The Drapers Playe
Incipit Pagina Secunda qualiter Deus docuit mundum.
Deus
Ego sum alpha et omega, I, primus et novissimus.
I, God, moste of majestye,
in whom begininge none may bee;
Ego sum alpha et omega, I, primus et novissimus.
I, God, moste of majestye,
in whom begininge none may bee;
enlesse alsoe, moste of postee,4
I am and have binne ever.
Now heaven and earth is made through mee.
The earth is voyd ondly I see;
therfore light for more lee
through my might I will liever.
I am and have binne ever.
Now heaven and earth is made through mee.
The earth is voyd ondly I see;
therfore light for more lee
through my might I will liever.
At my byddynge made be light.10
Light is good, I see in sight.
Twynned shalbe through my might
the light from the stearnes.
Light ’day’ I wilbe called aye,
and thestearnes ’night’, as I saye.
This momne and evene, the first day,16
is made full and expresse.
Light is good, I see in sight.
Twynned shalbe through my might
the light from the stearnes.
Light ’day’ I wilbe called aye,
and thestearnes ’night’, as I saye.
This momne and evene, the first day,16
is made full and expresse.
Now will I make the firmament18
in myddeste the water to bee lent,
for to bee a divident
to twynne the waters aye;
above the welkyn, beneath alsoe,
and ’heaven’ hit shalbe called thoo.
This commen is morne and even also24
of the seoconde daye.
in myddeste the water to bee lent,
for to bee a divident
to twynne the waters aye;
above the welkyn, beneath alsoe,
and ’heaven’ hit shalbe called thoo.
This commen is morne and even also24
of the seoconde daye.
Now will I waters everychone26
that under heaven bine great one,
that the gather into one,
and drynesse sone them shewe.
That dryenesse ’yearth’ men shall call.
The gatheringe of the waters all,
’seeyes’ to [name] have the shall;32
therby men shall them knowe.
that under heaven bine great one,
that the gather into one,
and drynesse sone them shewe.
That dryenesse ’yearth’ men shall call.
The gatheringe of the waters all,
’seeyes’ to [name] have the shall;32
therby men shall them knowe.
I will one yearth yerbes springe,34
ichon in kinde seede-gevinge;
trees diverse fruite forth bringe
after ther kynde eachone;
the seede of which aye shalbe
within the fruite of each tree.
This morne and even of dayes three40
is both commen and gonne.
ichon in kinde seede-gevinge;
trees diverse fruite forth bringe
after ther kynde eachone;
the seede of which aye shalbe
within the fruite of each tree.
This morne and even of dayes three40
is both commen and gonne.
Now will I make through my might42
lightninges in the welkyn bright,
to twyne the daye from the night
and lighten the earth with lee.
Great lightes I will too —
the sonne and eke the moone also —
the sonne for day to serve for oo,48
the moone for night to bee.
lightninges in the welkyn bright,
to twyne the daye from the night
and lighten the earth with lee.
Great lightes I will too —
the sonne and eke the moone also —
the sonne for day to serve for oo,48
the moone for night to bee.
Stares also through myne entente50
I will make one the firmamente,
the yearth to lighten there the be lent;
and knowne may be therby
courses of planets, nothinge amisse.
Now see I this worke good iwisse.
This morninge and evon both made is,56
the fourthe day fullye.
I will make one the firmamente,
the yearth to lighten there the be lent;
and knowne may be therby
courses of planets, nothinge amisse.
Now see I this worke good iwisse.
This morninge and evon both made is,56
the fourthe day fullye.
Now will I in waters fishe forth bringe,58
fowles in the firmament flyinge,
great whalles in the sea swiminge;
all make I with a thoughte —
beastes, fowles, fruit, stone, and tree.
These workes are good, well I see.
Therfore to blesse all well liketh me,64
this worke that I have wrought.
fowles in the firmament flyinge,
great whalles in the sea swiminge;
all make I with a thoughte —
beastes, fowles, fruit, stone, and tree.
These workes are good, well I see.
Therfore to blesse all well liketh me,64
this worke that I have wrought.
All beastes, I byd you multyplye66
in yearth and water by and by,
and fowles in the ayre to flye,
the yearth to fulfill.
This morne and evon through my might
of the fiveth day and the night
is made and ended well aright,72
all at my owne will.
in yearth and water by and by,
and fowles in the ayre to flye,
the yearth to fulfill.
This morne and evon through my might
of the fiveth day and the night
is made and ended well aright,72
all at my owne will.
Now will I one earth bringe forth anon74
all helpely beastes, everychone
that crepon, flyen, or gone,
eachon in his kynde.
Now is this donne at my byddinge :
beastes goinge, flyinge, and crepinge;
and all my worke at my likinge80
fully now I fynde.
all helpely beastes, everychone
that crepon, flyen, or gone,
eachon in his kynde.
Now is this donne at my byddinge :
beastes goinge, flyinge, and crepinge;
and all my worke at my likinge80
fully now I fynde.
Then goinge from the place where he was, commeth to the place where he createth Adam.
Now heaven and earth is made expresse,82
make wee man to our likenesse.
Fishe, fowle, beast — more and lesse —
to mayster he shall have might.
To our shape now make I thee;
man and woman I will there bee.
Growe and multyplye shall yee,88
and fulfill the earth on hight.
make wee man to our likenesse.
Fishe, fowle, beast — more and lesse —
to mayster he shall have might.
To our shape now make I thee;
man and woman I will there bee.
Growe and multyplye shall yee,88
and fulfill the earth on hight.
To helpe thee thou shalt have here90
herbes, trees, fruit, seede in fere.
All shalbe put in thy power,
and beastes eke alsoe;
all that in yearth bine livinge,
fowles in the ayre flyinge,
and all that gost hath and likinge,96
to sustayne you from woe.
herbes, trees, fruit, seede in fere.
All shalbe put in thy power,
and beastes eke alsoe;
all that in yearth bine livinge,
fowles in the ayre flyinge,
and all that gost hath and likinge,96
to sustayne you from woe.
Now this is donne, I see aright,98
and all thinge made through my might.
The sixt day heare in my sight
ys made all of the best.
Heaven and earth ys wrought all within
and all that needes to be them.
Tomorrowe, the seaventh day, I will blinne104
and of workes take my rest.
and all thinge made through my might.
The sixt day heare in my sight
ys made all of the best.
Heaven and earth ys wrought all within
and all that needes to be them.
Tomorrowe, the seaventh day, I will blinne104
and of workes take my rest.
But this man that I have made,106
with goste of lief I will him gladde.
with goste of lief I will him gladde.
Adam rysinge.
Deus
Rise up, Adam, rise up, ryse,108
a man full of sowle and liefe,
and come with mee to paradice,
a place of deyntee and delite.
But it is good that thou be wise;
bringe not thyselfe in striefe.
Rise up, Adam, rise up, ryse,108
a man full of sowle and liefe,
and come with mee to paradice,
a place of deyntee and delite.
But it is good that thou be wise;
bringe not thyselfe in striefe.
Then the creatour bringeth Adam into paradice, before the tree of knowledge, and saith (minstrelles playe):
Deus
Here, Adam, I give thee this place,114
thee to comforte and solace,
Here, Adam, I give thee this place,114
thee to comforte and solace,
to keepe it well while thou hit hasse,116
and donne as I thee bydd.
Of all trees that bine herein
thou shalt eate and nothinge sinne;
but of this tree, for weale nor wynne,
thou eate by noe way.
and donne as I thee bydd.
Of all trees that bine herein
thou shalt eate and nothinge sinne;
but of this tree, for weale nor wynne,
thou eate by noe way.
What tyme thou eates of this tree,122
death thee behoves, leave thow mee.
Therfore this fruit I will thee flee,
and be thou not too bould.
Beastes and fowles that thou may see
to thee obedyent shall they bee.
What name they bee given by thee,128
that name they shall hould.
death thee behoves, leave thow mee.
Therfore this fruit I will thee flee,
and be thou not too bould.
Beastes and fowles that thou may see
to thee obedyent shall they bee.
What name they bee given by thee,128
that name they shall hould.
Then God taketh Adam by the hande and causeth him to lye downe, and taketh a ribbe out of his syde and saith:
Deus
Hit is not good man only to bee;130
helpe to him now make wee.
But excice sleepe behoves mee
anon in this man heare.
One sleepe thou arte, well I see.
Heare a bone I take of thee,
and fleshe alsoe with harte free136
to make thee a feere.
Hit is not good man only to bee;130
helpe to him now make wee.
But excice sleepe behoves mee
anon in this man heare.
One sleepe thou arte, well I see.
Heare a bone I take of thee,
and fleshe alsoe with harte free136
to make thee a feere.
Then God doth make the woman of the ribbe of Adam, wakinge and sayth to God:
Adam
A, lorde, where have I longe bine?138
For sythence I slepte much have I seene —
wonder that withouten weene
hereafter shalbe wiste.
A, lorde, where have I longe bine?138
For sythence I slepte much have I seene —
wonder that withouten weene
hereafter shalbe wiste.
Deus
Ryse, Adam, and awake.142
Heare have I formed the a make;
him to thee thou shalt take,
and name him as thee liste.
Ryse, Adam, and awake.142
Heare have I formed the a make;
him to thee thou shalt take,
and name him as thee liste.
Adam, rysinge up, saith:
Adam
I see well, lord, through thy grace146
bonne of my bones thou him mase;
and fleshe of my fleshe shee base,
and my shape through thy sawe.
Therfore shee shalbe called, iwisse,
’viragoo’, nothinge amisse;
for out of man taken shee is,152
and to man shee shall drawe.
I see well, lord, through thy grace146
bonne of my bones thou him mase;
and fleshe of my fleshe shee base,
and my shape through thy sawe.
Therfore shee shalbe called, iwisse,
’viragoo’, nothinge amisse;
for out of man taken shee is,152
and to man shee shall drawe.
Of earth thou madest first mee,154
both bone and fleshe; now I see
thou hast her given through thy postee
of that I in me had.
Therfore man kyndely shall forsake
father and mother, and to wife take;
too in one fleshe, as thou can make,160
eyther other for to glad.
both bone and fleshe; now I see
thou hast her given through thy postee
of that I in me had.
Therfore man kyndely shall forsake
father and mother, and to wife take;
too in one fleshe, as thou can make,160
eyther other for to glad.
Then Adam and Eve shall stand naked and shall not bee ashamed. Then the serpente shall come up out of a hole, and the dyvell walkinge shall say:
Demon
Owt, owt, what sorrowe is this,162
that I have loste soe much blysse?
For onste I thought to doe amysse,
out of heaven I fell.
The bryghtest angell I was or this,
that ever was or yet is;
but pryde cast me downe,168
iwisse, from heaven right into hell.
Owt, owt, what sorrowe is this,162
that I have loste soe much blysse?
For onste I thought to doe amysse,
out of heaven I fell.
The bryghtest angell I was or this,
that ever was or yet is;
but pryde cast me downe,168
iwisse, from heaven right into hell.
Gostlye paradice I was in,170
but thence I fell through sinne.
Of yeartly pamadice now, as I weene,
a man is given masterye.
By Belsabubb, I will never blynne
till I may make him by some gynne
from that place for to twyne176
and trespasse as did I.
but thence I fell through sinne.
Of yeartly pamadice now, as I weene,
a man is given masterye.
By Belsabubb, I will never blynne
till I may make him by some gynne
from that place for to twyne176
and trespasse as did I.
Should such a caytiffe made of claye178
have such blisse? Nay, by my laye!
For I shall teach his wife a playe
and I may have a whyle.
For hem to disceave I hoppe I may,
and through her brynge them both awaye;
for shee will doe as I her saye,184
hir hoppe I will begyle.
have such blisse? Nay, by my laye!
For I shall teach his wife a playe
and I may have a whyle.
For hem to disceave I hoppe I may,
and through her brynge them both awaye;
for shee will doe as I her saye,184
hir hoppe I will begyle.
That woman is forbydden to doe186
for anythinge the will therto.
Therfore that tree shee shall come to
and assaye which it is.
Dight me I will anone tyte
and profer her of that ylke fruite;
soe shall they both for her delyte192
bee banyshed from that blysse.
for anythinge the will therto.
Therfore that tree shee shall come to
and assaye which it is.
Dight me I will anone tyte
and profer her of that ylke fruite;
soe shall they both for her delyte192
bee banyshed from that blysse.
A maner of an edder is in this place194
that wynges like a bryde shee hase —
feete as an edder, a maydens face —
hir kynde I will take.
And of the tree of paradice
shee shall eate through my contyse;
for wemen they be full licourouse,200
that will shee not forsake.
that wynges like a bryde shee hase —
feete as an edder, a maydens face —
hir kynde I will take.
And of the tree of paradice
shee shall eate through my contyse;
for wemen they be full licourouse,200
that will shee not forsake.
And eate shee of hyt, full witterlye202
they shall fare both as dyd I:
be banyshed both of that valley
and him osprynge for aye.
Therfore, as brooke I my panne,
the edders coate I will take one;
and into paradice I will gonne208
as faste as ever I maye.
they shall fare both as dyd I:
be banyshed both of that valley
and him osprynge for aye.
Therfore, as brooke I my panne,
the edders coate I will take one;
and into paradice I will gonne208
as faste as ever I maye.
Supremus volucris, penna serpens, pede forma, forma puella.
Serpens
Woman, why was God soe nyce210
to byd you leave for your deice
Woman, why was God soe nyce210
to byd you leave for your deice
and of each tree in paradice212
to forsake the meate?
to forsake the meate?
Eva
Nay, of the fruite of yche tree214
for to eate good leave have wee,
save the fruite of one wee muste flee;
of hyt wee may not eate.
Nay, of the fruite of yche tree214
for to eate good leave have wee,
save the fruite of one wee muste flee;
of hyt wee may not eate.
This tree heare that in the middest is,218
eate wee of hit wee doe amysse.
God sayde we should dye iwys
and if we touch that tree.
eate wee of hit wee doe amysse.
God sayde we should dye iwys
and if we touch that tree.
Serpens
Woman, I saye leave not this;222
for hyt shall yee not loose the blysse
nor noe joy that is his,
but be as wyse as hee.
Woman, I saye leave not this;222
for hyt shall yee not loose the blysse
nor noe joy that is his,
but be as wyse as hee.
God is subtyle and wisse of witte226
and wotteth well when ye eate it
that your eyne shalbe unknyt.
Like godes yee shalbe
and knowe both good and evill alsoe.
Therfore bee warned you therfroe.
Yee may well wotte bee was your foe;232
therfore doe after mee.
and wotteth well when ye eate it
that your eyne shalbe unknyt.
Like godes yee shalbe
and knowe both good and evill alsoe.
Therfore bee warned you therfroe.
Yee may well wotte bee was your foe;232
therfore doe after mee.
Take of this fruite and assaye;234
yt is good meate, I dare laye.
And but thou finde yt to thy paye,
say that I am false.
And yee shall knowe bothe welle and woe
and bee like godes both too,
thou and thy husband alsoe.240
Take thou one apple and noe moo.
yt is good meate, I dare laye.
And but thou finde yt to thy paye,
say that I am false.
And yee shall knowe bothe welle and woe
and bee like godes both too,
thou and thy husband alsoe.240
Take thou one apple and noe moo.
Eva
A, lord, this tree is fayre and bryght,242
greene and seemely to my sight,
the fmuite sweete and much of myght,
that godes it may us make.
One apple of yt I will eate
to assaye which is the meate;
and my husbande I will gett248
one morsell for to take.
A, lord, this tree is fayre and bryght,242
greene and seemely to my sight,
the fmuite sweete and much of myght,
that godes it may us make.
One apple of yt I will eate
to assaye which is the meate;
and my husbande I will gett248
one morsell for to take.
Then Eve shall take of the fruite of the serpente, and shall eate therof and say to Adam:
Eva
Adam, husbande life and deare,250
eate some of this apple here.
Yt is fayre, my leeffe feare;
hit may thou not forsake.
Adam, husbande life and deare,250
eate some of this apple here.
Yt is fayre, my leeffe feare;
hit may thou not forsake.
Adam
That is soothe, Eve, withouten were;254
the fruit is sweete and passinge feare.
Therfore I will doe thy prayer —
one morsell I will take.
That is soothe, Eve, withouten were;254
the fruit is sweete and passinge feare.
Therfore I will doe thy prayer —
one morsell I will take.
Then Adam shall take the fruite and eate therof, and in weepinge manner shall saye:
Adam
Out, alas, what ayleth mee?258
I am naked, well I see.
Woman, cursed mote thou bee,
for wee bothe nowe shente.
I wotte not for shame whyther to flee,
for this fruite was forbydden mee.
Now have I brooken, through meade of thee,264
my lordes commandemente.
Out, alas, what ayleth mee?258
I am naked, well I see.
Woman, cursed mote thou bee,
for wee bothe nowe shente.
I wotte not for shame whyther to flee,
for this fruite was forbydden mee.
Now have I brooken, through meade of thee,264
my lordes commandemente.
Eva
Alas, this edder hathe done mee nye!266
Alas, hir reade why did I?
Naked wee bine bothe forthy,
and of our shappe ashamed.
Alas, this edder hathe done mee nye!266
Alas, hir reade why did I?
Naked wee bine bothe forthy,
and of our shappe ashamed.
Adam
Yea, sooth sayde I in prophecye270
when thou was taken of my bodye —
mans woe thou would bee witterlye;
therfore thou was soe named.
Yea, sooth sayde I in prophecye270
when thou was taken of my bodye —
mans woe thou would bee witterlye;
therfore thou was soe named.
Eva
Adam, husbande, I reade we take274
this figge-leaves for shames sake,
and to our members an hillinge make
of them for thee and mee.
Adam, husbande, I reade we take274
this figge-leaves for shames sake,
and to our members an hillinge make
of them for thee and mee.
Adam
And therwith my members I will hide,278
and under this tree I will abyde;
for surely come God us besyde,
owt of this place shall wee.
And therwith my members I will hide,278
and under this tree I will abyde;
for surely come God us besyde,
owt of this place shall wee.
Then Adam and Eve shall cover them members with leaves, hydinge themselves under the trees. Then God shall speake (minstrelles playe).
Deus
Adam, Adam, where arte thou?282
Adam, Adam, where arte thou?282
[Adam]
A, lorde, I harde thy voyce nowe.283
For I naked am, I make avowe,
therfore now I hyd mee.
A, lorde, I harde thy voyce nowe.283
For I naked am, I make avowe,
therfore now I hyd mee.
Deus
Whoe tould thee, Adam, thou naked was286
save only thy trespasse,
that of the tree thou eaten hasse
that I fombydd thee?
Whoe tould thee, Adam, thou naked was286
save only thy trespasse,
that of the tree thou eaten hasse
that I fombydd thee?
Adam
Lord, this woman that is here —290
that thou gave to my feare —
gave mee parte at him prayer,
and of hyt I did eate.
Lord, this woman that is here —290
that thou gave to my feare —
gave mee parte at him prayer,
and of hyt I did eate.
Deus
- Woman, why hast thou donne soo?294
- Woman, why hast thou donne soo?294
Eva
This edder, lorde, shee was my foe295
and sothly mee disceaved alsoe,
and made mee to eate that meate.
This edder, lorde, shee was my foe295
and sothly mee disceaved alsoe,
and made mee to eate that meate.
Deus
Edder, for that thou haste donne this anye,298
amongste all beasts on earth thee by
cursed thou shalt bee forthy,
for this womans sake.
Upon thy brest thou shalt goo,
and eate the yeamth to and froo;
and emnytie betweene you too304
I insure thee I shall make.
Edder, for that thou haste donne this anye,298
amongste all beasts on earth thee by
cursed thou shalt bee forthy,
for this womans sake.
Upon thy brest thou shalt goo,
and eate the yeamth to and froo;
and emnytie betweene you too304
I insure thee I shall make.
Betweene thy seede and hirs alsoe306
I shall excyte thy sorrowe and woe;
to breake thy head and be thy foe,
shee shall have masterye aye.
Noe beast one earth, I thee behett,
that man soe little shall of seett;
and troden bee full under foote312
for thy mysdeede todaye.
I shall excyte thy sorrowe and woe;
to breake thy head and be thy foe,
shee shall have masterye aye.
Noe beast one earth, I thee behett,
that man soe little shall of seett;
and troden bee full under foote312
for thy mysdeede todaye.
Deus (ad Evam)
And, woman, I warne thee witterlye,314
thy much payne I shall multyplye —
with paynes, sorrowe, and great anye
thy children thou shall beare.
And for that thou haste done soe todaye,
man shall master thee alwaye;
and under his power thou shalte bee aye,320
thee for to dryve and deare.
And, woman, I warne thee witterlye,314
thy much payne I shall multyplye —
with paynes, sorrowe, and great anye
thy children thou shall beare.
And for that thou haste done soe todaye,
man shall master thee alwaye;
and under his power thou shalte bee aye,320
thee for to dryve and deare.
Deus (ad Adam)
And, man, alsoe I saye to thee —322
for thou haste not donne after mee,
thy wyves counsell for to flee,
but donne soe him byddinge
to eate the fruite of thys tree,
in thy worke warryed the earthe shalbe;
and with greate travell behoves [thee]328
one earth to gett thy livinge.
And, man, alsoe I saye to thee —322
for thou haste not donne after mee,
thy wyves counsell for to flee,
but donne soe him byddinge
to eate the fruite of thys tree,
in thy worke warryed the earthe shalbe;
and with greate travell behoves [thee]328
one earth to gett thy livinge.
When thou one earth traveled hasse,330
fruite shall not growe in that place;
but thornes, brears for thy trespasse
to thee one earth shall springe.
Herbes, rootes thou shalte eate
and for thy sustenance sore sweate
with great mischeyfe to wynne thy meate,336
nothinge to thy likinge.
fruite shall not growe in that place;
but thornes, brears for thy trespasse
to thee one earth shall springe.
Herbes, rootes thou shalte eate
and for thy sustenance sore sweate
with great mischeyfe to wynne thy meate,336
nothinge to thy likinge.
Thus shall thou live, soothe to sayen,338
for thou haste byne to mee unbayen,
ever tyll the tyme thou turne agayne
to yeamth there thou came from.
For earth thou arte, as well is seene;
and after this worke, woe and teene,
to earth there thou shalt, withouten weene,344
and all thy kynde alsoe.
for thou haste byne to mee unbayen,
ever tyll the tyme thou turne agayne
to yeamth there thou came from.
For earth thou arte, as well is seene;
and after this worke, woe and teene,
to earth there thou shalt, withouten weene,344
and all thy kynde alsoe.
Adam shall speake mourninglye.
Adam
Alas, now in longer I am ilente!346
Alas, nowe shamely am I shente!
For I was unobedyente,
of weale now am I wayved.
Alas, now in longer I am ilente!346
Alas, nowe shamely am I shente!
For I was unobedyente,
of weale now am I wayved.
Nowe all my kynde by mee ys kente350
to flee womens intycemente.
Whoe tmusteth them in any intente,
truely bee is disceaved.
to flee womens intycemente.
Whoe tmusteth them in any intente,
truely bee is disceaved.
My licourouse wyfe hath bynne my foe;354
the devylls envye shente mee alsoe.
These too together well may goe,
the suster and the brother.
His wrathe hathe donne me muche woe;
him glotonye greved mee alsoe.
God left never man trust you too,360
the one more then the other.
the devylls envye shente mee alsoe.
These too together well may goe,
the suster and the brother.
His wrathe hathe donne me muche woe;
him glotonye greved mee alsoe.
God left never man trust you too,360
the one more then the other.
Deus
Nowe wee shall parte from this lee.362
Hilled behoveth you to to bee.
Dead beaste skynes, as thinketh mee,
ys best you one you beare.
For deadly nowe both bine yee
and death noe way may you flee.
Such clothes are best for your degree368
and such shall yee weare.
Nowe wee shall parte from this lee.362
Hilled behoveth you to to bee.
Dead beaste skynes, as thinketh mee,
ys best you one you beare.
For deadly nowe both bine yee
and death noe way may you flee.
Such clothes are best for your degree368
and such shall yee weare.
Then God, puttynge garmentes of skynnes upon them:
Deus
Adam, nowe hast thou thy wyllynge,370
for thou desyred above all thinge
of good and evell to have knowinge;
nowe wrought is all thy will.
Thou wouldeste knowe both weelle and woe;
nowe is it fallen to thee soc.
Themfore hence thou muste goo,376
and thy desyme fullfilled.
Adam, nowe hast thou thy wyllynge,370
for thou desyred above all thinge
of good and evell to have knowinge;
nowe wrought is all thy will.
Thou wouldeste knowe both weelle and woe;
nowe is it fallen to thee soc.
Themfore hence thou muste goo,376
and thy desyme fullfilled.
Now lest thou [covett]este more378
and doe as thou haste donne before —
eate of this fruite — to live evermore
heare may thou not bee.
To yearth thyder thou muste gonne;
with travell leade thy liefe therone.
For syccere there is noe other worme.384
Goe forthe; take Eve with thee.
and doe as thou haste donne before —
eate of this fruite — to live evermore
heare may thou not bee.
To yearth thyder thou muste gonne;
with travell leade thy liefe therone.
For syccere there is noe other worme.384
Goe forthe; take Eve with thee.
Then God shall dryve Adam and Eve out of paradice, and sayth to the Angell (minstrelles playe):
Deus
Nowe will I that there lenge within386
the angelles order Cherubynn,
to keepe this place of weale and wynne
that Adam lost thus hathe,
with sharpe swordes one everye syde
and flame of fyer here to abyde,
that never a yearthly man in glyde;392
forgiven the bynne that grace.
Nowe will I that there lenge within386
the angelles order Cherubynn,
to keepe this place of weale and wynne
that Adam lost thus hathe,
with sharpe swordes one everye syde
and flame of fyer here to abyde,
that never a yearthly man in glyde;392
forgiven the bynne that grace.
Primus Angelus
Lorde, that order that is righte394
is readye seett heare in thy syghte,
with flame of fyer readye to fyghte
agaynst mankynde, thy foe,
Lorde, that order that is righte394
is readye seett heare in thy syghte,
with flame of fyer readye to fyghte
agaynst mankynde, thy foe,
to whom noe grace is claymed by righte.398
Shall none of them byde in thy sighte
tyll Wysdome, Right, Mercye, and Mighte
shall buy them and other moe.
Shall none of them byde in thy sighte
tyll Wysdome, Right, Mercye, and Mighte
shall buy them and other moe.
Secundus Angelus
I, Cherubyn, muste here bee chyce402
to keepe this place of great pryce.
Sythenn man was soe unwyse,
this wyninge I muste weare —
that bee by crafte or countyce
shall not come in that was hise,
but deprived bee of paradyce,408
noe more for to come there.
I, Cherubyn, muste here bee chyce402
to keepe this place of great pryce.
Sythenn man was soe unwyse,
this wyninge I muste weare —
that bee by crafte or countyce
shall not come in that was hise,
but deprived bee of paradyce,408
noe more for to come there.
Tercius Angelus
And in this herytage I wilbe,410
still for to ever see
that noe man come in this cyttye
as God hath me beheight.
Swordes of fyer have all wee
to make mann from this place to flee,
from this dwellinge of greate dayntee416
that to him first was dighte.
And in this herytage I wilbe,410
still for to ever see
that noe man come in this cyttye
as God hath me beheight.
Swordes of fyer have all wee
to make mann from this place to flee,
from this dwellinge of greate dayntee416
that to him first was dighte.
Quartus Angelus
And of this order I am made one,418
from mankynde to weare this wone
that through his gilte hath forgone
this wonninge full of grace.
Therfore departe the must eycheone.
Our swordes of fyer shall bee there bonne
and myselfe there verye fonne,424
to flame them in the face.
And of this order I am made one,418
from mankynde to weare this wone
that through his gilte hath forgone
this wonninge full of grace.
Therfore departe the must eycheone.
Our swordes of fyer shall bee there bonne
and myselfe there verye fonne,424
to flame them in the face.
Minstrelles playe.
Adam
Hight God and highest kynge,426
that of nought made all thinge —
beast, fowle, and grasse growinge —
and me of yearth made,
thou gave me grace to doe thy wyllinge.
For after great sorrowe and sikinge
thou hast mee lent greate likinge,432
too sonnes my hearte to glade:
Hight God and highest kynge,426
that of nought made all thinge —
beast, fowle, and grasse growinge —
and me of yearth made,
thou gave me grace to doe thy wyllinge.
For after great sorrowe and sikinge
thou hast mee lent greate likinge,432
too sonnes my hearte to glade:
Cayne and Abell, my childrenn deare,434
whome I gate within xxx yeare
after the tyme wee depryved weare
of paradyce for our pryde.
Therfore nowe them will I lere,
to make them knowe in good manere
what I sawe when Eve, my feere,440
was taken of my syde.
whome I gate within xxx yeare
after the tyme wee depryved weare
of paradyce for our pryde.
Therfore nowe them will I lere,
to make them knowe in good manere
what I sawe when Eve, my feere,440
was taken of my syde.
Whyle that I slepte in that place442
my gost to heaven banished was;
for to see I them had grace
thinges that shall befall.
To make you ware of comberouse case
and lett your doinge from trespasse,
sonne, I will tell before your face —448
but I will not tell all.
my gost to heaven banished was;
for to see I them had grace
thinges that shall befall.
To make you ware of comberouse case
and lett your doinge from trespasse,
sonne, I will tell before your face —448
but I will not tell all.
I wott by things that I there see450
that God will come from heaven on hie,
to overcome the devill soe slee
and light into my kynde;
and my blood that bee will wyne
that I soe lost for my synne;
a new lawe ther shall begine456
and soe men shall them sure.
that God will come from heaven on hie,
to overcome the devill soe slee
and light into my kynde;
and my blood that bee will wyne
that I soe lost for my synne;
a new lawe ther shall begine456
and soe men shall them sure.
Water or fyer also witterlye458
all this world shall distroye,
for men shall synne soe horryblye
and doe full much amysse.
Therfore that yee may escape that nye,
doe well and be ware me bye.
I tell you heare in prophecye464
that this will fall ywisse.
all this world shall distroye,
for men shall synne soe horryblye
and doe full much amysse.
Therfore that yee may escape that nye,
doe well and be ware me bye.
I tell you heare in prophecye464
that this will fall ywisse.
Alsoe I see, as I shall saye,466
that God will come the laste daye
to deeme mankynde in fleshe verey,
and flame of fyer burninge,
the good to heaven, the evell to hell.
Your childrenn this tale yee may tell.
This sight saw I in paradyce or I fell,472
as laye there sleepinge.
that God will come the laste daye
to deeme mankynde in fleshe verey,
and flame of fyer burninge,
the good to heaven, the evell to hell.
Your childrenn this tale yee may tell.
This sight saw I in paradyce or I fell,472
as laye there sleepinge.
Nowe will I tell howe yee shall doe474
Godes love to underfoo.
Cayne, husbandes crafte thou must goe
to; and Abell, a shepharde bee.
Therfore of comes fayre and cleane
that growes one ridges out of reane,
Cayne, thou shalt offer, as I meane,480
to God in majestee.
And Abel, while thy lief shall laste
thou shalt offer — and doe my heste —
to God the first-borne beaste;
therto thou make thee bowne.
Thus shall yee please God almight486
if yee doe this well and righte,
with good harte in his sight
and full devotyon.
Godes love to underfoo.
Cayne, husbandes crafte thou must goe
to; and Abell, a shepharde bee.
Therfore of comes fayre and cleane
that growes one ridges out of reane,
Cayne, thou shalt offer, as I meane,480
to God in majestee.
And Abel, while thy lief shall laste
thou shalt offer — and doe my heste —
to God the first-borne beaste;
therto thou make thee bowne.
Thus shall yee please God almight486
if yee doe this well and righte,
with good harte in his sight
and full devotyon.
Nowe for to gett you sustenance490
I will you teach withou distance.
For sythen I feele that myschaunce
of that fruite for to eate,
my leefe children fayre and free,
with this spade that yee may see
I have dolven. Learne yee this at mee,496
howe yee shall wynne your meate.
I will you teach withou distance.
For sythen I feele that myschaunce
of that fruite for to eate,
my leefe children fayre and free,
with this spade that yee may see
I have dolven. Learne yee this at mee,496
howe yee shall wynne your meate.
Eva
My sweete children, darlinges deare,498
yee shall see how I live heare
because enbuxone so wee weare
and did as God would not wee shoulde.
This payne, theras had bine no neede,
I suffer on yearth for my misdeede;
and of this wooli I will spyn threede by threede,504
to hill mee from the could.
My sweete children, darlinges deare,498
yee shall see how I live heare
because enbuxone so wee weare
and did as God would not wee shoulde.
This payne, theras had bine no neede,
I suffer on yearth for my misdeede;
and of this wooli I will spyn threede by threede,504
to hill mee from the could.
Another sorrowe I suffer alsoe:506
my childrenn must I beare with woo,
as I have donne both you too;
and soe shall wemen all.
my childrenn must I beare with woo,
as I have donne both you too;
and soe shall wemen all.
This was the divell, our bytter foe,510
that made us out of joy to goe.
To please, therfome, sonnes bee throwe,
in sinne that yee ne fall.
that made us out of joy to goe.
To please, therfome, sonnes bee throwe,
in sinne that yee ne fall.
Cayne
Mother, for sooth I tell yt thee,514
a tyllman I am and soe wilbe.
As my father hath taught yt me,
I will fulfill his lore.
Mother, for sooth I tell yt thee,514
a tyllman I am and soe wilbe.
As my father hath taught yt me,
I will fulfill his lore.
Hear he bringe in the plough.
Cayne
Of come I have great plentee;518
sacrifice to God sonne shall yee see.
I will make too looke if bee
will sende mee any more.
Of come I have great plentee;518
sacrifice to God sonne shall yee see.
I will make too looke if bee
will sende mee any more.
Abell
And I will with devotyon522
to my sacrafice make mee bowne.
The comelyest beaste, by my crowne,
to the lorde I will choyse
and offer yt before thee here,
meeklye in good manere.
Noe beast to thee may bee deare528
that may I not leese.
And I will with devotyon522
to my sacrafice make mee bowne.
The comelyest beaste, by my crowne,
to the lorde I will choyse
and offer yt before thee here,
meeklye in good manere.
Noe beast to thee may bee deare528
that may I not leese.
Heare Adam and Eve goe out tyll Cayne have slayne Abell.
Cayne
I am the elder of us too;530
therfore firste I will goe.
Such as the fruite is fallen froo
is good inough for him.
This come standinge, as mote I thee,
was eaten with beastes, men may see.
God, thou gettest noe other of mee,536
be thou never soe gryme.
I am the elder of us too;530
therfore firste I will goe.
Such as the fruite is fallen froo
is good inough for him.
This come standinge, as mote I thee,
was eaten with beastes, men may see.
God, thou gettest noe other of mee,536
be thou never soe gryme.
Hit weare pittye, by my panne,538
those fayre cares for to brenne.
Therefore the devill honge mee then
and thou of hit gett ought.
This caries come grewe nexte the waye;
of these offer I will todaye.
For cleane come, by my faye,544
of mee gettest thou nought.
those fayre cares for to brenne.
Therefore the devill honge mee then
and thou of hit gett ought.
This caries come grewe nexte the waye;
of these offer I will todaye.
For cleane come, by my faye,544
of mee gettest thou nought.
Loe, lord, here may thou see546
such come as grew to mee.
Parte of hit I bringe to thee,
anone withouten lett.
I hope thou wilte white mee this
and sende mee more of worldly blisse;
ells forsooth thou doest amisse552
and thou bee in my debt.
such come as grew to mee.
Parte of hit I bringe to thee,
anone withouten lett.
I hope thou wilte white mee this
and sende mee more of worldly blisse;
ells forsooth thou doest amisse552
and thou bee in my debt.
Abell
Now my brother, as I see,554
hathe done sacrafice to thee.
Offer I will, as falleth for mee,
suche as thou haste mee sente.
Now my brother, as I see,554
hathe done sacrafice to thee.
Offer I will, as falleth for mee,
suche as thou haste mee sente.
The beste beaste, as mote I thee,558
of all my flocke with harte free
to thee offered it shalbe.
Receave, lorde, my presente.
of all my flocke with harte free
to thee offered it shalbe.
Receave, lorde, my presente.
Then a flame of fyer shall descende upon thee sacrafice of Abell.
Abell
Ah, high God and kinge of blisse,562
nowe sothly knowe I well by this
my sacrafice accepted is
before the lorde todaye.
A flame of fyer thou sende hase
from heaven one high into this place.
I thanke thee, lorde, of thy grace568
and soe I shall doe aye.
Ah, high God and kinge of blisse,562
nowe sothly knowe I well by this
my sacrafice accepted is
before the lorde todaye.
A flame of fyer thou sende hase
from heaven one high into this place.
I thanke thee, lorde, of thy grace568
and soe I shall doe aye.
Cayne
Owt, owt! How have I spend my good?570
To see this sight I am neare wood.
A flame of fyer from heaven stood
one my brothers offeringe.
His sacrafice I see God takes,
and my refuses and forsakes.
My semblant for shame shakes576
for envy of this thinge.
Owt, owt! How have I spend my good?570
To see this sight I am neare wood.
A flame of fyer from heaven stood
one my brothers offeringe.
His sacrafice I see God takes,
and my refuses and forsakes.
My semblant for shame shakes576
for envy of this thinge.
Deus (ad Cayne)
Cayne, why arte thou wroth? Why?578
Thy semblant changes wonderously.
If thou doe well and truely,
thou may have meede of mee.
Wottys thou not well that for thy deede
yf thou doe well thou may have meede;
if thou doe fowle, fowle for to speede584
and syccere therafter to bee?
Cayne, why arte thou wroth? Why?578
Thy semblant changes wonderously.
If thou doe well and truely,
thou may have meede of mee.
Wottys thou not well that for thy deede
yf thou doe well thou may have meede;
if thou doe fowle, fowle for to speede584
and syccere therafter to bee?
But, Cayne, thou shalt have all thy will,586
thy talent yf thou wilt fulfill.
Synne of hit will thee spill
and make thee evell to speede.
Thy brother buxone aye shalbe
and fully under thy postee;
the luste therof pertaynes to thee.592
Advyse thee of thy deede.
thy talent yf thou wilt fulfill.
Synne of hit will thee spill
and make thee evell to speede.
Thy brother buxone aye shalbe
and fully under thy postee;
the luste therof pertaynes to thee.592
Advyse thee of thy deede.
Cayne
A, well, well, ys yt soe?594
Come forth with mee. Thow must goe
into the fyeld a little froo;
I have and errande to saye.
A, well, well, ys yt soe?594
Come forth with mee. Thow must goe
into the fyeld a little froo;
I have and errande to saye.
Abell
Brother, to the I am ready598
to goe with thee full meekly.
For thou arte elder then am I,
thy will I will doe aye.
Brother, to the I am ready598
to goe with thee full meekly.
For thou arte elder then am I,
thy will I will doe aye.
Cayne
Say, thou caytiffe, thou congeon,602
weneste thou to passe mee of renowne?
Thou shalt fayle, by my crowne,
of masterye yf I may.
God hath challenged mee nowe heare
for thee, and that in fowle manere;
and that shalt thou abye full deare608
or that thou wende away.
Say, thou caytiffe, thou congeon,602
weneste thou to passe mee of renowne?
Thou shalt fayle, by my crowne,
of masterye yf I may.
God hath challenged mee nowe heare
for thee, and that in fowle manere;
and that shalt thou abye full deare608
or that thou wende away.
Thy offeringe God accept hase,610
I see by fyer that one yt was.
Shalt thou never efte have such grace,
for dye thou shalt this night.
Though God stoode in this place
for to helpe thee in this case,
thou should dye before his face.616
Have this, and gett thee right!
I see by fyer that one yt was.
Shalt thou never efte have such grace,
for dye thou shalt this night.
Though God stoode in this place
for to helpe thee in this case,
thou should dye before his face.616
Have this, and gett thee right!
Then Cayne kylleth his brother Abell, and God comminge sayth (minstrelles playe):
Deus
Cayne, where is thy brother Abel?618
Cayne, where is thy brother Abel?618
Cayne
I wote nere; I cannot tell619
of my brother. Wottys thou not well
that I of him bad noe keep inge?
I wote nere; I cannot tell619
of my brother. Wottys thou not well
that I of him bad noe keep inge?
Deus
What hast thou done, thou wicked man?622
Thy brothers blood askes thee upon
vengeance as fast as it can,
from ycarth to me cmyinge.
What hast thou done, thou wicked man?622
Thy brothers blood askes thee upon
vengeance as fast as it can,
from ycarth to me cmyinge.
Cayne, cursed one earth thou shalt bee aye.626
For thy deede thou haste donne todaye,
yearth warryed shalbe in thy worke aye
that wickedly haste wrought.
And for that thow haste donne this mischeyfe,
to all men thou shalt bye unleeffe,
idell and wandminge as an theyfe632
and overall sett at nought.
For thy deede thou haste donne todaye,
yearth warryed shalbe in thy worke aye
that wickedly haste wrought.
And for that thow haste donne this mischeyfe,
to all men thou shalt bye unleeffe,
idell and wandminge as an theyfe632
and overall sett at nought.
Cayne speaketh mornefullye.
Cayne
Out, alas! Where may I bee?634
Sorrowe one cache syde I see.
For yf I out of the lande flee
from mens companye,
beastes I wott will werrye mee.
And yf I lenge, by my lewtye,
I muste bee bonde and nothinge free —640
and all for my follye.
Out, alas! Where may I bee?634
Sorrowe one cache syde I see.
For yf I out of the lande flee
from mens companye,
beastes I wott will werrye mee.
And yf I lenge, by my lewtye,
I muste bee bonde and nothinge free —640
and all for my follye.
For my shine soe horryble is642
and I have donne soe muche amysse,
that unworthy I am iwysse
forgevenes to attayne.
Well I wott where-ever I goe
whoesoe meetes me will mee slowe,
and yche man wilbe my foe.648
Noe grace to mee may gayne.
and I have donne soe muche amysse,
that unworthy I am iwysse
forgevenes to attayne.
Well I wott where-ever I goe
whoesoe meetes me will mee slowe,
and yche man wilbe my foe.648
Noe grace to mee may gayne.
Deus
Naye, Cayne, thou shalte not dye soone,650
horrybly if thou have aye donne.
That is not thy brothers boone,
thy blood for to sheede.
But, forsoth, whosoever slayeth thee
sevenfolde punished bee shalbee.
And great payne maye thou not flee656
for thy wicked deede.
Naye, Cayne, thou shalte not dye soone,650
horrybly if thou have aye donne.
That is not thy brothers boone,
thy blood for to sheede.
But, forsoth, whosoever slayeth thee
sevenfolde punished bee shalbee.
And great payne maye thou not flee656
for thy wicked deede.
But for thou to thys deede was bowne,658
thou and thy children trust mon —
thou and thy children trust mon —
into the seaventh generation —660
punishment for the whole.
For thou todaye hase donne soe,
thy seede for thee shall suffer woe;
and whyle thou one yearth may goe,
of vengeance have the dole.
punishment for the whole.
For thou todaye hase donne soe,
thy seede for thee shall suffer woe;
and whyle thou one yearth may goe,
of vengeance have the dole.
Cayne
Owt, owt, alas, alas!666
I am dampned without grace.
Therfore I will from place to place
and looke where is the best.
Well I wott and witterly,
into what place that come I,
iche man will loath my companye;672
soe shall I never have rest.
Owt, owt, alas, alas!666
I am dampned without grace.
Therfore I will from place to place
and looke where is the best.
Well I wott and witterly,
into what place that come I,
iche man will loath my companye;672
soe shall I never have rest.
Fowle hape is mee befall:674
whether I bee in house or hall,
’cursed Cayne’ menn will me call.
Of sorrowes may non nowe cease.
But yett will I, or I goe,
speake with my dam and syre alsoe.
And there maleson both too680
I wott well I must have.
whether I bee in house or hall,
’cursed Cayne’ menn will me call.
Of sorrowes may non nowe cease.
But yett will I, or I goe,
speake with my dam and syre alsoe.
And there maleson both too680
I wott well I must have.
Dam and syre, rest you well,682
for one fowle tale I can you tell.
I have slayne my brother Abell
as we fell in a stryffe.
for one fowle tale I can you tell.
I have slayne my brother Abell
as we fell in a stryffe.
Adam
Alas, alas, is Abel! deade?686
Alas, rufull is my reade!
Noe more joye to me is leade,
save only Eve my wyfe.
Alas, alas, is Abel! deade?686
Alas, rufull is my reade!
Noe more joye to me is leade,
save only Eve my wyfe.
Eva
Alas, nowe is my sonne slayne!690
Alas, marred is all my mayne!
Alas, musts I never be fayne,
but in woe and morninge?
Well I wott and knowe iwysse
that verye vengeance it is.
For I to God soe did amysse,696
mone I never have lykinge.
Alas, nowe is my sonne slayne!690
Alas, marred is all my mayne!
Alas, musts I never be fayne,
but in woe and morninge?
Well I wott and knowe iwysse
that verye vengeance it is.
For I to God soe did amysse,696
mone I never have lykinge.
Cayne
Yea, dam and syre, farewell yee;698
for owt of land I will flee.
A losell aye I muste bee,
for scapit I am of thryfte.
For soe God hath toulde mee,
that I shall never thryve flee [thee].
And now I flee, all yee may see.704
I grant you all the same gifte.
Yea, dam and syre, farewell yee;698
for owt of land I will flee.
A losell aye I muste bee,
for scapit I am of thryfte.
For soe God hath toulde mee,
that I shall never thryve flee [thee].
And now I flee, all yee may see.704
I grant you all the same gifte.
Finis
2024 Mar 19 14:56:38