Early English Meals and Manners (part 2 of 3)
¶ I haue gone rounde about Chrystendome, and ouerthwarte Chrystendome, and a thousande or two and moore myles out of Chrystendome, Yet there is not so moche pleasure for Harte and Hynde, Bucke and Doe, and for Roo-Bucke and Doe, as is in Englande lande: and although the flesshe be dispraysed in physicke, I praye God to sende me parte of flesshe to eate, physicke notwithstanding ... all physicions (phyon suchons, orig.) sayth that Venson ... doth ingendre colorycke humours; and of trueth it doth so: Wherefore let them take the skynne, and let me haue the flesshe. I am sure it is a Lordes dysshe, and I am sure it is good for an Englysheman, for it doth anymate hym to be as he is: whiche is stronge and hardy. But I do aduertyse euery ma{n}, for all my wordes, not to kyll and so to eate of it, excepte it be lawfully, for it is a meate for great men. And great men do not set so moche by the meate, as they doth by the pastyme of kyllynge of it.
l. 393. Chine, the Back-bone of any Beast or Fish. R. Holme.
l. 397. Stock Dove, Columba œnas, Yarrell ii. 293.
Doues haue this propertie by themselues, to bill one another and kisse before they tread. Holland’s Plinie, v. 1, p. 300.
l. 401. Osprey or Fishing Hawk (the Mullet Hawk of Christchurch Bay), Pandion Haliæëtus, Y. i. 30.
l. 401, 482. Teal, Anas crecca, Y. iii. 282.
l. 402. Mallard or Wild Duck, Anas boschas, Y. iii. 265.
l. 421, 542. Betowre. Bittern, the Common, Botaurus stellaris, Y. ii. 571. In the spring, and during the breeding season, the Bittern makes a loud booming or bellowing noise, whence, probably, the generic term Botaurus was selected for it; but when roused at other times, the bird makes a sharp, harsh cry on rising, not unlike that of a Wild Goose. Yarrell, ii. 573. The Bittern was formerly in some estimation as an article of food for the table; the flesh is said to resemble that of the Leveret in colour and taste, with some of the flavour of wild fowl. Sir Thomas Browne says that young Bitterns were considered a better dish than young Herons ... ii. 574. ‘Hearon, Byttour, Shouelar. Being yong and fat, be lightlier digested then the Crane, & y^e Bittour sooner then the Hearon.’ Sir T. Eliot, Castell of Health, fol. 31.
l. 422. Heron. Holland (Plinie, p. 301) gives--1. A Criell or dwarfe Heron; 2. Bittern; 3. Carion Heron, for Pliny’s--1. Leucon; 2. Asterias; 3. Pellon.
l. 437. Martins are given in the Bill of Fare of Archbp. Nevill’s Feast, A.D. 1466, 3rd Course. R. Holme, p. 78.
l. 449. Cannell Bone. ‘Susclavier. Vpon the kannell bone; whence Veine susclaviere. The second maine ascendant branch of the hollow veine.’ Cot.
l. 457. Compare Rabbet Ronners 1 doz., 2 s., temp. Hen. VIII., a^o 33. H. Ord. p. 223.
l. 492. Custard, open Pies, or without lids, filled with Eggs and Milk; called also Egg-Pie. R. Holme.
See the Recipes for ‘Crustade Ryal,’ ‘Crustade’ (with Chikonys y-smete or smal birdys), and ‘Crustade gentyle’ (with ground pork or veal), fol. 43, Harl. MS. 279. The Recipe for Crustade Ryal is, “Take and pike out þe marow of bonys as hool as þou may. þen take þe bonys an seþe hem in Watere or þat þe broþe be fat y-now. þen take Almaundys & wayssche hem clene & bray hem, & temp{er} hem vppe w{i}t{h} þe fat broþe; þan wyl þe mylke be broun. þen take pouder Canelle, Gyngere, & Suger, & caste þer-on. þen take Roysonys of coraunce & lay in þe cofynne, & taylid Datys & kyt a-long. þen take Eyroun a fewe y-straynid, & swenge among þe Milke þe ȝolke. þen take the botmon of þe cofynne þer þe Marow schal stonde, & steke þ{er} gret an long gobettys þ{er}on vppe ryȝt. & lat bake a whyle. þen pore in comade þer-on halful, & lat bake, & whan yt a-rysith, it is ynow, þen serue forth.”
Sir F. Madden in his note on Frees pasties, in his Privy Purse Expenses of the Princess Mary, p. 131, col. 1, says, “The different species of Confectionary then in vogue are enumerated by Taylor the Water Poet, in his Tract intitled ‘The Great Eater, or part of the admirable teeth and stomack’s exploits of Nicholas Wood,’ &c., published about 1610. ‘Let any thing come in the shape of fodder or eating-stuffe, it is wellcome, whether it be Sawsedge, or Custard, or Eg-pye, or Cheese-cake, or Flawne, or Foole, or Froyze,[*] or Tanzy, or Pancake, or Fritter, or Flap iacke,[†] or Posset, or Galleymawfrey, Mackeroone, Kickshaw, or Tantablin!’”
[Footnote *: Froize, or pancake, Fritilla, Frittur, rigulet. Baret. Omlet of Eggs is Eggs beaten together with Minced suet, and so fried in a Pan, about the quantity of an Egg together, on one side, not to be turned, and served with a sauce of Vinegar and Sugar. An Omlet or Froise. R. Holme.]
[Footnote †: Flapjack is “a fried cake made of butter, apples, &c.” Jennings. It is not a pancake here, evidently. “Untill at last by the skill of the cooke, it is transform’d into the forme of a flapjack, which in our translation is cald a pancake.” Taylor’s Jack-a-lent, i. p. 115, in Nares.]
l. 500, 706, 730. Pety Perueis. Perueis should be Perneis, as the Sloane MS. 1985 shows. Alter text accordingly. Under the head of bake Metis or Vyaunde Furneȝ, in Harl. MS. 279, fol. 40 b, we have No. xiiij Pety Pernollys. Take fayre Floure Cofyns. þen take ȝolkys of Eyroun & trye hem fro þe whyte. & lat þe ȝolkys be al hole & noȝt to-broke. & ley .iij. or .iiij. ȝolkys in a cofyn. and þan take marow of bonys, to or .iij. gobettys, & cowche in þe cofynn. þen take pouder Gyngere, Sugre, Roysonys of corau{n}ce, & caste a-boue, & þan kyuere þin cofyn w{i}t{h} þe same past. & bake hem & frye hem in fayre grece & s{erve} f{orth}.
xx Pety Peruaaunt. Take fayre Flowre, Sugre, Safroun, an Salt. & make þ{er}offe fayre past & fayre cofyng{is}. þan take fayre y-tryid ȝolkys Raw & Sugre an pouder Gyngere, & Raysonys of Coraunce, & myncyd Datys, but not to small. þan caste al þis on a fayre bolle, & melle al to-gederys, & put in þin cofyn, & lat bake oþer Frye in Freyssche grece. Harl. MS. 279.
l. 501, 701. Powche. I suppose this to be poached-egg fritters; but it may be the other powche; ‘Take the Powche and the Lyno{ur} [? liver] of haddok, codlyng, and hake.’ Forme of Cury, p. 47. Recipe 94.
l. 501. Fritters are small Pancakes, having slices of Apples in the Batter. R. Holme. Frutters, Fruter Napkin, and Fruter Crispin, were dishes at Archbp. Nevill’s Feast, 7 Edw. IV. 1467-8 A.D.
l. 503. Tansy Cake is made of grated Bread, Eggs, Cream, Nutmeg, Ginger, mixt together and Fried in a Pan with Butter, with green Wheat and Tansy stamped. R. Holme. ‘To prevent being Bug-bitten. Put a sprig or two of tansey at the bed head, or as near the pillow as the smell may be agreeable.’ T. Cosnett’s Footman’s Directory, p. 292.
l. 504, 511, &c. Leach, a kind of Jelly made of Cream, Ising-glass, Sugar, and Almonds, with other compounds (the later meaning, 1787). R. Holme.
l. 517-18. Potages. All maner of liquyde thynges, as Potage, sewe and all other brothes doth replete a man that eteth them with ventosyte. Potage is not so moche vsed in all Chrystendome as it is vsed in Englande. Potage is made of the licour in the whiche flesshe is sod in, with puttynge to, chopped herbes, and Otmell and salte. A. Borde, Reg. fol. H. ii.
l. 517, 731. Jelly, a kind of oily or fat liquor drawn from Calves or Neats feet boiled. R. Holme.
l. 519. Grewel is a kind of Broth made only of Water, Grotes brused and Currans; some add Mace, sweet Herbs, Butter and Eggs and Sugar: some call it Pottage Gruel. R. Holme.
l. 521. Cabages. ’Tis scarce a hundred years since we first had cabbages out of Holland; Sir Anthony Ashley, of Wiburg St Giles, in Dorsetshire, being, as I am told, the first who planted them in England. Jn. Evelyn, Acetaria, § 11. They were introduced into Scotland by the soldiers of Cromwell’s army. 1854. Notes and Queries, May 6, p. 424, col. 1.
l. 533. Powdered is contrasted with fresh in Household Ordinances: ‘In beef daily or moton, fresh, or elles all poudred is more availe, 5d.’ H. Ord. p. 46. In Muffett (p. 173) it means pickled, ‘As Porpesses must be baked while they are new, so Tunny is never good till it have been long pouldred with salt, vinegar, coriander, and hot spices.’ In p. 154 it may be either salt or pickled; ‘Horne-beaks are ever lean (as some think) because they are ever fighting; yet are they good and tender, whether they be eaten fresh or poudred.’ Powdered, says Nicolas, meant sprinkled over, and “powdered beef” i.e. beef sprinkled with salt, is still in use. Privy Purse expenses of Elizabeth of Yorke, &c., p. 254, col. 1. See note to l. 378, 689, here.
l. 535-688. Chaudoun. MS. Harl. 1735, fol. 18, gives this Recipe. ‘¶ Chaudo{n} sauz of swannes. ¶ Tak y^e issu of y^e swannes, & wasch{e} hem wel, skoure y^e guttys w{i}t{h} salt, sethz al to-gidre. Tak of y^e fleysch{e}; hewe it smal, & y^e guttys w{i}t{h} alle. Tak bred, gynger{e} & galingale, Canel, grynd it & tempre it vp w{i}t{h} bred; colo{u}r it w{i}t{h} blood or{e} w{i}t{h} bre{n}t bred, seson it vp w{i}t{h} a lytyl vinegre; welle it al to-gyder{e}.’ And see the Chaudou{n} potage of Pygys, fol. 19, or p. 37.
l. 540. Crane, the Common, Crus cinerea, Y. ii. 530.
l. 540. Egret, or Great White Heron, Ardea alba Y. ii. 549. (Buff-coloured, Buff-backed, and Little Egret, are the varieties.)
l. 540. Hernshaw or Common Heron, Ardea cinerea. Y. ii. 537 (nine other varieties).
l. 541. Plover, the Great (Norfolk Plover and Stone Curlew), Ædicnemus crepitans, Y. ii. 465 (10 other varieties).
l. 541. Curlew the Common, Numenius arquata, Y. ii. 610 (there are other varieties).
l. 542. Bustard, the Great, Otis tarda, Y. ii. 428; the Little (rare here) ii. 452.
l. 542. Shoveler (blue-winged, or Broad-Bill), Anas clypeata, Y. iii. 247. Snipe, the Common, Scolopax gallinago, Y. iii. 38 (11 other sorts).
l. 543. Woodcock, Scolopax rusticola, Y. iii. 1.
l. 543. Lapwing or Peewit, Vanellus cristatus, ii. 515.
l. 543. The Martin, or House Martin, Hirundo urbica, Y. ii. 255; the Sand or Bank Martin, Hirundo riparia, ii. 261.
l. 544. Quail, the Common, Coturnix vulgaris, Y. ii. 413.
l. 546. On Fish wholesome or not, see Bullein, fol. lxxxiij., and on Meats, fol. 82.
l. 548. Torrentille: Mr Skeat suggests ‘? Torrent-eel.’ Though the spelling of Randle Holme’s A Sandile or a Sandeele (Bk. II., p. 333), and Aldrovandi’s (p. 252 h.) “De Sandilz Anglorum” may help this, yet, as Dr Günther says, eels have nothing to do with torrents. Torrentille may be the Italian Tarentella: see note on Torrentyne, l. 835 below.
l. 555. Ling. There shall be stryken of every Saltfische called a Lyng Fische vj Stroks after iij Strooks in a Side. Percy Household Book, p. 135.
l. 558. Stockfish. Vocatur autem ‘Stockfisch’ à trunco, cui hic piscis aridus tundendus imponitur. ariditate enim ita riget, ut nisi præmaceratus aqua, aut prætunsus, coqui non possit. Gesner, p. 219. ‘Ie te frotteray à double carillon. I will beat thee like a stockfish, I will swinge thee while I may stand ouer thee.’ Cotgrave. ‘The tenne chapitule’ of ‘The Libelle of Englysch Polycye’ is headed ‘Of the coundius stokfysshe of Yselonde,’ &c., &c., and begins
Of Yseland to wryte is lytille nede, Save of stockfische.
A. Borde, in his Introduction to Knowledge, under Islond, says,
And I was borne in Islond, as brute as a beest; Whan I ete candels ends I am at a feest; Talow and raw stockefysh I do loue to ete, In my countrey it is right good meate.
... In stede of bread they do eate stocfyshe, and they wyll eate rawe fyshe & fleshe; they be beastly creatures, vnmannered and vntaughte. The people be good fyshers; muche of theyr fishe they do barter with English men for mele, lases, a{n}d shoes & other pelfery. (See also under Denmarke.)
l. 559. Mackerel. See Muffett’s comment on them, and the English and French ways of cooking them, p. 157.
l. 569. Onions. Walnuts be hurtfull to the Memory, and so are Onyons, because they annoy the Eyes with dazeling dimnesse through a hoate vapour. T. Newton, Touchstone, ed. 1581, fol. 125 b.
l. 572. A Rochet or Rotbart is a red kind of Gurnard, and is so called in the South parts of England; and in the East parts it is called a Curre, and a Golden polle. R. Holme.
l. 575. A Dace or a Blawling, or a Gresling, or a Zienfische, or Weyfisch; by all which the Germans call it, which in Latin is named Leucorinus. And the French Vengeron, which is English’d to me a Dace, or Dace-fish. R. Holme.
l. 577. Refett. “I thought it clear that refett was roe, and I do not yet give it up. But see P. P., Refeccyon, where the editor gives ‘refet of fisshe K., refet or fishe H., reuet P.,’ from other manuscripts, and cites in a note Roquefort from Fr. reffait (refait) as meaning a fish, the rouget, &c., &c. The authority of Roquefort is not much, and he gives no citation. If, however, in K. H. and P. these forms are used instead of the spelling refeccyon, and defined refectio, refectura, it rather embarrasses the matter. Halliwell cites no authority for rivet, roe.” G. P. Marsh. See note to l. 839 here, p. 108.
l. 580. Gobbin, or Gobbet, or Gubbins: Meat cut in large peeces, as large as an Egg. R. Holme.
l. 584. A Thornbacke, soe called from the Sharp Crooked Pricks set on Studs, all down the middle of the Back. R. Holme.
l. 584. Hound Fysch. A Sow-Hound-Fish ... So it is called from its resemblance of a Dog, and its fatness like to a Swine: though most term it a Dog-Fish. It hath a small Head, great Eyes; wide Mouth, rough, sharp and thick skinned. R. Holme.
l. 584, l. 830. Thorlepolle. Aldrovandi, describing the Balæna vera Rondel[etii] says: Hec belua Anglis, (vt dixi) Hore vocatur, & alio nomine Horlepoole & VVirlepoole etiam, ni fallor, earu{m} nimiru{m} omnium significatione, quòd impetuo suo & flatu vorticosas in mari tanquam palude procellas excitet. Oleum ex ea colligi aiunt. p. 677. See Holland’s Plinie on the Whales and Whirlepooles called Balænæ, which take up in length as much as foure acres or arpens of land, v. 1, p. 235, &c.
Thornback, Raja. Thornback, which Charles Chester merily and not unfitly calleth Neptune’s beard, was extolled by Antiphanes in Athenæus history for a dainty fish; indeed it is of a pleasant taste, but of a stronger smell than Skate, over-moist to nourish much, but not so much as to hinder lust, which it mightily encreaseth. Muffett, p. 172.
l. 596. Verjuice is the juice of Crabs or sour Apples. R. Holme.
l. 622. Jole of Sturgion or Salmon is the two quarters of them, the head parts being at them. R. Holme.
l. 630. Lamprey pie. In the Hengrave Household Accounts is this entry “for presenting a lamprey pye vj d.” “It{e}m. the xiiij day of January [1503] to a servant of the Pryour of Lanthony in reward for brynging of two bakyn laumpreys to the Quene v s. Nicolas’s Elizabeth of York, p. 89, and Glossary.”
Under ‘How several sorts of Fish are named, according to their Age or Growth,’ p. 324-5, R. Holme gives
An Eel, first a Fauser, then a Grigg, or Snigg, then a Scaffling, then a little Eel; when it is large, then an Eel, and when very large, a Conger.
A Pike, first a Hurling pick, then a Pickerel, then a Pike, then a Luce or Lucie.
A Smelt or Sparling, first a Sprat, then a small Sparling, then a Sparling.
A Codd, first a Whiting, then a Codling, then a Codd.
A Lamprey, first a Lampron Grigg, then a Lampret, then a Lamprell, then a Lamprey.
A Lampron, first a Barle, than a Barling, then a Lamprell, and then a Lamprey or Lampron.
A Crevice, first a Spron Frey, then a Shrimp, then a Sprawn, and when it is large, then called a Crevice.
The curious Burlesques, pp. 81-2, 85-6, vol. 1 of Reliquiæ Antiquæ, contain a great many names of fish.
l. 631. Pasty is paste rouled broad, and the Meat being laid in Order on it, it is turned over, and made up on three sides, with garnishes about. R. Holme.
l. 634, note. [Footnote 178 in this e-text] Galingale. Harman (ed. Strother, 1727) notices three varieties, Cyperus rotundus, round Galingal; Galanga major, Galingal; Galanga minor, lesser Galingal.
Gallinga, Lat. Galanga, says Bp Percy, is the root of a grassy-leaved plant brought from the East Indies, of an aromatic smell and hot biting bitterish Taste, anciently used among other Spices, but now almost laid aside. Lewis, Mat. Med. p. 286. See Mr Way’s note 4 in Pr. Parv. p. 185.
‘Galendyne is a sauce for any kind of roast Fowl, made of Grated Bread, beaten Cinnamon and Ginger, Sugar, Claret-wine, and Vinegar, made as thick as Grewell.’ Randle Holme, Bk. III., chap. III., p. 82, col. 2. See also Recipes in Markham’s Houswife, the second p. 70, and the first p. 77.
l. 657. A sewer, appositor ciborum. Appono, to sette vpon the table. Withals.
l. 686. See Randle Holme’s ‘relation of the Feast made by George Nevill, Arch-Bishop of York, at the time of his Consecration, or Installation, 7. Edw. IV. 1467-8,’ and his other Bills of Fare, p. 77-81, Book III. Chap. III.
l. 686. Mustard is a kind of sharp biting sauce, made of a small seed bruised and mixed with Vinegar. R. Holme.
l. 686. Dynere. Compare the King’s dinner in The Squyr of Lowe Degree.
The Squyer
He toke a white yeard in his hande, Before the kynge than gane he stande, And sone he sat hym on his knee, And serued the kynge ryght royally With deynty meates that were dere, With Partryche, Pecocke, and Plouere, With byrdes in bread ybake, The Tele, the Ducke, and the Drake, The Cocke, the Corlewe, and the Crane, With Fesauntes fayre, theyr ware no wane, Both Storkes and Snytes ther were also, And venyson freshe of Bucke and Do, And other deyntés many one, For to set afore the kynge anone. l. 312-27, E. Popular Poetry, v. 2, p. 36.
Several of the names of the dishes in Russell are used burlesquely in the Feest of the Turnament of Tottenham, E. Pop. P., v. 3, pp. 94-6, “saduls sewys, mashefatts in mortrewys, mylstones in mawmary, iordans in iussall, chese-crustis in charlett,” &c.
l. 688, Swan. “Cap. xxviij. The Swan{n}e is veri a fayr birde, w{i}t{h} whyte feders / & it hath a blacke skinne & flesshe / the mariner seeth hy{m} gladly / for whan he is mery, the mariner is without sorowe or dau{n}ger; & all his strengthe is in his wy{n}ges / and he is coleryke of complexio{n} / & whan they will engender, than they stryke wyth theyr nebbys toged{er}, and cast theyr neckes ouer eche other as yf thei wolden brace eche other; so come they togeder, but the male doth hurt {the} female; & as sone as he beknoweth that he hathe hurte her, tha{n} he departeth frome her co{m}pani in all the haste possible / and she pursueth after for to reuenge it / but {the} anger is sone past, & she wassheth her with her bylle in the water / and clenseth herselfe agayne.” --L. Andrewe, Noble Lyfe. Pt. II. sign. m. 1.
l. 688, Feysaund. “Cap. xlvi. Fascian{us} is a wyld cocke or a fesa{n}t cocke that byde in the forestes, & it is a fayre byrde with goodly feders. but he hath no co{m}mbe as other cockes haue / and they be alway alone except whane they wylle be by the henne. and they that will take this bird / and in many places the byrders doth thus, they pay{n}te the figure of this fayre byrde in a cloth, & holdeth it before hym / & whan this birde seeth so fayr a figure of hym selfe / he goeth nother forward nor bacwarde / but he standeth still, staringe vpon his figure / & sodenly commeth another, and casteth a nette ouer his hede, and taketh hym. Thys byrde morneth sore in fowle weder, & hideth hym from the rayne vnder {the} busshes. Towarde {the} morninge and towardes night, than com{m}eth he out of the busshe, and is ofte{n}times so taken, & he putteth his hede in the grou{n}d, & he weneth that all his boddy is hyden / and his flessh is very light and good to disiest.” --L. Andrewe, Noble Lyfe. Pt. II. (m. 4.)
l. 689. Vensoun bake, or Venison Pasty. Of the Hart and Hinde, Topsel says, “The flesh is tender, especially if the beast were libbed before his horns grew: yet is not the juice of that flesh very wholesome, and therefore Galen adviseth men to abstain as much from Harts flesh as from Asses, for it engendereth melancholy; yet it is better in Summer then in Winter. Simeon Sethi, speaking of the hot Countries, forbiddeth to eat them in Summer, because then they eat Serpents, and so are venemous; which falleth not out in colder Nations, and therefore assigneth them rather to be eaten in Winter time, because the concoctive powers are more stronger through plenty of inward heat; but withal admonisheth, that no man use to eat much of them, for it will breed Palsies and trembling in mans body, begetting grosse humors, which stop the Milt and Liver: and Auicen proveth, that by eating thereof men incur the quartane Ague; wherefore it is good to powder them with salt before the dressing, and then seasoned with Peper and other things, known to every ordinary Cook and woman, they make of them Pasties in most Nations,” p. 103, ed. 1658.
l. 694. Blanchmanger, a made dish of Cream, Eggs, and Sugar, put into an open puff paste bottom, with a loose cover. Blamanger, is a Capon roast or boile, minced small, planched (sic) Almonds beaten to paste, Cream, Eggs, Grated Bread, Sugar and Spices boiled to a pap. R. Holme.
l. 694. Po = tage is strong Broth of Meat, with Herbs and Spices Boiled. Pottage is the Broth of Flesh or Fowl, with Herbs and Oatmeal boiled therein. R. Holme.
l. 694, Vensoun; and l. 696, Heironsew.
But many men byn nowe so lekerous That they can not leve by store of howse, As brawne, bakyn, or powderd beef; Such lyvelod now ys no man leef, But venyson, wyldfowle or heronsewes, So newfanggell be these men of her thewes; Moche medlyd wyne all day men drynke; j haue wyste wyldfowle sum tyme stynke.
Piers of Fullham, ll. 171-8, p. 8, v. 2, of Early Popular Poetry, ed. Hazlitt, 1866.
l. 695, Bustard. “Cap. xv. The Bistarda is a birde as great as an egle, of {th}e maner of an egle, and of suche colour, saue in {th}e winges & in the tayle it hath some white feders; he hath a crooked byll, & longe talants. and it is slowe of flight / & wha{n} he is on the grownde, than must he ryse .iij. or iiij. tymes or he can come to any fulle flight. he taketh his mete on the erth; for .v. or .vi. of them togeder be so bold that they festen on a shepe & tere hy{m} a-sonder / & so ete the flesshe of him / & this birde dothe ete also of dede bestes & stinkyn caryon, and it eteth also grasse & grene erbes / & it layth his eggis vpon the grou{n}de, & bredeth the{m} out the while that {th}e corne groweth on the felde.” --L. Andrewe, Noble Lyfe, L ij back.
l. 695, Crane. “Cap. lix. The Crane is a great byrde / and whan they flye, they be a greate many of them to-gyder in ordre, and a-monge the{m} they chose a kynge the whiche they obey / whan the crane sleepth, than standeth he vpon one fote w{i}t{h} his hede vnder his winges / & ther is one {tha}t kepeth the wache w{i}t{h} his hede vpryght to-wardes {th}e ayre / & wha{n} they ete, tha{n} the kynge kepeth the wache fore them, and than the cranes ete w{i}t{h}out sorowe. Aristotiles sayth {tha}t aboue Egipt in farre lo{n}des come the cranes in the wi{n}ter / and there the fight w{i}t{h} the pygmeis as before is shewed in {th}e .c. & .xvi. chapter.[*]
[Footnote *: Pigmeis be men & women, & but one cubite longe, dwellinge in {th}e mountaynes of ynde | they be full growen at their third yere, & at their seue{n} yere they be olde | & they gader them in may a grete co{m}pany togeder, & arme them in theyr best maner | and tha{n} go they to the water syde, & where-so-euer they fynde any cranes nestis they breake all the egges, & kyll all the yonges {tha}t they fynde | and this they do because {th}e cranes do them many displeasures, & fight with them oftentymes, & do the{m} great scathe | but these folke couer their houses w{i}t{h} the cranes feders & egshels. fol. h. ij. back.]
The Operacion.
Rasi. The flesshe of him is grosse, & not good to disiest / & it maketh mela{n}colious blode. ¶ The crane that is kille in somer shalbe hanged vp one daye / and in winter season .ij. dayes or it be eten, and than it is the more disiestious.” --L. Andrewe, Noble Lyfe. Pt. II. (n. iij.)
l. 695, peacock. “Paon revestu. A Peacocke flayed, parboyled, larded, and stucke thicke with Cloues; then roasted, with his feet wrapped vp to keepe them from scorching; then couered againe with his owne skinne as soone as he is cold, and so vnderpropped that, as aliue, hee seemes to stand on his legs: In this equipage a gallant, and daintie seruice.” --1611, Cotgrave.
l. 695, Peacock. “Pauo / the pecocke is a very fayre byrde / and it hath a longe necke, and hath on his hede feders lyke a lytell crowne / he hathe a longe tayle the whyche he setteth on hye very rycheli, but whan he loketh on hys lothly fete, he lateth his tayle sinke. Be nyght, whan the Pecocke can nat see hymselfe, tha{n} he cryeth ernefully, and thynketh that he hath lost hys beautye / and with his crye he feareth all serpentes / in suche maners {tha}t they dare nat abyde in those places whereas they here hym crye / and whan the pecocke cly{m}meth hye, that is a token of rayne ... also the pecocke is envious & wylle nat knowe his yonges tyll that they haue {th}e crowne of feders vpon theyr hede, and that they begynne to lyken hym.... The flesshe of hy{m} will nat lightely rote nor stynke / and it is euyll flesshe to disiest, for it can nat lightely be rosted or soden ynough.” --L. Andrewe, Noble Lyfe (o. iv.), Cap. xci.
l. 696, Heironsew. Ardea is a byrde that fetcheth his mete in y^e water, & yet he byldeth vpo{n} the hyest trees that he can. This birde defendeth his yonges from y^e goshawke, castinge his dou{n}ge vpon him / & tha{n} the fedders of the goshawke rote of y^e dounge of ardea as far as it touchet[h]. Nob. Lyfe, L. ij.
l. 696, Partrich. “Cap. xcvi. Perdix is a byrde very wylye, & the cockes feght oftentymes for the he{n}nes. and these byrdes flye of no heght / and they put theyr hedes in the erthe, & they thinke {tha}t they tha{n} be well hyde{n}, for wha{n} she seeth nobody she thinketh {tha}t nobody seeth here. & she bredeth out other p{ar}triches egges / for wha{n} she hath lost her eges, tha{n} she steleth other egges & bredeth the{m} / & wha{n} they be hatched {tha}t they can go on the grou{n}de / than this da{m}me setteth the{m} out of {th}e nest / but whan they be a-brode, & here the wyse of theyr owne da{m}mes, inco{n}tinent they leue theyr da{m}me {tha}t brought the{m} up, & go to their owne natural da{m}me / & tha{n} she {tha}t brought the{m} vp hath lost her labour. The Operacion. The flesshe of a p{ar}triche is most holsomest of all wylde fowles, {the}brest & vppermoste parte of {th}e bodie is the swetest, & hathe the best sauoure / but {th}e hinder parte is nat so swete.” L. Andrewe, Noble Lyfe, sign. p. i. & back.
l. 698, Lark. Alauda: the larke is a lytel birde, & w{i}t{h} euery man well beknowen through his songe / in {th}e somer {the}i begy{n}neth to singe in the dawning of {th}e day, geuynge knowlege to the people of {th}e cominge of the daye; and in fayre weder he reioyseth sore / but wha{n} it is rayne weder, than it singeth selden / he singeth nat sittinge on the grownde nouther / but whan he assendith vpwarde, he syngeth mereli / & in the descending it falleth to the grownde lyke a stone. The Operacion. The larkes flesshe hardeneth the beli, and the brothe of hym that he was soden in, slaketh the beli. L. Andrewe, Noble Lyfe, sign. L. iv. back, and L. i.
l. 706, Snyte or Snipe. “Cap. lxxxiiij. Nepa is a byrde w{i}t{h} a longe byll / & he putteth his byll in {th}e erthe for to seke the worms in the grou{n}de / and they put their bylles in {th}e erthe sometyme so depe {tha}t they can nat gete it vp agayne / & tha{n} they scratche theyr billes out agayn w{i}t{h} theyr fete. This birde resteth betimes at nyght / and they be erly abrode on the morninge / & they haue swete flesshe to be eaten.” L. Andrewe, Noble Lyfe.
l. 706, Sparow. “Passer / The Sparowe is a lytell byrde / and wha{n} {th}e cucko fyndeth the sparowes nest / tha{n} he suppeth vp {th}e egges, & layeth newe egges hym self therin agayne / & the sparowe bredeth vp these yo{n}ge cuckoes tyl they can flee; tha{n} a great many of olde sparowes geder to-geder to thente{n}t {tha}t thei sholde holde vp the yo{n}ge sparowes that can nat flee / & theyr mete is wormes of {th}e erthe.... All sparowes flesshe is euyl / and their egges also. The flessh is very hote, and moueth to the operacion of lechery.” L. Andrewe, Noble Lyfe (o. iv.), Cap. xci.
l. 713. Comfits are round, long or square pellets of Sugar made by the Art of a Confectioner. R. Holme.
l. 737, Eles. Trevisa in his Higden says of Britain ‘þe lond ys noble, copious, & ryche of noble welles, & of noble ryvers wiþ plente of fysch. þar ys gret plente of smal fysch & of eeles, so þat cherles in som place feedeþ sowes wiþ fysch.’ Morris’s Specimens, p. 334.
Comyth ther not al day owt of hollond and flaundre Off fatte eles full many a showte, And good chepe, who that wayteth the tyddys abowte?
Piers of Fullham, ll. 71-3, Early Pop. Poetry, v. 2, p. 4 (and see ll. 7-10).
l. 747, 812. Minoes, so called either for their littleness, or (as Dr. Cajus imagined) because their fins be of so lively a red, as if they were died with the true Cinnabre-lake called Minium: They are less than Loches, feeding upon nothing, but licking one another ... they are a most delicate and light meat ... either fried or sodden. Muffett, p. 183.
l. 758. Towse. Can this be a form of dough? G. P. Marsh.
l. 782. Sotiltees were made of sugar and wax. Lel. Coll. VI. p. 31. Pegge.
l. 788-795, Sanguineus, Colericus, Fleumaticus, Malencolicus. Men were divided into these four classes, according to their humours. Laurens Andrewe says, in his Noble Lyfe, “And the bodij of man is made of many diuers sortes of ly{m}mes / as senewes / vaynes / fatte / flesshe & skynne. And also of the foure moistours / as sanguyne / flematyke / coleryke & melancoly.” (fol. a iv. back) col. 2. In his Chapter “Howe that man co{m}meth into the house of dethe,” he has drawings of these four types of man, on either side of King Death & the skeleton under him. Men die, he says in thre ways. 1. by one of the four elements of which they are made, overcoming the others; 2. by humidum radicale or ‘naturall moystour’ forsaking them; 3. by wounds; “& these thre maners of dethes be co{n}tained in the four co{m}plexcions of man / as in the sa{n}guyne / colerike / flematike / & mela{n}coly. The sanguyne wareth ofte{n}tymes so olde through gode gouernau{n}ce / that he must occopy spectacles, & liue longe or hu{m}midu{m} radicale departe frome him / but than he dyeth. The colerike co{m}meth oftentymes to[*] dethe be accide{n}tall maner through his hastines, for he is of nature hote & drye. The flematike co{m}meth often to dethe thorough great excesse of mete & drinke, or other great labours doinge / for his nature is colde and moyste, & can not well disiest. And mela{n}coly is heuy / full of care & heuynes / whereof he engendereth moche euyll blode that causeth great sekenes, which bringeth him vnto dethe. Thus go we al vnto the howse of dethe / the one thrugh ensuynge of his co{m}plexion / the other through the ordenances of almyghty god. The thirde through the planetis & signes of the firmame{n}t.” fol. a vi.
[Footnote *: orig. do.]
l. 799, Beef. Laurens Andrewe, Noble Lyfe, sign. C. i., Pt. i. says, “Of the oxce, ca. xiiij. The oxce is a co{m}panable beste, & amonge his co{m}pani he is very meke / & alwaye he seketh his felowe that was wont to go in the plowghe wyth hym / and whan he fyndeth nat his felow, than cryeth he wyth a lowde voyce, makyng gret mone / as it were one {tha}t wolde make a mourninge co{m}playnt. A bull lyueth .xv. yere, and a oxce .xx. yere. ¶ Isaac sayth that an oxce flessh is the dryest flesshe amonge all other / & his blode is nat holsome to be eten, for it wyll nat lightly disieste. & therfore it fedeth sore, & it maketh euyll hu{m}oures, & bredeth mela{n}coly / & they melancolicus that eat moche suche metes be like to suffer many diseases, as to gete an harde mylte / the febris quartayn / the dropcy / mangnies, lepry, &c.”
l. 799, Mutton. Wether mutton was rightly held the best. See “The operacion” below. “¶ Of the Ramme or weddr. Ca. iij. Ysydorus sayth that the ra{m}me or wedder is the lodysman of other shepe / and he is the male or man of the oye, and is stronger than the other shepe / & he is also called a wedder because of a worme that he hath in his hede / & whan that begi{n}neth for to stirre, than wyll he tucke and feght / and he fereth naturally the thonder, as other shepe dothe. For whan a shepe is with frute, hering the thonder, she casteth her frute, and bryngeth it dede to the worlde. and the wedder in the tyme that he bespryngeth the oye, than is it in the tyme of loue amonge the shepe / and the Ra{m}me or wedder wyl feght boldly for theyr wyues one with another....
The Operacion.
¶ The flesshe of a yo{n}ge wether that is gelded is moch better than any other motton / for it is nat so moyste as other motton, and it is hoter, and whan it disgesteth well it maketh gode blode / but the flessh of an oled ra{m}me wyll nat lightely disgest, & that is very euyll.” L. Andrewe, Noble Lyfe, Pt. I. sign. b. i. back.
l. 800, Chykon. On the cocke & hen L. Andrewe discourses as follows: “the Cocke is a noble byrde with a combe on his hed & vnder his iawes / he croweth in {th}e night heuely & light in {th}e morni{n}ge / & is fare herd w{i}t{h} the wi{n}de. The lyon is afrayd of the cocke / & specially of the whyte / the crowyng of the cocke is swete & profitable; he wakeneth {th}e sleper / he conforteth the sorowful / & reioyseth the wakers in tokenynge {tha}t the night is passed.... The flesshe of the coscke is groser tha{n} the flesshe of the he{n}ne or capon. Nota / the olde cockes flesshe is tenderer than the yonge. The capons flesshe is mightiest of all fowles & maketh gode blode. Auicea{n}na. The cokerels flesshe {tha}t neuer crewe is bett{er} than {th}e olde cockes flesshe: the stones be gode for the{m} that haue to light a disiestyon / the brothe of hym is gode for the payn in {th}e mawe {tha}t co{m}meth of wynde.” Noble Lyfe, n. i. back. Of the hen, L. Andrewe says: “the he{n}ne is {th}e wyfe of the cocke / & ye shall lay odde egges vnder her for to hatche / ... The flesshe of the yonge he{n}ne or she haue layde / is better than of the olde he{n}ne / also the grese of the cheken is moche hoter than of the he{n}ne.” Noble Lyfe, n. i. back.
l. 802, Goose. “The tame gese ... be heuy in fleinge, gredi at their mete, & diligent to theyr rest / & they crye the houres of y^e night, & therwith they fere y^e theues. In the hillis of alpis be gese as great, nere ha{n}de, as an ostriche: they be so heuy of body that they cannat flee, & so me take them with the hande.... The gose flessh is very grose of nature in disiestion.” Noble Lyfe, L. i. back. Part ii. cap. 10.
l. 803, Capon. “Gallinacius / the capon is a gelded cocke / & because {tha}t he is gelded he waxeth the soner fatte / & though he go with the hennes, he dothe nat defende them / nor he croweth nat.” L. Andrewe, Noble Lyfe, fol. n. ij.
l. 804, Eggis. “the new lyde egges be better than the olde / the henne egges be better tha{n} ani other egges, whan thei be fresshe, & specialli whan thei be rere, tha{n} they make gode blode / but the egges that be harde rosted be of {th}e grose metis.
The Operacion.
All maners of egges waken a man to the worke of lecherie, & specialli sparowes egges. Auice{n}na: The ducke egges & suche like make grose humoures. The best of the egges is the yolke, & that causeth sperma / the white of the egge enclineth to be cole. whan an he{n}ne shall brede, take hede of those egges that be blont on bothe endes, & thei shal be he{n}ne chekens / & those that be longe & sharpe on bothe endes shall be cocke chekens.” L. Andrewe. Noble Lyfe (o iij. back).
l. 808, Lamb. Laurens Andrewe, Pt. i. says. ¶ Of the La{m}me. Cap. p{ri}mo. In the begi{n}nynge we haue the La{m}me, because he is the moste mekest beste leuinge, for it offe{n}deth nobody / and all that he hathe on him is gode / y^e flesshe for to eate, the skynne to make parcheme{n}t or ledder / the donge for to do{n}ge the felde / the clawes & hornes be medicinable / he dredeth the wolfe sore / & he knoweth his da{m}me best be her bleting, though she be amonge many shepe.
The Operacion.
The Lam{m}e that soucketh his dam{m}e hath his flesshe very slymie, & nat lowable / and it will nat be disgested, principally of them that haue cold stomakes. la{m}mes of a yere olde be better & lighter to disgest / & they make gode blode / and specyally they be gode for theym that be hote & drye of complexcyon & dwell in a hote & drye lande / la{m}mes flesshe is very gode for one that is hole & lusti, but for theim {tha}t be seke it is very euyll: though it lightely disgest and descende out of the man / yet it is euyll for other partes of the body, for it maketh slimy humours. sign. b. i.
l. 808, Cony. “The coney is a lytel beste dwellynge in an hole of the erthe / & thore as he vseth he encreaseth very moche, and therfore he is profitable for man, for he casteth oftentymes in the yere ... Ysaac sayth. That conys flesshe hath properli {th}e vertue to strengen {th}e mawe and to dissolue the bely / and it casseth moche vryne.” The Noble Lyfe, sign. e. i.
l. 811. Mead or Meath, a drink made of Ginger, Sugar, Honey and Spring water boiled together. R. Holme.
Metheglin, a drink made of all sorts of wholesome Herbs boiled and strained with Honey and Water, and set to work with Bearm, as Ale or Beer. R. Holme. Dan. miod.
l. 811. Braggot. This drinke is of a most hot nature, as being compos’d of Spices, and if it once scale the sconce, and enter within the circumclusion of the Perricranion, it doth much accelerate nature, by whose forcible atraction and operation, the drinker (by way of distribution) is easily enabled to afford blowcs to his brother. In Taylor. Drink & Welcome, 1637, A 3, back.
l. 812. Mussels (Mityli, Chamæ) were never in credit, but amongst the poorer sort, till lately the lilly-white Mussel was found out about Romers-wall, as we sail betwixt Flushing and Bergen-up-Zon, where indeed in the heat of Sommer they are commonly and much eaten without any offence to the head, liver, or stomach: yea my self (whom once twenty Mussels had almost poisoned at Cambridg, and who have seen sharp, filthy, and cruel diseases follow the eating of English Mussels) did fill my self with those Mussels of the Low Country, being never a whit distempered with my bold adventure. Muffett, p. 159.
l. 824, Samon.
Also sumtyme where samons vsen for to haunte, Lampreys, luces, or pykkes plesaunte, wenyth the fyscher suche fysche to fynde. Piers of Fullham, ll. 11-13.
l. 835, 4 [Footnote 235 in this e-text] Torrentyne. The passage before that quoted from Aldrovandi, de Piscibus, p. 585, in the note, is, “Trutta, siue ut Platina scribit Truta, siue Trotta Italicu{m} nome{n} est, à Gallis, quibus Troutte vel potius Truette, vel ab Anglis quib{us} à Trute, vel Trovvt appella{n}t, acceptum. Rhæti qui Italica lingua corrupta vtuntur, Criues vocant, teste Gesnero.” The special fish from the Tarentine gulf is the “Tarentella, Piscis genus. Tract. MS. de Pisc. cap. 26 ex Cod. reg. 6838. C.: Magnus thunnus, is scilicet qui a nostris Ton vocatur ... dicitur Italis Tarentella, a Tarentino, unde advehitur, sinu.” Ducange, ed. 1846.
l. 845. Hake. Merlucius (or Gadus) vulgaris Y. ii. 258, ‘the Seapike ... It is a coarse fish, not admitted to the tables of the wealthy; but large quantities are anuually preserved both by salting and drying, part of which is exported to Spain.’ ‘Fish, samon, hake, herynge’ are some of the commoditees of Irelonde mentioned in the Libelle (A.D. 1436), p. 186.
l. 839, reffett. In the following extract refete has the Promptorium meaning:
eteth of the [full grown] fysche, and be not so lykerous, Let the yong leve that woll be so plenteous; ffor though the bottomles belyes be not ffyllyd with such refete, Yet the saver of sauze may make yt good mete. Piers of Fullham, ll. 80-3, E. Pop. P., v. 2, p 5.
l. 842. breme.
... y schall none pondes with pykes store, Breme, perche, ne with tenche none the more.--Ibid. ll. 51-2.
l. 843, flowndurs.
But now men on deyntees so hem delyte, To fede hem vpon the fysches lyte, As flowndres, perches, and such pykyng ware; Thes can no man gladly now-a-day spare To suffyr them wex vnto resonable age.--Ibid. ll. 74-8.
l. 867. Hose. For eight pair of hosen of cloth of divers colours, at xiij s. iiij d. the pair; and for four pair “of sokks of fustian” at iij d. the pair (p. 118) ... for making and lyning of vj pair of hosen of puke lyned with cloth of the goodes of the saide Richard, for lynyng of every pair iij s. iiij d. xx s. Wardrobe Accounts of Edw. IV. (ed. Nicolas) p. 120.
l. 879. Combing the head was specially enjoined by the doctors. See A. Borde, Vaughan, &c., below.
l. 915. Fustian. March, 1503, ‘for v yerdes fustyan for a cote at vij d. the yerd ij s. xj d.’ Nicolas’s Elizabeth of York, p. 105. See A. Borde, below. ‘Coleyne threde, fustiane, and canvase’ are among the ‘commodites ... fro Pruse ibroughte into Flaundres,’ according to the Libelle, p. 171,
But tha Flemmyngis amonge these thinges dere In comen lowen beste bacon and bere: Thus arn thy hogges, and drynkye wele staunt; Fare wele Flemynge, hay, horys, hay, avaunt. (See n. p. 131, below.)
A. Borde, in his Introduction, makes one of the Januayes (Genoese) say,
I make good treacle, and also fustian, With such thynges I crauft with many a pore man.
l. 941-5. See the extracts from Andrew Borde, W. Vaughan, &c., below.
l. 945. The Motte bredethe amonge clothes tyll that they have byten it a sonder / & it is a maniable worm, and yet it hydeth him in y^e clothe that it can scantly be sene / & it bredethe gladly in clothes that haue ben i{n} an euyll ayre, or in a rayn or myst, and so layde vp without hanging in the sonne or other swete ayre after.
The Operacyon.
The erbes that be bitter & well smelli{n}ge is good to be layde amo{n}ge suche clothes / as the baye leuis, cypres wode. The Noble Lyfe (i. 3.) Pt. i. Cap. c.xlij. sign. i. 3.
l. 969. Catte. The mouse hounter or catte is an onclene beste, & a poyson ennemy to all myse / and whan she hath goten [one], she playeth therwith / but yet she eteth it / & y^e catte hath lo{n}ge here on her mouthe / and whan her heres be gone, than hathe she no boldnes / and she is gladli in a warme place / and she licketh her forefete & wassheth therwith her face. Laurens Andrewe, The Noble Lyfe (g. iv.), Part I. cap. c.i.
l. 970, dogge. Here is the first part of Laurens Andrewe’s Chapter.
Of the dogge. ca. xxiiij.
The dogge is an onclenly beste / {tha}t eteth so moche that he vomyteth it out & eteth vp agayne / it is lightly angry, and byteth gladly strau{n}ge dogges / he barketh moche / he kn[oweth] his name well / he is hered [all over his b]ody, he loueth his mast[er, and is eselye] lerned to many games / & be night he kepeth the house. There be many hou{n}des {tha}t for the loue of theyr maister they wyll ro{n}ne in their owne dethe / & whan the dogge is seke / he seketh grasse or other erbes / & that he eteth, and heleth himselfe so / and there be many maner of dogges or hou{n}des to hawke & hunt, as grayhou{n}des / braches / spanyellis, or suche other, to hunt hert and hynde / & other bestes of chace & venery, &c. and suche be named ge{n}tyll hou{n}des. The bitche hath mylke .v. or vij. dayes or she litter her whelpes / and that milke is thicker tha{n} any other mylke excepte swynes mylke or hares mylke. fol. c. iv.
l. 970, Catte. L. Andrewe says
“Of the Catte. ca. xxv.
The catte is a beste {tha}t seeth sharpe, and she byteth sore / and scratcheth right perylously / & is principall ennemye to rattis & myce / & her colour is of nature graye / and the cause {tha}t they be other wyse colowred, that co{m}methe through chaunge of mete, as it is well marked by the house catte, for they be selden colored lyke the wylde catte. & their flesshe is bothe nesshe & soffte.” Noble Lyfe, Part II. c. iv.
l. 983. Bathe. ‘Bathing is harmful to them [who are splenitie] chiefly after meat, and copulation (following) on surfeit ... Let him also bathe himself in sweet water. Without, he is to be leeched and smeared with oil of roses, and with onlayings (or poultices made of) wine and grapes, and often must an onlay be wrought of butter, and of new wax, and of hyssop and of oil; mingle with goose grease or lard of swine, and with frankincense and mint; and when he bathes let him smear himself with oil; mingle (it) with saffron.’ Leechdoms, v. 2, p. 245.
l. 987. Scabiosa, so named of old tyme, because it is giuen in drinke inwardly, or ointmentes outwardly, to heale scabbes, sores, corrupcion in the stomacke, yea, and is most frend emong all other herbes in the tyme of the Pestilence, to drinke the water with Mithridatum a mornynges ... the flowers is like a Blewe or white thrummed hatte, the stalk rough, the vpper leaues ragged, and the leaues next the grose rootes be plainer. Under whom often tymes, Frogges will shadowe theim selues, from the heate of the daie: hoppyng and plaiyng vnder these leaues, whiche to them is a pleasaunt Tente or pauillion, saieth Aristophanes, whiche maie a plade (= made a play), wherein Frogges made pastime. Bullein’s Bulwarke, 1562, or, The booke of Simples, fol. xvj. b.
[Transcriber’s Note: The following note was originally labeled “67/991” (page 67, line 991) and was printed between the notes for l. 280 and l. 300.]
l. 991. Rosemary is not mentioned among the herbs for the bath; though a poem in praise of the herb says:
Moche of this herbe to seeth thu take In water, and a bathe thow make; Hyt schal the make lyȝt and joly, And also lykyng and ȝowuly.
MS. of C. W. Loscombe, Esq., in Reliquiæ Antiquæ, i. 196.
l. 995. Bilgres. Can this be bugloss? I find this, as here, in juxtaposition with scabiose, in Bullein’s Bulwarke of Defence, Book of Simples, fol xvj. b. G. P. Marsh.
l. 1004. For Selden’s Chapter on Precedence, see his Titles of Honour, ch. xi. Rouge Dragon (Mr G. Adams) tells me that the order of precedence has varied from time to time, and that the one now in force differs in many points from Russell’s.
l. 1040. Nurrieris. I find no such name in Selden’s chap. ix., Of Women. Does the word mean ‘foster-mothers or fathers,’ from the Latin “Nutricarii, Matricularii, quibus enutriendi ac educandi infantes projectos cura incumbebat: Nourissiers. Vita S. Goaris cap. 10: Hæcque consuetudo erat, ut quando aliquis homo de ipsis infantibus projectis misericordia vellet curam habere, ab illis, quos Nutricarios vocant, matriculariis S. Petri compararet, et illi Episcopo ipsum infantem præsentare deberent, et postea Episcopi auctoritas eumdem hominem de illo Nutricario confirmabat. Id clarius explicatur a Wandelberto in Vita ejusdem Sancti, cap. 20.” Ducange, ed. 1845.
* * * * * * * * *
The following list of Names of Fish, from Yarrell, may be found convenient for reference.
Names of Fish from Yarrell’s History of British Fish, 1841, 2nd ed.
English Names Latin Names. Yar., vol., page
Basse Perca labrax i 8 Bleak Luciscus, or i 419 Cyprinus alburnus Bream or Carp-Bream Abramis, or Cyprinus brama i 382 „ the common Sea- Pagellus centrodontus i 123 Brill, or Pearl, Kite, Rhombus vulgaris, or BRETT, Bonnet-Fleuk Pleuronectes rhombus ii 231 Butt, Flook, or Flounder Pleuronectes flesus, or ii 303 Platessa flesus Common Cod, or Keeling Morrhua vulgaris, or ii 221 Gadus morrhua (Jenyns) Green Cod Merlangus virens (Cuvier) ii 256 Gadus virens (Linnæus) Conger Conger vulgaris, or ii 402 Muræna conger Dace, Dare, or Dait Leuciscus vulgaris, or i 404 Cyprinus leuciscus Dog Fish (the common), Spinax acanthias, or ii 524 The Picked Dog-Fish, Squalus acanthias or Bone Dog (Sussex), Hoe (Orkney) Small Spotted Dog Fish Scyllium canicula, or ii 487 or Morgay (Scotl.), Squalus canicula Robin Huss (Sussex Coast) Large Spotted Dog Fish, Scyllium stellaris ii 493 or Bounce (Scotl. & Devon) Black-mouthed Dog-Fish, Scyllium melanostomum ii 495 or Eyed Dog-Fish (Cornwall) The Smooth Hound or Squalus mustelus, ii 512 Shate-toothed Shark, or Mustelus lævis Ray-mouthed Dog (Cornwall) Dory, or Dorée Zeus faber i 183 Sharp-nosed Eel Anguilla acutirostris, ii 381 or vulgaris Broad-nosed Eel Anguilla latirostris ii 396 Flounder, or Flook Platessa flesus ii 303 (Merret). Mayock, Fluke (Edinb.), Butt. Grayling Thymallus vulgaris, ii 136 or Salmo thymallus Gudgeon Gobio fluviatilis, i 371 or Cyprinus gobio Red Gurnard Trigla cuculus, or i 38-63 lineata Haddock Morrhua æglefinus, ii 233 or Gadus æglefinus Hake Merlucius vulgaris, ii 253 or Gadus merlucius Herring Clupea harengus ii 183 Holibut Hippoglossus vulgaris, ii 321 or Pleuronectes hippoglossus Hornfish, GARFISH, Belone vulgaris, or i 442 Sea-pike, Long Nose, &c. Esox belone Keeling. See Common Cod ii 221 Lampern, or River Petromyzon fluviatilis ii 604 Lamprey[*] Lamprey Petromyzon marinus ii 598 Ling Lota molva (Cuvier), ii 264 or Gadus molva (Linnæus) Luce, or PIKE Esox lucius i 434 Lump-fish ii 365 Mackarel Scomber scombrus, i 137 or vulgaris Merling, or Whiting Merlangus vulgaris (Cuvier), ii 244 or Gadus merlangus (Linnæus) Minnow Leuciscus, i 423 or Cyprinus phoxinus Mullet, grey, or Common Mugil capito, or cephalus i 234 Muræna Muræna Helena ii 406 Perch Perca fluviatilis i 1 Pike Esox lucius i 434 Plaice Platessa vulgaris ii 297 Roach Cyprinus rutilis i 399 Salmon Salmo Salar ii 1 Smelt. Spirling and Salmo Sperlanus, or ii 75 & 129 Sparling in Osmerus Sperlanus Scotland Sturgeon, the Common Acipenser Sturio ii 475 „ the Broad-nosed Acipenser latirostris ii 479 Swordfish Xiphias gladius i 164 Tench Tinca vulgaris, or i 375 Cyprinus tinca Thornback Raia clavata ii 583 Trout, Common Salmo fario ii 85 Turbot, or Rawn Fleuk Rhombus maximus, or ii 324 and Bannock Fluck Pleuronectes maximus (Scotl.) Vendace or Vendis Coregonus Willughbii, or ii 146 (? Venprides, l. 820, Coregonus Marænula Russell) (Jenyns) Whiting, or Merling Merlangus vulgaris (Cuvier) ii 244 Gadus merlangus (Linnæus)
[Footnote *: The Lamperns have been taken in the Thames at Teddington this autumn (1866) in extraordinary quantities.]
* * * * * * * * *
Errata (noted by transcriber):
Main text:
l. 1061 Alle the vndirIusticeȝ [text unchanged] l. 1166 þe honour{e} and worshipp{e} [extra blank space at beginning of line]
Footnotes:
114: ... H. Ord. p. 462. [“p.” missing] 162: ... _Sea Dog / Fish [close quote missing] 236: ... Cules a Cod Fish argent [text unchanged] 263: ... AS. dæges eage. [dœges eage] 265: ... Hleomoce [‘Hleomoce] 268: ... of Edw. IV.’ [close quote missing]
Linenotes:
ll. 109ff. (Notes on wines): 5. Raspice. [“5.” added by transcriber] ... mox tamen exolescente, p. 31-2, &c.” [close quote missing] 8. Bastard. ... sweetish quality.” [close quote missing] l. 548: ... see note on Torrentyne, l. 835 below [l. 828] l. 577: ... See note to l. 839 here, p. 108. [l. 840] l. 799: ... The oxce is [“The oxce] l. 915: (See n. p. 131, below.) [Andrew Borde, “Sleep, Rising and Dress”, footnote 5]
Table of fish names:
Venprides l. 820 [821]
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
[Transcriber’s Note:
Andrewe on Fish, listed in the Contents as part of the linenotes to the Boke of Nurture, is a separate text.
Boldface initials are marked with a double ++ before the letter. Further details about the transcription are at the beginning of the Preface.]
Extracts about Fish from “The noble lyfe & natures of man, Of bestes / serpentys / fowles & fisshes y^t be moste knowen.”
A very rare black-letter book, without date, and hitherto undescribed, except perhaps incorrectly by Ames (vol. 1, p. 412, and vol. 3, p. 1531), has been lent to me by Mr Algernon Swinburne. Its title is given above: “The noble lyfe and natures of man” is in large red letters, and the rest in smaller black ones, all surrounded by woodcuts of the wonderful animals, mermaids, serpents, birds, quadrupeds with men’s and women’s heads, a stork with its neck tied in a knot, and other beasts “y^t be most knowen.” The illustrations to each chapter are wonderfully quaint. The author of it says in his Prologus “In the name of ower sauiour criste Iesu, maker & redemour of al ma{n}kynd / I Lawre{n}s A{n}drewe of {th}e towne of Calis haue translated for Joh{an}nes doesborrowe, booke prenter in the cite of Andwarpe, this p{re}sent volume deuyded in thre partes, which were neuer before in no maternall langage prentyd tyl now /” As it is doubtful whether another copy of the book is known, I extract from the Third Part of this incomplete one such notices of the fish mentioned by Russell or Wynkyn de Worde, as it contains, with a few others for curiosity’s sake:--
here after followeth of the natures of the fisshes of the See whiche be right profitable to be vndersta{n}de / Wherof I wyll wryte be {th}e helpe and grace of almighty god, to whose laude & prayse this mater ensueth.
CAP. PRIMO.
[Sidenote: Abremon, ? not Bream (see Cap. xiii; p. 115 here)]
A Bremon[*] is a fruteful fisshe that hathe moche sede / but it is nat through mouynge of the he / but only of the owne proper nature / and than she rubbeth her belly upon the grou{n}de or sande / and is sharpe in handelinge / & salt of sauour / and this fisshe saueth her yonges in her bely whan it is tempestius weder / & when the weder is ouerpast, than she vomyteth them out agayne.
[Footnote *: ἀβραμις, a fish found in the sea and the Nile, perhaps the bream, Opp. Hal. i. 244. Liddell & Scott.]
Cap. ij.
[Sidenote: Eel (Russell, l. 719). Is of no sex; is best roasted.]
++Anguilla / the Ele is lyke a serpe{n}t of fascyon, & may leue eight yere, & without water vi. dayes whan the wind is in the northe / in the wint{er} they wyll haue moche water, & that clere / amo{n}ge them is nouther male nor female / for they become fisshes of {th}e slyme of other fisshes / they must be flayne / they suffer a longe dethe / they be best rosted, but it is longe or they be ynouge / the droppi{n}ge of it is gode for paines in the eares.
Cap. iij.
[Sidenote: Herring (Russell, l. 722). Is delicious when fresh, (Russell, l. 748) or salted. Dies when it feels the air.]
++Alec, the heringe, is a Fisshe of the see / & very many be taken betweene bretayn & germaia / & also i{n} denmarke aboute a place named schonen / And he is best from thebegi{n}nynge of August to december / and when he is fresshe take{n} / he is a very delicious to be eten. And also wha{n} he hath ben salted he is a specyall fode vnto man / He can nat leue w{i}t{h}out wat{er}, for as sone as he feleth the ayre he is dede / & they be taken in gret hepis togeder / & specially where they se light, there wyll they be, than so they be taken with nettis / which commeth be the diuyne Prouydens of almighty God.
Cap. v.
[Sidenote: Whale? (Russell, l. 582). Shipmen cast anchor on him, and make a fire on him. He swims away, and drowns them.]
+A+ Spidochelo{n} / as Phisiolog{us} saith, it is a mo{n}strous thinge in the see, it is a gret whale fisshe, & hath an ouer-growe{n} rowgh ski{n}ne / & he is moste parte w{i}t{h} his bake on hye aboue the water in such maner that some shypmen {tha}t see him, wene that it is a lytell ylande / & whan they come be it, they cast their ankers upo{n} him / & go out of theyr shippes & make a fyre upon hym to dresse theyr metys / and as sone as he feleth the hete of the fyre / tha{n}ne he swy{m}meth fro the place, & drowneth them, & draweth the shippe to the grounde / And his proper nature is, whan he hath yonges, {tha}t he openeth his mouthe wyde open / & out of it fleeth a swete ayre / to {the} which the fisshes resorte, and tha{n} he eteth them.
[Sidenote: Goldenpoll?]
++Aauratais a fysshe in the see {tha}t hathe a hede shinynge lyke golde.
Cap. xi.
[Sidenote: Ahuna. When the Ahuna is in danger, he puts his head in his belly, and eats a bit of himself.]
++Ahuna is a mo{n}ster of the see very glorisshe, as Albert{us} saith / what it eteth it tourneth to greas in his body / it hathe no mawe but a bely / & that he filleth so full that he speweth it out agayne / & that can he do so lyghtely / for hehath no necke / whan he is in peryl of dethe be other fisshes / than he onfacyoneth himselfe as rou{n}de as a bowle, w{i}t{h}drawynge his hede into his bely / wha{n} he hathe then hounger / He dothe ete a parte of himselfe rather than {th}e other fisshes sholde ete him hole and all.
Cap. xiii.
[Sidenote: Borbotha.]
++Borbotha be fisshes very slepery, somewhat lyke an ele / haui{n}ge wyde mouthes & great hedes / it is a swete mete / and whan it is xij. yere olde, than it waxeth bigge of body.
[Sidenote: Butt, or Flounder (Russell, l. 735, and note 2).]
Nota / Botte that is a flounder of the fresshe water / & they swi{m}me on the flatte of their body, & they haue finnes rou{n}de about theyr body & w{i}t{h} a sothern wynde they waxe fatte /
[Sidenote: Bream (Russell, l. 745, 578).]
& they have rede spottis. Bre{n}na is a breme, & it is a fisshe of the riuer / & whan he seeth the pyke that wyll take hym / than he sinketh to the botom of {th}e wat{er} & maketh it so trobelous that the pyke can nat se hym.
Cap. xiiii.
[Sidenote: Balena. (The woodcut is a big Merman. See note, p. 123, here. ? Whale. Russell, l. 582.) Are seen most in winter; breed in summer. In rough weather Balena puts her young in her mouth.]
++Balena is a great beste in the see, and bloweth moche water from him, as if it were a clowde / the shippes be in great dau{n}ger of him somtyme / & they be sene moste towardes winter / for in the somer they be hidden in swete brod places of the wat{er} where it casteth her yo{n}ges, & suffereth so grete payne {tha}t tha{n} he fleteth aboue the water as one desiringe helpe / his mouth is in the face, & therefore he casteth the more water / she bringeth her yonges forthe lyke other bestis on erthe, & it slepeth / in te{m}pestius weder she hydeth her yo{n}ges in her mouthe / and wha{n} it is past she voydeth them out agayne / & they growe x. yere.
Cap. xvi.
[Sidenote: Crevice (Sea and Fresh Water Crayfish). (Russell, l. 602, l. 618.) How they engender, and hybernate. How the Crayfish manages to eat Oysters.]
++Cancer the creuyce is a Fishe of {th}e see that is closed in a harde shelle, hauyng many fete and clawes / and euer it crepeth bacward / & the he hathe two py{n}nes on his bely, & {th}e she hathe none / whan he wyll engender, he cli{m}meth on her bake, and she turneth her syde towardes him, & so they fulfyll their workes. In maye they chaunge their cotes, & in wi{n}ter they hyde the{m} fiue monethes duringe / wha{n} the creues hath dro{n}ken milke it may leue lo{n}ge w{i}t{h}out wat{er}. when he is olde, he hathe ij. stones in his hed with rede spottes that haue great vertue / for if they be layde in drynke / they withdryue the payne frome the herte. thecreuyce eteth the Oysters, & geteth the{m} be policye / for whan the oyster gapeth, he throweth lytell stones in him, and so geteth his fishe out, for it bydeth than open.
The Operacion.
[Sidenote: Fresh-Water Crayfish is hard to digest.]
¶ The Asshes of hym is gode to make white tethe / & to kepe the motes out of the clothes / it w{i}t{h}dryueth byles, & heleth mangynes. The creuyce of the fresshe water geueth gret fode, but it is an heuy mete to disieste.
Cap. xviij.
[Sidenote: Caucius.]
++Cauci{us} is a fisshe that will nat be taken w{i}t{h} no hokes / but
[Sidenote: Capitaius.]
eteth of {th}e bayte & goth his way quyte. Capitai{us} is a lytel fisshe w{i}t{h} a great hede / a wyde rou{n}de mouthe / &
[Sidenote: Carp. Is difficult to net.]
it hydeth him vnder the stones. Nota. Carpera is a carpe, & it is a fysshe that hathe great scales / and the female hathe a great rowghe, & she can bringe forthe no yonges tyll she haue receyued mylke of her make / & that she receyueth at the mouth / and it is yll for to take / for whan it perceyueth that it shalbe taken w{i}t{h} the net, tha{n} it thrusteth the hede into the mudde of the water / and than the nette slyppeth ouer him whiche waye soeuer it come; & some holde them fast be the grounde, grasse / or erbis, & so saue themselfe.
Cap. xix.
[Sidenote: Whale. Likes Harmony. Gets harpooned, rubs the harpoon into himself, and slays himself.]
++Cetus is the greatest whale fisshe of all / his mouthe is so wyde that he bloweth vp the water as yf it were a clowde / wherw{i}t{h} he drowneth many shippes / but whan the maryners spye where he is / than thei acco{m}pany them a gret many of shyppes togeder about him with diuers i{n}strume{n}tis of musike, & they play with grete armonye / & the fische is very gladde of this armonye / & co{m}meth fletynge a-boue the watere to here the melody, & than they haue amonge them an instrument of yron, {th}e whiche they feste{n} in-to the harde ski{n}ne, & the weght of it synketh downwarde in to {th}e fat & grese / & sodenly w{i}t{h} that al {th}e instrumentes of musike be styll, and {th}e shyppes departe frome thens, & anone he sinketh to the grownde / & he feleth {tha}t the salt watere smarteth in {th}e wou{n}de, tha{n} he turneth his bely vpwaerd and rubbeth his wownde agay{n}st {th}e grou{n}d, & the more he rubbeth, the depere it entreth / & he rubbeth so longe {tha}t he sleeth hymself / and whan he is dede, than co{m}meth he vp agayne and sheweth him selfe dede / as he dyd before quicke / and than the shippes gader them togeder agayne, and take, & so lede hym to lo{n}de, & do theyr profyte with hym.
Cap. xxij.
[Sidenote: Conche, or Muscle.]
++Conche be abydynge in {th}e harde shellis: as {th}e mone growth or waneth, so be the conches or muscles fulle or nat full, but smale / & there be many sortes of conches or musclys / but {th}e best be they that haue the perles in.
Cap. xxiij.
[Sidenote: Sea-snails.]
++Coochele / is a snayle dwelli{n}ge in the water & also on the lo{n}de / they go out of theyr howses / & they thruste out .ij. longe hornes wherwith they fele wether they go / for they se nat where they crepe.
Cap. xxiiij.
[Sidenote: Conger.]
++The Conger is a se fisshe facioned like an ele / but they be moche greter in qua{n}tyte / & whan it bloweth sore, than
[Sidenote: Polippus.]
waxe they fatte. ¶ Polippus is also a stronge fisshe {tha}t onwarse he wyl pull a man out of a shyp. yet {th}e conger is so stronge that he wyll tere polippu{m} asonder w{i}t{h} his teth, & in winter {th}e conger layth in {th}e depe cauernes or holes of the water. & he is nat taken but in somer. ¶ Esculapius sayth.
[Sidenote: Corets.]
Coretz is a fisshe that hydeth hym in the depe of {th}e water whan it rayneth / for yf he receiued any rayne, he sholde waxe blynde, and dye of it. ¶ Iorath sayth. The fisshes that be
[Sidenote: Sea-crevice.]
named se craues / wha{n}ne they haue yo{n}ges / they make suche noise {tha}t through theyr noyse they be fou{n}de and taken.
Cap. xxvij.
[Sidenote: Dolphin or Mermaid.]
++Delphin{us} is a mo{n}ster of the see, & it hath no voyce, but it singheth lyke a man / and towarde a tempest it playeth vpon the water. Some say whan they be taken that they wepe. The delphin hath none cares for to here / nor no nose for to smelle / yet it smelleth very well & sharpe. And it slepeth vpon the water very hartely, that thei be hard ronke a farre of / and thei leue C.xl. yere. & they here gladly play{n}ge on instrumentes, as lutes / harpes / tabours / and pypes. They loue their yonges very well, and they fede them lo{n}ge with the mylke of their pappes / & they haue many yonges, & amonge the{m} all be .ij. olde ones, that yf it fortuned one of {th}e yonges to dye, tha{n} these olde ones wyll burye them depe in the gorwnd [sic] of the see / because othere fisshes sholde nat ete thys dede delphyn; so well they loue theyr yonges. There was ones a kinge {tha}t had take{n} a delphin / whyche he caused to be bounde w{i}t{h} chaynes fast at a hauen where as the shippes come in at / & there was alway the pyteoust wepynge / and lamentynge, that the kinge coude nat for pyte / but let hym go agayne.
Cap. xxxi.
[Sidenote: Echeola, a Muscle.]
++Echeola is a muskle / in whose fysshe is a precious stone / & be night they flete to the water syde / and there they receyue the heuenly dewe, where throughe there groweth in the{m} a costly margaret or orient perle / & they flete a great many togeder / & he {tha}t knoweth {th}e water best / gothe before & ledeth the other / & whan he is taken, all the other scater a brode, and geteth them away.
Cap. xxxvi.
[Sidenote: Echinus.]
++Echyn{us} is a lytell fysshe of half a fote longe / & hath sharpe prykcles vnder his bely in stede of fete.
Cap. xxxvii.
[Sidenote: Esox.]
++Ezox is a very grete fisshe in that water danowe be the londe of hu{n}garye / he is of suche bygnes that a carte with .iiij. horses can nat cary hym awaye / and he hath nat many bones, but his hede is full / and he hath swete fisshe lyke a porke, and whan this fysshe is taken, tha{n}ne geue hym mylke to drynke, and ye may carye hym many a myle, and kepe hym longe quicke.
xxxviii.
[Sidenote: Phocas. Kills his wife and gets another.]
++Focas is a see bulle, & is very stro{n}ge & dangerous / and he feghteth euer with his wyf tyll she be dede / and whan he hath kylled her, than he casteth her out of his place, & seketh another, and leueth with her very well tyl he dye / or tyll his wyfe ouercome him and kylle hy{m} / he bydeth alway in one place / he and his yonges leue be suche as they can
[Sidenote: Halata. Takes her young out of her womb to look at ’em.]
gete. ¶ Halata is a beste that dothe on-naturall dedys / for wha{n} she feleth her yo{n}ges quycke, or stere in her body / tha{n} she draweth the{m} out & loketh vpon the{m} / yf she se they be to yo{n}ge, tha{n} she putteth the{m} in agayne, & lateth them grow tyll they be bygger.
Cap. xl.
[Sidenote: Sword-Fish.]
++Gladi{us} is a fisshe so named because he is mouthed after the fascyo{n} of a sworde poynt / and ther-fore often tymes he perseth {th}e shyppes thorough, & so causeth them to
[Sidenote: Gastarios.]
be drowned. Aristotiles. Gastarios is a fisshe lyke the scorpion / and is but lytell greter than a spyder / & it styngeth many fisshes w{i}t{h} her poyson so that they ca{n} nat endure nowhere / and he styngeth the dolphin on the hede {tha}t
[Sidenote: Glaucus.]
it entreth in-to {th}e brayne. ¶ Isidorus. Glaucus is a whyte fissh that is but selden sene except in darke rayne weder / and is nat in season but in the howndes dayes.
Cap. xli.
[Sidenote: Gudgeon.]
++Gobio is a smale longe fissh with a rou{n}de body / full of scales and litell blacke spottys / and some saye they leue of drou{n}de caryo{n} / & the fisshers say contrarye, {tha}t they leue in clere watere in sandye graueil / and it is a holsom
[Sidenote: Gravus.]
mete. ¶ Grauus is a fisshe that hath an iye aboue on hys hede, and therw{i}t{h} he loketh vp, and saueth hym from the{m} that wyll eat hym.
liii.
[Sidenote: Pike: eats venomous beasts; is begotten by a West Wind.]
++Lucius is a pike / a fisshe of {th}e riuer w{i}t{h} a wyde mouthe & sharpe teth: whan {th}e perche spieth him / he turneth his tayle towardes him / & than {th}e pike dare nat byte him because of his finnes, or he can nat swalowe him because he is so sharpe / he eteth venimo{us} bestes, as todes, frogges, & suche like; yet it is sayde {tha}t he is very holsom for seke peple. He eteth fisshes almost as moche as himselfe / wha{n} they be to bigge, tha{n} he byteth the{m} in ij. peces, & swaloweth the one halfe first, & tha{n} the other / he is engendered w{i}t{h} a westerne wynde.
Cap. lvii.
[Sidenote: Sea-Mouse Musculus is the cock of Balena.]
++Mus marin{us}, the see mouse, gothe out of the water, & there she laith her egges in a hole of the erthe, & couereth the eges, & goth her way & bydeth frome them xxx. dayes, and than commeth agayne and oncouereth them, & than there be yo{n}ges, and them she ledeth into {th}e water, & they be first al blynde. Muscul{us} is a fisshe {tha}t layth harde shellis, and of it the great monster balena receyueth her nature, & it is
[Sidenote: Sea-weazle.]
named to be the cocke of balena. Mustela is the see wesyll / she casteth her yonges lyke other bestes / & whan she hath cast them, yf she perceiue that they shall be fou{n}de, she swaloweth them agayne into her body, and than seketh a place wher as they may be surer without dau{n}ger / & than she speweth them out agayne.
Cap. lix.
[Sidenote: Lamprey. Must be boiled in wine.]
++Murena is a lo{n}ge fisshe w{i}t{h} a weke skinne lyke a serpent / & it conceyueth of the serpe{n}t vipera / it liueth longest in the tayle, for wha{n} that is cut of, it dyeth inco{n}tinent / it must be soden in gode wyne w{i}t{h} herbes & spices, or ellis it is very dau{n}gero{us} to be eten, for it hath many venymous humours, and it is euyll to disieste.
Cap. lxi.
[Sidenote: Mulus: has 2 beards.]
++Mulus is a see fysshe {tha}t is smale of body / & is only a mete for gentils: & there be many maners of these / but the best be those {tha}t haue ij. berdes vnd{er} the mouthe / & whan it is fayre weder, than they waxe fatte / whan he is dede than he is of many colours.
Cap. lxiiij.
[Sidenote: Nereids.]
++Nereydes be monsters of {th}e see, all rowghe of body / & whan any of them dyeth, tha{n} the other wepe. of this is spoke{n} in balena, the .xiiij. chapter.
[Sidenote: Orchun. Is Balene’s deadly enemy.]
¶ ++Orchu{n} is a monster of {th}e se / whose lykenes can nat lightely be shewed / & he is mortal e{n}nemye to {th}e balene, & tereth asonder the bely of the balene / & the balene is so boystous {tha}t he can nat turne hym to defende him, and {tha}t costeth him his lyfe / for as sone as he feleth hi{m} selfe wou{n}ded, than he si{n}keth doune to the botom of the water agayne / & the Orchu{n} throweth at him w{i}t{h} stones / & thus balena endith his lyfe.
Cap. lxvi.
[Sidenote: Pearl-Oyster.]
++Ostreñ is an oyster that openeth his shell to receyue {th}e dewe & swete ayre. In {th}e oyster groweth naturall orient perles that oftentymes laye on the see stronde, & be but lytell regarded, as Isidorus saith.
Cap. lxvij.
[Sidenote: Pagrus.]
++Pagrus is a fisshe that hath so harde tethe {tha}t he byteth {th}e oyster shelles in peces, & eteth out the fisshe of the{m}.
[Sidenote: Sea-Peacock.]
Nota. Pauus maris is the Pecocke of the Se, & is lyke the pecocke of the londe, bothe his backe, necke, & hede / & the
[Sidenote: Percus.]
nether body is fisshe Nota. Percus is of diuers colours, & swift in ro{n}nynge in {th}e water, & hathe sharpe finnes, & is a
[Sidenote: Pecten: winks.]
holsome mete for seke people. Pecten is a fisshe that is in sandy grou{n}de, & wha{n} he is meued or stered, he wynketh.
Cap. lxx.
[Sidenote: Pinna. How he catches small fishes.]
++Pinna is a fisshe {tha}t layeth alwaye in the mudde, and hathe alway a lodisma{n}, & some name it a lytel hoge, & it hathe a rou{n}de body, & it is in a shell lyke a muscle; it layth in the mone as it were dede, gapyng open / and than the smale fisshes come into his shel, weni{n}g of him to take their repaste / but whan he feleth {tha}t his shell is almoste ful / than he closeth his mouthe, & taketh them & eteth them / & parteth
[Sidenote: Plaice.]
them amo{n}ge his felowes. The playce is well knowen fisshe, for he is brode & blake on the one syde, and whyte on the other.
Cap. lxvij.
[Sidenote: Polippus.]
++Polippus hath gret strength in his fete / what he therin cacheth, he holdeth it fast / he spri{n}geth somtyme vp to the shippes syde, & snacheth a ma{n} w{i}t{h} him to the grou{n}de of the see, & there eteth him / & that {tha}t he leueth, he casteth it out of his denne agayn / they be moche in the se about Venis / & he is taken in barellis where hartys hornes be layd in / for he is gladly be those hornes.
Cap. lxxvij.
[Sidenote: Rumbus.]
++Rumbus is a great fisshe stronge & bolde / but he is very slow in swi{m}mi{n}ge, therfor can he gete his mete but soberly w{i}t{h} swi{m}myng / therfor he layth him down in the grou{n}de or mudde, & hideth him there / and all the fisshes that he can ouercome / co{m}mynge forby him, he taketh and eteth them.
Cap. lxxviij.
[Sidenote: Rubus.]
++Rubus is a fisshe of the grekes se & of the sees of ytaly / they be rou{n}de lyke a ringe, & haue many rede spottes / & is full of sharpe finnes & pinnis / he is slow in swi{m}mynge because he is so brode / he gothe be the grou{n}de, & wayteth there his praye / & suche fisshes as he can gete he burieth in
[Sidenote: Ryache.]
the sandes, & it is a very swete fisshe. Ryache be fisshes that be rou{n}de / somtyme they be in length & brede two cubites / & it hath a long tayle / theron be sharpe pinnes / & it is slowe in swi{m}mynge.
Cap. lxxix.
[Sidenote: Salmon.]
++Salmo is a fysshe engendred in the swete water, & he waxeth longe & gret / & also he is heuy / & his colour nor sauour is nat gode tyll he haue ben in the salt wat{er} & proued it / thus draweth the samon to the water agaynst {th}e streme; he neuer seaseth tyll he haue ben i{n} the se and returned agayn to
[Textnote: [A ? fleshe.]]
his olde home, as Phisiologua saith / his fisshe[A] is rede, & he may nat liue in a swet sta{n}dinge water / he must be in a fresshe riuer that he may playe up and dou{n}e at his plesure.
[Sidenote: Salpa. Stockfish?]
++Salpa is a fowle fisshe and lytell set by / for it will neuer be ynough for no maner of dressinge tyll it haue ben beten with grete hamers & staues.
Cap. lxxij.
[Sidenote: Serra. Cuts through ships with his fins.]
++Serra is a fysshe with great tethe, and on his backe he hathe sharpe fynnes lyke the combe of a cocke / and iagged lyke a sawe wherew{i}t{h} thys monstrous fisshe cutteth a ship thorough, & whan he seeth a shippe co{m}mynge, than he setteth vp his fi{n}nes & thi{n}keth to sayl with the shippe as fast as it / but whan he seeth that he can nat co{n}tinue / tha{n} he latteth his finnes fall agayn & destroieth the shippe with
[Sidenote: Scylla.]
the people, and tha{n} eteth the dede bodyes. Nota. Scilla is a monster in the see betwene Italye & Sicill / it is great ennemye vnto ma{n}. It is faced & handed lyke a gentylwoman / but it hath a wyde mouthe & ferfull tethe / & it is belied like a beste, & tayled lyke a dolphin / it hereth gladly singinge. It is in the wat{er} so stronge that it can nat be ouercome / but on {th}e lond it is but weke.
Cap. lxxxiij.
[Sidenote: Siren. Siren is like an eagle below, sings sweet songs to mariners, and tears them to pieces.]
++Syrene, the mermayde is a dedely beste that bringeth a man gladly to dethe / frome the nauyll vp she is lyke a woman w{i}t{h} a dredfull face / a long slymye here, a grete body, & is lyke the egle i{n} the nether parte / haui{n}ge fete and tale{n}tis to tear asonder suche as she geteth / her tayl is sealed like a fisshe / and she singeth a maner of swete song, and therwith deceyueth many a gode mariner / for wha{n} they here it, they fall on slepe co{m}monly / & than she co{m}meth, and draweth them out of the shippe, and tereth them asonder / they bere their yo{n}ges in their armes, & geue them souke of their papis whiche be very grete, ha{n}ginge at their brestis / but {th}e wyse maryners stoppe their eares whan they se her / for whan she playth on the wat{er}, all they be in fear, & than they cast out an empty to{n}ne to let her play w{i}t{h} it tyll they be past her / this is specifyed of the{m} {tha}t haue sene it. Ther be also in
[Sidenote: +Sirens, serpents.+]
some places of arabye, serp{n}tis named sirenes, that ronne faster than an horse, & haue wynges to flye.
[Cap. lxxxv.]
[Sidenote: Solaris.]
++Solaris is a fishe so named because it is gladly be the londes syde in the so{n}ne / he hathe a great hede, a wyde mouth, & a blake skine, & slipper as an ele / it waxeth gret, & is gode
[Sidenote: Sole.]
to be eten. Solea is the sole, that is a swete fisshe and holsom for seke people.
Cap. lxxxvi.
[Sidenote: Solopendria.]
++Solope{n}dria is a fisshe / whan he hathe swalowed i{n} an angle, than he spueth out al his guttes till he be quyt of
[Sidenote: Sea-Scorpion.]
the hoke / and than he gadereth i{n} all his guttes agayne. The[A] Scorpion of the see is so named because wha{n} he is taken in any mannys handes he pricketh him w{i}t{h} his stinge of his tayle. Plini{us} saith that the dede creuyce that layeth on the drye sonde be the see syde, beco{m}meth scorpyons.
[Text note: [A orig. Tge]]
Cap. lxxxix.
[Sidenote: Sturgeon. Eats no food, has no mouth, grows fat on east wind. Has no bones in his body.]
++Sturio / the sturgio{n} is a gret fisshe in the ro{n}ninge waters / and he taketh no fode i{n} his body, but lyueth of {th}e styl and swete ayres therfore he hathe a small bely / w{i}t{h} a hede and no mouthe, but vnder his throte he hathe a hole {tha}t he closeth whan he wyll / he openeth it whan it is fayre weder / & with an east wynde he waxeth fat / and whan that the north winde bloweth, than falleth he to the grou{n}de / it is a fisshe of ix. fote longe whan he is ful growen / he hath whyte swete flesshe & yolow fatte / & he hathe no bone in all his body but only in his hede.
Cap. xcij.
[Sidenote: Tench.]
++Tecna is a tenche of the fresshe water, and is fedde in the mudde lyke {th}e ele / & is moche lyke of colours: it is a
[Sidenote: Tintinalus.]
swete fisshe, but it is euyll to disiest. ¶ Tintinalus is a fayre mery fisshe, & is swete of sauour, & well smellinge lyke the
[Sidenote: Torpedo.]
tyme, where of it bereth the name. ¶ ++Torpido is a fisshe. but who-so handeleth hym shalbe lame & defe of ly{m}mes / that he shall fele no thyng / & it hathe a maner of Squitana {tha}t is spoke{n} of in {th}e lxxxiiii. chapter[1], and his nature.
Cap. xciij.
[Sidenote: Trout.]
[Textnotes: [A for Trutta] [B ? flesshe]]
... ¶ ++Trncka[A] / the trowte is a fisshe of the ryuer, & hathe scales, & vpo{n} his body spottys of yelow and blodye coloure. & his fisshe[B] is rede frome {th}e monthe of July to the monthe of Noue{m}ber / and is moche sweter than {th}e fresshe samo{n}; and all the other part of the yere his fisshe[B] is whyte.
Cap. xcv.
[Sidenote: Testudo.]
++Testudo is a fysshe in a shelle / & is in {th}e se of Inde / & his shelle is very great & like a muskle / & be nyght they go out for theyr mete / & whan they haue eten theyr bely full / tha{n} they slepe swy{m}mi{n}g vpon the wat{er}. tha{n} ther come iij. fisshers botes / of {th}e wiche .iij. twayn take one of these muskles. Solinus sayth. {tha}t this muskle hathe his vppermest shell so brode that it may couere a howse / where many folke may hyde them vnder / And it gothe out the wat{er} vpon the londe / & there it layth an hondred egges as grete as gose eggis / and couer the{m} w{ith} erth / & oftentymes be night it gothe to the eggys & layeth vpo{n} the{m} w{i}t{h} her brest, & than become they yo{n}ges.
[This copy of Admiral Swinburne’s Andrewe ends with the next column of this page, sign. v. i. back, with an illustration not headed, but which is that to Cap. xcvij.]
[Footnote 1: Squatin{us} is a fisshe in {th}e se, of fiue cubites longe: his tayle is a fote brode, & he hideth him in the slimy mudde of {th}e se, & marreth al other fisshes that come nigh him: it hath so sharpe a ski{n}ne that in som places they shaue wode with it, & bone also / on his ski{n}ne is blacke short here. The nature hathe made him so harde that he can nat almoste be persed with nouther yron nor stele.]
[Note to Balena, p. 115. þar [in þe se of Brytain] buþ ofte ytake dolphyns & se-calves, & balenes, (gret fysch, as hyt were of whaales kinde) & dyvers manere schyl-fysch, among þe whoche schyl-fysch buþ moskles þat habbeþ wiþynne ham margey perles of al manere colour of huȝ, of rody & red, of purpre & of bluȝ, & specialych & moost of whyte. Trevisa’s Higden, in Morris’s Specimens, p. 334. For ‘the cocke of Balena’ see Musculus, p. 119, above; and for its ‘mortal ennemye,’ Orchun, p. 120.]
* * * * * * * * *
Erratum:
Cap. xl. [xv]
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Contents of this Section [added by transcriber]
Wilyam Bulleyn on Boxyng and Neckeweede 124 Andrew Borde on Sleep, Rising, and Dress 128 William Vaughan’s Fifteen Directions to preserve Health 133 The Dyet for every Day (from Sir John Harington’s Schoole of Salerne) 138 On Rising, Diet, and Going to Bed (from the same) 140 Recipes (for Fritters, Jussell, and Mawmeny) 145 Recipes (for Hares and Conies in Civeye, and for Doucettes) 146
* * * * * * * * *
Wilyam Bulleyn on
Boxyng & Neckeweede.
(From The Booke of Compoundes, fol. lxviii.)
Sicknes.
Will boxyng doe any pleasure?
Health.
Yea forsothe, verie moche: As example, if you haue any [a]sausie loughte, or loitryng lubber within your house, that is either to busy of his hand or tongue: and can do nothing but plaie one of the partes of the .24. orders of knaues. [b]There is no pretier medicen for this, nor soner prepared, then boxyng is: iii. or .iiii. tymes well set on, a span long on bothe the chekes. And although perhaps this will not alter his lubberly condicio{n}s, yet I assure you, it wil for a time chau{n}ge his knauishe complexio{n}, and helpe him of the grene sicknes: and euery man maie practise this, as occasion shall serue hym in his familie, to reforme them. Bulleins Bulwarke of Defence, 1562.
[Sidenote: [a] For saucy louts, [b] the best cure is Boxing.]
(From The booke of Simples, fol. xxvii. back.)
Marcellus.
There is an herbe whiche light fellowes merily will call [a] Gallowgrasse, Neckeweede, or the Tristrams knot, or Saynt Audres lace, or a bastarde brothers badge, with a difference on the left side, &c. you know my meaning.
Hillarius.
What, you speake of Hempe? mary, you t{e}rme it with manie pretie names. I neuer heard the like termes giuen to any simple, as you giue to this; you cal it neckwede. A, well, I pray you, woulde you know the propertie of this [b] Neckeweede in this kinde? beinge chaunged into such a lace, this is his vertue. Syr, if there be any yonkers troubled with idelnesse and loytryng, hauyng neither learnyng, nor willyng handes to labour: or that haue studied Phisicke so longe that [c] he or they can giue his Masters purse a Purgacion, or his Chist, shoppe, and Countinghouse, a strong vomit; yea, if he bee a very cunning practicioner in false accomptes, he may so suddenly and rashely minister, that he may smite his Father, his Maister, or his friende &c. into a sudden incurable consumption, that he or they shall neuer recouer it againe, but be vtterly vndone, and cast either into miserable pouertie, prisonment, bankeroute &c. If this come to passe, then the [1: Fol. xxviii.] best rewarde for this practicioner, is this Neckeweede: [d] if there be any swashbuckler, common theefe, ruffen, or murtherer past grace, y^e nexte remedie is this Lace or Corde. For them which neuer loued concored, peace nor honestie, this wil ende all the mischief; this is a purger, not of Melancholy, but a finall banisher of [e] all them that be not fit to liue in a common wealth, no more then Foxes amonge sheepe, or Thistles amonge good Corne, hurters of trew people. This Hempe, I say, passeth the new Diat, bothe in force and antiquitee. [f] If yonge wantons, whose parentes haue left them fayre houses, goods and landes, whiche be visciously, idle, vnlearnedly, yea or rather beastly brought vp: [g] after the death of their saied parentes, their fruites wil spryng foorth which they haue learned in their wicked youthe: then bankets and brothels will approche, [h] the Harlots will be at hande, with dilightes and intisementes, the Baude will doe hir diligence, robbyng not onlie the pursses, but also the hartes of suche yongemen, whiche when they be trapped, can neuer skape, one amonge an hundredth, vntill Hempe breaketh the bande amonge these loytring louers. [i] The Dice whiche be bothe smalle and light, in respecte vnto the Coluering, or double Cannon shotte or Bollet, yet with small force and noyse can mine, break downe, and destroy, and caste away their one Maisters houses, faire feldes, pleasaunt Woddes, and al their money, yea frendes and al together, this can the Dice do. And moreouer, [k] can make of worshipfull borne Gentilmen, miserable beggars, or theefes, yet for the time “a-loft syrs, hoyghe childe and tourne thee, what should youth do els: [l] I-wisse, not liue like slaues or pesantes, but all golden, glorious, may with dame Venus, my hartes delight” say they. “What a sweete heauen is this: Haue at all, kockes woundes, bloud and nayles, caste the house out at the window, and let the Diuell pay the Malte man: a Dogge hath but a day, a good mariage will recouer all together:” or els with a Barnards blowe, [m] lurkyng in some lane, wodde, or hill top, to get that with falshead in an hower, whiche with trueth, labour, & paine, hath bene gathered for perhappes .xx. yeares, to the vtter vndoyng of some honest familie. Here thou seest, gentle Marcellus, a miserable Tragedie of a wicked shamelesse life. I nede not bring forth the example of the Prodigall childe. Luke .xvi. Chapter, whiche at length came to grace: It is, I feare me, in vaine to talke of him, [n] whose ende was good; but a greate nomber of these flee from grace, and come to endes moste vngracious, finished only life by this [o] Hempe. Although sometime the innocente man dieth that way, through periurie for their one propper gooddes, as Naboth died for his owne Vineyarde, miserable in the eies of the worlde, but precious in the sight of God. This is one seruice whiche Hempe doeth.
[Sidenotes: [a] The names of Hemp. [b] Neckweed (a halter) [c] is good for thievish apprentices, [d] for swashbucklers past grace, [e] and all scamps. [f] Also for young spendthrifts [g] who after their parents’ death [h] waste their all with harlots [i] and in gambling [k] which makes men beggars, or thieves. [l] A life of reckless debauchery [m] and robbery [n] ends with [o] Hemp.]
[a] Also this worthy noble herbe Hempe, called Cannabis in Latten, can not bee wanted in a common wealth, [b] no Shippe can sayle without Hempe, y^e sayle clothes, the shroudes, staies, tacles, yarde lines, warps & Cables can not be made. [c] No Plowe, or Carte can be without ropes [1: Fol. xxviii.b.] halters, trace &c. [d] The Fisher and Fouler muste haue Hempe, to make their nettes. [e] And no Archer can wante his bowe string: and the Malt man for his sackes. With it the belle is rong, to seruice in the Church, with many mo thynges profitable whiche are commonly knowen of euery man, be made of Hempe.
[Sidenotes: [a] The use of Hemp [b] to the Sailor, [c] Plowman, [d] Fisher and [e] Archer.]
* * * * * * * * *
Andrew Borde on
Sleep, Rising, and Dress.
[From his +Regyment+, ? 1557.]
[Fol. E.i.] Whole men of what age or complexion so euer they be of, shulde take theyr naturall rest and slepe in the nyght: and to eschewe merydyall sleep. But and nede shall compell a man to slepe [a] after his meate: let hym make a pause, and than let hym stande & lene and [b] slepe agaynst a cupborde, or els let hym sytte upryght in a chayre and slepe. Slepynge after a full stomacke doth ingendre dyuers infyrmyties, it doth hurte the splene, it relaxeth the synewes, it doth ingendre the dropses and the gowte, and doth make a man looke euyll colored. [Fol. E.i.b.] Beware of veneryous actes before the fyrste slepe, and specyally beware of suche thynges after dyner or after a full stomacke, for it doth ingendre the crampe and the gowte and other displeasures. [c] To bedwarde be you mery, or haue mery company ahoute you, so that to bedwarde no angre, nor heuynes, sorowe, nor pensyfulnes, do trouble or dysquyet you. [d] To bedwarde, and also in the mornynge, vse to haue a fyre in your chambre, to wast and consume the euyl vapowres within the chambre, for the breath of man may putryfye the ayre within the cha{m}bre: I do advertyse you not to stande nor to sytte by the fyre, [e] but stande or syt a good way of from the fyre, takynge the flauour of it, for fyre doth aryfie and doth drye vp a mannes blode, and doth make sterke the synewes and ioyntes of man. [f] In the nyght let the wyndowes of your howse, specyallye of your cha{m}bre, be closed. Whan you [Fol. E.ii.] be in your bedde,[1] [f] lye a lytle whyle on your lefte syde, and slepe on your ryght syde. And whan you do wake of your fyrste slepe, make water yf you feel your bladder charged, & than slepe on the lefte side; and looke as ofte as you do wake, so oft turne your selfe in the bedde from one syde to theother. [g] To slepe grouellynge vpon the stomacke and bely is not good, oneles the stomacke be slowe and tarde of dygestion; but better it is to laye your hande, or your bedfelowes hande, ouer your stomacke, than to lye grouellynge. [h] To slepe on the backe vpryght[2] is vtterly to be abhorred[1]: whan that you do slepe, let not your necke, nother your sholders, nother your ha{n}ds, nor feete, nor no other place of your bodye, lye bare vndiscouered. Slepe not with an emptye stomacke, nor slepe not after that you haue eaten meate one howre or two after. In your bed lye with your head somwhat hyghe, leaste that the [* Fol. E. ii.b.] meate whiche is in your stomacke, thorowe eructuacions or some other cause, ascende to the oryfe (sic) of the stomacke. [i] Letyour nyght cap be of scarlet: and this I do aduertyse you, to cause to be made a good thycke quylte of cotton, or els of [k] pure flockes or of cleane wolle, and let the couerynge of it be of whyte fustyan, and laye it on the fetherbed that you do lye on; and in your bed lye not to hote nor to colde, but in a temporaunce. Olde auncyent Doctors of physicke sayth .viii. howres of slepe in so{m}mer, and ix. in wynter, is suffycent for any man: but I do thynke that slepe oughte to be taken as the complexion of man is. [l] Whan you doryse in the mornynge, ryse with myrth and remembre God. Let your hosen be brusshed within & without, and flauer the insyde of them agaynst the fyre; vse lynnen sockes, [m] or lynnen hosen nexte your legges: whan you be out of your bedde, [n] stretche forth your [Fol. E. iii.] legges & armes, & your body; cough, and spytte, and than [o] go to your stoole to make your egestyon, and exonerate youre selfe at all tymes, that nature wolde expell. For yf you do make any restryction in kepynge your egestyon or your vryne, or ventosyte, it maye put you to dyspleasure in breadynge dyuers infyrmyties.After you haue euacuated your bodye, & [p] trussed your poyntes,[3] kayme your heade oft, and so do dyuers tymes in the day. [q] And wasshe your ha{n}des & wrestes, your face, & eyes, and your teeth, with colde water; and after y^t you be apparayled, [r] walke in your gardyn or parke, a thousande pase or two. And than great and noble men doth vse to here masse, & other men that can not do so, but muste applye theyr busynes, doth [s] serue god w{i}t{h} some prayers, surrendrynge thankes to hym for hys manyfolde goodnes, with askynge mercye for theyr offences. And before you go to your refecti[Fol. E. iii.b.]on, moderatly exercise your body with some labour, or [t] playeng at the tennys, or castyng a bowle, or paysyng weyghtes or plo{m}mettes of leede in your handes, or some other thyng, to open your poores, & to augment naturall heate. [v] At dyner and supper[4] vse not to drynke sundry drynkes, and eate not of dyuers meates: but [x] feede of .ii. or .iii. dysshes at the moste. After that you haue dyned and supte, laboure not by and by after, but make a pause, syttynge or standynge vpryght the space of an howre or more with some pastyme: drynke not moch after dyner. [y] At your supper, vse lyght meates of dygestyon, and refrayne from grose meates; go not to bed with a full nor an emptye stomacke. And after your supper make a pause or you go to bed; and go to bed, as I sayde, with myrth.
[Sidenotes: [a] After Dinner, sleep standing [b] against a cupboard. [c] Before bedtime be merry. [d] Have a fire in your bedroom, [e] but stand a good way off it. [f] Shut your windows. [f] Lie first on your left side. [g] To sleep groveling on the belly, is bad; [h] on the back upright, is worse. [i] Wear a scarlet nightcap. [k] Have a flock bed over your featherbed. [l] On rising, remember God, brush your breeches, put on [m] your hose, [n] stretch, [o] go to stool. [p] Truss your points, comb your head, [q] wash your hands and face, [r] take a stroll, [s] pray to God. [t] Play at tennis, or wield weights. [v] At meals, [x] eat only of 2 or 3 dishes; [y] let supper-dishes be light.]
Furthermore as concernynge your apparell. In wynter, next your shert vse you to [a] weare a petycote of scarlet: your dowb[Fol. E.iv.]let vse at plesure: But I do aduertyse you to [b] lyne your Iacket vnder this fasshyon or maner. Bye you fyne skynnes of whyte lambe & blacke lambe. And let your skyn{n}er cut both y^e sortes of the skynnes in smale peces triangle wyse, lyke halfe a quarell of a glasse wyndowe. And than sewe togyther a [* MS. a a] whyte pece and a blacke, lyke a whole quarell of a glasse wyndowe: and so sewe vp togyther quarell wyse as moche as wyll lyne your Iacket: this furre, for holsommes, is praysed aboue sables, or any other fur. Your exteryall aparel vse accordyng to your honour. In som{m}er vse to were a scarlet petycote made of stamell or lynse wolse. In wynter and so{m}mer kepe not your bed to hote, nor bynde it to strayte; [c] kepe euer your necke warme. In somer kepe your necke and face from the sonne; vse to [d] wear gloues made of goote skyn, perfumed with Amber degrece. And beware in sta{n}dyng or lyeng on the [Fol. E.iv.b.] grounde in the reflection of the son{n}e, but be mouable. If thou shalt com{m}on or talke w{i}t{h} any man: [e] stande not styll in one place yf it be vpon y^e bare grou{n}de, or grasse, or stones: but be mouable in suche places. Stande nor syt vpon no stone or stones: Stande nor syt longe barehed vnder a vawte of stone. Also beware that you do not lye in olde cha{m}bres which be not occupyed, [f] specyally suche chambres as myse and rattes and snayles resorteth vnto: lye not in suche chambres, the whiche be depreued cleane from the sonne and open ayre; nor lye in no lowe Chambre, excepte it be boorded. Beware that you [g] take no colde on your feete and legges. And of all weather beware that you do not ryde nor go in great and Impytous wyndes. (A Compe{n}dyous Regyment or a Dyetary of helth, made in Mou{n}tpylior: Compyled by Andrewe Boorde, of Physicke Doctor. (Colophon.) Imprinted by me Robert Wyer: Dwellynge at the sygne of seynt Johñ Euangelyst, in S. Martyns Parysshe, besyde Charynge Crosse.)
[Sidenotes: [a] Wear a scarlet petycote. [b] Line a jacket with white and black lambskin sewn diamond-wise. [c] Keep your neck warm. [d] Wear goatskin gloves. [e] Don’t stand long on grass or stones. [f] Don’t sleep in ratty rooms. [g] Don’t take cold in your feet.]
[Footnote 1-1: Compare what Bulleyn says: --slepe. The night is the best time: the daie is euill: to slepe in the fielde is perilous. But vpon, or in the bedde, liyng firste vpon the right side, untill you make water: then vpon the lefte side, is good. [a]But to lye vpon the backe, with a gaping mouth, is daungerous: and many thereby are made starke ded in their slepe: through apoplexia, and obstruccion of the sinewes, of the places vitalle, animall, and nutrimentalle. Bullein’s Bulwarke, The booke of the vse of sicke men and medicenes, fol. lxx. See also Sir John Harrington’s directions from Ronsovius: “They that are in health, must first sleepe on the right side, because the meate may come to the liuer, which is to the stomack as a fire vnder the pot, and thereby is digested. To them which haue but weake digestion, it is good to sleepe prostrate on their bellies, or to [b] haue their bare hands on their stomackes: and to lye vpright on the backe, is to bee vtterly abhorred.” p. 19.
[Sidenotes to Footnote: [a] How to lie in bed. [b] Who should put their hands on their stomachs.]]
[Footnote 2: This wenche lay upright, and faste slepte. Chaucer. The Reeves Tale, l. 4192, ed. Wright.]
[Footnote 3: [a] Fricacion is one of the euacuacions, yea, or clensynges of mankinde, as all the learned affirmeth: that mankinde should rise in the mornyng, and haue his apparell warme, stretchyng foorthe his handes and legges. Preparyng the bodie to the stoole, and then [b] begin with a fine Combe, to kembe the heere vp and down: then with a course warme clothe, to chafe or rubbe the hedde, necke, breast, armeholes, bellie, thighes, &c., and this is good to open the pores. 1562 Bullein’s Bulwarke, The booke of the vse of sicke men and medicenes, fol. lxvij. See Vaughan below, No. 2, p. 133.
[Sidenotes to Footnote: [a] Of Frication [b] and combing the head.]]
[Footnote 4: Drunkards, bench-wislers, that will quaffe untill thei are starcke staring madde like Marche Hares: Fleming-like Sinckars; brainlesse like infernall Furies. Drinkyng, braulyng, tossyng of the pitcher, staryng, pissyng[*], and sauyng your reuerence, beastly spuyng vntill midnight. Therefore let men take hede of dronke{n}nes to bedward, for feare of sodain death: although the Flemishe[†] nacion vse this horrible custome in their vnnaturall watching all the night. Bullein, fol. lxix-lxx, see also fol. xj.]
[Footnote 4*: Compare A. Borde of the “base Doche man,” in his Introduction.]
[Footnote 4†: I am a Flemyng, what for all that Although I wyll be dronken other whyles as a rat. A. Borde, Introduction.]
* * * * * * * * *
William Vaughan’s
Fifteen Directions to preserve Health.
(From his Naturall & Artificial Directions for health, 1602, p. 57-63.)
Declare vnto mee a dayly dyet, whereby I may liue in health, and not trouble my selfe in Physicke.
(1) I will: first of all in the morning when you are about to rise vp, stretch your self strongly: for thereby the animall heate is somewhat forced into the outward partes, the memorie is quickned, and the bodie strengthened.
(2) Secondarily, rub and chafe your body with the palmes of your hands, or with a course linnen cloth; the breast, back, and belly, gently: but the armes, thighes, and legges roughly, till they seem ruddy and warme.
(3) Euacuate your selfe.
(4) Put on your apparell: which in the summer time must be for the most part silke, or buffe, made of buckes skinne, for it resisteth venime and contagious ayres: in winter your vpper garment must be of cotton or friezeadow.
(5) When you have apparelled your selfe hansomely, combe your head softly and easily with an Iuorie combe: for nothing recreateth the memorie more.
[Sidenotes: 1. Stretch yourself. 2. Rub yourself. 3. Go to stool. 4. Put on your clothes. 5. Comb your head.]
(6) Picke and rub your teeth: and because I would not haue you to bestow much cost in making dentrifices for them; [a] I will aduertise you by foure rules of importance how to keepe your teeth white and vncorruyt (sic), and also to haue a sweete breath. First, wash well your mouth when you haue eaten your meat: secondly, sleepe with your mouth somewhat open. Thirdly, spit out in the morning that which is gathered together that night in the throate: then take a linnen cloth, and rub your teeth well within and without, to take away the fumositie of the meat and the yellownesse of the teeth. For it is that which putrifieth them and infecteth the breath. But least peraduenture your teeth become loose and filthy, I will shew you [b] a water farre better then pouders, which shall fasten them, scoure the month, make sound the gums, and cause the flesh to growe againe, if it were fallen away. Take halfe a glasse-full of vineger, and as much of the water of the mastick tree (if it may easily be gotten) of rosemarie, myrrhe, mastick, bole Armoniake, Dragons herbe, roche allome, of each of them an ounce; of fine cinnamon halfe an ounce, and of fountaine water three glassefulles; mingle all well together and let it boile with a small fire, adding to it halfe a pound of honie, and taking away the scumme of it; then put in a little bengwine, and when it hath sodden a quarter of an houre, take it from the fire, and keepe it in a cleane bottle, and wash your teeth therewithall as well before meate as after; if you hould some of it in your mouth a little while, it doth much good to the head, and sweetneth the breath. I take this water to be [c] better worth then a thousand of their dentifrices.
[Sidenotes: 6. Clean your teeth. [a] (How to keep the teeth sound and the breath sweet. [b] Use Vaughan’s Water made after this recipe. [c] It’s better than 1000 Dentrifices.)]
(7) Wash your face, eyes, eares and hands, with fountaine water. I have knowne diuers students which vsed to bathe their eyes onely in well water twise a day, whereby they preserued their eyesight free from all passions and bloudsheds, and sharpened their memories maruaylously. You may sometimes bathe your eyes in rosewater, fennell water, or eyebright water, if you please; but I know for certaintie, that you neede them not as long as you vse good fountaine water. Moreouer, least you by old age or some other meanes doe waxe dimme of sight, I will declare vnto you, [a] the best and safest remedie which I knowe, and this it is: Take of the distilled waters of verueine, bettonie, and fennell one ounce and a halfe, then take one ounce of white wine, one drachme of Tutia (if you may easilie come by it) two drachmes of sugarcandy, one drachme of Aloes Epatick, two drachmes of womans milke, and one scruple of Camphire: beat those into pouder, which are to be beaten, and infuse them together for foure and twenty houres space, and then straine them, and so vse it when you list.
[Sidenotes: 7. Wash. [a] The best remedy for dim sight.]
(8) When you haue finished these, say your morning prayers, and desire God to blesse you, to preserue you from all daungers, and to direct you in all your actions. For the feare of God (as it is written) is the beginning of wisedome: and without his protection whatsoeuer you take in hand, shall fall to ruine. Therefore see that you be mindfull of him, and remember that to that intent you were borne, to weet, to set foorth his glorie and most holy name.
(9) Goe about your businesse circumspectly, and endeauour to banish all cares and cogitations, which are the onely baits of wickednesse. [a] Defraud no man of his right: for what measure you giue vnto your neighbour, that measure shall you receiue. And finally, imprint this saying deepely in your mind: A man is but a steward of his owne goods; wherof God one day will demaund an account.
[Sidenotes: 8. Say your Prayers. 9. Set to work. [a] Be honest.]
(10) Eate three meales a day vntill you come to the age of fourtie yeares: as, your breakefast, dinner, and supper; yet, that betweene breakefast and dinner there be the space of foure houres, and betwixt dinner and supper seauen houres: the breakfast must be lesse then dinner, and the dinner somewhat lesse then supper.
[Sidenote: 10. Eat only three meals a day.]
[a] In the beginning of meales, eate such meates as will make the belly soluble, and let grosse meats be the last. Content your selfe with one kind of meate, for diuersities hurt the body, by reason that meats are not all of one qualitie: Some are easily digested, others againe are heauy, and will lie a long time vpon the stomack: also, the eating of sundrie sorts of meat require often [b] pottes of drinke, which hinder concoction; like as we see often putting of water into the meat-potte to hinder it from seething. Our stomack is our bodies kitchin, which being distempered, how can we liue in temperate order: drinke not aboue foure times, and that moderately, at each meale: least the belly-God hale you at length captiue into his prison house of gurmandise, where you shall be afflicted with as many diseases as you haue deuoured dishes of sundry sorts. [c] The cups whereof you drinke, should be of siluer, or siluer and gilt.
[Sidenotes: [a] Eat light food before heavy. [b] Drink hinders digestion. [c] Use silver cups.]
(11) Labour not either your mind or body presently after meales: rather sit a while and discourse of some pleasant matters: when you haue ended your confabulations, wash your face and mouth with cold waters, then go to your chamber, and make cleane your teeth with your tooth-picker, which should be either of iuorie, silver, or gold. Watch not too long after supper, but depart within two hours to bed. But if necessitie compell you to watch longer then ordinary, then be sure to augment your sleepe the next morning; that you may recompence nature, which otherwise through your watching would not a little be impaired.
[Sidenote: 11. Don’t work directly after meals, but talk, wash, and clean your teeth.]
(12) Put of your clothes in winter by the fire side: and cause your bed to bee heated with a warming panne: vnless your pretence bee to harden your members, and to apply your selfe vnto militarie discipline. This outward heating doth wonderfully comfort the inward heat, it helpeth concoction, and consumeth moisture.
[Sidenote: 12. Undress by the fire in winter.]
(13) Remember before you rest, to chew down two or three drachmes of mastick: for it will preserue your body from bad humours.
(14) Pray feruently to God, before you sleepe, to inspire you with his grace, to defend you from all perils and subtelties of wicked fiends, and to prosper you in all your affaires: and then lay aside your cares and businesse, as well publicke as priuate: for that night, in so doing, you shall slepe more quietly. Make water at least once, and cast it out: but in the morning [a] make water in an vrinal: that by looking on it, you may ghesse some what of the state of your body. Sleep first on your right side with your mouth open, and [b] let your night cappe haue a hole in the top, through which the vapour may goe out.
(15) In the morning remember your affayres, and if you be troubled with rheumes, as soone as you haue risen, vse diatrion piperion, or eate white pepper now and then, and you shall be holpen.
FINIS.
[Sidenotes: 13. Before bed, chew Mastic, and 14. Pray to God. [a] Look at your water in a Urinal. [b] Have a hole in your nightcap. 15. Against rheums, eat white pepper.]
* * * * * * * * *
The Dyet for every Day.
(FROM
Sir John Harington’s ‘Schoole of Salerne,’ 2nd part. The Preservation of Health, or a Dyet for the Healthfull Man, 1624, p. 358.)
. . first I will begin with the dyet for every day.
In the beginning when you arise from the bed, [a] extend forth all your members, for by this meanes the animal spirits are drawne to the outward members, the [* Page 36.] braine is made subtill, & the body strengthened. Then [b] rub the whole body somewhat with the palmes, the brest, back and belly gently, but the armes and legs with the hands, either with warm linnen: [c] next, the head is to be scrubbed fro{m} the forepart to the hinderpart very lightly. After you are risen, I will that you [d] defend with all care and diligence your head, necke, and feet, from all cold in the morning; for there is no doubt, but in the morning and euening the cold doth offend more, then it doth about noone tide, by reason of the weaknes of the Sun-beames. [e] Put on your clothes neat and cleane: in the Summer season, first wash with cleane pure water, before described; [f] but in the Winter season sit somewhat by the fire, not made with turfe or stinking coale, but with oake or other wood that burneth cleare, for our bodies are somewhat affected with our clothes, and as strength is increased by the vse of meat and drinke, and our life defended and preserued; and so our garments doe conserue the heat of our hodies, and doe driue away colds: so that as diet and apparel may seeme alike, so in either of them a like diligence is to be preferred.
[Sidenotes: [a] Stretch your limbs, [b] rub your body [c] and head; [d] protect yourself from cold; [e] dress, washing in Summer, [f] warming yourself in Winter.]
[a] In the Summer-time I chiefly commend garments [Page 37.] of Harts-skinnes, and Calues-skins, for the Hart is a creature of long life, and resisteth poyson and Serpents; therefore I my selfe vse garments of the like sort for the winter season, also neuerthelesse lined with good linnen. Next I doe iudge it not to bee much amisse to vse garments of Silke or Bombace, or of purple: also of Martyn or [b] Wolfe-skinnes, or made of Fox skinnes, I suppose to be good for the winter; notwithstanding in the time of Pestilence, apparell of Silke and skinnes is condemned, because it doth easily admit and receiue the contagious ayre, and doth retain it long. After the body is well clothed, [c] kembe your head wel with an Iuory comb, from the forehead to the backe-part, drawing the comb some forty times at the least; then [d] wash all the instruments of the sences, as the eies, the ears, the nostrils, the mouth, the tongue, the teeth, and all the face with cold water; and the eyes are not only to be washed, but being open plainly, immerg’d: and [e] the gumme and foulnes of the eie-lids that do there stick, to remoue; somtimes also to besprinkle the water with Rose-water or Fenel-water, also [f] rubb the neck well with [* Page 38.] a linnen napking somewhat course, for these things doe confirme the whole body; it maketh the mind more cheerefull, and conserueth the sight. In this place it pleaseth me to adioyne some Dentifrices or clensers of teeth, waters not only to make the teeth white, but also to conserue them, with some medicines also to conserue the sight.....
[Sidenotes: [a] In Summer wear deer’s and calves’ skins, [b] in Winter, wolf and fox skins. [c] Comb your head 40 times, [d] wash your face, [e] clean your eyelids, [f] rub your neck well.]
* * * * * * * * *
On Rising, Diet, and Going to Bed.
(FROM
Sir John Harington’s ‘Schoole of Salerne,’ 2nd part.
The Preservation of Health, or a Dyet for the Healthfull Man, 1624, p. 358.)
Also to prosecute our former purpose, [a] when you arise in the morning, to auoyd all superfluities, as well by vrine as by the belly, which doe at the least euery day. Auoid also from the nostrils and the lungs all filthy matter, as wel by clensing, as by spittle, and [b] clense the face, head, and whole body; & loue you to be cleane and wel apparelled, for from our cradles let vs abhor vncleannes, which neither nature or reason can endure. Whe{n} you haue done these things, remember to [c] powre foorth your prayers vnto God with a cleare voice, that the day may be happy and prosperous vnto you, that God may direct your actions to the glory of his name, the profit of your country, & the conseruation of your bodies. Then [d] walke ye gently, and [e] what excrements soeuer do slip down to the inferiour parts, being excited by [* Page 42.] naturall heate, the excretion thereof shall the better succeed.
[Sidenotes: [a] On rising, empty your bladder and belly, nose and lungs. [b] Cleanse your whole body. [c] Say your Prayers. [d] Walk gently, [e] go to stool.]
As for your businesses, whether they be publike or priuate, let them be done with a certaine honesty; then afterwards let your hunting iourneyes bee performed; [a] apply your selues to studie and serious businesse the houres of the fore-noone, and so likewise in the after-noone, till twoor three houres before supper: [b] alwaies in your hands vse eyther Corall or yellow Amber, or a Chalcedonium, or a sweet Pommander, or some like precious stone to be worne [c] in a ring vpon the little finger of the left hand: haue in your rings eyther a Smaragd, a Saphire, or a Draconites, which you shall beare for an ornament: for in stones, as also in hearbes, there is great efficacie and vertue, but they are not altogether perceived by vs: [d] hold sometime in your mouth eyther a Hyacinth, or a Crystall, or a Granat, or pure Gold, or Siluer, or else sometimes pure Sugar-candy. For Aristotle doth affirme, and so doth Albertus Magnus, that a Smaragd worne about the necke, is good against the Falling-sicknes: for [e] surely the vertue of an hearbe is great, but much more the vertue of a precious [* Page 43.] stone, which is very likely that they are endued with occult and hidden vertues.
[Sidenotes: [a] Work in the forenoon. [b] Always wear a precious stone [c] in a ring; [d] hold a crystal in your mouth; [e] for the virtue of precious stones is great.]
[a] Feede onely twice a day, when yee are at mans age: neuerthelesse to those that are subiect to choller, it is lawfull to feede often: beginne alwayes your dinner and supper with the more liquid meates, sometimes with drinkes. [b] In the time betweene dinner and supper, abstain altogether from cups, vnlesse necessitie or custome doe require the same: notwithstanding the same custome being so vitious, must be by little and little changed.
[c] I would not that you should obserue a certaine houre, either for dinners or suppers, as I haue sufficiently told you before, lest that daily custome should be altered into nature: and after this intermission of this custome of nature, hurt may follow; for custome doth imitate nature, and that which is accustomable, the very same thing is now become naturall.
[Sidenotes: [a] Eat only twice a day. [b] Don’t drink between dinner and supper. [c] Don’t have one fixed hour for your meals.]
Take your meate in the hotte time of Summer in cold places, but [a] in the Winter let there bee a bright fire, and take it in hotte places, your parlors or Chambers being first purged and ayred with suffumigations, which I would not haue you to [* Page 44.] enter before the suffumigation bee plainely extinct, lest you draw the fume by reason of the odour.
And seeing one and the same order of diet doth not promiscuously agree with all men, take your meate in order, as is before said, and [b] sometimes also intermit the vse of meats for a whole day together, because through hunger, the faults of the stomacke which haue beene taken eyther by much drinking or surfetting, or by any other meanes, may be depelled and remoued.
By this meanes also your bodies shall be better accustomed to endure and suffer hunger and fasting, eyther in iourneyes or wars. [c] Let your suppers bee more larger then your dinners, vnlesse nightly diseases or some distilations doe afflict you.
[Sidenotes: [a] In Winter eat in hot well-aired places. [b] Fast for a day now and then. [c] Eat more at supper than dinner.]
[a] After meat taken, neither labour in body nor mind must be vsed, and wash the face and mouth with cold water, clense the teeth either with Iuory, or a Harts horne, or some picker of pure siluer or gold.
After your banquets, [b] passe an houre or two in pleasant talkes, or walke yee very gently and soberly, [c] neither vse much watchings long in the night, but the space of two howres goe to your bed; but if honest [* Page 45.] businesse doe require you to watch, then sleepe afterwards so much the longer, that your sleepe may well recompence your former watchings. [d] Before that you go to your bed, [e] gently smooth down your head, armes, and shoulders, the back and all the body, with a gentle and soft rubbing, vnlesse you meane to do it in the morning to mooue distribution, whose time is best to be done in the morning.
[Sidenotes: [a] After meals, wash your face, and clean your teeth, [b] chat and walk soberly. [c] Don’t sit up late. [d] Before bed, [e] rub your body gently.]
[a] In the Winter, sitting by the fire, put off your garments, and dry your feet by the fire, neuerthelesse auoyd the heat and the smoke, because it is very hurtfull both to the lungs, and the eyes.
In the Winter time, [b] warme well your garments at the fire, and warm the linings of the same, for it helpeth concoction, and remoueth all humidity and moysture. But my father did not allow of this custome, warning men of strength, and those that are borne for the Common-wealth, not to accustom themselves to such kind of softnesse, which doe weaken our bodies. Also [c] when you put off your garments to go to bed, then put away all your cogitations, & lay them aside, whether they be publike or priuate, for when all your [* Page 46.] members be free from all cares, you shall then sleep the quieter, concoction and the other naturall actions shall best be performed.
But [d] in the morning when you rise againe, resume to your selues your former dayes thoughts and cares; for this precept my Father had often in his mouth, therfore I deliuer it vnto you as the more worthy of your obseruation.
[Sidenotes: [a] Undress by a fire in Winter, [b] and warm your garments well. [c] Put off your cares with your clothes, [d] and take them up again in the morning.]
* * * * * * * * *
Recipes.
[From Harleian MS. 5401, ab. 1480-1500 A.D.]
FRUTURS. (page 194 or fol. 69 b.)
R{ecipe} [1] þe cromys of whyte brede, & swete apyls, & ȝokk{is} of egg{is}, & bray þa{m} wele, & temp{er} it w{i}t{h} wyne, & make it to sethe; & when it is thyk, do þ{er}-to gode spyces, gyng{er} & gali{n}gay & canyll & clows, & s{erve} it forth{e}. (See also Liber Cure Cocorum, p. 39-40.)
FRUTURS OF FYGIS. (p. 197 or fol. 98.)
R{ecipe} & make bature of flour{e}, ale, pep{er} & saferon, w{i}t{h} oþ{er} spices; þan cast þa{m}[2] in to a frying pann w{i}t{h} bat{ur}, & ole, & bake þa{m} & s{erve}. (See another recipe in Household Ordinances, p. 450, under the head “Turtelettys of Fruture.”)
IUSSELL. (p. 198 or fol. 98 b.)
R{ecipe} brede gratyd, & egg{is}; & swyng þa{m} to-gyder{e}, & do þ{er}to sawge, & saferon, & salt; þan take gode broth{e}, & cast it þ{er}-to, & bole it enforesayd, & do þ{er}-to as to charlete &c. (See also Liber Cure Cocorum, p. 11; Jussel of Flesh, Household Ordinances, p. 462; Jussel enforsed, p. 463; Jussel of Fysshe, p. 469.)
MAWMENY. (p. 201 or fol. 100.)
R{ecipe} brawne of Capons or of he{n}nys, & dry þa{m} wele, & towse þa{m} small{e}; þan take thyk mylk of almonds, & put þe saide brawñ þ{er}-to, & styr it wele ou{er} þe fyre, & seson it w{i}t{h} sug{er}, & powd{er} of Canell{e}, w{i}t{h} mase, quibibs, & anneys in co{n}fete, & s{erve} it forth{e}. (See also the recipe “For to make momene” in Liber Cure Cocorum, p. 26; for “Mawmene for xl. Mees” in Household Ordinances, p. 455; and “Mawmene to Potage,” p. 430.)
FRETOURE. (Harl. MS. 276.)
+Vyaunde leche. L.iiii.+
+Fretoure+ Take whete Floure, Ale, Ȝest, Safroun, & Salt, & bete alle to-gederys as þikke as þ{o}u schuldyst make oþ{er} bature in fleyssche tyme, & þan take fayre Applys, & kut hem in maner of Fretourys, & wete hem in þe bature vp on downe, & frye hem in fayre Oyle, & caste hem in a dyssche, & caste Sugr{e} þer-on, & serue forth. [The recipe for “Tansye” is No. l.vi.]
Recipes.
[From Harl. MS. 279, ab. 1430-40 A.D. A pretty MS. that ought to be printed.]
+Potage dyuers .lxiij.+ (fol. 15 a.)
+Harys in cyueye.+ Take Harys, & Fle hem, & make hem clene, an hacke hem in gobettys, & sethe hem in Watere & Salt a lytylle; þan take Pepyr, an Safroun, an Brede, y-grounde y-fere, & temper it wyth Ale. þan take Oynonys & Percely y-mynced smal to-gederys, & sethe hem be hem self, & afterward take & do þer-to a porcyon of vynegre, & dresse in. (See also the recipe for “Harus in Cyue” in Liber Cure Cocorum, p. 21, & that for “Conyngus in cyue” p. 20. Chive is a kind of small onion.)
+.lxxiii.+ (fol. 16 a.)
+Conyngys in cyveye.+ Take Conyngys, an fle hem & seþe hem, & make lyke þou woldyst make a sewe, saue alle to-choppe hem, & caste Safroun & lyer þer-to, & Wyne. (See also “Conyngus in cyue” in L. C. C., p. 20; and “Conynges in Cyue” in Household Ordinances, p. 434.)
+xv.+ (fol. 39 b.)
+Doucettes.+ Take Creme a gode cupfulle, & put it on a straynoure, þanne take ȝolkys of Eyroun, & put þer-to, & a lytel mylke; þen strayne it þrow a straynoure in-to a bolle; þen take Sugre y-now, & put þer-to, or ellys hony for defaute [fol. 40.] of Sugre; þan coloure it w{i}t{h} Safroun; þan take þin cofyns, & put it in þe ovynne lere, & lat hem ben hardyd; þan take a dyssshe y-fastenyd on þe pelys ende, & pore þin comade in-to þe dyssche, & fro þe dyssche in-to þe cofyns; & whan þey don a-ryse Wel, teke hem out, & serue hem forth.
+xxxvij.+ (fol. 43 b.)
+Doucettes.+ Take Porke & hakke it smal, & Eyroun y-mellyd to-gederys, & a lytel Milke, & melle hem to-gederys w{i}t{h} Hony & Pepir, & bake hem in a cofyn, & serue forth.
+xxxviij.+
+Doucettes a-forcyd.+ Take Almaunde Milke & ȝolkys of Eyroun y-mellid to-gederys, Safroun, Salt, & Hony: dry þin cofyn, & ley þin Maribonys þer-on, & s{erue} f{orth}.
[Footnote 1: The þ is always y in Harl. 5401.]
[Footnote 2: that is, the figs.]
* * * * * * * * *
Errata (noted by transcriber):
Andrewe: ++Aaurata is a fysshe in the see [_text unchanged: each paragraph in original has large display capital followed by capital second letter of word_] Cap. lxvij. [text unchanged: error for lxxij?] Cap. lxxix. ... as Phisiologua saith [text unchanged: error for ’Phisiologus’?]
Vaughan, Fifteen Directions: one drachme of Tutia [Tntia]
Harington, On Rising, Diet, and Going to Bed: till twoor three houres / before supper [spacing unchanged]
Recipes: þan take a dyssshe y-fastenyd [text unchanged]
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Boke of Keruynge.
[Transcriber’s Note:
Sidenotes, generally marked with lower-case letters [a] [b], are grouped after each section. Those that began with numbers in the original text are marked with bracketed numerals [1] [2]. There are no numbered footnotes in this selection. Textnotes have been marked with capital letters and grouped at the end, after the editor’s Notes. Headnotes are interlaced with the table of contents; they will also appear in their original locations in the text.
Apart from notes and their references, all bracketed text is in the original.]
The
Boke of Keruynge,
[that is to say,
The boke of Seruyce & Keruynge and Sewynge & all Maner of Offyce in his kynde vnto a Prynce or ony other Estate, & all the Feestes in the yere.]
Enprynted by Wynkyn de Worde at London in Flete Strete at the sygne of the Sonne. The yere of our Lorde God. M.CCCC.xiij.
[and now reprinted, 1867.]
CONTENTS.
(From the Headings in the Text, &c.)
PAGE Termes of a Keruer 151 Butler and Panter (Yoman of the Seller and Ewery) 152 [Headnote: THE BUTLER AND PANTER’S DUTIES.] The Names of Wynes 153 For to make Ypocras 153 [Headnote: FOR TO MAKE YPOCRAS, AND LAYE THE CLOTH.] To laye the Clothe 154 [Headnote: HOW TO WAIT AT TABLE.] To wrappe your Soueraynes Brede stately 155 Of the Surnape 155 Sewynge of Flesshe, & Seruyce (Succession of Dishes) 156 [Headnote: SEWYNGE OF FLESSHE.] The Keruynge of Flesshe, & Seruyce (How to carve) 157 [Headnote: KERUYNGE OF FLESSHE.] Sauces for all maner of Fowles 159 [Headnote: SAUCES FOR FOWLES.] Feestes and Seruyce from Eester vnto Whytsondaye 160 [Headnote: FEESTES AND SERUYCE.] Keruyng of all maner of Fowles 161 [Headnote: KERUYNG OF ALL MANER OF FOWLES.] Of the First & Second Courses, & the Sauces for them 163 Feestes and Seruyce from the feest of Saynt Iohn the Baptist vnto Myghelmasse 164 [Headnote: THE SERVICE FROM MIDSUMMER TO CHRISTMAS.] Feestes and Seruyce from the feest of Saynt Myghell vnto the feest of Chrystynmasse 164 Of the skin & wholesomeness of certain Birds 165 Sewynge of Fysshe 166 [Headnote: SEWYNGE OF FYSSHE.] Keruynge of Fysshe 166 [Headnote: KERUYNGE OF FYSSHE.] Sauces for all maner of Fysshe 168 [Headnote: SAUCES FOR FYSSHE.] The Chaumberlayne 168 [Headnote: THE CHAUMBERLAYNE.] Of the Marshall and the Vssher 170 [Headnote: OF THE MARSHALL AND THE VSSHER.] Notes 173
[Fol. A 1.] The Boke of Keruynge.
[Fol. A 1b.] ¶ Here begynneth the boke of keruynge and sewynge / and all the feestes in the yere, for the seruyce of a prynce or ony other estate, as ye shall fy{n}de eche offyce, the seruyce accordynge, in the boke folowynge.
[Sidenote: _The Book of Carving and Arranging; and the Dishes for all the Feasts in the year._]
¶ Termes of a Keruer.
++Breke that dere [a] lesche y^t brawne rere that goose lyft that swanne sauce that capon [b] spoyle that henne frusshe that chekyn [c] vnbrace that malarde vnlace that cony dysmembre that heron dysplaye that crane dysfygure that pecocke vnioynt that bytture [d] vntache that curlewe alaye that fesande wynge that partryche wynge that quayle mynce that plouer thye that pegyon [e] border that pasty thye that wodcocke [f] thye all maner of small byrdes tymbre that fyre
tyere that egge chyne that samon strynge that lampraye [g] splatte that pyke sauce that playce sauce that tenche splaye that breme syde that haddocke tuske that barbell culpon that troute [h] fynne that cheuen transsene that ele traunche that sturgyon vndertraunche y^t purpos tayme that crabbe [i] barbe that lopster
¶ Here hendeth the goodly termes.
[Sidenotes: Terms of a Carver: [a] Slice brawn, [b] spoil a hen, [c] unbrace a mallard, [d] untache a curlew, [e] border a pasty, [f] thigh small birds, [g] splat a pike, [h] fin a chub, [i] barb a lobster]
[Headnote: THE BUTLER AND PANTER’S DUTIES.]
¶ Here begynneth Butler and Panter.
[a] ++Thou shalte be Butler and Panter all the fyrst yere / and ye muste haue thre pantry knyues / one knyfe to square tre{n}choure loues / an other to be a [Fol. A ii.] chyppere / the thyrde shall be sharpe to make smothe tre{n}choures / than chyppe your soueraynes brede hote, and all other brede let it be a daye olde / housholde brede thre dayes olde / [b] trenchour brede foure dayes olde / than loke your salte by whyte and drye / the planer made of Iuory, two inches brode & thre inches longe / & loke that youre salte seller lydde touche not the salte / tha{n} loke your table clothes, towelles, and napkyns, be fayre folden in a cheste or ha{n}ged vpon a perche / than loke your table knyues be fayre pullysshed, & your spones clene / [c] than loke ye haue two tarryours, a more & a lesse, & wyne cannelles of boxe made accordynge / a sharpe gymlot & faucettes. And whan ye sette a pype on broche, do thus / set it foure fynger brede aboue y^e nether chyme vpwardes aslaunte / and than shall y^e lyes neuer a-ryse. [d] Also loke ye haue in all seasons[A] butter, chese, apples, peres, nottes, plommes, grapes, dates, fygges & raysyns, compost, grene gynger and chardequynce. Serue fastynge butter, plommes, damesons, cheryes, and grapes, after mete, peres, nottes, strawberyes, hurtelberyes, & hard chese. Also brandrels or pepyns with carawey in confetes. After souper, rost apples & peres, with blaunche poudre, & harde chese / [e] be ware of cowe creme, & of good strawberyes, hurtelberyes, Iouncat, for these wyll make your souerayne seke but he ete harde chese / [f] harde chese hath these operacyo{n}s / it wyll kepe y^e stomacke open / butt{er} is holsome fyrst & last, for it wyll do awaye all poyso{ns} / [g] mylke, creme, & Iouncat, they wyll close the mawe, & so dooth a posset / therfore ete harde chese, & drynke romney modo{n} / beware of grene sallettes & rawe fruytes, for they wyll make your sourayne seke / therfore set no mo-[Fol. A ii.b.]che [h] by suche metes as wyll set your tethe on edge; therfore ete an almonde & harde chese / but ete non moche chese without romney modon. Also yf dyuers dry{n}kes, yf theyr fumosytees haue dyspleased your souerayne, [i] let hy{m} ete a rawe apple, and y^e fumosytees wyll cease: mesure is a mery mene & it be well vsed / abstyne{n}ce is to be praysed wha{n} god therwith is pleased. [k] Also take good hede of your wynes euery nyght with a candell, bothe rede wyne and swete wyne, & loke they reboyle nor leke not / & wasshe y^e pype hedes euery nyght w{i}t{h} colde water / & loke ye haue a chynchynge yron, addes, and lynen clothes, yf nede be / [l] & yf the[y] reboyle, ye shall knowe by the hyssynge / therfore kepe an empty pype with y^e lyes of coloured rose, & drawe the reboyled wyne to y^e lyes, & it shal helpe it. Also yf your swete wyne pale, drawe it in to a romney vessell for lessynge.
[Sidenotes: [a] The Butler has 3 knives: 1. a squarer, 2. a chipper, 3. a smoother. [b] Trencher-bread must be 4 days old; the Salt-Planer of ivory; table cloths kept in a chest, or hung on a perch. [c] To broach a Pipe, have 2 augers, funnels, and tubes, and pierce the Pipe 4 inches from the bottom. [d] Always have ready fruits and hard cheese. [e] Beware of cow cream. [f] Hard cheese is aperient, and keeps off poison. [g] Milk and Junket close the Maw. [h] For food that sets your teeth on edge, eat an almond and hard cheese. [i] A raw apple will cure indigestion. [k] See every night that your wines don’t boil over or leak. [l] You’ll know their fermenting by their hissing.]
¶ Here foloweth the names of wynes.
¶ Reed wyne / whyte wyne / clared wyne / osey / capryke / ca{m}polet / renysshe wyne / maluesey / bastarde / tyer, romney / muscadell / clarrey / raspys / vernage / vernage wyne cut / pymente and ypocras.
[Sidenotes: Names of Wines Campolet, Rhenish, &c]
[Headnote: FOR TO MAKE YPOCRAS, AND LAYE THE CLOTH.]
[Headnote: HOW TO WAIT AT TABLE.]
For to make ypocras.
¶ [a] Take gy{n}ger / peper / graynes / canell / synamon / suger and tornsole / than loke ye haue fyue or syxe bagges for your ypocras to renne in, & a perche that your renners may ren on / than muste ye haue .vi. peautre basyns to stande vnder your bagges / than loke your spyce be redy / & your gynger well pared or it be beten [Fol. A iii.] to poudre / [b] than loke your stalkes of synamon be well coloured; & swete canell is not so gentyll in operacyon; synamon is hote and drye / graynes of paradico[B] be{n} hote and moyste / gynger / graynes / longe peper / and suger, ben hote and moyst / synamo{n} / canell, & rede wyne, ben hote and drye / tornsole is holsome / for reed wyne colourynge. Now knowe ye the proporcyons of your ypocras / [c] than bete your poudres eche by themselfe, & put them in bladders, & hange your bagges sure, that no bage touche other / but let eche basyn touche other; let the fyrste basyn be of a galon, and eche of the other of a potell / than put in your basyn a galo{n} of reed wyne, put thereto your poudres, and styre them well / than put them in to the fyrste bagge, and let it renne / than put them in to the seconde bagge / than take a pece in your hande, and assaye yf it be stronge of gynger / and alaye it with synamon / and it be stro[{n}]ge of synamon / alaye it with suger / and loke ye lette it renne thrughe syxe renners / & your ypocras shall be the fyner / than put your ypocras in to a close vessell, and [d] kepe the receyte / for it wyll serue for sewes / than serue your souerayne with wafers and ypocras. [e] Also loke your composte be fayre and clene / and your ale fyue dayes olde or men drynke it / tha{n} kepe your hous of offyce clene, & be curtoys of answere to eche persone, and loke ye gyue no persone noo dowled drynke / for it wyll breke y^e scabbe. [f] And whan ye laye the clothe, wype y^e borde clene with a cloute / than [g] laye a cloth, a couche, it is called, take your felawe that one ende, & holde you that other ende, than drawe the clothe straught, the bought on y^e vtter edge / take the vtter parte, & hange it euen / than take the thyrde clothe, and lay y^e bought on the inner [Fol. A iii.b.] edge / and laye estat with the vpper parte halfe a fote brode / than [h] couer thy cupborde and thyn ewery with the towell of dyaper / than take thy towell about thy necke, and laye that one syde of y^e towell vpon thy lefte arme / and there-on laye your soueraynes napkyn / and laye on thyn arme seuen loues of brede, with thre or foure trenchour loues, with the ende of y^e towell in the lefte hande, as the maner is / than [i] take thy salte seller in thy lefte hande, and take the ende of y^e towell in your ryght hande to bere in spones and knyues / than [k] set your salt on the ryght syde where your souerayne shall sytte, and on y^e lefte syde the salte set your trenchours / than [l] laye your knyues, & set your brede, one lofe by an other / your spones, and your napkyns fayre folden besyde your brede / than couer your brede and trenchoures, spones and knyues / & at euery ende of y^e table set a salte seller with two treachour [C] loues / [m] and yf ye wyll wrappe your soueraynes brede stately, ye muste [n] square and proporcyon your brede, and se that no lofe be more than an other / and than shall ye make your wrapper man[er]ly / than take a towell of reynes of two yerdes and an halfe, and take the towell by y^e endes double, and laye it on the table / than take the ende of y^e bought a handfull in your hande, and wrappe it harde, and laye the ende so wrapped bytwene two towelles; vpon that ende so wrapped, lay your brede, botom to botom, syxe or seuen loues / than set your brede manerly in fourme / and whan your soueraynes table is thus arayed, [o] couer all other bordes with salte, trenchoures, & cuppes. [p] Also so[D] thyn ewery be arayed with basyns & ewers, & water hote & colde / and se’ ye haue napkyns, cuppes, & spones / & se your pottes for wyne [Fol. A 4.] and ale be made clene, and [q] to y^e surnape make ye curtesy with a clothe vnder a fayre double napry / tha{n} take þe towelles ende nexte you / & the vtter ende of the clothe on the vtter syde of the table, & holde these thre endes atones, & folde them atones, that a plyte passe not a fote brode / than laye it euen there it sholde lye. [r] And after mete wasshe with that that is at y^e ryghte ende of the table / ye muste guyde it out, and the marshall must conuey it / and loke on eche clothe the ryght syde be outwarde, & drawe it streyght / than must ye reyse the vpper parte of y^e towell, & laye it w{i}t{h}-out ony gronynge / and at euery ende of y^e towell [s] ye must conuey halfe a yerde that y^e sewer may make estate reuerently, and let it be. [t] And whan your souerayne hath wasshen, drawe y^e surnape euen / than bere the surnape to the myddes of the borde & take it vp before your souerayne, & bere it in to y^e ewery agayne. [v] And whan your souerayne it[E] set, loke your towell be aboute your necke / than make your souerayne curtesy / than vncouer your brede & set it by the salte & laye your napkyn, knyfe, & spone, afore hym / than knele on your knee tyll the purpayne passe eyght loues / & loke ye set at y^e endes of y^e table foure loues at a messe / and se that euery persone haue napkyn and spone / [x] & wayte well to y^e sewer how many dysshes be couered; y^e so many cuppes couer ye / than serue ye forth the table manerly y^t euery man may speke your curtesy.
[Sidenotes: To make Ypocras. [a] Take spices; put 6 bags on a perch, 6 pewter basins under, ginger and cinnamon. [b] (Of the qualities of spices.) [c] Pound each spice separately, put ’em in bladders, and hang ’em in your bags, add a gallon of red wine to ’em, stir it well, run it through two bags, taste it, pass it through 6 runners, and put it in a close vessel. [d] Keep the dregs for cooking. [e] Have your Compost clean, and your ale 5 days old, but not dead. [f] To lay the Cloth. [g] Put on a couch, then a second cloth, the fold on the outer edge; a third, the fold on the inner edge. [h] Cover your cupboard, put a towel round your neck, one side lying on your left arm; on that, 7 loaves of eating bread and 4 trencher loaves. [i] In your left hand a saltcellar, in your right the towel. [k] Set the saltcellar on your lord’s right, and trenchers on the left of it. [l] Lay knives, bread, spoons, napkins, and cover ’em up. [m] To wrap your Lord’s bread stately. [n] Square the loaves; take a Reynes towel 2½ yards long by the ends; put it on the table, pinch up a handful of one end, and lay it between 2 towels, and on it lay your 6 or 7 loaves bottom to bottom. [o] Put salt, cups, &c., on the other tables. [p] See that your Ewery is properly supplied, and your ale-pots kept clean. [q] To arrange the Surnape. Put a cloth under a double towel, hold 3 ends together, fold them in a foot-broad pleat, and lay it smooth. [r] After washing, the Marshal must carry the surnape out. [s] Leave out half a yard to make estate. [t] When your lord has washed, remove the Surnape. [v] When he is seated, salute him, uncover your bread, kneel on your knee till 8 loaves are served out (?) [x] Provide as many cups as dishes.]
[Headnote: SEWYNGE OF FLESSHE.]
¶ Here endeth of the Butler and Panter, yoman of the seller and ewery. And here foloweth sewynge of flesshe.
[Fol. A 4b.] ++The [a] sewer muste sewe, & from the borde conuey all maner of potages, metes, & sauces / & euery daye comon with the coke, and vndersta{n}de & wyte how many dysshes shall be, and speke with the panter and offycers of y^e spycery for fruytes that shall be ete{n} fastynge. Than goo to the borde of sewynge, and se ye haue offycers redy to conuey, & seruauntes for to bere, your dysshes. Also yf marshall, squyers, and seruauntes of armes, bo[F] there, tha{n} serue forth your souerayne withouten blame.
[Sidenote: ewynge of]
¶ Seruyce.
¶ [1] Fyrste sette ye forthe mustarde and brawne, potage, befe, motton stewed. [2] Fesande / swanne / capon / pygge, venyson bake / custarde / and leche lombarde. [3] Fruyter vaunte, with a subtylte, two potages, blau{n}che ma{n}ger, and gelly. [4] For standarde, venyson roste, kydde, fawne & cony / bustarde, storke, crane, pecocke with his tayle, hero{n}sewe, bytture, woodcocke, partryche, plouer, rabettes, grete byrdes, larkes / [5] doucettes, paynpuffe, whyte leche, ambre / gelly, creme of almondes, curlewe, brewe, snytes, quayle, sparowes, martynet, perche i{n} gelly / petyperuys[G], quy{n}ces bake / leche dewgarde, fruyter fayge, blandrelles or pepyns with carawaye in co{n}fettes, wafers and ypocras, they be a-greable. [b] Now this feest is done, voyde ye the table.
[Sidenotes: [a] The Sewer or arranger of dishes must ascertain what dishes and fruits are prepared daily for dinner; and he must have people ready to carry up the dishes. The Succession of Dishes. 1. Brawn, &c. 2. Pheasant, &c. 3. Meat Fritters, &c 4. For a standard, a peacock with his tail. 5. Doucettes, Paynpuff, Brew, Snipe, Petyperuys and Fayge, Caraways, &c. [b] Clear the table]
[Headnote: KERUYNGE OF FLESSHE.]
¶ Here endeth the sewynge of flesshe. And begynneth the keruynge of flesshe.
++The keruer must knowe the keruynge and the fayre ha{n}dlynge of a knyfe, and how ye shall seche al maner of fowle / your knyfe muste be fayre and [Fol. A 5.] [a] your ha{n}des muste be clene; & passe not two fyngers & a thombe vpon your knyfe. In y^e myddes of your ha{n}de set the halfe sure, vnlassynge y^e mynsy{n}ge wich[H] two fy{n}gers & a thombe; keruynge of brede, layenge, & voydynge of crommes, with two fyngers and a thombe / loke ye haue y^e cure / set neuer on fysshe / flesshe / beest / ne fowle, more than two fyngers and a thombe / than take your lofe in your lefte hande, & holde your knyfe surely; enbrewe not the table clothe / but [b] wype vpon your napkyn / than take your trenchouer lofe in your lefte ha{n}de, and with the edge of your table knyfe take vp your trenchours as nye the poynt as ye may / [c] tha{n} laye foure trenchours to your soferayne, one by an other / and laye theron other foure trenchours or elles twayne / than take a lofe in your lyfte hande, & pare y^e lofe rou{n}de aboute / tha{n} cut the ouer cruste to your souerayne, and cut the nether cruste, & voyde the parynge, & touche the lofe no more after it is so serued / than clense the table that the sewer may serue youre souerayne. [d] Also ye muste knowe the fumosytces[I] of fysshe, flesshe, and foules, & all maner of sauces accordynge to theyr appetytes / these ben the fumosytes / salte, soure, resty, fatte, fryed, senewes, skynnes, hony, croupes, yonge feders, heddes, pygous[K] bones, all maner of legges of bestees & fowles the vtter syde; for these ben fumosytees; laye them neuer to your souerayne.
[Sidenotes: Keruynge of Flesshe. [a] Your hands must be clean; only two fingers and a thumb should be put on your knife, or on fish, flesh, or fowl. [b] Wipe your knife on your napkin. [c] Lay 4 trenchers for your lord, with 2 or 4 on them and the upper crust of a fine loaf. [d] Give heed to what is indigestible, as resty, fat things, feathers, heads, legs, &c.]
¶ Seruyce.
¶ [a] Take your knyfe in your ha{n}de, and cut brawne in y^e dysshe as it lyeth, & laye it on your soueraynes trenchour, & se there be mustarde. [b] Venyson with fourme{n}ty is good for your souerayne: touche not the venyson with your ha{n}de, but with your knyfe cut it .xii. draugh[Fol. A 5b.]tes with the edge of your knyfe, and cut it out in to y^e fourmenty / doo in the same wyse with pesen & bacon, befe chyne and motto{n} / pare the befe, cut the motto{n} / & laye to your souerayne / beware of fumosytees / salte, senewe, fatte, resty & rawe. In syrupe, [c] fesande, partryche, stockdoue, & chekyns / in the lefte ha{n}de take them by the pynyo{n}, & with the foreparte of your knyfe lyfte vp your wy{n}ges / than mynce it in to the syrupe / beware of sky{n}ne rawe & senowe. [d] Goos, tele, malarde, & swa{n}ne, reyse [L] the legges, than the wynges / laye the body in y^e myddes or in a nother plater / the wynges in the myddes & the legges; after laye the brawne bytwene the legges / & the wynges in the plater. [e] Capo{n} or henne of grece, lyfte the legges, tha{n} the wynges, & caste on wyne or ale, than mynce the wynge & giue your souerayne. Fesande, partryche, [f] plouer or lapwynge, reyse y^e wynges, & after the legges. woodcocke, [g] bytture, egryt, snyte, curlewe & heronsewe, vnlace them, breke of the pynyons, necke & becke / tha{n} reyse the legges, & let the fete be on styll, than the wynges. [h] A crane, reyse the wynges fyrst, & beware of the trumpe in his brest. Pecocke, storke, bustarde & [i] shouyllarde, vnlace them as a crane, and let y^e fete be on styll. [k] Quayle, sparow, larke, martynet, pegyon, swalowe, & thrusshe, y^e legges fyrst, tha{n} y^e wynges. [l] Fawne, kyde, and lambe, laye the kydney to your souerayne, tha{n} lyfe vp the sholder & gyue your souerayne a rybbe. [m] Venyson roste, cut it in the dysshe, & laye it to your souerayne. [n] A cony, lay hy{m} on the backe, cut away the ventes bytwene the hy{n}der legges, breke the canell bone, than reyse the sydes, than lay the cony on y^e wombe, on eche syde the chyne y^e two sydes departed from the chy{n}e, tha{n} laye the bulke, chyne, & sydes, in y^e dysshe. [Fol. A 6.] [o] Also ye must my{n}ce foure lesses to one morcell of mete, that your soverayne may take it in the sauce. [p] All bake metes that ben hote, open them a-boue the coffyn; & all that ben colde, ope{n} theym in the mydwaye. [q] Custarde, cheke them inche square that your souerayne may ete therof. [r] Doucettes, pare awaye the sydes & the bottom: beware of fumosytes. [s] Fruyter vaunte, fruyter say, be good; bett{er} is fruyter pouche; apple fruyters ben good hote / and all colde fruters, touche not. Ta{n}sey is good / hote wortes, or gruell of befe or of motto{n} is good. [t] Gelly, mortrus, creme almondes, blau{n}che manger, Iussell, and charlet, cabage, and nombles of a dere, ben good / & all other potage beware of.
[Sidenotes: Keruynge of Flesshe. [a] How to carve Brawn, [b] Venison, (cut it in 12 bits and slice it into the furmity,) [c] Pheasant, Stockdoves, (mince the wings into the syrup,) [d] Goose, Teal, &c., (take off the legs and wings,) [e] Capon, (mince the wing with wine or ale,) [f] Plover, Lapwing, [g] Bittern, Egret. [h] How to carve a Crane, (mind the trump in his breast,) [i] Shoveler, [k] Quail, Martins, Swallow, [l] Fawn, Kid, [m] Roast Venison, [n] Cony, (lay him on his belly with his two cut-off sides, on each side of him.) [o] Cut 4 strips to each bit of meat, for your lord to pick it up by. [p] Open hot Meat-Pies at the top; cold in the middle. [q] Cut Custards in inch blocks. [r] Doucettes, pare off sides and bottom. [s] Fritters hot are good, cold bad. Tansey is good. [t] Jelly, Blanche Manger, Charlet, &c., are good, and no other potages.]
[Headnote: SAUCES FOR FOWLES.]
¶ Here endeth y^e keruynge of flesshe. And begy{n}neth sauces for all maner of fowles.
[a] ++Mustarde is good with brawne, befe, chyne, bacon, & motton. [b] Vergius is good to boyled chekyns and capon / swanne with cawdrons / [c] rybbes of befe with garlycke, mustarde, peper, vergyus; [d] gynger sauce to la{m}be, pygge, & fawne / mustarde & suger to fesande, partryche, and conye / sauce gamelyne to hero{n}sewe, egryt, plouer, & crane / to brewe, curlewe, [e] salte, suger, & water of tame / to bustarde, shouyllarde, & bytture, sauce gamelyne: [f] woodcocke, lapwynge, larke, quayle, mertynet, venyson, and snyte, with whyte salte / sparowes & throstelles with salte & synamo{n} / thus with all metes, sauce shall haue the operacyons.
¶ Here endeth the sauces for all maner of fowles and metes.
[Sidenotes: Sauces for all maner of Fowles. [a] Mustard for beef; [b] Verjuice for boiled chickens; Cawdrons for swans; [c] Garlick, &c., for beef. [d] Ginger for lamb; Gamelyne for heronsewe, &c.; [e] Salt, Sugar and Water of Tame for brew, &c. [f] White salt for lapwings, &c. Cinnamon and salt for thrushes &c.]
[Headnote: FEESTES AND SERUYCE.]
[Fol. A 6b.] ¶ Here begynneth the feestes and seruyce from Eester vnto whytsondaye.
++On Eester daye & so forthe to Pe{n}tycost, after y^e seruy{n}ge of the table there shall be set brede, tre{n}chours, and spones, after the estymacyo{n} of them that shall syt there; and thus ye shall serue your souerayne; [a] laye [six or eight[L*]] tre{n}chours / & yf he be of a lower degre [or] estate, laye fyue trenchours / & yf he be of lower degre, foure trenchours / & of an other degre, thre trenchours / [b] than cut brede for your souerayne after ye knowe his condycyons, wheder it be cutte in y^e myddes or pared, or elles for to be cut in small peces. Also ye must vndersta{n}de how y^e mete shall be serued before youre souerayne, & namely [c] on Eester daye after the gouernaunce & seruyce of y^e countree where ye were borne. [d] Fyrste on that daye he shall serue a calfe soden and blessyd / and than sode{n} egges with grene sauce, and set them before the most pryncypall estate / and that lorde by cause of his hyghe estate shall departe them all aboute hym / than serue potage, as wortes, Iowtes, or browes, with befe, motto{n}, or vele / & capo{n}s that ben coloured with saffron, and bake metes. [e] And the seconde course, Iussell with mamony, and rosted, endoured / & pegyons with bake metes, as tartes, chewettes, & flawnes, & other, after the dysposycyon of the cokes. [f] And at soupertyme dyuers sauces of motto{n} or vele in broche[M], after the ordynaunce of the stewarde / and than chekyns with bacon, vele, roste pegyons or lambe, & kydde roste with y^e heed & the portenaunce on lambe & pygges fete, with vinegre & percely theron, & a ta{n}sye fryed, & other bake metes / ye shall vndersta{n}de this maner of seruyce [Fol. B i.] dureth to Pentecoste, saue fysshe dayes. Also take hede how ye shall araye these thynges before your souerayne / [g] fyrst ye shall se there be grene sauces of sorell or of vynes, that is holde a sauce for the fyrst course / and ye shall begyn to reyse the capon.
[Sidenotes: The Dinner Courses from Easter to Whitsunday. From Easter to Pentecost, set bread, trenchers and spoons: [a] 6 or 8 trenchers for a great lord, 3 for one of low degree. [b] Then cut bread for eating. [c] For Easter-day Feast: [d] First Course: A Calf, boiled and blessed; boiled Eggs and green sauce; Potage, with beef, saffron-stained Capons. [e] Second Course: Mameny, Pigeons, Chewets, Flawnes. [f] Supper: Chickens, Veal, roast Kid, Pigs’-Feet, a Tansey fried. [g] Green Sauces of sorrel or vines, for the first course.]
[Headnote: KERUYNG OF ALL MANER OF FOWLES.]
¶ Here endeth the feest of Eester tyll Pentecoste. And here begynneth keruyng of all maner of fowles.
¶ Sauce that capon.
¶ Take vp a capon, & lyfte vp the ryght legge and the ryght wynge, & so araye forth & laye hym in the plater as he sholde flee, & serve your souerayne / & knowe well that capons or chekyns ben arayed after one sauce; the chekyn shall be sauced with grene sauce or vergyus.
¶ Lyfte that swanne.
¶ Take and dyghte hym as a goose, but let hym haue a largyour brawne, & loke ye haue chawdron.
¶ Alaye that fesande.
¶ Take a fesande, and reyse his legges & his wynges as it were an henne, & no sauce but onely salte.
¶ wynge that partryche.
¶ Take a partryche, and reyse his legges and his wynges as a henne / & ye mynce hym, sauce hym with wyn, poudre of gynger, & salte / that set it vpon a chaufyng-dysshe of coles to warme & serue it.
¶ wynge that quayle.
¶ Take a quayle, and reyse his legges and his wynges as an henne, and no sauce but salte.
Dysplaye that crane.
¶ Take a crane, and vnfolde his legges, and cut of his wynges by the Ioyntes: than take vp hys wynges and his legges, and sauce hym with poudres of gynger, mustarde, vynegre, and salte.
[Fol. B i.b.] Dysmembre that heron.
¶ Take an heron, and reyse his legges and his wynges as a crane, and sauce hym with vynegre, mustarde, poudre of gynger, and salte.
Vnioint that bytture.
¶ Take a bytture, and reyse his legges & his wynges as an heron, & no sauce but salte.
Breke that egryt.
¶ Take an egryt, and reyse his legges and his wynges as an heron, and no sauce but salte.
Vntache that curlewe.
¶ Take a curlewe, and reyse his legges and his wynges as an henne, and no sauce but salte.
¶ Vntache that brewe.
¶ Take a brewe, and reyse his legges and his wynges in the same maner, and no sauce but onely salte, & serue your souerayne.
Vnlace that cony.
¶ Take a cony, and laye hym on the backe, & cut awaye the ventes / than reyse the wynges and the sydes, and laye bulke, chyne, and the sydes togyder; sauce, vynegre and poudre of gynger.
Breke that sarcell.
¶ Take a sarcell or a teele, and reyse his wynges & his legges, and no sauce but salte onely.
Mynce that plouer.
¶ Take a plouer, and reyse his legges and his wynges as an henne, and no sauce but onely salt.
A snyte.
¶ Take a snyte, and reyse his wynges, his legges, and his sholdres, as a plouer; and no sauce but salte.
[Fol. B ij.] ¶ Thye that woodcocke.
Take a woodcocke, & reyse his legges and his wynges as an henne; this done, dyght the brayne. And here begynneth the feest from Pentecost vnto mydsomer.
[Sidenotes: Keruyng of all maner of Fowles. How to carve a Capon. Sauce: green sauce or verjuice. Swan. Chawdron is the sauce for him. Pheasant. No sauce but Salt. Partridge. Sauce for Partridges. How to carve a Quail. Sauce: salt. Crane. Sauce: ginger, mustard, vinegar, and salt. Heron. Sauce as before. Rittern. Salt, the sauce. Egret. Salt, the sauce. Curlew. Salt, as sauce. Brew. Salt, as sauce. Cony (or Rabbit.) Sauce: vinegar and ginger. Sarcel or Teal. Plover. Snipe. Woodcock.]
[a] ++In the seconde course for the metes before sayd ye shall take for your sauces, wyne, ale, vynegre, and poudres, after the mete be; & gynger & canell from Pentecost to the feest of saynt Iohn baptyst. [b] The fyrst course shall be befe, motton soden with capons, or rosted / [c] & yf the capons be soden, araye hym in the maner aforesayd. And whan he is rosted, thou must caste on salte, with wyne or with ale / tha{n} take the capon by the legges, & caste on the sauce, & breke hym out, & laye hym in a dysshe as he sholde flee. Fyrst ye shall cut the ryght legge and the ryght sholdre, & bytwene the foure membres laye the brawne of the capon, with the croupe in the ende bytwene the legges, as it were possyble for to be Ioyned agayne togyder / & other bake metes after: [d] And in the seconde course, potage shall be, Iussell, charlet, or mortrus, with yonge geese, vele, porke, pygyons or chekyns rosted, with payne puffe / fruyters, and other bake metes after the ordynau{n}ce of the coke. [e] Also the goose ought to be cut membre to membre, begynnynge at the ryght legge, and so forth vnder the ryght wynge, & not vpon the Ioynte aboue / [f] & it ought for to be eten with grene garlyke, or with sorell, or tender vynes, or vergyus in somer season, after the pleasure of your souerayne. Also ye shall vnderstande that all maner of fowle that hath hole fete sholde be reysed vnder the wynge, and not aboue.
[Sidenotes: [a] Sauces for the Second Course. [b] First Course: Beef and Capons. [c] How to sauce and carve a Roast capon: lay him out as if ready to fly. [d] Second Course: Potage, Charlet, young Geese, Payne Puff, &c. [e] How to carve a Goose. [f] Goose must be eaten with green garlic or verjuice.]
[Headnote: THE SERVICE FROM MIDSUMMER TO CHRISTMAS.]
¶ Here endeth the feest from Pentecost to mydsomer. And here begynneth from the feest of saynt Iohn the baptist vnto Myghelmasse.
[a] ++In the fyrst course, potage, wortes, gruell, & fourmenty, with venyson, and mortrus and pestelles of porke with grene sauce. Rosted capon, swanne with chawdron. [b] In the seconde course, potage after the ordynaunce of the cokes, with rosted motton, vele, porke, chekyns or endoured pygyons, heron-sewes, fruyters or other bake metes / [c] & take hede to the fesande: he shall be arayed in the maner of a capon / but it shall be done drye, without ony moysture, and he shall be eten with salte and pouder of gynger. And the heronsewe shall be arayed in the same maner without ony moysture, & he shulde be eten with salte and poudre. [d] Also ye shall vnderstande that all maner of fowles hauynge open clawes as a capon, shall be tyred and arayed as a capon and suche other.
[Sidenotes: Dinner Courses from the Nativity[*] of St John the Baptist, (June 24,) to Michaelmas. [a] First Course: soups, vegetables, legs of Pork, &c. [b] Second Course: roast Mutton, glazed Pigeons, Fritters, &c. [c] Serve a Pheasant dry, with salt and ginger: a Heronsewe with salt and powder (blanche?) [d] Treat open-clawed birds like capons.]
[Footnote *: The feast of St John’s Beheading is on Aug. 29.]
¶ From the feest of saynt Myghell vnto the feest of Chrystynmasse.
[a] ++In the fyrst course, potage, befe, motton, bacon, or pestelles of porke, or with goose, capon, mallarde, swanne, or fesande, as it is before sayd, with tartes, or bake metes, or chynes of porke. [b] In the second course, potage, mortrus, or conyes, or sewe / than roste flesshe, motton, porke, vele, pullettes, chekyns, pygyons, teeles, wegyons, mallardes, partryche, woodcoke, plouer, bytture, curlewe, heronsewe / venyson roost, grete byrdes, snytes, feldefayres, thrusshes, fruyters, chewettes, befe with sauce gelopere, roost with sauce pegyll, & other ba[Fol. B iii.]ke metes as is aforesayde. And yf ye kerue afore your lorde or your lady ony soden flesshe, [c] kerue awaye the sky{n}ne aboue / tha{n} kerue resonably of y^e flesshe to your lorde or lady, and [d] specyally for ladyes, for y^e[N] wyll soone be angry, for theyr thoughtes ben soone changed / and some lordes wyll be sone pleased, & some wyll not / as they be of co{m}pleccyo{n}. [e] The goos & swanne may be cut as ye do other fowles y^t haue hole fete, or elles as your lorde or your lady wyll aske it. Also a swa{n}ne w{i}t{h} chawdron, capo{n}, or fesande, ought for to be arayed as it is aforesayd / but the skynne must be had awaye / & whan they be{n} kerued before your lorde or your lady / for generally [f] the skynne of all maner clove{n} foted fowles is vnholsome / & the skynne of all maner hole foted fowles be{n} holsome for to be eten. Also wete ye well that all maner hole foted fowles that haue theyr lyuy{n}g vpon the water, theyr skynnes ben holsome & clene, for by y^e clenes of the water / & fysshe, is theyr lyuynge. And yf that they ete ony stynkynge thynge, it is made so clene with y^e water that all the corrupcyon is clene gone away frome it. [g] And the sky{n}ne of capo{n}, henne, or chekyn, ben not so clene, for the[y] ete foule thynges in the strete / & therfore the skynnes be{n} not so holsome / for it is not theyr kynde to entre in to y^e ryuer to make theyr mete voyde of y^e fylth. [h] Mallarde, goose, or swanne, they ete vpon the londe foule mete / but a-no{n}, after theyr ky{n}de, they go to the ryuer, & theyr they clense them of theyr foule stynke. A fesande as it is aforesayd / but y^e sky{n}ne is not holsome / [i] than take y^e heddes of all felde byrdes and wood byrdes, as fesande, pecocke, partryche, woodcocke, and curlewe, for they ete in theyr degrees foule thynges, as wormes, todes, and other suche.
[Sidenotes: Dinner Courses from Michaelmas to Christmas. [a] First Course: legs of Pork, &c. [b] Second Course: Widgeon, Fieldfares, Chewets, Beef, with sauces Gelopere and Pegyll. [c] Cut the skin off boiled meats. [d] Carve carefully for Ladies; they soon get angry [e] Carve Goose and Swan like other birds. [f] The skin of cloven-footed birds is unwholsome; of whole-footed birds wholesome, because the water washes all corruption out of ’em. [g] Chicken’s skin is not so pure, because their nature is not to enter into the river. [h] River birds cleanse their foul stink in the river. [i] Take off the heads of all field birds, for they eat worms, toads, and the like.]
[Headnote: SEWYNGE OF FYSSHE.]
¶ Here endeth the feestes and the keruynge of flesshe, And here begynneth the sewynge of fysshe.
¶ The fyrst course.
++To go to sewynge of fysshe: musculade, menewes in sewe of porpas or of samon, bacon hery{n}ge w{i}t{h} suger, grene fysshe, pyke, lampraye, salens, porpas rosted, bake gurnade, and lampraye bake.
¶ The seconde course.
¶ Gelly whyte and rede, dates in confetes, congre, samon, dorrey, brytte, turbot, halybut / for standarde, base, troute, molette, cheuene, sele, eles & lamprayes roost, tenche in gelly.
¶ The thyrde course.
¶ Fresshe sturgyon, breme, perche in gelly, a Ioll of samon, sturgyon, and welkes; apples & peres rosted with suger candy. Fygges of malyke, & raysyns, [O] dates capte w{i}t{h} mynced gynger / wafers and ypocras, they ben agreable / this feest is done, voyde ye the table.
[Sidenotes: Sewynge of Fysshe. First Course: Musculade. Salens, &c., baked Gurnet. Second Course: Jelly, dates, &c. For a standard, Mullet, Chub, Seal, &c. Third Course: Bream, Perch, Whelks; and pears in sugar candy. Figs, dates capped with minced ginger, &c. All over! Clear the table.]
[Headnote: KERUYNGE OF FYSSHE.]
[Fol. B iii.b.] ¶ Here endeth sewynge of fysshe. And here foloweth keruynge of fysshe.
[a] ++The keruer of fysshe must se to pessene & fourmentye the tayle and y^e lyuer: ye must loke [b] yf there be a salte purpos, or sele turrentyne, & do after y^e fourme of venyson / baken herynge, laye it hole vpon your soueraynes trenchour / whyte hery{n}ge in a disshe, open it by y^e backe, pyke out the bones & the rowe, & se there be mustarde. Of salte fysshe, grene fysshe, salt samon & congre, pare away y^e skyn / salte fysshe, stocke fysshe, marlynge, makrell, and hake, with butter: take awaye the bones & the skynnes. A pyke, laye y^e wombe vpon his trenchour w{i}t{h} pyke sauce ynoughe. A salte [Fol. B 4.] lampraye, gobone it flatte in .vii. or .viii. peces, & lay it to your souerayne. A playce, put out the water / than crosse hym with your knyfe, caste on salte & wyne or ale. [c] Gornarde, rochet, breme, cheuene, base, molet, roche, perche, sole, makrell & whytynge, haddocke and codlynge, reyse them by the backe, & pyke out the bones, & clense the refet in y^e bely. [d] Carpe, breme, sole, & troute, backe & belly togyder. Samon, congre, sturgyon, turbot, thorpole, thornebacke, hou{n}de-fysshe, & halybut, cut them in the dysshe as y^e porpas aboute / tenche in his sauce, cut it / eles & lamprayes roost, pull of the skynne, pyke out y^e bones, put therto vyneger & poudre. [e] A crabbe, breke hym a-sonder in to a dysshe, make y^e shelle clene, & put in the stuffe agayne, tempre it with vynegre & pouder, than couer it with brede, and sende it to the kytchyn to hete / than set it to your souerayne, and breke the grete clawes, and laye them in a disshe. [f] A creues, dyght hym thus: departe hym a-sonder, & slytee[P] the belly, and take out y^e fysshe; pare away the reed skynne, and mynce it thynne; put vynegre in the dysshe, and set in on y^e table w{i}t{h}out hete. A Iol of sturgyon, cut it in thynne morselles, & lay it rou{n}de aboute the dysshe. Fresshe lampraye bake: open y^e pasty / than take whyte brede, and cut it thynne, & lay it in a dysshe, & [g] with a spone take out galentyne, & lay it vpon the brede with reed wyne & poudre of synamon / than cut a gobone of the lampraye, & mynce the gobone thynne, and laye it in the galentyne; than set it vpo{n} the fyre to hete. [h] Fresshe herynge with salte & wyne / shrympes wel pyked, flou{n}dres, gogyons, menewes & musceles, eles and lamprayes: [i] sprottes is good in sewe / musculade in wortes / oystres i{n} ceuy, oysters in grauy, menewes in porpas, samo{n} & seele, gelly [Fol. B 4b.] whyte and reede, creme of almo{n}des, [k] dates in comfetes, peres and quynces in syrupe, with percely rotes; mortrus of houndes fysshe, ryse standynge.
[Sidenotes: Carving and Dressing of Fish [a] Put tails and livers in the pea broth and furmity. [b] How to carve Seal Turrentyne, baked Herring, white Herring, Green Fish, Merling, Hake, Pike, salt Lamprey, Plaice. [c] Gurnard, Bream, Roach, Whiting, Codling. [d] Carp, Trout, Conger, Thornback, Halibut, Tench, and Crab. [e] How to dress and serve up a Crab. [f] How to dress and carve a Crayfish, a Joll of Sturgeon, a fresh Lamprey, pasty. [g] (sauce, Galentyne with red wine and powdered cinnamon.) [h] Fresh Herring, &c. [i] Sprats, Musculade in worts, Oysters. [k] Dates, pears, Mortrewes of Dogfish.]
[Headnote: SAUCES FOR FYSSHE.]
¶ Here endeth the keruynge of fysshe. And here begy{n}neth sauces for all maner of fysshe.
[a] ++Mustarde is good for salte herynge / salte fysshe, salte congre, samo{n}, sparlynge, salt ele & lynge: [b] vynegre is good with salte porpas, turrentyne salte / sturgyo{n} salte, threpole, & salt wale / [c] lampray with galentyne / vergyus to roche, dace, breme, molet, base, flounders, sole, crabbe, and [d] cheuene, with poudre of synamo{n}; to thornebacke, herynge, houndefysshe, haddocke, whytynge, & codde, vynegre, poudre of synamon, & gynger; [e] grene sauce is good with grene fysshe & halybut, cottell, & fresshe turbot / put not your grene sauce awaye, for it is good with mustarde.
¶ Here endeth for all maner of sauces for fyssche accordynge to theyr appetyte.
[Sidenotes: Sauces for Fish. [a] Mustard for Salmon, &c.; [b] Vinegar for salt Whale, &c.; [c] Galentyne for Lamprey; Verjuice for Roach, &c.; [d] Cinnamon for Chub, &c.; [e] Green Sauce for Halibut, &c.]
[Headnote: THE CHAUMBERLAYNE.]
¶ The chaumberlayne.
++The caumberlayne muste be dylyge{n}t & clenly in his offyce, with his heed kembed, & so to his souerayne that he be not recheles, & se that he haue a clene sherte, breche, petycote, and doublet / tha{n} brusshe his hosen within & without, & se his shone & slyppers be made clene / [a] & at morne whan your souerayne wyll aryse, warme his sherte by the fyre / & se ye haue a fote shete made in this maner. Fyrst set a chayre by the fyre with a cuysshen, an other vnder his fete / tha{n} sprede a shete ouer the chayre, and se there be redy a kerchefe [Fol. B 5.] and a combe / than [b] warme his petycote, his doublet, and his stomachere / [c] & than put on his hosen & his shone or slyppers, than stryke vp his hosen manerly, & tye them vp, than lace his doublet hole by hole, & laye the clothe aboute his necke & kembe his hede / than loke ye haue a basyn, & an ewer with warme water, and a towell, and wasshe his handes / than knele vpon your knee, & aske your souerayne what robe he wyll were, & brynge him such as your souerayne co{m}mau{n}deth, & put it vpon hym; than doo his gyrdell aboute hym, & take your leue manerly, & [d] go to the chyrche or chapell to your soueraynes closet, & laye carpentes & cuysshens, & lay downe his boke of prayers / than drawe the curtynes, and take your leue goodly, & go to youre soueraynes chambre, & cast all the clothes of his bedde, & bete the feder bedde & the bolster / but loke ye waste no feders; than shall the blankettes, & se the shetes be fayre & swete, or elles loke ye haue clene shetes / than [e] make vp his bedde manerly, than lay the hed shetes & the pyllowes / than take vp the towel & the basyn, & laye carpentes aboute the bedde, or wyndowes & cupbordes layde with carpettes and cuysshyns. Also loke there be a good fyre brennynge bryght / & [f] se the hous of hesement be swete & clene, & the preuy borde couered with a grene clothe and a cuysshyn / tha{n} se there be blanked, donne, or cotton, for your souerrayne / & [g] loke ye haue basyn, & euer with water, & a towell for your souerayne / than take of his gowne, & brynge him a mantell to kepe hym fro colde / than brynge hym to the fyre, & take of his shone & his hosen; than take a fayre kercher of reynes / & [h] kembe his heed, & put on his kercher and his bonet / than sprede downe his bedde, laye the heed shete and the pyllowes / & whan your souerayne is to bedde [Fol. B 5b.] drawe the curtynes / than se there be morter or waxe or perchoures be redy / than dryue out dogge or catte, & loke there be basyn and vrynall set nere your souerayne / than take your leue manerly that your souerayne may take his rest meryly.
¶ Here endeth of the chaumberlayne.
[Sidenotes: The Duties of a Chamberlain. He must be cleanly, and comb his hair; see to his Lord’s clothes, and brush his hose; [a] in the morning warm his shirt, and prepare his footsheet; [b] warm his petycote, &c.; [c] put on his shoes, tie up his hose, comb his head, wash his hands, put on the robe he orders. [d] Make ready his Closet in the Church or Chapel, then come home to his Bed-chamber, take off the bed-clothes. [e] Make his lord’s bed again with clean sheets, and lay hangings round the bed, and windows, &c. [f] Keep the privy clean, and the board covered with green cloth, and provide down or cotton for wiping. [g] When he goes to bed, let him wash; put him on a mantle, take off his shoes, &c. [h] Comb his head, put on his night-cap, draw the curtains round him, drive out the dogs and cats, set the urinal near, and then take leave.]
[Headnote: OF THE MARSHALL AND THE VSSHER.]
¶ Here foloweth of the Marshall and the vssher.
++The Marshall and the vssher muste knowe all the estates of the chyrche, and the hyghe estate of a kynge, with the blode royall.
¶ The estate of a Pope hath no pere.
¶ The estate of an Emperour is nexte.
¶ The estate of a kynge.
¶ The estate of a cardynall.
¶ The estate of a kynges sone, a prynce.
¶ The estate of an archebysshop.
¶ The estate of a duke
¶ The estate of a bysshop
¶ The estate of a marques
¶ The estate of an erle
¶ The estate of a vycount
¶ The estate of a baron.
¶ The estate of an abbot with a myter
¶ The estate of the thre chefe Iuges & the Mayre of London.
¶ The estate of an abbot without a myter
¶ The estate of a knyght bacheler
¶ The estate of a pryour, dene, archedeken, or knyght
[Fol. B 6.]
¶ The estate of the mayster of the rolles.
¶ The estate of other Iustices & barons of the cheker
¶ The estate of the mayre of Calays.
¶ The estate of a prouyncyall, a doctour dyvyne,
¶ The estate of a prothonat: he is aboue the popes collectour, and a doctour of bothe the lawes.
¶ The estate of him that hath ben mayre of London and seruaunt of the lawe.
¶ [a] The estate of a mayster of the chauncery, and other worshypfull prechours of pardon, and clerkes that ben gradewable / & all other ordres of chastyte, persones & preestes, worshypfull marchauntes & gentylmen, all this may syt at the squyers table.
¶ [b] An archebysshop and a duke may not kepe the hall, but eche estate by them selfe in chaumbre or in pauylyon, that neyther se other.
¶ [c] Bysshoppes, Marques, Erles, & Vycou{n}tes, all these may syt two at a messe.
¶ [d] A baron, & the mayre of London, & thre chefe Iuges, and the speker of the parlyament, & an abbot with a myter, all these may svt two or thre at a messe
¶ [e] And all other estates may syt thre or foure at a messe
¶ [f] Also the Marshall muste vnderstande and knowe the blode royall, for some lorde is of blode royall & of small lyuelode. And some knyght is wedded to a lady of royal blode; she shal kepe the estate that she was before. And a lady of lower degree shal kepe the estate of her lordes blode / & therfore the royall blode shall haue the reuere{n}ce, as I haue shewed you here before.
¶ Also a marshall muste take hede of the byrthe, and nexte of the lyne, of the blode royall.
¶ [g] Also he must take hede of the kynges offycers, of the Chaunceler, Stewarde, Chamberlayne, Tresourer, and Controller.
¶ Also the marshall must take heed vnto straungers, & put them to worshyp & reuerence; for and they haue good chere it is your soueraynes honour.
¶ Also a Marshall muste take hede yf the kynge sende to your souerayne ony message; and yf he send a knyght, receyue hym as a baron; and yf he sende a squyre, receyue hym as a knyght / and yf he sende you a yoman, receyue hym as a squyer / and yf he sende you a grome, receyue hym as a yoman.
¶ Also it is noo rebuke to a knyght to sette a grome of the kynge at his table.
[Sidenotes: Of the Marshal and Usher. He must know the orders of precedence of all ranks. A Cardinal before a Prince. The Mayor of London ranks with the 3 Chief Justices. The Knight’s equals. The ex-Mayor of London. [a] The Esquire’s equals. [b] Who must dine alone, [c] who 2 together, [d] who 2 or 3, [e] who 3 or 4. [f] The Marshall must know who are of royal blood, for that has the reverence. [g] He must take heed of the King’s officers, do honour to strangers, and receive a Messenger from the King as if one degree higher than he is, for a King’s groom may sit at a Knight’s table.]
¶ Here endeth the boke of seruyce, & keruynge, and sewynge, and all maner of offyce in his kynde vnto a prynce or ony other estate, & all the feestes in the yere. Enprynted by wynkyn de worde at London in Flete strete at the sygne of the sonne. The yere of our lorde god M.CCCCC.xiij.
[+Wynkyn .de. worde’s+ device here.]
[Sidenotes: Here ends this Book printed by Wynkyn de Worde. A.D. 1513.]
NOTES.
Wynkyn de Worde introduces some dishes, sauces, fish, and one wine, not mentioned by Russell.
The new Dishes are--
Fayge (p. 157, l. 10). This may be for Sage, the herb, or a variety of Fritter, like Fruyter vaunte (p. 157, l. 2; p. 159, l. 24), fruyter say (p. 159, l. 24), or a dish that I cannot find, or a way of spelling figs.
Fruyter say, p. 159, l. 24. If say is not for Sage, then it may be a fish, contrasted with the vaunte, which I suppose to mean ‘meat.’ Sey is a Scotch name for the Coalfish, Merlangus Carbonarius. Yarrell, ii. 251.
Charlet (p. 159, l. 28). The recipe in ‘Household Ordinances,’ p. 463, is, Take swete cowe mylk and put into a panne, and cast in therto ȝolkes of eyren and the white also, and sothen porke brayed, and sage; and let hit boyle tyl hit crudde, and colour it with saffron, and dresse hit up, and serve hit forthe.” Another recipe for Charlet Enforsed follows, and there are others for Charlet and Charlet icoloured, in Liber Cure, p. 11.
Jowtes, p. 160, last line. These are broths of beef or fish boiled with chopped boiled herbs and bread, H. Ord. p. 461. Others are made ‘with swete almond mylke,’ ib. See ‘Joutus de Almonde,’ p. 15, Liber Cure. For ‘Joutes’ p. 47; ‘for oþer ioutes,’ p. 48.
Browes, p. 160, last line. This is doubtless the Brus of Household Ordinances, p. 427, and the bruys of Liber Cure, p. 19, l. 3, brewis, or broth. Brus was made of chopped pig’s-inwards, leeks, onions, bread, blood, vinegar. For ‘Brewewes in Somere’ see H. Ord. p. 453.
Chewettes, p. 161, l. 4, were small pies of chopped-up livers of pigs, hens, and capons, fried in grease, mixed with hard eggs and ginger, and then fried or baked. Household Ordinances, p. 442, and Liber Cure, p. 41. The Chewets for fish days were similar pies of chopped turbot, haddock, and cod, ground dates, raisins, prunes, powder and salt, fried in oil, and boiled in sugar and wine. L. Cure, p. 41. Markham’s Recipe for ‘A Chewet Pye’ is at p. 80-1 of his English Houswife. Chewit, or small Pie; minced or otherwise. R. Holme. See also two recipes in MS. Harl. 279, fol. 38.
Flaunes (p. 161, l. 4) were Cheesecakes, made of ground cheese beaten up with eggs and sugar, coloured with saffron, and baked in ‘cofyns’ or crusts. ‘A Flaune of Almayne’ or ‘Crustade’ was a more elaborate preparation of dried or fresh raisins and pears or apples pounded, with cream, eggs, bread, spices, and butter, strained and baked in ‘a faire coffyn or two.’ H. Ord. p. 452. [[‘Pro Caseo ad flauns qualibet die . panis j’ (allowance of). Register of Worcester Priory, fol. 121 a. ed. Hale, 1865.]]
Of new Sauces, Wynkyn de Worde names Gelopere & Pegyll (p. 165, l. 4). Gelopere I cannot find, and can only suggest that its p may be for f, and that “cloves of gelofer,” the clove-gillyflower, may have been the basis of it. These cloves were stuck in ox tongues, see “Lange de beof,” Liber Cure, p. 26. Muffett also recommends Gilly-flour Vinegar as the best sauce for sturgeon in summer, p. 172; and Vinegar of Clove-Gilliflowers is mentioned by Culpepper, p. 97, Physical Directory, 1649.
Pegylle I take to be the Pykulle of Liber Cure Cocorum, p. 31, made thus;
‘Take droppyng of capone rostyd wele With wyne and mustarde, as have Þou cele [bliss], With onyons smalle schrad, and sothun in grece, Meng alle in fere, and forthe hit messe.’
The new Wine is Campolet, p. 153. Henderson does not mention it; Halliwell has ‘Campletes. A kind of wine, mentioned in a curious list in MS. Rawl. C. 86.’ [See the list in the Notes to Russell, above, p. 86.] I suppose it to be the wine from ‘Campole. The name of a certaine white grape, which hath very white kernels.’ Cotgrave.
Of new Fish W. de Worde names the Salens (p. 166, l. 8), Cottell and Tench (p. 167). Torrentyne he makes sele turrentyne (p. 166, l. 8 from bottom) seemingly, but has turrentyne salte as a fish salted, at p. 168, l. 7.
Cottell, p. 168, l. 14, the cuttlefish. Of these, Sepiæ vel Lolligines calamariæ, Muffet says, they are called also ‘sleewes’ for their shape, and ‘scribes’ for their incky humour wherewith they are replenished, and are commended by Galen for great nourishers; their skins be as smooth as any womans, but their flesh is brawny as any ploughmans; therefore I fear me Galen rather commended them upon hear-say then upon any just cause or true experience.
For the Salens I can only suggest thunny. Aldrovandi, de Piscibus, treating of the synonyms of the Salmon, p. 482, says, “Græcam salmonis nomenclaturam non inuenio, neq{ue} est quod id miretur curiosus lector, cum in Oceano tantu{m} flumi{n}ibusq{ue} in eum se exonerantibus reperiatur, ad quæ veteres Græci nunquam penetr{a}runt. Qui voluerit, Salangem appellare poterit. Σαλάχξ enim boni, id est, delicati piscis nomen legitur apud Hesychium, nec præterea qui sit, explicatur: aut a migrandi natura κατανάδρομος, vel δρόμας fluviatilis dicatur, nam Aristoteles in mari dromades vocat Thunnos aliosq{ue} gregales, qui aliunde in Pontum excurrunt, et vix vno loco conquiescunt; aut nomen fingatur a saltu, & ἄλμων dicitur. Non placet tamen, salmonis nomen a saltu deduci, aut etiam á sale, licet saliendi natura ei optimè quadret saleq{ue} aut muria inueturaria etiam soleat. Non enim latine sed a Germanis Belgisuè Rheni accolis, aut Gallis Aquitanicis accepta vox est.” See also p. 318, ‘Scardula, et Iucohia ex Pigis, et Plota, Sale{n}a.’ Gesner, de Piscibus, p. 273. Can salens be the Greek ‘σωλην, a shell-fish, perhaps like the razor-fish. Epich. p. 22.’--Liddell and Scott--? I presume not. ‘Solen. The flesh is sweet; they may be eaten fryed or boiled.’ 1661, R. Lovell, Hist. of Animals, p. 240. ‘Solen: A genus of bivalve mollusks, having a long slender shell; razor-fish.’ Webster’s Dict.
Sele turrentyne, p. 166, l. 8 from bottom. Seemingly a variety of seal, or of eel or sole if sele is a misprint. But I cannot suggest any fish for it.
Rochets, p. 167, l. 5. Rubelliones. Rochets (or rather Rougets, because they are so red) differ from Gurnards and Curs, in that they are redder by a great deal, and also lesser; they are of the like flesh and goodness, yet better fryed with onions, butter, and vinegar, then sodden. Muffett, p. 166.
[Footnote L*: See above, in the Keruynge of Flesshe, p. 157, lines 5 and 4 from the bottom. [“laye foure trenchours to your soferayne, one by an other / and laye theron other foure trenchours or elles twayne”]]
[Textnotes: A Orig. seasous B sic: o for e C sic: a for n D for se, see. E for is F for be G ? u for n H for with I sic: c for e K sic: u for n L The top of the s is broken off, making the letter look like an l rubbed at the top. M ? brothe N for they O Orig. raysyus P sic]
* * * * * * * * *
The
Boke of Curtasye.
FROM THE SLOANE MS. 1986 IN THE BRITISH MUSEUM, AB. 1460 A.D.
[Transcriber’s Note:
In this selection, sidenotes are identified by verse lines. They are grouped by text headers (generally in Latin), as shown in the Table of Contents.]
CONTENTS.
PAGE Here begynneth{e} þe FYRST BOKE of CURTASYE 177 [Headnote: HOW TO BEHAVE AT TABLE.] [Headnote: HOW TO BEHAVE AT MEALS.] THE SECOND BOOK 181 [Headnote: HOW TO BEHAVE AT CHURCH, TO PARENTS, ETC.] [Headnote: THE RULE OF GOOD MANNERS.] THE THIRD BOOK: De officiarijs in curijs d{omi}no{rum} 187 De Ianitor{e} 188 [Headnote: OF THE PORTER, AND MARSHAL OF THE HALL.] De Marescallo aule 188 P{er} q{uan}tu{m} te{m}p{us} armig{er}i h{ab}eb{un}t lib{er}ata{m} {et} ignis ardeb{i}t i{n} a{ul}a 189 De pinc{er}nario, panetario, {et} cocis sibi s{er}uie{n}tib{us} 190 [Headnote: OF THE BUTLER AND PANTER.] De offic{i}o pinc{er}narij 190 De hostiario {et} suis s{er}uientib{us} 190 De Offic{i}o garc{i}onu{m} 191 [Headnote: OF THE GROOMS AND USHER OF THE CHAMBER.] De seneschallo 194 [Headnote: OF THE STEWARD.] De cont{ra}rotulatore 195 De sup{er}uisore 195 De Clerico coquine 195 De cancellario 195 [Headnote: OF THE CHANCELLOR AND TREASURER.] De thesaurizario 196 De receptore firmar{um} 197 De Auenario 197 De pistore 198 [Headnote: OF THE BAKER AND HUNTSMAN.] De venatore {et} suis canib{us} 198 De aquario 199 Qui d{eb}ent manus lauar{e} {et} i{n} q{u}or{um} domib{us} 199 De panetario 200 [Headnote: OF THE PANTER, THE LORD’S KNIVES, ETC.] De Cultellis d{omi}ni 200 De Elemosinario 201 [Headnote: OF THE ALMONER AND DISH-SERVER.] De ferculario 202 De candelario 204 [Headnote: OF THE CARVER, SURNAPE-LAYERS, AND CHANDLER.]
The boke of Curtasye.
++Here begynneth{e} þe fyrst boke of curtasye.
++Qwo so wylle of curtasy ler{e}, [Fol. 12.] In this boke he may hit her{e}! Yf thow be gentylmon, ȝomo{n}, or knaue, The nedis nurture for to haue. 4 Wheñ thou comes to a lordis ȝate, The porter þ{o}u shall{e} fynde ther-ate; Take hym thow shalt þy wepyn tho, And aske hym leue in to go 8
¶ To speke w{i}t{h} lorde, lady, squyer, or grome. Ther-to the nedys to take the tome[1]; For yf he be of logh{e} degre, Than hym falles to come to the; 12
¶ Yf he be gentylmo{n} of kyñ, The porter wille lede the to hym. When thow come tho halle dor to, Do of thy hode, thy gloues also; 16
¶ Yf þo halle be at the furst mete, This lessou{n} loke thow noȝt for-ȝete: Þe stuard, countroller, and tresurer{e}, Sittand at de deshe, þ{o}u haylse in fere. 20
¶ W{i}t{h}iñ þe hall{e} sett on ayther side, Sitten other ge{n}tylme{n} as fall{es} þ{a}t tyde; Enclyne þe fayre to hom also, First to the ryȝht honde þ{o}u shall{e} go, 24
¶ Sitthen to þo left honde þy neghe þ{o}u cast; To hom þ{o}u bogh{e} w{i}t{h}outen wrast[2]; Take hede to ȝomo{n} on þy ryght honde, And sithen byfor{e} the screne þ{o}u stonde 28
¶ In myddys þe halle opon þe flore, Whille marshall{e} or vssher come fro þe dore, And bydde the sitte, or to borde the lede. Be stabull{e} of chere for menske[3], y rede; 32
[Headnote: HOW TO BEHAVE AT TABLE.]
¶ Yf he þe sette at gentilmo{n}nes borde, Loke þ{o}u be hynde[4] and lytull{e} of worde. Pare þy brede and kerue in two, Tho ou{er} crust þo nether fro; 36
¶ In fowre þ{o}u kutt þo ou{er} dole, Sett hom to-gedur as h{i}t where hole; Sithen kutt þo nether crust in thre, And t{ur}ne h{i}t dowñ, lerne þis at me. 40
¶ And lay thy trencho{ur} þe be-fore, And sitt vp-ryȝht for any sore. Spare brede or wyne, drynke or ale, To thy messe of kochyñ be sett in sale; 44
¶ Lest men sayne þ{o}u art hong{ur} beteñ, Or ellis a gloten þ{a}t all{e} me{n} wyteñ, Loke þy naylys ben clene in blythe, Lest þy felagh{e} lothe ther-wyth. 48
¶ Byt not on thy brede and lay h{i}t dou{n},-- That is no curteyse to vse in towñ;-- But breke as mych{e} as þ{o}u wyll{e} ete, The remelant to pore þ{o}u shall{e} lete. 52
¶ In peese þ{o}u ete, and eu{er} eschewe To flyte[5] at borde; þ{a}t may þe rewe. Yf þ{o}u make mawes[6] on any wyse, A velany þ{o}u kacches or eu{er} þ{o}u rise. 56
¶ Let neu{er} þy cheke be Made to grete [Fol. 13.] W{i}t{h} morsell{e} of brede þ{a}t þ{o}u shall{e} ete; An apys mow men sayne he makes, Þ{a}t brede and flesshe in hys cheke bakes. 60
¶ Yf any mañ speke þ{a}t tyme to the, And þ{o}u schall{e} onsware, h{i}t will{e} not be But waloande, and a-byde þ{o}u most; Þ{a}t is a schame for alle the host. 64
¶ On bothe halfe þy mouthe, yf þ{a}t þ{o}u ete, Mony a skorne shall{e} þ{o}u gete. Þ{o}u shall{e} not lauȝhe ne speke no þyng{e} Whille þi mouthe be full{e} of mete or drynke; 68
¶ Ne suppe not w{i}t{h} grete sowndyng{e} Noþer potage ne oþer þyng{e}. Let not þi spone stond in þy dysche, Wheþ{er} þ{o}u be s{er}ued w{i}t{h} fleshe or fische; 72
¶ Ne lay hit not on thy dishe syde, But clense h{i}t honestly w{i}t{h}-outen pride. Loke no browyng{e} on þy fyng{ur} þore Defoule þe clothe þe be-fore. [p. 27, bot.] 76
¶ In þi dysche yf þ{o}u wete þy brede, Loke þ{er}-of þat noȝt be lede To cast agayne þy dysche in-to; Þ{o}u art vn-hynde yf þ{o}u do so. 80
¶ Drye þy mouthe ay wele {and} fynde When þ{o}u schall{e} drynke oþ{er} ale or wyne. Ne calle þ{o}u noȝt a dysche a-ȝayne, Þ{a}t ys take fro þe borde in playne; 84
¶ Ȝif þ{o}u sp[i]tt ou{er} the borde, or ell{es} opoñ, Þ{o}u schall{e} be holden an vncurtayse mon; Yf þy nowñ dogge þ{o}u scrape or clawe, Þ{a}t is holden a vyse emong men knawe. 88
¶ Yf þy nose þ{o}u clense, as may be-falle, Loke þy honde þ{o}u clense, as wyth{e}-alle, Priuely w{i}t{h} skyrt do hit away, Oþ{er} ellis thurgh{e} thi tepet þ{a}t is so gay. 92
¶ Clense not thi tethe at mete sittande, W{i}t{h} knyfe ne stre, styk ne wande. While þ{o}u holdes mete i{n} mouthe, be war To drynke, þ{a}t is an-honest[7] char, 96
¶ And also fysike for-bedes hit, And sais þ{o}u may be choket at þ{a}t byt; Yf hit go þy wrang throte into, And stoppe þy wynde, þ{o}u art fordo. 100
¶ Ne telle þ{o}u neu{er} at borde no tale To harme or shame þy felawe i{n} sale; For if he then w{i}t{h}holde his methe[8], Eftsons he wyll{e} forcast þi dethe. 104
¶ Where-ser{e} þ{o}u sitt at mete in borde, Avoide þe cat at on bar{e} worde For yf þ{o}u stroke cat oþ{er} dogge, Þ{o}u art lyke an ape teyȝed w{i}t{h} a clogge. 108
¶ Also {es}chewe, w{i}t{h}-outen stryfe, To foule þe borde clothe w{i}t{h} þi knyfe; Ne blow not on þy drynke ne mete, Neþ{er} for colde, neþer for hete; 112
¶ W{i}t{h} mete ne bere þy knyfe to mowthe, Wheþ{er} þ{o}u be sett be strong or couthe; Ne w{i}t{h} þo borde clothe þi tethe þ{o}u wype, [Fol. 14.] Ne þy nyen þ{a}t rennen rede, as may betyde. 116
¶ Yf þ{o}u sitt by a ryȝht good mañ, Þis lessoñ loke þou þenke apoñ: Vndur his theȝghe þy kne not pit, Þ{o}u ar full{e} lewed yf þ{o}u dose hit. 120
¶ Ne bacwarde sittande gyf noȝt þy cupe, Noþ{er} to drynke, noþ{er} to suppe; Bidde þi frende take cuppe and drynke, Þ{a}t is holden an-honest thyng. 124
¶ Lene not on elbowe at þy mete, Noþ{er} for colde ne for hete; Dip not þi thombe þy drynke i{n}to, Þ{o}u art vncurtayse yf þ{o}u hit do; 128
¶ In salt saler yf þ{a}t þ{o}u pit Oþ{er} fisshe or flesshe þ{a}t me{n} may wyt, Þ{a}t is a vyce, as me{n} me telles, And gret wonder h{i}t most be elles. 132
¶ After mete when þ{o}u shalt wasshe, Spitt not in basyn, ne wat{er} þ{o}u dasshe; Ne spit not lorely, for no kyn mede, Be-fore no mo{n} of god for drede. 136
¶ Who so eu{er} despise þis lessoun ryȝt, At borde to sitt he hase no myȝt. Here endys now our{e} fyrst talkyng, Crist graunt vs alle his der{e} blessyng! 140
¶ Her{e} endith{e} þe [first] boke of curtasye.
[Sidenotes: [2] In this book you may learn Courtesy. Every one needs it. [5] On reaching a Lord’s gate, give the Porter your weapon, and ask leave to go in. [11] If the master is of low degree, he will come to you: [13] if of high, the Porter will take you to him. [15] At the Hall-door, take off your hood and gloves, greet the Steward, &c., at the dais, [22] bow to the Gentlemen on each side of the hall [24] both right and left; [27] notice the yeomen, then stand before the screen till the Marshal or Usher leads you to the table. [33] Be sedate and courteous if you are set with the gentlemen. [35] Cut your loaf in two, the top from the bottom; cut the top crust in 4, and the bottom in 3. [37] cut the top crust in 4, and the bottom in 3. [41] Put your trencher before you, and [43] don’t eat or drink till your Mess is brought from the kitchen, [45] lest you be thought starved or a glutton. [47] Have your nails clean. [49] Don’t bite your bread, but break it. [53] Don’t quarrel at table, or make grimaces. [57] Don’t cram your cheeks out with food like an ape, [61] for if any one should speak to you, you can’t answer, but must wait. [65] Don’t eat on both sides of your mouth. [67] Don’t laugh with your mouth full, [69] or sup up your potage noisily. [71] Don’t leave your spoon in the dish or on its side, but clean your spoon. [75] Let no dirt off your fingers soil the cloth. [77] Don’t put into the dish bread that you have once bitten. [81] Dry your mouth before you drink. [83] Don’t call for a dish once removed, [85] or spit on the table: that’s rude. [87] Don’t scratch your dog. [89] If you blow your nose, clean your hand; wipe it with your skirt or put it through your tippet. [93] Don’t pick your teeth at meals, or drink with food in your mouth, [97] as you may get choked, or killed, by its stopping your wind. [101] Tell no tale to harm or shame your companions. [106] Don’t stroke the cat or dog. [109] Don’t dirty the table cloth with your knife. [111] Don’t blow on your food, or put your knife in your mouth, or wipe your teeth or eyes with the table cloth. [117] If you sit by a good man, don’t put your knee under his thigh. [121] Don’t hand your cup to any one with your back towards him. [125] Don’t lean on your elbow, [127] or dip your thumb into your drink, [129] or your food into the salt cellar: That is a vice. [133] Don’t spit in the basin you wash in or loosely (?) before a man of God.]
[Headnote: HOW TO BEHAVE AT CHURCH, TO PARENTS, ETC.]
THE SECOND BOOK.
Yf that þ{o}u be a ȝong enfaunt, And thenke þo scoles for to haunt, This lessou{n} schall{e} þy maist{ur} þe merke, Croscrist[[8a]] þe spede in all{e} þi werke; 144 Sytthen þy pater n{oste}r he wille þe teche, As cristes owne postles con preche; Aft{ur} þy Aue mar{ia} and þi crede, Þat shall{e} þe saue at dome of drede; 148
¶ Theñ aft{ur} to blesse þe w{i}t{h} þe t{r}inité, In no{m}i{n}e p{at}ris teche he wille þe; Þen w{i}t{h} marke, mathew, luke, {and} Ion, W{i}t{h} þe þ{er} cruc{is} and the hegh name; 152
¶ To schryue þe in gen{er}al þ{o}u schall{e} lere Þy Confiteor and misereat{ur} in fer{e}. To seche þe kyngdam of god, my chylde, Þ{er}to y rede þ{o}u be not wylde. 156
¶ Ther-for{e} worschip god, bothe olde {and} ȝong, To be in body and soule yliche strong{e}. When þ{o}u comes to þo chirche dore, Take þe haly wat{er} stondand on flor{e}; 160
¶ Rede or synge or byd p{ra}yeris To crist, for all{e} þy crysten ferys; Be curtayse to god, and knele dou{n} On bothe knees w{i}t{h} grete deuociou{n}. 164
¶ To mo{n} þ{o}u shall{e} knele opon þe toñ, Þe toþ{er} to þy self þ{o}u halde aloñ. When þ{o}u ministers at þe hegh{e} aut{er}e, W{i}t{h} bothe hondes þ{o}u s{er}ue þ{o} p{re}st in fere, 168 Þe ton to stabull{e} þe toþ{er} Lest þ{o}u fayle, my dere broþ{er}.
¶ Anoþ{er} curtayse y wylle þe teche, Thy fadur And modur, w{i}t{h} mylde speche, [Fol. 15.] 172 In worschip and s{er}ue w{i}t{h} all{e} þy myȝt, Þ{a}t þou dwelle þe lengur in erthely lyȝt.
¶ To anoþ{er} ma{n} do no mor{e} amys Then þ{o}u woldys be doñ of hym {and} hys; 176 So crist þ{o}u pleses, {and} get{es} þe loue Of meñ {and} god þ{a}t sytt{is} aboue.
¶ Be not to meke, but i{n} mene þe holde, For ellis a fole þ{o}u wyll{e} be tolde. 180 He þ{a}t to ryȝtwysnes wylle enclyne, As holy wryȝt says vs wele and fyne, His sede schall{e} neu{er} go seche hor brede, Ne suffur of mo{n} no shames dede. 184
¶ To for-gyf þ{o}u shall{e} þe hast; To veniaunce loke þ{o}u come on last; Draw þe to pese w{i}t{h} all{e} þy strengþe; Fro stryf and bate draw þe on lengþe. 188
¶ Yf mo{n} aske þe good for goddys sake, And þe wont thyng{e} wher-of to take, Gyf hym bon{er} wordys on fayre maner{e}, W{i}t{h} glad semblaunt[A] {and} pure good cher. 192
[Textnote A: MS. semblamt]
¶ Also of s{er}uice þ{o}u shall{e} be fre To eu{er}y mo{n} in hys degré. Þ{o}u schall{e} neu{er} lose for to be kynde; That on forȝet{is}, anoþ{er} hase in mynde. 196
¶ Yf Any ma{n} haue part w{i}t{h} þe i{n} gyft, W{i}t{h} hym þ{o}u make an euen skyft; Let hit not henge in honde for glose, Þ{o}u art vncurtayse yf þ{o}u hyt dose. 200
¶ To saynt{is} yf þ{o}u þy gate hase hyȝt, Thou schall{e} fulfylle h{i}t w{i}t{h} all{e} þy myȝt, Lest god þe stryk w{i}t{h} grete veniaunce, And pyt þe in-to sore penaunce. 204
¶ Leue not all{e} me{n} that speke þe fayre, Wheþ{er} þ{a}t h{i}t ben comyns, burges, or mayr{e}; In swete wordis þe nedder was closet, Disseyuaunt euer and mysloset; 208 Þ{er}-fore þ{o}u art of adams blode, W{i}t{h} wordis be ware, but þ{o}u be wode: A schort worde is comynly sothe Þ{a}t fyrst slydes fro mo{n}nes tothe. 212
¶ Loke lyȝer neu{er} þ{a}t þ{o}u be-come, Kepe þys worde for all{e} and somme. Lawȝe not to of[t] for no solace, For no kyn myrth{e} þ{a}t any ma{n} mase; 216 Who lawes all{e} þ{a}t me{n} may se, A schrew or a fole hym semes to be.
¶ Thre enmys in þys worlde þ{er} ar{e} Þ{a}t coueyteñ alle me{n} to for-fare,-- 220 The deuel, þe flesshe, þe worlde also, That wyrkyn mankynde ful mykyl wo: Yf þ{o}u may strye þes þre enmys, Þ{o}u may be secur of heueñ blys. 224
[Headnote: THE RULE OF GOOD MANNERS.]
¶ Also, my chylde, a-gaynes þy lorde Loke þ{o}u stryfe w{i}t{h} no kyn w{o}rde, Ne waiour non w{i}t{h} hym þ{o}u lay, Ne at þe dyces w{i}t{h} hym to play. 228
¶ Hym that þ{o}u knawes of grett{er} state, Be not hys felaw in rest ne bate. [Fol. 16.] Ȝif þ{o}u be stad in strange contré, Enserche no fyr þen fall{es} to the, 232 Ne take no more to do on honde Þen þ{o}u may hafe menske of all{e} i{n} londe.
¶ Ȝif þ{o}u se any mon fal by strete, Lawegh{e} not þer-at in drye ne wete, But helpe hym vp w{i}t{h} all{e} þy myȝt, As seynt Ambrose þe teches ryȝt; Þ{o}u that stondys so sure on sete, War{e} lest þy hede falle to þy fete. 240
¶ My chylde, yf þ{o}u stonde at þo masse, At vndur stondis bothe more and lasse, Yf þo prest rede not at þy wylle, Rep{re}ue hym noȝt, but holde þe stylle. 244
¶ To any wyȝt þy counsell{e} yf þ{o}u schewe, Be war þ{a}t he be not a schrewe, Lest he disclaundyr þe w{i}t{h} tong Amonge alle me{n}, bothe olde {and} ȝong. 248
¶ Bekenyng, fynguryng, no{n} þ{o}u vse, And pryué rownyng loke þ{o}u refuse. Yf þ{o}u mete knyȝt, ȝomo{n}, or knaue, Haylys hym a-non, “syre, god ȝou saue.” 252 Yf he speke fyrst opon þe þor{e}, Onsware hym gladly w{i}t{h}-oute{n} mor{e}.
¶ Go not forth{e} as a dombe freke, Syn god hase laft the tonge to speke; 256 Lest meñ sey be sibbe or couthe,[9] “Ȝond is a mo{n} w{i}t{h}-outen mouthe.”
¶ Speke neu{er} vnhonestly of woma{n} kynde, Ne let hit neu{er} renne in þy mynde; 260 Þe boke hym call{es} a chorle of chere, That vylany spekes be weme{n} sere: For all{e} we ben of wymme{n} borñ, And oure fadurs vs be-forne; 264 Þ{er}for{e} hit is a vnhonest thyng To speke of hem in any hethyng.[10]
¶ Also a wyfe be-falle of ryȝt To worschyp hyr husbonde bothe day {and} nyȝt, 268 To his byddyng be obediente, And hym to s{er}ue w{i}t{h}-outen offence.
¶ Yf two brether be at debate, Loke noþ{er} þ{o}u forþ{er} in hor hate, 272 But helpe to staunche hom of malice; Þen þ{o}u art frende to bothe I-wys.
¶ Ȝif þ{o}u go w{i}t{h} a-noþ{er} at þo gate, And ȝe be bothe of on astate, 276 Be curtasye and let hym haue þe way, That is no vylanye, as me{n} me say; And he be come{n} of gret kynraden, Go no be-fore þawgh þ{o}u be beden; 280 And yf þ{a}t he þy mayst{ur} be, Go not be-fore, for curtasé, Noþ{er} in fylde, wode, noþ{er} launde, Ne euen hym w{i}t{h}, but he c{om}maunde. 284
¶ Yf þ{o}u schalle on pilg{ri}mage go, Be not þe thryd felaw for wele ne wo; Thre oxen in plowgh may neu{er} wel drawe, [Fol. 17.] Noþ{er} be craft, ryȝt, ne lawe. 288
¶ Ȝif þ{o}u be p{ro}fert to drynk of cup, Drynke not al of, ne no way sup; Drynk menskely and gyf agayne, Þ{a}t is a curtasye, to speke in playne. 292
¶ In bedde yf þou falle herberet to be, W{i}t{h} felawe, maystur, or her degré, Þ{o}u schalt enquer{e} be curtasye In what p{ar}[t] of þe bedde he wylle lye; 296 Be honest and lye þ{o}u fer hym fro, Þ{o}u art not wyse but þ{o}u do so.
[Headnote: HOW TO BEHAVE.]
¶ W{i}t{h} woso men, boþe fer and negh, The falle to go, loke þ{o}u be slegh 300 To aske his nome, and qweche he be, Whidur he will{e}: kepe welle þes thre.
¶ W{i}t{h} freres on pilg{ri}mage yf þ{a}t þ{o}u go, Þ{a}t þei will{e} ȝyme,[11] wilne þ{o}u also; 304 Als on nyȝt þ{o}u take þy rest, And byde þe day as tru ma{n}nes gest.
¶ In no kyn house þ{a}t rede mon is, Ne womo{n} of þo same colour y-wys, 308 Take neu{er} þy Innes for no kyn nede, For þose be folke þ{a}t ar to drede.
¶ Yf any thurgh sturnes þe oppose, Onswere hym mekely {and} make hym glose: 312 But glosand wordys þ{a}t falsed is, Forsake, and alle that is omys.
¶ Also yf þ{o}u haue a lorde, And stondes by-for{e} hym at þe borde, 316 While þ{a}t þ{o}u speke, kepe well{e} þy honde, Thy fete also in pece let stonde,
¶ His curtasé nede he most breke,-- Stirraunt fyngurs toos whe{n} he shall{e} speke. 320 Be stabull{e} of cher{e} and sumwhat lyȝt, Ne ou{er} alle wayue þ{o}u not thy syȝt;
¶ Gase not on walles w{i}t{h} þy neghe[12], Fyr ne negh, logh ne hegh{e}; 324 Let not þe post be-cum þy staf, Lest þ{o}u be callet a dotet daf; Ne delf þ{o}u neu{er} nose thyrle W{i}t{h} thombe ne fyngur, as ȝong gyrle; 328
¶ Rob not þy arme ne noȝt hit claw, Ne bogh not dou{n} þy hede to law; Whil any man spekes w{i}t{h} grete besenes, Herken his wordis w{i}t{h}-oute{n} distresse. 332
¶ By strete or way yf þ{o}u schalle go, Fro þes two þynges þ{o}u kepe þe fro, Noþ{er} to harme chylde ne best, W{i}t{h} castyng, turnyng west ne est; 336 Ne chaunge þ{o}u not in face coloure, For lyghtnes of worde in halle ne bour{e}; Yf þy vysage chaunge for noȝt, Men say ‘þe trespas þ{o}u hase wroȝght.’ 340
¶ By-for{e} þy lorde, ne mawes þ{o}u make Ȝif þ{o}u wyll{e} curtasie w{i}t{h} þe take. W{i}t{h} hondes vnwasshen take neu{er} þy mete; Fro alle þes vices loke þ{o}u þe kepe. 344
¶ Loke þ{o}u sytt--{and} make no stryf-- [Fol. 18.] Wher{e} þo est[B] co{m}mau{n}dys, or ellis þo wyf. Eschewe þe heȝest place w{i}t{h} wyn,[13] But þ{o}u be beden to sitt þ{er}-in. 348 Of curtasie her{e} endis þe secu{n}de fyt, To heuen crist mot our{e} saules flyt!
[Text note B: Read ost]
[Sidenotes: [141] If you go to school you shall learn: 1. Cross of Christ, 2. Pater Noster, 3. Hail Mary and the Creed, 4. In the name of the Trinity, 5. of the Apostles, 6. the Confession. [155] Seek the kingdom of God, and worship Him. [159] At church, take holy water; pray for all Christian companions; kneel to God on both knees, to man only on one. [167] At the Altar, serve the priest with both hands. [171] Speak gently to your father and mother, and honour them. [175] Do to others as you would they should do to you. [179] Don’t be foolishly meek. [181] The seed of the righteous shall never beg or be shamed. [185] Be ready forgive, and fond of peace. [189] If you cannot give an asker goods, give him good words. [193] Be willing to help every one. [197] Give your partner his fair share. [201] Go on the pilgrimages (?) you vow to saints, lest God take vengeance on you. [205] Don’t believe all who speak fair: the Serpent spoke fair words (to Eve). [210] Be cautious with your words, except when angry. [213] Don’t lie, but keep your word. [215] Don’t laugh too often, or you’ll be called a shrew or a fool. [219] Man’s 3 enemies are: the Devil, the Flesh, and the World. [223] Destroy these, and be sure of heaven. [225] Don’t strive with your lord, or bet or play with him. [231] In a strange place don’t be too inquisitive or fussy. [235] If a man falls, don’t laugh, but help him up: [240] your own head may fall to your feet. [241] At the Mass, if the priest doesn’t please you, don’t blame him. [245] Don’t tell your secrets to a shrew. [249] Don’t beckon, point, or whisper. [251] When you meet a man, greet him, or answer him cheerily if he greets you: don’t be dumb, lest men say you have no mouth. [259] Never speak improperly of women, for we and our fathers were all born of women. [267] A wife should honour and obey her husband, and serve him. [271] Try to reconcile brothers if they quarrel. [275] At a gate, let your equal precede you; go behind your superior and your master unless he bids you go beside him. [285] On a pilgrimage don’t be third man: 3 oxen can’t draw a plough. [289] Don’t drink all that’s in a cup offered you; take a little. [293] If you sleep with any man, ask what part of the bed he likes, and lie far from him. [299] If you journey with any man, find out his name, who he is, where he is going. [303] With friars on a pilgrimage, do as they do. [307] Don’t put up at a red (haired and faced) man or woman’s house. [312] Answer opponents meekly, but don’t tell lies. [315] Before your lord at table, keep your hands, feet, and fingers still. [322] Don’t stare about, or at the wall, or lean against the post. [327] Don’t pick your nose, scratch your arm, or stoop your head. [331] Listen when you’re spoken to. [335] Never harm child or beast with evil eye (?) [337] Don’t blush when you’re chaffed, or you’ll be accused of mischief. [341] Don’t make faces. [342] Wash before eating. [345] Sit where the host tells you; avoid the highest place unless you’re told to take it.]
[Headnote: OF THE PORTER, AND MARSHAL OF THE HALL.]
THE THIRD BOOK.
¶ De officiarijs in curijs d{omi}nor{um}.
++Now speke we wylle of officiers Of court, and als of her mestiers. 352 Foure me{n} þ{er} beñ þ{a}t ȝerdis schall{e} bere, Port{er}, marshall{e}, stuarde, vsshere; The port{er} schall{e} haue þe lengest wande, The marshall{e} a schort{er} schall{e} haue i{n} hande; 356 The vssher of chamb{ur} smallest schall{e} haue, The stuarde in honde schall{e} haue a stafe, A fyngur gret, two whart{er}s long, To reule þe meñ of court ymong. 360
[Sidenotes: Of the Officers in Lords’ Courts. [353] Four bear rods; three wands: 1. Porter, the longest, 2. Marshal, 3. Usher, the shortest, 4. Steward, a staff, a finger thick, half a yard long.]
¶ De Ianitor{e}.[14]
¶ The port{er} falle to kepe þo ȝate, Þe stokkes w{i}t{h} hym erly {and} late; Ȝif any mañ hase in court mys-gayne, To port{er} warde he schall{e} be tane, 364 Þ{er} to a-byde þe lordes wyll{e}, What he wille deme by ryȝtwys skyll{e}. For wessell{e} clothes, þ{a}t noȝt be solde, Þe po[r]ter hase þ{a}t warde in holde. 368 Of strang{er}s also þ{a}t comen to court, Þo porter schall{e} warne s{er} at a worde. Lyu{er}ay he hase of mete and drynke, And sett{is} w{i}t{h} hym who so hym thynke. 372 When so eu{er} þo lorde remewe schall{e} To castell{e} til oþ{er} as h{i}t may falle, For cariage þe port{er} hors schall{e} hyre, Foure pens a pece w{i}t{h}-in þo schyr{e}; 376 Be statut he schall{e} take þ{a}t on þe day. Þ{a}t is þe kyng{is} crye in faye.
[Sidenotes: Of the Porter. [361] He keeps the Gate and Stocks, takes charge of misdoers till judged, also of clothes, and warns strangers. [371] He is found in meat and drink. [373] On his lord’s removing, he hires horses at 4d. a piece, the statute price.]
¶ De Marescallo aule.[15]
[Text note: [C MS. spekle.]]
¶ Now of marschall{e} of hall{e} wyll{e} I spelle,[C] And what falle to hys offyce now wyll{e} y telle; 380 In absence of stuarde he shall{e} arest Who so eu{er} is rebell{e} in court or fest; Ȝomo{n}-vsshere, and grome also, Vndur hym ar þes two: 384 Þo grome for fuell{e} þ{a}t schall{e} brenne In hall{e}, chambur, to kechyn, as I þe kenne, He shall{e} delyu{er} hit ilke a dele, In hall{e} make fyre at yche a mele 388 Borde, trestuls, and formes also, Þe cupborde in his warde schall{e} go, Þe dosurs cortines to henge i{n} halle. Þes offices nede do he schall{e}; 392 Bryng in fyre on alhalawgh day, To condulmas euen, I dar well{e} say.
[Sidenotes: Of the Marshal of the Hall [381] He shall arrest rebels, when the steward is away. Yeoman-Usher and Groom are under him. [385] The Groom gets fuel for the fire, and makes one in all for every meal; looks after tables, trestles, forms, the cup-board, and hangings of the Hall. [393] Fires last from Allsaints’ Day to Candlemas Eve, (Nov. 1 to Feb. 2.) [395] and thus long, Squires receive their daily candle? (see l. 839.) [403] The Marshal shall seat men in the Hall.]
¶ P{er} q{uan}tu{m} te{m}p{us} armig{er}i h{ab}eb{un}t lib{er}ata{m} {et} ignis ardeb{i}t i{n} a{ul}a.
[Sidenote: How long Squires shall have allowances, and Fire shall burn in the Hall[[15a]].]
So longe squier{s} lyu{er}és shall{e} hafe,[16] Of grome of halle, or ellis his knafe; 396 But fyre shall{e} brenne in hall{e} at mete, To Cena d{omi}ni þ{a}t me{n} base ete; Þ{er} browȝt schall{e} be a holyn kene, [Fol. 19.] Þ{a}t sett schall{e} be in erber grene, 400 And þ{a}t schall{e} be to alhalawgh day, And of be skyfted, as y þe say. In hall{e} marshalle all{e} men schall{e} sett After here degré, w{i}t{h}-oute{n} lett.[17] 404
[Headnote: OF THE BUTLER AND PANTER.]
¶ De pinc{er}nario, panetario, {et} cocis sibi s{er}uie{n}tib{us}.
¶ The botelar, pantrer, and cokes also, To hym ar s{er}uaunt{is} w{i}t{h}-oute{n} mo; Þ{er}-fore on his ȝerde skor{e} shall{e} he[19] Alle messys in halle þ{a}t s{er}uet be, 408 Co{m}maunde to sett bothe brede {and} ale To all{e} men þ{a}t seruet ben i{n} sale;
¶ To gentilme{n} w{i}t{h} wyne I-bake, Ellis fayles þo seruice, y vnder-take; 412 Iche messe at vj^d breue shall{e} he At the countyng house w{i}t{h} oþ{er} mené; Yf þo koke wolde say þ{a}t were more, Þ{a}t is þo cause þ{a}t he hase hit in skore. 416 Þe panter[18] also yf he wolde stryfe, For rewarde þ{a}t sett schall{e} be be-lyue. Wheñ brede faylys at borde aboute, The marshall{e} gares sett w{i}t{h}-oute{n} doute 420 More brede, þ{a}t calde is a rewarde, So shall{e} h{i}t be preuet be-fore stuarde.
[Sidenotes: Of the Butler, Panter, and Cooks serving him. [405] They are the Marshal’s servants. [406] He shall score up all messes served, and order bread and ale for men, but wine for gentlemen. [413] Each mess shall be reckoned at 6d. [415] and be scored up to prevent the cook’s cheating. [419] If bread runs short, the Marshal orders more, ‘a reward.’]
¶ De offic{i}o pinc{er}narij.[19]
¶ Botler shall{e} sett for yche a messe A pot, a lofe, w{i}t{h}-oute{n} distresse; 424 Botler, pantrer, felawes ar ay, Reken hom to-gedur full{e} wel y may. The marshall{e} shall{e} herber all{e} men in fere, That ben of court of any mestere; 428 Saue þe lordys chamb{ur}, þo wadrop to, Þo vssher of chamb{ur} schall{e} tent þo two.
[Sidenotes: Of the Butler’s duties. [423] He shall put a pot and loaf to each mess. [425] He is the panter’s mate. [427] The Marshal shall see to men’s lodging. [429] The Lord’s Chamber and Wardrobe are under the Usher of the Chamber.]
¶ De hostiario {et} suis s{er}uientib{us}.[20]
¶ Speke I wylle A lytull{e} qwyle Of vssher of chambur, w{i}t{h}-oute{n} gyle. 432 Þ{er} is gentylme{n}, ȝomo{n}-vssher also, Two gromes at þo lest, A page þ{er}-to.
[Sidenotes: Of the Usher and Grooms of the Chamber. [432] 1. Usher, 2. Yeoman-usher, 3. Two grooms and a Page.]
[Headnote: OF THE GROOMS AND USHER OF THE CHAMBER.]
¶ De Offic{i}o garc{i}onu{m}.[21]
¶ Gromes palett{is} shyn fyle {and} make liter{e},[22] ix fote on lengthe w{i}t{h}-out diswer{e}; 436 vij fote y-wys hit shall{e} be brode, Wele wat{er}ed, I-wrythen, be craft y-trode, Wyspes drawen out at fete {and} syde, Wele wrethyn and t{ur}nyd a-ȝayne þ{a}t tyde; 440 On legh vnsonken hit shall{e} be made, To þo gurdylstode hegh on lengthe {and} brade. For lordys two beddys schall{e} be made, Bothe vtter and inner, so god me glade, 444 Þ{a}t henget shall{e} be w{i}t{h} hole sylo{ur},[23] W{i}t{h} crochett{is}[24] and loupys sett on lyour;[25]
¶ Þo valance on fylour[26] shall{e} henge w{i}t{h} wy{n}, iij curteyns streȝt drawen w{i}t{h}-inne, 448 Þ{a}t reche schall{e} euen to grounde a-boute, Noþ{er} mor{e}, noþ{er} lesse, w{i}t{h}-oute{n} doute; He strykes hom vp w{i}t{h} forket wande, And lappes vp fast a-boute þe lyft hande; 452 Þo knop vp turnes, and closes on ryȝt,
¶ As bolde by nek þ{a}t henges full{e} lyȝt. [Fol. 20.] Þo count{ur}pynt he lays on beddys fete, Qwysshenes on sydes shyn lye full{e} mete. 456 Tapet{is}[27] of spayne on flor{e} by syde, Þ{a}t sprad shyn be for pompe and pryde; Þo chambur sydes ryȝt to þo dor{e}, He henges w{i}t{h} tapet{is} þ{a}t ben full{e} stor{e}; 460 And fuel to chymné hym fall{e} to gete, And screnes in clof to y-saue þo hete Fro þo lorde at mete when he is sett; Borde, trestuls, and fourmes, w{i}t{h}-oute{n} let, 464
¶ Alle thes þynges kepe schall{e} he, And wat{er} in chafer for laydyes fre; iij p{er}chers of wax þen shall{e} he fet, A-boue þo chymné þ{a}t be sett 468 In syce[28]; ichoñ from oþ{er} shall{e} be Þe lenghthe of oþ{er} þ{a}t me{n} may se,[[28a]] To brenne, to voide, þ{a}t dronkyn is, Oþ{er} ellis I wote he dose Amys. 472 Þo vssher alle-way shall{e} sitt at dor{e} At mete, and walke schall{e} on þe flor{e}, To se þat all{e} be s{er}uet on ryȝt, Þat is his office be day {and} nyȝt, 476 And byd set borde when tyme schall{e} be, And take hom vp when tyme ses he.
¶ The wardrop[29] he herbers and eke of chamb{ur} Ladyes w{i}t{h} bedys of corall{e} and lamb{ur}, 480 Þo vsshere schall{e} bydde þo wardroper{e} Make redy for all{e} nyȝt be-for{e} þe fere; Þen bryng{is} he forthe nyȝt gou{n} also, And spredys a tapet and qwysshens two, 484 He layes hom þen opon a fourme, And foteshete þ{er}-on {and} hit returne.
¶ Þo lorde schall{e} skyft hys gowñ at nyȝt, Syttand on foteshete tyl he be dyȝt. 488 Þen vssher gose to þo botré, “Haue in for all{e} nyȝt, syr,” says he; Fyrst to þe chaundeler he schall{e} go, To take a tortes lyȝt hym fro; 492
¶ Bothe wyne and ale he tase indede, Þo botler says, w{i}t{h}-outen drede, No mete for mo{n} schall{e} sayed[30] be, Bot for kynge or prynce or duke so fre; 496 For heiers of paraunce also y-wys, Mete shall{e} be sayed, now thenkys on this. Þen to pantré he hyȝes be-lyue,
¶ “Syrs, haue in w{i}t{h}-oute{n} stryffe;” 500 Manchet and chet[31] bred he shalle take, Þo panter{e} assayes þat h{i}t be bake; A mort{er} of wax ȝet will{e} he bryng, Fro chamb{ur}, syr, w{i}t{h}-out lesyng; 504 Þ{a}t alle nyȝt brennes in bassyn cler{e}, To saue þo chamb{ur} on nyȝt for fyre.
¶ Þen ȝomo{n} of chambur shynne voyde w{i}t{h} ryme, The torches han holden wele þ{a}t tyme; 508 Tho chamb{ur} dore stekes þo vssher thenne, W{i}t{h} p{re}ket and tortes þ{a}t conne brenne; Fro cupborde he brynges both{e} brede {and} wyne, And fyrst assayes hit wele a[nd] fyne. 512 But fyrst þe lorde shall{e} vasshe I-wys, Fro þo fyr hous when he come{n} is; [Fol. 21.] Þen kneles þe vssher {and} gyfes hym drynke, Brynges hym in bed wher{e} he shall{e} wynke; 516 In strong styd on palet he lay, At home tase lefe {and} gose his way; Ȝomo{n} vssher be-for{e} þe dore, In vttur chamb{ur} lies on þe flore. 520
[Sidenotes: The Duties of the Grooms of the Chamber. [435] They shall make palets of litter 9 ft. long, 7 broad, watered, twisted, trodden, with wisps at foot and side, twisted and turned back; from the floor-level to the waist. [443] For lords, 2 beds, outer and inner, hung with hangings, hooks and eyes set on the binding; the valance hanging on a rod (?), four curtains reaching to the ground; these he takes up with a forked rod. [455] The counterpane is laid at the foot, cushions on the sides, tapestry on the floor and sides of the room. [461] The Groom gets fuel, and screens. [463] The Groom keeps the table, trestles, and forms for dinner; and water in a heater. [467] He puts 3 wax-lights over the chimney, all in different syces. [473] The Usher of the Chamber walks about and sees that all is served right, [477] orders the table to be set and removed, takes charge of the Wardrobe and Bedchamber, bids the Wardroper get all ready before the fire, nightgown, carpet, 2 cushions, a form with a footsheet over it; on which the lord changes his gown. [489] The Usher orders what’s wanted from the Buttery: a link from the Chandler, and ale and wine. [495] (No meat shall be assayed except for King, Prince, Duke or Heirs-apparent.) [498] From the Pantry the Usher takes fine and coarse bread, and a wax-light that burns all night in a basin. [507] (The Yeoman-Usher removes the torches.) [509] The Usher puts lights on the Bedroom door, brings bread and wine, (the lord washing first,) offers the drink kneeling; puts his lord to bed, and then goes home himself. The Yeoman-Usher sleeps at the Lord’s door.]
[Headnote: OF THE STEWARD.]
¶ De seneschallo.[32]
¶ Now speke I wyll{e} of þo stuarde als,
[Text note: [D MS. and]]
Few ar trew, but fele ar[D] fals. Þo clerke of kechyn, countrollo{ur}, Stuarde, coke, and surueyour, 524 Assente{n} in counsell{e}, w{i}t{h}-oute{n} skorne, How þo lorde schall{e} fare at mete þo morne. Yf any deyntethe in countré be, Þo stuarde schewes h{i}t to þo lorde so fre, 528 And gares by hyt for any cost, Hit wer{e} grete syn and hit wer{e} lost. Byfore þe cours þo stuarde comes þen, Þe seruer h{i}t next of alle kyn me{n} 532 Mays way and stondes by syde, Tyl all{e} be s{er}ued at þ{a}t tyde. At countyng stuarde schall{e} ben, Tylle all{e} be breuet of wax so grene, 536 Wrytten in-to bokes, w{i}t{h}-out let, Þ{a}t be-fore in tabuls hase ben sett, Tyl countes also þ{er}-on ben cast, And somet vp holy at þo last. 540
[Sidenotes: Of the Steward. [522] Few are true, but many false. He, the clerk, cook and surveyor consult over their Lord’s dinner. [527] Any dainty that can be had, the Steward buys. [531] Before dishes are put on, the Steward enters first, then the Server. [535] The Steward shall post into books all accounts written on tablets, and add them up.]
¶ De cont{ra}rotulatore.[33]
¶ The Countrollo{ur} shall{e} wryte to hym, Taunt resceu, no more I myn; And taunt dispendu þ{a}t same day, Vncountabull{e} he is, as y ȝou say. 544
[Sidenotes: Of the Controller. [541] He puts down the receipt and consumption of every day.]
¶ De sup{er}uisore.[34]
¶ Surueour and stuarde also, Thes thre folke and no mo, For noȝt resayue{n} bot eu{er} sene Þ{a}t noþyng fayle {and} alle be whene; 548 Þ{a}t þo clerke of kechyn schulde not mys, Þ{er}-fore þo countrollo{ur}, as hafe I blys, Wrytes vp þo somme as eu{er}y day, And helpes to count, as I ȝou say. 552
[Sidenotes: Of the Surveyor. [546] He, the steward, and controller, receive nothing, but see that all goes straight. [550] The Controller checks daily the Clerk of the kitchen’s account.]
¶ De Clerico coquine.[35]
¶ The clerke of þe cochyñ shall{e} all{e} þyng breue, Of men of court, bothe lothe and leue, Of achat_is and_ dispenses þen wrytes he, And wages for gromes and ȝeme{n} fre; 556 At dresso{ur} also he shalle stonde, And fett forthe mete dresset w{i}t{h} honde; Þe spicery and store w{i}t{h} hym shall{e} dwelle, And mony thynges als, as I noȝt telle, 560 For clethyng of officers alle i{n} fere, Saue þe lorde hym self and ladys dere.
[Sidenotes: Of the Clerk of the Kitchen. [553] He shall keep account of all purchases, and payments, and wages, shall preside at the Dresser, and keep the spices, stores, &c., [561] and the clothes of the officers.]
[Headnote: OF THE CHANCELLOR AND TREASURER.]
¶ De cancellario.[36]
¶ The chaunceler answer{es} for hor clothyng, For ȝome{n}, faukeners, {and} hor horsyng, 564 For his wardrop and wages also; And asseles patenti{s} mony {and} mo; [Fol. 22.] Yf þo lorde gyf oȝt to t{er}me of lyf, The chaunceler h{i}t seles w{i}t{h}-oute{n} stryf; 568
[Text note: [E MS. þ{er}]]
Tan come nos plerra me{n} seyne, þ{at}[E] is q{ua}n{do} nob{is} placet, Þ{a}t is, whille vs lykes hym noȝt omys; Ou{er}-se hys londes þ{a}t all{e} be ryȝt: On of þo grete he is of myȝt. 572
[Sidenotes: Of the Chancellor. [563] He looks after the servants’ clothes, and horses, seals patents, and grants of land, &c., for life, or during the lord’s pleasure. [571] He oversees the land too, and is a great man.]
¶ De thesaurizario.[37]
¶ Now speke y wylle of tresurer{e}, Husbonde and houswyf he is in fer{e}; Of þe resayu{er} he shall{e} resayue, All{e} þ{a}t is gedurt of baylé and grayue,[38] 576 Of þe lordes courtes and forfet{is} als, Wheþ{er} þay ben ryȝt or þay ben fals. To þo clerke of cochen he payes moné For vetayle to bye opon þo countré: 580 The clerke to kat{er} and pult{er} is, To baker and butler bothe y-wys Gyffys seluer to bye in all{e} thyng Þ{a}t longes to here office, w{i}t{h}-oute{n} lesyng. 584 Þe tresurer schall{e} gyfe alkyn wage, To squyer, ȝomo{n}, grome, or page. Þo resayuer and þo tresurer, Þo clerke of cochyn and chaunceler, 588 Grayuis, and baylys, and parker, Schone come to acountes eu{er}y ȝere By-fore þo audito{ur} of þo lorde onone, Þ{a}t schulde be trew as any stone; 592 Yf he dose hom no ryȝt lele, To A baron of chekker þay mu{n} h{i}t pele.
[Sidenotes: Of the Treasurer. [574] He takes from the Receiver what is collected from bailiff and grieve, courts and forfeits. [579] He gives the Kitchen clerk money to buy provisions with, and the clerk gives some to the baker and butler. [585] The Treasurer pays all wages. [587] He, the Receiver, Chancellor, Grieves, &c., [590] account once a year to the Auditor, from whom they can appeal to a Baron of the Exchequer.]
¶ De receptore firmar{um}.
¶ Of þe resayuer speke wyll{e} I, Þ{a}t fermys[39] resayuys wytt{ur}ly 596 Of grayuys, and hom aquetons makes, Sex pons þ{er}-fore to feys he takes, And pays feys to parkers als I-wys,
[Text note: [F Or loned.]]
Þ{er}-of at acountes he loued[F] is, 600 And ou{er}-seys castels, man{er}s a-boute, Þ{a}t noȝt falle w{i}t{h}-in ne w{i}t{h}-oute. Now let we þes officers be, And telle we wylle of smaller mené. 604
[Sidenotes: Of the Receiver of Rents. [597]: He gives receipts, and gets a fee of 6d. [599] He pays fees to park-keepers, and looks after castles and manor-houses.]
¶ De Auenario.[40]
¶ Þe Aueyn{er} schall{e} ordeyn p{ro}uande[41] good won, For þo lordys horsis eu{er}ychon; Þay schyn haue two cast[42] of hay, A pek of p{ro}uande on a day; 608 Eu{er}y horse schall{e} so muche haue, At racke and mang{er} þ{a}t standes w{i}t{h} staue. A mayst{ur} of horsys a squyer[43] þ{er} is, Aueyn{er} and fero{ur} vnd{ur} hym I-wys; 612 Þose ȝome{n} þ{a}t olde sadels schyn haue, Þ{a}t schyn be last for knyȝt and knaue, For yche a hors þ{a}t ferrour{e}[44] schall{e} scho, An halpeny on day he takes hym to; 616 Vnd{ur} ben gromes and pages mony one, Þat ben at wage eu{er}ychone; Som at two pons on a day, [Fol. 23.] and som at iij ob., I ȝou say; 620 Mony of hem fote-me{n} þer ben, Þ{a}t renne{n} by þe brydels of ladys shene.
[Sidenotes: Of the Avener. [605] He shall give the horses in the stable two armsful of hay and a peck of oats, daily. [611]: A Squire is Master of the Horse; under him are Avener and Farrier, (the Farrier has a halfpenny a day for every horse he shoes,) and grooms and pages hired at 2d. a day, or 3 halfpence, and footmen who run by ladies’ bridles.]
[Headnote: OF THE BAKER AND HUNTSMAN.]
¶ De pistore.[45]
¶ Of þo baker now speke y wylle, And wat longes his office vntylle; 624 Of a lunden buschell{e} he shall{e} bake xx louys, I vndur-take;
[Text note: [G Read broun, brown.]]
Manchet and chet to make brom[G] bred hard, For chaundeler and grehoundes {and} hu{n}tes reward. 628
[Sidenotes: Of the Baker. [625] Out of a London bushel he shall bake 20 loaves, fine and coarse.]
¶ De venatore {et} suis canib{us}.
¶ A halpeny þo hunte takes on þe day For eu{er}y hounde, þo soth{e} to say: Þo vewt{er}, two cast of brede he tase, Two lesshe of grehoundes yf þ{a}t he hase; 632 To yche a bone, þat is to telle, If I to ȝou þe sothe shall{e} spelle; By-syde hys vantage þ{a}t may be-fall{e}, Of skynnes and oþ{er} thynges w{i}t{h}-all{e}, 636 Þat hunt{er}es con tell{e} bett{er} þa{n} I, Þ{er}-fore I leue h{i}t wytt[{ur}]ly.
[Sidenotes: Of the Huntsman and his Hounds. [629] He gets a halfpenny a day for every hound. [631] The Feuterer 2 lots of bread if he has 2 leash of Greyhounds, and a bone for each, besides perquisites of skins, &c.]
¶ De aquario.[46]
¶ And speke I wyll{e} of oþ{er} myster{e} Þ{a}t falles to court, as ȝe mu{n} her{e}; 640 An euwer{e} in hall{e} þere nedys to be, And chandelew schall{e} haue and all{e} naper{e}; He schall{e} gef wat{er} to gentilme{n}, And als in all{e} ȝome{n}. 644
[Sidenotes: Of the Ewerer or Water-bringer. [641] He has all the candles and cloths and gives water to every one.]
¶ Qui d{eb}ent manus lauar{e} {et} i{n} q{u}or{um} domib{us}.
¶ In kynges court and dukes also, Þ{er} ȝome{n} schynne wasshe and no mo;-- In duke Ionys house a ȝoma{n} þ{er} was, For his rewarde p{ra}yde suche a g{ra}ce; 648 Þe duke gete graunt þ{er}-of in londe, Of þe kyng his fader, I vndudurstonde.--(so) Wosoeuer gefes wat{er} in lordys chaunber, In p{re}sens of lorde or leuedé dere, 652 He schall{e} knele downe opoñ his kne, Ellys he forȝetes his curtasé; Þis euwer schall{e} hele his lordes borde, W{i}t{h} dowbull{e} napere at on bar{e} worde: 656 The seluage to þo lordes syde w{i}t{h}-i{n}ne, And douñ schall{e} heng þ{a}t oþ{er} may wynne; Þo ou{er} nape schall{e} dowbull{e} be layde, To þo vttur syde þe seluage brade; 660 Þo ou{er} seluage he schall{e} replye,[47] As towell{e} h{i}t were fayrest in hye; Browers[48] he schall{e} cast þ{er}-opon, Þ{a}t þe lorde schull{e} clense his fyngers [on], 664 Þe leuedy and whoseuer syttes w{i}t{h}-inne, All{e} browers schynne haue bothe mor{e} {and} myñ.
[Sidenotes: Who may wash his hands, and where. [651] The bringer of Water shall kneel down. [655] The Ewerer shall cover the lord’s table with a double cloth, the lower with the selvage to the lord’s side; the upper cloth shall be laid double, the upper selvage turned back as if for a towel. [664] He shall put on cleaners for every one.]
[Headnote: OF THE PANTER, THE LORD’S KNIVES, ETC.]
¶ De panetario.
¶ Þenne comes þe pantere w{i}t{h} loues thre, Þat squar{e} are coruyn of trencho{ur} fre, 668 To sett w{i}t{h}-inne {and} oon w{i}t{h}-oute, And saller y-cou{er}yd and sett in route; W{i}t{h} þo ouemast lofe h{i}t shall{e} be sett, [Fol. 24.] W{i}t{h}-oute forthe square, w{i}t{h}-oute{n} lett; 672 Two keruyng knyfes w{i}t{h}-oute one, Þe thrydde to þo lorde, and als a spone.
[Sidenotes: Of the Panter. [667] He carries 3 loaves cut square for trenchers, and the covered Saltcellar, 2 Carving-knives, and sets the 3rd, and a spoon to his lord.]
¶ De Cultellis d{omi}ni.
¶ Of þo two þo haftes schynne outwarde be, Of þe thrydd þe hafte inwarde lays he, 676 Þe spony stele þ{er} by schall{e} be layde; Moo loues of trenchirres at a brayde He settes, {and} seruys euyr in fer{e} To duches his wyne þ{a}t is so der{e}. 680 Two loues of trenchors {and} salt þo, He settes be-fore his son also; A lofe of trencho{ur}s and salt on last, At bordes ende he settes in hast. 684 Þen brede he brynges, in towell{e} wrythyñ, Thre lofys of þo wyte schall{e} be geuyñ; A chet lofe to þo elmys dyshe, Weþ{er} he seruyd be w{i}t{h} flesshe or fysche; 688 At aþ{er} ende he castes a cope, Layde dowñ on borde, þe endys plyed vp. That he assayes knelande on kne, Þo keru{er} hym parys a schyu{er} so fre; 692 And touches þo louys y{n} quer{e} a-boute, Þo pantere hit etys w{i}t{h}-oute dowte; Þo euwer{e} thurgh towell{e} syles[49] clene His wat{er} into þo bassynges shene; 696 Þo ou{er} bassyn þ{er}-on schall{e} close, A towell{e} þ{er}-on, as I suppose, Þ{a}t folden schall{e} be w{i}t{h} full{e} grete lore, Two quart{er}s on lenketh{e} and su{m}dele mor{e}; 700 A qwyte cuppe of tre þ{er}-by shall{e} be, Þ{er}-w{i}t{h} þ{o} wat{er} assay schall{e} he; Quelmes[50] h{i}t agayn by-for{e} all{e} me{n}; Þo keru{er} þe bassynges tase vp þenne; 704 Annaunciande sq{u}ier, or ellis a knyȝt, Þo towell{e} dowñ tase by full{e} good ryȝt; Þo cuppe he tase in honde also, Þo keru{er} powres wat[er] þe cuppe into; 708 The knyȝt to þo keru{er} haldes anon, He says h{i}t ar he m{o}r{e} schall{e} doñ; Þo cuppe þen voyde is in þo flette,[51] Þe euwer h{i}t takes w{i}t{h}-oute{n} lette. 712 The towell{e} two knyȝht{is} schyn halde i{n} fer{e}, Be-fore þe lordes sleues, þat ben so der{e}; The ou{er} bassyn þay halde neu{er} þe queder, Quyll{e} þo keru{er} powre wat{er} in-to þe ned{ur}. 716 For a pype þ{er} is insyde so clene, Þ{a}t wat{er} deuoydes, of selu{er} schene; Þen settes he þe nethyr, I vnd[u]rstonde, In þe ou{er}, and voydes w{i}t{h} bothe is honde; 720 And brynges to þe euwer þ{er} he come fro; To þo lordys bordes aȝayn con go; And layes iiij trencho{ur}s þo lorde be-fore, Þe fyft aboue by good lore; 724 By hym self thre schall{e} he dresse, To cut opon þe lordes messe; [Fol. 25.] Smale towell{e} a-boute his necke shall{e} bene, To clens his knyfys þ{a}t ben so kene. 728
[Sidenotes: _Of the Lord’s Knive, (Bread, and Washing.) [675] The hafts of 2 are laid outwards, that of the 3rd inwards, and the spoon handle by it. [678] More trencher loaves are set, and wine served to the Duchess. [681] 2 Trencher-loaves, and salt, to the lord’s son; and 1 loaf and saltcellar set at the end of the table. [685] Then 3 loaves of white bread are brought, and 1 coarse loaf is put in the Alms-dish. [691] To assay bread, the Panter kneels, the Carver cuts him a slice, and he eats it. [695] The Ewerer strains water into his basins, on the upper one of which is a towel folded dodgily. [701] Then the water is assayed in a cup of white wood. [704] The Carver takes up the basins; a knight takes down the towel, and wipes the cup, into which the Carver pours water; the knight hands it to him; he assays it, and empties the cup. [713] Two knights hold the towel before the lord’s sleeves, and hold the upper basin while the Carver pours water into the lower; then he puts the lower into the upper, and empties both, takes them to the Ewerer, returns to the lord’s table, lays 4 trenchers for him, with 1 above. [725] The Carver takes 3 to cut the lord’s messes on, and has a cloth round his neck to wipe his knives on.]
[Headnote: OF THE ALMONER AND DISH-SERVER.]
¶ De Elemosinario.[52]
¶ The aumener{e} by þis hathe sayde g{ra}ce, And þo almes dysshe hase sett in place; Þ{er}-in þe keru{er} a lofe schall{e} sette, To s{er}ue god fyrst w{i}t{h}-oute{n} lette; 732 Þese oþ{er} lofes he parys a-boute, Lays h{i}t myd dysshe w{i}t{h}-oute{n} doute. Þe small{e} lofe he cutt{is} eue{n} i{n} twynne, Þo ou{er} dole in two lays to hym. 736 The aumener{e} a rod schall{e} haue in honde, As office for almes, y vndurstonde. Alle þe broken met he kepys y wate, To dele to por{e} me{n} at þe ȝate. 740 And drynke þ{a}t leues s{er}ued in halle; Of ryche {and} pore bothe grete {and} small{e}. He is sworne to ou{er}-se þe s{er}uis wele, And dele hit to þe pore eu{er}y dele; 744 Selu{er} he deles rydand by way; And his almys dysshe, as I ȝou say, To þe porest ma{n} þ{a}t he can fynde, Oþ{er} ellys I wot he is vnkynde. 748
[Sidenotes: Of the Almoner. [729]: He says grace, sets down the Alms-dish, and the Carver puts the first loaf in it. [733] The other loaves he pares round, cuts one in two, and gives the upper half in halves to him. [737] The Almoner has a staff in his hand. [739] He keeps the broken food and wine left, for poor men at the gate, and is sworn to give it all to them. [745] He distributes silver as he rides.]
¶ De ferculario.
¶ This wyle þo squyer to kechyn shall{e} go, And brynges a bof for assay þo; Þo Coke assayes þe mete vngryȝt, Þo sewer he takes and kou{er}s on ryȝt; 752 Wo so eu{er} he takes þ{a}t mete to bere, Schall{e} not so hardy þo cou{er}tour{e} rer{e}, For colde ne hote, I warne ȝou all{e}, For suspecyoñ of tresou{n} as may befalle. 756 Yf þo sylu{er} dyssh{e} wyll{e} algate brenne, A sotelté I wylle þe kenne, Take þe bredde coruyn {and} lay by-twene, And kepe þe well{e} h{i}t be not sene; 760
¶ I teche hit for no curtayse, But for þyn ese. When þe sewer comys vnto þe borde, Alle þe mete he sayes at on bare worde, 764 Þe potage fyrst w{i}t{h} brede y-coruyn, Cou{er}ys hom agayn lest þey ben storuyn; W{i}t{h} fyssh{e} or flessh yf [they] be s{er}ued, A morsell{e} þ{er}-of shalle he be keruyd; 768 And touche þe messe ou{er} all{e} aboute, Þo sewer h{i}t et{is} w{i}t{h}-oute{n} doute. W{i}t{h} baken mete yf he s{er}uyd be þo, Þo lydes vp-rered or he fyr go, 772 Þe past or pye he sayes w{i}t{h}-inne, Dippes bredde in graué no mor{e} ne mynne; Ȝif þe baken mete be colde, as may byfall{e}, A gobet of þo self he sayes w{i}t{h}-all{e}. 776 But þ{o}u þ{a}t berys mete in hande, Yf þo sewer stonde, loke þ{o}u stande; Yf he knele, knele þ{o}u so longe for oȝt,
¶ Tylle mete be sayde þ{a}t þ{o}u hase broght. [Fol. 26.] 780 As oft at hegh borde yf brede be nede, The butler two louys takys indede; Þat on settes down, þ{a}t oþer agayn He barys to cupborde in towell{e} playn. 784 As oft as þe keru{er} fettys drynke, Þe butler assayes h{i}t how good hy{m} thynke; In þe lordys cupp þ{a}t leuys vndrynken, Into þe almesdisshe h{i}t schall{e} be sonken. 788 The keru{er} anon w{i}t{h}-oute{n} thouȝt,
[Headnote: OF THE CARVER, SURNAPE-LAYERS, AND CHANDLER.]
Vnkou{er}s þe cup þ{a}t he hase brouȝt; Into þe cou{er}tour{e} wyn he powr{e}s owt, Or in-to a spare pece, w{i}t{h}-oute{n} doute; 792 Assayes, an gefes þo lorde to drynke, Or settes h{i}t doun as hym goode thynke. Þo keru{er}[53] schall{e} kerue þo lordes mete, Of what kyn pece þ{a}t he wyll{e} ete; 796 And on hys trenchour he hit layes, On þys maner w{i}t{h}-out displayes; In almesdysshe he layes yche dele, Þ{a}t he is w{i}t{h} serued at þo mele; 800 But he sende h{i}t to ony stronger{e}, A pese þ{a}t is hym leue and dere, And send hys potage also, Þ{a}t schall{e} not to þe almes go. 804 Of keru{er} more, yf I shulde telle, Anoþ{er} fytt þenne most I spelle, Ther-fore I let h{i}t her{e} ou{er} passe, To make oure talkyng su{m}medelasse. 808 When þe lorde hase eten, þo sewer schall{e} bryng Þo surnape on his schulder bryng, A narew towell{e}, a brode be-syde, And of hys hondes he lettes h{i}t slyde; 812 Þe vssher ledes þ{a}t on hed ryȝt, Þo aumener þo oþ{er} away shall{e} dyȝt. When þe vssher comys to þe borde ende, Þo narow towell{e} he strecches vnkende; 816 Be-for{e} þo lorde and þe lady so dere, Dowbell{e} he playes þo towell{e} þere; Whenne þay haue wasshen and g{ra}ce is sayde, Away he takes at a brayde; 820 Awoydes þo borde in-to þo flore, Tase away þo trest{is} þ{a}t ben so store.
[Sidenotes: Of the Sewer (or setter-on of Dishes). [751] The Cook assays the meat before it’s dished. [752] The Sewer puts the cover on it, and the cover must never be raised for fear of treason. [757] (A Dodge: If the silver dish burns you, put bits of bread under it.) [763] The Sewer assays all the food: potage with a piece of bread; fish or flesh, he eats a piece; baked meats hot, he lifts up the crust, and dips bread in the gravy; baked meats cold, he eats a bit. [777] The meat-bearer stands or kneels as the Sewer does. [782] When bread is wanted, the Butler puts one loaf on the table, the other on the cupboard. [785] The Butler assays all the wine. [787] What is left in the lord’s cup goes to the Alms-dish. [790 The Carver fills the empty cup, assays it, and gives it the lord or puts it down. [795] He carves the lord’s meat, and lays it on his trencher, putting a piece of every thing in the Alms-dish, except any favourite piece or potage sent to a stranger. [805] (To say more about the Carver would require another section, so I pass it over.) [809] After dinner the Sewer brings the Surnape, a broad towel and a narrow, and slides it down. [813] The Usher takes one end of the broad one, the Almoner the other, and when it is laid, he folds the narrow towel double before his lord and lady. [819] After grace removes them, lays the table on the floor, and takes away the trestles.]
¶ De candelario.[54]
¶ Now speke I wylle a lytull{e} whyle Of þo chandeler, w{i}t{h}-oute{n} gyle, 824 Þ{a}t torches[55] {and} tortes[56] {and} preketes[57] con make, P{er}chours,[58] smale condel, I vnder-take; Of wax þese candels all{e} þat brenne{n}, And morter of wax þ{a}t I wele kenne; 828 Þo snof of hom dose a-way W{i}t{h} close sesours, as I ȝow say; Þe sesours ben schort {and} rownde y-close, W{i}t{h} plate of irne vp-on bose. 832 In chamb{ur} no lyȝt þ{er} shall{e} be brent, Bot of wax þ{er}-to, yf ȝe take tent; In hall{e} at soper schall{e} caldels ({so}) brenne [Fol. 27.] Of parys, þ{er}-in þ{a}t all{e} me{n} kenne; 836 Iche messe a candell{e} fro alhalawgh{e} day To candelmesse, as I ȝou say; Of candel liu{er}ay squiyers schall{e} haue, So long, if hit is mon will{e} kraue. 840 Of brede and ale also þo boteler Schall{e} make lyu{er}é thurgh-out þe ȝere To squyers, and also wyn to knyȝt, Or ellys he dose not his office ryȝt. 844 Her{e} endys the thryd speche. Of all{e} oure synnes cryst be oure leche, And bryng vs to his vonyng place! Ame{n}, sayes ȝe, for hys grete grace! 848
¶ Amen, par charite.
[Sidenotes: Of the Chandler. [825] He can make all kinds of candles, little and big, and mortars of wax. [829] He snuffs them with short scissors. [833] In bed-chambers wax lights only shall be burnt; in hall, Candles of Paris, each mess having one from Nov. 1 to Feb. 2 (see l. 393), and squires one too. [841] The Butler shall give Squires their daily bread and ale all the year, and Knights their wine. [846] May Christ bring us to His dwelling-place. Amen!]
[Footnote 1: Toom or rymthe. Spacium, tempus, oportunitas. P. Parv.]
[Footnote 2: AS. wræsten, to writhe, twist.]
[Footnote 3: grace, civility; from AS. mennise, human; cp. our double sense of humanity. H. Coleridge.]
[Footnote 4: courteous.]
[Footnote 5: AS. flytan, dispute, quarrel.]
[Footnote 6: Mowe, or skorne. Vangia, vel valgia, cachinna. Promptorium.]
[Footnote 7: an privative, unhonest.]
[Footnote 8: AS. mod, mood, passion, violence.]
[[Footnote 8a: Croscrist. La Croix de par Dieu. The Christs-crosse-row; or, the hornebooke wherein a child learnes it. Cotgrave. The alphabet was called the Christ-cross-row, some say because a cross was prefixed to the alphabet in the old primers; but as probably from a superstitious custom of writing the alphabet in the form of a cross, by way of charm. This was even solemnly practised by the bishop in the consecration of a church. See Picart’s Religious Ceremonies, vol. i. p. 131. Nares.]]
[Footnote 9: to relation or friend.]
[Footnote 10: contempt, scorn, O.N. heðung. H. Coleridge.]
[Footnote 11: AS. gýman, attend, regard, observe, keep.]
[Footnote 12: thine eye]
[Footnote 13: AS. win, contention, labour, war; win, wyn, joy, pleasure.]
[Footnote 14: See the duties of Prince Edward’s Porters, A.D. 1474, in Household Ordinances, p. *30, and of Henry VIII.’s Porters, ibid. p. 239.]
[Footnote 15: Though Edward IV. had Marshals (Household Ordinances, p. 84, &c.), one of whom made the Surnape when the King was in the Hall (p. 32), or Estate in the Surnape (p. 38), yet there is no separate heading or allowance for them in the Liber Niger. Two yeomen Ushers are mentioned in p. 38, but the two yeomen Ewars, their two Grooms and Page, p. 84, perform (nearly) the duties given above to the Usher and his Grooms.]
[[Footnote 15a: Fires in Hall lasted to Cena Domini, the Thursday before Easter: see l. 398. Squires’ allowances of lights ended on Feb. 2, I suppose. These lights, or candle of l. 839, would be only part of the allowances. The rest would continue all the year. See Household Ordinances & North. Hous. Book. Dr Rock says that the holyn or holly and erbere grene refer to the change on Easter Sunday described in the Liber Festivalis:-- “In die paschẽ. Good friends ye shall know well that this day is called in many places God’s Sunday. Know well that it is the manner in every place of worship at this day to do the fire out of the hall; and the black winter brands, and all thing that is foul with smoke shall be done away, and there the fire was, shall be gaily arrayed with fair flowers, and strewed with green rushes all about, showing a great ensample to all Christian people, like as they make clean their houses to the sight of the people, in the same wise ye should cleanse your souls, doing away the foul brenning (burning) sin of lechery; put all these away, and cast out all thy smoke, dusts; and strew in your souls flowers of faith and charity, and thus make your souls able to receive your Lord God at the Feast of Easter.” --Rock’s Church of the Future, v. iii. pt. 2, p. 250. “The holly, being an evergreen, would be more fit for the purpose, and makes less litter, than the boughs of deciduous trees. I know some old folks in Herefordshire who yet follow the custom, and keep the grate filled with flowers and foliage till late in the autumn.” --D. R. On Shere-Thursday, or Cena Domini, Dr Rock quotes from the Liber Festivalis--“First if a man asked why Sherethursday is called so, ye may say that in Holy Church it is called ‘Cena Domini,’ our Lord’s Supper Day; for that day he supped with his disciples openly.... It is also in English called Sherethursday; for in old fathers’ days the people would that day sheer their heads and clip their beards, and poll their heads, and so make them honest against Easter-day.” --Rock, ib., p. 235.]]
[Footnote 16: Edward IV.’s Esquiers for the Body, IIII, had ‘for wynter lyverey from All Hallowentide (Nov. 1) tyll Estyr, one percher wax, one candell wax, ij candells Paris, one tallwood and dim{idium}, and wages in the countyng-house.’ H. Ord. p. 36. So the Bannerettes, IIII, or Bacheler Knights (p. 32), who are kervers and cupberers, take ‘for wynter season, from Allhallowentyde till Estyr, one tortays, one percher, ii candelles wax, ii candelles Paris, ii talwood, ii faggotts,’ and rushes, litter, all the year; which the Esquiers have too. The Percy household allowance of Wax was cciiij score vij lb. dimid. of Wax for th’ expensys of my House for oone hole Yere. Viz. Sysez, Pryketts, Quarions, and Torches after ix d. the lb. by estimacion; p. 12.]
[Footnote 17: The Liber Niger of Edw. IV. assigns this duty to one of the Gentylmen Usshers. H. Ord. p. 37.]
[Footnote 18: See the Office of Panetry, H. Ord. p. 70.]
[Footnote 19: See the Office of Butler of Englond, H. Ord. p. 73.]
[Footnote 20: See Gentylmen Usshers of Chaumbre, IIII, H. Ord. p. 37. ‘This name ussher is a worde of Frenshe,’ p. 38.]
[Footnote 21: Compare H. Ord. p. 39. ‘Yeomen of Chambre, IIII, to make beddes, to bere or hold torches, to sette bourdes, to apparayle all chaumbres, and suche other servyce as the chaumberlayn, or usshers of chambre command or assigne.’ Liber Niger Edw. IV. See also H. Ord. p. 40, Office of Warderobe of Beddes, p. 41, Gromes of Chambyr, X; and the elaborate directions for making Henry VII.’s bed, H. Ord. p. 121-2.]
[Footnote 22: Hoc stramentum, lyttere, (the straw with which the bed was formerly made) p. 260, col. 2, Wright’s Vocabularies.]
[Footnote 23: Sylure, of valle, or a nother thynge (sylure of a walle), Celatura, Celamen, Catholicon, in P. Parv. Fr. Ciel, Heauen, pl. Ciels, a canopie for, and, the Testerne and Valances of a Bed. Cotgrave. A tester over the beadde, canopus. Withals.]
[Footnote 24: Crochet, a small hooke.]
[Footnote 25: Lyowre, to bynde wythe precyows clothys. Ligatorium. P. Parv.]
[Footnote 26: Fylowre, of barbours crafte, Acutecula, filarium. P. Parv. See note 3, p. 160.]
[Footnote 27: Tapet, a clothe, tappis. Palsgrave, 1530. Tapis, Tapistrie, hangings, &c., of Arras. Cotgrave, 1611. Tapis, carpet, a green square-plot. Miege, 1684. The hangynges of a house or chambre, in plurali, aulæa ... Circundo cubiculum aulæis, to hange the chambre. The carpettes, tapetes. Withals.]
[Footnote 28: And he (a Grome of Chambyr) setteth nyghtly, after the seasons of the yere, torchys, tortays, candylles of wax, mortars; and he setteth up the sises in the King’s chambre, H. Ord. p. 41, ‘these torches, five, seven, or nine; and as many sises sett upp as there bee torches,’ ib. p. 114; and dayly iiii other of these gromes, called wayters, to make fyres, to sett up tressyls and bourdes, with yomen of chambre, and to help dresse the beddes of sylke and arras. H. Ord. p. 41.]
[[Footnote 28a: ? some omission after this line.]]
[Footnote 29: Wardroppe, or closet--garderobe. Palsgrave.]
[Footnote 30: See the duties of Edward IV.’s Sewar, H. Ord. p. 36.]
[Footnote 31: Manchet was the fine bread; chet, the coarse. Fr. pain rouffet, Cheat, or boulted bread; houshold bread made of Wheat and Rie mingled. Cotgrave.]
[Footnote 32: See the ‘Styward of Housholde,’ H. Ord. p. 55-6: ‘He is head officer.’]
[Footnote 33: See the ‘Countroller of this houshold royall,’ H. Ord. p. 58-9.]
[Footnote 34: See the duties and allowances of A Surveyour for the Kyng, in Household Ordinances, p. 37.]
[Footnote 35: See the ‘chyef clerke of kychyn,’ t. Edw. IV., H. Ord. p. 70; and Henry VIII.’s Clerke of the Kitchen, A.D. 1539, ib. p. 235.]
[Footnote 36: The duties of the Chauncellor of Englond are not stated in Edw. IV.’s Liber Niger, H. Ord. p. 29; but one of the two Clerkys of Grene-Clothe was accustomed to ‘delyver the clothinge of housholde,’ p. 61.]
[Footnote 37: See the ‘Thesaurere of Housholde’ in Edw. IV.’s Liber Niger, H. Ord. p. 56-8: ‘the grete charge of polycy and husbandry of all this houshold growyth and stondyth moste part by hys sad and dylygent pourveyaunce and conduytes.’]
[Footnote 38: AS. gerefa, reeve, steward, bailiff.]
[Footnote 39: Rents, in kind or money; AS. feorme, food, goods.]
[Footnote 40: The Avener of Edw. IV. is mentioned in H. Ord. p. 69. See the Charge of Henry VIII.’s Stable, A.D. 1526, ib. p. 206-7.]
[Footnote 41: Prouender or menglid corne--fovrraige ... provende. Palsgrave.]
[Footnote 42: See ‘two cast of brede,’ l. 631. ‘One caste of brede’ for the Steward’s yeoman, H. Ord. p. 56, &c.]
[Footnote 43: Mayster of the horses--escvier de escvirie. Palsg.]
[Footnote 44: See Rogers’s Agriculture and Prices in England, v. 1, p. 280-1. The latest prices he gives for shoeing are in 1400; “Alton Barnes, Shoeing 5 horses, a year, 6s. 8d. Takley, Shoeing 2 cart horses [a year] 1s. 8d.” A.D. 1466, ‘fore shoyinge ij.d.’ Manners and Household Expenses (ed. Dawson Turner), 1841, p. 380. (Sir Jn. Howard, Knt., 1462-9.) The Percy allowance in 1512 was “ij s viiij d. every Hors Shoynge for the hole Yere by estimacion, Viz. a Hors to be shodd oons in iij moneths withowt they jornay.” p. 24. A horse’s daily allowance was ‘a Peck of Oats, or 4d. in B{re}ade after iiij Loiffes, 4d. for Provaunder, from 29th Septr. 8 Hen. VIII. to 3rd May following,’ p. 266.]
[Footnote 45: See Edw. IV.’s Office of Bakehouse, H. Ord. p. 68-70. ‘The sergeaunt of thys office to make continually of every busshell, halfe chiete halfe rounde, besydes the flowre for the Kinges mouthe, xxvii loves, every one weying, after one daye olde, xxiii ounces of troye weyghtes.’ p. 69.]
[Footnote 46: In Edward the Fourth’s Court, ‘Knyghts of Household, XII, bachelers sufficiant, and most valient men of that ordre of every countrey’ had ‘to serve the King of his bason.’ H. Ord. p. 33.]
[Footnote 47: Replier, To redouble, to bow, fould, or plait into many doublings. Cotgrave.]
[Footnote 48: Napkins? O. Fr. brueroi is bruyère, heath.]
[Footnote 49: ? Du. zijgen (door een zifte ofte Stramijn), to runne (through a Sift or a Strainer.). een Suyle a Pale or a Water-pale. Hexham.]
[Footnote 50: covers. ‘Ovyr quelmyd or ouer hyllyde. Obvolutus.’ P. Parv.]
[Footnote 51: A.S. flett, room, hall.]
[Footnote 52: See The Almonry of Henry VIII. A.D. 1526, H. Ord. p. 154, and p. 144; A.D. 1539, H. Ord. p. 239.]
[Footnote 53: Edward IV. had ‘Bannerettes, IIII, or Bacheler Knights, to be kervers and cupberers in his Courte.’ ‘The kerver at the boarde, after the King is passed it, may chese for hymself one dyshe or two, that plentie is among.... Theis kervers and cupberers ... them nedeth to be well spede in taking of degree in the schole of urbanytie.’ H. Ord. p. 32-3.]
[Footnote 54: See the ‘Office of Chaundlerye,’ H. Ord. p. 82-3. Paris candles, torches, morters, tortayes, sizes, and smalle lightes, are mentioned there.]
[Footnote 55: Torche. Cereus. P. Parv.]
[Footnote 56: ? same as tortayes, p. 192, note 2 [[28]]; p. 204, n. [[54]] ]
[Footnote 57: Pryket, of a candylstykke, or other lyke. Stiga, P. Parv. Candlesticks (says Mr Way) in ancient times were not fashioned with nozzles, but with long spikes or prykets.... (See wood cut at the end of this book.) In the Memoriale of Henry, prior of Canterbury, A.D. 1285, the term prikett denotes, not the candlestick, but the candle, formed with a corresponding cavity at one end, whereby it was securely fixed upon the spike. p. 413, n. 1. Henry VIII.’s allowance ‘unto our right dere and welbilovede the Lady Lucy,’ July 16, 1533, included ‘at our Chaundrye barr, in Wynter, every night oon preket and foure syses of Waxe, with eight Candells white lights, and oon Torche.’ Orig. Letters, ed. Ellis, Series I., vol. ii. p. 31.]
[Footnote 58: See note 1, p. 189. [[16]] ]
* * * * * * * * *
NOTES TO THE BOOK OF CURTASYE.
[Transcriber’s Note:
This section originally appeared near the end of the volume, immediately before the General Index.]
p. 188, l. 377-8, Statut. The only Statute about horse-hire that I can find, is 20 Ric. II. cap. 5, A.D. 1396-7, given below. I suppose the Foure pens of l. 376 of the Boke of Curtasye was the price fixed by “the kyngis crye” or Proclamation, l. 378, or by the sheriff or magistrates in accordance with it as the “due Agreement to the party” required by the Statute.
“Item. Forasmuch as the Commons have made Complaint, that many great Mischiefs Extortions & Oppressions be done by divers people of evil Condition, which of their own Authority take & cause to be taken royally Horses and other Things, and Beasts out of their Wains Carts and Houses, saying & devising that they be to ride on hasty Messages & Business, where of Truth they be in no wise privy of any Business or Message, but only in Deceit & Subtilty, by such Colour and Device to take Horses, and the said Horses hastily to ride & evil entreat, having no Manner of Conscience or Compassion in this Behalf, so that the said Horses become all spoiled and foundered, paying no manner of Thing nor penny for the same, nor giving them any manner of sustenance; and also that some such manner of people, changing & altering their Names, do take and ride such Horses, and carry them far from thence to another Place, so that they to whom they belong, can never after by any mean see, have again, nor know their said Horses where they be, to the great Mischief Loss Impoverishment & Hindrance of the King’s poor People, their Husbandry, and of their Living: Our Lord the King willing, for the Quietness and Ease of his People, to provide Remedy thereof, will & hath ordained, That none from henceforth shall take any such Horse or Beast in Such Manner, against the Consent of them to whom they be; and if any that do, and have no sufficient Warrant nor Authority of the King, he shall be taken and imprisoned till he hath made due Agreement to the Party.”
That this seizing of horses for the pretended use of the king was no fancied grievance, even in much later times, is testified by Roger Ascham’s letter to Lord Chancellor Wriothesley (? in 1546 A.D.) complaining of an audacious seizure of the horse of the invalid Master of Peterhouse, Cambridge, on the plea that it was to carry the king’s fish, whereas the seizer’s own servant was the nag’s real burden: “tentatum est per hominem apud nos valde turbulentum, nomine Maxwellum.” Ascham’s Works, ed. Giles, v. 1, p. 99. In vols. ix., x., and xi. of Rymer, I find no Proclamation or Edict about horse-hire. In 1413 Henry V.’s Herbergeator is to provide Henry le Scrop, knight, with all that he wants “Proviso semper quòd idem Henricus pro hujusmodi Fœnis, Equis, Carectis, Cariagiis, & aliis necessariis, per se, seu Homines & Servientes suos prædictos, ibidem capiendis, fideliter solvat & satisfaciat, ut est justum.” Rymer, ix. 13.
The general rule shown by the documents in Rymer is that reasonable payments be made.
De Equis pro Cariagio Gunnorum Regis capiendis.
A.D. 1413 (1 Sept.), An. 1. Hen. V. Pat. 1, Hen. V. p. 3, m. 19. Rex, Dilectis sibi, Johanni Sprong, Armigero, & Johanni Louth Clerico, Salutem.
Sciatis quod Assignavimus vos, conjunctim & divisim, ad tot Equos, Boves, Plaustra, & Carectas, quot pro Cariagio certorum Gunnorum nostrorum, ac aliarum Rerum pro eisdem Gunnis necessarium, a Villa Bristolliæ usque Civitatem nostram Londoniæ, indiguerint, tàm infra Libertates, quàm extea (Feodo Ecclesiæ dumtaxat excepto) pro Denariis nostris, in hac parte rationabiliter solvendis Capiendum & Providendum. Rymer, ix. p. 49.
So in 1417 the order to have six wings plucked from the wing of every goose (except those commonly called Brodoges--? brood geese--) to make arrows for our archers, says that the feathers are rationabiliter solvendis. See also p. 653.
p. 188, l. 358. The stuarde and his stafe. Cp. Cavendish’s Life of Wolsey (ed. Singer, i. 34), “he had in his hall, daily, three especial tables furnished with three principal officers; that is to say, a Steward, which was always a dean or a priest; a Treasurer, a knight; and a Comptroller, an esquire; which bare always within his house their white staves.
“Then had he a cofferer, three marshals, two yeomen ushers, two grooms, and an almoner. He had in the hall-kitchen two clerks of his kitchen, a clerk comptroller, a surveyor of the dresser, a clerk of his spicery.” See the rest of Wolsey’s household officers, p. 34-9.
p. 190, l. 409. Ale. See in Notes on the Months, p. 418, the Song “Bryng us in good ale,” copied from the MS. song-book of an Ipswich Minstrel of the 15th century, read by Mr Thomas Wright before the British Archæological Association, August, 1864, and afterwards published in The Gentleman’s Magazine. P.S.--The song was first printed complete in Mr Wright’s edition of Songs & Carols for the Percy Society, 1847, p. 63. He gives Ritson’s incomplete copy from Harl. MS. 541, at p. 102.
Bryng us in good ale, and bryng us in good ale; For owr blyssyd lady sak, bryng us in good ale.
Bryng us in no browne bred, fore that is made of brane, Nor bryng us in no whyt bred, for therin is no game; But bryng us in good ale.
Bryng us in no befe, for there is many bonys; But bryng us in good ale, for that goth downe at onys, And bryng us in good ale.
Bryng us in no bacon, for that is passing fate; But bryng us in good ale, and gyfe us i-nought of that, And bryng us in good ale.
Bryng us in no mutton, for that is often lene, Nor bryng us in no trypes, for thei be syldom clene; But bryng us in good ale.
Bryng us in no eggys, for ther ar many schelles; But bryng us in good ale, and gyfe us no[th]yng ellys, And bryng us in good ale.
Bryng vs in no butter, for therin ar many herys Nor bryng us in no pygges flesch, for that will make us borys; But bryng us in good ale.
Bryng us in no podynges, for therin is al Godes-good; Nor bryng us in no venesen, for that is not for owr blood; But bryng us in good ale.
Bryng us in no capons flesch, for that is ofte der; Nor bryng us in no dokes flesche, for thei slober in the mer; But bryng us in good ale.
See also the other ale song at p. 81 of the same volume, with the burden
Doll thi ale, doll; doll thi ale, doll; Ale mak many a mane to have a doty poll.
p. 191, l. 435, Gromes. “the said four groomes, or two of them at the least, shall repaire and be in the King’s privy chamber, at the farthest between six and seven of the clock in the morning, or sooner, as they shall have knowledge that the King’s highnesse intendeth to be up early in the morning; which groomes so comen to the said chamber, shall not onely avoyde the pallets, but also make ready the fire, dresse and straw the chamber, purgeing and makeing cleane of the same of all manner of filthynesse, in such manner and wise as the King’s highnesse, at his upriseing and comeing thereunto, may finde the said chamber pure, cleane, whollsome, and meete, without any displeasant aire or thing, as the health, commodity, and pleasure of his most noble person doth require.” Household Ordinances, p. 155, cap. 56, A.D. 1526.
* * * * * * * * *
Errata (noted by transcriber):
de Worde, Boke of Keruynge
M.CCCC.xiij. [text unchanged: end of selection has “CCCCC“] [Sidenote: ewynge of] [_text shown as printed: probably “Sewynge of Flesshe” with printing defect_] [Sidenote: Keruynge of Flesshe.] [_editor’s spelling; the same sidenote is used in the “Seruyce” section, following_] [Sidenote: Rittern. Salt, the sauce.] [text unchanged: error for “Bittern“?] [Sidenote: Carp, Trout, Conger, Thornback] [comma after “Carp” added] The Marshall and the vssher muste knowe ... [_in the list following, line-final punctuation is as in the original_] all these may svt two or thre [text unchanged: printing error for “syt”?] Σαλαγξ [Σαλάχξ] Sele turrentyne, p. 166, l. 8 [l, 8]
Boke of Curtesye
l. 201 [Sidenote: Go on the pilgrimages (?) ....] [“pilgrim / ages” at line break with room for hyphen] [question mark in original] l. 267 Also a wyfe be-falle of ryȝt [corrected by editor from “be, falle”] l. 394-5 (unnumbered header between lines) Sidenote Fire shall burn in the Hall. [_corrected by editor from final comma; Corrigenda gives line reference as 393_] ll. 462-64 ... hete ... sett; ... let, [Line-ending punctuation changed by editor from ... hete. ... sett, ... let;] ll. 468-69 ... sett / In syce; [Punctuation changed by editor from ... set, / In syce] l. 676 [Sidenote: ... and the spoon handle by it.] [“spoon handle” changed by editor from “steel spoon”] [Footnote 15: ... p. *30] [asterisked number in original] [Footnote 27: ... P. Parv. See note 3, p. 160.] [reference is to P. Parv., not to present book] [Footnote 34: See the ‘Countroller of this houshold royall,’ ...] [“Countroller...] [Footnote 55: ... H. Ord. p. 32-3.] [final period (full stop) missing] [Footnote 58: ...] [Footnote 60: ...] [footnote numbers in double brackets added by transcriber]
Boke of Curtesye: notes
the order to have six wings plucked from the wing of every goose [text unchanged: error for “six feathers”?]
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Booke of Demeanor
and
the Allowance and Disallowance
of
certaine Misdemeanors
in
Companie,
[From the reprint by Bensley & Sons (in 1817) of “The Booke of Demeanor from Small Poems entitled The Schoole of Vertue by Richard Weste,” 1619, 12mo.]
To the Reader.
R Ightly conceiue me, and obserue me well, I Doe what heere is done for Childrens good, C Hrist in his Gospell (as S. Marke doth tell) H Ath not forbidden Children, nor withstood A Ny that should but aske the ready way, R Egarding Children, not to say them nay. D Irecting all that came, how faith should be,
W Hat they should crave of Gods high Majestie, E Ven Salvation, through their faithful Prayer, S Ending their contemplations into the ayre, T O his high throne, whose love so guide us all E Ven to the end we neuer cease to call.
[N.B.--The stops and sidenotes are those of the original, but that has no Headlines.]
The Booke of
Demeanor.
[Sidenote: Serving at the table.]
Stand straight vpright, and both thy feet together closely standing, Be sure on’t, ever let thine eye be still at thy commanding. 4
Observe that nothing wanting be which should be on the bord.
[Sidenote: Silence]
Vnlesse a question moved be, be carefull: not a word. 8
[Sidenote: Serving or filling drinke.]
If thou doe give or fill the drinke, with duty set it downe, And take it backe with manlike cheere not like a rusticke Lowne. 12
[Sidenote: [p. 6.]]
[Sidenote: If on an errand.]
If on an errand thou be sent, make haste and doe not stay, When all have done, observe the time, serve God and take away. 16
[Sidenote: To schoole againe.]
When thou hast done and dined well, remember thou repaire To schoole againe with carefulnesse, be that thy cheefest care. 20
And marke what shall be read to thee, or given thee to learne, That apprehend as neere as may be, wisdome so doth warne. 24
With stedfast eye and carefull eare, remember every word Thy Schoole master shall speake to thee, as memory shall afford. 28
[Sidenote: [p. 7.]]
[Sidenote: To use the browes.]
Let not thy browes be backward drawn, it is a signe of pride, Exalt them not, it shewes a hart most arrogant beside. 32
[Sidenote: The eyes.]
Nor let thine eyes be gloting downe, cast with a hanging looke: For that to dreamers doth belong, that goodnesse cannot brooke. 36
[Sidenote: The forehead.]
Let forehead joyfull be and full, it shewes a merry part, And cheerefulnesse in countenance, and pleasantnesse of heart. 40
[Sidenote: Countenance.]
Nor wrinckled let thy countenance be, still going to and fro: For that belongs to hedge-hogs right, they wallow even so. 44
[Sidenote: [p. 8.]]
[Sidenote: The nose.]
Nor imitate with Socrates, to wipe thy snivelled nose Vpon thy cap, as he would doe, nor yet upon thy clothes. 48
But keepe it cleane with handkerchiffe, provided for the same, Not with thy fingers or thy sleeve, therein thou art too blame. 52
[Sidenote: Blowing or breathing.]
Blow not alowd as thou shalt stand, for that is most absurd, Iust like a broken winded horse. it is to be abhord. 56
[Sidenote: Snuffling in the nose when you speake.]
Nor practize snufflngly to speake, for that doth imitate The brutish Storke and Elephant, yea and the wralling cat. 60
[Sidenote: [p. 9.]]
[Sidenote: Neezing.]
If thou of force doe chance to neeze, then backewards turne away From presence of the company, wherein thou art to stay. 64
[Sidenote: The Cheekes.]
Thy cheekes with shamefac’t modesty, dipt in Dame Natures die, Not counterfet, nor puffed out, observe it carefully. 68
[Sidenote: Breathing.]
Keepe close thy mouth, for why, thy breath may hap to give offence, And other worse may be repayd for further recompence. 72
[Sidenote: Lips.]
Nor put thy lips out like a foole as thou wouldst kisse a horse, When thou before thy betters art, and what is ten times worse, 76
[Sidenote: [p. 10.]]
[Sidenote: Yawning.]
To gape in such unseemely sort, with ugly gaping mouth, Is like an image pictured a blowing from the south. 80
Which to avoyd, then turne about, and with a napkin hide That gaping foule deformity, when thou art so aside. 84
[Sidenote: Laughing.]
To laugh at all things thou shalt heare, is neither good nor fit, It shewes the property and forme of one with little wit. 88
[Sidenote: Biting the lip.]
To bite the lip it seemeth base, for why, to lay it open, Most base dissembling doggednesse, most sure it doth betoken. 92
[Sidenote: [p. 11.]]
[Sidenote: Biting the upper lip.]
And so to bite the upper lip doth most uncomely shew, The lips set close (as like to kisse) in manner seeme not so. 96
[Sidenote: The tongue.]
To put the tongue out wantonly, and draw it in agen, Betokens mocking of thy selfe, in all the eyes of men, 100
[Sidenote: Spitting.]
If spitting chance to move thee so thou canst it not forbeare, Remember do it modestly, consider who is there. 104
If filthiness, or ordure thou upon the floore doe cast, Tread out, and cleanse it with thy foot, let that be done with haste. 108
[Sidenote: [p. 12.]]
[Sidenote: Hammering in speech.]
If in thy tale thou hammering stand, or coughing twixt thy words, It doth betoken a liers smell, that’s all that it affords. 112
[Sidenote: Belching.]
To belch or bulch like Clitipho, whom Terence setteth forth, Commendeth manners to be base, most foule and nothing worth. 116
[Sidenote: Vomiting.]
If thou to vomit be constrain’d, avoyd from company: So shall it better be excus’d, if not through gluttony. 120
[Sidenote: Keeping the teeth cleane.]
Keep white thy teeth, and wash thy mouth with water pure and cleane, And in that washing, mannerly observe and keep a meane. 124
[Sidenote: Kembing the head.]
[Sidenote: [p. 13.]]
Thy head let that be kembd and trimd, let not thy haire be long, It is unseemely to the eye, rebuked by the tongue. 128
[Sidenote: Hanging down the head]
And be not like a slothfull wight, delighted to hang downe The head, and lift the shoulders up, nor with thy browes to frowne. 132
[Sidenote: Carriage of the body.]
To carry up the body faire, is decent, and doth shew A comely grace in any one, Where ever he doth goe. 136
[Sidenote: Hanging the head aside.]
To hang the head on any side, doth shew hypocrisie: And who shall use it trust him not, he deales with policie. 140
[Sidenote: [p. 14.]]
[Sidenote: Privy members.]
Let not thy privy members be layd open to be view’d, It is most shamefull and abhord, detestable and rude. 144
[Sidenote: Urine or winde.]
Retaine not urine nor the winde, which doth thy body vex, So it be done with secresie, let that not thee perplex. 148
[Sidenote: Sitting.]
And in thy sitting use a meane, as may become thee well, Not straddling, no nor tottering, and dangling like a bell. 152
[Sidenote: Curtesie.]
Observe in Curtesie to take a rule of decent kinde, Bend not thy body too far foorth, nor backe thy leg behind. 156
[Sidenote: The gate in going.]
[Sidenote: [p. 15.]]
In going keep a decent gate, not faining lame or broken, For that doth seeme but wantonnesse, and foolishnesse betoken. 160
[Sidenote: Apparrell.]
Let thy apparrell not exceede, to passe for sumptuous cost, Nor altogether be too base, for so thy credit’s lost. 164
Be modest in thy wearing it, and keep it neat and cleane, For spotted, dirty, or the like, is lothsome to be seene. 168
This for thy body may suffice, how that must ordred be: Now at the Church thou shalt observe to God how all must be. 172
[_No doubt incomplete, or to be inserted before Cap. v. of Weste’s Schoole of Vertue, at the end of this Part._ F. J. F.]
* * * * * * * * *
+Bp. Grossetest’s Household Statutes.+
[Sloane MS. 1986, p. 193, ab. 1450-60. The last page mentions the 19th year of Henry VI., A.D. 1440-1.]
[Transcriber’s Note:
The Statutes were printed as a single paragraph. The text has been broken up for readability, using the original paragraph marks ¶. Sidenotes that do not correspond to numbered items are marked with lower-case letters. The first three sidenotes, from the original MS, were printed in larger type.]
Incipiunt statuta familie bone Memorie do{m}pni Rob{er}ti Grossetest, lincoln{i}e ep{iscop}i.
[a] Let alle men be warned þ{a}t s{er}uen ȝou, and warnyng be ȝeue to all{e} me{n} that be of howseholde, to {ser}ue god and ȝou trewly & diligently and to p{er}formyng, or the wyllyng of god to be p{er}formed and fulfyllydde.
[Sidenote: +p{ri}m{us} u{e}r{sicu}l{us}+]
[b] Fyrst let s{er}uaunt{is} doo p{er}fytely in all{e} thyng{is} youre wylle, and kepe they ȝoure {com}maundement{is} after god and ryȝthwysnesse, and w{i}t{h}-oute co{n}dicioñ and also w{i}t{h}-oute gref or offense. And sey ȝe, that be p{ri}ncipall{e} heuede or prelate to all{e} ȝoure s{er}uaunt{is} both{e} lesse and mor{e}, that they doo fully, reedyly, and treuly, w{i}t{h}-oute offense or ayenseyng, all{e} youre wille & co{m}maundement that is not ayeynys god.
[Sidenote: +2^us+]
[Sidenotes: [a] All servants should serve truly God and their Master; [b] doing fully all that their Master orders, without answering.]
T the secunde ys, that [a] ȝe co{m}maunde them that kepe and haue kepyng of ȝoure howseholde, a-fore ȝoure meynye, that bothe w{i}t{h}-in and w{i}t{h}-oute the meynye be trewe, honest, diligent, both{e} chast and p{ro}fitabulle.
[Sidenote: +3^us+]
¶ the thrydde: co{m}maunde ye that [b] nomañ be admittyd in ȝoure howseholde, nother inwarde nother vtwarde, but hit be trustyd and leuyd that ȝe be trewe and diligent, and namely to that office to the whiche he is admyttyd; Also þ{a}t he be of goode man{er}s
[Sidenotes: [a] The upper servants must be honest and diligent, [b] and engage no untrusty or unfit man.]
¶ The fowreth{e}: be hit sowȝht and examined ofte tymys yf ther be ony [a] vntrewman, vnkunnyng, vnhonest, lecherous, stryffull{e}, drunke[p. 194]lewe, vnp{ro}fitabull{e}, yf there be ony suche yfunde or diffamydde vppon these thyng{is}, that they be caste oute or put fro the howseholde.
[Sidenotes: iv. [a] Dishonest, quarrelsome, and drunken servants must be turned out.]
¶ The fyft: co{m}maunde ȝe that in no wyse be in the howseholde men debatefull{e} or stryffull{e}, but that all{e} be of ooñ a-corde, of ooñ wylle, euen lyke as in them ys oon mynde and oon sowle.
¶ The sixte: co{m}maunde ȝe that all{e} tho that s{er}uen in ony offyce be obedient, and redy, to the{m} that be a-bofe them in thyng{is} that p{er}teynyñ to there office.
¶ The seuenth{e}: co{m}maunde ȝe that ȝoure gentilmen yome{n} and other, dayly bere and were there robis in ȝoure p{re}sence, and namely at the mete, for ȝoure worshyppe, and not oolde robis and not cordyng to the lyu{er}ey, nother were they oolde schoon ne fylyd.
[Sidenotes: v. All must be of one accord, vi. obedient to those above them, vii. dress in livery, and not wear old shoes.]
¶ The viij: Commaunde ȝe that ȝoure almys be kepyd, & not sende not to boys and knafis, nother in the hall{e} nothe out{e} of þe hall{e}, ne be wasted in soperys ne dyners of gromys, but wysely, temp{er}atly, w{i}t{h}-oute bate or betyng, be hit distribute and the[n] dep{ar}tyd to powre meñ, beggers, syke folke and febull{e}.
¶ The ix.: Make ȝe ȝoure owne howseholde to sytte in the all{e}, as muche as ye mow or may, at the bordis of oon p{ar}te and of the other p{ar}te, and lette them sitte to-gedur as mony as may, not here fowre and thre there: and when youre chef maynye be sett, then all{e} gromys may [p. 195] entre, sitte, And ryse
[Sidenotes: viii. Order your Alms to be given to the poor and sick. ix. Make all the household dine together in the Hall.]
¶ The x.: Streytly for-bede ȝe that no wyfe[A] be at ȝoure mete. [a] And sytte ȝe eu{er} in the myddul of the hye borde, that youre fysegge and chere be schewyd to all{e} meñ of bothe p{ar}tyes, and that ȝe may see lyȝhtly the s{er}uic{is} and defawt{is}: and diligently see ȝe that eu{er}y day in ȝoure mete seson be two men ordeyned to ou{er}-se youre mayny, and of that they shall{e} drede ȝou
¶ The xi: co{m}maunde ȝe, and yeue licence as lytul tyme as ye may w{i}t{h} honeste to them that be in ȝoure howseholde, to go home. And whenne ȝe yeue licence to the{m}, Assigne ȝe to them a short day of comyng a yeyne vnd{ur} peyne of lesyng ther{e} s{er}uice. [b] And yf ony mañ speke ayen or be worth{e},[B] say to hym, “what! wille ye be lorde? ye wylle þ{a}t y s{er}ue you after ȝoure wylle.” and they that wylle not here that ȝe say, effectually be they ywarnyd, and ye shall{e} p{ro}uide other s{er}uant{is} the which{e} shall{e} s{er}ue you to your{e} wylle or plesyng.
[Sidenotes: x. Let no woman dine with you. [a] Let the Master show himself to all. [b] Don’t allow grumbling. xi. Let your servants go to their homes.
¶ The xij is: {comman}d the panyt{r}ere w{i}t{h} youre brede, & the botelare w{i}t{h} wyne and ale, come to-gedur afore ȝou at the tabull{e} afore gracys, [a] And let be there thre yome{n} assigned to s{er}ue the hye tabull{e} and the two syde tabullis in solenne dayes;
¶ And ley they not the vessels deseruyng for ale and wyne vppon the tabull{e},[p. 196] but afore you, But be thay layid vnder þe tabull{e}.
¶ The 13: co{m}maunde ye the stywarde þ{a}t he be besy and diligent to kepe the maynye i{n} hys owne p{er}sone i{n}warde and vtwarde, and namely in the hall{e} and at mete, that they be-haue them selfe honestly, w{i}t{h}-out stryffe, fowlespekyng, and noyse; And that they that be ordeynyd to sette messys, [b] bryng them be ordre and c{on}tinuelly tyl all{e} be s{er}ued, and not inordinatly, And thorow affeccion [C] to p{er}sonys or by specialte; And take ȝe hede to this tyl messys be fully sett in the hall{e}, and aft{er} tende ye to ȝoure mette.
[Sidenotes: xii. Tell your Panter and Butler to come to the table before grace. [a] Tell off three yeomen to wait at table. xiii. Tell the Steward to keep good order in the Hall, [b] and serve every one fairly.]
¶ The xiiij: c{om}maunde ȝe þ{a}t youre dysshe be well{e} fyllyd and hepid, and namely of ent{er}mes, and of pitance w{i}t{h}-oute fat, carkyng that ȝe may p{ar}te coureteysly to thoo that sitte beside, bothe of the ryght hande and the left, thorow all{e} the hie tabulle, and to other as plesyth{e} you, thowȝght they haue of the same that ye haue. At the sop{er} be s{er}uant{is} s{er}uid of oon messe, & byȝth met{is}, & aft{er} of chese. ¶ And yf the[r] come gest{is}, s{er}uice schall{e} be haued as nedyth{e}. ¶ The xv: co{m}maunde ye the officers that they admitte youre knowlechyd men, familiers frendys, and strangers, w{i}t{h} mery chere, the wh[i]che they knowen you to wille for to admitte and receyue, and to them the whiche wylle you worschipe, and [p. 197] they wylleñ to do that ye wylle to do, that they may know them selfe to haue be welcome to ȝou, and to be welle plesyd that they be come. ¶ And al so much{e} as ȝe may w{i}t{h}-oute p{er}il of sykenes & werynys ete ȝe in the halle afore ȝoure meyny,
¶ For that schall{e} be to ȝou p{ro}fyte and worshippe.
[Sidenotes: xiv. Have your dish well filled that you may help others to it. xv. Always admit your special friends, and show them you are glad to see them.]
¶ The xvj: when your{e} ballyfs comyn a-fore ȝoure, speke to the{m} fayr{e} and gentilly in opyñ place, and not in p{ri}uey,
¶ And shew them mery cher{e}, & serche and axe of them “how fare owr{e} meñ & tenaunt{is}, & how cornys dooñ, & cart{is}, and of owr{e} stor{e} how hit ys m{u}ltiplyed,” Axe suche thyng{is} ope{n}ly, and knowe ȝe certeynly that they wille the more drede ȝou.
¶ The xvij: co{m}maunde ȝe that din{er}is and sopers p{ri}uely i{n} hid plase be not had, & be thay forbeden that there be no suche dyn{er}s nother sopers oute of the hall{e}, For of such{e} cometh{e} grete destr[u]ccion, and no worshippe therby growyth{e} to the lorde.
¶ Expliciu{n}t Statuta Familie bone Memorie.
[Sidenotes: xvi. Talk familiarly to your Bailiffs, ask how your tenants and store do. xvii. Allow no private meals; only those in Hall.]
[Textnotes: A MS. wyse B t.i. wroth C MS. affecciori]
Prof. Brewer has, I find, printed these Statuta in his most interesting and valuable Monumenta Franciscana, 1858, p. 582-6. He differs from Mr Brock and me in reading drunkelewe (drunken, in Chaucer, &c.) as ‘drunke, lewe,’ and vessels as ‘bossels,’ and in adding e’s[1] to some final g’s. He says, by way of Introduction, that, “Though entitled Ordinances for the Household of Bishop Grostete, this is evidently a Letter addressed to the Bishop on the management of his Household by some very intimate friend. From the terms used in the Letter, it is clear that the writer must have been on confidential terms with the Prelate. I cannot affirm positively that the writer was Adam de Marisco, although to no other would this document be attributed with greater probability. No one else enjoyed such a degree of Grostete’s affection; none would have ventured to address him with so much familiarity. Besides, the references made more than once by Adam de Marisco in his letters to the management of the Bishop’s household, greatly strengthen this supposition. See pp. 160, 170 (Mon. Francisc.). The MS. is a small quarto on vellum, in the writing of the 15th century. It is in all probability a translation from a Latin original.”
[Footnote 1: In this he is probably right. The general custom of editors justifies it. Our printers want a pig-tailed or curly g to correspond with the MS. one.]
* * * * * * * * *
Stanzas and Couplets of Counsel.
[From the Rawlinson MS., C. 86, fol. 31, in the Bodleian Library.]
Vtter thy langage wyth good avisement; Reule the by Reasou{n} in thy termoȝ all{e};
[Sidenote: Never mistrust or fail your friend.]
Mystruste not thy frende for non{e} accusement, Fayle him neu{er} at nede, what so eu{er} befall{e}; 4 Solace þi selfe when men{n} to sporte þee call{e};
[Sidenote: Don’t talk too much.]
Largely to speke be wele ware for þ{a}t cause; Roll{e} faste this reasou{n} & thynke wele on þ{i}s clause.
[Sidenote: Spare your master’s goods as your own.]
What man{n} þ{o}u s{er}uyst, all{e} wey him drede; 8 His good as þyñ owne, eu{er} þ{o}u spare. Lette neu{er} þy wyll{e} þy witt ou{er} lede, But be glad of eu{er}y mannys welfare.
Folus lade polys; wisemen{n} ete þe fysshe; 12 Wisemen{n} hath in þ{er} hondis ofte þ{a}t folys aft{er} wyssh{e}.
[Sidenote: A lawless youth, a despised old age.]
Who so in youthe no vertu vsith, In age all{e} hono{ur} him refusith.
Deame þ{e}e best in eu{er}y doute 16 Tyl þe trouthe be tryed oute.
[Sidenote: A Gentleman says the best he can of every one.]
It is þe properte of A gentilman{n} To say the beste þ{a}t he can{n}.
Si vieȝ doler{e} tua crimina die miserer{e} 20 Permiserere mei frangitur ira dei
[Follows:--Policronica.
Josephus of Iewes þ{a}t Nobyl was, the firste Aucto{ur} of the booke of Policronica, &c.]
* * * * * * * * *
The schoole
of Vertue, and booke of
good Nourture for chyldren, and youth to learne theyr dutie by, Newely perused, corrected, and augmented by the fyrst Auctour F. S.[eager]
With a briefe declaracion of the dutie of eche degree.
Anno. 1557.
Dispise not councel, rebuking foly Esteme it as, nedefull and holy.
¶ Imprinted at London in Paules Churchyarde at the signe of the Hedgehogge by Wyllyam Seares.
¶ THE AUCTOURS NAME IN VERDYT.
[S] Saye well some wyll by this my labour [E] Euery man yet Wyll not say the same [A] Amonge the good I doubt not fauour [G] God them forgeue For it me blame [E] Eche man I wyshe It shall offende [R] Reade and then iudge Where faulte is amende
Face aut Tace.
[Transcriber’s Note:
Headnotes are interlaced with the table of contents; they will also appear in their original locations in the text. On the title page the name SEAGER was printed vertically, enclosed in a single box.
The verse lines described in the editor’s note have been re-split for this e-text. Line numbers that were omitted or skipped have been regularized to multiples of 4, as in other selections. Large-print (original) sidenotes are shown with a smaller indentation; almost all are names or Biblical citations.]
CONTENTS.
(Taken from the headings in the Text.)
PAGE The mornynge prayer 225 Cap. i. Howe to order thy selfe when thou rysest, and in apparelynge thy body 226 [Headnote: HOW TO RISE AND DRESS IN THE MORNING.] Cap. ii. Howe to behaue thy selfe in going by the streate and in the schoole 227 [Headnote: HOW TO BEHAVE IN SCHOOL AND STREET.] Cap. iii. Howe to behaue thi selfe in seruynge the table 229 [Headnote: HOW TO SERVE AT DINNER.] Cap. iiii. Howe to order thy selfe syttynge at the table 231 [Headnote: HOW TO BEHAVE AT ONE’S OWN DINNER.] Cap. v. Howe to order thy selfe in the Churche 233 Cap. vi. The fruites of gamynge, vertue and learnynge 234 [Headnote: AGAINST GAMING, AND FOR VIRTUE.] Cap. vii. How to behaue thy selfe in taulkynge with any man 235 Cap. viii. How to order thy selfe being sente of message 236 [Headnote: HOW TO CARRY A MESSAGE.] Cap. ix. A-gainste Anger, Enuie, and malice 236 Cap. x. The fruites of charitie, loue, and pacience 237 Cap. xi. A-gainge (so) the horrible vice of swearynge 238 [Headnote: AGAINST SWEARING.] Cap. xii. A-gainste the vice of filthy talkynge 239 Cap. xiii. A-gainste the vice of lyinge 239 [Headnote: AGAINST LYING.] A praier to be saide when thou goest to bedde 240 [Headnote: A NIGHTLY PRAYER.] The dutie of eche degred. (so) brefely declared 241 [Headnote: THE DUTY OF ALL DEGREES OF MEN.]
[N.B. The even lines (2, 4, &c.) of the original are printed here opposite the odd ones (1, 3, &c.), instead of after them, to save space. The lines must therefore be read right across the page. The sidenotes in large type, ‘Cato, Isocra, &c.,’ are those of the original. The rest are the editor’s, and he has added headlines, some stops, &c.]
The schoole of vertue.
[Sidenote: First, say this prayer: “O God!]
[Sidenote: [sign. A. ii.]]
First in the mornynge when thou dost awake, To God for his grace thy peticion then make; 4 This prayer folowynge vse dayly to say, Thy harte lyftynge vp; Thus begyn to pray 8
¶ The mornynge prayer.
++“O God, from whom al good gifts procede!
[Sidenote: enable us to follow virtue.]
To thee we repayre in tyme of our nede, 12 That with thy grace thou wouldst vs endue Vertue to folowe and vyce to exchue: 16 Heare this our request, and graunt our desyre,
[Sidenote: [sign. A. ii.b.]]
O lorde! moste humbly we do the requyre! 20
[Sidenote: Defend us this day.]
This day vs defende, that we walkynge aryght May do the thynge acceptable in thy syght, 24 That as we in yeares And body do growe,
[Sidenote: Let us abound with virtues, flee from vice, and go forward in good doing to our live’s end.”]
So in good vertues we may lykewyse flowe 28 To thy honour, and ioy of our parentes, Learninge to lyue well, and kepe thy co{m}maund mentes; 32 In flyinge from all Vice, synne, and cryme, Applyinge our bookes, not losynge our tyme, 36 May fructifye and go forwarde here in good doynge In this vale of miserie vnto oure lyuees endynge, 40
[Sidenote: [sign. A. iii.]]
That after this lyfe here transitory We may attayne to greater glory.” 44
[Sidenote: Repeat the Lord’s Prayer night and morning.]
The Lordes prayer then se thou recyte, So vsynge to do at mornynge and nyght. 48
[Headnote: HOW TO RISE AND DRESS IN THE MORNING.]
[Sidenote: How to wash and dress yourself.]
¶ Howe to order thy selfe when thou rysest, and in apparelynge thy body.
Capitulo .i.
[Sidenote: Cato.]
++Flye euer slouthe and ouer much slepe;
[Sidenote: Don’t sleep too long.]
In health the body therby thou shalte kepe. 52 Muche slepe ingendereth diseases and payne, It dulles the the wyt and hurteth the brayne. 56
[Sidenote: Rise early; cast up your bed, and don’t let it lie.]
[Sidenote: [sign. A. iii.b.]]
Early in the mornynge thy bed then forsake, Thy rayment put on, thy selfe redy make. 60 To cast vp thy bed It shalbe thy parte, Els may they say that beastly thou art; 64 So to departe and let the same lye, It is not semynge nor yet manerly. 68
[Sidenote: Go down, salute your parents, wash your hands, comb your head, brush your cap and put it on.]
Downe from thy chamber when thou shalte go, Thy parentes salute thou, and the famely also; 72 Thy handes se thou washe, and thy hed keame, And of thy rayment se torne be no seame; 76
[Sidenote: [sign. A. iiii.]]
Thy cappe fayre brusht, thy hed couer than, Takynge it of In speakynge to any man. 80
[Sidenote: Cato.]
Cato doth councel thee thyne elders to reuerence Declarynge therby thy dutye and obedience. 84
[Sidenote: Tie on your shirt-collar, fasten your girdle, rub your breeches, clean your shoes, wipe your nose on a napkin, pare your nails, clean your ears, wash your teeth.]
Thy shyrte coler fast to thy necke knyt; Comely thy rayment loke on thy body syt. 88 Thy gyrdell about thy wast then fasten, Thy hose fayre rubd thy showes se be cleane. 92 A napkyn se that thou haue in redines Thy nose to clense from all fylthynes. 96
[Sidenote: [sign. A. iiii.b.]]
Thy nayles, yf nede be, se that thou payre; Thyne eares kepe cleane, thy teath washe thou fayre. 100
[Sidenote: Have your torn clothes mended, or new ones obtained.]
If ought about thee chaunce to be torne, Thy frendes therof shewe howe it is worne, 104 And they wyll newe for thee prouyde, Or the olde mende, In tyme beinge spyde, 108
[Sidenote: Get your satchell and books, and haste to School, taking too pen, paper, and ink, which are necessary for use at school.]
This done, thy setchell and they bokes take, And to the scole haste see thou make. 112 But ere thou go, with thy self forthynke. That thou take with thee pen, paper, and ynke; 116 For these are thynges for thy study necessary, Forget not then with thee them to cary. 120 The souldiar preparynge hym selfe to the fielde
[Sidenote: [sign. A. v.]]
Leaues not at home his sworde and his shielde, 124 No more shulde a scoler forget then truly what he at scole shulde nede to occupy. 128
[Sidenote: Then start off.]
These thynges thus had, Take strayght thy way Vnto the schole without any stay. 132
[Sidenote: How to behave going to, and at, School.]
Howe to behaue thy selfe in going by the streate and in the schoole .ii.
[Sidenote: Take off your cap to those you meet; give way to passers by.]
++In goynge by the way and passynge the strete,
[Sidenote: Isocra.]
Thy cappe put of, Salute those ye mete; 136
[Sidenote: Cato.]
In geuynge the way to suche as passe by, It is a poynte of siuilitie. 140
[Sidenote: [sign. A. v.b.]]
[Sidenote: Call your playmates on your road.]
And thy way fortune so for to fall, Let it not greue thee thy felowes to call. 144
[Sidenote: At School salute your master, and the scholars.]
when to the schole thou shalte resort, This rule note well I do the exhort: 148 Thy master there beynge, Salute with all reuerence, Declarynge thereby thy dutye and obedience; 152 Thy felowes salute In token of loue, Lest of inhumanitie they shall the reproue. 156
[Sidenote: Go straight to your place, undo your satchell, take out your books and learn your lesson; stick well to your books.]
Vnto thy place appoynted for to syt, Streight go thou to, and thy setchel vnknyt, 160 Thy bokes take out, thy lesson then learne
[Text note: [A Orig. Huubly]]
[Sidenote: [sign. A. vi.]]
Humbly [A] thy selfe Behaue and gouerne. 164 Therein takynge payne, with all thyne industry Learnynge to get thy boke well applye: 168 All thynges seme harde when we do begyn,
[Sidenote: Virgil.]
But labour and diligence yet both them wyn; 172 we ought not to recken and coumpt the thyng harde That bryngeth ioye and pleasure afterwarde; 176
[Sidenote: If you don’t work, you’ll repent it when you grow up.]
Leaue of then laboure, and the lacke rue, Lament and repent when age doth insue. 180
[Sidenote: Who could now speak of famous deeds of old, had not Letters preserved them?]
Deades that deserued Fame and greate prayse, Buried had ben, we se in olde dayes; 184
[Sidenote: [sign. A. vi.b.]]
If letters had not then brought them to lyght 188 The truth of suche thynges who coulde nowe resyght? Applye thy minde to learnynge and scyence,
[Sidenote: Cato.]
For learnynge in nede wyll be thy defence. 192 Nothinge to science compare we may well,
[Sidenote: Cicero.]
The swetenes wherof all thynges doth excell. 196 And Cato the wyse this worthy sayinge hath,
[Sidenote: Cato.]
That man wantinge learnynge is as the image of death. 200
[Sidenote: Aristot.]
The rootes of learnynge most bytter we deme; The fruites at last Moste pleasaunt doth seme. 204
[Sidenote: Work hard then, and you’ll be thought worthy to serve the state.]
Then labour for learnynge whyle here thou shalt lyue,
[Sidenote: [sign. A. vii.]]
The ignoraunt to teache, and good example geue; 208 So shalte thou be thought A membre most worthy The common welth to serue
[Text note: [B Orig. ryme]]
In tyme[B] of necessitie. 212 Experience doth teache And shewe to thee playne
[Sidenote: Men of low birth win honour by Learning, and then are doubly happy.]
That many to honour By learninge attayne 216 That were of byrthe But symple and bace,-- Suche is the goodnes Of Gods speciall grace,-- 220 For he that to honour by vertue doth ryse, Is double happy, and counted most wyse. 224
[Sidenote: When you doubt, ask to be told.]
If doubte thou doest, Desyre to be toulde, No shame is to learne, Beinge neuer so oulde; 228
[Sidenote: [sign. A. vii.b.]]
Ignoraunce doth cause Great errors in vs For wantynge of knowledge Doubts to discusse; 232 Then learne to discerne the good from the yll,
[Sidenote: Wish well to those who warn you.]
And suche as thee warne, Bere them good will. 236
[Headnote: HOW TO BEHAVE IN SCHOOL AND STREET.]
[Sidenote: On your way home walk two and two orderly (for which men will praise you); don’t run in heaps like a swarm of bees like boys do now.]
when from the schoole ye shall take your waye, Or orderly then go ye, twoo in aray, 240 your selues matchynge So equall as ye may, That men it seynge May well of you saye 244 In commendynge this your laudable wayes, whiche must nedes sounde to your great prayse, 248 Not runnynge on heapes as a swarme of bees, As at this day Euery man it nowe sees; 252
[Sidenote: [sign. A. viii.]]
Not vsynge, but refusynge, Suche foolyshe toyes As commonly are vsed In these dayes of boyes, 256
[Sidenote: Don’t whoop or hallow as in fox-hunting don’t chatter, or stare at every new fangle, but walk soberly, taking your cap off to all, and being gentle.]
As hoopynge and halowynge as in huntynge the foxe, That men it hearynge Deryde them with mockes. 260 This foolyshnes forsake, this folly exchewynge, And learne to followe this order insuynge. 264 In goynge by the way Neyther talke nor iangle, Gape not nor gase not at euery newe fangle, 268 But soberly go ye with countinaunce graue;
[Sidenote: Isocra.]
Humblye your selues towarde all men behaue; 272
[Sidenote: [sign. A. viii.b.]]
Be free of cappe and full of curtesye; Greate loue of al men you shall wyn therby. 276 Be lowly and gentyll and of meke moode; Then men con not but of you say good. 280
[Sidenote: Do no man harm; speak fair words.]
In passynge the strete Do no man no harme; Vse thou fewe wordes, and thy tounge charme, 284 Then men shal see that grace in the groweth From whom vertues So aboundantly floweth. 288
[Sidenote: On reaching home salute your parents reverently.]
when thou arte come where thy parentes do dwell, Thy leaue then takynge Byd thy felowes farewell; 292 The house then entrynge, In thy parence presence
[Sidenote: [sign. B. i.]]
Humbly salute them with all reuerence. 296
[Sidenote: How to wait at table.]
¶ Howe to behaue thi selfe in seruynge the table. Cap. iii.
++VVhen thy parentes downe to the table shall syt, In place be ready For the purpose moste fyt: 300
[Sidenote: Look your parents in the face, hold up your hands, and say]
With sober countinaunce Lokynge them in the face, Thy handes holdynge vp, this begyn grace: 304
[Sidenote: Grace before meate.]
++“Geue thankes to God with one accorde For that shall be Set on this borde. 308
[Sidenote: Grace before Meat.]
And be not carefull what to eate, To eche thynge lyuynge the Lorde sends meate; 312 For foode he wyll not Se you peryshe,
[Sidenote: [sign. B. i.b.]]
But wyll you fede, Foster, and cheryshe; 316 Take well in worth what he hath sent, At this tyme be 320 therwith content, Praysynge God.”
¶ So treatablie speakyng as possible thou can, 324 That the hearers therof May thee vnderstan.
[Sidenote: Make a low curtesy; wish your parents’ food may do ’em good.]
Grace beynge sayde, Lowe cursie make thou, 328 Sayinge “muche good May it do you.”
[Headnote: HOW TO SERVE AT DINNER.]
[Sidenote: If you are big enough, bring the food to table.]
Of stature then yf thou be able, 332 It shall become thee to serue the table In bringynge to it Suche meate as shall nede 336
[Sidenote: [sign. B. ii.]]
For thy parence vpon that tyme to fede.
[Sidenote: Don’t fill dishes so full as to spill them on your parents’ dress, or they’ll be angry.]
Disshes with measure thou oughtest to fyll, 340 Els mayste thou happen thy seruyce to spyll On theyr apparell Or els on the cloth, 344 whiche for to doe wolde moue them to wroth.
[Sidenote: Have spare trenchers ready for guests.]
Spare trenchers with napkyns haue in redynes 348 To serue afterwarde, If there come any gesse. Be circumspecte; see nothynge do wante; 352
[Sidenote: See there’s plenty of everything wanted.]
Of necessary thynges that there be no skant, As breade and drynke, se there be plentie; 356
[Sidenote: Empty the Voiders often.]
The voyders with bones Ofte se thou emptie.
[Sidenote: [sign. B. ii.b.]]
At hande be ready, If any do call, 360
[Sidenote: Be at hand if any one calls.]
To fetche or take vp, If ought fortune to fall.
[Sidenote: When the meat is over, clear the table: 1. cover the salt, 2. have a tray by you to carry things off on, 3. put the trenchers, &c., in one Voider, 4. sweep the crumbs into another, 5. set a clean trencher before every one, 6. put on Cheese, Fruit, Biscuits, and 7. serve Wine, Ale or Beer.]
when they haue done, then ready make 364 The table vp fayre In order to take: Fyrste the saulte Se that thou couer, 368 Hauynge by thee Eyther one or other thynges from thy handes then to conuaye 372 That from the table thou shalt take awaye. A voyder vpon the table then haue, 376 The trenchers and napkyns therein to receaue; The croomes with a napkyn together them swepe, 380
[Sidenote: [sign. B. iii.]]
It at the tables ende In a voyder them kepe. Then before eche man A cleane treanchour lay, 384 The best fyrste seruynge, As iudge thou soone may; Then cheese with fruite On the table set, 388 With Bisketes or Carowayes, As you may get. Wyne to them fyll, Els ale or beare; 392 But wyne is metest, If any there were.
[Sidenote: When these are finished, clear the table, and fold up the cloth.]
Then on the table Attende with all diligence, 396 It for to voyde when done haue thy parence: Eche syde of the clothe Do thou tourne in, 400 Foldynge it vp, At the hygher ende begin.
[Sidenote: Then spread a clean towel, bring bason and jug, and when your parents are ready to wash, and when your parents are ready to wash, pour out the water.]
[Sidenote: [sign. B. iii. b.]]
A cleane towell then On the table spreade,-- 404 The towell wantynge, the cloth take in steade,-- The bason and ewer to the table then brynge, 408 In place conuenient theyr pleasure abydynge. when thou shalt see them redy to washe, 412 The ewer take vp, and be not to rashe In powrynge out water More then wyll suffise. 416
[Sidenote: Clear the table; make a low curtsey.]
The table then voyde that they may ryse. All thynges thus done, forget not thy dutie, 420 Before the table Make thou lowe cursie.
[Headnote: HOW TO BEHAVE AT ONE’S OWN DINNER.]
[Sidenote: [sign. B. iiii.]]
[Sidenote: How to behave at your own dinner.]
¶ Howe to order thy selfe syttynge at the table.
Capitulo .iiii.
++O Chyldren! geue eare your duties to learne, 424 Howe at the table you may your selues gouerne.
[Sidenote: Socra. Cato.]
Presume not to hyghe, I say, in no case; 428
[Sidenote: Let your betters sit above you.]
In syttynge downe, to thy betters geue place.
[Sidenote: See others served first, then wait a while before eating.]
Suffer eche man Fyrste serued to be, 432 For that is a poynte Of good curtesie. when they are serued, then pause a space, 436 For that is a sygne of nourture and grace.
[Sidenote: Take salt with your knife, cut your bread, don’t fill your spoon too full, or sup your pottage.]
Saulte with thy knyfe then reache and take, 440
[Sidenote: [sign. B. iiii.b.]]
The breade cut fayre, And do not it breake. Thy spone with pottage to full do not fyll, 444 For fylynge the cloth, If thou fortune to spyll, For rudnes it is thy pottage to sup, 448 Or speake to any, his head in the cup.
[Sidenote: Have your knife sharp.]
Thy knyfe se be sharpe to cut fayre thy meate; 452 Thy mouth not to full when thou dost eate;
[Sidenote: Don’t smack your lips or gnaw your bones: avoid such beastliness.]
Not smackynge thy lyppes, As comonly do hogges, 456 Nor gnawynge the bones As it were dogges; Suche rudenes abhorre, Suche beastlynes flie, 460 At the table behaue thy selfe manerly.
[Sidenote: Keep your fingers clean, wipe your mouth before drinking.]
[Sidenote: [sign. B. v.]]
Thy fyngers se cleane that thou euer kepe, 464 Hauynge a Napkyn thereon them to wype; Thy mouth therwith Cleane do thou make, 468 The cup to drynke In hande yf thou take, Let not thy tongue At the table walke, 472
[Sidenote: Plato.]
[Sidenote: Don’t jabber or stuff.]
And of no matter Neyther reason nor talke. Temper thy tongue and belly alway, 476 For “measure is treasure,” the prouerbe doth say,
[Sidenote: Cicero.]
And measure in althynges Is to be vsed; 480 what is without measure Ought to be refused.
[Sidenote: Silence hurts no one, and is fitted for a child at table.]
For silence kepynge thou shalt not be shent, 484
[Sidenote: [sign. B. v.b.]]
where as thy speache May cause thee repent.
[Sidenote: Isocra.]
Bothe speache and silence are commendable, 488 But sylence is metest In a chylde at the table.
[Sidenote: Cato.]
And Cato doth saye, that “in olde and yonge 492 The fyrste of vertue Is to kepe thy tonge.”
[Sidenote: Don’t pick your teeth, or spit too much.]
Pyke not thy teethe at the table syttynge, 496 Nor vse at thy meate Ouer muche spytynge; this rudnes of youth Is to be abhorde; 500
[Sidenote: Behave properly.]
thy selfe manerly Behaue at the borde.
[Sidenote: Don’t laugh too much.]
If occasion of laughter at the table thou se, 504 Beware that thou vse the same moderately.
[Sidenote: [sign. B. vi.]]
[Sidenote: Learn all the good manners you can.]
Of good maners learne So muche as thou can; 508 It wyll thee preferre when thou art a man.
[Sidenote: Aristot.]
Aristotle the Philosopher this worthy sayinge writ, 512
[Sidenote: They are better than playing the fiddle, though that’s no harm, but necessary; yet manners are more important.]
That “maners in a chylde are more requisit then playnge on instrumentes and other vayne pleasure; 516 For vertuous maners Is a most precious treasure.” Let not this saynge In no wyse thee offende, 520 For playnge of instrumentes He doth not discommende, But doth graunt them for a chylde necessary, 524 Yet maners muche more see here he doth vary. Refuse not his councell, Nor his wordes dispise; 528
[Sidenote: [sign. B. vi.b.]]
To vertue and knowledge By them mayste thou ryse.
[Sidenote: How to behave at Church.]
¶ Howe to order thy selfe in the Churche.
Cap. .v.
++Vvhen to the Churche thou shalt repayer, 532
[Sidenote: Pray kneeling or standing.]
Knelynge or standynge, to God make thy prayer; All worldely matters From thy mynde set apart, 536 Earnestly prayinge, to God lyfte vp thy hart.
[Sidenote: Psal. 1.]
A contrite harte He wyll not dispyse, 540 whiche he doth coumpt A sweete sacrifice.
[Sidenote: Confess your sins to God.]
To hym thy sinnes shewe and confesse, 544 Askynge for them Grace and forgyuenes;
[Sidenote: [sign. B. vii.]]
[Sidenote: He knows your disease.]
He is the Phisition that knoweth thy sore, 548 And can to health A-gayne thee restore.
[Sidenote: Iames the .i.]
[Sidenote: Ask in faith, and what you ask you shall have; He is more merciful than pen can tell.]
Aske then in fayth, Not doubtynge to haue; 552 The thynges ye desyre ye shall then receaue; So they be lawfull Of God to requyre, 556 He wyll the heare and graunt thy desyre; More mercifull he is then pen can expresse, 560 The aucthor and geuer here of all goodnesse.
[Sidenote: Math. x.]
“All ye that laboure and burdened be, 564 I wyll you refreshe In commynge to me.” These are Chrystes wordes, the scripture is playne, 568
[Sidenote: [sign. B. vii.b.]]
Spoken to all suche as here suffre payne; Our wylles to his worde then let vs frame, 572 The heauenly habytacion therby we may clame.
[Sidenote: Behave nicely in church, and don’t talk or chatter.]
In the churche comly thy selfe do behaue, 576 In vsage sober, thy countinaunce graue. whyle you be there, taulke of no matter, 580 Nor one with an other whisper nor chatter.
[Sidenote: Behave reverently; the House of Prayer is not to be made a fair.]
Reuerently thy selfe Order alwaye 584 when to the Churche thou shalt come to pray: Eche thynge hath his tyme, Consyder the place, 588
[Sidenote: Luke .xix.]
For that is a token of vertue and grace,
[Sidenote: [sign. B viii.]]
The Lorde doth call it the house of prayer 592 And not to be vsed As is a fayer.
[Headnote: AGAINST GAMING, AND FOR VIRTUE.]
¶ The fruites of gamynge, vertue and learnynge. Capitulo .vi.
[Sidenote: Avoid dicing and carding.]
++O Lytle chylde, Eschewe thou euer game,-- 596 For that hath brought Many one to shame,-- As dysynge, and cardynge, And suche other playes, 600 which many vndoeth, as we se nowe a dayes.
[Sidenote: Cicero.]
But yf thou delyght In any earthly thynge, 604
[Sidenote: Delight in Knowledge, Virtue, and Learning.]
Delyght in knowledge, Vertue, and learnynge, For learnynge wyll leade thee to the schoole of vertue, 608
[Sidenote: [sign. B. viii.b.]]
And vertue wyll teache thee Vice to subdue. Vice beynge subdued, thou canst not but floryshe; 612
[Sidenote: Happy is he who cultivates Virtue.]
Happy is the man that vertue doth norysh. By knowledge lykewyse thou shalt doubtes discerne, 616 By vertue agayne thy lyfe well gouerne. These be the frutes By them we do take, 620
[Sidenote: Cursed is he who forsakes it.]
Cursed is he then that doth them forsake. But we erre in wyt In folowynge our wyll, 624 In iudgynge that good which playnly is yll.
[Sidenote: Let reason rule you, and subdue your lusts.]
Let reason thee rule, and not will thee leade 628 To folowe thy fansie, A wronge trace to treade. [Sidenote: [sign. C. i.]]
But subdue thy luste, and conqeur thy wyll 632 If it shall moue thee to doe that is yll;
[Sidenote: These ills come from gambling: strife, murder, theft, cursing and swearing.]
For what hurte by game to many doth growe, 636 No wyse man I thynke but doth it well knowe. Experience doth shewe and make it manifeste 640 That all good men can it but deteste, As strife and debate, murder and thefte, 644 whiche amonge christians, wolde god were lefte, with cursynge and bannynge, with swearyng and tearyng, 648 That no honest harte can abyde the hearyng: These be the fruites that of them doth sprynge, 652
[Sidenote: [sign. C. i.b.]]
with many more as euill that cometh of gamynge.
[Sidenote: How to behave when conversing.]
¶ How to behaue thy selfe in taulkynge with any man. Capitulo .vii.
++If a man demaunde a question of thee, 656
[Sidenote: Isocra.]
In thine aunswere makynge be not to hastie;
[Sidenote: Understand a question before you answer it; let a man tell all his tale.]
waie well his wordes, the case vnderstande 660 Eare an answere to make thou take in hande, Els may he iudge in thee little wit, 664 To answere to a thynge and not heare it. Suffer his tale whole out to be toulde, 668 Then speake thou mayst, and not be controulde;
[Sidenote: Then bow to him, look him in the face, and answer sensibly, not staring about or laughing, but audibly and distinctly, your words in due order, or you’ll straggle off, or stutter, or stammer, which is a foul crime.]
[Sidenote: [sign. C. ii.]]
Low obeisaunce makyng, lokinge him in the face, 672 Tretably speaking, thy wordes see thou place. with countinaunce sober thy bodie vprighte 676 Thy fete iuste to-gether, thy handes in lyke plight; Caste not thyne eies on neither syde. 680 when thou arte praised, therin take no pryde. In tellynge thy tale, neither laugh nor smyle, 684 Such folly forsake thou, banish and exyle; In audible voice thy wordes do thou vtter, 688 Not hie nor lowe, but vsynge a measure.
Thy wordes se that thou pronounce plaine, 692
[Headnote: HOW TO CARRY A MESSAGE.]
[Text note: [C orig. thai]]
[Sidenote: [sign. C. ii.b.]]
And that [C] they spoken Be not in vayne; In vttryng wherof Kepe thou an order, 696 Thy matter therby thou shalte much forder; whiche order yf thou Do not obserue, 700 From the purpose nedes must thou swarue. And hastines of speche wyll cause thee to erre, 704 Or wyll thee teache to stut or stammer. To stut or stammer is a foule crime, 708 Learne then to leaue it, take warnyng in tyme; How euyll a chylde it doth become, 712 Thy selfe beynge iudge, hauinge wisedome;
[Sidenote: [sign. C. iii.]]
And sure it is taken by custome and vre, 716 whyle yonge you be there is helpe and cure. This generall rule yet take with the, 720
[Sidenote: Always keep your head uncovered.]
In speakynge to any man Thy head vn-couered be. The common prouerbe remember ye oughte, 724
[Sidenote: Better unfed than untaught.]
“Better vnfedde then vn-taughte.”
[Sidenote: How to take a Message.]
¶ How to order thy selfe being sente of message. Cap. viii.
++If of message forthe thou be sente, 728
[Sidenote: Listen to it well; don’t go away not knowing it.]
Take hede to the same, Geue eare diligente; Depart not awaye and beyng in doute, 732
[Sidenote: [sign. C. iii.b.]]
Know wel thy message before thou passe out;
[Sidenote: Then hurry away, give the message; get the answer, return home, and tell it to your master exactly as it was told to you.]
with possible spede then hast thee right sone; 736 If nede shall requirr it so to be done. After humble obeisaunce, the message forth shewe 740 Thy wordes well placinge in vttringe but fewe As shall thy matter serue to declare. 744 Thine answere made, then home againe repare, And to thy master therof make relacion 748 As then the answere shall geue thee occasion.
[Sidenote: Socra.]
Neither adde nor deminish any thynge to the same, 752 Lest after it proue to thy rebuke and shame,
[Sidenote: [sign. C. iiii.]]
But the same vtter so nere as thou can; 756 No faulte they shall fynde to charge thee with than, In most humble wyse loke done that it be, 760 As shall become beste a seruantes degre.
[Sidenote: Against Anger, &c.]
¶ A-gainste Anger, Enuie, and malice.
Cap. ix.
[Sidenote: The slave of Anger must fall.]
++If thou be subiecte and to anger thrall, 764 And reason thee rule not, nedes must thou fall.
[Sidenote: Pericles.]
Conquer thy wyll and subdue thy luste, 768 Thy fansy not folowing, thy cause though be iuste;
[Sidenote: Anger’s deeds are strange to wise men.]
For anger and furie wyll thee so chaunge 772
[Sidenote: [sign. C. iiii.b.]]
That thy doynges to wise men wyll appear straunge. Thine anger and wrath seke then to appeace, 776
[Sidenote: Plato.]
For wrath, saith Plato, Leades shame in a leace.
[Sidenote: Isocra.]
The hastie man wantes neuer trouble, 780
[Sidenote: A hasty man is always in trouble.]
His mad moody mynde his care doth double. And malyce thee moue to reuenge thy cause, 784 Dread euer god, and daunger of the lawes.
[Sidenote: Take no revenge, but forgive.]
Do not reuenge, though in thy power it be, 788 Forgeue the offender being thine enemie. He is perfectely pacient, we may repute plaine, 792
[Sidenote: Plato.]
[That] From wrath and furye himselfe can refrayne.
[Sidenote: Envy no one.]
[Sidenote: [sign. C. v.]]
Disdayne nor enuie The state of thy brother, 796
[Sidenote: Seneca.]
In worde nor dede not hurtyng one an other.
[Sidenote: An ill body breeds debate.]
Debate and disceate, contencion and enuie, 800 Are the chiefe frutes of an euyll bodie.
[Sidenote: Salomon.]
And Salomon saithe “The harte full of enuie, 804 Of him selfe hath no pleasure nor commoditie.”
[Sidenote: The Fruits of Charity, &c.]
¶ The fruites of charitie, loue, and pacience.
Cap. x.
[Sidenote: Charity seeketh not her own, but bears patiently.]
++Charitie seketh not that to her doth belonge, 808 But paciently a-bydinge, sustainynge rather wronge;
[Sidenote: Charity seeketh not her own, but bears patiently.]
Not enuiynge, but bearinge with loue and pacience,-- 812
[Sidenote: [sign. C. v.b.]]
So noble is her nature,-- forgeuing all ofence.
[Sidenote: Love incites to Mercy.]
And loue doth moue the mynde to mercie, 816 But malice againe doth worke the contrarie. whiche in the wicked wyll euer beare stroke, 820
[Sidenote: Patience teaches forbearance.]
Pacience thee teacheth therof to beare the yoke. where pacience and loue to-gether do dwell 824 All hate and debate, with malice, they expell.
[Sidenote: Pithagoras.]
Loue constant and faithfull, Pithagoras doth call 828 To be a vertue most principall.
[Sidenote: Plato.]
Plato doth speake almoste in effecte 832 ‘where loue is not, no vertue is perfecte.’
[Sidenote: [sign. C. vi.]]
[Sidenote: Pray God to give thee Charity and Patience, to lead thee to Virtue’s School, and thence to Eternal Bliss.]
Desire then god to assiste thee with his grace 836 Charitie to vse and pacience to imbrace; These three folowinge will thee instructe, 840 That to vertues schoole they wyll thee conducte, And from vertues schoole to eternall blisse 844 where incessaunt ioie continually is.
[Headnote: AGAINST SWEARING.]
[Sidenote: Against Swearing.]
¶ A-gainge (so) the horrible vice of swearynge.
Cap. xi.
[Sidenote: Take not God’s name in vain, or He will plague thee.]
++In vaine take not the name of god; 848 Swere not at all for feare of his rod. The house with plagues he threteneth to visit 852
[Sidenote: [sign. C. vi.b.]]
where othes are vsed: they shall not escape it. Iuste are his iudgementes, and true is his worde, 856 And sharper then is a two edged sworde;
[Sidenote: Beware of His wrath, and live well in thy vocation.]
wherfore beware thou his heauy indignacion, 860 And learne to lyue well in thy vocacion wherin that god shall thee set or call; 864 Rysinge againe-- if it fortune to fall-- By prayer and repentance, whiche is the onely waie. 868 Christ wolde not the death of a sinner, I saye, But rather he turne From his wickednesse, 872 And so to lyue in vertue and goodnesse.
[Sidenote: [sign. C. vii.]]
[Sidenote: What is the good of swearing?]
what better art thou for this thy swearyng 876 Blasfamouslye, the name of god tearyng?
[Sidenote: It kindles God’s wrath against thee.]
Prouokynge his yre and kyndlinge his wrath 880 Thee for to plauge, that geuinge the hath Knowlage and reason thy selfe for to rule, 884 And for to flee the thynge that is euyl.
[Sidenote: Seneca.]
Senica doth councell thee all swerynge to refrayne, 888 Although great profite by it thou mighte gaine:
[Sidenote: Pericles.]
Pericles, whose wordes are manifeste and playne, 892 From sweryng admonisheth thee to obstaine;
[Sidenote: God’s law forbids swearing, and so does the counsel of Philosophers.]
The lawe of god, and commaundement he gaue, 896
[Sidenote: [sign. C. vii.b.] Swearynge amongst vs in no wyse wolde haue. The councell of philosoph[ers] I haue here expreste, 900 Amongest whom sweryng was vtterly deteste; Much lesse amongest christians ought it to be vsed, 904 But vtterly of them cleane to be refused.
[Sidenote: Against filthy talking.]
¶ A-gainste the vice of filthy talkynge. Cap. xii.
[Sidenote: Never talk dirt.]
++No filthy taulke in no wise vse, 908 Thy tonge therby for to abuse.
[Sidenote: For every word we shall give account at the Day of Doom, and be judged according to our deeds.]
Of euery idell worde an accumpte we shall render;-- 912 All men I woulde this sayinge to remember;--
[Sidenote: [sign. C. viii.]]
To god for it at the generall daie 916 In earnest or sporte we shall speake or saie; whiche daye to the iuste shallbe most ioyfull, 920 And to the wicked againe as wofull. As we here doe, so shall we receaue, 924 Vnles we repente and mercy of god craue. If god wyll deale with vs so straight 928 For thinges that be of so small waight,
[Sidenote: Let lewd livers then fear.]
Then haue we cause to feare and dreade, 932 Our lyues lewdly if we haue leade.
[Sidenote: Keep your tongue from vain talking.]
[Sidenote: [sign. C. viii.b.]]
Thy tonge take hede thou doe refrayne 936 From speakyng wordes that are moste vayne;
[Sidenote: Aristot.]
Thy wyll and witte to goodnes applie, 940 Thy mynde exercise in vertuous studie.
[Headnote: AGAINST LYING.]
[Sidenote: Against Lying.]
¶ A-gainste the vice of lyinge. Capitulo .xiii.
[Sidenote: Plato.]
++To forge, to fayne, to flater and lye, 944 Requiere diuers collours with wordes fayre and slye,
[Sidenote: To speak the truth needs no study, therefore always practise it and speak it.]
But the vtteraunce of truthe is so simple and playne 948 That it nedeth no studie to forge or to fayne; wherfore saye truth, how euer stand the case, 952 So shalte thou fynde more fauour and grace. Vse truthe, and say truth, in that thou goest aboute, 956 For tyme of althinges the truthe wyll bringe out.
[Sidenote: [sign. D. i.]]
[Sidenote: Shame is the reward of lying.]
Shame is the rewarde For lying dewe; 960 Then auoyde shame, and vtter wordes trewe. A lyar by his lying this profet doth get, 964 That whan he saith truth no man wyll him credet;
[Sidenote: Always speak the truth.]
Then let thy talke with the truth agree, 968 And blamed for it thou shalte neuer bee.
[Sidenote: Who can trust a liar?]
Howe maie a man a lyer ought truste? 972 But doubte his dedes, his woordes being vniuste. In tellyng of truth there lougeth no shame, 976 Where vttring of lyes deserueth much blame;
[Sidenote: If a lie saves you once, it deceives you thrice.]
And though a lye from stripes ye once saue, 980
[Sidenote: [sign. D. i.b.]]
Thrise for that once it wyll the desceue; Truste then to truth, and neither forge nor fayne, 984 And followe these preceptes: from liyng do refraine.
[Headnote: A NIGHTLY PRAYER.]
[Sidenote: A bedward Prayer.]
¶ A praier to be saide when thou goest to bedde.
[Sidenote: God of mercy, take us into Thy care.]
++O Mercifull god! heare this our requeste, 988 And graunte vnto vs this nighte quiet reste. Into thy tuicion, oh lorde, do vs take! 992 Our bodies slepynge, our myndes yet maie wake.
[Sidenote: Forgive us our sins.]
Forgeue the offences this daye we haue wroughte 996 A-gainste thee and our neighbour in worde, dede, and thoughte! And graunte vs thy grace hense forth to flie sinne, 1000
[Sidenote: [sign. D. ii.]]
[Sidenote: Deliver us from evil, and our enemy the Devil.]
And that a newe lyfe we maie nowe beginne! Deliuer and defende vs this night from all euell, 1004 And from the daunger of our enemie, the diuell, whiche goeth a-boute sekyng his praie, 1008 And by his crafte whom we maie betraie.
[Sidenote: Assist us to conquer him and ascribe all honour to Thee.]
Assiste vs, oh lorde, with thy holy sprite, 1012 That valiantly against him we maie euer fighte; And winning the victorie, maie lifte vp our voice, 1016 And in his strength faithfully reioice, Saying, “to the lorde be all honour and praise 1020 For his defence bothe now and alwaies!”
[Transcriber’s Note:
In the following segment, the numbers 1, 2, 3... from the original text are used as sidenote markers. There are no footnotes.]
[Headnote: THE DUTY OF ALL DEGREES OF MEN.]
[Sidenote: [sign. D. ii.b.]]
[Sidenote: Each one’s Duty.]
¶ the dutie of eche degred. (so) brefely declared.
[Sidenote: The Duty of [1] Princes, [2] Judges, [3] Prelates, [4] Parents, [5] Children, [6] Masters, [7] Servants, [8] Husbands.]
1 ++Ye princes, that the earth rule and gouerne, 1024 Seke ye for knowledge doubtes to discerne. 2 Ye iudges, geue iudgement according to righte 1028 As may be founde acceptable in the lordes sight. 3 Ye prelates, preache purely the worde of our lorde, 1032 That your liuings & prechinges in one maie accorde. 4 Ye fathers and mothers, so your children instructe 1036 As maye them to grace and uertue conducte.
[Sidenote: [sign. D. iii.]]
5 Ye chyldren, lykewyse obey your pare{n}tes here; 1040 In all godlinesse see that ye them feare. 6 Ye maisters, do you the thynge that is righte 1044 Not lokynge what ye may do by mighte. 7 Ye seruauntes, applie your busines and arte, 1048 Doinge the same in singlenesse of harte. 8 Ye husbandes, loue your wyues, and with them dwell, 1052 All bitternesse set aparte, vsing wordes gentell.
[Sidenote: The Duty of [9] Wives, [10] Parsons and Vicars, [11] Men of Law, [12] Craftsmen, [13] Landlords, [14] Merchants, [15] Subjects, [16] Rich Men, [17] Poor Men, [18] Magistrates, [19] Officers,]
9 Ye wyues, to your husbandes be obedient alwaie, 1056
[Sidenote: [sign. D. iii.b.]]
For they are your heades, and ye bounde to obeie. 10 Ye persons and vickers that haue cure and charge, 1060 Take hede to the same, and roue not at large. 11 Ye men of lawe, in no wyse delaie 1064 The cause of the poore, but helpe what ye maie. 12 Ye that be craftes men, vse no disceite, 1068 Geuing to all men tale, measure, and weighte. 13 Ye that be landlordes and haue housen to let, 1072 At reasonable rentes do them forth set.
[Sidenote: [sign. D. iiii.]]
14 Ye merchauntes that vse the trade of merchandise, 1076 Vse lawfull wares and reasonable prise. 15 Ye subiectes, lyue ye in obedience and awe, 1080 Fearyng gods stroke, and daunger of the lawe. 16 Ye rych, whom god hath goods vnto sente, 1084 Releue the poore and helpe the indigente. 17 Ye that are poore, with your state be contente, 1088 Not hauinge wherwith to lyue competente. 18 Ye magestrates, the cause of the widdow and fatherles 1092
[Sidenote: [sign. D. iiii.b.]]
Defende againste suche as shall them opresse. 19 All ye that are called to any other office, 1096 Execute the same acordinge to iustice.
[Sidenote: The Duty of all Men.]
20 Let eche here so liue in his vocacion, 1100 As maie his soule saue, and profet his nacion.
[Sidenote: God grant us all to live and die well!]
21 This graunting god, that sitteth on hie, 1104 we shall here well lyue and after well die.
+Famam virtutis mors Abolire nequit quod. F. S.+
¶ Imprinted at London in Paules Churchyearde. By william Seares.
* * * * * * * * *
Whate-ever thow sey, avyse thee welle!
[MS. O. 9. 38. Trinity College, Cambridge.]
Almyȝty godde, conserue vs fram care! Where ys thys worle A-wey y-wente?
[Sidenote: A man must mind what he says; hearts are fickle and fell.]
A man that schold speke, had nede to be ware, ffor lytyl thyng he may be schente; 4 Tonggys beth y-turne to lyther entente; Hertys, they beth bothe fykel and felle; Man, be ware leste thow repente! Whate eu{er} thow sey, A-vyse the welle! 8
[Sidenote: Take care what you say.]
A-vyse the, man, yn whate place and whare A woord of conseyl thow doyst seyne;
[Sidenote: A false friend may hear it, and after a year or two will repeat it.]
Sum man may ley ther-to hys ere; Thow wenyst he be thy frend; he ys thy foo c{er}teyne; 12 P{er}aventor aftyr A ȝere or tweyne-- Thow trowyst as tru as eny stele,-- Thys woord yn wreth thow schalt hyre A-gayne! Whate eu{er} thow sey, A-vyse the welle! 16
[Sidenote: Hasty speech hurts hearer and speaker.]
Meny man spekyth yn hastenys: hyt hyndryth hym and eke hys frende; hym were well{e} beter his tong{e} to sese Than they both ther-for be schende. 20 Suche wordys beth not to be had yn meynde, hyt makyȝt comforte w{i}t{h} care to kele:
[Sidenote: In the beginning, think on the end.]
Man, yn the begynnyng thenk on þe eynde! Whate eu{er} thow sey, A-vyse the welle! 24
[Sidenote: You tell a man a secret, and he’ll betray it for a drink of wine.]
To sum man thow mayste tel a pryuy tale: Whan he fro the ys wente A-way, ffor a drawȝt of wyne other ale he woll{e} the wrey, by my fay, 28 And make hyt worse (hyt ys noo nay) Than eu{er} hyt was, A thowsend dele.
[Sidenote: Mind what you say.]
Thys ys my song{e} both nyȝt & day, Whate eu{er} thow sey, A-vyse the welle! 32
[Sidenote: Avoid backbiting and flattering; refrain from malice, and bragging.]
Be ware of bagbytynge, y the rede; ley flateryng{e} vndyr thy foote, loke; Deme the beste of eu{er}y dede Tyll{e} trowth haue serchyd truly þe roote; 36 Rrefrayne malyce cruell{e} & hoote; Dyscretly and wysly speende thy spelle; Boost ne brag{e} ys worth A Ioote; Whate eu{er} thow sey, A-vyse the welle! 40
[Sidenote: A venomous tongue causes sorrow.]
Dysese, wharre, sorowe and debate, ys caused ofte by venemys tong{e};
[Sidenote: When words are said, regret is too late.]
haddywyst cometh eu{er} to late Whan lewyd woordis beth owte y-sprong{e}. 44 The kocke seyth wysly on his song{e} ‘hyre and see, and hold the stylle,’ And eu{er} kepe thys lesson A-mong{e},
[Sidenote: Mind what you say.]
Whate eu{er} thow sey, A-vyse the welle! 48
[Sidenote: Had men thought of this, many things done in England would never have been begun.]
y dere well{e} swery by the sonne, yf eu{er}y man had thys woord yn thowȝt Meny thynggis had neu{er} be by-gunne That ofte yn Ingelond hath be y-wroȝt. 52
[Sidenote: See The Wise Man, in Babees Boke, &c. p. 48.]
The wyse man hath hys sone y-tawȝtte yn ryches, poorte, woo, and welle, Thys worthy reson for-ȝete thow noȝt, Whate eu{er} thow sey, A-vyse the welle! 56
[Sidenote: To speak aright observe six things: 1. what; 2. of whom; 3. where; 4. to whom; 5. why; 6. when.]
yf that thow wolte speke A-ryȝt, Ssyx thynggys thow moste obserue then: What thow spekyst, & of what wyȝt, Whare, to wham, whye, and whenne. 60 Thow noost how soone thow schalt go henne; As lome be meke, as serpent felle;
[Sidenote: In every place mind what you say.]
yn eu{er}y place, A-monge all{e} men, Whate eu{er} thow sey, A-vyse the welle! 64
[Sidenote: Almighty God, grant me grace to serve Thee!]
“Almyȝty god yn personys thre, W{i}t{h} herte mylde mekly y praye, Graunte me grace thy seruant to be Yn woorde and dede eu{er} and aye! 68
[Sidenote: Mary, mother, send me grace night and day!]
Mary, moder, blessyd maye, Quene of hevyn, Imp{er}es of helle, Sende me grace both nyȝt and daye!” Whate eu{er} thow sey, A-vyse the welle! 72
EXPLICIT &c.
* * * * * * * * *
A Dogg Lardyner, & a Sowe Gardyner.
[MS. O. 9. 38. Trinity College, Cambridge.]
_Printed in Reliquiæ Antiquæ, v. i. p. 233, from MS. Lansdowne No. 762, fol. 16 b._
[Sidenote: A dog in a larder, a sow in a garden, a fool with wise men, are ill matcht.]
hoo so makyȝt at crystysmas A dogg{e} lardyner, And yn march A sowe gardyner, And yn may A foole of every wysmanys counsayll{e}, he schall{e} neu{er} haue goode larder, ne fayre gardyn, nother counsayll{e} well{e} y-keptt.
* * * * * * * * *
Maxims in -ly.
[_MS. Lansdowne 762, fol. 16 b, written as prose. Printed in Reliquiæ Antiquæ, v. i. p. 233.]
Aryse erly, serue God devowtely and the worlde besely, doo thy werk wisely, yeue thyn{e} almes secretely, goo by the waye sadly, answer the people demuerly, goo to thy mete apetitely, sit therat discretely, of thy tunge be not to lib{er}ally, arise therfrom temp{er}ally, go to thy supper soberly and to thy bed merely, be in thyn Inne iocundely, please thy loue duely, and Slepe suerly.
* * * * * * * * *
Roger Ascham’s Advice
to
Lord Warwick’s Servant.
With the different counsels to babees, pages, and servants, throughout this volume, may be compared Roger Ascham’s advice to his brother-in-law, Mr C. H., when he put him to service with the Earl of Warwick, A.D. 1559. Here follows part of it, from Whitaker’s Hist. of Richmondshire, p. 282.
First and formost, in all your thoughts, words, and deeds, [a]have before your eyes the feare of God..... [b] love and serve your lord willingly, faithfullye, and secretlye; love and live with your fellowes honestly, quiettlye, curteouslye, that noe man have cause either to hate yow for your stubborne frowardnes, or to malice yow for your proud ungentlenes, two faults which co{m}monly yonge men soones[t] fall into in great men’s service. [c] Contemne noe poore man, mocke noe simple man, w{hi}ch proud fooles in cort like and love to doe; find fault with your selfe and with none other, the best waye to live honestlye and quiettly in the court. [d] Carrye noe tales, be noe co{m}mon teller of newes, be not inquisitive of other menn’s talke, for those that are desirous to heare what they need not, co{m}monly be readye to babble what they shold not. [e] Vse not to lye, for that is vnhonest; speake not everye truth, for that is vnneedfull; yea, in tyme and place a harmlesse lye is a greate deale better then a hurtfull truth. [f] Use not dyceing nor carding; the more yow use them the lesse yow wilbe esteemed; the cunninger yow be at them the worse man yow wilbe counted. [g] for pastime, love and learne that w{hi}ch your lord liketh and vseth most, whether itt be rydeing, shooteing, hunting, hawkeing, fishing or any such exercise. Beware of secrett corners and night sitting vp, the two nurses of mischiefe, unthriftines, losse, and sicknes. [h] Beware cheifely of ydlenes, the great pathway that leadeth directly to all evills; be diligent alwayes, be present every where in your lord’s service, [i] be at hand to call others, and be not ofte sent for yourselfe; for marke this as part of your creed, that the good service of one whole yeare shall never gett soe much as the absence of one howre may lose, when your lord shall stand in need of yow to send. if yow consider alwayes that absence and negligence must needes be cause of greife and sorrowe to your selfe, of chideing and rueing to your lord, and that [k] dutye done diligently and presently shall gaine yow profitt, and purchase yow great praise and your lord’s good countenance, yow shall ridd me of care, and wynne your selfe creditt, make me a gladd man, and your aged mother a ioyfull woman, and breed your freinds great comforth. [l] Soe I comitt and co{m}mend yow to God’s mercifull protecc{i}on and good guidance, who long preserve Your ever loving and affectionate brother in lawe.
R. ASKAM.
To my loveing Brother in Lawe, Mr C. H., Servant to the Rt. Ho{n}. the Earle of Warwick, these.
[Sidenotes: [a] Fear God, [b] serve your lord faithfully, be courteous to your fellows. [c] Despise no poor man. [d] Carry no tales. [e] Tell no lies. [f] Don’t play at dice or cards. [g] Take to your lord’s favourite sport. [h] Beware of idleness. [i] Always be at hand when you’re wanted. [k] Diligence will get you praise. [l] God be with you!]
* * * * * * * * *
Errata (noted by transcriber):
Booke of Demeanor:
[Sidenote: [p. 11.]] [p. 1.]
Bp. Grossetest’s Household Statutes:
Incipiunt statuta familie bone Memorie do{m}pni [{m} damaged or unclear: looks like n with following space] T the secunde ys [from editor’s Corrigenda: The T of T the is used as a paragraph mark in the MS.]
The Schoole of Vertue:
ll. 27-40 [Sidenote: ... to our live’s end.”] [apostrophe unchanged] l. 32 and kepe thy co{m}maundmentes; [“co{m}maund/mentes” at line break without hyphen] l. 55 It dulles the the wyt [text unchanged] l. 40, 48, 82, 976 [line number missing] l. 305 [Sidenote: Grace before meate.] [This sidenote is in large type and was in the original book; the following “Grace before Meat” is in ordinary small type and was added by the editor.] ll. 321, 322 [The absent line is shown as 321.] l. 1104 [misprinted 1102, and see Transcriber’s Note at beginning of selection]
Ascham’s Advice:
in great men’s service [’ invisible]
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Babees Book,
OR A ‘LYTYL REPORTE’ OF HOW YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD BEHAVE.
[MS. Harl. 5086, fol. 86-90; ab. 1475 A.D.]
[Transcriber’s Note:
In the printed book, some line numbers were shifted to avoid collision with the pilcrow symbol at the beginning of each seven-line stanza. For this e-text, line numbers have been regularized to multiples of 4.]
++In this tretys the which{e} I thenke to wryte Out of latyn in-to my comvne langage, He me supporte (sen I kan nat endyte), The which{e} only after his owne ymage 4 Fourmyd man-kynde! For alle of tendre age In curtesye Resseyve shulle document, And vertues knowe, by this lytil coment.
[Sidenote: My God, support me while I translate this treatise from Latin. It shall teach those of tender age.]
¶ And Facett seyth{e} the Book of curtesye, 8 Vertues to knowe, thaym forto haue and vse, Is thing moste heelfull{e} in this worlde trevly. Therfore in feyth{e} I wole me nat excuse From this labour ywys, nor hit Refuse; 12 For myn owne lernynge wole I say su{m}me thing That touchis vertues and curtesye havyng.
[Sidenote: To know and practise virtues is the most profitable thing in the world.]
¶ But, O yonge Babees, whom{e} bloode Royall{e} With{e} grace, Feture, and hyh{e} habylite 16 Hath{e} eno{ur}myd, on yow ys that I call{e} To knowe this Book; for it were grete pyte, Syn that in yow ys sette sovereyne beaute, But yf vertue and nurture were with{e} all{e}; 20 To yow therefore I speke in specyall{e},
[Sidenote: Young Babies, adorned with grace, I call on you to know this book (for Nurture should accompany beauty),]
¶ And nouht{e} to hem of elde that ben{e} experte In governau{n}ce, nurture, and honeste. For what nedys to yeve helle peynes smerte, 24 Ioye vnto hevene, or water vnto the see,
[Sidenote: [Fol. 86b.]]
Heete to the Fyre that kan nat but hoote be? It nedys nouht{e}: therfore, O Babees yynge, My Book only is made for youre lernynge. 28
[Sidenote: and not on aged men expert therein. Why add pain to hell, water to the sea, or heat to fire? Babies, my book is for you only,]
¶ Therfore I pray that no man Reprehende This lytyl Book, the which{e} for yow I make; But where defaute ys, latte ylke man amende, And nouht{e} deme yt; [I] pray thaym for youre sake. 32 For other mede ywys I kepe noon{e} take But that god wolde this Book myht{e} yche man plese, And in lernynge vnto yow do{n}ne so{m}me ese.
[Sidenote: and so I hope no one will find fault with it, but only amend it. The only reward I seek is that my book may please all and improve you.]
¶ Eke, swete children, yf ther{e} be eny worde 36 That yee ke{n}ne nouht{e}, spyrre whils yee yt ken; Wha{n}ne yee yt knowe, yee mowe holde yt in horde, Thus thurh{e} spyrryng yee mowe lerne at wyse men. Also thenke nouht{e} to st{ra}ungely at my penne, 40 In this metre for yow lyste to procede, Men vsen yt; therfore on hit take hede.
[Sidenote: If you don’t know any word in it, ask till you do, and then keep hold of it. And do not wonder at this being in metre.]
¶ But amonge alle that I thenke of to telle, My purpos ys first only forto trete 44 How yee Babees in housholde that done duelle Shulde haue your{e} sylf whe{n}ne yee be sette at mete, And how yee shulde, whe{n}ne men lyste yow Rehete, Haue wordes lovly, swete, bleste, and benyngne. 48 In this helpe me O Marie, Modir dyngne!
[Sidenote: I must first describe how you Babies who dwell in households should behave at meals, and be ready with lovely and benign words when you are spoken to.]
¶ And eke, O lady myn, Facecia! My pe{n}ne thow guyde, and helpe vnto me shewe;
[Sidenote: [Fol. 87.]]
For as the firste off alle lettres ys the A, 52 So Artow firste Modir of alle vertue. Off myn vnku{n}nynge, swete lady, now Rewe; And thouh{e} vntauht{e} I speke of governau{n}ce, With{e} thy swete helpe supporte myn ygnorau{n}ce. 56
[Sidenote: Lady Facetia, help me! Thou art the Mother of all Virtue. Help the ignorance of me untaught!]
++A, Bele Babees, herkne now to my lore! Whe{n}ne yee entre into yo{ur} lordis place, Say first, “god spede;” And alle that ben byfore Yow in this stede, salue with{e} humble Face; 60 Stert nat Rudely; ko{m}me Inne an esy pace; Holde vp youre heede, and knele but on oone kne To youre sovereyne or lorde, whedir he be.
[Sidenote: Fair Babies, when you enter your lord’s place, say “God speed,” and salute all there. Kneel on one knee to your lord.]
¶ And yf they speke with{e} yow at youre komynge, 64 With{e} stable Eye loke vpon{e} theym Riht{e}, To theyre tales and yeve yee goode herynge Whils they haue seyde; loke eke with{e} alle yo{ur} myht{e} Yee Iangle nouht{e}, also caste nouht{e} yo{ur} syht{e} 68 Aboute the hovs, but take to theym entent With{e} blyth{e} vysage, and spiryt diligent.
[Sidenote: If any speak to you, look straight at them, and listen well till they have finished; do not chatter or let your eyes wander about the house.]
¶ Whe{n}ne yee Answere or speke, yee shull{e} be purveyde What yee shall{e} say / speke eke thing fructuous; 72 On esy wyse latte thy Reson{e} be sayde
[Sidenote: [Fol. 87b.]]
In wordes gentyll{e} and also compendious, For many wordes ben riht{e} Tedious To ylke wyseman that shall{e} yeve audience; 76 Thaym to eschewe therfore doo diligence.
[Sidenote: Answer sensibly, shortly, and easily. Many words are a bore to a wise man.]
¶ Take eke noo seete, but to stonde be yee preste; Whils forto sytte ye haue in komau{n}dement, Youre heede, youre hande, yo{ur} feet, holde yee in reste; 80 Nor thurh{e} clowyng, yo{ur} flesshe loke yee nat Rent; Lene to no poste whils that ye stande present Byfore yo{ur} lorde, nor handyll{e} ye no thyng Als for that tyme vnto the hovs touching. 84
[Sidenote: Stand till you are told to sit: keep your head, hands, and feet quiet: don’t scratch yourself, or lean against a post, or handle anything near.]
¶ At eu{er}y tyme obeye vnto youre lorde Whe{n}ne yee answere, ellis stonde yee styl as stone But yf he speke; loke with{e} oon accorde That yf yee se ko{m}me Inne eny p{er}sone 88 Better tha{n}ne yee, that yee goo bak anoone And gyff him place; your{e} bak eke in no way Turne on no wiht{e}, as ferforth{e} as ye may.
[Sidenote: Bow to your lord when you answer. If any one better than yourself comes in, retire and give place to him. Turn your back on no man.]
¶ Yiff that youre lorde also yee se drynkynge, 92 Looke that ye be in riht{e} stable sylence With{e}-oute lowde lauht{e}re or Iangelynge, Rovnynge, Iapynge, or other Insolence. Yiff he komau{n}de also in his presence 96 Yow forto sytte, fulfill{e} his wylle belyve, And for youre seete, looke nat with{e} other stryve,
[Sidenote: Be silent while your lord drinks, not laughing, whispering, or joking. If he tells you to sit down, do so at once.]
¶ Whe{n}ne yee er sette, take noon{e} vnhoneste tale;
[Sidenote: [Fol. 88.]]
Eke forto skorne eschewe with{e} alle yo{ur} myht{e}; 100 Latte ay youre chere be lowly, blyth{e}, and hale, With{e}-oute chidynge as that yee wolde fyht{e}. Yiff yee p{er}ceyve also that eny wiht{e} Lyst yow ko{m}mende that better be tha{n}ne yee, 104 Ryse vp anoon{e}, and thanke him with{e} herte free.
[Sidenote: Then don’t talk dirt, or scorn any one, but be meek and cheerful. If your better praises you, rise up and thank him heartily.]
¶ Yif that yee se youre lorde or y{o}ure lady Touching the housholde speke of eny thinge, Latt theym alloone, for that is curtesy, 108 And entremete yow nouht{e} of theyre doynge, But be Ay Redy with{e}-oute feynynge At hable tyme to done yo{ur} lorde service, So shall{e} yee gete anoon{e} a name of price. 112
[Sidenote: When your lord or lady is speaking about the household, don’t you interfere, but be always ready to serve at the proper time,]
¶ Also to brynge drynke, holde liht{e} wha{n}ne tyme ys, Or to doo that which{e} ouht{e} forto be done, Looke yee be preste, for so yee shall{e} ywys In nurture gete a gentyl name ful sone; 116 And yif ye shulde at god aske yow a bone Als to the worlde, better in noo degre Miht{e} yee desire tha{n}ne nurtred forto be.
[Sidenote: to bring drink, hold lights, or anything else, and so get a good name. The best prayer you can make to God is to be well mannered.]
¶ Yif that youre lorde his owne coppe lyste co{m}mende 120 To yow to drynke, ryse vp wha{n}ne yee it take, And resseyve it goodly with{e} booth{e} youre hende; Of yt also to nõõne other profre ye make, But vnto him that brouht{e} yt yee hit take 124
[Sidenote: [Fol. 88b.]]
Whe{n}ne yee haue done, for yt in no kyn wyse Auht{e} comvne be, as techis vs the wyse.
[Sidenote: If your lord offers you his cup, rise up, take it with both hands, offer it to no one else, but give it back to him that brought it.]
¶ Now must I telle in shorte, for I muste so, Youre observau{n}ce that ye shall{e} done at none; 128 Whe{n}ne that ye se youre lorde to mete shall{e} goo, Be redy to fecche him water sone; Su{m}me helle[1] water; su{m}me holde to he hath{e} done The cloth{e} to him; And from him yee nat pace 132 Whils he be sette, and haue herde sayde the grace.
[Sidenote: At Noon, when your lord is ready for dinner, some pour water on him, some hold the towel for him till he has finished, and don’t leave till grace is said.]
¶ Byfore him stonde whils he komau{n}de yow sytte, With{e} clene handes Ay Redy him to serve; Whe{n}ne yee be sette, yo{ur} knyf with{e} alle yo{ur} wytte 136 Vnto youre sylf both{e} clene and sharpe conserve, That honestly yee mowe yo{ur} owne mete kerve. Latte curtesye and sylence with{e} yow duelle, And foule tales looke noone to other telle. 140
[Sidenote: Stand by your lord till he tells you to sit, then keep your knife clean and sharp to cut your food. Be silent, and tell no nasty stories.]
¶ Kutte with{e} yo{ur} knyf yo{ur} brede, and breke yt nouht{e}; A clene Trenchour byfore yow eke ye lay, And whe{n}ne yo{ur} potage to yow shall{e} be brouht{e}, Take yow sponys, and soupe by no way, 144 And in youre dysshe leve nat yo{ur} spone, I pray, Nor on the borde lenynge be yee nat sene, But from embrowyng the cloth{e} yee kepe clene.
[Sidenote: Cut your bread, don’t break it. Lay a clean trencher before you, and eat your broth with a spoon, don’t sup it up. Don’t leave your spoon in your dish. Don’t lean on the table, or dirty the cloth.]
¶ Oute ou{er}e youre dysshe yo{ur} heede yee nat hynge, 148 And with{e} fulle mouth{e} drynke in no wyse; Youre nose, yo{ur} teeth{e}, yo{ur} naylles, from pykynge,
[Sidenote: [Fol. 89.]]
Kepe At your mete, for so techis the wyse. Eke or ye take in youre mouthe, yow avyse, 152 So mekyl mete but that yee riht{e} well{e} mowe Answere, And speke, whe{n}ne men speke to yow.
[Sidenote: Don’t hang your head over your dish, or eat with a full mouth, or pick your nose, teeth, and nails, or stuff your mouth so that you can’t speak.]
¶ Wha{n}ne ye shall{e} drynke, yo{ur} mouthe clence with{e} A cloth{e}; Youre handes eke that they in no manere 156 Imbrowe the cuppe, for tha{n}ne shull{e} noon{e} be loth{e} With{e} yow to drynke that ben with{e} yow yfere. The salte also touche nat in his salere With{e} nokyns mete, but lay it honestly 160 On youre Trenchoure, for that is curtesy.
[Sidenote: Wipe your mouth when you drink, and don’t dirty the cup with your hands. Don’t dip your meat in the salt-cellar,]
¶ Youre knyf with{e} mete to yo{ur} mouthe nat bere, And in youre hande nor holdẽ yee yt no way; Eke yf to yow be brouht{e} goode metys sere, 164 Luke curteysly of ylke mete yee assay, And yf yo{ur} dysshe with{e} mete be tane away And better brouht{e}, curtesye wole certeyne Yee late yt passe and calle it nat ageyne. 168
[Sidenote: or put your knife in your mouth. Taste every dish that’s brought to you, and when once your plate is taken away, don’t ask for it again.]
¶ And yf st{ra}ungers with{e} yow be sette at mete, And vnto yow goode mete be brouht{e} or sente, With{e} parte of hit goodely yee theym Rehete, For yt ys nouht{e} ywys convenyent 172 With{e} yow at mete, wha{n}ne other ben present, Alle forto holde that vnto yow ys brouht{e}, And as wrecches on other vouchesauf nouht{e}.
[Sidenote: If strangers dine with you, share all good food sent to you with them. It’s not polite to keep it all to yourself.]
[Sidenote: [Fol. 89b.]]
¶ Kutte nouht{e} youre mete eke as it were Felde men, 176 That to theyre mete haue suche an appetyte That they ne rekke in what wyse, where ne when, Nor how vngoodly they on theyre mete twyte; But, swete children, haue al-wey yo{ur} delyte 180 In curtesye, and in verrey gentylnesse, And at youre myht{e} eschewe boystousnesse.
[Sidenote: Don’t cut your meat like field labourers, who have such an appetite they don’t care how they hack their food. Sweet children, let your delight be courtesy, and eschew rudeness.]
¶ Wha{n}ne chese ys brouht{e}, A Trenchoure ha ye clene On which{e} with{e} clene knyf [ye] yo{ur} chese mowe kerve; 184 In your fedynge luke goodly yee be sene. And from Iangelyng yo{ur} tunge al-wey conserve, For so ywys yee shall{e} a name deserve Off gentylnesse and of goode governau{n}ce, 188 And in vertue al-wey youre silf avau{n}ce.
[Sidenote: Have a clean trencher and knife for your cheese, and eat properly. Don’t chatter either, and you shall get a good repute for gentleness.]
¶ Wha{n}ne that so ys that ende shall{e} kome of mete, Youre knyffes clene, where they ouht{e} to be, Luke yee putte vp{pe}; and holde eke yee yo{ur} seete 192 Whils yee haue wasshe, for so wole honeste. Whe{n}ne yee haue done, looke tha{n}ne goodly that yee With{e}-oute lauht{e}r{e}, Iapynge, or boystous worde, Ryse vp{pe}, and goo vnto youre lordis borde, 196
[Sidenote: When the meal is over, clean your knives, and put them in their places; keep your seats till you’ve washed; then rise up without laughing or joking, and go to your lord’s table.]
¶ And stonde yee there, and passe yee him nat fro Whils grace ys sayde and brouht{e} vnto an ende, Tha{n}ne so{m}me of yow for water owe to goo, So{m}me holde the clothe, so{m}me poure vpõn his hende. 200
[Sidenote: [Fol. 90.]]
Other service tha{n}ne this I myht{e} comende To yow to done, but, for the tyme is shorte, I putte theym nouht{e} in this lytyl Reporte,
[Sidenote: Stand there till grace is said. Then some of you go for water, some hold the towel, some pour water over his hands. Other things I shall not put in this little Report,]
¶ But ou{er}e I passe, prayyng with{e} spyrit gladde 204 Of this labour that no wiht{e} me detray, But where to lytyl ys, latte him more adde, And whe{n}ne to myche ys, latte him take away; For thouh{e} I wolde, tyme wole that I no more say; 208 I leve therfore, And this Book I directe To eu{er}y wiht{e} that lyste yt to correcte.
[Sidenote: but skip over, praying that no one will abuse me for this work. Let readers add or take away: I address it to every one who likes to correct it.]
¶ And, swete children, for whos love now I write, I yow beseche with{e} verrey lovande herte, 212 To knowe this book that yee sette yo{ur} delyte; And myht{e}full{e} god, that suffred peynes smerte, In curtesye he make yow so experte, That thurh{e} yo{ur} nurture and youre governau{n}ce 216 In lastynge blysse yee mowe yo{ur} self auau{n}ce!
[Sidenote: Sweet children, I beseech you know this book, and may God make you so expert therein that you may attain endless bliss.]
[Footnote 1: helde, pour out; A.S. hyldan, to incline, bend.]
* * * * * * * * *
¶ Lerne or be Lewde.
[Sidenote: [Fol. 90b.]]
To Amerous, to Au{n}terous, ne Angre the nat to muche; To Bolde, ne to Besy, ne Bourde nat to large; To Curteys, to Cruell{e}, ne Care nat to sore; To Dulle, ne to Dredefull{e}, ne Drynke nat to offte; 4 To Elenge, to Excellent, ne to Carefulle neythur; To Fers, ne to Famuler, but Frendely of Chere; To gladde, ne to Glorious, and Gelousy thow hate; To Hasty, to Hardy, ne to Hevy in thyn Herte; 8 To Iettyng, ne to Iangelyng, and Iape nat to ofte; To Kynde, ne to Kepyng, and warr{e} Knavis tacches; To Loth{e}, ne to Lovyng, ne to Lyberall{e} of goode; To Medlous, to Mury, but as goode Maner askith{e}; 12 To noyous, ne to Nyce, ne to Newfangyll{e}; To Orped, to Overtwert, and Othes, s{ir}, thow hate; To Preysyng, to Preve with{e} Prynces and Dukes; To Queynt, to Querelous, and Queme well{e} thy maistre; 16 To Riotous, to Revelyng, ne Rage nat to muche; To Strau{n}ge, ne to Steryng, ne Stare nat abroode; To Toyllous, to Talevys, for Temp{er}au{n}ce it hatith{e}; To Vengable, to Envious, and waste nat to muche; 20 To Wylde, to Wrathefull{e}, and Wade nat to depe; A Mesurable Mene way ys beste for vs alle;
¶ Yitte. Lerne. or. Be. Lewde.
[Sidenotes: Don’t be too loving or angry, bold or busy, courteous or cruel or cowardly, and don’t drink too often, [E] or be too lofty or anxious, but friendly of cheer. [G] Hate jealousy, be not too hasty or daring; joke not too oft; ware knaves’ tricks. Don’t be too grudging or too liberal, too meddling, [N] too particular, new-fangled, or too daring. Hate oaths and [P] flattery. [Q] Please well thy master. Don’t be too rackety, [S] or go out too much. [V] Don’t be too revengeful or wrathful, and wade not too deep. The middle path is the best for us all.]
[A Dietary given ‘vnto Kyng Herry v^te’ ‘by Sigismounde, Emp{er}our of Rome,’ follows, leaf 91. The colophon (leaf 98, back) is ‘¶ Thus endith{e} this Dyetarye Compyled And made by Plato and Petrus Lucratus, Grete Philosophers and Astronomers.’]
A complete copy of the A B C Alliterative Poem of which the foregoing LERNE OR BE LEWDE is a fragment, occurs in the Lambeth MS. 853, and is therefore added here.
* * * * * * * * *
The A B C of Aristotle.
[_Lambeth MS. 853, ab. 1430 A.D., page 30, written without breaks._]
++Who-so wilneþ to be wijs, & worschip desiriþ, Lerne he oo lettir, & looke on anothir Of þe .a. b. c. of aristotil: argue not aȝen þat: It is cou{n}cel for riȝt manye clerkis & knyȝtis a þousand, 4 And eek it myȝte ameende a man ful ofte For to leerne lore of oo lettir, & his lijf saue; For to myche of ony þing was neu{er}e holsum. Reede ofte on þis rolle, & rewle þ{o}u þer aftir; 8 Who-so be greued in his goost, gou{er}ne hi{m} bettir; Blame he not þe barn þat þis .a. b. c. made, But wite he his wickid will & his werk aftir; It schal neu{er}e greue a good man þouȝ þe gilti be meendid. 12 Now herkeneþ & heeriþ how y bigy{n}ne.
[Sidenote: [Page 31.]]
+A+ to amerose, to au{n}terose, ne argue not to myche. +B+ to bolde, ne to bisi, ne boorde not to large. +C+ to curteis, to cruel, ne care not to sore. +D+ to dul, ne to dreedful, ne drinke not to ofte. +E+ to elenge, ne to excellent, ne to eernesful neiþ{er}. +F+ to fers, ne to famuler, but freendli of cheere. +G+ to glad, ne to gloriose, & gelosie þou hate. +H+ to hasti, ne to hardi, ne to heuy in þine herte. +I+ to iettynge, ne to iangelinge, ne iape not to ofte. +K+ to kinde, ne to kepynge, & be waar of knaue tacchis. +L+ to looth for to leene, ne to liberal of goodis. +M+ to medelus, ne to myrie, but as mesure wole it meeue. +N+ to noiose, ne to nyce, ne use no new iettis. +O+ to orped, ne to ou{er}þwart, & ooþis þou hate. +P+ to pr{e}sing, ne to p{re}uy w{i}t{h} p{ri}ncis ne w{i}t{h} dukis;
[Sidenote: * Page 32.]
+Q+ to queynte, ne[*] to quarelose, but queeme weel ȝoure souereyns. +R+ to riotus, to reueling, ne rage not to rudeli. +S+ to strau{n}ge, ne to stirynge, ne strau{n}geli to stare. +T+ to toilose, ne to talewijs, for temperau{n}ce is beest. +V+ to venemose, ne to ve{n}iable, & voide al vilonye. +W+ to wielde, ne to wraþful, neiþ{er} waaste, ne waade not to depe,
¶ For a mesurable meene is eu{er}e þe beste of alle.
[“Whi is þis world biloued” follows.]
_See two other copies of this A B C in Harl. MS. 541, fol. 213 and 228._
The copy on fol. 213 has the exordium as prose, thus:
Who so wyll{e} be wyse, and worspyp{pe} to wynne, leerñ he on lettur, and loke vpon an other of the .A. B. C. of Arystotle; nooñ Argument agaynst that. ffor it is counsell{e} for clerk{is} and knyght{is} a thowsand{e}. And also it myght{e} amend{e} a meane man, fulle oft the lernyng of A lettur, and his lyf save. It shal not greve a good man though gylt be amend{e}. rede on this ragment / and rule the theraft{e}r. The copy on fol. 228 has no Introduction.
COLLATION
[Transcriber’s Note:
The following text is repeated from its original location in the Collations and Corrigenda section immediately after the Preface.]
The A B C of Aristotle, Harl. MS. 1706, fol. 94, collated by Mr Brock, omits the prologue, and begins after l. 14 with, “Here be-gynneth{e} Arystoles A B C. made be mayster Benett.”
A, for argue not read Angre the B, omit ne; for not to large read thou nat to brode D, „ „ ; for not read thow nat E, „ „ ; for to eernesful read ne curyons F, for fers, famuler, freendli, read Ferde, familier, frenfull{e} G, omit to; for & gelosie þou hate, read Ne to galaunt never H, for in þine read off I, for iettynge read Iocunde; for iape not to read Ioye thow nat K, omit to and &; for knaue read knaves L, for for to leene read ne to lovyng; for goodis read woordys M, for medelus read Mellous; for but as mesure wole it meeue read ne to besynesse vnleffull{e} N, for ne use no new iettis read ne nought{e} to neffangle O, for ouerþwart read ouertwarth{e}; for & ooþis þou hate read Ne othez to haunte Q, for quarelose read querelous; for weel ȝoure souereyns read men all{e} abowte R, omit the second to; for not to rudeli read thou nat but lyte S, for ne straungeli to stare read Ne starte nat abowte T, for for temperaunce is best read But temp{er}ate euer{e} V, for ne &c. read ne violent Ne waste nat to moche W, for neiþer &c. read Ne to wyse deme the
¶ for is euere þe beste of read ys best for vs
Add =X Y Z= x y wych{e} esed & p{er} se. Tytell{e} Tytell{e} Tytell{e} thañ Esta Amen.
* * * * * * * * *
Urbanitatis.
[MS. Cott. Calig. A. II., ab. 1460 A.D., fol. 88, col. 2.]
Who-so wyll{e} of nurtur lere, Herken to me & ȝe shall{e} here. [a] When þ{o}u comeste be-fore a lorde In halle, yn bowre, or at þe borde, 4 [b] Hoode or kappe þ{o}u of þo. Ere þ{o}u come hym all{e} vn-to, [c] Twyse or þryse w{i}t{h}-oute{n} dowte To þ{a}t lorde þ{o}u moste lowte, 8 W{i}t{h} þy Ryȝth kne lette h{i}t be do, Thy worshyp þ{o}u mayst saue so. [d] Holde of þy cappe & þy hood also Tyll{e} þ{o}u be byden h{i}t on to do; 12 All{e} þe whyle þ{o}u spekest w{i}t{h} hym, [e] Fayr & louely holde vp þy chyn{n}, So aft{ur} þe nurtur of þe book [f] In h{i}s face louely þ{o}u loke; 16 [g] Foot & hond þ{o}u kepe full{e} stylle Fro clawyng or tryppy{n}g, h{i}t ys skylle; [h] Fro spettyng & snetyng kepe þe also; [i] Be p{ri}uy of voydance, & lette h{i}t go. 20 And loke þ{o}u be wyse & fell{e}, [k] And þ{er}to also þ{a}t þow gouerne þe well{e}. [l] In-to þe halle when þ{o}u dost wende Amonge þe genteles gode & hende, 24 [m] Prece þ{o}u not vp to hyȝ for no þy{n}g, Nor for þy hyȝ blood, ner{e} for þy ko{n}ny{n}g, Noþ{ur} to sytte, neþ{ur} to lene, For h{i}t ys neyþ{ur} good ne clene. 28 [n] Lette not þy co{n}tynaunce also abate, For good nurt{ur} wyll{e} saue þy state; Fadyr & modyr, what eu{ur} þey be, Well{e} ys þe chylde þ{a}t may the: 32 [o] In halle, in chambur, or{e} wher{e} þ{o}u gon, Nurtur & good maners makeþ man. To þe nexte degre loke þ{o}u wysely [p] To do hem Reu{er}ence by and by: 36 Do hem no Reu{er}ens, but sette all{e} i{n} Rowe But ȝyf þ{o}u þe bett{ur} do hym knowe.
[Sidenote: [Fol. 86, back, col. 1.]]
To þe mete when þ{o}u art sette, Fayre & honestly thow ete hyt: 40 [q] Fyrste loke þ{a}t þy handes be clene, And þ{a}t þy knyf be sharpe & kene; And cutte þy breed & all{e} þy mete Ryȝth euen as þ{o}u doste h{i}t ete. 44 [r] If þ{o}u sytte be a worthyor man Then þy self thow art on, Suffre hym fyrste to towche þe mete Er{e} þy self any þ{er}-of gete; 48 [s] To þe beste morsell{e} þ{o}u may not stryke Thowȝ þ{o}u neu{ur} so well{e} h{i}t lyke. [t] Also kepe þy hondys fayr{e} & well{e} Fro fylynge of the towell{e}, 52 Ther-on þ{o}u shalt not þy nose wype; Noþ{ur} at þy mete þy toth þ{o}u pyke; [v] To depe i{n} þy cuppe þ{o}u may not synke Thowȝ þ{o}u haue good wyll{e} to drynke, 56 Leste þy eyen water þer{e} by, Then ys hyt no curtesy. [x] Loke yn þy mowth be no mete When þ{o}u begy{n}neste to dry{n}ke or speke; 60 Also when þ{o}u sest any man drynkyng That taketh hede of þy karpyng, Soone a-non þ{o}u sece þy tale, Wheþ{ur} he drynke wyne or Ale. 64 [y] Loke also þ{o}u skorne no mon In what þe[gre] [A] þ{o}u se hym gon; Nor þ{o}u shalte no mon Repreue [B] Ȝyf þ{o}u wylt þy owen worshyp saue, 68 For suche wordys þ{o}u myȝth out kaste Sholde make þe to lyue i{n} euell{e} reste; [z] Close þyn honde yn þy feste, And kepe þe well{e} from hadde-y-wyste. 72
[Sidenote: [Fol. 86, back, col. 2.]]
[aa] In chamb{ur} among ladyes bryȝth, Kepe þy tonge & spende þy syȝth; [ab] Lawȝe þ{o}u not w{i}t{h} no grette cry, Ne Rage þ{o}u not w{i}t{h} Rybawdry. 76 Pley þ{o}u not but w{i}t{h} þy peres; [ac] Ne telle þ{o}u not þ{a}t þ{o}u heres, Nor dyskeuer{e} þ{o}u not [C] þyn owen dede For no myrth nor for no mede; 80 [ad] W{i}t{h} fayr speche þ{o}u may haue þy wyll{e}, And w{i}t{h} þy speche þ{o}u may þe spyll{e}. [ae] Ȝyf þ{o}u suwe a wordyer mon Then þy self þ{o}u art on, 84 Lette þy Ryȝth shold{ur} folow h{i}s bakke, For nurt{ur} þ{a}t ys, w{i}t{h}-owten lakke. [af] When he doth speke, holde þe style; When he hath don, say þy wyll{e}; 88 [ag] Loke yn þy speche þ{o}u be fell{e}, And what þou sayste a-vyse þe well{e}; [ah] And be-refe þ{o}u no mon h{i}s tale, Noþ{ur} at wyne ner{e} at Ale. 92 [ai] Now, c{ri}ste of h{i}s grette g{ra}ce Ȝeue vs all{e} both{e} wytte & space Well{e} þ{i}s to knowe & Rede, [ak] And heuen to haue for o{ur} mede! 96 Amen, Amen, so moot h{i}t be, So saye we all{e} for charyte!
EXPLICIT T{RA}CTUS VRBANITATIS.
[Sidenotes: [a] When you come before a lord [b] take off your cap or hood, [c] and fall on your right knee twice or thrice. [d] Keep your cap off till you’re told to put it on; [e] hold up your chin; [f] look in the lord’s face; [g] keep hand and foot still; [h] don’t spit or snot; [i] get rid of it quietly; [k] behave well. [l] When you go into the hall, [m] don’t press up too high. [n] Don’t be shamefaced. [o] Wherever you go, good manners make the man. [p] Reverence your betters, but treat all equally whom you don’t know. [q] See that your hands are clean, and your knife sharp. [r] Let worthier men help themselves before you eat. [s] Don’t clutch at the best bit. [t] Keep your hands from dirtying the cloth, and don’t wipe your nose on it, [v] or dip too deep in your cup. [x] Have no meat in your mouth when you drink or speak; and stop talking when your neighbour is drinking. [y] Scorn and reprove no man. [z] Keep your fingers from what would bring you to grief. [aa] Among ladies, look, don’t talk. [ab] Don’t laugh loud, or riot with ribalds. [ac] Don’t repeat what you hear. [ad] Words make or mar you. [ae] If you follow a worthier man, let your right shoulder follow his back, and [af] don’t speak till he has done. [ag] Be austere (?) in speech; [ah] don’t stop any man’s tale. [ai] Christ gives us all wit to know this, [ak] and heaven as our reward. Amen!]
[Text notes: A Marg. has gre for insertion. B repraue is written above the line. C not put in by a later hand.]
* * * * * * * * *
The Boris hede furst.
[Porkington MS. No. 10, fol. 202; ? ab. 1460-70 A.D.]
Hey, hey, hey, hey, þe borrys hede is armyd gay![1] The boris hede i{n} hond I bryng W{i}tt garlond gay in porttoryng.
[Sidenote: [Fol. 202b.]]
I pray yow all w{i}tt me to synge W{i}tt hay.
¶¶ Lordys, knyȝtt{is}, and skyers, Persons, prystis and wycars, The boris hede ys þe fur[s]t mes, W{i}tt hay.
¶¶ The boris hede, as I yow say, He takis his leyfe, & gothe his way Soñ aft{ur} þe xij theylffyt day, W{i}tt hay.
¶¶ The{n} co{m}mys i{n} þe secund kowrs w{i}th mekyll pryde, þe crann{is} & þe heyrrou{n}s, þe bytt{ur}is by þe syde, þe p{ar}trychys & þe plowers, þe wodcok{is} & þe snyt, W{i}tt hay.
¶¶ Larkys i{n} hoot schow,[2] ladys for to pyk, Good drynk þ{er}to, lycyvs and fyñ, Blwet of allmayñ,[3] ro{m}nay and wyin, W{i}tt hay.
¶¶ Gud[4] bred, alle & wyin, da{er} I well say, þ^e boris hede w{i}tt musterd armyd soo gay,
¶¶ furm̅a{n}te to po^tdtage,[5] w{i}tt we{n}nissu{n} fyñ, & þ^e ho{m}buls of þe dow, & all þ{a}t eu{er} co{m}mis in,
¶¶ Cappons I-bake w{i}tt þ^e pesys of þ^e roow, Reysons of corrans, w{i}tt odyr{e} spysis moo,
[incomplete.]
[Footnote 1: “When you print I recommend that the first line of the MS. ‘Hey, hey,’ &c. should stand alone in two lines. They are the burthen of the song, and were a sort of accompaniment, or under-song, sung throughout, while an upper voice sang the words and tune. You will see numbers of the same kind in Wright’s Songs and Carols printed by the Percy Society. It was common in the 14th and 15th centuries.” --WM. CHAPPELL.
This Carol is printed in Reliq. Antiq., vol. ii., and is inserted here--copied from and read with the MS.--to fill up a blank page. The title is mine.]
[Footnote 2: ? sewe, stew.]
[Footnote 3: ? the name of a wyne. Recipes for the dish Brouet of Almayne (H. O.), Brewet of Almony, Breuet de Almonde, are in Household Ordinances, p. 456; Forme of Cury, p. 29, and Liber Cure Cocorum, p. 12.]
[Footnote 4: ? MS. End.]
[Footnote 5: Recipe for Potage de Frumenty in Household Ordinances, p. 425.]
[po^tdtage: small “t” printed above “o”]
* * * * * * * * *
Errata (noted by transcriber):
The Babees Book In the printed book, some line numbers were shifted to avoid collision with the pilcrow symbol at the beginning of the stanza. For this e-text, numbers have been restored to multiples of 4.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
[Transcriber’s Note:
The following two selections, The Lytylle Childrenes Lytil Boke or Edyllys be and The Young Children’s Book, were printed on facing even/odd pages. They are here presented one after the other, with sidenotes grouped at the end of each selection.
Edyllys Be is given twice: first with all collations and line numbers, then with sidenotes only.]
* * * * * * * * *
The Lytylle Childrenes Lytil Boke or Edyllys be.
[Harl. MS. 541, fol. 210; and Egerton MS. 1995; ab. 1480 A.D.]
[Text with collations: see Transcriber’s Note above.
Numbered footnotes give readings from the alternative MS, Egerton 1995. Footnotes 9 (three references) and 23 each read: “The parts between square brackets [] are from the Egerton MS.” This explanation is also given in an unnumbered note on a later page.
Readings in [[double brackets]] are taken from the Collations section immediately after the Preface, with the MSS. abbreviated here as Adv.: “... part of the Advocates Library MS., fol. 84, back”, and Cam.: “... the Cambridge University MS. ... Hem is always written for him in this MS., and so with other words.”]
Lytyll{e} children{e}, here ye may lere] Moche curtesy þ{a}t is wrytyn{e} here; For clerk{is} that the vij arteȝ cunne, Seyn[1] þ{a}t curtesy from hevyn come 4 Whan Gabryell{e} oure lady grette, And Eliȝabeth with mary mette. l. 1: [[Adv. childur] l. 2: [[Adv. dele þat]] [[Cam. for wrytyne read brekeyd]] l. 3: [[Adv. dele For]] l. 4: [1: Egerton MS. 1995, Synne] [[Adv. for with mary, read oure Lady]] [[Cam. for Elizabeth read cortesey]] All{e} vertues arn{e}[2] closid{e} yn curtesye, And all{e} vices yn vylonye. 8 Loke þyne hond{is} be[3] wasshe clene, That no fylth{e} on[4] thy nayles be sene. Take þ{o}u no mete tyll{e} grace[5] be seyd{e}, And tyll{e} þ{o}u see all{e} thyng arayed{e}. 12 l. 7: [2: ben closyde] [[Adv. for arñ read byn]] [[Cam. for closide read clodyd]] l. 9: [[Adv. prefix Forst to Loke]] [3: that thy hondys benne] [[Adv. for wasshe read wasshyd]] l. 10: [4: in] [[Cam. for on read yn]] l. 11: [5: the fyrste gracys] [[Cam. for þou read ye]] l. 12: [[Adv. for tylle read to]] [[Cam. for þou read ye]] Loke, my son, þ{a}t thow not sytte] Tyll{e} þe ruler of þe hous the bydde;[6] And at thy[7] mete, yn þ{e} begynnyng, Loke on[8] pore men that thow thynk, 16 For the full{e} wombe w{i}t{h}out[[9] any faylys] Wot full{e} lytyl[[9] what the hungery aylys.] l. 13: [[Adv. prefix And to Loke] l. 14: [6: the halle the bytte] [[Adv. To he y^t reweleth y^e howse y^e bytt]] [[Cam. for hous the bydde read hall þe beyt]] l. 15: [7: Atte the] [[Cam. for þe read they]] l. 16: [8: a-pon (and omits that)] [[Adv. put the that between loke and on]] [[Cam. for on read no]] l. 17: [[Adv. for without any faylys read withowtte fayle]] [[Cam. for any faylys read fayle]] l. 18: [[Adv. for hungery aylys read empty ayle]] [[Cam. for aylys read heydyt]] Ete[[9] not thy mete to hastely, A-byde and ete esely. 20 l. 19: [[Cam. for Ete ... hastely read yet ... hastey]] l. 20: [[Adv. for ete esely read etett eysely]] [[Cam. prefix Bot to Abyde]] [[Cam. for esely read all yesley]] Tylle þ{o}u haue thy fulle seruyse, Touche noo messe in noo wyse. Kerue not thy brede to thynne, Ne breke hit not on twynne: 24 The mosselle that þ{o}u begynnysse to touche, Cast them not in thy pouche. l. 23: [[Cam. for Kerue not thy brede read Kot they bred not]] l. 24: [[Cam. is Ne to theke bat be-tweyn]] l. 25: [[Adv. for mosselle read morsselle]] [[Cam. for mosselle read mossels]] [[Cam. for begynnysse to read dost]] l. 26: [[Adv. for in read owt of]] [[Cam. for in read owt of]] Put not thy fyngerys on thy dysche, Nothyr in flesche, nothyr in fysche. 28 l. 27: [[Cam. for on read yn]] l. 28: [[Adv. for Into thy read nor in the;]] [[Adv. for thy salte read hit]] [[Cam. 28-30 are Ne yn they met, feys, ne fleys. Put not thy mete yn þey salt seleyr]] Put not thy mete in-to the salte, In-to thy Seler that thy salte halte,]
[Sidenote: [Fol. 210, back.]]
But ley it fayr{e}[10] on þi trencher{e} The byfore,[11] and þat is þyn{e} honor{e}. 32 l. 31: [10: Egerton MS. omits fayre] [[Adv. for fayre on þi read on a]] l. 32: [11: To-fore the] [[Adv. for The byfore read Byfore the]] [[Adv. dele þyne]] [[Cam. is Be-fore the, that ys worschep]] Pyke not þyn{e} Eris ne thy nost{re}ll{is}; If[12] þ{o}u do, men woll{e} sey þ{o}u come of cherl{is}.[13] And[14] whyll{e} þi mete yn þi mouth is, Drynk þow not; for-gete not this. 36 l. 33: [[Cam. for ne read nother]] l. 34: [12: And] [13: comyste of karlys] [[Cam. for If read And]] [[Cam. for come read comest]] [[Adv. Pyke not y^i tethe wyth y^i knyfe Whyles y^u etyst be y^i lyfe]] l. 35: [14: But] [[Cam. for And read Seche]] [[Cam. put the is before yn]] Ete þi mete by small{e} mosselles; [m] Fylle not thy mouth as done[15] brothell{is}. [n] Pyke not þi teth{e} with thy knyfe; In no company begynne þow stryfe.[16] 40 l. 37: [[Cam. for Ete ... by read Kot ... yn]] l. 38: [15: dothe] [[Cam. prefix And to Fylle;]] [[Cam. omit done]] l. 40: [16: Whyle þ{o}u ettyste by thy lyffe] [[Cam. is Weyles thou hetys, bey they leyffe]] And whan þ{o}u hast þi potage doon{e},[17] Out of thy dyssh þow put thi spone. Ne spitte þow not[18] over the[19] tabyll{e}, Ne therupon, for that is no þing abyll{e}.[20] 44 l. 41: [17: Idone] l. 42: [[Cam. for þow put read take owt]] l. 43: [18: Spette not] [19: thy] [[Cam. for Ne read Nether]] l. 44: [20: Nor a-pon hyt, for hyt ys not able] [[Cam. is For no cortesey het ys not habell]] Ley not þyn{e} Elbowe nor[21] thy fyst Vpon the tabyll{e} whyl{is} þ{a}t thow etist.[22] Bulk not as a Been{e} were yn þi throte, [As a ka]rle þ{a}t comys oute of a cote. 48 l. 45: [21: nothyr] [[Cam. for Elbowe ... fyst read Elbowhes ... fystys]] l. 46: [22: whyle þ{o}u este] [[Cam. for whylis þat read wheyle]] l. 47: [[Cam. is Bolk not as a bolle yn the crofte]] l. 48: [[Cam. for karle þat read charle]] [[Cam. for cote read cotte]] [[23] And thy mete be o]f grete pryce, [Be ware of hyt, or þ{o}u arte n]ot wyse. [Speke noo worde stylle ne sterke; And honowre and curtesy loke þ{o}u kepe, 52 And at the tabylle loke þ{o}u make goode chere; Loke þ{o}u rownde not in nomannys ere. l. 50: [[Cam. for of hyt or þou art read the or ye be]] l. 51: [[Cam. for sterke read lowde]] l. 52: [[Cam. is all of curtesy loke ye carpe]] l. 53: [[Cam. for at read all]] [[Cam. omit loke þou]] l. 54: [[Cam. for Loke þou rownde not read And loke ye]] W{i}t{h} thy fyngerys þ{o}u towche and taste Thy mete; And loke þ{o}u doo noo waste. 56 Loke þ{o}u laughe not, nor grenne; And w{i}t{h} moche speche þ{o}u mayste do synne. l. 55: [[Cam. omit thy]] l. 56: [[Cam. for and read ne]] [[Cam. for doo read make]] l. 57: [[Cam. for laughe not read noþer laughe]] l. 58: [[Cam. for with moche speche read thow meche speke]] [[Cam. for mayst read may]] Mete ne drynke loke þ{o}u ne spylle, But sette hit downe fayre and stylle.] 60 l. 59: [[Cam. for first ne read ner]] [[Cam. for the second ne read not]] l. 60: [[Cam. for fayre and stylle read stere het not]]
[Sidenote: [Fol. 207.]]
Kepe thy cloth clene the byforn{e}, And bere the so[24] thow haue no scorn{e}. Byte not þi mete, but kerve it[25] clene, Be well{e} war{e} no[26] drop be sene. 64 Whan þ{o}u etyst, gape not to wyde That þi mouth be sene on ych{e} a[27] syde. l. 61: [[Cam. for thy read the]] l. 62: [24: that] l. 63: [25: cut hit] l. 64: [26: that noo] l. 66: [27: be in euery] [[Cam. omit a]] And son, bewar{e}, I rede, of[28] on thyng, Blow neþ{er}[29] yn thi mete nor yn þi[30] drynk. 68 And yif thi lord drynk at þat tyde, Drynk þ{o}u not, but hym abyde; Be it at Evyn{e}, be it at noone,[31] Drynk þ{o}u not tyll{e} he haue done. 72 l. 67: [28: be ware of] [[Cam. for I rede of read of j redde þe of]] l. 68: [29: þ{o}u not] [30: mete not] [[Cam. for neþer read neuer]] [[Cam. omit yn þi before drynk]] l. 69: [[Cam. for þat read they]] l. 71: [31: morowe, (and omits next line.)] Vpon þi trencher no fyllth{e} þ{o}u see,[32] It is not honest, as I telle the; Ne drynk[33] behynd{e} no mannes bakke, For yf þ{o}u do, thow art to lakke.[34] 76 l. 73: [32: be sene] [[Cam. for þou see read be saye]] [[Cam. for þou read yow]] l. 75: [33: Drynke þ{o}u not] l. 76: [34: blame] [[Cam. for thow art read yow ar]] And chese com{e} forthe,[35] be not to gredy,[36] Ne cutte þow not therof to hastely.[37] Caste not þi bones ynto the flore, But ley þem[38] fayre on þi trenchor{e}. 80 l. 77: [35: by-fore the] [36: redy] [[Cam. for forthe read before yow]] l. 78: [37: To cut there-of be not to gredy.] [[Cam. omit þow not]] l. 79: [[Cam. for ynto read yn]] l. 80: [38: hem] Kepe clene þi cloth byfor{e} þe[39] alle; And sit þ{o}u stylle, what so be-falle,[40] Tyll{e} grace be said vnto þe ende, And tyll{e} þ{o}u haue wasshen w{i}t{h} þi frend. 84 l. 81: [39: þe omitted.] l. 82: [40: stylle w{i}t{h}alle] l. 83: [[Cam. for ende read hendyng]] l. 84: [[Cam. for wasshen read was]] Let the more worthy þan[41] thow Wassh to-fore[42] þe, & that is þi prow; And spitte not yn[43] þi basyn{e}, My swete son, þ{a}t þow wasshist yn{e}; 88 l. 85: [41: thenne] [[Cam. for worthy read wortheyor]] l. 86: [42: by-for{e}] [[Cam. for to- read be-]] [[Cam. omit &]] [[Cam. for þi prow read gentyll cortesey]] l. 87: [43: Spete not on (and omits next line.)] And aryse up soft & stylle,[44] And iangyll{e} nether with Iak ne Iylle, l. 89: [[Cam. 88, 89, are omitted.]] [44: And ryse w{i}t{h} hym that sate w{i}t{h} the stylle, And thanke hym fayre and welle: Aftyr, Iangely not w{i}t{h} Iacke ne gylle.] l. 90: [[Cam. for nether read not]] [[Cam. for ne read ne with]]
[Sidenote: [Fol. 207, back.]]
But take þi leve of the hede[45] lowly, And þank hym w{i}t{h} thyn{e} hert hyghly, 92 And all{e} þe gentyll{is}[46] togydr{e} yn same, And bare the so[47] thow haue no blame; Than men wyll{e}[48] say therafter That a gentyll{e}man was heere. 96 l. 91: [45: lorde] [[Cam. omit þi]] [[Cam. for the hede read they lorde]] l. 92: [[Cam. for hyghly read mekeley]] l. 93: [46: þe gentylles omitted.] [[Cam. for togydre ynsame read yn the same manere]] l. 94: [47: soo that] [[Cam. for no blame read the same]] l. 95: [48: wylle they sey] [[Cam. for therafter read hereafter]] l. 96: [[Cam. after that add he ys]] [[Cam. for was heere read þere aftyr]] And he þ{a}t dispiseth this techyng, He is not worthy, w{i}t{h}oute lesyng, Nether at[49] good mannes tabull{e} to[50] sitte, Ner[51] of no worship{e} for to wytte. 100 l. 97: [[Cam. omit And]] [[Cam. for dispiseth read dispise]] l. 99: [49: Neuyr at a] [50: for to] [[Cam. for Nether read neuer]] l. 100: [51: Nothyr] [[Cam. for Ner read ne]] [[Cam. after for add sent]] And therfor{e}, chyldren, for[52] charyte, Louyth this boke though yt lytil be![53] l. 101: [52: pur] l. 102: [53: Lernythe thys boke that ys callyd Edyllys be] [[Cam. for Louyth this boke read Loren this lesen]] And pray for hym þ{a}t made it thus,[54] That hym may helpe swete Ih{esus} 104 To lyve & dye among his frendes, [55] And neu{er} to be combred w{i}t{h} no fendes; And geve vs grace yn Ioy to be; Amen, Amen, for charytee![55] 108 l. 103: [54: made thys] [[Cam. omit and]] [[Cam. for made read wret]] l. 106: [[Cam. is omitted.]] l. 107: [[Cam. before vs put hem and]] l. 108: [[Cam. for the first Amen read Sey all]] [55-55: And vs graunte in Ioy to a-byde! Say ye alle Amen for charyde in euery syde]
EXPLICIT. lerne or be lewde q{uod} Whytyng.[56]
Expl.: [56: AMEN. Here endythe the boke of Curtesy that ys fulle necessary vnto yonge chyldryn that muste nedys lerne the maner of curtesy. EXPLICIT. AMEN.] [[Cam. for the Explicit &c. read Expleycyt the Boke of cortesey.]]
* * * * * * * * *
The Lytylle Childrenes Lytil Boke or Edyllys be.
[Text with sidenotes: see Transcriber’s Note at beginning of previous text. Passages in [brackets] are from the Egerton MS; lower-case letters in brackets are sidenote references.]
[Harl. MS. 541, fol. 210; and Egerton MS. 1995; ab. 1480 A.D.]
Lytyll{e} children{e}, here ye may lere Moche curtesy þ{a}t is wrytyn{e} here; For clerk{is} that the vij arteȝ cunne, Seynþ{a}t curtesy from hevyn come 4 Whan Gabryell{e} oure lady grette, And Eliȝabeth with mary mette. All{e} vertues arn{e}closid{e} yn curtesye, And all{e} vices yn vylonye. 8 Loke þyne hond{is} be wasshe clene, That no fylth{e} on thy nayles be sene. Take þ{o}u no mete tyll{e} grace be seyd{e}, And tyll{e} þ{o}u see all{e} thyng arayed{e}. 12 Loke, my son, þ{a}t thow not sytte Tyll{e} þe ruler of þe hous the bydde; And at thy mete, yn þ{e} begynnyng, Loke on pore men that thow thynk, 16 For the full{e} wombe w{i}t{h}out [any faylys] Wot full{e} lytyl [what the hungery aylys.] Ete [not thy mete to hastely, A-byde and ete esely. 20 Tylle þ{o}u haue thy fulle seruyse, Touche noo messe in noo wyse. Kerue not thy brede to thynne, Ne breke hit not on twynne: 24 The mosselle that þ{o}u begynnysse to touche, Cast them not in thy pouche. Put not thy fyngerys on thy dysche, Nothyr in flesche, nothyr in fysche. 28 Put not thy mete in-to the salte, In-to thy Seler that thy salte halte,] But ley it fayr{e} on þi trencher{e} The byfore, and þat is þyn{e} honor{e}. 32 Pyke not þyn{e} Eris ne thy nost{re}ll{is}; If þ{o}u do, men woll{e} sey þ{o}u come of cherl{is}. Andwhyll{e} þi mete yn þi mouth is, Drynk þow not; for-gete not this. 36 Ete þi mete by small{e} mosselles; Fylle not thy mouth as done brothell{is}. Pyke not þi teth{e} with thy knyfe; In no company begynne þow stryfe. 40 And whan þ{o}u hast þi potage doon{e}, Out of thy dyssh þow put thi spone. Ne spitte þow notover thetabyll{e}, Ne therupon, for that is no þing abyll{e}. 44 Ley not þyn{e} Elbowe northy fyst Vpon the tabyll{e} whyl{is} þ{a}t thow etist. Bulk not as a Been{e} were yn þi throte, [As a ka]rle þ{a}t comys oute of a cote. 48 [And thy mete be o]f grete pryce, [Be ware of hyt, or þ{o}u arte n]ot wyse. [Speke noo worde stylle ne sterke; And honowre and curtesy loke þ{o}u kepe, 52 And at the tabylle loke þ{o}u make goode chere; Loke þ{o}u rownde not in nomannys ere. W{i}t{h} thy fyngerys þ{o}u towche and taste Thy mete; And loke þ{o}u doo noo waste. 56 Loke þ{o}u laughe not, nor grenne; And w{i}t{h} moche speche þ{o}u mayste do synne. Mete ne drynke loke þ{o}u ne spylle, But sette hit downe fayre and stylle.] 60 Kepe thy cloth clene the byforn{e}, And bere the sothow haue no scorn{e}. Byte not þi mete, but kerve itclene, Be well{e} war{e} nodrop be sene. 64 Whan þ{o}u etyst, gape not to wyde That þi mouth be sene on ych{e} asyde. And son, bewar{e}, I rede, ofon thyng, Blow neþ{er}yn thi mete nor yn þidrynk. 68 And yif thi lord drynk at þat tyde, Drynk þ{o}u not, but hym abyde; Be it at Evyn{e}, be it at noone, Drynk þ{o}u not tyll{e} he haue done. 72 Vpon þi trencher no fyllth{e} þ{o}u see, It is not honest, as I telle the; Ne drynkbehynd{e} no mannes bakke, For yf þ{o}u do, thow art to lakke. 76 And chese com{e} forthe, be not to gredy, Ne cutte þow not therof to hastely. Caste not þi bones ynto the flore, But ley þemfayre on þi trenchor{e}. 80 Kepe clene þi cloth byfor{e} þealle; And sit þ{o}u stylle, what so be-falle, Tyll{e} grace be said vnto þe ende, And tyll{e} þ{o}u haue wasshen w{i}t{h} þi frend. 84 Let the more worthy þanthow Wassh to-foreþe, & that is þi prow; And spitte not ynþi basyn{e}, My swete son, þ{a}t þow wasshist yn{e}; 88 And aryse up soft & stylle, And iangyll{e} nether with Iak ne Iylle, But take þi leve of the hedelowly, And þank hym w{i}t{h} thyn{e} hert hyghly, 92 And all{e} þe gentyll{is}togydr{e} yn same, And bare the sothow haue no blame; Than men wyll{e}say therafter That a gentyll{e}man was heere. 96 And he þ{a}t dispiseth this techyng, He is not worthy, w{i}t{h}oute lesyng, Nether atgood mannes tabull{e} tositte, Nerof no worship{e} for to wytte. 100 And therfor{e}, chyldren, forcharyte, Louyth this boke though yt lytil be! And pray for hym þ{a}t made it thus, That hym may helpe swete Ih{esus} 104 To lyve & dye among his frendes, And neu{er} to be combred w{i}t{h} no fendes; And geve vs grace yn Ioy to be; Amen, Amen, for charytee! 108
EXPLICIT. lerne or be lewde q{uod} Whytyng.
Here endythe the boke of Curtesy that ys fulle necessary vnto yonge chyldryn that muste nedys lerne the maner of curtesy.
[Sidenotes (by line number): [3] Clerks say that courtesy came from heaven when Gabriel greeted our Lady. [7] All virtues are included in it. [9] See that your hands and nails are clean. [11] Don’t eat till grace is said, or sit down till you’re told. [15] First, think on the poor; the full belly wots not what the hungry feels. [19] Don’t eat too quickly. [21] Touch nothing till you are fully helped. [23] Don’t break your bread in two, [26] or put your pieces in your pocket, your fingers in the dish, or your meat in the salt-cellar. [33] Don’t pick your ears or nose, [35] or drink with your mouth full, [38] or cram it full. [39] Don’t pick your teeth with your knife. [41] Take your spoon out when you’ve finished soup. [43] Don’t spit over or on the table, that’s not proper. [45] Don’t put your elbows on the table, [47] or belch as if you had a bean in your throat. [49] Be careful of good food; and be courteous and cheerful. [54] Don’t whisper in any man’s ear. Take your food with your fingers, and don’t waste it. [57] Don’t grin, or talk too much, or spill your food. [61] Keep your cloth before you. [63] Cut your meat, don’t bite it. [65] Don’t open your mouth too wide when you eat, [68] or blow in your food. [69] If your lord drinks, always wait till he has done. [73] Keep your trencher clean. [75] Drink behind no man’s back. [77] Don’t rush at the cheese, [79] or throw your bones on the floor. [82] Sit still till grace is said [84] and you’ve washed your hands, [87] and don’t spit in the basin. [89] Rise quietly, don’t jabber, [91] but thank your host and all the company, [95] and then men will say, ‘A gentleman was here!’ [97] He who despises this teaching isn’t fit to sit at a good man’s table. [101] Children, love this little book, [103] and pray that Jesus may help its author to die among his friends, and not be troubled with devils, but be in joy for ever. Amen!]
* * * * * * * * *
The Young Children’s Book.
[From the Ashmolean MS. 61 (Bodleian Library), ab. 1500 A.D., fol. 20.]
Who so eu{er} wyll{e} thryue or the, Muste v{er}tus lerne, & c{ur}tas be; For{e} who in ȝowth{e} no v{er}tus vsythe, Yn Age All men hy{m} refusythe. 4 Clerkys þ{a}t ca{n}ne þe scyens seuen{e}, Seys þ{a}t c{ur}tasy came fro heue{n} When gabryell owre lady grette, And elyȝabeth w{i}t{h} her{e} mette. 8 All v{er}tus be closyd{e} in c{ur}tasy, And All{e} vyces i{n} vilony.
Aryse be tyme oute of thi bedde, And blysse þi brest & thi forhede, 12 Than wasche thi hond{es} & thi face, Keme þi hede, & Aske god g{ra}ce The to helpe in All þi werkes; Thow schall spede bett{er} what so þ{o}u carpes. 16 Than go to þe chyrch{e}, & here A messe, Ther{e} aske m{er}sy for{e} þi trespasse. To whom þ{o}u metys come by þe weye, Curtasly ‘gode morne’ þ{o}u sey. 20 When þ{o}u hast done, go breke thy faste W{i}t{h} mete & drynke of god{e} repaste: Blysse þi mouthe or þ{o}u it ete, The bett{er} schall{e} be þi dyete. 24 Be-for{e} þi mete sey þ{o}u þi g{ra}ce, Yt ocupys bot lytell space;-- For{e} oure mete, & drynke, & vs, Thanke we owre lord Ih{esu}s;-- 28 A pat{er} nost{er} & Aue mary Sey for{e} þe saulys þ{a}t in peyn{e} ly; Than go labo{ur} as þ{o}u arte bownde, And be not Idyll{e} in no stounde: 32 Holy scrypto{ur} þ{us} it seyth To þe þ{a}t Arte of cristen feyth, “Yff{e} þ{o}u labo{ur}, þ{o}u muste ete That w{i}t{h} þi hond{es} þ{o}u doyst{e} gete;” 36 A byrd{e} hath weng{es} forto fle, So man hath Armes laboryd to be. Luke þ{o}u be trew in word{e} & dede, Yn All{e} þi werkes þa{n} schall þ{o}u spede: 40 Treuth wyt neu{er} his mast{er} schame, Yt kepys hy{m} out off{e} sy{n}ne & blame. The weys to heue{n} þ{e}i bene þ{us} tweyn{e}, M{er}cy & treuthe, As clerk{es} seyn{e}; 44 Who so wyll come to þe lyfe of blysse, To go þe weys he may not mysse. Make no p{ro}mys bot it be gode, And kepe þ{o}u it w{i}t{h} myght & mode; 48 For{e} eu{er}y p{ro}mys, it is dette, That w{i}t{h} no falsed muste be lette. God & þi neybores lufe all wey; Welle is þe, than may þ{o}u sey, 52 For{e} so þ{o}u kepys All þe lawe W{i}t{h}-oute Any fer{e}, drede, o{r} awe. Vn-callyd go þ{o}u to no counsell{e}; That long{es} to þe, w{i}t{h} þ{a}t thow melle. 56 Scorne not þe pore, ne hurte no man{e}; Lerne of hy{m} þ{a}t the tech{e} cane; Be no gloser{e} no{r} no moker{e}, Ne no s{er}ua{n}t{es} no wey loker{e}. 60 Be not prowd, bot meke & lynd, And w{i}t{h} thi bett{er} go þ{o}u be-hynd. When þi bett{er} schewys his wylle, To he haue seyd þ{o}u muste be stylle. 64 When þ{o}u spekes to Any man{e}, Hand{e}, fote, & fyng{er}, kepe þ{o}u styll þan, And luke þ{o}u vppe i{n} to his face, And c{ur}tase be in eu{er}y place. 68 W{i}t{h} þi fyng{er} schew þ{o}u no thyng{e}, No{r} be not lefe to telle tydinge. Yff Any man sey welle of þe, Or of thi frend{es}, thankyd muste be. 72 Haue few word{es}, & wysly sette, For{e} so þ{o}u may thi worschyppe gete. Vse no sueryng{e} noþ{er} lyeng{e}, Yn thi sellyng{e} & thi byeng{e}, 76 For{e} & þ{o}u do þ{o}u arte to blame, And at þe last þ{o}u wyll{e} haue scham{e}. Gete þi gowd w{i}t{h} trewe[t]h & wy{n}ne, And kepe þe out of dette & sy{n}ne. 80 Be loth to greue, & leffe to ples; Seke þe pes, & lyfe in es. Off{e} whom{e} þ{o}u spek{es}, wher{e} & when, A-vyse þe welle, & to what men. 84 When þ{o}u co{m}mys vn to A dore, Sey “god be here,” o{r} þ{o}u go ferre: W{er}-eu{er} þ{o}u co{m}mys, speke honestly To s{er} or dame, or þ{er} meny. 88 Stand, & sytte not furth-w{i}t{h}-all{e} Tyll{e} he byde þe þ{a}t rewlys þe halle; Wher{e} he bydis, þ{er} must þ{o}u sytte, And for{e} non{e} oþ{er} change ne flyte; 92 Sytt vp-ryght And honestly, Ete & drinke, & be feleyly, Parte w{i}t{h} hem þ{a}t sytes þe by; Thus teches þe dame c{ur}tasy. 96 Take þe salt w{i}t{h} thi clen{e} knyfe; Be cold of spech, & make no stryfe; Bakbyte no man þ{a}t is A-wey{e}, Be glad of All{e} men wele to sey. 100 Here & se, & sey thou nought, Than schall þ{o}u not to p{ro}fe be brought. W{i}t{h} mete & drynke be-for{e} þe sette, Hold þe plesyd, & aske no bette. 104 Wype thi mouthe when þ{o}u wyll drinke, Lest it foule thi copys brinke; Kepe clen{e} thi fyng{er}es, lypes, & chine, For{e} so þ{o}u may thi wyrschype wy{n}ne. 108 Yn þi mouth when þi mete is, To drinke, o{r} speke, o{r} lauȝh, I-wys Dame c{ur}tasy for{e}-byd{es} it the: Bot p{ra}yse thi fare, w{er}-so-eu{er} þ{o}u be, 112 For{e} be it gode o{r} be it badde, Yn gud worth it muste be had. Whe{n} þ{o}u spyt{es}, be welle were Wher{e} so þ{o}u spyt{es}, nyȝe or fer{e}; 116 Hold þi hand be-fore thi mouth When þ{o}u spyt{es}, & hyde it couth. Kepe þi knyfe both clen{e} & scherpe, And be not besy forto kerpe; 120 Clens þi knyfe w{i}t{h} som{e} cutte bred, Not w{i}t{h} thi cloth, As I þe rede: W{i}t{h} Any fylth to fowle þe clothe, A c{ur}tase man{e} he wyll{e} be lothe. 124 In þi dysch sett{e} not þi spone, Noþ{er} on þe brynk{e}, as vn-lernyd don{e}. When þ{o}u sopys, make no no[y]se W{i}t{h} thi mouth As do boys. 128 The mete þ{a}t on þi trencher is, Putt{e} it not in-to þi dysch. Gete þe sone A voyd{er}, And sone A-voyd þ{o}u thi trencher{e}. 132 When thi bett{er} take þe tho coppe, Drinke thi selffe, & sett{e} it vppe, Take tho coppe w{i}t{h} thi hond{es}. Lest it fall{e} þ{er} As þ{o}u stond{es}. 136 When thi bett{er} spek{es} to the, Do off{e} thi cape & bow þi kne. At thi tabull noþ{er} crache ne claw, Than men wyll{e} sey þ{o}u arte A daw. 140 Wype not thi nose nor þi nos-thirlys, Than men{e} wyll{e} sey þ{o}u com{e} of cherlys. Make þ{o}u noþ{er} cate ne hond (so in MS.) [[1a]] Thi felow at þ{o}u tabull round; ( „ „ ) 144 Ne pley{e} w{i}t{h} spone, trencher{e}, ne knyffe. Yn honesty & clenys lede þ{o}u thi lyffe. This boke is made fo{r} chyld{er} ȝong{e} At the scowle þ{a}t byde not long{e}: 148 Sone it may be conyd & had, And make them gode iff þ{e}i be bad. God gyff{e} them g{ra}ce, v{er}tuos to be, For{e} than þ{e}i may both thryff & the. 152
Amen! q{uod} Kate.
[Sidenotes (by line number): [1] Whoever will thrive, must be courteous, and begin in his youth. [5] Courtesy came from heaven, and contains all virtues, as rudeness does all vices. [11] Get up betimes; cross yourself; wash your hands and face; comb your hair; say your prayers; [17] go to church and hear Mass. [19] Say ‘Good Morning’ to every one you meet. [21] Then have breakfast, first crossing your mouth. [25] Say grace, thank Jesus for your food, [29] and say an Ave for the souls in pain. [31] Then set to work, and don’t be idle. [33] Scripture tells you, if you work, you must eat what you get with your hands. [39] Be true in word and deed; [41] truth keeps a man from blame. [44] Mercy and Truth are the two ways to heaven, fail not to go by them. [47] Make only proper promises, and keep them without falsehood. [51] Love God and your neighbours, and so fulfil all the Law. [55] Meddle only with what belongs to you. [57] Scorn not the poor; flatter no one; [60] oppress (?) not servants. Be meek, and [63] wait till your better has spoken. [65] When you speak to a man, keep still, and look him in the face. [70] Don’t be a tale-bearer. [71] Thank all who speak well of you. [73] Use few words; don’t swear or lie in your dealings. [79] Earn money honestly, and keep out of debt. [81] Try to please; seek peace; mind whom you speak to and what you say. [85] Wherever you enter, say “God be here;” and speak courteously to master and man. [89] Stand till you are told to sit at meat, and don’t leave your seat before others. [93] Sit upright; be sociable, and share with your neighbours. [97] Take salt with a clean knife; [99] talk no scandal, but speak well of all. [101] Hear and see; don’t talk. [103] Be satisfied with what’s set before you. [105] Wipe your mouth before you drink; [107] keep your fingers and lips clean. [109] Don’t speak with your mouth full. [112] Praise your food for whether it’s good or bad, it must be taken in good part. [115] Mind where you spit, [117] and put your hand before your mouth. [119] Keep your knife clean, and don’t wipe it on the cloth. [125] Don’t put your spoon in the dish, or make a noise, like boys, when you sup. [129] Don’t put meat off your plate into the dish, but into a voider. [133] If your superior hands you a cup, drink, but take the cup with two hands. [137] When he speaks to you, doff your cap and bend your knee. [139] Don’t scratch yourself at table, wipe your nose, [145] or play with your spoon, &c. [147] This book is for young children who don’t stay long at school. [151] God grant them grace to be virtuous!]
[[Footnote 1a: ? sense, reading corrupt.]]
* * * * * * * * *
[Transcriber’s Note:
The following two versions of Stans Puer ad Mensam were printed on facing even/odd pages. They are here presented twice: first as consecutive independent texts, and then in alternating stanzas. In the first version, text notes are grouped after each seven-line stanza. In the original book, the editor’s sidenotes were printed only on the right-hand pages; they have been duplicated here.]
Stans Puer ad Mensam.
ASCRIBED TO JOHN LIDGATE.[[1a]]
[MS. Harl. 2251, ? about 1460 A.D., fol. 153 or 148. The parts between brackets [ ], and various readings, are from Mr Halliwell’s print in Reliquiæ Antiquæ, v. 1, p. 156-8, of a 15th-century MS. Q. Γ. 8, fol. 77, r^o, in the Library of Jesus College, Cambridge.]
[[Footnote 1a: Lowndes calls the original of _Stans Puer ad Mensam_ the Carmen Juvenile of Sulpitius.]]
¶ [My dere childe, first thiself enable With all thin herte to vertuous disciplyne Afor thi soverayne standing at the table, Dispose thi youth aftir my doctryne 4 To all norture thi corage to enclyne. First when thu spekist be not rekles, Kepe feete and fingeris and handes still in pese.]
[Sidenote: When you stand before your sovereign, speak not recklessly, and keep your hands still.]
++Be symple of chiere, cast nat thyn ye aside, 8 Agenst the post lete nat thy bak abyde; Gaase nat aboute, to{ur}nyng ou{er}all{e}; Make nat thy myrro{ur} also of the wall{e}, Pyke nat thy nose, and in especiall{e} 12 Be right wele ware, and sette hieron thi thought, By-fore thy sou{er}ayne cracche ne rubbe nought.
[Sidenote: Don’t stare about, lean against a post, look at the wall, pick your nose, or scratch yourself.]
¶ Who spekith{e} to the in any man{er} place, Rudely[1] cast nat thyn ye[2] adowne, 16 But with a sadde chiere loke hym in the face; Walke demurely by strete in the towne, Advertise the with{e} wisdom and Reasoun{e}. With{e} dissolute laughters do thow non offence 20 To-fore thy sou{er}ayn, whiles he is in presence.
[Sidenote: When spoken to, don’t lumpishly look at the ground. Walk demurely in the streets, and don’t laugh before your lord.]
[1: Rel. Ant., Lumbisshly] [2: hede]
¶ Pare clene thy nailes, thyn handes wassh{e} also To-fore mete, and whan thow dooest arise; Sitte in that place thow art assigned to; 24 Prease nat to hye in no man{er} wise; And til thow se afore the thy service, Be nat to hasty on brede for to byte, Of gredynesse lest men wolde the endwyte.[3] 28
[Sidenote: Clean your nails and wash your hands. Sit where you’re told to, and don’t be too hasty to begin eating.]
[3: a-wite.]
¶ Grennyng and mowes at the table eschowe; Cry nat to lowde; kepe honestly silence; To enboce thy Iowis with{e} mete[4] is nat diewe; With{e} ful mowth{e} speke nat, lest thow do offence; 32 Drynk nat bretheles[5] for hast ne necligence; Kepe clene thy lippes from fat of flessh{e} or fissh{e}; Wype clene[6] thi spone, leve it nat in thy dissh{e}.
[Sidenote: Don’t grin, shout, or stuff your jaws with food, or drink too quickly. Keep your lips clean, and wipe your spoon.]
[4: brede it] [5: bridlid] [6: fayre]
¶ Of brede I-byten no soppis that thow make; 36 In ale nor wyne with{e} hande leve no fattenes; With{e} mowth{e} enbrewed thy cuppe thow nat take; Enbrewe[7] no napery for no rekelesnes; For to souppe [loude] is agenst gentiles; 40 [N]eu{er} at mete begynne thow nat[8] stryf; Thi teth{e} also thow pike nat with{e} no knyf.
[Sidenote: Don’t make sops of bread, or drink with a dirty mouth. Don’t dirty the table linen, or pick your teeth with your knife.]
[Sidenote: [Fol. 153, back.]]
[7: Foul] [8: be warre gynne no]
¶ Of honest myrth{e} late be thy daliaunce; Swere none othes, speke no ribawdrye; 44 The best morsel, have in remembraunce, Hole to thyself alwey do nat applie; Part with{e} thy felaw, for that is curtesie: Laade nat thy trencho{ur} with{e} many remyssailes; 48 And from blaknes alwey kepe thy nayles.
[Sidenote: Don’t swear or talk ribaldry, or take the best bits; share with your fellows. Eat up your pieces, and keep your nails clean.]
¶ Of curtesye also agenst the lawe, With{e} sowne[9] dishonest for to do offence; Of old surfaytes abrayde nat thy felawe; 52 Toward thy sou{er}ayne alwey thyn aduertence; Play with{e} no knyf, take heede to my sentence; At mete and soupp{er} kepe the stille and soft; Eke to and fro meve nat thy foote to oft. 56
[Sidenote: It’s bad manners to bring up old complaints. Don’t play with your knife, or shuffle your feet about.]
[9: Which sou]
¶ Droppe nat thi brest with{e} sawce ne with{e} potage; Brynge no knyves vnskoured to the table; Fil nat thy spone, lest in the cariage It went beside, whiche were nat comendable; 60 Be quyke and redy, meke and s{er}uisable, Wele awaityng to fulfille anone What that thy sou{er}ayn{e} comav[{n}]dith{e} the to be done.
[Sidenote: Don’t spill your broth on your chest, or use dirty knives, or fill your spoon too full. Be quick to do whatever your lord orders.]
¶ And whereso eu{er} that thow dyne or soupe, 64 Of gentilesse take salt with{e} thy knyf; And be wele ware thow blow nat in the cuppe. Reu{er}ence thy felawe, gynne with{e} hym no stryf; Be thy power{e} kepe pees al thy lyf. 68 Interrupt nat, where so thow wende, None other mans tale, til he have made an ende;
[Sidenote: Take salt with your knife; don’t blow in your cup, or begin quarrels. Interrupt no man in his story.]
¶ With{e} thy fyngres make[10] thow nat thy tale; Be wele avised, namly in tendre age, 72 To drynk by mesure both{e} wyne and ale; Be nat copious also of langage; As tyme requyrith{e}, shewe out thy visage, To gladde ne to sory, but kepe atwene tweyne, 76 For losse or lucre or any case sodayne.
[Sidenote: Drink wine and ale in moderation. Don’t talk too much, but keep a middle course.]
[Sidenote: [Fol. 154 or 149.]]
[10: Rel. Ant., marke]
¶ Be meke in mesure, nat hasti, but tretable; Ou{er} moche is nat worth{e} in no man{er} thyng; To children it longith{e} nat to be [vengeable,[11]] 80 Sone meeved and sone forgyvyng; And as it is remembrid bi[12] writyng, Wrath{e} of children is sone ou{er}gone, With{e} an apple the p{ar}ties be made atone. 84
[Sidenote: Be gentle and tractable, but not too soft. Children must not be revengeful; their anger is appeased with a bit of apple.]
[11: MS. Harl., tretable] [12: Rel. Ant., by olde]
¶ In children werre[13] now myrth{e} and now debate, In theyr quarel no grete violence; Now pley, now wepyng, sielde in one estate; To theyr playntes gyve no credence; 88 A Rodde refo{ur}myth{e} al theyr insolence; In theyr corage no Ranco{ur} doth{e} abyde; Who sparith{e} the yerd, al vertu set aside.
[Sidenote: Children’s quarrels are first play, then crying; don’t believe their complaints; give ’em the rod. Spare that, and you’ll spoil all.]
[13: Rel. Ant., In childre]
LENVOYE.
¶ Go, litel bille, bareyn of eloquence, 92 Pray yonge children that the shal see or Reede, Though{e} thow be compendious of sentence, Of thi clauses for to taken heede, Whiche to al vertu shal theyr yowth{e} leede. 96 Of the writyng, though{e} ther be no date, If ought be mysse,--worde, sillable, or dede,-- Put al the defaute vpon Iohn{e} Lydegate.
[Sidenote: Young children, pray take heed to my little ballad, which shall lead you into all virtues. My mistakes I submit to correction.]
* * * * * * * * *
The Book of Curteisie
That is Clepid
Stans Puer ad Mensam.
[Lambeth MS. 853, ab. 1430 A.D., page 150, back. Part written as prose.]
++Mi dere sone, first þi silf able w{i}t{h} al þin herte to vertuose discipline,-- A-fore þi souereyn stondinge at þe table Dispose þou þ{e}e aftir my doctryne-- 4 To al nortur þi corage to encline. First while þou spekist, be not richelees; Kepe boþe fyngir and hond stille in pees;
[Sidenote: When you stand before your sovereign, speak not recklessly, and keep your hands still.]
[Sidenote: [Page 151.]]
++Be symple in cheer; caste not þi looke a-side, 8 gase not about, t{ur}nynge þi siȝt ou{er}al. aȝen þe post lete not þi bak abide, neiþ{er} make þi myrro{ur} also of þe wal. Pike not pi nose; & moost in especial 12 be weel waar, sette her-on þi þouȝt, to-fore þi sou{er}eyn cratche ne picke þ{e}e nouȝt.
[Sidenote: Don’t stare about, lean against a post, look at the wall, pick your nose, or scratch yourself.]
¶ Who-so speke to þ{e}e in ony man{er} place, lu{m}pischli caste not þin heed a-dou{n}, 16 but w{i}t{h} a sad cheer loke him in þe face. walke demurely bi streetis in þe tou{n}, And take good hede bi wisdom & resou{n} þat bi no wantowne lauȝinge þ{o}u do noo{n} offence 20 To-fore þi sou{er}eyne while he is i{n} p{re}sence.
[Sidenote: When spoken to, don’t lumpishly look at the ground. Walk demurely in the streets, and don’t laugh before your lord.]
++Pare clene þi nailis; þi{n} hondis waische also to-fore þi mete, [&] wha{n}ne þou doist arise. sitte þ{o}u in þ{a}t place þ{a}t þ{o}u art a-signed to; 24 Prece not to hie in no maner wise; And wha{n}ne þou seest afore þ{e}e þi seruice, be not to hasti upon breed to bite lest men þ{er}of Do þee edwite. 28
[Sidenote: Clean your nails and wash your hands. Sit where you’re told to, and don’t be too hasty to begin eating.]
[Sidenote: [Page 152.]]
++Gre{n}nynge & mowy{n}ge at þi table eschewe; Crie not to lowde: honestli kepe silence. To enbrace þi iowis w{i}t{h} breed, it is not dewe; w{i}t{h} ful mouþ speke not lest þ{o}u do offence; 32 Drinke not bridelid for haste ne necligence; Kepe clene þi lippis from fleisch & fische; Wipe faire þi spoon; leue it not i{n} þi dische.
[Sidenote: Don’t grin, shout, or stuff your jaws with food, or drink too quickly. Keep your lips clean, and wipe your spoon.]
++Of breed w{i}t{h} þi teeþ no soppis þou make; 36 Lowde for to soupe is aȝen gentilnes: W{i}t{h} mouþ enbrowide þi cuppe þ{o}u not take, In ale ne i{n} wiyn w{i}t{h} hond leue no fatnes; Defoule not þe naprie bi no richelesnes. 40 Be waar þ{a}t at þe mete þ{o}u bigy{n}ne no striif; Þi teeþ also at þe table picke w{i}t{h} no knyf.
[Sidenote: Don’t make sops of bread, or drink with a dirty mouth. Don’t dirty the table linen, or pick your teeth with your knife.]
++Of honest mirþe eu{er}e be þi daliaunce; Swere noo{n} ooþis; speke no ribaudie. 44 Þe beste morsels,--haue þis i{n} reme{m}brau{n}ce,-- Holli alwey þi silf to take do not applie. P{ar}te w{i}t{h} þi felawis, for þat is curteisie. Lete not þi trencho{ur} be w{i}t{h} many morsels; 48 And fro blaknes kepe weel þi nailis.
[Sidenote: Don’t swear or talk ribaldry, or take the best bits; share with your fellows. Eat up your pieces, and keep your nails clean.]
[Sidenote: [Page 153.]]
++Of curtesie it is aȝen þe lawe, W{i}t{h} dishoneste, sone, for to do difence; Of oolde forfetis vpbraide not þi felawe; 52 Towarde þi sou{er}eyn do eu{er}e reu{er}ence. Pleie w{i}t{h} no knif, take hede to my sentence; At mete & at sop{er} kepe þee stille & softe, And eek to & fro meeue not þi feeþ to ofte. 56
[Sidenote: It’s bad manners to bring up old complaints. Don’t play with your knife, or shuffle your feet about.]
++Droppe n{o}t þi brest w{i}t{h} seew & oþ{er} potage, Bri{n}ge no foule knyues vnto þe table; Fille not þi spoon lest i{n} þe cariage It scheede bi side, it were not co{m}mendable. 60 Be quik & redi, meke & seruiable, Weel awaiti{n}ge to fulfille anoo{n} What þ{a}t þi sou{er}eyn co{m}maundiþ to be doon.
[Sidenote: Don’t spill your broth on your chest, or use dirty knives, or fill your spoon too full. Be quick to do whatever your lord orders.]
++And whe{re}-so-eu{er}e þ{o}u be to digne or to suppe, 64 Of gentilnes take salt w{i}t{h} þi knyf, {and} be weel waar þ{o}u blowe n{o}t i{n} þe cuppe. Reu{er}ence þi felawis; bigy{n}ne w{i}t{h} he{m} no strijf; To þi power kepe pees al þi lijf. 68 Intrippe no ma{n} whe{re} so þat þou wende, No man in his tale, til he haue maade an eende.
[Sidenote: Take salt with your knife; don’t blow in your cup, or begin quarrels. Interrupt no man in his story.]
[Sidenote: [Page 154.]]
¶ W{i}t{h} þi fyngris marke n{o}t þi tale; be weel avysid, & nameli in tendir age, 72 To dri{n}ke mesurabli boþe wiyn & ale. Be n{o}t to copiose of langage; As tyme req{ui}riþ schewe out þi visage, To glad, ne to sory, b{u}t kepe þ{e}e euene bitwene 76 For los, or lucre, or ony case sodene.
[Sidenote: Drink wine and ale in moderation. Don’t talk too much, but keep a middle course.]
++Be soft i{n} mesure, not hasti, but treteable; Ouer soft is nouȝt in no maner þing To childre{n} longiþ not to be ve{n}geable, 80 Soone meued and soone fiȝtinge; And as it is reme{m}brid bi writynge, wraþþe of childre{n} is ou{er}come soone, W{i}t{h} þe p{ar}tis of an appil be{n} made at oon. 84
[Sidenote: Be gentle and tractable, but not too soft. Children must not be revengeful; their anger is appeased with a bit of apple.]
++In childre{n} werre is now mirþe & now debate, In her quarel is no violence, now pleie, now wepi{n}ge, & seelde i{n} oon state; to her pleyntis ȝeue no credence; 88 A rodde reformeþ al her necligence; in her corage no ranco{ur} dooþ abide, who þ{a}t spariþ þe rodde all u{er}tues settiþ a-side.
[Sidenote: Children’s quarrels are first play, then crying; don’t believe their complaints; give ’em the rod. Spare that, and you’ll spoil all.]
[Sidenote: [Page 155.]]
++A! litil balade, voide of eloquence, 92 I p{ra}ie ȝ{o}u ȝonge children þ{a}t þis schal se & rede, Þouȝ ȝe be copious of sentence, Ȝit to þese clausis for to take hede Which al i{n}to v{er}tues schal ȝo{ur}e ȝouþe lede. 96 In þis writynge, þouȝ þer be no date, Yf ouȝt be mys i{n} word, sillable, or dede, I submitte me to correcciou{n} w{i}t{h}oute ony debate.
[Sidenote: Young children, pray take heed to my little ballad, which shall lead you into all virtues. My mistakes I submit to correction.]
+Thus eendith þe book of curteisie þ{a}t is clepid stans puer ad mensam.+
* * * * * * * * *
Stans Puer ad Mensam
[Combined texts omitting all notes: see Transcriber’s Note at beginning of selection. Lines are numbered by multiples of 7.]
¶ [My dere childe, first thiself enable With all thin herte to vertuous disciplyne Afor thi soverayne standing at the table, Dispose thi youth aftir my doctryne To all norture thi corage to enclyne. First when thu spekist be not rekles, Kepe feete and fingeris and handes still in pese.] 7
++Mi dere sone, first þi silf able w{i}t{h} al þin herte to vertuose discipline,-- A-fore þi souereyn stondinge at þe table Dispose þou þ{e}e aftir my doctryne-- To al nortur þi corage to encline. First while þou spekist, be not richelees; Kepe boþe fyngir and hond stille in pees; 7
++Be symple of chiere, cast nat thyn ye aside, Agenst the post lete nat thy bak abyde; Gaase nat aboute, to{ur}nyng ou{er}all{e}; Make nat thy myrro{ur} also of the wall{e}, Pyke nat thy nose, and in especiall{e} Be right wele ware, and sette hieron thi thought, By-fore thy sou{er}ayne cracche ne rubbe nought. 14
++Be symple in cheer; caste not þi looke a-side, gase not about, t{ur}nynge þi siȝt ou{er}al. aȝen þe post lete not þi bak abide, neiþ{er} make þi myrro{ur} also of þe wal. Pike not pi nose; & moost in especial be weel waar, sette her-on þi þouȝt, to-fore þi sou{er}eyn cratche ne picke þ{e}e nouȝt. 14
¶ Who spekith{e} to the in any man{er} place, Rudely cast nat thyn ye adowne, But with a sadde chiere loke hym in the face; Walke demurely by strete in the towne, Advertise the with{e} wisdom and Reasoun{e}. With{e} dissolute laughters do thow non offence To-fore thy sou{er}ayn, whiles he is in presence. 21
¶ Who-so speke to þ{e}e in ony man{er} place, lu{m}pischli caste not þin heed a-dou{n}, but w{i}t{h} a sad cheer loke him in þe face. walke demurely bi streetis in þe tou{n}, And take good hede bi wisdom & resou{n} þat bi no wantowne lauȝinge þ{o}u do noo{n} offence To-fore þi sou{er}eyne while he is i{n} p{re}sence. 21
¶ Pare clene thy nailes, thyn handes wassh{e} also To-fore mete, and whan thow dooest arise; Sitte in that place thow art assigned to; Prease nat to hye in no man{er} wise; And til thow se afore the thy service, Be nat to hasty on brede for to byte, Of gredynesse lest men wolde the endwyte. 28
++Pare clene þi nailis; þi{n} hondis waische also to-fore þi mete, [&] wha{n}ne þou doist arise. sitte þ{o}u in þ{a}t place þ{a}t þ{o}u art a-signed to; Prece not to hie in no maner wise; And wha{n}ne þou seest afore þ{e}e þi seruice, be not to hasti upon breed to bite lest men þ{er}of Do þee edwite. 28
¶ Grennyng and mowes at the table eschowe; Cry nat to lowde; kepe honestly silence; To enboce thy Iowis with{e} mete is nat diewe; With{e} ful mowth{e} speke nat, lest thow do offence; Drynk nat bretheles for hast ne necligence; Kepe clene thy lippes from fat of flessh{e} or fissh{e}; Wype clene thi spone, leve it nat in thy dissh{e}. 35
++Gre{n}nynge & mowy{n}ge at þi table eschewe; Crie not to lowde: honestli kepe silence. To enbrace þi iowis w{i}t{h} breed, it is not dewe; w{i}t{h} ful mouþ speke not lest þ{o}u do offence; Drinke not bridelid for haste ne necligence; Kepe clene þi lippis from fleisch & fische; Wipe faire þi spoon; leue it not i{n} þi dische. 35
¶ Of brede I-byten no soppis that thow make; In ale nor wyne with{e} hande leve no fattenes; With{e} mowth{e} enbrewed thy cuppe thow nat take; Enbrewe no napery for no rekelesnes; For to souppe [loude] is agenst gentiles; [N]eu{er} at mete begynne thow nat stryf; Thi teth{e} also thow pike nat with{e} no knyf. 42
++Of breed w{i}t{h} þi teeþ no soppis þou make; Lowde for to soupe is aȝen gentilnes: W{i}t{h} mouþ enbrowide þi cuppe þ{o}u not take, In ale ne i{n} wiyn w{i}t{h} hond leue no fatnes; Defoule not þe naprie bi no richelesnes. Be waar þ{a}t at þe mete þ{o}u bigy{n}ne no striif; Þi teeþ also at þe table picke w{i}t{h} no knyf. 42
¶ Of honest myrth{e} late be thy daliaunce; Swere none othes, speke no ribawdrye; The best morsel, have in remembraunce, Hole to thyself alwey do nat applie; Part with{e} thy felaw, for that is curtesie: Laade nat thy trencho{ur} with{e} many remyssailes; And from blaknes alwey kepe thy nayles. 49
++Of honest mirþe eu{er}e be þi daliaunce; Swere noo{n} ooþis; speke no ribaudie. Þe beste morsels,--haue þis i{n} reme{m}brau{n}ce,-- Holli alwey þi silf to take do not applie. P{ar}te w{i}t{h} þi felawis, for þat is curteisie. Lete not þi trencho{ur} be w{i}t{h} many morsels; And fro blaknes kepe weel þi nailis. 49
¶ Of curtesye also agenst the lawe, With{e} sowne dishonest for to do offence; Of old surfaytes abrayde nat thy felawe; Toward thy sou{er}ayne alwey thyn aduertence; Play with{e} no knyf, take heede to my sentence; At mete and soupp{er} kepe the stille and soft; Eke to and fro meve nat thy foote to oft. 56
++Of curtesie it is aȝen þe lawe, W{i}t{h} dishoneste, sone, for to do difence; Of oolde forfetis vpbraide not þi felawe; Towarde þi sou{er}eyn do eu{er}e reu{er}ence. Pleie w{i}t{h} no knif, take hede to my sentence; At mete & at sop{er} kepe þee stille & softe, And eek to & fro meeue not þi feeþ to ofte. 56
¶ Droppe nat thi brest with{e} sawce ne with{e} potage; Brynge no knyves vnskoured to the table; Fil nat thy spone, lest in the cariage It went beside, whiche were nat comendable; Be quyke and redy, meke and s{er}uisable, Wele awaityng to fulfille anone What that thy sou{er}ayn{e} comav[{n}]dith{e} the to be done. 63
++Droppe n{o}t þi brest w{i}t{h} seew & oþ{er} potage, Bri{n}ge no foule knyues vnto þe table; Fille not þi spoon lest i{n} þe cariage It scheede bi side, it were not co{m}mendable. Be quik & redi, meke & seruiable, Weel awaiti{n}ge to fulfille anoo{n} What þ{a}t þi sou{er}eyn co{m}maundiþ to be doon. 63
¶ And whereso eu{er} that thow dyne or soupe, Of gentilesse take salt with{e} thy knyf; And be wele ware thow blow nat in the cuppe. Reu{er}ence thy felawe, gynne with{e} hym no stryf; Be thy power{e} kepe pees al thy lyf. Interrupt nat, where so thow wende, None other mans tale, til he have made an ende; 70
++And whe{re}-so-eu{er}e þ{o}u be to digne or to suppe, Of gentilnes take salt w{i}t{h} þi knyf, {and} be weel waar þ{o}u blowe n{o}t i{n} þe cuppe. Reu{er}ence þi felawis; bigy{n}ne w{i}t{h} he{m} no strijf; To þi power kepe pees al þi lijf. Intrippe no ma{n} whe{re} so þat þou wende, No man in his tale, til he haue maade an eende. 70
¶ With{e} thy fyngres make thow nat thy tale; Be wele avised, namly in tendre age, To drynk by mesure both{e} wyne and ale; Be nat copious also of langage; As tyme requyrith{e}, shewe out thy visage, To gladde ne to sory, but kepe atwene tweyne, For losse or lucre or any case sodayne. 77
¶ W{i}t{h} þi fyngris marke n{o}t þi tale; be weel avysid, & nameli in tendir age, To dri{n}ke mesurabli boþe wiyn & ale. Be n{o}t to copiose of langage; As tyme req{ui}riþ schewe out þi visage, To glad, ne to sory, b{u}t kepe þ{e}e euene bitwene For los, or lucre, or ony case sodene. 77
¶ Be meke in mesure, nat hasti, but tretable; Ou{er} moche is nat worth{e} in no man{er} thyng; To children it longith{e} nat to be [vengeable,] Sone meeved and sone forgyvyng; And as it is remembrid bi writyng, Wrath{e} of children is sone ou{er}gone, With{e} an apple the p{ar}ties be made atone. 84
++Be soft i{n} mesure, not hasti, but treteable; Ouer soft is nouȝt in no maner þing To childre{n} longiþ not to be ve{n}geable, Soone meued and soone fiȝtinge; And as it is reme{m}brid bi writynge, wraþþe of childre{n} is ou{er}come soone, W{i}t{h} þe p{ar}tis of an appil be{n} made at oon. 84
¶ In children werre now myrth{e} and now debate, In theyr quarel no grete violence; Now pley, now wepyng, sielde in one estate; To theyr playntes gyve no credence; A Rodde refo{ur}myth{e} al theyr insolence; In theyr corage no Ranco{ur} doth{e} abyde; Who sparith{e} the yerd, al vertu set aside. 91
++In childre{n} werre is now mirþe & now debate, In her quarel is no violence, now pleie, now wepi{n}ge, & seelde i{n} oon state; to her pleyntis ȝeue no credence; A rodde reformeþ al her necligence; in her corage no ranco{ur} dooþ abide, who þ{a}t spariþ þe rodde all u{er}tues settiþ a-side. 91
LENVOYE.
¶ Go, litel bille, bareyn of eloquence, Pray yonge children that the shal see or Reede, Though{e} thow be compendious of sentence, Of thi clauses for to taken heede, Whiche to al vertu shal theyr yowth{e} leede. Of the writyng, though{e} ther be no date, If ought be mysse,--worde, sillable, or dede,-- Put al the defaute vpon Iohn{e} Lydegate. 99
++A! litil balade, voide of eloquence, I p{ra}ie ȝ{o}u ȝonge children þ{a}t þis schal se & rede, Þouȝ ȝe be copious of sentence, Ȝit to þese clausis for to take hede Which al i{n}to v{er}tues schal ȝo{ur}e ȝouþe lede. In þis writynge, þouȝ þer be no date, Yf ouȝt be mys i{n} word, sillable, or dede, I submitte me to correcciou{n} w{i}t{h}oute ony debate. 99
+Thus eendith þe book of curteisie þ{a}t is clepid stans puer ad mensam.+
* * * * * * * * *
Errata (noted by transcriber):
The Lytylle Childrenes Lytil Boke, collations: l. 59: [[CU for first ne read ner]] [text reads “fist” for “first”]
* * * * * * * * *
The Notes to the Book of Curtasye originally appeared in this location, immediately before the Index. They have been moved to accompany the primary text.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
[Transcriber’s Note:
The Table of Contents is repeated here in slightly abbreviated form for convenience in using the Index. All verse selections have continuous line numbers; the exact page number is not needed. References in the form “line B” are to the “ABC“ selections, “Aristotle” and “Lerne or Be Lewde”. Items marked [[added by editor]] are from the “Additions to Index” at the end of this selection.
Incorrect page numbers are shown in [[double brackets]] at the end of the line, typically in the form [[258 for 261]].
The paragraph beginning “To save the repetition...“ is from the original text.]
Forewords, or General Preface i Education in Early England iv Cleanliness, or Dirt, of Men, Houses, &c. lxiii Notice of the separate Poems lxviii Preface to Russell’s Boke of Nurture lxix Collations and Corrections xcii John Russell’s Boke of Nurture 1 Notes thereon 84 Lawrens Andrewe on Fish 113 Wilyam Bulleyn on Boxyng and Neckeweede 124 Andrew Borde on Sleep, Rising, and Dress 128 William Vaughan’s Fifteen Directions to preserve Health 133 The Dyet for every Day (Sir John Harington’s) 138 On Rising, Diet, and Going to Bed (from the same) 140 Recipes (for Fritters, Jussell, and Mawmeny) 145 Recipes (for Hares and Conies in Civeye, and for Doucettes) 146 Wynkyn de Worde’s Boke of Keruynge 147 Notes thereon 173 The Boke Of Curtasye 175 The Booke Of Demeanor 207 Bp. Grossetest’s Household Statutes 215 Stanzas and Couplets of Counsel 219 The Schoole Of Vertue 221 Whate-ever thow sey, avyse thee welle! 244 A Dogg Lardyner, & a Sowe Gardyner 246 Maxims in -ly 247 Roger Ascham’s Advice to Lord Warwick’s Servant 248 The Babees Book 250 Lerne or be Lewde 258 The A B C of Aristotle 260 Vrbanitatis 262 The Boris Hede furst 264* The Lytylle Childrenes Lytil Boke, or Edyllys be (left-hand pages) 265-273 The Young Children’s Book (right-hand pages) 266-274 Stans Puer ad Mensam (left-hand pages) 275-281 Stans Puer ad Mensam (right-hand pages) 276-282 Notes to the Boke of Curtasye, &c. 283
Items from the Postscript are not included in the Index
* * * * * * * * *
INDEX.
To save the repetition of p. and l. for page and line, I have adopted Mr Morris’s plan, in his Chaucer Glossary, of putting a / between the numbers of the page and line, so that 5 / 115 stands for page 5, line 115. Where no line is named, then p. for page is prefixed. The French references are to Cotgrave, except where otherwise specified. The Index, though long, does not pretend to completeness. The explanations of words given in the notes to the text are not repeated here.
Abbots of Westminster & Tintern not to sit together, 76/1141-4.
Abbot with a mitre, 70/1013, 72/1051; without one, l. 1015; 72/1059.
A B C of Aristotle, p. 260, p. 258. [[258 for 261]]
A bofe, 216/9, above.
Abrayde, 277/52, upbraid.
Abremon, a fish, p. 113.
A-brode, 62/906, spread open.
Abstinence, 8/108; 153/6.
Abylle, 267/44, fit, convenient, beseeming; L. habilis, suitable, fit.
Accounts, yearly, taken to the Auditor, 196/590.
Achatis, 201/555, purchases. Fr. achet, a bargaine, or purchase. Cotgrave.
Addes, 153/11, adze.
Aduertence, p. 277, attention, respect, reverence.
Affeccion, 52/763, disposition.
After-dinner nap, 65/947-54, to be taken standing against a cupboard, p. 128.
Ages of man, the four, p. 53, p. 104.
Ahuna, a monster of the sea, p. 114.
Alay, 16/232, temper.
Alaye, p. 151, carve.
Aldermen, the old, rank above the young, 77/1157.
Ale; is to be 5 days old, 12/178; p. 92; 154/19. Fr. Gutale ou Guttale. Ale, good Ale. Cot.
Ale or wine, the sauce for capons, 26/411.
Algate, 26/400, always.
Aliene, 75/1109, foreigners.
Alle, p. 216, No. ix. hall.
Allhallows Day, fires in hall begin on, 189/393.
Allhallowsday, 205/837.
Alloft, 69/996, above, over the vessel of herbs.
Almandes, 5/74, almonds.
Almond, 44/625, a whelk’s operculum.
Almonds, good against sour food, 8/102; eat it with raw fruit, 153/1.
Almond, iardyne, cream of, 52/744; cream and milk of, 35/520; cream of, 49/705; 56/825; 157/8; p. 167, last line.
Almoner, his duties, 201/729; to remove a towel, 204/814.
Alms to be given to the poor, p. 216, No. viii.
Alms-dish, 23/346; 200/687; 201/730; loaf for, 202/731; it has the leavings in the lord’s cup, 203/787, and a piece of everything he is served with, 204/799. See John Fitz Roberts’s account for altering and ornamenting an almsdish for Hen. VI., that belonged to the Duk d’Excestre, in Rymer X. 388, col. 1.
Aloes epatick, 135/12; Fr. hepatique, Liuer-helping; comforting a whole, or curing a diseased, liuer. Cot.
Als, 197/599, also.
Altar, minister at the high, with both hands, 182/167.
Alycaunt, p. 86, p. 89, a wine.
Amber, 141/3; adj. 49/699.
Amberdegrece, 132/9, a scent.
Angel and 3 Shepherds, device of, 49/702.
Anger, avoid, 236/764.
Anhonest, 180/96, unmannerly, improper; 180/124, unpolite.
Annaunciande, 201/705, announcing, who announces guests?
Answer sensibly, 252/71.
Answer, servants mustn’t, 215/13.
Ape tied with a clog, 180/108.
Apparel, rules for, 214/159, &c.
Apple fritter, 33/502, &c.
Apple, a raw, cures indigestion, 153/5; and the fumes of drink, 8/105.
Apples, 52/757; 55/813; 152/19. “The dyvell choke hym, he hath eaten all the appels alone.” Palsgrave, p. 484, col. 2.
Apples and pears roasted, 164/17, &c.
[[Citation could not be identified. Roast apples and pears are mentioned together at 152/26 and 6/80.]]
Apprentise of lawe, rank of, 73/1070.
Apprentices, thievish, hanging good for, p. 125.
Apys mow, 179/59; apes grimace.
Aquarius, p. 199, the Ewerer or Water-bearer.
Aquetons, 197/597, acquittance.
Ar, 201/710, before.
Archbishop, 72/1047.
Archbishop ranks with a prince, 70/1010; is to dine alone, 171/4.
Archdeacon, rank of, 70/1016; 72/1060.
Areche, 19/290, retch?
Areise, 43/609, tear off?
Arere, 26/407, cut.
Areyse, 27/418, 425; 28/429, &c.; tear or cut off.
A B C, p. 260, p. 258.
Arm, don’t claw it, 193/329.
Armes, servauntes of, 156/28, ? in livery, or men-at-arms.
Artificers, rich; rank of, 71/1037.
Asche, 45/643, ask.
Ashore, 5/71, slantwise, aslope; 20/299, astraddle.
Asise, 60/879, way, manner.
Aslout, 39/560; aslant.
Aspidochelon, a great whale-fisshe, p. 114.
Assaying bread, by the panter, 200/691; water, 201/702; meat, by the sewer, 202/764. See Credence, and Tasting.
Asseles, 196/566, sets the lord’s seal to.
Astate, 185/276; rank.
At, 256/182, with; 184/242, that.
Aþer, 200/689, either, each.
Attend at school, 209/21.
Attirling, 287/41, shrew; A.S. Attor, Ater, poison.
Atwytynge, 18/274, twitting, blaming others.
Audibly, speak, 235/687.
Auditor, the lord’s, all officers to account to, once a year, 196/587-94.
Aunterose, p. 260, l. A, venturesome.
Aurata (a fish), p. 114.
Autumn, the device of, 53/766; p. 54.
Ave, 48/692.
Ave-Maria, 181/147.
Aveyner, his duties, p. 197.
Avise, 35/525, opinion, learning.
Awoydes, 204/821, removes, puts off.
Ayselle, 42/596, a kind of vinegar.
Baase (the fish), 58/842. See Base.
Babulle, 1/12. Au fol la marotte. Prov. We say also, Giue the foole his bable; or what’s a foole without a bable? Cotgrave, under fol.
Back; turn it on no one, 253/90; not on him you give a cup to, 180/121.
Backbite no man, 272/99.
Bacon and peas, 54/797.
Bailiffs of a city, rank of, 71/1033.
Bailiffs of farms, &c., to be talked to pleasantly, p. 218, No. xvi.
Baked herrings with sugar, 166/7.
Bakemete, 54/802, meat-pie.
Bake metes, 30/476-7, game pies, &c.; ? sweet pies, 54/809; how to carve, 159/19; how assayed, 203/771-6.
Baker, gets money from the treasurer, 196/582; his duties, 198/623-28.
Bakes, 179/60, as bokes, bulges, stuffs.
Balena, a whale or mermaid, pp. 115, 123, 119, last line.
Banker, 63/924, cloth to cover a bench.
Barbe, p. 151, cut up.
Barme, 61/891, bosom.
Barnard’s blowe, p. 126, a secret blow by a highwayman.
Baron, 70/1013, 72/1051; of the Exchequer, 70/1014; 72/1061.
Baron of the Exchequer, appeal lies to, from an Auditor, 196/594.
Base, the fish, 51/735; 166/13; 167/6.
Bason, 63/926, washing basin.
Basshe, 45/645, be abashed, ashamed.
Bastard, 9/119; 89/7; 153/20; a sweet wine.
Bate, 182/188, quarrelling.
Bath, how to make one, p. 66-7; a medicated one, p. 67-9.
Bayle, 196/576, bailiff.
Bearer of meat to stand or kneel as the sewer does, 203/777.
Beastlynes, 232/460; nasty practise, t.i., gnawing bones.
Beaver, considered as a fish, 37/547.
“The beuer, whose hinder feet and taile onlie are supposed to be fish. Certes the taile of this beast is like vnto a thin whetstone, as the bodie vnto a monsterous rat.... It is also reported that their said tailes are a delicate fish.” Harrison, Desc. Brit., i. 225, col. 2.
See Giraldus Cambrensis, Works, vol. v. p. 59, ed. 1867.
Beckoning, don’t use it, 184/249.
Bed, how to undress a lord for, p. 65-6.
Bed and Bedroom, how to air and prepare, 63/919-30.
Bed, offer your bed-fellow his choice of place in, 185/293.
Bed, prayer on going to, 240/987-8.
Bedchamber, how to prepare your master’s, pp. 63, 65.
Bedchamber door, lights stuck on, 193/509.
Bedes, for church service, 63/918.
Bedrooms, don’t sleep in ratty ones, or those deprived of sun, p. 132.
Beds of straw, &c., to be 9 ft. long and 7 ft. broad, 191/436-7.
Beef, 34/517; 48/688; p. 105; powdered, p. 102, note to l. 694; stewed, 54/798; how to carve, 25/393.
“Touchyng the befe: I do estymate him of nature melancolyke, and engendre and produce grosse blode well norisshyng folkes robustes and of stronge complexion, whiche occupy them in great busynesse and payne.” --Du Guez’s Introductorie, p. 1071.
Behight, 41/605, direct.
Behoveable, 54/804, necessary.
Belch not, 178/113.
Believe fair words, don’t, 183/205.
Bengwine, p. 134; Fr. Benjoin, the aromaticall gumme called Benjamin or Benzoin. Cot.
Benym, 24/368, deprive.
Be-sene, 21/318, become, suit.
Bete, 63/930, feed, nourish.
Bete, 67/990, remedy, cure.
Betowre, 37/541, the bittern, q.v.; 49/696; how to carve, 27/421; p. 162.
Better, give place to your, 253/89.
Bilgres, 69/994; bugloss? p. 110.
Birds, how to carve, pp. 25-8, 30-1, 161-62.
Birth to be looked to first, 74/1105.
Bishop, rank of, 70/1012.
Bisketes, 231/389, biscuits.
Bite not thy bread, 178/49.
Bithe, 47/678, are.
Biting your lips is bad, 178/89.
Bittern, to unjoint or carve, p. 162; 165/1. See Betowre.
Blaknes, 278, 277/49, black dirt.
Blamanger and Blanchmanger, p. 101, bottom. See Blanger mangere and Blaunche manger.
Blandrelles, 157/10, white apples. See Blaundrelles.
Blanger mangere, 49/693.
Blanked, 169/23. See Blanket.
Blanket, 64/935. Fr. blanchet. A blanket for a bed; also, white woollen cloth. Cot. Is to be kept in the privy.
Blasting, 20/304; cp. Fr. Petarrade: f. Gunshot of farting. Cotgrave.
Blaunche manger, 157/3.
Blaunche powder, 6/80, note; p. 85, p. 10, note 3; 152/26.
Blaunderelle, 50/714; Blawnderelles, 6/79; p. 85, white apples.
Blaynshe powder, p. 10, note 3.
Blow and puff not, 20/303.
Blow not like a broken-winded horse, 210/53.
Blow, don’t, on your food to cool it, 180/111.
Blood Royal, Babees of, The Babees Book, addressed to, 250/15.
Blood Royal ranks above property, 74/1094; 171/16.
Blush or change colour, don’t, 187/337.
Blysse, 266/12, 23, make the sign of the cross on or over.
Blythe, 178/47, joy? = (in) faith.
Boar pasty, 31/489.
Boar, 48/686.
Boards of the privy to be covered with green cloth, 63/932.
Body to be kept upright, 235/676.
Bof, 202/750, ? not “boeuf, an ox, a beefe,” Cot.; but a-bof (dishes), above, up.
Boke, the, 185/261.
Bold, don’t be too, p. 258, p. 260, l. B.
Bolde, 192/454, finely?
Bole Armoniake, p. 134. Fr. Armoniac, a gumme spring from the Cyrenian Ferula or Fennell-giant.
Bolkynge, 19/298, belching. A.S. bealcian, to belch; to bolke, belche, roucter. Palsgrave.
Bombace, p. 139, cotton; cp. bombast.
Boner, 183/191. Fr. bonaire, gentle, courteous, affable. Cot.
Bones not to be thrown on the floor, 269/79; to be put into voyders, 230/358.
Bonet, 169/29, nightcap.
Book, stick to it well, 227/168.
Boorde, p. 260, l. B, joke, play. “To bourde or iape with one in sporte, truffler, border, iouncher.” Palsgrave.
Boorde, bourde, p. 258, p. 260, l. B; Fr. bourder, to toy, trifle, dally; bourd or ieast with. Cot.
Borbotha, a slippery fish, p. 115.
Borclothe, 30/468, table-cloth.
Bordclothe, 4/62, table-cloth. “The table clothes and towelles shoulde be chaunged twyes every weeke at the leste; more if neede require.” H. Ord. p. 85.
Borde, 178/31, table.
Borde, Andrew, extracts from, pp. 89, 91, &c.; on Sleep, Rising, and Dress, p. 128-32.
Border, p. 151, carve.
Botery, 12/176-7.
Botre, 193/489, buttery.
Bouȝt, 13/188, 189 n, 191, fold; 268/27, 29; 269/17; ‘Mal feru, A malander in the bought of a horse’s knee.’ Cot.
Bow when you answer, 253/83.
Boxyng, p. 124, smacking the face.
Boys to walk two and two from school, not hooping and hallooing, 228/238-264.
Boystous, 257/195, rude; Boystows, rudis. Prompt.
Boystousnesse, 256/182; Ruditas. Prompt.
Brade, 199/666, broad.
Bragot, 55/817; p. 107.
Brandrels, 152/24, blaundrels, white apples.
Brawn of boar, 48/686; 54/796.
Brawn of boar: this was the first dish at dinner in Harrison’s time, 1577-87; see his Description of Britain, bk. iii, ch. 1 (N. Sh. Soc.). [[entry added by editor]]
Brawn of a capon, 163/27.
Brawn, how to carve, 24/378; pp. 94, 156.
Brayd, at a, 15/226, sharply, quickly.
Brayde, 13/188, instant, same time.
Brayde, 11/146, start, slip.
Brayde, at a, 200/678, quickly.
Bread to be cut, not broken, 255/141; 267/24; at dinner to be cut in two, 178/35.
Bread, how to chop, p. 4; how assayed, 200/691-2.
Bread and cheese, 55/815.
Break your bread, 178/51.
Break not wind, 20/304.
Bream, 51/736; 58/841; pp. 108, 115.
Bream, sea-, 40/578; 49/698; 52/746; 58/848.
Breath, as it may smell, keep your mouth shut, 211/69.
Breche (? drawers), clean, 60/871.
Brede, 13/192, breadth.
Breke, 21/315; p. 151, carve venison.
Breke a cony, 29/448.
Bresewort, 68/993. “In the curious treatise of the virtues of herbs, Royal MS. 18 A. vi., fol. 72 b, is mentioned ‘bryse-wort, or bon-wort, or daysye, consolida minor, good to breke bocches.’” Way, Promptorium, p. 52, note 1.
Brest, 19/288, ? for fist.
Bret, Brett, a fish, 41/583; 51/735; 59/852. Fr. Limaude, f. A Burt or Bret-fish. Cot.
Breue, 190/413, book, score-up.
Breuet, 194/536, briefed (with green wax).
Breve, 195/553, set down in writing, keep accounts of.
Brewe, 36/540, a bird; 49/706; 157/8; how to carve, 27/422; to untache or carve, p. 160.
Bridelid, 278/33, ? a wrong reading; or, with food in one’s mouth; Fr. boire sa bride, A horse to draw vp his bit into his mouth with his tongue. Cot.
Broach a pipe of wine, how to, 5/69, p. 152, 121/69. [[last selection unidentified]]
Broche?, 161/6.
Broiled herrings, 52/748.
Broke-lempk, 69/994; p. 68, note.
Broken, 214/158, with hernia?, E. Engl. bursten.
Broken meat or food for the poor, 202/739.
Brothellis, 267/38, low rude people. Fr. bordeau, a brothell or bawdie house; bordelier, a wencher, haunter of baudie-houses. Cotgrave. Adulterous friars are called brothels in Piers Plowman’s Crede, l. 1540, v. 2, p. 496, ed. Wright. See Arth. and Merlin, &c., in Halliwell;--a blackguard, Towneley Mysteries, p. 142, “stynt, brodels, youre dyn.”
Browers, 199/663; brower must be a napkin or doyley. “Can it be a bib put on when taking broo or broth in, against the spilling of what is supped up? (Or rather, wiping the fingers from the broo, sauce, or gravy, that men dipped their bits of meat into.) Halliwell curiously explains broo, top of anything. ‘Tak a knyf & shere it smal, the rute and alle, & sethe it in water; take the broo of that, and late it go thorow a clowte’-- evidently the juice. Ital. broda, broth, swill for swine, dirt or mire; brodare, to cast broth upon.” --H. Wedgwood.
Browes, p. 160, last line; p. 173. A.S. briw, es.; m. Brewis, the small pieces of meat in broth; pottage, frumenty, &c., briwan, to brew. Somner.
Brows, how to use the, 210/29; 213/132.
Browynge, 179/75, broth, grease. See Browes.
Brush your master well, 62/913; all robes lightly, 64/940-3; your cap, 228/78.
Brushed (well), breeches, 60/873.
Brydelynge, 19/288, ? the passage seems corrupt.
Brytte, a fish, 166/12.
Buche, 31/492, in squares. Sloane MS. 1315, reads “Custarde, enche square checke hit with your knyfe.”
Buffe, p. 133, leather made of buck’s skin.
Bulch not, 294/113. [[294 for 212]]
Bulk, 267/47. A.S. bealcian, to belch. “Bolkyn, ructo, eructo, orexo.” Prompt.
Bulke, 29/452, thorax, breast; 159/16.
BULLEYN, Wilyam; on Boxyng and Neckeweede, p. 124-7.
Bultelle clothe, 12/164.
Bun, 14/211; 15/218.
Bushel of flour to make 20 loaves, 198/625-6.
Business, attend to your own, 268/56.
Bustard, 28/433; 37/541; p. 97; 49/695; p. 102; 157/4.
Butler and Panter’s duties, p. 152-1. [[152-1 for 152/1]]
Butler, his duties, 196/423-30; is the panter’s mate, /425.
Butt or fresh-water flounder, p. 115.
Butter, sweet, of Claynos or hakeney, 39/559.
Butter, one of the fruits to be eaten before dinner, 46/667-8.
Butter and fruits to be eaten before dinner, 152/22.
Butter, wholesome first and last, 7/89; 152/31.
Butter, 7/89-92; p. 85; 152/20, 22.
Buttiler, p. 3, l. 40-1. ‘Butler, the officer in charge of the buttery or collection of casks; as Pantler, the officer in charge of the pantry.’ Wedgwood.
Buying, swear & lie not in, 270/76.
Bydene, 4/62, properly.
Cabages, 35/521; p. 97; 159/29.
Calf, boiled, on Easter-day, p. 160.
Calves-foot jelly, 34/515.
Calves-skin garments to be worn in summer, p. 139.
Camamelle, 68/992, chamomile.
Camelyne sauce, p. 36, note 6.
Camphire, 135/13.
Campolet wine, 153/20, p. 174.
Cancer, the creuyce or cray-fish, p. 115.
Candelarius, 204/822-3, the chandler.
Candle, one to each mess at dinner, 205/837.
Candlemas-eve, squires’ allowances stop on, 189/394; 205/837.
“Aujourd’huy Febvrier demain Chandelier. Prov. (For Candlemas day is euer the second of Februarie.)” Cot.
Candles, 34/510.
Canel, 5/66; p. 84, a spout.
Canelle, 11/142; 10/135; 153/24, 31; a spice.
Canelle-boon, 29/449; 159/14. Fr. Clavicules, f. The kannell bones, channell bones, necke-bones, craw-bones, extending (on each side ore) from the bottom of the throat vnto the top of the shoulder. Cot. The merry-thought of a bird. The haunch-bones below correspond to the clavicles or kannell bones above.
Canne, 266/4; cunne, 265/3, know.
Cannelles, 152/15, channels, spouts.
Canterbury, Bp. of, 73/1077. See Archbishop.
Canterbury, the prior of, 77/1145.
Cap, take it off before a lord, 262/4; before your better, 274/137; when speaking to any man, 226/80; be free of, 229/274, salute every one.
Capitaius, a fish, p. 116.
Capon, 48/689; 54/801; p. 106.
“Of all meates the best and most utille to the body of man is of capons, chyckyns, faisantes, partriches, yonge partriches, plouuiers, pigeons, quailles, snites (becasses§), wod-cockes, turtell doves, knyghtes (cheualiers†), stares, sparows, or passeriaux, finches, uerdieres,* frions, gold finches, linotes, thrushe, felde fare, and all kyndes of small byrdes (whereof the names ben without nombre) ben metes norisshyng and of litell degestion, and that engendre good blode.” Du Guez’s Introductorie, p. 1071-2.
[Footnote §: Beccasse, f. A Woodcock. Becasse petite, A Snite or Snipe.]
[Footnote †: Chevalier, A daintie Water-fowle, as big as a Stock-doue, and of two kinds, the one red, the other blacke. Cot.]
[Footnote *: Verdrier, m. The Gold-hammer, Yellow-ha{m}mer, Yowlring. Cot.]
Capon, how to carve, 26/409; to sauce or carve, p. 161.
Capon, boiled, 54/799; verjuice its sauce, 36/534. “Capons boyled, and chekyns, ben lykewyse of good nourysshyng, and doth engender good blode, but whan they ben rosted, they ben somewhat more colloryke, and all maner of meates rosted, the tone more the tother lesse.” Du Guez, p. 1071.
Capon pie, 31/481.
Capon, roast, how to carve, 16½1.
Cappe, 65/964, night-cap.
Cappe-de-huse, 62/909, ? cape for the house, Fr. cappe, a short cloake, or loose and sleeuelesse garment, which hath, instead of a Cape, a Capuche behind it. Cot.
Caprik, 9/120; p. 91, No. 13, a sweet wine.
Caraway, Careawey, 6/79, caraway-seeds, (from καρον, cumin; Lat. careum; Ar. karawiya; Mahn,) 50/713; 152/25; 157/11; 231/389.
Cardinal, rank of a, 70/1008; 72/1045.
Carding, eschew, 234/599.
Cariage, p. 280, 279, l. 59, act of carrying.
Carowayes, 231/389, caraway-seed cakes.
Carp, 40/578; 51/735; 58/842; p. 116.[1]
[Footnote 1: And of the carp, that it is a deyntous fyssche, but there ben but fewe in Englonde; and therefore I wryte the lasse of hym. --Jul. Berners’s Book of St Alban’s.]
Carpentes, 169/9, 18, carpets under foot? See carpettes for cupbordes, l. 19.
Carpets, about a bed, windows, &c, 63/927-8.
Carry your body up, 213/133.
Carver, his duties, p. 24-32; assays the wine?, and carves the lord’s meat, 209/789-95. [[209 for 203]] See Keruynge.
Carving of fish, p. 166-7; of flesh, p. 157.
Carving-knives, panter to lay two, 200/673.
Cast, 197/607, armful or pitchfork-full.
Cast of bread, 198/631, ? armful, lot taken up at one heave.
Cast up thy bed, 226/61.
Castles, the Receiver sees to repairs of, 197/601.
Castyng, 187/336, ?
Cat, don’t stroke it at meals, 180/107.
Cate, 274/143, ? cat (hond, hound).
Cathedral prior sits above others, 77/1150.
Cato quoted, 232/491.
Cats to be turned out of bedrooms, 66/969; p. 108, p. 109; 169/34.
Caucius, a fish, p. 116.
Cawdrons, the sauce for swans, p. 159, last line. See Chawdon.
Cellar, yeomen of the, 21/311.
Celle, 12/176, cell.
Cena Domini, fires in hall stop on, 189/398; [[189 for 95]] Shere Thursday or Maundy Thursday, day before Good Friday.
Cetus, the greatest whale, p. 116.
Ceuy, 55/822, chive-sauce.
Chafer, 192/466, a heater.
Chaffire, 45/639. “Chafowre to make whote a thynge, as watur. Calefactorium.” Prompt.
Chalcedony to be worn in a ring, p. 141.
Chambur, bason for, 66/971.
Chamberlain, the duties of one, p. 59-69, p. 168-9.
Chancellor, his duties, 195/563.
Chandelew, 199/642, chandlery, stock of candles.
Chandler, his bread, 198/628; his duties, p. 204-11.
Change (countenance or temper?) don’t, 270/92.
Char, 180/96, turn, trick.
Chardequynce, 152/21, chare de quynces, 5/75; conserve of quinces, or quince marmalade. Charequynses, 10łb. the boke, vs̃--2ł., 10s. A.D. 1468, H. Ord. p. 103. Marmalet of Quinces. R. Holme, Bk. III., p. 80, col. 1.
Charger, 44/633; Chargere, 26/405, a kind of dish.
Charity, the fruits of, p. 233, cap. x.
Charlet, 159/28; p. 173.
Chat after meals, p. 142.
Chatter, don’t, 253/94; 257/186.
Chafing-dysshe, 162/2, heating dish.
Chaundeler, 299/492, chandler, officer in charge of the candles.
Chawdon (chawdron, p. 161), the sauce for swan, 36/535; p. 97.
Chawdwyn, the sauce for swans, 48/688.
Cheeks, don’t puff ’em out, 211/65; don’t stuff yours out like an ape’s, 179/57.
Cheese, hard, 6/78; 7/85; p. 84, p. 85; 7/84-8; 8/102; 152/24.
Cheese, 55/815; 152/19.
Cheese, the best cement for broken pots, p. 85. Ruin cheese, p. 7, note 3; 85/3.
Cheese, have a clean trencher for, 256/183.
Cheese, fruit, and biscuits, for dessert, 231/388.
Cheese, only take a little, 269/76.
Fourmage est bon quand il y en a peu: Prov. The lesse cheese the better; or, cheese is good when a miserable hand giues it. Cot.
Chekker, 196/594, the Exchequer.
Chekkid, 25/389; 31/492, cut into chequers or squares.
Chekmate, 8/96.
Cherlis, 267/34, 48, poor, rude, and rough people.
Cherries, 6/77; 46/668; 152/23.
Chet, 199/501, coarse bread; chet loaf to the almsdish, 200/687.
Cheven (Cheuene, 166/13), chub, 51/736, note 3; 58/842. Fr. Vilain, the Cheuin or Pollard fish (called so because it feedes vpon nothing but filth). Cot. See Chub.
Cheve, 24/369, end.
Chewettes, 161/4; p. 171; 173/3.
[Transcriber’s Note: Reference to “p. 171” could not be identified. Chewets are mentioned on 161/4, 165/3 and 173/24.]
Chicken, boiled, 54/799; roast, 54/808; chicken pie, 31/481.
Chickens, how to carve, 25/397.
Chide not, 253/102. “I lyken the to a sowe, for thou arte ever chyding at mete.” Palsgrave, p. 611, col. 2.
Chief Justices, rank of, 70/1014; 72/1052.
Childe, or young page, the King’s, 75/1124.
Children soon get angry, 279, 280/81; 281, 282/85; give ’em an apple then, 280/84; and a rod when they’re insolent, 281, 282/89.
Children, to wait on their parents at dinner before eating their own, 229/297; 231/423; the duty of, 241/5.
Chin, hold it up when you speak, 262/14; keep it clean at dinner, 272/107.
Chine, 25/393. Fr. Eschinon: m. The Chyne, or vpper part of the backe betweene the shoulders. Eschine: f. The Chyne, backe bone, ridge of the backe. 1611, Cotgrave.
Chip, p. 84; 152/4. “I chyppe breed. Je chappelle du payn ... je descrouste du pain ... and je payre du pain. Chyppe the breed at ones, for our gestes be come.” Palsgrave, p. 484, col. 1. See “choppe” and “chyppere.”
Choke, don’t, by drinking with your mouth full, 180/98.
Choppe (loaves), 4/51; p. 184.
Chub, p. 51, note 3. See Cheuen.
Church, how to behave in, 233/332 (this is the part that would follow at the end of the Booke of Demeanor, p. 296).
Church, behave well at; go to, 266/17.
Chyme of a pipe, 152/18, rim.
Chymné, 192/461, fire-place or brasier.
Chyne, 5/70, rim of a cask.
Chyne, 25/393; 159/15, 16, back, loin. See Chine.
Chyne, p. 151, carve.
Chynchynge, 153/11, pinching. Metaphorically “chynchyn or sparyn mekylle, perparco.” Prompt.
Chyppere, 152/4, a knife to chip bread with.
Cinnamon and salt as sauce for venison, &c., 37/542-3.
Cinnamon, eaten with lamprey-pie, 44/636; with fish, 58/842, 847; 168/11.
Cinnamon, 153/30.
Ciryppe, 56/826, syrop.
Civeye (chive sauce), hares and conies in, p. 309; 55/822.
Clared wyne, 153/19.
Clarey, 9/120; p. 91, No. 14; Clarrey, 153/21. Sp. Clarea: f. Clary drinke of hony and wine. Some say Muscadell, others call it Nectar or kingly drinke. 1591, Percivale, ed. Minsheu, 1623.
Clarke of the crowne and th’eschekere, 70/1019.
Claryfinynge, 9/124.
Claw, don’t, 253/81; 262/18; 274/139.
Claw not your head, &c., 18/279.
“I clawe, as a man or beest dothe a thyng softely with his nayles. Je grattigne ... Clawe my backe, and I wyll clawe thy toe.” Palsgrave.
Claynos buttur, 39/559.
Cleanse your spoon, 179/74.
Clene, 262/28, fitting, courteous.
Clerk of the Kitchen, 195/549; his duties, 195/553-62; gets money from the Treasurer, 196/579.
Clof, 192/462, ? [[Can it be “cloth”?]]
Cloke, 62/909, cloak.
Cloos-howse, 80/1202, lock-up place for food.
Cloth, how to lay the, 13/187, &c., 154/23; how to take it off the table, 231/399.
Cloth, keep it clean, 269/61, 81; 272/123; 277/39; 278/40; don’t wipe your knife on it, 272/122; or your nose, 263/53.
Clothes, don’t wipe your nose on, 210/48. See Apparel. “Graue clothes make dunces often seeme great clarkes.” Cot., u. fol.
Clothing of officers, given out by the clerk of the kitchen, 195/561; of lord and lady, by the chancellor, 195/563.
Cloven-footed fowls, skin of, is unwholesome, 163/18. [[163 for 165]]
Clowche, 33/503, belly? Not “clowchyn or clowe (clewe), glomus, globus.” Prompt.
Clutch at the best bit, don’t, 263/29.
Coat, long, 60/872.
Cock and hen, p. 105.
Cock, shooting at; girls not to go to, 289/81.
Cockes, 24/375, cooks.
Cod, 58/845; 168/12.
Cod, how to carve, 40/576; names of, p. 99.
Codling, a fish, p. 59, note; 167/7.
Codware not to be clawed, 19/286; not to be exposed, 20/305.
Coffyn, cofyn, 30/478; 31/481; 96/2, 22, &c., crust of a pie.
Cold, head and feet to be kept from, p. 138.
Cold fritter is not to be eaten, 33/502.
Colericus, 53/772; p. 54; p. 104.
Colice, 56/824, broth.
Collector, the Pope’s, 70/1023; 72/1063.
Cologne, the kings of, 50/712.
Colombyne gynger, 10/131; Columbyne gyngre, 52/758; a kind of ginger. ? what.
Coloure de rose, 9/114. See note there; it was a wine, p. 86, extract from the Four Elements.
Colvering, 126/3, ?
Comade, 96/4; sauce of whipped eggs and milk.
Comb for the hair, 61/885.
Comb your head often, p. 130; nothing recreateth the memorie more, p. 128.
Comb your head, 266/14; do it 40 times every morning, p. 139.
Comb your lord’s head, 65/963; 169/2, 28.
Comedies, 34/510, quaint dishes?
Comenynge, 81/1220, communication, teaching.
Comfit, 50/714; p. 104.
Commende, 254/120. Fr. ?Commander, to recommend, or to commit ouer vnto the care of another. À Dieu vous command. God be with you. Cot.
Commensed, 77/1154, taken a degree.
Commyn, 46/671, communicate, talk.
Companions, pray for your, 182/161.
Compleccion, 52/764, device.
Compleccyon, 165/11, disposition. My complexcyon a-cordyth to eny mete, But rere sopers j refowse, lest j shuld surfett. Piers of Fullham, l. 197-8.
Compostes, 5/75, note; 6/79; 152/21; 154/19. See Recipe 100, Forme of Cury, p. 49.
Conche or muscle fish, p. 116.
Concoction, 136/12, digestion.
Concordable, 54/796, suitable.
Condel, smale, 205/826, tapers.
Confiteor, the, to be learnt, 181/154.
Confites, 5/75; p. 85, note to l. 82, comfits.
Confyte, 51/731, a comfit.
Congaudence, 79/1190, congratulation, satisfaction.
Conger, 38/555; 41/583; 51/733; p. 117. Richard Sheale, the minstrel and ballad-writer, says,
“I can be content, if it be out of Lent, A piece of beef to take, my hunger to aslake. Both mutton and veal is good for Richard Sheale; Though I look so grave, I were a very knave If I would think scorn, either evening or morn, Being in hunger, of fresh salmon or congar.”
Knight’s Life of Caxton, p. 48.
Conger, salt, 57/833.
Congettynge, 80/1202, conspiracy, tricks.
Connynge, 81/1220-2, learning, knowledge.
Contrarotulator, p. 195, the controller.
Controller, his work, 195/541, 550; sits on the dais in hall, 177/20. “I feel by William Peacock that my nephew is not yet verily acquainted in the king’s house, nor with the officers of the king’s house he is not taken as none of that house; for the cooks be not charged to serve him, nor the sewer to give him no dish, for the sewer will not take no men no dishes till they be commanded by the controller.” Clement Paston, P. Letters, ed. 1841, v. 1, p. 144 (XV. vol. iv. p. 53, orig.).
Cold of speech, be, 272/98.
Cony, 34/517; 49/694; 54/807; p. 107. “And conÿs, hares, rabettes (laperaus), buckes, does, hartes, hyndes, robuckes, or lepers (cheureus ou saillanz), holde also all of melancoly.” Du Guez.
Cony, how to carve, 29/447; 159/12; to unlace or cut up, p. 162.
Cony, with mustard and sugar, 36/538.
Conyd, 274/149, learnt.
Coochele, sea-snails, p. 116.
Cook must obey a marshal, 79/1182.
Cooks are always finding out new dishes, and nearly killing people, 33/505.
Coost, 49/705, rank, succession? Fr. coste à coste, in euen ranke, side by side. Cotgrave.
Cope, 200/689, covering, towel ?
Copious of talk, don’t be, 279, 280/74.
Coral, 141/3.
Coretz, a fish, p. 119.
Cornys, p. 218, No. xvi. different kinds of grain.
Cote, 267/48, cot, cottage.
Cottell, 168/14, cuttle-fish.
[Transcriber’s Note: Also p. 174 (note on “Cottell”).]
Cotyn, cotton, to be kept in the privy, 64/935.
Couche, 154/25.
Couertoure, 202/753, dish-cover; 203/791, cover, or lid of a wine-cup.
Cough not, 18/271; before your lord, 19/297.
Counturpynt, 192/455, counterpane.
Countyng, 194/535, reckoning.
Courteous, be, to God, and kneel at prayers, 182/163.
Courtesy came from heaven, 265/4; 266/6; all virtues are included in it, 265/8; 266/10.
Courtesy and gentleness, delight in, 256/180.
Courts (fines of), 196/577.
Couth, 272/118, ? truly, indeed, A.S. cudlice, certainly.
Couthe, 180/114, known persons, friends.
Coverlet of a bed, 63/923.
Cowd, 3/34-5, knew.
Cowche, 13/187, and note, the undermost table-cloth.
Cowheels mixed with jellies, 34/515.
Crab, how to carve and dress one, 42/590-601; 165/14. [[165 for 167]]
Crache, 274/139; 275/14; 276/14. ‘Clawyn or cracchyn, scratche, Scalpo, scrato, grado.’ Cath. in P. Pl.; ‘Krauwen, krabben, kratsen, ofte schrabben.’ Hexham.
Craftsmen, their duty, 242/12.
Cram your mouth full, don’t, 267/38.
Crane (the bird), 36/539; p. 97; 49/695; p. 102, and note *, for their fighting pigmies.
Crane, how to carve, 28/429; or dysplaye, p. 162.
Crane’s trump, take care of it, 28/431; 157/4. [[157 for 159]]
Crawe, 19/288; Fr. iabot, the craw, crop, or gorge of a bird. Cotgrave.
Crayfish, how it catches oysters, p. 115; p. 117; freshwater, p. 116. See Creues, &c.
Cream, cow- and goat-, 7/81; 8/93; p. 85; 54/803; is bad, 152/27. “The dyvell burst him, he hath eaten all the creame without me.” Palsgrave, p. 472, col. 2.
Credence, 80/1195-9, tasting food against poison. Only done for the highest ranks, down to an earl.
Creed, to be learnt by boys, 181/167.
Creues (crayfish), how to carve, 167/20.
Crevice, freshwater, 58/848.
Crevis dewe douȝ, fresh-water cray-fish; how to carve, 43/618.
Crevise, freshwater, 50/707.
Crevise or cray-fish, how to carve, 42/602; the names of, p. 100.
Crochettis, 197/446, hooks.
Cropyns, 24/362, crops, craws, of birds.
Croscrist, 181/144.
Cross, make the sign of, on rising, 266/12.
Croups of birds indigestible, 158/7.
Cruddes, 8/93, curds.
Culpon, p. 151, cut into chunks.
Cup, don’t ask a friend to take it, but give it him yourself, 180/123.
Cupboard, 13/193, table or stand for cups, &c., to stand on; is in the marshal’s charge, 189/390; to be covered with carpets, 169/19.
Cupborde, bread and wine stand on (or in), 194/511.
Cuppeborde in a bed-room, 63/928.
Cups to be silver, p. 136.
Cure, 78/1174, charge.
Cure, 21/324; 31/492; custom, way of doing a thing.
Cure, 28/435, directions.
Cure, 24/375, craft, art, practice.
Curies, 33/506, dodges, curious dishes.
Curlew, 49/706; 157/8; how to carve, 27/421; to untache or cut up, p. 162.
Sir Degrevant, l. 1406, p. 235, has ffatt conyngus and newe, ffesauntys and corelewe.
Cursie, 230/328, curtsey.
Curtains, bed-, 66/968; four to a bed, 191/448.
Curtasye, the Boke of (Sloane MS. 1986), p. 175-205.
Curtesy, 156/9, a bow or salutation.
Curtsey, make your, decently, 214/153.
Cury, 34/513, dodges, sleights.
Cushion, to be put on the chair, 61/882.
Cuspis, p. 32, note 2.
Custade costable, 54/802, a kind of custard.
Custard, how to carve, 31/492; p. 95; 157/1; 159/21.
Cut your meat, don’t bite it, 269/63.
Cut, 153/22, cute wine.
Cute, 9/118; p. 87, No. 3, a sweet wine. Fr. Vin cuict. Wine boyled on the fire to a certaine thicknesse, and then put into vessells, and reserved for sweet sawces. Cot.
Cute, 10/138, baking.
Cute, gynger of iij, 11/159.
Cuttid, 20/305, short-coated.
Cuttlefish, p. 174.
Cyueye (chive or onion sauce), hares and conies in, p. 309.
Dace, 40/575; p. 98, bottom, 58/841; Fr. Sophie ... the Dace or Dare-fish. Cot.
Damsons, 6/77; p. 91, last note (wrongly headed, l. 177); 46/668; 152/23.
Dangle like a bell, don’t, 214/152.
Dates, 5/74; p. 32, note 2; 51/731; 152/21, 23; p. 167, last line.
Dates in confite, 56/825; in confetes, 166/11; capte with mynced ginger, 166/19.
Daungeresnes, 46/659, of great difficulty.
Daw, a, sticks its neck askew, 19/285.
Dean, rank of, 70/1016; 72/1060.
Debt, keep out of, 270/80.
Degree, University; rank of clerks that have taken one, 71/1028.
Degree (of men), the duty of each, p. 241-8. [[8 for 3]]
Delicatis, 50/713; delicacies.
Delphin, or mermaid, p. 117.
Demeanor, The Booke of, p. 207-14.
Demeene, 78/1163; learn ? or arrange.
Demurely, walk in the streets, 275, 276/18.
Depelled, 142/12, driven out.
Dere, 47/684, injury.
Deshe, 177/20, dais.
Despisers of courtesy are not fit to sit at table, 271/99; 181/137.
Dewe, 43/618, of water.
Dewgarde, leche, 157/10.
Dewynge, 51/732, service.
Deynteithe, 52/752, ? inclination, desire.
Deynteithly, 55/814, toothsomely.
Deyntethe, adj., 50/723, toothsome, dainty.
Deyntethe, sb., 194/527, dainty.
Diaper towel, 154/31.
Diapery, towelle of, 13/193.
Diatrion piperion, to be used against rheums, p. 137.
Dice, don’t play at with your lord, 184/228.
Diet, 31/488, food.
Diet, one for every day, p. 133.
Difence, 278/51; ? Fr. defense, a reply, answer, argument, or allegation vsed, or vrged in defence. Cot. Faire defense is now to forbid, prohibit.
Dig your thumb into your nose, don’t, 186/327.
Digest his stomak, his food, 65/947.
Digne, 71/1024, worthy.
Diligences, 79/1183, duties.
Dim sight, remedy for, p. 135.
Dinner described, from the laying of the cloth, 199/655, to the removal of the board and trestles, 204/822.
Dinner of flesh, p. 48-50, p. 100; of fish, p. 50-2; fruits to be eaten before, 46/667-8.
Dinner at noon, what the page is to do at, 254/128.
Dinner and supper, the only meals allowed, p. 141.
Dip your meat in the saltcellar, don’t. See Salt.
Dipping slices of meat in sauce, 30/467.
Dirty clothes forbidden, 214/167.
Disallow, 29/1181.
Dischmetes, 34/514. [[entry added by editor]]
Dise, 8/112, an adze?
Dish taken away, don’t ask for it again, 256/166; 179/83.
Dish-side, spoon not to be laid on, 179/73; 272/126.
Dismember, p. 151, carve.
Dispendu, 201/543 (? eatables, &c., not money), disposed of, consumed.
Dispenses, 195/555, payments, expenditure.
Dissolute laughters, avoid, 275/20.
Diswere, 191/436, doubt. Halliwell. “Platt-D. waren is to certify, assure; to prove by witnesses, &c.; wahr, true, is, I believe, what is certain, sure. ‘Ik will jou de Waarschup darvan bringen,’ I will bring you the truth of it, will bring you certain intelligence of it. Diswere then would be uncertainty.” --H. Wedgwood.
Do to others as you would they’d do to you, 182/175.
Doctor of both laws (Canon and Civil), utriusque juris, 71/1024; 72/1062.
Doctor of divinity, rank of, 70/1021; 72/1062.
Doctors of 12 years’ standing, rank above those of nine, 77/1153.
Document, 250/6, L. documentum, that which teaches, a lesson, example for instruction; Fr. document, precept, instruction, admonition. Cot.
Dog, don’t claw yours at dinner, 179/87.
Dogs to be turned out of bedrooms, 66/969; p. 109; 169/33. One reason for turning dogs out of the bedroom at night is given in Palsgrave’s “I wolde gladly yonder dogge were hanged, he never ceased whowlyng all nyght,” p. 784-5.
Donne, 169/23, down.
Dorray, 51/733, dorée.
Doree, the fish, 41/582; 166/12.
Dosurs, 189/391, canopies, hangings: ‘Docere of an halle: Dorsorium, auleum.’ Prompt. Fr. Vn dossier de pavillon. The head of a Pauillion, or Canopie; the peece that hangs down at the head thereof. Cot.
Doted daf (confounded ass, stupid fool), don’t be one, 186/326.
Doublet, 60/872; 61/892; 62/899; 169/1.
Douȝ, 43/618, soft, fresh (water).
Dowcetes, dowcettes, a dish, 32/494; recipe at p. 309; 49/699; 54/809. [[309 for 146]]
Dowled drink not to be given to any one, 154/22; dowld, dead, flat (Yorkshire), Halliwell; not ‘dollyd, sum what hotte, tepefactus.’ Prompt.
Dowt, 79/1188, fear.
Doyle, 19/285, skew.
Draconites, 141/7, the dragonstone.
Dragons herbe, p. 134.
Drapery, 64/946, cloths.
Draughtes, 25/388, drawn lines, scorings.
Dresser, in the kitchen, 195/557.
Dressing described, p. 168-9.
Drink hinders digestion, p. 136.
Drink, how assayed, 203/785-93; how to hand, 209/9.
Drink not behind a man’s back, 269/75; wipe your mouth first, 272/105.
Drink all in the cup, don’t, 185/289.
Drink with full mouth, don’t, 272/110.
Drink moderately, 279, 280/73.
Drivel not with your mouth, 19/292.
Drop soup on your breast, don’t, 279, 280/57.
Dropynge from the eyes, 18/283.
Drunk, don’t get, p. 258, p. 260, l. D.
Drunkelewe, 216/1, drunken; ’drunkelew ebriosus.’ Prompt. For the -lewe = -ly; cp. ‘delicat horses that ben holden for delyt, that they ben so faire, fat, and costlewe.’ Chaucer. Parsones Tale, Poet. Works, ed. Morris, iii. 298; costlewe furring in here gownes, ib. p. 296.
Drunken servants to be turned away, 216/1.
Dry thy mouth before drinking, 179/81.
Duchess, 200/680.
Duck: see Mallard.
‘The ducke maketh a clere voyce, & causeth ma_n_ to lay gladdly in the armes & geueth hy_m_ the sede of nature / & the sewet is of it very good to souple all maner of paynes in the bodi of man.” --Noble Lyfe. L. i. back.
Dugard, leche, 50/708.
Duke of royal blood, 70/1011; 72/1048.
Duke to dine alone, 171/4.
Dumb, don’t be, 184/255.
Dysfygure, p. 151, carve.
Dysplaye, p. 151, carve.
Earl, the lowest rank for which food was tasted by a servant, 80/1198.
Ears, not to be picked, 267/33; 19/289; to be kept clean, 226/99.
Ease (quiet), live in, 270/82.
Easter-day feast, p. 160.
Easter to Whit-sunday, feasts and service from, p. 160.
Eat properly, 263/40; not hastily, 265/19.
Eat, don’t, till your mess is brought from the kitchen, 178/43.
Echeola, the pearl-muscle, p. 117.
Echynus, p. 118.
Edwite, 278/28, blame, reproach, turt; A.S. edwítan.
Eel, salt, 57/834.
Eels, bred from slime, p. 114.
Eels, roasted, 41/588; 58/848.
Eels, names of, p. 99.
Eels, 50/719; 51/737; 55/820; p. 104.
Eernesful, p. 260, l. E; A.S. geornes, earnestness; geornfull, full of desire, eager, anxious.
Egestyon, 130/15, evacuations.
Egge, 22/335, edge.
Eggs, 54/803; p. 106.
Egre, 57/837; Fr. aigre, eagre, sharpe, tart, biting, sower. Cot.
Egret, 36/539; p. 97; 49/697, great white heron.
Egret, how to carve, 27/421; to breke or carve, p. 162.
Elbows, don’t lean on, at meals, 267/45; 180/125.
Elemosinarius, 201/728-9, the Almoner.
Elenge, p. 260, l. E.
Elephant, don’t you snuffle like he does, 211/59.
Elizabeth, 265/6; 266/8.
Embrowyng, 255/147, dirtying, soiling; Fr. embroué, bedurtied, soiled, defiled. Cot.
Emperialle, 15/231, set out, deck, adorn.
Emperor, after the pope, 70/1006.
Empty your mouth before speaking, 263/59; 272/110; 277/32; 278/32.
Enboce, p. 277, } l. 31, stuff out; Enbrace, p. 278, } ? Fr. emboucher, to mouth or put into the mouth of.
Enbrewe, 22/331, dirty, soil.
Enbrowide, 278/39; Fr. embroué, ... bedurtied, soiled, defiled. Cotgrave.
Enbrowynge, 30/468, soiling, dirtying.
Enclyne, 177/23, bow.
End of a meal, what to do at the, 257/190.
Endoured, 161/3, glazed; endoured pygyons, 164/15.
Endure, 35/524, make to last; ‘endurer faut pour durer:’ Pro. To dure we must endure. Cotgrave.
Enemies, man’s three, 183/219.
Englandis gise, a flesh feast after, 35/526.
Enlased, 26/412, cut up, carved.
Enourmyd, 250/17, adorned; O. Fr. aorner, L. adornare; not enorer, honour.
Entende, 64/936, 939, attend.
Entendyng, 46/665, listening for orders, attending.
Enter a lord’s place, how to, 252/58.
Entremete, 254/109, interfere.
Envy no one, 237/795.
Equal, give way to your, 185/276; don’t play with him, 264/77.
Errands, going, 209/13.
Esox, a fish of the Danube, p. 118.
Esquyere, þe body, 70/1016, the Esquire of the King’s person.
Est, 187/346, host.
Estate, how to lay or make, with a cloth, 13/192; 17/152; p. 92.
Estate, 65/957, rank, 73/1072-3.
Estates, 72/1053, ranks, persons.
Euwere, 199/641, water-bringer; L. aquarius, Fr. eauïer, is a gutter, channell, sinke, sewer, for the voiding of foule water. Cotgrave.
Evacuate yourself, p. 133.
Evy, 7/91, heavy.
Ewer, 64/937; 231/413, jug of water; water-bearer, 199/641, 655, &c.
Ewerer, strains water into the basins, 200/695.
Ewery, 13/192, drinking vessels.
Ewery, 154/31, stand or cupboard for water-vessels; how to dress it, 155/23.
Exonerate, 130/16, unload, disburden.
Eyebright water, 135/2.
Eyes, don’t make ’em water by drinking too much, 263/57.
Eyes, don’t wipe ’em on the table-cloth, 180/116; wash them, p. 134; p. 139.
Eyes, how to use the, 210/33.
Eyes, not to be cast about, 275, 276/8; 231/679.
Eyroun, p. 146, eggs.
Facche, 42/599, fetch.
Face, look in the man’s you’re speaking to, 262/16; 270/67.
Facett, 250/8; Fr. Facet: m. A Primmer, or Grammer for a young scholler. Cotgrave. Faceet, booke, Facetus (well-speaking, polite). Pr. Parv.
Falconers, 195/564.
Fall, if any one does, don’t laugh at him, 184/235.
Familiar, don’t be too, p. 258, F; p. 260, line F.
Familiar friends, always admit, p. 217, No. xv.
Fande, 76/1143, try, experience?
Fangle, 229/268, toy, thing.
Farsed, 23/358; p. 94, stuffed.
Fast now and then, p. 142.
Father and mother; worship and serve them, 182/172.
Fathers and mothers, duty of, 241/4.
Fatnes, 277/37; 278/39, fat, grease.
Faucettes, 152/16, taps.
Fawcet, 5/68; p. 84; 152/16, a tap. Yn tyme therfore tye vp your tryacle tappe; Let not to long thy fawset renne. Piers of Fullham, l. 228-9. Early Pop. P., v. 2, p. 10. Stryke out the heed of your vesselles, our men be to thrustye to tarye tyll their drinke be drawen with a faulsed. Palsgrave, p. 740, col. 1. Fr. Guille: f. The quille or faucet of a wine vessell. Cot.
Fawn, 49/694; how to carve, 28/441.
Fawn, and ginger sauce, 36/537.
Fawte, 82/1238, make default or mistakes.
Fayge, fruyter, 157/10; p. 173.
Featherbed to be beaten, 63/921; 169/12.
Feed elegantly, 256/185.
Feede onely twice a day, p. 141.
Feet to be kept still, 270/66; 275/7; 279, 280/56.
Feet and hands together, 235/677.
Feet, what birds to be served with their, 28/435.
Fele, 11/155, 157, perceive, taste; 24/364, ? taste or see; 23/349, understand.
Feleyly, 270/94, fellowly, sociable.
Felle, 262/21; 264/89; ? stern, or discreet. See Cold.
Fende, 82/1233, defend.
Fenel-water, p. 139.
Fenelle, the brown, 67/991.
Fercularius, 202/749, the Sewer.
Fere, 50/719, company; in fere, together.
Fere, 53/774, companion. [[83 for 53]]
Fermys, 197/596, rents; Fr. ferme, a farme or lease, a thing farmed, a toll, rent, mannor or demesne in farme. Cot.
Ferour, 197/612, 615, farrier; Fr. Mareschal ferrant. Cot.
Few words, use, 270/73.
Fieldfares, 165/3.
Fieldmen, how they fly at their food, 256/176.
Figs, fritters of, p. 145.
Figs, 152/21; 166/18, in Cornwall, raisins are called figs, ‘a thoomping figgy pudden,’ a big plum pudding. Spec. of Cornish Dialect, p. 53.
Filthy talking, against, p. 239, cap. xii.
Finger, don’t point with, 270/69; don’t mark your tale with, 279, 280/71.
Fingering, avoid it, 184/249.
Fingers, meat to be eaten with, 269/55; nose not to be blown with, 262/19; 118/284; 210/51; [[118 for 18]] not to be put in one’s cup, 118/272; [[118 for 18]] or on the dish, 267/27; keep ’em clean, 272/107; wipe ’em on a napkin, 232/465.
Fingers, two, & a thumb, to be put on a knife, 21/320-4; 22/326.
Fingers and hands, keep still, 275/7; 276/7.
Fingers and toes to be kept still, 186/320.
Fins of fish to be cut off, 39/560.
Fire at meals in winter, p. 142.
Fire, have a good one, 169/20.
Fire in bed-room, p. 128.
Fire in hall at every meal from Nov. 1 to Feb. 2, 189/393-8.
Fire to dress by, 61/888.
Fire to be clear, 60/877.
Fire-screens for a lord, 192/462.
First course of fish, p. 166.
Fish, a dinner of, three courses, & one of fruit, p. 50.
Ieune chair vieil poisson: Prov. Old flesh and young fish (is fit for the dish). Cot.
Fish, carving & dressing of, p. 37; p. 98, &c.; p. 166; how assayed, 203/767-70; sauces for, p. 56; 168/4; sewynge or courses of, p. 166.
Fish, salt, 57/833.
Fish, names of, from Yarrell, p. 152; [[152 for 110]] extracts from Laurens Andrewe on, p. 113.
Fisshe, p. 121, p. 123, the flesh or body of fish. [[122 for 123]]
Fist, close your hand in it, 264/71; keep your opinions to yourself.
Fist, not to be put on the table, 267/45.
Fit servants only to be engaged, p. 215.
Flapjack, 96/13, a fried cake.
Flasche, 65/985, dash.
Flauer, 130/11, warm & air.
Flaunes, 161/4; p. 173; flawne, 96/12, a kind of tart; Fr. flans: m. Flawnes, Custards, Egge-pies. Cotgrave. Du. _een kees vlaeye_, a Cheese-cake or Flawne. Hexham.
Flax, wild, 69/994.
Flea, don’t scratch after one, 18/279.
Flemings, great drinkers, p. 131, note.
Flesche-mought, 18/280, louse.
Flesh, carving of, p. 26; p. 157; [[26 for 24]] how assayed, 203/767-70; sauces for, p. 39; [[39 for 35]] sewynge or succession of dishes of, p. 156.
Flesh, a dinner of, p. 40. [[40 for 48]]
Flette, 201/711, room, floor.
Fleumaticus, 54/792; p. 104.
Flewische, 53/777, melancholy.
Flounders, 55/819; 58/842; 168/10.
Flyte, 178/54, quarrel; don’t, 270/92.
Focas or phocas, p. 118.
Follow your better, how to, 264/83-6.
Foole, 96/12, as in gooseberry-fool.
Foot-cushion, 61/882-4.
Footmen to run by ladies’ bridles, 198/621.
Foot-sheet, how to prepare it, 61/879-84; 65/956; 67/988.
Foot-sheet, the lord sits on it while he is undressed for bed, 193/488.
For, 3/34, because; 178/42, notwithstanding.
For, 18/275, against, to stop or prevent.
Forcast, 180/104, plot, scheme for.
Forder, 235/698, further.
Fordo, 180/100, done for, killed.
Forehead, to be joyful, 170/37. [[170 for 210]]
Forenoon, work in the, p. 141.
Forewryter, 77/1243, transcriber?
Forfeits to a lord, go to the treasurer, 196/577.
Forfetis, 281/52; Fr. forfaict: m. A crime, sinne, fault, misdeed, offence, trespasse, transgression. Cot.
Forgive, 182/185.
Formes, 189/389; 192/464, forms, benches.
Foul tales, don’t tell, at table 255/140.
Fourpence a piece for hire of horses, 188/376. See Notes, p. 283.
Four slices in each bit of meat, 159/18.
Foxskin garments for winter, p. 139.
Franklin, a feast for one, p. 54.
Franklins, rank of, 71/1071.
Fray, 81/1210, fright.
Freke, 184/255, man, fellow; A.S. freca, one who is bold.
Fretoure powche, 49/700; fruture sage, 50/708.
Friars, give way to them on pilgrimages, 186/303.
Fricacion, or rubbing of the body, is good, p. 130 n.
Fried things are fumose or indigestible, 21/358; 30/500; 32/512; 54/6. They generally came in the last course (see Modus Cenandi). Du Guez, after speaking of the English dishes in order, pottage, beef, mutton, capons, river birds, game, and lastly, small birds, says, “howbeit that in Spaine and in Fraunce the use [succession at dinner] of suche metes is more to be commended than ours ... for they begynne always with the best, and ende with the most grosse, which they leave for the servantes, where-as we do al the contrary,” p. 1072.
Friend, don’t mistrust or fail him, 219/3.
Friendly, don’t be too, p. 258, p. 260, line F.
Friezeadow coats for winter, p. 127. [[127 for 133]]
Fritters, 33/501; 34/511; 51/725, 737; 54/810; 157/24-6; 161/32; 163/3. [[161/32, 163/3 for 163/32, 165/3]] See Fruter, &c.
Friture, a, 51/725.
Frogs shelter themselves under the leaves of Scabiosa, p. 109, note on l. 987.
Frote, 19/288, wring, twist. Fretyn or chervyn (chorvyn), Torqueo. Prompt.
Frown, don’t, 173/132. [[173 for 213]]
Froyze, 96/13, pancake, or omelet.
Fruits to be eaten before dinner, 46/667-8. But of all maner of meate, the moost daungerous is that whiche is of fruites (fruitz crudz), as cheres, small cheryse (guingues[2]), great cherise (gascongnes), strauberis, fryberis (framboises), mulberis, cornelles,[3] preunes, chestaynes nuts, fylberdes, walnuttes, cervyse, medlers, aples, peres, peches, melons, concombres, and all other kyndes of fruites, howbeit that youth, bycause of heate and moystnesse, doth dygest them better than age dothe. Du Guez’s Introductorie, p. 1073-4. fryberis (framboises), mulberis
[Footnote 2: Guisnes: f. A kind of little, sweet, and long cherries; tearmed so because at first they came out of Guyenne; also any kind of Cherries. Cotgrave.]
[Footnote 3: Corneille, a Cornill berrie; Cornillier, The long cherrie, wild cherrie, or Cornill tree. Cotgrave.]
Frumenty potage, 25/391, furmity.
Frumenty, 37/547; 38/549; with venesoun, 33/518.
Frusshe, p. 151, carve.
Fruter Crispin & Napkin, p. 96.
Fruture viant, sawge & pouche, 33/501, ? meat, sage, & poached fritters.
Fruturs, 34/511; Fruyters, 161/32, fritters; [[161 for 163]] recipes for, p. 145.
Fryture, a, 51/737, fritter.
Fuel, a groom for, 189/385.
Full belly and hungry, 265/17.
Fumose, 23/353, fume-creating, indigestible.
Fumositees, p. 23-4.
Fumosities, p. 23; p. 94; 151/4; p. 158, indigestibilities, indigestible things creating noxious fumes in the belly that ascend to the brain; such to be set aside, 25/396.
Fumosity, 8/105; p. 86.
Furs to be brushed every week, 64/943.
Fustian, 63/922, a cloth over and under the sheets of a bed.
Fustyan, whyte, 130/2.
Fygges, 5/74; p. 84, figs.
Fyle, 191/435, fill?
Fylour, 191/447, a rod on which the bed-curtains hung. “Fylour looks like felloe, G. felge, which is explained as something bent round; it would apply to the curtain-rod round the top of the bed.” Wedgwood.
Fylynge, 263/52, dirtying; A.S. fúlian, to foul; fýlnes, foulnes; fýlð, filth.
Fynne, p. 151, cut up.
Fyr, 184/232, further.
Fyr hous, 194/514, privy?
Fysegge, p. 216, No. x, phiz, face.
Fytt, 213/806, section of a poem. [[213 for 204]]
Fytte, 67/980, while, time.
Fyxfax, to be taken out of the neck, 28/444.
Gabriel, angel, 265/5; 266/7; 148/692. [[148 for 48]]
Galantyne sauce, 40/569; 58/840; 167/27, 29; 168/9.
Galantyne, to be mixed with lamprey pie, 44/634; recipe for, p. 100.
Galingale, p. 44, last line but one; p. 100. Galingale: Sp. Júncia avellanda, Júnca odoróso, galingale. --Minsheu. [[entry added by editor]]
Gallants, shortcoated, denounced, 20/305.
Galleymawfrey, 96/14, a dish.
Gallowgrass, p. 124.
Game, some, to be played before going to business, p. 131.
Gamelyn sauce, 36/539; 37/541.
Gaming, the fruits of, p. 234, cap. vi.
Ganynge, 19/294, yawning: Ganynge or Ȝanynge, Oscitus. Prompt. I gane, or gape, or yane, ie baille. Palsgrave, ib. “I yane, I gaspe or gape. Je baille.” Palsgrave.
Gape not, 19/294; when going to eat, 272/65.
Gaping is rude, 211/77.
Garcio, 191/434-5, groom (of the chamber).
Gardevyan, 80/1202, a safe for meat.
Gares, 190/420, causes.
Garlic, 58/843.
Garlic, the sauce for roast beef and goose, 36/536.
Garlic, green, with goose, 164/2.
Gastarios, a fish, p. 118.
Gate, on coming to a lord’s, what to do, 177/5. See also 252/58.
Gaze about, don’t, 192/175.
Gele, p. 49, note 2; gelly, 166/11, jelly.
Gelopere sauce, 165/4; p. 173.
Gentilmen welle nurtured, 71/1038.
Gentilwommen, rank of, 71/1039.
Gentlemen, one property of, 220/18.
Gentlemen of the chamber, 191/433.
Gentlemen’s table in hall, 178/33.
Gentyllis, 273/93, gentlefolk.
Geson, 54/803, scarce.
Gesse, 230/350, guest.
Gestis, 79/1189, guests.
Getting-up in the morning, a lord, how dressed, p. 61.
Gild, 25/231, gilt plate.
Ginger, white and green, 5/75; colombyne, valadyne, and maydelyn, 10/131-2; columbyne, 52/758; green, 152/21.
Ginger sauce with lamb, kid, &c., 36/537.
Ginger, 58/847; with pheasant, 164/19.
Girdle, 64/907.
Girls, young, pick their noses, 186/328.
Girls: home-education, xxv, xv, &c. [[entry added by editor]]
Glaucus, a white fish, p. 118.
Glorious (boasting), don’t be too, p. 258, p. 260, line G.
Glosand, 186/313, lying.
Glose, 183/199, deceit, lie.
Glosere, 268/59. Fr. flateur, a flatterer, glozer, fawner, soother, foister, smoother; a claw-backe, sycophant, pickthanke. Cot.
Gloves to be taken off on entering the hall, 177/16.
Gloves, perfumed, 132/8-9. Cp. in the account of Sir John Nevile, of Chete, in _The Forme of Cury_, p. 171, “for a pair of perfumed Gloves, 3_s._ 4_d._; for a pair of other Gloves, 4_d._”
Gloucester, Humphrey, Duke of, 79/1177; 82/1230; p. lxxxii.
Glowtynge, 18/281, looking sulky, staring. Halliwell. Sw. glutta; Norse, glytta, gletta, look out of the corner of the eye. Wedgwood.
Gnastynge, 20/301, note 5.
Gnaw bones, don’t, 232/457.
Goatskin gloves, 132/9.
Goben, 39/566, cut into lumps.
Gobone, 167/2, cut in lumps; 167/29, a piece.
Gobyn, 41/580; p. 99, gobbets.
Gobyns, 45/638, lumps, pieces.
‘God be here!’ say on entering, 270/86.
Good cheer, make, at table, 269/53, be jolly.
Good manners, learn, 232/507.
‘Good Morning;’ say it to all you meet, 266/20.
Goodly, 62/908, nattily.
Goose, how to carve, 26/402; p. 163, last line but one; garlic its sauce, 36/536; roast, 54/801; p. 222.
Goshawk, p. 103, note on Heironsew.
Gown, a man’s, 62/904.
Gowt of a crayfish, 43/607.
Grace, 46/663, the prayer before dinner, 229/305-322; to be said by the Almoner, 221/729.
Grace after dinner, sit still till it’s said, 271/82; pages to stand by their lord while it’s said, 257/197.
Gradewable, p. 170, graduated, have taken degrees.
Gramed, 23/348, angered, vexed.
Granat, 141/11, a garnet.
Grapes, 6/77; 46/668; 152/21.
Gravelle of beeff or motoun, 34/519.
Gravus, a fish, p. 118. [[120 for 118]]
Graynes, 9/123; 10/137, 141; p. 91. Fr. Maniguet, the spice called Graines, or graines of Paradise. Cot.
Graynes of paradice, 151/32.
Graytly, 61/886; entirely, quite.
Grayue, 196/576, 589, 597, reeve, outdoor steward.
Greable, 13/192, suitable.
Great birds, 49/698.
Grece (fat), hen of, 158/29.
Green cheese, p. 84, n. to l. 74.
Green fish, 58/851; 188/8, 29, ling. Fr. Moruë: f. The Cod, or Greenefish (a lesse and dull-eyed kind whereof is called by some, the Morhwell). Moruë verte. Greenefish. Moruyer. Poissonnier moruyer. A Fishmonger that sells nothing but Cod, or Greenefish. Cot.
Green sauce, 58/851; 168/13, 14.
Green wax, accounts to be briefed with, 192/536.
Greet the men you meet, 200/251.
Greithe, 61/880, ready.
Greke, 9/120; 86/31; p. 90, No. 12, a sweet wine.
Grene metis, 8/97, green vegetables.
Greve, 81/1214. Fr. grief, trouble.
Greyhounds fed on brown bread, 198/628; p. 84, note on l. 51; each has a bone, &c., 198/633. “Eau & pain, c’est la viande du chien. Prov.: Bread and water is diet for dogs.” Cot.
Greyn, 62/914, a crimson stuff or cloth.
Grin, don’t, 269/57; 277, 278/29.
Grisynge, 20/301, grinding.
Groan not, 19/298.
Groggynge, 18/273, grumbling. Grutchyn, gruchyn, murmuro. Prompt. Gruger, to grudge, repine, mutter. Cot.
Grone fische, 38/555.
Groom of the King may sit with a knight, 75/1122-5; 204/1. [[204 for 172]]
Grooms of the Chamber, their duties, p. 191-2.
Groos, 29/461, large.
Grossetest, Bp., his Household Statutes, p. 207-10.
Grouellynge, adv. 129/8, 12, face downwards.
Growelle of force, 34/519; p. 97.
Gruell of befe or motton, 159/27.
Grumbling of servants to be put down, p. 208.
Gudgeons, 55/819; p. 118.
Guns blasting, (breaking wind,) to be avoided, 20/304. The parallel passage in Sloane MS. 2027 (fol. 42, last line), is. “And all_e_ wey be ware thyn ars be natte carpyng.”
Gurdylstode, 191/442, girdlestead, waist.
Gurnard, 40/574; 51/725; 58/849; baked, 198/9.
Ȝyme, 186/304, attend to, wish, like.
Gymlet, 5/67, 71.
Gynger, 3 kinds of, 10/131-2; p. 91.
Haberdine, ‘Mouschebout: m. The spotted Cod whereof Haberdine is made.’ Cot.
Hable, 254/111, fitting, due.
Had, 274/149, ? held in the memory.
Hadde-y-wyste, 264/72; vain after-regret, ‘had I but known how it would have turned out.’
Haddock, 58/845, 200/11.
Haddock, how to carve, 39/576.
Haft of a knife, 200/675.
Hair, don’t scratch, for lice, 18/280; to be combed, 173/125. [[173 for 213]]
Hake, 58/845; p. 107; 166/31.
Hakenay buttur, 39/559.
Halata, p. 118.
Hale, 253/101, A.S. hál, healthy.
Half-penny; farrier paid one a day, 197/616; hunter one for every hound, 198/629.
Halke, 2/24; A.S. hylca, hooks, turnings. Somner.
Hall, who should not keep it (? meaning), 72/1048; who seated in, 217/19-22.
Hall, head of the house to eat in, p. 209, No. xv. [[209 for 215]]
Halybut, a fish, 41/584; 39/735; 166/12; 167/11.
Hammering in speech is bad, 212/109.
Hand to be cleaned when you blow your nose in it, 199/90; put it on your stomach to warm the latter, p. 129.
Handkerchief for the nose, 210/49; ‘Jan. 1537-8, my ladys grace lanes handekerch_ers_ silk_ys_.’ P. P. Exp. of Princess Mary, p. 54.
Handle nothing while you are spoken to, 253/83.
Hands and feet, keep ’em quiet, 216/317. [[216 for 186]]
Hands, to be washed, 277, 278/22; before meals, 187/343, 201/713-21; to be wiped before taking hold of the cup, 255/156.
Hands to be clean at meals, 263/41, 51; 265/9; 266/13.
Hang in hand, 183/199; be delayed.
Hanging down your head is wrong, 213/130.
Hard cheese, the virtues of, 150/29. See Cheese. [[150 for 152]]
Hare, 34/517; chive sauce to, see Ceuye.
Harington, Sir John; the Dyet for every day, p. 138-9; on Rising and going to Bed, p. 140-1.
Harm of others, don’t talk, at table, 180/102.
Harpooning whales, p. 116.
Harts-skin garments to be worn in summer, p. 139.
Harvest, the device of, 52/754.
Hastily, don’t eat, 265/19.
Hasty, don’t be, 279, 280/78.
Hat, 62/909.
Haylys, 184/253, salute. O.N. heilsa, Dan. hilsa, to salute, to cry hail to. Wedgwood.
Head and hands, keep quiet, 253/80.
Head, don’t hang it, 255/148; don’t cast it down, 276/16; don’t bend it too low, 193/330.
Heads of field- and wood-birds unwholesome; they eat toads, p. 197-8. [[197-8 for 165-6]]
Headsheet, 63/925; 65/950; 66/965.
Hede, 271/91, host, master or lord of a house at a meal.
Hedge-hogs’ countenauces, 210/43.
Heelfull_e_, 250/10, health-ful, help-ful.
Heere, 35/524; Sloane MS. 1315 reads hele, health.
Heironsew (the heron), 49/696; p. 103. See Heron.
Hele, 199/655, cover.
Helle, 254/131, ? not ‘clear, A.S. helle,’ but from hyldan, to incline, bend, and so pour.
Help all, be ready to, 183/193.
Help others from your own dish, p. 217, No. xiv.
Hemp, the names of, p. 124; its advantages, p. 125-6.
Hen, fat, how to carve, 26/409; 34/517.
Henchman, p. ii.; Mayster of the henshmen--escvier de pages dhonnevr. Palsgrave.
Hende, 254/122, hands.
Henderson’s Hist. of Ancient and Modern Wines, p. 87, &c.
Her, 185/294, higher.
Herald of Arms, 71/1035; king or chief herald, l. 1036.
Herber, 190/427, lodge, accommodate.
Herbe benet, 68/993.
Herbe John, 68/992.
Herbs in sheets to be hung round the bath-room, 67/977.
Herne, 2/24, corner.
Heron, to dysmembre or carve, p. 162. See Heyron-sewe.
Heronsew, 157/5; to be cooked dry, 165/20.
‘I wol nat tellen of her straunge sewes, Ne of her swannes, ne here heron-sewes.’
Chaucer, March. Tale, l. 60, v. 2, p. 357, ed. Morris.
Herring, L. Andrewe on the, p. 114.
Herrings, baked, 50/722; fresh, 58/844; fresh, broiled, 52/748; salt, 57/832.
Herrings, how to carve and serve, 38/550-3.
Herrings, white, or fresh, how to serve up, 45/641-5, 166/28.
Hethyng, 185/266, contempt.
Heyhove, 68/993, a herb.
Heyriff, 68/993, a herb.
Heyron-sewe, 36/539; p. 97, the heron: how to carve it, 27/422.
Hiccup not, 19/298.
High name, the, 181/152, God?
Highest place, don’t take unless bidden, 187/347.
Hit, for his, 29/456.
Hith{e}, 53/783, it.
Hold your hand before your mouth when you spit; 272/115-18.
Hole of the privy to be covered, 64/933.
Holy water, take it at the church-door, 182/160.
Holyhock, 67/991.
Holyn, 189/399. ?
Hom, 185/273, them.
Homes, servants to visit their own, p. 207, No. xi. [[207 for 217]]
Honest, 269/74, fitting, proper.
Honeste, 65/954, propriety, decency.
Honey, not clarified, used for dressing dischmetes, 34/514.
Hood, a man’s, 62/909.
Hood, take it off, 217/16. [[217 for 177]]
Hoopid, 12/167, made round like a hoop.
Hor, 187/272, their.
Hornebeaks, p. 97, note on l. 533.
Horse-hire, 4d. a day, 188/375.
Horsyng, 195/564, being horsed, horses.
Hose, p. 108; to be rubbed, 226/91. Du. koussen, Stockins or Hosen; opper-koussen, Hose or Breeches; onder koussen, Nether-stockins; boven koussen, Upper-hosen, or Briches. Hexham.
Hosen, 130/10; 168/31.
Hosyn, 60/873; 62/895-8; 65/961; p. 108, breeches.
Hostiarius, 190/430-1, usher.
Hot dishes, a dodge to prevent them burning your hands, 202/757-60.
Hot wines, p. 83, in extract from A. Borde. [[Citation could not be identified.]]
Houndfisch, 41/584; p. 99; 56/827; 58/844; 167/11, dogfish.
‘He lullith her, he kissith hir ful ofte; With thikke bristlis on his berd unsofte, Lik to the skyn of houndfisch, scharp as brere, (For he was schave al newe in his manere,) He rubbith hir about hir tendre face.’ Chaucer, Marchaundes Tale, v. 2, p. 223, ed. Morris.
Houndes-fysshe, mortrus of, 168/2.
Household bread, 4/55; to be 3 days old, 152/6.
Housholde, Babees that dwelle in, 251/45; Forewords, pp. ii., x., xi., &c.
Howndes Dayes, p. 118, Cap. xv., dog-days.
Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, 82/1230; App. to Russell Pref.
Hunte, 198/629, huntsman; pl.,
Huntes, 198/628, huntsmen.
Hure, 24/376, hood, cap.
Hurtilberyes, 7/82; p. 85, n. to l. 81, 152/24.
Husbands, the duty of, 237/8.
Hyacinth, 141/11, jacinth, a precious stone.
Hyȝt, 183/201, promised, vowed.
Jack and Jill, don’t chatter with, 271/90.
Iangelynge, 253/94, chattering, (don’t be), p. 258, p. 261, line I.
Iangle (chatter), don’t, 252/68; 229/266.
Iangylle, 271/90, chatter; ‘iangelyn, or iaveryn, iaberyn, garrulo blatero.’ P. Parv.
Janitor, 188/360-1, the porter.
Iapynge, 253/95, joking.
Iardyne, almond, 52/744.
Idle, don’t be, 268/32.
Jealousy, hate it, p. 258, p. 260, line G.
Jelies, 34/511; iely, 49/693.
Jelly, 34/511; 35/520; 51/731; 56/825; p. 97.
Iestis, 59/858, proceedings, dinners.
Iettis, p. 261, l. N, fashions.
Iettynge, p. 261, l. I, showing-off,
‘I iette w^t facyon and countenaunce to set forthe myselfe, ie braggue.’ Palsgrave, in Way.
Iettynge, 20/300, note 3. Fr. Poste a rakehell, or Colledge-seruant, thats euer gadding or ietting abroad. Cot.
Ignorance, the evils of, 228/230.
Imbrowe, 255/157, dirty, soil.
Improberabille, 54/795, very proper?
Impytous, p. 132, impetuous (last line).
Infect, 83/1249. Fr. infecter, to infect; poison; depraue, corrupt. Cot.
Ingredyentes, 11/144, materials.
Inhumanitie, 225/155, discourtesy.
Interrupt no one, 282/69. [[282 for 279]]
Intrippe, 283/69, interrupt. [[283 for 280]]
John the Baptist’s day to Michaelmas, feasts from, p. 164.
John, Duke, a yeoman in his house got a reward, 199/647.
Iolle of þe salt sturgeoun, 44/622; p. 99; 167/23.
Ioncate, 7/82; p. 85; 152/28, junket, orig. cream-cheese made in wicker-baskets, from L. juncus, a rush. Mahn. ‘Junkets, Cakes and Sweetmeats with which Gentlewomen entertain one another, and Young-men their Sweethearts; any sort of delicious Fare to feast and make merry with.’ Philipps.
Iowtes, p. 160, last line; p. 171. [[171 for 173]]
Irweue, 85/3. ? Fr. Mulette ... the maw of a Calfe, which being dressed is called the Renet-bag, Ireness-bag, or Cheslop-bag. Cot.
Judges, the duty of, 24½.
Iusselle, 35/520; 54/805; 159/28; recipe for, p. 145.
Justices, the under, rank of, 70/1018; 72/1061.
Ivory comb, 62/902.
Karle, 267/48, churl, poor man.
Karpyng, 263/62, talking. Carpynge, Loquacitas, collocutio. Prompt.
Kater, 196/580, cater, provide.
Kepe, 202/760, take care.
Kepyng (stingy), don’t be, p. 258, p. 261, line K.
Kercheff, 61/885.
Kerpe, 272/120, ? is it complain, or only talk, chatter; ‘carpyn or talkyn, fabulor, confabulor, garrulo,’ Pr. Parv. ‘to carpe, (Lydgate) this is a farre northen verbe, cacqueter.’ Palsgrave, ib. note. Or is it break wind? See Guns. The Sloane MS. 2027, fol. 42, has for l. 304 of Russell, p. 20, ‘And alle wey be ware thyn ars be natte carpyng.’
Keruynge of flesshe, p. 157; of fysshe, p. 166.
Kerver, termes of a, p. 149. [[149 for 151]]
Keuer, 17/265-6, cover, put covers or dishes for.
Kickshaw, 96/14, a tart.
Kid, 49/694; 54/807; with ginger sauce, 46/537; how to carve, 28/441.
Kidney of fawn, &c. to be served, 159/9.
Kind, be always, 183/195.
Kind, don’t be too, p. 258, p. 261, line K.
King ranks with an emperor, 70/1007; 72/1045.
King’s Messengers, 171/31.
King’s officers, 17½5.
King’s servants to be received as one degree higher than they are, 75/1117-27.
Knaves’ tricks, beware of, p. 258, p. 261, line K.
Knee, don’t put yours under other men’s thighs, 180/119.
Kneel on one knee to men, on both to God, 182/163-6.
Kneel, the Ewerer to do so, on giving water to any one, 199/653.
Kneel to your lord on one knee, 252/62.
Knife, don’t play with your, 279, 280/54; don’t put it in your mouth, 256/162; 180/113; take salt with it, 272/97. (When were saltspoons introduced?)
Knife, don’t pick your teeth with, 180/94.
Knives to be clean, 279, 280/58; to be sharp, 263/42; to be clean and sharp, 255/137; 272/119; to be wiped on a napkin, not on the tablecloth, 22/332.
Knives to be put up after meals, 257/191.
Knives, for bread, 4/50-2; for the table, ib., l. 63.
Knives, the Butler’s three, p. 152; the lord’s, 200/675.
Knight, the rank of a, 70/1016; 72/1058.
Knop, 192/453, knob, bunch?
Kommende, 253/104, this may possibly be like 254/120, commend (q.v.) a cup to you to drink; but 270/71, ‘sey welle’, looks as if praise were meant.
Kymbe, 61/886, comb.
Kyn, 217/13, birth. [[217 for 177]]
Kynraden, 185/279; A.S. cynnryne, a family course, parentage.
Labour not after meals, p. 136.
Lace- or buckle-shoes, 62/896.
Ladies, how to behave to, 264/73.
Ladies soon get angry, 165/8.
Lady of low degree has her lord’s estate or rank, 171/19.
Lakke, 269/76, blame; Du. laecken, to vituperate, blame, or reproach. Hexham.
Lamb, 54/807; p. 106; how to carve, 28/441.
Lamb and ginger sauce, 36/537.
Lambur, 193/480. ? has it anything to do with Fr. lambrequin, the point of a labell, or Labell of a file in Blazon; Lambel, a Labell of three points, or a File with three Labells pendant (Cot.). Ladies wore and wear ornaments somewhat of this kind.
Lambskins, p. 131.
Lamprey, 50/724; 58/840; p. 119. See Henry V.’s commission to Guillielmus de Nantes de Britanniâ to supply him and his army with Lampreys up to Easter, 1418. From the Camp at Falaise, Feb. 6. Rymer, ix. 544.
Lamprey, names of a, p. 99, bottom.
Lamprey pasty, 167/25.
Lampreys, fresh, pie of, how to serve, 44/630-45; p. 99.
Lamprey, salt, how to carve, 39/566; 167/2.
Lampron, names of a, p. 100.
Lampurnes, 50/719; 55/820; 58/848; bake, 51/725; rost, 51/737; 41/588, lamperns.
Landlords, their duty, 242/13.
Lands of a lord, his Chancellor oversees, 196/571.
Lapewynk, 37/542; p. 98, lapwing.
Lappes, 191/452, wraps.
Lapwing, how to carve, 27/417; p. 158, last line.
Lark (the bird), 28/437, 37/542, 49/698, p. 103.
Laske, 7/91, loose (in the bowels).
Last, 15/227, uppermost.
Laugh, don’t, with your mouth full, 179/67; 272/109.
Laugh loudly, don’t, 264/75.
Laugh not, 269/57; not too often, 183/215.
Laughing always is bad, 212/85.
Lauour, 16/232, washing-basin?. Lavacrum, a lavour, Reliq. Ant. i. 7. Esguiere: f. An Ewer, a Lauer. Cotgrave (see Halliwell).
Law, how kept, 268/53.
Law, men of, their duty, 242/11.
Law, 187/330, low.
Lawes, 183/217, laughs.
Lawnde, 2/16, and note.
Lay the Cloth, how to, 13/187; 154/23.
Leaking of wine pipes, 8/110; 153/10.
Lean not on the table, 255/146.
Learning, its roots bitter, its fruits pleasant, 228/202.
Leche, a, 51/725, 737; 54/810.
Leche dugard, 50/708.
Leche fryture, 52/749. see Leschefrites, leschefrayes, in the index to the Ménagier de Paris. [[“see” reference added by editor]]
Leche Lombard, 48/689; 157/2. See ‘Lumber’ in Nares. The recipe in Forme of Cury, p. 36, is
Take rawe Pork, and pulle of the skyn, and pyke out þe skyn [&] synew{is}, and bray the Pork in a mort{er} w{i}t{h} ayreñ rawe; do þ{er}to sug{ur}, salt, raysoñs, corañce, dat{is} mynced, and powdo{ur} of Pep{er}, powdo{ur} gylofre, a{nd} do it i{n} a bladder, and lat it seeþ til it be ynowhȝ. and whan it is ynowh, kerf it, leshe it in likenesse of a peskodde, and take grete raysoñs and grynde hem in a mort{er}, drawe hem up wiþ rede wyne, do þ{er}to mylke of almãnd{is}, colo{ur} it with sañders a{nd} safroñ and do þ{er}to powdo{ur} of pep{er} a{nd} of gilofre, and boile it. and whan it is iboiled, take powdo{ur} of canel and gyng{er}, and te{m}p{er} it up with wyne. and do alle þise thyng{is} togyd{er}. and loke þat it be rẽnyns, and lat it not seeþ aft{er} that it is cast togyder, {and} s{er}ue it forth.
Leche, whyte, 157/7.
Leeches, 34/516, strips of meat, &c., dressed in sauce or jelly.
Lees, 26/407; 30/466, strips; 43/610, slices.
Leessez, 33/504; 34/546, strips of meat in sauce.
Lede, 179/78, leaved, left.
Left hand only to touch food, 22/329.
Legate, 70/1013; the pope’s, l. 1023.
Legh, 191/441, ?law, hill, elevation, A.S. hlæw; or lea land, ground.
Legs not to be set astraddle, 20/299.
Legs of great birds, the best bits, 26/403, 410; 27/426; 30/471.
Lele, 196/593; loyally?, justly.
Lemman, 44/635, dear young friend; A.S. leof, dear.
Lengthe, 31/488, lengthen.
Lered, 65/956, taught, told.
Lerynge, 56/831, teaching.
Lesche, v. tr., p. 151, slice.
Lessynge, 153/17, remedy, cure.
Lesynge, 9/116, curing, restoring to good condition.
Lete, 8/110; p. 86, leak.
Letters, the use of, 228/186.
Leues, 202/741, remains.
Leuys, 203/787, remains.
Lewd livers to dread, 239/933.
-lewe, see drunkelewe.
Liar, don’t be one, 19/292; 183/213.
Liberal, don’t be too, 260/11, p. 263, line L. [[260 for 258, 263 for 261]]
Lice, 18/280; p. 93.
Lick not the dish, 19/295.
Licoure, 25/382, sauce, dressing.
Lie not, 270/75.
Lie far from your bedfellow, 186/297.
Lies, 9/116, deposit, settlement.
Light payne, 22/339, fine bread for eating.
Lights to be put above the Hall chimney or fire-place, p. 192/467-8.
Line of the blood royal, 171/24.
Linen, body-, to be clean, 60/876.
Linen, used to wipe the nether end, 64/935.
Ling (the fish), 38/555; p. 98; p. 58, note 8; 59/852; 168/6.
Lining of a jacket, the best, p. 131.
Lips; don’t put ’em out as if you’d kiss a horse, 211/73.
Lips, keep ’em clean, 277, 278/34.
Lis, 3/31, relieve. ‘ac a-lys us of yfele,’ but deliver us from evil, Lord’s Prayer. Rel. Ant.i. 204.
Listen to him who speaks to you, 187/331.
Lite, 56/830, little.
Litere, 191/435, litter, straw or rushes for beds.
Livery of candles, Nov. 1 to Feb. 2, 205/839. Fr. La Livrée des Chanoines. their liverie, or corrodie; their stipend, exhibition, dailie allowance in victuals or money. Cot.
Loaf, small, to be cut in two, 202/735.
Loaves, two to be brought when bread is wanted, 203/781-4.
Lobster. ‘Finallie of the legged kinde we have not manie, neither haue I seene anie more of this sort than the Polypus called in English the lobstar, crafish or creuis, and the crab, [q.v.]. Carolus Stephanus in his maison rustique, doubted whether these lobstars be fish or not; and in the end concludeth them to grow of the purgation of the water as dooth the frog, and these also not to be eaten, for that they be strong and verie hard of digestion.’ Harrison, v. i. p. 224-5.
Lokere, 268/60, ? not look, oversee, superintend, and so oppress; but from Dutch Loker, an allurer, or an inticer, locken, to allure or entise, Hexham; lokken, to allure, bait. Sewel.
Lombard, leche, 48/689; 157/2. See Leche Lombard. ‘Frutour lumbert ... Lesshe lumbert.’ Oxford dinner, 1452. Reliq. Ant.i. 88.
Look steadily at whoever talks to you, 252/65.
London bushel, 20 loaves out of a, 198/625.
London, Mayor of, 76/1137.
Londoner, an ex-Mayor, 71/1025; 73/1067.
Long hair is unseemely, 213/126.
Long pepper, 153/33.
Longe wortes, 34/518, ? carrots, parsnips, &c.
Lord, a, how dressed, p. 61-2; p. 168; how undressed and put to bed, p. 65-6; p. 169; his pew and privy, p. 63; washing before dinner, 254/129; after, 257/199. See Hands, &c.
Lord, how to behave before one, 262/3; how to serve one at table, p. 275-6.
Lord, let yours drink first, 269/69.
Lord or lady when talking, not to be interrupted, 254/106.
Lordes nurrieris, 71/1039; p. 110.
Lords’ beds, 191/443.
Lorely, 181/135, loosely about? A.S. leóran, leósan, to go forth, away, or forward, leese, lose.
Lothe (be loth to lend), p. 258, p. 261, line L.
Lothe, 178/48, be disgusted.
Loud talking and laughing to be avoided, 19/290-1.
Loued, 197/600, allowed, given credit for.
Love God and your neighbour, 268/51.
Love, the fruits of, 237/815.
Lowly, be, 229/278.
Lowne, 209/12, lout.
Lowt, 41/579, lie.
Lowte, 262/8, do obeisance, bow.
‘I lowte, I gyue reuerence to one, Ie me cambre, Ie luy fais la reuerence.’ Palsgrave, in Way.
A.S. hlútan, to bow.
Lumpischli, 276/16, ‘to be lumpish, botachtigh zijn: botachtigh, Rudish, Blockish, or that hath no understanding.’ Hexham.
Lyer, 146/11, ? the cook’s stock for soup; glossed ‘a mixture’ by Mr Morris in Liber Cure Cocorum. And make a lyoure of brede and blode, and lye hit þerwithe ... ib. p. 32, in ‘Gose in a Hogge pot.’ ?Lat. liquor, or Fr. lier to soulder, vnite, combine. Cot.
Lyft, p. 151, carve.
Lying, against, p. 239, cap. xiii.
Lykorous, 19/292, lip-licking?
Lynse wolse, 132/5, linsey-woolsey.
Lynd, 270/61, Du. lindt, soft, milde, or gentle. Hex.
Lyour, 191/446, a band.
Lytulle of worde, 178/34, sparing in speech.
Lyvelode, 74/1087-8, property.
Lyueray, 188/371, pl. lyuerés, 189/395, allowances of food, &c. See Livery.
Lyuerey, p. 216, No. vii. servant’s dress. Fr. livrée ... One’s cloth, colours, or deuice in colours, worn by his seruants or others. Cotgrave.
Mackerel, 39/559; p. 40; p. 98; [[41 for 40]] salt, 57/834; how to carve, 40/575-6.
Mackeroone, 96/14, a tart.
Magistrates, their duty, 242/18.
Make, 274/143, stroke?
Malencolicus, p. 54; p. 104.
Malice, 237/783, 817.
Mallard, 164/28; how to carve it, 26/402; 158/25.
Mallard, &c., how they get rid of their stink, 165/32-3.
Maluesy, 153/20; Malvesyn, 9/120; p. 86; p. 90, No. 12; p. 93, No. 6; the sweet wine Malmsey.
Malyke or Malaga, figs of, 166/18.
Mameny, 49/705; 52/744; recipe at p. 145.
Manchet, 198/627, fine bread.
Manerable, 75/1113, well-trained.
Manerly, 13/195; 63/923, neatly.
Maners, 197/601, dwelling-houses, mansions, Fr. manoir, a Mansion, Mannor, or Mannor-house. Cot.
Manger, a horse’s, 197/610.
Mangle your food, don’t, 256/176-9. ‘I mangle a thing, I disfygure it with cuttyng of it in peces or without order. Je mangonne ... and je mutille. You have mangylled this meate horrybly, it is nat to sette afore no honest men (nul homme de bien) nowe.’ Palsgrave.
Manners maketh man, 263/34; are more requisite than playing, 233/513.
Man’s arms, the use of, 268/38.
Mansuetely, 61/887. Fr. mansuet, gentle, courteous, meeke, mild, humble. Cot.
Mantle, 65/957, cloak or dressing-gown.
Mantle of a whelk, 44/625.
Many words are tedious, 252/75.
Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John, bless yourself by, 181/151.
Marquess and Earl are equal, 70/1012; 72/1049.
Marshal of the Hall, p. 69-78, p. 170-2; his duties, p. 188-90; arrests rebels, 189/381; seats men by their ranks, 189/403; has a short wand, 187/356; attends to all bed-chambers except the lord’s, 190/427-30.
Marshal or usher comes up to a guest, 178/30.
Marshallynge, 78/1165, arranging of guests.
Martyn, skin or fur of, for garments, p. 139.
Martynet, 157/9; 159/7, the martin (bird).
Mary, the Virgin, 48/691.
Mase, 183/216, makes.
Mass, hear one daily, 266/17.
Mass heard by the nobles every morning, but not by business men, p. 130.
Master, don’t go before your, 185/281; don’t waste his goods, 4/47; 219/9.
Master, don’t strive with your, 183/226. Iamais ne gaigne qui plaide à son seigneur; ou, qui procede à son Maistre. Pro. No man euer throue by suing his Lord or Maister; (for either God blesses not so vndutifull a strife, or successe followes not in so vnequal a match.) Cot.
Master of a craft sits above the warden, &c., 78/1159.
Master of the Rolls, rank of, 70/1017; 72/1060.
Masters, duties of, p. 241/6.
Mastic, to be chewed before you rest, p. 139.
Maistirs of the Chauncery, rank of, 71/1027; 73/1068.
Mawes, 178/55, mocks; 187/341.
Mawmeny, recipe for, p. 145.
Maydelyn_e_ gynger, 10/132.
Mayor of Calais, 70/1020; 72/1064.
Mayor of London, 70/1014; 72/1051.
Mays, 194/533, makes.
Mead, p. 107.
Meals, 3 a day to be eaten, p. 135; only 2 a day, p. 141.
Measure is treasure, 232/477.
Mede, 181/135, reward; for no kyn mede, on no account whatever.
Medelus (meddlesome), don’t be too, p. 258, p. 261, line M.
Medicinable bath, how to make, p. 67-9.
Meek, don’t be too, like a fool, 182/179.
Meene, 261/15, mean, middle course. See Moderation.
Melle, 268/56, mix, meddle.
Men must work, 268/31.
Mené, smaller, 197/604, lower officers of the household.
Menewes in sewe of porpas, 166/6; in porpas, 167/35.
Menske, 178/32, civility; 184/234, favour. From A.S. mennisc, human: cf. our double sense of ‘humanity.’ H. Coleridge. Cp. also ‘kind’ and ‘gentle.’
Menskely, 185/291, moderately.
Menuce, 55/819; menuse, 52/747, minnows.
Meny, 270/88, household.
Merchants, duty of, 242/14; rank of, 71/1037; 73/1071.
Merlynge, 39/558, the fish whiting; 57/834; 166/31.
Mermaid, p. 117.
Merry, be, before bed-time, p. 128.
Merry, don’t be too, p. 258, p. 261, line M.
Mertenet, 37/542; p. 98, the martin; Mertenettes, 49/706.
Mertinet, 28/437; p. 95, martin.
Mess, each, at dinner, to be booked at 6d., 190/413.
Mess, who may sit 2 or 3 at a, 72/1055; who 3 or 4, l. 1057; who 4 and 4, l. 1066.
Message, when sent on, how to behave, p. 236, cap. viii.
Mesurabli, p. 261, l. ¶, moderate. Mesurably, Mensurate (moderate). Prompt.
Mesure, 8/107, moderation.
Metely, 61/890, meet, fitting.
Metes, 58/845, fish.
Methe, 58/817, mead.
Metheglin, p. 107.
Metis, 8/95, vegetables; ib. l. 101, food.
Michaelmas to Christmas, feasts from, p. 164.
Milk, 8/93. ‘Vin sur laict, c’est souhait; laict sur vin, c’est venin.’ Prov. Milke before wine, I would twere mine; milke taken after, is poisons daughter. Cot. u. Souhait.
Minnows, p. 104; 166/6.
Misereatur, to be learnt, 181/154.
Misty, adj., 62/911.
Mocker, don’t be a, 268/59.
Moderation, 8/107; 153/5; 232/477. See Meene. Cp. p. 104 of the Old English Homilies, ed. Morris, 1868. ‘Brutes eat as soon as they get it, but the wise man shall have times set apart for his meals, and then in reason keep to his regimen.’
Mood, temper, passion.
Morning prayer, p. 225.
Morter, 66/968, bed-candle; 160/32; 193/503, a kind of candle used as a night-light. [[160 for 169]] Morter, a Mortarium, a light or taper set in churches, to burn possibly over the graves or shrines of the dead. Cowel. Qu. if not a cake of wax used for that purpose. Note in Brit. Mus. copy of Hawkins’s Hist. of Music, ii. 294.
Mortrowes, 35/520; 54/805; 56/827.
Mortrus, 164/31.
Motes, 16/236; 18/272, bits of dust, &c.
Moths in clothes, p. 115, last line.
Mought, flesche-, 18/280, flesh-moth, louse. ‘Mowȝte, clothe wyrme (mouhe, mow, mowghe), Tinea; Mought that eateth clothes, uers de drap.’ Palsgrave; A.S. moððe. Prompt.
Moughtes, 64/945; p. 108, moths.
Mouth, don’t eat on both sides of, 179/65.
Mouth, drink not with a full, 255/149; nor speak, 255/152.
Mouth, wipe it before drinking, 255/155.
Mowes (faces), don’t make, 277, 278/29. Fr. ‘Monnoye de Singe. Moes, mumps, mouthes; also, friskes, leaps, gambolls.... Mopping, mumping, mowing; also friskes, gambolls, tumbling tricks.’ Cotgrave.
Mowynge, 278/29; 19/291; making faces in derision, grimacing; ‘mowe or skorne,’ vangia vel valgia. Pr. Parv.
Mullet, 58/841, 850; 166/13.
Mulus, a sea-fish, p. 119.
Muscadelle, 9/118; p. 89, No. 6; 153/21, a sweet wine.
Musclade is Span. mezclada, mixture. Ital. mescolanza is used, in Genoa at least, for a fry of small fish. --H. H. Gibbs. Minsheu has mézela, méscla or mezcladura, a medlie, mingling. [[entry added by editor]]
Musclade of almonds, 55/821; in wortes, 55/821; 167/34; of minnows, 50/719.
Muscles (fish), 55/819; p. 107; p. 116.
Musculade, 166/6; 167/34.
Musculus, the cocke of balena, p. 119.
Mustard, 48/686; p. 100; 54/796; 58/843; 159/33.
Mustard and sugar, the sauce for pheasants, &c., 36/538.
Mustard for brawn, &c., 36/533; with fish, 59/853; with salt fish, 38/557; 57/832.
Mustela, the see-wesyll, p. 119.
Mutton, 48/688; p. 105. ‘The moton boyled is of nature and complexion sanguyne, the whiche, to my jugement, is holsome for your grace.’ Du Guez, p. 1071.
Mutton, salt, to be eaten with mustard, 36/533; stewed, 54/798.
Mutton, loin of, how to carve, 25/393.
Mylet, 51/735, mullet.
Myllewelle, the fish, 38/555; 50/723.
Myñ, 199/666, less.
Mynce, p. 151, carve.
Mynse, 26/400, mince.
Mysloset, 183/208, ? mispraised or misgoing, misleading.
Mystere, 199/639, craft, service.
Nails to be clean, 265/10; 277-8/22; 18/270; not to be picked at meals, 255/150; to be kept from blackness, 277-8/49.
Nape in the neck, the cony’s to be cut out, 29/455.
Nape, 199/659, tablecloth.
Naperé, 199/642, napry, table-cloths and linen; /656, table-cloth.
Napery, 4/61.
Nature, all soups not made by, are bad, 35/523.
Neckweed, p. 124, a hempen halter.
Neck-towel, 13/194; p. 92; [[82 for 92]] to wipe knives on, 201/727.
Neghe, 178/25, eye.
Neeze, 211/61, sneeze.
Nereids, p. 119; p. 115.
Nesch{e}, 45/644, tender; 67/985, soft.
Newfangled, don’t be, 258/13.
Nice, 33/508, foolish.
Nice, don’t be too, p. 258, p. 261, line N.
Night-cap to be of scarlet stuff, p. 129; must have a hole in the top, to let the vapour out, p. 137.
Night-gown, 193/483.
No fixed time for meals, p. 141.
Noble Lyfe and Natures of Man, &c., by Laurens Andrewe, p. 113, &c. &c.
Nombles, 35/521; see Promptorium, p. 360, note 1.
Nombles of a dere, 159/29, entrails, from umbilicus.
Noon, dinner at, 254/128.
Norture, give your heart to it, 275, 276/5.
Nose, don’t blow it on your dinner napkin, 263/53; when you blow it on your fingers, wipe ’em, 179/90.
Nose, don’t pick it, 275, 276/12; at meals, 255/150; at table, 267/38.
Nose not to be wiped, 274/141; not to be wiped on your cap, &c., 210/47-52.
Nose-napkin, 226/94.
Nottys, 6/78; p. 85, nuts.
Nowelte, 53/784, novelty.
Nown{e}, 179/87, own.
Nurrieris, 71/1039; p. 110.
Nurture, 45/651, correct way.
Nurture makes a man, 263/34, 30; needful for every one, 177/4.
Nurtured, pray to be, 254/117.
Nuts, 152/19, 20.
Nyen, 180/116, eyes.
Oaths, hate ’em, p. 258, p. 261, line O.
Oats, green, in a bath, 69/995.
Ob. 198/620, halfpence.
Obedient, servants to be, p. 207, No. vi. [[207 for 216]]
Office, 202/738, mark of office?
Officers in Lords’ courts, 187/327.
Officers, their duty, 242/19.
Officers of shires, cities, and boroughs, their ranks to be understood, 76/1130-2.
Onions with salt lamprey, 40/569; p. 198.
Onone, 196/591, anon, at once.
Open-clawed birds to be cooked like a capon, 164/23.
Opon, 196/580, up in?, about, over.
Opponents, answer them meekly, 186/311.
Orchun, a sea-monster, p. 120.
Order in speech, keep, 235/696.
Orders of chastity and poverty, monks, rank of, 71/1030.
Orped, 258/14; p. 261, l. O, daring; orpud audax, bellipotens. Pr. Parv.
Oryent (jelly), 52/746, bright.
Osey, 153/19; p. 206, a sweet wine.
Osprey, how to carve, 26/402; p. 95.
Osulle, 28/438, the blackbird.
Ouemast, 200/671, uppermost.
Ouerþwart (don’t be), p. 258, p. 261, l. O; Fr. Pervers, peruerse, crosse, aukeward, ouerthwart, skittish, froward, vntoward. Cot.
Oyster, p. 120.
Oysters in ceuy (chive sauce), 55/822, and grauey; 167/34.
Ox; he is a companionable beast, p. 105.
Oxen, three in a plough never draw well, 185/287.
Ozey, 9/119; p. 90, No. 10, a sweet wine.
Page, the King’s, 75/1123.
Pagrus, a fish, p. 120.
Pale, 101/16, grow pale? [[101 for 153]]
Palettis, 197/435, pallets, beds of straw or rushes.
Palled, 13/183, stale, dead.
Panter, 200/667.
Pantere, 3/40; pantrer, 190/405, 425; originally the keeper and cutter-up of bread, see his duties, p. 4; ‘Panetier, a Pantler.’ Cot. His duties, to lay the bread, knives, &c., 200/667.
Panter and butler, p. 208, No. xii. [[208 for 217]]
Pantry, 193/499.
Paraunce, heiers of, 193/497, heirs apparent.
Parelle, 23/343, ‘the thoþer parte’ in Sloane MS. 1315.
Parents, salute them, 226/71; 229/294; wait on ‘em at table, 230/337. ’What man he is your father, you ought to make courtesye to hym all though you shulde mete hym twenty tymes a daye.’ Palsgrave, ed. 1852, p. 622, col. 1.
Paris, candles of, 205/836.
Parish priests, rank of, 71/1032.
Parker, 196/589; 197/599, park-keeper.
Parsley roots, 56/826.
Parsons, the duty of, 242/10; rank of, 71/1031; 73/1069.
Partridge, 49/697; p. 103; how to carve, 25/397; 26/417; or wynge, p. 161.
Partridge, with mustard and sugar, 36/538.
Passage, 33/507, ? passage through the bowels, or passing out of the world.
Past, 203/773, pasty.
Pastey of venison, &c., 31/490.
Pasty, lamprey, 44/631; p. 100.
Patentis, 196/566, letters patent, grants, gifts by deed.
Paternoster, 181/145.
Patience, the fruits of, 237/821.
Pavilowne, 73/1079, pavilion, tent.
Payne puff, 32/497, a kind of pie, 49/699; 157/7; 163/32.
Peacock in hakille ryally, 49/695; p. 103.
Peacock, 28/433; and tail, 157/5. as to his voice, see Roberts’s Fables Inédits, T. Wright’s Piers Plowman, ii. 548. [[reference added by editor]]
Pearl-muscle, the, p. 117.
Pearl-oyster, p. 120.
Pearls from your nose, do not drop, 18/283.
Pears, 52/757; 55/813; 57/826; 152/19. ‘Apres la poire, le vin ou le prestre. Prov. After a (cold) Peare, either drinke wine to concoct it, or send for the Priest to confesse you.’ Cot.
Peas and bacon, 25/392; 34/518.
Peautre, 153/28, pewter; cp. Margaret Paston’s Letter, Dec., between 1461 and 1466, modernized ed. 1841, v. 1, p. 159. ‘Also, if ye be at home this Christmas, it were well done ye should do purvey a garnish or twain of pewter vessell, two basins and two ewers, and twelve candlesticks, for ye have too few of any of these to serve this place.’ Orig. ed. vol. iv. p. 107, Letter xxx.
Pece, 203/792, cup.
Peck of oats a day for a horse, 197/608.
Pecocke of the se, p. 120.
Pecten, a fish that winks, p. 120.
Peeres, 6/78, 80, pears.
Pegyll sauce, 165/4; p. 174.
A malard of the downghyll ys good y-nogh for me wythe plesaunt pykle, or yt ys elles poyson, perde. Piers of Fullham, l. 196-7. E. Pop. P. vol. 2, p. 9.
Pen, paper, and ink, to be taken to school, 217/116. [[217 for 227]]
Pentecost to Midsummer, feasts from, 163/13.
Pepper, 58/843, eaten with beef and goose, 36/536.
Pepyns, 6/79; p. 85, pippins. Fr. pepin-percé, (The name of) a certaine drie sweet apple. Cot.
Percely, 168/1, parsley.
Perceue, 62/917, look to, see.
Perch, 56/824; 58/850.
Perch (percus), p. 120.
Perch in jelly, 50/707; 52/746; 157/9; 166/16.
Perche, 10/128; 11/146, suspended frame or rod.
Perche, to hang cloths on, 152/14.
Perche for ypocras strainers, 153/26.
Percher, 66/968, a kind of candle.
Perchers, 192/467; Perchoures, 169/32; 205/826, candles, lights.
Per-crucis, the, 181/152.
Peregalle, 70/1010, quite equal.
Pereles, 72/1231, peerless, without equal.
Pericles, the advice of, 238/891.
Peritory, 67/991.
Perueys, or perneys, 32/499; p. 96, a sweet pie.
Peson, 37/547.
Peson and porpoise, good potage, 50/720.
Pessene, 166/23, peason, pease-broth?
Pestelles, 164/11, 28, legs. Pestle is a hock, Fr. Faucille (in a horse), the bought or pestle of the thigh. Cot.
Pestilence, silk and skins not to be worn during, p. 139.
Petipetes, or pety-pettys, p. 32, note 2; l. 499, note 3. ‘Petipetes, are Pies made of Carps and Eels first roasted, and then minced, and with Spices made up in Pies.’ R. Holme.
Petycote, 60/872; 61/891; 168/22, 30. Randle Holme, Bk III., chap. ii. §xxvii., p. 19, col. 1, says, ‘He beareth Argent, a Semeare, Gules; Sleeves faced or turned up, Or Petty-Coat Azure; the skirt or bottom Laced, or Imbrauthered of the third. This is a kind of loose Garment without, and stiffe Bodies under them, & was a great fashion for Women about the year 1676. Some call them Mantua’s; they have very short Sleeves, nay, some of the Gallants of the times, have the Sleeves gathered up to the top of the Shoulders and there stayed, or fastned with a Button and Loope, or set with a rich Jewel.’ He gives a drawing of it two pages before.
Petycote of scarlet over the skirt, p. 131.
Pety peruaunt, 32/note 2; 96/xx. [[linenote 500]]
Pety perueis, or perneis, 50/707; 52/748.
Petyperuys, 157/9.
Pewter basons, 153/28.
Pheasant, how to carve, 27/417; to alaye or carve, p. 161.
Pheasant to be cooked dry, and eaten with ginger, 163/17; [[163 for 164]] with mustard and sugar, 36/538; stewed, 48/688; p. 101.
Pick not your nose, teeth, or nails, 255/150; 18/283. See Nose, &c.
Pick not your teeth with your knife, 277, 278/42.
Pick yourself, don’t, 276/14.
Pick your teeth with a knife, or fingers, don’t, 180/93.
Pie, how to carve a, 31/482.
Pie, 203/773.
Pig, how to carve, 28/446; 48/689; roast, 54/801.
Pig and ginger sauce, 36/537.
Pig’s feet, 161/9.
Pigeon, 28/438; baked, 29/491; roast, 54/808.
Pight, 76/1134, placed.
Pigmies, p. 102, note.
Pike, 50/724; p. 119; 57/839; how to carve, 39/562; p. 164, last line; colice of, 56/824. [[164 for 166]]
Pike, names of a, p. 99.
Pike not your nose, 18/283.
Pilgrimages vowed, to be performed, 183/201.
Pillow, 53/925; 66/965.
Piment, 153/22, a sweet wine. See Notes to Russell, p. 86-8.
Pincernarius, 190/422-3, butler.
Pinions indigestible, 24/363.