Old French Romances, Done into English — John Shaqi
Old French Romances, Done into EnglishMorris, William
General
Old French Romances, Done into English
Morris, William
French literature -- To 1500 -- Translations into English; Romances; Tales, Medieval
Came a day when he was sore undone by his sickness, so he sent for his
chaplain whom he loved much, for he had found him a man valiant and
loyal; and he said to him: “Sir, thou who art my father before God, know
that I look to die of this sickness, wherefore I pray thee for God’s sake
that ye aid me with your counsel, for great is my need thereof, for I
have done an ill deed so hideous and dark that scarce shall I have mercy
therefor.” The chaplain bade him tell it out hardily, and that he would
aid him with counsel to his power; till at last Sir Raoul told him all as
ye have heard afore. And he prayed him for God’s sake give him counsel,
so great as was his misdoing. “Sir,” said he, “be nought dismayed, for
if thou wilt do the penance which I enjoin thee, I will take thy
transgression on me and on my soul, so that thou shalt be quit.” “Yea,
tell me then,” said the knight. “Sir,” said he, “thou shalt take the
cross far over sea, and thou shalt get thee thereto within the year
wherein thou art whole, and shalt give pledges to God that thou shalt so
do: and in every place where men ask thee the occasion of thy journey,
thou shalt tell it to all who shall ask it of thee.” “All this will I
well do,” said the knight. “Then, sir, give thou good pledge.” “With a
good will,” said the knight; “thou thyself shalt abide surety for me, and
I swear to thee on my knighthood that I shall quit thee well.” “A-God’s
name, sir!” quoth the chaplain, “I will be thy surety.” Now turned the
knight to amendment, and was all whole; and a year wore wherein he went
not over sea. The chaplain spake to him often thereof, but he held the
covenant as but a jest; till at last the chaplain said that but if he
acquitted him before God of his pledge, he would tell the tale to the
father of the fair damsel, who had been thus undone by him. When the
knight heard that, he said to the chaplain that within half a year he
would set about the crossing of the sea, and so swore to him. But now
leaveth the tale to tell of the knight, and returneth to telling of King
Florus of Ausaye, of whom for a great while it hath been silent.
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