Robert Henryson

Seamus Heaney has recently translated some of Robert Henryson's poems. Heneryson lived in Dunfermline in the second half of the fifteenth century. Here's one of Henryson's poems:

The Taill of the Cok and the Iasp (translation not by Heaney)

Ane cok . . Flew furth upon ane dunghill . .

To get his dennar . .

Scraipand amang the as

He fand ane jolie jasp

Moralitas

This . . jasp . .

Betakinnis perfite prudence and cunning . .

Quha may be hardie, riche and gracious?

Quha can governe ane realme, cietie or hous
Without science?

It is riches that euer sall indure . .

Ga seik the jasp . . .

A cock . . Flew out onto a midden
To get his dinner . .
Scraping among the dirt
He found a pretty jewel
of great value, precious

Moral

This . . jewel . .
Signifies perfect wisdom and knowledge . .
Who can be bold, wealthy and kind?
Who can avoid danger . .
Who can govern a kingdom, city or house
Without knowledge?
Knowledge is the sort of wealth that will
last forever . .
Go and search out the jewel (of knowledge)