- Jun 2019
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He was a truly perfect, noble knight.
Very true. We already had a feeling about him being perfect from the way the author was describing him but now the author himself calls him perfect
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And honoured everywhere for worthiness. At Alexandria, in the winning battle he was there; Often put in the place of honour, a chair. Above all nations’ knights in Prussia. In Latvia raided he, and Russia, 55 No christened man so oft of his degree. In far Granada at the siege was he Of Algeciras, and in Belmarie.
So author is pretty much mentioning a couple of his famous battles in which he was in
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A KNIGHT there was, and what a gentleman,
We are already off to a good start, a positive character. I am already getting a sense that the knight is respected and admirable
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To describe to you the state of every one Of each of them, as it appeared to me, 40 And who they were, and what was their degree,
This is very different to me. In the prologue he is introducing the story and within this section he keeps repeating what he will talk about. Just interesting a different from what I have read before
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made agreement that we’d early rise To take the road, as I will to you apprise.
So is he writing about this event happening in the future? It seems that something might happen when they take. the road
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The rooms and stables spacious were and wide, And well we there were eased, and of the best.
So the hotels that he is describing is nice it seems.
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martyr
person who is killed because of their religious or other beliefs.
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shrines
a place regarded as holy because of its associations with a divinity or a sacred person or relic, marked by a building or other construction.
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And many little birds make melody 10 That sleep through all the night with open eye
This is a very beautiful description.
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When Zephyr also has with his sweet breath,
Nice start to describing a character but what does sweet breathe even mean? does his breathe smell good all of the time or is this a metaphor for something?
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40 And who they were, and what was their degree,
I really like how the story began with a broad introduction of the setting describing the town and taking note of the season. Now we get to know more; we are going to be introduced to the people and the characters. This kind of introduction makes it easier for me as a reader to understand exactly what's going on in the timeline of the story.
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Who helped them when they lay so ill and weak
Spring brings new life into the world and this line makes me think that spring is almost rejuvenating for these people
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And briefly, when the sun had gone to rest,
At this point, it is referring to the night. But why did the author choose to state it as 'the sun had gone to rest'? Was it because it was a more calm and gentle approach compared to 'it was night'?
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array,
An impressive assortment, display, or range of a particular type of thing. Showing he had a large assortment or amount of clothes compared to the average person.
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sundry
Sundry persons refer to several people or things that are all different from each other. Scientists, business people, and sundry others gathered on Monday for the official opening.
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It happened that, in that season, on a day
It is a specific moment. An exact time in the year. I like how it is being emphasized that it was not just the average day, but a time for religious renewal.
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That sleep through all the night with open eye
They can not focus on sleeping, hints why they sleep with open eye. They are being aware of there surroundings at all times.
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heere
My reflection: I really like that everything is translated. Very easy to understand, but I also found that it's original work to be easy to read as well. I really liked the prologue, I already have an idea of what's coming up next in the next few tales.
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Then would he talk and shout as if he’s crazy.
He IS being described as crazy!
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He lifted each door from its hinges, that easy,
the miller sounds like he's a body builder. Sounds a bit intimidating how strong he is.
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MANCIPLE
A manciple is an officer who buys provisions for a college, monastery, or other institution.
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That, if gold would rust, what shall iron do? For if the priest be foul, in whom we trust,
They are doubting the priest.
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dagger
Means, a short knife with a pointed and edged blade, used as a weapon.
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In courtesy she had delight and zest.
She sounds like a really sweet person with great talents and personality.
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No more servants, for he chose so to ride;
He wants to be the only servant?
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He was as fresh as is the month of May. Short was his gown, with sleeves both long and wide.
He is being described very well. He has so many talents.
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loved chivalry,
Chivalry means, the medieval knightly system with its religious, moral, and social code. So that means the code for knights are " truth, honour, freedom and all courtesy"? I always hear the saying, " Chivalry's not dead" what exactly is that saying?
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devout at heart
Meaning, having or showing deep religious feeling or commitment.
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Caunterbury
out of context, but when I'm reading this reminds me of Canterbury Street and i can just imagine that street come to live.
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wende
is this the same as wend? If so, it means to in a specific direction, typically slowly or by an indirect route.
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His tale straightway, and said as you may hear.
Having the translated version of the text was very helpful. I attempted to read the original text, and I could not understand it at all. Probably one of the most difficult texts I have came across, but with the translated it was great. The prologue did a good job in describing the roles, characters and setting of the tales.
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Who had a fiery-red, cherubic face, All pimpled it was; his eyes were narrow As hot he was, and lecherous, as a sparrow; With black and scabby brows and scanty beard; 630 He had a face that little children feared. There was no mercury, sulphur, or litharge, No borax, ceruse, tartar, could discharge,
Author most definitely does not make the summoner appealing at all. Almost like someone you don't want to be around at all
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The wisdom of a crowd of learned men? Of masters had he more than three times ten,
Does this mean the one with more money or with more knowledge like wisdom?
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But mostly all of sin and obscenity. He could steal corn and three times charge his fee;
Described as lower class people. Stealing is not something an upper class person would have to do
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Cash or credi
Cash or credit? Is this even existent in Medieval times or is it another form not the modern cash and credit we believe to be?
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Hardy, big of brawn and big of bone; Which was well proved, for wherever a festive day 550 At wrestling, he always took the prize away. He was stoutly built, broad and heavy;
A very well written characteristics of the Miller. Truly shows the strength.
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gentil
Higher class people
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This noble ensample to his sheep he yaf, That first he wroghte, and afterward he taughte. 500 Out of the gosple he tho wordes caughte,
This is talking about the Bible. the Bible was a very important piece of artifact during the medieval times.
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“Then have I got of you the mastery, Since I may choose and govern, in earnest?” “Yes, truly, wife,” said he, “I hold that best.”
Important that the woman even gets a little acknowledgement of governering
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landocracy.
a class gaining prominence or power through the possession of land.
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But truly, before he came upon them there, The dancers vanished all, he knew not where. No creature saw he that gave sign of life, Except, on the greensward sitting, an old wife; 1005 A fouler person could no man devise.
Symbolizes the sovereignty of the land
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trow
believe or think
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tun
This is a sort of alcohol container, mainly used for wine.
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beshrew
- make wicked; deprave.
- invoke evil upon; curse; blame for a misfortune.
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I bear no malice to virginity
I think this is an important note. She is not attacking virginity, rather attacking the standard of virginity.
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“Women desire to have the sovereignty 1045 As well upon their husband as their love, And to have mastery their man above;
Well thats no shocker. Women are always in the fight for sovereignty from their husbands and themselves as well
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Tell me also, to what purpose or end The genitals were made
As odd as this sounds, this is a very common and very strong argument for devaluing virginity, religiously speaking. After all, if God created us and was perfect in doing so, why should we not use our bodies to the fullest.
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bittern booms
Eurasian bittern or great bittern (Botaurus stellaris) is a wading bird in the bittern subfamily (Botaurinae) of the heron family Ardeidae
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But that the other ladies and the queen So long prayed of the king to show him grace, He granted life, at last, in the law’s place, And gave him to the queen, as she should will, Whether she’d save him, or his blood should spill.
I sense some girl power coming
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Peradventure
uncertainty or doubt as to whether something is the case.
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He has not every vessel all of gold; Some are of wood and serve well all their days.
Correct. Not everyone's calling or purpose in life is the same, but that does not mean one is of more value than another.
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incubus,
a demon child thought to be begotten upon a woman by a supernatural being like an elf or fairy.
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And certainly, if there were no seed sown, Virginity, where then should it be grown?
This is definitely true. If none is willing to foster a family, there will be none to serve and praise God. This also ties into my pervious comment.
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I never should have married more than once.
Personal reason underly the reasoning
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For had Lord God commanded maidenhood, He’d have condemned all marriage as not good;
This is actually a point of debate in both religion and philosophy. Many religious peoples and philosophers believed that marriage was only for the weak, those who could not surpress their bodily desires. The point of existence, according to these peoples, was to study, serve, and praise God. This did not allow room for marriage and a family. However, many philosophers and religion scholars believe that honoring, serving, and praising God can all be done through having a family, not all people must serve and praise God in the same way.
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I know well Abraham was holy man, And Jacob, too, as far as know I can; And each of them had spouses more than two; And many another holy man also.
Again, this is true, but none of these men are considered holy. In fact, all of them received some form of punishment as a result of their many wives.
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Solomon; I understand he had more wives than one; And now would God it were permitted me To be refreshed one half as oft as he!
I think this is pointing out a bit of hypocrisy in Biblical teachings. It is not okay for a woman to have many husbands, but it is fine for a man to have multitudes of wives. In defense of the Bible however, Solomon was not praised for his number of wives and ultimately destroyed his relationship with God, if I recall correctly.
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Cana in Galilee,
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Not easily could they the promise hold 205 Whereby they had been bound to cherish me.
She is implying the old husbands couldn't satisfy her sexual appetite.
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by night I made them swink
What kind of work does she make her husbands do at night? lol
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You are a noble preacher in this case! I was about to wed a wife, alas! Why should I buy this on my flesh so dear? No, I would rather wed no wife this year.”
The pardoner is offended by what she says.
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When he’s pleased to come forth and pay his debt. 160 I’ll not delay, a husband I will get Who shall be both my debtor and my thrall And have his tribulations therewithal Upon his flesh, the while I am his wife. I have the power during all my life 165 Over his own good body, and not he.
She believes she should have a husband who is both her debtor and her slave, and wants total control and power over him and owns his body and flesh. She is extremely blunt and open about her ideas and her sexuality.
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Maker
God
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instrument
Does it refer to her vagina?
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I’m not fastidious.
"I’m no perfectionist."
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My husband he shall have it, eve and morrow, When he’s pleased to come forth and pay his debt.
She is surely one of the first feminist characters in literature. In her age when men had superiority over women and women were totally dependent on men, she claims that men owe women the debt of sex in marriage!
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harvests of marriage.
What do you think is her "harvests of marriage"?
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flower of all my age
her youth
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ghost
refers to soul here
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And so to be a wife he gave me leave 90 Out of permission; there’s no shame should grieve In marrying me, if that my mate should die, Without exception, too, of bigamy.
She says he allows her to marry again if her husband dies, so long as it involves no bigamy.
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God bade us to increase and multiply; That worthy text can I well understand. 30 And well I know he said, too, my husband Should father leave, and mother, and cleave to me; But no specific number mentioned He, Whether of bigamy or octogamy; Why should men speak of it reproachfully?
She believes that God commanded us to go out and multiply, so there's nothing wrong to be engaged in bigamy, or even polygamy.
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octogamy
marrying eight times
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But someone told me not so long ago 10 That since Our Lord, save once, would never go To wedding that at Cana in Galilee, Thus, by this same example, showed he me I never should have married more than once.
She was recently told that because Christ only went once to a wedding, near Galilee, that by this example he meant to tell her that she should have been married only once.
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The dart is set up for virginity; Catch it who can; who runs best let us see.
The virginity race isn’t for everyone; and she is not going to take part in it.
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And certainly, if there were no seed sown, Virginity, where then should it be grown?
I like her logic here. She is saying if no children are born, how can there ever be any virgins in the first place?
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Some Christian man shall marry me anon;
She wants to remarry a Christian man.
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Which gift of God he had for all his wives! 40 No man has such that in this world now lives.
She comments that no man on Earth can make all his wives happy like what King Solomon could.
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!
This was definitely a fun story. The love and medieval romance in this story were more realistic than other medieval tales that were pushing it too far. We got the dramatic romantic story; the cheating, the sex, the love triangle, everything you could possibly think of in a normal but still crazy love story.
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Shall fall a rain so wildly mad as would 410 Have been, by half, greater than Noah’s flood.
Comparison and symbolism to Noah -- Allegory
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requite
make appropriate return for (a favor, service, or wrongdoing)
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I long as does the lamb for mother’s teat.
Comparison to himself to animals and Alisoun is also compared to animals throughout the tale -- Nature seems to play a huge huge role in medieval texts
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It’s little thought you give me and my woe, Who for your love do sweat where’er I go. 595 Yet it’s no wonder that I faint and sweat;
Smart tactic to get the lover's attention. Medieval romance really sets the basis of how moves are made nowadays haha
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This parish clerk, this lively Absalom Had in his heart, now, such a love-longing That from no wife took he an offering; For courtesy, he said, he would take none.
Clerks' feelings for Alisoun differ
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revel
enjoy oneself in a lively and noisy way, especially with drinking and dancing. -- Disorderly conduct
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cokewold.
The husband of an unfaithful wife, a cuckold.
An old husband with young wife -- young wife will find satisfaction somewhere else that the older man cannot provide
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Goddes pryvetee,
What does pryvetee mean?Attempted to research it but couldn't figure it out
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“Nay, thereof worry not,” said Nicholas, “A clerk has lazily employed his while If he cannot a carpenter beguile.”
Clerks vs peasants. Stereotypical peasant and clerk references
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solace;
comfort or consolation in a time of distress or sadness. The end point of the secret love. If its a secret type of love then its probably between people who aren't supposed to be together for various reasons; different classes etc
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If men but asked of him in certain hours When they should have a drought or else have showers, Or if men asked of him what should befall 90 To anything; I cannot reckon them all.
Dismissive type tone in this passage.
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A poor scholar was lodging with him there, Who’d learned the arts, but all his phantasy Was turned to study of astrology;
Desire to know the truth about the secrets of God
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tarry
It means of, like, or covered with tar.
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beguile
It means to charm or enchant (someone), sometimes in a deceptive way.
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her head she twisted fast away,
Nicholas is trying to get with her but she is denying it.
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lickerish
Lecherous. meaning having or showing excessive or offensive sexual desire.
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held her close in cage
He kept her locked up because she is really young and is afraid that she will fall in love with other men.
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Evilly
morally wrong or bad.
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begad
Begad is used to express surprise of for emphasis
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cuckold
Cuckold means a man whose wife is sexually unfaithful, often regarded as an object of derision. Basically it means that the wife is cheating but it also says " the man who has no wife". What does it mean then?
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asperse
Asperse means to attack or criticize the reputation or integrity of.
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of drinking was all pale, So that unsteadily on his horse he sat
Sounds like the miller is a heavy drinker.
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.
I will admit, I do not understand this story nearly as well as our others thus far. However, I think I picked up on the necessary or important parts. From my understanding, the summoner is basically an evil, thieving, lying man who only cares about his personal gain regardless of its repercussions on others. Due to this lack of care, he finds an old widow he believes he can take advantage of in her feeble state. Much to his surprise, she is not willing to hand over her money to pay a ridiculous fee for which she is not guilty. Upon his insisting she pay him, the widow curses him and the devil drags him to hell that night. Quite the satisfying ending and is used to show the power of grace and Christ, though the connection here is a bit fuzzy to me.
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heifer
A cow that has not borne a calf.
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“Yes,” said this summoner, “pay straightway -let’s see- 335 Twelvepence to me, and I’ll have you acquitted.
The summoner knows well that the widow is unwell and unable to make it to answer the summons. Knowing this, he stopped at her home regardless of the fact she had done no wrong. He did this to gain money from her that will not be contested due to her unwell state.
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vice
A vice is the opposite of a virtue. It is a bad trait or characteristic. In this case, he knows nothing bad about her.
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foaled
Birthed, specifically for horses.
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fay
faith
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jape
to say or do something jokingly or mockingly
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scanty,
limited or less than sufficient in degree, quantity, or extent
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lecher
a man who engages in lechery: inordinate indulgence in sexual activity
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bawd
one who keeps a house of prostitution
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pecuniary
Consisting of or measured in money. In this case, I assume it means financial pain.
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jot
I have heard this word used as a form of the word money, but I cannot find anywhere to back this up or provide a corresponding definition.
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.
I like the satire in this story--the summoner's deceptions have caused his own downfall. However, it seems that none of the characters is relatable, so it does affect my connection to the story. The poor old widow, perhaps, is the most interesting character, as she doesn't only refuse to pay the summoner, but also has the courage and wit to curse him to hell.
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privity
secret knowledge that is shared
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smock
a loose garment, rather like a long blouse
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aught
anything at all
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Dispose your hearts in grace, that you withstand The devil, who’d make you a slave among his band. He cannot tempt more than beyond your might; For Christ will be your champion and knight.
The demon has no power to tempt you if you make an effort to ward him off, so let Christ be your champion and your knight.
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Never was I, till now, widow or wife, Summoned unto your court in all my life; Nor ever of my body was I untrue!
The widow is saying she has never been summoned to his court, not as a widow nor as a wife, and she's always faithful to her husband.
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here take note of me
The summoner is asking the yeoman to learn from him.
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true brothers
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the witch at En-dor Samuel
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Yet tell me,” said the summoner, “faithfully, Make you yourselves new bodies thus alway Of elements?”
The summoner shows no fear for the demon and keeps asking questions.
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And when one does withstand all our temptation, It is the thing that gives his soul salvation
If someone refuses their temptations, his salvation is assured.
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“Because,” said he, “we will such figures make As render likely that our prey we’ll take.”
They like to assume those shapes that will give them the greatest advantage over their prey.
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By any means, by trick or violence, From year to year I win me my expense. I can no better tell you faithfully.”
He says he survives from year to year through deception and violence. He really can’t put it more honestly than that.
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Even so do I, for I would ride, right now, Unto the world’s end, all to get my prey.”
He is saying he would ride to the ends of the Earth to get his hands on a victim.
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japes
A jape is a silly trick that you play on someone which is quite funny and which does not really involve upsetting them.
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I never spare to take a thing, knows God, Unless it be too heavy or too hot.
Haha, he admits that he steals anything unless it’s too hot or he can’t lift it.
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Saint Dunstan
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archbishop
In the Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican Churches, an archbishop is a bishop of the highest rank, who is in charge of all the bishops and priests in a particular country or region.
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your wits are all too bare To understand
human's wits vs. demon's mind
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“Ah,” cried he, “ben’cite! What do you say? I took you for a yeoman certainly. You have a human shape as well as I; 195 Have you a figure then determinate In hell, where you are in your proper state?”
The summoner is more amazed than frightened, and he asks the demon questions about how he assumes human form, and what purposes he carries out when he is on Earth.
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a short coat of the Lincoln green,
a costume worn by outlaws and poachers
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To be sworn brothers till their dying day. Gossiping then they rode upon their way.
The two "brothers" decide to walk together and share their stories.
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bailiff
is employed to look after land or property for the owner
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Whither
Where
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.
I love the twists in this story, and the ending. Despite its length and old English, I think this was one of the easiest stories to understand, though my vocabulary has been expanded by it. The descriptions were also incredible. I also loved seeing the ties and constant references to Greek and Roman mythology and culture, though I was a bit confused as to why the two were almost interchangeable in the first few sections.
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Jove
Another name for Jupiter.
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eschew
to avoid habitually especially on moral or practical grounds
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bier
a stand on which a corpse or coffin is placed
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rancour
bitter deep-seated ill will
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retinues
a group of retainers or attendants
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palfreys
a saddle horse other than a warhorse
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ruth
compassion for the misery of another
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orison
prayer
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hie
to go quickly
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griffon
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habergeon
a sleeveless coat of mail or scale armor.
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travailing
work especially of a painful or laborious nature
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Pluto
Hades, god of hell
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Rubeus
Latin for "Red". The figure is an overturned glass; an inversion, meaning good in all that is evil, and evil in all that is good.
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Puella
Latin for "the Girl". The figure is to resemble the vulva or a woman with exaggerated breasts.
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plenitude
the quality or state of being full
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armipotent
powerful in arms, mighty in battle
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bawdiness
boisterously or humorously indecent
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In any case, accept it for the best
May the best man win.
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loath or lief
Reluctant or willing
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wight
Living creature, being
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arrant
being notoriously without moderation, extreme
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And may God save all this fair company! Amen.
My reflection: i love that God was brought up in everything especially at the wedding of Palamon and Emily. I personally, religiously speaking, think that a having a relationship with God in your marriage is the best. I do think it's a typical love story where two people fall for the same girl and then we are all so anxiously waiting to see who she ends up with. I think the author did really good with the details.
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avail
Avail means to help or benefit.
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joust
Joust meaning, (of a medieval knight) engage in a sports contest in which two opponents on horseback fight with lances.
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humble prayer within thy heart. Alas! I have no words in which to tell 1370 The effect of all the torments of my hell; My heavy heart its evils can’t bewray;
Has a humble prayer, but can't betray the evil she carries in her heart?
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O you cruel Gods, that sway
Is he mad because every person has to die like "any other beast"?
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The agreement was,
A deal was made. Whoever lost the deal had their head cut off? at least that's what I am understanding.
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And in a tower, in anguish and distress,
They are wanting to get out/escape.
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For ever, without ransom, till they die.
They are stuck in prison until they die.
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banner borne
Banner means a large piece of silk or other cloth with a device or motto extended on a crosspiece. Borne means in a conspicuous place.
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He would put forth so thoroughly his might Against the tyrant Creon as to wreak Vengeance so great that all of Greece should
Sounds like they are going to fight against each other.
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And will not suffer them, nor give consent, To buried be, or burned, nor will relent, But sets his dogs to eat them, out of spite
Doesn't want her dead husbands to "suffer" while they get burned or buried, but being eaten by dogs is okay? gross.Was this actually a thing? Did stuff like this ever happen?
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lamentation to be known
She is still so sad about her husband's death and she still wants it to be known.
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Now help us, lord, since it is in your might.
Sounds like she is praying wanting for everyone to be forgiven or to make things better.
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Let each man tell his tale, until we learn Which of us all the most deserves to win; So where I stopped, again I’ll now begin
Basically everyone has their own side of the story and each one should say their part and just wait to see who wins.
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He gained the realm of Femininity,
He was loved by many?
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.
So many twists and turns in this tale, this love triangle is so intense. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time while reading it. The themes of this reading are so highlighted through the tales especially courtly love, chivalry and church corruption.
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After so long a time to turn traitor To me, who am your cousin and your brother, Sworn as we are, and each unto the other, 275 That never, though for death in any pain, Never, indeed, till death shall part us twain, Either of us in love shall hinder other, No, nor in any thing, O my dear brother; But that, instead, you shall so further me 280 As I shall you, all this we did agree
Oh wow. So not only is the rules of chivalry being broken, rules of actual brotherhood are being broken for this love. Is it really that worth it? They barely know the girl
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To ransake in the taas of bodyes dede, Hem for to strepe of harneys and of wede, The pilours diden bisynesse and cure, 150 After the bataille and disconfiture; And so bifel, that in the taas they founde Thurgh-girt with many a grevous blody wounde,
Sort of a cruel, gruesome type of imagery
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And swoor his ooth, as he was trewe knyght, He wolde doon so ferforthly his myght Upon the tiraunt Creon hem to wreke, That all the peple of Grece sholde speke 105 How Creon was of Theseus yserved, As he that hadde his deeth ful wel deserved
I got that it was against the rules to not perform the burial ritual. But wow did not think it would cause the death of Creon. More intense of a situation than I thought.
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It’s each man for himself and not for other. 325 Love if you like; for I love and aye shall;
How is it in every medieval tale they fall in love with someone so easily?
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Wostow nat wel the olde clerkes sawe That `who shal yeve a lovere any lawe?’ Love is a gretter lawe, by my pan, Than may be yeve of any erthely man. And therfore positif lawe and swich decree
Going against the rules of chivalry for courtly love? interesting , I wonder how this will turn out
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He, for despit and for his tirannye, To do the dede bodyes vileynye, 85 Of alle oure lordes, whiche that been slawe, Hath alle the bodyes on an heep ydrawe, And wol nat suffrenhem, by noon assent, Neither to been yburyed nor ybrent, But maketh houndes etehem in despit.”
An important rule has been broken. The rule of giving the dead a proper burial, old greek rituals that play an important part in the culture.
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Whilom, as olde stories tellen us, Ther was a duc that highte Theseus; Of Atthenes he was lord and governour, And in his tyme swich a conquerour, 5 That gretter was ther noon under the sonne. Ful many a riche contree hadde he wonne, What with his wysdom and his chivalrie;
Seems to be a very powerful person. Rule maker as the lord and governor but he doesn't seem horrible as its mentioned he has wisdom and chivalry
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Of his lineage am I, and his offspring, By true descent, and of the stock royal: And now I’m such a wretched serving thrall, 695 That he who is my mortal enemy, I serve him as his squire, and all humbly. And even more does Juno give me shame, For I dare not acknowledge my own name; But whereas I was Arcita by right, 700 Now I’m Philostrates, not worth a mite.
Not only was his freedom taken from him, but now his identity and dignity are also being taken away.
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briers
a plant (such as a rose, blackberry, or greenbrier) having a usually woody and thorny or prickly stem
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rondel
A fixed form of verse based on two rhyme sounds and consisting usually of 14 lines in three stanzas in which the first two lines of the first stanza are repeated as the refrain of the second and third stanzas. A poem in this case
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trice
a brief space of time
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earlybritishlit.pressbooks.com earlybritishlit.pressbooks.com
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“Do well and have well · and God shall have thy soul; But do evil and have evil · and after thy death-day The Devil have thy soul ·
those who do good shall ascend to Heaven, and those who do bad shall reside alongside the Devil
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uch famine shall arise
is this referring to what is currently happening during that time?
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chide
scold or rebuke
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And all manner of man · that thou mayest espy That be needy and have naught · help them with thy goods; Love them and loathe them not · let God take the vengeance; If they’ve done thee evil · let thou God alone;
teaches him to love them and help them. He tells him to leave it to God to take up punishment for their sins
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For I wot well, when thou’rt gone · they will work full ill;
scared if hunger leaves, they will go back to their ways
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And went out as workmen · with spades and with shovels To dig and to delve to drive away hunger.
the got beat up so out of fear they got to work so that the beating would stop
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Piers whooped after Hunger · who heard him at once. ‘Avenge me,’ quoth he, ‘on these wasters · who worry the world!’
asked hunger to help by punishing the wasters for being dishonest
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Courteously the knight then · as his nature was, Warned the waster · and told him to mend: `Or, by the order I bear · thou shalt suffer the law!’
the knight tells them to get to work or else
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The false fellows were afeared · and feigned themselves blind; Some laid their legs awry
piers is pissed because some of the people are pretending to be blind or crippled so that they don't have to help plow the land
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earlybritishlit.pressbooks.com earlybritishlit.pressbooks.comEveryman5
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ite maledicti in ignem æternum
Go cursed into everlasting fire
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Methinketh
i think
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Everyman. O Jesu, help, all hath forsaken me!
everybody who "promised" to go into death with him is now like "sike fooled you"
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In faith, I care not; Thou art but a fool to complain, You spend your speech and waste your brain; Go thrust thee into the ground.
strength telling him that he is a waste and to go ahead and die
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Yea, by my faith, and never more appear. In this world live no more we shall, But in heaven before the highest Lord of all.
he's basically saying "okay friends, lets all go to heaven now!"
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