ANCRENE RIWLE

A Rule for Anchoresses. This is sometimes also known as Ancrene Wisse. This text gives rules for the behaviour of female recluses who were not within one of the established orders. The Riwle was written in English anonymously for three sisters of gentle birth. Both Latin and French versions were available until the 16c. Its use of alliteration is highly ornamental, while its tone has the fervour of sermon and the intensity of poetry. The Riwle is one of the earliest surviving examples of sustained MdEngl. prose.

Cf. Anchorite