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Gest Hystoriale of the Destruction of Troy
Date: Late 14th century
Editions:
Gest Historiale of the Destruction of Troy, E.E.T.S. O.S. 39, eds. Geo A. Panton and
David Donaldson (Oxford, 1869-74).
Extracts:
Troy is described as the foremost city on Earth:
Was neuer sython vnderson lite so large,
Ne neuer before, as we fynd, fourmyt in vrthe, built
Nonso lufly on to loke in any lond oute.
1540-2
Þat of marbill was most fro þe myddes vp,
Of diuers colours to ken craftely wroght.
Þat were shene for to shew & of shap noble,
1548-50
The stretis were streght & of a stronge brede,
ffor ymur & aire opon in þe myddis; wholsesome fragrance
By the sydes for sothe of sotell deuyse,
Was archet full abilly for aylyng of showres, protection from showers
1574-7
The description of Achilles is a good example of a nobleman whose effictio (outer characteristics) matches his notatio (inner qualities or vices). He has a noble, manly appearance and possesses noble virtues:
Achilles the choise was of chere faire, countenance
Likyng & luffly, a large man with all. delightful, lovely
Crispe herit was the kyng, colouret as gold.
Stokyn ene out stepe with a streught loke;
His loke was full louely, when ledys were opyn. open
With a brest þat was brode, byg of his shulders;
Grete armys in the gripe, growen full rounde;
A large man of lenght with limis full brode.
A stythe man in stoure, storest of wille, brave, battle, greatest
Was no greke on þat grounde of so great streght,
Ay bowne vnto batell, boldist in armys, preparing, armour
Godely of giftes, grettist in expense,
Ay furse on his fos, and to fight Redy.
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