Part 118 (1/2)

And h.o.a.rds of silver rusted in the ent,[19]

Canynge and his fair sweet did that despise, To change of truly love was their content; They lived together in a house adigne,[20]

Of good sendaument commily and fine.

22 But soon his brother and his sire did die, And left to William states and renting-rolls, And at his will his brother John supply.

He gave a chauntry to redeem their souls; And put his brother into such a trade, That he Lord Mayor of London town was made.

23 Eftsoons his morning turned to gloomy night; His dame, his second self, gave up her breath, Seeking for eterne life and endless light, And slew good Canynge; sad mistake of Death!

So have I seen a flower in summer-time Trod down and broke and wither in its prime.

24 Near Redcliff Church (oh, work of hand of Heaven!

Where Canynge showeth as an instrument) Was to my bismarde eyesight newly given; 'Tis past to blazon it to good content.

You that would fain the festive building see Repair to Redcliff, and contented be.

25 I saw the myndbruch of his notte soul When Edward menaced a second wife; I saw what Pheryons in his mind did roll: Now fixed from second dames, a priest for life, This is the man of men, the vision spoke; Then bell for even-song my senses woke.

[1] 'Amenged:' mixed.

[2] 'Wraytes:' flags.

[3] 'Swithin:' quickly.

[4] 'Ywrynde:' covered.

[5] 'Faitour:' vagrant.

[6] 'Digne:' worthy.

[7] 'Cuarr:' quarry.

[8] 'Forgard:' lose.

[9] 'Forstraught:' distracted.

[10] 'A crochee:' a cross.

[11] 'Adawe:' awake.

[12] 'Carvellers:' sculptors.

[13] 'A bordelier:' a cottager.

[14] 'Maynt:' many.

[15] 'Dulce:' sweet.

[16] 'Mockler:' more.

[17] 'Ying:' young.

[18] 'Bighes:' jewels.

[19] 'Ent:' bag.

[20] 'Adigne:' worthy.

KENRICK.