This is a modern-English version of The Choise of Valentines; Or the Merie Ballad of Nash His Dildo, originally written by Nash, Thomas.
It has been thoroughly updated, including changes to sentence structure, words, spelling,
and grammar—to ensure clarity for contemporary readers, while preserving the original spirit and nuance. If
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[Transcriber's Note: Line notes have been moved to the end of each poem from
their places on the individual pages to aid in the flow of the poems.]
[Transcriber's Note: Line notes have been moved to the end of each poem from their places on the individual pages to aid in the flow of the poems.]
OR THE MERIE BALLAD OF
NASH HIS DILDO
[BY THOMAS NASH]
[From MSS. Copies in the
Inner Temple (Petyt MS. 538, Vol. 43,
f. viii., 295 b, circa 1680) and Bodleian
(Rawl. MS. Poet 216, leaves 96-106,
circa 1610-20) Libraries]
[From MSS. Copies in the
Inner Temple (Petyt MS. 538, Vol. 43,
f. viii., 295 b, around 1680) and Bodleian
(Rawl. MS. Poet 216, leaves 96-106,
around 1610-20) Libraries]
Revised by
JOHN S. FARMER
LONDON
[PRIVATELY PRINTED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY]
MDCCCXCIX
INTRODUCTION.
Nash's "CHOISE OF VALENTINES" has apparently come down to us only in manuscript form. It is extremely doubtful (Oldys notwithstandinga), whether the poem was ever before accorded the dignity of print. Nor would it now be deemed worthy of such were the only considerations those of literary merit or intrinsic value: truth to tell there is little of either to recommend it. But, as it has been repeatedly said, and well insisted on, the world cannot afford to lose any "document" whatsoever which bears, or may bear, in the slightest degree, on the story of its own growth and development, and out of which its true life has to be written. Especially is even the meanest Elizabethan of importance and value in relation to the re-construction—still far from complete—of the life and times of the immortal bard of Avon. In the most unlikely quarters a quarry may yet be found from which the social historian may obtain a valuable sidelight on manners and customs, the philologist a new lection or gloss, or the antiquary a solution to some, as yet, unsolved problem.
Nash's "CHOICE OF VALENTINES" seems to have survived only in manuscript form. It's highly unlikely (despite what Oldys saysa) that the poem was ever printed. And it wouldn’t be considered worthy of print even now if we only looked at literary quality or inherent value: honestly, there's not much of either to recommend it. However, as has been repeatedly emphasized, the world can’t afford to lose any “document” that has any connection, no matter how small, to its own history and development, from which its true story is told. Even the least significant Elizabethan piece is important and valuable for piecing together the still-incomplete picture of the life and times of the immortal bard of Avon. In the most unexpected places, we might still find resources that provide social historians with insights into manners and customs, linguists with new readings or interpretations, or antiquarians with answers to some yet unresolved questions.
"The Choise of Valentines" claims attention, and is of value principally on two grounds, either of which, it is held, should amply justify the more permanent preservation[page viii] now accorded this otherwise insignificant production. In the first place, it appears to have been dedicated to the Earl of Southampton, the generous patron of letters, and friend of Shakspeare; and second, it is probably the only example extant of the kind of hackwork to which Nash was frequently reduced by "the keenest pangs of poverty."b He confesses he was often obliged "to pen unedifying toys for gentlemen." When Harvey denounced him for "emulating Aretino's licentiousness" he admitted that poverty had occasionally forced him to prostitute his pen "in hope of gain" by penning "amorous Villanellos and Quipasses for new-fangled galiards and newer Fantisticos." In fact, he seems rarely to have known what it was to be otherwise than the subject of distress and need. As an example of these "unedifying toys" the present poem may, without much doubt, be cited, and an instance in penning which his "hope of gain" was realised.
"The Choice of Valentines" grabs attention and is valuable for two main reasons, either of which should justify its more permanent preservation now given to this otherwise insignificant work. First, it seems to have been dedicated to the Earl of Southampton, a generous supporter of literature and friend of Shakespeare; second, it might be the only existing example of the kind of hackwork that Nash often had to produce due to "the keenest pangs of poverty." He admits he was often forced "to write unedifying trinkets for gentlemen." When Harvey criticized him for "emulating Aretino's lewdness," he acknowledged that poverty had sometimes compelled him to sell his writing skills "in hope of gain" by writing "romantic Villanellos and Quipasses for trendy dances and even trendier Fantisticos." In fact, he rarely seemed to know anything other than distress and need. This poem can likely be cited as an example of those "unedifying toys," and it shows a case where his "hope of gain" was fulfilled.
It is a matter of history that Nash sought, and succeeded in obtaining for a time, the patronage of the Earl of Southampton, one of the most liberal men of his day, and a prominent figure in the declining years of Elizabeth. "I once tasted," Nash writes in 1593,c "the full spring of the Earl's liberality." Record is also made of a visit paid by him to Lord Southampton and Sir George Carey, while the former was Governor, and the latter Captain-General, of the Isle of Wight.
It’s a known fact that Nash sought out, and for a time succeeded in securing, the support of the Earl of Southampton, one of the most generous men of his era and a key figure during the waning years of Elizabeth’s reign. “I once experienced,” Nash writes in 1593,c “the fullest extent of the Earl's generosity.” There's also a record of a visit he made to Lord Southampton and Sir George Carey while the former was Governor and the latter was Captain-General of the Isle of Wight.
From internal evidence it would seem that this poem was called forth by the Earl's bounty to its author. "My[page ix] muse devorst from deeper (the Rawl. MS. reads deepest) care, presents thee with a wanton elegie;" and further on, the dedication promises "better lines" which should "ere long" be penned in "honour" of his noble patron. This promise is renewed in the epilogue:—
From internal evidence, it seems that this poem was inspired by the Earl's generosity towards its author. "My[page ix] muse, freed from deeper (the Rawl. MS. reads deepest) concerns, presents you with a playful elegy;" and later, the dedication promises "better lines" that should "soon" be written in "honor" of his noble patron. This promise is echoed in the epilogue:—
"My mynde once purg'd of such lascivious witt,
My mind once cleansed of such lewd thoughts,
With purifide words and hallowed verse,
With purified words and sacred verse,
Thy praises in large volumes shall rehearse,
Your praises will be celebrated in great lengths,
That better maie thy grauer view befitt."
That better makes your serious perspective appropriate.
Does this refer to "The Unfortunate Traveller; or, The Life of Jack Wilton," generally regarded as Nash's most ambitious work, and which he dedicated to Lord Southampton in 1593? If so, and there is no evidence to gainsay the conclusion, we can fix the date of the present poem as, at all events, prior to 17th September of that year, when "The Unfortunate Traveller" was entered on the Stationers' Register.d This would make Nash contemporaneous, if not prior to, Shakspeare in offering a tribute to the merits of the young patron (Southampton at that time was barely twenty years old) of the Muses. Venus and Adonis was entered on the Register of the Stationers' Company about five months earlier, on the[page x] 18th April, 1593, and barely more than two months prior to the registration of "The Terrors of the Night."
Does this refer to "The Unfortunate Traveller; or, The Life of Jack Wilton," which is generally seen as Nash's most ambitious work and was dedicated to Lord Southampton in 1593? If so, and there’s no evidence to dispute this conclusion, we can establish that the current poem was written before September 17 of that year, when "The Unfortunate Traveller" was registered with the Stationers' Company.d This would mean that Nash was active during the same period, if not before, Shakespeare in paying tribute to the young patron (Southampton was only about twenty years old at that time) of the Muses. Venus and Adonis was registered with the Stationers' Company about five months earlier, on the[page x] 18th of April, 1593, and just over two months before "The Terrors of the Night" was registered.
It is curious to note that while Shakspeare and Nash both promise "graver work" and "better lines," they alike select amatory themes for their first offerings. The promise in Shakspeare's case was redeemed by the dedication to Southampton of "The Rape of Lucreece," while it may be assumed, as aforesaid, that Nash followed suit with "The Unfortunate Traveller."
It’s interesting to see that although Shakespeare and Nash both promise "serious work" and "better lines," they both choose romantic themes for their first pieces. Shakespeare fulfilled his promise with the dedication to Southampton of "The Rape of Lucrece," while, as mentioned earlier, it can be assumed that Nash did the same with "The Unfortunate Traveller."
Nash, however, for some cause or other failed to retain the Earl's interest; "indeed," says Mr. Sidney Lee, "he did not retain the favour of any patron long." It is only fair to state, however, that the withdrawal of Lord Southampton's patronage may not have been due to any fault or shortcoming on the part of Nash, for there is likewise no evidence whatever to show that any close intimacy existed between Southampton and Shakspeare after 1594. Probably there was much else to claim Lord Southampton's attention—his marriage, and the Essex rebellion to wit. This, however, leads somewhat wide of the present work.
Nash, for some reason, failed to keep the Earl's interest; "in fact," says Mr. Sidney Lee, "he did not hold the favor of any patron for long." It’s important to note that the withdrawal of Lord Southampton's support might not have been due to any fault of Nash, as there is no evidence to suggest that any close relationship existed between Southampton and Shakespeare after 1594. It's likely that there were many other matters that required Lord Southampton's attention—like his marriage and the Essex rebellion, for example. However, this strays somewhat from the topic at hand.
So much for the circumstances which appear to have called forth "The Choise of Valentines." The next consideration is, Has it ever appeared in print before? Oldys, in his MS. notes to Langbaine's English Dramatic Poets (c. 1738) says:—"Tom Nash certainly wrote and published a pamphlet upon Dildos. He is accused of it by his antagonist, Harvey." But he was writing nearly 150 years after the event, and it is certainly very strange that a production which it can be shown was well known[page xi] should, if printed, have so entirely disappeared. At all events, no copy is at present known to exist.e John Davies of Hereford alludes to it, but leaves it uncertain whether its destruction occurred in MS. or in print. In his "Papers Complaint"f he writes:—
So much for the circumstances that seem to have led to "The Choice of Valentines." The next question is, has it ever been published before? Oldys, in his manuscript notes to Langbaine's English Dramatic Poets (c. 1738), states:—"Tom Nash definitely wrote and published a pamphlet on Dildos. He is accused of it by his rival, Harvey." However, he was writing nearly 150 years after the fact, and it is quite odd that a work that was evidently well-known[page xi] should have completely vanished if it was ever printed. In any case, no copy is currently known to exist.e John Davies of Hereford mentions it but doesn't clarify whether its loss happened in manuscript or in print. In his "Papers Complaint"f he writes:—
But O! my soule is vext to thinke how euill
But oh! my soul is troubled to think how evil
It is abus'd to beare suits to the Deuill.
It is abused to bring lawsuits to the Devil.
Pierse-Pennilesse (a Pies eat such a patch)
Pierse-Pennilesse (a Pies eat this patch)
Made me (agree) that business once dispatch.
Made me (agree) that business once dispatch.
And having made me vndergo the shame,
And having made me experience the shame,
Abusde me further, in the Deuills name:
Abuse me even more, in the name of the Devil:
And made [me] Dildo (dampned Dildo) beare,
And made [me] Dildo (damned Dildo) bear,
Till good men's hate did me in peeces teare.
Till good men's hatred tore me to pieces.
As regards the manuscript copies there are one or two points worthy of note. At present we know of two, more or less incomplete, but each of which supplements, in some degree, the other. These MSS. are respectively in the Bodleian (Rawl. MS. Poet, 216) and the Inner Temple (Petyt MS. 538, vol. 43, p. viii., 295b.) libraries. Both texts are obviously corrupt, the Rawlinson abominably so. Probably the former was written out from memory alone, while the Petyt, if not a transcript direct from the original is, at any rate, very near to it.
As for the manuscript copies, there are a couple of points worth mentioning. Right now, we know of two, which are both somewhat incomplete but each adds to the other in some way. These manuscripts are located in the Bodleian (Rawl. MS. Poet, 216) and the Inner Temple (Petyt MS. 538, vol. 43, p. viii., 295b.) libraries. Both texts are clearly flawed, with the Rawlinson being particularly bad. It's likely that the former was written from memory alone, while the Petyt, if not a direct copy from the original, is certainly very close to it.
The Bodleian version is written on paper in a small oblong leather-covered book, originally with clasps. The penmanship is early 17th century, probably about 1610-20. It is thus catalogued:— ..."E libris Matt.[page xii] Postlethwayt, Aug. 1, 1697. Perhaps (earlier) Henry Price owned the book." The volume contains besides an English transcript of Ovid's "Arte Amandis" and some amatory poems.g The date of the Petyt text may be about.... It is written in a miscellaneous, folio, commonplace-book, and in the catalogue it is described as "an obscene poem, entitled 'The Choosing of Valentines,' by Thomas Nash. The first 17 lines are printed at p. lx. of the Preface to vol i. of Mr. Grosart's edition of Nash's works, as if they formed the whole piece."h
The Bodleian version is written on paper in a small, rectangular leather-covered book, originally with clasps. The handwriting is from the early 17th century, probably around 1610-1620. It's cataloged as:— ..."From the library of Matt.[page xii] Postlethwayt, Aug. 1, 1697. Perhaps (earlier) Henry Price owned the book." The volume also includes an English transcript of Ovid's "Arte Amandis" and some love poems.g The date of the Petyt text may be about.... It’s written in a mixed, folio, commonplace book, and in the catalog, it’s described as "an obscene poem, titled 'The Choosing of Valentines,' by Thomas Nash. The first 17 lines are printed on p. lx. of the Preface to vol i. of Mr. Grosart's edition of Nash's works, as if they made up the entire piece."h
Nothing is known of Postlethwayt and Price, who at one time owned the Rawlinson copy, that throws light on its source. In the Petyt, however, we get a suppositional explanation of its manifestly purer text. Petyt, subsequent to his call to the Bar, in 1670, was for many years Keeper of the Records in the Tower of London. Now we know that Lord Essex, an intimate friend and connection of the Earl of Southampton, and like Southampton a generous and discerning patron of letters, was for some time in the "free custody" of the Lord Keeper of the Tower. Further, Southampton, who had joined Essex in his rebellion, had been tried and convicted with his friend, and though the Queen spared his life, he was not released from the Tower until the ascension of James I. It is not unlikely, therefore, that a copy of Nash's manuscript made for Lord Essex passed, on the execution[page xiii] of the latter, with other papers and documents, into the official custody of the Lord Keeper, to be subsequently unearthed by his successor, Petyt, who, with a taste for the "curious," had it copied for his own edification. This supposition is further borne out as follows: The particular commonplace book in which this poem occurs has been written by various hands. In the same handwriting as, and immediately preceding "The Choise of Valentines," are two poetical effusions dedicated "To the Earl of Essex," both apparently written when he was in prison and under sentence of death. The other contents of the volume are likewise contemporaneous.
Nothing is known about Postlethwayt and Price, who once owned the Rawlinson copy, that illuminates its origin. However, in the Petyt, we find a speculative explanation for its clearly purer text. After being called to the Bar in 1670, Petyt served for many years as Keeper of the Records in the Tower of London. We know that Lord Essex, a close friend and relative of the Earl of Southampton, who, like Southampton, was a generous and discerning supporter of the arts, was at one point in the "free custody" of the Lord Keeper of the Tower. Additionally, Southampton, who had joined Essex in his rebellion, was tried and convicted alongside his friend, and although the Queen spared his life, he was not released from the Tower until James I took the throne. Therefore, it's quite possible that a copy of Nash's manuscript made for Lord Essex passed, upon the execution of the latter, along with other papers and documents, into the official custody of the Lord Keeper, to be later discovered by his successor, Petyt, who had a taste for the "curious" and had it copied for his own enjoyment. This assumption is further supported by the following: The specific commonplace book containing this poem has been written in various hands. In the same handwriting as, and immediately preceding "The Choise of Valentines," are two poetic pieces dedicated "To the Earl of Essex," both seemingly written while he was imprisoned and facing a death sentence. The other contents of the volume are also from that time.
All things considered, then, the Petyt text, although transcribed about fifty years later, has weightier claims to attention than the version in the Rawlinson MSS. I have, therefore, adopted the former as a basis, giving the Rawlinson variations in the form of notes. A few of these are obviously better readings than those of the Petyt text: the reader cannot fail to distinguish these. In the main, however, the Inner Temple version will be found consistent with its particular dedication, whilst the Rawlinson variations appear due to an attempt, signally unsuccessful, to adapt the poem for general use.
All things considered, the Petyt text, while transcribed about fifty years later, has stronger claims to attention than the version in the Rawlinson manuscripts. Therefore, I've used the former as a basis and provided the Rawlinson variations as notes. Some of these are clearly better readings than those in the Petyt text: readers will easily notice these. However, for the most part, the Inner Temple version will prove to be consistent with its specific dedication, while the Rawlinson variations seem to be an unsuccessful attempt to modify the poem for general use.
For the rest I have faithfully adhered to the original in the basic text, and in the variorum readings, except in one particular. The Rawlinson MS. is altogether guiltless of punctuation, while the Petyt copy has been carelessly "stopped" by the scribe: I have therefore given modern punctuation.
For the rest, I have faithfully followed the original in the main text and in the various readings, except for one detail. The Rawlinson MS. has no punctuation at all, while the Petyt copy has been carelessly punctuated by the scribe: So, I have provided modern punctuation.
FOOTNOTES
c Terrors of the Night.
d It is true that Nash, in his dedication of the "Unfortunate Traveller," speaks of it as his "first offering." This, however, must be taken rather as meaning his first serious effort in acknowledgment of his patron's bounty, for in "The Terrors of the Night" (registered on the 30th June, 1593), he somewhat effusively acknowledges his indebtedness to Lord Southampton:—"Through him my tender wainscot studie doore is delivered from much assault and battrie: through him I looke into, and am looked on in the world: from whence otherwise I were a wretched banished exile. Through him all my good is conueighed vnto me; and to him all my endeavours shall be contributed as to the ocean." Again, as evidence that Nash had addressed himself to Southampton prior to his dedication of "The Unfortunate Traveller," we glean from his promise ("Terrors of the Night") "to embroyder the rich store of his eternal renoune" in "some longer Tractate."
d It’s true that Nash, in his dedication of the "Unfortunate Traveller," refers to it as his "first offering." However, this should be understood more as his first serious attempt to acknowledge his patron’s generosity, because in "The Terrors of the Night" (registered on June 30, 1593), he openly expresses his gratitude to Lord Southampton:—"Thanks to him, my delicate study door is protected from many attacks and disturbances: because of him, I can see into the world and be seen in it; otherwise, I would be a miserable banished exile. Through him, all my good fortune comes to me; and to him, all my efforts will be dedicated like contributions to the ocean." Furthermore, as proof that Nash reached out to Southampton before dedicating "The Unfortunate Traveller," we can see in his promise ("Terrors of the Night") to "embellish the rich treasure of his eternal fame" in "some longer work."
e At the same time it must be stated that the scandal of the controversy between Nash and Harvey became so notorious that in 1599 it was ordered by authority "that all Nashes books and Dr. Harvey's books be taken wheresoever they may be found and that none of the said books be ever printed hereafter" (COOPER, Athenæ Cant. ii. 306).
e At the same time, it's important to note that the scandal surrounding the debate between Nash and Harvey became so well-known that in 1599 it was officially ordered "that all of Nash's books and Dr. Harvey's books be seized wherever they may be found and that none of these books be printed ever again" (COOPER, Athenæ Cant. ii. 306).
f Davies [Grosart, Works (1888) 1-75, lines 64-72.]
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Davies [Grosart, Works (1888) 1-75, lines 64-72.]
g These have been incorporated in "National Ballad and Song" (Section 2, Merry Songs and Ballads, Series 1).
g These have been included in "National Ballad and Song" (Section 2, Merry Songs and Ballads, Series 1).
h This is not quite correct. The title in the MS. runs "The Choise of Valentines," and Dr. Grosart purports to give the first eighteen lines, but in transcription he has omitted line 4.
h This isn't entirely accurate. The title in the manuscript is "The Choice of Valentines," and Dr. Grosart claims to provide the first eighteen lines, but in his transcription, he has left out line 4.
TO THE RIGHT
honorable the Lord S.a
Onlie induced with varietie°.
Online induced with variety__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__.
NOTES
a Henry Wriothesley, the Earl of Southampton, and Baron of Titchfield. The dedication is absent in the Rawlinson text: cf. variorum reading in line 13.
a Henry Wriothesley, the Earl of Southampton, and Baron of Titchfield. The dedication is missing in the Rawlinson text: cf. variorum reading in line 13.
1 Matchles, machles.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Matchless, unmatched.
2 the red rose euer bare, that euer red rose bare.
2 the red rose always bore, that always red rose bore.
3 devorst from deeper care, diuert from deepest care. Nash was notoriously impecunious all through his life, and probably reference is here made to some bounty received at the hands of Lord Southampton (see Introduction). What patronage meant at times is gleaned from Florio's dedication of The Worlde of Wordes in 1598 to the same nobleman. He says:—"In truth I acknowledge an entire debt, not only of my best knowledge, but of all; yea, of more than I know, or care, to your bounteous lordship, in whose pay and patronage I have lived some years.... But, as to me, and many more, the glorious and gracious sunshine of your honour hath infused light and life." Rowe also tells a story of Lord Southampton's munificence to Shakspeare. It is said that he gave the poet £1,000 (equal to £12,000 now-a-days) to complete a special purchase. Whether this story be true or not, it is certain that Lord Southampton was a most liberal patron of letters.
3 draws from deeper care, diverts from deepest care. Nash was famously broke throughout his life, and this likely refers to some generosity he received from Lord Southampton (see Introduction). The significance of patronage at times is evident in Florio's dedication of The Worlde of Wordes in 1598 to the same nobleman. He states:—"Honestly, I acknowledge a complete debt, not only of my best knowledge but of everything; indeed, of more than I know or care to your generous lordship, under whose support and patronage I have lived for several years.... But, to me, and many others, the glorious and gracious sunlight of your honor has brought light and life." Rowe also recounts a story about Lord Southampton’s generosity to Shakespeare. It is said that he gave the poet £1,000 (equivalent to £12,000 today) to finalize a special purchase. Whether this story is true or not, it is clear that Lord Southampton was an incredibly generous supporter of the arts.
5 "Ne" = Nor, A.S.; unchastitie, inchastitye.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ "Ne" = Nor, A.S.; unchastity, unchastity.
6 painting, paynting; things, thinges; hidden are, hidden be.
6 painting, painting; things, things; hidden are, hidden be.
7 & 8 In Rawl. MS. these lines are transposed. Since all men act, sith most men marke; speache declare, speech descrie; Onlie, only; varietie, varyetye.
7 & 8 In Rawl. MS. these lines are switched. Since all men act, because most people notice; speache declare, speech describes; Onlie, only; varietie, variety.
9 Complants and praises euery one, Complayntes & prayses every man.
9 Everyone complains and praises, Complaints & praises everyone.
10 passion out, passion forth; their pangu's, there loue; statlie rimes, statly rime.
10 pouring out passion, passion flowing; their longing, their love; elegant verses, elegant rhyme.
11 pleasures none, pleasure non; euer write, e're indite.
11 no pleasures, no joy; ever write, always write.
13 Deare Lord, deare loue. A significant reading in view of the absence of the dedication in the Rawl. MS. "Accept ... in gentle gree," to take kindly.
13 Dear Lord, dear love. This is an important interpretation considering that the dedication is missing in the Rawl. MS. "Accept ... in gentle grace," to take kindly.
14 And better lynes ere long, And better farr, ere long (see Introduction).
14 And better lines soon, And better fare, soon (see Introduction).
THE CHOOSING°
OF VALENTINES.
t was the merie moneth of Februarie,
It was the merry month of February,
Rose earelie in the morne fore° breake of daie,
Rose early in the morning before the break of day,
With whom they maie consorte in summer sheene°,
With whom they might spend time in the bright summer.
To taste the creame and cakes° and such good cheere;
To enjoy the cream and cakes° and all that delicious food;
Shewen by Bachelrie of Maningtree°.
Where to, the contrie franklins° flock-meale swarme,
Where to, the country farmers° swarm like a flock of bees,
That doeth true louers° with those ioyes acquaint,
That truly connects lovers with those joys,
But woe, alass°, she was not to be found,
But unfortunately, she was nowhere to be found,
With bills and staues had scar'd hir° from the place;
With bills and statues that had scared her° from the place;
If they had hackneis° to lett-out to hire,
If they had horse-drawn carriages to rent out,
To lett one ride a iournie on a iade.
To let one take a journey on a ride.
And ask't° me if I ment as I profest,
And asked me if I meant what I said,
"In iest?" quoth I; "that terme it° as you will;
"In jest?" I asked; "you can use that term as you like;
For, in our oratorie siccarlie°,
For, in our oratory ________ __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__,
But he must paye his offertorie° first,
But he must pay his offering first,
I, hearing hir° so ernest for the box,
I, hearing her so eager for the box,
By blinde meanders, and by crankled° wayes,
By winding paths and by twisted ways,
Where venus bounsing vestalls skirmish° oft;
Where Venus bouncing vestals often skirmish.
To chuse of them which might content myne° eye;
To choose which ones might please my eye;
But hir I sought, I could nowhere espie°.
But here I searched, I could see nowhere.
I spake them faire, and wisht them° well to fare—
I spoke to them kindly and wished them well.
"By Halliedame°," quoth she, "and Gods oune mother,
"By Halliedame°," she said, "and God's own mother,
You'll smell it out, though I be nare so° nice.
You'll figure it out, even if I'm not that nice.
For, he that will eate quailes must lauish crounes°,
For, he who wants to eat quail must spend money.
And tenne good gobbs I will unto thee tell°,
And I will tell you ten good things.
So much doe I hir companie° request."
Her company requests so much.
"Hey-ho! she coms, that hath my hearte in keepe°
"Hey there! Here she comes, the one who has my heart in her hands°
Sweeping she coms°, as she would brush the ground;
Sweeping she comes°, as if she were brushing the ground;
Hir ratling silkes my sences doe confound°.
Hir rattling silks confuse my senses.
With smiles, with flatt'ring wordes, and fained cheere°,
With smiles, with flattering words, and feigned cheer°,
"As how, my lambkin," blushing, she replide°,
"As you wish, my little lamb," she replied, blushing.
We will remoue the camp° incontinent:
We'll remove the camp __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ immediately:
For shelter onelie, sweete heart, came° I hither,
For shelter only, sweetheart, I came here,
Softlie my fingers up theis curtaine heaue°,
Softly, my fingers touch this curtain.
First bare hir leggs, then creepe up to hir kneese°;
First, uncover her legs, then crawl up to her knees°;
Compar'd with this sight I now° behould,
Comparing it to what I see now,
Which well might keepe a man from being olde.
Which could very well keep a person from growing old.
It makes the fruites of loue oftsoone° be rype,
It often makes the fruits of love ripe,
That spend their strength in thought of hir° delight.
That spend their strength thinking of her delight.
What shall I doe to shewe my self a man?
What should I do to prove myself a man?
Yett dead he lyes°, not thinking good or ill.
Yett dead he lies°, not thinking positively or negatively.
Perhaps the sillie worme is labour'd° sore,
Perhaps the silly worm is worked really hard,
How ere it is, no meanes shall want° in me,
How it is, I won’t hold back any effort in me,
Which saide, she tooke and rould it on hir thigh°,
Which said, she took it and rolled it on her thigh°,
Not ceasing till she rais'd it from his swoune°.
Not stopping until she brought him out of his faint.
And then he flue on hir as he° were wood,
And then he flew at her as if he were crazy,
He rub'd, and prickt, and pierst her° to the bones,
He rubbed, and poked, and pierced her° to the bones,
Digging as farre as eath° he might for stones;
Digging as far into the ground as he could for stones;
Now high, now lowe, now stryking° shorte and thicke;
Now high, now low, now striking° short and thick;
Plaie while him list, and thrust he neare so° hard,
Plaie while he wants, and thrust he near so° hard,
And giue's, and takes, as blythe and free° as Maye,
And gives, and takes, as cheerful and free° as May.
With hir eye-beames his melting looke's° were mixt,
With his gaze, his captivating look was mixed,
Which, like the Sunne, that twixt two glasses plaies°,
Which, like the sun, that plays between two mirrors°,
She, faire as fairest Planet° in the skye,
She, as beautiful as the brightest planet in the sky,
Hir puritie° to noe man doeth denye;
Her purity __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ no man denies;
As might enflame the icie limmes° of age,
As might ignite the icy boundaries of age,
That in hir Sunne-beames swarme aboundantlie.
That in her sunlight beams swarm abundantly.
And me unwares of hoped bliss defeate°.
And I was unaware of the defeat of hoped bliss.
"Alass! alass! that loue should be a sinne!
"Alas! Alas! that love should be a sin!"
Euen now my blisse and sorrowe doeth° beginne.
Euen now my bliss and sorrow do begin.
That trikling falles° into thy treasurie.
As Aprill-drops not half so° pleasant be,
As April drops are not half as pleasant,
As this sweet-streames that all hir ioints imbaynes°.
As this sweet stream that embraces all her points.
And to and fro full lightlie starts and skips°:
And back and forth, full of energy, it starts and skips.
She ierkes hir leggs, and sprauleth° with hir heeles;
She jerks her legs and flails with her heels;
"For, from us yett, thy spirit maie° not glide
For, from us yet, your spirit may not glide
And then will we (that then will com too° soone),
And then we will come too soon,
Dissolued lye, as though our dayes were donne."
Dissolved lie, as if our days were done.
The whilst I speake, my soule is fleeting° hence,
The while I speak, my soul is fading away° therefore,
And life forsakes his fleshie° residence.
And life abandons his physical home.
Staie, staie sweete ioye, and leaue me not forlorne
Staie, stay sweet joy, and don't leave me forlorn
Why shouldst thou fade that art but newelie borne?
Why should you fade when you are just newly born?
Naie, but a quarter—I will aske no more—
Naie, just a quarter—I won't ask for more—
That thy departure (which torments me sore),
That your departure (which really hurts me),
He heare's me not; hard-harted as he is,
He doesn’t hear me; as hard-hearted as he is,
He is the sonne of Time, and hates my blisse.
He is the son of Time and despises my happiness.
Nature of winter learneth nigardize
Nature of winter teaches frugality
Who, as he ouer-beares the streame with ice
Who, as he overpowers the stream with ice
That man nor beaste maie of their pleasance taste,
That man or beast may not taste of their pleasure,
So shutts she up hir conduit all in haste,
So she quickly shut off her channel,
And will not let hir Nectar ouer-flowe,
And will not let her nectar overflow,
Least mortall man immortall ioyes should knowe.
Least mortal man immortal joys should know.
Adieu! unconstant loue, to thy disporte
Adieu! unreliable love, to your amusement
Adieu! false mirth, and melodie too short;
Adieu! fake happiness, and music that's too brief;
Adieu! faint-hearted instrument of lust;
Goodbye! weak tool of desire;
That falselie hath betrayde our equale trust.
That has falsely betrayed our equal trust.
Or thee, or man of cowardize upbrayde°.
Or you, or man of cowardice, reproach.
But stands as stiff as he were made of steele;
But stands as stiff as if he were made of steel;
And playes at peacock twixt my leggs right blythe°,
And plays at peacock between my legs, quite cheerfully°,
And doeth my tickling swage with manie a sighe.
And my tickling tool makes me sigh many times.
How slye he creepes betwixt° the barke and tree,
How sneaky he creeps between° the bark and the tree,
And sucks the sap, whilst sleepe detaineth° thee.
And drinks the sap while sleep holds you back.
And bids them skorne the blynd-alluring° boye.
And tells them to ignore the blindly tempting boy.
And euerie gaping mouth his full sufficeance.
And every gaping mouth is fully satisfied.
He fortifies disdaine with forraine° artes,
He strengthens disdain with foreign arts,
And wanton-chaste deludes° all loving hartes.
And playful yet chaste tricks all loving hearts.
If anie wight a cruell mistris serue's°,
If anyone has to serve a cruel mistress,
Who sooth maie fill, but never can begett.
Who can soothe me, but never can conceive.
But, if revenge enraged with dispaire,
But if revenge fueled by despair,
That such a dwarf his wellfare should empaire,
That such a dwarf should harm his well-being,
That Stigian gulph maie scarce his teares containe;°
That Stygian gulf can hardly hold back his tears; °
Arm'd otherwhile° in thick congealed glasse,
Armed sometimes in thick glass, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
When he, more glib, to hell be lowe° would passe.
When he, more smooth-talking, would pass to hell below.
The which an arme strong driuer stedfast° guides,
The strong armed driver steadfastly guides,
And often alters pace as wayes growe deepe,
And often changes speed as the paths get deeper,
In clammie waies he treaddeth° by and by,
In muddy ways, he treads along.
And plasheth and sprayeth all that be him nye°.
And splashes and sprays everything around him.
I reade thee beardles blab°, beware of stripes,
I read your beardless chatter, beware of stripes,
I am not as was Hercules the stout,
I am not like the strong Hercules,
a This does not scan; and, moreover, seems incorrectly transcribed, even making allowance for Nash's adaptation of a well-known line; cf. Virgil, Eclogue iii., line 111—"Claudite jam rivos, pueri, sat prata biberunt," "Now shut the hatches (in the banks of the stream), O lads, the pastures have drunk enough."
a This doesn’t make sense, and it also seems to be transcribed incorrectly, even considering Nash's adaptation of a well-known line; cf. Virgil, Eclogue iii., line 111—"Claudite jam rivos, pueri, sat prata biberunt," "Now shut the hatches (in the banks of the stream), O lads, the pastures have drunk enough."
Oh mightst thou lykewise please Apollo's eye.
Oh might you also please Apollo's eye.
No, Honor brooke's no such impietie,
No, Honor Brooke's not like that.
Yett Ouids wanton Muse did not offend.
Yet Ouids' carefree Muse did not offend.
He is the fountaine whence my streames doe flowe—
He is the source from which my streams flow—
Forgive me if I speake as I was taught,
Forgive me if I speak the way I was taught,
A lyke to women, utter all I knowe,
Like to women, I will say everything I know,
As longing to unlade so bad a fraught.
As eager to unload such a heavy burden.
My mynde once purg'd of such lasciuious witt,
My mind once freed from such lustful thoughts,
With purifide words and hallowed verse,
With purified words and sacred verse,
Thy praises in large volumes shall rehearce,
Your praises will be sung in great detail,
That better maie thy grauer view befitt.
That makes your serious look more fitting.
Meanewhile yett rests, you smile at what I write;
Meanwhile, still, you smile at what I write;
Or, for attempting, banish me your sight.
Or, if you try, just banish me from your view.
* Quite detached, on page 94 of the Rawl. MS. (the text commences on page 96), are a few lines entitled "The Epilogue," which are obviously part of the above, albeit more than usually imperfectly copied. Why so placed does not appear, especially as several blank pages immediately follow the conclusion of the Bodleian copy.
* Somewhat separate, on page 94 of the Rawl. MS. (the text begins on page 96), are a few lines titled "The Epilogue," which clearly belong to the previous section, although they are more poorly copied than usual. It's unclear why they are positioned this way, especially since several blank pages come right after the end of the Bodleian copy.
NOTES
2 yong, younge; their iollie roguerie, their brauery; iollie, Fr. joli, pretty, fine. Bravery, finery; Cf. Holinshed's Chron. of Eng., 55—The ancient Britons painted their bodies "which they esteemed a great braverie."
2 young, younger; their iollie roguerie, their bravado; iollie, Fr. joli, pretty, fine. Bravery, finery; See. Holinshed's Chron. of Eng., 55—The ancient Britons painted their bodies "which they considered a great display of bravery."
3 Rose earelie in the morne fore, Rose in the morning before; daie, daye.
3 Rose early in the morning before, rose in the morning before; day, day.
5 summer sheene, somers shene.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ summer sheen, summer shine.
6 haidegaies on, high degree in.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ haidegaies on, high degree in.
8 Perambulate, preambulate.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Walk around, preambulate.
9 to som, into some; abbordring, bordering.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ to som, into some; abbordring, bordering.
10 taste the creame and cakes, tast the cakes and creame.
10 taste the cream and cakes, taste the cakes and cream.
11 Or, To.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Or, To.
12 by Bachelrie of Maningtree, by the bachelours of magnanimity. "Manningtree, in Essex, formerly enjoyed the privilege of fairs, by the tenure of exhibiting a certain number of stage plays yearly. It appears also, from other intimations, that there were great festivities there, and much good eating, at Whitsun ales, and other times."—Nares.
12 by Bachelrie of Maningtree, by the bachelors of generosity. "Manningtree, in Essex, used to have the privilege of holding fairs by the requirement of presenting a certain number of stage plays each year. It seems, based on other sources, that there were also grand celebrations and plenty of feasting during Whitsun ales and other occasions."—Nares.
13 Where to, the contrie franklins, Whether our Country Franklins.
13 Where to, the country friends, Whether our Country Friends.
15 Euen, Even; hallowes, Hallowes; Saint, Sainct.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Euen, Even; hallowes, Hallowes; Saint, Saint.
16 doeth, doth; louers, lovers; those, omitted in Rawlinson.
16 does, does; lovers, lovers; those, omitted in Rawlinson.
17 ladies, Ladyes.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ women, Ladies.
18 she, shee; valentine, valentyne.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ she, she; valentine, valentine.
19 woe, alass, out, alas.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ woe, alas, out, alas.
20 an upper, another.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ an upper, another one.
21 -haft and crab-tree face, with his crabbed face.
21 -haft and crab-tree face, with his grumpy face.
22 scar'd hir, scard her; the, that.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ scared her, scared her; the, that.
23 And now she was compel'd for Sanctuarie, And she, poore wench, compeld for Sanctuary.
23 And now she was forced to seek refuge, And she, poor girl, forced to seek sanctuary.
24 unto, into; venery, Venery.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ to, into; sexual pleasure, Venery.
25 bouldlie,, bouldly; enquire, inquire.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ boulder,, boldly; enquire, inquire.
26 hackneis, hackneyes. Hackney, a person or thing let out for promiscuous use, e.g., a horse, a whore, a literary drudge. Cf. "The hobby-horse is but a colt, and your love perhaps a hackney."—Love's Labour Lost, iii., 1.
26 hackneis, hackneyes. Hackney, a person or thing rented out for general use, e.g., a horse, a sex worker, a literary worker. See. "The hobby-horse is just a young horse, and your love might just be a hackney."—Love's Labour Lost, iii., 1.
27 crau'd, craud.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ crowd, crowd.
29 Therwith out stept, With that, stept forth; three chinnd, three-chinde. Foggie = fat, bloated, having hanging flesh. Cf. "Some three chind foggie dame."—Dolarney, Primrose.
29 With that, stepped forward, three chinned. Foggie = overweight, bloated, with loose flesh. See. "Some three chinned overweight lady."—Dolarney, Primrose.
30 us'd, vsd; yong, younge.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ us'd, vsd; young, younger.
31 ask't, askt; I ment as I profest, soothe were my request.
31 asked, asked; I meant as I professed, please fulfill my request.
32 onelie ask't, onely moud.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ only asked, only frowned.
33 it, yt.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ it, you too.
34 com, come; give, giue; Jill, Gill.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ com, come; give, give; Jill, Gill.
35 "Why, Sir." quoth shee, "if that be your demande, "If that yt be," quoth she, "that you demaunde."
35 "Why, Sir," she said, "if that’s what you’re asking," "If that is," she said, "what you’re asking."
36 Com laye me a God's-pennie, then giue me first a godes peny. "God's-pennie, an earnest-pennie."—Florio, p. 36.
36 Give me a penny from God, then give me a godly penny first. "God's penny, an earnest penny."—Florio, p. 36.
37 oratorie siccarlie, oratory, siccarly. "Oratory," properly a private chapel or closet for prayer; here a canting term for brothel: cf. abbess = bawd; nun = whore, and so forth. "Siccarly," certainly, surely "Thou art here, sykerlye, Thys churche to robb with felonye," MS. Cantab Ff. ii., 38, f. 240.
37 oratory siccarly, oratory, siccarly. "Oratory," a private chapel or small room for prayer; here it's a slang term for a brothel: see abbess = pimp; nun = prostitute, and so on. "Siccarly," definitely, for sure "You are here, surely, To rob this church with malice," MS. Cantab Ff. ii., 38, f. 240.
38 heere, in; nicarie, deuory. "Nick," female pudendum: hence nickery, copulation. Deuory may either be Fr. devoir, duty; or devoure, to ravish, to deflower.
38 here, in; nicarie, devour. "Nick," female genitals: hence nickery, sex. Deuory may either be Fr. devoir, duty; or devoure, to ravish, to deflower.
39 offertorie, affidavit.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ offertory, affidavit.
40 wee'le, Ile.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ wee'le, Isle.
42 Gave hir hir, I gaue her her; and she the dore unlocks, and she the doare vnlockes.
42 Gave her her, I gave her her; and she unlocks the door, and she unlocks the door.
43 In am I entered, Nowe I am entered; venus, sweet Venus.
43 I'm in now, Now I'm in; Venus, lovely Venus.
44 where's this female, where's the female; do this, do the.
44 where's this woman, where's the woman; do this, do it.
45 By, through; meanders and by crankled, meander and through crooked.
45 By, through; winding and by twisted, wind and through crooked.
46 Shee leades, Shee leads; Aucthor saies, author sayes.
46 She leads, She leads; Author says, author says.
48 bounsing vestalls, bouncing vestures; skirmish, skyrmish; oft, omitted.
48 bouncing clothes, bouncing garments; fight, skirmish; often, left out.
49 shee, she; leather chaire, Lether chayre.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ she, she; leather chair, leather chair.
50 prettie Trulls, wenches straight.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ pretty girls, straight women.
51 To chuse of them, And bad me choose; myne, my.
51 To choose from them, And told me to choose; mine, my.
53 them, her; them her.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ them, her; them her.
54 Yet, But.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Yet, But.
56 forth to, vnto.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ forward to, to.
57 Halliedame, Holy Dame; she, shee; Gods oune, gods one.
57 Halliedame, Holy Lady; she, her; Gods oune, God's own.
58 wylie, wyly.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ wylie, wyly.
59 more, better.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ more, improved.
61 hir, her.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ hir, her.
62 think, look; purse-strings, purse-stringes; abye it deare, abide yt deere.
62 think, look; purse-strings, purse-strings; abye it deare, pay for it dearly.
63 that will eate quailes, whoole feed on quayles; crounes, crownes.
63 that will eat quails, who will feast on quails; crowns, crowns.
64 Mistris Francis, Mistres Fraunces; veluett gounes, velvett gownes.
64 Miss Francis, Miss Fraunces; velvet gowns, velvet gowns.
65 And ruffs, Her ruffe; perwigs, perriwigge; as, soe; Maye, May.
65 And ruffs, her ruff; perwigs, periwig; as, so; Maye, May.
67 hostess, hostes; we, wee.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ hostess, host; we, us.
68 Though, although.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Though, although.
69 bonnie, bonny.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ cute, pretty.
70 tenne, tenn; gobbs I will unto thee tell, goblets vnto thee Ile tell. "Gob, a portion" (H).
70 tenne, ten; gobbs I will unto thee tell, goblets I will tell you. "Gob, a portion" (H).
71 lyke thee, like you.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ like you, like you.
73 Awaie, Awaye; thing, worde.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Awaie, Awaye; thing, word.
74 That (mauger) will inuade, it makes invasion in.
74 That (despite) will invade, it makes invasion in.
75 Hey-ho, Loe! here; hearte, harte; keepe, keeping.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Hey there, Loe! here; heart, heart; keep, keeping.
76 Lullabie, lullaby; and falle a sleepe, fall a sleeping.
76 Lullaby, lullaby; and fall asleep, fall asleep.
77 coms, comes; ground, ground.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ coms, comes; ground, ground.
78 Hir, her; silkes, silcke; confound, Confound.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Hir, her; silkes, silks; confound, Confound.
79 Oh, Awaye; rauisht, ravisht; voide, voyd; chamber, Chamber; streight, straight.
79 Oh, Awaye; rauisht, ravished; voide, void; chamber, chamber; streight, straight.
80 For I must neede's be on hir, I must be straight vppon her.
80 For I have to be on her, I must be right up on her.
81 smilde, smiled.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ smilde, grinned.
82 beguilde, beguiled.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ charmed, charmed.
83 With smiles, with flatt'ring wordes, and fained cheere, With sighes and flattering woordes and teares.
83 With smiles, with flattering words, and fake cheer, With sighs and flattering words and tears.
84 their, your; their, much; doeth appeare, still apeares.
84 their, your; their, much; does appear, still appears.
85 how, How; lambkin, Tomalyn; replide, replied.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ how, How; lambkin, Tomalyn; replide, replied.
86 dancing, dauncing.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ dancing, dancing.
87 it be, be it; this, thy.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ it is, be it; this, your.
88 camp, campe.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ camp, camping.
89 onelie, only; sweete heart, sweete harte; came, cam.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ only, only; sweetheart, babe; came, arrived.
90 auoide, avoyd; troblous and stormie, troublesome, stormye.
90 auoide, avoid; troblous and stormie, troublesome, stormy.
91 But now, And since; coaste, coast; we wil, I will.
91 But now, And since; coaste, coast; we wil, I will.
92 Since, for; louer, louers.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Since, for; rental, renters.
93 sprung, sprunge; lips, lippes.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ sprung, sprunge; lips, lips.
94 And fast about the neck me colle's and clips, and about my neck she hugges, she calles, she clippes. "Coll or "cull," to kiss, to embrace; so also "clip."
94 And tightly around my neck, she holds and hugs, and around my neck, she holds, she kisses, she embraces. "Coll" or "cull," to kiss, to embrace; so also "clip."
95 faints, faynes; vpon hir, vppon the.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ faints, faints; upon her, upon her.
98 who, whoe; abstaine, forbeare; long, longe.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ who, who; abstain, refrain; long, long.
99 I com, I com, I come, I come; lyning, Ladye; be, by.
99 I’m here, I'm here, I’m here, I’m here; lying, Lady; be, by.
100 Softlie my fingers up this curtaine heaue, softly my curtaines lett my fingers heaue.
100 Gently lift my fingers on this curtain, softly my curtains let my fingers rise.
101 make, send; happie, happye; stealing, sailing; degreese, degrees.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ make, send; happy, happy; stealing, sailing; degrees, degrees.
102 First bare hir leggs, then creepe up to hir kneese, First vnto the feete, and then vnto the kneese.
102 First bare her legs, then creep up to her knees, First to the feet, and then to the knees.
104 lingring, lingering; am so, come soe.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ lingering, lingering; am so, come so.
105 Smock, Smocke; climbe, clime.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Smock, Smocke; climb, climb.
106 Oh heaven and paradise are all, all earthly pleasures seeme to this.
106 Oh, heaven and paradise are everything, all earthly pleasures feel insignificant compared to this.
107 Compar'd with this sight I now, Compard be these delightes which I.
107 Compared to this sight I now, these pleasures that I experience pale in comparison.
109 prettie rysing, prettye rising; weame, wenne. "Wem," spot or blemish.
109 pretty rising, pretty rising; woman, when. "Wem," spot or blemish.
110 shone, shine(s); anie siluer streame, any christall gemme.
110 shone, shine(s); any silver stream, any crystal gem.
111 bare, beares; bending, riseing; an, a.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ bare, bears; bending, rising; a, a.
112 a fountaine dwelleth still, the(r) runnes a fountayne still.
112 a fountain dwells quietly, there runs a fountain quietly.
113 his, her; uglie bryers, rugged briers.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ his, her; rugged briers, rugged briers.
114 duskie, duskye; wyres, wires.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ dusk, wires.
115 loftie, lusty; veines, vaines.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ loftie, lively; veines, veins.
116 comelie, comely; distreines, restraines. "Distreines," to seize, to touch.
116 attractive, attractive; restrains, restrains. "Restrains," to seize, to touch.
117 wanton, harmles; harmlesse stype, wanton gripe.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ reckless, harmless; harmless style, reckless grip.
118 fruites of loue oftsoone, fruite thereof too soone
118 the fruits of love often come, fruit of it too soon
119 And, A; too tymelie, to tymely; the stemme, his springe.
119 And, A; too soon, too timely; the stem, his spring.
120 To dye ere it hath seene Jerusalem, it is, dyes ere it can enioye the vsed thinge.
120 To dye before it has seen Jerusalem, it means to waste something before it can truly appreciate its value.
122 So suddenlie, soe suddenly; awaie, awaye.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ So suddenly, away.
123 Hir, Her; are spread and I am all unarm'd, and legges and all were spredd, But I was all vnarmed.
123 His, Her; are spread and I am all unarmed, and legs and all were spread, But I was completely unarmed.
124 Lyke, like; with, that; charm'd, charmd.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Like, like; with, that; charmed, charmed.
125 Omitted in Rawl. MS.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Omitted in Rawl. MS.
126 spend their, spent there; hir, your.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ spend their, spent there; hir, your.
128 It, Yt; beawtie cann, beauty can.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ It, Yt; beauty can.
129 clap, clipp; I feele, I view, I wincke, I feele.
129 clap, clipp; I feel, I see, I blink, I feel.
130 dead he lyes, lyes he dead; thinking, feeling.
130 he lies dead, dead he lies; thinking, feeling.
132 Com, now; rubb, roule; chafe, rub; with, in.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Come, now; rub, roll; chafe, rub; with, in.
133 Perhaps, perhapps; sillie, seely; is labour'd, hath laboured.
133 Maybe, perhaps; silly, foolish; is labored, has labored.
135 If it be so, Which if it be; am greate a-dread, doe greately dread.
135 If that's the case, which it could be; I'm really scared, I feel a lot of fear.
136 tenne, ten; were, weare.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ tenne, ten; were, were.
137 How ere it is, What ere it be; no, noe; want, lacke.
137 However it is, whatever it may be; no, none; want, need.
138 maie auaile to, maye avayle for; recouerie, recoverye.
138 may be available to, may be accessible for; recovery, recovery.
139 saide, said; and rould, & rowld; hir thigh, her thighe.
139 said, said; and rolled, & rolled; her thigh, her thigh.
140 And when she look't on't she would weepe and sighe, and looking downe on it, did groane and sighe.
140 And when she looked at it, she would weep and sigh, and looking down at it, she groaned and sighed.
141 dandled, haundled; dancet, daunced; up, vpp; doune, downe.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ dandled, handled; danced, danced; up, up; down, down.
142 she rais'd, shee raisd; his swoune, her sound.
142 she raised, she raised; his swoon, her sound.
144 hir breeche did hack and fayne, her breech laboured & foam'd.
144 her breeches were torn and worn, her backside struggled and foamed.
146 farre, deepe; might, could digg; "eath," easy.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ far, deep; might, could dig; "simple."
147 stryking, stricking; and, &.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ striking, striking; and, &.
148 Now dyuing deepe he toucht hir, And diving deeper, peircte her.
148 Now dying deep, he touched her, and diving deeper, pierced her.
149 gird, girde.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ gird, girded.
150 Straite, then; statlie, stately.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Straite, then; stately, stately.
151 him, he; so, soe.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ him, he; so, so.
152 pacient Grissill, patient Grissell; hir warde, his ward.
152 patient Grissell, patient Grissell; his ward, his ward.
153 blythe, blith; free, fresh.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ carefree, blithe; fresh, new.
154 ere-more, euer; midle, middle of the.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ ere-more, ever; midle, middle of the.
155 him hir eyes continualy, her his eyes Continually.
155 her eyes constantly, his eyes constantly.
156 hir eye-beames his, his eye-browes her; looke's, eyes.
156 her eye beams at him, his eyebrows at her; looks, eyes.
157 twixt, betwixt; plaies, playes.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ between, plays.
158 one, the one; th'other cast's rebounding, the other casting redounding.
158 one, the one; the other bouncing back, the other casting back.
159 He lyke, She like; reguild, requite.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ He likes, She likes; rebuild, requite.
161 lynes, beames: descending, discending.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ lines, beams: descending, descending.
162 bright, deepest; hir dearest sight, the purest light.
162 bright, deepest; her dearest sight, the purest light.
163 Planet, plannet.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Planet, planet.
164 Hir puritie, her puritye.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Her purity, her purity.
165 verie chamber, verye Chamber; enclouds, includes.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ very chamber, includes.
166 Lookes lyke, seemes as; that God deuine, the gods devine.
166 Looks like, seems to be; that God divine, the gods divine.
167 Who, Whoe; daie, daye; Zodiake, Zodiacke.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Who, who; day, day; Zodiac, zodiac.
168 euerie euen discends to th'oceane, in the even, settes of the ocean.
168 every evening descends to the ocean, in the evening, sets off to the ocean.
169 So fierce, soe feirce; is hir radiance, in her radiaunce.
169 So intense, so intense; is her glow, in her glow.
170 fyrie stakes, flyeing breath; darts, dartes; euerie glance, every glaunce.
170 fiery stakes, flying breath; darts, darts; every glance, every glance.
171 enflame, inflame; icie limmes, verry mappe.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ enflame, inflame; icie limmes, very map.
172 make, cause; his seignedrie to aswage, him suddenly tasswage.
172 make, cause; to ease his pain, to suddenly relieve him.
175-6 Omitted in Rawl. MS.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Omitted in Rawl. MS.
177 Thus gazing, and thus striuing, we perseuer, Thus striking, thus gazeing, we perseuere.
177 As we look and strive, we persist, As we hit and gaze, we continue.
178 what so firme, nought soe sure; maie, will; euer, ever.
178 what's so firm, nothing's so certain; may, will; ever, ever.
179 Oh! Fleete; rauisht Mistris cryes, ravisht senses cries.
179 Oh! Fleete; the overwhelmed Mistress cries, overwhelmed senses cry out.
180 Leaste, sith; content that on, Content vppon.
180 At least, since; satisfied that on, Satisfied upon.
181 Be, Which; too, soe; seat, seates.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Be, Which; too, soe; seat, seates.
182 And me unwares of hoped bliss defeat, me vnawares of blissefull hope defeates. Here occur two lines in the Rawl. MS. which do not appear in the Petyt MS., as follows:
182 And I, unaware of the defeat of hoped happiness, I unaware of joyful hope's defeats. Here occur two lines in the Rawl. MS. which do not appear in the Petyt MS., as follows:
Togeather lett our equall motions stirr,
Together let our equal motions stir,
Togeather lett vs liue and dye, my deare;
Together let’s live and die, my dear;
183 Together lett us marche unto content, Togeather let vs march with one contente.
183 Let’s march together toward content, Together let’s march with one purpose.
184 consumed with one blandishment, Consum(e)d without languishmente.
184 overwhelmed by a compliment, Devoured without hesitation.
185 prescrib'd, so kept we crochet, prescribed so keepe we clocke and.
185 prescribed, so we kept crocheting, prescribed so we kept time.
186 lyke, like; chyme, chime.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ like, like; chime, chime.
187 Whilst she, soe shee; had preseru'd, here preferd; pittie, pittye.
187 While she, so she; had preserved, here preferred; pity, pity.
188 Unto, vnto; musike, musicke; dittie, dittye.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ To, music, ditty.
190 Euen, even; blisse and sorrowe doeth, ioyes and sorrowes doe.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Even, even; joys and sorrows do.
191 lapp, lappe; louelie, louely.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ lapp, lappe; louelie, louely.
192 entretaine the, entertaine this; shoure so free, showry see.
192 keep the, keep this; so peaceful, peaceful sea.
193 trikling falles, drisling fall(es); treasurie, treasurye.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ trickling falls, drizzling fall(s); treasury, treasury.
194 As Aprill-drops, Sweete Aprill flowers; half so, halfe soe.
194 Like April showers, sweet April flowers; half as much, half so.
195 overflowe to Ægipt-plaines, overfloweinge Egipt playne.
195 overflow to Egyptian plains, overflowing Egyptian plains.
196 As this sweet-streames, as is the balme; hir ioints imbaynes, her woombe destreynes.
196 As this sweet stream, as is the balm; her joints sway, her womb constrains.
197 With Oh! and Oh! she itching moues hir hipps, Now! oh now! she trickling moues her lippes.
197 With Oh! and Oh! she itches her hips, Now! oh now! she moistens her lips.
198 And, and often; full lightlie starts and skips, she lightly startes and skippes.
198 And, and often; she jumps and skips lightly, she lightly jumps and skips.
199 ierkes, yerkes; leggs, legges; sprauleth, fresketh.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ ierkes, yerkes; leggs, legges; sprauleth, fresketh.
200 No, noe; maie, can; solace, pleasures.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ No, no; but, can; comfort, pleasures.
201 I faint! I yeald! Oh death, rock me, I come! I come! sweete death, rocke mee.
201 I faint! I surrender! Oh death, cradle me, I'm coming! I'm coming! sweet death, cradle me.
202 entombed, intombe me.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ buried, bury me.
203 my deare, my dearest saint, my deare, and dearest she.
203 my dear, my dearest saint, my dear, and dearest her.
204 For, from us yett, thy spirit maie, from us two (yett) this pleasure must.
204 For, from us still, your spirit may, from us two (still) this enjoyment must.
205 Untill, Vntill; channels, Chambers.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Until, channels, Chambers.
206 Without their source, Withould themselues; imprisoned, newe prisoned.
206 Without their source, Withheld themselves; imprisoned, re-imprisoned.
209 whilst, whilest; speake, speke; is fleeting, in stealing.
209 while, while; speak, speak; is fleeting, is stealing.
210 fleshie, earthly.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ fleshy, worldly.
213 but an houre, but one houre; an houre is, one houre is; so, soe
213 but an hour, but one hour; an hour is, one hour is; so, so
214 But, nay; if that, and if.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ But, no; if that, and if.
217 Maie be alightned with a little pause, Maye now be lengthened by a litle pawse.
217 Maybe be lightened with a little pause, Maybe now be extended by a little pause.
218 awaie, awaye; sudden, suddaine.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ away, sudden.
222 springe, spring; must helpe me or, must helpe, or elles.
222 spring, spring; you must help me or, must help, or else.
223-34 Omitted in Rawl. MS.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Omitted in Rawl. MS.
235 Hence-forth no more will I implore thine, Hensforth I will noe more implore thine.
235 From now on, I will no longer ask you, From now on, I will no longer ask you.
236 or man of cowardize upbrayde, for ever of Cowardise shall vpprayd.
236 or man of cowardice shame, for ever of cowardice shall shame.
237 dilldo, dildoe; suply their, supplye your.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ dildo, dildo; supply their, supply your.
238 knaue, youth; moues, is; by, in.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ knaue, youth; moues, is; by, in.
239 That, He; anie, any.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ That, He; anie, any.
241-42 Omitted in Rawl. MS.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Omitted in Rawl. MS.
243 For, by saint Runnion, he'le, And when I will he doth.
243 For, by Saint Runnion, he'll, And whenever I want him to, he does.
244 make, makes; bellie, belly.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ make, makes; belly, belly.
245 whose triumph now, thy kingdome needes; falle, fall.
245 whose victory is now, your kingdom needs; fall, fall.
246 Except, eccept; walle, wall.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Except, except; walle, wall.
247 usurps, vsurpes; boure, bower.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ takes over, vsurpes; bower, bower.
248 undermines, vndermines; euerie howre, euery hower.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ undermines, undermines; every hour, every hour.
249 sly he, slyly; betwixt, betwene.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ sly he, slyly; between, between.
250 sucks, suckes; whilst, while; detaineth, deteyneth.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ sucks, sucks; whilst, while; detaineth, detains.
251 page, lake; stound, sound. "Stound," a moment.
251 page, lake; stound, sound. "Stound," a moment.
252 "tent," to search out.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ "tent," to look for.
253 Courtlie Nimphs, courtly nimphs; be so, are full.
253 Courtlie Nimphs, refined nymphs; be so, are abundant.
254 blynd-alluring, blind-alluring.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ blind-alluring, blind-alluring.
255-6 Omitted in Rawl. MS.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Omitted in Rawl. MS.
257 fortifies disdaine, fortifyes disdayne; forraine, foraigne.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ strengthens disdain, strengthens disdain; foreign, foreign.
258 And wanton-chaste deludes, while wantons chast delude.
258 And shamelessly pure deceives, while the shameless trick the pure.
259 anie, any; Mistris serue's, Mistres serve.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ any, Mistress serves.
260 Or, and; (unhappie) pines and staru's, full deeply pyne and sterue.
260 Or, and; (unhappy) pines and stars, fully deeply pine and starve.
261-64 Omitted in Rawl. MS.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Omitted in Rawl. MS.
265 womans secretarie, woemans secretary.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ women's secretary, women's secretary.
266 Lett, let.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Lett, allow.
267 handfulls highe, handfulles high.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ handfuls high, handfuls high.
268 plumb, plump; yett hauing, and having.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ plumb, plump; yet having, and having.
269 rhewme so feruentlie doeth raigne, rheume soe fervently doth raine.
269 rheum so fervently does reign, rheum so fervently does rain.
270 That, the; gulph maie, gulfe can; containe, conteyne. Here follow, in the Rawl. MS., lines 290-93 of the Petyt; lines 292-3 being also reversed in the Rawl. text.
270 That, the; gulph maie, gulfe can; containe, conteyne. Here follow, in the Rawl. MS., lines 290-93 of the Petyt; lines 292-3 being also reversed in the Rawl. text.
271 Attired, attird; veluet, velvet.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Dressed, dressed; velvet, velvet.
272 nourisht, norisht; hott, warme; milk, milke. "Whott," hot.
272 nourish, nourish; hot, warm; milk, milk. "What," hot.
273 Arm'd otherwhile, Running sometymes.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Armed sometimes, running at times.
274 more glib, more like; to hell be lowe, downe into hell.
274 more smooth-talking, more like; to hell below, down into hell.
275 charriot, chariot; rydes, rides.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ chariot, chariot; rides, rides.
276 The which an arme strong driuer stedfast, An arme strong guider steadfastly him.
276 The one with a strong arm drives steadily, A strong arm guides him steadfastly.
278 who, whoe; pathes unknowne, places vnknowne; gate, pace.
278 who, whose; pathes unknowne, unknown places; gate, step.
279 Sometimes, sometymes; smoothlie slideth doune a, smoothly slippeth downe a.
279 Sometimes, sometimes; smootherly slides down a, smoothly slips down a.
280 Another while, some other tymes.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Another time, some other times.
281 clammie waies, clayey wayes; treaddeth, treadeth.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ muddy paths, clayey ways; treads, treadeth.
282 plasheth and sprayeth, placeth himself &; be him nye, standeth by.
282 splashes and sprays, positions himself &; be near him, stands by.
283 So, soe; iollie rider, royall rider.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ So, soe; cool rider, royal rider.
284 Plunging and sousing, Plungeing & sowsing; lyke, like.
284 Diving and getting soaked, Diving & getting soaked; like, like.
285 He dasht, and spurted, and he plodded, Bedasht, bespotted, and beplotted.
285 He ran, splashed, and trudged, Bedasht, speckled, and stained.
286 blinde, foule.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ blind, crowd.
287 Fy-fy, for grief, But free from greife; ladies chamberlaine, ladyes chamberlayne.
287 Oh no, what a shame, But without any trouble; ladies' chamberlain, ladies' chamberlain.
288 not thou, thou not: refraine, refrayne.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ not you, you not: refrain, refrain.
289 reade thee, tell the; blab, blabb. "Reade," warn.
289 read this, tell the; gossip, gossip. "Read," warn.
290 aduised, advisd; thou vainelie, thou soe vainely.
290 advised, advised; you vainly, you so vainly.
291 Transposed in Rawl. MS. with line 292; wilt, shouldst.
291 Transposed in Rawl. MS. with line 292; wilt, should.
292 Cicelie shewe but, Illian queene knowe; knauerie, bravery.
292 Cicelie shows nothing, Illian queen knows; skill, bravery.
293 Denis shield, Dennis sheild; female sprites, femall sprightes.
293 Denis shield, Dennis shield; female sprites, female sprites.
294 Dames, dames; Cupid's Poet, Cupid's poett.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Women, women; Cupid's Poet, Cupid's poet.
295 pennd, pen; storie onelie, story onely.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ pennd, pen; story only, story only.
296 Who giuing suck unto a childish Elfe, And, giving yt to such an actuall Elfe.
296 Who is feeding a childish elf, and giving it to such a real elf.
297 And, am; discourag'd, discoraged; nurserie, mistery.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ And, am; discouraged, discouraged; nursery, mystery.
298 hir, her; penurie, misery.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ hir, her; penurie, hardship.
300 seaventh iournie, seauenth Iourny.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ seventh journey, seventh journey.
301 want, wantes; hearbe's, omitted; and, &; soile, soyle.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ want, wanted; hearbe's, omitted; and, &; soile, soil.
302 wearie, weary; toile, toyle.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ wearie, tired; toile, toil.
303 Druggs or Electuaries of new devise, Or drugges or electuaryes of newe devises.
303 Drugs or new formulations, or drugs or new concoctions.
304 Doe shunne, that shame; that trembles, & tremble; the, thie; price, prices. In the Rawl. MS., lines 307-8 of the Petyt MS. follow here.
304 Avoid that shame; that quivers, & shudder; the, yours; cost, costs. In the Rawl. MS., lines 307-8 of the Petyt MS. follow here.
305 Sufficeth all I haue, I yeald hir hole, For that I allwayes had, I payd the wole.
305 All I have is enough, I give her everything, Because what I've always had, I've paid in full.
307 I paie our hostess, I paid of both the; and, &; at moste, allmost.
307 I paid our hostess, I covered both of them; and, &; at most, almost.
308 And, yet; and, &; anie, any.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ And, yet; and, & any, any.
309 can, cann.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ can, can't.
310 doune, downe.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ down, down.
311 climbe, clims; banks, bankes.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ climb, climbs; banks, banks.
312 gentlemen, if I, gentleweomen doth this; not thanks, no thankes.
312 gentlemen, if I, ladies do this; no thanks, no thank you.
313 so, soe: unto, vnto.
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ so, to, toward.
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