In the former editions of this work, Bedwell's copy was reprinted here, with
some few conjectural emendations; but as Bedwell seemed to have reduced the
orthography at least, if not the phraseology, to the standard of his own time, it was
with the greatest pleasure that the Editor was informed of an ancient manuscript copy
preserved in the Museum [Harl. MSS. 5396.] which appeared to have been
transcribed in the reign of King Henry VI. about 1456. This obliging information the
Editor owed to the friendship of Thomas Tyrwhitt, Esq. and he has chiefly followed
that more authentic transcript, improved however by some readings from Bedwell's
book.
OF all thes kene conquerours to carpe it were kynde;
Of fele feyztyng folk ferly we fynde,
The Turnament of Totenham have we in mynde;
It were harme sych hardynes were holden byhynde,
In story as we rede
Of Hawkyn, of Herry,
Of Tomkyn, of Terry,
Of them that were dughty
And stalworth in dede.
It befel in Totenham on a dere day,
Ther was mad a shurtyng be the hy-way:
Theder corn al the men of the contray,
Of Hyssylton, of Hy-gate, and of Hakenay.
And all the swete swynkers.
Ther hopped Hawkyn,
Ther daunsed Dawkyn,
Ther trumped Tomkyn,
And all were trewe drynkers.
Tyl the day was gon and evyn-song past,
That thay schuld reckyn ther scot and ther counts cast
Perkyn the potter into the press past,
And sayd, "Randol the refe, a dozter thou hast,
Tyb the dere:
Therfor faine wyt wold I,
Whych of all thys bachelery
Were best worthye
To wed hur to hys fere."
Upstyrt thos gadelyngys wyth ther lang staves,
And sayd, "Randol the refe, lo! thys lad raves;
Boldely amang us thy dozter he craves;
We er rycher men than he, and mor gode haves
Of cattell and corn;"
Then sayd Perkyn, "To Tybbe I have hyzt
That I schal be alway redy in my ryzt,
If that it schuld be thys day sevenyzt,
Or elleszet to morn."
Then sayd Randolfe the refe, "Ever be he waryd,
That about thys carpyng lenger wold be taryd: