The Miracle of Beatrice. A Flemish Legend of c. 1300

(1944)–Anoniem Beatrijs– rechtenstatus




[pagina 17]
The Miracle of Beatrice
[pagina 18]
VAN dichten comt mi cleine bate; Die liede raden mi dat ic 't late Ende minen sin niet en vertare. Maer om die doghet van Hare, Die moeder ende maghet es bleven, Hebb' ic een scone mieracle op heven, Die God sonder twivel toghede Marien teren, Diene soghede. Ic wille beghinnen van ere nonnen Een ghedichte; God moet mi onnen Dat ic die poente moet wel geraken Ende een goet ende daer af maken, Volcomelijc na der waerheide, Als mi broeder Ghijsbrecht seide, Een begheven Willemijn; Hi vant in die boeke sijn; Hi was een out, ghedaghet man.

[pagina 19]
IN writing verse is little gain. People tell me I should refrain From wasting thus my weary mind. Yet, for the flower of womankind, Who mother was and maid remained, I have begun a miracle quaint, Which God, no doubt, showed to our luck In honor of Mary, who gave Him suck. It's of a nun I will begin A tale. God grant me skill to spin The thread aright and steer its trend To the moral pointed at the end, And to tell it truthfully As brother Gilbert told it me. He was a cloistered Williamite. He found it in his books one night. He was an aged, day-worn man.

[pagina 20]
DIE nonne, daer ic af began, Was hovesche ende subtijl van zeden; Men vint ghene noch heden, Die haer ghelijct, ic wane, Van seden ende van ghedane. Dat ic prisede hare lede, Sonderlinghe haer scoenhede, Dat 's een dinc dat niet en dochte. Ic wille u segghen van wat ambochte Si plach te wesen langhen tijt In 't doester daer si droech abijt: Costersse was si daer, Dat segg 'ic u al over waer: Si ne was lat no traghe, No bi nachte, no bi daghe, Si was snel te haren werke; Si plach te ludene in die kerke; Si ghereide 't licht ende ornament Ende dede op staen al 't covent.

[pagina 21]
THE nun of whom my tale began Had fine manners and courtesy. Ye would not find one easily, Nowadays, who was her peer In gracious demeanor and in cheer. For me to praise her body were A thing improper. I would not dare Give a description of her beauty. But I will tell what kind of duty In the convent was assigned to her Where she wore habit for many a year. Sacristan was she there. I tell no lies, I would not dare. Her work she would never neglect or slight, Neither by day nor by night. She did her chores on time and well. In church she used to toll the bell, To light the altar and adorn, And wake the whole convent in the morn.

[pagina 22]
DESE ioffrouwe en was niet sonder Der minnen, die groot wonder Pleecht te werken achter lande. Bi wilen comt er af scande, Quale, toren, wedermoet; Bi wilen bliscap ende goet. Den wisen maect si oec soe ries, Dat hi moet bliven in 't verlies, Ees 't hem lief ofte leet. Si dwingt sulken, dat hi ne weet Weder spreken ofte swighen, Daer hi loen af waent ghecrighen. Meneghe worpt si onder voet, Die op staet, als 't haer dunct goet. Minne maect sulken milde, Die liever sine ghiften hilde, Dade hij 't niet bider minnen rade. Nocht vint men liede soe ghestade, Wat si hebben, groet oft clene, Dat hen die minne gheeft ghemene: Welde, bliscap ende rouwe; Selke minne heet ic ghetrouwe. In const u niet gheseggen als, Hoe vele gheluux ende onghevals Uter minnen beken ronnen. Hier omme en darf men niet veronnen Der nonne, dat si niet en conste ontgaen Der minnen, die se hilt ghevaen: Want die duvel altoes begheert Den mensche te becorne ende niet en cesseert,

[pagina 23]
THIS damsel was not without Love, who worketh all throughout The world wondrous happenings, Whence at times sorrow springs, Shame, wrath, misery, Sometimes joy and ecstasy. Love turns wiseman into fool, So that he knows not how to rule Himself, whether he like it or not. A man who in love's power is caught Knows not whether his profit be In silence or in rhetory. None goes free, by Love subdued, Unless Love's in a relenting mood. Love makes a man generous with his pelf Who would rather keep it for himself. If not Love prompt him thereto. Others again are so staunch and true That all they own, whatever it be, Is common between them, by Love's decree, Happiness, gladness, need. Such love I call true indeed. I could not tell fully, though, What happiness and mishap flow Out of Love's running brook. Therefore, I pray you, don't rebuke The nun because she could not escape Love, who held her in his grip. For the devil will always plot To tempt man, and ceases not,

[pagina 24]
Dach ende nacht, spade ende vroe, Hi doet er sine macht toe. Met quaden listen, als hi wel conde, Becordi se met vleescheliker sonde, Die nonne, dat si sterven waende. Gode bat si ende vermaende, Dat Hi se troeste dore Sine ghenaden. Si sprac: "Ic ben soe verladen Met starker minnen ende ghewont, Dat weet Hi, Dien 't al es cont, Die niet en es verholen, Dat mi die crancheit sal doen dolen. Ic moet leiden een ander leven, Dit abijt moet ic begheven.’

[pagina 25]
Day and night, early and late, To do his worst, and lies in wait With wicked wiles. He did begin To tempt the nun with carnal sin, That she thought she would die. God she prayed insistently That through His grace He comfort her. She said, ‘I am burdened with heavier Load of love than I can bear. He knows Whose eye is everywhere, For nothing is hidden from His gaze. Through love I am wandering in a maze. Another life I must start, And this habit I must discard.’

[pagina 26]
NU hoert, hoe 't er na verghinc: Si sende om den ionghelinc, Daer si toe hadde grote lieve, Oetmoedelijc met enen brieve, Dat hi saen te hare quame, Daer laghe ane sine vrame. Die bode ghinc daer de ionghelinc was. Hi nam den brief ende las, Die hem sende sijn vriendinne. Doe was hi blide in sinen sinne! Hi haest 'em te comen daer. Sint dat si out waren twaelf iaer, Dwanc die minne dese twee, Dat si dogheden menech wee.

[pagina 27]
NOW hear what after this occurred. To that yeoman she sent word For love of whom she pined away. In humble words she wrote, ‘I pray, Beloved, come soon to me. I promise it will profit thee.’ She sent her letter by messenger. The youth who was so dear to her Read what his beloved wrote. He was glad with her note And hastened to her as he was told. Since they were twelve years old Those two had been in love's throes, That they suffered many woes.

[pagina 28]
HI reet, soe hi ierst mochte, Ten cloester, daer hi se sochte. Hi ghinc sitten voer 't fensterkijn Ende soude gheerne, mocht sijn, Sijn lief spreken ende sien. Niet langhe en merde si na dien; Si quam ende woudene vanden Vor 't fensterkijn, dat met yseren banden Dwers ende lanx was bevlochten. Menech werven si versochten, Daer hi sat buten ende si binnen, Bevaen met alsoe starker minnen. Si saten soe een langhe stonde, Dat ic 't ghesegghen niet en conde, Hoe dicke verwandelde hare blye. ‘Ay mi!’ seitsi, ‘aymie! Vercoren lief, mi es soe wee, Sprect ieghen mi een wort oft twee, Dat mi 't herte conforteert; Ic ben die troest ane u begheert! Der minnen strael stect mi in 't herte, Dat ic doghe grote smerte; In mach nemmermeer verhoghen, Lief, ghi en hebbet uut ghetoghen!’

[pagina 29]
HE rode, as fast as he could, To where the nun's convent stood. In front of the little window frame He sat and waited till she came Whom he would see and speak withal. She tarried not, but soon did call On him at the window, which with bars Of iron crosswise covered was, Just like a checkerboard. Many were the sighs they poured, He from without, she from within, Both from strong love suffering. Thus they sat for a century. It were impossible for me To say how oft they blushed and paled. ‘Woe me, woe me,’ she quailed, ‘Dearly beloved, what to do? Speak to me a word or two, Such as will comfort me. I want to be consoled by thee. Love's arrow has pierced my heart. The wound it made I feel it smart. I'll never be glad and free from pain Until thou'st pulled it out again.’

[pagina 30]
HI antworde met sinne: ‘Ghi wet wel lieve vriendinne, Dat wi langhe hebben ghedragen Minne al onsen daghen. Wi en hadden nye soe vele rusten, Dat wi ons ééns ondercusten. Vrouwe Venus, die godinne, Die dit brachte in onsen sinne, Moete God onse Here verdoemen, Dat si twee soe scone bloemen Doet vervalven ende bederven. Const' ic wel ane u verwerven, Ende ghi d'abijt wout nederleggen, Ende mi enen sekeren tijd seggen, Hoe ic u ute mochte leiden, Ic woude riden ende ghereiden Goede cleder diere van wullen Ende die met bonten doen vullen, Mantel, roc ende sercoet. In begheve u te ghere noet; Met u will' ic mi aventueren, Lief, leet, 't suete metten sueren. Nemt te pande mijn trouwe!’ ‘Vercorne vrient,’ sprac die ioncfrouwe ‘Die will' ic gherne van u ontfaen, Ende met u soe verre gaen, Dat niemen en sal weten in dit covent Werwaert dat wi sijn bewent. Van t'avont over acht nachte Comt ende nemt mijns wachte

[pagina 31]
HE answered her tenderly, ‘Dearest, thou knowest well that we Have loved each other many a year, But in all that time we ne'er Had so much freedom between us twain That I could kiss and be kissed again. May God curse Dame Venus Who put this love into us, Curse the goddess who was cause That two such beautiful flowers Fade and wither utterly. I wish I could persuade thee To lay this nun's habit aside And set a day for me to abide On which I may come and take thee away. I would prepare for that day Good clothes of precious wool, Lined with fur, and a full Outfit of mantle, coat and skirt. Whatever happens, I won't desert Thee ever, but share with thee Good and bad, whatever it be. Thereto I pledge thee my faith.’ ‘Beloved,’ she answereth, ‘I accept it readily, And will go so far with thee That none in the convent ever will know To what place we did go. Come a week from today And, until I find a way

[pagina 32]
Daer buten in den vergier Onder enen eglentier. Wacht daer mijns, ic come uut Ende wille wesen uwe bruut, Te varen daer ghi begheert; En si dat mi siecheit deert Ocht saken, die mi sijn te swaer, Ic come sekerlike daer, Ende ic begheert van u sere, Dat ghi daer comt, lieve ionchere.’

[pagina 33]
To leave, in the garden wait for me, Under the wild rose tree. I shall come, wait outside, And I will become thy bride To go whither thou choose with thee. Unless sickness hinder me Or obstacles I can't remove, I shall certainly come, dear love, And I beg thee earnestly That thou comest there to me.’

[pagina 34]
DIT gheloefde elc anderen. Hi nam orlof ende ghinc wanderen Daer sijn rosside ghesadelt stoet. Hi sat er op metter spoet Ende reet wech sinen telt Ter stat wert over een velt. Sijns lieves hi niet en vergat. 's Anders daghes ghinc hi in die stat; Hi cochte blau ende scaerlaken, Daer hi af dede maken Mantele ende caproen groet Ende roc ende sorcoet, Ende na recht ghevoedert wel. Niemen en sach beter vel Onder vrouwen cledere draghen; Si prijsden 't alle die 't saghen. Messe, gordele ende almoniere Cocht haer goet ende diere; Huven, vingherline van goude Ende chierheit menechfoude. Om al die chierheit dede hi proeven, Die eneger bruut soude behoeven. Met hem nam hi vijfhondert pont Ende voer in ere avonstont Heymelike buten der stede. Al dat scoenheide voerd 'i mede Wel ghetorst op sijn paert, Ende voer alsoe ten cloestere waert, Daer si seide, in den vergier, Onder enen eglentier.

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EACH gave other his consent. He took his leave of her and went Where he left his horse tied. He mounted in the saddle and hied On his way at a fast trot Toward the town. He banished not His beloved from his thought. The next day he went and bought Woven cloth, scarlet and blue, Which he ordered made into A good-sized mantle and cape, A coat and skirt to fit her shape, All lined fashionably. Better fur one never did see Worn under women's clothes. It was praised by all those Who saw it. He also bought for her A girdle with knife and almoner, A diadem, a ring of gold, And jewelry manifold. He asked for all the finery Which a bride is glad to see. Five hundred pound he took along, And one day, at even song, He left the town secretly. That precious outfit carried he Firmly packed upon his horse, And to the convent took his course. He sat down where the lass Told him, in the garden grass

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Hi ghinc sitten neder in 't cruut, Tote sijn lief soude coomen uut.

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Till the time he should spy her. Underneath the wild brier.

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VAN hem latic nu die tale Ende segghe u van der scoender smale. Vore middernacht lude si mettine. Die minne dede haer grote pine. Als mettenen waren ghesongen Beide van ouden ende van iongen, Die daer waren in 't covent, Ende si weder waren ghewent Opten dormter al ghemene, Bleef si in den coer allene Ende si sprac haer ghebede, Als si te voren dicke dede. Si knielde voer den outaer Ende sprac met groten vaer: ‘Maria, Moeder, soete name, Nu en mach minen lichame Niet langher in d'abijt gheduren. Ghi kint wel in allen uren 's Menschen herte ende sijn wesen; Ic hebbe ghevast ende ghelesen, Ende ghenomen discipline, Het 's al om niet dat ic pine; Minne worpt mi onder voet, Dat ic der werelt dienen moet. Alsoe waerlike als Ghi, Here Lieve, Wort ghehangen tusschen twee dieve Ende aen 't Cruce wort gherecket, Ende Ghi Lazaruse verwecket, Daer hi lach in den grave doet, Soe moetti kinnen minen noet

[pagina 39]
MORE of him I will not tell, But tell you of this damosel. She sounded matins before midnight. Through love she was in a sore plight. After matins had been sung Both by old and by young, All who were cloistered there, And when all the sisters were Asleep again and still as stone, She remained in the choir alone, And she read her prayers o'er As she had often done before. She knelt down before the altar, And said, while fear made her falter, ‘Dear Lord, name so sweet, Now it is no longer meet That my body shall remain In this habit. Man hides in vain His inmost heart and being from Thee. I've prayed and fasted, woe is me, And have taken chastisement. But all in vain I repent. Love has overpowered me. The world's servant I must be. As truly as Thou, o dear Lord, Between two thieves wert hanged and gored And tormented upon the cross And recalledst Lazarus Back from death in the tomb, So truly mayst Thou know my doom

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Ende mine mesdaet mi vergheven: Ic moet in swaren sonden sneven!’

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And forgive my trespassing. I must succumb to mortal sin.’

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NA desen ghinc si uten core t' Eenen beelde, daer si vore Knielde, ende sprac hare ghebede, Daer Maria stont ter stede. Si riep: ‘Maria’, onversaghet, ‘Ic hebbe U nacht ende dach geclaghet Ontfermelike mijn vernoy, Ende mi en es niet te bat een hoy! Ic werde mijns sins te male quijt Bliv' ic langher in dit abijt.’ Die covel toech si ute al daer Ende leid se op Onser Vrouwen outaer. Doen dede si ute hare scoen. Nu hoert, wat si sal doen, Die slotele van der sacristiën Hinc si voer dat beelde Mariën; Ende ic seg 't u over waer, Waer omme dat si se hinc al daer: Of men se te priemtide sochte, Dat men se best daer vinden mochte. Het 's wel recht in alder tijt, Wie vore Mariën beelde lijt, Dat hi sijn oghen derwaert sla, Ende segge ‘Ave’, eer hi ga, ‘Ave Maria;’ daer omme si ghedinct, Waer omme dat si die slotel daer hinc.

[pagina 43]
SHE left the choir and went to a niche That held an image, in front of which She knelt down and spoke her prayer To our Lady standing there. She cried, ‘Mary!’ unafraid, ‘Night and day to Thee I've prayed And pitifully confessed my dread. It has availed me not a shred. I'll altogether go insane, If in this habit I remain.’ She doffed the veil that she wore Upon our Lady's altar floor. Thereafter she took off her shoes. Hear what course she now pursues: In front of Mary's image she Hung the keys of the sacristy. I'll teil you what her reasons were For hanging the bunch of keys just there. At prime they'd miss the keys, she thought, And easily find them in that spot. For it is proper for everyone To raise her eyes and look upon Mary's image in coming nigh And whisper ‘Ave’ passing by, ‘Ave Maria.’ This was the thought Which made her leave them in that spot.

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NU ghinc si danen dor den noet Met enen pels al bloet, Daer si een dore wiste, Die si ontsloet met liste, Ende ghinck er heymelijc uut, Stillekine sonder gheluut. In den vergier quam si met vare; Die iongelinc wert haers gheware. Hi seide: ‘Lief, en verveert u niet, Het 's u vrient, dat ghi hier siet.’ Doen si beide te samen quamen, Si begonste hare te scamen, Om dat si in eene pels stoet Bloets hoeft ende barvoet. Doen seid' i ‘Wel scone lichame, U soe waren bat bequame Scone ghewaden ende goede cleder. Hebt er mi om niet te leder, Ic sal se u gheven sciere.’ Doen ghingen si onder den eglentiere, Ende alles dies si behoeft, Des gaf hi hare ghenoech. Hi gaf haer cleder twee paer, Blau waes 't, dat si aen dede daer, Wel ghescepen in 't ghevoech. Vriendelike hi op haer loech. Hi seide: ‘Lief, dit hemelblau Staet u bat dan dede dat grau.’ Twee cousen toech si ane, Ende twee scoen cordewane,

[pagina 45]
SHE left, since she could stay no more. A hairy shirt was all she wore. To a postern door she knew the way, Which she unlocked without delay, And went out stealthily, Not making any sound, till she Entered the garden full of fear. The yeoman saw her appear And said, ‘Dearest, don't be afraid, It is thy friend comes to thine aid.’ When those two together came, She began to blush with shame. For there she stood with nothing on But a shirt, and nothing upon Her head and feet. ‘My dear,’ said he, ‘Thy beautiful body deserves to be Dressed in good, beautiful clothes. Blame me not for the ones I chose. Come and I will give them thee.’ They went under the wild rose tree, And all of which she was in need He gave her, more than enough indeed. Two suits he gave to her. Blue was the one she put on there, Cut so as to make it fit. He looked at her wearing it And said with a smile, ‘Sky-blue, I'd say, Suits thee better than convent grey.’ She put on stockings he did choose

[pagina 46]
Die hare vele bat stonden Dan scoen die waren ghebonden. Hoet cleder van witter ziden Gaf hi hare te dien tiden, Die si op haer hoeft hinc. Doen cusse se die ionghelinc Vriendelike aen haren mont. Hem dochte, daer si voer hem stont, Dat die dach verclaerde. Haestelike ghinc hi t' sinen paerde, Hi sette se voer hem in 't ghereide. Dus voren si henen beide Soe verre, dat began te daghen, Dat si hen nyemen volghen en saghen. Doen began 't te lichtene in 't Oest. Si seide: ‘God, alder werelt troest, U moeti ons bewaren. Ic sie den dach verclaren! Ware ic met u niet comen uut, Ic soude prime hebben gheluut, Als ic wilen was ghewone In den cloester van religione. Ic ducht, mi die vaert sal rouwen; Die werelt hout soe cleine trouwe, Al hebb' ic mi ghekeert daeran; Si slacht den losen coman, Die vingherline van formine Vercoept voer guldine.’

[pagina 47]
And a pair of cordwain leather shoes, Which became her twice as well As the sandals she left in her cell. A coverchef which he had brought He gave her there. He had it wrought Of snow-white silk. She put it on And pressed a tender kiss upon The yeoman's mouth. It seemed to him, As she stood there fresh and trim, That the day began to dawn. He went to his horse across the lawn And into the saddle lifted her In front of him, and gave the spur. They rode till night began to fail And no one seemed to be on their trail. Then in the east the morning rose. She said, ‘God, comfort of all those Who are in need, preserve us twain. I see the day turn bright again. Hadn't we absconded, I and thou, I should be sounding prime just now, As I every day have done In the convent where I was nun. I fear me, I shall rue this flight. The world's faith is but slight. Yet towards the world I've turned my feet. The world resembles the crafty cheat Of a chapman who falsely sold Tinsel rings for rings of gold.’

[pagina 48]
AY wat segdi, suverlike, Ocht ic u emmermeer beswike, Soe moete mi God seinden! Waer dat wi ons bewinden, In scede van u te ghere noet, Ons en scede die bitter doet. Hoe mach u aen mi twien? Ghi en hebt aen mi niet versien, Dat ic u fel was ofte-loes. Sint dat ic u ierst vercoes, En hadd' ic niet in minen sinne Ghedaen een keyserinne; Op dat ic haers werdech ware, Lief, en liete u niet om hare, Des moghedi seker wesen. Ic vore met ons, ute ghelesen Vijfhondert pont wit selverijn, Daer seldi, lief, vrouwe af sijn. Al varen wi in vremde lande, Wi ne derven verteren ghene pande Binnen desen seven iaren.’ Dus quamen si den telt ghevaren 's Morgens aen een foreest, Daer die voghele hadden feest. Si maecten soe groet ghescal, Dat men 't hoerde over al: Elc sanc na der naturen sine. Daer stonden scone bloemkine Op dat groene velt ontploken, Die scone waren ende suete roken.

[pagina 49]
WHAT art thou saying, love,’ said he. Wheresoever we may go, ‘May God lay his curse on me If I should leave thee evermo. No need so great that severeth Us twain, unless it be bitter death. How canst thou have a doubt of me? Did I ever prove to thee False or wicked of design? Since I first chose thee for mine, There was no other for whom I'd care, Although an empress she were. Even if I worthy of her should be, I wouldn't for her, my dear, leave thee. Love, believe me thereto bound. I carry with me five hundred pound Of pure silver white of sheen. Thou shalt be mistress of that, my queen. Though we journey to lands unknown, There won't be need for us to pawn These seven years a single thing.’ Thus came they, easily cantering, In the morning, to a wood. The birds were in a festive mood. They made music so loud That one heard it round about. Each sang as his nature him told. One saw there beautiful flowers unfold Their petals in the green moss bed. Lovely they looked and fragrance spread.

[pagina 50]
Die locht was claer ende scone. Daer stonden vele rechte bome, Die ghelovert waren rike. Die ionghelinc sach op die suverlike, Daer hi ghestade minne toe droech. Hi seide: ‘Lief, waer 't u ghevoech, Wi souden beeten ende bloemen lesen, Het dunct mi hier scone wesen. Laet ons spelen der minnen spel.’ ‘Wat segdi,’ sprac si, ‘dorper fel Soud' ic beeten op 't felt, Ghelijc enen wive die wint ghelt Dorperlijc met haren lichame, Seker, soe hadd'ic cleine scame! Dit en ware u niet ghesciet, Waerdi van dorpers aerde niet! Ic mach mi bedinken onsochte. Godsat hebdi die 't sochte! Swighet meer deser talen Ende hoert die voghele in den dalen, Hoe si singhen ende hem vervroyen; Die tijt sal u te min vernoyen. Als ic bi u ben al naect Op een bedde wel ghemaect, Soe doet al, dat u ghenoecht Ende dat uwer herten voeght. Ic heb's in mijn herte toren, Dat ghij 't mi heden leit te voren.’

[pagina 51]
Clear and radiant was the air. Many tall trees stood there, Each lifting a luscious crown. He looked at that lovely one To whom he bore a steadfast love. He said, ‘Dearest, if thou approve, We should dismount and pluck a flower. This is a pleasant place and hour. Come and let us play love's game.’ She spoke, ‘What sayest thou, for shame Should I lie down in the wood Like women who earn a livelihood With their body boorishly? Then were there little shame in me. This wouldn't have come into thy mind Wert thou not of boorish kind. I have reason to be sad. May God curse thee for such bad Intentions. Speak of something else. Listen to the birds in glens and dells, How they carol and make glee. Their music will pass the time for thee. When I am naked in a bed, Neatly made with sheets and spread, Then mayst thou do thy will with me, To whatever thy heart prompteth thee. It maketh me sad and void of cheer That thou didst propose it here.’

[pagina 52]
HI seide: ‘Lief, en belghet u niet. Het dede Venus, die 't mi riet. God geve mi scande ende plaghe, Ocht ic u emmermeer ghewaghe.’ Si seide: ‘Ic vergheef 't u dan, Ghi sijt mijn troest voer alle man Die leven onder den trone. Al levede Absolon, die scone, Ende ic des wel seker ware Met hem te levene dusent iare In weelden ende in rusten, In liet 's mi niet ghecusten; Lief, ic hebbe u soe vercoren, Men mocht mi dat niet legghen voren, Dat ic uwes soude vergheten; Ware ic in hemelrike gheseten Ende ghi hier in ertrike, Ic quame tot u sekerlike! Ay God, latet onghewroken, Dat ic dullijc hebbe ghesproken! Die minste bliscap in hemelrike En es hier ghere vrouden ghelike; Daer es die minste soe volmaect, Datter zielen niet en smaect, Dan Gode te minnen sonder inde. Al erdsche dinc es ellinde, Si en doeghet niet een haer Jeghen die minste die es daer. Die 're om pinen die sijn vroet, Al ees 't dat ic dolen moet

[pagina 53]
HEAR, do not be wroth,’ said he. ‘It was Dame Venus who prompted me. May God give me shame and pain If ever I mention it again.’ She said, ‘I will forgive thee then. Thou art my comfort above all men Who under heaven live and thrive. If handsome Absalom were alive And I could have certainty Of living with him in luxury And peace for a thousand year, I would still have rather thee, my dear. Darling, I am in love with thee So much that it were blasphemy To say I could forget thy face. If God should give to me a place In heaven and thine were here below, I would come to thee even so. O God, do not punish me For speaking such profanity. The least of joys in heaven above Is greater than all the joys of love. So perfect is the least of them That the soul knoweth no other aim Than to love God endlessly. All life on earth is misery. It is indeed not worth a hair Compared to the least that happens there. Those are wise who strive for heaven. I know, although myself am driven

[pagina 54]
Ende mi te groten sonden keren Dore u, lieve scone ionchere.’

[pagina 55]
To an erring life of sinful joy, For the sake of thee, dear handsome boy.’

[pagina 56]
DUS hadden si tale ende wedertale Si reden berch ende dale. In can u niet ghesegghen wel Wat tusschen hen tween ghevel. Si voren alsoe voert, Tes si quamen in een poert, Die scone stont in enen dale, Daer soe bequaem 't hem wale, Dat sie 're bleven der iaren seven Ende waren in verweenden leven Met ghenuechten van lichamen, Ende wonnen twee kinder t'samen. Daer na den seven iaren, Alse die penninghen verteert waren, Moesten si teren van den pande, Die si brachten uten lande. Cleder, scoenheit ende paerde Vercochten si te halver waerde Ende brochten 't al over saen. Doen en wisten si wat bestaen; Si en conste ghenen roc spinnen, Daer sie met mochte winnen. Die tijt wart in den lande diere Van spisen, van wine ende van biere Ende van al dat men eten mochte. Dies hem wert te moede onsochte; Si waren hem liever vele doet, Dan si hadden ghebeden broet. Die aermoede maecte een ghesceet Tusschen hen beiden, al was 't hen leet.

[pagina 57]
THUS they bandied talk at will. They rode through valley and over hill. I cannot give account of all That between them did befall. Thus they rode up and down Till they came unto a town In a valley on a pleasant site. There they found so much delight That they remained there seven years, Living in luxury and ease And indulging in carnal joys. They begot two little boys. When the seven years came to an end, They had no money left to spend. They had to live on what they sold Of their belongings manifold, Horses, clothes, finery, At half the price it ought to be. But the proceeds soon were spent. Then they knew not how to fend For themselves. She was no good At spinning for a livelihood. At that time things were dear In the land, food, wine, and beer, And everything one might consume. Hence their hearts were full of gloom. They would rather have been dead Than have begged for their bread. Poverty cut these two apart, Though it made them sad at heart.

[pagina 58]
Aen den man ghebrac dierste trouwe; Hi liet se daer in groten rouwe Ende voer te sinen lande weder. Si en sachen met oghen nye zeder. Daer bleven met hare ghinder Twee uter maten scone kinder.

[pagina 59]
He was the first to be untrue. He left her there in bitter rue, And returned where he lived before. She did not see him ever more. Two children remained with her. One never saw any lovelier.

[pagina 60]
SI sprac: ‘Het 's mi comen soe, Dat ic duchte spade ende vroe. Ic ben in vele doghens bleven. Die ghene heeft mi begheven, Daer ic mi trouwen toe verliet. Maria, Vrouwe, oft Ghi ghebiet, Bidt vore mi ende mine twee ionghere, Dat wi niet en sterven van honghere. Wat sal ic doen, elendech wijf? Ic moet beide, ziele ende lijf, Bevlecken met sondeghen daden. Maria, Vrouwe, staet mi in staden! Al const'ic enen roe spinnen, In mocht er niet met winnen In tween weken een broet. Ic moet gaen dor den noet Buten der stat op 't feit Ende winnen met minen lichame ghelt, Daer ic met mach copen spise. In mach in ghere wise Mijn kinder niet begheven’ Dus ghinc si in een sondech leven. Want men seit ons overwaer, Dat si langhe seven iaer Ghemene wijf ter werelt ghinc Ende meneghe sonde ontfinc, Dat haer was wel onbequame, Die si dede metten lichame, Daer si cleine ghenuechte hadde in Al dede sijt om een cranc ghewin

[pagina 61]
SHE said: ‘Now I've met the fate That I dreaded early and late. Life for me has become grim. I have been forsaken by him On whose faith I did rely. Mary, our Lady, hear me cry! Pray for my children and for me, Keep us from starving in misery. Hapless woman, what is thy dole? I must sully body and soul With sinful deeds that I dread. Lady Mary, stand me in stead. Though I could work the spinning wheel, Yet my labor would not yield In two weeks a loaf of bread. I must needs go in stead Outside town to a lonely spot And with my body earn somewhat That will buy me food for three. It would be impossible for me To abandon my little twins.’ Thus her life of sin begins. For it is truly told of her That she the length of seven year As a common whore went wandering. She succumbed to many a sin, Much to her own disgust, Which she committed without lust. Her pleasure in it was but slight. She did it for a paltry mite

[pagina 62]
Daer si haer kinder met onthelt. Wat holpt al vertelt, Die scamelike sonden ende die zwaer, Daer si in was veertien iaer? Maer emmer en liet si achter niet, Had si rouwe oft verdriet, Si ne las alle daghe met trouwen Die seven ghetiden van Onser Vrouwen; Die las si Haer te loven ende t'eren, Dat Si se moeste bekeren Uten sondeliken daden, Daer si was met beladen. Bi ghetale veertien iaer; Dat seggh' ic u over waer. Si was seven iaer metten man, Die twee kindere an hare wan, Die se liet in ellinde, Daer si doghede groet meswinde. D'ierste seven iaer hebdi gehoert; Verstaet hoe si levede voert.

[pagina 63]
To keep alive her little sons. It's better that my story shuns The sins so heavy and depraved In which for fourteen years she lived. But never she neglected, though, Were she in sorrow or in woe, To read each day faithfully The seven hours of Our Lady. Those she read in Her honor and praise That She might remedy her and raise Out of that life of sin Under the load of which she had been During fourteen years all told. It is all truth that I unfold. She was with him for seven year Who two sons begot on her And left her in misery, Suffering great adversity. Ye've heard of the first seven years. Hear now how she thereafter fares.

[pagina 64]
ALS die veertien iaer waren gehedaen, Sinde haer God in 't herte saen Berouwennesse alsoe groet, Dat si met enen swerde al bloet Liever liete haer hoeft af slaen, Dan si meer sonden hadde ghedaen Met haren lichame, als si plach. Si weende nacht ende dach, Dat haer oghen selden drogheden; Si seide: ‘Maria, die Gode soghede, Fonteyne boven alle wiven, Laet mi in der noet niet bliven Vrouwe, ic neme U t'orconden, Dat mi rouwen mine sonden, Ende sijn mi herde leet. Der es soe vele, dat ic en weet Waer ic se dede ocht met wien! Ay lacen! Wat sal mijns ghescien? Ic mach wel ieghen d'ordeel sorgen,- D'oghen Gods sijn mi verborgen,- Daer alle sonden selen bliken, Beide van armen ende van riken, Ende alle mesdaet sal sijn ghewroken, Daer en si vore biechte af ghesproken Ende penitencie ghedaen; Dat wete ic wel, sonder waen. Des ben ic in groten vare. Al drogh' ic alle daghe een hare Ende croep er met van lande te lande Over voete ende over hande,

[pagina 65]
THEN those fourteen years were past, God sent into her heart at last Remorse so great that she said, She would rather have her head Cut off with a naked sword Than to have sinned any more With her body as was her way. She would weep night and day So that her eyes were seldom dry. ‘Mary, who suckled God,’ she would sigh, ‘Fountain, above all women pure, Let me not in need endure. Be my witness, Mother of God, That I rue the path I've trod, And loathe my sins one and all. There were so many, I can't recall Where I did them and with whom. Alas, what shall be my doom? God turns from me His eyes away. I well may dread the judgment day When all sins shall come out, Both of rich and poor, no doubt, And all misdeeds be avenged, Unless the sinners have been cleansed By shrift, and have done penitence. That I know too well. And hence, I am living in great dread. Though every day I wore a shred And crept in it on all fours From town to town by people's doors,

[pagina 66]
Wullen, barvoet, sonder scoen, Nochtan en const ic niet ghedoen, Dat ic van sonden worde vri, Maria, Vrouwe, Ghi en troest mi, Fonteyne boven alle doghet! Ghi hebt den meneghen verhoghet, Alse wel Teophuluse sceen; Hi was der quaetster sonderen een Ende hadd'em den duvel op ghegeven, Beide ziele ende leven, Ende was worden sijn man; Vrouwe, Ghi verloesset en nochtan Al ben ic een besondech wijf Ende een onghetroest keytijf, In wat leven ic noy was, Vrouwe, ghedinct dat ic las t' Uwer eren een ghebede! Toent aen mi U oetmoedechede, Ic ben ene die es bedroevet Ende Uwer hulpen wel behoevet, Dies magh ic mi verhouden. En bleef hem nye onvergouden, Die U gruete, Maget vrië, Alle daghe met ere “Ave Marië”. Die U ghebet gerne lesen, Sie moeghen wel seker wesen, Dat hem daer af sal comen vrame; Vrouwe, het 's U soe wel bequame, Uutvercorne Gods Bruut. U Sone sinde U een saluut

[pagina 67]
Barefoot, without shoes, It would not be of any use, It would not make me free of sin, Unless Thou helpest make me clean. Fountain above all virtue pure, Thou oft hast gladdened rich and poor, As was in Theophilus manifest. He was among sinners the wickedest. For he delivered body and soul To Satan, and would have taken dole From him as vassal from his lord, Hadst Thou not saved him and restored. Though I'm a woman foul with sin, Whatever the life that I was in, Lady, remember though that I, Poor wretch, let never a day go by Without saying my prayer to Thee. Show Thy mercy unto me. I am one who is sore afraid, Mary, and one who needeth Thine aid. My hope is in Thee, for I know, Thou never letst unrewarded go Who greeted Thee and daily prayed An Ave Maria, merciful maid. Those who gladly read thy prayer May be sure that they ne'er Will be left without reward, Chosen bride of our Lord. For thou likest such loyalty. Thy son's salutation came to Thee

[pagina 68]
Te Nazaret, daer Hi U sochte, Die U ene boetscap brochte, Die nye van bode was ghehoert; Daer omme sijn U die selve woert Soe bequame sonder wanc, Dat Ghij 's wet elken danc, Die U gheerne daer mede quet. Al waer hi in sonden belet, Ghi sout hen te ghenaden bringhen Ende voer Uwen Sone verdinghen.’ Dese bedinghe ende dese claghe Dreef die sondersse alle daghe. Si nam een kint in elke hant, Ende ghinck er met doer 't lant, In armoede van stede te steden Ende levede bi der beden. Soe langhe dolede si achter d'lant, Dat si den doester weder vant, Daer si hadde gheweest nonne, Ende quam daer 's avons na der sonne In ere weduwen huus spade, Daer si bat herberghe doer ghenade, Dat si daer 's nachts mochte bliven. ‘Ic mocht u qualijc verdriven,’ Sprac die weduwe, ‘met uwen kinderkinen. Mi dunct, dat si moede seinen. Rust u ende sit neder; Ic sal u deilen weder Dat mi verleent Onse Here Doer Siere Liever Moeder ere.’

[pagina 69]
At Nazareth, when the angel came With a message in His name Such as never messenger brought. And that is why those same words ought To be so very dear to Thee, ‘That Thou givest thanks readily To him who greeteth Thee therewith. Though sins held him in their grip, Thou wouldst to mercy lead him on And plead for him before Thy Son.’ Thus did the sinner pray Pitifully day by day. She took a child in either hand And went wandering through the land From place to place in poverty And kept alive by beggary. Long she wandered here and there Till she found the convent where, Long ago, she had been nun. Late at night, after the sun Had set, to a widow's door she came, And asked for shelter in Jesu name Only till the next day. ‘I could not bear to turn thee away With thy children,’ the widow replied. ‘The little ones look very tired. Rest yourselves, take a chair. I will give you a share Of what our Lord giveth me For His mother's sake,’ said she.

[pagina 70]
Dus bleef si met haren kinden Ende soude gheerne ondervinden, Hoe 't in den doester stoede. ‘Segt mi,’ seit si ‘vrouwe goede, Es dit covint van ioffrouwen?’ ‘Jaet,’ seit si, ‘bi miere trouwen Dat verweent es ende rike; Men weet niewer sijns ghelike. Die nonnen die 're abijt in draghen, In hoerde nye ghewaghen Van hem gheen gherochten. Dies si blame hebben mochten.’

[pagina 71]
Thus they stayed there out of the cold. She was anxious to be told How things in the convent were. ‘Teil me, good woman,’ she said to her, ‘Is this a ladies' nunnery?’ ‘Upon my word,’ answered she, ‘A splendid house and very rich. There is nowhere another such. Of all its nuns who wear the veil I never heard a scandalous tale Or evil rumor by which the name Of the convent could come to shame.’

[pagina 72]
DIE daer bi haren kinderen sat, Si seide: ‘waer bi segdi dat? Ic hoerde binnen deser weken Soe vele van ere nonnen spreken; Als ic verstoet in minen sinne, Soe was si hier costerinne. Die 't mi seide, hi ne loech niet: Het's binnen veertien iaren ghesciet, Dat si uten cloester streec. Men wiste noyt, waer si weec Oft in wat lande si inde nam.’ Doen wert die weduwe gram Ende seide: ‘Ghi dunct mi reven! Derre talen seldi begheven Te segghene van der costerinnen Oft ghi en blijft hier niet binnen! Si heeft hier costersse ghesijn Veertien iaer den termijn, Dat men haers noyt ghemessen conde In al den tiden éne metten stonde, Hen si dat si waer onghesont. Hi ware erger dan een hont, Die 're af seide el dan goet; Si draghet soe reynen moet, Die eneghe nonne draghen mochte. Die alle die cloesters dore sochte, Die staen tusschen Elve ende der Geronde, Ic wane men niet vinden en conde Ne ghene die gheesteliker leeft!’

[pagina 73]
THE young mother, in amaze, Asked, ‘Art thou sure of this? I happened to hear people speak About one of the nuns last week. I was given to understand That she did duty as sacristan. He was no liar who told me so. It happened fourteen years ago That the nun ran away. Whither she fled none can say, Nor in what country she died.’ Angrily the widow replied, ‘Thou ravest! I warn thee, don't go around Telling that story without ground Of the sacristan. Tell it once more, And out thou goest, there is the door. She has been here sacristan Fourteen years, and no one can Remember that she failed one day In all that time to serve and pray At matins, unless sickness prevented her. He were worse than a cur Who spoke of her otherwise than well. She is such a stainless damosel As any nun might wish to be. Search in every nunnery Between the Elbe and the Gironde, You would not find a nun more fond Of the spiritual life in God.’

[pagina 74]
DIE alsoe langhe hadde ghesneeft, Dese tale dochte haer wesen wonder, Ende seide: ‘Vrouwe, maect mi conder. Hoe hiet haer moeder ende vader?’ Doe noeme si se beide gader. Doen wiste si wel, dat si haer meende. Ay God! Hoe si 's nachs weende Heymelike voer haer bedde! Si seide: ‘Ic en hebbe ander wedde Dan van herten groet berouwe. Sijt in mijn hulpe, Maria, Vrouwe! Mijn sonden sijn mi soe leet, Sagh ic enen hoven heet, Die in groten gloyen stonde, Dat die vlamme ghinghe uten monde, Ic crope er in met vlite, Mocht ic mier sonden werden quite. Here, Ghi hebt wanhope verwaten, Daer op will' ic mi verlaten! Ic ben, die altoes ghenade hoept, Al ees 't dat mi anxt noept Ende mi bringt in groten vare. En was nye soe groten sondare, Sint dat Ghi op ertrike quaemt Ende menschelike vorme naemt Ende Ghi aen den cruce wout sterven, So ne lieti den sondare niet bederven; Die met berouwenesse socht gnade, Hi vant se, al quam hi spade, Als 't wel openbaer scheen Den enen sondare van den tween,

[pagina 75]
THESE words sounded strangely odd To her who all that time had erred. She said, ‘Woman, one other word: What was her mother and father's name?’ She gave them, and they were the same. Then she knew, herself was meant. O God, how sad a night she spent Secretly by her bed's head. ‘Heartfelt remorse,’ she said, ‘Is all I can offer for my release. Our Lady, Mary, give me peace. My sins make me suffer so. If I saw an oven aglow And burn so fiercely that the flame Lept from its mouth, I'd all the same Creep into it readily, If I could burn my sins off me. Lord, Thou hast condemned despair. That gives me comfort in my care. I still may hope for mercy, God, Albeit that I feel the prod Of sharp anxiety and fear. There never was sinner since Thou here Camest down among mankind And letst Thyself be confined In human shape and nailed on cross Who was not saved from utter loss If he remorsefully mercy asked; Though he came late, it was given at last. That was clearly shown to one Of the two thieves who hung upon

[pagina 76]
Die t'Uwer rechter siden hinc. Dat 's ons een troestelijc dinc, Dat Ghi ne ontfinc onbescouden. Goet berou mach als ghewouden; Dat magh ic merken an desen. Ghi seit: ‘Vrient, due salt wesen Met Mi heden in Mijn Rike, Dat segg'ic U ghewaerlike,’ Noch, Here, waes 't openbare, Dat Gisemast, die mordenare, Ten lesten om ghenade bat. Hi gaf U weder gout no scat, Dan hem berouden sine sonden, U ontfermecheit en es niet te gronden, Niet meer, dan men mach Die zee uut sceppen op enen dach Ende droghen al toten gronde. Dus was nye soe grote sonde, Vrouwe, U ghenaden en gaen boven. Hoe soud' ic dan sijn verscoven Van Uwer ontfermecheit, Ocht mi mijn sonden sijn soe leit?’

[pagina 77]
The cross to the right of Thee. That is a comfort, Lord, to me That Thou receivedst him unchastized. By good remorse all wrong's revised. By him Thou madest that clear to me. Thou spokest, ‘Today, I say unto thee, Shalt thou be with me in paradise. Verily, it shall not be otherwise.’ It is well known that at last This malefactor Gisemast Prayed for mercy to Thee, o Lord, And gave Thee neither gold nor hoard But only remorse for his sins. We can no more, by any means, Plumb Thy mercy than we may Scoop out the sea in one day And dry it down to the ground. Such great sin was never found That found not greater mercy in Thee. How then could I repulsed be, Lady, from Thy compassionateness If, contrite, I my sins confess?’

[pagina 78]
DAER si lach in dit ghebede, Quam een vaec in al haer lede Ende si wert in slape sochte. In enen vysioen haer dochte, Hoe een stemme aen haer riep, Daer si lach ende sliep: ‘Mensche, du heves soe lange gecarmt, Dat Maria dijns ontfarmt, Want si heeft U verbeden. Gaet in den doester met haestecheden: Ghi vindt die doren open wide, Daer ghi uut ginges ten selven tide Met uwen lieve, den ionghelinc, Die u in der noet af ghinc. Al dijn abijt vinstu weder Ligghen opten outaer neder; Wile, covele ende scoen Moeghedi coenlijc ane doen; Des danct hoeghelilce Mariën: Die slotele van der sacristiën, Die ghi voer 't beelde hinct 's Nachs, doen ghi uut ghinct, Die heeft Si soe doen bewaren, Dat men binnen veertien iaren Uwes nye en ghemiste, Soe dat yemen daer af wiste. Maria es soe wel U vrient: Si heeft altoes voer U ghedient Min no meer na dijn ghelike. Dat heeft die Vrouwe van hemelrike,

[pagina 79]
AS she thus lay and prayed She felt a drowsiness invade All her limbs, and fell in a doze. And in her sleep a vision arose That called her name and clearly said, Where she lay asleep in bed: ‘Woman, thou hast cried so long That Mary fakes pity on thy wrong. Our Lady has interceded for thee. Go to the cloister immediately. Thou findest the door open wide That let thee out that eventide When the youth took thee away, The lover who left thee in dismay. Thou shalt find again thy veil Lying by the altar rail. Put it on, it is yours, Not only veil, but cowl and shoes. Gladly thank our Lady for these. The sacristan's bunch of keys, Which thou didst hang in the night Of thine escape within sight Before the image, she took care Of those that none became aware, In fourteen years, that thou wert gone, So that thy flight was known to none. Mary has been thy good friend. To all thy duties she did attend Wholly in thy similitude. The Lady of heaven has been good

[pagina 80]
Sonderse, doer u ghedaen! Si heet u in den doester gaen. Ghi en vint nyeman op u bedde. Het 's van Gode, dat ic u quedde!’

[pagina 81]
To thee, poor sinner, serving thy part. She commands thee to go cloisterward. Thou shalt find none upon thy bed. God made me speak the words I said.’

[pagina 82]
NA desen en waes 't niet lanc, Dat si uut haren slape ontspranc. Si seide: ‘God, gheweldech Here, En ghehinct den duvel nemmermere, Dat hi mi bringhe in mere verdriet, Dan mi nu es ghesciet! Ocht ic nu in den cloester ghinghe Ende men mi over dieveghe vinghe, Soe ware ic noch meer ghescent, Dan doe ic ierst rumde covent. Ic mane U, God die goede, Dor Uwen pretiosen bloede, Dat uut Uwer ziden liep, Ocht die stemme, die aen mi riep, Hier es comen te minen baten, Dat sij 's niet en moete laten, Si en come anderwerf tot hare Ende derde werven openbare, Soe dat ic mach sonder waen Weder in minen doester gaen. Ic wil're om benediën Ende loven altoes Mariën!’

[pagina 83]
NOT long after she awoke, Startled by what the vision spoke. She said, ’God, Lord of might, Do not grant the devil the right To bring me in yet greater woe Than he did years ago. If I entered the nunnery And they caught me for thievery, I should be ashamed even more Than when I stole away before. I beg of thee, merciful Lord, By the precious blood that poured Out of Thy wounded side: Unless the voice that called me lied And came only to do me wrong, Let it not fail to come along A second time and yet again A third, that I may hear it plain And need not doubt that I may Return to the convent there to stay, And to our Lady I shall give Praise and laud as long as I live.’

[pagina 84]
S'ANDERS 's nachs, moghedi horen, Quam haer een stemme te voren, Die op haer riep ende seide: ‘Mensche, du maecs te langhe beide! Ganc weder in dinen cloester, God sal wesen dijn troester. Doet dat Maria u ontbiet! Ic ben haer bode, en twivels niet.’ Nu heef si se anderwerf vernomen, Die stemme tote haer comen Ende hiet se in den doester gaen; Nochtan en dorst sij 's niet bestaen. Der derder nacht verbeyt si noch Ende seide: ‘Ees 't elfs ghedroch, Dat mi comt te voren, Soe magh ic cortelike scoren Des duvels ghewelt ende sine cracht Ende ocht hi 're comt te nacht, Here, soe maecten soe confuus, Dat hi vare uten huus, Dat hi mi niet en moete scaden. Maria, nu staet mi in staden, Die ene stemme ane mi sint, Ende hiet mi gaen in 't covint; Ic mane U, Vrouwe, bi Uwen Kinde, Dat Ghi se mi derdewerven wilt sinden.’

[pagina 85]
THE next night-attend and hear- She heard again a voice appear And call to her and clearly say: ‘Woman, too long thou doest delay. Go, return to the nunnery. God will surely comfort thee. Mary commandeth thee. Obey. She sent me. Doubt it not, I pray.’ Now a second time she has heard The voice that in her dream occurred And said she should to the cloister go. She dared not make the journey, though. The third night she would await, Saying, is it the devil's bait That has shown itself to me, Then let me shatter easily Satan's power and his might; And if he cometh back tonight, Lord, do confound him so That he out of doors must go Ere he can do me injury. Mary, lend Thy aid to me. If it was Thou who sent me word Through the voice that I heard, I beg Thee, Lady, by Jesus' pain, Send it to me yet once again.’

[pagina 86]
DOEN waecte si den derden nacht. Een stemme quam van gods cracht Met enen over groten lichte Ende seide: ‘Het 's bi onrechte, Dat ghi niet en doet dat ic u hiet, Want u Maria bi mi ontbiet. Ghi moecht beiden te lanc! Gaet in den doester, sonder wanc, Ghi vint die doren op ende wide ontdaen, Daer ghi wilt, moghedi gaen. U abijt vindi weder Ligghende opten outaer neder.’ Als die stemme dit hadde gheseit, En mochte die zondersse, die daer leit, Die claerheit metten oghen wel sien; Si seide: ‘Nu en darf mi niet twien, Dese stemme comt van Gode, Ende es der Maghet Mariën bode. Dat wete ic nu sonder hone. Si comt met lichte soe scone; Nu en will' ic 's niet laten, Ic wille mi in den doester maken, Ic saelt oec doen in goeder trouwen Opten troest van Onser Vrouwen, Ende wille mijn kinder beide gader Bevelen Gode onsen Vader. Hi sal se wel bewaren.’ Doen toech si ute al sonder sparen Haer cleder, daer si se met decte Heymelike, dat si se niet en wecte.

[pagina 87]
SHE stayed awake the third night. A voice came from God's might In a glory of light and said: ‘Thou doest wrong by staying, instead Of doing what I commanded thee. For Mary sent thee word by me. Tarry not till it is too late. Go to the cloister, don't hesitate. Thou wilt find a wide-open door. Go wherever thou wilt, yea, more: Thou shalt find thy shoes and veil Lying by the altar's rail.’ When the voice thus had said, The sinner lying there in bed Could see the brilliance not too well. She said: ’These words at last dispel My doubt. They came from heaven above And are a message of Mary's love. I need not fear deceit. I know, Heavenly light was in that glow. Now I will not hesitate But go through the cloister gate And put my trust fully in Her Who bore our blessed Saviour, And recommend my little twins To our Father's benevolence. He will guard them on their way.’ Then she doffed without delay Her clothes, which she gently spread, So as not to wake them, over their bed.

[pagina 88]
Si cusse se beide aen haren mont. Si seide: ‘Kinder, blijft ghesont. Op den troest van Onser Vrouwen Late ic u hier in goeder trouwen, Ende hadde mi Maria niet verbeden, Ic en hadde u niet begheven Om al 't goet, dat Rome heeft binnen.’ Hoert, wes si sal beghinnen.

[pagina 89]
She kissed them both upon their mouths And said: ’Keep well, my little flowers. Through our Lady's benevolence I leave you here in confidence. If Mary had not won me grace, I would not leave you in this place For all the wealth that Rome has amassed.’ Listen how she recovered her past.

[pagina 90]
NU gaet si met groten weene Ten doester waert, moeder eene. Doen si quam in den vergiere, Vant si die dore ontsloten sciere. Si ghinck er in sonder wanc: ‘Maria, hebbes danc, Ic ben comen binnen mure; God gheve mi goede aventure!’ Waer si quam, vant si die dore Al wide open ieghen hore. In die kerke si doe trac; Heymelike si doe sprac: ‘God Here, ic bidde U met vlite, Hulpt mi weder in minen abite, Dat ic over veertien iaer Liet ligghen op Onser Vrouwen outaer, 's Nachs, doen ic danen sciet!’ Dit en es gheloghen niet, Ic seg 't u sonder ghile: Scoene, covele ende wile Vant si ter selver stede weder, Daer sij 't hadde gheleit neder. Si traec 't an haestelike Ende seide: ’God van Hemelrike Ende Maria, Maghet fijn, Ghebenedijt moetti sijn! Ghi sijt alre doghet bloeme! In Uwen reine magedoeme Droeghedi een Kint sonder wee, Dat Here sal bliven emmermee;

[pagina 91]
WHEN she went with many a moan To the cloister all alone. She entered the orchard and straightway hied To the door and found it open wide. She passed through unafraid. ‘I thank Thee, Mary, blessed Maid. I am back in the convent, back indeed! May God give me now good speed.’ She found the door, wherever she went, Open wide by clear intent. Into the church she found her way And there she silently did say: ‘God, do grant me my orison That I may put my habit on, Which, fourteen years ago, I laid On the altar of the blessed Maid When in the night I went away.’ I swear to the truth of what I say. This is not an old wives' tale: She found her shoes, cowl and veil Back again where, years before, She left them on the altar floor. She donned them without wavering, Saying, God, heaven's King, And our Lady, glorious Maid, I thank you both for your aid. Mary, Thou art virtue's flower. Thou borest in a painless hour A son in pure virginity Who shall be Lord eternally.

[pagina 92]
Ghi sijt een uut vercoren werde, U Kint maecte hemel en erde. Deze ghewelt comt U van Gode Ende staet altoes t'Uwen ghebode. Den Here, die 's ons broeder, Moghedi ghebieden als moeder Ende Hi U heten lieve dochter. Hier omme leve ic vele te sochter. Wie aen U soect ghenade, Hi vint se, al comt hi spade. U hulpe die es alte groet; Al hebb' ic vernoy ende noet, Het 's bi U ghewandelt soe, Dat ic nu mach wesen vroe. Met rechte magh ic U benediën!’ Die slotele van der sacristiën Sach si hanghen, in ware dinc, Vor Mariën, daer si se hinc. Die slotele hinc si aen hare Ende ghinc ten core, daer si clare Lampten sach berren in allen hoeken. Daer na ghinc si ten boeken Ende leide elc op sine stede, Alsi dicke te voren dede, Ende si bat der Maghet Mariën, Dat Si se van evele moeste vriën Ende haer kinder, die si liet Ter weduwen huus in zwaer verdriet. Binnen dien was die nacht ghegaen, Dat d'orloy begonste te slaen,

[pagina 93]
Thou art a chosen vessel of worth. Thy child made heaven and earth. This power was given Thee from God's hand And is for ever at Thy command. Jesus Christ, who is our brother, Taketh His orders from Thee His mother, And He may call Thee daughter dear. That's why I no longer live in fear. Whoever to Thee for mercy prayed, Received it though he long delayed. Thy help is beyond measure strong. Though I am in grief, though I did wrong, It has all been changed by Thee, So that now I may live happily. I may bless Thee on good ground.’ The sacristy's bunch of keys she found Hanging in front of the blessed Maid, Where she hung them when she fled. She hung the bunch of keys upon Her girdle and went to the choir anon. The lamps were lit there in every nook. She got for each of the nuns a book And laid them in place one by one, As long ago she had often done. She called to the Virgin Mary and prayed For release from evil through Her aid For her and her children left behind In the widow's house sad in mind. Meanwhile, in course of time, The cloister clock began to chime

[pagina 94]
Daer men middernacht bi kinde. Si nam cloezeel biden inde Ende luude metten so wel te tiden, Dat sij 't hoerden in allen ziden, Die boven opten dormter laghen. Die quam alle sonder traghen Van den dormter ghemene. Si ne wisten hier af, groet no clene. Si bleef in den cloester haren tijt, Sonder lachter ende verwijt: Maria hadde ghedient voer hare, Ghelijc oft sij't selve ware. Dus was die sonderse bekeert, Maria te love, die men eert, Der Maghet van hemelrike, Die altoes ghetrouwelike Haren vrient staet in staden, Alsi in node sijn verladen.

[pagina 95]
Whereby one knew it was midnight. At once she seized the bell rope tight And tolled matins with so much zeal That everywhere they heard the peal. All who in the dortour lay Came without a moment's delay Down from the floor above. They never knew the least hereof. She never left the convent again, And lived there without reproach or stain. The Virgin Mary had served for her As if the sacristan she were. Thus was saved the sinner, in praise Of Mary, to whose honor we raise Our prayers, the Maid of Paradise, Who always, in faithful wise, Aids her friends when they are Burdened with a load of care.

[pagina 96]
DESE ioffrouwe, daer ic af las, Es nonne alsi te voren was. Nu en will' ic vergheten niet Haer twee kindere, die si liet Ter weduwen huus in groter noet. Si en hadden ghelt noch broet. In can u niet vergronden, Doen si haer moeder niet en vonden, Wat groter rouwe dat si dreven. Die weduwe ghinck er sitten neven: Si hadd' er op ontfermenisse. Si seide: ‘Ic wille toter abdisse Gaen met desen twee kinden. God sal hare in 't herte sinden, Dat si hen goet sal doen.’ Si deden ane cleder ende scoen, Si ghinck er met in covent; Si seide: ‘Vrouwe, nu bekent Den noet van desen twee wesen: Die moeder heef se met vresen Te nacht in mijn huus gelaten Ende es ghegaen hare straten, Ic en weet, West noch Oest. Dus sijn die kinder onghetroest. Ic hulpe hen gheerne, wist ic hoe.’ Die abdisse sprack er toe: ‘Hout se wel, ic sael 't u lonen, Dat ghij 's u niet en selt becronen, Na dat si u sijn ghelaten; Men gheve hen der caritaten

[pagina 97]
THIS damsel of whom I told Is nun again as of old. Now I do not mean to forget Her two children whom she let Stay with the widow sad of mood. They had neither money nor food. I cannot give a true account Of their sorrow when they found That in the night their mother had fled. The widow sat down by their bed. She took pity on their lot. ‘I will go to the abbess foothot With these two little ones,’ she spake. ’God will soften her heart and make Her willing to help them, I suppose.’ She put on their shoes and clothes And took them to the nunnery. ‘I'd gladly help them, knew I how.’ She said: ‘Mother superior, see The need of this orphaned pair. Their mother left them oppressed by care In my house during the night. Where she went when she took flight I do not know, whether east or west. Now the children are distressed.’ The abbess answered her: ‘If thou Wilt keep them, I will pay the expense. Thou'lt not regret thy benevolence, Since their mother left them with thee. Let them be given charity

[pagina 98]
Elcs daghes, om Gode. Sint hier daghelijcs enen bode, Die hen drincken hale ende eten. Gheberst hen yet, laet mi weten.’ Die weduwe was vroe, Dat haer comen was alsoe. Si nam die kinder met hare Ende hadd' er toe goede ware. Die moeder, die se hadde ghesoghet Ene pine daerom ghedoeghet, Haer was wel temoede, Doen si se wiste in goeder hoede, Haer kinder, die si begaf In groter noet ende ghinc af. Si ne hadde vaer no hinder Voert meer om hare kinder. Si leide vort een heylech leven; Menech suchten ende beven Hadsi nacht ende dach, Want haar die rouwe in 't herte lach Van haren quaden sonden, Die si niet en dorste vermonden Ghenen mensche, no ontdecken, Noe in dichten oec vertrecken.

[pagina 99]
Every day for God's sake. Send us an errand boy to take Food and drink to them every day. Tell me their needs and I will pay.’ The widow was very glad That things turned out as they had. She took the children into her home And cared for them as for her own. The mother who had borne them in pain And suckled them was happy again When she knew them sheltered there In the good woman's care, Her little children whom she did Abandon in extreme need. Henceforth she never knew An anxious thought for those two. Herself a holy life she led. She was in trembling and dread Many a time, night and day, For she felt remorse prey On her heart for her wickedness, Which she dared not confess To any one, nor disclose, Nor recount in verse or prose.

[pagina 100]
HIER na quam op enen dach Een abt, die se te visenteerne plach Eenwerven binnen den iare, Om te vernemen oft daer ware Enech lachterlike gheruchte, Daer si blame af hebben mochte. 's Daghes als hi 're comen was, Lach die sonderse ende las In den coer haer ghebet, In groter twivelingen met. Die duvel becorese metter scame, Dat si haer sondelike blame Vore den abt niet en soude bringhen. Als si lach in der bedhinghen, Sach si, hoe dat neven haer leet Een ionghelinc, met witten ghecleet; Hi droech in sinen arm al bloet Een kint, dat dochte haer doet. Die ionghelinc warp op ende neder Enen appel ende vink hem weder Vor 't kint, ende maecte spel. Dit versach die nonne wel, Daer si in haer ghebede lach. Si seide: ‘Vrient, of 't wesen mach, Ende of ghi comen sijt van Gode, Soe mane ic u bi Sine ghebode, Dat ghi mi segt ende niet en heelt, Waerom ghi voer dat kint speelt Metten sconen appel roet, Ende het leet in uwen arm doet!

[pagina 101]
THEREAFTER came upon a time An abbot who used to visit them Once in the course of every year To ascertain if there were Any rumor of infamy That might harm the nunnery. On the day he visited The house the sinner knelt and read Her prayers on the choir floor, Torn by hesitation, for The devil tempted her with shame Lest she should bring her blame Before the abbot and confess. While praying thus in distress, She saw a youth come within sight And pass by, clad in white. Upon his arm the youngling had A naked child that seemed to be dead. He kept tossing up and caught Again an apple to disport The child with his ball game. The nun saw it, as he came Past her where she lay and prayed. ‘If thee please, friend,’ she said, ‘And if thou'rt come from God, I pray By His commandments that thou say, And not conceal from me why Doest thou with that apple try To entertain the little lad, And in thine arm he's lying dead?

[pagina 102]
U spel en helpt hem niet een haer.’ ‘Seker, nonne, ghi segt waer: En weet niet van minen spele Weder luttel no vele, Het 's doet, en hoert no en siet. Al des ghelike en weet God niet, Dat ghi leest ende vast; Dat en helpt u niet een bast; Het 's al verloren pine, Dat ghi neemt discipline; Ghi sijt in sonden soe versmoert, Dat God u beden niet en hoert Boven in Sijn Rike. Ic rade u: haestelike Gaet ten abt, uwen vader, Ende verteelt hem algader U sonden, al sonder lieghen. Laet u den duvel niet bedrieghen. Die abt sal u absolveren Van den sonden, die u deren. Ees 't, dat ghi se niet en wilt spreken, God sal se zwaerlike an u wreken!’ Die ionghelinc ghinc ute haer oghen; Hi ne wilde haer nemmeer vertoghen. Dat hi seide, heeft si verstaen. 's Morghens ghinc si alsoe saen Ten abt ende bat, dat hi hoerde Haer biechte van worde te worde. Die abt was vroet van sinne. Hi seide: ‘Dochter, lieve minne,

[pagina 103]
Thy playing helps him not a mite.’ ‘True, sister, thou are right. Of my game he is not aware. Much nor little does he care. He does not see or hear, he's dead. Even so remaineth hid From God thy praying and thy fast. It boots thee not a straw. Thou hast Wasted all thy discipline Doing penance for thy sin. Thou art in sin so deep immersed That God heareth not the first Word of thy prayer on high. I counsel thee, quickly hie To the abbot and confess To the father thy wickedness Fully and without deceit. Beware of the devil; he's a cheat. The abbot will absolve thee From thy sins. But verily, If thou wilt not make them known, God will make thee atone.’ The youth vanished from her view. He would not show himself anew. She understood the words he spoke. As soon as the morning broke She went to the abbot and implored The father to hear her word for word Confess her sins. He was discreet. He said: ‘Daughter dear, it's meet

[pagina 104]
Des en will' ic laten niet, Bepeinst u wel ende besiet Volcomelijc van uwen sonden.’ Ende si ghinc ten selven stonden Den heyleghen abt sitten neven Ende ontdecten hem al haer leven, Ende haer vite van beghinne: Hoe si met ere dulre minne Becort was soe uter maten, Dat si moeste ligghen laten Haer abijt met groten vare Eens 's nachts op Onser Vrouwen outare, Ende rumede den doester met enen man, Die twee kindere aen hare wan. Al dat haer ye was ghesciet, Dies ne liet si achter niet; Wat si wiste in haer herte gront, Maecte si den abt al cont. Doen si ghebiecht hadde algader, Sprac d'abt, die heyleghe vader: ‘Dochter, ic sal u absolveren Van den sonden, die u deren Die ghi mi nu hebt ghelijt. Gheloeft ende ghebenedijt Moet die Moeder Gods wesen!’ Hi leide haer op 't hoeft met desen Die hant ende gaf haer perdoen. Hi seide: ‘Ic sal in een sermoen U biechte openbare seggen Ende die soe wiselike beleggen

[pagina 105]
For me to heat what thou shalt say. Consider well and survey The full extent of thy sins.’ She went and sat without a wince By the holy abbot's side, And bared to him the full tide Of her life from the start: How mad love tempted her heart With such irresistible might That she had to leave one night Her nun's habit, much afraid, On the altar of the Holy Maid And absconded with a man, Godwot, Who two children on her begot. All that ever happened to her She confessed without demur. To the abbot she did impart All that she knew in her inmost heart. When her shrift had been made, The holy father, the abbot, said: ‘I shall absolve thee, daughter dear, Of the sins that gave thee fear, And which thou hast confessed to me. Praise and benediction be Given to Mary, mother and maid.’ And upon her head he laid His hand and gave her remission of sin. He said: ’I will tell thy confession in A sermon for every one to hear. And yet, so wisely shall I steer

[pagina 106]
Dat ghi ende u kinder mede Nemmermeer, te ghere stede, Ghenen lachter en selt ghecrigen. Het ware onrecht, soude men 't swigen, Die scone miracle, die ons Here Dede doer Siere Moeder ere. Ic sael 't orconden over al. Ic hope, datter noch bi sal Menech sondare bekeren Ende Onser Liever Vrouwen eren.’

[pagina 107]
My discourse that never any disgrace Shall evermore in any place Attach to thy children and to thee. To hush it up seems wrong to me, The miracle wrought by Christ our Lord To enhance His Mother's honor and laud. I shall proclaim it in every way. I hope that many sinners may Be converted by the story And spread our dear Lady's glory.’

[pagina 108]
HI deet verstaen den covende, Eer hi thuus weder wende, Hoe ere nonnen was ghesciet; Maer si ne wisten niet, Wie sie was, het bleef verholen. Die abt voer Gode volen. Der nonnen kinder nam hi beide Ende vore se in sijn gheleide. Grau abijt dedi hen an Ende si worden twee goede man. Haer moeder hiet Beatrijs. Loef Gode ende prijs Ende Maria, die Gode soghede, Ende dese scone miracle toghede! Si halp haer uut alre noet. Nu bidden wi alle, cleine ende groet, Die dese miracle horen lesen, Dat Maria moet wesen Ons vorsprake in 't soete dal, Daer God die werelt doemen sal. Amen!

[pagina 109]
TO the convent he made known, Ere he resumed his journey home, What had happened to a nun, But they never knew which one. That remained a mystery. The abbot left in God's custody. He took along with him the nun's Children, and guarded the little ones. In grey habit he dressed the two. Into virtuous men they grew. Beatrice was their mother's name. To God be given laud and fame And to Mary who gave him suck And showed this miracle to our luck. She rescued her from misery. Let all pray, whoever they be, Who shall hear this miracle read, That Mary stand in our stead In the sweet vale where we shall meet Before the Lord His judgment seat. Amen!

The Miracle of Beatrice. A Flemish Legend of c. 1300

The Miracle of Beatrice

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