ALLONE..............3
Mel 1079 this is to seyn, that ther is no wight that hath sovereyn bountee save God allone,	202
Mel 1170 And werke nat alwey in every nede by oon counseillour allone;	340
Mel 1366 For al be it so that ye be myghty and riche, certes ye ne been but allone,	634
ALLOONE.............2
Mel 1104 `It is nat good to been a man alloone; make we to hym an helpe semblable to hymself.'	244
Mel 1560 for thou shalt be alloone withouten any compaignye, but if it be the compaignye of povre folk.'	890
ALMESSE.............1
Mel 1567A to eten the almesse of his enemy,'	900
ALMIGHTY............1
Mel 1868 to th' effect and entente that God Almighty have mercy on yow in his laste juggement.	1270
ALMOOST.............1
Mel 1016 Almoost right in the same wise the phisiciens answerden, save that they seyden a fewe woordes moore:	82
ALMYGHTY............4
Mel 1396 The fer cause is almyghty God, that is cause of alle thynges.	674
Mel 1406 For th' apostle seith that `the sciences and the juggementz of oure Lord God almyghty been ful depe;	688
Mel 1657 but it lith in the wyl and in the hand of oure Lord God Almyghty.	1018
Mel 1661 `Als lightly,' quod he, `may oure Lord God Almyghty yeve victorie to a fewe folk as to many folk,	1024
ALPHONCE............1
Mel 1218 And Piers Alphonce seith, `If thou hast myght to doon a thyng of which thou most repente,	420
ALSO................36
Mel 1007 Ther coomen also ful many subtille flatereres and wise advocatz lerned in the lawe.	68
Mel 1058 And also, certes, if I governed me by thy conseil,	160
Mel 1061 And also if I wolde werke by thy conseillyng, certes, my conseil moste som tyme be secree,	168
Mel 1133 And, sire, ye moste also dryve out of youre herte hastifnesse; for certes,	286
Mel 1159 He seith also, `Ther may no thyng be likned to the trewe freend,	322
Mel 1179 He seith also that `he that speketh to his freend wordes of swetnesse and of plesaunce	356
Mel 1193 Thou shalt also eschue the conseiling of folk that been dronkelewe, for they ne kan no conseil hyde.	380
Mel 1195 Ye shul also han in suspect the conseillyng of swich folk as	382
Mel 1197 Thou shalt also have in suspect the conseillyng of wikked folk. For the book seith,	386
Mel 1199 Thou shalt also eschue the conseillyng of yong folk, for hir conseil is nat rype.	390
Mel 1227 Thou mayst also chaunge thy conseil if so be that thou fynde that by errour,	434
Mel 1228 Also if thy conseil be dishonest, or ellis cometh of dishonest cause, chaunge thy conseil.	436
Mel 1244 Also ye han erred, for theras ye sholden oonly have cleped to youre conseil	460
Mel 1246 And eek also ye have erred, for ye han broght with yow to youre conseil ire, coveitise, and hastifnesse,	464
Mel 1249 Ye han erred also, for ye han shewed to youre conseillours	468
Mel 1252 Ye han erred also, for it semeth that yow suffiseth	472
Mel 1254 Ye han erred also, for ye ne han nat examyned youre conseil in the forseyde manere,	476
Mel 1255 Ye han erred also, for ye han maked no division bitwixe youre conseillours -- this is to seyn,	478
Mel 1298 and seyden also that in this caas yow oghten for to werken ful avysely and with greet deliberacioun.	538
Mel 1352 the yonge folk also, that conseilleden yow to venge yow and make werre anon.	616
Mel 1362 And lat us considere also who been they, and how manye been they,	628
Mel 1370 Ye knowen also that youre richesses mooten been dispended in diverse parties,	638
Mel 1377 Thanne lat us considere also if the conseillyng of hem that conseilleden yow to taken sodeyn vengeaunce,	648
Mel 1419 and also he hath suffred that thou hast been punysshed in the manere that thow hast ytrespassed.	702
Mel 1464 And also for my suffrance men wolden do me so muchel vileynye that	760
Mel 1473 Also a wys man seith that `the juge that correcteth nat the synnere comandeth and biddeth hym do synne.'	770
Mel 1501 Also ye owen to enclyne and bowe youre herte	806
Mel 1505 Also the grete pacience which the seintes that been in Paradys han had in tribulaciouns	812
Mel 1511 Also troweth and bileveth stedefastly that he nys nat wel ynorissed, ne wel ytaught,	820
Mel 1515 He seith also, `It is moore worth to be pacient than for to be right strong;	826
Mel 1530 And also, if ye wol venge yow of the outrage of youre adversaries	844
Mel 1558 And this Pamphilles seith also, `If thow be right happy -- that is to seyn,	886
Mel 1579 He seith also that `the richesse that hastily cometh to a man soone	916
Mel 1605 He seith also, `The goodes that thou hast ygeten, use hem by mesure;'	950
Mel 1811 han doon grete injuries and wronges to me and to my wyf Prudence and to my doghter also.	1204
Mel 1845 but he shal also enforcen hym alwey to do somthyng by which he may renovelle his good name.	1244
ALTHOUGH............1
Mel 992A ne to muche drye; although the teeris come to thyne eyen, lat hem nat falle;	40
ALWEY...............15
Mel 1124 The firste is this: he that hath greet ire and wratthe in hymself, he weneth alwey that	272
Mel 1136 Sire, ye ne be nat alwey in lyk disposicioun;	290
Mel 1152 for they enforcen hem alwey rather to speken plesante wordes, enclynynge to the lordes lust,	312
Mel 1162A For the book seith, `Axe alwey thy conseil of hem that been wise.'	326
Mel 1169 But looke alwey that thy conseillours have thilke thre condiciouns that I have seyd bifore --	338
Mel 1170 And werke nat alwey in every nede by oon counseillour allone;	340
Mel 1197A `The conseillyng of wikked folk is alwey ful of fraude.'	388
Mel 1258 And sith ye woot wel that men shal alwey fynde a gretter nombre of fooles than of wise men,	484
Mel 1308A and have alwey in suspect hire compaignye.	552
Mel 1322A yet shaltow alwey do thy diligence in kepynge of thy persone;	574
Mel 1580 but that richesse that cometh litel and litel wexeth alwey and multiplieth.'	918
Mel 1624 Afterward, in getynge of youre richesses and in usynge hem ye shul alwey have thre thynges in youre herte	974
Mel 1632 And yet seye I ferthermoore, that ye sholde alwey doon youre bisynesse to gete yow richesses,	982
Mel 1637 yow moste have greet bisynesse and greet diligence that youre goode name be alwey kept and conserved.	990
Mel 1845 but he shal also enforcen hym alwey to do somthyng by which he may renovelle his good name.	1244
AM..................8
Mel 1088 And sire, by youre leve, that am nat I,	218
Mel 1263 I am al redy to chaunge my conseillours right as thow wolt devyse.	490
Mel 1548 For I am richer and moore myghty than myne enemys been;	872
Mel 1699 for ye knowe wel that I am angry and wrooth, and that is no wonder;	1070
Mel 1702 But seyeth and conseileth me as yow liketh, for I am redy to do right as ye wol desire;	1072
Mel 1703A I am the moore holden to love yow and to preyse yow.	1074
Mel 1712 Seyeth shortly youre wyl and youre conseil, and I am al redy to fulfille and parfourne it. "	1088
Mel 1763 Forthermoore I knowe wel and am right seur that he shal nothyng doon in this nede withouten my conseil,	1146
AMEN................1
Mel 1888 and bryngen us to the blisse that nevere hath ende. " Amen.	1294
AMENDES.............1
Mel 1746 so ferforth that we be nat of power to maken his amendes.	1124
AMENDETH............1
Mel 1710 `the fool correcteth and amendeth hymself.' "	1084
AMONESTETH..........1
Mel 1294 And in manye othere places he amonesteth pees and accord.	532
AMONG...............1
Mel 1167 for Salomon seith, `Manye freendes have thou, but among a thousand chese thee oon to be thy conseillour.'	336
AMONGES.............1
Mel 988A amonges folk in sorwe, but it is rather graunted hym to wepe.	34
AMOUNTETH...........1
Mel 1038A that woot ful litel what werre amounteth.	124
AMYABLE.............1
Mel 978 and thanne shal man doon his diligence with amyable wordes hire to reconforte,	18
AMYS................1
Mel 1690A and the reconsiliacioun, I ne hadde nat muchel mystaken me ne seyd amys.	1060
AN..................15
Mel 1021 Up roos thanne an advocat that was wys,	88
Mel 1022A is a ful hevy thyng and an heigh matiere,	92
Mel 1039 Werre at his bigynnyng hath so greet an entryng and so large that every wight may entre	126
Mel 1104 `It is nat good to been a man alloone; make we to hym an helpe semblable to hymself.'	244
Mel 1222A ye may parfourne youre emprise, conferme it thanne sadly til it be at an ende.	428
Mel 1257 but ye han cast alle hire wordes in an hochepot, and enclyned youre herte to the moore part	482
Mel 1326A and an hound wol holde the wilde boor.'	580
Mel 1463 For it is writen, `If thou take no vengeance of an oold vileynye,	758
Mel 1542A is lyk to hym that taketh an hound by the eris.'	864
Mel 1600 For right as men blamen an avaricious man by cause of his scarsetee and chyncherie,	946
Mel 1619 And as wel as ye wolde eschewe to be called an avaricious man or chynche,	968
Mel 1696 And Salomon seith, `He that hath over-hard an herte, atte laste he shal myshappe and mystyde.' "	1066
Mel 1752 " Certes, " quod Prudence, " it is an hard thyng and right perilous	1132
Mel 1794 " Ther is an old proverbe, " quod she, " seith that `the goodnesse that thou mayst do this day, do it,	1184
Mel 1866 For Senec seith, `He overcometh in an yvel manere that repenteth hym of his victorie.'	1268
AND.................942
Mel 967 A yong man called Melibeus, myghty and riche, bigat upon his wyf, that called was Prudence,	0
Mel 969 His wyf and eek his doghter hath he left inwith his hous, of which the dores weren faste yshette.	4
Mel 970 Thre of his olde foes han it espyed, and setten laddres to the walles of his hous,	4
Mel 970A and by wyndowes been entred,	6
Mel 971 and betten his wyf, and wounded his doghter with fyve mortal woundes in fyve sondry places --	6
Mel 971 and betten his wyf, and wounded his doghter with fyve mortal woundes in fyve sondry places --	6
Mel 972A and in hire mouth -- and leften hire for deed, and wenten awey.	8
Mel 972A and in hire mouth -- and leften hire for deed, and wenten awey.	8
Mel 972A and in hire mouth -- and leften hire for deed, and wenten awey.	8
Mel 973 Whan Melibeus retourned was into his hous, and saugh al this meschief, he,	10
Mel 973A lyk a mad man rentynge his clothes, gan to wepe and crie.	10
Mel 975 but nat forthy he gan to crie and wepen evere lenger the moore.	12
Mel 978 and thanne shal man doon his diligence with amyable wordes hire to reconforte,	18
Mel 978A and preyen hire of hir wepyng for to stynte. "	18
Mel 979A for to wepe and crie as for a certein space,	20
Mel 980 and whan she saugh hir tyme, she seyde hym in this wise:	22
Mel 982 Youre doghter, with the grace of God, shal warisshe and escape.	24
Mel 983 And, al were it so that she right now were deed,	26
Mel 986 This Melibeus answerde anon and seyde, " What man, " quod he, " sholde of his wepyng stente	30
Mel 989A with hem that maken joye and wepen with swich folk as wepen.'	36
Mel 993 and whan thou hast forgoon thy freend, do diligence to gete another freend;	42
Mel 993A and this is moore wysdom than for to wepe for thy freend	42
Mel 994 And therfore, if ye governe yow by sapience, put awey sorwe out of youre herte.	44
Mel 995 Remembre yow that Jhesus Syrak seith, `A man that is joyous and glad in herte,	46
Mel 997A and the smale wormes to the tree, right so anoyeth sorwe to the herte.	50
Mel 999 Remembre yow upon the pacient Job. Whan he hadde lost his children and his temporeel substance,	52
Mel 999A and in his body endured and receyved ful many a grevous tribulacion, yet seyde he thus:	54
Mel 999A and in his body endured and receyved ful many a grevous tribulacion, yet seyde he thus:	54
Mel 1001A " been sothe and therto profitable, but trewely myn herte is troubled with this sorwe	58
Mel 1002 " Lat calle, " quod Prudence, " thy trewe freendes alle and thy lynage whiche that been wise. Telleth youre cas,	60
Mel 1002A and herkneth what they seye in conseillyng, and yow governe after hire sentence.	60
Mel 1002A and herkneth what they seye in conseillyng, and yow governe after hire sentence.	60
Mel 1003 Salomon seith, `Werk alle thy thynges by conseil, and thou shalt never repente.' "	62
Mel 1005 as surgiens, phisiciens, olde folk and yonge, and somme of his olde enemys reconsiled	64
Mel 1005 as surgiens, phisiciens, olde folk and yonge, and somme of his olde enemys reconsiled	64
Mel 1005A as by hir semblaunt to his love and into his grace;	64
Mel 1006 and therwithal ther coomen somme of his neighebores that diden hym reverence	66
Mel 1007 Ther coomen also ful many subtille flatereres and wise advocatz lerned in the lawe.	68
Mel 1008 And whan this folk togidre assembled weren, this Melibeus in sorweful wise shewed hem his cas.	68
Mel 1009 And by the manere of his speche it semed that in herte he baar a crueel ire,	70
Mel 1009A redy to doon vengeaunce upon his foes, and sodeynly desired that the werre sholde bigynne;	70
Mel 1011 A surgien, by licence and assent of swiche as weren wise, up roos	72
Mel 1011A and to Melibeus seyde as ye may heere:	74
Mel 1012A where as we been withholde, and to oure pacientz that we do no damage,	76
Mel 1013 wherfore it happeth many tyme and ofte that whan twey men han everich wounded oother,	76
Mel 1015B she shal be hool and sound as soone as is possible. "	82
Mel 1018 His neighebores ful of envye, his feyned freendes that semeden reconsiled, and his flatereres	84
Mel 1019 maden semblant of wepyng, and empeireden and agreggeden muchel of this matiere	86
Mel 1019 maden semblant of wepyng, and empeireden and agreggeden muchel of this matiere	86
Mel 1019A in preisynge greetly Melibee of myght, of power, of richesse, and of freendes, despisynge the power of his adversaries,	86
Mel 1020 and seiden outrely that he anon sholde wreken hym on his foes and bigynne werre.	88
Mel 1020 and seiden outrely that he anon sholde wreken hym on his foes and bigynne werre.	88
Mel 1021A by leve and by conseil of othere that were wise, and seide:	90
Mel 1021A by leve and by conseil of othere that were wise, and seide:	90
Mel 1022A is a ful hevy thyng and an heigh matiere,	92
Mel 1023 by cause of the wrong and of the wikkednesse that hath be doon,	92
Mel 1023A and eek by resoun of the grete damages that in tyme comynge	94
Mel 1024 and eek by resoun of the grete richesse and power of the parties bothe,	96
Mel 1024 and eek by resoun of the grete richesse and power of the parties bothe,	96
Mel 1027 And after that, we conseille that in thyn hous thou sette sufficeant garnisoun	100
Mel 1029 Wherfore we axen leyser and espace to have deliberacion in this cas to deme.	104
Mel 1031 And eek men seyn that thilke juge is wys that soone understondeth a matiere and juggeth by leyser;	106
Mel 1031 And eek men seyn that thilke juge is wys that soone understondeth a matiere and juggeth by leyser;	106
Mel 1032B whan it is sufficeant and resonable.	110
Mel 1033 And that shewed oure Lord Jhesu Crist by ensample, for whan that the womman that was taken in avowtrie	110
Mel 1033C but he wolde have deliberacion, and in the ground he wroot twies.	114
Mel 1034 And by thise causes we axen deliberacioun, and we shal thanne, by the grace of God, conseille thee	114
Mel 1034 And by thise causes we axen deliberacioun, and we shal thanne, by the grace of God, conseille thee	114
Mel 1035 Up stirten thanne the yonge folk atones, and the mooste partie of that compaignye han scorned this olde wise	116
Mel 1035A man, and bigonnen to make noyse, and seyden that	118
Mel 1035A man, and bigonnen to make noyse, and seyden that	118
Mel 1036A right so men sholde wreken hir wronges whil that they been fresshe and newe;	120
Mel 1036B and with loud voys they criden " Werre! Werre! "	120
Mel 1037 Up roos tho oon of thise olde wise, and with his hand made contenaunce that	122
Mel 1037A men sholde holden hem stille and yeven hym audience.	122
Mel 1039 Werre at his bigynnyng hath so greet an entryng and so large that every wight may entre	126
Mel 1039A whan hym liketh and lightly fynde werre;	126
Mel 1041A that shal sterve yong by cause of thilke werre, or elles lyve in sorwe and dye in wrecchednesse.	130
Mel 1042 And therfore, er that any werre bigynne, men moste have greet conseil and greet deliberacion. "	130
Mel 1042 And therfore, er that any werre bigynne, men moste have greet conseil and greet deliberacion. "	130
Mel 1043 And whan this olde man wende to enforcen his tale by resons, wel ny alle atones bigonne they	132
Mel 1043A to rise for to breken his tale, and beden hym ful ofte his wordes for to abregge.	132
Mel 1046 And whan this wise man saugh that hym wanted audience, al shamefast he sette hym doun agayn.	138
Mel 1049A and conseilled hym the contrarie in general audience.	142
Mel 1050A anoon he consented to hir conseillyng and fully affermed hire sentence.	144
Mel 1051A foes and to bigynne werre, she in ful humble wise, whan she saugh hir tyme, seide to hym thise wordes:	146
Mel 1052 " My lord, " quod she, " I yow biseche, as hertely as I dar and kan,	148
Mel 1052A ne haste yow nat to faste and, for alle gerdons, as yeveth me audience.	148
Mel 1053A for in this wise thy freend wole abyde and thyn enemy shal the lenger lyve in drede.'	150
Mel 1054 The proverbe seith, `He hasteth wel that wisely kan abyde,' and `in wikked haste is no profit.' "	152
Mel 1055A for many causes and resouns. For certes, every wight wolde holde me thanne a fool;	154
Mel 1056A thynges that been ordeyned and affermed by so manye wyse.	156
Mel 1057 Secoundely, I seye that alle wommen been wikke, and noon good of hem alle.	156
Mel 1058 And also, certes, if I governed me by thy conseil,	160
Mel 1058B and God forbede that it so weere!	162
Mel 1060 And Salomon seith: `Nevere in thy lyf to thy wyf, ne to thy child, ne to thy freend	164
Mel 1061 And also if I wolde werke by thy conseillyng, certes, my conseil moste som tyme be secree,	168
Mel 1061A til it were tyme that it moste be knowe, and this ne may noght be.	168
Mel 1064 Whanne dame Prudence, ful debonairly and with greet pacience, hadde herd al that hir housbonde liked for to seye,	170
Mel 1064A thanne axed she of hym licence for to speke, and seyde in this wise:	170
Mel 1066 And mooreover, I seye that though ye han sworn and bihight to perfourne youre emprise, and nathelees ye weyve	174
Mel 1066 And mooreover, I seye that though ye han sworn and bihight to perfourne youre emprise, and nathelees ye weyve	174
Mel 1066 And mooreover, I seye that though ye han sworn and bihight to perfourne youre emprise, and nathelees ye weyve	174
Mel 1068 And al be it so that youre emprise be establissed and ordeyned by greet multitude of folk,	178
Mel 1068 And al be it so that youre emprise be establissed and ordeyned by greet multitude of folk,	178
Mel 1069 For the trouthe of thynges and the profit been rather founden in fewe folk that been wise and	180
Mel 1069 For the trouthe of thynges and the profit been rather founden in fewe folk that been wise and	180
Mel 1069A ful of resoun than by greet multitude of folk ther every man crieth and clatereth what that hym liketh.	180
Mel 1070 And as to the seconde resoun, where as ye seyn that alle wommen been wikke;	182
Mel 1070A save youre grace, certes ye despisen alle wommen in this wyse, and	184
Mel 1071 And Senec seith that `whoso wole have sapience shal no man dispreyse,	186
Mel 1072 and swiche thynges as he noght ne kan, he shal nat been ashamed to lerne hem,	188
Mel 1072A and enquere of lasse folk than hymself.'	188
Mel 1073 And, sire, that ther hath been many a good womman may lightly be preved.	190
Mel 1075 And after that, for the grete bountee that is in wommen,	192
Mel 1076 And though that Salomon seith that he ne foond nevere womman good,	196
Mel 1077A many another man hath founden many a womman ful good and trewe.	198
Mel 1081A it sholde seme that ye hadde yeve me the maistrie and the lordshipe over youre persone.	206
Mel 1082A but oonly of hem that hadden lordshipe and maistrie of his persone, men wolden nat be conseilled so ofte.	208
Mel 1084 And as to youre fourthe resoun, ther ye seyn that the janglerie of wommen kan hyde thynges that they	212
Mel 1085 sire, thise wordes been understonde of wommen that been jangleresses and wikked;	214
Mel 1086A that is to seyn, smoke, droppyng of reyn, and wikked wyves;	216
Mel 1087 and of swiche wommen seith Salomon that	216
Mel 1088 And sire, by youre leve, that am nat I,	218
Mel 1089 for ye han ful ofte assayed my grete silence and my grete pacience, and eek how wel that	220
Mel 1089 for ye han ful ofte assayed my grete silence and my grete pacience, and eek how wel that	220
Mel 1089A I kan hyde and hele thynges that men oghte secreely to hyde.	220
Mel 1090 And soothly, as to youre fifthe resoun, where as ye seyn that in wikked conseil wommen venquisshe men,	222
Mel 1092 and if ye wole werken wikkednesse, and youre wif restreyneth thilke wikked purpos,	224
Mel 1092 and if ye wole werken wikkednesse, and youre wif restreyneth thilke wikked purpos,	224
Mel 1092A and overcometh yow by reson and by good conseil,	226
Mel 1092A and overcometh yow by reson and by good conseil,	226
Mel 1095 And ther as ye blamen alle wommen and hir resouns, I shal shewe yow by manye ensamples that	228
Mel 1095 And ther as ye blamen alle wommen and hir resouns, I shal shewe yow by manye ensamples that	228
Mel 1095A many a womman hath ben ful good, and yet been, and hir conseils ful hoolsome and profitable.	230
Mel 1095A many a womman hath ben ful good, and yet been, and hir conseils ful hoolsome and profitable.	230
Mel 1095A many a womman hath ben ful good, and yet been, and hir conseils ful hoolsome and profitable.	230
Mel 1097 But al be it so that ful many a womman is badde and hir conseil vile and noght worth,	232
Mel 1097 But al be it so that ful many a womman is badde and hir conseil vile and noght worth,	232
Mel 1097A yet han men founde ful many a good womman, and ful discret and wis in conseillynge.	234
Mel 1097A yet han men founde ful many a good womman, and ful discret and wis in conseillynge.	234
Mel 1098A and the lordshipe over alle his bretheren.	236
Mel 1099A out of the handes of Olofernus, that hadde it biseged and wolde have al destroyed it.	238
Mel 1100A and apaysed the ire of the kyng by hir wit and by hir good conseillyng.	240
Mel 1100A and apaysed the ire of the kyng by hir wit and by hir good conseillyng.	240
Mel 1102 And the same bountee in good conseillyng of many a good womman may men telle.	242
Mel 1103 And mooreover, whan oure Lord hadde creat Adam, oure forme fader, he seyde in this wise:	242
Mel 1105 Heere may ye se that if that wommen were nat goode, and hir conseils goode and profitable,	244
Mel 1105 Heere may ye se that if that wommen were nat goode, and hir conseils goode and profitable,	244
Mel 1107 And ther seyde oones a clerk in two vers, `What is bettre than gold? Jaspre.	248
Mel 1108 And what is better than wisedoom? Womman. And what is bettre than a good womman? Nothyng.'	250
Mel 1108 And what is better than wisedoom? Womman. And what is bettre than a good womman? Nothyng.'	250
Mel 1109 And, sire, by manye of othre resons may ye seen that	250
Mel 1109A manye wommen been goode, and hir conseils goode and profitable.	252
Mel 1109A manye wommen been goode, and hir conseils goode and profitable.	252
Mel 1110 And therfore, sire, if ye wol triste to my conseil, I shal restoore yow youre doghter hool and sound.	252
Mel 1110 And therfore, sire, if ye wol triste to my conseil, I shal restoore yow youre doghter hool and sound.	252
Mel 1111 And eek I wol do to yow so muche that ye shul have honour in this cause. "	254
Mel 1113B for they yeven swetnesse to the soule and hoolsomnesse to the body.'	258
Mel 1114 And, wyf, by cause of thy sweete wordes, and eek for I have assayed and preved thy grete sapience	258
Mel 1114 And, wyf, by cause of thy sweete wordes, and eek for I have assayed and preved thy grete sapience	258
Mel 1114 And, wyf, by cause of thy sweete wordes, and eek for I have assayed and preved thy grete sapience	258
Mel 1114A and thy grete trouthe, I wol governe me by thy conseil in alle thyng. "	260
Mel 1115 " Now, sire, " quod dame Prudence, " and syn ye vouche sauf to been governed by my conseil,	260
Mel 1117 and shapeth yow to swich entente that he yeve yow conseil and confort, as taughte Thobie his sone:	264
Mel 1117 and shapeth yow to swich entente that he yeve yow conseil and confort, as taughte Thobie his sone:	264
Mel 1118 `At alle tymes thou shalt blesse God, and praye hym to dresse thy weyes,	264
Mel 1118A and looke that alle thy conseils been in hym for everemoore.'	266
Mel 1120 And afterward thanne shul ye taken conseil in youreself,	268
Mel 1120A and examyne wel youre thoghtes of swich thyng as yow thynketh that is best for youre profit.	268
Mel 1121 And thanne shul ye dryve fro youre herte thre thynges that been contrariouse to good conseil;	270
Mel 1122 that is to seyn, ire, coveitise, and hastifnesse.	270
Mel 1124 The firste is this: he that hath greet ire and wratthe in hymself, he weneth alwey that	272
Mel 1125 And secoundely, he that is irous and wrooth, he ne may nat wel deme;	274
Mel 1125 And secoundely, he that is irous and wrooth, he ne may nat wel deme;	274
Mel 1126 and he that may nat wel deme, may nat wel conseille.	276
Mel 1127 The thridde is this, that he that is irous and wrooth, as seith Senec,	276
Mel 1128 and with his viciouse wordes he stireth oother folk to angre and to ire.	278
Mel 1128 and with his viciouse wordes he stireth oother folk to angre and to ire.	278
Mel 1129 And eek, sire, ye moste dryve coveitise out of youre herte.	280
Mel 1131 And trust wel that a coveitous man ne kan noght deme ne thynke,	282
Mel 1132 and certes, that ne may nevere been accompliced,	284
Mel 1133 And, sire, ye moste also dryve out of youre herte hastifnesse; for certes,	286
Mel 1138 " Whan ye han taken conseil in youreself and han deemed by good deliberacion swich thyng as you semeth best,	292
Mel 1142 for they wol yeve yow audience and lookynge and supportacioun in thy presence and scorne thee in thyn absence.'	298
Mel 1142 for they wol yeve yow audience and lookynge and supportacioun in thy presence and scorne thee in thyn absence.'	298
Mel 1142 for they wol yeve yow audience and lookynge and supportacioun in thy presence and scorne thee in thyn absence.'	298
Mel 1145 and whan thou biwreyest thy conseil to any wight, he holdeth thee in his snare.'	300
Mel 1146 And therfore yow is bettre to hyde youre conseil in youre herte than praye him	302
Mel 1146A to whom ye han biwreyed youre conseil that he wole kepen it cloos and stille.	302
Mel 1149A ne shewe hym nat thy wille and thyn entente.	308
Mel 1153 And therfore men seyn that the riche man hath seeld good conseil, but if he have it of hymself.	314
Mel 1154 And after that thou shalt considere thy freendes and thyne enemys.	314
Mel 1154 And after that thou shalt considere thy freendes and thyne enemys.	314
Mel 1155 And as touchynge thy freendes, thou shalt considere which of hem been	316
Mel 1155A moost feithful and moost wise and eldest and most approved in conseillyng;	316
Mel 1155A moost feithful and moost wise and eldest and most approved in conseillyng;	316
Mel 1155A moost feithful and moost wise and eldest and most approved in conseillyng;	316
Mel 1156 and of hem shalt thou aske thy conseil, as the caas requireth.	318
Mel 1161 And eek he seith that `a trewe freend is a strong deffense; who so that it fyndeth,	324
Mel 1162 Thanne shul ye eek considere if that youre trewe freendes been discrete and wise.	326
Mel 1163 And by this same resoun shul ye clepen to youre conseil of youre freendes that been of age,	328
Mel 1163A swiche as han seyn and been expert in manye thynges and been approved in conseillynges.	328
Mel 1163A swiche as han seyn and been expert in manye thynges and been approved in conseillynges.	328
Mel 1164 For the book seith that `in olde men is the sapience, and in longe tyme the prudence.'	330
Mel 1165 And Tullius seith that `grete thynges ne been nat ay accompliced by strengthe, ne by delivernesse of body, but	330
Mel 1165A by good conseil, by auctoritee of persones, and by science; the whiche thre thynges ne been nat fieble by age,	332
Mel 1165B but certes they enforcen and encreescen day by day.'	332
Mel 1166 And thanne shul ye kepe this for a general reule: First shul ye clepen to youre conseil	334
Mel 1169A that is to seyn, that they be trewe, wise, and of oold experience.	340
Mel 1170 And werke nat alwey in every nede by oon counseillour allone;	340
Mel 1173A for he ne kan noght conseille but after his owene lust and his affeccioun.'	346
Mel 1174A and lightly troweth alle bountee in hymself.'	348
Mel 1176A And therfore is it moore nede that thou eschue and drede flatereres than any oother peple.	352
Mel 1176A And therfore is it moore nede that thou eschue and drede flatereres than any oother peple.	352
Mel 1177 The book seith, `Thou shalt rather drede and flee fro the sweete wordes of flaterynge preiseres	354
Mel 1179 He seith also that `he that speketh to his freend wordes of swetnesse and of plesaunce	356
Mel 1180 And therfore seith Tullius, `Enclyne nat thyne eres to flatereres, ne taak no conseil of the wordes of flaterye.'	358
Mel 1181 And Caton seith, `Avyse thee wel, and eschue the wordes of swetnesse and of plesaunce.'	360
Mel 1181 And Caton seith, `Avyse thee wel, and eschue the wordes of swetnesse and of plesaunce.'	360
Mel 1181 And Caton seith, `Avyse thee wel, and eschue the wordes of swetnesse and of plesaunce.'	360
Mel 1182 And eek thou shalt eschue the conseillyng of thyne olde enemys that been reconsiled.	360
Mel 1184 And Isope seith, `Ne trust nat to hem to whiche thou hast had som tyme werre or enemytee,	362
Mel 1185 And Seneca telleth the cause why: `It may nat be,' seith he, `that where greet	364
Mel 1186 And therfore seith Salomon, `In thyn olde foo trust nevere.'	366
Mel 1187 For sikerly, though thyn enemy be reconsiled, and maketh thee chiere of humylitee,	368
Mel 1187A and lowteth to thee with his heed, ne trust hym nevere.	368
Mel 1189 And Peter Alfonce seith, `Make no felawshipe with thyne olde enemys, for if thou do hem bountee,	372
Mel 1190 And eek thou most eschue the conseillyng of hem that been thy servantz and beren thee greet reverence,	374
Mel 1190 And eek thou most eschue the conseillyng of hem that been thy servantz and beren thee greet reverence,	374
Mel 1191 And therfore seith a philosophre in this wise:	376
Mel 1192 And Tullius seith, `Ther nys no myght so greet of any emperour that longe may endure,	378
Mel 1195A conseille yow o thyng prively and conseille yow the contrarie openly.	384
Mel 1196A whan he sheweth to doon o thyng openly and werketh prively the contrarie.'	386
Mel 1198 And David seith, `Blisful is that man that hath nat folwed the conseilyng of shrewes.'	388
Mel 1200A and of which folk ye shul folwe the conseil,	392
Mel 1203 Alderfirst thou shalt considere that in thilke thyng that thou purposest, and upon what thyng thou wolt have conseil,	394
Mel 1203A that verray trouthe be seyd and conserved; this is to seyn, telle trewely thy tale.	396
Mel 1205 And after this thou shalt considere the thynges that acorden to that thou purposest	398
Mel 1206 and eek if thy myght may atteine therto, and if the moore part	400
Mel 1206 and eek if thy myght may atteine therto, and if the moore part	400
Mel 1206A and the bettre part of thy conseillours acorde therto, or noon.	400
Mel 1207A as hate, pees, werre, grace, profit, or damage, and manye othere thynges.	402
Mel 1208 And in alle thise thynges thou shalt chese the beste and weyve alle othere thynges.	404
Mel 1208 And in alle thise thynges thou shalt chese the beste and weyve alle othere thynges.	404
Mel 1209A and what fruyt it may conceyve and engendre.	406
Mel 1209A and what fruyt it may conceyve and engendre.	406
Mel 1211 And whan ye han examyned youre conseil, as I have seyd, and which partie is the bettre	408
Mel 1211 And whan ye han examyned youre conseil, as I have seyd, and which partie is the bettre	408
Mel 1211A and moore profitable, and han approved it by manye wise folk and olde,	408
Mel 1211A and moore profitable, and han approved it by manye wise folk and olde,	408
Mel 1211A and moore profitable, and han approved it by manye wise folk and olde,	408
Mel 1212 thanne shaltou considere if thou mayst parfourne it and maken of it a good ende.	410
Mel 1216 And Catoun seith, `Assay to do swich thyng as thou hast power to doon,	414
Mel 1217 And if so be that thou be in doute wheither thou mayst parfourne a thing or noon,	418
Mel 1218 And Piers Alphonce seith, `If thou hast myght to doon a thyng of which thou most repente,	420
Mel 1222 And after, whan ye han examyned youre conseil, as I have seyd biforn, and knowen wel that	426
Mel 1222 And after, whan ye han examyned youre conseil, as I have seyd biforn, and knowen wel that	426
Mel 1223 " Now is it resoun and tyme that I shewe yow whanne and wherfore that	428
Mel 1223 " Now is it resoun and tyme that I shewe yow whanne and wherfore that	428
Mel 1224 Soothly, a man may chaungen his purpos and his conseil if the cause cesseth,	430
Mel 1226 And Senec seith, `If thy conseil is comen to the eeris of thyn enemy, chaunge thy conseil.'	434
Mel 1230 and eek if so be that it be inpossible, or may nat goodly be parfourned or kept.	438
Mel 1231 " And take this for a general reule, that every conseil that is affermed so strongly that it may nat	440
Mel 1233 " Dame, " quod he, " as yet into this tyme ye han wel and covenably taught me as in general how	442
Mel 1233A I shal governe me in the chesynge and in the withholdynge of my conseillours.	444
Mel 1235 and telle me how liketh yow, or what semeth yow, by oure conseillours	446
Mel 1237A for youre honour, and for youre profite eke.	450
Mel 1238 And soothly, I hope that youre benyngnytee wol taken it in pacience.	452
Mel 1241 " First and forward, ye han erred in th' assemblynge of youre conseillours.	456
Mel 1242 For ye sholde first have cleped a fewe folk to youre conseil, and after ye myghte han shewed it	456
Mel 1243A ful chargeant and ful anoyous for to heere.	460
Mel 1244A youre trewe frendes olde and wise,	462
Mel 1245 ye han ycleped straunge folk, yonge folk, false flatereres, and enemys reconsiled,	462
Mel 1245A and folk that doon yow reverence withouten love.	464
Mel 1246 And eek also ye have erred, for ye han broght with yow to youre conseil ire, coveitise, and hastifnesse,	464
Mel 1246 And eek also ye have erred, for ye han broght with yow to youre conseil ire, coveitise, and hastifnesse,	464
Mel 1247 the whiche thre thinges been contrariouse to every conseil honest and profitable;	466
Mel 1249A youre talent and youre affeccioun to make werre anon and for to do vengeance.	470
Mel 1249A youre talent and youre affeccioun to make werre anon and for to do vengeance.	470
Mel 1251 and therfore han they rather conseilled yow to youre talent than to youre profit.	472
Mel 1252A to han been conseilled by thise conseillours oonly, and with litel avys,	474
Mel 1253 whereas in so greet and so heigh a nede it hadde been necessarie mo conseillours	474
Mel 1253A and moore deliberacion to parfourne youre emprise.	476
Mel 1255A bitwixen youre trewe freendes and youre feyned conseillours --	480
Mel 1256 ne ye han nat knowe the wil of youre trewe freendes olde and wise,	480
Mel 1257 but ye han cast alle hire wordes in an hochepot, and enclyned youre herte to the moore part	482
Mel 1257A and to the gretter nombre, and there been ye condescended.	482
Mel 1257A and to the gretter nombre, and there been ye condescended.	482
Mel 1258 And sith ye woot wel that men shal alwey fynde a gretter nombre of fooles than of wise men,	484
Mel 1259 and therfore the conseils that been at congregaciouns and multitudes of folk, there as men take moore reward	484
Mel 1259 and therfore the conseils that been at congregaciouns and multitudes of folk, there as men take moore reward	484
Mel 1261 Melibeus answerde agayn, and seyde, " I graunte wel that I have erred;	488
Mel 1262A that he nys nat to blame that chaungeth his conseillours in certein caas and for certeine juste causes,	490
Mel 1265 To this sentence answered anon dame Prudence, and seyde,	494
Mel 1266 " Examineth, " quod she, " youre conseil, and lat us see	494
Mel 1266A the whiche of hem han spoken most resonably and taught yow best conseil.	496
Mel 1267 And for as muche as that the examynacion is necessarie, lat us bigynne at the surgiens	496
Mel 1267A and at the phisiciens, that first speeken in this matiere.	498
Mel 1268 I sey yow that the surgiens and phisiciens han seyd yow in youre conseil discreetly, as hem oughte,	498
Mel 1269 and in hir speche seyden ful wisely that to the office of hem aperteneth to doon to every wight	500
Mel 1269A honour and profit, and no wight for to anoye,	500
Mel 1269A honour and profit, and no wight for to anoye,	500
Mel 1270 and after hir craft to doon greet diligence	502
Mel 1271 And, sire, right as they han answered wisely and discreetly,	504
Mel 1271 And, sire, right as they han answered wisely and discreetly,	504
Mel 1272 right so rede I that they been heighly and sovereynly gerdoned for hir noble speche,	504
Mel 1273 and eek for they sholde do the moore ententif bisynesse in the curacion of youre doghter deere.	506
Mel 1275 but ye oghte the rather gerdone hem and shewe hem youre largesse.	508
Mel 1276 And as touchynge the proposicioun which that the phisiciens encreesceden in this caas -- this is to seyn,	510
Mel 1278 I wolde fayn knowe hou ye understonde thilke text, and what is youre sentence. "	512
Mel 1281 For right as they han venged hem on me and doon me wrong,	514
Mel 1281A right so shal I venge me upon hem and doon hem wrong;	516
Mel 1282 and thanne have I cured oon contrarie by another. "	516
Mel 1283A and to his owene plesaunce!	518
Mel 1286 And therfore o vengeaunce is nat warisshed by another vengeaunce, ne o wroong by another wroong,	522
Mel 1287 but everich of hem encreesceth and aggreggeth oother.	524
Mel 1289 for good and wikkednesse been two contraries, and pees and werre, vengeaunce	526
Mel 1289 for good and wikkednesse been two contraries, and pees and werre, vengeaunce	526
Mel 1289 for good and wikkednesse been two contraries, and pees and werre, vengeaunce	526
Mel 1289A and suffraunce, discord and accord, and manye othere thynges;	526
Mel 1289A and suffraunce, discord and accord, and manye othere thynges;	526
Mel 1289A and suffraunce, discord and accord, and manye othere thynges;	526
Mel 1290A and so forth of othere thynges.	528
Mel 1291 And heerto accordeth Seint Paul the Apostle in manye places.	530
Mel 1293 but do wel to hym that dooth thee harm and blesse hym that seith to thee harm.'	532
Mel 1294 And in manye othere places he amonesteth pees and accord.	532
Mel 1294 And in manye othere places he amonesteth pees and accord.	532
Mel 1295A by the men of lawe and the wise folk,	534
Mel 1297 that over alle thynges ye shal doon youre diligence to kepen youre persone and to warnestoore youre hous;	536
Mel 1298 and seyden also that in this caas yow oghten for to werken ful avysely and with greet deliberacioun.	538
Mel 1298 and seyden also that in this caas yow oghten for to werken ful avysely and with greet deliberacioun.	538
Mel 1299 And, sire, as to the firste point, that toucheth to the kepyng of youre persone,	538
Mel 1300 ye shul understonde that he that hath werre shal everemoore mekely and devoutly preyen, biforn alle thynges,	540
Mel 1301A and been his sovereyn helpyng at his nede.	542
Mel 1305A to youre trewe freendes that been approved and yknowe,	548
Mel 1306 and of hem shul ye axen help youre persone for to kepe. For Catoun seith,	548
Mel 1308 And after this thanne shul ye kepe yow fro alle straunge folk, and fro lyeres,	552
Mel 1308 And after this thanne shul ye kepe yow fro alle straunge folk, and fro lyeres,	552
Mel 1308A and have alwey in suspect hire compaignye.	552
Mel 1310 And if so be that he falle into thy compaignye paraventure, withouten thyn assent,	556
Mel 1311 enquere thanne as subtilly as thou mayst of his conversacion, and of his lyf bifore, and feyne thy wey;	556
Mel 1311 enquere thanne as subtilly as thou mayst of his conversacion, and of his lyf bifore, and feyne thy wey;	556
Mel 1312 and if he bereth a spere, hoold thee on the right syde,	558
Mel 1312A and if he bere a swerd, hoold thee on the lift syde.'	560
Mel 1313 And after this thanne shul ye kepe yow wisely from all swich manere peple as I have seyd bifore,	560
Mel 1313A and hem and hir conseil eschewe.	562
Mel 1313A and hem and hir conseil eschewe.	562
Mel 1314 And after this thanne shul ye kepe yow in swich manere	562
Mel 1317 And Salomon seith, `Weleful is he that of alle hath drede,	566
Mel 1318 for certes, he that thurgh the hardynesse of his herte and thurgh the hardynesse of hymself hath	568
Mel 1319 Thanne shul ye everemoore contrewayte embusshementz and alle espiaille.	570
Mel 1322 And al be it so that it seme that thou art in siker place,	572
Mel 1325 Ovyde seith that `the litel wesele wol slee the grete bole and the wilde hert.'	578
Mel 1326 And the book seith, `A litel thorn may prikke a kyng ful soore,	578
Mel 1326A and an hound wol holde the wilde boor.'	580
Mel 1329 Yet shaltou drede to been empoisoned and kepe the from the compaignye of scorneres.	582
Mel 1332 I wolde fayn knowe how that ye understonde thilke wordes and what is youre sentence. "	586
Mel 1333 Melibeus answerde and seyde, " Certes, I understande it in this wise: That I shal warnestoore myn hous with toures,	588
Mel 1333A swiche as han castelles and othere manere edifices, and armure, and artelries,	588
Mel 1333A swiche as han castelles and othere manere edifices, and armure, and artelries,	588
Mel 1333A swiche as han castelles and othere manere edifices, and armure, and artelries,	588
Mel 1334 by whiche thynges I may my persone and myn hous so kepen and deffenden	590
Mel 1334 by whiche thynges I may my persone and myn hous so kepen and deffenden	590
Mel 1335A " of heighe toures and of grete edifices apperteyneth somtyme to pryde.	592
Mel 1336 And eek men make heighe toures, [and grete edifices] with grete costages and with greet travaille,	594
Mel 1336 And eek men make heighe toures, [and grete edifices] with grete costages and with greet travaille,	594
Mel 1336A and whan that they been accompliced, yet be they nat worth a stree,	594
Mel 1336B but if they be defended by trewe freendes that been olde and wise.	596
Mel 1337 And understoond wel that the gretteste and strongeste garnysoun that a riche man may have,	596
Mel 1337 And understoond wel that the gretteste and strongeste garnysoun that a riche man may have,	596
Mel 1338 that he be biloved with hys subgetz and with his neighebores.	598
Mel 1339A that no man may venquysse ne disconfite, and that is	600
Mel 1340 a lord to be biloved of his citezeins and of his peple.'	602
Mel 1341A and wise conseillours seyden that yow ne oghte nat sodeynly ne hastily proceden in this nede,	604
Mel 1342 but that yow oghte purveyen and apparaillen yow in this caas with greet diligence and greet deliberacioun;	604
Mel 1342 but that yow oghte purveyen and apparaillen yow in this caas with greet diligence and greet deliberacioun;	604
Mel 1343 trewely, I trowe that they seyden right wisely and right sooth.	606
Mel 1345 Thanne seye I that in vengeance-takyng, in werre, in bataille, and in warnestooryng,	608
Mel 1346 er thow bigynne, I rede that thou apparaille thee therto, and do it with greet deliberacion.	608
Mel 1348 And Cassidorus seith, `The garnysoun is stronger whan it is longe tyme avysed.'	610
Mel 1351 that conseilled yow certeyne thynges prively, and openly conseilleden yow the contrarie;	614
Mel 1352 the yonge folk also, that conseilleden yow to venge yow and make werre anon.	616
Mel 1353 And certes, sire, as I have seyd biforn, ye han greetly erred	616
Mel 1357 for it is wel wist whiche they been that han doon to yow this trespas and vileynye,	622
Mel 1358 and how manye trespassours, and in what manere	622
Mel 1358 and how manye trespassours, and in what manere	622
Mel 1358A they han to yow doon al this wrong and al this vileynye.	624
Mel 1359 And after this, thanne shul ye examyne the seconde condicion which that the same Tullius addeth in this matiere.	624
Mel 1361 who been they, and whiche been they and how manye that consenten to thy conseil	626
Mel 1361 who been they, and whiche been they and how manye that consenten to thy conseil	626
Mel 1362 And lat us considere also who been they, and how manye been they,	628
Mel 1362 And lat us considere also who been they, and how manye been they,	628
Mel 1362A and whiche been they that consenteden to youre adversaries.	630
Mel 1363 And certes, as to the firste poynt, it is wel knowen whiche folk been	630
Mel 1366 For al be it so that ye be myghty and riche, certes ye ne been but allone,	634
Mel 1371 and whan that every wight hath his part, they ne wollen taken but litel reward to venge thy deeth.	640
Mel 1372 But thyne enemys been thre, and they han manie children, bretheren, cosyns, and oother ny kynrede.	640
Mel 1372 But thyne enemys been thre, and they han manie children, bretheren, cosyns, and oother ny kynrede.	640
Mel 1373 And though so were that thou haddest slayn of hem two or three, yet dwellen ther ynowe	642
Mel 1373A to wreken hir deeth and to sle thy persone.	642
Mel 1374 And though so be that youre kynrede be moore siker and stedefast than the kyn of youre adversarie,	644
Mel 1374 And though so be that youre kynrede be moore siker and stedefast than the kyn of youre adversarie,	644
Mel 1376 and the kyn of youre enemys been ny syb to hem.	646
Mel 1376A And certes, as in that, hir condicioun is bet than youres.	646
Mel 1378 And certes, ye knowe wel `nay.'	650
Mel 1379 For, as by right and resoun, ther may no man taken vengeance on no wight	650
Mel 1381 And yet mooreover of thilke word that Tullius clepeth `consentynge,'	654
Mel 1382 thou shalt considere if thy myght and thy power may consenten	654
Mel 1382A and suffise to thy wilfulnesse and to thy conseillours.	656
Mel 1382A and suffise to thy wilfulnesse and to thy conseillours.	656
Mel 1383 And certes thou mayst wel seyn that `nay.'	656
Mel 1385 And certes rightfully ne mowe ye take no vengeance, as of youre propre auctoritee.	660
Mel 1389 and therof folweth another vengeaunce, peril, and werre, and othere damages withoute nombre,	664
Mel 1389 and therof folweth another vengeaunce, peril, and werre, and othere damages withoute nombre,	664
Mel 1389 and therof folweth another vengeaunce, peril, and werre, and othere damages withoute nombre,	664
Mel 1390 And as touchynge the fourthe point, that Tullius clepeth `engendrynge,'	666
Mel 1392 and of the vengeance-takynge upon that wolde engendre another vengeance,	668
Mel 1392A and muchel sorwe and wastynge of richesses, as I seyde.	670
Mel 1392A and muchel sorwe and wastynge of richesses, as I seyde.	670
Mel 1395 whiche that clerkes clepen Oriens and Efficiens, and Causa longinqua and Causa propinqua;	672
Mel 1395 whiche that clerkes clepen Oriens and Efficiens, and Causa longinqua and Causa propinqua;	672
Mel 1395 whiche that clerkes clepen Oriens and Efficiens, and Causa longinqua and Causa propinqua;	672
Mel 1395A this is to seyn, the fer cause and the ny cause.	674
Mel 1400 The cause formal is the manere of hir werkynge that broghten laddres and cloumben in at thy wyndowes.	678
Mel 1402A bityde of hem in this caas, ne kan I nat deeme but by conjectynge and by supposynge.	682
Mel 1406 For th' apostle seith that `the sciences and the juggementz of oure Lord God almyghty been ful depe;	688
Mel 1408 Nathelees, by certeyne presumpciouns and conjectynges, I holde and bileeve	690
Mel 1408 Nathelees, by certeyne presumpciouns and conjectynges, I holde and bileeve	690
Mel 1409 that God, which that is ful of justice and of rightwisnesse, hath suffred this bityde by juste cause resonable.	690
Mel 1411 Thou hast ydronke so muchel hony of sweete temporeel richesses, and delices and honours of this world	692
Mel 1411 Thou hast ydronke so muchel hony of sweete temporeel richesses, and delices and honours of this world	692
Mel 1412 that thou art dronken and hast forgeten Jhesu Crist thy creatour.	694
Mel 1413 Thou ne hast nat doon to hym swich honour and reverence as thee oughte,	694
Mel 1416 And Salomon seith, `If thou hast founden hony, ete of it that suffiseth,	698
Mel 1417 for if thou ete of it out of mesure, thou shalt spewe' and be nedy and povre.	698
Mel 1417 for if thou ete of it out of mesure, thou shalt spewe' and be nedy and povre.	698
Mel 1418 And peraventure Crist hath thee in despit, and	700
Mel 1418 And peraventure Crist hath thee in despit, and	700
Mel 1418A hath turned awey fro thee his face and his eeris of misericorde,	700
Mel 1419 and also he hath suffred that thou hast been punysshed in the manere that thow hast ytrespassed.	702
Mel 1421A -- that is to seyn, the flessh, the feend, and the world --	704
Mel 1423 and hast nat defended thyself suffisantly agayns hire assautes and hire temptaciouns,	706
Mel 1423 and hast nat defended thyself suffisantly agayns hire assautes and hire temptaciouns,	706
Mel 1425 And in the same manere oure Lord Crist hath woold and suffred	710
Mel 1425 And in the same manere oure Lord Crist hath woold and suffred	710
Mel 1426 and han ywounded thy doghter in the forseyde manere. "	712
Mel 1428 shewynge me the perils and the yveles that myghten falle of this vengeance.	714
Mel 1429 But whoso wolde considere in alle vengeances the perils and yveles that myghte sewe of vengeance-takynge,	716
Mel 1430 a man wolde nevere take vengeance, and that were harm;	716
Mel 1432 and they that han wyl to do wikkednesse restreyne hir wikked purpos,	718
Mel 1432A whan they seen the punyssynge and chastisynge of the trespassours. "	720
Mel 1435 And yet seye I moore, that right as a singuler persone synneth in takynge vengeance of another man,	720
Mel 1438 And as Cassidore seith, `A man dredeth to do outrages whan he woot and knoweth	724
Mel 1438 And as Cassidore seith, `A man dredeth to do outrages whan he woot and knoweth	724
Mel 1438A that it displeseth to the juges and the sovereyns.'	724
Mel 1439 And another seith, `The juge that dredeth to do right maketh men shrewes.'	726
Mel 1440 And Seint Paul the Apostle seith in his Epistle, whan he writeth unto the Romayns, that	726
Mel 1441 but they beren it to punysse the shrewes and mysdoers and for to defende the goode men.'	728
Mel 1441 but they beren it to punysse the shrewes and mysdoers and for to defende the goode men.'	728
Mel 1443 and he shal punysse hem as the lawe axeth and requireth. "	732
Mel 1443 and he shal punysse hem as the lawe axeth and requireth. "	732
Mel 1445 I bithenke me now and take heede how Fortune hath norissed me fro my childhede	734
Mel 1445A and hath holpen me to passe many a stroong paas.	734
Mel 1449 for `thynges that been folily doon, and that been in hope of Fortune, shullen nevere come to good ende.'	738
Mel 1450 And, as the same Senec seith, `The moore cleer and the moore shynyng that Fortune is,	740
Mel 1450 And, as the same Senec seith, `The moore cleer and the moore shynyng that Fortune is,	740
Mel 1450A the moore brotil and the sonner broken she is.'	740
Mel 1452A she wol faille thee and deceyve thee.	744
Mel 1453 And where as ye seyn that Fortune hath norissed yow fro youre childhede,	744
Mel 1454 I seye that in so muchel shul ye the lasse truste in hire and in hir wit.	746
Mel 1456 Now thanne, syn ye desire and axe vengeance, and the vengeance that is doon after the lawe	748
Mel 1456 Now thanne, syn ye desire and axe vengeance, and the vengeance that is doon after the lawe	748
Mel 1456A and bifore the juge ne liketh yow nat,	748
Mel 1457 and the vengeance that is doon in hope of Fortune is perilous and uncertein,	750
Mel 1457 and the vengeance that is doon in hope of Fortune is perilous and uncertein,	750
Mel 1458A unto the sovereyn Juge that vengeth alle vileynyes and wronges.	752
Mel 1459 And he shal venge yow after that hymself witnesseth, where as he seith,	752
Mel 1460 `Leveth the vengeance to me, and I shal do it.' "	754
Mel 1462A and alle othere, to do me another vileynye.	756
Mel 1464 And also for my suffrance men wolden do me so muchel vileynye that	760
Mel 1465 and so sholde I been put and holden overlowe.	762
Mel 1465 and so sholde I been put and holden overlowe.	762
Mel 1469 for that aperteneth and longeth al oonly to the juges, for they shul venge the vileynyes and injuries.	766
Mel 1469 for that aperteneth and longeth al oonly to the juges, for they shul venge the vileynyes and injuries.	766
Mel 1470 And therfore tho two auctoritees that ye han seyd above been oonly understonden in the juges,	766
Mel 1471 for whan they suffren over-muchel the wronges and the vileynyes to be doon withouten punysshynge,	768
Mel 1473 Also a wys man seith that `the juge that correcteth nat the synnere comandeth and biddeth hym do synne.'	770
Mel 1474 And the juges and sovereyns myghten in hir land so muchel suffre of the shrewes and mysdoeres	770
Mel 1474 And the juges and sovereyns myghten in hir land so muchel suffre of the shrewes and mysdoeres	770
Mel 1474 And the juges and sovereyns myghten in hir land so muchel suffre of the shrewes and mysdoeres	770
Mel 1475 that they sholden, by swich suffrance, by proces of tyme wexen of swich power and myght	772
Mel 1475A that they sholden putte out the juges and the sovereyns from hir places,	772
Mel 1476 and atte laste maken hem lesen hire lordshipes.	774
Mel 1478 I seye ye been nat of myght and power as now to venge yow,	776
Mel 1480 And therfore seye I that it is good as now that ye suffre and be pacient.	778
Mel 1480 And therfore seye I that it is good as now that ye suffre and be pacient.	778
Mel 1482 and for to stryve with a man of evene strengthe -- that is to seyn,	782
Mel 1483 and for to stryve with a weyker man, it is folie.'	784
Mel 1484 And therfore sholde a man flee stryvynge as muchel as he myghte.	784
Mel 1485 For Salomon seith, `It is a greet worshipe to a man to kepen hym fro noyse and stryf.'	786
Mel 1486 And if it so bifalle or happe that a man of gretter myght and strengthe	786
Mel 1486 And if it so bifalle or happe that a man of gretter myght and strengthe	786
Mel 1487 studie and bisye thee rather to stille the same grevaunce than for to venge thee.	788
Mel 1489 And Catoun seith, `If a man of hyer estaat or degree, or moore myghty than thou,	792
Mel 1490 for he that oones hath greved thee, may another tyme releeve thee and helpe.'	794
Mel 1491 Yet sette I caas ye have bothe myght and licence for to venge yow,	794
Mel 1493 and make yow for to enclyne to suffre, and for to han pacience	796
Mel 1493 and make yow for to enclyne to suffre, and for to han pacience	796
Mel 1494 First and foreward, if ye wole considere the defautes that been in youre owene persone,	798
Mel 1496A that comen to us, whan we thynken and consideren that we han disserved to have hem.'	802
Mel 1497 And Seint Gregorie seith that `whan a man considereth wel the nombre of his defautes and of his synnes,	802
Mel 1497 And Seint Gregorie seith that `whan a man considereth wel the nombre of his defautes and of his synnes,	802
Mel 1498 the peynes and the tribulaciouns that he suffreth semen the lesse unto hym;	804
Mel 1499 and in as muche as hym thynketh his synnes moore hevy and grevous,	804
Mel 1499 and in as muche as hym thynketh his synnes moore hevy and grevous,	804
Mel 1500 in so muche semeth his peyne the lighter and the esier unto hym.'	806
Mel 1501 Also ye owen to enclyne and bowe youre herte	806
Mel 1502 `Jhesu Crist,' he seith, `hath suffred for us and yeven ensample to every man to folwe and sewe hym,	808
Mel 1502 `Jhesu Crist,' he seith, `hath suffred for us and yeven ensample to every man to folwe and sewe hym,	808
Mel 1504 Whan men cursed hym, he cursed hem noght, and whan men betten hym, he manaced hem noght.'	810
Mel 1508 considerynge that the tribulaciouns of this world but litel while endure and soone passed been and goon,	816
Mel 1508 considerynge that the tribulaciouns of this world but litel while endure and soone passed been and goon,	816
Mel 1509 and the joye that a man seketh to have by pacience in tribulaciouns is perdurable,	816
Mel 1511 Also troweth and bileveth stedefastly that he nys nat wel ynorissed, ne wel ytaught,	820
Mel 1512 For Salomon seith that `the doctrine and the wit of a man is knowen by pacience.'	822
Mel 1513 And in another place he seith that `he that is pacient governeth hym by greet prudence.'	822
Mel 1514 And the same Salomon seith, `The angry and wrathful man maketh noyses,	824
Mel 1514 And the same Salomon seith, `The angry and wrathful man maketh noyses,	824
Mel 1514A and the pacient man atempreth hem and stilleth.'	824
Mel 1514A and the pacient man atempreth hem and stilleth.'	824
Mel 1516 and he that may have the lordshipe of his owene herte is moore to preyse than he that	826
Mel 1517 And therfore seith Seint Jame in his Epistle that `pacience is a greet vertu of perfeccioun.' "	828
Mel 1522 And al be it so that it was greet peril to myne enemys	834
Mel 1523 yet tooken they noon heede of the peril, but fulfilleden hir wikked wyl and hir corage.	836
Mel 1524 And therfore me thynketh men oghten nat repreve me,	836
Mel 1525 and though I do a greet excesse; that is to seyn, that I venge oon outrage by another. "	838
Mel 1526 " A, " quod dame Prudence, " ye seyn youre wyl and as yow liketh,	840
Mel 1529 And therfore ye shul venge yow after the ordre of right; that is to seyn, by the lawe	842
Mel 1529A and noght by excesse ne by outrage.	844
Mel 1530 And also, if ye wol venge yow of the outrage of youre adversaries	844
Mel 1531 And therfore seith Senec that `a man shal nevere vengen shrewednesse by shrewednesse.'	846
Mel 1532 And if ye seye that right axeth a man to defenden violence by violence and fightyng by fightyng,	848
Mel 1532 And if ye seye that right axeth a man to defenden violence by violence and fightyng by fightyng,	848
Mel 1534 for to deffenden hym and nat for to vengen hym.	850
Mel 1535 And it bihoveth that a man putte swich attemperance in his deffense	850
Mel 1536 that men have no cause ne matiere to repreven hym that deffendeth hym of excesse and outrage,	852
Mel 1538 and so seweth it that ye han no wyl to do youre dede attemprely.	856
Mel 1539 And therfore me thynketh that pacience is good. For Salomon seith that	856
Mel 1540 " Certes, " quod Melibee, " I graunte yow that whan a man is inpacient and wrooth of that	858
Mel 1540A that toucheth hym noght and that aperteneth nat unto hym, though it harme hym, it is no wonder.	860
Mel 1542 And Salomon seith that `he that entremetteth hym of the noyse or strif of another man	862
Mel 1545A my grief and my disese -- toucheth me right ny.	868
Mel 1546 And therfore, though I be wrooth and inpacient, it is no merveille.	870
Mel 1546 And therfore, though I be wrooth and inpacient, it is no merveille.	870
Mel 1547 And, savynge youre grace, I kan nat seen that it myghte greetly harme me though I tooke vengeaunce.	870
Mel 1548 For I am richer and moore myghty than myne enemys been;	872
Mel 1549 and wel knowen ye that by moneye and by havynge grete possessions	872
Mel 1549 and wel knowen ye that by moneye and by havynge grete possessions	872
Mel 1550 And Salomon seith that `alle thynges obeyen to moneye.' "	874
Mel 1551A and of his moneye, dispreisynge the power of his adversaries,	876
Mel 1551B she spak and seyde in this wise:	878
Mel 1552 " Certes, deere sire, I graunte yow that ye been riche and myghty	878
Mel 1553 and that the richesses been goode to hem that han wel ygeten hem and wel konne usen hem.	880
Mel 1553 and that the richesses been goode to hem that han wel ygeten hem and wel konne usen hem.	880
Mel 1555 And by richesses may a man gete hym grete freendes.	882
Mel 1556 And therfore seith Pamphilles: `If a net-herdes doghter,' seith he, `be riche,	884
Mel 1558 And this Pamphilles seith also, `If thow be right happy -- that is to seyn,	886
Mel 1558A if thou be right riche -- thou shalt fynde a greet nombre of felawes and freendes.	888
Mel 1559 And if thy fortune change that thou wexe povre, farewel freendshipe and felaweshipe,	888
Mel 1559 And if thy fortune change that thou wexe povre, farewel freendshipe and felaweshipe,	888
Mel 1561 And yet seith this Pamphilles moreover that `they that been thralle and bonde of lynage	890
Mel 1561 And yet seith this Pamphilles moreover that `they that been thralle and bonde of lynage	890
Mel 1561A shullen been maad worthy and noble by the richesses.'	892
Mel 1562 And right so as by richesses ther comen manye goodes,	892
Mel 1562A right so by poverte come ther manye harmes and yveles,	894
Mel 1564 And therfore clepeth Cassidore poverte the mooder of ruyne;	896
Mel 1566 And therfore seith Piers Alfonce, `Oon of the gretteste adversitees of this world is	898
Mel 1568 and the same seith Innocent in oon of his bookes. He seith that	900
Mel 1568A `sorweful and myshappy is the condicioun of a povre beggere;	902
Mel 1570 and if he axe, he dyeth for shame; and algates necessitee constreyneth hym to axe.'	904
Mel 1570 and if he axe, he dyeth for shame; and algates necessitee constreyneth hym to axe.'	904
Mel 1571 And seith Salomon that `bet it is to dye than for to have swich poverte.'	904
Mel 1572 And as the same Salomon seith, `Bettre it is to dye of bitter deeth	906
Mel 1573 By thise resons that I have seid unto yow and by manye othere resons that I koude seye,	908
Mel 1574A and to hem that wel usen tho richesses.	910
Mel 1575 And therfore wol I shewe yow hou ye shul have yow, and how ye shul bere yow	910
Mel 1575 And therfore wol I shewe yow hou ye shul have yow, and how ye shul bere yow	910
Mel 1575A in gaderynge of richesses, and in what manere ye shul usen hem.	912
Mel 1576 " First, ye shul geten hem withouten greet desir, by good leyser, sokyngly and nat over-hastily.	912
Mel 1577A first to thefte, and to alle othere yveles;	914
Mel 1578 and therfore seith Salomon, `He that hasteth hym to bisily to wexe riche shal be noon innocent.'	916
Mel 1579A and lightly gooth and passeth fro a man,	918
Mel 1579A and lightly gooth and passeth fro a man,	918
Mel 1580 but that richesse that cometh litel and litel wexeth alwey and multiplieth.'	918
Mel 1580 but that richesse that cometh litel and litel wexeth alwey and multiplieth.'	918
Mel 1581 And, sire, ye shul geten richesses by youre wit and by youre travaille unto youre profit,	920
Mel 1581 And, sire, ye shul geten richesses by youre wit and by youre travaille unto youre profit,	920
Mel 1582 and that withouten wrong or harm doynge to any oother persone.	920
Mel 1584 This is to seyn, that nature deffendeth and forbedeth by right that	922
Mel 1585 And Tullius seith that `no sorwe, ne no drede of deeth, ne no thyng	924
Mel 1587 And though the grete men and the myghty men geten richesses moore lightly than thou,	928
Mel 1587 And though the grete men and the myghty men geten richesses moore lightly than thou,	928
Mel 1590 And the same Salomon seith that `he that travailleth and bisieth hym to tilien his land shal eten breed,	930
Mel 1590 And the same Salomon seith that `he that travailleth and bisieth hym to tilien his land shal eten breed,	930
Mel 1591 but he that is ydel and casteth hym to no bisynesse	932
Mel 1591A ne occupacioun shal falle into poverte and dye for hunger.'	932
Mel 1592 And he that is ydel and slow kan nevere fynde covenable tyme for to doon his profit.	934
Mel 1592 And he that is ydel and slow kan nevere fynde covenable tyme for to doon his profit.	934
Mel 1593A of the grete coold, and in somer by enchesoun of the greete heete.'	936
Mel 1594 For thise causes seith Caton, `Waketh and enclyneth nat yow over-muchel for to slepe,	936
Mel 1594A for over-muchel reste norisseth and causeth manye vices.'	938
Mel 1595 And therfore seith Seint Jerome, `Dooth somme goode dedes that the devel,	938
Mel 1598 And afterward, ye shul use the richesses which ye have geten by youre wit and by youre travaille	942
Mel 1598 And afterward, ye shul use the richesses which ye have geten by youre wit and by youre travaille	942
Mel 1600 For right as men blamen an avaricious man by cause of his scarsetee and chyncherie,	946
Mel 1602 And therfore seith Caton: `Use,' he seith, `thy richesses that thou hast geten	948
Mel 1604 for it is a greet shame to a man to have a povere herte and a riche purs.'	950
Mel 1606 for they that folily wasten and despenden the goodes that they han,	952
Mel 1610 but that ye have hem in youre myght and in youre weeldynge.	956
Mel 1611 For a wys man repreveth the avaricious man, and seith thus in two vers:	958
Mel 1612 `Wherto and why burieth a man his goodes by his grete avarice,	958
Mel 1612A and knoweth wel that nedes moste he dye?	960
Mel 1614 And for what cause or enchesoun joyneth he hym or knytteth he hym so faste unto his goodes	962
Mel 1616 and knoweth wel, or oghte knowe, that whan he is deed	964
Mel 1617 And therfore seith Seint Austyn that `the avaricious man is likned unto helle,	966
Mel 1618 that the moore it swelweth the moore desir it hath to swelwe and devoure.'	966
Mel 1619 And as wel as ye wolde eschewe to be called an avaricious man or chynche,	968
Mel 1620 as wel sholde ye kepe yow and governe yow in swich a wise that men calle yow nat fool-large.	968
Mel 1621A but that they myghte been opened by pitee and debonairetee'	970
Mel 1624 Afterward, in getynge of youre richesses and in usynge hem ye shul alwey have thre thynges in youre herte	974
Mel 1625 (that is to seyn, oure Lord God, conscience, and good name).	974
Mel 1627 and for no richesse ye shullen do no thyng which may in any manere displese God,	976
Mel 1627A that is youre creatour and makere.	978
Mel 1629 than to have muchel good and tresour and lese the love of his Lord God.'	980
Mel 1629 than to have muchel good and tresour and lese the love of his Lord God.'	980
Mel 1630 And the prophete seith that `bettre it is to been a good man and have litel good and tresour	980
Mel 1630 And the prophete seith that `bettre it is to been a good man and have litel good and tresour	980
Mel 1630 And the prophete seith that `bettre it is to been a good man and have litel good and tresour	980
Mel 1631 than to been holden a shrewe and have grete richesses.'	982
Mel 1632 And yet seye I ferthermoore, that ye sholde alwey doon youre bisynesse to gete yow richesses,	982
Mel 1634 And th' Apostle seith that `ther nys thyng in this world of which	984
Mel 1635 And the wise man seith, `The substance of a man is ful good,	986
Mel 1636 Afterward, in getynge of youre richesses and in usynge of hem,	988
Mel 1637 yow moste have greet bisynesse and greet diligence that youre goode name be alwey kept and conserved.	990
Mel 1637 yow moste have greet bisynesse and greet diligence that youre goode name be alwey kept and conserved.	990
Mel 1638 For Salomon seith that `bettre it is and moore it availleth a man to have a good name	990
Mel 1639 And therfore he seith in another place, `Do greet diligence,' seith Salomon,	992
Mel 1639A `in kepyng of thy freend and of thy goode name;	994
Mel 1641 And certes he sholde nat be called a gentil man that after God and good conscience, alle thynges left,	996
Mel 1641 And certes he sholde nat be called a gentil man that after God and good conscience, alle thynges left,	996
Mel 1641A ne dooth his diligence and bisynesse to kepen his goode name.	996
Mel 1642 And Cassidore seith that `it is signe of a gentil herte	998
Mel 1642A whan a man loveth and desireth to han a good name.'	998
Mel 1643 And therfore seith Seint Austyn that `ther been two thynges that arn necessarie and nedefulle,	1000
Mel 1643 And therfore seith Seint Austyn that `ther been two thynges that arn necessarie and nedefulle,	1000
Mel 1644 and that is good conscience and good loos;	1000
Mel 1644 and that is good conscience and good loos;	1000
Mel 1645 that is to seyn, good conscience to thyn owene persone inward and good loos for thy neighebor outward.'	1002
Mel 1646 And he that trusteth hym so muchel in his goode conscience	1002
Mel 1647 that he displeseth, and setteth at noght his goode name or loos,	1004
Mel 1647A and rekketh noght though he kepe nat his goode name, nys but a crueel cherl.	1004
Mel 1648 " Sire, now have I shewed yow how ye shul do in getynge richesses, and how ye shullen usen hem,	1006
Mel 1649 and I se wel that for the trust that ye han in youre richesses	1006
Mel 1649A ye wole moeve werre and bataille.	1008
Mel 1651 And therfore seith a philosophre, `That man that desireth and wole algates han werre, shal nevere have suffisaunce,	1010
Mel 1651 And therfore seith a philosophre, `That man that desireth and wole algates han werre, shal nevere have suffisaunce,	1010
Mel 1652 for the richer that he is, the gretter despenses moste he make, if he wole have worshipe and victorie.'	1012
Mel 1653 And Salomon seith that `the gretter richesses that a man hath, the mo despendours he hath.'	1012
Mel 1654 And, deere sire, al be it so that for youre richesses ye mowe have muchel folk,	1014
Mel 1655A in oother manere have pees unto youre worshipe and profit.	1016
Mel 1657 but it lith in the wyl and in the hand of oure Lord God Almyghty.	1018
Mel 1658 And therfore Judas Machabeus, which was Goddes knyght,	1020
Mel 1659A and a gretter multitude of folk and strenger than was this peple of Machabee,	1022
Mel 1659A and a gretter multitude of folk and strenger than was this peple of Machabee,	1022
Mel 1660 yet he reconforted his litel compaignye, and seyde right in this wise:	1022
Mel 1664 And, deere sire, for as muchel as ther is no man certein if he be worthy that	1026
Mel 1666 And by cause that in batailles fallen manye perils,	1030
Mel 1667 and happeth outher while that as soone is the grete man slayn as the litel man;	1030
Mel 1668 and as it is writen in the seconde Book of Kynges,	1032
Mel 1668A `The dedes of batailles been aventurouse and nothyng certeyne,	1032
Mel 1670 and for ther is gret peril in werre, therfore sholde a man flee and eschue werre,	1034
Mel 1670 and for ther is gret peril in werre, therfore sholde a man flee and eschue werre,	1034
Mel 1672 After that Dame Prudence hadde spoken in this manere, Melibee answerde and seyde,	1038
Mel 1673 " I see wel, dame Prudence, that by youre faire wordes and by youre resouns	1038
Mel 1675 " Certes, " quod she, " I conseille yow that ye accorde with youre adversaries and that ye have pees with hem.	1042
Mel 1676 For Seint Jame seith in his Epistles that `by concord and pees the smale richesses wexen grete,	1042
Mel 1677 and by debaat and discord the grete richesses fallen doun.'	1044
Mel 1677 and by debaat and discord the grete richesses fallen doun.'	1044
Mel 1678 And ye knowen wel that oon of the gretteste and moost sovereyn thyng	1044
Mel 1678 And ye knowen wel that oon of the gretteste and moost sovereyn thyng	1044
Mel 1678A that is in this world is unytee and pees.	1046
Mel 1679 And therfore seyde oure Lord Jhesu Crist to his apostles in this wise:	1046
Mel 1680 `Wel happy and blessed been they that loven and purchacen pees, for they been called children of God.' "	1048
Mel 1680 `Wel happy and blessed been they that loven and purchacen pees, for they been called children of God.' "	1048
Mel 1682 Ye knowen wel that myne adversaries han bigonnen this debaat and bryge by hire outrage,	1050
Mel 1683 and ye se wel that they ne requeren ne preyen me nat of pees,	1050
Mel 1684 Wol ye thanne that I go and meke me, and obeye me to hem, and crie hem mercy?	1052
Mel 1684 Wol ye thanne that I go and meke me, and obeye me to hem, and crie hem mercy?	1052
Mel 1684 Wol ye thanne that I go and meke me, and obeye me to hem, and crie hem mercy?	1052
Mel 1687 Thanne bigan dame Prudence to maken semblant of wratthe and seyde:	1056
Mel 1688 " Certes, sire, sauf youre grace, I love youre honour and youre profit	1056
Mel 1688A as I do myn owene, and evere have doon;	1058
Mel 1690 And yit if I hadde seyd that ye sholde han purchaced the pees	1060
Mel 1690A and the reconsiliacioun, I ne hadde nat muchel mystaken me ne seyd amys.	1060
Mel 1691 For the wise man seith, `The dissensioun bigynneth by another man, and the reconsilyng bygynneth by thyself.'	1062
Mel 1692 And the prophete seith, `Flee shrewednesse and do goodnesse;	1062
Mel 1692 And the prophete seith, `Flee shrewednesse and do goodnesse;	1062
Mel 1693 seke pees and folwe it, as muchel as in thee is.'	1064
Mel 1696 And Salomon seith, `He that hath over-hard an herte, atte laste he shal myshappe and mystyde.' "	1066
Mel 1696 And Salomon seith, `He that hath over-hard an herte, atte laste he shal myshappe and mystyde.' "	1066
Mel 1699 for ye knowe wel that I am angry and wrooth, and that is no wonder;	1070
Mel 1699 for ye knowe wel that I am angry and wrooth, and that is no wonder;	1070
Mel 1700 and they that been wrothe witen nat wel what they don ne what they seyn.	1070
Mel 1702 But seyeth and conseileth me as yow liketh, for I am redy to do right as ye wol desire;	1072
Mel 1703 and if ye repreve me of my folye,	1074
Mel 1703A I am the moore holden to love yow and to preyse yow.	1074
Mel 1708 than he that supporteth hym and preyseth hym in his mysdoynge and laugheth at his folye.'	1080
Mel 1708 than he that supporteth hym and preyseth hym in his mysdoynge and laugheth at his folye.'	1080
Mel 1709 And this same Salomon seith afterward that	1082
Mel 1709B (that is to seyn by the sory and hevy contenaunce of a man)	1084
Mel 1710 `the fool correcteth and amendeth hymself.' "	1084
Mel 1711A so manye faire resouns as ye putten to me and shewen.	1086
Mel 1712 Seyeth shortly youre wyl and youre conseil, and I am al redy to fulfille and parfourne it. "	1088
Mel 1712 Seyeth shortly youre wyl and youre conseil, and I am al redy to fulfille and parfourne it. "	1088
Mel 1712 Seyeth shortly youre wyl and youre conseil, and I am al redy to fulfille and parfourne it. "	1088
Mel 1713 Thanne dame Prudence discovered al hir wyl to hym and seyde,	1088
Mel 1714 " I conseille yow, " quod she, " aboven alle thynges, that ye make pees bitwene God and yow,	1090
Mel 1715 and beth reconsiled unto hym and to his grace.	1090
Mel 1715 and beth reconsiled unto hym and to his grace.	1090
Mel 1716A to have this tribulacioun and disese for youre synnes.	1092
Mel 1717 And if ye do as I sey yow, God wol sende youre adversaries unto yow	1094
Mel 1718 and maken hem fallen at youre feet, redy to do youre wyl and youre comandementz.	1094
Mel 1718 and maken hem fallen at youre feet, redy to do youre wyl and youre comandementz.	1094
Mel 1719 For Salomon seith, `Whan the condicioun of man is plesaunt and likynge to God,	1096
Mel 1720 he chaungeth the hertes of the mannes adversaries and constreyneth hem to biseken hym of pees and of grace.'	1096
Mel 1720 he chaungeth the hertes of the mannes adversaries and constreyneth hem to biseken hym of pees and of grace.'	1096
Mel 1721 And I prey yow lat me speke with youre adversaries in privee place,	1098
Mel 1723 And thanne, whan I knowe hir wil and hire entente, I may conseille yow the moore seurely. "	1100
Mel 1723 And thanne, whan I knowe hir wil and hire entente, I may conseille yow the moore seurely. "	1100
Mel 1724 " Dame, " quod Melibee, " dooth youre wil and youre likynge;	1100
Mel 1725 for I putte me hoolly in youre disposicioun and ordinaunce. "	1102
Mel 1726 Thanne dame Prudence, whan she saugh the goode wyl of hir housbonde, delibered and took avys in hirself,	1102
Mel 1727 thinkinge how she myghte brynge this nede unto a good conclusioun and to a good ende.	1104
Mel 1728 And whan she saugh hir tyme, she sente for thise adversaries to come unto hire into a pryvee place	1104
Mel 1729 and shewed wisely unto hem the grete goodes that comen of pees	1106
Mel 1730 and the grete harmes and perils that been in werre,	1106
Mel 1730 and the grete harmes and perils that been in werre,	1106
Mel 1731 and seyde to hem in a goodly manere hou that hem oughten have greet repentaunce	1108
Mel 1732 of the injurie and wrong that they hadden doon to Melibee hir lord,	1108
Mel 1732A and unto hire, and to hire doghter.	1110
Mel 1732A and unto hire, and to hire doghter.	1110
Mel 1733 And whan they herden the goodliche wordes of dame Prudence,	1110
Mel 1734 they weren so supprised and ravysshed and hadden so greet joye of hire that wonder was to telle.	1112
Mel 1734 they weren so supprised and ravysshed and hadden so greet joye of hire that wonder was to telle.	1112
Mel 1737 but we oghte requeren it with greet contricioun and humylitee,	1116
Mel 1739 Now se we wel that the science and the konnynge of Salomon is ful trewe.	1118
Mel 1740 For he seith that `sweete wordes multiplien and encreescen freendes and maken shrewes to be debonaire and meeke.'	1118
Mel 1740 For he seith that `sweete wordes multiplien and encreescen freendes and maken shrewes to be debonaire and meeke.'	1118
Mel 1740 For he seith that `sweete wordes multiplien and encreescen freendes and maken shrewes to be debonaire and meeke.'	1118
Mel 1741 " Certes, " quod they, " we putten oure dede and al oure matere and cause al hoolly in youre goode wyl	1120
Mel 1741 " Certes, " quod they, " we putten oure dede and al oure matere and cause al hoolly in youre goode wyl	1120
Mel 1742 and been redy to obeye to the speche and comandement of my lord Melibee.	1120
Mel 1742 and been redy to obeye to the speche and comandement of my lord Melibee.	1120
Mel 1743 And therfore, deere and benygne lady, we preien yow and biseke yow as mekely as we konne and mowen	1122
Mel 1743 And therfore, deere and benygne lady, we preien yow and biseke yow as mekely as we konne and mowen	1122
Mel 1743 And therfore, deere and benygne lady, we preien yow and biseke yow as mekely as we konne and mowen	1122
Mel 1743 And therfore, deere and benygne lady, we preien yow and biseke yow as mekely as we konne and mowen	1122
Mel 1745 for we consideren and knowelichen that we han offended and greved my lord Melibee out of mesure,	1124
Mel 1745 for we consideren and knowelichen that we han offended and greved my lord Melibee out of mesure,	1124
Mel 1747 And therfore we oblige and bynden us and oure freendes for to doon al his wyl and his comandementz.	1126
Mel 1747 And therfore we oblige and bynden us and oure freendes for to doon al his wyl and his comandementz.	1126
Mel 1747 And therfore we oblige and bynden us and oure freendes for to doon al his wyl and his comandementz.	1126
Mel 1747 And therfore we oblige and bynden us and oure freendes for to doon al his wyl and his comandementz.	1126
Mel 1748 But peraventure he hath swich hevynesse and swich wratthe to us-ward by cause of oure offense	1126
Mel 1750 And therfore, noble lady, we biseke to youre wommanly pitee	1128
Mel 1752 " Certes, " quod Prudence, " it is an hard thyng and right perilous	1132
Mel 1753 that a man putte hym al outrely in the arbitracioun and juggement,	1132
Mel 1753A and in the myght and power of his enemys.	1134
Mel 1753A and in the myght and power of his enemys.	1134
Mel 1754 For Salomon seith, `Leeveth me, and yeveth credence to that I shal seyn: I seye,' quod he,	1134
Mel 1754A `ye peple, folk and governours of hooly chirche,	1136
Mel 1758 by a strenger resoun he deffendeth and forbedeth a man to yeven hymself to his enemy.	1140
Mel 1759 And nathelees I conseille you that ye mystruste nat my lord,	1142
Mel 1760 for I woot wel and knowe verraily that he is debonaire and meeke, large, curteys,	1142
Mel 1760 for I woot wel and knowe verraily that he is debonaire and meeke, large, curteys,	1142
Mel 1761 and nothyng desirous ne coveitous of good ne richesse.	1144
Mel 1762 For ther nys nothyng in this world that he desireth, save oonly worshipe and honour.	1144
Mel 1763 Forthermoore I knowe wel and am right seur that he shal nothyng doon in this nede withouten my conseil,	1146
Mel 1764 and I shal so werken in this cause that by the grace of oure Lord God	1146
Mel 1765A and oure goodes al fully in youre wil and disposicioun,	1150
Mel 1765A and oure goodes al fully in youre wil and disposicioun,	1150
Mel 1766 and been redy to comen, what day that it like unto youre noblesse to lymyte us or assigne us,	1150
Mel 1767 for to maken oure obligacioun and boond as strong as it liketh unto youre goodnesse,	1152
Mel 1768 that we mowe fulfille the wille of yow and of my lord Melibee. "	1152
Mel 1770 and she retourned to hir lord Melibee, and tolde hym how she foond his adversaries ful repentant,	1154
Mel 1770 and she retourned to hir lord Melibee, and tolde hym how she foond his adversaries ful repentant,	1154
Mel 1771 knowelechynge ful lowely hir synnes and trespas, and how they were redy to suffren all peyne,	1156
Mel 1771 knowelechynge ful lowely hir synnes and trespas, and how they were redy to suffren all peyne,	1156
Mel 1772 requirynge and preiynge hym of mercy and pitee.	1156
Mel 1772 requirynge and preiynge hym of mercy and pitee.	1156
Mel 1773A and foryifnesse of his synne, that excuseth nat his synne	1158
Mel 1774 but knowelecheth it and repenteth hym, axinge indulgence.	1160
Mel 1775 For Senec seith, `Ther is the remissioun and foryifnesse, where as the confessioun is,'	1160
Mel 1777 And he seith in another place that `he that hath shame of his synne and knowlecheth	1162
Mel 1777 And he seith in another place that `he that hath shame of his synne and knowlecheth	1162
Mel 1777A [it is worthy remissioun].' And therfore I assente and conferme me to have pees;	1164
Mel 1777A [it is worthy remissioun].' And therfore I assente and conferme me to have pees;	1164
Mel 1778 but it is good that we do it nat withouten the assent and wyl of oure freendes. "	1164
Mel 1779 Thanne was Prudence right glad and joyeful and seyde:	1166
Mel 1779 Thanne was Prudence right glad and joyeful and seyde:	1166
Mel 1780 " Certes, sire, " quod she, " ye han wel and goodly answered,	1166
Mel 1781 for right as by the conseil, assent, and help of youre freendes	1168
Mel 1781A ye han been stired to venge yow and maken werre,	1168
Mel 1784 And thanne dame Prudence withouten delay or tariynge sente anon hire messages for hire kyn	1172
Mel 1784A and for hire olde freendes which that were trewe and wyse,	1174
Mel 1784A and for hire olde freendes which that were trewe and wyse,	1174
Mel 1785 and tolde hem by ordre in the presence of Melibee al this mateere	1174
Mel 1785A as it is aboven expressed and declared,	1176
Mel 1786 and preyden hem that they wolde yeven hire avys and conseil what best were to doon in this nede.	1176
Mel 1786 and preyden hem that they wolde yeven hire avys and conseil what best were to doon in this nede.	1176
Mel 1787 And whan Melibees freendes hadde taken hire avys and deliberacioun of the forseide mateere,	1178
Mel 1787 And whan Melibees freendes hadde taken hire avys and deliberacioun of the forseide mateere,	1178
Mel 1788 and hadden examyned it by greet bisynesse and greet diligence,	1178
Mel 1788 and hadden examyned it by greet bisynesse and greet diligence,	1178
Mel 1789 they yave ful conseil for to have pees and reste,	1180
Mel 1790 and that Melibee sholde receyve with good herte his adversaries to foryifnesse and mercy.	1180
Mel 1790 and that Melibee sholde receyve with good herte his adversaries to foryifnesse and mercy.	1180
Mel 1791 And whan dame Prudence hadde herd the assent of hir lord Melibee, and the conseil of his freendes	1182
Mel 1791 And whan dame Prudence hadde herd the assent of hir lord Melibee, and the conseil of his freendes	1182
Mel 1792 accorde with hire wille and hire entencioun,	1182
Mel 1793 she was wonderly glad in hire herte and seyde:	1184
Mel 1795 and abide nat ne delaye it nat til tomorwe.'	1186
Mel 1796 And therfore I conseille that ye sende youre messages, swiche as been discrete and wise,	1186
Mel 1796 And therfore I conseille that ye sende youre messages, swiche as been discrete and wise,	1186
Mel 1798 that if they wole trete of pees and of accord,	1188
Mel 1801 And whanne thise trespassours and repentynge folk of hire folies	1192
Mel 1801 And whanne thise trespassours and repentynge folk of hire folies	1192
Mel 1803 they weren right glad and joyeful, and answereden ful mekely and benignely,	1194
Mel 1803 they weren right glad and joyeful, and answereden ful mekely and benignely,	1194
Mel 1803 they weren right glad and joyeful, and answereden ful mekely and benignely,	1194
Mel 1804 yeldynge graces and thankynges to hir lord Melibee and to al his compaignye,	1196
Mel 1804 yeldynge graces and thankynges to hir lord Melibee and to al his compaignye,	1196
Mel 1805 and shopen hem withouten delay to go with the messagers and obeye to the comandement of hir lord Melibee.	1196
Mel 1805 and shopen hem withouten delay to go with the messagers and obeye to the comandement of hir lord Melibee.	1196
Mel 1806 And right anon they tooken hire wey to the court of Melibee,	1198
Mel 1807 and tooken with hem somme of hire trewe freendes	1198
Mel 1807A to maken feith for hem and for to been hire borwes.	1200
Mel 1808 And whan they were comen to the presence of Melibee, he seyde hem thise wordes:	1200
Mel 1809 " It standeth thus, " quod Melibee, " and sooth it is, that ye,	1202
Mel 1810 causelees and withouten skile and resoun,	1202
Mel 1810 causelees and withouten skile and resoun,	1202
Mel 1811 han doon grete injuries and wronges to me and to my wyf Prudence and to my doghter also.	1204
Mel 1811 han doon grete injuries and wronges to me and to my wyf Prudence and to my doghter also.	1204
Mel 1811 han doon grete injuries and wronges to me and to my wyf Prudence and to my doghter also.	1204
Mel 1813 and have doon swich outrage that alle men knowen wel that ye have disserved the deeth.	1206
Mel 1814 And therfore wol I knowe and wite of yow	1206
Mel 1814 And therfore wol I knowe and wite of yow	1206
Mel 1815 wheither ye wol putte the punyssement and the chastisynge and the vengeance of this outrage in the wyl	1208
Mel 1815 wheither ye wol putte the punyssement and the chastisynge and the vengeance of this outrage in the wyl	1208
Mel 1815A of me and of my wyf Prudence, or ye wol nat? "	1208
Mel 1816 Thanne the wiseste of hem thre answerde for hem alle and seyde,	1210
Mel 1817A of so greet a lord and so worthy as ye been.	1212
Mel 1818 For we han so greetly mystaken us, and han offended	1212
Mel 1818A and agilt in swich a wise agayn youre heigh lordshipe	1214
Mel 1820 But yet, for the grete goodnesse and debonairetee that al the world witnesseth of youre persone,	1216
Mel 1821 we submytten us to the excellence and benignitee of youre gracious lordshipe,	1216
Mel 1822 and been redy to obeie to alle youre comandementz,	1218
Mel 1823 bisekynge yow that of youre merciable pitee ye wol considere oure grete repentaunce and lowe submyssioun	1218
Mel 1824 and graunten us foryevenesse of oure outrageous trespas and offense.	1220
Mel 1824 and graunten us foryevenesse of oure outrageous trespas and offense.	1220
Mel 1825 For wel we knowe that youre liberal grace and mercy	1220
Mel 1825A strecchen hem ferther into goodnesse than doon oure outrageouse giltes and trespas into wikkednesse,	1222
Mel 1826 al be it that cursedly and dampnablely we han agilt agayn youre heigh lordshipe. "	1222
Mel 1828 and receyved hire obligaciouns and hir boondes by hire othes upon hire plegges and borwes,	1224
Mel 1828 and receyved hire obligaciouns and hir boondes by hire othes upon hire plegges and borwes,	1224
Mel 1828 and receyved hire obligaciouns and hir boondes by hire othes upon hire plegges and borwes,	1224
Mel 1829 and assigned hem a certeyn day to retourne unto his court	1226
Mel 1830 for to accepte and receyve the sentence and juggement that Melibee wolde comande	1226
Mel 1830 for to accepte and receyve the sentence and juggement that Melibee wolde comande	1226
Mel 1832 And whan that dame Prudence saugh hir tyme, she freyned and axed hir lord Melibee	1230
Mel 1832 And whan that dame Prudence saugh hir tyme, she freyned and axed hir lord Melibee	1230
Mel 1834 To which Melibee answerde and seyde, " Certes, " quod he, " I thynke and purpose me fully	1232
Mel 1834 To which Melibee answerde and seyde, " Certes, " quod he, " I thynke and purpose me fully	1232
Mel 1835 to desherite hem of al that evere they han and for to putte hem in exil for evere. "	1232
Mel 1836 " Certes, " quod dame Prudence, " this were a crueel sentence and muchel agayn resoun.	1234
Mel 1837 For ye been riche ynough and han no nede of oother mennes good,	1234
Mel 1838 and ye myghte lightly in this wise gete yow a coveitous name,	1236
Mel 1839 which is a vicious thyng, and oghte been eschued of every good man.	1236
Mel 1841 And therfore it were bettre for yow to lese so muchel good of youre owene	1238
Mel 1842 for bettre it is to lesen good with worshipe than it is to wynne good with vileynye and shame.	1240
Mel 1843 And everi man oghte to doon his diligence and his bisynesse to geten hym a good name.	1242
Mel 1843 And everi man oghte to doon his diligence and his bisynesse to geten hym a good name.	1242
Mel 1844 And yet shal he nat oonly bisie hym in kepynge of his good name,	1242
Mel 1846A and passed, whan it is nat newed ne renovelled.'	1246
Mel 1847 And as touchynge that ye seyn ye wole exile youre adversaries,	1246
Mel 1848 that thynketh me muchel agayn resoun and out of mesure,	1248
Mel 1850 And it is writen that `he is worthy to lesen his privilege that mysuseth	1250
Mel 1850A the myght and the power that is yeven hym.'	1250
Mel 1851 And I sette cas ye myghte enjoyne hem that peyne by right and by lawe,	1252
Mel 1851 And I sette cas ye myghte enjoyne hem that peyne by right and by lawe,	1252
Mel 1854 and thanne were it likly to retourne to the werre as it was biforn.	1254
Mel 1855 And therfore, if ye wole that men do yow obeisance, ye moste deemen moore curteisly;	1256
Mel 1856 this is to seyn, ye moste yeven moore esy sentences and juggementz.	1256
Mel 1858 And therfore I prey yow that in this necessitee and in this nede	1258
Mel 1858 And therfore I prey yow that in this necessitee and in this nede	1258
Mel 1860 And Tullius seith, `Ther is no thyng so comendable in a greet lord	1262
Mel 1861 as whan he is debonaire and meeke, and appeseth him lightly.'	1262
Mel 1861 as whan he is debonaire and meeke, and appeseth him lightly.'	1262
Mel 1862 And I prey yow that ye wole forbere now to do vengeance,	1264
Mel 1863 in swich a manere that youre goode name may be kept and conserved,	1264
Mel 1864 and that men mowe have cause and mateere to preyse yow of pitee and of mercy,	1266
Mel 1864 and that men mowe have cause and mateere to preyse yow of pitee and of mercy,	1266
Mel 1864 and that men mowe have cause and mateere to preyse yow of pitee and of mercy,	1266
Mel 1865 and that ye have no cause to repente yow of thyng that ye doon.	1266
Mel 1868 to th' effect and entente that God Almighty have mercy on yow in his laste juggement.	1270
Mel 1870 Whanne Melibee hadde herd the grete skiles and resouns of dame Prudence, and hire wise informaciouns and techynges,	1272
Mel 1870 Whanne Melibee hadde herd the grete skiles and resouns of dame Prudence, and hire wise informaciouns and techynges,	1272
Mel 1870 Whanne Melibee hadde herd the grete skiles and resouns of dame Prudence, and hire wise informaciouns and techynges,	1272
Mel 1872 and conformed hym anon and assented fully to werken after hir conseil,	1274
Mel 1872 and conformed hym anon and assented fully to werken after hir conseil,	1274
Mel 1873 and thonked God, of whom procedeth al vertu and alle goodnesse,	1276
Mel 1873 and thonked God, of whom procedeth al vertu and alle goodnesse,	1276
Mel 1874 And whan the day cam that his adversaries sholde appieren in his presence,	1278
Mel 1875 he spak unto hem ful goodly, and seyde in this wyse:	1278
Mel 1876 " Al be it so that of youre pride and heigh presumpcioun and folie, and of youre necligence and unkonnynge,	1280
Mel 1876 " Al be it so that of youre pride and heigh presumpcioun and folie, and of youre necligence and unkonnynge,	1280
Mel 1876 " Al be it so that of youre pride and heigh presumpcioun and folie, and of youre necligence and unkonnynge,	1280
Mel 1876 " Al be it so that of youre pride and heigh presumpcioun and folie, and of youre necligence and unkonnynge,	1280
Mel 1877 ye have mysborn yow and trespassed unto me,	1280
Mel 1878 yet for as muche as I see and biholde youre grete humylitee	1282
Mel 1879 and that ye been sory and repentant of youre giltes,	1282
Mel 1879 and that ye been sory and repentant of youre giltes,	1282
Mel 1880 it constreyneth me to doon yow grace and mercy.	1284
Mel 1882 and foryeve yow outrely alle the offenses, injuries, and wronges that ye have doon agayn me and myne,	1286
Mel 1882 and foryeve yow outrely alle the offenses, injuries, and wronges that ye have doon agayn me and myne,	1286
Mel 1882 and foryeve yow outrely alle the offenses, injuries, and wronges that ye have doon agayn me and myne,	1286
Mel 1883 to this effect and to this ende, that God of his endelees mercy	1286
Mel 1885 For doutelees, if we be sory and repentant of the synnes and giltes which we han trespassed	1290
Mel 1885 For doutelees, if we be sory and repentant of the synnes and giltes which we han trespassed	1290
Mel 1886 he is so free and so merciable	1292
Mel 1888 and bryngen us to the blisse that nevere hath ende. " Amen.	1294