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Confessio Amantis
Confessio Amantis

Chapter XXXIII · Chapter 33

Chapter 33 of Confessio Amantis is here in full — 121 sentences across 25 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Confessio Amantis
Context Illustration Reading 1/24 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Upon this thing thei token hiede 1820 And stoden in desputeison, That be diverse opinion Of Argumentz that thei have holde Arpaghes ferst his tale tolde, And seide hou that the strengthe of kinges Is myhtiest of alle thinges.
For king hath pouer over man, And man is he which reson can, As he which is of his nature The moste noble creature 1830 Of alle tho that god hath wroght: And be that skile it semeth noght, He seith, that eny erthly thing Mai be so myhty as a king.
A king mai spille, a king mai save, A king mai make of lord a knave And of a knave a lord also: The pouer of a king stant so, That he the lawes overpasseth; What he wol make lasse, he lasseth, 1840 What he wol make more, he moreth; And as the gentil faucon soreth, He fleth, that noman him reclameth; Bot he al one alle othre tameth, And stant himself of lawe fre.
Lo, thus a kinges myht, seith he, So as his reson can argue, Is strengest and of most value.
Bot Manachaz seide otherwise, That wyn is of the more emprise; 1850 And that he scheweth be this weie.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
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A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Confessio Amantis

Chapter XXXIII · Chapter 33

Chapter 33 of Confessio Amantis is here in full — 121 sentences across 25 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/24 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Upon this thing thei token hiede 1820 And stoden in desputeison, That be diverse opinion Of Argumentz that thei have holde Arpaghes ferst his tale tolde, And seide hou that the strengthe of kinges Is myhtiest of alle thinges.
Line 2
For king hath pouer over man, And man is he which reson can, As he which is of his nature The moste noble creature 1830 Of alle tho that god hath wroght: And be that skile it semeth noght, He seith, that eny erthly thing Mai be so myhty as a king.
Line 3
A king mai spille, a king mai save, A king mai make of lord a knave And of a knave a lord also: The pouer of a king stant so, That he the lawes overpasseth; What he wol make lasse, he lasseth, 1840 What he wol make more, he moreth; And as the gentil faucon soreth, He fleth, that noman him reclameth; Bot he al one alle othre tameth, And stant himself of lawe fre.
Line 4
Lo, thus a kinges myht, seith he, So as his reson can argue, Is strengest and of most value.
Line 5
Bot Manachaz seide otherwise, That wyn is of the more emprise; 1850 And that he scheweth be this weie.

All words in this reading · 108

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

1820

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon this thing thei token hiede 1820 And stoden in desputeison, That be diverse opinion Of Argumentz that thei have holde Arpaghes ferst his tale tolde, And seide hou that the strengthe of kinges Is myhtiest of alle thinges.

1830

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading For king hath pouer over man, And man is he which reson can, As he which is of his nature The moste noble creature 1830 Of alle tho that god hath wroght: And be that skile it semeth noght, He seith, that eny erthly thing Mai be so myhty as a king.

1840

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A king mai spille, a king mai save, A king mai make of lord a knave And of a knave a lord also: The pouer of a king stant so, That he the lawes overpasseth; What he wol make lasse, he lasseth, 1840 What he wol make more, he moreth; And as the gentil faucon soreth, He fleth, that noman him reclameth; Bot he al one alle othre tameth, And stant himself of lawe fre.

1850

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Bot Manachaz seide otherwise, That wyn is of the more emprise; 1850 And that he scheweth be this weie.

a

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading For king hath pouer over man, And man is he which reson can, As he which is of his nature The moste noble creature 1830 Of alle tho that god hath wroght: And be that skile it semeth noght, He seith, that eny erthly thing Mai be so myhty as a king.

al

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A king mai spille, a king mai save, A king mai make of lord a knave And of a knave a lord also: The pouer of a king stant so, That he the lawes overpasseth; What he wol make lasse, he lasseth, 1840 What he wol make more, he moreth; And as the gentil faucon soreth, He fleth, that noman him reclameth; Bot he al one alle othre tameth, And stant himself of lawe fre.

alle

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon this thing thei token hiede 1820 And stoden in desputeison, That be diverse opinion Of Argumentz that thei have holde Arpaghes ferst his tale tolde, And seide hou that the strengthe of kinges Is myhtiest of alle thinges.

also

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A king mai spille, a king mai save, A king mai make of lord a knave And of a knave a lord also: The pouer of a king stant so, That he the lawes overpasseth; What he wol make lasse, he lasseth, 1840 What he wol make more, he moreth; And as the gentil faucon soreth, He fleth, that noman him reclameth; Bot he al one alle othre tameth, And stant himself of lawe fre.

And

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon this thing thei token hiede 1820 And stoden in desputeison, That be diverse opinion Of Argumentz that thei have holde Arpaghes ferst his tale tolde, And seide hou that the strengthe of kinges Is myhtiest of alle thinges.

argue

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Lo, thus a kinges myht, seith he, So as his reson can argue, Is strengest and of most value.

Argumentz

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon this thing thei token hiede 1820 And stoden in desputeison, That be diverse opinion Of Argumentz that thei have holde Arpaghes ferst his tale tolde, And seide hou that the strengthe of kinges Is myhtiest of alle thinges.

Arpaghes

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon this thing thei token hiede 1820 And stoden in desputeison, That be diverse opinion Of Argumentz that thei have holde Arpaghes ferst his tale tolde, And seide hou that the strengthe of kinges Is myhtiest of alle thinges.

As

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading For king hath pouer over man, And man is he which reson can, As he which is of his nature The moste noble creature 1830 Of alle tho that god hath wroght: And be that skile it semeth noght, He seith, that eny erthly thing Mai be so myhty as a king.

be

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon this thing thei token hiede 1820 And stoden in desputeison, That be diverse opinion Of Argumentz that thei have holde Arpaghes ferst his tale tolde, And seide hou that the strengthe of kinges Is myhtiest of alle thinges.

Bot

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A king mai spille, a king mai save, A king mai make of lord a knave And of a knave a lord also: The pouer of a king stant so, That he the lawes overpasseth; What he wol make lasse, he lasseth, 1840 What he wol make more, he moreth; And as the gentil faucon soreth, He fleth, that noman him reclameth; Bot he al one alle othre tameth, And stant himself of lawe fre.

can

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading For king hath pouer over man, And man is he which reson can, As he which is of his nature The moste noble creature 1830 Of alle tho that god hath wroght: And be that skile it semeth noght, He seith, that eny erthly thing Mai be so myhty as a king.

creature

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading For king hath pouer over man, And man is he which reson can, As he which is of his nature The moste noble creature 1830 Of alle tho that god hath wroght: And be that skile it semeth noght, He seith, that eny erthly thing Mai be so myhty as a king.

desputeison

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon this thing thei token hiede 1820 And stoden in desputeison, That be diverse opinion Of Argumentz that thei have holde Arpaghes ferst his tale tolde, And seide hou that the strengthe of kinges Is myhtiest of alle thinges.

diverse

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon this thing thei token hiede 1820 And stoden in desputeison, That be diverse opinion Of Argumentz that thei have holde Arpaghes ferst his tale tolde, And seide hou that the strengthe of kinges Is myhtiest of alle thinges.

emprise

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Bot Manachaz seide otherwise, That wyn is of the more emprise; 1850 And that he scheweth be this weie.

eny

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading For king hath pouer over man, And man is he which reson can, As he which is of his nature The moste noble creature 1830 Of alle tho that god hath wroght: And be that skile it semeth noght, He seith, that eny erthly thing Mai be so myhty as a king.

erthly

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading For king hath pouer over man, And man is he which reson can, As he which is of his nature The moste noble creature 1830 Of alle tho that god hath wroght: And be that skile it semeth noght, He seith, that eny erthly thing Mai be so myhty as a king.

faucon

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A king mai spille, a king mai save, A king mai make of lord a knave And of a knave a lord also: The pouer of a king stant so, That he the lawes overpasseth; What he wol make lasse, he lasseth, 1840 What he wol make more, he moreth; And as the gentil faucon soreth, He fleth, that noman him reclameth; Bot he al one alle othre tameth, And stant himself of lawe fre.

ferst

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon this thing thei token hiede 1820 And stoden in desputeison, That be diverse opinion Of Argumentz that thei have holde Arpaghes ferst his tale tolde, And seide hou that the strengthe of kinges Is myhtiest of alle thinges.

fleth

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A king mai spille, a king mai save, A king mai make of lord a knave And of a knave a lord also: The pouer of a king stant so, That he the lawes overpasseth; What he wol make lasse, he lasseth, 1840 What he wol make more, he moreth; And as the gentil faucon soreth, He fleth, that noman him reclameth; Bot he al one alle othre tameth, And stant himself of lawe fre.

For

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading For king hath pouer over man, And man is he which reson can, As he which is of his nature The moste noble creature 1830 Of alle tho that god hath wroght: And be that skile it semeth noght, He seith, that eny erthly thing Mai be so myhty as a king.

fre

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A king mai spille, a king mai save, A king mai make of lord a knave And of a knave a lord also: The pouer of a king stant so, That he the lawes overpasseth; What he wol make lasse, he lasseth, 1840 What he wol make more, he moreth; And as the gentil faucon soreth, He fleth, that noman him reclameth; Bot he al one alle othre tameth, And stant himself of lawe fre.

gentil

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A king mai spille, a king mai save, A king mai make of lord a knave And of a knave a lord also: The pouer of a king stant so, That he the lawes overpasseth; What he wol make lasse, he lasseth, 1840 What he wol make more, he moreth; And as the gentil faucon soreth, He fleth, that noman him reclameth; Bot he al one alle othre tameth, And stant himself of lawe fre.

god

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading For king hath pouer over man, And man is he which reson can, As he which is of his nature The moste noble creature 1830 Of alle tho that god hath wroght: And be that skile it semeth noght, He seith, that eny erthly thing Mai be so myhty as a king.

hath

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading For king hath pouer over man, And man is he which reson can, As he which is of his nature The moste noble creature 1830 Of alle tho that god hath wroght: And be that skile it semeth noght, He seith, that eny erthly thing Mai be so myhty as a king.

have

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon this thing thei token hiede 1820 And stoden in desputeison, That be diverse opinion Of Argumentz that thei have holde Arpaghes ferst his tale tolde, And seide hou that the strengthe of kinges Is myhtiest of alle thinges.

he

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading For king hath pouer over man, And man is he which reson can, As he which is of his nature The moste noble creature 1830 Of alle tho that god hath wroght: And be that skile it semeth noght, He seith, that eny erthly thing Mai be so myhty as a king.

hiede

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon this thing thei token hiede 1820 And stoden in desputeison, That be diverse opinion Of Argumentz that thei have holde Arpaghes ferst his tale tolde, And seide hou that the strengthe of kinges Is myhtiest of alle thinges.

him

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A king mai spille, a king mai save, A king mai make of lord a knave And of a knave a lord also: The pouer of a king stant so, That he the lawes overpasseth; What he wol make lasse, he lasseth, 1840 What he wol make more, he moreth; And as the gentil faucon soreth, He fleth, that noman him reclameth; Bot he al one alle othre tameth, And stant himself of lawe fre.

himself

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A king mai spille, a king mai save, A king mai make of lord a knave And of a knave a lord also: The pouer of a king stant so, That he the lawes overpasseth; What he wol make lasse, he lasseth, 1840 What he wol make more, he moreth; And as the gentil faucon soreth, He fleth, that noman him reclameth; Bot he al one alle othre tameth, And stant himself of lawe fre.

his

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon this thing thei token hiede 1820 And stoden in desputeison, That be diverse opinion Of Argumentz that thei have holde Arpaghes ferst his tale tolde, And seide hou that the strengthe of kinges Is myhtiest of alle thinges.

holde

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon this thing thei token hiede 1820 And stoden in desputeison, That be diverse opinion Of Argumentz that thei have holde Arpaghes ferst his tale tolde, And seide hou that the strengthe of kinges Is myhtiest of alle thinges.

hou

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon this thing thei token hiede 1820 And stoden in desputeison, That be diverse opinion Of Argumentz that thei have holde Arpaghes ferst his tale tolde, And seide hou that the strengthe of kinges Is myhtiest of alle thinges.

in

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon this thing thei token hiede 1820 And stoden in desputeison, That be diverse opinion Of Argumentz that thei have holde Arpaghes ferst his tale tolde, And seide hou that the strengthe of kinges Is myhtiest of alle thinges.

Is

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon this thing thei token hiede 1820 And stoden in desputeison, That be diverse opinion Of Argumentz that thei have holde Arpaghes ferst his tale tolde, And seide hou that the strengthe of kinges Is myhtiest of alle thinges.

it

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading For king hath pouer over man, And man is he which reson can, As he which is of his nature The moste noble creature 1830 Of alle tho that god hath wroght: And be that skile it semeth noght, He seith, that eny erthly thing Mai be so myhty as a king.

king

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading For king hath pouer over man, And man is he which reson can, As he which is of his nature The moste noble creature 1830 Of alle tho that god hath wroght: And be that skile it semeth noght, He seith, that eny erthly thing Mai be so myhty as a king.

kinges

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon this thing thei token hiede 1820 And stoden in desputeison, That be diverse opinion Of Argumentz that thei have holde Arpaghes ferst his tale tolde, And seide hou that the strengthe of kinges Is myhtiest of alle thinges.

knave

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A king mai spille, a king mai save, A king mai make of lord a knave And of a knave a lord also: The pouer of a king stant so, That he the lawes overpasseth; What he wol make lasse, he lasseth, 1840 What he wol make more, he moreth; And as the gentil faucon soreth, He fleth, that noman him reclameth; Bot he al one alle othre tameth, And stant himself of lawe fre.

lasse

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A king mai spille, a king mai save, A king mai make of lord a knave And of a knave a lord also: The pouer of a king stant so, That he the lawes overpasseth; What he wol make lasse, he lasseth, 1840 What he wol make more, he moreth; And as the gentil faucon soreth, He fleth, that noman him reclameth; Bot he al one alle othre tameth, And stant himself of lawe fre.

lasseth

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A king mai spille, a king mai save, A king mai make of lord a knave And of a knave a lord also: The pouer of a king stant so, That he the lawes overpasseth; What he wol make lasse, he lasseth, 1840 What he wol make more, he moreth; And as the gentil faucon soreth, He fleth, that noman him reclameth; Bot he al one alle othre tameth, And stant himself of lawe fre.

lawe

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A king mai spille, a king mai save, A king mai make of lord a knave And of a knave a lord also: The pouer of a king stant so, That he the lawes overpasseth; What he wol make lasse, he lasseth, 1840 What he wol make more, he moreth; And as the gentil faucon soreth, He fleth, that noman him reclameth; Bot he al one alle othre tameth, And stant himself of lawe fre.

lawes

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A king mai spille, a king mai save, A king mai make of lord a knave And of a knave a lord also: The pouer of a king stant so, That he the lawes overpasseth; What he wol make lasse, he lasseth, 1840 What he wol make more, he moreth; And as the gentil faucon soreth, He fleth, that noman him reclameth; Bot he al one alle othre tameth, And stant himself of lawe fre.

Lo

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Lo, thus a kinges myht, seith he, So as his reson can argue, Is strengest and of most value.

lord

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A king mai spille, a king mai save, A king mai make of lord a knave And of a knave a lord also: The pouer of a king stant so, That he the lawes overpasseth; What he wol make lasse, he lasseth, 1840 What he wol make more, he moreth; And as the gentil faucon soreth, He fleth, that noman him reclameth; Bot he al one alle othre tameth, And stant himself of lawe fre.

Mai

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading For king hath pouer over man, And man is he which reson can, As he which is of his nature The moste noble creature 1830 Of alle tho that god hath wroght: And be that skile it semeth noght, He seith, that eny erthly thing Mai be so myhty as a king.

make

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A king mai spille, a king mai save, A king mai make of lord a knave And of a knave a lord also: The pouer of a king stant so, That he the lawes overpasseth; What he wol make lasse, he lasseth, 1840 What he wol make more, he moreth; And as the gentil faucon soreth, He fleth, that noman him reclameth; Bot he al one alle othre tameth, And stant himself of lawe fre.

man

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading For king hath pouer over man, And man is he which reson can, As he which is of his nature The moste noble creature 1830 Of alle tho that god hath wroght: And be that skile it semeth noght, He seith, that eny erthly thing Mai be so myhty as a king.

Manachaz

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Bot Manachaz seide otherwise, That wyn is of the more emprise; 1850 And that he scheweth be this weie.

more

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A king mai spille, a king mai save, A king mai make of lord a knave And of a knave a lord also: The pouer of a king stant so, That he the lawes overpasseth; What he wol make lasse, he lasseth, 1840 What he wol make more, he moreth; And as the gentil faucon soreth, He fleth, that noman him reclameth; Bot he al one alle othre tameth, And stant himself of lawe fre.

moreth

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A king mai spille, a king mai save, A king mai make of lord a knave And of a knave a lord also: The pouer of a king stant so, That he the lawes overpasseth; What he wol make lasse, he lasseth, 1840 What he wol make more, he moreth; And as the gentil faucon soreth, He fleth, that noman him reclameth; Bot he al one alle othre tameth, And stant himself of lawe fre.

most

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Lo, thus a kinges myht, seith he, So as his reson can argue, Is strengest and of most value.

moste

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading For king hath pouer over man, And man is he which reson can, As he which is of his nature The moste noble creature 1830 Of alle tho that god hath wroght: And be that skile it semeth noght, He seith, that eny erthly thing Mai be so myhty as a king.

myht

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Lo, thus a kinges myht, seith he, So as his reson can argue, Is strengest and of most value.

myhtiest

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon this thing thei token hiede 1820 And stoden in desputeison, That be diverse opinion Of Argumentz that thei have holde Arpaghes ferst his tale tolde, And seide hou that the strengthe of kinges Is myhtiest of alle thinges.

myhty

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading For king hath pouer over man, And man is he which reson can, As he which is of his nature The moste noble creature 1830 Of alle tho that god hath wroght: And be that skile it semeth noght, He seith, that eny erthly thing Mai be so myhty as a king.

nature

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading For king hath pouer over man, And man is he which reson can, As he which is of his nature The moste noble creature 1830 Of alle tho that god hath wroght: And be that skile it semeth noght, He seith, that eny erthly thing Mai be so myhty as a king.

noble

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading For king hath pouer over man, And man is he which reson can, As he which is of his nature The moste noble creature 1830 Of alle tho that god hath wroght: And be that skile it semeth noght, He seith, that eny erthly thing Mai be so myhty as a king.

noght

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading For king hath pouer over man, And man is he which reson can, As he which is of his nature The moste noble creature 1830 Of alle tho that god hath wroght: And be that skile it semeth noght, He seith, that eny erthly thing Mai be so myhty as a king.

noman

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A king mai spille, a king mai save, A king mai make of lord a knave And of a knave a lord also: The pouer of a king stant so, That he the lawes overpasseth; What he wol make lasse, he lasseth, 1840 What he wol make more, he moreth; And as the gentil faucon soreth, He fleth, that noman him reclameth; Bot he al one alle othre tameth, And stant himself of lawe fre.

Of

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon this thing thei token hiede 1820 And stoden in desputeison, That be diverse opinion Of Argumentz that thei have holde Arpaghes ferst his tale tolde, And seide hou that the strengthe of kinges Is myhtiest of alle thinges.

one

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A king mai spille, a king mai save, A king mai make of lord a knave And of a knave a lord also: The pouer of a king stant so, That he the lawes overpasseth; What he wol make lasse, he lasseth, 1840 What he wol make more, he moreth; And as the gentil faucon soreth, He fleth, that noman him reclameth; Bot he al one alle othre tameth, And stant himself of lawe fre.

opinion

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon this thing thei token hiede 1820 And stoden in desputeison, That be diverse opinion Of Argumentz that thei have holde Arpaghes ferst his tale tolde, And seide hou that the strengthe of kinges Is myhtiest of alle thinges.

otherwise

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Bot Manachaz seide otherwise, That wyn is of the more emprise; 1850 And that he scheweth be this weie.

othre

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A king mai spille, a king mai save, A king mai make of lord a knave And of a knave a lord also: The pouer of a king stant so, That he the lawes overpasseth; What he wol make lasse, he lasseth, 1840 What he wol make more, he moreth; And as the gentil faucon soreth, He fleth, that noman him reclameth; Bot he al one alle othre tameth, And stant himself of lawe fre.

over

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading For king hath pouer over man, And man is he which reson can, As he which is of his nature The moste noble creature 1830 Of alle tho that god hath wroght: And be that skile it semeth noght, He seith, that eny erthly thing Mai be so myhty as a king.

overpasseth

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A king mai spille, a king mai save, A king mai make of lord a knave And of a knave a lord also: The pouer of a king stant so, That he the lawes overpasseth; What he wol make lasse, he lasseth, 1840 What he wol make more, he moreth; And as the gentil faucon soreth, He fleth, that noman him reclameth; Bot he al one alle othre tameth, And stant himself of lawe fre.

pouer

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading For king hath pouer over man, And man is he which reson can, As he which is of his nature The moste noble creature 1830 Of alle tho that god hath wroght: And be that skile it semeth noght, He seith, that eny erthly thing Mai be so myhty as a king.

reclameth

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A king mai spille, a king mai save, A king mai make of lord a knave And of a knave a lord also: The pouer of a king stant so, That he the lawes overpasseth; What he wol make lasse, he lasseth, 1840 What he wol make more, he moreth; And as the gentil faucon soreth, He fleth, that noman him reclameth; Bot he al one alle othre tameth, And stant himself of lawe fre.

reson

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading For king hath pouer over man, And man is he which reson can, As he which is of his nature The moste noble creature 1830 Of alle tho that god hath wroght: And be that skile it semeth noght, He seith, that eny erthly thing Mai be so myhty as a king.

save

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A king mai spille, a king mai save, A king mai make of lord a knave And of a knave a lord also: The pouer of a king stant so, That he the lawes overpasseth; What he wol make lasse, he lasseth, 1840 What he wol make more, he moreth; And as the gentil faucon soreth, He fleth, that noman him reclameth; Bot he al one alle othre tameth, And stant himself of lawe fre.

scheweth

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Bot Manachaz seide otherwise, That wyn is of the more emprise; 1850 And that he scheweth be this weie.

seide

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon this thing thei token hiede 1820 And stoden in desputeison, That be diverse opinion Of Argumentz that thei have holde Arpaghes ferst his tale tolde, And seide hou that the strengthe of kinges Is myhtiest of alle thinges.

seith

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading For king hath pouer over man, And man is he which reson can, As he which is of his nature The moste noble creature 1830 Of alle tho that god hath wroght: And be that skile it semeth noght, He seith, that eny erthly thing Mai be so myhty as a king.

semeth

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading For king hath pouer over man, And man is he which reson can, As he which is of his nature The moste noble creature 1830 Of alle tho that god hath wroght: And be that skile it semeth noght, He seith, that eny erthly thing Mai be so myhty as a king.

skile

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading For king hath pouer over man, And man is he which reson can, As he which is of his nature The moste noble creature 1830 Of alle tho that god hath wroght: And be that skile it semeth noght, He seith, that eny erthly thing Mai be so myhty as a king.

so

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading For king hath pouer over man, And man is he which reson can, As he which is of his nature The moste noble creature 1830 Of alle tho that god hath wroght: And be that skile it semeth noght, He seith, that eny erthly thing Mai be so myhty as a king.

soreth

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A king mai spille, a king mai save, A king mai make of lord a knave And of a knave a lord also: The pouer of a king stant so, That he the lawes overpasseth; What he wol make lasse, he lasseth, 1840 What he wol make more, he moreth; And as the gentil faucon soreth, He fleth, that noman him reclameth; Bot he al one alle othre tameth, And stant himself of lawe fre.

spille

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A king mai spille, a king mai save, A king mai make of lord a knave And of a knave a lord also: The pouer of a king stant so, That he the lawes overpasseth; What he wol make lasse, he lasseth, 1840 What he wol make more, he moreth; And as the gentil faucon soreth, He fleth, that noman him reclameth; Bot he al one alle othre tameth, And stant himself of lawe fre.

stant

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A king mai spille, a king mai save, A king mai make of lord a knave And of a knave a lord also: The pouer of a king stant so, That he the lawes overpasseth; What he wol make lasse, he lasseth, 1840 What he wol make more, he moreth; And as the gentil faucon soreth, He fleth, that noman him reclameth; Bot he al one alle othre tameth, And stant himself of lawe fre.

stoden

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon this thing thei token hiede 1820 And stoden in desputeison, That be diverse opinion Of Argumentz that thei have holde Arpaghes ferst his tale tolde, And seide hou that the strengthe of kinges Is myhtiest of alle thinges.

strengest

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Lo, thus a kinges myht, seith he, So as his reson can argue, Is strengest and of most value.

strengthe

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon this thing thei token hiede 1820 And stoden in desputeison, That be diverse opinion Of Argumentz that thei have holde Arpaghes ferst his tale tolde, And seide hou that the strengthe of kinges Is myhtiest of alle thinges.

tale

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon this thing thei token hiede 1820 And stoden in desputeison, That be diverse opinion Of Argumentz that thei have holde Arpaghes ferst his tale tolde, And seide hou that the strengthe of kinges Is myhtiest of alle thinges.

tameth

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A king mai spille, a king mai save, A king mai make of lord a knave And of a knave a lord also: The pouer of a king stant so, That he the lawes overpasseth; What he wol make lasse, he lasseth, 1840 What he wol make more, he moreth; And as the gentil faucon soreth, He fleth, that noman him reclameth; Bot he al one alle othre tameth, And stant himself of lawe fre.

That

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon this thing thei token hiede 1820 And stoden in desputeison, That be diverse opinion Of Argumentz that thei have holde Arpaghes ferst his tale tolde, And seide hou that the strengthe of kinges Is myhtiest of alle thinges.

the

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon this thing thei token hiede 1820 And stoden in desputeison, That be diverse opinion Of Argumentz that thei have holde Arpaghes ferst his tale tolde, And seide hou that the strengthe of kinges Is myhtiest of alle thinges.

thei

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon this thing thei token hiede 1820 And stoden in desputeison, That be diverse opinion Of Argumentz that thei have holde Arpaghes ferst his tale tolde, And seide hou that the strengthe of kinges Is myhtiest of alle thinges.

thing

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon this thing thei token hiede 1820 And stoden in desputeison, That be diverse opinion Of Argumentz that thei have holde Arpaghes ferst his tale tolde, And seide hou that the strengthe of kinges Is myhtiest of alle thinges.

thinges

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon this thing thei token hiede 1820 And stoden in desputeison, That be diverse opinion Of Argumentz that thei have holde Arpaghes ferst his tale tolde, And seide hou that the strengthe of kinges Is myhtiest of alle thinges.

this

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon this thing thei token hiede 1820 And stoden in desputeison, That be diverse opinion Of Argumentz that thei have holde Arpaghes ferst his tale tolde, And seide hou that the strengthe of kinges Is myhtiest of alle thinges.

tho

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading For king hath pouer over man, And man is he which reson can, As he which is of his nature The moste noble creature 1830 Of alle tho that god hath wroght: And be that skile it semeth noght, He seith, that eny erthly thing Mai be so myhty as a king.

thus

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Lo, thus a kinges myht, seith he, So as his reson can argue, Is strengest and of most value.

token

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon this thing thei token hiede 1820 And stoden in desputeison, That be diverse opinion Of Argumentz that thei have holde Arpaghes ferst his tale tolde, And seide hou that the strengthe of kinges Is myhtiest of alle thinges.

tolde

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon this thing thei token hiede 1820 And stoden in desputeison, That be diverse opinion Of Argumentz that thei have holde Arpaghes ferst his tale tolde, And seide hou that the strengthe of kinges Is myhtiest of alle thinges.

Upon

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon this thing thei token hiede 1820 And stoden in desputeison, That be diverse opinion Of Argumentz that thei have holde Arpaghes ferst his tale tolde, And seide hou that the strengthe of kinges Is myhtiest of alle thinges.

value

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Lo, thus a kinges myht, seith he, So as his reson can argue, Is strengest and of most value.

weie

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Bot Manachaz seide otherwise, That wyn is of the more emprise; 1850 And that he scheweth be this weie.

What

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A king mai spille, a king mai save, A king mai make of lord a knave And of a knave a lord also: The pouer of a king stant so, That he the lawes overpasseth; What he wol make lasse, he lasseth, 1840 What he wol make more, he moreth; And as the gentil faucon soreth, He fleth, that noman him reclameth; Bot he al one alle othre tameth, And stant himself of lawe fre.

which

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading For king hath pouer over man, And man is he which reson can, As he which is of his nature The moste noble creature 1830 Of alle tho that god hath wroght: And be that skile it semeth noght, He seith, that eny erthly thing Mai be so myhty as a king.

wol

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A king mai spille, a king mai save, A king mai make of lord a knave And of a knave a lord also: The pouer of a king stant so, That he the lawes overpasseth; What he wol make lasse, he lasseth, 1840 What he wol make more, he moreth; And as the gentil faucon soreth, He fleth, that noman him reclameth; Bot he al one alle othre tameth, And stant himself of lawe fre.

wroght

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading For king hath pouer over man, And man is he which reson can, As he which is of his nature The moste noble creature 1830 Of alle tho that god hath wroght: And be that skile it semeth noght, He seith, that eny erthly thing Mai be so myhty as a king.

wyn

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Bot Manachaz seide otherwise, That wyn is of the more emprise; 1850 And that he scheweth be this weie.

Chapter 33 of Confessio Amantis by John Gower holds 121 sentences, grouped into 25 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the public-domain source, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 33 of Confessio Amantis contain?

Chapter 33 holds 121 sentences of Confessio Amantis, unabridged, divided into 25 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 33 of Confessio Amantis by John Gower exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 121 sentences, grouped into 25 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 33 of Confessio Amantis?

Work through the 25 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 25 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 33 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 33 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading Confessio Amantis

Common questions about reading Confessio Amantis by John Gower on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Confessio Amantis?

Yes. All 4761 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #266 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Confessio Amantis is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #266, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Confessio Amantis take to read?

About 396 minutes of reading across 953 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Confessio Amantis section by section

How to work through Confessio Amantis section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 40 chapters of Confessio Amantis to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in Confessio Amantis

Words and structures a reader meets early in Confessio Amantis, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Following
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Confessio Amantis; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Electronic
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Confessio Amantis; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Based
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Confessio Amantis; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Edition
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Confessio Amantis; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.