A Digital Repository of Medieval Texts
Anonymous. "The Two Confessions." Global Medieval Sourcebook.Transcription by Margreet De Rooij, Eva Dirschka, Matthieu Martin, Elizabeth Milne, Nina Profazi, and Myrto Provida .
Dÿ zwu peicht | The Two Confessions
Source Information
Dÿ zwu peicht | The Two Confessions
by Anonymous
Text Source:
Munich, Bayerische Staatsbibliothek, cgm 714
Responsibility Statement:
- Transcription by Margreet De Rooij, Eva Dirschka, Matthieu Martin, Elizabeth Milne, Nina Profazi, and Myrto Provida
- Translation by Margreet De Rooij, Eva Dirschka, Matthieu Martin, Elizabeth Milne, Nina Profazi, and Myrto Provida
- Introduction by Margreet De Rooij, Eva Dirschka, Matthieu Martin, Elizabeth Milne, Nina Profazi, and Myrto Provida
- Encoded in TEI P5 XML by Dante Zhu
Editorial Principles:
Transcriptions and translations are encoded in XML conforming to TEI (P5) guidelines. The original-language text is contained within <lem> tags and translations within <rdg> tags.
The diplomatic transcription in this diplomatic edition strives to retain the original manuscript’s structure by recording scribal corrections and deletions. Crossed out letters and words in the manuscript have been kept and are crossed out in this edition as well. Abbreviations are expanded, indicated by square brackets, and insertions are indicated with angle brackets. Variations of the different renderings of the letter “u”- (likely included to indicate different sounds) have been unified to the modern “u” spelling. The descending s (ſ) is replaced with the round s; the sz-spellings are kept, but again, the descending s (ſ) is replaced with the round s. The spacing between prefixes and word stems are inconsistent and are frequently seen in instances where the preface “ver” precedes a verb. The inconsistencies in word spacing have been faithfully transcribed throughout. No punctuation has been added in the transcription of the manuscript.
What is interesting in this manuscript are inclusions of discourse markers which are known in conversation analysis as words or phrases that play a role in managing the flow and structure of discourse. The discourse markers in this edition are the words: “joo” translated as “oh” and “eÿ” translated as “well”.
Publication Details:
Published by The Global Medieval Sourcebook.
The Global Medieval Sourcebook is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Dÿ zwu peicht The Two Confessions
Es was gar ain guter man There was once a good man.
Der het ain frauen wol getha[n] He had an attractive wife.
Die was im liep als sein leÿp She was as dear to him as his life
Wann es was ein schönsz weÿp because she was a beautiful woman.
5
Zu einer zeÿt er peÿ ÿr sasz Once he was sitting at her side In gutem mut on allen hasz in a good mood without misgivings.
Do sie nu ain weil sassen in dem gute[n] mut When they been sitting a while in this good mood,
Die frau sprach nu dünckt dich gut the wife said: “If you think it’s a good idea,
So wil ich werlich peichten dir I will confess honestly to you
10
Das du wider peichtest mir so that afterward you confess to me.” Er sprach frau das solsein He said: “Wife that shall be;
Beÿ den rehten treuen mein I vow to do so faithfully.
Du solt reht peÿhten mir You shall rightly confess to me
Also wil ich auch dir and so I will likewise to you.”
15
Dÿe frau sprach das sol sein The wife said: “This shall be. Das schwer ich auf dÿ treue mein This I swear to you on my honour.”
Der man sprach nu sag mir an The husband said: “Now tell me,
Hastu zu mir ÿendert kain[en] man did you have any man other than me?
Die frau sprach treun ja ich The wife said: “Goodness me, yes.
20
Des dorffs hirten willen thet ich I did the village shepherd’s will.” Do sprach zu ÿr der arm ma[n] Then the poor husband said to her,
Warümb hastu das gethan “Why have you done this?”
Die frau sprach ich tets ümb das The wife said: “I did it so that
Das er uns icht würd gehasz he would not treat us ill
25
Und uns der tzinsz liesz freÿ and not charge us the usual fee. Darümb lag ich ÿm peÿ That is why I lay with him.”
Hastus gethan ümb das “If that is why you did it
So pin ich dir nit gehas then I bear you no ill will.”
Der man sprach nu sag an The husband said: ”Now tell me,
30
Hastu süst keinen man did you have no other man?” Do sprach die frau seuberlich The wife said innocently:
Lieber herr traun ja ich “Dear husband, goodness me, yes.”
Do kom des herrn pot “When the lord’s messenger showed up,
Da gieng ich zu im trot I went to him quickly.
35
Er pat mich ümb die mÿnne mein He begged me for my love, Da thet ich auch den willen sein so I also did his will,
Das er unsz nit
c
vorm herrn ver redt so that he would not bad mouth us to the lord Critical note:
From the context of the story, it is clear the scribe missed signalling a negation of the action. Hanns Fischer (1966) came to the same conclusion in his work. We have chosen to include the word “nit” (not) here in the transcript.
Und uns in seiner schirmung het and have us under his protection.
Nu sih mein lieber man Now see, my dear husband,
40
Darümb so hab ichs gethan that is why I did it.” Der man sprach hastus darümb getha[n] The husband said: “If that is why you did it
So musz ich dich unverdacht lan then I must not blame you.”
Der man sprach aber alls ee The husband asked her, as before,
Ob sie het keinen mee if she had had any more.
45
Joo sprach die frau wol gethan “Oh,” said the attractive wife, Der pfaff ist auch mein man “The priest is also my man.”
Er sprach liebe fraue mein He said: “My dear wife,
Warümb thustu den willen sein why do you do his will?”
Ich thetz in keÿm argen nit “I did not do it out of spite,
50
Neur das er got für uns pit but only so that he would plead with God for us.” Der man sprach iszs darümb geschehe[n] The husband said: “If that is why it happened
So musz ich dirs aber über sehen then I have to overlook what you did.”
Die frau sprach ich habs ÿe drüm than The wife said: “I have always done it for that reason
Darümb scholtu mich unverdacht lan so you should not hold it against me.”
55
Er fragt dÿ frauen aber wider He asked the wife yet again Ob sie keinen het gehabt sider if she had not had another since then.
Sie sprach joo pisz mir nit gefer She said: “Oh, don’t be angry with me.
Ich het auch den richter I also had the judge.”
Eÿ sprach der arm man “Alas,” said the poor husband.
60
Warümb hastu das gethan “Why did you do that?” Das thet ich ümb das “I did it so that
Das er uns nicht wer gehas he would bear us no ill will,
Und liesz uns des dienstz freÿ and release us from service.
Darümb lag ich ÿm peÿ That is why I lay with him.
65
Und thet es auch umb das And I also did it so that Ob uns ÿemant wer gehas if anyone bore ill will towards us,
Der über uns thet clagen who brought a lawsuit against us,
Und uns gen ÿm thet versagen and denounced us to him,
Das du der pusz werst rfreÿ
c
so that you would be absolved of blame.” Critical note:
In the manuscript, what appears to be the letter “r” precedes the word “freÿ.” It was not crossed out by the scribe. We have included the letter “r,” and show it here crossed out.
70
Der man sprach das seÿ The husband said: “So be it. Nu sag liebe frau mir an Now tell me dear wife
Hasztusz darümb gethan (if that is why you did it,
So mag ich dirsz verdenken nicht then I can’t blame you for it),
Ist es war ümb die geschicht is that the truth about why it happened?”
75
Ja auff dÿ treue mein “Yes, on my honour, Ich thet es ümb den willn dein I did it for your sake.”
Der man sprach sag liebe fraue mir The husband said: “Tell me dear wife,
Schol ich schier pusz setzen dir shall I now set you your penance?”
Die frau sprach wie pistu ain kalp The wife said: “How calf-like you are!
c
Critical note:
To preserve source text imagery “wie pistu ain kalp” (how are you a calf) was translated as “how calf-like you are.”
80
Ich hab kaum gepeichtet halp I have hardly confessed the half of it. Der kellner und des herrn koch The lord’s cellarer and his cook,
Die kamen auch zu mir doch indeed they came to me too.
Die prachten mir flaysch prot un[d] pir They brought me meat, bread and beer.
Das gab ich auch offt dir I often gave that to you as well,
85
Damit spart wir unser gut in order to save our own provisions. Darümb so hab nit pösen mut So don’t be angry
Auff mich mein lieber man with me, my dear husband.
Die peicht wirt schir ain end han The confession will soon be at an end.
Wann wer sein sünd wil leichten Because whoever intends to lighten the burden of their sin,
90
Der musz sein sund ÿe gar peühtenc
they must always fully confess it. Critical note:
This is a variant spelling of “peichten.”
Ir ist kaum noch zwen There are only about two more,
Als ich in meim synn kan verstën as far as I can tell.
Der alltt hirt kam mir auch zu The old shepherd also came to me.
Das was ainsz schmorgens fru It was early one morning
95
Do ich das vih ausz traÿb when I was driving the cattle out Und verr da hinten plaÿb and I stayed behind out there.
Do warff er mich ÿns gras Then he threw me into the grass
Und thet mir was sein will was and did to me as he wished.
Auff genad gethet ich das do I did that there out of mercy,
100
Mein lieber wirt des glaub also believe me, my dear spouse. Das hüt gelt hab ich verricht I paid the tending fee
Mit dem selbigen geschicht with this same act.”
Nu sag an waÿstu icht mer “Now, do you have anything else to tell me?”
Ja auff mein ër “Yes, on my honour,
105
Unsers nachpern sun da peÿ our neighbours’ son; and the Bracht er frischer gesellen dreÿ three young companions he brought with him.
Die haben gelob[t]
c
alle mir They all promised me Critical note:
This is a correction by the rubricator (the “t” was later inserted in red ink.)
Sie wollen sein peholffen dir They all promised me
Ob dirsz gescheh ÿendert not If any adversity came upon you,
110
So wollen [sy]c
gen mit dir ÿn[en] tot that they would be willing to go to death with you. Critical note:
This is a correction by the rubricator (the “sy” was later inserted in red ink.)
Sih das thet ich zu hilffe dir See? I did it to help you.
Nicht lieber ma[n] verkers mir Dear husband, don’t hold it against me.”
Do sprach der gut man Then the good man said:
Wirt es icht schier ain e[n]d han “Will this ever have an end?”
115
Sie sprach ja herr zu diser stund She said: “Yes husband, at this time Thu ich dir auch noch zwen kund I tell you of two more tidings.
Zu mir kam der meszner The sacristan also
Gegangen auch da her came over to me.
Der hat auch mit mir gespilt He also played with me
120
Damit ich sein huld pehielt so that I would keep his favour Das er mir dÿ kirch auff schlos and he would unlock the church for me
Wenn ich wolt es ÿn nit verdros whenever I want without him getting annoyed.
Für alle die in dem dorff sein For everyone who is in the village,
Thut er auch den willen mein he also does my will.
125
Des lonsz des geb wir nicht We don’t make any payment for this. Also hab ichs ver richt That’s how I’ve set it up.
Wann es ist ain guter kneht Because he is a good lad,
Er tet mirs dreu mal das ist sein reht he did it to me three times (that is his right)
Und thet es gar schier dar and did it there quickly and right away,
130
Das sein nyemant wurd gewar so that no one would know. Lieber man ich waÿsz nichtz dartzu Dear husband, I know nothing more.
Setz mir darfür dy pusz nu Impose penance on me for this now.
Nach genad des pit ich dich I ask you for mercy!
Mit faszten nicht peschwer mich Don’t burden me with fasting,
135
Mit peten und auch nit mit wache[n] with prayer or with keeping vigil, Noch süst mit andern sachen or with other things
Wann ich pin ain kranckes weÿp because I am a weak woman
Und hab einen schweren leÿp and have a heavy body."
Er sprach mein liebs liep das sol sein He said: “My dear love, it shall be so
140
Wann du pedenkst den frumen mein because you care about my welfare.” Er sprach nach genad setz ich dir He said: “I now impose on you, mercifully,
Das scholtu fürwar glauben mir (you must truly believe me),
Dir seÿ nu ain urkünd let it be announced to you
Das du fürpas nÿmer thust sund that you must never, ever sin again.
145
Von gots gewalt seÿ dir ver geben With God’s power may you now be forgiven. Nu pehallt die pusz gar eben Now keep away from sin as your penance.”
Sie sprach nu sag an lieber man She said: “Now tell me, dear husband,
Was sünd hastu gethan what sins have you committed?”
Er sprach lieber peichtiger mein He said: “My dear confessor,
150
Du scholt mir auch genedig sein you need to show me mercy too. Ich gieng mit unser maÿt auffs velt I went out to the field with our maid –
Das seÿ dir in der peicht gemelt this is reported to you in confession.
Do graÿff ich ÿr an dÿ hant Then I touched her hand
Davon mir lust ward pekant and derived pleasure from this.”
155
Sie sprach mit ungedult She said impatiently: Schlah ab dÿe hant für dÿ schult “Cut off your hand for this transgression!”
Er sprach du hast gethan vil mer den[n] ich He said: “You have done much more than me
Das über sach ich alles gütlich and I graciously overlooked it all.”
Die frau sprach hastu doch wol v[er]nu[m]en The wife said: “But surely you understood
160
Das ichs neur thet ümb unsern frume[n] that I only did it for our benefit. An deinem wir keinen frumen han
c
neme[n] Your action brought us no benefit. Critical note:
Crossed out by the rubricator (in red ink.)
Ich müst mich gar ser schemen I would have to be very ashamed
Das sie scholt mein frau sein to have her as my lady,
Die selb pösz pfüllstosserein that common filthy tramp.
c
Critical note:
The translators were unable to find another attestation of this vivid word which consists of three parts: pfüll which means filth; stosser which means tramp, and the ein which is the feminine ending.
165
Bin ich nit vil schöner denn Das pekenn du selber hie Admit it right now!”
Joo du liebe fraue mein “Oh yes, you, my dear lady.
Du pist gegen ÿr ain kaÿserein You are an empress next to her!”
Sie sprach
c
warümb hastus denn gethan She said: “Then why did you do it, Critical note:
“Sprach” added to the text. It follows the convention the scribe has used to introduce speech.
170
Du rehter schnöder pöser man you truly lowdown, vile man?” Er sprach ich thets on allen arge[n] lÿst He said: “My intentions were not evil.
Wann du mir süst laÿder gram pist I did it because you are usually so cross with me.”
Wie möcht ich euch holt gesein “How could I possibly be well disposed to you
Wenn ÿr so schier ver gesztt mein when you forget me so quickly?
175
Wist ich kan euch nit ver geben Know this! I cannot forgive you Die grossen sünd das merckt eben these grave sins, mark my words!
Gee hin gen Rom pald und trot Go to Rome soon and get there quickly,
Ümb die selben missetot because of this misdeed.
Ir habt geprochen eur ee You have broken your marriage vows.
180
Ich glaub euch fürpas nÿmer mee I can’t believe a word you say anymore!” Er sprach frau thu sein nicht He said: “Lady, don’t do this!
Es wer mÿr gar ain schwer geschicht It would be very difficult for me.
Ich wils peÿ meinen treuen jehen I will swear on my honour
Es schol dir nÿmer mer not geschehen that you shall never be in distress again.
185
Thu mir genad des pit ich dich Show me mercy, I beg you! Ich han dirs auch gethan sicherlich I have surely shown it to you.”
Sie sprach nain es mag nit gesein She said: “No, it cannot be.
Du must darümb leÿden dÿ pein You have to suffer the consequences.”
Genad liebe fraue mein “Mercy, my dear lady!
190
Was du wilt das musz sein Your will shall be done.” Sie sprach für das creutz leg dich dÿmütigklich She said: “Lie down before the cross humbly
Nacket so wil ich mit gerten schlahe[n] dich and naked and I shall beat you with a switch!”
Er sprach auf genad knie ich für dich He said: “I kneel before you begging for mercy!
Und schlach und rauff und mörde mich Go ahead, beat and whip and murder me,
195
Seÿt es nit anders mag gesein since it cannot be otherwise. Es laÿd Jhesus auch für dÿ sünde mein Jesus suffered for my sins too.”
Sie sprach wol hin mein lieber kneht She said: “Well then, my dear fellow,
Die genad ist pesser denn das got reht mercy is better than justice.
Vor got sey dir ver geben Before God, you are forgiven.
200
Hallt fürpas pas dein Wenn du pis her hast gethan than you have done thus far,
So will ich dir abschlahen den pan and I shall lift your excommunication.
In gotes namen alsus In God’s name thus
O filius et spiritus sanctus o filius et spiritus sanctus.”
Dÿ zwu peicht The Two Confessions
Es was gar ain guter man There was once a good man.
Der het ain frauen wol getha[n] He had an attractive wife.
Die was im liep als sein leÿp She was as dear to him as his life
Wann es was ein schönsz weÿp because she was a beautiful woman.
5
Zu einer zeÿt er peÿ ÿr sasz Once he was sitting at her side In gutem mut on allen hasz in a good mood without misgivings.
Do sie nu ain weil sassen in dem gute[n] mut When they been sitting a while in this good mood,
Die frau sprach nu dünckt dich gut the wife said: “If you think it’s a good idea,
So wil ich werlich peichten dir I will confess honestly to you
10
Das du wider peichtest mir so that afterward you confess to me.” Er sprach frau das solsein He said: “Wife that shall be;
Beÿ den rehten treuen mein I vow to do so faithfully.
Du solt reht peÿhten mir You shall rightly confess to me
Also wil ich auch dir and so I will likewise to you.”
15
Dÿe frau sprach das sol sein The wife said: “This shall be. Das schwer ich auf dÿ treue mein This I swear to you on my honour.”
Der man sprach nu sag mir an The husband said: “Now tell me,
Hastu zu mir ÿendert kain[en] man did you have any man other than me?
Die frau sprach treun ja ich The wife said: “Goodness me, yes.
20
Des dorffs hirten willen thet ich I did the village shepherd’s will.” Do sprach zu ÿr der arm ma[n] Then the poor husband said to her,
Warümb hastu das gethan “Why have you done this?”
Die frau sprach ich tets ümb das The wife said: “I did it so that
Das er uns icht würd gehasz he would not treat us ill
25
Und uns der tzinsz liesz freÿ and not charge us the usual fee. Darümb lag ich ÿm peÿ That is why I lay with him.”
Hastus gethan ümb das “If that is why you did it
So pin ich dir nit gehas then I bear you no ill will.”
Der man sprach nu sag an The husband said: ”Now tell me,
30
Hastu süst keinen man did you have no other man?” Do sprach die frau seuberlich The wife said innocently:
Lieber herr traun ja ich “Dear husband, goodness me, yes.”
Do kom des herrn pot “When the lord’s messenger showed up,
Da gieng ich zu im trot I went to him quickly.
35
Er pat mich ümb die mÿnne mein He begged me for my love, Da thet ich auch den willen sein so I also did his will,
Das er unsz nit
c
vorm herrn ver redt so that he would not bad mouth us to the lord Critical note:
From the context of the story, it is clear the scribe missed signalling a negation of the action. Hanns Fischer (1966) came to the same conclusion in his work. We have chosen to include the word “nit” (not) here in the transcript.
Und uns in seiner schirmung het and have us under his protection.
Nu sih mein lieber man Now see, my dear husband,
40
Darümb so hab ichs gethan that is why I did it.” Der man sprach hastus darümb getha[n] The husband said: “If that is why you did it
So musz ich dich unverdacht lan then I must not blame you.”
Der man sprach aber alls ee The husband asked her, as before,
Ob sie het keinen mee if she had had any more.
45
Joo sprach die frau wol gethan “Oh,” said the attractive wife, Der pfaff ist auch mein man “The priest is also my man.”
Er sprach liebe fraue mein He said: “My dear wife,
Warümb thustu den willen sein why do you do his will?”
Ich thetz in keÿm argen nit “I did not do it out of spite,
50
Neur das er got für uns pit but only so that he would plead with God for us.” Der man sprach iszs darümb geschehe[n] The husband said: “If that is why it happened
So musz ich dirs aber über sehen then I have to overlook what you did.”
Die frau sprach ich habs ÿe drüm than The wife said: “I have always done it for that reason
Darümb scholtu mich unverdacht lan so you should not hold it against me.”
55
Er fragt dÿ frauen aber wider He asked the wife yet again Ob sie keinen het gehabt sider if she had not had another since then.
Sie sprach joo pisz mir nit gefer She said: “Oh, don’t be angry with me.
Ich het auch den richter I also had the judge.”
Eÿ sprach der arm man “Alas,” said the poor husband.
60
Warümb hastu das gethan “Why did you do that?” Das thet ich ümb das “I did it so that
Das er uns nicht wer gehas he would bear us no ill will,
Und liesz uns des dienstz freÿ and release us from service.
Darümb lag ich ÿm peÿ That is why I lay with him.
65
Und thet es auch umb das And I also did it so that Ob uns ÿemant wer gehas if anyone bore ill will towards us,
Der über uns thet clagen who brought a lawsuit against us,
Und uns gen ÿm thet versagen and denounced us to him,
Das du der pusz werst rfreÿ
c
so that you would be absolved of blame.” Critical note:
In the manuscript, what appears to be the letter “r” precedes the word “freÿ.” It was not crossed out by the scribe. We have included the letter “r,” and show it here crossed out.
70
Der man sprach das seÿ The husband said: “So be it. Nu sag liebe frau mir an Now tell me dear wife
Hasztusz darümb gethan (if that is why you did it,
So mag ich dirsz verdenken nicht then I can’t blame you for it),
Ist es war ümb die geschicht is that the truth about why it happened?”
75
Ja auff dÿ treue mein “Yes, on my honour, Ich thet es ümb den willn dein I did it for your sake.”
Der man sprach sag liebe fraue mir The husband said: “Tell me dear wife,
Schol ich schier pusz setzen dir shall I now set you your penance?”
Die frau sprach wie pistu ain kalp The wife said: “How calf-like you are!
c
Critical note:
To preserve source text imagery “wie pistu ain kalp” (how are you a calf) was translated as “how calf-like you are.”
80
Ich hab kaum gepeichtet halp I have hardly confessed the half of it. Der kellner und des herrn koch The lord’s cellarer and his cook,
Die kamen auch zu mir doch indeed they came to me too.
Die prachten mir flaysch prot un[d] pir They brought me meat, bread and beer.
Das gab ich auch offt dir I often gave that to you as well,
85
Damit spart wir unser gut in order to save our own provisions. Darümb so hab nit pösen mut So don’t be angry
Auff mich mein lieber man with me, my dear husband.
Die peicht wirt schir ain end han The confession will soon be at an end.
Wann wer sein sünd wil leichten Because whoever intends to lighten the burden of their sin,
90
Der musz sein sund ÿe gar peühtenc
they must always fully confess it. Critical note:
This is a variant spelling of “peichten.”
Ir ist kaum noch zwen There are only about two more,
Als ich in meim synn kan verstën as far as I can tell.
Der alltt hirt kam mir auch zu The old shepherd also came to me.
Das was ainsz schmorgens fru It was early one morning
95
Do ich das vih ausz traÿb when I was driving the cattle out Und verr da hinten plaÿb and I stayed behind out there.
Do warff er mich ÿns gras Then he threw me into the grass
Und thet mir was sein will was and did to me as he wished.
Auff genad gethet ich das do I did that there out of mercy,
100
Mein lieber wirt des glaub also believe me, my dear spouse. Das hüt gelt hab ich verricht I paid the tending fee
Mit dem selbigen geschicht with this same act.”
Nu sag an waÿstu icht mer “Now, do you have anything else to tell me?”
Ja auff mein ër “Yes, on my honour,
105
Unsers nachpern sun da peÿ our neighbours’ son; and the Bracht er frischer gesellen dreÿ three young companions he brought with him.
Die haben gelob[t]
c
alle mir They all promised me Critical note:
This is a correction by the rubricator (the “t” was later inserted in red ink.)
Sie wollen sein peholffen dir They all promised me
Ob dirsz gescheh ÿendert not If any adversity came upon you,
110
So wollen [sy]c
gen mit dir ÿn[en] tot that they would be willing to go to death with you. Critical note:
This is a correction by the rubricator (the “sy” was later inserted in red ink.)
Sih das thet ich zu hilffe dir See? I did it to help you.
Nicht lieber ma[n] verkers mir Dear husband, don’t hold it against me.”
Do sprach der gut man Then the good man said:
Wirt es icht schier ain e[n]d han “Will this ever have an end?”
115
Sie sprach ja herr zu diser stund She said: “Yes husband, at this time Thu ich dir auch noch zwen kund I tell you of two more tidings.
Zu mir kam der meszner The sacristan also
Gegangen auch da her came over to me.
Der hat auch mit mir gespilt He also played with me
120
Damit ich sein huld pehielt so that I would keep his favour Das er mir dÿ kirch auff schlos and he would unlock the church for me
Wenn ich wolt es ÿn nit verdros whenever I want without him getting annoyed.
Für alle die in dem dorff sein For everyone who is in the village,
Thut er auch den willen mein he also does my will.
125
Des lonsz des geb wir nicht We don’t make any payment for this. Also hab ichs ver richt That’s how I’ve set it up.
Wann es ist ain guter kneht Because he is a good lad,
Er tet mirs dreu mal das ist sein reht he did it to me three times (that is his right)
Und thet es gar schier dar and did it there quickly and right away,
130
Das sein nyemant wurd gewar so that no one would know. Lieber man ich waÿsz nichtz dartzu Dear husband, I know nothing more.
Setz mir darfür dy pusz nu Impose penance on me for this now.
Nach genad des pit ich dich I ask you for mercy!
Mit faszten nicht peschwer mich Don’t burden me with fasting,
135
Mit peten und auch nit mit wache[n] with prayer or with keeping vigil, Noch süst mit andern sachen or with other things
Wann ich pin ain kranckes weÿp because I am a weak woman
Und hab einen schweren leÿp and have a heavy body."
Er sprach mein liebs liep das sol sein He said: “My dear love, it shall be so
140
Wann du pedenkst den frumen mein because you care about my welfare.” Er sprach nach genad setz ich dir He said: “I now impose on you, mercifully,
Das scholtu fürwar glauben mir (you must truly believe me),
Dir seÿ nu ain urkünd let it be announced to you
Das du fürpas nÿmer thust sund that you must never, ever sin again.
145
Von gots gewalt seÿ dir ver geben With God’s power may you now be forgiven. Nu pehallt die pusz gar eben Now keep away from sin as your penance.”
Sie sprach nu sag an lieber man She said: “Now tell me, dear husband,
Was sünd hastu gethan what sins have you committed?”
Er sprach lieber peichtiger mein He said: “My dear confessor,
150
Du scholt mir auch genedig sein you need to show me mercy too. Ich gieng mit unser maÿt auffs velt I went out to the field with our maid –
Das seÿ dir in der peicht gemelt this is reported to you in confession.
Do graÿff ich ÿr an dÿ hant Then I touched her hand
Davon mir lust ward pekant and derived pleasure from this.”
155
Sie sprach mit ungedult She said impatiently: Schlah ab dÿe hant für dÿ schult “Cut off your hand for this transgression!”
Er sprach du hast gethan vil mer den[n] ich He said: “You have done much more than me
Das über sach ich alles gütlich and I graciously overlooked it all.”
Die frau sprach hastu doch wol v[er]nu[m]en The wife said: “But surely you understood
160
Das ichs neur thet ümb unsern frume[n] that I only did it for our benefit. An deinem wir keinen frumen han
c
neme[n] Your action brought us no benefit. Critical note:
Crossed out by the rubricator (in red ink.)
Ich müst mich gar ser schemen I would have to be very ashamed
Das sie scholt mein frau sein to have her as my lady,
Die selb pösz pfüllstosserein that common filthy tramp.
c
Critical note:
The translators were unable to find another attestation of this vivid word which consists of three parts: pfüll which means filth; stosser which means tramp, and the ein which is the feminine ending.
165
Bin ich nit vil schöner denn Das pekenn du selber hie Admit it right now!”
Joo du liebe fraue mein “Oh yes, you, my dear lady.
Du pist gegen ÿr ain kaÿserein You are an empress next to her!”
Sie sprach
c
warümb hastus denn gethan She said: “Then why did you do it, Critical note:
“Sprach” added to the text. It follows the convention the scribe has used to introduce speech.
170
Du rehter schnöder pöser man you truly lowdown, vile man?” Er sprach ich thets on allen arge[n] lÿst He said: “My intentions were not evil.
Wann du mir süst laÿder gram pist I did it because you are usually so cross with me.”
Wie möcht ich euch holt gesein “How could I possibly be well disposed to you
Wenn ÿr so schier ver gesztt mein when you forget me so quickly?
175
Wist ich kan euch nit ver geben Know this! I cannot forgive you Die grossen sünd das merckt eben these grave sins, mark my words!
Gee hin gen Rom pald und trot Go to Rome soon and get there quickly,
Ümb die selben missetot because of this misdeed.
Ir habt geprochen eur ee You have broken your marriage vows.
180
Ich glaub euch fürpas nÿmer mee I can’t believe a word you say anymore!” Er sprach frau thu sein nicht He said: “Lady, don’t do this!
Es wer mÿr gar ain schwer geschicht It would be very difficult for me.
Ich wils peÿ meinen treuen jehen I will swear on my honour
Es schol dir nÿmer mer not geschehen that you shall never be in distress again.
185
Thu mir genad des pit ich dich Show me mercy, I beg you! Ich han dirs auch gethan sicherlich I have surely shown it to you.”
Sie sprach nain es mag nit gesein She said: “No, it cannot be.
Du must darümb leÿden dÿ pein You have to suffer the consequences.”
Genad liebe fraue mein “Mercy, my dear lady!
190
Was du wilt das musz sein Your will shall be done.” Sie sprach für das creutz leg dich dÿmütigklich She said: “Lie down before the cross humbly
Nacket so wil ich mit gerten schlahe[n] dich and naked and I shall beat you with a switch!”
Er sprach auf genad knie ich für dich He said: “I kneel before you begging for mercy!
Und schlach und rauff und mörde mich Go ahead, beat and whip and murder me,
195
Seÿt es nit anders mag gesein since it cannot be otherwise. Es laÿd Jhesus auch für dÿ sünde mein Jesus suffered for my sins too.”
Sie sprach wol hin mein lieber kneht She said: “Well then, my dear fellow,
Die genad ist pesser denn das got reht mercy is better than justice.
Vor got sey dir ver geben Before God, you are forgiven.
200
Hallt fürpas pas dein Wenn du pis her hast gethan than you have done thus far,
So will ich dir abschlahen den pan and I shall lift your excommunication.
In gotes namen alsus In God’s name thus
O filius et spiritus sanctus o filius et spiritus sanctus.”
Critical Notes
Transcription
Line number 37
Critical note: From the context of the story, it is clear the scribe missed signalling a negation of the action. Hanns Fischer (1966) came to the same conclusion in his work. We have chosen to include the word “nit” (not) here in the transcript.
Transcription
Line number 69
Critical note: In the manuscript, what appears to be the letter “r” precedes the word “freÿ.” It was not crossed out by the scribe. We have included the letter “r,” and show it here crossed out.
Translation
Line number 79
Critical note: To preserve source text imagery “wie pistu ain kalp” (how are you a calf) was translated as “how calf-like you are.”
Transcription
Line number 90
Critical note: This is a variant spelling of “peichten.”
Transcription
Line number 107
Critical note: This is a correction by the rubricator (the “t” was later inserted in red ink.)
Transcription
Line number 110
Critical note: This is a correction by the rubricator (the “sy” was later inserted in red ink.)
Transcription
Line number 161
Critical note: Crossed out by the rubricator (in red ink.)
Translation
Line number 164
Critical note: The translators were unable to find another attestation of this vivid word which consists of three parts: pfüll which means filth; stosser which means tramp, and the ein which is the feminine ending.
Transcription
Line number 169
Critical note: “Sprach” added to the text. It follows the convention the scribe has used to introduce speech.
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