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The complete works of John Gower, volume 4 cover

The complete works of John Gower, volume 4

Chapter 34: FOOTNOTES:
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About This Book

A collected volume of Latin compositions by a medieval poet, assembling epistolary verse, a three-part chronicle, occasional poems on moral corruption and pestilence, a learned tract concerning light and its scrutiny, and several late short pieces. An extended introduction assesses the sparse biographical records and manuscript history, while generous notes and glossaries provide textual commentary and vocabulary aid. The writings alternate didactic moral and theological reflection with historical observation and occasional lyrical moments, presenting a range of forms and registers intended for both instruction and contemplative reading.

EST AMOR ETC.798

Carmen quod Iohannes Gower super amoris multiplici varietate sub compendio metrice composuit.799

Est amor in glosa pax bellica, lis pietosa,
Accio famosa, vaga sors, vis imperiosa,
Pugna quietosa, victoria perniciosa,
Regula viscosa, scola deuia, lex capitosa,
Cura molestosa, grauis ars, virtus viciosa,
Gloria dampnosa, flens risus et ira iocosa,
Musa dolorosa, mors leta, febris preciosa,
Esca venenosa, fel dulce, fames animosa,
Vitis acetosa, sitis ebria, mens furiosa,
Flamma pruinosa, nox clara, dies tenebrosa,80010
Res dedignosa, socialis et ambiciosa,
Garrula, verbosa, secreta, silens, studiosa,
Fabula formosa, sapiencia prestigiosa,
Causa ruinosa, rota versa, quies operosa,
Vrticata rosa, spes stulta fidesque dolosa.
Magnus in exiguis variatus vt est tibi clamor,
Fixus in ambiguis motibus errat amor.
Instruat audita tibi leccio sic repetita;
Mors, amor et vita participantur ita.
Lex docet auctorum quod iter carnale bonorum
Tucius est, quorum sunt federa coniugiorum:
Fragrat vt ortorum rosa plus quam germen agrorum,
Ordo maritorum caput est et finis amorum.
Hec est nuptorum carnis quasi regula morum,5
Que saluandorum sacratur in orbe virorum.
Hinc vetus annorum Gower sub spe meritorum
Ordine sponsorum tutus adhibo thorum.

FOOTNOTES:

798 Text of S, collated with F See also vol. i. p. 392
799 Title Carmen de variis in amore passionibus breuiter compilatum F
800 10 tenobrosa S