List of subjects and tales in Confessio Amantis

Last updated August 24, 2025

This index is based on Macaulay's marginal notations, which are a running analysis of the contents of the Confessio Amantis , a 33,000-line Middle English poem by John Gower. These have been used for subdivisions of the work in order to break it into smaller, more usable units and to serve as a very rough index of contents.^[1]

Prologue

Design of the Book; Dedication Pro.1-92
Temporal Rulers Pro.93-192
The Church Pro.193-498
The Commons; Man the cause of Evil Pro.499-584
Nebuchadnezzar's Dream; The Empires of the World; The latest Time Pro.585-848
Division the Cause of Evil Pro.848-1088

Book I

Love rules the world; example of the author Bk1.1-92
Author's woful Case; His Complaint to Cupid and Venus; The Fiery Dart; Venus Queen of Love; Genius, the priest of Love Bk1.93-202
The Lover's Shrift Bk1.203-288
The Five Senses; Seeing Bk1.289-332
Tale of Acteon Bk1.333-388.
The Tale of Medusa Bk1.389-435
Hearing; Prudence of the Serpent Bk1.436-480
Tale of the Sirens Bk1.481-529
The Sins of the Eye and Ear Bk1.530-574
The Seven deadly Sins; Pride; Five Ministers of Pride; i. Hypocrisy; Hypocrisy of Lovers Bk1.575-760
Tale of Mundus and Paulina^[2] Bk1.761-1076
The Trojan horse Bk1.1077-1189
Hypocrisy in Love Bk1.1190-1234
Inobedience Bk1.1235-1342
Murmur and Complaint Bk1.1343-1406
Tale of Florent Bk1.1407-1882
Surquidry or Presumption Bk1.1883-1976
Tale of Capaneus Bk1.1977-2020
The Trump of Death Bk1.2021-2274
Tale of Narcissus Bk1.2275-2358
Presumption of Lovers Bk1.2359-2398
Avantance or Boasting Bk1.2399-2458
Tale of Albinus and Rosemund Bk1.2459-2680
Vain-glory Bk1.2681-2717
The Lover's Confession Bk1.2718-2784
Nabugodonosor's Punishment Bk1.2785-3042
Humility Bk1.3043-3066
Tale of the Three Questions Bk1.3067-3402
Humility Bk1.3403-3446

Book II

Envy; Sorrow for another man's Joy Bk2.1-96
Tale of Acis and Galatea Bk2.97-220
Joy for another man's Grief Bk2.221-290
The Travellers and the Angel (Greed and Jealousy)^[3] Bk2.291-382
Detraction; Detraction of Lovers Bk2.383-586
Tale of Constance Bk2.587-1612
Demetrius and Perseus Bk2.1613-1878
False-Semblant Bk2.1879-2144
Deianire and Nessus Bk2.2145-2326
Supplantation Bk2.2327-2458
Geta and Amphitrion Bk2.2459-2500
Tale of the False Bachelor Bk2.2501-2802
Pope Boniface Bk2.2803-3049
Joab and Ahitophel Bk2.3085-3094
Nature of Envy Bk2.3095-3161
Charity and Pity Bk2.3162-3186
The Tale of Constantine and Sylvester Bk2.3187-3530

Book III

Ire or Wrath; Melancholy Bk3.1-142
Tale of Canace and Machaire Bk3.143-360
Tiresias and the Snakes Bk3.361-394
Melancholy Bk3.395-416
Cheste Bk3.417-638
Patience of Socrates Bk3.639-730
Jupiter, Juno, and Tiresias Bk3.731-767
Cheste Bk3.768-782
Phebus and Cornide Bk3.783-817
Jupiter and Laar Bk3.818-842
Hate Bk3.843-972
King Namplus and the Greeks Bk3.973-1088
Contek and Homicide; Contek within the Heart Bk3.1089-1200
Tale of Diogenes and Alexander; Bk3.1201-1311
Contek Bk3.1312-1330
Pyramus and Thisbe Bk3.1331-1494
The Lover's Confession; Danger; More haste worse than speed Bk3.1495-1684
Tale of Phebus and Daphne Bk3.1685-1728
Fool-haste Bk3.1729-1756
Athemas and Demephon Bk3.1757-1884
Tale of Orestes Bk3.1885-2200
Lawful Homicide Bk3.2201-2250
Evil of War Bk3.2251-2362
Alexander and the Pirate Bk3.2363-2438
Wars and Death of Alexander Bk3.2439-2484
Are Crusades Lawful? Guilt of Homicide; Bk3.2485-2558
Peleus Bk3.2547-2557
A Strange Bird; Mercy Bk3.2559-2638
Tale of Telaphus and Teucer Bk3.2639-2774

Book IV

Sloth; Lachesse Bk4.1-76
Eneas and Dido Bk4.77-146
Ulixes and Penolope Bk4.147-233
Grossteste Bk4.234-243
The Foolish Virgins Bk4.254-260
Lachesse Bk4.261-312
Pusillanimity Bk4.313-370
Pymaleon and the Statue Bk4.371-450
Tale of Iphis Bk4.451-538
Forgetfulness Bk4.539-730
Demephon and Phillis Bk4.731-886
Negligence Bk4.887-978
Tale of Phebus Bk4.979-1034
Tale of Icarus Bk4.1035-1082
Idleness Bk4.1083-1244
Tale of Rosiphelee Bk4.1245-1446
Idleness in Love Bk4.1447-1504
Tale of Jephtha's Daughter Bk4.1505-1614
Lovers must approve themselves in arms Bk4.1615-1687
Arguments to the Contrary Bk4.1688-1770
The Confessor replies Bk4.1771-1814
Tale of Nauplus and Ulysses Bk4.1815-1900
Examples of Prowess; Protheselai Bk4.1901-1934
Saul Bk4.1935-1962
Education of Achilles Bk4.1963-2023
Prowess Bk4.2024-2044
Tale of Hercules and Achelons Bk4.2045-2134
Penthesilea Bk4.2135-2164
Philemenis; Eneas Bk4.2147-2199
Gentilesse Bk4.2200-2291
Effects of Love; Love contrary to Sloth Bk4.2292-2362
Uses of labour; discoverers and inventors Bk4.2363-2456
Alchemy Bk4.2457-2530
The Three Stones of the Philosophers Bk4.2457-2603
The First Alchemists Bk4.2602-2632
Letters and Language Bk4.2633-2700
Somnolence Bk4.2701-2759
The Lover's Wakefulness Bk4.2760-2890
Dreams Bk4.2891-2926
Tale of Ceix and Alceone Bk4.2927-3123
Sleeping and Waking Bk4.3124-3186
The Prayer of Cephalus Bk4.3187-3316
Argus and Mercury Bk4.3317-3388
Tristesse or Despondency Bk4.3389-3514
Tale of Iphis and Araxarathen Bk4.3515-3712

Book V

Avarice Bk5.1-140
Tale of Midas Bk5.141-362
The Punishment of Tantalus Bk5.363-397
Avarice Bk5.402-428
Jealousy of Lovers Bk5.398-634
Tale of Vulcan and Venus Bk5.635-746
Belief of the Chaldeans Bk5.746-783
Belief of the Egyptians Orus, Typhon and Isirus Bk5.784-834
Belief of the Greeks Bk5.835-1496
Birth of Venus Bk5.843-859
Conception of Romus and Remus Bk5.883-914
Apollo Bk5.915-936
Mercury Bk5.916-952
Vulcanus Bk5.953-966
Eolus Bk5.967-980
Neptune Bk5.981-1004
Pan Bk5.1005-1042
Bachus Bk5.1043-1058
Esculapius Bk5.1059-1082
Hercules Bk5.1083-1102
Pluto Bk5.1083-1132
Sibeles Bk5.1133-1152
Juno Bk5.1155-1188
Minerve Bk5.1189-1219
Cereres Bk5.1221-1244
Diana Bk5.1245-1276
Proserpina Bk5.1277-1302
Nereïdes Bk5.1336-47
Origin of Idol Worship Bk5.1497-1590
Belief of the Jews Bk5.1591-1736
The Christian Faith Bk5.1737-1970
Coveitise Bk5.1971-2020
Tale of Virgil's Mirror Bk5.2031-2224
Coveitise Bk5.2225-2272
Tale of the Two Coffers Bk5.2273-2390
Tale of the Beggars and the Pasties Bk5.2391-2441
Coveitise of Lovers Bk5.2442-2642
Tale of the King and his Steward's Wife Bk5.2643-2858
False Witness and Perjury Bk5.2859-2960
Tale of Achilles and Deidamia Bk5.2961-3218
Perjury Bk5.3219-3246
Tale of Jason and Medea Bk5.3247-4242
Tale of Frixus and Hellen Bk5.4243-4382
Usury Bk5.4383-4572
Love Brokerage; Tale of Echo; Bk5.4573-4670
Parsimony Bk5.4671-4780
Tale of Babio and Croceus Bk5.4781-4884
Ingratitude Bk5.4885-4936
Tale of Adrian and Bardus Bk5.4937-5162
Ingratitude Bk5.5163-5230
Tale of Theseus and Ariadne Bk5.5231-5504
Ravine Bk5.5505-5550
Tale of Tereus Bk5.5551-6074
Robbery Bk5.6075-6144
Neptune and Corone Bk5.6145-6224
Tale of Calistona Bk5.6225-6358
Virginity; Chastity of Valentinian Bk5.6359-6492
Stealth and Michery Bk5.6493-6542
Stealth of Lovers Bk5.6543-6712
Tale of Leucothoe Bk5.6713-6896
Tale of Hercules and Faunus Bk5.6807-6960
Sacrilege Bk5.6961-7031
Sacrilege of Lovers Bk5.7032-7194
Tale of Paris and Helen Bk5.7195-7590
Sacrilege of Lovers; Divisions of Avarice Bk5.7591-7640
Prodigality and Largesse Bk5.7641-7760
Prodigality of Lovers Bk5.7761-7844

Book VI

Gluttony; Drunkenness; Bk6.1-75
Love-Drunkenness Bk6.76-324
Jupiter's Two Tuns Bk6.325-390
Prayer; Bacchus in the Desert Bk6.391-466
Love Drunkenness; Tristram Bk6.467-484
Marriage of Pirithous Bk6.485-536
Galbus and Vitellius Bk6.537-616
Delicacy; Bk6.617-664
Love-Delicacy; Delicacy Bk6.665-974
Dives and Lazarus Bk6.975-1150
Delicacy of Nero Bk6.1151-1227
Love-Delicacy Bk6.1228-1260
Sorcery and Witchcraft Bk6.1261-1390
Tale of Ulysses and Telegonus Bk6.1391-1788
Tale of Nectanabus Bk6.1789-2366
Zoroaster; Saul and the Witch; Magic to be Eschewed Bk6.2366-2440

Book VII

The Education of Alexander; Three Parts of Philosophy Bk7.1-72
Theoric (Theology) Bk7.73-134
Physics Bk7.135-144
Mathematics Bk7.145-202
Creation of the Four Elements Bk7.203-392
The Four Complexions of Man Bk7.393-489
The Soul of Man Bk7.490-520
The Division of the Earth Bk7.521-632
Astronomy Bk7.633-684
Planets and Signs Bk7.685-720
The Planets Bk7.721-954
The Signs Bk7.955-1280
The Fifteen Stars Bk7.1281-1438
Aldebaran VII.1310-1318
Pliades VII.1320-1327
Algol VII.1328 VII.1328-1336
Alhaiot VII.1337-1344
Canis maior VII.1345-1354
Canis minor VII.1355-1362
Regulus VII.1363-1370
Ala Corvi VII.1371-1378
Alaezel VII.1379-1386
Almareth VII.1387-1392
Venenas VII.1393-1400 Benenais^[4]
Alpheta Bk7.1401-1408
Cor Scorpionis Bk7.1409-16
Botercadent Bk7.1417-1424
tail of Scorpio Bk7.1425-32
Authors of the Science of Astronomy Bk7.1439-1506
Rhetoric Bk7.1507-1640
Practicique; Five Points of Policy Bk7.1641-1710
The First Point of Policy; Truth Bk7.1711-1782
King, Wine, Woman, and Truth Bk7.1783-1984
Daires Bk7.1783-1984
Tale of Alcestis Bk7.1917-1949
The Second Point of Policy. Liberality Bk7.1985-2060
Tale of Julius and the Poor Knight^[5] Bk7.2014-2057
Tale of Julius and the Poor Knight^[6]^: V.xxiv Bk7.2061-2114
Antigonus and Cinichus Bk7.2115-
Discretion in Giving^[6]^{: II.xvi.2-xvii.2} Bk7.2115-2130
Prodigality of Kings Bk7.2131-2176
Flatterers Bk7.2177-2216
Tale of Diogenes and Aristippus Bk7.2217-2317
Flattery Bk7.2318-2354
The Roman Triumph Bk7.2355-2411
The Emperor and his Masons Bk7.2412-2448
Caesar's Answer Bk7.2449-2490
Flatterers of a King Bk7.2491-2526
Ahab and Micaiah Bk7.2527-2694
Justice Bk7.2695-2764
Justice of Maximin Bk7.2765-2782
Gaius Fabricius Bk7.2783-2832
The Emperor Conrad Bk7.2833-2844
The Consul Carmidotirus Bk7.2845-2888
Example of Cambyses Bk7.2889-2916
Lycurgus and his Laws Bk7.2917-3028
The First Lawgivers Bk7.3029-3061
Kings must keep the Laws Bk7.3062-3102
The Fourth Point of Policy; Pity Bk7.3103-3162
Troian Bk7.3142-3162
The Jew and the Pagan in Stafford MS not in Fairfax
The Tale of Codrus Bk7.3163-3214
Pompeie and the King of Armenia Bk7.3215-3248
Cruelty Bk7.3249-3266
Cruelty of Justinian and Leontius Bk7.3267-3294
Cruelty of Siculus Bk7.3295-3340
Dionysius and his Horses Bk7.3341-3354
Lichaon Bk7.3355-3386
Nobleness of the Lion Bk7.3387-3416
Spertachus and Thamaris Bk7.3417-3513
Mercy must be without Weakness Bk7.3514-3552
The Mountain and the Mouse Bk7.3553-3593
There is a time for War Bk7.3594-3626
Story of Gideon Bk7.3627-3806
Saul and Agag Bk7.3807-3845
David and Joab Bk7.3846-3890
Solomon's Wisdom Bk7.3891-3944
The Courtiers and the Fool Bk7.3945-4026
Folly of Roboas Bk7.4027-4146
Wisdom in a King's Council Bk7.4147-4166
Mercy and Justice Bk7.4167-4214
Anthonius Bk7.4181-4188
The Fifth Point of Policy. Chastity Bk7.4215-4312
Evil Example of Sardana Pallus Bk7.4313-4343
Barbarus Bk7.4331-4344
David Bk7.4344-4360
Cyrus and the Lydians Bk7.4361-4405
The Counsel of Balaam Bk7.4406-4468
Evil Example of Solomon Bk7.4469-4514
Division of His Kingdom Bk7.4515-4573
Anthonie Bk7.4574-4592
Tarquin and his son Aruns Bk7.4593-4753
The Rape of Lucrece Bk7.4754-5130
Tale of Virginius Bk7.5131-5306
Tobias and Sara Bk7.5307-5365
Chastity Bk7.5366-5438

Book VIII

Lechery; The Origins of Mankind Bk8.1-66
Laws of Marriage Bk8.67-198
Examples of Incest; Caligula; Ammon Bk8.199-222
Lot and his Daughters; Incest Bk8.223-270
Apollonius of Tyre Bk8.271-2018
The Lover requires Counsel Bk8. 2029–2062
The Confessor replies Bk8. 2150–2148
The Controversy Bk8. 2149–2216
The Supplication Bk8.2217-2300
Venus replies to the Supplication Bk8.2301-2376
Venus replies to the Supplication (continued) Bk8.2377-2439
The Companies of Lovers Bk8.2440-2744
Cupid and the Lover; Bk8.2745-2787
The Fiery Dart withdrawn Bk8.2788-2807
The Healing of Love; The Absolution Bk8.2809-2897
Leave-taking of Venus Bk8.2899-2970
Author Prays for the State of England; Bk8.2971-2994
Evil of Division in the Land Bk8.2995-3053
The Duty of a King Bk8.2971-3105
The Book Completed Bk8.3106-3137
Farewell to Earthly Love; Heavenly Love Bk8.3138-3172

Gower's Revisions

Design of the Book; Dedication CAvarPro.24*-92*
Virginity; example of Valentinianus introduced CAvar5.6395*-6439*
Tale of Lucius and the Statue CAvar5.7016*-7210*
Example of Dante CAvar7.2329*-2342*
Pity; example of Alexander CAvar7.3149*-3180*
Tale of the Jew and the Pagan CAvar7.3207*-3360*
Leave-taking of Venus CAvar8.2941*-2970*
Author prays for the King; The King commended CAvar8.2971*-3043*
The Author presents his Book to the King CAvar8.3044*-3069*
Farewell to Earthly Love; Heavenly Love CAvar8.3070*-3114*

Sources

Confessio Amantis at Project Gutenberg (based on Macaulay 1901)
Macaulay facsimile edition includes Introduction, Marginal notations and Notes
G.C.Macaulay, ed. (1899). Vol 2:The complete works of John Gower. first half of Confessio Amantis(to V.1970)
G.C.Macaulay, ed. (1899). Vol 3:The complete works of John Gower. second half of Confessio Amantis (from V.1970)

References

↑ G. C. Macaulay; L. D. Benson (2008). "Index to Tales and Subjects in The Confessio Amantis". Harvard University.
↑ Flavius Josephus. "The Perils of Paulina or The Wicked Priests of Isis". University of Texas. Archived from the original on 2015-06-21.
↑ "Greed and Jealousy". Aesop's Fables. A new translation by Laura Gibbs. Oxford University Press (World's Classics). 2002.
↑ G. C.MACAULAY, ed. (1899). The Complete Works of John Gower. Clarendon Press. p. 533.
↑ "Secretum Secretorum Aristotle".
1 2 Seneca On Benefits.

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.

[1] G. C. Macaulay; L. D. Benson (2008). "Index to Tales and Subjects in The Confessio Amantis". Harvard University.

[2] Flavius Josephus. "The Perils of Paulina or The Wicked Priests of Isis". University of Texas. Archived from the original on 2015-06-21.

[3] "Greed and Jealousy". Aesop's Fables. A new translation by Laura Gibbs. Oxford University Press (World's Classics). 2002.

[4] G. C.MACAULAY, ed. (1899). The Complete Works of John Gower. Clarendon Press. p. 533.

[5] "Secretum Secretorum Aristotle".

[Seneca-6] 1 2 Seneca On Benefits.

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]