(117)Torent said: ‘So muste I the,1355Sith it wyll̴ no better be,I cord with that assent!’After mete, as I you tell̴,[1360]To speke with mayden)Desonell̴,TorrentTo her chamber he went.1360The damysell̴ so moche of prideSet hym on)her bed-syde,And said: ‘Welcom), verament!’Such gestenyng he a-right,passes a night with Desonell.That there he dwellid all̴ nyȝt)1365f. 99a.With that lady gent.(118)Sir Torent dwellid thareTwelffe wekys and mare,[1370]Till̴ letters com hym till̴The King of Norway begsFro the kyng of Norway;1370For Iesus love he did hym praye,Yf it were his wyll̴,him to come and fight a Giant there.He shold com as a doughty knyght,With a Geaunt for to ffyght,That wyll̴ his londys spyll̴;1375He wold hym yeve his doughter dereAnd halfe Norway ffar and nere,Both be hold and be hyll̴.[1380]TORRENT SAILS TO FIGHT A NORWEGIAN GIANT.(119)TorrentSir Torent said: ‘So god me saue,I-nough to lyve vppon I haue,1380I wyll̴ desire no more;But it be, for Iesu is sakeA poynt of armes for to take,That hath helpid me be-ffore.gives all his land to the King for Desonell;I yeve the here oute of my hond1385To thy doughter all̴ my lond,Yf that I end thore.’And whan)he toke his way to passe,[1390]Mo than ffyfty with hym was,That fals to hym)wore.13901387.thereMS.1390.wereMS.(120)Syr Torent to the lady went,Full̴ curtesly and gent:. . . . .‘Desonell̴, haue good day!I muste now on my jurnay,A kyngis lond for to fend.1395leaves 2 gold rings with her,Thes gold ryngesI shall̴ yeve the,Kepethemwell̴, my lady ffre,Yf god a child vs send!’[1400]f. 99b.She toke the ryngis with moche care,Thries in sownyng fell̴ she thare,1400Whan she saw, that he wold wend.1393.DenoselleMS.1397.them] om. MS.(121)and goes on board ship with his steed and armour.Shipp and takyll̴ they dight,Stede and armourffor to ffyghtTo the bote they bare.Gentilmen), that were hend,1405Toke her leve at theyre frend,With hym ffor to fare.Kyng Colomond, is not to layn),[1410]He wold, that he cam nevure agayn);There fore god yeff hym)care!1410So within the ffyfty dayesTorrent gets to Norway.He Come in to the lond of Norways,Hard Contre ffound he thare.TORRENT REACHES NORWAY, AND HEARS OF A GIANT.(122)Thus sirTorrent, for soth, is fare,A noble wynd droffe hym)thare,1415Was blowyng oute of the weste.Of the Coste of Norway they had a sight. . .[1419]Of sayling they were all̴ preste.So ffeyre a wynd had the knyght,A litull̴ be-ffore the mydnyght1420He Rode be a foreste.The shipmen tell him of a Giant.The shipmen said: ‘We be shent;Here dwellith a geaunt, verament,On his lond are wekest!’1424.kest]settMS.(123)The maistershipmon)said: ‘Nowe1425I Rede, we take down)sayle & Rowe,While we haue this tyde.[1430]Sir,’ he said, ‘be god all̴myght,The giant lieth euery nyghtOn)the mowntayn)here be-syde;1430f. 100a.My lord the kyng wyll̴ not ffyght,Till̴ he of you haue a sight,On you ys all̴ his pryde!’Torrent resolves to land.Sir Torrent said: ‘Here my hond!Sith we be ryven on this lond,1435To nyght wyll̴ I ryde.’1425.maistershipmenMS.1429.lieth]hereadd. MS.1434.TorerentMS.TORRENT LANDS IN THE FOREST OF BRASILL.(124)Torrent and his knights arm.Sir Torent armyd hym)anon[1440]And his knyghteseuerychoneWith sheld and spere in hond.The shipmen)said: ‘As mut I thryve,1440I Rede, that euery man)other shryve,Or that we go to the lond.’Sir Torent said: ‘As god me spede,We will̴ firste se that ffede,My lord was never failand!1445Gentilmen, make chere good,For Iesu love, that died on Rood,[1450]He will̴ be oure waraunt!’1445.fleandMS.1446.make]madeMS.(125)They reach the Forest of Brasill.In a forest can)they passe,Of Brasill̴, saith the boke, it was,1450With bowes brod and wyde.Lyons and berys there they ffandAnd wyld bestesaboute goand,Reysing on euery side.The coward knights flee to the ship,Thes men)of armes, withtrayn)1455To the shipp they flew agayn)In to the see at that tyde;[1460]Fast from land row they be-gan),and leave Torrent alone.A-bove they left that gentilman),With wyld beestis to haue kyde.14601451.bowes]browesMS.1452.ffoundMS.1460.kcorrected out ofr.(126)The shipmen)of the same londRyved vp, I vnderstond,f. 100b.In another lond off hold.False tales of Torrent are told to the King of Norway.To the chamber they toke the way,There the kyng hym)selfe lay,1465And fals talis hym)told. . . . . .For he wold not the geaunt abyde,[1470]For all̴ this contrey feyre and wyde,Thouȝ he yeff it hym wold.1465 put before 1464 MS.TORRENT COMES ON 2 DRAGONS IN A VALLEY.(127)‘Sir kyng, ye haue youre selfe1470Erlisdoughty beten)or twelfe,Better know I none:Send youre messingeris ffar and wyde,For to ffell̴ the geauntespride,That youre doughter hath tane.’1475The King of Norway wants Torrent to come.‘I had lever to haue that knyght;With hym)is grace of god all̴myȝt),To be here at his bane.’[1480]Full̴ litull̴ wist that riche kyngOf sirTorrentesryding1480In the forest all̴ alone.1471.doughty be] om. MS.1476.that]ky, struck out, add. MS.(128)Thorouȝ helpe of god that withhym was,Fro the wyld bestis gan)he passeTo an hye hyll̴.A litull̴ while be-fore the day1485He herd in a valeyA dynnyng and a yell̴.[1490]Torrent rides up to 2 Dragons.Theder than)riduth he,To loke, what thing it myȝt be,What adventure tharebe-fell̴.1490It were two dragons stiff and strong,Vppon)theyre lay they sat and song,Be-side a depe well̴.1490.thare]thatMS.(129)Sir Torent said thannef. 101a.To god, that made man)1495And died uppon)a tree:Torrent prays to Christ,‘Lord, as thou mayst all̴ weld,[1500]Yeve me grace, to wyn)the feldOf thes ffendys onfre!’Whan he had his prayers made,1500Pertely to hem)he Radespears the first Dragon;And one thorouȝ oute bare he.Thus sped the knyght at his comyngThorough the helpe of hevyn)kyng:Lord, lovid muste thou be!15051499.onfre]ontreweMS.1502.he bareMS.TORRENT KILLS THE 2 DRAGONS, AND SEES A CASTLE.(130)The other dragon wold not flee,. . . . .But showith all̴ his myght;[1510]He smote ffire, that lothely thing,As it were the lightnyng,Vppon)that comly knyght.1510There fore sirTorent wold not lett,But on)the dragon) fast)he bettand then kills the second.And over-come that foule wight.Tho anon the day sprong,Fowles Rose, mery they song,1515The sonne a-Rose on hyȝt.1507.shotithMS.1516.hyȝeMS.(131)Torent of the day was full̴ blithe,[1520]And of the valey he did hym)swith,As fast as euer he may.To a mowntayn)he rode ryght,1520He sees a Castle.Of a castell̴ he had a sightWith towrys hyȝe and gay. . . . . .He come in to an hyȝe strete,Few folke gan)he mete,To wis hym)the way.15251525.wishMS.TORRENT BEFORE THE NORSE GIANT’S CASTLE.(132)Torrent rides to the Norse Giant’s castle gates.To the gatys tho he Rade;f. 101b.Full̴ craftely they were made[1530]Of Irun)and eke of tree.One tre stonding there he ffond:Nyne oxen)of that lond1530Shold not drawe the tre.The Giaunt wrought vp his wall̴And laid stonys gret and small̴:A lothely man)was he.‘Now,’ quod Torrent, ‘Inot, whare,1535My squiers be ffro me to fare,Euer waried theybe![1540]1526.rodeMS.1529.ffoundMS.1532.welleMS.1535.wotMS.1537.they]thouMS.(133)He considers what he shall do,‘Lord god, what is beste,So Iesu me helpe, Est or Weste,I Can not Rede tosay.1540Yf I to the shipp fare,No shipmen)ffyndIthare;It is long, sith they were away.Other wayes yf I wend,Wyld bestis wyll̴ me shend:1545Falshede, woo worth it aye!and resolves to fight.I ffyght here, Iesu, for thy sake;[1560]Lord, to me kepe thou take,As thou best may!’1540.say]doneMS.1542.And noMS.I] om. MS.(134)Down)light this gentill̴ knyght,1550To Rest hym)a litull̴ wight,And vnbrydelid his stedeHe baits his steed.And let hym)bayte on)the ground,And aventid hym)in)that stound,There of he had gret nede.1555The Norse Giant prepares to fight.The Gyaunt yode and gaderid stoneAnd sye, where the knyght gan)gone,[1570]f. 102a.All̴ armed in dede;And wot ye well̴ and not wene,Whan eyther of hem had other sene,1560Smertelytheyrerid her dede.1553.bayte]hymadd. MS.1561.they] om. MS.TORRENT GETS ASSURANCE FROM HEAVEN.(135)For that sirTorent had hym sene,He worth vppon his stede, I wene,And Iesu praydehe till̴:Torrent prays to Christ,‘Mary son), thou here my bone,1565As I am)in venturus stad come,My jurnaytofull̴-ffyll̴!’[1580]A voys was fro hevyn)sentand is cheerd by a voice from Heaven.And said: ‘Be blith, sirTorent,And yeve the no thing yll̴,1570To ffyght with my lordys enemy:Whether that thou lyve or dye,Thy mede the quyte he wyll̴!’1566.sadMS.1567.to]thanMS.1573.He wylle quyte the thy medeMS.(136)Be that the giaunt had hym dight,The Giant advances against Torrent.Cam)ageyn)that gentill̴ knyght,1575As bold as eny bore;He bare on)his nek a croke,[1590]Woo were the man), that he ouertoke,It was twelfe ffote and more.‘Sir,’ he said, ‘ffor charite,1580Loke, curtes man)that thou be,Yf thy wyll̴ ware:I haue so fought all̴ this nyghtWith thy II dragons wekyd and wight,They haue bett me full̴ sore.’1585THE NORSE GIANT, WERAUNT, WOUNDS TORRENT.(137)The Giant says he’ll punishThe Geaunt said: ‘Be my fay,Wors tydingesto me this day[1600]I myght not goodly here.Thorough the valey as thou cam),Torrent for killing his 2 DragonsMy two dragons hast thou slan),1590f. 102b.My solempnite they were.To the I haue full̴ good gate;and his Brother Cate.For thou slow my brother Cate,That thou shalte by full̴ dere!’Be-twene the giaunt and the knyght1595Men myght se buffettesright,Who so had be there.[1610]1590.slayneMS.(138)Sir Torent yaue to hym)a brayd;He levid that the aungell̴ said,Of deth yaue he nought.1600In to the brest he hym)bare,His spere hede lefte he thare,So evill̴ was hittbythought.The Giant’s crook cuts through Torrent’s shield to his flesh,The Giaunt hym ayen)smateThorough his sheld and his plate,1605In to the flesh it sought;And sith he pullith at his croke,[1620]and sticks there.So fast in to the flesh it toke,That oute myȝt he gete it nought.1600.nought]no dyntMS.1603.byth.]myntMS.(139)On hym)he hath it broke,1610Glad pluckys there he toke,Set sadly and sare.Sir Torent stalworth satt,Oute of his handys he it gatt,No lenger dwellid he thare.1615Torrent throws his shield and the Giant’s crook into the water.In to the water he cast his sheld,Croke and all̴ to-geders it held,[1630]Fare after, how so euer it ffare.The Giant goes in after them and is drowned.The Geaunt folowid withall̴ his mayn),And he come never quyk agayn):1620God wold, that so it ware.1612.soreMS.1615.thereMS.TORRENT SLAYS THE NORSE GIANT, WERAUNT.(140)f. 103a.Sir Torent bet hym)there,Till̴ that this fend did were,Or he thens wend.On hym had he hurt but ane,1625Lesse myght be a mannusbane,But god is full̴ hend:[1640]Thorough grace of hym, that all̴ shall̴ weld,There the knyght had the feld,Torrent rides to the Giant’s castle,Such grace god did hym)send.1630Be than it nyed nere hand nyȝt),To a castell̴ he Rode right,All̴ nyght there to lend.1626.But lesseMS.(141)In the castell̴ found he nought,That god on the Rode bought;1635High vppon)a toure,As he caste a side lokyng,[1650]and finds a fair Lady there.He saw a lady in her bed syttyng,White as lylye ffloure;Vp a-Rose that lady bryght,1640And said: ‘Welcom), sirknyght,That fast art in stoure!’‘Damysell̴, welcom)mut thou be!Torrent asks for a night’s lodging.Graunt thou me, for charite,Of one nyghtis soioure!’16451645.socoureMS.TORRENT IN THE GIANT WERAUNT’S CASTLE.(142)‘By Mary,’ said that lady clere,‘Me for-thinkith, that thou com)here,[1660]The Lady says the Giant Weraunt will kill him.Thy deth now is dight;For here dwellith a geaunt,He is clepud Weraunt,1650He istothe devill̴ be-taught.To day at morn)he toke his croke,Forth at the yatesthe way he toke,f. 103b.And said, he wold haue a draught;And here be chambers two or thre,1655In one of hem I shall̴ hide the,God the saue ffrome harmes right!’[1670]1650.Weraunt]weraumt(?) MS.1651.to]ofMS.(143)‘Certayn),’ tho said the knyght,‘That theffe I saw to nyght,Here be-side a slade.1660Torrent tells her toHe was a ferly freke in ffyght,With hym faught a yong knyght,Ech on other laid good lade;Me thought well̴, as he stode,He was of the fendusblood,1665So Rude was he made.Dame, yf thou leve not me,[1680]come and see the Giant.Com)nere, and thou shalt se,Which of hem abade.’1660.slateorflateMS.1663.lodeMS.1669.abodeMS.(144)Blith was that lady bryght1670For to se thatsellysight:With the knyght went she.The Norwegian Princess sees the Giant’s corpse,Whan she cam, where the Geaunt lay,‘Sir,’ she said, ‘parmaffayI wott well̴, it is he.1675Other he was of god all̴-myghtOr seynt George, oure lady knyȝt),[1690]That there his bane hath be.Yf eny cryston)man smyte hym down),and praises his slayer.He is worthy to haue renown)1680Thorough oute all̴ crystiaunte.’1671.selly] om. MS.TORRENT RESCUES THE PRINCESS OF NORWAY.(145)‘I haue wonder,’ said the knyght,‘How he gate the, lady bryght,Fro my lord the kyng.’She tells Torrentf. 104a.‘Sir,’ she said, ‘verament,1685As my fader on huntyng wentErly in a mornyng,[1700]Forehis men pursued a dere,To his castell̴, that stondith here,That doth my hondys wryng,1690that her Father gave her, as his ransom, to the Giant.This Giaunt hym toke, wo he be!For his love he gevith hym)me,He wold none other thinge.’1688.ForMS.(146)Forth she brought bred and wyne,Fayn)he was for to dyne. . . . . .1695This knyght made noble chere,Though that he woundid were[1710]With the Geaunt strong.(147)Sir Torrent dwellid no lenger thare,Torrent takes her away.Than)he myȝt away fare1700With that lady bryght.Torrent longs for Desonell.‘Now, Iesu, that made hell̴,Send me on lyve to Desonell̴,That I my trouth to plight!’Tho sye they be a forest syde1705Men)of armes ffaste rideOn coursers comly dight.[1720]The lady said: ‘So mvst I thee,The Norwegian Princess sees her Father.It is my fader, is com for me,With the Geaunt to ffyght.’1710TORRENT IS WELCOMD BY THE KING OF NORWAY.(148)An harood said anon)right:‘Yon I se an armed knyght,And no squier, but hym)one:He is sobigof bone & blood,He is the Geaunt, be the Rode!’1715Som)seith, he riduth vppon).f. 104b.‘Nay,’ said the kyng, ‘verament,[1820]Torrent is recognisedIt is the knyght, that I after sent,I thanke god and seynt Iohñ,For the Geaunt slayn)) hath he1720And wonne my doughter, well̴ is me!All̴ his men areatone!’1714.big]longMS.1722.at.]taneMS.(149)Wott ye well̴, with Ioy and blisSir Torent there recevid ys,As doughty man)of dede.1725and welcomd by the King of Norway.The kyng and other lordys gentSaid, ‘Welcom), sirTorent,[1830]In to this vncouththede!’In to a state they hym)brought,His wounds are drest.Lechis sone his woundis sought;1730They said, so god hem spede,Were there no lyve but ane,His liffe they wyll̴ not vndertane,For no gold ne ffor mede.1728.thede]londMS.PRINCESS GENDRES. TORRENT STAYS A YEAR IN NORWAY.(150)The PrincessThe lady wist not or than),1735That he was hurt, that gentilman),And sith she went hym tyll̴;[1840]She sought his woundusand said thare:‘Thou shalte lyve and welfare,Yf the no-thing evyll̴!1740claims Torrent as her husband.My lord the kyng hath me hight,That thou shalt wed me, sirknyght,The fforward ye to fulle ffyll̴.’‘Damysell̴, loo here my hond:And I take eny wyffe in this lond,1745It shall̴ be at thy wyll̴!’(151)Her name is Gendres.Gendres was that ladyes name.[1850]The Geaunteshede he brought hame,f. 105a.And the dragonshe brought.Mene myght here a myle aboute,1750How on the dede hedys they did shoute,For the shame, that they hem)wrought,Both with dede and with tongFyfte on the hedys dong,That to the ground they sought.1755Torrent stays 12 months in Norway.Sir Torrent dwellid thareTwelfe monythis and mare,[1860]That ffurther myȝt he nought.1749.he br.]alsoMS.1752.they]hadadd. MS.(152)The kyng of Norway said: ‘Nowe,Fals thevis, woo worth you,1760Ferly sotell̴ were ye:Ye said, the knyght wold not com):Swith oute of my kyngdome,Or hangid shall̴ ye be!’The King of Norway sends Torrent’s false Squires to sea,His squiers, that fro hym)fled,1765With sore strokys are they spredVppon the wanne see,[1870]where all drown, save one.And there they drenchid euery man),Saue one knave, that to lond cam),And woo be-gone is he.1770DESONELL IS NEAR CHILD-BEARING.(153)The child, to lond that god sent,In Portyngale he is lent,In a riche town),That hathhight be her day,And euer shall̴, as I you say,1775The town)of Peron).He takes the news to the King of Portugal,By-fore the kyng he hym sett,[1880]‘Full̴ well̴ thy men), lord, the grett,And in the seedidthey drown.’Desonell̴ said: ‘Where is Torent?’1780and tells Desonell that Torrent is in Norway.f. 105b.‘In Norway, lady, verament.’On sownyng fell̴ she down).1774.hatt(!) MS.1778.the]theyMS.1779.did]areMS.drownedMS.(154)She swoons, and folk see she is big with child.As she sownyd, this lady myld,Men myȝt se tokenyng of her child,Steryng on)her right syde.1785Gret Ruth it was to tell̴,How her maydens on)her fell̴,[1890]Her to Couer and to hide.Tho the kyng said: ‘My doughter, do way!By god, thy myrth is gone for aye,1790Spousage wyll̴ thou nonebide!The King of Portugal declares he’ll send Desonell and her Bastard to sea.There fore thou shalt in to the seeAnd that Bastard with-in the,To lerne you ffor to ride.’1791.bide]ledeMS.DESONELL BEARS TWINS TO TORRENT.(155)His EarlsErlis and Barons, that were good,1795By-fore the kyng knelid and stodeFor that lady free.[1900]and the QueenThe quene, her moder, on knees fell̴,‘For Iesu is love, that harood hell̴,Lord, haue mercy on)me!1800That ylke dede, that she hath done,It was with an Erlis sonne,Riche man)i-nough is he;pray for mercy for Desonell.And yf ye wyll̴ not let her lyve,Right of lond ye her yeve,1805Till̴ she delyuerd be!’(156)Thus the lady dwellith there,[1910]She is delivered of 2 male childrenTyll that she delyuerd wereOf men)children)two;In all poyntes they were gent,1810like Torrent.And like they were to sirTorent;f. 106a.For his love they sufferid woo.The kyng said: ‘So mut I thee,Her Father says she shall be sent out to sea.Thou shalte in-to the seeWith oute wordys moo.1815Euery kyngis doughterffer and nere,At the shall̴ they lere,[1920]Ayen)the law to do.’1807.Thus the] soF. VII;ThisMS.1808.Tyll] soF. VII; om. MS.1810.all] soF. VII; om. MS.(157)She is led from his land.Gret ruth it was to se,Whan they led that lady ffree1820Oute of her faders lond.The Queen bewails her daughter’s fate.The quene wexid tho nere woodFor her doughter, that gentill̴ ffode,And knyghtis stode wepand;A cloth of silke gan they ta1825And partyd it be-twene hem twa,Therin they were wonde.Desonell is sent to sea.Whan)they had shypped that lady ying,[1930]An hunderid fell̴ in sownyngAt Peron)on)the sond.18301827. soF. VII; om. MS.1828.had sh.] soF. VII;clepudMS.yengMS.DESONELL IS SENT OUT TO SEA. SHE REACHES LAND.(158)Whan that lady was downe fall,On Iesu Cryste dyd she call;Down)knelid that lady clene:She prays to Christ for her children.‘Rightfull god, ye me sendeSome good londe, on to lende,1835That my chyldren may crystonyd bene!’She said, ‘Knyghtis and ladyes gent,Grete well̴ my lord, sirTorrent,Yeff ye hym)euer sene!’The wynd Rose ayen)the nyght,1840Fro lond it blew that lady bryght[1941]Vppon the see so grene.
(117)Torent said: ‘So muste I the,1355Sith it wyll̴ no better be,I cord with that assent!’After mete, as I you tell̴,[1360]To speke with mayden)Desonell̴,TorrentTo her chamber he went.1360The damysell̴ so moche of prideSet hym on)her bed-syde,And said: ‘Welcom), verament!’Such gestenyng he a-right,passes a night with Desonell.That there he dwellid all̴ nyȝt)1365f. 99a.With that lady gent.(118)Sir Torent dwellid thareTwelffe wekys and mare,[1370]Till̴ letters com hym till̴The King of Norway begsFro the kyng of Norway;1370For Iesus love he did hym praye,Yf it were his wyll̴,him to come and fight a Giant there.He shold com as a doughty knyght,With a Geaunt for to ffyght,That wyll̴ his londys spyll̴;1375He wold hym yeve his doughter dereAnd halfe Norway ffar and nere,Both be hold and be hyll̴.[1380]TORRENT SAILS TO FIGHT A NORWEGIAN GIANT.(119)TorrentSir Torent said: ‘So god me saue,I-nough to lyve vppon I haue,1380I wyll̴ desire no more;But it be, for Iesu is sakeA poynt of armes for to take,That hath helpid me be-ffore.gives all his land to the King for Desonell;I yeve the here oute of my hond1385To thy doughter all̴ my lond,Yf that I end thore.’And whan)he toke his way to passe,[1390]Mo than ffyfty with hym was,That fals to hym)wore.13901387.thereMS.1390.wereMS.(120)Syr Torent to the lady went,Full̴ curtesly and gent:. . . . .‘Desonell̴, haue good day!I muste now on my jurnay,A kyngis lond for to fend.1395leaves 2 gold rings with her,Thes gold ryngesI shall̴ yeve the,Kepethemwell̴, my lady ffre,Yf god a child vs send!’[1400]f. 99b.She toke the ryngis with moche care,Thries in sownyng fell̴ she thare,1400Whan she saw, that he wold wend.1393.DenoselleMS.1397.them] om. MS.(121)and goes on board ship with his steed and armour.Shipp and takyll̴ they dight,Stede and armourffor to ffyghtTo the bote they bare.Gentilmen), that were hend,1405Toke her leve at theyre frend,With hym ffor to fare.Kyng Colomond, is not to layn),[1410]He wold, that he cam nevure agayn);There fore god yeff hym)care!1410So within the ffyfty dayesTorrent gets to Norway.He Come in to the lond of Norways,Hard Contre ffound he thare.TORRENT REACHES NORWAY, AND HEARS OF A GIANT.(122)Thus sirTorrent, for soth, is fare,A noble wynd droffe hym)thare,1415Was blowyng oute of the weste.Of the Coste of Norway they had a sight. . .[1419]Of sayling they were all̴ preste.So ffeyre a wynd had the knyght,A litull̴ be-ffore the mydnyght1420He Rode be a foreste.The shipmen tell him of a Giant.The shipmen said: ‘We be shent;Here dwellith a geaunt, verament,On his lond are wekest!’1424.kest]settMS.(123)The maistershipmon)said: ‘Nowe1425I Rede, we take down)sayle & Rowe,While we haue this tyde.[1430]Sir,’ he said, ‘be god all̴myght,The giant lieth euery nyghtOn)the mowntayn)here be-syde;1430f. 100a.My lord the kyng wyll̴ not ffyght,Till̴ he of you haue a sight,On you ys all̴ his pryde!’Torrent resolves to land.Sir Torrent said: ‘Here my hond!Sith we be ryven on this lond,1435To nyght wyll̴ I ryde.’1425.maistershipmenMS.1429.lieth]hereadd. MS.1434.TorerentMS.TORRENT LANDS IN THE FOREST OF BRASILL.(124)Torrent and his knights arm.Sir Torent armyd hym)anon[1440]And his knyghteseuerychoneWith sheld and spere in hond.The shipmen)said: ‘As mut I thryve,1440I Rede, that euery man)other shryve,Or that we go to the lond.’Sir Torent said: ‘As god me spede,We will̴ firste se that ffede,My lord was never failand!1445Gentilmen, make chere good,For Iesu love, that died on Rood,[1450]He will̴ be oure waraunt!’1445.fleandMS.1446.make]madeMS.(125)They reach the Forest of Brasill.In a forest can)they passe,Of Brasill̴, saith the boke, it was,1450With bowes brod and wyde.Lyons and berys there they ffandAnd wyld bestesaboute goand,Reysing on euery side.The coward knights flee to the ship,Thes men)of armes, withtrayn)1455To the shipp they flew agayn)In to the see at that tyde;[1460]Fast from land row they be-gan),and leave Torrent alone.A-bove they left that gentilman),With wyld beestis to haue kyde.14601451.bowes]browesMS.1452.ffoundMS.1460.kcorrected out ofr.(126)The shipmen)of the same londRyved vp, I vnderstond,f. 100b.In another lond off hold.False tales of Torrent are told to the King of Norway.To the chamber they toke the way,There the kyng hym)selfe lay,1465And fals talis hym)told. . . . . .For he wold not the geaunt abyde,[1470]For all̴ this contrey feyre and wyde,Thouȝ he yeff it hym wold.1465 put before 1464 MS.TORRENT COMES ON 2 DRAGONS IN A VALLEY.(127)‘Sir kyng, ye haue youre selfe1470Erlisdoughty beten)or twelfe,Better know I none:Send youre messingeris ffar and wyde,For to ffell̴ the geauntespride,That youre doughter hath tane.’1475The King of Norway wants Torrent to come.‘I had lever to haue that knyght;With hym)is grace of god all̴myȝt),To be here at his bane.’[1480]Full̴ litull̴ wist that riche kyngOf sirTorrentesryding1480In the forest all̴ alone.1471.doughty be] om. MS.1476.that]ky, struck out, add. MS.(128)Thorouȝ helpe of god that withhym was,Fro the wyld bestis gan)he passeTo an hye hyll̴.A litull̴ while be-fore the day1485He herd in a valeyA dynnyng and a yell̴.[1490]Torrent rides up to 2 Dragons.Theder than)riduth he,To loke, what thing it myȝt be,What adventure tharebe-fell̴.1490It were two dragons stiff and strong,Vppon)theyre lay they sat and song,Be-side a depe well̴.1490.thare]thatMS.(129)Sir Torent said thannef. 101a.To god, that made man)1495And died uppon)a tree:Torrent prays to Christ,‘Lord, as thou mayst all̴ weld,[1500]Yeve me grace, to wyn)the feldOf thes ffendys onfre!’Whan he had his prayers made,1500Pertely to hem)he Radespears the first Dragon;And one thorouȝ oute bare he.Thus sped the knyght at his comyngThorough the helpe of hevyn)kyng:Lord, lovid muste thou be!15051499.onfre]ontreweMS.1502.he bareMS.TORRENT KILLS THE 2 DRAGONS, AND SEES A CASTLE.(130)The other dragon wold not flee,. . . . .But showith all̴ his myght;[1510]He smote ffire, that lothely thing,As it were the lightnyng,Vppon)that comly knyght.1510There fore sirTorent wold not lett,But on)the dragon) fast)he bettand then kills the second.And over-come that foule wight.Tho anon the day sprong,Fowles Rose, mery they song,1515The sonne a-Rose on hyȝt.1507.shotithMS.1516.hyȝeMS.(131)Torent of the day was full̴ blithe,[1520]And of the valey he did hym)swith,As fast as euer he may.To a mowntayn)he rode ryght,1520He sees a Castle.Of a castell̴ he had a sightWith towrys hyȝe and gay. . . . . .He come in to an hyȝe strete,Few folke gan)he mete,To wis hym)the way.15251525.wishMS.TORRENT BEFORE THE NORSE GIANT’S CASTLE.(132)Torrent rides to the Norse Giant’s castle gates.To the gatys tho he Rade;f. 101b.Full̴ craftely they were made[1530]Of Irun)and eke of tree.One tre stonding there he ffond:Nyne oxen)of that lond1530Shold not drawe the tre.The Giaunt wrought vp his wall̴And laid stonys gret and small̴:A lothely man)was he.‘Now,’ quod Torrent, ‘Inot, whare,1535My squiers be ffro me to fare,Euer waried theybe![1540]1526.rodeMS.1529.ffoundMS.1532.welleMS.1535.wotMS.1537.they]thouMS.(133)He considers what he shall do,‘Lord god, what is beste,So Iesu me helpe, Est or Weste,I Can not Rede tosay.1540Yf I to the shipp fare,No shipmen)ffyndIthare;It is long, sith they were away.Other wayes yf I wend,Wyld bestis wyll̴ me shend:1545Falshede, woo worth it aye!and resolves to fight.I ffyght here, Iesu, for thy sake;[1560]Lord, to me kepe thou take,As thou best may!’1540.say]doneMS.1542.And noMS.I] om. MS.(134)Down)light this gentill̴ knyght,1550To Rest hym)a litull̴ wight,And vnbrydelid his stedeHe baits his steed.And let hym)bayte on)the ground,And aventid hym)in)that stound,There of he had gret nede.1555The Norse Giant prepares to fight.The Gyaunt yode and gaderid stoneAnd sye, where the knyght gan)gone,[1570]f. 102a.All̴ armed in dede;And wot ye well̴ and not wene,Whan eyther of hem had other sene,1560Smertelytheyrerid her dede.1553.bayte]hymadd. MS.1561.they] om. MS.TORRENT GETS ASSURANCE FROM HEAVEN.(135)For that sirTorent had hym sene,He worth vppon his stede, I wene,And Iesu praydehe till̴:Torrent prays to Christ,‘Mary son), thou here my bone,1565As I am)in venturus stad come,My jurnaytofull̴-ffyll̴!’[1580]A voys was fro hevyn)sentand is cheerd by a voice from Heaven.And said: ‘Be blith, sirTorent,And yeve the no thing yll̴,1570To ffyght with my lordys enemy:Whether that thou lyve or dye,Thy mede the quyte he wyll̴!’1566.sadMS.1567.to]thanMS.1573.He wylle quyte the thy medeMS.(136)Be that the giaunt had hym dight,The Giant advances against Torrent.Cam)ageyn)that gentill̴ knyght,1575As bold as eny bore;He bare on)his nek a croke,[1590]Woo were the man), that he ouertoke,It was twelfe ffote and more.‘Sir,’ he said, ‘ffor charite,1580Loke, curtes man)that thou be,Yf thy wyll̴ ware:I haue so fought all̴ this nyghtWith thy II dragons wekyd and wight,They haue bett me full̴ sore.’1585THE NORSE GIANT, WERAUNT, WOUNDS TORRENT.(137)The Giant says he’ll punishThe Geaunt said: ‘Be my fay,Wors tydingesto me this day[1600]I myght not goodly here.Thorough the valey as thou cam),Torrent for killing his 2 DragonsMy two dragons hast thou slan),1590f. 102b.My solempnite they were.To the I haue full̴ good gate;and his Brother Cate.For thou slow my brother Cate,That thou shalte by full̴ dere!’Be-twene the giaunt and the knyght1595Men myght se buffettesright,Who so had be there.[1610]1590.slayneMS.(138)Sir Torent yaue to hym)a brayd;He levid that the aungell̴ said,Of deth yaue he nought.1600In to the brest he hym)bare,His spere hede lefte he thare,So evill̴ was hittbythought.The Giant’s crook cuts through Torrent’s shield to his flesh,The Giaunt hym ayen)smateThorough his sheld and his plate,1605In to the flesh it sought;And sith he pullith at his croke,[1620]and sticks there.So fast in to the flesh it toke,That oute myȝt he gete it nought.1600.nought]no dyntMS.1603.byth.]myntMS.(139)On hym)he hath it broke,1610Glad pluckys there he toke,Set sadly and sare.Sir Torent stalworth satt,Oute of his handys he it gatt,No lenger dwellid he thare.1615Torrent throws his shield and the Giant’s crook into the water.In to the water he cast his sheld,Croke and all̴ to-geders it held,[1630]Fare after, how so euer it ffare.The Giant goes in after them and is drowned.The Geaunt folowid withall̴ his mayn),And he come never quyk agayn):1620God wold, that so it ware.1612.soreMS.1615.thereMS.TORRENT SLAYS THE NORSE GIANT, WERAUNT.(140)f. 103a.Sir Torent bet hym)there,Till̴ that this fend did were,Or he thens wend.On hym had he hurt but ane,1625Lesse myght be a mannusbane,But god is full̴ hend:[1640]Thorough grace of hym, that all̴ shall̴ weld,There the knyght had the feld,Torrent rides to the Giant’s castle,Such grace god did hym)send.1630Be than it nyed nere hand nyȝt),To a castell̴ he Rode right,All̴ nyght there to lend.1626.But lesseMS.(141)In the castell̴ found he nought,That god on the Rode bought;1635High vppon)a toure,As he caste a side lokyng,[1650]and finds a fair Lady there.He saw a lady in her bed syttyng,White as lylye ffloure;Vp a-Rose that lady bryght,1640And said: ‘Welcom), sirknyght,That fast art in stoure!’‘Damysell̴, welcom)mut thou be!Torrent asks for a night’s lodging.Graunt thou me, for charite,Of one nyghtis soioure!’16451645.socoureMS.TORRENT IN THE GIANT WERAUNT’S CASTLE.(142)‘By Mary,’ said that lady clere,‘Me for-thinkith, that thou com)here,[1660]The Lady says the Giant Weraunt will kill him.Thy deth now is dight;For here dwellith a geaunt,He is clepud Weraunt,1650He istothe devill̴ be-taught.To day at morn)he toke his croke,Forth at the yatesthe way he toke,f. 103b.And said, he wold haue a draught;And here be chambers two or thre,1655In one of hem I shall̴ hide the,God the saue ffrome harmes right!’[1670]1650.Weraunt]weraumt(?) MS.1651.to]ofMS.(143)‘Certayn),’ tho said the knyght,‘That theffe I saw to nyght,Here be-side a slade.1660Torrent tells her toHe was a ferly freke in ffyght,With hym faught a yong knyght,Ech on other laid good lade;Me thought well̴, as he stode,He was of the fendusblood,1665So Rude was he made.Dame, yf thou leve not me,[1680]come and see the Giant.Com)nere, and thou shalt se,Which of hem abade.’1660.slateorflateMS.1663.lodeMS.1669.abodeMS.(144)Blith was that lady bryght1670For to se thatsellysight:With the knyght went she.The Norwegian Princess sees the Giant’s corpse,Whan she cam, where the Geaunt lay,‘Sir,’ she said, ‘parmaffayI wott well̴, it is he.1675Other he was of god all̴-myghtOr seynt George, oure lady knyȝt),[1690]That there his bane hath be.Yf eny cryston)man smyte hym down),and praises his slayer.He is worthy to haue renown)1680Thorough oute all̴ crystiaunte.’1671.selly] om. MS.TORRENT RESCUES THE PRINCESS OF NORWAY.(145)‘I haue wonder,’ said the knyght,‘How he gate the, lady bryght,Fro my lord the kyng.’She tells Torrentf. 104a.‘Sir,’ she said, ‘verament,1685As my fader on huntyng wentErly in a mornyng,[1700]Forehis men pursued a dere,To his castell̴, that stondith here,That doth my hondys wryng,1690that her Father gave her, as his ransom, to the Giant.This Giaunt hym toke, wo he be!For his love he gevith hym)me,He wold none other thinge.’1688.ForMS.(146)Forth she brought bred and wyne,Fayn)he was for to dyne. . . . . .1695This knyght made noble chere,Though that he woundid were[1710]With the Geaunt strong.(147)Sir Torrent dwellid no lenger thare,Torrent takes her away.Than)he myȝt away fare1700With that lady bryght.Torrent longs for Desonell.‘Now, Iesu, that made hell̴,Send me on lyve to Desonell̴,That I my trouth to plight!’Tho sye they be a forest syde1705Men)of armes ffaste rideOn coursers comly dight.[1720]The lady said: ‘So mvst I thee,The Norwegian Princess sees her Father.It is my fader, is com for me,With the Geaunt to ffyght.’1710TORRENT IS WELCOMD BY THE KING OF NORWAY.(148)An harood said anon)right:‘Yon I se an armed knyght,And no squier, but hym)one:He is sobigof bone & blood,He is the Geaunt, be the Rode!’1715Som)seith, he riduth vppon).f. 104b.‘Nay,’ said the kyng, ‘verament,[1820]Torrent is recognisedIt is the knyght, that I after sent,I thanke god and seynt Iohñ,For the Geaunt slayn)) hath he1720And wonne my doughter, well̴ is me!All̴ his men areatone!’1714.big]longMS.1722.at.]taneMS.(149)Wott ye well̴, with Ioy and blisSir Torent there recevid ys,As doughty man)of dede.1725and welcomd by the King of Norway.The kyng and other lordys gentSaid, ‘Welcom), sirTorent,[1830]In to this vncouththede!’In to a state they hym)brought,His wounds are drest.Lechis sone his woundis sought;1730They said, so god hem spede,Were there no lyve but ane,His liffe they wyll̴ not vndertane,For no gold ne ffor mede.1728.thede]londMS.PRINCESS GENDRES. TORRENT STAYS A YEAR IN NORWAY.(150)The PrincessThe lady wist not or than),1735That he was hurt, that gentilman),And sith she went hym tyll̴;[1840]She sought his woundusand said thare:‘Thou shalte lyve and welfare,Yf the no-thing evyll̴!1740claims Torrent as her husband.My lord the kyng hath me hight,That thou shalt wed me, sirknyght,The fforward ye to fulle ffyll̴.’‘Damysell̴, loo here my hond:And I take eny wyffe in this lond,1745It shall̴ be at thy wyll̴!’(151)Her name is Gendres.Gendres was that ladyes name.[1850]The Geaunteshede he brought hame,f. 105a.And the dragonshe brought.Mene myght here a myle aboute,1750How on the dede hedys they did shoute,For the shame, that they hem)wrought,Both with dede and with tongFyfte on the hedys dong,That to the ground they sought.1755Torrent stays 12 months in Norway.Sir Torrent dwellid thareTwelfe monythis and mare,[1860]That ffurther myȝt he nought.1749.he br.]alsoMS.1752.they]hadadd. MS.(152)The kyng of Norway said: ‘Nowe,Fals thevis, woo worth you,1760Ferly sotell̴ were ye:Ye said, the knyght wold not com):Swith oute of my kyngdome,Or hangid shall̴ ye be!’The King of Norway sends Torrent’s false Squires to sea,His squiers, that fro hym)fled,1765With sore strokys are they spredVppon the wanne see,[1870]where all drown, save one.And there they drenchid euery man),Saue one knave, that to lond cam),And woo be-gone is he.1770DESONELL IS NEAR CHILD-BEARING.(153)The child, to lond that god sent,In Portyngale he is lent,In a riche town),That hathhight be her day,And euer shall̴, as I you say,1775The town)of Peron).He takes the news to the King of Portugal,By-fore the kyng he hym sett,[1880]‘Full̴ well̴ thy men), lord, the grett,And in the seedidthey drown.’Desonell̴ said: ‘Where is Torent?’1780and tells Desonell that Torrent is in Norway.f. 105b.‘In Norway, lady, verament.’On sownyng fell̴ she down).1774.hatt(!) MS.1778.the]theyMS.1779.did]areMS.drownedMS.(154)She swoons, and folk see she is big with child.As she sownyd, this lady myld,Men myȝt se tokenyng of her child,Steryng on)her right syde.1785Gret Ruth it was to tell̴,How her maydens on)her fell̴,[1890]Her to Couer and to hide.Tho the kyng said: ‘My doughter, do way!By god, thy myrth is gone for aye,1790Spousage wyll̴ thou nonebide!The King of Portugal declares he’ll send Desonell and her Bastard to sea.There fore thou shalt in to the seeAnd that Bastard with-in the,To lerne you ffor to ride.’1791.bide]ledeMS.DESONELL BEARS TWINS TO TORRENT.(155)His EarlsErlis and Barons, that were good,1795By-fore the kyng knelid and stodeFor that lady free.[1900]and the QueenThe quene, her moder, on knees fell̴,‘For Iesu is love, that harood hell̴,Lord, haue mercy on)me!1800That ylke dede, that she hath done,It was with an Erlis sonne,Riche man)i-nough is he;pray for mercy for Desonell.And yf ye wyll̴ not let her lyve,Right of lond ye her yeve,1805Till̴ she delyuerd be!’(156)Thus the lady dwellith there,[1910]She is delivered of 2 male childrenTyll that she delyuerd wereOf men)children)two;In all poyntes they were gent,1810like Torrent.And like they were to sirTorent;f. 106a.For his love they sufferid woo.The kyng said: ‘So mut I thee,Her Father says she shall be sent out to sea.Thou shalte in-to the seeWith oute wordys moo.1815Euery kyngis doughterffer and nere,At the shall̴ they lere,[1920]Ayen)the law to do.’1807.Thus the] soF. VII;ThisMS.1808.Tyll] soF. VII; om. MS.1810.all] soF. VII; om. MS.(157)She is led from his land.Gret ruth it was to se,Whan they led that lady ffree1820Oute of her faders lond.The Queen bewails her daughter’s fate.The quene wexid tho nere woodFor her doughter, that gentill̴ ffode,And knyghtis stode wepand;A cloth of silke gan they ta1825And partyd it be-twene hem twa,Therin they were wonde.Desonell is sent to sea.Whan)they had shypped that lady ying,[1930]An hunderid fell̴ in sownyngAt Peron)on)the sond.18301827. soF. VII; om. MS.1828.had sh.] soF. VII;clepudMS.yengMS.DESONELL IS SENT OUT TO SEA. SHE REACHES LAND.(158)Whan that lady was downe fall,On Iesu Cryste dyd she call;Down)knelid that lady clene:She prays to Christ for her children.‘Rightfull god, ye me sendeSome good londe, on to lende,1835That my chyldren may crystonyd bene!’She said, ‘Knyghtis and ladyes gent,Grete well̴ my lord, sirTorrent,Yeff ye hym)euer sene!’The wynd Rose ayen)the nyght,1840Fro lond it blew that lady bryght[1941]Vppon the see so grene.
(117)Torent said: ‘So muste I the,1355Sith it wyll̴ no better be,I cord with that assent!’After mete, as I you tell̴,[1360]To speke with mayden)Desonell̴,TorrentTo her chamber he went.1360The damysell̴ so moche of prideSet hym on)her bed-syde,And said: ‘Welcom), verament!’Such gestenyng he a-right,passes a night with Desonell.That there he dwellid all̴ nyȝt)1365f. 99a.With that lady gent.
Torent said: ‘So muste I the,1355
Sith it wyll̴ no better be,
I cord with that assent!’
After mete, as I you tell̴,[1360]
To speke with mayden)Desonell̴,
To her chamber he went.1360
The damysell̴ so moche of pride
Set hym on)her bed-syde,
And said: ‘Welcom), verament!’
Such gestenyng he a-right,
That there he dwellid all̴ nyȝt)1365
With that lady gent.
(118)Sir Torent dwellid thareTwelffe wekys and mare,[1370]Till̴ letters com hym till̴The King of Norway begsFro the kyng of Norway;1370For Iesus love he did hym praye,Yf it were his wyll̴,him to come and fight a Giant there.He shold com as a doughty knyght,With a Geaunt for to ffyght,That wyll̴ his londys spyll̴;1375He wold hym yeve his doughter dereAnd halfe Norway ffar and nere,Both be hold and be hyll̴.[1380]
Sir Torent dwellid thare
Twelffe wekys and mare,[1370]
Till̴ letters com hym till̴
Fro the kyng of Norway;1370
For Iesus love he did hym praye,
Yf it were his wyll̴,
He shold com as a doughty knyght,
With a Geaunt for to ffyght,
That wyll̴ his londys spyll̴;1375
He wold hym yeve his doughter dere
And halfe Norway ffar and nere,
Both be hold and be hyll̴.[1380]
TORRENT SAILS TO FIGHT A NORWEGIAN GIANT.
(119)TorrentSir Torent said: ‘So god me saue,I-nough to lyve vppon I haue,1380I wyll̴ desire no more;But it be, for Iesu is sakeA poynt of armes for to take,That hath helpid me be-ffore.gives all his land to the King for Desonell;I yeve the here oute of my hond1385To thy doughter all̴ my lond,Yf that I end thore.’And whan)he toke his way to passe,[1390]Mo than ffyfty with hym was,That fals to hym)wore.1390
Sir Torent said: ‘So god me saue,
I-nough to lyve vppon I haue,1380
I wyll̴ desire no more;
But it be, for Iesu is sake
A poynt of armes for to take,
That hath helpid me be-ffore.
I yeve the here oute of my hond1385
To thy doughter all̴ my lond,
Yf that I end thore.’
And whan)he toke his way to passe,[1390]
Mo than ffyfty with hym was,
That fals to hym)wore.1390
1387.thereMS.1390.wereMS.
1387.thereMS.
1390.wereMS.
(120)Syr Torent to the lady went,Full̴ curtesly and gent:. . . . .‘Desonell̴, haue good day!I muste now on my jurnay,A kyngis lond for to fend.1395leaves 2 gold rings with her,Thes gold ryngesI shall̴ yeve the,Kepethemwell̴, my lady ffre,Yf god a child vs send!’[1400]f. 99b.She toke the ryngis with moche care,Thries in sownyng fell̴ she thare,1400Whan she saw, that he wold wend.
Syr Torent to the lady went,
Full̴ curtesly and gent:. . . . .
‘Desonell̴, haue good day!
I muste now on my jurnay,
A kyngis lond for to fend.1395
Thes gold ryngesI shall̴ yeve the,
Kepethemwell̴, my lady ffre,
Yf god a child vs send!’[1400]
She toke the ryngis with moche care,
Thries in sownyng fell̴ she thare,1400
Whan she saw, that he wold wend.
1393.DenoselleMS.1397.them] om. MS.
1393.DenoselleMS.
1397.them] om. MS.
(121)and goes on board ship with his steed and armour.Shipp and takyll̴ they dight,Stede and armourffor to ffyghtTo the bote they bare.Gentilmen), that were hend,1405Toke her leve at theyre frend,With hym ffor to fare.Kyng Colomond, is not to layn),[1410]He wold, that he cam nevure agayn);There fore god yeff hym)care!1410So within the ffyfty dayesTorrent gets to Norway.He Come in to the lond of Norways,Hard Contre ffound he thare.
Shipp and takyll̴ they dight,
Stede and armourffor to ffyght
To the bote they bare.
Gentilmen), that were hend,1405
Toke her leve at theyre frend,
With hym ffor to fare.
Kyng Colomond, is not to layn),[1410]
He wold, that he cam nevure agayn);
There fore god yeff hym)care!1410
So within the ffyfty dayes
He Come in to the lond of Norways,
Hard Contre ffound he thare.
TORRENT REACHES NORWAY, AND HEARS OF A GIANT.
(122)Thus sirTorrent, for soth, is fare,A noble wynd droffe hym)thare,1415Was blowyng oute of the weste.Of the Coste of Norway they had a sight. . .[1419]Of sayling they were all̴ preste.So ffeyre a wynd had the knyght,A litull̴ be-ffore the mydnyght1420He Rode be a foreste.The shipmen tell him of a Giant.The shipmen said: ‘We be shent;Here dwellith a geaunt, verament,On his lond are wekest!’
Thus sirTorrent, for soth, is fare,
A noble wynd droffe hym)thare,1415
Was blowyng oute of the weste.
Of the Coste of Norway they had a sight. . .[1419]
Of sayling they were all̴ preste.
So ffeyre a wynd had the knyght,
A litull̴ be-ffore the mydnyght1420
He Rode be a foreste.
The shipmen said: ‘We be shent;
Here dwellith a geaunt, verament,
On his lond are wekest!’
1424.kest]settMS.
(123)The maistershipmon)said: ‘Nowe1425I Rede, we take down)sayle & Rowe,While we haue this tyde.[1430]Sir,’ he said, ‘be god all̴myght,The giant lieth euery nyghtOn)the mowntayn)here be-syde;1430f. 100a.My lord the kyng wyll̴ not ffyght,Till̴ he of you haue a sight,On you ys all̴ his pryde!’Torrent resolves to land.Sir Torrent said: ‘Here my hond!Sith we be ryven on this lond,1435To nyght wyll̴ I ryde.’
The maistershipmon)said: ‘Nowe1425
I Rede, we take down)sayle & Rowe,
While we haue this tyde.[1430]
Sir,’ he said, ‘be god all̴myght,
The giant lieth euery nyght
On)the mowntayn)here be-syde;1430
My lord the kyng wyll̴ not ffyght,
Till̴ he of you haue a sight,
On you ys all̴ his pryde!’
Sir Torrent said: ‘Here my hond!
Sith we be ryven on this lond,1435
To nyght wyll̴ I ryde.’
1425.maistershipmenMS.1429.lieth]hereadd. MS.1434.TorerentMS.
1425.maistershipmenMS.
1429.lieth]hereadd. MS.
1434.TorerentMS.
TORRENT LANDS IN THE FOREST OF BRASILL.
(124)Torrent and his knights arm.Sir Torent armyd hym)anon[1440]And his knyghteseuerychoneWith sheld and spere in hond.The shipmen)said: ‘As mut I thryve,1440I Rede, that euery man)other shryve,Or that we go to the lond.’Sir Torent said: ‘As god me spede,We will̴ firste se that ffede,My lord was never failand!1445Gentilmen, make chere good,For Iesu love, that died on Rood,[1450]He will̴ be oure waraunt!’
Sir Torent armyd hym)anon[1440]
And his knyghteseuerychone
With sheld and spere in hond.
The shipmen)said: ‘As mut I thryve,1440
I Rede, that euery man)other shryve,
Or that we go to the lond.’
Sir Torent said: ‘As god me spede,
We will̴ firste se that ffede,
My lord was never failand!1445
Gentilmen, make chere good,
For Iesu love, that died on Rood,[1450]
He will̴ be oure waraunt!’
1445.fleandMS.1446.make]madeMS.
1445.fleandMS.
1446.make]madeMS.
(125)They reach the Forest of Brasill.In a forest can)they passe,Of Brasill̴, saith the boke, it was,1450With bowes brod and wyde.Lyons and berys there they ffandAnd wyld bestesaboute goand,Reysing on euery side.The coward knights flee to the ship,Thes men)of armes, withtrayn)1455To the shipp they flew agayn)In to the see at that tyde;[1460]Fast from land row they be-gan),and leave Torrent alone.A-bove they left that gentilman),With wyld beestis to haue kyde.1460
In a forest can)they passe,
Of Brasill̴, saith the boke, it was,1450
With bowes brod and wyde.
Lyons and berys there they ffand
And wyld bestesaboute goand,
Reysing on euery side.
Thes men)of armes, withtrayn)1455
To the shipp they flew agayn)
In to the see at that tyde;[1460]
Fast from land row they be-gan),
A-bove they left that gentilman),
With wyld beestis to haue kyde.1460
1451.bowes]browesMS.1452.ffoundMS.1460.kcorrected out ofr.
1451.bowes]browesMS.
1452.ffoundMS.
1460.kcorrected out ofr.
(126)The shipmen)of the same londRyved vp, I vnderstond,f. 100b.In another lond off hold.False tales of Torrent are told to the King of Norway.To the chamber they toke the way,There the kyng hym)selfe lay,1465And fals talis hym)told. . . . . .For he wold not the geaunt abyde,[1470]For all̴ this contrey feyre and wyde,Thouȝ he yeff it hym wold.
The shipmen)of the same lond
Ryved vp, I vnderstond,
In another lond off hold.
To the chamber they toke the way,
There the kyng hym)selfe lay,1465
And fals talis hym)told. . . . . .
For he wold not the geaunt abyde,[1470]
For all̴ this contrey feyre and wyde,
Thouȝ he yeff it hym wold.
1465 put before 1464 MS.
TORRENT COMES ON 2 DRAGONS IN A VALLEY.
(127)‘Sir kyng, ye haue youre selfe1470Erlisdoughty beten)or twelfe,Better know I none:Send youre messingeris ffar and wyde,For to ffell̴ the geauntespride,That youre doughter hath tane.’1475The King of Norway wants Torrent to come.‘I had lever to haue that knyght;With hym)is grace of god all̴myȝt),To be here at his bane.’[1480]Full̴ litull̴ wist that riche kyngOf sirTorrentesryding1480In the forest all̴ alone.
‘Sir kyng, ye haue youre selfe1470
Erlisdoughty beten)or twelfe,
Better know I none:
Send youre messingeris ffar and wyde,
For to ffell̴ the geauntespride,
That youre doughter hath tane.’1475
‘I had lever to haue that knyght;
With hym)is grace of god all̴myȝt),
To be here at his bane.’[1480]
Full̴ litull̴ wist that riche kyng
Of sirTorrentesryding1480
In the forest all̴ alone.
1471.doughty be] om. MS.1476.that]ky, struck out, add. MS.
1471.doughty be] om. MS.
1476.that]ky, struck out, add. MS.
(128)Thorouȝ helpe of god that withhym was,Fro the wyld bestis gan)he passeTo an hye hyll̴.A litull̴ while be-fore the day1485He herd in a valeyA dynnyng and a yell̴.[1490]Torrent rides up to 2 Dragons.Theder than)riduth he,To loke, what thing it myȝt be,What adventure tharebe-fell̴.1490It were two dragons stiff and strong,Vppon)theyre lay they sat and song,Be-side a depe well̴.
Thorouȝ helpe of god that withhym was,
Fro the wyld bestis gan)he passe
To an hye hyll̴.
A litull̴ while be-fore the day1485
He herd in a valey
A dynnyng and a yell̴.[1490]
Theder than)riduth he,
To loke, what thing it myȝt be,
What adventure tharebe-fell̴.1490
It were two dragons stiff and strong,
Vppon)theyre lay they sat and song,
Be-side a depe well̴.
1490.thare]thatMS.
(129)Sir Torent said thannef. 101a.To god, that made man)1495And died uppon)a tree:Torrent prays to Christ,‘Lord, as thou mayst all̴ weld,[1500]Yeve me grace, to wyn)the feldOf thes ffendys onfre!’Whan he had his prayers made,1500Pertely to hem)he Radespears the first Dragon;And one thorouȝ oute bare he.Thus sped the knyght at his comyngThorough the helpe of hevyn)kyng:Lord, lovid muste thou be!1505
Sir Torent said thanne
To god, that made man)1495
And died uppon)a tree:
‘Lord, as thou mayst all̴ weld,[1500]
Yeve me grace, to wyn)the feld
Of thes ffendys onfre!’
Whan he had his prayers made,1500
Pertely to hem)he Rade
And one thorouȝ oute bare he.
Thus sped the knyght at his comyng
Thorough the helpe of hevyn)kyng:
Lord, lovid muste thou be!1505
1499.onfre]ontreweMS.1502.he bareMS.
1499.onfre]ontreweMS.
1502.he bareMS.
TORRENT KILLS THE 2 DRAGONS, AND SEES A CASTLE.
(130)The other dragon wold not flee,. . . . .But showith all̴ his myght;[1510]He smote ffire, that lothely thing,As it were the lightnyng,Vppon)that comly knyght.1510There fore sirTorent wold not lett,But on)the dragon) fast)he bettand then kills the second.And over-come that foule wight.Tho anon the day sprong,Fowles Rose, mery they song,1515The sonne a-Rose on hyȝt.
The other dragon wold not flee,. . . . .
But showith all̴ his myght;[1510]
He smote ffire, that lothely thing,
As it were the lightnyng,
Vppon)that comly knyght.1510
There fore sirTorent wold not lett,
But on)the dragon) fast)he bett
And over-come that foule wight.
Tho anon the day sprong,
Fowles Rose, mery they song,1515
The sonne a-Rose on hyȝt.
1507.shotithMS.1516.hyȝeMS.
1507.shotithMS.
1516.hyȝeMS.
(131)Torent of the day was full̴ blithe,[1520]And of the valey he did hym)swith,As fast as euer he may.To a mowntayn)he rode ryght,1520He sees a Castle.Of a castell̴ he had a sightWith towrys hyȝe and gay. . . . . .He come in to an hyȝe strete,Few folke gan)he mete,To wis hym)the way.1525
Torent of the day was full̴ blithe,[1520]
And of the valey he did hym)swith,
As fast as euer he may.
To a mowntayn)he rode ryght,1520
Of a castell̴ he had a sight
With towrys hyȝe and gay. . . . . .
He come in to an hyȝe strete,
Few folke gan)he mete,
To wis hym)the way.1525
1525.wishMS.
TORRENT BEFORE THE NORSE GIANT’S CASTLE.
(132)Torrent rides to the Norse Giant’s castle gates.To the gatys tho he Rade;f. 101b.Full̴ craftely they were made[1530]Of Irun)and eke of tree.One tre stonding there he ffond:Nyne oxen)of that lond1530Shold not drawe the tre.The Giaunt wrought vp his wall̴And laid stonys gret and small̴:A lothely man)was he.‘Now,’ quod Torrent, ‘Inot, whare,1535My squiers be ffro me to fare,Euer waried theybe![1540]
To the gatys tho he Rade;
Full̴ craftely they were made[1530]
Of Irun)and eke of tree.
One tre stonding there he ffond:
Nyne oxen)of that lond1530
Shold not drawe the tre.
The Giaunt wrought vp his wall̴
And laid stonys gret and small̴:
A lothely man)was he.
‘Now,’ quod Torrent, ‘Inot, whare,1535
My squiers be ffro me to fare,
Euer waried theybe![1540]
1526.rodeMS.1529.ffoundMS.1532.welleMS.1535.wotMS.1537.they]thouMS.
1526.rodeMS.
1529.ffoundMS.
1532.welleMS.
1535.wotMS.
1537.they]thouMS.
(133)He considers what he shall do,‘Lord god, what is beste,So Iesu me helpe, Est or Weste,I Can not Rede tosay.1540Yf I to the shipp fare,No shipmen)ffyndIthare;It is long, sith they were away.Other wayes yf I wend,Wyld bestis wyll̴ me shend:1545Falshede, woo worth it aye!and resolves to fight.I ffyght here, Iesu, for thy sake;[1560]Lord, to me kepe thou take,As thou best may!’
‘Lord god, what is beste,
So Iesu me helpe, Est or Weste,
I Can not Rede tosay.1540
Yf I to the shipp fare,
No shipmen)ffyndIthare;
It is long, sith they were away.
Other wayes yf I wend,
Wyld bestis wyll̴ me shend:1545
Falshede, woo worth it aye!
I ffyght here, Iesu, for thy sake;[1560]
Lord, to me kepe thou take,
As thou best may!’
1540.say]doneMS.1542.And noMS.I] om. MS.
1540.say]doneMS.
1542.And noMS.I] om. MS.
(134)Down)light this gentill̴ knyght,1550To Rest hym)a litull̴ wight,And vnbrydelid his stedeHe baits his steed.And let hym)bayte on)the ground,And aventid hym)in)that stound,There of he had gret nede.1555The Norse Giant prepares to fight.The Gyaunt yode and gaderid stoneAnd sye, where the knyght gan)gone,[1570]f. 102a.All̴ armed in dede;And wot ye well̴ and not wene,Whan eyther of hem had other sene,1560Smertelytheyrerid her dede.
Down)light this gentill̴ knyght,1550
To Rest hym)a litull̴ wight,
And vnbrydelid his stede
And let hym)bayte on)the ground,
And aventid hym)in)that stound,
There of he had gret nede.1555
The Gyaunt yode and gaderid stone
And sye, where the knyght gan)gone,[1570]
All̴ armed in dede;
And wot ye well̴ and not wene,
Whan eyther of hem had other sene,1560
Smertelytheyrerid her dede.
1553.bayte]hymadd. MS.1561.they] om. MS.
1553.bayte]hymadd. MS.
1561.they] om. MS.
TORRENT GETS ASSURANCE FROM HEAVEN.
(135)For that sirTorent had hym sene,He worth vppon his stede, I wene,And Iesu praydehe till̴:Torrent prays to Christ,‘Mary son), thou here my bone,1565As I am)in venturus stad come,My jurnaytofull̴-ffyll̴!’[1580]A voys was fro hevyn)sentand is cheerd by a voice from Heaven.And said: ‘Be blith, sirTorent,And yeve the no thing yll̴,1570To ffyght with my lordys enemy:Whether that thou lyve or dye,Thy mede the quyte he wyll̴!’
For that sirTorent had hym sene,
He worth vppon his stede, I wene,
And Iesu praydehe till̴:
‘Mary son), thou here my bone,1565
As I am)in venturus stad come,
My jurnaytofull̴-ffyll̴!’[1580]
A voys was fro hevyn)sent
And said: ‘Be blith, sirTorent,
And yeve the no thing yll̴,1570
To ffyght with my lordys enemy:
Whether that thou lyve or dye,
Thy mede the quyte he wyll̴!’
1566.sadMS.1567.to]thanMS.1573.He wylle quyte the thy medeMS.
1566.sadMS.
1567.to]thanMS.
1573.He wylle quyte the thy medeMS.
(136)Be that the giaunt had hym dight,The Giant advances against Torrent.Cam)ageyn)that gentill̴ knyght,1575As bold as eny bore;He bare on)his nek a croke,[1590]Woo were the man), that he ouertoke,It was twelfe ffote and more.‘Sir,’ he said, ‘ffor charite,1580Loke, curtes man)that thou be,Yf thy wyll̴ ware:I haue so fought all̴ this nyghtWith thy II dragons wekyd and wight,They haue bett me full̴ sore.’1585
Be that the giaunt had hym dight,
Cam)ageyn)that gentill̴ knyght,1575
As bold as eny bore;
He bare on)his nek a croke,[1590]
Woo were the man), that he ouertoke,
It was twelfe ffote and more.
‘Sir,’ he said, ‘ffor charite,1580
Loke, curtes man)that thou be,
Yf thy wyll̴ ware:
I haue so fought all̴ this nyght
With thy II dragons wekyd and wight,
They haue bett me full̴ sore.’1585
THE NORSE GIANT, WERAUNT, WOUNDS TORRENT.
(137)The Giant says he’ll punishThe Geaunt said: ‘Be my fay,Wors tydingesto me this day[1600]I myght not goodly here.Thorough the valey as thou cam),Torrent for killing his 2 DragonsMy two dragons hast thou slan),1590f. 102b.My solempnite they were.To the I haue full̴ good gate;and his Brother Cate.For thou slow my brother Cate,That thou shalte by full̴ dere!’Be-twene the giaunt and the knyght1595Men myght se buffettesright,Who so had be there.[1610]
The Geaunt said: ‘Be my fay,
Wors tydingesto me this day[1600]
I myght not goodly here.
Thorough the valey as thou cam),
My two dragons hast thou slan),1590
My solempnite they were.
To the I haue full̴ good gate;
For thou slow my brother Cate,
That thou shalte by full̴ dere!’
Be-twene the giaunt and the knyght1595
Men myght se buffettesright,
Who so had be there.[1610]
1590.slayneMS.
(138)Sir Torent yaue to hym)a brayd;He levid that the aungell̴ said,Of deth yaue he nought.1600In to the brest he hym)bare,His spere hede lefte he thare,So evill̴ was hittbythought.The Giant’s crook cuts through Torrent’s shield to his flesh,The Giaunt hym ayen)smateThorough his sheld and his plate,1605In to the flesh it sought;And sith he pullith at his croke,[1620]and sticks there.So fast in to the flesh it toke,That oute myȝt he gete it nought.
Sir Torent yaue to hym)a brayd;
He levid that the aungell̴ said,
Of deth yaue he nought.1600
In to the brest he hym)bare,
His spere hede lefte he thare,
So evill̴ was hittbythought.
The Giaunt hym ayen)smate
Thorough his sheld and his plate,1605
In to the flesh it sought;
And sith he pullith at his croke,[1620]
So fast in to the flesh it toke,
That oute myȝt he gete it nought.
1600.nought]no dyntMS.1603.byth.]myntMS.
1600.nought]no dyntMS.
1603.byth.]myntMS.
(139)On hym)he hath it broke,1610Glad pluckys there he toke,Set sadly and sare.Sir Torent stalworth satt,Oute of his handys he it gatt,No lenger dwellid he thare.1615Torrent throws his shield and the Giant’s crook into the water.In to the water he cast his sheld,Croke and all̴ to-geders it held,[1630]Fare after, how so euer it ffare.The Giant goes in after them and is drowned.The Geaunt folowid withall̴ his mayn),And he come never quyk agayn):1620God wold, that so it ware.
On hym)he hath it broke,1610
Glad pluckys there he toke,
Set sadly and sare.
Sir Torent stalworth satt,
Oute of his handys he it gatt,
No lenger dwellid he thare.1615
In to the water he cast his sheld,
Croke and all̴ to-geders it held,[1630]
Fare after, how so euer it ffare.
The Geaunt folowid withall̴ his mayn),
And he come never quyk agayn):1620
God wold, that so it ware.
1612.soreMS.1615.thereMS.
1612.soreMS.
1615.thereMS.
TORRENT SLAYS THE NORSE GIANT, WERAUNT.
(140)f. 103a.Sir Torent bet hym)there,Till̴ that this fend did were,Or he thens wend.On hym had he hurt but ane,1625Lesse myght be a mannusbane,But god is full̴ hend:[1640]Thorough grace of hym, that all̴ shall̴ weld,There the knyght had the feld,Torrent rides to the Giant’s castle,Such grace god did hym)send.1630Be than it nyed nere hand nyȝt),To a castell̴ he Rode right,All̴ nyght there to lend.
Sir Torent bet hym)there,
Till̴ that this fend did were,
Or he thens wend.
On hym had he hurt but ane,1625
Lesse myght be a mannusbane,
But god is full̴ hend:[1640]
Thorough grace of hym, that all̴ shall̴ weld,
There the knyght had the feld,
Such grace god did hym)send.1630
Be than it nyed nere hand nyȝt),
To a castell̴ he Rode right,
All̴ nyght there to lend.
1626.But lesseMS.
(141)In the castell̴ found he nought,That god on the Rode bought;1635High vppon)a toure,As he caste a side lokyng,[1650]and finds a fair Lady there.He saw a lady in her bed syttyng,White as lylye ffloure;Vp a-Rose that lady bryght,1640And said: ‘Welcom), sirknyght,That fast art in stoure!’‘Damysell̴, welcom)mut thou be!Torrent asks for a night’s lodging.Graunt thou me, for charite,Of one nyghtis soioure!’1645
In the castell̴ found he nought,
That god on the Rode bought;1635
High vppon)a toure,
As he caste a side lokyng,[1650]
He saw a lady in her bed syttyng,
White as lylye ffloure;
Vp a-Rose that lady bryght,1640
And said: ‘Welcom), sirknyght,
That fast art in stoure!’
‘Damysell̴, welcom)mut thou be!
Graunt thou me, for charite,
Of one nyghtis soioure!’1645
1645.socoureMS.
TORRENT IN THE GIANT WERAUNT’S CASTLE.
(142)‘By Mary,’ said that lady clere,‘Me for-thinkith, that thou com)here,[1660]The Lady says the Giant Weraunt will kill him.Thy deth now is dight;For here dwellith a geaunt,He is clepud Weraunt,1650He istothe devill̴ be-taught.To day at morn)he toke his croke,Forth at the yatesthe way he toke,f. 103b.And said, he wold haue a draught;And here be chambers two or thre,1655In one of hem I shall̴ hide the,God the saue ffrome harmes right!’[1670]
‘By Mary,’ said that lady clere,
‘Me for-thinkith, that thou com)here,[1660]
Thy deth now is dight;
For here dwellith a geaunt,
He is clepud Weraunt,1650
He istothe devill̴ be-taught.
To day at morn)he toke his croke,
Forth at the yatesthe way he toke,
And said, he wold haue a draught;
And here be chambers two or thre,1655
In one of hem I shall̴ hide the,
God the saue ffrome harmes right!’[1670]
1650.Weraunt]weraumt(?) MS.1651.to]ofMS.
1650.Weraunt]weraumt(?) MS.
1651.to]ofMS.
(143)‘Certayn),’ tho said the knyght,‘That theffe I saw to nyght,Here be-side a slade.1660Torrent tells her toHe was a ferly freke in ffyght,With hym faught a yong knyght,Ech on other laid good lade;Me thought well̴, as he stode,He was of the fendusblood,1665So Rude was he made.Dame, yf thou leve not me,[1680]come and see the Giant.Com)nere, and thou shalt se,Which of hem abade.’
‘Certayn),’ tho said the knyght,
‘That theffe I saw to nyght,
Here be-side a slade.1660
He was a ferly freke in ffyght,
With hym faught a yong knyght,
Ech on other laid good lade;
Me thought well̴, as he stode,
He was of the fendusblood,1665
So Rude was he made.
Dame, yf thou leve not me,[1680]
Com)nere, and thou shalt se,
Which of hem abade.’
1660.slateorflateMS.1663.lodeMS.1669.abodeMS.
1660.slateorflateMS.
1663.lodeMS.
1669.abodeMS.
(144)Blith was that lady bryght1670For to se thatsellysight:With the knyght went she.The Norwegian Princess sees the Giant’s corpse,Whan she cam, where the Geaunt lay,‘Sir,’ she said, ‘parmaffayI wott well̴, it is he.1675Other he was of god all̴-myghtOr seynt George, oure lady knyȝt),[1690]That there his bane hath be.Yf eny cryston)man smyte hym down),and praises his slayer.He is worthy to haue renown)1680Thorough oute all̴ crystiaunte.’
Blith was that lady bryght1670
For to se thatsellysight:
With the knyght went she.
Whan she cam, where the Geaunt lay,
‘Sir,’ she said, ‘parmaffay
I wott well̴, it is he.1675
Other he was of god all̴-myght
Or seynt George, oure lady knyȝt),[1690]
That there his bane hath be.
Yf eny cryston)man smyte hym down),
He is worthy to haue renown)1680
Thorough oute all̴ crystiaunte.’
1671.selly] om. MS.
TORRENT RESCUES THE PRINCESS OF NORWAY.
(145)‘I haue wonder,’ said the knyght,‘How he gate the, lady bryght,Fro my lord the kyng.’She tells Torrentf. 104a.‘Sir,’ she said, ‘verament,1685As my fader on huntyng wentErly in a mornyng,[1700]Forehis men pursued a dere,To his castell̴, that stondith here,That doth my hondys wryng,1690that her Father gave her, as his ransom, to the Giant.This Giaunt hym toke, wo he be!For his love he gevith hym)me,He wold none other thinge.’
‘I haue wonder,’ said the knyght,
‘How he gate the, lady bryght,
Fro my lord the kyng.’
‘Sir,’ she said, ‘verament,1685
As my fader on huntyng went
Erly in a mornyng,[1700]
Forehis men pursued a dere,
To his castell̴, that stondith here,
That doth my hondys wryng,1690
This Giaunt hym toke, wo he be!
For his love he gevith hym)me,
He wold none other thinge.’
1688.ForMS.
(146)Forth she brought bred and wyne,Fayn)he was for to dyne. . . . . .1695This knyght made noble chere,Though that he woundid were[1710]With the Geaunt strong.
Forth she brought bred and wyne,
Fayn)he was for to dyne. . . . . .1695
This knyght made noble chere,
Though that he woundid were[1710]
With the Geaunt strong.
(147)Sir Torrent dwellid no lenger thare,Torrent takes her away.Than)he myȝt away fare1700With that lady bryght.Torrent longs for Desonell.‘Now, Iesu, that made hell̴,Send me on lyve to Desonell̴,That I my trouth to plight!’Tho sye they be a forest syde1705Men)of armes ffaste rideOn coursers comly dight.[1720]The lady said: ‘So mvst I thee,The Norwegian Princess sees her Father.It is my fader, is com for me,With the Geaunt to ffyght.’1710
Sir Torrent dwellid no lenger thare,
Than)he myȝt away fare1700
With that lady bryght.
‘Now, Iesu, that made hell̴,
Send me on lyve to Desonell̴,
That I my trouth to plight!’
Tho sye they be a forest syde1705
Men)of armes ffaste ride
On coursers comly dight.[1720]
The lady said: ‘So mvst I thee,
It is my fader, is com for me,
With the Geaunt to ffyght.’1710
TORRENT IS WELCOMD BY THE KING OF NORWAY.
(148)An harood said anon)right:‘Yon I se an armed knyght,And no squier, but hym)one:He is sobigof bone & blood,He is the Geaunt, be the Rode!’1715Som)seith, he riduth vppon).f. 104b.‘Nay,’ said the kyng, ‘verament,[1820]Torrent is recognisedIt is the knyght, that I after sent,I thanke god and seynt Iohñ,For the Geaunt slayn)) hath he1720And wonne my doughter, well̴ is me!All̴ his men areatone!’
An harood said anon)right:
‘Yon I se an armed knyght,
And no squier, but hym)one:
He is sobigof bone & blood,
He is the Geaunt, be the Rode!’1715
Som)seith, he riduth vppon).
‘Nay,’ said the kyng, ‘verament,[1820]
It is the knyght, that I after sent,
I thanke god and seynt Iohñ,
For the Geaunt slayn)) hath he1720
And wonne my doughter, well̴ is me!
All̴ his men areatone!’
1714.big]longMS.1722.at.]taneMS.
1714.big]longMS.
1722.at.]taneMS.
(149)Wott ye well̴, with Ioy and blisSir Torent there recevid ys,As doughty man)of dede.1725and welcomd by the King of Norway.The kyng and other lordys gentSaid, ‘Welcom), sirTorent,[1830]In to this vncouththede!’In to a state they hym)brought,His wounds are drest.Lechis sone his woundis sought;1730They said, so god hem spede,Were there no lyve but ane,His liffe they wyll̴ not vndertane,For no gold ne ffor mede.
Wott ye well̴, with Ioy and blis
Sir Torent there recevid ys,
As doughty man)of dede.1725
The kyng and other lordys gent
Said, ‘Welcom), sirTorent,[1830]
In to this vncouththede!’
In to a state they hym)brought,
Lechis sone his woundis sought;1730
They said, so god hem spede,
Were there no lyve but ane,
His liffe they wyll̴ not vndertane,
For no gold ne ffor mede.
1728.thede]londMS.
PRINCESS GENDRES. TORRENT STAYS A YEAR IN NORWAY.
(150)The PrincessThe lady wist not or than),1735That he was hurt, that gentilman),And sith she went hym tyll̴;[1840]She sought his woundusand said thare:‘Thou shalte lyve and welfare,Yf the no-thing evyll̴!1740claims Torrent as her husband.My lord the kyng hath me hight,That thou shalt wed me, sirknyght,The fforward ye to fulle ffyll̴.’‘Damysell̴, loo here my hond:And I take eny wyffe in this lond,1745It shall̴ be at thy wyll̴!’
The lady wist not or than),1735
That he was hurt, that gentilman),
And sith she went hym tyll̴;[1840]
She sought his woundusand said thare:
‘Thou shalte lyve and welfare,
Yf the no-thing evyll̴!1740
My lord the kyng hath me hight,
That thou shalt wed me, sirknyght,
The fforward ye to fulle ffyll̴.’
‘Damysell̴, loo here my hond:
And I take eny wyffe in this lond,1745
It shall̴ be at thy wyll̴!’
(151)Her name is Gendres.Gendres was that ladyes name.[1850]The Geaunteshede he brought hame,f. 105a.And the dragonshe brought.Mene myght here a myle aboute,1750How on the dede hedys they did shoute,For the shame, that they hem)wrought,Both with dede and with tongFyfte on the hedys dong,That to the ground they sought.1755Torrent stays 12 months in Norway.Sir Torrent dwellid thareTwelfe monythis and mare,[1860]That ffurther myȝt he nought.
Gendres was that ladyes name.[1850]
The Geaunteshede he brought hame,
And the dragonshe brought.
Mene myght here a myle aboute,1750
How on the dede hedys they did shoute,
For the shame, that they hem)wrought,
Both with dede and with tong
Fyfte on the hedys dong,
That to the ground they sought.1755
Sir Torrent dwellid thare
Twelfe monythis and mare,[1860]
That ffurther myȝt he nought.
1749.he br.]alsoMS.1752.they]hadadd. MS.
1749.he br.]alsoMS.
1752.they]hadadd. MS.
(152)The kyng of Norway said: ‘Nowe,Fals thevis, woo worth you,1760Ferly sotell̴ were ye:Ye said, the knyght wold not com):Swith oute of my kyngdome,Or hangid shall̴ ye be!’The King of Norway sends Torrent’s false Squires to sea,His squiers, that fro hym)fled,1765With sore strokys are they spredVppon the wanne see,[1870]where all drown, save one.And there they drenchid euery man),Saue one knave, that to lond cam),And woo be-gone is he.1770
The kyng of Norway said: ‘Nowe,
Fals thevis, woo worth you,1760
Ferly sotell̴ were ye:
Ye said, the knyght wold not com):
Swith oute of my kyngdome,
Or hangid shall̴ ye be!’
His squiers, that fro hym)fled,1765
With sore strokys are they spred
Vppon the wanne see,[1870]
And there they drenchid euery man),
Saue one knave, that to lond cam),
And woo be-gone is he.1770
DESONELL IS NEAR CHILD-BEARING.
(153)The child, to lond that god sent,In Portyngale he is lent,In a riche town),That hathhight be her day,And euer shall̴, as I you say,1775The town)of Peron).He takes the news to the King of Portugal,By-fore the kyng he hym sett,[1880]‘Full̴ well̴ thy men), lord, the grett,And in the seedidthey drown.’Desonell̴ said: ‘Where is Torent?’1780and tells Desonell that Torrent is in Norway.f. 105b.‘In Norway, lady, verament.’On sownyng fell̴ she down).
The child, to lond that god sent,
In Portyngale he is lent,
In a riche town),
That hathhight be her day,
And euer shall̴, as I you say,1775
The town)of Peron).
By-fore the kyng he hym sett,[1880]
‘Full̴ well̴ thy men), lord, the grett,
And in the seedidthey drown.’
Desonell̴ said: ‘Where is Torent?’1780
‘In Norway, lady, verament.’
On sownyng fell̴ she down).
1774.hatt(!) MS.1778.the]theyMS.1779.did]areMS.drownedMS.
1774.hatt(!) MS.
1778.the]theyMS.
1779.did]areMS.drownedMS.
(154)She swoons, and folk see she is big with child.As she sownyd, this lady myld,Men myȝt se tokenyng of her child,Steryng on)her right syde.1785Gret Ruth it was to tell̴,How her maydens on)her fell̴,[1890]Her to Couer and to hide.Tho the kyng said: ‘My doughter, do way!By god, thy myrth is gone for aye,1790Spousage wyll̴ thou nonebide!The King of Portugal declares he’ll send Desonell and her Bastard to sea.There fore thou shalt in to the seeAnd that Bastard with-in the,To lerne you ffor to ride.’
As she sownyd, this lady myld,
Men myȝt se tokenyng of her child,
Steryng on)her right syde.1785
Gret Ruth it was to tell̴,
How her maydens on)her fell̴,[1890]
Her to Couer and to hide.
Tho the kyng said: ‘My doughter, do way!
By god, thy myrth is gone for aye,1790
Spousage wyll̴ thou nonebide!
There fore thou shalt in to the see
And that Bastard with-in the,
To lerne you ffor to ride.’
1791.bide]ledeMS.
DESONELL BEARS TWINS TO TORRENT.
(155)His EarlsErlis and Barons, that were good,1795By-fore the kyng knelid and stodeFor that lady free.[1900]and the QueenThe quene, her moder, on knees fell̴,‘For Iesu is love, that harood hell̴,Lord, haue mercy on)me!1800That ylke dede, that she hath done,It was with an Erlis sonne,Riche man)i-nough is he;pray for mercy for Desonell.And yf ye wyll̴ not let her lyve,Right of lond ye her yeve,1805Till̴ she delyuerd be!’
Erlis and Barons, that were good,1795
By-fore the kyng knelid and stode
For that lady free.[1900]
The quene, her moder, on knees fell̴,
‘For Iesu is love, that harood hell̴,
Lord, haue mercy on)me!1800
That ylke dede, that she hath done,
It was with an Erlis sonne,
Riche man)i-nough is he;
And yf ye wyll̴ not let her lyve,
Right of lond ye her yeve,1805
Till̴ she delyuerd be!’
(156)Thus the lady dwellith there,[1910]She is delivered of 2 male childrenTyll that she delyuerd wereOf men)children)two;In all poyntes they were gent,1810like Torrent.And like they were to sirTorent;f. 106a.For his love they sufferid woo.The kyng said: ‘So mut I thee,Her Father says she shall be sent out to sea.Thou shalte in-to the seeWith oute wordys moo.1815Euery kyngis doughterffer and nere,At the shall̴ they lere,[1920]Ayen)the law to do.’
Thus the lady dwellith there,[1910]
Tyll that she delyuerd were
Of men)children)two;
In all poyntes they were gent,1810
And like they were to sirTorent;
For his love they sufferid woo.
The kyng said: ‘So mut I thee,
Thou shalte in-to the see
With oute wordys moo.1815
Euery kyngis doughterffer and nere,
At the shall̴ they lere,[1920]
Ayen)the law to do.’
1807.Thus the] soF. VII;ThisMS.1808.Tyll] soF. VII; om. MS.1810.all] soF. VII; om. MS.
1807.Thus the] soF. VII;ThisMS.
1808.Tyll] soF. VII; om. MS.
1810.all] soF. VII; om. MS.
(157)She is led from his land.Gret ruth it was to se,Whan they led that lady ffree1820Oute of her faders lond.The Queen bewails her daughter’s fate.The quene wexid tho nere woodFor her doughter, that gentill̴ ffode,And knyghtis stode wepand;A cloth of silke gan they ta1825And partyd it be-twene hem twa,Therin they were wonde.Desonell is sent to sea.Whan)they had shypped that lady ying,[1930]An hunderid fell̴ in sownyngAt Peron)on)the sond.1830
Gret ruth it was to se,
Whan they led that lady ffree1820
Oute of her faders lond.
The quene wexid tho nere wood
For her doughter, that gentill̴ ffode,
And knyghtis stode wepand;
A cloth of silke gan they ta1825
And partyd it be-twene hem twa,
Therin they were wonde.
Whan)they had shypped that lady ying,[1930]
An hunderid fell̴ in sownyng
At Peron)on)the sond.1830
1827. soF. VII; om. MS.1828.had sh.] soF. VII;clepudMS.yengMS.
1827. soF. VII; om. MS.
1828.had sh.] soF. VII;clepudMS.yengMS.
DESONELL IS SENT OUT TO SEA. SHE REACHES LAND.
(158)Whan that lady was downe fall,On Iesu Cryste dyd she call;Down)knelid that lady clene:She prays to Christ for her children.‘Rightfull god, ye me sendeSome good londe, on to lende,1835That my chyldren may crystonyd bene!’She said, ‘Knyghtis and ladyes gent,Grete well̴ my lord, sirTorrent,Yeff ye hym)euer sene!’The wynd Rose ayen)the nyght,1840Fro lond it blew that lady bryght[1941]Vppon the see so grene.
Whan that lady was downe fall,
On Iesu Cryste dyd she call;
Down)knelid that lady clene:
‘Rightfull god, ye me sende
Some good londe, on to lende,1835
That my chyldren may crystonyd bene!’
She said, ‘Knyghtis and ladyes gent,
Grete well̴ my lord, sirTorrent,
Yeff ye hym)euer sene!’
The wynd Rose ayen)the nyght,1840
Fro lond it blew that lady bryght[1941]
Vppon the see so grene.