thinges considerid & seen that he had no cause to purchase to you such̄ a daūger for ye neu deseruid it / wherfore I haue many times desired you to ta∣ke punycōn vpon the desloial pele{us} to which̄ ye wold neu entende / so it happend that pele{us} had a wil for to be Reduyte

in to yong age as the kyng your fader is by myn Intro∣duccion & stile but his two doughters haue put him to deth wherof ye ought to be right Ioyous / Certes dame ansuerde Iason ye saye that pleseth̄ you / but ye haue do so now and also other times that ye shall euere be holden in reproche. & therfore that now & other times ye haue com̄ysed & don̄ to be com̄ysed· many enorme inhumayne & hydouse feates. I re∣non̄ce yow in alle poyntes & your companye / and com̄and you vnto the goddes. After these wordes Iason departed fro the chambre sore disconforted / and without takyng leue of the kyng his fader ne of other persone he departed allone vpon his hers fro the castell of Pyntaquo

WHan Medea had vnderstande that Iason / to whom she had do so moche as her semed of honour & other thinges. Renonced her companye / And that she appercey∣ued that he had taken his hors. & was allone departed oute of the castell· She toke her yongest sone in her armes and two of her damoiselles in her companye. And in this wise went after Iason thinking to repease him by fayre wordes / but the preu Iason that was in ouer grete trouble and anger rode alle way forth̄ tofore him so long that he entrid into a forest· And continuelly had his beu & sight toward the erthe. thinkyng on the malefetes of Medea & of her Inhumanytes & murdres / And he wente so ferre in to the woode that Medea knew not where he becam how wele she retorned not to Pintaquo but sought alway Iason as long as the day endured. And at nyght. she / her childe & the two Damoiselles laye vndre a tre for the better wyth̄ sore bewaillyng

THe king Eson dide do burye this night his broder pele{us} & his two doughters honourably & made a mer∣uaillous sorowe for their deth̄ / but whan it cam at the euen and that medea ne Iason his sone cam not to him as they were acustomed. his sorow doublid in grete anguissh and in grete displaisir / & cessed not al the night to be in grete thought & melancolye. whan the morning was comen he sente out his men into the woode for to seche Iason & Me∣dea / but they that so were sent coude not finde them ne here no tydinges of them And the preu Iason wente alwaye forth also pensif as he migh̄t be. & his auenture was su•he that after many iourneyes & many wayes & champaynes trausid as he that rode by day & in the night restid & lete his hors bayte & pasture in the feldes & medowes / he arryued in the cite of Corinthe where as was the king of that coū∣tre named Creante. the whiche had then̄e a fair doug•ter named Creusa. Iason went vnto this creante & gaf him to knowlech what he was. but creante assone as he hadd knowlech of him dide him moche grete honour for the loos & goode renōmee that he had goten by his Ryght hye vali∣ance in many a royame & coūtre

IN corinthe then̄e Iason dweld & abode a certayn spa∣ce of tyme. Creusa that was a right fayr lady / beheld ofte tymes Iason / And desired with̄ good will to be acompanyed with̄ him· but Iason was so empesshid with̄ sorow & of melancolye· that he might take none hede of hit And furthermore he was so charmed that in no wise / he might loue none exept Medea· Whan the kyng Creante ap{per}ceyuid the maintene of Iason & that he made no Ioye

by continuance of time. he cam to hym on a daye & coniu∣red him that he shold telle him the cause of his anoye and grief / And how well that Iason excused hym. allewaye the kyng oppressid him more and more & did so moche by fayr wordes· that Iason confessid to hym the auentures that were befallen betwene hym and Medea and sayd to him also how he was departed fro his coūtrey / more for to withdrawe him fro Medea and to forgete h•r then̄e for ony other cause / But he coude not finde the manere ne mene for to come to his aboue

THe kyng Creante whiche was a wise prince kno∣wing the caas of Iason by this that he gaf him know∣leche wolde be his cordial frende· for he coūceylled him that assone as he might he sholde take & wedde a new wyf· say∣ing that the loue & new acqueyntaūce of a new wyf shold make him lightly to lose & forgete the thoughtes & Ima∣gynacions of loue and the plaisirs that he hath̄ had in the firste. whan Iason had vnderstande that the king {con}ceylled him wisely / & that he sayde to him the secrete of the caas. he thanked him moche. and sayde that he wold marie hym if he coude finde a wyf after his estate· And therwith̄ he toke leue of the kyng. and withdrew him into his logys And it was not long after that he ne retorned vnto the palays of the kyng for to see the ladyes / And among alle other he began to beholde the fayr Creusa. And ap∣prouched to her wenyng to require her of loue / but whan it cam to the opening of his month̄. certes the souuenaūce of medea cam tofore him that toke awaye all his entende∣ments in al pointes / whan Iason saw this that sayd is. he

arose vp from thens and entrid into a gardyn where he fonde him self so melancolious and troubled in his cora∣ge that he knewe not what he might do best / Then̄e it hap∣pend that the kyng anone after came into this gardyne for to reclayme a sperhawke of his· but he foūde Iason sett vnder the tree / Then̄e he wente to him for to Resone with̄ him. And Iason arose incontinent as he sawe him come And then̄e the king axed him how it was· & how he felte him· Certes syre ansuerde then̄e Iason / me semeth that I am alwaye in one poynt / & after sayde to him in this wise Syre I remembre well how ye haue coūceylled me for to absteyne me to thinke on Medea. the whiche is continuel∣ly in myn entendement for to take to wyf som newe Lady Wherfore I require you and praye with̄ all my hert that ye will gyue to me Causa youre doughter to spouse and felawe. & ye so doyng shal do to me the grettest honour and plaisir that may come to me· for if it be other wyse I am the most euil fortuned knigh̄t that is in the remenan̄t of the worlde

INcontinent as the gentil kyng had vnderstonden the Requeste of Iason / as a prynce right Ioyo{us} ans∣werde to him & sayde / Certes Iason ye do to me & to al our hows grete honour whan ye require for your felawe & wyff my dough̄ter / I gyue to you my dough̄ter. and she is well destyneed and comen into this worlde for you. Certes I accorde youre Requeste and gyue her to you. With̄ these wordes the kyng sente for the Quene / his doughter / and for the Baron̄s and knigh̄tes / of his court· the Ladies and Damoiselees as well of his palais as of his Cyte

〈◊〉 sen•e 〈◊〉· and in the 〈◊〉 of all them that 〈◊〉 were he made Iason and his d•ughter to promise that they sholde wedee and espouse eche other / within a certayn ter∣me that ws tho sayd. and after these thinges by the 〈◊〉 of his barons knightes & the ladyes the day of th•re espou∣sailles was o•deyned / and did do make ther a feste so fare and notable. that like was neuer seen in all that countre For the kyng & the Quene were so Ioyous of this nolle allyaūce as possible was for hem to be / There were daunces and carolles begonne instruments of all facōns sette a werk / songes & fayr dytees songen in the best wise· wyne and mete were plenteuously araied & dressed for al them that wold take. And thus endured this grete & notable feste vnto the nyght / that the king· the quene / Iason. creusa the Barons / knightes ladyes & damoyselles departed fro this gardyn with̄ moche grete Ioye. for eche man enforced him to make grete chere for the noble aliance of the preu Ia∣son and of the fayr Creusa / but who that euer was Ioyo{us} or soroufull the yong lady was moche conforted and not without cause thinking on the hye vertues that were in the persone of the valiant prince Iason

How Iason espoused the fair Creusa the kinges dough∣ter of Corinthe· & of her deth̄ by Medea

THe renom̄ee of this weddyng of Iason & of the fair Creusa was anone sprad in all the royaume of co∣rinthe· The kyng concluded that he wold make a solempne feste / and sent his messagers into many & dyuce coūtrees for to assemble the Princes of the countrees hys frendes

and 〈◊〉 to seke clo••e• of gold of silke and other sump∣••ous & riche thinges / Alway for to ••siewe the ver•• and true na••ac•on of our matere. during the 〈◊〉 an• trouth̄plightyng of Iason & of Creusa Medea that lef•• not nigh̄t ne day for to seke her husbonde Iason as said 〈◊〉 She erred & laboured in suche wise as she came vnto the metes & marches of corinthe / & wel concluded in her s•lfe that she wolde go vnto corinthe. And as she w••te in h•r waye she foūde a moche fair fontaine or welle. where abou• satte & were many labourers that at this spring refresshed them. whan they apperceyued the lady & the two damoisele• come vnto the fontayne. certes they were sore ameruail•d to see thre so fayr women̄. howe wel they axed hem why∣ther they went· wherfore demande ye saide medea / for as moch farr dame ansuerde one of the labourers that we will go vn¦to the cite of corinthe / & if it plese you to go theder that our company• may plaise you / we shall gladly hold you companye. My frende ansuerde medea / knowe ye that our en∣tencion is for to go into the cite that ye speke of. and that right wel pleseth̄ vs your companye

WIth̄ that the noble lady damoiselles and tho labou∣rers wente on her waye / and so goyng one of them began to beholde the litil childe sone of Medea that one of the damoiselles bare in her armes / and whan he had a litil beholde the child he sayde all on hye in this manere / Cer∣tes I wolde that it plesid all oure goddes that my Lady Creusa that to morow come .ix. monethes might haue one so fair a sone by her lorde / Fayr frende saide then̄e Medea What is that Creusa that ye nowe speke of / what is she

〈◊〉 the labourer. And why knowe ye her 〈…〉 so long. Cer••• she is doughter of the kyng of •••∣rinthe whom shall Bedde to morn̄ the most fayr 〈◊〉 of the worlde and the most vailliaūt in 〈◊〉. For hit is he that had conquerd I 〈…〉 of golde that men saye is passing 〈…〉 we all go to geder for to see what 〈…〉 shall be / and eche of vs bere theder of our goodes for to 〈…〉 the weddyng. The custome at that time was suche wh•n that a kyng dide do marie his sone or doughter / that alle the men of the royaume were •ounden eche by hym selfe for to make a presente of vytaylles. And the marcha•te• and bourgeyses of the Cytees made to hym an 〈◊〉 of a certayn som̄e of moneye and of other goodes wherwith th•• were dyscharged

ANone then̄e as Medea vnderstode this that the labo•rer spac• of the knight that was so fayr and so v••∣liaūt & that had conquerd the fl••• of golde. 〈…〉 well that hit was her lorde Iason that 〈…〉 the morn̄ the fayr Creusa. wherfore she was sore 〈◊〉 and not withoute cause. 〈…〉

se• Iason. She loked so long that she aspied him. but her 〈◊〉 that he had an heuy chere and was soroufull· then̄• was Medea sewre that hit was Iason that shold wedd Creusa. Then̄e began her herte to melte in suche wise that ther departed from thens many & grete plente of sighes. & many teeris deualed and fill doun̄ from her eyen vpon her breste / And thus doyng she thoughte & agayn thoughte what was to doo for the beste / And then̄e she retourned vnto the two Damoyselles. and sente one of them well disguised vnto Iason for to require him that he wolde co∣me & speke to a lady that was there

THen̄e the noble preu Iason nothing thinkyng on the •ayr Medea heering the Request of the Damoyselle •oose vp and wente wyth̄ her· and she brought him vnto Medea whiche was withdrawen a litill a parte holdyng 〈◊〉 liti•• sone in her armes / But Incontinent as Iason apperc•yued her there in that poynt he was meruayllously of may•d. And after that Medea had made to hym the 〈◊〉 in sal•wyng him by alle their goddes. She said •o him in thi• maner. Al•• my dere lo•d Iason. what 〈…〉 so that 〈◊〉 morn̄ withou•e 〈…〉 ye will take for your wyf Creusa whome ye 〈…〉 a• I am •ert•fyed. And howe my only 〈◊〉 loue & 〈◊〉 shall I be sallaryed of suche 〈…〉 of the saluacion of your lyf / of 〈…〉 had ben / •f •t had not ben saued by my moyen 〈…〉 knowe. Is th•s the merite that ye rendee to me 〈…〉 loue I haue abandonned the kyng my 〈◊〉 and 〈…〉. Is this the gwerdon that I haue

awayted after that I haue reduysed by so grete laboure and trauaile my lorde your fader the kyng from his aun∣cient aage vnto the yongth̄ of .xxxij. yere as ye wel know A ha Iason right noble and valiant knight· I suppose ye holde wel in your remembran̄ce all that ye haue promysed to me. for goddes sake forgete it not & put it not in oub∣lian̄ce / And if hit be so that ye will take and haue ony other lady then me / Certes I had leuer now to lose my lyf then to liue ony lenger / sle me. my deth̄ be {per}doned vnto you

DAme ansuerde then̄e Iason. what as to the regard of the wedding nowe begon̄e· if it plese the Goddes they shalbe {per}faited & fulfild as it is ordeyned not with̄ stonding ony {pro}mysse that hath̄ ben made bytwene you & me Whan medea herde this answere she fill doun̄ to the erthe al a swoūne or in a tran̄ce sayng / A ha myn only & souayn wele then̄e shal ye be pariured / Certes dame ansuerde Iason Sauue your honour / I haue acquytte vnto you al that I haue {pro}mysed vnto you· for I haue brough̄t you into my coūtre & solempnly haue espoused you. & syn I haue be trew in mariage vnto the deth̄ of myn vncle pele{us} / where as ye wel know hath ben cōmysed by you a grete defaute. Not withstondyng this that is past I entende not that by me ye sholde be s•lawndrid· But knowe ye that I had moche leuer lyue in honour and ensiewe the termes and werkes of noblesse then̄e for to holde me lenger in your companye / I telle you these thinges for so moche as if I helde me len∣ger by yow / And of you ne were done good Iustice· hit migh̄te be sayd that I sholde be culpable of one so cruell a •urdre. wherof is ensiewed the deth̄ of two so fayr & noble

maydens and pucelles doughters of Peleus. And for this cause & other cruelles by yow com̄ysed. I shall hold that I haue sayd. And so I may doo & ought to do law∣fully in keping myn honour & the termes & com̄andements of oure lawe

WHan the fayr Medea had vnderstanden alle the wyl and conclusion of the noble preu Iason. yf she hadde ben to fore soroufull and ouer angry. yet was she then̄e moche more. For she began to wepe wyth̄ thyse wordes & to sigh̄e fro her herte so parfondly that hit semed that ther de{per}ted from her two fayr eyen two ruysseauls or two sprin∣ges of a fontayne· This notwith̄standing after many sighes from the herte so {per}fondly she repliqued vnto thans∣were of Iason and sayde. Ha / a sir knight I know well now that it is destine that I owe to be the moste Infortu∣nat lady of the worlde / yf I haue consented or coūceylled the deth̄ of the desloyall Peleus / hit hath̄ ben for the grete loue & right trewe that I haue had for tauenge you of this that he by his fals coūceyll sente you into Colchos to ma∣ke the conquest vpon the flees of golde· knowing that hyt was a thing inpossible euer to retorne wyth̄oute to be de∣uoured and ded if hit hadde not be my pourueyance / and whan I haue don̄ alle thise thinges wyth̄ good entencion and for to gete your grace. ye wylle nowe leue and repu∣dye me in alle poyntes / wherfore I may well say that vn∣der the firmament is no more Infortunat creature in alle tribulacion then̄e I am / Ha / a my dere loue and frend Iason shall I haue none other salaire ne other gwerdon for all my merites

CErtes dame ansuerde then Iason ye haue moch̄ more then̄e ye haue deseruid for suche trespaas. such̄e Re∣warde. for the conuerture of the trespaas by you done can not excuse you. do the best ye can or may & your children al∣so. withdrawe you with your children into som coūtre & so shal ye do wisely & also your prouffit· My dere lord sayd then̄e Medea / syn it is your plaisir that it so be. hit muste nedes be that it plese me. And so be it alway that youre plaisirs ben fulfillid· yet at the lest for to reioye me a li∣til. ye shal do to me somoche grace that of your curtoisye I may be loggid here within vnto to morow to thende that I may see the sollempnyte of t•e weddin• • if ye will thus accorde to me I {pro}mette you that to 〈◊〉 at d••er for 〈◊〉 loue of you. I shall make app•re visibly one of the grete meruailes that euer was seen at weddinge of a •ynge• d•ughter or of a pryn•e

WHan Iason 〈◊〉 vnd•rstande the request of the lady not thinking that she pretended but vnto all well & goode and also for to be quytt of her / accorded her request And was deliuyd to her a right fayr chamber within th• palais / And whan the lady was in this chambre she sent her two damoiselles for to be logged in the towne / So hit happend whan she was there allone she began to studye in many of her sciences / and whan it cam aboute midnighte she dide her to be transported into the ayer / & she broughte into her chambre with̄ her plente of werkes Rygh̄t secrete Wheerof she composed foure grete and horrible dragons whome she knetted to gyder by their taylles / and maad •s hit hadd ben a chayne. And then̄e this done she passed

in this poynt that night so sore passioned with Ialousye of loue that her semed that her herte and all her body were all esprised with̄ fyre & flambe· So hit happend on the morn̄ whan Iason had espoused the fayr Creusa & that he was sette at dyner with her & with the kyng fader of t•e lad• and with the knightes ladyes and damoyselles of 〈…〉. Then̄• Medea departed from her chambre 〈…〉 the m•ddes of the four dragons holdyng her yon∣gest sone alle naked in her handes. And in this poynte she made her to be brought to fore the table where as the no∣b•e preu Iason w•s

C•rte• •ut i• well lightly to beleue that the kyng • the no•le preu Iason / and also all they that were the• Were gretl• •sma•ed and ferd whan they apperceyued 〈…〉 entre in to the halle sittyng •ytwene foure 〈◊〉 so terri•le to beholde by semblaūt / And som there were 〈◊〉 fledde. And som̄e abode to see thauenture seeyng that she helde betwene her handes the yong chyld But whan M•dea sawe that she was a fore Iason. She escried him in this manere. Iason / Iason thou knowest that I am thy wyf / thou leuest me for another / & wenest thy self not to haue mesprised to me. I haue saued thy life And thou doste to me grete wrong and ouermoche grete blame. And this procedeth̄ fro the of alle desloyalte and of all mauastie. wherof thou art chief and heed· And suche wilt thou be and abide. but I shall kepe the from it yf my connyng faylle not. For certaynly I promise the that thy new wyf Creusa and the kyng her fader and al they that ben here within shall lose theire lyfe. Reserued

thy self. & by consequent thy {pro}pre sone that I holde in my {pro}pre armes shalbe the first that shal begynne the feste

WHan the desolate lady had sayd these wordes she hol∣dyng her yong childe wh̄iche was moche tendre· to∣ke him by the two legges & by the force of her armes Rente him in two pieces. & in that poynt cast him in the plater to fore Iason and Creusa / And with̄ that the four terrible dragons on whom she satte opende their throtes in disgor∣ging fyre & venym· somoche & so horribly that all they that were there deyde myserably & in grete torment reserued Ia∣s•n whiche mighte not receyue ony greef by no venym by•cause of the bloode of the •ole medlid with̄ the asshes where with he had ben enoynted as it is sayd al a long in the chapitre makyng mencion of the conques•e of the noble fl•se of golde

THen̄e whan the preu Iason ap{per}ceyued the yong childe so inhumaynly slayn. & after sawe in his presence dye miserably and in sorow his lady Creusa / the kynge the quene his baron̄s knigh̄tes ladies & damoiselles squiers and other by the sortes and enchantements of Medea. he was so ouer angry and wroth̄ that he might no more be without he had ben out of his mynde / Then̄e he aroos from the table all confuse and escried vpon medea sayng / A ha right euil enchanteresse replenisshed with̄ all euyll / certes it is ouer grete dōmage that the erthe bereth and sustey∣neth̄ you. ye haue with̄ youre two handes murdrid youre owne sone and myn. And syn by youre enchantementes fals & vnresonabbe ye haue maad to deye myserably and with doloure so many hye prynces. vaillyaunt knigh̄tes

ladyes and damoiselles and gentil esquyers here assem∣bled for to do to me honour & companye. the whiche dyd to you neuer trespaas ne grief. Ha a what horrible cruelte is by you com̄ysed. Certes ye haue not the corage of a wo∣man humayne / but of a best or serpent deuouring all cre∣atures or ellis of a cruel tyrante wyth̄ oute pite / Ha▪ a Right peruerse and felon̄ courage / what hast thou done by thy grete oultrage or cruelte. what ought I nowe to doo or where shall I become after that this euyl is befallen. If thou were a man like as thou art a woman peruerse and myrrour or chief of alle euyll· with oute lenger 〈◊〉 I shold take vengeance of this trespaas and grief. but for as moche as thou arte a woman. hit shall neuer hap∣pen that my hand enploye hym vpon thy body. Considering that a noble man that for ony anger or trespaas smite•• a woman or sette hand on her / he leseth̄ his honour 〈◊〉 wyth̄ good cause

WHan the lady had vnderstande the complaynte of her lorde Iason / She answerde h̄im and sayde in this manere. Certes my dere loue knowe ye for trouth̄ / that I had leuer see all the world deye. then̄e I knewe that ye shold haue habitacion with̄ ony other woman then̄e with me / ye knowe how I haue emploied me for to preserue you from danger of deth̄ / where many a knight hath lost hys lyf tofore· Also ye knowe what honour ye haue by my feat goten perpetuelly. and all this haue I don̄ gladly to then∣tent that ye shold be my husbonde and espouse all youre lyf during. And now I apperceyue that ye will leue and abandonne me for one other in all estate lasse then̄e I am /

her malefices & her crueltes ouermoche inhumayne / and in riding from one place to another he was in so grete per∣plexite & sorowe that he might nomore but if he had deyde And for this cause he had his entendement so trauailed that he wist not what to do. In this maner trist & pensyf drawyng from one coūtrey to an other hit was told him on a day that the king Tollus of Elsebee that was hys parent and of his kyn̄ sholde wedde for hi• wyfe the kin∣g•s doughter of Thessale named Anestor. And for som w•at to refress•e him self he concluded that he wolde go to •his wedding. whiche sholde be solempnel withoute 〈◊〉 / for be thought wel th•t ther sholde be kinges / Dukes 〈◊〉 Quenes and noble ladyes in grete nomb••· The 〈◊〉 Mirro was comen theder with other ••incess•• 〈◊〉 that the king Tollus was h•r nygh 〈◊〉. But incont•∣nent as the kinges & princes knew Iason they welcomed him on all sides moche honourably. As•ay the 〈◊〉 Mir∣•o made no semblan̄t to knowe him. for wh•n Iason had ben fested of one & other and that he app•o••ed t•e qu•ne Myrro whiche was thoo pensif· drew her a 〈◊〉 behinde the other ladies & escried him with an open 〈◊〉 which was well̄ h•rd sayng thus

〈◊〉 / a right euyll knight withdraw you Incontinent from me / haue ye forgeten that ye long syn {pro}mised me in Athenes that ye sholde be my husbonde / And yet ye haue doo nothing therto / but haue espoused another lady as hit hath̄ ben recompted and certefied to me / O dys∣loyall and vntrewe false lyer where as ye haue not holden ne fayth̄ ne trouth̄. Approche thou in no wyse vnto me

departe out of my presence. And be neuer founden in my waye. But notwithstondyng that the Quene had a•••e∣ued this reprouchable answere / yet he sayd to her in thi• maner / My dere lady I am so mo•he malewrous & vnhap∣py / that I am not digne to be foūden to fore your noble •••∣sence. I knowe playnly that I haue made faute / And I can not thinke how my courage is thus corumped and 〈◊〉 cou•cylled. for syn I toke leue the laste tyme of you and whan I parted I remembre right well that in my vo•ag• to colchos I had you alway in continuell remembraunc• wreton within my ••rte hoping at my retornin• to 〈◊〉 taken you to my wyf / vnto the time that 〈…〉 I was sodemly es•rised with the 〈◊〉 of medea· 〈…〉 required me to be h•r •us•ond. alway I 〈…〉 v•rtue of the souenan̄ce & m•n•e th•t I 〈◊〉 of you. Not•ithstondin• that· she made to me 〈◊〉 to make me conqu•re the noble & riche moten̄ with the 〈◊〉 of golde· where 〈◊〉 knight wente to fore to conquere but 〈◊〉 he l•fte and l••te there his l•ff / I knowe well that whan she made me this promesse all that daye I chaūged neu•• my purpose ne corag•. But assone as I was leyd in my bedd an eu•ll volente or wil surprised me whiche was su∣che in all po•ntes that I lefte youre loue and concluded that I wold make of Medea my Lady paramours as I dide. and for this cause she gafe to me the Introduccion and the maner to conquere the noble and Riche moton̄. of whome I haue brought the noble Flees on this side the see And also I haue broughte with me in to Myrmydone Medea no more thinkyng on yow. ner on that. that

For certaynly syn it had ben on my finger I haue f•und and felte my self eslonged & alleged of all my sorowes and me semeth that I loue none other lady but you / and therfore I require you right humbly if in ony maner I ha∣ue trespaced or misprised ayenst you that ye wille pardone me. And that it plese •ou that our compromise long syn made may now sorte good effect•

CErtes s•r knight ansuerde then̄e the noble lady / I ha∣ue here tofore somoche louid you that non̄ infortune may in ony wise make me to conceyue hate vnto you. and 〈…〉 what is your entencōn. My dere lady ansuerd Iason my desir • entencōn is nothing but to come to that I may be your husb•nde if it be to me possib•• a• I haue syn long {pro}mised· But 〈◊〉 is of necessite for to condu•te this work secretly / to thende that medea be not 〈◊〉 t••rof For if she knew that ye were myn •spouse. she sh•lde not •esse day ne night vnto the time that she ha• made •ow to deye. Certes sir knight ansuerde the lady we shal doo right wel if the defaute be not in you. and shal telle •ou how ye shall come with me after this weddingis• ye shal putte you in guise of a seruant in disfiguring your self as moch̄ as is in you possible. & ye shal serue me as a seruaūt. but whan we shalbe in Oliferne▪ ye maye haue me secretly to your wyf / & thus Medea shall nothing know ne non̄ other persone of you & of me. And wyl she or not the strong en∣chanteresse that so long hath̄ holden you in her sortes & in dangeres of her artes. from hens forth̄ we shall enioye the loues of vs eche other. Then̄e the preu Iason was content for to {con}duyte him self in this maner in all suche wyse as

the quene myrro had ordeyned wherof she was right ioyo{us} For tabregge the mater during thise weddinges Iason and myrro ofte tymes spack to gyder of their amorette• & Iason receyued there many fair preysinges whiche were to long to reherce / In thende the weddinges finisshid & one & other toke leue and wente home into their coūtrees. and so it ought not to be forgoten that Iason wente to •lifer∣n• with the fayr myrro in lubite disguised as a yeman 〈◊〉 a seruaūt & named him self Sambor

WHan the•̄e the louer & the lady had so exploited that 〈◊〉 were in Oliferne / the lady logid h•r lou•r in a litil cham••e not 〈◊〉 from her and g•• him th••• 〈…〉 be her 〈◊〉 & helde then̄e with her {per}sone but one 〈◊〉 that 〈…〉 most part of her s•cretes how well she was 〈◊〉 alway to haue in h•r chambre four 〈◊〉. the ••denaūces & conclusions made the same day 〈◊〉 they were comen. whan the night was comen & euy 〈◊〉 withdrawen in his place for to reste. the quene whom desire 〈◊〉 long chaced sent secretly to s••che the preste of theire la•e an• sam•or also. And with litil noise and bruyt she mari•• sam••r and after sente the preest away. and to thende that he sh•lde be secrete she gafe him a purse fu• of gold. She held her spouse in her chambre· And then̄e whan the preste was goon̄. and that they were bothe to gy∣der / they began in good ernest the deduyte that is vsed in the amerouse lyf. And Righ̄t Ioyously they conforted eche other. And demened this amerouse lyf all the long winter· & so ye ought to bileue that on the day the preu Ia∣son seruid in his office. and in the night he entremeted

wel fro the arte & enchantements of Medea. Then̄e Iaso n {pro}mised to her that he so wolde do. & concluded there the day of his depting

ANd whan Iason & the quene myrro hadd cessed of speking of this mater the damoiselle that had decla∣red the feet to her broder brutorus was awayting & aspy∣eng at the hole· & vnderstode all that the lady & Iason had deuised / sayde & concluded. Then̄e she adutised her broder and told to him all that she had vnderstonden & the daye tha• he sholde de{per}te into his coūtrey / This brutorus was right ioyo{us} whan he vnderstode these tydinges / & concluded in him self that he wolde lye in a wa•te of Iason in a wode by a waye by whiche he must nedes 〈…〉 he call•d to him .xij. gentilmen of his knowleche· and tol• th•m that sa••lor had trespassed to him & that he wolde slee him on s••he a day as he sholde de{per}te vnto his coūtre For ta•rege the mater whan the day was comen the noble p•nice de{per}ted with moche bewailling of his lady. & wo•t him self all one by that wode. & he had not long erred & riden in the wood whan brutorus & his .xij. felaws without eserieng or sow∣nyng of ony worde smote vpon him grete stookes & mortel if he had not wel be armed at his depting as his auēture was he had be dede / and among all other brutor{us} gaf him a meruaillous stroke vpon the hede that whether he wolde or not he made him bowe on the lifte side

WHan Iason felte him so aduiron̄ed & assailed of these traitres and that they smote vpon him on all sides he was all abasshid / Neuerthelesse he sette him at deffen∣ce. and then̄e he drewe oute his good swerd· with̄ which•

he befought his enemyes right vayllyaūtly and as a no∣ble knight as he was. But the place where Brutorus as∣saylled him ouer asprely / was in holowe and strayt pas∣sage. in suche wise as Iason mighte not but wyth̄ grete payne helpe him self / for the disloyal tra•ttre & his {con}plices were on boothe sides. sixe on that one side / and sixe on that other moūted vpon hye territories that henge ouer the ho∣lowe waye. and casted grete stones vpon him. in suche wise that they slew & murdred his hors vnder him. and in feat they frussled his helme & made him a meruaillous woūde in his hede / The•̄e whan Iason sawe his hors dede & that he felt the smarte of the sore in his hede. he sette him a fote all astonyed. but brutorus & his felawes assayled him agayn & caste on him stones. glayues / & swerdes / wher wyth̄ they bruysed & woūded him in many places / for the horions & strokes cam from aboue. Neuertheles Iason as a valiant knight marchid out ouer the passage & dyd so moche that he cam into a right fayr lande. Then̄e Brutor{us} and his folke s•ewed him so ferre / that they cam to fight hand a hand. And among all other Brutorus appro∣ched vnto his euill auenture. For Iason smote him vpon the toppe of his helme by suche fierste that he clefte the hel∣me and the heed vnto the teeth̄ that he fill doun̄ ded at his fe••

THus as ye may vnderstande was the desloyall bru∣torus myserably slayn̄. And then̄e whan his com∣plices ap{per}ceyued that he was put to vtteran̄ce they escried al vpon Iason & assailed him on a new right anguisshously in renewyng to him the dolour and grete payne of hys

woūdes & frousshures that they maad to him in the holowe waye as said is / and so began the stoure aspre & terrible How well that Iason had more courage then̄e puissaunce Alway he defended him by righ̄t grete vigour in bathing his trenchan̄t swerde in suche wise in the blood of these .xij murdrers that he put seuen of them to deth̄ with̄ Brutor{us} And after fough̄t long with̄ the remenan̄t / and it for∣tuned him that in scarmusshing that he hurte the Reme∣nan̄t vnto the deth / as he that escaped not nette but was hurte in so many places that by theffusion of blood that fill from his hede / his herte failled him in thende and fill doun among the dede men· The foure laste that were lefte were but litil better then̄e dede. But what meruaille

WHan the two murdriers had born̄ to groūd the preu Iason / they wende that he had ben dede. and satt deun by for to reste them· and after softe and fayr they with̄∣drewe hem into the cite as they that with̄ moche grete paine might vnnethe sousteyne hem self. but for to go vnto their houses they muste passe tofore the palais. the Quene then es∣pied them from ferre. & apperceyued anon that they were all bespreynt with̄ blood wherof she was moche esmayed She dide doo hem to be called and syn demanded them from whens they cam. Alas my dere lady sayde one of them We come from an euill Iournee / for sambor and ▪viij. of our next kyn & frendes ben lyyng dede in the wode with brutorus / whiche brough̄t vs theder for to lye in a wayte for to slee sambor / the whiche as he hath̄ said to vs / hath̄ don to him displaisir / but sambor hath̄ put vs all to deth̄

reseruid vs foure whiche ben so pitously hurt. that but yf the goddes inparte to vs of their grace we ben in grete daū∣ger of ou•e lyues

IN sayng thise wordes two of these foure knightes deyde ther sodaynly. wherof the noble quene was so sere abasshid that her herte faylled & fill doun̄ in swoūne· that she was born̄ into her chambre by her damoiselles / And the two malerous knightes were born̄ f•r to be buried after the custome of the coūtre. Whan the lady was a litill comen to her self / by thefforce of the grete sorou that she had in her herte she escried passing hye and saide. Iason / Alas my loue Iason and my lorde· But srowhens sourdeth one so grete maleurte or myshappe that ye haue thus ben slayne in the woode / The terrible cruelte of thenuenymed & so horry∣ble bestes of Colchos had no power to greue thy persone / Ne the sodayne parils of the see ne also the grete hardynes of the Esclauons. Ha· a the right euyll Brutorus ye haue slayn̄ him and he hath̄ slayn̄ you. Alas what grete losse muste I suffre this daye. I am born̄ in an vnhappy oure Whan hit muste bee that I haue nourisshid the murdrere that traytoursly hath̄ put to deth̄ the noble knight Iason whiche is my lord and husbond. Ha· a noble & worthy of alle worthy· the vaillyaūt of alle vaillian̄s. and he in whom alle vertues haboun den· the goddes haue mercy of thy sowle. And yf thou be not ouer dede· that they wyll hold the so long a lyue that I might yet ones speke wyth̄ the And I shalbe moche the more comforted that I shal deye more eysyly. And then̄e I desire no lenger to lyue in this worlde after the

WHan the ladies & damoiselles there beyng had herd & vnderstonden of the quene by her lamentacions that he that was named sambor was Iason that somoche was recom̄anded in valian̄ces & in vertues meruailed strongly for asmoche as he serued as a yeman. & at last comforted the lady the fairest wise they might. And then̄e she decla∣red all openly that sambor was Iason the noble knigh̄te and none other but he had wedded her. and furthermore she declared for what cause Iason had chaūged his na∣me & wh• he maintened him as a yeman or s•ruan̄t. Af∣ter this declaracion & lamentacion• 〈…〉 •ide doo as∣semble all the nobles of the cite as well •en as women. & thus she sente solempnly for to f•oche the bod• of the v••lli∣an̄t prince Iason. And com̄anded that b•utorus & his fe∣laws shold be quar••rd & h•ng•d on the gal•••es as trai∣tours / And th•y that were com̄•sed to the•s•a•sion of the Iustice accomplissh•d 〈◊〉 th•ir charge • com̄ission and the companye that hadd charge for to go 〈◊〉 the body of Iason went vnto the place wir•e the disloyal murdre was com̄ysed / But whan they were there comen they foūde that Iason was not yet dede / but he sact vp & lened vnto one of the traitres. Thus this noble companye seyng that he was yet a lyue / made to him righ̄t grete chere and callid him by his name. Sayyng that the Quene Myrro and they all were so Right displaisan̄t of his Inconuenyent that they mighte no more be. And withoute long soiour∣nyng there· they leyd the nobbe and vaillian̄t knight Ia∣son vpon a shelde whiche they foūde there lieng vpon therthe

and bare him vnto the Cyte. And the noble Quene cam agaynst him for she had ben adutised by her men that he was not yet dede / how wel she wept sore tenderly

WHan the fayr Mirro was comen nygh̄ vnto her lord And that she apperceyued that he was so frusshid & brusshid with̄ stones & staues / certes her hert failled. & they that bare Iason restid vnto that she was comen agayn to her self· And then̄e she ne Iason might not speke / Ia∣son for the anguissh that he suffrid. and she for the grete displaisir that she had at her herte / But it was not long after that Iason was born̄ vnto the chambre of his espou∣se & felawe. where the beste Cirurgyens of the cite cam that anon̄ visited & serched his woūdes. & fonde him in suche termes that they vndertoke to rendre him hole and sound of all his hurtes & woūdes in short time. wherof the quene was all recomforted. they faylled not of their promys / for they so wrought aboute him by suche facōn that in the space of sixe monthes they deliuerid him hole and out of daūger of all his hurtes & woūdes. During whiche tyme of sixe monthes that the noble preu Iason kepte his chambre / asson̄ as he mighte speke & haue entendement he began to bewaille the losse of his time for asmoche as he might not be at the destru•cyon of the kyng Laomedon̄ and of the Troians Wherfore he hadde moche grete displaysir at his herte. For he hadde not ben acustomed gladly to kepe / the chambres ma•ted ne strewed wyth herbes and floures / ne the bed∣des encurtyned· the halles hanged wyth̄ riche tapesseryes Ne the places magnyficque ne somptuouse as by bys fea∣tes appereth̄· but he might not amende hit. For the noble

quene recomforted him alwaye / And moche required him that he sholde take no Melancolye for no thyng / And that he ne shold entende saue only to his garisshing and heeling / and as for the warre of Troye he mighte in no wise be there

How the kyng Eson of Mirmidone asseged his sone Iason in the cite of Oliferne / And howe Medea spack to Iason / & how she slewe his oldest sone named Iason

As ye may vnderstande by thin•onuenyent afore sayd the preu Iason was distourned for tacompanye her∣cu•es and the cheualerye of Grece that shold go leye siege tofore the puissaūt cite of Troye / wherfore the king Eson and hercules were right sorouful & abode .xv. dayes lenger then̄e the terme that they had sett for to go to the see / whan the ·xv. dayes were past and apperceyued that they hadd no tydinges of the comyng of Iason / they departed fro the porte where they had taried· And sailled so ferre that they arriued tofore Troye with̄ so grete nombre of people that notwithstonding the resistence of laomedon· of alle the cite & coūtre aboute. they besieged it. and so long abode and dide meruaillous assaultes / that they toke hit and destroied it in the fourme and manere as is well decla∣red in the historie of the .xij. labours of the noble and preu Hercules / And whan they had brough̄t th̄is enterprise to an ende eche of them departed from thens and retourned into his coūtre

IN the nouelte then̄e that the noble king eson of mir∣midone was retorned fro the conquest of Troye sore

trobled for his sone Iason that was failled to haue ben at this hye honour. Medea that was not yet comen agayne into Mirmidone after that she was de{per}ted the same day that she had made to deye the desloyall peleus as sayd ys Retourned then̄e vnto the king Eson all destayned and discoloured. y clad with̄ clothes all to rente and lapped Then̄e she sette her doun on bothe her knees tofore the kyng Eson and after sayde to him in this maner / Syre lo here Medea the most poure and the most infortunat lady that eu was or shal be· Thou knowest and maist not denye that I ne am the propre wyff of thy sone Iason / whome I made not long syn Retourne gloriously fro the mortal pa∣rill where his vncle Peleus had sente him to by his ma∣lice· This notwithstonding incontinent & in feat he hath abandonned me syn the daye that I was consenting to the deth̄ of the disloyall Peleus / And I dide hit for to take vengean̄ce of this that he sente him traitrously vnder the shadowe of the conqueste of the Ryche moton with the flees of golde whiche was a thing inpossible to ony crea∣ture humayne with̄oute myn adressement / and wel suppo¦sed he that he neuer sholde haue retourned but haue auaū∣ced his deth̄. And he wolde excuse him vnder the colour of this deth̄. the whiche allwaye I dide for his loue· and for tauenge him

SYre sayde yet the lady ye knowe that the daye that pe∣leus deyde. youre sone departed from hens moche has∣tyly· & howe I wente after / and hit was so oure aduenture that I foūde him on a daye in the cite of Corinthe. where he hadde fian̄ced the kinges dough̄ter / And there I spack

long with him. And among many Remonstran̄ces I required him right instantly that he wolde be trewe acor∣ding to his {pro}mys that he had made in acquyting his faith̄ But I laboured in vayn. for he wolde in no wyse entende therto / And whan I apperceyued that I coude haue none other thing of him / I made by the vertue of som̄e enchan∣ments deye sodainly the espouse / whom he had supposed to haue enioyed· And with her deyde her fader and by con∣sequent all they that were in the halle sette at dyner / reser∣uid Iason whom in no maner I wolde touche / & after I de{per}ted from thens & haue goon at the auenture of the god∣des / not thinking that eu I sholde retorne vnto you / thus hath fortune be to me of suche {con}dicōn that she hath s•th .ij. monthes brought me into the cite of Oliferne. & ther I ha∣ue foūden & seen Iason with the quene Mirro / & it hath ben certefied to me that he hath espoused her / wherof I haue at my herte suche do•our & sorou / that for nothing I might ner coude speke with him / but yet am departed from thens and am come vnto you for to require reffuge that in the fauour of ladyes hit may plese you to haue pite of me so desolate a lady / & that in recognoissaūce of the merite that I mighte haue deseruid in reduysing your aūcient aage in the beyng of .xxxij. yere that ye of your sone Iason wil do me right without Rygour

WHan the kyng Eson of Myrmidone hadde vnder∣stande the doleance and the Request of Medea· and that he sawe her in so poure estate of habillements that she semed all another woman / For she was so dyscoloured ••ne / and euill arayed. Certes he had grete pyte of her

Then̄e he began to recomforte her & thinking on the good seruices that she had don vnto his sone wherof al his wele and Renōme was comen. And in like wise of the grete plaisir that she had don to him. also how she had abandon∣ned the king her fader & her coūtre vpon the promysse of his sone. Among other wordes in recomfortyng her. he sayde & promysed her that he shold punysshe Iason of that so grete offence / and also he had taken him in desdayne for somo∣che as he had failled at the besynes & destruxion of Troye where the cheualerie of Grece had goten grete honour· cer / tes he loued medea meruai•lously / & anon he dide do clothe her new right honourably / & tamynisire to her all that was nedeful & necessarie for her. And whan he had so doo / he sente into o•iferne vnto Iason & com̄anded him that In∣continent he sholde come vnto his court / but Iason excused him to the messager the most curtoisly that he might for cause of his woūdes that he had receyued in the wode not long syn as said is. & in feat he ansuerde that at that pre∣sent he might go ner yet ride on an hors

INcontinent as the kyng Eson hadd vnderstonde thanswere of his sone Iason. he toke it euyl in gre• and sware that he wolde goo vnto him· but that sholde be in armes / Then̄e he sente into all partyes for his frendes and alyes / And sayd to him and shewde how he wold punissh̄e his sone Iason for the lauesshenes of his body & that by good cause / for because of his luxurie he had fail∣led at the conquest of troye· & vnder this couture he assem∣bled vnto the nombre of ten .M. grekes whom he brought tofore oliferne the cite / & somoche dide by see and by lande

that with̄ oute aduenture digne of memorie he cam on the champayne / where the kyng of Esclauonye & his ooste to fore had holden their siege to their vnhelthe as hit is sayd tofore in his place. Alway Medea was comen in tharmee of the king Eson as she that had in him all her affiaūce and her so•oure / as half garisshed or easid

WHan the king Eson fonde him self tofore Oliferne He dide do sette his tentes & pauyllon̄s / And sente vnto his sone Iason that he sholde comen vnto him for to receyue the punycion of his disobeysaūce / Certes Iason was sore abasshid & not without cause / whan he had vnderstand that his fader sente for him to come to him vpon this con∣dicōn / And then̄e whan he apperceyued that his fader had besieged the cite with armed hand / he was at that tyme all helid of his woūdes & froussures. & sceyng that sayd is him semed that the king his fader was angry with̄ him & that he was comen theder al replenisshid with̄ grete furour Notwithstanding that in no maner he supposed to haue deseruid hit. And considering all thise thinges / & also by the coūceyll of his frendes for to answere the messager of his fader / he callid him & sayd to him in this maner / Sir messager I haue vnderstand & thought for tanswere vpon that my fader hath sente me by you / on that other side I see how he is here comen with̄ puyssaūce in armes. Thise thin∣ges considered I wote not what is hys entencōn ne wylle Wherfor I am not for this prese•t {con}seyled to put me in his handes / how wel that I am alway boūden by al right & holden to serue him & obeye his com̄andements. & that oute of furour he shal not finde me other wise disposed

The messager hering the discret answer that Ias•n gaf him· he acertained him & therof wold abide in hosta∣ge. that if Iason wolde take agayn Medea as by vertu of his faith̄ he was holden & by the {pro}messes that they had ma∣de one to that other that he shold find his traittye & peas with̄ the kyng his fader. Then̄e Iason answerde to the messager that if the kyng his fader were comon theder ther fore in suche ordonan̄ce & vpon that entencōn. he abused him gretly / and that medea by her enchantements shold neuer deceyue him more during her lyf· Whan the messager had vnderstand the will & answere of Iason. he toke leue of him & de{per}ted from the palais. & retorned vnto the kyng his lord / whiche abood him at foot of his tente / and told to him and to medea all this that he had exploited with his sone Iason / The king and the lady Medea h•ering his volente & will / and that he was not a man to be me∣uid & torned from his corage had a meruaillous sorowe Then̄e the kyng Eson sware that he ne his siege shold ne∣uer de{per}te from thens for cold ne for heete for froste· ne snowe / for rayne ne for tempeste that migh̄t comen vpon him vnto the tyme that he had subiuged the cite of Oli∣ferne. with̄ that medea whan she had herd thise wordes she toke leue of the king & retorned into her tente / & then she bega• to studie in her enchantements and sortes where in she was moche lerned. and in suche wise exploited that in a moment she made her to be born with̄in oliferne / and dide her to be sette in the propre halle where Iason & mirro the Quene were at a windowe speking to gydre of theire werkes and in especial of thenterprise that the king eson

made vpon them of whiche they had grete meruaille· And so they wist not what to thinke sauyng that hit were nede for tentende to fortefie the muraille and walles of the ci∣te / the tours and yates to garnisshe with̄ stones & wyth̄ shotte and to deffende their strength̄ with̄ all their power But Iason and Myrro had the grettest meruayle of the worlde· And not with̄ oute cause. whan so sodaynly they saw Medea ther appere in their presence. Then̄e Medea opend this that she had in wille to saye & declare plainly & sayde in this man•r

HA a Alas sir Iason haue ye not entencion tamende your lyf· whiche is so moche reprochable to fore the goddes & the worlde. And cursed be the oure & the day that I saued & waranted you fro the deth̄ / whan for my Re∣ward and gwerdon̄ I muste suffre somoche & in so many maners as I doo· and that in time & in place ye knowe not her to whom ye be so gretly bounden & holden. Dame ansuerde then̄e Iason shal youre sortes ne enchantementes neuer cesse / I can not thinke howe ye haue the hardinesse to come to fore myn eyen̄ / seen that in my presence ye haue mur∣dred one of my propre sones. And howe ansuerd then̄e Medea / am I a lady born̄ in so vnhappy an oure and so in∣fortunat that in no maner I dare be foūden tofore myn es∣pouse & husbond / and him that holdeth his life of ony other but by me. A Iason sayd yet the lady. the grete goodnes that I haue don̄ for you to fore this tyme is litill remem∣bryd and knowen by you. whiche I dyd all of good herte / And if I haue slayn̄ your child / ye be only culpa∣••• / for ye do to me so many displaisirs & anoyan̄ce. that

I can not thinke how the herte of ony lady so desolate as I am may so long endure

CErtes dame ansuerde then̄e Iason I holde no thing that I haue don to you displeisir ne anoye in no wise Ye haue cōmysed & made many enorme and right euyll caas. for whiche I may lawfully repudie and ab•ndon̄e you in al pointes· how wel that for the loue of me ye haue done that I ne maintene not / & of that other side speke nomore to me / lo here the noble lady that I had {pro}mised tofore that I arriued in your coūtrey· and during the time that I ha∣ue ben with you & ye with̄ me ye put me by your enchaun∣tements in suche point that I had al forgoten her & thought on none other but on you· whether ye were f•r or nygh / & in this estate was I a long space of time / and til that the goddes haue resemblid this lady & me by your grete defaute The whiche I haue now espoused. this is my lady and I am her lorde and husbonde / & as long as the sowle shal abi∣de in my body I shalbe heeris. & I shal not withdrawe me from her ner shal take other then her for nothing that may befall me / & otherwise ye shal not finde it. & therfore abyde no lenger here / for if ye dide. it shulde be all tyme loste for more to poursiewe this enqueste. Medea with̄ this conclu∣sion made her to be born̄ from thens also sodeinly as she was comen· And in that same nyght she was deliuid and rendrid at Pintaquo in the chambre where her sone Iason was nourisshed / And there she beyng full of a Right euill will toke the noble childe that the king Eson maad soignously to be kept by two norices / The noble child slept and was all naked at the oure / whan she tooke hym /

wyth̄ the taking he awoke. and seeyng his moder he be∣gan to lawhe sore. Then̄e medea wepte and saide / Ha· a Iason my dere sone thy figure & semblan̄t. and thy faders entresemble & ben lik. Thou art moch fayr if thou mightest come to thaage of a man / certes thou sholdest ensiewe and folowe the maners of thy fader the most dou•le & leest trew knight of the worlde. hit is moche better that thou deye an angel in thy yongth̄ / then̄e a deuill in thy olde aage / and wyth̄oute more speking or other bewaillyng she drew out a sharp knyf in the presence of the two norices that wyste not what to saye. and smote him with̄ the knif vnto the herte· And after departed thens at that oure that men might not see her· And put her self in a wode al desperate weping & making a passing grete sorow. And her auen∣ture was suche that afterward she was in Athenes / and wente not vnto the kyng Eson fader of Iason / but went vnto the king Eseus that was yet strong & puissaunt And gaf him in knowleche what she was and of all her fortunes / ye by suche facōn that the king Eseus toke her in mariage and engendrid on her a sone the whiche was callyd Medeus / But fortune that allway argued her ma∣de her to be accused that she wold haue enpoysonned The∣seus the noble knyght and sone of her husbond Egeus· & furthermore made her to be banysshed fro Athenes· where fore she was sore troubled and not wyth̄ oute cause· For she was constrained by pure necessite that she must depar∣te fro the Royaume of Corinthe / also poure and euyll for∣tunate that she wist not where to withdrawe her / Alwaye she wente on the daye by a grete woode in Thessayll where

she liuyd moche solitarily & in grete bitternesse / And had ther so grete & fayr repentan̄ce of her synnes & of her euyll lyff that she mighte no more haue but if she sholde haue re∣ceyued the deth̄ / And thus I shall tarie for this present time of the lady and of her life / And recompte you of the noble Quene Myrro of Oliferne and of the conclusion of this present booke

How a knight named Patroclus slew the quene Mir∣ro. How Iason departed sec•etly from oliferne. Howe the Cyte was yelden vnto the king Eson. And how Iason & Medea were Reconcilled to gyder

FOr to come to thende and conclusion of this mater then̄e resteth̄ now to knowe that on the morow whan Medea was departed fro the oost of the king Eson and fro the presence of Myrro and of Iason as hit conteyned all in the chapitre precedent. The kyng Eson wente for to see Medea in the tente that he had ordeyned for her. For he loued her as his propre doughtrr· but he foūde her not. Ne ther was neyther man ne woman that coude certefye him where she was become· wherof he had grete meruaylle And dyd do seche her in many places· but he coud not haue tydinges of her vnto thende of thre monthes that ther cam a messager vnto him that aduertised him of the deth̄ of the yong chyld Iason sone of Medea and of the preu Iason / And declared him all the manere how that Medea had smyten him with̄ a knyf into his herte· And howe ther was no persone that knewe wher she was become syn the caas happend

INcontiment that the kyng Eson vnderstode thise tydinges he was so angry that by thasprete of hys Ire he rente his vestymens & wepte by grete pite. for he lo∣uyd the yong child & Medea with̄ all his herte. he sayde then̄e that his sone Iason sholde abye it. & that he shulde be punysshed as he that was cause of all thise myschieues. & anon̄ he sente to them of Oliferne that they sholde yssue to bataile ayenst him. Vpon whiche Iason ansuerde· that for nothing he wolde fighte ayenst his fader ne his peple. but required that he wolde leue them in pees / And whan the king Eson had vnderstande this answere / he com̄anded to assaile the cite as he dide· But his men were put a back righ̄t asprely by them that were within that defended hem that daye right valian̄tly / and so by many Iourneyes the king made the cite to be assailled to their litil prouffit / for as moche as the cite was garnisshed with̄ a grete nombre of yong peple & valian̄t men that were there in aage com∣petent for tencharge tharmes syn the warre of the puissaūt king of Esklauonye

As ye may vnderstande the kyng Eson helde long his siege tofore the strong and riche cite of Olyferne with̄oute gyuyng or receyuyng of other batailles of that one partye or of that other / And during this tyme. Ia∣son and the fayr Myrro acustomed them to come oftety∣mes into a passing fayr and strong toure standyng on the muraille of the Cyte of Oliferne. and they cam theder for to passe the tyme in beholding in the champayne the ten∣tes and pauillons of king Eson & the nobles of his roy∣ame / and so ofte wente and cam that they were knowen

Incontinent whan the kyng was aduertised / he sente on a day among all other one of his knighbes named Pa∣troclus that coude shete with̄ the hand bowe so redyly and nygh̄ the marke that none was like vnto him· And saide to him that he sholde garnisshe him of his bowe & arowes· & that he sholde erly tofore daye hyde him in a busshe not ferre from the muraille and tour / promisyng to him grete yef∣tes if he myghte with̄ one of his arowes slee the Quene Myrro. whan he sawe her lokyng oute of the wyndowe of this tour

THis busshe was euen ayenst the tour where the noble preu Iason and Myrro th• fayr quene cam as sayd is. The knight named Patroclus of whom now is made mencōn in this historie was he that after was cause and moyen of the deth̄ of the Ryght worthy knight Hector of Troye. And then̄e whan Patroclus was hydd with in the busshe / he helde him ther with̄ his bowe bente right secret∣ly / And so long that dame fortune whiche oftime pleyeth̄ with̄ worldly thinges at her volente and will broughte Iason and Myrro into the grete tour where as th•y lened in the windowe. But they had not long ben there whan pa∣troclus the Iuste archier losed an arowe vpon the noble la∣dy the Quene Myrro / ye so Ryght that he smote and per∣sed her in her throte· in suche wyse that she fill doun̄ dede euen by the noble preu Iason / And after this don̄ he depar∣ted from the busshe right Ioyous. And contrarie Iason was right sorouful & angry whan he ap{per}ceyuid his lady thus fall doun dede. he supposed to haue releued her / but the sowle was departed from the body / Then̄e grete teeres in

grete nombre began to falle from his eyen in meruaillous habondan̄ce· and was so displaisan̄t of this myschief. so desolate and so angry that it is not to ony creature possi∣ble for to write or reher•e· The barons / the knightes the la∣dies & damoiseles semblably in the cite were gretly discom∣forted. & gaf hem to wepe so right anguisshously in cryes In bewaillinges & in suche lamentacions that non̄ other so∣row was lyke vnto this

WHat is to do vpon this mater howe may I nombre the teeris or write the bewaillinges & lamentacions of preu Iason by especial / and of the knightes ladies and damoiselles of the cite / Certes in a full see of teeris & in a myne of sighes & in a sourse or a springe of an inestymable sorow / the poure infortunat lady yelded her spirite by the hole of the arowe of the knight partroclus. that was there cursed and bannyd as he that they hadd aboue all other in grete hate· certes Iason might not speke in a grete while or spa∣ce / neyther he coude not thinke. what he might best do. but at thende he deported him a litil of his sorow / And then̄e he com̄anded that the Lady sholde be borne to her chambre into the palais / And then̄e the ladyes and Damoyselles toke her in Renewyng of wepynges and of bewaillinges and bare her into her chambre for to ordeyne for her sepul∣ture / This euill aduenture was anone knowen by all the Cyte / all the world demened a meruaillous sorowe. men women and children· Fynably she was buried in her se∣pulture. for whom was made a riall obsequye / And whan they had don̄ al the cerimonyes that ap{per}teyned / In the same nygh̄t then̄e whan Iason was withdrawen to goo to reste

Iason departed out of the cite all allone. And had neu the power to take leue of man ne of woman. he hadde hys herte so soroufull and angry for the deth̄ of the noble lady the quene Myrro. And for thanger that the kyng his fa∣der had ayenst him

ON the morn̄ by time the king Eson acerterned that Patroclus had slayn the quene Myrro of an arowe as he had required him / com̄anded tassaylle the cite / And whan they of Oliferne apperceyued that their enemyes ap∣prouched the walles of their cite they sent vnto Iason whom they had supposed to haue foūden in his chambre for tadu∣tise him of thise tidinges. but they fonde him not. Then̄e as sore abasshid they wente & sought him with̄ in forth̄. & in the temple and many other places· And then̄e whan they sawe that noman coude tell of him they sente vnto the portiers and demanded them if they had seen him. And ther was one that answerde for certayn that at the oure of midnight Iason was yssued out all one by that gate· and more he knew not / Whan the nobles of oliferne knew thise tydinges they were sore trobled & not with̄ out cause. for they behelde that they had no lord ne lady· And that ther fore ones they muste submyse them vnto the kyng Eson And toke their conceyll to gyder and concluded to yeld them & the toun̄ sauf there lyues & their goodes / Then̄e they chese twayn of the most noble knightes of the cite & moste propice to the erande. And sent hem vnto the noble kyng Eson / that made with̄ alle diligence his thinges redy for tassaile the cite in many places. & whan they were comen to fore him & salutacōn made / they told him first that the quene

her lady was dede and putt in sepulture. Secondly they sayde to him that Iason was goon̄ out of the cite & wyste not into what place / Thirdly that the cite was with̄oute lorde· And fynably they sayd to hym / that fortune was suche to them that they of the cite demanded but pees / and that they were content to constitute him kyng vpon them by condicion that he shold not touche theire lyues ne me∣uable goodes what som̄e euer they were

WHan the noble kyng Eson of myrmidone vnderstode that his sone Iason was so departed / he was right sorowful in his courage. but touchyng thoffres of the In∣habitan̄s and dwellars of the Cyte of Oliferne· he hadd Regarde and vsed to hem his mercy / For in feat he accor∣ded to them of Oliferne all that they had putt in termes Then̄e he made to cesse thassault. And syn disposed hym for tentre honourably into the cite of Oliferne· And hit was not long after whan they of the Cyte receyued him into their Cyte and in the palais as their kyng and gaf him the crowne vpon his heed. and made all to him hom∣mage and feaulte. And by this waye was kyng eson kyng of Oliferne and of Myrmidone / After these thin∣ges done and accomplisshed. he sente many knyghtes after his sone Iason for to seche & finde him. but they lost their tyme / for they retorned vnto their lorde withoute re∣porting tydinges of him. for Iason went riding fro coū∣tre to coūtre by many Iourneyes where he had plente of meruaillous aduentures. whiche were to long to reherce Of whom thende was suche whan he had long tyme erred • trauailled in the worlde he was in grete desire to come &

see the kyng his fader & crye him mercy. for asmoche as he had disobeyed his com̄andement and mesprised ayenst him / wherof he was right sore repentan̄t

VPon this conclusion the noble & valian̄t prince Ia∣son putte him on the waye so ferre that he cam in to Thessaille. But that more is. fortune made him entre in to the woode where as Medea hadd long ben & soiourned How well she ete nothing but akehornes and notes· her∣bes and rootes. And he was constrayned one night to logge him self in the litil logge where medea abode & made her Residence / And so he foūde her on a day in his waye at the sonne goyng doun. Anone as Iason and medea sawe eche other forth̄with̄ they knewe eche other. With that me∣dea began strongly to wepe· and syn knelid doun on bothe her knees in grete humylite tofore Iason requiring & cry∣eng him mercy. Then̄e the knyght had pyte on her & rele∣ued & toke her vp by the handes· and syn demanded her if she had ony thing to ete or drinke / sayyng that he had honger and that he hadd not that daye eten ne dronken / Then̄e Medea made him sitte vpon the erthe for to rest him a litill. and syn wente and fette hym of the notes ake∣hornes and rootes and other smale fruytes that she had gadred in the wood. and sayde to him that he shold ma∣ke good cheere with̄ suche as he founde. And that syth̄ a certayn tyme that she had ben there / she had eten none other mete

WHan Iason whiche was a moche vertuous prince had vnderstonde the lady and knewe her grete poute / he began to remembre of the innumerable goode dedes that she

had don̄ for him tofore· and how she had for his loue aban∣donned her fader & her nacōn for to goo with̄ him / And also that she was of a noble hous as doughter of a king / he toke her by the hand & saide that he pardon̄ed her of al thing that she had trespaced or mesprised ayenst him. And in feat sayd that his plaisir was that she shulde be his wyf agayn as she had ben tofore / Certes Medea incontinent as she vnderstood the good will of her lord / she was more Ioyous in her corage then̄e if he had gyuen to her the beste and the most noble royaume of the worlde. And then̄e she sware to him & auowed that she sholde neuer medle more with̄ sortes ne enchantements ne none other malefices ne of ony thing but first he sholde haue the cognoissaūce and knowlech̄ / & in suche wise she conduysed her self anenst Ia∣son that in that same time they reconcilled hem self to gy∣der. And on the morn̄ erly Medea abandonned her lytill logge / And wente bothe on their waye. And so ferre er∣red by their Iourneyes that they cam vnto the court of the king Eson of Myrmidone that was newly comen in his royaume. Then̄e the king Eson knowing their recon∣siliacion contented him self with̄ Iason in pardonyng him all old Rancour and maletalents / And hit was not long after that the king Eson resigned in the handes of his sone the Royaume of Myrmidone· for the grete loue that he had vnto the fayr Medea as he well shewde. For Incontinent that he knewe that she was arryued in his palays. he receyued her the most ho•ourably that was in •im possible to doo / And thus the preu Iason & Medea reg∣•ed & gouned their Royame hy•ly long time / During

the whiche they liued to gyder in grete loue & concorde and had many fayr children to gyder that regned after hem of whome I haue foūde none historie o• •entence. and therfore I shal finisshe this historie in this •ise / prayng my fore sayd right redoubted yong lor• and all them that shall rede the contenu of this present 〈◊〉. or here it red that it may plese them of their 〈◊〉 excuse me for somoche as my litil & rude engyn hath̄ 〈◊〉 touche ne comprise the mater no better &c̄ / & here ende 〈◊〉 auctor his bock·..·.

ANd howe be it that my •uctor writeth̄ that he hath̄ foūde nomore of th̄istorie of Iason / yet haue I foūden & red in the boke that bochace 〈◊〉 of the genelagie of god∣des in his .xiij. boke / that whan 〈◊〉 was that Iason & medea were reconciled agayn to geder 〈◊〉 that shee fled from ege∣on that he went with̄ her into 〈◊〉 again / & whan he was comen theder. he foūde the olde king oetes fader vnto m•dea ban̄issed & exiled out of his royame / whom he restored & 〈◊〉 him by his valian̄ce & puissaūte 〈◊〉 his kingdom agayn / & after went into as•e / where he had ••ctorie in many batail•s And made so many conquestes with grete magnificence in somoche that he was honoured & worshipped for a god / & were made & edefied diuce temples in his name which̄ af∣ter were destroied by the com̄andment of king Alexander of macedone / who {per}auenture had enuye of his glorie & also he saith̄ that thoant & eune{us} where his sones whom he begate on ysiphile as he went to colchos where as Stacius saith Whiche were born̄ at ones. And for asmoch as it was not the custome in lenos to fede & norisshe the men children they were sent into an other con̄trey for to be nourysshed

•herfore the moder was put out of her Royaume. & taken with̄ pirates & theues. & after sold vnto Lygurgis king of nemee. and after whan the sayde sones waxe men they went with̄ king Adrast{us} vnto the bataile of Thebes / & as they went in the wode of nemee they herde of the sayd king Adrast{us} reherse her burth̄ & the caas of her moder / by which rehersayll they knew that she was their moder / & in kyng Lygurgis court they fonde her / whenne Opheltes his so•• was foūde dede in the gardyn / what time the lady that hadde charge of him went with the grekes to shew him the water as in the siege of thebes it is more plainly shewd / but what cam afterward of these two sones it is incertayn this saith bochace in the .xiij. boke of the geneolag•e of good••. And he saith he had an other son• whos name was philem•s••s / and more haue I not red of the noble Iason / but this haue I foūden more then̄ myn auctor reherceth in his boke / & ther¦fore I make here an ende of this storie of Iason. whom di∣uce men̄ blame because that he left & repudied Medea / but in this present boke ye may see the euydent causes / why he so dyd. Prayng my said lorde Prince ta•cepte & take yt in gree of me his indigne seruiteur. whom I beseche god almighty to saue & encre•e in vert• now in his tendee •ongth̄ that he may come vnto his parfait eage to his honour and worship that his Renom̄e maye perpetuelly be remembrid among the most worthy· And after this present life eu∣lastinglife in heuen who grant him & vs that boughte vs with̄ his bloode blessyd Thus 〈◊〉

Jason and Medea - Old English Greek mythology

Jason and Medea - Old English Greek mythology

CONTENTS

The prologue of the auctor

How the king of Sklauonye was vaynquysshid by Iason in the felde by bataylle

How Iason was Ioyously receyuid of the quene Myr∣ro of Olyferne and how they bewaylled eche other

How Iason befought a meruayllous Gyant named Corfus and how he slewe him in the bataylle

how by the hye vailliaūce of Iason / the king of sklauonye & his ooste were desconfited & him self slain tofore oliferne

How that Iason after that he had required the quene mirro of loue de{per}ted alle disconforted from oliferne / & how she wente after him

How Peleus broder of king Eson of mirmidone & oncle of Iason wente vnto the temple of Appollo. & how he hadde answere that the firste man that he mette with an hose on that one foot & none on that other sholde empesshe him of the royame of mirmidone whiche he had supposid to haue enioyed

Howe the king Laomedon̄ of Troye wold not suffre Iason ne his companye descende on the londe· And how the Quene Ysiphyle receyued them

How Appollo was sent by the god Mars into the coū∣trey where as was the riche & noble shepe or weder that bare the vl•cse of golde & how he foūded there a cyte

How the knight zethephius conspired ayenst Appollo the kyng and how they had batayll to geder

How the kyng Appollo gaf to his doughter the ••ll• & manere for to conquere the moton̄ or sheep of gold· why∣che cam after to Medea

Howe the kyng Appollo arryued at the porte of Sta / rille. And how he departed secretly fro the king Serath̄ and arryued at the yle of Colchos & of his deth̄ and how the kyng Serath̄ confessid Appollo to be a god

How the kyng Oetes receyuid Iason into his cite. & how Medea louid Iason & brought him to the temple of ve∣nus / & how the olde woman enchanted the bedde of Iason̄

How the kyng Oetes fader of Medea aduertised of the departing of Iason and of his doughter Medea folowed And how Medea caste her broder Absirthius by pieces in to the see doubting her fader the kyng Oetes / And howe the noble Quene ysiphile fill doun from an hygh̄ montayn̄ into the see

How Medea chaūged the kyng Eson into yong aage And of the deth̄ of Peleus

How Iason espoused the fair Creusa the kinges dough∣ter of Corinthe· & of her deth̄ by Medea

How the kyng Eson of Mirmidone asseged his sone Iason in the cite of Oliferne / And howe Medea spack to Iason / & how she slewe his oldest sone named Iason

How a knight named Patroclus slew the quene Mir∣ro. How Iason departed sec•etly from oliferne. Howe the Cyte was yelden vnto the king Eson. And how Iason & Medea were Reconcilled to gyder

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