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diff --git a/43440-0.txt b/43440-0.txt index b164afc..96e7bd8 100644 --- a/43440-0.txt +++ b/43440-0.txt @@ -1,31 +1,4 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of Arden of Feversham, by Anonymous and Thomas Kyd - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: Arden of Feversham - -Author: Anonymous - Thomas Kyd - -Editor: Ronald Bayne - -Release Date: August 11, 2013 [eBook #43440] -[Most recently updated: May 21, 2023] - -Language: English - -Produced by: Henry Flower and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ARDEN OF FEVERSHAM *** - - - +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 43440 *** Transcriber's Note @@ -4433,354 +4406,4 @@ p. 111 (note to III. i. 5) "sense" changed to "sense?" 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You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: Arden of Feversham - -Author: Anonymous - Thomas Kyd - -Editor: Ronald Bayne - -Release Date: August 11, 2013 [EBook #43440] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ARDEN OF FEVERSHAM *** - - - - -Produced by Henry Flower and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - - - - - - - -Transcriber's Note - -Endnotes have been moved to the end of the scene to which they apply. -The following note preceded the printed endnotes: - -"In the Quartos there are no divisions of acts and scenes. - -A, B, C = 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Quartos." - -Italic text is marked by _underscores_, and bold text by ~swung dashes~. - - - - -[Illustration] - -_THE TEMPLE DRAMATISTS_ - -ARDEN OF FEVERSHAM - -[Illustration] - - - - -The text of this edition is nearly that of the first Quarto, the copy -of which in the Dyce Library at South Kensington has been carefully -collated. I have not noted minute variations. The German editors, -Warnke and Proescholt, give the various readings of the three Quartos -and of later editions. - -[Illustration: _Feversham Abbey._] - - - - -ARDEN OF -FEVERSHAM - -_Edited with a Preface, Notes -and Glossary by_ - -REV. RONALD BAYNE -M.A. - - -J. M. DENT AND CO. -ALDINE HOUSE : LONDON -1897 - - - - -'Considering the various and marvellous gifts displayed for the first -time on our stage by the great poet, the great dramatist, the strong -and subtle searcher of hearts, the just and merciful judge and painter -of human passions, who gave this tragedy to the new-born literature -of our drama ... I cannot but finally take heart to say, even in -the absence of all external or traditional testimony, that it seems -to me not pardonable merely or permissible, but simply logical and -reasonable, to set down this poem, a young man's work on the face of -it, as the possible work of no man's youthful hand but Shakespeare's.' - -Mr. A. C. SWINBURNE. - - - - -PREFACE - - -~Early Editions.~ On 3rd April, 1592, '_The Tragedie of Arden of -Feversham and Blackwall_'[A] was entered on the Stationers' Registers -to Edward White. In the same year appeared, '_The lamentable and true -Tragedie of M. Arden of Feversham in Kent. Who was most wickedlye -murdered, by the meanes of his disloyall and wanton wyfe, who for the -love she bare to one Mosbie, hyred two desperat ruffins, Blackwill -and Shakbag, to kill him. Wherin is shewed the great mallice and -discimulation of a wicked woman, the unsatiable desire of filthie lust -and the shamefull end of all murderers. Imprinted at London for Edward -White, dwelling at the lyttle North dore of Paules Church at the signe -of the Gun._ 1592.' A second Quarto, with the same title, was printed -in 1599. A third, '_by Eliz. Allde dwelling neere Christs Church_,' -appeared in 1633. The second and third Quartos are founded textually -upon the first, and their variations are of no value. The text of the -first Quarto is unusually good even when prose and verse are mixed -together, although the printer has apparently no scientific knowledge -of the nature of metre. - -[Footnote A: A misprint for _Blackwill_.] - - -~Place of the Play in the Elizabethan Drama.~ _Arden of Faversham_ -is the finest extant specimen of a kind of play which has been -classified as Domestic Tragedy. A picturesque or sensational murder in -the sixteenth century was given to the public first in popular ballads -or pamphlets, and afterwards, if sufficiently notable, in the more -serious Chronicle. From the popular pamphlet, or from the Chronicle, -or from both together, it found its way on to the stage. Four of these -'murder-plays' have come down to us, and the titles of many others. -They form a minor section of the Chronicle plays or Histories. They did -not attain any very striking literary development, owing perhaps to the -necessary bondage of the poet to his facts. _Arden of Faversham_ is a -remarkable instance of the possibilities of this class of play, but it -is to be noted that the poet used the narrative of a Chronicler who -wrote twenty-seven years after the date of the murder. _A Warning for -Fair Women_ and Yarington's _Two Tragedies in One_ are both inferior -to _Arden_, though influenced by it. The fourth 'murder-play'--_The -Yorkshire Tragedy_--is distinct from the other three in style and -method. Several famous dramatists produced 'domestic' tragedies, but -none have survived. _A Late Murder of the Son upon the Mother_, in -which Ford and Webster collaborated, must have been a notable piece of -work. - - -~Source of the Play.~ On Sunday, 15th February 1550-1, Thomas -Ardern of Faversham, gentleman, 'was heynously murdered in his own -parlour, about seven of the clock in the night, by one Thomas Morsby, a -taylor of London, late servant to sir Edward North, knight, chancellor -of the augmentations, father-in-law unto Alice Ardern, wife of the -said Thomas Ardern.' Thomas Ardern was Mayor of Faversham in 1548, -and his murder made such a stir that in 1577 the first edition of -Holinshed's _Chronicle_ devotes five pages (pp. 1703-8) to an elaborate -account of it. The chronicler begins thus:--'About this time there was -at Faversham in Kent a Gentleman named Arden most cruelly murthered -and slain by the procurement of his own wife. The which murder for -the horribleness thereof, although otherwise it may seem to be but a -private matter, and therefore as it were impertinent to this History, -I have thought good to set it forth somewhat at large, having the -instructions delivered to me by them that have used some diligence -to gather the true understanding of the circumstances.' Our first -quotation was from the _Wardmote Book of Faversham_, and proves that -Holinshed's narrative is not minutely accurate. The _Wardmote Book_ -gives a curt account of the actual murder on the Sunday evening with -the names and fate of the culprits. It tells us nothing of the previous -failures of these culprits which give to Holinshed's tale such a -terrible and dramatic interest. We need not speculate on Holinshed's -sources. No doubt there were many contemporary pamphlets and ballads -which recounted the murder. We know only of _The Complaint ... of -Mistress Arden of Feversham_, preserved among the _Roxburghe Ballads_, -and reprinted by Evans and in Miss De Vaynes' _Kentish Garland_. -But this is dated by Mr. Bullen about 1633, when the third Quarto -of the play appeared, and was probably occasioned by that re-issue. -The important point to bear in mind is the excellence of Holinshed's -narrative. To praise it adequately we must say that it is worthy of -the fine play founded upon it, which probably had no other source. -The play agrees always with Holinshed when Holinshed differs from the -_Wardmote Book_. When the play differs from Holinshed it differs also -from the _Wardmote Book_. To the dramatic instinct of the poet we must -ascribe his suppression of the fact that Arden winked at his wife's -infidelity. Holinshed and the _Wardmote Book_ both explicitly assert -this. Franklin, Arden's friend, is also an invention of the dramatist. - - -~Author of the Play.~ The three Quartos are all anonymous. We -know of no other edition till 1770, when Edward Jacob, a Faversham -antiquary, edited the first Quarto, and boldly claimed the play for -Shakespeare. Ludwig Tieck published in 1823 an excellent German -translation, accompanied by a discriminating statement of the case for -the Shakesperean authorship. Delius, editing the play in 1855, agreed -with Tieck, and was followed by the French translator, Franois Victor -Hugo, and more recently by Professor Mzires. Owing to the supposed -Shakespearean authorship there have been at least three translations -into German, one into French, and one into Dutch. In England opinion -has been more divided. Henry Tyrrell,[B] Charles Knight, and Mr. -Swinburne[C] have supported the Shakespearean authorship. Professor -Ward[D] and J. A. Symonds incline to reject it. Professor Saintsbury -considers that 'the only possible hypothesis on which it could be -admitted as Shakespeare's would be that of an early experiment thrown -off while he was seeking his way in a direction where he found no -thoroughfare.'[E] Mr. Bullen, who edited a careful reprint of the first -Quarto in 1887, suspects 'that _Arden_ in its present state has been -retouched here and there by the master's hand.' The latest German -editors, Warnke and Proescholt (1888), 'are of opinion that Shakespeare -had nothing to do with _Arden of Faversham_.' - -[Footnote B: _Doubtful Plays of Shakespeare._] - -[Footnote C: _Study of Shakespeare._] - -[Footnote D: _History of English Dramatic Literature._] - -[Footnote E: _History of Elizabethan Literature._] - - -~The Question of Shakespeare's Authorship.~ The only reason for -ascribing the play to Shakespeare is its merit. It seems incredible -that a drama so mature in its art should have been written in 1592 -by a writer otherwise unknown to us. In three directions the art of -the writer is mature. First, the character of the base coward Mosbie, -and of the 'bourgeois Clytemnestra,' Alice Arden, are drawn with an -insight, delicacy, and sustained power new to English literature in -1592, and not excelled till Shakespeare excelled them. The picture of -Arden, as a man fascinated and bewitched by his wife and by his fate, -might match that of Mosbie and Alice if the artist had not blurred his -conception by the introduction of the jarring motives of avarice and -sacrilege. But the poet's aim is clear; it is his own, and it almost -succeeds. Second, the picturesque ferocity and grim humour of Black -Will and Shakebag are described with a firmness and ease and restraint -of style which critics have not sufficiently noted. I can compare it -only with the Jack Cade scenes of the _Contention_ (and _2 Henry VI._). -The prose of our poet is excellent. His humour has a clearly defined -character and style of its own. The character of Michael, so admired -by Mr. Swinburne, is as subtle and well-sustained as Mosbie's or Alice -Arden's, and it exhibits our poet's special humorous gift. This gift, -excellent as it is, seems to me very definitely not Shakespearean. -But thirdly, the terrifying use of signs and omens and of an almost -Shakespearean irony--_e.g._ Arden's words, 'I am almost stifled with -this fog!'--combine to produce as the play proceeds an impressive sense -of 'the slow unerring tread of assassination, balked but persevering, -marching like a fate to its accomplishment.' But the special -excellencies of the play are all against Shakespeare having written -it by 1592. As Mr. Bullen insists, the weak point in Mr. Swinburne's -criticism is the phrase 'a young man's work.' This play is not 'a young -man's work.' The copiousness of the young man Shakespeare's work is -the exact contrary of the deliberate anxious effort which marks the -style of _Arden of Faversham_ except in the prose scenes. In none of -Shakespeare's plays can it be perceived that the poet has taken such -pains as the poet of _Arden_ takes. Unless Shakespeare wrote this play -as soon as he reached London, and then for a year or two wrote nothing -else, it is impossible to fit it into his work. And if he wrote the -play as soon as he reached London and then took up the studies which -resulted in _Venus and Adonis_ and _Lucrece_, would he have written -_Love's Labour's Lost_ and _Comedy of Errors_ on his way back to work -like _Arden_? If Shakespeare wrote _Arden_ it is the most interesting -fact in his literary development. To suggest that Shakespeare revised -the play is to shirk the question. Its excellence is in its warp and -woof, not in its ornaments. - - -~Literature.~ Mr. Bullen's _Introduction_ is the best monograph on -the play. Warnke and Proescholt's _Introduction_ should be consulted, -but lacks the distinction of style and the critical insight of Mr. -Bullen's essay. Excellent analyses and criticisms of the play are in -Charles Knight's _Doubtful Plays_ ('Pictorial Shakespere'); J. A. -Symonds' _Shakspere's Predecessors_; Alfred Mzires' _Prdcesseurs et -Contemporains de Shakspeare_. Mr. Fleay in his _Biographical Chronicle -of the English Drama_ (1891) has suggested Kyd as the author of _Arden_. - -[Illustration] - - - - -ARDEN OF FEVERSHAM - - - - -DRAMATIS PERSON - - -THOMAS ARDEN, Gentleman, of Feversham -FRANKLIN, his Friend -MOSBIE -CLARKE, a Painter -ADAM FOWLE, Landlord of the Flower-de-Luce -BRADSHAW, a Goldsmith -MICHAEL, Arden's Servant -GREENE -RICHARD REEDE, a Sailor -BLACK WILL } Murderers -SHAKEBAG } -A PRENTICE -A FERRYMAN -LORD CHEINY, and his Men -MAYOR OF FEVERSHAM, and Watch - -ALICE, Arden's Wife -SUSAN, Mosbie's Sister - - - - -ARDEN OF FEVERSHAM - - - - -ACT I - - -_A Room in Arden's House._ - -_Enter Arden and Franklin._ - -_Franklin._ Arden, cheer up thy spirits, and droop no more! -My gracious Lord, the Duke of Somerset, -Hath freely given to thee and to thy heirs, -By letters patents from his Majesty, -All the lands of the Abbey of Feversham. -Here are the deeds, [_He hands them._ -Sealed and subscribed with his name and the king's: -Read them, and leave this melancholy mood. - -_Arden._ Franklin, thy love prolongs my weary life; -And but for thee how odious were this life, 10 -That shows me nothing but torments my soul, -And those foul objects that offend mine eyes! -Which makes me wish that for this veil of heaven -The earth hung over my head and covered me. -Love-letters pass 'twixt Mosbie and my wife, -And they have privy meetings in the town: -Nay, on his finger did I spy the ring -Which at our marriage-day the priest put on. -Can any grief be half so great as this? - -_Franklin._ Comfort thyself, sweet friend; it is not strange 20 -That women will be false and wavering. - -_Arden._ Ay, but to dote on such a one as he -Is monstrous, Franklin, and intolerable. - -_Franklin._ Why, what is he? - -_Arden._ A botcher, and no better at the first; -Who, by base brokage getting some small stock, -Crept into service of a nobleman, -And by his servile flattery and fawning -Is now become the steward of his house, -And bravely jets it in his silken gown. 30 - -_Franklin._ No nobleman will countenance such a peasant. - -_Arden._ Yes, the Lord Clifford, he that loves not me. -But through his favour let him not grow proud; -For were he by the Lord Protector backed, -He should not make me to be pointed at. -I am by birth a gentleman of blood, -And that injurious ribald, that attempts -To violate my dear wife's chastity -(For dear I hold her love, as dear as heaven) -Shall on the bed which he thinks to defile 40 -See his dissevered joints and sinews torn, -Whilst on the planchers pants his weary body, -Smeared in the channels of his lustful blood. - -_Franklin._ Be patient, gentle friend, and learn of me -To ease thy grief and save her chastity: -Intreat her fair; sweet words are fittest engines -To race the flint walls of a woman's breast. -In any case be not too jealous, -Nor make no question of her love to thee; -But, as securely, presently take horse, 50 -And lie with me at London all this term; -For women, when they may, will not, -But, being kept back, straight grow outrageous. - -_Arden._ Though this abhors from reason, yet I'll try it, -And call her forth and presently take leave. -How! Alice! - -_Here enters Alice._ - -_Alice._ Husband, what mean you to get up so early? -Summer-nights are short, and yet you rise ere day. -Had I been wake, you had not risen so soon. - -_Arden._ Sweet love, thou knowest that we two, Ovid-like, 60 -Have often chid the morning when it 'gan to peep, -And often wished that dark night's purblind steeds -Would pull her by the purple mantle back, -And cast her in the ocean to her love. -But this night, sweet Alice, thou hast killed my heart: -I heard thee call on Mosbie in thy sleep. - -_Alice._ 'Tis like I was asleep when I named him, -For being awake he comes not in my thoughts. - -_Arden._ Ay, but you started up and suddenly, -Instead of him, caught me about the neck. 70 - -_Alice._ Instead of him? why, who was there but you? -And where but one is, how can I mistake? - -_Franklin._ Arden, leave to urge her over-far. - -_Arden._ Nay, love, there is no credit in a dream; -Let it suffice I know thou lovest me well. - -_Alice._ Now I remember whereupon it came: -Had we no talk of Mosbie yesternight? - -_Franklin._ Mistress Alice, I heard you name him once or twice. - -_Alice._ And thereof came it, and therefore blame not me. - -_Arden._ I know it did, and therefore let it pass. 80 -I must to London, sweet Alice, presently. - -_Alice._ But tell me, do you mean to stay there long? - -_Arden._ No longer there till my affairs be done. - -_Franklin._ He will not stay above a month at most. - -_Alice._ A month? ay me! Sweet Arden, come again -Within a day or two, or else I die. - -_Arden._ I cannot long be from thee, gentle Alice. -Whilst Michael fetch our horses from the field, -Franklin and I will down unto the quay; -For I have certain goods there to unload. 90 -Meanwhile prepare our breakfast, gentle Alice; -For yet ere noon we'll take horse and away. - - [_Exeunt Arden and Franklin._ - -_Alice._ Ere noon he means to take horse and away! -Sweet news is this. O that some airy spirit -Would in the shape and likeness of a horse -Gallop with Arden 'cross the Ocean, -And throw him from his back into the waves! -Sweet Mosbie is the man that hath my heart: -And he usurps it, having nought but this, -That I am tied to him by marriage. 100 -Love is a God, and marriage is but words; -And therefore Mosbie's title is the best. -Tush! whether it be or no, he shall be mine, -In spite of him, of Hymen, and of rites. - -_Here enters Adam of the Flower-de-luce._ - -And here comes Adam of the Flower-de-luce; -I hope he brings me tidings of my love. ---How now, Adam, what is the news with you? -Be not afraid; my husband is now from home. - -_Adam._ He whom you wot of, Mosbie, Mistress Alice, -Is come to town, and sends you word by me 110 -In any case you may not visit him. - -_Alice._ Not visit him? - -_Adam._ No, nor take no knowledge of his being here. - -_Alice._ But tell me, is he angry or displeased? - -_Adam._ It should seem so, for he is wondrous sad. - -_Alice._ Were he as mad as raving Hercules, -I'll see him, I; and were thy house of force, -These hands of mine should race it to the ground, -Unless that thou wouldst bring me to my love. - -_Adam._ Nay, and you be so impatient, I'll be gone. 120 - -_Alice._ Stay, Adam, stay; thou wert wont to be my friend. -Ask Mosbie how I have incurred his wrath; -Bear him from me these pair of silver dice, -With which we played for kisses many a time, -And when I lost, I won, and so did he;-- -Such winning and such losing Jove send me! -And bid him, if his love do not decline, -To come this morning but along my door, -And as a stranger but salute me there: -This may he do without suspect or fear. 130 - -_Adam._ I'll tell him what you say, and so farewell. - - [_Exit Adam._ - -_Alice._ Do, and one day I'll make amends for all.-- -I know he loves me well, but dares not come, -Because my husband is so jealous, -And these my narrow-prying neighbours blab, -Hinder our meetings when we would confer. -But, if I live, that block shall be removed, -And, Mosbie, thou that comes to me by stealth, -Shalt neither fear the biting speech of men, -Nor Arden's looks; as surely shall he die 140 -As I abhor him and love only thee. - -_Here enters Michael._ - -How now, Michael, whither are you going? - -_Michael._ To fetch my master's nag. -I hope you'll think on me. - -_Alice._ Ay; but, Michael, see you keep your oath, -And be as secret as you are resolute. - -_Michael._ I'll see he shall not live above a week. - -_Alice._ On that condition, Michael, here's my hand: -None shall have Mosbie's sister but thyself. - -_Michael._ I understand the painter here hard by 150 -Hath made report that he and Sue is sure. - -_Alice._ There's no such matter, Michael; believe it not. - -_Michael._ But he hath sent a dagger sticking in a heart, -With a verse or two stolen from a painted cloth, -The which I hear the wench keeps in her chest. -Well, let her keep it! I shall find a fellow -That can both write and read and make rhyme too. -And if I do--well, I say no more: -I'll send from London such a taunting letter -As she shall eat the heart he sent with salt 160 -And fling the dagger at the painter's head. - -_Alice._ What needs all this? I say that Susan's thine. - -_Michael._ Why, then I say that I will kill my master, -Or anything that you will have me do. - -_Alice._ But, Michael, see you do it cunningly. - -_Michael._ Why, say I should be took, I'll ne'er confess -That you know anything; and Susan, being a maid, -May beg me from the gallows of the sheriff. - -_Alice._ Trust not to that, Michael. - -_Michael._ You cannot tell me, I have seen it, I. 170 -But, mistress, tell her, whether I live or die, -I'll make her more worth than twenty painters can; -For I will rid mine elder brother away, -And then the farm of Bolton is mine own. -Who would not venture upon house and land, -When he may have it for a right down blow? - -_Here enters Mosbie._ - -_Alice._ Yonder comes Mosbie. Michael, get thee gone, -And let not him nor any know thy drifts. - - [_Exit Michael._ - -Mosbie, my love! - -_Mosbie._ Away, I say, and talk not to me now. 180 - -_Alice._ A word or two, sweet heart, and then I will. -'Tis yet but early days, thou needst not fear. - -_Mosbie._ Where is your husband? - -_Alice._ 'Tis now high water, and he is at the quay. - -_Mosbie._ There let him be; henceforward know me not. - -_Alice._ Is this the end of all thy solemn oaths? -Is this the fruit thy reconcilement buds? -Have I for this given thee so many favours, -Incurred my husband's hate, and, out alas! -Made shipwreck of mine honour for thy sake? 190 -And dost thou say 'henceforward know me not'? -Remember, when I lock'd thee in my closet, -What were thy words and mine; did we not both -Decree to murder Arden in the night? -The heavens can witness, and the world can tell, -Before I saw that falsehood look of thine, -'Fore I was tangled with thy 'ticing speech, -Arden to me was dearer than my soul,-- -And shall be still: base peasant, get thee gone, -And boast not of thy conquest over me, 200 -Gotten by witchcraft and mere sorcery! -For what hast thou to countenance my love, -Being descended of a noble house, -And matched already with a gentleman -Whose servant thou may'st be!--and so farewell. - -_Mosbie._ Ungentle and unkind Alice, now I see -That which I ever feared, and find too true: -A woman's love is as the lightning-flame, -Which even in bursting forth consumes itself. -To try thy constancy have I been strange; 210 -Would I had never tried, but lived in hope! - -_Alice._ What need'st thou try me whom thou ne'er found false? - -_Mosbie._ Yet pardon me, for love is jealous. - -_Alice._ So lists the sailor to the mermaid's song, -So looks the traveller to the basilisk: -I am content for to be reconciled, -And that, I know, will be mine overthrow. - -_Mosbie._ Thine overthrow? first let the world dissolve. - -_Alice._ Nay, Mosbie, let me still enjoy thy love, -And happen what will, I am resolute. 220 -My saving husband hoards up bags of gold -To make our children rich, and now is he -Gone to unload the goods that shall be thine, -And he and Franklin will to London straight. - -_Mosbie._ To London, Alice? if thou'lt be ruled by me, -We'll make him sure enough for coming there. - -_Alice._ Ah, would we could! - -_Mosbie._ I happened on a painter yesternight, -The only cunning man of Christendom; -For he can temper poison with his oil, 230 -That whoso looks upon the work he draws -Shall, with the beams that issue from his sight, -Suck venom to his breast and slay himself. -Sweet Alice, he shall draw thy counterfeit, -That Arden may, by gazing on it, perish. - -_Alice._ Ay, but Mosbie, that is dangerous, -For thou, or I, or any other else, -Coming into the chamber where it hangs, may die. - -_Mosbie._ Ay, but we'll have it covered with a cloth -And hung up in the study for himself. 240 - -_Alice._ It may not be, for when the picture's drawn, -Arden, I know, will come and show it me. - -_Mosbie._ Fear not; we'll have that shall serve the turn. -This is the painter's house; I'll call him forth. - -_Alice._ But Mosbie, I'll have no such picture, I. - -_Mosbie._ I pray thee leave it to my discretion. -How! Clarke! - -_Here enters Clarke._ - -Oh, you are an honest man of your word! you served me well. - -_Clarke._ Why, sir, I'll do it for you at any time, -Provided, as you have given your word, 250 -I may have Susan Mosbie to my wife. -For, as sharp-witted poets, whose sweet verse -Make heavenly gods break off their nectar draughts -And lay their ears down to the lowly earth, -Use humble promise to their sacred Muse, -So we that are the poets' favourites -Must have a love: ay, Love is the painter's muse, -That makes him frame a speaking countenance, -A weeping eye that witnesses heart's grief. -Then tell me, Master Mosbie, shall I have her? 260 - -_Alice._ 'Tis pity but he should; he'll use her well. - -_Mosbie._ Clarke, here's my hand: my sister shall be thine. - -_Clarke._ Then, brother, to requite this courtesy, -You shall command my life, my skill, and all. - -_Alice._ Ah, that thou couldst be secret. - -_Mosbie._ Fear him not; leave; I have talked sufficient - -_Clarke._ You know not me that ask such questions. -Let it suffice I know you love him well, -And fain would have your husband made away: -Wherein, trust me, you show a noble mind, 270 -That rather than you'll live with him you hate, -You'll venture life, and die with him you love. -The like will I do for my Susan's sake. - -_Alice._ Yet nothing could inforce me to the deed -But Mosbie's love. Might I without control -Enjoy thee still, then Arden should not die: -But seeing I cannot, therefore let him die. - -_Mosbie._ Enough, sweet Alice; thy kind words makes me melt. -Your trick of poisoned pictures we dislike; -Some other poison would do better far. 280 - -_Alice._ Ay, such as might be put into his broth, -And yet in taste not to be found at all. - -_Clarke._ I know your mind, and here I have it for you. -Put but a dram of this into his drink, -Or any kind of broth that he shall eat, -And he shall die within an hour after. - -_Alice._ As I am a gentlewoman, Clarke, next day -Thou and Susan shall be married. - -_Mosbie._ And I'll make her dowry more than I'll talk of, Clarke. - -_Clarke._ Yonder's your husband. Mosbie, I'll be gone. 290 - -_Here enters Arden and Franklin._ - -_Alice._ In good time see where my husband comes. -Master Mosbie, ask him the question yourself. - - [_Exit Clarke._ - -_Mosbie._ Master Arden, being at London yesternight, -The Abbey lands, whereof you are now possessed, -Were offered me on some occasion -By Greene, one of Sir Antony Ager's men: -I pray you, sir, tell me, are not the lands yours? -Hath any other interest herein? - -_Arden._ Mosbie, that question we'll decide anon. -Alice, make ready my breakfast, I must hence. 300 - - [_Exit Alice._ - -As for the lands, Mosbie, they are mine -By letters patents from his Majesty. -But I must have a mandate for my wife; -They say you seek to rob me of her love: -Villain, what makes thou in her company? -She's no companion for so base a groom. - -_Mosbie._ Arden, I thought not on her, I came to thee; -But rather than I pocket up this wrong---- - -_Franklin._ What will you do, sir? - -_Mosbie._ Revenge it on the proudest of you both. 310 - - [_Then Arden draws forth Mosbie's sword._ - -_Arden._ So, sirrah; you may not wear a sword, -The statute makes against artificers; -I warrant that I do. Now use your bodkin, -Your Spanish needle, and your pressing iron, -For this shall go with me; and mark my words, -You goodman botcher, 'tis to you I speak: -The next time that I take thee near my house, -Instead of legs I'll make thee crawl on stumps. - -_Mosbie._ Ah, Master Arden, you have injured me: -I do appeal to God and to the world. 320 - -_Franklin._ Why, canst thou deny thou wert a botcher once? - -_Mosbie._ Measure me what I am, not what I was. - -_Arden._ Why, what art thou now but a velvet drudge, -A cheating steward, and base-minded peasant? - -_Mosbie._ Arden, now thou hast belched and vomited -The rancorous venom of thy mis-swoll'n heart, -Hear me but speak: as I intend to live -With God and his elected saints in heaven, -I never meant more to solicit her; -And that she knows, and all the world shall see. 330 -I loved her once;--sweet Arden, pardon me, -I could not choose, her beauty fired my heart! -But time hath quenched these over-raging coals; -And, Arden, though I now frequent thy house, -'Tis for my sister's sake, her waiting-maid, -And not for hers. Mayest thou enjoy her long: -Hell-fire and wrathful vengeance light on me, -If I dishonour her or injure thee. - -_Arden._ Mosbie, with these thy protestations -The deadly hatred of my heart's appeased, 340 -And thou and I'll be friends, if this prove true. -As for the base terms I gave thee late, -Forget them, Mosbie: I had cause to speak, -When all the knights and gentlemen of Kent -Make common table-talk of her and thee. - -_Mosbie._ Who lives that is not touched with slanderous tongues? - -_Franklin._ Then, Mosbie, to eschew the speech of men, -Upon whose general bruit all honour hangs, -Forbear his house. - -_Arden._ Forbear it! nay, rather frequent it more: 350 -The world shall see that I distrust her not. -To warn him on the sudden from my house -Were to confirm the rumour that is grown. - -_Mosbie._ By my faith, sir, you say true, -And therefore will I sojourn here a while, -Until our enemies have talked their fill; -And then, I hope, they'll cease, and at last confess -How causeless they have injured her and me. - -_Arden._ And I will lie at London all this term -To let them see how light I weigh their words. 360 - -_Here enters Alice._ - -_Alice._ Husband, sit down; your breakfast will be cold. - -_Arden._ Come, Master Mosbie, will you sit with us? - -_Mosbie._ I cannot eat, but I'll sit for company. - -_Arden._ Sirrah Michael, see our horse be ready. - -_Alice._ Husband, why pause ye? why eat you not? - -_Arden._ I am not well; there's something in this broth -That is not wholesome: didst thou make it, Alice? - -_Alice._ I did, and that's the cause it likes not you. - - [_Then she throws down the broth on the ground._ - -There's nothing that I do can please your taste; -You were best to say I would have poisoned you. 370 -I cannot speak or cast aside my eye, -But he imagines I have stepped awry. -Here's he that you cast in my teeth so oft: -Now will I be convinced or purge myself. -I charge thee speak to this mistrustful man, -Thou that wouldst see me hang, thou, Mosbie, thou: -What favour hast thou had more than a kiss -At coming or departing from the town? - -_Mosbie._ You wrong yourself and me to cast these doubts: -Your loving husband is not jealous. 380 - -_Arden._ Why, gentle Mistress Alice, cannot I be ill -But you'll accuse yourself? -Franklin, thou hast a box of mithridate; -I'll take a little to prevent the worst. - -_Franklin._ Do so, and let us presently take horse; -My life for yours, ye shall do well enough. - -_Alice._ Give me a spoon, I'll eat of it myself; -Would it were full of poison to the brim, -Then should my cares and troubles have an end. -Was ever silly woman so tormented? 390 - -_Arden._ Be patient, sweet love; I mistrust not thee. - -_Alice._ God will revenge it, Arden, if thou dost; -For never woman loved her husband better -Than I do thee. - -_Arden._ I know it, sweet Alice; cease to complain, -Lest that in tears I answer thee again. - -_Franklin._ Come, leave this dallying, and let us away. - -_Alice._ Forbear to wound me with that bitter word; -Arden shall go to London in my arms. - -_Arden._ Loth am I to depart, yet I must go. 400 - -_Alice._ Wilt thou to London, then, and leave me here? -Ah, if thou love me, gentle Arden, stay. -Yet, if thy business be of great import -Go, if thou wilt, I'll bear it as I may; -But write from London to me every week, -Nay, every day, and stay no longer there -Than thou must needs, lest that I die for sorrow. - -_Arden._ I'll write unto thee every other tide, -And so farewell, sweet Alice, till we meet next. - -_Alice._ Farewell, husband, seeing you'll have it so; 410 -And, Master Franklin, seeing you take him hence, -In hope you'll hasten him home, I'll give you this. - - [_And then she kisseth him._ - -_Franklin._ And if he stay, the fault shall not be mine. -Mosbie, farewell, and see you keep your oath. - -_Mosbie._ I hope he is not jealous of me now. - -_Arden._ No, Mosbie, no; hereafter think of me -As of your dearest friend, and so farewell. - - [_Exeunt Arden, Franklin, and Michael._ - -_Alice._ I am glad he is gone; he was about to stay, -But did you mark me then how I brake off? - -_Mosbie._ Ay, Alice, and it was cunningly performed. 420 -But what a villain is that painter Clarke! - -_Alice._ Was it not a goodly poison that he gave? -Why, he's as well now as he was before. -It should have been some fine confection -That might have given the broth some dainty taste: -This powder was too gross and populous. - -_Mosbie._ But had he eaten but three spoonfuls more, -Then had he died and our love continued. - -_Alice._ Why, so it shall, Mosbie, albeit he live. - -_Mosbie._ It is unpossible, for I have sworn 430 -Never hereafter to solicit thee, -Or, whilst he lives, once more importune thee. - -_Alice._ Thou shalt not need, I will importune thee. -What? shall an oath make thee forsake my love? -As if I have not sworn as much myself -And given my hand unto him in the church! -Tush, Mosbie; oaths are words, and words is wind, -And wind is mutable: then, I conclude, -'Tis childishness to stand upon an oath. - -_Mosbie._ Well proved, Mistress Alice; yet by your leave 440 -I'll keep mine unbroken whilst he lives. - -_Alice._ Ay, do, and spare not, his time is but short; -For if thou beest as resolute as I, -We'll have him murdered as he walks the streets. -In London many alehouse ruffians keep, -Which, as I hear, will murder men for gold. -They shall be soundly fee'd to pay him home. - -_Here enters Greene._ - -_Mosbie._ Alice, what's he that comes yonder? knowest thou him? - -_Alice._ Mosbie, be gone: I hope 'tis one that comes -To put in practice our intended drifts. 450 - - [_Exit Mosbie_ - -_Greene._ Mistress Arden, you are well met. -I am sorry that your husband is from home, -Whenas my purposed journey was to him: -Yet all my labour is not spent in vain, -For I suppose that you can full discourse -And flat resolve me of the thing I seek. - -_Alice._ What is it, Master Greene? If that I may -Or can with safety, I will answer you. - -_Greene._ I heard your husband hath the grant of late, -Confirmed by letters patents from the king, 460 -Of all the lands of the Abbey of Feversham, -Generally intitled, so that all former grants -Are cut off; whereof I myself had one; -But now my interest by that is void. -This is all, Mistress Arden; is it true or no? - -_Alice._ True, Master Greene; the lands are his in state, -And whatsoever leases were before -Are void for term of Master Arden's life; -He hath the grant under the Chancery seal. - -_Greene._ Pardon me, Mistress Arden, I must speak, 470 -For I am touched. Your husband doth me wrong -To wring me from the little land I have. -My living is my life, and only that -Resteth remainder of my portion. -Desire of wealth is endless in his mind, -And he is greedy-gaping still for gain; -Nor cares he though young gentlemen do beg, -So he may scrape and hoard up in his pouch. -But, seeing he hath ta'en my lands, I'll value life -As careless as he is careful for to get: 480 -And tell him this from me, I'll be revenged, -And so as he shall wish the Abbey lands -Had rested still within their former state. - -_Alice._ Alas, poor gentleman, I pity you, -And woe is me that any man should want! -God knows 'tis not my fault; but wonder not -Though he be hard to others, when to me,-- -Ah, Master Greene, God knows how I am used. - -_Greene._ Why, Mistress Arden, can the crabbed churl -Use you unkindly? respects he not your birth, 490 -Your honourable friends, nor what you brought? -Why, all Kent knows your parentage and what you are. - -_Alice._ Ah, Master Greene, be it spoken in secret here, -I never live good day with him alone: -When he's at home, then have I froward looks, -Hard words and blows to mend the match withal; -And though I might content as good a man, -Yet doth he keep in every corner trulls; -And when he's weary with his trugs at home, -Then rides he straight to London; there, forsooth, 500 -He revels it among such filthy ones -As counsels him to make away his wife. -Thus live I daily in continual fear, -In sorrow; so despairing of redress -As every day I wish with hearty prayer -That he or I were taken forth the world. - -_Greene._ Now trust me, Mistress Alice, it grieveth me -So fair a creature should be so abused. -Why, who would have thought the civil sir so sullen? -He looks so smoothly. Now, fie upon him, churl! 510 -And if he live a day, he lives too long. -But frolic, woman! I shall be the man -Shall set you free from all this discontent; -And if the churl deny my interest -And will not yield my lease into my hand, -I'll pay him home, whatever hap to me. - -_Alice._ But speak you as you think? - -_Greene._ Ay, God's my witness, I mean plain dealing, -For I had rather die than lose my land. - -_Alice._ Then, Master Greene, be counselld by me: 520 -Indanger not yourself for such a churl, -But hire some cutter for to cut him short, -And here's ten pound to wager them withal; -When he is dead, you shall have twenty more, -And the lands whereof my husband is possess'd -Shall be intitled as they were before. - -_Greene._ Will you keep promise with me? - -_Alice._ Or count me false and perjured whilst I live. - -_Greene._ Then here's my hand, I'll have him so dispatched. -I'll up to London straight, I'll thither post, 530 -And never rest till I have compassed it. -Till then farewell. - -_Alice._ Good fortune follow all your forward thoughts. - - [_Exit Greene._ - -And whosoever doth attempt the deed, -A happy hand I wish, and so farewell.-- -All this goes well: Mosbie, I long for thee -To let thee know all that I have contrived. - -_Here enters Mosbie and Clarke._ - -_Mosbie._ How, now, Alice, what's the news? - -_Alice._ Such as will content thee well, sweetheart. - -_Mosbie._ Well, let them pass a while, and tell me, Alice, -How have you dealt and tempered with my sister? -What, will she have my neighbour Clarke, or no? - -_Alice._ What, Master Mosbie! let him woo himself! -Think you that maids look not for fair words? -Go to her, Clarke; she's all alone within; -Michael my man is clean out of her books. - -_Clarke._ I thank you, Mistress Arden, I will in; -And if fair Susan and I can make a gree, -You shall command me to the uttermost, -As far as either goods or life may stretch. 550 - - [_Exit Clarke._ - -_Mosbie._ Now, Alice, let's hear thy news. - -_Alice._ They be so good that I must laugh for joy, -Before I can begin to tell my tale. - -_Mosbie._ Let's hear them, that I may laugh for company. - -_Alice._ This morning, Master Greene, Dick Greene I mean, -From whom my husband had the Abbey land, -Came hither, railing, for to know the truth -Whether my husband had the lands by grant. -I told him all, whereat he stormed amain -And swore he would cry quittance with the churl, 560 -And, if he did deny his interest, -Stab him, whatsoever did befall himself. -Whenas I saw his choler thus to rise, -I whetted on the gentleman with words; -And, to conclude, Mosbie, at last we grew -To composition for my husband's death. -I gave him ten pound for to hire knaves, -By some device to make away the churl; -When he is dead, he should have twenty more -And repossess his former lands again. 570 -On this we 'greed, and he is ridden straight -To London, for to bring his death about. - -_Mosbie._ But call you this good news? - -_Alice._ Ay, sweetheart, be they not? - -_Mosbie._ 'Twere cheerful news to hear the churl were dead; -But trust me, Alice, I take it passing ill -You would be so forgetful of our state -To make recount of it to every groom. -What! to acquaint each stranger with our drifts, -Chiefly in case of murder, why, 'tis the way 580 -To make it open unto Arden's self -And bring thyself and me to ruin both. -Forewarned, forearmed; who threats his enemy, -Lends him a sword to guard himself withal. - -_Alice._ I did it for the best. - -_Mosbie._ Well, seeing 'tis done, cheerly let it pass. -You know this Greene; is he not religious? -A man, I guess, of great devotion? - -_Alice._ He is. - -_Mosbie._ Then, sweet Alice, let it pass: I have a drift 590 -Will quiet all, whatever is amiss. - -_Here enters Clarke and Susan._ - -_Alice._ How now, Clarke? have you found me false? -Did I not plead the matter hard for you? - -_Clarke._ You did. - -_Mosbie._ And what? wilt be a match? - -_Clarke._ A match, i' faith, sir: ay, the day is mine. -The painter lays his colours to the life, -His pencil draws no shadows in his love. -Susan is mine. - -_Alice._ You make her blush. 600 - -_Mosbie._ What, sister, is it Clarke must be the man? - -_Susan._ It resteth in your grant; some words are past, -And haply we be grown unto a match, -If you be willing that it shall be so. - -_Mosbie._ Ah, Master Clarke, it resteth at my grant: -You see my sister's yet at my dispose, -But, so you'll grant me one thing I shall ask, -I am content my sister shall be yours. - -_Clarke._ What is it, Master Mosbie? - -_Mosbie._ I do remember once in secret talk 610 -You told me how you could compound by art -A crucifix impoisoned, -That whoso look upon it should wax blind -And with the scent be stifled, that ere long -He should die poisoned that did view it well. -I would have you make me such a crucifix. -And then I'll grant my sister shall be yours. - -_Clarke._ Though I am loth, because it toucheth life, -Yet, rather or I'll leave sweet Susan's love, -I'll do it, and with all the haste I may. 620 -But for whom is it? - -_Alice._ Leave that to us. Why, Clarke, is it possible -That you should paint and draw it out yourself, -The colours being baleful and impoisoned, -And no ways prejudice yourself withal? - -_Mosbie._ Well questioned, Alice; Clarke, how answer you that? - -_Clarke._ Very easily: I'll tell you straight -How I do work of these impoisoned drugs. -I fasten on my spectacles so close -As nothing can any way offend my sight; 630 -Then, as I put a leaf within my nose, -So put I rhubarb to avoid the smell, -And softly as another work I paint. - -_Mosbie._ 'Tis very well; but against when shall I have it? - -_Clarke._ Within this ten days. - -_Mosbie._ 'Twill serve the turn. -Now, Alice, let's in and see what cheer you keep. -I hope, now Master Arden is from home, -You'll give me leave to play your husband's part. - -_Alice._ Mosbie, you know, who's master of my heart, -He well may be the master of the house. 640 - - [_Exeunt._ - -I. i. 4. _Patents_; the plural is always used in A, cf. _Richard II._ -II. i. 202; II. iii. 130. - -I. i. 14. Contrast Holinshed:--'He, _i.e._ Arden, was contented -to wink at her filthy disorder,' and _Wardmote Book_:--'All which -things the said Ardern did well know and wilfully did permit and -suffer the same.' He was afraid to offend Lord North, 'father-in-law -unto Alice Ardern,' whose servant Mosbie had been. This -North was the father of the translator of Plutarch. - -I. i. 15. _Pass_; so Bullen for _past_, A, B, C. - -I. i. 25. _Botcher_, is not 'butcher,' but a mender of old clothes. - -I. i. 48. _Jealous_: spelt _jelyouse_, and pronounced so throughout -the play. - -I. i. 60. The reference is to Ovid's _Elegy_, 'Ad Auroram ne -properet.'--_Amor._ i. 13. - -I. i. 61. Most editions reject _often_. If we retain it the line is an -Alexandrine. Cf. i. 153, 167, 238, 479; III. v. 73, etc. - -I. i. 105. _Flower-de-luce._ 'An inn, formerly situated in Abbey -Street, nearly opposite Arden's house.' C. E. Donne, _An Essay -on the Tragedy of Arden of Faversham_, 1873. - -I. i. 117. _thy house of force_, _i.e._ 'fortified house.' - -I. i. 135. _narrow_: so all editors; but the _marrow-prying_ of A -may be correct. _Blab_ is either a verb with _and_ omitted after it, -or a noun, the subject of _hinder_. - -I. i. 154. An allusion to verses or inscriptions on tapestry hangings. - -I. i. 159. Cf. 'I'll write to him a very taunting letter.'--_As You -Like It_, III. v. 134. - -I. i. 167. 'It was popularly supposed that a virgin might save a -criminal from the gallows by offering to marry him.--See note to -my edition of Marston, III. 190-1.'--Bullen. - -I. i. 172. Perhaps _worth_ should be omitted. - -I. i. 174. _Bolton_ is 'Boughton, looking down on Canterbury.'--Donne. - -I. i. 247. The name 'Clarke' is apparently our author's invention, -like the name and character of Franklin. The painter's name was -William Blackburn. - -I. i. 266. _Leave_; Tyrrell reads _love_. - -I. i. 278. _makes_: this singular with a plural subject is frequent in -our play; cf. _Enters_ in the stage directions with a plural, and -I. 151, 437, 502; II. i. 1; III. i. 43 and 83; V. 38, etc. Consult -Mr. Verity's note on _Edward II._, I. iv. 362, Temple Dramatists. - -I. i. 312. The statute in question was 37 Edward III. c. 9. - -I. i. 314. 'The making of Spanish needles was first taught in -England by Elias Crowse a Germane about the eight yeere of -Queene Elizabeth, and in Queen Marie's time there was a Negro -made fine Spanish needles in Cheapeside, but would never teach -his art to any.' Quoted by Bullen from _Stowe_, edition 1631, -p. 1038. - -I. i. 314. 'Then Mosby having at his girdle a pressing iron of -14 pound weight stroke him on the head with the same so that -he fell down and gave a great groan.'--Holinshed. Cf V. i. 241. - -I. i. 323. _Velvet drudge_: an allusion to Mosbie's tailoring. - -I. i. 426. _Populous_: 'perhaps used in the sense of _thick_, -_compact_.'--Bullen. Webster quotes this passage and explains, -'suitable to common people: hence common, inferior, vulgar.' -Delius proposes _palpable_. - -I. i. 466. _His in state_, _i.e._ 'his legally.' - -I. i. 472. Cf. 'To wring the widow from her customed right.'--2 -_Henry VI._, V. i. 188. - -I. i. 537. Tyrrell begins Act II. here. - -I. i. 546. 'The gentleman is not in your books.'--_Much Ado_, -I. i. 79. - -I. i. 548. _make a gree_, come to an agreement. _Agree_ was used -adverbially for _at gree_. - - - - -ACT II - - -SCENE I - -_Country between Feversham and London._ - -_Enter Greene and Bradshaw._ - -_Bradshaw._ See you them that comes yonder, Master Greene? - -_Greene._ Ay, very well: do you know them? - -_Here enters Black Will and Shakebag._ - -_Bradshaw._ The one I know not, but he seems a knave -Chiefly for bearing the other company; -For such a slave, so vile a rogue as he, -Lives not again upon the earth. -Black Will is his name. I tell you, Master Greene, -At Boulogne he and I were fellow-soldiers, -Where he played such pranks -As all the camp feared him for his villainy 10 -I warrant you he bears so bad a mind -That for a crown he'll murder any man. - -_Greene._ The fitter is he for my purpose, marry! - -_Will._ How now, fellow Bradshaw? Whither away so early? - -_Bradshaw._ O Will, times are changed: no fellows now, -Though we were once together in the field; -Yet thy friend to do thee any good I can. - -_Will._ Why, Bradshaw, was not thou and I fellow-soldiers -at Boulogne, where I was a corporal, and -thou but a base mercenary groom? No fellows -now! because you are a goldsmith and have a little -plate in your shop! You were glad to call me -'fellow Will,' and with a curtsey to the earth, 'One -snatch, good corporal,' when I stole the half ox -from John the victualer, and domineer'd with it -amongst good fellows in one night. - -_Bradshaw._ Ay, Will, those days are past with me. 27 - -_Will._ Ay, but they be not past with me, for I keep that -same honourable mind still. Good neighbour Bradshaw, -you are too proud to be my fellow; but were -it not that I see more company coming down the -hill, I would be fellows with you once more, and -share crowns with you too. But let that pass, and -tell me whither you go. - -_Bradshaw._ To London, Will, about a piece of service, -Wherein haply thou mayest pleasure me. - -_Will._ What is it? - -_Bradshaw._ Of late Lord Cheiny lost some plate, -Which one did bring and sold it at my shop, -Saying he served Sir Antony Cooke. 40 -A search was made, the plate was found with me, -And I am bound to answer at the 'size. -Now, Lord Cheiny solemnly vows, if law -Will serve him, he'll hang me for his plate. -Now I am going to London upon hope -To find the fellow. Now, Will, I know -Thou art acquainted with such companions. - -_Will._ What manner of man was he? - -_Bradshaw._ A lean-faced writhen knave, -Hawk-nosed and very hollow-eyed, 50 -With mighty furrows in his stormy brows; -Long hair down his shoulders curled; -His chin was bare, but on his upper lip -A mutchado, which he wound about his ear. - -_Will._ What apparel had he? - -_Bradshaw._ A watchet satin doublet all-to torn, -The inner side did bear the greater show; -A pair of thread-bare velvet hose, seam rent, -A worsted stocking rent above the shoe, -A livery cloak, but all the lace was off; 60 -'Twas bad, but yet it served to hide the plate. - -_Will._ Sirrah Shakebag, canst thou remember since we -trolled the bowl at Sittingburgh, where I broke the -tapster's head of the Lion with a cudgel-stick? - -_Shakebag._ Ay, very well, Will. - -_Will._ Why, it was with the money that the plate was -sold for. Sirrah Bradshaw, what wilt thou give him -that can tell thee who sold thy plate? - -_Bradshaw._ Who, I pray thee, good Will? - -_Will._ Why, 'twas one Jack Fitten. He's now in Newgate -for stealing a horse, and shall be arraigned the next 'size. 72 - -_Bradshaw._ Why, then let Lord Cheiny seek Jack Fitten forth, -For I'll back and tell him who robbed him of his plate. -This cheers my heart; Master Greene, I'll leave you, -For I must to the Isle of Sheppy with speed. - -_Greene._ Before you go, let me intreat you -To carry this letter to Mistress Arden of Feversham -And humbly recommend me to herself. - -_Bradshaw._ That will I, Master Greene, and so farewell. 80 -Here, Will, there's a crown for thy good news. - - [_Exit Bradshaw._ - -_Will._ Farewell, Bradshaw; I'll drink no water for thy -sake whilst this lasts.--Now, gentleman, shall we -have your company to London? - -_Greene._ Nay, stay, sirs: -A little more I needs must use your help, -And in a matter of great consequence, -Wherein if you'll be secret and profound, -I'll give you twenty angels for your pains. 89 - -_Will._ How? twenty angels? give my fellow George -Shakebag and me twenty angels? And if thou'lt -have thy own father slain, that thou may'st inherit -his land, we'll kill him. 93 - -_Shakebag._ Ay, thy mother, thy sister, thy brother, -or all thy kin. - -_Greene._ Well, this it is: Arden of Feversham -Hath highly wronged me about the Abbey land, -That no revenge but death will serve the turn. -Will you two kill him? here's the angels down, -And I will lay the platform of his death. 100 - -_Will._ Plat me no platforms; give me the money, and -I'll stab him as he stands pissing against a wall, but -I'll kill him. - -_Shakebag._ Where is he? - -_Greene._ He is now at London, in Aldersgate Street. - -_Shakebag._ He's dead as if he had been condemned by -an Act of Parliament, if once Black Will and I -swear his death. - -_Greene_. Here is ten pound, and when he is dead, -Ye shall have twenty more. 110 - -_Will._ My fingers itches to be at the peasant. Ah, that -I might be set a work thus through the year, and -that murder would grow to an occupation, that a -man might follow without danger of law:--zounds, I -warrant I should be warden of the company! Come, -let us be going, and we'll bait at Rochester, where -I'll give thee a gallon of sack to handsel the match -withal. - - [_Exeunt._ - -II. i. 51. Mr. Bullen says that such a line as this 'might have -come straight out of _Tamburlaine_.' He goes on, 'but in no other -part of the play can we find a trace of Marlowe's influence.' Cf.-- - -'He sent a shaggy tottered staring slave, -That when he speaks draws out his grisly beard, -And winds it twice or thrice about his ear; -Whose face has been a grindstone for men's swords.' - -_Jew of Malta_, IV. v. 6. - -and Shakespeare's-- - -'They brought one Pinch, a hungry lean-faced villain ... -A needy hollow-ey'd, sharp-looking wretch, -A living dead man.' - -_Com. of Errors_, V. i. 237. - -II. i. 56. _all to torn_; 'entirely torn.' _To_ in the sense of -'asunder' was commonly emphasised by _all_. Cf. 'Her wings ... -were all to ruffled.'--_Comus_, 380. - -II. i. 58. _seam rent_: torn at the seams; 'Seam rent fellows,'--Ben -Jonson. - -II. i. 101. Imitated in Yarington's _Two Tragedies_ (iii. 2):-- - -'Grace me no graces, I respect no grace, -But with a grace to give a graceless stab.' - -II. i. 114. I have inserted _follow_. - - -SCENE II - -_London. A Street near St. Paul's._ - -_Enter Michael._ - -_Michael._ I have gotten such a letter as will touch the -painter: And thus it is: - -_Here enters Arden and Franklin and hears Michael -read this letter._ - -'My duty remembered, Mistress Susan, hoping in God -you be in good health, as I Michael was at the -making hereof. This is to certify you that as the -turtle true, when she hath lost her mate, sitteth -alone, so I, mourning for your absence, do walk -up and down Paul's till one day I fell asleep and -lost my master's pantofles. Ah, Mistress Susan, -abolish that paltry painter, cut him off by the -shins with a frowning look of your crabbed countenance, -and think upon Michael, who, drunk with -the dregs of your favour, will cleave as fast to your -love as a plaster of pitch to a galled horse-back. -Thus hoping you will let my passions penetrate, or -rather impetrate mercy of your meek hands, I end. - - 'Yours, Michael, or else not Michael.' - -_Arden._ Why, you paltry knave, -Stand you here loitering, knowing my affairs, -What haste my business craves to send to Kent? 20 - -_Franklin._ Faith, friend Michael, this is very ill, -Knowing your master hath no more but you, -And do ye slack his business for your own? - -_Arden._ Where is the letter, sirrah? let me see it. - - [_Then he gives him the letter._ - -See, Master Franklin, here's proper stuff: -Susan my maid, the painter, and my man, -A crew of harlots, all in love, forsooth; -Sirrah, let me hear no more of this, -Nor for thy life once write to her a word. - -_Here enters Greene, Will, and Shakebag._ - -Wilt thou be married to so base a trull? 30 -'Tis Mosbie's sister: come I once at home, -I'll rouse her from remaining in my house. -Now, Master Franklin, let us go walk in Paul's; -Come but a turn or two, and then away. - - [_Exeunt._ - -_Greene._ The first is Arden, and that's his man, -The other is Franklin, Arden's dearest friend. - -_Will._ Zounds, I'll kill them all three. - -_Greene._ Nay, sirs, touch not his man in any case; -But stand close, and take you fittest standing, -And at his coming forth speed him: 40 -To the Nag's Head, there is this coward's haunt. -But now I'll leave you till the deed be done. - - [_Exit Greene._ - -_Shakebag._ If he be not paid his own, ne'er trust Shakebag. - -_Will._ Sirrah Shakebag, at his coming forth I'll run him -through, and then to the Blackfriars, and there -take water and away. - -_Shakebag._ Why, that's the best; but see thou miss him not. - -_Will._ How can I miss him, when I think on the forty -angels I must have more? - -_Here enters Prentice._ - -_Prentice._ 'Tis very late; I were best shut up my stall, -for here will be old filching, when the press comes -forth of Paul's. 52 - - [_Then lets he down his window, and it breaks Black Will's head._ - -_Will._ Zounds, draw, Shakebag, I am almost killed. - -_Prentice._ We'll tame you, I warrant. - -_Will._ Zounds, I am tame enough already. - -_Here enters Arden, Franklin, and Michael._ - -_Arden._ What troublesome fray or mutiny is this? - -_Franklin._ 'Tis nothing but some brabling paltry fray, -Devised to pick men's pockets in the throng. - -_Arden._ Is't nothing else? come, Franklin, let's away. - - [_Exeunt._ - -_Will._ What 'mends shall I have for my broken head? 60 - -_Prentice._ Marry, this 'mends, that if you get you not -away all the sooner, you shall be well beaten and -sent to the Counter. [_Exit Prentice._ - -_Will._ Well, I'll be gone, but look to your signs, for I'll -pull them down all. Shakebag, my broken head -grieves me not so much as by this means Arden -hath escaped. - -_Here enters Greene._ - -I had a glimpse of him and his companion. - -_Greene._ Why, sirs, Arden's as well as I; I met him and -Franklin going merrily to the ordinary. What, dare -you not do it? 71 - -_Will._ Yes, sir, we dare do it; but, were my consent to -give again, we would not do it under ten pound -more. I value every drop of my blood at a French -crown. I have had ten pound to steal a dog, and we -have no more here to kill a man; but that a bargain -is a bargain, and so forth, you should do it yourself. - -_Greene._ I pray thee, how came thy head broke? - -_Will._ Why, thou seest it is broke, dost thou not? 79 - -_Shakebag._ Standing against a stall, watching Arden's -coming, a boy let down his shop-window and broke -his head; whereupon arose a brawl, and in the -tumult Arden escaped us and passed by unthought -on. But forbearance is no acquittance; another -time we'll do it, I warrant thee. - -_Greene._ I pray thee, Will, make clean thy bloody brow, -And let us bethink us on some other place -Where Arden may be met with handsomely. -Remember how devoutly thou hast sworn -To kill the villain; think upon thine oath. 90 - -_Will._ Tush, I have broken five hundred oaths! -But wouldst thou charm me to effect this deed, -Tell me of gold, my resolution's fee; -Say thou seest Mosbie kneeling at my knees, -Offering me service for my high attempt, -And sweet Alice Arden, with a lap of crowns, -Comes with a lowly curtsey to the earth, -Saying 'Take this but for thy quarterage, -Such yearly tribute will I answer thee.' -Why, this would steel soft-mettled cowardice, 100 -With which Black Will was never tainted yet. -I tell thee, Greene, the forlorn traveller, -Whose lips are glued with summer's parching heat, -Ne'er longed so much to see a running brook -As I to finish Arden's tragedy. -Seest thou this gore that cleaveth to my face? -From hence ne'er will I wash this bloody stain, -Till Arden's heart be panting in my hand. - -_Greene._ Why, that's well said; but what saith Shakebag? - -_Shakebag._ I cannot paint my valour out with words: 110 -But, give me place and opportunity, -Such mercy as the starven lioness, -When she is dry sucked of her eager young, -Shows to the prey that next encounters her, -On Arden so much pity would I take. - -_Greene._ So should it fare with men of firm resolve. -And now, sirs, seeing that this accident -Of meeting him in Paul's hath no success, -Let us bethink us of some other place -Whose earth may swallow up this Arden's blood. - -_Here enters Michael._ - -See, yonder comes his man: and wot you what? 121 -The foolish knave's in love with Mosbie's sister, -And for her sake, whose love he cannot get -Unless Mosbie solicit his suit, -The villain hath sworn the slaughter of his master. -We'll question him, for he may stead us much,-- -How now, Michael, whither are you going? - -_Michael._ My master hath new supped, -And I am going to prepare his chamber. - -_Greene._ Where supped Master Arden? 130 - -_Michael._ At the Nag's Head, at the eighteen pence -ordinary. How now, Master Shakebag? what, -Black Will! God's dear lady, how chance your -face is so bloody? - -_Will._ Go to, sirrah, there is a chance in it; this sauciness -in you will make you be knocked. - -_Michael._ Nay, an you be offended, I'll be gone. - -_Greene._ Stay, Michael, you may not escape us so. -Michael, I know you love your master well. - -_Michael._ Why, so I do; but wherefore urge you that? - -_Greene._ Because I think you love your mistress better. - -_Michael._ So think not I; but say, i' faith, what, if I should? - -_Shakebag._ Come to the purpose, Michael; we hear 143 -You have a pretty love in Feversham. - -_Michael._ Why, have I two or three, what's that to thee! - -_Will._ You deal too mildly with the peasant. Thus it is: -'Tis known to us that you love Mosbie's sister; -We know besides that you have ta'en your oath -To further Mosbie to your mistress' bed, -And kill your master for his sister's sake. -Now, sir, a poorer coward than yourself 150 -Was never fostered in the coast of Kent: -How comes it then that such a knave as you -Dare swear a matter of such consequence? - -_Greene._ Ah, Will---- - -_Will._ Tush, give me leave, there's no more but this: -Sith thou hast sworn, we dare discover all; -And hadst thou or should'st thou utter it, -We have devised a complat under hand, -Whatever shall betide to any of us, -To send thee roundly to the devil of hell. 160 -And therefore thus: I am the very man, -Marked in my birth-hour by the destinies, -To give an end to Arden's life on earth; -Thou but a member but to whet the knife -Whose edge must search the closet of his breast: -Thy office is but to appoint the place, -And train thy master to his tragedy; -Mine to perform it when occasion serves. -Then be not nice, but here devise with us -How and what way we may conclude his death. 170 - -_Shakebag._ So shalt thou purchase Mosbie for thy friend, -And by his friendship gain his sister's love. - -_Greene._ So shall thy mistress be thy favourer, -And thou disburdened of the oath thou made. - -_Michael._ Well, gentlemen, I cannot but confess, -Sith you have urged me so apparently, -That I have vowed my master Arden's death; -And he whose kindly love and liberal hand -Doth challenge nought but good deserts of me, -I will deliver over to your hands. 180 -This night come to his house at Aldersgate: -The doors I'll leave unlock'd against you come. -No sooner shall ye enter through the latch, -Over the threshold to the inner court, -But on your left hand shall you see the stairs -That leads directly to my master's chamber: -There take him and dispose him as ye please. -Now it were good we parted company; -What I have promised, I will perform. - -_Will._ Should you deceive us, 'twould go wrong with you. 190 - -_Michael._ I will accomplish all I have revealed. - -_Will._ Come, let's go drink: choler makes me as dry as a dog. 190 - - [_Exeunt Will, Greene, and Shakebag._ - _Manet Michael._ - -_Michael._ Thus feeds the lamb securely on the down, -Whilst through the thicket of an arbour brake -The hunger-bitten wolf o'erpries his haunt -And takes advantage for to eat him up. -Ah, harmless Arden, how hast thou misdone, -That thus thy gentle life is levelled at? -The many good turns that thou hast done to me. 200 -Now must I quittance with betraying thee. -I that should take the weapon in my hand -And buckler thee from ill-intending foes, -Do lead thee with a wicked fraudful smile, -As unsuspected, to the slaughter-house. -So have I sworn to Mosbie and my mistress, -So have I promised to the slaughtermen; -And should I not deal currently with them, -Their lawless rage would take revenge on me. -Tush, I will spurn at mercy for this once: 210 -Let pity lodge where feeble women lie, -I am resolved, and Arden needs must die. - - [_Exit Michael._ - -II. ii. 3. Michael's letter is a curious effort at euphuism which -calls to mind 'Love's Labour's Lost.' Note the fabulous natural -history, the alliteration, and the alliterative proverb. - -II. ii. 51. _old filching_ = 'rare filching.' Cf. 'Yonder's old coil at -hand.'--_Much Ado_, V. ii. 98. - -II. ii. 63. The Counter was a London prison. - - - - -ACT III - - -SCENE I - -_A Room in Franklin's House, at Aldersgate._ - -_Enter Arden and Franklin._ - -_Arden._ No, Franklin, no: if fear or stormy threats, -If love of me or care of womanhood, -If fear of God or common speech of men, -Who mangle credit with their wounding words, -And couch dishonour as dishonour buds, -Might join repentance in her wanton thoughts, -No question then but she would turn the leaf -And sorrow for her dissolution; -But she is rooted in her wickedness, -Perverse and stubborn, not to be reclaimed; 10 -Good counsel is to her as rain to weeds, -And reprehension makes her vice to grow -As Hydra's head that plenished by decay. -Her faults, methink, are painted in my face, -For every searching eye to overread; -And Mosbie's name, a scandal unto mine, -Is deeply trenchd in my blushing brow. -Ah, Franklin, Franklin, when I think on this, -My heart's grief rends my other powers -Worse than the conflict at the hour of death. 20 - -_Franklin._ Gentle Arden, leave this sad lament: -She will amend, and so your griefs will cease; -Or else she'll die, and so your sorrows end. -If neither of these two do haply fall, -Yet let your comfort be that others bear -Your woes, twice doubled all, with patience. - -_Arden._ My house is irksome; there I cannot rest. - -_Franklin._ Then stay with me in London; go not home. - -_Arden._ Then that base Mosbie doth usurp my room -And makes his triumph of my being thence. 30 -At home or not at home, where'er I be, -Here, here it lies, ah Franklin, here it lies -That will not out till wretched Arden dies. - -_Here enters Michael._ - -_Franklin._ Forget your griefs a while; here comes your man. - -_Arden._ What a-clock is't, sirrah? - -_Michael._ Almost ten. - -_Arden._ See, see, how runs away the weary time! -Come, Master Franklin, shall we go to bed? - - [_Exeunt Arden and Michael._ - _Manet Franklin._ - -_Franklin._ I pray you, go before: I'll follow you. ---Ah, what a hell is fretful jealousy! 40 -What pity-moving words, what deep-fetched sighs, -What grievous groans and overlading woes -Accompanies this gentle gentleman! -Now will he shake his care-oppressd head, -Then fix his sad eyes on the sullen earth, -Ashamed to gaze upon the open world; -Now will he cast his eyes up towards the heavens, -Looking that ways for redress of wrong: -Sometimes he seeketh to beguile his grief -And tells a story with his careful tongue; 50 -Then comes his wife's dishonour in his thoughts -And in the middle cutteth off his tale, -Pouring fresh sorrow on his weary limbs. -So woe-begone, so inly charged with woe, -Was never any lived and bare it so. - -_Here enters Michael._ - -_Michael._ My master would desire you come to bed. - -_Franklin._ Is he himself already in his bed? - - [_Exit Franklin. Manet Michael._ - -_Michael._ He is, and fain would have the light away. ---Conflicting thoughts, encampd in my breast, -Awake me with the echo of their strokes, 60 -And I, a judge to censure either side, -Can give to neither wishd victory. -My master's kindness pleads to me for life -With just demand, and I must grant it him: -My mistress she hath forced me with an oath, -For Susan's sake, the which I may not break, -For that is nearer than a master's love: -That grim-faced fellow, pitiless Black Will, -And Shakebag, stern in bloody stratagem, ---Two rougher ruffians never lived in Kent,-- 70 -Have sworn my death, if I infringe my vow, -A dreadful thing to be considered of. -Methinks I see them with their bolstered hair -Staring and grinning in thy gentle face, -And in their ruthless hands their daggers drawn, -Insulting o'er thee with a peck of oaths, -Whilst thou submissive, pleading for relief, -Art mangled by their ireful instruments. -Methinks I hear them ask where Michael is, -And pitiless Black Will cries: 'Stab the slave! 80 -The peasant will detect the tragedy!' -The wrinkles in his foul death-threat'ning face -Gapes open wide, like graves to swallow men. -My death to him is but a merriment, -And he will murder me to make him sport. -He comes, he comes! ah. Master Franklin, help! -Call on the neighbours, or we are but dead! - -_Here enters Franklin and Arden._ - -_Franklin._ What dismal outcry calls me from my rest? - -_Arden._ What hath occasioned such a fearful cry? -Speak, Michael: hath any injured thee? 90 - -_Michael._ Nothing, sir; but as I fell asleep, -Upon the threshold leaning to the stairs, -I had a fearful dream that troubled me, -And in my slumber thought I was beset -With murderer thieves that came to rifle me. -My trembling joints witness my inward fear: -I crave your pardons for disturbing you. - -_Arden._ So great a cry for nothing I ne'er heard. -What? are the doors fast locked and all things safe? - -_Michael._ I cannot tell; I think I locked the doors. 100 - -_Arden._ I like not this, but I'll go see myself.-- -Ne'er trust me but the doors were all unlocked: -This negligence not half contenteth me. -Get you to bed, and if you love my favour, -Let me have no more such pranks as these. -Come, Master Franklin, let us go to bed. - -_Franklin._ Ay, by my faith; the air is very cold. -Michael, farewell; I pray thee dream no more. - - [_Exeunt._ - -III. i. 5. _Couch dishonour as dishonour buds._ Warnke explains -_Couch_ = 'spread,' comparing 'couch-grass'; but there is no -authority for this use. Is the word used in its surgical sense? -The line would then = 'Cut the bud of dishonour so that it bursts -into flower.' The surgical sense occurs in Holland's _Pliny_, 1601. - -III. i. 13. _plenished_ is Warnke's reading for the Quartos' _perisht_. -Delius and Bullen read _flourished_. - -III. i. 19. Cf. 'Sorrow and grief have vanquished all my powers.'--2 -_Henry VI._, II. i. 83. - -III. i. 45. For this use of _sullen_ cf. 'Why are thine eyes fixed to -the sullen earth?'--2 _Henry VI._, I. ii. 5, and Sonnet XXIX. 13. - - -SCENE II - -_Outside Franklin's house._ - -_Here enters Will, Greene, and Shakebag._ - -_Shakebag._ Black night hath hid the pleasures of the day, -And sheeting darkness overhangs the earth, -And with the black fold of her cloudy robe -Obscures us from the eyesight of the world, -In which sweet silence such as we triumph. -The lazy minutes linger on their time, -As loth to give due audit to the hour, -Till in the watch our purpose be complete -And Arden sent to everlasting night. -Greene, get you gone, and linger here about, 10 -And at some hour hence come to us again, -Where we will give you instance of his death. - -_Greene._ Speed to my wish, whose will so e'er says no; -And so I'll leave you for an hour or two. - - [_Exit Greene._ - -_Will._ I tell thee, Shakebag, would this thing were done: -I am so heavy that I can scarce go; -This drowsiness in me bodes little good. - -_Shakebag._ How now, Will? become a precisian? -Nay, then let's go sleep, when bugs and fears -Shall kill our courages with their fancy's work. 20 - -_Will._ Why, Shakebag, thou mistakes me much, -And wrongs me too in telling me of fear. -Were't not a serious thing we go about, -It should be slipt till I had fought with thee, -To let thee know I am no coward, I. -I tell thee, Shakebag, thou abusest me. - -_Shakebag._ Why, thy speech bewrayed an inly kind of fear, -And savoured of a weak relenting spirit. -Go forward now in that we have begun, -And afterwards attempt me when thou darest. 30 - -_Will._ And if I do not, heaven cut me off! -But let that pass, and show me to this house, -Where thou shalt see I'll do as much as Shakebag. - -_Shakebag._ This is the door; but soft, methinks 'tis shut. -The villain Michael hath deceived us. - -_Will._ Soft, let me see, Shakebag; 'tis shut indeed. -Knock with thy sword, perhaps the slave will hear. - -_Shakebag._ It will not be; the white-livered peasant -Is gone to bed, and laughs us both to scorn. - -_Will._ And he shall buy his merriment as dear 40 -As ever coistril bought so little sport: -Ne'er let this sword assist me when I need, -But rust and canker after I have sworn, -If I, the next time that I meet the hind, -Lop not away his leg, his arm, or both. - -_Shakebag._ And let me never draw a sword again, -Nor prosper in the twilight, cockshut light, -When I would fleece the wealthy passenger, -But lie and languish in a loathsome den, -Hated and spit at by the goers-by, 50 -And in that death may die unpitied, -If I, the next time that I meet the slave, -Cut not the nose from off the coward's face -And trample on it for this villainy. - -_Will._ Come, let's go seek out Greene; I know he'll swear. - -_Shakebag._ He were a villain, an he would not swear. -'Twould make a peasant swear among his boys, -That ne'er durst say before but 'yea' and 'no,' -To be thus flouted of a coistril. - -_Will._ Shakebag, let's seek out Greene, and in the morning 60 -At the alehouse butting Arden's house -Watch the out-coming of that prick-eared cur, -And then let me alone to handle him. [_Exeunt._ - -III. ii. 47. A _cockshut_ was a large net used to catch woodcocks -after sunset. Cf. 'Cockshut time.'--_Richard III._, V. iii. 70. - - -SCENE III - -_Room in Franklin's house as before._ - -_Here enters Arden, Franklin, and Michael._ - -_Arden._ Sirrah, get you back to Billingsgate -And learn what time the tide will serve our turn; -Come to us in Paul's. First go make the bed, -And afterwards go hearken for the flood. - - [_Exit Michael._ - -Come, Master Franklin, you shall go with me. -This night I dreamt that, being in a park, -A toil was pitched to overthrow the deer, -And I upon a little rising hill -Stood whistly watching for the herd's approach. -Even there, methoughts, a gentle slumber took me, 10 -And summoned all my parts to sweet repose; -But in the pleasure of this golden rest -An ill-thewed foster had removed the toil, -And rounded me with that beguiling home -Which late, methought, was pitched to cast the deer. -With that he blew an evil-sounding horn, -And at the noise another herdman came, -With falchion drawn, and bent it at my breast, -Crying aloud, 'Thou art the game we seek!' -With this I woke and trembled every joint, 20 -Like one obscured in a little bush, -That sees a lion foraging about, -And, when the dreadful forest-king is gone, -He pries about with timorous suspect -Throughout the thorny casements of the brake, -And will not think his person dangerless, -But quakes and shivers, though the cause be gone: -So, trust me, Franklin, when I did awake, -I stood in doubt whether I waked or no: -Such great impression took this fond surprise. 30 -God grant this vision bedeem me any good. - -_Franklin._ This fantasy doth rise from Michael's fear, -Who being awaked with the noise he made, -His troubled senses yet could take no rest; -And this, I warrant you, procured your dream. - -_Arden._ It may be so, God frame it to the best: -But oftentimes my dreams presage too true. - -_Franklin._ To such as note their nightly fantasies, -Some one in twenty may incur belief; -But use it not, 'tis but a mockery. 40 - -_Arden._ Come, Master Franklin; we'll now walk in Paul's -And dine together at the ordinary, -And by my man's direction draw to the quay, -And with the tide go down to Feversham. -Say, Master Franklin, shall it not be so? - -_Franklin._ At your good pleasure, sir; I'll bear you company. [_Exeunt._ - -III. iii. 14. _rounded me_ = brought me round. - -III. iii. 40. _use_: Warnke quotes _Macbeth_, III. ii. 10, 'Using those -thoughts which should indeed have died.' - -III. iii. 44. _with the tide_, _i.e._ by boat on the Thames. Holinshed -makes Greene and Black Will go to London, from Gravesend -apparently, 'at the tide.' - - -SCENE IV - -_Aldersgate._ - -_Here enters Michael at one door._ - -_Here enters Greene, Will, and Shakebag at -another door._ - -_Will._ Draw, Shakebag, for here's that villain Michael. - -_Greene._ First, Will, let's hear what he can say. - -_Will._ Speak, milksop slave, and never after speak. - -_Michael._ For God's sake, sirs, let me excuse myself: -For here I swear, by heaven and earth and all, -I did perform the utmost of my task, -And left the doors unbolted and unlocked. -But see the chance: Franklin and my master -Were very late conferring in the porch, -And Franklin left his napkin where he sat 10 -With certain gold knit in it, as he said. -Being in bed, he did bethink himself, -And coming down he found the doors unshut: -He locked the gates, and brought away the keys, -For which offence my master rated me. -But now I am going to see what flood it is, -For with the tide my master will away; -Where you may front him well on Rainham Down, -A place well-fitting such a stratagem. - -_Will._ Your excuse hath somewhat mollified my choler. -Why now, Greene, 'tis better now nor e'er it was. 21 - -_Greene._ But, Michael, is this true? - -_Michael._ As true as I report it to be true. - -_Shakebag._ Then, Michael, this shall be your penance, -To feast us all at the Salutation, -Where we will plat our purpose thoroughly. - -_Greene._ And, Michael, you shall bear no news of this tide, -Because they two may be in Rainham Down -Before your master. - -_Michael._ Why, I'll agree to anything you'll have me, -So you will except of my company. [_Exeunt._ - -III. iv. 18. 'The country near Rainham seems in the sixteenth -century to have been so open as to have entitled it to the appellation -of a Down.'--Donne. The spot had a bad reputation. - -III. iv. 25. The Salutation is an inn mentioned in _Bartholomew -Fair_. - -III. iv. 31. _Except_ is probably the printer's spelling of _accept_. - - -SCENE V - -_Arden's House at Feversham._ - -_Here enters Mosbie._ - -_Mosbie._ Disturbd thoughts drives me from company -And dries my marrow with their watchfulness; -Continual trouble of my moody brain -Feebles my body by excess of drink, -And nips me as the bitter north-east wind -Doth check the tender blossoms in the spring. -Well fares the man, howe'er his cates do taste, -That tables not with foul suspicion; -And he but pines amongst his delicates, -Whose troubled mind is stuffed with discontent. 10 -My golden time was when I had no gold; -Though then I wanted, yet I slept secure; -My daily toil begat me night's repose, -My night's repose made daylight fresh to me. -But since I climbed the top-bough of the tree -And sought to build my nest among the clouds, -Each gentle stirry gale doth shake my bed, -And makes me dread my downfall to the earth. -But whither doth contemplation carry me? -The way I seek to find, where pleasure dwells, 20 -Is hedged behind me that I cannot back, -But needs must on, although to danger's gate. -Then, Arden, perish thou by that decree; -For Greene doth ear the land and weed thee up -To make my harvest nothing but pure corn. -And for his pains I'll hive him up a while, -And after smother him to have his wax: -Such bees as Greene must never live to sting. -Then is there Michael and the painter too, -Chief actors to Arden's overthrow; 30 -Who when they shall see me sit in Arden's seat, -They will insult upon me for my meed, -Or fright me by detecting of his end. -I'll none of that, for I can cast a bone -To make these curs pluck out each other's throat, -And then am I sole ruler of mine own. -Yet Mistress Arden lives; but she's myself, -And holy Church rites makes us two but one. -But what for that? I may not trust you, Alice: -You have supplanted Arden for my sake, 40 -And will extirpen me to plant another. -'Tis fearful sleeping in a serpent's bed, -And I will cleanly rid my hands of her. - -_Here enters Alice._ - -But here she comes, and I must flatter her. ---How now, Alice? what, sad and passionate? -Make me partaker of thy pensiveness: -Fire divided burns with lesser force. - -_Alice._ But I will dam that fire in my breast -Till by the force thereof my part consume. -Ah, Mosbie! 50 - -_Mosbie._ Such deep pathaires, like to a cannon's burst -Discharged against a ruinated wall, -Breaks my relenting heart in thousand pieces. -Ungentle Alice, thy sorrow is my sore; -Thou know'st it well, and 'tis thy policy -To forge distressful looks to wound a breast -Where lies a heart that dies when thou art sad. -It is not love that loves to anger love. - -_Alice._ It is not love that loves to murder love. - -_Mosbie._ How mean you that? 60 - -_Alice._ Thou knowest how dearly Arden loved me. - -_Mosbie._ And then? - -_Alice._ And then--conceal the rest, for 'tis too bad, -Lest that my words be carried with the wind, -And published in the world to both our shames. -I pray thee, Mosbie, let our springtime wither; -Our harvest else will yield but loathsome weeds. -Forget, I pray thee, what hath passed betwixt us, -For how I blush and tremble at the thoughts! - -_Mosbie._ What? are you changed? 70 - -_Alice._ Ay, to my former happy life again, -From title of an odious strumpet's name -To honest Arden's wife, not Arden's honest wife. -Ha, Mosbie! 'tis thou has rifled me of that -And made me slanderous to all my kin; -Even in my forehead is thy name ingraven, -A mean artificer, that low-born name. -I was bewitched: woe worth the hapless hour -And all the causes that enchanted me! - -_Mosbie._ Nay, if you ban, let me breathe curses forth, 80 -And if you stand so nicely at your fame, -Let me repent the credit I have lost. -I have neglected matters of import -That would have stated me above thy state, -Forslowed advantages, and spurned at time: -Ay, Fortune's right hand Mosbie hath forsook -To take a wanton giglot by the left. -I left the marriage of an honest maid, -Whose dowry would have weighed down all thy wealth, -Whose beauty and demeanour far exceeded thee: 90 -This certain good I lost for changing bad, -And wrapt my credit in thy company. -I was bewitched,--that is no theme of thine, -And thou unhallowed has enchanted me. -But I will break thy spells and exorcisms, -And put another sight upon these eyes -That showed my heart a raven for a dove. -Thou art not fair, I viewed thee not till now; -Thou art not kind, till now I knew thee not; -And now the rain hath beaten off thy gilt, 100 -Thy worthless copper shows thee counterfeit. -It grieves me not to see how foul thou art, -But mads me that ever I thought thee fair. -Go, get thee gone, a copesmate for thy hinds; -I am too good to be thy favourite. - -_Alice._ Ay, now I see, and too soon find it true, -Which often hath been told me by my friends, -That Mosbie loves me not but for my wealth, -Which too incredulous I ne'er believed. -Nay, hear me speak, Mosbie, a word or two; 110 -I'll bite my tongue if it speak bitterly. -Look on me, Mosbie, or I'll kill myself: -Nothing shall hide me from thy stormy look. -If thou cry war, there is no peace for me; -I will do penance for offending thee, -And burn this prayer-book, where I here use -The holy word that had converted me. -See, Mosbie, I will tear away the leaves, -And all the leaves, and in this golden cover -Shall thy sweet phrases and thy letters dwell; 120 -And thereon will I chiefly meditate, -And hold no other sect but such devotion. -Wilt thou not look? is all thy love o'erwhelmed? -Wilt thou not hear? what malice stops thine ears? -Why speaks thou not? what silence ties thy tongue? -Thou hast been sighted as the eagle is, -And heard as quickly as the fearful hare, -And spoke as smoothly as an orator, -When I have bid thee hear or see or speak, -And art thou sensible in none of these? 130 -Weigh all thy good turns with this little fault, -And I deserve not Mosbie's muddy looks. -A fence of trouble is not thickened still: -Be clear again, I'll ne'er more trouble thee. - -_Mosbie._ O no, I am a base artificer: -My wings are feathered for a lowly flight. -Mosbie? fie! no, not for a thousand pound. -Make love to you? why, 'tis unpardonable; -We beggars must not breathe where gentles are. - -_Alice._ Sweet Mosbie is as gentle as a king, 140 -And I too blind to judge him otherwise. -Flowers do sometimes spring in fallow lands, -Weeds in gardens, roses grow on thorns; -So, whatsoe'er my Mosbie's father was, -Himself is valued gentle by his worth. - -_Mosbie._ Ah, how you women can insinuate, -And clear a trespass with your sweet-set tongue! -I will forget this quarrel, gentle Alice, -Provided I'll be tempted so no more. - -_Here enters Bradshaw._ - -_Alice._ Then with thy lips seal up this new-made match. - -_Mosbie._ Soft, Alice, here comes somebody. 151 - -_Alice._ How now, Bradshaw, what's the news with you? - -_Bradshaw._ I have little news, but here's a letter -That Master Greene importuned me to give you. - -_Alice._ Go in, Bradshaw; call for a cup of beer; -'Tis almost supper-time, thou shalt stay with us. - - [_Exit Bradshaw._ - -_Then she reads the letter._ - -'We have missed of our purpose at London, but shall -perform it by the way. We thank our neighbour -Bradshaw.--Yours, Richard Greene.' -How likes my love the tenor of this letter? 160 - -_Mosbie._ Well, were his date completed and expired. - -_Alice._ Ah, would it were! Then comes my happy hour: -Till then my bliss is mixed with bitter gall. -Come, let us in to shun suspicion. - -_Mosbie._ Ay, to the gates of death to follow thee. [_Exeunt._ - -III. v. 4. _drink_: perhaps we ought to read _think_. - -III. v. 17. _stirry_: this is meant by the _starry_ of the Quartos. - -III. v. 26. _hive_: Delius's correction of _heave_, A, B, C. - -III. v. 51. _deep pathaires_: Delius conjectures _deep fet airs_; but -Mr. Gollancz has probably solved the crux of the play by his -suggestion,--'"Pathaire," I take to be some special form of "petarre," -_i.e._ "petard," probably used in the metaphorical sense of -passionate outburst.'--(Lamb's _Specimens_, I. i. 297.) The use may -be quite literal; for the form cf. Powell's _Tom of All Trades_, -p. 163, 'An Enginere for making of Patars.' - -III. v. 58. Quoted by Bullen as of 'genuine Shakesperean -flavour.' He adds III. v. 112-130. - -III. v. 116. Mr. Bullen puts a comma at _use_. - -III. v. 131. _Thy_: several editors read _my_; but the sense is 'the -good turns I have done you.' - -III. v. 133. Warnke explains 'the quarrel has not yet thickened -to so impenetrable a fence as to separate us for ever.' Perhaps we -should read 'is not thick-set ill.' - -III. v. 157. An inconsistency. Cf. II. i. 75. Holinshed quotes -from the letter, 'We have got a man for our purpose, we may -thank my brother Bradshaw.' The _Wardmote Book_ says nothing -of Bradshaw's innocence. - - -SCENE VI - -_Country near Rochester._ - -_Here enters Greene, Will, and Shakebag._ - -_Shakebag._ Come, Will, see thy tools be in a readiness! -Is not thy powder dank, or will thy flint strike fire? - -_Will._ Then ask me if my nose be on my face, -Or whether my tongue be frozen in my mouth. -Zounds, here's a coil! -You were best swear me on the interrogatories -How many pistols I have took in hand, -Or whether I love the smell of gunpowder, -Or dare abide the noise the dag will make, -Or will not wink at flashing of the fire. 10 -I pray thee, Shakebag, let this answer thee, -That I have took more purses in this down -Than e'er thou handledst pistols in thy life. - -_Shakebag._ Ay, haply thou has picked more in a throng: -But, should I brag what booties I have took, -I think the overplus that's more than thine -Would mount to a greater sum of money -Then either thou or all thy kin are worth. -Zounds, I hate them as I hate a toad -That carry a muscado in their tongue, 20 -And scarce a hurting weapon in their hand. - -_Will._ O Greene, intolerable! -It is not for mine honour to bear this. -Why, Shakebag, I did serve the king at Boulogne, -And thou canst brag of nothing that thou hast done. - -_Shakebag._ Why, so can Jack of Feversham, -That sounded for a fillip on the nose, -When he that gave it him holloed in his ear, -And he supposed a cannon-bullet hit him. - -_Then they fight._ - -_Greene._ I pray you, sirs, list to sop's talk: 30 -Whilst two stout dogs were striving for a bone, -There comes a cur and stole it from them both; -So, while you stand striving on these terms of manhood, -Arden escapes us, and deceives us all. - -_Shakebag._ Why, he begun. - -_Will._ And thou shalt find I'll end; -I do but slip it until better time: -But, if I do forget---- - - [_Then he kneels down and holds up - his hands to heaven._ - -_Greene._ Well, take your fittest standings, and once more -Lime well your twigs to catch this wary bird. -I'll leave you, and at your dag's discharge 40 -Make towards, like the longing water-dog -That coucheth till the fowling-piece be off, -Then seizeth on the prey with eager mood. -Ah, might I see him stretching forth his limbs, -As I have seen them beat their wings ere now! - -_Shakebag._ Why, that thou shalt see, if he come this way. - -_Greene._ Yes, that he doth, Shakebag, I warrant thee: -But brawl not when I am gone in any case. -But, sirs, be sure to speed him when he comes, -And in that hope I'll leave you for an hour. 50 - - [_Exit Greene._ - -_Here enters Arden, Franklin, and Michael._ - -_Michael._ 'Twere best that I went back to Rochester: -The horse halts downright; it were not good -He travelled in such pain to Feversham; -Removing of a shoe may haply help it. - -_Arden._ Well, get you back to Rochester; but, sirrah, see -Ye o'ertake us ere we come to Rainham Down, -For 't will be very late ere we get home. - -_Michael._ Ay, God he knows, and so doth Will and Shakebag, -That thou shalt never go further than that down; -And therefore have I pricked the horse on purpose, -Because I would not view the massacre. 61 - - [_Exit Michael._ - -_Arden._ Come, Master Franklin, onwards with your tale. - -_Franklin._ I do assure you, sir, you task me much: -A heavy blood is gathered at my heart, -And on the sudden is my wind so short -As hindereth the passage of my speech; -So fierce a qualm yet ne'er assailed me. - -_Arden._ Come, Master Franklin, let us go on softly: -The annoyance of the dust or else some meat -You ate at dinner cannot brook with you. 70 -I have been often so, and soon amended. - -_Franklin._ Do you remember where my tale did leave? - -_Arden._ Ay, where the gentleman did check his wife. - -_Franklin._ She being reprehended for the fact, -Witness produced that took her with the deed, -Her glove brought in which there she left behind, -And many other assured arguments, -Her husband asked her whether it were not so. - -_Arden._ Her answer then? I wonder how she looked, -Having forsworn it with such vehement oaths, 80 -And at the instant so approved upon her. - -_Franklin._ First did she cast her eyes down to the earth, -Watching the drops that fell amain from thence; -Then softly draws she forth her handkercher, -And modestly she wipes her tear-stained face; -Them hemmed she out, to clear her voice should seem, -And with a majesty addressed herself -To encounter all their accusations.-- -Pardon me, Master Arden, I can no more; -This fighting at my heart makes short my wind. 90 - -_Arden._ Come, we are almost now at Rainham Down: -Your pretty tale beguiles the weary way; -I would you were in state to tell it out. - -_Shakebag._ Stand close, Will, I hear them coming. - -_Here enters Lord Cheiny with his men._ - -_Will._ Stand to it, Shakebag, and be resolute. - -_L. Cheiny._ Is it so near night as it seems, -Or will this black-faced evening have a shower? ---What, Master Arden? you are well met, -I have longed this fortnight's day to speak with you: -You are a stranger, man, in the Isle of Sheppy. 100 - -_Arden._ Your honour's always! bound to do you service. - -_L. Cheiny._ Come you from London, and ne'er a man with you? - -_Arden._ My man's coming after, but here's -My honest friend that came along with me. - -_L. Cheiny._ My Lord Protector's man I take you to be. - -_Franklin._ Ay, my good lord, and highly bound to you. - -_L. Cheiny._ You and your friend come home and sup with me. - -_Arden._ I beseech your honour pardon me; -I have made a promise to a gentleman, -My honest friend, to meet him at my house; 110 -The occasion is great, or else would I wait on you. - -_L. Cheiny._ Will you come to-morrow and dine with me, -And bring your honest friend along with you? -I have divers matters to talk with you about. - -_Arden._ To-morrow we'll wait upon your honour. - -_L. Cheiny._ One of you stay my horse at the top of the hill. ---What! Black Will? for whose purse wait you? -Thou wilt be hanged in Kent, when all is done. - -_Will._ Not hanged, God save your honour; -I am your bedesman, bound to pray for you. 120 - -_L. Cheiny._ I think thou ne'er said'st prayer in all thy life.-- -One of you give him a crown:-- -And, sirrah, leave this kind of life; -If thou beest tainted for a penny-matter, -And come in question, surely thou wilt truss. ---Come, Master Arden, let us be going; -Your way and mine lies four miles together. - - [_Exeunt. Manet Black Will and Shakebag._ - -_Will._ The devil break all your necks at four miles' end! -Zounds, I could kill myself for very anger! -His lordship chops me in, 130 -Even when my dag was levelled at his heart. -I would his crown were molten down his throat. - -_Shakebag._ Arden, thou hast wondrous holy luck. -Did ever man escape as thou hast done? -Well, I'll discharge my pistol at the sky, -For by this bullet Arden might not die. - -_Here enters Greene._ - -_Greene._ What, is he down? is he dispatched? - -_Shakebag._ Ay, in health towards Feversham, to shame us all. - -_Greene._ The devil he is! why, sirs, how escaped he? - -_Shakebag._ When we were ready to shoot, 140 -Comes my Lord Cheiny to prevent his death. - -_Greene._ The Lord of Heaven hath preserved him. - -_Will._ Preserved a fig! The Lord Cheiny hath preserved him, -And bids him to a feast to his house at Shorlow. -But by the way once more I'll meet with him, -And, if all the Cheinies in the world say no, -I'll have a bullet in his breast to-morrow. -Therefore come, Greene, and let us to Feversham. - -_Greene._ Ay, and excuse ourselves to Mistress Arden: -O, how she'll chafe when she hears of this! 150 - -_Shakebag._ Why, I'll warrant you she'll think we dare -not do it. - -_Will._ Why, then let us go, and tell her all the matter, -And plat the news to cut him off to-morrow. - - [_Exeunt._ - -III. vi. 144. _Shorlow_ should be Shurland in Sheppey. - - - - -ACT IV - - -SCENE I - -_Arden's House at Feversham._ - -_Here enters Arden and his wife, Franklin, and Michael_ - -_Arden._ See how the hours, the gardant of heaven's gate, -Have by their toil removed the darksome clouds, -That Sol may well discern the trampled path -Wherein he wont to guide his golden car; -The season fits; come, Franklin, let's away. - -_Alice._ I thought you did pretend some special hunt, -That made you thus cut short the time of rest. - -_Arden._ It was no chase that made me rise so early, -But, as I told thee yesternight, to go -To the Isle of Sheppy, there to dine with my Lord Cheiny; 10 -For so his honour late commanded me. - -_Alice._ Ay, such kind husbands seldom want excuses; -Home is a wild cat to a wandering wit. -The time hath been,--would God it were not past,-- -That honour's title nor a lord's command -Could once have drawn you from these arms of mine. -But my deserts or your desires decay, -Or both; yet if true love may seem desert, -I merit still to have thy company. - -_Franklin._ Why, I pray you, sir, let her go along with us; 20 -I am sure his honour will welcome her -And us the more for bringing her along. - -_Arden._ Content; sirrah, saddle your mistress' nag. - -_Alice._ No, begged favour merits little thanks; -If I should go, our house would run away, -Or else be stolen; therefore I'll stay behind. - -_Arden._ Nay, see how mistaking you are! I pray thee, go. - -_Alice._ No, no, not now. - -_Arden._ Then let me leave thee satisfied in this, -That time nor place nor persons alter me, 30 -But that I hold thee dearer than my life. - -_Alice._ That will be seen by your quick return. - -_Arden._ And that shall be ere night, and if I live. -Farewell, sweet Alice, we mind to sup with thee. - - [_Exit Alice._ - -_Franklin._ Come, Michael, are our horses ready? - -_Michael._ Ay, your horse are ready, but I am not ready, -for I have lost my purse, with six and thirty -shillings in it, with taking up of my master's nag. - -_Franklin._ Why, I pray you, let us go before, -Whilst he stays behind to seek his purse. 40 - -_Arden._ Go to, sirrah, see you follow us to the Isle of Sheppy -To my Lord Cheiny's, where we mean to dine. - - [_Exeunt Arden and Franklin. Manet Michael._ - -_Michael._ So, fair weather after you, for before you lies -Black Will and Shakebag in the broom close, too -close for you: they'll be your ferrymen to long -home. - -_Here enters the Painter._ - -But who is this? the painter, my corrival, that -would needs win Mistress Susan. - -_Clarke._ How now, Michael? how doth my mistress and all at home? - -_Michael._ Who? Susan Mosbie? she is your mistress, too? 50 - -_Clarke._ Ay, how doth she and all the rest? - -_Michael._ All's well but Susan; she is sick. - -_Clarke._ Sick? Of what disease? - -_Michael._ Of a great fever. - -_Clarke._ A fear of what? - -_Michael._ A great fever. - -Clarke. A fever? God forbid! - -_Michael._ Yes, faith, and of a lordaine, too, as big as yourself. - -_Clarke._ O, Michael, the spleen prickles you. Go to, -you carry an eye over Mistress Susan. 60 - -_Michael._ I' faith, to keep her from the painter. - -_Clarke._ Why more from a painter than from a serving -creature like yourself? - -Michael. Because you painters make but a painting -table of a pretty wench, and spoil her beauty with -blotting. - -_Clarke._ What mean you by that? - -_Michael._ Why, that you painters paint lambs in the lining -of wenches' petticoats, and we serving-men put -horns to them to make them become sheep. 70 - -_Clarke._ Such another word will cost you a cuff or a -knock. - -_Michael._ What, with a dagger made of a pencil? Faith, -'tis too weak, and therefore thou too weak to win -Susan. - -_Clarke._ Would Susan's love lay upon this stroke. - - - [_Then he breaks Michael's head._ - -_Here enters Mosbie, Greene, and Alice._ - -_Alice._ I'll lay my life, this is for Susan's love. -Stayed you behind your master to this end? -Have you no other time to brable in -But now when serious matters are in hand?-- -Say, Clarke, hast thou done the thing thou promised? 80 - -_Clarke._ Ay, here it is; the very touch is death. - -_Alice._ Then this, I hope, if all the rest do fail, -Will catch Master Arden, -And make him wise in death that lived a fool. -Why should he thrust his sickle in our corn, -Or what hath he to do with thee, my love, -Or govern me that am to rule myself? -Forsooth, for credit sake, I must leave thee! -Nay, he must leave to live that we may love, -May live, may love; for what is life but love? 90 -And love shall last as long as life remains, -And life shall end before my love depart. - -_Mosbie._ Why, what is love without true constancy? -Like to a pillar built of many stones, -Yet neither with good mortar well compact -Nor with cement to fasten it in the joints, -But that it shakes with every blast of wind, -And, being touched, straight falls unto the earth, -And buries all his haughty pride in dust. -No, let our love be rocks of adamant, 100 -Which time nor place nor tempest can asunder. - -_Greene._ Mosbie, leave protestations now, -And let us bethink us what we have to do. -Black Will and Shakebag I have placed i' the broom, -Close watching Arden's coming; let's to them -And see what they have done. [_Exeunt._ - -IV. i. 1. _gardant_: A, B read _gardeant_, modern editors _guardians_. - -IV. i. 3. _path_: so Warnke for _pace_ of A, B, C; but _pace_ in the -sense of 'path' is not impossible. - -IV. i. 17. _desires_: so Warnke for _deserves_, A, B, C. - -IV. i. 44. 'A certain broom-close betwixt Feversham and the -Ferry.'--Holinshed. - -IV. i. 45. Cf. _Ecclesiastes_, vii. 5. - -IV. i. 96. _nor with cement_: Delius _for nor semell_, A, B. - - -SCENE II - -_The Kentish Coast opposite the Isle of Sheppy._ - -_Here enters Arden and Franklin._ - -_Arden._ Oh, ferryman, where art thou? - -_Here enters the Ferryman._ - -_Ferryman._ Here, here, go before to the boat, and I will -follow you. - -_Arden._ We have great haste; I pray thee, come away. - -_Ferryman._ Fie, what a mist is here! - -_Arden._ This mist, my friend, is mystical, -Like to a good companion's smoky brain, -That was half drowned with new ale overnight. - -_Ferryman._ 'Twere pity but his skull were opened to -make more chimney room. 10 - -_Franklin._ Friend, what's thy opinion of this mist? - -_Ferryman._ I think 'tis like to a curst wife in a little -house, that never leaves her husband till she have -driven him out at doors with a wet pair of eyes; -then looks he as if his house were a-fire, or some of -his friends dead. - -_Arden._ Speaks thou this of thine own experience? - -_Ferryman._ Perhaps, ay; perhaps, no: For my wife is -as other women are, that is to say, governed by the -moon. 20 - -_Franklin._ By the moon? how, I pray thee? - -_Ferryman._ Nay, thereby lies a bargain, and you shall -not have it fresh and fasting. - -_Arden._ Yes, I pray thee, good ferryman. - -_Ferryman._ Then for this once; let it be midsummer -moon, but yet my wife has another moon. - -_Franklin._ Another moon? - -_Ferryman._ Ay, and it hath influences and eclipses. - -_Arden._ Why, then, by this reckoning you sometimes -play the man in the moon? 30 - -_Ferryman._ Ay, but you had not best to meddle with -that moon, lest I scratch you by the face with my -bramble-bush. - -_Arden._ I am almost stifled with this fog; come, let's -away. - -_Franklin._ And, sirrah, as we go, let us have some more -of your bold yeomanry. - -_Ferryman._ Nay, by my troth, sir, but flat knavery. - - [_Exeunt._ - -IV. ii. 5. This mist is not in Holinshed. It is our poet's invention. - -IV. ii. 30. Cf. _Midsummer Night's Dream_, V. i. 237, etc. - - -SCENE III - -_Another place on the coast._ - -_Here enters Will at one door, and Shakebag at another._ - -_Shakebag._ Oh, Will, where art thou? - -_Will._ Here, Shakebag, almost in hell's mouth, where I -cannot see my way for smoke. - -_Shakebag._ I pray thee speak still that we may meet by -the sound, for I shall fall into some ditch or other, -unless my feet see better than my eyes. - -_Will._ Didst thou ever see better weather to run away -with another man's wife, or play with a wench at -pot-finger? 9 - -_Shakebag._ No; this were a fine world for chandlers, if -this weather would last; for then a man should -never dine nor sup without candle-light. But, -sirrah Will, what horses are those that passed? - -_Will._ Why, didst thou hear any? - -_Shakebag._ Ay, that I did. - -_Will._ My life for thine, 'twas Arden, and his companion, -and then all our labour's lost. - -_Shakebag._ Nay, say not so, for if it be they, they may -haply lose their way as we have done, and then we -may chance meet with them. 20 - -_Will._ Come, let us go on like a couple of blind pilgrims. - - [_Then Shakebag falls into a ditch._ - -_Shakebag._ Help, Will, help, I am almost drowned. - -_Here enters the Ferryman._ - -_Ferryman._ Who's that that calls for help? - -_Will._ 'Twas none here, 'twas thou thyself. - -_Ferryman._ I came to help him that called for help. -Why, how now? who is this that's in the ditch? -You are well enough served to go without a guide -such weather as this. - -_Will._ Sirrah, what companies hath passed your ferry -this morning? 30 - -_Ferryman._ None but a couple of gentlemen, that went -to dine at my Lord Cheiny's. - -_Will._ Shakebag, did not I tell thee as much? - -Ferryman. Why, sir, will you have any letters carried -to them? - -_Will._ No, sir; get you gone. - -_Ferryman._ Did you ever see such a mist as this? - -_Will._ No, nor such a fool as will rather be hought than -get his way. - -_Ferryman._ Why, sir, this is no Hough-Monday; you -are deceived.--What's his name, I pray you, sir? 41 - -_Shakebag._ His name is Black Will. - -_Ferryman._ I hope to see him one day hanged upon a -hill. [_Exit Ferryman._ - -_Shakebag._ See how the sun hath cleared the foggy mist, -Now we have missed the mark of our intent. - -_Here enters Greene, Mosbie, and Alice._ - -_Mosbie._ Black Will and Shakebag, what make you here? -What, is the deed done? is Arden dead? - -_Will._ What could a blinded man perform in arms? -Saw you not how till now the sky was dark, 50 -That neither horse nor man could be discerned? -Yet did we hear their horses as they passed. - -_Greene._ Have they escaped you, then, and passed the ferry? - -_Shakebag_. Ay, for a while; but here we two will stay, -And at their coming back meet with them once more. -Zounds, I was ne'er so toiled in all my life -In following so slight a task as this. - -_Mosbie._ How cam'st thou so berayed? - -_Will._ With making false footing in the dark; -He needs would follow them without a guide. 60 - -_Alice._ Here's to pay for a fire and good cheer: -Get you to Feversham to the Flower-de-luce, -And rest yourselves until some other time. - -_Greene._ Let me alone; it most concerns my state. - -_Will._ Ay, Mistress Arden, this will serve the turn, -In case we fall into a second fog. - - [_Exeunt Greene, Will, and Shakebag._ - -_Mosbie._ These knaves will never do it, let us give it over. - -_Alice._ First tell me how you like my new device: -Soon, when my husband is returning back, -You and I both marching arm in arm, 70 -Like loving friends, we'll meet him on the way, -And boldly beard and brave him to his teeth. -When words grow hot and blows begin to rise, -I'll call those cutters forth your tenement, -Who, in a manner to take up the fray, -Shall wound my husband Hornsby to the death. - -_Mosbie._ A fine device! why, this deserves a kiss. - - [_Exeunt._ - -IV. iii. 40. Hock Monday followed the second Sunday after -Easter. See Brand's _Popular Antiquities_. - -IV. iii. 68. Our poet blackens Mosbie for the same reason that -he whitewashes Arden, _e.g._: 'Master Arden both then and at other -times had been greatly provoked by Mosbie to fight with him, but -he would not.' 'Mosby at the first would not agree to that -cowardly murdering of him.'--Holinshed. - - -SCENE IV - -_The open country._ - -_Here enters Dick Reede and a Sailor._ - -_Sailor._ Faith, Dick Reede, it is to little end: -His conscience is too liberal, and he too niggardly -To part from any thing may do thee good. - -_Reede._ He is coming from Shorlow as I understand; -Here I'll intercept him, for at his house -He never will vouchsafe to speak with me. -If prayers and fair entreaties will not serve, -Or make no battery in his flinty breast, - -_Here enters Franklin, Arden, and Michael._ - -I'll curse the carle, and see what that will do. -See where he comes to further my intent!-- 10 -Master Arden, I am now bound to the sea; -My coming to you was about the plat -Of ground which wrongfully you detain from me. -Although the rent of it be very small, -Yet it will help my wife and children, -Which here I leave in Feversham, God knows, -Needy and bare: for Christ's sake, let them have it! - -_Arden._ Franklin, hearest thou this fellow speak? -That which he craves I dearly bought of him, -Although the rent of it was ever mine.-- 20 -Sirrah, you that ask these questions, -If with thy clamorous impeaching tongue -Thou rail on me, as I have heard thou dost, -I'll lay thee up so close a twelve-month's day, -As thou shalt neither see the sun nor moon. -Look to it, for, as surely as I live, -I'll banish pity if thou use me thus. - -_Reede._ What, wilt thou do me wrong and threat me too, -Nay, then, I'll tempt thee, Arden, do thy worst. -God, I beseech thee, show some miracle 30 -On thee or thine, in plaguing thee for this. -That plot of ground which thou detains from me, -I speak it in an agony of spirit, -Be ruinous and fatal unto thee! -Either there be butchered by thy dearest friends, -Or else be brought for men to wonder at, -Or thou or thine miscarry in that place, -Or there run mad and end thy cursd days! - -_Franklin._ Fie, bitter knave, bridle thine envious tongue; -For curses are like arrows shot upright, 40 -Which falling down light on the shooter's head. - -_Reede._ Light where they will! Were I upon the sea, -As oft I have in many a bitter storm, -And saw a dreadful southern flaw at hand, -The pilot quaking at the doubtful storm, -And all the sailors praying on their knees, -Even in that fearful time would I fall down, -And ask of God, whate'er betide of me, -Vengeance on Arden or some misevent -To show the world what wrong the carle hath done. -This charge I'll leave with my distressful wife, 51 -My children shall be taught such prayers as these; -And thus I go, but leave my curse with thee. - - [_Exeunt Reede and Sailor._ - -_Arden._ It is the railingest knave in Christendom, -And oftentimes the villain will be mad; -It greatly matters not what he says, -But I assure you I ne'er did him wrong. - -_Franklin._ I think so, Master Arden. - -_Arden._ Now that our horses are gone home before, -My wife may haply meet me on the way. 60 -For God knows she is grown passing kind of late, -And greatly changed from -The old humour of her wonted frowardness, -And seeks by fair means to redeem old faults. - -_Franklin._ Happy the change that alters for the best! -But see in any case you make no speech -Of the cheer we had at my Lord Cheiny's, -Although most bounteous and liberal, -For that will make her think herself more wronged, -In that we did not carry her along; 70 -For sure she grieved that she was left behind. - -_Arden._ Come, Franklin, let us strain to mend our pace, -And take her unawares playing the cook; - -_Here enters Alice and Mosbie._ - -For I believe she'll strive to mend our cheer. - -_Franklin._ Why, there's no better creatures in the world, -Than women are when they are in good humours. - -_Arden._ Who is that? Mosbie? what, so familiar? -Injurious strumpet, and thou ribald knave, -Untwine those arms. - -_Alice._ Ay, with a sugared kiss let them untwine. 80 - -_Arden._ Ah, Mosbie! perjured beast! bear this and all! - -_Mosbie._ And yet no horned beast; the horns are thine. - -_Franklin._ O monstrous! Nay, then it is time to draw. - -_Alice._ Help, help! they murder my husband. - -_Here enters Will and Shakebag._ - -_Shakebag._ Zounds, who injures Master Mosbie? Help, Will! I am hurt. - -_Mosbie._ I may thank you, Mistress Arden, for this wound. - - [_Exeunt Mosbie, Will, and Shakebag._ - -_Alice._ Ah, Arden, what folly blinded thee? -Ah, jealous harebrained man, what hast thou done! -When we, to welcome thee with intended sport, -Came lovingly to meet thee on thy way, 90 -Thou drew'st thy sword, enraged with jealousy, -And hurt thy friend whose thoughts were free from harm: -All for a worthless kiss and joining arms, -Both done but merrily to try thy patience. -And me unhappy that devised the jest, -Which, though begun in sport, yet ends in blood! - -_Franklin._ Marry, God defend me from such a jest! - -_Alice._ Could'st thou not see us friendly smile on thee, -When we joined arms, and when I kissed his cheek? -Hast thou not lately found me over-kind? 100 -Did'st thou not hear me cry 'they murder thee'? -Called I not help to set my husband free? -No, ears and all were witched; ah me accursed -To link in liking with a frantic man! -Henceforth I'll be thy slave, no more thy wife, -For with that name I never shall content thee. -If I be merry, thou straightways thinks me light; -If sad, thou sayest the sullens trouble me; -If well attired, thou thinks I will be gadding; -If homely, I seem sluttish in thine eye: 110 -Thus am I still, and shall be while I die. -Poor wench abused by thy misgovernment! - -_Arden._ But is it for truth that neither thou nor he -Intendedst malice in your misdemeanour? - -_Alice._ The heavens can witness of our harmless thoughts - -_Arden._ Then pardon me, sweet Alice, and forgive this fault! -Forget but this and never see the like. -Impose me penance, and I will perform it, -For in thy discontent I find a death,-- -A death tormenting more than death itself. 120 - -_Alice._ Nay, had'st thou loved me as thou dost pretend, -Thou wouldst have marked the speeches of thy friend, -Who going wounded from the place, he said -His skin was pierced only through my device; -And if sad sorrow taint thee for this fault, -Thou would'st have followed him, and seen him dressed, -And cried him mercy whom thou hast misdone: -Ne'er shall my heart be eased till this be done. - -_Arden._ Content thee, sweet Alice, thou shalt have thy will, -Whate'er it be. For that I injured thee, 130 -And wronged my friend, shame scourgeth my offence; -Come thou thyself, and go along with me, -And be a mediator 'twixt us two. - -_Franklin._ Why, Master Arden! know you what you do? -Will you follow him that hath dishonoured you? - -_Alice._ Why, canst thou prove I have been disloyal? - -_Franklin._ Why, Mosbie taunted your husband with the horn. - -_Alice._ Ay, after he had reviled him -By the injurious name of perjured beast: -He knew no wrong could spite a jealous man 140 -More than the hateful naming of the horn. - -_Franklin._ Suppose 'tis true; yet is it dangerous -To follow him whom he hath lately hurt. - -_Alice._ A fault confessed is more than half amends; -But men of such ill spirit as yourself -Work crosses and debates 'twixt man and wife. - -_Arden._ I pray thee, gentle Franklin, hold thy peace: -I know my wife counsels me for the best. -I'll seek out Mosbie where his wound is dressed, -And salve this hapless quarrel if I may. 150 - - [_Exeunt Arden and Alice._ - -_Franklin._ He whom the devil drives must go perforce. -Poor gentleman, how soon he is bewitched! -And yet, because his wife is the instrument, -His friends must not be lavish in their speech. - - [_Exit Franklin._ - -IV. iv. 88. _harebrain_, A, B, C. - -IV. iv. 89. _welcome thee with intended_; so Warnke for _welcome -thy intended_, A, B, C. - - - - -ACT V - - -SCENE I - -_A Street in Feversham._ - -_Here enters Will, Shakebag, and Greene._ - -_Will._ Sirrah Greene, when was I so long in killing a man? - -_Greene._ I think we shall never do it; let us give it over. - -_Shakebag._ Nay, Zounds! we'll kill him, though we be -hanged at his door for our labour. - -_Will._ Thou knowest, Greene, that I have lived in London -this twelve years, where I have made some go -upon wooden legs for taking the wall on me; divers -with silver noses for saying 'There goes Black Will!' -I have cracked as many blades as thou hast nuts. - -_Greene._ O monstrous lie! 10 - -_Will._ Faith, in a manner I have. The bawdy-houses -have paid me tribute; there durst not a whore set -up, unless she have agreed with me first for opening -her shop-windows. For a cross word of a tapster -I have pierced one barrel after another with my -dagger, and held him by the ears till all his beer -hath run out. In Thames Street a brewer's cart -was like to have run over me: I made no more ado, -but went to the clerk and cut all the notches of his -tallies and beat them about his head. I and my -company have taken the constable from his watch, -and carried him about the fields on a coltstaff. I -have broken a sergeant's head with his own mace, -and bailed whom I list with my sword and buckler. -All the tenpenny-alehouses-men would stand every -morning with a quart-pot in their hand, saying, -'Will it please your worship drink?' He that had -not done so, had been sure to have had his sign -pulled down and his lattice borne away the next -night. To conclude, what have I not done? yet -cannot do this; doubtless, he is preserved by -miracle. 32 - -_Here enters Alice and Michael._ - -_Greene._ Hence, Will! here comes Mistress Arden. - -_Alice._ Ah, gentle Michael, art thou sure they're friends? - -_Michael._ Why, I saw them when they both shook hands. -When Mosbie bled, he even wept for sorrow, -And railed on Franklin that was cause of all. -No sooner came the surgeon in at doors, -But my master took to his purse and gave him money, -And, to conclude, sent me to bring you word 40 -That Mosbie, Franklin, Bradshaw, Adam Fowle, -With divers of his neighbours and his friends, -Will come and sup with you at our house this night. - -_Alice._ Ah, gentle Michael, run thou back again, -And, when my husband walks into the fair, -Bid Mosbie steal from him and come to me; -And this night shall thou and Susan be made sure. - -_Michael._ I'll go tell him. - -_Alice._ And as thou goest, tell John cook of our guests, -And bid him lay it on, spare for no cost. 50 - - [_Exit Michael._ - -_Will._ Nay, and there be such cheer, we will bid ourselves.-- -Mistress Arden, Dick Greene and I do mean to sup with you. - -_Alice._ And welcome shall you be. Ah, gentlemen, -How missed you of your purpose yesternight? - -_Greene._ 'Twas 'long of Shakebag, that unlucky villain. - -_Shakebag._ Thou dost me wrong; I did as much as any. - -_Will._ Nay then, Mistress Arden, I'll tell you how it was: -When he should have locked with both his hilts, -He in a bravery flourished o'er his head; -With that comes Franklin at him lustily, 60 -And hurts the slave; with that he slinks away. - -Now his way had been to have come hand and feet, -one and two round, at his costard; he like a fool -bears his sword-point half a yard out of danger. -I lie here for my life; if the devil come, and he -have no more strength than I have fence, he shall -never beat me from this ward, I'll stand to it; a -buckler in a skilful hand is as good as a castle; -nay, 'tis better than a sconce, for I have tried it. 70 -Mosbie, perceiving this, began to faint: -With that comes Arden with his arming sword, -And thrust him through the shoulder in a trice. - -_Alice._ Ay, but I wonder why you both stood still. - -_Will._ Faith, I was so amazed, I could not strike. - -_Alice._ Ah, sirs, had he yesternight been slain, -For every drop of his detested blood -I would have crammed in angels in thy fist, -And kissed thee, too, and hugged thee in my arms. - -_Will._ Patient yourself, we cannot help it now. 80 -Greene and we two will dog him through the fair, -And stab him in the crowd, and steal away. - -_Here enters Mosbie._ - -_Alice._ It is unpossible; but here comes he -That will, I hope, invent some surer means. -Sweet Mosbie, hide thy arm, it kills my heart. - -_Mosbie._ Ay, Mistress Arden, this is your favour. - -_Alice._ Ah, say not so; for when I saw thee hurt, -I could have took the weapon thou let'st fall, -And run at Arden; for I have sworn -That these mine eyes, offended with his sight, 90 -Shall never close till Arden's be shut up. -This night I rose and walked about the chamber, -And twice or thrice I thought to have murdered him. - -_Mosbie_. What, in the night? then had we been undone. - -_Alice._ Why, how long shall he live? - -_Mosbie._ Faith, Alice, no longer than this night.-- -Black Will and Shakebag, will you two perform -The complot that I have laid? - -_Will._ Ay, or else think me a villain. - -_Greene._ And rather than you shall want, I'll help myself. - -_Mosbie._ You, Master Greene, shall single Franklin forth, -And hold him with a long tale of strange news, 102 -That he may not come home till supper-time. -I'll fetch Master Arden home, and we like friends -Will play a game or two at tables here. - -_Alice._ But what of all this? how shall he be slain? - -_Mosbie._ Why, Black Will and Shakebag locked within the counting-house -Shall at a certain watchword given rush forth. - -_Will._ What shall the watchword be? - -_Mosbie._ 'Now I take you'; that shall be the word: 110 -But come not forth before in any case. - -_Will._ I warrant you. But who shall lock me in? - -_Alice._ That will I do; thou'st keep the key thyself. - -_Mosbie._ Come, Master Greene, go you along with me. -See all things ready, Alice, against we come. - -_Alice._ Take no care for that; send you him home. - - [_Exeunt Mosbie and Greene._ - -And if he e'er go forth again, blame me. -Come, Black Will, that in mine eyes art fair; -Next unto Mosbie do I honour thee; -Instead of fair words and large promises 120 -My hands shall play you golden harmony: -How like you this? say, will you do it, sirs? - -_Will._ Ay, and that bravely, too. Mark my device: -Place Mosbie, being a stranger, in a chair, -And let your husband sit upon a stool, -That I may come behind him cunningly, -And with a towel pull him to the ground, -Then stab him till his flesh be as a sieve; -That done, bear him behind the Abbey, -That those that find him murdered may suppose 130 -Some slave or other killed him for his gold. - -_Alice._ A fine device! you shall have twenty pound, -And, when he is dead, you shall have forty more, -And, lest you might be suspected staying here, -Michael shall saddle you two lusty geldings; -Ride whither you will, to Scotland, or to Wales, -I'll see you shall not lack, where'er you be. - -_Will._ Such words would make one kill a thousand men! -Give me the key: which is the counting-house? - -_Alice._ Here would I stay and still encourage you; 140 -But that I know how resolute you are. - -_Shakebag._ Tush, you are too faint-hearted; we must do it. - -_Alice._ But Mosbie will be there, whose very looks -Will add unwonted courage to my thought, -And make me the first that shall adventure on him. - -_Will._ Tush, get you gone; 'tis we must do the deed. -When this door opens next, look for his death. - - [_Exeunt Will and Shakebag._ - -_Alice._ Ah, would he now were here that it might open! -I shall no more be closed in Arden's arms, -That like the snakes of black Tisiphone 150 -Sting me with their embracings! Mosbie's arms -Shall compass me, and, were I made a star, -I would have none other spheres but those. -There is no nectar but in Mosbie's lips! -Had chaste Diana kissed him, she like me -Would grow love-sick, and from her watery bower -Fling down Endymion and snatch him up: -Then blame not me that slay a silly man -Not half so lovely as Endymion. - -_Here enters Michael._ - -_Michael._ Mistress, my master is coming hard by. 160 - -_Alice._ Who comes with him? - -_Michael._ Nobody but Mosbie. - -_Alice._ That's well, Michael. Fetch in the tables, and -when thou hast done, stand before the counting-house door. - -_Michael._ Why so? - -_Alice._ Black Will is locked within to do the deed. - -_Michael._ What? shall he die to-night? - -_Alice._ Ay, Michael. - -_Michael._ But shall not Susan know it? - -_Alice._ Yes, for she'll be as secret as ourselves. 170 - -_Michael._ That's brave. I'll go fetch the tables. - -Alice. But, Michael, hark to me a word or two: -When my husband is come in, lock the street-door; -He shall be murdered, or the guests come in. - - [_Exit Michael._ - -_Here enters Arden and Mosbie._ - -Husband, what mean you to bring Mosbie home? -Although I wished you to be reconciled, -'Twas more for fear of you than love of him. -Black Will and Greene are his companions, -And they are cutters, and may cut you short: -Therefore I thought it good to make you friends. 180 -But wherefore do you bring him hither now? -You have given me my supper with his sight. - -_Mosbie._ Master Arden, methinks your wife would have me gone. - -_Arden._ No, good Master Mosbie; women will be prating. -Alice, bid him welcome; he and I are friends. - -_Alice._ You may enforce me to it, if you will; -But I had rather die than bid him welcome. -His company hath purchased me ill friends, -And therefore will I ne'er frequent it more. - -_Mosbie._--Oh, how cunningly she can dissemble! 190 - -_Arden._ Now he is here, you will not serve me so. - -_Alice._ I pray you be not angry or displeased; -I'll bid him welcome, seeing you'll have it so. -You are welcome, Master Mosbie; will you sit down? - -_Mosbie._ I know I am welcome to your loving husband; -But for yourself, you speak not from your heart. - -_Alice._ And if I do not, sir, think I have cause. - -_Mosbie._ Pardon me, Master Arden; I'll away. - -_Arden._ No, good Master Mosbie. - -_Alice._ We shall have guests enough, though you go hence. 200 - -_Mosbie._ I pray you, Master Arden, let me go. - -_Arden._ I pray thee, Mosbie, let her prate her fill. - -_Alice._ The doors are open, sir, you may be gone. - -_Michael._--Nay, that's a lie, for I have locked the doors. - -_Arden._ Sirrah, fetch me a cup of wine, I'll make them friends. -And, gentle Mistress Alice, seeing you are so stout, -You shall begin! frown not, I'll have it so. - -_Alice._ I pray you meddle with that you have to do. - -_Arden._ Why, Alice! how can I do too much for him -Whose life I have endangered without cause? 210 - -_Alice._ 'Tis true; and, seeing 'twas partly through my means, -I am content to drink to him for this once. -Here, Master Mosbie! and I pray you, henceforth -Be you as strange to me as I to you. -Your company hath purchased me ill friends, -And I for you, God knows, have undeserved -Been ill spoken of in every place; -Therefore henceforth frequent my house no more. - -_Mosbie._ I'll see your husband in despite of you. -Yet, Arden, I protest to thee by heaven, 220 -Thou ne'er shalt see me more after this night, -I'll go to Rome rather than be forsworn. - -_Arden._ Tush, I'll have no such vows made in my house. - -_Alice._ Yes, I pray you, husband, let him swear; -And, on that condition, Mosbie, pledge me here. - -_Mosbie._ Ay, as willingly as I mean to live. - -_Arden._ Come, Alice, is our supper ready yet? - -_Alice._ It will by then you have played a game at tables. - -_Arden._ Come, Master Mosbie, what shall we play for? - -_Mosbie._ Three games for a French crown, sir, and please you. 230 - -_Arden._ Content. - - [_Then they play at the tables. Enter Will and Shakebag._ - -_Will._--Can he not take him yet? what a spite is that? - -_Alice._--Not yet, Will; take heed he see thee not. - -_Will._--I fear he will spy me as I am coming. - -_Michael._--To prevent that, creep betwixt my legs. - -_Mosbie._ One ace, or else I lose the game. - -_Arden._ Marry, sir, there's two for failing. - -_Mosbie._ Ah, Master Arden, 'now I can take you.' - - [_Then Will pulls him down with a towel._ - -_Arden._ Mosbie! Michael! Alice! what will you do? - -_Will._ Nothing but take you up, sir, nothing else. 240 - -_Mosbie._ There's for the pressing iron you told me of. [_Stabs him._ - -_Shakebag._ And there's for the ten pound in my sleeve. [_Stabs him._ - -_Alice._ What! groans thou? nay, then give me the weapon! -Take this for hindering Mosbie's love and mine. [_She stabs him._ - -_Michael._ O, mistress! - -_Will._ Ah, that villain will betray us all. - -_Mosbie._ Tush, fear him not; he will be secret. - -_Michael._ Why, dost thou think I will betray myself? - -_Shakebag._ In Southwark dwells a bonny northern lass, -The widow Chambly; I'll to her house now, 250 -And if she will not give me harborough, -I'll make booty of the quean even to her smock. - -_Will._ Shift for yourselves; we two will leave you now. - -_Alice._ First lay the body in the counting-house. - - [_Then they lay the body in the Counting-house._ - -_Will._ We have our gold; Mistress Alice, adieu; -Mosbie, farewell, and Michael, farewell too. [_Exeunt._ - -_Enter Susan._ - -_Susan._ Mistress, the guests are at the doors. -Hearken, they knock: what, shall I let them in? - -_Alice._ Mosbie, go thou and bear them company. [_Exit Mosbie._ -And, Susan, fetch water and wash away this blood. - -_Susan._ The blood cleaveth to the ground and will not out. 261 - -_Alice._ But with my nails I'll scrape away the blood;-- -The more I strive, the more the blood appears! - -_Susan._ What's the reason, Mistress, can you tell? - -_Alice._ Because I blush not at my husband's death. - -_Here enters Mosbie._ - -_Mosbie._ How now? what's the matter? is all well? - -_Alice._ Ay, well, if Arden were alive again. -In vain we strive, for here his blood remains. - -_Mosbie._ Why, strew rushes on it, can you not? -This wench doth nothing: fall unto the work. 270 - -_Alice._ 'Twas thou that made me murder him. - -_Mosbie._ What of that? - -_Alice._ Nay, nothing, Mosbie, so it be not known. - -_Mosbie._ Keep thou it close, and 'tis unpossible. - -_Alice._ Ah, but I cannot! was he not slain by me? -My husband's death torments me at the heart. - -_Mosbie._ It shall not long torment thee, gentle Alice; -I am thy husband, think no more of him. - -_Here enters Adam Fowle and Bradshaw._ - -_Bradshaw._ How now, Mistress Arden? what ail you weep? - -_Mosbie._ Because her husband is abroad so late. 280 -A couple of ruffians threatened him yesternight, -And she, poor soul, is afraid he should be hurt. - -_Adam._ Is't nothing else? tush, he'll be here anon. - -_Here enters Greene._ - -_Greene._ Now, Mistress Arden, lack you any guests? - -_Alice._ Ah, Master Greene, did you see my husband lately? - -_Greene._ I saw him walking behind the Abbey even now. - -_Here enters Franklin._ - -_Alice._ I do not like this being out so late.-- -Master Franklin, where did you leave my husband? - -_Franklin._ Believe me I saw him not since morning. -Fear you not, he'll come anon; meantime 290 -You may do well to bid his guests sit down. - -_Alice._ Ay, so they shall; Master Bradshaw, sit you there; -I pray you, be content, I'll have my will. -Master Mosbie, sit you in my husband's seat. - -_Michael._--Susan, shall thou and I wait on them? -Or, an thou sayest the word, let us sit down too. - -_Susan._--Peace, we have other matters now in hand. -I fear me, Michael, all will be bewrayed. - -_Michael._--Tush, so it be known that I shall marry thee -in the morning, I care not though I be hanged ere -night. But to prevent the worst, I'll buy some ratsbane. 301 - -_Susan._--Why, Michael, wilt thou poison thyself? - -_Michael._--No, but my mistress, for I fear she'll tell. - -_Susan._--Tush, Michael; fear not her, she's wise enough. - -_Mosbie._ Sirrah Michael, give's a cup of beer.-- -Mistress Arden, here's to your husband. - -_Alice._ My husband! - -_Franklin._ What ails you, woman, to cry so suddenly? - -_Alice._ Ah, neighbours, a sudden qualm came o'er my heart; -My husband being forth torments my mind. 310 -I know something's amiss, he is not well; -Or else I should have heard of him ere now. - -_Mosbie._--She will undo us through her foolishness. - -_Greene._ Fear not, Mistress Arden, he's well enough. - -_Alice._ Tell not me; I know he is not well: -He was not wont for to stay thus late. -Good Master Franklin, go and seek him forth, -And if you find him, send him home to me, -And tell him what a fear he hath put me in. - -_Franklin._--I like not this; I pray God all be well. 320 -I'll seek him out, and find him if I can. - - [_Exeunt Franklin, Mosbie, and Greene._ - -_Alice._--Michael, how shall I do to rid the rest away? - -_Michael._--Leave that to my charge, let me alone. -'Tis very late, Master Bradshaw, -And there are many false knaves abroad, -And you have many narrow lanes to pass. - -_Bradshaw._ Faith, friend Michael, and thou sayest true. -Therefore I pray thee light's forth and lend's a link. - - [_Exeunt Bradshaw, Adam, and Michael._ - -_Alice._ Michael, bring them to the doors, but do not stay; -You know I do not love to be alone. 330 ---Go, Susan, and bid thy brother come: -But wherefore should he come? Here is nought but fear; -Stay, Susan, stay, and help to counsel me. - -_Susan._ Alas. I counsel! fear frights away my wits. - - [_Then they open the counting-house door, - and look upon Arden._ - -_Alice._ See, Susan, where thy quondam master lies, -Sweet Arden, smeared in blood and filthy gore. - -_Susan._ My brother, you, and I shall rue this deed. - -_Alice._ Come, Susan, help to lift his body forth, -And let our salt tears be his obsequies. - -_Here enters Mosbie and Greene._ - -_Mosbie._ How now, Alice, whither will you bear him? - -_Alice._ Sweet Mosbie, art thou come? Then weep that will: -I have my wish in that I joy thy sight. 342 - -_Greene._ Well, it behoves us to be circumspect. - -_Mosbie._ Ay, for Franklin thinks that we have murdered him. - -_Alice._ Ay, but he cannot prove it for his life. -We'll spend this night in dalliance and in sport. - -_Here enters Michael._ - -_Michael._ O mistress, the Mayor and all the watch -Are coming towards our house with glaives and bills. - -_Alice._ Make the door fast; let them not come in. - -_Mosbie._ Tell me, sweet Alice, how shall I escape? 350 - -_Alice._ Out at the back-door, over the pile of wood, -And for one night lie at the Flower-de-luce. - -_Mosbie._ That is the next way to betray myself. - -_Greene._ Alas, Mistress Arden, the watch will take me hers, -And cause suspicion, where else would be none. - -_Alice._ Why, take that way that Master Mosbie doth; -But first convey the body to the fields. - - [_Then they bear the body into the fields._ - -_Mosbie._ Until to-morrow, sweet Alice, now farewell: -And see you confess nothing in any case. - -_Greene._ Be resolute, Mistress Alice, betray us not, 360 -But cleave to us as we will stick to you. - - [_Exeunt Mosbie and Greene._ - -_Alice._ Now, let the judge and juries do their worst: -My house is clear, and now I fear them not. - -_Susan._ As we went, it snowed all the way, -Which makes me fear our footsteps will be spied. - -_Alice._ Peace, fool, the snow will cover them again. - -_Susan._ But it had done before we came back again. - -_Alice._ Hark, hark, they knock! go, Michael, let them in. - -_Here enters the Mayor and the Watch._ - -How now, Master Mayor, have you brought my husband home? - -_Mayor._ I saw him come into your house an hour ago. 370 - -_Alice._ You are deceived; it was a Londoner. - -_Mayor._ Mistress Arden, know you not one that is called Black Will? - -_Alice._ I know none such: what mean these questions? - -_Mayor._ I have the Council's warrant to apprehend him. - -_Alice._--I am glad it is no worse. -Why, Master Mayor, think you I harbour any such? - -_Mayor._ We are informed that here he is; -And therefore pardon us, for we must search. - -_Alice._ Ay, search, and spare you not, through every room: -Were my husband at home, you would not offer this. 380 - -_Here enters Franklin._ - -Master Franklin, what mean you come so sad? - -_Franklin._ Arden, thy husband and my friend, is slain. - -_Alice._ Ah, by whom? Master Franklin, can you tell? - -_Franklin._ I know not; but behind the Abbey -There he lies murdered in most piteous case. - -_Mayor._ But, Master Franklin, are you sure 'tis he? - -_Franklin._ I am too sure; would God I were deceived. - -_Alice._ Find out the murderers, let them be known. - -_Franklin._ Ay, so they shall: come you along with us. - -_Alice._ Wherefore? 390 - -_Franklin._ Know you this hand-towel and this knife? - -_Susan._--Ah, Michael, through this thy negligence -Thou hast betrayed and undone us all. - -_Michael._--I was so afraid I knew not what I did: -I thought I had thrown them both into the well. - -_Alice._ It is the pig's blood we had to supper. -But wherefore stay you? find out the murderers. - -_Mayor._ I fear me you'll prove one of them yourself. - -_Alice._ I one of them? what mean such questions? - -_Franklin._ I fear me he was murdered in this house 400 -And carried to the fields; for from that place -Backwards and forwards may you see -The print of many feet within the snow. -And look about this chamber where we are, -And you shall find part of his guiltless blood; -For in his slipshoe did I find some rushes, -Which argueth he was murdered in this room. - -_Mayor._ Look in the place where he was wont to sit. -See, see! his blood! it is too manifest. - -_Alice._ It is a cup of wine that Michael shed. 410 - -_Michael._ Ay, truly. - -_Franklin._ It is his blood, which, strumpet, thou hast shed. -But if I live, thou and thy 'complices -Which have conspired and wrought his death shall rue it. - -_Alice._ Ah, Master Franklin, God and heaven can tell -I loved him more than all the world beside. -But bring me to him, let me see his body. - -_Franklin._ Bring that villain and Mosbie's sister too; -And one of you go to the Flower-de-luce, -And seek for Mosbie, and apprehend him too. 420 - - [_Exeunt._ - -V. i. 58. _Hilts_ is common for 'hilt,' _e.g._ in Malory and Shakespeare; -'_both his hilts_' is apparently an extension of this use. -_Locked_ I take to mean 'crossed or clashed swords,' with his -adversary. - -V. i. 105. _game or two at tables_: a sort of backgammon. - -V. i. 155. Cf. the concluding lines of Ovid's _Elegy_, already -alluded to, i. 60. - -V. i. 338. 'Cecily Pounders did help to bear the dead corpse out -into a meadow there, commonly called the Amery Croft.'--_Wardmote -Book._ - - -SCENE II - -_An obscure street in London._ - -_Here enters Shakebag solus._ - -_Shakebag._ The widow Chambly in her husband's days I kept; -And now he's dead, she is grown so stout -She will not know her old companions. -I came thither, thinking to have had harbour -As I was wont, -And she was ready to thrust me out at doors; -But whether she would or no, I got me up, -And as she followed me, I spurned her down the stairs, -And broke her neck, and cut her tapster's throat, -And now I am going to fling them in the Thames. -I have the gold; what care I though it be known! -I'll cross the water and take sanctuary. - - [_Exit._ - - -SCENE III - -_Arden's House at Feversham._ - -_Here enters the Mayor, Mosbie, Alice, Franklin, -Michael, and Susan._ - -_Mayor._ See, Mistress Arden, where your husband lies; -Confess this foul fault and be penitent. - -_Alice._ Arden, sweet husband, what shall I say? -The more I sound his name, the more he bleeds; -This blood condemns me, and in gushing forth -Speaks as it falls, and asks me why I did it. -Forgive me, Arden: I repent me now, -And, would my death save thine, thou should'st not die. -Rise up, sweet Arden, and enjoy thy love, -And frown not on me when we meet in heaven: 10 -In heaven I'll love thee, though on earth I did not. - -_Mayor._ Say, Mosbie, what made thee murder him? - -_Franklin._ Study not for an answer; look not down: -His purse and girdle found at thy bed's head -Witness sufficiently thou didst the deed; -It bootless is to swear thou didst it not. - -_Mosbie._ I hired Black Will and Shakebag, ruffians both, -And they and I have done this murderous deed. -But wherefore stay we? Come and bear me hence. - -_Franklin._ Those ruffians shall not escape; I will up to London, 20 -And get the Council's warrant to apprehend them. - - [_Exeunt._ - - -SCENE IV - -_The Kentish Coast._ - -_Here enters Will._ - -_Will._ Shakebag, I hear, hath taken sanctuary, -But I am so pursued with hues and cries -For petty robberies that I have done, -That I can come unto no sanctuary. -Therefore must I in some oyster-boat -At last be fain to go on board some hoy, -And so to Flushing. There is no staying here. -At Sittingburgh the watch was like to take me, -And had not I with my buckler covered my head, -And run full blank at all adventures, 10 -I am sure I had ne'er gone further than that place; -For the constable had twenty warrants to apprehend me, -Besides that, I robbed him and his man once at Gadshill. -Farewell, England; I'll to Flushing now. - - [_Exit Will._ - -V. iv. 5. Faversham was famous for its oysters. - - -SCENE V - -_Justice-room at Feversham._ - -_Here enters the Mayor, Mosbie, Alice, Michael, Susan, -and Bradshaw._ - -_Mayor._ Come, make haste and bring away the prisoners. - -_Bradshaw._ Mistress Arden, you are now going to God, -And I am by the law condemned to die -About a letter I brought from Master Greene. -I pray you, Mistress Arden, speak the truth: -Was I ever privy to your intent or no. - -_Alice._ What should I say? You brought me such a letter, -But I dare swear thou knewest not the contents. -Leave now to trouble me with worldly things, -And let me meditate upon my saviour Christ, 10 -Whose blood must save me for the blood I shed. - -_Mosbie._ How long shall I live in this hell of grief? -Convey me from the presence of that strumpet. - -_Alice._ Ah, but for thee I had never been a strumpet. -What cannot oaths and protestations do, -When men have opportunity to woo? -I was too young to sound thy villainies, -But now I find it and repent too late. - -_Susan._ Ah, gentle brother, wherefore should I die? -I knew not of it till the deed was done. 20 - -_Mosbie._ For thee I mourn more than for myself; -But let it suffice, I cannot save thee now. - -_Michael._ And if your brother and my mistress -Had not promised me you in marriage, -I had ne'er given consent to this foul deed. - -_Mayor._ Leave to accuse each other now, -And listen to the sentence I shall give. -Bear Mosbie and his sister to London straight, -Where they in Smithfield must be executed; -Bear Mistress Arden unto Canterbury, 30 -Where her sentence is she must be burnt; -Michael and Bradshaw in Feversham must suffer death. - -_Alice._ Let my death make amends for all my sins. - -_Mosbie._ Fie upon women! this shall be my song; -But bear me hence, for I have lived too long. - -_Susan._ Seeing no hope on earth, in heaven is my hope. - -_Michael._ Faith, I care not, seeing I die with Susan. - -_Bradshaw._ My blood be on his head that gave the sentence. - -_Mayor._ To speedy execution with them all! [_Exeunt._ - -V. v. 30. 'For the charges of brenning Mistress Arden and -execution of George Bradshaw, XLIII S.'--_Canterbury Records._ - - -SCENE VI - -_Here enters Franklin._ - -_Franklin._ Thus have you seen the truth of Arden's death. -As for the ruffians, Shakebag and Black Will, -The one took sanctuary, and, being sent for out, -Was murdered in Southwark as he passed -To Greenwich, where the Lord Protector lay. -Black Will was burned in Flushing on a stage; -Greene was hanged at Osbridge in Kent; -The painter fled and how he died we know not. -But this above the rest is to be noted: -Arden lay murdered in that plot of ground 10 -Which he by force and violence held from Reede; -And in the grass his body's print was seen -Two years and more after the deed was done. -Gentlemen, we hope you'll pardon this naked tragedy, -Wherein no fild points are foisted in -To make it gracious to the ear or eye; -For simple truth is gracious enough, -And needs no other points of glosing stuff. [_Exit._ - -V. vi. 2. By the _Wardmote Book_, 'George Loosebagg, _i.e._ -Shakebag, escaped at that time.' John Green, who like Mosbie -was a tailor, was taken in July in Cornwall and brought to Faversham -and hanged in chains within the liberties. Susan, in the -play, combines the characters of Cecily Pounder, Mosbie's sister, -and of Elizabeth Stafford, the maid-servant. Morsby and his -sister were hanged in Smithfield; Michael Saunderson was 'drawn -and hanged in chains' in Faversham, where Elizabeth was burnt. -By the _Wardmote Book_ Alice Arden did not stab her husband. - - - - -GLOSSARY - - -ABHORS FROM, differs entirely from; I. 54; an uncommon use. Dr. Murray -quotes _Fox, A. and M._; II. 357, 'It did nothing at all abhor from -nature.' - -ANGEL, the coin of that name; II. i. 89, etc. - -ARMING SWORD, a large two-handed sword, V. i. 72. - - -BASILISK, a fabulous serpent supposed to kill by its look, a -cockatrice; I. 215. Cf. 'Would they were basilisks to strike thee -dead.'--_Richard III._, III. ii. 151. - -BEDEEM, forbode, 'doom me to'; III. iii. 31; not quoted by Dr. Murray. - -BEDESMAN, one who says prayers for another, 'humble servant'; III. vi. -120. - -BERAYED, befouled; IV. iii. 58. Cf. 'Was ever man so rayed.'--_Shrew_, -IV. i. 3. - -BEWRAYED, betrayed; III. ii. 27. - -BLAB, talk; I. 135. Used both as a noun and a verb. - -BLOCK, obstacle; I. 137. - -BODKIN, a tailor's awl; I. 313. - -BOLSTERED, matted with blood; III. i. 73. Cf. 'Blood-bolstered -Banquo.'--_Macbeth_, IV. i. 123. - -BOTCHER, a jobbing tailor; I. 25, 316. Cf. Huloet, 'A tailor, bodger, -botcher, mender or patcher of old garments.' - -BRABLE, quarrel; IV. i. 77. - -BROKAGE, petty dealing; here especially dealing in old clothes; I. 26. - -BUGS, hobgoblins: III. ii. 19. - - -CAUSELESS, adv., without cause, I. 358. - -CHOPS ME IN, interrupts suddenly; III. vi. 130; 'me' is a dative; chop -is used in the sense of doing quickly. Cf. _Richard III._, I. iv. 160, -'Then we will chop him in the malmsey butt.' - -COIL, trouble; III. vi. 5. - -COISTRIL, a paltry young fellow; III. ii. 41, 58. Cf. _Twelfth Night_, -I. iii. 43, 'A coward and a coistril.' - -COPESMATE, market-mate, companion; III. v. 104. Cf. _Lucrece_, 925, -'Misshapen Time, copesmate of ugly Night.' - -COLTSTAFF, a staff used by two persons for carrying 'cowls,' _i.e._ -tubs; V. i. 22. Cf. _Merry Wives_, III. iii. 156, 'Where's the -cowlstaff?' - -COSTARD, head; V. i. 63; literally a large ribbed apple. Frequent in -Shakespeare. - -CROWN, crown-piece; III. vi. 132. - -CURST, shrewish; IV. ii. 12. - -CUTTER, bully, cutthroat; I. 522; IV. iii. 74, etc. Cf. Harrison's -_England_, II. 16, 'Some desperate cutters we have.' - - -DAG, pistol; III. vi. 9, 131. The derivation is not known. - -DALLYING, delaying, trifling; I. 397. - -DISPOSE, disposal; I. 606. Common in Shakespeare. - -DISTRESSFUL, miserable: III. v. 56; IV. iv. 51. Cf. _Henry V._, IV. i. -287, 'Crammed with distressful bread.' - -DRIFTS, plots; I. 178, 450, etc. - - -EAR, plough; III. v. 24. - -ESCHEW, avoid; I. 347. - - -FLAW, gust of wind; IV. iv. 44. - -FORSLOWED, delayed; III. v. 85. Cf. 3 _Henry VI._, II. iii. 56, -'Forslow no longer.' - -FOSTER, forester; III. iii. 13. - -FROLIC, used as an exclamation = 'cheer up'; I. 512. Cf. Kyd's -_Jeronimo_, I. i. 1. - - -GIGLOT, a wanton woman, III. v. 87; connected with 'giggle.' - -GLAIVES, swords; V. i. 348. - -GLOSING, wordy; V. vi. 18. - - -HANDSEL, confirm, seal; II. i. 117. - -HARBOROUGH, old form of harbour; V. i. 251. - -HORNSBY, cuckold; IV. iii. 76. - -HOUGHT, hocked or hamstrung; IV. iii. 38. - - -IMPETRATE, get by asking; II. ii. 16. - - -JETS, struts; I. 30. Cf. _Cymbeline_, III. iii. 4, 'Giants may jet -through.' - - -LAY IT ON, fall to work; V. i. 50. Cf. _Winter's Tale_, IV. iii. 43, -'My father hath made her mistress of the feast and she lays it on.' - -LEAVE, cease; III. vi. 72, etc. - -LORDAINE, clown, IV. i. 58. - - -MISEVENT, mishap; IV. iv. 49. - -MISTAKING, misunderstanding; IV. i. 27. - -MITHRIDATE, antidote; I. 383. Called after the famous King of Pontus, -who made himself poison-proof. Greene uses the word. - -MUSCADO, musket; III. vi. 20. - -MUTCHADO, moustache; II. i. 54. - - -PANTOFLES, slippers; II. ii. 9. - -PASSIONATE, sorrowful; III. v. 45. Cf. _John II._, 544, 'She is sad and -passionate.' - -PLANCHERS, planks; I. 42. 'Planched' is found in _Measure for Measure_, -IV. i. 3. - -PLATFORM, scheme; II. i. 100. Cf. 1 _Henry VI._, II. i. 77. - -PRECISIAN, puritan; III. ii. 18. - -_Prick-eared_, III. ii. 62; cf. _Henry V._, II. i. 44, 'Prick-eared cur -of Iceland.' - - -QUALM, fit of nausea; III. vi. 67; V. i. 309. - -QUARTERAGE, quarterly payment; II. ii. 98. - - -RACE, raze down; I. 47, 118. - -RELIGIOUS, devout; I. 587. - - -SCONCE, small fort; V. i. 70. - -SECURELY, without misgiving; I. 50. - -SLIPSHOE, slipper; V. i. 406. - -STANDINGS, place of vantage, ambush; III. vi. 38. - -STOUT, proud, overbearing; V. i. 206, ii. 2. Cf. 'I will be strange, -stout, in yellow stockings.'--_Twelfth Night_, II. v. 185, and 2 _Henry -VI._, I. i. 187. - -SULLENS, moroseness; IV. iv. 108. Cf. _Richard II._, II. i. 139: 'Let -them die that age and sullens have.' - -SURE, betrothed; I. 151. Cf. _Merry Wives_, V. v. 237. - -SUSPECT, suspicion; I. i. 130. Cf. Sonnet LXX. 'The ornament of beauty -is suspect.' - - -TICING, enticing; I. 197. - -TRUG, a drab; I. 499. Greene uses the word. - -TRULL, worthless woman; I. 498. - -TRUSS, tie up for hanging; III. vi. 125; here = 'get yourself trussed.' - - -WATCHET, pale blue; II. i. 56. - -WAGER, give a wage to; I. 523. Shakespeare uses 'wage' in this sense, -_Coriolanus_, V. vi. 40. - -WHISTLY, silently; III. iii. 9. - - -YEOMANRY, homespun wit; IV. ii. 37. - -[Illustration] - - Printed by T. and A. CONSTABLE, Printers to Her Majesty - at the Edinburgh University Press - - - * * * * * - - -Transcriber's Note - -The following apparent printing errors have been corrected: - - -p. 4 "the field." changed to "the field," - -p. 6 "of men." changed to "of men," - -p. 10 "it me" changed to "it me." - -p. 19 "true or no" changed to "true or no?" - -p. 23 "neighhour" changed to "neighbour" - -p. 30 line-number 90 changed to 93 - -p. 36 "heat." changed to "heat," - -p. 49 "dream" changed to "dream." - -p. 69 "is death" changed to "is death." - -p. 75 "my state," changed to "my state." - -p. 97 "bills" changed to "bills." - -p. 99 "knew now" changed to "knew not" - -p. 102 "did not" changed to "did not." - -p. 104 "a a letter" changed to "a letter" - -p. 107 "_Merry Wives_, iII" changed to "_Merry Wives_, III" - -p. 110 "adevrbially" changed to "adverbially" - -p. 111 (note to II. i. 58) "'Seam rent fellows," changed to "'Seam -rent fellows,'" - -p. 111 (note to III. i. 5) "sense" changed to "sense?" - - -Other inconsistent punctuation has been retained as printed, as have -inconsistent spellings. - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Arden of Feversham, by Anonymous and Thomas Kyd - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ARDEN OF FEVERSHAM *** - -***** This file should be named 43440-8.txt or 43440-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/3/4/4/43440/ - -Produced by Henry Flower and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: Arden of Feversham - -Author: Anonymous - Thomas Kyd - -Editor: Ronald Bayne - -Release Date: August 11, 2013 [EBook #43440] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ARDEN OF FEVERSHAM *** - - - - -Produced by Henry Flower and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - - - - - - - -Transcriber's Note - -Endnotes have been moved to the end of the scene to which they apply. -The following note preceded the printed endnotes: - -"In the Quartos there are no divisions of acts and scenes. - -A, B, C = 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Quartos." - -Italic text is marked by _underscores_, and bold text by ~swung dashes~. - - - - -[Illustration] - -_THE TEMPLE DRAMATISTS_ - -ARDEN OF FEVERSHAM - -[Illustration] - - - - -The text of this edition is nearly that of the first Quarto, the copy -of which in the Dyce Library at South Kensington has been carefully -collated. I have not noted minute variations. The German editors, -Warnke and Proescholt, give the various readings of the three Quartos -and of later editions. - -[Illustration: _Feversham Abbey._] - - - - -ARDEN OF -FEVERSHAM - -_Edited with a Preface, Notes -and Glossary by_ - -REV. RONALD BAYNE -M.A. - - -J. M. DENT AND CO. -ALDINE HOUSE : LONDON -1897 - - - - -'Considering the various and marvellous gifts displayed for the first -time on our stage by the great poet, the great dramatist, the strong -and subtle searcher of hearts, the just and merciful judge and painter -of human passions, who gave this tragedy to the new-born literature -of our drama ... I cannot but finally take heart to say, even in -the absence of all external or traditional testimony, that it seems -to me not pardonable merely or permissible, but simply logical and -reasonable, to set down this poem, a young man's work on the face of -it, as the possible work of no man's youthful hand but Shakespeare's.' - -Mr. A. C. SWINBURNE. - - - - -PREFACE - - -~Early Editions.~ On 3rd April, 1592, '_The Tragedie of Arden of -Feversham and Blackwall_'[A] was entered on the Stationers' Registers -to Edward White. In the same year appeared, '_The lamentable and true -Tragedie of M. Arden of Feversham in Kent. Who was most wickedlye -murdered, by the meanes of his disloyall and wanton wyfe, who for the -love she bare to one Mosbie, hyred two desperat ruffins, Blackwill -and Shakbag, to kill him. Wherin is shewed the great mallice and -discimulation of a wicked woman, the unsatiable desire of filthie lust -and the shamefull end of all murderers. Imprinted at London for Edward -White, dwelling at the lyttle North dore of Paules Church at the signe -of the Gun._ 1592.' A second Quarto, with the same title, was printed -in 1599. A third, '_by Eliz. Allde dwelling neere Christs Church_,' -appeared in 1633. The second and third Quartos are founded textually -upon the first, and their variations are of no value. The text of the -first Quarto is unusually good even when prose and verse are mixed -together, although the printer has apparently no scientific knowledge -of the nature of metre. - -[Footnote A: A misprint for _Blackwill_.] - - -~Place of the Play in the Elizabethan Drama.~ _Arden of Faversham_ -is the finest extant specimen of a kind of play which has been -classified as Domestic Tragedy. A picturesque or sensational murder in -the sixteenth century was given to the public first in popular ballads -or pamphlets, and afterwards, if sufficiently notable, in the more -serious Chronicle. From the popular pamphlet, or from the Chronicle, -or from both together, it found its way on to the stage. Four of these -'murder-plays' have come down to us, and the titles of many others. -They form a minor section of the Chronicle plays or Histories. They did -not attain any very striking literary development, owing perhaps to the -necessary bondage of the poet to his facts. _Arden of Faversham_ is a -remarkable instance of the possibilities of this class of play, but it -is to be noted that the poet used the narrative of a Chronicler who -wrote twenty-seven years after the date of the murder. _A Warning for -Fair Women_ and Yarington's _Two Tragedies in One_ are both inferior -to _Arden_, though influenced by it. The fourth 'murder-play'--_The -Yorkshire Tragedy_--is distinct from the other three in style and -method. Several famous dramatists produced 'domestic' tragedies, but -none have survived. _A Late Murder of the Son upon the Mother_, in -which Ford and Webster collaborated, must have been a notable piece of -work. - - -~Source of the Play.~ On Sunday, 15th February 1550-1, Thomas -Ardern of Faversham, gentleman, 'was heynously murdered in his own -parlour, about seven of the clock in the night, by one Thomas Morsby, a -taylor of London, late servant to sir Edward North, knight, chancellor -of the augmentations, father-in-law unto Alice Ardern, wife of the -said Thomas Ardern.' Thomas Ardern was Mayor of Faversham in 1548, -and his murder made such a stir that in 1577 the first edition of -Holinshed's _Chronicle_ devotes five pages (pp. 1703-8) to an elaborate -account of it. The chronicler begins thus:--'About this time there was -at Faversham in Kent a Gentleman named Arden most cruelly murthered -and slain by the procurement of his own wife. The which murder for -the horribleness thereof, although otherwise it may seem to be but a -private matter, and therefore as it were impertinent to this History, -I have thought good to set it forth somewhat at large, having the -instructions delivered to me by them that have used some diligence -to gather the true understanding of the circumstances.' Our first -quotation was from the _Wardmote Book of Faversham_, and proves that -Holinshed's narrative is not minutely accurate. The _Wardmote Book_ -gives a curt account of the actual murder on the Sunday evening with -the names and fate of the culprits. It tells us nothing of the previous -failures of these culprits which give to Holinshed's tale such a -terrible and dramatic interest. We need not speculate on Holinshed's -sources. No doubt there were many contemporary pamphlets and ballads -which recounted the murder. We know only of _The Complaint ... of -Mistress Arden of Feversham_, preserved among the _Roxburghe Ballads_, -and reprinted by Evans and in Miss De Vaynes' _Kentish Garland_. -But this is dated by Mr. Bullen about 1633, when the third Quarto -of the play appeared, and was probably occasioned by that re-issue. -The important point to bear in mind is the excellence of Holinshed's -narrative. To praise it adequately we must say that it is worthy of -the fine play founded upon it, which probably had no other source. -The play agrees always with Holinshed when Holinshed differs from the -_Wardmote Book_. When the play differs from Holinshed it differs also -from the _Wardmote Book_. To the dramatic instinct of the poet we must -ascribe his suppression of the fact that Arden winked at his wife's -infidelity. Holinshed and the _Wardmote Book_ both explicitly assert -this. Franklin, Arden's friend, is also an invention of the dramatist. - - -~Author of the Play.~ The three Quartos are all anonymous. We -know of no other edition till 1770, when Edward Jacob, a Faversham -antiquary, edited the first Quarto, and boldly claimed the play for -Shakespeare. Ludwig Tieck published in 1823 an excellent German -translation, accompanied by a discriminating statement of the case for -the Shakesperean authorship. Delius, editing the play in 1855, agreed -with Tieck, and was followed by the French translator, Francois Victor -Hugo, and more recently by Professor Mezieres. Owing to the supposed -Shakespearean authorship there have been at least three translations -into German, one into French, and one into Dutch. In England opinion -has been more divided. Henry Tyrrell,[B] Charles Knight, and Mr. -Swinburne[C] have supported the Shakespearean authorship. Professor -Ward[D] and J. A. Symonds incline to reject it. Professor Saintsbury -considers that 'the only possible hypothesis on which it could be -admitted as Shakespeare's would be that of an early experiment thrown -off while he was seeking his way in a direction where he found no -thoroughfare.'[E] Mr. Bullen, who edited a careful reprint of the first -Quarto in 1887, suspects 'that _Arden_ in its present state has been -retouched here and there by the master's hand.' The latest German -editors, Warnke and Proescholt (1888), 'are of opinion that Shakespeare -had nothing to do with _Arden of Faversham_.' - -[Footnote B: _Doubtful Plays of Shakespeare._] - -[Footnote C: _Study of Shakespeare._] - -[Footnote D: _History of English Dramatic Literature._] - -[Footnote E: _History of Elizabethan Literature._] - - -~The Question of Shakespeare's Authorship.~ The only reason for -ascribing the play to Shakespeare is its merit. It seems incredible -that a drama so mature in its art should have been written in 1592 -by a writer otherwise unknown to us. In three directions the art of -the writer is mature. First, the character of the base coward Mosbie, -and of the 'bourgeois Clytemnestra,' Alice Arden, are drawn with an -insight, delicacy, and sustained power new to English literature in -1592, and not excelled till Shakespeare excelled them. The picture of -Arden, as a man fascinated and bewitched by his wife and by his fate, -might match that of Mosbie and Alice if the artist had not blurred his -conception by the introduction of the jarring motives of avarice and -sacrilege. But the poet's aim is clear; it is his own, and it almost -succeeds. Second, the picturesque ferocity and grim humour of Black -Will and Shakebag are described with a firmness and ease and restraint -of style which critics have not sufficiently noted. I can compare it -only with the Jack Cade scenes of the _Contention_ (and _2 Henry VI._). -The prose of our poet is excellent. His humour has a clearly defined -character and style of its own. The character of Michael, so admired -by Mr. Swinburne, is as subtle and well-sustained as Mosbie's or Alice -Arden's, and it exhibits our poet's special humorous gift. This gift, -excellent as it is, seems to me very definitely not Shakespearean. -But thirdly, the terrifying use of signs and omens and of an almost -Shakespearean irony--_e.g._ Arden's words, 'I am almost stifled with -this fog!'--combine to produce as the play proceeds an impressive sense -of 'the slow unerring tread of assassination, balked but persevering, -marching like a fate to its accomplishment.' But the special -excellencies of the play are all against Shakespeare having written -it by 1592. As Mr. Bullen insists, the weak point in Mr. Swinburne's -criticism is the phrase 'a young man's work.' This play is not 'a young -man's work.' The copiousness of the young man Shakespeare's work is -the exact contrary of the deliberate anxious effort which marks the -style of _Arden of Faversham_ except in the prose scenes. In none of -Shakespeare's plays can it be perceived that the poet has taken such -pains as the poet of _Arden_ takes. Unless Shakespeare wrote this play -as soon as he reached London, and then for a year or two wrote nothing -else, it is impossible to fit it into his work. And if he wrote the -play as soon as he reached London and then took up the studies which -resulted in _Venus and Adonis_ and _Lucrece_, would he have written -_Love's Labour's Lost_ and _Comedy of Errors_ on his way back to work -like _Arden_? If Shakespeare wrote _Arden_ it is the most interesting -fact in his literary development. To suggest that Shakespeare revised -the play is to shirk the question. Its excellence is in its warp and -woof, not in its ornaments. - - -~Literature.~ Mr. Bullen's _Introduction_ is the best monograph on -the play. Warnke and Proescholt's _Introduction_ should be consulted, -but lacks the distinction of style and the critical insight of Mr. -Bullen's essay. Excellent analyses and criticisms of the play are in -Charles Knight's _Doubtful Plays_ ('Pictorial Shakespere'); J. A. -Symonds' _Shakspere's Predecessors_; Alfred Mezieres' _Predecesseurs et -Contemporains de Shakspeare_. Mr. Fleay in his _Biographical Chronicle -of the English Drama_ (1891) has suggested Kyd as the author of _Arden_. - -[Illustration] - - - - -ARDEN OF FEVERSHAM - - - - -DRAMATIS PERSONAE - - -THOMAS ARDEN, Gentleman, of Feversham -FRANKLIN, his Friend -MOSBIE -CLARKE, a Painter -ADAM FOWLE, Landlord of the Flower-de-Luce -BRADSHAW, a Goldsmith -MICHAEL, Arden's Servant -GREENE -RICHARD REEDE, a Sailor -BLACK WILL } Murderers -SHAKEBAG } -A PRENTICE -A FERRYMAN -LORD CHEINY, and his Men -MAYOR OF FEVERSHAM, and Watch - -ALICE, Arden's Wife -SUSAN, Mosbie's Sister - - - - -ARDEN OF FEVERSHAM - - - - -ACT I - - -_A Room in Arden's House._ - -_Enter Arden and Franklin._ - -_Franklin._ Arden, cheer up thy spirits, and droop no more! -My gracious Lord, the Duke of Somerset, -Hath freely given to thee and to thy heirs, -By letters patents from his Majesty, -All the lands of the Abbey of Feversham. -Here are the deeds, [_He hands them._ -Sealed and subscribed with his name and the king's: -Read them, and leave this melancholy mood. - -_Arden._ Franklin, thy love prolongs my weary life; -And but for thee how odious were this life, 10 -That shows me nothing but torments my soul, -And those foul objects that offend mine eyes! -Which makes me wish that for this veil of heaven -The earth hung over my head and covered me. -Love-letters pass 'twixt Mosbie and my wife, -And they have privy meetings in the town: -Nay, on his finger did I spy the ring -Which at our marriage-day the priest put on. -Can any grief be half so great as this? - -_Franklin._ Comfort thyself, sweet friend; it is not strange 20 -That women will be false and wavering. - -_Arden._ Ay, but to dote on such a one as he -Is monstrous, Franklin, and intolerable. - -_Franklin._ Why, what is he? - -_Arden._ A botcher, and no better at the first; -Who, by base brokage getting some small stock, -Crept into service of a nobleman, -And by his servile flattery and fawning -Is now become the steward of his house, -And bravely jets it in his silken gown. 30 - -_Franklin._ No nobleman will countenance such a peasant. - -_Arden._ Yes, the Lord Clifford, he that loves not me. -But through his favour let him not grow proud; -For were he by the Lord Protector backed, -He should not make me to be pointed at. -I am by birth a gentleman of blood, -And that injurious ribald, that attempts -To violate my dear wife's chastity -(For dear I hold her love, as dear as heaven) -Shall on the bed which he thinks to defile 40 -See his dissevered joints and sinews torn, -Whilst on the planchers pants his weary body, -Smeared in the channels of his lustful blood. - -_Franklin._ Be patient, gentle friend, and learn of me -To ease thy grief and save her chastity: -Intreat her fair; sweet words are fittest engines -To race the flint walls of a woman's breast. -In any case be not too jealous, -Nor make no question of her love to thee; -But, as securely, presently take horse, 50 -And lie with me at London all this term; -For women, when they may, will not, -But, being kept back, straight grow outrageous. - -_Arden._ Though this abhors from reason, yet I'll try it, -And call her forth and presently take leave. -How! Alice! - -_Here enters Alice._ - -_Alice._ Husband, what mean you to get up so early? -Summer-nights are short, and yet you rise ere day. -Had I been wake, you had not risen so soon. - -_Arden._ Sweet love, thou knowest that we two, Ovid-like, 60 -Have often chid the morning when it 'gan to peep, -And often wished that dark night's purblind steeds -Would pull her by the purple mantle back, -And cast her in the ocean to her love. -But this night, sweet Alice, thou hast killed my heart: -I heard thee call on Mosbie in thy sleep. - -_Alice._ 'Tis like I was asleep when I named him, -For being awake he comes not in my thoughts. - -_Arden._ Ay, but you started up and suddenly, -Instead of him, caught me about the neck. 70 - -_Alice._ Instead of him? why, who was there but you? -And where but one is, how can I mistake? - -_Franklin._ Arden, leave to urge her over-far. - -_Arden._ Nay, love, there is no credit in a dream; -Let it suffice I know thou lovest me well. - -_Alice._ Now I remember whereupon it came: -Had we no talk of Mosbie yesternight? - -_Franklin._ Mistress Alice, I heard you name him once or twice. - -_Alice._ And thereof came it, and therefore blame not me. - -_Arden._ I know it did, and therefore let it pass. 80 -I must to London, sweet Alice, presently. - -_Alice._ But tell me, do you mean to stay there long? - -_Arden._ No longer there till my affairs be done. - -_Franklin._ He will not stay above a month at most. - -_Alice._ A month? ay me! Sweet Arden, come again -Within a day or two, or else I die. - -_Arden._ I cannot long be from thee, gentle Alice. -Whilst Michael fetch our horses from the field, -Franklin and I will down unto the quay; -For I have certain goods there to unload. 90 -Meanwhile prepare our breakfast, gentle Alice; -For yet ere noon we'll take horse and away. - - [_Exeunt Arden and Franklin._ - -_Alice._ Ere noon he means to take horse and away! -Sweet news is this. O that some airy spirit -Would in the shape and likeness of a horse -Gallop with Arden 'cross the Ocean, -And throw him from his back into the waves! -Sweet Mosbie is the man that hath my heart: -And he usurps it, having nought but this, -That I am tied to him by marriage. 100 -Love is a God, and marriage is but words; -And therefore Mosbie's title is the best. -Tush! whether it be or no, he shall be mine, -In spite of him, of Hymen, and of rites. - -_Here enters Adam of the Flower-de-luce._ - -And here comes Adam of the Flower-de-luce; -I hope he brings me tidings of my love. ---How now, Adam, what is the news with you? -Be not afraid; my husband is now from home. - -_Adam._ He whom you wot of, Mosbie, Mistress Alice, -Is come to town, and sends you word by me 110 -In any case you may not visit him. - -_Alice._ Not visit him? - -_Adam._ No, nor take no knowledge of his being here. - -_Alice._ But tell me, is he angry or displeased? - -_Adam._ It should seem so, for he is wondrous sad. - -_Alice._ Were he as mad as raving Hercules, -I'll see him, I; and were thy house of force, -These hands of mine should race it to the ground, -Unless that thou wouldst bring me to my love. - -_Adam._ Nay, and you be so impatient, I'll be gone. 120 - -_Alice._ Stay, Adam, stay; thou wert wont to be my friend. -Ask Mosbie how I have incurred his wrath; -Bear him from me these pair of silver dice, -With which we played for kisses many a time, -And when I lost, I won, and so did he;-- -Such winning and such losing Jove send me! -And bid him, if his love do not decline, -To come this morning but along my door, -And as a stranger but salute me there: -This may he do without suspect or fear. 130 - -_Adam._ I'll tell him what you say, and so farewell. - - [_Exit Adam._ - -_Alice._ Do, and one day I'll make amends for all.-- -I know he loves me well, but dares not come, -Because my husband is so jealous, -And these my narrow-prying neighbours blab, -Hinder our meetings when we would confer. -But, if I live, that block shall be removed, -And, Mosbie, thou that comes to me by stealth, -Shalt neither fear the biting speech of men, -Nor Arden's looks; as surely shall he die 140 -As I abhor him and love only thee. - -_Here enters Michael._ - -How now, Michael, whither are you going? - -_Michael._ To fetch my master's nag. -I hope you'll think on me. - -_Alice._ Ay; but, Michael, see you keep your oath, -And be as secret as you are resolute. - -_Michael._ I'll see he shall not live above a week. - -_Alice._ On that condition, Michael, here's my hand: -None shall have Mosbie's sister but thyself. - -_Michael._ I understand the painter here hard by 150 -Hath made report that he and Sue is sure. - -_Alice._ There's no such matter, Michael; believe it not. - -_Michael._ But he hath sent a dagger sticking in a heart, -With a verse or two stolen from a painted cloth, -The which I hear the wench keeps in her chest. -Well, let her keep it! I shall find a fellow -That can both write and read and make rhyme too. -And if I do--well, I say no more: -I'll send from London such a taunting letter -As she shall eat the heart he sent with salt 160 -And fling the dagger at the painter's head. - -_Alice._ What needs all this? I say that Susan's thine. - -_Michael._ Why, then I say that I will kill my master, -Or anything that you will have me do. - -_Alice._ But, Michael, see you do it cunningly. - -_Michael._ Why, say I should be took, I'll ne'er confess -That you know anything; and Susan, being a maid, -May beg me from the gallows of the sheriff. - -_Alice._ Trust not to that, Michael. - -_Michael._ You cannot tell me, I have seen it, I. 170 -But, mistress, tell her, whether I live or die, -I'll make her more worth than twenty painters can; -For I will rid mine elder brother away, -And then the farm of Bolton is mine own. -Who would not venture upon house and land, -When he may have it for a right down blow? - -_Here enters Mosbie._ - -_Alice._ Yonder comes Mosbie. Michael, get thee gone, -And let not him nor any know thy drifts. - - [_Exit Michael._ - -Mosbie, my love! - -_Mosbie._ Away, I say, and talk not to me now. 180 - -_Alice._ A word or two, sweet heart, and then I will. -'Tis yet but early days, thou needst not fear. - -_Mosbie._ Where is your husband? - -_Alice._ 'Tis now high water, and he is at the quay. - -_Mosbie._ There let him be; henceforward know me not. - -_Alice._ Is this the end of all thy solemn oaths? -Is this the fruit thy reconcilement buds? -Have I for this given thee so many favours, -Incurred my husband's hate, and, out alas! -Made shipwreck of mine honour for thy sake? 190 -And dost thou say 'henceforward know me not'? -Remember, when I lock'd thee in my closet, -What were thy words and mine; did we not both -Decree to murder Arden in the night? -The heavens can witness, and the world can tell, -Before I saw that falsehood look of thine, -'Fore I was tangled with thy 'ticing speech, -Arden to me was dearer than my soul,-- -And shall be still: base peasant, get thee gone, -And boast not of thy conquest over me, 200 -Gotten by witchcraft and mere sorcery! -For what hast thou to countenance my love, -Being descended of a noble house, -And matched already with a gentleman -Whose servant thou may'st be!--and so farewell. - -_Mosbie._ Ungentle and unkind Alice, now I see -That which I ever feared, and find too true: -A woman's love is as the lightning-flame, -Which even in bursting forth consumes itself. -To try thy constancy have I been strange; 210 -Would I had never tried, but lived in hope! - -_Alice._ What need'st thou try me whom thou ne'er found false? - -_Mosbie._ Yet pardon me, for love is jealous. - -_Alice._ So lists the sailor to the mermaid's song, -So looks the traveller to the basilisk: -I am content for to be reconciled, -And that, I know, will be mine overthrow. - -_Mosbie._ Thine overthrow? first let the world dissolve. - -_Alice._ Nay, Mosbie, let me still enjoy thy love, -And happen what will, I am resolute. 220 -My saving husband hoards up bags of gold -To make our children rich, and now is he -Gone to unload the goods that shall be thine, -And he and Franklin will to London straight. - -_Mosbie._ To London, Alice? if thou'lt be ruled by me, -We'll make him sure enough for coming there. - -_Alice._ Ah, would we could! - -_Mosbie._ I happened on a painter yesternight, -The only cunning man of Christendom; -For he can temper poison with his oil, 230 -That whoso looks upon the work he draws -Shall, with the beams that issue from his sight, -Suck venom to his breast and slay himself. -Sweet Alice, he shall draw thy counterfeit, -That Arden may, by gazing on it, perish. - -_Alice._ Ay, but Mosbie, that is dangerous, -For thou, or I, or any other else, -Coming into the chamber where it hangs, may die. - -_Mosbie._ Ay, but we'll have it covered with a cloth -And hung up in the study for himself. 240 - -_Alice._ It may not be, for when the picture's drawn, -Arden, I know, will come and show it me. - -_Mosbie._ Fear not; we'll have that shall serve the turn. -This is the painter's house; I'll call him forth. - -_Alice._ But Mosbie, I'll have no such picture, I. - -_Mosbie._ I pray thee leave it to my discretion. -How! Clarke! - -_Here enters Clarke._ - -Oh, you are an honest man of your word! you served me well. - -_Clarke._ Why, sir, I'll do it for you at any time, -Provided, as you have given your word, 250 -I may have Susan Mosbie to my wife. -For, as sharp-witted poets, whose sweet verse -Make heavenly gods break off their nectar draughts -And lay their ears down to the lowly earth, -Use humble promise to their sacred Muse, -So we that are the poets' favourites -Must have a love: ay, Love is the painter's muse, -That makes him frame a speaking countenance, -A weeping eye that witnesses heart's grief. -Then tell me, Master Mosbie, shall I have her? 260 - -_Alice._ 'Tis pity but he should; he'll use her well. - -_Mosbie._ Clarke, here's my hand: my sister shall be thine. - -_Clarke._ Then, brother, to requite this courtesy, -You shall command my life, my skill, and all. - -_Alice._ Ah, that thou couldst be secret. - -_Mosbie._ Fear him not; leave; I have talked sufficient - -_Clarke._ You know not me that ask such questions. -Let it suffice I know you love him well, -And fain would have your husband made away: -Wherein, trust me, you show a noble mind, 270 -That rather than you'll live with him you hate, -You'll venture life, and die with him you love. -The like will I do for my Susan's sake. - -_Alice._ Yet nothing could inforce me to the deed -But Mosbie's love. Might I without control -Enjoy thee still, then Arden should not die: -But seeing I cannot, therefore let him die. - -_Mosbie._ Enough, sweet Alice; thy kind words makes me melt. -Your trick of poisoned pictures we dislike; -Some other poison would do better far. 280 - -_Alice._ Ay, such as might be put into his broth, -And yet in taste not to be found at all. - -_Clarke._ I know your mind, and here I have it for you. -Put but a dram of this into his drink, -Or any kind of broth that he shall eat, -And he shall die within an hour after. - -_Alice._ As I am a gentlewoman, Clarke, next day -Thou and Susan shall be married. - -_Mosbie._ And I'll make her dowry more than I'll talk of, Clarke. - -_Clarke._ Yonder's your husband. Mosbie, I'll be gone. 290 - -_Here enters Arden and Franklin._ - -_Alice._ In good time see where my husband comes. -Master Mosbie, ask him the question yourself. - - [_Exit Clarke._ - -_Mosbie._ Master Arden, being at London yesternight, -The Abbey lands, whereof you are now possessed, -Were offered me on some occasion -By Greene, one of Sir Antony Ager's men: -I pray you, sir, tell me, are not the lands yours? -Hath any other interest herein? - -_Arden._ Mosbie, that question we'll decide anon. -Alice, make ready my breakfast, I must hence. 300 - - [_Exit Alice._ - -As for the lands, Mosbie, they are mine -By letters patents from his Majesty. -But I must have a mandate for my wife; -They say you seek to rob me of her love: -Villain, what makes thou in her company? -She's no companion for so base a groom. - -_Mosbie._ Arden, I thought not on her, I came to thee; -But rather than I pocket up this wrong---- - -_Franklin._ What will you do, sir? - -_Mosbie._ Revenge it on the proudest of you both. 310 - - [_Then Arden draws forth Mosbie's sword._ - -_Arden._ So, sirrah; you may not wear a sword, -The statute makes against artificers; -I warrant that I do. Now use your bodkin, -Your Spanish needle, and your pressing iron, -For this shall go with me; and mark my words, -You goodman botcher, 'tis to you I speak: -The next time that I take thee near my house, -Instead of legs I'll make thee crawl on stumps. - -_Mosbie._ Ah, Master Arden, you have injured me: -I do appeal to God and to the world. 320 - -_Franklin._ Why, canst thou deny thou wert a botcher once? - -_Mosbie._ Measure me what I am, not what I was. - -_Arden._ Why, what art thou now but a velvet drudge, -A cheating steward, and base-minded peasant? - -_Mosbie._ Arden, now thou hast belched and vomited -The rancorous venom of thy mis-swoll'n heart, -Hear me but speak: as I intend to live -With God and his elected saints in heaven, -I never meant more to solicit her; -And that she knows, and all the world shall see. 330 -I loved her once;--sweet Arden, pardon me, -I could not choose, her beauty fired my heart! -But time hath quenched these over-raging coals; -And, Arden, though I now frequent thy house, -'Tis for my sister's sake, her waiting-maid, -And not for hers. Mayest thou enjoy her long: -Hell-fire and wrathful vengeance light on me, -If I dishonour her or injure thee. - -_Arden._ Mosbie, with these thy protestations -The deadly hatred of my heart's appeased, 340 -And thou and I'll be friends, if this prove true. -As for the base terms I gave thee late, -Forget them, Mosbie: I had cause to speak, -When all the knights and gentlemen of Kent -Make common table-talk of her and thee. - -_Mosbie._ Who lives that is not touched with slanderous tongues? - -_Franklin._ Then, Mosbie, to eschew the speech of men, -Upon whose general bruit all honour hangs, -Forbear his house. - -_Arden._ Forbear it! nay, rather frequent it more: 350 -The world shall see that I distrust her not. -To warn him on the sudden from my house -Were to confirm the rumour that is grown. - -_Mosbie._ By my faith, sir, you say true, -And therefore will I sojourn here a while, -Until our enemies have talked their fill; -And then, I hope, they'll cease, and at last confess -How causeless they have injured her and me. - -_Arden._ And I will lie at London all this term -To let them see how light I weigh their words. 360 - -_Here enters Alice._ - -_Alice._ Husband, sit down; your breakfast will be cold. - -_Arden._ Come, Master Mosbie, will you sit with us? - -_Mosbie._ I cannot eat, but I'll sit for company. - -_Arden._ Sirrah Michael, see our horse be ready. - -_Alice._ Husband, why pause ye? why eat you not? - -_Arden._ I am not well; there's something in this broth -That is not wholesome: didst thou make it, Alice? - -_Alice._ I did, and that's the cause it likes not you. - - [_Then she throws down the broth on the ground._ - -There's nothing that I do can please your taste; -You were best to say I would have poisoned you. 370 -I cannot speak or cast aside my eye, -But he imagines I have stepped awry. -Here's he that you cast in my teeth so oft: -Now will I be convinced or purge myself. -I charge thee speak to this mistrustful man, -Thou that wouldst see me hang, thou, Mosbie, thou: -What favour hast thou had more than a kiss -At coming or departing from the town? - -_Mosbie._ You wrong yourself and me to cast these doubts: -Your loving husband is not jealous. 380 - -_Arden._ Why, gentle Mistress Alice, cannot I be ill -But you'll accuse yourself? -Franklin, thou hast a box of mithridate; -I'll take a little to prevent the worst. - -_Franklin._ Do so, and let us presently take horse; -My life for yours, ye shall do well enough. - -_Alice._ Give me a spoon, I'll eat of it myself; -Would it were full of poison to the brim, -Then should my cares and troubles have an end. -Was ever silly woman so tormented? 390 - -_Arden._ Be patient, sweet love; I mistrust not thee. - -_Alice._ God will revenge it, Arden, if thou dost; -For never woman loved her husband better -Than I do thee. - -_Arden._ I know it, sweet Alice; cease to complain, -Lest that in tears I answer thee again. - -_Franklin._ Come, leave this dallying, and let us away. - -_Alice._ Forbear to wound me with that bitter word; -Arden shall go to London in my arms. - -_Arden._ Loth am I to depart, yet I must go. 400 - -_Alice._ Wilt thou to London, then, and leave me here? -Ah, if thou love me, gentle Arden, stay. -Yet, if thy business be of great import -Go, if thou wilt, I'll bear it as I may; -But write from London to me every week, -Nay, every day, and stay no longer there -Than thou must needs, lest that I die for sorrow. - -_Arden._ I'll write unto thee every other tide, -And so farewell, sweet Alice, till we meet next. - -_Alice._ Farewell, husband, seeing you'll have it so; 410 -And, Master Franklin, seeing you take him hence, -In hope you'll hasten him home, I'll give you this. - - [_And then she kisseth him._ - -_Franklin._ And if he stay, the fault shall not be mine. -Mosbie, farewell, and see you keep your oath. - -_Mosbie._ I hope he is not jealous of me now. - -_Arden._ No, Mosbie, no; hereafter think of me -As of your dearest friend, and so farewell. - - [_Exeunt Arden, Franklin, and Michael._ - -_Alice._ I am glad he is gone; he was about to stay, -But did you mark me then how I brake off? - -_Mosbie._ Ay, Alice, and it was cunningly performed. 420 -But what a villain is that painter Clarke! - -_Alice._ Was it not a goodly poison that he gave? -Why, he's as well now as he was before. -It should have been some fine confection -That might have given the broth some dainty taste: -This powder was too gross and populous. - -_Mosbie._ But had he eaten but three spoonfuls more, -Then had he died and our love continued. - -_Alice._ Why, so it shall, Mosbie, albeit he live. - -_Mosbie._ It is unpossible, for I have sworn 430 -Never hereafter to solicit thee, -Or, whilst he lives, once more importune thee. - -_Alice._ Thou shalt not need, I will importune thee. -What? shall an oath make thee forsake my love? -As if I have not sworn as much myself -And given my hand unto him in the church! -Tush, Mosbie; oaths are words, and words is wind, -And wind is mutable: then, I conclude, -'Tis childishness to stand upon an oath. - -_Mosbie._ Well proved, Mistress Alice; yet by your leave 440 -I'll keep mine unbroken whilst he lives. - -_Alice._ Ay, do, and spare not, his time is but short; -For if thou beest as resolute as I, -We'll have him murdered as he walks the streets. -In London many alehouse ruffians keep, -Which, as I hear, will murder men for gold. -They shall be soundly fee'd to pay him home. - -_Here enters Greene._ - -_Mosbie._ Alice, what's he that comes yonder? knowest thou him? - -_Alice._ Mosbie, be gone: I hope 'tis one that comes -To put in practice our intended drifts. 450 - - [_Exit Mosbie_ - -_Greene._ Mistress Arden, you are well met. -I am sorry that your husband is from home, -Whenas my purposed journey was to him: -Yet all my labour is not spent in vain, -For I suppose that you can full discourse -And flat resolve me of the thing I seek. - -_Alice._ What is it, Master Greene? If that I may -Or can with safety, I will answer you. - -_Greene._ I heard your husband hath the grant of late, -Confirmed by letters patents from the king, 460 -Of all the lands of the Abbey of Feversham, -Generally intitled, so that all former grants -Are cut off; whereof I myself had one; -But now my interest by that is void. -This is all, Mistress Arden; is it true or no? - -_Alice._ True, Master Greene; the lands are his in state, -And whatsoever leases were before -Are void for term of Master Arden's life; -He hath the grant under the Chancery seal. - -_Greene._ Pardon me, Mistress Arden, I must speak, 470 -For I am touched. Your husband doth me wrong -To wring me from the little land I have. -My living is my life, and only that -Resteth remainder of my portion. -Desire of wealth is endless in his mind, -And he is greedy-gaping still for gain; -Nor cares he though young gentlemen do beg, -So he may scrape and hoard up in his pouch. -But, seeing he hath ta'en my lands, I'll value life -As careless as he is careful for to get: 480 -And tell him this from me, I'll be revenged, -And so as he shall wish the Abbey lands -Had rested still within their former state. - -_Alice._ Alas, poor gentleman, I pity you, -And woe is me that any man should want! -God knows 'tis not my fault; but wonder not -Though he be hard to others, when to me,-- -Ah, Master Greene, God knows how I am used. - -_Greene._ Why, Mistress Arden, can the crabbed churl -Use you unkindly? respects he not your birth, 490 -Your honourable friends, nor what you brought? -Why, all Kent knows your parentage and what you are. - -_Alice._ Ah, Master Greene, be it spoken in secret here, -I never live good day with him alone: -When he's at home, then have I froward looks, -Hard words and blows to mend the match withal; -And though I might content as good a man, -Yet doth he keep in every corner trulls; -And when he's weary with his trugs at home, -Then rides he straight to London; there, forsooth, 500 -He revels it among such filthy ones -As counsels him to make away his wife. -Thus live I daily in continual fear, -In sorrow; so despairing of redress -As every day I wish with hearty prayer -That he or I were taken forth the world. - -_Greene._ Now trust me, Mistress Alice, it grieveth me -So fair a creature should be so abused. -Why, who would have thought the civil sir so sullen? -He looks so smoothly. Now, fie upon him, churl! 510 -And if he live a day, he lives too long. -But frolic, woman! I shall be the man -Shall set you free from all this discontent; -And if the churl deny my interest -And will not yield my lease into my hand, -I'll pay him home, whatever hap to me. - -_Alice._ But speak you as you think? - -_Greene._ Ay, God's my witness, I mean plain dealing, -For I had rather die than lose my land. - -_Alice._ Then, Master Greene, be counselled by me: 520 -Indanger not yourself for such a churl, -But hire some cutter for to cut him short, -And here's ten pound to wager them withal; -When he is dead, you shall have twenty more, -And the lands whereof my husband is possess'd -Shall be intitled as they were before. - -_Greene._ Will you keep promise with me? - -_Alice._ Or count me false and perjured whilst I live. - -_Greene._ Then here's my hand, I'll have him so dispatched. -I'll up to London straight, I'll thither post, 530 -And never rest till I have compassed it. -Till then farewell. - -_Alice._ Good fortune follow all your forward thoughts. - - [_Exit Greene._ - -And whosoever doth attempt the deed, -A happy hand I wish, and so farewell.-- -All this goes well: Mosbie, I long for thee -To let thee know all that I have contrived. - -_Here enters Mosbie and Clarke._ - -_Mosbie._ How, now, Alice, what's the news? - -_Alice._ Such as will content thee well, sweetheart. - -_Mosbie._ Well, let them pass a while, and tell me, Alice, -How have you dealt and tempered with my sister? -What, will she have my neighbour Clarke, or no? - -_Alice._ What, Master Mosbie! let him woo himself! -Think you that maids look not for fair words? -Go to her, Clarke; she's all alone within; -Michael my man is clean out of her books. - -_Clarke._ I thank you, Mistress Arden, I will in; -And if fair Susan and I can make a gree, -You shall command me to the uttermost, -As far as either goods or life may stretch. 550 - - [_Exit Clarke._ - -_Mosbie._ Now, Alice, let's hear thy news. - -_Alice._ They be so good that I must laugh for joy, -Before I can begin to tell my tale. - -_Mosbie._ Let's hear them, that I may laugh for company. - -_Alice._ This morning, Master Greene, Dick Greene I mean, -From whom my husband had the Abbey land, -Came hither, railing, for to know the truth -Whether my husband had the lands by grant. -I told him all, whereat he stormed amain -And swore he would cry quittance with the churl, 560 -And, if he did deny his interest, -Stab him, whatsoever did befall himself. -Whenas I saw his choler thus to rise, -I whetted on the gentleman with words; -And, to conclude, Mosbie, at last we grew -To composition for my husband's death. -I gave him ten pound for to hire knaves, -By some device to make away the churl; -When he is dead, he should have twenty more -And repossess his former lands again. 570 -On this we 'greed, and he is ridden straight -To London, for to bring his death about. - -_Mosbie._ But call you this good news? - -_Alice._ Ay, sweetheart, be they not? - -_Mosbie._ 'Twere cheerful news to hear the churl were dead; -But trust me, Alice, I take it passing ill -You would be so forgetful of our state -To make recount of it to every groom. -What! to acquaint each stranger with our drifts, -Chiefly in case of murder, why, 'tis the way 580 -To make it open unto Arden's self -And bring thyself and me to ruin both. -Forewarned, forearmed; who threats his enemy, -Lends him a sword to guard himself withal. - -_Alice._ I did it for the best. - -_Mosbie._ Well, seeing 'tis done, cheerly let it pass. -You know this Greene; is he not religious? -A man, I guess, of great devotion? - -_Alice._ He is. - -_Mosbie._ Then, sweet Alice, let it pass: I have a drift 590 -Will quiet all, whatever is amiss. - -_Here enters Clarke and Susan._ - -_Alice._ How now, Clarke? have you found me false? -Did I not plead the matter hard for you? - -_Clarke._ You did. - -_Mosbie._ And what? wilt be a match? - -_Clarke._ A match, i' faith, sir: ay, the day is mine. -The painter lays his colours to the life, -His pencil draws no shadows in his love. -Susan is mine. - -_Alice._ You make her blush. 600 - -_Mosbie._ What, sister, is it Clarke must be the man? - -_Susan._ It resteth in your grant; some words are past, -And haply we be grown unto a match, -If you be willing that it shall be so. - -_Mosbie._ Ah, Master Clarke, it resteth at my grant: -You see my sister's yet at my dispose, -But, so you'll grant me one thing I shall ask, -I am content my sister shall be yours. - -_Clarke._ What is it, Master Mosbie? - -_Mosbie._ I do remember once in secret talk 610 -You told me how you could compound by art -A crucifix impoisoned, -That whoso look upon it should wax blind -And with the scent be stifled, that ere long -He should die poisoned that did view it well. -I would have you make me such a crucifix. -And then I'll grant my sister shall be yours. - -_Clarke._ Though I am loth, because it toucheth life, -Yet, rather or I'll leave sweet Susan's love, -I'll do it, and with all the haste I may. 620 -But for whom is it? - -_Alice._ Leave that to us. Why, Clarke, is it possible -That you should paint and draw it out yourself, -The colours being baleful and impoisoned, -And no ways prejudice yourself withal? - -_Mosbie._ Well questioned, Alice; Clarke, how answer you that? - -_Clarke._ Very easily: I'll tell you straight -How I do work of these impoisoned drugs. -I fasten on my spectacles so close -As nothing can any way offend my sight; 630 -Then, as I put a leaf within my nose, -So put I rhubarb to avoid the smell, -And softly as another work I paint. - -_Mosbie._ 'Tis very well; but against when shall I have it? - -_Clarke._ Within this ten days. - -_Mosbie._ 'Twill serve the turn. -Now, Alice, let's in and see what cheer you keep. -I hope, now Master Arden is from home, -You'll give me leave to play your husband's part. - -_Alice._ Mosbie, you know, who's master of my heart, -He well may be the master of the house. 640 - - [_Exeunt._ - -I. i. 4. _Patents_; the plural is always used in A, cf. _Richard II._ -II. i. 202; II. iii. 130. - -I. i. 14. Contrast Holinshed:--'He, _i.e._ Arden, was contented -to wink at her filthy disorder,' and _Wardmote Book_:--'All which -things the said Ardern did well know and wilfully did permit and -suffer the same.' He was afraid to offend Lord North, 'father-in-law -unto Alice Ardern,' whose servant Mosbie had been. This -North was the father of the translator of Plutarch. - -I. i. 15. _Pass_; so Bullen for _past_, A, B, C. - -I. i. 25. _Botcher_, is not 'butcher,' but a mender of old clothes. - -I. i. 48. _Jealous_: spelt _jelyouse_, and pronounced so throughout -the play. - -I. i. 60. The reference is to Ovid's _Elegy_, 'Ad Auroram ne -properet.'--_Amor._ i. 13. - -I. i. 61. Most editions reject _often_. If we retain it the line is an -Alexandrine. Cf. i. 153, 167, 238, 479; III. v. 73, etc. - -I. i. 105. _Flower-de-luce._ 'An inn, formerly situated in Abbey -Street, nearly opposite Arden's house.' C. E. Donne, _An Essay -on the Tragedy of Arden of Faversham_, 1873. - -I. i. 117. _thy house of force_, _i.e._ 'fortified house.' - -I. i. 135. _narrow_: so all editors; but the _marrow-prying_ of A -may be correct. _Blab_ is either a verb with _and_ omitted after it, -or a noun, the subject of _hinder_. - -I. i. 154. An allusion to verses or inscriptions on tapestry hangings. - -I. i. 159. Cf. 'I'll write to him a very taunting letter.'--_As You -Like It_, III. v. 134. - -I. i. 167. 'It was popularly supposed that a virgin might save a -criminal from the gallows by offering to marry him.--See note to -my edition of Marston, III. 190-1.'--Bullen. - -I. i. 172. Perhaps _worth_ should be omitted. - -I. i. 174. _Bolton_ is 'Boughton, looking down on Canterbury.'--Donne. - -I. i. 247. The name 'Clarke' is apparently our author's invention, -like the name and character of Franklin. The painter's name was -William Blackburn. - -I. i. 266. _Leave_; Tyrrell reads _love_. - -I. i. 278. _makes_: this singular with a plural subject is frequent in -our play; cf. _Enters_ in the stage directions with a plural, and -I. 151, 437, 502; II. i. 1; III. i. 43 and 83; V. 38, etc. Consult -Mr. Verity's note on _Edward II._, I. iv. 362, Temple Dramatists. - -I. i. 312. The statute in question was 37 Edward III. c. 9. - -I. i. 314. 'The making of Spanish needles was first taught in -England by Elias Crowse a Germane about the eight yeere of -Queene Elizabeth, and in Queen Marie's time there was a Negro -made fine Spanish needles in Cheapeside, but would never teach -his art to any.' Quoted by Bullen from _Stowe_, edition 1631, -p. 1038. - -I. i. 314. 'Then Mosby having at his girdle a pressing iron of -14 pound weight stroke him on the head with the same so that -he fell down and gave a great groan.'--Holinshed. Cf V. i. 241. - -I. i. 323. _Velvet drudge_: an allusion to Mosbie's tailoring. - -I. i. 426. _Populous_: 'perhaps used in the sense of _thick_, -_compact_.'--Bullen. Webster quotes this passage and explains, -'suitable to common people: hence common, inferior, vulgar.' -Delius proposes _palpable_. - -I. i. 466. _His in state_, _i.e._ 'his legally.' - -I. i. 472. Cf. 'To wring the widow from her customed right.'--2 -_Henry VI._, V. i. 188. - -I. i. 537. Tyrrell begins Act II. here. - -I. i. 546. 'The gentleman is not in your books.'--_Much Ado_, -I. i. 79. - -I. i. 548. _make a gree_, come to an agreement. _Agree_ was used -adverbially for _at gree_. - - - - -ACT II - - -SCENE I - -_Country between Feversham and London._ - -_Enter Greene and Bradshaw._ - -_Bradshaw._ See you them that comes yonder, Master Greene? - -_Greene._ Ay, very well: do you know them? - -_Here enters Black Will and Shakebag._ - -_Bradshaw._ The one I know not, but he seems a knave -Chiefly for bearing the other company; -For such a slave, so vile a rogue as he, -Lives not again upon the earth. -Black Will is his name. I tell you, Master Greene, -At Boulogne he and I were fellow-soldiers, -Where he played such pranks -As all the camp feared him for his villainy 10 -I warrant you he bears so bad a mind -That for a crown he'll murder any man. - -_Greene._ The fitter is he for my purpose, marry! - -_Will._ How now, fellow Bradshaw? Whither away so early? - -_Bradshaw._ O Will, times are changed: no fellows now, -Though we were once together in the field; -Yet thy friend to do thee any good I can. - -_Will._ Why, Bradshaw, was not thou and I fellow-soldiers -at Boulogne, where I was a corporal, and -thou but a base mercenary groom? No fellows -now! because you are a goldsmith and have a little -plate in your shop! You were glad to call me -'fellow Will,' and with a curtsey to the earth, 'One -snatch, good corporal,' when I stole the half ox -from John the victualer, and domineer'd with it -amongst good fellows in one night. - -_Bradshaw._ Ay, Will, those days are past with me. 27 - -_Will._ Ay, but they be not past with me, for I keep that -same honourable mind still. Good neighbour Bradshaw, -you are too proud to be my fellow; but were -it not that I see more company coming down the -hill, I would be fellows with you once more, and -share crowns with you too. But let that pass, and -tell me whither you go. - -_Bradshaw._ To London, Will, about a piece of service, -Wherein haply thou mayest pleasure me. - -_Will._ What is it? - -_Bradshaw._ Of late Lord Cheiny lost some plate, -Which one did bring and sold it at my shop, -Saying he served Sir Antony Cooke. 40 -A search was made, the plate was found with me, -And I am bound to answer at the 'size. -Now, Lord Cheiny solemnly vows, if law -Will serve him, he'll hang me for his plate. -Now I am going to London upon hope -To find the fellow. Now, Will, I know -Thou art acquainted with such companions. - -_Will._ What manner of man was he? - -_Bradshaw._ A lean-faced writhen knave, -Hawk-nosed and very hollow-eyed, 50 -With mighty furrows in his stormy brows; -Long hair down his shoulders curled; -His chin was bare, but on his upper lip -A mutchado, which he wound about his ear. - -_Will._ What apparel had he? - -_Bradshaw._ A watchet satin doublet all-to torn, -The inner side did bear the greater show; -A pair of thread-bare velvet hose, seam rent, -A worsted stocking rent above the shoe, -A livery cloak, but all the lace was off; 60 -'Twas bad, but yet it served to hide the plate. - -_Will._ Sirrah Shakebag, canst thou remember since we -trolled the bowl at Sittingburgh, where I broke the -tapster's head of the Lion with a cudgel-stick? - -_Shakebag._ Ay, very well, Will. - -_Will._ Why, it was with the money that the plate was -sold for. Sirrah Bradshaw, what wilt thou give him -that can tell thee who sold thy plate? - -_Bradshaw._ Who, I pray thee, good Will? - -_Will._ Why, 'twas one Jack Fitten. He's now in Newgate -for stealing a horse, and shall be arraigned the next 'size. 72 - -_Bradshaw._ Why, then let Lord Cheiny seek Jack Fitten forth, -For I'll back and tell him who robbed him of his plate. -This cheers my heart; Master Greene, I'll leave you, -For I must to the Isle of Sheppy with speed. - -_Greene._ Before you go, let me intreat you -To carry this letter to Mistress Arden of Feversham -And humbly recommend me to herself. - -_Bradshaw._ That will I, Master Greene, and so farewell. 80 -Here, Will, there's a crown for thy good news. - - [_Exit Bradshaw._ - -_Will._ Farewell, Bradshaw; I'll drink no water for thy -sake whilst this lasts.--Now, gentleman, shall we -have your company to London? - -_Greene._ Nay, stay, sirs: -A little more I needs must use your help, -And in a matter of great consequence, -Wherein if you'll be secret and profound, -I'll give you twenty angels for your pains. 89 - -_Will._ How? twenty angels? give my fellow George -Shakebag and me twenty angels? And if thou'lt -have thy own father slain, that thou may'st inherit -his land, we'll kill him. 93 - -_Shakebag._ Ay, thy mother, thy sister, thy brother, -or all thy kin. - -_Greene._ Well, this it is: Arden of Feversham -Hath highly wronged me about the Abbey land, -That no revenge but death will serve the turn. -Will you two kill him? here's the angels down, -And I will lay the platform of his death. 100 - -_Will._ Plat me no platforms; give me the money, and -I'll stab him as he stands pissing against a wall, but -I'll kill him. - -_Shakebag._ Where is he? - -_Greene._ He is now at London, in Aldersgate Street. - -_Shakebag._ He's dead as if he had been condemned by -an Act of Parliament, if once Black Will and I -swear his death. - -_Greene_. Here is ten pound, and when he is dead, -Ye shall have twenty more. 110 - -_Will._ My fingers itches to be at the peasant. Ah, that -I might be set a work thus through the year, and -that murder would grow to an occupation, that a -man might follow without danger of law:--zounds, I -warrant I should be warden of the company! Come, -let us be going, and we'll bait at Rochester, where -I'll give thee a gallon of sack to handsel the match -withal. - - [_Exeunt._ - -II. i. 51. Mr. Bullen says that such a line as this 'might have -come straight out of _Tamburlaine_.' He goes on, 'but in no other -part of the play can we find a trace of Marlowe's influence.' Cf.-- - -'He sent a shaggy tottered staring slave, -That when he speaks draws out his grisly beard, -And winds it twice or thrice about his ear; -Whose face has been a grindstone for men's swords.' - -_Jew of Malta_, IV. v. 6. - -and Shakespeare's-- - -'They brought one Pinch, a hungry lean-faced villain ... -A needy hollow-ey'd, sharp-looking wretch, -A living dead man.' - -_Com. of Errors_, V. i. 237. - -II. i. 56. _all to torn_; 'entirely torn.' _To_ in the sense of -'asunder' was commonly emphasised by _all_. Cf. 'Her wings ... -were all to ruffled.'--_Comus_, 380. - -II. i. 58. _seam rent_: torn at the seams; 'Seam rent fellows,'--Ben -Jonson. - -II. i. 101. Imitated in Yarington's _Two Tragedies_ (iii. 2):-- - -'Grace me no graces, I respect no grace, -But with a grace to give a graceless stab.' - -II. i. 114. I have inserted _follow_. - - -SCENE II - -_London. A Street near St. Paul's._ - -_Enter Michael._ - -_Michael._ I have gotten such a letter as will touch the -painter: And thus it is: - -_Here enters Arden and Franklin and hears Michael -read this letter._ - -'My duty remembered, Mistress Susan, hoping in God -you be in good health, as I Michael was at the -making hereof. This is to certify you that as the -turtle true, when she hath lost her mate, sitteth -alone, so I, mourning for your absence, do walk -up and down Paul's till one day I fell asleep and -lost my master's pantofles. Ah, Mistress Susan, -abolish that paltry painter, cut him off by the -shins with a frowning look of your crabbed countenance, -and think upon Michael, who, drunk with -the dregs of your favour, will cleave as fast to your -love as a plaster of pitch to a galled horse-back. -Thus hoping you will let my passions penetrate, or -rather impetrate mercy of your meek hands, I end. - - 'Yours, Michael, or else not Michael.' - -_Arden._ Why, you paltry knave, -Stand you here loitering, knowing my affairs, -What haste my business craves to send to Kent? 20 - -_Franklin._ Faith, friend Michael, this is very ill, -Knowing your master hath no more but you, -And do ye slack his business for your own? - -_Arden._ Where is the letter, sirrah? let me see it. - - [_Then he gives him the letter._ - -See, Master Franklin, here's proper stuff: -Susan my maid, the painter, and my man, -A crew of harlots, all in love, forsooth; -Sirrah, let me hear no more of this, -Nor for thy life once write to her a word. - -_Here enters Greene, Will, and Shakebag._ - -Wilt thou be married to so base a trull? 30 -'Tis Mosbie's sister: come I once at home, -I'll rouse her from remaining in my house. -Now, Master Franklin, let us go walk in Paul's; -Come but a turn or two, and then away. - - [_Exeunt._ - -_Greene._ The first is Arden, and that's his man, -The other is Franklin, Arden's dearest friend. - -_Will._ Zounds, I'll kill them all three. - -_Greene._ Nay, sirs, touch not his man in any case; -But stand close, and take you fittest standing, -And at his coming forth speed him: 40 -To the Nag's Head, there is this coward's haunt. -But now I'll leave you till the deed be done. - - [_Exit Greene._ - -_Shakebag._ If he be not paid his own, ne'er trust Shakebag. - -_Will._ Sirrah Shakebag, at his coming forth I'll run him -through, and then to the Blackfriars, and there -take water and away. - -_Shakebag._ Why, that's the best; but see thou miss him not. - -_Will._ How can I miss him, when I think on the forty -angels I must have more? - -_Here enters Prentice._ - -_Prentice._ 'Tis very late; I were best shut up my stall, -for here will be old filching, when the press comes -forth of Paul's. 52 - - [_Then lets he down his window, and it breaks Black Will's head._ - -_Will._ Zounds, draw, Shakebag, I am almost killed. - -_Prentice._ We'll tame you, I warrant. - -_Will._ Zounds, I am tame enough already. - -_Here enters Arden, Franklin, and Michael._ - -_Arden._ What troublesome fray or mutiny is this? - -_Franklin._ 'Tis nothing but some brabling paltry fray, -Devised to pick men's pockets in the throng. - -_Arden._ Is't nothing else? come, Franklin, let's away. - - [_Exeunt._ - -_Will._ What 'mends shall I have for my broken head? 60 - -_Prentice._ Marry, this 'mends, that if you get you not -away all the sooner, you shall be well beaten and -sent to the Counter. [_Exit Prentice._ - -_Will._ Well, I'll be gone, but look to your signs, for I'll -pull them down all. Shakebag, my broken head -grieves me not so much as by this means Arden -hath escaped. - -_Here enters Greene._ - -I had a glimpse of him and his companion. - -_Greene._ Why, sirs, Arden's as well as I; I met him and -Franklin going merrily to the ordinary. What, dare -you not do it? 71 - -_Will._ Yes, sir, we dare do it; but, were my consent to -give again, we would not do it under ten pound -more. I value every drop of my blood at a French -crown. I have had ten pound to steal a dog, and we -have no more here to kill a man; but that a bargain -is a bargain, and so forth, you should do it yourself. - -_Greene._ I pray thee, how came thy head broke? - -_Will._ Why, thou seest it is broke, dost thou not? 79 - -_Shakebag._ Standing against a stall, watching Arden's -coming, a boy let down his shop-window and broke -his head; whereupon arose a brawl, and in the -tumult Arden escaped us and passed by unthought -on. But forbearance is no acquittance; another -time we'll do it, I warrant thee. - -_Greene._ I pray thee, Will, make clean thy bloody brow, -And let us bethink us on some other place -Where Arden may be met with handsomely. -Remember how devoutly thou hast sworn -To kill the villain; think upon thine oath. 90 - -_Will._ Tush, I have broken five hundred oaths! -But wouldst thou charm me to effect this deed, -Tell me of gold, my resolution's fee; -Say thou seest Mosbie kneeling at my knees, -Offering me service for my high attempt, -And sweet Alice Arden, with a lap of crowns, -Comes with a lowly curtsey to the earth, -Saying 'Take this but for thy quarterage, -Such yearly tribute will I answer thee.' -Why, this would steel soft-mettled cowardice, 100 -With which Black Will was never tainted yet. -I tell thee, Greene, the forlorn traveller, -Whose lips are glued with summer's parching heat, -Ne'er longed so much to see a running brook -As I to finish Arden's tragedy. -Seest thou this gore that cleaveth to my face? -From hence ne'er will I wash this bloody stain, -Till Arden's heart be panting in my hand. - -_Greene._ Why, that's well said; but what saith Shakebag? - -_Shakebag._ I cannot paint my valour out with words: 110 -But, give me place and opportunity, -Such mercy as the starven lioness, -When she is dry sucked of her eager young, -Shows to the prey that next encounters her, -On Arden so much pity would I take. - -_Greene._ So should it fare with men of firm resolve. -And now, sirs, seeing that this accident -Of meeting him in Paul's hath no success, -Let us bethink us of some other place -Whose earth may swallow up this Arden's blood. - -_Here enters Michael._ - -See, yonder comes his man: and wot you what? 121 -The foolish knave's in love with Mosbie's sister, -And for her sake, whose love he cannot get -Unless Mosbie solicit his suit, -The villain hath sworn the slaughter of his master. -We'll question him, for he may stead us much,-- -How now, Michael, whither are you going? - -_Michael._ My master hath new supped, -And I am going to prepare his chamber. - -_Greene._ Where supped Master Arden? 130 - -_Michael._ At the Nag's Head, at the eighteen pence -ordinary. How now, Master Shakebag? what, -Black Will! God's dear lady, how chance your -face is so bloody? - -_Will._ Go to, sirrah, there is a chance in it; this sauciness -in you will make you be knocked. - -_Michael._ Nay, an you be offended, I'll be gone. - -_Greene._ Stay, Michael, you may not escape us so. -Michael, I know you love your master well. - -_Michael._ Why, so I do; but wherefore urge you that? - -_Greene._ Because I think you love your mistress better. - -_Michael._ So think not I; but say, i' faith, what, if I should? - -_Shakebag._ Come to the purpose, Michael; we hear 143 -You have a pretty love in Feversham. - -_Michael._ Why, have I two or three, what's that to thee! - -_Will._ You deal too mildly with the peasant. Thus it is: -'Tis known to us that you love Mosbie's sister; -We know besides that you have ta'en your oath -To further Mosbie to your mistress' bed, -And kill your master for his sister's sake. -Now, sir, a poorer coward than yourself 150 -Was never fostered in the coast of Kent: -How comes it then that such a knave as you -Dare swear a matter of such consequence? - -_Greene._ Ah, Will---- - -_Will._ Tush, give me leave, there's no more but this: -Sith thou hast sworn, we dare discover all; -And hadst thou or should'st thou utter it, -We have devised a complat under hand, -Whatever shall betide to any of us, -To send thee roundly to the devil of hell. 160 -And therefore thus: I am the very man, -Marked in my birth-hour by the destinies, -To give an end to Arden's life on earth; -Thou but a member but to whet the knife -Whose edge must search the closet of his breast: -Thy office is but to appoint the place, -And train thy master to his tragedy; -Mine to perform it when occasion serves. -Then be not nice, but here devise with us -How and what way we may conclude his death. 170 - -_Shakebag._ So shalt thou purchase Mosbie for thy friend, -And by his friendship gain his sister's love. - -_Greene._ So shall thy mistress be thy favourer, -And thou disburdened of the oath thou made. - -_Michael._ Well, gentlemen, I cannot but confess, -Sith you have urged me so apparently, -That I have vowed my master Arden's death; -And he whose kindly love and liberal hand -Doth challenge nought but good deserts of me, -I will deliver over to your hands. 180 -This night come to his house at Aldersgate: -The doors I'll leave unlock'd against you come. -No sooner shall ye enter through the latch, -Over the threshold to the inner court, -But on your left hand shall you see the stairs -That leads directly to my master's chamber: -There take him and dispose him as ye please. -Now it were good we parted company; -What I have promised, I will perform. - -_Will._ Should you deceive us, 'twould go wrong with you. 190 - -_Michael._ I will accomplish all I have revealed. - -_Will._ Come, let's go drink: choler makes me as dry as a dog. 190 - - [_Exeunt Will, Greene, and Shakebag._ - _Manet Michael._ - -_Michael._ Thus feeds the lamb securely on the down, -Whilst through the thicket of an arbour brake -The hunger-bitten wolf o'erpries his haunt -And takes advantage for to eat him up. -Ah, harmless Arden, how hast thou misdone, -That thus thy gentle life is levelled at? -The many good turns that thou hast done to me. 200 -Now must I quittance with betraying thee. -I that should take the weapon in my hand -And buckler thee from ill-intending foes, -Do lead thee with a wicked fraudful smile, -As unsuspected, to the slaughter-house. -So have I sworn to Mosbie and my mistress, -So have I promised to the slaughtermen; -And should I not deal currently with them, -Their lawless rage would take revenge on me. -Tush, I will spurn at mercy for this once: 210 -Let pity lodge where feeble women lie, -I am resolved, and Arden needs must die. - - [_Exit Michael._ - -II. ii. 3. Michael's letter is a curious effort at euphuism which -calls to mind 'Love's Labour's Lost.' Note the fabulous natural -history, the alliteration, and the alliterative proverb. - -II. ii. 51. _old filching_ = 'rare filching.' Cf. 'Yonder's old coil at -hand.'--_Much Ado_, V. ii. 98. - -II. ii. 63. The Counter was a London prison. - - - - -ACT III - - -SCENE I - -_A Room in Franklin's House, at Aldersgate._ - -_Enter Arden and Franklin._ - -_Arden._ No, Franklin, no: if fear or stormy threats, -If love of me or care of womanhood, -If fear of God or common speech of men, -Who mangle credit with their wounding words, -And couch dishonour as dishonour buds, -Might join repentance in her wanton thoughts, -No question then but she would turn the leaf -And sorrow for her dissolution; -But she is rooted in her wickedness, -Perverse and stubborn, not to be reclaimed; 10 -Good counsel is to her as rain to weeds, -And reprehension makes her vice to grow -As Hydra's head that plenished by decay. -Her faults, methink, are painted in my face, -For every searching eye to overread; -And Mosbie's name, a scandal unto mine, -Is deeply trenched in my blushing brow. -Ah, Franklin, Franklin, when I think on this, -My heart's grief rends my other powers -Worse than the conflict at the hour of death. 20 - -_Franklin._ Gentle Arden, leave this sad lament: -She will amend, and so your griefs will cease; -Or else she'll die, and so your sorrows end. -If neither of these two do haply fall, -Yet let your comfort be that others bear -Your woes, twice doubled all, with patience. - -_Arden._ My house is irksome; there I cannot rest. - -_Franklin._ Then stay with me in London; go not home. - -_Arden._ Then that base Mosbie doth usurp my room -And makes his triumph of my being thence. 30 -At home or not at home, where'er I be, -Here, here it lies, ah Franklin, here it lies -That will not out till wretched Arden dies. - -_Here enters Michael._ - -_Franklin._ Forget your griefs a while; here comes your man. - -_Arden._ What a-clock is't, sirrah? - -_Michael._ Almost ten. - -_Arden._ See, see, how runs away the weary time! -Come, Master Franklin, shall we go to bed? - - [_Exeunt Arden and Michael._ - _Manet Franklin._ - -_Franklin._ I pray you, go before: I'll follow you. ---Ah, what a hell is fretful jealousy! 40 -What pity-moving words, what deep-fetched sighs, -What grievous groans and overlading woes -Accompanies this gentle gentleman! -Now will he shake his care-oppressed head, -Then fix his sad eyes on the sullen earth, -Ashamed to gaze upon the open world; -Now will he cast his eyes up towards the heavens, -Looking that ways for redress of wrong: -Sometimes he seeketh to beguile his grief -And tells a story with his careful tongue; 50 -Then comes his wife's dishonour in his thoughts -And in the middle cutteth off his tale, -Pouring fresh sorrow on his weary limbs. -So woe-begone, so inly charged with woe, -Was never any lived and bare it so. - -_Here enters Michael._ - -_Michael._ My master would desire you come to bed. - -_Franklin._ Is he himself already in his bed? - - [_Exit Franklin. Manet Michael._ - -_Michael._ He is, and fain would have the light away. ---Conflicting thoughts, encamped in my breast, -Awake me with the echo of their strokes, 60 -And I, a judge to censure either side, -Can give to neither wished victory. -My master's kindness pleads to me for life -With just demand, and I must grant it him: -My mistress she hath forced me with an oath, -For Susan's sake, the which I may not break, -For that is nearer than a master's love: -That grim-faced fellow, pitiless Black Will, -And Shakebag, stern in bloody stratagem, ---Two rougher ruffians never lived in Kent,-- 70 -Have sworn my death, if I infringe my vow, -A dreadful thing to be considered of. -Methinks I see them with their bolstered hair -Staring and grinning in thy gentle face, -And in their ruthless hands their daggers drawn, -Insulting o'er thee with a peck of oaths, -Whilst thou submissive, pleading for relief, -Art mangled by their ireful instruments. -Methinks I hear them ask where Michael is, -And pitiless Black Will cries: 'Stab the slave! 80 -The peasant will detect the tragedy!' -The wrinkles in his foul death-threat'ning face -Gapes open wide, like graves to swallow men. -My death to him is but a merriment, -And he will murder me to make him sport. -He comes, he comes! ah. Master Franklin, help! -Call on the neighbours, or we are but dead! - -_Here enters Franklin and Arden._ - -_Franklin._ What dismal outcry calls me from my rest? - -_Arden._ What hath occasioned such a fearful cry? -Speak, Michael: hath any injured thee? 90 - -_Michael._ Nothing, sir; but as I fell asleep, -Upon the threshold leaning to the stairs, -I had a fearful dream that troubled me, -And in my slumber thought I was beset -With murderer thieves that came to rifle me. -My trembling joints witness my inward fear: -I crave your pardons for disturbing you. - -_Arden._ So great a cry for nothing I ne'er heard. -What? are the doors fast locked and all things safe? - -_Michael._ I cannot tell; I think I locked the doors. 100 - -_Arden._ I like not this, but I'll go see myself.-- -Ne'er trust me but the doors were all unlocked: -This negligence not half contenteth me. -Get you to bed, and if you love my favour, -Let me have no more such pranks as these. -Come, Master Franklin, let us go to bed. - -_Franklin._ Ay, by my faith; the air is very cold. -Michael, farewell; I pray thee dream no more. - - [_Exeunt._ - -III. i. 5. _Couch dishonour as dishonour buds._ Warnke explains -_Couch_ = 'spread,' comparing 'couch-grass'; but there is no -authority for this use. Is the word used in its surgical sense? -The line would then = 'Cut the bud of dishonour so that it bursts -into flower.' The surgical sense occurs in Holland's _Pliny_, 1601. - -III. i. 13. _plenished_ is Warnke's reading for the Quartos' _perisht_. -Delius and Bullen read _flourished_. - -III. i. 19. Cf. 'Sorrow and grief have vanquished all my powers.'--2 -_Henry VI._, II. i. 83. - -III. i. 45. For this use of _sullen_ cf. 'Why are thine eyes fixed to -the sullen earth?'--2 _Henry VI._, I. ii. 5, and Sonnet XXIX. 13. - - -SCENE II - -_Outside Franklin's house._ - -_Here enters Will, Greene, and Shakebag._ - -_Shakebag._ Black night hath hid the pleasures of the day, -And sheeting darkness overhangs the earth, -And with the black fold of her cloudy robe -Obscures us from the eyesight of the world, -In which sweet silence such as we triumph. -The lazy minutes linger on their time, -As loth to give due audit to the hour, -Till in the watch our purpose be complete -And Arden sent to everlasting night. -Greene, get you gone, and linger here about, 10 -And at some hour hence come to us again, -Where we will give you instance of his death. - -_Greene._ Speed to my wish, whose will so e'er says no; -And so I'll leave you for an hour or two. - - [_Exit Greene._ - -_Will._ I tell thee, Shakebag, would this thing were done: -I am so heavy that I can scarce go; -This drowsiness in me bodes little good. - -_Shakebag._ How now, Will? become a precisian? -Nay, then let's go sleep, when bugs and fears -Shall kill our courages with their fancy's work. 20 - -_Will._ Why, Shakebag, thou mistakes me much, -And wrongs me too in telling me of fear. -Were't not a serious thing we go about, -It should be slipt till I had fought with thee, -To let thee know I am no coward, I. -I tell thee, Shakebag, thou abusest me. - -_Shakebag._ Why, thy speech bewrayed an inly kind of fear, -And savoured of a weak relenting spirit. -Go forward now in that we have begun, -And afterwards attempt me when thou darest. 30 - -_Will._ And if I do not, heaven cut me off! -But let that pass, and show me to this house, -Where thou shalt see I'll do as much as Shakebag. - -_Shakebag._ This is the door; but soft, methinks 'tis shut. -The villain Michael hath deceived us. - -_Will._ Soft, let me see, Shakebag; 'tis shut indeed. -Knock with thy sword, perhaps the slave will hear. - -_Shakebag._ It will not be; the white-livered peasant -Is gone to bed, and laughs us both to scorn. - -_Will._ And he shall buy his merriment as dear 40 -As ever coistril bought so little sport: -Ne'er let this sword assist me when I need, -But rust and canker after I have sworn, -If I, the next time that I meet the hind, -Lop not away his leg, his arm, or both. - -_Shakebag._ And let me never draw a sword again, -Nor prosper in the twilight, cockshut light, -When I would fleece the wealthy passenger, -But lie and languish in a loathsome den, -Hated and spit at by the goers-by, 50 -And in that death may die unpitied, -If I, the next time that I meet the slave, -Cut not the nose from off the coward's face -And trample on it for this villainy. - -_Will._ Come, let's go seek out Greene; I know he'll swear. - -_Shakebag._ He were a villain, an he would not swear. -'Twould make a peasant swear among his boys, -That ne'er durst say before but 'yea' and 'no,' -To be thus flouted of a coistril. - -_Will._ Shakebag, let's seek out Greene, and in the morning 60 -At the alehouse butting Arden's house -Watch the out-coming of that prick-eared cur, -And then let me alone to handle him. [_Exeunt._ - -III. ii. 47. A _cockshut_ was a large net used to catch woodcocks -after sunset. Cf. 'Cockshut time.'--_Richard III._, V. iii. 70. - - -SCENE III - -_Room in Franklin's house as before._ - -_Here enters Arden, Franklin, and Michael._ - -_Arden._ Sirrah, get you back to Billingsgate -And learn what time the tide will serve our turn; -Come to us in Paul's. First go make the bed, -And afterwards go hearken for the flood. - - [_Exit Michael._ - -Come, Master Franklin, you shall go with me. -This night I dreamt that, being in a park, -A toil was pitched to overthrow the deer, -And I upon a little rising hill -Stood whistly watching for the herd's approach. -Even there, methoughts, a gentle slumber took me, 10 -And summoned all my parts to sweet repose; -But in the pleasure of this golden rest -An ill-thewed foster had removed the toil, -And rounded me with that beguiling home -Which late, methought, was pitched to cast the deer. -With that he blew an evil-sounding horn, -And at the noise another herdman came, -With falchion drawn, and bent it at my breast, -Crying aloud, 'Thou art the game we seek!' -With this I woke and trembled every joint, 20 -Like one obscured in a little bush, -That sees a lion foraging about, -And, when the dreadful forest-king is gone, -He pries about with timorous suspect -Throughout the thorny casements of the brake, -And will not think his person dangerless, -But quakes and shivers, though the cause be gone: -So, trust me, Franklin, when I did awake, -I stood in doubt whether I waked or no: -Such great impression took this fond surprise. 30 -God grant this vision bedeem me any good. - -_Franklin._ This fantasy doth rise from Michael's fear, -Who being awaked with the noise he made, -His troubled senses yet could take no rest; -And this, I warrant you, procured your dream. - -_Arden._ It may be so, God frame it to the best: -But oftentimes my dreams presage too true. - -_Franklin._ To such as note their nightly fantasies, -Some one in twenty may incur belief; -But use it not, 'tis but a mockery. 40 - -_Arden._ Come, Master Franklin; we'll now walk in Paul's -And dine together at the ordinary, -And by my man's direction draw to the quay, -And with the tide go down to Feversham. -Say, Master Franklin, shall it not be so? - -_Franklin._ At your good pleasure, sir; I'll bear you company. [_Exeunt._ - -III. iii. 14. _rounded me_ = brought me round. - -III. iii. 40. _use_: Warnke quotes _Macbeth_, III. ii. 10, 'Using those -thoughts which should indeed have died.' - -III. iii. 44. _with the tide_, _i.e._ by boat on the Thames. Holinshed -makes Greene and Black Will go to London, from Gravesend -apparently, 'at the tide.' - - -SCENE IV - -_Aldersgate._ - -_Here enters Michael at one door._ - -_Here enters Greene, Will, and Shakebag at -another door._ - -_Will._ Draw, Shakebag, for here's that villain Michael. - -_Greene._ First, Will, let's hear what he can say. - -_Will._ Speak, milksop slave, and never after speak. - -_Michael._ For God's sake, sirs, let me excuse myself: -For here I swear, by heaven and earth and all, -I did perform the utmost of my task, -And left the doors unbolted and unlocked. -But see the chance: Franklin and my master -Were very late conferring in the porch, -And Franklin left his napkin where he sat 10 -With certain gold knit in it, as he said. -Being in bed, he did bethink himself, -And coming down he found the doors unshut: -He locked the gates, and brought away the keys, -For which offence my master rated me. -But now I am going to see what flood it is, -For with the tide my master will away; -Where you may front him well on Rainham Down, -A place well-fitting such a stratagem. - -_Will._ Your excuse hath somewhat mollified my choler. -Why now, Greene, 'tis better now nor e'er it was. 21 - -_Greene._ But, Michael, is this true? - -_Michael._ As true as I report it to be true. - -_Shakebag._ Then, Michael, this shall be your penance, -To feast us all at the Salutation, -Where we will plat our purpose thoroughly. - -_Greene._ And, Michael, you shall bear no news of this tide, -Because they two may be in Rainham Down -Before your master. - -_Michael._ Why, I'll agree to anything you'll have me, -So you will except of my company. [_Exeunt._ - -III. iv. 18. 'The country near Rainham seems in the sixteenth -century to have been so open as to have entitled it to the appellation -of a Down.'--Donne. The spot had a bad reputation. - -III. iv. 25. The Salutation is an inn mentioned in _Bartholomew -Fair_. - -III. iv. 31. _Except_ is probably the printer's spelling of _accept_. - - -SCENE V - -_Arden's House at Feversham._ - -_Here enters Mosbie._ - -_Mosbie._ Disturbed thoughts drives me from company -And dries my marrow with their watchfulness; -Continual trouble of my moody brain -Feebles my body by excess of drink, -And nips me as the bitter north-east wind -Doth check the tender blossoms in the spring. -Well fares the man, howe'er his cates do taste, -That tables not with foul suspicion; -And he but pines amongst his delicates, -Whose troubled mind is stuffed with discontent. 10 -My golden time was when I had no gold; -Though then I wanted, yet I slept secure; -My daily toil begat me night's repose, -My night's repose made daylight fresh to me. -But since I climbed the top-bough of the tree -And sought to build my nest among the clouds, -Each gentle stirry gale doth shake my bed, -And makes me dread my downfall to the earth. -But whither doth contemplation carry me? -The way I seek to find, where pleasure dwells, 20 -Is hedged behind me that I cannot back, -But needs must on, although to danger's gate. -Then, Arden, perish thou by that decree; -For Greene doth ear the land and weed thee up -To make my harvest nothing but pure corn. -And for his pains I'll hive him up a while, -And after smother him to have his wax: -Such bees as Greene must never live to sting. -Then is there Michael and the painter too, -Chief actors to Arden's overthrow; 30 -Who when they shall see me sit in Arden's seat, -They will insult upon me for my meed, -Or fright me by detecting of his end. -I'll none of that, for I can cast a bone -To make these curs pluck out each other's throat, -And then am I sole ruler of mine own. -Yet Mistress Arden lives; but she's myself, -And holy Church rites makes us two but one. -But what for that? I may not trust you, Alice: -You have supplanted Arden for my sake, 40 -And will extirpen me to plant another. -'Tis fearful sleeping in a serpent's bed, -And I will cleanly rid my hands of her. - -_Here enters Alice._ - -But here she comes, and I must flatter her. ---How now, Alice? what, sad and passionate? -Make me partaker of thy pensiveness: -Fire divided burns with lesser force. - -_Alice._ But I will dam that fire in my breast -Till by the force thereof my part consume. -Ah, Mosbie! 50 - -_Mosbie._ Such deep pathaires, like to a cannon's burst -Discharged against a ruinated wall, -Breaks my relenting heart in thousand pieces. -Ungentle Alice, thy sorrow is my sore; -Thou know'st it well, and 'tis thy policy -To forge distressful looks to wound a breast -Where lies a heart that dies when thou art sad. -It is not love that loves to anger love. - -_Alice._ It is not love that loves to murder love. - -_Mosbie._ How mean you that? 60 - -_Alice._ Thou knowest how dearly Arden loved me. - -_Mosbie._ And then? - -_Alice._ And then--conceal the rest, for 'tis too bad, -Lest that my words be carried with the wind, -And published in the world to both our shames. -I pray thee, Mosbie, let our springtime wither; -Our harvest else will yield but loathsome weeds. -Forget, I pray thee, what hath passed betwixt us, -For how I blush and tremble at the thoughts! - -_Mosbie._ What? are you changed? 70 - -_Alice._ Ay, to my former happy life again, -From title of an odious strumpet's name -To honest Arden's wife, not Arden's honest wife. -Ha, Mosbie! 'tis thou has rifled me of that -And made me slanderous to all my kin; -Even in my forehead is thy name ingraven, -A mean artificer, that low-born name. -I was bewitched: woe worth the hapless hour -And all the causes that enchanted me! - -_Mosbie._ Nay, if you ban, let me breathe curses forth, 80 -And if you stand so nicely at your fame, -Let me repent the credit I have lost. -I have neglected matters of import -That would have stated me above thy state, -Forslowed advantages, and spurned at time: -Ay, Fortune's right hand Mosbie hath forsook -To take a wanton giglot by the left. -I left the marriage of an honest maid, -Whose dowry would have weighed down all thy wealth, -Whose beauty and demeanour far exceeded thee: 90 -This certain good I lost for changing bad, -And wrapt my credit in thy company. -I was bewitched,--that is no theme of thine, -And thou unhallowed has enchanted me. -But I will break thy spells and exorcisms, -And put another sight upon these eyes -That showed my heart a raven for a dove. -Thou art not fair, I viewed thee not till now; -Thou art not kind, till now I knew thee not; -And now the rain hath beaten off thy gilt, 100 -Thy worthless copper shows thee counterfeit. -It grieves me not to see how foul thou art, -But mads me that ever I thought thee fair. -Go, get thee gone, a copesmate for thy hinds; -I am too good to be thy favourite. - -_Alice._ Ay, now I see, and too soon find it true, -Which often hath been told me by my friends, -That Mosbie loves me not but for my wealth, -Which too incredulous I ne'er believed. -Nay, hear me speak, Mosbie, a word or two; 110 -I'll bite my tongue if it speak bitterly. -Look on me, Mosbie, or I'll kill myself: -Nothing shall hide me from thy stormy look. -If thou cry war, there is no peace for me; -I will do penance for offending thee, -And burn this prayer-book, where I here use -The holy word that had converted me. -See, Mosbie, I will tear away the leaves, -And all the leaves, and in this golden cover -Shall thy sweet phrases and thy letters dwell; 120 -And thereon will I chiefly meditate, -And hold no other sect but such devotion. -Wilt thou not look? is all thy love o'erwhelmed? -Wilt thou not hear? what malice stops thine ears? -Why speaks thou not? what silence ties thy tongue? -Thou hast been sighted as the eagle is, -And heard as quickly as the fearful hare, -And spoke as smoothly as an orator, -When I have bid thee hear or see or speak, -And art thou sensible in none of these? 130 -Weigh all thy good turns with this little fault, -And I deserve not Mosbie's muddy looks. -A fence of trouble is not thickened still: -Be clear again, I'll ne'er more trouble thee. - -_Mosbie._ O no, I am a base artificer: -My wings are feathered for a lowly flight. -Mosbie? fie! no, not for a thousand pound. -Make love to you? why, 'tis unpardonable; -We beggars must not breathe where gentles are. - -_Alice._ Sweet Mosbie is as gentle as a king, 140 -And I too blind to judge him otherwise. -Flowers do sometimes spring in fallow lands, -Weeds in gardens, roses grow on thorns; -So, whatsoe'er my Mosbie's father was, -Himself is valued gentle by his worth. - -_Mosbie._ Ah, how you women can insinuate, -And clear a trespass with your sweet-set tongue! -I will forget this quarrel, gentle Alice, -Provided I'll be tempted so no more. - -_Here enters Bradshaw._ - -_Alice._ Then with thy lips seal up this new-made match. - -_Mosbie._ Soft, Alice, here comes somebody. 151 - -_Alice._ How now, Bradshaw, what's the news with you? - -_Bradshaw._ I have little news, but here's a letter -That Master Greene importuned me to give you. - -_Alice._ Go in, Bradshaw; call for a cup of beer; -'Tis almost supper-time, thou shalt stay with us. - - [_Exit Bradshaw._ - -_Then she reads the letter._ - -'We have missed of our purpose at London, but shall -perform it by the way. We thank our neighbour -Bradshaw.--Yours, Richard Greene.' -How likes my love the tenor of this letter? 160 - -_Mosbie._ Well, were his date completed and expired. - -_Alice._ Ah, would it were! Then comes my happy hour: -Till then my bliss is mixed with bitter gall. -Come, let us in to shun suspicion. - -_Mosbie._ Ay, to the gates of death to follow thee. [_Exeunt._ - -III. v. 4. _drink_: perhaps we ought to read _think_. - -III. v. 17. _stirry_: this is meant by the _starry_ of the Quartos. - -III. v. 26. _hive_: Delius's correction of _heave_, A, B, C. - -III. v. 51. _deep pathaires_: Delius conjectures _deep fet airs_; but -Mr. Gollancz has probably solved the crux of the play by his -suggestion,--'"Pathaire," I take to be some special form of "petarre," -_i.e._ "petard," probably used in the metaphorical sense of -passionate outburst.'--(Lamb's _Specimens_, I. i. 297.) The use may -be quite literal; for the form cf. Powell's _Tom of All Trades_, -p. 163, 'An Enginere for making of Patars.' - -III. v. 58. Quoted by Bullen as of 'genuine Shakesperean -flavour.' He adds III. v. 112-130. - -III. v. 116. Mr. Bullen puts a comma at _use_. - -III. v. 131. _Thy_: several editors read _my_; but the sense is 'the -good turns I have done you.' - -III. v. 133. Warnke explains 'the quarrel has not yet thickened -to so impenetrable a fence as to separate us for ever.' Perhaps we -should read 'is not thick-set ill.' - -III. v. 157. An inconsistency. Cf. II. i. 75. Holinshed quotes -from the letter, 'We have got a man for our purpose, we may -thank my brother Bradshaw.' The _Wardmote Book_ says nothing -of Bradshaw's innocence. - - -SCENE VI - -_Country near Rochester._ - -_Here enters Greene, Will, and Shakebag._ - -_Shakebag._ Come, Will, see thy tools be in a readiness! -Is not thy powder dank, or will thy flint strike fire? - -_Will._ Then ask me if my nose be on my face, -Or whether my tongue be frozen in my mouth. -Zounds, here's a coil! -You were best swear me on the interrogatories -How many pistols I have took in hand, -Or whether I love the smell of gunpowder, -Or dare abide the noise the dag will make, -Or will not wink at flashing of the fire. 10 -I pray thee, Shakebag, let this answer thee, -That I have took more purses in this down -Than e'er thou handledst pistols in thy life. - -_Shakebag._ Ay, haply thou has picked more in a throng: -But, should I brag what booties I have took, -I think the overplus that's more than thine -Would mount to a greater sum of money -Then either thou or all thy kin are worth. -Zounds, I hate them as I hate a toad -That carry a muscado in their tongue, 20 -And scarce a hurting weapon in their hand. - -_Will._ O Greene, intolerable! -It is not for mine honour to bear this. -Why, Shakebag, I did serve the king at Boulogne, -And thou canst brag of nothing that thou hast done. - -_Shakebag._ Why, so can Jack of Feversham, -That sounded for a fillip on the nose, -When he that gave it him holloed in his ear, -And he supposed a cannon-bullet hit him. - -_Then they fight._ - -_Greene._ I pray you, sirs, list to AEsop's talk: 30 -Whilst two stout dogs were striving for a bone, -There comes a cur and stole it from them both; -So, while you stand striving on these terms of manhood, -Arden escapes us, and deceives us all. - -_Shakebag._ Why, he begun. - -_Will._ And thou shalt find I'll end; -I do but slip it until better time: -But, if I do forget---- - - [_Then he kneels down and holds up - his hands to heaven._ - -_Greene._ Well, take your fittest standings, and once more -Lime well your twigs to catch this wary bird. -I'll leave you, and at your dag's discharge 40 -Make towards, like the longing water-dog -That coucheth till the fowling-piece be off, -Then seizeth on the prey with eager mood. -Ah, might I see him stretching forth his limbs, -As I have seen them beat their wings ere now! - -_Shakebag._ Why, that thou shalt see, if he come this way. - -_Greene._ Yes, that he doth, Shakebag, I warrant thee: -But brawl not when I am gone in any case. -But, sirs, be sure to speed him when he comes, -And in that hope I'll leave you for an hour. 50 - - [_Exit Greene._ - -_Here enters Arden, Franklin, and Michael._ - -_Michael._ 'Twere best that I went back to Rochester: -The horse halts downright; it were not good -He travelled in such pain to Feversham; -Removing of a shoe may haply help it. - -_Arden._ Well, get you back to Rochester; but, sirrah, see -Ye o'ertake us ere we come to Rainham Down, -For 't will be very late ere we get home. - -_Michael._ Ay, God he knows, and so doth Will and Shakebag, -That thou shalt never go further than that down; -And therefore have I pricked the horse on purpose, -Because I would not view the massacre. 61 - - [_Exit Michael._ - -_Arden._ Come, Master Franklin, onwards with your tale. - -_Franklin._ I do assure you, sir, you task me much: -A heavy blood is gathered at my heart, -And on the sudden is my wind so short -As hindereth the passage of my speech; -So fierce a qualm yet ne'er assailed me. - -_Arden._ Come, Master Franklin, let us go on softly: -The annoyance of the dust or else some meat -You ate at dinner cannot brook with you. 70 -I have been often so, and soon amended. - -_Franklin._ Do you remember where my tale did leave? - -_Arden._ Ay, where the gentleman did check his wife. - -_Franklin._ She being reprehended for the fact, -Witness produced that took her with the deed, -Her glove brought in which there she left behind, -And many other assured arguments, -Her husband asked her whether it were not so. - -_Arden._ Her answer then? I wonder how she looked, -Having forsworn it with such vehement oaths, 80 -And at the instant so approved upon her. - -_Franklin._ First did she cast her eyes down to the earth, -Watching the drops that fell amain from thence; -Then softly draws she forth her handkercher, -And modestly she wipes her tear-stained face; -Them hemmed she out, to clear her voice should seem, -And with a majesty addressed herself -To encounter all their accusations.-- -Pardon me, Master Arden, I can no more; -This fighting at my heart makes short my wind. 90 - -_Arden._ Come, we are almost now at Rainham Down: -Your pretty tale beguiles the weary way; -I would you were in state to tell it out. - -_Shakebag._ Stand close, Will, I hear them coming. - -_Here enters Lord Cheiny with his men._ - -_Will._ Stand to it, Shakebag, and be resolute. - -_L. Cheiny._ Is it so near night as it seems, -Or will this black-faced evening have a shower? ---What, Master Arden? you are well met, -I have longed this fortnight's day to speak with you: -You are a stranger, man, in the Isle of Sheppy. 100 - -_Arden._ Your honour's always! bound to do you service. - -_L. Cheiny._ Come you from London, and ne'er a man with you? - -_Arden._ My man's coming after, but here's -My honest friend that came along with me. - -_L. Cheiny._ My Lord Protector's man I take you to be. - -_Franklin._ Ay, my good lord, and highly bound to you. - -_L. Cheiny._ You and your friend come home and sup with me. - -_Arden._ I beseech your honour pardon me; -I have made a promise to a gentleman, -My honest friend, to meet him at my house; 110 -The occasion is great, or else would I wait on you. - -_L. Cheiny._ Will you come to-morrow and dine with me, -And bring your honest friend along with you? -I have divers matters to talk with you about. - -_Arden._ To-morrow we'll wait upon your honour. - -_L. Cheiny._ One of you stay my horse at the top of the hill. ---What! Black Will? for whose purse wait you? -Thou wilt be hanged in Kent, when all is done. - -_Will._ Not hanged, God save your honour; -I am your bedesman, bound to pray for you. 120 - -_L. Cheiny._ I think thou ne'er said'st prayer in all thy life.-- -One of you give him a crown:-- -And, sirrah, leave this kind of life; -If thou beest tainted for a penny-matter, -And come in question, surely thou wilt truss. ---Come, Master Arden, let us be going; -Your way and mine lies four miles together. - - [_Exeunt. Manet Black Will and Shakebag._ - -_Will._ The devil break all your necks at four miles' end! -Zounds, I could kill myself for very anger! -His lordship chops me in, 130 -Even when my dag was levelled at his heart. -I would his crown were molten down his throat. - -_Shakebag._ Arden, thou hast wondrous holy luck. -Did ever man escape as thou hast done? -Well, I'll discharge my pistol at the sky, -For by this bullet Arden might not die. - -_Here enters Greene._ - -_Greene._ What, is he down? is he dispatched? - -_Shakebag._ Ay, in health towards Feversham, to shame us all. - -_Greene._ The devil he is! why, sirs, how escaped he? - -_Shakebag._ When we were ready to shoot, 140 -Comes my Lord Cheiny to prevent his death. - -_Greene._ The Lord of Heaven hath preserved him. - -_Will._ Preserved a fig! The Lord Cheiny hath preserved him, -And bids him to a feast to his house at Shorlow. -But by the way once more I'll meet with him, -And, if all the Cheinies in the world say no, -I'll have a bullet in his breast to-morrow. -Therefore come, Greene, and let us to Feversham. - -_Greene._ Ay, and excuse ourselves to Mistress Arden: -O, how she'll chafe when she hears of this! 150 - -_Shakebag._ Why, I'll warrant you she'll think we dare -not do it. - -_Will._ Why, then let us go, and tell her all the matter, -And plat the news to cut him off to-morrow. - - [_Exeunt._ - -III. vi. 144. _Shorlow_ should be Shurland in Sheppey. - - - - -ACT IV - - -SCENE I - -_Arden's House at Feversham._ - -_Here enters Arden and his wife, Franklin, and Michael_ - -_Arden._ See how the hours, the gardant of heaven's gate, -Have by their toil removed the darksome clouds, -That Sol may well discern the trampled path -Wherein he wont to guide his golden car; -The season fits; come, Franklin, let's away. - -_Alice._ I thought you did pretend some special hunt, -That made you thus cut short the time of rest. - -_Arden._ It was no chase that made me rise so early, -But, as I told thee yesternight, to go -To the Isle of Sheppy, there to dine with my Lord Cheiny; 10 -For so his honour late commanded me. - -_Alice._ Ay, such kind husbands seldom want excuses; -Home is a wild cat to a wandering wit. -The time hath been,--would God it were not past,-- -That honour's title nor a lord's command -Could once have drawn you from these arms of mine. -But my deserts or your desires decay, -Or both; yet if true love may seem desert, -I merit still to have thy company. - -_Franklin._ Why, I pray you, sir, let her go along with us; 20 -I am sure his honour will welcome her -And us the more for bringing her along. - -_Arden._ Content; sirrah, saddle your mistress' nag. - -_Alice._ No, begged favour merits little thanks; -If I should go, our house would run away, -Or else be stolen; therefore I'll stay behind. - -_Arden._ Nay, see how mistaking you are! I pray thee, go. - -_Alice._ No, no, not now. - -_Arden._ Then let me leave thee satisfied in this, -That time nor place nor persons alter me, 30 -But that I hold thee dearer than my life. - -_Alice._ That will be seen by your quick return. - -_Arden._ And that shall be ere night, and if I live. -Farewell, sweet Alice, we mind to sup with thee. - - [_Exit Alice._ - -_Franklin._ Come, Michael, are our horses ready? - -_Michael._ Ay, your horse are ready, but I am not ready, -for I have lost my purse, with six and thirty -shillings in it, with taking up of my master's nag. - -_Franklin._ Why, I pray you, let us go before, -Whilst he stays behind to seek his purse. 40 - -_Arden._ Go to, sirrah, see you follow us to the Isle of Sheppy -To my Lord Cheiny's, where we mean to dine. - - [_Exeunt Arden and Franklin. Manet Michael._ - -_Michael._ So, fair weather after you, for before you lies -Black Will and Shakebag in the broom close, too -close for you: they'll be your ferrymen to long -home. - -_Here enters the Painter._ - -But who is this? the painter, my corrival, that -would needs win Mistress Susan. - -_Clarke._ How now, Michael? how doth my mistress and all at home? - -_Michael._ Who? Susan Mosbie? she is your mistress, too? 50 - -_Clarke._ Ay, how doth she and all the rest? - -_Michael._ All's well but Susan; she is sick. - -_Clarke._ Sick? Of what disease? - -_Michael._ Of a great fever. - -_Clarke._ A fear of what? - -_Michael._ A great fever. - -Clarke. A fever? God forbid! - -_Michael._ Yes, faith, and of a lordaine, too, as big as yourself. - -_Clarke._ O, Michael, the spleen prickles you. Go to, -you carry an eye over Mistress Susan. 60 - -_Michael._ I' faith, to keep her from the painter. - -_Clarke._ Why more from a painter than from a serving -creature like yourself? - -Michael. Because you painters make but a painting -table of a pretty wench, and spoil her beauty with -blotting. - -_Clarke._ What mean you by that? - -_Michael._ Why, that you painters paint lambs in the lining -of wenches' petticoats, and we serving-men put -horns to them to make them become sheep. 70 - -_Clarke._ Such another word will cost you a cuff or a -knock. - -_Michael._ What, with a dagger made of a pencil? Faith, -'tis too weak, and therefore thou too weak to win -Susan. - -_Clarke._ Would Susan's love lay upon this stroke. - - - [_Then he breaks Michael's head._ - -_Here enters Mosbie, Greene, and Alice._ - -_Alice._ I'll lay my life, this is for Susan's love. -Stayed you behind your master to this end? -Have you no other time to brable in -But now when serious matters are in hand?-- -Say, Clarke, hast thou done the thing thou promised? 80 - -_Clarke._ Ay, here it is; the very touch is death. - -_Alice._ Then this, I hope, if all the rest do fail, -Will catch Master Arden, -And make him wise in death that lived a fool. -Why should he thrust his sickle in our corn, -Or what hath he to do with thee, my love, -Or govern me that am to rule myself? -Forsooth, for credit sake, I must leave thee! -Nay, he must leave to live that we may love, -May live, may love; for what is life but love? 90 -And love shall last as long as life remains, -And life shall end before my love depart. - -_Mosbie._ Why, what is love without true constancy? -Like to a pillar built of many stones, -Yet neither with good mortar well compact -Nor with cement to fasten it in the joints, -But that it shakes with every blast of wind, -And, being touched, straight falls unto the earth, -And buries all his haughty pride in dust. -No, let our love be rocks of adamant, 100 -Which time nor place nor tempest can asunder. - -_Greene._ Mosbie, leave protestations now, -And let us bethink us what we have to do. -Black Will and Shakebag I have placed i' the broom, -Close watching Arden's coming; let's to them -And see what they have done. [_Exeunt._ - -IV. i. 1. _gardant_: A, B read _gardeant_, modern editors _guardians_. - -IV. i. 3. _path_: so Warnke for _pace_ of A, B, C; but _pace_ in the -sense of 'path' is not impossible. - -IV. i. 17. _desires_: so Warnke for _deserves_, A, B, C. - -IV. i. 44. 'A certain broom-close betwixt Feversham and the -Ferry.'--Holinshed. - -IV. i. 45. Cf. _Ecclesiastes_, vii. 5. - -IV. i. 96. _nor with cement_: Delius _for nor semell_, A, B. - - -SCENE II - -_The Kentish Coast opposite the Isle of Sheppy._ - -_Here enters Arden and Franklin._ - -_Arden._ Oh, ferryman, where art thou? - -_Here enters the Ferryman._ - -_Ferryman._ Here, here, go before to the boat, and I will -follow you. - -_Arden._ We have great haste; I pray thee, come away. - -_Ferryman._ Fie, what a mist is here! - -_Arden._ This mist, my friend, is mystical, -Like to a good companion's smoky brain, -That was half drowned with new ale overnight. - -_Ferryman._ 'Twere pity but his skull were opened to -make more chimney room. 10 - -_Franklin._ Friend, what's thy opinion of this mist? - -_Ferryman._ I think 'tis like to a curst wife in a little -house, that never leaves her husband till she have -driven him out at doors with a wet pair of eyes; -then looks he as if his house were a-fire, or some of -his friends dead. - -_Arden._ Speaks thou this of thine own experience? - -_Ferryman._ Perhaps, ay; perhaps, no: For my wife is -as other women are, that is to say, governed by the -moon. 20 - -_Franklin._ By the moon? how, I pray thee? - -_Ferryman._ Nay, thereby lies a bargain, and you shall -not have it fresh and fasting. - -_Arden._ Yes, I pray thee, good ferryman. - -_Ferryman._ Then for this once; let it be midsummer -moon, but yet my wife has another moon. - -_Franklin._ Another moon? - -_Ferryman._ Ay, and it hath influences and eclipses. - -_Arden._ Why, then, by this reckoning you sometimes -play the man in the moon? 30 - -_Ferryman._ Ay, but you had not best to meddle with -that moon, lest I scratch you by the face with my -bramble-bush. - -_Arden._ I am almost stifled with this fog; come, let's -away. - -_Franklin._ And, sirrah, as we go, let us have some more -of your bold yeomanry. - -_Ferryman._ Nay, by my troth, sir, but flat knavery. - - [_Exeunt._ - -IV. ii. 5. This mist is not in Holinshed. It is our poet's invention. - -IV. ii. 30. Cf. _Midsummer Night's Dream_, V. i. 237, etc. - - -SCENE III - -_Another place on the coast._ - -_Here enters Will at one door, and Shakebag at another._ - -_Shakebag._ Oh, Will, where art thou? - -_Will._ Here, Shakebag, almost in hell's mouth, where I -cannot see my way for smoke. - -_Shakebag._ I pray thee speak still that we may meet by -the sound, for I shall fall into some ditch or other, -unless my feet see better than my eyes. - -_Will._ Didst thou ever see better weather to run away -with another man's wife, or play with a wench at -pot-finger? 9 - -_Shakebag._ No; this were a fine world for chandlers, if -this weather would last; for then a man should -never dine nor sup without candle-light. But, -sirrah Will, what horses are those that passed? - -_Will._ Why, didst thou hear any? - -_Shakebag._ Ay, that I did. - -_Will._ My life for thine, 'twas Arden, and his companion, -and then all our labour's lost. - -_Shakebag._ Nay, say not so, for if it be they, they may -haply lose their way as we have done, and then we -may chance meet with them. 20 - -_Will._ Come, let us go on like a couple of blind pilgrims. - - [_Then Shakebag falls into a ditch._ - -_Shakebag._ Help, Will, help, I am almost drowned. - -_Here enters the Ferryman._ - -_Ferryman._ Who's that that calls for help? - -_Will._ 'Twas none here, 'twas thou thyself. - -_Ferryman._ I came to help him that called for help. -Why, how now? who is this that's in the ditch? -You are well enough served to go without a guide -such weather as this. - -_Will._ Sirrah, what companies hath passed your ferry -this morning? 30 - -_Ferryman._ None but a couple of gentlemen, that went -to dine at my Lord Cheiny's. - -_Will._ Shakebag, did not I tell thee as much? - -Ferryman. Why, sir, will you have any letters carried -to them? - -_Will._ No, sir; get you gone. - -_Ferryman._ Did you ever see such a mist as this? - -_Will._ No, nor such a fool as will rather be hought than -get his way. - -_Ferryman._ Why, sir, this is no Hough-Monday; you -are deceived.--What's his name, I pray you, sir? 41 - -_Shakebag._ His name is Black Will. - -_Ferryman._ I hope to see him one day hanged upon a -hill. [_Exit Ferryman._ - -_Shakebag._ See how the sun hath cleared the foggy mist, -Now we have missed the mark of our intent. - -_Here enters Greene, Mosbie, and Alice._ - -_Mosbie._ Black Will and Shakebag, what make you here? -What, is the deed done? is Arden dead? - -_Will._ What could a blinded man perform in arms? -Saw you not how till now the sky was dark, 50 -That neither horse nor man could be discerned? -Yet did we hear their horses as they passed. - -_Greene._ Have they escaped you, then, and passed the ferry? - -_Shakebag_. Ay, for a while; but here we two will stay, -And at their coming back meet with them once more. -Zounds, I was ne'er so toiled in all my life -In following so slight a task as this. - -_Mosbie._ How cam'st thou so berayed? - -_Will._ With making false footing in the dark; -He needs would follow them without a guide. 60 - -_Alice._ Here's to pay for a fire and good cheer: -Get you to Feversham to the Flower-de-luce, -And rest yourselves until some other time. - -_Greene._ Let me alone; it most concerns my state. - -_Will._ Ay, Mistress Arden, this will serve the turn, -In case we fall into a second fog. - - [_Exeunt Greene, Will, and Shakebag._ - -_Mosbie._ These knaves will never do it, let us give it over. - -_Alice._ First tell me how you like my new device: -Soon, when my husband is returning back, -You and I both marching arm in arm, 70 -Like loving friends, we'll meet him on the way, -And boldly beard and brave him to his teeth. -When words grow hot and blows begin to rise, -I'll call those cutters forth your tenement, -Who, in a manner to take up the fray, -Shall wound my husband Hornsby to the death. - -_Mosbie._ A fine device! why, this deserves a kiss. - - [_Exeunt._ - -IV. iii. 40. Hock Monday followed the second Sunday after -Easter. See Brand's _Popular Antiquities_. - -IV. iii. 68. Our poet blackens Mosbie for the same reason that -he whitewashes Arden, _e.g._: 'Master Arden both then and at other -times had been greatly provoked by Mosbie to fight with him, but -he would not.' 'Mosby at the first would not agree to that -cowardly murdering of him.'--Holinshed. - - -SCENE IV - -_The open country._ - -_Here enters Dick Reede and a Sailor._ - -_Sailor._ Faith, Dick Reede, it is to little end: -His conscience is too liberal, and he too niggardly -To part from any thing may do thee good. - -_Reede._ He is coming from Shorlow as I understand; -Here I'll intercept him, for at his house -He never will vouchsafe to speak with me. -If prayers and fair entreaties will not serve, -Or make no battery in his flinty breast, - -_Here enters Franklin, Arden, and Michael._ - -I'll curse the carle, and see what that will do. -See where he comes to further my intent!-- 10 -Master Arden, I am now bound to the sea; -My coming to you was about the plat -Of ground which wrongfully you detain from me. -Although the rent of it be very small, -Yet it will help my wife and children, -Which here I leave in Feversham, God knows, -Needy and bare: for Christ's sake, let them have it! - -_Arden._ Franklin, hearest thou this fellow speak? -That which he craves I dearly bought of him, -Although the rent of it was ever mine.-- 20 -Sirrah, you that ask these questions, -If with thy clamorous impeaching tongue -Thou rail on me, as I have heard thou dost, -I'll lay thee up so close a twelve-month's day, -As thou shalt neither see the sun nor moon. -Look to it, for, as surely as I live, -I'll banish pity if thou use me thus. - -_Reede._ What, wilt thou do me wrong and threat me too, -Nay, then, I'll tempt thee, Arden, do thy worst. -God, I beseech thee, show some miracle 30 -On thee or thine, in plaguing thee for this. -That plot of ground which thou detains from me, -I speak it in an agony of spirit, -Be ruinous and fatal unto thee! -Either there be butchered by thy dearest friends, -Or else be brought for men to wonder at, -Or thou or thine miscarry in that place, -Or there run mad and end thy cursed days! - -_Franklin._ Fie, bitter knave, bridle thine envious tongue; -For curses are like arrows shot upright, 40 -Which falling down light on the shooter's head. - -_Reede._ Light where they will! Were I upon the sea, -As oft I have in many a bitter storm, -And saw a dreadful southern flaw at hand, -The pilot quaking at the doubtful storm, -And all the sailors praying on their knees, -Even in that fearful time would I fall down, -And ask of God, whate'er betide of me, -Vengeance on Arden or some misevent -To show the world what wrong the carle hath done. -This charge I'll leave with my distressful wife, 51 -My children shall be taught such prayers as these; -And thus I go, but leave my curse with thee. - - [_Exeunt Reede and Sailor._ - -_Arden._ It is the railingest knave in Christendom, -And oftentimes the villain will be mad; -It greatly matters not what he says, -But I assure you I ne'er did him wrong. - -_Franklin._ I think so, Master Arden. - -_Arden._ Now that our horses are gone home before, -My wife may haply meet me on the way. 60 -For God knows she is grown passing kind of late, -And greatly changed from -The old humour of her wonted frowardness, -And seeks by fair means to redeem old faults. - -_Franklin._ Happy the change that alters for the best! -But see in any case you make no speech -Of the cheer we had at my Lord Cheiny's, -Although most bounteous and liberal, -For that will make her think herself more wronged, -In that we did not carry her along; 70 -For sure she grieved that she was left behind. - -_Arden._ Come, Franklin, let us strain to mend our pace, -And take her unawares playing the cook; - -_Here enters Alice and Mosbie._ - -For I believe she'll strive to mend our cheer. - -_Franklin._ Why, there's no better creatures in the world, -Than women are when they are in good humours. - -_Arden._ Who is that? Mosbie? what, so familiar? -Injurious strumpet, and thou ribald knave, -Untwine those arms. - -_Alice._ Ay, with a sugared kiss let them untwine. 80 - -_Arden._ Ah, Mosbie! perjured beast! bear this and all! - -_Mosbie._ And yet no horned beast; the horns are thine. - -_Franklin._ O monstrous! Nay, then it is time to draw. - -_Alice._ Help, help! they murder my husband. - -_Here enters Will and Shakebag._ - -_Shakebag._ Zounds, who injures Master Mosbie? Help, Will! I am hurt. - -_Mosbie._ I may thank you, Mistress Arden, for this wound. - - [_Exeunt Mosbie, Will, and Shakebag._ - -_Alice._ Ah, Arden, what folly blinded thee? -Ah, jealous harebrained man, what hast thou done! -When we, to welcome thee with intended sport, -Came lovingly to meet thee on thy way, 90 -Thou drew'st thy sword, enraged with jealousy, -And hurt thy friend whose thoughts were free from harm: -All for a worthless kiss and joining arms, -Both done but merrily to try thy patience. -And me unhappy that devised the jest, -Which, though begun in sport, yet ends in blood! - -_Franklin._ Marry, God defend me from such a jest! - -_Alice._ Could'st thou not see us friendly smile on thee, -When we joined arms, and when I kissed his cheek? -Hast thou not lately found me over-kind? 100 -Did'st thou not hear me cry 'they murder thee'? -Called I not help to set my husband free? -No, ears and all were witched; ah me accursed -To link in liking with a frantic man! -Henceforth I'll be thy slave, no more thy wife, -For with that name I never shall content thee. -If I be merry, thou straightways thinks me light; -If sad, thou sayest the sullens trouble me; -If well attired, thou thinks I will be gadding; -If homely, I seem sluttish in thine eye: 110 -Thus am I still, and shall be while I die. -Poor wench abused by thy misgovernment! - -_Arden._ But is it for truth that neither thou nor he -Intendedst malice in your misdemeanour? - -_Alice._ The heavens can witness of our harmless thoughts - -_Arden._ Then pardon me, sweet Alice, and forgive this fault! -Forget but this and never see the like. -Impose me penance, and I will perform it, -For in thy discontent I find a death,-- -A death tormenting more than death itself. 120 - -_Alice._ Nay, had'st thou loved me as thou dost pretend, -Thou wouldst have marked the speeches of thy friend, -Who going wounded from the place, he said -His skin was pierced only through my device; -And if sad sorrow taint thee for this fault, -Thou would'st have followed him, and seen him dressed, -And cried him mercy whom thou hast misdone: -Ne'er shall my heart be eased till this be done. - -_Arden._ Content thee, sweet Alice, thou shalt have thy will, -Whate'er it be. For that I injured thee, 130 -And wronged my friend, shame scourgeth my offence; -Come thou thyself, and go along with me, -And be a mediator 'twixt us two. - -_Franklin._ Why, Master Arden! know you what you do? -Will you follow him that hath dishonoured you? - -_Alice._ Why, canst thou prove I have been disloyal? - -_Franklin._ Why, Mosbie taunted your husband with the horn. - -_Alice._ Ay, after he had reviled him -By the injurious name of perjured beast: -He knew no wrong could spite a jealous man 140 -More than the hateful naming of the horn. - -_Franklin._ Suppose 'tis true; yet is it dangerous -To follow him whom he hath lately hurt. - -_Alice._ A fault confessed is more than half amends; -But men of such ill spirit as yourself -Work crosses and debates 'twixt man and wife. - -_Arden._ I pray thee, gentle Franklin, hold thy peace: -I know my wife counsels me for the best. -I'll seek out Mosbie where his wound is dressed, -And salve this hapless quarrel if I may. 150 - - [_Exeunt Arden and Alice._ - -_Franklin._ He whom the devil drives must go perforce. -Poor gentleman, how soon he is bewitched! -And yet, because his wife is the instrument, -His friends must not be lavish in their speech. - - [_Exit Franklin._ - -IV. iv. 88. _harebrain_, A, B, C. - -IV. iv. 89. _welcome thee with intended_; so Warnke for _welcome -thy intended_, A, B, C. - - - - -ACT V - - -SCENE I - -_A Street in Feversham._ - -_Here enters Will, Shakebag, and Greene._ - -_Will._ Sirrah Greene, when was I so long in killing a man? - -_Greene._ I think we shall never do it; let us give it over. - -_Shakebag._ Nay, Zounds! we'll kill him, though we be -hanged at his door for our labour. - -_Will._ Thou knowest, Greene, that I have lived in London -this twelve years, where I have made some go -upon wooden legs for taking the wall on me; divers -with silver noses for saying 'There goes Black Will!' -I have cracked as many blades as thou hast nuts. - -_Greene._ O monstrous lie! 10 - -_Will._ Faith, in a manner I have. The bawdy-houses -have paid me tribute; there durst not a whore set -up, unless she have agreed with me first for opening -her shop-windows. For a cross word of a tapster -I have pierced one barrel after another with my -dagger, and held him by the ears till all his beer -hath run out. In Thames Street a brewer's cart -was like to have run over me: I made no more ado, -but went to the clerk and cut all the notches of his -tallies and beat them about his head. I and my -company have taken the constable from his watch, -and carried him about the fields on a coltstaff. I -have broken a sergeant's head with his own mace, -and bailed whom I list with my sword and buckler. -All the tenpenny-alehouses-men would stand every -morning with a quart-pot in their hand, saying, -'Will it please your worship drink?' He that had -not done so, had been sure to have had his sign -pulled down and his lattice borne away the next -night. To conclude, what have I not done? yet -cannot do this; doubtless, he is preserved by -miracle. 32 - -_Here enters Alice and Michael._ - -_Greene._ Hence, Will! here comes Mistress Arden. - -_Alice._ Ah, gentle Michael, art thou sure they're friends? - -_Michael._ Why, I saw them when they both shook hands. -When Mosbie bled, he even wept for sorrow, -And railed on Franklin that was cause of all. -No sooner came the surgeon in at doors, -But my master took to his purse and gave him money, -And, to conclude, sent me to bring you word 40 -That Mosbie, Franklin, Bradshaw, Adam Fowle, -With divers of his neighbours and his friends, -Will come and sup with you at our house this night. - -_Alice._ Ah, gentle Michael, run thou back again, -And, when my husband walks into the fair, -Bid Mosbie steal from him and come to me; -And this night shall thou and Susan be made sure. - -_Michael._ I'll go tell him. - -_Alice._ And as thou goest, tell John cook of our guests, -And bid him lay it on, spare for no cost. 50 - - [_Exit Michael._ - -_Will._ Nay, and there be such cheer, we will bid ourselves.-- -Mistress Arden, Dick Greene and I do mean to sup with you. - -_Alice._ And welcome shall you be. Ah, gentlemen, -How missed you of your purpose yesternight? - -_Greene._ 'Twas 'long of Shakebag, that unlucky villain. - -_Shakebag._ Thou dost me wrong; I did as much as any. - -_Will._ Nay then, Mistress Arden, I'll tell you how it was: -When he should have locked with both his hilts, -He in a bravery flourished o'er his head; -With that comes Franklin at him lustily, 60 -And hurts the slave; with that he slinks away. - -Now his way had been to have come hand and feet, -one and two round, at his costard; he like a fool -bears his sword-point half a yard out of danger. -I lie here for my life; if the devil come, and he -have no more strength than I have fence, he shall -never beat me from this ward, I'll stand to it; a -buckler in a skilful hand is as good as a castle; -nay, 'tis better than a sconce, for I have tried it. 70 -Mosbie, perceiving this, began to faint: -With that comes Arden with his arming sword, -And thrust him through the shoulder in a trice. - -_Alice._ Ay, but I wonder why you both stood still. - -_Will._ Faith, I was so amazed, I could not strike. - -_Alice._ Ah, sirs, had he yesternight been slain, -For every drop of his detested blood -I would have crammed in angels in thy fist, -And kissed thee, too, and hugged thee in my arms. - -_Will._ Patient yourself, we cannot help it now. 80 -Greene and we two will dog him through the fair, -And stab him in the crowd, and steal away. - -_Here enters Mosbie._ - -_Alice._ It is unpossible; but here comes he -That will, I hope, invent some surer means. -Sweet Mosbie, hide thy arm, it kills my heart. - -_Mosbie._ Ay, Mistress Arden, this is your favour. - -_Alice._ Ah, say not so; for when I saw thee hurt, -I could have took the weapon thou let'st fall, -And run at Arden; for I have sworn -That these mine eyes, offended with his sight, 90 -Shall never close till Arden's be shut up. -This night I rose and walked about the chamber, -And twice or thrice I thought to have murdered him. - -_Mosbie_. What, in the night? then had we been undone. - -_Alice._ Why, how long shall he live? - -_Mosbie._ Faith, Alice, no longer than this night.-- -Black Will and Shakebag, will you two perform -The complot that I have laid? - -_Will._ Ay, or else think me a villain. - -_Greene._ And rather than you shall want, I'll help myself. - -_Mosbie._ You, Master Greene, shall single Franklin forth, -And hold him with a long tale of strange news, 102 -That he may not come home till supper-time. -I'll fetch Master Arden home, and we like friends -Will play a game or two at tables here. - -_Alice._ But what of all this? how shall he be slain? - -_Mosbie._ Why, Black Will and Shakebag locked within the counting-house -Shall at a certain watchword given rush forth. - -_Will._ What shall the watchword be? - -_Mosbie._ 'Now I take you'; that shall be the word: 110 -But come not forth before in any case. - -_Will._ I warrant you. But who shall lock me in? - -_Alice._ That will I do; thou'st keep the key thyself. - -_Mosbie._ Come, Master Greene, go you along with me. -See all things ready, Alice, against we come. - -_Alice._ Take no care for that; send you him home. - - [_Exeunt Mosbie and Greene._ - -And if he e'er go forth again, blame me. -Come, Black Will, that in mine eyes art fair; -Next unto Mosbie do I honour thee; -Instead of fair words and large promises 120 -My hands shall play you golden harmony: -How like you this? say, will you do it, sirs? - -_Will._ Ay, and that bravely, too. Mark my device: -Place Mosbie, being a stranger, in a chair, -And let your husband sit upon a stool, -That I may come behind him cunningly, -And with a towel pull him to the ground, -Then stab him till his flesh be as a sieve; -That done, bear him behind the Abbey, -That those that find him murdered may suppose 130 -Some slave or other killed him for his gold. - -_Alice._ A fine device! you shall have twenty pound, -And, when he is dead, you shall have forty more, -And, lest you might be suspected staying here, -Michael shall saddle you two lusty geldings; -Ride whither you will, to Scotland, or to Wales, -I'll see you shall not lack, where'er you be. - -_Will._ Such words would make one kill a thousand men! -Give me the key: which is the counting-house? - -_Alice._ Here would I stay and still encourage you; 140 -But that I know how resolute you are. - -_Shakebag._ Tush, you are too faint-hearted; we must do it. - -_Alice._ But Mosbie will be there, whose very looks -Will add unwonted courage to my thought, -And make me the first that shall adventure on him. - -_Will._ Tush, get you gone; 'tis we must do the deed. -When this door opens next, look for his death. - - [_Exeunt Will and Shakebag._ - -_Alice._ Ah, would he now were here that it might open! -I shall no more be closed in Arden's arms, -That like the snakes of black Tisiphone 150 -Sting me with their embracings! Mosbie's arms -Shall compass me, and, were I made a star, -I would have none other spheres but those. -There is no nectar but in Mosbie's lips! -Had chaste Diana kissed him, she like me -Would grow love-sick, and from her watery bower -Fling down Endymion and snatch him up: -Then blame not me that slay a silly man -Not half so lovely as Endymion. - -_Here enters Michael._ - -_Michael._ Mistress, my master is coming hard by. 160 - -_Alice._ Who comes with him? - -_Michael._ Nobody but Mosbie. - -_Alice._ That's well, Michael. Fetch in the tables, and -when thou hast done, stand before the counting-house door. - -_Michael._ Why so? - -_Alice._ Black Will is locked within to do the deed. - -_Michael._ What? shall he die to-night? - -_Alice._ Ay, Michael. - -_Michael._ But shall not Susan know it? - -_Alice._ Yes, for she'll be as secret as ourselves. 170 - -_Michael._ That's brave. I'll go fetch the tables. - -Alice. But, Michael, hark to me a word or two: -When my husband is come in, lock the street-door; -He shall be murdered, or the guests come in. - - [_Exit Michael._ - -_Here enters Arden and Mosbie._ - -Husband, what mean you to bring Mosbie home? -Although I wished you to be reconciled, -'Twas more for fear of you than love of him. -Black Will and Greene are his companions, -And they are cutters, and may cut you short: -Therefore I thought it good to make you friends. 180 -But wherefore do you bring him hither now? -You have given me my supper with his sight. - -_Mosbie._ Master Arden, methinks your wife would have me gone. - -_Arden._ No, good Master Mosbie; women will be prating. -Alice, bid him welcome; he and I are friends. - -_Alice._ You may enforce me to it, if you will; -But I had rather die than bid him welcome. -His company hath purchased me ill friends, -And therefore will I ne'er frequent it more. - -_Mosbie._--Oh, how cunningly she can dissemble! 190 - -_Arden._ Now he is here, you will not serve me so. - -_Alice._ I pray you be not angry or displeased; -I'll bid him welcome, seeing you'll have it so. -You are welcome, Master Mosbie; will you sit down? - -_Mosbie._ I know I am welcome to your loving husband; -But for yourself, you speak not from your heart. - -_Alice._ And if I do not, sir, think I have cause. - -_Mosbie._ Pardon me, Master Arden; I'll away. - -_Arden._ No, good Master Mosbie. - -_Alice._ We shall have guests enough, though you go hence. 200 - -_Mosbie._ I pray you, Master Arden, let me go. - -_Arden._ I pray thee, Mosbie, let her prate her fill. - -_Alice._ The doors are open, sir, you may be gone. - -_Michael._--Nay, that's a lie, for I have locked the doors. - -_Arden._ Sirrah, fetch me a cup of wine, I'll make them friends. -And, gentle Mistress Alice, seeing you are so stout, -You shall begin! frown not, I'll have it so. - -_Alice._ I pray you meddle with that you have to do. - -_Arden._ Why, Alice! how can I do too much for him -Whose life I have endangered without cause? 210 - -_Alice._ 'Tis true; and, seeing 'twas partly through my means, -I am content to drink to him for this once. -Here, Master Mosbie! and I pray you, henceforth -Be you as strange to me as I to you. -Your company hath purchased me ill friends, -And I for you, God knows, have undeserved -Been ill spoken of in every place; -Therefore henceforth frequent my house no more. - -_Mosbie._ I'll see your husband in despite of you. -Yet, Arden, I protest to thee by heaven, 220 -Thou ne'er shalt see me more after this night, -I'll go to Rome rather than be forsworn. - -_Arden._ Tush, I'll have no such vows made in my house. - -_Alice._ Yes, I pray you, husband, let him swear; -And, on that condition, Mosbie, pledge me here. - -_Mosbie._ Ay, as willingly as I mean to live. - -_Arden._ Come, Alice, is our supper ready yet? - -_Alice._ It will by then you have played a game at tables. - -_Arden._ Come, Master Mosbie, what shall we play for? - -_Mosbie._ Three games for a French crown, sir, and please you. 230 - -_Arden._ Content. - - [_Then they play at the tables. Enter Will and Shakebag._ - -_Will._--Can he not take him yet? what a spite is that? - -_Alice._--Not yet, Will; take heed he see thee not. - -_Will._--I fear he will spy me as I am coming. - -_Michael._--To prevent that, creep betwixt my legs. - -_Mosbie._ One ace, or else I lose the game. - -_Arden._ Marry, sir, there's two for failing. - -_Mosbie._ Ah, Master Arden, 'now I can take you.' - - [_Then Will pulls him down with a towel._ - -_Arden._ Mosbie! Michael! Alice! what will you do? - -_Will._ Nothing but take you up, sir, nothing else. 240 - -_Mosbie._ There's for the pressing iron you told me of. [_Stabs him._ - -_Shakebag._ And there's for the ten pound in my sleeve. [_Stabs him._ - -_Alice._ What! groans thou? nay, then give me the weapon! -Take this for hindering Mosbie's love and mine. [_She stabs him._ - -_Michael._ O, mistress! - -_Will._ Ah, that villain will betray us all. - -_Mosbie._ Tush, fear him not; he will be secret. - -_Michael._ Why, dost thou think I will betray myself? - -_Shakebag._ In Southwark dwells a bonny northern lass, -The widow Chambly; I'll to her house now, 250 -And if she will not give me harborough, -I'll make booty of the quean even to her smock. - -_Will._ Shift for yourselves; we two will leave you now. - -_Alice._ First lay the body in the counting-house. - - [_Then they lay the body in the Counting-house._ - -_Will._ We have our gold; Mistress Alice, adieu; -Mosbie, farewell, and Michael, farewell too. [_Exeunt._ - -_Enter Susan._ - -_Susan._ Mistress, the guests are at the doors. -Hearken, they knock: what, shall I let them in? - -_Alice._ Mosbie, go thou and bear them company. [_Exit Mosbie._ -And, Susan, fetch water and wash away this blood. - -_Susan._ The blood cleaveth to the ground and will not out. 261 - -_Alice._ But with my nails I'll scrape away the blood;-- -The more I strive, the more the blood appears! - -_Susan._ What's the reason, Mistress, can you tell? - -_Alice._ Because I blush not at my husband's death. - -_Here enters Mosbie._ - -_Mosbie._ How now? what's the matter? is all well? - -_Alice._ Ay, well, if Arden were alive again. -In vain we strive, for here his blood remains. - -_Mosbie._ Why, strew rushes on it, can you not? -This wench doth nothing: fall unto the work. 270 - -_Alice._ 'Twas thou that made me murder him. - -_Mosbie._ What of that? - -_Alice._ Nay, nothing, Mosbie, so it be not known. - -_Mosbie._ Keep thou it close, and 'tis unpossible. - -_Alice._ Ah, but I cannot! was he not slain by me? -My husband's death torments me at the heart. - -_Mosbie._ It shall not long torment thee, gentle Alice; -I am thy husband, think no more of him. - -_Here enters Adam Fowle and Bradshaw._ - -_Bradshaw._ How now, Mistress Arden? what ail you weep? - -_Mosbie._ Because her husband is abroad so late. 280 -A couple of ruffians threatened him yesternight, -And she, poor soul, is afraid he should be hurt. - -_Adam._ Is't nothing else? tush, he'll be here anon. - -_Here enters Greene._ - -_Greene._ Now, Mistress Arden, lack you any guests? - -_Alice._ Ah, Master Greene, did you see my husband lately? - -_Greene._ I saw him walking behind the Abbey even now. - -_Here enters Franklin._ - -_Alice._ I do not like this being out so late.-- -Master Franklin, where did you leave my husband? - -_Franklin._ Believe me I saw him not since morning. -Fear you not, he'll come anon; meantime 290 -You may do well to bid his guests sit down. - -_Alice._ Ay, so they shall; Master Bradshaw, sit you there; -I pray you, be content, I'll have my will. -Master Mosbie, sit you in my husband's seat. - -_Michael._--Susan, shall thou and I wait on them? -Or, an thou sayest the word, let us sit down too. - -_Susan._--Peace, we have other matters now in hand. -I fear me, Michael, all will be bewrayed. - -_Michael._--Tush, so it be known that I shall marry thee -in the morning, I care not though I be hanged ere -night. But to prevent the worst, I'll buy some ratsbane. 301 - -_Susan._--Why, Michael, wilt thou poison thyself? - -_Michael._--No, but my mistress, for I fear she'll tell. - -_Susan._--Tush, Michael; fear not her, she's wise enough. - -_Mosbie._ Sirrah Michael, give's a cup of beer.-- -Mistress Arden, here's to your husband. - -_Alice._ My husband! - -_Franklin._ What ails you, woman, to cry so suddenly? - -_Alice._ Ah, neighbours, a sudden qualm came o'er my heart; -My husband being forth torments my mind. 310 -I know something's amiss, he is not well; -Or else I should have heard of him ere now. - -_Mosbie._--She will undo us through her foolishness. - -_Greene._ Fear not, Mistress Arden, he's well enough. - -_Alice._ Tell not me; I know he is not well: -He was not wont for to stay thus late. -Good Master Franklin, go and seek him forth, -And if you find him, send him home to me, -And tell him what a fear he hath put me in. - -_Franklin._--I like not this; I pray God all be well. 320 -I'll seek him out, and find him if I can. - - [_Exeunt Franklin, Mosbie, and Greene._ - -_Alice._--Michael, how shall I do to rid the rest away? - -_Michael._--Leave that to my charge, let me alone. -'Tis very late, Master Bradshaw, -And there are many false knaves abroad, -And you have many narrow lanes to pass. - -_Bradshaw._ Faith, friend Michael, and thou sayest true. -Therefore I pray thee light's forth and lend's a link. - - [_Exeunt Bradshaw, Adam, and Michael._ - -_Alice._ Michael, bring them to the doors, but do not stay; -You know I do not love to be alone. 330 ---Go, Susan, and bid thy brother come: -But wherefore should he come? Here is nought but fear; -Stay, Susan, stay, and help to counsel me. - -_Susan._ Alas. I counsel! fear frights away my wits. - - [_Then they open the counting-house door, - and look upon Arden._ - -_Alice._ See, Susan, where thy quondam master lies, -Sweet Arden, smeared in blood and filthy gore. - -_Susan._ My brother, you, and I shall rue this deed. - -_Alice._ Come, Susan, help to lift his body forth, -And let our salt tears be his obsequies. - -_Here enters Mosbie and Greene._ - -_Mosbie._ How now, Alice, whither will you bear him? - -_Alice._ Sweet Mosbie, art thou come? Then weep that will: -I have my wish in that I joy thy sight. 342 - -_Greene._ Well, it behoves us to be circumspect. - -_Mosbie._ Ay, for Franklin thinks that we have murdered him. - -_Alice._ Ay, but he cannot prove it for his life. -We'll spend this night in dalliance and in sport. - -_Here enters Michael._ - -_Michael._ O mistress, the Mayor and all the watch -Are coming towards our house with glaives and bills. - -_Alice._ Make the door fast; let them not come in. - -_Mosbie._ Tell me, sweet Alice, how shall I escape? 350 - -_Alice._ Out at the back-door, over the pile of wood, -And for one night lie at the Flower-de-luce. - -_Mosbie._ That is the next way to betray myself. - -_Greene._ Alas, Mistress Arden, the watch will take me hers, -And cause suspicion, where else would be none. - -_Alice._ Why, take that way that Master Mosbie doth; -But first convey the body to the fields. - - [_Then they bear the body into the fields._ - -_Mosbie._ Until to-morrow, sweet Alice, now farewell: -And see you confess nothing in any case. - -_Greene._ Be resolute, Mistress Alice, betray us not, 360 -But cleave to us as we will stick to you. - - [_Exeunt Mosbie and Greene._ - -_Alice._ Now, let the judge and juries do their worst: -My house is clear, and now I fear them not. - -_Susan._ As we went, it snowed all the way, -Which makes me fear our footsteps will be spied. - -_Alice._ Peace, fool, the snow will cover them again. - -_Susan._ But it had done before we came back again. - -_Alice._ Hark, hark, they knock! go, Michael, let them in. - -_Here enters the Mayor and the Watch._ - -How now, Master Mayor, have you brought my husband home? - -_Mayor._ I saw him come into your house an hour ago. 370 - -_Alice._ You are deceived; it was a Londoner. - -_Mayor._ Mistress Arden, know you not one that is called Black Will? - -_Alice._ I know none such: what mean these questions? - -_Mayor._ I have the Council's warrant to apprehend him. - -_Alice._--I am glad it is no worse. -Why, Master Mayor, think you I harbour any such? - -_Mayor._ We are informed that here he is; -And therefore pardon us, for we must search. - -_Alice._ Ay, search, and spare you not, through every room: -Were my husband at home, you would not offer this. 380 - -_Here enters Franklin._ - -Master Franklin, what mean you come so sad? - -_Franklin._ Arden, thy husband and my friend, is slain. - -_Alice._ Ah, by whom? Master Franklin, can you tell? - -_Franklin._ I know not; but behind the Abbey -There he lies murdered in most piteous case. - -_Mayor._ But, Master Franklin, are you sure 'tis he? - -_Franklin._ I am too sure; would God I were deceived. - -_Alice._ Find out the murderers, let them be known. - -_Franklin._ Ay, so they shall: come you along with us. - -_Alice._ Wherefore? 390 - -_Franklin._ Know you this hand-towel and this knife? - -_Susan._--Ah, Michael, through this thy negligence -Thou hast betrayed and undone us all. - -_Michael._--I was so afraid I knew not what I did: -I thought I had thrown them both into the well. - -_Alice._ It is the pig's blood we had to supper. -But wherefore stay you? find out the murderers. - -_Mayor._ I fear me you'll prove one of them yourself. - -_Alice._ I one of them? what mean such questions? - -_Franklin._ I fear me he was murdered in this house 400 -And carried to the fields; for from that place -Backwards and forwards may you see -The print of many feet within the snow. -And look about this chamber where we are, -And you shall find part of his guiltless blood; -For in his slipshoe did I find some rushes, -Which argueth he was murdered in this room. - -_Mayor._ Look in the place where he was wont to sit. -See, see! his blood! it is too manifest. - -_Alice._ It is a cup of wine that Michael shed. 410 - -_Michael._ Ay, truly. - -_Franklin._ It is his blood, which, strumpet, thou hast shed. -But if I live, thou and thy 'complices -Which have conspired and wrought his death shall rue it. - -_Alice._ Ah, Master Franklin, God and heaven can tell -I loved him more than all the world beside. -But bring me to him, let me see his body. - -_Franklin._ Bring that villain and Mosbie's sister too; -And one of you go to the Flower-de-luce, -And seek for Mosbie, and apprehend him too. 420 - - [_Exeunt._ - -V. i. 58. _Hilts_ is common for 'hilt,' _e.g._ in Malory and Shakespeare; -'_both his hilts_' is apparently an extension of this use. -_Locked_ I take to mean 'crossed or clashed swords,' with his -adversary. - -V. i. 105. _game or two at tables_: a sort of backgammon. - -V. i. 155. Cf. the concluding lines of Ovid's _Elegy_, already -alluded to, i. 60. - -V. i. 338. 'Cecily Pounders did help to bear the dead corpse out -into a meadow there, commonly called the Amery Croft.'--_Wardmote -Book._ - - -SCENE II - -_An obscure street in London._ - -_Here enters Shakebag solus._ - -_Shakebag._ The widow Chambly in her husband's days I kept; -And now he's dead, she is grown so stout -She will not know her old companions. -I came thither, thinking to have had harbour -As I was wont, -And she was ready to thrust me out at doors; -But whether she would or no, I got me up, -And as she followed me, I spurned her down the stairs, -And broke her neck, and cut her tapster's throat, -And now I am going to fling them in the Thames. -I have the gold; what care I though it be known! -I'll cross the water and take sanctuary. - - [_Exit._ - - -SCENE III - -_Arden's House at Feversham._ - -_Here enters the Mayor, Mosbie, Alice, Franklin, -Michael, and Susan._ - -_Mayor._ See, Mistress Arden, where your husband lies; -Confess this foul fault and be penitent. - -_Alice._ Arden, sweet husband, what shall I say? -The more I sound his name, the more he bleeds; -This blood condemns me, and in gushing forth -Speaks as it falls, and asks me why I did it. -Forgive me, Arden: I repent me now, -And, would my death save thine, thou should'st not die. -Rise up, sweet Arden, and enjoy thy love, -And frown not on me when we meet in heaven: 10 -In heaven I'll love thee, though on earth I did not. - -_Mayor._ Say, Mosbie, what made thee murder him? - -_Franklin._ Study not for an answer; look not down: -His purse and girdle found at thy bed's head -Witness sufficiently thou didst the deed; -It bootless is to swear thou didst it not. - -_Mosbie._ I hired Black Will and Shakebag, ruffians both, -And they and I have done this murderous deed. -But wherefore stay we? Come and bear me hence. - -_Franklin._ Those ruffians shall not escape; I will up to London, 20 -And get the Council's warrant to apprehend them. - - [_Exeunt._ - - -SCENE IV - -_The Kentish Coast._ - -_Here enters Will._ - -_Will._ Shakebag, I hear, hath taken sanctuary, -But I am so pursued with hues and cries -For petty robberies that I have done, -That I can come unto no sanctuary. -Therefore must I in some oyster-boat -At last be fain to go on board some hoy, -And so to Flushing. There is no staying here. -At Sittingburgh the watch was like to take me, -And had not I with my buckler covered my head, -And run full blank at all adventures, 10 -I am sure I had ne'er gone further than that place; -For the constable had twenty warrants to apprehend me, -Besides that, I robbed him and his man once at Gadshill. -Farewell, England; I'll to Flushing now. - - [_Exit Will._ - -V. iv. 5. Faversham was famous for its oysters. - - -SCENE V - -_Justice-room at Feversham._ - -_Here enters the Mayor, Mosbie, Alice, Michael, Susan, -and Bradshaw._ - -_Mayor._ Come, make haste and bring away the prisoners. - -_Bradshaw._ Mistress Arden, you are now going to God, -And I am by the law condemned to die -About a letter I brought from Master Greene. -I pray you, Mistress Arden, speak the truth: -Was I ever privy to your intent or no. - -_Alice._ What should I say? You brought me such a letter, -But I dare swear thou knewest not the contents. -Leave now to trouble me with worldly things, -And let me meditate upon my saviour Christ, 10 -Whose blood must save me for the blood I shed. - -_Mosbie._ How long shall I live in this hell of grief? -Convey me from the presence of that strumpet. - -_Alice._ Ah, but for thee I had never been a strumpet. -What cannot oaths and protestations do, -When men have opportunity to woo? -I was too young to sound thy villainies, -But now I find it and repent too late. - -_Susan._ Ah, gentle brother, wherefore should I die? -I knew not of it till the deed was done. 20 - -_Mosbie._ For thee I mourn more than for myself; -But let it suffice, I cannot save thee now. - -_Michael._ And if your brother and my mistress -Had not promised me you in marriage, -I had ne'er given consent to this foul deed. - -_Mayor._ Leave to accuse each other now, -And listen to the sentence I shall give. -Bear Mosbie and his sister to London straight, -Where they in Smithfield must be executed; -Bear Mistress Arden unto Canterbury, 30 -Where her sentence is she must be burnt; -Michael and Bradshaw in Feversham must suffer death. - -_Alice._ Let my death make amends for all my sins. - -_Mosbie._ Fie upon women! this shall be my song; -But bear me hence, for I have lived too long. - -_Susan._ Seeing no hope on earth, in heaven is my hope. - -_Michael._ Faith, I care not, seeing I die with Susan. - -_Bradshaw._ My blood be on his head that gave the sentence. - -_Mayor._ To speedy execution with them all! [_Exeunt._ - -V. v. 30. 'For the charges of brenning Mistress Arden and -execution of George Bradshaw, XLIII S.'--_Canterbury Records._ - - -SCENE VI - -_Here enters Franklin._ - -_Franklin._ Thus have you seen the truth of Arden's death. -As for the ruffians, Shakebag and Black Will, -The one took sanctuary, and, being sent for out, -Was murdered in Southwark as he passed -To Greenwich, where the Lord Protector lay. -Black Will was burned in Flushing on a stage; -Greene was hanged at Osbridge in Kent; -The painter fled and how he died we know not. -But this above the rest is to be noted: -Arden lay murdered in that plot of ground 10 -Which he by force and violence held from Reede; -And in the grass his body's print was seen -Two years and more after the deed was done. -Gentlemen, we hope you'll pardon this naked tragedy, -Wherein no filed points are foisted in -To make it gracious to the ear or eye; -For simple truth is gracious enough, -And needs no other points of glosing stuff. [_Exit._ - -V. vi. 2. By the _Wardmote Book_, 'George Loosebagg, _i.e._ -Shakebag, escaped at that time.' John Green, who like Mosbie -was a tailor, was taken in July in Cornwall and brought to Faversham -and hanged in chains within the liberties. Susan, in the -play, combines the characters of Cecily Pounder, Mosbie's sister, -and of Elizabeth Stafford, the maid-servant. Morsby and his -sister were hanged in Smithfield; Michael Saunderson was 'drawn -and hanged in chains' in Faversham, where Elizabeth was burnt. -By the _Wardmote Book_ Alice Arden did not stab her husband. - - - - -GLOSSARY - - -ABHORS FROM, differs entirely from; I. 54; an uncommon use. Dr. Murray -quotes _Fox, A. and M._; II. 357, 'It did nothing at all abhor from -nature.' - -ANGEL, the coin of that name; II. i. 89, etc. - -ARMING SWORD, a large two-handed sword, V. i. 72. - - -BASILISK, a fabulous serpent supposed to kill by its look, a -cockatrice; I. 215. Cf. 'Would they were basilisks to strike thee -dead.'--_Richard III._, III. ii. 151. - -BEDEEM, forbode, 'doom me to'; III. iii. 31; not quoted by Dr. Murray. - -BEDESMAN, one who says prayers for another, 'humble servant'; III. vi. -120. - -BERAYED, befouled; IV. iii. 58. Cf. 'Was ever man so rayed.'--_Shrew_, -IV. i. 3. - -BEWRAYED, betrayed; III. ii. 27. - -BLAB, talk; I. 135. Used both as a noun and a verb. - -BLOCK, obstacle; I. 137. - -BODKIN, a tailor's awl; I. 313. - -BOLSTERED, matted with blood; III. i. 73. Cf. 'Blood-bolstered -Banquo.'--_Macbeth_, IV. i. 123. - -BOTCHER, a jobbing tailor; I. 25, 316. Cf. Huloet, 'A tailor, bodger, -botcher, mender or patcher of old garments.' - -BRABLE, quarrel; IV. i. 77. - -BROKAGE, petty dealing; here especially dealing in old clothes; I. 26. - -BUGS, hobgoblins: III. ii. 19. - - -CAUSELESS, adv., without cause, I. 358. - -CHOPS ME IN, interrupts suddenly; III. vi. 130; 'me' is a dative; chop -is used in the sense of doing quickly. Cf. _Richard III._, I. iv. 160, -'Then we will chop him in the malmsey butt.' - -COIL, trouble; III. vi. 5. - -COISTRIL, a paltry young fellow; III. ii. 41, 58. Cf. _Twelfth Night_, -I. iii. 43, 'A coward and a coistril.' - -COPESMATE, market-mate, companion; III. v. 104. Cf. _Lucrece_, 925, -'Misshapen Time, copesmate of ugly Night.' - -COLTSTAFF, a staff used by two persons for carrying 'cowls,' _i.e._ -tubs; V. i. 22. Cf. _Merry Wives_, III. iii. 156, 'Where's the -cowlstaff?' - -COSTARD, head; V. i. 63; literally a large ribbed apple. Frequent in -Shakespeare. - -CROWN, crown-piece; III. vi. 132. - -CURST, shrewish; IV. ii. 12. - -CUTTER, bully, cutthroat; I. 522; IV. iii. 74, etc. Cf. Harrison's -_England_, II. 16, 'Some desperate cutters we have.' - - -DAG, pistol; III. vi. 9, 131. The derivation is not known. - -DALLYING, delaying, trifling; I. 397. - -DISPOSE, disposal; I. 606. Common in Shakespeare. - -DISTRESSFUL, miserable: III. v. 56; IV. iv. 51. Cf. _Henry V._, IV. i. -287, 'Crammed with distressful bread.' - -DRIFTS, plots; I. 178, 450, etc. - - -EAR, plough; III. v. 24. - -ESCHEW, avoid; I. 347. - - -FLAW, gust of wind; IV. iv. 44. - -FORSLOWED, delayed; III. v. 85. Cf. 3 _Henry VI._, II. iii. 56, -'Forslow no longer.' - -FOSTER, forester; III. iii. 13. - -FROLIC, used as an exclamation = 'cheer up'; I. 512. Cf. Kyd's -_Jeronimo_, I. i. 1. - - -GIGLOT, a wanton woman, III. v. 87; connected with 'giggle.' - -GLAIVES, swords; V. i. 348. - -GLOSING, wordy; V. vi. 18. - - -HANDSEL, confirm, seal; II. i. 117. - -HARBOROUGH, old form of harbour; V. i. 251. - -HORNSBY, cuckold; IV. iii. 76. - -HOUGHT, hocked or hamstrung; IV. iii. 38. - - -IMPETRATE, get by asking; II. ii. 16. - - -JETS, struts; I. 30. Cf. _Cymbeline_, III. iii. 4, 'Giants may jet -through.' - - -LAY IT ON, fall to work; V. i. 50. Cf. _Winter's Tale_, IV. iii. 43, -'My father hath made her mistress of the feast and she lays it on.' - -LEAVE, cease; III. vi. 72, etc. - -LORDAINE, clown, IV. i. 58. - - -MISEVENT, mishap; IV. iv. 49. - -MISTAKING, misunderstanding; IV. i. 27. - -MITHRIDATE, antidote; I. 383. Called after the famous King of Pontus, -who made himself poison-proof. Greene uses the word. - -MUSCADO, musket; III. vi. 20. - -MUTCHADO, moustache; II. i. 54. - - -PANTOFLES, slippers; II. ii. 9. - -PASSIONATE, sorrowful; III. v. 45. Cf. _John II._, 544, 'She is sad and -passionate.' - -PLANCHERS, planks; I. 42. 'Planched' is found in _Measure for Measure_, -IV. i. 3. - -PLATFORM, scheme; II. i. 100. Cf. 1 _Henry VI._, II. i. 77. - -PRECISIAN, puritan; III. ii. 18. - -_Prick-eared_, III. ii. 62; cf. _Henry V._, II. i. 44, 'Prick-eared cur -of Iceland.' - - -QUALM, fit of nausea; III. vi. 67; V. i. 309. - -QUARTERAGE, quarterly payment; II. ii. 98. - - -RACE, raze down; I. 47, 118. - -RELIGIOUS, devout; I. 587. - - -SCONCE, small fort; V. i. 70. - -SECURELY, without misgiving; I. 50. - -SLIPSHOE, slipper; V. i. 406. - -STANDINGS, place of vantage, ambush; III. vi. 38. - -STOUT, proud, overbearing; V. i. 206, ii. 2. Cf. 'I will be strange, -stout, in yellow stockings.'--_Twelfth Night_, II. v. 185, and 2 _Henry -VI._, I. i. 187. - -SULLENS, moroseness; IV. iv. 108. Cf. _Richard II._, II. i. 139: 'Let -them die that age and sullens have.' - -SURE, betrothed; I. 151. Cf. _Merry Wives_, V. v. 237. - -SUSPECT, suspicion; I. i. 130. Cf. Sonnet LXX. 'The ornament of beauty -is suspect.' - - -TICING, enticing; I. 197. - -TRUG, a drab; I. 499. Greene uses the word. - -TRULL, worthless woman; I. 498. - -TRUSS, tie up for hanging; III. vi. 125; here = 'get yourself trussed.' - - -WATCHET, pale blue; II. i. 56. - -WAGER, give a wage to; I. 523. Shakespeare uses 'wage' in this sense, -_Coriolanus_, V. vi. 40. - -WHISTLY, silently; III. iii. 9. - - -YEOMANRY, homespun wit; IV. ii. 37. - -[Illustration] - - Printed by T. and A. CONSTABLE, Printers to Her Majesty - at the Edinburgh University Press - - - * * * * * - - -Transcriber's Note - -The following apparent printing errors have been corrected: - - -p. 4 "the field." changed to "the field," - -p. 6 "of men." changed to "of men," - -p. 10 "it me" changed to "it me." - -p. 19 "true or no" changed to "true or no?" - -p. 23 "neighhour" changed to "neighbour" - -p. 30 line-number 90 changed to 93 - -p. 36 "heat." changed to "heat," - -p. 49 "dream" changed to "dream." - -p. 69 "is death" changed to "is death." - -p. 75 "my state," changed to "my state." - -p. 97 "bills" changed to "bills." - -p. 99 "knew now" changed to "knew not" - -p. 102 "did not" changed to "did not." - -p. 104 "a a letter" changed to "a letter" - -p. 107 "_Merry Wives_, iII" changed to "_Merry Wives_, III" - -p. 110 "adevrbially" changed to "adverbially" - -p. 111 (note to II. i. 58) "'Seam rent fellows," changed to "'Seam -rent fellows,'" - -p. 111 (note to III. i. 5) "sense" changed to "sense?" - - -Other inconsistent punctuation has been retained as printed, as have -inconsistent spellings. - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Arden of Feversham, by Anonymous and Thomas Kyd - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ARDEN OF FEVERSHAM *** - -***** This file should be named 43440.txt or 43440.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/3/4/4/43440/ - -Produced by Henry Flower and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: Arden of Feversham - -Author: Anonymous - Thomas Kyd - -Editor: Ronald Bayne - -Release Date: August 11, 2013 [EBook #43440] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ARDEN OF FEVERSHAM *** - - - - -Produced by Henry Flower and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - - - - - - - -Transcriber's Note - -Endnotes have been moved to the end of the scene to which they apply. -The following note preceded the printed endnotes: - -"In the Quartos there are no divisions of acts and scenes. - -A, B, C = 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Quartos." - -Italic text is marked by _underscores_, and bold text by ~swung dashes~. - - - - -[Illustration] - -_THE TEMPLE DRAMATISTS_ - -ARDEN OF FEVERSHAM - -[Illustration] - - - - -The text of this edition is nearly that of the first Quarto, the copy -of which in the Dyce Library at South Kensington has been carefully -collated. I have not noted minute variations. The German editors, -Warnke and Proescholt, give the various readings of the three Quartos -and of later editions. - -[Illustration: _Feversham Abbey._] - - - - -ARDEN OF -FEVERSHAM - -_Edited with a Preface, Notes -and Glossary by_ - -REV. RONALD BAYNE -M.A. - - -J. M. DENT AND CO. -ALDINE HOUSE : LONDON -1897 - - - - -'Considering the various and marvellous gifts displayed for the first -time on our stage by the great poet, the great dramatist, the strong -and subtle searcher of hearts, the just and merciful judge and painter -of human passions, who gave this tragedy to the new-born literature -of our drama ... I cannot but finally take heart to say, even in -the absence of all external or traditional testimony, that it seems -to me not pardonable merely or permissible, but simply logical and -reasonable, to set down this poem, a young man's work on the face of -it, as the possible work of no man's youthful hand but Shakespeare's.' - -Mr. A. C. SWINBURNE. - - - - -PREFACE - - -~Early Editions.~ On 3rd April, 1592, '_The Tragedie of Arden of -Feversham and Blackwall_'[A] was entered on the Stationers' Registers -to Edward White. In the same year appeared, '_The lamentable and true -Tragedie of M. Arden of Feversham in Kent. Who was most wickedlye -murdered, by the meanes of his disloyall and wanton wyfe, who for the -love she bare to one Mosbie, hyred two desperat ruffins, Blackwill -and Shakbag, to kill him. Wherin is shewed the great mallice and -discimulation of a wicked woman, the unsatiable desire of filthie lust -and the shamefull end of all murderers. Imprinted at London for Edward -White, dwelling at the lyttle North dore of Paules Church at the signe -of the Gun._ 1592.' A second Quarto, with the same title, was printed -in 1599. A third, '_by Eliz. Allde dwelling neere Christs Church_,' -appeared in 1633. The second and third Quartos are founded textually -upon the first, and their variations are of no value. The text of the -first Quarto is unusually good even when prose and verse are mixed -together, although the printer has apparently no scientific knowledge -of the nature of metre. - -[Footnote A: A misprint for _Blackwill_.] - - -~Place of the Play in the Elizabethan Drama.~ _Arden of Faversham_ -is the finest extant specimen of a kind of play which has been -classified as Domestic Tragedy. A picturesque or sensational murder in -the sixteenth century was given to the public first in popular ballads -or pamphlets, and afterwards, if sufficiently notable, in the more -serious Chronicle. From the popular pamphlet, or from the Chronicle, -or from both together, it found its way on to the stage. Four of these -'murder-plays' have come down to us, and the titles of many others. -They form a minor section of the Chronicle plays or Histories. They did -not attain any very striking literary development, owing perhaps to the -necessary bondage of the poet to his facts. _Arden of Faversham_ is a -remarkable instance of the possibilities of this class of play, but it -is to be noted that the poet used the narrative of a Chronicler who -wrote twenty-seven years after the date of the murder. _A Warning for -Fair Women_ and Yarington's _Two Tragedies in One_ are both inferior -to _Arden_, though influenced by it. The fourth 'murder-play'--_The -Yorkshire Tragedy_--is distinct from the other three in style and -method. Several famous dramatists produced 'domestic' tragedies, but -none have survived. _A Late Murder of the Son upon the Mother_, in -which Ford and Webster collaborated, must have been a notable piece of -work. - - -~Source of the Play.~ On Sunday, 15th February 1550-1, Thomas -Ardern of Faversham, gentleman, 'was heynously murdered in his own -parlour, about seven of the clock in the night, by one Thomas Morsby, a -taylor of London, late servant to sir Edward North, knight, chancellor -of the augmentations, father-in-law unto Alice Ardern, wife of the -said Thomas Ardern.' Thomas Ardern was Mayor of Faversham in 1548, -and his murder made such a stir that in 1577 the first edition of -Holinshed's _Chronicle_ devotes five pages (pp. 1703-8) to an elaborate -account of it. The chronicler begins thus:--'About this time there was -at Faversham in Kent a Gentleman named Arden most cruelly murthered -and slain by the procurement of his own wife. The which murder for -the horribleness thereof, although otherwise it may seem to be but a -private matter, and therefore as it were impertinent to this History, -I have thought good to set it forth somewhat at large, having the -instructions delivered to me by them that have used some diligence -to gather the true understanding of the circumstances.' Our first -quotation was from the _Wardmote Book of Faversham_, and proves that -Holinshed's narrative is not minutely accurate. The _Wardmote Book_ -gives a curt account of the actual murder on the Sunday evening with -the names and fate of the culprits. It tells us nothing of the previous -failures of these culprits which give to Holinshed's tale such a -terrible and dramatic interest. We need not speculate on Holinshed's -sources. No doubt there were many contemporary pamphlets and ballads -which recounted the murder. We know only of _The Complaint ... of -Mistress Arden of Feversham_, preserved among the _Roxburghe Ballads_, -and reprinted by Evans and in Miss De Vaynes' _Kentish Garland_. -But this is dated by Mr. Bullen about 1633, when the third Quarto -of the play appeared, and was probably occasioned by that re-issue. -The important point to bear in mind is the excellence of Holinshed's -narrative. To praise it adequately we must say that it is worthy of -the fine play founded upon it, which probably had no other source. -The play agrees always with Holinshed when Holinshed differs from the -_Wardmote Book_. When the play differs from Holinshed it differs also -from the _Wardmote Book_. To the dramatic instinct of the poet we must -ascribe his suppression of the fact that Arden winked at his wife's -infidelity. Holinshed and the _Wardmote Book_ both explicitly assert -this. Franklin, Arden's friend, is also an invention of the dramatist. - - -~Author of the Play.~ The three Quartos are all anonymous. We -know of no other edition till 1770, when Edward Jacob, a Faversham -antiquary, edited the first Quarto, and boldly claimed the play for -Shakespeare. Ludwig Tieck published in 1823 an excellent German -translation, accompanied by a discriminating statement of the case for -the Shakesperean authorship. Delius, editing the play in 1855, agreed -with Tieck, and was followed by the French translator, Franois Victor -Hugo, and more recently by Professor Mzires. Owing to the supposed -Shakespearean authorship there have been at least three translations -into German, one into French, and one into Dutch. In England opinion -has been more divided. Henry Tyrrell,[B] Charles Knight, and Mr. -Swinburne[C] have supported the Shakespearean authorship. Professor -Ward[D] and J. A. Symonds incline to reject it. Professor Saintsbury -considers that 'the only possible hypothesis on which it could be -admitted as Shakespeare's would be that of an early experiment thrown -off while he was seeking his way in a direction where he found no -thoroughfare.'[E] Mr. Bullen, who edited a careful reprint of the first -Quarto in 1887, suspects 'that _Arden_ in its present state has been -retouched here and there by the master's hand.' The latest German -editors, Warnke and Proescholt (1888), 'are of opinion that Shakespeare -had nothing to do with _Arden of Faversham_.' - -[Footnote B: _Doubtful Plays of Shakespeare._] - -[Footnote C: _Study of Shakespeare._] - -[Footnote D: _History of English Dramatic Literature._] - -[Footnote E: _History of Elizabethan Literature._] - - -~The Question of Shakespeare's Authorship.~ The only reason for -ascribing the play to Shakespeare is its merit. It seems incredible -that a drama so mature in its art should have been written in 1592 -by a writer otherwise unknown to us. In three directions the art of -the writer is mature. First, the character of the base coward Mosbie, -and of the 'bourgeois Clytemnestra,' Alice Arden, are drawn with an -insight, delicacy, and sustained power new to English literature in -1592, and not excelled till Shakespeare excelled them. The picture of -Arden, as a man fascinated and bewitched by his wife and by his fate, -might match that of Mosbie and Alice if the artist had not blurred his -conception by the introduction of the jarring motives of avarice and -sacrilege. But the poet's aim is clear; it is his own, and it almost -succeeds. Second, the picturesque ferocity and grim humour of Black -Will and Shakebag are described with a firmness and ease and restraint -of style which critics have not sufficiently noted. I can compare it -only with the Jack Cade scenes of the _Contention_ (and _2 Henry VI._). -The prose of our poet is excellent. His humour has a clearly defined -character and style of its own. The character of Michael, so admired -by Mr. Swinburne, is as subtle and well-sustained as Mosbie's or Alice -Arden's, and it exhibits our poet's special humorous gift. This gift, -excellent as it is, seems to me very definitely not Shakespearean. -But thirdly, the terrifying use of signs and omens and of an almost -Shakespearean irony--_e.g._ Arden's words, 'I am almost stifled with -this fog!'--combine to produce as the play proceeds an impressive sense -of 'the slow unerring tread of assassination, balked but persevering, -marching like a fate to its accomplishment.' But the special -excellencies of the play are all against Shakespeare having written -it by 1592. As Mr. Bullen insists, the weak point in Mr. Swinburne's -criticism is the phrase 'a young man's work.' This play is not 'a young -man's work.' The copiousness of the young man Shakespeare's work is -the exact contrary of the deliberate anxious effort which marks the -style of _Arden of Faversham_ except in the prose scenes. In none of -Shakespeare's plays can it be perceived that the poet has taken such -pains as the poet of _Arden_ takes. Unless Shakespeare wrote this play -as soon as he reached London, and then for a year or two wrote nothing -else, it is impossible to fit it into his work. And if he wrote the -play as soon as he reached London and then took up the studies which -resulted in _Venus and Adonis_ and _Lucrece_, would he have written -_Love's Labour's Lost_ and _Comedy of Errors_ on his way back to work -like _Arden_? If Shakespeare wrote _Arden_ it is the most interesting -fact in his literary development. To suggest that Shakespeare revised -the play is to shirk the question. Its excellence is in its warp and -woof, not in its ornaments. - - -~Literature.~ Mr. Bullen's _Introduction_ is the best monograph on -the play. Warnke and Proescholt's _Introduction_ should be consulted, -but lacks the distinction of style and the critical insight of Mr. -Bullen's essay. Excellent analyses and criticisms of the play are in -Charles Knight's _Doubtful Plays_ ('Pictorial Shakespere'); J. A. -Symonds' _Shakspere's Predecessors_; Alfred Mzires' _Prdcesseurs et -Contemporains de Shakspeare_. Mr. Fleay in his _Biographical Chronicle -of the English Drama_ (1891) has suggested Kyd as the author of _Arden_. - -[Illustration] - - - - -ARDEN OF FEVERSHAM - - - - -DRAMATIS PERSON - - -THOMAS ARDEN, Gentleman, of Feversham -FRANKLIN, his Friend -MOSBIE -CLARKE, a Painter -ADAM FOWLE, Landlord of the Flower-de-Luce -BRADSHAW, a Goldsmith -MICHAEL, Arden's Servant -GREENE -RICHARD REEDE, a Sailor -BLACK WILL } Murderers -SHAKEBAG } -A PRENTICE -A FERRYMAN -LORD CHEINY, and his Men -MAYOR OF FEVERSHAM, and Watch - -ALICE, Arden's Wife -SUSAN, Mosbie's Sister - - - - -ARDEN OF FEVERSHAM - - - - -ACT I - - -_A Room in Arden's House._ - -_Enter Arden and Franklin._ - -_Franklin._ Arden, cheer up thy spirits, and droop no more! -My gracious Lord, the Duke of Somerset, -Hath freely given to thee and to thy heirs, -By letters patents from his Majesty, -All the lands of the Abbey of Feversham. -Here are the deeds, [_He hands them._ -Sealed and subscribed with his name and the king's: -Read them, and leave this melancholy mood. - -_Arden._ Franklin, thy love prolongs my weary life; -And but for thee how odious were this life, 10 -That shows me nothing but torments my soul, -And those foul objects that offend mine eyes! -Which makes me wish that for this veil of heaven -The earth hung over my head and covered me. -Love-letters pass 'twixt Mosbie and my wife, -And they have privy meetings in the town: -Nay, on his finger did I spy the ring -Which at our marriage-day the priest put on. -Can any grief be half so great as this? - -_Franklin._ Comfort thyself, sweet friend; it is not strange 20 -That women will be false and wavering. - -_Arden._ Ay, but to dote on such a one as he -Is monstrous, Franklin, and intolerable. - -_Franklin._ Why, what is he? - -_Arden._ A botcher, and no better at the first; -Who, by base brokage getting some small stock, -Crept into service of a nobleman, -And by his servile flattery and fawning -Is now become the steward of his house, -And bravely jets it in his silken gown. 30 - -_Franklin._ No nobleman will countenance such a peasant. - -_Arden._ Yes, the Lord Clifford, he that loves not me. -But through his favour let him not grow proud; -For were he by the Lord Protector backed, -He should not make me to be pointed at. -I am by birth a gentleman of blood, -And that injurious ribald, that attempts -To violate my dear wife's chastity -(For dear I hold her love, as dear as heaven) -Shall on the bed which he thinks to defile 40 -See his dissevered joints and sinews torn, -Whilst on the planchers pants his weary body, -Smeared in the channels of his lustful blood. - -_Franklin._ Be patient, gentle friend, and learn of me -To ease thy grief and save her chastity: -Intreat her fair; sweet words are fittest engines -To race the flint walls of a woman's breast. -In any case be not too jealous, -Nor make no question of her love to thee; -But, as securely, presently take horse, 50 -And lie with me at London all this term; -For women, when they may, will not, -But, being kept back, straight grow outrageous. - -_Arden._ Though this abhors from reason, yet I'll try it, -And call her forth and presently take leave. -How! Alice! - -_Here enters Alice._ - -_Alice._ Husband, what mean you to get up so early? -Summer-nights are short, and yet you rise ere day. -Had I been wake, you had not risen so soon. - -_Arden._ Sweet love, thou knowest that we two, Ovid-like, 60 -Have often chid the morning when it 'gan to peep, -And often wished that dark night's purblind steeds -Would pull her by the purple mantle back, -And cast her in the ocean to her love. -But this night, sweet Alice, thou hast killed my heart: -I heard thee call on Mosbie in thy sleep. - -_Alice._ 'Tis like I was asleep when I named him, -For being awake he comes not in my thoughts. - -_Arden._ Ay, but you started up and suddenly, -Instead of him, caught me about the neck. 70 - -_Alice._ Instead of him? why, who was there but you? -And where but one is, how can I mistake? - -_Franklin._ Arden, leave to urge her over-far. - -_Arden._ Nay, love, there is no credit in a dream; -Let it suffice I know thou lovest me well. - -_Alice._ Now I remember whereupon it came: -Had we no talk of Mosbie yesternight? - -_Franklin._ Mistress Alice, I heard you name him once or twice. - -_Alice._ And thereof came it, and therefore blame not me. - -_Arden._ I know it did, and therefore let it pass. 80 -I must to London, sweet Alice, presently. - -_Alice._ But tell me, do you mean to stay there long? - -_Arden._ No longer there till my affairs be done. - -_Franklin._ He will not stay above a month at most. - -_Alice._ A month? ay me! Sweet Arden, come again -Within a day or two, or else I die. - -_Arden._ I cannot long be from thee, gentle Alice. -Whilst Michael fetch our horses from the field, -Franklin and I will down unto the quay; -For I have certain goods there to unload. 90 -Meanwhile prepare our breakfast, gentle Alice; -For yet ere noon we'll take horse and away. - - [_Exeunt Arden and Franklin._ - -_Alice._ Ere noon he means to take horse and away! -Sweet news is this. O that some airy spirit -Would in the shape and likeness of a horse -Gallop with Arden 'cross the Ocean, -And throw him from his back into the waves! -Sweet Mosbie is the man that hath my heart: -And he usurps it, having nought but this, -That I am tied to him by marriage. 100 -Love is a God, and marriage is but words; -And therefore Mosbie's title is the best. -Tush! whether it be or no, he shall be mine, -In spite of him, of Hymen, and of rites. - -_Here enters Adam of the Flower-de-luce._ - -And here comes Adam of the Flower-de-luce; -I hope he brings me tidings of my love. ---How now, Adam, what is the news with you? -Be not afraid; my husband is now from home. - -_Adam._ He whom you wot of, Mosbie, Mistress Alice, -Is come to town, and sends you word by me 110 -In any case you may not visit him. - -_Alice._ Not visit him? - -_Adam._ No, nor take no knowledge of his being here. - -_Alice._ But tell me, is he angry or displeased? - -_Adam._ It should seem so, for he is wondrous sad. - -_Alice._ Were he as mad as raving Hercules, -I'll see him, I; and were thy house of force, -These hands of mine should race it to the ground, -Unless that thou wouldst bring me to my love. - -_Adam._ Nay, and you be so impatient, I'll be gone. 120 - -_Alice._ Stay, Adam, stay; thou wert wont to be my friend. -Ask Mosbie how I have incurred his wrath; -Bear him from me these pair of silver dice, -With which we played for kisses many a time, -And when I lost, I won, and so did he;-- -Such winning and such losing Jove send me! -And bid him, if his love do not decline, -To come this morning but along my door, -And as a stranger but salute me there: -This may he do without suspect or fear. 130 - -_Adam._ I'll tell him what you say, and so farewell. - - [_Exit Adam._ - -_Alice._ Do, and one day I'll make amends for all.-- -I know he loves me well, but dares not come, -Because my husband is so jealous, -And these my narrow-prying neighbours blab, -Hinder our meetings when we would confer. -But, if I live, that block shall be removed, -And, Mosbie, thou that comes to me by stealth, -Shalt neither fear the biting speech of men, -Nor Arden's looks; as surely shall he die 140 -As I abhor him and love only thee. - -_Here enters Michael._ - -How now, Michael, whither are you going? - -_Michael._ To fetch my master's nag. -I hope you'll think on me. - -_Alice._ Ay; but, Michael, see you keep your oath, -And be as secret as you are resolute. - -_Michael._ I'll see he shall not live above a week. - -_Alice._ On that condition, Michael, here's my hand: -None shall have Mosbie's sister but thyself. - -_Michael._ I understand the painter here hard by 150 -Hath made report that he and Sue is sure. - -_Alice._ There's no such matter, Michael; believe it not. - -_Michael._ But he hath sent a dagger sticking in a heart, -With a verse or two stolen from a painted cloth, -The which I hear the wench keeps in her chest. -Well, let her keep it! I shall find a fellow -That can both write and read and make rhyme too. -And if I do--well, I say no more: -I'll send from London such a taunting letter -As she shall eat the heart he sent with salt 160 -And fling the dagger at the painter's head. - -_Alice._ What needs all this? I say that Susan's thine. - -_Michael._ Why, then I say that I will kill my master, -Or anything that you will have me do. - -_Alice._ But, Michael, see you do it cunningly. - -_Michael._ Why, say I should be took, I'll ne'er confess -That you know anything; and Susan, being a maid, -May beg me from the gallows of the sheriff. - -_Alice._ Trust not to that, Michael. - -_Michael._ You cannot tell me, I have seen it, I. 170 -But, mistress, tell her, whether I live or die, -I'll make her more worth than twenty painters can; -For I will rid mine elder brother away, -And then the farm of Bolton is mine own. -Who would not venture upon house and land, -When he may have it for a right down blow? - -_Here enters Mosbie._ - -_Alice._ Yonder comes Mosbie. Michael, get thee gone, -And let not him nor any know thy drifts. - - [_Exit Michael._ - -Mosbie, my love! - -_Mosbie._ Away, I say, and talk not to me now. 180 - -_Alice._ A word or two, sweet heart, and then I will. -'Tis yet but early days, thou needst not fear. - -_Mosbie._ Where is your husband? - -_Alice._ 'Tis now high water, and he is at the quay. - -_Mosbie._ There let him be; henceforward know me not. - -_Alice._ Is this the end of all thy solemn oaths? -Is this the fruit thy reconcilement buds? -Have I for this given thee so many favours, -Incurred my husband's hate, and, out alas! -Made shipwreck of mine honour for thy sake? 190 -And dost thou say 'henceforward know me not'? -Remember, when I lock'd thee in my closet, -What were thy words and mine; did we not both -Decree to murder Arden in the night? -The heavens can witness, and the world can tell, -Before I saw that falsehood look of thine, -'Fore I was tangled with thy 'ticing speech, -Arden to me was dearer than my soul,-- -And shall be still: base peasant, get thee gone, -And boast not of thy conquest over me, 200 -Gotten by witchcraft and mere sorcery! -For what hast thou to countenance my love, -Being descended of a noble house, -And matched already with a gentleman -Whose servant thou may'st be!--and so farewell. - -_Mosbie._ Ungentle and unkind Alice, now I see -That which I ever feared, and find too true: -A woman's love is as the lightning-flame, -Which even in bursting forth consumes itself. -To try thy constancy have I been strange; 210 -Would I had never tried, but lived in hope! - -_Alice._ What need'st thou try me whom thou ne'er found false? - -_Mosbie._ Yet pardon me, for love is jealous. - -_Alice._ So lists the sailor to the mermaid's song, -So looks the traveller to the basilisk: -I am content for to be reconciled, -And that, I know, will be mine overthrow. - -_Mosbie._ Thine overthrow? first let the world dissolve. - -_Alice._ Nay, Mosbie, let me still enjoy thy love, -And happen what will, I am resolute. 220 -My saving husband hoards up bags of gold -To make our children rich, and now is he -Gone to unload the goods that shall be thine, -And he and Franklin will to London straight. - -_Mosbie._ To London, Alice? if thou'lt be ruled by me, -We'll make him sure enough for coming there. - -_Alice._ Ah, would we could! - -_Mosbie._ I happened on a painter yesternight, -The only cunning man of Christendom; -For he can temper poison with his oil, 230 -That whoso looks upon the work he draws -Shall, with the beams that issue from his sight, -Suck venom to his breast and slay himself. -Sweet Alice, he shall draw thy counterfeit, -That Arden may, by gazing on it, perish. - -_Alice._ Ay, but Mosbie, that is dangerous, -For thou, or I, or any other else, -Coming into the chamber where it hangs, may die. - -_Mosbie._ Ay, but we'll have it covered with a cloth -And hung up in the study for himself. 240 - -_Alice._ It may not be, for when the picture's drawn, -Arden, I know, will come and show it me. - -_Mosbie._ Fear not; we'll have that shall serve the turn. -This is the painter's house; I'll call him forth. - -_Alice._ But Mosbie, I'll have no such picture, I. - -_Mosbie._ I pray thee leave it to my discretion. -How! Clarke! - -_Here enters Clarke._ - -Oh, you are an honest man of your word! you served me well. - -_Clarke._ Why, sir, I'll do it for you at any time, -Provided, as you have given your word, 250 -I may have Susan Mosbie to my wife. -For, as sharp-witted poets, whose sweet verse -Make heavenly gods break off their nectar draughts -And lay their ears down to the lowly earth, -Use humble promise to their sacred Muse, -So we that are the poets' favourites -Must have a love: ay, Love is the painter's muse, -That makes him frame a speaking countenance, -A weeping eye that witnesses heart's grief. -Then tell me, Master Mosbie, shall I have her? 260 - -_Alice._ 'Tis pity but he should; he'll use her well. - -_Mosbie._ Clarke, here's my hand: my sister shall be thine. - -_Clarke._ Then, brother, to requite this courtesy, -You shall command my life, my skill, and all. - -_Alice._ Ah, that thou couldst be secret. - -_Mosbie._ Fear him not; leave; I have talked sufficient - -_Clarke._ You know not me that ask such questions. -Let it suffice I know you love him well, -And fain would have your husband made away: -Wherein, trust me, you show a noble mind, 270 -That rather than you'll live with him you hate, -You'll venture life, and die with him you love. -The like will I do for my Susan's sake. - -_Alice._ Yet nothing could inforce me to the deed -But Mosbie's love. Might I without control -Enjoy thee still, then Arden should not die: -But seeing I cannot, therefore let him die. - -_Mosbie._ Enough, sweet Alice; thy kind words makes me melt. -Your trick of poisoned pictures we dislike; -Some other poison would do better far. 280 - -_Alice._ Ay, such as might be put into his broth, -And yet in taste not to be found at all. - -_Clarke._ I know your mind, and here I have it for you. -Put but a dram of this into his drink, -Or any kind of broth that he shall eat, -And he shall die within an hour after. - -_Alice._ As I am a gentlewoman, Clarke, next day -Thou and Susan shall be married. - -_Mosbie._ And I'll make her dowry more than I'll talk of, Clarke. - -_Clarke._ Yonder's your husband. Mosbie, I'll be gone. 290 - -_Here enters Arden and Franklin._ - -_Alice._ In good time see where my husband comes. -Master Mosbie, ask him the question yourself. - - [_Exit Clarke._ - -_Mosbie._ Master Arden, being at London yesternight, -The Abbey lands, whereof you are now possessed, -Were offered me on some occasion -By Greene, one of Sir Antony Ager's men: -I pray you, sir, tell me, are not the lands yours? -Hath any other interest herein? - -_Arden._ Mosbie, that question we'll decide anon. -Alice, make ready my breakfast, I must hence. 300 - - [_Exit Alice._ - -As for the lands, Mosbie, they are mine -By letters patents from his Majesty. -But I must have a mandate for my wife; -They say you seek to rob me of her love: -Villain, what makes thou in her company? -She's no companion for so base a groom. - -_Mosbie._ Arden, I thought not on her, I came to thee; -But rather than I pocket up this wrong---- - -_Franklin._ What will you do, sir? - -_Mosbie._ Revenge it on the proudest of you both. 310 - - [_Then Arden draws forth Mosbie's sword._ - -_Arden._ So, sirrah; you may not wear a sword, -The statute makes against artificers; -I warrant that I do. Now use your bodkin, -Your Spanish needle, and your pressing iron, -For this shall go with me; and mark my words, -You goodman botcher, 'tis to you I speak: -The next time that I take thee near my house, -Instead of legs I'll make thee crawl on stumps. - -_Mosbie._ Ah, Master Arden, you have injured me: -I do appeal to God and to the world. 320 - -_Franklin._ Why, canst thou deny thou wert a botcher once? - -_Mosbie._ Measure me what I am, not what I was. - -_Arden._ Why, what art thou now but a velvet drudge, -A cheating steward, and base-minded peasant? - -_Mosbie._ Arden, now thou hast belched and vomited -The rancorous venom of thy mis-swoll'n heart, -Hear me but speak: as I intend to live -With God and his elected saints in heaven, -I never meant more to solicit her; -And that she knows, and all the world shall see. 330 -I loved her once;--sweet Arden, pardon me, -I could not choose, her beauty fired my heart! -But time hath quenched these over-raging coals; -And, Arden, though I now frequent thy house, -'Tis for my sister's sake, her waiting-maid, -And not for hers. Mayest thou enjoy her long: -Hell-fire and wrathful vengeance light on me, -If I dishonour her or injure thee. - -_Arden._ Mosbie, with these thy protestations -The deadly hatred of my heart's appeased, 340 -And thou and I'll be friends, if this prove true. -As for the base terms I gave thee late, -Forget them, Mosbie: I had cause to speak, -When all the knights and gentlemen of Kent -Make common table-talk of her and thee. - -_Mosbie._ Who lives that is not touched with slanderous tongues? - -_Franklin._ Then, Mosbie, to eschew the speech of men, -Upon whose general bruit all honour hangs, -Forbear his house. - -_Arden._ Forbear it! nay, rather frequent it more: 350 -The world shall see that I distrust her not. -To warn him on the sudden from my house -Were to confirm the rumour that is grown. - -_Mosbie._ By my faith, sir, you say true, -And therefore will I sojourn here a while, -Until our enemies have talked their fill; -And then, I hope, they'll cease, and at last confess -How causeless they have injured her and me. - -_Arden._ And I will lie at London all this term -To let them see how light I weigh their words. 360 - -_Here enters Alice._ - -_Alice._ Husband, sit down; your breakfast will be cold. - -_Arden._ Come, Master Mosbie, will you sit with us? - -_Mosbie._ I cannot eat, but I'll sit for company. - -_Arden._ Sirrah Michael, see our horse be ready. - -_Alice._ Husband, why pause ye? why eat you not? - -_Arden._ I am not well; there's something in this broth -That is not wholesome: didst thou make it, Alice? - -_Alice._ I did, and that's the cause it likes not you. - - [_Then she throws down the broth on the ground._ - -There's nothing that I do can please your taste; -You were best to say I would have poisoned you. 370 -I cannot speak or cast aside my eye, -But he imagines I have stepped awry. -Here's he that you cast in my teeth so oft: -Now will I be convinced or purge myself. -I charge thee speak to this mistrustful man, -Thou that wouldst see me hang, thou, Mosbie, thou: -What favour hast thou had more than a kiss -At coming or departing from the town? - -_Mosbie._ You wrong yourself and me to cast these doubts: -Your loving husband is not jealous. 380 - -_Arden._ Why, gentle Mistress Alice, cannot I be ill -But you'll accuse yourself? -Franklin, thou hast a box of mithridate; -I'll take a little to prevent the worst. - -_Franklin._ Do so, and let us presently take horse; -My life for yours, ye shall do well enough. - -_Alice._ Give me a spoon, I'll eat of it myself; -Would it were full of poison to the brim, -Then should my cares and troubles have an end. -Was ever silly woman so tormented? 390 - -_Arden._ Be patient, sweet love; I mistrust not thee. - -_Alice._ God will revenge it, Arden, if thou dost; -For never woman loved her husband better -Than I do thee. - -_Arden._ I know it, sweet Alice; cease to complain, -Lest that in tears I answer thee again. - -_Franklin._ Come, leave this dallying, and let us away. - -_Alice._ Forbear to wound me with that bitter word; -Arden shall go to London in my arms. - -_Arden._ Loth am I to depart, yet I must go. 400 - -_Alice._ Wilt thou to London, then, and leave me here? -Ah, if thou love me, gentle Arden, stay. -Yet, if thy business be of great import -Go, if thou wilt, I'll bear it as I may; -But write from London to me every week, -Nay, every day, and stay no longer there -Than thou must needs, lest that I die for sorrow. - -_Arden._ I'll write unto thee every other tide, -And so farewell, sweet Alice, till we meet next. - -_Alice._ Farewell, husband, seeing you'll have it so; 410 -And, Master Franklin, seeing you take him hence, -In hope you'll hasten him home, I'll give you this. - - [_And then she kisseth him._ - -_Franklin._ And if he stay, the fault shall not be mine. -Mosbie, farewell, and see you keep your oath. - -_Mosbie._ I hope he is not jealous of me now. - -_Arden._ No, Mosbie, no; hereafter think of me -As of your dearest friend, and so farewell. - - [_Exeunt Arden, Franklin, and Michael._ - -_Alice._ I am glad he is gone; he was about to stay, -But did you mark me then how I brake off? - -_Mosbie._ Ay, Alice, and it was cunningly performed. 420 -But what a villain is that painter Clarke! - -_Alice._ Was it not a goodly poison that he gave? -Why, he's as well now as he was before. -It should have been some fine confection -That might have given the broth some dainty taste: -This powder was too gross and populous. - -_Mosbie._ But had he eaten but three spoonfuls more, -Then had he died and our love continued. - -_Alice._ Why, so it shall, Mosbie, albeit he live. - -_Mosbie._ It is unpossible, for I have sworn 430 -Never hereafter to solicit thee, -Or, whilst he lives, once more importune thee. - -_Alice._ Thou shalt not need, I will importune thee. -What? shall an oath make thee forsake my love? -As if I have not sworn as much myself -And given my hand unto him in the church! -Tush, Mosbie; oaths are words, and words is wind, -And wind is mutable: then, I conclude, -'Tis childishness to stand upon an oath. - -_Mosbie._ Well proved, Mistress Alice; yet by your leave 440 -I'll keep mine unbroken whilst he lives. - -_Alice._ Ay, do, and spare not, his time is but short; -For if thou beest as resolute as I, -We'll have him murdered as he walks the streets. -In London many alehouse ruffians keep, -Which, as I hear, will murder men for gold. -They shall be soundly fee'd to pay him home. - -_Here enters Greene._ - -_Mosbie._ Alice, what's he that comes yonder? knowest thou him? - -_Alice._ Mosbie, be gone: I hope 'tis one that comes -To put in practice our intended drifts. 450 - - [_Exit Mosbie_ - -_Greene._ Mistress Arden, you are well met. -I am sorry that your husband is from home, -Whenas my purposed journey was to him: -Yet all my labour is not spent in vain, -For I suppose that you can full discourse -And flat resolve me of the thing I seek. - -_Alice._ What is it, Master Greene? If that I may -Or can with safety, I will answer you. - -_Greene._ I heard your husband hath the grant of late, -Confirmed by letters patents from the king, 460 -Of all the lands of the Abbey of Feversham, -Generally intitled, so that all former grants -Are cut off; whereof I myself had one; -But now my interest by that is void. -This is all, Mistress Arden; is it true or no? - -_Alice._ True, Master Greene; the lands are his in state, -And whatsoever leases were before -Are void for term of Master Arden's life; -He hath the grant under the Chancery seal. - -_Greene._ Pardon me, Mistress Arden, I must speak, 470 -For I am touched. Your husband doth me wrong -To wring me from the little land I have. -My living is my life, and only that -Resteth remainder of my portion. -Desire of wealth is endless in his mind, -And he is greedy-gaping still for gain; -Nor cares he though young gentlemen do beg, -So he may scrape and hoard up in his pouch. -But, seeing he hath ta'en my lands, I'll value life -As careless as he is careful for to get: 480 -And tell him this from me, I'll be revenged, -And so as he shall wish the Abbey lands -Had rested still within their former state. - -_Alice._ Alas, poor gentleman, I pity you, -And woe is me that any man should want! -God knows 'tis not my fault; but wonder not -Though he be hard to others, when to me,-- -Ah, Master Greene, God knows how I am used. - -_Greene._ Why, Mistress Arden, can the crabbed churl -Use you unkindly? respects he not your birth, 490 -Your honourable friends, nor what you brought? -Why, all Kent knows your parentage and what you are. - -_Alice._ Ah, Master Greene, be it spoken in secret here, -I never live good day with him alone: -When he's at home, then have I froward looks, -Hard words and blows to mend the match withal; -And though I might content as good a man, -Yet doth he keep in every corner trulls; -And when he's weary with his trugs at home, -Then rides he straight to London; there, forsooth, 500 -He revels it among such filthy ones -As counsels him to make away his wife. -Thus live I daily in continual fear, -In sorrow; so despairing of redress -As every day I wish with hearty prayer -That he or I were taken forth the world. - -_Greene._ Now trust me, Mistress Alice, it grieveth me -So fair a creature should be so abused. -Why, who would have thought the civil sir so sullen? -He looks so smoothly. Now, fie upon him, churl! 510 -And if he live a day, he lives too long. -But frolic, woman! I shall be the man -Shall set you free from all this discontent; -And if the churl deny my interest -And will not yield my lease into my hand, -I'll pay him home, whatever hap to me. - -_Alice._ But speak you as you think? - -_Greene._ Ay, God's my witness, I mean plain dealing, -For I had rather die than lose my land. - -_Alice._ Then, Master Greene, be counselld by me: 520 -Indanger not yourself for such a churl, -But hire some cutter for to cut him short, -And here's ten pound to wager them withal; -When he is dead, you shall have twenty more, -And the lands whereof my husband is possess'd -Shall be intitled as they were before. - -_Greene._ Will you keep promise with me? - -_Alice._ Or count me false and perjured whilst I live. - -_Greene._ Then here's my hand, I'll have him so dispatched. -I'll up to London straight, I'll thither post, 530 -And never rest till I have compassed it. -Till then farewell. - -_Alice._ Good fortune follow all your forward thoughts. - - [_Exit Greene._ - -And whosoever doth attempt the deed, -A happy hand I wish, and so farewell.-- -All this goes well: Mosbie, I long for thee -To let thee know all that I have contrived. - -_Here enters Mosbie and Clarke._ - -_Mosbie._ How, now, Alice, what's the news? - -_Alice._ Such as will content thee well, sweetheart. - -_Mosbie._ Well, let them pass a while, and tell me, Alice, -How have you dealt and tempered with my sister? -What, will she have my neighbour Clarke, or no? - -_Alice._ What, Master Mosbie! let him woo himself! -Think you that maids look not for fair words? -Go to her, Clarke; she's all alone within; -Michael my man is clean out of her books. - -_Clarke._ I thank you, Mistress Arden, I will in; -And if fair Susan and I can make a gree, -You shall command me to the uttermost, -As far as either goods or life may stretch. 550 - - [_Exit Clarke._ - -_Mosbie._ Now, Alice, let's hear thy news. - -_Alice._ They be so good that I must laugh for joy, -Before I can begin to tell my tale. - -_Mosbie._ Let's hear them, that I may laugh for company. - -_Alice._ This morning, Master Greene, Dick Greene I mean, -From whom my husband had the Abbey land, -Came hither, railing, for to know the truth -Whether my husband had the lands by grant. -I told him all, whereat he stormed amain -And swore he would cry quittance with the churl, 560 -And, if he did deny his interest, -Stab him, whatsoever did befall himself. -Whenas I saw his choler thus to rise, -I whetted on the gentleman with words; -And, to conclude, Mosbie, at last we grew -To composition for my husband's death. -I gave him ten pound for to hire knaves, -By some device to make away the churl; -When he is dead, he should have twenty more -And repossess his former lands again. 570 -On this we 'greed, and he is ridden straight -To London, for to bring his death about. - -_Mosbie._ But call you this good news? - -_Alice._ Ay, sweetheart, be they not? - -_Mosbie._ 'Twere cheerful news to hear the churl were dead; -But trust me, Alice, I take it passing ill -You would be so forgetful of our state -To make recount of it to every groom. -What! to acquaint each stranger with our drifts, -Chiefly in case of murder, why, 'tis the way 580 -To make it open unto Arden's self -And bring thyself and me to ruin both. -Forewarned, forearmed; who threats his enemy, -Lends him a sword to guard himself withal. - -_Alice._ I did it for the best. - -_Mosbie._ Well, seeing 'tis done, cheerly let it pass. -You know this Greene; is he not religious? -A man, I guess, of great devotion? - -_Alice._ He is. - -_Mosbie._ Then, sweet Alice, let it pass: I have a drift 590 -Will quiet all, whatever is amiss. - -_Here enters Clarke and Susan._ - -_Alice._ How now, Clarke? have you found me false? -Did I not plead the matter hard for you? - -_Clarke._ You did. - -_Mosbie._ And what? wilt be a match? - -_Clarke._ A match, i' faith, sir: ay, the day is mine. -The painter lays his colours to the life, -His pencil draws no shadows in his love. -Susan is mine. - -_Alice._ You make her blush. 600 - -_Mosbie._ What, sister, is it Clarke must be the man? - -_Susan._ It resteth in your grant; some words are past, -And haply we be grown unto a match, -If you be willing that it shall be so. - -_Mosbie._ Ah, Master Clarke, it resteth at my grant: -You see my sister's yet at my dispose, -But, so you'll grant me one thing I shall ask, -I am content my sister shall be yours. - -_Clarke._ What is it, Master Mosbie? - -_Mosbie._ I do remember once in secret talk 610 -You told me how you could compound by art -A crucifix impoisoned, -That whoso look upon it should wax blind -And with the scent be stifled, that ere long -He should die poisoned that did view it well. -I would have you make me such a crucifix. -And then I'll grant my sister shall be yours. - -_Clarke._ Though I am loth, because it toucheth life, -Yet, rather or I'll leave sweet Susan's love, -I'll do it, and with all the haste I may. 620 -But for whom is it? - -_Alice._ Leave that to us. Why, Clarke, is it possible -That you should paint and draw it out yourself, -The colours being baleful and impoisoned, -And no ways prejudice yourself withal? - -_Mosbie._ Well questioned, Alice; Clarke, how answer you that? - -_Clarke._ Very easily: I'll tell you straight -How I do work of these impoisoned drugs. -I fasten on my spectacles so close -As nothing can any way offend my sight; 630 -Then, as I put a leaf within my nose, -So put I rhubarb to avoid the smell, -And softly as another work I paint. - -_Mosbie._ 'Tis very well; but against when shall I have it? - -_Clarke._ Within this ten days. - -_Mosbie._ 'Twill serve the turn. -Now, Alice, let's in and see what cheer you keep. -I hope, now Master Arden is from home, -You'll give me leave to play your husband's part. - -_Alice._ Mosbie, you know, who's master of my heart, -He well may be the master of the house. 640 - - [_Exeunt._ - -I. i. 4. _Patents_; the plural is always used in A, cf. _Richard II._ -II. i. 202; II. iii. 130. - -I. i. 14. Contrast Holinshed:--'He, _i.e._ Arden, was contented -to wink at her filthy disorder,' and _Wardmote Book_:--'All which -things the said Ardern did well know and wilfully did permit and -suffer the same.' He was afraid to offend Lord North, 'father-in-law -unto Alice Ardern,' whose servant Mosbie had been. This -North was the father of the translator of Plutarch. - -I. i. 15. _Pass_; so Bullen for _past_, A, B, C. - -I. i. 25. _Botcher_, is not 'butcher,' but a mender of old clothes. - -I. i. 48. _Jealous_: spelt _jelyouse_, and pronounced so throughout -the play. - -I. i. 60. The reference is to Ovid's _Elegy_, 'Ad Auroram ne -properet.'--_Amor._ i. 13. - -I. i. 61. Most editions reject _often_. If we retain it the line is an -Alexandrine. Cf. i. 153, 167, 238, 479; III. v. 73, etc. - -I. i. 105. _Flower-de-luce._ 'An inn, formerly situated in Abbey -Street, nearly opposite Arden's house.' C. E. Donne, _An Essay -on the Tragedy of Arden of Faversham_, 1873. - -I. i. 117. _thy house of force_, _i.e._ 'fortified house.' - -I. i. 135. _narrow_: so all editors; but the _marrow-prying_ of A -may be correct. _Blab_ is either a verb with _and_ omitted after it, -or a noun, the subject of _hinder_. - -I. i. 154. An allusion to verses or inscriptions on tapestry hangings. - -I. i. 159. Cf. 'I'll write to him a very taunting letter.'--_As You -Like It_, III. v. 134. - -I. i. 167. 'It was popularly supposed that a virgin might save a -criminal from the gallows by offering to marry him.--See note to -my edition of Marston, III. 190-1.'--Bullen. - -I. i. 172. Perhaps _worth_ should be omitted. - -I. i. 174. _Bolton_ is 'Boughton, looking down on Canterbury.'--Donne. - -I. i. 247. The name 'Clarke' is apparently our author's invention, -like the name and character of Franklin. The painter's name was -William Blackburn. - -I. i. 266. _Leave_; Tyrrell reads _love_. - -I. i. 278. _makes_: this singular with a plural subject is frequent in -our play; cf. _Enters_ in the stage directions with a plural, and -I. 151, 437, 502; II. i. 1; III. i. 43 and 83; V. 38, etc. Consult -Mr. Verity's note on _Edward II._, I. iv. 362, Temple Dramatists. - -I. i. 312. The statute in question was 37 Edward III. c. 9. - -I. i. 314. 'The making of Spanish needles was first taught in -England by Elias Crowse a Germane about the eight yeere of -Queene Elizabeth, and in Queen Marie's time there was a Negro -made fine Spanish needles in Cheapeside, but would never teach -his art to any.' Quoted by Bullen from _Stowe_, edition 1631, -p. 1038. - -I. i. 314. 'Then Mosby having at his girdle a pressing iron of -14 pound weight stroke him on the head with the same so that -he fell down and gave a great groan.'--Holinshed. Cf V. i. 241. - -I. i. 323. _Velvet drudge_: an allusion to Mosbie's tailoring. - -I. i. 426. _Populous_: 'perhaps used in the sense of _thick_, -_compact_.'--Bullen. Webster quotes this passage and explains, -'suitable to common people: hence common, inferior, vulgar.' -Delius proposes _palpable_. - -I. i. 466. _His in state_, _i.e._ 'his legally.' - -I. i. 472. Cf. 'To wring the widow from her customed right.'--2 -_Henry VI._, V. i. 188. - -I. i. 537. Tyrrell begins Act II. here. - -I. i. 546. 'The gentleman is not in your books.'--_Much Ado_, -I. i. 79. - -I. i. 548. _make a gree_, come to an agreement. _Agree_ was used -adverbially for _at gree_. - - - - -ACT II - - -SCENE I - -_Country between Feversham and London._ - -_Enter Greene and Bradshaw._ - -_Bradshaw._ See you them that comes yonder, Master Greene? - -_Greene._ Ay, very well: do you know them? - -_Here enters Black Will and Shakebag._ - -_Bradshaw._ The one I know not, but he seems a knave -Chiefly for bearing the other company; -For such a slave, so vile a rogue as he, -Lives not again upon the earth. -Black Will is his name. I tell you, Master Greene, -At Boulogne he and I were fellow-soldiers, -Where he played such pranks -As all the camp feared him for his villainy 10 -I warrant you he bears so bad a mind -That for a crown he'll murder any man. - -_Greene._ The fitter is he for my purpose, marry! - -_Will._ How now, fellow Bradshaw? Whither away so early? - -_Bradshaw._ O Will, times are changed: no fellows now, -Though we were once together in the field; -Yet thy friend to do thee any good I can. - -_Will._ Why, Bradshaw, was not thou and I fellow-soldiers -at Boulogne, where I was a corporal, and -thou but a base mercenary groom? No fellows -now! because you are a goldsmith and have a little -plate in your shop! You were glad to call me -'fellow Will,' and with a curtsey to the earth, 'One -snatch, good corporal,' when I stole the half ox -from John the victualer, and domineer'd with it -amongst good fellows in one night. - -_Bradshaw._ Ay, Will, those days are past with me. 27 - -_Will._ Ay, but they be not past with me, for I keep that -same honourable mind still. Good neighbour Bradshaw, -you are too proud to be my fellow; but were -it not that I see more company coming down the -hill, I would be fellows with you once more, and -share crowns with you too. But let that pass, and -tell me whither you go. - -_Bradshaw._ To London, Will, about a piece of service, -Wherein haply thou mayest pleasure me. - -_Will._ What is it? - -_Bradshaw._ Of late Lord Cheiny lost some plate, -Which one did bring and sold it at my shop, -Saying he served Sir Antony Cooke. 40 -A search was made, the plate was found with me, -And I am bound to answer at the 'size. -Now, Lord Cheiny solemnly vows, if law -Will serve him, he'll hang me for his plate. -Now I am going to London upon hope -To find the fellow. Now, Will, I know -Thou art acquainted with such companions. - -_Will._ What manner of man was he? - -_Bradshaw._ A lean-faced writhen knave, -Hawk-nosed and very hollow-eyed, 50 -With mighty furrows in his stormy brows; -Long hair down his shoulders curled; -His chin was bare, but on his upper lip -A mutchado, which he wound about his ear. - -_Will._ What apparel had he? - -_Bradshaw._ A watchet satin doublet all-to torn, -The inner side did bear the greater show; -A pair of thread-bare velvet hose, seam rent, -A worsted stocking rent above the shoe, -A livery cloak, but all the lace was off; 60 -'Twas bad, but yet it served to hide the plate. - -_Will._ Sirrah Shakebag, canst thou remember since we -trolled the bowl at Sittingburgh, where I broke the -tapster's head of the Lion with a cudgel-stick? - -_Shakebag._ Ay, very well, Will. - -_Will._ Why, it was with the money that the plate was -sold for. Sirrah Bradshaw, what wilt thou give him -that can tell thee who sold thy plate? - -_Bradshaw._ Who, I pray thee, good Will? - -_Will._ Why, 'twas one Jack Fitten. He's now in Newgate -for stealing a horse, and shall be arraigned the next 'size. 72 - -_Bradshaw._ Why, then let Lord Cheiny seek Jack Fitten forth, -For I'll back and tell him who robbed him of his plate. -This cheers my heart; Master Greene, I'll leave you, -For I must to the Isle of Sheppy with speed. - -_Greene._ Before you go, let me intreat you -To carry this letter to Mistress Arden of Feversham -And humbly recommend me to herself. - -_Bradshaw._ That will I, Master Greene, and so farewell. 80 -Here, Will, there's a crown for thy good news. - - [_Exit Bradshaw._ - -_Will._ Farewell, Bradshaw; I'll drink no water for thy -sake whilst this lasts.--Now, gentleman, shall we -have your company to London? - -_Greene._ Nay, stay, sirs: -A little more I needs must use your help, -And in a matter of great consequence, -Wherein if you'll be secret and profound, -I'll give you twenty angels for your pains. 89 - -_Will._ How? twenty angels? give my fellow George -Shakebag and me twenty angels? And if thou'lt -have thy own father slain, that thou may'st inherit -his land, we'll kill him. 93 - -_Shakebag._ Ay, thy mother, thy sister, thy brother, -or all thy kin. - -_Greene._ Well, this it is: Arden of Feversham -Hath highly wronged me about the Abbey land, -That no revenge but death will serve the turn. -Will you two kill him? here's the angels down, -And I will lay the platform of his death. 100 - -_Will._ Plat me no platforms; give me the money, and -I'll stab him as he stands pissing against a wall, but -I'll kill him. - -_Shakebag._ Where is he? - -_Greene._ He is now at London, in Aldersgate Street. - -_Shakebag._ He's dead as if he had been condemned by -an Act of Parliament, if once Black Will and I -swear his death. - -_Greene_. Here is ten pound, and when he is dead, -Ye shall have twenty more. 110 - -_Will._ My fingers itches to be at the peasant. Ah, that -I might be set a work thus through the year, and -that murder would grow to an occupation, that a -man might follow without danger of law:--zounds, I -warrant I should be warden of the company! Come, -let us be going, and we'll bait at Rochester, where -I'll give thee a gallon of sack to handsel the match -withal. - - [_Exeunt._ - -II. i. 51. Mr. Bullen says that such a line as this 'might have -come straight out of _Tamburlaine_.' He goes on, 'but in no other -part of the play can we find a trace of Marlowe's influence.' Cf.-- - -'He sent a shaggy tottered staring slave, -That when he speaks draws out his grisly beard, -And winds it twice or thrice about his ear; -Whose face has been a grindstone for men's swords.' - -_Jew of Malta_, IV. v. 6. - -and Shakespeare's-- - -'They brought one Pinch, a hungry lean-faced villain ... -A needy hollow-ey'd, sharp-looking wretch, -A living dead man.' - -_Com. of Errors_, V. i. 237. - -II. i. 56. _all to torn_; 'entirely torn.' _To_ in the sense of -'asunder' was commonly emphasised by _all_. Cf. 'Her wings ... -were all to ruffled.'--_Comus_, 380. - -II. i. 58. _seam rent_: torn at the seams; 'Seam rent fellows,'--Ben -Jonson. - -II. i. 101. Imitated in Yarington's _Two Tragedies_ (iii. 2):-- - -'Grace me no graces, I respect no grace, -But with a grace to give a graceless stab.' - -II. i. 114. I have inserted _follow_. - - -SCENE II - -_London. A Street near St. Paul's._ - -_Enter Michael._ - -_Michael._ I have gotten such a letter as will touch the -painter: And thus it is: - -_Here enters Arden and Franklin and hears Michael -read this letter._ - -'My duty remembered, Mistress Susan, hoping in God -you be in good health, as I Michael was at the -making hereof. This is to certify you that as the -turtle true, when she hath lost her mate, sitteth -alone, so I, mourning for your absence, do walk -up and down Paul's till one day I fell asleep and -lost my master's pantofles. Ah, Mistress Susan, -abolish that paltry painter, cut him off by the -shins with a frowning look of your crabbed countenance, -and think upon Michael, who, drunk with -the dregs of your favour, will cleave as fast to your -love as a plaster of pitch to a galled horse-back. -Thus hoping you will let my passions penetrate, or -rather impetrate mercy of your meek hands, I end. - - 'Yours, Michael, or else not Michael.' - -_Arden._ Why, you paltry knave, -Stand you here loitering, knowing my affairs, -What haste my business craves to send to Kent? 20 - -_Franklin._ Faith, friend Michael, this is very ill, -Knowing your master hath no more but you, -And do ye slack his business for your own? - -_Arden._ Where is the letter, sirrah? let me see it. - - [_Then he gives him the letter._ - -See, Master Franklin, here's proper stuff: -Susan my maid, the painter, and my man, -A crew of harlots, all in love, forsooth; -Sirrah, let me hear no more of this, -Nor for thy life once write to her a word. - -_Here enters Greene, Will, and Shakebag._ - -Wilt thou be married to so base a trull? 30 -'Tis Mosbie's sister: come I once at home, -I'll rouse her from remaining in my house. -Now, Master Franklin, let us go walk in Paul's; -Come but a turn or two, and then away. - - [_Exeunt._ - -_Greene._ The first is Arden, and that's his man, -The other is Franklin, Arden's dearest friend. - -_Will._ Zounds, I'll kill them all three. - -_Greene._ Nay, sirs, touch not his man in any case; -But stand close, and take you fittest standing, -And at his coming forth speed him: 40 -To the Nag's Head, there is this coward's haunt. -But now I'll leave you till the deed be done. - - [_Exit Greene._ - -_Shakebag._ If he be not paid his own, ne'er trust Shakebag. - -_Will._ Sirrah Shakebag, at his coming forth I'll run him -through, and then to the Blackfriars, and there -take water and away. - -_Shakebag._ Why, that's the best; but see thou miss him not. - -_Will._ How can I miss him, when I think on the forty -angels I must have more? - -_Here enters Prentice._ - -_Prentice._ 'Tis very late; I were best shut up my stall, -for here will be old filching, when the press comes -forth of Paul's. 52 - - [_Then lets he down his window, and it breaks Black Will's head._ - -_Will._ Zounds, draw, Shakebag, I am almost killed. - -_Prentice._ We'll tame you, I warrant. - -_Will._ Zounds, I am tame enough already. - -_Here enters Arden, Franklin, and Michael._ - -_Arden._ What troublesome fray or mutiny is this? - -_Franklin._ 'Tis nothing but some brabling paltry fray, -Devised to pick men's pockets in the throng. - -_Arden._ Is't nothing else? come, Franklin, let's away. - - [_Exeunt._ - -_Will._ What 'mends shall I have for my broken head? 60 - -_Prentice._ Marry, this 'mends, that if you get you not -away all the sooner, you shall be well beaten and -sent to the Counter. [_Exit Prentice._ - -_Will._ Well, I'll be gone, but look to your signs, for I'll -pull them down all. Shakebag, my broken head -grieves me not so much as by this means Arden -hath escaped. - -_Here enters Greene._ - -I had a glimpse of him and his companion. - -_Greene._ Why, sirs, Arden's as well as I; I met him and -Franklin going merrily to the ordinary. What, dare -you not do it? 71 - -_Will._ Yes, sir, we dare do it; but, were my consent to -give again, we would not do it under ten pound -more. I value every drop of my blood at a French -crown. I have had ten pound to steal a dog, and we -have no more here to kill a man; but that a bargain -is a bargain, and so forth, you should do it yourself. - -_Greene._ I pray thee, how came thy head broke? - -_Will._ Why, thou seest it is broke, dost thou not? 79 - -_Shakebag._ Standing against a stall, watching Arden's -coming, a boy let down his shop-window and broke -his head; whereupon arose a brawl, and in the -tumult Arden escaped us and passed by unthought -on. But forbearance is no acquittance; another -time we'll do it, I warrant thee. - -_Greene._ I pray thee, Will, make clean thy bloody brow, -And let us bethink us on some other place -Where Arden may be met with handsomely. -Remember how devoutly thou hast sworn -To kill the villain; think upon thine oath. 90 - -_Will._ Tush, I have broken five hundred oaths! -But wouldst thou charm me to effect this deed, -Tell me of gold, my resolution's fee; -Say thou seest Mosbie kneeling at my knees, -Offering me service for my high attempt, -And sweet Alice Arden, with a lap of crowns, -Comes with a lowly curtsey to the earth, -Saying 'Take this but for thy quarterage, -Such yearly tribute will I answer thee.' -Why, this would steel soft-mettled cowardice, 100 -With which Black Will was never tainted yet. -I tell thee, Greene, the forlorn traveller, -Whose lips are glued with summer's parching heat, -Ne'er longed so much to see a running brook -As I to finish Arden's tragedy. -Seest thou this gore that cleaveth to my face? -From hence ne'er will I wash this bloody stain, -Till Arden's heart be panting in my hand. - -_Greene._ Why, that's well said; but what saith Shakebag? - -_Shakebag._ I cannot paint my valour out with words: 110 -But, give me place and opportunity, -Such mercy as the starven lioness, -When she is dry sucked of her eager young, -Shows to the prey that next encounters her, -On Arden so much pity would I take. - -_Greene._ So should it fare with men of firm resolve. -And now, sirs, seeing that this accident -Of meeting him in Paul's hath no success, -Let us bethink us of some other place -Whose earth may swallow up this Arden's blood. - -_Here enters Michael._ - -See, yonder comes his man: and wot you what? 121 -The foolish knave's in love with Mosbie's sister, -And for her sake, whose love he cannot get -Unless Mosbie solicit his suit, -The villain hath sworn the slaughter of his master. -We'll question him, for he may stead us much,-- -How now, Michael, whither are you going? - -_Michael._ My master hath new supped, -And I am going to prepare his chamber. - -_Greene._ Where supped Master Arden? 130 - -_Michael._ At the Nag's Head, at the eighteen pence -ordinary. How now, Master Shakebag? what, -Black Will! God's dear lady, how chance your -face is so bloody? - -_Will._ Go to, sirrah, there is a chance in it; this sauciness -in you will make you be knocked. - -_Michael._ Nay, an you be offended, I'll be gone. - -_Greene._ Stay, Michael, you may not escape us so. -Michael, I know you love your master well. - -_Michael._ Why, so I do; but wherefore urge you that? - -_Greene._ Because I think you love your mistress better. - -_Michael._ So think not I; but say, i' faith, what, if I should? - -_Shakebag._ Come to the purpose, Michael; we hear 143 -You have a pretty love in Feversham. - -_Michael._ Why, have I two or three, what's that to thee! - -_Will._ You deal too mildly with the peasant. Thus it is: -'Tis known to us that you love Mosbie's sister; -We know besides that you have ta'en your oath -To further Mosbie to your mistress' bed, -And kill your master for his sister's sake. -Now, sir, a poorer coward than yourself 150 -Was never fostered in the coast of Kent: -How comes it then that such a knave as you -Dare swear a matter of such consequence? - -_Greene._ Ah, Will---- - -_Will._ Tush, give me leave, there's no more but this: -Sith thou hast sworn, we dare discover all; -And hadst thou or should'st thou utter it, -We have devised a complat under hand, -Whatever shall betide to any of us, -To send thee roundly to the devil of hell. 160 -And therefore thus: I am the very man, -Marked in my birth-hour by the destinies, -To give an end to Arden's life on earth; -Thou but a member but to whet the knife -Whose edge must search the closet of his breast: -Thy office is but to appoint the place, -And train thy master to his tragedy; -Mine to perform it when occasion serves. -Then be not nice, but here devise with us -How and what way we may conclude his death. 170 - -_Shakebag._ So shalt thou purchase Mosbie for thy friend, -And by his friendship gain his sister's love. - -_Greene._ So shall thy mistress be thy favourer, -And thou disburdened of the oath thou made. - -_Michael._ Well, gentlemen, I cannot but confess, -Sith you have urged me so apparently, -That I have vowed my master Arden's death; -And he whose kindly love and liberal hand -Doth challenge nought but good deserts of me, -I will deliver over to your hands. 180 -This night come to his house at Aldersgate: -The doors I'll leave unlock'd against you come. -No sooner shall ye enter through the latch, -Over the threshold to the inner court, -But on your left hand shall you see the stairs -That leads directly to my master's chamber: -There take him and dispose him as ye please. -Now it were good we parted company; -What I have promised, I will perform. - -_Will._ Should you deceive us, 'twould go wrong with you. 190 - -_Michael._ I will accomplish all I have revealed. - -_Will._ Come, let's go drink: choler makes me as dry as a dog. 190 - - [_Exeunt Will, Greene, and Shakebag._ - _Manet Michael._ - -_Michael._ Thus feeds the lamb securely on the down, -Whilst through the thicket of an arbour brake -The hunger-bitten wolf o'erpries his haunt -And takes advantage for to eat him up. -Ah, harmless Arden, how hast thou misdone, -That thus thy gentle life is levelled at? -The many good turns that thou hast done to me. 200 -Now must I quittance with betraying thee. -I that should take the weapon in my hand -And buckler thee from ill-intending foes, -Do lead thee with a wicked fraudful smile, -As unsuspected, to the slaughter-house. -So have I sworn to Mosbie and my mistress, -So have I promised to the slaughtermen; -And should I not deal currently with them, -Their lawless rage would take revenge on me. -Tush, I will spurn at mercy for this once: 210 -Let pity lodge where feeble women lie, -I am resolved, and Arden needs must die. - - [_Exit Michael._ - -II. ii. 3. Michael's letter is a curious effort at euphuism which -calls to mind 'Love's Labour's Lost.' Note the fabulous natural -history, the alliteration, and the alliterative proverb. - -II. ii. 51. _old filching_ = 'rare filching.' Cf. 'Yonder's old coil at -hand.'--_Much Ado_, V. ii. 98. - -II. ii. 63. The Counter was a London prison. - - - - -ACT III - - -SCENE I - -_A Room in Franklin's House, at Aldersgate._ - -_Enter Arden and Franklin._ - -_Arden._ No, Franklin, no: if fear or stormy threats, -If love of me or care of womanhood, -If fear of God or common speech of men, -Who mangle credit with their wounding words, -And couch dishonour as dishonour buds, -Might join repentance in her wanton thoughts, -No question then but she would turn the leaf -And sorrow for her dissolution; -But she is rooted in her wickedness, -Perverse and stubborn, not to be reclaimed; 10 -Good counsel is to her as rain to weeds, -And reprehension makes her vice to grow -As Hydra's head that plenished by decay. -Her faults, methink, are painted in my face, -For every searching eye to overread; -And Mosbie's name, a scandal unto mine, -Is deeply trenchd in my blushing brow. -Ah, Franklin, Franklin, when I think on this, -My heart's grief rends my other powers -Worse than the conflict at the hour of death. 20 - -_Franklin._ Gentle Arden, leave this sad lament: -She will amend, and so your griefs will cease; -Or else she'll die, and so your sorrows end. -If neither of these two do haply fall, -Yet let your comfort be that others bear -Your woes, twice doubled all, with patience. - -_Arden._ My house is irksome; there I cannot rest. - -_Franklin._ Then stay with me in London; go not home. - -_Arden._ Then that base Mosbie doth usurp my room -And makes his triumph of my being thence. 30 -At home or not at home, where'er I be, -Here, here it lies, ah Franklin, here it lies -That will not out till wretched Arden dies. - -_Here enters Michael._ - -_Franklin._ Forget your griefs a while; here comes your man. - -_Arden._ What a-clock is't, sirrah? - -_Michael._ Almost ten. - -_Arden._ See, see, how runs away the weary time! -Come, Master Franklin, shall we go to bed? - - [_Exeunt Arden and Michael._ - _Manet Franklin._ - -_Franklin._ I pray you, go before: I'll follow you. ---Ah, what a hell is fretful jealousy! 40 -What pity-moving words, what deep-fetched sighs, -What grievous groans and overlading woes -Accompanies this gentle gentleman! -Now will he shake his care-oppressd head, -Then fix his sad eyes on the sullen earth, -Ashamed to gaze upon the open world; -Now will he cast his eyes up towards the heavens, -Looking that ways for redress of wrong: -Sometimes he seeketh to beguile his grief -And tells a story with his careful tongue; 50 -Then comes his wife's dishonour in his thoughts -And in the middle cutteth off his tale, -Pouring fresh sorrow on his weary limbs. -So woe-begone, so inly charged with woe, -Was never any lived and bare it so. - -_Here enters Michael._ - -_Michael._ My master would desire you come to bed. - -_Franklin._ Is he himself already in his bed? - - [_Exit Franklin. Manet Michael._ - -_Michael._ He is, and fain would have the light away. ---Conflicting thoughts, encampd in my breast, -Awake me with the echo of their strokes, 60 -And I, a judge to censure either side, -Can give to neither wishd victory. -My master's kindness pleads to me for life -With just demand, and I must grant it him: -My mistress she hath forced me with an oath, -For Susan's sake, the which I may not break, -For that is nearer than a master's love: -That grim-faced fellow, pitiless Black Will, -And Shakebag, stern in bloody stratagem, ---Two rougher ruffians never lived in Kent,-- 70 -Have sworn my death, if I infringe my vow, -A dreadful thing to be considered of. -Methinks I see them with their bolstered hair -Staring and grinning in thy gentle face, -And in their ruthless hands their daggers drawn, -Insulting o'er thee with a peck of oaths, -Whilst thou submissive, pleading for relief, -Art mangled by their ireful instruments. -Methinks I hear them ask where Michael is, -And pitiless Black Will cries: 'Stab the slave! 80 -The peasant will detect the tragedy!' -The wrinkles in his foul death-threat'ning face -Gapes open wide, like graves to swallow men. -My death to him is but a merriment, -And he will murder me to make him sport. -He comes, he comes! ah. Master Franklin, help! -Call on the neighbours, or we are but dead! - -_Here enters Franklin and Arden._ - -_Franklin._ What dismal outcry calls me from my rest? - -_Arden._ What hath occasioned such a fearful cry? -Speak, Michael: hath any injured thee? 90 - -_Michael._ Nothing, sir; but as I fell asleep, -Upon the threshold leaning to the stairs, -I had a fearful dream that troubled me, -And in my slumber thought I was beset -With murderer thieves that came to rifle me. -My trembling joints witness my inward fear: -I crave your pardons for disturbing you. - -_Arden._ So great a cry for nothing I ne'er heard. -What? are the doors fast locked and all things safe? - -_Michael._ I cannot tell; I think I locked the doors. 100 - -_Arden._ I like not this, but I'll go see myself.-- -Ne'er trust me but the doors were all unlocked: -This negligence not half contenteth me. -Get you to bed, and if you love my favour, -Let me have no more such pranks as these. -Come, Master Franklin, let us go to bed. - -_Franklin._ Ay, by my faith; the air is very cold. -Michael, farewell; I pray thee dream no more. - - [_Exeunt._ - -III. i. 5. _Couch dishonour as dishonour buds._ Warnke explains -_Couch_ = 'spread,' comparing 'couch-grass'; but there is no -authority for this use. Is the word used in its surgical sense? -The line would then = 'Cut the bud of dishonour so that it bursts -into flower.' The surgical sense occurs in Holland's _Pliny_, 1601. - -III. i. 13. _plenished_ is Warnke's reading for the Quartos' _perisht_. -Delius and Bullen read _flourished_. - -III. i. 19. Cf. 'Sorrow and grief have vanquished all my powers.'--2 -_Henry VI._, II. i. 83. - -III. i. 45. For this use of _sullen_ cf. 'Why are thine eyes fixed to -the sullen earth?'--2 _Henry VI._, I. ii. 5, and Sonnet XXIX. 13. - - -SCENE II - -_Outside Franklin's house._ - -_Here enters Will, Greene, and Shakebag._ - -_Shakebag._ Black night hath hid the pleasures of the day, -And sheeting darkness overhangs the earth, -And with the black fold of her cloudy robe -Obscures us from the eyesight of the world, -In which sweet silence such as we triumph. -The lazy minutes linger on their time, -As loth to give due audit to the hour, -Till in the watch our purpose be complete -And Arden sent to everlasting night. -Greene, get you gone, and linger here about, 10 -And at some hour hence come to us again, -Where we will give you instance of his death. - -_Greene._ Speed to my wish, whose will so e'er says no; -And so I'll leave you for an hour or two. - - [_Exit Greene._ - -_Will._ I tell thee, Shakebag, would this thing were done: -I am so heavy that I can scarce go; -This drowsiness in me bodes little good. - -_Shakebag._ How now, Will? become a precisian? -Nay, then let's go sleep, when bugs and fears -Shall kill our courages with their fancy's work. 20 - -_Will._ Why, Shakebag, thou mistakes me much, -And wrongs me too in telling me of fear. -Were't not a serious thing we go about, -It should be slipt till I had fought with thee, -To let thee know I am no coward, I. -I tell thee, Shakebag, thou abusest me. - -_Shakebag._ Why, thy speech bewrayed an inly kind of fear, -And savoured of a weak relenting spirit. -Go forward now in that we have begun, -And afterwards attempt me when thou darest. 30 - -_Will._ And if I do not, heaven cut me off! -But let that pass, and show me to this house, -Where thou shalt see I'll do as much as Shakebag. - -_Shakebag._ This is the door; but soft, methinks 'tis shut. -The villain Michael hath deceived us. - -_Will._ Soft, let me see, Shakebag; 'tis shut indeed. -Knock with thy sword, perhaps the slave will hear. - -_Shakebag._ It will not be; the white-livered peasant -Is gone to bed, and laughs us both to scorn. - -_Will._ And he shall buy his merriment as dear 40 -As ever coistril bought so little sport: -Ne'er let this sword assist me when I need, -But rust and canker after I have sworn, -If I, the next time that I meet the hind, -Lop not away his leg, his arm, or both. - -_Shakebag._ And let me never draw a sword again, -Nor prosper in the twilight, cockshut light, -When I would fleece the wealthy passenger, -But lie and languish in a loathsome den, -Hated and spit at by the goers-by, 50 -And in that death may die unpitied, -If I, the next time that I meet the slave, -Cut not the nose from off the coward's face -And trample on it for this villainy. - -_Will._ Come, let's go seek out Greene; I know he'll swear. - -_Shakebag._ He were a villain, an he would not swear. -'Twould make a peasant swear among his boys, -That ne'er durst say before but 'yea' and 'no,' -To be thus flouted of a coistril. - -_Will._ Shakebag, let's seek out Greene, and in the morning 60 -At the alehouse butting Arden's house -Watch the out-coming of that prick-eared cur, -And then let me alone to handle him. [_Exeunt._ - -III. ii. 47. A _cockshut_ was a large net used to catch woodcocks -after sunset. Cf. 'Cockshut time.'--_Richard III._, V. iii. 70. - - -SCENE III - -_Room in Franklin's house as before._ - -_Here enters Arden, Franklin, and Michael._ - -_Arden._ Sirrah, get you back to Billingsgate -And learn what time the tide will serve our turn; -Come to us in Paul's. First go make the bed, -And afterwards go hearken for the flood. - - [_Exit Michael._ - -Come, Master Franklin, you shall go with me. -This night I dreamt that, being in a park, -A toil was pitched to overthrow the deer, -And I upon a little rising hill -Stood whistly watching for the herd's approach. -Even there, methoughts, a gentle slumber took me, 10 -And summoned all my parts to sweet repose; -But in the pleasure of this golden rest -An ill-thewed foster had removed the toil, -And rounded me with that beguiling home -Which late, methought, was pitched to cast the deer. -With that he blew an evil-sounding horn, -And at the noise another herdman came, -With falchion drawn, and bent it at my breast, -Crying aloud, 'Thou art the game we seek!' -With this I woke and trembled every joint, 20 -Like one obscured in a little bush, -That sees a lion foraging about, -And, when the dreadful forest-king is gone, -He pries about with timorous suspect -Throughout the thorny casements of the brake, -And will not think his person dangerless, -But quakes and shivers, though the cause be gone: -So, trust me, Franklin, when I did awake, -I stood in doubt whether I waked or no: -Such great impression took this fond surprise. 30 -God grant this vision bedeem me any good. - -_Franklin._ This fantasy doth rise from Michael's fear, -Who being awaked with the noise he made, -His troubled senses yet could take no rest; -And this, I warrant you, procured your dream. - -_Arden._ It may be so, God frame it to the best: -But oftentimes my dreams presage too true. - -_Franklin._ To such as note their nightly fantasies, -Some one in twenty may incur belief; -But use it not, 'tis but a mockery. 40 - -_Arden._ Come, Master Franklin; we'll now walk in Paul's -And dine together at the ordinary, -And by my man's direction draw to the quay, -And with the tide go down to Feversham. -Say, Master Franklin, shall it not be so? - -_Franklin._ At your good pleasure, sir; I'll bear you company. [_Exeunt._ - -III. iii. 14. _rounded me_ = brought me round. - -III. iii. 40. _use_: Warnke quotes _Macbeth_, III. ii. 10, 'Using those -thoughts which should indeed have died.' - -III. iii. 44. _with the tide_, _i.e._ by boat on the Thames. Holinshed -makes Greene and Black Will go to London, from Gravesend -apparently, 'at the tide.' - - -SCENE IV - -_Aldersgate._ - -_Here enters Michael at one door._ - -_Here enters Greene, Will, and Shakebag at -another door._ - -_Will._ Draw, Shakebag, for here's that villain Michael. - -_Greene._ First, Will, let's hear what he can say. - -_Will._ Speak, milksop slave, and never after speak. - -_Michael._ For God's sake, sirs, let me excuse myself: -For here I swear, by heaven and earth and all, -I did perform the utmost of my task, -And left the doors unbolted and unlocked. -But see the chance: Franklin and my master -Were very late conferring in the porch, -And Franklin left his napkin where he sat 10 -With certain gold knit in it, as he said. -Being in bed, he did bethink himself, -And coming down he found the doors unshut: -He locked the gates, and brought away the keys, -For which offence my master rated me. -But now I am going to see what flood it is, -For with the tide my master will away; -Where you may front him well on Rainham Down, -A place well-fitting such a stratagem. - -_Will._ Your excuse hath somewhat mollified my choler. -Why now, Greene, 'tis better now nor e'er it was. 21 - -_Greene._ But, Michael, is this true? - -_Michael._ As true as I report it to be true. - -_Shakebag._ Then, Michael, this shall be your penance, -To feast us all at the Salutation, -Where we will plat our purpose thoroughly. - -_Greene._ And, Michael, you shall bear no news of this tide, -Because they two may be in Rainham Down -Before your master. - -_Michael._ Why, I'll agree to anything you'll have me, -So you will except of my company. [_Exeunt._ - -III. iv. 18. 'The country near Rainham seems in the sixteenth -century to have been so open as to have entitled it to the appellation -of a Down.'--Donne. The spot had a bad reputation. - -III. iv. 25. The Salutation is an inn mentioned in _Bartholomew -Fair_. - -III. iv. 31. _Except_ is probably the printer's spelling of _accept_. - - -SCENE V - -_Arden's House at Feversham._ - -_Here enters Mosbie._ - -_Mosbie._ Disturbd thoughts drives me from company -And dries my marrow with their watchfulness; -Continual trouble of my moody brain -Feebles my body by excess of drink, -And nips me as the bitter north-east wind -Doth check the tender blossoms in the spring. -Well fares the man, howe'er his cates do taste, -That tables not with foul suspicion; -And he but pines amongst his delicates, -Whose troubled mind is stuffed with discontent. 10 -My golden time was when I had no gold; -Though then I wanted, yet I slept secure; -My daily toil begat me night's repose, -My night's repose made daylight fresh to me. -But since I climbed the top-bough of the tree -And sought to build my nest among the clouds, -Each gentle stirry gale doth shake my bed, -And makes me dread my downfall to the earth. -But whither doth contemplation carry me? -The way I seek to find, where pleasure dwells, 20 -Is hedged behind me that I cannot back, -But needs must on, although to danger's gate. -Then, Arden, perish thou by that decree; -For Greene doth ear the land and weed thee up -To make my harvest nothing but pure corn. -And for his pains I'll hive him up a while, -And after smother him to have his wax: -Such bees as Greene must never live to sting. -Then is there Michael and the painter too, -Chief actors to Arden's overthrow; 30 -Who when they shall see me sit in Arden's seat, -They will insult upon me for my meed, -Or fright me by detecting of his end. -I'll none of that, for I can cast a bone -To make these curs pluck out each other's throat, -And then am I sole ruler of mine own. -Yet Mistress Arden lives; but she's myself, -And holy Church rites makes us two but one. -But what for that? I may not trust you, Alice: -You have supplanted Arden for my sake, 40 -And will extirpen me to plant another. -'Tis fearful sleeping in a serpent's bed, -And I will cleanly rid my hands of her. - -_Here enters Alice._ - -But here she comes, and I must flatter her. ---How now, Alice? what, sad and passionate? -Make me partaker of thy pensiveness: -Fire divided burns with lesser force. - -_Alice._ But I will dam that fire in my breast -Till by the force thereof my part consume. -Ah, Mosbie! 50 - -_Mosbie._ Such deep pathaires, like to a cannon's burst -Discharged against a ruinated wall, -Breaks my relenting heart in thousand pieces. -Ungentle Alice, thy sorrow is my sore; -Thou know'st it well, and 'tis thy policy -To forge distressful looks to wound a breast -Where lies a heart that dies when thou art sad. -It is not love that loves to anger love. - -_Alice._ It is not love that loves to murder love. - -_Mosbie._ How mean you that? 60 - -_Alice._ Thou knowest how dearly Arden loved me. - -_Mosbie._ And then? - -_Alice._ And then--conceal the rest, for 'tis too bad, -Lest that my words be carried with the wind, -And published in the world to both our shames. -I pray thee, Mosbie, let our springtime wither; -Our harvest else will yield but loathsome weeds. -Forget, I pray thee, what hath passed betwixt us, -For how I blush and tremble at the thoughts! - -_Mosbie._ What? are you changed? 70 - -_Alice._ Ay, to my former happy life again, -From title of an odious strumpet's name -To honest Arden's wife, not Arden's honest wife. -Ha, Mosbie! 'tis thou has rifled me of that -And made me slanderous to all my kin; -Even in my forehead is thy name ingraven, -A mean artificer, that low-born name. -I was bewitched: woe worth the hapless hour -And all the causes that enchanted me! - -_Mosbie._ Nay, if you ban, let me breathe curses forth, 80 -And if you stand so nicely at your fame, -Let me repent the credit I have lost. -I have neglected matters of import -That would have stated me above thy state, -Forslowed advantages, and spurned at time: -Ay, Fortune's right hand Mosbie hath forsook -To take a wanton giglot by the left. -I left the marriage of an honest maid, -Whose dowry would have weighed down all thy wealth, -Whose beauty and demeanour far exceeded thee: 90 -This certain good I lost for changing bad, -And wrapt my credit in thy company. -I was bewitched,--that is no theme of thine, -And thou unhallowed has enchanted me. -But I will break thy spells and exorcisms, -And put another sight upon these eyes -That showed my heart a raven for a dove. -Thou art not fair, I viewed thee not till now; -Thou art not kind, till now I knew thee not; -And now the rain hath beaten off thy gilt, 100 -Thy worthless copper shows thee counterfeit. -It grieves me not to see how foul thou art, -But mads me that ever I thought thee fair. -Go, get thee gone, a copesmate for thy hinds; -I am too good to be thy favourite. - -_Alice._ Ay, now I see, and too soon find it true, -Which often hath been told me by my friends, -That Mosbie loves me not but for my wealth, -Which too incredulous I ne'er believed. -Nay, hear me speak, Mosbie, a word or two; 110 -I'll bite my tongue if it speak bitterly. -Look on me, Mosbie, or I'll kill myself: -Nothing shall hide me from thy stormy look. -If thou cry war, there is no peace for me; -I will do penance for offending thee, -And burn this prayer-book, where I here use -The holy word that had converted me. -See, Mosbie, I will tear away the leaves, -And all the leaves, and in this golden cover -Shall thy sweet phrases and thy letters dwell; 120 -And thereon will I chiefly meditate, -And hold no other sect but such devotion. -Wilt thou not look? is all thy love o'erwhelmed? -Wilt thou not hear? what malice stops thine ears? -Why speaks thou not? what silence ties thy tongue? -Thou hast been sighted as the eagle is, -And heard as quickly as the fearful hare, -And spoke as smoothly as an orator, -When I have bid thee hear or see or speak, -And art thou sensible in none of these? 130 -Weigh all thy good turns with this little fault, -And I deserve not Mosbie's muddy looks. -A fence of trouble is not thickened still: -Be clear again, I'll ne'er more trouble thee. - -_Mosbie._ O no, I am a base artificer: -My wings are feathered for a lowly flight. -Mosbie? fie! no, not for a thousand pound. -Make love to you? why, 'tis unpardonable; -We beggars must not breathe where gentles are. - -_Alice._ Sweet Mosbie is as gentle as a king, 140 -And I too blind to judge him otherwise. -Flowers do sometimes spring in fallow lands, -Weeds in gardens, roses grow on thorns; -So, whatsoe'er my Mosbie's father was, -Himself is valued gentle by his worth. - -_Mosbie._ Ah, how you women can insinuate, -And clear a trespass with your sweet-set tongue! -I will forget this quarrel, gentle Alice, -Provided I'll be tempted so no more. - -_Here enters Bradshaw._ - -_Alice._ Then with thy lips seal up this new-made match. - -_Mosbie._ Soft, Alice, here comes somebody. 151 - -_Alice._ How now, Bradshaw, what's the news with you? - -_Bradshaw._ I have little news, but here's a letter -That Master Greene importuned me to give you. - -_Alice._ Go in, Bradshaw; call for a cup of beer; -'Tis almost supper-time, thou shalt stay with us. - - [_Exit Bradshaw._ - -_Then she reads the letter._ - -'We have missed of our purpose at London, but shall -perform it by the way. We thank our neighbour -Bradshaw.--Yours, Richard Greene.' -How likes my love the tenor of this letter? 160 - -_Mosbie._ Well, were his date completed and expired. - -_Alice._ Ah, would it were! Then comes my happy hour: -Till then my bliss is mixed with bitter gall. -Come, let us in to shun suspicion. - -_Mosbie._ Ay, to the gates of death to follow thee. [_Exeunt._ - -III. v. 4. _drink_: perhaps we ought to read _think_. - -III. v. 17. _stirry_: this is meant by the _starry_ of the Quartos. - -III. v. 26. _hive_: Delius's correction of _heave_, A, B, C. - -III. v. 51. _deep pathaires_: Delius conjectures _deep fet airs_; but -Mr. Gollancz has probably solved the crux of the play by his -suggestion,--'"Pathaire," I take to be some special form of "petarre," -_i.e._ "petard," probably used in the metaphorical sense of -passionate outburst.'--(Lamb's _Specimens_, I. i. 297.) The use may -be quite literal; for the form cf. Powell's _Tom of All Trades_, -p. 163, 'An Enginere for making of Patars.' - -III. v. 58. Quoted by Bullen as of 'genuine Shakesperean -flavour.' He adds III. v. 112-130. - -III. v. 116. Mr. Bullen puts a comma at _use_. - -III. v. 131. _Thy_: several editors read _my_; but the sense is 'the -good turns I have done you.' - -III. v. 133. Warnke explains 'the quarrel has not yet thickened -to so impenetrable a fence as to separate us for ever.' Perhaps we -should read 'is not thick-set ill.' - -III. v. 157. An inconsistency. Cf. II. i. 75. Holinshed quotes -from the letter, 'We have got a man for our purpose, we may -thank my brother Bradshaw.' The _Wardmote Book_ says nothing -of Bradshaw's innocence. - - -SCENE VI - -_Country near Rochester._ - -_Here enters Greene, Will, and Shakebag._ - -_Shakebag._ Come, Will, see thy tools be in a readiness! -Is not thy powder dank, or will thy flint strike fire? - -_Will._ Then ask me if my nose be on my face, -Or whether my tongue be frozen in my mouth. -Zounds, here's a coil! -You were best swear me on the interrogatories -How many pistols I have took in hand, -Or whether I love the smell of gunpowder, -Or dare abide the noise the dag will make, -Or will not wink at flashing of the fire. 10 -I pray thee, Shakebag, let this answer thee, -That I have took more purses in this down -Than e'er thou handledst pistols in thy life. - -_Shakebag._ Ay, haply thou has picked more in a throng: -But, should I brag what booties I have took, -I think the overplus that's more than thine -Would mount to a greater sum of money -Then either thou or all thy kin are worth. -Zounds, I hate them as I hate a toad -That carry a muscado in their tongue, 20 -And scarce a hurting weapon in their hand. - -_Will._ O Greene, intolerable! -It is not for mine honour to bear this. -Why, Shakebag, I did serve the king at Boulogne, -And thou canst brag of nothing that thou hast done. - -_Shakebag._ Why, so can Jack of Feversham, -That sounded for a fillip on the nose, -When he that gave it him holloed in his ear, -And he supposed a cannon-bullet hit him. - -_Then they fight._ - -_Greene._ I pray you, sirs, list to sop's talk: 30 -Whilst two stout dogs were striving for a bone, -There comes a cur and stole it from them both; -So, while you stand striving on these terms of manhood, -Arden escapes us, and deceives us all. - -_Shakebag._ Why, he begun. - -_Will._ And thou shalt find I'll end; -I do but slip it until better time: -But, if I do forget---- - - [_Then he kneels down and holds up - his hands to heaven._ - -_Greene._ Well, take your fittest standings, and once more -Lime well your twigs to catch this wary bird. -I'll leave you, and at your dag's discharge 40 -Make towards, like the longing water-dog -That coucheth till the fowling-piece be off, -Then seizeth on the prey with eager mood. -Ah, might I see him stretching forth his limbs, -As I have seen them beat their wings ere now! - -_Shakebag._ Why, that thou shalt see, if he come this way. - -_Greene._ Yes, that he doth, Shakebag, I warrant thee: -But brawl not when I am gone in any case. -But, sirs, be sure to speed him when he comes, -And in that hope I'll leave you for an hour. 50 - - [_Exit Greene._ - -_Here enters Arden, Franklin, and Michael._ - -_Michael._ 'Twere best that I went back to Rochester: -The horse halts downright; it were not good -He travelled in such pain to Feversham; -Removing of a shoe may haply help it. - -_Arden._ Well, get you back to Rochester; but, sirrah, see -Ye o'ertake us ere we come to Rainham Down, -For 't will be very late ere we get home. - -_Michael._ Ay, God he knows, and so doth Will and Shakebag, -That thou shalt never go further than that down; -And therefore have I pricked the horse on purpose, -Because I would not view the massacre. 61 - - [_Exit Michael._ - -_Arden._ Come, Master Franklin, onwards with your tale. - -_Franklin._ I do assure you, sir, you task me much: -A heavy blood is gathered at my heart, -And on the sudden is my wind so short -As hindereth the passage of my speech; -So fierce a qualm yet ne'er assailed me. - -_Arden._ Come, Master Franklin, let us go on softly: -The annoyance of the dust or else some meat -You ate at dinner cannot brook with you. 70 -I have been often so, and soon amended. - -_Franklin._ Do you remember where my tale did leave? - -_Arden._ Ay, where the gentleman did check his wife. - -_Franklin._ She being reprehended for the fact, -Witness produced that took her with the deed, -Her glove brought in which there she left behind, -And many other assured arguments, -Her husband asked her whether it were not so. - -_Arden._ Her answer then? I wonder how she looked, -Having forsworn it with such vehement oaths, 80 -And at the instant so approved upon her. - -_Franklin._ First did she cast her eyes down to the earth, -Watching the drops that fell amain from thence; -Then softly draws she forth her handkercher, -And modestly she wipes her tear-stained face; -Them hemmed she out, to clear her voice should seem, -And with a majesty addressed herself -To encounter all their accusations.-- -Pardon me, Master Arden, I can no more; -This fighting at my heart makes short my wind. 90 - -_Arden._ Come, we are almost now at Rainham Down: -Your pretty tale beguiles the weary way; -I would you were in state to tell it out. - -_Shakebag._ Stand close, Will, I hear them coming. - -_Here enters Lord Cheiny with his men._ - -_Will._ Stand to it, Shakebag, and be resolute. - -_L. Cheiny._ Is it so near night as it seems, -Or will this black-faced evening have a shower? ---What, Master Arden? you are well met, -I have longed this fortnight's day to speak with you: -You are a stranger, man, in the Isle of Sheppy. 100 - -_Arden._ Your honour's always! bound to do you service. - -_L. Cheiny._ Come you from London, and ne'er a man with you? - -_Arden._ My man's coming after, but here's -My honest friend that came along with me. - -_L. Cheiny._ My Lord Protector's man I take you to be. - -_Franklin._ Ay, my good lord, and highly bound to you. - -_L. Cheiny._ You and your friend come home and sup with me. - -_Arden._ I beseech your honour pardon me; -I have made a promise to a gentleman, -My honest friend, to meet him at my house; 110 -The occasion is great, or else would I wait on you. - -_L. Cheiny._ Will you come to-morrow and dine with me, -And bring your honest friend along with you? -I have divers matters to talk with you about. - -_Arden._ To-morrow we'll wait upon your honour. - -_L. Cheiny._ One of you stay my horse at the top of the hill. ---What! Black Will? for whose purse wait you? -Thou wilt be hanged in Kent, when all is done. - -_Will._ Not hanged, God save your honour; -I am your bedesman, bound to pray for you. 120 - -_L. Cheiny._ I think thou ne'er said'st prayer in all thy life.-- -One of you give him a crown:-- -And, sirrah, leave this kind of life; -If thou beest tainted for a penny-matter, -And come in question, surely thou wilt truss. ---Come, Master Arden, let us be going; -Your way and mine lies four miles together. - - [_Exeunt. Manet Black Will and Shakebag._ - -_Will._ The devil break all your necks at four miles' end! -Zounds, I could kill myself for very anger! -His lordship chops me in, 130 -Even when my dag was levelled at his heart. -I would his crown were molten down his throat. - -_Shakebag._ Arden, thou hast wondrous holy luck. -Did ever man escape as thou hast done? -Well, I'll discharge my pistol at the sky, -For by this bullet Arden might not die. - -_Here enters Greene._ - -_Greene._ What, is he down? is he dispatched? - -_Shakebag._ Ay, in health towards Feversham, to shame us all. - -_Greene._ The devil he is! why, sirs, how escaped he? - -_Shakebag._ When we were ready to shoot, 140 -Comes my Lord Cheiny to prevent his death. - -_Greene._ The Lord of Heaven hath preserved him. - -_Will._ Preserved a fig! The Lord Cheiny hath preserved him, -And bids him to a feast to his house at Shorlow. -But by the way once more I'll meet with him, -And, if all the Cheinies in the world say no, -I'll have a bullet in his breast to-morrow. -Therefore come, Greene, and let us to Feversham. - -_Greene._ Ay, and excuse ourselves to Mistress Arden: -O, how she'll chafe when she hears of this! 150 - -_Shakebag._ Why, I'll warrant you she'll think we dare -not do it. - -_Will._ Why, then let us go, and tell her all the matter, -And plat the news to cut him off to-morrow. - - [_Exeunt._ - -III. vi. 144. _Shorlow_ should be Shurland in Sheppey. - - - - -ACT IV - - -SCENE I - -_Arden's House at Feversham._ - -_Here enters Arden and his wife, Franklin, and Michael_ - -_Arden._ See how the hours, the gardant of heaven's gate, -Have by their toil removed the darksome clouds, -That Sol may well discern the trampled path -Wherein he wont to guide his golden car; -The season fits; come, Franklin, let's away. - -_Alice._ I thought you did pretend some special hunt, -That made you thus cut short the time of rest. - -_Arden._ It was no chase that made me rise so early, -But, as I told thee yesternight, to go -To the Isle of Sheppy, there to dine with my Lord Cheiny; 10 -For so his honour late commanded me. - -_Alice._ Ay, such kind husbands seldom want excuses; -Home is a wild cat to a wandering wit. -The time hath been,--would God it were not past,-- -That honour's title nor a lord's command -Could once have drawn you from these arms of mine. -But my deserts or your desires decay, -Or both; yet if true love may seem desert, -I merit still to have thy company. - -_Franklin._ Why, I pray you, sir, let her go along with us; 20 -I am sure his honour will welcome her -And us the more for bringing her along. - -_Arden._ Content; sirrah, saddle your mistress' nag. - -_Alice._ No, begged favour merits little thanks; -If I should go, our house would run away, -Or else be stolen; therefore I'll stay behind. - -_Arden._ Nay, see how mistaking you are! I pray thee, go. - -_Alice._ No, no, not now. - -_Arden._ Then let me leave thee satisfied in this, -That time nor place nor persons alter me, 30 -But that I hold thee dearer than my life. - -_Alice._ That will be seen by your quick return. - -_Arden._ And that shall be ere night, and if I live. -Farewell, sweet Alice, we mind to sup with thee. - - [_Exit Alice._ - -_Franklin._ Come, Michael, are our horses ready? - -_Michael._ Ay, your horse are ready, but I am not ready, -for I have lost my purse, with six and thirty -shillings in it, with taking up of my master's nag. - -_Franklin._ Why, I pray you, let us go before, -Whilst he stays behind to seek his purse. 40 - -_Arden._ Go to, sirrah, see you follow us to the Isle of Sheppy -To my Lord Cheiny's, where we mean to dine. - - [_Exeunt Arden and Franklin. Manet Michael._ - -_Michael._ So, fair weather after you, for before you lies -Black Will and Shakebag in the broom close, too -close for you: they'll be your ferrymen to long -home. - -_Here enters the Painter._ - -But who is this? the painter, my corrival, that -would needs win Mistress Susan. - -_Clarke._ How now, Michael? how doth my mistress and all at home? - -_Michael._ Who? Susan Mosbie? she is your mistress, too? 50 - -_Clarke._ Ay, how doth she and all the rest? - -_Michael._ All's well but Susan; she is sick. - -_Clarke._ Sick? Of what disease? - -_Michael._ Of a great fever. - -_Clarke._ A fear of what? - -_Michael._ A great fever. - -Clarke. A fever? God forbid! - -_Michael._ Yes, faith, and of a lordaine, too, as big as yourself. - -_Clarke._ O, Michael, the spleen prickles you. Go to, -you carry an eye over Mistress Susan. 60 - -_Michael._ I' faith, to keep her from the painter. - -_Clarke._ Why more from a painter than from a serving -creature like yourself? - -Michael. Because you painters make but a painting -table of a pretty wench, and spoil her beauty with -blotting. - -_Clarke._ What mean you by that? - -_Michael._ Why, that you painters paint lambs in the lining -of wenches' petticoats, and we serving-men put -horns to them to make them become sheep. 70 - -_Clarke._ Such another word will cost you a cuff or a -knock. - -_Michael._ What, with a dagger made of a pencil? Faith, -'tis too weak, and therefore thou too weak to win -Susan. - -_Clarke._ Would Susan's love lay upon this stroke. - - - [_Then he breaks Michael's head._ - -_Here enters Mosbie, Greene, and Alice._ - -_Alice._ I'll lay my life, this is for Susan's love. -Stayed you behind your master to this end? -Have you no other time to brable in -But now when serious matters are in hand?-- -Say, Clarke, hast thou done the thing thou promised? 80 - -_Clarke._ Ay, here it is; the very touch is death. - -_Alice._ Then this, I hope, if all the rest do fail, -Will catch Master Arden, -And make him wise in death that lived a fool. -Why should he thrust his sickle in our corn, -Or what hath he to do with thee, my love, -Or govern me that am to rule myself? -Forsooth, for credit sake, I must leave thee! -Nay, he must leave to live that we may love, -May live, may love; for what is life but love? 90 -And love shall last as long as life remains, -And life shall end before my love depart. - -_Mosbie._ Why, what is love without true constancy? -Like to a pillar built of many stones, -Yet neither with good mortar well compact -Nor with cement to fasten it in the joints, -But that it shakes with every blast of wind, -And, being touched, straight falls unto the earth, -And buries all his haughty pride in dust. -No, let our love be rocks of adamant, 100 -Which time nor place nor tempest can asunder. - -_Greene._ Mosbie, leave protestations now, -And let us bethink us what we have to do. -Black Will and Shakebag I have placed i' the broom, -Close watching Arden's coming; let's to them -And see what they have done. [_Exeunt._ - -IV. i. 1. _gardant_: A, B read _gardeant_, modern editors _guardians_. - -IV. i. 3. _path_: so Warnke for _pace_ of A, B, C; but _pace_ in the -sense of 'path' is not impossible. - -IV. i. 17. _desires_: so Warnke for _deserves_, A, B, C. - -IV. i. 44. 'A certain broom-close betwixt Feversham and the -Ferry.'--Holinshed. - -IV. i. 45. Cf. _Ecclesiastes_, vii. 5. - -IV. i. 96. _nor with cement_: Delius _for nor semell_, A, B. - - -SCENE II - -_The Kentish Coast opposite the Isle of Sheppy._ - -_Here enters Arden and Franklin._ - -_Arden._ Oh, ferryman, where art thou? - -_Here enters the Ferryman._ - -_Ferryman._ Here, here, go before to the boat, and I will -follow you. - -_Arden._ We have great haste; I pray thee, come away. - -_Ferryman._ Fie, what a mist is here! - -_Arden._ This mist, my friend, is mystical, -Like to a good companion's smoky brain, -That was half drowned with new ale overnight. - -_Ferryman._ 'Twere pity but his skull were opened to -make more chimney room. 10 - -_Franklin._ Friend, what's thy opinion of this mist? - -_Ferryman._ I think 'tis like to a curst wife in a little -house, that never leaves her husband till she have -driven him out at doors with a wet pair of eyes; -then looks he as if his house were a-fire, or some of -his friends dead. - -_Arden._ Speaks thou this of thine own experience? - -_Ferryman._ Perhaps, ay; perhaps, no: For my wife is -as other women are, that is to say, governed by the -moon. 20 - -_Franklin._ By the moon? how, I pray thee? - -_Ferryman._ Nay, thereby lies a bargain, and you shall -not have it fresh and fasting. - -_Arden._ Yes, I pray thee, good ferryman. - -_Ferryman._ Then for this once; let it be midsummer -moon, but yet my wife has another moon. - -_Franklin._ Another moon? - -_Ferryman._ Ay, and it hath influences and eclipses. - -_Arden._ Why, then, by this reckoning you sometimes -play the man in the moon? 30 - -_Ferryman._ Ay, but you had not best to meddle with -that moon, lest I scratch you by the face with my -bramble-bush. - -_Arden._ I am almost stifled with this fog; come, let's -away. - -_Franklin._ And, sirrah, as we go, let us have some more -of your bold yeomanry. - -_Ferryman._ Nay, by my troth, sir, but flat knavery. - - [_Exeunt._ - -IV. ii. 5. This mist is not in Holinshed. It is our poet's invention. - -IV. ii. 30. Cf. _Midsummer Night's Dream_, V. i. 237, etc. - - -SCENE III - -_Another place on the coast._ - -_Here enters Will at one door, and Shakebag at another._ - -_Shakebag._ Oh, Will, where art thou? - -_Will._ Here, Shakebag, almost in hell's mouth, where I -cannot see my way for smoke. - -_Shakebag._ I pray thee speak still that we may meet by -the sound, for I shall fall into some ditch or other, -unless my feet see better than my eyes. - -_Will._ Didst thou ever see better weather to run away -with another man's wife, or play with a wench at -pot-finger? 9 - -_Shakebag._ No; this were a fine world for chandlers, if -this weather would last; for then a man should -never dine nor sup without candle-light. But, -sirrah Will, what horses are those that passed? - -_Will._ Why, didst thou hear any? - -_Shakebag._ Ay, that I did. - -_Will._ My life for thine, 'twas Arden, and his companion, -and then all our labour's lost. - -_Shakebag._ Nay, say not so, for if it be they, they may -haply lose their way as we have done, and then we -may chance meet with them. 20 - -_Will._ Come, let us go on like a couple of blind pilgrims. - - [_Then Shakebag falls into a ditch._ - -_Shakebag._ Help, Will, help, I am almost drowned. - -_Here enters the Ferryman._ - -_Ferryman._ Who's that that calls for help? - -_Will._ 'Twas none here, 'twas thou thyself. - -_Ferryman._ I came to help him that called for help. -Why, how now? who is this that's in the ditch? -You are well enough served to go without a guide -such weather as this. - -_Will._ Sirrah, what companies hath passed your ferry -this morning? 30 - -_Ferryman._ None but a couple of gentlemen, that went -to dine at my Lord Cheiny's. - -_Will._ Shakebag, did not I tell thee as much? - -Ferryman. Why, sir, will you have any letters carried -to them? - -_Will._ No, sir; get you gone. - -_Ferryman._ Did you ever see such a mist as this? - -_Will._ No, nor such a fool as will rather be hought than -get his way. - -_Ferryman._ Why, sir, this is no Hough-Monday; you -are deceived.--What's his name, I pray you, sir? 41 - -_Shakebag._ His name is Black Will. - -_Ferryman._ I hope to see him one day hanged upon a -hill. [_Exit Ferryman._ - -_Shakebag._ See how the sun hath cleared the foggy mist, -Now we have missed the mark of our intent. - -_Here enters Greene, Mosbie, and Alice._ - -_Mosbie._ Black Will and Shakebag, what make you here? -What, is the deed done? is Arden dead? - -_Will._ What could a blinded man perform in arms? -Saw you not how till now the sky was dark, 50 -That neither horse nor man could be discerned? -Yet did we hear their horses as they passed. - -_Greene._ Have they escaped you, then, and passed the ferry? - -_Shakebag_. Ay, for a while; but here we two will stay, -And at their coming back meet with them once more. -Zounds, I was ne'er so toiled in all my life -In following so slight a task as this. - -_Mosbie._ How cam'st thou so berayed? - -_Will._ With making false footing in the dark; -He needs would follow them without a guide. 60 - -_Alice._ Here's to pay for a fire and good cheer: -Get you to Feversham to the Flower-de-luce, -And rest yourselves until some other time. - -_Greene._ Let me alone; it most concerns my state. - -_Will._ Ay, Mistress Arden, this will serve the turn, -In case we fall into a second fog. - - [_Exeunt Greene, Will, and Shakebag._ - -_Mosbie._ These knaves will never do it, let us give it over. - -_Alice._ First tell me how you like my new device: -Soon, when my husband is returning back, -You and I both marching arm in arm, 70 -Like loving friends, we'll meet him on the way, -And boldly beard and brave him to his teeth. -When words grow hot and blows begin to rise, -I'll call those cutters forth your tenement, -Who, in a manner to take up the fray, -Shall wound my husband Hornsby to the death. - -_Mosbie._ A fine device! why, this deserves a kiss. - - [_Exeunt._ - -IV. iii. 40. Hock Monday followed the second Sunday after -Easter. See Brand's _Popular Antiquities_. - -IV. iii. 68. Our poet blackens Mosbie for the same reason that -he whitewashes Arden, _e.g._: 'Master Arden both then and at other -times had been greatly provoked by Mosbie to fight with him, but -he would not.' 'Mosby at the first would not agree to that -cowardly murdering of him.'--Holinshed. - - -SCENE IV - -_The open country._ - -_Here enters Dick Reede and a Sailor._ - -_Sailor._ Faith, Dick Reede, it is to little end: -His conscience is too liberal, and he too niggardly -To part from any thing may do thee good. - -_Reede._ He is coming from Shorlow as I understand; -Here I'll intercept him, for at his house -He never will vouchsafe to speak with me. -If prayers and fair entreaties will not serve, -Or make no battery in his flinty breast, - -_Here enters Franklin, Arden, and Michael._ - -I'll curse the carle, and see what that will do. -See where he comes to further my intent!-- 10 -Master Arden, I am now bound to the sea; -My coming to you was about the plat -Of ground which wrongfully you detain from me. -Although the rent of it be very small, -Yet it will help my wife and children, -Which here I leave in Feversham, God knows, -Needy and bare: for Christ's sake, let them have it! - -_Arden._ Franklin, hearest thou this fellow speak? -That which he craves I dearly bought of him, -Although the rent of it was ever mine.-- 20 -Sirrah, you that ask these questions, -If with thy clamorous impeaching tongue -Thou rail on me, as I have heard thou dost, -I'll lay thee up so close a twelve-month's day, -As thou shalt neither see the sun nor moon. -Look to it, for, as surely as I live, -I'll banish pity if thou use me thus. - -_Reede._ What, wilt thou do me wrong and threat me too, -Nay, then, I'll tempt thee, Arden, do thy worst. -God, I beseech thee, show some miracle 30 -On thee or thine, in plaguing thee for this. -That plot of ground which thou detains from me, -I speak it in an agony of spirit, -Be ruinous and fatal unto thee! -Either there be butchered by thy dearest friends, -Or else be brought for men to wonder at, -Or thou or thine miscarry in that place, -Or there run mad and end thy cursd days! - -_Franklin._ Fie, bitter knave, bridle thine envious tongue; -For curses are like arrows shot upright, 40 -Which falling down light on the shooter's head. - -_Reede._ Light where they will! Were I upon the sea, -As oft I have in many a bitter storm, -And saw a dreadful southern flaw at hand, -The pilot quaking at the doubtful storm, -And all the sailors praying on their knees, -Even in that fearful time would I fall down, -And ask of God, whate'er betide of me, -Vengeance on Arden or some misevent -To show the world what wrong the carle hath done. -This charge I'll leave with my distressful wife, 51 -My children shall be taught such prayers as these; -And thus I go, but leave my curse with thee. - - [_Exeunt Reede and Sailor._ - -_Arden._ It is the railingest knave in Christendom, -And oftentimes the villain will be mad; -It greatly matters not what he says, -But I assure you I ne'er did him wrong. - -_Franklin._ I think so, Master Arden. - -_Arden._ Now that our horses are gone home before, -My wife may haply meet me on the way. 60 -For God knows she is grown passing kind of late, -And greatly changed from -The old humour of her wonted frowardness, -And seeks by fair means to redeem old faults. - -_Franklin._ Happy the change that alters for the best! -But see in any case you make no speech -Of the cheer we had at my Lord Cheiny's, -Although most bounteous and liberal, -For that will make her think herself more wronged, -In that we did not carry her along; 70 -For sure she grieved that she was left behind. - -_Arden._ Come, Franklin, let us strain to mend our pace, -And take her unawares playing the cook; - -_Here enters Alice and Mosbie._ - -For I believe she'll strive to mend our cheer. - -_Franklin._ Why, there's no better creatures in the world, -Than women are when they are in good humours. - -_Arden._ Who is that? Mosbie? what, so familiar? -Injurious strumpet, and thou ribald knave, -Untwine those arms. - -_Alice._ Ay, with a sugared kiss let them untwine. 80 - -_Arden._ Ah, Mosbie! perjured beast! bear this and all! - -_Mosbie._ And yet no horned beast; the horns are thine. - -_Franklin._ O monstrous! Nay, then it is time to draw. - -_Alice._ Help, help! they murder my husband. - -_Here enters Will and Shakebag._ - -_Shakebag._ Zounds, who injures Master Mosbie? Help, Will! I am hurt. - -_Mosbie._ I may thank you, Mistress Arden, for this wound. - - [_Exeunt Mosbie, Will, and Shakebag._ - -_Alice._ Ah, Arden, what folly blinded thee? -Ah, jealous harebrained man, what hast thou done! -When we, to welcome thee with intended sport, -Came lovingly to meet thee on thy way, 90 -Thou drew'st thy sword, enraged with jealousy, -And hurt thy friend whose thoughts were free from harm: -All for a worthless kiss and joining arms, -Both done but merrily to try thy patience. -And me unhappy that devised the jest, -Which, though begun in sport, yet ends in blood! - -_Franklin._ Marry, God defend me from such a jest! - -_Alice._ Could'st thou not see us friendly smile on thee, -When we joined arms, and when I kissed his cheek? -Hast thou not lately found me over-kind? 100 -Did'st thou not hear me cry 'they murder thee'? -Called I not help to set my husband free? -No, ears and all were witched; ah me accursed -To link in liking with a frantic man! -Henceforth I'll be thy slave, no more thy wife, -For with that name I never shall content thee. -If I be merry, thou straightways thinks me light; -If sad, thou sayest the sullens trouble me; -If well attired, thou thinks I will be gadding; -If homely, I seem sluttish in thine eye: 110 -Thus am I still, and shall be while I die. -Poor wench abused by thy misgovernment! - -_Arden._ But is it for truth that neither thou nor he -Intendedst malice in your misdemeanour? - -_Alice._ The heavens can witness of our harmless thoughts - -_Arden._ Then pardon me, sweet Alice, and forgive this fault! -Forget but this and never see the like. -Impose me penance, and I will perform it, -For in thy discontent I find a death,-- -A death tormenting more than death itself. 120 - -_Alice._ Nay, had'st thou loved me as thou dost pretend, -Thou wouldst have marked the speeches of thy friend, -Who going wounded from the place, he said -His skin was pierced only through my device; -And if sad sorrow taint thee for this fault, -Thou would'st have followed him, and seen him dressed, -And cried him mercy whom thou hast misdone: -Ne'er shall my heart be eased till this be done. - -_Arden._ Content thee, sweet Alice, thou shalt have thy will, -Whate'er it be. For that I injured thee, 130 -And wronged my friend, shame scourgeth my offence; -Come thou thyself, and go along with me, -And be a mediator 'twixt us two. - -_Franklin._ Why, Master Arden! know you what you do? -Will you follow him that hath dishonoured you? - -_Alice._ Why, canst thou prove I have been disloyal? - -_Franklin._ Why, Mosbie taunted your husband with the horn. - -_Alice._ Ay, after he had reviled him -By the injurious name of perjured beast: -He knew no wrong could spite a jealous man 140 -More than the hateful naming of the horn. - -_Franklin._ Suppose 'tis true; yet is it dangerous -To follow him whom he hath lately hurt. - -_Alice._ A fault confessed is more than half amends; -But men of such ill spirit as yourself -Work crosses and debates 'twixt man and wife. - -_Arden._ I pray thee, gentle Franklin, hold thy peace: -I know my wife counsels me for the best. -I'll seek out Mosbie where his wound is dressed, -And salve this hapless quarrel if I may. 150 - - [_Exeunt Arden and Alice._ - -_Franklin._ He whom the devil drives must go perforce. -Poor gentleman, how soon he is bewitched! -And yet, because his wife is the instrument, -His friends must not be lavish in their speech. - - [_Exit Franklin._ - -IV. iv. 88. _harebrain_, A, B, C. - -IV. iv. 89. _welcome thee with intended_; so Warnke for _welcome -thy intended_, A, B, C. - - - - -ACT V - - -SCENE I - -_A Street in Feversham._ - -_Here enters Will, Shakebag, and Greene._ - -_Will._ Sirrah Greene, when was I so long in killing a man? - -_Greene._ I think we shall never do it; let us give it over. - -_Shakebag._ Nay, Zounds! we'll kill him, though we be -hanged at his door for our labour. - -_Will._ Thou knowest, Greene, that I have lived in London -this twelve years, where I have made some go -upon wooden legs for taking the wall on me; divers -with silver noses for saying 'There goes Black Will!' -I have cracked as many blades as thou hast nuts. - -_Greene._ O monstrous lie! 10 - -_Will._ Faith, in a manner I have. The bawdy-houses -have paid me tribute; there durst not a whore set -up, unless she have agreed with me first for opening -her shop-windows. For a cross word of a tapster -I have pierced one barrel after another with my -dagger, and held him by the ears till all his beer -hath run out. In Thames Street a brewer's cart -was like to have run over me: I made no more ado, -but went to the clerk and cut all the notches of his -tallies and beat them about his head. I and my -company have taken the constable from his watch, -and carried him about the fields on a coltstaff. I -have broken a sergeant's head with his own mace, -and bailed whom I list with my sword and buckler. -All the tenpenny-alehouses-men would stand every -morning with a quart-pot in their hand, saying, -'Will it please your worship drink?' He that had -not done so, had been sure to have had his sign -pulled down and his lattice borne away the next -night. To conclude, what have I not done? yet -cannot do this; doubtless, he is preserved by -miracle. 32 - -_Here enters Alice and Michael._ - -_Greene._ Hence, Will! here comes Mistress Arden. - -_Alice._ Ah, gentle Michael, art thou sure they're friends? - -_Michael._ Why, I saw them when they both shook hands. -When Mosbie bled, he even wept for sorrow, -And railed on Franklin that was cause of all. -No sooner came the surgeon in at doors, -But my master took to his purse and gave him money, -And, to conclude, sent me to bring you word 40 -That Mosbie, Franklin, Bradshaw, Adam Fowle, -With divers of his neighbours and his friends, -Will come and sup with you at our house this night. - -_Alice._ Ah, gentle Michael, run thou back again, -And, when my husband walks into the fair, -Bid Mosbie steal from him and come to me; -And this night shall thou and Susan be made sure. - -_Michael._ I'll go tell him. - -_Alice._ And as thou goest, tell John cook of our guests, -And bid him lay it on, spare for no cost. 50 - - [_Exit Michael._ - -_Will._ Nay, and there be such cheer, we will bid ourselves.-- -Mistress Arden, Dick Greene and I do mean to sup with you. - -_Alice._ And welcome shall you be. Ah, gentlemen, -How missed you of your purpose yesternight? - -_Greene._ 'Twas 'long of Shakebag, that unlucky villain. - -_Shakebag._ Thou dost me wrong; I did as much as any. - -_Will._ Nay then, Mistress Arden, I'll tell you how it was: -When he should have locked with both his hilts, -He in a bravery flourished o'er his head; -With that comes Franklin at him lustily, 60 -And hurts the slave; with that he slinks away. - -Now his way had been to have come hand and feet, -one and two round, at his costard; he like a fool -bears his sword-point half a yard out of danger. -I lie here for my life; if the devil come, and he -have no more strength than I have fence, he shall -never beat me from this ward, I'll stand to it; a -buckler in a skilful hand is as good as a castle; -nay, 'tis better than a sconce, for I have tried it. 70 -Mosbie, perceiving this, began to faint: -With that comes Arden with his arming sword, -And thrust him through the shoulder in a trice. - -_Alice._ Ay, but I wonder why you both stood still. - -_Will._ Faith, I was so amazed, I could not strike. - -_Alice._ Ah, sirs, had he yesternight been slain, -For every drop of his detested blood -I would have crammed in angels in thy fist, -And kissed thee, too, and hugged thee in my arms. - -_Will._ Patient yourself, we cannot help it now. 80 -Greene and we two will dog him through the fair, -And stab him in the crowd, and steal away. - -_Here enters Mosbie._ - -_Alice._ It is unpossible; but here comes he -That will, I hope, invent some surer means. -Sweet Mosbie, hide thy arm, it kills my heart. - -_Mosbie._ Ay, Mistress Arden, this is your favour. - -_Alice._ Ah, say not so; for when I saw thee hurt, -I could have took the weapon thou let'st fall, -And run at Arden; for I have sworn -That these mine eyes, offended with his sight, 90 -Shall never close till Arden's be shut up. -This night I rose and walked about the chamber, -And twice or thrice I thought to have murdered him. - -_Mosbie_. What, in the night? then had we been undone. - -_Alice._ Why, how long shall he live? - -_Mosbie._ Faith, Alice, no longer than this night.-- -Black Will and Shakebag, will you two perform -The complot that I have laid? - -_Will._ Ay, or else think me a villain. - -_Greene._ And rather than you shall want, I'll help myself. - -_Mosbie._ You, Master Greene, shall single Franklin forth, -And hold him with a long tale of strange news, 102 -That he may not come home till supper-time. -I'll fetch Master Arden home, and we like friends -Will play a game or two at tables here. - -_Alice._ But what of all this? how shall he be slain? - -_Mosbie._ Why, Black Will and Shakebag locked within the counting-house -Shall at a certain watchword given rush forth. - -_Will._ What shall the watchword be? - -_Mosbie._ 'Now I take you'; that shall be the word: 110 -But come not forth before in any case. - -_Will._ I warrant you. But who shall lock me in? - -_Alice._ That will I do; thou'st keep the key thyself. - -_Mosbie._ Come, Master Greene, go you along with me. -See all things ready, Alice, against we come. - -_Alice._ Take no care for that; send you him home. - - [_Exeunt Mosbie and Greene._ - -And if he e'er go forth again, blame me. -Come, Black Will, that in mine eyes art fair; -Next unto Mosbie do I honour thee; -Instead of fair words and large promises 120 -My hands shall play you golden harmony: -How like you this? say, will you do it, sirs? - -_Will._ Ay, and that bravely, too. Mark my device: -Place Mosbie, being a stranger, in a chair, -And let your husband sit upon a stool, -That I may come behind him cunningly, -And with a towel pull him to the ground, -Then stab him till his flesh be as a sieve; -That done, bear him behind the Abbey, -That those that find him murdered may suppose 130 -Some slave or other killed him for his gold. - -_Alice._ A fine device! you shall have twenty pound, -And, when he is dead, you shall have forty more, -And, lest you might be suspected staying here, -Michael shall saddle you two lusty geldings; -Ride whither you will, to Scotland, or to Wales, -I'll see you shall not lack, where'er you be. - -_Will._ Such words would make one kill a thousand men! -Give me the key: which is the counting-house? - -_Alice._ Here would I stay and still encourage you; 140 -But that I know how resolute you are. - -_Shakebag._ Tush, you are too faint-hearted; we must do it. - -_Alice._ But Mosbie will be there, whose very looks -Will add unwonted courage to my thought, -And make me the first that shall adventure on him. - -_Will._ Tush, get you gone; 'tis we must do the deed. -When this door opens next, look for his death. - - [_Exeunt Will and Shakebag._ - -_Alice._ Ah, would he now were here that it might open! -I shall no more be closed in Arden's arms, -That like the snakes of black Tisiphone 150 -Sting me with their embracings! Mosbie's arms -Shall compass me, and, were I made a star, -I would have none other spheres but those. -There is no nectar but in Mosbie's lips! -Had chaste Diana kissed him, she like me -Would grow love-sick, and from her watery bower -Fling down Endymion and snatch him up: -Then blame not me that slay a silly man -Not half so lovely as Endymion. - -_Here enters Michael._ - -_Michael._ Mistress, my master is coming hard by. 160 - -_Alice._ Who comes with him? - -_Michael._ Nobody but Mosbie. - -_Alice._ That's well, Michael. Fetch in the tables, and -when thou hast done, stand before the counting-house door. - -_Michael._ Why so? - -_Alice._ Black Will is locked within to do the deed. - -_Michael._ What? shall he die to-night? - -_Alice._ Ay, Michael. - -_Michael._ But shall not Susan know it? - -_Alice._ Yes, for she'll be as secret as ourselves. 170 - -_Michael._ That's brave. I'll go fetch the tables. - -Alice. But, Michael, hark to me a word or two: -When my husband is come in, lock the street-door; -He shall be murdered, or the guests come in. - - [_Exit Michael._ - -_Here enters Arden and Mosbie._ - -Husband, what mean you to bring Mosbie home? -Although I wished you to be reconciled, -'Twas more for fear of you than love of him. -Black Will and Greene are his companions, -And they are cutters, and may cut you short: -Therefore I thought it good to make you friends. 180 -But wherefore do you bring him hither now? -You have given me my supper with his sight. - -_Mosbie._ Master Arden, methinks your wife would have me gone. - -_Arden._ No, good Master Mosbie; women will be prating. -Alice, bid him welcome; he and I are friends. - -_Alice._ You may enforce me to it, if you will; -But I had rather die than bid him welcome. -His company hath purchased me ill friends, -And therefore will I ne'er frequent it more. - -_Mosbie._--Oh, how cunningly she can dissemble! 190 - -_Arden._ Now he is here, you will not serve me so. - -_Alice._ I pray you be not angry or displeased; -I'll bid him welcome, seeing you'll have it so. -You are welcome, Master Mosbie; will you sit down? - -_Mosbie._ I know I am welcome to your loving husband; -But for yourself, you speak not from your heart. - -_Alice._ And if I do not, sir, think I have cause. - -_Mosbie._ Pardon me, Master Arden; I'll away. - -_Arden._ No, good Master Mosbie. - -_Alice._ We shall have guests enough, though you go hence. 200 - -_Mosbie._ I pray you, Master Arden, let me go. - -_Arden._ I pray thee, Mosbie, let her prate her fill. - -_Alice._ The doors are open, sir, you may be gone. - -_Michael._--Nay, that's a lie, for I have locked the doors. - -_Arden._ Sirrah, fetch me a cup of wine, I'll make them friends. -And, gentle Mistress Alice, seeing you are so stout, -You shall begin! frown not, I'll have it so. - -_Alice._ I pray you meddle with that you have to do. - -_Arden._ Why, Alice! how can I do too much for him -Whose life I have endangered without cause? 210 - -_Alice._ 'Tis true; and, seeing 'twas partly through my means, -I am content to drink to him for this once. -Here, Master Mosbie! and I pray you, henceforth -Be you as strange to me as I to you. -Your company hath purchased me ill friends, -And I for you, God knows, have undeserved -Been ill spoken of in every place; -Therefore henceforth frequent my house no more. - -_Mosbie._ I'll see your husband in despite of you. -Yet, Arden, I protest to thee by heaven, 220 -Thou ne'er shalt see me more after this night, -I'll go to Rome rather than be forsworn. - -_Arden._ Tush, I'll have no such vows made in my house. - -_Alice._ Yes, I pray you, husband, let him swear; -And, on that condition, Mosbie, pledge me here. - -_Mosbie._ Ay, as willingly as I mean to live. - -_Arden._ Come, Alice, is our supper ready yet? - -_Alice._ It will by then you have played a game at tables. - -_Arden._ Come, Master Mosbie, what shall we play for? - -_Mosbie._ Three games for a French crown, sir, and please you. 230 - -_Arden._ Content. - - [_Then they play at the tables. Enter Will and Shakebag._ - -_Will._--Can he not take him yet? what a spite is that? - -_Alice._--Not yet, Will; take heed he see thee not. - -_Will._--I fear he will spy me as I am coming. - -_Michael._--To prevent that, creep betwixt my legs. - -_Mosbie._ One ace, or else I lose the game. - -_Arden._ Marry, sir, there's two for failing. - -_Mosbie._ Ah, Master Arden, 'now I can take you.' - - [_Then Will pulls him down with a towel._ - -_Arden._ Mosbie! Michael! Alice! what will you do? - -_Will._ Nothing but take you up, sir, nothing else. 240 - -_Mosbie._ There's for the pressing iron you told me of. [_Stabs him._ - -_Shakebag._ And there's for the ten pound in my sleeve. [_Stabs him._ - -_Alice._ What! groans thou? nay, then give me the weapon! -Take this for hindering Mosbie's love and mine. [_She stabs him._ - -_Michael._ O, mistress! - -_Will._ Ah, that villain will betray us all. - -_Mosbie._ Tush, fear him not; he will be secret. - -_Michael._ Why, dost thou think I will betray myself? - -_Shakebag._ In Southwark dwells a bonny northern lass, -The widow Chambly; I'll to her house now, 250 -And if she will not give me harborough, -I'll make booty of the quean even to her smock. - -_Will._ Shift for yourselves; we two will leave you now. - -_Alice._ First lay the body in the counting-house. - - [_Then they lay the body in the Counting-house._ - -_Will._ We have our gold; Mistress Alice, adieu; -Mosbie, farewell, and Michael, farewell too. [_Exeunt._ - -_Enter Susan._ - -_Susan._ Mistress, the guests are at the doors. -Hearken, they knock: what, shall I let them in? - -_Alice._ Mosbie, go thou and bear them company. [_Exit Mosbie._ -And, Susan, fetch water and wash away this blood. - -_Susan._ The blood cleaveth to the ground and will not out. 261 - -_Alice._ But with my nails I'll scrape away the blood;-- -The more I strive, the more the blood appears! - -_Susan._ What's the reason, Mistress, can you tell? - -_Alice._ Because I blush not at my husband's death. - -_Here enters Mosbie._ - -_Mosbie._ How now? what's the matter? is all well? - -_Alice._ Ay, well, if Arden were alive again. -In vain we strive, for here his blood remains. - -_Mosbie._ Why, strew rushes on it, can you not? -This wench doth nothing: fall unto the work. 270 - -_Alice._ 'Twas thou that made me murder him. - -_Mosbie._ What of that? - -_Alice._ Nay, nothing, Mosbie, so it be not known. - -_Mosbie._ Keep thou it close, and 'tis unpossible. - -_Alice._ Ah, but I cannot! was he not slain by me? -My husband's death torments me at the heart. - -_Mosbie._ It shall not long torment thee, gentle Alice; -I am thy husband, think no more of him. - -_Here enters Adam Fowle and Bradshaw._ - -_Bradshaw._ How now, Mistress Arden? what ail you weep? - -_Mosbie._ Because her husband is abroad so late. 280 -A couple of ruffians threatened him yesternight, -And she, poor soul, is afraid he should be hurt. - -_Adam._ Is't nothing else? tush, he'll be here anon. - -_Here enters Greene._ - -_Greene._ Now, Mistress Arden, lack you any guests? - -_Alice._ Ah, Master Greene, did you see my husband lately? - -_Greene._ I saw him walking behind the Abbey even now. - -_Here enters Franklin._ - -_Alice._ I do not like this being out so late.-- -Master Franklin, where did you leave my husband? - -_Franklin._ Believe me I saw him not since morning. -Fear you not, he'll come anon; meantime 290 -You may do well to bid his guests sit down. - -_Alice._ Ay, so they shall; Master Bradshaw, sit you there; -I pray you, be content, I'll have my will. -Master Mosbie, sit you in my husband's seat. - -_Michael._--Susan, shall thou and I wait on them? -Or, an thou sayest the word, let us sit down too. - -_Susan._--Peace, we have other matters now in hand. -I fear me, Michael, all will be bewrayed. - -_Michael._--Tush, so it be known that I shall marry thee -in the morning, I care not though I be hanged ere -night. But to prevent the worst, I'll buy some ratsbane. 301 - -_Susan._--Why, Michael, wilt thou poison thyself? - -_Michael._--No, but my mistress, for I fear she'll tell. - -_Susan._--Tush, Michael; fear not her, she's wise enough. - -_Mosbie._ Sirrah Michael, give's a cup of beer.-- -Mistress Arden, here's to your husband. - -_Alice._ My husband! - -_Franklin._ What ails you, woman, to cry so suddenly? - -_Alice._ Ah, neighbours, a sudden qualm came o'er my heart; -My husband being forth torments my mind. 310 -I know something's amiss, he is not well; -Or else I should have heard of him ere now. - -_Mosbie._--She will undo us through her foolishness. - -_Greene._ Fear not, Mistress Arden, he's well enough. - -_Alice._ Tell not me; I know he is not well: -He was not wont for to stay thus late. -Good Master Franklin, go and seek him forth, -And if you find him, send him home to me, -And tell him what a fear he hath put me in. - -_Franklin._--I like not this; I pray God all be well. 320 -I'll seek him out, and find him if I can. - - [_Exeunt Franklin, Mosbie, and Greene._ - -_Alice._--Michael, how shall I do to rid the rest away? - -_Michael._--Leave that to my charge, let me alone. -'Tis very late, Master Bradshaw, -And there are many false knaves abroad, -And you have many narrow lanes to pass. - -_Bradshaw._ Faith, friend Michael, and thou sayest true. -Therefore I pray thee light's forth and lend's a link. - - [_Exeunt Bradshaw, Adam, and Michael._ - -_Alice._ Michael, bring them to the doors, but do not stay; -You know I do not love to be alone. 330 ---Go, Susan, and bid thy brother come: -But wherefore should he come? Here is nought but fear; -Stay, Susan, stay, and help to counsel me. - -_Susan._ Alas. I counsel! fear frights away my wits. - - [_Then they open the counting-house door, - and look upon Arden._ - -_Alice._ See, Susan, where thy quondam master lies, -Sweet Arden, smeared in blood and filthy gore. - -_Susan._ My brother, you, and I shall rue this deed. - -_Alice._ Come, Susan, help to lift his body forth, -And let our salt tears be his obsequies. - -_Here enters Mosbie and Greene._ - -_Mosbie._ How now, Alice, whither will you bear him? - -_Alice._ Sweet Mosbie, art thou come? Then weep that will: -I have my wish in that I joy thy sight. 342 - -_Greene._ Well, it behoves us to be circumspect. - -_Mosbie._ Ay, for Franklin thinks that we have murdered him. - -_Alice._ Ay, but he cannot prove it for his life. -We'll spend this night in dalliance and in sport. - -_Here enters Michael._ - -_Michael._ O mistress, the Mayor and all the watch -Are coming towards our house with glaives and bills. - -_Alice._ Make the door fast; let them not come in. - -_Mosbie._ Tell me, sweet Alice, how shall I escape? 350 - -_Alice._ Out at the back-door, over the pile of wood, -And for one night lie at the Flower-de-luce. - -_Mosbie._ That is the next way to betray myself. - -_Greene._ Alas, Mistress Arden, the watch will take me hers, -And cause suspicion, where else would be none. - -_Alice._ Why, take that way that Master Mosbie doth; -But first convey the body to the fields. - - [_Then they bear the body into the fields._ - -_Mosbie._ Until to-morrow, sweet Alice, now farewell: -And see you confess nothing in any case. - -_Greene._ Be resolute, Mistress Alice, betray us not, 360 -But cleave to us as we will stick to you. - - [_Exeunt Mosbie and Greene._ - -_Alice._ Now, let the judge and juries do their worst: -My house is clear, and now I fear them not. - -_Susan._ As we went, it snowed all the way, -Which makes me fear our footsteps will be spied. - -_Alice._ Peace, fool, the snow will cover them again. - -_Susan._ But it had done before we came back again. - -_Alice._ Hark, hark, they knock! go, Michael, let them in. - -_Here enters the Mayor and the Watch._ - -How now, Master Mayor, have you brought my husband home? - -_Mayor._ I saw him come into your house an hour ago. 370 - -_Alice._ You are deceived; it was a Londoner. - -_Mayor._ Mistress Arden, know you not one that is called Black Will? - -_Alice._ I know none such: what mean these questions? - -_Mayor._ I have the Council's warrant to apprehend him. - -_Alice._--I am glad it is no worse. -Why, Master Mayor, think you I harbour any such? - -_Mayor._ We are informed that here he is; -And therefore pardon us, for we must search. - -_Alice._ Ay, search, and spare you not, through every room: -Were my husband at home, you would not offer this. 380 - -_Here enters Franklin._ - -Master Franklin, what mean you come so sad? - -_Franklin._ Arden, thy husband and my friend, is slain. - -_Alice._ Ah, by whom? Master Franklin, can you tell? - -_Franklin._ I know not; but behind the Abbey -There he lies murdered in most piteous case. - -_Mayor._ But, Master Franklin, are you sure 'tis he? - -_Franklin._ I am too sure; would God I were deceived. - -_Alice._ Find out the murderers, let them be known. - -_Franklin._ Ay, so they shall: come you along with us. - -_Alice._ Wherefore? 390 - -_Franklin._ Know you this hand-towel and this knife? - -_Susan._--Ah, Michael, through this thy negligence -Thou hast betrayed and undone us all. - -_Michael._--I was so afraid I knew not what I did: -I thought I had thrown them both into the well. - -_Alice._ It is the pig's blood we had to supper. -But wherefore stay you? find out the murderers. - -_Mayor._ I fear me you'll prove one of them yourself. - -_Alice._ I one of them? what mean such questions? - -_Franklin._ I fear me he was murdered in this house 400 -And carried to the fields; for from that place -Backwards and forwards may you see -The print of many feet within the snow. -And look about this chamber where we are, -And you shall find part of his guiltless blood; -For in his slipshoe did I find some rushes, -Which argueth he was murdered in this room. - -_Mayor._ Look in the place where he was wont to sit. -See, see! his blood! it is too manifest. - -_Alice._ It is a cup of wine that Michael shed. 410 - -_Michael._ Ay, truly. - -_Franklin._ It is his blood, which, strumpet, thou hast shed. -But if I live, thou and thy 'complices -Which have conspired and wrought his death shall rue it. - -_Alice._ Ah, Master Franklin, God and heaven can tell -I loved him more than all the world beside. -But bring me to him, let me see his body. - -_Franklin._ Bring that villain and Mosbie's sister too; -And one of you go to the Flower-de-luce, -And seek for Mosbie, and apprehend him too. 420 - - [_Exeunt._ - -V. i. 58. _Hilts_ is common for 'hilt,' _e.g._ in Malory and Shakespeare; -'_both his hilts_' is apparently an extension of this use. -_Locked_ I take to mean 'crossed or clashed swords,' with his -adversary. - -V. i. 105. _game or two at tables_: a sort of backgammon. - -V. i. 155. Cf. the concluding lines of Ovid's _Elegy_, already -alluded to, i. 60. - -V. i. 338. 'Cecily Pounders did help to bear the dead corpse out -into a meadow there, commonly called the Amery Croft.'--_Wardmote -Book._ - - -SCENE II - -_An obscure street in London._ - -_Here enters Shakebag solus._ - -_Shakebag._ The widow Chambly in her husband's days I kept; -And now he's dead, she is grown so stout -She will not know her old companions. -I came thither, thinking to have had harbour -As I was wont, -And she was ready to thrust me out at doors; -But whether she would or no, I got me up, -And as she followed me, I spurned her down the stairs, -And broke her neck, and cut her tapster's throat, -And now I am going to fling them in the Thames. -I have the gold; what care I though it be known! -I'll cross the water and take sanctuary. - - [_Exit._ - - -SCENE III - -_Arden's House at Feversham._ - -_Here enters the Mayor, Mosbie, Alice, Franklin, -Michael, and Susan._ - -_Mayor._ See, Mistress Arden, where your husband lies; -Confess this foul fault and be penitent. - -_Alice._ Arden, sweet husband, what shall I say? -The more I sound his name, the more he bleeds; -This blood condemns me, and in gushing forth -Speaks as it falls, and asks me why I did it. -Forgive me, Arden: I repent me now, -And, would my death save thine, thou should'st not die. -Rise up, sweet Arden, and enjoy thy love, -And frown not on me when we meet in heaven: 10 -In heaven I'll love thee, though on earth I did not. - -_Mayor._ Say, Mosbie, what made thee murder him? - -_Franklin._ Study not for an answer; look not down: -His purse and girdle found at thy bed's head -Witness sufficiently thou didst the deed; -It bootless is to swear thou didst it not. - -_Mosbie._ I hired Black Will and Shakebag, ruffians both, -And they and I have done this murderous deed. -But wherefore stay we? Come and bear me hence. - -_Franklin._ Those ruffians shall not escape; I will up to London, 20 -And get the Council's warrant to apprehend them. - - [_Exeunt._ - - -SCENE IV - -_The Kentish Coast._ - -_Here enters Will._ - -_Will._ Shakebag, I hear, hath taken sanctuary, -But I am so pursued with hues and cries -For petty robberies that I have done, -That I can come unto no sanctuary. -Therefore must I in some oyster-boat -At last be fain to go on board some hoy, -And so to Flushing. There is no staying here. -At Sittingburgh the watch was like to take me, -And had not I with my buckler covered my head, -And run full blank at all adventures, 10 -I am sure I had ne'er gone further than that place; -For the constable had twenty warrants to apprehend me, -Besides that, I robbed him and his man once at Gadshill. -Farewell, England; I'll to Flushing now. - - [_Exit Will._ - -V. iv. 5. Faversham was famous for its oysters. - - -SCENE V - -_Justice-room at Feversham._ - -_Here enters the Mayor, Mosbie, Alice, Michael, Susan, -and Bradshaw._ - -_Mayor._ Come, make haste and bring away the prisoners. - -_Bradshaw._ Mistress Arden, you are now going to God, -And I am by the law condemned to die -About a letter I brought from Master Greene. -I pray you, Mistress Arden, speak the truth: -Was I ever privy to your intent or no. - -_Alice._ What should I say? You brought me such a letter, -But I dare swear thou knewest not the contents. -Leave now to trouble me with worldly things, -And let me meditate upon my saviour Christ, 10 -Whose blood must save me for the blood I shed. - -_Mosbie._ How long shall I live in this hell of grief? -Convey me from the presence of that strumpet. - -_Alice._ Ah, but for thee I had never been a strumpet. -What cannot oaths and protestations do, -When men have opportunity to woo? -I was too young to sound thy villainies, -But now I find it and repent too late. - -_Susan._ Ah, gentle brother, wherefore should I die? -I knew not of it till the deed was done. 20 - -_Mosbie._ For thee I mourn more than for myself; -But let it suffice, I cannot save thee now. - -_Michael._ And if your brother and my mistress -Had not promised me you in marriage, -I had ne'er given consent to this foul deed. - -_Mayor._ Leave to accuse each other now, -And listen to the sentence I shall give. -Bear Mosbie and his sister to London straight, -Where they in Smithfield must be executed; -Bear Mistress Arden unto Canterbury, 30 -Where her sentence is she must be burnt; -Michael and Bradshaw in Feversham must suffer death. - -_Alice._ Let my death make amends for all my sins. - -_Mosbie._ Fie upon women! this shall be my song; -But bear me hence, for I have lived too long. - -_Susan._ Seeing no hope on earth, in heaven is my hope. - -_Michael._ Faith, I care not, seeing I die with Susan. - -_Bradshaw._ My blood be on his head that gave the sentence. - -_Mayor._ To speedy execution with them all! [_Exeunt._ - -V. v. 30. 'For the charges of brenning Mistress Arden and -execution of George Bradshaw, XLIII S.'--_Canterbury Records._ - - -SCENE VI - -_Here enters Franklin._ - -_Franklin._ Thus have you seen the truth of Arden's death. -As for the ruffians, Shakebag and Black Will, -The one took sanctuary, and, being sent for out, -Was murdered in Southwark as he passed -To Greenwich, where the Lord Protector lay. -Black Will was burned in Flushing on a stage; -Greene was hanged at Osbridge in Kent; -The painter fled and how he died we know not. -But this above the rest is to be noted: -Arden lay murdered in that plot of ground 10 -Which he by force and violence held from Reede; -And in the grass his body's print was seen -Two years and more after the deed was done. -Gentlemen, we hope you'll pardon this naked tragedy, -Wherein no fild points are foisted in -To make it gracious to the ear or eye; -For simple truth is gracious enough, -And needs no other points of glosing stuff. [_Exit._ - -V. vi. 2. By the _Wardmote Book_, 'George Loosebagg, _i.e._ -Shakebag, escaped at that time.' John Green, who like Mosbie -was a tailor, was taken in July in Cornwall and brought to Faversham -and hanged in chains within the liberties. Susan, in the -play, combines the characters of Cecily Pounder, Mosbie's sister, -and of Elizabeth Stafford, the maid-servant. Morsby and his -sister were hanged in Smithfield; Michael Saunderson was 'drawn -and hanged in chains' in Faversham, where Elizabeth was burnt. -By the _Wardmote Book_ Alice Arden did not stab her husband. - - - - -GLOSSARY - - -ABHORS FROM, differs entirely from; I. 54; an uncommon use. Dr. Murray -quotes _Fox, A. and M._; II. 357, 'It did nothing at all abhor from -nature.' - -ANGEL, the coin of that name; II. i. 89, etc. - -ARMING SWORD, a large two-handed sword, V. i. 72. - - -BASILISK, a fabulous serpent supposed to kill by its look, a -cockatrice; I. 215. Cf. 'Would they were basilisks to strike thee -dead.'--_Richard III._, III. ii. 151. - -BEDEEM, forbode, 'doom me to'; III. iii. 31; not quoted by Dr. Murray. - -BEDESMAN, one who says prayers for another, 'humble servant'; III. vi. -120. - -BERAYED, befouled; IV. iii. 58. Cf. 'Was ever man so rayed.'--_Shrew_, -IV. i. 3. - -BEWRAYED, betrayed; III. ii. 27. - -BLAB, talk; I. 135. Used both as a noun and a verb. - -BLOCK, obstacle; I. 137. - -BODKIN, a tailor's awl; I. 313. - -BOLSTERED, matted with blood; III. i. 73. Cf. 'Blood-bolstered -Banquo.'--_Macbeth_, IV. i. 123. - -BOTCHER, a jobbing tailor; I. 25, 316. Cf. Huloet, 'A tailor, bodger, -botcher, mender or patcher of old garments.' - -BRABLE, quarrel; IV. i. 77. - -BROKAGE, petty dealing; here especially dealing in old clothes; I. 26. - -BUGS, hobgoblins: III. ii. 19. - - -CAUSELESS, adv., without cause, I. 358. - -CHOPS ME IN, interrupts suddenly; III. vi. 130; 'me' is a dative; chop -is used in the sense of doing quickly. Cf. _Richard III._, I. iv. 160, -'Then we will chop him in the malmsey butt.' - -COIL, trouble; III. vi. 5. - -COISTRIL, a paltry young fellow; III. ii. 41, 58. Cf. _Twelfth Night_, -I. iii. 43, 'A coward and a coistril.' - -COPESMATE, market-mate, companion; III. v. 104. Cf. _Lucrece_, 925, -'Misshapen Time, copesmate of ugly Night.' - -COLTSTAFF, a staff used by two persons for carrying 'cowls,' _i.e._ -tubs; V. i. 22. Cf. _Merry Wives_, III. iii. 156, 'Where's the -cowlstaff?' - -COSTARD, head; V. i. 63; literally a large ribbed apple. Frequent in -Shakespeare. - -CROWN, crown-piece; III. vi. 132. - -CURST, shrewish; IV. ii. 12. - -CUTTER, bully, cutthroat; I. 522; IV. iii. 74, etc. Cf. Harrison's -_England_, II. 16, 'Some desperate cutters we have.' - - -DAG, pistol; III. vi. 9, 131. The derivation is not known. - -DALLYING, delaying, trifling; I. 397. - -DISPOSE, disposal; I. 606. Common in Shakespeare. - -DISTRESSFUL, miserable: III. v. 56; IV. iv. 51. Cf. _Henry V._, IV. i. -287, 'Crammed with distressful bread.' - -DRIFTS, plots; I. 178, 450, etc. - - -EAR, plough; III. v. 24. - -ESCHEW, avoid; I. 347. - - -FLAW, gust of wind; IV. iv. 44. - -FORSLOWED, delayed; III. v. 85. Cf. 3 _Henry VI._, II. iii. 56, -'Forslow no longer.' - -FOSTER, forester; III. iii. 13. - -FROLIC, used as an exclamation = 'cheer up'; I. 512. Cf. Kyd's -_Jeronimo_, I. i. 1. - - -GIGLOT, a wanton woman, III. v. 87; connected with 'giggle.' - -GLAIVES, swords; V. i. 348. - -GLOSING, wordy; V. vi. 18. - - -HANDSEL, confirm, seal; II. i. 117. - -HARBOROUGH, old form of harbour; V. i. 251. - -HORNSBY, cuckold; IV. iii. 76. - -HOUGHT, hocked or hamstrung; IV. iii. 38. - - -IMPETRATE, get by asking; II. ii. 16. - - -JETS, struts; I. 30. Cf. _Cymbeline_, III. iii. 4, 'Giants may jet -through.' - - -LAY IT ON, fall to work; V. i. 50. Cf. _Winter's Tale_, IV. iii. 43, -'My father hath made her mistress of the feast and she lays it on.' - -LEAVE, cease; III. vi. 72, etc. - -LORDAINE, clown, IV. i. 58. - - -MISEVENT, mishap; IV. iv. 49. - -MISTAKING, misunderstanding; IV. i. 27. - -MITHRIDATE, antidote; I. 383. Called after the famous King of Pontus, -who made himself poison-proof. Greene uses the word. - -MUSCADO, musket; III. vi. 20. - -MUTCHADO, moustache; II. i. 54. - - -PANTOFLES, slippers; II. ii. 9. - -PASSIONATE, sorrowful; III. v. 45. Cf. _John II._, 544, 'She is sad and -passionate.' - -PLANCHERS, planks; I. 42. 'Planched' is found in _Measure for Measure_, -IV. i. 3. - -PLATFORM, scheme; II. i. 100. Cf. 1 _Henry VI._, II. i. 77. - -PRECISIAN, puritan; III. ii. 18. - -_Prick-eared_, III. ii. 62; cf. _Henry V._, II. i. 44, 'Prick-eared cur -of Iceland.' - - -QUALM, fit of nausea; III. vi. 67; V. i. 309. - -QUARTERAGE, quarterly payment; II. ii. 98. - - -RACE, raze down; I. 47, 118. - -RELIGIOUS, devout; I. 587. - - -SCONCE, small fort; V. i. 70. - -SECURELY, without misgiving; I. 50. - -SLIPSHOE, slipper; V. i. 406. - -STANDINGS, place of vantage, ambush; III. vi. 38. - -STOUT, proud, overbearing; V. i. 206, ii. 2. Cf. 'I will be strange, -stout, in yellow stockings.'--_Twelfth Night_, II. v. 185, and 2 _Henry -VI._, I. i. 187. - -SULLENS, moroseness; IV. iv. 108. Cf. _Richard II._, II. i. 139: 'Let -them die that age and sullens have.' - -SURE, betrothed; I. 151. Cf. _Merry Wives_, V. v. 237. - -SUSPECT, suspicion; I. i. 130. Cf. Sonnet LXX. 'The ornament of beauty -is suspect.' - - -TICING, enticing; I. 197. - -TRUG, a drab; I. 499. Greene uses the word. - -TRULL, worthless woman; I. 498. - -TRUSS, tie up for hanging; III. vi. 125; here = 'get yourself trussed.' - - -WATCHET, pale blue; II. i. 56. - -WAGER, give a wage to; I. 523. Shakespeare uses 'wage' in this sense, -_Coriolanus_, V. vi. 40. - -WHISTLY, silently; III. iii. 9. - - -YEOMANRY, homespun wit; IV. ii. 37. - -[Illustration] - - Printed by T. and A. CONSTABLE, Printers to Her Majesty - at the Edinburgh University Press - - - * * * * * - - -Transcriber's Note - -The following apparent printing errors have been corrected: - - -p. 4 "the field." changed to "the field," - -p. 6 "of men." changed to "of men," - -p. 10 "it me" changed to "it me." - -p. 19 "true or no" changed to "true or no?" - -p. 23 "neighhour" changed to "neighbour" - -p. 30 line-number 90 changed to 93 - -p. 36 "heat." changed to "heat," - -p. 49 "dream" changed to "dream." - -p. 69 "is death" changed to "is death." - -p. 75 "my state," changed to "my state." - -p. 97 "bills" changed to "bills." - -p. 99 "knew now" changed to "knew not" - -p. 102 "did not" changed to "did not." - -p. 104 "a a letter" changed to "a letter" - -p. 107 "_Merry Wives_, iII" changed to "_Merry Wives_, III" - -p. 110 "adevrbially" changed to "adverbially" - -p. 111 (note to II. i. 58) "'Seam rent fellows," changed to "'Seam -rent fellows,'" - -p. 111 (note to III. i. 5) "sense" changed to "sense?" - - -Other inconsistent punctuation has been retained as printed, as have -inconsistent spellings. - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Arden of Feversham, by Anonymous and Thomas Kyd - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ARDEN OF FEVERSHAM *** - -***** This file should be named 43440-8.txt or 43440-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/3/4/4/43440/ - -Produced by Henry Flower and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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Thus, we do not necessarily -keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: - - www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - diff --git a/old/43440-8.zip b/old/43440-8.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 3dc7fbb..0000000 --- a/old/43440-8.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/43440.txt b/old/43440.txt deleted file mode 100644 index ea66bec..0000000 --- a/old/43440.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,4808 +0,0 @@ -Project Gutenberg's Arden of Feversham, by Anonymous and Thomas Kyd - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: Arden of Feversham - -Author: Anonymous - Thomas Kyd - -Editor: Ronald Bayne - -Release Date: August 11, 2013 [EBook #43440] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ARDEN OF FEVERSHAM *** - - - - -Produced by Henry Flower and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - - - - - - - -Transcriber's Note - -Endnotes have been moved to the end of the scene to which they apply. -The following note preceded the printed endnotes: - -"In the Quartos there are no divisions of acts and scenes. - -A, B, C = 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Quartos." - -Italic text is marked by _underscores_, and bold text by ~swung dashes~. - - - - -[Illustration] - -_THE TEMPLE DRAMATISTS_ - -ARDEN OF FEVERSHAM - -[Illustration] - - - - -The text of this edition is nearly that of the first Quarto, the copy -of which in the Dyce Library at South Kensington has been carefully -collated. I have not noted minute variations. The German editors, -Warnke and Proescholt, give the various readings of the three Quartos -and of later editions. - -[Illustration: _Feversham Abbey._] - - - - -ARDEN OF -FEVERSHAM - -_Edited with a Preface, Notes -and Glossary by_ - -REV. RONALD BAYNE -M.A. - - -J. M. DENT AND CO. -ALDINE HOUSE : LONDON -1897 - - - - -'Considering the various and marvellous gifts displayed for the first -time on our stage by the great poet, the great dramatist, the strong -and subtle searcher of hearts, the just and merciful judge and painter -of human passions, who gave this tragedy to the new-born literature -of our drama ... I cannot but finally take heart to say, even in -the absence of all external or traditional testimony, that it seems -to me not pardonable merely or permissible, but simply logical and -reasonable, to set down this poem, a young man's work on the face of -it, as the possible work of no man's youthful hand but Shakespeare's.' - -Mr. A. C. SWINBURNE. - - - - -PREFACE - - -~Early Editions.~ On 3rd April, 1592, '_The Tragedie of Arden of -Feversham and Blackwall_'[A] was entered on the Stationers' Registers -to Edward White. In the same year appeared, '_The lamentable and true -Tragedie of M. Arden of Feversham in Kent. Who was most wickedlye -murdered, by the meanes of his disloyall and wanton wyfe, who for the -love she bare to one Mosbie, hyred two desperat ruffins, Blackwill -and Shakbag, to kill him. Wherin is shewed the great mallice and -discimulation of a wicked woman, the unsatiable desire of filthie lust -and the shamefull end of all murderers. Imprinted at London for Edward -White, dwelling at the lyttle North dore of Paules Church at the signe -of the Gun._ 1592.' A second Quarto, with the same title, was printed -in 1599. A third, '_by Eliz. Allde dwelling neere Christs Church_,' -appeared in 1633. The second and third Quartos are founded textually -upon the first, and their variations are of no value. The text of the -first Quarto is unusually good even when prose and verse are mixed -together, although the printer has apparently no scientific knowledge -of the nature of metre. - -[Footnote A: A misprint for _Blackwill_.] - - -~Place of the Play in the Elizabethan Drama.~ _Arden of Faversham_ -is the finest extant specimen of a kind of play which has been -classified as Domestic Tragedy. A picturesque or sensational murder in -the sixteenth century was given to the public first in popular ballads -or pamphlets, and afterwards, if sufficiently notable, in the more -serious Chronicle. From the popular pamphlet, or from the Chronicle, -or from both together, it found its way on to the stage. Four of these -'murder-plays' have come down to us, and the titles of many others. -They form a minor section of the Chronicle plays or Histories. They did -not attain any very striking literary development, owing perhaps to the -necessary bondage of the poet to his facts. _Arden of Faversham_ is a -remarkable instance of the possibilities of this class of play, but it -is to be noted that the poet used the narrative of a Chronicler who -wrote twenty-seven years after the date of the murder. _A Warning for -Fair Women_ and Yarington's _Two Tragedies in One_ are both inferior -to _Arden_, though influenced by it. The fourth 'murder-play'--_The -Yorkshire Tragedy_--is distinct from the other three in style and -method. Several famous dramatists produced 'domestic' tragedies, but -none have survived. _A Late Murder of the Son upon the Mother_, in -which Ford and Webster collaborated, must have been a notable piece of -work. - - -~Source of the Play.~ On Sunday, 15th February 1550-1, Thomas -Ardern of Faversham, gentleman, 'was heynously murdered in his own -parlour, about seven of the clock in the night, by one Thomas Morsby, a -taylor of London, late servant to sir Edward North, knight, chancellor -of the augmentations, father-in-law unto Alice Ardern, wife of the -said Thomas Ardern.' Thomas Ardern was Mayor of Faversham in 1548, -and his murder made such a stir that in 1577 the first edition of -Holinshed's _Chronicle_ devotes five pages (pp. 1703-8) to an elaborate -account of it. The chronicler begins thus:--'About this time there was -at Faversham in Kent a Gentleman named Arden most cruelly murthered -and slain by the procurement of his own wife. The which murder for -the horribleness thereof, although otherwise it may seem to be but a -private matter, and therefore as it were impertinent to this History, -I have thought good to set it forth somewhat at large, having the -instructions delivered to me by them that have used some diligence -to gather the true understanding of the circumstances.' Our first -quotation was from the _Wardmote Book of Faversham_, and proves that -Holinshed's narrative is not minutely accurate. The _Wardmote Book_ -gives a curt account of the actual murder on the Sunday evening with -the names and fate of the culprits. It tells us nothing of the previous -failures of these culprits which give to Holinshed's tale such a -terrible and dramatic interest. We need not speculate on Holinshed's -sources. No doubt there were many contemporary pamphlets and ballads -which recounted the murder. We know only of _The Complaint ... of -Mistress Arden of Feversham_, preserved among the _Roxburghe Ballads_, -and reprinted by Evans and in Miss De Vaynes' _Kentish Garland_. -But this is dated by Mr. Bullen about 1633, when the third Quarto -of the play appeared, and was probably occasioned by that re-issue. -The important point to bear in mind is the excellence of Holinshed's -narrative. To praise it adequately we must say that it is worthy of -the fine play founded upon it, which probably had no other source. -The play agrees always with Holinshed when Holinshed differs from the -_Wardmote Book_. When the play differs from Holinshed it differs also -from the _Wardmote Book_. To the dramatic instinct of the poet we must -ascribe his suppression of the fact that Arden winked at his wife's -infidelity. Holinshed and the _Wardmote Book_ both explicitly assert -this. Franklin, Arden's friend, is also an invention of the dramatist. - - -~Author of the Play.~ The three Quartos are all anonymous. We -know of no other edition till 1770, when Edward Jacob, a Faversham -antiquary, edited the first Quarto, and boldly claimed the play for -Shakespeare. Ludwig Tieck published in 1823 an excellent German -translation, accompanied by a discriminating statement of the case for -the Shakesperean authorship. Delius, editing the play in 1855, agreed -with Tieck, and was followed by the French translator, Francois Victor -Hugo, and more recently by Professor Mezieres. Owing to the supposed -Shakespearean authorship there have been at least three translations -into German, one into French, and one into Dutch. In England opinion -has been more divided. Henry Tyrrell,[B] Charles Knight, and Mr. -Swinburne[C] have supported the Shakespearean authorship. Professor -Ward[D] and J. A. Symonds incline to reject it. Professor Saintsbury -considers that 'the only possible hypothesis on which it could be -admitted as Shakespeare's would be that of an early experiment thrown -off while he was seeking his way in a direction where he found no -thoroughfare.'[E] Mr. Bullen, who edited a careful reprint of the first -Quarto in 1887, suspects 'that _Arden_ in its present state has been -retouched here and there by the master's hand.' The latest German -editors, Warnke and Proescholt (1888), 'are of opinion that Shakespeare -had nothing to do with _Arden of Faversham_.' - -[Footnote B: _Doubtful Plays of Shakespeare._] - -[Footnote C: _Study of Shakespeare._] - -[Footnote D: _History of English Dramatic Literature._] - -[Footnote E: _History of Elizabethan Literature._] - - -~The Question of Shakespeare's Authorship.~ The only reason for -ascribing the play to Shakespeare is its merit. It seems incredible -that a drama so mature in its art should have been written in 1592 -by a writer otherwise unknown to us. In three directions the art of -the writer is mature. First, the character of the base coward Mosbie, -and of the 'bourgeois Clytemnestra,' Alice Arden, are drawn with an -insight, delicacy, and sustained power new to English literature in -1592, and not excelled till Shakespeare excelled them. The picture of -Arden, as a man fascinated and bewitched by his wife and by his fate, -might match that of Mosbie and Alice if the artist had not blurred his -conception by the introduction of the jarring motives of avarice and -sacrilege. But the poet's aim is clear; it is his own, and it almost -succeeds. Second, the picturesque ferocity and grim humour of Black -Will and Shakebag are described with a firmness and ease and restraint -of style which critics have not sufficiently noted. I can compare it -only with the Jack Cade scenes of the _Contention_ (and _2 Henry VI._). -The prose of our poet is excellent. His humour has a clearly defined -character and style of its own. The character of Michael, so admired -by Mr. Swinburne, is as subtle and well-sustained as Mosbie's or Alice -Arden's, and it exhibits our poet's special humorous gift. This gift, -excellent as it is, seems to me very definitely not Shakespearean. -But thirdly, the terrifying use of signs and omens and of an almost -Shakespearean irony--_e.g._ Arden's words, 'I am almost stifled with -this fog!'--combine to produce as the play proceeds an impressive sense -of 'the slow unerring tread of assassination, balked but persevering, -marching like a fate to its accomplishment.' But the special -excellencies of the play are all against Shakespeare having written -it by 1592. As Mr. Bullen insists, the weak point in Mr. Swinburne's -criticism is the phrase 'a young man's work.' This play is not 'a young -man's work.' The copiousness of the young man Shakespeare's work is -the exact contrary of the deliberate anxious effort which marks the -style of _Arden of Faversham_ except in the prose scenes. In none of -Shakespeare's plays can it be perceived that the poet has taken such -pains as the poet of _Arden_ takes. Unless Shakespeare wrote this play -as soon as he reached London, and then for a year or two wrote nothing -else, it is impossible to fit it into his work. And if he wrote the -play as soon as he reached London and then took up the studies which -resulted in _Venus and Adonis_ and _Lucrece_, would he have written -_Love's Labour's Lost_ and _Comedy of Errors_ on his way back to work -like _Arden_? If Shakespeare wrote _Arden_ it is the most interesting -fact in his literary development. To suggest that Shakespeare revised -the play is to shirk the question. Its excellence is in its warp and -woof, not in its ornaments. - - -~Literature.~ Mr. Bullen's _Introduction_ is the best monograph on -the play. Warnke and Proescholt's _Introduction_ should be consulted, -but lacks the distinction of style and the critical insight of Mr. -Bullen's essay. Excellent analyses and criticisms of the play are in -Charles Knight's _Doubtful Plays_ ('Pictorial Shakespere'); J. A. -Symonds' _Shakspere's Predecessors_; Alfred Mezieres' _Predecesseurs et -Contemporains de Shakspeare_. Mr. Fleay in his _Biographical Chronicle -of the English Drama_ (1891) has suggested Kyd as the author of _Arden_. - -[Illustration] - - - - -ARDEN OF FEVERSHAM - - - - -DRAMATIS PERSONAE - - -THOMAS ARDEN, Gentleman, of Feversham -FRANKLIN, his Friend -MOSBIE -CLARKE, a Painter -ADAM FOWLE, Landlord of the Flower-de-Luce -BRADSHAW, a Goldsmith -MICHAEL, Arden's Servant -GREENE -RICHARD REEDE, a Sailor -BLACK WILL } Murderers -SHAKEBAG } -A PRENTICE -A FERRYMAN -LORD CHEINY, and his Men -MAYOR OF FEVERSHAM, and Watch - -ALICE, Arden's Wife -SUSAN, Mosbie's Sister - - - - -ARDEN OF FEVERSHAM - - - - -ACT I - - -_A Room in Arden's House._ - -_Enter Arden and Franklin._ - -_Franklin._ Arden, cheer up thy spirits, and droop no more! -My gracious Lord, the Duke of Somerset, -Hath freely given to thee and to thy heirs, -By letters patents from his Majesty, -All the lands of the Abbey of Feversham. -Here are the deeds, [_He hands them._ -Sealed and subscribed with his name and the king's: -Read them, and leave this melancholy mood. - -_Arden._ Franklin, thy love prolongs my weary life; -And but for thee how odious were this life, 10 -That shows me nothing but torments my soul, -And those foul objects that offend mine eyes! -Which makes me wish that for this veil of heaven -The earth hung over my head and covered me. -Love-letters pass 'twixt Mosbie and my wife, -And they have privy meetings in the town: -Nay, on his finger did I spy the ring -Which at our marriage-day the priest put on. -Can any grief be half so great as this? - -_Franklin._ Comfort thyself, sweet friend; it is not strange 20 -That women will be false and wavering. - -_Arden._ Ay, but to dote on such a one as he -Is monstrous, Franklin, and intolerable. - -_Franklin._ Why, what is he? - -_Arden._ A botcher, and no better at the first; -Who, by base brokage getting some small stock, -Crept into service of a nobleman, -And by his servile flattery and fawning -Is now become the steward of his house, -And bravely jets it in his silken gown. 30 - -_Franklin._ No nobleman will countenance such a peasant. - -_Arden._ Yes, the Lord Clifford, he that loves not me. -But through his favour let him not grow proud; -For were he by the Lord Protector backed, -He should not make me to be pointed at. -I am by birth a gentleman of blood, -And that injurious ribald, that attempts -To violate my dear wife's chastity -(For dear I hold her love, as dear as heaven) -Shall on the bed which he thinks to defile 40 -See his dissevered joints and sinews torn, -Whilst on the planchers pants his weary body, -Smeared in the channels of his lustful blood. - -_Franklin._ Be patient, gentle friend, and learn of me -To ease thy grief and save her chastity: -Intreat her fair; sweet words are fittest engines -To race the flint walls of a woman's breast. -In any case be not too jealous, -Nor make no question of her love to thee; -But, as securely, presently take horse, 50 -And lie with me at London all this term; -For women, when they may, will not, -But, being kept back, straight grow outrageous. - -_Arden._ Though this abhors from reason, yet I'll try it, -And call her forth and presently take leave. -How! Alice! - -_Here enters Alice._ - -_Alice._ Husband, what mean you to get up so early? -Summer-nights are short, and yet you rise ere day. -Had I been wake, you had not risen so soon. - -_Arden._ Sweet love, thou knowest that we two, Ovid-like, 60 -Have often chid the morning when it 'gan to peep, -And often wished that dark night's purblind steeds -Would pull her by the purple mantle back, -And cast her in the ocean to her love. -But this night, sweet Alice, thou hast killed my heart: -I heard thee call on Mosbie in thy sleep. - -_Alice._ 'Tis like I was asleep when I named him, -For being awake he comes not in my thoughts. - -_Arden._ Ay, but you started up and suddenly, -Instead of him, caught me about the neck. 70 - -_Alice._ Instead of him? why, who was there but you? -And where but one is, how can I mistake? - -_Franklin._ Arden, leave to urge her over-far. - -_Arden._ Nay, love, there is no credit in a dream; -Let it suffice I know thou lovest me well. - -_Alice._ Now I remember whereupon it came: -Had we no talk of Mosbie yesternight? - -_Franklin._ Mistress Alice, I heard you name him once or twice. - -_Alice._ And thereof came it, and therefore blame not me. - -_Arden._ I know it did, and therefore let it pass. 80 -I must to London, sweet Alice, presently. - -_Alice._ But tell me, do you mean to stay there long? - -_Arden._ No longer there till my affairs be done. - -_Franklin._ He will not stay above a month at most. - -_Alice._ A month? ay me! Sweet Arden, come again -Within a day or two, or else I die. - -_Arden._ I cannot long be from thee, gentle Alice. -Whilst Michael fetch our horses from the field, -Franklin and I will down unto the quay; -For I have certain goods there to unload. 90 -Meanwhile prepare our breakfast, gentle Alice; -For yet ere noon we'll take horse and away. - - [_Exeunt Arden and Franklin._ - -_Alice._ Ere noon he means to take horse and away! -Sweet news is this. O that some airy spirit -Would in the shape and likeness of a horse -Gallop with Arden 'cross the Ocean, -And throw him from his back into the waves! -Sweet Mosbie is the man that hath my heart: -And he usurps it, having nought but this, -That I am tied to him by marriage. 100 -Love is a God, and marriage is but words; -And therefore Mosbie's title is the best. -Tush! whether it be or no, he shall be mine, -In spite of him, of Hymen, and of rites. - -_Here enters Adam of the Flower-de-luce._ - -And here comes Adam of the Flower-de-luce; -I hope he brings me tidings of my love. ---How now, Adam, what is the news with you? -Be not afraid; my husband is now from home. - -_Adam._ He whom you wot of, Mosbie, Mistress Alice, -Is come to town, and sends you word by me 110 -In any case you may not visit him. - -_Alice._ Not visit him? - -_Adam._ No, nor take no knowledge of his being here. - -_Alice._ But tell me, is he angry or displeased? - -_Adam._ It should seem so, for he is wondrous sad. - -_Alice._ Were he as mad as raving Hercules, -I'll see him, I; and were thy house of force, -These hands of mine should race it to the ground, -Unless that thou wouldst bring me to my love. - -_Adam._ Nay, and you be so impatient, I'll be gone. 120 - -_Alice._ Stay, Adam, stay; thou wert wont to be my friend. -Ask Mosbie how I have incurred his wrath; -Bear him from me these pair of silver dice, -With which we played for kisses many a time, -And when I lost, I won, and so did he;-- -Such winning and such losing Jove send me! -And bid him, if his love do not decline, -To come this morning but along my door, -And as a stranger but salute me there: -This may he do without suspect or fear. 130 - -_Adam._ I'll tell him what you say, and so farewell. - - [_Exit Adam._ - -_Alice._ Do, and one day I'll make amends for all.-- -I know he loves me well, but dares not come, -Because my husband is so jealous, -And these my narrow-prying neighbours blab, -Hinder our meetings when we would confer. -But, if I live, that block shall be removed, -And, Mosbie, thou that comes to me by stealth, -Shalt neither fear the biting speech of men, -Nor Arden's looks; as surely shall he die 140 -As I abhor him and love only thee. - -_Here enters Michael._ - -How now, Michael, whither are you going? - -_Michael._ To fetch my master's nag. -I hope you'll think on me. - -_Alice._ Ay; but, Michael, see you keep your oath, -And be as secret as you are resolute. - -_Michael._ I'll see he shall not live above a week. - -_Alice._ On that condition, Michael, here's my hand: -None shall have Mosbie's sister but thyself. - -_Michael._ I understand the painter here hard by 150 -Hath made report that he and Sue is sure. - -_Alice._ There's no such matter, Michael; believe it not. - -_Michael._ But he hath sent a dagger sticking in a heart, -With a verse or two stolen from a painted cloth, -The which I hear the wench keeps in her chest. -Well, let her keep it! I shall find a fellow -That can both write and read and make rhyme too. -And if I do--well, I say no more: -I'll send from London such a taunting letter -As she shall eat the heart he sent with salt 160 -And fling the dagger at the painter's head. - -_Alice._ What needs all this? I say that Susan's thine. - -_Michael._ Why, then I say that I will kill my master, -Or anything that you will have me do. - -_Alice._ But, Michael, see you do it cunningly. - -_Michael._ Why, say I should be took, I'll ne'er confess -That you know anything; and Susan, being a maid, -May beg me from the gallows of the sheriff. - -_Alice._ Trust not to that, Michael. - -_Michael._ You cannot tell me, I have seen it, I. 170 -But, mistress, tell her, whether I live or die, -I'll make her more worth than twenty painters can; -For I will rid mine elder brother away, -And then the farm of Bolton is mine own. -Who would not venture upon house and land, -When he may have it for a right down blow? - -_Here enters Mosbie._ - -_Alice._ Yonder comes Mosbie. Michael, get thee gone, -And let not him nor any know thy drifts. - - [_Exit Michael._ - -Mosbie, my love! - -_Mosbie._ Away, I say, and talk not to me now. 180 - -_Alice._ A word or two, sweet heart, and then I will. -'Tis yet but early days, thou needst not fear. - -_Mosbie._ Where is your husband? - -_Alice._ 'Tis now high water, and he is at the quay. - -_Mosbie._ There let him be; henceforward know me not. - -_Alice._ Is this the end of all thy solemn oaths? -Is this the fruit thy reconcilement buds? -Have I for this given thee so many favours, -Incurred my husband's hate, and, out alas! -Made shipwreck of mine honour for thy sake? 190 -And dost thou say 'henceforward know me not'? -Remember, when I lock'd thee in my closet, -What were thy words and mine; did we not both -Decree to murder Arden in the night? -The heavens can witness, and the world can tell, -Before I saw that falsehood look of thine, -'Fore I was tangled with thy 'ticing speech, -Arden to me was dearer than my soul,-- -And shall be still: base peasant, get thee gone, -And boast not of thy conquest over me, 200 -Gotten by witchcraft and mere sorcery! -For what hast thou to countenance my love, -Being descended of a noble house, -And matched already with a gentleman -Whose servant thou may'st be!--and so farewell. - -_Mosbie._ Ungentle and unkind Alice, now I see -That which I ever feared, and find too true: -A woman's love is as the lightning-flame, -Which even in bursting forth consumes itself. -To try thy constancy have I been strange; 210 -Would I had never tried, but lived in hope! - -_Alice._ What need'st thou try me whom thou ne'er found false? - -_Mosbie._ Yet pardon me, for love is jealous. - -_Alice._ So lists the sailor to the mermaid's song, -So looks the traveller to the basilisk: -I am content for to be reconciled, -And that, I know, will be mine overthrow. - -_Mosbie._ Thine overthrow? first let the world dissolve. - -_Alice._ Nay, Mosbie, let me still enjoy thy love, -And happen what will, I am resolute. 220 -My saving husband hoards up bags of gold -To make our children rich, and now is he -Gone to unload the goods that shall be thine, -And he and Franklin will to London straight. - -_Mosbie._ To London, Alice? if thou'lt be ruled by me, -We'll make him sure enough for coming there. - -_Alice._ Ah, would we could! - -_Mosbie._ I happened on a painter yesternight, -The only cunning man of Christendom; -For he can temper poison with his oil, 230 -That whoso looks upon the work he draws -Shall, with the beams that issue from his sight, -Suck venom to his breast and slay himself. -Sweet Alice, he shall draw thy counterfeit, -That Arden may, by gazing on it, perish. - -_Alice._ Ay, but Mosbie, that is dangerous, -For thou, or I, or any other else, -Coming into the chamber where it hangs, may die. - -_Mosbie._ Ay, but we'll have it covered with a cloth -And hung up in the study for himself. 240 - -_Alice._ It may not be, for when the picture's drawn, -Arden, I know, will come and show it me. - -_Mosbie._ Fear not; we'll have that shall serve the turn. -This is the painter's house; I'll call him forth. - -_Alice._ But Mosbie, I'll have no such picture, I. - -_Mosbie._ I pray thee leave it to my discretion. -How! Clarke! - -_Here enters Clarke._ - -Oh, you are an honest man of your word! you served me well. - -_Clarke._ Why, sir, I'll do it for you at any time, -Provided, as you have given your word, 250 -I may have Susan Mosbie to my wife. -For, as sharp-witted poets, whose sweet verse -Make heavenly gods break off their nectar draughts -And lay their ears down to the lowly earth, -Use humble promise to their sacred Muse, -So we that are the poets' favourites -Must have a love: ay, Love is the painter's muse, -That makes him frame a speaking countenance, -A weeping eye that witnesses heart's grief. -Then tell me, Master Mosbie, shall I have her? 260 - -_Alice._ 'Tis pity but he should; he'll use her well. - -_Mosbie._ Clarke, here's my hand: my sister shall be thine. - -_Clarke._ Then, brother, to requite this courtesy, -You shall command my life, my skill, and all. - -_Alice._ Ah, that thou couldst be secret. - -_Mosbie._ Fear him not; leave; I have talked sufficient - -_Clarke._ You know not me that ask such questions. -Let it suffice I know you love him well, -And fain would have your husband made away: -Wherein, trust me, you show a noble mind, 270 -That rather than you'll live with him you hate, -You'll venture life, and die with him you love. -The like will I do for my Susan's sake. - -_Alice._ Yet nothing could inforce me to the deed -But Mosbie's love. Might I without control -Enjoy thee still, then Arden should not die: -But seeing I cannot, therefore let him die. - -_Mosbie._ Enough, sweet Alice; thy kind words makes me melt. -Your trick of poisoned pictures we dislike; -Some other poison would do better far. 280 - -_Alice._ Ay, such as might be put into his broth, -And yet in taste not to be found at all. - -_Clarke._ I know your mind, and here I have it for you. -Put but a dram of this into his drink, -Or any kind of broth that he shall eat, -And he shall die within an hour after. - -_Alice._ As I am a gentlewoman, Clarke, next day -Thou and Susan shall be married. - -_Mosbie._ And I'll make her dowry more than I'll talk of, Clarke. - -_Clarke._ Yonder's your husband. Mosbie, I'll be gone. 290 - -_Here enters Arden and Franklin._ - -_Alice._ In good time see where my husband comes. -Master Mosbie, ask him the question yourself. - - [_Exit Clarke._ - -_Mosbie._ Master Arden, being at London yesternight, -The Abbey lands, whereof you are now possessed, -Were offered me on some occasion -By Greene, one of Sir Antony Ager's men: -I pray you, sir, tell me, are not the lands yours? -Hath any other interest herein? - -_Arden._ Mosbie, that question we'll decide anon. -Alice, make ready my breakfast, I must hence. 300 - - [_Exit Alice._ - -As for the lands, Mosbie, they are mine -By letters patents from his Majesty. -But I must have a mandate for my wife; -They say you seek to rob me of her love: -Villain, what makes thou in her company? -She's no companion for so base a groom. - -_Mosbie._ Arden, I thought not on her, I came to thee; -But rather than I pocket up this wrong---- - -_Franklin._ What will you do, sir? - -_Mosbie._ Revenge it on the proudest of you both. 310 - - [_Then Arden draws forth Mosbie's sword._ - -_Arden._ So, sirrah; you may not wear a sword, -The statute makes against artificers; -I warrant that I do. Now use your bodkin, -Your Spanish needle, and your pressing iron, -For this shall go with me; and mark my words, -You goodman botcher, 'tis to you I speak: -The next time that I take thee near my house, -Instead of legs I'll make thee crawl on stumps. - -_Mosbie._ Ah, Master Arden, you have injured me: -I do appeal to God and to the world. 320 - -_Franklin._ Why, canst thou deny thou wert a botcher once? - -_Mosbie._ Measure me what I am, not what I was. - -_Arden._ Why, what art thou now but a velvet drudge, -A cheating steward, and base-minded peasant? - -_Mosbie._ Arden, now thou hast belched and vomited -The rancorous venom of thy mis-swoll'n heart, -Hear me but speak: as I intend to live -With God and his elected saints in heaven, -I never meant more to solicit her; -And that she knows, and all the world shall see. 330 -I loved her once;--sweet Arden, pardon me, -I could not choose, her beauty fired my heart! -But time hath quenched these over-raging coals; -And, Arden, though I now frequent thy house, -'Tis for my sister's sake, her waiting-maid, -And not for hers. Mayest thou enjoy her long: -Hell-fire and wrathful vengeance light on me, -If I dishonour her or injure thee. - -_Arden._ Mosbie, with these thy protestations -The deadly hatred of my heart's appeased, 340 -And thou and I'll be friends, if this prove true. -As for the base terms I gave thee late, -Forget them, Mosbie: I had cause to speak, -When all the knights and gentlemen of Kent -Make common table-talk of her and thee. - -_Mosbie._ Who lives that is not touched with slanderous tongues? - -_Franklin._ Then, Mosbie, to eschew the speech of men, -Upon whose general bruit all honour hangs, -Forbear his house. - -_Arden._ Forbear it! nay, rather frequent it more: 350 -The world shall see that I distrust her not. -To warn him on the sudden from my house -Were to confirm the rumour that is grown. - -_Mosbie._ By my faith, sir, you say true, -And therefore will I sojourn here a while, -Until our enemies have talked their fill; -And then, I hope, they'll cease, and at last confess -How causeless they have injured her and me. - -_Arden._ And I will lie at London all this term -To let them see how light I weigh their words. 360 - -_Here enters Alice._ - -_Alice._ Husband, sit down; your breakfast will be cold. - -_Arden._ Come, Master Mosbie, will you sit with us? - -_Mosbie._ I cannot eat, but I'll sit for company. - -_Arden._ Sirrah Michael, see our horse be ready. - -_Alice._ Husband, why pause ye? why eat you not? - -_Arden._ I am not well; there's something in this broth -That is not wholesome: didst thou make it, Alice? - -_Alice._ I did, and that's the cause it likes not you. - - [_Then she throws down the broth on the ground._ - -There's nothing that I do can please your taste; -You were best to say I would have poisoned you. 370 -I cannot speak or cast aside my eye, -But he imagines I have stepped awry. -Here's he that you cast in my teeth so oft: -Now will I be convinced or purge myself. -I charge thee speak to this mistrustful man, -Thou that wouldst see me hang, thou, Mosbie, thou: -What favour hast thou had more than a kiss -At coming or departing from the town? - -_Mosbie._ You wrong yourself and me to cast these doubts: -Your loving husband is not jealous. 380 - -_Arden._ Why, gentle Mistress Alice, cannot I be ill -But you'll accuse yourself? -Franklin, thou hast a box of mithridate; -I'll take a little to prevent the worst. - -_Franklin._ Do so, and let us presently take horse; -My life for yours, ye shall do well enough. - -_Alice._ Give me a spoon, I'll eat of it myself; -Would it were full of poison to the brim, -Then should my cares and troubles have an end. -Was ever silly woman so tormented? 390 - -_Arden._ Be patient, sweet love; I mistrust not thee. - -_Alice._ God will revenge it, Arden, if thou dost; -For never woman loved her husband better -Than I do thee. - -_Arden._ I know it, sweet Alice; cease to complain, -Lest that in tears I answer thee again. - -_Franklin._ Come, leave this dallying, and let us away. - -_Alice._ Forbear to wound me with that bitter word; -Arden shall go to London in my arms. - -_Arden._ Loth am I to depart, yet I must go. 400 - -_Alice._ Wilt thou to London, then, and leave me here? -Ah, if thou love me, gentle Arden, stay. -Yet, if thy business be of great import -Go, if thou wilt, I'll bear it as I may; -But write from London to me every week, -Nay, every day, and stay no longer there -Than thou must needs, lest that I die for sorrow. - -_Arden._ I'll write unto thee every other tide, -And so farewell, sweet Alice, till we meet next. - -_Alice._ Farewell, husband, seeing you'll have it so; 410 -And, Master Franklin, seeing you take him hence, -In hope you'll hasten him home, I'll give you this. - - [_And then she kisseth him._ - -_Franklin._ And if he stay, the fault shall not be mine. -Mosbie, farewell, and see you keep your oath. - -_Mosbie._ I hope he is not jealous of me now. - -_Arden._ No, Mosbie, no; hereafter think of me -As of your dearest friend, and so farewell. - - [_Exeunt Arden, Franklin, and Michael._ - -_Alice._ I am glad he is gone; he was about to stay, -But did you mark me then how I brake off? - -_Mosbie._ Ay, Alice, and it was cunningly performed. 420 -But what a villain is that painter Clarke! - -_Alice._ Was it not a goodly poison that he gave? -Why, he's as well now as he was before. -It should have been some fine confection -That might have given the broth some dainty taste: -This powder was too gross and populous. - -_Mosbie._ But had he eaten but three spoonfuls more, -Then had he died and our love continued. - -_Alice._ Why, so it shall, Mosbie, albeit he live. - -_Mosbie._ It is unpossible, for I have sworn 430 -Never hereafter to solicit thee, -Or, whilst he lives, once more importune thee. - -_Alice._ Thou shalt not need, I will importune thee. -What? shall an oath make thee forsake my love? -As if I have not sworn as much myself -And given my hand unto him in the church! -Tush, Mosbie; oaths are words, and words is wind, -And wind is mutable: then, I conclude, -'Tis childishness to stand upon an oath. - -_Mosbie._ Well proved, Mistress Alice; yet by your leave 440 -I'll keep mine unbroken whilst he lives. - -_Alice._ Ay, do, and spare not, his time is but short; -For if thou beest as resolute as I, -We'll have him murdered as he walks the streets. -In London many alehouse ruffians keep, -Which, as I hear, will murder men for gold. -They shall be soundly fee'd to pay him home. - -_Here enters Greene._ - -_Mosbie._ Alice, what's he that comes yonder? knowest thou him? - -_Alice._ Mosbie, be gone: I hope 'tis one that comes -To put in practice our intended drifts. 450 - - [_Exit Mosbie_ - -_Greene._ Mistress Arden, you are well met. -I am sorry that your husband is from home, -Whenas my purposed journey was to him: -Yet all my labour is not spent in vain, -For I suppose that you can full discourse -And flat resolve me of the thing I seek. - -_Alice._ What is it, Master Greene? If that I may -Or can with safety, I will answer you. - -_Greene._ I heard your husband hath the grant of late, -Confirmed by letters patents from the king, 460 -Of all the lands of the Abbey of Feversham, -Generally intitled, so that all former grants -Are cut off; whereof I myself had one; -But now my interest by that is void. -This is all, Mistress Arden; is it true or no? - -_Alice._ True, Master Greene; the lands are his in state, -And whatsoever leases were before -Are void for term of Master Arden's life; -He hath the grant under the Chancery seal. - -_Greene._ Pardon me, Mistress Arden, I must speak, 470 -For I am touched. Your husband doth me wrong -To wring me from the little land I have. -My living is my life, and only that -Resteth remainder of my portion. -Desire of wealth is endless in his mind, -And he is greedy-gaping still for gain; -Nor cares he though young gentlemen do beg, -So he may scrape and hoard up in his pouch. -But, seeing he hath ta'en my lands, I'll value life -As careless as he is careful for to get: 480 -And tell him this from me, I'll be revenged, -And so as he shall wish the Abbey lands -Had rested still within their former state. - -_Alice._ Alas, poor gentleman, I pity you, -And woe is me that any man should want! -God knows 'tis not my fault; but wonder not -Though he be hard to others, when to me,-- -Ah, Master Greene, God knows how I am used. - -_Greene._ Why, Mistress Arden, can the crabbed churl -Use you unkindly? respects he not your birth, 490 -Your honourable friends, nor what you brought? -Why, all Kent knows your parentage and what you are. - -_Alice._ Ah, Master Greene, be it spoken in secret here, -I never live good day with him alone: -When he's at home, then have I froward looks, -Hard words and blows to mend the match withal; -And though I might content as good a man, -Yet doth he keep in every corner trulls; -And when he's weary with his trugs at home, -Then rides he straight to London; there, forsooth, 500 -He revels it among such filthy ones -As counsels him to make away his wife. -Thus live I daily in continual fear, -In sorrow; so despairing of redress -As every day I wish with hearty prayer -That he or I were taken forth the world. - -_Greene._ Now trust me, Mistress Alice, it grieveth me -So fair a creature should be so abused. -Why, who would have thought the civil sir so sullen? -He looks so smoothly. Now, fie upon him, churl! 510 -And if he live a day, he lives too long. -But frolic, woman! I shall be the man -Shall set you free from all this discontent; -And if the churl deny my interest -And will not yield my lease into my hand, -I'll pay him home, whatever hap to me. - -_Alice._ But speak you as you think? - -_Greene._ Ay, God's my witness, I mean plain dealing, -For I had rather die than lose my land. - -_Alice._ Then, Master Greene, be counselled by me: 520 -Indanger not yourself for such a churl, -But hire some cutter for to cut him short, -And here's ten pound to wager them withal; -When he is dead, you shall have twenty more, -And the lands whereof my husband is possess'd -Shall be intitled as they were before. - -_Greene._ Will you keep promise with me? - -_Alice._ Or count me false and perjured whilst I live. - -_Greene._ Then here's my hand, I'll have him so dispatched. -I'll up to London straight, I'll thither post, 530 -And never rest till I have compassed it. -Till then farewell. - -_Alice._ Good fortune follow all your forward thoughts. - - [_Exit Greene._ - -And whosoever doth attempt the deed, -A happy hand I wish, and so farewell.-- -All this goes well: Mosbie, I long for thee -To let thee know all that I have contrived. - -_Here enters Mosbie and Clarke._ - -_Mosbie._ How, now, Alice, what's the news? - -_Alice._ Such as will content thee well, sweetheart. - -_Mosbie._ Well, let them pass a while, and tell me, Alice, -How have you dealt and tempered with my sister? -What, will she have my neighbour Clarke, or no? - -_Alice._ What, Master Mosbie! let him woo himself! -Think you that maids look not for fair words? -Go to her, Clarke; she's all alone within; -Michael my man is clean out of her books. - -_Clarke._ I thank you, Mistress Arden, I will in; -And if fair Susan and I can make a gree, -You shall command me to the uttermost, -As far as either goods or life may stretch. 550 - - [_Exit Clarke._ - -_Mosbie._ Now, Alice, let's hear thy news. - -_Alice._ They be so good that I must laugh for joy, -Before I can begin to tell my tale. - -_Mosbie._ Let's hear them, that I may laugh for company. - -_Alice._ This morning, Master Greene, Dick Greene I mean, -From whom my husband had the Abbey land, -Came hither, railing, for to know the truth -Whether my husband had the lands by grant. -I told him all, whereat he stormed amain -And swore he would cry quittance with the churl, 560 -And, if he did deny his interest, -Stab him, whatsoever did befall himself. -Whenas I saw his choler thus to rise, -I whetted on the gentleman with words; -And, to conclude, Mosbie, at last we grew -To composition for my husband's death. -I gave him ten pound for to hire knaves, -By some device to make away the churl; -When he is dead, he should have twenty more -And repossess his former lands again. 570 -On this we 'greed, and he is ridden straight -To London, for to bring his death about. - -_Mosbie._ But call you this good news? - -_Alice._ Ay, sweetheart, be they not? - -_Mosbie._ 'Twere cheerful news to hear the churl were dead; -But trust me, Alice, I take it passing ill -You would be so forgetful of our state -To make recount of it to every groom. -What! to acquaint each stranger with our drifts, -Chiefly in case of murder, why, 'tis the way 580 -To make it open unto Arden's self -And bring thyself and me to ruin both. -Forewarned, forearmed; who threats his enemy, -Lends him a sword to guard himself withal. - -_Alice._ I did it for the best. - -_Mosbie._ Well, seeing 'tis done, cheerly let it pass. -You know this Greene; is he not religious? -A man, I guess, of great devotion? - -_Alice._ He is. - -_Mosbie._ Then, sweet Alice, let it pass: I have a drift 590 -Will quiet all, whatever is amiss. - -_Here enters Clarke and Susan._ - -_Alice._ How now, Clarke? have you found me false? -Did I not plead the matter hard for you? - -_Clarke._ You did. - -_Mosbie._ And what? wilt be a match? - -_Clarke._ A match, i' faith, sir: ay, the day is mine. -The painter lays his colours to the life, -His pencil draws no shadows in his love. -Susan is mine. - -_Alice._ You make her blush. 600 - -_Mosbie._ What, sister, is it Clarke must be the man? - -_Susan._ It resteth in your grant; some words are past, -And haply we be grown unto a match, -If you be willing that it shall be so. - -_Mosbie._ Ah, Master Clarke, it resteth at my grant: -You see my sister's yet at my dispose, -But, so you'll grant me one thing I shall ask, -I am content my sister shall be yours. - -_Clarke._ What is it, Master Mosbie? - -_Mosbie._ I do remember once in secret talk 610 -You told me how you could compound by art -A crucifix impoisoned, -That whoso look upon it should wax blind -And with the scent be stifled, that ere long -He should die poisoned that did view it well. -I would have you make me such a crucifix. -And then I'll grant my sister shall be yours. - -_Clarke._ Though I am loth, because it toucheth life, -Yet, rather or I'll leave sweet Susan's love, -I'll do it, and with all the haste I may. 620 -But for whom is it? - -_Alice._ Leave that to us. Why, Clarke, is it possible -That you should paint and draw it out yourself, -The colours being baleful and impoisoned, -And no ways prejudice yourself withal? - -_Mosbie._ Well questioned, Alice; Clarke, how answer you that? - -_Clarke._ Very easily: I'll tell you straight -How I do work of these impoisoned drugs. -I fasten on my spectacles so close -As nothing can any way offend my sight; 630 -Then, as I put a leaf within my nose, -So put I rhubarb to avoid the smell, -And softly as another work I paint. - -_Mosbie._ 'Tis very well; but against when shall I have it? - -_Clarke._ Within this ten days. - -_Mosbie._ 'Twill serve the turn. -Now, Alice, let's in and see what cheer you keep. -I hope, now Master Arden is from home, -You'll give me leave to play your husband's part. - -_Alice._ Mosbie, you know, who's master of my heart, -He well may be the master of the house. 640 - - [_Exeunt._ - -I. i. 4. _Patents_; the plural is always used in A, cf. _Richard II._ -II. i. 202; II. iii. 130. - -I. i. 14. Contrast Holinshed:--'He, _i.e._ Arden, was contented -to wink at her filthy disorder,' and _Wardmote Book_:--'All which -things the said Ardern did well know and wilfully did permit and -suffer the same.' He was afraid to offend Lord North, 'father-in-law -unto Alice Ardern,' whose servant Mosbie had been. This -North was the father of the translator of Plutarch. - -I. i. 15. _Pass_; so Bullen for _past_, A, B, C. - -I. i. 25. _Botcher_, is not 'butcher,' but a mender of old clothes. - -I. i. 48. _Jealous_: spelt _jelyouse_, and pronounced so throughout -the play. - -I. i. 60. The reference is to Ovid's _Elegy_, 'Ad Auroram ne -properet.'--_Amor._ i. 13. - -I. i. 61. Most editions reject _often_. If we retain it the line is an -Alexandrine. Cf. i. 153, 167, 238, 479; III. v. 73, etc. - -I. i. 105. _Flower-de-luce._ 'An inn, formerly situated in Abbey -Street, nearly opposite Arden's house.' C. E. Donne, _An Essay -on the Tragedy of Arden of Faversham_, 1873. - -I. i. 117. _thy house of force_, _i.e._ 'fortified house.' - -I. i. 135. _narrow_: so all editors; but the _marrow-prying_ of A -may be correct. _Blab_ is either a verb with _and_ omitted after it, -or a noun, the subject of _hinder_. - -I. i. 154. An allusion to verses or inscriptions on tapestry hangings. - -I. i. 159. Cf. 'I'll write to him a very taunting letter.'--_As You -Like It_, III. v. 134. - -I. i. 167. 'It was popularly supposed that a virgin might save a -criminal from the gallows by offering to marry him.--See note to -my edition of Marston, III. 190-1.'--Bullen. - -I. i. 172. Perhaps _worth_ should be omitted. - -I. i. 174. _Bolton_ is 'Boughton, looking down on Canterbury.'--Donne. - -I. i. 247. The name 'Clarke' is apparently our author's invention, -like the name and character of Franklin. The painter's name was -William Blackburn. - -I. i. 266. _Leave_; Tyrrell reads _love_. - -I. i. 278. _makes_: this singular with a plural subject is frequent in -our play; cf. _Enters_ in the stage directions with a plural, and -I. 151, 437, 502; II. i. 1; III. i. 43 and 83; V. 38, etc. Consult -Mr. Verity's note on _Edward II._, I. iv. 362, Temple Dramatists. - -I. i. 312. The statute in question was 37 Edward III. c. 9. - -I. i. 314. 'The making of Spanish needles was first taught in -England by Elias Crowse a Germane about the eight yeere of -Queene Elizabeth, and in Queen Marie's time there was a Negro -made fine Spanish needles in Cheapeside, but would never teach -his art to any.' Quoted by Bullen from _Stowe_, edition 1631, -p. 1038. - -I. i. 314. 'Then Mosby having at his girdle a pressing iron of -14 pound weight stroke him on the head with the same so that -he fell down and gave a great groan.'--Holinshed. Cf V. i. 241. - -I. i. 323. _Velvet drudge_: an allusion to Mosbie's tailoring. - -I. i. 426. _Populous_: 'perhaps used in the sense of _thick_, -_compact_.'--Bullen. Webster quotes this passage and explains, -'suitable to common people: hence common, inferior, vulgar.' -Delius proposes _palpable_. - -I. i. 466. _His in state_, _i.e._ 'his legally.' - -I. i. 472. Cf. 'To wring the widow from her customed right.'--2 -_Henry VI._, V. i. 188. - -I. i. 537. Tyrrell begins Act II. here. - -I. i. 546. 'The gentleman is not in your books.'--_Much Ado_, -I. i. 79. - -I. i. 548. _make a gree_, come to an agreement. _Agree_ was used -adverbially for _at gree_. - - - - -ACT II - - -SCENE I - -_Country between Feversham and London._ - -_Enter Greene and Bradshaw._ - -_Bradshaw._ See you them that comes yonder, Master Greene? - -_Greene._ Ay, very well: do you know them? - -_Here enters Black Will and Shakebag._ - -_Bradshaw._ The one I know not, but he seems a knave -Chiefly for bearing the other company; -For such a slave, so vile a rogue as he, -Lives not again upon the earth. -Black Will is his name. I tell you, Master Greene, -At Boulogne he and I were fellow-soldiers, -Where he played such pranks -As all the camp feared him for his villainy 10 -I warrant you he bears so bad a mind -That for a crown he'll murder any man. - -_Greene._ The fitter is he for my purpose, marry! - -_Will._ How now, fellow Bradshaw? Whither away so early? - -_Bradshaw._ O Will, times are changed: no fellows now, -Though we were once together in the field; -Yet thy friend to do thee any good I can. - -_Will._ Why, Bradshaw, was not thou and I fellow-soldiers -at Boulogne, where I was a corporal, and -thou but a base mercenary groom? No fellows -now! because you are a goldsmith and have a little -plate in your shop! You were glad to call me -'fellow Will,' and with a curtsey to the earth, 'One -snatch, good corporal,' when I stole the half ox -from John the victualer, and domineer'd with it -amongst good fellows in one night. - -_Bradshaw._ Ay, Will, those days are past with me. 27 - -_Will._ Ay, but they be not past with me, for I keep that -same honourable mind still. Good neighbour Bradshaw, -you are too proud to be my fellow; but were -it not that I see more company coming down the -hill, I would be fellows with you once more, and -share crowns with you too. But let that pass, and -tell me whither you go. - -_Bradshaw._ To London, Will, about a piece of service, -Wherein haply thou mayest pleasure me. - -_Will._ What is it? - -_Bradshaw._ Of late Lord Cheiny lost some plate, -Which one did bring and sold it at my shop, -Saying he served Sir Antony Cooke. 40 -A search was made, the plate was found with me, -And I am bound to answer at the 'size. -Now, Lord Cheiny solemnly vows, if law -Will serve him, he'll hang me for his plate. -Now I am going to London upon hope -To find the fellow. Now, Will, I know -Thou art acquainted with such companions. - -_Will._ What manner of man was he? - -_Bradshaw._ A lean-faced writhen knave, -Hawk-nosed and very hollow-eyed, 50 -With mighty furrows in his stormy brows; -Long hair down his shoulders curled; -His chin was bare, but on his upper lip -A mutchado, which he wound about his ear. - -_Will._ What apparel had he? - -_Bradshaw._ A watchet satin doublet all-to torn, -The inner side did bear the greater show; -A pair of thread-bare velvet hose, seam rent, -A worsted stocking rent above the shoe, -A livery cloak, but all the lace was off; 60 -'Twas bad, but yet it served to hide the plate. - -_Will._ Sirrah Shakebag, canst thou remember since we -trolled the bowl at Sittingburgh, where I broke the -tapster's head of the Lion with a cudgel-stick? - -_Shakebag._ Ay, very well, Will. - -_Will._ Why, it was with the money that the plate was -sold for. Sirrah Bradshaw, what wilt thou give him -that can tell thee who sold thy plate? - -_Bradshaw._ Who, I pray thee, good Will? - -_Will._ Why, 'twas one Jack Fitten. He's now in Newgate -for stealing a horse, and shall be arraigned the next 'size. 72 - -_Bradshaw._ Why, then let Lord Cheiny seek Jack Fitten forth, -For I'll back and tell him who robbed him of his plate. -This cheers my heart; Master Greene, I'll leave you, -For I must to the Isle of Sheppy with speed. - -_Greene._ Before you go, let me intreat you -To carry this letter to Mistress Arden of Feversham -And humbly recommend me to herself. - -_Bradshaw._ That will I, Master Greene, and so farewell. 80 -Here, Will, there's a crown for thy good news. - - [_Exit Bradshaw._ - -_Will._ Farewell, Bradshaw; I'll drink no water for thy -sake whilst this lasts.--Now, gentleman, shall we -have your company to London? - -_Greene._ Nay, stay, sirs: -A little more I needs must use your help, -And in a matter of great consequence, -Wherein if you'll be secret and profound, -I'll give you twenty angels for your pains. 89 - -_Will._ How? twenty angels? give my fellow George -Shakebag and me twenty angels? And if thou'lt -have thy own father slain, that thou may'st inherit -his land, we'll kill him. 93 - -_Shakebag._ Ay, thy mother, thy sister, thy brother, -or all thy kin. - -_Greene._ Well, this it is: Arden of Feversham -Hath highly wronged me about the Abbey land, -That no revenge but death will serve the turn. -Will you two kill him? here's the angels down, -And I will lay the platform of his death. 100 - -_Will._ Plat me no platforms; give me the money, and -I'll stab him as he stands pissing against a wall, but -I'll kill him. - -_Shakebag._ Where is he? - -_Greene._ He is now at London, in Aldersgate Street. - -_Shakebag._ He's dead as if he had been condemned by -an Act of Parliament, if once Black Will and I -swear his death. - -_Greene_. Here is ten pound, and when he is dead, -Ye shall have twenty more. 110 - -_Will._ My fingers itches to be at the peasant. Ah, that -I might be set a work thus through the year, and -that murder would grow to an occupation, that a -man might follow without danger of law:--zounds, I -warrant I should be warden of the company! Come, -let us be going, and we'll bait at Rochester, where -I'll give thee a gallon of sack to handsel the match -withal. - - [_Exeunt._ - -II. i. 51. Mr. Bullen says that such a line as this 'might have -come straight out of _Tamburlaine_.' He goes on, 'but in no other -part of the play can we find a trace of Marlowe's influence.' Cf.-- - -'He sent a shaggy tottered staring slave, -That when he speaks draws out his grisly beard, -And winds it twice or thrice about his ear; -Whose face has been a grindstone for men's swords.' - -_Jew of Malta_, IV. v. 6. - -and Shakespeare's-- - -'They brought one Pinch, a hungry lean-faced villain ... -A needy hollow-ey'd, sharp-looking wretch, -A living dead man.' - -_Com. of Errors_, V. i. 237. - -II. i. 56. _all to torn_; 'entirely torn.' _To_ in the sense of -'asunder' was commonly emphasised by _all_. Cf. 'Her wings ... -were all to ruffled.'--_Comus_, 380. - -II. i. 58. _seam rent_: torn at the seams; 'Seam rent fellows,'--Ben -Jonson. - -II. i. 101. Imitated in Yarington's _Two Tragedies_ (iii. 2):-- - -'Grace me no graces, I respect no grace, -But with a grace to give a graceless stab.' - -II. i. 114. I have inserted _follow_. - - -SCENE II - -_London. A Street near St. Paul's._ - -_Enter Michael._ - -_Michael._ I have gotten such a letter as will touch the -painter: And thus it is: - -_Here enters Arden and Franklin and hears Michael -read this letter._ - -'My duty remembered, Mistress Susan, hoping in God -you be in good health, as I Michael was at the -making hereof. This is to certify you that as the -turtle true, when she hath lost her mate, sitteth -alone, so I, mourning for your absence, do walk -up and down Paul's till one day I fell asleep and -lost my master's pantofles. Ah, Mistress Susan, -abolish that paltry painter, cut him off by the -shins with a frowning look of your crabbed countenance, -and think upon Michael, who, drunk with -the dregs of your favour, will cleave as fast to your -love as a plaster of pitch to a galled horse-back. -Thus hoping you will let my passions penetrate, or -rather impetrate mercy of your meek hands, I end. - - 'Yours, Michael, or else not Michael.' - -_Arden._ Why, you paltry knave, -Stand you here loitering, knowing my affairs, -What haste my business craves to send to Kent? 20 - -_Franklin._ Faith, friend Michael, this is very ill, -Knowing your master hath no more but you, -And do ye slack his business for your own? - -_Arden._ Where is the letter, sirrah? let me see it. - - [_Then he gives him the letter._ - -See, Master Franklin, here's proper stuff: -Susan my maid, the painter, and my man, -A crew of harlots, all in love, forsooth; -Sirrah, let me hear no more of this, -Nor for thy life once write to her a word. - -_Here enters Greene, Will, and Shakebag._ - -Wilt thou be married to so base a trull? 30 -'Tis Mosbie's sister: come I once at home, -I'll rouse her from remaining in my house. -Now, Master Franklin, let us go walk in Paul's; -Come but a turn or two, and then away. - - [_Exeunt._ - -_Greene._ The first is Arden, and that's his man, -The other is Franklin, Arden's dearest friend. - -_Will._ Zounds, I'll kill them all three. - -_Greene._ Nay, sirs, touch not his man in any case; -But stand close, and take you fittest standing, -And at his coming forth speed him: 40 -To the Nag's Head, there is this coward's haunt. -But now I'll leave you till the deed be done. - - [_Exit Greene._ - -_Shakebag._ If he be not paid his own, ne'er trust Shakebag. - -_Will._ Sirrah Shakebag, at his coming forth I'll run him -through, and then to the Blackfriars, and there -take water and away. - -_Shakebag._ Why, that's the best; but see thou miss him not. - -_Will._ How can I miss him, when I think on the forty -angels I must have more? - -_Here enters Prentice._ - -_Prentice._ 'Tis very late; I were best shut up my stall, -for here will be old filching, when the press comes -forth of Paul's. 52 - - [_Then lets he down his window, and it breaks Black Will's head._ - -_Will._ Zounds, draw, Shakebag, I am almost killed. - -_Prentice._ We'll tame you, I warrant. - -_Will._ Zounds, I am tame enough already. - -_Here enters Arden, Franklin, and Michael._ - -_Arden._ What troublesome fray or mutiny is this? - -_Franklin._ 'Tis nothing but some brabling paltry fray, -Devised to pick men's pockets in the throng. - -_Arden._ Is't nothing else? come, Franklin, let's away. - - [_Exeunt._ - -_Will._ What 'mends shall I have for my broken head? 60 - -_Prentice._ Marry, this 'mends, that if you get you not -away all the sooner, you shall be well beaten and -sent to the Counter. [_Exit Prentice._ - -_Will._ Well, I'll be gone, but look to your signs, for I'll -pull them down all. Shakebag, my broken head -grieves me not so much as by this means Arden -hath escaped. - -_Here enters Greene._ - -I had a glimpse of him and his companion. - -_Greene._ Why, sirs, Arden's as well as I; I met him and -Franklin going merrily to the ordinary. What, dare -you not do it? 71 - -_Will._ Yes, sir, we dare do it; but, were my consent to -give again, we would not do it under ten pound -more. I value every drop of my blood at a French -crown. I have had ten pound to steal a dog, and we -have no more here to kill a man; but that a bargain -is a bargain, and so forth, you should do it yourself. - -_Greene._ I pray thee, how came thy head broke? - -_Will._ Why, thou seest it is broke, dost thou not? 79 - -_Shakebag._ Standing against a stall, watching Arden's -coming, a boy let down his shop-window and broke -his head; whereupon arose a brawl, and in the -tumult Arden escaped us and passed by unthought -on. But forbearance is no acquittance; another -time we'll do it, I warrant thee. - -_Greene._ I pray thee, Will, make clean thy bloody brow, -And let us bethink us on some other place -Where Arden may be met with handsomely. -Remember how devoutly thou hast sworn -To kill the villain; think upon thine oath. 90 - -_Will._ Tush, I have broken five hundred oaths! -But wouldst thou charm me to effect this deed, -Tell me of gold, my resolution's fee; -Say thou seest Mosbie kneeling at my knees, -Offering me service for my high attempt, -And sweet Alice Arden, with a lap of crowns, -Comes with a lowly curtsey to the earth, -Saying 'Take this but for thy quarterage, -Such yearly tribute will I answer thee.' -Why, this would steel soft-mettled cowardice, 100 -With which Black Will was never tainted yet. -I tell thee, Greene, the forlorn traveller, -Whose lips are glued with summer's parching heat, -Ne'er longed so much to see a running brook -As I to finish Arden's tragedy. -Seest thou this gore that cleaveth to my face? -From hence ne'er will I wash this bloody stain, -Till Arden's heart be panting in my hand. - -_Greene._ Why, that's well said; but what saith Shakebag? - -_Shakebag._ I cannot paint my valour out with words: 110 -But, give me place and opportunity, -Such mercy as the starven lioness, -When she is dry sucked of her eager young, -Shows to the prey that next encounters her, -On Arden so much pity would I take. - -_Greene._ So should it fare with men of firm resolve. -And now, sirs, seeing that this accident -Of meeting him in Paul's hath no success, -Let us bethink us of some other place -Whose earth may swallow up this Arden's blood. - -_Here enters Michael._ - -See, yonder comes his man: and wot you what? 121 -The foolish knave's in love with Mosbie's sister, -And for her sake, whose love he cannot get -Unless Mosbie solicit his suit, -The villain hath sworn the slaughter of his master. -We'll question him, for he may stead us much,-- -How now, Michael, whither are you going? - -_Michael._ My master hath new supped, -And I am going to prepare his chamber. - -_Greene._ Where supped Master Arden? 130 - -_Michael._ At the Nag's Head, at the eighteen pence -ordinary. How now, Master Shakebag? what, -Black Will! God's dear lady, how chance your -face is so bloody? - -_Will._ Go to, sirrah, there is a chance in it; this sauciness -in you will make you be knocked. - -_Michael._ Nay, an you be offended, I'll be gone. - -_Greene._ Stay, Michael, you may not escape us so. -Michael, I know you love your master well. - -_Michael._ Why, so I do; but wherefore urge you that? - -_Greene._ Because I think you love your mistress better. - -_Michael._ So think not I; but say, i' faith, what, if I should? - -_Shakebag._ Come to the purpose, Michael; we hear 143 -You have a pretty love in Feversham. - -_Michael._ Why, have I two or three, what's that to thee! - -_Will._ You deal too mildly with the peasant. Thus it is: -'Tis known to us that you love Mosbie's sister; -We know besides that you have ta'en your oath -To further Mosbie to your mistress' bed, -And kill your master for his sister's sake. -Now, sir, a poorer coward than yourself 150 -Was never fostered in the coast of Kent: -How comes it then that such a knave as you -Dare swear a matter of such consequence? - -_Greene._ Ah, Will---- - -_Will._ Tush, give me leave, there's no more but this: -Sith thou hast sworn, we dare discover all; -And hadst thou or should'st thou utter it, -We have devised a complat under hand, -Whatever shall betide to any of us, -To send thee roundly to the devil of hell. 160 -And therefore thus: I am the very man, -Marked in my birth-hour by the destinies, -To give an end to Arden's life on earth; -Thou but a member but to whet the knife -Whose edge must search the closet of his breast: -Thy office is but to appoint the place, -And train thy master to his tragedy; -Mine to perform it when occasion serves. -Then be not nice, but here devise with us -How and what way we may conclude his death. 170 - -_Shakebag._ So shalt thou purchase Mosbie for thy friend, -And by his friendship gain his sister's love. - -_Greene._ So shall thy mistress be thy favourer, -And thou disburdened of the oath thou made. - -_Michael._ Well, gentlemen, I cannot but confess, -Sith you have urged me so apparently, -That I have vowed my master Arden's death; -And he whose kindly love and liberal hand -Doth challenge nought but good deserts of me, -I will deliver over to your hands. 180 -This night come to his house at Aldersgate: -The doors I'll leave unlock'd against you come. -No sooner shall ye enter through the latch, -Over the threshold to the inner court, -But on your left hand shall you see the stairs -That leads directly to my master's chamber: -There take him and dispose him as ye please. -Now it were good we parted company; -What I have promised, I will perform. - -_Will._ Should you deceive us, 'twould go wrong with you. 190 - -_Michael._ I will accomplish all I have revealed. - -_Will._ Come, let's go drink: choler makes me as dry as a dog. 190 - - [_Exeunt Will, Greene, and Shakebag._ - _Manet Michael._ - -_Michael._ Thus feeds the lamb securely on the down, -Whilst through the thicket of an arbour brake -The hunger-bitten wolf o'erpries his haunt -And takes advantage for to eat him up. -Ah, harmless Arden, how hast thou misdone, -That thus thy gentle life is levelled at? -The many good turns that thou hast done to me. 200 -Now must I quittance with betraying thee. -I that should take the weapon in my hand -And buckler thee from ill-intending foes, -Do lead thee with a wicked fraudful smile, -As unsuspected, to the slaughter-house. -So have I sworn to Mosbie and my mistress, -So have I promised to the slaughtermen; -And should I not deal currently with them, -Their lawless rage would take revenge on me. -Tush, I will spurn at mercy for this once: 210 -Let pity lodge where feeble women lie, -I am resolved, and Arden needs must die. - - [_Exit Michael._ - -II. ii. 3. Michael's letter is a curious effort at euphuism which -calls to mind 'Love's Labour's Lost.' Note the fabulous natural -history, the alliteration, and the alliterative proverb. - -II. ii. 51. _old filching_ = 'rare filching.' Cf. 'Yonder's old coil at -hand.'--_Much Ado_, V. ii. 98. - -II. ii. 63. The Counter was a London prison. - - - - -ACT III - - -SCENE I - -_A Room in Franklin's House, at Aldersgate._ - -_Enter Arden and Franklin._ - -_Arden._ No, Franklin, no: if fear or stormy threats, -If love of me or care of womanhood, -If fear of God or common speech of men, -Who mangle credit with their wounding words, -And couch dishonour as dishonour buds, -Might join repentance in her wanton thoughts, -No question then but she would turn the leaf -And sorrow for her dissolution; -But she is rooted in her wickedness, -Perverse and stubborn, not to be reclaimed; 10 -Good counsel is to her as rain to weeds, -And reprehension makes her vice to grow -As Hydra's head that plenished by decay. -Her faults, methink, are painted in my face, -For every searching eye to overread; -And Mosbie's name, a scandal unto mine, -Is deeply trenched in my blushing brow. -Ah, Franklin, Franklin, when I think on this, -My heart's grief rends my other powers -Worse than the conflict at the hour of death. 20 - -_Franklin._ Gentle Arden, leave this sad lament: -She will amend, and so your griefs will cease; -Or else she'll die, and so your sorrows end. -If neither of these two do haply fall, -Yet let your comfort be that others bear -Your woes, twice doubled all, with patience. - -_Arden._ My house is irksome; there I cannot rest. - -_Franklin._ Then stay with me in London; go not home. - -_Arden._ Then that base Mosbie doth usurp my room -And makes his triumph of my being thence. 30 -At home or not at home, where'er I be, -Here, here it lies, ah Franklin, here it lies -That will not out till wretched Arden dies. - -_Here enters Michael._ - -_Franklin._ Forget your griefs a while; here comes your man. - -_Arden._ What a-clock is't, sirrah? - -_Michael._ Almost ten. - -_Arden._ See, see, how runs away the weary time! -Come, Master Franklin, shall we go to bed? - - [_Exeunt Arden and Michael._ - _Manet Franklin._ - -_Franklin._ I pray you, go before: I'll follow you. ---Ah, what a hell is fretful jealousy! 40 -What pity-moving words, what deep-fetched sighs, -What grievous groans and overlading woes -Accompanies this gentle gentleman! -Now will he shake his care-oppressed head, -Then fix his sad eyes on the sullen earth, -Ashamed to gaze upon the open world; -Now will he cast his eyes up towards the heavens, -Looking that ways for redress of wrong: -Sometimes he seeketh to beguile his grief -And tells a story with his careful tongue; 50 -Then comes his wife's dishonour in his thoughts -And in the middle cutteth off his tale, -Pouring fresh sorrow on his weary limbs. -So woe-begone, so inly charged with woe, -Was never any lived and bare it so. - -_Here enters Michael._ - -_Michael._ My master would desire you come to bed. - -_Franklin._ Is he himself already in his bed? - - [_Exit Franklin. Manet Michael._ - -_Michael._ He is, and fain would have the light away. ---Conflicting thoughts, encamped in my breast, -Awake me with the echo of their strokes, 60 -And I, a judge to censure either side, -Can give to neither wished victory. -My master's kindness pleads to me for life -With just demand, and I must grant it him: -My mistress she hath forced me with an oath, -For Susan's sake, the which I may not break, -For that is nearer than a master's love: -That grim-faced fellow, pitiless Black Will, -And Shakebag, stern in bloody stratagem, ---Two rougher ruffians never lived in Kent,-- 70 -Have sworn my death, if I infringe my vow, -A dreadful thing to be considered of. -Methinks I see them with their bolstered hair -Staring and grinning in thy gentle face, -And in their ruthless hands their daggers drawn, -Insulting o'er thee with a peck of oaths, -Whilst thou submissive, pleading for relief, -Art mangled by their ireful instruments. -Methinks I hear them ask where Michael is, -And pitiless Black Will cries: 'Stab the slave! 80 -The peasant will detect the tragedy!' -The wrinkles in his foul death-threat'ning face -Gapes open wide, like graves to swallow men. -My death to him is but a merriment, -And he will murder me to make him sport. -He comes, he comes! ah. Master Franklin, help! -Call on the neighbours, or we are but dead! - -_Here enters Franklin and Arden._ - -_Franklin._ What dismal outcry calls me from my rest? - -_Arden._ What hath occasioned such a fearful cry? -Speak, Michael: hath any injured thee? 90 - -_Michael._ Nothing, sir; but as I fell asleep, -Upon the threshold leaning to the stairs, -I had a fearful dream that troubled me, -And in my slumber thought I was beset -With murderer thieves that came to rifle me. -My trembling joints witness my inward fear: -I crave your pardons for disturbing you. - -_Arden._ So great a cry for nothing I ne'er heard. -What? are the doors fast locked and all things safe? - -_Michael._ I cannot tell; I think I locked the doors. 100 - -_Arden._ I like not this, but I'll go see myself.-- -Ne'er trust me but the doors were all unlocked: -This negligence not half contenteth me. -Get you to bed, and if you love my favour, -Let me have no more such pranks as these. -Come, Master Franklin, let us go to bed. - -_Franklin._ Ay, by my faith; the air is very cold. -Michael, farewell; I pray thee dream no more. - - [_Exeunt._ - -III. i. 5. _Couch dishonour as dishonour buds._ Warnke explains -_Couch_ = 'spread,' comparing 'couch-grass'; but there is no -authority for this use. Is the word used in its surgical sense? -The line would then = 'Cut the bud of dishonour so that it bursts -into flower.' The surgical sense occurs in Holland's _Pliny_, 1601. - -III. i. 13. _plenished_ is Warnke's reading for the Quartos' _perisht_. -Delius and Bullen read _flourished_. - -III. i. 19. Cf. 'Sorrow and grief have vanquished all my powers.'--2 -_Henry VI._, II. i. 83. - -III. i. 45. For this use of _sullen_ cf. 'Why are thine eyes fixed to -the sullen earth?'--2 _Henry VI._, I. ii. 5, and Sonnet XXIX. 13. - - -SCENE II - -_Outside Franklin's house._ - -_Here enters Will, Greene, and Shakebag._ - -_Shakebag._ Black night hath hid the pleasures of the day, -And sheeting darkness overhangs the earth, -And with the black fold of her cloudy robe -Obscures us from the eyesight of the world, -In which sweet silence such as we triumph. -The lazy minutes linger on their time, -As loth to give due audit to the hour, -Till in the watch our purpose be complete -And Arden sent to everlasting night. -Greene, get you gone, and linger here about, 10 -And at some hour hence come to us again, -Where we will give you instance of his death. - -_Greene._ Speed to my wish, whose will so e'er says no; -And so I'll leave you for an hour or two. - - [_Exit Greene._ - -_Will._ I tell thee, Shakebag, would this thing were done: -I am so heavy that I can scarce go; -This drowsiness in me bodes little good. - -_Shakebag._ How now, Will? become a precisian? -Nay, then let's go sleep, when bugs and fears -Shall kill our courages with their fancy's work. 20 - -_Will._ Why, Shakebag, thou mistakes me much, -And wrongs me too in telling me of fear. -Were't not a serious thing we go about, -It should be slipt till I had fought with thee, -To let thee know I am no coward, I. -I tell thee, Shakebag, thou abusest me. - -_Shakebag._ Why, thy speech bewrayed an inly kind of fear, -And savoured of a weak relenting spirit. -Go forward now in that we have begun, -And afterwards attempt me when thou darest. 30 - -_Will._ And if I do not, heaven cut me off! -But let that pass, and show me to this house, -Where thou shalt see I'll do as much as Shakebag. - -_Shakebag._ This is the door; but soft, methinks 'tis shut. -The villain Michael hath deceived us. - -_Will._ Soft, let me see, Shakebag; 'tis shut indeed. -Knock with thy sword, perhaps the slave will hear. - -_Shakebag._ It will not be; the white-livered peasant -Is gone to bed, and laughs us both to scorn. - -_Will._ And he shall buy his merriment as dear 40 -As ever coistril bought so little sport: -Ne'er let this sword assist me when I need, -But rust and canker after I have sworn, -If I, the next time that I meet the hind, -Lop not away his leg, his arm, or both. - -_Shakebag._ And let me never draw a sword again, -Nor prosper in the twilight, cockshut light, -When I would fleece the wealthy passenger, -But lie and languish in a loathsome den, -Hated and spit at by the goers-by, 50 -And in that death may die unpitied, -If I, the next time that I meet the slave, -Cut not the nose from off the coward's face -And trample on it for this villainy. - -_Will._ Come, let's go seek out Greene; I know he'll swear. - -_Shakebag._ He were a villain, an he would not swear. -'Twould make a peasant swear among his boys, -That ne'er durst say before but 'yea' and 'no,' -To be thus flouted of a coistril. - -_Will._ Shakebag, let's seek out Greene, and in the morning 60 -At the alehouse butting Arden's house -Watch the out-coming of that prick-eared cur, -And then let me alone to handle him. [_Exeunt._ - -III. ii. 47. A _cockshut_ was a large net used to catch woodcocks -after sunset. Cf. 'Cockshut time.'--_Richard III._, V. iii. 70. - - -SCENE III - -_Room in Franklin's house as before._ - -_Here enters Arden, Franklin, and Michael._ - -_Arden._ Sirrah, get you back to Billingsgate -And learn what time the tide will serve our turn; -Come to us in Paul's. First go make the bed, -And afterwards go hearken for the flood. - - [_Exit Michael._ - -Come, Master Franklin, you shall go with me. -This night I dreamt that, being in a park, -A toil was pitched to overthrow the deer, -And I upon a little rising hill -Stood whistly watching for the herd's approach. -Even there, methoughts, a gentle slumber took me, 10 -And summoned all my parts to sweet repose; -But in the pleasure of this golden rest -An ill-thewed foster had removed the toil, -And rounded me with that beguiling home -Which late, methought, was pitched to cast the deer. -With that he blew an evil-sounding horn, -And at the noise another herdman came, -With falchion drawn, and bent it at my breast, -Crying aloud, 'Thou art the game we seek!' -With this I woke and trembled every joint, 20 -Like one obscured in a little bush, -That sees a lion foraging about, -And, when the dreadful forest-king is gone, -He pries about with timorous suspect -Throughout the thorny casements of the brake, -And will not think his person dangerless, -But quakes and shivers, though the cause be gone: -So, trust me, Franklin, when I did awake, -I stood in doubt whether I waked or no: -Such great impression took this fond surprise. 30 -God grant this vision bedeem me any good. - -_Franklin._ This fantasy doth rise from Michael's fear, -Who being awaked with the noise he made, -His troubled senses yet could take no rest; -And this, I warrant you, procured your dream. - -_Arden._ It may be so, God frame it to the best: -But oftentimes my dreams presage too true. - -_Franklin._ To such as note their nightly fantasies, -Some one in twenty may incur belief; -But use it not, 'tis but a mockery. 40 - -_Arden._ Come, Master Franklin; we'll now walk in Paul's -And dine together at the ordinary, -And by my man's direction draw to the quay, -And with the tide go down to Feversham. -Say, Master Franklin, shall it not be so? - -_Franklin._ At your good pleasure, sir; I'll bear you company. [_Exeunt._ - -III. iii. 14. _rounded me_ = brought me round. - -III. iii. 40. _use_: Warnke quotes _Macbeth_, III. ii. 10, 'Using those -thoughts which should indeed have died.' - -III. iii. 44. _with the tide_, _i.e._ by boat on the Thames. Holinshed -makes Greene and Black Will go to London, from Gravesend -apparently, 'at the tide.' - - -SCENE IV - -_Aldersgate._ - -_Here enters Michael at one door._ - -_Here enters Greene, Will, and Shakebag at -another door._ - -_Will._ Draw, Shakebag, for here's that villain Michael. - -_Greene._ First, Will, let's hear what he can say. - -_Will._ Speak, milksop slave, and never after speak. - -_Michael._ For God's sake, sirs, let me excuse myself: -For here I swear, by heaven and earth and all, -I did perform the utmost of my task, -And left the doors unbolted and unlocked. -But see the chance: Franklin and my master -Were very late conferring in the porch, -And Franklin left his napkin where he sat 10 -With certain gold knit in it, as he said. -Being in bed, he did bethink himself, -And coming down he found the doors unshut: -He locked the gates, and brought away the keys, -For which offence my master rated me. -But now I am going to see what flood it is, -For with the tide my master will away; -Where you may front him well on Rainham Down, -A place well-fitting such a stratagem. - -_Will._ Your excuse hath somewhat mollified my choler. -Why now, Greene, 'tis better now nor e'er it was. 21 - -_Greene._ But, Michael, is this true? - -_Michael._ As true as I report it to be true. - -_Shakebag._ Then, Michael, this shall be your penance, -To feast us all at the Salutation, -Where we will plat our purpose thoroughly. - -_Greene._ And, Michael, you shall bear no news of this tide, -Because they two may be in Rainham Down -Before your master. - -_Michael._ Why, I'll agree to anything you'll have me, -So you will except of my company. [_Exeunt._ - -III. iv. 18. 'The country near Rainham seems in the sixteenth -century to have been so open as to have entitled it to the appellation -of a Down.'--Donne. The spot had a bad reputation. - -III. iv. 25. The Salutation is an inn mentioned in _Bartholomew -Fair_. - -III. iv. 31. _Except_ is probably the printer's spelling of _accept_. - - -SCENE V - -_Arden's House at Feversham._ - -_Here enters Mosbie._ - -_Mosbie._ Disturbed thoughts drives me from company -And dries my marrow with their watchfulness; -Continual trouble of my moody brain -Feebles my body by excess of drink, -And nips me as the bitter north-east wind -Doth check the tender blossoms in the spring. -Well fares the man, howe'er his cates do taste, -That tables not with foul suspicion; -And he but pines amongst his delicates, -Whose troubled mind is stuffed with discontent. 10 -My golden time was when I had no gold; -Though then I wanted, yet I slept secure; -My daily toil begat me night's repose, -My night's repose made daylight fresh to me. -But since I climbed the top-bough of the tree -And sought to build my nest among the clouds, -Each gentle stirry gale doth shake my bed, -And makes me dread my downfall to the earth. -But whither doth contemplation carry me? -The way I seek to find, where pleasure dwells, 20 -Is hedged behind me that I cannot back, -But needs must on, although to danger's gate. -Then, Arden, perish thou by that decree; -For Greene doth ear the land and weed thee up -To make my harvest nothing but pure corn. -And for his pains I'll hive him up a while, -And after smother him to have his wax: -Such bees as Greene must never live to sting. -Then is there Michael and the painter too, -Chief actors to Arden's overthrow; 30 -Who when they shall see me sit in Arden's seat, -They will insult upon me for my meed, -Or fright me by detecting of his end. -I'll none of that, for I can cast a bone -To make these curs pluck out each other's throat, -And then am I sole ruler of mine own. -Yet Mistress Arden lives; but she's myself, -And holy Church rites makes us two but one. -But what for that? I may not trust you, Alice: -You have supplanted Arden for my sake, 40 -And will extirpen me to plant another. -'Tis fearful sleeping in a serpent's bed, -And I will cleanly rid my hands of her. - -_Here enters Alice._ - -But here she comes, and I must flatter her. ---How now, Alice? what, sad and passionate? -Make me partaker of thy pensiveness: -Fire divided burns with lesser force. - -_Alice._ But I will dam that fire in my breast -Till by the force thereof my part consume. -Ah, Mosbie! 50 - -_Mosbie._ Such deep pathaires, like to a cannon's burst -Discharged against a ruinated wall, -Breaks my relenting heart in thousand pieces. -Ungentle Alice, thy sorrow is my sore; -Thou know'st it well, and 'tis thy policy -To forge distressful looks to wound a breast -Where lies a heart that dies when thou art sad. -It is not love that loves to anger love. - -_Alice._ It is not love that loves to murder love. - -_Mosbie._ How mean you that? 60 - -_Alice._ Thou knowest how dearly Arden loved me. - -_Mosbie._ And then? - -_Alice._ And then--conceal the rest, for 'tis too bad, -Lest that my words be carried with the wind, -And published in the world to both our shames. -I pray thee, Mosbie, let our springtime wither; -Our harvest else will yield but loathsome weeds. -Forget, I pray thee, what hath passed betwixt us, -For how I blush and tremble at the thoughts! - -_Mosbie._ What? are you changed? 70 - -_Alice._ Ay, to my former happy life again, -From title of an odious strumpet's name -To honest Arden's wife, not Arden's honest wife. -Ha, Mosbie! 'tis thou has rifled me of that -And made me slanderous to all my kin; -Even in my forehead is thy name ingraven, -A mean artificer, that low-born name. -I was bewitched: woe worth the hapless hour -And all the causes that enchanted me! - -_Mosbie._ Nay, if you ban, let me breathe curses forth, 80 -And if you stand so nicely at your fame, -Let me repent the credit I have lost. -I have neglected matters of import -That would have stated me above thy state, -Forslowed advantages, and spurned at time: -Ay, Fortune's right hand Mosbie hath forsook -To take a wanton giglot by the left. -I left the marriage of an honest maid, -Whose dowry would have weighed down all thy wealth, -Whose beauty and demeanour far exceeded thee: 90 -This certain good I lost for changing bad, -And wrapt my credit in thy company. -I was bewitched,--that is no theme of thine, -And thou unhallowed has enchanted me. -But I will break thy spells and exorcisms, -And put another sight upon these eyes -That showed my heart a raven for a dove. -Thou art not fair, I viewed thee not till now; -Thou art not kind, till now I knew thee not; -And now the rain hath beaten off thy gilt, 100 -Thy worthless copper shows thee counterfeit. -It grieves me not to see how foul thou art, -But mads me that ever I thought thee fair. -Go, get thee gone, a copesmate for thy hinds; -I am too good to be thy favourite. - -_Alice._ Ay, now I see, and too soon find it true, -Which often hath been told me by my friends, -That Mosbie loves me not but for my wealth, -Which too incredulous I ne'er believed. -Nay, hear me speak, Mosbie, a word or two; 110 -I'll bite my tongue if it speak bitterly. -Look on me, Mosbie, or I'll kill myself: -Nothing shall hide me from thy stormy look. -If thou cry war, there is no peace for me; -I will do penance for offending thee, -And burn this prayer-book, where I here use -The holy word that had converted me. -See, Mosbie, I will tear away the leaves, -And all the leaves, and in this golden cover -Shall thy sweet phrases and thy letters dwell; 120 -And thereon will I chiefly meditate, -And hold no other sect but such devotion. -Wilt thou not look? is all thy love o'erwhelmed? -Wilt thou not hear? what malice stops thine ears? -Why speaks thou not? what silence ties thy tongue? -Thou hast been sighted as the eagle is, -And heard as quickly as the fearful hare, -And spoke as smoothly as an orator, -When I have bid thee hear or see or speak, -And art thou sensible in none of these? 130 -Weigh all thy good turns with this little fault, -And I deserve not Mosbie's muddy looks. -A fence of trouble is not thickened still: -Be clear again, I'll ne'er more trouble thee. - -_Mosbie._ O no, I am a base artificer: -My wings are feathered for a lowly flight. -Mosbie? fie! no, not for a thousand pound. -Make love to you? why, 'tis unpardonable; -We beggars must not breathe where gentles are. - -_Alice._ Sweet Mosbie is as gentle as a king, 140 -And I too blind to judge him otherwise. -Flowers do sometimes spring in fallow lands, -Weeds in gardens, roses grow on thorns; -So, whatsoe'er my Mosbie's father was, -Himself is valued gentle by his worth. - -_Mosbie._ Ah, how you women can insinuate, -And clear a trespass with your sweet-set tongue! -I will forget this quarrel, gentle Alice, -Provided I'll be tempted so no more. - -_Here enters Bradshaw._ - -_Alice._ Then with thy lips seal up this new-made match. - -_Mosbie._ Soft, Alice, here comes somebody. 151 - -_Alice._ How now, Bradshaw, what's the news with you? - -_Bradshaw._ I have little news, but here's a letter -That Master Greene importuned me to give you. - -_Alice._ Go in, Bradshaw; call for a cup of beer; -'Tis almost supper-time, thou shalt stay with us. - - [_Exit Bradshaw._ - -_Then she reads the letter._ - -'We have missed of our purpose at London, but shall -perform it by the way. We thank our neighbour -Bradshaw.--Yours, Richard Greene.' -How likes my love the tenor of this letter? 160 - -_Mosbie._ Well, were his date completed and expired. - -_Alice._ Ah, would it were! Then comes my happy hour: -Till then my bliss is mixed with bitter gall. -Come, let us in to shun suspicion. - -_Mosbie._ Ay, to the gates of death to follow thee. [_Exeunt._ - -III. v. 4. _drink_: perhaps we ought to read _think_. - -III. v. 17. _stirry_: this is meant by the _starry_ of the Quartos. - -III. v. 26. _hive_: Delius's correction of _heave_, A, B, C. - -III. v. 51. _deep pathaires_: Delius conjectures _deep fet airs_; but -Mr. Gollancz has probably solved the crux of the play by his -suggestion,--'"Pathaire," I take to be some special form of "petarre," -_i.e._ "petard," probably used in the metaphorical sense of -passionate outburst.'--(Lamb's _Specimens_, I. i. 297.) The use may -be quite literal; for the form cf. Powell's _Tom of All Trades_, -p. 163, 'An Enginere for making of Patars.' - -III. v. 58. Quoted by Bullen as of 'genuine Shakesperean -flavour.' He adds III. v. 112-130. - -III. v. 116. Mr. Bullen puts a comma at _use_. - -III. v. 131. _Thy_: several editors read _my_; but the sense is 'the -good turns I have done you.' - -III. v. 133. Warnke explains 'the quarrel has not yet thickened -to so impenetrable a fence as to separate us for ever.' Perhaps we -should read 'is not thick-set ill.' - -III. v. 157. An inconsistency. Cf. II. i. 75. Holinshed quotes -from the letter, 'We have got a man for our purpose, we may -thank my brother Bradshaw.' The _Wardmote Book_ says nothing -of Bradshaw's innocence. - - -SCENE VI - -_Country near Rochester._ - -_Here enters Greene, Will, and Shakebag._ - -_Shakebag._ Come, Will, see thy tools be in a readiness! -Is not thy powder dank, or will thy flint strike fire? - -_Will._ Then ask me if my nose be on my face, -Or whether my tongue be frozen in my mouth. -Zounds, here's a coil! -You were best swear me on the interrogatories -How many pistols I have took in hand, -Or whether I love the smell of gunpowder, -Or dare abide the noise the dag will make, -Or will not wink at flashing of the fire. 10 -I pray thee, Shakebag, let this answer thee, -That I have took more purses in this down -Than e'er thou handledst pistols in thy life. - -_Shakebag._ Ay, haply thou has picked more in a throng: -But, should I brag what booties I have took, -I think the overplus that's more than thine -Would mount to a greater sum of money -Then either thou or all thy kin are worth. -Zounds, I hate them as I hate a toad -That carry a muscado in their tongue, 20 -And scarce a hurting weapon in their hand. - -_Will._ O Greene, intolerable! -It is not for mine honour to bear this. -Why, Shakebag, I did serve the king at Boulogne, -And thou canst brag of nothing that thou hast done. - -_Shakebag._ Why, so can Jack of Feversham, -That sounded for a fillip on the nose, -When he that gave it him holloed in his ear, -And he supposed a cannon-bullet hit him. - -_Then they fight._ - -_Greene._ I pray you, sirs, list to AEsop's talk: 30 -Whilst two stout dogs were striving for a bone, -There comes a cur and stole it from them both; -So, while you stand striving on these terms of manhood, -Arden escapes us, and deceives us all. - -_Shakebag._ Why, he begun. - -_Will._ And thou shalt find I'll end; -I do but slip it until better time: -But, if I do forget---- - - [_Then he kneels down and holds up - his hands to heaven._ - -_Greene._ Well, take your fittest standings, and once more -Lime well your twigs to catch this wary bird. -I'll leave you, and at your dag's discharge 40 -Make towards, like the longing water-dog -That coucheth till the fowling-piece be off, -Then seizeth on the prey with eager mood. -Ah, might I see him stretching forth his limbs, -As I have seen them beat their wings ere now! - -_Shakebag._ Why, that thou shalt see, if he come this way. - -_Greene._ Yes, that he doth, Shakebag, I warrant thee: -But brawl not when I am gone in any case. -But, sirs, be sure to speed him when he comes, -And in that hope I'll leave you for an hour. 50 - - [_Exit Greene._ - -_Here enters Arden, Franklin, and Michael._ - -_Michael._ 'Twere best that I went back to Rochester: -The horse halts downright; it were not good -He travelled in such pain to Feversham; -Removing of a shoe may haply help it. - -_Arden._ Well, get you back to Rochester; but, sirrah, see -Ye o'ertake us ere we come to Rainham Down, -For 't will be very late ere we get home. - -_Michael._ Ay, God he knows, and so doth Will and Shakebag, -That thou shalt never go further than that down; -And therefore have I pricked the horse on purpose, -Because I would not view the massacre. 61 - - [_Exit Michael._ - -_Arden._ Come, Master Franklin, onwards with your tale. - -_Franklin._ I do assure you, sir, you task me much: -A heavy blood is gathered at my heart, -And on the sudden is my wind so short -As hindereth the passage of my speech; -So fierce a qualm yet ne'er assailed me. - -_Arden._ Come, Master Franklin, let us go on softly: -The annoyance of the dust or else some meat -You ate at dinner cannot brook with you. 70 -I have been often so, and soon amended. - -_Franklin._ Do you remember where my tale did leave? - -_Arden._ Ay, where the gentleman did check his wife. - -_Franklin._ She being reprehended for the fact, -Witness produced that took her with the deed, -Her glove brought in which there she left behind, -And many other assured arguments, -Her husband asked her whether it were not so. - -_Arden._ Her answer then? I wonder how she looked, -Having forsworn it with such vehement oaths, 80 -And at the instant so approved upon her. - -_Franklin._ First did she cast her eyes down to the earth, -Watching the drops that fell amain from thence; -Then softly draws she forth her handkercher, -And modestly she wipes her tear-stained face; -Them hemmed she out, to clear her voice should seem, -And with a majesty addressed herself -To encounter all their accusations.-- -Pardon me, Master Arden, I can no more; -This fighting at my heart makes short my wind. 90 - -_Arden._ Come, we are almost now at Rainham Down: -Your pretty tale beguiles the weary way; -I would you were in state to tell it out. - -_Shakebag._ Stand close, Will, I hear them coming. - -_Here enters Lord Cheiny with his men._ - -_Will._ Stand to it, Shakebag, and be resolute. - -_L. Cheiny._ Is it so near night as it seems, -Or will this black-faced evening have a shower? ---What, Master Arden? you are well met, -I have longed this fortnight's day to speak with you: -You are a stranger, man, in the Isle of Sheppy. 100 - -_Arden._ Your honour's always! bound to do you service. - -_L. Cheiny._ Come you from London, and ne'er a man with you? - -_Arden._ My man's coming after, but here's -My honest friend that came along with me. - -_L. Cheiny._ My Lord Protector's man I take you to be. - -_Franklin._ Ay, my good lord, and highly bound to you. - -_L. Cheiny._ You and your friend come home and sup with me. - -_Arden._ I beseech your honour pardon me; -I have made a promise to a gentleman, -My honest friend, to meet him at my house; 110 -The occasion is great, or else would I wait on you. - -_L. Cheiny._ Will you come to-morrow and dine with me, -And bring your honest friend along with you? -I have divers matters to talk with you about. - -_Arden._ To-morrow we'll wait upon your honour. - -_L. Cheiny._ One of you stay my horse at the top of the hill. ---What! Black Will? for whose purse wait you? -Thou wilt be hanged in Kent, when all is done. - -_Will._ Not hanged, God save your honour; -I am your bedesman, bound to pray for you. 120 - -_L. Cheiny._ I think thou ne'er said'st prayer in all thy life.-- -One of you give him a crown:-- -And, sirrah, leave this kind of life; -If thou beest tainted for a penny-matter, -And come in question, surely thou wilt truss. ---Come, Master Arden, let us be going; -Your way and mine lies four miles together. - - [_Exeunt. Manet Black Will and Shakebag._ - -_Will._ The devil break all your necks at four miles' end! -Zounds, I could kill myself for very anger! -His lordship chops me in, 130 -Even when my dag was levelled at his heart. -I would his crown were molten down his throat. - -_Shakebag._ Arden, thou hast wondrous holy luck. -Did ever man escape as thou hast done? -Well, I'll discharge my pistol at the sky, -For by this bullet Arden might not die. - -_Here enters Greene._ - -_Greene._ What, is he down? is he dispatched? - -_Shakebag._ Ay, in health towards Feversham, to shame us all. - -_Greene._ The devil he is! why, sirs, how escaped he? - -_Shakebag._ When we were ready to shoot, 140 -Comes my Lord Cheiny to prevent his death. - -_Greene._ The Lord of Heaven hath preserved him. - -_Will._ Preserved a fig! The Lord Cheiny hath preserved him, -And bids him to a feast to his house at Shorlow. -But by the way once more I'll meet with him, -And, if all the Cheinies in the world say no, -I'll have a bullet in his breast to-morrow. -Therefore come, Greene, and let us to Feversham. - -_Greene._ Ay, and excuse ourselves to Mistress Arden: -O, how she'll chafe when she hears of this! 150 - -_Shakebag._ Why, I'll warrant you she'll think we dare -not do it. - -_Will._ Why, then let us go, and tell her all the matter, -And plat the news to cut him off to-morrow. - - [_Exeunt._ - -III. vi. 144. _Shorlow_ should be Shurland in Sheppey. - - - - -ACT IV - - -SCENE I - -_Arden's House at Feversham._ - -_Here enters Arden and his wife, Franklin, and Michael_ - -_Arden._ See how the hours, the gardant of heaven's gate, -Have by their toil removed the darksome clouds, -That Sol may well discern the trampled path -Wherein he wont to guide his golden car; -The season fits; come, Franklin, let's away. - -_Alice._ I thought you did pretend some special hunt, -That made you thus cut short the time of rest. - -_Arden._ It was no chase that made me rise so early, -But, as I told thee yesternight, to go -To the Isle of Sheppy, there to dine with my Lord Cheiny; 10 -For so his honour late commanded me. - -_Alice._ Ay, such kind husbands seldom want excuses; -Home is a wild cat to a wandering wit. -The time hath been,--would God it were not past,-- -That honour's title nor a lord's command -Could once have drawn you from these arms of mine. -But my deserts or your desires decay, -Or both; yet if true love may seem desert, -I merit still to have thy company. - -_Franklin._ Why, I pray you, sir, let her go along with us; 20 -I am sure his honour will welcome her -And us the more for bringing her along. - -_Arden._ Content; sirrah, saddle your mistress' nag. - -_Alice._ No, begged favour merits little thanks; -If I should go, our house would run away, -Or else be stolen; therefore I'll stay behind. - -_Arden._ Nay, see how mistaking you are! I pray thee, go. - -_Alice._ No, no, not now. - -_Arden._ Then let me leave thee satisfied in this, -That time nor place nor persons alter me, 30 -But that I hold thee dearer than my life. - -_Alice._ That will be seen by your quick return. - -_Arden._ And that shall be ere night, and if I live. -Farewell, sweet Alice, we mind to sup with thee. - - [_Exit Alice._ - -_Franklin._ Come, Michael, are our horses ready? - -_Michael._ Ay, your horse are ready, but I am not ready, -for I have lost my purse, with six and thirty -shillings in it, with taking up of my master's nag. - -_Franklin._ Why, I pray you, let us go before, -Whilst he stays behind to seek his purse. 40 - -_Arden._ Go to, sirrah, see you follow us to the Isle of Sheppy -To my Lord Cheiny's, where we mean to dine. - - [_Exeunt Arden and Franklin. Manet Michael._ - -_Michael._ So, fair weather after you, for before you lies -Black Will and Shakebag in the broom close, too -close for you: they'll be your ferrymen to long -home. - -_Here enters the Painter._ - -But who is this? the painter, my corrival, that -would needs win Mistress Susan. - -_Clarke._ How now, Michael? how doth my mistress and all at home? - -_Michael._ Who? Susan Mosbie? she is your mistress, too? 50 - -_Clarke._ Ay, how doth she and all the rest? - -_Michael._ All's well but Susan; she is sick. - -_Clarke._ Sick? Of what disease? - -_Michael._ Of a great fever. - -_Clarke._ A fear of what? - -_Michael._ A great fever. - -Clarke. A fever? God forbid! - -_Michael._ Yes, faith, and of a lordaine, too, as big as yourself. - -_Clarke._ O, Michael, the spleen prickles you. Go to, -you carry an eye over Mistress Susan. 60 - -_Michael._ I' faith, to keep her from the painter. - -_Clarke._ Why more from a painter than from a serving -creature like yourself? - -Michael. Because you painters make but a painting -table of a pretty wench, and spoil her beauty with -blotting. - -_Clarke._ What mean you by that? - -_Michael._ Why, that you painters paint lambs in the lining -of wenches' petticoats, and we serving-men put -horns to them to make them become sheep. 70 - -_Clarke._ Such another word will cost you a cuff or a -knock. - -_Michael._ What, with a dagger made of a pencil? Faith, -'tis too weak, and therefore thou too weak to win -Susan. - -_Clarke._ Would Susan's love lay upon this stroke. - - - [_Then he breaks Michael's head._ - -_Here enters Mosbie, Greene, and Alice._ - -_Alice._ I'll lay my life, this is for Susan's love. -Stayed you behind your master to this end? -Have you no other time to brable in -But now when serious matters are in hand?-- -Say, Clarke, hast thou done the thing thou promised? 80 - -_Clarke._ Ay, here it is; the very touch is death. - -_Alice._ Then this, I hope, if all the rest do fail, -Will catch Master Arden, -And make him wise in death that lived a fool. -Why should he thrust his sickle in our corn, -Or what hath he to do with thee, my love, -Or govern me that am to rule myself? -Forsooth, for credit sake, I must leave thee! -Nay, he must leave to live that we may love, -May live, may love; for what is life but love? 90 -And love shall last as long as life remains, -And life shall end before my love depart. - -_Mosbie._ Why, what is love without true constancy? -Like to a pillar built of many stones, -Yet neither with good mortar well compact -Nor with cement to fasten it in the joints, -But that it shakes with every blast of wind, -And, being touched, straight falls unto the earth, -And buries all his haughty pride in dust. -No, let our love be rocks of adamant, 100 -Which time nor place nor tempest can asunder. - -_Greene._ Mosbie, leave protestations now, -And let us bethink us what we have to do. -Black Will and Shakebag I have placed i' the broom, -Close watching Arden's coming; let's to them -And see what they have done. [_Exeunt._ - -IV. i. 1. _gardant_: A, B read _gardeant_, modern editors _guardians_. - -IV. i. 3. _path_: so Warnke for _pace_ of A, B, C; but _pace_ in the -sense of 'path' is not impossible. - -IV. i. 17. _desires_: so Warnke for _deserves_, A, B, C. - -IV. i. 44. 'A certain broom-close betwixt Feversham and the -Ferry.'--Holinshed. - -IV. i. 45. Cf. _Ecclesiastes_, vii. 5. - -IV. i. 96. _nor with cement_: Delius _for nor semell_, A, B. - - -SCENE II - -_The Kentish Coast opposite the Isle of Sheppy._ - -_Here enters Arden and Franklin._ - -_Arden._ Oh, ferryman, where art thou? - -_Here enters the Ferryman._ - -_Ferryman._ Here, here, go before to the boat, and I will -follow you. - -_Arden._ We have great haste; I pray thee, come away. - -_Ferryman._ Fie, what a mist is here! - -_Arden._ This mist, my friend, is mystical, -Like to a good companion's smoky brain, -That was half drowned with new ale overnight. - -_Ferryman._ 'Twere pity but his skull were opened to -make more chimney room. 10 - -_Franklin._ Friend, what's thy opinion of this mist? - -_Ferryman._ I think 'tis like to a curst wife in a little -house, that never leaves her husband till she have -driven him out at doors with a wet pair of eyes; -then looks he as if his house were a-fire, or some of -his friends dead. - -_Arden._ Speaks thou this of thine own experience? - -_Ferryman._ Perhaps, ay; perhaps, no: For my wife is -as other women are, that is to say, governed by the -moon. 20 - -_Franklin._ By the moon? how, I pray thee? - -_Ferryman._ Nay, thereby lies a bargain, and you shall -not have it fresh and fasting. - -_Arden._ Yes, I pray thee, good ferryman. - -_Ferryman._ Then for this once; let it be midsummer -moon, but yet my wife has another moon. - -_Franklin._ Another moon? - -_Ferryman._ Ay, and it hath influences and eclipses. - -_Arden._ Why, then, by this reckoning you sometimes -play the man in the moon? 30 - -_Ferryman._ Ay, but you had not best to meddle with -that moon, lest I scratch you by the face with my -bramble-bush. - -_Arden._ I am almost stifled with this fog; come, let's -away. - -_Franklin._ And, sirrah, as we go, let us have some more -of your bold yeomanry. - -_Ferryman._ Nay, by my troth, sir, but flat knavery. - - [_Exeunt._ - -IV. ii. 5. This mist is not in Holinshed. It is our poet's invention. - -IV. ii. 30. Cf. _Midsummer Night's Dream_, V. i. 237, etc. - - -SCENE III - -_Another place on the coast._ - -_Here enters Will at one door, and Shakebag at another._ - -_Shakebag._ Oh, Will, where art thou? - -_Will._ Here, Shakebag, almost in hell's mouth, where I -cannot see my way for smoke. - -_Shakebag._ I pray thee speak still that we may meet by -the sound, for I shall fall into some ditch or other, -unless my feet see better than my eyes. - -_Will._ Didst thou ever see better weather to run away -with another man's wife, or play with a wench at -pot-finger? 9 - -_Shakebag._ No; this were a fine world for chandlers, if -this weather would last; for then a man should -never dine nor sup without candle-light. But, -sirrah Will, what horses are those that passed? - -_Will._ Why, didst thou hear any? - -_Shakebag._ Ay, that I did. - -_Will._ My life for thine, 'twas Arden, and his companion, -and then all our labour's lost. - -_Shakebag._ Nay, say not so, for if it be they, they may -haply lose their way as we have done, and then we -may chance meet with them. 20 - -_Will._ Come, let us go on like a couple of blind pilgrims. - - [_Then Shakebag falls into a ditch._ - -_Shakebag._ Help, Will, help, I am almost drowned. - -_Here enters the Ferryman._ - -_Ferryman._ Who's that that calls for help? - -_Will._ 'Twas none here, 'twas thou thyself. - -_Ferryman._ I came to help him that called for help. -Why, how now? who is this that's in the ditch? -You are well enough served to go without a guide -such weather as this. - -_Will._ Sirrah, what companies hath passed your ferry -this morning? 30 - -_Ferryman._ None but a couple of gentlemen, that went -to dine at my Lord Cheiny's. - -_Will._ Shakebag, did not I tell thee as much? - -Ferryman. Why, sir, will you have any letters carried -to them? - -_Will._ No, sir; get you gone. - -_Ferryman._ Did you ever see such a mist as this? - -_Will._ No, nor such a fool as will rather be hought than -get his way. - -_Ferryman._ Why, sir, this is no Hough-Monday; you -are deceived.--What's his name, I pray you, sir? 41 - -_Shakebag._ His name is Black Will. - -_Ferryman._ I hope to see him one day hanged upon a -hill. [_Exit Ferryman._ - -_Shakebag._ See how the sun hath cleared the foggy mist, -Now we have missed the mark of our intent. - -_Here enters Greene, Mosbie, and Alice._ - -_Mosbie._ Black Will and Shakebag, what make you here? -What, is the deed done? is Arden dead? - -_Will._ What could a blinded man perform in arms? -Saw you not how till now the sky was dark, 50 -That neither horse nor man could be discerned? -Yet did we hear their horses as they passed. - -_Greene._ Have they escaped you, then, and passed the ferry? - -_Shakebag_. Ay, for a while; but here we two will stay, -And at their coming back meet with them once more. -Zounds, I was ne'er so toiled in all my life -In following so slight a task as this. - -_Mosbie._ How cam'st thou so berayed? - -_Will._ With making false footing in the dark; -He needs would follow them without a guide. 60 - -_Alice._ Here's to pay for a fire and good cheer: -Get you to Feversham to the Flower-de-luce, -And rest yourselves until some other time. - -_Greene._ Let me alone; it most concerns my state. - -_Will._ Ay, Mistress Arden, this will serve the turn, -In case we fall into a second fog. - - [_Exeunt Greene, Will, and Shakebag._ - -_Mosbie._ These knaves will never do it, let us give it over. - -_Alice._ First tell me how you like my new device: -Soon, when my husband is returning back, -You and I both marching arm in arm, 70 -Like loving friends, we'll meet him on the way, -And boldly beard and brave him to his teeth. -When words grow hot and blows begin to rise, -I'll call those cutters forth your tenement, -Who, in a manner to take up the fray, -Shall wound my husband Hornsby to the death. - -_Mosbie._ A fine device! why, this deserves a kiss. - - [_Exeunt._ - -IV. iii. 40. Hock Monday followed the second Sunday after -Easter. See Brand's _Popular Antiquities_. - -IV. iii. 68. Our poet blackens Mosbie for the same reason that -he whitewashes Arden, _e.g._: 'Master Arden both then and at other -times had been greatly provoked by Mosbie to fight with him, but -he would not.' 'Mosby at the first would not agree to that -cowardly murdering of him.'--Holinshed. - - -SCENE IV - -_The open country._ - -_Here enters Dick Reede and a Sailor._ - -_Sailor._ Faith, Dick Reede, it is to little end: -His conscience is too liberal, and he too niggardly -To part from any thing may do thee good. - -_Reede._ He is coming from Shorlow as I understand; -Here I'll intercept him, for at his house -He never will vouchsafe to speak with me. -If prayers and fair entreaties will not serve, -Or make no battery in his flinty breast, - -_Here enters Franklin, Arden, and Michael._ - -I'll curse the carle, and see what that will do. -See where he comes to further my intent!-- 10 -Master Arden, I am now bound to the sea; -My coming to you was about the plat -Of ground which wrongfully you detain from me. -Although the rent of it be very small, -Yet it will help my wife and children, -Which here I leave in Feversham, God knows, -Needy and bare: for Christ's sake, let them have it! - -_Arden._ Franklin, hearest thou this fellow speak? -That which he craves I dearly bought of him, -Although the rent of it was ever mine.-- 20 -Sirrah, you that ask these questions, -If with thy clamorous impeaching tongue -Thou rail on me, as I have heard thou dost, -I'll lay thee up so close a twelve-month's day, -As thou shalt neither see the sun nor moon. -Look to it, for, as surely as I live, -I'll banish pity if thou use me thus. - -_Reede._ What, wilt thou do me wrong and threat me too, -Nay, then, I'll tempt thee, Arden, do thy worst. -God, I beseech thee, show some miracle 30 -On thee or thine, in plaguing thee for this. -That plot of ground which thou detains from me, -I speak it in an agony of spirit, -Be ruinous and fatal unto thee! -Either there be butchered by thy dearest friends, -Or else be brought for men to wonder at, -Or thou or thine miscarry in that place, -Or there run mad and end thy cursed days! - -_Franklin._ Fie, bitter knave, bridle thine envious tongue; -For curses are like arrows shot upright, 40 -Which falling down light on the shooter's head. - -_Reede._ Light where they will! Were I upon the sea, -As oft I have in many a bitter storm, -And saw a dreadful southern flaw at hand, -The pilot quaking at the doubtful storm, -And all the sailors praying on their knees, -Even in that fearful time would I fall down, -And ask of God, whate'er betide of me, -Vengeance on Arden or some misevent -To show the world what wrong the carle hath done. -This charge I'll leave with my distressful wife, 51 -My children shall be taught such prayers as these; -And thus I go, but leave my curse with thee. - - [_Exeunt Reede and Sailor._ - -_Arden._ It is the railingest knave in Christendom, -And oftentimes the villain will be mad; -It greatly matters not what he says, -But I assure you I ne'er did him wrong. - -_Franklin._ I think so, Master Arden. - -_Arden._ Now that our horses are gone home before, -My wife may haply meet me on the way. 60 -For God knows she is grown passing kind of late, -And greatly changed from -The old humour of her wonted frowardness, -And seeks by fair means to redeem old faults. - -_Franklin._ Happy the change that alters for the best! -But see in any case you make no speech -Of the cheer we had at my Lord Cheiny's, -Although most bounteous and liberal, -For that will make her think herself more wronged, -In that we did not carry her along; 70 -For sure she grieved that she was left behind. - -_Arden._ Come, Franklin, let us strain to mend our pace, -And take her unawares playing the cook; - -_Here enters Alice and Mosbie._ - -For I believe she'll strive to mend our cheer. - -_Franklin._ Why, there's no better creatures in the world, -Than women are when they are in good humours. - -_Arden._ Who is that? Mosbie? what, so familiar? -Injurious strumpet, and thou ribald knave, -Untwine those arms. - -_Alice._ Ay, with a sugared kiss let them untwine. 80 - -_Arden._ Ah, Mosbie! perjured beast! bear this and all! - -_Mosbie._ And yet no horned beast; the horns are thine. - -_Franklin._ O monstrous! Nay, then it is time to draw. - -_Alice._ Help, help! they murder my husband. - -_Here enters Will and Shakebag._ - -_Shakebag._ Zounds, who injures Master Mosbie? Help, Will! I am hurt. - -_Mosbie._ I may thank you, Mistress Arden, for this wound. - - [_Exeunt Mosbie, Will, and Shakebag._ - -_Alice._ Ah, Arden, what folly blinded thee? -Ah, jealous harebrained man, what hast thou done! -When we, to welcome thee with intended sport, -Came lovingly to meet thee on thy way, 90 -Thou drew'st thy sword, enraged with jealousy, -And hurt thy friend whose thoughts were free from harm: -All for a worthless kiss and joining arms, -Both done but merrily to try thy patience. -And me unhappy that devised the jest, -Which, though begun in sport, yet ends in blood! - -_Franklin._ Marry, God defend me from such a jest! - -_Alice._ Could'st thou not see us friendly smile on thee, -When we joined arms, and when I kissed his cheek? -Hast thou not lately found me over-kind? 100 -Did'st thou not hear me cry 'they murder thee'? -Called I not help to set my husband free? -No, ears and all were witched; ah me accursed -To link in liking with a frantic man! -Henceforth I'll be thy slave, no more thy wife, -For with that name I never shall content thee. -If I be merry, thou straightways thinks me light; -If sad, thou sayest the sullens trouble me; -If well attired, thou thinks I will be gadding; -If homely, I seem sluttish in thine eye: 110 -Thus am I still, and shall be while I die. -Poor wench abused by thy misgovernment! - -_Arden._ But is it for truth that neither thou nor he -Intendedst malice in your misdemeanour? - -_Alice._ The heavens can witness of our harmless thoughts - -_Arden._ Then pardon me, sweet Alice, and forgive this fault! -Forget but this and never see the like. -Impose me penance, and I will perform it, -For in thy discontent I find a death,-- -A death tormenting more than death itself. 120 - -_Alice._ Nay, had'st thou loved me as thou dost pretend, -Thou wouldst have marked the speeches of thy friend, -Who going wounded from the place, he said -His skin was pierced only through my device; -And if sad sorrow taint thee for this fault, -Thou would'st have followed him, and seen him dressed, -And cried him mercy whom thou hast misdone: -Ne'er shall my heart be eased till this be done. - -_Arden._ Content thee, sweet Alice, thou shalt have thy will, -Whate'er it be. For that I injured thee, 130 -And wronged my friend, shame scourgeth my offence; -Come thou thyself, and go along with me, -And be a mediator 'twixt us two. - -_Franklin._ Why, Master Arden! know you what you do? -Will you follow him that hath dishonoured you? - -_Alice._ Why, canst thou prove I have been disloyal? - -_Franklin._ Why, Mosbie taunted your husband with the horn. - -_Alice._ Ay, after he had reviled him -By the injurious name of perjured beast: -He knew no wrong could spite a jealous man 140 -More than the hateful naming of the horn. - -_Franklin._ Suppose 'tis true; yet is it dangerous -To follow him whom he hath lately hurt. - -_Alice._ A fault confessed is more than half amends; -But men of such ill spirit as yourself -Work crosses and debates 'twixt man and wife. - -_Arden._ I pray thee, gentle Franklin, hold thy peace: -I know my wife counsels me for the best. -I'll seek out Mosbie where his wound is dressed, -And salve this hapless quarrel if I may. 150 - - [_Exeunt Arden and Alice._ - -_Franklin._ He whom the devil drives must go perforce. -Poor gentleman, how soon he is bewitched! -And yet, because his wife is the instrument, -His friends must not be lavish in their speech. - - [_Exit Franklin._ - -IV. iv. 88. _harebrain_, A, B, C. - -IV. iv. 89. _welcome thee with intended_; so Warnke for _welcome -thy intended_, A, B, C. - - - - -ACT V - - -SCENE I - -_A Street in Feversham._ - -_Here enters Will, Shakebag, and Greene._ - -_Will._ Sirrah Greene, when was I so long in killing a man? - -_Greene._ I think we shall never do it; let us give it over. - -_Shakebag._ Nay, Zounds! we'll kill him, though we be -hanged at his door for our labour. - -_Will._ Thou knowest, Greene, that I have lived in London -this twelve years, where I have made some go -upon wooden legs for taking the wall on me; divers -with silver noses for saying 'There goes Black Will!' -I have cracked as many blades as thou hast nuts. - -_Greene._ O monstrous lie! 10 - -_Will._ Faith, in a manner I have. The bawdy-houses -have paid me tribute; there durst not a whore set -up, unless she have agreed with me first for opening -her shop-windows. For a cross word of a tapster -I have pierced one barrel after another with my -dagger, and held him by the ears till all his beer -hath run out. In Thames Street a brewer's cart -was like to have run over me: I made no more ado, -but went to the clerk and cut all the notches of his -tallies and beat them about his head. I and my -company have taken the constable from his watch, -and carried him about the fields on a coltstaff. I -have broken a sergeant's head with his own mace, -and bailed whom I list with my sword and buckler. -All the tenpenny-alehouses-men would stand every -morning with a quart-pot in their hand, saying, -'Will it please your worship drink?' He that had -not done so, had been sure to have had his sign -pulled down and his lattice borne away the next -night. To conclude, what have I not done? yet -cannot do this; doubtless, he is preserved by -miracle. 32 - -_Here enters Alice and Michael._ - -_Greene._ Hence, Will! here comes Mistress Arden. - -_Alice._ Ah, gentle Michael, art thou sure they're friends? - -_Michael._ Why, I saw them when they both shook hands. -When Mosbie bled, he even wept for sorrow, -And railed on Franklin that was cause of all. -No sooner came the surgeon in at doors, -But my master took to his purse and gave him money, -And, to conclude, sent me to bring you word 40 -That Mosbie, Franklin, Bradshaw, Adam Fowle, -With divers of his neighbours and his friends, -Will come and sup with you at our house this night. - -_Alice._ Ah, gentle Michael, run thou back again, -And, when my husband walks into the fair, -Bid Mosbie steal from him and come to me; -And this night shall thou and Susan be made sure. - -_Michael._ I'll go tell him. - -_Alice._ And as thou goest, tell John cook of our guests, -And bid him lay it on, spare for no cost. 50 - - [_Exit Michael._ - -_Will._ Nay, and there be such cheer, we will bid ourselves.-- -Mistress Arden, Dick Greene and I do mean to sup with you. - -_Alice._ And welcome shall you be. Ah, gentlemen, -How missed you of your purpose yesternight? - -_Greene._ 'Twas 'long of Shakebag, that unlucky villain. - -_Shakebag._ Thou dost me wrong; I did as much as any. - -_Will._ Nay then, Mistress Arden, I'll tell you how it was: -When he should have locked with both his hilts, -He in a bravery flourished o'er his head; -With that comes Franklin at him lustily, 60 -And hurts the slave; with that he slinks away. - -Now his way had been to have come hand and feet, -one and two round, at his costard; he like a fool -bears his sword-point half a yard out of danger. -I lie here for my life; if the devil come, and he -have no more strength than I have fence, he shall -never beat me from this ward, I'll stand to it; a -buckler in a skilful hand is as good as a castle; -nay, 'tis better than a sconce, for I have tried it. 70 -Mosbie, perceiving this, began to faint: -With that comes Arden with his arming sword, -And thrust him through the shoulder in a trice. - -_Alice._ Ay, but I wonder why you both stood still. - -_Will._ Faith, I was so amazed, I could not strike. - -_Alice._ Ah, sirs, had he yesternight been slain, -For every drop of his detested blood -I would have crammed in angels in thy fist, -And kissed thee, too, and hugged thee in my arms. - -_Will._ Patient yourself, we cannot help it now. 80 -Greene and we two will dog him through the fair, -And stab him in the crowd, and steal away. - -_Here enters Mosbie._ - -_Alice._ It is unpossible; but here comes he -That will, I hope, invent some surer means. -Sweet Mosbie, hide thy arm, it kills my heart. - -_Mosbie._ Ay, Mistress Arden, this is your favour. - -_Alice._ Ah, say not so; for when I saw thee hurt, -I could have took the weapon thou let'st fall, -And run at Arden; for I have sworn -That these mine eyes, offended with his sight, 90 -Shall never close till Arden's be shut up. -This night I rose and walked about the chamber, -And twice or thrice I thought to have murdered him. - -_Mosbie_. What, in the night? then had we been undone. - -_Alice._ Why, how long shall he live? - -_Mosbie._ Faith, Alice, no longer than this night.-- -Black Will and Shakebag, will you two perform -The complot that I have laid? - -_Will._ Ay, or else think me a villain. - -_Greene._ And rather than you shall want, I'll help myself. - -_Mosbie._ You, Master Greene, shall single Franklin forth, -And hold him with a long tale of strange news, 102 -That he may not come home till supper-time. -I'll fetch Master Arden home, and we like friends -Will play a game or two at tables here. - -_Alice._ But what of all this? how shall he be slain? - -_Mosbie._ Why, Black Will and Shakebag locked within the counting-house -Shall at a certain watchword given rush forth. - -_Will._ What shall the watchword be? - -_Mosbie._ 'Now I take you'; that shall be the word: 110 -But come not forth before in any case. - -_Will._ I warrant you. But who shall lock me in? - -_Alice._ That will I do; thou'st keep the key thyself. - -_Mosbie._ Come, Master Greene, go you along with me. -See all things ready, Alice, against we come. - -_Alice._ Take no care for that; send you him home. - - [_Exeunt Mosbie and Greene._ - -And if he e'er go forth again, blame me. -Come, Black Will, that in mine eyes art fair; -Next unto Mosbie do I honour thee; -Instead of fair words and large promises 120 -My hands shall play you golden harmony: -How like you this? say, will you do it, sirs? - -_Will._ Ay, and that bravely, too. Mark my device: -Place Mosbie, being a stranger, in a chair, -And let your husband sit upon a stool, -That I may come behind him cunningly, -And with a towel pull him to the ground, -Then stab him till his flesh be as a sieve; -That done, bear him behind the Abbey, -That those that find him murdered may suppose 130 -Some slave or other killed him for his gold. - -_Alice._ A fine device! you shall have twenty pound, -And, when he is dead, you shall have forty more, -And, lest you might be suspected staying here, -Michael shall saddle you two lusty geldings; -Ride whither you will, to Scotland, or to Wales, -I'll see you shall not lack, where'er you be. - -_Will._ Such words would make one kill a thousand men! -Give me the key: which is the counting-house? - -_Alice._ Here would I stay and still encourage you; 140 -But that I know how resolute you are. - -_Shakebag._ Tush, you are too faint-hearted; we must do it. - -_Alice._ But Mosbie will be there, whose very looks -Will add unwonted courage to my thought, -And make me the first that shall adventure on him. - -_Will._ Tush, get you gone; 'tis we must do the deed. -When this door opens next, look for his death. - - [_Exeunt Will and Shakebag._ - -_Alice._ Ah, would he now were here that it might open! -I shall no more be closed in Arden's arms, -That like the snakes of black Tisiphone 150 -Sting me with their embracings! Mosbie's arms -Shall compass me, and, were I made a star, -I would have none other spheres but those. -There is no nectar but in Mosbie's lips! -Had chaste Diana kissed him, she like me -Would grow love-sick, and from her watery bower -Fling down Endymion and snatch him up: -Then blame not me that slay a silly man -Not half so lovely as Endymion. - -_Here enters Michael._ - -_Michael._ Mistress, my master is coming hard by. 160 - -_Alice._ Who comes with him? - -_Michael._ Nobody but Mosbie. - -_Alice._ That's well, Michael. Fetch in the tables, and -when thou hast done, stand before the counting-house door. - -_Michael._ Why so? - -_Alice._ Black Will is locked within to do the deed. - -_Michael._ What? shall he die to-night? - -_Alice._ Ay, Michael. - -_Michael._ But shall not Susan know it? - -_Alice._ Yes, for she'll be as secret as ourselves. 170 - -_Michael._ That's brave. I'll go fetch the tables. - -Alice. But, Michael, hark to me a word or two: -When my husband is come in, lock the street-door; -He shall be murdered, or the guests come in. - - [_Exit Michael._ - -_Here enters Arden and Mosbie._ - -Husband, what mean you to bring Mosbie home? -Although I wished you to be reconciled, -'Twas more for fear of you than love of him. -Black Will and Greene are his companions, -And they are cutters, and may cut you short: -Therefore I thought it good to make you friends. 180 -But wherefore do you bring him hither now? -You have given me my supper with his sight. - -_Mosbie._ Master Arden, methinks your wife would have me gone. - -_Arden._ No, good Master Mosbie; women will be prating. -Alice, bid him welcome; he and I are friends. - -_Alice._ You may enforce me to it, if you will; -But I had rather die than bid him welcome. -His company hath purchased me ill friends, -And therefore will I ne'er frequent it more. - -_Mosbie._--Oh, how cunningly she can dissemble! 190 - -_Arden._ Now he is here, you will not serve me so. - -_Alice._ I pray you be not angry or displeased; -I'll bid him welcome, seeing you'll have it so. -You are welcome, Master Mosbie; will you sit down? - -_Mosbie._ I know I am welcome to your loving husband; -But for yourself, you speak not from your heart. - -_Alice._ And if I do not, sir, think I have cause. - -_Mosbie._ Pardon me, Master Arden; I'll away. - -_Arden._ No, good Master Mosbie. - -_Alice._ We shall have guests enough, though you go hence. 200 - -_Mosbie._ I pray you, Master Arden, let me go. - -_Arden._ I pray thee, Mosbie, let her prate her fill. - -_Alice._ The doors are open, sir, you may be gone. - -_Michael._--Nay, that's a lie, for I have locked the doors. - -_Arden._ Sirrah, fetch me a cup of wine, I'll make them friends. -And, gentle Mistress Alice, seeing you are so stout, -You shall begin! frown not, I'll have it so. - -_Alice._ I pray you meddle with that you have to do. - -_Arden._ Why, Alice! how can I do too much for him -Whose life I have endangered without cause? 210 - -_Alice._ 'Tis true; and, seeing 'twas partly through my means, -I am content to drink to him for this once. -Here, Master Mosbie! and I pray you, henceforth -Be you as strange to me as I to you. -Your company hath purchased me ill friends, -And I for you, God knows, have undeserved -Been ill spoken of in every place; -Therefore henceforth frequent my house no more. - -_Mosbie._ I'll see your husband in despite of you. -Yet, Arden, I protest to thee by heaven, 220 -Thou ne'er shalt see me more after this night, -I'll go to Rome rather than be forsworn. - -_Arden._ Tush, I'll have no such vows made in my house. - -_Alice._ Yes, I pray you, husband, let him swear; -And, on that condition, Mosbie, pledge me here. - -_Mosbie._ Ay, as willingly as I mean to live. - -_Arden._ Come, Alice, is our supper ready yet? - -_Alice._ It will by then you have played a game at tables. - -_Arden._ Come, Master Mosbie, what shall we play for? - -_Mosbie._ Three games for a French crown, sir, and please you. 230 - -_Arden._ Content. - - [_Then they play at the tables. Enter Will and Shakebag._ - -_Will._--Can he not take him yet? what a spite is that? - -_Alice._--Not yet, Will; take heed he see thee not. - -_Will._--I fear he will spy me as I am coming. - -_Michael._--To prevent that, creep betwixt my legs. - -_Mosbie._ One ace, or else I lose the game. - -_Arden._ Marry, sir, there's two for failing. - -_Mosbie._ Ah, Master Arden, 'now I can take you.' - - [_Then Will pulls him down with a towel._ - -_Arden._ Mosbie! Michael! Alice! what will you do? - -_Will._ Nothing but take you up, sir, nothing else. 240 - -_Mosbie._ There's for the pressing iron you told me of. [_Stabs him._ - -_Shakebag._ And there's for the ten pound in my sleeve. [_Stabs him._ - -_Alice._ What! groans thou? nay, then give me the weapon! -Take this for hindering Mosbie's love and mine. [_She stabs him._ - -_Michael._ O, mistress! - -_Will._ Ah, that villain will betray us all. - -_Mosbie._ Tush, fear him not; he will be secret. - -_Michael._ Why, dost thou think I will betray myself? - -_Shakebag._ In Southwark dwells a bonny northern lass, -The widow Chambly; I'll to her house now, 250 -And if she will not give me harborough, -I'll make booty of the quean even to her smock. - -_Will._ Shift for yourselves; we two will leave you now. - -_Alice._ First lay the body in the counting-house. - - [_Then they lay the body in the Counting-house._ - -_Will._ We have our gold; Mistress Alice, adieu; -Mosbie, farewell, and Michael, farewell too. [_Exeunt._ - -_Enter Susan._ - -_Susan._ Mistress, the guests are at the doors. -Hearken, they knock: what, shall I let them in? - -_Alice._ Mosbie, go thou and bear them company. [_Exit Mosbie._ -And, Susan, fetch water and wash away this blood. - -_Susan._ The blood cleaveth to the ground and will not out. 261 - -_Alice._ But with my nails I'll scrape away the blood;-- -The more I strive, the more the blood appears! - -_Susan._ What's the reason, Mistress, can you tell? - -_Alice._ Because I blush not at my husband's death. - -_Here enters Mosbie._ - -_Mosbie._ How now? what's the matter? is all well? - -_Alice._ Ay, well, if Arden were alive again. -In vain we strive, for here his blood remains. - -_Mosbie._ Why, strew rushes on it, can you not? -This wench doth nothing: fall unto the work. 270 - -_Alice._ 'Twas thou that made me murder him. - -_Mosbie._ What of that? - -_Alice._ Nay, nothing, Mosbie, so it be not known. - -_Mosbie._ Keep thou it close, and 'tis unpossible. - -_Alice._ Ah, but I cannot! was he not slain by me? -My husband's death torments me at the heart. - -_Mosbie._ It shall not long torment thee, gentle Alice; -I am thy husband, think no more of him. - -_Here enters Adam Fowle and Bradshaw._ - -_Bradshaw._ How now, Mistress Arden? what ail you weep? - -_Mosbie._ Because her husband is abroad so late. 280 -A couple of ruffians threatened him yesternight, -And she, poor soul, is afraid he should be hurt. - -_Adam._ Is't nothing else? tush, he'll be here anon. - -_Here enters Greene._ - -_Greene._ Now, Mistress Arden, lack you any guests? - -_Alice._ Ah, Master Greene, did you see my husband lately? - -_Greene._ I saw him walking behind the Abbey even now. - -_Here enters Franklin._ - -_Alice._ I do not like this being out so late.-- -Master Franklin, where did you leave my husband? - -_Franklin._ Believe me I saw him not since morning. -Fear you not, he'll come anon; meantime 290 -You may do well to bid his guests sit down. - -_Alice._ Ay, so they shall; Master Bradshaw, sit you there; -I pray you, be content, I'll have my will. -Master Mosbie, sit you in my husband's seat. - -_Michael._--Susan, shall thou and I wait on them? -Or, an thou sayest the word, let us sit down too. - -_Susan._--Peace, we have other matters now in hand. -I fear me, Michael, all will be bewrayed. - -_Michael._--Tush, so it be known that I shall marry thee -in the morning, I care not though I be hanged ere -night. But to prevent the worst, I'll buy some ratsbane. 301 - -_Susan._--Why, Michael, wilt thou poison thyself? - -_Michael._--No, but my mistress, for I fear she'll tell. - -_Susan._--Tush, Michael; fear not her, she's wise enough. - -_Mosbie._ Sirrah Michael, give's a cup of beer.-- -Mistress Arden, here's to your husband. - -_Alice._ My husband! - -_Franklin._ What ails you, woman, to cry so suddenly? - -_Alice._ Ah, neighbours, a sudden qualm came o'er my heart; -My husband being forth torments my mind. 310 -I know something's amiss, he is not well; -Or else I should have heard of him ere now. - -_Mosbie._--She will undo us through her foolishness. - -_Greene._ Fear not, Mistress Arden, he's well enough. - -_Alice._ Tell not me; I know he is not well: -He was not wont for to stay thus late. -Good Master Franklin, go and seek him forth, -And if you find him, send him home to me, -And tell him what a fear he hath put me in. - -_Franklin._--I like not this; I pray God all be well. 320 -I'll seek him out, and find him if I can. - - [_Exeunt Franklin, Mosbie, and Greene._ - -_Alice._--Michael, how shall I do to rid the rest away? - -_Michael._--Leave that to my charge, let me alone. -'Tis very late, Master Bradshaw, -And there are many false knaves abroad, -And you have many narrow lanes to pass. - -_Bradshaw._ Faith, friend Michael, and thou sayest true. -Therefore I pray thee light's forth and lend's a link. - - [_Exeunt Bradshaw, Adam, and Michael._ - -_Alice._ Michael, bring them to the doors, but do not stay; -You know I do not love to be alone. 330 ---Go, Susan, and bid thy brother come: -But wherefore should he come? Here is nought but fear; -Stay, Susan, stay, and help to counsel me. - -_Susan._ Alas. I counsel! fear frights away my wits. - - [_Then they open the counting-house door, - and look upon Arden._ - -_Alice._ See, Susan, where thy quondam master lies, -Sweet Arden, smeared in blood and filthy gore. - -_Susan._ My brother, you, and I shall rue this deed. - -_Alice._ Come, Susan, help to lift his body forth, -And let our salt tears be his obsequies. - -_Here enters Mosbie and Greene._ - -_Mosbie._ How now, Alice, whither will you bear him? - -_Alice._ Sweet Mosbie, art thou come? Then weep that will: -I have my wish in that I joy thy sight. 342 - -_Greene._ Well, it behoves us to be circumspect. - -_Mosbie._ Ay, for Franklin thinks that we have murdered him. - -_Alice._ Ay, but he cannot prove it for his life. -We'll spend this night in dalliance and in sport. - -_Here enters Michael._ - -_Michael._ O mistress, the Mayor and all the watch -Are coming towards our house with glaives and bills. - -_Alice._ Make the door fast; let them not come in. - -_Mosbie._ Tell me, sweet Alice, how shall I escape? 350 - -_Alice._ Out at the back-door, over the pile of wood, -And for one night lie at the Flower-de-luce. - -_Mosbie._ That is the next way to betray myself. - -_Greene._ Alas, Mistress Arden, the watch will take me hers, -And cause suspicion, where else would be none. - -_Alice._ Why, take that way that Master Mosbie doth; -But first convey the body to the fields. - - [_Then they bear the body into the fields._ - -_Mosbie._ Until to-morrow, sweet Alice, now farewell: -And see you confess nothing in any case. - -_Greene._ Be resolute, Mistress Alice, betray us not, 360 -But cleave to us as we will stick to you. - - [_Exeunt Mosbie and Greene._ - -_Alice._ Now, let the judge and juries do their worst: -My house is clear, and now I fear them not. - -_Susan._ As we went, it snowed all the way, -Which makes me fear our footsteps will be spied. - -_Alice._ Peace, fool, the snow will cover them again. - -_Susan._ But it had done before we came back again. - -_Alice._ Hark, hark, they knock! go, Michael, let them in. - -_Here enters the Mayor and the Watch._ - -How now, Master Mayor, have you brought my husband home? - -_Mayor._ I saw him come into your house an hour ago. 370 - -_Alice._ You are deceived; it was a Londoner. - -_Mayor._ Mistress Arden, know you not one that is called Black Will? - -_Alice._ I know none such: what mean these questions? - -_Mayor._ I have the Council's warrant to apprehend him. - -_Alice._--I am glad it is no worse. -Why, Master Mayor, think you I harbour any such? - -_Mayor._ We are informed that here he is; -And therefore pardon us, for we must search. - -_Alice._ Ay, search, and spare you not, through every room: -Were my husband at home, you would not offer this. 380 - -_Here enters Franklin._ - -Master Franklin, what mean you come so sad? - -_Franklin._ Arden, thy husband and my friend, is slain. - -_Alice._ Ah, by whom? Master Franklin, can you tell? - -_Franklin._ I know not; but behind the Abbey -There he lies murdered in most piteous case. - -_Mayor._ But, Master Franklin, are you sure 'tis he? - -_Franklin._ I am too sure; would God I were deceived. - -_Alice._ Find out the murderers, let them be known. - -_Franklin._ Ay, so they shall: come you along with us. - -_Alice._ Wherefore? 390 - -_Franklin._ Know you this hand-towel and this knife? - -_Susan._--Ah, Michael, through this thy negligence -Thou hast betrayed and undone us all. - -_Michael._--I was so afraid I knew not what I did: -I thought I had thrown them both into the well. - -_Alice._ It is the pig's blood we had to supper. -But wherefore stay you? find out the murderers. - -_Mayor._ I fear me you'll prove one of them yourself. - -_Alice._ I one of them? what mean such questions? - -_Franklin._ I fear me he was murdered in this house 400 -And carried to the fields; for from that place -Backwards and forwards may you see -The print of many feet within the snow. -And look about this chamber where we are, -And you shall find part of his guiltless blood; -For in his slipshoe did I find some rushes, -Which argueth he was murdered in this room. - -_Mayor._ Look in the place where he was wont to sit. -See, see! his blood! it is too manifest. - -_Alice._ It is a cup of wine that Michael shed. 410 - -_Michael._ Ay, truly. - -_Franklin._ It is his blood, which, strumpet, thou hast shed. -But if I live, thou and thy 'complices -Which have conspired and wrought his death shall rue it. - -_Alice._ Ah, Master Franklin, God and heaven can tell -I loved him more than all the world beside. -But bring me to him, let me see his body. - -_Franklin._ Bring that villain and Mosbie's sister too; -And one of you go to the Flower-de-luce, -And seek for Mosbie, and apprehend him too. 420 - - [_Exeunt._ - -V. i. 58. _Hilts_ is common for 'hilt,' _e.g._ in Malory and Shakespeare; -'_both his hilts_' is apparently an extension of this use. -_Locked_ I take to mean 'crossed or clashed swords,' with his -adversary. - -V. i. 105. _game or two at tables_: a sort of backgammon. - -V. i. 155. Cf. the concluding lines of Ovid's _Elegy_, already -alluded to, i. 60. - -V. i. 338. 'Cecily Pounders did help to bear the dead corpse out -into a meadow there, commonly called the Amery Croft.'--_Wardmote -Book._ - - -SCENE II - -_An obscure street in London._ - -_Here enters Shakebag solus._ - -_Shakebag._ The widow Chambly in her husband's days I kept; -And now he's dead, she is grown so stout -She will not know her old companions. -I came thither, thinking to have had harbour -As I was wont, -And she was ready to thrust me out at doors; -But whether she would or no, I got me up, -And as she followed me, I spurned her down the stairs, -And broke her neck, and cut her tapster's throat, -And now I am going to fling them in the Thames. -I have the gold; what care I though it be known! -I'll cross the water and take sanctuary. - - [_Exit._ - - -SCENE III - -_Arden's House at Feversham._ - -_Here enters the Mayor, Mosbie, Alice, Franklin, -Michael, and Susan._ - -_Mayor._ See, Mistress Arden, where your husband lies; -Confess this foul fault and be penitent. - -_Alice._ Arden, sweet husband, what shall I say? -The more I sound his name, the more he bleeds; -This blood condemns me, and in gushing forth -Speaks as it falls, and asks me why I did it. -Forgive me, Arden: I repent me now, -And, would my death save thine, thou should'st not die. -Rise up, sweet Arden, and enjoy thy love, -And frown not on me when we meet in heaven: 10 -In heaven I'll love thee, though on earth I did not. - -_Mayor._ Say, Mosbie, what made thee murder him? - -_Franklin._ Study not for an answer; look not down: -His purse and girdle found at thy bed's head -Witness sufficiently thou didst the deed; -It bootless is to swear thou didst it not. - -_Mosbie._ I hired Black Will and Shakebag, ruffians both, -And they and I have done this murderous deed. -But wherefore stay we? Come and bear me hence. - -_Franklin._ Those ruffians shall not escape; I will up to London, 20 -And get the Council's warrant to apprehend them. - - [_Exeunt._ - - -SCENE IV - -_The Kentish Coast._ - -_Here enters Will._ - -_Will._ Shakebag, I hear, hath taken sanctuary, -But I am so pursued with hues and cries -For petty robberies that I have done, -That I can come unto no sanctuary. -Therefore must I in some oyster-boat -At last be fain to go on board some hoy, -And so to Flushing. There is no staying here. -At Sittingburgh the watch was like to take me, -And had not I with my buckler covered my head, -And run full blank at all adventures, 10 -I am sure I had ne'er gone further than that place; -For the constable had twenty warrants to apprehend me, -Besides that, I robbed him and his man once at Gadshill. -Farewell, England; I'll to Flushing now. - - [_Exit Will._ - -V. iv. 5. Faversham was famous for its oysters. - - -SCENE V - -_Justice-room at Feversham._ - -_Here enters the Mayor, Mosbie, Alice, Michael, Susan, -and Bradshaw._ - -_Mayor._ Come, make haste and bring away the prisoners. - -_Bradshaw._ Mistress Arden, you are now going to God, -And I am by the law condemned to die -About a letter I brought from Master Greene. -I pray you, Mistress Arden, speak the truth: -Was I ever privy to your intent or no. - -_Alice._ What should I say? You brought me such a letter, -But I dare swear thou knewest not the contents. -Leave now to trouble me with worldly things, -And let me meditate upon my saviour Christ, 10 -Whose blood must save me for the blood I shed. - -_Mosbie._ How long shall I live in this hell of grief? -Convey me from the presence of that strumpet. - -_Alice._ Ah, but for thee I had never been a strumpet. -What cannot oaths and protestations do, -When men have opportunity to woo? -I was too young to sound thy villainies, -But now I find it and repent too late. - -_Susan._ Ah, gentle brother, wherefore should I die? -I knew not of it till the deed was done. 20 - -_Mosbie._ For thee I mourn more than for myself; -But let it suffice, I cannot save thee now. - -_Michael._ And if your brother and my mistress -Had not promised me you in marriage, -I had ne'er given consent to this foul deed. - -_Mayor._ Leave to accuse each other now, -And listen to the sentence I shall give. -Bear Mosbie and his sister to London straight, -Where they in Smithfield must be executed; -Bear Mistress Arden unto Canterbury, 30 -Where her sentence is she must be burnt; -Michael and Bradshaw in Feversham must suffer death. - -_Alice._ Let my death make amends for all my sins. - -_Mosbie._ Fie upon women! this shall be my song; -But bear me hence, for I have lived too long. - -_Susan._ Seeing no hope on earth, in heaven is my hope. - -_Michael._ Faith, I care not, seeing I die with Susan. - -_Bradshaw._ My blood be on his head that gave the sentence. - -_Mayor._ To speedy execution with them all! [_Exeunt._ - -V. v. 30. 'For the charges of brenning Mistress Arden and -execution of George Bradshaw, XLIII S.'--_Canterbury Records._ - - -SCENE VI - -_Here enters Franklin._ - -_Franklin._ Thus have you seen the truth of Arden's death. -As for the ruffians, Shakebag and Black Will, -The one took sanctuary, and, being sent for out, -Was murdered in Southwark as he passed -To Greenwich, where the Lord Protector lay. -Black Will was burned in Flushing on a stage; -Greene was hanged at Osbridge in Kent; -The painter fled and how he died we know not. -But this above the rest is to be noted: -Arden lay murdered in that plot of ground 10 -Which he by force and violence held from Reede; -And in the grass his body's print was seen -Two years and more after the deed was done. -Gentlemen, we hope you'll pardon this naked tragedy, -Wherein no filed points are foisted in -To make it gracious to the ear or eye; -For simple truth is gracious enough, -And needs no other points of glosing stuff. [_Exit._ - -V. vi. 2. By the _Wardmote Book_, 'George Loosebagg, _i.e._ -Shakebag, escaped at that time.' John Green, who like Mosbie -was a tailor, was taken in July in Cornwall and brought to Faversham -and hanged in chains within the liberties. Susan, in the -play, combines the characters of Cecily Pounder, Mosbie's sister, -and of Elizabeth Stafford, the maid-servant. Morsby and his -sister were hanged in Smithfield; Michael Saunderson was 'drawn -and hanged in chains' in Faversham, where Elizabeth was burnt. -By the _Wardmote Book_ Alice Arden did not stab her husband. - - - - -GLOSSARY - - -ABHORS FROM, differs entirely from; I. 54; an uncommon use. Dr. Murray -quotes _Fox, A. and M._; II. 357, 'It did nothing at all abhor from -nature.' - -ANGEL, the coin of that name; II. i. 89, etc. - -ARMING SWORD, a large two-handed sword, V. i. 72. - - -BASILISK, a fabulous serpent supposed to kill by its look, a -cockatrice; I. 215. Cf. 'Would they were basilisks to strike thee -dead.'--_Richard III._, III. ii. 151. - -BEDEEM, forbode, 'doom me to'; III. iii. 31; not quoted by Dr. Murray. - -BEDESMAN, one who says prayers for another, 'humble servant'; III. vi. -120. - -BERAYED, befouled; IV. iii. 58. Cf. 'Was ever man so rayed.'--_Shrew_, -IV. i. 3. - -BEWRAYED, betrayed; III. ii. 27. - -BLAB, talk; I. 135. Used both as a noun and a verb. - -BLOCK, obstacle; I. 137. - -BODKIN, a tailor's awl; I. 313. - -BOLSTERED, matted with blood; III. i. 73. Cf. 'Blood-bolstered -Banquo.'--_Macbeth_, IV. i. 123. - -BOTCHER, a jobbing tailor; I. 25, 316. Cf. Huloet, 'A tailor, bodger, -botcher, mender or patcher of old garments.' - -BRABLE, quarrel; IV. i. 77. - -BROKAGE, petty dealing; here especially dealing in old clothes; I. 26. - -BUGS, hobgoblins: III. ii. 19. - - -CAUSELESS, adv., without cause, I. 358. - -CHOPS ME IN, interrupts suddenly; III. vi. 130; 'me' is a dative; chop -is used in the sense of doing quickly. Cf. _Richard III._, I. iv. 160, -'Then we will chop him in the malmsey butt.' - -COIL, trouble; III. vi. 5. - -COISTRIL, a paltry young fellow; III. ii. 41, 58. Cf. _Twelfth Night_, -I. iii. 43, 'A coward and a coistril.' - -COPESMATE, market-mate, companion; III. v. 104. Cf. _Lucrece_, 925, -'Misshapen Time, copesmate of ugly Night.' - -COLTSTAFF, a staff used by two persons for carrying 'cowls,' _i.e._ -tubs; V. i. 22. Cf. _Merry Wives_, III. iii. 156, 'Where's the -cowlstaff?' - -COSTARD, head; V. i. 63; literally a large ribbed apple. Frequent in -Shakespeare. - -CROWN, crown-piece; III. vi. 132. - -CURST, shrewish; IV. ii. 12. - -CUTTER, bully, cutthroat; I. 522; IV. iii. 74, etc. Cf. Harrison's -_England_, II. 16, 'Some desperate cutters we have.' - - -DAG, pistol; III. vi. 9, 131. The derivation is not known. - -DALLYING, delaying, trifling; I. 397. - -DISPOSE, disposal; I. 606. Common in Shakespeare. - -DISTRESSFUL, miserable: III. v. 56; IV. iv. 51. Cf. _Henry V._, IV. i. -287, 'Crammed with distressful bread.' - -DRIFTS, plots; I. 178, 450, etc. - - -EAR, plough; III. v. 24. - -ESCHEW, avoid; I. 347. - - -FLAW, gust of wind; IV. iv. 44. - -FORSLOWED, delayed; III. v. 85. Cf. 3 _Henry VI._, II. iii. 56, -'Forslow no longer.' - -FOSTER, forester; III. iii. 13. - -FROLIC, used as an exclamation = 'cheer up'; I. 512. Cf. Kyd's -_Jeronimo_, I. i. 1. - - -GIGLOT, a wanton woman, III. v. 87; connected with 'giggle.' - -GLAIVES, swords; V. i. 348. - -GLOSING, wordy; V. vi. 18. - - -HANDSEL, confirm, seal; II. i. 117. - -HARBOROUGH, old form of harbour; V. i. 251. - -HORNSBY, cuckold; IV. iii. 76. - -HOUGHT, hocked or hamstrung; IV. iii. 38. - - -IMPETRATE, get by asking; II. ii. 16. - - -JETS, struts; I. 30. Cf. _Cymbeline_, III. iii. 4, 'Giants may jet -through.' - - -LAY IT ON, fall to work; V. i. 50. Cf. _Winter's Tale_, IV. iii. 43, -'My father hath made her mistress of the feast and she lays it on.' - -LEAVE, cease; III. vi. 72, etc. - -LORDAINE, clown, IV. i. 58. - - -MISEVENT, mishap; IV. iv. 49. - -MISTAKING, misunderstanding; IV. i. 27. - -MITHRIDATE, antidote; I. 383. Called after the famous King of Pontus, -who made himself poison-proof. Greene uses the word. - -MUSCADO, musket; III. vi. 20. - -MUTCHADO, moustache; II. i. 54. - - -PANTOFLES, slippers; II. ii. 9. - -PASSIONATE, sorrowful; III. v. 45. Cf. _John II._, 544, 'She is sad and -passionate.' - -PLANCHERS, planks; I. 42. 'Planched' is found in _Measure for Measure_, -IV. i. 3. - -PLATFORM, scheme; II. i. 100. Cf. 1 _Henry VI._, II. i. 77. - -PRECISIAN, puritan; III. ii. 18. - -_Prick-eared_, III. ii. 62; cf. _Henry V._, II. i. 44, 'Prick-eared cur -of Iceland.' - - -QUALM, fit of nausea; III. vi. 67; V. i. 309. - -QUARTERAGE, quarterly payment; II. ii. 98. - - -RACE, raze down; I. 47, 118. - -RELIGIOUS, devout; I. 587. - - -SCONCE, small fort; V. i. 70. - -SECURELY, without misgiving; I. 50. - -SLIPSHOE, slipper; V. i. 406. - -STANDINGS, place of vantage, ambush; III. vi. 38. - -STOUT, proud, overbearing; V. i. 206, ii. 2. Cf. 'I will be strange, -stout, in yellow stockings.'--_Twelfth Night_, II. v. 185, and 2 _Henry -VI._, I. i. 187. - -SULLENS, moroseness; IV. iv. 108. Cf. _Richard II._, II. i. 139: 'Let -them die that age and sullens have.' - -SURE, betrothed; I. 151. Cf. _Merry Wives_, V. v. 237. - -SUSPECT, suspicion; I. i. 130. Cf. Sonnet LXX. 'The ornament of beauty -is suspect.' - - -TICING, enticing; I. 197. - -TRUG, a drab; I. 499. Greene uses the word. - -TRULL, worthless woman; I. 498. - -TRUSS, tie up for hanging; III. vi. 125; here = 'get yourself trussed.' - - -WATCHET, pale blue; II. i. 56. - -WAGER, give a wage to; I. 523. Shakespeare uses 'wage' in this sense, -_Coriolanus_, V. vi. 40. - -WHISTLY, silently; III. iii. 9. - - -YEOMANRY, homespun wit; IV. ii. 37. - -[Illustration] - - Printed by T. and A. CONSTABLE, Printers to Her Majesty - at the Edinburgh University Press - - - * * * * * - - -Transcriber's Note - -The following apparent printing errors have been corrected: - - -p. 4 "the field." changed to "the field," - -p. 6 "of men." changed to "of men," - -p. 10 "it me" changed to "it me." - -p. 19 "true or no" changed to "true or no?" - -p. 23 "neighhour" changed to "neighbour" - -p. 30 line-number 90 changed to 93 - -p. 36 "heat." changed to "heat," - -p. 49 "dream" changed to "dream." - -p. 69 "is death" changed to "is death." - -p. 75 "my state," changed to "my state." - -p. 97 "bills" changed to "bills." - -p. 99 "knew now" changed to "knew not" - -p. 102 "did not" changed to "did not." - -p. 104 "a a letter" changed to "a letter" - -p. 107 "_Merry Wives_, iII" changed to "_Merry Wives_, III" - -p. 110 "adevrbially" changed to "adverbially" - -p. 111 (note to II. i. 58) "'Seam rent fellows," changed to "'Seam -rent fellows,'" - -p. 111 (note to III. i. 5) "sense" changed to "sense?" - - -Other inconsistent punctuation has been retained as printed, as have -inconsistent spellings. - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Arden of Feversham, by Anonymous and Thomas Kyd - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ARDEN OF FEVERSHAM *** - -***** This file should be named 43440.txt or 43440.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/3/4/4/43440/ - -Produced by Henry Flower and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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