I got a request to write yet another scroll text for one of Calontir’s embroiderers, who just happens to have a later-period persona.  After a bit of digging, I found the Paston letters, which date from between the years of 1422 and 1509, and consist of correspondence between the gentry of Norfolk, with a few letters connected to those outside.  There are even a few legal documents, which I ended up using for Melisent’s Lily.  I love how English has changed from then to now, and even with the odd spellings here and there, this is still Early Modern English.  (Oh, etymology, I love you!)

Anyhow, here is Melisent’s scroll text.

Calon Lily scroll text for Melisent McAffee, based on the Paston letters

This grant made the xiij daye of September the xlixth yere of the Societie in the reigne of Kyng Agamemnon and Quene Gwen, wyttenessith that the sayd Melisent McAffee ys worked with fine needle and threads yn souch fashione that We grant hir entrance into the Order of the Calon Lily. It is so accorded that Melisent may wear the badge of this ordre, to wyt: Per pale purpure and Or, a fleur-de-lys within a bordure counterchanged. It is also accorded that We promytteth and grant said Melisent with a chort grene gowne, a small manor to qwych to sufficiently manage and to embroyder, and to dye; and a pece of clothe of diaper werke to make with a dosen naptkyns; and a pece of cloth of golde with dropis which was of a duplade; and a litill table ij yerdes long.

To be knowyn to all the partys of Calontir to euery lorde, knyght, esquyer, gentylman, and yeman, that We so name this Melisent to this Order.

In wittenesse where-of the parties aboue sayd to thise present grants enterchaungeably haue put to theire seales the day and yer aboue sayd.

Agamemnon. Rex

Gwen. Regina

Translation:

This grant made the 13 day of September the 49th year of the Society in the reign of King Agamemnon and Queen Gwen, witnessed that the said Melisent McAffee has worked with fine needle and threads in such fashion that We grant her entrance into the Order of the Calon Lily.  It is so accorded that Melisent may wear the badge of this ordre, to wit: Per pale purpure and Or, a fleur-de-lys within a bordure counterchanged.It is also accorded that We permitteth and grant said Melisent with a short green gown, a small manor to which to sufficiently manage and to embroider, and to dye; and a piece of clothe of diaper work to make with a dozen napkins; and a piece of cloth of gold with drops which was of a duplade; and a little table 2 yards long.

To be known to all the parties of Calontir to every lord, knight, esquire, gentleman, and yeoman, that We so name this Melisent to this Order.

In witness whereof the parties above said to this present grants interchangeably have put to their seals the day and year above said.