best adj. (sup.)

  best 
TR4.1289 “Máky̆ng álwĕy ă prótĕstácĭóun
TR4.1290 Thăt nów thĭse wórdĕs whích thăt Í shăl séyĕ
TR4.1291 Nĭs bút tŏ shéwĕn yów my̆ mócĭóun
TR4.1292 Tŏ fýnde ŭntó ŏure hélp thĕ béstĕ wéyĕ;
TR4.1293 Ănd tákĕth ít nŏn óthĕr wíse, Ĭ préyĕ,
TR4.1294 Fŏr ín ĕfféct, whăt só yĕ mé cŏmáundĕ,
TR4.1295 Thăt wól Ĭ dón, fŏr thát ĭs nó dĕmáundĕ.

Line Information

  • Differences among the manuscripts and editions:
  • English translation (Windeatt: 1998): … always solemnly protesting that what I shall now say is only to show you my desire to find the best way to help us. So don’t take it any other way, I beg you, but in fact, whatever you command me, I will do — of that there is no question.
  • Japanese translation (Sasamoto: 2012): 続いてはっきり申し上げますが、これから申し上げようとする言葉は貴方にわたしの望みをお示しして、わたしたちを救う最良の方法を見つけること以外何もありません。ですから、お願いです、他の意味に取らないでください、だって、事実、貴方がわたしに何をお命じなさろうと、何でもいたしとうございます。当たり前のことですもの。
  • Chinese translation (Fang: 1956): 我认为这法最妙，你应知道；请你不可有所误会。总之，你若有任何吩咐，我必依从，那是没有问题的。

Word Information

  • Etymology: OE
  • Addresser: Criseyde
  • Addressee: Troilus
  • Adjectives with which juxtaposed: N/A
  • Counterpart in its source (Fil): N/A
  • Noun(s) (NPs) modified: solution (way)
  • Attributive/ Predicative: attributive

Information in Previous Studies

  • OED: Not quoted
  • MED: Not quoted
  • Commented in other previous works:
  • Windeatt (2003): N/A
  • Fisher (1989): N/A
  • Benson (1987): N/A
  • Davis et al. (1979): Not quoted
  • Donaldson (1975): N/A
  • Baugh (1963): N/A

Possible Definitions

Of things, actions, conditions, etc.: best, most excellent or desirable, of highest quality, most advantageous;

Comments from the Editor

Criseyde tries to persuade Troilus that she will go to the Greek camp but return within two weeks. She claims that this is the best solution to their dilemma.