Quotes from King Horn, Floris and Blauncheflur, The Assumption of Our Lady

Alle beon he blithe That to my song takeð hiðe.

Context: The narrator opens the romance of King Horn by addressing the audience. This formulaic invitation sets the stage for the heroic tale, drawing listeners into the narrative world.

Horni, þu schalt to londe fare, And to be se, wiþ-oute care, And do men in-to schip þrinne, And wende ut of my kinne.

Context: King Aylmar, after being deceived by Fikenhild, pronounces a sentence of exile upon Horn. This pivotal decree forces Horn to leave his homeland, initiating his adventurous journey and quest for revenge.

Horn, make me þi make, For þi loue i wolde take Alle þine luue sore.

Context: Princess Rimenhild, deeply in love with Horn, declares her devotion and pleads for him to accept her as his wife. This bold declaration highlights her agency and the intensity of her courtly affection.

Fikenhild, þu schalt dye! For þi falshede.

Context: Horn dramatically confronts the treacherous Fikenhild at his wedding to Rimenhild. This line signals the climax of Horn's long-awaited vengeance and the restoration of justice.

Born þey were boþe on o day And in o chaumber boþe lay.

Context: The narrator establishes the unique, destined bond between Floris and Blauncheflur, emphasizing their shared birthdate and the intimate closeness of their early upbringing. This foundational detail underscores their deep connection.

I nelle reste day ne niȝt, Til I haue my lemman briȝt, Or I shal dye of sorwe, And neuere come to morwe.

Context: Floris makes a solemn vow to himself as he embarks on his epic quest to find Blauncheflur after she has been sold away. His words express his profound despair without her and his unwavering determination to reunite with his beloved.

Floris, my loue, where art þou? Long is hit siþþe I þe saw, Þin faire face, my swete þyng.

Context: Blauncheflur laments her separation from Floris while she is imprisoned in the Emir's tower. Her heartfelt plea reveals her deep longing and sorrow, reflecting the central theme of enduring love despite prolonged separation.

Þeȝ clipte to-gadere and keste, And made swiche glede in feste; So longe had þey ben two, No wonder þauh þey made so.

Context: The narrator describes the ecstatic and joyful reunion of Floris and Blauncheflur after their arduous separation. This moment celebrates the triumph of their enduring love and loyalty against all obstacles.

Mi dere sone, i banke þe Of alle þi godnesse, louerd, to me.

Context: The Virgin Mary speaks this prayer, expressing her profound gratitude to her son, Jesus, for his boundless grace and goodness. This line highlights her humility and unwavering faith, central to the poem's theme of devotion.

To heuene he nom hire soule briȝt, And set hire bi his fader riȝt, Vpon a trone al of golde, As alle cristene men wolde.

Context: The narrator describes the glorious culmination of the Virgin Mary's life, as her soul is taken to heaven and seated beside God on a golden throne. This climactic event affirms her divine status and the reward for her piety, a central doctrine celebrated in the poem.