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THE LETTER OF JOHN BALL (ROYAL MS)


The Letter of John Ball (Royal MS)
Edited by James M. Dean
Originally Published in Medieval English Political Writings
Kalamazoo, Michigan: Medieval Institute Publications, 1996


(British Library, Royal MS 13.E.ix fol. 287r)


   
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 Littera Johannis Balle missa communibus Essexiae
   
Johon Schep, som tyme Seynte Marie prest of York, and now of Colchestre,
greteth wel Johan Nameles, and Johan the Mullere, and Johon Cartere, and
biddeth hem that thei bee war of gyle in borugh, and stondeth togidre in Godes
name, and biddeth Peres Ploughman go to his werk, and chastise wel Hobbe the
Robbere, and taketh with yow Johan Trewman and alle hiis felawes, and no mo,
and loke schappe you to on heved, and no mo.

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 Johan the Mullere hath ygrounde smal, smal, smal;
The Kynges sone of hevene schal paye for al. 1
Be war or ye be wo;
Knoweth your freend fro your foo.
Haveth ynow, and seith "Hoo!"
And do wel and bettre, and fleth synne,
And seketh pees, and hold you therinne.                            
 (see note)
   
Be wary before; sorry; (see note)
foe; (see note)
Be content; Stop; (see note)
avoid sin; (see note)
stick to it
   


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