Oxford, 1899.

 

[Pg ix]

[Pg ix]

CONTENTS

Introduction

Mirour de l’Omme

Cinkante Balades

Traitié pour essampler les Amantz marietz

Notes

Glossary and Index of Proper Names

Index to the Notes

[Pg x] 

[Pg x]

INTRODUCTION

From a statement in Latin which is found in many of the Gower manuscripts, and undoubtedly proceeds from the author himself, we learn that the poet desired to rest his fame upon three principal works, the first in French, the second in Latin, and the third in English. These are the three volumes which, lying one upon another, form a pillow for the poet’s effigy in the church of Saint Saviour, Southwark, where he was buried. They are known by the Latin names, Speculum Meditantis, Vox Clamantis, Confessio Amantis, but the first of the three has until recently been looked upon as lost. In addition there are minor poems in each of the three languages, among which are two series of French 

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