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1. Pearl, pleasant for princes to set cleanly in clear gold, hardily I say that out of the Orient I never found its 1 precious peer. So round, so beauteous in each array, so small, so smooth were its sides, that wheresoever I judged of gay jewels I set it singly by itself. Alas! I lost it in an arbor; 2 through grass to ground it went from me. I pine, stricken by love-danger, for mine own pearl without a spot.

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2. Since in that spot it sprang from me, oft have I waited, wishing for that weal that was wont whilom to rid me of my woe and raise my hap and all my joy; it doth pierce 4 through my heart and makes my breast in bale to swell and burn. Yet me thought never was there so sweet a song as stole to me in the silent hour; forsooth there floated to me many, to think of her beauty, so clad in clay. O earth, thou marrest a lovely jewel, mine own pearl without a spot!

3. That spot must needs abound in spices where such riches is run to rot. Blooms yellow and blue and red shine there full sheer against the sun; flower and fruit may not fade 5 where it drove down in the dun

mould; for every herb must grow from a seed's death; else were no wheat e'er brought to barns; from good each good is aye begun. So seemly a seed could not fail that springing spices should not start up from that precious pearl without a spot.

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4. To the spot which I tell of, in that green garden, I went in August, at the height of the season, when corn is cut with sickles keen. On the mound where the pearl had rolled down, these herbs so bright and fair cast their shade-gilly-flower,

1 The pearl, as may be seen by a glance at the original on the opposite page, is indifferently neuter and feminine in the poem.

2 Perhaps garden, i.e. Anglo-French herber, grassy place, herb garden.

3 Reading fordolled instead of fordolked, which latter might mean pierced.

Or "pierce my heart frequently."

MS. fede is doubtful.

6 Or, on a high festival," i.e. Assumption.

7 Ambiguous passage: possibly the flowers shaded the hill; or again, the hill the flowers.

6. From the spot my spirit sprang into space; my body abode in a trance on the mound. My ghost by God's grace went on an adventure to a land where marvels move; I knew not where in this world it was; but I knew that I was borne where cliffs are cloven; my face I turned toward a forest where rich rocks were to be descried; the light of them might no man believe, the gleaming glory that glinted from them; for never were fabrics woven by men of half so fair adornment.

7. Adorned were all the sides of the downs with crystal cliffs so clear. Bright woods about them were, with boles as blue as indigo; like burnished silver the leaves unfold, trembling thick on every limb; when a gleam from the sky glides against them with a splendid shimmering they shine full bright. The gravel upon the ground was precious pearls of Orient, the sunbeams but dark and dull in comparison with that ornament.

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8. The adornment of those beauteous

8 Keeping the MS. reading, deuely, as if from Old French doel, duel, grief.

Doubtful. The MS. fyrte may be as it is translated related to A. S. fyrhtan, to frighten; or may possibly stand for the numeral forty.

10 Literally: The gravel that on the ground gan grind.

downs made my spirit all grief forget; so fresh was the savour of the fruit that it fairly restored me like food. Fowls there flew in the forest, of flaming hues, both small and great. But the citole-string and the cithern player could not recount their splendid mirth; for when those birds beat their wings, they sang with sweet assent; so gracious glee could no man get as to hear and see their adornment.

9. So was adorned in dear array all that woodland where fortune leads me forth; the beauty thereof for to relate is no man worthy. I walked aye forth in happy wise; no bank so big as to cause me fear; the farther into the park, the fairer gan rise the plain, the plants, the spice, the trees,1 and hedges and banks, and rich meads - their steep banks like gold embroidery fine. I won to a water that ran bright by the shore. Lord, fair was its adornment!

10. The adornment of the precious dell was radiant banks of beryl bright; sweetly sounding swept the water, with a murmuring voice rushing by. In the bottom there stood bright stones, that glowed and glimmered like rays through glass, or as the streaming 2 stars, when men sleep sound, stare in the welkin in winter night; for each pebble, set there in the pool, was emerald, or sapphire, or gentle gem; so that all the pool gleamed with the light, so rich was its adornment.

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11. The adornment dear of down and dales, of wood and water and fair plains, raised bliss in me, abated my sorrows, ended my distress, destroyed my pains. Down along a stream that swiftly runs I turned in bliss. Crowded was my mind. The further I followed these watery vales the greater strength of joy strained my heart. As Fortune fares whereas she will, whether solace she send or sorrow, the wight to whom her will she grants 5 strives to have aye more and more.

12. More of weal was in that plan than I could tell, though I had time; for earthly heart might not suffice to the tenth part of

that gladness glad. Therefore I thought that Paradise was there over against the broad banks. I supposed the stream to be a division by waters made between joys." Beyond the brook, by slope or dale, I imagined that city might be placed. But the water was deep, I durst not wade; and ever I longed aye more and more.

13. More and more, and yet still more I listed to see beyond the brook; for if it was fair where I walked, much lovelier was the farther land. About me gan I to stumble and stare; to find a ford fast gan I seek; but dangers more I wis there were the farther I stalked by the strand; and ever it seemed to me I should not to flinch for woe where joys so precious were. Then a new matter came to hand that moved my mind aye more and more.

14. A greater marvel gan my mind to daunt. I saw beyond that merry mere a crystal cliff right brilliant; many a royal ray shot from it. At the foot thereof there sat a child, a maiden of mien full debonaire; gleaming white was her garment- I knew her well, I had seen her before. As glistening gold when it is cut, so shone that fair one upon the shore. I looked upon her there at length; and the longer, I knew her more and more.

15. The more I searched her fair face, her beauteous figure scanned, such a gladdening glory glided to me as heretofore was little wont. Desire urged me to call her, but confusion gave my heart a blow; I saw her in so strange a place; such a shock might well amaze my heart. Then she lifted up her fair face, her visage white as plain ivory, that stung my strayed heart; and more and more the longer she gazed.

IV

16. More than I desired, my dread arose; I stood full still, and durst not call; with open eyes and mouth full close I stood as mute as hawk in ball. I deemed that spiritual was the purport, and I dreaded ever what should befall lest she whom I saw there escaped me ere I could arrest her with my voice. But

7 i.e. the stream separated two joyous lands. Meaning a bit doubtful.

8 i.e. the Heavenly Jerusalem.

For the MS. anunder shore one is tempted to read anunder gore (garment)," under gore" being a favorite rime-tag with some of the romancers in such a connection.

that gracious and gay one without fault,1 so smooth, so small, so seemly slight, rose up in her royal array -a precious piece in pearls bedight.

17. Set pearls of royal price there might man by grace have seen when she, fresh as fleur-de-lys, down the bank quickly took her way. All glistening white was her mantle,2 open at sides and brightly bound with the purest margery pearls, methinks, that ever I saw yet with mine eyes. The long sleeves, I wot and I ween, were adorned and set with double pearls; her kirtle of the same bright stuff was studded round with precious pearls.

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18. A studded crown yet wore that girl, of margeries and no other stone, high pinnacled of clear white pearl, with blooming flowers wrought upon it. Her head had no other fillet, her own locks covered her quite. Her semblant was stately as that of duke or earl; her hue more white than whalebone. As bright as cut gold shone her locks, that lay lightly unbound over her shoulders. Her deep collar did not lack embroidery of precious pearls.

19. Set and sewed was every hem, at hands, at sides, at the openings, with white pearls and no other gem; and burnished white was her vesture. But a wondrous pearl without a flaw was set securely amidst her breast. A man's reason would be greatly baffled ere his mind could comprehend its size; no tongue, I think, would suffice to give an adequate account of that sight, so clean and clear and pure it was - that precious pearl where it was set.

20. Clad in pearl, that precious piece beyond the water came down the shore. From here to Greece was there never gladder man than I when she stood on the bank. She was nearer to me than aunt or niece; my joy therefore was much the more. Speech she proferred me, that dear being. Inclining low, in womanly fashion, she doffed her crown of great treasure, and greeted me

1 Perhaps to be taken literally, "without gall." Doves and such gentle things were supposed to be devoid of gall.

2 The MS. beauuiys is doubtful.

3 Literally, "laps."

4 The MS. lere leke is very difficult. Here heke (for eke), = hair also; and here-leke hair-locks, have been proposed. Hair lace might be suggested; or leke might conceivably represent the Old Norse suffix -leikr; hereleke being then simply hair, growth of hair.

si.e. ivory.

Literally," special spice."

with blithe countenance. Glad was I that ever I was born, to answer that sweet one clad in pearls.

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21. "Oh pearl," quoth I, "in pearls clad, art thou my pearl that I have mourned, regretted by me lonely in the night? Much longing for thee have I concealed since into the grass thou glided from me. Pensive, impaired, I suffer pain, whilst thou to a life of joy art come in the land of Paradise, untouched by strife. What fate has borne my jewel hither, and left me in this grief and great anxiety? Since we were torn atwain and parted I have been a joyless jeweller."

22. Then that jewel clad in gentle gems raised her face and her gray eyes, set on her crown of orient pearl, and soberly thereafter gan she speak: "Sir, ye have reck oned amiss, to say that your pearl is all lost that is enclosed in a coffer as comely as this garden gracious gay; herein to bide forever, and play, where loss nor mourning come never nigh. Here were a treasure-chest indeed for thee if thou were a gentle jeweller.

23. "But, gentle jeweller, if thou must lose thy joy for a gem that was dear to thee, thou seemst to me bent on a mad purpose, and busiest thee for a slight reason. For that which thou lost was but a rose, that flowered and failed as nature decreed. Now, through the virtue of the chest that encloses it, it has become a pearl of price. And thou hast called thy fate a thief, that manifestly has made for thee something out of nothing. Thou blamest the very cure of thy mischief. Thou art no natural jeweller.”

24. A jewel to me then was this guest, and jewels were her gentle saws. "Forsooth," quoth I, "my blissful best one, my great distress thou takest all away. To be excused I make request; for I believed my pearl vanished. Now I have it I shall make merry and dwell with it in bright groves, and praise my Lord and all his laws, who has brought me near to this bliss. Now were I with you beyond these waves I were a joyful jeweller."

25. "Jeweller," then said that clean gem, "why jest ye men, so mad ye be? Three words hast thou spoken at once; and unadvised, forsooth, were all three. Thou knowest not what in the world one doth mean.

Thy words before thy wit gan fly. Thou sayest that thou believest me to be in this dale because thou canst see me with thine eyes; secondly thou sayest that thou thyself shalt dwelt with me right here; the third is, to pass this fair water- that may no joyful jeweller.

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26. "I hold that jeweller little to praise who believes 1 well what he sees with his eye; and much to blame and uncourteous him who believes our Lord would make a lie, who loyally promised to raise your life, though fortune caused your flesh to perish. Ye set his words all awry who believe nothing but ye see it; and that is a point of pride which evil beseems each good man,to believe that no tale is quite true unless his own reason can judge of it.

27. "Judge now thyself whether thou knowest how to talk -as if a man should have words with God. Thou says thou shalt dwell in this precinct. Methinks it behoves thee first to ask leave,—and even then of permission thou mightst fail. Thou wishest over this water to cross; first thou must take other counsel; thy corse must colder sink 2 in the mould, for it was undone at the grove of Paradise; our first father abused it there. Through dreary death it behoves each man to pass ere over this stream the Lord suffer him."

28. "Doomest thou me," quoth I," my sweet, to grief again, then I must perish. Now I have found what I lost, must I again forgo it ere ever I die? Why must I both miss and find it? My precious pearl causes me great pain. What serves treasure but to make man weep, when he must lose it again with sorrow? Now reck I never how I decline, nor how far from my land one banish me, when I have no part in my pearl. Except enduring grief what may men expect?"

29. "Thou expectest naught but deep distress," then said that wight; "why dost thou so? For din of grief over lesser losses oft many a man overlooks the greater. Thou oughtst the better to rule thyself, and love aye God, and weal and woe, for anger gains thee not a cress. Who needs must suffer, let him not be so wild; for though thou dance as any doe, leap, and

1 Reading leues for lones of the MS.

The MS. keue is difficult.

cry thy wild remonstrances, yet when thou canst no further, to or fro, thou must abide what he shall adjudge.

30. "Judge, Lord! Ever ordain for him! 3 He will not turn a foot from the way. Thy amends amount not to a mite, though thou shouldst for sorrow be never blithe. Cease thy rebellion, and end complaint, and seek his compassion right swiftly and earnestly. Thy prayer may move his pity, that mercy shall show her power; his comfort may alleviate thy languor, and lightly drive off thy afflictions; for marred or made, mourning and rejoicing, all lies in him to ordain and judge.'

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32. "My bliss and my bale both have ye been; but my sorrow was much the greater. Since thou wast removed from every danger, I wist never where my pearl was gone. Now that I see it, my anguish grows less. And when we separated we were at one; God forbid we now be wroth, we meet so seldom by stock or stone. Though ye know how to speak courteously, I am but muck, and manners lack. But Christ's mercy, and Mary and John these are the grounds of all my bliss.

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33. "In bliss I see thee blithely set, and I a man all mournful and downcast. Ye take full little heed thereof, though I oft suffer fierce harms; but now that I am here in your presence, I would beseech without debate that ye would tell me in sober assent what manner of life ye lead early and late; for I am full fain that your estate has truly come to worship and weal; the highway of all my joy it is, the ground of all my bliss."

Obscure lines. Possibly better, "Our Lord and Judge has ordained everything."

4 A difficult passage.

5 Literally, made accord between.'

"

6 MS. marerez mysse, which might be translated "a botcher's failure."

34. "Now may bliss betide thee, sir!" then said that one so lovely of form and face; "and welcome be thou here, to walk and bide, for now thy speech to me is dear. Masterful mood and high pride, I promise thee, are thoroughly hated here. My Lord loves not to chide, for meek are all who dwell near him; and when in his place thou shalt appear, be deeply devout in entire meekness. My Lord the Lamb loves ever such cheer; that is the ground of all my

bliss.

35. "Thou sayst I lead a blissful life, and wouldst learn the degree thereof. Thou knowest well that when thy pearl departed I was full young and tender of age; but my Lord the Lamb through his Godhead, he took me to him in marriage, crowned me queen, in bliss to dwell for a length of days that ever shall endure. And endowed with all his heritage is his loved one; I am wholly his; his worth, his excellence, his nobility is the root and ground of all my bliss."

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36. "Blissful one," said I, "can this be true? - be not displeased if I speak error art thou the queen of the heavens blue, whom all this world must honour? We believe on Mary, whom grace sprang from, who bore in the flower of virginity a child. Who is it could remove the crown from her unless she surpassed her in some excellence? Now for her unique sweetness we call her the Phoenix of Araby, which flew peerless in its nature, like to the Queen of courtesy.'

37. Courteous Queen," then said that beautiful one, kneeling on the ground with face enfolded. "Matchless Mother and fairest Maid, blessed Beginner of every grace!" Then rose she up and gan pause, and spake to me at that time: "Sir, many chase and capture prey there; 2 but within this place are no supplanters; that Empress has all the heavens, and earth and hell are under her sway; yet none she will deprive of their heritage, for she is Queen of cour

tesv.

38. "The court of the kingdom of the living God has this property in its very

1 Perhaps "loves not chiding."

2 Amending the MS. here to pere, = there, in your world. The line is difficult.

being each that arrives therein is queen or king of all the realm, and yet never dispossesses another; but each one is fain of the others' having, and would that their 3 crowns were worth five times as much - if their amending were possible. But my Lady, of whom Jesus sprang, she holds full high the empire over us all; and that displeases none of our company, for she is Queen of courtesy.

39. "In courtesy, as saith St. Paul, we are all members of Jesus Christ. So head and arm and leg and trunk belong to his body so true and good. Right so is every Christian soul a limb belonging to the Master of might. Then consider whether 5 hate or any bitterness is rife or exists among thy limbs thy head has neither anger nor resentment if thou bear a ring on arm or finger. So fare we all with love and liking to King and Queen by courtesy." 40. " Courtesy," said I, "and great charity I believe to be among you. But let my speech not grieve you

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thou raisest thyself over high in heaven, to make thee queen, who wast so young. What greater honour could he achieve that had endured in the cruel world, and lived in penance his whole life long, with bodily bale to buy him bliss? What greater worship could he attain than be crowned king by courtesy ?

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41. "That courtesy is too free of deed if it be sooth that thou sayst. Thou didst not live two years among our people; thou knewest never how God to please nor to him pray, no, neither Pater nor Creed. And made queen on the first day! I can not believe - so God me speed that God would turn so wrongly aside; the rank of countess, damsel, by my faith, it were fair for thee to hold in heaven, or else that of a lady of less degree. But a queen! - that is an attainment too great."

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42. "There is no limit of his goodness," then said to me that worthy wight; "for all is truth that he appoints, and he can do