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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of A Select Collection of Old English Plays,
+Vol. VI, by Robert Dodsley
+
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+
+Title: A Select Collection of Old English Plays, Vol. VI
+
+Author: Robert Dodsley
+
+Release Date: February, 2006 [EBook #9848]
+[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule]
+[This file was first posted on October 24, 2003]
+
+Edition: 10
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OLD ENGLISH PLAYS, VOL. VI ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Tapio Riikonen
+and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team.
+
+
+
+
+A SELECT COLLECTION OF OLD ENGLISH PLAYS, VOL. VI
+
+Originally published by Robert Dodsley in the Year 1744.
+
+
+FOURTH EDITION, NOW FIRST CHRONOLOGICALLY ARRANGED, REVISED AND
+ENLARGED WITH THE NOTES OF ALL THE COMMENTATORS, AND NEW NOTES
+
+BY
+
+W. CAREW HAZLITT.
+
+
+1874-1876
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+The Conflict of Conscience
+The rare Triumphs of Love and Fortune
+The three Ladies of London
+The three Ladies and three Lords of London
+A Knack to know a Knave
+
+
+
+FIVE PLAYS.
+
+[These five dramas were originally edited for the Roxburghe Club in 1851
+by Mr J. Payne Collier, and are now incorporated with the present
+Collection precisely as they stand in the Roxburghe Club volume, with Mr
+Collier's kind permission, his general introduction included. The only
+difference is that the notes, instead of occurring at the end of each
+Play, are placed at the foot of the page.]
+
+
+
+[MR COLLIER'S GENERAL INTRODUCTION.]
+
+Four of the five ensuing Plays belong to a peculiar class of our early
+dramatic performances never yet especially noticed, nor sufficiently
+illustrated.
+
+Many specimens have of late years been printed, and reprinted, of
+Miracle-plays, of Moral-plays, and of productions written in the most
+matured period of our dramatic literature; but little or nothing has
+been done to afford information respecting a species of
+stage-representation which constitutes a link between Moral-plays on the
+one hand, and Tragedy and Comedy on the other, as Tragedy and Comedy
+existed at the period when Shakespeare and his contemporaries were
+writers for various theatres in the metropolis. This deficiency it has
+been our main object to supply.
+
+The four pieces to which we refer are neither plays which enforce a
+moral lesson by means of abstract impersonations only, nor are they
+dramas which profess to consist merely of scenes drawn from life,
+represented by real characters: they may be said to form a class by
+themselves, where characters both abstract and individual are employed
+in the same performance. The most remarkable drama of this intermediate
+kind, and the only one to which particular attention has been directed
+in modern times, is called "The Tragical Comedy of Appius and Virginia,"
+which originally came out in 1575, and is reprinted in the [former and
+present] edition of "Dodsley's Old Plays" from the sole existing
+copy.[1] In it an important historical event is commemorated, and the
+hero, heroine, and some other principal agents are known characters; but
+they are mixed up with allegorical abstractions, and the representatives
+of moral qualities, while the Vice of the older stage is introduced, for
+the sake of diversifying the representation, and amusing popular
+audiences. The plot of this production has no religious application, and
+it was not written with any avowed moral purpose. In this respect, as
+well as in some other peculiarities, it is unlike the drama which stands
+first in the following sheets. Still, the general character is the same
+in both: in both we have a mixture of fact and fable, of reality and
+allegory, of individuality and abstraction, with the addition, in the
+latter case, of the enforcement of a lesson, for the instruction of
+those to whom it was addressed.
+
+"The Conflict of Conscience," by Nathaniel Woodes, "Minister in
+Norwich," was originally printed in 1581, 4to, and it is reprinted in
+our volume from a copy in the possession of the Editor, which has the
+advantage of a Prologue. This introductory address is wanting in the
+exemplar in the British Museum; but it unquestionably belonged to the
+piece, because it also precedes a third copy, in the library of the Duke
+of Devonshire. We know not that this drama was ever republished, but the
+Registers of the Company of Stationers contain an entry by John
+Charlwood, dated 15th June 1587, of "a ballad of Mr Fraunces, an
+Italian, a doctor of law, who denied the Lord Jesus,"[2] which, as will
+be seen presently, probably refers to the same story, and, though called
+"a ballad," may possibly have been a reprint of "The Conflict of
+Conscience." The names borne by the different characters are all stated
+upon the title-page, with such a distribution of the parts as would
+enable six actors to represent the piece; and looking merely at this
+list, which we have exactly copied, it does not appear in what way the
+performance bears even a remote resemblance to tragedy or comedy. The
+names read like an enumeration of such personages as were ordinarily
+introduced into the Moral-plays of an earlier period--indeed, one of
+them seems to be derived from the still more ancient form of
+Miracle-plays, frequently represented with the assistance of the clergy.
+We allude to Satan, who opens the body of the drama by a long speech (so
+long that we can hardly understand how a popular audience endured it)
+but does not afterwards take part in the action, excepting through the
+agency of such characters as Hypocrisy, Tyranny, and Avarice, who may be
+supposed to be his instruments, and under his influence and direction.
+
+Nevertheless, a real and, as he may be considered, an historical,
+personage is represented in various scenes of the play, and is, in
+truth, its hero, although the author, for reasons assigned in the
+Prologue, objected to the insertion of his name in the text. These
+reasons, however, did not apply to the title-page, where the apostacy of
+Francis Spira, or Spiera, is announced as the main subject, and of whom
+an account may be found in Sleidan's "Vingt-neuf Livres d'Histoire"
+(liv. xxi. edit. Geneva, 1563). Spiera was an Italian lawyer, who
+abandoned the Protestant for the Roman Catholic faith, and in remorse
+and despair committed suicide about thirty years anterior to the date
+when "The Conflict of Conscience" came from the press. How long this
+event had occurred before Nathaniel Woodes wrote his drama upon the
+story, we have no means of knowing; but the object of the author
+unquestionably was to forward and fix the Reformation, and we may
+conclude, perhaps, that an incident of the kind would not be brought
+upon the stage until some years after Elizabeth had been seated on the
+throne, and until what was called "the new faith" was firmly settled in
+the belief, and in the affections, of the great majority of the nation.
+We apprehend, therefore, that "The Conflict of Conscience" was not
+written until about 1570.
+
+It is the introduction of this real person, under the covert name of
+Philologus, that constitutes the chief distinction between the drama we
+have reprinted and Moral-plays, which, though still sometimes exhibited,
+were falling into desuetude. As most persons are aware, they consisted,
+in their first and simplest form, entirely of allegorical or
+representative characters, although, as audiences became accustomed to
+such abstractions, attempts were from time to time made to give, even to
+such imaginary impersonations, individual peculiarities and interests.
+Besides the hero of "The Conflict of Conscience," his friends Eusebius
+and Theologus may also have been intended for real personages; and
+Gisbertus and Paphinitius were, possibly, the true names of the sons of
+Francis Spiera.
+
+It will he seen that the drama is divided into six acts; but the last
+act consists of no more than a short speech by a Nuntius, who comes
+forward, as it should seem, to give a false representation of an
+historical fact--so early did a dramatist feel himself warranted in
+deviating from received statements, if it better answered his purpose
+not to adhere to them. In the instance before us, Nathaniel Woodes
+thought fit to alter the catastrophe, for the sake of the moral lesson
+he wished to enforce; and he, therefore, represented that Spiera had not
+committed suicide, and had, to the great joy of his friends, before
+death been re-converted to the religion he had so weakly abandoned. It
+will he observed, also, that the divisions of acts and scenes are very
+irregularly made towards the conclusion of the performance. From one
+passage we learn that no less than thirty weeks are supposed to elapse
+between the exit of Philologus, and his death as announced on the
+next page.
+
+Nearly the whole of the piece is written in the ordinary seven-line
+stanza, with here and there the insertion of a couplet, more, no doubt,
+for convenience than for variety. The author seems to have very little
+consulted the wishes and tastes of a popular assembly; for,
+independently of the wearisome introduction, the interlocutions are
+sometimes carried to the extreme of tediousness, and the comic scenes
+are few, and failures. Perhaps, if any exception can be made, it is in
+favour of the interview between Hypocrisy, Tyranny, and Avarice, where
+the first, in consistency with his character, succeeds somewhat
+humorously in imposing upon both his companions. The long address of
+Caconos and his subsequent dialogue with Hypocrisy, Tyranny, and
+Avarice, is recommended to notice as an ancient and accurate specimen of
+our northern dialect. The long passage, where Caconos describes his
+knowledge of his portas by its illuminations, has been imitated by other
+authors, and, very likely, was not new in this drama.
+
+What we have to state regarding the text of this play applies strictly
+to all the others. We have given, as far as modern typography would
+allow, faithful representations of the original copies, with the close
+observation of spelling and other peculiarities. If, for the sake of
+mere intelligibility, we have rarely added a word or even a letter, we
+have always inserted it between brackets; and for the settlement of
+difficulties, and the illustration of obscure customs and allusions, we
+refer to the notes which succeed each play. We might have subjoined them
+at the foot of the page, but we thought they would be considered by many
+a needless interruption; while, if we had reserved the whole for the end
+of our volume, their bulk, and the numerous paginal references might
+have produced confusion and delay. We judged it best, therefore, to
+follow each separate production by the separate notes applicable to it;
+and the reader will thus have, as far as our knowledge extends, the
+ready means of required explanation, which we have endeavoured to
+compress into the smallest compass. We ought to add, that the only
+liberty we have taken is with the old and ill-regulated punctuation[3]
+which it was often necessary to alter, that the sense of the author
+might be understood and appreciated.
+
+The production which stands second in this volume may also be looked
+upon, in another sense, as intermediate with reference to
+stage-performances. It has for title "The rare Triumphs of Love and
+Fortune," and was probably designed by its unknown author for a
+court-show. The earliest information we possess regarding it establishes
+that it was represented before Queen Elizabeth between Christmas 1581
+and February 1582. The following is the entry regarding it in the
+Accounts of the office of the Revels of that date:--
+
+"A Historic of Love and Fortune, shewed before her Majestie at Wyndesor,
+on the sondaie at night next before new yeares daie. Enacted by the
+Earle of Derbies servauntes. For which newe provision was made of one
+Citty and one Battlement of Canvas, iij Ells of sarcenet, a [bolt] of
+canvas, and viij paire of gloves, with sondrey other furniture in this
+office."[4]
+
+There exists in the same records a memorandum respecting "The play of
+Fortune" ten years earlier,[5] but the terms employed are so general,
+that we do not feel warranted in considering it "The rare Triumphs of
+Love and Fortune" which we have reprinted: the "History of Love and
+Fortune," mentioned in the preceding quotation from the Revels'
+Accounts, was no doubt the drama under consideration; and we see that,
+besides sarcenet and gloves, the new properties (as they were then, and
+still are, called) necessary for the performance were a city and a
+battlement to be composed of, or represented on, canvas. We may perhaps
+conclude that the piece was not written long before it was acted at
+Windsor; but it did not come from the press until 1589, and the sole
+copy of it is preserved in the library of the Earl of Ellesmere, who, in
+his known spirit of liberal encouragement, long since permitted the
+Editor to make a transcript of it. We have met with no entry of its
+publication in the Registers of the Stationers' Company.
+
+It will be observed that the foundation of the piece depends upon a
+contest for superiority between Venus and Fortune, and that the first
+act (for the drama is regularly divided into acts, though the scenes are
+not distinguished) is a species of induction to the rest. It is the more
+remarkable, because it contains some early specimens of dramatic
+blank-verse, although it may be questioned whether the piece was ever
+exhibited at a public theatre.
+
+We discover no trace of it in "Henslowe's Diary,"[6] nor in any other
+authority, printed or manuscript, relating to plays exhibited before
+public audiences in the reign of Elizabeth; but it is nevertheless clear
+that it was "played before the Queen's most excellent Majesty" (as the
+title-page states) by the retainers of the Earl of Derby, a company of
+actors at that date engaged in public performances; and it was then,
+and afterwards, usual for the Master of the Revels to select dramas for
+performance at court, that were favourites with persons who were in the
+habit of frequenting the houses generally employed, or purposely
+erected, for dramatic representations. If "The rare Triumphs of Love and
+Fortune" were ever acted at a public theatre, the several shows in the
+first act, of Troilus and Cressida, of Alexander, of Dido, of Pompey and
+Caesar, and of Hero and Leander, would of course have been attractive.
+
+It is not necessary to enter at all into the plot, which was composed to
+evince alternately the power of Venus and of Fortune in influencing the
+lives of a pair of faithful lovers: the man, with some singularity,
+being called Hermione, and the woman Fidelia. They are successively
+placed by the two goddesses in situations of distress and difficulty,
+from which they are ultimately released; and in the end Venus and
+Fortune are reconciled, and join in promoting the happiness of the
+couple they had exposed to such trials. The serious business is relieved
+by some attempts at comedy by a clownish servant, called Lentulo, and in
+the third act a song is introduced for greater variety, which, as was
+not unusual at a later period of our stage history, seems to have been
+left to the choice of the performer. The prayer for the Queen, at the
+conclusion of the drama, put into the mouth of Fortune, was a relic of a
+more ancient practice, and perhaps affords further proof, if it were
+wanted, that it was represented before Elizabeth.[7] It appears not
+unlikely that, if "The rare Triumphs of Love and Fortune" had been
+chosen by the Master of the Revels for representation at court on
+account of its popularity, the fact of its having been acted by a
+particular company at a known theatre would have been stated upon the
+title-page, as a testimony to its merits, and as an incentive to its
+purchasers.
+
+We need not hesitate in stating that the third and fourth dramas in the
+present volume were "publicly played," and the title-page of one of them
+states the fact. Moreover, they were the authorship of a most
+distinguished individual, perhaps only second to Tarlton as an actor,
+and decidedly his superior as an author. Nothing that has come down to
+us leads us to suppose, that Tarlton had much beyond his lavish
+extemporal wit and broad drollery to recommend him; for although various
+productions were attributed to him, such as are extant do not warrant an
+opinion that, as a writer, he had much originality.[8] The reverse is
+the case with Robert Wilson, whose initials are on the title-pages of
+"The three Ladies of London," and of "The three Lords and three Ladies
+of London," and who, besides his well-attested talents as a public
+performer, was indisputably a dramatist of great ability. He, too, was
+famous for his extreme readiness of reply, when suddenly called upon;
+but we cannot help suspecting that some confusion has arisen between the
+Robert Wilson, the writer of the two dramas above-named (as well as of
+"The Cobbler's Prophecy," 1594, a production of a similar character),
+and the Robert Wilson who is mentioned in "Henslowe's Diary," and whom
+Meres, as late as 1598, calls "our worthy Wilson," adding that he was
+"for learning and extemporal wit, without compare or compeer."[9] The
+younger Robert Wilson was, perhaps, the son of the elder; but without
+here entering into the evidence on the point (with which we were not
+formerly so well-acquainted), we may state our persuasion generally,
+that the Robert Wilson who was appointed one of the leaders of one of
+Queen Elizabeth's two companies of players in 1583,[10] was not the same
+Robert Wilson who was a joint-author, with Munday, Drayton, and Hathway,
+in the drama on the story of Sir John Oldcastle, imputed to Shakespeare
+on the authority of some copies printed in 1600.
+
+There are two old editions of "The three Ladies of London," one of them
+printed in 1584, the text of which we have followed, and the other in
+1592, the various readings of which we have noted. Both of them have the
+initials R.W. on the title-page as those of the writer; but some doubt
+has been thrown upon the question of authorship, because, at the end of
+the piece, in both impressions, we read "Finis. Paul Bucke." The fact,
+however, no doubt is that Paul Bucke who, it has been recently
+ascertained, was an actor,[11] subscribed the transcript, which about
+1584 he had procured for Roger Ward the printer, in order to
+authenticate it: hence the connection of his name with the production,
+in the performance of which he may also have had a share, and he may
+thus have had access to the prompter's book. The Paul Bucke, who in 1578
+was the author of a "prayer for Sir Humphrey Gilbert," was in all
+probability the same individual.[12]
+
+The second edition of 1592 would seem, from the many variations, to have
+been printed from a different manuscript to that used for the edition of
+1584, and in some respects it was an improvement. Still, as we have
+stated, the name of Paul Bucke is at the termination of both; and it is
+a somewhat remarkable indication of the care displayed in bringing out
+the second edition, that whereas in the first edition an event is spoken
+of as having occurred in the reign of Queen Mary, "not much more than
+twenty-six years" before, in the second edition printed seven or eight
+years afterwards, the figures 26 are altered to 33. Such proofs of
+attention to comparative trifles were unusual in the reprints of old
+plays; and it may be doubted whether in this instance it would have been
+afforded, had not "The three Ladies of London" continued such a
+favourite with the town as to occasion its frequent repetition at the
+public theatre. A piece of evidence to show the popularity of the drama
+long after its original publication is to be found in Edward Guilpin's
+"Skialetheia, or a Shadowe of Truth," 8vo, 1598, where it is thus
+distinctly alluded to--
+
+    "The world's so bad that vertue's over-awde,
+    And forst, poore soule, to become vices bawde;
+    Like the old morall of the comedie,
+    Where Conscience favours Lucar's harlotry."
+
+These lines are contained in the first satire of this very curious and
+interesting work, and the readers of the drama will at once be aware of
+their application.[13]
+
+"The three Ladies of London" recommended itself to our notice for the
+present volume, on account of the peculiarity of its construction:
+Guilpin, we see, speaks of it as "the old moral of the comedy," and
+this, in truth, is the exact description of it. It is neither entirely a
+"moral," nor entirely a "comedy," but a mixture of both, differing from
+the drama that stands first in our volume, because the real characters
+introduced are not known or historical personages. Most of the _dramatis
+personae_ are indisputably allegorical or representative, the
+embodiments of certain virtues and vices; but individuals are also
+employed, such as Gerontus a Jew, and Mercadore a merchant, besides a
+Judge who is called upon to determine a dispute between them. This
+portion of the piece may be said to belong to a more advanced period of
+our stage, and distinguishes it, as far as we are aware, from anything
+of the kind known anterior to the date when the production first came
+from the press. The name Gerontus can hardly fail to bring to mind that
+of the hero of the old ballad of "Gernutus, the Jew of Venice;"[14] but
+there is a remarkable difference between the two persons: in the play
+before us Gerontus is represented in a very favourable light, as an
+upright Jew, only anxious to obtain his own property by fair means,
+while his antagonist, a Christian merchant, endeavours to defeat the
+claim by fraud, perjury, and apostacy. So far the drama of "The three
+Ladies of London" contradicts the position, founded mainly upon
+Marlowe's Barabas[15] and Shakespeare's Shylock, that our early
+dramatists eagerly availed themselves of popular prejudices against
+the conscientious adherents to the old dispensation.
+
+The construction of "The three Ladies of London" in other respects will
+speak for itself, but we may be allowed to give Wilson credit for the
+acuteness and political subtlety he evinces in several of his scenes;
+for the severity of many of his touches of satire; for his amusing
+illustrations of manners; for his exposure of the tricks of foreign
+merchants, and for the humour and drollery which he has thrown into his
+principal comic personage. The name of this character is Simplicity, who
+is the fool or clown of the performance, and who, in conformity with the
+practice, not only of our earlier but sometimes of our later stage,
+makes several amusing appeals to the audience. We may pretty safely
+conclude, although we are without any hint of the kind, that this
+arduous part was sustained by the author himself.
+
+The original copy of this production, to which we have resorted, is
+among the Garrick Plays: we recollect to have met with no other copy of
+the edition of the year 1584; but at least three of the later impression
+have come under our notice: one is in the library of the Duke of
+Devonshire, another in that of the Earl of Ellesmere, and a third at
+Oxford. Of all these we have more or less availed ourselves in
+our reprint.
+
+The fourth play in the ensuing pages, "The three Lords and three Ladies
+of London," is connected in subject with the third, and, as stated
+already, is by the same author, who placed his initials, R.W., upon the
+title-page. The reprint is made from a copy in the possession of the
+Editor, compared with two others of the same date which in no respect
+vary: it may be right to mention this fact, because, as all who have
+been in the habit of examining the productions of our early stage are
+aware, important alterations and corrections were sometimes introduced
+while the sheets were going through the press. Our title-page, including
+the wood-cut, may be considered a facsimile. It will be seen that it was
+printed in 1590, and it was probably written by Robert Wilson about two
+years before, as a sort of second part to his "Three Ladies of London,"
+which had met with such decided success. That success was perhaps in
+some degree revived by the frequent performance of "The three Lords and
+three Ladies of London," and the consequence seems to have been the
+publication of the new edition of the former in 1592.
+
+The author called his new effort "The pleasant and stately Moral of the
+three Lords and three Ladies of London," and it bears, in all its
+essential features, a strong resemblance to the species of drama known
+as a Moral or Moral-play. This resemblance is even more close and
+striking than that of "The three Ladies of London;" for such important
+characters as Gerontus and Mercadore are wanting, and as far as the
+_dramatis personae_ are concerned, there is little to take it out of the
+class of earlier dramatic representations, but the characters of Nemo
+and the Constable, the latter being so unimportant that Wilson did not
+include him in the list of "the Actor's names" which immediately follows
+the title. Had the piece, however, made a still more remote approach to
+comedy, and had it possessed fewer of the mixed features belonging to
+its predecessor, we should unhesitatingly have reprinted it as a
+necessary sequel.
+
+Towards the conclusion of the drama, as well indeed as in the
+introductory stanzas, the allusions to the Armada and to the empty
+vaunts of the Spaniards are so distinct and obvious, that we cannot
+place the composition of it earlier than 1588; but it must have remained
+in manuscript for about two years, since it was not published until
+after July 1590, the following entry in the Stationers' Registers
+bearing date the 31st of that month:--
+
+  "Richard Jones. Entered for his copie, under thandes of doctor Wood
+  and the wardens, a comedie of the plesant and statelie morrall of the
+  Three lordes of London."[16]
+
+Richard Jones, as will be seen from the imprint, was the publisher of
+the work; but the clerk who made the memorandum in the books blundered
+respecting the name, and, besides terming it "a comedy" as well as "a
+pleasant and stately moral," he omitted that portion of the title which
+immediately connects it with "The three Ladies of London." That
+connection is avowed in the Prologue (usually called a "Preface") which
+was spoken by "a Lady, very richly attired, representing London;" and it
+is evident that the author had every reason for making the fact
+prominent, inasmuch as it was his interest to prove the relationship
+between his new offspring and a drama that had for some years been
+established in public approbation. London, speaking in the poet's name,
+therefore, says--
+
+    "My former fruits were lovely Ladies three;
+    Now of three Lords to talk is London's glee:
+    Whose deeds I wish may to your liking frame,
+    For London bids you welcome to the same."
+
+Although, in its plot and general character, "The three Lords and three
+Ladies of London" is not so far advanced towards genuine comedy, the
+representation of life and manners, as its first part, "The three Ladies
+of London," in style and composition it makes a much nearer approach to
+what soon afterwards became the language of the stage, such as we find
+it in the works of Shakespeare, and of some of his most gifted
+contemporaries. Wilson, doubtless, saw the necessity, in 1588, of
+adopting some of those improvements of versification in which Marlowe
+had led the way; he therefore laid aside (excepting in a few comic
+scenes) his heavy, lumbering, and monotonous fourteen-syllable lines
+(sometimes carried to a greater length for the sake of variety) and not
+only usually employed ten-syllable lines, but introduced speeches of
+blank verse. His drama opens with this then uncommon form, and he avails
+himself of it afterwards, interspersing also prose in such situations as
+did not seem to require measured speech. This of itself was at that time
+a bold undertaking; for Marlowe had only just before 1588, when "The
+three Lords and three Ladies of London" must have been written,
+commenced weaning audiences at our public theatres from what, in the
+Prologue to his "Tamburlaine the Great," he ridicules as the "jigging
+veins of rhiming motherwits."[17] Robert Wilson is, on this account, to
+be regarded with singular respect, and his works to be read with
+peculiar interest. It is not easy to settle the question of precedency,
+but, as far as our knowledge at present extends, he seems entitled to be
+considered the second writer of blank verse for dramas intended for
+popular audiences. This is a point of view in which his productions have
+never yet been contemplated, and it renders the play we have reprinted,
+illustrating as it does so important and striking a change, especially
+worthy of notice and republication.
+
+Something has been already said respecting the characters who figure in
+this representation, and we may add that although Simplicity, who here
+performs even a more prominent and important part than in "The three
+Ladies of London," must be reckoned the impersonation of a quality, and
+the representative of a class, so much individuality is given to him,
+particularly in his capacity of a ballad-singer, that it is impossible
+not to take a strong interest in all that he says, and in the incidents
+in which he is engaged. Richard Tarlton, the famous comedian, died on 3d
+Sept. 1588, rather more than a month after the entry of "The three Lords
+and three Ladies of London" at Stationers' Hall; and in this play it
+will be seen that Simplicity produces his "picture" before the audience,
+and gives a minute account of his habits, appearance, and employments.
+It is clear, therefore, as Tarlton is spoken of as dead, that this part
+of the drama must have been written, and introduced, subsequent to the
+memorandum in the Stationers' Registers. This of itself is a curious
+circumstance, and it serves to show with what promptitude our old
+dramatists availed themselves of any temporary matter that could give
+attraction and popularity to their plays.
+
+As we have supposed Wilson himself to have acted Simplicity in "The
+three Ladies of London," we may perhaps conclude that he sustained the
+same character in "The three Lords and three Ladies of London." The part
+was an excellent one for the display of comic humour and clownish
+drollery, and the enumeration of the old ballads he sings and sells
+needs no illustration here, where, in fact, it would be out of place.
+The familiar manner in which Simplicity at times addresses the audience,
+for the sake of raising a laugh, is even more unlicensed in this play
+than in its predecessor, and we never before saw the words "To the
+audience" introduced, by way of stage-direction to the performer, that
+he might appeal to the spectators.[18]
+
+The copy of this play most employed in the ensuing pages is the
+property of the Editor, but he has had an opportunity of comparing
+it with another in the library of the Duke of Devonshire.
+
+The connection between the productions of our ancient and more modern
+stage, such as it existed at the close of the reign of Elizabeth, is
+even more slightly evidenced by the drama which conies last in our
+volume, the main features of which bear only a distant resemblance to
+our drama, while it was still under the trammels of allegorical
+impersonation. Nevertheless, the likeness is to be traced without
+difficulty; and when we find such a character as Honesty most
+prominently engaged from the beginning to the end of the performance (to
+say nothing of the introduction of the representative of the principle
+of evil in two passages), the mind is carried back to a period of our
+theatrical history when such characters were alone employed on our
+stage. Honesty has no necessary connection with the plot, nor with its
+development, beyond the exposure by his means of fraud, flattery, and
+hypocrisy: he bears no relation, however distant, to any of the parties
+engaged in the performance, and seems to have been designed by the
+unknown author as a sort of running commentator and bitter satirist upon
+the vices and follies of mankind. On the other hand, the chief
+characters among the _dramatis personae_ are real and historical, and
+King Edgar and Bishop Dunstan, with Ethenwald and Alfrida, may be said
+to figure prominently throughout. The Knight, the Squire, and the
+Farmer, who make their appearance further on, are clearly embodiments of
+the several classes of society to which they appertain. Thus, although
+the "Knack to know a Knave" makes a nearer approach to comedy than any
+of the four dramas which precede it, it still by no means entirely
+discards the use of personages of a description which, many years
+earlier, engrossed our stage. Characters and scenes of life and manners
+are blended with others supported only by conventional impersonations,
+in which the dialogue is not intended to advance the plot, but merely to
+enforce a lesson of morality, probity, or discretion.
+
+It is not always easy to guess at the full meaning of the author in
+various scenes he introduces, but some of them were obviously inserted
+for the purpose of exciting the laughter of the audience, and of giving
+an opportunity of display to a favourite low comedian. One of the actors
+is expressly mentioned on the title-page, where "Kemp's applauded
+merriments of the men of Gotham, in receiving the King into Gotham" are
+made prominent; but unless much were left to the extemporaneous
+invention of the performer, or unless much has been omitted in the
+printed copy, which was inserted by the author in his manuscript, it is
+difficult at this time of day to discover in what the wit, if not the
+drollery, consisted. As this portion of the play has come down to us, it
+seems to be composed of mere ignorant and blundering buffoonery,
+unworthy of a comedian, who undoubtedly afterwards sustained important
+humorous characters in the plays of Shakespeare. Who was the Bailiff of
+Hexham, and why he was brought forward on his deathbed near the opening
+of the drama, we are unable to explain, unless the author's object were
+that the spectators, when the Bailiff was ultimately carried away by the
+devil, should have ocular proof of the condign punishment which followed
+his principles as explained to his sons, and his practices as avowed by
+himself.
+
+We can establish, almost to a day, when the "Knack to know a Knave" was
+first represented, for we find it thus entered in "Henslowe's Diary:" it
+is in an account relating to the performances of the company acting
+under the name of Lord Strange, at the Rose Theatre, from 19th Feb.
+1591-2 to the 22d June 1592--
+
+  R[eceive]d at Jeronimo, the 9 of June 1592   xxviij's.
+  Rd at a Knack to know a Knave, 1592, 1 day   iij'li. xij's.
+  Rd at Harry the VI, the 12 June 1592         xxxiij's.
+
+Here, therefore, we find (reforming the uncouth spelling of the old
+manager) that the play under consideration was acted, for the first
+day,[19] between the 9th and 12th June 1592, and that Henslowe's share
+of the receipts amounted to 3l. 12s. 0d. It was acted again on 15th and
+22d June, when the account ends. William Kemp was at this time a member
+of the company in the prosperity of which Henslowe was interested, and
+had not yet joined the association acting under the sanction of the Lord
+Chamberlain, to which, in 1592, Shakespeare had for some years belonged.
+"Ed. Allen and his Company," spoken of on the title-page to the printed
+copy of "A Knack to know a Knave" as those by whom it had been "played,"
+were the actors of Lord Strange.[20]
+
+With regard to the date when the "Knack to know a Knave" was printed,
+we are in possession of pretty distinct evidence that it came out in the
+early part of 1594, the year stated on the title-page. The imprint also
+informs us that Richard Jones, then carrying on business at the Rose and
+Crown near Holborn Bridge, was the typographer; and we meet with the
+following entry at Stationers' Hall, preparatory to the publication,
+with his name prefixed to it.
+
+  "vij'o Januarij [1593-4]
+
+  "Rich. Jones. Entred for his Copie &c. A comedie entitled a Knack to
+  knowe a Knaue, newlye sett fourth, as it hath sundrye tymes ben plaid
+  by Ned Allen and his Companie, with Kemps applauded Merymentes of the
+  men of Goteham."[21]
+
+The sum paid to the clerk who kept the register was, as usual, sixpence;
+and from the terms above employed, which nearly follow those of the
+title-page, we may feel pretty sure that the copy taken to Stationers'
+Hall was a printed one, and not, as seems to have been generally the
+case, a manuscript.
+
+There is no doubt that the drama was extremely popular both on and off
+the stage; and although it is now one of the scarcest of our old plays,
+it must have been a profitable speculation to the publisher. In order
+that the various parties interested might more effectually avail
+themselves of the favour with which it had been received, a sort of
+counterpart was written to it, and acted for the first time on 22d
+October 1594, by the players of the Queen and of the Earl of Sussex
+(then performing together), under the title of "A Knack to know an
+Honest Man." This drama, though inferior in every respect, appears by
+"Henslowe's Diary" (for he was also interested in the receipts of these
+united associations) to have had a long and advantageous run.[22] It was
+not published until 1596, and it was previously entered on the
+Stationers' books by Cuthbert Burby. In the same year was printed by
+Valentine Simmes a work, the title of which was evidently borrowed from
+the proverbial expression "a knack to knowe a knave," which possibly had
+its origin in the great popularity of the drama we have reprinted. This
+work was by M.B., and was called "The Triall of true Friendship; or a
+perfect mirror to discerne a trustie friend from a flattering
+Parasite--Otherwise a _Knack to know a Knave_ from an honest man." One
+principal purpose of the play under consideration was to expose the
+flattery of the parasite Perin, who endeavoured to impose upon King
+Edgar, but was detected by Honesty. It seems not unlikely that Honesty
+was the character sustained by Edward Alleyn, but we have no knowledge
+of the distribution of any of the parts, beyond the fact that Kemp
+played a chief blunderer in the comic scene; whether that was the
+Miller, the Cobbler, or the Smith may, perhaps, admit of dispute.
+
+The story of the serious portion of the play was doubtless derived from
+an old ballad, inserted by Thomas Deloney in his "Garland of Good Will"
+(probably written by him), where it is entitled "A Song of King Edgar,
+showing how he was deceived of his Love." As it is reprinted in all the
+editions of "Evans's Old Ballads," and has been the subject of two plays
+in comparatively modern times,[23] it is not necessary here to give any
+detail of the plot, which also, in several incidents, strongly resembles
+parts of Robert Greene's "Friar Bacon and Friar Bongay," which, like the
+"Knack to know a Knave," was printed in 1594.[24]
+
+The Editor was, some years ago, permitted to make a transcript of this
+rare play from a copy in the library of his Grace the Duke of
+Devonshire, that in the British Museum being very defective in several
+places, and the missing pages having been supplied by very delusive
+manuscript. The Rev. Alexander Dyce also possesses a perfect exemplar,
+which was extremely useful for the purpose of collation.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE CONFLICT OF CONSCIENCE
+
+
+EDITION.
+
+An excellent new Commedie, Intituled: The Conflict of Conscience.
+Contayninge, A most lamentable example of the dolefull desperation of a
+miserable world-linge termed by the name of Philologus, _who_ forsooke
+the trueth of Gods Gospel, for feare of the losse of lyfe & worldly
+goods. Compiled, by Nathaniell Woodes, Minister, in Norwich.
+
+The Actors names, deuided into six partes, most conuenient for such as
+be disposed, either to shew this Comedie in priuate houses, or
+otherwise.
+
+PROLOGUE,     |
+MATHETES,     |  _For one_.
+CONSCIENCE,   |
+PAPHINITIUS,  |
+
+SATAN,        |
+TYRANNY,      |
+SPIRIT,       |  _For one_.
+HORROR,       |
+EUSEBIUS,     |
+
+AVARICE,      |
+SUGGESTION,   |  _For one_.
+GISBERTUS,    |
+NUNTIUS,      |
+
+HYPOCRISY,    |  _For one_.
+THEOLOGUS,    |
+
+CARDINAL,     |  _For one_.
+CACON,        <
+
+PHILOLOGUS,      _For one_.
+
+At London Printed by Richarde Bradocke dwellinge in Aldermanburie,
+a little aboue the Conduict. Anno. 1581. 4. Black-letter.
+
+
+
+THE PROLOGUE
+
+When whirling winds which blow with blust'ring blast,
+Shall cease their course, and not the air move,
+But still unstirred it doth stand, it chanceth at the last
+To be infect, the truth hereof even day by day we prove;
+For deep within the caves of earth of force it doth behove,
+Sith that no winds do come thereto, the air out to beat,
+By standing still the closed air doth breed infections great.
+
+The stream or flood, which runneth up and down,
+Is far more sweet than is the standing brook:
+If long unworn you leave a cloak or gown,
+Moths will it mar, unless you thereto look:
+Again, if that upon a shelf you place or set a book,
+And suffer it there still to stand, the worms will soon it eat:
+A knife likewise, in sheath laid up, the rust will mar and fret.
+
+The good road-horse, if still at rack he stand,
+To resty jade will soon transformed be:
+If long untill'd you leave a fertile land,
+From streck and weed no place will be left free.
+By these examples and such like approve then well may we,
+That idleness more evils doth bring into the mind of man,
+Than labour great in longer time again expel out can.
+
+Which thing our Author marking well, when wearied was his mind
+From reading grave and ancient works, yet loth his time to lose,
+Bethought himself, to ease his heart, some recreance to find,
+And as he mused in his mind, immediately arose
+A strange example done of late, which might, as he suppose,
+Stir up their minds to godliness, which should it see or hear,
+And therefore humbly doth you pray to give attentive ear.
+
+The argument or ground, whereon our Author chiefly stayed,
+Is (sure) a history strange and true, to many men well known,
+Of one through love of worldly wealth and fear of death dismay'd,
+Because he would his life and goods have kept still as his own,
+From state of grace wherein he stood was almost overthrown;
+So that he had no power at all in heart firm faith to have,
+Till at the last God chang'd his mind his mercies for to crave.
+
+And here our Author thought it meet the true name to omit,
+And at this time imagine him PHILOLOGUS to be;
+First, for because a Comedy will hardly him permit
+The vices of one private man to touch particularly:
+Again, now shall it stir them more, who shall it hear or see;
+For if this worldling had been nam'd, we would straight deem in mind,
+That all by him then spoken were, ourselves we would not find.
+
+But sith PHILOLOGUS is nought else but one that loves to talk,
+And common[25] of the word of God, but hath no further care,
+According as it teacheth them in God's fear for to walk,
+If that we practise this indeed, PHILOLOGI we are,
+And so by his deserved fault we may in time beware:
+Now if, as Author first it meant, you hear it with this gain,
+In good behalf he will esteem that he bestowed his pain.
+
+And for because we see by proof, that men do soon forget
+Those things for which to call them by no name at all they know,
+Our Author, for to help short wits, did think it very meet
+Some name for this his Comedy in preface for to show.
+Now names to natures must agree, as every man do know,
+A fitter name he could in mind no where excogitate,
+Than THE CONFLICT OF CONSCIENCE the same to nominate.
+
+A cruel Conflict certainly, where Conscience takes the foil,
+And is constrained by the flesh to yield to deadly sin,
+Whereby the grace and love of God from him his sin doeth spoil,
+Then (wretch accurs'd) small power hath repentance to begin.
+This history here example shows of one fast wrapp'd therein,
+As in discourse before your eyes shall plainly proved be;
+Yet (at the last) God him restor'd, even of his mercy free.
+
+And though the history of itself be too-too dolorous,
+And would constrain a man with tears of blood his cheeks to wet,
+Yet to refresh the minds of them that be the auditors,
+Our Author intermixed hath, in places fit and meet,
+Some honest mirth, yet always 'ware decorum to exceed.
+But list, I hear the players prest in presence forth to come:
+I therefore cease, and take my leave: my message I have done.
+
+                                                         [_Exit_.
+
+
+
+
+THE CONFLICT OF CONSCIENCE.
+
+ACT I., SCENE 1.
+
+
+SATAN.
+
+High time it is for me to stir about,
+And do my best my kingdom to maintain,
+For why I see of enemies a rout,
+Which all my laws and statutes do disdain;
+Against my state do fight and strive amain:
+Whom in time if I do not dissipate,
+I shall repent it, when it is too late.
+My mortal foe, the carpenter's poor son,
+Against my children--the Pharisees I mean--
+Upbraiding them, did use this comparison,
+As in the story of his life may be seen.
+There was a man which had a vineyard green,
+Who, letting it to husbandmen unkind,
+Instead of fruit unthankfulness did find.
+So that his servants firstly they did beat.
+His son likewise they afterward did kill:
+And hereupon that man, in fury great,
+Did soldiers send these husbandmen to spill;
+Their town to burn he did them also will:
+But out alas, alas, for woe I cry,
+To use the same far juster cause have I.
+For where the kingdom of this world is mine,
+And his on whom I will the same bestow,
+As prince hereof I did myself assign:
+My darling dear, whose faithful love I know,[26]
+Shall never fail from me, but daily flow.
+But who that is, perhaps some man may doubt;
+I will therefore in brief portract and paint him out.
+The mortal man by nature's rule is bound
+That child to favour more than all the rest,
+Which to himself in face is likest found;
+So that he shall with all his goods be blest:
+Even so do I esteem and like him best,
+Which doth most near my dealings imitate,
+And doth pursue God's laws with deadly hate.
+As therefore I, when once in angel's state
+I was, did think myself with God as mate to be,
+So doth my son himself now elevate
+Above man's nature in rule and dignity.
+So that _in terris Deus sum_, saith he:
+In earth I am a God, with sins for to dispense,
+And for rewards I will forgive each manner of offence.
+I said to Eve: tush, tush, thou shalt not die,
+But rather shalt as God know everything;
+My son likewise, to maintain idolatry,
+Saith: tush, what hurt can carved idols bring?
+Despise this law of God, the heavenly King,
+And set them in the church for men thereon to look:
+An idol doth much good: it is a layman's book.
+Nembroth,[27] that tyrant, fearing God's hand,
+By me was persuaded to build up high Babel,
+Whereby he presumed God's wrath to withstand:
+So hath my boy devised very well
+Many pretty toys to keep men's soul from hell,
+Live they never so evil here and wickedly,
+As masses, trentals, pardons, and scala coeli.
+I egged on Pharaoh, of Egypt the king,
+The Israelites to kill, so soon as they were born:
+My darling likewise doth the selfsame thing,
+And therefore causes kings and princes to be sworn,
+That with might and main they shall keep up his horn,
+And shall destroy with fire, axe, and sword,
+Such as against him shall speak but one word.
+And even as I was somewhat too slow,
+So that notwithstanding the Israelites did augment;
+So (for lack of murthering) God's people do grow,
+And daily increase at this time present;
+Which my son shall feel incontinent.
+Yet another practice, this evil to withstand,
+He learned of me, which now he takes in hand.
+For when as Moses I might not destroy,
+Because that he was of the Lord appointed
+To bring the people from thraldom to joy,
+I did not cease, whilst I had invented,
+Another means to have him prevented;
+By accompting himself the son of Pharaoh,
+To make him loth Egypt to forego.
+The same advice I also attempted
+Against the Son of God, when he was incarnate;
+Hoping thereby to have him relented,
+And for promotion-sake himself to prostrate
+Before my feet, when I did demonstrate
+The whole world unto him and all the glory,
+As it is recorded in Matthew's history.
+So hath the Pope, who is my darling dear,
+My eldest boy, in whom I do delight,
+Lest he should fall, which thing he greatly fear,
+Out of his seat of honour, pomp and might,
+Hath got to him, on his behalf to fight,
+Two champions stout, of which the one is Avarice,
+The other is called Tyrannical Practice.
+For, as I said, although I claim by right
+The kingdom of this earthly world so round,
+And in my stead to rule with force and might
+I have assigned the Pope, whose match I nowhere found,
+His heart with love to me so much abound;
+Yet divers men of late, of malice most unkind,
+Do study, to displace my son, some wayward means to find.
+Wherefore I marvel much what cause of let there is,
+That hitherto they have not their office put in ure.
+I will go see: for why I fear that somewhat is amiss;
+If not, to range abroad the world I will them straight procure:
+But needs they must have one to help, men's hearts for to allure
+Unto their train: who that should be, I cannot yet espy.
+No meeter match I can find out than is Hypocrisy;
+Who can full well in time and place dissemble either part.
+No man shall easily perceive with which side he doth bear;
+But when once favour he hath got, and credit in man's heart,
+He will not slack in mine affairs: I do him nothing fear.
+But time doth run too fast away for me to tarry here;
+For[28] none will be enamoured of my shape, I do know,
+I will therefore mine imps send out from hell their shapes to show.
+
+                                                    [_Exit_.
+
+
+
+ACT I, SCENE 2.
+
+
+    MATHETES, PHILOLOGUS.
+
+[MATHETES.]
+My mind doth thirst, dear friend Philologus,
+Of former talk to make a final end:
+And where before we 'gan for to discuss
+The cause why God doth such afflictions send
+Into his Church, you would some more time spend
+In the same cause, that thereby you might learn
+Betwixt the wrath and love of God a right for to discern.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+With right good-will to your request herein I do consent,
+As well because, as I perceive, you take therein delight,
+As also for because it is most chiefly pertinent
+Unto mine office to instruct and teach each Christian wight
+True godliness, and show to them the path that leadeth right
+Unto God's kingdom, where we shall inherit our salvation,
+Given unto us from God by Christ our true propitiation.
+But that a better-ordered course herein we may observe,
+And may directly to the first apply that which ensue,
+To speak that hath been said before, I will a time reserve,
+And so proceed from whence we left by course and order due
+Unto the end. At first, therefore, you did lament and rue
+The misery of these our days, and great calamity,
+Which those sustain who dare gainsay the Romish hypocrisy.
+
+MATHETES.
+I have just cause, as hath each Christian heart,
+To wail and weep, to shed out tears of blood,
+When as I call to mind the torments and the smart,
+Which those have borne, who honest be and good,
+For nought else, but because their errors they withstood:
+Yet joyed I much to see how patiently
+They bore the cross of Christ with constancy.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+So many of us as into one body be
+Incorporate, whereof Christ is the lively head,
+As members of our bodies which we see
+With joints of love together be conjoined,
+And must needs suffer, unless that they be dead,
+Some part of grief in mind, which other feel
+In body, though not so much by a great deal.
+Wherefore by this it is most apparent,
+That those two into one body are not united,
+Of the which the one doth suffer, the other doth torment,
+And in the wounds of his brother is delighted:
+Now which is Christ's body may easily be decided;
+For the lamb is devoured of the wolf alway,
+Not the wolf of the lamb, as Chrysostom doth say.
+Again, of unrighteous Cain murthered was Abel,
+By whom the Church of God was figured:
+Isaac likewise was persecuted of Ishmael,
+As in the Book of Genesis is mentioned:
+Israel of Pharaoh was also terrified:
+David the saint was afflicted by his son,
+And put from his kingdom--I mean by Absalom.
+Elias the Thisbite, for fear of Jezebel
+Did fly to Horeb, and hid him in a cave:
+Michas the prophet, as the story doth tell,
+Did hardly his life from Baal's priests save:
+Jeremy of that sauce tasted have:
+So did Esay, Daniel, and the children three,
+And thousands more, which in stories we may see.
+
+MATHETES.
+In the New Testament we may also read,
+That our Saviour Christ, even in his infancy,
+Of Herod the king might stand in great dread,
+Who sought to destroy him, such was his insolency:
+Afterward of the Pharisees he did with constancy
+Suffer shameful death: his apostles also
+For testimony of the truth did their crosses undergo.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+James, under Herod, was headed with the sword:
+The rest of the apostles did suffer much turmoil.
+Good Paul was murthered by Nero his word:
+Domitian devised a barrel full of oil,
+The body of John the Evangelist to boil,
+The Pope at this instant sundry torments procure,
+For such as by God's holy word will endure.
+By these former stories two things we may learn
+And profitably record in our remembrance:
+The first is God's Church from the devil's to discern:
+The second to mark what manifest resistance
+The truth of God hath, and what encumbrance
+It bringeth upon them that will it profess;
+Wherefore they must arm themselves to suffer distress.
+
+MATHETES.
+It is no new thing, I do now perceive,
+That Christ's Church do suffer tribulation;
+But that the same cross I might better receive,
+I request you to show me for my consolation,
+What is the cause, by your estimation,
+That God doth suffer his people to be in thrall,
+Yet help them, so soon as they to him call?
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+The chiefest thing which might us cause or move,
+With constant minds Christ's cross for to sustain,
+Is to conceive of heaven a faithful love;
+Whereto we may not come, as Paul doth prove it plain,
+Unless with Christ we suffer, that with him we may reign:
+Again, sith that it is our heavenly Father's will
+By worldly woes our carnal lusts to kill.
+Moreover, we do use to loathe that thing we alway have,
+And do delight the more in that which mostly we do want:
+Affliction urgeth us also more earnestly to crave,
+And when we once relieved be, true faith in us it plant,
+So that to call in each distress on God we will not faint:
+For trouble brings forth patience, from patience doth ensue
+Experience, from experience hope, of health the anchor true.
+Again, ofttimes God doth provide affliction for our gain,
+As Job, who after loss of goods had twice so much therefor.
+Sometime affliction is a means to honour to attain,
+As you may see, if Joseph's life you set your eyes before:
+Continually it doth us warn from sinning any more,
+When as we see the judgments just which God, our heavenly King,
+Upon offenders here in earth for their offences bring.
+Sometime God doth it us to prove, if constant we will be;
+As he did unto Abraham: sometime his whole intent
+Is to declare His heavenly might; as in John we may see,
+When the disciples did ask Christ why God the blindness sent
+Unto that man that was born blind? to whom incontinent
+Christ said: Neither for parents' sins, nor for his own offence,
+Was he born blind, but that God might show his magnificence.
+
+MATHETES.
+This is the sum of all your talk, if that I guess aright,
+That God doth punish his elect to keep their faith in ure,
+Or lest that, if continual ease and rest enjoy they might,
+God to forget through haughtiness frail nature should procure;
+Or else by feeling punishment our sins for to abjure;
+Or else to prove our constancy; or lastly, that we may
+Be instruments, in whom his might God may abroad display.
+Now must I needs confess to you my former ignorance,
+Which knew no cause at all, why God should trouble his elect,
+But thought afflictions all to be rewards for our offence,
+And to proceed from wrathful judge did alway it suspect;
+As do the common sort of men, who will straightway direct,
+And point their fingers at such men as God doth chastise here,
+Esteeming them by just desert their punishment to bear.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+Such is the nature of mankind, himself to justify,
+And to condemn all other men, whereas we ought of right
+Accuse ourselves especial, and God to magnify,
+Who in his mercy doth us spare, whereas he also might,
+Sith that we do the selfsame things, with like plagues us requite:
+Which thing our Saviour Christ doth teach, as testifieth Luke,
+The thirteenth chapter, where he doth vainglorious men rebuke.
+But for this time let this suffice: now let us homeward go,
+And further talk in private place, if need be, we will have.
+
+MATHETES.
+With right good-will I will attend on you your house unto,
+Or else go you with me to mine, the longer journey save;
+For it is now high dinner-time: my stomach meat doth crave.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+I am soon bidden to my friend: come on; let us depart.
+
+MATHETES.
+Go you before, and I will come behind with all my heart.
+
+                                                  [_Exeunt_.
+
+
+
+
+ACT II., SCENE 1.
+
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+God speed you all that be of God's belief:
+The mighty Jehovah protect you from ill.
+I beseech the living God, that he would give
+To each of you present a hearty good-will
+With flesh to contend, your lust for to kill,
+That, by the aid of spiritual assistance,
+You may subdue your carnal concupiscence.
+God grant you all, for his mercy's sake,
+The light of his word to your heart's joy.
+I humbly beseech him a confusion to make
+Of erroneous sects which might you annoy:
+Earnestly requiring each one to employ
+His whole endeavour God's word to maintain,
+And from strange doctrine your hearts to refrain.
+Grant, Lord, I pray thee, such preachers to be
+In thy congregation, thy people to learn,
+As may, for conscience' sake and of mere sincerity,
+Being able 'twixt corn and cockle to discern,
+Apply their study to replenish the bern;
+That is thy Church, by their doctrines increase,
+And make many heirs of thine eternal peace. Amen. Amen.
+But soft, let me see who doth me aspect.
+First, sluggish Saturn of nature so cold,
+Being placed in Tauro, my beams do reject,
+And Luna in Cancro in sextile he behold.
+I will the effect hereafter unfold:
+Now Jupiter the gentle, of temperature mean,
+Poor Mercury the turncoat, he forsook clean.
+Now murthering Mars retrograde in Libra,
+With amiable tryne apply to my beam;
+And splendent Sol the ruler of the day,
+After his eclipse to Jupiter will lean:
+The goddess of pleasure (dame Venus, I mean)
+To me her poor servant seem friendly to be:
+So also doth Luna, otherwise called Phoebe.
+But now I speak mischievously, I would say, in a mystery;
+Wherefore, to interpret it, I hold it best done,
+For here be a good sort, I believe, in this company,
+That know not my meaning, as this man for one.
+What! blush not at it; you are not alone:
+Here is another that know not my mind,
+Nor he in my words great favour can find.
+The planet Mercurius is neither hot nor cold,
+Neither good, nor yet very bad of his own nature,
+But doth alter his quality with them, which do hold
+Any friendly aspect to him: even so I assure
+We Mercurialists, I mean hypocrites, cannot long endure
+In one condition, but do alter our mind
+To theirs that talk with us, thereby friendship to find.
+The little cameleon, by nature, can change
+Herself to that colour to which she behold:
+Why should it then to any seem strange,
+That we do thus alter? why are we controll'd,
+Sith only the rule of nature we hold?
+We seek to please all men, yet most do us hate,
+And we are rewarded for friendship debate.
+Saturnus is envious; how then can he love
+Adulation or Hypocrisy, to him most contrary?
+The Jovists, being good, do look high above,
+And do not regard the rest of the company.
+Now Mars, being retrograde, foretelleth misery
+To tyrannical practice to happen eftsoon,
+As shall be apparent before all be done.
+Which Tyranny with flattery is easily pacified;
+Whereas Tom Tell-troth shall feel of his sword;
+So that with such men is fully verified
+That old-said saw, and common byword,
+_Obsequium amicos_--by flatteries friends are prepared,
+But _veritas odium parit_, as commonly is seen:
+For speaking the truth many hated have been.
+By Sol understand Popish principality,
+With whom full highly I am entertained,
+But being eclipsed shall show forth his quality;
+Then shall Hypocrisy be utterly disdained,
+Whose wretched exile, though greatly complained,
+And wept for of many, shall be without hope,
+That in such pomp shall ever be Pope.
+By Venus the riotous, by Luna the variable,
+Betwixt whom and Mercury no variance can fall,
+For they, which in words be most unstable,
+Would be thought faithful, and the riotous liberal:
+So that Hypocrisy their doings cloak shall.
+But whist! not a word, for yonder come some:
+While I know what they are, I will be dumb.
+
+                                      [_Step aside_.
+
+
+
+ACT II, SCENE 2.
+
+
+    TYRANNY, AVARICE.
+
+[TYRANNY.]
+Put me before, for I will shift for one,
+                           [_Push_ AVARICE _backward_.
+So long as strength remaineth in this arm:
+And pluck up thy heart, thou faint-hearted mome:
+As long as I live thou shalt take no harm.
+Such as control us, I will their tongues charm
+By fire or sword, or other like torment,
+So that ever they did it, they shall it repent.
+Hast thou forgotten what Satan did say,    [HYP. Ambo.[29]]
+That the k[nave] Hypocrisy our doings should hide,
+So that under his cloak our parts we should play,
+And of the rude people should never be spied?
+Or if the worst should hap or betide,
+That I by Tyranny should both you defend
+Against such as mischief to you should pretend.
+
+AVARICE.
+Indeed, such words our Belsire did speak,    [HYP. Tut, Father Jotsam!]
+Which, being remembered, doth make my heart glad;
+But yet one thing my courage doth break,
+And when I think of it, it makes me full sad:
+I mean the evil luck which Hypocrisy had,
+When he was expelled out of this land;
+For then with me the matter evil did stand.
+For I by him so shadowed was from light,
+
+    [HYP. A little k[nave] to hide so great a lubber.]
+
+That almost no man could me out espy;
+But he being gone, to every man's sight
+I was apparent: each man did descry
+My pilling and polling; so that glad was I
+From my nature to cease, a thing most marvellous,
+And live in secret, the time was so dangerous.
+
+    [HYP. He feareth nothing: he thinketh the hangman is dead.]
+
+TYRANNY.
+Tush! Avarice, thou fearest a thing that is vain,
+For by me alone both you shall be stayed;
+And, if thou mark well, thou shalt perceive plain
+That if I, Tyranny, my part had well played,
+
+    [HYP. He can play two parts, the fool and the k[nave].]
+
+And from killing of heretics my hand had not stayed,
+They had never growen to such a great rout,
+Neither should have been able to have banish'd him out.
+But _sero sapiunt Phryges_; at length I will take heed,
+
+    [HYP. A popish policy!]
+
+And with blood enough this evil will prevent;
+For if I hear of any that in word or in deed--
+Yea, if it be possible to know their intent,
+If I can prove that in thought they it meant
+
+    [HYP. Anti-Christian charity.]
+
+To impair our estates--no prayer shall serve,
+But will pay them their hire, as each one deserve.
+
+AVARICE.
+The fish once taken, and 'scaped from bait,
+Will ever hereafter beware of the hook:
+Such as use hunting will spy the hare straight,
+Though other discern her not, yet on her shall look.
+Again, the learned can read in a book,
+Though the unskilful, seeing equal with them,
+Cannot discern an F from an M.
+So those which have tasted the fruit that we bear,
+And find it so sour, will not us implant.
+
+TYRANNY.
+Tush! Avarice, I warrant thee, thou need'st not fear:
+
+    [HYP. _Utilitas facit esse Deos_.]
+
+In the clergy, I know, no friends we shall want,
+Which for hope of gain the truth will recant,
+And give themselves wholly to set out Hypocrisy,
+Being egg'd on with Avarice, and defended by Tyranny.
+
+AVARICE.
+Well may the clergy on our side hold,
+For they by us no small gain did reap;
+But all the temporalty, I dare be bold
+To venture in wager of gold a good heap,
+At our preferments will mourn, wail, and weep.
+
+    [HYP. This is sharp arguments.]
+
+TYRANNY.
+Though indeed no just cause of joy they can find,
+Yet for fear of my sword they will alter their mind,
+But I marvel much where Hypocrisy is:
+Methink it is long since from us he did go.
+
+AVARICE.
+I doubt that of his purpose he miss,
+And therefore hath hanged himself for woe.    [HYP. Pray for yourself.]
+How say'st thou, Tyranny, dost not think so?
+In faith, if I thought that he might be spared,
+
+    [HYP. Your kind heart shall cost me a couple of rushes.]
+
+And we have our purpose, beshrew me, if I cared.
+
+TYRANNY.
+Saw you ever the like of this doubting dolt?
+
+    [HYP. Not I the like of such a cutthroat colt.]
+
+It grieves me to hear how faint-hearted he is.    [_Aside_.
+A little would cause me to kill thee, thou ass-colt.
+See, see, for woe he is like for to piss:
+To give an attempt what a fellow were this?
+But this is the good that cometh of Covetousness:
+He liveth alway in fear to lose his riches.
+Again, mark how he regardeth the death of his friend:
+So he hath his purpose, he cares for no mo:
+A perfect pattern of a covetous mind,
+Which neither esteemeth his friend nor his foe,
+But rather, Avarice, might I have said so,
+Who, if he were gone, myself could defend,
+Where thou by his absence wert soon at an end.
+
+                                           [_Exeunt_.
+
+
+
+ACT II., SCENE 3.
+
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+O loving Father and merciful God!
+We through our sins thy punishment deserve,
+And have provoked to beat with thy rod
+Us stubborn children, which from thee do swerve.
+We loathed thy word, but now we shall sterve;
+For Hypocrisy is placed again in this land,
+And thy true gospel as exile doth stand.
+This is thy just judgment for our offence,
+Who having the light in darkness did stray,
+But now, if thou wouldest of thy fatherly benevolence
+Thy purposed judgments in wrath for to stay,
+The part of the prodigal son we would play;
+And with bitter tears before thee would fall,
+And in true repentance for mercy would call.
+In our prosperity we would not regard
+The words of the preachers, who threat'ned the same,
+But flattering ourselves, thought thou wouldest have spared
+Us in thy mercy, and never us blame:
+But so much provoked thee by blaspheming thy name,
+Indeed to deny that in words we maintain,
+That from thy justice thou could'st not refrain.
+So that Romish Pharaoh, a tyrant most cruel,
+Hath brought us again into captivity,
+And instead of the pure flood of thy gospel,
+Hath poisoned our souls with devilish Hypocrisy,
+Unable to maintain it, but by murthering Tyranny;
+Seeking rather the fleece than the health of the sheep,
+Which are appointed for him for to keep.
+
+    [_Re-enter_ AVAR. _and_ TYR.]
+
+TYRANNY.
+Lo, Avarice, hark what a traitor is here,
+
+    [HYP. [aside.] He speaketh to you, Syra.]
+
+Against our holy Father this language to use!
+I might have heard more, if I would him forbear,
+But for grief my ears burn to hear him abuse
+His tongue in this manner: wherefore no excuse
+Shall purchase favour, but that with all speed
+By sword I will render to him his due meed.
+Wherefore, thou miscreant, while thou hast time,
+Pray to the saints thy spokesman to be,
+That at God's hand from this thy great crime
+By their intercession thou may be set free.
+
+AVARICE.
+Nay, hearest thou, Tyranny? be ruled by me:
+First cut off his head, and then let him pray,
+So shall he be sure us not to bewray.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+O wicked Tyranny! thou imp of the devil,
+Too joyful tidings to thee have I brought,
+For now thou art emboldened to practise all evil.
+
+TYRANNY.
+Marry, thou shalt not give me thy service for nought,
+But for thy pains to please thee I thought.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+Thou art nothing so ready to do any good,
+As thou art to shed poor innocents' blood.
+
+AVARICE.
+Nay, Tyranny, suffer this rascal to prate,
+
+    [HYP. [_aside_.] On your face, sir.]
+
+Till some man come by, and then he is gone.
+Then wilt thou repent it, when it is too late:
+Despatch him, therefore, while we are alone.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+Well may the covetous be likened to a drone,
+Which of the bee's labours will spoil and waste make,
+And yet to get honey no labour will take.
+The covetous likewise from poor men extort,
+Their gains to increase they only do seek;
+And so they may have it, of them a great sort
+What means they use for it they care not a leek:
+Yet will these misers scarce once a week
+Have one good meal at their own table:
+So by Avarice to help themselves they are unable.
+Avarice to a fire may well compared be,
+To the which the more you add, the more still it crave:
+So likewise the covetous mind we do see,
+Though riches abound, do wish still more to have
+And to be short, your reverences to save,
+To a filthy swine such misers are comparable,
+Which, while[30] they be dead, are nothing profitable.
+
+AVARICE.
+Nay, farewell, Tyranny: I came hither too soon,
+I perceive already I am too well known.
+I were not best in their claws for to come,
+Unless I were willing to be clean overthrown.
+
+TYRANNY.
+By the preaching of God's word all this mischief is grown,
+Which if Hypocrisy might happily expel,
+All we in safety and pleasure might dwell.
+Stay, therefore, while from Hypocrisy we hear.
+
+AVARICE.
+Despatch then this merchant,[31] lest our counsel he tell.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+I am content for God's cause this cross for to bear.
+
+TYRANNY.
+It is best killing him now his mind is set well.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+Your scoffing and mocking God seeth each deal.
+
+TYRANNY.
+Yea, dost thou persist us still thus to check?
+Thy speech I will hinder by cutting off thy neck.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+Nay, hold thy hand, Cadby, thou hast kill'd me enough.
+What! never the sooner for a merry word.
+I meant not good earnest, to your maship I vow.
+I did but jest, and spake but in bord:
+Therefore of friendship put up again thy sword.
+
+TYRANNY.
+Nay, caitiff, presume not that thou shalt go scot-free;
+Therefore, hold still, and I will soon despatch thee.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+What! I pray thee, Tyranny, know first who I am.
+Ye purblinded fools, do your lips blind your eyes?
+Why, I was in place long before you came;
+But you could not see the wood for the trees.
+But, in faith, father Avarice, I will pay you your fees,
+For the great good-will which you to me bear,
+                                      [HYPOCRISY _fighteth_.
+And in time will requite it again, do not fear.
+
+AVARICE.
+Content yourself, good Master Hypocrisy:
+The words which I spake, I spake unaware.
+
+TYRANNY.
+Hold thy hand, Hypocrisy, I pray thee heartily:
+So like a madman with thy friends do not fare.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+For neither of you both a pin do I care:
+Go, shake your ears both, like slaves as you be,
+And look not in your need to be holpen of me.
+
+TYRANNY.
+What, Master Hypocrisy, will you take snuff so soon?
+Marry, then you had need to be kept very warm.
+
+AVARICE.
+I swear to your mastership, by the man in the moon,
+That to your person I intended no harm.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+But that I am weary, I would both your tongues charm.
+See how to my face they do me deride    [_Aside_];
+I will not therefore in your companies abide.
+
+AVARICE.
+Why, Master Hypocrisy, what would you that I do?
+For my offence of mercy I you pray.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+With thee I am at one; but of that merchant too
+I look for some amends, or else I will away.
+
+TYRANNY.
+The presumptuous fool's part herein thou dost play.
+What! of thy master dost thou look for obeisance?
+I will not once entreat thee: if thou wilt, get thee hence.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+_Nimia familiaritas parit contemptum_,
+The old proverb by me is verified,
+By too much familiarity contemned be some:
+Even so at this present to me it betide.
+For of long time Hypocrisy hath ruled as guide,
+While now, of later days, through heretics' resistance,
+I retained Tyranny to yield me assistance;
+But through overmuch levity he thinks himself checkmate
+With me his good patron, Master Hypocrisy.
+
+TYRANNY.
+List, I pray thee, Avarice, how this rascal can prate,
+And with me Tyranny doth challenge equality;
+Where he of himself hath neither strength nor hability;
+But thou to him riches, and I strength, do give,
+So that I must be his master, though it doth him grieve.
+
+AVARICE.
+Two dogs oftentimes one bone would fain catch,
+But yet the third do them both deceive.
+Even so Hypocrisy for the pre-eminence doth snatch,
+Which Tyranny gapes for, ye may perceive:
+But I must obtain it; for of me they retain
+All kind of riches, their states to maintain,
+To yield to me, therefore, they must be both fain.    [_Aside_.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+Was Judas Christ's master, because he bare the purse?
+Nay, rather of all he was least regarded,
+Have not men of honour stewards to disburse
+All such sums of money wherewith they be charged?
+Yet above their master their honour is not enlarged:
+Even so thee, Avarice, my steward I account,
+To pay that whereto my charges amount.
+And to thee, Tyranny, this one word I object:
+Whether was Joab or David the king?
+When Joab was glad his ease to reject,
+The Ammonites in Rabah to confusion to bring,
+When David with Bathsheba at home was sleeping,
+Was not Joab, his servant, in warfare to fight?
+And so art thou mine, mine enemies to quite.
+
+TYRANNY.
+Nay, then, at the whole God give you good night,
+Shall Tyranny to Hypocrisy in any point yield?
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+With this one word I will vanquish thee quite,
+That thou shalt be glad to give me the field.
+The end to be preferred all learned men wield:
+Sith therefore Hypocrisy of Tyranny is end,
+I must have the preferment for which I contend.
+
+    [AVA. Indeed you say troth.]
+
+TYRANNY.
+I will make you both grant that I am the chief,
+Or else with my sword your sides I will pierce.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+That were sharp reasoning indeed, with a mischief!
+
+AVARICE.
+I will yield him my right, if that he be so fierce.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+The nature of hypocrites herein we rehearse;
+Which, being convinced by the text of God's word,
+The end of their spouting is fire and sword.
+But if you will needs be chief, God speed well the plough:
+I will be none that shall follow your train;
+For if I should, I know well enough
+That to fly the country we all should be fain:
+Then were my labour done but in vain.
+You know not so much as I do, Tyranny,
+Therefore, I advise you, be ruled by me.
+
+TYRANNY.
+_Inter amicos omnia sunt communia_, they say:
+Among friends there is reckoned no property,
+But that the one hath of his own, th' other may
+Have the use of the same at his own liberty,
+Even so among us it is of a surety;
+For what the one hath of his own proper right,
+It is thine to use by day or by night.
+
+AVARICE.
+Indeed you say truth, the end is worth all;
+
+    [HYP. He hath learned logeres.[32]]
+
+Such things as to get the end are referred,
+And by this reason to you I prove shall,
+That I before Hypocrisy must be preferred:
+The conclusion of my reason is this[33] inferred;
+Sith Hypocrisy was invented to augment private gain,
+I am the end of Hypocrisy: this is plain.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+_Actum est de amicitia_, the bargain is despatched,
+And we two in friendship are united as one.
+
+AVARICE.
+In the same knot with you let me also be matched,
+And of money, I warrant you, you shall want none.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+I agree; what say you? shall he be one?
+
+TYRANNY.
+I judge him needful in our company to be,
+And therefore, for my part, he is welcome to me.
+
+    [HYP. Friendship for gain.]
+
+Let us now speedily on our business attend,
+And labour each one to bring it about.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+That is already by me brought to end,
+So that of your preferment you need not to doubt;
+And my coming hither was to find you out,
+That at my elbow you might be in readiness,
+To help, if need were, in this weighty business.
+To tell you the story it were but too tedious,
+How the Pope and I together have devised,
+Firstly to inveigle the people religious,
+For greediness of gain who will be soon pressed:
+And, for fear lest hereafter they should be despised,
+Of their own freewill will maintain Hypocrisy,
+So that Avarice alone shall conquer the clergy.
+Now, of the chiefest of his carnal cardinals
+He doth appoint certain, and give them authority
+To ride abroad in their pontificals,
+To see if with Avarice they may win the laity;
+If not, then to threaten them with open Tyranny:
+Whereby doubt not but many will forsake
+The truth of the gospel, and our parties take.
+
+TYRANNY.
+This device is praiseworthy: how say'st thou, Avarice?
+
+AVARICE.
+I like it well, if it were put in ure,
+Yet little gain to me shall this whole practice,
+More than I had before-time, procure.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+The legates are ready to ride, I am sure;
+Wherefore we had need to make no small delay:
+They stay for my coming alone, I dare say.
+Howbeit the laity would greatly mislike,
+If they should know all our purpose and intent;
+Yea, and perhaps some means they would seek
+Our foresaid business in time to prevent.
+
+TYRANNY.
+Will you then be ruled by my arbitrament?
+Lest the people should suddenly dissolve tranquillity,
+For the legate's defence, let him use me Tyranny.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+Herein your counsel is not much unwise,
+Save that in one thing we had need to beware:
+Lest you be known, we will you disguise,
+And some grave apparel for you will prepare;
+But your name, Tyranny, I fear all will mar:
+Let me alone, and I will invent
+A name to your nature, which shall be convenient.
+Zeal shall your name be: how like you by that?
+And therefore in office you must deal zealously.
+
+TYRANNY.
+Let me alone, I will pay them home pat:
+Though they call me Zeal, they shall feel me Tyranny.    [_Aside_.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+Lo, here is a garment: come, dress you handsomely.
+Ay, marry (quoth he), I like this very well:
+Now to the devil's grace you me seem to give counsel.
+Now must I apply all my invention,
+That I may devise Avarice to hide.
+Thy name shall be called Careful Provision,
+And every man for his household may lawfully provide:
+Thus shalt thou go cloaked, and never be spied.
+
+AVARICE.
+Thy counsel, Hypocrisy, I very well allow,
+And will recompense thee, if ever I know how.
+
+TYRANNY.
+Now on a boon[34] voyage let us depart,
+For I [am] well loth any time to delay.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+Nay, yet in sign of a merry heart,
+Let us sing before we go away.
+
+AVARICE.
+I am content; begin, I you pray;
+But to sing the treble, we must needs have one.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+If you say so, let it even alone.
+
+                             [_Exeunt_.
+
+
+
+
+ACT III, SCENE 1.
+
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+Too true, alas, too true, I say, was our divination,
+The which Mathetes did foresee, when last we were in place;
+For now indeed we feel the smart and horrible vexation,
+Which Romish power unto us did threaten and menace.
+Wherefore great need we have to call to God alway for grace;
+For feeble flesh is far too weak those pains to undergo,
+The which all they that fear the Lord are now appointed to.
+The legate from the Pope of Rome is come into our coasts,
+Who doth the saints of God each where with tyranny oppress,
+And in the same most gloriously himself he vaunt and boast:
+The more one mourneth unto him he pitieth the less.
+Out of his cruel tyranny the Lord of heaven me bless;
+For hitherto in blessed state my whole life I have spent,
+With health of body, wealth in goods, and mind alway content.
+Besides, of friends I have great store, who do me firmly love:
+A faithful wife and children fair, of woods and pasture store,
+And divers other things which I have got for my behoof,
+Which now to be deprived of would grieve my heart full sore.
+And if I come once in their claws. I shall get out no more,
+Unless I will renounce my faith, and so their mind fulfil;
+Which if I do, without all doubt my soul for aye I spill.
+For sith I have received once the first-fruits of my faith,
+And have begun to run the course that leadeth to salvation,
+If in the midst thereof I stay or cease, the Scripture saith
+It booteth not that I began with so good preparation;
+But rather maketh much the more unto my condemnation:
+For he alone shall have the palm which to the end doth run,
+And he which plucks his hand from plough, in heaven shall never come.
+Those labourers which hired were in vineyard for to moil,
+And had their penny for their pain, they tarried all while night;
+For if they ceased had, when sun their flesh with heat did broil,
+And had departed from their work, they should have lost by right
+Their wages-penny: I likewise shall be deprived quite
+Of that same crown, the which I have in faith long looked for.
+But for this time I will depart: I dare here stay no more.
+
+                                                       [_Exit_.
+
+
+
+ACT III., SCENE 2.
+
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+Ha, ha, ha! marry, now the game begins.
+Hypocrisy throughout this realm is had in admiration,
+And by my means both Avarice and Tyranny crept in,
+Who in short space will make men run the way to desolation.
+What did I say? my tongue did trip--I should say, consolation--
+For now, forsooth, the clergy must into my bosom creep,
+Or else they know not by what means themselves alive to keep.
+On the other side the laity, be they either rich or poor--
+If rich, then Avarice strangle them, because they will not lose
+Their worldly wealth: or else we have one subtle practice more;
+That is, that Sensual Suggestion their outward man shall pose,
+Who can full finely in each cause his mind to them disclose.
+But if that neither of these twain can to my train them win,[35]
+Then at his cue to play his part doth Tyranny begin.
+As for the poor knaves, such a one as this is,
+We do not esteem him, but make short ado.
+If he will not come on, we do him not miss,
+But to the pot he is sure to go:
+Tyranny deals with him and no mo.
+But I marvel what doth him from hence so long stay,
+Sooner named, sooner come, as common proverbs say.
+
+                                            [_S[t]ep aside_.
+
+
+
+ACT III., SCENE 3.
+
+
+    TYRANNY, AVARICE, HYPOCRISY.
+
+[TYRANNY.]
+By his wounds, I fear not, but it is cock sure[36] now.
+
+    [HYP. He hath a goodly grace in swearing.]
+
+Under the legate's seal, in office I am placed:
+Therefore whoso resist me, I will make him to bow.
+Who can make Tyranny now be disgraced?
+
+    [HYP. He is graceless already.]
+
+With a head of brass I will not be outfaced,
+But will execute mine office with extreme cruelty,
+So that all men shall know me to be plain Tyranny.
+
+AVARICE.
+Nay, Master Zeal, be ruled by me:
+To such as resist such rigour you may show.
+
+TYRANNY.
+Zeal? nay, no Zeal; my name is Tyranny:
+Neither am I ashamed who doth my name know,
+For in my dealings the same I will show,
+
+    [HYP. He is Kit Careless.]
+
+None dare reprove me, of that I am sure,
+So long as authority on my side endure.
+But to thy words a while I will list;
+Therefore in brief say on what you will.
+
+AVARICE.
+I would have you show rigour to such as resist,
+And such as be obstinate spare not to kill;
+But those that be willing your hests to fulfil,
+
+    [HYP. Hark the practice of spiteful Sumnors.]
+
+If they offend, and not of obstinacy,
+For money excuse them, though they use villany,
+Thus shall you perform your office aright,
+For favour or money to spare the offendent.
+
+TYRANNY.
+So may I also, of malice or spite,
+Or rancour of mind,[37] punish the innocent.
+But I will be ruled by thine arbitrament,
+And will favour such as will my hand grease.
+The devil is a good fellow, if one can him please:[38]
+
+    [HYP. And you are one of his sons, methink, by your head.]
+
+But to follow our business great pains we do take;
+On an hasty message we were fit to be sent.
+
+HYPOCRISY [_Aside_].
+When I lie a-dying, I will you messengers make:
+You ply you so fast, you are too-too diligent.
+Whoop how, Master Zeal, whither are ye bent?
+
+AVARICE.
+Hark! methought one hallooed, and called you by name.
+
+TYRANNY.
+I would it were Hypocrisy.
+
+AVARICE.
+                           It is the very same.
+What, Master Hypocrisy, for you I have sought
+This hour or two, but could you not find.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+That is no marvel, it is not for nought,
+For I am but little, and you two are blind;
+Neither have you eyes to see with behind:
+Yet may the learned note herein a mystery,
+That neither Tyranny nor Avarice can find out Hypocrisy.
+But what earnest business have you in charge,
+That with so great speed must presently be finished?
+
+TYRANNY.
+Marry, see here.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+What is it?
+
+TYRANNY.
+            A commission large
+From my Lord Legate himself authorised,
+The effect whereof must presently be practised.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+What is the tenure,[39] pray you let me know?
+
+TYRANNY.
+Avarice hath read it, not I; let him show.
+
+AVARICE.
+He hath firstly in charge to make inquisition,
+Whether altars be re-edified, whether chalice and book,
+Vestments for mass, sacraments, and procession,
+Be prepared again: if not, he must look,
+And find out such fellows as these cannot brook,
+And to my Lord Legate such merchants present,
+That for their offence they may have condign punishment.
+If any we take tardy, Tyranny them threat,
+That for their negligence he will them present;
+And I desirous some money to get,
+If ought they will give me, their evil will prevent;
+Yea, sometime of purpose such shifts we invent.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+Peace, yonder comes one; methink it is a priest,
+By his gown, cap, and tippet made of a list.
+
+
+
+ACT III., SCENE 4.
+
+
+    CACONOS, HYPOCRISY, TYRANNY, AVARICE.
+
+[CACONOS.]
+In[40] gude feth, sir, this newis de gar me lope,
+Ay is as light as ay me wend, gif that yo wol me troth,
+Far new agen within awer loud installed is the Pope,
+Whese legat with authority tharawawt awr country goth,
+And charge befare him far te com us priests end lemen hath,
+Far te spay awt, gif that he mea, these new-sprang arataics,
+Whilk de disturb aur hally Kirk, laik a sart of saysmatics.
+Awr gilden Gods ar brought ayen intea awr kirks ilkwhare,
+That unte tham awr parishioner ma offer thar gude-will.
+For hally mass in ilk place new thea autars de prepare,
+Hally water, pax, cross, banner, censer and candill,
+Cream, crismatory, hally bread, the rest omit ay will,
+Whilt hally fathers did invent fre awd antiquity,
+Be new received inte awr kirks with great solemnity.
+Bay these thaugh lemen been apprest, the clargy all het gean,
+Far te awr sents theis affer yifts all whilk we sall receive:
+Awr hally mass, thaw thea bay dere, thea de it but in vain,
+Far thaw ther frends frea Purgatory te help thea dea believe,
+Yet af ther hope, gif need rewhayre,[41] it wawd theam all deceive.
+Sea wawd awr pilgrimage, reliques, trentals, and pardons,
+Whilk far awr geyn inte awr Kirk ar braught in far the nonce.
+Far well a nere what war awr tenths and taythes that gro in fild,
+What gif we han of glebed loud ene plawwark bay the year,
+Awr affring deas de vara laytell ar nething te us yield:
+Awr beadroll geanes, awr chrisom clethes de laytle mend awr fare
+Gif awt af this we pea far vale, we laytle mare can spare.
+Sawl-masses, diriges, monethmayndes and buryings,
+Alsowlnday, kirkings, banasking and weddings.
+The sacraments, gif we mowt sell, war better than thea all;
+Far gif the Jews gave thratty pence te hang Chraist on a tree,
+Gude Christian folk thrayse thratty pence wawd count a price but small;
+Sea that te eat him with their teeth delaivered he mawght be.
+New of this thing delaiverance ne man can make but we,
+Se that the market in this punt we priests sawd han at will,
+And with the money we sowd yet awr pooches we sowd fill.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+I will go and salute him: good morrow, Sir John.[42]
+
+CACON.
+Naw, bay may priest-hade, God give ye ten far ene.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+Do you, Master Parson, in this parish sing?
+
+CACON.
+Yai, sir, that ay de, gif yowl give me trothing.
+
+TYRANNY.
+I have a commission your house and church to seek,
+To search if you any seditious books do keep.
+
+CACON.
+Whe ay? well a near, ay swear bay the Sacrament,
+Ay had rather han a cup af nale than a Testament.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+How can you without it your office discharge?
+
+CACON.
+It is the least thing ay car far, bay may charge;
+Far se lang as thea han images wharon te luke,
+What need thea be distructed awt af a buik?
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+Tush! that will modify them all well enou':
+As well a dead image as a dumb idol, I make God avow.
+
+CACON.
+Yai, ay my sen bay experience thot con show;
+Far in may portace the tongue ay de nat know,
+Yet when ay see the great gilded letter,
+Ay ken it sea well, as nea man ken better.
+As far example: on the day of Chraist's nativity,
+Ay see a bab in a manger and two beasts standing by:
+The service whilk to Newyear's-day is assaign'd
+Bay the paicture of the circumcision ay faynd:
+The service, whilk on Twalfth-day mun be done,
+Ay seeke bay the mark of the three kings of Cologne.
+Bay the devil tenting Chraist ay find whadragesima:
+Bay Chraist on the cross ay serch out gude-fraiday.
+Pasch for his mark hath the Resurrection:
+Ayenst Hally-Thursday is pented Chraist's ascension:
+Thus in mayn own buke ay is a gude clerk;
+But gif the sents war gone, the cat had eat my mark.
+Se the sandry mairacles, whilk ilk sent have done,
+Bay the pictures on the walls sal appear to them soon,
+Bay the whilk thea ar learned in every distress,
+What sent thea mun prea te far succour, doubtless:
+Sea that all lepers to Sylvester must prea,
+That he wawd frae tham ther disease take away.
+Laykwais, thea that han the falling saickness,
+Te be eased therfre thea mun prea to Sent Cornelis:
+In contagious air, as in plague or pestilence,
+Te hally Sent-Ruke[43] thea mun call far assistance.
+Fra paril of drawning Sent Carp keep the mariners:
+Fra dayng in warfare Sent George guard the soldiers:
+Sent Job heal the poor, the ague Sent German:
+For te ease the toothache call te Sent Appolline[44].
+Gif that a woman be barren and childless,
+Te help her herein she must prea te Sent Nicholas.
+Far wemen in travail call to Sent Magdalen;
+Far lawliness of mind call to Sent Katherine,
+Sent Loy save your horse, Sent Anthony your swine.
+
+TYRANNY.
+What! this parson seemeth cunning to be,
+And, as far as I see, in a good uniformity.
+Yea, he is well read in that Golden Legend.
+
+CACON.
+Bay may troth, in reading any other ne taym do I spend,
+Far that, ay ken, bay general caunsel is canonised,
+And bay the hely Pope himself is authorised:
+That buke farther is wholly permitted,
+Wharas the Baible in part is prohibited.
+And therefore, gif it be lawful to utter my conscience,
+Before the New Testament ays give it credence.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+I allow his judgment before Ambrose and Austin,
+And for Hypocrisy a more convenient chaplain.
+
+AVARICE.
+It grieveth me much that no fault we can spy,
+For now of some bribe disappointed am I;
+Yet happily he may tell us of some heretics.
+
+TYRANNY.
+Is there, Mast. Parson, in your parish no schismatics?
+
+CACON.
+Yai, mara, is ther a vara busybody,
+Whe will jest with me and call me fule and noddy,
+And sets his lads te spout Latin ayenst me,
+But ay spose then with _Deparfundis Clam aui_:
+And oftentimes he wil reason with me of the Sacarment,
+And say he can prove bay the New Testament
+That Chraist's body is in heaven placed;
+But ays not believe him, ay woll not be awt-faced.
+He says besayd that the Pope is Antichraist,
+Fugered of John bay the seven-headed beast,
+And all awre religion is but mon's invention,
+And with God's ward is at utter dissension;
+And a plaguy deal mare of sayk layk talk,
+That ay dar not far may narse bay his yate walk,
+But ay wawd he wer brunt, that ay mawght be whaiet.[45]
+
+TYRANNY.
+He must have a cooler; his tongue runs at riot.
+
+AVARICE.
+What is his name, Sir John, canst thou tell us?
+
+CACON.
+Yai, sir, that ay ken: he is cleped Phailelegoos.
+
+TYRANNY.
+Wilt thou go show his house, where he dwell?
+
+CACON.
+Yai, or els ay wawd may sawl war in hell.
+Te de him a pleasure ay wawd gang a whole year,
+Gif it war but te make him a fadock[46] te bear.
+
+TYRANNY.
+Go with us, Avarice, and bear us company.
+
+AVARICE.
+Nay, if you go hence, I will not here tarry.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+Away, sirs: in your business in a corner do not lurk,
+That my Lord Legate, when he comes, may have work.
+
+TYRANNY.
+Come on: let us go together, Sir John.
+
+CACON.
+Ay sall follow after. God boy, you good gentleman.
+
+HYPOCRISY [_Aside_.]
+Farewell three false knaves as between this and London!
+
+TYRANNY.
+What say'st thou?
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+As honest men as the three Kings of Cologne.
+
+                         [_Exeunt_ TYR. AVA. CACON.
+
+This gear goes round, if that we had a fiddle:
+Nay, I must sing too, _heigh, dery, dery, dery_.
+I can do but laugh, my heart is so merry:
+I will be minstrel myself, _heigh, didle, didle, didle_;
+But lay there a straw I began to be weary.
+But hark; I hear a trampling of feet.
+It is my Lord Legate; I will him go meet.
+
+
+
+
+ACT IV., SCENE I.
+
+
+    CAR[DINAL]. HYP. AVA. TYR. PHILO.
+
+[CARDINAL.]
+Go to, Master Zeal,[47] bring forth that heretic,
+Which doth thus disturb our religion catholic.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+Room for my lord's grace! what! no manner reverence,
+But cap on head, Hodge, and that in a lord's presence?
+
+CARDINAL.
+What, Master Hypocrisy, I have stayed for you long.
+
+HYPOCRISY [_Aside_].
+You were best crowd in, and play us among.
+
+CARDINAL.
+Where have you been from me so long absent?
+I appointed to have been here three hours ago,
+In my consistory to have sat in judgment
+Of that wretched schismatic that doth trouble us so.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+What, have you caught but one, and no mo?
+In faith, father Avarice, you have plied your chaps well.
+
+AVARICE.
+I must needs confess that I am paid for my travail.
+
+TYRANNY.
+Room for the prisoner! what, room on each hand,
+Or I shall make some out of the way for to stand.
+Lo, here, my lord, is that seditious schismatic,
+That we have laid wait for, an arrant heretic.
+
+    [_Enter_ PHILOLOGUS.]
+
+CARDINAL.
+Sit down, Master Hypocrisy, to yield me assistance.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+I thank your lordship for your courteous benevolence.
+I will be the noddy--I should say the notary,
+To write before my Lord Legate, which is commissary.
+
+CARDINAL.
+Ah, sirrah! be you he that doth thus disturb
+The whole estate of our faith catholic?
+Art thou so expert in God's laws and word,
+That no man may learn thee, thou arrant heretic?
+But this is the nature of every schismatic:
+Be his errors never so false doctrine,
+He will say by God's word he dare it examine.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+With humble submission to your authority,
+I pardon crave, if ought amiss I say;
+For being thus set in peril and extremity,
+To me unacquainted, my tongue soon trip may:
+Wherefore excuse me, I do your lordship pray,
+And I will answer to every demand,
+According to my conscience, God's word being my warrant.
+
+CARDINAL.
+To begin therefore orderly: how say'st thou, Philologus,
+Have I authority to call thee me before?
+Or, to be short, I will object it thus:
+Whether hath the Pope, which is Peter's successor,
+Than all other bishops preheminence more?
+If not, then it follow that neither he,
+Nor I which am his legate, to accompts may call thee.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+The question is perilous for me to determine,
+Chiefly when the party is judge in the cause;
+Yet, if the whole course of Scripture ye examine,
+And will be tried by God's holy laws,
+Small help shall you find to defend the same cause,
+But the contrary may be proved manifestly,
+As I in short words will prove to you briefly.
+The surest ground, whereon your Pope doth stand,
+Is of Peter's being at Rome a strong imagination,
+And the same Peter, you do understand,
+Of all the disciples had the gubernation,
+Surmising both without good approbation,
+Unless you will by the name of Babylon,
+From whence Peter wrote, is understanded Rome.
+As indeed divers of your writers have affirmed,
+Reciting Jerome, Austin, Primatius, and Ambrose,
+Who by their several writings have confirmed
+That Rome is New Babylon: I may it not glose.
+But it were better for you they were dumb, I suppose,
+For they labour to prove Rome by that acception
+The whore of Babylon, spoke of in the Revelation.
+But grant that Peter in Rome settled was,
+Yet that he was chief it remains you to prove;
+For in my judgment it is a plain case,
+That if any amongst them to rule it did behove,
+He should be the chief, whom Christ most did love;
+To whom he bequeathed his mother most dear,
+To whom in revelation Christ did also appear.
+I mean John Evangelist (by birth) cousin-german
+To our Saviour Christ, as stories do us tell:
+From whose succession if that you should claim
+Superiority, you should mend your cause well,
+For then of some likelihood of truth it should smell,
+Where none so often as Peter was reproved,
+Nor from steadfast faith so oftentimes removed.
+But grant all were true herein you do feign,
+Mark one proper lesson of a Greek orator:
+As a good child of his father's wealth is inheritor,
+So of his father's virtues he must be possessor.
+Now Peter follows Christ, and all worldly goods forsakes;
+But the Pope leaveth Christ, and himself to glory takes.
+And to be short, Christ himself refused to be a king,
+And the servant above the master may not be;
+Which being both true, it is a strange thing,
+How the Pope can receive this pomp and dignity,
+And yet profess himself Christ's servant to be.
+Christ will be no king, the Pope will be more:
+The Pope is Christ's master, not his servant, therefore.
+
+CARDINAL.
+Ah, thou arrant heretic! I will thee remember.
+I am glad I know so much as I do:
+I have weighed thy reasons, and have found them so slender,
+That I think them not worthy to be answered [to].[48]
+How say you, Master Hypocrisy?
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+                               I also think so;
+But let him go forward and utter his conscience,
+And we will a while longer hear him with patience.
+
+CARDINAL.
+Say on, thou heretic: of the holy Sacrament;
+Of the body and blood of Christ, what is thine opinion?
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+I have not yet finished my former argument.
+
+CARDINAL.
+Say on, as I bid thee: thou art a stout minion.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+I shall then gladly: it is a sign of union,
+The which should remain us Christians among,
+That one should love another all our life long.
+For as the bread is of many cornels compounded,
+And the wine from the juice of many grapes do descend,
+So we, which into Christ our Rock are ingrounded,
+As into one temple, should cease to contend,
+Lest by our contention the Church we offend.
+This was not the least cause, among many more,
+Which are now omitted, that this Sacrament was given for.
+The chiefest cause why this Sacrament was ordained,
+Was the infirmity of our outward man;
+Whereas salvation to all men was proclaimed,
+That with true faith apprehend the same can,
+By the death of Jesus Christ, that immaculate Lamb;
+That the same might the rather of all men be believed,
+To the word to add a Sacrament it Christ nothing grieved.
+And as we the sooner believe that thing true,
+For the trial whereof more witnesses we find,
+So by the means of the Sacrament many grew
+Believing creatures, where before they were blind;
+For our senses some savour of our faith now do find,
+Because in the Sacrament there is this analogy,
+That Christ feeds our souls, as the bread doth our body.
+
+CARDINAL.
+Ah, thou foul heretic! is there bread in the Sacrament?
+Where is Christ's body, then, which he did us give?
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+I know to the faithful receiver it is there present,
+But yet the bread remaineth still, I steadfastly believe.
+
+CARDINAL.
+To hear these his errors it doth me greatly grieve:
+But that we may shortly to some issue come,
+In what sense said Christ, _Hoc est corpus meum_?
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+Even in the same sense that he said before:
+_Vos estis sal terrae, Vos estis lux mundi,
+Ego sum ostium_, and a hundred such more,
+If time would permit to allege them severally;
+But that I may the simple sort edify,
+You ask me in what sense these words I verify,
+Where Christ of the bread said, "This is my body."
+For answer herein I ask you this question:
+Were Christ's disciples into salt transformed
+When he said, "Ye are the salt of the earth every one,"
+Or when the light of the world he them affirmed?
+Or himself to be a door when he confirmed?
+Or to be a vine, did his body then change?
+If not then, why now? this to me seemeth strange.
+
+CARDINAL.
+Why, dost thou doubt of Christ his omnipotency,
+But what so he willeth doth so come to pass?
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+God keep me and all men from such a frenzy,
+As to think anything Christ's power to surpass,
+When his will to his power joined was;
+But where his will wanteth, his power is ineffectual:
+As Christ can be no liar, God cannot be mortal.
+Set down therefore some proof of his will
+That he would be made bread, and then I recant.
+
+CARDINAL.
+This caitiff mine ears with wind he doth fill:
+His words both truth and reason doth want.
+Christ's word is his will; this must thou needs grant.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+He spake the word likewise, when he said, "I am the door,"
+Was his body transformed into timber therefore?
+
+CARDINAL.
+Nay, if thou beest obstinate, I will say no more.
+Have him hence to prison, and keep him full sure:
+I will make him set by my friendship more store.
+But hearest thou, Zeal? go first and procure
+Some kind of new torment which he may not endure.
+
+TYRANNY.
+I am here in readiness to do your commandment,
+And will return hither again incontinent.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+At thy return bring hither Sensual Suggestion,
+That, if need be, he may us assist,
+Lest that both I and Careful Provision
+The zeal of Philologus may not fully resist;
+But he in his obstinacy doth still persist:
+To put him to death would accuse us of tyranny;
+But if we could win him, he should do us much honesty.
+
+TYRANNY.
+I hear you, and will fulfil your words speedily.
+                                          [_Exit_ TYRANNY.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+Good Master Philologus, I pity your case,
+To see you so foolish yourself to undo:
+I durst yet promise to purchase you grace,
+If you would, at length, your errors forego.
+Therefore, I pray you, be not your own foe.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+Call you those errors which the gospel defends?
+I know not, then, whence true d[o]ctrine descends.
+
+CARDINAL.
+Nay, Master Hypocrisy, you spend time in vain
+To reason with him: he will not be removed.
+
+AVARICE.
+Had I so much to live by, as he hath certain,
+I would not lose that which I so well loved.
+
+CARDINAL.
+He stands in his reputation: he will not be reproved;
+And that is the cause that he is so obstinate:
+[_To Phil_.] But I shall well enough thy courage abate.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+I humbly beseech you of Christian charity,
+You seek not of purpose my blood for to spill;
+For if I have displeased your authority,
+In reasonable causes redress it I will:
+But in this respect I fear I should kill
+My soul for ever, if against my conscience
+I should to the Pope's laws acknowledge obedience.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+Cease from those words, if your safety you love:
+As though no man had a soul more than you.
+Such nips, perchance, my lord's patience will move;
+Then would you please him, if that you wist how.
+But if you will be ruled by my honesty, I vow
+I will do the best herein that I can,
+Because you seem to be a good gentleman.
+
+AVARICE.
+Were it not better for you to live at ease,
+And spend that merrily which earst you have got,
+Than by your own folly yourself to disease,
+And bring you to trouble, which other men seek not?
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+In faith, Philologus, your zeal is too hot,
+Which will not be quench'd, but with your heart-blood;
+If I were so zealous, I would think myself wood.
+
+CARDINAL.
+Tush! it will not be: he thinks we do but jest.
+Wherefore, that some trial of my mind he may have,
+That Careful Provision should go I think best
+Into the town, and there assistance crave,
+His house for to enter, and his goods for me save:
+Lest when his wife know that they be confiscate,
+Into other men's keeping the same she doth dissipate.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+You speak very wisely in my simple judgment:
+Therefore you were best to send him away.
+
+CARDINAL.
+Go to, Careful Provision, depart incontinent,
+And fulfil the words which I to you say.
+
+AVARICE.
+Of pardon herein I do your lordship pray.
+You doubt not, I trust, of my willing mind,
+Which herein is most ready, you always shall find:
+For who is more ready by fraud to purloin
+Other men's goods than I am each where?
+But lest some man at me should chance to foin,
+And kill me at once, I greatly do fear.
+I had rather persuade him his folly to forbear.
+
+CARDINAL.
+Prove then, if thou canst do him any good:
+He shall not say that we seek his blood.
+
+AVARICE.
+Ah, Master Philologus! you see your own case,
+That both life and goods are in my lord's will:
+Therefore you were best to sue for some grace,
+And be content his words to fulfil.
+If you neglect this, hence straightway I will,
+And all your goods I will sure confiscate:
+Then will you repent it, when it is too late.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+My case indeed I see most miserable,
+As was Susanna betwixt two evils placed;
+Either to consent to sin most abhominable,
+Or else in the world's sight to be utterly disgraced;
+But as she her chastity at that time embraced,
+So will I now spiritual whoredom resist,
+And keep me a true virgin to my loving spouse Christ.
+
+AVARICE.
+Wilt thou then neglect the provision of thy household?
+Thou art therefore worse than an infidel is.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+That you abuse God's word, to say I dare be bold,
+And the saying of Paul you interpret amiss.
+
+CARDINAL.
+I never saw the like heretic that this is.
+Away, Careful Provision, about your business.
+
+AVARICE.
+Sith there is no remedy, I am here in readiness.
+                                           [_Exit_ AVARICE.
+PHILOLOGUS.
+I beseech your lordship, even from the heart-root,
+That you would vouchsafe, for my contentation,
+To approve unto me by God's holy book
+Some one of the questions of our disputation:
+For I will hear you with heart's delectation,
+Because I would gladly to your doctrine consent,
+If that I could so my conscience content.
+But my conscience crieth out, and bids me take heed
+To love my Lord God above all earthly gain;
+Whereby all this while I stand in great dread,
+That if I should God's statutes disdain,
+In wretched state then I should remain.
+Thus crieth my conscience to me continually,
+Which if you can stay, I will yield to you gladly.
+
+CARDINAL.
+I can say no more than I have done already.
+Thou heardest that I called thee heretic and fool:
+If thou wilt not consent to me, and that speedily,
+With a new master thou shalt go to school.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+Thou hast no more wit, I see, than this stool,
+Far unfit to dispute and reason with my lord:
+He can subdue thee with fire and sword quite with one word.
+
+TYRANNY.[49]
+Come follow apace, Sensual Suggestion,
+Or else I will leave you to come all alone.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+You go in haste, you make expedition:
+Nay, if you run so fast, I will none.
+This little journey will make me to groan.
+I use not to trouble myself in this wise,
+And now to begin I do not advise.
+
+TYRANNY.
+Have I not plied me, which am come again so soon,
+And yet have finished such sundry business?
+I have caused many pretty toys to be done,
+So that now I have each thing in readiness.
+
+CARDINAL.
+What, Master Zeal, you are praiseworthy, doubtless.
+Art thou prepared this gentleman to receive?
+He will roast a fagot, or else he me deceive.
+
+TYRANNY.
+In simple manner I will him entertain,
+Yet must he take it all in good part;
+And though his diet be small, he may not disdain,
+Nor yet contemn the kindness of my heart:
+For though I lack instruments to put him to smart,
+Yet shall he abide in a hellish black dungeon:
+As for blocks, stocks, and irons, I warrant him want none.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+Well, farewell Philologus, you hear of your lodging.
+I would yet do you good, if that I wist how.
+
+CARDINAL.
+Let him go, Hypocrisy; stand not all day dodging:
+You have done too much for him, I make God avow.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+Stay; for Suggestion doth come yonder now.
+Come on, lazy lubber, you make but small haste:
+Had you stayed a while longer, your coming had been waste.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+You know of myself I am not very quick,
+Because that my body I do so much tender;
+For Sensual Suggestion will quickly be sick,
+If that his own ease he should not remember.
+Thus one cause of my tarriance to you I do render:
+Another I had as I came by the way,
+Which did me the longer from your company stay.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+What was that, Suggestion? I pray thee to us utter,
+For I am with child, till that I do it hear.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+A certain gentlewoman did murmur and mutter,
+And for grief of mind her hair she did tear:
+She will at last kill herself, I greatly do fear.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+What is the cause why this grief she did take?
+
+SUGGESTION.
+Because her husband her company did forsake.
+Her children also about her did stand,
+Sobbing and sighing, and made lamentation,
+Knocking their breasts, and wringing their hand,
+Saying they are brought to utter desolation
+By the means of their father's wilful protestation;
+Whose goods, they say, are already confiscate,
+Because he doth the Pope's laws violate.
+And indeed I saw Avarice standing at the door,
+And a company of ruffians assisting him there.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+Alas, alas! this pincheth my heart full sore.
+Mine evils he doth declare, mine own woe I do hear,
+Wherefore from tears I cannot forbear.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+Ha, ha! doth this touch you, Master Philologus?
+You need not have had it, being rul'd by us.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+Why, what is he thus, Master Hypocrisy,
+That taketh such sorrow at the words which I spake?
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+One that is taken and convinced of heresy,[50]
+And, I fear me much, will burn at a stake:
+Yet to reclaim him much pains would I take,
+And have done already, howbeit in vain.
+I would crave thine assistance, were it not to thy pain.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+I will do the best herein that I can:
+Yet go thou with me to help at a need.
+[_To Phil_.] With all my heart, God save you, good gentleman,
+To see your great sorrow my heart doth wellnigh bleed.
+But what is the cause of your trouble and dread?
+Disdain not to me your secret to tell:
+A wise man sometime of a fool may take counsel.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+Mine estate, alas! is now most lamentable,
+For I am but dead, whichever side I take:
+Neither to determine herein am I able,
+With good advice mine election to make,
+The worse to refuse, and the best for to take:
+My spirit covets the one; but alas! since your presence,
+My flesh leads my spirit therefro by violence.
+For at this time, I being in great extremity,
+Either my Lord God in heart to reject,
+Or else to be oppressed by the legate's authority,
+And in this world to be counted an abject,
+My lands, wife, and children also to neglect:
+This later part to take my spirit is in readiness,
+But my flesh doth subdue my spirit doubtless.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+Your estate, perhaps, seemeth to you dangerous,
+The rather because you have not been used
+To incur beforetime such troubles perilous,
+But to your power such evils have refused:
+Howbeit, of two evils the least must be choosed:
+Now which is the least evil, we will shortly examine,
+That which part to take yourself may determine.
+On the right hand, you say, you see God's just judgment,
+His wrath and displeasure on you for to fall,
+And instead of the joys of heaven ever permanent,
+You see for your stipend the torments infernal.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+That is it indeed which I fear most of all;
+For Christ said: fear not them which the body can annoy,
+But fear him which the body and soul can destroy.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+Well, let that lie aside awhile as it is,
+And on the other side make the like inquisition:
+If on the left side you fall, then shall you not miss
+But to bring your body to utter perdition;
+For at man's hand, you know, there is no remission.
+Beside, your children fatherless, your wife desolate,
+Your goods and possessions to other men confiscate.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+Saint Paul to the Romans hath this worthy sentence:
+I accompt the afflictions of this world transitory,
+Be they never so many, in full equivalence
+Cannot countervail those heavenly glory,
+Which we shall have through Christ his propitiatory.
+I also accompt the rebukes of our Saviour
+Greater gains to me than this house full of treasure.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+You have spoken reasonably; but yet, as they say,
+One bird in the hand is worth two in the bush;
+So you, now enjoying these worldly joys, may
+Esteem the other as light as a rush:
+Thus may you 'scape this perilous push.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+Yea, but my salvation to me is most certain;
+Neither doubt I that I shall suffer this in vain.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+Is your death meritorious, then, in God's sight,
+That you are so sure to attain to salvation?
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+I do not think so; but my faith is full pight
+In the mercies of God, by Christ's mediation;
+By whom I am sure of my preservation.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+Then to the faithful no hurt can accrue,
+But what so he worketh, good end shall ensue.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+Our Saviour Christ did say to the tempter,
+When he did persuade him from the pinnacle to fall,
+And said, he might safely that danger adventure,
+Because that God's angels from hurt him save shall:
+See that thy Lord God thou tempt not at all.
+So I, though persuaded of my sins' free remission,
+May not commit sin upon this presumption.
+
+CARDINAL.
+What, have you not yet done your foolish tattling
+With that froward heretic! I will then away:
+If you will tarry to hear all his prattling,
+He would surely keep you most part of the day.
+It is now high dinner-time, my stomach doth say;
+And I will not lose one meal of my diet,
+Though thereon did hang an hundred men's quiet.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+By your lordship's patience, one word with him more,
+And then, if he will not, I give him to Tyranny.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+I never saw my lord so patient before,
+To suffe[r] one to speak for himself so quietly;
+But you were not best to trust to his courtesy:
+It is evil waking of a dog that doth sleep.
+While you have his friendship, you were best it to keep.
+
+CARDINAL.
+I promise thee, Philologus, by my vowed chastity,
+If thou wilt be ruled by thy friends that be here,
+Thou shalt abound in wealth and prosperity,
+And in the country chief rule thou shalt bear,
+And a hundred pounds more thou shalt have in the year.
+If thou will this courtesy refuse,
+Thou shalt die incontinent: the one of these choose.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+Well, sith it is no time for us to debate
+In formal[51] manner what is in my mind,
+I will at once to thee straight demonstrate
+Those worldly joys which here thou shalt find.
+And for because thou art partly blind,
+In this respect look through this mirror,
+And thou shalt behold an unspeakable pleasure.
+                                     [_Shows him a mirror_.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+O peerless pleasures, O joys unspeakable,
+O worldly wealth, O palaces gorgeous,
+O fair children, O wife most amiable;
+O pleasant pastime, O pomp so glorious,
+O delicate diet, O life lascivious;
+O dolorous death which would me betray,
+And my felicity from me take away!
+I am fully resolved without further demur[52]
+In these delights to take my whole solace;
+And what pain soever hereby I incur,
+Whether heaven or hell, whether God's wrath or grace,
+This glass of delight I will ever embrace.
+But one thing most chiefly doth trouble me here:
+My neighbours inconstant will compt me, I fear.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+He that will seek each man to content
+Shall prove himself at last most unwise.
+Yourself to save harmless think it sufficient,
+And weight not the people's clamorous outcries.
+Yet their mouths to stop I can soon devise:
+Say that the reading of the works of St Self-love
+And Doctor Ambition did your errors remove.
+And hark in thine[53] ear, delay no more time:
+The sooner the better in end you will say.
+[_Aside_.] We have now caught him as bird is in lime.[54]
+
+TYRANNY.
+Come on, sirs; have ye done? I would fain away.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+Go even when you will, we do you not stay.
+Philologus hath drunk such a draught of hypocrisy,
+That he minds not to die yet; he will master this malady.
+
+CARDINAL.
+Come on, Master Philologus: are you grown to a stay?
+I am glad to hear that you become tractable.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+If it please your lordship, I say even what you say,
+And confess your religion to be most allowable.
+Neither will I gainsay your customs laudable:
+My former follies I utterly renounce;
+That myself was an heretic, I do here pronounce.
+
+CARDINAL.
+Nay, Master Philologus, go with me to my palace,
+And I shall set down the form of recantation,
+Which you shall read on Sunday next in open place.
+This done, you shall satisfy our expectation,
+And shall be set free from all molestation:
+Into the bosom of the Church we will you take,
+And some high officer therein will you make.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+I must first request your lordship's favour,
+That I may go home my wife for to see,
+And I will attend on you within this hour.
+
+CARDINAL.
+Nay, I may not suffer you alone to go free,
+Unless one of these your surety will be.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+I, Sensual Suggestion, for him will undertake.
+
+CARDINAL.
+Very well, take him to you: your prisoner I him make.
+Come you, Master Hypocrisy, and bear me company,
+Or else I am sure no meat I should eat;
+And go before, Zeal, to see each thing ready,
+That, when we once come, we stay not for meat.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+With small suit hereto you shall me intreat.
+
+                                    [_Exit_ TYRANNY.
+
+CARDINAL.
+Farewell, Philologus, and make small delay:
+Perhaps of our dinners for you I will stay.
+
+                 [_Exeunt_ CARDINAL _and_ HYPOCRISY.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+Had not you been a wise man, yourself to have lost,
+And brought your whole family to wretched estate!
+Where now of your blessedness yourself you may boast,
+And of all the country accompt yourself fortunate.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+Such was the wit of my foolish pate.
+But what do we stay so long in this place?
+I shall not be well, whilst I am with my Lord's grace.
+
+                                                 [_Exeunt_.
+
+
+
+ACT IV. SCENE 4.
+
+
+    SPIRIT, PHILOLOGUS, SUGGESTION.
+
+[SPIRIT.]
+Philologus, Philologus, Philologus, I say,
+In time take heed, go not too far, look well thy steps unto:
+Let not suggestion of thy flesh thy conscience thee betray,
+Who doth conduct thee in the path that leadeth to all woe.
+Weigh well this warning given from God, before thou further go,
+And sell not everlasting joy for pleasures temporal,
+From which thou soon shalt go, or they from thee bereaved shall.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+Alas! what voice is this I hear, so dolefully to sound
+Into mine ears, and warneth me in time yet to beware?
+Why, have not I the pleasant path of worldly pleasures found?
+To walk therein for my delight no man shall me debar.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+Look in this glass, Philologus: for nought else do thou care.
+What dost thou see within the same? is not the coast all clear?
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+Nought else but pleasure, pomp and wealth herein to me appear.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+Give me thy hand: I will be guide, and lead thee in the way.
+What, dost thou shrink, Philologus, where I dare go before?
+
+SPIRIT.
+Yea, shrink so still, Philologus; in time turn back, I say:
+In Sensual Suggestion's steps see that thou tread no more;
+And though the frailty of the flesh hath made thee fall full sore,
+And to deny with outward lips thy Lord and God most dear,
+The same to 'stablish with consent of conscience stand in fear.
+Thou art yet free, Philologus; all torments thou may'st 'scape,
+Only the pleasures of the world thou shalt awhile forbear.
+Renounce thy crime, and sue for grace, and do not captivate
+Thy conscience unto mortal sin: the yoke of Christ do bear.
+Shut up these words within thy breast, which sound so in thine ear:
+The outward man hath caused thee this enterprise to take;
+Beware lest wickedness of spirit the same do perfect make.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+My heart doth tremble for distress; my conscience pricks me sore,
+And bids me cease that course in time, which I would gladly run.
+The wrath of God, it doth me tell, doth stand my face before:
+Wherefore I hold it best to cease that race I have begun.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+These are but fancies certainly; for this way thou shalt shun
+All worldly woes: look in thy glass and tell me what it show.
+Thou wilt not credit other men before thyself, I trow.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+O gladsome glass, O mirror bright, O crystal clear as sun,
+The joys cannot be uttered which herein I behold!
+Wherefore I will not thee forsake, what evil soever come.
+
+SPIRIT.
+If needs thou wilt thyself undo, say not but thou art told.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+Hap what hap will, I will not lose these pleasures manifold.
+Wherefore conduct me once again: here, take me by the hand.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+That Sensual Suggestion doth lead him, understand.
+
+
+
+ACT IV., SCENE 5.[55]
+
+
+    CONSCIENCE, PHILOLOGUS, SUGGESTION.
+
+[CONSCIENCE.]
+Alas, alas! thou woful wight, what fury doth thee move
+So willingly to cast thyself into consuming fire?
+What Circe hath bewitched thee thy worldly wealth to love
+More than the blessed state of Soul, this one thing I desire?
+Weigh well the cause with sincere heart, thy conscience thee require,
+And sell not everlasting joys for pleasures temporal.[56]
+Resist Suggestion of the flesh, who seeks thee for to spoil;
+From which thou soon shalt go, or they from thee bereaved shall,
+And take from thee, which God elect, true everlasting soil.
+See where confusion doth attend to catch thee in his snare,
+Whose hands, if that thou goest on still, thou shalt no way eschew.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+What wight art thou, which for my health dost take such earnest care?
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Thy crazed conscience, which foresee the plagues and torments due,
+Which from just Judge, whom thou denyest, shall by and by ensue.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+Thou hast good trial of the faith which I to thee do bear:
+Commit thy safety to my charge; there is no danger near.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Such is the blindness of the flesh, that it may not descry
+Or see the perils which the soul is ready to incur;
+And much the less our own estates we can ourselves espy,
+Because Suggestion in our hearts such, fancies often stir:
+Whereby to worldly vanities we cleave as fast as burr,
+Esteeming them with heavenly joys in goodness comparable,
+Yet be they mostly very pricks to sin abhominable.
+For proof we need no further go than to this present man,
+Who by the blessing of the Lord of riches having store,
+When with his heart to fancy them this worldling once began,
+And had this glass of vanities espied his eyes before,
+He God forsook, whereas he ought have loved him the more;
+And chooseth rather with his goods to be thrown down to hell,
+Than by refusing of the same with God in heaven to dwell.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+Nay, hark, Philologus, how thy Conscience can teach,
+And would detain thee with glosings untrue:
+But hearest thou, Conscience, thou mayest long enough preach,
+Ere words, from whence reason or truth none ensue,
+Shall make Philologus to bid me adieu.
+What, shall there no rich man dwell in God's kingdom?
+Where, then, is Abraham, Job, and David become?
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+I speak not largely of all them which have this worldly wealth,
+For why I know that riches are the creatures of the Lord;
+Which of themselves are good each one, as Solomon us telleth,
+And are appointed to do good withal by God's own word;
+But when they let us from the Lord, then ought they be abhorr'd:
+Which caused Christ himself to say, that with much lesser pain
+Should camel pass through needle's eye, than rich men heaven obtain.
+Hereby rich men Christ did not mean each one which wealth enjoy,
+But those which fast'ned have their love upon this worldly dust;
+Wherefore another cries and saith, O death, how great annoy
+Dost thou procure unto that man, which in his goods doth trust.
+That thou dost this, Philologus, thou needs acknowledge must;
+Whereby each one may easily see, thou takest more delight
+In mundane joys, than thou esteemest to be with angels bright.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+This toucheth the quick: I feel the wound, which if thou canst not cure,
+As maimed in limbs I must retire; I can no further go.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+This is the grief which Conscience takes against thee, I am sure,
+Because thou usest those delights which Conscience may not do;
+And therefore he persuadeth thee to leave the same also,
+As did the fox which, caught in snare and scap'd with loss of tail,
+To cut off theirs, as burthenous, did all the rest counsel.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Indeed I cannot use those fond and foolish vanities,
+In which the outward part of man doth take so great delight:
+No, neither would I, though to me were given that liberty,
+But rather would consume them all to nought, if that I might;
+For if I should delight therein, it were as good a sight,
+As if a man of perfect age should ride upon a stick,
+Or play with compters in the street, which pastime children like.
+But all my joys in heaven remains, whereas I long to be;
+And so wouldst thou, if that on Christ thy faith full fast'ned were:
+For that affection was in Paul the apostle, we may see,
+The first to the Philippians doth witness herein bear.
+His words be these: O would to God dissolved that I were,
+And were with Christ: another place his mind in those words tell;
+We are but strangers all from God, while in this world we dwell.
+Now, mark how far from his request dissenting in thy mind,
+He wish'd for death, but more than hell thou dost the same detest.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+The cause why Paul did loath his life may easily be assign'd,
+Because the Jews in every place did seek him to molest:
+But those which in this world obtain security and rest,
+Do take delight to live therein; yea, nature doth endue
+Each living creature with a fear, lest death should them accrue.
+Yea, the same Paul at Antioch dissembled to be dead,
+While they were gone who sought his life with stones for to destroy.
+Elias for to save his life to Horeb likewise fled,
+So did King David flee, when Saul did seek him to annoy:
+Yea, Christ himself, whom in our deeds to follow we may joy,
+Did secretly convey himself from Jews so full of hate,
+When they thought from the top of hill him to precipitate.
+Wherefore it is no sin at all a man for to defend,
+And keep himself from death, so long as nature gives him leave.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+The same whom you recited have conceived a further end,
+Than to themselves to live alone, as each man may perceive;
+For when that Paul had run his course, he did at last receive
+With heart's consent the final death which was him put unto.
+So when Christ had performed his work, he did death undergo:
+And would to God, thou wouldest do that, which these men were content;
+For they despised worldly pomp; their flesh they did subdue;
+And brought it under, that to spirit it mostly did consent:
+Whereby they, seeking God to please, did bid the world adieu,
+Wife, children and possessions forsaking; for they knew
+That everlasting treasures were appointed them at last,
+The which they thirsting did from them all worldly pleasures cast.
+But thou, O wretch, dost life prolong, not that thou wouldst God's name,
+As duty binds us all to do, most chiefly glorify,
+But rather by thy living still wilt God's renown defame,
+And more and more dishonour him: this is thy drift, I spy.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+I mean to live in worldly joys; I can it not deny.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+What are those joys, which thou dost mean, but pleasures strange from God?
+By using of the which thou shalt provoke his heavy rod.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+Tush! knowest thou what, Philologus, be wise thyself unto,
+And listen not to those fond words which Conscience to thee tell.
+For thy defence I will allege one worthy lesson mo,
+Unto the which I am right sure he cannot answer well:
+When David by vain trust in men of war from God sore fell,
+And was appointed of three plagues the easiest for to choose,
+He said: God's mercy easier is to get than man's, as I suppose.
+Again, he sayeth among the Psalms: it better is to trust
+In God, than that our confidence we settle should in man.
+Wherefore to this which I now say of force consent thou must;
+That when two evils, before us placed, no way avoid we can,
+Into the hand of God to fall by choice is lawful then,
+Because that God is merciful, when man no mercy show.
+Thus have I pleaded in this cause sufficiently, I trow.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+How can you say you trust in God whenas you him forsake,
+And of the wicked Mammon here do make your feigned friend?
+No, no; these words which you recite against you mostly make,
+For thus he thinks in his distress: God cannot me defend,
+And therefore by Suggestion frail to man's help he hath lean'd.
+Mark who say truth, of him or me, and do him best believe.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+I like thy words, but that to lose these joys it would me grieve.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+And where Suggestion telleth thee, that God in mercies flow,
+Yet is he just sins to correct, and true in that he speak;
+Wherefore he sayeth: whoso my name before men shall not know,
+I shall not know him, when as judge I shall sit in my seat.
+This if you call to mind, it will your proud presumption break.
+Again he sayeth, whoso his life or goods will seek to save,
+Shall lose them all; but who for Christ will lose them, gain shall have.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+What, did not Peter Christ deny, yet mercy did obtain,
+Where, if he had not, of the Jews he should have tasted death?
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+Even so shall I in tract of time with bitter tears complain.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+Yea, time enough, though thou deferr'st until thy latest breath.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+So sayeth Suggestion unto thee; but Conscience it denyeth,
+And in the end what so I say for truth thou shalt espy,
+And that most false which Conscience shall in secret heart deny.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+Ah, wretched man! what shall I do? which do so plainly see
+My flesh and spirit to contend, and that in no small thing,
+But as concerning the event of extreme misery;
+Which either study to avoid, or else upon me bring:
+And which of them I should best trust, it is a doubtful thing.
+My Conscience speaketh truth, methink; but yet because I fear
+By his advice to suffer death, I do his words forbear.
+And therefore pacify thyself, and do not so torment
+Thyself in vain: I must seek some means for to eschew
+These griping griefs, which unto me I see now imminent;
+And therefore will no longer stay, but bid thee now adieu.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+O, stay, I say, Philologus, or else thou wilt it rue!
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+It is lost labour that thou dost: I will be at a point,
+And to enjoy these worldly joys I jeopard will a joint.
+
+                         [_Exit_ PHILOLOGUS _and_ SUGGESTION.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+O cursed creature, O frail flesh, O meat for worms, O dust,
+O blather puffed full of wind, O vainer than these all!
+What cause hast thou in thine own wit to have so great a trust,
+Which of thyself canst not espy the evils which on thee fall?
+The blindness of the outward man Philologus show shall,
+At his return unless I can at last make him relent;
+For why the Lord him to correct in furious wrath is bent.
+
+                                             [_Exit_ CONSCIENCIA.
+
+
+
+ACT V., SCENE 3.
+
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+Such chopping cheer as we have made, the like hath not been seen.
+And who so pleasant with my lord as is Philologus?
+His recantation he hath made, and is despatched clean
+Of all the griefs which unto him did seem so dangerous:
+Which thing, you know, was brought to pass especially by us,
+So that Hypocrisy hath done that which Satan did intend,
+That men for worldly wealth should cease the gospel to defend.
+What shall become of foolish goose, I mean Philologus,
+In actual manner to your eyes shall represented be;
+For though as now he seems to be in state most glorious,
+He shall not long continue so, each one of you shall see.
+But needs I must be packing hence: my fellows stay for me.
+Shake hands, before we do depart; you shall see me no more;
+And though Hypocrisy go away, of hypocrites here is good store.
+
+                                              [_Exit_ HYPOCRISY.
+
+
+
+ACT V., SCENE 4.
+
+
+    PHILOLOGUS, GISBERTUS, PAPHINITIUS.
+
+[PHILOLOGUS.]
+Come on, my children dear, to me, and let us talk awhile
+Of worldly goods, which I have got, and of my pleasant state
+Which fortune hath installed me, who on me cheerly smile,
+So that unto the top of wheel she doth me elevate.
+I have escaped all mishaps of which my Conscience did prate,
+And where before I ruled was, as is the common sort,
+Now as a judge within this land I bear a ruler's port.
+
+GISBERTUS.
+Indeed, good father, we have cause to praise your gravity,
+Who did both save yourself from woe, and us from begging state;
+Where if you had persevered still, as we did fear greatly,
+Your good from us your children should to legate be confiscate:
+Our glorious pomps, then, should we have been glad for to abate.
+
+PAPHINITIUS.
+But now not only that you had for us, but also have
+Such offices, whereby more gains you year by year shall save.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+I was at point once very near to have been quite forlorn,
+Had not Suggestion of the flesh from folly me reclaimed,
+And set this glass of worldly joys my sight and eyes beforn,
+The sight whereof did cause all things of me to be disdained.
+I thought I had felicity when it I had obtained;
+And to say truth, I do not care what to my soul betide,
+So long as this prosperity and wealth by me abide.
+But let us homeward go again, some pastime there to make:
+My whole delight in sport and games of pleasure I repose.
+
+    [_Enter_ HORROR.]
+
+HORROR.
+Nay, stay thy journey here awhile: I do thee prisoner take.
+I shall abate thy pleasures soon--yea, too soon, thou wilt suppose.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+What is thy name? whence comest thou? wherefore? to me disclose--
+
+HORROR.
+My name is call'd Confusion and Horror of the mind,
+And to correct impenitents of God I am assign'd,
+And for because thou dost despise God's mercy and his grace,
+And wouldst no admonition take by them that did thee warn,
+Neither when Conscience counselled thee, thou wouldst his words embrace,
+Who would have had thee unto God obedience true to learn;
+Nor couldst between Suggestion's craft and Conscience' truth discern:
+Behold, therefore, thou shalt of me another lesson hear,
+Which (will thou, nill thou,) with torment of Conscience thou shalt bear.
+And where thou hast extinguished the Holy Spirit of God,
+And made him weary with thy sins, which daily thou hast done,
+He will no longer in thy soul and spirit make abode,
+But with the graces, which he gave to thee, now is he gone:
+So that to Godward by Christ's death rejoicing thou hast none.
+The peace of Conscience faded is; instead whereof I bring
+The spirit of Satan, blasphemy, confusion and cursing.
+The glass likewise of vanities, which is thine only joy,
+I will transform into the glass of deadly desperation,
+By looking in the which thou shalt conceive a great annoy.
+Thus have I caught thee in thy pride, and brought thee to damnation;
+So that thou art a pattern true of God's just indignation:
+Whereby each man may warned be the like sins to eschew,
+Lest the same torments they incur, which in thee they shall view.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+O painful pain of deep disdain, O griping grief of hell!
+O horror huge, O soul suppress'd, and slain with desperation!
+O heap of sins, the sum whereof no man can number well!
+O death, O furious flames of hell, my just recompensation!
+O wretched wight, O creature curs'd, O child of condemnation!
+O angry God and merciless, most fearful to behold!
+O Christ, thou art no Lamb to me, but Lion fierce and bold!
+
+GISBERTUS.
+Alas, dear father! what doth move and cause you to lament?
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+My sins, alas! which in this glass appear innumerable,
+For which I shall no pardon get; for God is fully bent
+In fury for to punish me with pains intolerable.
+Neither to call to him for grace or pardon am I able.
+My sin is unto death; I feel Christ's death doth me no good,
+Neither for my behoof did Christ shed his most precious blood.
+
+PAPHINITIUS.
+Alas, dear father! alas! I say, what sudden change is this?
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+I am condemned into hell these torments to sustain.
+
+GISBERTUS.
+O, say not so, my father dear; God's mercy mighty is.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+The sentence of the righteous Judge cannot be call'd again,
+Who hath already judged me to everlasting pain.
+O that my body buried were, that it at rest might be,
+Though soul were put in Judas' place, or Cain's extremity.
+
+GISBERTUS.
+O brother! haste you to the town, and tell Theologus,
+What sudden plague and punishment my father hath befell.
+
+PAPHINITIUS.
+I run in haste, and will request him for to come with us.
+
+GISBERTUS.
+O father! rest yourself in God, and all thing shall be well.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+Ah, dreadful name! which when I hear to sigh it me compel.
+God is against me, I perceive; he is none of my God,
+Unless in this, that he will beat and plague me with his rod.
+And though his mercy doth surpass the sins of all the world,
+Yet shall it not once profit me, or pardon mine offence:
+I am refused utterly, I quite from God am whurl'd.
+My name within the Book of Life had never residence;
+Christ prayed not, Christ suffered not, my sins to recompense,
+But only for the Lord's elect, of which sort I am none.
+I feel his justice towards me; his mercy all is gone.
+And to be short, within short space my final end shall be:
+Then shall my soul incur the pains of utter desolation,
+And I shall be a precedent most horrible to see
+To God's elect, that they may see the price of abjuration.
+
+GISBERTUS.
+To hear my father's doleful plaints it bringeth perturbation
+Unto my soul; but yonder comes that good Theologus--
+O welcome, sir! and welcome you, good Master Eusebius.
+
+
+
+ACT V., SCENE 5.
+
+
+    THEO. PHIL. EUSE. GIS. PAPHI.
+
+[THEOLOGUS.]
+God save you, good Philologus; how do you, by God's grace?
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+You welcome are, but I, alas! vile wretch, am here evil found.
+
+EUSEBIUS.
+What is the chiefest cause, tell us, of this your dolorous case?
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+O, would my soul were sunk in hell, so body were in ground:
+That angry God now hath his will, who sought me to confound.
+
+THEOLOGUS.
+O, say not so, Philologus, for God is gracious,
+And to forgive the penitent his mercy is plenteous.
+Do you not know that all the earth with mercy doth abound,
+And though the sins of all the world upon one man were laid,
+If he one only spark of grace or mercy once had found,
+His wickedness could not him harm: wherefore be not dismay'd.
+Christ's death alone for all your sins a perfect ransom paid:
+God doth not covet sinner's death, but rather that he may
+By living still bewail his sins, and so them put away.
+Consider Peter, who three times his master did deny;
+Yea, with an oath; and that although Christ did him warning give,
+With whom before-time he had lived so long familiarly,
+Of whom so many benefits of love he did receive;
+Yet when once Peter his own fault did at the last perceive,
+And did bewail his former crime with salt and bitter tears,
+Christ by and by did pardon him, the gospel witness bears.
+The thief likewise and murtherer, which never had done good,
+But had in mischief spent his days, yea, during all his life,
+With latest breath when he his sins and wickedness withstood,
+And with iniquities of flesh his spirit was at strife,
+Thorough that one motion of his heart and power of true belief,
+He was received into grace, and all his sins defaced,
+Christ saying, Soon in paradise with me thou shalt be placed.
+The hand of God is not abridged, but still he is of might
+To pardon them that call to him unfeignedly for grace.
+Again, it is God's property to pardon sinners quite:
+Pray therefore with thy heart to God here in this open place,
+And from the very root of heart bewail to him thy case,
+And, I assure thee, God will on thee his mercy show
+Through Jesus Christ, who is with him our advocate, you know.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+I have no faith: the words you speak my heart doth not believe.
+I must confess that I for sin am justly thrown to hell.
+
+EUSEBIUS.
+His monstrous incredulity my very heart doth grieve.
+Ah, dear Philologus! I have known by face and visage well
+A sort of men, which have been vex'd with devils and spirits fell,
+In far worse state than you are yet, brought into desperation,
+Yet in the end have been reclaimed by godly exhortation.
+Such are the mercies of the Lord, he will throw down to hell,
+And yet call back again from thence, as holy David writes.
+What should then let you trust in God? I pray you to us tell,
+Sith to forgive and do us good it chiefly him delights?
+What, would not you that of your sins he should you clean acquite?
+How can he once deny to you one thing you do request,
+Which hath already given to you his best-beloved Christ?
+Lift up your heart in hope, therefore; awhile be of good cheer,
+And make access unto his seat of grace by earnest prayer,
+And God will surely you relieve with grace, stand not in fear.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+I do believe that out from God proceed these comforts fair:
+So do the devils, yet of their health they alway do despair.
+They are not written unto me, for I would fain attain
+The mercy and the love of God, but he doth me disdain.
+How would you have that man to live, which hath no mouth to eat?
+No more can I live in my soul, which have no faith at all:
+And where you say that Peter did of Christ soon pardon get,
+Who in the selfsame sin with me from God did greatly fall,
+Why I cannot obtain the same, to you I open shall:
+God had respect to him always, and did him[57] firmly love,
+But I, alas! am reprobate; God doth my soul reprove.
+Moreover, I will say with tongue, whatso you will require:
+My heart, I feel, with blasphemy and cursing is replete.
+
+THEOLOGUS.
+Then pray with us, as Christ us taught, we do you all desire.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+To pray with lips unto your God you shall me soon entreat:
+My spirit to Satan is in thrall; I can it not thence get.
+
+EUSEBIUS.
+God shall renew your spirit again; pray only as you can,
+And to assist you in the same we pray each Christian man.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+O God, which dwellest in the heavens, and art our Father dear,
+Thy holy name throughout the world be ever sanctified,
+The kingdom of thy word and Spirit upon us rule might bear,
+Thy will in earth as by thy saints in heaven be ratified;
+Our daily bread, we thee beseech, O Lord, for us provide;
+Our sins remit, Lord, unto us, as we each man forgive:
+Let not temptation us assail; in all evil us relieve. Amen.
+
+THEOLOGUS.
+The Lord be praised, who hath at length thy spirit mollified.
+These are not tokens unto us of your reprobation:
+You mourn with tears, and sue for grace; wherefore be certified,
+That God in mercy giveth ear unto your supplication.
+Wherefore despair not thou at all of thy soul's preservation,
+And say not with a desperate heart, that God against thee is:
+He will no doubt, these pains once past, receive you into bliss.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+No, no, my friends, you only hear and see the outward part,
+Which, though you think they have done well, it booteth not at all.
+My lips have spoke the words indeed; but yet I feel my heart
+With cursing is replenished, with rancour, spite and gall:
+Neither do I your Lord and God in heart my Father call,
+But rather seek his holy name for to blaspheme and curse.
+My state, therefore, doth not amend, but wax still worse and worse.
+I am secluded clean from grace, my heart is hardened quite;
+Wherefore you do your labour lose, and spend your breath in vain.
+
+EUSEBIUS.
+O, say not so, Philologus, but let your heart be pight
+Upon the mercies of the Lord, and I you ascertain[58]
+Remission of your former sins you shall at last obtain.
+God hath it said (who cannot lie): at whatsoever time
+A sinner shall from heart repent, I will remit his crime.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+You cannot say so much to me, as herein I do know,
+That by the mercies of the Lord all sins are done away,
+And unto them that have true faith abundantly it flow;
+But whence do this true faith proceed to us, I do you pray?
+It is the only gift of God, from him it comes alway;
+I would, therefore, he would vouchsafe one spark of faith to plant
+Within my breast: then of his grace I know I should not want.
+But it as easily may be done, as you may with one spoon
+At once take up the water clean, which in the seas abide;
+And at one draught then drink it up: this shall ye do as soon,
+As to my breast of true belief one sparkle shall betide.
+Tush! you which are in prosperous state, and my pains have not tried,
+Do think it but an easy thing a sinner to repent
+Him of his sins, and by true faith damnation to prevent.
+The healthful need not physic's art, and ye, which are all hale,
+Can give good counsel to the sick their sickness to eschew;
+But here, alas! confusion and hell doth me assail,
+And that all grace from me is reft, I find it to be true.
+My heart is steel, so that no faith can from the same ensue.
+I can conceive no hope at all of pardon or of grace,
+But out, alas! Confusion is alway before my face.
+And certainly, even at this[59] time, I do most plainly see
+The devils to be about me round, which make great preparation,
+And keep a stir here in this place which only is for me:
+Neither do I conceive these things by vain imagination,
+But even as truly as mine eyes behold your shape and fashion.
+Wherefore, desired Death, despatch; my body bring to rest,
+Though that my soul in furious flames of fire be suppress'd.
+
+THEOLOGUS.
+Your mind corrupted doth present to you this false illusion;
+But turn awhile unto the spirit of truth in your distress,
+And it shall cast out from your eyes all horror and confusion,
+And of this your affliction it will you soon redress.
+
+EUSEBIUS.
+We have good hope, Philologus, of your salvation, doubtless.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+What your hope is concerning me, I utterly contemn:
+My Conscience, which for thousands stand, as guilty me condemn.
+
+EUSEBIUS.
+When did this horror first you take? what, think you, is the cause?
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+Even shortly after I did make mine open abjuration,
+For that I did prefer my goods before God's holy laws.
+Therefore in wrath he did me send this horrible vexation,
+And hath me wounded in the soul with grievous tribulation,
+That I may be a president, in whom all men may view
+Those torments which to them, that will forsake the Lord, are due.
+
+THEOLOGUS.
+Yet let me boldly ask one thing of you without offence:
+What was your former faith in Christ, which you before did hold?
+For it is said of holy Paul, in these same words in sense:
+It cannot be that utterly in faith he should be cold,
+Whoso he be, which perfectly true faith in heart once hold.
+Wherefore rehearse in short discourse the sum of your belief,
+In those points chiefly, which for health of soul are thought most chief.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+I did believe in heart that Christ was that true sacrifice,
+Which did appease the Father's wrath, and that by him alone
+We were made just and sanctified: I did believe, likewise,
+That without him heaven to attain sufficient means were none.
+But to reknowledge this again alas! all grace was gone:
+I never loved him again with right and sincere heart,
+Neither was thankful for the same, as was each good man's part.
+But rather took the faith of Christ for liberty to sin,
+And did abuse his graces great to further carnal lust.
+What wickedness I did commit, I cared not a pin;
+For that[60] Christ discharged had my ransom, I did trust:
+Wherefore the Lord doth now correct the same with torments just.
+My sons, my sons, I speak to you: my counsel ponder well,
+And practise that in deeds which I in words shall to you tell.
+I speak not this, that I would ought the gospel derogate,
+Which is most true in every part, I must it needs confess;
+But this I say, that of vain faith alone you should not prate,
+But also by your holy life you should your faith express:
+Believe me, sirs, for by good proof these things I do express.
+Peruse the writing of St James, and first of Peter too,
+Which all God's people holiness of life exhort unto.
+By sundry reasons--as for, first, because we strangers are;
+Again, sin from the flesh proceed, but we are of the spirit;
+The third, because the flesh alway against the spirit do war;
+The fourth, that we may stop the mouths of such as would backbite;
+The fifth, that other by our lives to God reduce we might:
+Again, they sing a pleasant song, which sing in deed and word,
+But where evil life ensue good words, there is a foul discord.
+But I, alas! most wretched wight, whereas I did presume
+That I had got a perfect faith, did holy life disdain:
+And though I did to other preach good life, I did consume,
+My life in wickedness and sin, in sport and pleasures vain.
+No, neither did I once contend from them flesh to refrain.
+Behold, therefore, the judgments just of God doth me annoy,
+Not for amendment of my life, but me for to destroy.
+
+EUSEBIUS.
+We do not altogether like of this your exhortation.
+Whereas you warn us not to trust so much unto our faith,
+But that good works we should prepare unto our preservation:
+There are two kinds of righteousness, as Paul to Romans saith;
+The one dependeth of good works, the other hangs of faith.
+The former, which the world allows, God counts it least of twain,
+As by good proof it shall to you in words be proved plain,
+For Socrates and Cato both did purchase great renown,
+And Aristides, surnamed Just, this righteousness fulfilled,
+Wherefore he was as justest man expell'd his native town;
+Yet are their souls with infidels in hell for ever spilled,
+Because they sought not righteousness that way that God them willed.
+The other righteousness comes from faith, which God regards alone,
+And makes us seem immaculate before his heavenly throne.
+Wherefore there is no cause you should send us to outward act,
+As to the anchor or refuge of our preservation.
+
+THEOLOGUS.
+The meaning of Philologus is not here so exact,
+As do his words make it to seem by your allegation.
+He doth not mean between good works and faith to make relation,
+As though works were equivalent salvation to attain,
+As is true faith; but what he meant, I will set down more plain.
+He did exhort the young men here by him for to beware,
+Lest, as he did, so they, abuse God's gospel pure,
+And without good advice usurp of faith the gift so rare:
+Whereby they think, whatso they do, themselves from torments free,
+And by this proud presumption God's anger should procure:
+And where they boast and vaunt themselves good faithful men to be,
+Yet in their lives they do deny their faith in each degree.
+Wherefore he saith, as Peter said: see that you do make known
+Your own election by your works. Again St James doth say,
+Show me thy faith, and by my works my faith shall thee be shown.
+And whereupon his own offence he doth to them bewray,
+Whereas he did vaingloriously upon a dead faith stay;
+Which for the inward righteousness he alway did suspect,
+And hereupon all godliness of life he did neglect.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+That was the meaning of my words, however I them spake:
+The truth, alas! vile wretch, my soul and Conscience too true feel.
+
+THEOLOGUS.
+What, do you not, Philologus, with us no comfort take,
+When all these things so godlily to you I do reveal.
+Especially sith that yourself in them are seen so well?
+Some hope unto us of your health and safety yet is left:
+We do not think that all God's grace from you is wholly reft.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+Alas! what comfort can betide unto a damned wretch?
+Whatso I hear, see, feel, taste, speak, is turned all to woe.
+
+EUSEBIUS.
+Ah, dear Philologus! think not that ought can God's grace outreach.
+Consider David which did sin in lust and murther too;
+Yet was he pardoned of his sins, and so shalt thou also.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+King David always was elect, but I am reprobate,
+And therefore I can find small ease by weighing his estate.
+He also prayed unto God which I shall never do:
+His prayer was that God would not his spirit take away;
+But it is gone from me long since, and shall be given no mo.
+But what became of Cain, of Cam, of Saul, I do you pray?
+Of Judas, and Barehu?--these must my Conscience slay--
+Of Julian Apostate, with other of that crew?
+The same torments must I abide, which these men did ensue.
+
+THEOLOGUS.
+Alas! my friend, take in good part the chastisement of the Lord,
+Who doth correct you in this world, that in the life to come
+He might you save, for of the like the Scripture bears record.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+That is not God's intent with me, though it be so with some,
+Who after body's punishment have into favour come:
+But I, alas! in spirit and soul these grievous torments bear:
+God hath condemned my conscience to perpetual grief and fear.
+I would most gladly choose to live a thousand thousand year.
+In all the torments and the grief that damned souls sustain;
+So that at length I might have ease, it would me greatly cheer:
+But I, alas! shall in this life in torments still remain,
+While God's just anger upon me shall be revealed plain,
+And I example made to all of God's just indignation.
+O, that my body were at rest, and soul in condemnation!
+
+EUSEBIUS.
+I pray you, answer me herein: where you by deep despair
+Say you are worse here in this life, than if you were in hell;
+And for because to have death come you alway make your prayer,
+As though your soul and body both in torments great did dwell,
+If that a man should give to you a sword, I pray you tell,
+Would you destroy yourself therewith, as do the desperate,
+Which hang or kill, or into floods themselves precipitate?
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+Give me a sword; then shall you know what is in mine intent.
+
+EUSEBIUS.
+Not so, my friend; I only ask what herein were your will?
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+I cannot, neither will I tell, whereto I would be bent.
+
+THEOLOGUS.
+These words do nothing edify, but rather fancies fill,
+Which we would gladly, if we could, endeavour for to kill.
+Wherefore I once again request, together let us pray,
+And so we will leave you to God, and send you hence away.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+I cannot pray; my spirit is dead, no faith in me remain.
+
+THEOLOGUS.
+Do as you can; no more than might we can ask at your hand.
+
+PHILOLOGUS,
+My prayer[61] turned is to sin; for God doth it disdain.
+
+EUSEBIUS.
+It is the Falsehood of the Spirit, which do your health withstand,
+That teach you this: wherefore in time reject his filthy band.
+
+THEOLOGUS.
+Come, kneel by me, and let us pray the Lord of Heaven unto.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+With as good will as did the devil out of the deaf man go.    [_Aside_.
+O God, which dwellest in the heavens, &c.
+Tush! sirs, you do your labours lose: see, where Belzabub doth come,
+And doth invite me to a feast: you therefore speak in vain.
+Yea, if you ask ought more of me, in answer I will be dumb:
+I will not waste my tongue for nought; as soon shall one small grain
+Of mustard-seed fill all the world, as I true faith attain.
+
+THEOLOGUS.
+We will no longer stay you now, but let you hence depart.
+
+EUSEBIUS.
+Yet will we pray continually that God would you convert.
+
+THEOLOGUS.
+Gisbertus and Paphinitius, conduct him to his place;
+But see he have good company: let him not be alone.
+
+AMBO.
+We shall so do: God us assist with his most holy grace!
+
+GISBERTUS.
+Come, father, do you not think good that we from hence be gone?
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+Let go my hands at liberty: assistance I crave none.
+O, that I had a sword awhile! I should soon eased be.
+
+AMBO.
+Alas! dear father, what do you?
+
+EUSEBIUS.
+His will we may now see.
+
+                  [_Exeunt_ Philologus, Gisbertus, Paphinitius.
+
+THEOLOGUS.
+O glorious God, how wonderful those judgments are of thine:
+Thou dost behold the secret heart; nought doth thy eyes beguile.
+O, what occasion is us given to fear thy might divine,
+And from our hearts to hate and loathe iniquities so vile,
+Lest for the same thou in thy wrath dost grace from us exile.
+The outward man doth thee not please, nor yet the mind alone,
+But thou requirest both of us, or else regardest none.
+
+EUSEBIUS.
+Here may the worldlings have a glass, their states for to behold,
+And learn in time for to escape the judgments of the Lord;
+Whilst they by flattering of themselves, of faith both dead and cold,
+Do sell their souls to wickedness, of all good men abhorr'd:
+But godliness doth not depend in knowing of the word;
+But in fulfilling of the same, as in this man we see,
+Who though he did to others preach, his life did not agree.
+
+THEOLOGUS.
+Again, Philologus witnesseth which is the truth of Christ,
+For that consenting to the Pope he did the Lord abjure,
+Whereby he teach the wavering faith on which side to persist:
+And those which have the truth of God, that still they may endure.
+The tyrants which delight in blood he likewise doth assure,
+In whose affairs they spend their time--but let us homeward go.
+
+EUSEBIUS.
+I am content that after meat we may resort him to.
+
+                              [_Exeunt_ THEOLOGUS _and_ EUSEBIUS.
+
+
+
+
+ACT VI. SCENE LAST.
+
+
+NUNTIUS.
+O joyful news which I report, and bring into your ears!
+Philologus, that would have hanged himself with cord,
+Is now converted unto God with many bitter tears:
+By godly counsel he was won, all praise be to the Lord.
+His errors all he did renounce, his blasphemies he abhorr'd,
+And being converted left his life, exhorting foe and friend,
+That do profess the faith of Christ, to be constant to the end.
+Full thirty weeks in woful wise afflicted he had been,
+All which long time he took no food, but forc'd against his will
+Even with a spoon to pour some broth his teeth between:
+And though they sought by force this wise to feed him still,
+He always strove with all his might the same on ground to spill;
+So that no sustenance he receiv'd, no sleep could he attain,
+And now the Lord in mercy great hath eas'd him of his pain.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE RARE TRIUMPHS OF LOVE AND FORTUNE.
+
+
+
+EDITION.
+
+_The Rare Triumphes of Love and Fortune, Plaide before the Queenes most
+excellent Maiestie: wherin are manye fine Conceites with great delight.
+At London, Printed by E.A. for Edward White, and are to be solde at the
+little North doore of S. Paules Church at the signe of the Gunne_. 1589.
+4 deg.. Black letter.
+
+
+
+THE RARE TRIUMPHS OF LOVE AND FORTUNE.
+
+
+THE FIRST ACT.
+
+
+    _Enter_ MERCURY: _then riseth a Fury: then enter the assembly
+    of the gods_, JUPITER _with_ JUNO, APOLLO _with_ MINERVA, MARS
+    _and_ SATURN, _after_ VULCAN _with_ VENUS: _the Fury sets debate
+    amongst them, and after_ JUPITER speaks as followeth_.
+
+JUPITER.
+Ye gods and goddesses, whence springs this strife of late?
+Who are the authors of this mutiny?
+Or whence hath sprung this civil discord here.
+Which on the sudden struck us in this fear?
+If gods that reign in skies do fall at war,
+No marvel, then, though mortal men do jar.
+But now I see the cause: thou Fury fell,
+Bred in the dungeon of the deepest hell,
+Who causeth thee to show thyself in light?
+And what thy message is, I charge thee tell upright?
+
+TISIPHONE.
+O Jupiter, thou dreadful king of gods, and men the father high,
+To whose command the heavens, the earth, and lowest hell obey,
+Tisiphone, the daughter of eternal night,
+Bred in the bottom of the deepest pit of hell,
+Brought up in blood, and cherish'd with scrawling snakes,
+Tormenting therewithal the damned souls of them
+Here upon earth, that careless live of thy commandment;
+I am the same--
+I am the same whom both my loathsome sisters hate,
+Whom hell itself complains to keep within her race,
+Whom every fearful soul detesteth with a curse,
+Whom earth and seas defy, heavens loathing to behold;
+I am the same--
+I am the same sent from thy brother Pluto now,
+Thy brother Pluto, king of hell and golden mines;
+Sent unto thee and these thy fellow-gods I am,
+From him to thee, from him by me, to tell thee to thy face
+He hath been lately rubb'd, and touch'd perhaps too near;
+Which he ne can or will put up without revenge,
+If thou or any god the quarrel dare defend.
+And this it is--
+Thy daughter Venus, thy proud daughter Venus here,
+Blabs it abroad, and beareth all the world in hand,[62]
+She must be thought the only goddess in the world,
+Exalting and suppressing whom she likes best,
+Defacing altogether Lady Fortune's grace;
+Breaking her altars[63] down, dishonouring her name,
+Whose government thyself, thyself dost know.
+How say'st thou? dost thou not?--
+Her father, therefore, thy brother Pluto, sends
+By me, the messenger of discord and debate,
+Commanding or desiring--choose thou whether of both--
+Her honour still entire[64] she may maintain;
+Else on thy daughter Venus, that lascivious dame,
+Himself will wreak his high despite on her.
+
+JUPITER.
+Depart, foul fiend, unto thy loathsome cell,
+Where thou lamenting makes continual moan!
+Go tell my brother, were it not for him,
+Thou shouldst have rued thy bold presumption.
+Say thou thy message hath been largely heard,
+And bid him send his daughter Fortune, now,
+Whilst we are here, the matter may have end.
+Despatch.
+
+TISIPHONE.
+I go--
+Give place, thou air; open, thou earth; gape, hollow hell, below;
+And unto all that live and breathe I wish a world of woe.
+                                                  [_Exit_ TISIPHONE.
+
+JUPITER.
+Ye powers divine, be reconcil'd again;
+Depart from discord and extreme debate:
+Within your breasts let love and peace remain,
+A perfect pattern of your heavenly state,
+Whilome ago[65] to hell condemning hate.
+Thus, when the higher powers is in one,[66]
+Men upon earth will fly contention.
+
+MERCURY.
+Great god and father mine, your care and fear
+Of us, and eke of all the world beside,
+That restless rolls in his continual sphere,
+Whereby all things in perfect course abide,
+As one arrays[67] another forth to slide:
+And this example may prevail for all,
+To work our wills according to your call.
+And I dare say, presuming on the rest,
+The poison of this rancour is suppress'd.
+
+VULCAN.
+How ye agree, my masters, I cannot tell;
+[_To Venus_.] But, were we a-bed, we two could agree well.
+
+JUPITER.
+Gramercy, Mercury; I know thy will
+Is ever prest to further my desire:
+In sign whereof, to quiet all things well,
+And to suppress betimes the secret fire,
+That I perceive would break and mount up higher:
+This to prevent, content ye here to stay,
+To mark awhile what for themselves they say.
+And, Venus, here I charge thee on my grace,
+Not that I found thee heretofore untrue,
+But for thine adversary is not yet in place,
+Thou tell uprightly whence your quarrel grew;
+What words betwixt you thereof did ensue.
+Say, lovely daughter; tell us flat thy mind:
+They shall be blamed on whom the fault we find.
+
+VENUS.
+O thou, that governest everything, that gods and men attempt,
+And with thy fearful thunderbolt their doings dost prevent,
+What hath thy daughter so deserved? what doth she, silly dame,
+Before ye thus to be abused with undeserved blame?
+Surely, but that my[68] duty commands me now to speak,
+For such a trifling cause this way my wrath I would not wreak.
+But she--no marvel though she seek my seat thus to stain,
+When otherways she cannot tell advantage how to gain.
+But thence this hot despite: _Hinc illae lacrimae_,
+Because, I say, she could not prove herself of power with me.
+For, all you godheads know, she pains but such as pleasure knew:
+She never grieves the groaning mind, where gladness never grew.
+She never overthrows but at the top of joy;
+For they that never tasted bliss mislike not their annoy.
+But I torment the mind that never felt relief;
+I plague the wretch that never thought on comfort in his grief,
+That never had the hope of any happy chance,
+That never once so much as deem'd I would his state advance.
+Think, then, which of us both are of the greater power:
+Once in his life, or not at all, to grant a light'ning hour?
+I need not stand to make rehearsal here at all,
+For gods and ghosts, yea, men and beasts, unto my power are thrall.
+I dare appeal to you, if I should look awry--
+Say, father, with your leave, in heaven who dares my word deny?
+And if I please to smile, who will not laugh outright?
+Whereby my great omnipotence is known to every wight.
+I make the noble love the bastard in degree;
+I tame and temper all the tongues that rail and scoff at me.
+What bird, what beast, what worm, but feeleth my delight?
+What lives or draweth breath, but[69] I can pleasure or despite?
+Yet divers things there be that Fortune cannot tame;
+As are the riches of the mind, or else an honest name,
+Or a contented heart, still free from Fortune's power:
+But such as climb, before they crawl, must drink the sweet with sour.
+Thyself, O Jupiter, didst grant sometimes to me,
+Of all things here beneath the moon I should the ruler be:
+Thou say'st I did deserve the honour of that praise;
+Thyself didst once devise whereby my glory first to raise.
+Is this my sovereignty? is this so glorious?
+Is this becoming thy renown, to quit thy daughter thus?
+
+JUPITER.
+Fear not, fair Venus, neither be dismay'd;
+Repose thee on the warrant of my word.
+What I have promis'd, doubt not to be performed;
+The spareless destinies my will afford:
+Let this defend thee, like a trusty sword.
+But Lady Fortune cometh, now I see.
+Welcome, fair dame; what is thy will with me?
+
+    [_Enter_ FORTUNE.]
+
+FORTUNE.
+Ye sacred powers divine, how should I now begin,
+Or which way should I couch my words, your favours for to win?
+I may pour out my plaint, but thou may'st it redress.
+My father humbly prayeth you to give me leave to speak,
+And pardon him that in his wrath he did your quietness break.
+I cannot but confess, dread gods, I am not she,
+That seeks with Venus to compare in her supremacy.
+I am not of that power, yet am I of some might,
+Which she (usurping) challengeth to keep me from my right.
+I grant she may do much with her alluring smiles,
+But soon your godheads can perceive her words be full of wiles.
+What be the tragedies, the terrors, that she makes?
+Let's see the mighty monarchs, the kingdoms that she shakes.
+Poor soul, she soundly lives with wanton sug'red joys,
+Triumphing in her own delight upon her foolish toys.
+Sometimes she flattereth it in pleasure mix'd with pain,
+Like to a fair sunshine day overcast with clouds of rain.
+But should I reckon up what things I can confound,
+What is it then, or what hath been, or shall for aye be found?
+Is not the wonder of the world a work that soon decays?
+Therefore, ye see all earthly things are wearing out always;
+As brittle as the glass, unconstant like the mind,
+As fickle as the whirling wheel, as wavering as the wind.
+Lo, such I am that overthrows the highest-reared tower,
+That changeth and supplanteth[70] realms in twinkling of an hour,
+And send them hasty smart whom I devise to spoil,
+Not threat'ning or forewarning them, but at a smile.
+Where joy doth most abound, there I do sorrow place,
+And them I chiefly persecute that pleasure did embrace.
+What greater grief can fall to man in all his life,
+Than after sweet to taste the sour, in peace to be at strife?
+It is a biting thought that fretteth on the heart,
+To say, the time was when I joy'd, though now oppress'd with smart.
+If ever mighty king did 'scape untouch'd of me,
+If ever year, or month, or day, or if an hour might be,
+Wherein I have not us'd to practise some exchange,
+Perhaps for this authority I might be thought to range
+Too far beyond my right; but even the very stars,
+The heavens, the planets, and the seas, bear witness of my scars.
+
+VENUS.
+No more of that, good dame; you run too far at roam:
+I'll take the pains to keep you short, and call you nearer home.
+I pray you, what's your might, when all are well belov'd?
+
+FORTUNE.
+The sweetest lovers in distress the sharper storms have prov'd.
+
+VENUS.
+Perhaps for want of wealth; but if their riches slack?
+
+FORTUNE.
+They are the very instrument, whereby I work their woe.
+
+VENUS.
+What, if their friends abound, then can they never lack?
+
+FORTUNE.
+The dearest friends are scattered, when Fortune turns her toe.
+
+VENUS.
+If they be noble born, or of a princely blood?
+
+FORTUNE.
+When Fortune frowns, that may procure more harm than do them good.
+
+VENUS.
+But wise men evermore upon a rock are set.
+
+FORTUNE.
+Yet can they not escape a scourge, for Fortune hath a net.
+
+JUPITER.
+I will not in, till things be well discern'd:
+Affection shall not mar a lawful cause.
+By examples this may best be learn'd,
+In elder ages led within your laws.
+Therefore, a while hereof I mean to pause;
+And bring in, Mercury, in open view
+The ghosts of them that Love and Fortune slew.
+
+MERCURY.
+Thy word my will--
+Thou triple-headed Cerberus, give place;
+And I command thee, Charon, with thy ferryboat
+Transport the souls of such as may report
+Fortune and Love, and not in open sort.
+Let them appear to us in silent show,
+To manifest a truth that we must know.
+                [_Strikes with his rod three times_.
+
+VULCAN.
+Are ye mad, my masters? what a stir have we here.
+Lord, have mercy upon us! must the devil appear?
+Come away, wife; when I pray thee, come away.
+Down on your knees, my masters, and pray.
+
+                                   [_Music_.
+
+    _Enter the show of Troilus and Cressida_.
+
+MERCURY.
+Behold, how Troilus and Cressida
+Cries out on Love, that framed their decay.
+
+VULCAN.
+That was like the old wife, when her ale would not come,
+Thrust a firebrand in the grout, and scratch'd her bum.
+
+                                    [_Music_.
+
+    _Enter the[71] show of Alexander_.
+
+MERCURY.
+Alexander the Great, that all the world subdu'd,
+Curseth fell Fortune, that did him delude.
+
+VULCAN.
+'Tis an honest, grim sire at his first coming out, believe me;
+And ye had stood in the wind, ye might have smelt me.
+
+                                   [_Music_.
+
+    _Enter the show of Queen Dido_.
+
+MERCURY.
+Queen Dido, that Aeneas could not move,
+Stabbed herself, and yielded unto Love.
+
+VULCAN.
+The more fool she, and she were my own brother?
+If my wife would not love me, must not I love another?
+
+                                    [_Music_.
+
+    _Enter the show of Pompey and Caesar_.
+
+MERCURY.
+Pompey and Caesar, the wonders of their time,
+By froward Fortune spoiled in their prime.
+
+VULCAN.
+They were served well enough, why could not they be content
+With a roach and a red herring in the holy time of Lent?
+
+                                    [_Music_.
+
+    _Enter the show of Leander and Hero_.
+
+MERCURY.
+[Hero and] Leander presents them very loth,
+That felt the force of Love and Fortune both.
+
+FORTUNE.
+Upon him I my sovereignty did show.
+
+VENUS.
+And think you, dame, my power she did not know?
+
+FORTUNE.
+But it was I that dashed their delight.
+
+VENUS.
+After that I had proved my open might.
+
+VULCAN.
+What a scolding is here! shall it even thus be?
+You look like an honest man in the parish; I pray you, make them agree.
+
+JUPITER.
+Content ye both: I'll hear no more of this.
+And, Mercury, surcease; call out no more.
+I have bethought me how to work their wish,
+As you have often prov'd it heretofore.
+Here in this land, within that princely bower,
+There is a Prince beloved of his love,
+On whom I mean your sovereignties to prove.
+Venus, for that th[e]y love thy sweet delight,
+Thou shalt endeavour to increase their joy:
+And, Fortune, thou to manifest thy might,
+Their pleasures and their pastimes shalt[72] destroy,
+Overthwarting them with news of fresh annoy;
+And she that most can please them or despite,
+I will confirm to be of greatest might.
+
+VENUS.
+Your godhead hath devis'd, as I desire,
+And I am gladly therewithal content.
+
+FORTUNE.
+And I am prest to do as you require;
+Now shall you see the proof of my intent.
+
+[JUPITER.]
+Take up your places here to work your will:
+When you have done, the rest I shall fulfil.
+
+VULCAN.
+They are set sunning like a crow in a gutter. What, are they gone?
+And you will be quiet, sirs, they will make you good sport with their
+  scolding anon.
+Are not these a sort of good, mannerly gods to get them thus away?
+I must take the pains to overtake them, for I see they will not stay.
+
+                                     [_Exeunt omnes_.
+
+_The end of the first Act_.
+
+
+
+
+THE SECOND ACT.
+
+
+    _Enter_ HERMIONE _and_ FIDELIA.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Why then, my dear, what is the greatest prize in love?
+
+FIDELIA.
+Absence of other griefs, the greatest that loving hearts can prove.
+
+HERMIONE.
+But absence cannot minish love, or make it less in ought.
+
+FIDELIA.
+Yet nevertheless it leaves a doubt within the other's thought.
+
+HERMIONE.
+And what is that?--
+
+FIDELIA.
+Lest change of air should change the absent mind.
+
+HERMIONE.
+That fault is proper but to them whom jealousy makes blind.
+
+FIDELIA.
+O, pardon it, for that the cause from whence it springs is such.
+
+HERMIONE.
+From whence is that?
+
+FIDELIA.
+My mother says, from loving over-much.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Your author I will not admit; that rests us[73] it to prove.
+
+FIDELIA.
+Be sure it is, that jealousy proceeds of fervent love.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Can that be fervent love, wherein suspicion leads the mind?
+
+FIDELIA.
+Most fervent love, where so much love doth make the fancy blind.
+
+HERMIONE.
+But faithful love can never be, wherein suspect doth dwell.
+
+FIDELIA.
+The faithful lovers do suspect, because they love so well.
+
+HERMIONE.
+My dear Fidelia, as I think, thy love is such to me,
+So fervent, faithful and unstain'd, as purer none can be,
+Admit occasions fall out, then, that I must part from thee,
+Tell me, wilt thou mean space suspect inconstancy in me?
+
+FIDELIA.
+If so I do, impute it to the force of lovers' laws,
+That oftentimes are touch'd with fear, whereas there is no cause.
+
+                           [ARMENIO _listening_.
+
+ARMENIO.
+What have I heard? what do mine eyes behold?
+Dishonour to the house from whence I came!
+Unshamefast girl, forgetful, all too bold:
+And thou, false traitor, author of the same.
+Sufferest not, for guerdon of thy due,
+The king my father's gracious countenance,
+But must thou climb, ungrateful and untrue,
+These steps at first thine honour to advance?
+Hath Fortune promised so much hope at first,
+To make thy conquest of a prince's child?
+And should I stand to question, how thou durst
+To leave to think she might be so beguil'd?
+But words may not suffice to wreak this wrong,
+Hid under cloak of over-hardy[74] love.
+Thou[75] upstart fondling, and forborne too long,
+To give such cause thy prince's ire to move.
+
+FIDELIA.
+Nay, my good brother, take it not so whot:
+The fault is mine, and I will bear the blame.
+And to return you an answer, well I wot
+How to defend the honour of my name.
+But for my love, I am resolved in this,
+However you account of his defaults,
+With vowed affection wholly to be his,
+As one in whom I spy more special parts,
+Than fall in fondlings of the baser kind.
+To have a word not squaring with the place,
+But measure men by their unstained minds,
+Let fortune be to virtue no disgrace;
+For fortune, when and where it likes her majesty,
+With clouds can cover birth and highest degree.
+
+ARMENIO.
+What, dame, and are you shameless in your shame?
+No, mistress, no: it will not be let past;
+But, wilful wench, this new-attempted game,
+Ere it be won, will ask another cast.
+And, lady, cloak his virtues as you will,
+He'll be but as I said, a fondling still.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Erst had I thought, my lord, a man so wise as you,
+Son to a prince, scholar to him that depth of learning knew,
+Among many lessons one,[76] this rule could wisely find,
+To have the government of wrath and rancour of your mind.
+What high offence is given unto your father's grace?
+I take it nothing needful here to reason of the case:
+But stand he less content, or pleased herewithal,
+My lord, that thus you should mislike the cause is very small.
+The unremoved love I bear my lady here,
+Whose countenance my comfort is, that holds my love as dear,
+Commands me to digest such hard and bitter words,
+As not with credit of your state your honour here affords.
+Else, prince, persuade thyself, my mind were not so base
+To pocket, but for such respects, so hard and foul disgrace.
+And this,[77] lady--Hermione, for ought that men do know,
+By birth may be as nobly born as Prince Armenio.
+
+ARMENIO.
+Traitor, thou shalt not joy that proud comparison.
+
+FIDELIA.
+My good Hermione, come hence; let him alone.
+
+ARMENIO.
+Nay, dame; it likes me not that you should go.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Whether thou wilt, Armenio, she shall, though thou say no.
+
+ARMENIO.
+What, shall she, villain?
+
+FIDELIA.
+Help, help! alas!
+
+    _Enter_ PHIZANTIES [_the prince], a_ LORD, _and_
+    PENULO [_a parasite_].
+
+PHIZANTIES.
+What stir is here? what means this broil begun?
+Give me to know th'occasion of this strife?
+How falls it out? Armenio, my son,
+Hath wound receiv'd by stroke of naked knife.
+Say to me straight, what one hath done this deed?
+His blows are big that makes a prince to bleed.
+
+FIDELIA.
+My sovereign father, pardon his offence,[78]
+Whose grief of mind is greater than his wound.
+My rightful quarrel yields me safe defence,
+And here they stand that guilty must be found.
+
+ARMENIO.
+Traitor, O king, unto your majesty,
+Whose proud attempt doth touch your grace so near,
+As what may be the greatest villainy
+Upon recital shall be opened here.
+My sister and your far unworthy child,
+Forgetting love and fear of gods and thee,
+And honour of her name, is thus beguil'd
+To love this gentleman, whom here you see--
+Hermione, whom for a jewel of some price
+Old Hermet gave[79] your highness long ago.
+And for I gave rebuke to her[80] device,
+In gallant thought he would not take it so;
+But, as it seems, to do my body good--
+I thank him--deign'd himself to let me blood.
+
+PHIZANTIES.
+Hermione, and hast thou done this deed?
+And couldst thou shrine such treason in thy thought?
+Armenio, jest not with thy hurt: take heed.
+And thou, fond girl, whose stained blood hath wrought,
+How hath mine age and honour been abus'd,
+My princely care, Hermione, of thee?
+The fault so great it cannot be excus'd,
+And you enforc'd the shame thereof to see.
+But far we fear some farther ill may fall,
+Through love and hate of one and of the other:
+Her foolish love, I mean; and therewithal
+The hot disdain and stomach of her brother.
+Hermione, weigh what our pleasure is.
+Whilome, thou knowest, we entertained[81] thee willingly;
+Now, seeing thou hast done so far amiss
+To reach above thy reach unorderly,
+In milder words, because we love thee well,
+Lo, we discharge thee of our princely court:
+Thou mayest no longer with Fidelia dwell,
+Forbidden to her presence to resort.
+Behold my 'ward,[82] that am no bitter judge,
+And wend thy way, where'er thou likest to go:
+This only way I take to end the grudge,
+And stop the love that each to other owe.
+Among such haps as might my mind content,
+Whereof the gracious gods have given me store,
+I count this one, if thus I might prevent
+The furthest outrage of the swelling sore.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Alas! now have I lived too long, I see,
+Confounded so to yield to fortune's will:
+My sovereign prince offended thus with me,
+And I adjudg'd to death, though living still.
+Ah, my good lord! whom I have honoured long,
+Long may your highness joy this highest place:
+Thyself the root and cause of mine own wrong.
+But must I leave to view my lady's face,
+And, banish'd from my prince's royal court,
+Wander,[83] as erst the unhappy Oedipus,
+Whose pain my foes will make their chiefest sport--
+My most unhappy chance will have it thus.
+
+ARMENIO.
+No force forsooth: unpitied might he die,
+That to his sovereign means such villainy.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Such villainy! who ever meant more good?
+
+ARMENIO.
+The venom of thy villainy withstood.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Armenio, I forbear thee here for reverence;
+Yet, by my prince's leave, in my defence
+I may allege I lov'd thy sister here;
+Which love though I am like to buy full dear;
+Yet is her love more precious than the price.
+But since hard hap prevents our late device,
+Long live my lord, long live my lady's grace:
+God send them friends as loyal in my place;
+And, trust me, then their fortune shall be such,
+As not thy love shall ever prove so much.
+
+PHIZANTIES.
+Hermione, give me thy hand: adieu:
+Think this is done t'avoid a further ill,
+And double mischief that might else ensue.
+For my sake cease to love Fidelia still:
+Unequal love is enemy to rest.
+She is too young to love thee as she should--
+And thou, Hermione, canst conceive the rest.
+My meaning is, she loves not as we would.
+Time may afford to both your hearts' desires
+New choice to cool these newly-kindled fires.
+
+FIDELIA.
+Never, alas! never will be the day,
+That I shall leave to love Hermione.
+Sooner shall nature's course quite altered be,
+Than I shall leave, dear knight, to honour thee.
+Good father, let him stay, who, if he part,
+'Gainst law is like to steal away my heart.
+
+ARMENIO.
+May it please your grace to keep the body here,
+It's like enough the heart will hover[84] near.
+
+HERMIONE.
+My lord, laugh not oppressed souls to scorn.
+Losers, they say, may easily be forborne.
+
+PHIZANTIES.
+Forbear these words; and thou, Fidelia,
+These misbeseeming foolish fashions stay.
+Let it suffice that thou shalt live in court,
+Where, if among the jolly brave resort
+Of sundry knights of noble personage,
+Worthy thy love for gifts and parentage,
+Thou shalt espy one[85] such as we do like,
+Our favours shall not be too far to seek.
+
+FIDELIA.
+Ah, my Hermione!
+
+HERMIONE.
+Sweet lady mine, farewell.[86]
+Farewell, the courteous't dame that on earth do dwell.
+
+ARMENIO.
+Sir, now you are packing, let me know your walk,
+For I have that may not be past without some talk:
+Nor stands it with mine honour to let thee bear it clear,
+But I will make thee know Armenio's blood is dear.
+
+HERMIONE.
+My lord, I make no challenge with offence;
+But first I will prepare for my defence.
+
+ARMENIO.
+So, sir, you are aforehand: keep you so,
+And reckon of Armenio for thy vowed foe.
+Go, wend thy ways obscurer than the night,
+And Fortune for revenge plague thee with spite.
+                                          [_Exit_.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Farewell, my cruel foe; not thou nor Fortune may
+Add more unto the miseries that I have felt to-day;
+Nor but by safe return[87] unto this happy place,
+Can gods or Fortune make amends in this distressed case.
+Then cease, Hermione, to utter speech of this;
+Words not suffice this endless woe, but death, i-wis:
+And part thou from the place a dead and liveless man,
+Robb'd of thy senses and thy joy, since first this stir began.
+
+PENULO.
+Ah, good my lord, my good lord Hermione!
+
+HERMIONE.
+I am, indeed, as thou dost say, Hermione;
+For that I am Hermione, I am
+The unhappiest wight that ever hither came.
+
+PENULO.
+Ah, my good lord! would God, poor Penulo
+Might any way but mitigate this woe.
+And pleaseth it your honour to command
+My service, or the help of head or hand,
+Penulo, my worthy lord, would prove as just,
+As he whom best your honour likes to trust.
+Say what it is, wherein my secrecy
+May aid your lordship in this extremity?
+
+HERMIONE.
+Penulo, since thou so friendly here dost proffer me
+The uttermost of aid that lies in thee,
+I do remember that which, brought to pass,
+Would make me half so happy as I was.
+
+PENULO.
+Say it, my lord, and constantly I vow it,
+It shall go hard, but Penulo will do it.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Gramercy, gentle friend: then, thus it is:--
+The lady of my life Fidelia is;
+Of whom I am, I know, belov'd no less
+Than she of me, my gracious mistress,
+Sever'd by Fortune and our cruel foe,
+My lord her brother, Prince Armenio.
+Now could'st thou, Penulo, thyself behave
+On trust to bring my lady to the cave,
+Where whilome (lovers) we were wont to meet,
+In secret sort each other for to greet.
+She wots it well, and every corner knows,
+And every uncouth[88] step that thither goes:
+For what is not sharpsighted lovers see?
+This is the sum of my desire to thee.
+Accomplish this, and, this in silence done,
+My happiness will be again begun.
+
+PENULO.
+My lord, I see whereunto this talk doth tend:
+I have this lesson at my finger-end.
+No more ado; betake you to your flight:
+We'll make a plaister for the sore ere night.
+[_Aside_.] But such an one as, if it be applied,
+Shall do more grief than ease, when it is tried.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Penulo, I yield my life into thy hands.
+
+PENULO.
+Ye do, sir, as now the matter stands.    [_Aside_.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Hold, Penulo, and I will look for thee.
+
+PENULO.
+You will not look for them that come with me.    [_Aside_.
+
+HERMIONE.
+I will be gone, and live to see my dear.
+                                    [_Exit_.
+
+PENULO.
+Do so, sir, and perchance be never the near.
+This is a step that first we use to climb:
+We that, forsooth, take hold on every time.
+Men of all hours, whose credit such as spites,
+In heat forsooth hath call'd us parasites.
+But let them spite, and we will bite as fast.
+But, Penulo, thou spendest words in waste.
+A fool, Hermione, that for hurting thee
+On[89] slender trust will give a knave his fee.
+                                            [_Exit_.
+
+    _Strike up_ FORTUNE'S _triumphs with drums and trumpets_.
+
+FORTUNE.
+Behold what Fortune, if she list, can do,
+High mistress of the rolling wheel of chance,
+To overturn, and who can do thereto,
+Or graciously, when please her, to advance.
+Lo, lordings, this is Fortune's impery,
+And in her pleasure to be changing still:
+Herein consisteth Fortune's sovereignty;
+That Fortune can on earth do what she will.
+When men have builded on the surest grounds,
+Their strong devices Fortune's power confounds.
+
+    _Enter_ VENUS.
+
+VENUS.
+Not all in haste; you do not so intend:
+You have begun, but I must make an end.
+
+
+
+
+THE THIRD ACT.
+
+
+    _Enter_ BOMELIO _solus, like an_ HERMIT.
+
+BOMELIO.
+He that hath lost his hope, and yet desires to live,
+He that is overwhelm'd with woe, and yet would counsel give;
+He that delights to sigh, to walk abroad alone,
+To drive away the weary time with his lamenting moan;
+He that in his distress despaireth of relief,
+Let him begin to tell his tale, to rip up all his grief,
+And if that wretched man can more than I recite
+Of fickle Fortune's froward check and her continual spite,
+Of her inconstant change, of her discourtesy,
+I will be partner with that man to live in misery.
+When first my flow'ring years began to bud their prime,
+Even in the April of mine age and May-month of my time;
+When, like the tender kid new-weaned from the teat,
+In every pleasant springing mead I took my choice of meat;
+When simple youth devis'd to length[en] his delight,
+Even then, not dreaming I on her, she poured out her spite:
+Even then she took her key, and tuned[90] all her strings
+To sing my woe: list, lordings, now my tragedy begins.
+Behold me, wretched man, that serv'd his prince with pain,
+That in the honour of his praise esteem'd my greatest gain:
+Behold me, wretched man, that for his public weal
+Refused not with thousand foes in bloody wars to deal:
+Behold me, wretched man, whose travail, pain, and toil
+Was ever prest to save my friends from force of foreign spoil;
+And see my just reward, look on my recompense:
+Behold by this for labours past what guerdon cometh thence!
+Not by my fiercest foes in doubtful fight with us,
+But by my fawning friend[91] I was confounded thus.
+One word of his despite in question call'd my name;
+Two words of his untrusty tongue brought me to open shame.
+Then was I banished the city, court and town;
+Then every hand that held me up began to pull me down.
+O, that the righteous gods should ever grant the power,
+That smoothest sands and greenest bogs should soonest me devour.
+Yet that I might descry the better their device,
+Here have I liv'd almost five years, disguis'd in secret wise:
+And now somewhat it is, but what I cannot tell,
+Provokes me forward more than wont to leave my darksome cell,
+And in my crooked age, instead of mirth and joy,
+With broken sighs in doleful tunes to sing of mine annoy.
+
+                  [_Song_.
+
+  Go walk the path of plaint, go wander, wretched, now
+  In uncouth ways, blind corners fit for such a wretch as thou.
+  There feed upon thy woe; fresh[92] thoughts shall be thy fare,
+  Musing shall be thy waiting-maid, thy carver shall be care;
+  Thy dainty dish shall be of fretting melancholy,
+  And broken sobs with hollow sighs thy savoury sauce shall be.
+  But further ere I walk, my servant I will send
+  Into the town to buy such things as now he can intend.
+
+What, Lentulo!    [_To_ LENTULO _within_.
+
+LENTULO.
+Anon, forsooth.
+
+BOMELIO.
+What, Lentulo, come forth.
+
+LENTULO.
+Anon, forsooth.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Why, when? I say!
+
+LENTULO.
+Anon, forsooth.
+
+BOMELIO.
+You naughty lout; come out, sir knave, come away.
+
+LENTULO.
+Will you not give one leave to pull down his points? what, an a should
+  his breeches beray?
+
+    [_Enter_ LENTULO.]
+
+BOMELIO.
+Get you to the market, and buy such things as needful are for us.
+
+LENTULO.
+Such things as needful are for us! and what are those, I pray?
+First, there is needful for us a pot of porridge, for I had none this
+  many a day;
+And then, there are needful for us a feather-bed, for I lie on a
+  bottle of hay;
+And then there is most needful for us a pretty proper wench for to
+  laugh and play.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Go, buy us some victuals, and hie thee home.
+                                         [_Exit_.
+
+LENTULO.
+Now, farewell, master mine, good gentle master mome.
+Have you seen such a logger-headed fool, to say:
+Go, go, good Lentulo, to buy my victuals so, and give me money?--no!
+But for the name's sake, swounds, I were as good serve a master
+  of clouts.
+He'll do nothing all day long but sit on his arse, as my mother did
+  when she made pouts:
+And then a' looks a' this fashion, and thus and thus again; and then,
+  what do ye?
+By my troth, I stand even thus at him, and laugh at his simplismity.
+Hath the best manners in the world to bid a man fall to his meat,
+And then I say: I thank you forsooth, master, and I could tell
+  what to eat.
+We two, look you--that's I and he--can lie a-bed a whole night and a day,
+And we eat, and we had it: it vattens a man; look on my cheeks, else,
+  are they not fall'n away?
+Well, I must jog to the town, and I'll tell you what shift I make there.
+Marry, ye shall promise me not to steal it away.
+When I come to a rich man's gate, I make a low leg, and then
+  I knock there;
+And then I begin to cry in at the keyhole, that I may be sure they
+  shall hear:
+God save my good master and my good mistress, a poor boy, a piece of
+  bread and meat for God's sake!
+
+    _Enter_ PENULO.
+
+Heigh! merrily trick'd! am I not a knave for the nonce,
+That can despatch two errands at once?
+I have both told her even as I should do,
+And told my young master to meet with him too.
+Now he, like a gentleman, for the valour of his mind
+Hath sworn by his honour not to stay long behind.
+The desire of revenge pricketh him forward so,
+That I am sure he'll not let but to go,
+And that with all haste possible he may.
+Then, tantara-tara, we shall have good play.
+I like such a knave so can tickle them all,
+To set noblemen at brabble and brawl.
+
+LENTULO.
+Save you, sir, young master, and you be a gentleman?
+
+PENULO.
+Whoreson peasant, seest thou not what I am?
+
+LENTULO.
+Troth, sir, I see you have a good doublet and a pair of hose;
+But now-a-days there is so many goes
+So like gentlemen, that such a poor fellow as I
+Know not how a gentleman from a knave to spy.
+
+PENULO.
+Thou may'st perceive I am no such companion:[93]
+I am a gentleman, a courtier, and a merry frank franion.[94]
+
+LENTULO.
+Then, thou merry companion, thou whoreson frank franion,
+Why hast thou abused the law?
+What, good skipjack, in faith with thwick-thwack your bones I will claw.
+Come about, sir knave.
+
+PENULO.
+Cot's my passion, what a merry mate have we here?
+
+LENTULO.
+Give me your hand, sir: faith, I was bold to brush the dust out
+  of your gear.
+Pray, sir, tell me: they say in the country 'tis a common guise,
+That gentlemen now-a-days cannot see with both eyes.
+
+PENULO.
+It's a lie, knave: I know[95] few gentlemen blind.
+
+LENTULO.
+No, sir? what will you lay, and I can find
+One with a wet finger[96], that is stark blind?
+
+PENULO.
+It may be so, but I think thou canst not.
+
+LENTULO.
+Will you lay? do wager on it.
+
+PENULO.
+                              What should I lay?
+Thou hast no money, I am sure, to pay.
+
+LENTULO.
+No, faith, sir; but I'll tell you what our wager shall be;
+Because I am not able to lay any money,
+I'll lay three round raps on the ribs with my cudgel here.
+
+PENULO.
+Soft, let me look first if there be no blind man near.
+Content, i'faith: that bargain shall stand.
+
+LENTULO.
+Then, sir, I must be so bold as to search your purse out of hand.
+
+PENULO.
+My purse, sir? wherefore?
+
+LENTULO.
+By my troth, sir, no more but to try,
+If you be not as blind a gentleman in the purse as I.
+
+PENULO.
+I use not to carry my money in a purse.
+
+LENTULO.
+All in a pocket? well, never a whit the worse;
+I must search your pocket.
+
+PENULO.
+What, if it be elsewhere?
+
+LENTULO.
+Wheresoever it is, I must seek out this gear,
+I'll not lose my wager, that's certain.
+Very well, sir; will you put me to pain?
+
+PENULO.
+Have I never a weapon?--I'll look--I pray thee, be content.
+
+LENTULO.
+You shall have your wager, sir, as it was meant.
+
+PENULO.
+Hold thy hands, good fellow: I'll do anything for thee.
+I perceive a wise man of a fool overtaken may be.
+
+LENTULO.
+Thou blind gentleman! unless it be for my commodiosity,
+I'll teach thee to be blind, and go so bravely.
+
+PENULO.
+I'll do anything for thee, if thou strike me no more,
+Because I perceive thou art almost as poor
+As myself am, and yet there is somewhat in thee:
+I'll prefer thee to a service in the Court presently.
+
+LENTULO.
+Ha! wilt thou do so?
+
+PENULO.
+That I will.
+
+LENTULO.
+Wilt thou do so, indeed?
+Swear to me by thy ten commandments in thy creed.
+
+PENULO.
+I do so.
+
+LENTULO.
+Troth, then, we are friends: say nothing, I pray,
+And you shall see me prove a rank runaway.
+Why, when a man may be a courtier, and live at ease,
+Should a' not leave his old master to please?
+Sirrah blind gentleman, we two blind gentlemen, and [you] do
+  as thou promis'd here,
+Perhaps I may be as good to thee as two pots of beer.
+I'll go with thee, i'faith; gaw, let's be gone.
+
+PENULO.
+Soft; tarry a while: I'll go with thee anon.
+
+    _Enter_ ARMENIO.
+
+ARMENIO.
+How thinkest thou, Penulo, am I not provided now?
+
+LENTULO.
+I warrant, sir, a' shall have a cold pull of you,
+And a' begin to make another brawl.
+
+ARMENIO.
+Farewell, when thou wilt; I trust I shall
+Meet with him: am I not almost at the tree?
+
+PENULO.
+That same is it, sir.
+
+LENTULO.
+Sirrah, what's he?
+
+PENULO.
+What car'st thou I come, go thou with me.
+Why, I shall have but an ill-favoured courtier of ye.
+
+LENTULO.
+Now, for a runaway, God send us good chance.
+Then, maids, at your marriage I mean me to dance.
+                                             [_Exit_.
+
+ARMENIO.
+Now serves the time to wreak me of my foe--
+My bastard foe--that to dishonour me
+In privy corners seeks to shame me so,
+That my discredit might his credit be.
+And hath my father from his tender youth
+Vouchsaf'd to bring thee up? did I therefore
+Believe so earnestly thy perjur'd truth,
+Advancing still thine honour evermore,
+That, not contented with a common wrack,
+Thou shouldst intend the ruin of us all;
+And when thou seemd'st afraid to turn thy back,
+To make a glory of our greater fall?
+Before thou triumph in thy treachery,
+Before thou 'scape untouched for thy sin,
+Let never Fates nor Fortune favour me,
+But wretched let me live and die therein.
+Few words shall serve, my deeds shall prove it now
+That, ere I sleep, I mean to meet with you.
+                                         [_Exit_.
+    _Enter_ FIDELIA.
+
+FIDELIA.
+Behold the shifts that faithful love can make;
+See what I dare adventure for thy sake.
+In case extreme make virtue of a need,
+But hence the grief which maketh my heart to bleed.
+My love and life, wherever that thou be,
+I am in dole constrain'd to follow thee:
+Hence sprung the hell of my tormented mind,
+The fear of some misfortune yet behind.
+If thou escape the peril of distress,
+My fear and care is twenty times more less.
+No reason 'tis that I should live in joy,
+When thou art wrapt in fetters of annoy;
+Nor to that end I swear to be thy wife,
+To live in peace with thee and state of life;
+But as to dwell at ease in pleasure's lap,
+Even so to bear some part of thy mishap,
+And so to draw in equal portion still
+Of both our fortunes, either good or ill.
+And sith the lots of our unconstant fate
+Have turn'd our former bliss to wretched state,
+I am content to tread the woful dance,
+That sounds the measure of our hapless chance.
+I'll wait thy coming; long thou wilt not stay:
+High Jove defend and keep thee in the way!
+
+    _Enter_ BOMELIO.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Now weary lay thee down, thy fortune to fulfil:
+Go, yield thee captive to thy care, to save thy life or spill.
+The pleasures of the field, the prospect of delight,
+The blooming trees, the chirping birds, are grievous to thy sight.
+The hollow, craggy rock, the shrieking owl to see,
+To hear the noise of serpent's hiss, that is thy harmony.
+For as unto the sick all pleasure is in vain,
+So mirth unto the wounded mind increaseth but his pain.
+But, heavens! what do I see? thou nymph or lady fair,
+Or else thou goddess of the grove, what mak'st thee to repair
+To this unhaunted place, thy presence here unfit?
+
+FIDELIA.
+Ancient father, let it not offend thee any whit,
+To find me here alone. I am no goddess, I,
+But a mortal maid, subject to misery.
+And better that I might lament my heavy moan,
+I secret came abroad to recreate myself awhile alone.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Take comfort, daughter mine, for thou hast found him then,
+That is of others all that live the most accursed'st man.
+O, I have heard it said, our sorrows are the less,
+If in our anguish we may find a partner in distress.
+
+FIDELIA.
+O father! but my grief relieved cannot be:
+My hope is fled, my help in vain, my hurt my death must be.
+Yet not the common death of life that here is led,
+But such a death as ever kills, and yet is never dead.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Fair maid, I have been well acquainted with that fit:
+Sometime injured with the like, I learn to comfort it.
+Come, rest thee here with me, with[in] this hollow cave;
+There will I reckon up at large the horrors that I have.
+
+FIDELIA.
+I thank you, father; but I must needs walk another way.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Nay, gentle damsel, be content a while with me to stay.
+
+FIDELIA.
+The longer that I stay with you, the greater is my grief.
+
+BOMELIO.
+The longer that you stay with me, the sooner is relief.
+
+FIDELIA.
+I am provided other ways; good father, let me go.
+
+BOMELIO.
+To him that off'reth thee no wrong, be not uncourteous so.
+
+FIDELIA.
+Perhaps another time I'll come, and visit thee.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Both then and now, if so you please, you shall right welcome be.
+
+    [_Enter_ ARMENIO.
+
+ARMENIO.
+Shall she be welcome unto thee, old wretch, indeed?
+I'll welcome both of you: come, maid, away with speed.
+
+FIDELIA.
+O brother!
+
+ARMENIO.
+Brother! Peace!
+
+FIDELIA.
+Good father, help me now.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Have I no weapons, wretch that I am? Well, youth, I'll meet with you.
+
+ARMENIO.
+Must you be gone? is this your meeting-place?
+Come, get you home; and pack you, sir, apace.
+Were't not for reverence of thine age, I swear,
+Thou should'st accurse the time I met thee here.
+But, i'faith, sister, my father shall welcome you.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Go tell thine errand, if thou canst.
+
+FIDELIA.
+Hermione, adieu;
+Ten times adieu: farewell for ever now.
+
+ARMENIO.
+I thank thee. Fortune, that thou didst this deed allow.
+                                                   [_Exeunt_.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Thou heaven and earth, and ye eternal lamps
+That restless keep his course in order due;
+Thou, Phoebe bright, that scatterest the damps
+Of darksome night, I make my plaints to you.
+And thou, Alecto, hearken to my call;
+Let fall a serpent from thy snaky hair;
+Tisiphone, be swift to plague them all,
+That make a pastime of my care and fear!
+And thou, O Jove, that by thy great foresight
+Rulest the earth and reign'st above the skies;
+That wreak'st the wrongs of them that master right
+Against the wretches that thy name despise.
+And Rhadamanth, thou judge of hateful hell,
+Where damned ghosts continual moaning make,
+Send forth a fury that may further well
+The just revenge that here I undertake.
+Henceforth accursed be thou evermore,
+Accursed all thou tak'st in hand to do,
+The time, the day, accursed be the hour,
+The earth, the air, and all that 'long thereto!
+Dole and despair henceforth be thy delight,
+Wrapped now in present and woes to come,
+To wail the day and weep the weary night;
+And from this time henceforth I strike thee dumb.
+Think'st thou I knew thee not? Yes, well, i-wis,
+And that thy sister, daughter to my prince.
+Now brag abroad what thou hast got by this:
+So live thou dumb: that be thy recompense;
+And when thy ghost forsakes thy body quite,
+Vengeance I wish upon thy soul to light.
+
+    _Enter_ HERMIONE.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Good even, good father: pardon my rudeness here.
+
+BOMELIO.
+O joy and grief! I will dissemble yet my cheer.    [_Aside_.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Good sir, methought I heard you speak of one right now,
+Daughter unto a prince: that made me bold to trouble you.
+
+BOMELIO.
+I spake of such an one indeed.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Why, do you know her name?
+
+BOMELIO.
+Fidelia. Why do you ask? What, do you know the same?
+
+HERMIONE.
+Yea, father, that I do: I know, and knew her well.
+But did you wish those plagues to light on her, I pray you tell?
+
+BOMELIO.
+On her! the gods forbid; but on that wretched wight
+Her brother, that from hence right now perforce convey'd her quite.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Alas! what do I hear? Good father, tell me true,
+Hath she been here?
+
+BOMELIO.
+She was.
+
+HERMIONE.
+She was! Where is she now?
+
+BOMELIO.
+Gone back again.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Gone back! With whom?
+
+BOMELIO.
+Her brother.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Her brother! How?
+
+BOMELIO.
+He secret watched here; and when she should have stay'd
+Awhile with me, he rushed out and her from hence convey'd.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Confounded in my grief! And can it suff'red be?
+And shall he make a brag at home of his despite to me?
+First let me die a thousand deaths; draw, run and meet with him.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Tarry, my son; it is in vain: they are now[97] at home, I ween.
+Let him alone; he will not make great reck'ning of his gain.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Wretch that thou art for lingering! everlasting shall be thy pain;
+Continual thy complaint, aye-during still thy woe,
+Why mad'st thou not more haste to come, and first of all to know?
+
+BOMELIO.
+Content thyself, my son; torment not so thy mind:
+Assuage the sorrows of thy heart, in hope some help to find.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Some help! O father, no; all help comes too late.
+I am the man of all alive[98] the most unfortunate.
+
+BOMELIO.
+I[99] see thy loyalty, I see thy faithful love,
+Else never durst thou this attempt adventured to prove.
+Take comfort thereby, my son.
+
+HERMIONE.
+I am the man, I say,
+That Love and Fortune once advanc'd, but now have cast away.
+The joy, the sweet delight, the rest I had before,
+Fell to my lot that now the loss, my plague, might be the more.
+O Fortune! froward dame, wilt thou be never sure?
+Most constant in inconstancy I see thou wilt endure.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Accuse not Fortune, son, but blame thy love therefor;
+For I perceive thou art in love, and then[ce] thy trouble is more.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Father, if this be love: to lead a life in thrall,
+To think the rankest poison sweet, to feed on honey-gall;
+To be at war and peace, to be in joy and grief,
+Then farthest from the hope of help, where nearest is relief;
+To live and die, to freeze and sweat, to melt and not to move;
+If it be this to live in love, father, I am in love.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Why did you not possess your lady then at home?
+
+HERMIONE.
+At home! where is it, sir? alas! for I have none.
+Brought up I know not how, and born I know not where,
+When I was in my childhood given unto my prince, then here,
+Of[100] whom I cannot tell, wherefore I little know.
+But now cast out to seek my fate, unhappy where I go.
+Then dare I not be seen; here must I not abide.
+Did ever more calamities unto a man betide?
+
+BOMELIO.
+My heart will burst, if I forbear amidst this misery.
+Behold, thy father thou hast found, my son Hermione!
+Thy father thou hast found, thy father--I am he.
+
+HERMIONE.
+But is it possible my father you should be?
+
+BOMELIO.
+Even from my first exile here have I liv'd forlorn,
+And once I gave thee to my prince, for thou wast noble-born;
+And now he gives me thee, and welcome home again!
+
+HERMIONE.
+This is my recompense for all my former pain.
+Dear father, glad I am to find you here alive:
+By your example I may learn with froward chance to strive.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Come, son, content thee now within a cave to dwell.
+I will provide for thy redress, and all things shall be well.
+A darksome den must be thy lofty lodging now.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Father, I am well content to take such part as you.
+Here is a breathing-fit[101] after hard mischance.
+O gracious Venus! once vouchsafe thy servants to advance.
+
+             _Strike up a noise of viols_: VENUS' _triumph_.
+
+    [_Enter_ VENUS.]
+
+VENUS.
+Behold what Love can work for their delight
+That put affiance in her deity.
+Though heaven and earth against them bend their might,
+Yet in the end theirs is the victory:
+I will in them, and they triumph in me.
+Let Fortune frown, I will uphold their state,
+Yea, seem they never so unfortunate.
+
+FORTUNE.
+Brag not too much: what, think'st thou I have done?
+Nay, soft, not yet: my sport is not begun.
+
+                                      [_Music, Music_.
+
+
+
+
+THE FOURTH ACT.
+
+
+    _Enter_ PENULO _and_ LENTULO.
+
+PENULO.
+Come away with thy basket, thou loggerheaded jack.
+I think thy basket be cloven to thy back.
+
+LENTULO.
+My back and my basket; look, dost thou not see,
+When my basket is on my back, then my back is under me?
+And, O this basket, wott'st thou wherefore I keep it so close?
+For all the love of my heart within this basket goes.
+
+PENULO.
+Thy love, with a wanion![102] are you in love, sir, then,
+  with your leave?
+
+LENTULO.
+What an ass art thou: couldst thou not all this time perceive,
+That I never sleep but when I am not awake,
+And I eat and I eat till my belly would ache?
+And I fall away like a gammon of bacon.
+Am I not in love when I am in this tacon?[103]
+Call'st thou this the court? would I had ne'er come thither
+To be caught in Cupido. I faint, I faint! O, gather me, gather me!
+                                                [_Pretends to swoon_.
+
+PENULO.
+Come up, and be hang'd. Alack, poor Lentulo!    [_Aside_.
+Tell me with whom thou art in love so.
+
+LENTULO.
+You kill me, and you make me tell her name. No, no.
+O terrible torments, that trounce in my toe!
+Love, my masters, is a parlous matter! how it runs out of my nose!
+It's now in my back, now in my belly; O, now in the bottom of my hose.
+
+PENULO.
+The pestilence! there, what is she, my boy?
+I'll make her love thee again, be she never so coy.
+
+LENTULO.
+Wilt thou so? O gods of love! that word plucks up my heart,
+I'll tell thee, sirrah--even as we two at the court-gate did wait,
+Did'st thou not mark a goodly lady, O lady, lady![104]
+Why should not I as well as he, my dear lady?
+Did'st thou not see her come in with a golden lock?
+She had a fine gown on her back, and a passing nether-stock.
+
+PENULO.
+Well, sir, proceed: I remember her very well.
+It's the Duke's daughter the sot means, I can tell.    [_Aside_.
+
+LENTULO.
+Now, sirrah, there was a little dappard[105] ass with her,
+  that went before:
+When I saw him, I came in sneaking more and more.
+To have heard them talk; ah! crouching on is good;
+For when he had talk['d] awhile, I had come in with, ay forsooth, no
+   forsooth, that I would,
+And she would have look'd upon me: then more 'quaintance we should have.
+
+PENULO.
+An excellent device. Ah, sirrah! you are an excellent knave.
+
+LENTULO.
+_Tu autem, tu[106] autem_: I have it in me. But, sirrah, wott'st thou
+  what now?
+As God juggle me, when I came near them, I tell thee true,
+The same squall[107] did nothing but thus: I know what's what;
+And I ran before him, and did thus too.
+                                          [_Strikes_ PENULO.
+
+PENULO.
+A pox upon you, what meant you by that?
+
+LENTULO.
+What mean I? marry, sir, he meant to give her a box on the ear, if she
+  spake to me,
+And I meant to give him another box on the ear, sir, he should see.
+
+PENULO.
+You should have bestow'd it where you meant it, then.
+Must you strike me, and mean other men?
+
+LENTULO.
+'Twas nothing, fellow, but for 'sample's sake.
+
+PENULO.
+Well, sir, I am content this once it to take.
+But, sirrah, you must know that squall is the duke's son,
+That now by mischance is stroken stark dumb,
+In fetching home his sister, that ran away from hence.
+
+LENTULO.
+Is she then a runaway? O passing wench!
+I thought as much; now, good Lord, to see
+That she and I now akin should be.
+O cuckally[108] luck! O heavy chance, O!
+I runaway, she runaway: go together, go!
+
+PENULO.
+But all the court laments, and sore weeps for it.
+
+LENTULO.
+All the court? thou liest: the Court-gate weeps not a whit.
+
+    _Enter_ BOMELIO, _like a counterfeit Physician_.
+
+BOMELIO.
+_Bien[109] venu, chi diue ve mi nou intendite signeur, no_.
+I have a piece of work in hand now, that all the world must not know.
+
+LENTULO.
+Cock's nowns, the devil! a-God's name, what's he?
+
+PENULO.
+Some Spaniard or foreign stranger he seems to be.
+
+BOMELIO.
+_Dio vou salvi, signore, e voutre gratio pavero mouchato_.
+
+LENTULO.
+I have no pleasure in thee: I pray thee, get thee gone.
+
+PENULO.
+What would you, sir?
+
+BOMELIO.
+_Monsieur, par ma foy_, am one have the grand knowledge in the skience
+  of fiskick.
+Can make dem hole have been all life sick;
+Can make to seco see, and te dumb speak;
+Can make te lame go, and be ne'er so weak.
+
+PENULO.
+Can you so, sir? what countryman are you, I pray?
+
+BOMELIO.
+E be Italian, Neapolitan: e come a Venice[110] a toder day.
+
+LENTULO.
+And you can speak any pedlar's French,[111] tell me what I say.
+
+BOMELIO.
+_Ne point entende, signior_.
+
+LENTULO.
+You are an ass. I can spose him, I.
+
+BOMELIO.
+_Monsieur, parle petit_: e heard now hereby,
+Dere be a nobel man dumb, dat made me stay:
+If me no help him, me carry no head away.
+
+PENULO.
+Will you venture your head to help him, indeed?
+Well, sir, I'll tell the Duke with all possible speed.
+Tarry me[112] here: I'll return by and by.
+Excellent luck! it falls out happily.
+                                         [_Exit_.
+
+LENTULO.
+Will you venture your head, sirrah, blockhead you?
+
+BOMELIO.
+You be de ass-head, me can tell dat's true.
+
+LENTULO.
+Swounds! O, but that I am in love, thou shouldst know
+What 'twere to move my vengeance so!
+
+BOMELIO.
+Come heter, sirrah; me speak with you: me can tell
+You are de runaway from your ma'ter; ah, very well.
+
+LENTULO.
+You gods and devils eke, what do you mean to do?
+Shall I be known a runaway, for and to shame me too?
+I a runaway, sirrah? go with your uplandish, go:
+I am no runaway, I would you should know.
+
+BOMELIO.
+You no runaway from your ma'ter in de wood,
+When he send you to market? Ah, no point good!
+
+LENTULO.
+O furies fell, and hags of hell, with all that therein be!
+What, do ye mean to shame me clean, and tell him then of me?
+Hear you, sirrah: you are no devil; mass, and I wist you were,
+I would lamback[113] the devil out of you, for all your gear.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Diavolo? ah, fie! me no diavolo, me very fury.
+Let-a me see your basket: what meat you buy?
+
+LENTULO.
+Look in my basket! O villain, rascal, tarry, stay!
+Hath opened it? out alas! my love is quite flown away.
+My love is gone, my love is gone out of the basket there,
+Prepare therefore to kill thyself: farewell, my friends so dear.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Ah, vat-a you do, man?
+
+LENTULO.
+Uplandish, hence away.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Vat-a you do, man? no point yourself to slay.
+Come de be hang-a.[114]
+
+LENTULO.
+Alas! O my neck, alas!
+O frying-pan of my head! uplandish, now, cham worse than ever was.
+Adieu! farewell, farewell, my love.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Your love? if you be in love, den do as I bid do,
+And you shall 've[115] your love away wit' you, too.
+
+LENTULO.
+Uplandish, O my friend! if thou do so for me,
+Hold here my hand: thy fellow, friend, and partner will I be.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Go you ten, and get-a me some fine, fine, fine colosse,
+And wit' te marigol' leaf all-to mus your nose.
+
+LENTULO.
+Ah, my nose, my nose! O God, is my nose in my hand?
+Uplandish, leave your signs; without them I can understand.
+
+BOMELIO.
+And come a me heter wit' a gold ring in your mouth fast:
+E make de lady go wit' you weter list at last.
+
+LENTULO.
+O, let me 'brace thy cursed corpse! O, now I live again!
+I will go get apparel straight, although be to my pain.
+'Tis th'apparel, a marigol', and a ring.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Noting else, and you tem bring.
+
+LENTULO.
+Bring them? yes, I warrant thee, I'll bring them by and by.
+Now, goodman Venus, lend thy hand, and lady Vulcan high.
+                                                     [_Exit_.
+
+BOMELIO.
+A good beginning. I am not descri'd:
+They know not me, but I know them too well.
+Disguised thus their counsels may be tri'd,
+And I may safe return unto my cell;
+Where I have left my solitary son,
+'Twixt hope and fear, in doubt and danger too,
+Till I return to tell him what is done,
+Which for his sake I have devis'd to do.
+Eternal gods, that know my true intent,
+And how unjustly wronged I have been,
+Vouchsafe all secret dangers to prevent,
+And further me, as yet you do begin.
+Sufficeth you my travail heretofore,
+My hunger, cold, and all my former pain.
+Here make an end, and plague me now no more:
+Contented, then, at rest I will remain.
+But hark! some comes: dissemble, then, again.
+
+    _Enter the_ DUKE, _his_ Son, _and_ PENULO.
+
+PENULO.
+My lord, yon is the man whom I have told to you.[116]
+
+DUKE.
+My friend, I am inform'd that by thy worthy skill
+In physic, thou art able to recover at thy will
+The strangest cures that be: if this be true indeed,
+As grant the gods it may, I pray thee then with speed
+Provide for our relief: recover this my son,
+Unto his speech, whom here thou seest before us to be dumb.
+
+BOMELIO.
+You no take care for dat, me nobel prince;
+Me make him speak again, or me ne'er come hence.
+
+DUKE.
+Thrice welcome, then, to us: despatch it out of hand,
+And thou shalt bless the time that e'er thou cam'st unto our land.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Let-a me see him. You hear me?
+Ah, dat vel: turn heter; no like it truly.
+
+PENULO.
+By the mass, this physic is an excellent art;
+It picks such a deal of gold out of every part.    [_Aside_.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Vell, vell; me now see vat this matter mean.
+Nobel prince, dis ting be done by mashic clean.
+'Tis true dat me tell, me perceive it plain:
+No natural 'pediment, but cunshering certain.
+
+DUKE.
+O double, treble woe! my son, how cometh this?
+He saith by magic it is wrought, unnatural it is.
+Dost thou remember aught, that so it should appear,
+Or can'st thou any reason make it should be true we hear?
+What means he by these signs? can any one express?
+
+PENULO.
+If you give me leave, sir, to say as I guess,
+Methinks he should mean there was some old man,
+That threatened to be revenged on him then.
+'Tis so you may see: he confirms it again.
+
+DUKE.
+Condemned be that man to everlasting pain,
+Perpetual his annoy, continual his unrest!
+O, that I had him here to plague as I thought best!
+But, learned sir, is there no way, is there no remedy?
+Can there be found out no device the charm to mollify?
+Good sir, if anything, whatever that it be,
+Let spare no cost, my will is such, I will allow it thee.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Indeed, and by my trot', dar is o' thing,
+But me am vera let' de same to bring;
+Yit wit'out dat me am seawer,[117] me tell,
+Your son again be never more well.
+
+DUKE.
+Good father, tell it me: whatever should befall,
+Mine be the danger, mine the loss, you shall be pleased for all.
+In any case, express it then.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Fait', then me will.
+If you no have your son be so dumb still.
+You mus' get-a de grand enemy dat he now have,
+And in de tenderest part his dearest blood crave:
+Derwit' mus' you wash his tongue-a string.
+Noting but dat will his speech bring.
+
+DUKE.
+The dearest blood in the tenderest part
+Of his great enemy? O, grief to my heart!
+Will nothing else cure his disease?
+
+BOMELIO.
+Noting, by my trot'; but do as you please.
+
+DUKE.
+My son, my wretched son! and whom dost thou suppose
+Thy greatest enemy amongst thy father's foes?
+It is Hermione: 'tis he, and none but he.
+He hath now proved himself, indeed, thy greatest enemy.
+Where lives the wretch? That he were ta'en, and we revenged be?
+
+PENULO.
+And must his dearest blood, in his tenderest part,
+Help him in his speech? that's an excellent art.
+But what part is that, my masters, now about a man
+That is the tenderest? guess it, and you can.
+I can tell what part a woman thinks tenderest to be,
+And there is dear blood in it--but _benedicite_.
+And do you think, sir, there is none but he,
+That can be thought his greatest enemy?
+I have heard it said, there is no hate
+Like to a brother or sister's, if they fall at debate.
+I will not say, but you may think it as well as I,
+If you mark since her coming home his sister's cruelty,
+And the continual rancour she beareth unto him.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Is te maid his sister? be Got, den, he say tim.
+Bin mine fait' and trot', ser, 'tis true dat he say:
+His sister be his greatest enemy to-day.
+
+DUKE.
+And must I kill my daughter to help my son to speech?
+I'll never do it.
+
+PENULO.
+See how a doth beseech!--
+I would all our daggers were of his quality,
+They should not brawl with a man, then, so for his money.
+
+BOMELIO.
+You kill your daughter! fie, no point so.
+Her dearest blood in tenderest part me will show:
+'Tis in her paps, her dugs, for der be de tenderest part,
+And de blood de dearest; it comes from de heart.
+So she be prick'd a little under de breast,
+And wash his tongue-a, he speak wit' de best.
+
+DUKE.
+This thing is somewhat easier, if she consent thereto;
+If not, I can enforce and make her it to do.
+Penulo, despatch, and to my marshal bear
+This signet for a token that he send her to us here.
+
+PENULO.
+I will, my lord.
+                    [_Exit_.
+
+DUKE.
+He that hath felt the zeal, the tender love and care:
+The fear, the grief that parents dear unto their children bear,
+He may, and only he, conceive mine, inward woe,
+Distracted thus 'twixt two extremes that hale me to and fro.
+Sometime mistrusting that, and then misliking this--
+Have parents such a cause of joy, or is it such a bliss
+To see the offspring of their seed in health before them now?
+O, little know they what mishap awaits the death for you.
+But, son, my dearest son, recomfort thou thy mind;
+Fight against fortune and thy fates, when they be most unkind.
+And since I understand what may recover thee,
+Make sure account of it, myself will do it presently.
+But, sir, I pray you, lest my daughter should by fear
+Or fright[118] of it be sore abash'd, be always ready here
+To stench her wound, when you see good.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Awe, awe, she lose but little blood:
+Two or tree ounces sha' be de very most.
+Yonder she come, is no she?
+
+DUKE.
+The same is she.
+
+    _Enter_ FIDELIA _with_ PENULO.
+
+FIDELIA.
+Father, they say you sent for me.
+
+DUKE.
+Yea, daughter, I did so;
+And mark what I shall say to thee, the cause thereof to show.
+Thou seest thy brother here?
+
+FIDELIA.
+In name, but not in kind.
+
+DUKE.
+Well, hold thy peace, I say, and let me tell my mind.
+Thy brother here, I say, thou seest him stricken dumb,
+And, as this learned man declares by magic it is done.
+But yet there is a way--one thing--he telleth me,
+That will restore him to his speech that resteth inwardly;
+Which, though I might command, yet I intreat to know,
+Be not so stubborn or unkind thy furtherance to show.
+
+FIDELIA.
+Noble father, you cannot say, but hitherto I have
+Been most obedient to your will in all things that you crave;
+But herein pardon me, if this I do deny:
+I never can be made to grant help to mine enemy,
+My deadly enemy, worse than my mortal foe,
+And such an one is he to me, for I have found him so;
+That laboured evermore to cross me with despite,
+But I am glad I may so well his courtesy requite.
+
+PENULO.
+A right woman--either love like an angel,
+Or hate like a devil--in extremes so to dwell.    [_Aside_.
+
+DUKE.
+But, daughter, I command, and I thy father, too.
+
+FIDELIA.
+And I, your daughter, anything that lawful is to do.
+
+DUKE.
+Is it not right and lawful both to help thy brother's woe?
+
+FIDELIA.
+It's neither right nor lawful, sir, to help my deadly foe.
+
+DUKE.
+If he have been thy foe, he may become thy friend.
+
+FIDELIA.
+And when I see that come to pass, I may some succour send.
+
+DUKE.
+But wherefore shouldst thou be so cruel unto him?
+
+FIDELIA.
+Because unto my dearest friend so spiteful he hath been.
+
+DUKE.
+Nay, stubborn girl, but then I will constrain thee, I.
+Lay hold on her: myself will then, sith she doth it deny.
+
+FIDELIA.
+Assist me, righteous gods, in this extremity.
+
+BOMELIO. [_To DUKE, aside_.]
+Ah, pardon-a, pardon-a: please you, let me a while wit' her alone,
+And me warrant me make her consent to you anon;
+Else me give her a powder with a little drink,
+Whish make her sleep; and den, when she noting tink,
+Wit' de sharp rasher, me prick her by and by,
+And stop it again, and she no feel why.
+Please you begone, and let us two alone here.
+Me make her consent, you no point fear.
+
+DUKE.
+Do it, Master Doctor, and I am bound to you for aye.
+Ungracious girl, that dost deny the father to obey.
+Look to her, sir, and send me word when thou hast done the deed.
+
+                                          [Exeunt.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Awe, awe; i'fait', i'fait', me make her bleed.
+
+FIDELIA.
+O wretched girl! what hope remains behind?
+What comfort can recomfort now thy mind?
+Forsaken thus of father and of friend,
+Why seek'st thou not to bring thy life to end?
+Can greater woes befall unto thy share?
+Come, gentleman, despatch, and do not spare:
+If it be so his pleasure and thy will,
+1 am content my dearest blood to spill.
+Defer not then: hold, take thine aim at me,
+And strike me through; for I desire to die.
+
+BOMELIO.
+The heavens forbid, fair maiden; no, not I:
+I am thy friend, I am no enemy.
+Fear not, stand up: it is only for thy sake
+That I this toil and travail undertake.
+Thy love, my son, is at my cave with me,
+Safe and in health, long looking there for thee.
+Trust to my words, fair maid, for I am he,
+That overtook thee in the wood last day;
+And till thy coming, Hermione, I say,
+Is in my cave--
+
+FIDELIA.
+What joyful words be these!
+And is Hermione your son? do, then, as you shall please.
+Behold me ready, prest to follow any way:
+Good father, do not thus delude a simple maid, I pray.
+I trust unto your words: my life is in your power,
+And till I see Hermione, each minute is an hour.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Daughter, dismay no whit; but trust to me;
+What I have said performed thou shalt see.
+I have dissembled with thy father here,
+The better that I might with thee confer.
+And since thou art so faithful to thy love,
+As I may well report I did thee prove,
+Let us be gone now closely as we may.
+
+FIDELIA.
+Yea, my good father, even when you will, I pray.
+Thrice-blessed be the hour I met with you!
+My father now and brother both adieu:
+Unkind to her, most kind that you should be,
+I leave them all, my dear, to come to thee.
+
+                                          [_Exeunt_.
+
+    _Enter_ HERMIONE, _with books under his arm_.
+
+HERMIONE.
+O gods! that deepest griefs are felt in closest smart;
+That in the smiling countenance may lurk the wounded heart,
+1 see the noble mind can counterfeit a bliss,
+When overwhelmed with a care his soul perplexed is.
+It is for dastard knights, that stretch on feather beds,
+Despairing in adversity so low to hang their heads.
+The better born, the more his magnanimity:
+The fiercer fight, the deeper wound, the more undaunted he.
+So I perceive it now; I well perceive it here:
+What I myself could not, I learn by thee, my father dear.
+He that in golden age, I mean his lusty youth,
+Was thought to spend in pleasure's lap without regard of ruth;
+He that had lost his time as bravely as the best,
+Only devising how to make his joys surmount the rest:
+Not in that wanton youth, not in that pleasant mate,
+Could Fortune with her fickleness his wonted mind abate.
+He rather challengeth to do her very worst,
+And makes a semblance of delight, although indeed accurs'd.
+My father thereupon devised how he might
+Revenge and wreak himself on her, that wrought him such despite:
+And therefore, I perceive, he strangely useth it,
+Enchanting and transforming that his fancy did not fit.
+As I may see by these his vile blasphemous books;
+My soul abhors as often as mine eye upon them looks.
+What gain can countervail the danger that they bring,
+For man to sell his soul to sin, is't not a grievous thing?
+To captivate his mind, and all the gifts therein,
+To that which is of others all the most ungracious sin;
+Which so entangleth them that thereunto apply,
+As at the last forsaketh them in their extremity.
+Such is this art, such is the study of this skill,
+This supernatural device, this magic, such it will.
+In ransacking his cave these books I lighted on,
+And with his leave I'll be so bold, while he abroad is gone,
+To burn them all; for best that serveth for this stuff.
+I doubt not but at his return to please him well enough.
+And, gentlemen, I pray, and so desire I shall,
+You would abhor this study, for it will confound you all.
+                                                    [_Exit_.
+
+    _Enter_ LENTULO _with a ring in his mouth, a marigold in his hand,
+    a fair suit of apparel on his back; after he hath a while made
+    dumb-show_, PENULO _cometh, running in with two or three other_.
+
+PENULO.
+Run, for the love of God! search, villains, out of hand:
+Run, I say, rascals: look about ye; how, do you stand?
+The Duke's daughter is gone again, and all the court is in an uproar.
+A pox on such a physician; he shall counsel her no more.
+
+SERJEANT.
+See you, Master Penulo, who is that yonder so brave?
+
+PENULO.
+Cock's blood, you villain! what do you here, you slave?
+Swounds! hath robb'd the Duke of a suit of apparel,
+Why speak you not, sirrah? yea, will you not tell?
+Lay him on, my masters: spare him not, I say.
+Speak you by signs? One of you pull the ring away.
+
+SERJEANT.
+Cock's blood, my finger! a bites as pestilence[119] there.
+
+LENTULO.
+What mean you, my masters; what mean ye here?
+
+PENULO.
+Have you found your tongue, sir! O, very well.
+I pray you, sir, where had you this suit of apparel?
+
+LENTULO.
+This 'parel? what, and I stole it: what's that to thee?
+
+PENULO.
+Marry, sir, no more but that hang'd you shall be.
+
+LENTULO.
+Then, all the world shall see there is somewhat in me.
+When I am hang'd, O, I shall swing lustily.
+Mass, I shall do him great credit that hangs me.
+But if I may be hanged by an attorney,
+I will desire thee the place to supply.
+
+PENULO.
+Yes, marry will I, for courtesy sake.
+Come on your way, sir: the pains I will take
+To bring you before the Duke, that he may see,
+What a proper man in his apparel you be.
+
+LENTULO.
+Wilt thou, faith? mass, I thank thee heartily;
+But I must talk a little with our uplandish here,
+And then I'll go with thee, faith, anywhere.
+
+PENULO.
+Uplandish, you rascal! where is he now?
+He's gone, and stole away the Duke's daughter with him too.
+
+LENTULO.
+O my heart! what do you say?
+
+PENULO.
+Marry, that together they be both run away.
+
+LENTULO.
+Nay, then, have after ye; behind I'll not stay.
+
+PENULO.
+What! no such haste with you, sir, I pray.
+
+LENTULO.
+And is my lady gone and fled? O, take me up, for I am dead.
+Farewell, my marigold; O villain, caitiff, he!
+By bones and stones, and all the moons, I will avenged be.
+
+PENULO.
+You shall be revenged, sir, that shall you presently.
+Away, away with him to the Duke by and by.
+
+LENTULO.
+I can go by myself, and you will let me alone.
+Now as I walk, alas! I make to me my moan.
+When I in prison strong, poor soul, shall live and die,
+Then will I make my loving song upon mine own pigsny.
+
+PENULO.
+Away with him, sirs: why do ye tarry?
+
+LENTULO.
+And thou wert in my case, thou wouldst not be so hasty.
+                              [_Exit in custody of _SERJEANT.
+
+PENULO.
+Fie upon it! what a stir have we here?
+Never was nobleman's house in such fear.
+Such hurrying and stirring, such running every way;
+Such howling, such crying, such accursing the day.
+That ever the villain could counterfeit so,
+[And] when we least thought of it, away with her to go.
+But the world is so full of knavery now,
+That we know not whom to trust, I may say to you.
+If my wife fall sick, as she may, I'll make a condition,
+She shall never take counsel of an uplandish physician.
+Hang them, knaves; But what a prating keep I,
+When I should have been seven miles of mine errand; for why
+I must go set all the country up in a watch,
+If it be possible, this physician to catch.
+                                   [_Exit_ PENULO.[120]
+
+    _Enter_ BOMELIO _and_ FIDELIA.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Stay, daughter, stay: forbear thy posting haste.
+Thou need'st not fear; all perils now are past.
+Thanks to the gods that such success they gave,
+Thus happily to bring us to my cave.
+
+FIDELIA.
+O father! still I fear mishap behind:
+Suspect is natural unto our kind,
+And perils that import a man's decay
+Can never be eschewed too soon, they say.
+Had I [but] sight of mine Hermione,
+I care not then what did become of me.
+
+BOMELIO.
+I will herein accomplish thy desire,
+So grant the gods the rest that I require.
+Hermione! Hermione! my son, I say,
+Come forth and see thy friends that for thee stay.
+
+    _Enter_ HERMIONE.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Welcome, my father; but ten times welcome thou,
+The constant lady mine, that liveth now.
+
+FIDELIA.
+And lives Hermione? lives my Hermione?
+What can be added more to my felicity?
+
+HERMIONE.
+Thy life, my life; such comfort dost thou give:
+Happy my life, because I see thee live.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Whilst they record the sweetness of their bliss,
+I will apply to further, as they wish,
+Their[121] sweet delight by magic's cunning so,
+That happy they shall live in spite of foe.
+
+HERMIONE.
+How doubtful are the lets of loyal love!
+Great be the dangers that true lovers prove;
+But when the sun, after a shower of rain,
+Breaks through the clouds and shows his might again,
+More comfortable to [us] his glory then,
+Because it was awhile withheld of men.
+Peace after war is pleasanter, we find;
+A joy deferr'd is sweeter to the mind:
+So I----
+
+FIDELIA.
+It hath been said that, when Ulysses was
+Ten years at Troy, and ten years more, alas!
+Wandering abroad as chance and fortune led,
+Penelope supposing him for dead:
+But he, providing still for afterclaps,
+When he had 'scap'd a thousand hard mishaps,
+It did him good to reckon up at last
+Unto his wife his travails he had pass'd,
+And sweetly then recording his distress
+To make the more account of happiness.
+So I----
+
+HERMIONE.
+Then, as the turtle that hath found her mate
+Forgets her former woes and wretched state,
+Renewing now her drooping heart again,
+Because her pleasure overcomes her pain;
+The same of thy desired sight I make,
+Whereon thy faith, thy heart and hand I take.
+
+FIDELIA.
+And so I swear to thee unfeignedly
+To live thine own, and eke thine own to die.
+
+    _Enter_ BOMELIO.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Gog's blood! villains! the devil is in the bed of straw! Wounds! I have
+been robb'd, robb'd, robb'd! where be the thieves? My books, books! did
+I not leave thee with my books? Where are my books? my books! where be
+my books, villain? arrant villain!
+
+HERMIONE.
+O father! my dear father, hark.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Father, my dear father? Soul! give me my books. Let's have no more
+tarrying: the day begins to be dark; it rains: it begins with tempests.
+Thunder and lightning! fire and brimstone! And all my books are gone,
+and I cannot help myself, nor my friends. What a pestilence! who came
+there?
+
+HERMIONE.
+I'll tell you, father, if you please to hear.
+
+BOMELIO.
+What can'st thou tell me? tell me of a turd. What, and a' come? I
+conjure thee, foul spirit, down to hell! Ho, ho, ho! the devil, the
+devil! A-comes, a-comes, a-comes upon me, and I lack my books. Help!
+help! help! Lend me a sword, a sword! O, I am gone!
+                                                [_He raves_.
+
+FIDELIA.
+Alas! how fell he to this madding mood?
+
+HERMIONE.
+The heavens and earth deny to do us good!
+
+FIDELIA.
+O father! my good father, look on me.
+
+BOMELIO.
+What meant I not to shut up the door, and take the keys with me, and
+put the books under the bed-straw? Out, you whore! a whore, a whore!
+Gog's blood! I'll dress you for a whore. I have a cause to curse whores
+as long as I live. Come away, come away! Give me my books, my books:
+give me, give me, give!
+                                        [_Exit_.
+
+FIDELIA.
+Help, help me, good Hermione!
+                                        [_Exit_.
+
+HERMIONE.
+I come. O[122] worlds of misery!
+Confounded on the top of my delight;
+The Fates and Fortune thus against me fight.
+                                        [_Exit_.
+
+    [_Enter_ VENUS _and_ FORTUNE.]
+
+  FORTUNE'S _triumph: sound trumpets, drums, cornets, and guns_.
+
+FORTUNE.
+See, madam, who can dash your bravery,
+Even at the pitch of your felicity?
+When you assure that they shall steadfast stand,
+Even then my power I suddenly can show,
+Transposing it, as it had never been so.
+Herein I triumph, herein I delight.
+Thus have I manifested now my might.
+Here, ladies, learn to like of Venus' lure,
+And me love--long your pleasures shall endure.
+
+VENUS.
+Now thou hast done even what thou canst, I see,
+They shall be once again relieved by me.
+
+                                   [_Music, Music_.
+
+
+
+
+THE FIFTH ACT.
+
+
+    _Enter_ MERCURY.
+
+MERCURY.
+Ye goddesses of this eternity,
+To whom of right belongs each earthly thing,
+The king of gods salutes ye both by me;
+And (I beseech you) mark the news I bring.
+My father Jupiter, perceiving well
+What hath herein been[123] done by each of you,
+And[124] how ye still endeavour to excel,
+Maintaining that whereon the quarrel grew--
+That is, the government of this estate,
+And unto whom the sovereignty shall fall--
+Here, therefore, to conclude your long debate,
+Lest your contention may be counted general,
+Desires ye both, and so commands by me,
+Ye stand to his conclusion of the cause.
+How say you, therefore? will you now agree,
+That malice may no longer right delude?
+
+VENUS.
+Brother Mercury, as I have never been
+So obstinate, or bent so frowardly,
+But that I could some time relent the ill--
+A woman must a little have her will;
+So am I now resolved for to do
+Whatso my father shall entreat me to.
+
+FORTUNE.
+And all the world by me perceiveth well
+Of course my fancy, favour,[125] and my skill:
+And when my cause a little course hath had,
+I am well pleased, and no longer sad.
+
+MERCURY.
+Then thus our father Jupiter concludes,
+To lay the stroke of your unceasing strife.
+As heretofore betwixt these lovers twain
+Ye have express'd your powers upon their life,
+So now he wills you to withhold your hands.
+Enough sufficeth to confirm your might;
+And to conjoin ye both in friendly bands
+Of faithful love, wherein the gods delight,
+His pleasure is that, Lady Venus, you
+Shall be content never to hinder them,
+To whom Dame Fortune shall her[126] friendship show,
+Of wretched to procure them happy men.
+Ne shall you, Fortune, once presume to take
+The credit of the honour in your hand:
+If Lady Venus do them quite forsake,
+You shall not seem in their[127] defence to stand;
+But whomsoever one of you prefer,
+The other shall be subject unto her;
+For thus hath Jupiter determined now.
+
+VENUS.
+I must and will subscribe my will to you.
+
+FORTUNE.
+And I most gladly thereof do allow.
+
+VENUS.
+Whom Fortune favours I will not despise.
+
+FORTUNE.
+Whom Love rejects by me shall never rise.
+
+MERCURY.
+To this conclusion do you both agree?
+
+VENUS.
+For my part.
+
+FORTUNE.
+And I, most willingly.
+
+MERCURY.
+Then let your union be confirmed again
+By proper course, each one in his descent
+Over mortal men and worldly things to reign
+By interchange, as Jupiter hath meant.
+And[128] friendly Fortune, let me entreat, alone--
+Sith by your means these lovers hind'red were,
+And now ye two are reconcil'd in one,
+You grant the[m] grace their honour up to rear.
+
+FORTUNE.[129]
+Sweet Mercury, I give thee my consent.
+I will forthwith advance them to renown:
+And their destruction better to prevent,
+They shall relieve them, that did throw them down.
+
+MERCURY.[130]
+And I my gracious favour will bestow
+Upon them all, according to desert;
+And I will help his frenzy ere I go.
+That bedlam up and down he[re] plays[131] his part.
+
+    _Enter_ BOMELIO _with_ HERMIONE _and_ FIDELIA,
+    _with a cope and dagger_.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Cot's[132] wounds! ye whore, I am not for your diet. Hang, rascal, make
+a leg to me, [or,] by Gog's blood, I'll stab thee through. What the
+devil, the devil, and all my books be gone! O most accursed man Bomelio!
+Go hide thyself, go hide thyself! go hang thyself, go hang! I'll hang
+the whore out of hand; and as for you, villain,--stand, rascal! stand!
+
+FIDELIA.
+Good father, hear me. Come, take a little rest:
+Yea, my sweet father, come, sleep upon my breast.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Hark the whore! See what an impudent whore it is. Sleep, you whore?
+I'll sleep with you anon, Gog's blood, you whore, I'll hang you up!
+                                                  [_He threatens her_.
+
+FIDELIA.
+Help, help, Hermione!
+
+HERMIONE.
+Good father, let her alone. Come, let us go.
+
+    [_Enter_ MERCURY _invisible_.]
+
+MERCURY.
+Now with my music I'll recure his woe.
+                                   [_Play_.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Hark, hark, my hearts! Pipes, fiddles! O brave! I shall have my books
+again. Dance about. Robin Hood is a good knave. Come, Bess, let's go
+sleep. Come, Bess; together, together.
+
+MERCURY.
+Now will I charm him, that he shall not wake,
+Until he be relieved in this place.
+Then take her blood, and cast it on this brake,
+And therewithal besprinkle all his face,
+And he shall be restored to his sense,
+His health and memory, as heretofore.
+Do this, for I must now depart from hence,
+And so your sorrows shall increase no more.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Fidelia, what hast thou heard, my dear?
+O comfortable words, were they but true!
+If any god or goddess be so near,
+Vouchsafe of pity on our pains to rue.
+Delude not with a feigned fantasy
+The wretched mind[s] of men in misery.
+
+FIDELIA.
+Alas! Hermione, let us not feed
+And flatter ourselves with any[133] good surmise:
+We are too much accursed so to speed,
+Or any hope thereof for to devise.
+Resolve yourself, dear friend, another way,
+And let us never look for happy day.
+
+    _Enter_ PHIZANTIES, ARMENIO, PENULO, _and_ LENTULO.
+
+PHIZANTIES.
+When thirst of hot revenge inflameth high desire:
+When malice kindleth so the minds of them that would aspire,
+That to enlarge their names they reck not his despite,
+That overseeth all their work, their doings to requite:
+Mark, then, what followeth, when princes ye provoke:
+The deeper and the larger wound, when longest is the stroke!
+And this hath moved me to leave my court awhile,
+To be content in sweat of brows, in trouble, pain and toil,
+To seek out wretches, them that have abus'd me so,
+And to reward their villainy according, ere we go.
+
+PENULO.
+May it please your honour, it is excellent done.
+Gog's blood! and I were a prince, and had such a noble son,
+That should be so highly abused as he hath been,
+Would I put it up? no; by his wounds, I would never lin,
+Till I had made such a mingle-mangle upon their nose,
+That their skin should serve to make me a doublet and a pair of hose.
+
+LENTULO.
+What, you would not? i'faith, you look not with the face:
+When you have the skin, sir, what will you do with the case?
+But, master prince, since you are come to this travailation,
+I'll bring you to my old master's convoculation,
+Where he hides himself, when I ran away:
+It's not far within these woods. How think you, sir, I pray?
+
+PHIZANTIES.
+Lead on the way, and I will follow thee.
+
+LENTULO.
+Why, then, come on, my valiant hearts, march on and follow me.
+But I'll make this bargain first: hear you me what I say?
+When I come home, you shall not let my master beat me for running away.
+
+PHIZANTIES.
+He shall not, I warrant thee.
+
+LENTULO.
+Why, then, my noble youths of oak, pluck up your hearts with me.
+Will you come, sir I come on, i'faith: keep in order you thereby.
+We shall find her i'faith, master prince, anon, I know,
+And then I'll trounce him for running away with another man's wife,
+  I trow.
+
+PENULO.
+Stand, sir. Who lives a-sunning yonder? can you tell?
+
+LENTULO.
+It's a beggar with a rogue.
+
+PHIZANTIES.
+It is my daughter, I see full well.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Fidelia, be content: shrink not at all.
+
+PHIZANTIES.
+Strike not a stroke, my son.
+
+PENULO.
+For help I shall go run and call.
+
+PHIZANTIES.
+And art thou found, false traitor and untrue,
+Traitor to him that dealt so well with thee?
+Did I devise to stop that would ensue,
+And found my cares such issue as I see?
+I see I am abused too-too much,
+And too much sufferance is cause of this abuse:
+This high abuse of yours, as being such,
+Affords no cloak nor colour of excuse.
+O, where is thankfulness and love become?
+Where is the fear of princes' wrath exil'd?
+Even this is the unhappiness of some,
+To be of them they trusted most beguil'd;
+But sometime pardon breeds a second ill.
+Thou shameless wench, and thou false-hearted knight,
+By your unhappy deeds I learn this skill;
+But yet I list not kill thee, as I might.
+Her will I have, and keep her as I may.
+On pain of death I charge thee, hence away!
+
+HERMIONE.
+O prince, this sentence hath his force and strength,
+And dead I am that here appear to live;
+For how, alas! can this my life have length
+When she is hence, that life and sense doth give?
+But since, alas! I must be only he,
+Whom Fortune vows to make a common game,
+Armenio, my foe, do this for me--
+With my revenge to end my open shame.
+To help thee to digest thine injury,
+Appease thee with Hermione's tragedy.
+
+FIDELIA.
+Far be the thought of that accursed deed,
+O sweet Hermione, my sweet Hermione!
+Foul be his fall that makes thy body bleed,
+O sweet Hermione, my sweet Hermione!
+And, father, this I vow: forgive it me,
+1 will be sacrifice for this offence,
+And or I will have my Hermione,
+My chosen love, or never part from hence.
+Him hath the destinies ordained mine,
+Most worthy me, your daughter, every way;
+Nor he to any will his choice resign--
+No more my troubled thoughts will let me say.
+
+PHIZANTIES.
+What wilt thou, foolish girl and obstinate?
+Say'st thou this treason is devis'd by fate?
+That shall we try. Despatch her hence away.
+Let's see who dares our princely will gainsay.
+
+PENULO.
+Sir, and you'll have us carry her, here be them come of the carriers.
+
+LENTULO.
+And you'll have us marry her, here be them come of the marriers.
+
+PENULO.
+Lord! I marvel to whose share this lady will fall:
+I am sure my part in her will be least of all.
+
+    VENUS _and_ FORTUNE _show themselves, and speak to_
+    PHIZANTIES, _while_ HERMIONE _standeth in amaze_.
+
+VENUS.
+High time it is that now we did appear,
+If we desire to end their misery.
+
+FORTUNE.
+Phizanties, stay, and unto us give ear.
+What thou determin'st performed cannot be.
+
+PHIZANTIES.
+Dread goddess whatsoever of this place,
+If I herein have disobeyed thy grace,
+Of favour grant for to remit the same:
+Let me not suffer undeserved blame.
+
+VENUS.
+Phizanties, stand up; be of good cheer.
+None but thy friends are met together here--
+Thy friends, though goddesses in other things--
+Yet interchange an alteration brings.
+And now, whereas you seek in what you can
+To let your child to marry with this man,
+Know that it is the pleasure of our will,
+That they together be conjoined still.
+For 'tis not so--he is not born so base
+As you esteem, but of a noble race.
+His father is the good Bomelio,
+That sleepeth here oppress'd with woe,
+Whom Phalaris thy father, on a false report,
+In wrath and anger banished his court:
+But this is he, to whom thou wishest oft good,
+And this his son, born of a noble blood.
+Think it no scorn to thee or thine hereafter
+To have his son espoused to thy daughter.
+
+PHIZANTIES.
+Right gracious goddess, if this be true indeed,
+As I believe, because from you it doth proceed,
+Then pardon me, for had I known it so,
+His son had never tasted of this woe.
+Unwitting of his lineage till this time,
+Not,[134] presumed, sprung of a noble line.
+Put[135] hence, and please your deities, my grief,
+Because my son is dumb without relief.
+
+PENULO.
+I'faith, sirrah, thou and I may hold our peace, with their leave,
+For none but wise men speak here, I perceive.
+
+LENTULO.
+In some respects so, in some respects not;
+For a fool's bolt is soon enough shot.
+
+FORTUNE.
+Phizanties, fear no longer his distress;
+The gracious gods provide for his redress.
+The shedding of thy daughter's dearest blood
+Shall both to him and to this man do good;
+For let this fern be dipp'd in many a place,
+And, as he sleepeth, cast it in his face,
+And let his tongue be washed therewithal,
+And both of them relieved see you shall.
+
+PHIZANTIES.
+How say you, daughter, will you grant thereto?
+
+FIDELIA.
+Most willing, sir, if you vouchsafe to do
+But this request, which I most humbly pray--
+Then I may be Hermione's for aye.
+
+PHIZANTIES.
+With all my heart: hereon I give my hand.
+
+FIDELIA.
+I take it, sir; and to your word I stand.
+And for thy sake, Hermione, my dear,
+See what I do, although it touch me near.
+Now take thy fill, and for his madness prove.
+                              [_Bares her breast_.]
+
+HERMIONE.
+O sweet and fearful sight, the sign of love!
+
+LENTULO.
+If it be any sweeter, masters, that runs from you so,
+I pray you give me some of your blessings, ere you go.
+
+ARMENIO.
+I strive to speak, and glad to find my speech.
+Forgive, Hermione, forgive me, I beseech.
+And you, good sister; pardon, my friends, too;
+Too rash in all I ventured to do.
+See what proceedeth from unstable youth!
+Shame to himself, and to his friends a cause of ruth.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Armenio, long hath my mind[136] desired
+To hear the proffer of this pleasant peace,
+Which sith the gods do grant as we require,
+Henceforth let rancour and contention cease,
+And in our breast be knit for ever sure
+The links of love, perpetual to endure.
+
+BOMELIO [_waking_].
+What have I heard? what is it that they say?
+Amazed quite! confounded every way!
+My son Hermione, I know that is the same!
+And that's my prince: now comes grief and shame!
+
+PHIZANTIES.
+My Lord Bomelio, shun not; I know you now.
+Forgive the fact my father did to you;
+And what he did, impute it not to me.
+Thy former place I will restore to thee.
+In token of our faithful amity,
+We will be joined in near affinity.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Long live Phizanties, long live in happy ease;
+The gods be bless'd I live this day to see!
+What please the one, shall never me displease:
+Thrice happy now for all my misery.
+
+PENULO.
+Why then, sir, sith everything is come to so good an end,
+I hope, my good master, you'll stand-by my good friend,
+And give me but two or three thousand pound a year to live on.
+
+LENTULO.
+Much in my nock, Nichols:[137] you and I shall slave it anon.
+
+ARMENIO.
+Assure thee, Penulo, thou shalt not want as long as I live.
+
+LENTULO.
+Why then, master, mine old master, I pray you forgive
+Your old runaway. 'Twas for fashion-sake: I'll do so no more.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Look you do not, sirrah, and then I pardon you therefore.
+
+    [_Enter_ VENUS _and_ FORTUNE.]
+
+VENUS.
+Thus everything united is by Love.
+Now gods and men are reconcil'd again;
+On whom, because I did my pleasure prove,
+I will reward you for your former pain.
+Receive the favours of our deity,
+And sing the praise of Venus' sovereignty.
+
+FORTUNE.
+And for I play'd my part with Lady Love,
+While each did strive for chief authority,
+Your good deserts Dame Fortune so doth move
+To give these signs of liberality.
+Thus for amends of this your late unrest,
+By Love and Fortune you shall all be blest.
+And thus hereof this inward care I have,
+That Wisdom ruleth Love, and Fortune both:
+Though riches fail, and beauty seem to save,
+Yet wisdom forward still unconquered go'th.
+This, we beseech you, take friendly in worth;
+And sith by Love and Fortune our troubles all do cease,
+God save her majesty, that keeps us all in peace.
+Now they and we do all triumph in joy,
+And Love and Fortune are linked sure friends:
+All grief is fled; for your annoy
+Fortune and Love makes all amends.
+Let us rejoice, then, in the same,
+And sing high praises of their name.
+
+
+FINIS.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE THREE LADIES OF LONDON.
+
+
+
+_EDITION_.
+
+[_A right excellent and famous Comoedy called the Three Ladies of London.
+Wherein is Notablie declared and set foorth, how by the meanes of Lucar,
+Loue and Conscience is so corrupted, that the one is married to
+Dissimulation, the other fraught with all abhomination. A Perfect
+Patterne for All Estates to looke into, and a worke right worthie to be
+marked. Written by R.W. as it hath been publiquely played. At London,
+Printed by Roger Warde, dwelling neere Holburne Conduit, at the signs
+of the Talbot. 1584.[138] 4. Black letter_.]
+
+
+
+THE PROLOGUE.
+
+To sit on honour's seat it is a lofty reach:
+To seek for praise by making brags ofttimes doth get a breach.
+We list not ride the rolling racks that dims the crystal skies,
+We mean to set no glimmering glance before your courteous eyes:
+We search not Pluto's pensive pit, nor taste of Limbo lake;
+We do not show of warlike fight, as sword and shield to shake:
+We speak not of the powers divine, ne yet of furious sprites;
+We do not seek high hills to climb, nor talk of love's delights.
+We do not here present to you the thresher with his flail,
+Ne do we here present to you the milkmaid with her pail:
+We show not you of country toil, as hedger with his bill;
+We do not bring the husbandman to lop and top with skill:
+We play not here the gardener's part, to plant, to set and sow:
+You marvel, then, what stuff[139] we have to furnish out our show.
+Your patience yet we crave a while, till we have trimm'd our stall;
+Then, young and old, come and behold our wares, and buy them all.
+Then, if our wares shall seem to you well-woven, good and fine,
+We hope we shall your custom have again another time.
+
+
+
+THE THREE LADIES OF LONDON.
+
+
+THE FIRST ACT.
+
+
+    _Enter_ FAME, _sounding before_ LOVE _and_ CONSCIENCE.
+
+LOVE.
+Lady Conscience, what shall we say to our estates? to whom shall
+  we complain?
+Or how shall we abridge such fates as heapeth up our pain?
+'Tis Lucre now that rules the rout: 'tis she is all in all:
+'Tis she that holds her head so stout; in fine, 'tis she that works
+  our fall.
+O Conscience! I fear, I fear a day,
+That we by her and Usury shall quite be cast away.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Indeed, I fear the worst, for every man doth sue,
+And comes from countries strange and far of her to have a view.
+Although they ought to seek true Love and Conscience clear;
+But Love and Conscience few do like that lean on Lucre's chair.
+Men ought be rul'd by us; we ought in them bear sway,
+So should each neighbour live by other in good estate alway.
+
+LOVE.
+For Lucre men come from Italy, Barbary, Turkey,
+From Jewry; nay, the Pagan himself
+Endangers his body to gape for her pelf.
+They forsake mother, prince, country, religion, kiff and kin;
+Nay, men care not what they forsake, so Lady Lucre they win;
+That we poor ladies may sigh to see our states thus turned and tost,
+And worse and worse is like to be, where Lucre rules the roost.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+You say the truth, yet God, I trust, will not admit it so,
+That Love and Conscience by Lucre's lust shall catch an overthrow.
+
+FAME.
+Good ladies, rest content, and you, no doubt, shall see
+Them plagued with painful punishment for such their cruelty:
+And if true Love and Conscience live from Lucre's lust lascivious,
+Then Fame a triple crown will give, which lasteth aye victorious.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+God grant that Conscience keep within the bounds of right,
+And that vile Lucre do not haunt her heart with deadly spite.
+
+LOVE.
+And grant, O God, that Love be found in city, town, and country,
+Which causeth wealth and peace abound, and pleaseth God Almighty.
+
+FAME.
+But, ladies, is't your pleasure to walk abroad a while,
+And recreate yourselves with measure, your sorrows to beguile?
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Pass on, good Fame; your steps do frame; on you we will attend,
+And pray to God, that holds the rod, our states for to defend.
+
+                                                        [_Exeunt_.
+
+
+
+
+THE SECOND ACT.[140]
+
+
+    _Enter_ DISSIMULATION, _having on a farmer's long coat
+    and a cap, and his poll and beard painted motley_.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Nay, no less than a farmer, a right honest man,
+But my tongue cannot stay me to tell what I am:
+Nay, who is it that knows me not by my party-colour'd head?
+They may well think, that see me, my honesty is fled.
+Tush! a fig for honesty: tut, let that go,
+Sith men, women and children my name and doings do know.
+My name is Dissimulation, and no base mind I bear,
+For my outward effects my inward zeal do declare;
+For men do dissemble with their wives, and their wives with them again,
+So that in the hearts of them I always remain.
+The child dissembles with his father, the sister with her[141] brother,
+The maiden with her mistress, and the young man with his lover.[142]
+There is dissimulation between neighbour and neighbour, friend and
+  friend, one with another,
+Between the servant and his master, between brother and brother.
+Then, why make you it strange that ever you knew me,
+Seeing so how[143] I range thoroughout every degree?
+But I forget my business: I'll towards London as fast[144] I can,
+To get entertainment of one of the three ladies, like an honest man.
+
+    _Enter_ SIMPLICITY _like a miller, all mealy,
+    with a wand in his hand_.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+They say there is preferment in London to have:
+Mass, and there be, I'll be passing and brave.
+Why, I'll be no more a miller, because the maidens call me Dusty-poll;
+One thumps me on the neck, and another strikes me on the nol:
+And you see I am a handsome fellow: mark the comporknance[145] of
+  my stature.
+Faith, I'll go seek peradventures,[146] and be a serving-creature.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Whither away, good fellow? I pray thee, declare.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Marry, I'll 'clare thee: to London; would thou didst go there.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+What if I did? would it be better for thee?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Ay, marry should it, for I love honest company.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Agreed; there is a bargain; but what shall I call thee?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+'Cause thou art an honest man, I'll tell thee: my name is Simplicity,
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+A name agreeing to thy nature [_Aside_]: but stay; here comes more
+  company.
+
+    _Enter_ FRAUD _with a sword and buckler, like a ruffian_.
+
+FRAUD.
+Huff! once aloft, and I may hit in the right vein,
+Where I may beguile easily without any great pain.
+I will flaunt it and brave it after the lusty swash:[147]
+I'll deceive thousands. What care I who lie in the lash?[148]
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+What, Fraud? well met. Whither travellest thou this way?
+
+FRAUD.
+To London, to get entertainment there, if I may,
+Of the three ladies Lucre, Love, and Conscience.
+I care not whom I serve--the devil, so I may get pence.[149]
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+O Fraud! I know thee for a deceitful knave:
+And art thou gotten so bonfacion[150] and brave?
+I knew thee, when thou dwelledst at a place called Gravesend,
+And the guests knew thee too, because thou wast not their friend;
+For when thou shouldst bring reckoning to the guests,
+Thou would put[151] twice so much, and swear it cost thy dame no less.
+So thou didst deceive them and thy dame too;
+And because they spied thy knavery, away thou didst go.
+Then thou didst go into Hertfordshire, to a place called Ware,
+And because horses stood at hay for a penny a night there,
+So that thou couldst get nothing that kind of way,
+Thou didst grease the horses' teeth, that they should not eat hay:
+Then thou wouldst tell the rider his horse no hay would eat.
+Then the man would say: Give him some other kind of meat.
+Sir, shall I give him oats, vetches, pease, barley, or bread?
+But whate'er thou gavest him, thou stolest three quarters,
+  when he was in bed.
+And now thou art so proud with thy filching and cosening art!
+But I think one day thou wilt not be proud of the rope and the cart.
+Take a wise fellow's counsel, Fraud: leave thy cosening and filching.
+
+FRAUD.
+Thou whoreson rascal swad,[152] avaunt! I'll bang thee for thy brawling.
+How darest thou defame a gentleman, that hath so large a living?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+A goodly gentleman ostler! I think none of all you will believe him.
+
+FRAUD.
+What a clenchpoop[153] drudge is this! I can forbear him no more.
+
+    [_Let_ FRAUD _make as though he would strike him,
+    but let_ DISSIMULATION _step between them_.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+My good friend Fraud, refrain, and care not therefore.
+'Tis Simplicity, that patch; he knoweth not good from bad,
+And to stand in contention with him I would think you were mad.
+But tell me, Fraud, tell me, hast thou been an ostler in thy days?
+
+FRAUD.
+Tut, I have proved an hundred such ways;
+For when I could not thrive by all other trades,
+I became a squire to wait upon jades.[154]
+But then was then, and now is now; but let that pass:
+I am, as thou seest me; what care I the devil what I was?
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+You say, you go to London: in faith, have with you then.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Nay, come and go with me, good, honest man;
+For if thou go with him, he will teach thee all his knavery.
+There is none will go with him that hath any honesty.
+A bots[155] on thy motley beard! I know thee; thou art Dissimulation:
+And hast thou got an honest man's coat to 'semble this fashion?
+I'll tell thee what, thou wilt even 'semble and cog with thine
+  own father:
+A couple of false knaves together, a thief and a broker.
+Thou makes townsfolks believe thou art an honest man: in the country
+Thou dost nothing but cog, lie, and foist with Hypocrisy.
+You shall be hanged together, and go along[156] together for me,
+For if I should go, the folks would say, we were knaves all three.
+
+    _Enter_ SIMONY _and_ USURY, _hand in hand_.
+
+SIMONY.
+Friend Usury, I think we are well near at our journey's end.
+But knowest thou whom I have espied?
+
+USURY.
+No.
+
+SIMONY.
+Fraud, our great friend.
+
+USURY.
+And I see another, that is now come into my remembrance.
+
+SIMONY.
+Who is that?
+
+USURY.
+Marry, Master Davy Dissimulation, a good helper, and our old acquaintance.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Now all the cards in the stock are dealt about,
+The four knaves in a cluster comes ruffling out.
+
+SIMONY.
+What, Fraud and Dissimulation! happily found out.
+I marvel what piece of work you two go about.
+
+FRAUD.
+Faith, sir, we met by chance, and towards London are bent.
+
+USURY.
+And to London we hie: it is our chiefest intent,
+To see if we can get entertainment of the Ladies or no.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+And for the selfsame matter even thither we go.
+
+SIMONY.
+Then, we are luckily well-met; and, seeing we wish all for one thing,
+I would we our wills and wishing might win.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Yes, they will be sure to win the devil and all,
+Or else they'll make a man to spew out his gall.
+O that vild[157] Usury! he lent my father a little money, and for
+  breaking one day
+He took the fee-simple of his house and mill quite away:
+And yet he borrowed not half a quarter as much as it cost;
+But I think, if it had been a shilling, it had been lost.
+So he kill'd my father with sorrow, and undoed me quite.
+And you deal with him, sirs, you shall find him a knave full of spite.
+And Simony--A-per-se-A-Simony--too, he is a knave for the nonce:
+He loves to have twenty livings at once;
+And if he let an honest man, as I am, to have one,
+He'll let it so dear that he shall be undone.
+And he seeks to get parsons' livings into his hand,
+And puts in some odd dunce that to his payment will stand:
+So, if the parsonage be worth forty or fifty pound a year,
+He will give one twenty nobles to mumble service once a month there.
+
+SIMONY _and_ USURY _both_.
+What rascal is he, that speaketh by us such villainy?
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Sirs, he was at us erewhile too; it is no matter: it is a simple soul,
+  called Simplicity.
+But here come two of the ladies; therefore make ready.
+
+    _Enter_ LOVE _and_ CONSCIENCE. FRAUD.
+
+But which of us all shall first break the matter?
+
+DISSIMULATION
+Marry, let Simony do it, for he finely can flatter.
+
+USURY.
+Nay, sirs, because none of us shall have preheminence above other,
+We will sing in fellowship together, like brother and brother.
+
+SIMONY.
+Of truth, agreed, my masters: let it be so.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Nay, and they sing, I'll sing too.    [_Aside_.
+
+    _The Song_.
+
+Good ladies, take pity and grant our desire.
+
+CONSCIENCE' REPLY.
+Speak boldly, and tell me what is't you require.
+
+THEIR REPLY.
+Your service, good ladies, is what we do crave.
+
+HER REPLY.
+We like not, nor list not such servants to have.
+
+THEIR REPLY.
+If you entertain us, we trusty will be;
+But if you refrain us, then most unhappy.
+We will come, we will run, we will bend at your beck,
+We will ply, we will hie, for fear of your check.
+
+HER REPLY.
+You do feign, you do flatter: you do lie, you do prate:
+You will steal, you will rob: you will kill in your hate.
+I deny you, I defy you; then cease of your talking:
+I refrain you, I disdain you; therefore, get you walking.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+What, Fraud, Dissimulation, Usury, and Simony,
+How dare you for shame presume so boldly,
+As once to show yourselves before Love and Conscience,
+Not yielding your lewd lives first to repentance?
+Think you not, that God will plague you for your wicked practices,
+If you intend not to amend your vild lives so amiss?[158]
+Think you not, God knows your thoughts, words, and works,
+And what secret mischiefs in the hearts of you lurks?
+Then how dare you offend his heavenly majesty
+With your dissembling deceit, your flattery, and your usury?
+
+FRAUD.
+Tut, sirs, seeing Lady Conscience is so scripolous,[159]
+Let us not speak to her, for I see it is frivolous.
+But what say you, Lady Love? Will you grant us favour.
+
+LOVE.
+I'll no such servants, so ill of behaviour,
+Servants more fitter for Lucre than Love,
+And happy are they which refrain for to prove,
+Shameless, pitiless, graceless, and quite past honesty;
+Then who of good conscience but will hate your company?
+
+USURY.
+Here is scripolous Conscience and nice Love indeed.
+Tush! if they will not, others will: I know we shall speed.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+But, lady, I stand still behind, for I am none of their company.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Why, what art thou? O, I know: thou art Simplicity.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+I'faith, I am Simplicity, and would fain serve ye.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+No: I may have no fools to dwell with me.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Why then, Lady Love, will you have me then?
+
+LOVE.
+Ay, Simplicity, thou shalt be my man.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+But shall I be your good-man?
+
+LOVE.
+Ay, my good-man, indeed.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Ay, but I would be your good-man, and swap up a wedding with good speed.
+
+LOVE.
+No: Love may not marry in any case with Simplicity;
+But if thou wilt serve me, I'll receive it willingly:
+And if thou wilt not, what remedy?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Yes, I will serve ye: but will ye go into dinner, for I am hungry?
+
+LOVE.
+Come, Lady Conscience: pleaseth you to walk home from this company?
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+With right goodwill, for their sights pleaseth not me.
+
+                                [_Exeunt_ LADY LOVE _and_ CONSCIENCE.
+
+SIMPLICITY.[160]
+Fraud is the clubbish knave, and Usury the hard-hearted knave,
+And Simony the diamon' dainty knave,
+And Dissimulation the spiteful knave of spade.
+Come there any mo knaves? come there any mo?
+I see four knaves stand in a row.
+
+    [_Let_ FRAUD _run at him,[161] and let_ SIMPLICITY
+    _run in, and come out again straight_.
+
+FRAUD.
+Away, drudge! begone quickly.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+I wous:[162] do thrust out my eyes with a lady.
+                                [_Exit_ SIMPLICITY.
+
+USURY.
+Did you ever see gentlemen so rated at before?
+But it skills not: I hope one day to turn them both out of door.
+
+SIMONY.
+We were arrantly flouted, railed at, and scoff'd in our kind.
+That same Conscience is a vild terror to man's mind.
+Yet, faith, I care not, for I have borne many more than these,
+When I was conversant with the clergy beyond the seas;
+And he that will live in this world must not care what such say,
+For they are blossoms blown down, not to be found after May.
+
+FRAUD.
+Faith, care that care will, for I care not a point.
+I have shifted[163] hitherto, and whilst I live I will jeopard a joint;
+And at my death I will leave my inheritor behind,
+That shall be of the right stamp to follow my mind.
+Therefore let them prate, till their hearts ache, and spit out
+  their evil:
+She cannot quail me, if she came in likeness of the great devil.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Mass, Fraud, thou hast a doughty heart to make a hangman of,
+For thou hast good skill to help men from the coff.
+But we were arrantly flouted, yet I thought she had not known me;
+But I perceive, though Dissimulation do disguise him, Conscience can see.
+What though Conscience perceive it, all the world cannot beside,
+Tush! there be a thousand places, where we ourselves may provide.
+But look, sirs; here cometh a lusty lady towards us in haste;
+But speak to her, if you will, that we may be all plac'd.
+
+    _Enter_ LADY LUCRE.
+
+USURY.
+I pray thee do, for thou art the likeliest to speed.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Why then I'll tout with a stomach in hope of good speed.
+Fair lady, all the gods of good fellowship kiss ye--would say bless ye--
+
+LUCRE.
+Thou art very pleasant, and full of thy rope-ripe--I would say rethoric.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Lady, you took me at the worst: I beseech you therefore
+To pardon my boldness, offending no more.
+
+LUCRE.
+We do; the matter is not great, but what wouldest thou have?
+How shall I call thee, and what is't thou dost crave?
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+I am called Dissimulation, and my earnest request
+Is to crave entertainment for me and the rest,
+Whose names are Fraud, Usury, and Simony,
+Great carers for your health, wealth, and prosperity.
+
+LUCRE.
+Fraud, Dissimulation, Usury, and Simony,
+Now truly I thank you for proffering your service to me;
+You are all heartily welcome, and I will appoint straightway,
+Where each one in his office in great honour shall stay.
+But, Usury, didst thou never know my grandmother, the old Lady
+  Lucre of Venice?
+
+USURY.
+Yes, madam; I was servant unto her, and lived there in bliss.
+
+LUCRE.
+But why camest thou into England, seeing Venice is a city,
+Where Usury by Lucre may live in great glory?
+
+USURY.
+I have often heard your good grandmother tell,
+That she had in England a daughter, which her far did excel;
+And that England was such a place for Lucre to bide,
+As was not in Europe and the whole world beside.
+Then, lusting greatly to see you and the country, she being dead,
+I made haste to come over to serve you in her stead.
+
+LUCRE.
+Gramercy, Usury; and I doubt not but that you shall live here as
+  pleasantly;
+Ay, and pleasanter, too, if it may be. But, Simony, from whence
+  came ye, tell me?[164]
+
+SIMONY.
+My birth, nursery and bringing-up hitherto hath been in Rome,
+  that ancient religious city.
+On a time the monks and friars made a banquet, whereunto they invited me,
+With certain other some English merchants, which belike were of their
+  familiarity;
+So, talking of many matters, amongst others one began to debate
+Of the abundant substance still brought to that state.
+Some said the increase of their substance and wealth
+Came from other princes, and was brought thither by stealth:
+But the friars and monks, with all the ancient company,
+Said that it first came, and is now upholden by me, Simony;
+Which the English merchants gave ear to: then they flattered a little
+  too much,
+As Englishmen can do for advantage, when increase it doth touch;
+And being a-shipboard merry, and overcome with drink on a day,
+The wind served, they hoist sail, and so brought me away:
+And landing here, I heard in what great estimation you were,
+[And] made bold to your honour to make my repair.
+
+LUCRE.
+Well, Simony, I thank thee; but as for Fraud and Dissimulation,
+I know their long continuance, and after what fashion.
+Therefore, Dissimulation, you shall be my Steward,
+An office that every man's case by you must be preferred.
+And you, Fraud, shall be my rent-gatherer, my letter of leases,
+  and my purchaser of land,
+So that many old bribes will come to thy hand.
+And, Usury, because I know you be trusty, you shall be my secretary,
+To deal amongst merchants, to bargain and exchange money.
+And Simony, because you are a sly fellow, and have your tongue liberal,
+I will place you over such matters as are ecclesiastical.
+And though we appoint sundry offices, where now ye are in,
+Yet jointly we mean to use you together ofttimes in one thing.
+
+ALL.
+Lady, we rest at your command in ought we can or may.
+
+LUCRE.
+Then, Master Davy, to my palace haste thee away,
+And will Crafty Conveyance, my butler, to make ready
+The best fare in the house to welcome thee and thy company.
+But stay, Dissimulation, I myself will go with thee.
+Gentlemen, I'll go before; but pray, in any case,
+So soon as ye please, resort to my place.
+
+                        [_Exeunt_ DISSIMULATION _and_ LUCRE.
+
+SIMONY.
+I warrant you, lady,[165] we will not long absent be.
+
+USURY.
+Fellow Simony, this fell out pat, so well as heart could wish.
+We are cunning anglers: we have caught the fattest fish.
+I perceive it is true that her grandmother told:
+Here is good to be done by use of silver and gold.
+And sith I am so well settled in this country,
+I will pinch all, rich and poor, that come to me.
+
+SIMONY.
+And sirrah, when I was at Rome, and dwelt in the Friary,
+They would talk how England yearly sent over a great mass of money,
+And that this little island was more worth to the Pope,
+Than three bigger realms which had a great deal more scope;
+For here were smoke-pence, Peter-pence, and Paul-pence to be paid,
+Besides much other money that to the Pope's use was made.
+Why, it is but lately since the Pope received this fine,
+Not much more than twenty-six years--it was in Queen Mary's time.[166]
+But I think England had never known what this gear had meant,
+If Friar Austin from the Pope had not hither been sent;
+For the Pope, hearing it to be a little island, sent him with a great
+  army over,
+And winning the victory, he landed about Rye, Sandwich, or Dover:
+Then he erected laws, having the people in subjection;
+So for the most part England hath paid tribute so long--
+I, hearing of the great store and wealth in the country,
+Could not choose but persuade myself the people loved Simony.
+
+USURY.
+But stay your talk till some other time: we forget my lady.
+
+SIMONY.
+Of troth you say true, for she bad us make haste:    [_Aside_.]
+But my talk, me-thought, savoured well, and had a good taste.
+
+                                                  [_Exeunt ambo_.
+
+    _Enter_ MERCATORE _like an Italian Merchant_.
+
+MERCATORE.
+I judge in my mind a, dat me be not vare far
+From da place where dwells my Lady Lucar.
+But here come an shentlymane, a, soe he do.
+
+    [_Enter_ DISSIMULATION.
+
+Shentleman, I pray you heartily, let me speak you.
+Pray you, do you not know a shentleman dat Master Davy do call?
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Yes, marry, do I: I am he, and what would you withal?
+
+MERCATORE.
+Gooda my friend, Master Davy, help me, pray you heartily,
+For a some-a acquaintance a with Madonna Lucar, your lady.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Sir, upon condition I will: therefore I would you should know,
+That on me and my fellows you must largely bestow;
+Whose names are Fraud, Usury, and Simony, men of great credit and calling,
+And to get my lady's goodwill and theirs it is no small thing.
+But tell me, can you be content to win Lucre by Dissimulation?
+
+MERCATORE.
+A, gooda my friend, do axe-a me no shush a question,
+For he dat will live in the world must be of the world sure;
+And de world will love his own, so long as the world endure.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+I commend your wit, sir; but here comes my lady.
+
+    _Enter_ LUCRE.
+
+MERCATORE.
+Come hither: here's to tree crowns for de speak me.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Well, sir, I thank you: I will go speak for you.
+
+LUCRE.
+Master Davy Dissimulation, what new acquaintance have ye gotten there?
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Such a one, madam, that unto your state hath great care;
+And surely in my mind the gentleman is worthy
+To be well-thought on for his liberality, bounty, and great care
+  to seek ye.
+
+LUCRE.
+Gentleman, you are heartily welcome: how are you called, I pray
+  you tell us?
+
+MERCATORE.
+Madonna, me be a mershant, and be call'd Signer Mercatore.
+
+LUCRE.
+But, I pray you, tell me what countryman?
+
+MERCATORE.
+Me be, Madonna, an Italian.
+
+LUCRE.
+Yet let me trouble ye: I beseech ye whence came ye?
+
+MERCATORE.
+For salva vostra buona grazia,[167] me come from Turkey.
+
+LUCRE.
+Gramercy: but Signor Mercatore, dare you not to undertake
+Secretly to convey good commodities out of this country for my sake?
+
+MERCATORE.
+Madonna, me do for love of you tink no pain too mush,
+And to do anyting for you me will not grush:
+Me will a forsake a my fader, moder, king, country, and more dan dat;
+Me will lie and forswear meself for a quarter so much as my hat.
+What is dat for love of Lucre me dare, or will not do?
+Me care not for all the world, the great devil, nay, make my God
+  angry for you.
+
+LUCRE.
+You say well, Mercatore; yet Lucre by this is not thoroughly won:
+But give ear, and I will show what by thee must be done.
+Thou must carry over wheat, pease, barley, oats, and vetches,
+  and all kind of grain,
+Which is well sold beyond sea, and bring such merchants great gain.
+Then thou must carry beside leather, tallow, beef, bacon, bell-metal
+  and everything,
+And for these good commodities trifles into England thou must bring;
+As bugles to make bables, coloured bones, glass beads to make bracelets
+  withal,
+For every day gentlewomen of England do ask for such trifles from stall
+  to stall:
+And you must bring more, as amber, jet, coral, crystal, and every
+  such babble,
+That is slight, pretty and pleasant: they care not to have it profitable.
+And if they demand wherefore your wares and merchandise agree,
+You must say jet will take up a straw: amber will make one fat:
+Coral will look pale, when you be sick, and crystal staunch blood.
+So with lying, flattering and glosing you must utter your ware,
+And you shall win me to your will, if you can deceitfully swear.
+
+MERCATORE.
+Tink ye not dat me have carried over corn, leader, beef and bacon too,
+  all tis while?
+And brought heder many babbles dese countrymen to beguile?
+Yes; shall me tell you, Madonna I me and my countrymans have sent over
+Bell-metal for make ordnance, yea, and ordnance itself beside,
+Dat my country and oder countries be so well furnish as dis country,
+  and has never been spi'd.
+
+LUCRE.
+Now I perceive you love me; and if you continue in this still,
+You shall not only be with me, but command me when and where you will.
+
+MERCATORE.
+Lady, for to do all dis and more for you me be content;
+But I tink some skall[168] knave will put a bill in da Parliament,
+For dat such a tings shall not be brought here.
+
+LUCRE.
+Tush, Mercatore! I warrant thee, thou needest not to fear.
+What, and one do? there is some other will flatter, and say
+They do no hurt to the country, and with a sleight fetch that bill away.
+And if they do not, so that by Act of Parliament it be pass'd,
+I know you merchants have many a sleight and subtle cast,
+So that you will by stealth bring over great store,
+And say it was in the realm a long time before.
+For being so many of these trifles here, as there are at this day,
+You may increase them at pleasure, when you send over sea;
+And do but give the searcher an odd bribe in his hand,
+I warrant you, he will let you 'scape roundly with such things in
+  and out the land.
+But, Signor Mercatore, I pray you walk in with me,
+And as I find you kind to me, so will I favour ye.
+
+MERCATORE.
+Me tank you, my good lady. But, Master Dissimulation, here is for
+  your fellows, Fraud, Usury, and Simony, and say me give it dem.
+
+                                        [_Exeunt LUCRE and MERCATORE_.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Ay marry, sir, these bribes have welcome[169] been.
+Good faith, I perceive, Dissimulation, Fraud, Usury, and Simony
+  shall live
+In spite of Love and Conscience, though their hearts it doth grieve.
+Mass, masters, he that cannot lie, cog, dissemble and flatter now-a-days,
+Is not worthy to live in the world, nor in the court to have praise.
+
+    _Enter_ ARTIFEX, _an Artificer_.
+
+ARTIFEX.
+I beseech you, good Master Dissimulation, befriend a poor man
+To serve Lady Lucre; and sure, sir, I'll consider it hereafter, if I can.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+What, consider me? dost thou think that I am a bribetaker?
+Faith, it lies not in me to further thy matter.
+
+ARTIFEX.
+Good Master Dissimulation, help me: I am almost quite undone;
+But yet my living hitherto with Conscience I have won,
+But my true working, my early rising, and my late going to bed
+Is scant able to find myself, wife and children dry bread:
+For there be such a sort of strangers in this country,
+That work fine to please the eye, though it be deceitfully;
+And that which is slight, and seems to the eye well,
+Shall sooner than a piece of good work be proffered to sell;
+And our Englishmen be grown so foolish and nice,
+That they will not give a penny above the ordinary price.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Faith, I cannot help thee: 'tis my fellow Fraud must pleasure thee.
+Here comes my fellow Fraud: speak to him, and I'll do what I can.
+
+    _Enter_ FRAUD.
+
+ARTIFEX.
+I beseech you be good unto me, right honest gentleman.
+
+FRAUD.
+Why and whereto? what wouldest thou have me do?
+
+ARTIFEX.
+That my poor estate you will so much prefer,
+As to get me to be a workman to Lady Lucre;
+And, sir. I doubt not but to please you so well for your pain,
+That you shall think very well of me, if I in her service remain.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Good fellow Fraud, do so much; for I see he is very willing to live,
+And some piece of work to thee for thy pains he will give.
+
+FRAUD.
+Well, upon that condition I will; but I care not so much for his gifts,
+As that he will by my name declare how he came by his great thrifts,
+And that he will set out in every kind of thing,
+That Fraud is a good husband, and great profit doth bring.
+Therefore the next piece of work that thou dost make,
+Let me see how deceitful thou wilt do it for my sake.
+
+ARTIFEX.
+Yes, I will, sir; of that be you sure:
+I'll honour your name, while life doth endure.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Fellow Fraud, here comes a citizen, as I deem.
+
+FRAUD.
+Nay, rather a lawyer, or some pettifogger he doth seem.
+
+    _Enter a_ LAWYER.
+
+LAWYER.
+Gentlemen, my earnest suit is to desire ye,
+That unto your lady's service you would help me;
+For I am an attorney of the law, and pleader at the bar,
+And have a great desire to plead for Lady Lucre.
+I have been earnest, sir, as is needful in such a case,
+For fear another come before me, and obtain my place.
+I have pleaded for Love and Conscience, till I was weary:
+I had many clients, and many matters that made my purse light,
+  and my heart heavy:
+Therefore let them plead for Conscience that list for me;
+I'll plead no more for such as brings nothing but beggary.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Sir, upon this condition that you will keep men in the law
+Ten or twelve years for matters that are not worth a straw,
+And that you will make an ill matter seem good and firmable indeed,
+Faith, I am content for my part you shall speed.
+
+FRAUD.
+Nay, fellow, thou knowest that Simony and Usury hath an ill-matter
+  in law at this time;
+Now, if thou canst handle the matter so subtle and fine,
+As to plead that ill-matter good and firmable at the bar,
+Then thou shalt show thyself worthy to win Lady Lucre.
+Therefore tell me if you can or will do it, or no:
+If you do it, be sure to get my lady's goodwill, ere you go.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+By my honesty, well-rememb'red: I had quite forgot;
+'Tis about that a fortnight ago fell out, the matter I wot.
+
+LAWYER.
+Tush, sir, I can make black white, and white black again.
+Tut, he that will be a lawyer must have a thousand ways to feign:
+And many times we lawyers do one befriend another,
+And let good matters slip! tut, we agree like brother and brother.
+Why, sir, what shall let us to wrest and turn the law as we list,
+Seeing we have them printed in the palms of our fist?
+Therefore doubt you not, but make bold report,
+That I came and will plead their ill-cause in good kind of sort.
+
+FRAUD.
+Of troth, how likest thou this fellow, Dissimulation?
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Marry, I like him well: he is a cunning clerk, and one of our profession.
+But come, sir, go with us, and we will prefer you.
+
+ARTIFEX.
+Good Master Fraud, remember me.
+
+FRAUD.
+Leave thy prating: I will, I tell thee.
+
+ARTIFEX.
+Good Master Dissimulation, think on me.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Thou art too importunate and greedy.
+
+FRAUD.
+Come after dinner, or some other time, when we are at leisure.
+
+                        [DISSIMULATION, FRAUD, _and_ LAWYER _exeunt_.
+
+ARTIFEX.
+Come after dinner, or some other time! I think so[170] indeed,
+For full little do they think of a poor man's need.
+These fellows will do nothing for pity and love,
+And thrice happy are they that hath no need them to prove.
+God he knows the world is grown to such a stay,
+That men must use Fraud and Dissimulation too, or beg by the way.
+Therefore I'll do as the most doth; the fewest shall laugh me to scorn,
+And be a fellow amongst good fellows to hold by St Luke's horn.
+                                                          [_Exit_.
+
+    _Enter_ SIMPLICITY _and_ SINCERITY.
+
+SINCERITY.
+Good Cousin Simplicity, do somewhat for me.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Yes, faith, Cousin Sincerity, I'll do anything for thee.
+What wouldst for me to do for thee? canst tell that?
+
+[SINCERITY.]
+Mass, I cannot tell what shouldst do for me, except thou wouldst
+  give me a new hat.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Alas! I am not able to give thee a new.
+Why, I marvel then how thou dost do:
+Dost thou get thy living amongst beggars, from door to door?
+Indeed, Cousin Sincerity, I had thought thou wast not so poor.
+
+SINCERITY.
+Nay, Cousin Simplicity, I got my living hardly, but yet I hope just,
+And with good conscience too, although I am restrained from my lust.
+But this is it, Cousin Simplicity, I would request you to do for me,
+Which is to get Lady Love and Lady Conscience' hand to a letter,
+That by their means I may get some benefice, to make me live the better.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Yes; I'll do so much for thee, cousin; but hast thou any here?
+
+SINCERITY.
+Ay, behold they are ready-drawn, if assigned[171] they were.
+
+    [_Let_ SIMPLICITY _make as though he read it, and
+    look quite over; meanwhile let_ CONSCIENCE _enter_.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Let me see, cousin, for I can read.
+Mass, 'tis bravely done: didst thou it indeed?
+Mistress Conscience, I have a matter to bequest you to.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+What is't? I doubt not but 'tis some wise thing, if it be for you.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Marry, my cousin Sincerity wad desire to scribe these papers here,
+That he may get some preferment, but I know not where.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Be these your letters? what would you have me do, and how
+  shall I call ye?
+
+SINCERITY.
+Lady, my name is Sincerity.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+And from whence come ye?
+
+SINCERITY.
+I came from Oxford, but in Cambridge I studied late;[172]
+Having nothing, thought good, if I could, to make better my state:
+But if I had, instead of divinity, the law, astronomy, astrology,
+Physiognomy, palmestry, arithmetic, logic, music, physic,
+  or any such thing,
+I had not doubted, then, but to have had some better living.
+But divines, that preach the word of God sincerely and truly,
+Are in these days little or nothing at all[173] set by.
+God grant the good preachers be not taken away for our unthankfulness!
+There never was more preaching and less following,
+  the people live so amiss.
+But what is he that may not on the Sabbath-day attend to
+  hear God's word,
+But he will rather run to bowls, sit at the alehouse,
+  than one hour afford,
+Telling a tale of Robin Hood, sitting at cards, playing at
+  skittles[174], or some other vain thing,
+That I fear God's vengeance on our heads it will bring.
+God grant amendment! But, Lady Conscience, I pray,
+In my behalf unto Lucre do what ye may.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Mass, my cousin can say his book well: I had not thought it.
+He's worthy to have a benefice, and it will hit.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+God be blessed, Sincerity, for the good comfort I have of thee:
+I would it lay in us to pleasure such, believe me.
+We will do what we can; but _ultra posse non est esse_, you know:
+It is Lucre that hath brought us poor souls so low;
+For we have sold our house, we are brought so poor,
+And fear by her shortly to be shut out of door.
+Yet to subscribe our name we will with all our heart:
+Perchance for our sakes something she will impart.
+Come hither, Simplicity; let me write on thy back.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Here is the right picture of that fellow that sits in the corner.[175]
+
+    _Enter_ HOSPITALITY, _while she is writing_.
+
+HOSPITALITY.
+Lady, methinks you are busy.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+I have done, sir. I was setting my hand to a letter to Lucre
+  for our friend Sincerity.
+But I would Lady Love were here too.
+
+HOSPITALITY.
+She is at home with me; but, if it please, so much in her behalf
+  I will do.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+I pray you[176] heartily, and it shall suffice the turn well enou'.
+Good Simplicity, once more thy body do bow.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+I think I shall serve[177] to be a washing-block for you.    [_Aside_.
+I would do it for you, but I am afraid yonder boy will mock me.
+
+HOSPITALITY.
+No; I warrant thee.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Here, take thy letters, Sincerity; and I wish them prosperous
+  to thee.[178]
+
+SINCERITY.
+I yield you most hearty thanks, my good lady.
+
+HOSPITALITY.
+Lady Conscience, pleaseth it you to walk home to dinner with me?[179]
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+I give you thanks,[180] my good friend Hospitality;
+But I pray, sir, have you invited to dinner any stranger?
+
+HOSPITALITY.
+No, sure; none but Lady Love, and three or four honest neighbours.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Mass, my lady is gotten to dinner already:
+I believe she rose at ten o'clock, she is so hungry.
+What, and I should come to dinner, hast thou any good cheer.
+
+HOSPITALITY.
+I have bread and beer, one joint of meat, and welcome, thy best fare.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Why, art thou call'd Hospitality, and hast no better cheer than that?
+I'll tell thee, if thou hast no more meat for so many, they'll
+  ne'er be fat.
+What, if my cousin--nay, I myself alone--to dinner should come,
+Where should my lady and the rest dine, for I could eat up every crumb?
+Thou art an old miser: dost thou keep no better fare in thy house?
+Hast thou no great bag-pudding, nor hog's-face that is called souse?
+
+HOSPITALITY.
+My friend, hospitality doth not consist in great fare and banqueting,
+But in doing good unto the poor, and to yield them some refreshing;
+Therefore, thou and Sincerity will come and take part:
+Such as I have I'll give you with a free and willing heart.
+
+                         [_Exeunt_ HOSPITALITY _and_ CONSCIENCE.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+He speaks well, cousin; let's go to dinner with him.
+The old man shall not think but we will pleasure him.
+Faith, he might have richer fellows than we to take his part,
+But he shall never have better eating fellows, if he would
+  swelt his heart.
+Here be them that will eat with the proudest of them;
+I am sure my mother said I could eat so much as five men.
+Nay, I have a gift for eating, I tell ye,
+For our maids would never believe I put all the meat in my belly.
+But I have spied a knave, my Lady Lucre's cogging man.
+Give me your letters, cousin; I'll prefer ye, if I can.
+
+    _Enter_ DISSIMULATION.
+
+SINCERITY.
+Dissimulation! out upon him! he shall be no spokeman for me.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Why then you are a fool, Cousin Sincerity.
+Give me 'em;[181] I tell ye, I know he'll do it for me.
+
+SINCERITY.
+Seeing thou wilt have it, here receive it; but yet it grieves my heart
+That this dissembling wretch should speak on my part.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Hear ye, sir, I would request [you] to 'liver this letter
+To your good wholesome mistress, Lady Lucre.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Where hadst thou it, tell me?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Marry, of my Cousin Sincerity.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Why, I have nothing to do in it; 'tis not to me thou shouldst come:
+I have not to do with Sincerity's matters: 'tis my fellow Simony's room.
+
+SINCERITY.
+Thou art akin to the lawyer; thou wilt do nothing without a fee:
+But thou, Fraud, Usury, nor yet Simony, shall do nothing for me.
+And thou wilt do it, do it; and thou wilt not, choose,
+But thee and their dealing I hate and refuse.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Why, and I am not bound to thee so far as knave go,
+And therefore, in despite of thee and thy cousin, there thy letters be.
+What, thinkest thou by captious words to make me do it?
+Let them deliver your letters that hath a stomach to it.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Faith, cousin, he's such a testern[182] and proud, 'sembling knave,
+That he'll do nothing, 'less some bribery he have.
+There's a great many such promoting knaves, that gets their living
+With nothing else but facing, lying, swearing, and flattering.
+Why, he has a face like a black dog,[183] and blusheth like the
+  back-side of a chimney.
+'Twas not for nothing thy godfathers a cogging name gave thee.
+
+    [_Enter_ LADY LUCRE.
+
+But here comes his mistress Lady Lucre:
+Now, cousin, I'll 'liver your letter.
+Mistress Lady Lucre, here's a letter for ye.
+
+LUCRE.
+Hast thou a letter for me?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Yes, by Saint Mary.
+How say you, cousin? she reads your letter:
+And you can flatter, perhaps you shall speed better.
+
+SINCERITY.
+Thou speakest the truth, Simplicity; for flatterers now-a-days
+Live gentlemen-like, and with prating get praise.
+
+LUCRE.
+Sir, I have read the tenure of your letter, wherein I find
+That at the request of Love and Conscience I should show myself kind
+In bestowing some spiritual living on ye, parsonage, or benefice:
+It seems it stands greatly in need, as appears by this.
+And, trust me, I would do for you; but it lies not in me,
+For I have referred all such matters to my servant Simony.
+You must speak to him, and if you can get his goodwill,
+Then be sure of mine their minds to fulfil.
+
+SINCERITY.
+Lady, I shall never get his goodwill, because I want ability,
+For he will do nothing, except I bring money.
+And if you grant it not, then, 'tis past all doubt,
+I shall be never the better, but go quite without.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Madam, I can tell you what you may give,
+Not hurting yourself, whereby he may live,
+And without my fellow Simony's consent,
+If to follow my mind you are any whit bent.
+
+LUCRE.
+Pray thee, what is it? thou knowest, while for their house I am
+  in bargaining,
+And it be never so little, I must seem to do something.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Why, have you not the parsonage of St Nihil to bestow?
+If you give him that, Simony shall never know.
+
+LUCRE.
+Indeed, thou sayest true. Draw near, Sincerity:
+Lo, for their sakes I will bestow frankly on thee.
+I'll give thee the parsonage of Saint Nihil to pleasure them withal,
+And such another to it, if thou watch, till it fall.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+My lady axes you, when you will take possession of your house,
+  and lend the rest of the money.
+
+LUCRE.
+What, are they so hasty? belike they spent it merrily.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Faith, no; for they would eat it, if they could get it, when they
+  are a-hungry.
+But you may be happy, for you have sped well to-day:
+        [_Speaking to_ SINCERITY.
+You may thank God and good company that you came this way.
+The parsonage of St Michael's; by'r Lady, if you have nothing else,
+You shall be sure of a living, beside a good ring of bells.
+Cousin, I'll tell thee what thou shalt do: sell the bells, and make money.
+
+SINCERITY.
+Thou mayest well be Simplicity, for thou showest thy folly.
+I have a parsonage, but what? of St Nihil; and Nihil is nothing:
+Then, where is the church, or any bells for to ring?
+Thou understandest her not: she was set for to flout.
+I thought, coining in their names, I should go without.
+'Tis easy to see that Lucre loves not Love and Conscience;
+But God, I trust, will one day yield her just recompense.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Cousin, you said that something to me you would give,
+When you had gotten preferment of Lucre to live,
+And I trust you will remember your poor cousin Simplicity:
+You know to Lady Conscience and e'rybody I did speak for you.
+
+SINCERITY.
+Good Simplicity, hold thy peace: my state is yet nought.
+I will help thee, sure, if ever I get ought.
+But here comes Sir Nicholas Nemo: to him I will go,
+And see if for their sakes he will anything bestow.
+
+    _Enter_ SIR NICHOLAS NEMO.
+
+NEMO.
+You come from Love and Conscience, as seemeth me here,
+My special good friends, whom I account of most dear:
+And you are called Sincerity; your state shows the same.
+You are welcome to me for their sakes, and for your own name;
+And for their sakes you shall see what I will do for you
+Without Dissimulation, Fraud, Usury, or Simony;
+For they will do nothing without some kind of gain,
+Such cankered corruption in their hearts doth remain.
+But come in to dinner with me, and when you have din'd,
+You shall have--
+                    [_Presently go out_.
+
+SINCERITY.
+You shall have--but what? a living that is blown down with the wind.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Now, cousin, dismember your friends, seeing two livings you have,
+One that this man promis'd, and another that Lady Lucre gave.
+Mass, you'll be a jolly man, and you had three or four more:
+Let's beg apace, cousin, and we shall get great store.
+Do thou get some more letters, and I'll get them scribed of
+  Mistress Love and Conscience,
+And we'll go beg livings together; we'll beg no small pence.
+How sayest thou, Cousin Sincerity? wut do so mich?
+If we can speak fair and 'semble, we shall be plaguy rich.
+
+SINCERITY.
+Good Simplicity, content thee: I am never the better for this,
+But must of force leave off, for I see how vain it is.
+It boots not Sincerity to sue for relief:
+So few regard [me,] that to me is a grief.
+This was Nicholas Nemo, and No-Man hath no place:
+Then how can I speed well in this heavy case?
+And no man bid me to dinner, when shall I dine?
+Or how shall I find him--where, when, and at what time?
+Wherefore the relief I have had, and shall have, is small;
+But to speak truth, the relief is nothing at all.
+But come, Simplicity, let us go see what may be had.
+Sincerity in these days was, sure, born to be sad.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Come, let's go to dinner, cousin, for the gentleman, I think,
+  hath almost din'd,
+But, and I do get victuals enough, I'll warrant you, I will
+  not be behind.
+
+SINCERITY.
+What, if thou canst not get it then, how wilt thou eat?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Marry, on this fashion; with both hands at once; ye shall see,
+  when I get meat.
+
+SINCERITY.
+Why, his name was Nemo, and Nemo hath no being.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+I believe, cousin, you be not hungry, that you stand prating.
+Faith, I'll go do him a pleasure, because he hath need.
+Why, and he will needs have meat eat, a' shall see how I'll feed.
+I believe he will not bid me come again to him:
+Mass, and he do, a' shall find a fellow that has his eating.
+
+                                             [_Exeunt ambo_.
+
+    _Enter_ USURY _and_ CONSCIENCE.
+
+USURY.
+Lady Conscience, is there anybody within your house, can you tell?
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+There is nobody at all, be ye sure: I know certainly well.
+
+USURY.
+You know, when one comes to take possession of any piece of land,
+There must not be one within, for against the order of law it doth stand.
+Therefore I thought good to ask you; but I pray you think not amiss,
+For both you and almost all others knows, that an old custom it is.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+You say truth: take possession, when you please; good leave I render ye.
+Doubt you not; there is neither man, woman, nor child, that will or
+  shall hinder ye.[184]
+
+USURY.
+Why, then, I will be bold to enter.
+                                       [_Exit_.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Who is more bold than Usury to venter?
+He maketh the matter dangerous, where is no need at all,
+But he thinks it not perilous to seek every man's fall.
+Both he and Lucre hath so pinch'd us, we know not what to do:
+Were it not for Hospitality, we knew not whither to go.
+Great is the misery that we poor ladies abide,
+And much more is the cruelty of Lucre and Usury beside,
+O Conscience, thou art not accounted of; O Love, thou art little set by,
+For almost every one true love and pure conscience doth deny:
+So hath Lucre crept into the bosom of man, woman and child,
+That every one doth practise his dear friend to beguile.
+But God grant Hospitality be not by them overprest,
+In whom all our stay and chiefest comfort doth rest:
+But Usury hates Hospitality, and cannot him abide,
+Because he for the poor and comfortless doth provide.
+Here he comes that hath undone many an honest man,
+And daily seeks to destroy, deface, and bring to ruin, if he can--
+Now, sir, have you taken possession, as your dear lady will'd you?
+
+    _Enter_ USURY.
+
+USURY.
+I have done it, and I think you have received your money.
+But this to you: my lady will'd me to bid you provide some other
+  house out of hand,
+For she would not by her will have Love and Conscience to dwell in
+  her land.
+Therefore I would wish you to provide ye;
+So ye should save charges, for a less house may serve ye.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+I pray you heartily, let us stay there, and we will be content
+To give you ten pound a year, which is the old rent.
+
+USURY.
+Ten pound a year! that were a stale jest,
+If I should take the old rent to follow your request.
+Nay, after forty pound a year you shall have it for a quarter,
+And you may think, too, I greatly befriend ye in this matter:
+But no longer than for a quarter to you I'll set it,
+For perhaps my lady shall sell it, or else to some other will let it.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Well, sith we are driven to this hard and bitter drift,
+We accept it, and are contented to make bare and hard shift.
+
+USURY.
+Then, get you gone, and see at a day your rent be ready.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+We must have patience perforce, seeing there is no remedy.
+                                             [_Exit_ CONSCIENCE.
+
+USURY.
+What a fool was I! it repents me I have let it so reasonable.
+I might so well have had after threescore as such a trifle;
+For, seeing they were distressed, they would have given largely.
+I was a right sot; but I'll be overseen no more, believe me.
+
+    _Enter_ MERCATORE.
+
+MERCATORE.
+Ah, my good a friend Master Usury! by my trot', you be very well-met.
+Me be much beholden unto you for your goodwill; me be in your debt.
+But a me take a your part so much against a scald old churl, call'd
+  Hospitality,
+Did speak against you, and says you bring good honest men to beggary.
+
+USURY.
+I thank you, sir. Did he speak such evil of me, as you now say?
+I doubt not but to reward him for his treachery one day.
+
+MERCATORE.
+But, I pray, tell a me how fare a my lady all dis while?
+
+USURY.
+Marry, very well,[185] sir; and here she comes, if myself I do
+  not beguile.
+
+    _Enter_ LUCRE.
+
+LUCRE.
+What, Signer Mercatore! I have not seen you many a day:
+I marvel what is the cause you kept so long away.
+
+MERCATORE.
+Shall me say you, Madonna, dat me have had much business for you in hand,
+For send away good commodities out of dis little country England:
+Me have now sent over brass, copper, pewter, and many oder ting,
+And for dat me shall ha for gentlewomans fine trifles, that great
+  profit will bring.
+
+LUCRE.
+I perceive you have been mindful of me, for which I thank ye.
+But, Usury, tell me, how have you sped in that you went about?
+
+USURY.
+Indifferently, lady, you need not to doubt.
+I have taken possession, and because they were destitute,
+I have let it for a quarter; my tale to conclude,
+Marry, I have a little raised the rent, but it is but forty pound
+  by the year;
+But if it were to let now, I would let it more dear.
+
+LUCRE.
+Indeed, 'tis but a trifle; it makes no matter:
+I force not greatly, being but for a quarter.
+
+MERCATORE.
+Madonna, me tell ye vat you shall do; let dem to stranger,
+  dat are content
+To dwell in a little room, and to pay much rent:
+For you know da Frenchmans and Flemings in dis country be many,
+So dat they make shift to dwell ten houses in one very gladly;
+And be content a for pay fifty or threescore pound a year
+For dat which da Englishmans say twenty mark is too dear.
+
+LUCRE.
+Why, Signor Mercatore, think you not that I
+Have infinite numbers in London that my want doth supply?
+Beside in Bristow, Northampton, Norwich, Westchester, Canterbury,
+Dover, Sandwich, Eye, Porchmouth, Plymouth, and many mo,
+That great rents upon little room do bestow?
+Yes, I warrant you; and truly I may thank the strangers for this,
+That they have made houses so dear, whereby I live in bliss.
+But, Signor Mercatore, dare you to travel undertake,
+And go amongst the Moors, Turks and Pagans for my sake?
+
+MERCATORE.
+Madonna, me dare go to de Turks, Moors, Pagans, and more too:
+What do me care, and me go to da great devil for you?
+Command a me, madam, and you shall see plain,
+Dat a for your sake me refuse a no pain.
+
+LUCRE.
+Then, Signor Mercatore, I am forthwith to send ye,
+From hence to search for some new toys in Barbary and in Turkey;
+Such trifles as you think will please wantons best,
+For you know in this country 'tis their chiefest request.
+
+MERCATORE.
+Indeed, de gentlewomans here buy so much vain toys,
+Dat we strangers laugh a to tink wherein day have their joys.
+Fait', Madonna, me will search all da strange countries me can tell,
+But me will have sush tings dat please dese gentlewomans vell.
+
+LUCRE.
+Why, then, let us provide things ready to haste you away.
+
+MERCATORE.
+A vostro commandamento, Madonna, me obey.
+                                             [_Exeunt_.
+
+    _Enter_ SIMONY _and_ PETER PLEASEMAN, _like a parson_.[186]
+
+SIMONY.
+Now proceed with your tale, and I'll hear thee.
+
+PETER.
+And so, sir, as I was about to tell you,
+This same Presco and this same Cracko be both my parishioners now;
+And, sir, they fell out marvellously together about you:
+This same Cracko took your part, and said that the clergy
+Was upholden by you, and maintained very worshipfully.
+So, sir, Presco he would not grant that in no case,
+But said that you did corrupt the clergy, and dishonour that holy place.
+Now, sir, I was weary to hear them at such great strife,
+For I love to please men, so long as I have life:
+Therefore I beseech your mastership to speak to Lady Lucre,
+That I may be her chaplain, or else to serve her.
+
+SIMONY.
+What is your name?
+
+PETER.
+Sir Peter.
+
+SIMONY.
+What more?
+
+PETER.
+Forsooth, Pleaseman.
+
+SIMONY.
+Then, your name is Sir Peter Pleaseman?
+
+PETER.
+Ay, forsooth.
+
+SIMONY.
+And please-woman too, now and then?
+
+PETER.
+You know that _homo_ is indifferent.[187]
+
+SIMONY.
+Now, surely, a good scholar in my judgment!
+I pray, at what university were ye?
+
+PETER.
+Of no university, truly. Marry, I have gone
+To school in a college, where I have studied two or three places
+  of divinity.
+And all for Lady Lucre's sake, sir, you may steadfastly believe me.
+
+SIMONY.
+Nay. I believe ye. But of what religion are you, can ye tell?
+
+PETER.
+Marry, sir, of all religions: I know not myself very well.
+
+SIMONY.
+You are a Protestant now, and I think to that you will grant?
+
+PETER.
+Indeed I have been a Catholic: marry, now for the most part, a Protestant.
+But, and if my service may please her--hark in your ear, sir--
+I warrant you my religion shall not offend her.
+
+SIMONY.
+You say well; but if I help you to such great preferment,
+Would you be willing that for my pain
+I shall have yearly half the gain?
+For it is reason, you know, that if I help you to a living,
+That you should unto me be somewhat beholding.
+
+PETER.
+Ay, sir; and reason good; I'll be as your mastership please:
+I care not what you do, so I may live at ease.
+
+SIMONY.
+Then, this man is answered. Sir Peter Pleaseman, come in with me,
+And I'll prefer you straightway to my lady.
+
+PETER.
+O sir, I thank ye.
+                      [_Exeunt_.
+
+    _Enter_ SIMPLICITY, _with a basket on his arm_.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+You think I am going to market to buy roast meat, do ye not?
+I thought so; but you are deceived, for I wot what I wot.
+I am neither going to the butcher's to buy veal, mutton, or beef,
+But I am going to a bloodsucker; and who is it? faith, Usury, that thief.
+Why, sirs, 'twas no marcle[188] he undid my father, that was called
+  Plain-Dealing,
+When he has undone my lady and Conscience too with his usuring.
+I'll tell ye, sirs, trust him not, for he'll flatter bonfacion[189]
+  and sore,
+Till he has gotten the baker vantage; then he'll turn you out of door.
+
+    _Enter_ DISSIMULATION.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Simplicity, now of my honesty, very heartily well-met.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+What, Semblation, swear not; for thou swearest by that thou couldst
+  not get.
+Thou have honesty now? thy honesty is quite gone:
+Marry, thou hadst honesty at eleven of the clock, and went from you
+  at noon.
+Why, how canst thou have honesty, when it dare not come nigh thee?
+I warrant, Semblation, he that has less honesty than thou may defy thee.
+Thou hast honesty, sir reverence! come out, dog, where art thou?
+Even as much[190] honesty as had my mother's great hoggish sow.
+No, faith, thou must put out my eye with honesty, and thou hadst it here:
+Hast not left it at the alehouse in gage for a pot of strong beer?
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Pray thee, leave prating, Simplicity, and tell me what thou hast there.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Why, 'tis nothing for thee: thou dost not deal with such kind of ware.
+Sirrah, there is no deceit in a bag-pudding, is there? nor in a plain
+  pudding-pie?
+But there is deceit, and knavery too, in thy fellow that is called
+  Usury.[191]
+Sirrah, I'll tell thee; I won[192] not tell thee; and yet I'll tell
+  thee, now I 'member me, too.
+Canst tell, or wouldst know whither with this parliament I go?[193]
+Faith, even to Suck-Swill, thy fellow Usury, I am sent
+With my Lady Love's gown, and Lady Conscience' too, for a quarter's rent.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Alas! poor Lady Love, art thou driven so low?
+Some little pittance on thee I'll bestow.
+Hold, Simplicity: carry her three or four ducats from me,
+And commend me to her even very heartily.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Duck-eggs? yes, I'll carry 'em, and 'twere as many as this would hold.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Tush! thou knowest not what I mean: take this, 'tis gold.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Mass, 'tis gold indeed: why, wilt thou send away thy gold? hast no
+  more need?
+I think thou art grown plaguy rich with thy dissembling trade.
+But I'll carry my lady the gold, for this will make her well apaid.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+And, sirrah, carry Lady Love's gown back again; for my fellow Usury
+Shall not have her gown: I am sure so much he will befriend me.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+But what shall Conscience' gown do? shall I carry it back again too?
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Nay, let Conscience' gown and skin to Usury go.
+If nobody cared for Conscience more than I,
+They would hang her up like bacon in a chimney to dry.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Faith, I told thee thou caredst not for Conscience nor honesty:
+I think, indeed, it will never be the death of thee.
+But I'll go conspatch my errand so soon as I can, I tell ye,
+For now I ha' gold, I would fain have some good meat in my belly.
+                                                             [_Exit_.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Nay, I'll hie me after, that I may send back Lady Love's gown,
+For I would not have Love bought quite out of town.
+Marry, for Conscience, tut, I care not two straws:
+Why I should take care for her, I know no kind of cause.
+                                                      [_Exit_.
+
+    _Enter_ HOSPITALITY.
+
+HOSPITALITY.
+O, what shall I say? Usury hath undone me, and now he hates me
+  to the death,
+And seeks by all means possible for to bereave me of breath.
+I cannot rest in any place, but he hunts and follows me everywhere,
+That I know no place to abide, I live so much in fear.
+But, out alas! here comes he that will shorten my days.
+
+    _Enter_ USURY.
+
+USURY.
+O, have I caught your old grey beard? you be the man whom the people
+  so praise:
+You are a frank gentleman, and full of liberality.
+Why, who had all the praise in London or England, but Master Hospitality?
+But I'll master you now, I'll hold you a groat.
+
+HOSPITALITY.
+What, will you kill me?
+
+USURY.
+No; I'll do nothing but cut thy throat.
+
+HOSPITALITY.
+O help, help, help for God's sake!
+
+    _Enter_ CONSCIENCE, _running apace_.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+What lamentable cry was that I heard one make?
+
+HOSPITALITY.
+O Lady Conscience! now or never help me.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Why, what wilt thou do with him, Usury?
+
+USURY.
+What will I do with him? marry, cut his throat, and then no more.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+O, dost thou not consider, that thou shalt dearly answer
+For Hospitality, that good member? refrain it therefore.
+
+USURY.
+Refrain me no refraining, nor answer me no answering:
+The matter is answered well enough in this thing.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+For God's sake, spare him! for country-sake, spare him; for pity-sake,
+  spare him;
+For love-sake, spare him; for Conscience-sake, forbear him!
+
+USURY.
+Let country, pity, love, Conscience, and all go in respect of myself,
+He shall die. Come, ye feeble wretch, I'll dress ye like an elf.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+But yet, Usury, consider the lamentable cry of the poor:
+For lack of Hospitality fatherless children are turned out of door.
+Consider again the complaint of the sick, blind, and lame,
+That will cry unto the Lord for vengeance on thy head in his name.
+Is the fear of God so far from thee that thou hast no feeling at all?
+O, repent, Usury! leave Hospitality, and for mercy at the Lord's
+  hand call.
+
+USURY.
+Leave prating, Conscience: thou canst not mollify my heart.
+He shall, in spite of thee and all other, feel his deadly smart.
+Yet I'll not commit the murder openly,
+But hale the villain into a corner, and so kill him secretly.
+Come, ye miserable drudge, and receive thy death.
+
+HOSPITALITY.
+Help, good lady, help! he will stop my breath.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Alas! I would help thee, but I have not the power.
+
+HOSPITALITY.
+Farewell, Lady Conscience: you shall have Hospitality in London
+  nor England no more.
+                          [_Hale him in_.[194]
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+O help! help, help, some good body!
+
+    _Enter_ DISSIMULATION _and_ SIMPLICITY _hastily_.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Who is that calls for help so lustily?[195]
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Out, alas! thy fellow Usury hath killed Hospitality.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Now, God's blessing on his heart: why, 'twas time that he was dead:
+He was an old churl, with never a good tooth in his head.
+And he ne'er kept no good cheer that I could see;
+For if one had not come at dinner-time, he should have gone away hungry.
+I could never get my belly-full of meat;
+He had nothing but beef, bread, and cheese for me to eat.
+Now I would have had some pies, or bag-puddings with great lumps of fat;
+But, I warrant ye,[196] he did keep my mouth well enough from that.
+Faith, and he be dead, he is dead: let him go to the devil, and he will;
+Or if he will not go thither, let him even lie there still.
+I'll ne'er make wamentation for an old churl,
+For he has been a great while, and now 'tis time that he were out
+  of the worl'.
+
+    _Enter_ LUCRE.
+
+LUCRE.
+What, Conscience, thou look'st like a poor pigeon, pull'd of late.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+What, Lucre, thou lookest like a whore, full of deadly hate.
+
+LUCRE.
+Alas! Lucre, I am sorry for thee, but I cannot weep.[197]
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Alas! Lucre, I am sorry for thee that thou canst no honesty keep:
+But such as thou art, such are the[198] attenders on thee,
+As appears by thy servant Usury, that hath killed that good member
+  Hospitality.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Faith, Hospitality is killed, and hath made his will,
+And hath given Dissimulation three trees upon an high hill.
+
+LUCRE.
+Come hither, Dissimulation, and hie you hence, so fast as you may,
+And help thy fellow Usury to convey himself out of the way:
+Further will the justices, if they chance to see him, not to know him,
+Or know[ing] him, not by any means to hinder him;
+And they shall command thrice so much at my hand.
+Go trudge, run; out, away: how? dost thou stand!
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Nay, good lady, send my fellow Simony;
+For I have an earnest suit to ye.
+
+LUCRE.
+Then, Simony, go, do what I have will'd.
+
+SIMONY.
+I run, Madam: your mind shall be fulfilled.
+                                               [_Exit_.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Well, well, Lucre, _Audeo et taceo_: I see and say nothing;
+But I fear the plague of God on thy head it will bring.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Good lady, grant that love be your waiting-maid.
+For I think, being brought so low, she will be well apaid.
+
+LUCRE.
+Speakest thou in good earnest, or dost thou but dissemble?
+I know not how to have thee, thou art so variable.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Lady, though my name be Dissimulation, yet I speak _bona fide_ now.
+If it please you my petitions to allow.
+
+    _Enter_ SIMONY.
+
+LUCRE.
+Stand by: I'll answer thee anon. What news, Simony,
+Bringest thou of thy fellow Usury?
+
+SIMONY.
+Marry, madam, good news; for Usury lies close,
+Hid in a rich man's house, that will not let him loose,
+Until they see the matter brought to a good end;
+For Usury in this country hath many a good friend:
+And late I saw Hospitality carried to burying.
+
+LUCRE.
+I pray thee, tell me who were they that followed him?
+
+SIMONY.
+There were many of the clergy, and many of the nobility,
+And many right worshipful rich citizens,
+Substantial graziers,[199] and very wealthy farmers:
+But to see how the poor followed him, it was a wonder;
+Never yet at any burial I have seen such a number.
+
+LUCRE.
+But what say the people of the murder?
+
+SIMONY.
+Many are sorry, and say 'tis great pity that he was slain.
+But who be they? the poor beggarly people that so complain.
+As for the other, they say 'twas a cruel, bloody fact,
+But I perceive none will hinder the murderer for this cruel act.
+
+LUCRE.
+'Tis well: I am glad of it. Now, Dissimulation, if you can get
+  Love's good-will,
+I am contented with all my heart to grant there-until.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+I thank you, good lady, and I doubt not but she
+With a little entreaty will thereto agree.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Now I have it in my breeches, and very well can tell,
+That I and my lady with Mistress Lucre shall dwell;
+But if I be her serving-fellow, and dwell there,
+I must learn to cog, lie, foist, and swear;
+And surely I shall never learn: marry, and 'twere to lie abed all day,
+I know to that kind of living I should give a good 'ssay:[200]
+Or if 'twere to eat one's meat, then I knew what I had to do.
+How say ye, sirrah, can I not? I'll be judg'd[201] by you.
+
+LUCRE.
+Now to you, little mouse: did I not tell you before,
+That I should, ere 'twere long, turn you both out of door?
+How say you, pretty soul, is't come to pass, yea or no?
+I think I have pull'd your peacock's plumes somewhat low.
+And yet you be so stout as though you felt no grief;
+But I know, ere it be long, you will come puling to me for relief.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Well, Lucre, well: you know pride will have a fall.
+What avantageth[202] it thee to win the world, and lose thy soul withal?
+Yet better it is to live with little, and keep a conscience clear,
+Which is to God a sacrifice, and accounted of most dear.
+
+LUCRE.
+Nay, Conscience, and you be bookish, I mean to leave ye;
+And the cold ground to comfort your feet I bequeath ye;
+Methink, you being so deeply learned may do well to keep a school.
+Why, I have seen so cunning a clerk in time to prove a fool.
+
+                                   [_Exeunt_ LUCRE _and_ SIMONY.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Sirrah, if thou shouldst marry my lady, thou wouldst keep her brave,
+For I think now thou art a plaguy rich knave.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Rich I am, but as for knave, keep [that] to thyself.
+Come, give me my lady's gown, thou ass-headed elf.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Why, I'll go with thee, for I must dwell with my lady.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Pack hence away, [or] Jack Drum's entertainment:[203] she will
+  none of thee.
+                   [_Exit_.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+This is as my cousin and I went to Master Nemo's house:
+There was nobody to bid a dog drink, or to change a man a louse.
+But Lady Conscience--nay, who there?--scratch that name away!
+Can she be a lady that is turned out of all her beray?[204]
+Do not be call'd more lady, and if you be wise,
+For everybody will mock you, and say you be not worth two butterflies.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+What remedy, Simplicity? I cannot do withal.
+But what shall we go do? or whereto shall we fall?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Why, to our victuals: I know nothing else we have to do?
+And mark, if I cannot eat twenty times as much as you.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+If I go lie in an inn, I shall be sore grieved to see
+The deceit of the ostler, the polling of the tapster, as in most
+  houses of lodging they be.
+If in a brewer's house, at the over-plenty of water and the scarceness
+  of malt I should grieve,
+Whereby to enrich themselves all other with unsavoury thin drink
+  they deceive:
+If in a tanner's house, with his great deceit in tanning;
+If in a weaver's house, with his great cosening in weaving.
+If in a baker's house, with light bread and very evil working;
+If in a chandler's, with deceitful weights, false measures, selling
+  for a halfpenny that is scant worth a farthing;
+And if in an alehouse, with the great resort of poor unthrifts,
+  that with swearing at the cards consume their lives,
+Having greater delight to spend a shilling that way, than a groat
+  at home to sustain their needy children and wives.
+For which I judge it best for me to get some solitary place,
+Where I may with patience this my heavy cross embrace,
+And learn to sell[220] broom, whereby to get my living,
+Using that as a quiet mean to keep myself from begging.--
+Wherefore, Simplicity, if thou wilt do the like,
+Settle thyself to it, and with true labour thy living do seek.
+                                                 [_Exit_ CONSCIENCE.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+No, faith, Mistress Conscience, I'll not; for, and I should
+  sell[205] broom,
+The maids would cosen me to competually with their old shoon.
+And, too, I cannot work, and you would hang me out of the way;
+For when I was a miller, Will did grind the meal, while I did play.
+Therefore I'll have as easy an occupation as I had when my father
+  was alive.
+Faith, I'll go even a-begging: why, 'tis a good trade; a man shall be
+  sure to thrive;
+For I am sure my prayers will get bread and cheese, and my singing will
+  get me drink.
+Then shall not I do better than Mistress Conscience? tell me as
+  you think.
+Therefore god Pan in the kitchen, and god Pot in the buttery,
+Come and resist me, that I may sing with the more meliosity.
+But, sirs, mark my cauled countenance, when I begin.
+But yonder is a fellow[206] that gapes to bite me, or else to eat that
+  which I sing.
+Why, thou art a fool; canst thou not keep thy mouth strait together?
+And when it comes, snap at it, as my father's dog would do at a liver.
+But thou art so greedy,
+That thou thinkest to eat it before it comes nigh thee.
+
+       SIMPLICITY _sings_.
+
+  _Simplicity sings it, and 'sperience doth prove,
+  No biding in London for Conscience and Love.
+      The country hath no peer,
+        Where Conscience comes not once a year;
+      And Love so welcome to every town,
+        As wind that blows the houses down.
+  Sing down adown, down, down, down.
+  Simplicity sings it, and 'sperience doth prove,
+  No dwelling in London, no biding in London, for Conscience and Love_.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Now, sirrah, hast eaten up my song? and ye have, ye shall eat
+  no more to-day,
+For everybody may see your belly is grown bigger with eating up our play.
+He has fill'd his belly, but I am never a whit the better,
+Therefore I'll go seek some victuals; and 'member, for eating up
+  my song you shall be my debtor.
+                                     [_Exit_ SIMPLICITY.
+
+    _Enter_ MERCATORE, _the Merchant, and_ GERONTUS, _a Jew_.
+
+GERONTUS.
+But, Signor Mercatore, tell me, did ye serve me well or no,
+That having gotten my money would seem the country to forego?
+You know I lent you two thousand ducats for three months' space,
+And, ere the time came, you got another thousand by flattery and
+  thy smooth face.
+So, when the time came that I should have received my money,
+You were not to be found, but was fled out of the country.
+Surely, if we that be Jews should deal so one with another,
+We should not be trusted again of our own brother;
+But many of you Christians make no conscience to falsify your faith,
+  and break your day.
+I should have been paid at three[207] months' end, and now it is
+  two years you have been away.
+Well, I am glad you be come again to Turkey; now I trust I shall
+  receive the interest of you, so well as the principal.
+
+MERCATORE.
+Ah, good Master Geronto! pray heartily, bear a me a little while,
+And me shall pay ye all without any deceit or guile:
+Me have much business for my pretty knacks to send to England.
+Good sir, bear a me for five days, me'll despatch your money
+  out of hand.[208]
+
+GERONTUS.
+Signor Mercatore, I know no reason why because you have dealt
+  with me so ill:
+Sure, you did it not for need, but of set purpose and will;
+And, I tell ye,[209] to bear with ye four or five days goes sore
+  against my mind,
+Lest you should steal away, and forget to leave my money behind.
+
+MERCATORE.
+Pray heartily, do tink a no such ting, my good friend, a me.
+Be my trot' and fait', me pay you all, every penny.
+
+GERONTUS.
+Well, I'll take your faith and troth once more, and trust to
+  your honesty,
+In hope that for my long tarrying you will deal well with me.
+Tell me what ware you would buy for England, such necessaries
+  as they lack?[210]
+
+MERCATORE.
+O no, lack some pretty fine toy, or some fantastic new knack;
+For da gentlewomans in England buy much tings for fantasy.
+You pleasure a me, sir, vat me mean a dere buy?
+
+GERONTUS.
+I understand you, sir: but keep touch with me, and I'll bring you
+  to great store,
+Such as I perceive you came to this country for;
+As musk, amber, sweet powders, fine odours, pleasant perfumes,
+  and many such toys,
+Wherein I perceive consisteth that country gentlewomen's joys.
+Besides, I have diamonds, rubies, emerands, sapphires, smaradines,
+  opals, onacles, jacinths, agates, turquoise, and almost of all
+  kind of precious stones,
+And many mo fit things to suck away money from such green-headed wantons.
+
+MERCATORE.
+Faith-a, my good friend, me tank you most heartly alway.
+Me shall a content your debt within this two or tree day.
+
+GERONTUS.
+Well, look you do keep your promise, and another time you shall
+  command me.
+Come, go we home, where our commodities you may at pleasure see.
+
+                                                          [_Exeunt_.
+
+  _Enter_ CONSCIENCE, _with brooms at her back, singing as followeth:
+
+  New brooms,[211] green brooms, will you buy any?
+  Come, maidens, come quickly, let me take a penny.
+
+        My brooms are not steeped,
+          But very well-bound:
+        My brooms be not crooked,
+          But smooth-cut and round.
+        I wish it should please you
+          To buy of my broom,
+        Then would it well ease me,
+          If market were done.
+
+        Have you any old boots,
+          Or any old shoon;
+        Pouch-rings or buskins
+          To cope for new broom?
+
+  If so you have, maidens,
+          I pray you bring hither,
+        That you and I friendly
+          May bargain together.
+
+  New brooms, green brooms, will you buy any?
+  Come, maidens, come quickly, let me take a penny_.
+
+CONSCIENCE _speaketh_.
+Thus am I driven to make a virtue of necessity;
+And, seeing God almighty will have it so, I embrace it thankfully,
+Desiring God to mollify and lessen[212] Usury's hard heart,
+That the poor people feel not the like penury and smart.
+But Usury is made tolerable amongst Christians, as a necessary thing,
+So that, going beyond the limits of our law, they extort, and many
+  to misery bring.
+But if we should follow God's law, we should not receive above that
+  we lend;
+For if we lend for reward, how can we say we are our neighbours' friend?
+O, how blessed shall that man be, that lends without abuse,
+But thrice accursed shall he be, that greatly covets use;
+For he that covets over-much, insatiate is his mind,
+So that to perjury and cruelty he wholly is inclin'd:
+Wherewith they sore oppress the poor by divers sundry ways,
+Which makes them cry unto the Lord to shorten cutthroats' days.
+Paul calleth them thieves that doth not give the needy of their store,
+And thrice accurs'd are they that take one penny from the poor.
+But while I stand reasoning thus, I forget my market clean;
+And sith God hath ordained this way, I am to use the mean.
+
+  _Sing again.
+
+  Have ye any old shoes, or have ye any boots? have ye any buskins,
+    or will ye buy any broom?
+  Who bargains or chops with Conscience? What, will no customer come?_
+
+    _Enter_ USURY.
+
+USURY.
+Who is it that cries brooms? What, Conscience, selling brooms
+  about the street?
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+What, Usury, it is great pity thou art unhanged yet.
+
+USURY.
+Believe me, Conscience, it grieves me thou art brought so low.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Believe me, Usury, it grieves me thou wast not hanged long ago;
+For if thou hadst been hanged, before thou slewest Hospitality,
+Thou hadst not made me and thousands more to feel like poverty.
+
+    _Enter_ LUCRE.
+
+LUCRE.
+Methought I heard one cry brooms along the door.
+
+USURY.
+Ay, marry, madam; it was Conscience, who seems to be offended
+  at me very sore.
+
+LUCRE.
+Alas, Conscience! art thou become a poor broom-wife?
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Alas, Lucre! wilt thou continue a harlot all [the] days of thy life?
+
+LUCRE.
+Alas! I think it is a grief to thee that thou art so poor.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Alas, Lucre! I think it is no pain to thee, that thou still
+  playest the whore.
+
+LUCRE.
+Well, well, Conscience, that sharp tongue of thine hath not been
+  thy furtherance:
+If thou hadst kept thy tongue, thou hadst kept thy friend, and not
+  have had such hindrance.
+But wottest thou who shall be married tomorrow?
+Love with my Dissimulation;
+For, I think, to bid the guests they are by this time wellnigh gone;
+And having occasion to buy brooms, I care not if I buy them all.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Then, give me a shilling, and with a goodwill have them you shall.
+
+LUCRE.
+Usury, carry in these brooms, and give them to the maid,
+For I know of such store she will be well apaid.
+
+                            [_Exit_ USURY _with the brooms_.
+
+Hold, Conscience; though thy brooms be not worth a quarter so much,
+Yet to give thee a piece of gold I do it not grutch;
+And if thou wouldst follow my mind, thou shouldst not live in such sort,
+But pass thy days with pleasure, store of every kind of sport.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+I think you lead the world in a string, for everybody follows you:
+And sith every one doth it, why may not I do it too?
+For that I see your free heart and great liberality,
+I marvel not that all people are so willing to follow ye.
+
+LUCRE.
+Then, sweet soul, mark what I would have thee do for me.
+That is, to deck up thy poor cottage handsomely;
+And for that purpose I have five thousand crowns in store,
+And when it is spent, thou shalt have twice as much more.
+But only see thy rooms be neat, when I shall thither resort,
+With familiar friends to play, and[213] pass the time in sport;
+For the deputy, constable and spiteful neighbours do spy, pry,
+  and eye about my house,
+That I dare not be once merry within, but still mute like a mouse.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+My good Lady Lucre, I will fulfil your mind in every kind of thing,
+So that you shall be welcome at all hours, whomsoever you do bring:
+And all the dogs in the town shall not bark at your doings, I trow;
+For your full pretence and intent I do throughly know,
+Even so well as if you had opened the very secrets of your heart,
+For which I doubt not but to rest in your favour by my desert.
+But here comes your man, Usury.
+
+    _Enter_ USURY.
+
+LUCRE.
+I'll send him home for the money--Usury, step in,
+And bring me the box of all abhomination, that stands in the window:
+It is little and round, painted with divers colours, and is pretty
+  to the show.
+
+USURY.
+Madam, is there any superscription thereon?
+
+LUCRE.
+Have I not told you the name? for shame; get you gone.
+
+                                               [_Exit_ USURY.]
+
+Well, my wench, I doubt not but our pleasures shall excel,
+Seeing thou hast got a corner fit, where few neighbours dwell,
+And they be of the poorest sort, which fits our turn so right,
+Because they dare not speak against our sports and sweet delight:
+And if they should, alas! their words would nought at all be weigh'd,
+And for to speak before my face they will be all afraid.
+
+    _Enter_ USURY, _with a painted box of ink in his hand_.
+
+USURY.
+Madam, I deem this same to be it, so far as I can guess.
+
+LUCRE.
+Thou sayest the truth; 'tis it indeed: the outside shows no less,
+But, Usury, I think Dissimulation hath not seen you since your
+  coming home;
+Therefore go see him: he will rejoice, when to him you are shown.
+It is a busy time with him: help to further him, if you can.
+
+USURY.
+You may command me to attend at board to be his man.
+                                              [_Exit_ USURY.
+
+    _Here let_ LUCRE _open the box, and dip her finger in it,
+    and spot_ CONSCIENCE' _face, saying as followeth_.
+
+LUCRE.
+Hold here, my sweet; and then over to see if any want.
+The more I do behold this face, the more my mind doth vaunt.
+This face is of favour, these cheeks are reddy and white;
+These lips are cherry-red, and full of deep delight:
+Quick-rolling eyes, her temples high, and forehead white as snow;
+Her eyebrows seemly set in frame, with dimpled chin below.
+O, how beauty hath adorned thee with every seemly hue,
+In limbs, in looks, with all the rest proportion keeping due.
+Sure, I have not seen a finer soul in every kind of part:
+I cannot choose but kiss thee with my lips, that love thee
+  with my heart.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+I have told the crowns, and here are just so many as you to me did say.
+
+LUCRE.
+Then, when thou wilt, thou may'st depart, and homewards take thy way.
+And I pray thee, make haste in decking of thy room,
+That I may find thy lodging fine, when with my friend I come.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+I'll make speed; and where I have with brooms ofttimes been roaming,
+I mean henceforth not to be seen, but sit to watch your coming.
+                                                   [_Exit_ CONSCIENCE.
+
+LUCRE.
+O, how joyful may I be that such success do find!
+No marvel, for poverty and desire of Lucre do force them follow my mind.
+Now may I rejoice in full contentation,
+That shall marry Love with Dissimulation:
+And I have spotted Conscience with all abhomination.
+But I forget myself, for I must to the wedding,
+Both vauntingly and flauntingly, although I had no bidding.
+                                                     [_Exit_ LUCRE.
+
+    _Enter_ DISSIMULATION _and_ COGGING _his man, and_ SIMONY.
+
+COGGING.
+Sir, although you be my master, I would not have you to upbraid my name,
+But I would have you use the right skill and title of the same:
+For my name is neither scogging[214] nor scragging, but ancient Cogging.
+Sir, my ancestors were five of the four worthies,
+And yourself are of my near kin.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Indeed thou say'st true, for Cogging is a kinsman to Dissimulation.
+But, tell me, have you taken the names of the guests?
+
+COGGING.
+Yea, sir.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Let me hear after what fashion.
+
+    _The names of the guests told by_ COGGING.
+
+COGGING.
+There is, first and foremost, Master Forgery and Master Flattery,
+  Master Perjury and Master Injury:
+Master Cruelty and Master Pickery, Master Bribery and Master Treachery;
+Master Wink-at-wrong and Master Headstrong, Mistress Privy-theft
+And Master Deep-deceit, Master Abomination and Mistress Fornication
+  his wife, Ferdinando False-weight and Frisset False-measure his wife.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Stay: Fornication and Frisset False-measure are often familiar with
+  my Lady Lucre, and one of them she accounts her friend.
+Therefore they shall sit with the bride in the middest, and the men
+  at each end.
+Let me see; there are sixteen, even as many as well near is able
+To dine in the summer-parlour at the playing-table;
+Beside my fellow Fraud, and you, fellow Simony;
+But I shall have a great miss of my fellow Usury.
+
+SIMONY.
+Take no care for that; he came home yesterday even, no longer:
+His pardon was quickly begged, and that by a courtier.
+But, sirrah, since he came home, he had like to have slain
+  Good Neighbourhood and Liberality,
+Had not True Friendship stepp'd between them very suddenly.
+But, sirrah, he hit True Friendship such a blow on the ear,
+That he keeps out of all men's sight, I think[215] for shame or for fear.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Now, of my troth, it is a pretty jest: hath he made True Friendship
+  hide his head?
+Sure, if it be so, Good Neighbourhood and Liberality for fear are fled.
+
+SIMONY.
+But, fellow Dissimulation, tell me what priest shall marry ye!
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Marry, that shall an old friend of mine, Master Doctor Hypocrisy.
+
+SIMONY.
+Why, will you not have Sir Peter Pleaseman to supply that want?
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Indeed, Sir Peter is a good priest, but Doctor Hypocrisy is most ancient.
+But, Cousin Cogging, I pray you go to invite the guests,
+And tell them that they need not disturb their quietness:
+Desire them to come at dinner-time, and it shall suffice,
+Because I know they will be loth so early to rise.
+But at any hand will Doctor Hypocrisy,
+That he meet us at the church very early;
+For I would not have all the world to wonder at our match:
+It is an old proverb: 'Tis good having a hatch before the door,
+  but I'll have a door before the hatch.
+
+COGGING.
+Sir, I will about it as fast as I can hie.
+I'll first to that scald bald-knave Doctor Hypocrisy.    [_Aside_.
+                                                     [_Exit_ COGGING.
+
+SIMONY.
+But, fellow Dissimulation, how darest thou marry with Love,
+  bearing no love at all?
+For thou dost nothing but dissemble: then thy love must needs be small.
+Thou canst not love but from the teeth forward.
+Sure the wife that marries thee shall highly be preferr'd.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Tush, tush! you are a merry man: I warrant you I know what I do,
+And can yield a good reason for it, I may say unto you.
+What, and if the world should change, and run all on her side,
+Then might I by her means still in good credit abide.
+Thou knowest Love is ancient, and lives peaceably without any strife;
+Then sure the people will think well of me, because she is my wife.
+
+SIMONY.
+Trust me, thou art as crafty, to have an eye to the main-chance.
+As the tailor, that out of seven yards stole one and a half
+  of durance.[216]
+He served at that time the devil in the likeness of Saint Katherine:
+Such tailors will thrive, that out of a doublet and a pair of
+  hose can steal their wife an apron.
+The doublet-sleeves three fingers were too short;
+The Venetians[217] came nothing near the knee.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Then, for to make them long enough, I pray thee what did he?
+
+SIMONY.
+Two pieces set an handful broad, to lengthen them withal;
+Yet for all that below the knee by no means they could fall:
+He, seeing that, desired the party to buy as much to make another pair:
+The party did: yet, for all that, he stole a quarter there.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Now, sure, I can him thank, he could his occupation.
+My fellow Fraud would laugh to hear one dress'd of such a fashion.
+But, fellow Simony, I thank you heartily, for comparing the tailor to me.
+As who should say his knavery and my policy did agree.[218]
+
+SIMONY.
+Not so; but I was the willinger to tell thee, because I know it
+  to be a true tale;
+And to see how artificers do extol Fraud, by whom they bear their sale.
+But come, let us walk, and talk no more of this:
+Your policy was very good, and so, no doubt, was his.
+
+                                                  [_Exeunt_.
+
+    _Enter_ MERCATORE _reading a letter to himself; and let_
+    GERONTUS _the Jew follow him, and speak as followeth_.
+
+GERONTUS.
+Signor Mercatore, why do you not pay me? think you, I will be
+  mock'd in this sort?
+This is three times you have flouted me: it seems you make
+  thereat a sport.
+Truly pay me my money, and that even now presently,
+Or by mighty Mahomet I swear I will forthwith arrest ye.
+
+MERCATORE.
+Ha, pray a bare wit me tree or four days: me have much business in hand:
+Me be troubled with letters, you see here, dat comes from England.
+
+GERONTUS.
+Tush, this is not my matter: I have nothing therewith to do.
+Pay me my money, or I'll make you, before to your lodging you go.
+I have officers stand watching for you, so that you cannot pass by;
+Therefore you were best to pay me, or else in prison you shall lie.
+
+MERCATORE.
+Arrest me, dou seal knave? marry, do, and if thou dare;
+Me will not pay de one penny: arrest me, do, me do not care.
+Me will be a Turk; me came heder for dat cause:
+Derefore me care not de so mush as two straws.
+
+GERONTUS.
+This is but your words, because you would defeat me:
+I cannot think you will forsake your faith so lightly.
+But seeing you drive me to doubt, I'll try your honesty;
+Therefore be sure of this, I'll go about it presently.
+                                                   [_Exit_.
+
+MERCATORE.
+Marry, farewell and be hang'd, sitten, scald, drunken Jew.
+I warrant ye me shall be able very well to pay you.
+My Lady Lucre have sent me here dis letter,
+Praying me to cosen de Jew for love a her.
+Derefore me'll go to get a some Turk apparel,
+Dat me may cosen de Jew, and end dis quarrel.
+                                               [_Exit_.
+
+    _Enter three beggars; that is to say_, TOM BEGGAR,
+    WILY WILL, _and_ SIMPLICITY, _singing_.
+
+                     THE SONG.
+
+  _To the wedding, to the wedding, to the wedding go we:
+  To the wedding a-begging, a-begging all three.
+
+    Tom Beggar shall brave it, and Wily Will too,
+    Simplicity shall knave it, wherever we go:
+    With lustly bravado, take care that care will,
+    To catch it and snatch it we have the brave skill.
+
+    Our fingers are lime-twigs, and barbers we be,
+    To catch sheets from hedges most pleasant to see:
+    Then to the alewife roundly we set them to sale,
+    And spend the money merrily upon her good ale.
+
+  To the wedding, to the wedding, to the wedding go we:
+  To the wedding a-begging, a-begging all three_.
+
+  FINIS.
+
+TOM.
+Now truly, my masters, of all occupations under the sun,
+  begging is the best;
+For when a man is weary, then he may lay him down to rest.
+Tell me, is it not a lord's life in summer to louse one under a hedge,
+And then, leaving that game, may go clip and coll his Madge?
+Or else may walk to take the wholesome air abroad for his delight,
+When he may tumble on the grass, have sweet smells, and see
+  many a pretty sight?
+Why, an emperor for all his wealth can have but his pleasure,
+And surely I would not lose my charter of liberty for all
+  the king's treasure.
+
+WILL.
+Shall I tell thee, Tom Beggar, by the faith of a gentleman,
+  this ancient freedom I would not forego,
+If I might have whole mines of money at my will to bestow.
+Then, a man's mind should be troubled to keep that he had;
+And you know it were not for me: it would make my valiant mind mad.
+For now we neither pay Church-money, subsidies, fifteens, scot nor lot:
+All the payings we pay is to pay the good ale-pot.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+But, fellow beggars, you cosen me, and take away all the best meat,
+And leave me nothing but brown bread or fin of fish to eat.
+When you be at the alehouse, you drink up the strong ale,
+  and give me small beer:
+You tell me 'tis better than the strong to make me sing clear.
+Indeed, you know, with my singing I get twice so much as ye,
+But, and you serve me so, you shall sing yourselves, and beg
+  alone for me.
+
+TOM.
+We stand prating here: come, let us go to the gate.
+Mass, I am greatly afraid we are come somewhat too late.
+Good gentle Master Porter, your reward do bestow
+On a poor lame man, that hath but a pair of legs to go.
+
+WILL.
+For the honour of God, good Master Porter, give somewhat to the blind,
+That the way to the alehouse in his sleep cannot find.
+
+TOM.
+For the good Lord's sake, take compassion on the poor.
+
+    _Enter_ FRAUD, _with a basket of meat on his arm_.
+
+FRAUD.
+How now, sirs! you are vengeance hasty: can ye not tarry,
+But stand bawling so at my lady's door?
+Here, take it amongst you; yet 'twere a good alms-deed to give
+  you nothing,
+Because you were so hasty, and kept such a calling.
+
+TOM.
+I beseech ye not so, sir, for we were very hungry:
+That made us so earnest, but we are sorry we troubled ye.
+
+SIMPLICITY (_aside_).
+Look how greedy they be, like dogs that fall a snatching.
+You shall see that I shall have the greatest alms, because
+  I said nothing.
+Fraud knows me, therefore he'll be my friend; I am sure of that.
+They have nothing but lean beef, ye shall see I shall have a piece
+  that is fat.
+Master Fraud, you have forgot me: pray ye, let me have my share.
+
+FRAUD.
+Faith, all is gone; thou com'st too late: thou seest to all
+  is given there.
+By the faith of a gentleman, I have it not: I would I were able
+  to give thee more.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+O sir, I saw your arms hang out of a stable-door.[219]
+
+FRAUD.
+Indeed, my arms are at the painter's; belike, lie hung them out to dry.
+I pray thee, tell me what they were, if thou canst them descry.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Marry, there was never a scutcheon, but there was two trees rampant,
+And then over them lay a sour tree passant,
+With a man like you in a green field pendant,
+Having a hempen halter about his neck, with a knot under the left ear,
+  because you are a younger brother.
+Then, sir, there stands on each side, holding up the cres',
+A worthy ostler's hand in a dish of grease.
+Besides all this, on the helmet stands the hangman's hand,
+Ready to turn the ladder, whereon your picture did stand:
+Then under the helmet hung cables I like chains, and for what
+  they are I cannot devise,
+Except it be to make you hang fast, that the crows might pick
+  out your eyes.
+
+FRAUD.
+What a swad is this? I had been better to have sent him to the back-door,
+To have gotten some alms amongst the rest of the poor.    [_Aside_.
+Thou prat'st thou canst not tell what, or else art not well in thy wit:
+I am sure my arms are not blas'd so far abroad as yet.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+O yes, sir, your arms were known a great while ago,
+For your elder brother Deceit did give those arms too.
+Marry, the difference is all, which is the knot under the left ear.
+The painter says, when he is hung, you may put out the knot without fear.
+I am sure they were arms, for there was written in Roman letters
+  round about the hempen collar:
+Given by the worthy valiant captain, Master Fraud, the ostler.
+Now, God be wi' ye, sir; I'll get me even close to the back-door.
+Farewell, Tom Beggar and Wily Will; I'll beg with you no more.
+                                                           [_Exit_.
+
+TOM.
+O farewell, Simplicity: we are very loth to lose thy company.
+
+FRAUD.
+Now he is gone, give ear to me. You seem to be sound men in every
+  joint and limb,
+And can ye live in this sort to go up and down the country a-begging?
+O base minds! I trow I had rather hack it out by the highway-side,
+Than such misery and penury still to abide.
+Sirs, if you will be rul'd by me, and do what I shall say,
+I'll bring ye where we shall have a notable fine prey.
+It is so, sirs, that a merchant, one Mercatore, is coming from Turkey,
+And it is my lady's pleasure that he robbed should be:
+She hath sworn that we shall be all sharers alike,
+And upon that willed me some such companions as you be to seek.
+
+TOM.
+O worthy Captain Fraud, you have won my noble heart:
+You shall see how manfully I can play my part.
+And here's Wily Will, as good a fellow as your heart can wish,
+To go a-fishing with a crank through a window, or to set limetwigs
+  to catch a pan, pot or dish.
+
+WILL.
+He says true; for I tell you, I am one that will not give back
+Not for a double shot out of a black Jack.
+O sir, you bring us a-bed, when ye talk of this gear.
+Come, shall we go, worthy Captain? I long, till we be there.
+
+FRAUD.
+Ay, let us about it, to provide our weapons ready,
+And when the time serves, I myself will conduct ye.
+
+TOM.
+O, valiantly spoken! Come, Wily Will, two pots of ale we'll bestow
+On our captain courageously for a parting blow.
+
+                                            [_Exeunt_.
+
+    _Enter the Judge of Turkey with_ GERONTUS _and_ MERCATORE.
+
+[JUDGE.]
+Sir Gerontus, because you are the plaintiff, you first your
+  mind shall say.
+Declare the cause you did arrest this merchant yesterday.
+
+GERONTUS.
+Then, learned judge, attend. This Mercatore, whom you see in place,
+Did borrow two thousand ducats of me but for a five weeks' space:
+Then, sir, before the day came, by his flattery he obtained one
+  thousand more,
+And promis'd me at two[221] months' end I should receive my store:
+But before the time expired, he was closely fled away,
+So that I never heard of him at least this two years' day,
+Till at the last I met with him, and my money did demand,
+Who sware to me at five days' end he would pay me out of hand.
+The five days came, and three days more, then one day he requested:
+I, perceiving that he flouted me, have got him thus arrested.
+And now he comes in Turkish weeds to defeat me of my money,
+But, I trow, he will not forsake his faith: I deem he hath more honesty.
+
+JUDGE.
+Sir Gerontus, you know, if any man forsake his faith, king, country,
+  and become a Mahomet,
+All debts are paid: 'tis the law of our realm, and you may not
+  gainsay it.
+
+GERONTUS.
+Most true, reverend judge, we may not; nor I will not against our
+  laws grudge.
+
+JUDGE.
+Signor Mercatore, is this true that Gerontus doth tell?
+
+MERCATORE.
+My lord judge, de matter and de circumstance be true, me know well;
+But me will be a Turk, and for dat cause me came here.
+
+JUDGE.
+Then, it is but folly to make many words.--Signor Mercatore, draw near:
+Lay your hand upon this book, and say after me.
+
+MERCATORE.
+With a good will, my lord judge; me be all ready.
+
+GERONTUS.
+Not for any devotion, but for Lucre's sake of my money.
+
+JUDGE. [MERCATORE _repeating after him_.]
+Say: I, Mercatore, do utterly renounce before all the world my duty to
+my Prince, my honour to my parents, and my good-will to my country.--
+Furthermore, I protest and swear to be true to this country during life,
+and thereupon I forsake my Christian faith----
+
+GERONTUS.
+Stay there, most puissant judge.--Signor Mercatore, consider what you do:
+Pay me the principal; as for the interest, I forgive it you.
+And yet the interest is allowed amongst you Christians, as well as
+  in Turkey:
+Therefore, respect your faith, and do not seek[222] to deceive me.
+
+MERCATORE.
+No point da interest, no point da principal.[223]
+
+GERONTUS.
+Then pay me the one half, if you will not pay me all.
+
+MERCATORE.
+No point da half, no point denier: me will be a Turk, I say.
+Me be weary of my Christ's religion, and for dat me come away.
+
+GERONTUS.
+Well, seeing it is so, I would be loth to hear the people say,
+  it was 'long of me
+Thou forsakest thy faith: wherefore I forgive thee frank and free;
+Protesting before the judge and all the world never to demand penny
+  nor halfpenny.
+
+MERCATORE.
+O sir Gerontus, me take a your proffer, and tank you most heartily.
+
+JUDGE.
+But, Signor Mercatore, I trow, ye will be a Turk for all this.
+
+MERCATORE.
+Signor, no: not for all da good in da world me forsake a my Christ.
+
+JUDGE.
+Why, then, it is as sir Gerontus said; you did more for the greediness
+  of the money
+Than for any zeal or goodwill you bear to Turkey.
+
+MERCATORE.
+O sir, you make a great offence: You must not judge a my conscience.
+
+JUDGE.
+One may judge and speak truth, as appears by this;
+Jews seek to excel in Christianity and Christians in Jewishness.
+                                                            [_Exit_.
+
+MERCATORE.
+Vell, vell; but me tank you, Sir Gerontus, with all my very heart.
+
+GERONTUS.
+Much good may it do you, sir; I repent it not for my part.
+But yet I would not have this bolden you to serve another so:
+Seek to pay, and keep day with me, so a good name on you will go.
+                                                           [_Exit_.
+
+MERCATORE.
+You say vel, sir; it does me good dat me have cosen'd de Jew.
+Faith, I would my Lady Lucre de whole matter now knew:
+What is dat me will not do for her sweet sake?
+But now me will provide my journey toward England to take.
+Me be a Turk? no: it will make my Lady Lucre to smile,
+When she knows how me did da scal' Jew beguile.
+                                           [_Exit_.
+
+    _Enter_ LUCRE, _and_ LOVE _with a vizard, behind_.
+
+LUCRE.
+Mistress Love, I marvel not a little what coy conceit is crept
+  into your head,
+That you seem so sad and sorrowful, since the time you first did wed.
+Tell me, sweet wench, what thou ailest, and if I can ease thy grief,
+I will be prest to pleasure thee in yielding of relief.
+Sure, thou makest me for to think something has chanc'd amiss.
+I pray thee, tell me what thou ailest, and what the matter is.
+
+LOVE.
+My grief, alas! I shame to show, because my bad intent
+Hath brought on me a just reward and eke a strange event.
+Shall I be counted Love? nay, rather lascivious Lust,
+Because unto Dissimulation I did repose such trust.
+But now I moan too late, and blush my hap to tell.
+My head in monstrous sort, alas! doth more and more still swell.
+
+LUCRE.
+Is your head then swollen, good Mistress Love? I pray you let me see.
+Of troth it is, behold a face that seems to smile on me:
+It is fair and well-favoured, with a countenance smooth and good;
+Wonder is the worst,[224] to see two faces in a hood.
+Come, let's go, we'll find some sports to spurn away such toys.
+
+LOVE.
+Were it not for Lucre, sure, Love had lost all her joys.
+                                                    [_Exeunt_.
+
+    _Enter_ SERVICEABLE DILIGENCE, _the Constable, and_ SIMPLICITY,
+    _with an Officer to whip him, or two, if you can_.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Why, but must I be whipp'd, Master Constable, indeed?
+You may save your labour, for I have no need.
+
+DILIGENCE.
+I must needs see thee punished; there is no remedy,
+Except thou wilt confess, and tell me,
+Where thy fellows are become, that did the robbery.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Indeed, Master Constable, I do not know of their stealing,
+For I did not see them, since we went together a-begging.
+Therefore pray ye, sir, be miserable[225] to me, and let me go,
+For I labour to get my living with begging, you know.
+
+DILIGENCE.
+Thou wast seen in their company a little before the deed was done;
+Therefore it is most likely thou knowest where they are become.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Why, Master Constable, if a sheep go among wolves all day,
+Shall the sheep be blam'd if they steal anything away?
+
+DILIGENCE.
+Ay, marry, shall he; for it is a great presumption
+That, keeping them company, he is of like profession--
+But despatch, sirs; strip him and whip him:
+Stand not to reason the question.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Indeed, 'twas Fraud, so it was, it was not I;
+And here he comes himself: ask him, if I lie.
+
+    _Enter_ FRAUD.
+
+DILIGENCE.
+What sayest thou, villain? I would advise thee hold thy tongue:
+I know him to be a wealthy man and a burgess of the town.--
+Sir, and it please your mastership, here one slanders you with felony:
+He saith you were the chief doer of a robbery.
+
+FRAUD.
+What says the rascal? But you know,
+It standeth not with my credit to brawl;
+But, good Master Constable, for his slanderous report
+Pay him double, and in a greater matter command me you shall.
+                                                        [_Exit_.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Master Constable, must the countenance carry out the knave?
+Why, then, if one will face folks out, some fine repariment he must have.
+
+            [BEADLE _put off his clothes_.
+
+BEADLE.
+Come, sir Jack-sauce, make quick despatch at once:
+You shall see how finely we will fetch the skin from your bones.
+
+SIMPLICITY
+Nay, but tell me whether you be right-handed or no?
+
+BEADLE.
+What is that to thee? why wouldst thou so fain know?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Marry, if you should be both right-handed, the one would
+  hinder the other:
+Then it would not[226] be done finely, according to order;
+For if I be not whipp'd with credit, it is not worth a pin.
+Therefore, I pray, Master Constable, let me be whipp'd upon my skin.
+
+DILIGENCE.
+Whereon dost thou think they would whip thee, I pray thee declare,
+That thou puttest us in mind, and takest such great care?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+I was afraid you would have worn out my clothes with whipping;
+Then afterward, I should go naked a-begging.
+
+BEADLE.
+Have no doubt of that; we will favour thy clothes:
+Thou shalt judge that thyself by fueling the blows.
+
+        [_Lead him once or twice about, whipping him, and so exit_.
+
+    _Enter_ JUDGE NEMO, _the_ CLERK _of the 'size, the_ CRIER, _and_
+    SERVICEABLE DILIGENCE: _the_ JUDGE _and_ CLERK _being set, the_
+    CRIER _shall sound three times_.
+
+JUDGE.
+Serviceable Diligence, bring hither such prisoners as are in custody.
+
+DILIGENCE.
+My diligence shall be applied very willingly.
+Pleaseth it you, there are but three prisoners, so far as I know,
+Which are Lucre and Conscience, with a deformed creature much like
+  Bifrons,[227] the base daughter of Juno.
+
+JUDGE.
+No! where is that wretch Dissimulation?
+
+DILIGENCE.
+He hath transformed himself after a strange fashion.
+
+JUDGE.
+Fraud! where is he become?
+
+DILIGENCE.
+He was seen in the streets, walking in a citizen's gown.
+
+JUDGE.
+What is become of Usury!
+
+DILIGENCE.
+He was seen at the Exchange very lately.
+
+JUDGE.
+Tell me, when have you heard of Simony?
+
+DILIGENCE.
+He was seen this day walking in Paul's, having conference and very
+  great familiarity with some of the clergy.
+
+JUDGE.
+Fetch Lucre and Conscience to the bar.
+
+DILIGENCE.
+Behold, worthy judge, here ready they are.
+
+    _Enter_ LUCRE _and_ CONSCIENCE.
+
+JUDGE.
+Stand forth. Diligence, divide them asunder.
+
+CLERK.
+Lucre, thou art indicted by the name of Lucre,
+To have committed adultery with Mercatore the merchant and
+  Creticus the lawyer.
+Thou art also indicted for the robbery of Mercatore:
+Lastly and chiefly, for the consenting to the murder of Hospitality.
+What sayest thou, art thou guilty or not in these causes?
+
+LUCRE.
+Not guilty. Where are mine accusers? they may shame to show their faces:
+I warrant you, none comes, nor dare, to discredit my name.
+In despite of the teeth of them that dare, I speak in disdain.
+
+JUDGE.
+Impudent! canst thou deny deeds so manifestly known?
+
+LUCRE.
+In denial stands trial: I shame not; let them be shown.
+It grinds my gall they should slander me on this sort:
+They are some old-cankered currish corrupt carls, that gave
+  me this report.
+My soul craves revenge on such my secret[228] foes,
+And revengement I will have, if body and soul I lose.
+
+JUDGE.
+Thy hateful heart declares thy wicked life:
+In the abundance of thy abhomination all evils are rife,--
+But what sayest thou, Conscience, to thy accusation,
+That art accused to have been bawd unto Lucre, and spotted with
+  all abhomination?
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+What should I say; nay, what would I say in this our naughty living?
+
+LUCRE.
+Good Conscience, if thou love me, say nothing.    [_Aside_.
+
+CLERK.
+Diligence, suffer her not to stand prating.
+                        [_Let him put her aside_.
+
+JUDGE.
+What letter is that in thy bosom, Conscience?
+Diligence, reach it hither.    [_Make as though he[229] read it_.
+Conscience, speak on; let me hear what thou canst say,
+For I know in singleness thou wilt a truth bewray.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+My good lord, I have no way to excuse myself:
+She hath corrupted me by flattery and her accursed pelf.
+What need further trial, sith I, Conscience, am a thousand witnesses?
+I cannot choose but condemn us all in living amiss.
+Such terror doth affright me, that living I wish to die:
+I am afraid there is no spark left for me of God's mercy.
+
+JUDGE.
+Conscience, where hadst thou this letter?
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+It was put into my bosom by Lucre,
+Willing me to keep secret our lascivious living.
+I cannot but condemn us all in this thing.
+
+JUDGE.
+How now, malapert; stand you still in defence or no?
+This letter declares thy guilty Conscience: how sayest thou,
+  is it not so?
+Tell me, why standest thou in a maze? speak quickly.
+Hadst thou thy tongue so liberal, and now stand to study?
+
+LUCRE.
+O Conscience! thou hast kill'd me; by thee I am overthrown.
+
+JUDGE.
+It is happy that by Conscience thy abhomination is known:
+Wherefore I pronounce judgment against thee on this wise:
+Thou shalt pass to the place of darkness, where thou shalt hear
+  fearful cries;
+Weeping, wailing, gnashing of teeth, and torment without end;
+Burning in the lake of fire and brimstone, because thou canst not amend.
+Wherefore, Diligence, convey her hence: throw her down to the lowest hell,
+Where the infernal sprites and damned ghosts do dwell;
+And bring forth Love!
+                         [_Exit_ LUCRE _and_ DILIGENCE.
+
+    _Let_ LUCRE _make ready for_ LOVE _quickly, and come with_ DILIGENCE.
+
+Declare the cause, Conscience, at large how thou comest so spotted,
+Whereby many by thee hath been greatly infected;
+For under the colour of Conscience thou deceived'st many,
+Causing them to defile the temple of God, which is man's body.
+A clean conscience is a sacrifice, God's own resting-place:
+Why wast thou then corrupted so, and spotted on thy face?
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+When Hospitality had his throat cut by Usury,
+He oppressed me with cruelty and brought me to beggary,
+Turning me out of house and home; and in the end
+My gown to pay my rent to him I did send.
+So, driven to that extremity, I have fallen to that you see;
+Yet after judgment I hope of God's mercy.
+
+JUDGE.
+O Conscience, shall cankered coin corrupt thy heart?
+Or shall want in this world cause thee to feel everlasting smart?
+O Conscience, what a small time thou hast on earth to live:
+Why dost thou not, then, to God all honour give?
+Considering the time is everlasting that thou shalt live in bliss,
+If by thy life thou rise from death to judgment, mercy, and forgiveness.
+
+    _Enter_ LOVE _with_ DILIGENCE.
+
+Stand aside, Conscience. Bring Love to the bar.
+What sayest thou to thy deformity: who was the cause.
+
+LOVE.
+Lady Lucre----
+
+JUDGE.
+Did Lucre choke thee so, that thou gavest thyself over unto Lust?
+And did prodigal expenses cause thee in Dissimulation to trust?
+Thou wast pure (Love), and art thou become a monster,
+Bolstering thyself upon the lasciviousness of Lucre?
+Love, answer for thyself: speak in thy defence.
+
+LOVE.
+I cannot choose but yield, confounded by Conscience.
+
+JUDGE.
+Then judgment I pronounce on thee, because thou followed Lucre,
+Whereby thou hast sold thy soul, to feel like torment with her
+Which torments comprehended are in the worm of Conscience,
+Who raging still shall ne'er have end, a plague for thine offence.
+Care shall be thy comfort, and sorrow thy life sustain,
+Thou shalt be dying, yet never dead, but pining still in endless pain.
+Diligence, convey her to Lucre: let that be her reward.
+Because unto her cankered coin she gave her whole regard.
+But as for Conscience, carry her to prison,
+There to remain until the day of the general session.
+Thus we make an end--
+Knowing that the best of us all may amend:
+Which God grant to his goodwill and pleasure,
+That we be not corrupted with the unsatiate desire of vanishing
+  earthly treasure;
+For covetousness is the cause of 'resting man's conscience:
+Therefore restrain thy lust, and thou shalt shun the offence.
+
+
+FINIS.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE THREE LORDS & THREE LADIES OF LONDON
+
+
+
+_EDITION
+
+The pleasant and Stately Morall of the three Lordes and three Ladies
+of London. With the great Joy and Pompe, Solemnized at their Mariages:
+Commically interlaced with much honest Mirth, for pleasure and
+recreation, among many Morall observations, and other important matters
+of due Regard. By R.W. London, Printed by R. Thones, at the Rose and
+Crowne neere Holburne Bridge_. 1590. 4. Black letter. With an engraving
+on the title.
+
+
+
+    _Enter, for the Preface, a Lady very richly attired,
+    representing London, having two Angels before her,
+    and two after her, with bright rapiers in their hands_.
+
+LONDON _speaketh_.
+
+Lo, gentles, thus the Lord doth London guard,
+Not for my sake, but for his own delight;
+For all in vain the sentinels watch and ward,
+Except he keep the city day and night.
+Now may my foes in vain both spurn and spite,
+My foes, I mean, that London represent,
+Guarded from heaven by angels excellent.
+
+This blessing is not my sole benefit:
+All England is, and so preserv'd hath been,
+Not by man's strength, his policy and wit.
+But by a power and Providence unseen;
+Even for the love wherewith God loves our Queen,
+In whom, for whom, by whom we do possess
+More grace, more good, than London can express.
+
+And that hath bred our plenty and our peace,
+And they do breed the sports you come to see;
+And joy it is that I enjoy increase.
+My former fruits were lovely Ladies three;[230]
+Now of three Lords to talk is London's glee:
+Whose deeds I wish may to your liking frame,
+For London bids you welcome to the same.
+
+FINIS.
+
+
+
+THE ACTORS' NAMES.
+
+POLICY,   |
+POMP,     |  _The three Lords of London_.
+PLEASURE, |
+
+WIT,    |
+WEALTH, |  _Their Pages_.
+WILL,   |
+
+NEMO, _a grave old man_.
+
+LOVE,        |
+LUCRE,       |  _Three Ladies of London_.
+CONSCIENCE,  |
+
+HONEST INDUSTRY,  |
+PURE ZEAL,        |  _Three Sages_.
+SINCERITY,        |
+
+PRIDE,     |
+AMBITION,  |  _Three Lords of Spain_.
+TYRANNY,   |
+
+SHAME,     |
+TREACHERY, |  _Their Pages_.
+TERROR,    |
+
+DESIRE,    |
+DELIGHT,   |  _Three Lords of Lincoln_.
+DEVOTION,  |
+
+SORROW, _a Jailor_.
+SIMPLICITY, _a poor Freeman of London_.
+PAINFUL PENURY, _his Wife_.
+DILIGENCE, _a Post or an Officer_.
+
+FEALTY,    |  _Two Heralds-at-Arms_.
+SHEALTY,   |
+
+FRAUD,         |
+USURY,         |  _Four Gallants_.
+DISSIMULATION, |
+SIMONY,        |
+
+FALSEHOOD,      | _Two that belong to_ FRAUD _and_ DISSIMULATION.
+DOUBLE-DEALING. |
+
+
+
+
+THE PLEASANT AND STATELY MORAL
+
+           OF
+
+THE THREE LORDS OF LONDON.
+
+
+
+    _Enter the three Lords and their Pages: first_ POLICY, _with
+    his Page_ WIT _before him, bearing a shield; the impress a
+    tortoise, the word_ Providens securus: _next_ POMP, _with his
+    Page_ WEALTH _bearing his shield, the word_ Glory sans peere;
+    _the impress a lily; last_, PLEASURE, _his Page_ WILL, _his
+    impress a falcon; the word_ Pour Temps. POLICY _attired in
+    black_, POMP _in rich robes, and_ PLEASURE _in colours_.
+
+POLICY
+Here I advance my shield and hang it up,
+To challenge him who ever dare deny
+That one of those three London ladies rare
+Ought not of right be match'd with Policy,
+A London lord, the which I represent.
+
+POMP.
+And Pomp provides his challenge in his word,
+_Glory sans peere_, claiming the one of them,
+Not by compulsion, but by common right.
+Yet, maugre men, my shield is here advanc'd
+For one matchless. A London lady best
+Beseemeth Pomp, a London lord, to have.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Pleasure hath soar'd, as doth his impress show,
+To look aloof on earthly ladies all.
+And never could my curious eye discern
+A dame of worth for London Pleasure's love,
+But one, and she doth shine as silver dove.
+Of self-bred soil, of London is her race;
+For whom in challenge I my shield advance.
+
+POLICY.
+Thus each in honour of his mistress,
+And in regard of his well-daring mind,
+Hath here empris'd the challenge of his right.
+But, lordships both and brethren bred and sworn,
+A caution must be had in this conceit,
+That all our thoughts aspire not to one heaven,
+Nor all our ships do sail for one self haven;
+I mean, that all our suits and services
+We tend and tender to one only dame,
+All choosing one, refusing th'other two.
+
+POMP.
+A great mislike amongst us that might breed.
+
+PLEASURE.
+I seek but one, and her unto myself.
+
+POMP.
+And one I wish sans partner of my love.
+
+POLICY.
+It stands with honour to be sole or none.
+
+POMP.
+Whom lovest thou, Pleasure?
+
+PLEASURE.
+Hark ye.    [_Whisper in his ear_.
+
+POMP.
+Tush! ye lie.
+
+WILL.
+If my master were a soldier, that word would have the stab.
+
+WIT.
+Well, Will, still you'll be a saucy scab.
+
+POMP.
+Why, Pleasure, hath Pomp[231] chosen Lucre's love?
+
+PLEASURE.
+Why, Pomp, but [because] Pleasure honours Lucre most.
+
+POLICY.
+And Policy may Lady Lucre gain
+Before you both, but let us not contend.
+For Nemo doth the ladies prisoners keep,
+Though they were slandered late with liberty,
+And marriage to three far-born foreigners.
+Then, first it fits we practise their release,
+And see them, and by sight our liking please;[232]
+For yet we love, as gossips tell their tales,
+By hearsay: fame, not favour, hath us yet inflam'd.
+
+POMP.
+Lord Policy with reason hath discuss'd;
+Pleasure, consent; and so our love shall hold.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Ye never found that London's Pleasure err'd
+From reason, or from Pomp and Policy.
+
+POLICY.
+Come on, sir boy, attend you well your charge:    [_To his Page_ WIT.
+Wait in this place to watch and ward this shield.
+If any man, in honour of his love,
+So hardy he with stroke of sword to attaint
+This shield, and challenge him that hereby challengeth,
+Say for thy lord, as should a trusty page,
+That Policy doth dare him to perform
+A hardier task than common challengers.
+If he demand what Policy may be,
+A lord of London, say--one of the three.
+
+POMP.
+And you, sir boy, for Pomp perform the like;    [_To_ WEALTH.
+Bid him, that dare his impress batter once,
+Be well advis'd he be no beggar's brat,
+Nor base of courage, nor of bad conceit,
+To match himself with such magnificence,
+As fits Lord Pomp of London for his love:
+Call, if he come that can encounter me,
+[F]or move me not for each envious swad.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Will, be not wanton, nor of wayward mood:    [_To_ WILL.
+Wait as do these; use faith and diligence,
+And mark him well that dare disdain this shield,
+Which London's lord, that Pleasure hath to name,
+Hath here advanc'd in honour of his dame.
+I bid thee mark him well, whate'er he be,
+That London's Pleasure doth in malice scorn,
+For he's a rascal or a stranger born.
+Good boy, mark well his gesture and his look,
+His eye, his gait, his weapon, and attire,
+And dog him to his lodging or his den,
+For I will make him scum and scorn of men.
+No better boy than Will, when Will is pleas'd
+Be pleas'd, my boy, and so be my good Will.
+
+POLICY.
+And so, good boys, farewell; look to your charge.
+Watch well, good Wit, who scorneth London's Policy;
+Be wary, Wit, for thou canst well discern.
+
+POMP.
+Wealth, watch for Pomp, for thou canst well defend.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Will can do something too, when pleaseth him.
+
+                                [_Exeunt the three Lords_.
+
+WIT.
+Will is a good boy, where better is none.
+
+WILL.
+Nay, Wit were the best boy, if Will were gone.
+
+WEALTH.
+Nay, Wealth is the best boy, sirs: let that alone.
+
+WIT.
+I-wis he say'th true, Will: this Wealth's a gay lad.
+
+WILL.
+I care not for him, curmudgeonly swad.
+
+WEALTH.
+Well, miss me awhile, and you'll go near to be sad.
+
+WIT.
+Will, ye are Will-fool, if of him ye be not glad.
+
+WILL.
+Nay, Wit, if thou want him, thou'lt go near to be mad.
+
+WEALTH.
+To keep us still quiet I would other talk we had.
+
+WIT.
+I hope we'll not fall out, being none but three.
+
+WEALTH.
+If Wealth were away, Wit and Will would agree.
+
+WILL.
+Nay, Wit and Will are at strife, when there's nobody but me.
+
+WIT.
+Let pass, and of our shields, sirs, let's make a little glee.
+Will, what gives thy master here? a buzzard or a kite?
+
+WILL.
+Wit, you show yourself a gentleman by guessing so right.
+A buzzard? thou buzzard! Wit, hast no more skill,
+Than take a falcon for a buzzard?
+
+WIT.
+                                  O be quiet, good Will:
+It was but for sport, for I know the bird else.
+
+WEALTH.
+Thou mightest see it was no buzzard, man, by the bells.[233]
+
+WIT.
+What's the reason of this falcon? I pray thee, Will, show.
+
+WILL.
+Thou knowest that a falcon soars high, and stoops low:
+So doth Pleasure.
+
+WIT.
+But what's the word?
+
+WILL.
+_Pour temps_, for time.
+
+WIT.
+A very pretty one: I would it were in rhyme.
+
+WEALTH.
+In rhyme, Wit! why so?
+
+WIT.
+Because it wants reason.
+
+WILL.
+Look for my fist, Wit, if ye rap out such treason.
+
+WIT.
+Treason to what, boy?
+
+WILL.
+To my master's bird.
+
+WIT.
+Now, Will, my thumb wags: it was but to his word.
+
+WILL.
+'Tis a pleasant gentleman, this young Master Wit.
+Your master hath something too: I pray ye, what's it?
+
+WIT.
+Look, Will, and guess.
+
+WILL.
+                       'Tis a toad in a shell.
+
+WEALTH.
+I had as lief ye had said a frog in a well.
+
+WIT.
+Is't not a great butterfly? Will, can'st thou tell?
+
+WILL.
+What is it in sadness?
+
+WIT.
+A tortoise, my boy; whose shell is so hard that a loaden cart may go
+over and not break it, and so she is safe within, and wheresoever she
+goes she bears it on her back, needing neither other succour or shelter,
+but her shell. The word underneath her is _Providens securus_, the
+provident is safe, like the tortoise armed with his own defence, and
+defended with his own armour; in shape somewhat round, signifying
+compass, wherein always the provident foresee to keep themselves within
+their own compass, my boy.
+
+WILL.
+Wittily spoken. Now, Wealth's master hath got a daffadowndilly.
+
+WEALTH.
+If Will had not been wilful, now, he might have said a lily, whose
+glory is without comparison and beauty matchless; for Solomon, the most
+sumptuous king that ever was, was never comparable in glory with the
+lily; neither is there any city matchable with the pomp of London.
+Mistake me not, good boys, that this pomp tends to pride; yet London
+hath enough, but my Lord Pomp doth rightly represent the stately
+magnificence and sumptuous estate, without pride or vainglory, to
+London accommodate; and therefore the word is well applied to the
+impress (_Glory sans peere_), for that the lily is neither proud of the
+beauty, nor vainglorious of the pomp; no more is London; but if it be
+joyful of anything, it is of the grace and plenty, both flowing from
+two such fountains as becomes not us to name. Now, therefore, my good
+boys, know that my master is rather Magnificence than Pomp in bad sense,
+and rather Pomp than Pride in the best sense.
+
+WILL.
+And my lord is not Pleasure sprung of Voluptuousness, but of such
+honourable and kind conceit as heaven and humanity well brooks and
+allows: Pleasure pleasing, not pernicious.
+
+WIT.
+Who would have thought that Will had been so philosophous? But what
+means the word _Pour temps_ in the shield for time?
+
+WILL.
+Wit, shall I call the[e] fool? the best pleasure of all lasts but a time:
+For of all pleasures most pleasing to sight,
+Methinks there is none to the falcon's high flight;
+Yet diseases end it: the breach of a wing,
+Nay, the breach of a feather, spoils that sweet thing.
+
+WIT.
+And so my master hath the 'vantage, will ye or no.
+Pomp and Pleasure may be ill.
+
+WILL.
+May not Policy be bad?
+
+WEALTH.
+Wit, well-overtaken by Will, that crafty lad.
+
+WIT.
+A crafty goose: the gander gives him health.
+Bad Policy's seldom found in so Christian a commonwealth
+As London is, I trust, where my master is a lord.
+
+WILL.
+And ours so too.
+
+WEALTH.
+Well, let us accord;
+For Wit's a good thing, yet may be ill-applied.
+
+WIT.
+And so may Wealth, be it employed in pride,
+And Will worst of all, when it disdains a guide.
+
+WILL.
+A Jackanapes hath wit.
+
+WIT.
+And so he hath Will.
+
+WEALTH.
+But he never hath Wealth: now ye are both still.
+
+WIT.
+Yes, he wears a chain.[234]
+
+WILL.
+Well-spoke, and like a bearward.
+
+WEALTH.
+If ye be _non plus_, let the matter fall.
+
+WILL.
+Wit, dost thou see? thus goes Wealth away with all.
+
+WIT.
+Let's reason no further, for we shall have glee.
+Here is a challenger to our shields: step we aside.
+
+    _Enter_ SIMPLICITY _in bare black, like a poor citizen_.
+
+WILL.
+He will eat them, I think, for he gapes very wide.
+
+WEALTH.
+Say nothing to him, and ye shall see the fool go by.
+
+WILL.
+Sirrah, gape not so wide for fear of a fly.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Fly, flam-flurt! Why, can a fly do hurt?
+
+WIT.
+Yea, have ye not heard that the fly hath her spleen,
+And the ant her gall?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+My uncle hath so, I ween; for it's an angry old fellow,
+When his gall runs over: children, good day;
+Whose pretty lads are you three?
+
+WIT.
+Three! are you sure?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+I'll not swear, till I have told you: one, two, three.
+
+WILL.
+I beshrew thee.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Me, boy? Why, I am beshrewed already, for I am married.
+
+WEALTH.
+Then, thou hast a wife.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Yea, I would thou hadd'st her, if thou could'st stay her tongue.
+
+WEALTH.
+I thy wife, man! Why, I am too young.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+And I am too old. But in good earnest, good boys--be not angry that I
+call you boys, for ye are no men yet: ye have no beards, and yet I have
+seen boys angry for being called boys. Forsooth they would be called
+youths: well, yet a boy is a boy, and a youth is a youth.--Well, if ye
+be not ashamed of the boy, good boys, whose boys are ye?
+
+WIT.
+No whit ashamed, sir, of that that we are, nor ashamed at all of those
+whom we serve? for boys we be, and as we be, we serve the three Lords
+of London: to wit, Policy, Pomp, and Pleasure.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+A pretty-spoken child, and a pretty wit.
+
+WILL.
+Wit's his name, indeed: are ye one of his godfathers, ye hit it so right?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+It is more than I know: then, is thy name Wit, boy? Now, of mine honesty,
+welcome, for I have wanted thee a great while.
+
+WIT.
+Welcome, sir! how so? why do ye entertain me so kindly? I cannot dwell
+with you, for I have a master already.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+So have I, too, but she learns me little wit--my wife, I mean. Well, all
+this while I stand here, my wares are not abroad, and so I may lose both
+my customers and market.
+
+WEALTH.
+Wares, sir! have ye wares? what wares do ye sell?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Truly, child, I sell ballads. Soft; whose wares are these that are up
+already?[235] I paid rent for my standing, and other folks' wares shall
+be placed afore mine? this is wise, indeed.
+
+WIT.
+O, the fineness of the wares, man, deserves to have good place.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+They are fine indeed. Who sells them, can ye tell? Is he free?
+
+WIT.
+Our masters be: we wait on this ware, and yet we are no chapmen.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Chapmen: no, that's true, for you are no men: neither chapmen nor
+chopmen, nor chipmen nor shipmen; but if ye be chappers, choppers, or
+chippers, ye are but chapboys; and, chapboys, ye are double.
+
+WILL.
+Double! how is it? Teach me that, and you will make me laugh a little.
+
+WEALTH.
+And me a little.
+
+WIT.
+And me a little.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Then your three little laughs will make one great laugh.
+
+WIT.
+True; for if three fools were one fool, that were a great fool.
+                                          [_Points to_ SIMPLICITY.
+But how are we double chapboys?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Because ye have two chaps, an upper chap and a nether chap.
+
+WILL.
+Ha, ha, ha!
+
+WIT.
+Ha, ha, ha!
+
+WEALTH.
+Ha, ha, ha!
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+You said you would laugh but a little, but you laugh a great deal:
+why do ye laugh so much?
+
+WILL.
+Because your wit was so great in expounding your meaning.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Ye may see it is a good thing to have wit.
+
+WIT.
+I thank you, sir.
+
+WEALTH.
+And what say you to Wealth?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Wealth? Marry, Wealth is better.
+
+WEALTH.
+I thank you, sir.
+
+WILL.
+And how say you to Will?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Indeed, good Will is a great matter.
+
+WILL.
+Yea, between a maid and a bachelor.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Why, you are not in love, boy?
+
+WILL.
+Yes, but I am, and in charity too.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Charity! alas, poor child! thou in charity? ha, ha! now must I laugh.
+
+WIT.
+But you laugh a great while, and you laugh very loud.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Then, I owe you nothing for laughing, and you hear me the better.
+
+WEALTH.
+But now laugh not we.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+No, you may be maddle-coddle.[236] Well, here's three passing fine lads,
+if a man were able to keep them all. Let me see: Wealth! O, that's a
+sweet lad: then Wit! O, that's a fine lad: Will: O, that's a pretty lad.
+Will, Wit, and Wealth, God lend ye health. I would I could guile their
+masters of two of them. If I had Fraud here, that served Lady Lucre, he
+would teach me: he would teach me to 'tice one of them from his master.
+Which of them, now, if a man should steal one? Will? nay, I care not for
+Will, outsep[237] he be good-will. Wit? a pretty child, but a man cannot
+live by wit. Wealth? Yea, marry, sir, I would I could win that Wealth,
+for then I need neither Will nor Wit; nor I need sell no ballads, but
+live like a mouse in a mill, and have another to grind my meal for me.
+I'll have a fling at one of them anon.
+
+WEALTH.
+Do you not forget yourself, gaffer?
+
+WIT.
+Have ye not wares to sell, gaffer?
+
+WILL.
+When do you show, gaffer?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Well-rememb'red, pretty lad: ye may see children can teach old folks.
+I am an unthrift, indeed. Well, my wares shall out now. But, sirs,
+how sell you your wares? How many of these for a groat?
+
+WEALTH.
+Our wares are not to be sold.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Not for silver nor gold? Why hang they, then, in the open market?
+
+WILL.
+To be seen, not bought.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Then they are like ripe plums upon a rich man's tree, that set men's
+teeth a-watering, when they are not to be bought. But what call you
+these things?
+
+WIT.
+Scutcheons.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Cushions? Alas! it were pity to sit on such fine cushions. But come,
+my boys, if you'll buy any of my wares, here's my stall, and I'll
+open and show straight.
+
+WEALTH.
+What dainty fine ballad have you now to be sold?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Marry, child, I have _Chipping-Norton, a mile from Chapel o' th' Heath
+--a lamentable ballad of burning the Pope's dog; the sweet ballad of
+the Lincolnshire bagpipes_[238]; and _Peggy and Willy:--But now he is
+dead and gone: Mine own sweet Willy is laid in his grave. La, la, la,
+lan ti dan derry, dan da dan, lan ti dan, dan tan derry, dan do_.
+
+WIT.
+It is a doleful discourse, and sung as dolefully.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Why, you cannot mend it, can ye?
+
+WIT.
+What will you lay on that? for I myself dare lay six groats to six of
+your bald ballads, that you yourself shall say I sing better than you.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+What a brag-boy is this, to comparison with a man! But, boy, boy,
+I will not lay six ballads to six groats, but I will lay six ballads
+to six jerks at your buttocks, that you shall not sing so well as I.
+
+WIT.
+That I shall not? No! possible, you will not let me sing?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+I not let you! Is that spoken like Wit? It is spoken like a woodcock:
+how can I stay thee, if thou wilt sing out thy throat?
+
+WIT.
+Well, then, to our bargain: six ballads to six stripes, and who shall
+keep stakes?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Neither of your companions; for that's, ask my fellow, if I be a thief.
+
+WILL.
+Will you keep the stakes yourself?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Best of all, for I mean plainly, and will pay, if I lose. Here's my six
+ballads: they be ready. Now, how shall I come by your six stripes, boy?
+
+WIT.
+Down with your breeches, I'll fetch a rod and deliver them straight.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Nay, then, I care not, if thou keep stakes.
+
+WIT.
+You speak too late, gaffer, having challenged preheminence.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Then, let's lay no wager, but sing for good fellowship.
+
+WIT.
+Agreed. Who shall begin?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+O boy! who is the elder? Hast thou not heard, give flounders to thy elder?
+
+WIT.
+You mistake the fish: trust me, I am sure 'tis give plaice; but
+begin with a good grace.
+
+    [_Here_ SlMP. _sings first and_ WIT _after, dialoguewise:
+    both to music, if ye will_.
+
+WIT.
+Now, sirs, which sings best?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Tush, your copesmates shall not judge.
+Friend, what say you? which of us sings best?
+                         [_To one of the auditory_.
+
+WILL.
+To say truth, there's but a bad choice. How will you sell the ballad
+you sang, for I'll not buy the voice?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Why wilt thou not buy my voice?
+
+WILL.
+Because it will cost me more money to buy sallet-oil to keep it from
+rusting, than it is worth. But, I pray ye, honest man, what's this?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Read, and thou shalt see.
+
+WILL.
+I cannot read.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Not read, and brought up in London! Went'st thou never to school?
+
+WILL.
+Yes, but I would not learn.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Thou wast the more fool. If thou cannot read, I'll tell thee. This is
+Tarlton's picture. Didst thou never know Tarlton?[239]
+
+WILL.
+No: what was that Tarlton? I never knew him.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+What was he? A prentice in his youth of this honourable city, God be
+with him. When he was young, he was leaning to the trade that my wife
+useth now, and I have used, _vide lice shirt_,[240] water-bearing.
+I-wis, he hath toss'd a tankard in Corn-hill ere now: If thou knew'st
+him not, I will not call thee ingram;[241] but if thou knewest not him,
+thou knewest nobody. I warrant, here's two crack-ropes knew him.
+
+WIT.
+I dwelt with him.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Didst thou? now, give me thy hand: I love thee the better.
+
+WILL.
+And I, too, sometime.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+You, child! did you dwell with him sometime?
+Wit dwelt with him, indeed, as appeared by his rhyme,
+And served him well; and Will was with him now and then. But, soft, thy
+  name is Wealth: I think in earnest he was little acquainted with thee.
+O, it was a fine fellow, as e'er was born:
+There will never come his like, while the earth can corn.
+O passing fine Tarlton! I would thou hadst lived yet.
+
+WEALTH.
+He might have some, but thou showest small wit.
+There is no such fineness in the picture that I see.[242]
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Thou art no Cinque-Port man; thou art not wit-free.
+The fineness was within, for without he was plain;
+But it was the merriest fellow, and had such jests in store
+That, if thou hadst seen him, thou would'st have laughed thy heart sore.
+
+WEALTH.
+Because of thy praise, what's the price of the picture?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+I'll tell thee, my lad. Come hither: if thou wilt be ruled by me, thou
+shalt pay nothing; I'll give it thee, if thou wilt dwell with me; and,
+I promise thee, this counsel is for thy prefarmin'.[243] Hadst not thou
+better serve a freeman of the City, and learn a trade to live another
+day, than to be a serving-boy in thy youth, and to have no occupation
+in thine age. I can make thee free, if thou wilt be my prentice.
+
+WEALTH.
+Why, Wealth is free everywhere: what need I serve you? My lord is a
+freeman, if that may do me good.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+I cry you mercy, master boy: then, your master is free of the Lord's
+Company, and you serve him, that you may be a lord, when you come out
+of your years.
+
+WIT.
+Wealth is a proud boy, gaffer: what say you to me?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Thy name is Wit: wilt thou dwell with me?
+
+WIT.
+If I like your name and science, perchance we'll agree.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Nay, my name and mine honesty is all one: it is well known. He's a very
+fool that cannot beguile me, for my name is Simplicity.
+
+WILL.
+Goads,[244] gaffer! were you not a mealman once, and dwelt with Lady
+Conscience?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Yes, for want of a better.
+
+WILL.
+What, a better man?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+No; for want of a better mistress: she was as very a fool as I.
+We dwelt so long together, that we went both on begging.
+
+WIT.
+Indeed, they that use a good conscience cannot suddenly be rich.
+But I'll not dwell with ye: you are too simple a master for me.
+
+WILL.
+Nor I'll not dwell with you for all this world's treasure.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+No? Why, whom serve you, Will?
+
+WILL.
+I serve my Lord Pleasure.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+And whom serve you, Wit?
+
+WIT.
+I serve my Lord Policy.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+And whom serve you, Wealth?
+
+WEALTH.
+I serve my Lord Pomp.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+You should be served all with my Lord Birchley, if you were well served.
+These lads are so lordly that louts care not for them; for Wealth serves
+Pomp, Wit serves Policy, and Will serves Pleasure. Wealth, will you buy
+this picture for your lord?
+                               [_Shew Tarlton's picture_.
+
+WEALTH.
+No: it is too base a present for Pomp.
+
+WIT.
+And Policy seldom regards such a trifle.
+
+WILL.
+Come on, gaffer, come on; I must be your best chapman: I'll buy it for
+Pleasure. Hold, there is a groat.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Gramercy, good Will, my wife shall love thee still;
+And since I can neither get Wit nor Wealth,
+Let my wife have her Will, and let me have my health.
+God forgive me, I think I never name her, but it conjures her:
+  look where she comes!
+Be mannerly, boys, that she knock ye not with her staff:
+Keep your own counsel, and I'll make ye laugh.
+What do ye lack? What lack ye?
+Stand away, these boys, from my wares:
+Get ye from my stall, or I'll wring you by the ears:
+Let my customers see the wares. What lack ye?
+What would ye have bought?
+
+    _Enter_ PAINFUL-PENURY, _attired like a water-bearing woman,
+    with her tankard_.
+
+PENURY.
+You have customers enou', and if they were ought.
+What do you with these boys here, to filch away your ware?
+You show all your wit: you'll ne'er have more care.
+
+WILL.
+Content ye, good wife: we do not filch, but buy.
+
+PENURY.
+I meant not you, young master, God's blessing on your heart:
+You have bought indeed, sir, I see, for your part.
+Be these two young gentlemen of your company?
+Buy, gentlemen, buy ballads to make your friends merry.
+
+WIT.
+To stand long with your burden, methinks, you should be weary.
+
+PENURY.
+True, gentlemen; but you may see, poor Painful-Penury
+Is fain to carry three tankards for a penny.
+But, husband, I say, come not home to dinner; it's Ember-day:
+You must eat nothing till night, but fast and pray.
+I shall lose my draught at Conduit, and therefore I'll away.
+Young gentlemen, God be with ye.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Wife, must I not dine to-day?
+
+PENURY.
+No, sir, by my fay.
+                       [_Exit_ PENURY.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+If I must not eat, I mean to drink the more:
+What I spare in bread, in ale I'll set on the score.
+How say ye, my lads, and do I not speak wisely?
+
+WIT.
+Methinks ye do; and it's pretty that Simplicity
+Hath gotten to his wife plain Painful-Penury.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Yea, I thank God, though she he poor and scarce cleanly,
+Yet she is homely, careful, and comely.
+
+    _One call within_.
+
+Wit, Wealth, and Will, come to your lords quickly.
+
+WILL.
+Must the scutcheons hang still?
+
+    _One within_.
+
+Yea, let them alone.
+
+WIT.
+Farewell, Master Simplicity.
+
+                                [_Exeunt_.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Farewell, good master boys, e'en heartily, e'en heartily, heartily.
+And, hear ye, Will, I thank you for your hansel[245] truly.
+Pretty lads! hark ye, sirs, how? Will, Wit, Wealth!
+
+    [_Re-]enter_ WIT.
+
+WIT.
+What's the matter, you call us back so suddenly?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+I forgot to ask you whether your three lords of London be courtiers
+or citizens?
+
+WIT.
+Citizens born, and courtiers brought up. Is this all? Farewell.
+                                                          [_Exit_.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Citizens born and courtiers brought up! I think so; for they that be
+born in London are half courtiers, before they see the court: for
+fineness and mannerliness, O, passing! My manners and misbehaviour is
+mended half in half, since I gave over my mealman, and came to dwell in
+London: ye may see time doth much. Time wears out iron horseshoes: time
+tears out milstones: time seasons a pudding well; and time hath made me
+a free man, as free to bear water and sell ballads as the best of our
+copulation. I would have thought once my horse should have been free as
+soon as myself, and sooner too, for he would have stumbled with a sack
+of meal, and lien along in the channel with it, when he had done; and
+that some calls freedom. But it's but a dirty freedom, but, ye may see,
+bad horses were but jades in those days. But soft: here comes customers.
+What lack ye? What is't ye lack? What lack ye? Come along, and buy
+nothing. Fine ballads! new ballads! What lack ye?
+
+    _Enter_ NEMO _and the three Lords_.
+
+NEMO.
+My lords, come on. What suits have you to me?
+
+POLICY.
+Renowned Nemo, the most only one
+That draws no breath but of th'eternal air,
+That knowest our suit before we bound to speak,
+For thou art the very Oracle of thoughts;
+Whose virtues do encompass thee about,
+As th'air surrounds this massy globe of earth;
+Who hast in power whatever pleaseth thee,
+And canst bestow much more than we may crave,
+To thee we seek; to thee on knees we sue,
+That thou wilt deign from thraldom to release
+Those lovely dames, that London ladies are.
+
+NEMO.
+What, those three caitiffs, long ago condemn'd?
+Love, Lucre, Conscience? well-deserving death,
+Being corrupt with all contagion:
+The spotted ladies of that stately town?
+
+POMP.
+Love, Lucre, Conscience, we of thee desire,
+Which in thyself hast all perfection,
+Accomplished with all integrity,
+And needest no help to do what pleaseth thee;
+Which holdest fame and fortune both thy slaves,
+And dost compel the Destinies draw the coach,
+To thee we sue, sith power thou hast thereto,
+To set those ladies at their liberty.
+
+PLEASURE.
+At liberty, thou spotless magistrate,
+That of the cause dost carry all regard,
+Careless of bribes, of birth and parentage,
+Because thyself art only born to bliss.
+Bless us so much, that lords of London are,
+That those three ladies, born and bred with us,
+May by our suits release of thraldom find.
+
+NEMO.
+Release, my lords! why seek ye their release,
+That have perpetual prison for their doom?
+
+POLICY.
+But Nemo can from thence redeem them all.
+
+NEMO.
+Their deeds were cause, not Nemo, of their thrall.
+
+POMP.
+Yet Nemo was the judge that sentence gave.
+
+NEMO.
+But Nemo never spill'd, whom he could save.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Thou from perpetual prison may'st revoke.
+
+POLICY.
+Death hath no power 'gainst him to give a stroke.
+
+POMP.
+Thou only mild and courteous sir, vouchsafe
+To grant our suit, and set those ladies free.
+
+NEMO.
+What is your purpose in this earnest suit?
+
+PLEASURE.
+To marry them, and make them honest wives.
+
+NEMO.
+But may it be, that men of your regard,
+Lords of such fortune and so famous place,
+Will link yourselves with ladies so forlorn,
+And so distained with more than common crimes?
+
+POLICY.
+Marriage doth make amends for many a miss.
+
+POMP.
+And love doth cover heaps of cumbrous evils.
+
+PLEASURE.
+And doth forget the faults that were before.
+
+NEMO.
+Mean as you say: you need to say no more.
+
+POLICY.
+In token that we mean what we have said,
+Lo, here our shields, the prizes of our love,
+To challenge all, except thyself, that dare
+Deny those ladies to be ours by right.
+
+NEMO.
+Woo them and win them, win them and wear them too:
+I shall both comfort and discourage you, my lords.
+The comfort's this: of all those former crimes,
+Wherewith the world was wont these dames to charge,
+I have them clear'd, and made them all as free
+As they were born, no blemish left to see.
+But the discourage, gentle lords, is this:
+The time of their endurance hath been long,
+Whereby their clothes of cost and curious stuff
+Are worn to rags, and give them much disgrace.
+
+POMP.
+Alas. good ladies! was there none that sued
+For their release, before we took't in hand?
+
+NEMO.
+Yes, divers for fair Lucre sought release.
+And some for Love would fain have paid the fees;
+But silly Conscience sat without regard
+In sorrow's dungeon, sighing by herself.
+Which when I saw that some did sue for Love,
+And most for Lucre, none for Conscience,
+A vow I made, which now I shall perform:
+Till some should sue to have release for all,
+Judg'd as they were, they should remain in thrall.
+But you, that crave their freedoms all at once.
+Shall have your suit, and see them here ere long.
+A little while you must have patience,
+And leave this place. Go in, my lords, before.
+
+POMP.
+Becometh us to wait on Nemo still.
+
+NEMO.
+Not so; but, lordings, one condition more.
+You promise me, sith they are in my power,
+I shall dispose them, when they are releas'd,
+Upon you three, as I shall think it best.
+
+POMP.
+Do but command, and we shall all subscribe.
+
+NEMO.
+Then go your ways, for I have here to do.
+
+                              [_Exeunt Three Lords_.
+
+    _Enter_ SORROW.
+
+Sorrow, draw near; to-morrow bring thou forth
+Love, Lucre, Conscience, whom thou hast in thrall,
+Upon these stones to sit and take the air,
+But set no watch or spial[246] what they do.
+
+                                      [_Exeunt Ambo_.
+
+    _Enter_ FRAUD, USURY, DISSIMULATION, SIMONY, and SIMPLICITY.
+
+FRAUD.
+How happy may we call this merry day, my mates, wherein we meet, that
+once were desperate, I think, ever to have seen one another, when Nemo,
+that upright judge, had, by imprisoning our mistresses, banished us
+(by setting such diligent watch for us) out of London, and almost out
+of the world. But live we yet and are we met, and near our old seat?
+Usury, is it thou? Let me see, or hath some other stolen thy face?
+Speakest thou, man?
+
+USURY.
+No, Fraud: though many have counterfeited both thee and me,
+We are ourselves yet, and no changelings, I see
+And why shouldst thou ask me, man, if I live?
+The silly ass cannot feed on harder forage than
+Usury: she upon thistles, and I upon a brown crust of a month old.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+So that Usury and an ass are two of the profitablest beasts that a man
+can keep; yet th'one hath sharper teeth than th'other.
+
+FRAUD.
+But what means Dissimulation? He droops, methinks. What cheer, man?
+Why, cousin, frolic a fit. Art thou not glad of this meeting? What's
+the cause of thy melancholy?
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Not melancholic, but musing how it comes to pass that we are thus
+fortunate to meet, as we do?
+
+SIMONY.
+I'll tell thee why we met: because we are no mountains.[247]
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+But ye are as ill, for ye are monsters.
+
+SIMONY.
+And men may meet, though mountains cannot.
+
+FRAUD.
+In token that this meeting is joyous to us all, let us embrace
+altogether with heart's joy and affection.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+I see many of these old proverbs prove true; 'tis merry when
+knaves meet.    [_Aside_.
+
+FRAUD.
+How, sir! what's that?
+
+SIMONY.
+If a man had a casting-net, he might catch all you.
+
+FRAUD.
+Art thou not Simplicity?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Goodman Simplicity, for I am married, and it like your mastership.
+And you are Master Fraud, too; a pox on your worship. I see a fox
+and a false knave have all one luck, the better for banning; and
+many of you crafty knaves live merrilier than we honest men.
+
+FRAUD.
+Sirrah, bridle your tongue, if you'll be welcome to our company.
+No girds nor old grudges, but congratulate this meeting. And, sirs,
+if you say it, let's tell how we have lived since our parting.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+O, it is great pity.
+
+USURY.
+What, to tell how we have lived?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+No; that ye do live.
+
+FRAUD.
+Yet again, sirrah? Usury, as for thee, it were folly to ask, for thou
+livest but too well; but Dissimulation and Simony, how have you two
+lived? Discourse, I pray you heartily.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Faith, even like two mice in an ambery,[248] that eat up all the meat,
+and when they have done gnaw holes in the cupboard.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Fraud, after my 'scaping away at the Sessions, where I shifted, as thou
+knowest, in three sundry shapes: one of a friar, and they can dissemble;
+another like a woman, and they do little else; the third as a saint and
+a devil--and so is a woman--I was banished out of London by Nemo. To the
+country went I amongst my old friends, and never better loved than among
+the russet-coats. Once in a month I stole in o' th' market-day to
+Leadenhall and about, and sometime to Westminster Hall. Now, hearing
+some speech that the ladies should be sued for, I am come in hope of my
+old entertainment, supposing myself not known of many, and hoping the
+three lords will prevail in their suit, and I to serve one of them.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+He shall do well that gives thee a coat, but he should do better that
+could take off thy skin.    [Aside.
+
+SIMONY.
+And I have been a traveller abroad in other realms, for here I am so
+cried out against by preachers (and yet some ministers, that be none,
+could be content to use me) that I was glad to be gone: now, in some
+other lands, and not very far off, I am secretly fostered--saving in
+Scotland and the Low-Countries, [where] they are reformed, they cannot
+abide me. Well, now and then hither I came stealing over sea, and
+hearing as you hear, intend as you do.
+
+FRAUD.
+And for mine own part, among artificers,
+And amongst a few bad-conscienced lawyers,
+I have found such entertainment as doth pass,
+Yet would I with Lucre fain be as I was.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Fraud is as ill as a cut-purse, by the mass.    [Aside.
+
+USURY.
+And for Usury, the longer I live the greater love I find;
+Yet would I be with Lucre again, to please my mind.
+
+FRAUD.
+Here's a good fellow, too, one of our acquaintance.
+How hast thou lived, Simplicity?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+More honestly than all the rest of thy company; for when I might beg
+no longer, as begging was but bad, for you cosen'd me once of an alms,
+I fell to tankard-bearing, and so got a wife of the same science,
+Painful-Penury: then got I my freedom, and feeling my shoulder grow
+weary of the tankard, set up an easier trade--to sell ballads.
+
+FRAUD.
+Hadst thou a stock to set up withal?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Wise enough to tell you, I!--and yonder's my stall: but beware I lose
+nothing, for if I do, I'll lay it straight to some of you; for I saw
+none so like thieves, I promise you, since I set up.
+
+FRAUD.
+You are a wise man, when your nose is in the cup. But soft, who comes
+here? step we close aside, for these be the three ladies, for my life,
+brought out of prison by their keeper. Let us be whist, and we shall
+hear and see all. Sirrah, you must say nothing.
+
+    _Enter SORROW and the three Ladies: he sets them
+    on three stones on the stage._
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Not till ye speak, for I am afraid of him that's with the women.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+O Sorrow, when, when, Sorrow, wilt thou cease
+To blow the spark that burns my troubled soul,
+To feed the worm that stings my fainting breast,
+And sharp the steel that gores my bleeding heart?
+My thoughts are thorns, my tears hot drops of lead:
+I plain, I pine, I die, yet never dead.
+If world would end, my woe should but begin:
+Lo, this the case of Conscience for her sin;
+And sin the food, wherewith my worm was fed,
+That stings me now to death, yet never dead.
+
+LOVE.
+Yet never dead, and yet Love doth not live,
+Love, that to loss in life her folly led[249],
+Folly the food whereon her frailty fed,
+Frailty the milk that Nature's breast did give:
+Life, loss, and folly: frailty, food, and kind,
+Worm, sting, thorns, fire, and torment to the mind;
+Life but a breath, and folly but a flower,
+Frailty, clay, dust, the food that fancy scorns;
+Love a sweet bait to cover losses sour,
+Flesh breeds the fire that kindles lustful thorns;
+Lust, fire, bait, scorn, dust, flower and feeble breath,
+Die, quench, deceive, flie, fade, and yield to death.
+To death? O good! if death might finish all:
+We die each day, and yet for death we call.
+
+LUCRE.
+For death we call, yet death is still in sight.
+Lucre doth scald in drops of melting gold
+Accusing rust calls on eternal night[250],
+Where flames consume, and yet we freeze with cold.
+Sorrow adds sulphur unto fury's heat,
+And chops them ice whose chattering teeth do beat;
+But sulphur, snow, flame, frost, nor hideous crying
+Can cause them die that ever are in dying,
+Nor make the pain diminish or increase:
+Sorrow is slack, and yet will never cease.
+
+SORROW.
+When Sorrow ceaseth, Shame shall then begin
+With those that wallow senseless in their sin.
+But, ladies, I have drawn you from my den
+To open air, to mitigate some moan.
+Conscience, sit down upon that sweating stone,
+And let that flint, Love, serve thee for a seat;
+And, Lady Lucre, on that stone rest you.
+And, ladies, thus I leave you here alone.
+Mourn ye, but moan not I shall absent be;
+But good it were sometime to think on me.
+                                     [_Exit_.]
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Comfort it is to think on sorrow past.
+
+LOVE.
+Sorrow remains, where joy is but a blast.
+
+LUCRE.
+A blast of wind is world's felicity.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+A blasting wind, and full of misery.
+
+LOVE.
+O Conscience, thou hast more tormented me.
+
+LUCRE.
+Me hath thy worm, O Conscience, stung too deep.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+But more myself my thoughts tormented have,
+Than both of you, in Sorrow's sullen cave;
+From whence drawn forth, I find but little rest:
+A seat uneasy, wet, and scalding hot,
+On this hard stone hath Sorrow me assign'd.
+
+LOVE.
+And on my seat myself I frozen find:
+No flint more hard, no ice more cold than this.
+
+LUCRE.
+I think my seat some mineral stone to be;
+I cold from it, it draw[eth] heat from me.
+Ladies, consent, and we our seats will view.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Dare we for shame our stained faces shew?
+
+LOVE.
+My double face is single grown again.
+
+LUCRE.
+My spots are gone: my skin is smooth and plain.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Doff we our veils, and greet this gladsome light;
+The chaser of gloom, Sorrow's heavy night[251].
+
+LOVE.
+Hail, cheerful air, and clearest crystal sky.
+
+LUCRE.
+Hail, shining sun and fairest firmament,
+Comfort to those that time in woe have spent.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Upon my weeping stone is set REMORSE in brazen letters.
+
+LOVE.
+And on this flint in lead is CHARITY.
+
+LUCRE.
+In golden letters on my stone is CARE.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Then Lucre sits upon the stone of Care.
+
+LUCRE.
+And Conscience on the marble of Remorse.
+
+LOVE.
+Love on the flint of frozen Charity.
+Ladies, alas, what tattered souls are we.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Sorrow our hearts, and time our clothes hath torn.
+
+LUCRE.
+Then sit we down like silly souls forlorn,
+And hide our faces that we be not known;
+For Sorrow's plagues tormenteth[252] me no more,
+Than will their sight, that knew me heretofore.
+
+LOVE.
+Then will their sight, that knew us heretofore,
+Draw ruth and help from them for our relief.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+For our relief? for Conscience and for Love
+No help, small ruth that our distress may move.
+
+LOVE.
+O Conscience, thou wouldst lead me to despair,
+But that I see the way to hope is fair,
+And hope to heaven directs a ready way,
+And heaven to help is prest to them that pray.
+
+LUCRE.
+That pray with faith, and with unfeign'd remorse,
+For true belief and tears make prayer of force.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Then veil ourselves, and silent let us stay,
+Till heaven shall please to send some friends this way.
+
+                            [_Sit all down_.
+
+    [_Enter_ FRAUD, DISSIMULATION, &c.]
+
+FRAUD.
+Ladies, unmask[253]! blush not for base attire:
+Here are none but friends and servants all. Dear Lady Lucre,
+Dearer unto us than daily breath we draw from sweetest air,
+Dearer than life, dearer than heaven itself,
+Deign to discover those alluring lamps,
+Those lovely eyes more clear than Venus' star,
+Whose bright aspects world's wonder do produce.
+Unveil, I say, that beauty more divine
+Than Nature (save in thee) did ever paint,
+That we, sworn slaves unto our mistress, may
+Once more behold those stately lovely looks,
+And do those duties which us well beseems,
+Such duties as we all desire to do.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+I know that tongue. Lucre, beware of Fraud.
+
+LUCRE.
+Of Fraud! Indeed by speech it should be he.
+Fraud, what seekest thou?
+
+FRAUD.
+Lucre, to honour thee with wit, with worth, with all I have;
+To be thy servant, as I was before,
+To get thee clothes, and what thou wantest else.
+
+LUCRE.
+No, Fraud, farewell: I must be won no more
+To keep such servants as I kept before.
+
+SIMONY.
+Sweet Lady Lucre, me thou mayest accept.
+
+LUCRE.
+How art thou called?
+
+SIMONY.
+Simony.
+
+LUCRE.
+Aye? No, sir; Conscience saith.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+No; Lucre now beware, false not thy faith,
+For Simony's subject to perpetual curse.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+As you two have sped, I would desire to speed no worse.
+
+FRAUD.
+Make you a suit: you may chance to speed better.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Not I, for of all my tongue is best known;
+But if I speak, it shall be to her that was once mine own.
+Good Lady Love, thou little knowest the grief
+That I, thy friend, sustain for thy distress,
+And less believest what care I have of thee.
+Look up, good Love, and to supply thy wants
+Ask what thou wilt, and thou shalt have of me,
+Of me, that joy more in thy liberty
+Than in this life or[254] light that comforts me.
+
+LOVE.
+O gall in honey, serpent in the grass!
+O bifold fountain of two bitter streams,
+Dissimulation fed with viper's flesh,
+Whose words are oil, whose deeds, the darts of death!
+Thy tongue I know, that tongue that me beguil'd,
+Thyself a devil mad'st me a monster vild.
+From the[e] well known well may I bless myself:
+Dear-bought repentance bids me shun thy snare.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+O happy Love, if now thou can beware.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Marry, but hear ye, motley-beard. I think this blindfold buzzardly
+hedge-wench spoke to ye; she knows ye, though she see thee not.
+Hark ye, you women, if you'll go to the alehouse, I'll bestow two
+pots on ye, and we'll get a pair of cards[255] and some company,
+and win twenty pots more; for you play the best at a game, call'd
+smelling of the four knaves, that ever I saw.
+
+USURY.
+Four! soft, yet they have not smell'd thee.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+No? I am one more than is in the deck, but you'll be smell'd as soon
+as ye begin to speak. I'll see what they'll say to me. Hear ye, you
+women, wives, widows, maids, men's daughters, what shall I call ye?
+These four fellows (hark ye, shall I call ye crafty knaves?) make
+me believe that you are the three that were the three fair ladies
+of London.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Gentle Simplicity, we are unhappy they.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Now, ye bad fellows, which of ye had such a word as gentle Sim?
+
+USURY.
+Bad fellows, ye rascal! If e'er you bring me pawn, I'll pinch ye
+for that word.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+I cry you mercy, Master Inquiry--Master Usury: I meant not you.
+
+FRAUD.
+If you mean us, we may be even with ye too.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Tut! I knew ye an ostler, and a thief beside: You have rubb'd my
+horse-heels ere now for all your pride. But, ladies, if ye be the
+three ladies, which of ye dwelt in Kent Street? One of you did, but
+I know not which is she, ye look all so like broom-wenches. I was
+once her servant: I'll ne'er be ashamed of her, though I be rich and
+she be poor; yet if she that hath been my dame, or he that hath been
+my master, come in place, I'll speak to them, sure: I'll do my duty.
+Which is Lady Conscience?
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Even I am she, Simplicity.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+I am glad ye are out of prison. I thought ye had forgot me: I went
+a-begging for[256] you, till the beadles snapp'd me up: now I am free,
+and keep a stall of ballads. I may buy and sell. I would you had as
+good a gown now, as I carried once of yours to pawn to Usury here.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Gramercy, good Simplicity. Wilt thou be with me now?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+No, I thank you heartily; I'll beg no more. I cannot with ye, though
+I would, for I am married to Painful-Penury. Look now, my proud
+stately masters, I may if I will; and you would, if ye might.
+
+FRAUD.
+No, not dwell with such a beggar as Conscience.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+No, Fraud ne'er lov'd Conscience, since he was an ostler.
+
+USURY.
+Who cares for Conscience but dies a beggar?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+That will not Usury do: he will first take threescore pound
+in the hundred.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Love, look on me, and I will give thee clothes.
+
+LOVE.
+I will no more by thee be so disguised.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Ye do the wiser, for his face looks like a cloak-back.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+In thy affections I had once a place.
+
+LOVE.
+Those fond affections wrought me foul disgrace.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+I'll make amends, if ought amiss were done.
+
+LOVE.
+Who once are burn'd, the fire will ever shun.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+And yet once burn'd to warm again may prove.
+
+LOVE.
+Not at thy fire; I will be perfect Love.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+I promise you, the wenches have learn'd to answer wittily.
+Here's many fair proffers to Lucre and Love,
+But who clothes poor Conscience? she may sit long enough.
+
+USURY.
+I will clothe her straight.
+
+    [USURY _takes_ FRAUD'S _cloak, and casts it on_ CONSCIENCE.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Will you, Master Usury? that's honestly spoke.
+Ha! that's no gramercy to clothe her with another man's cloak;
+But I see you have a craft in the doing, Master Usury:
+Usury covers Conscience with Fraud's cloak very cunningly.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Alas! who loads my shoulders with this heavy weed?
+Fie! how it stinks: this is perfum'd indeed.
+
+FRAUD.
+Marry, gup, Goody Conscience! indeed I do you wrong,
+But I'll quickly right it; my cloak shall not cumber you long.
+
+USURY.
+All this while Lucre knows not I am here,
+But now will I to her; mark how I speed!
+Lady, the fairest that Nature ever form'd,
+Loadstone of love, that draws affection's darts,
+The only object of all humane eyes,
+And sole desired dainty of the world,
+Thy vassal here, a virtue in thy need,
+Whom thou by licence of the law may'st use,
+Tenders himself and all his services
+To do thy will in duty as 'tofore,
+Glad of thy freedom as his proper life.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Lady Lucre, you love an apple: take heed the caterpillar consume
+not your fruit.
+
+LUCRE.
+Who is it that maketh this latest suit?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+'Tis Usury.    [_Aloud in her ear_.
+
+LUCRE.
+Great is the service he hath done for me;
+But, Usury, now I may not deal with thee.
+
+USURY.
+The law allows me, madam, in some sort.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+But God and I would have thy bounds cut short.
+
+USURY.
+For you I reck not; but if God me hate,
+Why doth the law allow me in some rate?
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Usury slanders both law and state.
+The law allows not, though it tolerate,
+And thou art sure be shut out at heaven-gate.
+
+USURY.
+You were ever nice: no matter what you prate.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Then it will be with him, as it is with a great man's house in
+dinner-time! he that knocks, when the door is shut, comes too late.
+
+LUCRE.
+Well, Usury, Fraud, and Simony,
+Dissimulation, hearken unto me.
+My tongue (although in memory it be green)
+Cannot declare what horrors I have seen;
+Ne can it enter into mortal ears
+Unmortified: the furies' fires and fears,
+The shrieks, the groans, the tortures, and the pains,
+That any soul for each of you sustains--
+No pen can write, how Conscience hath me scourg'd,
+When with your faults my soul she ever urg'd:
+Arithmetic doth fail to number all
+The plagues of Sorrow in the den of thrall.
+Then tempt me not, nor trouble me no more;
+I must not use you as I did before.
+If you be found within fair London's gate,
+You must to prison, whence we came of late.
+Conscience will accuse ye, if ye be in sight.
+
+FRAUD.
+That scurvy Conscience works us all the spite.
+
+    _Enter_ NEMO.
+
+USURY.
+Well, Lucre, yet in thee we have delight.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Yonder come some: we must take our flight.
+
+                                    [_Exeunt_ OMNES.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Birds of a feather will fly together; but when they be taken,
+  then are they baken.
+Yonder comes a customer: I'll to my stall.
+Love, Lucre, and Conscience, blindman-buff to you all.
+
+NEMO.
+Conscience, Love, Lucre, ladies all, what cheer?
+How do ye like the seats you sit upon?
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+O pure unspotted Nemo, sole paragon
+Of Love, of Conscience and perfection;
+The marble of remorse I sit upon
+Sweats scalding drops, like bitter brinish tears.
+
+NEMO.
+So should remorse, when Conscience feels her guilt.
+But, gentle Love, how feelest thou thy flint?
+
+LOVE.
+O, sharp and cold: I freeze unto my seat:
+The flint holds fire, and yet I feel no heat.
+But am benumb'd and frozen every joint.
+
+NEMO.
+O Love, so cold is charity in these times.
+Lucre, how sit you?
+
+LUCRE.
+Upon a heavy stone, not half so cold, not half so hot as theirs,
+But of some secret power, for I do find and sensibly feel,
+That I from it exhale an earthly cold,
+And it from me doth draw a kindly heat.
+
+NEMO.
+Such force hath care of Lucre in itself
+To cool the heart and draw the vital spirits;
+And such the true condition of you three;
+Remorse of Conscience, Charity of Love,
+And Care of Lucre; such your uses be.
+But, ladies, now your sorrow lay aside:
+Frolic, fair dames; an unexpected good
+Is imminent through me unto you all.
+Three lords there be, your native countrymen,
+In London bred, as you yourselves have been,
+Which covet you for honourable wives,
+And presently will come to visit you.
+Be not abashed at your base attire,
+I shall provide you friends to deck you all.
+If I command, stand up, else sit you still.
+Lo, where they come.
+
+    _Enter the three Lords_.
+
+My lords, the dames be here.
+
+POLICY.
+Why are they wimpled?[257] Shall they not unmask them?
+
+NEMO.
+It is for your sake; for Policy they do it.
+
+POMP.
+Much may their fortune and their feature be,
+But what it is we cannot thus discern.
+
+NEMO.
+You shall in time. Lord Pomp; be yet content.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Their fame is more than cause or reason would.
+May one of these be Pleasure's paragon?
+
+NEMO.
+Pleasure, be pleas'd and use no prejudice.
+Mesdames, stand up. Mislike not their attire;
+That shall be mended as yourselves desire.
+
+POLICY.
+Their port and their proportion well contents.
+
+POMP.
+Right stately dames, if they were well attir'd.
+
+PLEASURE.
+May we not see their beauty, what it is?
+
+NEMO.
+Yes, lordings, yes. Lucre, lift up thy veil.
+
+POLICY.
+Of beauty excellent!
+
+POMP.
+Of rare perfection!
+
+PLEASURE.
+A dainty face!
+
+NEMO.
+Unmask, Love.
+
+POLICY.
+Sweet Love indeed!
+
+POMP.
+A lovely face!
+
+PLEASURE.
+A gallant grace!
+
+NEMO.
+Conscience, uncover.
+
+POLICY.
+Beauty divine!
+
+POMP.
+A face angelical!
+
+PLEASURE.
+Sweet creature of the world!
+
+NEMO.
+Enough for once; ladies, sit down again.
+As cunning chapmen do by curious wares,
+                            [_To the audience_.
+Which seldom shown do most inflame the mind,
+So must I deal, being dainty of these dames,
+Who seldom seen shall best allure these lords.
+Awhile, my lords, I leave you with these three:
+Converse, confer on good conditions.
+I will right soon return with such good friends
+As it concerns to clothe these dainty ones.
+If any in my absence visit them,
+Know their intent, and use your skill therein.
+                                          [_Exit_.
+
+POLICY.
+Ladies, to call to mind your former lives,
+Were to recount your sorrows on a row.
+Omitting, then, what you have been or be,
+What you may be I'll speak, so it please you;
+Wives to us three, ladies to London lords,
+Pomp, Pleasure, Policy, men of such regard,
+As shall you guard from evil, once matched with us:
+And Policy presents this good to you.
+
+POMP.
+With London's Pomp may one of you be join'd,
+Possessing more than Fortune can afford:
+Fortune's a fool, but heavenly providence
+Guards London's Pomp and her that shall be his.
+
+PLEASURE.
+And London's Pleasure, peerless in delights,
+Will deign to make one of these dames his own,
+Who may with him in more contentment live,
+Than ever did the Queen of Oethiop.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Though silence, lords, our modesty enforce,
+Nemo can tell the secrets of our thoughts:
+Nemo, that womens' minds can constant keep,
+He shall for us you answer, good my lords.
+I speak for all, though ill-beseeming me.
+
+    _Enter_ FALSEHOOD _and_ DOUBLE-DEALING.
+
+POLICY.
+You speak but well. My lords, step we aside
+To note these fellows, what they do intend.
+
+    _Enter_ NEMO.
+
+POMP.
+Nemo can tell, for he doth follow them.
+
+FALSEHOOD.
+Ladies, to you--to some of you--we come,
+Sent from such friends as much affect your good,
+With garments and with compliments of cost,
+Accordant well to dames of such degree--
+I come to Lucre.
+
+DOUBLE-DEALING.
+I to Love am sent,
+With no less cost than could be got for coin,
+Which with my message I deliver would,
+Could I discern which of these dames were she.
+
+LOVE.
+Friend, I am Love: what bringest thou there to me?
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Beware, good Love, from whom, and what, thou takest.
+
+NEMO.
+No whispering, friend, but show it openly:
+The matter good, you need not be ashamed.
+From whom comest thou?
+
+DOUBLE-DEALING.
+That I conceal from any but from Love.
+
+NEMO.
+From whom come you, sir?
+
+FALSEHOOD.
+That shall Lucre know, and none but she.
+
+NEMO.
+Then speak aloud, for whispering here is barr'd.
+
+FALSEHOOD.
+Then neither will I do, nor speak at all.
+
+NEMO.
+Then I will speak, and tell what you are both.
+Thyself art Falsehood, and are sent from Fraud,
+To compass Lucre with a cloak of craft,
+With lawn of lies, and cauls of golden guile.
+
+POLICY.
+Pack you, my friend; for if you stay a while,
+You shall return no more to him that sent you.
+
+NEMO.
+Thou from Dissimulation art sent,
+And bring'st a gown of glosing, lin'd with lust,
+A vardingale[258] of vain boast and fan of flattery,
+A ruff of riot and a cap of pride;
+And Double-dealing is thy name and office both.
+
+DOUBLE-DEALING:
+Falsehood, let's go: we are deciphered.
+
+FALSEHOOD.
+Lucre, thou losest here a princely gift.
+
+                                 [_Exeunt ambo_.
+
+NEMO.
+Lucre consumes, being won by Fraud or shift.
+Thus, lords, you see how these are qualified,
+And how these ladies shun that sharp rebuke,
+Which some deserve by taking of such toys,
+As women weak are tempted soon with gifts.
+But here they come, that must these ladies deck.
+Lucre, arise; come from the stone of Care.
+
+    _Enter_ HONEST INDUSTRY, PURE ZEAL, _and_ SINCERITY.
+
+HONEST INDUSTRY.
+Fair Lucre, lo, what Honest Industry
+To thee hath brought, to deck thy dainty self.
+Lucre, by Honest Industry achiev'd,
+Shall prosper, nourish, and continue long.
+Come to thy chamber, to attire thee there.
+
+NEMO.
+Thou mayest depart with Honest Industry.
+
+                  [_Exit_ LUCRE _with_ HONEST INDUSTRY.
+
+PURE ZEAL.
+And, Love, arise from Charity's cold flint:
+Pure Zeal hath purchas'd robes to cover Love.
+Whiles Love is single, Zeal shall her attire,
+With kind affection mortifying lust.
+Come, Love, with me these garments to put on.
+
+NEMO.
+Love, follow Zeal, and take his ornaments.
+
+                          [_Exit_ LOVE _with_ PURE ZEAL.
+
+SINCERITY.
+Rise, Conscience, from that marble of Remorse,
+That weeping stone that scalds thy parched skin:
+Sincerity such robes for thee hath brought,
+As best beseems good Conscience to adorn.
+Come, follow, that thou may'st go put them on;
+For Conscience, clothed by Sincerity,
+Is armed well against the enemy.
+
+NEMO.
+Follow him, Conscience: fear not; thou art right.
+
+                   [_Exit_ CONSCIENCE _with_ SINCERITY.
+
+POLICY.
+Most reverend Nemo, thanks for this good sight.
+Lucre is clothed by Honest Industry.
+
+POMP.
+Love by Pure Zeal.
+
+PLEASURE.
+                   And Conscience by Sincerity.
+
+NEMO.
+Lordings, thus have you seen them at the first,
+And thus you see them, trust me, at the worst.
+Depart we now: come hence a day or two,
+And see them deck'd as dainty ladies should,
+And make such choice as may content you all.
+
+POLICY.
+Thanks, righteous Nemo. We, the London lords,
+Only to thee ourselves acknowledge bound.
+
+                                   [_Exeunt omnes_.
+
+    _Enter_ PAINFUL PENURY _and_ SIMPLICITY.
+
+PENURY.
+Come on, gentle husband; let us lay our heads together, our purses
+together, and our reckonings together, to see whether we win or lose,
+thrive or not, go forward or backward. Do you keep a book or a score?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+A score, wife? you mean for the alehouse, do you not?
+I would have her examine me thereof no further, for I am in too far
+there, more than I would she should know.    [_Aside_.
+
+PENURY.
+I mean no alehouse-score, but a note of your wares. Let me see: first
+you began to set up with a royal. How much money have ye? What ware,
+and what gain?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+I have five shillings in money, two shillings in wares, or thereabout,
+and I owe two shillings and eightpence upon the score; how much is
+that? Five shillings, two shillings, and two shillings and eightpence?
+
+PENURY.
+That is nine shillings and eightpence: so we are worse by a groat than
+when we began. Well, once again I'll set ye up: here is four groats I
+have got by bearing water this week: make up your stock, and run no more
+behind. Who comes here?
+
+    _Enter_ FRAUD, _like [a foreign] artificer_.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+What lack ye? What do ye lack?
+
+FRAUD.
+Me lack-a de monish pour de feene--very feene--French knack, de feene
+gold button, de brave bugla lace, a de feene gold ring-a. You be free
+man, me un' foreigner: you buy a me ware, you gain teene pownd by lay
+out teene shellengs.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Wife, what hard luck have we, that cannot make ten shillings now to
+gain ten pound. Why, ten pound would set us up for ever.
+
+PENURY.
+Husband, see the ware; and if ten shilling will buy it, it shall go
+hard but we will make that money. Friend, show my husband your wares.
+
+FRAUD.
+Look you dere, mastra, de feene buttoon de la gold, de ring-a de gold,
+de bugla shean: two shelleng un doozen de buttoon, un shelleng-a un
+ring. 'Tis worth ten shelleng, but, mastra and mastressa, me muss a make
+money to go over in my own countrey, but me lose teen pound pour hast to
+go next tide, or to-morrow.
+
+PENURY.
+Here is five shillings; buy them of this stranger.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Friend, you have not stolen them, but you make them? Well, I'll buy
+them in the open market, and then I care not; here is ten shillings;
+deliver me the wares.
+
+FRAUD.
+Dere, mastra! O, pover necessity mak a me sell pour grand, grand loss:
+you shall gain ten pound at least. Go'boy[259].
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+What's your name?
+
+FRAUD.
+Merchant, I think I am even with ye now for calling me ostler.
+You'll thrive well with such bargains, if ye buy, ye know not what.
+Fraud hath fitted you with worse than your ballads.    [_Aside_.
+
+PENURY.
+You'll warrant them gold, sirrah?
+
+FRAUD.
+Oui; so good gol' as you pay for.    [_Aside_.]
+Adieu, mounsier.
+                    [_Exit_.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Adieu, mounsier. Adieu, fool: sell such gold buttons and rings for so
+little money. Good Lord! what pennyworths these strangers can afford.
+Now, wife, let me see: ten pound! when we have ten pound, we'll have
+a large shop, and sell all manner of wares, and buy more of these,
+and get ten pound more, and then ten pound, and ten pound, and twenty
+pound. Then thou shalt have a taffata hat and a guarded gown, and I a
+gown and a new cap, and a silk doublet, and a fair hose[260].
+
+PENURY.
+I thank ye, husband. Well, till then look well to your wares, and I'll
+ply my waterbearing, and save and get, and get and save, till we be
+rich. But bring these wares home every night with ye.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Tush! I shall sell them afore night for ten pounds. Gow, wife, gow;
+I may tell you[261], I am glad this French fellow came with these
+wares: we had fall'n to examining the ale-score else, and then we had
+fall'n out, and the ale-wife and my wife had scolded. [_Aside_.] Well,
+a man may see, he that's ordained to be rich shall be rich: gow, woman.
+
+                                                     [_Exeunt_.
+
+    _Enter_ NEMO _and the three_ LORDS _as though they had been chiding_.
+
+NEMO.
+From whence, good lords, grew this hot argument?
+
+POLICY.
+Thou knowest already; yet, if thou wilt hear,
+For this we strive: fond Pleasure makes account,
+Summing his bills without an auditor[262],
+That Lady Lucre ought of right be his.
+
+PLEASURE.
+So I affirm, and so I will maintain,
+That Pleasure ought by right Dame Lucre have,
+To bear the charge of sports and of delights.
+
+POMP.
+Nay, to support the haughty magnificence
+And lordly Pomp of London's excellence
+Befits it rather Lucre join with me,
+By whom her honour shall be more advanced.
+
+POLICY.
+More fit for Pomp than Pleasure; but most fit
+That Policy with Lucre should be matched,
+As guerdon of my studies and my cares,
+And high employments in the commonwealth.
+
+PLEASURE.
+What pleasure can be fostered without cost?
+
+POMP.
+What pomp or port without respect of gain?
+
+POLICY.
+What policy without preferment lives?
+
+PLEASURE.
+Pleasure must have Lucre.
+
+POMP.
+Pomp hath need of Lucre.
+
+POLICY.
+Policy merits Lucre.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Pleasure dies without Lucre.
+
+POMP.
+Pomp decays without Lucre.
+
+POLICY.
+Policy droops without Lucre.
+
+NEMO.
+Thus, lords, you show your imperfections,
+Subject to passions, straining honour's bounds.
+Be well-advis'd: you promised to be rul'd,
+And have those dames by me disposed to you,
+But since I see that human humours oft
+Makes men forgetful of their greater good,
+Be here a while: Dame Lucre shall be brought
+By me to choose which lord she liketh best,
+So you allow her choice with patience.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Go: we abide thy doom till thy return.             [_Exit_.
+
+POMP.
+If Lucre be not mad, she will be mine.
+
+POLICY.
+If she regard her good, she will be mine.
+
+PLEASURE.
+If she love happy life, she will be mine:
+Women love Pleasure.
+
+POMP.
+Women love Pomp.
+
+POLICY.
+Women use Policy: and here she comes that must decide the doubt.
+
+    _Enter_ NEMO, _with_ CONSCIENCE _all in white_.
+
+NEMO.
+Conscience, content thee with a quaint conceit:
+Conceal thy name to work a special good.
+Thou art not known to any of these lords
+By face or feature: till they hear thy name,
+Which must be Lucre for a fine device,
+And Conscience clear indeed's the greatest gain.    [_Aside_.
+Lo, lordings, here fair Lucre whom ye love.
+Lucre, the choice is left unto thyself,
+Which of these three thou wilt for husband choose.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+The modesty that doth our sex beseem
+Forbids my tongue therein to tell my thought;
+But may it please my lords to pardon me,
+Which of you three shall deign to make such choice,
+Him shall I answer to his own content.
+
+POLICY.
+If Lucre please to match with Policy,
+She shall be mistress over many men.
+
+POMP.
+If Lucre like to match with London's Pomp,
+In stately port all others she shall pass.
+
+PLEASURE.
+If Pleasure may for wife fair Lucre gain,
+Her life shall be an earthly paradise.
+
+NEMO.
+Lo, Lucre! men, and port, and pleasant life,
+Are here propounded. Which wilt thou accept?
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Lord Policy, Love were the only choice,
+Methinks, for you, that all your cares employ,
+And studies for the love of commonwealth.
+For you, Lord Pleasure, Conscience were a wife
+To measure your delights by reason's rule:
+In recreation Conscience' help to use.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Were Conscience half so sweet as is thyself,
+Her would I seek with suits and services.
+
+NEMO.
+No less accomplished in perfection
+Is Conscience than this lady, I protest.
+
+PLEASURE.
+But on this dame hath Pleasure fix'd his heart,
+And this or death the period of his love.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Lucre with Pomp most aptly might combine.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Lucre or Love, if case thou wilt be mine,
+Let pass thy name: thyself do I desire.
+Thee will I have, except thyself deny;
+With thee to live, or else for thee to die.
+
+NEMO.
+What, if I deny?
+
+PLEASURE.
+Then will I have her.
+
+POLICY.
+If we deny?
+
+PLEASURE.
+So much the rather.
+
+POMP.
+The rather in despite of us? Not so.
+
+NEMO.
+My lords, no quarrel: let this lady go;
+And if ye trust me, I'll content ye both.
+Pleasure, this is not Lucre.
+
+PLEASURE.
+She's Lucre unto me;
+But be she Love or Conscience, this is she--
+
+POLICY.
+--whom you will have?
+
+PLEASURE.
+Spite of the devil, I will.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Must it not be, my lord, if I agree?
+
+PLEASURE.
+Agree.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Some further proof of it fits[263] you to see.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Receive in[264] pawn my heart, my hand, and oath
+To be thy own in love, in faith, and troth.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Thus you are fast, and yet myself am free.
+
+PLEASURE.
+I know in ruth thou wilt not me refuse.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+I know not that; but other I'll not choose.
+
+NEMO.
+It is enough: Lord Pleasure, do not fear:
+Conscience will use you as becomes her best.
+
+PLEASURE.
+And art thou Conscience? welcomer to me
+Than either Love or Lucre.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+                           God send grace I be!
+
+NEMO. [_Addressing_ POMP _and_ POLICY.]
+My lords, be pleas'd: ere long shall you be sped,
+As much to your contents as Pleasure is.
+Say but the word, myself shall soon present
+Lucre and Love, well worthy such as you.
+
+POLICY.
+Right thankfully those favours we'll receive.
+
+    _Enter_ DILIGENCE _in haste_.
+
+DILIGENCE.
+My lords, if your affairs in present be not great,
+Greater than any, save regard of life,
+Yea, even the greatest of the commonwealth,
+Prepare ye to withstand a stratagem,
+Such as this land nor London ever knew.
+The Spanish forces[265], lordings, are prepar'd
+In bravery and boast beyond all bounds,
+T'invade, to win, to conquer all this land.
+They chiefly aim at London's stately Pomp,
+At London's Pleasure, Wealth, and Policy,
+Intending to despoil her of them all,
+And over all these lovely ladies three,
+Love, Lucre, Conscience, of the rarest price[266],
+To tyrannise and carry hardest hand.
+From Spain they come with engine and intent
+To slay, subdue, to triumph and torment:
+Myself (so heaven would) espial of them had,
+And Diligence, dear lords, they call my name.
+If you vouchsafe to credit my report,
+You do me right, and to yourselves no wrong,
+Provided that you arm you, being warn'd.
+
+POLICY.
+Diligence, thy service shall be knowen,
+And well rewarded. Nemo, for a time
+Conceal this dame, and live secure, unseen;
+Let us alone, whom most it doth concern,
+To meet and match our overweening foes.
+
+POMP.
+Nemo, keep close, and Conscience, pray for us.
+Begone, and recommend us to our God.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+My lords, if ever, show your honours now.
+Those proud, usurping Spanish tyrants come,
+To reave from you what most you do regard:
+To take away your credit and your fame:
+To raze and spoil our right-renowned town;
+And if you Love or Lucre do regard,
+Or have of Conscience any kind of care,
+The world shall witness by this action;
+And of the love that you to us pretend,
+In this your valour shall assurance give.
+More would I speak, but danger's in delay:
+You know my mind, and heavens record my thoughts,
+Which[267] I with prayers for you will penetrate,
+And will in heart be present in your fight.
+Now, Pleasure, show what you will do for me.
+
+PLEASURE.
+I will be turn'd to Pain for thy sweet sake.
+
+POLICY.
+Fair Conscience, fear not, but assure thyself,
+What kind affection we soever bear
+To Love and Lucre in this action,
+Chiefly for thee our service shall be done.
+
+POMP.
+For Conscience' sake more than for Lucre now.
+
+POLICY.
+For Love and Conscience, not despising Lucre.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Only for Conscience will I hazard all.
+
+NEMO.
+And I from hence will her convey a space,
+Till you return with happy victory.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Farewell, my lords: for me, my lords, for me!
+
+                      [_Exeunt_ NEMO _and_ CONSCIENCE.
+
+POLICY.
+Diligence, what number may there be?
+
+DILIGENCE.
+A mighty host, and chiefly led by three,
+Who brave it out in show, as men assured
+Of victory, sans venture or repulse.
+
+POLICY.
+How near be they?
+
+DILIGENCE.
+So near, my lords, that each delay is death.
+Stand on your guard: they come as challengers
+To bruise your shields and bear away your prize,
+Mounting the seas, and measuring the land
+With strong imaginations of success.
+
+POLICY.
+Well, Diligence, go get in readiness
+Men and munition: bid our pages ply,
+To see that all our furniture be well:
+Wit, Wealth, and Will to further wars be fit.
+                                  [_Exit_ DILIGENCE.
+My lords, I would I might advise ye now
+To Carry, as it were, a careless regard
+Of these Castilians and their accustomed bravado.
+Lord Pomp, let nothing that's magnifical,
+Or that may tend to London's graceful state,
+Be unperform'd; as shows and solemn feasts,
+Watches in armour, triumphs, cresset-lights[268],
+Bonfires, bells, and peals of ordnance.
+And, Pleasure, see that plays be published,
+May-games and masques, with mirth and minstrelsy,
+Pageants and school-feasts, bears and puppet plays.
+Myself will muster upon Mile-end Green,
+As though we saw, and fear'd not to be seen;
+Which will their spies in such a wonder set,
+To see us reck so little such a foe,
+Whom all the world admires, save only we.
+And we respect our sport more than his spite.
+That John the Spaniard will in rage run mad,
+To see us bend like oaks with his vain breath.
+
+POMP.
+In this device such liking I conceive,
+As London shall not lack what Pomp can do.
+And well I know that worthy citizens
+Do carry minds so frank and bountiful,
+As for their honour they will spare no cost:
+Especially to let their enemy know,
+Honour in England, not in Spain, doth grow.
+
+PLEASURE.
+And for the time that they in pleasure spend,
+'Tis limited to such an honest end,
+Namely, for recreation of the mind,
+With no great cost, yet liberal in that kind,
+That Pleasure vows with all delights he can
+To do them good--till death to be their man.
+
+POLICY.
+Of Policy they trial have at large.
+
+POMP.
+Then, let us go, and each man to his charge.
+
+                        [_Exeunt the three Lords_.
+
+    _Enter_ SIMPLICITY _led by_ USURY.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+I, sir? Why, alas! I bought them of a stranger, an old Frenchman,
+for good gold, and to be worth ten pound, for so he told me. I have
+good witness, for my own wife was by, and lent me part of the money.
+
+USURY.
+And what did they cost you?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Ten shillings, every penny.
+
+USURY.
+That argues you are guilty. Why, could ye buy so many rings and buttons
+of gold, think ye, for ten shillings? Of whom did ye buy them?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Of an old Frenchman, the old French disease take him!
+
+USURY.
+And where dwells that old Frenchman?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+In France, I think, for he told me he was to go over the next tide
+  or the next day:
+My wife can tell as well as I,
+If ye think I lie.
+For she was by.
+
+USURY.
+A good answer: he dwells in France, and you dwell here; and for
+uttering copper for gold you are like to lose both your ears upon
+the pillory, and besides lose your freedom.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Nay, if I lose my ears, I care not for my freedom: keep you my freedom,
+so I may keep my ears. Is there no remedy for this, Master Usury?
+
+USURY.
+None, except you can find out that old Frenchman.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Peradventure I can, if you'll let me go into France to seek him.
+
+USURY.
+So we may lose you, and never see him. Nay, that may not be.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Nay, good Master Usury, take all my goods, and let me go.
+
+    _Enter_ FRAUD, DISSIMULATION, SIMONY, _in canvas coats like sailors_.
+
+FRAUD.
+What's the matter, Usury, that this poor knave cries so?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+O Master Fraud! speak to him to let me go.
+
+FRAUD.
+Fraud, ye villain! call me not by my name, and ye shall see I will
+speak to him to let you go free.    [_Aside_.]
+Usury, of all old fellowship, let this poor knave pack, if the matter
+be not too heinous.
+
+USURY.
+No: fie! his fault is odious. Look here what stuff he would utter for
+gold: flat copper; and he say'th he bought them of an old Frenchman.
+
+FRAUD.
+But thou didst not sell them, didst thou?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+No, sir; I would have but laid them to pawn for five pounds to him.
+
+FRAUD.
+That was more than they were worth. I promise thee, a foul matter.
+Well, thou must lose thy ware, and be glad to escape: so, Usury,
+at my request ye shall let the poor man go.
+
+USURY.
+Well, for this once I will. Sirrah, get ye packing, and take heed of
+such a piece of work again, while ye live.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+There is divers pieces of work in that box: pray ye, give me some of
+my goods again, a ring, or something.
+
+USURY.
+Not an inch, and be glad to 'scape as ye do.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Alas! I am undone: there's all the wealth and stock I have.
+
+FRAUD.
+Do ye long to lose your ears? be gone, ye foolish knave.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+I thank ye, Master Fraud. I'll not go far, but I'll be near to hear
+and see what the meaning of these fellows in this canvas should be;
+for I know Fraud, Dissimulation, and Simony to be those three. Here,
+I think, I am unseen.
+                         [SIMPLICITY _hides him near them_.
+
+FRAUD.
+Usury, thank me for this good booty, for it is I that holp ye to it,
+for I sold them to him for gold indeed, in the shape of an old French
+artificer; come, give me half, for I deserve it, for my part was the
+first beginning of this comedy. I was ever afraid lest the fool should
+have known me; for ye see now, though disguis'd, he called me by my name.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Did I so? I am glad I have found the Frenchman. Now, I'll raise the
+street, but I'll have my wares again, and prove ye, as ye were ever,
+both false knaves, I believe.
+                      [_Exit_ SIMPLICITY[269].
+
+FRAUD.
+Kill him, stab him! Out, villain! he will betray us all.
+
+USURY.
+What a fool were you to speak before he was gone: now you have lost
+your part of this, too; for he will go complain, you will be sought
+for, and I made to restore these things again.
+
+FRAUD.
+Not if thou be wise: thou wilt not tarry the reckoning, for seest
+thou not us three, Dissimulation, Simony, and myself?
+
+USURY.
+Yes: what means these canvas suits? Will ye be sailors?
+
+FRAUD.
+Usury, make one: this is our intent. Let's see that none hear us now.
+The Spaniards are coming, thou hearest, with great power: here is no
+living for us in London; men are growen so full of conscience and
+religion, that Fraud, Dissimulation, and Simony are deciphered, and
+being deciphered are also despised, and therefore we will slip to the
+sea, and meet and join with the enemy; and if they conquer, as they may,
+for they are a great army by report, our credit may rise again with
+them: if they fail and retire, we may either go with them and live in
+Spain, where we and such good fellows are tolerated and used, or come
+slyly again hither, so long as none knows but friends.
+
+USURY.
+But will you do thus, you two?
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+And thou too, I hope: why, what should we do?
+
+USURY.
+Whatsoever ye do, be not traitors to your native country.
+
+SIMONY.
+'Tis not our native country, thou knowest. I, Simony, am a Roman:
+Dissimulation, a mongrel--half an Italian, half a Dutchman: Fraud so,
+too--half French and half Scotish; and thy parents were both Jews,
+though thou wert born in London, and here, Usury, thou art cried out
+against by the preachers. Join with us, man, to better thy state, for
+in Spain preaching toucheth us not.
+
+USURY.
+To better my state? Nay, to alter my state, for here, where I am,
+I know the government: here I can live for all their threat'ning.
+If strangers prevail, I know not their laws nor their usage: they
+may be oppressors, and take all I have; and it is like they are so,
+for they seek that's not their own. Therefore here will I stay,
+sure to keep what I have, rather than be a traitor upon hap and
+had-I-wist: and stay you, if ye be wise, and pray as I pray, that
+the preachers and all other good men may die, and then we shall
+flourish; but never trust to strangers' courtesy.
+
+FRAUD.
+We shall trust but to our friends and kin. You'll not go with us, yet
+for old acquaintance keep counsel; betray us not, for we'll be gone to
+sea. I am afraid yon foolish knave have belaid the streets for us.
+
+USURY.
+Let me go afore ye: if any such thing be, I'll give ye inkling.
+                                                          [_Exit_.
+
+FRAUD.
+Do: farewell, Usury: and as he goes one way, we'll go another.
+Follow, sirs: never trust a shrinker, if he be your own brother.
+
+                                            [_Exeunt omnes_.
+
+    _Enter the three Lords with their Pages and_ FEALTY, _a Herald,
+    before them, his coat having the arms of London before, and an
+    olive tree behind_.
+
+POLICY.
+Fealty, thou faithful herald of our town,
+Thou true truce-keeper and sure friend in peace,
+Take down our shields, and give them to our boys.
+                                       [_He delivers them_.
+Now, Fealty, prepare thy wits for war,
+To parley with the proud Castilians,
+Approaching fast the frontiers of our coast.
+Wit here, my page, in every message shall
+Attend on thee, to note them and their deeds.
+I need not tell thee, they are poor and proud:
+Vaunters, vainglorious, tyrants, truce-breakers:
+Envious, ireful, and ambitious.
+For thou hast found their facings and their brags,
+Their backs their coffers, and their wealth their rags;
+But let me tell thee what we crave of thee--
+To scan with judgment what their leaders be,
+To note their presence and observe their grace,
+And truly to advertise what they seem;
+Whether to be experienced in arms,
+Or men of name--those three that lead the rest--
+The rest refer we to thy own conceit.
+
+FEALTY.
+I hope in this my duty to discharge,
+As heretofore----
+
+    SIMPLICITY _make a great noise within, and enter with
+    three or four weaponed_.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Clubs! clubs![270] Nay, come, neighbours, come, for here they be: here
+I left them, arrant thieves, rogues, coseners. I charge ye, as you will
+answer, 'prehend them; for they have undone me, and robb'd me, and made
+me the poorest freeman that ever kept a ballad-stall.
+
+A CONSTABLE.
+I charge ye keep the peace, and lay down your weapons.
+                                      [_To the three Lords_.
+
+POMP.
+Who rais'd this tumult? Speak, what means this stir?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+O, I am undone, robb'd, spoil'd of all my stock! Let me see, where
+be they? Keep every street and door: 'xamine all that comes for
+Fraud that cosener.
+
+POLICY.
+Masters, what mean you in these troublous times
+To keep this coil?
+
+CONSTABLE.
+Alas! my lord, here's a poor man robb'd or cosened.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+I am robb'd.--O my boys, my pretty boys, I am undone!
+Saw ye no thieves, nor no crafty knaves? What be all these?
+
+WIT.
+Simplicity, away! these be our lords; offend them not for fear.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+I seek not them: I seek for Fraud that robb'd me.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Go, seek elsewhere, for here's no place for such.
+
+POLICY.
+My friends, depart, and qualify this stir,
+And see peace kept within the walls, I charge ye.
+
+CONSTABLE.
+I will, my lord. Come, Simplicity, we came too late to find your losses.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Pray for me, my boys; I think I shall hang myself.
+I come ever too late to speed.
+
+                                  [_Exeunt_.
+
+POLICY.
+Now, lords, let honour's fire inflame our thoughts,
+And let us arm our courage with our cause,
+And so dispose ourselves to welcome them.
+Do me the favour (if I may entreat)
+To be the first to front the foe in face:
+The vanguard let be Policy's this once,
+Pomp's the main battle, Pleasure's the rearward;
+And so bestow us, if you think it good.
+
+POMP.
+I think it good, and time that it were done.
+
+PLEASURE.
+I think it good, and wish the enemy come.
+
+    _Enter_ DILIGENCE.
+
+DILIGENCE.
+And here they come, as brave as Philip's son
+And his Hephaestion wont to be array'd,
+In glittering gold and party-coloured plumes;
+With curious pendants on their lances fix'd,
+Their shields impress'd with gilt copartiments;
+Their pages careless playing at their backs,
+As if with conquest they triumphing came.
+
+POLICY.
+If they be conquer'd, greater is their shame.
+But, Diligence, go post alongst the coast
+To tell the news; and look, to welcome them,
+Let us alone. My lords, you hear the news:
+More words were vain; I know ye well resolv'd.
+
+                                   [_Exit_ DILIGENCE.
+
+POMP.
+And here they come. O proud Castilians!
+
+    _Enter first_, SHEALTY _the Herald; then_ PRIDE, _bearing his
+    shield himself, his impress a Peacock; the word_ Nonpareil;
+    _his Page_, SHAME, _after him with a lance, having a pendant gilt,
+    with this word in it_, Sur le Ciel. AMBITION, _his impress a black
+    horse saliant, with one hinder-foot upon the globe of the earth,
+    one fore-foot stretching towards the clouds, his word_ Non sufficit
+    orbis; _his Page_, TREACHERY, _after him, his pendant argent and
+    azure, an armed arm catching at the sunbeams, the word in it_ Et
+    gloriam Phoebi. _Last_, TYRANNY, _his impress a naked child on a
+    spear's-point, bleeding; his word_ Pour sangue; _his Page_, TERROR,
+    _his pendant gules, in it a tiger's head out of a cloud, licking
+    a bloody heart; the word in it_ Cura cruor. _March once about the
+    stage, then stand and view the Lords of London, who shall march
+    towards them, and they give back, then the Lords of London wheel
+    about to their standing, and th' other come again into their
+    places. Then_ POLICY _sends_ FEALTY; _their Herald's coat must
+    have the arms of Spain before, and a burning ship behind_.
+
+POLICY.
+My lords, what mean these gallants to perform?
+Come these Castilian cowards but to brave?
+Do all these mountains move to breed a mouse?
+Fealty, go fetch their answer resolute,
+How they dare be so bold, and what
+They dare do here.
+
+    [_As_ FEALTY _is going toward them, they send forth_ SHEALTY.
+
+SHEALTY.
+What wouldst thou, herald?
+
+FEALTY.
+Parley with those three, herald.
+
+SHEALTY.
+They scorn to grace so mean a man as thou
+With parley or with presence.
+
+FEALTY.
+                              Do they scorn?
+What, are thy masters monarchs every one?
+Or be they gods? or rather be they devils?
+Scorn they a herald's presence and his speech?
+Name them, that I may know their mightiness,
+And so avoid of duties some neglect.
+
+SHEALTY.
+Monarchs in minds, and gods in high conceits,
+That scorn you English as the scum of men,
+Whom I ne dare without their licence name,
+'Fore whom thy duties all are few and base.
+
+FEALTY.
+Imperious Spaniard, do a herald right:
+Thyself art one; their trouchman[271] if thou be,
+Be thou my trump[272], that I my message may
+Through thee convey to them from London lords.
+
+SHEALTY.
+Base English groom, from beggars sent belike,
+Who for their mate thee malapert account,
+Dare I (think'st thou) these lords magnificent,
+Without their special pleasure understood.
+Once move with message or with show of speech?
+
+FEALTY.
+More servile thou to lose a herald's due,
+That is in field a king's companion.
+But if thou dare not my ambassage do,
+Stand by, and stop not my access to them.
+
+SHEALTY.
+Rather will I return, and know their minds.
+
+    [_When_ SHEALTY _goes to them_, WIT _goes to the
+    three Lords of London_.
+
+POLICY.
+Now, boy, what news?
+
+WIT.
+The fearful herald of yon famous crew
+Durst not your message to his masters tell,
+Till Fealty with contumelious words
+(Yet was the Spaniard brave and hot in terms)
+Enforced him for their answer resolute.
+
+                 [_The Spaniards whisper with their Herald_.
+
+POMP.
+Which now, belike, our herald shall receive;
+For theirs comes to him.
+
+SHEALTY.
+It pleaseth them to be magnifical,
+And of their special graces to vouchsafe
+A counterview of pages and of shields,
+And countermessage by us heralds done;
+A favour which they seldom grant to foes.
+Go thou for those; I meet thee will with these.
+
+FEALTY.
+My lords, yon braving Spaniards wish
+A counterview of pages and of shields,
+But what they mean or be, I know not yet.
+Haply you may by their impresses view,
+Or I by parley some conjecture give,
+So please it you your pages and your shields
+With me to send: their herald comes with theirs.
+
+POLICY.
+Our shields I reck not, but to send our Wealth--
+
+FEALTY.
+Accompanied with Wit and Will--no peril.
+
+POMP.
+It is my Wealth; but keep him, if they dare:
+I'll fetch him double, if they do, my lords.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Boys, take our shields and spears, for they come on.
+
+WIT.
+Vail, Spaniard: couch thy lance and pendant both.
+Knowest where thou art? Here will we bear no braves.
+
+    [_When the English boys meet the other, cause them to put
+    down the tops of their lances, but they beat up theirs_.
+
+WEALTH.
+Down with your point: no loft-born lances here
+By any stranger, be he foe or friend.
+
+WILL.
+Well dost thou note the couching of thy lance;
+Mine had, ere this, else gor'd your Spanish skin.
+
+FEALTY.
+Well done, my boys; but now all reverence--
+
+SHEALTY.
+Advance again your lances now, my boys.
+                                [_Hold up again_.
+
+S. PRIDE.
+Dicito nobis ideo, qui ades, quid sibi velint isthaec emblemata?
+Dicito (inquam) lingua materna: nos enim omnes belle intelligimus,
+quamvis Anglice loqui dedignamur.
+
+FEALTY.
+Then know, Castilian cavalieros, this:
+The owners of these emblems are three lords,
+Those three that now are viewing of your shields:
+Of London, our chief city, are they lords;
+Policy, Pomp, and Pleasure be their names;
+And they, in honour of their mistresses,
+Love, Lucre, Conscience, London ladies three,
+Emblazoned these scutcheons, challenging
+Who durst compare or challenge one of them.
+And Policy a tortoise hath impress'd,
+Encompass'd with her shell, her native walls,
+And _Providens securus_ is his word:
+His page is Wit, his mistress Lady Love.
+Pomp in his shield a lily hath portray'd,
+As paragon of beauty and boon-grace:
+_Glorie sans peere_ his word, and true it is;
+With London's Pomp Castile cannot compare:
+His page is Wealth, his mistress Lucre hight.
+Pleasure, the dainty of that famous town,
+A falcon hath emblazon'd, soaring high,
+To show the pitch that London's Pleasure flies:
+His word _Pour temps_, yet never stops to train,
+But unto Conscience, chosen for his dear:
+His page is Will; and thus th'effect you hear.
+
+S. PRIDE.
+Buena, buena, per los Lutheranos Ingleses.
+
+FEALTY.
+Mala, mala, per Catholicos Castellanos.
+
+POLICY.
+Loqueris Anglice?
+
+SHEALTY.
+Maxime, Domine.
+
+POLICY.
+Agendum: go to, then; and declare
+Thy lords their shields, their pages and their purpose.
+Speak, man; fear not: though Spain use messengers ill,
+'Tis England's guise to entreat them courteously.
+
+SHEALTY.
+Three cavalieros Castilianos here,
+Without compeers in compass of this world,
+Are come to conquer, as full well they shall,
+This molehill isle, that little England hight,
+With London, that proud paltry market-town,
+And take those dames, Love, Lucre, Conscience,
+Prisoners, to use or force, as pleaseth them.
+The first (now quake) is Spanish Majesty,
+That for his impress gives Queen Juno's bird,
+Whose train is spang'd with Argus' hundred eyes;
+The Queen of Gods scorns not to grace him so:
+His word is _Nonpareil_, none his like;
+Yet is his page or henchman Modesty,
+Lucre the lady that shall be his prize:
+And in his pendant on his lance's point
+_Sur le Ciel_ his word, Above the heavens.
+
+POLICY.
+Whilome, indeed, above the heavens he was,
+Could he have kept him in that blessed state.
+From thence for pride he fell to pit of pain;
+And is he now become the pride of Spain?
+And to his page, not Modesty, but Shame.
+Well, on, the rest----
+
+SHEALTY.
+Don Honour is the next grand peer of Spain,
+Whose impress is a courser saliant,
+Of colour sable, darkening air and earth,
+Pressing the globe with his disdainful foot,
+And sallying to aspire to rolling skies:
+_Non sufficit orbis_ is his haughty word,
+The world sufficeth not high Honour's thoughts;
+And on the pendant, fixed on his lance,
+A hand is catching at the sunny beams:
+_Et gloriam Phoebi_, and the sun's bright coach
+Honour would guide, if he might have his will.
+His page is Action, tempering still with state.
+
+POLICY.
+Himself Ambition, whom the heavens do hate.
+
+SHEALTY.
+And Love the lady that he hopes to gain.
+
+POLICY.
+His thoughts, distract from foul-distempered brain,
+Proves him the very firebrand[273] of Spain:
+And in his shield his black disordered beast,
+Scaling the skies, scornful to tread the ground,
+And both his words--proud words--prove perfectly
+Action his page to be but Treachery,
+Ever attendant on Ambition.
+But to the third----
+
+SHEALTY.
+The third grand cavaliero is Government,
+Severe in justice and in judgment deep:
+His impress is a naked infant, gor'd
+Upon a lance, signifying Severity.
+His word _Pour sangue_; for blood of enemies
+He bends his forces: on his pendant is
+A tiger, licking of a bleeding heart;
+And _Cura cruor_ is the word thereon:
+His care's for blood of those that dare resist.
+Yet hight his page, that follows him, Regard,
+And he for Conscience to this conquest comes.
+
+POLICY.
+The Government of Spain is Tyranny,
+As do his impress and his words declare:
+His page is Terror; for a tyrant fears
+His death in diet, in his bed, in sleep.
+In Conscience' spite, the Spanish tyranny
+Hath shed a sea of most unguilty blood.
+Well, what's the end?
+
+SHEALTY.
+The end is, best you yield,
+Submitting you to mercy of these lords.
+
+POMP.
+Before we fight? soft, sir; ye brave too fast.
+Castilians, know that Englishmen will knock. But say,
+Doth Spanish Pride for London's Lucre gape?
+
+PLEASURE.
+And would their Tyranny Conscience captive have?
+
+POLICY.
+Doth their Ambition London's Love affect?
+
+SHEALTY.
+All this they will, and prey upon your town,
+And give your lands away before your face.
+Alas! what's England to the power of Spain?
+A molehill, to be placed where it pleaseth them.
+
+POMP.
+But in this molehill many pismires be,
+All which will sting, before they be remov'd.
+What is thy name?
+
+SHEALTY.
+Shealty.
+
+POLICY.
+An Irish word, signifying liberty;
+Rather remissness, looseness, if ye will.
+Why hath thy coat a burning ship behind?
+
+SHEALTY.
+To signify the burning of your fleet
+By us Castilians.
+
+POLICY.
+It rather means your commonwealth's on fire
+About your ears, and you were best look home.
+A commonwealth's compared to a ship:
+If yours do flame, your country is hot; beware.
+
+FEALTY.
+I see, Castilians, that you marvel much
+At this same emblem of the olive-tree
+Upon my back; lo, this it signifies.
+Spain is in wars; but London lives in peace:
+Your native fruit doth wither on your soil,
+And prospers where it never planted was.
+This London's Fealty doth avouch for truth.
+Herald of war, and porter of their peace,
+Command ye me no service to my lords?
+
+S. PRIDE.
+Quid tu cum dominis mox servietis miseri nobis[274]: discede.
+
+FEALTY.
+Quid mihi cum dominis servietis miseri meis!
+
+POMP.
+Shealty, say unto yon Thrasoes three,
+The Lords of London dare them to the field,
+Pitying their pride and their ambition,
+Scorning their tyranny, and yet fearing this,
+That they are come from home and dare not fight;
+But if they dare--in joint or several arms,
+Battle or combat--him that Lucre seeks,
+Your Spanish Pride, him dare I from the rest.
+
+PLEASURE.
+That bloody cur, your Spanish Tyranny,
+That London's Conscience would force with cruelty,
+I challenge him for Conscience' sake to fight
+A Lord of London, and I Pleasure hight.
+And, Shealty, when citizens dare them thus,
+Judge what our nobles and our courtiers dare.
+
+POLICY.
+Say, if thou wilt, that London's Policy
+Discerns that proud Ambition of Spain;
+And for he comes inflam'd with London's Love,
+In combat let him conquer me, and have her.
+This is Love's favour; I her servant am.
+
+POMP.
+This Lucre's favour: Pomp for her will fight.
+
+PLEASURE.
+This Conscience' favour: she my mistress is.
+
+SHEALTY.
+You craven English on your dunghills crow.
+
+POMP.
+You Spanish pheasants crow upon your perch:
+But when we fire your coats about your ears,
+And take your ships before your walled towns,
+We make a dunghill of your rotten bones,
+And cram our chickens with your grains of gold.
+
+SHEALTY.
+You will not yield?
+
+PLEASURE.
+Yes, the last moneth.
+
+SHEALTY.
+Farewell.
+
+    [_Retire Heralds with the Pages to their places_.
+
+S. PRIDE.
+Vade.
+
+POLICY.
+Herald, how now?
+
+FEALTY.
+                 Yon proud Castilians
+Look for your service.
+
+POMP.
+                       So do we for theirs.
+But, Fealty, canst thou declare to me
+The cause why all their pages follow them,
+When ours in show do ever go before?
+
+FEALTY.
+In war they follow, and the Spaniard is
+Warring in mind.
+
+POLICY.
+But that's not now the cause.
+Yon three are Pride, Ambition, Tyranny:
+Shame follows Pride, as we a proverb have;
+Pride goes before, and Shame comes after.
+Treachery ever attends upon Ambition;
+And Terror always with a fearful watch
+Doth wait upon ill-conscienced Tyranny.
+But why stay we to give them space to breathe?
+Come, Courage! let us charge them all at once.
+
+    [_Let the three Lords pass towards the Spaniards, and the
+    Spaniards make show of coming forward and suddenly depart_.
+
+POMP.
+What braving cowards these Castilians be?
+My lords, let's hang our 'scutcheons up again,
+And shroud ourselves, but not far off, unseen,
+To prove if that may draw them to some deed,
+Be it to batter our impressed shields.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Agreed. Here, Fealty, hang them up a space.
+
+    [_They hang up their shields, and step out of sight. The Spaniards
+    come, and flourish their rapiers near them, but touch them not, and
+    then hang up theirs; which the Lords of London perceiving, take
+    their own and batter theirs. The Spaniards, making a little show to
+    rescue, do suddenly slip away and come no more_.
+
+POLICY.
+Facing, faint-hearted, proud, and insolent,
+That bear no edge within their painted sheaths,
+That durst not strike our silly patient shields!
+
+POMP.
+Up have they set their own: see, if we dare
+Batter on them, and beat their braving lords.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Let them not yonder hang unhack'd, my lords.
+
+POLICY.
+With good advice, that we be not surprised.
+
+POMP.
+And good enough myself will onset give[275]
+On Pride's. At your Peacock, sir.
+
+PLEASURE.
+At Tyranny's will I bestow my blow,
+Wishing the master.
+
+POLICY.
+I at Ambition's strike. Have at his pampered jade!
+
+    _Enter_ S. PRIDE.
+
+S. PRIDE.
+Fuoro Viliagos! fuoro Lutheranos Ingleses! fuoro, sa, sa, sa!
+
+POMP.
+Their shields are ours: they fled away with shame.
+But, lordings, whiles the stratagem is fresh,
+And memory of their misfortune green,
+Their hearts yet fainting with the novel grief,
+Let us pursue them flying: if you say it,
+Haply we may prevent their passage yet.
+
+POLICY.
+With speed and heed the matter must be done.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Therefore you, Policy, shall our leader be.
+
+                                   [_Exeunt omnes_.
+
+    _Enter [the] three Ladies and_ NEMO.
+
+NEMO.
+The day is ours: fair ladies, let us joy
+The joyful day that all men may rejoice;
+Yet only I am thankful for this good,
+And your good day at hand approacheth fast,
+Wherein you shall be join'd to three such lords,
+As all the cities under heaven's bright cope
+Cannot with all their glory match in worth.
+Lucre, Lord Pomp a victor comes to thee:
+Love, look thou for Lord Policy as well;
+And Conscience for her well-reformed phere,
+Pleasure, that only made his choice of her.
+Upon that day triumphant shall we feast,
+Wherein, mesdames, your honours nill be least.
+
+LUCRE.
+Against their coming, might my reed be heard[276],
+Prepare would we garlands of laurel green,
+To welcome them; more for the common good,
+Than for affection private that we bear.
+
+LOVE.
+To meet them coming will not be amiss;
+But what know we, how they will take such work?
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Report may be much more than there is cause.
+We may them meet and greet with joyful hearts,
+And make them garlands, when we know their minds.
+
+    _Enter the three Lords, with the Spanish shields, and_ DILIGENCE.
+
+NEMO.
+And here they come with new-impressed shields.--
+My lords, well-met, and welcome from your foes.
+
+LUCRE.
+Lord Pomp, well-met, and welcome home again.
+
+LOVE.
+Lord Policy, well-met, and welcome home again.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Lord Pleasure, welcome with unfeigned heart.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Fair joy and lady, twenty thousand thanks.
+
+POLICY.
+Fair Love and lady, twice as many thanks.
+
+POMP.
+Fair and beloved Lucre, though I speak last,
+As kindly I thy welcome do accept,
+As heart can think, pen write, or tongue can tell.
+
+NEMO.
+Now speak, my lords, how have ye sped?
+
+POLICY.
+Right well; thanks unto Him that gave the day to us.
+The Pride of Spain was cloak'd with majesty,
+And Shame, his page, nicknamed Modesty:
+Spanish Ambition Honour would be call'd,
+And Treachery, his page, term'd Action:
+Their Tyranny was cleped Government;
+Terror, his page, was falsely nam'd Regard;
+But God above hath given them their reward.
+They with dishonour left their shields behind,
+The only prizes purchas'd by us now,
+And those, fair ladies, we present to you.
+Love, this is thine, and he that gives it thee.
+
+NEMO.
+In lieu whereof your gift and her I give
+Again to you, that merit more than both.
+
+POLICY.
+The greatest gift and good could me befall.
+
+POMP.
+Fair Lucre, lo, my present and myself.
+
+LUCRE.
+Which I, with Nemo's license, gladly take.
+
+NEMO.
+Take her, Lord Pomp; I give her unto thee,
+Wishing your good may ten times doubled be.
+
+POMP.
+The richest[277] good this world could give to me.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Of duty I, my dear, must give thee this:
+That art my comfort and my earthly bliss.
+
+NEMO.
+Now, lords, I hope you are contented all:
+Pomp with his Lucre, Policy with Love,
+Pleasure with Conscience: joy fall you from above.
+And thus to you my promise is perform'd,
+And I expect that yours as well be kept,
+That present preparation may be made
+To honour those with holy marriage rites,
+That I, in presence of the world, may give
+These as my daughters unto you my sons.
+
+POLICY.
+By my consent one day shall serve us all,
+Which shall be kept for ever festival.
+
+POMP.
+And on that day, in honour of these dames,
+These shields in triumph shall be borne about.
+
+PLEASURE.
+With pageants, plays, and what delights may be,
+To entertain the time and company.
+
+NEMO.
+So it please you, lordings, methinks it were meet,
+That the ladies took care to provide their own toys.
+Myself need to help them, who know their minds well,
+For I can keep women both quiet and constant.
+
+POLICY.
+It pleaseth us well that you will take the pains.
+Fair ones, for a while ye[278] betake you to your business.
+
+POMP.
+Ladies, adieu.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Beloved, farewell.
+
+    [_The Lords bring them to the door, and they go out_ [FRAUD _and_
+    DISSIMULATION _enter disguised], and_ FRAUD[279] _gives_ POLICY
+    _a paper, which he reads, and then says_:
+
+POLICY.
+It seems by this writing, sir, you would serve me.
+Is your name Skill? whom did you serve last?
+
+FRAUD.
+An ill master, my lord: I served none but myself.
+
+POLICY.
+Have ye never served any heretofore?
+
+FRAUD.
+Yes, divers, my lord, both beyond sea and here. With your patience,
+my good lord, not offending the same, I think I am your poor kinsman:
+your lordship, Policy, and I Skill, if it like ye.
+
+POLICY.
+You say very well, and it is very like.
+I will answer ye anon.
+
+    [DISSIMULATION _gives_ PLEASURE _a paper, which he reads, and says_:
+
+PLEASURE.
+Is your name Fair Semblance, that wish to serve me?
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Please your lordship, Fair Semblance. I am well-seen, though I say it,
+in sundry languages meet for your lordship, or any noble service, to
+teach divers tongues and other rare things.
+
+PLEASURE.
+I like ye very well; stay a while for your answer.
+
+    _Enter_ USURY, _and gives a paper to_ POMP,
+    _which he reads, and saith_:
+
+POMP.
+Master Usury, I thank ye that ye offer me your service; it seems to me
+to be for your old mistress' sake, Lady Lucre. Stay but a while; I will
+answer you with reason.
+
+    [_The three Lords go together and whisper, and call_ DILIGENCE.
+    DILIGENCE _goes out for a marking-iron, and returns_.
+
+FRAUD.
+How now, my hearts, think ye we shall speed?    [_Aside_.
+
+POLICY.
+Diligence, come hither.
+
+USURY.
+I cannot tell what you shall, but I am sure I shall.    [_Aside_.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+I am as like as any of ye both.
+
+USURY.
+Fraud!
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Whist, man; he's Skill.    [_Aside_.
+
+USURY.
+Skill, why dost thou seek to serve Lady Love?
+What profit will that be?
+
+FRAUD.
+Tut, hold thee content: I'll serve but a while, and serve mine
+own turn, and away.
+
+POMP.
+Master Usury, come hither. You desire to serve me: you have done Lady
+Lucre good service, you say, but it was against God and Conscience you
+did it: neither ever in your life did ye anything for Love. Well, to
+be short, serve me you shall not; and I would I could banish you from
+London for ever, or keep you close prisoner; but that is not in me; but
+what is, or may be, that straight you shall see. By Policy's counsel
+this shall be done. Diligence, bring that iron. Help me, my lords[280].
+
+POLICY.
+Give me the iron. Pomp, Cousin Skill, help to hold him.
+
+        [FRAUD _lays hold on him, but_ DISSIMULATION _slip away_.
+
+Sirrah, Policy gives you this mark, do you see;
+A little x standing in the midst of a great C,
+Meaning thereby to let men understand,
+That you must not take above bare ten pound in the hundred at any hand:
+And that too much too; and so be packing quietly,
+And know that London's Pomp is not sustained by Usury,
+But by well-ventured merchandise and honest industry.
+
+USURY.
+I would I had never seen ye, if this be your courtesy.
+                                              [_Exit_ USURY.
+
+POLICY.
+Now, Cousin Skill, _alias_ Filthy Fraud,
+No kinsman to Policy, nor friend to the state:
+Instead of serving me, Diligence, take him to Newgate.
+Ask me not why, sir: but, Diligence, if he do strive,
+Raise the street: he's unweaponed, and thou hast a weapon on.--
+And now, lords, when ye will, about our affairs let's be gone.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Agreed; but what's become of Fair-semblance, my man?
+
+POMP.
+A crafty villain, perceiving how we meant to Usury, slipt away.
+
+    _Enter_ SIMPLICITY _in haste, and give the Lords a paper to read_.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+All hail, all rain, all frost, and all snow
+Be to you three Lords of London on a row!
+Read my supplantation, and my suit ye shall know,
+Even for God's sake above, and three ladies' sakes below.
+
+FRAUD.
+Master Diligence, do me a favour: you know I am a gentleman.
+
+DILIGENCE.
+Step aside, till my lords be gone; I'll do for you what I can.
+                                                      [_Slip aside_.
+
+POMP.
+What's here, my boy, what's here? Pleasure, this suit is, sure, to you;
+for it's mad stuff, and I know not what it means.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Neither do I. Sirrah, your writing is so intricate, that you must speak
+your mind; otherwise we shall not know your meaning.
+
+POLICY.
+You sue for three things here, and what be they? tell them.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Cannot you three tell, and the suit to you three? I am glad a simple
+fellow yet can go beyond you three great Lords of London. Why, my suit,
+look ye, is such a suit, as you are bound in honour to hear, for it is
+for the puppet-like[281] wealth. I would have no new orders nor new
+sciences set up in the city, whereof I am a poor freeman, and please
+ye, as ye may read in my bill there--Simplicity freeman. But, my lords,
+I would have three old trades, which are not for the commonwealth,
+put down.
+
+PLEASURE.
+And after all this circumstance, sir, what be they?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+They be not three what-lack-ye's, as what do ye lack? fine lockram,[282]
+fine canvas, or fine Holland cloth, or what lack ye? fine ballads, fine
+sonnets, or what lack ye? a purse, or a glass, or a pair of fine knives?
+but they be three have-ye-any's, which methinks are neither sciences nor
+occupations; and if they be trades, they are very malapert trades--and
+more than reason.
+
+POLICY.
+As how, sir? name them.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Will you banish them as readily as I can name them? The first is,
+have ye any old iron, old mail, or old harness?
+
+POMP.
+And what fault find ye with this?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+What fault? I promise ye, a great fault: what have you, or any man else,
+to do to ask me if I have any old iron? What, if I have, or what, if I
+have not; why should you be so saucy to ask?
+
+PLEASURE.
+Why, fool, 'tis for thy good to give thee money for that that might lie
+and rust by thee.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+No, my lord, no; I may not call you fool: it is to mark the houses where
+such stuff is that, against rebels rise, there is harness and weapon
+ready for them in such and such houses; and what then? The rusty weapon
+doth wound past surgery, and kills the queen's good subjects; and the
+rest of the old trash will make them guns too: so it is good luck to
+find old iron, but 'tis naught to keep it, and the trade is crafty. And
+now, my Lord Policy, I speak to you, 'twere well to put it down.
+
+POLICY.
+Wisely said. Which is your second? Is that as perilous?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Yea, and worse. It is, have ye any ends of gold and silver? This is a
+perilous trade, covetous, and a 'ticement to murder; for, mark ye, if
+they that ask this should be evil-given, as Gods forbod, they see who
+hath this gold and silver: may they not come in the night, break in at
+their houses, and cut their throats for it? I tell ye, gold and silver
+hath caused as much mischief to be done as that: down with it.
+
+POMP.
+They that have it need not show it.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Tush! they need ask no such question: many a man hath delight to show
+what he hath. The trade is a 'ticing trade; down with it!
+
+POLICY.
+Now, your third, sir?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+That is the craftiest of all, wherein I am disbus'd, for that goes
+under the colour of Simplicity: have ye any wood to cleave?
+
+PLEASURE.
+A perilous thing: what hurt is there in this, sir?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+O, do you not perceive the subtlety? Why, sir, the woodmongers hire
+these poor men to go up and down, with their beetles and wedges on their
+backs, crying, Have ye any wood to cleave? and laugh to see them travel
+so loaden with wood and iron. Now, sir, if the poor men go two or three
+days, and are not set a-work (as sometimes they do), the woodmongers pay
+them, and gain by it, for then know they there's no wood in the city:
+then raise they the price of billets so high, that the poor can buy none.
+Now, sir, if these fellows were barr'd from asking whether there were any
+wood to cleave or not, the woodmongers need not know but that there were
+wood, and so billets and faggots would be sold all at one rate. Down
+with this trade: we shall sit a-cold else, my lords.
+
+PLEASURE.
+I promise you, a wise suit, and done with great discretion.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Yea, is it not? might ye not do well to make me of your council?
+I believe I could spy more faults in a week than you could mend
+in a month.
+
+POLICY.
+Well, for these three faults, the time serves not now to redress.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+No, marry; for you three must be married suddenly, and your feast
+must be dress'd.
+
+POMP.
+Against which feast repair you to Diligence, and he shall appoint you
+furniture and money, and a place in the show: till when, farewell.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Farewell, my lords: farewell, my three lords; and remember that I have
+set each of ye a fault to mend. Well, I'll go seek Master Diligence,
+that he may give me forty pence against the feast, sir reverence.
+                                                              [_Exit_.
+
+    DILIGENCE _and_ FRAUD _step out_[283].
+
+DILIGENCE.
+What is it, Master Fraud, ye would demand of me?
+
+FRAUD.
+Sir, this you know, though yourself be a man of good reckoning, yet are
+ye known an officer unto these three lords, and what discredit it were
+to me, being a noted man, to pass through the streets with you, being an
+officer; or if any of my friends should suspect me with you, and dog us,
+and see me committed to Newgate, I were utterly discredited. Here is a
+purse, sir, and in it two hundred angels: look, sir; you shall tell them.
+
+DILIGENCE.
+Here are so indeed. What mean ye by this? I will not take these to let
+ye escape.
+              [_Deliver_ FRAUD _the purse again_.
+
+FRAUD.
+I mean not so, sir; nor I will not give half of them to be suffered to
+escape; for I have done none offence, though it please them to imprison
+me, and it is but on commandment[284]. I shall not stay long; but I will
+give you this purse and gold in pawn to be true prisoner, only give me
+leave to go some other way, and home to my lodging for my boots and
+other necessaries; for there I'll leave word I am ridden out of town,
+and with all the haste that possibly I may, I will meet you at Newgate,
+and give you an angel for your courtesy. There is the purse.
+                              [FRAUD _gives him a purse like the other_.
+
+DILIGENCE.
+I hazard, as you know, my lords' displeasure herein; and yet, to
+pleasure you, I will venture this once; but, I pray ye, make haste,
+that I be not shent. I would not for ten angels it were known.
+
+FRAUD.
+If I tarry above an hour, take that gold for your tarrying.
+                                                       [_Exit_.
+
+DILIGENCE.
+I do not fear that you'll forfeit so much for so little cause.
+                                                       [_Exit_.
+
+    _Enter_ NEMO, _with_ DESIRE, DELIGHT, _and_ DEVOTION,
+    _the three Lords of Lincoln_.
+
+NEMO.
+My Lords of Lincoln,
+Have you such title and such interest
+To Love, Lucre, and Conscience as you say?
+Who gave you leave to have access to them?
+I am their father by adoption:
+I never knew of love 'twixt them and you;
+And to perpetual prison they were doom'd,
+From whence I only might deliver them:
+Which at the suit of three most matchless lords,
+Their countrymen, in London bred as they,
+I have perform'd, and freed them from their bonds;
+And yet have bound them in their freedom too,
+To Policy, to Pleasure, and to Pomp,
+Three Lords of London, whose they are in right,
+Contracted wives, and done by my consent;
+And even to-morrow is the marriage-day,
+Except your coming stay, or break it off.
+I will go call their lords to answer you:
+They (under covert-baron[285]) meddle not.
+                                       [_Exit_.
+
+DESIRE.
+Fetch them, Lord Nemo: we will here attend.
+
+DELIGHT.
+Attend we may, but unto little end:
+The ladies are in hucksters' handling now.
+
+DEVOTION.
+I would I had my time in praying spent,
+That I in wooing Conscience did consume.
+
+    _Enter the three Lords of London and_ NEMO.
+
+DESIRE.
+Here come the lords: let's show good countenance, man.
+
+POMP.
+Yet more ado, before we can enjoy
+The joys of marriage with our mistresses?
+Be these the lords that title do pretend?
+My Lords of Lincoln, so we hear you be,
+What are your names?
+
+DELIGHT.
+Devotion, Desire, and Delight.
+
+POMP.
+Which comes for Lucre?
+
+DESIRE.
+I Desire.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Which for Conscience?
+
+DEVOTION.
+I Devotion.
+
+POLICY.
+Which for Love?
+
+DELIGHT.
+I Delight.
+
+POLICY.
+You shall be answered straight.
+
+PLEASURE.
+I can answer them quickly. Ye cannot have them, nor ye shall
+not have them.
+
+POLICY.
+Stay, Pleasure; soft. My Lord Desire, you Lucre seek: desire of Lucre
+(be it without reproach to you, my lord) is covetousness, which cannot
+be separated long from that. Read, my lord.
+                                [_Point to the stone of Care_.
+
+DESIRE.
+In golden letters on this stone is written _Care_.
+
+POLICY.
+Care with desire of Lucre well agrees; the rather for that London's
+Lucre may not be separated from London's Pomp: so you may take that
+stone, if ye will; but the lady you cannot have.
+
+DESIRE.
+And a stone is a cold comfort, instead of Lucre.
+
+POLICY.
+Devotion to Conscience (I speak now to you, my lord, that are learned)
+is sorrow for sin, or (in one word) read--
+                           [_Points to the stone of Remorse_.
+
+DEVOTION.
+On this sweating-stone in brass is set _Remorse_.
+
+POLICY.
+And that is your portion; for Conscience is bestowed on London's
+Pleasure, because London makes o'[286] Conscience what pleasure they
+use and admit, and what time they bestow therein, and to what end:
+so, my Lord Devotion, either that or nothing.
+
+DEVOTION.
+A stone is a hard lot, instead of a lady.
+
+POLICY.
+My Lord Delight, that do delight in Love,
+You must I love for making choice of mine.
+Love is my portion, and that flint is yours.
+
+DELIGHT.
+Here in lead is written _Charity_: and what of this?
+
+POLICY.
+If you be (as I doubt not) honest Delight in love, then in the best
+sense you can have but Charity: if you be (which I suspect not) other
+Delight in love, you must be noted for concupiscence, and that you will
+blush to be. Well, Charity is your best: then, that is your portion;
+for, mark ye, London's Policy joins with London's Love, to show that
+all our policy is for love of London's commonwealth; and so our love
+cannot be separate from our policy. You hear this?
+
+DELIGHT.
+A flint's a hard change for so fair a wife.
+
+POLICY.
+And thus, lords, Desire of Lucre may take Care; Devotion of
+Conscience may have Remorse; and Delight of Love may have Charity:
+other recompense none.
+
+PLEASURE.
+And so we three leave you three with Care, Remorse, and Charity.
+
+                                                       [_Exeunt_.
+
+DESIRE.
+With Care and Remorse, I swear, ye do leave us; but what Charity
+I cannot tell.
+
+DEVOTION.
+Well, yet we must use Charity, though we fail of our desire; and we
+are answered with such reason as is not to be gainsayed.
+
+DELIGHT.
+Indeed, my lord, your calling is to persuade to charity; but if I use
+patience, it shall be perforce.
+
+DEVOTION.
+Yet being so wisely warn'd, methinks, we should be arm'd, and take
+this in worth: that the world wonder no further, I will take up my
+hard burden of Remorse, and be gone.
+                                  [_Exit_.
+
+DESIRE.
+It is good to follow examples of good. I'll take this heavy burden
+of Care, and follow as I may.
+                                  [_Exit_.
+
+DELIGHT.
+Because I'll not be singular, I'll frame myself to follow, taking
+this cold portion of Charity as my share.
+                                  [_Exit_.
+
+    _Enter_ SIMPLICITY _with_ DILIGENCE.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Come on, Master Diligence: I have been seeking ye, as a man should
+seek a load of hay in a needle's eye.
+
+DILIGENCE.
+And why hast thou sought me, I pray thee, so earnestly?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Why? For this ointment, these shells, these pictures: do ye not know
+this _countus mountus cum this da mihi_?
+
+DILIGENCE.
+What money? Why, do I owe thee any money?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Owe me? Tush, no, man; what do ye talk of owing? Come, and yet I must
+have some certain _sigillatum_ and _deliberatum in presentia_. Do you
+not understand, sir? Fortypence and furniture by my Lord Pomp's
+'pointment against the wedding day, to be one of the showmakers. I do
+not say shoemakers, and yet they be honest men.
+
+DILIGENCE.
+I understand thee now, and thou shalt want neither money nor furniture
+for that. Sawest thou not Fraud lately?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+No, a fox ferret him! for if I could find him, I would make him fast
+enough for cosening me of ten shillings for certain copper buttons
+and rings. I thought to have been a haberdasher, and he hath made me
+worse than a haymaker.
+
+DILIGENCE.
+I may say to thee in counsel, but I'll have no words of it, he hath
+overreach'd me too: but if thou spy him first, let me understand; and
+if I see him first, thou shalt have knowledge; for I'll tell thee--but
+laugh not--he showed me a purse with a hundred pound in angels, which
+he would deliver me in pawn to be my true prisoner, because, for his
+credit, he was loth to go with me through the streets to Newgate. I
+refused it at first; but at last by his entreaty I was content to take
+his pawn, and thinking he had given me the right purse of gold, he had
+another like it, which he gave me with counters, and so went away. I
+never did see him since; but, mum, no words of it.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+No words, quotha! that's a stale jest; would you be cosen'd so?
+
+DILIGENCE.
+Well, so it is now. Come, follow me for thy furniture and money.
+
+                                             [_Exeunt_.
+
+    _Enter_ DISSIMULATION _and_ FRAUD _in caps, and as
+    the rest must be for the show_.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+The coast is clear: come, follow, Fraud, and fear not, for who can
+decipher us in this disguise? Thus may we shuffle into the show
+with the rest, and see and not be seen, doing as they do, that are
+attired like ourselves.
+
+FRAUD.
+That is, to stand amongst them, and take as they take, torches or
+anything to furnish the show. Now, if we can pass but this day unseen,
+let to-morrow shift for itself as it may. I promise thee, Dissimulation,
+thou art very formal.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Not more than thyself, Fraud. I would thou sawest thy picture.
+
+FRAUD.
+Picture here, picture there! let us follow our business.
+
+                                                   [_Exeunt_.
+
+      _Enter a Wench, singing_.
+
+  _Strew the fair flowers and herbs that be green,
+  To grace the gayest wedding that ever was seen.
+  If London list to look, the streets were ne'er so clean,
+  Except it was, when best it might, in welcome of our Queen.
+  Three lovely lords of London shall three London ladies wed:
+  Strew sweetest flowers upon the stones; perfume the bridal bed.
+
+  Strew the fair flowers, &c_.
+
+    _Enter first_ DILIGENCE _with a truncheon, then a boy with_ POLICY'S
+    _lance and shield: then_ POLICY _and_ LOVE, _hand in hand: then_
+    FRAUD _in a blue gown, red cap, and red sleeves, with_ AMBITION'S
+    _lance and shield: then a boy with_ POMP'S _lance and shield: then_
+    POMP _and_ LUCRE, _hand in hand: then_ DISSIMULATION _with_ PRIDE'S
+    _lance and shield: then a boy with_ PLEASURE'S _lance and shield:
+    then_ PLEASURE _and_ CONSCIENCE, _hand in hand: then_ SIMPLICITY,
+    _with_ TYRANNY'S _lance and shield. They all going out_, NEMO
+    _stays and speaks_.
+
+NEMO.
+These lords and ladies thus to church are gone,
+An honoured action to solemnise there;
+With greater joy will they return anon,
+Than Caesar did in Rome his laurel wear.
+Lord Policy hath Love unto his pheer;
+Lord Pomp hath Lucre to maintain his port;
+Lord Pleasure Conscience, to direct his sport.
+Usury is marked to be known;
+Dissimulation like a shadow fleets,
+And Simony is out of knowledge grown,
+And Fraud unfound in London, but by fits.
+Simplicity with Painful Penury sits;
+For Hospitality, that was wont to feed him,
+Was slain long since, and now the poor do need him.
+That Hospitality was an honest man,
+But had few friends, alas! if he had any;
+But Usury, which cut his throat as then,
+Was succoured and sued for by many.
+Would Liberality had been by thy side,
+Then, Hospitality, thou hadst never died.
+But what mean I, one of the marriage train,
+To mourn for him will ne'er be had again?
+His ghost may walk to mock the people rude:
+Ghosts are but shadows, and do sense delude
+I talk too long; for, lo, this lovely crew
+Are coming back, and have performed their due.
+
+    [_Return as they went, saving that the blue gowns, that bare
+    shields, must now bear torches_: SIMPLICITY _going about
+    spies_ FRAUD, _and falleth on his knees before_ PLEASURE _and_
+    CONSCIENCE, _saying_--
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+O Lady Conscience, that art married to Lord Pleasure,
+Help thy servant, Simplicity, to recover his lost treasure.
+A boon, my lords, all for Love and Lucre['s] sake;
+Even as you are true lords, help a false lout to take.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Thou shalt have help: speak, what is the matter?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+See you yon fellow with the torch in his hand?
+E'en the falsest villain that is in this land.
+Let him be laid hold on, that he run not away,
+And then ye shall hear what I have to say.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Diligence, bring him hither. Good lords and ladies, stay.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+O Master Fraud, welcome to the butts:
+Now I'll have my ten shillings in spite of your guts.
+The French canker consume ye, you were an old Frenchman!
+De gol' button, gol' ringa, bugla lace! you cosen'd me then.
+My lords, I beseech ye, that at Tyburn he may totter,
+For instead of gold the villain sold me copper.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Is this true, Master Skill?
+
+FRAUD.
+It is true in a sort, my lord. I thought to be pleasant with him, being
+my old acquain'ce, and disguis'd myself like an old French artificer;
+and having a few copper knacks, I sold them to him, to make sport, for
+ten shillings, which money I am content to pay him again: so shall he
+have no loss, though we have made a little sport.
+
+PLEASURE.
+First, give him an angel before my face. Simplicity, art thou pleased?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Truly I am pleas'd to take a good angel for ten shillings, speciously
+of such a debtor as Master Fraud; but now I am to be pleas'd otherwise,
+that is, to see him punished. I promise ye the people love him well,
+for they would leave work and make half-holiday to see him hanged.
+
+PLEASURE.
+That his punishment may please thee the better, thou shalt punish him
+thyself: he shall be bound fast to yon post, and thou shalt be
+blindfold, and with thy torch shalt run, as it were, at tilt, charging
+thy light against his lips, and so (if thou canst) burn out his tongue,
+that it never speak more guile.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+O, _singulariter nominativo_, wise Lord Pleasure: _genitivo_, bind him
+to that post: _dativo_, give me my torch: _accusativo_, for I say he's
+a cosener: _vocativo_, O, give me room to run at him: _ablativo_, take
+and blind me. _Pluraliter per omnes casus_, Laugh all you to see me, in
+my choler adust, To burn and to broil that false Fraud to dust.
+
+    [_Bind_ FRAUD, _blind_ SIMPLICITY: _turn him thrice about; set his
+    face towards the contrary post, at which he runs, and all-to burns
+    it_. DISSIMULATION, _standing behind_ FRAUD, _unbinds him, and while
+    all the rest behold_ SIMPLICITY, _they two slip away_; PLEASURE,
+    _missing_ FRAUD, _saith_--
+
+PLEASURE.
+Wisely perform'd! but soft, sirs, where is Fraud?
+O notable[287] villain! gone, whiles we beheld
+The other. Who loos'd him? Who let him slip?
+Well, one day he will pay for all. Unblind Simplicity.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+How now! Have I heated his lips? Have I warm'd his nose, and scorched
+his face? Let me see: how looks the villain? Have I burned him?
+
+DILIGENCE.
+Thou hast done more; for thou hast quite consumed him into nothing.
+Look, here is no sign of him; no, not so much as his ashes.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Very few ashes, if there be any. Ye may see what a hot thing anger is:
+I think that the torch did not waste him so much as my wrath. Well, all
+London, nay, all England, is beholding to me for putting Fraud out of
+this world. I have consumed him and brought him to nothing, and I'll
+tread his ashes under my feet, that no more Frauds shall ever spring of
+them. But let me see: I shall have much anger; for the tanners will miss
+him in their leather, the tailors in their cutting out of garments, the
+shoemaker in closing, the tapsters in filling pots, and the very
+oystermen to mingle their oysters at Billingsgate: yet it is no matter;
+the world is well-rid of such a crafty knave.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Well, now thou art satisfied, I wish all here as well contented;
+And we, my lords, that praise this happy day,
+Fall we on knees, and humbly let us pray.
+
+POMP.
+First that from heaven upon our gracious queen
+All manner blessings may be multiplied,
+That as her reign most prosperous hath been,
+During world's length so may it still abide,
+And after that with saints be glorified,
+Lord! grant her health, heart's-ease, joy and mirth,
+And heaven at last, after long life on earth.
+
+POLICY.
+Her council wise and noble of this land
+Bless and preserve, O Lord! with Thy right hand.
+
+PLEASURE.
+On all the rest that in this land do dwell
+Chiefly in London, Lord! pour down Thy grace,
+Who living in Thy fear, and dying well,
+In heaven with angels they may have a place.
+
+
+FINIS.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+A KNACK TO KNOW A KNAVE.
+
+
+
+_EDITION.
+
+A most pleasant and merie new Comedie, intituled A Knacke to Knowe a
+Knaue. Newlie set foorth, as it hath sundrie tymes bene played by Ed:
+Allen and his Companie. With Kemps applauded Merrimentes of the men of
+Goteham, in receiuing the King into Goteham. Imprinted at London by
+Richard Iones, dwelling at the signe of the Rose and Crowne, nere
+Holborne Bridge_, 1594. 4. Black letter.
+
+
+
+A MERRY KNACK TO KNOW A KNAVE.
+
+
+    _Enter KING EDGAR, BISHOP DUNSTAN, and PERIN, a courtier_.
+
+KING.
+Dunstan, how highly are we bound to praise
+The Eternal God that still provides for us,
+And gives us leave to rule in this our land.
+Likewise Vespasian, Rome's rich emperor,
+Suppressing sin, that daily reigns in us.
+First, murther we reward with present death,
+And those that do commit felonious crimes
+Our laws of England do award them death:
+And he that doth despoil a virgin's chastity
+Must likewise suffer death by law's decree,
+And that decree is irrevocable.
+Then, as I am God's vicegerent here on earth,
+By God's appointment here to reign and rule,
+So must I seek to cut abuses down, that, like
+To Hydra's heads, daily grows up, one in another's
+Place, and therein makes the land infectious.
+Which if with good regard we look not to,
+We shall, like Sodom, feel that fiery doom
+That God in justice did inflict on them.
+
+DUNSTAN.
+Your grace's care herein I much commend,
+And England hath just cause to praise the Lord,
+That sent so good a king to govern them.
+Your life may be a lantern to the state,
+By perfect sign of humility.
+How blest had Sodom been in sight of God,
+If they had had so kind a governor;
+They had then undoubtedly escap'd that doom,
+That God in justice did inflict on them.
+Then, England, kneel upon thy hearty knee,
+And praise that God that so provides for thee.
+And, virtuous prince, thou Solomon of our age,
+Whose years, I hope, shall double Nestor's reign,
+And bring a thousand profits to the land,
+Myself (dread prince), in token of my love
+And dutiful obedience to your grace,
+Will study daily, as my duty wills,
+To root sins from the flourishing commonwealth,
+That Fame, in every angle of the world,
+May sound due praise of England's virtuous[288] king.
+
+KING.
+Dunstan, live thou, and counsel still the king
+To maintain justice, were it on himself,
+Rather than, soothing him in his abuse,
+To see subversion of his commonwealth.
+I tell thee, Dunstan, thou hast pleased the king,
+And proved thyself a virtuous councillor:
+Thy counsel is to me as North-Star light,
+That guides the sailor to his wished port;
+For by that star he is so comforted,
+That he sails dangerless on dangerous seas,
+And in his deepest sadness comforts him.
+So Dunstan's knowledge is that star of joy,
+That will with help conduct me to my happiness.
+
+HONESTY.
+And yet thou art not happy, Edgar,
+Because that sins, like swarms, remain in thee.
+
+KING.
+Why, 'tis impossible; for I have studied still,
+To root abuses from the commonwealth,
+That may infect the king or commonalty.
+Therefore, base peasant, wilful as thou art,
+I tell thee troth, thou hast displeas'd the king.
+
+HONESTY.
+Nay, the king hath displeased himself,
+In trusting every one that speaks him fair:
+For through fair words kings many times are fain
+To countenance knaves by their authority.
+I will not say your grace doth so--
+
+PERIN.
+No, sir; you were not best.
+
+HONESTY.
+Why, if I should, I might make good my word,
+And find a knave, I fear, before I part.
+
+KING.
+Why, what art thou?
+
+HONESTY.
+Marry, I go plain, and my name is Honesty:
+A friend to your grace, but a foe to flatterers,
+And one that hath _a knack to know a knave_.
+
+PERIN.
+As how, sir?
+By art, or by some foolish gift God hath given you?
+You are some physician, or skill'd in phys'ognomy, or in palmestry;
+For, I am sure, you can never do it by astronomy,
+Because there are no stars to know a knave.
+
+HONESTY.
+True, but many an honest man knows a knave to his cost,
+And is neither physician, or skill'd physiognomer, palmester,
+  nor astronomer,
+But a plain man of the country, like me,
+That knows a knave, if he do but see his cap.
+
+PERIN.
+That were pretty, i'faith, to see. Honesty know a knave by his cap:
+'Tis more than I can do with all the skill I have.
+But tell me, I pray thee, how I should know a knave.
+
+HONESTY.
+I believe you well; for offenders never bewray their offences,
+Till the law find them, and punish them.
+But you would fain tell how to know a knave?
+Then thus: the first man you meet in the morning,
+If he salute you, draw near him,
+And smell to his hat, and after smell to your own;
+And, my cap to a noble, if his smell like yours, he is a knave.
+I think I spoke with you now!
+
+PERIN.
+Base villain, were it not that the king's presence
+Doth privilege thy presumption, I would teach you to jest
+  with your fellows.
+
+KING.
+Forbear, Honesty; thou art a good plain fellow,
+And I commend thy wit, that hast such ways to know a knave.
+
+HONESTY.
+Honesty is plain, my lord, but no good fellow,
+For good fellows be purse-takers now-a-days:
+And there be so many of such good fellows,
+That Honesty may walk the streets without company.
+Not that there wants company, but honest company, I mean;
+Yet Honesty can clap a knave on the shoulder for all his bravery.
+
+PERIN.
+Why, base companion, mean you me?
+
+HONESTY.
+Not base, sir, because I was truly begotten,
+For Honesty may be suspected, but never detected.
+But you think I had a bailiff to my father, as you had,
+And that my mother could return a writ of error,
+As yours did, when such a gallant as you were gotten.
+
+KING.
+Believe me, Perin, he hath touch'd you now;
+And I perceive, though Honesty be simple,
+Yet many times he speaks truth.
+
+HONESTY.
+True, if it please your grace, for honest men will not lie.
+But, if your grace vouchsafe to give me leave,
+You shall see me find more knaves than one,
+If my cunning fail me not; or else say Honesty had no honesty.
+
+KING.
+But tell me, Dunstan, how thinkest thou of this motion?
+Were it not good, thinkest thou, we gave him leave
+To stifle such caterpillars as corrupt the commonwealth?
+For many times such simple men as he
+Bewray much matter in simplicity.
+Then, tell me, Dunstan, what thinkest thou of his motion?
+
+DUNSTAN.
+If it please your grace to think it good,
+Dunstan will say, as once Hephaestion did,
+When Alexander wan rich Macedon;[289]
+That whatsoe'er the king himself thought meet,
+He would in dutiful obedience yield unto.
+And so saith Dunstan to your majesty:
+For many times such simple men bring that to pass,
+That wiser heads cannot attain unto;
+For doubtless he hath some device in hand,
+Whereby to find such subtle knavery.
+
+KING.
+Well, Dunstan, then, as thou hast counsell'd me,
+I will for once make proof of Honesty.
+Sirrah: come hither:
+In hope you will, as your profession is
+In honest sort to find deceivers out,
+And, finding them, to give us notice straight,
+That we may punish them for their amiss.
+We give thee leave to work what means thou may'st,
+So it be not prejudice to the state nor us.
+
+HONESTY.
+My gracious lord, if Honesty offend
+In anything that he hath promised,
+And do not, as your grace hath given in charge,
+Stifle such caterpillars as corrupt the state,
+Let Honesty receive such punishment,
+As he deserves that leses to the king.[290]
+
+KING.
+Honesty, it is enough; but tell me now
+What moved thee first to undertake this task
+To visit us? Speak truth, dissemble not.
+
+HONESTY.
+If I should tell your grace, 'twould make you laugh
+To hear how Honesty was entertain'd.
+Poor, lame, and blind, when I came once ashore,
+Lord! how they came in flocks to visit me;
+The shepherd with his hook, and thrasher with his flail,
+The very pedlar with his dog, and the tinker with his mail:
+Then comes a soldier counterfeit, and with him was his jug,[291]
+And Will, the whipper of the dogs, had got a bouncing trug;
+And cogging Dick was in the crew that swore he came from France:
+He swore that in the king's defence he lost his arm by chance;
+And yet in conscience, if I were put to swear,
+I would be bound to lay a pound, the knave was never there.
+And hap'ning 'mongst this company by chance one day,
+I had no sooner nam'd my name, but they ran all away.
+But now I will to my task, and leave your grace;
+And so I take my conge of your majesty.
+                                   [_Exit_.
+
+KING.
+Honesty, farewell, and look unto your charge.
+
+PERIN.
+My gracious lord, if I might not offend,
+I would entreat a favour at your hand.
+'Tis so, I heard of late, my gracious lord,
+That my kind father lay at point of death,
+And if, my lord, I should not visit him,
+The world, I fear, would find great fault with me.
+
+KING.
+Nay, Perin, if your business be of weight,
+We are content to give you leave to go:
+Provided this, that you return again,
+When you have seen your father and your friends.
+
+PERIN.
+My gracious lord, I will not stay there long,
+Only but see my father and return again:
+Till when, my gracious lord, I take my leave.
+                                          [_Exit_.
+
+KING.
+Perin, farewell.
+And tell me, Dunstan, now we are alone,
+What dost thou think of beauteous Alfrida,
+For she is reported to be passing fair?
+They say she hath a white pit in her chin,
+That makes her look like to the Queen of Love,[292]
+When she was dallying with Endymion.
+Believe me, Dunstan, if she be so fair,
+She will serve our turn to make a concubine:
+Methinks 'tis good some time to have a love,
+To sport withal, and pass away the time.
+
+DUNSTAN.
+Ay, my good lord; Dunstan could well allow of it,
+If so your grace would marry Alfrida.
+
+KING.
+                                      What?
+Wouldst thou have me marry her I never saw?
+Then men would say I doted on a wench:
+But, Dunstan, I have found a policy,
+Which must indeed be followed to the full.
+
+    _Enter_ ETHENWALD.
+
+Earl Ethenwald, welcome: I thought to send for you.
+You must go do a message for us now:
+'Tis nothing but to woo a wench, which you
+Can do. You must not woo her for yourself,
+But me. Tell her, I sit and pine like Tantalus;
+And, if you can, strain forth a tear for me.
+Tell her she shall be honoured in my love,
+And bear a child that one day may be king.
+Bid her not stand on terms, but send me word,
+Whether she be resolved to love me, yea or no.
+If she say no, tell her I can enforce her love:
+Or 'tis no matter, though you leave that out,
+And tell her this--we hear she is as wise,
+As eloquent and full of oratory,
+As Thaly[293] was, daughter of Jupiter,
+Whose speeches was so pleasing 'mong the Greeks,
+That she was term'd a second Socrates.
+For some report, women love to be praised;
+Then in my cause, I pray thee, love thou Alfrida.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+My gracious lord, and Ethenwald shall not fail
+To show his humble duty to your majesty.
+I will, my lord, woo her in your behalf, plead love
+For you, and strain a sigh to show your passions:
+I will say she is fairer than the dolphin's eye,
+At whom amaz'd the night-stars stand and gaze.
+Then will I praise her chin and cheek, and pretty hand,
+Long, made like Venus when she us'd the harp,
+When Mars was revelling in Jove's high house.
+Besides, my lord, I will say she hath a pace
+Much like to Juno in Ida[294] vale,
+When Argus watch'd the heifer on the mount.
+These words, my lord, will make her love, I am sure;
+If these will not, my lord, I have better far.
+
+KING.
+Nay, this is well: now, Ethenwald, be gone,
+For I shall long to hear of thy return.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+My gracious lord, I humbly take my leave.
+                                     [_Exit_.
+
+KING.
+Ethenwald, farewell. Dunstan, how likest thou this?
+What, have I done well in sending Ethenwald?
+But in good time, how if he like the maid;
+Believe me, Dunstan, then my game is marr'd.
+
+DUNSTAN.
+I do not think, my gracious lord,
+My nephew Ethenwald bears that bad mind,
+For hitherto he hath been termed just,
+And clept[295] your grace his gracious favourer.
+
+KING.
+True, Dunstan; yet have I read that love
+Hath made the son deceive the father oft.
+But, Dunstan, leaving this, come, let's to court.
+
+DUNSTAN.
+I will attend upon your majesty.
+
+                           [_Exeunt_.
+
+    _Enter_ BAILIFF _of Hexham, and his four sons; to wit, a_
+    COURTIER, _a_ PRIEST, _a_ CONEYCATCHER, _and a_ FARMER.
+
+BAILIFF.
+My sons, you see how age decays my state,
+And that my life, like snow before the sun,
+'Gins to dissolve into that substance now,
+From whose enclosure grew my fire of life;
+The earth I mean, sweet mother of us all,
+Whom death, authorised by heaven's high power,
+Shall bring at last, from whence at first I came.
+Yet, ere I yield myself to death, my sons,
+Give ear, and hear what rules I set you down.
+And first to thee, my son, that liv'st by wit:
+I know thou hast so many honest sleights,
+To shift and cosen smoothly on thy wit,
+To cog and lie, and brave it with the best,
+That 'twere but labour lost to counsel thee.
+And therefore to the next--
+Walter, that seems in show a husbandman--
+My son, when that thy master trusts thee most,
+And thinks thou dealest as truly as himself,
+Be thou the first to work deceit to him;
+So by that means thou may'st enrich thyself,
+And live at pleasure when thy master's dead:
+And when to market thou art sent with wool,
+Put sand amongst it, and 'twill make it weigh--
+The weight twice double than it did before:
+The overplus is thine into thy purse--
+But now, my son, that keeps the court;
+Be thou a means to set the peers at strife,
+And curry favour, for the Commons' love.
+If any, but in conference, name the king,
+Inform his majesty they envy him;
+And if the king but move, or speak to thee,
+Kneel on both knees, and say, God save your majesty.
+If any man be favoured by the king,
+Speak thou him fair, although in heart thou envy him,
+But who is next?
+
+PRIEST.
+That am I, father, that use the word of God,
+And live only by the heavenly manna.
+
+BAILIFF.
+Who? the Priest? Give ear, my son,
+I have a lesson yet in store for thee.
+Thou must, my son, make show of holiness;
+And blind the world with thy hypocrisy;
+And sometime give a penny to the poor,
+But let it be in the church or market-place,
+That men may praise thy liberality.
+Speak against usury, yet forsake no pawns,
+So thou may'st gain three shillings in the pound.
+Warn thou the world from sin and vile excess,
+And now and then speak against drunkenness:
+So by this means thou shalt be termed wise,
+And with thy pureness blind the people's eyes.
+But now, my sons, discourse to me in brief
+How you have lived, and how you mean to die.
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+Then, father, thus I live that use my wit:
+Unto myself I love still to be wise;
+For when I am driven to shift for meat or coin,
+Or gay apparel to maintain me brave,
+Then do I flaunt it out about the 'Change,
+As if I were some landed gentleman;
+And, falling in with some rich merchant there,
+I take commodities for six months' day:
+The bill being made, I must set to my hand;
+Then, if I pay not, they may burn the band.[296]
+
+FARMER.
+Then, father, hark how I have profited--
+Walter, your son that keeps the country--
+I have raised the markets and oppress'd the poor,
+And made a thousand go from door to door.
+And why did I, think you, use this extremity?
+Because I would have corn enough to feed the enemy.
+Father, you know we have but a while to live,
+Then, while we live, let each man shift for one;
+For he that cannot make shift in the world,
+They say he's unworthy to live in it:
+And he that lives must still increase his store,
+For he that hath most wealth of all desireth more.
+
+PERIN.
+Brethren, you have spoken well, I must needs say;
+But now give ear to me, that keeps the court.
+Father, I live as Aristippus did,
+And use my wits to flatter with the king.
+If any in private conference name the king,
+I straight inform his grace they envy him.
+Did Sinon live, with all his subtlety
+He could not tell a flattering tale more cunningly.
+Sometime I move the king to be effeminate,
+And spend his time with some coy courtesan.
+Thus with the king I curry favour still,
+Though with my heart I wish him any ill:
+And sometime I can counterfeit his hand
+And seal, and borrow money of the commonalty;
+And thus I live and flaunt it with the best,
+And dice and card inferior unto none:
+And none dares speak against me in the court,
+Because they know the king doth favour me.
+
+PRIEST.
+And I, among my brethren and my friends,
+Do still instruct 'em with my doctrine,
+And Yea and Nay goes through the world with us.
+Fie, not an oath we swear for twenty pound:
+Brethren, say we, take heed by Adam's fall;
+For by his sins we are condemned all.
+Thus preach we still unto our brethren,
+Though in our heart we never mean the thing:
+Thus do we blind the world with holiness,
+And so by that are termed pure Precisians.
+
+BAILIFF.
+Full well and wisely have you said, my sons,
+And I commend you for your forward minds,
+That in your lives bewray whose sons ye are.
+Here have I been a bailiff threescore years,
+And us'd exaction on the dwellers-by;
+For if a man were brought before my face
+For cosenage, theft, or living on his wit:
+For counterfeiting any hand or seals,
+The matter heard, the witness brought to me,
+I took a bribe, and set the prisoners free:
+So by such dealings I have got the wealth,
+Which I would have disburs'd among you all,
+With this proviso, that you all shall live,
+And lead such lives as I have set you down.
+Carve to yourselves, and care not what they say,
+That bid you fear the fearful judgment-day.
+Live to yourselves, while you have time to live:
+Get what you can, but see ye nothing give.
+But hark, my sons: me thinks I hear a noise,
+And ghastly visions make me timorous.
+Ah! see, my sons, where death, pale Death, appears,
+To summon me before a fearful Judge.
+Methinks Revenge stands with an iron whip,
+And cries, Repent, or I will punish thee.
+My heart is hardened, I cannot repent,
+And I am damned to ever-burning fire.
+Soul, be thou safe, and body fly to hell.        [_He dieth_.
+
+    _Enter_ DEVIL, _and carry him away_.
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+Brother, why do you not read to my father?
+
+PRIEST.
+Truly, my book of exhortation is
+At my place of exercise, and without it
+I can do nothing. God's peace be with him!
+
+                                       [_Exeunt_.
+
+    _Enter the_ KING, PHILARCHUS _and his_ FATHER, DUNSTAN
+    _and attendants_.
+
+KING.
+Father, say on; for now my leisure serves,
+And Edgar gives thee leave to tell thy mind;
+For I perceive thine eyes are full of tears,
+Which shows that many inward passions trouble thee.
+If any here have wrong'd thine aged years,
+In keeping that from thee that is thy due,
+Name but the man, and, as I am England's king,
+Thou shalt have all the favour I can show.
+
+FATHER.
+Then, virtuous prince, mirror of courtesy,
+Whose judgments, and whose laws for government,
+And punishing of every foul abuse,
+Is like the judgment of great Alexander,
+Third of that name, whom some termed the Severe;
+Or like Vespasian, Rome's virtuous governor,
+Who, for a blow his son did give a swain,
+Did straight command that he should lose his hand.
+Then, virtuous Edgar, be Vespasian once,
+In giving sentence on a graceless child.
+Know, virtuous prince, that in my pride of years,
+When lustful pleasure prick'd my wanton mind,
+Even in the April of my flourishing time,
+I was betroth'd and wedded to a wife,
+By whom too soon I had that unkind boy,
+Whose disobedience to his aged sire
+The Lord will plague with torments worse than death.
+This disobedient child, nay, base extravagant,[297]
+Whom I with care did nourish to this state,
+Puff'd with a pride that upstart courtiers use,
+And seeing that I was brought to poverty,
+He did refuse to know me for his sire;
+And when I challenged him by nature's laws
+To yield obedience to his father's age,
+He told me straight he took it in great scorn
+To be begot by one so base as I.
+My age, that ill could brook this sharp reply,
+Did with this wand, my lord, reach him a blow;
+But he, contrary laws of God and men,
+Did strike me such a blow in vild disdain,
+That with the stroke I fell to earth again.
+
+KING.
+Unkind Philarchus, how hast thou misdone,
+In wilful disobedience to thy sire!
+Art thou grown proud, because I favoured thee?
+Why, I can quickly make thee bare again,
+And then, I think, being in thy former state,
+Thou wilt remember who thy father was.
+And, gentle Sophocles, in good time I recount
+Thy ancient saying, not so old as true,
+For saith [he], He that hath many children,
+Shall never be without some mirth,
+Nor die without some sorrow; for if they
+Be virtuous, he shall have cause to rejoice,
+But if vicious, stubborn, or disobedient,
+Ever to live in continual sadness.
+I am sorry, Philarchus, that my favours
+Have made thee insolent: well, I will see now if
+My frowns will make thee penitent.
+Now, father, see how Nature 'gins to work,
+And how salt tears, like drops of pearly[298] dew,
+Falls from his eyes, as sorrowing his amiss.
+
+PHILARCHUS.
+Most gracious prince, vouchsafe to hear me speak.
+I cannot but confess, most gracious sovereign,
+That I have err'd in being obstinate
+In wilful disobedience to my sire
+Wherein I have wrong'd nature and your majesty.
+But I am not the first, whom oversight
+Hath made forgetful of a father's love.
+But father's love shall never be forgot,
+If he but deign to pardon my amiss:
+But if your wrath will noways be appeased,
+Rip up this breast, where is enclos'd that heart,
+That bleeds with grief to think on my amiss.
+Ah, father! pardon, sweet father, pardon me.
+
+FATHER.
+No, graceless imp, degenerate and unkind,
+Thou art no son of mine, but tiger's whelp,
+That hast been fost'red by some lion's pap:
+But as the tall'st ash is cut down, because
+It yields no fruit, and an unprofitable cow,
+Yielding no milk, is slaughtered, and the idle drone,
+Gathering no honey, is contemned;
+So ungrateful children, that
+Will yield no natural obedience, must be
+Cut off, as unfit to bear the name [of] Christians,
+Whose lives digress both from reason and humanity.
+But as thou hast dealt unnaturally with me,
+So I resolve to pull my heart from thee.
+Therefore, dread prince, vouchsafe to pity me,
+And grant I may have justice on my son.
+
+KING.
+Dunstan, how counsellest thou the king in this?
+I promise thee, I am sorry for the youth,
+Because in heart I ever wish'd him well.
+
+DUNSTAN.
+My gracious lord, if I might counsel you,
+I would counsel you to judge as he deserves.
+He that disdains his father in his want,
+And wilfully will disobey his sire,
+Deserves, my lord, by God's and nature's laws,
+To be rewarded with extremest ills:
+Then, as your grace hath 'stablish'd laws for government,
+So let offenders feel the penalties.
+
+KING.
+Ay, Dunstan; now thou speakest as fits a councillor,
+But not as friend to him whom Edgar loves.
+Father, what wouldest thou have me do in this?
+Thou seest thy son is sorry for his fault,
+And I am sure thou would not wish his death,
+Because a father's care commands the contrary.
+Then, gentle father, let me plead for him,
+And be his pledge for shunning wilful ills.
+
+FATHER.
+Will Edgar now be found a partial judge,
+In pleading pardon for a graceless child?
+Is it not true,
+That one coal of fire will burn many houses,
+And one small brack in finest cloth that is,
+Will both disgrace and blemish the whole piece?
+So wilful children, spotted with one ill,
+Are apt to fall to twenty thousand more;
+And therefore, mighty sovereign, leave to speak,
+And pass just sentence on Philarchus' life.
+
+PHILARCHUS.
+My life? dear father, that sentence were too hard:
+Let me be banish'd from my country's bounds,
+And live as exil'd in some wilderness,
+Barr'd from society and sight of men;
+Or let me hazard fortunes on the seas,
+In setting me aboard some helmless ship,
+That either I may split upon some rock,
+Or else be swallowed in the purple main,
+Rather than die in presence of my king,
+Or bring that sorrow to your aged years.
+If this suffice not, then let me be arm'd,
+And left alone among ten thousand foes;
+And if my weapon cannot set me free,
+Let them be means to take my life from me.
+
+KING.
+Father, what say you to Philarchus now?
+Are you content to pardon his amiss?
+Dunstan, I promise thee, it grieves me much,
+To hear what piteous moan Philarchus makes:
+Methinks I see sad sorrow in his face,
+And his humility argues him penitent.
+But, father, for I will not be the judge,
+To doom Philarchus either life or death,
+Here, take my robes, and judge him as thou wilt.
+
+FATHER.
+Then, virtuous prince, seeing you will have it so,
+Although the place be far unfit for me,
+I am content your grace shall have your mind.
+Thus, like an ass attired in costly robes,
+Or like a ring thrust in a foul sow's snout,
+So do these robes and sceptre fit mine age.
+But for I am judge, Philarchus, stand thou forth,
+And know, as there is nothing so good, but it hath some inconvenience,
+So there is no man whatsoever without some fault:
+Yet this is no argument to maintain thy wilful disobedience.
+As the rose hath his prickle, the finest velvet his brack,
+The fairest flower his bran, so the best wit his wanton will.
+But, Philarchus, thou hast been more than wanton,
+Because thou hast disobeyed the laws both of God and nature:
+The tears that thou hast shed might warrant me,
+That thou art penitent for thy amiss,
+Besides, my son, a father's natural care
+Doth challenge pardon for thy first amiss.
+
+KING.
+Father, well said: I see thou pitiest him.
+
+FATHER.
+Nay, stay, my lord:
+This did I speak as father to Philarchus;
+But now, my lord, I must speak as a judge.
+And now, Philarchus, mark what I set down.
+Because thou hast been disobedient,
+And wronged thy aged father wilfully,
+And given a blow to him that nourished thee,
+And thereby hast incurr'd thy mother's curse,
+And in that curse to feel the wrath of God,
+And so be hated on the earth 'mongst men;
+And for I will be found no partial judge,
+Because I sit as God's vicegerent now,
+Here I do banish thee from England's bounds,
+And never to----
+
+KING.
+There stay: now, let me speak the rest.
+Philarchus, thou hast heard thy father's doom,
+And what thy disobedience moved him to;
+Yet for thou wast once bedfellow to the king,
+And that I loved thee as my second self, thou shall
+Go live in France, in Flanders, Scotland, or elsewhere,
+And have [an] annual pension sent to thee.
+There may'st thou live in good and honest sort,
+Until thou be recalled by the king.
+
+PHILARCHUS.
+Thanks, gracious king, for this great favour shown,
+And may I never live, if I forget
+Your grace's kind and unexpected love,
+In favouring him whom all the world forsook:
+For which my orisons shall still be spent,
+Heavens may protect your princely majesty.
+And, loving father, here upon my knee,
+Sorry for my amiss, I take my leave
+Both of yourself, my king, and countrymen.
+England, farewell, more dearer unto me,
+Than pen can write, or heart can think of thee.
+                                            [_Exit_.
+
+KING.
+Farewell, Philarchus; and, father, come to Court;
+And, for Philarchus' sake, thou shalt not want.
+
+FATHER.
+Thanks, virtuous king; I humbly take my leave.
+                                           [_Exit_.
+
+KING.
+Dunstan, I promise thee, I was like to weep,
+To hear what piteous moan Philarchus made.
+
+DUNSTAN.
+Here your grace hath showed yourself to be
+Edgar, so famed for love and virtuous government;
+And I pray God your grace may live to be
+Long England's king to reign with verity.
+
+                                      [_Exeunt_.
+
+    [_Enter_ HONESTY.]
+
+HONESTY.
+'Tis strange to see how men of honesty
+Are troubled many times with subtle knavery:
+For they have so many cloaks to colour their abuses,
+That Honesty may well suspect them, but dares not detect them;
+For if he should, they have by their knavery
+Got so many friends, that though never so bad,
+They will stand in defence with the best.
+I was at the water-side, where I saw such deceit--
+I dare not say knavery--in paying and receiving
+Custom for outlandish ware, that I wond'red to see,
+Yet durst not complain of: the reason was,
+They were countenanced with men of great wealth,
+Richer than I a great deal, but not honester.
+Then I went into the markets, where I saw petty knavery
+In false-measuring corn, and in scales,
+That wanted no less than two ounces in the pound.
+But all this was nothing, scant worth the talking of;
+But when I came to the Exchange, I espied in a corner of an aisle
+An arch-cosener; a coneycatcher, I mean,
+Which used such gross cosening, as you would wonder to hear.
+But here he comes fine and brave:
+Honesty marks him down for a knave.
+
+    [_Enter_ CONEYCATCHER.]
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+Why so, 'tis an ill wind blows no man to profit;
+And he is but a fool that, when all fails, cannot live upon his wit.
+I have attired myself like a very civil citizen,
+To draw fourscore pound from a couple of fools.
+A gentleman, having made over his land by deed of gift,
+Means to cosen a broker with a false conveyance.
+All's one to me; I shall lose nothing by the bargain.
+But here comes the broker: I will walk, as I regarded him not.
+
+    [_Enter_ BROKER.]
+
+BROKER.
+God save you, sir: I see you keep your hour.
+But hear you, sir; hath the gentleman that conveyance
+You told me of ready? I hope, sir, I
+Shall need misdoubt no deceit in the matter,
+For I mean plainly, and so, I hope, do you.
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+Sir, as concerning the conveyance, I assure you,
+'Tis so good, and he hath such good interest in it,
+That, were I furnish'd with so much money presently,
+No man in the world should have it but myself.
+And for own part, you need not suspect me,
+For I would not discredit myself for a thousand pound;
+For the gentleman is my very friend,
+And, being in some want, is enforc'd to pawn land
+For the supplying of a present necessity.
+Tush, the interest is good, I warrant you.
+
+HONESTY.
+And that's much worth: some will say,
+A crafty knave needs no broker,
+But here is a crafty knave and a broker too:
+There wants not a knave, then, I imagine.    [_Aside_.
+
+BROKER.
+But tell me, sir, when did he promise to be here?
+What, will it be long, ere he come?
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+Nay, it will not be long, ere he come,
+For the conveyance was made, ere I came from the scrivener's,
+And in good time here he comes. God save you, sir:
+
+    [_Enter_ GENTLEMAN.]
+
+Here is the man I told you of, that would lend you the money.
+He is a very honest man; and but for my sake, I know,
+He would not do it. But is the land despatch'd another way?
+If you be ready to seal, he is ready with the money.
+Hear you, sir, you have a good bargain; despatch it quickly.
+
+BROKER.
+Being advertised by my friend, this honest merchant,
+That you have certain land to pawn for present money,
+Now, I had not so much money of mine own at this time,
+But I made means to borrow so much of a friend of mine,
+Because I would not have you fall in bad men's handling.
+
+GENTLEMAN.
+I thank you, sir, for this unspeakable favour.
+If you deal amiss with me, I am undone for ever.
+
+BROKER.
+I would not deal amiss with any man for a thousand pound.
+
+HONESTY.
+And yet he will cut a man's throat for twelve-pence.
+Here is a cluster of knaves; here lacks but the baily of Hexham.
+                                                          [Aside.]
+
+BROKER.
+Well, sir, here is the money: will it please you seal the assurance.
+
+GENTLEMAN.
+With all my heart.
+
+HONESTY.
+God save her, sirs, and her good friends; her is a poor Welshman,
+come as far as Carnarvon, in Wales, to receive a little money, and
+here a has paid her I cannot tell what.
+[_To_ BROKER.] Here, you master; what, is it not brass money?
+
+BROKER.
+No, honest fellow; 'tis a good angel in gold.
+
+HONESTY.
+Who told him my name?    [_Aside_.]
+Hear you, master: a has a great deal more in her bosom, but a will
+take her leave.
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+Nay, stay and dine with me.
+I must fetch him over for all his gold.    [_Aside_.]
+
+HONESTY.
+Marry, I thank her, good master: I will wait upon her, I warrant you.
+
+BROKER.
+Now, sir, have you seal'd and subscribed?
+
+GENTLEMAN.
+I have, sir.
+
+BROKER.
+And you deliver this as your deed to my use?
+
+GENTLEMAN.
+With all my heart, sir; and hope you will use me well.
+
+BROKER.
+We will talk of that another time: here is your money.
+
+GENTLEMAN.
+I thank you, sir: I'll be gone.
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+Hear you, sir; was not this bravely done?    [_Aside_.]
+
+GENTLEMAN.
+Excellent: hold, here is forty pound, as I promised thee.
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+I thank you, sir. Do you hear, sir, you have got a thousand pound
+by the bargain; but much good may it do you.
+                                         [_Exit_.
+
+BROKER.
+God-a-mercy; and here's forty pound for thy pains.
+Such another match, and I'll give thee a hundred pound.
+                                                   [_Exit_.
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+I thank you, sir, God b'w'y'.  Now to my Welshman.
+Sirrah, let me see thy piece of gold;
+I'll tell thee whether it be weight or no.
+Hast thou any more? I'll give thee white money for it.
+
+HONESTY.
+Yes, a has a great deal more in her bosom,
+But a will have no whit' money: O, a loves red money.
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+Well, I'll keep them for thee, till thou come to my house.
+
+HONESTY.
+Why, Cutbert, wilt thou never leave thy old knavery?
+Why, we should gree together like bells,
+If thou wert but hanged first.
+Why, we are as near kin together
+As the cates[299] of Banbury be to the bells of Lincoln.
+Why, man, we are all birds of a feather,
+And whosoever says nay, we will hold together.
+Come, you mad slave, thou dost not know me.
+Tush! I have done many better tricks than this.
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+Why, you base slave, take you me for your fellow?
+Why, I am of good reputation in the city,
+And held in account with the best.
+
+HONESTY.
+And yet you are Cutbert the Coneycatcher,
+The bailiff's son of Hexham, whose father, being dead,
+The devil carried to hell for his knavery.
+How sayest thou, art not thou his son?
+This grave black cloak makes you so proud,
+You have forgotten who was your father.
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+Nay, I have not forgotten that my father was a bailiff,
+A man that would live to himself.
+And yet, in faith, he gave me nothing at his death
+But good counsel, how to live in the world.
+But, sirrah, as thou knowest me, I pray thee, bewray me not,
+And in anything I can, command me.
+
+HONESTY.
+Tush! fear not me, I will be as secret as thyself.
+But, sirrah, 'tis thus, if thou wilt do one thing,
+I shall tell thee, I will give thee an hundred pound:
+'Tis nothing with thee, I am sure.
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+Tush! tell me what it is; I'll do it, I warrant thee.
+
+HONESTY.
+Nothing but this; to swear upon a book
+That thou sawest a gentleman pay a farmer
+Four hundred pound, as the last payment of a farm
+That the said gentleman bought of him.
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+Tush! if this be all, let me alone, I will do it.
+Why, 'tis nothing for me to swear,
+For I am forsworn already: but when is the day?
+
+HONESTY.
+Why, to-morrow,
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+But where shall I meet you?
+
+HONESTY.
+Why, upon the Exchange at eight o'clock.
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+I will not miss: till that time, farewell.         [_Exit_.
+
+HONESTY.
+Fare well? [_Aside_.] Nay, you will scant fare well
+By that time I have done: but I must about my business,
+To find some knack to know this knave at large.
+                                            [_Exit_.
+
+    _Enter_ ETHENWALD.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+The night draws on,
+And Phoebus is declining towards the west.
+Now shepherds bear their flocks unto the folds,
+And wint'red oxen, foddered in their stalls,
+Now leave to feed, and 'gin to take their rest:
+Black, dusky clouds environ round the globe,
+And heaven is covered with a sable robe.
+Now am I come to do the king's command;
+To court a wench, and win her for the king:
+But if I like her well, I say no more,
+'Tis good to have a hatch before the door.
+But first I will move her father to prefer
+The earnest suit I have in canvassing,
+So may I see the maid, woo, wed,
+Ay, and bed her too. Who is here? what ho!
+
+    _Enter_ OSRICK.
+
+OSRICK.
+Earl Ethenwald, welcome. How fares our friends at court?
+What cause constrains your honour, that thus late
+You visit us, that dream not of your coming?
+
+ETHENWALD.
+My lord, I am come unlooked-for, very true;
+So is my coming yet conceal'd from you.
+
+OSRICK.
+Your honour shall repose you here to-night,
+And early as you please begin your task;
+Time serves not now. Come, Ethenwald,
+As welcome as the king himself to me.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+Now, Ethenwald, if fortune favour thee,
+Thou may'st prove happy love to Alfrida.          [_Exeunt_.
+
+    _Enter_ HONESTY, _and the_ KING _disguised_.
+
+HONESTY.
+This is the place, and this th'appointed time. I know
+He'll keep his word, for he thinks me his friend.
+
+KING.
+But tell me, Honesty, am I not well disguised?
+Can any man discern me by my looks
+To be the king? Take heed of that,
+For then our game is marr'd: and hast
+Thou promised him what reward he shall have?
+
+HONESTY.
+Tush! fear not you; for you never knew honest man
+Dissemble with his friend, though many friends
+Dissemble with honest men. But, my lord,
+The cards be shuffled, and here comes a knave.
+
+    _Enter_ CONEYCATCHER.
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+'Tis strange to see how men of our knowledge live,
+And how we are hated of the baser sort,
+Because, forsooth, we live upon our wit:
+But let the baser sort think as they will,
+For he may best be termed a gentleman,
+That, when all fails, can live upon his wit.
+And if all fails, then have I got a wench
+That cuts and deals to maintain my expense.
+Now I use her, as men use sweetest flowers,
+That while they are sweet and pleasant to the eye.
+I do regard them for their pleasant smell;
+But when their colour fades, and scent decays,
+I cast them off for men to trample on.
+But to the purpose: here is the gentleman,
+My honest friend did lately tell me of.    [_Aside_.
+Sir, though I had another business of import,
+That might have hind'red me from coming here,
+Yet in regard I am loth to break my word,
+I have set my other business clean apart,
+Because you should not judge amiss of me.
+
+HONESTY.
+I find you kind, sir, and yourself shall see
+How I will labour to requite your courtesy.
+[_To the_ KING.] This is the honest man I told you of,
+One that will do your pleasure in the cause,
+So be it you will content him for his pains.
+
+KING.
+Else God forbid: and, good sir, thus it is,
+I bought a farm of one that dwells here by,
+And for an earnest gave an hundred pound:
+The rest was to be paid as six weeks past.
+Now, sir, I would have you as witness,
+That at my house you saw me pay three hundred pound,
+And for your pains I will give you a hundred pound;
+Besides, I will stand your friend in what I may.
+You hear the cause;
+What, will your conscience serve you to do it?
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+How say you, sir? My conscience? then you touch me!
+I tell you, sir, my conscience will serve me to do more than this.
+Why, I have been a post-knight[300] in Westminster this twelve year,
+And sworn to that which no one else would venture on.
+Why, I have sworn against mine own father for money:
+I have sworn right or wrong--any ways--for money,
+When I have received money before witness, I swore to the contrary;
+And do you misdoubt me in so slight a matter as this,
+When I have sworn against father, mother, and all my kin?
+
+HONESTY.
+I told you, sir, how resolute you should find him:
+He doth it without fear, I warrant you. I think
+That in London you could not have found a man so fit
+For your purpose. I knew his father, sir:
+A man of honest reputation, and one whose life
+Was witness to the life he led: he was a bailiff, sir,
+Though I say't, but no bailiff that used deceit;
+He had too good a conscience for that.
+
+KING.
+All the better for that; for it should seem by his
+Behaviour that he hath had good bringing-up.
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+Indeed, my father in his lifetime was a man
+Given to the fear of God, and to use much devotion.
+
+HONESTY.
+Ay, but he gave nothing for God's sake, except it were
+Hard words, or blows; and they had been better kept than given.
+But hush! here comes the judge.
+
+    _Enter_ PERIN _a judge, and_ DUNSTAN _a farmer_.
+
+KING.
+Hear you, sir;
+If you be in readiness, here is the judge.
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+Ay, sir: I fear not,
+I warrant you: is that your adversary?
+What an old crust it is!
+
+HONESTY.
+I think the villain hath a face hardened with steel;
+He could never be so impudent else.
+
+DUNSTAN.
+If it please your worship, this is the man
+That wrongfully would have my farm from me,
+Facing me down that he hath paid me that,
+Which he never off'red, nor I never received:
+And this day he hath promised to make proof,
+That he hath paid me full four hundred pound.
+
+KING.
+And so I can; and here's my witness to it,
+That saw me when I paid the money.
+
+DUNSTAN.
+Why, I am sure he will not say it.
+I never saw the man in all my life.
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+No, sir? but I saw you, and was a witness
+When this gentleman paid you three hundred pound,
+As the last payment for the farm he bought.
+
+PERIN.
+But where was the money tendered?
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+At the gentleman's house.
+
+PERIN.
+You see, father, this merchant will be witness,
+That he saw so much money tend'red,
+And you received it, being full satisfied,
+As the last payment for the farm he bought.
+And if this merchant take his oath against you,
+That seven days past he saw the money tendered,
+I must pass sentence, then, against you needs.
+[_To_ CONEYCATCHER.] But will you swear on the Bible this is true?
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+Ay, sir, and to that intent I came hither;
+For I will never refuse to swear a truth, while I live.
+
+DUNSTAN.
+Yet, ere thou speak, vouchsafe to hear me speak.
+Full threescore winters, gentle sir, I have pass'd,
+And age hath brought grey hairs upon my head:
+Look but upon my face, and thou shalt see
+The perfect pattern of humility.
+Thou man of worth, or citizen, whate'er thou be,
+Weigh but my charge, and then thou wilt not swear.
+I have five sons, all pretty, tender babes,
+That live upon the farm that he would have;
+Twelve hundred sheep do feed upon the plains,
+That yearly bring a great increase to me,
+Besides a hundred oxen, fatly fed,
+That every winter feed within my stalls,
+And twenty poor men, living near my house,
+I daily feed, and all upon my farm.
+Go but among my neighbours, where I dwell,
+And hear what good report they give of me.
+The poor man never yet went from my door,
+But to my power I did relieve his want:
+I was no farmer that enrich'd myself,
+By raising markets and oppressing poor,
+But I have sold my corn full many times
+At better rate than I could well afford,
+And all to help my needy brethren,
+Then, ere thou swear'st, call all these things to mind,
+And thou wilt weep, and leave to swear untruths--
+Confusion to thy body and thy soul.
+
+PERIN.
+Well, if thou be well-advised, take thy oath;
+But yet remember before whom thou swearest,
+The God of truth and perfect equity,
+Which will revenge wrong to the innocent
+With thousand plagues and tortures worse than death.
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+By the holy contents of this Bible,
+And by that just God before whom I stand,
+I saw this man----
+
+KING.
+Peace! shameless villain, execrable wretch,
+Monster of nature, degenerate miscreant!
+Who ever knew or heard so vile an oath
+Vilely pronounc'd[301] by such a damned slave?
+Have I such monstrous vipers in my land,
+That with their very breaths infect the air?
+Say, Dunstan, hast thou ever heard the like?
+
+DUNSTAN.
+My liege,
+Such loathsome weeds must needs infect the corn;
+Such cankers perish both the root and branch,
+Unless they be soon spied, and weeded out.
+
+KING.
+I'll be the husbandman to mow such tares--
+Here, Honesty; let him be manacled,
+And scar his forehead, that he may be known--
+As Cain for murder, he for perjury.
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+I beseech your grace, be good to me.
+
+HONESTY.
+Ay, you shall have a cold iron clapt in your forehead;
+A hot one, I would say: you are a slave indeed.
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+Good Honesty!
+
+HONESTY.
+Good villain, there's no help for you.
+
+                                   [_Exeunt_.
+
+    _Enter_ ETHENWALD _alone_.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+My fancy's thoughts, like the labouring spider,
+That spreads her nets to entrap the silly fly,
+Or like the restless billows of the seas,
+That ever alter by the fleeting air,
+Still hovering past their wonted passions,
+Makes me amazed in these extremities.
+The king commands me on his embassage
+To Osrick's daughter, beauteous Alfrida,
+The height and pride of all this bounding ill;
+To post amain, plead love in his behalf,
+To court for him, and woo, and wed the maid.
+But have you never heard that theme?
+Deceit in love is but a merriment
+To such as seek a rival to prevent.
+Whither, distraught, roams my unruly thoughts?
+It is the king I cosen of his choice,
+And he nill brook Earl Ethenwald should prove
+False to his prince, especially in love.
+Then thus it shall be:
+I'll tell the king the maid is fair,
+Of nut-brown colour, comely and fair-spoken,
+Worthy companion to an earl or so,
+But not a bride for Edgar, England's king.
+This will allay the strong effects in love
+Fame wrought in Edgar's mind of Alfrida.
+Well, I'll to court, and dally with the king,
+And work some means to draw his mind from love.
+
+    _Enter a_ KNIGHT, SQUIRE, _and_ FARMER.
+
+KNIGHT.
+Neighbour Walter, I cannot but admire to see
+How housekeeping is decayed within this thirty year;
+But where the fault is, God knows: I know not.
+My father in his lifetime gave hospitality
+To all strangers,
+And distressed travellers;
+His table was never empty of bread, beef, and beer;
+He was wont to keep a hundred tall men in his hall.
+He was a feaster of all comers in general,
+And yet was he never in want of money: I think
+God did bless him with increase for his bountiful mind.
+
+FARMER.
+Truly, sir, I am sorry you are fallen into decay,
+In that you want to maintain household charge;
+And whereof comes this want? I will tell you, sir:
+'Tis only through your great housekeeping.
+Be ruled by me, and do as I advise you.
+You must learn to leave so great a train of men,
+And keep no more than needs of force you must,
+And those you keep, let them be simple men,
+For they will be content with simple fare.
+Keep but a boy or two within your house,
+To run of errands, and to wait on you,
+And for your kitchen, keep a woman-cook,
+One that will serve for thirty shillings a year;
+And by that means you save two liveries.
+And if ye will keep retainers towards you,
+Let them be farmers, or rich husbandmen,
+For you shall find great profit, sir, in keeping them:
+For if you stand in need of corn or hay,
+Send but to them, and you may have it straight.
+And if you kill a beef, let it be so lean,
+The butcher nor the grazier will not buy it.
+Your drink is too strong, and tastes too much of malt:
+Tush, single beer is better far, both for your profit,
+  and your servants' health.
+And at a Christmas-time feast none at all,
+But such as yield you some commodity;
+I mean such as will send you now and then
+Fat geese and capons to keep house withal:
+To these and none else would I have you liberal.
+
+KNIGHT.
+Why, neighbour, my goods are lent me to no other end,
+But to relieve my needy brethren; but God, I hope, hath in store for me.
+
+FARMER.
+Ay, trust you to that, and you may hap die a beggar.
+
+SQUIRE.
+Why, sir, if he should not trust in God, in whom should he trust,
+for God is the giver of all good whatsoever?
+
+FARMER.
+True; and yet 'tis good for a man to trust to himself now and then;
+for if you be down, and bid God help you up, and do not help yourself,
+you may fortune lie and perish; and therefore serve God on Sundays, as
+you are appointed, and thereby hope to be saved; for by your alms-deeds
+you cannot, for if you give to the poor, there be many will say, he
+thinks to be saved by his alms-deeds; and thus you shall be ill-thought
+on for your good-will; and therefore learn to provide for yourself; let
+God provide for the poor.
+
+KNIGHT.
+I tell you, neighbour, my great grandfather and all my predecessors
+have been held in good regard for their good housekeeping; and (God
+willing) their good names shall never take an exigent[302] in me, for
+I will (God willing) keep such hospitality to my death, as my state
+can maintain; and I will rather sell my land to maintain housekeeping,
+than, keeping my land, make sale of my good name for housekeeping.
+But, stay, who comes here?
+
+    _Enter two poor_ OLD MEN _and a_ BAILIFF.
+
+ONE OLD MAN.
+God save you, sir; I pray be good to me, for cham a poor man, and I
+cannot tell what you will do, for you say my horse hath broken into
+your corn, or your corn into my horse. But, indeed, my neighbour saw
+your boy drive my horse into a field. But I'll stand to nothing, now
+I am warn'd with a piece of paper and a little wax, to prepare to
+proceed to London; and there I am invented, I cannot tell for what.
+The bailiff here hath arrested me, ere I was weary,[303] against my
+will; he said it was upon your suit, and yet he laid his hands on me;
+nay, more, on my shoulder--
+
+ANOTHER OLD [MAN.]
+And, sir, and it may please you, I borrowed certain corn; and I brought
+you your corn again, and yet you 'rrest me.
+
+FARMER.
+True, sir; but then was corn sold for four shillings a bushel, and now
+'tis sold for two.
+
+KNIGHT.
+Ay, sir, but he borrowed corn, and promised
+To pay you corn again, and you can have
+But so much as you lent; for if
+He should pay you at the rate you demand,
+You would have for the twenty bushels you lent,
+Forty, which were neither right nor conscience.
+
+FARMER.
+O sir, I pray let me alone with my conscience. You would have me give
+all I have away to the poor, and want as you do. I pray, let me alone
+to deal for myself. Hear you, have you 'rrested them?
+
+BAILIFF.
+I have, sir, as you commanded me.
+
+FARMER.
+Then to prison with them, till they have paid such damages, as the law
+shall award them.
+
+ONE POOR [MAN.]
+Hear you, sir: if you should bid your boy break down a gap, and drive
+in my horse, 'twere little better than plain knavery; for my horse is
+as honest a horse as any is in this town.
+
+ANOTHER.
+Well, neighbour, we will have the horse examined
+Before an officer, and my boy Jack shall write
+What the horse speaks; and if the horse say a was driven
+In against his will,
+Then you may have the law of him, neighbour;
+For all the horses in the parish will be sworn
+For his horse. But I'll stand to nothing--
+
+FARMER.
+Well, to prison with them, till they have paid your due; away with them.
+
+ONE POOR [MAN.]
+Nay, I pray, be more miserable to me, and I will give you forty
+shillings, when I have it.
+
+FARMER
+By the mass, the knave hath a pretty cottage:
+I'll see, and I can get that. [_Aside_.] Sirrah,
+You have an old cottage; if you will make
+Me that over by deed of gift, I am content
+To draw my action.
+
+ANOTHER POOR MAN.
+My house? why, 'tis my goods,
+My wife, my land, my horse, my ass, or anything
+That is his. No, you caterpillar, I will never make
+Away my house; I will die first.
+
+KNIGHT.[304]
+But tell me, sir,
+How much would you have of them for their trespass?
+
+FARMER.
+Marry, forty[305] shillings, and yet I befriend them.
+Why, sir, I hope you will not pay it for them?
+
+KNIGHT.
+But I will. Sirrah, bailiff, I will answer
+The poor men's debts, and come home to me for thy fee
+Anon. Go, old men; get you home, and praise God.
+
+ONE POOR [MAN.]
+Marry, Jesus bless you. Neighbour, how many such
+Good knights have you now-a-days?
+
+ANOTHER.
+Too few, neighbour; the more is the pity.
+But come, lets away.                             [_Exeunt_.
+
+KNIGHT.
+But who comes here?
+
+    _Enter_ PERIN _and_ HONESTY.
+
+PERIN.
+God save you, gentlemen. The king greets you, and at this time
+Having some occasion to use money, hath sent to know
+What you that be knights and squires will lend his grace;
+And you, Master Farmer: be brief, sir[s,] for I cannot stay.
+
+KNIGHT.
+Sir, though housekeeping be some hind'rance
+to my willing mind, by reason that it robs me of
+that, which should bewray my loving mind both
+to my prince and country--money I mean, which
+at this time I stand in some want of--yet of that
+small store that I have, [I] am willing to impart the
+lending of the king twenty pound; and more, I
+assure you, I am not able.
+
+PERIN.
+Very well; and what say you, Master Squire?
+
+SQUIRE.
+I say that my revenues are but small,
+Yet I will lend his majesty ten pound.
+
+PERIN.
+Very well; but what saith the Farmer?
+What can he spare the king?
+
+FARMER.
+                            Marry, sir,
+I am a poor farmer, and yet I can afford to lend
+The king a hundred or two of pounds. And hear you, sir;    [_Aside_.]
+If you prefer a suit I have to the king,
+I will give you forty angels for your pains:
+Besides, I will give you the keeping of a dozen jades,
+And now and then meat for you and your horse,
+If you come to my house, and lie a whole year.
+
+PERIN.
+Why, that's well said, and I commend
+Thy honest mind. Would all men were of thy mind:
+I warrant thee, thou art an honest man,
+And one that loves the king. But tell me,
+What wouldst thou have me do?
+
+FARMER.
+Nothing, but procure me the king's letter to convey corn beyond seas;
+for in England it is so good cheap, that a man can make no living by
+selling thereof: therefore, if the king will grant me his letter, I
+will at any time lend him five or six hundred pound, and perhaps never
+ask it again; and I will not forget your pains.
+
+PERIN.
+Sir, fear not, I will do it for you, I warrant you;
+For, I tell you, I can do much with the king.
+
+HONESTY.
+I believe you will do more than you will be
+Commended for. The courtier resembleth
+The jay, that decketh herself with the feathers
+Of other birds, to make herself glorious;
+So the courtier must be brave, though he be
+Hang'd at the gallows.    [_Aside_.
+
+FARMER.
+Well, sir, will it please you to come and dine
+With me?
+
+PERIN.
+I thank you, sir, heartily.
+
+FARMER.
+But what's he there in your company?
+
+PERIN.
+A plain fellow, and his name is Honesty.
+
+FARMER.
+O, let him go where he will, for he shall
+Not dine with me.
+
+HONESTY.
+See how the Farmer fears my name;
+What would he do if he knew my nature?
+But hear you, master courtier, shall I dine
+With you? I promise you, sir, I am very hungry.
+
+PERIN.
+Truly, Honesty, if I were furnish'd with money,
+I would not stick to give thee thy dinner;
+But now, thou seest, I am but a guest myself.
+
+FARMER.
+Truly, honest fellow, if I were certain of my cheer, I would bid thee
+to dinner, but know not my provision, I promise thee.
+
+KNIGHT.
+Hear you, sir; will it please you to take part of a piece of beef
+with me? you shall be welcome.
+
+PERIN.
+I thank you, sir, but I must dine with my honest friend here, else
+I would not refuse your gentle offer.
+
+HONESTY.
+See how he can use my name and not me:
+But I perceive I may go dine with Duke Humphrey.[306]
+God b'w'y', gentlemen; for none here hath occasion to use Honesty.
+
+KNIGHT.
+Yes, Honesty; thou shalt be my brother's guest and mine.
+
+HONESTY.
+Marry, and I thank you too; for now the world may say,
+That Honesty dines with Hospitality to-day.
+
+                                       [_Exeunt_.
+
+    _Enter_ OSRICK _and_ ALFRIDA.
+
+OSRICK.
+Daughter, see that you entertain the earl
+As best beseems his state and thy degree.
+He comes to see, whether Fame have worthily
+Been niggard in commending thee or no:
+So shall thy virtues be admired at the court,
+And thou be praised for kind and debonaire;
+For courtesy contents a courtier oft,
+When nothing else seems pleasant in his eyes.
+
+ALFRIDA.
+Father, you shall perceive that Alfrida
+Will do her best in honouring of your age,
+To entertain the Earl of Cornwall so,
+That he shall think him highly favoured,
+Through loving speech and courteous entertain.
+
+    _Enter_ ETHENWALD.
+
+OSRICK.
+How fares my Lord of Cornwall? What, displeased?
+Or troubled with a mood that's malecontent?
+
+ETHENWALD.
+Not malecontent, and yet I am not well,
+For I am troubled with a painful rheum,
+That, when I would be merry, troubles me;
+And commonly it holds me in my eyes,
+With such extremes that I can scantly see.
+
+OSRICK.
+How long have you been troubled with the pain?
+Or is it a pain that you have usual?
+Or is it some water that, by taking cold,
+Is fall'n into your eyes and troubles you?
+
+ETHENWALD.
+I cannot tell, but sure it pains me much.
+Nor did it ever trouble me till now;
+For till I came to lodge within your house,
+My eyes were clear, and I never felt the pain.
+
+OSRICK.
+I am sorry that my house should cause your grief.
+Daughter, if you have any skill at all,
+I pray you, use your cunning with the earl,
+And see if you can ease him of his pain.
+
+ALFRIDA.
+Father, such skill as I received of late,
+By reading many pretty-penn'd receipts,
+Both for the ache of head and pain of eyes,
+I will, if so it please the earl to accept it,
+Endeavour what I may to comfort him.
+My lord, I have waters of approved worth,
+And such as are not common to be found;
+Any of which, if it please your honour use them,
+I am in hope will help you to your sight.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+No, matchless Alfrida, they will do me no good,
+For I am troubled only when I look.
+
+ALFRIDA.
+On what, my lord, or whom?
+
+ETHENWALD.
+I cannot tell.
+
+ALFRIDA.
+Why, let me see your eyes, my lord; look upon me.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+Then 'twill be worse.
+
+ALFRIDA.
+What, if you look on me? then, I'll be gone.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+Nay, stay, sweet love, stay, beauteous Alfrida,
+And give the Earl of Cornwall leave to speak.
+Know, Alfrida, thy beauty hath subdued,
+And captivate the Earl of Cornwall's heart:
+Briefly, I love thee, seem I ne'er so bold,
+So rude and rashly to prefer my suit;
+And if your father give but his consent,
+Eased be that pain that troubles Ethenwald:
+And, this considered. Osrick shall prove
+My father and his daughter be my love.
+Speak, Osrick, shall I have her, ay or no?
+
+OSRICK.
+My lord, with all my heart: you've my consent,
+If so my daughter please to condescend.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+But what say'th Alfrida?
+
+ALFRIDA.
+I say, my lord, that seeing my father grants,
+I will not gainsay what his age thinks meet:
+I do appoint myself, my lord, at your dispose.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+Well, Osrick, now you see your daughter's mine;
+But tell me when shall be the wedding-day?
+
+OSRICK.
+On Monday next; till then you are my guest.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+Well, Osrick, when our nuptial rites are past,
+I must to court of business to the king.
+
+ALFRIDA.
+Let that be as you please, my lord; but stay
+Not long, for I shall hardly brook your absence then.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+Fear not, Alfrida, I will not stay there long.
+But come, let us in; Father, pray lead the way.
+
+                                         [_Exeunt_.
+
+    _Enter the_ KING _and_ DUNSTAN.
+
+KING.
+Tell me, Dunstan, what thinkest thou of the favours of kings?
+
+DUNSTAN.
+I think of kings' favours as of a marigold flower
+That, as long as the sun shineth openeth her leaves
+And with the least cloud closeth again:
+Or like the violets in America, that in summe yield an odoriferous smell,
+And in winter a most infectious savour:
+For at every full sea they flourish, or at every dead ebb[307] they vade.
+The fish palerna, being perfect white in the calm,
+Yet turneth black with every storm.
+Or like the trees in the deserts of Africa,
+That flourish but while the south-west wind bloweth:
+Even so, my lord, the favours of kings to them they favour;
+For as their favours give life, so their frowns yield death.
+
+KING.
+Well said, Dunstan: but what merits he, that dissembles with his
+sovereign?
+
+DUNSTAN.
+In my opinion, my lord, he merits death.
+
+KING.
+Then assure thyself, if Ethenwald dissemble, he shall die. But who
+comes here? Perin, what news, that thou comest in such haste? and
+what is he that bears thee company?
+
+    [_Enter_ PERIN _and the_ FARMER.]
+
+PERIN.
+It is, my gracious lord, an honest man, and one,
+It seems, that loves your majesty; for as your grace
+Gave me in charge, I went about into the country,
+To see what sums of money I could make.
+Among the chiefest of the commonalty:
+And 'mongst the richest knights that I could find,
+They would lend your grace at most but twenty pound,
+And every squire would lend your grace but ten.
+Then came I, 'mongst the rest, to this plain man,
+And asked him what he would lend the king.
+He answered, sir, you see I am but poor,
+Not half so wealthy as a knight or squire,
+And yet, in sign of duty to his grace,
+I will lend his majesty two hundred pound.
+
+KING.
+Thanks, honest fellow, for thy love to us;
+And if I may but pleasure thee in ought,
+Command me to the uttermost I may.
+England hath too few men of thy good mind.
+
+    _Enter_ HONESTY _and_ PIERS PLOWMAN.
+
+Honesty, what news? where hast thou been so long?
+
+HONESTY.
+Ah, my lord, I have been searching for a privy knave;
+One, my lord, that feeds upon the poor commons,
+And makes poor Piers Plowman wear a thread-bare coat.
+It is a farmer, my lord, which buys up all the corn in the market,
+And sends it away beyond seas, and thereby feeds the enemy.
+
+KING.
+Alas, poor Piers Plowman! what ailest thou?
+Why dost thou weep? Peace, man: if any have
+Offended thee, thou shalt be made amends
+Unto the most.
+
+PIERS PLOWMAN.
+I beseech your grace
+To pity my distress. There is an unknown thief
+That robs the commonwealth, and makes me and my
+Poor wife and children beg for maintenance.
+The time hath been, my lord, _in diebus illis_,
+That the ploughman's coat was of good homespun russet cloth,
+Whereof neither I nor my servants had no want,
+Though now both they and I want,
+And all by this unknown farmer;
+For there cannot be an acre of ground to be sold,
+But he will find money to buy it: nay, my lord,
+He hath money to buy whole lordships, and yet but a farmer.
+I have kept a poor house, where I dwell this fourscore year,
+Yet was I never driven to want till now:
+I beseech your grace, as you have still been just,
+To seek redress for this oppression.
+I beseech your grace, read my humble petition.
+                                   [_Delivers it to the_ KING.]
+
+KING.
+Let me see: The humble petition of poor Piers Plowman.
+Alas, poor Piers! I have heard my father say,
+That Piers Plowman was one of the best members in a commonwealth;
+For his table was never empty of bread, beef, and beer,
+As a help to all distressed travellers. But where thou tellest me
+I harbour him, and he is daily under my elbow,
+I assure thee, 'tis more than I know; for I harbour
+None but this, which is my honest friend.
+
+HONESTY.
+Is this your honest friend? the devil a is.    [_Aside_].
+My lord, this is he: if you doubt my word to be true, call in Clerk
+of the Assizes. Now shall your grace see, how Honesty can shake out
+a knave in this company.
+
+    _Enter_ CLERK OF THE ASSIZE.
+
+Sirrah, tell me who hath most poor men in suit at this Sizes?
+
+CLERK.
+That hath Walter Would-have-more:
+He hath one poor man in suit for certain barley,
+And another, for that his horse was taken in his corn.
+
+HONESTY.
+But what indictments are against him? read them.
+
+CLERK. [_Read the indictment_.
+First, he hath conveyed corn out of the land to feed the enemy. Next,
+he hath turned poor Piers Plowman out of doors by his great raising of
+rents. Next, he is known to be a common disturber of men of their quiet,
+by serving writs on them, and bringing them to London, to their utter
+undoing. Also, he keeps corn in his barn, and suffers his brethren and
+neighbours to lie and want; and thereby makes the market so dear, that
+the poor can buy no corn.
+
+KING.
+Enough! Now, fie upon thee, thou monster of nature,
+To seek the utter undoing of many, to enrich thyself.--
+Honesty, take him, and use him as thou wilt.
+
+HONESTY.
+Come, sir, I think I found out your knavery.
+Away, sir, and bear your fellow company.
+
+            [_Exeunt omnes but the_ KING _and_ DUNSTAN.
+
+    _Enter_ ETHENWALD.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+Health and good hap befall your majesty.
+
+KING.
+Ethenwald, welcome; how fares our beauteous love?
+Be brief, man: what, will she love or no?
+
+ETHENWALD.
+Then, as your grace did give to me in charge,
+I have discharged my duty every way,
+And communed with the maid you so commend:
+For when the sun, rich father of the day,
+Eye of the world, king of the spangled vale,
+Had run the circuit of the horizon,
+And that Artofelex, the night's bright star,
+Had brought fair Luna from the purpled main,
+Where she was dallying with her wanton love,
+To lend her light to weary travellers,
+Then 'twas my chance to arrive at Osrick's house:
+But being late, I could not then unfold
+The message that your grace had given in charge;
+But in the morn Aurora did appear,
+At sight of whom the welkin straight did clear.
+Then was the spangled veil of heaven drawn in,
+And Phoebus rose, like heaven's imperial king;
+And ere the sun was mounted five degrees,
+The maid came down, and gave me the good day.
+
+KING.
+But being come, what said she then?
+How likest thou her? what, is she fair or no?
+
+ETHENWALD.
+My lord, she is coloured like the Scythia maid,[308]
+That challenged Lucio at the Olympian games.
+Well-bodied, but her face was something black,
+Like those that follow household business:
+Her eyes were hollow, sunk into her head,
+Which makes her have a cloudy countenance.
+She hath a pretty tongue, I must confess,
+And yet, my lord, she is nothing eloquent.
+
+KING.
+Why then, my lord, there's nothing good in her.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+Yes, my lord, she is fit to serve an earl or so,
+But far unfit for Edgar, England's king.
+
+KING.
+So then she is fit for Ethenwald, our Cornish earl,
+But far unfit for Edgar, England's king.
+Well, Ethenwald, I sound your policy:
+But tell me, i'faith, dost thou love the maid?
+Speak truly, man; dissemble not.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+I do, my gracious lord, and therewithal
+Entreat your majesty to pardon me.
+
+KING.
+Ethenwald, I am content to pardon thee,
+And will be with thee myself ere long,
+To do thee honour in thy marriage:
+And therefore, Ethenwald, thou may'st depart,
+And leave us till we visit thee at home.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+My gracious lord, I humbly take my leave.
+
+DUNSTAN.
+If it please your grace, pardon me, and give me leave,
+I would gladly bring my nephew on the way.
+
+KING.
+With all my heart, Dunstan; but stay not long.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+I humbly take my leave of your majesty.
+
+                     [_Exeunt_ DUNSTAN _and_ ETHENWALD.
+
+    [_Enter_ PERIN.]
+
+KING.
+Farewell, Ethenwald. But, Perin, tell me now,
+What dost thou think of Alfrida?
+Is she so foul as Ethenwald reports her?
+Believe me, then, she had been unfit for me.
+
+PERIN.
+My gracious lord, Ethenwald hath dissembled with your majesty,
+For Alfrida is fair and virtuous;
+For last night, being in private conference,
+He told me he had devised a mean
+To colour with the king by forg'd excuse.
+No, no (quoth he), my Alfrida is fair,
+As is the radiant North star crystalline,
+That guides the wet and weary traveller,
+Sous'd with the surge of Neptune's wat'ry main.
+And thus, my lord, he fell to praising her,
+And from his pocket straight he drew this counterfeit.[309]
+And said 'twas made by[310] beauteous Alfrida.
+
+KING.
+A face more fair than is the sun's bright beams,
+Or snow-white Alps beneath fair Cynthia!
+Who would refuse with Hercules to spin,
+When such fair faces bears us company?
+Fair Polyxena never was so fair:
+Nor she that was proud love to Troylus.
+Great Alexander's love, Queen of Amazons,
+Was not so fair as is fair Alfrida.
+But, Perin, be thou secret to the king,
+And I will sound these subtle practises.
+And, Ethenwald, be sure I will quittance thee,
+And teach thee how to dally with thy king.
+But, Perin, let's to court until to-morn,
+And then we'll take horse and away.
+
+                              [_Exeunt_.
+
+    _Enter mad men of Gotham, to wit, a_ MILLER,
+    _a_ COBBLER, _and a_ SMITH.
+
+MILLER.
+Now, let us constult among ourselves,
+How to misbehave ourselves to the king's worship,
+Jesus bless him! and when he comes, to deliver him this petition,
+I think the Smith were best to do it, for he's a wise man.
+
+COBBLER.
+Neighbour, he shall not do it, as long as Jeffrey the translater[311]
+is Mayor of the town.
+
+SMITH.
+And why, I pray? because I would have put you from the Mace?
+
+MILLER.
+No, not for that, but because he is no good fellow;
+Nor he will not spend his pot for company.
+
+SMITH.
+Why, sir, there was a god[312] of our occupation; and I charge you
+by virtue of his godhead to let me deliver the petition.
+
+COBBLER.
+But soft, you: your god was a cuckold, and his godhead was the horn,
+and that's the arms of the godhead you call upon. Go, you are put
+down with your occupation; and now I will not grace you so much as
+to deliver the petition for you.
+
+SMITH.
+What, dispraise our trade?
+
+COBBLER.
+Nay, neighbour, be not angry, for I'll stand to nothing only but this--
+
+SMITH.
+But what? bear witness a gives me the but, and I am not willing to
+shoot. Cobbler, I will talk with you: nay, my bellows, my coal-trough,
+and my water shall enter arms with you for our trade. O neighbour,
+I cannot bear it, nor I will not bear it!
+
+MILLER.
+Hear you, neighbour; I pray consuade yourself and be not wilful, and
+let the cobbler deliver it: you shall see him mar all.
+
+SMITH.
+At your request I will commit myself to you,
+And lay myself open to you, like an oyster.
+
+MILLER.
+I'll tell him what you say. Hear you, neighbour, we have constulted to
+let you deliver the petition: do it wisely, for the credit of the town.
+
+COBBLER.
+Let me alone, for the king's carminger[313] was here;
+He says the king will be here anon.
+
+SMITH.
+But hark! by the mass, he comes.
+
+    _Enter the_ KING, DUNSTAN, _and_ PERIN.
+
+KING.
+How now, Perin; who have we here?
+
+COBBLER.
+We, the townsmen of Gotham,
+Hearing your grace would come this way,
+Did think it good for you to stay.--
+But hear you, neighbours, bid somebody ring the bells.--
+And we are come to you alone, to deliver our petition[314].
+
+KING.
+What is it, Perin? I pray thee, read.
+
+PERIN.
+Nothing but to have a license to brew strong ale thrice a week; and he
+that comes to Gotham, and will not spend a penny on a pot of ale, if he
+be a-dry, that he may fast.
+
+KING.
+Well, sirs, we grant your petition.
+
+COBBLER.
+We humbly thank your royal majesty.
+
+KING.
+Come, Dunstan; let's away.
+
+                      [_Exeunt omnes_.
+
+    _Enter_ ETHENWALD _alone_.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+Ethenwald, be advised: the king has sent to thee;
+Nay, more, he means to come and visit thee.
+But why? Ay, there's the question.
+Why, 'tis for this; to see if he can find
+A front whereon to graft a pair of horns:
+But in plain terms he comes to cuckold me.
+And for he means to do it without suspect,
+He sends me word he means to visit me.
+The king is amorous, and my wife is kind,
+So kind, I fear, that she will quickly yield
+To any motion that the king shall make,
+Especially if the motion be of love;
+For Pliny writes, women are made like wax,
+Apt to receive any impression,
+Whose minds are like the Janamyst,
+That eats, yet cries, and never is satisfied.
+Well, be as it is, for I'll be sure of this,
+It shall be no ways prejudice to me;
+For I will set a screen before the fire,
+And so prevent what otherwise would ensue.
+'Twere good I questioned with my father first,
+To hear how he['s] affected towards the king.
+What ho!
+
+    _Enter_ OSRICK _and_ ALFRIDA.
+
+OSRICK.
+Ethenwald, my son, what news?
+
+ETHENWALD.
+Why ask you? I am sure you have heard the news.
+
+OSRICK.
+Not yet, I promise you, my lord.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+Why then 'tis thus: the king doth mean to come and visit you.
+
+OSRICK.
+And welcome shall his majesty be to me,
+That in the wane of my decreasing years,
+Vouchsafes this honour to Earl Osrick's house.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+So then you mean to entertain him well?
+
+OSRICK.
+What else, my son?
+
+ETHENWALD.
+Nay, as you will:
+But hear you, wife: what do you think in this--
+That Edgar means to come and be your guest?
+
+ALFRIDA.
+I think, my lord, he shall be welcome then,
+And I hope that you will entertain him so,
+That he may know how Osrick honours him.
+And I will be attired in cloth of biss[315],
+Beset with Orient pearl, fetch'd from rich India[316].
+And all my chamber shall be richly [decked,]
+With arras hanging, fetch'd from Alexandria.
+Then will I have rich counterpoints and musk,
+Calambac[317] and cassia, sweet-smelling amber-grease,
+That he may say, Venus is come from heaven,
+And left the gods to marry Ethenwald.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+'Swouns! they are both agreed to cuckold me.    [_Aside_.
+But hear you, wife; while I am master of the bark,
+I mean to keep the helmster in my hand.
+My meaning is, you shall be rul'd by me,
+In being disguised, till the king be gone;
+And thus it shall be, for I will have it so.
+The king hath never seen thee, I am sure,
+Nor shall he see thee now, if I can choose;
+For thou shalt be attir'd in some base weeds,
+And Kate the kitchen-maid shall put on thine:
+For being richly tired, as she shall be,
+She will serve the turn to keep him company.
+
+OSRICK.
+Why, men that hear of this will make a scorn of you.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+And he that lies with this will make a horn for me.    [_Aside_.]
+It is enough: it must be so.
+
+ALFRIDA.
+Methinks 'twere better otherways.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+I think not so. Will you be gone?--
+
+                          [_Exit_ ALFRIDA.
+
+Father, let me alone; I'll break her of her will.
+We that are married to young wives, you see,
+Must have a special care unto their honesty;
+For should we suffer them to have their will,
+They are apt, you know, to fall to any ill.
+But here comes the king.
+
+    _Enter the_ KING, DUNSTAN, _and_ PERIN, _to_ [them] ETHENWALD[318].
+
+KING.
+Earl Osrick, you must needs hold us excused,
+Though boldly thus unbid we visit you:
+But know, the cause that moved us leave our court
+Was to do honour to Earl Ethenwald,
+And see his lovely bride, fair Alfrida.
+
+OSRICK.
+My gracious lord, as welcome shall you be,
+To me, my daughter, and my son-in-law,
+As Titus was unto the Roman senators,
+When he had made a conquest on the Goths;
+That, in requital of his service done,
+Did offer him the imperial diadem.
+As they in Titus, we in your grace, still find
+The perfect figure of a princely mind.
+
+KING.
+Thanks, Osrick; but I think I am not welcome,
+Because I cannot see fair Alfrida.
+Osrick, I will not stay, nor eat with thee,
+Till I have seen the Earl of Cornwall's wife.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+If it please your majesty to stay with us,
+My wife shall wait as handmaid on your majesty,
+And in her duty show her husband's love.
+And in good time, my lord, see where she comes.
+
+    [_Enter the_ KITCHEN-MAID, _in_ ALFRIDA's _apparel_.]
+
+[_Aside_.] Alfrida, you must leave your kitchen-tricks,
+And use no words but princely majesty.
+
+MAID.
+Now Jesus bless your honourable grace.
+Come, I pray, sit down: you are welcome by my troth.
+As God save me, here's never a napkin: fie, fie!
+Come on; I pray eat some plums, they be sugar.
+Here's good drink, by Lady: why do you not eat?
+
+KING.
+Nay, pray thee, eat, Alfrida: it is enough for me to see thee eat.
+
+MAID.
+I thank you heartily. By my troth, here's never a cushion.
+By my troth. I'll knock you anon; go to.
+
+PERIN.
+My lord, this is not Alfrida: this is the kitchen-maid.
+
+KING.
+Peace, Perin, I have found their subtlety.--
+Ethenwald, I pray thee, let me see thy kitchen-maid.
+Methinks it is a pretty homely wench:
+I promise thee, Ethenwald, I like her well.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+My lord, she is a homely kitchen-maid,
+And one whose bringing up hath been but rude,
+And far unfit for Edgar's company;
+But if your grace want merry company,
+I will send for ladies wise and courteous,
+To be associates with your majesty.
+Or if your grace will have musicians sent for,
+I will fetch your grace the best in all this land.
+
+KING.
+Ethenwald, no: I will have the kitchen-maid;
+And therefore, if you love me, send for her,
+For, till she come, I cannot be content.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+Father, I will not fetch her. 'Swouns! see, where she comes.
+
+    _Enter_ ALFRIDA _in the_ KITCHEN-MAID'S _attire_.
+
+ALFRIDA.
+Successful fortune and his heart's content
+Daily attend the person of the king.
+And, Edgar, know that I am Alfrida, daughter to Osrick,
+And lately made the Earl of Cornwall's wife.
+
+KING.
+Why, is not this Alfrida?
+
+ALFRIDA.
+No, my good lord; it is the kitchen-maid,
+Whom Ethenwald, in too much love to me,
+Hath thus attir'd to dally with the king.
+
+MAID.
+By my troth, my lord, she lies. Go to;
+I'll course you by and by.
+
+KING.
+Away, base strumpet, get thee from my sight.
+
+MAID.
+Go your ways; you are a cogging knave, I warrant you.
+                                                    [_Exit_.
+
+KING.
+Base Ethenwald, dissembler that thou art,
+So to dissemble with thy sovereign;
+And afterward, under a show of love,
+Thou cam'st to soothe thy lesing to the king,
+Meaning by that to make me to conceive,
+That thy intent was just and honourable.
+But, see, at last thou hast deceived thyself,
+And Edgar hath found out thy subtlety;
+Which to requite think Edgar is thy enemy,
+And vows to be revenged for this ill.--
+Go to thy husband, beauteous Alfrida,
+For Edgar can subdue affects in love.
+
+ALFRIDA.
+Thanks, gracious king, mirror of courtesy,
+Whose virtuous thoughts bewray thy princely mind,
+And makes thee famous 'mongst thy enemies:
+For what is he that hears of Edgar's name,
+And will not yield him praise as he deserves.
+Nor hath your grace ever been praised more,
+Or term'd more just in any action,
+Than you shall be in conquering your desires,
+And yielding pardon to Earl Ethenwald.
+
+KING.
+Will you be gone?
+
+ALFRIDA.
+My gracious lord, I humbly take my leave.
+
+                     [ALFRIDA _and_ ETHENWALD _Exeunt_.
+
+KING.
+How am I wrong'd, and yet without redress!
+
+DUNSTAN.
+Have patience, good my lord, and call to mind,
+How you have lived praised for virtuous government.
+You have subdued lust unto this day,
+And been reputed wise in government,
+And will you blemish all your honours got,
+In being termed a foul adulterer?
+
+KING.
+Dunstan, forbear, for I will have it so:
+It boots thee not to counsel me in this,
+For I have sworn the death of Ethenwald;
+And he shall die, or Edgar will not live.
+Dunstan, it is enough; I am resolved.
+                                 [_Exit_.
+
+DUNSTAN.
+Nay, if it be so, then Ethenwald shall not die?
+And since entreaties cannot serve the turn,
+I will make proof for once what art will do.
+Astoroth[319], ascende! veni, Astoroth, Astoroth, veni!
+
+    _Enter the_ DEVIL.
+
+DEVIL.
+What wilt thou?
+
+DUNSTAN.
+Tell me, what means the king?
+
+DEVIL.
+I will not tell thee.
+
+DUNSTAN.
+I charge thee, by the eternal living God,
+That keeps the prince of darkness bound in chains,
+And by that sun that thou wouldst gladly see,
+By heaven and earth, and every living thing,
+Tell me that which I did demand of thee.
+
+DEVIL.
+Then thus: the king doth mean to murther Ethenwald.
+
+DUNSTAN.
+But where is the king?
+
+DEVIL.
+Seeking for Ethenwald.
+
+DUNSTAN.
+But I'll prevent him: follow me invisible.
+
+DEVIL.
+I will.
+
+                           [_Exeunt_.
+
+    _Enter the_ PRIEST.
+
+PRIEST.
+I have been this morning with a friend of mine,
+That would borrow a small sum of money of me;
+But I have learn'd the best assurance a man can have
+In such a matter is a good pawn of twice the value,
+Or bonds sufficient for five times the quantity.
+He is my near kinsman, I confess, and a clergyman,
+But fifty shillings is money; and though I think
+I might trust him simply with it for a twelvemonth,
+Where he craves it but for a month, yet simply I
+Will not be so simple; for I will borrow
+His gelding to ride to the term, and keep away a just fortnight.
+If then he pay me money, I will deliver him his horse.
+I would be loth to lose my money, or crave assurance of my kinsman,
+But this may be done to try me, and I mean likewise to try him.
+This is plain, though truly, brethren, something subtle.
+But here comes one would fain take my house of me.
+
+NEIGHBOUR.
+Sir, I am a poor man, and I will give you thirty shillings a year:
+if I may have it, you shall be sure of your money.
+
+PRIEST.
+Truly, brother in Christ, I cannot afford it of the price;
+A must let my house to live, I ask no gains. But who comes here?
+
+    _Enter_ HONESTY _and a_ BEGGAR.
+
+BEGGAR.
+I beseech you, good master, for God's sake, give one penny to the poor,
+lame, and blind; good master, give something.
+
+PRIEST.
+Fie upon thee, lazy fellow, art thou not ashamed to beg? Read the
+blessed saying of St Paul, which is, Thou shalt get thy living with
+the sweat of thy brows, and he that will not labour is not worthy
+to eat.
+
+HONESTY.
+Ay, but he remembers not where Christ saith,
+He that giveth a cup of cold water in my name shall be blessed.
+                                                       [_Aside_.]
+
+BEGGAR.
+Alas, sir, you see I am old.
+
+PRIEST.
+But that's no reason you should beg.
+
+BEGGAR.
+Alas, sir, age coming on me, and my sight being gone, I hope, sir,
+you will pardon me, though I beg; and therefore, for God's sake,
+one penny, good master.
+
+PRIEST.
+Why, I tell thee no, for the Spirit doth not move me thereunto.
+And in good time, look in the blessed Proverb of Solomon, which is,
+Good deeds do not justify a man; therefore, I count it sin to give
+thee anything.
+
+HONESTY.
+See how he can turn and wind the Scripture to his own use; but he
+remembers not where Christ say'th, He that giveth to the poor lendeth
+unto the Lord, and he shall be repaid sevenfold: but the Priest forgets
+that, or at leastwise he will not remember it.    [_Aside_.]
+
+BEGGAR.
+Now, fie upon thee, is this the pureness of your religion?
+God will reward you, no doubt, for your hard dealing.
+
+PRIEST.
+Care not thou for that. Well, neighbour, if thou wilt have my house,
+friend and brother in Christ, it will cost you forty shillings--'tis
+well worth it truly, provided this, I may not stay for my rent: I might
+have a great deal more, but I am loth to exact on my brother.
+
+HONESTY.
+And yet he will sell all a poor man hath, to his shirt, for one
+quarter's rent.    [_Aside_.]
+
+NEIGHBOUR.
+God's blessing on your heart, sir, you made a godly exhortation
+on Sunday.
+
+PRIEST.
+Ay, brother, the Spirit did move me thereunto. Fie upon usury, when
+a man will cut his brother's throat for a little lucre: fie upon it,
+fie! We are born one to live by another, and for a man to let his own
+as he may live, 'tis allowed by the word of God; but for usury and
+oppression, fie on it, 'tis ungodly. But, tell me, will you have it?
+
+NEIGHBOUR.
+I will give you, as I have proffered you.
+
+PRIEST.
+Truly, I cannot afford it, I would I could; but I must go to our
+exercise of prayer, and after I must go see a farm that I should have.
+
+                                              [_Exeunt_.
+
+    _Enter_ DUNSTAN _and_ PERIN, _with the_ KING.
+
+DUNSTAN.
+Most gracious prince, vouchsafe to hear me speak,
+In that the law of kindred pricks me on;
+And though I speak contrary to your mind,
+Yet do I build on hope you will pardon me.
+Were I as eloquent as Demosthenes,
+Or like Isocrates were given to oratory,
+Your grace, no doubt, will think the time well-spent,
+And I should gain me commendations:
+But for my note is tuned contrary,
+I must entreat your grace to pardon me,
+If I do jar in my delivery.
+
+KING.
+Why, Dunstan, thou hast found us gracious still,
+Nor will we pull our settled love from thee,
+Until we find thy dealings contrary,
+But if thy parley be for Ethenwald,
+That base dissembler with his sovereign,
+'Twere better leave to speak in his excuse,
+Than by excusing him gain our ill-will:
+For I am minded like the salamander-stone
+That, fir'd with anger, will not in haste be quench'd.
+Though wax be soft, and apt to receive any impression,
+Yet will hard metal take no form, except you melt the same.
+So mean men's minds may move as they think good,
+But kings' just dooms are irrevocable.
+
+DUNSTAN.
+'Tis not enough, where lust doth move the offence.
+
+KING.
+Why, councillors may not with kings dispense.
+
+DUNSTAN.
+A councillor may speak, if he see his prince offend.
+
+KING.
+And for his counsel rue it in the end.
+But Dunstan, leave: you urge us over far.
+We pardon what is past; but speak no more.
+
+DUNSTAN.
+Nay, pardon me, for I will speak my mind.
+Your grace may call to mind proud Marius' fall,
+That through his wilful mind lost life and empire;
+And Nimrod, that built huge Babylon,
+And thought to make a tow'r to check the clouds,
+Was soon dismay'd by unknown languages;
+For no one knew what any other spake:
+Which made him to confess, though 'twere too late,
+He had made offence in tempting of the Lord.
+Remember David, Solomon, and the rest;
+Nor had proud Holofernes lost his head,
+Had he not been a foul adulterer.
+
+KING.
+Dunstan, forbear, and let this answer thee:
+Thou art too presumptuous in reproving me,
+For I have sworn, as truly as I live,
+That I will never pardon Ethenwald.
+
+DUNSTAN.
+Did you but see the man, I am assur'd
+You would not choose but pardon Ethenwald.
+
+PERIN.
+Why, Dunstan, you have seen as well as I,
+That Ethenwald hath dissembled with the king.
+My gracious lord, first cut that traitor down,
+And then will others fear the like amiss.
+
+DUNSTAN.
+I tell thee, Perin, were the earl in place,
+Thou wouldst eat these words utter'd in his disgrace.
+Veni, Astoroth![320]
+And, in good time, see where he comes.    [_Aside_.
+
+    _Here enter_ ALFRIDA _disguised, with the_ DEVIL,
+    [_disguised as_ ETHENWALD.]
+
+KING.
+But tell me, Dunstan, is this Alfrida?
+
+DUNSTAN.
+It is, my gracious lord, and this is Ethenwald,
+That lays his breast wide open to your grace,
+If so it please your grace to pardon him.
+
+KING.
+Yes, Dunstan, I am well content to pardon him.
+Ethenwald, stand up, and rise up, Alfrida,
+For Edgar now gives pardon to you both.
+
+DUNSTAN.
+Astoroth, away!    [_Aside_.]
+My gracious lord, Dunstan will not forget
+This unknown favour shown Earl Ethenwald;
+For which account my nephew and myself
+Do yield both lives and goods at your dispose.
+
+KING.
+Thanks, Dunstan, for thy honourable love:
+And thou deserv'st to be a councillor,
+For he deserves not other to command,
+That hath no power to master his desire;
+For Locrine, being the eldest son of Brute,
+Did doat so far upon an Almain maid,
+And was so ravished with her pleasing sight,
+That full seven years he kept her under earth,
+Even in the lifetime of fair Gwendolin:
+Which made the Cornish men to rise in arms,
+And never left, till Locrine was slain.
+And now, though late, at last I call to mind
+What wretched ends fell to adulterers.
+
+DUNSTAN.
+And if your grace call Abram's tale to mind,
+When that Egyptian Pharaoh crav'd his wife,
+You will, no doubt, forgive my nephew's guilt;
+Who by the merry jest he showed your grace,
+Did save your honour and her chastity.
+
+KING.
+We take it so; and for amends, Ethenwald,
+Give me thy hand and we are friends;
+And love thy wife, and live together long,
+For Edgar hath forgot all former wrong.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+Thanks, gracious king, and here upon my knee
+I rest to be disposed, as you please.
+
+KING.
+Enough, Ethenwald. But who comes here?
+
+    _Enter_ HONESTY.
+
+HONESTY.
+Why, I think I have taken in hand an endless task,
+To smell a knave: 'tis more than a dog can do.
+I have disguised myself of purpose to find
+A couple of knaves, which are yet behind.
+The next knave is a priest, call'd John the precise,
+That with counterfeit holiness blinds the people's eyes.
+This is one of them, that will say it is a shame
+For men to swear and blaspheme God's holy name;
+Yet if a make a good sermon but once in a year,
+A will be forty times in a tavern making good cheer:
+Yet in the church he will read with such sobriety,
+That you would think him very precise and of great honesty.  [_Aside_.]
+
+KING.
+What, Honesty, hast thou despatch'd, and found these privy knaves?
+
+HONESTY.
+I shall do anon: I have them in scent; but I will be gone.
+                                                      [_Exit_.
+
+    _Enter_ PRIEST.
+
+PRIEST.
+Good Lord! I praise God I am come from our morning's exercise,
+Where I have profited myself, and e[d]ified my brethren
+In shewing the way to salvation by my doctrine;
+And now I am going to the court to prefer my petition.
+I would give a hundred pound it were granted;
+'Tis a thing of nothing: but here comes one of the court.
+
+    _Enter_ HONESTY.
+
+God save you, brother in Christ: are you towards the king?
+
+HONESTY.
+Ay, marry am I: what then? why dost thou ask?
+
+PRIEST.
+Nothing, sir, but I would desire you to stand my friend,
+To get me the king's hand and seal to this letter.
+I would not use it, sir, to hinder any man for a thousand pound;
+For indeed I am a clergyman by my profession.
+'Tis nothing, sir, but, as you see, to have the king's seal
+To carry tin, lead, wool, and broadcloths beyond seas,
+For you know, sir, every man will make the most he can of his own;
+And for my part, I use it but for a present necessity,
+If you will undertake to do it, I'll give you a hundred pound.
+
+HONESTY.
+I thank you, sir, but I am afraid the king will hardly grant it: why,
+  'tis an undoing to the commonwealth;
+But, truly, I will move the king to hang you, priest, i'faith.--
+                                                            [_Aside_.
+May it please your grace to grant me my petition,
+For I offer it your grace in pure devotion.
+
+KING.
+O monstrous! Dunstan, didst thou ever hear the like?
+Now fie upon the base villain! lay hands on him.
+
+HONESTY.
+On me? nay, on him. Priest, I give your petition to the king,
+And I will speak to him you may be but hanged;
+For if you should live, till the king granted your petition,
+The very ravens would pick out thine eyes living;
+And therefore 'twere better you were hanged, to save the birds a labour.
+
+KING.
+Now, Honesty, hast thou done? Is here all?
+
+HONESTY.
+O no, my lord, for there are so many behind,
+That I am afraid my work will never have an end.
+But I see by the priest's looks he lacks company:
+Stay awhile, my lord, I'll fetch another presently.
+                                               [_Exit_.
+
+KING.
+Fie, graceless man! hast thou no fear of God,
+To withhold thee from these lawless motions?
+Why, thou shouldst be as [a] messenger of God,
+And hate deceit and wicked avarice:
+But thou art one of those whom God doth hate,
+And thy vild deeds will witness 'gainst thy soul,
+And make the most abominable in his sight,
+That made thee, wretch, but to a better end,
+Than thus to wrong his sacred Deity.
+Now, fie upon thee, monster of a man?
+That for to gain thyself a private gain,
+Wouldst seek the undoing of a commonwealth:
+And though thou bide[321] ten thousand torments here,
+They cannot quit thee, where thou shalt appear.
+
+    [_Enter_ HONESTY.]
+
+HONESTY.
+A prize! though it be long, I have found him at last;
+But I could not bring him with me,
+And therefore I pinn'd a paper on his shoulder,
+Meaning thereby to mark him for the gallows.
+But husht, here he comes.
+
+    _Enter_ PERIN.
+
+KING.
+What, Perin? I cannot think that Perin will be false to me.
+
+HONESTY.
+Why no, for he is false to himself: look in his pocket and see.
+This is but a false writ that he hath used,
+Unknown to your majesty, and levied great sums of money,
+And bribed upon your poor Commons extremely.
+How say you, my lord, is this true or no?
+
+KING.
+Honesty, thou sayest true. Why, impious wretch!
+Ingrateful wretch that thou art,
+To injure him that always held thee dear.
+Believe me, Dunstan, I durst well have sworn
+That Perin had not hatch'd so base a thought.
+
+HONESTY.
+Ay, but your grace sees you are deceived.
+But will your grace grant me one boon?
+
+KING.
+What's that, Honesty?
+
+HONESTY.
+That I may have the punishing of them,
+Whom I have so laboured to find.
+
+KING.
+With all my heart, Honesty: use them as thou wilt.
+
+HONESTY.
+I thank your grace. Go fetch the other two.[322]
+Now to you, Cutbert Cutpurse the Coneycatcher:
+Thy judgment is to stand at the market-cross,
+And have thy cursed tongue pinn'd to thy breast,
+And there to stand for men to wonder at,
+Till owls and night ravens pick out thy cursed eyes.
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+Good Honesty, be more merciful.
+
+HONESTY.
+You know my mind, O Walter that-would-have-more, and you shall have
+judgment I mean, which is: to be carried into a corn-field, and there
+have your legs and hands cut off, because you loved corn so well, and
+there rest till the crows pick out thine eyes.--
+But now to you, that will do nothing,
+Except the Spirit move you thereunto.
+You shall, for abusing the blessed word of God,
+And mocking the divine order of ministry,
+Whereby you have led the ignorant into errors,
+You, I say,
+As you were shameless in your shameful dealing,
+Shall, to your shame, and the utter shame of all
+Bad-minded men, that live as thou hast done,
+Stand in Finsbury fields, near London,
+And there, as a dissembling hypocrite, be shot to death.
+
+PRIEST.
+Good Honesty, be more favourable than so.
+
+HONESTY.
+Truly, no; the Spirit doth not move me thereunto.--
+But who is next? what, Perin, a courtier and a cosener too!
+I have a judgment yet in store for thee:
+And for because I will use thee favourably,
+I'faith, thy judgment is to be but hanged.
+But where? even at Tyburn, in a good twopenny halter:
+And though you could never abide the seas,
+Yet now, against your will, you must bear your sail, namely, your sheet,
+And in a cart be tow'd up Holborn-hill.
+Would all men living, like these, in this land,
+Might be judged so at Honesty's hand.
+
+KING.
+Well, Honesty, come, follow us to court,
+Where thou shalt be rewarded for thy pain.
+
+HONESTY.
+I thank your grace. You that will damn yourselves for lucre's sake,
+And make no conscience to deceive the poor;
+You that be enemies of the commonwealth,
+To send corn over to enrich the enemy;
+And you that do abuse the word of God,
+And send over wool and tin, broad-cloth and lead;
+And you that counterfeit kings' privy-seals,
+And thereby rob the willing-minded commonalty;
+I warn you all that use such subtle villainy,
+Beware lest you, like these, be found by Honesty.
+Take heed, I say, for if I catch you once,
+Your bodies shall be meat for crows,
+And the devil shall have your bones.
+And thus, though long, at last we make an end,
+Desiring you to pardon what's amiss,
+And weigh the work, though it be grossly penn'd.
+Laugh at the faults, and weigh it as it is,
+And Honesty will pray upon his knee,
+God cut them off, that wrong the prince or commonalty.
+And may her days of bliss never have end,
+Upon whose life so many lives depend.
+
+
+FINIS.
+
+
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+
+[1] It is one of the six additional dramas which the Editor of the
+present volume caused to be [first] inserted in the impression which
+came out between the years 1825 and 1827. It may be here stated that his
+duties, from various circumstances, were almost solely confined to these
+six dramas, four of them by Robert Greene, by George Peele, by Thomas
+Lodge, and by Thomas Nash, no specimens of whose works had been
+previously included: the two other plays, then new to the collection,
+were "The World and the Child," and "Appius and Virginia."
+
+[2] See "Extracts from the Registers of the Stationers' Company"
+(printed for the Shakespeare Society), vol. ii. p. 230.
+
+[3] [The orthography has now been modernised in conformity with the
+principle adopted with regard to the rest of the collection.]
+
+[4] "Extracts from the Accounts of the Revels at Court." by Peter
+Cunningham, Esq. (printed for the Shakespeare Society), p. 176.
+
+[5] Ibid. p. 36.
+
+[6] Printed for the Shakespeare Society, in 1845, from the original most
+valuable MS. preserved in Dulwich College.
+
+[7] Hardly so, perhaps, as scarcely any drama of this date occurs
+without such a prayer. The earliest in which we have seen the prayer for
+Elizabeth is the interlude of "Nice Wanton," 1560.
+
+[8] It seems more than probable that "Tarlton's Jig of the Horse-load of
+Fools" (inserted in the introduction to the reprint of his "Jests" by
+the Shakespeare Society, from a MS. belonging to the Editor of this
+volume), was written for his humorous recitation by some popular author.
+
+[9] "Palladis Tamia. Wits Treasury, &c., by Francis Meres, Maister of
+Artes of both Universities." 8vo. 1598, fol. 286.
+
+[10] "Hist. of Engl. Dram. Poetry and the Stage," i. 255.
+
+[11] See "Memoirs of the Principal Actors in the Plays of Shakespeare"
+(printed for the Shakespeare Society), p. 131. If Bucke were a young
+actor in 1584, he had a natural son buried in 1599, but it is not stated
+how old that son then was.
+
+[12] See the entry of it by Henry Kirkham in the "Extracts from the
+Registers of the Stationers' Company" (printed for the Shakespeare
+Society), vol. ii. p. 61.
+
+[13] We quote from Mr Utterson's, on all accounts, valuable reprint of
+Guilpin's collection of Epigrams and Satires, which was limited to
+sixteen copies. The same gentleman has conferred many other
+disinterested favours of the same kind on the lovers of our ancient
+literature.
+
+[14] Percy's Reliques, i. 226, edit. 1812. There are copies in the
+Roxburghe, Pepys, and Ashmole collections.
+
+[15] In his "Jew of Malta" reprinted in the Rev. A. Dyce's edit. of
+"The Works of Christopher Marlowe," i. 227.
+
+[16] This quotation will appear in the next, the third, volume of
+"Extracts from the Registers of the Stationers' Company," which is now
+in the press of the Shakespeare Society. [This third volume never
+appeared.]
+
+[17] The question when blank verse was first employed in our public
+theatres is considered and discussed in the "History of English Dramatic
+Poetry and the Stage," iii. 107, and the whole of Marlowe's Prologue, in
+which he may be said to claim the credit of its introduction, is quoted
+on p. 116.
+
+[18] This practice of addressing the audience was continued to a
+comparatively late date, and Thomas Heywood's Plays, as reprinted by the
+Shakespeare Society, afford various instances of it.
+
+[19] Besides "1 day," in the body of the entry ("Henslowe's Diary," p.
+28), the letters _ne_ are inserted in the margin, by which also the
+manager indicated that the piece performed was a _new_ play. Both these
+circumstances were unnoticed by, because unknown to, Malone when he had
+the original MS. from Dulwich College for some years in his hands.
+
+[20] See "Memoirs of Edward Alleyn," founder of Dulwich College (printed
+for the Shakespeare Society), p. 29, &c.
+
+[21] This memorandum, securing the right of publication to Richard
+Jones, is also contained in the forthcoming volume of "Extracts from the
+Registers of the Stationers' Company," to be issued by the
+Shakespeare Society.
+
+[22] See his "Diary," pp. 43-48, 50, 51, 54, 55, 57, 62, and 82.
+
+[23] "Elfrid," afterwards remodelled under the title of "Athelwold," by
+Aaron Hill; and "Elfrida," by William Mason. At an earlier date the
+story, more or less altered, furnished a subject to Rymer and
+Ravenscroft.
+
+[24] See vol. viii. of the former edition of Dodsley's "Old Plays," p.
+165; and Rev. A. Dyce's edition of Robert Greene's Works, i. 14.
+
+[25] Commune.
+
+[26] [The Pope.]
+
+[27] [Nimrod.]
+
+[28] [Because.]
+
+[29] This and the other marginalia are Hypocrisy's _asides_. By _Ambo_
+he seems to signify, You knaves, the two of you!
+
+[30] [Until.]
+
+[31] [Fellow.]
+
+[32] [Query, _logic_.]
+
+[33] [Thus.]
+
+[34] [Good.]
+
+[35] [Old copy, _wynde_.]
+
+[36] [See Hazlitt's "Proverbs," 1869, p. 103. The origin of the term
+there suggested seems to be supported by the words put into the mouth of
+_Hypocrisy_ here.]
+
+[37] [Old copy, _myne_.]
+
+[38] [There is a proverb: "The devil is good when he is pleased."]
+
+[39] [Tenor.]
+
+[40] The priest is made to speak what the author seems to have taken for
+the Scotish dialect.
+
+[41] [The writer should have written _requhair_, if anything of the
+kind; but his Scotish is deplorably imperfect.]
+
+[42] The usual style in which priests and clergymen were anciently
+addressed. Instances are too numerous to require citation.
+
+[43] [St. Rock.]
+
+[44] [This passage was unknown to Brand and his editors.]
+
+[45] Quiet.
+
+[46] [Fagot.]
+
+[47] [i.e., Tyranny, who disguises his identity, and goes under the name
+of _Zeal_.]
+
+[48] [This word, to complete the metre, was suggested by Mr Collier.]
+
+[49] Tyranny had made his _exit_, in order to bring back with him
+Sensual Suggestion: here he returns, but his re-entrance is not noted.
+Sensual Suggestion follows him, but not immediately, and what he first
+says was perhaps off the stage, and out of sight of the audience; for
+Hypocrisy, five speeches afterwards, informs the Cardinal that Sensual
+Suggestion is coming.
+
+[50] i.e., Convicted of heresy. This use of the verb "to convince" was
+not unusual at a considerably later date: thus in Beaumont and
+Fletcher's "Lover's Progress," act v. sc. 3, edit. Dyce--
+
+    "You bring no witness here that may convince you," &c.
+
+It was also often employed as synonymous with "to overcome." See
+Shakespeare, ii. 377; vi. 49, &e., edit. Collier.
+
+[51] [Old copy, _former_.]
+
+[52] [Old copy, _demeanour_.]
+
+[53] [Old copy, _myne_.]
+
+[54] [Old copy, _line_.]
+
+[55] [3, in the old copy.]
+
+[56] [This and the next line but one have occurred before at the close
+of the speech of Spirit.]
+
+[57] [Old copy, _me_.]
+
+[58] [Assure.]
+
+[59] [Old copy, _his_.]
+
+[60] [Old copy, _that that_.]
+
+[61] [Old copy, _prayers_.]
+
+[62] [Makes all the world believe.]
+
+[63] [Old copy, _anchors_.]
+
+[64] [Old copy, _impire_.]
+
+[65] [For _Whilome a goe_, possibly we ought to read "Whilome again,"
+but this would not remove the whole difficulty.]
+
+[66] [In harmony.]
+
+[67] [Mr Collier remarks that this word seems wrong, "but it is
+difficult to find a substitute; _essays_ would not answer the purpose."]
+
+[68] [Old copy, _thy_.]
+
+[69] [Mr Collier printed _that_.]
+
+[70] [Old copy, _supporteth_.]
+
+[71] [Old copy, _to_.]
+
+[72] [Old copy, _thou shalt_.]
+
+[73] [Old copy, _as_.]
+
+[74] [Old copy, _handy_.]
+
+[75] Here Armenio comes forward and discovers himself.
+
+[76] [Old copy, _none_.]
+
+[77] Hermione here seems to turn to Fidelia, and to tell her that
+possibly he may be as well born as Prince Armenio--"And let me tell you
+this, lady," &c.
+
+[78] Her meaning is that the king her father should pardon the offence
+of Hermione, whose grief of mind is more severe than the wound he has
+just inflicted on Armenio. The two last lines of this speech appear to
+belong to Hermione.
+
+[79] [Old copy, _give_.]
+
+[80] [Old copy, _your_.]
+
+[81] [Old copy, _entertaine_.]
+
+[82] [i.e., Award. Old copy, _Holde my rewarde_.]
+
+[83] [Old copy, _to wander_.]
+
+[84] [Mr Collier printed _honor_.]
+
+[85] [Old copy, _some_.]
+
+[86] We must suppose that Fidelia makes her _exit_ here, her father
+having gone out at the end of his last speech.
+
+[87] [Old copy, _restor'de_. The alteration is suggested by Mr Collier.]
+
+[88] [Unknown, hidden.]
+
+[89] [Old copy, _one_.]
+
+[90] [Old copy, _turned_.]
+
+[91] [Old copy, _friends_.]
+
+[92] [i.e., Constantly renewed.]
+
+[93] _Companion_ was often used derogatorily by our old writers. See
+Shakespeare's "Coriolanus," edit. Collier, vol. vi. p. 230.
+
+[94] _Franion_ was often used for an idle fellow (see Peele's "Old
+Wives' Tale," edit. Dyce, vol. i. p. 207), but here it is rather to be
+taken as meaning a gentleman who has nothing to do but to amuse himself.
+In Heywood's "Edward IV." part I., Hobbs tells the king that he is "a
+frank franion, a merry companion, and loves a wench well." See
+Shakespeare Society's edit., p. 45. The word occurs several times in
+Spenser; and the following lines are from "The Contention between
+Liberality and Prodigality," 1602, sig. F.--
+
+    "This gallant, I tell you, with other lewd franions
+    Such as himself unthrifty companions.
+    In most cruel sort, by the highway-side,
+    Assaulted a countryman."
+
+[95] [Old copy, _knew_.]
+
+[96] [See Hazlitt's "Proverbs," 1869, p. 478.]
+
+[97] [Mr Collier printed _not_.]
+
+[98] [Mr Collier printed _only man alive_.]
+
+[99] [This and the next line of the dialogue are given in the old copy
+to Hermione.]
+
+[100] [By.]
+
+[101] [Old copy, pit_.]
+
+[102] _With a wanion_ seems to have been equivalent to "with a witness,"
+or sometimes to "with a curse," but the origin of it is uncertain. It
+was usually put into the mouths of persons in the lower orders, and it
+is used by one of the fishermen in act ii. sc. I of Shakespeare's
+"Pericles," edit. Collier, vol. viii. p. 292.
+
+[103] [Taking.]
+
+[104] [This appears to be imitated from some old ballad of the time.
+See "Ancient Ballads and Broadsides," 1867, p. 43-6, and the Editor's
+note at p. 410.]
+
+[105] [Dapper.]
+
+[106] [Old copy, _turn_.]
+
+[107] Middleton uses _squall_ for a wench in his "Michaelmas Term" and
+in "The Honest Whore," edit. Dyce, i. 431, and iii. 55. Here it evidently
+means a person of the male sex. [When used of men, a little insignificant
+fellow, a whipper-snapper. Presently we see that Lentulo was referring to
+the Duke's son.]
+
+[108] [Cuckoldy. A loose form of expression.]
+
+[109] [Bomelio, in his disguise, is made to talk bad French and Italian,
+as well as English; this had been done in the ease of Dr Caius who,
+however, only spoke broken English. The nationality of Bomelio is
+therefore doubtful; but these _minutiae_ did not trouble the dramatists
+of those days much.]
+
+[110] [Old copy, _Vedice_--an unlikely blunder.]
+
+[111] Pedlar's French, often mentioned in our old writers, was the cant
+language of thieves and vagabonds.
+
+    "When every peasant, each plebeian,
+    Sits in the throne of undeserv'd repute:
+    When every pedlar's French Is term'd Monsigneur."
+
+--"Histriomastix," 1610, sig. E2.
+
+[112] [i.e., Tarry _for_ me. So in the title of Wapull's play, "The
+Tide tarrieth no Man."]
+
+[113] Beat. See Nares, 1859, in _v_. Lambeake. Mr Collier refers us to
+the "Supplement to Dodsley's Old Plays," 1833, p. 80, Gabriel Harvey's
+"Pierces' Supererogation," 1593, and to "Vox Graculi," 1623.
+
+[114] Come to be hanged.
+
+[115] Old copy, _slave_.
+
+[116] The following scene reminds us of the ancient story of the
+"Physician of Brai."
+
+[117] Sure.
+
+[118] Old copy, _flight_. Mr Collier suggested _sight_.
+
+[119] He bites like the pestilence.
+
+[120] Penulo makes his _exit_ (though not marked in the old copy),
+and the stage then represents some place near the cave of Bomelio,
+who enters with Fidelia.
+
+[121] Old copy, _then_.
+
+[122] Mr Collier printed _come of_.
+
+[123] Old copy, _oft been_.
+
+[124] Old copy, _O_.
+
+[125] Old copy, _my favour_.
+
+[126] Old copy, _for_.
+
+[127] Old copy, _her_.
+
+[128] Above this line Mercury's name is inserted as the speaker: as it
+seems, unnecessarily.
+
+[129] Old copy, _Venus_.
+
+[130] Old copy, _Fortune_. It is Mercury who afterwards cures Bomelio.
+
+[131] Old copy, _replaies_.
+
+[132] Old copy, _Hot's_.
+
+[133] Old copy, _my_.
+
+[134] Old copy, _But_, which would seem to convey the exact reverse of
+what Phizanties intends--that he did not know Hermione's birth, but,
+presuming him to be of obscure birth, did not wish him to marry Fidelia.
+
+[135] Old copy, _But_.
+
+[136] Old copy, _end_.
+
+[137] [Evidently a proverbial expression, of which the import can only
+be obscurely gathered from the context. _Nock_ is the same, of course,
+as _hock_.]
+
+[138] [There was a second edition, presenting considerable variations,
+generally for the better, in 1592. See Hazlitt's "Handbook," 1867,
+p. 466.]
+
+[139] [For _stuff_ the edit, of 1592 substitutes _wares_.]
+
+[140] This division is omitted in the edition of 1592, and it seems
+unnecessary.
+
+[141] [Old copy, _his_.]
+
+[142] [Sweetheart, mistress.]
+
+[143] [Old copy, _often_.]
+
+[144] [We should now say, "as fast _as_;" but the form in the text is
+not uncommon in early literature.]
+
+[145] An intentional corruption, perhaps for _importance_.
+
+[146] Adventures.
+
+[147] Swaggerer, hence the well-known term, _swash-buckler_, for a
+roaring blade.
+
+[148] In the snare: What care I who gets caught?
+
+[149] "_What care I to serve the Deuill,"_ &c., edit. 1592.
+
+[150] Edit. 1584 has _boniacion_.
+
+[151] [Old copies, _but_.]
+
+[152] [A simpleton or bumpkin.]
+
+[153] [A term of contempt, of which the meaning is not obvious. It might
+seem to indicate a person employed in attending to a house of office.]
+
+[154] A bully.
+
+[155] _i e, pox_.
+
+[156] Old copies, _alone_.
+
+[157] _Vile_.
+
+[158] _Your lives so farre amisse_, edit. 1592.
+
+[159] [Scrupulous.]
+
+[160] [Old copies, _Fraud_.]
+
+[161] [Dissimulation.]
+
+[162] [Edit. 1592, _Iwis_.]
+
+[163] Edit. 1584, _shift it_.
+
+[164] This speech stands as follows in edit. 1592--"Gramercie, Usury;
+and doubt not but to live here as pleasantly, And pleasanter too: but
+whence came you, Symonie, tell me?"
+
+[165] _Doubt not, fairs ladie_, edit. 1592. In the next line but two,
+edit. 1592 has _certainly_ for "I perceaue," and the last two lines of
+the speech run as follows--
+
+    "And seeing we are so well setted in this countrey,
+    Rich and poore shall be pincht, whosoever come to me."
+
+[166] When this drama was reprinted in 1592, the interval between 1584
+and that date made it necessary to read 33 _years_ for "26 yeares" in
+this line. It is a curious note of time.
+
+[167] [This is given in the old copies, _sarua voulra boungrace_, but
+surely _Mercatore_ was not intended to blunder in his own language.]
+
+[168] [Scald.]
+
+[169] Omitted in edit. 1584.
+
+[170] _I think so_ is omitted in the second 4to.
+
+[171] [Signed.]
+
+[172] _Studied late_ is omitted in first 4to.
+
+[173] _At all_ is not in second 4to.
+
+[174] [Old copies, _kettels_.]
+
+[175] Possibly a personal allusion to somebody sitting "in the corner"
+of the theatre; or it may have been to some well-known character of the
+time. Farther on, Simplicity alludes to some boy among the audience.
+
+[176] [Not in _edit. 1581_]
+
+[177] [_I think youle make me serve_, edit. 1592.]
+
+[178] [_And prosperous be they to thee_, edit. 1592.]
+
+[179] [_And dine with me_, edit. 1592.]
+
+[180] [_Thankes_, edit. 1592, omitting _I give you_.]
+
+[181] [Old copies, _am_.]
+
+[182] [Testy. Halliwell spells it _testorn_. Old copies, _testren_.]
+
+[183] [Clarke, in his "Paroemiologia," 1639, has the proverb "He blushes
+like a black dog."]
+
+[184] [Old copies, _you_.]
+
+[185] [Edit. 1584 has _very_, and second 4 deg. _well_, the true reading, as
+Mr Collier suggests, being that now given in the text.]
+
+[186] [_Priest_, edit. 1592.]
+
+[187] [_Neuter_.]
+
+[188] [Miracle.]
+
+[189] [i.e., in good style.]
+
+[190] [Edit. 1584 has _must_.]
+
+[191] This line is omitted in edit. 1592.
+
+[192] [Will.]
+
+[193] For _parliament_ we are to understand _parament_, i.e., apparel,
+referring to the gowns he carries. Beaumont and Fletcher use the word
+_paramentos_--
+
+        "There were cloaks, gowns, cassocks,
+    And other _paramentos_,"
+
+--"Love's Pilgrimage," edit. Dyce, xi. 226. _Paramento_ is Spanish, and
+means ornament, embellishment, or sometimes any kind of covering.
+
+[194] [In the old copies this direction is inserted wrongly six lines
+higher up.]
+
+[195] [Old copies, _hastily_, the compositor's eye having perhaps caught
+the word from the stage-direction just above.]
+
+[196] [These three words are not in second 4 deg..]
+
+[197] [A proverbial expression. See Hazlitt's "Proverbs," 1869, p. 210.
+So, in the "Spanish Tragedy," vol. v. p. 84: "I am in a sort sorry for
+thee; but if I should be hang'd with thee, I cannot weep."]
+
+[198] [Old copies, _thy_.]
+
+[199] Mr Collier's suggestion; both the old copies, _gracious_.
+
+[200] [The first 4 deg. has _can_ for _should_, and _say_ for _'ssay_ or
+_essay_. The second 4 deg. reads _lying_ for _living_.]
+
+[201] [Old copy, _drudge_.]
+
+[202] Edit. 1592 has _availeth_. See St Matthew xvi. 26.
+
+[203] [A synonym for a drubbing.] See "All's Well that Ends Well," act
+iii. sc. 6, when this passage is quoted in illustration of "John Drum's
+entertainment," as it is called by Shakespeare. The expression was
+equivalent to _drumming out_.
+
+[204] Second 4 deg. has _array_. Mr Collier thinks _beray_ was intended by
+the writer as a blunder on the part of the clown.
+
+[205] First 4 deg., _seeke_.
+
+[206] [The clown is addressing one of the audience.]
+
+[207] [Edit. 1584, _the_.]
+
+[208] [This word is omitted in first 4 deg..]
+
+[209] [_I tell ye_, not in edit. 1592.]
+
+[210] _Tell me what good ware for England you do lacke_, edit. 1592.
+
+[211] According to "Extracts from the Stationers' Registers," i. 88,
+William Griffith was licensed in 1563-4 to print a ballad entitled "Buy,
+Broomes, buye." This maybe the song here sung by Conscience. A song to
+the tune is inserted in the tract of "Robin Goodfellow," 1628, 4 deg., but
+no doubt first published many years earlier.
+
+[212] [So both the 4 deg.s, but Mr Collier suggests _soften_.]
+
+[213] _Play, and_ are not in the second 4to.
+
+[214] [The writer seems here to have intended an allusion to Scogin,
+whose "Jests" were well-known at that time as a popular book.]
+
+[215] [_I think_, omitted in second 4to.]
+
+[216] A strong kind of cloth so called, and several times mentioned in
+Shakespeare. See "Henry IV." Part I., act i. sc. 2; "Comedy of Errors,"
+act iv. se. 3, &c.--_Collier_.
+
+[217] _The Venetians came nothing near the knee. Venetians_ were a kind
+of hose, or breeches, adopted from the fashions of Venice.
+
+[218] [First 4to reads, _not agree_.]
+
+[219] [A pun, probably, upon _alms_ and _arms_.]
+
+[220] [Old copy, _tables_.]
+
+[221] [So old copies; but the period named before was _three months_.]
+
+[222] [Old copies, _seeme_.]
+
+[223] See Shakespeare's "Love's Labour's Lost," edit. Collier, ii. 306
+and 360; Beaumont and Fletcher's "Monsieur Thomas," edit. Dyce, vii.
+364. Thomas Nash, in his "Strange Newes," 1592, sig. D 3, uses _no
+point_ just in the same way, as a sort of emphatic double negative.--"No
+point; _ergo_, it were wisely done of goodman Boores son, if he should
+go to the warres," &c.
+
+[224] [The worst wonder is.]
+
+[225] [Compassionate.]
+
+[226] [Not in first 4to.]
+
+[227] The learned Constable refers, of course, to Love, who has already
+been on the stage in a vizard at the back of her head: see earlier;
+_Enter_ LUCRE, _and_ LOVE _with a vizard, behind_.
+
+[228] [Old copies, _sacred_. This was Mr Collier's suggestion.]
+
+[229] [Old copies, _ye_.]
+
+[230] [Alluding to the "Three Ladies of London," 1584.]
+
+[231] [Old copy, _Pompe hath_.]
+
+[232] [Old copy, _place_.]
+
+[233] [The bells attached to the falcon, the _impress of Pleasure_.]
+
+[234] Referring to the chains of gold formerly worn by persons of rank
+and property.
+
+[235] Alluding to the manner in which ballad-sellers of that day used to
+expose their goods, by hanging them up in the same way that the three
+lords had hung up their shields.
+
+[236] [Foolish, maudlin.]
+
+[237] [Except.]
+
+[238] [See Hazlitt's "Proverbs," 1869, p. 265-6.]
+
+[239] The best, and indeed what may be considered the only, account of
+Tarlton the actor precedes the edition of his Jests, reprinted for the
+Shakespeare Society in 1844.
+
+[240] [Videlicet.]
+
+[241] [Ignorant.]
+
+[242] [Alluding to some wood engraving of Tarlton, which Simplicity had
+in his basket. To the reprint of "Tarlton's Jests," by the Shakespeare
+Society, are prefixed two wood-cuts, made from a drawing of the time of
+Elizabeth, and no doubt soon after the death of Tarlton of the plague
+in 1588.]
+
+[243] [Preferment.]
+
+[244] An ejaculation, apparently equivalent to _God_.
+
+[245] The first purchase made in the day--the ballad which Wit had
+bought of Simplicity.
+
+[246] Espial. The word occurs again further on.
+
+[247] [Probably a reference is intended to the proverbial expression
+about Mahomet and the mountain.]
+
+[248] An ambry or aumbry is a pantry or closet. The next line explains
+the word.
+
+[249] [Old copy, _lent_.]
+
+[250] [Old copy, _might_.]
+
+[251] [Old copy, _might_.]
+
+[252] Old copy, _tormented_.
+
+[253] [Old copy, _unmask'd_.]
+
+[254] Old copy, _our_.
+
+[255] i.e., A pack of cards; the expression was very common; _deck_,
+five lines lower, was often used for _pack_.
+
+[256] [Old copy, _from_.]
+
+[257] The wimple is generally explained as a covering for the neck, or
+for the neck and shoulders; but Shakespeare ("Love's Labour's Lost," act
+iii. se. 1) seems to use it as a covering for the eyes also, when he
+calls Cupid "This wimpled, whining, purblind, wayward boy." Steevens in
+his note states that "the wimple was a hood or veil, which fell over the
+face." The passage in our text, and what follows it, supports this
+description of the wimple.
+
+[258] This is the only part of female dress mentioned in this speech
+that seems to require a note. The "vardingale (or farthingale) of vain
+boast" is peculiarly appropriate, since a farthingale consisted of a
+very wide, expanded skirt, puffed out to show off the attire, and
+distort the figure of a lady. In modern times it bears a different name.
+
+[259] [Good-bye.]
+
+[260] [Old copy, _house_; but Simplicity is enumerating the new articles
+of attire he proposed to purchase.]
+
+[261] [He addresses the audience.]
+
+[262] [Old copy, _auditorie_.]
+
+[263] [Old copy, _proofe it fits of_.]
+
+[264] [Old copy, _a_.]
+
+[265] [Old copy, in the preceding line, _ever_.] This and the following
+lines afford a note of time, and show that the drama was written and
+acted during the preparation of the great Armada, and perhaps before its
+total defeat.
+
+[266] [The old copy reads, _peerlesse, of the rarest price_, which
+destroys the metre. The writer probably wrote _peerless_, and then,
+finding it inconvenient as regarded the measure, substituted the other
+phrase, without striking out the first word, so that the printer
+inserted both.]
+
+[267] [Old copy, _when_.]
+
+[268] See "Henry IV.," Part I., act ii. sc 1, respecting "burning
+cressets." In a note, Steevens quotes the above line in explanation of
+Shakespeare.
+
+[269] [The concluding portion of the speech is supposed to be overheard
+by Fraud and the others.]
+
+[270] The ordinary cry of the apprentices of London, when they wished to
+raise their fellows to take their part in any commotion. It is mentioned
+in many old writers.
+
+[271] A trouchman was an interpreter [literally, a truceman]: "For he
+that is the Trouchman of a Straungers tongue may well declare his
+meaning, but yet shall marre the grace of his Tale" (G. Whetstone's
+"Heptameron," 1582).
+
+[272] [Old copy, _trunke_.]
+
+[273] [This is to be pronounced as a trisyllable.]
+
+[274] [In the old copy this line is printed thus--
+
+    "Quid tibi cum domini mox servient miseri nobis; discede."]
+
+[275] [In the old copy this line is divided between Policy and Pomp
+improperly.]
+
+[276] [Might my advice be heard.]
+
+[277] [Old copy, _wished_.]
+
+[278] [Old copy, _we_.]
+
+[279] [Old copy, _Ne. Fra., Nemo_ being retained by error.]
+
+[280] [The entrance of Diligence is marked here in old copy; but he was
+already on the stage.]
+
+[281] [Simplicity seems to intend the public-wealth.]
+
+[282] [An intentional (?) error for _buckram_.]
+
+[283] They "slipped aside" on p. 483, and now re-enter. The preceding
+stage direction ought to be _Exeunt_, because the lords go out as well
+as Simplicity.
+
+[284] [Committal, prior to trial.]
+
+[285] That is, under the protection of their husbands--a legal phrase,
+not yet strictly applicable, as the ladies are not to be married to the
+lords until the next day--
+
+    "And even to-morrow is the marriage-day."
+
+[286] [Old copy, _a_.]
+
+[287] [Old copy, _noble_; the emendation was suggested by Mr Collier.]
+
+[288] Old copy, _vetuous_.
+
+[289] There must be some corruption here, or the author was not very
+anxious to be correct in his classical allusions.
+
+[290] Lies to the king. The word _lese_ is more generally used as a
+substantive.
+
+[291] [_Jug_ is a leman or mistress. Mr Collier remarks that this
+passage clears up] the hitherto unexplained exclamation in "King Lear,"
+act. i. sc. 4: "Whoop, Jug, I love thee."--The Tinker's _mail_,
+mentioned in the preceding line, is his wallet. _Trug_, in the following
+line, is equivalent to _trull_, and, possibly, is only another form of
+the same word: Middleton (edit. Dyce ii. 222) has the expression, "a
+pretty, middlesized _trug_." See also the note, where R. Greene's tract
+is quoted.
+
+[292] In one copy the text is as we give it, and in another the word is
+printed _Ideal_, the alteration having been made in the press. Possibly
+the author had some confused notion about _Ida_; but, if he cared about
+being correct, the Queen of Love did not "dally with Endymion."
+
+[293] [Thalia.]
+
+[294] [Old copy, _Idea_; a trissyllable is required for the rhythm.]
+
+[295] [Old copy, _kept_.]
+
+[296] [Bond.]
+
+[297] [Old copy, _Abstrauogant_.]
+
+[298] [Old copy, _peely_.]
+
+[299] [Cakes. Old copy, _cats_.]
+
+[300] [A Knight of the Post was a person hired to swear anything--a
+character often mentioned in old writers.]
+
+[301] Some persons, not merely without reason, but directly against it,
+treat _vild_ and _vile_, and consequently vildly and _vilely_, as
+distinct words. _Vild_ and _vildly_ are blunders in old spelling, only
+to be retained when, as now, we give the words of an author in the very
+orthography of that date. We profess here to follow the antiquated
+spelling exactly, that it may be seen how the productions in our volume
+came originally from the press: but when spelling is modernised, as it
+is in the ordinary republications of our ancient dramatists, &c., it is
+just as absurd to print "vile" _vild_, as to print "friend" frend or
+"enemy" _ennimy_.--_Mr Collier's note in the edition of_ 1851.
+
+[302] Shakespeare has the word "exigent" for _extremity_, and such seems
+to be its meaning here, and not the legal sense; the Knight says that
+the good name of his predecessors for housekeeping shall never be
+brought into extremity by him.
+
+[303] [Wary, aware.]
+
+[304] [Old copy, _Squire_.]
+
+[305] [Old copy, _for fourtie_.]
+
+[306] An early instance of the use of an expression, of frequent
+occurrence afterwards and down to our own day, equivalent to going
+without dinner. See Steevens's note to "Richard III." act iv. sc. 4,
+where many passages are quoted on the point.
+
+[307] [Old copy, _ope_.]
+
+[308] The copy of this play in the British Museum has here "_Scinthin_
+maide;" but another, belonging to the Rev. A. Dyce, "_Scythia_ maide," a
+reading we have followed, and, no doubt, introduced by the old printer
+as the sheets went through the press.
+
+[309] "Counterfeit" was a very common term for the resemblance of a
+person: in "Hamlet," act iii. sc. 4, we have "counterfeit presentment;"
+and in the "Merchant of Venice," act iii. sc. 2, "Fair Portia's
+counterfeit." In Beaumont and Fletcher's "Wife for a Month," act iv. sc.
+5, we meet-with "counterfeits in Arras" for portraits, or figures
+in tapestry.
+
+[310] [i.e., from or after.]
+
+[311] [i.e., The shoemaker. There is a jest turning upon this in one of
+the early collections of _facetiae_.]
+
+[312] [Vulcan.]
+
+[313] By "carminger" the cobbler means harbinger, an officer; who
+preceded the monarch during progresses, to give notice and make
+preparation.
+
+[314] We print it precisely as in the old copy, but we may presume that
+here a couplet was intended, as the cobbler's speech begins in rhyme:--
+
+    "And we are come to you alone
+    To deliver our petition,"
+
+[315] Roquefort in his "Glossary," i. 196, states that bysse is a sort
+_d'etoffe de soie_, and the Rev. A. Dyce, "Middleton's Works," v. 558,
+says that it means "fine linen," while others contend that it is "a
+delicate blue colour," but sometimes "black or dark grey." The truth may
+be that it was fine silk of a blue colour, and we now and then meet it
+coupled with purple--"purple and bis."
+
+[316] [Old copy, _Indian_.]
+
+[317] [Old copy, _calamon_.]
+
+[318] [i.e., he withdraws to the back of the stage, to allow the king
+to confer first with Osrick, and then comes forward again.]
+
+[319] [Old copy, _Asmoroth_.]
+
+[320] [Old copy, _Asmoroth_.]
+
+[321] [Old copy, _bid_.] _Bid_ may be taken in the sense of invite, a
+meaning it often bears in old writers; but we are most likely to
+understand it _bide_ or _abide_, the final _e_ having been omitted, or
+dropped out in the press. In the next line we have _quit_ again used
+for _acquit_.
+
+[322] [We must suppose here that Honesty sends out some of the
+attendants to bring in the Coneycatcher and Farmer, who soon make their
+re-appearance on the stage.]
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Select Collection of Old English
+Plays, Vol. VI, by Robert Dodsley
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OLD ENGLISH PLAYS, VOL. VI ***
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of A Select Collection of Old English Plays,
+Vol. VI, by Robert Dodsley
+
+Copyright laws are changing all over the world. Be sure to check the
+copyright laws for your country before downloading or redistributing
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+*****These eBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers!*****
+
+
+Title: A Select Collection of Old English Plays, Vol. VI
+
+Author: Robert Dodsley
+
+Release Date: February, 2006 [EBook #9848]
+[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule]
+[This file was first posted on October 24, 2003]
+
+Edition: 10
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OLD ENGLISH PLAYS, VOL. VI ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Tapio Riikonen
+and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team.
+
+
+
+
+A SELECT COLLECTION OF OLD ENGLISH PLAYS, VOL. VI
+
+Originally published by Robert Dodsley in the Year 1744.
+
+
+FOURTH EDITION, NOW FIRST CHRONOLOGICALLY ARRANGED, REVISED AND
+ENLARGED WITH THE NOTES OF ALL THE COMMENTATORS, AND NEW NOTES
+
+BY
+
+W. CAREW HAZLITT.
+
+
+1874-1876
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+The Conflict of Conscience
+The rare Triumphs of Love and Fortune
+The three Ladies of London
+The three Ladies and three Lords of London
+A Knack to know a Knave
+
+
+
+FIVE PLAYS.
+
+[These five dramas were originally edited for the Roxburghe Club in 1851
+by Mr J. Payne Collier, and are now incorporated with the present
+Collection precisely as they stand in the Roxburghe Club volume, with Mr
+Collier's kind permission, his general introduction included. The only
+difference is that the notes, instead of occurring at the end of each
+Play, are placed at the foot of the page.]
+
+
+
+[MR COLLIER'S GENERAL INTRODUCTION.]
+
+Four of the five ensuing Plays belong to a peculiar class of our early
+dramatic performances never yet especially noticed, nor sufficiently
+illustrated.
+
+Many specimens have of late years been printed, and reprinted, of
+Miracle-plays, of Moral-plays, and of productions written in the most
+matured period of our dramatic literature; but little or nothing has
+been done to afford information respecting a species of
+stage-representation which constitutes a link between Moral-plays on the
+one hand, and Tragedy and Comedy on the other, as Tragedy and Comedy
+existed at the period when Shakespeare and his contemporaries were
+writers for various theatres in the metropolis. This deficiency it has
+been our main object to supply.
+
+The four pieces to which we refer are neither plays which enforce a
+moral lesson by means of abstract impersonations only, nor are they
+dramas which profess to consist merely of scenes drawn from life,
+represented by real characters: they may be said to form a class by
+themselves, where characters both abstract and individual are employed
+in the same performance. The most remarkable drama of this intermediate
+kind, and the only one to which particular attention has been directed
+in modern times, is called "The Tragical Comedy of Appius and Virginia,"
+which originally came out in 1575, and is reprinted in the [former and
+present] edition of "Dodsley's Old Plays" from the sole existing
+copy.[1] In it an important historical event is commemorated, and the
+hero, heroine, and some other principal agents are known characters; but
+they are mixed up with allegorical abstractions, and the representatives
+of moral qualities, while the Vice of the older stage is introduced, for
+the sake of diversifying the representation, and amusing popular
+audiences. The plot of this production has no religious application, and
+it was not written with any avowed moral purpose. In this respect, as
+well as in some other peculiarities, it is unlike the drama which stands
+first in the following sheets. Still, the general character is the same
+in both: in both we have a mixture of fact and fable, of reality and
+allegory, of individuality and abstraction, with the addition, in the
+latter case, of the enforcement of a lesson, for the instruction of
+those to whom it was addressed.
+
+"The Conflict of Conscience," by Nathaniel Woodes, "Minister in
+Norwich," was originally printed in 1581, 4to, and it is reprinted in
+our volume from a copy in the possession of the Editor, which has the
+advantage of a Prologue. This introductory address is wanting in the
+exemplar in the British Museum; but it unquestionably belonged to the
+piece, because it also precedes a third copy, in the library of the Duke
+of Devonshire. We know not that this drama was ever republished, but the
+Registers of the Company of Stationers contain an entry by John
+Charlwood, dated 15th June 1587, of "a ballad of Mr Fraunces, an
+Italian, a doctor of law, who denied the Lord Jesus,"[2] which, as will
+be seen presently, probably refers to the same story, and, though called
+"a ballad," may possibly have been a reprint of "The Conflict of
+Conscience." The names borne by the different characters are all stated
+upon the title-page, with such a distribution of the parts as would
+enable six actors to represent the piece; and looking merely at this
+list, which we have exactly copied, it does not appear in what way the
+performance bears even a remote resemblance to tragedy or comedy. The
+names read like an enumeration of such personages as were ordinarily
+introduced into the Moral-plays of an earlier period--indeed, one of
+them seems to be derived from the still more ancient form of
+Miracle-plays, frequently represented with the assistance of the clergy.
+We allude to Satan, who opens the body of the drama by a long speech (so
+long that we can hardly understand how a popular audience endured it)
+but does not afterwards take part in the action, excepting through the
+agency of such characters as Hypocrisy, Tyranny, and Avarice, who may be
+supposed to be his instruments, and under his influence and direction.
+
+Nevertheless, a real and, as he may be considered, an historical,
+personage is represented in various scenes of the play, and is, in
+truth, its hero, although the author, for reasons assigned in the
+Prologue, objected to the insertion of his name in the text. These
+reasons, however, did not apply to the title-page, where the apostacy of
+Francis Spira, or Spiera, is announced as the main subject, and of whom
+an account may be found in Sleidan's "Vingt-neuf Livres d'Histoire"
+(liv. xxi. edit. Geneva, 1563). Spiera was an Italian lawyer, who
+abandoned the Protestant for the Roman Catholic faith, and in remorse
+and despair committed suicide about thirty years anterior to the date
+when "The Conflict of Conscience" came from the press. How long this
+event had occurred before Nathaniel Woodes wrote his drama upon the
+story, we have no means of knowing; but the object of the author
+unquestionably was to forward and fix the Reformation, and we may
+conclude, perhaps, that an incident of the kind would not be brought
+upon the stage until some years after Elizabeth had been seated on the
+throne, and until what was called "the new faith" was firmly settled in
+the belief, and in the affections, of the great majority of the nation.
+We apprehend, therefore, that "The Conflict of Conscience" was not
+written until about 1570.
+
+It is the introduction of this real person, under the covert name of
+Philologus, that constitutes the chief distinction between the drama we
+have reprinted and Moral-plays, which, though still sometimes exhibited,
+were falling into desuetude. As most persons are aware, they consisted,
+in their first and simplest form, entirely of allegorical or
+representative characters, although, as audiences became accustomed to
+such abstractions, attempts were from time to time made to give, even to
+such imaginary impersonations, individual peculiarities and interests.
+Besides the hero of "The Conflict of Conscience," his friends Eusebius
+and Theologus may also have been intended for real personages; and
+Gisbertus and Paphinitius were, possibly, the true names of the sons of
+Francis Spiera.
+
+It will he seen that the drama is divided into six acts; but the last
+act consists of no more than a short speech by a Nuntius, who comes
+forward, as it should seem, to give a false representation of an
+historical fact--so early did a dramatist feel himself warranted in
+deviating from received statements, if it better answered his purpose
+not to adhere to them. In the instance before us, Nathaniel Woodes
+thought fit to alter the catastrophe, for the sake of the moral lesson
+he wished to enforce; and he, therefore, represented that Spiera had not
+committed suicide, and had, to the great joy of his friends, before
+death been re-converted to the religion he had so weakly abandoned. It
+will he observed, also, that the divisions of acts and scenes are very
+irregularly made towards the conclusion of the performance. From one
+passage we learn that no less than thirty weeks are supposed to elapse
+between the exit of Philologus, and his death as announced on the
+next page.
+
+Nearly the whole of the piece is written in the ordinary seven-line
+stanza, with here and there the insertion of a couplet, more, no doubt,
+for convenience than for variety. The author seems to have very little
+consulted the wishes and tastes of a popular assembly; for,
+independently of the wearisome introduction, the interlocutions are
+sometimes carried to the extreme of tediousness, and the comic scenes
+are few, and failures. Perhaps, if any exception can be made, it is in
+favour of the interview between Hypocrisy, Tyranny, and Avarice, where
+the first, in consistency with his character, succeeds somewhat
+humorously in imposing upon both his companions. The long address of
+Caconos and his subsequent dialogue with Hypocrisy, Tyranny, and
+Avarice, is recommended to notice as an ancient and accurate specimen of
+our northern dialect. The long passage, where Caconos describes his
+knowledge of his portas by its illuminations, has been imitated by other
+authors, and, very likely, was not new in this drama.
+
+What we have to state regarding the text of this play applies strictly
+to all the others. We have given, as far as modern typography would
+allow, faithful representations of the original copies, with the close
+observation of spelling and other peculiarities. If, for the sake of
+mere intelligibility, we have rarely added a word or even a letter, we
+have always inserted it between brackets; and for the settlement of
+difficulties, and the illustration of obscure customs and allusions, we
+refer to the notes which succeed each play. We might have subjoined them
+at the foot of the page, but we thought they would be considered by many
+a needless interruption; while, if we had reserved the whole for the end
+of our volume, their bulk, and the numerous paginal references might
+have produced confusion and delay. We judged it best, therefore, to
+follow each separate production by the separate notes applicable to it;
+and the reader will thus have, as far as our knowledge extends, the
+ready means of required explanation, which we have endeavoured to
+compress into the smallest compass. We ought to add, that the only
+liberty we have taken is with the old and ill-regulated punctuation[3]
+which it was often necessary to alter, that the sense of the author
+might be understood and appreciated.
+
+The production which stands second in this volume may also be looked
+upon, in another sense, as intermediate with reference to
+stage-performances. It has for title "The rare Triumphs of Love and
+Fortune," and was probably designed by its unknown author for a
+court-show. The earliest information we possess regarding it establishes
+that it was represented before Queen Elizabeth between Christmas 1581
+and February 1582. The following is the entry regarding it in the
+Accounts of the office of the Revels of that date:--
+
+"A Historic of Love and Fortune, shewed before her Majestie at Wyndesor,
+on the sondaie at night next before new yeares daie. Enacted by the
+Earle of Derbies servauntes. For which newe provision was made of one
+Citty and one Battlement of Canvas, iij Ells of sarcenet, a [bolt] of
+canvas, and viij paire of gloves, with sondrey other furniture in this
+office."[4]
+
+There exists in the same records a memorandum respecting "The play of
+Fortune" ten years earlier,[5] but the terms employed are so general,
+that we do not feel warranted in considering it "The rare Triumphs of
+Love and Fortune" which we have reprinted: the "History of Love and
+Fortune," mentioned in the preceding quotation from the Revels'
+Accounts, was no doubt the drama under consideration; and we see that,
+besides sarcenet and gloves, the new properties (as they were then, and
+still are, called) necessary for the performance were a city and a
+battlement to be composed of, or represented on, canvas. We may perhaps
+conclude that the piece was not written long before it was acted at
+Windsor; but it did not come from the press until 1589, and the sole
+copy of it is preserved in the library of the Earl of Ellesmere, who, in
+his known spirit of liberal encouragement, long since permitted the
+Editor to make a transcript of it. We have met with no entry of its
+publication in the Registers of the Stationers' Company.
+
+It will be observed that the foundation of the piece depends upon a
+contest for superiority between Venus and Fortune, and that the first
+act (for the drama is regularly divided into acts, though the scenes are
+not distinguished) is a species of induction to the rest. It is the more
+remarkable, because it contains some early specimens of dramatic
+blank-verse, although it may be questioned whether the piece was ever
+exhibited at a public theatre.
+
+We discover no trace of it in "Henslowe's Diary,"[6] nor in any other
+authority, printed or manuscript, relating to plays exhibited before
+public audiences in the reign of Elizabeth; but it is nevertheless clear
+that it was "played before the Queen's most excellent Majesty" (as the
+title-page states) by the retainers of the Earl of Derby, a company of
+actors at that date engaged in public performances; and it was then,
+and afterwards, usual for the Master of the Revels to select dramas for
+performance at court, that were favourites with persons who were in the
+habit of frequenting the houses generally employed, or purposely
+erected, for dramatic representations. If "The rare Triumphs of Love and
+Fortune" were ever acted at a public theatre, the several shows in the
+first act, of Troilus and Cressida, of Alexander, of Dido, of Pompey and
+Caesar, and of Hero and Leander, would of course have been attractive.
+
+It is not necessary to enter at all into the plot, which was composed to
+evince alternately the power of Venus and of Fortune in influencing the
+lives of a pair of faithful lovers: the man, with some singularity,
+being called Hermione, and the woman Fidelia. They are successively
+placed by the two goddesses in situations of distress and difficulty,
+from which they are ultimately released; and in the end Venus and
+Fortune are reconciled, and join in promoting the happiness of the
+couple they had exposed to such trials. The serious business is relieved
+by some attempts at comedy by a clownish servant, called Lentulo, and in
+the third act a song is introduced for greater variety, which, as was
+not unusual at a later period of our stage history, seems to have been
+left to the choice of the performer. The prayer for the Queen, at the
+conclusion of the drama, put into the mouth of Fortune, was a relic of a
+more ancient practice, and perhaps affords further proof, if it were
+wanted, that it was represented before Elizabeth.[7] It appears not
+unlikely that, if "The rare Triumphs of Love and Fortune" had been
+chosen by the Master of the Revels for representation at court on
+account of its popularity, the fact of its having been acted by a
+particular company at a known theatre would have been stated upon the
+title-page, as a testimony to its merits, and as an incentive to its
+purchasers.
+
+We need not hesitate in stating that the third and fourth dramas in the
+present volume were "publicly played," and the title-page of one of them
+states the fact. Moreover, they were the authorship of a most
+distinguished individual, perhaps only second to Tarlton as an actor,
+and decidedly his superior as an author. Nothing that has come down to
+us leads us to suppose, that Tarlton had much beyond his lavish
+extemporal wit and broad drollery to recommend him; for although various
+productions were attributed to him, such as are extant do not warrant an
+opinion that, as a writer, he had much originality.[8] The reverse is
+the case with Robert Wilson, whose initials are on the title-pages of
+"The three Ladies of London," and of "The three Lords and three Ladies
+of London," and who, besides his well-attested talents as a public
+performer, was indisputably a dramatist of great ability. He, too, was
+famous for his extreme readiness of reply, when suddenly called upon;
+but we cannot help suspecting that some confusion has arisen between the
+Robert Wilson, the writer of the two dramas above-named (as well as of
+"The Cobbler's Prophecy," 1594, a production of a similar character),
+and the Robert Wilson who is mentioned in "Henslowe's Diary," and whom
+Meres, as late as 1598, calls "our worthy Wilson," adding that he was
+"for learning and extemporal wit, without compare or compeer."[9] The
+younger Robert Wilson was, perhaps, the son of the elder; but without
+here entering into the evidence on the point (with which we were not
+formerly so well-acquainted), we may state our persuasion generally,
+that the Robert Wilson who was appointed one of the leaders of one of
+Queen Elizabeth's two companies of players in 1583,[10] was not the same
+Robert Wilson who was a joint-author, with Munday, Drayton, and Hathway,
+in the drama on the story of Sir John Oldcastle, imputed to Shakespeare
+on the authority of some copies printed in 1600.
+
+There are two old editions of "The three Ladies of London," one of them
+printed in 1584, the text of which we have followed, and the other in
+1592, the various readings of which we have noted. Both of them have the
+initials R.W. on the title-page as those of the writer; but some doubt
+has been thrown upon the question of authorship, because, at the end of
+the piece, in both impressions, we read "Finis. Paul Bucke." The fact,
+however, no doubt is that Paul Bucke who, it has been recently
+ascertained, was an actor,[11] subscribed the transcript, which about
+1584 he had procured for Roger Ward the printer, in order to
+authenticate it: hence the connection of his name with the production,
+in the performance of which he may also have had a share, and he may
+thus have had access to the prompter's book. The Paul Bucke, who in 1578
+was the author of a "prayer for Sir Humphrey Gilbert," was in all
+probability the same individual.[12]
+
+The second edition of 1592 would seem, from the many variations, to have
+been printed from a different manuscript to that used for the edition of
+1584, and in some respects it was an improvement. Still, as we have
+stated, the name of Paul Bucke is at the termination of both; and it is
+a somewhat remarkable indication of the care displayed in bringing out
+the second edition, that whereas in the first edition an event is spoken
+of as having occurred in the reign of Queen Mary, "not much more than
+twenty-six years" before, in the second edition printed seven or eight
+years afterwards, the figures 26 are altered to 33. Such proofs of
+attention to comparative trifles were unusual in the reprints of old
+plays; and it may be doubted whether in this instance it would have been
+afforded, had not "The three Ladies of London" continued such a
+favourite with the town as to occasion its frequent repetition at the
+public theatre. A piece of evidence to show the popularity of the drama
+long after its original publication is to be found in Edward Guilpin's
+"Skialetheia, or a Shadowe of Truth," 8vo, 1598, where it is thus
+distinctly alluded to--
+
+    "The world's so bad that vertue's over-awde,
+    And forst, poore soule, to become vices bawde;
+    Like the old morall of the comedie,
+    Where Conscience favours Lucar's harlotry."
+
+These lines are contained in the first satire of this very curious and
+interesting work, and the readers of the drama will at once be aware of
+their application.[13]
+
+"The three Ladies of London" recommended itself to our notice for the
+present volume, on account of the peculiarity of its construction:
+Guilpin, we see, speaks of it as "the old moral of the comedy," and
+this, in truth, is the exact description of it. It is neither entirely a
+"moral," nor entirely a "comedy," but a mixture of both, differing from
+the drama that stands first in our volume, because the real characters
+introduced are not known or historical personages. Most of the _dramatis
+personae_ are indisputably allegorical or representative, the
+embodiments of certain virtues and vices; but individuals are also
+employed, such as Gerontus a Jew, and Mercadore a merchant, besides a
+Judge who is called upon to determine a dispute between them. This
+portion of the piece may be said to belong to a more advanced period of
+our stage, and distinguishes it, as far as we are aware, from anything
+of the kind known anterior to the date when the production first came
+from the press. The name Gerontus can hardly fail to bring to mind that
+of the hero of the old ballad of "Gernutus, the Jew of Venice;"[14] but
+there is a remarkable difference between the two persons: in the play
+before us Gerontus is represented in a very favourable light, as an
+upright Jew, only anxious to obtain his own property by fair means,
+while his antagonist, a Christian merchant, endeavours to defeat the
+claim by fraud, perjury, and apostacy. So far the drama of "The three
+Ladies of London" contradicts the position, founded mainly upon
+Marlowe's Barabas[15] and Shakespeare's Shylock, that our early
+dramatists eagerly availed themselves of popular prejudices against
+the conscientious adherents to the old dispensation.
+
+The construction of "The three Ladies of London" in other respects will
+speak for itself, but we may be allowed to give Wilson credit for the
+acuteness and political subtlety he evinces in several of his scenes;
+for the severity of many of his touches of satire; for his amusing
+illustrations of manners; for his exposure of the tricks of foreign
+merchants, and for the humour and drollery which he has thrown into his
+principal comic personage. The name of this character is Simplicity, who
+is the fool or clown of the performance, and who, in conformity with the
+practice, not only of our earlier but sometimes of our later stage,
+makes several amusing appeals to the audience. We may pretty safely
+conclude, although we are without any hint of the kind, that this
+arduous part was sustained by the author himself.
+
+The original copy of this production, to which we have resorted, is
+among the Garrick Plays: we recollect to have met with no other copy of
+the edition of the year 1584; but at least three of the later impression
+have come under our notice: one is in the library of the Duke of
+Devonshire, another in that of the Earl of Ellesmere, and a third at
+Oxford. Of all these we have more or less availed ourselves in
+our reprint.
+
+The fourth play in the ensuing pages, "The three Lords and three Ladies
+of London," is connected in subject with the third, and, as stated
+already, is by the same author, who placed his initials, R.W., upon the
+title-page. The reprint is made from a copy in the possession of the
+Editor, compared with two others of the same date which in no respect
+vary: it may be right to mention this fact, because, as all who have
+been in the habit of examining the productions of our early stage are
+aware, important alterations and corrections were sometimes introduced
+while the sheets were going through the press. Our title-page, including
+the wood-cut, may be considered a facsimile. It will be seen that it was
+printed in 1590, and it was probably written by Robert Wilson about two
+years before, as a sort of second part to his "Three Ladies of London,"
+which had met with such decided success. That success was perhaps in
+some degree revived by the frequent performance of "The three Lords and
+three Ladies of London," and the consequence seems to have been the
+publication of the new edition of the former in 1592.
+
+The author called his new effort "The pleasant and stately Moral of the
+three Lords and three Ladies of London," and it bears, in all its
+essential features, a strong resemblance to the species of drama known
+as a Moral or Moral-play. This resemblance is even more close and
+striking than that of "The three Ladies of London;" for such important
+characters as Gerontus and Mercadore are wanting, and as far as the
+_dramatis personae_ are concerned, there is little to take it out of the
+class of earlier dramatic representations, but the characters of Nemo
+and the Constable, the latter being so unimportant that Wilson did not
+include him in the list of "the Actor's names" which immediately follows
+the title. Had the piece, however, made a still more remote approach to
+comedy, and had it possessed fewer of the mixed features belonging to
+its predecessor, we should unhesitatingly have reprinted it as a
+necessary sequel.
+
+Towards the conclusion of the drama, as well indeed as in the
+introductory stanzas, the allusions to the Armada and to the empty
+vaunts of the Spaniards are so distinct and obvious, that we cannot
+place the composition of it earlier than 1588; but it must have remained
+in manuscript for about two years, since it was not published until
+after July 1590, the following entry in the Stationers' Registers
+bearing date the 31st of that month:--
+
+  "Richard Jones. Entered for his copie, under thandes of doctor Wood
+  and the wardens, a comedie of the plesant and statelie morrall of the
+  Three lordes of London."[16]
+
+Richard Jones, as will be seen from the imprint, was the publisher of
+the work; but the clerk who made the memorandum in the books blundered
+respecting the name, and, besides terming it "a comedy" as well as "a
+pleasant and stately moral," he omitted that portion of the title which
+immediately connects it with "The three Ladies of London." That
+connection is avowed in the Prologue (usually called a "Preface") which
+was spoken by "a Lady, very richly attired, representing London;" and it
+is evident that the author had every reason for making the fact
+prominent, inasmuch as it was his interest to prove the relationship
+between his new offspring and a drama that had for some years been
+established in public approbation. London, speaking in the poet's name,
+therefore, says--
+
+    "My former fruits were lovely Ladies three;
+    Now of three Lords to talk is London's glee:
+    Whose deeds I wish may to your liking frame,
+    For London bids you welcome to the same."
+
+Although, in its plot and general character, "The three Lords and three
+Ladies of London" is not so far advanced towards genuine comedy, the
+representation of life and manners, as its first part, "The three Ladies
+of London," in style and composition it makes a much nearer approach to
+what soon afterwards became the language of the stage, such as we find
+it in the works of Shakespeare, and of some of his most gifted
+contemporaries. Wilson, doubtless, saw the necessity, in 1588, of
+adopting some of those improvements of versification in which Marlowe
+had led the way; he therefore laid aside (excepting in a few comic
+scenes) his heavy, lumbering, and monotonous fourteen-syllable lines
+(sometimes carried to a greater length for the sake of variety) and not
+only usually employed ten-syllable lines, but introduced speeches of
+blank verse. His drama opens with this then uncommon form, and he avails
+himself of it afterwards, interspersing also prose in such situations as
+did not seem to require measured speech. This of itself was at that time
+a bold undertaking; for Marlowe had only just before 1588, when "The
+three Lords and three Ladies of London" must have been written,
+commenced weaning audiences at our public theatres from what, in the
+Prologue to his "Tamburlaine the Great," he ridicules as the "jigging
+veins of rhiming motherwits."[17] Robert Wilson is, on this account, to
+be regarded with singular respect, and his works to be read with
+peculiar interest. It is not easy to settle the question of precedency,
+but, as far as our knowledge at present extends, he seems entitled to be
+considered the second writer of blank verse for dramas intended for
+popular audiences. This is a point of view in which his productions have
+never yet been contemplated, and it renders the play we have reprinted,
+illustrating as it does so important and striking a change, especially
+worthy of notice and republication.
+
+Something has been already said respecting the characters who figure in
+this representation, and we may add that although Simplicity, who here
+performs even a more prominent and important part than in "The three
+Ladies of London," must be reckoned the impersonation of a quality, and
+the representative of a class, so much individuality is given to him,
+particularly in his capacity of a ballad-singer, that it is impossible
+not to take a strong interest in all that he says, and in the incidents
+in which he is engaged. Richard Tarlton, the famous comedian, died on 3d
+Sept. 1588, rather more than a month after the entry of "The three Lords
+and three Ladies of London" at Stationers' Hall; and in this play it
+will be seen that Simplicity produces his "picture" before the audience,
+and gives a minute account of his habits, appearance, and employments.
+It is clear, therefore, as Tarlton is spoken of as dead, that this part
+of the drama must have been written, and introduced, subsequent to the
+memorandum in the Stationers' Registers. This of itself is a curious
+circumstance, and it serves to show with what promptitude our old
+dramatists availed themselves of any temporary matter that could give
+attraction and popularity to their plays.
+
+As we have supposed Wilson himself to have acted Simplicity in "The
+three Ladies of London," we may perhaps conclude that he sustained the
+same character in "The three Lords and three Ladies of London." The part
+was an excellent one for the display of comic humour and clownish
+drollery, and the enumeration of the old ballads he sings and sells
+needs no illustration here, where, in fact, it would be out of place.
+The familiar manner in which Simplicity at times addresses the audience,
+for the sake of raising a laugh, is even more unlicensed in this play
+than in its predecessor, and we never before saw the words "To the
+audience" introduced, by way of stage-direction to the performer, that
+he might appeal to the spectators.[18]
+
+The copy of this play most employed in the ensuing pages is the
+property of the Editor, but he has had an opportunity of comparing
+it with another in the library of the Duke of Devonshire.
+
+The connection between the productions of our ancient and more modern
+stage, such as it existed at the close of the reign of Elizabeth, is
+even more slightly evidenced by the drama which conies last in our
+volume, the main features of which bear only a distant resemblance to
+our drama, while it was still under the trammels of allegorical
+impersonation. Nevertheless, the likeness is to be traced without
+difficulty; and when we find such a character as Honesty most
+prominently engaged from the beginning to the end of the performance (to
+say nothing of the introduction of the representative of the principle
+of evil in two passages), the mind is carried back to a period of our
+theatrical history when such characters were alone employed on our
+stage. Honesty has no necessary connection with the plot, nor with its
+development, beyond the exposure by his means of fraud, flattery, and
+hypocrisy: he bears no relation, however distant, to any of the parties
+engaged in the performance, and seems to have been designed by the
+unknown author as a sort of running commentator and bitter satirist upon
+the vices and follies of mankind. On the other hand, the chief
+characters among the _dramatis personae_ are real and historical, and
+King Edgar and Bishop Dunstan, with Ethenwald and Alfrida, may be said
+to figure prominently throughout. The Knight, the Squire, and the
+Farmer, who make their appearance further on, are clearly embodiments of
+the several classes of society to which they appertain. Thus, although
+the "Knack to know a Knave" makes a nearer approach to comedy than any
+of the four dramas which precede it, it still by no means entirely
+discards the use of personages of a description which, many years
+earlier, engrossed our stage. Characters and scenes of life and manners
+are blended with others supported only by conventional impersonations,
+in which the dialogue is not intended to advance the plot, but merely to
+enforce a lesson of morality, probity, or discretion.
+
+It is not always easy to guess at the full meaning of the author in
+various scenes he introduces, but some of them were obviously inserted
+for the purpose of exciting the laughter of the audience, and of giving
+an opportunity of display to a favourite low comedian. One of the actors
+is expressly mentioned on the title-page, where "Kemp's applauded
+merriments of the men of Gotham, in receiving the King into Gotham" are
+made prominent; but unless much were left to the extemporaneous
+invention of the performer, or unless much has been omitted in the
+printed copy, which was inserted by the author in his manuscript, it is
+difficult at this time of day to discover in what the wit, if not the
+drollery, consisted. As this portion of the play has come down to us, it
+seems to be composed of mere ignorant and blundering buffoonery,
+unworthy of a comedian, who undoubtedly afterwards sustained important
+humorous characters in the plays of Shakespeare. Who was the Bailiff of
+Hexham, and why he was brought forward on his deathbed near the opening
+of the drama, we are unable to explain, unless the author's object were
+that the spectators, when the Bailiff was ultimately carried away by the
+devil, should have ocular proof of the condign punishment which followed
+his principles as explained to his sons, and his practices as avowed by
+himself.
+
+We can establish, almost to a day, when the "Knack to know a Knave" was
+first represented, for we find it thus entered in "Henslowe's Diary:" it
+is in an account relating to the performances of the company acting
+under the name of Lord Strange, at the Rose Theatre, from 19th Feb.
+1591-2 to the 22d June 1592--
+
+  R[eceive]d at Jeronimo, the 9 of June 1592   xxviij's.
+  Rd at a Knack to know a Knave, 1592, 1 day   iij'li. xij's.
+  Rd at Harry the VI, the 12 June 1592         xxxiij's.
+
+Here, therefore, we find (reforming the uncouth spelling of the old
+manager) that the play under consideration was acted, for the first
+day,[19] between the 9th and 12th June 1592, and that Henslowe's share
+of the receipts amounted to 3l. 12s. 0d. It was acted again on 15th and
+22d June, when the account ends. William Kemp was at this time a member
+of the company in the prosperity of which Henslowe was interested, and
+had not yet joined the association acting under the sanction of the Lord
+Chamberlain, to which, in 1592, Shakespeare had for some years belonged.
+"Ed. Allen and his Company," spoken of on the title-page to the printed
+copy of "A Knack to know a Knave" as those by whom it had been "played,"
+were the actors of Lord Strange.[20]
+
+With regard to the date when the "Knack to know a Knave" was printed,
+we are in possession of pretty distinct evidence that it came out in the
+early part of 1594, the year stated on the title-page. The imprint also
+informs us that Richard Jones, then carrying on business at the Rose and
+Crown near Holborn Bridge, was the typographer; and we meet with the
+following entry at Stationers' Hall, preparatory to the publication,
+with his name prefixed to it.
+
+  "vij'o Januarij [1593-4]
+
+  "Rich. Jones. Entred for his Copie &c. A comedie entitled a Knack to
+  knowe a Knaue, newlye sett fourth, as it hath sundrye tymes ben plaid
+  by Ned Allen and his Companie, with Kemps applauded Merymentes of the
+  men of Goteham."[21]
+
+The sum paid to the clerk who kept the register was, as usual, sixpence;
+and from the terms above employed, which nearly follow those of the
+title-page, we may feel pretty sure that the copy taken to Stationers'
+Hall was a printed one, and not, as seems to have been generally the
+case, a manuscript.
+
+There is no doubt that the drama was extremely popular both on and off
+the stage; and although it is now one of the scarcest of our old plays,
+it must have been a profitable speculation to the publisher. In order
+that the various parties interested might more effectually avail
+themselves of the favour with which it had been received, a sort of
+counterpart was written to it, and acted for the first time on 22d
+October 1594, by the players of the Queen and of the Earl of Sussex
+(then performing together), under the title of "A Knack to know an
+Honest Man." This drama, though inferior in every respect, appears by
+"Henslowe's Diary" (for he was also interested in the receipts of these
+united associations) to have had a long and advantageous run.[22] It was
+not published until 1596, and it was previously entered on the
+Stationers' books by Cuthbert Burby. In the same year was printed by
+Valentine Simmes a work, the title of which was evidently borrowed from
+the proverbial expression "a knack to knowe a knave," which possibly had
+its origin in the great popularity of the drama we have reprinted. This
+work was by M.B., and was called "The Triall of true Friendship; or a
+perfect mirror to discerne a trustie friend from a flattering
+Parasite--Otherwise a _Knack to know a Knave_ from an honest man." One
+principal purpose of the play under consideration was to expose the
+flattery of the parasite Perin, who endeavoured to impose upon King
+Edgar, but was detected by Honesty. It seems not unlikely that Honesty
+was the character sustained by Edward Alleyn, but we have no knowledge
+of the distribution of any of the parts, beyond the fact that Kemp
+played a chief blunderer in the comic scene; whether that was the
+Miller, the Cobbler, or the Smith may, perhaps, admit of dispute.
+
+The story of the serious portion of the play was doubtless derived from
+an old ballad, inserted by Thomas Deloney in his "Garland of Good Will"
+(probably written by him), where it is entitled "A Song of King Edgar,
+showing how he was deceived of his Love." As it is reprinted in all the
+editions of "Evans's Old Ballads," and has been the subject of two plays
+in comparatively modern times,[23] it is not necessary here to give any
+detail of the plot, which also, in several incidents, strongly resembles
+parts of Robert Greene's "Friar Bacon and Friar Bongay," which, like the
+"Knack to know a Knave," was printed in 1594.[24]
+
+The Editor was, some years ago, permitted to make a transcript of this
+rare play from a copy in the library of his Grace the Duke of
+Devonshire, that in the British Museum being very defective in several
+places, and the missing pages having been supplied by very delusive
+manuscript. The Rev. Alexander Dyce also possesses a perfect exemplar,
+which was extremely useful for the purpose of collation.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE CONFLICT OF CONSCIENCE
+
+
+EDITION.
+
+An excellent new Commedie, Intituled: The Conflict of Conscience.
+Contayninge, A most lamentable example of the dolefull desperation of a
+miserable world-linge termed by the name of Philologus, _who_ forsooke
+the trueth of Gods Gospel, for feare of the losse of lyfe & worldly
+goods. Compiled, by Nathaniell Woodes, Minister, in Norwich.
+
+The Actors names, deuided into six partes, most conuenient for such as
+be disposed, either to shew this Comedie in priuate houses, or
+otherwise.
+
+PROLOGUE,     |
+MATHETES,     |  _For one_.
+CONSCIENCE,   |
+PAPHINITIUS,  |
+
+SATAN,        |
+TYRANNY,      |
+SPIRIT,       |  _For one_.
+HORROR,       |
+EUSEBIUS,     |
+
+AVARICE,      |
+SUGGESTION,   |  _For one_.
+GISBERTUS,    |
+NUNTIUS,      |
+
+HYPOCRISY,    |  _For one_.
+THEOLOGUS,    |
+
+CARDINAL,     |  _For one_.
+CACON,        <
+
+PHILOLOGUS,      _For one_.
+
+At London Printed by Richarde Bradocke dwellinge in Aldermanburie,
+a little aboue the Conduict. Anno. 1581. 4ş. Black-letter.
+
+
+
+THE PROLOGUE
+
+When whirling winds which blow with blust'ring blast,
+Shall cease their course, and not the air move,
+But still unstirred it doth stand, it chanceth at the last
+To be infect, the truth hereof even day by day we prove;
+For deep within the caves of earth of force it doth behove,
+Sith that no winds do come thereto, the air out to beat,
+By standing still the closed air doth breed infections great.
+
+The stream or flood, which runneth up and down,
+Is far more sweet than is the standing brook:
+If long unworn you leave a cloak or gown,
+Moths will it mar, unless you thereto look:
+Again, if that upon a shelf you place or set a book,
+And suffer it there still to stand, the worms will soon it eat:
+A knife likewise, in sheath laid up, the rust will mar and fret.
+
+The good road-horse, if still at rack he stand,
+To resty jade will soon transformed be:
+If long untill'd you leave a fertile land,
+From streck and weed no place will be left free.
+By these examples and such like approve then well may we,
+That idleness more evils doth bring into the mind of man,
+Than labour great in longer time again expel out can.
+
+Which thing our Author marking well, when wearied was his mind
+From reading grave and ancient works, yet loth his time to lose,
+Bethought himself, to ease his heart, some recreance to find,
+And as he mused in his mind, immediately arose
+A strange example done of late, which might, as he suppose,
+Stir up their minds to godliness, which should it see or hear,
+And therefore humbly doth you pray to give attentive ear.
+
+The argument or ground, whereon our Author chiefly stayed,
+Is (sure) a history strange and true, to many men well known,
+Of one through love of worldly wealth and fear of death dismay'd,
+Because he would his life and goods have kept still as his own,
+From state of grace wherein he stood was almost overthrown;
+So that he had no power at all in heart firm faith to have,
+Till at the last God chang'd his mind his mercies for to crave.
+
+And here our Author thought it meet the true name to omit,
+And at this time imagine him PHILOLOGUS to be;
+First, for because a Comedy will hardly him permit
+The vices of one private man to touch particularly:
+Again, now shall it stir them more, who shall it hear or see;
+For if this worldling had been nam'd, we would straight deem in mind,
+That all by him then spoken were, ourselves we would not find.
+
+But sith PHILOLOGUS is nought else but one that loves to talk,
+And common[25] of the word of God, but hath no further care,
+According as it teacheth them in God's fear for to walk,
+If that we practise this indeed, PHILOLOGI we are,
+And so by his deserved fault we may in time beware:
+Now if, as Author first it meant, you hear it with this gain,
+In good behalf he will esteem that he bestowed his pain.
+
+And for because we see by proof, that men do soon forget
+Those things for which to call them by no name at all they know,
+Our Author, for to help short wits, did think it very meet
+Some name for this his Comedy in preface for to show.
+Now names to natures must agree, as every man do know,
+A fitter name he could in mind no where excogitate,
+Than THE CONFLICT OF CONSCIENCE the same to nominate.
+
+A cruel Conflict certainly, where Conscience takes the foil,
+And is constrained by the flesh to yield to deadly sin,
+Whereby the grace and love of God from him his sin doeth spoil,
+Then (wretch accurs'd) small power hath repentance to begin.
+This history here example shows of one fast wrapp'd therein,
+As in discourse before your eyes shall plainly proved be;
+Yet (at the last) God him restor'd, even of his mercy free.
+
+And though the history of itself be too-too dolorous,
+And would constrain a man with tears of blood his cheeks to wet,
+Yet to refresh the minds of them that be the auditors,
+Our Author intermixed hath, in places fit and meet,
+Some honest mirth, yet always 'ware decorum to exceed.
+But list, I hear the players prest in presence forth to come:
+I therefore cease, and take my leave: my message I have done.
+
+                                                         [_Exit_.
+
+
+
+
+THE CONFLICT OF CONSCIENCE.
+
+ACT I., SCENE 1.
+
+
+SATAN.
+
+High time it is for me to stir about,
+And do my best my kingdom to maintain,
+For why I see of enemies a rout,
+Which all my laws and statutes do disdain;
+Against my state do fight and strive amain:
+Whom in time if I do not dissipate,
+I shall repent it, when it is too late.
+My mortal foe, the carpenter's poor son,
+Against my children--the Pharisees I mean--
+Upbraiding them, did use this comparison,
+As in the story of his life may be seen.
+There was a man which had a vineyard green,
+Who, letting it to husbandmen unkind,
+Instead of fruit unthankfulness did find.
+So that his servants firstly they did beat.
+His son likewise they afterward did kill:
+And hereupon that man, in fury great,
+Did soldiers send these husbandmen to spill;
+Their town to burn he did them also will:
+But out alas, alas, for woe I cry,
+To use the same far juster cause have I.
+For where the kingdom of this world is mine,
+And his on whom I will the same bestow,
+As prince hereof I did myself assign:
+My darling dear, whose faithful love I know,[26]
+Shall never fail from me, but daily flow.
+But who that is, perhaps some man may doubt;
+I will therefore in brief portract and paint him out.
+The mortal man by nature's rule is bound
+That child to favour more than all the rest,
+Which to himself in face is likest found;
+So that he shall with all his goods be blest:
+Even so do I esteem and like him best,
+Which doth most near my dealings imitate,
+And doth pursue God's laws with deadly hate.
+As therefore I, when once in angel's state
+I was, did think myself with God as mate to be,
+So doth my son himself now elevate
+Above man's nature in rule and dignity.
+So that _in terris Deus sum_, saith he:
+In earth I am a God, with sins for to dispense,
+And for rewards I will forgive each manner of offence.
+I said to Eve: tush, tush, thou shalt not die,
+But rather shalt as God know everything;
+My son likewise, to maintain idolatry,
+Saith: tush, what hurt can carved idols bring?
+Despise this law of God, the heavenly King,
+And set them in the church for men thereon to look:
+An idol doth much good: it is a layman's book.
+Nembroth,[27] that tyrant, fearing God's hand,
+By me was persuaded to build up high Babel,
+Whereby he presumed God's wrath to withstand:
+So hath my boy devised very well
+Many pretty toys to keep men's soul from hell,
+Live they never so evil here and wickedly,
+As masses, trentals, pardons, and scala coeli.
+I egged on Pharaoh, of Egypt the king,
+The Israelites to kill, so soon as they were born:
+My darling likewise doth the selfsame thing,
+And therefore causes kings and princes to be sworn,
+That with might and main they shall keep up his horn,
+And shall destroy with fire, axe, and sword,
+Such as against him shall speak but one word.
+And even as I was somewhat too slow,
+So that notwithstanding the Israelites did augment;
+So (for lack of murthering) God's people do grow,
+And daily increase at this time present;
+Which my son shall feel incontinent.
+Yet another practice, this evil to withstand,
+He learned of me, which now he takes in hand.
+For when as Moses I might not destroy,
+Because that he was of the Lord appointed
+To bring the people from thraldom to joy,
+I did not cease, whilst I had invented,
+Another means to have him prevented;
+By accompting himself the son of Pharaoh,
+To make him loth Egypt to forego.
+The same advice I also attempted
+Against the Son of God, when he was incarnate;
+Hoping thereby to have him relented,
+And for promotion-sake himself to prostrate
+Before my feet, when I did demonstrate
+The whole world unto him and all the glory,
+As it is recorded in Matthew's history.
+So hath the Pope, who is my darling dear,
+My eldest boy, in whom I do delight,
+Lest he should fall, which thing he greatly fear,
+Out of his seat of honour, pomp and might,
+Hath got to him, on his behalf to fight,
+Two champions stout, of which the one is Avarice,
+The other is called Tyrannical Practice.
+For, as I said, although I claim by right
+The kingdom of this earthly world so round,
+And in my stead to rule with force and might
+I have assigned the Pope, whose match I nowhere found,
+His heart with love to me so much abound;
+Yet divers men of late, of malice most unkind,
+Do study, to displace my son, some wayward means to find.
+Wherefore I marvel much what cause of let there is,
+That hitherto they have not their office put in ure.
+I will go see: for why I fear that somewhat is amiss;
+If not, to range abroad the world I will them straight procure:
+But needs they must have one to help, men's hearts for to allure
+Unto their train: who that should be, I cannot yet espy.
+No meeter match I can find out than is Hypocrisy;
+Who can full well in time and place dissemble either part.
+No man shall easily perceive with which side he doth bear;
+But when once favour he hath got, and credit in man's heart,
+He will not slack in mine affairs: I do him nothing fear.
+But time doth run too fast away for me to tarry here;
+For[28] none will be enamoured of my shape, I do know,
+I will therefore mine imps send out from hell their shapes to show.
+
+                                                    [_Exit_.
+
+
+
+ACT I, SCENE 2.
+
+
+    MATHETES, PHILOLOGUS.
+
+[MATHETES.]
+My mind doth thirst, dear friend Philologus,
+Of former talk to make a final end:
+And where before we 'gan for to discuss
+The cause why God doth such afflictions send
+Into his Church, you would some more time spend
+In the same cause, that thereby you might learn
+Betwixt the wrath and love of God a right for to discern.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+With right good-will to your request herein I do consent,
+As well because, as I perceive, you take therein delight,
+As also for because it is most chiefly pertinent
+Unto mine office to instruct and teach each Christian wight
+True godliness, and show to them the path that leadeth right
+Unto God's kingdom, where we shall inherit our salvation,
+Given unto us from God by Christ our true propitiation.
+But that a better-ordered course herein we may observe,
+And may directly to the first apply that which ensue,
+To speak that hath been said before, I will a time reserve,
+And so proceed from whence we left by course and order due
+Unto the end. At first, therefore, you did lament and rue
+The misery of these our days, and great calamity,
+Which those sustain who dare gainsay the Romish hypocrisy.
+
+MATHETES.
+I have just cause, as hath each Christian heart,
+To wail and weep, to shed out tears of blood,
+When as I call to mind the torments and the smart,
+Which those have borne, who honest be and good,
+For nought else, but because their errors they withstood:
+Yet joyed I much to see how patiently
+They bore the cross of Christ with constancy.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+So many of us as into one body be
+Incorporate, whereof Christ is the lively head,
+As members of our bodies which we see
+With joints of love together be conjoined,
+And must needs suffer, unless that they be dead,
+Some part of grief in mind, which other feel
+In body, though not so much by a great deal.
+Wherefore by this it is most apparent,
+That those two into one body are not united,
+Of the which the one doth suffer, the other doth torment,
+And in the wounds of his brother is delighted:
+Now which is Christ's body may easily be decided;
+For the lamb is devoured of the wolf alway,
+Not the wolf of the lamb, as Chrysostom doth say.
+Again, of unrighteous Cain murthered was Abel,
+By whom the Church of God was figured:
+Isaac likewise was persecuted of Ishmael,
+As in the Book of Genesis is mentioned:
+Israel of Pharaoh was also terrified:
+David the saint was afflicted by his son,
+And put from his kingdom--I mean by Absalom.
+Elias the Thisbite, for fear of Jezebel
+Did fly to Horeb, and hid him in a cave:
+Michas the prophet, as the story doth tell,
+Did hardly his life from Baal's priests save:
+Jeremy of that sauce tasted have:
+So did Esay, Daniel, and the children three,
+And thousands more, which in stories we may see.
+
+MATHETES.
+In the New Testament we may also read,
+That our Saviour Christ, even in his infancy,
+Of Herod the king might stand in great dread,
+Who sought to destroy him, such was his insolency:
+Afterward of the Pharisees he did with constancy
+Suffer shameful death: his apostles also
+For testimony of the truth did their crosses undergo.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+James, under Herod, was headed with the sword:
+The rest of the apostles did suffer much turmoil.
+Good Paul was murthered by Nero his word:
+Domitian devised a barrel full of oil,
+The body of John the Evangelist to boil,
+The Pope at this instant sundry torments procure,
+For such as by God's holy word will endure.
+By these former stories two things we may learn
+And profitably record in our remembrance:
+The first is God's Church from the devil's to discern:
+The second to mark what manifest resistance
+The truth of God hath, and what encumbrance
+It bringeth upon them that will it profess;
+Wherefore they must arm themselves to suffer distress.
+
+MATHETES.
+It is no new thing, I do now perceive,
+That Christ's Church do suffer tribulation;
+But that the same cross I might better receive,
+I request you to show me for my consolation,
+What is the cause, by your estimation,
+That God doth suffer his people to be in thrall,
+Yet help them, so soon as they to him call?
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+The chiefest thing which might us cause or move,
+With constant minds Christ's cross for to sustain,
+Is to conceive of heaven a faithful love;
+Whereto we may not come, as Paul doth prove it plain,
+Unless with Christ we suffer, that with him we may reign:
+Again, sith that it is our heavenly Father's will
+By worldly woes our carnal lusts to kill.
+Moreover, we do use to loathe that thing we alway have,
+And do delight the more in that which mostly we do want:
+Affliction urgeth us also more earnestly to crave,
+And when we once relieved be, true faith in us it plant,
+So that to call in each distress on God we will not faint:
+For trouble brings forth patience, from patience doth ensue
+Experience, from experience hope, of health the anchor true.
+Again, ofttimes God doth provide affliction for our gain,
+As Job, who after loss of goods had twice so much therefor.
+Sometime affliction is a means to honour to attain,
+As you may see, if Joseph's life you set your eyes before:
+Continually it doth us warn from sinning any more,
+When as we see the judgments just which God, our heavenly King,
+Upon offenders here in earth for their offences bring.
+Sometime God doth it us to prove, if constant we will be;
+As he did unto Abraham: sometime his whole intent
+Is to declare His heavenly might; as in John we may see,
+When the disciples did ask Christ why God the blindness sent
+Unto that man that was born blind? to whom incontinent
+Christ said: Neither for parents' sins, nor for his own offence,
+Was he born blind, but that God might show his magnificence.
+
+MATHETES.
+This is the sum of all your talk, if that I guess aright,
+That God doth punish his elect to keep their faith in ure,
+Or lest that, if continual ease and rest enjoy they might,
+God to forget through haughtiness frail nature should procure;
+Or else by feeling punishment our sins for to abjure;
+Or else to prove our constancy; or lastly, that we may
+Be instruments, in whom his might God may abroad display.
+Now must I needs confess to you my former ignorance,
+Which knew no cause at all, why God should trouble his elect,
+But thought afflictions all to be rewards for our offence,
+And to proceed from wrathful judge did alway it suspect;
+As do the common sort of men, who will straightway direct,
+And point their fingers at such men as God doth chastise here,
+Esteeming them by just desert their punishment to bear.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+Such is the nature of mankind, himself to justify,
+And to condemn all other men, whereas we ought of right
+Accuse ourselves especial, and God to magnify,
+Who in his mercy doth us spare, whereas he also might,
+Sith that we do the selfsame things, with like plagues us requite:
+Which thing our Saviour Christ doth teach, as testifieth Luke,
+The thirteenth chapter, where he doth vainglorious men rebuke.
+But for this time let this suffice: now let us homeward go,
+And further talk in private place, if need be, we will have.
+
+MATHETES.
+With right good-will I will attend on you your house unto,
+Or else go you with me to mine, the longer journey save;
+For it is now high dinner-time: my stomach meat doth crave.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+I am soon bidden to my friend: come on; let us depart.
+
+MATHETES.
+Go you before, and I will come behind with all my heart.
+
+                                                  [_Exeunt_.
+
+
+
+
+ACT II., SCENE 1.
+
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+God speed you all that be of God's belief:
+The mighty Jehovah protect you from ill.
+I beseech the living God, that he would give
+To each of you present a hearty good-will
+With flesh to contend, your lust for to kill,
+That, by the aid of spiritual assistance,
+You may subdue your carnal concupiscence.
+God grant you all, for his mercy's sake,
+The light of his word to your heart's joy.
+I humbly beseech him a confusion to make
+Of erroneous sects which might you annoy:
+Earnestly requiring each one to employ
+His whole endeavour God's word to maintain,
+And from strange doctrine your hearts to refrain.
+Grant, Lord, I pray thee, such preachers to be
+In thy congregation, thy people to learn,
+As may, for conscience' sake and of mere sincerity,
+Being able 'twixt corn and cockle to discern,
+Apply their study to replenish the bern;
+That is thy Church, by their doctrines increase,
+And make many heirs of thine eternal peace. Amen. Amen.
+But soft, let me see who doth me aspect.
+First, sluggish Saturn of nature so cold,
+Being placed in Tauro, my beams do reject,
+And Luna in Cancro in sextile he behold.
+I will the effect hereafter unfold:
+Now Jupiter the gentle, of temperature mean,
+Poor Mercury the turncoat, he forsook clean.
+Now murthering Mars retrograde in Libra,
+With amiable tryne apply to my beam;
+And splendent Sol the ruler of the day,
+After his eclipse to Jupiter will lean:
+The goddess of pleasure (dame Venus, I mean)
+To me her poor servant seem friendly to be:
+So also doth Luna, otherwise called Phoebe.
+But now I speak mischievously, I would say, in a mystery;
+Wherefore, to interpret it, I hold it best done,
+For here be a good sort, I believe, in this company,
+That know not my meaning, as this man for one.
+What! blush not at it; you are not alone:
+Here is another that know not my mind,
+Nor he in my words great favour can find.
+The planet Mercurius is neither hot nor cold,
+Neither good, nor yet very bad of his own nature,
+But doth alter his quality with them, which do hold
+Any friendly aspect to him: even so I assure
+We Mercurialists, I mean hypocrites, cannot long endure
+In one condition, but do alter our mind
+To theirs that talk with us, thereby friendship to find.
+The little cameleon, by nature, can change
+Herself to that colour to which she behold:
+Why should it then to any seem strange,
+That we do thus alter? why are we controll'd,
+Sith only the rule of nature we hold?
+We seek to please all men, yet most do us hate,
+And we are rewarded for friendship debate.
+Saturnus is envious; how then can he love
+Adulation or Hypocrisy, to him most contrary?
+The Jovists, being good, do look high above,
+And do not regard the rest of the company.
+Now Mars, being retrograde, foretelleth misery
+To tyrannical practice to happen eftsoon,
+As shall be apparent before all be done.
+Which Tyranny with flattery is easily pacified;
+Whereas Tom Tell-troth shall feel of his sword;
+So that with such men is fully verified
+That old-said saw, and common byword,
+_Obsequium amicos_--by flatteries friends are prepared,
+But _veritas odium parit_, as commonly is seen:
+For speaking the truth many hated have been.
+By Sol understand Popish principality,
+With whom full highly I am entertained,
+But being eclipsed shall show forth his quality;
+Then shall Hypocrisy be utterly disdained,
+Whose wretched exile, though greatly complained,
+And wept for of many, shall be without hope,
+That in such pomp shall ever be Pope.
+By Venus the riotous, by Luna the variable,
+Betwixt whom and Mercury no variance can fall,
+For they, which in words be most unstable,
+Would be thought faithful, and the riotous liberal:
+So that Hypocrisy their doings cloak shall.
+But whist! not a word, for yonder come some:
+While I know what they are, I will be dumb.
+
+                                      [_Step aside_.
+
+
+
+ACT II, SCENE 2.
+
+
+    TYRANNY, AVARICE.
+
+[TYRANNY.]
+Put me before, for I will shift for one,
+                           [_Push_ AVARICE _backward_.
+So long as strength remaineth in this arm:
+And pluck up thy heart, thou faint-hearted mome:
+As long as I live thou shalt take no harm.
+Such as control us, I will their tongues charm
+By fire or sword, or other like torment,
+So that ever they did it, they shall it repent.
+Hast thou forgotten what Satan did say,    [HYP. Ambo.[29]]
+That the k[nave] Hypocrisy our doings should hide,
+So that under his cloak our parts we should play,
+And of the rude people should never be spied?
+Or if the worst should hap or betide,
+That I by Tyranny should both you defend
+Against such as mischief to you should pretend.
+
+AVARICE.
+Indeed, such words our Belsire did speak,    [HYP. Tut, Father Jotsam!]
+Which, being remembered, doth make my heart glad;
+But yet one thing my courage doth break,
+And when I think of it, it makes me full sad:
+I mean the evil luck which Hypocrisy had,
+When he was expelled out of this land;
+For then with me the matter evil did stand.
+For I by him so shadowed was from light,
+
+    [HYP. A little k[nave] to hide so great a lubber.]
+
+That almost no man could me out espy;
+But he being gone, to every man's sight
+I was apparent: each man did descry
+My pilling and polling; so that glad was I
+From my nature to cease, a thing most marvellous,
+And live in secret, the time was so dangerous.
+
+    [HYP. He feareth nothing: he thinketh the hangman is dead.]
+
+TYRANNY.
+Tush! Avarice, thou fearest a thing that is vain,
+For by me alone both you shall be stayed;
+And, if thou mark well, thou shalt perceive plain
+That if I, Tyranny, my part had well played,
+
+    [HYP. He can play two parts, the fool and the k[nave].]
+
+And from killing of heretics my hand had not stayed,
+They had never growen to such a great rout,
+Neither should have been able to have banish'd him out.
+But _sero sapiunt Phryges_; at length I will take heed,
+
+    [HYP. A popish policy!]
+
+And with blood enough this evil will prevent;
+For if I hear of any that in word or in deed--
+Yea, if it be possible to know their intent,
+If I can prove that in thought they it meant
+
+    [HYP. Anti-Christian charity.]
+
+To impair our estates--no prayer shall serve,
+But will pay them their hire, as each one deserve.
+
+AVARICE.
+The fish once taken, and 'scaped from bait,
+Will ever hereafter beware of the hook:
+Such as use hunting will spy the hare straight,
+Though other discern her not, yet on her shall look.
+Again, the learned can read in a book,
+Though the unskilful, seeing equal with them,
+Cannot discern an F from an M.
+So those which have tasted the fruit that we bear,
+And find it so sour, will not us implant.
+
+TYRANNY.
+Tush! Avarice, I warrant thee, thou need'st not fear:
+
+    [HYP. _Utilitas facit esse Deos_.]
+
+In the clergy, I know, no friends we shall want,
+Which for hope of gain the truth will recant,
+And give themselves wholly to set out Hypocrisy,
+Being egg'd on with Avarice, and defended by Tyranny.
+
+AVARICE.
+Well may the clergy on our side hold,
+For they by us no small gain did reap;
+But all the temporalty, I dare be bold
+To venture in wager of gold a good heap,
+At our preferments will mourn, wail, and weep.
+
+    [HYP. This is sharp arguments.]
+
+TYRANNY.
+Though indeed no just cause of joy they can find,
+Yet for fear of my sword they will alter their mind,
+But I marvel much where Hypocrisy is:
+Methink it is long since from us he did go.
+
+AVARICE.
+I doubt that of his purpose he miss,
+And therefore hath hanged himself for woe.    [HYP. Pray for yourself.]
+How say'st thou, Tyranny, dost not think so?
+In faith, if I thought that he might be spared,
+
+    [HYP. Your kind heart shall cost me a couple of rushes.]
+
+And we have our purpose, beshrew me, if I cared.
+
+TYRANNY.
+Saw you ever the like of this doubting dolt?
+
+    [HYP. Not I the like of such a cutthroat colt.]
+
+It grieves me to hear how faint-hearted he is.    [_Aside_.
+A little would cause me to kill thee, thou ass-colt.
+See, see, for woe he is like for to piss:
+To give an attempt what a fellow were this?
+But this is the good that cometh of Covetousness:
+He liveth alway in fear to lose his riches.
+Again, mark how he regardeth the death of his friend:
+So he hath his purpose, he cares for no mo:
+A perfect pattern of a covetous mind,
+Which neither esteemeth his friend nor his foe,
+But rather, Avarice, might I have said so,
+Who, if he were gone, myself could defend,
+Where thou by his absence wert soon at an end.
+
+                                           [_Exeunt_.
+
+
+
+ACT II., SCENE 3.
+
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+O loving Father and merciful God!
+We through our sins thy punishment deserve,
+And have provoked to beat with thy rod
+Us stubborn children, which from thee do swerve.
+We loathed thy word, but now we shall sterve;
+For Hypocrisy is placed again in this land,
+And thy true gospel as exile doth stand.
+This is thy just judgment for our offence,
+Who having the light in darkness did stray,
+But now, if thou wouldest of thy fatherly benevolence
+Thy purposed judgments in wrath for to stay,
+The part of the prodigal son we would play;
+And with bitter tears before thee would fall,
+And in true repentance for mercy would call.
+In our prosperity we would not regard
+The words of the preachers, who threat'ned the same,
+But flattering ourselves, thought thou wouldest have spared
+Us in thy mercy, and never us blame:
+But so much provoked thee by blaspheming thy name,
+Indeed to deny that in words we maintain,
+That from thy justice thou could'st not refrain.
+So that Romish Pharaoh, a tyrant most cruel,
+Hath brought us again into captivity,
+And instead of the pure flood of thy gospel,
+Hath poisoned our souls with devilish Hypocrisy,
+Unable to maintain it, but by murthering Tyranny;
+Seeking rather the fleece than the health of the sheep,
+Which are appointed for him for to keep.
+
+    [_Re-enter_ AVAR. _and_ TYR.]
+
+TYRANNY.
+Lo, Avarice, hark what a traitor is here,
+
+    [HYP. [aside.] He speaketh to you, Syra.]
+
+Against our holy Father this language to use!
+I might have heard more, if I would him forbear,
+But for grief my ears burn to hear him abuse
+His tongue in this manner: wherefore no excuse
+Shall purchase favour, but that with all speed
+By sword I will render to him his due meed.
+Wherefore, thou miscreant, while thou hast time,
+Pray to the saints thy spokesman to be,
+That at God's hand from this thy great crime
+By their intercession thou may be set free.
+
+AVARICE.
+Nay, hearest thou, Tyranny? be ruled by me:
+First cut off his head, and then let him pray,
+So shall he be sure us not to bewray.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+O wicked Tyranny! thou imp of the devil,
+Too joyful tidings to thee have I brought,
+For now thou art emboldened to practise all evil.
+
+TYRANNY.
+Marry, thou shalt not give me thy service for nought,
+But for thy pains to please thee I thought.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+Thou art nothing so ready to do any good,
+As thou art to shed poor innocents' blood.
+
+AVARICE.
+Nay, Tyranny, suffer this rascal to prate,
+
+    [HYP. [_aside_.] On your face, sir.]
+
+Till some man come by, and then he is gone.
+Then wilt thou repent it, when it is too late:
+Despatch him, therefore, while we are alone.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+Well may the covetous be likened to a drone,
+Which of the bee's labours will spoil and waste make,
+And yet to get honey no labour will take.
+The covetous likewise from poor men extort,
+Their gains to increase they only do seek;
+And so they may have it, of them a great sort
+What means they use for it they care not a leek:
+Yet will these misers scarce once a week
+Have one good meal at their own table:
+So by Avarice to help themselves they are unable.
+Avarice to a fire may well compared be,
+To the which the more you add, the more still it crave:
+So likewise the covetous mind we do see,
+Though riches abound, do wish still more to have
+And to be short, your reverences to save,
+To a filthy swine such misers are comparable,
+Which, while[30] they be dead, are nothing profitable.
+
+AVARICE.
+Nay, farewell, Tyranny: I came hither too soon,
+I perceive already I am too well known.
+I were not best in their claws for to come,
+Unless I were willing to be clean overthrown.
+
+TYRANNY.
+By the preaching of God's word all this mischief is grown,
+Which if Hypocrisy might happily expel,
+All we in safety and pleasure might dwell.
+Stay, therefore, while from Hypocrisy we hear.
+
+AVARICE.
+Despatch then this merchant,[31] lest our counsel he tell.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+I am content for God's cause this cross for to bear.
+
+TYRANNY.
+It is best killing him now his mind is set well.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+Your scoffing and mocking God seeth each deal.
+
+TYRANNY.
+Yea, dost thou persist us still thus to check?
+Thy speech I will hinder by cutting off thy neck.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+Nay, hold thy hand, Cadby, thou hast kill'd me enough.
+What! never the sooner for a merry word.
+I meant not good earnest, to your maship I vow.
+I did but jest, and spake but in bord:
+Therefore of friendship put up again thy sword.
+
+TYRANNY.
+Nay, caitiff, presume not that thou shalt go scot-free;
+Therefore, hold still, and I will soon despatch thee.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+What! I pray thee, Tyranny, know first who I am.
+Ye purblinded fools, do your lips blind your eyes?
+Why, I was in place long before you came;
+But you could not see the wood for the trees.
+But, in faith, father Avarice, I will pay you your fees,
+For the great good-will which you to me bear,
+                                      [HYPOCRISY _fighteth_.
+And in time will requite it again, do not fear.
+
+AVARICE.
+Content yourself, good Master Hypocrisy:
+The words which I spake, I spake unaware.
+
+TYRANNY.
+Hold thy hand, Hypocrisy, I pray thee heartily:
+So like a madman with thy friends do not fare.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+For neither of you both a pin do I care:
+Go, shake your ears both, like slaves as you be,
+And look not in your need to be holpen of me.
+
+TYRANNY.
+What, Master Hypocrisy, will you take snuff so soon?
+Marry, then you had need to be kept very warm.
+
+AVARICE.
+I swear to your mastership, by the man in the moon,
+That to your person I intended no harm.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+But that I am weary, I would both your tongues charm.
+See how to my face they do me deride    [_Aside_];
+I will not therefore in your companies abide.
+
+AVARICE.
+Why, Master Hypocrisy, what would you that I do?
+For my offence of mercy I you pray.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+With thee I am at one; but of that merchant too
+I look for some amends, or else I will away.
+
+TYRANNY.
+The presumptuous fool's part herein thou dost play.
+What! of thy master dost thou look for obeisance?
+I will not once entreat thee: if thou wilt, get thee hence.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+_Nimia familiaritas parit contemptum_,
+The old proverb by me is verified,
+By too much familiarity contemned be some:
+Even so at this present to me it betide.
+For of long time Hypocrisy hath ruled as guide,
+While now, of later days, through heretics' resistance,
+I retained Tyranny to yield me assistance;
+But through overmuch levity he thinks himself checkmate
+With me his good patron, Master Hypocrisy.
+
+TYRANNY.
+List, I pray thee, Avarice, how this rascal can prate,
+And with me Tyranny doth challenge equality;
+Where he of himself hath neither strength nor hability;
+But thou to him riches, and I strength, do give,
+So that I must be his master, though it doth him grieve.
+
+AVARICE.
+Two dogs oftentimes one bone would fain catch,
+But yet the third do them both deceive.
+Even so Hypocrisy for the pre-eminence doth snatch,
+Which Tyranny gapes for, ye may perceive:
+But I must obtain it; for of me they retain
+All kind of riches, their states to maintain,
+To yield to me, therefore, they must be both fain.    [_Aside_.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+Was Judas Christ's master, because he bare the purse?
+Nay, rather of all he was least regarded,
+Have not men of honour stewards to disburse
+All such sums of money wherewith they be charged?
+Yet above their master their honour is not enlarged:
+Even so thee, Avarice, my steward I account,
+To pay that whereto my charges amount.
+And to thee, Tyranny, this one word I object:
+Whether was Joab or David the king?
+When Joab was glad his ease to reject,
+The Ammonites in Rabah to confusion to bring,
+When David with Bathsheba at home was sleeping,
+Was not Joab, his servant, in warfare to fight?
+And so art thou mine, mine enemies to quite.
+
+TYRANNY.
+Nay, then, at the whole God give you good night,
+Shall Tyranny to Hypocrisy in any point yield?
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+With this one word I will vanquish thee quite,
+That thou shalt be glad to give me the field.
+The end to be preferred all learned men wield:
+Sith therefore Hypocrisy of Tyranny is end,
+I must have the preferment for which I contend.
+
+    [AVA. Indeed you say troth.]
+
+TYRANNY.
+I will make you both grant that I am the chief,
+Or else with my sword your sides I will pierce.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+That were sharp reasoning indeed, with a mischief!
+
+AVARICE.
+I will yield him my right, if that he be so fierce.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+The nature of hypocrites herein we rehearse;
+Which, being convinced by the text of God's word,
+The end of their spouting is fire and sword.
+But if you will needs be chief, God speed well the plough:
+I will be none that shall follow your train;
+For if I should, I know well enough
+That to fly the country we all should be fain:
+Then were my labour done but in vain.
+You know not so much as I do, Tyranny,
+Therefore, I advise you, be ruled by me.
+
+TYRANNY.
+_Inter amicos omnia sunt communia_, they say:
+Among friends there is reckoned no property,
+But that the one hath of his own, th' other may
+Have the use of the same at his own liberty,
+Even so among us it is of a surety;
+For what the one hath of his own proper right,
+It is thine to use by day or by night.
+
+AVARICE.
+Indeed you say truth, the end is worth all;
+
+    [HYP. He hath learned logeres.[32]]
+
+Such things as to get the end are referred,
+And by this reason to you I prove shall,
+That I before Hypocrisy must be preferred:
+The conclusion of my reason is this[33] inferred;
+Sith Hypocrisy was invented to augment private gain,
+I am the end of Hypocrisy: this is plain.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+_Actum est de amicitia_, the bargain is despatched,
+And we two in friendship are united as one.
+
+AVARICE.
+In the same knot with you let me also be matched,
+And of money, I warrant you, you shall want none.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+I agree; what say you? shall he be one?
+
+TYRANNY.
+I judge him needful in our company to be,
+And therefore, for my part, he is welcome to me.
+
+    [HYP. Friendship for gain.]
+
+Let us now speedily on our business attend,
+And labour each one to bring it about.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+That is already by me brought to end,
+So that of your preferment you need not to doubt;
+And my coming hither was to find you out,
+That at my elbow you might be in readiness,
+To help, if need were, in this weighty business.
+To tell you the story it were but too tedious,
+How the Pope and I together have devised,
+Firstly to inveigle the people religious,
+For greediness of gain who will be soon pressed:
+And, for fear lest hereafter they should be despised,
+Of their own freewill will maintain Hypocrisy,
+So that Avarice alone shall conquer the clergy.
+Now, of the chiefest of his carnal cardinals
+He doth appoint certain, and give them authority
+To ride abroad in their pontificals,
+To see if with Avarice they may win the laity;
+If not, then to threaten them with open Tyranny:
+Whereby doubt not but many will forsake
+The truth of the gospel, and our parties take.
+
+TYRANNY.
+This device is praiseworthy: how say'st thou, Avarice?
+
+AVARICE.
+I like it well, if it were put in ure,
+Yet little gain to me shall this whole practice,
+More than I had before-time, procure.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+The legates are ready to ride, I am sure;
+Wherefore we had need to make no small delay:
+They stay for my coming alone, I dare say.
+Howbeit the laity would greatly mislike,
+If they should know all our purpose and intent;
+Yea, and perhaps some means they would seek
+Our foresaid business in time to prevent.
+
+TYRANNY.
+Will you then be ruled by my arbitrament?
+Lest the people should suddenly dissolve tranquillity,
+For the legate's defence, let him use me Tyranny.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+Herein your counsel is not much unwise,
+Save that in one thing we had need to beware:
+Lest you be known, we will you disguise,
+And some grave apparel for you will prepare;
+But your name, Tyranny, I fear all will mar:
+Let me alone, and I will invent
+A name to your nature, which shall be convenient.
+Zeal shall your name be: how like you by that?
+And therefore in office you must deal zealously.
+
+TYRANNY.
+Let me alone, I will pay them home pat:
+Though they call me Zeal, they shall feel me Tyranny.    [_Aside_.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+Lo, here is a garment: come, dress you handsomely.
+Ay, marry (quoth he), I like this very well:
+Now to the devil's grace you me seem to give counsel.
+Now must I apply all my invention,
+That I may devise Avarice to hide.
+Thy name shall be called Careful Provision,
+And every man for his household may lawfully provide:
+Thus shalt thou go cloaked, and never be spied.
+
+AVARICE.
+Thy counsel, Hypocrisy, I very well allow,
+And will recompense thee, if ever I know how.
+
+TYRANNY.
+Now on a boon[34] voyage let us depart,
+For I [am] well loth any time to delay.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+Nay, yet in sign of a merry heart,
+Let us sing before we go away.
+
+AVARICE.
+I am content; begin, I you pray;
+But to sing the treble, we must needs have one.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+If you say so, let it even alone.
+
+                             [_Exeunt_.
+
+
+
+
+ACT III, SCENE 1.
+
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+Too true, alas, too true, I say, was our divination,
+The which Mathetes did foresee, when last we were in place;
+For now indeed we feel the smart and horrible vexation,
+Which Romish power unto us did threaten and menace.
+Wherefore great need we have to call to God alway for grace;
+For feeble flesh is far too weak those pains to undergo,
+The which all they that fear the Lord are now appointed to.
+The legate from the Pope of Rome is come into our coasts,
+Who doth the saints of God each where with tyranny oppress,
+And in the same most gloriously himself he vaunt and boast:
+The more one mourneth unto him he pitieth the less.
+Out of his cruel tyranny the Lord of heaven me bless;
+For hitherto in blessed state my whole life I have spent,
+With health of body, wealth in goods, and mind alway content.
+Besides, of friends I have great store, who do me firmly love:
+A faithful wife and children fair, of woods and pasture store,
+And divers other things which I have got for my behoof,
+Which now to be deprived of would grieve my heart full sore.
+And if I come once in their claws. I shall get out no more,
+Unless I will renounce my faith, and so their mind fulfil;
+Which if I do, without all doubt my soul for aye I spill.
+For sith I have received once the first-fruits of my faith,
+And have begun to run the course that leadeth to salvation,
+If in the midst thereof I stay or cease, the Scripture saith
+It booteth not that I began with so good preparation;
+But rather maketh much the more unto my condemnation:
+For he alone shall have the palm which to the end doth run,
+And he which plucks his hand from plough, in heaven shall never come.
+Those labourers which hired were in vineyard for to moil,
+And had their penny for their pain, they tarried all while night;
+For if they ceased had, when sun their flesh with heat did broil,
+And had departed from their work, they should have lost by right
+Their wages-penny: I likewise shall be deprived quite
+Of that same crown, the which I have in faith long looked for.
+But for this time I will depart: I dare here stay no more.
+
+                                                       [_Exit_.
+
+
+
+ACT III., SCENE 2.
+
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+Ha, ha, ha! marry, now the game begins.
+Hypocrisy throughout this realm is had in admiration,
+And by my means both Avarice and Tyranny crept in,
+Who in short space will make men run the way to desolation.
+What did I say? my tongue did trip--I should say, consolation--
+For now, forsooth, the clergy must into my bosom creep,
+Or else they know not by what means themselves alive to keep.
+On the other side the laity, be they either rich or poor--
+If rich, then Avarice strangle them, because they will not lose
+Their worldly wealth: or else we have one subtle practice more;
+That is, that Sensual Suggestion their outward man shall pose,
+Who can full finely in each cause his mind to them disclose.
+But if that neither of these twain can to my train them win,[35]
+Then at his cue to play his part doth Tyranny begin.
+As for the poor knaves, such a one as this is,
+We do not esteem him, but make short ado.
+If he will not come on, we do him not miss,
+But to the pot he is sure to go:
+Tyranny deals with him and no mo.
+But I marvel what doth him from hence so long stay,
+Sooner named, sooner come, as common proverbs say.
+
+                                            [_S[t]ep aside_.
+
+
+
+ACT III., SCENE 3.
+
+
+    TYRANNY, AVARICE, HYPOCRISY.
+
+[TYRANNY.]
+By his wounds, I fear not, but it is cock sure[36] now.
+
+    [HYP. He hath a goodly grace in swearing.]
+
+Under the legate's seal, in office I am placed:
+Therefore whoso resist me, I will make him to bow.
+Who can make Tyranny now be disgraced?
+
+    [HYP. He is graceless already.]
+
+With a head of brass I will not be outfaced,
+But will execute mine office with extreme cruelty,
+So that all men shall know me to be plain Tyranny.
+
+AVARICE.
+Nay, Master Zeal, be ruled by me:
+To such as resist such rigour you may show.
+
+TYRANNY.
+Zeal? nay, no Zeal; my name is Tyranny:
+Neither am I ashamed who doth my name know,
+For in my dealings the same I will show,
+
+    [HYP. He is Kit Careless.]
+
+None dare reprove me, of that I am sure,
+So long as authority on my side endure.
+But to thy words a while I will list;
+Therefore in brief say on what you will.
+
+AVARICE.
+I would have you show rigour to such as resist,
+And such as be obstinate spare not to kill;
+But those that be willing your hests to fulfil,
+
+    [HYP. Hark the practice of spiteful Sumnors.]
+
+If they offend, and not of obstinacy,
+For money excuse them, though they use villany,
+Thus shall you perform your office aright,
+For favour or money to spare the offendent.
+
+TYRANNY.
+So may I also, of malice or spite,
+Or rancour of mind,[37] punish the innocent.
+But I will be ruled by thine arbitrament,
+And will favour such as will my hand grease.
+The devil is a good fellow, if one can him please:[38]
+
+    [HYP. And you are one of his sons, methink, by your head.]
+
+But to follow our business great pains we do take;
+On an hasty message we were fit to be sent.
+
+HYPOCRISY [_Aside_].
+When I lie a-dying, I will you messengers make:
+You ply you so fast, you are too-too diligent.
+Whoop how, Master Zeal, whither are ye bent?
+
+AVARICE.
+Hark! methought one hallooed, and called you by name.
+
+TYRANNY.
+I would it were Hypocrisy.
+
+AVARICE.
+                           It is the very same.
+What, Master Hypocrisy, for you I have sought
+This hour or two, but could you not find.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+That is no marvel, it is not for nought,
+For I am but little, and you two are blind;
+Neither have you eyes to see with behind:
+Yet may the learned note herein a mystery,
+That neither Tyranny nor Avarice can find out Hypocrisy.
+But what earnest business have you in charge,
+That with so great speed must presently be finished?
+
+TYRANNY.
+Marry, see here.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+What is it?
+
+TYRANNY.
+            A commission large
+From my Lord Legate himself authorised,
+The effect whereof must presently be practised.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+What is the tenure,[39] pray you let me know?
+
+TYRANNY.
+Avarice hath read it, not I; let him show.
+
+AVARICE.
+He hath firstly in charge to make inquisition,
+Whether altars be re-edified, whether chalice and book,
+Vestments for mass, sacraments, and procession,
+Be prepared again: if not, he must look,
+And find out such fellows as these cannot brook,
+And to my Lord Legate such merchants present,
+That for their offence they may have condign punishment.
+If any we take tardy, Tyranny them threat,
+That for their negligence he will them present;
+And I desirous some money to get,
+If ought they will give me, their evil will prevent;
+Yea, sometime of purpose such shifts we invent.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+Peace, yonder comes one; methink it is a priest,
+By his gown, cap, and tippet made of a list.
+
+
+
+ACT III., SCENE 4.
+
+
+    CACONOS, HYPOCRISY, TYRANNY, AVARICE.
+
+[CACONOS.]
+In[40] gude feth, sir, this newis de gar me lope,
+Ay is as light as ay me wend, gif that yo wol me troth,
+Far new agen within awer loud installed is the Pope,
+Whese legat with authority tharawawt awr country goth,
+And charge befare him far te com us priests end lemen hath,
+Far te spay awt, gif that he mea, these new-sprang arataics,
+Whilk de disturb aur hally Kirk, laik a sart of saysmatics.
+Awr gilden Gods ar brought ayen intea awr kirks ilkwhare,
+That unte tham awr parishioner ma offer thar gude-will.
+For hally mass in ilk place new thea autars de prepare,
+Hally water, pax, cross, banner, censer and candill,
+Cream, crismatory, hally bread, the rest omit ay will,
+Whilt hally fathers did invent fre awd antiquity,
+Be new received inte awr kirks with great solemnity.
+Bay these thaugh lemen been apprest, the clargy all het gean,
+Far te awr sents theis affer yifts all whilk we sall receive:
+Awr hally mass, thaw thea bay dere, thea de it but in vain,
+Far thaw ther frends frea Purgatory te help thea dea believe,
+Yet af ther hope, gif need rewhayre,[41] it wawd theam all deceive.
+Sea wawd awr pilgrimage, reliques, trentals, and pardons,
+Whilk far awr geyn inte awr Kirk ar braught in far the nonce.
+Far well a nere what war awr tenths and taythes that gro in fild,
+What gif we han of glebed loud ene plawwark bay the year,
+Awr affring deas de vara laytell ar nething te us yield:
+Awr beadroll geanes, awr chrisom clethes de laytle mend awr fare
+Gif awt af this we pea far vale, we laytle mare can spare.
+Sawl-masses, diriges, monethmayndes and buryings,
+Alsowlnday, kirkings, banasking and weddings.
+The sacraments, gif we mowt sell, war better than thea all;
+Far gif the Jews gave thratty pence te hang Chraist on a tree,
+Gude Christian folk thrayse thratty pence wawd count a price but small;
+Sea that te eat him with their teeth delaivered he mawght be.
+New of this thing delaiverance ne man can make but we,
+Se that the market in this punt we priests sawd han at will,
+And with the money we sowd yet awr pooches we sowd fill.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+I will go and salute him: good morrow, Sir John.[42]
+
+CACON.
+Naw, bay may priest-hade, God give ye ten far ene.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+Do you, Master Parson, in this parish sing?
+
+CACON.
+Yai, sir, that ay de, gif yowl give me trothing.
+
+TYRANNY.
+I have a commission your house and church to seek,
+To search if you any seditious books do keep.
+
+CACON.
+Whe ay? well a near, ay swear bay the Sacrament,
+Ay had rather han a cup af nale than a Testament.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+How can you without it your office discharge?
+
+CACON.
+It is the least thing ay car far, bay may charge;
+Far se lang as thea han images wharon te luke,
+What need thea be distructed awt af a buik?
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+Tush! that will modify them all well enou':
+As well a dead image as a dumb idol, I make God avow.
+
+CACON.
+Yai, ay my sen bay experience thot con show;
+Far in may portace the tongue ay de nat know,
+Yet when ay see the great gilded letter,
+Ay ken it sea well, as nea man ken better.
+As far example: on the day of Chraist's nativity,
+Ay see a bab in a manger and two beasts standing by:
+The service whilk to Newyear's-day is assaign'd
+Bay the paicture of the circumcision ay faynd:
+The service, whilk on Twalfth-day mun be done,
+Ay seeke bay the mark of the three kings of Cologne.
+Bay the devil tenting Chraist ay find whadragesima:
+Bay Chraist on the cross ay serch out gude-fraiday.
+Pasch for his mark hath the Resurrection:
+Ayenst Hally-Thursday is pented Chraist's ascension:
+Thus in mayn own buke ay is a gude clerk;
+But gif the sents war gone, the cat had eat my mark.
+Se the sandry mairacles, whilk ilk sent have done,
+Bay the pictures on the walls sal appear to them soon,
+Bay the whilk thea ar learned in every distress,
+What sent thea mun prea te far succour, doubtless:
+Sea that all lepers to Sylvester must prea,
+That he wawd frae tham ther disease take away.
+Laykwais, thea that han the falling saickness,
+Te be eased therfre thea mun prea to Sent Cornelis:
+In contagious air, as in plague or pestilence,
+Te hally Sent-Ruke[43] thea mun call far assistance.
+Fra paril of drawning Sent Carp keep the mariners:
+Fra dayng in warfare Sent George guard the soldiers:
+Sent Job heal the poor, the ague Sent German:
+For te ease the toothache call te Sent Appolline[44].
+Gif that a woman be barren and childless,
+Te help her herein she must prea te Sent Nicholas.
+Far wemen in travail call to Sent Magdalen;
+Far lawliness of mind call to Sent Katherine,
+Sent Loy save your horse, Sent Anthony your swine.
+
+TYRANNY.
+What! this parson seemeth cunning to be,
+And, as far as I see, in a good uniformity.
+Yea, he is well read in that Golden Legend.
+
+CACON.
+Bay may troth, in reading any other ne taym do I spend,
+Far that, ay ken, bay general caunsel is canonised,
+And bay the hely Pope himself is authorised:
+That buke farther is wholly permitted,
+Wharas the Baible in part is prohibited.
+And therefore, gif it be lawful to utter my conscience,
+Before the New Testament ays give it credence.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+I allow his judgment before Ambrose and Austin,
+And for Hypocrisy a more convenient chaplain.
+
+AVARICE.
+It grieveth me much that no fault we can spy,
+For now of some bribe disappointed am I;
+Yet happily he may tell us of some heretics.
+
+TYRANNY.
+Is there, Mast. Parson, in your parish no schismatics?
+
+CACON.
+Yai, mara, is ther a vara busybody,
+Whe will jest with me and call me fule and noddy,
+And sets his lads te spout Latin ayenst me,
+But ay spose then with _Deparfundis Clam aui_:
+And oftentimes he wil reason with me of the Sacarment,
+And say he can prove bay the New Testament
+That Chraist's body is in heaven placed;
+But ays not believe him, ay woll not be awt-faced.
+He says besayd that the Pope is Antichraist,
+Fugered of John bay the seven-headed beast,
+And all awre religion is but mon's invention,
+And with God's ward is at utter dissension;
+And a plaguy deal mare of sayk layk talk,
+That ay dar not far may narse bay his yate walk,
+But ay wawd he wer brunt, that ay mawght be whaiet.[45]
+
+TYRANNY.
+He must have a cooler; his tongue runs at riot.
+
+AVARICE.
+What is his name, Sir John, canst thou tell us?
+
+CACON.
+Yai, sir, that ay ken: he is cleped Phailelegoos.
+
+TYRANNY.
+Wilt thou go show his house, where he dwell?
+
+CACON.
+Yai, or els ay wawd may sawl war in hell.
+Te de him a pleasure ay wawd gang a whole year,
+Gif it war but te make him a fadock[46] te bear.
+
+TYRANNY.
+Go with us, Avarice, and bear us company.
+
+AVARICE.
+Nay, if you go hence, I will not here tarry.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+Away, sirs: in your business in a corner do not lurk,
+That my Lord Legate, when he comes, may have work.
+
+TYRANNY.
+Come on: let us go together, Sir John.
+
+CACON.
+Ay sall follow after. God boy, you good gentleman.
+
+HYPOCRISY [_Aside_.]
+Farewell three false knaves as between this and London!
+
+TYRANNY.
+What say'st thou?
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+As honest men as the three Kings of Cologne.
+
+                         [_Exeunt_ TYR. AVA. CACON.
+
+This gear goes round, if that we had a fiddle:
+Nay, I must sing too, _heigh, dery, dery, dery_.
+I can do but laugh, my heart is so merry:
+I will be minstrel myself, _heigh, didle, didle, didle_;
+But lay there a straw I began to be weary.
+But hark; I hear a trampling of feet.
+It is my Lord Legate; I will him go meet.
+
+
+
+
+ACT IV., SCENE I.
+
+
+    CAR[DINAL]. HYP. AVA. TYR. PHILO.
+
+[CARDINAL.]
+Go to, Master Zeal,[47] bring forth that heretic,
+Which doth thus disturb our religion catholic.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+Room for my lord's grace! what! no manner reverence,
+But cap on head, Hodge, and that in a lord's presence?
+
+CARDINAL.
+What, Master Hypocrisy, I have stayed for you long.
+
+HYPOCRISY [_Aside_].
+You were best crowd in, and play us among.
+
+CARDINAL.
+Where have you been from me so long absent?
+I appointed to have been here three hours ago,
+In my consistory to have sat in judgment
+Of that wretched schismatic that doth trouble us so.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+What, have you caught but one, and no mo?
+In faith, father Avarice, you have plied your chaps well.
+
+AVARICE.
+I must needs confess that I am paid for my travail.
+
+TYRANNY.
+Room for the prisoner! what, room on each hand,
+Or I shall make some out of the way for to stand.
+Lo, here, my lord, is that seditious schismatic,
+That we have laid wait for, an arrant heretic.
+
+    [_Enter_ PHILOLOGUS.]
+
+CARDINAL.
+Sit down, Master Hypocrisy, to yield me assistance.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+I thank your lordship for your courteous benevolence.
+I will be the noddy--I should say the notary,
+To write before my Lord Legate, which is commissary.
+
+CARDINAL.
+Ah, sirrah! be you he that doth thus disturb
+The whole estate of our faith catholic?
+Art thou so expert in God's laws and word,
+That no man may learn thee, thou arrant heretic?
+But this is the nature of every schismatic:
+Be his errors never so false doctrine,
+He will say by God's word he dare it examine.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+With humble submission to your authority,
+I pardon crave, if ought amiss I say;
+For being thus set in peril and extremity,
+To me unacquainted, my tongue soon trip may:
+Wherefore excuse me, I do your lordship pray,
+And I will answer to every demand,
+According to my conscience, God's word being my warrant.
+
+CARDINAL.
+To begin therefore orderly: how say'st thou, Philologus,
+Have I authority to call thee me before?
+Or, to be short, I will object it thus:
+Whether hath the Pope, which is Peter's successor,
+Than all other bishops preheminence more?
+If not, then it follow that neither he,
+Nor I which am his legate, to accompts may call thee.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+The question is perilous for me to determine,
+Chiefly when the party is judge in the cause;
+Yet, if the whole course of Scripture ye examine,
+And will be tried by God's holy laws,
+Small help shall you find to defend the same cause,
+But the contrary may be proved manifestly,
+As I in short words will prove to you briefly.
+The surest ground, whereon your Pope doth stand,
+Is of Peter's being at Rome a strong imagination,
+And the same Peter, you do understand,
+Of all the disciples had the gubernation,
+Surmising both without good approbation,
+Unless you will by the name of Babylon,
+From whence Peter wrote, is understanded Rome.
+As indeed divers of your writers have affirmed,
+Reciting Jerome, Austin, Primatius, and Ambrose,
+Who by their several writings have confirmed
+That Rome is New Babylon: I may it not glose.
+But it were better for you they were dumb, I suppose,
+For they labour to prove Rome by that acception
+The whore of Babylon, spoke of in the Revelation.
+But grant that Peter in Rome settled was,
+Yet that he was chief it remains you to prove;
+For in my judgment it is a plain case,
+That if any amongst them to rule it did behove,
+He should be the chief, whom Christ most did love;
+To whom he bequeathed his mother most dear,
+To whom in revelation Christ did also appear.
+I mean John Evangelist (by birth) cousin-german
+To our Saviour Christ, as stories do us tell:
+From whose succession if that you should claim
+Superiority, you should mend your cause well,
+For then of some likelihood of truth it should smell,
+Where none so often as Peter was reproved,
+Nor from steadfast faith so oftentimes removed.
+But grant all were true herein you do feign,
+Mark one proper lesson of a Greek orator:
+As a good child of his father's wealth is inheritor,
+So of his father's virtues he must be possessor.
+Now Peter follows Christ, and all worldly goods forsakes;
+But the Pope leaveth Christ, and himself to glory takes.
+And to be short, Christ himself refused to be a king,
+And the servant above the master may not be;
+Which being both true, it is a strange thing,
+How the Pope can receive this pomp and dignity,
+And yet profess himself Christ's servant to be.
+Christ will be no king, the Pope will be more:
+The Pope is Christ's master, not his servant, therefore.
+
+CARDINAL.
+Ah, thou arrant heretic! I will thee remember.
+I am glad I know so much as I do:
+I have weighed thy reasons, and have found them so slender,
+That I think them not worthy to be answered [to].[48]
+How say you, Master Hypocrisy?
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+                               I also think so;
+But let him go forward and utter his conscience,
+And we will a while longer hear him with patience.
+
+CARDINAL.
+Say on, thou heretic: of the holy Sacrament;
+Of the body and blood of Christ, what is thine opinion?
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+I have not yet finished my former argument.
+
+CARDINAL.
+Say on, as I bid thee: thou art a stout minion.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+I shall then gladly: it is a sign of union,
+The which should remain us Christians among,
+That one should love another all our life long.
+For as the bread is of many cornels compounded,
+And the wine from the juice of many grapes do descend,
+So we, which into Christ our Rock are ingrounded,
+As into one temple, should cease to contend,
+Lest by our contention the Church we offend.
+This was not the least cause, among many more,
+Which are now omitted, that this Sacrament was given for.
+The chiefest cause why this Sacrament was ordained,
+Was the infirmity of our outward man;
+Whereas salvation to all men was proclaimed,
+That with true faith apprehend the same can,
+By the death of Jesus Christ, that immaculate Lamb;
+That the same might the rather of all men be believed,
+To the word to add a Sacrament it Christ nothing grieved.
+And as we the sooner believe that thing true,
+For the trial whereof more witnesses we find,
+So by the means of the Sacrament many grew
+Believing creatures, where before they were blind;
+For our senses some savour of our faith now do find,
+Because in the Sacrament there is this analogy,
+That Christ feeds our souls, as the bread doth our body.
+
+CARDINAL.
+Ah, thou foul heretic! is there bread in the Sacrament?
+Where is Christ's body, then, which he did us give?
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+I know to the faithful receiver it is there present,
+But yet the bread remaineth still, I steadfastly believe.
+
+CARDINAL.
+To hear these his errors it doth me greatly grieve:
+But that we may shortly to some issue come,
+In what sense said Christ, _Hoc est corpus meum_?
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+Even in the same sense that he said before:
+_Vos estis sal terrae, Vos estis lux mundi,
+Ego sum ostium_, and a hundred such more,
+If time would permit to allege them severally;
+But that I may the simple sort edify,
+You ask me in what sense these words I verify,
+Where Christ of the bread said, "This is my body."
+For answer herein I ask you this question:
+Were Christ's disciples into salt transformed
+When he said, "Ye are the salt of the earth every one,"
+Or when the light of the world he them affirmed?
+Or himself to be a door when he confirmed?
+Or to be a vine, did his body then change?
+If not then, why now? this to me seemeth strange.
+
+CARDINAL.
+Why, dost thou doubt of Christ his omnipotency,
+But what so he willeth doth so come to pass?
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+God keep me and all men from such a frenzy,
+As to think anything Christ's power to surpass,
+When his will to his power joined was;
+But where his will wanteth, his power is ineffectual:
+As Christ can be no liar, God cannot be mortal.
+Set down therefore some proof of his will
+That he would be made bread, and then I recant.
+
+CARDINAL.
+This caitiff mine ears with wind he doth fill:
+His words both truth and reason doth want.
+Christ's word is his will; this must thou needs grant.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+He spake the word likewise, when he said, "I am the door,"
+Was his body transformed into timber therefore?
+
+CARDINAL.
+Nay, if thou beest obstinate, I will say no more.
+Have him hence to prison, and keep him full sure:
+I will make him set by my friendship more store.
+But hearest thou, Zeal? go first and procure
+Some kind of new torment which he may not endure.
+
+TYRANNY.
+I am here in readiness to do your commandment,
+And will return hither again incontinent.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+At thy return bring hither Sensual Suggestion,
+That, if need be, he may us assist,
+Lest that both I and Careful Provision
+The zeal of Philologus may not fully resist;
+But he in his obstinacy doth still persist:
+To put him to death would accuse us of tyranny;
+But if we could win him, he should do us much honesty.
+
+TYRANNY.
+I hear you, and will fulfil your words speedily.
+                                          [_Exit_ TYRANNY.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+Good Master Philologus, I pity your case,
+To see you so foolish yourself to undo:
+I durst yet promise to purchase you grace,
+If you would, at length, your errors forego.
+Therefore, I pray you, be not your own foe.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+Call you those errors which the gospel defends?
+I know not, then, whence true d[o]ctrine descends.
+
+CARDINAL.
+Nay, Master Hypocrisy, you spend time in vain
+To reason with him: he will not be removed.
+
+AVARICE.
+Had I so much to live by, as he hath certain,
+I would not lose that which I so well loved.
+
+CARDINAL.
+He stands in his reputation: he will not be reproved;
+And that is the cause that he is so obstinate:
+[_To Phil_.] But I shall well enough thy courage abate.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+I humbly beseech you of Christian charity,
+You seek not of purpose my blood for to spill;
+For if I have displeased your authority,
+In reasonable causes redress it I will:
+But in this respect I fear I should kill
+My soul for ever, if against my conscience
+I should to the Pope's laws acknowledge obedience.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+Cease from those words, if your safety you love:
+As though no man had a soul more than you.
+Such nips, perchance, my lord's patience will move;
+Then would you please him, if that you wist how.
+But if you will be ruled by my honesty, I vow
+I will do the best herein that I can,
+Because you seem to be a good gentleman.
+
+AVARICE.
+Were it not better for you to live at ease,
+And spend that merrily which earst you have got,
+Than by your own folly yourself to disease,
+And bring you to trouble, which other men seek not?
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+In faith, Philologus, your zeal is too hot,
+Which will not be quench'd, but with your heart-blood;
+If I were so zealous, I would think myself wood.
+
+CARDINAL.
+Tush! it will not be: he thinks we do but jest.
+Wherefore, that some trial of my mind he may have,
+That Careful Provision should go I think best
+Into the town, and there assistance crave,
+His house for to enter, and his goods for me save:
+Lest when his wife know that they be confiscate,
+Into other men's keeping the same she doth dissipate.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+You speak very wisely in my simple judgment:
+Therefore you were best to send him away.
+
+CARDINAL.
+Go to, Careful Provision, depart incontinent,
+And fulfil the words which I to you say.
+
+AVARICE.
+Of pardon herein I do your lordship pray.
+You doubt not, I trust, of my willing mind,
+Which herein is most ready, you always shall find:
+For who is more ready by fraud to purloin
+Other men's goods than I am each where?
+But lest some man at me should chance to foin,
+And kill me at once, I greatly do fear.
+I had rather persuade him his folly to forbear.
+
+CARDINAL.
+Prove then, if thou canst do him any good:
+He shall not say that we seek his blood.
+
+AVARICE.
+Ah, Master Philologus! you see your own case,
+That both life and goods are in my lord's will:
+Therefore you were best to sue for some grace,
+And be content his words to fulfil.
+If you neglect this, hence straightway I will,
+And all your goods I will sure confiscate:
+Then will you repent it, when it is too late.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+My case indeed I see most miserable,
+As was Susanna betwixt two evils placed;
+Either to consent to sin most abhominable,
+Or else in the world's sight to be utterly disgraced;
+But as she her chastity at that time embraced,
+So will I now spiritual whoredom resist,
+And keep me a true virgin to my loving spouse Christ.
+
+AVARICE.
+Wilt thou then neglect the provision of thy household?
+Thou art therefore worse than an infidel is.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+That you abuse God's word, to say I dare be bold,
+And the saying of Paul you interpret amiss.
+
+CARDINAL.
+I never saw the like heretic that this is.
+Away, Careful Provision, about your business.
+
+AVARICE.
+Sith there is no remedy, I am here in readiness.
+                                           [_Exit_ AVARICE.
+PHILOLOGUS.
+I beseech your lordship, even from the heart-root,
+That you would vouchsafe, for my contentation,
+To approve unto me by God's holy book
+Some one of the questions of our disputation:
+For I will hear you with heart's delectation,
+Because I would gladly to your doctrine consent,
+If that I could so my conscience content.
+But my conscience crieth out, and bids me take heed
+To love my Lord God above all earthly gain;
+Whereby all this while I stand in great dread,
+That if I should God's statutes disdain,
+In wretched state then I should remain.
+Thus crieth my conscience to me continually,
+Which if you can stay, I will yield to you gladly.
+
+CARDINAL.
+I can say no more than I have done already.
+Thou heardest that I called thee heretic and fool:
+If thou wilt not consent to me, and that speedily,
+With a new master thou shalt go to school.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+Thou hast no more wit, I see, than this stool,
+Far unfit to dispute and reason with my lord:
+He can subdue thee with fire and sword quite with one word.
+
+TYRANNY.[49]
+Come follow apace, Sensual Suggestion,
+Or else I will leave you to come all alone.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+You go in haste, you make expedition:
+Nay, if you run so fast, I will none.
+This little journey will make me to groan.
+I use not to trouble myself in this wise,
+And now to begin I do not advise.
+
+TYRANNY.
+Have I not plied me, which am come again so soon,
+And yet have finished such sundry business?
+I have caused many pretty toys to be done,
+So that now I have each thing in readiness.
+
+CARDINAL.
+What, Master Zeal, you are praiseworthy, doubtless.
+Art thou prepared this gentleman to receive?
+He will roast a fagot, or else he me deceive.
+
+TYRANNY.
+In simple manner I will him entertain,
+Yet must he take it all in good part;
+And though his diet be small, he may not disdain,
+Nor yet contemn the kindness of my heart:
+For though I lack instruments to put him to smart,
+Yet shall he abide in a hellish black dungeon:
+As for blocks, stocks, and irons, I warrant him want none.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+Well, farewell Philologus, you hear of your lodging.
+I would yet do you good, if that I wist how.
+
+CARDINAL.
+Let him go, Hypocrisy; stand not all day dodging:
+You have done too much for him, I make God avow.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+Stay; for Suggestion doth come yonder now.
+Come on, lazy lubber, you make but small haste:
+Had you stayed a while longer, your coming had been waste.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+You know of myself I am not very quick,
+Because that my body I do so much tender;
+For Sensual Suggestion will quickly be sick,
+If that his own ease he should not remember.
+Thus one cause of my tarriance to you I do render:
+Another I had as I came by the way,
+Which did me the longer from your company stay.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+What was that, Suggestion? I pray thee to us utter,
+For I am with child, till that I do it hear.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+A certain gentlewoman did murmur and mutter,
+And for grief of mind her hair she did tear:
+She will at last kill herself, I greatly do fear.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+What is the cause why this grief she did take?
+
+SUGGESTION.
+Because her husband her company did forsake.
+Her children also about her did stand,
+Sobbing and sighing, and made lamentation,
+Knocking their breasts, and wringing their hand,
+Saying they are brought to utter desolation
+By the means of their father's wilful protestation;
+Whose goods, they say, are already confiscate,
+Because he doth the Pope's laws violate.
+And indeed I saw Avarice standing at the door,
+And a company of ruffians assisting him there.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+Alas, alas! this pincheth my heart full sore.
+Mine evils he doth declare, mine own woe I do hear,
+Wherefore from tears I cannot forbear.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+Ha, ha! doth this touch you, Master Philologus?
+You need not have had it, being rul'd by us.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+Why, what is he thus, Master Hypocrisy,
+That taketh such sorrow at the words which I spake?
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+One that is taken and convinced of heresy,[50]
+And, I fear me much, will burn at a stake:
+Yet to reclaim him much pains would I take,
+And have done already, howbeit in vain.
+I would crave thine assistance, were it not to thy pain.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+I will do the best herein that I can:
+Yet go thou with me to help at a need.
+[_To Phil_.] With all my heart, God save you, good gentleman,
+To see your great sorrow my heart doth wellnigh bleed.
+But what is the cause of your trouble and dread?
+Disdain not to me your secret to tell:
+A wise man sometime of a fool may take counsel.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+Mine estate, alas! is now most lamentable,
+For I am but dead, whichever side I take:
+Neither to determine herein am I able,
+With good advice mine election to make,
+The worse to refuse, and the best for to take:
+My spirit covets the one; but alas! since your presence,
+My flesh leads my spirit therefro by violence.
+For at this time, I being in great extremity,
+Either my Lord God in heart to reject,
+Or else to be oppressed by the legate's authority,
+And in this world to be counted an abject,
+My lands, wife, and children also to neglect:
+This later part to take my spirit is in readiness,
+But my flesh doth subdue my spirit doubtless.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+Your estate, perhaps, seemeth to you dangerous,
+The rather because you have not been used
+To incur beforetime such troubles perilous,
+But to your power such evils have refused:
+Howbeit, of two evils the least must be choosed:
+Now which is the least evil, we will shortly examine,
+That which part to take yourself may determine.
+On the right hand, you say, you see God's just judgment,
+His wrath and displeasure on you for to fall,
+And instead of the joys of heaven ever permanent,
+You see for your stipend the torments infernal.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+That is it indeed which I fear most of all;
+For Christ said: fear not them which the body can annoy,
+But fear him which the body and soul can destroy.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+Well, let that lie aside awhile as it is,
+And on the other side make the like inquisition:
+If on the left side you fall, then shall you not miss
+But to bring your body to utter perdition;
+For at man's hand, you know, there is no remission.
+Beside, your children fatherless, your wife desolate,
+Your goods and possessions to other men confiscate.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+Saint Paul to the Romans hath this worthy sentence:
+I accompt the afflictions of this world transitory,
+Be they never so many, in full equivalence
+Cannot countervail those heavenly glory,
+Which we shall have through Christ his propitiatory.
+I also accompt the rebukes of our Saviour
+Greater gains to me than this house full of treasure.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+You have spoken reasonably; but yet, as they say,
+One bird in the hand is worth two in the bush;
+So you, now enjoying these worldly joys, may
+Esteem the other as light as a rush:
+Thus may you 'scape this perilous push.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+Yea, but my salvation to me is most certain;
+Neither doubt I that I shall suffer this in vain.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+Is your death meritorious, then, in God's sight,
+That you are so sure to attain to salvation?
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+I do not think so; but my faith is full pight
+In the mercies of God, by Christ's mediation;
+By whom I am sure of my preservation.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+Then to the faithful no hurt can accrue,
+But what so he worketh, good end shall ensue.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+Our Saviour Christ did say to the tempter,
+When he did persuade him from the pinnacle to fall,
+And said, he might safely that danger adventure,
+Because that God's angels from hurt him save shall:
+See that thy Lord God thou tempt not at all.
+So I, though persuaded of my sins' free remission,
+May not commit sin upon this presumption.
+
+CARDINAL.
+What, have you not yet done your foolish tattling
+With that froward heretic! I will then away:
+If you will tarry to hear all his prattling,
+He would surely keep you most part of the day.
+It is now high dinner-time, my stomach doth say;
+And I will not lose one meal of my diet,
+Though thereon did hang an hundred men's quiet.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+By your lordship's patience, one word with him more,
+And then, if he will not, I give him to Tyranny.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+I never saw my lord so patient before,
+To suffe[r] one to speak for himself so quietly;
+But you were not best to trust to his courtesy:
+It is evil waking of a dog that doth sleep.
+While you have his friendship, you were best it to keep.
+
+CARDINAL.
+I promise thee, Philologus, by my vowed chastity,
+If thou wilt be ruled by thy friends that be here,
+Thou shalt abound in wealth and prosperity,
+And in the country chief rule thou shalt bear,
+And a hundred pounds more thou shalt have in the year.
+If thou will this courtesy refuse,
+Thou shalt die incontinent: the one of these choose.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+Well, sith it is no time for us to debate
+In formal[51] manner what is in my mind,
+I will at once to thee straight demonstrate
+Those worldly joys which here thou shalt find.
+And for because thou art partly blind,
+In this respect look through this mirror,
+And thou shalt behold an unspeakable pleasure.
+                                     [_Shows him a mirror_.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+O peerless pleasures, O joys unspeakable,
+O worldly wealth, O palaces gorgeous,
+O fair children, O wife most amiable;
+O pleasant pastime, O pomp so glorious,
+O delicate diet, O life lascivious;
+O dolorous death which would me betray,
+And my felicity from me take away!
+I am fully resolved without further demur[52]
+In these delights to take my whole solace;
+And what pain soever hereby I incur,
+Whether heaven or hell, whether God's wrath or grace,
+This glass of delight I will ever embrace.
+But one thing most chiefly doth trouble me here:
+My neighbours inconstant will compt me, I fear.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+He that will seek each man to content
+Shall prove himself at last most unwise.
+Yourself to save harmless think it sufficient,
+And weight not the people's clamorous outcries.
+Yet their mouths to stop I can soon devise:
+Say that the reading of the works of St Self-love
+And Doctor Ambition did your errors remove.
+And hark in thine[53] ear, delay no more time:
+The sooner the better in end you will say.
+[_Aside_.] We have now caught him as bird is in lime.[54]
+
+TYRANNY.
+Come on, sirs; have ye done? I would fain away.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+Go even when you will, we do you not stay.
+Philologus hath drunk such a draught of hypocrisy,
+That he minds not to die yet; he will master this malady.
+
+CARDINAL.
+Come on, Master Philologus: are you grown to a stay?
+I am glad to hear that you become tractable.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+If it please your lordship, I say even what you say,
+And confess your religion to be most allowable.
+Neither will I gainsay your customs laudable:
+My former follies I utterly renounce;
+That myself was an heretic, I do here pronounce.
+
+CARDINAL.
+Nay, Master Philologus, go with me to my palace,
+And I shall set down the form of recantation,
+Which you shall read on Sunday next in open place.
+This done, you shall satisfy our expectation,
+And shall be set free from all molestation:
+Into the bosom of the Church we will you take,
+And some high officer therein will you make.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+I must first request your lordship's favour,
+That I may go home my wife for to see,
+And I will attend on you within this hour.
+
+CARDINAL.
+Nay, I may not suffer you alone to go free,
+Unless one of these your surety will be.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+I, Sensual Suggestion, for him will undertake.
+
+CARDINAL.
+Very well, take him to you: your prisoner I him make.
+Come you, Master Hypocrisy, and bear me company,
+Or else I am sure no meat I should eat;
+And go before, Zeal, to see each thing ready,
+That, when we once come, we stay not for meat.
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+With small suit hereto you shall me intreat.
+
+                                    [_Exit_ TYRANNY.
+
+CARDINAL.
+Farewell, Philologus, and make small delay:
+Perhaps of our dinners for you I will stay.
+
+                 [_Exeunt_ CARDINAL _and_ HYPOCRISY.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+Had not you been a wise man, yourself to have lost,
+And brought your whole family to wretched estate!
+Where now of your blessedness yourself you may boast,
+And of all the country accompt yourself fortunate.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+Such was the wit of my foolish pate.
+But what do we stay so long in this place?
+I shall not be well, whilst I am with my Lord's grace.
+
+                                                 [_Exeunt_.
+
+
+
+ACT IV. SCENE 4.
+
+
+    SPIRIT, PHILOLOGUS, SUGGESTION.
+
+[SPIRIT.]
+Philologus, Philologus, Philologus, I say,
+In time take heed, go not too far, look well thy steps unto:
+Let not suggestion of thy flesh thy conscience thee betray,
+Who doth conduct thee in the path that leadeth to all woe.
+Weigh well this warning given from God, before thou further go,
+And sell not everlasting joy for pleasures temporal,
+From which thou soon shalt go, or they from thee bereaved shall.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+Alas! what voice is this I hear, so dolefully to sound
+Into mine ears, and warneth me in time yet to beware?
+Why, have not I the pleasant path of worldly pleasures found?
+To walk therein for my delight no man shall me debar.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+Look in this glass, Philologus: for nought else do thou care.
+What dost thou see within the same? is not the coast all clear?
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+Nought else but pleasure, pomp and wealth herein to me appear.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+Give me thy hand: I will be guide, and lead thee in the way.
+What, dost thou shrink, Philologus, where I dare go before?
+
+SPIRIT.
+Yea, shrink so still, Philologus; in time turn back, I say:
+In Sensual Suggestion's steps see that thou tread no more;
+And though the frailty of the flesh hath made thee fall full sore,
+And to deny with outward lips thy Lord and God most dear,
+The same to 'stablish with consent of conscience stand in fear.
+Thou art yet free, Philologus; all torments thou may'st 'scape,
+Only the pleasures of the world thou shalt awhile forbear.
+Renounce thy crime, and sue for grace, and do not captivate
+Thy conscience unto mortal sin: the yoke of Christ do bear.
+Shut up these words within thy breast, which sound so in thine ear:
+The outward man hath caused thee this enterprise to take;
+Beware lest wickedness of spirit the same do perfect make.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+My heart doth tremble for distress; my conscience pricks me sore,
+And bids me cease that course in time, which I would gladly run.
+The wrath of God, it doth me tell, doth stand my face before:
+Wherefore I hold it best to cease that race I have begun.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+These are but fancies certainly; for this way thou shalt shun
+All worldly woes: look in thy glass and tell me what it show.
+Thou wilt not credit other men before thyself, I trow.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+O gladsome glass, O mirror bright, O crystal clear as sun,
+The joys cannot be uttered which herein I behold!
+Wherefore I will not thee forsake, what evil soever come.
+
+SPIRIT.
+If needs thou wilt thyself undo, say not but thou art told.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+Hap what hap will, I will not lose these pleasures manifold.
+Wherefore conduct me once again: here, take me by the hand.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+That Sensual Suggestion doth lead him, understand.
+
+
+
+ACT IV., SCENE 5.[55]
+
+
+    CONSCIENCE, PHILOLOGUS, SUGGESTION.
+
+[CONSCIENCE.]
+Alas, alas! thou woful wight, what fury doth thee move
+So willingly to cast thyself into consuming fire?
+What Circe hath bewitched thee thy worldly wealth to love
+More than the blessed state of Soul, this one thing I desire?
+Weigh well the cause with sincere heart, thy conscience thee require,
+And sell not everlasting joys for pleasures temporal.[56]
+Resist Suggestion of the flesh, who seeks thee for to spoil;
+From which thou soon shalt go, or they from thee bereaved shall,
+And take from thee, which God elect, true everlasting soil.
+See where confusion doth attend to catch thee in his snare,
+Whose hands, if that thou goest on still, thou shalt no way eschew.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+What wight art thou, which for my health dost take such earnest care?
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Thy crazed conscience, which foresee the plagues and torments due,
+Which from just Judge, whom thou denyest, shall by and by ensue.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+Thou hast good trial of the faith which I to thee do bear:
+Commit thy safety to my charge; there is no danger near.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Such is the blindness of the flesh, that it may not descry
+Or see the perils which the soul is ready to incur;
+And much the less our own estates we can ourselves espy,
+Because Suggestion in our hearts such, fancies often stir:
+Whereby to worldly vanities we cleave as fast as burr,
+Esteeming them with heavenly joys in goodness comparable,
+Yet be they mostly very pricks to sin abhominable.
+For proof we need no further go than to this present man,
+Who by the blessing of the Lord of riches having store,
+When with his heart to fancy them this worldling once began,
+And had this glass of vanities espied his eyes before,
+He God forsook, whereas he ought have loved him the more;
+And chooseth rather with his goods to be thrown down to hell,
+Than by refusing of the same with God in heaven to dwell.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+Nay, hark, Philologus, how thy Conscience can teach,
+And would detain thee with glosings untrue:
+But hearest thou, Conscience, thou mayest long enough preach,
+Ere words, from whence reason or truth none ensue,
+Shall make Philologus to bid me adieu.
+What, shall there no rich man dwell in God's kingdom?
+Where, then, is Abraham, Job, and David become?
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+I speak not largely of all them which have this worldly wealth,
+For why I know that riches are the creatures of the Lord;
+Which of themselves are good each one, as Solomon us telleth,
+And are appointed to do good withal by God's own word;
+But when they let us from the Lord, then ought they be abhorr'd:
+Which caused Christ himself to say, that with much lesser pain
+Should camel pass through needle's eye, than rich men heaven obtain.
+Hereby rich men Christ did not mean each one which wealth enjoy,
+But those which fast'ned have their love upon this worldly dust;
+Wherefore another cries and saith, O death, how great annoy
+Dost thou procure unto that man, which in his goods doth trust.
+That thou dost this, Philologus, thou needs acknowledge must;
+Whereby each one may easily see, thou takest more delight
+In mundane joys, than thou esteemest to be with angels bright.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+This toucheth the quick: I feel the wound, which if thou canst not cure,
+As maimed in limbs I must retire; I can no further go.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+This is the grief which Conscience takes against thee, I am sure,
+Because thou usest those delights which Conscience may not do;
+And therefore he persuadeth thee to leave the same also,
+As did the fox which, caught in snare and scap'd with loss of tail,
+To cut off theirs, as burthenous, did all the rest counsel.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Indeed I cannot use those fond and foolish vanities,
+In which the outward part of man doth take so great delight:
+No, neither would I, though to me were given that liberty,
+But rather would consume them all to nought, if that I might;
+For if I should delight therein, it were as good a sight,
+As if a man of perfect age should ride upon a stick,
+Or play with compters in the street, which pastime children like.
+But all my joys in heaven remains, whereas I long to be;
+And so wouldst thou, if that on Christ thy faith full fast'ned were:
+For that affection was in Paul the apostle, we may see,
+The first to the Philippians doth witness herein bear.
+His words be these: O would to God dissolved that I were,
+And were with Christ: another place his mind in those words tell;
+We are but strangers all from God, while in this world we dwell.
+Now, mark how far from his request dissenting in thy mind,
+He wish'd for death, but more than hell thou dost the same detest.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+The cause why Paul did loath his life may easily be assign'd,
+Because the Jews in every place did seek him to molest:
+But those which in this world obtain security and rest,
+Do take delight to live therein; yea, nature doth endue
+Each living creature with a fear, lest death should them accrue.
+Yea, the same Paul at Antioch dissembled to be dead,
+While they were gone who sought his life with stones for to destroy.
+Elias for to save his life to Horeb likewise fled,
+So did King David flee, when Saul did seek him to annoy:
+Yea, Christ himself, whom in our deeds to follow we may joy,
+Did secretly convey himself from Jews so full of hate,
+When they thought from the top of hill him to precipitate.
+Wherefore it is no sin at all a man for to defend,
+And keep himself from death, so long as nature gives him leave.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+The same whom you recited have conceived a further end,
+Than to themselves to live alone, as each man may perceive;
+For when that Paul had run his course, he did at last receive
+With heart's consent the final death which was him put unto.
+So when Christ had performed his work, he did death undergo:
+And would to God, thou wouldest do that, which these men were content;
+For they despised worldly pomp; their flesh they did subdue;
+And brought it under, that to spirit it mostly did consent:
+Whereby they, seeking God to please, did bid the world adieu,
+Wife, children and possessions forsaking; for they knew
+That everlasting treasures were appointed them at last,
+The which they thirsting did from them all worldly pleasures cast.
+But thou, O wretch, dost life prolong, not that thou wouldst God's name,
+As duty binds us all to do, most chiefly glorify,
+But rather by thy living still wilt God's renown defame,
+And more and more dishonour him: this is thy drift, I spy.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+I mean to live in worldly joys; I can it not deny.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+What are those joys, which thou dost mean, but pleasures strange from God?
+By using of the which thou shalt provoke his heavy rod.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+Tush! knowest thou what, Philologus, be wise thyself unto,
+And listen not to those fond words which Conscience to thee tell.
+For thy defence I will allege one worthy lesson mo,
+Unto the which I am right sure he cannot answer well:
+When David by vain trust in men of war from God sore fell,
+And was appointed of three plagues the easiest for to choose,
+He said: God's mercy easier is to get than man's, as I suppose.
+Again, he sayeth among the Psalms: it better is to trust
+In God, than that our confidence we settle should in man.
+Wherefore to this which I now say of force consent thou must;
+That when two evils, before us placed, no way avoid we can,
+Into the hand of God to fall by choice is lawful then,
+Because that God is merciful, when man no mercy show.
+Thus have I pleaded in this cause sufficiently, I trow.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+How can you say you trust in God whenas you him forsake,
+And of the wicked Mammon here do make your feigned friend?
+No, no; these words which you recite against you mostly make,
+For thus he thinks in his distress: God cannot me defend,
+And therefore by Suggestion frail to man's help he hath lean'd.
+Mark who say truth, of him or me, and do him best believe.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+I like thy words, but that to lose these joys it would me grieve.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+And where Suggestion telleth thee, that God in mercies flow,
+Yet is he just sins to correct, and true in that he speak;
+Wherefore he sayeth: whoso my name before men shall not know,
+I shall not know him, when as judge I shall sit in my seat.
+This if you call to mind, it will your proud presumption break.
+Again he sayeth, whoso his life or goods will seek to save,
+Shall lose them all; but who for Christ will lose them, gain shall have.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+What, did not Peter Christ deny, yet mercy did obtain,
+Where, if he had not, of the Jews he should have tasted death?
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+Even so shall I in tract of time with bitter tears complain.
+
+SUGGESTION.
+Yea, time enough, though thou deferr'st until thy latest breath.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+So sayeth Suggestion unto thee; but Conscience it denyeth,
+And in the end what so I say for truth thou shalt espy,
+And that most false which Conscience shall in secret heart deny.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+Ah, wretched man! what shall I do? which do so plainly see
+My flesh and spirit to contend, and that in no small thing,
+But as concerning the event of extreme misery;
+Which either study to avoid, or else upon me bring:
+And which of them I should best trust, it is a doubtful thing.
+My Conscience speaketh truth, methink; but yet because I fear
+By his advice to suffer death, I do his words forbear.
+And therefore pacify thyself, and do not so torment
+Thyself in vain: I must seek some means for to eschew
+These griping griefs, which unto me I see now imminent;
+And therefore will no longer stay, but bid thee now adieu.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+O, stay, I say, Philologus, or else thou wilt it rue!
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+It is lost labour that thou dost: I will be at a point,
+And to enjoy these worldly joys I jeopard will a joint.
+
+                         [_Exit_ PHILOLOGUS _and_ SUGGESTION.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+O cursed creature, O frail flesh, O meat for worms, O dust,
+O blather puffed full of wind, O vainer than these all!
+What cause hast thou in thine own wit to have so great a trust,
+Which of thyself canst not espy the evils which on thee fall?
+The blindness of the outward man Philologus show shall,
+At his return unless I can at last make him relent;
+For why the Lord him to correct in furious wrath is bent.
+
+                                             [_Exit_ CONSCIENCIA.
+
+
+
+ACT V., SCENE 3.
+
+
+HYPOCRISY.
+Such chopping cheer as we have made, the like hath not been seen.
+And who so pleasant with my lord as is Philologus?
+His recantation he hath made, and is despatched clean
+Of all the griefs which unto him did seem so dangerous:
+Which thing, you know, was brought to pass especially by us,
+So that Hypocrisy hath done that which Satan did intend,
+That men for worldly wealth should cease the gospel to defend.
+What shall become of foolish goose, I mean Philologus,
+In actual manner to your eyes shall represented be;
+For though as now he seems to be in state most glorious,
+He shall not long continue so, each one of you shall see.
+But needs I must be packing hence: my fellows stay for me.
+Shake hands, before we do depart; you shall see me no more;
+And though Hypocrisy go away, of hypocrites here is good store.
+
+                                              [_Exit_ HYPOCRISY.
+
+
+
+ACT V., SCENE 4.
+
+
+    PHILOLOGUS, GISBERTUS, PAPHINITIUS.
+
+[PHILOLOGUS.]
+Come on, my children dear, to me, and let us talk awhile
+Of worldly goods, which I have got, and of my pleasant state
+Which fortune hath installed me, who on me cheerly smile,
+So that unto the top of wheel she doth me elevate.
+I have escaped all mishaps of which my Conscience did prate,
+And where before I ruled was, as is the common sort,
+Now as a judge within this land I bear a ruler's port.
+
+GISBERTUS.
+Indeed, good father, we have cause to praise your gravity,
+Who did both save yourself from woe, and us from begging state;
+Where if you had persevered still, as we did fear greatly,
+Your good from us your children should to legate be confiscate:
+Our glorious pomps, then, should we have been glad for to abate.
+
+PAPHINITIUS.
+But now not only that you had for us, but also have
+Such offices, whereby more gains you year by year shall save.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+I was at point once very near to have been quite forlorn,
+Had not Suggestion of the flesh from folly me reclaimed,
+And set this glass of worldly joys my sight and eyes beforn,
+The sight whereof did cause all things of me to be disdained.
+I thought I had felicity when it I had obtained;
+And to say truth, I do not care what to my soul betide,
+So long as this prosperity and wealth by me abide.
+But let us homeward go again, some pastime there to make:
+My whole delight in sport and games of pleasure I repose.
+
+    [_Enter_ HORROR.]
+
+HORROR.
+Nay, stay thy journey here awhile: I do thee prisoner take.
+I shall abate thy pleasures soon--yea, too soon, thou wilt suppose.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+What is thy name? whence comest thou? wherefore? to me disclose--
+
+HORROR.
+My name is call'd Confusion and Horror of the mind,
+And to correct impenitents of God I am assign'd,
+And for because thou dost despise God's mercy and his grace,
+And wouldst no admonition take by them that did thee warn,
+Neither when Conscience counselled thee, thou wouldst his words embrace,
+Who would have had thee unto God obedience true to learn;
+Nor couldst between Suggestion's craft and Conscience' truth discern:
+Behold, therefore, thou shalt of me another lesson hear,
+Which (will thou, nill thou,) with torment of Conscience thou shalt bear.
+And where thou hast extinguished the Holy Spirit of God,
+And made him weary with thy sins, which daily thou hast done,
+He will no longer in thy soul and spirit make abode,
+But with the graces, which he gave to thee, now is he gone:
+So that to Godward by Christ's death rejoicing thou hast none.
+The peace of Conscience faded is; instead whereof I bring
+The spirit of Satan, blasphemy, confusion and cursing.
+The glass likewise of vanities, which is thine only joy,
+I will transform into the glass of deadly desperation,
+By looking in the which thou shalt conceive a great annoy.
+Thus have I caught thee in thy pride, and brought thee to damnation;
+So that thou art a pattern true of God's just indignation:
+Whereby each man may warned be the like sins to eschew,
+Lest the same torments they incur, which in thee they shall view.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+O painful pain of deep disdain, O griping grief of hell!
+O horror huge, O soul suppress'd, and slain with desperation!
+O heap of sins, the sum whereof no man can number well!
+O death, O furious flames of hell, my just recompensation!
+O wretched wight, O creature curs'd, O child of condemnation!
+O angry God and merciless, most fearful to behold!
+O Christ, thou art no Lamb to me, but Lion fierce and bold!
+
+GISBERTUS.
+Alas, dear father! what doth move and cause you to lament?
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+My sins, alas! which in this glass appear innumerable,
+For which I shall no pardon get; for God is fully bent
+In fury for to punish me with pains intolerable.
+Neither to call to him for grace or pardon am I able.
+My sin is unto death; I feel Christ's death doth me no good,
+Neither for my behoof did Christ shed his most precious blood.
+
+PAPHINITIUS.
+Alas, dear father! alas! I say, what sudden change is this?
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+I am condemned into hell these torments to sustain.
+
+GISBERTUS.
+O, say not so, my father dear; God's mercy mighty is.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+The sentence of the righteous Judge cannot be call'd again,
+Who hath already judged me to everlasting pain.
+O that my body buried were, that it at rest might be,
+Though soul were put in Judas' place, or Cain's extremity.
+
+GISBERTUS.
+O brother! haste you to the town, and tell Theologus,
+What sudden plague and punishment my father hath befell.
+
+PAPHINITIUS.
+I run in haste, and will request him for to come with us.
+
+GISBERTUS.
+O father! rest yourself in God, and all thing shall be well.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+Ah, dreadful name! which when I hear to sigh it me compel.
+God is against me, I perceive; he is none of my God,
+Unless in this, that he will beat and plague me with his rod.
+And though his mercy doth surpass the sins of all the world,
+Yet shall it not once profit me, or pardon mine offence:
+I am refused utterly, I quite from God am whurl'd.
+My name within the Book of Life had never residence;
+Christ prayed not, Christ suffered not, my sins to recompense,
+But only for the Lord's elect, of which sort I am none.
+I feel his justice towards me; his mercy all is gone.
+And to be short, within short space my final end shall be:
+Then shall my soul incur the pains of utter desolation,
+And I shall be a precedent most horrible to see
+To God's elect, that they may see the price of abjuration.
+
+GISBERTUS.
+To hear my father's doleful plaints it bringeth perturbation
+Unto my soul; but yonder comes that good Theologus--
+O welcome, sir! and welcome you, good Master Eusebius.
+
+
+
+ACT V., SCENE 5.
+
+
+    THEO. PHIL. EUSE. GIS. PAPHI.
+
+[THEOLOGUS.]
+God save you, good Philologus; how do you, by God's grace?
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+You welcome are, but I, alas! vile wretch, am here evil found.
+
+EUSEBIUS.
+What is the chiefest cause, tell us, of this your dolorous case?
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+O, would my soul were sunk in hell, so body were in ground:
+That angry God now hath his will, who sought me to confound.
+
+THEOLOGUS.
+O, say not so, Philologus, for God is gracious,
+And to forgive the penitent his mercy is plenteous.
+Do you not know that all the earth with mercy doth abound,
+And though the sins of all the world upon one man were laid,
+If he one only spark of grace or mercy once had found,
+His wickedness could not him harm: wherefore be not dismay'd.
+Christ's death alone for all your sins a perfect ransom paid:
+God doth not covet sinner's death, but rather that he may
+By living still bewail his sins, and so them put away.
+Consider Peter, who three times his master did deny;
+Yea, with an oath; and that although Christ did him warning give,
+With whom before-time he had lived so long familiarly,
+Of whom so many benefits of love he did receive;
+Yet when once Peter his own fault did at the last perceive,
+And did bewail his former crime with salt and bitter tears,
+Christ by and by did pardon him, the gospel witness bears.
+The thief likewise and murtherer, which never had done good,
+But had in mischief spent his days, yea, during all his life,
+With latest breath when he his sins and wickedness withstood,
+And with iniquities of flesh his spirit was at strife,
+Thorough that one motion of his heart and power of true belief,
+He was received into grace, and all his sins defaced,
+Christ saying, Soon in paradise with me thou shalt be placed.
+The hand of God is not abridged, but still he is of might
+To pardon them that call to him unfeignedly for grace.
+Again, it is God's property to pardon sinners quite:
+Pray therefore with thy heart to God here in this open place,
+And from the very root of heart bewail to him thy case,
+And, I assure thee, God will on thee his mercy show
+Through Jesus Christ, who is with him our advocate, you know.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+I have no faith: the words you speak my heart doth not believe.
+I must confess that I for sin am justly thrown to hell.
+
+EUSEBIUS.
+His monstrous incredulity my very heart doth grieve.
+Ah, dear Philologus! I have known by face and visage well
+A sort of men, which have been vex'd with devils and spirits fell,
+In far worse state than you are yet, brought into desperation,
+Yet in the end have been reclaimed by godly exhortation.
+Such are the mercies of the Lord, he will throw down to hell,
+And yet call back again from thence, as holy David writes.
+What should then let you trust in God? I pray you to us tell,
+Sith to forgive and do us good it chiefly him delights?
+What, would not you that of your sins he should you clean acquite?
+How can he once deny to you one thing you do request,
+Which hath already given to you his best-beloved Christ?
+Lift up your heart in hope, therefore; awhile be of good cheer,
+And make access unto his seat of grace by earnest prayer,
+And God will surely you relieve with grace, stand not in fear.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+I do believe that out from God proceed these comforts fair:
+So do the devils, yet of their health they alway do despair.
+They are not written unto me, for I would fain attain
+The mercy and the love of God, but he doth me disdain.
+How would you have that man to live, which hath no mouth to eat?
+No more can I live in my soul, which have no faith at all:
+And where you say that Peter did of Christ soon pardon get,
+Who in the selfsame sin with me from God did greatly fall,
+Why I cannot obtain the same, to you I open shall:
+God had respect to him always, and did him[57] firmly love,
+But I, alas! am reprobate; God doth my soul reprove.
+Moreover, I will say with tongue, whatso you will require:
+My heart, I feel, with blasphemy and cursing is replete.
+
+THEOLOGUS.
+Then pray with us, as Christ us taught, we do you all desire.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+To pray with lips unto your God you shall me soon entreat:
+My spirit to Satan is in thrall; I can it not thence get.
+
+EUSEBIUS.
+God shall renew your spirit again; pray only as you can,
+And to assist you in the same we pray each Christian man.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+O God, which dwellest in the heavens, and art our Father dear,
+Thy holy name throughout the world be ever sanctified,
+The kingdom of thy word and Spirit upon us rule might bear,
+Thy will in earth as by thy saints in heaven be ratified;
+Our daily bread, we thee beseech, O Lord, for us provide;
+Our sins remit, Lord, unto us, as we each man forgive:
+Let not temptation us assail; in all evil us relieve. Amen.
+
+THEOLOGUS.
+The Lord be praised, who hath at length thy spirit mollified.
+These are not tokens unto us of your reprobation:
+You mourn with tears, and sue for grace; wherefore be certified,
+That God in mercy giveth ear unto your supplication.
+Wherefore despair not thou at all of thy soul's preservation,
+And say not with a desperate heart, that God against thee is:
+He will no doubt, these pains once past, receive you into bliss.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+No, no, my friends, you only hear and see the outward part,
+Which, though you think they have done well, it booteth not at all.
+My lips have spoke the words indeed; but yet I feel my heart
+With cursing is replenished, with rancour, spite and gall:
+Neither do I your Lord and God in heart my Father call,
+But rather seek his holy name for to blaspheme and curse.
+My state, therefore, doth not amend, but wax still worse and worse.
+I am secluded clean from grace, my heart is hardened quite;
+Wherefore you do your labour lose, and spend your breath in vain.
+
+EUSEBIUS.
+O, say not so, Philologus, but let your heart be pight
+Upon the mercies of the Lord, and I you ascertain[58]
+Remission of your former sins you shall at last obtain.
+God hath it said (who cannot lie): at whatsoever time
+A sinner shall from heart repent, I will remit his crime.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+You cannot say so much to me, as herein I do know,
+That by the mercies of the Lord all sins are done away,
+And unto them that have true faith abundantly it flow;
+But whence do this true faith proceed to us, I do you pray?
+It is the only gift of God, from him it comes alway;
+I would, therefore, he would vouchsafe one spark of faith to plant
+Within my breast: then of his grace I know I should not want.
+But it as easily may be done, as you may with one spoon
+At once take up the water clean, which in the seas abide;
+And at one draught then drink it up: this shall ye do as soon,
+As to my breast of true belief one sparkle shall betide.
+Tush! you which are in prosperous state, and my pains have not tried,
+Do think it but an easy thing a sinner to repent
+Him of his sins, and by true faith damnation to prevent.
+The healthful need not physic's art, and ye, which are all hale,
+Can give good counsel to the sick their sickness to eschew;
+But here, alas! confusion and hell doth me assail,
+And that all grace from me is reft, I find it to be true.
+My heart is steel, so that no faith can from the same ensue.
+I can conceive no hope at all of pardon or of grace,
+But out, alas! Confusion is alway before my face.
+And certainly, even at this[59] time, I do most plainly see
+The devils to be about me round, which make great preparation,
+And keep a stir here in this place which only is for me:
+Neither do I conceive these things by vain imagination,
+But even as truly as mine eyes behold your shape and fashion.
+Wherefore, desired Death, despatch; my body bring to rest,
+Though that my soul in furious flames of fire be suppress'd.
+
+THEOLOGUS.
+Your mind corrupted doth present to you this false illusion;
+But turn awhile unto the spirit of truth in your distress,
+And it shall cast out from your eyes all horror and confusion,
+And of this your affliction it will you soon redress.
+
+EUSEBIUS.
+We have good hope, Philologus, of your salvation, doubtless.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+What your hope is concerning me, I utterly contemn:
+My Conscience, which for thousands stand, as guilty me condemn.
+
+EUSEBIUS.
+When did this horror first you take? what, think you, is the cause?
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+Even shortly after I did make mine open abjuration,
+For that I did prefer my goods before God's holy laws.
+Therefore in wrath he did me send this horrible vexation,
+And hath me wounded in the soul with grievous tribulation,
+That I may be a president, in whom all men may view
+Those torments which to them, that will forsake the Lord, are due.
+
+THEOLOGUS.
+Yet let me boldly ask one thing of you without offence:
+What was your former faith in Christ, which you before did hold?
+For it is said of holy Paul, in these same words in sense:
+It cannot be that utterly in faith he should be cold,
+Whoso he be, which perfectly true faith in heart once hold.
+Wherefore rehearse in short discourse the sum of your belief,
+In those points chiefly, which for health of soul are thought most chief.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+I did believe in heart that Christ was that true sacrifice,
+Which did appease the Father's wrath, and that by him alone
+We were made just and sanctified: I did believe, likewise,
+That without him heaven to attain sufficient means were none.
+But to reknowledge this again alas! all grace was gone:
+I never loved him again with right and sincere heart,
+Neither was thankful for the same, as was each good man's part.
+But rather took the faith of Christ for liberty to sin,
+And did abuse his graces great to further carnal lust.
+What wickedness I did commit, I cared not a pin;
+For that[60] Christ discharged had my ransom, I did trust:
+Wherefore the Lord doth now correct the same with torments just.
+My sons, my sons, I speak to you: my counsel ponder well,
+And practise that in deeds which I in words shall to you tell.
+I speak not this, that I would ought the gospel derogate,
+Which is most true in every part, I must it needs confess;
+But this I say, that of vain faith alone you should not prate,
+But also by your holy life you should your faith express:
+Believe me, sirs, for by good proof these things I do express.
+Peruse the writing of St James, and first of Peter too,
+Which all God's people holiness of life exhort unto.
+By sundry reasons--as for, first, because we strangers are;
+Again, sin from the flesh proceed, but we are of the spirit;
+The third, because the flesh alway against the spirit do war;
+The fourth, that we may stop the mouths of such as would backbite;
+The fifth, that other by our lives to God reduce we might:
+Again, they sing a pleasant song, which sing in deed and word,
+But where evil life ensue good words, there is a foul discord.
+But I, alas! most wretched wight, whereas I did presume
+That I had got a perfect faith, did holy life disdain:
+And though I did to other preach good life, I did consume,
+My life in wickedness and sin, in sport and pleasures vain.
+No, neither did I once contend from them flesh to refrain.
+Behold, therefore, the judgments just of God doth me annoy,
+Not for amendment of my life, but me for to destroy.
+
+EUSEBIUS.
+We do not altogether like of this your exhortation.
+Whereas you warn us not to trust so much unto our faith,
+But that good works we should prepare unto our preservation:
+There are two kinds of righteousness, as Paul to Romans saith;
+The one dependeth of good works, the other hangs of faith.
+The former, which the world allows, God counts it least of twain,
+As by good proof it shall to you in words be proved plain,
+For Socrates and Cato both did purchase great renown,
+And Aristides, surnamed Just, this righteousness fulfilled,
+Wherefore he was as justest man expell'd his native town;
+Yet are their souls with infidels in hell for ever spilled,
+Because they sought not righteousness that way that God them willed.
+The other righteousness comes from faith, which God regards alone,
+And makes us seem immaculate before his heavenly throne.
+Wherefore there is no cause you should send us to outward act,
+As to the anchor or refuge of our preservation.
+
+THEOLOGUS.
+The meaning of Philologus is not here so exact,
+As do his words make it to seem by your allegation.
+He doth not mean between good works and faith to make relation,
+As though works were equivalent salvation to attain,
+As is true faith; but what he meant, I will set down more plain.
+He did exhort the young men here by him for to beware,
+Lest, as he did, so they, abuse God's gospel pure,
+And without good advice usurp of faith the gift so rare:
+Whereby they think, whatso they do, themselves from torments free,
+And by this proud presumption God's anger should procure:
+And where they boast and vaunt themselves good faithful men to be,
+Yet in their lives they do deny their faith in each degree.
+Wherefore he saith, as Peter said: see that you do make known
+Your own election by your works. Again St James doth say,
+Show me thy faith, and by my works my faith shall thee be shown.
+And whereupon his own offence he doth to them bewray,
+Whereas he did vaingloriously upon a dead faith stay;
+Which for the inward righteousness he alway did suspect,
+And hereupon all godliness of life he did neglect.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+That was the meaning of my words, however I them spake:
+The truth, alas! vile wretch, my soul and Conscience too true feel.
+
+THEOLOGUS.
+What, do you not, Philologus, with us no comfort take,
+When all these things so godlily to you I do reveal.
+Especially sith that yourself in them are seen so well?
+Some hope unto us of your health and safety yet is left:
+We do not think that all God's grace from you is wholly reft.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+Alas! what comfort can betide unto a damned wretch?
+Whatso I hear, see, feel, taste, speak, is turned all to woe.
+
+EUSEBIUS.
+Ah, dear Philologus! think not that ought can God's grace outreach.
+Consider David which did sin in lust and murther too;
+Yet was he pardoned of his sins, and so shalt thou also.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+King David always was elect, but I am reprobate,
+And therefore I can find small ease by weighing his estate.
+He also prayed unto God which I shall never do:
+His prayer was that God would not his spirit take away;
+But it is gone from me long since, and shall be given no mo.
+But what became of Cain, of Cam, of Saul, I do you pray?
+Of Judas, and Barehu?--these must my Conscience slay--
+Of Julian Apostate, with other of that crew?
+The same torments must I abide, which these men did ensue.
+
+THEOLOGUS.
+Alas! my friend, take in good part the chastisement of the Lord,
+Who doth correct you in this world, that in the life to come
+He might you save, for of the like the Scripture bears record.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+That is not God's intent with me, though it be so with some,
+Who after body's punishment have into favour come:
+But I, alas! in spirit and soul these grievous torments bear:
+God hath condemned my conscience to perpetual grief and fear.
+I would most gladly choose to live a thousand thousand year.
+In all the torments and the grief that damned souls sustain;
+So that at length I might have ease, it would me greatly cheer:
+But I, alas! shall in this life in torments still remain,
+While God's just anger upon me shall be revealed plain,
+And I example made to all of God's just indignation.
+O, that my body were at rest, and soul in condemnation!
+
+EUSEBIUS.
+I pray you, answer me herein: where you by deep despair
+Say you are worse here in this life, than if you were in hell;
+And for because to have death come you alway make your prayer,
+As though your soul and body both in torments great did dwell,
+If that a man should give to you a sword, I pray you tell,
+Would you destroy yourself therewith, as do the desperate,
+Which hang or kill, or into floods themselves precipitate?
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+Give me a sword; then shall you know what is in mine intent.
+
+EUSEBIUS.
+Not so, my friend; I only ask what herein were your will?
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+I cannot, neither will I tell, whereto I would be bent.
+
+THEOLOGUS.
+These words do nothing edify, but rather fancies fill,
+Which we would gladly, if we could, endeavour for to kill.
+Wherefore I once again request, together let us pray,
+And so we will leave you to God, and send you hence away.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+I cannot pray; my spirit is dead, no faith in me remain.
+
+THEOLOGUS.
+Do as you can; no more than might we can ask at your hand.
+
+PHILOLOGUS,
+My prayer[61] turned is to sin; for God doth it disdain.
+
+EUSEBIUS.
+It is the Falsehood of the Spirit, which do your health withstand,
+That teach you this: wherefore in time reject his filthy band.
+
+THEOLOGUS.
+Come, kneel by me, and let us pray the Lord of Heaven unto.
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+With as good will as did the devil out of the deaf man go.    [_Aside_.
+O God, which dwellest in the heavens, &c.
+Tush! sirs, you do your labours lose: see, where Belzabub doth come,
+And doth invite me to a feast: you therefore speak in vain.
+Yea, if you ask ought more of me, in answer I will be dumb:
+I will not waste my tongue for nought; as soon shall one small grain
+Of mustard-seed fill all the world, as I true faith attain.
+
+THEOLOGUS.
+We will no longer stay you now, but let you hence depart.
+
+EUSEBIUS.
+Yet will we pray continually that God would you convert.
+
+THEOLOGUS.
+Gisbertus and Paphinitius, conduct him to his place;
+But see he have good company: let him not be alone.
+
+AMBO.
+We shall so do: God us assist with his most holy grace!
+
+GISBERTUS.
+Come, father, do you not think good that we from hence be gone?
+
+PHILOLOGUS.
+Let go my hands at liberty: assistance I crave none.
+O, that I had a sword awhile! I should soon eased be.
+
+AMBO.
+Alas! dear father, what do you?
+
+EUSEBIUS.
+His will we may now see.
+
+                  [_Exeunt_ Philologus, Gisbertus, Paphinitius.
+
+THEOLOGUS.
+O glorious God, how wonderful those judgments are of thine:
+Thou dost behold the secret heart; nought doth thy eyes beguile.
+O, what occasion is us given to fear thy might divine,
+And from our hearts to hate and loathe iniquities so vile,
+Lest for the same thou in thy wrath dost grace from us exile.
+The outward man doth thee not please, nor yet the mind alone,
+But thou requirest both of us, or else regardest none.
+
+EUSEBIUS.
+Here may the worldlings have a glass, their states for to behold,
+And learn in time for to escape the judgments of the Lord;
+Whilst they by flattering of themselves, of faith both dead and cold,
+Do sell their souls to wickedness, of all good men abhorr'd:
+But godliness doth not depend in knowing of the word;
+But in fulfilling of the same, as in this man we see,
+Who though he did to others preach, his life did not agree.
+
+THEOLOGUS.
+Again, Philologus witnesseth which is the truth of Christ,
+For that consenting to the Pope he did the Lord abjure,
+Whereby he teach the wavering faith on which side to persist:
+And those which have the truth of God, that still they may endure.
+The tyrants which delight in blood he likewise doth assure,
+In whose affairs they spend their time--but let us homeward go.
+
+EUSEBIUS.
+I am content that after meat we may resort him to.
+
+                              [_Exeunt_ THEOLOGUS _and_ EUSEBIUS.
+
+
+
+
+ACT VI. SCENE LAST.
+
+
+NUNTIUS.
+O joyful news which I report, and bring into your ears!
+Philologus, that would have hanged himself with cord,
+Is now converted unto God with many bitter tears:
+By godly counsel he was won, all praise be to the Lord.
+His errors all he did renounce, his blasphemies he abhorr'd,
+And being converted left his life, exhorting foe and friend,
+That do profess the faith of Christ, to be constant to the end.
+Full thirty weeks in woful wise afflicted he had been,
+All which long time he took no food, but forc'd against his will
+Even with a spoon to pour some broth his teeth between:
+And though they sought by force this wise to feed him still,
+He always strove with all his might the same on ground to spill;
+So that no sustenance he receiv'd, no sleep could he attain,
+And now the Lord in mercy great hath eas'd him of his pain.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE RARE TRIUMPHS OF LOVE AND FORTUNE.
+
+
+
+EDITION.
+
+_The Rare Triumphes of Love and Fortune, Plaide before the Queenes most
+excellent Maiestie: wherin are manye fine Conceites with great delight.
+At London, Printed by E.A. for Edward White, and are to be solde at the
+little North doore of S. Paules Church at the signe of the Gunne_. 1589.
+4°. Black letter.
+
+
+
+THE RARE TRIUMPHS OF LOVE AND FORTUNE.
+
+
+THE FIRST ACT.
+
+
+    _Enter_ MERCURY: _then riseth a Fury: then enter the assembly
+    of the gods_, JUPITER _with_ JUNO, APOLLO _with_ MINERVA, MARS
+    _and_ SATURN, _after_ VULCAN _with_ VENUS: _the Fury sets debate
+    amongst them, and after_ JUPITER speaks as followeth_.
+
+JUPITER.
+Ye gods and goddesses, whence springs this strife of late?
+Who are the authors of this mutiny?
+Or whence hath sprung this civil discord here.
+Which on the sudden struck us in this fear?
+If gods that reign in skies do fall at war,
+No marvel, then, though mortal men do jar.
+But now I see the cause: thou Fury fell,
+Bred in the dungeon of the deepest hell,
+Who causeth thee to show thyself in light?
+And what thy message is, I charge thee tell upright?
+
+TISIPHONE.
+O Jupiter, thou dreadful king of gods, and men the father high,
+To whose command the heavens, the earth, and lowest hell obey,
+Tisiphone, the daughter of eternal night,
+Bred in the bottom of the deepest pit of hell,
+Brought up in blood, and cherish'd with scrawling snakes,
+Tormenting therewithal the damned souls of them
+Here upon earth, that careless live of thy commandment;
+I am the same--
+I am the same whom both my loathsome sisters hate,
+Whom hell itself complains to keep within her race,
+Whom every fearful soul detesteth with a curse,
+Whom earth and seas defy, heavens loathing to behold;
+I am the same--
+I am the same sent from thy brother Pluto now,
+Thy brother Pluto, king of hell and golden mines;
+Sent unto thee and these thy fellow-gods I am,
+From him to thee, from him by me, to tell thee to thy face
+He hath been lately rubb'd, and touch'd perhaps too near;
+Which he ne can or will put up without revenge,
+If thou or any god the quarrel dare defend.
+And this it is--
+Thy daughter Venus, thy proud daughter Venus here,
+Blabs it abroad, and beareth all the world in hand,[62]
+She must be thought the only goddess in the world,
+Exalting and suppressing whom she likes best,
+Defacing altogether Lady Fortune's grace;
+Breaking her altars[63] down, dishonouring her name,
+Whose government thyself, thyself dost know.
+How say'st thou? dost thou not?--
+Her father, therefore, thy brother Pluto, sends
+By me, the messenger of discord and debate,
+Commanding or desiring--choose thou whether of both--
+Her honour still entire[64] she may maintain;
+Else on thy daughter Venus, that lascivious dame,
+Himself will wreak his high despite on her.
+
+JUPITER.
+Depart, foul fiend, unto thy loathsome cell,
+Where thou lamenting makes continual moan!
+Go tell my brother, were it not for him,
+Thou shouldst have rued thy bold presumption.
+Say thou thy message hath been largely heard,
+And bid him send his daughter Fortune, now,
+Whilst we are here, the matter may have end.
+Despatch.
+
+TISIPHONE.
+I go--
+Give place, thou air; open, thou earth; gape, hollow hell, below;
+And unto all that live and breathe I wish a world of woe.
+                                                  [_Exit_ TISIPHONE.
+
+JUPITER.
+Ye powers divine, be reconcil'd again;
+Depart from discord and extreme debate:
+Within your breasts let love and peace remain,
+A perfect pattern of your heavenly state,
+Whilome ago[65] to hell condemning hate.
+Thus, when the higher powers is in one,[66]
+Men upon earth will fly contention.
+
+MERCURY.
+Great god and father mine, your care and fear
+Of us, and eke of all the world beside,
+That restless rolls in his continual sphere,
+Whereby all things in perfect course abide,
+As one arrays[67] another forth to slide:
+And this example may prevail for all,
+To work our wills according to your call.
+And I dare say, presuming on the rest,
+The poison of this rancour is suppress'd.
+
+VULCAN.
+How ye agree, my masters, I cannot tell;
+[_To Venus_.] But, were we a-bed, we two could agree well.
+
+JUPITER.
+Gramercy, Mercury; I know thy will
+Is ever prest to further my desire:
+In sign whereof, to quiet all things well,
+And to suppress betimes the secret fire,
+That I perceive would break and mount up higher:
+This to prevent, content ye here to stay,
+To mark awhile what for themselves they say.
+And, Venus, here I charge thee on my grace,
+Not that I found thee heretofore untrue,
+But for thine adversary is not yet in place,
+Thou tell uprightly whence your quarrel grew;
+What words betwixt you thereof did ensue.
+Say, lovely daughter; tell us flat thy mind:
+They shall be blamed on whom the fault we find.
+
+VENUS.
+O thou, that governest everything, that gods and men attempt,
+And with thy fearful thunderbolt their doings dost prevent,
+What hath thy daughter so deserved? what doth she, silly dame,
+Before ye thus to be abused with undeserved blame?
+Surely, but that my[68] duty commands me now to speak,
+For such a trifling cause this way my wrath I would not wreak.
+But she--no marvel though she seek my seat thus to stain,
+When otherways she cannot tell advantage how to gain.
+But thence this hot despite: _Hinc illae lacrimae_,
+Because, I say, she could not prove herself of power with me.
+For, all you godheads know, she pains but such as pleasure knew:
+She never grieves the groaning mind, where gladness never grew.
+She never overthrows but at the top of joy;
+For they that never tasted bliss mislike not their annoy.
+But I torment the mind that never felt relief;
+I plague the wretch that never thought on comfort in his grief,
+That never had the hope of any happy chance,
+That never once so much as deem'd I would his state advance.
+Think, then, which of us both are of the greater power:
+Once in his life, or not at all, to grant a light'ning hour?
+I need not stand to make rehearsal here at all,
+For gods and ghosts, yea, men and beasts, unto my power are thrall.
+I dare appeal to you, if I should look awry--
+Say, father, with your leave, in heaven who dares my word deny?
+And if I please to smile, who will not laugh outright?
+Whereby my great omnipotence is known to every wight.
+I make the noble love the bastard in degree;
+I tame and temper all the tongues that rail and scoff at me.
+What bird, what beast, what worm, but feeleth my delight?
+What lives or draweth breath, but[69] I can pleasure or despite?
+Yet divers things there be that Fortune cannot tame;
+As are the riches of the mind, or else an honest name,
+Or a contented heart, still free from Fortune's power:
+But such as climb, before they crawl, must drink the sweet with sour.
+Thyself, O Jupiter, didst grant sometimes to me,
+Of all things here beneath the moon I should the ruler be:
+Thou say'st I did deserve the honour of that praise;
+Thyself didst once devise whereby my glory first to raise.
+Is this my sovereignty? is this so glorious?
+Is this becoming thy renown, to quit thy daughter thus?
+
+JUPITER.
+Fear not, fair Venus, neither be dismay'd;
+Repose thee on the warrant of my word.
+What I have promis'd, doubt not to be performed;
+The spareless destinies my will afford:
+Let this defend thee, like a trusty sword.
+But Lady Fortune cometh, now I see.
+Welcome, fair dame; what is thy will with me?
+
+    [_Enter_ FORTUNE.]
+
+FORTUNE.
+Ye sacred powers divine, how should I now begin,
+Or which way should I couch my words, your favours for to win?
+I may pour out my plaint, but thou may'st it redress.
+My father humbly prayeth you to give me leave to speak,
+And pardon him that in his wrath he did your quietness break.
+I cannot but confess, dread gods, I am not she,
+That seeks with Venus to compare in her supremacy.
+I am not of that power, yet am I of some might,
+Which she (usurping) challengeth to keep me from my right.
+I grant she may do much with her alluring smiles,
+But soon your godheads can perceive her words be full of wiles.
+What be the tragedies, the terrors, that she makes?
+Let's see the mighty monarchs, the kingdoms that she shakes.
+Poor soul, she soundly lives with wanton sug'red joys,
+Triumphing in her own delight upon her foolish toys.
+Sometimes she flattereth it in pleasure mix'd with pain,
+Like to a fair sunshine day overcast with clouds of rain.
+But should I reckon up what things I can confound,
+What is it then, or what hath been, or shall for aye be found?
+Is not the wonder of the world a work that soon decays?
+Therefore, ye see all earthly things are wearing out always;
+As brittle as the glass, unconstant like the mind,
+As fickle as the whirling wheel, as wavering as the wind.
+Lo, such I am that overthrows the highest-reared tower,
+That changeth and supplanteth[70] realms in twinkling of an hour,
+And send them hasty smart whom I devise to spoil,
+Not threat'ning or forewarning them, but at a smile.
+Where joy doth most abound, there I do sorrow place,
+And them I chiefly persecute that pleasure did embrace.
+What greater grief can fall to man in all his life,
+Than after sweet to taste the sour, in peace to be at strife?
+It is a biting thought that fretteth on the heart,
+To say, the time was when I joy'd, though now oppress'd with smart.
+If ever mighty king did 'scape untouch'd of me,
+If ever year, or month, or day, or if an hour might be,
+Wherein I have not us'd to practise some exchange,
+Perhaps for this authority I might be thought to range
+Too far beyond my right; but even the very stars,
+The heavens, the planets, and the seas, bear witness of my scars.
+
+VENUS.
+No more of that, good dame; you run too far at roam:
+I'll take the pains to keep you short, and call you nearer home.
+I pray you, what's your might, when all are well belov'd?
+
+FORTUNE.
+The sweetest lovers in distress the sharper storms have prov'd.
+
+VENUS.
+Perhaps for want of wealth; but if their riches slack?
+
+FORTUNE.
+They are the very instrument, whereby I work their woe.
+
+VENUS.
+What, if their friends abound, then can they never lack?
+
+FORTUNE.
+The dearest friends are scattered, when Fortune turns her toe.
+
+VENUS.
+If they be noble born, or of a princely blood?
+
+FORTUNE.
+When Fortune frowns, that may procure more harm than do them good.
+
+VENUS.
+But wise men evermore upon a rock are set.
+
+FORTUNE.
+Yet can they not escape a scourge, for Fortune hath a net.
+
+JUPITER.
+I will not in, till things be well discern'd:
+Affection shall not mar a lawful cause.
+By examples this may best be learn'd,
+In elder ages led within your laws.
+Therefore, a while hereof I mean to pause;
+And bring in, Mercury, in open view
+The ghosts of them that Love and Fortune slew.
+
+MERCURY.
+Thy word my will--
+Thou triple-headed Cerberus, give place;
+And I command thee, Charon, with thy ferryboat
+Transport the souls of such as may report
+Fortune and Love, and not in open sort.
+Let them appear to us in silent show,
+To manifest a truth that we must know.
+                [_Strikes with his rod three times_.
+
+VULCAN.
+Are ye mad, my masters? what a stir have we here.
+Lord, have mercy upon us! must the devil appear?
+Come away, wife; when I pray thee, come away.
+Down on your knees, my masters, and pray.
+
+                                   [_Music_.
+
+    _Enter the show of Troilus and Cressida_.
+
+MERCURY.
+Behold, how Troilus and Cressida
+Cries out on Love, that framed their decay.
+
+VULCAN.
+That was like the old wife, when her ale would not come,
+Thrust a firebrand in the grout, and scratch'd her bum.
+
+                                    [_Music_.
+
+    _Enter the[71] show of Alexander_.
+
+MERCURY.
+Alexander the Great, that all the world subdu'd,
+Curseth fell Fortune, that did him delude.
+
+VULCAN.
+'Tis an honest, grim sire at his first coming out, believe me;
+And ye had stood in the wind, ye might have smelt me.
+
+                                   [_Music_.
+
+    _Enter the show of Queen Dido_.
+
+MERCURY.
+Queen Dido, that Aeneas could not move,
+Stabbed herself, and yielded unto Love.
+
+VULCAN.
+The more fool she, and she were my own brother?
+If my wife would not love me, must not I love another?
+
+                                    [_Music_.
+
+    _Enter the show of Pompey and Caesar_.
+
+MERCURY.
+Pompey and Caesar, the wonders of their time,
+By froward Fortune spoiled in their prime.
+
+VULCAN.
+They were served well enough, why could not they be content
+With a roach and a red herring in the holy time of Lent?
+
+                                    [_Music_.
+
+    _Enter the show of Leander and Hero_.
+
+MERCURY.
+[Hero and] Leander presents them very loth,
+That felt the force of Love and Fortune both.
+
+FORTUNE.
+Upon him I my sovereignty did show.
+
+VENUS.
+And think you, dame, my power she did not know?
+
+FORTUNE.
+But it was I that dashed their delight.
+
+VENUS.
+After that I had proved my open might.
+
+VULCAN.
+What a scolding is here! shall it even thus be?
+You look like an honest man in the parish; I pray you, make them agree.
+
+JUPITER.
+Content ye both: I'll hear no more of this.
+And, Mercury, surcease; call out no more.
+I have bethought me how to work their wish,
+As you have often prov'd it heretofore.
+Here in this land, within that princely bower,
+There is a Prince beloved of his love,
+On whom I mean your sovereignties to prove.
+Venus, for that th[e]y love thy sweet delight,
+Thou shalt endeavour to increase their joy:
+And, Fortune, thou to manifest thy might,
+Their pleasures and their pastimes shalt[72] destroy,
+Overthwarting them with news of fresh annoy;
+And she that most can please them or despite,
+I will confirm to be of greatest might.
+
+VENUS.
+Your godhead hath devis'd, as I desire,
+And I am gladly therewithal content.
+
+FORTUNE.
+And I am prest to do as you require;
+Now shall you see the proof of my intent.
+
+[JUPITER.]
+Take up your places here to work your will:
+When you have done, the rest I shall fulfil.
+
+VULCAN.
+They are set sunning like a crow in a gutter. What, are they gone?
+And you will be quiet, sirs, they will make you good sport with their
+  scolding anon.
+Are not these a sort of good, mannerly gods to get them thus away?
+I must take the pains to overtake them, for I see they will not stay.
+
+                                     [_Exeunt omnes_.
+
+_The end of the first Act_.
+
+
+
+
+THE SECOND ACT.
+
+
+    _Enter_ HERMIONE _and_ FIDELIA.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Why then, my dear, what is the greatest prize in love?
+
+FIDELIA.
+Absence of other griefs, the greatest that loving hearts can prove.
+
+HERMIONE.
+But absence cannot minish love, or make it less in ought.
+
+FIDELIA.
+Yet nevertheless it leaves a doubt within the other's thought.
+
+HERMIONE.
+And what is that?--
+
+FIDELIA.
+Lest change of air should change the absent mind.
+
+HERMIONE.
+That fault is proper but to them whom jealousy makes blind.
+
+FIDELIA.
+O, pardon it, for that the cause from whence it springs is such.
+
+HERMIONE.
+From whence is that?
+
+FIDELIA.
+My mother says, from loving over-much.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Your author I will not admit; that rests us[73] it to prove.
+
+FIDELIA.
+Be sure it is, that jealousy proceeds of fervent love.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Can that be fervent love, wherein suspicion leads the mind?
+
+FIDELIA.
+Most fervent love, where so much love doth make the fancy blind.
+
+HERMIONE.
+But faithful love can never be, wherein suspect doth dwell.
+
+FIDELIA.
+The faithful lovers do suspect, because they love so well.
+
+HERMIONE.
+My dear Fidelia, as I think, thy love is such to me,
+So fervent, faithful and unstain'd, as purer none can be,
+Admit occasions fall out, then, that I must part from thee,
+Tell me, wilt thou mean space suspect inconstancy in me?
+
+FIDELIA.
+If so I do, impute it to the force of lovers' laws,
+That oftentimes are touch'd with fear, whereas there is no cause.
+
+                           [ARMENIO _listening_.
+
+ARMENIO.
+What have I heard? what do mine eyes behold?
+Dishonour to the house from whence I came!
+Unshamefast girl, forgetful, all too bold:
+And thou, false traitor, author of the same.
+Sufferest not, for guerdon of thy due,
+The king my father's gracious countenance,
+But must thou climb, ungrateful and untrue,
+These steps at first thine honour to advance?
+Hath Fortune promised so much hope at first,
+To make thy conquest of a prince's child?
+And should I stand to question, how thou durst
+To leave to think she might be so beguil'd?
+But words may not suffice to wreak this wrong,
+Hid under cloak of over-hardy[74] love.
+Thou[75] upstart fondling, and forborne too long,
+To give such cause thy prince's ire to move.
+
+FIDELIA.
+Nay, my good brother, take it not so whot:
+The fault is mine, and I will bear the blame.
+And to return you an answer, well I wot
+How to defend the honour of my name.
+But for my love, I am resolved in this,
+However you account of his defaults,
+With vowed affection wholly to be his,
+As one in whom I spy more special parts,
+Than fall in fondlings of the baser kind.
+To have a word not squaring with the place,
+But measure men by their unstained minds,
+Let fortune be to virtue no disgrace;
+For fortune, when and where it likes her majesty,
+With clouds can cover birth and highest degree.
+
+ARMENIO.
+What, dame, and are you shameless in your shame?
+No, mistress, no: it will not be let past;
+But, wilful wench, this new-attempted game,
+Ere it be won, will ask another cast.
+And, lady, cloak his virtues as you will,
+He'll be but as I said, a fondling still.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Erst had I thought, my lord, a man so wise as you,
+Son to a prince, scholar to him that depth of learning knew,
+Among many lessons one,[76] this rule could wisely find,
+To have the government of wrath and rancour of your mind.
+What high offence is given unto your father's grace?
+I take it nothing needful here to reason of the case:
+But stand he less content, or pleased herewithal,
+My lord, that thus you should mislike the cause is very small.
+The unremoved love I bear my lady here,
+Whose countenance my comfort is, that holds my love as dear,
+Commands me to digest such hard and bitter words,
+As not with credit of your state your honour here affords.
+Else, prince, persuade thyself, my mind were not so base
+To pocket, but for such respects, so hard and foul disgrace.
+And this,[77] lady--Hermione, for ought that men do know,
+By birth may be as nobly born as Prince Armenio.
+
+ARMENIO.
+Traitor, thou shalt not joy that proud comparison.
+
+FIDELIA.
+My good Hermione, come hence; let him alone.
+
+ARMENIO.
+Nay, dame; it likes me not that you should go.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Whether thou wilt, Armenio, she shall, though thou say no.
+
+ARMENIO.
+What, shall she, villain?
+
+FIDELIA.
+Help, help! alas!
+
+    _Enter_ PHIZANTIES [_the prince], a_ LORD, _and_
+    PENULO [_a parasite_].
+
+PHIZANTIES.
+What stir is here? what means this broil begun?
+Give me to know th'occasion of this strife?
+How falls it out? Armenio, my son,
+Hath wound receiv'd by stroke of naked knife.
+Say to me straight, what one hath done this deed?
+His blows are big that makes a prince to bleed.
+
+FIDELIA.
+My sovereign father, pardon his offence,[78]
+Whose grief of mind is greater than his wound.
+My rightful quarrel yields me safe defence,
+And here they stand that guilty must be found.
+
+ARMENIO.
+Traitor, O king, unto your majesty,
+Whose proud attempt doth touch your grace so near,
+As what may be the greatest villainy
+Upon recital shall be opened here.
+My sister and your far unworthy child,
+Forgetting love and fear of gods and thee,
+And honour of her name, is thus beguil'd
+To love this gentleman, whom here you see--
+Hermione, whom for a jewel of some price
+Old Hermet gave[79] your highness long ago.
+And for I gave rebuke to her[80] device,
+In gallant thought he would not take it so;
+But, as it seems, to do my body good--
+I thank him--deign'd himself to let me blood.
+
+PHIZANTIES.
+Hermione, and hast thou done this deed?
+And couldst thou shrine such treason in thy thought?
+Armenio, jest not with thy hurt: take heed.
+And thou, fond girl, whose stained blood hath wrought,
+How hath mine age and honour been abus'd,
+My princely care, Hermione, of thee?
+The fault so great it cannot be excus'd,
+And you enforc'd the shame thereof to see.
+But far we fear some farther ill may fall,
+Through love and hate of one and of the other:
+Her foolish love, I mean; and therewithal
+The hot disdain and stomach of her brother.
+Hermione, weigh what our pleasure is.
+Whilome, thou knowest, we entertained[81] thee willingly;
+Now, seeing thou hast done so far amiss
+To reach above thy reach unorderly,
+In milder words, because we love thee well,
+Lo, we discharge thee of our princely court:
+Thou mayest no longer with Fidelia dwell,
+Forbidden to her presence to resort.
+Behold my 'ward,[82] that am no bitter judge,
+And wend thy way, where'er thou likest to go:
+This only way I take to end the grudge,
+And stop the love that each to other owe.
+Among such haps as might my mind content,
+Whereof the gracious gods have given me store,
+I count this one, if thus I might prevent
+The furthest outrage of the swelling sore.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Alas! now have I lived too long, I see,
+Confounded so to yield to fortune's will:
+My sovereign prince offended thus with me,
+And I adjudg'd to death, though living still.
+Ah, my good lord! whom I have honoured long,
+Long may your highness joy this highest place:
+Thyself the root and cause of mine own wrong.
+But must I leave to view my lady's face,
+And, banish'd from my prince's royal court,
+Wander,[83] as erst the unhappy Oedipus,
+Whose pain my foes will make their chiefest sport--
+My most unhappy chance will have it thus.
+
+ARMENIO.
+No force forsooth: unpitied might he die,
+That to his sovereign means such villainy.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Such villainy! who ever meant more good?
+
+ARMENIO.
+The venom of thy villainy withstood.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Armenio, I forbear thee here for reverence;
+Yet, by my prince's leave, in my defence
+I may allege I lov'd thy sister here;
+Which love though I am like to buy full dear;
+Yet is her love more precious than the price.
+But since hard hap prevents our late device,
+Long live my lord, long live my lady's grace:
+God send them friends as loyal in my place;
+And, trust me, then their fortune shall be such,
+As not thy love shall ever prove so much.
+
+PHIZANTIES.
+Hermione, give me thy hand: adieu:
+Think this is done t'avoid a further ill,
+And double mischief that might else ensue.
+For my sake cease to love Fidelia still:
+Unequal love is enemy to rest.
+She is too young to love thee as she should--
+And thou, Hermione, canst conceive the rest.
+My meaning is, she loves not as we would.
+Time may afford to both your hearts' desires
+New choice to cool these newly-kindled fires.
+
+FIDELIA.
+Never, alas! never will be the day,
+That I shall leave to love Hermione.
+Sooner shall nature's course quite altered be,
+Than I shall leave, dear knight, to honour thee.
+Good father, let him stay, who, if he part,
+'Gainst law is like to steal away my heart.
+
+ARMENIO.
+May it please your grace to keep the body here,
+It's like enough the heart will hover[84] near.
+
+HERMIONE.
+My lord, laugh not oppressed souls to scorn.
+Losers, they say, may easily be forborne.
+
+PHIZANTIES.
+Forbear these words; and thou, Fidelia,
+These misbeseeming foolish fashions stay.
+Let it suffice that thou shalt live in court,
+Where, if among the jolly brave resort
+Of sundry knights of noble personage,
+Worthy thy love for gifts and parentage,
+Thou shalt espy one[85] such as we do like,
+Our favours shall not be too far to seek.
+
+FIDELIA.
+Ah, my Hermione!
+
+HERMIONE.
+Sweet lady mine, farewell.[86]
+Farewell, the courteous't dame that on earth do dwell.
+
+ARMENIO.
+Sir, now you are packing, let me know your walk,
+For I have that may not be past without some talk:
+Nor stands it with mine honour to let thee bear it clear,
+But I will make thee know Armenio's blood is dear.
+
+HERMIONE.
+My lord, I make no challenge with offence;
+But first I will prepare for my defence.
+
+ARMENIO.
+So, sir, you are aforehand: keep you so,
+And reckon of Armenio for thy vowed foe.
+Go, wend thy ways obscurer than the night,
+And Fortune for revenge plague thee with spite.
+                                          [_Exit_.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Farewell, my cruel foe; not thou nor Fortune may
+Add more unto the miseries that I have felt to-day;
+Nor but by safe return[87] unto this happy place,
+Can gods or Fortune make amends in this distressed case.
+Then cease, Hermione, to utter speech of this;
+Words not suffice this endless woe, but death, i-wis:
+And part thou from the place a dead and liveless man,
+Robb'd of thy senses and thy joy, since first this stir began.
+
+PENULO.
+Ah, good my lord, my good lord Hermione!
+
+HERMIONE.
+I am, indeed, as thou dost say, Hermione;
+For that I am Hermione, I am
+The unhappiest wight that ever hither came.
+
+PENULO.
+Ah, my good lord! would God, poor Penulo
+Might any way but mitigate this woe.
+And pleaseth it your honour to command
+My service, or the help of head or hand,
+Penulo, my worthy lord, would prove as just,
+As he whom best your honour likes to trust.
+Say what it is, wherein my secrecy
+May aid your lordship in this extremity?
+
+HERMIONE.
+Penulo, since thou so friendly here dost proffer me
+The uttermost of aid that lies in thee,
+I do remember that which, brought to pass,
+Would make me half so happy as I was.
+
+PENULO.
+Say it, my lord, and constantly I vow it,
+It shall go hard, but Penulo will do it.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Gramercy, gentle friend: then, thus it is:--
+The lady of my life Fidelia is;
+Of whom I am, I know, belov'd no less
+Than she of me, my gracious mistress,
+Sever'd by Fortune and our cruel foe,
+My lord her brother, Prince Armenio.
+Now could'st thou, Penulo, thyself behave
+On trust to bring my lady to the cave,
+Where whilome (lovers) we were wont to meet,
+In secret sort each other for to greet.
+She wots it well, and every corner knows,
+And every uncouth[88] step that thither goes:
+For what is not sharpsighted lovers see?
+This is the sum of my desire to thee.
+Accomplish this, and, this in silence done,
+My happiness will be again begun.
+
+PENULO.
+My lord, I see whereunto this talk doth tend:
+I have this lesson at my finger-end.
+No more ado; betake you to your flight:
+We'll make a plaister for the sore ere night.
+[_Aside_.] But such an one as, if it be applied,
+Shall do more grief than ease, when it is tried.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Penulo, I yield my life into thy hands.
+
+PENULO.
+Ye do, sir, as now the matter stands.    [_Aside_.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Hold, Penulo, and I will look for thee.
+
+PENULO.
+You will not look for them that come with me.    [_Aside_.
+
+HERMIONE.
+I will be gone, and live to see my dear.
+                                    [_Exit_.
+
+PENULO.
+Do so, sir, and perchance be never the near.
+This is a step that first we use to climb:
+We that, forsooth, take hold on every time.
+Men of all hours, whose credit such as spites,
+In heat forsooth hath call'd us parasites.
+But let them spite, and we will bite as fast.
+But, Penulo, thou spendest words in waste.
+A fool, Hermione, that for hurting thee
+On[89] slender trust will give a knave his fee.
+                                            [_Exit_.
+
+    _Strike up_ FORTUNE'S _triumphs with drums and trumpets_.
+
+FORTUNE.
+Behold what Fortune, if she list, can do,
+High mistress of the rolling wheel of chance,
+To overturn, and who can do thereto,
+Or graciously, when please her, to advance.
+Lo, lordings, this is Fortune's impery,
+And in her pleasure to be changing still:
+Herein consisteth Fortune's sovereignty;
+That Fortune can on earth do what she will.
+When men have builded on the surest grounds,
+Their strong devices Fortune's power confounds.
+
+    _Enter_ VENUS.
+
+VENUS.
+Not all in haste; you do not so intend:
+You have begun, but I must make an end.
+
+
+
+
+THE THIRD ACT.
+
+
+    _Enter_ BOMELIO _solus, like an_ HERMIT.
+
+BOMELIO.
+He that hath lost his hope, and yet desires to live,
+He that is overwhelm'd with woe, and yet would counsel give;
+He that delights to sigh, to walk abroad alone,
+To drive away the weary time with his lamenting moan;
+He that in his distress despaireth of relief,
+Let him begin to tell his tale, to rip up all his grief,
+And if that wretched man can more than I recite
+Of fickle Fortune's froward check and her continual spite,
+Of her inconstant change, of her discourtesy,
+I will be partner with that man to live in misery.
+When first my flow'ring years began to bud their prime,
+Even in the April of mine age and May-month of my time;
+When, like the tender kid new-weaned from the teat,
+In every pleasant springing mead I took my choice of meat;
+When simple youth devis'd to length[en] his delight,
+Even then, not dreaming I on her, she poured out her spite:
+Even then she took her key, and tuned[90] all her strings
+To sing my woe: list, lordings, now my tragedy begins.
+Behold me, wretched man, that serv'd his prince with pain,
+That in the honour of his praise esteem'd my greatest gain:
+Behold me, wretched man, that for his public weal
+Refused not with thousand foes in bloody wars to deal:
+Behold me, wretched man, whose travail, pain, and toil
+Was ever prest to save my friends from force of foreign spoil;
+And see my just reward, look on my recompense:
+Behold by this for labours past what guerdon cometh thence!
+Not by my fiercest foes in doubtful fight with us,
+But by my fawning friend[91] I was confounded thus.
+One word of his despite in question call'd my name;
+Two words of his untrusty tongue brought me to open shame.
+Then was I banished the city, court and town;
+Then every hand that held me up began to pull me down.
+O, that the righteous gods should ever grant the power,
+That smoothest sands and greenest bogs should soonest me devour.
+Yet that I might descry the better their device,
+Here have I liv'd almost five years, disguis'd in secret wise:
+And now somewhat it is, but what I cannot tell,
+Provokes me forward more than wont to leave my darksome cell,
+And in my crooked age, instead of mirth and joy,
+With broken sighs in doleful tunes to sing of mine annoy.
+
+                  [_Song_.
+
+  Go walk the path of plaint, go wander, wretched, now
+  In uncouth ways, blind corners fit for such a wretch as thou.
+  There feed upon thy woe; fresh[92] thoughts shall be thy fare,
+  Musing shall be thy waiting-maid, thy carver shall be care;
+  Thy dainty dish shall be of fretting melancholy,
+  And broken sobs with hollow sighs thy savoury sauce shall be.
+  But further ere I walk, my servant I will send
+  Into the town to buy such things as now he can intend.
+
+What, Lentulo!    [_To_ LENTULO _within_.
+
+LENTULO.
+Anon, forsooth.
+
+BOMELIO.
+What, Lentulo, come forth.
+
+LENTULO.
+Anon, forsooth.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Why, when? I say!
+
+LENTULO.
+Anon, forsooth.
+
+BOMELIO.
+You naughty lout; come out, sir knave, come away.
+
+LENTULO.
+Will you not give one leave to pull down his points? what, an a should
+  his breeches beray?
+
+    [_Enter_ LENTULO.]
+
+BOMELIO.
+Get you to the market, and buy such things as needful are for us.
+
+LENTULO.
+Such things as needful are for us! and what are those, I pray?
+First, there is needful for us a pot of porridge, for I had none this
+  many a day;
+And then, there are needful for us a feather-bed, for I lie on a
+  bottle of hay;
+And then there is most needful for us a pretty proper wench for to
+  laugh and play.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Go, buy us some victuals, and hie thee home.
+                                         [_Exit_.
+
+LENTULO.
+Now, farewell, master mine, good gentle master mome.
+Have you seen such a logger-headed fool, to say:
+Go, go, good Lentulo, to buy my victuals so, and give me money?--no!
+But for the name's sake, swounds, I were as good serve a master
+  of clouts.
+He'll do nothing all day long but sit on his arse, as my mother did
+  when she made pouts:
+And then a' looks a' this fashion, and thus and thus again; and then,
+  what do ye?
+By my troth, I stand even thus at him, and laugh at his simplismity.
+Hath the best manners in the world to bid a man fall to his meat,
+And then I say: I thank you forsooth, master, and I could tell
+  what to eat.
+We two, look you--that's I and he--can lie a-bed a whole night and a day,
+And we eat, and we had it: it vattens a man; look on my cheeks, else,
+  are they not fall'n away?
+Well, I must jog to the town, and I'll tell you what shift I make there.
+Marry, ye shall promise me not to steal it away.
+When I come to a rich man's gate, I make a low leg, and then
+  I knock there;
+And then I begin to cry in at the keyhole, that I may be sure they
+  shall hear:
+God save my good master and my good mistress, a poor boy, a piece of
+  bread and meat for God's sake!
+
+    _Enter_ PENULO.
+
+Heigh! merrily trick'd! am I not a knave for the nonce,
+That can despatch two errands at once?
+I have both told her even as I should do,
+And told my young master to meet with him too.
+Now he, like a gentleman, for the valour of his mind
+Hath sworn by his honour not to stay long behind.
+The desire of revenge pricketh him forward so,
+That I am sure he'll not let but to go,
+And that with all haste possible he may.
+Then, tantara-tara, we shall have good play.
+I like such a knave so can tickle them all,
+To set noblemen at brabble and brawl.
+
+LENTULO.
+Save you, sir, young master, and you be a gentleman?
+
+PENULO.
+Whoreson peasant, seest thou not what I am?
+
+LENTULO.
+Troth, sir, I see you have a good doublet and a pair of hose;
+But now-a-days there is so many goes
+So like gentlemen, that such a poor fellow as I
+Know not how a gentleman from a knave to spy.
+
+PENULO.
+Thou may'st perceive I am no such companion:[93]
+I am a gentleman, a courtier, and a merry frank franion.[94]
+
+LENTULO.
+Then, thou merry companion, thou whoreson frank franion,
+Why hast thou abused the law?
+What, good skipjack, in faith with thwick-thwack your bones I will claw.
+Come about, sir knave.
+
+PENULO.
+Cot's my passion, what a merry mate have we here?
+
+LENTULO.
+Give me your hand, sir: faith, I was bold to brush the dust out
+  of your gear.
+Pray, sir, tell me: they say in the country 'tis a common guise,
+That gentlemen now-a-days cannot see with both eyes.
+
+PENULO.
+It's a lie, knave: I know[95] few gentlemen blind.
+
+LENTULO.
+No, sir? what will you lay, and I can find
+One with a wet finger[96], that is stark blind?
+
+PENULO.
+It may be so, but I think thou canst not.
+
+LENTULO.
+Will you lay? do wager on it.
+
+PENULO.
+                              What should I lay?
+Thou hast no money, I am sure, to pay.
+
+LENTULO.
+No, faith, sir; but I'll tell you what our wager shall be;
+Because I am not able to lay any money,
+I'll lay three round raps on the ribs with my cudgel here.
+
+PENULO.
+Soft, let me look first if there be no blind man near.
+Content, i'faith: that bargain shall stand.
+
+LENTULO.
+Then, sir, I must be so bold as to search your purse out of hand.
+
+PENULO.
+My purse, sir? wherefore?
+
+LENTULO.
+By my troth, sir, no more but to try,
+If you be not as blind a gentleman in the purse as I.
+
+PENULO.
+I use not to carry my money in a purse.
+
+LENTULO.
+All in a pocket? well, never a whit the worse;
+I must search your pocket.
+
+PENULO.
+What, if it be elsewhere?
+
+LENTULO.
+Wheresoever it is, I must seek out this gear,
+I'll not lose my wager, that's certain.
+Very well, sir; will you put me to pain?
+
+PENULO.
+Have I never a weapon?--I'll look--I pray thee, be content.
+
+LENTULO.
+You shall have your wager, sir, as it was meant.
+
+PENULO.
+Hold thy hands, good fellow: I'll do anything for thee.
+I perceive a wise man of a fool overtaken may be.
+
+LENTULO.
+Thou blind gentleman! unless it be for my commodiosity,
+I'll teach thee to be blind, and go so bravely.
+
+PENULO.
+I'll do anything for thee, if thou strike me no more,
+Because I perceive thou art almost as poor
+As myself am, and yet there is somewhat in thee:
+I'll prefer thee to a service in the Court presently.
+
+LENTULO.
+Ha! wilt thou do so?
+
+PENULO.
+That I will.
+
+LENTULO.
+Wilt thou do so, indeed?
+Swear to me by thy ten commandments in thy creed.
+
+PENULO.
+I do so.
+
+LENTULO.
+Troth, then, we are friends: say nothing, I pray,
+And you shall see me prove a rank runaway.
+Why, when a man may be a courtier, and live at ease,
+Should a' not leave his old master to please?
+Sirrah blind gentleman, we two blind gentlemen, and [you] do
+  as thou promis'd here,
+Perhaps I may be as good to thee as two pots of beer.
+I'll go with thee, i'faith; gaw, let's be gone.
+
+PENULO.
+Soft; tarry a while: I'll go with thee anon.
+
+    _Enter_ ARMENIO.
+
+ARMENIO.
+How thinkest thou, Penulo, am I not provided now?
+
+LENTULO.
+I warrant, sir, a' shall have a cold pull of you,
+And a' begin to make another brawl.
+
+ARMENIO.
+Farewell, when thou wilt; I trust I shall
+Meet with him: am I not almost at the tree?
+
+PENULO.
+That same is it, sir.
+
+LENTULO.
+Sirrah, what's he?
+
+PENULO.
+What car'st thou I come, go thou with me.
+Why, I shall have but an ill-favoured courtier of ye.
+
+LENTULO.
+Now, for a runaway, God send us good chance.
+Then, maids, at your marriage I mean me to dance.
+                                             [_Exit_.
+
+ARMENIO.
+Now serves the time to wreak me of my foe--
+My bastard foe--that to dishonour me
+In privy corners seeks to shame me so,
+That my discredit might his credit be.
+And hath my father from his tender youth
+Vouchsaf'd to bring thee up? did I therefore
+Believe so earnestly thy perjur'd truth,
+Advancing still thine honour evermore,
+That, not contented with a common wrack,
+Thou shouldst intend the ruin of us all;
+And when thou seemd'st afraid to turn thy back,
+To make a glory of our greater fall?
+Before thou triumph in thy treachery,
+Before thou 'scape untouched for thy sin,
+Let never Fates nor Fortune favour me,
+But wretched let me live and die therein.
+Few words shall serve, my deeds shall prove it now
+That, ere I sleep, I mean to meet with you.
+                                         [_Exit_.
+    _Enter_ FIDELIA.
+
+FIDELIA.
+Behold the shifts that faithful love can make;
+See what I dare adventure for thy sake.
+In case extreme make virtue of a need,
+But hence the grief which maketh my heart to bleed.
+My love and life, wherever that thou be,
+I am in dole constrain'd to follow thee:
+Hence sprung the hell of my tormented mind,
+The fear of some misfortune yet behind.
+If thou escape the peril of distress,
+My fear and care is twenty times more less.
+No reason 'tis that I should live in joy,
+When thou art wrapt in fetters of annoy;
+Nor to that end I swear to be thy wife,
+To live in peace with thee and state of life;
+But as to dwell at ease in pleasure's lap,
+Even so to bear some part of thy mishap,
+And so to draw in equal portion still
+Of both our fortunes, either good or ill.
+And sith the lots of our unconstant fate
+Have turn'd our former bliss to wretched state,
+I am content to tread the woful dance,
+That sounds the measure of our hapless chance.
+I'll wait thy coming; long thou wilt not stay:
+High Jove defend and keep thee in the way!
+
+    _Enter_ BOMELIO.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Now weary lay thee down, thy fortune to fulfil:
+Go, yield thee captive to thy care, to save thy life or spill.
+The pleasures of the field, the prospect of delight,
+The blooming trees, the chirping birds, are grievous to thy sight.
+The hollow, craggy rock, the shrieking owl to see,
+To hear the noise of serpent's hiss, that is thy harmony.
+For as unto the sick all pleasure is in vain,
+So mirth unto the wounded mind increaseth but his pain.
+But, heavens! what do I see? thou nymph or lady fair,
+Or else thou goddess of the grove, what mak'st thee to repair
+To this unhaunted place, thy presence here unfit?
+
+FIDELIA.
+Ancient father, let it not offend thee any whit,
+To find me here alone. I am no goddess, I,
+But a mortal maid, subject to misery.
+And better that I might lament my heavy moan,
+I secret came abroad to recreate myself awhile alone.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Take comfort, daughter mine, for thou hast found him then,
+That is of others all that live the most accursed'st man.
+O, I have heard it said, our sorrows are the less,
+If in our anguish we may find a partner in distress.
+
+FIDELIA.
+O father! but my grief relieved cannot be:
+My hope is fled, my help in vain, my hurt my death must be.
+Yet not the common death of life that here is led,
+But such a death as ever kills, and yet is never dead.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Fair maid, I have been well acquainted with that fit:
+Sometime injured with the like, I learn to comfort it.
+Come, rest thee here with me, with[in] this hollow cave;
+There will I reckon up at large the horrors that I have.
+
+FIDELIA.
+I thank you, father; but I must needs walk another way.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Nay, gentle damsel, be content a while with me to stay.
+
+FIDELIA.
+The longer that I stay with you, the greater is my grief.
+
+BOMELIO.
+The longer that you stay with me, the sooner is relief.
+
+FIDELIA.
+I am provided other ways; good father, let me go.
+
+BOMELIO.
+To him that off'reth thee no wrong, be not uncourteous so.
+
+FIDELIA.
+Perhaps another time I'll come, and visit thee.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Both then and now, if so you please, you shall right welcome be.
+
+    [_Enter_ ARMENIO.
+
+ARMENIO.
+Shall she be welcome unto thee, old wretch, indeed?
+I'll welcome both of you: come, maid, away with speed.
+
+FIDELIA.
+O brother!
+
+ARMENIO.
+Brother! Peace!
+
+FIDELIA.
+Good father, help me now.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Have I no weapons, wretch that I am? Well, youth, I'll meet with you.
+
+ARMENIO.
+Must you be gone? is this your meeting-place?
+Come, get you home; and pack you, sir, apace.
+Were't not for reverence of thine age, I swear,
+Thou should'st accurse the time I met thee here.
+But, i'faith, sister, my father shall welcome you.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Go tell thine errand, if thou canst.
+
+FIDELIA.
+Hermione, adieu;
+Ten times adieu: farewell for ever now.
+
+ARMENIO.
+I thank thee. Fortune, that thou didst this deed allow.
+                                                   [_Exeunt_.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Thou heaven and earth, and ye eternal lamps
+That restless keep his course in order due;
+Thou, Phoebe bright, that scatterest the damps
+Of darksome night, I make my plaints to you.
+And thou, Alecto, hearken to my call;
+Let fall a serpent from thy snaky hair;
+Tisiphone, be swift to plague them all,
+That make a pastime of my care and fear!
+And thou, O Jove, that by thy great foresight
+Rulest the earth and reign'st above the skies;
+That wreak'st the wrongs of them that master right
+Against the wretches that thy name despise.
+And Rhadamanth, thou judge of hateful hell,
+Where damned ghosts continual moaning make,
+Send forth a fury that may further well
+The just revenge that here I undertake.
+Henceforth accursed be thou evermore,
+Accursed all thou tak'st in hand to do,
+The time, the day, accursed be the hour,
+The earth, the air, and all that 'long thereto!
+Dole and despair henceforth be thy delight,
+Wrapped now in present and woes to come,
+To wail the day and weep the weary night;
+And from this time henceforth I strike thee dumb.
+Think'st thou I knew thee not? Yes, well, i-wis,
+And that thy sister, daughter to my prince.
+Now brag abroad what thou hast got by this:
+So live thou dumb: that be thy recompense;
+And when thy ghost forsakes thy body quite,
+Vengeance I wish upon thy soul to light.
+
+    _Enter_ HERMIONE.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Good even, good father: pardon my rudeness here.
+
+BOMELIO.
+O joy and grief! I will dissemble yet my cheer.    [_Aside_.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Good sir, methought I heard you speak of one right now,
+Daughter unto a prince: that made me bold to trouble you.
+
+BOMELIO.
+I spake of such an one indeed.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Why, do you know her name?
+
+BOMELIO.
+Fidelia. Why do you ask? What, do you know the same?
+
+HERMIONE.
+Yea, father, that I do: I know, and knew her well.
+But did you wish those plagues to light on her, I pray you tell?
+
+BOMELIO.
+On her! the gods forbid; but on that wretched wight
+Her brother, that from hence right now perforce convey'd her quite.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Alas! what do I hear? Good father, tell me true,
+Hath she been here?
+
+BOMELIO.
+She was.
+
+HERMIONE.
+She was! Where is she now?
+
+BOMELIO.
+Gone back again.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Gone back! With whom?
+
+BOMELIO.
+Her brother.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Her brother! How?
+
+BOMELIO.
+He secret watched here; and when she should have stay'd
+Awhile with me, he rushed out and her from hence convey'd.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Confounded in my grief! And can it suff'red be?
+And shall he make a brag at home of his despite to me?
+First let me die a thousand deaths; draw, run and meet with him.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Tarry, my son; it is in vain: they are now[97] at home, I ween.
+Let him alone; he will not make great reck'ning of his gain.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Wretch that thou art for lingering! everlasting shall be thy pain;
+Continual thy complaint, aye-during still thy woe,
+Why mad'st thou not more haste to come, and first of all to know?
+
+BOMELIO.
+Content thyself, my son; torment not so thy mind:
+Assuage the sorrows of thy heart, in hope some help to find.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Some help! O father, no; all help comes too late.
+I am the man of all alive[98] the most unfortunate.
+
+BOMELIO.
+I[99] see thy loyalty, I see thy faithful love,
+Else never durst thou this attempt adventured to prove.
+Take comfort thereby, my son.
+
+HERMIONE.
+I am the man, I say,
+That Love and Fortune once advanc'd, but now have cast away.
+The joy, the sweet delight, the rest I had before,
+Fell to my lot that now the loss, my plague, might be the more.
+O Fortune! froward dame, wilt thou be never sure?
+Most constant in inconstancy I see thou wilt endure.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Accuse not Fortune, son, but blame thy love therefor;
+For I perceive thou art in love, and then[ce] thy trouble is more.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Father, if this be love: to lead a life in thrall,
+To think the rankest poison sweet, to feed on honey-gall;
+To be at war and peace, to be in joy and grief,
+Then farthest from the hope of help, where nearest is relief;
+To live and die, to freeze and sweat, to melt and not to move;
+If it be this to live in love, father, I am in love.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Why did you not possess your lady then at home?
+
+HERMIONE.
+At home! where is it, sir? alas! for I have none.
+Brought up I know not how, and born I know not where,
+When I was in my childhood given unto my prince, then here,
+Of[100] whom I cannot tell, wherefore I little know.
+But now cast out to seek my fate, unhappy where I go.
+Then dare I not be seen; here must I not abide.
+Did ever more calamities unto a man betide?
+
+BOMELIO.
+My heart will burst, if I forbear amidst this misery.
+Behold, thy father thou hast found, my son Hermione!
+Thy father thou hast found, thy father--I am he.
+
+HERMIONE.
+But is it possible my father you should be?
+
+BOMELIO.
+Even from my first exile here have I liv'd forlorn,
+And once I gave thee to my prince, for thou wast noble-born;
+And now he gives me thee, and welcome home again!
+
+HERMIONE.
+This is my recompense for all my former pain.
+Dear father, glad I am to find you here alive:
+By your example I may learn with froward chance to strive.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Come, son, content thee now within a cave to dwell.
+I will provide for thy redress, and all things shall be well.
+A darksome den must be thy lofty lodging now.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Father, I am well content to take such part as you.
+Here is a breathing-fit[101] after hard mischance.
+O gracious Venus! once vouchsafe thy servants to advance.
+
+             _Strike up a noise of viols_: VENUS' _triumph_.
+
+    [_Enter_ VENUS.]
+
+VENUS.
+Behold what Love can work for their delight
+That put affiance in her deity.
+Though heaven and earth against them bend their might,
+Yet in the end theirs is the victory:
+I will in them, and they triumph in me.
+Let Fortune frown, I will uphold their state,
+Yea, seem they never so unfortunate.
+
+FORTUNE.
+Brag not too much: what, think'st thou I have done?
+Nay, soft, not yet: my sport is not begun.
+
+                                      [_Music, Music_.
+
+
+
+
+THE FOURTH ACT.
+
+
+    _Enter_ PENULO _and_ LENTULO.
+
+PENULO.
+Come away with thy basket, thou loggerheaded jack.
+I think thy basket be cloven to thy back.
+
+LENTULO.
+My back and my basket; look, dost thou not see,
+When my basket is on my back, then my back is under me?
+And, O this basket, wott'st thou wherefore I keep it so close?
+For all the love of my heart within this basket goes.
+
+PENULO.
+Thy love, with a wanion![102] are you in love, sir, then,
+  with your leave?
+
+LENTULO.
+What an ass art thou: couldst thou not all this time perceive,
+That I never sleep but when I am not awake,
+And I eat and I eat till my belly would ache?
+And I fall away like a gammon of bacon.
+Am I not in love when I am in this tacon?[103]
+Call'st thou this the court? would I had ne'er come thither
+To be caught in Cupido. I faint, I faint! O, gather me, gather me!
+                                                [_Pretends to swoon_.
+
+PENULO.
+Come up, and be hang'd. Alack, poor Lentulo!    [_Aside_.
+Tell me with whom thou art in love so.
+
+LENTULO.
+You kill me, and you make me tell her name. No, no.
+O terrible torments, that trounce in my toe!
+Love, my masters, is a parlous matter! how it runs out of my nose!
+It's now in my back, now in my belly; O, now in the bottom of my hose.
+
+PENULO.
+The pestilence! there, what is she, my boy?
+I'll make her love thee again, be she never so coy.
+
+LENTULO.
+Wilt thou so? O gods of love! that word plucks up my heart,
+I'll tell thee, sirrah--even as we two at the court-gate did wait,
+Did'st thou not mark a goodly lady, O lady, lady![104]
+Why should not I as well as he, my dear lady?
+Did'st thou not see her come in with a golden lock?
+She had a fine gown on her back, and a passing nether-stock.
+
+PENULO.
+Well, sir, proceed: I remember her very well.
+It's the Duke's daughter the sot means, I can tell.    [_Aside_.
+
+LENTULO.
+Now, sirrah, there was a little dappard[105] ass with her,
+  that went before:
+When I saw him, I came in sneaking more and more.
+To have heard them talk; ah! crouching on is good;
+For when he had talk['d] awhile, I had come in with, ay forsooth, no
+   forsooth, that I would,
+And she would have look'd upon me: then more 'quaintance we should have.
+
+PENULO.
+An excellent device. Ah, sirrah! you are an excellent knave.
+
+LENTULO.
+_Tu autem, tu[106] autem_: I have it in me. But, sirrah, wott'st thou
+  what now?
+As God juggle me, when I came near them, I tell thee true,
+The same squall[107] did nothing but thus: I know what's what;
+And I ran before him, and did thus too.
+                                          [_Strikes_ PENULO.
+
+PENULO.
+A pox upon you, what meant you by that?
+
+LENTULO.
+What mean I? marry, sir, he meant to give her a box on the ear, if she
+  spake to me,
+And I meant to give him another box on the ear, sir, he should see.
+
+PENULO.
+You should have bestow'd it where you meant it, then.
+Must you strike me, and mean other men?
+
+LENTULO.
+'Twas nothing, fellow, but for 'sample's sake.
+
+PENULO.
+Well, sir, I am content this once it to take.
+But, sirrah, you must know that squall is the duke's son,
+That now by mischance is stroken stark dumb,
+In fetching home his sister, that ran away from hence.
+
+LENTULO.
+Is she then a runaway? O passing wench!
+I thought as much; now, good Lord, to see
+That she and I now akin should be.
+O cuckally[108] luck! O heavy chance, O!
+I runaway, she runaway: go together, go!
+
+PENULO.
+But all the court laments, and sore weeps for it.
+
+LENTULO.
+All the court? thou liest: the Court-gate weeps not a whit.
+
+    _Enter_ BOMELIO, _like a counterfeit Physician_.
+
+BOMELIO.
+_Bien[109] venu, chi diue ve mi nou intendite signeur, no_.
+I have a piece of work in hand now, that all the world must not know.
+
+LENTULO.
+Cock's nowns, the devil! a-God's name, what's he?
+
+PENULO.
+Some Spaniard or foreign stranger he seems to be.
+
+BOMELIO.
+_Dio vou salvi, signore, e voutre gratio pavero mouchato_.
+
+LENTULO.
+I have no pleasure in thee: I pray thee, get thee gone.
+
+PENULO.
+What would you, sir?
+
+BOMELIO.
+_Monsieur, par ma foy_, am one have the grand knowledge in the skience
+  of fiskick.
+Can make dem hole have been all life sick;
+Can make to seco see, and te dumb speak;
+Can make te lame go, and be ne'er so weak.
+
+PENULO.
+Can you so, sir? what countryman are you, I pray?
+
+BOMELIO.
+E be Italian, Neapolitan: e come a Venice[110] a toder day.
+
+LENTULO.
+And you can speak any pedlar's French,[111] tell me what I say.
+
+BOMELIO.
+_Ne point entende, signior_.
+
+LENTULO.
+You are an ass. I can spose him, I.
+
+BOMELIO.
+_Monsieur, parle petit_: e heard now hereby,
+Dere be a nobel man dumb, dat made me stay:
+If me no help him, me carry no head away.
+
+PENULO.
+Will you venture your head to help him, indeed?
+Well, sir, I'll tell the Duke with all possible speed.
+Tarry me[112] here: I'll return by and by.
+Excellent luck! it falls out happily.
+                                         [_Exit_.
+
+LENTULO.
+Will you venture your head, sirrah, blockhead you?
+
+BOMELIO.
+You be de ass-head, me can tell dat's true.
+
+LENTULO.
+Swounds! O, but that I am in love, thou shouldst know
+What 'twere to move my vengeance so!
+
+BOMELIO.
+Come heter, sirrah; me speak with you: me can tell
+You are de runaway from your ma'ter; ah, very well.
+
+LENTULO.
+You gods and devils eke, what do you mean to do?
+Shall I be known a runaway, for and to shame me too?
+I a runaway, sirrah? go with your uplandish, go:
+I am no runaway, I would you should know.
+
+BOMELIO.
+You no runaway from your ma'ter in de wood,
+When he send you to market? Ah, no point good!
+
+LENTULO.
+O furies fell, and hags of hell, with all that therein be!
+What, do ye mean to shame me clean, and tell him then of me?
+Hear you, sirrah: you are no devil; mass, and I wist you were,
+I would lamback[113] the devil out of you, for all your gear.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Diavolo? ah, fie! me no diavolo, me very fury.
+Let-a me see your basket: what meat you buy?
+
+LENTULO.
+Look in my basket! O villain, rascal, tarry, stay!
+Hath opened it? out alas! my love is quite flown away.
+My love is gone, my love is gone out of the basket there,
+Prepare therefore to kill thyself: farewell, my friends so dear.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Ah, vat-a you do, man?
+
+LENTULO.
+Uplandish, hence away.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Vat-a you do, man? no point yourself to slay.
+Come de be hang-a.[114]
+
+LENTULO.
+Alas! O my neck, alas!
+O frying-pan of my head! uplandish, now, cham worse than ever was.
+Adieu! farewell, farewell, my love.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Your love? if you be in love, den do as I bid do,
+And you shall 've[115] your love away wit' you, too.
+
+LENTULO.
+Uplandish, O my friend! if thou do so for me,
+Hold here my hand: thy fellow, friend, and partner will I be.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Go you ten, and get-a me some fine, fine, fine colosse,
+And wit' te marigol' leaf all-to mus your nose.
+
+LENTULO.
+Ah, my nose, my nose! O God, is my nose in my hand?
+Uplandish, leave your signs; without them I can understand.
+
+BOMELIO.
+And come a me heter wit' a gold ring in your mouth fast:
+E make de lady go wit' you weter list at last.
+
+LENTULO.
+O, let me 'brace thy cursed corpse! O, now I live again!
+I will go get apparel straight, although be to my pain.
+'Tis th'apparel, a marigol', and a ring.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Noting else, and you tem bring.
+
+LENTULO.
+Bring them? yes, I warrant thee, I'll bring them by and by.
+Now, goodman Venus, lend thy hand, and lady Vulcan high.
+                                                     [_Exit_.
+
+BOMELIO.
+A good beginning. I am not descri'd:
+They know not me, but I know them too well.
+Disguised thus their counsels may be tri'd,
+And I may safe return unto my cell;
+Where I have left my solitary son,
+'Twixt hope and fear, in doubt and danger too,
+Till I return to tell him what is done,
+Which for his sake I have devis'd to do.
+Eternal gods, that know my true intent,
+And how unjustly wronged I have been,
+Vouchsafe all secret dangers to prevent,
+And further me, as yet you do begin.
+Sufficeth you my travail heretofore,
+My hunger, cold, and all my former pain.
+Here make an end, and plague me now no more:
+Contented, then, at rest I will remain.
+But hark! some comes: dissemble, then, again.
+
+    _Enter the_ DUKE, _his_ Son, _and_ PENULO.
+
+PENULO.
+My lord, yon is the man whom I have told to you.[116]
+
+DUKE.
+My friend, I am inform'd that by thy worthy skill
+In physic, thou art able to recover at thy will
+The strangest cures that be: if this be true indeed,
+As grant the gods it may, I pray thee then with speed
+Provide for our relief: recover this my son,
+Unto his speech, whom here thou seest before us to be dumb.
+
+BOMELIO.
+You no take care for dat, me nobel prince;
+Me make him speak again, or me ne'er come hence.
+
+DUKE.
+Thrice welcome, then, to us: despatch it out of hand,
+And thou shalt bless the time that e'er thou cam'st unto our land.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Let-a me see him. You hear me?
+Ah, dat vel: turn heter; no like it truly.
+
+PENULO.
+By the mass, this physic is an excellent art;
+It picks such a deal of gold out of every part.    [_Aside_.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Vell, vell; me now see vat this matter mean.
+Nobel prince, dis ting be done by mashic clean.
+'Tis true dat me tell, me perceive it plain:
+No natural 'pediment, but cunshering certain.
+
+DUKE.
+O double, treble woe! my son, how cometh this?
+He saith by magic it is wrought, unnatural it is.
+Dost thou remember aught, that so it should appear,
+Or can'st thou any reason make it should be true we hear?
+What means he by these signs? can any one express?
+
+PENULO.
+If you give me leave, sir, to say as I guess,
+Methinks he should mean there was some old man,
+That threatened to be revenged on him then.
+'Tis so you may see: he confirms it again.
+
+DUKE.
+Condemned be that man to everlasting pain,
+Perpetual his annoy, continual his unrest!
+O, that I had him here to plague as I thought best!
+But, learned sir, is there no way, is there no remedy?
+Can there be found out no device the charm to mollify?
+Good sir, if anything, whatever that it be,
+Let spare no cost, my will is such, I will allow it thee.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Indeed, and by my trot', dar is o' thing,
+But me am vera let' de same to bring;
+Yit wit'out dat me am seawer,[117] me tell,
+Your son again be never more well.
+
+DUKE.
+Good father, tell it me: whatever should befall,
+Mine be the danger, mine the loss, you shall be pleased for all.
+In any case, express it then.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Fait', then me will.
+If you no have your son be so dumb still.
+You mus' get-a de grand enemy dat he now have,
+And in de tenderest part his dearest blood crave:
+Derwit' mus' you wash his tongue-a string.
+Noting but dat will his speech bring.
+
+DUKE.
+The dearest blood in the tenderest part
+Of his great enemy? O, grief to my heart!
+Will nothing else cure his disease?
+
+BOMELIO.
+Noting, by my trot'; but do as you please.
+
+DUKE.
+My son, my wretched son! and whom dost thou suppose
+Thy greatest enemy amongst thy father's foes?
+It is Hermione: 'tis he, and none but he.
+He hath now proved himself, indeed, thy greatest enemy.
+Where lives the wretch? That he were ta'en, and we revenged be?
+
+PENULO.
+And must his dearest blood, in his tenderest part,
+Help him in his speech? that's an excellent art.
+But what part is that, my masters, now about a man
+That is the tenderest? guess it, and you can.
+I can tell what part a woman thinks tenderest to be,
+And there is dear blood in it--but _benedicite_.
+And do you think, sir, there is none but he,
+That can be thought his greatest enemy?
+I have heard it said, there is no hate
+Like to a brother or sister's, if they fall at debate.
+I will not say, but you may think it as well as I,
+If you mark since her coming home his sister's cruelty,
+And the continual rancour she beareth unto him.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Is te maid his sister? be Got, den, he say tim.
+Bin mine fait' and trot', ser, 'tis true dat he say:
+His sister be his greatest enemy to-day.
+
+DUKE.
+And must I kill my daughter to help my son to speech?
+I'll never do it.
+
+PENULO.
+See how a doth beseech!--
+I would all our daggers were of his quality,
+They should not brawl with a man, then, so for his money.
+
+BOMELIO.
+You kill your daughter! fie, no point so.
+Her dearest blood in tenderest part me will show:
+'Tis in her paps, her dugs, for der be de tenderest part,
+And de blood de dearest; it comes from de heart.
+So she be prick'd a little under de breast,
+And wash his tongue-a, he speak wit' de best.
+
+DUKE.
+This thing is somewhat easier, if she consent thereto;
+If not, I can enforce and make her it to do.
+Penulo, despatch, and to my marshal bear
+This signet for a token that he send her to us here.
+
+PENULO.
+I will, my lord.
+                    [_Exit_.
+
+DUKE.
+He that hath felt the zeal, the tender love and care:
+The fear, the grief that parents dear unto their children bear,
+He may, and only he, conceive mine, inward woe,
+Distracted thus 'twixt two extremes that hale me to and fro.
+Sometime mistrusting that, and then misliking this--
+Have parents such a cause of joy, or is it such a bliss
+To see the offspring of their seed in health before them now?
+O, little know they what mishap awaits the death for you.
+But, son, my dearest son, recomfort thou thy mind;
+Fight against fortune and thy fates, when they be most unkind.
+And since I understand what may recover thee,
+Make sure account of it, myself will do it presently.
+But, sir, I pray you, lest my daughter should by fear
+Or fright[118] of it be sore abash'd, be always ready here
+To stench her wound, when you see good.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Awe, awe, she lose but little blood:
+Two or tree ounces sha' be de very most.
+Yonder she come, is no she?
+
+DUKE.
+The same is she.
+
+    _Enter_ FIDELIA _with_ PENULO.
+
+FIDELIA.
+Father, they say you sent for me.
+
+DUKE.
+Yea, daughter, I did so;
+And mark what I shall say to thee, the cause thereof to show.
+Thou seest thy brother here?
+
+FIDELIA.
+In name, but not in kind.
+
+DUKE.
+Well, hold thy peace, I say, and let me tell my mind.
+Thy brother here, I say, thou seest him stricken dumb,
+And, as this learned man declares by magic it is done.
+But yet there is a way--one thing--he telleth me,
+That will restore him to his speech that resteth inwardly;
+Which, though I might command, yet I intreat to know,
+Be not so stubborn or unkind thy furtherance to show.
+
+FIDELIA.
+Noble father, you cannot say, but hitherto I have
+Been most obedient to your will in all things that you crave;
+But herein pardon me, if this I do deny:
+I never can be made to grant help to mine enemy,
+My deadly enemy, worse than my mortal foe,
+And such an one is he to me, for I have found him so;
+That laboured evermore to cross me with despite,
+But I am glad I may so well his courtesy requite.
+
+PENULO.
+A right woman--either love like an angel,
+Or hate like a devil--in extremes so to dwell.    [_Aside_.
+
+DUKE.
+But, daughter, I command, and I thy father, too.
+
+FIDELIA.
+And I, your daughter, anything that lawful is to do.
+
+DUKE.
+Is it not right and lawful both to help thy brother's woe?
+
+FIDELIA.
+It's neither right nor lawful, sir, to help my deadly foe.
+
+DUKE.
+If he have been thy foe, he may become thy friend.
+
+FIDELIA.
+And when I see that come to pass, I may some succour send.
+
+DUKE.
+But wherefore shouldst thou be so cruel unto him?
+
+FIDELIA.
+Because unto my dearest friend so spiteful he hath been.
+
+DUKE.
+Nay, stubborn girl, but then I will constrain thee, I.
+Lay hold on her: myself will then, sith she doth it deny.
+
+FIDELIA.
+Assist me, righteous gods, in this extremity.
+
+BOMELIO. [_To DUKE, aside_.]
+Ah, pardon-a, pardon-a: please you, let me a while wit' her alone,
+And me warrant me make her consent to you anon;
+Else me give her a powder with a little drink,
+Whish make her sleep; and den, when she noting tink,
+Wit' de sharp rasher, me prick her by and by,
+And stop it again, and she no feel why.
+Please you begone, and let us two alone here.
+Me make her consent, you no point fear.
+
+DUKE.
+Do it, Master Doctor, and I am bound to you for aye.
+Ungracious girl, that dost deny the father to obey.
+Look to her, sir, and send me word when thou hast done the deed.
+
+                                          [Exeunt.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Awe, awe; i'fait', i'fait', me make her bleed.
+
+FIDELIA.
+O wretched girl! what hope remains behind?
+What comfort can recomfort now thy mind?
+Forsaken thus of father and of friend,
+Why seek'st thou not to bring thy life to end?
+Can greater woes befall unto thy share?
+Come, gentleman, despatch, and do not spare:
+If it be so his pleasure and thy will,
+1 am content my dearest blood to spill.
+Defer not then: hold, take thine aim at me,
+And strike me through; for I desire to die.
+
+BOMELIO.
+The heavens forbid, fair maiden; no, not I:
+I am thy friend, I am no enemy.
+Fear not, stand up: it is only for thy sake
+That I this toil and travail undertake.
+Thy love, my son, is at my cave with me,
+Safe and in health, long looking there for thee.
+Trust to my words, fair maid, for I am he,
+That overtook thee in the wood last day;
+And till thy coming, Hermione, I say,
+Is in my cave--
+
+FIDELIA.
+What joyful words be these!
+And is Hermione your son? do, then, as you shall please.
+Behold me ready, prest to follow any way:
+Good father, do not thus delude a simple maid, I pray.
+I trust unto your words: my life is in your power,
+And till I see Hermione, each minute is an hour.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Daughter, dismay no whit; but trust to me;
+What I have said performed thou shalt see.
+I have dissembled with thy father here,
+The better that I might with thee confer.
+And since thou art so faithful to thy love,
+As I may well report I did thee prove,
+Let us be gone now closely as we may.
+
+FIDELIA.
+Yea, my good father, even when you will, I pray.
+Thrice-blessed be the hour I met with you!
+My father now and brother both adieu:
+Unkind to her, most kind that you should be,
+I leave them all, my dear, to come to thee.
+
+                                          [_Exeunt_.
+
+    _Enter_ HERMIONE, _with books under his arm_.
+
+HERMIONE.
+O gods! that deepest griefs are felt in closest smart;
+That in the smiling countenance may lurk the wounded heart,
+1 see the noble mind can counterfeit a bliss,
+When overwhelmed with a care his soul perplexed is.
+It is for dastard knights, that stretch on feather beds,
+Despairing in adversity so low to hang their heads.
+The better born, the more his magnanimity:
+The fiercer fight, the deeper wound, the more undaunted he.
+So I perceive it now; I well perceive it here:
+What I myself could not, I learn by thee, my father dear.
+He that in golden age, I mean his lusty youth,
+Was thought to spend in pleasure's lap without regard of ruth;
+He that had lost his time as bravely as the best,
+Only devising how to make his joys surmount the rest:
+Not in that wanton youth, not in that pleasant mate,
+Could Fortune with her fickleness his wonted mind abate.
+He rather challengeth to do her very worst,
+And makes a semblance of delight, although indeed accurs'd.
+My father thereupon devised how he might
+Revenge and wreak himself on her, that wrought him such despite:
+And therefore, I perceive, he strangely useth it,
+Enchanting and transforming that his fancy did not fit.
+As I may see by these his vile blasphemous books;
+My soul abhors as often as mine eye upon them looks.
+What gain can countervail the danger that they bring,
+For man to sell his soul to sin, is't not a grievous thing?
+To captivate his mind, and all the gifts therein,
+To that which is of others all the most ungracious sin;
+Which so entangleth them that thereunto apply,
+As at the last forsaketh them in their extremity.
+Such is this art, such is the study of this skill,
+This supernatural device, this magic, such it will.
+In ransacking his cave these books I lighted on,
+And with his leave I'll be so bold, while he abroad is gone,
+To burn them all; for best that serveth for this stuff.
+I doubt not but at his return to please him well enough.
+And, gentlemen, I pray, and so desire I shall,
+You would abhor this study, for it will confound you all.
+                                                    [_Exit_.
+
+    _Enter_ LENTULO _with a ring in his mouth, a marigold in his hand,
+    a fair suit of apparel on his back; after he hath a while made
+    dumb-show_, PENULO _cometh, running in with two or three other_.
+
+PENULO.
+Run, for the love of God! search, villains, out of hand:
+Run, I say, rascals: look about ye; how, do you stand?
+The Duke's daughter is gone again, and all the court is in an uproar.
+A pox on such a physician; he shall counsel her no more.
+
+SERJEANT.
+See you, Master Penulo, who is that yonder so brave?
+
+PENULO.
+Cock's blood, you villain! what do you here, you slave?
+Swounds! hath robb'd the Duke of a suit of apparel,
+Why speak you not, sirrah? yea, will you not tell?
+Lay him on, my masters: spare him not, I say.
+Speak you by signs? One of you pull the ring away.
+
+SERJEANT.
+Cock's blood, my finger! a bites as pestilence[119] there.
+
+LENTULO.
+What mean you, my masters; what mean ye here?
+
+PENULO.
+Have you found your tongue, sir! O, very well.
+I pray you, sir, where had you this suit of apparel?
+
+LENTULO.
+This 'parel? what, and I stole it: what's that to thee?
+
+PENULO.
+Marry, sir, no more but that hang'd you shall be.
+
+LENTULO.
+Then, all the world shall see there is somewhat in me.
+When I am hang'd, O, I shall swing lustily.
+Mass, I shall do him great credit that hangs me.
+But if I may be hanged by an attorney,
+I will desire thee the place to supply.
+
+PENULO.
+Yes, marry will I, for courtesy sake.
+Come on your way, sir: the pains I will take
+To bring you before the Duke, that he may see,
+What a proper man in his apparel you be.
+
+LENTULO.
+Wilt thou, faith? mass, I thank thee heartily;
+But I must talk a little with our uplandish here,
+And then I'll go with thee, faith, anywhere.
+
+PENULO.
+Uplandish, you rascal! where is he now?
+He's gone, and stole away the Duke's daughter with him too.
+
+LENTULO.
+O my heart! what do you say?
+
+PENULO.
+Marry, that together they be both run away.
+
+LENTULO.
+Nay, then, have after ye; behind I'll not stay.
+
+PENULO.
+What! no such haste with you, sir, I pray.
+
+LENTULO.
+And is my lady gone and fled? O, take me up, for I am dead.
+Farewell, my marigold; O villain, caitiff, he!
+By bones and stones, and all the moons, I will avenged be.
+
+PENULO.
+You shall be revenged, sir, that shall you presently.
+Away, away with him to the Duke by and by.
+
+LENTULO.
+I can go by myself, and you will let me alone.
+Now as I walk, alas! I make to me my moan.
+When I in prison strong, poor soul, shall live and die,
+Then will I make my loving song upon mine own pigsny.
+
+PENULO.
+Away with him, sirs: why do ye tarry?
+
+LENTULO.
+And thou wert in my case, thou wouldst not be so hasty.
+                              [_Exit in custody of _SERJEANT.
+
+PENULO.
+Fie upon it! what a stir have we here?
+Never was nobleman's house in such fear.
+Such hurrying and stirring, such running every way;
+Such howling, such crying, such accursing the day.
+That ever the villain could counterfeit so,
+[And] when we least thought of it, away with her to go.
+But the world is so full of knavery now,
+That we know not whom to trust, I may say to you.
+If my wife fall sick, as she may, I'll make a condition,
+She shall never take counsel of an uplandish physician.
+Hang them, knaves; But what a prating keep I,
+When I should have been seven miles of mine errand; for why
+I must go set all the country up in a watch,
+If it be possible, this physician to catch.
+                                   [_Exit_ PENULO.[120]
+
+    _Enter_ BOMELIO _and_ FIDELIA.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Stay, daughter, stay: forbear thy posting haste.
+Thou need'st not fear; all perils now are past.
+Thanks to the gods that such success they gave,
+Thus happily to bring us to my cave.
+
+FIDELIA.
+O father! still I fear mishap behind:
+Suspect is natural unto our kind,
+And perils that import a man's decay
+Can never be eschewed too soon, they say.
+Had I [but] sight of mine Hermione,
+I care not then what did become of me.
+
+BOMELIO.
+I will herein accomplish thy desire,
+So grant the gods the rest that I require.
+Hermione! Hermione! my son, I say,
+Come forth and see thy friends that for thee stay.
+
+    _Enter_ HERMIONE.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Welcome, my father; but ten times welcome thou,
+The constant lady mine, that liveth now.
+
+FIDELIA.
+And lives Hermione? lives my Hermione?
+What can be added more to my felicity?
+
+HERMIONE.
+Thy life, my life; such comfort dost thou give:
+Happy my life, because I see thee live.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Whilst they record the sweetness of their bliss,
+I will apply to further, as they wish,
+Their[121] sweet delight by magic's cunning so,
+That happy they shall live in spite of foe.
+
+HERMIONE.
+How doubtful are the lets of loyal love!
+Great be the dangers that true lovers prove;
+But when the sun, after a shower of rain,
+Breaks through the clouds and shows his might again,
+More comfortable to [us] his glory then,
+Because it was awhile withheld of men.
+Peace after war is pleasanter, we find;
+A joy deferr'd is sweeter to the mind:
+So I----
+
+FIDELIA.
+It hath been said that, when Ulysses was
+Ten years at Troy, and ten years more, alas!
+Wandering abroad as chance and fortune led,
+Penelope supposing him for dead:
+But he, providing still for afterclaps,
+When he had 'scap'd a thousand hard mishaps,
+It did him good to reckon up at last
+Unto his wife his travails he had pass'd,
+And sweetly then recording his distress
+To make the more account of happiness.
+So I----
+
+HERMIONE.
+Then, as the turtle that hath found her mate
+Forgets her former woes and wretched state,
+Renewing now her drooping heart again,
+Because her pleasure overcomes her pain;
+The same of thy desired sight I make,
+Whereon thy faith, thy heart and hand I take.
+
+FIDELIA.
+And so I swear to thee unfeignedly
+To live thine own, and eke thine own to die.
+
+    _Enter_ BOMELIO.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Gog's blood! villains! the devil is in the bed of straw! Wounds! I have
+been robb'd, robb'd, robb'd! where be the thieves? My books, books! did
+I not leave thee with my books? Where are my books? my books! where be
+my books, villain? arrant villain!
+
+HERMIONE.
+O father! my dear father, hark.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Father, my dear father? Soul! give me my books. Let's have no more
+tarrying: the day begins to be dark; it rains: it begins with tempests.
+Thunder and lightning! fire and brimstone! And all my books are gone,
+and I cannot help myself, nor my friends. What a pestilence! who came
+there?
+
+HERMIONE.
+I'll tell you, father, if you please to hear.
+
+BOMELIO.
+What can'st thou tell me? tell me of a turd. What, and a' come? I
+conjure thee, foul spirit, down to hell! Ho, ho, ho! the devil, the
+devil! A-comes, a-comes, a-comes upon me, and I lack my books. Help!
+help! help! Lend me a sword, a sword! O, I am gone!
+                                                [_He raves_.
+
+FIDELIA.
+Alas! how fell he to this madding mood?
+
+HERMIONE.
+The heavens and earth deny to do us good!
+
+FIDELIA.
+O father! my good father, look on me.
+
+BOMELIO.
+What meant I not to shut up the door, and take the keys with me, and
+put the books under the bed-straw? Out, you whore! a whore, a whore!
+Gog's blood! I'll dress you for a whore. I have a cause to curse whores
+as long as I live. Come away, come away! Give me my books, my books:
+give me, give me, give!
+                                        [_Exit_.
+
+FIDELIA.
+Help, help me, good Hermione!
+                                        [_Exit_.
+
+HERMIONE.
+I come. O[122] worlds of misery!
+Confounded on the top of my delight;
+The Fates and Fortune thus against me fight.
+                                        [_Exit_.
+
+    [_Enter_ VENUS _and_ FORTUNE.]
+
+  FORTUNE'S _triumph: sound trumpets, drums, cornets, and guns_.
+
+FORTUNE.
+See, madam, who can dash your bravery,
+Even at the pitch of your felicity?
+When you assure that they shall steadfast stand,
+Even then my power I suddenly can show,
+Transposing it, as it had never been so.
+Herein I triumph, herein I delight.
+Thus have I manifested now my might.
+Here, ladies, learn to like of Venus' lure,
+And me love--long your pleasures shall endure.
+
+VENUS.
+Now thou hast done even what thou canst, I see,
+They shall be once again relieved by me.
+
+                                   [_Music, Music_.
+
+
+
+
+THE FIFTH ACT.
+
+
+    _Enter_ MERCURY.
+
+MERCURY.
+Ye goddesses of this eternity,
+To whom of right belongs each earthly thing,
+The king of gods salutes ye both by me;
+And (I beseech you) mark the news I bring.
+My father Jupiter, perceiving well
+What hath herein been[123] done by each of you,
+And[124] how ye still endeavour to excel,
+Maintaining that whereon the quarrel grew--
+That is, the government of this estate,
+And unto whom the sovereignty shall fall--
+Here, therefore, to conclude your long debate,
+Lest your contention may be counted general,
+Desires ye both, and so commands by me,
+Ye stand to his conclusion of the cause.
+How say you, therefore? will you now agree,
+That malice may no longer right delude?
+
+VENUS.
+Brother Mercury, as I have never been
+So obstinate, or bent so frowardly,
+But that I could some time relent the ill--
+A woman must a little have her will;
+So am I now resolved for to do
+Whatso my father shall entreat me to.
+
+FORTUNE.
+And all the world by me perceiveth well
+Of course my fancy, favour,[125] and my skill:
+And when my cause a little course hath had,
+I am well pleased, and no longer sad.
+
+MERCURY.
+Then thus our father Jupiter concludes,
+To lay the stroke of your unceasing strife.
+As heretofore betwixt these lovers twain
+Ye have express'd your powers upon their life,
+So now he wills you to withhold your hands.
+Enough sufficeth to confirm your might;
+And to conjoin ye both in friendly bands
+Of faithful love, wherein the gods delight,
+His pleasure is that, Lady Venus, you
+Shall be content never to hinder them,
+To whom Dame Fortune shall her[126] friendship show,
+Of wretched to procure them happy men.
+Ne shall you, Fortune, once presume to take
+The credit of the honour in your hand:
+If Lady Venus do them quite forsake,
+You shall not seem in their[127] defence to stand;
+But whomsoever one of you prefer,
+The other shall be subject unto her;
+For thus hath Jupiter determined now.
+
+VENUS.
+I must and will subscribe my will to you.
+
+FORTUNE.
+And I most gladly thereof do allow.
+
+VENUS.
+Whom Fortune favours I will not despise.
+
+FORTUNE.
+Whom Love rejects by me shall never rise.
+
+MERCURY.
+To this conclusion do you both agree?
+
+VENUS.
+For my part.
+
+FORTUNE.
+And I, most willingly.
+
+MERCURY.
+Then let your union be confirmed again
+By proper course, each one in his descent
+Over mortal men and worldly things to reign
+By interchange, as Jupiter hath meant.
+And[128] friendly Fortune, let me entreat, alone--
+Sith by your means these lovers hind'red were,
+And now ye two are reconcil'd in one,
+You grant the[m] grace their honour up to rear.
+
+FORTUNE.[129]
+Sweet Mercury, I give thee my consent.
+I will forthwith advance them to renown:
+And their destruction better to prevent,
+They shall relieve them, that did throw them down.
+
+MERCURY.[130]
+And I my gracious favour will bestow
+Upon them all, according to desert;
+And I will help his frenzy ere I go.
+That bedlam up and down he[re] plays[131] his part.
+
+    _Enter_ BOMELIO _with_ HERMIONE _and_ FIDELIA,
+    _with a cope and dagger_.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Cot's[132] wounds! ye whore, I am not for your diet. Hang, rascal, make
+a leg to me, [or,] by Gog's blood, I'll stab thee through. What the
+devil, the devil, and all my books be gone! O most accursed man Bomelio!
+Go hide thyself, go hide thyself! go hang thyself, go hang! I'll hang
+the whore out of hand; and as for you, villain,--stand, rascal! stand!
+
+FIDELIA.
+Good father, hear me. Come, take a little rest:
+Yea, my sweet father, come, sleep upon my breast.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Hark the whore! See what an impudent whore it is. Sleep, you whore?
+I'll sleep with you anon, Gog's blood, you whore, I'll hang you up!
+                                                  [_He threatens her_.
+
+FIDELIA.
+Help, help, Hermione!
+
+HERMIONE.
+Good father, let her alone. Come, let us go.
+
+    [_Enter_ MERCURY _invisible_.]
+
+MERCURY.
+Now with my music I'll recure his woe.
+                                   [_Play_.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Hark, hark, my hearts! Pipes, fiddles! O brave! I shall have my books
+again. Dance about. Robin Hood is a good knave. Come, Bess, let's go
+sleep. Come, Bess; together, together.
+
+MERCURY.
+Now will I charm him, that he shall not wake,
+Until he be relieved in this place.
+Then take her blood, and cast it on this brake,
+And therewithal besprinkle all his face,
+And he shall be restored to his sense,
+His health and memory, as heretofore.
+Do this, for I must now depart from hence,
+And so your sorrows shall increase no more.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Fidelia, what hast thou heard, my dear?
+O comfortable words, were they but true!
+If any god or goddess be so near,
+Vouchsafe of pity on our pains to rue.
+Delude not with a feigned fantasy
+The wretched mind[s] of men in misery.
+
+FIDELIA.
+Alas! Hermione, let us not feed
+And flatter ourselves with any[133] good surmise:
+We are too much accursed so to speed,
+Or any hope thereof for to devise.
+Resolve yourself, dear friend, another way,
+And let us never look for happy day.
+
+    _Enter_ PHIZANTIES, ARMENIO, PENULO, _and_ LENTULO.
+
+PHIZANTIES.
+When thirst of hot revenge inflameth high desire:
+When malice kindleth so the minds of them that would aspire,
+That to enlarge their names they reck not his despite,
+That overseeth all their work, their doings to requite:
+Mark, then, what followeth, when princes ye provoke:
+The deeper and the larger wound, when longest is the stroke!
+And this hath moved me to leave my court awhile,
+To be content in sweat of brows, in trouble, pain and toil,
+To seek out wretches, them that have abus'd me so,
+And to reward their villainy according, ere we go.
+
+PENULO.
+May it please your honour, it is excellent done.
+Gog's blood! and I were a prince, and had such a noble son,
+That should be so highly abused as he hath been,
+Would I put it up? no; by his wounds, I would never lin,
+Till I had made such a mingle-mangle upon their nose,
+That their skin should serve to make me a doublet and a pair of hose.
+
+LENTULO.
+What, you would not? i'faith, you look not with the face:
+When you have the skin, sir, what will you do with the case?
+But, master prince, since you are come to this travailation,
+I'll bring you to my old master's convoculation,
+Where he hides himself, when I ran away:
+It's not far within these woods. How think you, sir, I pray?
+
+PHIZANTIES.
+Lead on the way, and I will follow thee.
+
+LENTULO.
+Why, then, come on, my valiant hearts, march on and follow me.
+But I'll make this bargain first: hear you me what I say?
+When I come home, you shall not let my master beat me for running away.
+
+PHIZANTIES.
+He shall not, I warrant thee.
+
+LENTULO.
+Why, then, my noble youths of oak, pluck up your hearts with me.
+Will you come, sir I come on, i'faith: keep in order you thereby.
+We shall find her i'faith, master prince, anon, I know,
+And then I'll trounce him for running away with another man's wife,
+  I trow.
+
+PENULO.
+Stand, sir. Who lives a-sunning yonder? can you tell?
+
+LENTULO.
+It's a beggar with a rogue.
+
+PHIZANTIES.
+It is my daughter, I see full well.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Fidelia, be content: shrink not at all.
+
+PHIZANTIES.
+Strike not a stroke, my son.
+
+PENULO.
+For help I shall go run and call.
+
+PHIZANTIES.
+And art thou found, false traitor and untrue,
+Traitor to him that dealt so well with thee?
+Did I devise to stop that would ensue,
+And found my cares such issue as I see?
+I see I am abused too-too much,
+And too much sufferance is cause of this abuse:
+This high abuse of yours, as being such,
+Affords no cloak nor colour of excuse.
+O, where is thankfulness and love become?
+Where is the fear of princes' wrath exil'd?
+Even this is the unhappiness of some,
+To be of them they trusted most beguil'd;
+But sometime pardon breeds a second ill.
+Thou shameless wench, and thou false-hearted knight,
+By your unhappy deeds I learn this skill;
+But yet I list not kill thee, as I might.
+Her will I have, and keep her as I may.
+On pain of death I charge thee, hence away!
+
+HERMIONE.
+O prince, this sentence hath his force and strength,
+And dead I am that here appear to live;
+For how, alas! can this my life have length
+When she is hence, that life and sense doth give?
+But since, alas! I must be only he,
+Whom Fortune vows to make a common game,
+Armenio, my foe, do this for me--
+With my revenge to end my open shame.
+To help thee to digest thine injury,
+Appease thee with Hermione's tragedy.
+
+FIDELIA.
+Far be the thought of that accursed deed,
+O sweet Hermione, my sweet Hermione!
+Foul be his fall that makes thy body bleed,
+O sweet Hermione, my sweet Hermione!
+And, father, this I vow: forgive it me,
+1 will be sacrifice for this offence,
+And or I will have my Hermione,
+My chosen love, or never part from hence.
+Him hath the destinies ordained mine,
+Most worthy me, your daughter, every way;
+Nor he to any will his choice resign--
+No more my troubled thoughts will let me say.
+
+PHIZANTIES.
+What wilt thou, foolish girl and obstinate?
+Say'st thou this treason is devis'd by fate?
+That shall we try. Despatch her hence away.
+Let's see who dares our princely will gainsay.
+
+PENULO.
+Sir, and you'll have us carry her, here be them come of the carriers.
+
+LENTULO.
+And you'll have us marry her, here be them come of the marriers.
+
+PENULO.
+Lord! I marvel to whose share this lady will fall:
+I am sure my part in her will be least of all.
+
+    VENUS _and_ FORTUNE _show themselves, and speak to_
+    PHIZANTIES, _while_ HERMIONE _standeth in amaze_.
+
+VENUS.
+High time it is that now we did appear,
+If we desire to end their misery.
+
+FORTUNE.
+Phizanties, stay, and unto us give ear.
+What thou determin'st performed cannot be.
+
+PHIZANTIES.
+Dread goddess whatsoever of this place,
+If I herein have disobeyed thy grace,
+Of favour grant for to remit the same:
+Let me not suffer undeserved blame.
+
+VENUS.
+Phizanties, stand up; be of good cheer.
+None but thy friends are met together here--
+Thy friends, though goddesses in other things--
+Yet interchange an alteration brings.
+And now, whereas you seek in what you can
+To let your child to marry with this man,
+Know that it is the pleasure of our will,
+That they together be conjoined still.
+For 'tis not so--he is not born so base
+As you esteem, but of a noble race.
+His father is the good Bomelio,
+That sleepeth here oppress'd with woe,
+Whom Phalaris thy father, on a false report,
+In wrath and anger banished his court:
+But this is he, to whom thou wishest oft good,
+And this his son, born of a noble blood.
+Think it no scorn to thee or thine hereafter
+To have his son espoused to thy daughter.
+
+PHIZANTIES.
+Right gracious goddess, if this be true indeed,
+As I believe, because from you it doth proceed,
+Then pardon me, for had I known it so,
+His son had never tasted of this woe.
+Unwitting of his lineage till this time,
+Not,[134] presumed, sprung of a noble line.
+Put[135] hence, and please your deities, my grief,
+Because my son is dumb without relief.
+
+PENULO.
+I'faith, sirrah, thou and I may hold our peace, with their leave,
+For none but wise men speak here, I perceive.
+
+LENTULO.
+In some respects so, in some respects not;
+For a fool's bolt is soon enough shot.
+
+FORTUNE.
+Phizanties, fear no longer his distress;
+The gracious gods provide for his redress.
+The shedding of thy daughter's dearest blood
+Shall both to him and to this man do good;
+For let this fern be dipp'd in many a place,
+And, as he sleepeth, cast it in his face,
+And let his tongue be washed therewithal,
+And both of them relieved see you shall.
+
+PHIZANTIES.
+How say you, daughter, will you grant thereto?
+
+FIDELIA.
+Most willing, sir, if you vouchsafe to do
+But this request, which I most humbly pray--
+Then I may be Hermione's for aye.
+
+PHIZANTIES.
+With all my heart: hereon I give my hand.
+
+FIDELIA.
+I take it, sir; and to your word I stand.
+And for thy sake, Hermione, my dear,
+See what I do, although it touch me near.
+Now take thy fill, and for his madness prove.
+                              [_Bares her breast_.]
+
+HERMIONE.
+O sweet and fearful sight, the sign of love!
+
+LENTULO.
+If it be any sweeter, masters, that runs from you so,
+I pray you give me some of your blessings, ere you go.
+
+ARMENIO.
+I strive to speak, and glad to find my speech.
+Forgive, Hermione, forgive me, I beseech.
+And you, good sister; pardon, my friends, too;
+Too rash in all I ventured to do.
+See what proceedeth from unstable youth!
+Shame to himself, and to his friends a cause of ruth.
+
+HERMIONE.
+Armenio, long hath my mind[136] desired
+To hear the proffer of this pleasant peace,
+Which sith the gods do grant as we require,
+Henceforth let rancour and contention cease,
+And in our breast be knit for ever sure
+The links of love, perpetual to endure.
+
+BOMELIO [_waking_].
+What have I heard? what is it that they say?
+Amazed quite! confounded every way!
+My son Hermione, I know that is the same!
+And that's my prince: now comes grief and shame!
+
+PHIZANTIES.
+My Lord Bomelio, shun not; I know you now.
+Forgive the fact my father did to you;
+And what he did, impute it not to me.
+Thy former place I will restore to thee.
+In token of our faithful amity,
+We will be joined in near affinity.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Long live Phizanties, long live in happy ease;
+The gods be bless'd I live this day to see!
+What please the one, shall never me displease:
+Thrice happy now for all my misery.
+
+PENULO.
+Why then, sir, sith everything is come to so good an end,
+I hope, my good master, you'll stand-by my good friend,
+And give me but two or three thousand pound a year to live on.
+
+LENTULO.
+Much in my nock, Nichols:[137] you and I shall slave it anon.
+
+ARMENIO.
+Assure thee, Penulo, thou shalt not want as long as I live.
+
+LENTULO.
+Why then, master, mine old master, I pray you forgive
+Your old runaway. 'Twas for fashion-sake: I'll do so no more.
+
+BOMELIO.
+Look you do not, sirrah, and then I pardon you therefore.
+
+    [_Enter_ VENUS _and_ FORTUNE.]
+
+VENUS.
+Thus everything united is by Love.
+Now gods and men are reconcil'd again;
+On whom, because I did my pleasure prove,
+I will reward you for your former pain.
+Receive the favours of our deity,
+And sing the praise of Venus' sovereignty.
+
+FORTUNE.
+And for I play'd my part with Lady Love,
+While each did strive for chief authority,
+Your good deserts Dame Fortune so doth move
+To give these signs of liberality.
+Thus for amends of this your late unrest,
+By Love and Fortune you shall all be blest.
+And thus hereof this inward care I have,
+That Wisdom ruleth Love, and Fortune both:
+Though riches fail, and beauty seem to save,
+Yet wisdom forward still unconquered go'th.
+This, we beseech you, take friendly in worth;
+And sith by Love and Fortune our troubles all do cease,
+God save her majesty, that keeps us all in peace.
+Now they and we do all triumph in joy,
+And Love and Fortune are linked sure friends:
+All grief is fled; for your annoy
+Fortune and Love makes all amends.
+Let us rejoice, then, in the same,
+And sing high praises of their name.
+
+
+FINIS.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE THREE LADIES OF LONDON.
+
+
+
+_EDITION_.
+
+[_A right excellent and famous Comoedy called the Three Ladies of London.
+Wherein is Notablie declared and set foorth, how by the meanes of Lucar,
+Loue and Conscience is so corrupted, that the one is married to
+Dissimulation, the other fraught with all abhomination. A Perfect
+Patterne for All Estates to looke into, and a worke right worthie to be
+marked. Written by R.W. as it hath been publiquely played. At London,
+Printed by Roger Warde, dwelling neere Holburne Conduit, at the signs
+of the Talbot. 1584.[138] 4ş. Black letter_.]
+
+
+
+THE PROLOGUE.
+
+To sit on honour's seat it is a lofty reach:
+To seek for praise by making brags ofttimes doth get a breach.
+We list not ride the rolling racks that dims the crystal skies,
+We mean to set no glimmering glance before your courteous eyes:
+We search not Pluto's pensive pit, nor taste of Limbo lake;
+We do not show of warlike fight, as sword and shield to shake:
+We speak not of the powers divine, ne yet of furious sprites;
+We do not seek high hills to climb, nor talk of love's delights.
+We do not here present to you the thresher with his flail,
+Ne do we here present to you the milkmaid with her pail:
+We show not you of country toil, as hedger with his bill;
+We do not bring the husbandman to lop and top with skill:
+We play not here the gardener's part, to plant, to set and sow:
+You marvel, then, what stuff[139] we have to furnish out our show.
+Your patience yet we crave a while, till we have trimm'd our stall;
+Then, young and old, come and behold our wares, and buy them all.
+Then, if our wares shall seem to you well-woven, good and fine,
+We hope we shall your custom have again another time.
+
+
+
+THE THREE LADIES OF LONDON.
+
+
+THE FIRST ACT.
+
+
+    _Enter_ FAME, _sounding before_ LOVE _and_ CONSCIENCE.
+
+LOVE.
+Lady Conscience, what shall we say to our estates? to whom shall
+  we complain?
+Or how shall we abridge such fates as heapeth up our pain?
+'Tis Lucre now that rules the rout: 'tis she is all in all:
+'Tis she that holds her head so stout; in fine, 'tis she that works
+  our fall.
+O Conscience! I fear, I fear a day,
+That we by her and Usury shall quite be cast away.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Indeed, I fear the worst, for every man doth sue,
+And comes from countries strange and far of her to have a view.
+Although they ought to seek true Love and Conscience clear;
+But Love and Conscience few do like that lean on Lucre's chair.
+Men ought be rul'd by us; we ought in them bear sway,
+So should each neighbour live by other in good estate alway.
+
+LOVE.
+For Lucre men come from Italy, Barbary, Turkey,
+From Jewry; nay, the Pagan himself
+Endangers his body to gape for her pelf.
+They forsake mother, prince, country, religion, kiff and kin;
+Nay, men care not what they forsake, so Lady Lucre they win;
+That we poor ladies may sigh to see our states thus turned and tost,
+And worse and worse is like to be, where Lucre rules the roost.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+You say the truth, yet God, I trust, will not admit it so,
+That Love and Conscience by Lucre's lust shall catch an overthrow.
+
+FAME.
+Good ladies, rest content, and you, no doubt, shall see
+Them plagued with painful punishment for such their cruelty:
+And if true Love and Conscience live from Lucre's lust lascivious,
+Then Fame a triple crown will give, which lasteth aye victorious.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+God grant that Conscience keep within the bounds of right,
+And that vile Lucre do not haunt her heart with deadly spite.
+
+LOVE.
+And grant, O God, that Love be found in city, town, and country,
+Which causeth wealth and peace abound, and pleaseth God Almighty.
+
+FAME.
+But, ladies, is't your pleasure to walk abroad a while,
+And recreate yourselves with measure, your sorrows to beguile?
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Pass on, good Fame; your steps do frame; on you we will attend,
+And pray to God, that holds the rod, our states for to defend.
+
+                                                        [_Exeunt_.
+
+
+
+
+THE SECOND ACT.[140]
+
+
+    _Enter_ DISSIMULATION, _having on a farmer's long coat
+    and a cap, and his poll and beard painted motley_.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Nay, no less than a farmer, a right honest man,
+But my tongue cannot stay me to tell what I am:
+Nay, who is it that knows me not by my party-colour'd head?
+They may well think, that see me, my honesty is fled.
+Tush! a fig for honesty: tut, let that go,
+Sith men, women and children my name and doings do know.
+My name is Dissimulation, and no base mind I bear,
+For my outward effects my inward zeal do declare;
+For men do dissemble with their wives, and their wives with them again,
+So that in the hearts of them I always remain.
+The child dissembles with his father, the sister with her[141] brother,
+The maiden with her mistress, and the young man with his lover.[142]
+There is dissimulation between neighbour and neighbour, friend and
+  friend, one with another,
+Between the servant and his master, between brother and brother.
+Then, why make you it strange that ever you knew me,
+Seeing so how[143] I range thoroughout every degree?
+But I forget my business: I'll towards London as fast[144] I can,
+To get entertainment of one of the three ladies, like an honest man.
+
+    _Enter_ SIMPLICITY _like a miller, all mealy,
+    with a wand in his hand_.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+They say there is preferment in London to have:
+Mass, and there be, I'll be passing and brave.
+Why, I'll be no more a miller, because the maidens call me Dusty-poll;
+One thumps me on the neck, and another strikes me on the nol:
+And you see I am a handsome fellow: mark the comporknance[145] of
+  my stature.
+Faith, I'll go seek peradventures,[146] and be a serving-creature.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Whither away, good fellow? I pray thee, declare.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Marry, I'll 'clare thee: to London; would thou didst go there.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+What if I did? would it be better for thee?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Ay, marry should it, for I love honest company.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Agreed; there is a bargain; but what shall I call thee?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+'Cause thou art an honest man, I'll tell thee: my name is Simplicity,
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+A name agreeing to thy nature [_Aside_]: but stay; here comes more
+  company.
+
+    _Enter_ FRAUD _with a sword and buckler, like a ruffian_.
+
+FRAUD.
+Huff! once aloft, and I may hit in the right vein,
+Where I may beguile easily without any great pain.
+I will flaunt it and brave it after the lusty swash:[147]
+I'll deceive thousands. What care I who lie in the lash?[148]
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+What, Fraud? well met. Whither travellest thou this way?
+
+FRAUD.
+To London, to get entertainment there, if I may,
+Of the three ladies Lucre, Love, and Conscience.
+I care not whom I serve--the devil, so I may get pence.[149]
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+O Fraud! I know thee for a deceitful knave:
+And art thou gotten so bonfacion[150] and brave?
+I knew thee, when thou dwelledst at a place called Gravesend,
+And the guests knew thee too, because thou wast not their friend;
+For when thou shouldst bring reckoning to the guests,
+Thou would put[151] twice so much, and swear it cost thy dame no less.
+So thou didst deceive them and thy dame too;
+And because they spied thy knavery, away thou didst go.
+Then thou didst go into Hertfordshire, to a place called Ware,
+And because horses stood at hay for a penny a night there,
+So that thou couldst get nothing that kind of way,
+Thou didst grease the horses' teeth, that they should not eat hay:
+Then thou wouldst tell the rider his horse no hay would eat.
+Then the man would say: Give him some other kind of meat.
+Sir, shall I give him oats, vetches, pease, barley, or bread?
+But whate'er thou gavest him, thou stolest three quarters,
+  when he was in bed.
+And now thou art so proud with thy filching and cosening art!
+But I think one day thou wilt not be proud of the rope and the cart.
+Take a wise fellow's counsel, Fraud: leave thy cosening and filching.
+
+FRAUD.
+Thou whoreson rascal swad,[152] avaunt! I'll bang thee for thy brawling.
+How darest thou defame a gentleman, that hath so large a living?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+A goodly gentleman ostler! I think none of all you will believe him.
+
+FRAUD.
+What a clenchpoop[153] drudge is this! I can forbear him no more.
+
+    [_Let_ FRAUD _make as though he would strike him,
+    but let_ DISSIMULATION _step between them_.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+My good friend Fraud, refrain, and care not therefore.
+'Tis Simplicity, that patch; he knoweth not good from bad,
+And to stand in contention with him I would think you were mad.
+But tell me, Fraud, tell me, hast thou been an ostler in thy days?
+
+FRAUD.
+Tut, I have proved an hundred such ways;
+For when I could not thrive by all other trades,
+I became a squire to wait upon jades.[154]
+But then was then, and now is now; but let that pass:
+I am, as thou seest me; what care I the devil what I was?
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+You say, you go to London: in faith, have with you then.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Nay, come and go with me, good, honest man;
+For if thou go with him, he will teach thee all his knavery.
+There is none will go with him that hath any honesty.
+A bots[155] on thy motley beard! I know thee; thou art Dissimulation:
+And hast thou got an honest man's coat to 'semble this fashion?
+I'll tell thee what, thou wilt even 'semble and cog with thine
+  own father:
+A couple of false knaves together, a thief and a broker.
+Thou makes townsfolks believe thou art an honest man: in the country
+Thou dost nothing but cog, lie, and foist with Hypocrisy.
+You shall be hanged together, and go along[156] together for me,
+For if I should go, the folks would say, we were knaves all three.
+
+    _Enter_ SIMONY _and_ USURY, _hand in hand_.
+
+SIMONY.
+Friend Usury, I think we are well near at our journey's end.
+But knowest thou whom I have espied?
+
+USURY.
+No.
+
+SIMONY.
+Fraud, our great friend.
+
+USURY.
+And I see another, that is now come into my remembrance.
+
+SIMONY.
+Who is that?
+
+USURY.
+Marry, Master Davy Dissimulation, a good helper, and our old acquaintance.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Now all the cards in the stock are dealt about,
+The four knaves in a cluster comes ruffling out.
+
+SIMONY.
+What, Fraud and Dissimulation! happily found out.
+I marvel what piece of work you two go about.
+
+FRAUD.
+Faith, sir, we met by chance, and towards London are bent.
+
+USURY.
+And to London we hie: it is our chiefest intent,
+To see if we can get entertainment of the Ladies or no.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+And for the selfsame matter even thither we go.
+
+SIMONY.
+Then, we are luckily well-met; and, seeing we wish all for one thing,
+I would we our wills and wishing might win.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Yes, they will be sure to win the devil and all,
+Or else they'll make a man to spew out his gall.
+O that vild[157] Usury! he lent my father a little money, and for
+  breaking one day
+He took the fee-simple of his house and mill quite away:
+And yet he borrowed not half a quarter as much as it cost;
+But I think, if it had been a shilling, it had been lost.
+So he kill'd my father with sorrow, and undoed me quite.
+And you deal with him, sirs, you shall find him a knave full of spite.
+And Simony--A-per-se-A-Simony--too, he is a knave for the nonce:
+He loves to have twenty livings at once;
+And if he let an honest man, as I am, to have one,
+He'll let it so dear that he shall be undone.
+And he seeks to get parsons' livings into his hand,
+And puts in some odd dunce that to his payment will stand:
+So, if the parsonage be worth forty or fifty pound a year,
+He will give one twenty nobles to mumble service once a month there.
+
+SIMONY _and_ USURY _both_.
+What rascal is he, that speaketh by us such villainy?
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Sirs, he was at us erewhile too; it is no matter: it is a simple soul,
+  called Simplicity.
+But here come two of the ladies; therefore make ready.
+
+    _Enter_ LOVE _and_ CONSCIENCE. FRAUD.
+
+But which of us all shall first break the matter?
+
+DISSIMULATION
+Marry, let Simony do it, for he finely can flatter.
+
+USURY.
+Nay, sirs, because none of us shall have preheminence above other,
+We will sing in fellowship together, like brother and brother.
+
+SIMONY.
+Of truth, agreed, my masters: let it be so.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Nay, and they sing, I'll sing too.    [_Aside_.
+
+    _The Song_.
+
+Good ladies, take pity and grant our desire.
+
+CONSCIENCE' REPLY.
+Speak boldly, and tell me what is't you require.
+
+THEIR REPLY.
+Your service, good ladies, is what we do crave.
+
+HER REPLY.
+We like not, nor list not such servants to have.
+
+THEIR REPLY.
+If you entertain us, we trusty will be;
+But if you refrain us, then most unhappy.
+We will come, we will run, we will bend at your beck,
+We will ply, we will hie, for fear of your check.
+
+HER REPLY.
+You do feign, you do flatter: you do lie, you do prate:
+You will steal, you will rob: you will kill in your hate.
+I deny you, I defy you; then cease of your talking:
+I refrain you, I disdain you; therefore, get you walking.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+What, Fraud, Dissimulation, Usury, and Simony,
+How dare you for shame presume so boldly,
+As once to show yourselves before Love and Conscience,
+Not yielding your lewd lives first to repentance?
+Think you not, that God will plague you for your wicked practices,
+If you intend not to amend your vild lives so amiss?[158]
+Think you not, God knows your thoughts, words, and works,
+And what secret mischiefs in the hearts of you lurks?
+Then how dare you offend his heavenly majesty
+With your dissembling deceit, your flattery, and your usury?
+
+FRAUD.
+Tut, sirs, seeing Lady Conscience is so scripolous,[159]
+Let us not speak to her, for I see it is frivolous.
+But what say you, Lady Love? Will you grant us favour.
+
+LOVE.
+I'll no such servants, so ill of behaviour,
+Servants more fitter for Lucre than Love,
+And happy are they which refrain for to prove,
+Shameless, pitiless, graceless, and quite past honesty;
+Then who of good conscience but will hate your company?
+
+USURY.
+Here is scripolous Conscience and nice Love indeed.
+Tush! if they will not, others will: I know we shall speed.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+But, lady, I stand still behind, for I am none of their company.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Why, what art thou? O, I know: thou art Simplicity.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+I'faith, I am Simplicity, and would fain serve ye.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+No: I may have no fools to dwell with me.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Why then, Lady Love, will you have me then?
+
+LOVE.
+Ay, Simplicity, thou shalt be my man.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+But shall I be your good-man?
+
+LOVE.
+Ay, my good-man, indeed.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Ay, but I would be your good-man, and swap up a wedding with good speed.
+
+LOVE.
+No: Love may not marry in any case with Simplicity;
+But if thou wilt serve me, I'll receive it willingly:
+And if thou wilt not, what remedy?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Yes, I will serve ye: but will ye go into dinner, for I am hungry?
+
+LOVE.
+Come, Lady Conscience: pleaseth you to walk home from this company?
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+With right goodwill, for their sights pleaseth not me.
+
+                                [_Exeunt_ LADY LOVE _and_ CONSCIENCE.
+
+SIMPLICITY.[160]
+Fraud is the clubbish knave, and Usury the hard-hearted knave,
+And Simony the diamon' dainty knave,
+And Dissimulation the spiteful knave of spade.
+Come there any mo knaves? come there any mo?
+I see four knaves stand in a row.
+
+    [_Let_ FRAUD _run at him,[161] and let_ SIMPLICITY
+    _run in, and come out again straight_.
+
+FRAUD.
+Away, drudge! begone quickly.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+I wous:[162] do thrust out my eyes with a lady.
+                                [_Exit_ SIMPLICITY.
+
+USURY.
+Did you ever see gentlemen so rated at before?
+But it skills not: I hope one day to turn them both out of door.
+
+SIMONY.
+We were arrantly flouted, railed at, and scoff'd in our kind.
+That same Conscience is a vild terror to man's mind.
+Yet, faith, I care not, for I have borne many more than these,
+When I was conversant with the clergy beyond the seas;
+And he that will live in this world must not care what such say,
+For they are blossoms blown down, not to be found after May.
+
+FRAUD.
+Faith, care that care will, for I care not a point.
+I have shifted[163] hitherto, and whilst I live I will jeopard a joint;
+And at my death I will leave my inheritor behind,
+That shall be of the right stamp to follow my mind.
+Therefore let them prate, till their hearts ache, and spit out
+  their evil:
+She cannot quail me, if she came in likeness of the great devil.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Mass, Fraud, thou hast a doughty heart to make a hangman of,
+For thou hast good skill to help men from the coff.
+But we were arrantly flouted, yet I thought she had not known me;
+But I perceive, though Dissimulation do disguise him, Conscience can see.
+What though Conscience perceive it, all the world cannot beside,
+Tush! there be a thousand places, where we ourselves may provide.
+But look, sirs; here cometh a lusty lady towards us in haste;
+But speak to her, if you will, that we may be all plac'd.
+
+    _Enter_ LADY LUCRE.
+
+USURY.
+I pray thee do, for thou art the likeliest to speed.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Why then I'll tout with a stomach in hope of good speed.
+Fair lady, all the gods of good fellowship kiss ye--would say bless ye--
+
+LUCRE.
+Thou art very pleasant, and full of thy rope-ripe--I would say rethoric.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Lady, you took me at the worst: I beseech you therefore
+To pardon my boldness, offending no more.
+
+LUCRE.
+We do; the matter is not great, but what wouldest thou have?
+How shall I call thee, and what is't thou dost crave?
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+I am called Dissimulation, and my earnest request
+Is to crave entertainment for me and the rest,
+Whose names are Fraud, Usury, and Simony,
+Great carers for your health, wealth, and prosperity.
+
+LUCRE.
+Fraud, Dissimulation, Usury, and Simony,
+Now truly I thank you for proffering your service to me;
+You are all heartily welcome, and I will appoint straightway,
+Where each one in his office in great honour shall stay.
+But, Usury, didst thou never know my grandmother, the old Lady
+  Lucre of Venice?
+
+USURY.
+Yes, madam; I was servant unto her, and lived there in bliss.
+
+LUCRE.
+But why camest thou into England, seeing Venice is a city,
+Where Usury by Lucre may live in great glory?
+
+USURY.
+I have often heard your good grandmother tell,
+That she had in England a daughter, which her far did excel;
+And that England was such a place for Lucre to bide,
+As was not in Europe and the whole world beside.
+Then, lusting greatly to see you and the country, she being dead,
+I made haste to come over to serve you in her stead.
+
+LUCRE.
+Gramercy, Usury; and I doubt not but that you shall live here as
+  pleasantly;
+Ay, and pleasanter, too, if it may be. But, Simony, from whence
+  came ye, tell me?[164]
+
+SIMONY.
+My birth, nursery and bringing-up hitherto hath been in Rome,
+  that ancient religious city.
+On a time the monks and friars made a banquet, whereunto they invited me,
+With certain other some English merchants, which belike were of their
+  familiarity;
+So, talking of many matters, amongst others one began to debate
+Of the abundant substance still brought to that state.
+Some said the increase of their substance and wealth
+Came from other princes, and was brought thither by stealth:
+But the friars and monks, with all the ancient company,
+Said that it first came, and is now upholden by me, Simony;
+Which the English merchants gave ear to: then they flattered a little
+  too much,
+As Englishmen can do for advantage, when increase it doth touch;
+And being a-shipboard merry, and overcome with drink on a day,
+The wind served, they hoist sail, and so brought me away:
+And landing here, I heard in what great estimation you were,
+[And] made bold to your honour to make my repair.
+
+LUCRE.
+Well, Simony, I thank thee; but as for Fraud and Dissimulation,
+I know their long continuance, and after what fashion.
+Therefore, Dissimulation, you shall be my Steward,
+An office that every man's case by you must be preferred.
+And you, Fraud, shall be my rent-gatherer, my letter of leases,
+  and my purchaser of land,
+So that many old bribes will come to thy hand.
+And, Usury, because I know you be trusty, you shall be my secretary,
+To deal amongst merchants, to bargain and exchange money.
+And Simony, because you are a sly fellow, and have your tongue liberal,
+I will place you over such matters as are ecclesiastical.
+And though we appoint sundry offices, where now ye are in,
+Yet jointly we mean to use you together ofttimes in one thing.
+
+ALL.
+Lady, we rest at your command in ought we can or may.
+
+LUCRE.
+Then, Master Davy, to my palace haste thee away,
+And will Crafty Conveyance, my butler, to make ready
+The best fare in the house to welcome thee and thy company.
+But stay, Dissimulation, I myself will go with thee.
+Gentlemen, I'll go before; but pray, in any case,
+So soon as ye please, resort to my place.
+
+                        [_Exeunt_ DISSIMULATION _and_ LUCRE.
+
+SIMONY.
+I warrant you, lady,[165] we will not long absent be.
+
+USURY.
+Fellow Simony, this fell out pat, so well as heart could wish.
+We are cunning anglers: we have caught the fattest fish.
+I perceive it is true that her grandmother told:
+Here is good to be done by use of silver and gold.
+And sith I am so well settled in this country,
+I will pinch all, rich and poor, that come to me.
+
+SIMONY.
+And sirrah, when I was at Rome, and dwelt in the Friary,
+They would talk how England yearly sent over a great mass of money,
+And that this little island was more worth to the Pope,
+Than three bigger realms which had a great deal more scope;
+For here were smoke-pence, Peter-pence, and Paul-pence to be paid,
+Besides much other money that to the Pope's use was made.
+Why, it is but lately since the Pope received this fine,
+Not much more than twenty-six years--it was in Queen Mary's time.[166]
+But I think England had never known what this gear had meant,
+If Friar Austin from the Pope had not hither been sent;
+For the Pope, hearing it to be a little island, sent him with a great
+  army over,
+And winning the victory, he landed about Rye, Sandwich, or Dover:
+Then he erected laws, having the people in subjection;
+So for the most part England hath paid tribute so long--
+I, hearing of the great store and wealth in the country,
+Could not choose but persuade myself the people loved Simony.
+
+USURY.
+But stay your talk till some other time: we forget my lady.
+
+SIMONY.
+Of troth you say true, for she bad us make haste:    [_Aside_.]
+But my talk, me-thought, savoured well, and had a good taste.
+
+                                                  [_Exeunt ambo_.
+
+    _Enter_ MERCATORE _like an Italian Merchant_.
+
+MERCATORE.
+I judge in my mind a, dat me be not vare far
+From da place where dwells my Lady Lucar.
+But here come an shentlymane, a, soe he do.
+
+    [_Enter_ DISSIMULATION.
+
+Shentleman, I pray you heartily, let me speak you.
+Pray you, do you not know a shentleman dat Master Davy do call?
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Yes, marry, do I: I am he, and what would you withal?
+
+MERCATORE.
+Gooda my friend, Master Davy, help me, pray you heartily,
+For a some-a acquaintance a with Madonna Lucar, your lady.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Sir, upon condition I will: therefore I would you should know,
+That on me and my fellows you must largely bestow;
+Whose names are Fraud, Usury, and Simony, men of great credit and calling,
+And to get my lady's goodwill and theirs it is no small thing.
+But tell me, can you be content to win Lucre by Dissimulation?
+
+MERCATORE.
+A, gooda my friend, do axe-a me no shush a question,
+For he dat will live in the world must be of the world sure;
+And de world will love his own, so long as the world endure.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+I commend your wit, sir; but here comes my lady.
+
+    _Enter_ LUCRE.
+
+MERCATORE.
+Come hither: here's to tree crowns for de speak me.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Well, sir, I thank you: I will go speak for you.
+
+LUCRE.
+Master Davy Dissimulation, what new acquaintance have ye gotten there?
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Such a one, madam, that unto your state hath great care;
+And surely in my mind the gentleman is worthy
+To be well-thought on for his liberality, bounty, and great care
+  to seek ye.
+
+LUCRE.
+Gentleman, you are heartily welcome: how are you called, I pray
+  you tell us?
+
+MERCATORE.
+Madonna, me be a mershant, and be call'd Signer Mercatore.
+
+LUCRE.
+But, I pray you, tell me what countryman?
+
+MERCATORE.
+Me be, Madonna, an Italian.
+
+LUCRE.
+Yet let me trouble ye: I beseech ye whence came ye?
+
+MERCATORE.
+For salva vostra buona grazia,[167] me come from Turkey.
+
+LUCRE.
+Gramercy: but Signor Mercatore, dare you not to undertake
+Secretly to convey good commodities out of this country for my sake?
+
+MERCATORE.
+Madonna, me do for love of you tink no pain too mush,
+And to do anyting for you me will not grush:
+Me will a forsake a my fader, moder, king, country, and more dan dat;
+Me will lie and forswear meself for a quarter so much as my hat.
+What is dat for love of Lucre me dare, or will not do?
+Me care not for all the world, the great devil, nay, make my God
+  angry for you.
+
+LUCRE.
+You say well, Mercatore; yet Lucre by this is not thoroughly won:
+But give ear, and I will show what by thee must be done.
+Thou must carry over wheat, pease, barley, oats, and vetches,
+  and all kind of grain,
+Which is well sold beyond sea, and bring such merchants great gain.
+Then thou must carry beside leather, tallow, beef, bacon, bell-metal
+  and everything,
+And for these good commodities trifles into England thou must bring;
+As bugles to make bables, coloured bones, glass beads to make bracelets
+  withal,
+For every day gentlewomen of England do ask for such trifles from stall
+  to stall:
+And you must bring more, as amber, jet, coral, crystal, and every
+  such babble,
+That is slight, pretty and pleasant: they care not to have it profitable.
+And if they demand wherefore your wares and merchandise agree,
+You must say jet will take up a straw: amber will make one fat:
+Coral will look pale, when you be sick, and crystal staunch blood.
+So with lying, flattering and glosing you must utter your ware,
+And you shall win me to your will, if you can deceitfully swear.
+
+MERCATORE.
+Tink ye not dat me have carried over corn, leader, beef and bacon too,
+  all tis while?
+And brought heder many babbles dese countrymen to beguile?
+Yes; shall me tell you, Madonna I me and my countrymans have sent over
+Bell-metal for make ordnance, yea, and ordnance itself beside,
+Dat my country and oder countries be so well furnish as dis country,
+  and has never been spi'd.
+
+LUCRE.
+Now I perceive you love me; and if you continue in this still,
+You shall not only be with me, but command me when and where you will.
+
+MERCATORE.
+Lady, for to do all dis and more for you me be content;
+But I tink some skall[168] knave will put a bill in da Parliament,
+For dat such a tings shall not be brought here.
+
+LUCRE.
+Tush, Mercatore! I warrant thee, thou needest not to fear.
+What, and one do? there is some other will flatter, and say
+They do no hurt to the country, and with a sleight fetch that bill away.
+And if they do not, so that by Act of Parliament it be pass'd,
+I know you merchants have many a sleight and subtle cast,
+So that you will by stealth bring over great store,
+And say it was in the realm a long time before.
+For being so many of these trifles here, as there are at this day,
+You may increase them at pleasure, when you send over sea;
+And do but give the searcher an odd bribe in his hand,
+I warrant you, he will let you 'scape roundly with such things in
+  and out the land.
+But, Signor Mercatore, I pray you walk in with me,
+And as I find you kind to me, so will I favour ye.
+
+MERCATORE.
+Me tank you, my good lady. But, Master Dissimulation, here is for
+  your fellows, Fraud, Usury, and Simony, and say me give it dem.
+
+                                        [_Exeunt LUCRE and MERCATORE_.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Ay marry, sir, these bribes have welcome[169] been.
+Good faith, I perceive, Dissimulation, Fraud, Usury, and Simony
+  shall live
+In spite of Love and Conscience, though their hearts it doth grieve.
+Mass, masters, he that cannot lie, cog, dissemble and flatter now-a-days,
+Is not worthy to live in the world, nor in the court to have praise.
+
+    _Enter_ ARTIFEX, _an Artificer_.
+
+ARTIFEX.
+I beseech you, good Master Dissimulation, befriend a poor man
+To serve Lady Lucre; and sure, sir, I'll consider it hereafter, if I can.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+What, consider me? dost thou think that I am a bribetaker?
+Faith, it lies not in me to further thy matter.
+
+ARTIFEX.
+Good Master Dissimulation, help me: I am almost quite undone;
+But yet my living hitherto with Conscience I have won,
+But my true working, my early rising, and my late going to bed
+Is scant able to find myself, wife and children dry bread:
+For there be such a sort of strangers in this country,
+That work fine to please the eye, though it be deceitfully;
+And that which is slight, and seems to the eye well,
+Shall sooner than a piece of good work be proffered to sell;
+And our Englishmen be grown so foolish and nice,
+That they will not give a penny above the ordinary price.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Faith, I cannot help thee: 'tis my fellow Fraud must pleasure thee.
+Here comes my fellow Fraud: speak to him, and I'll do what I can.
+
+    _Enter_ FRAUD.
+
+ARTIFEX.
+I beseech you be good unto me, right honest gentleman.
+
+FRAUD.
+Why and whereto? what wouldest thou have me do?
+
+ARTIFEX.
+That my poor estate you will so much prefer,
+As to get me to be a workman to Lady Lucre;
+And, sir. I doubt not but to please you so well for your pain,
+That you shall think very well of me, if I in her service remain.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Good fellow Fraud, do so much; for I see he is very willing to live,
+And some piece of work to thee for thy pains he will give.
+
+FRAUD.
+Well, upon that condition I will; but I care not so much for his gifts,
+As that he will by my name declare how he came by his great thrifts,
+And that he will set out in every kind of thing,
+That Fraud is a good husband, and great profit doth bring.
+Therefore the next piece of work that thou dost make,
+Let me see how deceitful thou wilt do it for my sake.
+
+ARTIFEX.
+Yes, I will, sir; of that be you sure:
+I'll honour your name, while life doth endure.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Fellow Fraud, here comes a citizen, as I deem.
+
+FRAUD.
+Nay, rather a lawyer, or some pettifogger he doth seem.
+
+    _Enter a_ LAWYER.
+
+LAWYER.
+Gentlemen, my earnest suit is to desire ye,
+That unto your lady's service you would help me;
+For I am an attorney of the law, and pleader at the bar,
+And have a great desire to plead for Lady Lucre.
+I have been earnest, sir, as is needful in such a case,
+For fear another come before me, and obtain my place.
+I have pleaded for Love and Conscience, till I was weary:
+I had many clients, and many matters that made my purse light,
+  and my heart heavy:
+Therefore let them plead for Conscience that list for me;
+I'll plead no more for such as brings nothing but beggary.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Sir, upon this condition that you will keep men in the law
+Ten or twelve years for matters that are not worth a straw,
+And that you will make an ill matter seem good and firmable indeed,
+Faith, I am content for my part you shall speed.
+
+FRAUD.
+Nay, fellow, thou knowest that Simony and Usury hath an ill-matter
+  in law at this time;
+Now, if thou canst handle the matter so subtle and fine,
+As to plead that ill-matter good and firmable at the bar,
+Then thou shalt show thyself worthy to win Lady Lucre.
+Therefore tell me if you can or will do it, or no:
+If you do it, be sure to get my lady's goodwill, ere you go.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+By my honesty, well-rememb'red: I had quite forgot;
+'Tis about that a fortnight ago fell out, the matter I wot.
+
+LAWYER.
+Tush, sir, I can make black white, and white black again.
+Tut, he that will be a lawyer must have a thousand ways to feign:
+And many times we lawyers do one befriend another,
+And let good matters slip! tut, we agree like brother and brother.
+Why, sir, what shall let us to wrest and turn the law as we list,
+Seeing we have them printed in the palms of our fist?
+Therefore doubt you not, but make bold report,
+That I came and will plead their ill-cause in good kind of sort.
+
+FRAUD.
+Of troth, how likest thou this fellow, Dissimulation?
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Marry, I like him well: he is a cunning clerk, and one of our profession.
+But come, sir, go with us, and we will prefer you.
+
+ARTIFEX.
+Good Master Fraud, remember me.
+
+FRAUD.
+Leave thy prating: I will, I tell thee.
+
+ARTIFEX.
+Good Master Dissimulation, think on me.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Thou art too importunate and greedy.
+
+FRAUD.
+Come after dinner, or some other time, when we are at leisure.
+
+                        [DISSIMULATION, FRAUD, _and_ LAWYER _exeunt_.
+
+ARTIFEX.
+Come after dinner, or some other time! I think so[170] indeed,
+For full little do they think of a poor man's need.
+These fellows will do nothing for pity and love,
+And thrice happy are they that hath no need them to prove.
+God he knows the world is grown to such a stay,
+That men must use Fraud and Dissimulation too, or beg by the way.
+Therefore I'll do as the most doth; the fewest shall laugh me to scorn,
+And be a fellow amongst good fellows to hold by St Luke's horn.
+                                                          [_Exit_.
+
+    _Enter_ SIMPLICITY _and_ SINCERITY.
+
+SINCERITY.
+Good Cousin Simplicity, do somewhat for me.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Yes, faith, Cousin Sincerity, I'll do anything for thee.
+What wouldst for me to do for thee? canst tell that?
+
+[SINCERITY.]
+Mass, I cannot tell what shouldst do for me, except thou wouldst
+  give me a new hat.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Alas! I am not able to give thee a new.
+Why, I marvel then how thou dost do:
+Dost thou get thy living amongst beggars, from door to door?
+Indeed, Cousin Sincerity, I had thought thou wast not so poor.
+
+SINCERITY.
+Nay, Cousin Simplicity, I got my living hardly, but yet I hope just,
+And with good conscience too, although I am restrained from my lust.
+But this is it, Cousin Simplicity, I would request you to do for me,
+Which is to get Lady Love and Lady Conscience' hand to a letter,
+That by their means I may get some benefice, to make me live the better.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Yes; I'll do so much for thee, cousin; but hast thou any here?
+
+SINCERITY.
+Ay, behold they are ready-drawn, if assigned[171] they were.
+
+    [_Let_ SIMPLICITY _make as though he read it, and
+    look quite over; meanwhile let_ CONSCIENCE _enter_.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Let me see, cousin, for I can read.
+Mass, 'tis bravely done: didst thou it indeed?
+Mistress Conscience, I have a matter to bequest you to.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+What is't? I doubt not but 'tis some wise thing, if it be for you.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Marry, my cousin Sincerity wad desire to scribe these papers here,
+That he may get some preferment, but I know not where.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Be these your letters? what would you have me do, and how
+  shall I call ye?
+
+SINCERITY.
+Lady, my name is Sincerity.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+And from whence come ye?
+
+SINCERITY.
+I came from Oxford, but in Cambridge I studied late;[172]
+Having nothing, thought good, if I could, to make better my state:
+But if I had, instead of divinity, the law, astronomy, astrology,
+Physiognomy, palmestry, arithmetic, logic, music, physic,
+  or any such thing,
+I had not doubted, then, but to have had some better living.
+But divines, that preach the word of God sincerely and truly,
+Are in these days little or nothing at all[173] set by.
+God grant the good preachers be not taken away for our unthankfulness!
+There never was more preaching and less following,
+  the people live so amiss.
+But what is he that may not on the Sabbath-day attend to
+  hear God's word,
+But he will rather run to bowls, sit at the alehouse,
+  than one hour afford,
+Telling a tale of Robin Hood, sitting at cards, playing at
+  skittles[174], or some other vain thing,
+That I fear God's vengeance on our heads it will bring.
+God grant amendment! But, Lady Conscience, I pray,
+In my behalf unto Lucre do what ye may.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Mass, my cousin can say his book well: I had not thought it.
+He's worthy to have a benefice, and it will hit.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+God be blessed, Sincerity, for the good comfort I have of thee:
+I would it lay in us to pleasure such, believe me.
+We will do what we can; but _ultra posse non est esse_, you know:
+It is Lucre that hath brought us poor souls so low;
+For we have sold our house, we are brought so poor,
+And fear by her shortly to be shut out of door.
+Yet to subscribe our name we will with all our heart:
+Perchance for our sakes something she will impart.
+Come hither, Simplicity; let me write on thy back.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Here is the right picture of that fellow that sits in the corner.[175]
+
+    _Enter_ HOSPITALITY, _while she is writing_.
+
+HOSPITALITY.
+Lady, methinks you are busy.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+I have done, sir. I was setting my hand to a letter to Lucre
+  for our friend Sincerity.
+But I would Lady Love were here too.
+
+HOSPITALITY.
+She is at home with me; but, if it please, so much in her behalf
+  I will do.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+I pray you[176] heartily, and it shall suffice the turn well enou'.
+Good Simplicity, once more thy body do bow.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+I think I shall serve[177] to be a washing-block for you.    [_Aside_.
+I would do it for you, but I am afraid yonder boy will mock me.
+
+HOSPITALITY.
+No; I warrant thee.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Here, take thy letters, Sincerity; and I wish them prosperous
+  to thee.[178]
+
+SINCERITY.
+I yield you most hearty thanks, my good lady.
+
+HOSPITALITY.
+Lady Conscience, pleaseth it you to walk home to dinner with me?[179]
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+I give you thanks,[180] my good friend Hospitality;
+But I pray, sir, have you invited to dinner any stranger?
+
+HOSPITALITY.
+No, sure; none but Lady Love, and three or four honest neighbours.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Mass, my lady is gotten to dinner already:
+I believe she rose at ten o'clock, she is so hungry.
+What, and I should come to dinner, hast thou any good cheer.
+
+HOSPITALITY.
+I have bread and beer, one joint of meat, and welcome, thy best fare.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Why, art thou call'd Hospitality, and hast no better cheer than that?
+I'll tell thee, if thou hast no more meat for so many, they'll
+  ne'er be fat.
+What, if my cousin--nay, I myself alone--to dinner should come,
+Where should my lady and the rest dine, for I could eat up every crumb?
+Thou art an old miser: dost thou keep no better fare in thy house?
+Hast thou no great bag-pudding, nor hog's-face that is called souse?
+
+HOSPITALITY.
+My friend, hospitality doth not consist in great fare and banqueting,
+But in doing good unto the poor, and to yield them some refreshing;
+Therefore, thou and Sincerity will come and take part:
+Such as I have I'll give you with a free and willing heart.
+
+                         [_Exeunt_ HOSPITALITY _and_ CONSCIENCE.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+He speaks well, cousin; let's go to dinner with him.
+The old man shall not think but we will pleasure him.
+Faith, he might have richer fellows than we to take his part,
+But he shall never have better eating fellows, if he would
+  swelt his heart.
+Here be them that will eat with the proudest of them;
+I am sure my mother said I could eat so much as five men.
+Nay, I have a gift for eating, I tell ye,
+For our maids would never believe I put all the meat in my belly.
+But I have spied a knave, my Lady Lucre's cogging man.
+Give me your letters, cousin; I'll prefer ye, if I can.
+
+    _Enter_ DISSIMULATION.
+
+SINCERITY.
+Dissimulation! out upon him! he shall be no spokeman for me.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Why then you are a fool, Cousin Sincerity.
+Give me 'em;[181] I tell ye, I know he'll do it for me.
+
+SINCERITY.
+Seeing thou wilt have it, here receive it; but yet it grieves my heart
+That this dissembling wretch should speak on my part.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Hear ye, sir, I would request [you] to 'liver this letter
+To your good wholesome mistress, Lady Lucre.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Where hadst thou it, tell me?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Marry, of my Cousin Sincerity.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Why, I have nothing to do in it; 'tis not to me thou shouldst come:
+I have not to do with Sincerity's matters: 'tis my fellow Simony's room.
+
+SINCERITY.
+Thou art akin to the lawyer; thou wilt do nothing without a fee:
+But thou, Fraud, Usury, nor yet Simony, shall do nothing for me.
+And thou wilt do it, do it; and thou wilt not, choose,
+But thee and their dealing I hate and refuse.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Why, and I am not bound to thee so far as knave go,
+And therefore, in despite of thee and thy cousin, there thy letters be.
+What, thinkest thou by captious words to make me do it?
+Let them deliver your letters that hath a stomach to it.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Faith, cousin, he's such a testern[182] and proud, 'sembling knave,
+That he'll do nothing, 'less some bribery he have.
+There's a great many such promoting knaves, that gets their living
+With nothing else but facing, lying, swearing, and flattering.
+Why, he has a face like a black dog,[183] and blusheth like the
+  back-side of a chimney.
+'Twas not for nothing thy godfathers a cogging name gave thee.
+
+    [_Enter_ LADY LUCRE.
+
+But here comes his mistress Lady Lucre:
+Now, cousin, I'll 'liver your letter.
+Mistress Lady Lucre, here's a letter for ye.
+
+LUCRE.
+Hast thou a letter for me?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Yes, by Saint Mary.
+How say you, cousin? she reads your letter:
+And you can flatter, perhaps you shall speed better.
+
+SINCERITY.
+Thou speakest the truth, Simplicity; for flatterers now-a-days
+Live gentlemen-like, and with prating get praise.
+
+LUCRE.
+Sir, I have read the tenure of your letter, wherein I find
+That at the request of Love and Conscience I should show myself kind
+In bestowing some spiritual living on ye, parsonage, or benefice:
+It seems it stands greatly in need, as appears by this.
+And, trust me, I would do for you; but it lies not in me,
+For I have referred all such matters to my servant Simony.
+You must speak to him, and if you can get his goodwill,
+Then be sure of mine their minds to fulfil.
+
+SINCERITY.
+Lady, I shall never get his goodwill, because I want ability,
+For he will do nothing, except I bring money.
+And if you grant it not, then, 'tis past all doubt,
+I shall be never the better, but go quite without.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Madam, I can tell you what you may give,
+Not hurting yourself, whereby he may live,
+And without my fellow Simony's consent,
+If to follow my mind you are any whit bent.
+
+LUCRE.
+Pray thee, what is it? thou knowest, while for their house I am
+  in bargaining,
+And it be never so little, I must seem to do something.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Why, have you not the parsonage of St Nihil to bestow?
+If you give him that, Simony shall never know.
+
+LUCRE.
+Indeed, thou sayest true. Draw near, Sincerity:
+Lo, for their sakes I will bestow frankly on thee.
+I'll give thee the parsonage of Saint Nihil to pleasure them withal,
+And such another to it, if thou watch, till it fall.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+My lady axes you, when you will take possession of your house,
+  and lend the rest of the money.
+
+LUCRE.
+What, are they so hasty? belike they spent it merrily.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Faith, no; for they would eat it, if they could get it, when they
+  are a-hungry.
+But you may be happy, for you have sped well to-day:
+        [_Speaking to_ SINCERITY.
+You may thank God and good company that you came this way.
+The parsonage of St Michael's; by'r Lady, if you have nothing else,
+You shall be sure of a living, beside a good ring of bells.
+Cousin, I'll tell thee what thou shalt do: sell the bells, and make money.
+
+SINCERITY.
+Thou mayest well be Simplicity, for thou showest thy folly.
+I have a parsonage, but what? of St Nihil; and Nihil is nothing:
+Then, where is the church, or any bells for to ring?
+Thou understandest her not: she was set for to flout.
+I thought, coining in their names, I should go without.
+'Tis easy to see that Lucre loves not Love and Conscience;
+But God, I trust, will one day yield her just recompense.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Cousin, you said that something to me you would give,
+When you had gotten preferment of Lucre to live,
+And I trust you will remember your poor cousin Simplicity:
+You know to Lady Conscience and e'rybody I did speak for you.
+
+SINCERITY.
+Good Simplicity, hold thy peace: my state is yet nought.
+I will help thee, sure, if ever I get ought.
+But here comes Sir Nicholas Nemo: to him I will go,
+And see if for their sakes he will anything bestow.
+
+    _Enter_ SIR NICHOLAS NEMO.
+
+NEMO.
+You come from Love and Conscience, as seemeth me here,
+My special good friends, whom I account of most dear:
+And you are called Sincerity; your state shows the same.
+You are welcome to me for their sakes, and for your own name;
+And for their sakes you shall see what I will do for you
+Without Dissimulation, Fraud, Usury, or Simony;
+For they will do nothing without some kind of gain,
+Such cankered corruption in their hearts doth remain.
+But come in to dinner with me, and when you have din'd,
+You shall have--
+                    [_Presently go out_.
+
+SINCERITY.
+You shall have--but what? a living that is blown down with the wind.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Now, cousin, dismember your friends, seeing two livings you have,
+One that this man promis'd, and another that Lady Lucre gave.
+Mass, you'll be a jolly man, and you had three or four more:
+Let's beg apace, cousin, and we shall get great store.
+Do thou get some more letters, and I'll get them scribed of
+  Mistress Love and Conscience,
+And we'll go beg livings together; we'll beg no small pence.
+How sayest thou, Cousin Sincerity? wut do so mich?
+If we can speak fair and 'semble, we shall be plaguy rich.
+
+SINCERITY.
+Good Simplicity, content thee: I am never the better for this,
+But must of force leave off, for I see how vain it is.
+It boots not Sincerity to sue for relief:
+So few regard [me,] that to me is a grief.
+This was Nicholas Nemo, and No-Man hath no place:
+Then how can I speed well in this heavy case?
+And no man bid me to dinner, when shall I dine?
+Or how shall I find him--where, when, and at what time?
+Wherefore the relief I have had, and shall have, is small;
+But to speak truth, the relief is nothing at all.
+But come, Simplicity, let us go see what may be had.
+Sincerity in these days was, sure, born to be sad.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Come, let's go to dinner, cousin, for the gentleman, I think,
+  hath almost din'd,
+But, and I do get victuals enough, I'll warrant you, I will
+  not be behind.
+
+SINCERITY.
+What, if thou canst not get it then, how wilt thou eat?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Marry, on this fashion; with both hands at once; ye shall see,
+  when I get meat.
+
+SINCERITY.
+Why, his name was Nemo, and Nemo hath no being.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+I believe, cousin, you be not hungry, that you stand prating.
+Faith, I'll go do him a pleasure, because he hath need.
+Why, and he will needs have meat eat, a' shall see how I'll feed.
+I believe he will not bid me come again to him:
+Mass, and he do, a' shall find a fellow that has his eating.
+
+                                             [_Exeunt ambo_.
+
+    _Enter_ USURY _and_ CONSCIENCE.
+
+USURY.
+Lady Conscience, is there anybody within your house, can you tell?
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+There is nobody at all, be ye sure: I know certainly well.
+
+USURY.
+You know, when one comes to take possession of any piece of land,
+There must not be one within, for against the order of law it doth stand.
+Therefore I thought good to ask you; but I pray you think not amiss,
+For both you and almost all others knows, that an old custom it is.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+You say truth: take possession, when you please; good leave I render ye.
+Doubt you not; there is neither man, woman, nor child, that will or
+  shall hinder ye.[184]
+
+USURY.
+Why, then, I will be bold to enter.
+                                       [_Exit_.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Who is more bold than Usury to venter?
+He maketh the matter dangerous, where is no need at all,
+But he thinks it not perilous to seek every man's fall.
+Both he and Lucre hath so pinch'd us, we know not what to do:
+Were it not for Hospitality, we knew not whither to go.
+Great is the misery that we poor ladies abide,
+And much more is the cruelty of Lucre and Usury beside,
+O Conscience, thou art not accounted of; O Love, thou art little set by,
+For almost every one true love and pure conscience doth deny:
+So hath Lucre crept into the bosom of man, woman and child,
+That every one doth practise his dear friend to beguile.
+But God grant Hospitality be not by them overprest,
+In whom all our stay and chiefest comfort doth rest:
+But Usury hates Hospitality, and cannot him abide,
+Because he for the poor and comfortless doth provide.
+Here he comes that hath undone many an honest man,
+And daily seeks to destroy, deface, and bring to ruin, if he can--
+Now, sir, have you taken possession, as your dear lady will'd you?
+
+    _Enter_ USURY.
+
+USURY.
+I have done it, and I think you have received your money.
+But this to you: my lady will'd me to bid you provide some other
+  house out of hand,
+For she would not by her will have Love and Conscience to dwell in
+  her land.
+Therefore I would wish you to provide ye;
+So ye should save charges, for a less house may serve ye.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+I pray you heartily, let us stay there, and we will be content
+To give you ten pound a year, which is the old rent.
+
+USURY.
+Ten pound a year! that were a stale jest,
+If I should take the old rent to follow your request.
+Nay, after forty pound a year you shall have it for a quarter,
+And you may think, too, I greatly befriend ye in this matter:
+But no longer than for a quarter to you I'll set it,
+For perhaps my lady shall sell it, or else to some other will let it.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Well, sith we are driven to this hard and bitter drift,
+We accept it, and are contented to make bare and hard shift.
+
+USURY.
+Then, get you gone, and see at a day your rent be ready.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+We must have patience perforce, seeing there is no remedy.
+                                             [_Exit_ CONSCIENCE.
+
+USURY.
+What a fool was I! it repents me I have let it so reasonable.
+I might so well have had after threescore as such a trifle;
+For, seeing they were distressed, they would have given largely.
+I was a right sot; but I'll be overseen no more, believe me.
+
+    _Enter_ MERCATORE.
+
+MERCATORE.
+Ah, my good a friend Master Usury! by my trot', you be very well-met.
+Me be much beholden unto you for your goodwill; me be in your debt.
+But a me take a your part so much against a scald old churl, call'd
+  Hospitality,
+Did speak against you, and says you bring good honest men to beggary.
+
+USURY.
+I thank you, sir. Did he speak such evil of me, as you now say?
+I doubt not but to reward him for his treachery one day.
+
+MERCATORE.
+But, I pray, tell a me how fare a my lady all dis while?
+
+USURY.
+Marry, very well,[185] sir; and here she comes, if myself I do
+  not beguile.
+
+    _Enter_ LUCRE.
+
+LUCRE.
+What, Signer Mercatore! I have not seen you many a day:
+I marvel what is the cause you kept so long away.
+
+MERCATORE.
+Shall me say you, Madonna, dat me have had much business for you in hand,
+For send away good commodities out of dis little country England:
+Me have now sent over brass, copper, pewter, and many oder ting,
+And for dat me shall ha for gentlewomans fine trifles, that great
+  profit will bring.
+
+LUCRE.
+I perceive you have been mindful of me, for which I thank ye.
+But, Usury, tell me, how have you sped in that you went about?
+
+USURY.
+Indifferently, lady, you need not to doubt.
+I have taken possession, and because they were destitute,
+I have let it for a quarter; my tale to conclude,
+Marry, I have a little raised the rent, but it is but forty pound
+  by the year;
+But if it were to let now, I would let it more dear.
+
+LUCRE.
+Indeed, 'tis but a trifle; it makes no matter:
+I force not greatly, being but for a quarter.
+
+MERCATORE.
+Madonna, me tell ye vat you shall do; let dem to stranger,
+  dat are content
+To dwell in a little room, and to pay much rent:
+For you know da Frenchmans and Flemings in dis country be many,
+So dat they make shift to dwell ten houses in one very gladly;
+And be content a for pay fifty or threescore pound a year
+For dat which da Englishmans say twenty mark is too dear.
+
+LUCRE.
+Why, Signor Mercatore, think you not that I
+Have infinite numbers in London that my want doth supply?
+Beside in Bristow, Northampton, Norwich, Westchester, Canterbury,
+Dover, Sandwich, Eye, Porchmouth, Plymouth, and many mo,
+That great rents upon little room do bestow?
+Yes, I warrant you; and truly I may thank the strangers for this,
+That they have made houses so dear, whereby I live in bliss.
+But, Signor Mercatore, dare you to travel undertake,
+And go amongst the Moors, Turks and Pagans for my sake?
+
+MERCATORE.
+Madonna, me dare go to de Turks, Moors, Pagans, and more too:
+What do me care, and me go to da great devil for you?
+Command a me, madam, and you shall see plain,
+Dat a for your sake me refuse a no pain.
+
+LUCRE.
+Then, Signor Mercatore, I am forthwith to send ye,
+From hence to search for some new toys in Barbary and in Turkey;
+Such trifles as you think will please wantons best,
+For you know in this country 'tis their chiefest request.
+
+MERCATORE.
+Indeed, de gentlewomans here buy so much vain toys,
+Dat we strangers laugh a to tink wherein day have their joys.
+Fait', Madonna, me will search all da strange countries me can tell,
+But me will have sush tings dat please dese gentlewomans vell.
+
+LUCRE.
+Why, then, let us provide things ready to haste you away.
+
+MERCATORE.
+A vostro commandamento, Madonna, me obey.
+                                             [_Exeunt_.
+
+    _Enter_ SIMONY _and_ PETER PLEASEMAN, _like a parson_.[186]
+
+SIMONY.
+Now proceed with your tale, and I'll hear thee.
+
+PETER.
+And so, sir, as I was about to tell you,
+This same Presco and this same Cracko be both my parishioners now;
+And, sir, they fell out marvellously together about you:
+This same Cracko took your part, and said that the clergy
+Was upholden by you, and maintained very worshipfully.
+So, sir, Presco he would not grant that in no case,
+But said that you did corrupt the clergy, and dishonour that holy place.
+Now, sir, I was weary to hear them at such great strife,
+For I love to please men, so long as I have life:
+Therefore I beseech your mastership to speak to Lady Lucre,
+That I may be her chaplain, or else to serve her.
+
+SIMONY.
+What is your name?
+
+PETER.
+Sir Peter.
+
+SIMONY.
+What more?
+
+PETER.
+Forsooth, Pleaseman.
+
+SIMONY.
+Then, your name is Sir Peter Pleaseman?
+
+PETER.
+Ay, forsooth.
+
+SIMONY.
+And please-woman too, now and then?
+
+PETER.
+You know that _homo_ is indifferent.[187]
+
+SIMONY.
+Now, surely, a good scholar in my judgment!
+I pray, at what university were ye?
+
+PETER.
+Of no university, truly. Marry, I have gone
+To school in a college, where I have studied two or three places
+  of divinity.
+And all for Lady Lucre's sake, sir, you may steadfastly believe me.
+
+SIMONY.
+Nay. I believe ye. But of what religion are you, can ye tell?
+
+PETER.
+Marry, sir, of all religions: I know not myself very well.
+
+SIMONY.
+You are a Protestant now, and I think to that you will grant?
+
+PETER.
+Indeed I have been a Catholic: marry, now for the most part, a Protestant.
+But, and if my service may please her--hark in your ear, sir--
+I warrant you my religion shall not offend her.
+
+SIMONY.
+You say well; but if I help you to such great preferment,
+Would you be willing that for my pain
+I shall have yearly half the gain?
+For it is reason, you know, that if I help you to a living,
+That you should unto me be somewhat beholding.
+
+PETER.
+Ay, sir; and reason good; I'll be as your mastership please:
+I care not what you do, so I may live at ease.
+
+SIMONY.
+Then, this man is answered. Sir Peter Pleaseman, come in with me,
+And I'll prefer you straightway to my lady.
+
+PETER.
+O sir, I thank ye.
+                      [_Exeunt_.
+
+    _Enter_ SIMPLICITY, _with a basket on his arm_.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+You think I am going to market to buy roast meat, do ye not?
+I thought so; but you are deceived, for I wot what I wot.
+I am neither going to the butcher's to buy veal, mutton, or beef,
+But I am going to a bloodsucker; and who is it? faith, Usury, that thief.
+Why, sirs, 'twas no marcle[188] he undid my father, that was called
+  Plain-Dealing,
+When he has undone my lady and Conscience too with his usuring.
+I'll tell ye, sirs, trust him not, for he'll flatter bonfacion[189]
+  and sore,
+Till he has gotten the baker vantage; then he'll turn you out of door.
+
+    _Enter_ DISSIMULATION.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Simplicity, now of my honesty, very heartily well-met.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+What, Semblation, swear not; for thou swearest by that thou couldst
+  not get.
+Thou have honesty now? thy honesty is quite gone:
+Marry, thou hadst honesty at eleven of the clock, and went from you
+  at noon.
+Why, how canst thou have honesty, when it dare not come nigh thee?
+I warrant, Semblation, he that has less honesty than thou may defy thee.
+Thou hast honesty, sir reverence! come out, dog, where art thou?
+Even as much[190] honesty as had my mother's great hoggish sow.
+No, faith, thou must put out my eye with honesty, and thou hadst it here:
+Hast not left it at the alehouse in gage for a pot of strong beer?
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Pray thee, leave prating, Simplicity, and tell me what thou hast there.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Why, 'tis nothing for thee: thou dost not deal with such kind of ware.
+Sirrah, there is no deceit in a bag-pudding, is there? nor in a plain
+  pudding-pie?
+But there is deceit, and knavery too, in thy fellow that is called
+  Usury.[191]
+Sirrah, I'll tell thee; I won[192] not tell thee; and yet I'll tell
+  thee, now I 'member me, too.
+Canst tell, or wouldst know whither with this parliament I go?[193]
+Faith, even to Suck-Swill, thy fellow Usury, I am sent
+With my Lady Love's gown, and Lady Conscience' too, for a quarter's rent.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Alas! poor Lady Love, art thou driven so low?
+Some little pittance on thee I'll bestow.
+Hold, Simplicity: carry her three or four ducats from me,
+And commend me to her even very heartily.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Duck-eggs? yes, I'll carry 'em, and 'twere as many as this would hold.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Tush! thou knowest not what I mean: take this, 'tis gold.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Mass, 'tis gold indeed: why, wilt thou send away thy gold? hast no
+  more need?
+I think thou art grown plaguy rich with thy dissembling trade.
+But I'll carry my lady the gold, for this will make her well apaid.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+And, sirrah, carry Lady Love's gown back again; for my fellow Usury
+Shall not have her gown: I am sure so much he will befriend me.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+But what shall Conscience' gown do? shall I carry it back again too?
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Nay, let Conscience' gown and skin to Usury go.
+If nobody cared for Conscience more than I,
+They would hang her up like bacon in a chimney to dry.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Faith, I told thee thou caredst not for Conscience nor honesty:
+I think, indeed, it will never be the death of thee.
+But I'll go conspatch my errand so soon as I can, I tell ye,
+For now I ha' gold, I would fain have some good meat in my belly.
+                                                             [_Exit_.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Nay, I'll hie me after, that I may send back Lady Love's gown,
+For I would not have Love bought quite out of town.
+Marry, for Conscience, tut, I care not two straws:
+Why I should take care for her, I know no kind of cause.
+                                                      [_Exit_.
+
+    _Enter_ HOSPITALITY.
+
+HOSPITALITY.
+O, what shall I say? Usury hath undone me, and now he hates me
+  to the death,
+And seeks by all means possible for to bereave me of breath.
+I cannot rest in any place, but he hunts and follows me everywhere,
+That I know no place to abide, I live so much in fear.
+But, out alas! here comes he that will shorten my days.
+
+    _Enter_ USURY.
+
+USURY.
+O, have I caught your old grey beard? you be the man whom the people
+  so praise:
+You are a frank gentleman, and full of liberality.
+Why, who had all the praise in London or England, but Master Hospitality?
+But I'll master you now, I'll hold you a groat.
+
+HOSPITALITY.
+What, will you kill me?
+
+USURY.
+No; I'll do nothing but cut thy throat.
+
+HOSPITALITY.
+O help, help, help for God's sake!
+
+    _Enter_ CONSCIENCE, _running apace_.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+What lamentable cry was that I heard one make?
+
+HOSPITALITY.
+O Lady Conscience! now or never help me.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Why, what wilt thou do with him, Usury?
+
+USURY.
+What will I do with him? marry, cut his throat, and then no more.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+O, dost thou not consider, that thou shalt dearly answer
+For Hospitality, that good member? refrain it therefore.
+
+USURY.
+Refrain me no refraining, nor answer me no answering:
+The matter is answered well enough in this thing.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+For God's sake, spare him! for country-sake, spare him; for pity-sake,
+  spare him;
+For love-sake, spare him; for Conscience-sake, forbear him!
+
+USURY.
+Let country, pity, love, Conscience, and all go in respect of myself,
+He shall die. Come, ye feeble wretch, I'll dress ye like an elf.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+But yet, Usury, consider the lamentable cry of the poor:
+For lack of Hospitality fatherless children are turned out of door.
+Consider again the complaint of the sick, blind, and lame,
+That will cry unto the Lord for vengeance on thy head in his name.
+Is the fear of God so far from thee that thou hast no feeling at all?
+O, repent, Usury! leave Hospitality, and for mercy at the Lord's
+  hand call.
+
+USURY.
+Leave prating, Conscience: thou canst not mollify my heart.
+He shall, in spite of thee and all other, feel his deadly smart.
+Yet I'll not commit the murder openly,
+But hale the villain into a corner, and so kill him secretly.
+Come, ye miserable drudge, and receive thy death.
+
+HOSPITALITY.
+Help, good lady, help! he will stop my breath.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Alas! I would help thee, but I have not the power.
+
+HOSPITALITY.
+Farewell, Lady Conscience: you shall have Hospitality in London
+  nor England no more.
+                          [_Hale him in_.[194]
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+O help! help, help, some good body!
+
+    _Enter_ DISSIMULATION _and_ SIMPLICITY _hastily_.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Who is that calls for help so lustily?[195]
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Out, alas! thy fellow Usury hath killed Hospitality.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Now, God's blessing on his heart: why, 'twas time that he was dead:
+He was an old churl, with never a good tooth in his head.
+And he ne'er kept no good cheer that I could see;
+For if one had not come at dinner-time, he should have gone away hungry.
+I could never get my belly-full of meat;
+He had nothing but beef, bread, and cheese for me to eat.
+Now I would have had some pies, or bag-puddings with great lumps of fat;
+But, I warrant ye,[196] he did keep my mouth well enough from that.
+Faith, and he be dead, he is dead: let him go to the devil, and he will;
+Or if he will not go thither, let him even lie there still.
+I'll ne'er make wamentation for an old churl,
+For he has been a great while, and now 'tis time that he were out
+  of the worl'.
+
+    _Enter_ LUCRE.
+
+LUCRE.
+What, Conscience, thou look'st like a poor pigeon, pull'd of late.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+What, Lucre, thou lookest like a whore, full of deadly hate.
+
+LUCRE.
+Alas! Lucre, I am sorry for thee, but I cannot weep.[197]
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Alas! Lucre, I am sorry for thee that thou canst no honesty keep:
+But such as thou art, such are the[198] attenders on thee,
+As appears by thy servant Usury, that hath killed that good member
+  Hospitality.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Faith, Hospitality is killed, and hath made his will,
+And hath given Dissimulation three trees upon an high hill.
+
+LUCRE.
+Come hither, Dissimulation, and hie you hence, so fast as you may,
+And help thy fellow Usury to convey himself out of the way:
+Further will the justices, if they chance to see him, not to know him,
+Or know[ing] him, not by any means to hinder him;
+And they shall command thrice so much at my hand.
+Go trudge, run; out, away: how? dost thou stand!
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Nay, good lady, send my fellow Simony;
+For I have an earnest suit to ye.
+
+LUCRE.
+Then, Simony, go, do what I have will'd.
+
+SIMONY.
+I run, Madam: your mind shall be fulfilled.
+                                               [_Exit_.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Well, well, Lucre, _Audeo et taceo_: I see and say nothing;
+But I fear the plague of God on thy head it will bring.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Good lady, grant that love be your waiting-maid.
+For I think, being brought so low, she will be well apaid.
+
+LUCRE.
+Speakest thou in good earnest, or dost thou but dissemble?
+I know not how to have thee, thou art so variable.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Lady, though my name be Dissimulation, yet I speak _bonâ fide_ now.
+If it please you my petitions to allow.
+
+    _Enter_ SIMONY.
+
+LUCRE.
+Stand by: I'll answer thee anon. What news, Simony,
+Bringest thou of thy fellow Usury?
+
+SIMONY.
+Marry, madam, good news; for Usury lies close,
+Hid in a rich man's house, that will not let him loose,
+Until they see the matter brought to a good end;
+For Usury in this country hath many a good friend:
+And late I saw Hospitality carried to burying.
+
+LUCRE.
+I pray thee, tell me who were they that followed him?
+
+SIMONY.
+There were many of the clergy, and many of the nobility,
+And many right worshipful rich citizens,
+Substantial graziers,[199] and very wealthy farmers:
+But to see how the poor followed him, it was a wonder;
+Never yet at any burial I have seen such a number.
+
+LUCRE.
+But what say the people of the murder?
+
+SIMONY.
+Many are sorry, and say 'tis great pity that he was slain.
+But who be they? the poor beggarly people that so complain.
+As for the other, they say 'twas a cruel, bloody fact,
+But I perceive none will hinder the murderer for this cruel act.
+
+LUCRE.
+'Tis well: I am glad of it. Now, Dissimulation, if you can get
+  Love's good-will,
+I am contented with all my heart to grant there-until.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+I thank you, good lady, and I doubt not but she
+With a little entreaty will thereto agree.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Now I have it in my breeches, and very well can tell,
+That I and my lady with Mistress Lucre shall dwell;
+But if I be her serving-fellow, and dwell there,
+I must learn to cog, lie, foist, and swear;
+And surely I shall never learn: marry, and 'twere to lie abed all day,
+I know to that kind of living I should give a good 'ssay:[200]
+Or if 'twere to eat one's meat, then I knew what I had to do.
+How say ye, sirrah, can I not? I'll be judg'd[201] by you.
+
+LUCRE.
+Now to you, little mouse: did I not tell you before,
+That I should, ere 'twere long, turn you both out of door?
+How say you, pretty soul, is't come to pass, yea or no?
+I think I have pull'd your peacock's plumes somewhat low.
+And yet you be so stout as though you felt no grief;
+But I know, ere it be long, you will come puling to me for relief.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Well, Lucre, well: you know pride will have a fall.
+What avantageth[202] it thee to win the world, and lose thy soul withal?
+Yet better it is to live with little, and keep a conscience clear,
+Which is to God a sacrifice, and accounted of most dear.
+
+LUCRE.
+Nay, Conscience, and you be bookish, I mean to leave ye;
+And the cold ground to comfort your feet I bequeath ye;
+Methink, you being so deeply learned may do well to keep a school.
+Why, I have seen so cunning a clerk in time to prove a fool.
+
+                                   [_Exeunt_ LUCRE _and_ SIMONY.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Sirrah, if thou shouldst marry my lady, thou wouldst keep her brave,
+For I think now thou art a plaguy rich knave.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Rich I am, but as for knave, keep [that] to thyself.
+Come, give me my lady's gown, thou ass-headed elf.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Why, I'll go with thee, for I must dwell with my lady.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Pack hence away, [or] Jack Drum's entertainment:[203] she will
+  none of thee.
+                   [_Exit_.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+This is as my cousin and I went to Master Nemo's house:
+There was nobody to bid a dog drink, or to change a man a louse.
+But Lady Conscience--nay, who there?--scratch that name away!
+Can she be a lady that is turned out of all her beray?[204]
+Do not be call'd more lady, and if you be wise,
+For everybody will mock you, and say you be not worth two butterflies.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+What remedy, Simplicity? I cannot do withal.
+But what shall we go do? or whereto shall we fall?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Why, to our victuals: I know nothing else we have to do?
+And mark, if I cannot eat twenty times as much as you.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+If I go lie in an inn, I shall be sore grieved to see
+The deceit of the ostler, the polling of the tapster, as in most
+  houses of lodging they be.
+If in a brewer's house, at the over-plenty of water and the scarceness
+  of malt I should grieve,
+Whereby to enrich themselves all other with unsavoury thin drink
+  they deceive:
+If in a tanner's house, with his great deceit in tanning;
+If in a weaver's house, with his great cosening in weaving.
+If in a baker's house, with light bread and very evil working;
+If in a chandler's, with deceitful weights, false measures, selling
+  for a halfpenny that is scant worth a farthing;
+And if in an alehouse, with the great resort of poor unthrifts,
+  that with swearing at the cards consume their lives,
+Having greater delight to spend a shilling that way, than a groat
+  at home to sustain their needy children and wives.
+For which I judge it best for me to get some solitary place,
+Where I may with patience this my heavy cross embrace,
+And learn to sell[220] broom, whereby to get my living,
+Using that as a quiet mean to keep myself from begging.--
+Wherefore, Simplicity, if thou wilt do the like,
+Settle thyself to it, and with true labour thy living do seek.
+                                                 [_Exit_ CONSCIENCE.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+No, faith, Mistress Conscience, I'll not; for, and I should
+  sell[205] broom,
+The maids would cosen me to competually with their old shoon.
+And, too, I cannot work, and you would hang me out of the way;
+For when I was a miller, Will did grind the meal, while I did play.
+Therefore I'll have as easy an occupation as I had when my father
+  was alive.
+Faith, I'll go even a-begging: why, 'tis a good trade; a man shall be
+  sure to thrive;
+For I am sure my prayers will get bread and cheese, and my singing will
+  get me drink.
+Then shall not I do better than Mistress Conscience? tell me as
+  you think.
+Therefore god Pan in the kitchen, and god Pot in the buttery,
+Come and resist me, that I may sing with the more meliosity.
+But, sirs, mark my cauled countenance, when I begin.
+But yonder is a fellow[206] that gapes to bite me, or else to eat that
+  which I sing.
+Why, thou art a fool; canst thou not keep thy mouth strait together?
+And when it comes, snap at it, as my father's dog would do at a liver.
+But thou art so greedy,
+That thou thinkest to eat it before it comes nigh thee.
+
+       SIMPLICITY _sings_.
+
+  _Simplicity sings it, and 'sperience doth prove,
+  No biding in London for Conscience and Love.
+      The country hath no peer,
+        Where Conscience comes not once a year;
+      And Love so welcome to every town,
+        As wind that blows the houses down.
+  Sing down adown, down, down, down.
+  Simplicity sings it, and 'sperience doth prove,
+  No dwelling in London, no biding in London, for Conscience and Love_.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Now, sirrah, hast eaten up my song? and ye have, ye shall eat
+  no more to-day,
+For everybody may see your belly is grown bigger with eating up our play.
+He has fill'd his belly, but I am never a whit the better,
+Therefore I'll go seek some victuals; and 'member, for eating up
+  my song you shall be my debtor.
+                                     [_Exit_ SIMPLICITY.
+
+    _Enter_ MERCATORE, _the Merchant, and_ GERONTUS, _a Jew_.
+
+GERONTUS.
+But, Signor Mercatore, tell me, did ye serve me well or no,
+That having gotten my money would seem the country to forego?
+You know I lent you two thousand ducats for three months' space,
+And, ere the time came, you got another thousand by flattery and
+  thy smooth face.
+So, when the time came that I should have received my money,
+You were not to be found, but was fled out of the country.
+Surely, if we that be Jews should deal so one with another,
+We should not be trusted again of our own brother;
+But many of you Christians make no conscience to falsify your faith,
+  and break your day.
+I should have been paid at three[207] months' end, and now it is
+  two years you have been away.
+Well, I am glad you be come again to Turkey; now I trust I shall
+  receive the interest of you, so well as the principal.
+
+MERCATORE.
+Ah, good Master Geronto! pray heartily, bear a me a little while,
+And me shall pay ye all without any deceit or guile:
+Me have much business for my pretty knacks to send to England.
+Good sir, bear a me for five days, me'll despatch your money
+  out of hand.[208]
+
+GERONTUS.
+Signor Mercatore, I know no reason why because you have dealt
+  with me so ill:
+Sure, you did it not for need, but of set purpose and will;
+And, I tell ye,[209] to bear with ye four or five days goes sore
+  against my mind,
+Lest you should steal away, and forget to leave my money behind.
+
+MERCATORE.
+Pray heartily, do tink a no such ting, my good friend, a me.
+Be my trot' and fait', me pay you all, every penny.
+
+GERONTUS.
+Well, I'll take your faith and troth once more, and trust to
+  your honesty,
+In hope that for my long tarrying you will deal well with me.
+Tell me what ware you would buy for England, such necessaries
+  as they lack?[210]
+
+MERCATORE.
+O no, lack some pretty fine toy, or some fantastic new knack;
+For da gentlewomans in England buy much tings for fantasy.
+You pleasure a me, sir, vat me mean a dere buy?
+
+GERONTUS.
+I understand you, sir: but keep touch with me, and I'll bring you
+  to great store,
+Such as I perceive you came to this country for;
+As musk, amber, sweet powders, fine odours, pleasant perfumes,
+  and many such toys,
+Wherein I perceive consisteth that country gentlewomen's joys.
+Besides, I have diamonds, rubies, emerands, sapphires, smaradines,
+  opals, onacles, jacinths, agates, turquoise, and almost of all
+  kind of precious stones,
+And many mo fit things to suck away money from such green-headed wantons.
+
+MERCATORE.
+Faith-a, my good friend, me tank you most heartly alway.
+Me shall a content your debt within this two or tree day.
+
+GERONTUS.
+Well, look you do keep your promise, and another time you shall
+  command me.
+Come, go we home, where our commodities you may at pleasure see.
+
+                                                          [_Exeunt_.
+
+  _Enter_ CONSCIENCE, _with brooms at her back, singing as followeth:
+
+  New brooms,[211] green brooms, will you buy any?
+  Come, maidens, come quickly, let me take a penny.
+
+        My brooms are not steeped,
+          But very well-bound:
+        My brooms be not crooked,
+          But smooth-cut and round.
+        I wish it should please you
+          To buy of my broom,
+        Then would it well ease me,
+          If market were done.
+
+        Have you any old boots,
+          Or any old shoon;
+        Pouch-rings or buskins
+          To cope for new broom?
+
+  If so you have, maidens,
+          I pray you bring hither,
+        That you and I friendly
+          May bargain together.
+
+  New brooms, green brooms, will you buy any?
+  Come, maidens, come quickly, let me take a penny_.
+
+CONSCIENCE _speaketh_.
+Thus am I driven to make a virtue of necessity;
+And, seeing God almighty will have it so, I embrace it thankfully,
+Desiring God to mollify and lessen[212] Usury's hard heart,
+That the poor people feel not the like penury and smart.
+But Usury is made tolerable amongst Christians, as a necessary thing,
+So that, going beyond the limits of our law, they extort, and many
+  to misery bring.
+But if we should follow God's law, we should not receive above that
+  we lend;
+For if we lend for reward, how can we say we are our neighbours' friend?
+O, how blessed shall that man be, that lends without abuse,
+But thrice accursed shall he be, that greatly covets use;
+For he that covets over-much, insatiate is his mind,
+So that to perjury and cruelty he wholly is inclin'd:
+Wherewith they sore oppress the poor by divers sundry ways,
+Which makes them cry unto the Lord to shorten cutthroats' days.
+Paul calleth them thieves that doth not give the needy of their store,
+And thrice accurs'd are they that take one penny from the poor.
+But while I stand reasoning thus, I forget my market clean;
+And sith God hath ordained this way, I am to use the mean.
+
+  _Sing again.
+
+  Have ye any old shoes, or have ye any boots? have ye any buskins,
+    or will ye buy any broom?
+  Who bargains or chops with Conscience? What, will no customer come?_
+
+    _Enter_ USURY.
+
+USURY.
+Who is it that cries brooms? What, Conscience, selling brooms
+  about the street?
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+What, Usury, it is great pity thou art unhanged yet.
+
+USURY.
+Believe me, Conscience, it grieves me thou art brought so low.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Believe me, Usury, it grieves me thou wast not hanged long ago;
+For if thou hadst been hanged, before thou slewest Hospitality,
+Thou hadst not made me and thousands more to feel like poverty.
+
+    _Enter_ LUCRE.
+
+LUCRE.
+Methought I heard one cry brooms along the door.
+
+USURY.
+Ay, marry, madam; it was Conscience, who seems to be offended
+  at me very sore.
+
+LUCRE.
+Alas, Conscience! art thou become a poor broom-wife?
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Alas, Lucre! wilt thou continue a harlot all [the] days of thy life?
+
+LUCRE.
+Alas! I think it is a grief to thee that thou art so poor.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Alas, Lucre! I think it is no pain to thee, that thou still
+  playest the whore.
+
+LUCRE.
+Well, well, Conscience, that sharp tongue of thine hath not been
+  thy furtherance:
+If thou hadst kept thy tongue, thou hadst kept thy friend, and not
+  have had such hindrance.
+But wottest thou who shall be married tomorrow?
+Love with my Dissimulation;
+For, I think, to bid the guests they are by this time wellnigh gone;
+And having occasion to buy brooms, I care not if I buy them all.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Then, give me a shilling, and with a goodwill have them you shall.
+
+LUCRE.
+Usury, carry in these brooms, and give them to the maid,
+For I know of such store she will be well apaid.
+
+                            [_Exit_ USURY _with the brooms_.
+
+Hold, Conscience; though thy brooms be not worth a quarter so much,
+Yet to give thee a piece of gold I do it not grutch;
+And if thou wouldst follow my mind, thou shouldst not live in such sort,
+But pass thy days with pleasure, store of every kind of sport.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+I think you lead the world in a string, for everybody follows you:
+And sith every one doth it, why may not I do it too?
+For that I see your free heart and great liberality,
+I marvel not that all people are so willing to follow ye.
+
+LUCRE.
+Then, sweet soul, mark what I would have thee do for me.
+That is, to deck up thy poor cottage handsomely;
+And for that purpose I have five thousand crowns in store,
+And when it is spent, thou shalt have twice as much more.
+But only see thy rooms be neat, when I shall thither resort,
+With familiar friends to play, and[213] pass the time in sport;
+For the deputy, constable and spiteful neighbours do spy, pry,
+  and eye about my house,
+That I dare not be once merry within, but still mute like a mouse.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+My good Lady Lucre, I will fulfil your mind in every kind of thing,
+So that you shall be welcome at all hours, whomsoever you do bring:
+And all the dogs in the town shall not bark at your doings, I trow;
+For your full pretence and intent I do throughly know,
+Even so well as if you had opened the very secrets of your heart,
+For which I doubt not but to rest in your favour by my desert.
+But here comes your man, Usury.
+
+    _Enter_ USURY.
+
+LUCRE.
+I'll send him home for the money--Usury, step in,
+And bring me the box of all abhomination, that stands in the window:
+It is little and round, painted with divers colours, and is pretty
+  to the show.
+
+USURY.
+Madam, is there any superscription thereon?
+
+LUCRE.
+Have I not told you the name? for shame; get you gone.
+
+                                               [_Exit_ USURY.]
+
+Well, my wench, I doubt not but our pleasures shall excel,
+Seeing thou hast got a corner fit, where few neighbours dwell,
+And they be of the poorest sort, which fits our turn so right,
+Because they dare not speak against our sports and sweet delight:
+And if they should, alas! their words would nought at all be weigh'd,
+And for to speak before my face they will be all afraid.
+
+    _Enter_ USURY, _with a painted box of ink in his hand_.
+
+USURY.
+Madam, I deem this same to be it, so far as I can guess.
+
+LUCRE.
+Thou sayest the truth; 'tis it indeed: the outside shows no less,
+But, Usury, I think Dissimulation hath not seen you since your
+  coming home;
+Therefore go see him: he will rejoice, when to him you are shown.
+It is a busy time with him: help to further him, if you can.
+
+USURY.
+You may command me to attend at board to be his man.
+                                              [_Exit_ USURY.
+
+    _Here let_ LUCRE _open the box, and dip her finger in it,
+    and spot_ CONSCIENCE' _face, saying as followeth_.
+
+LUCRE.
+Hold here, my sweet; and then over to see if any want.
+The more I do behold this face, the more my mind doth vaunt.
+This face is of favour, these cheeks are reddy and white;
+These lips are cherry-red, and full of deep delight:
+Quick-rolling eyes, her temples high, and forehead white as snow;
+Her eyebrows seemly set in frame, with dimpled chin below.
+O, how beauty hath adorned thee with every seemly hue,
+In limbs, in looks, with all the rest proportion keeping due.
+Sure, I have not seen a finer soul in every kind of part:
+I cannot choose but kiss thee with my lips, that love thee
+  with my heart.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+I have told the crowns, and here are just so many as you to me did say.
+
+LUCRE.
+Then, when thou wilt, thou may'st depart, and homewards take thy way.
+And I pray thee, make haste in decking of thy room,
+That I may find thy lodging fine, when with my friend I come.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+I'll make speed; and where I have with brooms ofttimes been roaming,
+I mean henceforth not to be seen, but sit to watch your coming.
+                                                   [_Exit_ CONSCIENCE.
+
+LUCRE.
+O, how joyful may I be that such success do find!
+No marvel, for poverty and desire of Lucre do force them follow my mind.
+Now may I rejoice in full contentation,
+That shall marry Love with Dissimulation:
+And I have spotted Conscience with all abhomination.
+But I forget myself, for I must to the wedding,
+Both vauntingly and flauntingly, although I had no bidding.
+                                                     [_Exit_ LUCRE.
+
+    _Enter_ DISSIMULATION _and_ COGGING _his man, and_ SIMONY.
+
+COGGING.
+Sir, although you be my master, I would not have you to upbraid my name,
+But I would have you use the right skill and title of the same:
+For my name is neither scogging[214] nor scragging, but ancient Cogging.
+Sir, my ancestors were five of the four worthies,
+And yourself are of my near kin.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Indeed thou say'st true, for Cogging is a kinsman to Dissimulation.
+But, tell me, have you taken the names of the guests?
+
+COGGING.
+Yea, sir.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Let me hear after what fashion.
+
+    _The names of the guests told by_ COGGING.
+
+COGGING.
+There is, first and foremost, Master Forgery and Master Flattery,
+  Master Perjury and Master Injury:
+Master Cruelty and Master Pickery, Master Bribery and Master Treachery;
+Master Wink-at-wrong and Master Headstrong, Mistress Privy-theft
+And Master Deep-deceit, Master Abomination and Mistress Fornication
+  his wife, Ferdinando False-weight and Frisset False-measure his wife.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Stay: Fornication and Frisset False-measure are often familiar with
+  my Lady Lucre, and one of them she accounts her friend.
+Therefore they shall sit with the bride in the middest, and the men
+  at each end.
+Let me see; there are sixteen, even as many as well near is able
+To dine in the summer-parlour at the playing-table;
+Beside my fellow Fraud, and you, fellow Simony;
+But I shall have a great miss of my fellow Usury.
+
+SIMONY.
+Take no care for that; he came home yesterday even, no longer:
+His pardon was quickly begged, and that by a courtier.
+But, sirrah, since he came home, he had like to have slain
+  Good Neighbourhood and Liberality,
+Had not True Friendship stepp'd between them very suddenly.
+But, sirrah, he hit True Friendship such a blow on the ear,
+That he keeps out of all men's sight, I think[215] for shame or for fear.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Now, of my troth, it is a pretty jest: hath he made True Friendship
+  hide his head?
+Sure, if it be so, Good Neighbourhood and Liberality for fear are fled.
+
+SIMONY.
+But, fellow Dissimulation, tell me what priest shall marry ye!
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Marry, that shall an old friend of mine, Master Doctor Hypocrisy.
+
+SIMONY.
+Why, will you not have Sir Peter Pleaseman to supply that want?
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Indeed, Sir Peter is a good priest, but Doctor Hypocrisy is most ancient.
+But, Cousin Cogging, I pray you go to invite the guests,
+And tell them that they need not disturb their quietness:
+Desire them to come at dinner-time, and it shall suffice,
+Because I know they will be loth so early to rise.
+But at any hand will Doctor Hypocrisy,
+That he meet us at the church very early;
+For I would not have all the world to wonder at our match:
+It is an old proverb: 'Tis good having a hatch before the door,
+  but I'll have a door before the hatch.
+
+COGGING.
+Sir, I will about it as fast as I can hie.
+I'll first to that scald bald-knave Doctor Hypocrisy.    [_Aside_.
+                                                     [_Exit_ COGGING.
+
+SIMONY.
+But, fellow Dissimulation, how darest thou marry with Love,
+  bearing no love at all?
+For thou dost nothing but dissemble: then thy love must needs be small.
+Thou canst not love but from the teeth forward.
+Sure the wife that marries thee shall highly be preferr'd.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Tush, tush! you are a merry man: I warrant you I know what I do,
+And can yield a good reason for it, I may say unto you.
+What, and if the world should change, and run all on her side,
+Then might I by her means still in good credit abide.
+Thou knowest Love is ancient, and lives peaceably without any strife;
+Then sure the people will think well of me, because she is my wife.
+
+SIMONY.
+Trust me, thou art as crafty, to have an eye to the main-chance.
+As the tailor, that out of seven yards stole one and a half
+  of durance.[216]
+He served at that time the devil in the likeness of Saint Katherine:
+Such tailors will thrive, that out of a doublet and a pair of
+  hose can steal their wife an apron.
+The doublet-sleeves three fingers were too short;
+The Venetians[217] came nothing near the knee.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Then, for to make them long enough, I pray thee what did he?
+
+SIMONY.
+Two pieces set an handful broad, to lengthen them withal;
+Yet for all that below the knee by no means they could fall:
+He, seeing that, desired the party to buy as much to make another pair:
+The party did: yet, for all that, he stole a quarter there.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Now, sure, I can him thank, he could his occupation.
+My fellow Fraud would laugh to hear one dress'd of such a fashion.
+But, fellow Simony, I thank you heartily, for comparing the tailor to me.
+As who should say his knavery and my policy did agree.[218]
+
+SIMONY.
+Not so; but I was the willinger to tell thee, because I know it
+  to be a true tale;
+And to see how artificers do extol Fraud, by whom they bear their sale.
+But come, let us walk, and talk no more of this:
+Your policy was very good, and so, no doubt, was his.
+
+                                                  [_Exeunt_.
+
+    _Enter_ MERCATORE _reading a letter to himself; and let_
+    GERONTUS _the Jew follow him, and speak as followeth_.
+
+GERONTUS.
+Signor Mercatore, why do you not pay me? think you, I will be
+  mock'd in this sort?
+This is three times you have flouted me: it seems you make
+  thereat a sport.
+Truly pay me my money, and that even now presently,
+Or by mighty Mahomet I swear I will forthwith arrest ye.
+
+MERCATORE.
+Ha, pray a bare wit me tree or four days: me have much business in hand:
+Me be troubled with letters, you see here, dat comes from England.
+
+GERONTUS.
+Tush, this is not my matter: I have nothing therewith to do.
+Pay me my money, or I'll make you, before to your lodging you go.
+I have officers stand watching for you, so that you cannot pass by;
+Therefore you were best to pay me, or else in prison you shall lie.
+
+MERCATORE.
+Arrest me, dou seal knave? marry, do, and if thou dare;
+Me will not pay de one penny: arrest me, do, me do not care.
+Me will be a Turk; me came heder for dat cause:
+Derefore me care not de so mush as two straws.
+
+GERONTUS.
+This is but your words, because you would defeat me:
+I cannot think you will forsake your faith so lightly.
+But seeing you drive me to doubt, I'll try your honesty;
+Therefore be sure of this, I'll go about it presently.
+                                                   [_Exit_.
+
+MERCATORE.
+Marry, farewell and be hang'd, sitten, scald, drunken Jew.
+I warrant ye me shall be able very well to pay you.
+My Lady Lucre have sent me here dis letter,
+Praying me to cosen de Jew for love a her.
+Derefore me'll go to get a some Turk apparel,
+Dat me may cosen de Jew, and end dis quarrel.
+                                               [_Exit_.
+
+    _Enter three beggars; that is to say_, TOM BEGGAR,
+    WILY WILL, _and_ SIMPLICITY, _singing_.
+
+                     THE SONG.
+
+  _To the wedding, to the wedding, to the wedding go we:
+  To the wedding a-begging, a-begging all three.
+
+    Tom Beggar shall brave it, and Wily Will too,
+    Simplicity shall knave it, wherever we go:
+    With lustly bravado, take care that care will,
+    To catch it and snatch it we have the brave skill.
+
+    Our fingers are lime-twigs, and barbers we be,
+    To catch sheets from hedges most pleasant to see:
+    Then to the alewife roundly we set them to sale,
+    And spend the money merrily upon her good ale.
+
+  To the wedding, to the wedding, to the wedding go we:
+  To the wedding a-begging, a-begging all three_.
+
+  FINIS.
+
+TOM.
+Now truly, my masters, of all occupations under the sun,
+  begging is the best;
+For when a man is weary, then he may lay him down to rest.
+Tell me, is it not a lord's life in summer to louse one under a hedge,
+And then, leaving that game, may go clip and coll his Madge?
+Or else may walk to take the wholesome air abroad for his delight,
+When he may tumble on the grass, have sweet smells, and see
+  many a pretty sight?
+Why, an emperor for all his wealth can have but his pleasure,
+And surely I would not lose my charter of liberty for all
+  the king's treasure.
+
+WILL.
+Shall I tell thee, Tom Beggar, by the faith of a gentleman,
+  this ancient freedom I would not forego,
+If I might have whole mines of money at my will to bestow.
+Then, a man's mind should be troubled to keep that he had;
+And you know it were not for me: it would make my valiant mind mad.
+For now we neither pay Church-money, subsidies, fifteens, scot nor lot:
+All the payings we pay is to pay the good ale-pot.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+But, fellow beggars, you cosen me, and take away all the best meat,
+And leave me nothing but brown bread or fin of fish to eat.
+When you be at the alehouse, you drink up the strong ale,
+  and give me small beer:
+You tell me 'tis better than the strong to make me sing clear.
+Indeed, you know, with my singing I get twice so much as ye,
+But, and you serve me so, you shall sing yourselves, and beg
+  alone for me.
+
+TOM.
+We stand prating here: come, let us go to the gate.
+Mass, I am greatly afraid we are come somewhat too late.
+Good gentle Master Porter, your reward do bestow
+On a poor lame man, that hath but a pair of legs to go.
+
+WILL.
+For the honour of God, good Master Porter, give somewhat to the blind,
+That the way to the alehouse in his sleep cannot find.
+
+TOM.
+For the good Lord's sake, take compassion on the poor.
+
+    _Enter_ FRAUD, _with a basket of meat on his arm_.
+
+FRAUD.
+How now, sirs! you are vengeance hasty: can ye not tarry,
+But stand bawling so at my lady's door?
+Here, take it amongst you; yet 'twere a good alms-deed to give
+  you nothing,
+Because you were so hasty, and kept such a calling.
+
+TOM.
+I beseech ye not so, sir, for we were very hungry:
+That made us so earnest, but we are sorry we troubled ye.
+
+SIMPLICITY (_aside_).
+Look how greedy they be, like dogs that fall a snatching.
+You shall see that I shall have the greatest alms, because
+  I said nothing.
+Fraud knows me, therefore he'll be my friend; I am sure of that.
+They have nothing but lean beef, ye shall see I shall have a piece
+  that is fat.
+Master Fraud, you have forgot me: pray ye, let me have my share.
+
+FRAUD.
+Faith, all is gone; thou com'st too late: thou seest to all
+  is given there.
+By the faith of a gentleman, I have it not: I would I were able
+  to give thee more.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+O sir, I saw your arms hang out of a stable-door.[219]
+
+FRAUD.
+Indeed, my arms are at the painter's; belike, lie hung them out to dry.
+I pray thee, tell me what they were, if thou canst them descry.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Marry, there was never a scutcheon, but there was two trees rampant,
+And then over them lay a sour tree passant,
+With a man like you in a green field pendant,
+Having a hempen halter about his neck, with a knot under the left ear,
+  because you are a younger brother.
+Then, sir, there stands on each side, holding up the cres',
+A worthy ostler's hand in a dish of grease.
+Besides all this, on the helmet stands the hangman's hand,
+Ready to turn the ladder, whereon your picture did stand:
+Then under the helmet hung cables I like chains, and for what
+  they are I cannot devise,
+Except it be to make you hang fast, that the crows might pick
+  out your eyes.
+
+FRAUD.
+What a swad is this? I had been better to have sent him to the back-door,
+To have gotten some alms amongst the rest of the poor.    [_Aside_.
+Thou prat'st thou canst not tell what, or else art not well in thy wit:
+I am sure my arms are not blas'd so far abroad as yet.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+O yes, sir, your arms were known a great while ago,
+For your elder brother Deceit did give those arms too.
+Marry, the difference is all, which is the knot under the left ear.
+The painter says, when he is hung, you may put out the knot without fear.
+I am sure they were arms, for there was written in Roman letters
+  round about the hempen collar:
+Given by the worthy valiant captain, Master Fraud, the ostler.
+Now, God be wi' ye, sir; I'll get me even close to the back-door.
+Farewell, Tom Beggar and Wily Will; I'll beg with you no more.
+                                                           [_Exit_.
+
+TOM.
+O farewell, Simplicity: we are very loth to lose thy company.
+
+FRAUD.
+Now he is gone, give ear to me. You seem to be sound men in every
+  joint and limb,
+And can ye live in this sort to go up and down the country a-begging?
+O base minds! I trow I had rather hack it out by the highway-side,
+Than such misery and penury still to abide.
+Sirs, if you will be rul'd by me, and do what I shall say,
+I'll bring ye where we shall have a notable fine prey.
+It is so, sirs, that a merchant, one Mercatore, is coming from Turkey,
+And it is my lady's pleasure that he robbed should be:
+She hath sworn that we shall be all sharers alike,
+And upon that willed me some such companions as you be to seek.
+
+TOM.
+O worthy Captain Fraud, you have won my noble heart:
+You shall see how manfully I can play my part.
+And here's Wily Will, as good a fellow as your heart can wish,
+To go a-fishing with a crank through a window, or to set limetwigs
+  to catch a pan, pot or dish.
+
+WILL.
+He says true; for I tell you, I am one that will not give back
+Not for a double shot out of a black Jack.
+O sir, you bring us a-bed, when ye talk of this gear.
+Come, shall we go, worthy Captain? I long, till we be there.
+
+FRAUD.
+Ay, let us about it, to provide our weapons ready,
+And when the time serves, I myself will conduct ye.
+
+TOM.
+O, valiantly spoken! Come, Wily Will, two pots of ale we'll bestow
+On our captain courageously for a parting blow.
+
+                                            [_Exeunt_.
+
+    _Enter the Judge of Turkey with_ GERONTUS _and_ MERCATORE.
+
+[JUDGE.]
+Sir Gerontus, because you are the plaintiff, you first your
+  mind shall say.
+Declare the cause you did arrest this merchant yesterday.
+
+GERONTUS.
+Then, learned judge, attend. This Mercatore, whom you see in place,
+Did borrow two thousand ducats of me but for a five weeks' space:
+Then, sir, before the day came, by his flattery he obtained one
+  thousand more,
+And promis'd me at two[221] months' end I should receive my store:
+But before the time expired, he was closely fled away,
+So that I never heard of him at least this two years' day,
+Till at the last I met with him, and my money did demand,
+Who sware to me at five days' end he would pay me out of hand.
+The five days came, and three days more, then one day he requested:
+I, perceiving that he flouted me, have got him thus arrested.
+And now he comes in Turkish weeds to defeat me of my money,
+But, I trow, he will not forsake his faith: I deem he hath more honesty.
+
+JUDGE.
+Sir Gerontus, you know, if any man forsake his faith, king, country,
+  and become a Mahomet,
+All debts are paid: 'tis the law of our realm, and you may not
+  gainsay it.
+
+GERONTUS.
+Most true, reverend judge, we may not; nor I will not against our
+  laws grudge.
+
+JUDGE.
+Signor Mercatore, is this true that Gerontus doth tell?
+
+MERCATORE.
+My lord judge, de matter and de circumstance be true, me know well;
+But me will be a Turk, and for dat cause me came here.
+
+JUDGE.
+Then, it is but folly to make many words.--Signor Mercatore, draw near:
+Lay your hand upon this book, and say after me.
+
+MERCATORE.
+With a good will, my lord judge; me be all ready.
+
+GERONTUS.
+Not for any devotion, but for Lucre's sake of my money.
+
+JUDGE. [MERCATORE _repeating after him_.]
+Say: I, Mercatore, do utterly renounce before all the world my duty to
+my Prince, my honour to my parents, and my good-will to my country.--
+Furthermore, I protest and swear to be true to this country during life,
+and thereupon I forsake my Christian faith----
+
+GERONTUS.
+Stay there, most puissant judge.--Signor Mercatore, consider what you do:
+Pay me the principal; as for the interest, I forgive it you.
+And yet the interest is allowed amongst you Christians, as well as
+  in Turkey:
+Therefore, respect your faith, and do not seek[222] to deceive me.
+
+MERCATORE.
+No point da interest, no point da principal.[223]
+
+GERONTUS.
+Then pay me the one half, if you will not pay me all.
+
+MERCATORE.
+No point da half, no point denier: me will be a Turk, I say.
+Me be weary of my Christ's religion, and for dat me come away.
+
+GERONTUS.
+Well, seeing it is so, I would be loth to hear the people say,
+  it was 'long of me
+Thou forsakest thy faith: wherefore I forgive thee frank and free;
+Protesting before the judge and all the world never to demand penny
+  nor halfpenny.
+
+MERCATORE.
+O sir Gerontus, me take a your proffer, and tank you most heartily.
+
+JUDGE.
+But, Signor Mercatore, I trow, ye will be a Turk for all this.
+
+MERCATORE.
+Signor, no: not for all da good in da world me forsake a my Christ.
+
+JUDGE.
+Why, then, it is as sir Gerontus said; you did more for the greediness
+  of the money
+Than for any zeal or goodwill you bear to Turkey.
+
+MERCATORE.
+O sir, you make a great offence: You must not judge a my conscience.
+
+JUDGE.
+One may judge and speak truth, as appears by this;
+Jews seek to excel in Christianity and Christians in Jewishness.
+                                                            [_Exit_.
+
+MERCATORE.
+Vell, vell; but me tank you, Sir Gerontus, with all my very heart.
+
+GERONTUS.
+Much good may it do you, sir; I repent it not for my part.
+But yet I would not have this bolden you to serve another so:
+Seek to pay, and keep day with me, so a good name on you will go.
+                                                           [_Exit_.
+
+MERCATORE.
+You say vel, sir; it does me good dat me have cosen'd de Jew.
+Faith, I would my Lady Lucre de whole matter now knew:
+What is dat me will not do for her sweet sake?
+But now me will provide my journey toward England to take.
+Me be a Turk? no: it will make my Lady Lucre to smile,
+When she knows how me did da scal' Jew beguile.
+                                           [_Exit_.
+
+    _Enter_ LUCRE, _and_ LOVE _with a vizard, behind_.
+
+LUCRE.
+Mistress Love, I marvel not a little what coy conceit is crept
+  into your head,
+That you seem so sad and sorrowful, since the time you first did wed.
+Tell me, sweet wench, what thou ailest, and if I can ease thy grief,
+I will be prest to pleasure thee in yielding of relief.
+Sure, thou makest me for to think something has chanc'd amiss.
+I pray thee, tell me what thou ailest, and what the matter is.
+
+LOVE.
+My grief, alas! I shame to show, because my bad intent
+Hath brought on me a just reward and eke a strange event.
+Shall I be counted Love? nay, rather lascivious Lust,
+Because unto Dissimulation I did repose such trust.
+But now I moan too late, and blush my hap to tell.
+My head in monstrous sort, alas! doth more and more still swell.
+
+LUCRE.
+Is your head then swollen, good Mistress Love? I pray you let me see.
+Of troth it is, behold a face that seems to smile on me:
+It is fair and well-favoured, with a countenance smooth and good;
+Wonder is the worst,[224] to see two faces in a hood.
+Come, let's go, we'll find some sports to spurn away such toys.
+
+LOVE.
+Were it not for Lucre, sure, Love had lost all her joys.
+                                                    [_Exeunt_.
+
+    _Enter_ SERVICEABLE DILIGENCE, _the Constable, and_ SIMPLICITY,
+    _with an Officer to whip him, or two, if you can_.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Why, but must I be whipp'd, Master Constable, indeed?
+You may save your labour, for I have no need.
+
+DILIGENCE.
+I must needs see thee punished; there is no remedy,
+Except thou wilt confess, and tell me,
+Where thy fellows are become, that did the robbery.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Indeed, Master Constable, I do not know of their stealing,
+For I did not see them, since we went together a-begging.
+Therefore pray ye, sir, be miserable[225] to me, and let me go,
+For I labour to get my living with begging, you know.
+
+DILIGENCE.
+Thou wast seen in their company a little before the deed was done;
+Therefore it is most likely thou knowest where they are become.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Why, Master Constable, if a sheep go among wolves all day,
+Shall the sheep be blam'd if they steal anything away?
+
+DILIGENCE.
+Ay, marry, shall he; for it is a great presumption
+That, keeping them company, he is of like profession--
+But despatch, sirs; strip him and whip him:
+Stand not to reason the question.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Indeed, 'twas Fraud, so it was, it was not I;
+And here he comes himself: ask him, if I lie.
+
+    _Enter_ FRAUD.
+
+DILIGENCE.
+What sayest thou, villain? I would advise thee hold thy tongue:
+I know him to be a wealthy man and a burgess of the town.--
+Sir, and it please your mastership, here one slanders you with felony:
+He saith you were the chief doer of a robbery.
+
+FRAUD.
+What says the rascal? But you know,
+It standeth not with my credit to brawl;
+But, good Master Constable, for his slanderous report
+Pay him double, and in a greater matter command me you shall.
+                                                        [_Exit_.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Master Constable, must the countenance carry out the knave?
+Why, then, if one will face folks out, some fine repariment he must have.
+
+            [BEADLE _put off his clothes_.
+
+BEADLE.
+Come, sir Jack-sauce, make quick despatch at once:
+You shall see how finely we will fetch the skin from your bones.
+
+SIMPLICITY
+Nay, but tell me whether you be right-handed or no?
+
+BEADLE.
+What is that to thee? why wouldst thou so fain know?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Marry, if you should be both right-handed, the one would
+  hinder the other:
+Then it would not[226] be done finely, according to order;
+For if I be not whipp'd with credit, it is not worth a pin.
+Therefore, I pray, Master Constable, let me be whipp'd upon my skin.
+
+DILIGENCE.
+Whereon dost thou think they would whip thee, I pray thee declare,
+That thou puttest us in mind, and takest such great care?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+I was afraid you would have worn out my clothes with whipping;
+Then afterward, I should go naked a-begging.
+
+BEADLE.
+Have no doubt of that; we will favour thy clothes:
+Thou shalt judge that thyself by fueling the blows.
+
+        [_Lead him once or twice about, whipping him, and so exit_.
+
+    _Enter_ JUDGE NEMO, _the_ CLERK _of the 'size, the_ CRIER, _and_
+    SERVICEABLE DILIGENCE: _the_ JUDGE _and_ CLERK _being set, the_
+    CRIER _shall sound three times_.
+
+JUDGE.
+Serviceable Diligence, bring hither such prisoners as are in custody.
+
+DILIGENCE.
+My diligence shall be applied very willingly.
+Pleaseth it you, there are but three prisoners, so far as I know,
+Which are Lucre and Conscience, with a deformed creature much like
+  Bifrons,[227] the base daughter of Juno.
+
+JUDGE.
+No! where is that wretch Dissimulation?
+
+DILIGENCE.
+He hath transformed himself after a strange fashion.
+
+JUDGE.
+Fraud! where is he become?
+
+DILIGENCE.
+He was seen in the streets, walking in a citizen's gown.
+
+JUDGE.
+What is become of Usury!
+
+DILIGENCE.
+He was seen at the Exchange very lately.
+
+JUDGE.
+Tell me, when have you heard of Simony?
+
+DILIGENCE.
+He was seen this day walking in Paul's, having conference and very
+  great familiarity with some of the clergy.
+
+JUDGE.
+Fetch Lucre and Conscience to the bar.
+
+DILIGENCE.
+Behold, worthy judge, here ready they are.
+
+    _Enter_ LUCRE _and_ CONSCIENCE.
+
+JUDGE.
+Stand forth. Diligence, divide them asunder.
+
+CLERK.
+Lucre, thou art indicted by the name of Lucre,
+To have committed adultery with Mercatore the merchant and
+  Creticus the lawyer.
+Thou art also indicted for the robbery of Mercatore:
+Lastly and chiefly, for the consenting to the murder of Hospitality.
+What sayest thou, art thou guilty or not in these causes?
+
+LUCRE.
+Not guilty. Where are mine accusers? they may shame to show their faces:
+I warrant you, none comes, nor dare, to discredit my name.
+In despite of the teeth of them that dare, I speak in disdain.
+
+JUDGE.
+Impudent! canst thou deny deeds so manifestly known?
+
+LUCRE.
+In denial stands trial: I shame not; let them be shown.
+It grinds my gall they should slander me on this sort:
+They are some old-cankered currish corrupt carls, that gave
+  me this report.
+My soul craves revenge on such my secret[228] foes,
+And revengement I will have, if body and soul I lose.
+
+JUDGE.
+Thy hateful heart declares thy wicked life:
+In the abundance of thy abhomination all evils are rife,--
+But what sayest thou, Conscience, to thy accusation,
+That art accused to have been bawd unto Lucre, and spotted with
+  all abhomination?
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+What should I say; nay, what would I say in this our naughty living?
+
+LUCRE.
+Good Conscience, if thou love me, say nothing.    [_Aside_.
+
+CLERK.
+Diligence, suffer her not to stand prating.
+                        [_Let him put her aside_.
+
+JUDGE.
+What letter is that in thy bosom, Conscience?
+Diligence, reach it hither.    [_Make as though he[229] read it_.
+Conscience, speak on; let me hear what thou canst say,
+For I know in singleness thou wilt a truth bewray.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+My good lord, I have no way to excuse myself:
+She hath corrupted me by flattery and her accursed pelf.
+What need further trial, sith I, Conscience, am a thousand witnesses?
+I cannot choose but condemn us all in living amiss.
+Such terror doth affright me, that living I wish to die:
+I am afraid there is no spark left for me of God's mercy.
+
+JUDGE.
+Conscience, where hadst thou this letter?
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+It was put into my bosom by Lucre,
+Willing me to keep secret our lascivious living.
+I cannot but condemn us all in this thing.
+
+JUDGE.
+How now, malapert; stand you still in defence or no?
+This letter declares thy guilty Conscience: how sayest thou,
+  is it not so?
+Tell me, why standest thou in a maze? speak quickly.
+Hadst thou thy tongue so liberal, and now stand to study?
+
+LUCRE.
+O Conscience! thou hast kill'd me; by thee I am overthrown.
+
+JUDGE.
+It is happy that by Conscience thy abhomination is known:
+Wherefore I pronounce judgment against thee on this wise:
+Thou shalt pass to the place of darkness, where thou shalt hear
+  fearful cries;
+Weeping, wailing, gnashing of teeth, and torment without end;
+Burning in the lake of fire and brimstone, because thou canst not amend.
+Wherefore, Diligence, convey her hence: throw her down to the lowest hell,
+Where the infernal sprites and damned ghosts do dwell;
+And bring forth Love!
+                         [_Exit_ LUCRE _and_ DILIGENCE.
+
+    _Let_ LUCRE _make ready for_ LOVE _quickly, and come with_ DILIGENCE.
+
+Declare the cause, Conscience, at large how thou comest so spotted,
+Whereby many by thee hath been greatly infected;
+For under the colour of Conscience thou deceived'st many,
+Causing them to defile the temple of God, which is man's body.
+A clean conscience is a sacrifice, God's own resting-place:
+Why wast thou then corrupted so, and spotted on thy face?
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+When Hospitality had his throat cut by Usury,
+He oppressed me with cruelty and brought me to beggary,
+Turning me out of house and home; and in the end
+My gown to pay my rent to him I did send.
+So, driven to that extremity, I have fallen to that you see;
+Yet after judgment I hope of God's mercy.
+
+JUDGE.
+O Conscience, shall cankered coin corrupt thy heart?
+Or shall want in this world cause thee to feel everlasting smart?
+O Conscience, what a small time thou hast on earth to live:
+Why dost thou not, then, to God all honour give?
+Considering the time is everlasting that thou shalt live in bliss,
+If by thy life thou rise from death to judgment, mercy, and forgiveness.
+
+    _Enter_ LOVE _with_ DILIGENCE.
+
+Stand aside, Conscience. Bring Love to the bar.
+What sayest thou to thy deformity: who was the cause.
+
+LOVE.
+Lady Lucre----
+
+JUDGE.
+Did Lucre choke thee so, that thou gavest thyself over unto Lust?
+And did prodigal expenses cause thee in Dissimulation to trust?
+Thou wast pure (Love), and art thou become a monster,
+Bolstering thyself upon the lasciviousness of Lucre?
+Love, answer for thyself: speak in thy defence.
+
+LOVE.
+I cannot choose but yield, confounded by Conscience.
+
+JUDGE.
+Then judgment I pronounce on thee, because thou followed Lucre,
+Whereby thou hast sold thy soul, to feel like torment with her
+Which torments comprehended are in the worm of Conscience,
+Who raging still shall ne'er have end, a plague for thine offence.
+Care shall be thy comfort, and sorrow thy life sustain,
+Thou shalt be dying, yet never dead, but pining still in endless pain.
+Diligence, convey her to Lucre: let that be her reward.
+Because unto her cankered coin she gave her whole regard.
+But as for Conscience, carry her to prison,
+There to remain until the day of the general session.
+Thus we make an end--
+Knowing that the best of us all may amend:
+Which God grant to his goodwill and pleasure,
+That we be not corrupted with the unsatiate desire of vanishing
+  earthly treasure;
+For covetousness is the cause of 'resting man's conscience:
+Therefore restrain thy lust, and thou shalt shun the offence.
+
+
+FINIS.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE THREE LORDS & THREE LADIES OF LONDON
+
+
+
+_EDITION
+
+The pleasant and Stately Morall of the three Lordes and three Ladies
+of London. With the great Joy and Pompe, Solemnized at their Mariages:
+Commically interlaced with much honest Mirth, for pleasure and
+recreation, among many Morall observations, and other important matters
+of due Regard. By R.W. London, Printed by R. Thones, at the Rose and
+Crowne neere Holburne Bridge_. 1590. 4ş. Black letter. With an engraving
+on the title.
+
+
+
+    _Enter, for the Preface, a Lady very richly attired,
+    representing London, having two Angels before her,
+    and two after her, with bright rapiers in their hands_.
+
+LONDON _speaketh_.
+
+Lo, gentles, thus the Lord doth London guard,
+Not for my sake, but for his own delight;
+For all in vain the sentinels watch and ward,
+Except he keep the city day and night.
+Now may my foes in vain both spurn and spite,
+My foes, I mean, that London represent,
+Guarded from heaven by angels excellent.
+
+This blessing is not my sole benefit:
+All England is, and so preserv'd hath been,
+Not by man's strength, his policy and wit.
+But by a power and Providence unseen;
+Even for the love wherewith God loves our Queen,
+In whom, for whom, by whom we do possess
+More grace, more good, than London can express.
+
+And that hath bred our plenty and our peace,
+And they do breed the sports you come to see;
+And joy it is that I enjoy increase.
+My former fruits were lovely Ladies three;[230]
+Now of three Lords to talk is London's glee:
+Whose deeds I wish may to your liking frame,
+For London bids you welcome to the same.
+
+FINIS.
+
+
+
+THE ACTORS' NAMES.
+
+POLICY,   |
+POMP,     |  _The three Lords of London_.
+PLEASURE, |
+
+WIT,    |
+WEALTH, |  _Their Pages_.
+WILL,   |
+
+NEMO, _a grave old man_.
+
+LOVE,        |
+LUCRE,       |  _Three Ladies of London_.
+CONSCIENCE,  |
+
+HONEST INDUSTRY,  |
+PURE ZEAL,        |  _Three Sages_.
+SINCERITY,        |
+
+PRIDE,     |
+AMBITION,  |  _Three Lords of Spain_.
+TYRANNY,   |
+
+SHAME,     |
+TREACHERY, |  _Their Pages_.
+TERROR,    |
+
+DESIRE,    |
+DELIGHT,   |  _Three Lords of Lincoln_.
+DEVOTION,  |
+
+SORROW, _a Jailor_.
+SIMPLICITY, _a poor Freeman of London_.
+PAINFUL PENURY, _his Wife_.
+DILIGENCE, _a Post or an Officer_.
+
+FEALTY,    |  _Two Heralds-at-Arms_.
+SHEALTY,   |
+
+FRAUD,         |
+USURY,         |  _Four Gallants_.
+DISSIMULATION, |
+SIMONY,        |
+
+FALSEHOOD,      | _Two that belong to_ FRAUD _and_ DISSIMULATION.
+DOUBLE-DEALING. |
+
+
+
+
+THE PLEASANT AND STATELY MORAL
+
+           OF
+
+THE THREE LORDS OF LONDON.
+
+
+
+    _Enter the three Lords and their Pages: first_ POLICY, _with
+    his Page_ WIT _before him, bearing a shield; the impress a
+    tortoise, the word_ Providens securus: _next_ POMP, _with his
+    Page_ WEALTH _bearing his shield, the word_ Glory sans peere;
+    _the impress a lily; last_, PLEASURE, _his Page_ WILL, _his
+    impress a falcon; the word_ Pour Temps. POLICY _attired in
+    black_, POMP _in rich robes, and_ PLEASURE _in colours_.
+
+POLICY
+Here I advance my shield and hang it up,
+To challenge him who ever dare deny
+That one of those three London ladies rare
+Ought not of right be match'd with Policy,
+A London lord, the which I represent.
+
+POMP.
+And Pomp provides his challenge in his word,
+_Glory sans peere_, claiming the one of them,
+Not by compulsion, but by common right.
+Yet, maugre men, my shield is here advanc'd
+For one matchless. A London lady best
+Beseemeth Pomp, a London lord, to have.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Pleasure hath soar'd, as doth his impress show,
+To look aloof on earthly ladies all.
+And never could my curious eye discern
+A dame of worth for London Pleasure's love,
+But one, and she doth shine as silver dove.
+Of self-bred soil, of London is her race;
+For whom in challenge I my shield advance.
+
+POLICY.
+Thus each in honour of his mistress,
+And in regard of his well-daring mind,
+Hath here empris'd the challenge of his right.
+But, lordships both and brethren bred and sworn,
+A caution must be had in this conceit,
+That all our thoughts aspire not to one heaven,
+Nor all our ships do sail for one self haven;
+I mean, that all our suits and services
+We tend and tender to one only dame,
+All choosing one, refusing th'other two.
+
+POMP.
+A great mislike amongst us that might breed.
+
+PLEASURE.
+I seek but one, and her unto myself.
+
+POMP.
+And one I wish sans partner of my love.
+
+POLICY.
+It stands with honour to be sole or none.
+
+POMP.
+Whom lovest thou, Pleasure?
+
+PLEASURE.
+Hark ye.    [_Whisper in his ear_.
+
+POMP.
+Tush! ye lie.
+
+WILL.
+If my master were a soldier, that word would have the stab.
+
+WIT.
+Well, Will, still you'll be a saucy scab.
+
+POMP.
+Why, Pleasure, hath Pomp[231] chosen Lucre's love?
+
+PLEASURE.
+Why, Pomp, but [because] Pleasure honours Lucre most.
+
+POLICY.
+And Policy may Lady Lucre gain
+Before you both, but let us not contend.
+For Nemo doth the ladies prisoners keep,
+Though they were slandered late with liberty,
+And marriage to three far-born foreigners.
+Then, first it fits we practise their release,
+And see them, and by sight our liking please;[232]
+For yet we love, as gossips tell their tales,
+By hearsay: fame, not favour, hath us yet inflam'd.
+
+POMP.
+Lord Policy with reason hath discuss'd;
+Pleasure, consent; and so our love shall hold.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Ye never found that London's Pleasure err'd
+From reason, or from Pomp and Policy.
+
+POLICY.
+Come on, sir boy, attend you well your charge:    [_To his Page_ WIT.
+Wait in this place to watch and ward this shield.
+If any man, in honour of his love,
+So hardy he with stroke of sword to attaint
+This shield, and challenge him that hereby challengeth,
+Say for thy lord, as should a trusty page,
+That Policy doth dare him to perform
+A hardier task than common challengers.
+If he demand what Policy may be,
+A lord of London, say--one of the three.
+
+POMP.
+And you, sir boy, for Pomp perform the like;    [_To_ WEALTH.
+Bid him, that dare his impress batter once,
+Be well advis'd he be no beggar's brat,
+Nor base of courage, nor of bad conceit,
+To match himself with such magnificence,
+As fits Lord Pomp of London for his love:
+Call, if he come that can encounter me,
+[F]or move me not for each envious swad.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Will, be not wanton, nor of wayward mood:    [_To_ WILL.
+Wait as do these; use faith and diligence,
+And mark him well that dare disdain this shield,
+Which London's lord, that Pleasure hath to name,
+Hath here advanc'd in honour of his dame.
+I bid thee mark him well, whate'er he be,
+That London's Pleasure doth in malice scorn,
+For he's a rascal or a stranger born.
+Good boy, mark well his gesture and his look,
+His eye, his gait, his weapon, and attire,
+And dog him to his lodging or his den,
+For I will make him scum and scorn of men.
+No better boy than Will, when Will is pleas'd
+Be pleas'd, my boy, and so be my good Will.
+
+POLICY.
+And so, good boys, farewell; look to your charge.
+Watch well, good Wit, who scorneth London's Policy;
+Be wary, Wit, for thou canst well discern.
+
+POMP.
+Wealth, watch for Pomp, for thou canst well defend.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Will can do something too, when pleaseth him.
+
+                                [_Exeunt the three Lords_.
+
+WIT.
+Will is a good boy, where better is none.
+
+WILL.
+Nay, Wit were the best boy, if Will were gone.
+
+WEALTH.
+Nay, Wealth is the best boy, sirs: let that alone.
+
+WIT.
+I-wis he say'th true, Will: this Wealth's a gay lad.
+
+WILL.
+I care not for him, curmudgeonly swad.
+
+WEALTH.
+Well, miss me awhile, and you'll go near to be sad.
+
+WIT.
+Will, ye are Will-fool, if of him ye be not glad.
+
+WILL.
+Nay, Wit, if thou want him, thou'lt go near to be mad.
+
+WEALTH.
+To keep us still quiet I would other talk we had.
+
+WIT.
+I hope we'll not fall out, being none but three.
+
+WEALTH.
+If Wealth were away, Wit and Will would agree.
+
+WILL.
+Nay, Wit and Will are at strife, when there's nobody but me.
+
+WIT.
+Let pass, and of our shields, sirs, let's make a little glee.
+Will, what gives thy master here? a buzzard or a kite?
+
+WILL.
+Wit, you show yourself a gentleman by guessing so right.
+A buzzard? thou buzzard! Wit, hast no more skill,
+Than take a falcon for a buzzard?
+
+WIT.
+                                  O be quiet, good Will:
+It was but for sport, for I know the bird else.
+
+WEALTH.
+Thou mightest see it was no buzzard, man, by the bells.[233]
+
+WIT.
+What's the reason of this falcon? I pray thee, Will, show.
+
+WILL.
+Thou knowest that a falcon soars high, and stoops low:
+So doth Pleasure.
+
+WIT.
+But what's the word?
+
+WILL.
+_Pour temps_, for time.
+
+WIT.
+A very pretty one: I would it were in rhyme.
+
+WEALTH.
+In rhyme, Wit! why so?
+
+WIT.
+Because it wants reason.
+
+WILL.
+Look for my fist, Wit, if ye rap out such treason.
+
+WIT.
+Treason to what, boy?
+
+WILL.
+To my master's bird.
+
+WIT.
+Now, Will, my thumb wags: it was but to his word.
+
+WILL.
+'Tis a pleasant gentleman, this young Master Wit.
+Your master hath something too: I pray ye, what's it?
+
+WIT.
+Look, Will, and guess.
+
+WILL.
+                       'Tis a toad in a shell.
+
+WEALTH.
+I had as lief ye had said a frog in a well.
+
+WIT.
+Is't not a great butterfly? Will, can'st thou tell?
+
+WILL.
+What is it in sadness?
+
+WIT.
+A tortoise, my boy; whose shell is so hard that a loaden cart may go
+over and not break it, and so she is safe within, and wheresoever she
+goes she bears it on her back, needing neither other succour or shelter,
+but her shell. The word underneath her is _Providens securus_, the
+provident is safe, like the tortoise armed with his own defence, and
+defended with his own armour; in shape somewhat round, signifying
+compass, wherein always the provident foresee to keep themselves within
+their own compass, my boy.
+
+WILL.
+Wittily spoken. Now, Wealth's master hath got a daffadowndilly.
+
+WEALTH.
+If Will had not been wilful, now, he might have said a lily, whose
+glory is without comparison and beauty matchless; for Solomon, the most
+sumptuous king that ever was, was never comparable in glory with the
+lily; neither is there any city matchable with the pomp of London.
+Mistake me not, good boys, that this pomp tends to pride; yet London
+hath enough, but my Lord Pomp doth rightly represent the stately
+magnificence and sumptuous estate, without pride or vainglory, to
+London accommodate; and therefore the word is well applied to the
+impress (_Glory sans peere_), for that the lily is neither proud of the
+beauty, nor vainglorious of the pomp; no more is London; but if it be
+joyful of anything, it is of the grace and plenty, both flowing from
+two such fountains as becomes not us to name. Now, therefore, my good
+boys, know that my master is rather Magnificence than Pomp in bad sense,
+and rather Pomp than Pride in the best sense.
+
+WILL.
+And my lord is not Pleasure sprung of Voluptuousness, but of such
+honourable and kind conceit as heaven and humanity well brooks and
+allows: Pleasure pleasing, not pernicious.
+
+WIT.
+Who would have thought that Will had been so philosophous? But what
+means the word _Pour temps_ in the shield for time?
+
+WILL.
+Wit, shall I call the[e] fool? the best pleasure of all lasts but a time:
+For of all pleasures most pleasing to sight,
+Methinks there is none to the falcon's high flight;
+Yet diseases end it: the breach of a wing,
+Nay, the breach of a feather, spoils that sweet thing.
+
+WIT.
+And so my master hath the 'vantage, will ye or no.
+Pomp and Pleasure may be ill.
+
+WILL.
+May not Policy be bad?
+
+WEALTH.
+Wit, well-overtaken by Will, that crafty lad.
+
+WIT.
+A crafty goose: the gander gives him health.
+Bad Policy's seldom found in so Christian a commonwealth
+As London is, I trust, where my master is a lord.
+
+WILL.
+And ours so too.
+
+WEALTH.
+Well, let us accord;
+For Wit's a good thing, yet may be ill-applied.
+
+WIT.
+And so may Wealth, be it employed in pride,
+And Will worst of all, when it disdains a guide.
+
+WILL.
+A Jackanapes hath wit.
+
+WIT.
+And so he hath Will.
+
+WEALTH.
+But he never hath Wealth: now ye are both still.
+
+WIT.
+Yes, he wears a chain.[234]
+
+WILL.
+Well-spoke, and like a bearward.
+
+WEALTH.
+If ye be _non plus_, let the matter fall.
+
+WILL.
+Wit, dost thou see? thus goes Wealth away with all.
+
+WIT.
+Let's reason no further, for we shall have glee.
+Here is a challenger to our shields: step we aside.
+
+    _Enter_ SIMPLICITY _in bare black, like a poor citizen_.
+
+WILL.
+He will eat them, I think, for he gapes very wide.
+
+WEALTH.
+Say nothing to him, and ye shall see the fool go by.
+
+WILL.
+Sirrah, gape not so wide for fear of a fly.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Fly, flam-flurt! Why, can a fly do hurt?
+
+WIT.
+Yea, have ye not heard that the fly hath her spleen,
+And the ant her gall?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+My uncle hath so, I ween; for it's an angry old fellow,
+When his gall runs over: children, good day;
+Whose pretty lads are you three?
+
+WIT.
+Three! are you sure?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+I'll not swear, till I have told you: one, two, three.
+
+WILL.
+I beshrew thee.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Me, boy? Why, I am beshrewed already, for I am married.
+
+WEALTH.
+Then, thou hast a wife.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Yea, I would thou hadd'st her, if thou could'st stay her tongue.
+
+WEALTH.
+I thy wife, man! Why, I am too young.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+And I am too old. But in good earnest, good boys--be not angry that I
+call you boys, for ye are no men yet: ye have no beards, and yet I have
+seen boys angry for being called boys. Forsooth they would be called
+youths: well, yet a boy is a boy, and a youth is a youth.--Well, if ye
+be not ashamed of the boy, good boys, whose boys are ye?
+
+WIT.
+No whit ashamed, sir, of that that we are, nor ashamed at all of those
+whom we serve? for boys we be, and as we be, we serve the three Lords
+of London: to wit, Policy, Pomp, and Pleasure.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+A pretty-spoken child, and a pretty wit.
+
+WILL.
+Wit's his name, indeed: are ye one of his godfathers, ye hit it so right?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+It is more than I know: then, is thy name Wit, boy? Now, of mine honesty,
+welcome, for I have wanted thee a great while.
+
+WIT.
+Welcome, sir! how so? why do ye entertain me so kindly? I cannot dwell
+with you, for I have a master already.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+So have I, too, but she learns me little wit--my wife, I mean. Well, all
+this while I stand here, my wares are not abroad, and so I may lose both
+my customers and market.
+
+WEALTH.
+Wares, sir! have ye wares? what wares do ye sell?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Truly, child, I sell ballads. Soft; whose wares are these that are up
+already?[235] I paid rent for my standing, and other folks' wares shall
+be placed afore mine? this is wise, indeed.
+
+WIT.
+O, the fineness of the wares, man, deserves to have good place.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+They are fine indeed. Who sells them, can ye tell? Is he free?
+
+WIT.
+Our masters be: we wait on this ware, and yet we are no chapmen.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Chapmen: no, that's true, for you are no men: neither chapmen nor
+chopmen, nor chipmen nor shipmen; but if ye be chappers, choppers, or
+chippers, ye are but chapboys; and, chapboys, ye are double.
+
+WILL.
+Double! how is it? Teach me that, and you will make me laugh a little.
+
+WEALTH.
+And me a little.
+
+WIT.
+And me a little.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Then your three little laughs will make one great laugh.
+
+WIT.
+True; for if three fools were one fool, that were a great fool.
+                                          [_Points to_ SIMPLICITY.
+But how are we double chapboys?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Because ye have two chaps, an upper chap and a nether chap.
+
+WILL.
+Ha, ha, ha!
+
+WIT.
+Ha, ha, ha!
+
+WEALTH.
+Ha, ha, ha!
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+You said you would laugh but a little, but you laugh a great deal:
+why do ye laugh so much?
+
+WILL.
+Because your wit was so great in expounding your meaning.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Ye may see it is a good thing to have wit.
+
+WIT.
+I thank you, sir.
+
+WEALTH.
+And what say you to Wealth?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Wealth? Marry, Wealth is better.
+
+WEALTH.
+I thank you, sir.
+
+WILL.
+And how say you to Will?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Indeed, good Will is a great matter.
+
+WILL.
+Yea, between a maid and a bachelor.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Why, you are not in love, boy?
+
+WILL.
+Yes, but I am, and in charity too.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Charity! alas, poor child! thou in charity? ha, ha! now must I laugh.
+
+WIT.
+But you laugh a great while, and you laugh very loud.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Then, I owe you nothing for laughing, and you hear me the better.
+
+WEALTH.
+But now laugh not we.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+No, you may be maddle-coddle.[236] Well, here's three passing fine lads,
+if a man were able to keep them all. Let me see: Wealth! O, that's a
+sweet lad: then Wit! O, that's a fine lad: Will: O, that's a pretty lad.
+Will, Wit, and Wealth, God lend ye health. I would I could guile their
+masters of two of them. If I had Fraud here, that served Lady Lucre, he
+would teach me: he would teach me to 'tice one of them from his master.
+Which of them, now, if a man should steal one? Will? nay, I care not for
+Will, outsep[237] he be good-will. Wit? a pretty child, but a man cannot
+live by wit. Wealth? Yea, marry, sir, I would I could win that Wealth,
+for then I need neither Will nor Wit; nor I need sell no ballads, but
+live like a mouse in a mill, and have another to grind my meal for me.
+I'll have a fling at one of them anon.
+
+WEALTH.
+Do you not forget yourself, gaffer?
+
+WIT.
+Have ye not wares to sell, gaffer?
+
+WILL.
+When do you show, gaffer?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Well-rememb'red, pretty lad: ye may see children can teach old folks.
+I am an unthrift, indeed. Well, my wares shall out now. But, sirs,
+how sell you your wares? How many of these for a groat?
+
+WEALTH.
+Our wares are not to be sold.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Not for silver nor gold? Why hang they, then, in the open market?
+
+WILL.
+To be seen, not bought.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Then they are like ripe plums upon a rich man's tree, that set men's
+teeth a-watering, when they are not to be bought. But what call you
+these things?
+
+WIT.
+Scutcheons.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Cushions? Alas! it were pity to sit on such fine cushions. But come,
+my boys, if you'll buy any of my wares, here's my stall, and I'll
+open and show straight.
+
+WEALTH.
+What dainty fine ballad have you now to be sold?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Marry, child, I have _Chipping-Norton, a mile from Chapel o' th' Heath
+--a lamentable ballad of burning the Pope's dog; the sweet ballad of
+the Lincolnshire bagpipes_[238]; and _Peggy and Willy:--But now he is
+dead and gone: Mine own sweet Willy is laid in his grave. La, la, la,
+lan ti dan derry, dan da dan, lan ti dan, dan tan derry, dan do_.
+
+WIT.
+It is a doleful discourse, and sung as dolefully.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Why, you cannot mend it, can ye?
+
+WIT.
+What will you lay on that? for I myself dare lay six groats to six of
+your bald ballads, that you yourself shall say I sing better than you.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+What a brag-boy is this, to comparison with a man! But, boy, boy,
+I will not lay six ballads to six groats, but I will lay six ballads
+to six jerks at your buttocks, that you shall not sing so well as I.
+
+WIT.
+That I shall not? No! possible, you will not let me sing?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+I not let you! Is that spoken like Wit? It is spoken like a woodcock:
+how can I stay thee, if thou wilt sing out thy throat?
+
+WIT.
+Well, then, to our bargain: six ballads to six stripes, and who shall
+keep stakes?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Neither of your companions; for that's, ask my fellow, if I be a thief.
+
+WILL.
+Will you keep the stakes yourself?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Best of all, for I mean plainly, and will pay, if I lose. Here's my six
+ballads: they be ready. Now, how shall I come by your six stripes, boy?
+
+WIT.
+Down with your breeches, I'll fetch a rod and deliver them straight.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Nay, then, I care not, if thou keep stakes.
+
+WIT.
+You speak too late, gaffer, having challenged preheminence.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Then, let's lay no wager, but sing for good fellowship.
+
+WIT.
+Agreed. Who shall begin?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+O boy! who is the elder? Hast thou not heard, give flounders to thy elder?
+
+WIT.
+You mistake the fish: trust me, I am sure 'tis give plaice; but
+begin with a good grace.
+
+    [_Here_ SlMP. _sings first and_ WIT _after, dialoguewise:
+    both to music, if ye will_.
+
+WIT.
+Now, sirs, which sings best?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Tush, your copesmates shall not judge.
+Friend, what say you? which of us sings best?
+                         [_To one of the auditory_.
+
+WILL.
+To say truth, there's but a bad choice. How will you sell the ballad
+you sang, for I'll not buy the voice?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Why wilt thou not buy my voice?
+
+WILL.
+Because it will cost me more money to buy sallet-oil to keep it from
+rusting, than it is worth. But, I pray ye, honest man, what's this?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Read, and thou shalt see.
+
+WILL.
+I cannot read.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Not read, and brought up in London! Went'st thou never to school?
+
+WILL.
+Yes, but I would not learn.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Thou wast the more fool. If thou cannot read, I'll tell thee. This is
+Tarlton's picture. Didst thou never know Tarlton?[239]
+
+WILL.
+No: what was that Tarlton? I never knew him.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+What was he? A prentice in his youth of this honourable city, God be
+with him. When he was young, he was leaning to the trade that my wife
+useth now, and I have used, _vide lice shirt_,[240] water-bearing.
+I-wis, he hath toss'd a tankard in Corn-hill ere now: If thou knew'st
+him not, I will not call thee ingram;[241] but if thou knewest not him,
+thou knewest nobody. I warrant, here's two crack-ropes knew him.
+
+WIT.
+I dwelt with him.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Didst thou? now, give me thy hand: I love thee the better.
+
+WILL.
+And I, too, sometime.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+You, child! did you dwell with him sometime?
+Wit dwelt with him, indeed, as appeared by his rhyme,
+And served him well; and Will was with him now and then. But, soft, thy
+  name is Wealth: I think in earnest he was little acquainted with thee.
+O, it was a fine fellow, as e'er was born:
+There will never come his like, while the earth can corn.
+O passing fine Tarlton! I would thou hadst lived yet.
+
+WEALTH.
+He might have some, but thou showest small wit.
+There is no such fineness in the picture that I see.[242]
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Thou art no Cinque-Port man; thou art not wit-free.
+The fineness was within, for without he was plain;
+But it was the merriest fellow, and had such jests in store
+That, if thou hadst seen him, thou would'st have laughed thy heart sore.
+
+WEALTH.
+Because of thy praise, what's the price of the picture?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+I'll tell thee, my lad. Come hither: if thou wilt be ruled by me, thou
+shalt pay nothing; I'll give it thee, if thou wilt dwell with me; and,
+I promise thee, this counsel is for thy prefarmin'.[243] Hadst not thou
+better serve a freeman of the City, and learn a trade to live another
+day, than to be a serving-boy in thy youth, and to have no occupation
+in thine age. I can make thee free, if thou wilt be my prentice.
+
+WEALTH.
+Why, Wealth is free everywhere: what need I serve you? My lord is a
+freeman, if that may do me good.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+I cry you mercy, master boy: then, your master is free of the Lord's
+Company, and you serve him, that you may be a lord, when you come out
+of your years.
+
+WIT.
+Wealth is a proud boy, gaffer: what say you to me?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Thy name is Wit: wilt thou dwell with me?
+
+WIT.
+If I like your name and science, perchance we'll agree.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Nay, my name and mine honesty is all one: it is well known. He's a very
+fool that cannot beguile me, for my name is Simplicity.
+
+WILL.
+Goads,[244] gaffer! were you not a mealman once, and dwelt with Lady
+Conscience?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Yes, for want of a better.
+
+WILL.
+What, a better man?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+No; for want of a better mistress: she was as very a fool as I.
+We dwelt so long together, that we went both on begging.
+
+WIT.
+Indeed, they that use a good conscience cannot suddenly be rich.
+But I'll not dwell with ye: you are too simple a master for me.
+
+WILL.
+Nor I'll not dwell with you for all this world's treasure.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+No? Why, whom serve you, Will?
+
+WILL.
+I serve my Lord Pleasure.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+And whom serve you, Wit?
+
+WIT.
+I serve my Lord Policy.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+And whom serve you, Wealth?
+
+WEALTH.
+I serve my Lord Pomp.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+You should be served all with my Lord Birchley, if you were well served.
+These lads are so lordly that louts care not for them; for Wealth serves
+Pomp, Wit serves Policy, and Will serves Pleasure. Wealth, will you buy
+this picture for your lord?
+                               [_Shew Tarlton's picture_.
+
+WEALTH.
+No: it is too base a present for Pomp.
+
+WIT.
+And Policy seldom regards such a trifle.
+
+WILL.
+Come on, gaffer, come on; I must be your best chapman: I'll buy it for
+Pleasure. Hold, there is a groat.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Gramercy, good Will, my wife shall love thee still;
+And since I can neither get Wit nor Wealth,
+Let my wife have her Will, and let me have my health.
+God forgive me, I think I never name her, but it conjures her:
+  look where she comes!
+Be mannerly, boys, that she knock ye not with her staff:
+Keep your own counsel, and I'll make ye laugh.
+What do ye lack? What lack ye?
+Stand away, these boys, from my wares:
+Get ye from my stall, or I'll wring you by the ears:
+Let my customers see the wares. What lack ye?
+What would ye have bought?
+
+    _Enter_ PAINFUL-PENURY, _attired like a water-bearing woman,
+    with her tankard_.
+
+PENURY.
+You have customers enou', and if they were ought.
+What do you with these boys here, to filch away your ware?
+You show all your wit: you'll ne'er have more care.
+
+WILL.
+Content ye, good wife: we do not filch, but buy.
+
+PENURY.
+I meant not you, young master, God's blessing on your heart:
+You have bought indeed, sir, I see, for your part.
+Be these two young gentlemen of your company?
+Buy, gentlemen, buy ballads to make your friends merry.
+
+WIT.
+To stand long with your burden, methinks, you should be weary.
+
+PENURY.
+True, gentlemen; but you may see, poor Painful-Penury
+Is fain to carry three tankards for a penny.
+But, husband, I say, come not home to dinner; it's Ember-day:
+You must eat nothing till night, but fast and pray.
+I shall lose my draught at Conduit, and therefore I'll away.
+Young gentlemen, God be with ye.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Wife, must I not dine to-day?
+
+PENURY.
+No, sir, by my fay.
+                       [_Exit_ PENURY.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+If I must not eat, I mean to drink the more:
+What I spare in bread, in ale I'll set on the score.
+How say ye, my lads, and do I not speak wisely?
+
+WIT.
+Methinks ye do; and it's pretty that Simplicity
+Hath gotten to his wife plain Painful-Penury.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Yea, I thank God, though she he poor and scarce cleanly,
+Yet she is homely, careful, and comely.
+
+    _One call within_.
+
+Wit, Wealth, and Will, come to your lords quickly.
+
+WILL.
+Must the scutcheons hang still?
+
+    _One within_.
+
+Yea, let them alone.
+
+WIT.
+Farewell, Master Simplicity.
+
+                                [_Exeunt_.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Farewell, good master boys, e'en heartily, e'en heartily, heartily.
+And, hear ye, Will, I thank you for your hansel[245] truly.
+Pretty lads! hark ye, sirs, how? Will, Wit, Wealth!
+
+    [_Re-]enter_ WIT.
+
+WIT.
+What's the matter, you call us back so suddenly?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+I forgot to ask you whether your three lords of London be courtiers
+or citizens?
+
+WIT.
+Citizens born, and courtiers brought up. Is this all? Farewell.
+                                                          [_Exit_.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Citizens born and courtiers brought up! I think so; for they that be
+born in London are half courtiers, before they see the court: for
+fineness and mannerliness, O, passing! My manners and misbehaviour is
+mended half in half, since I gave over my mealman, and came to dwell in
+London: ye may see time doth much. Time wears out iron horseshoes: time
+tears out milstones: time seasons a pudding well; and time hath made me
+a free man, as free to bear water and sell ballads as the best of our
+copulation. I would have thought once my horse should have been free as
+soon as myself, and sooner too, for he would have stumbled with a sack
+of meal, and lien along in the channel with it, when he had done; and
+that some calls freedom. But it's but a dirty freedom, but, ye may see,
+bad horses were but jades in those days. But soft: here comes customers.
+What lack ye? What is't ye lack? What lack ye? Come along, and buy
+nothing. Fine ballads! new ballads! What lack ye?
+
+    _Enter_ NEMO _and the three Lords_.
+
+NEMO.
+My lords, come on. What suits have you to me?
+
+POLICY.
+Renowned Nemo, the most only one
+That draws no breath but of th'eternal air,
+That knowest our suit before we bound to speak,
+For thou art the very Oracle of thoughts;
+Whose virtues do encompass thee about,
+As th'air surrounds this massy globe of earth;
+Who hast in power whatever pleaseth thee,
+And canst bestow much more than we may crave,
+To thee we seek; to thee on knees we sue,
+That thou wilt deign from thraldom to release
+Those lovely dames, that London ladies are.
+
+NEMO.
+What, those three caitiffs, long ago condemn'd?
+Love, Lucre, Conscience? well-deserving death,
+Being corrupt with all contagion:
+The spotted ladies of that stately town?
+
+POMP.
+Love, Lucre, Conscience, we of thee desire,
+Which in thyself hast all perfection,
+Accomplished with all integrity,
+And needest no help to do what pleaseth thee;
+Which holdest fame and fortune both thy slaves,
+And dost compel the Destinies draw the coach,
+To thee we sue, sith power thou hast thereto,
+To set those ladies at their liberty.
+
+PLEASURE.
+At liberty, thou spotless magistrate,
+That of the cause dost carry all regard,
+Careless of bribes, of birth and parentage,
+Because thyself art only born to bliss.
+Bless us so much, that lords of London are,
+That those three ladies, born and bred with us,
+May by our suits release of thraldom find.
+
+NEMO.
+Release, my lords! why seek ye their release,
+That have perpetual prison for their doom?
+
+POLICY.
+But Nemo can from thence redeem them all.
+
+NEMO.
+Their deeds were cause, not Nemo, of their thrall.
+
+POMP.
+Yet Nemo was the judge that sentence gave.
+
+NEMO.
+But Nemo never spill'd, whom he could save.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Thou from perpetual prison may'st revoke.
+
+POLICY.
+Death hath no power 'gainst him to give a stroke.
+
+POMP.
+Thou only mild and courteous sir, vouchsafe
+To grant our suit, and set those ladies free.
+
+NEMO.
+What is your purpose in this earnest suit?
+
+PLEASURE.
+To marry them, and make them honest wives.
+
+NEMO.
+But may it be, that men of your regard,
+Lords of such fortune and so famous place,
+Will link yourselves with ladies so forlorn,
+And so distained with more than common crimes?
+
+POLICY.
+Marriage doth make amends for many a miss.
+
+POMP.
+And love doth cover heaps of cumbrous evils.
+
+PLEASURE.
+And doth forget the faults that were before.
+
+NEMO.
+Mean as you say: you need to say no more.
+
+POLICY.
+In token that we mean what we have said,
+Lo, here our shields, the prizes of our love,
+To challenge all, except thyself, that dare
+Deny those ladies to be ours by right.
+
+NEMO.
+Woo them and win them, win them and wear them too:
+I shall both comfort and discourage you, my lords.
+The comfort's this: of all those former crimes,
+Wherewith the world was wont these dames to charge,
+I have them clear'd, and made them all as free
+As they were born, no blemish left to see.
+But the discourage, gentle lords, is this:
+The time of their endurance hath been long,
+Whereby their clothes of cost and curious stuff
+Are worn to rags, and give them much disgrace.
+
+POMP.
+Alas. good ladies! was there none that sued
+For their release, before we took't in hand?
+
+NEMO.
+Yes, divers for fair Lucre sought release.
+And some for Love would fain have paid the fees;
+But silly Conscience sat without regard
+In sorrow's dungeon, sighing by herself.
+Which when I saw that some did sue for Love,
+And most for Lucre, none for Conscience,
+A vow I made, which now I shall perform:
+Till some should sue to have release for all,
+Judg'd as they were, they should remain in thrall.
+But you, that crave their freedoms all at once.
+Shall have your suit, and see them here ere long.
+A little while you must have patience,
+And leave this place. Go in, my lords, before.
+
+POMP.
+Becometh us to wait on Nemo still.
+
+NEMO.
+Not so; but, lordings, one condition more.
+You promise me, sith they are in my power,
+I shall dispose them, when they are releas'd,
+Upon you three, as I shall think it best.
+
+POMP.
+Do but command, and we shall all subscribe.
+
+NEMO.
+Then go your ways, for I have here to do.
+
+                              [_Exeunt Three Lords_.
+
+    _Enter_ SORROW.
+
+Sorrow, draw near; to-morrow bring thou forth
+Love, Lucre, Conscience, whom thou hast in thrall,
+Upon these stones to sit and take the air,
+But set no watch or spial[246] what they do.
+
+                                      [_Exeunt Ambo_.
+
+    _Enter_ FRAUD, USURY, DISSIMULATION, SIMONY, and SIMPLICITY.
+
+FRAUD.
+How happy may we call this merry day, my mates, wherein we meet, that
+once were desperate, I think, ever to have seen one another, when Nemo,
+that upright judge, had, by imprisoning our mistresses, banished us
+(by setting such diligent watch for us) out of London, and almost out
+of the world. But live we yet and are we met, and near our old seat?
+Usury, is it thou? Let me see, or hath some other stolen thy face?
+Speakest thou, man?
+
+USURY.
+No, Fraud: though many have counterfeited both thee and me,
+We are ourselves yet, and no changelings, I see
+And why shouldst thou ask me, man, if I live?
+The silly ass cannot feed on harder forage than
+Usury: she upon thistles, and I upon a brown crust of a month old.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+So that Usury and an ass are two of the profitablest beasts that a man
+can keep; yet th'one hath sharper teeth than th'other.
+
+FRAUD.
+But what means Dissimulation? He droops, methinks. What cheer, man?
+Why, cousin, frolic a fit. Art thou not glad of this meeting? What's
+the cause of thy melancholy?
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Not melancholic, but musing how it comes to pass that we are thus
+fortunate to meet, as we do?
+
+SIMONY.
+I'll tell thee why we met: because we are no mountains.[247]
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+But ye are as ill, for ye are monsters.
+
+SIMONY.
+And men may meet, though mountains cannot.
+
+FRAUD.
+In token that this meeting is joyous to us all, let us embrace
+altogether with heart's joy and affection.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+I see many of these old proverbs prove true; 'tis merry when
+knaves meet.    [_Aside_.
+
+FRAUD.
+How, sir! what's that?
+
+SIMONY.
+If a man had a casting-net, he might catch all you.
+
+FRAUD.
+Art thou not Simplicity?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Goodman Simplicity, for I am married, and it like your mastership.
+And you are Master Fraud, too; a pox on your worship. I see a fox
+and a false knave have all one luck, the better for banning; and
+many of you crafty knaves live merrilier than we honest men.
+
+FRAUD.
+Sirrah, bridle your tongue, if you'll be welcome to our company.
+No girds nor old grudges, but congratulate this meeting. And, sirs,
+if you say it, let's tell how we have lived since our parting.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+O, it is great pity.
+
+USURY.
+What, to tell how we have lived?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+No; that ye do live.
+
+FRAUD.
+Yet again, sirrah? Usury, as for thee, it were folly to ask, for thou
+livest but too well; but Dissimulation and Simony, how have you two
+lived? Discourse, I pray you heartily.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Faith, even like two mice in an ambery,[248] that eat up all the meat,
+and when they have done gnaw holes in the cupboard.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Fraud, after my 'scaping away at the Sessions, where I shifted, as thou
+knowest, in three sundry shapes: one of a friar, and they can dissemble;
+another like a woman, and they do little else; the third as a saint and
+a devil--and so is a woman--I was banished out of London by Nemo. To the
+country went I amongst my old friends, and never better loved than among
+the russet-coats. Once in a month I stole in o' th' market-day to
+Leadenhall and about, and sometime to Westminster Hall. Now, hearing
+some speech that the ladies should be sued for, I am come in hope of my
+old entertainment, supposing myself not known of many, and hoping the
+three lords will prevail in their suit, and I to serve one of them.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+He shall do well that gives thee a coat, but he should do better that
+could take off thy skin.    [Aside.
+
+SIMONY.
+And I have been a traveller abroad in other realms, for here I am so
+cried out against by preachers (and yet some ministers, that be none,
+could be content to use me) that I was glad to be gone: now, in some
+other lands, and not very far off, I am secretly fostered--saving in
+Scotland and the Low-Countries, [where] they are reformed, they cannot
+abide me. Well, now and then hither I came stealing over sea, and
+hearing as you hear, intend as you do.
+
+FRAUD.
+And for mine own part, among artificers,
+And amongst a few bad-conscienced lawyers,
+I have found such entertainment as doth pass,
+Yet would I with Lucre fain be as I was.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Fraud is as ill as a cut-purse, by the mass.    [Aside.
+
+USURY.
+And for Usury, the longer I live the greater love I find;
+Yet would I be with Lucre again, to please my mind.
+
+FRAUD.
+Here's a good fellow, too, one of our acquaintance.
+How hast thou lived, Simplicity?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+More honestly than all the rest of thy company; for when I might beg
+no longer, as begging was but bad, for you cosen'd me once of an alms,
+I fell to tankard-bearing, and so got a wife of the same science,
+Painful-Penury: then got I my freedom, and feeling my shoulder grow
+weary of the tankard, set up an easier trade--to sell ballads.
+
+FRAUD.
+Hadst thou a stock to set up withal?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Wise enough to tell you, I!--and yonder's my stall: but beware I lose
+nothing, for if I do, I'll lay it straight to some of you; for I saw
+none so like thieves, I promise you, since I set up.
+
+FRAUD.
+You are a wise man, when your nose is in the cup. But soft, who comes
+here? step we close aside, for these be the three ladies, for my life,
+brought out of prison by their keeper. Let us be whist, and we shall
+hear and see all. Sirrah, you must say nothing.
+
+    _Enter SORROW and the three Ladies: he sets them
+    on three stones on the stage._
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Not till ye speak, for I am afraid of him that's with the women.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+O Sorrow, when, when, Sorrow, wilt thou cease
+To blow the spark that burns my troubled soul,
+To feed the worm that stings my fainting breast,
+And sharp the steel that gores my bleeding heart?
+My thoughts are thorns, my tears hot drops of lead:
+I plain, I pine, I die, yet never dead.
+If world would end, my woe should but begin:
+Lo, this the case of Conscience for her sin;
+And sin the food, wherewith my worm was fed,
+That stings me now to death, yet never dead.
+
+LOVE.
+Yet never dead, and yet Love doth not live,
+Love, that to loss in life her folly led[249],
+Folly the food whereon her frailty fed,
+Frailty the milk that Nature's breast did give:
+Life, loss, and folly: frailty, food, and kind,
+Worm, sting, thorns, fire, and torment to the mind;
+Life but a breath, and folly but a flower,
+Frailty, clay, dust, the food that fancy scorns;
+Love a sweet bait to cover losses sour,
+Flesh breeds the fire that kindles lustful thorns;
+Lust, fire, bait, scorn, dust, flower and feeble breath,
+Die, quench, deceive, flie, fade, and yield to death.
+To death? O good! if death might finish all:
+We die each day, and yet for death we call.
+
+LUCRE.
+For death we call, yet death is still in sight.
+Lucre doth scald in drops of melting gold
+Accusing rust calls on eternal night[250],
+Where flames consume, and yet we freeze with cold.
+Sorrow adds sulphur unto fury's heat,
+And chops them ice whose chattering teeth do beat;
+But sulphur, snow, flame, frost, nor hideous crying
+Can cause them die that ever are in dying,
+Nor make the pain diminish or increase:
+Sorrow is slack, and yet will never cease.
+
+SORROW.
+When Sorrow ceaseth, Shame shall then begin
+With those that wallow senseless in their sin.
+But, ladies, I have drawn you from my den
+To open air, to mitigate some moan.
+Conscience, sit down upon that sweating stone,
+And let that flint, Love, serve thee for a seat;
+And, Lady Lucre, on that stone rest you.
+And, ladies, thus I leave you here alone.
+Mourn ye, but moan not I shall absent be;
+But good it were sometime to think on me.
+                                     [_Exit_.]
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Comfort it is to think on sorrow past.
+
+LOVE.
+Sorrow remains, where joy is but a blast.
+
+LUCRE.
+A blast of wind is world's felicity.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+A blasting wind, and full of misery.
+
+LOVE.
+O Conscience, thou hast more tormented me.
+
+LUCRE.
+Me hath thy worm, O Conscience, stung too deep.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+But more myself my thoughts tormented have,
+Than both of you, in Sorrow's sullen cave;
+From whence drawn forth, I find but little rest:
+A seat uneasy, wet, and scalding hot,
+On this hard stone hath Sorrow me assign'd.
+
+LOVE.
+And on my seat myself I frozen find:
+No flint more hard, no ice more cold than this.
+
+LUCRE.
+I think my seat some mineral stone to be;
+I cold from it, it draw[eth] heat from me.
+Ladies, consent, and we our seats will view.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Dare we for shame our stained faces shew?
+
+LOVE.
+My double face is single grown again.
+
+LUCRE.
+My spots are gone: my skin is smooth and plain.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Doff we our veils, and greet this gladsome light;
+The chaser of gloom, Sorrow's heavy night[251].
+
+LOVE.
+Hail, cheerful air, and clearest crystal sky.
+
+LUCRE.
+Hail, shining sun and fairest firmament,
+Comfort to those that time in woe have spent.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Upon my weeping stone is set REMORSE in brazen letters.
+
+LOVE.
+And on this flint in lead is CHARITY.
+
+LUCRE.
+In golden letters on my stone is CARE.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Then Lucre sits upon the stone of Care.
+
+LUCRE.
+And Conscience on the marble of Remorse.
+
+LOVE.
+Love on the flint of frozen Charity.
+Ladies, alas, what tattered souls are we.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Sorrow our hearts, and time our clothes hath torn.
+
+LUCRE.
+Then sit we down like silly souls forlorn,
+And hide our faces that we be not known;
+For Sorrow's plagues tormenteth[252] me no more,
+Than will their sight, that knew me heretofore.
+
+LOVE.
+Then will their sight, that knew us heretofore,
+Draw ruth and help from them for our relief.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+For our relief? for Conscience and for Love
+No help, small ruth that our distress may move.
+
+LOVE.
+O Conscience, thou wouldst lead me to despair,
+But that I see the way to hope is fair,
+And hope to heaven directs a ready way,
+And heaven to help is prest to them that pray.
+
+LUCRE.
+That pray with faith, and with unfeign'd remorse,
+For true belief and tears make prayer of force.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Then veil ourselves, and silent let us stay,
+Till heaven shall please to send some friends this way.
+
+                            [_Sit all down_.
+
+    [_Enter_ FRAUD, DISSIMULATION, &c.]
+
+FRAUD.
+Ladies, unmask[253]! blush not for base attire:
+Here are none but friends and servants all. Dear Lady Lucre,
+Dearer unto us than daily breath we draw from sweetest air,
+Dearer than life, dearer than heaven itself,
+Deign to discover those alluring lamps,
+Those lovely eyes more clear than Venus' star,
+Whose bright aspects world's wonder do produce.
+Unveil, I say, that beauty more divine
+Than Nature (save in thee) did ever paint,
+That we, sworn slaves unto our mistress, may
+Once more behold those stately lovely looks,
+And do those duties which us well beseems,
+Such duties as we all desire to do.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+I know that tongue. Lucre, beware of Fraud.
+
+LUCRE.
+Of Fraud! Indeed by speech it should be he.
+Fraud, what seekest thou?
+
+FRAUD.
+Lucre, to honour thee with wit, with worth, with all I have;
+To be thy servant, as I was before,
+To get thee clothes, and what thou wantest else.
+
+LUCRE.
+No, Fraud, farewell: I must be won no more
+To keep such servants as I kept before.
+
+SIMONY.
+Sweet Lady Lucre, me thou mayest accept.
+
+LUCRE.
+How art thou called?
+
+SIMONY.
+Simony.
+
+LUCRE.
+Aye? No, sir; Conscience saith.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+No; Lucre now beware, false not thy faith,
+For Simony's subject to perpetual curse.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+As you two have sped, I would desire to speed no worse.
+
+FRAUD.
+Make you a suit: you may chance to speed better.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Not I, for of all my tongue is best known;
+But if I speak, it shall be to her that was once mine own.
+Good Lady Love, thou little knowest the grief
+That I, thy friend, sustain for thy distress,
+And less believest what care I have of thee.
+Look up, good Love, and to supply thy wants
+Ask what thou wilt, and thou shalt have of me,
+Of me, that joy more in thy liberty
+Than in this life or[254] light that comforts me.
+
+LOVE.
+O gall in honey, serpent in the grass!
+O bifold fountain of two bitter streams,
+Dissimulation fed with viper's flesh,
+Whose words are oil, whose deeds, the darts of death!
+Thy tongue I know, that tongue that me beguil'd,
+Thyself a devil mad'st me a monster vild.
+From the[e] well known well may I bless myself:
+Dear-bought repentance bids me shun thy snare.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+O happy Love, if now thou can beware.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Marry, but hear ye, motley-beard. I think this blindfold buzzardly
+hedge-wench spoke to ye; she knows ye, though she see thee not.
+Hark ye, you women, if you'll go to the alehouse, I'll bestow two
+pots on ye, and we'll get a pair of cards[255] and some company,
+and win twenty pots more; for you play the best at a game, call'd
+smelling of the four knaves, that ever I saw.
+
+USURY.
+Four! soft, yet they have not smell'd thee.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+No? I am one more than is in the deck, but you'll be smell'd as soon
+as ye begin to speak. I'll see what they'll say to me. Hear ye, you
+women, wives, widows, maids, men's daughters, what shall I call ye?
+These four fellows (hark ye, shall I call ye crafty knaves?) make
+me believe that you are the three that were the three fair ladies
+of London.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Gentle Simplicity, we are unhappy they.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Now, ye bad fellows, which of ye had such a word as gentle Sim?
+
+USURY.
+Bad fellows, ye rascal! If e'er you bring me pawn, I'll pinch ye
+for that word.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+I cry you mercy, Master Inquiry--Master Usury: I meant not you.
+
+FRAUD.
+If you mean us, we may be even with ye too.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Tut! I knew ye an ostler, and a thief beside: You have rubb'd my
+horse-heels ere now for all your pride. But, ladies, if ye be the
+three ladies, which of ye dwelt in Kent Street? One of you did, but
+I know not which is she, ye look all so like broom-wenches. I was
+once her servant: I'll ne'er be ashamed of her, though I be rich and
+she be poor; yet if she that hath been my dame, or he that hath been
+my master, come in place, I'll speak to them, sure: I'll do my duty.
+Which is Lady Conscience?
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Even I am she, Simplicity.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+I am glad ye are out of prison. I thought ye had forgot me: I went
+a-begging for[256] you, till the beadles snapp'd me up: now I am free,
+and keep a stall of ballads. I may buy and sell. I would you had as
+good a gown now, as I carried once of yours to pawn to Usury here.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Gramercy, good Simplicity. Wilt thou be with me now?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+No, I thank you heartily; I'll beg no more. I cannot with ye, though
+I would, for I am married to Painful-Penury. Look now, my proud
+stately masters, I may if I will; and you would, if ye might.
+
+FRAUD.
+No, not dwell with such a beggar as Conscience.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+No, Fraud ne'er lov'd Conscience, since he was an ostler.
+
+USURY.
+Who cares for Conscience but dies a beggar?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+That will not Usury do: he will first take threescore pound
+in the hundred.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Love, look on me, and I will give thee clothes.
+
+LOVE.
+I will no more by thee be so disguised.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Ye do the wiser, for his face looks like a cloak-back.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+In thy affections I had once a place.
+
+LOVE.
+Those fond affections wrought me foul disgrace.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+I'll make amends, if ought amiss were done.
+
+LOVE.
+Who once are burn'd, the fire will ever shun.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+And yet once burn'd to warm again may prove.
+
+LOVE.
+Not at thy fire; I will be perfect Love.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+I promise you, the wenches have learn'd to answer wittily.
+Here's many fair proffers to Lucre and Love,
+But who clothes poor Conscience? she may sit long enough.
+
+USURY.
+I will clothe her straight.
+
+    [USURY _takes_ FRAUD'S _cloak, and casts it on_ CONSCIENCE.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Will you, Master Usury? that's honestly spoke.
+Ha! that's no gramercy to clothe her with another man's cloak;
+But I see you have a craft in the doing, Master Usury:
+Usury covers Conscience with Fraud's cloak very cunningly.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Alas! who loads my shoulders with this heavy weed?
+Fie! how it stinks: this is perfum'd indeed.
+
+FRAUD.
+Marry, gup, Goody Conscience! indeed I do you wrong,
+But I'll quickly right it; my cloak shall not cumber you long.
+
+USURY.
+All this while Lucre knows not I am here,
+But now will I to her; mark how I speed!
+Lady, the fairest that Nature ever form'd,
+Loadstone of love, that draws affection's darts,
+The only object of all humane eyes,
+And sole desired dainty of the world,
+Thy vassal here, a virtue in thy need,
+Whom thou by licence of the law may'st use,
+Tenders himself and all his services
+To do thy will in duty as 'tofore,
+Glad of thy freedom as his proper life.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Lady Lucre, you love an apple: take heed the caterpillar consume
+not your fruit.
+
+LUCRE.
+Who is it that maketh this latest suit?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+'Tis Usury.    [_Aloud in her ear_.
+
+LUCRE.
+Great is the service he hath done for me;
+But, Usury, now I may not deal with thee.
+
+USURY.
+The law allows me, madam, in some sort.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+But God and I would have thy bounds cut short.
+
+USURY.
+For you I reck not; but if God me hate,
+Why doth the law allow me in some rate?
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Usury slanders both law and state.
+The law allows not, though it tolerate,
+And thou art sure be shut out at heaven-gate.
+
+USURY.
+You were ever nice: no matter what you prate.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Then it will be with him, as it is with a great man's house in
+dinner-time! he that knocks, when the door is shut, comes too late.
+
+LUCRE.
+Well, Usury, Fraud, and Simony,
+Dissimulation, hearken unto me.
+My tongue (although in memory it be green)
+Cannot declare what horrors I have seen;
+Ne can it enter into mortal ears
+Unmortified: the furies' fires and fears,
+The shrieks, the groans, the tortures, and the pains,
+That any soul for each of you sustains--
+No pen can write, how Conscience hath me scourg'd,
+When with your faults my soul she ever urg'd:
+Arithmetic doth fail to number all
+The plagues of Sorrow in the den of thrall.
+Then tempt me not, nor trouble me no more;
+I must not use you as I did before.
+If you be found within fair London's gate,
+You must to prison, whence we came of late.
+Conscience will accuse ye, if ye be in sight.
+
+FRAUD.
+That scurvy Conscience works us all the spite.
+
+    _Enter_ NEMO.
+
+USURY.
+Well, Lucre, yet in thee we have delight.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Yonder come some: we must take our flight.
+
+                                    [_Exeunt_ OMNES.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Birds of a feather will fly together; but when they be taken,
+  then are they baken.
+Yonder comes a customer: I'll to my stall.
+Love, Lucre, and Conscience, blindman-buff to you all.
+
+NEMO.
+Conscience, Love, Lucre, ladies all, what cheer?
+How do ye like the seats you sit upon?
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+O pure unspotted Nemo, sole paragon
+Of Love, of Conscience and perfection;
+The marble of remorse I sit upon
+Sweats scalding drops, like bitter brinish tears.
+
+NEMO.
+So should remorse, when Conscience feels her guilt.
+But, gentle Love, how feelest thou thy flint?
+
+LOVE.
+O, sharp and cold: I freeze unto my seat:
+The flint holds fire, and yet I feel no heat.
+But am benumb'd and frozen every joint.
+
+NEMO.
+O Love, so cold is charity in these times.
+Lucre, how sit you?
+
+LUCRE.
+Upon a heavy stone, not half so cold, not half so hot as theirs,
+But of some secret power, for I do find and sensibly feel,
+That I from it exhale an earthly cold,
+And it from me doth draw a kindly heat.
+
+NEMO.
+Such force hath care of Lucre in itself
+To cool the heart and draw the vital spirits;
+And such the true condition of you three;
+Remorse of Conscience, Charity of Love,
+And Care of Lucre; such your uses be.
+But, ladies, now your sorrow lay aside:
+Frolic, fair dames; an unexpected good
+Is imminent through me unto you all.
+Three lords there be, your native countrymen,
+In London bred, as you yourselves have been,
+Which covet you for honourable wives,
+And presently will come to visit you.
+Be not abashed at your base attire,
+I shall provide you friends to deck you all.
+If I command, stand up, else sit you still.
+Lo, where they come.
+
+    _Enter the three Lords_.
+
+My lords, the dames be here.
+
+POLICY.
+Why are they wimpled?[257] Shall they not unmask them?
+
+NEMO.
+It is for your sake; for Policy they do it.
+
+POMP.
+Much may their fortune and their feature be,
+But what it is we cannot thus discern.
+
+NEMO.
+You shall in time. Lord Pomp; be yet content.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Their fame is more than cause or reason would.
+May one of these be Pleasure's paragon?
+
+NEMO.
+Pleasure, be pleas'd and use no prejudice.
+Mesdames, stand up. Mislike not their attire;
+That shall be mended as yourselves desire.
+
+POLICY.
+Their port and their proportion well contents.
+
+POMP.
+Right stately dames, if they were well attir'd.
+
+PLEASURE.
+May we not see their beauty, what it is?
+
+NEMO.
+Yes, lordings, yes. Lucre, lift up thy veil.
+
+POLICY.
+Of beauty excellent!
+
+POMP.
+Of rare perfection!
+
+PLEASURE.
+A dainty face!
+
+NEMO.
+Unmask, Love.
+
+POLICY.
+Sweet Love indeed!
+
+POMP.
+A lovely face!
+
+PLEASURE.
+A gallant grace!
+
+NEMO.
+Conscience, uncover.
+
+POLICY.
+Beauty divine!
+
+POMP.
+A face angelical!
+
+PLEASURE.
+Sweet creature of the world!
+
+NEMO.
+Enough for once; ladies, sit down again.
+As cunning chapmen do by curious wares,
+                            [_To the audience_.
+Which seldom shown do most inflame the mind,
+So must I deal, being dainty of these dames,
+Who seldom seen shall best allure these lords.
+Awhile, my lords, I leave you with these three:
+Converse, confer on good conditions.
+I will right soon return with such good friends
+As it concerns to clothe these dainty ones.
+If any in my absence visit them,
+Know their intent, and use your skill therein.
+                                          [_Exit_.
+
+POLICY.
+Ladies, to call to mind your former lives,
+Were to recount your sorrows on a row.
+Omitting, then, what you have been or be,
+What you may be I'll speak, so it please you;
+Wives to us three, ladies to London lords,
+Pomp, Pleasure, Policy, men of such regard,
+As shall you guard from evil, once matched with us:
+And Policy presents this good to you.
+
+POMP.
+With London's Pomp may one of you be join'd,
+Possessing more than Fortune can afford:
+Fortune's a fool, but heavenly providence
+Guards London's Pomp and her that shall be his.
+
+PLEASURE.
+And London's Pleasure, peerless in delights,
+Will deign to make one of these dames his own,
+Who may with him in more contentment live,
+Than ever did the Queen of Oethiop.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Though silence, lords, our modesty enforce,
+Nemo can tell the secrets of our thoughts:
+Nemo, that womens' minds can constant keep,
+He shall for us you answer, good my lords.
+I speak for all, though ill-beseeming me.
+
+    _Enter_ FALSEHOOD _and_ DOUBLE-DEALING.
+
+POLICY.
+You speak but well. My lords, step we aside
+To note these fellows, what they do intend.
+
+    _Enter_ NEMO.
+
+POMP.
+Nemo can tell, for he doth follow them.
+
+FALSEHOOD.
+Ladies, to you--to some of you--we come,
+Sent from such friends as much affect your good,
+With garments and with compliments of cost,
+Accordant well to dames of such degree--
+I come to Lucre.
+
+DOUBLE-DEALING.
+I to Love am sent,
+With no less cost than could be got for coin,
+Which with my message I deliver would,
+Could I discern which of these dames were she.
+
+LOVE.
+Friend, I am Love: what bringest thou there to me?
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Beware, good Love, from whom, and what, thou takest.
+
+NEMO.
+No whispering, friend, but show it openly:
+The matter good, you need not be ashamed.
+From whom comest thou?
+
+DOUBLE-DEALING.
+That I conceal from any but from Love.
+
+NEMO.
+From whom come you, sir?
+
+FALSEHOOD.
+That shall Lucre know, and none but she.
+
+NEMO.
+Then speak aloud, for whispering here is barr'd.
+
+FALSEHOOD.
+Then neither will I do, nor speak at all.
+
+NEMO.
+Then I will speak, and tell what you are both.
+Thyself art Falsehood, and are sent from Fraud,
+To compass Lucre with a cloak of craft,
+With lawn of lies, and cauls of golden guile.
+
+POLICY.
+Pack you, my friend; for if you stay a while,
+You shall return no more to him that sent you.
+
+NEMO.
+Thou from Dissimulation art sent,
+And bring'st a gown of glosing, lin'd with lust,
+A vardingale[258] of vain boast and fan of flattery,
+A ruff of riot and a cap of pride;
+And Double-dealing is thy name and office both.
+
+DOUBLE-DEALING:
+Falsehood, let's go: we are deciphered.
+
+FALSEHOOD.
+Lucre, thou losest here a princely gift.
+
+                                 [_Exeunt ambo_.
+
+NEMO.
+Lucre consumes, being won by Fraud or shift.
+Thus, lords, you see how these are qualified,
+And how these ladies shun that sharp rebuke,
+Which some deserve by taking of such toys,
+As women weak are tempted soon with gifts.
+But here they come, that must these ladies deck.
+Lucre, arise; come from the stone of Care.
+
+    _Enter_ HONEST INDUSTRY, PURE ZEAL, _and_ SINCERITY.
+
+HONEST INDUSTRY.
+Fair Lucre, lo, what Honest Industry
+To thee hath brought, to deck thy dainty self.
+Lucre, by Honest Industry achiev'd,
+Shall prosper, nourish, and continue long.
+Come to thy chamber, to attire thee there.
+
+NEMO.
+Thou mayest depart with Honest Industry.
+
+                  [_Exit_ LUCRE _with_ HONEST INDUSTRY.
+
+PURE ZEAL.
+And, Love, arise from Charity's cold flint:
+Pure Zeal hath purchas'd robes to cover Love.
+Whiles Love is single, Zeal shall her attire,
+With kind affection mortifying lust.
+Come, Love, with me these garments to put on.
+
+NEMO.
+Love, follow Zeal, and take his ornaments.
+
+                          [_Exit_ LOVE _with_ PURE ZEAL.
+
+SINCERITY.
+Rise, Conscience, from that marble of Remorse,
+That weeping stone that scalds thy parched skin:
+Sincerity such robes for thee hath brought,
+As best beseems good Conscience to adorn.
+Come, follow, that thou may'st go put them on;
+For Conscience, clothed by Sincerity,
+Is armed well against the enemy.
+
+NEMO.
+Follow him, Conscience: fear not; thou art right.
+
+                   [_Exit_ CONSCIENCE _with_ SINCERITY.
+
+POLICY.
+Most reverend Nemo, thanks for this good sight.
+Lucre is clothed by Honest Industry.
+
+POMP.
+Love by Pure Zeal.
+
+PLEASURE.
+                   And Conscience by Sincerity.
+
+NEMO.
+Lordings, thus have you seen them at the first,
+And thus you see them, trust me, at the worst.
+Depart we now: come hence a day or two,
+And see them deck'd as dainty ladies should,
+And make such choice as may content you all.
+
+POLICY.
+Thanks, righteous Nemo. We, the London lords,
+Only to thee ourselves acknowledge bound.
+
+                                   [_Exeunt omnes_.
+
+    _Enter_ PAINFUL PENURY _and_ SIMPLICITY.
+
+PENURY.
+Come on, gentle husband; let us lay our heads together, our purses
+together, and our reckonings together, to see whether we win or lose,
+thrive or not, go forward or backward. Do you keep a book or a score?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+A score, wife? you mean for the alehouse, do you not?
+I would have her examine me thereof no further, for I am in too far
+there, more than I would she should know.    [_Aside_.
+
+PENURY.
+I mean no alehouse-score, but a note of your wares. Let me see: first
+you began to set up with a royal. How much money have ye? What ware,
+and what gain?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+I have five shillings in money, two shillings in wares, or thereabout,
+and I owe two shillings and eightpence upon the score; how much is
+that? Five shillings, two shillings, and two shillings and eightpence?
+
+PENURY.
+That is nine shillings and eightpence: so we are worse by a groat than
+when we began. Well, once again I'll set ye up: here is four groats I
+have got by bearing water this week: make up your stock, and run no more
+behind. Who comes here?
+
+    _Enter_ FRAUD, _like [a foreign] artificer_.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+What lack ye? What do ye lack?
+
+FRAUD.
+Me lack-a de monish pour de feene--very feene--French knack, de feene
+gold button, de brave bugla lace, a de feene gold ring-a. You be free
+man, me un' foreigner: you buy a me ware, you gain teene pownd by lay
+out teene shellengs.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Wife, what hard luck have we, that cannot make ten shillings now to
+gain ten pound. Why, ten pound would set us up for ever.
+
+PENURY.
+Husband, see the ware; and if ten shilling will buy it, it shall go
+hard but we will make that money. Friend, show my husband your wares.
+
+FRAUD.
+Look you dere, mastra, de feene buttoon de la gold, de ring-a de gold,
+de bugla shean: two shelleng un doozen de buttoon, un shelleng-a un
+ring. 'Tis worth ten shelleng, but, mastra and mastressa, me muss a make
+money to go over in my own countrey, but me lose teen pound pour hast to
+go next tide, or to-morrow.
+
+PENURY.
+Here is five shillings; buy them of this stranger.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Friend, you have not stolen them, but you make them? Well, I'll buy
+them in the open market, and then I care not; here is ten shillings;
+deliver me the wares.
+
+FRAUD.
+Dere, mastra! O, pover necessity mak a me sell pour grand, grand loss:
+you shall gain ten pound at least. Go'boy[259].
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+What's your name?
+
+FRAUD.
+Merchant, I think I am even with ye now for calling me ostler.
+You'll thrive well with such bargains, if ye buy, ye know not what.
+Fraud hath fitted you with worse than your ballads.    [_Aside_.
+
+PENURY.
+You'll warrant them gold, sirrah?
+
+FRAUD.
+Oui; so good gol' as you pay for.    [_Aside_.]
+Adieu, mounsier.
+                    [_Exit_.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Adieu, mounsier. Adieu, fool: sell such gold buttons and rings for so
+little money. Good Lord! what pennyworths these strangers can afford.
+Now, wife, let me see: ten pound! when we have ten pound, we'll have
+a large shop, and sell all manner of wares, and buy more of these,
+and get ten pound more, and then ten pound, and ten pound, and twenty
+pound. Then thou shalt have a taffata hat and a guarded gown, and I a
+gown and a new cap, and a silk doublet, and a fair hose[260].
+
+PENURY.
+I thank ye, husband. Well, till then look well to your wares, and I'll
+ply my waterbearing, and save and get, and get and save, till we be
+rich. But bring these wares home every night with ye.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Tush! I shall sell them afore night for ten pounds. Gow, wife, gow;
+I may tell you[261], I am glad this French fellow came with these
+wares: we had fall'n to examining the ale-score else, and then we had
+fall'n out, and the ale-wife and my wife had scolded. [_Aside_.] Well,
+a man may see, he that's ordained to be rich shall be rich: gow, woman.
+
+                                                     [_Exeunt_.
+
+    _Enter_ NEMO _and the three_ LORDS _as though they had been chiding_.
+
+NEMO.
+From whence, good lords, grew this hot argument?
+
+POLICY.
+Thou knowest already; yet, if thou wilt hear,
+For this we strive: fond Pleasure makes account,
+Summing his bills without an auditor[262],
+That Lady Lucre ought of right be his.
+
+PLEASURE.
+So I affirm, and so I will maintain,
+That Pleasure ought by right Dame Lucre have,
+To bear the charge of sports and of delights.
+
+POMP.
+Nay, to support the haughty magnificence
+And lordly Pomp of London's excellence
+Befits it rather Lucre join with me,
+By whom her honour shall be more advanced.
+
+POLICY.
+More fit for Pomp than Pleasure; but most fit
+That Policy with Lucre should be matched,
+As guerdon of my studies and my cares,
+And high employments in the commonwealth.
+
+PLEASURE.
+What pleasure can be fostered without cost?
+
+POMP.
+What pomp or port without respect of gain?
+
+POLICY.
+What policy without preferment lives?
+
+PLEASURE.
+Pleasure must have Lucre.
+
+POMP.
+Pomp hath need of Lucre.
+
+POLICY.
+Policy merits Lucre.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Pleasure dies without Lucre.
+
+POMP.
+Pomp decays without Lucre.
+
+POLICY.
+Policy droops without Lucre.
+
+NEMO.
+Thus, lords, you show your imperfections,
+Subject to passions, straining honour's bounds.
+Be well-advis'd: you promised to be rul'd,
+And have those dames by me disposed to you,
+But since I see that human humours oft
+Makes men forgetful of their greater good,
+Be here a while: Dame Lucre shall be brought
+By me to choose which lord she liketh best,
+So you allow her choice with patience.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Go: we abide thy doom till thy return.             [_Exit_.
+
+POMP.
+If Lucre be not mad, she will be mine.
+
+POLICY.
+If she regard her good, she will be mine.
+
+PLEASURE.
+If she love happy life, she will be mine:
+Women love Pleasure.
+
+POMP.
+Women love Pomp.
+
+POLICY.
+Women use Policy: and here she comes that must decide the doubt.
+
+    _Enter_ NEMO, _with_ CONSCIENCE _all in white_.
+
+NEMO.
+Conscience, content thee with a quaint conceit:
+Conceal thy name to work a special good.
+Thou art not known to any of these lords
+By face or feature: till they hear thy name,
+Which must be Lucre for a fine device,
+And Conscience clear indeed's the greatest gain.    [_Aside_.
+Lo, lordings, here fair Lucre whom ye love.
+Lucre, the choice is left unto thyself,
+Which of these three thou wilt for husband choose.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+The modesty that doth our sex beseem
+Forbids my tongue therein to tell my thought;
+But may it please my lords to pardon me,
+Which of you three shall deign to make such choice,
+Him shall I answer to his own content.
+
+POLICY.
+If Lucre please to match with Policy,
+She shall be mistress over many men.
+
+POMP.
+If Lucre like to match with London's Pomp,
+In stately port all others she shall pass.
+
+PLEASURE.
+If Pleasure may for wife fair Lucre gain,
+Her life shall be an earthly paradise.
+
+NEMO.
+Lo, Lucre! men, and port, and pleasant life,
+Are here propounded. Which wilt thou accept?
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Lord Policy, Love were the only choice,
+Methinks, for you, that all your cares employ,
+And studies for the love of commonwealth.
+For you, Lord Pleasure, Conscience were a wife
+To measure your delights by reason's rule:
+In recreation Conscience' help to use.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Were Conscience half so sweet as is thyself,
+Her would I seek with suits and services.
+
+NEMO.
+No less accomplished in perfection
+Is Conscience than this lady, I protest.
+
+PLEASURE.
+But on this dame hath Pleasure fix'd his heart,
+And this or death the period of his love.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Lucre with Pomp most aptly might combine.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Lucre or Love, if case thou wilt be mine,
+Let pass thy name: thyself do I desire.
+Thee will I have, except thyself deny;
+With thee to live, or else for thee to die.
+
+NEMO.
+What, if I deny?
+
+PLEASURE.
+Then will I have her.
+
+POLICY.
+If we deny?
+
+PLEASURE.
+So much the rather.
+
+POMP.
+The rather in despite of us? Not so.
+
+NEMO.
+My lords, no quarrel: let this lady go;
+And if ye trust me, I'll content ye both.
+Pleasure, this is not Lucre.
+
+PLEASURE.
+She's Lucre unto me;
+But be she Love or Conscience, this is she--
+
+POLICY.
+--whom you will have?
+
+PLEASURE.
+Spite of the devil, I will.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Must it not be, my lord, if I agree?
+
+PLEASURE.
+Agree.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Some further proof of it fits[263] you to see.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Receive in[264] pawn my heart, my hand, and oath
+To be thy own in love, in faith, and troth.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Thus you are fast, and yet myself am free.
+
+PLEASURE.
+I know in ruth thou wilt not me refuse.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+I know not that; but other I'll not choose.
+
+NEMO.
+It is enough: Lord Pleasure, do not fear:
+Conscience will use you as becomes her best.
+
+PLEASURE.
+And art thou Conscience? welcomer to me
+Than either Love or Lucre.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+                           God send grace I be!
+
+NEMO. [_Addressing_ POMP _and_ POLICY.]
+My lords, be pleas'd: ere long shall you be sped,
+As much to your contents as Pleasure is.
+Say but the word, myself shall soon present
+Lucre and Love, well worthy such as you.
+
+POLICY.
+Right thankfully those favours we'll receive.
+
+    _Enter_ DILIGENCE _in haste_.
+
+DILIGENCE.
+My lords, if your affairs in present be not great,
+Greater than any, save regard of life,
+Yea, even the greatest of the commonwealth,
+Prepare ye to withstand a stratagem,
+Such as this land nor London ever knew.
+The Spanish forces[265], lordings, are prepar'd
+In bravery and boast beyond all bounds,
+T'invade, to win, to conquer all this land.
+They chiefly aim at London's stately Pomp,
+At London's Pleasure, Wealth, and Policy,
+Intending to despoil her of them all,
+And over all these lovely ladies three,
+Love, Lucre, Conscience, of the rarest price[266],
+To tyrannise and carry hardest hand.
+From Spain they come with engine and intent
+To slay, subdue, to triumph and torment:
+Myself (so heaven would) espial of them had,
+And Diligence, dear lords, they call my name.
+If you vouchsafe to credit my report,
+You do me right, and to yourselves no wrong,
+Provided that you arm you, being warn'd.
+
+POLICY.
+Diligence, thy service shall be knowen,
+And well rewarded. Nemo, for a time
+Conceal this dame, and live secure, unseen;
+Let us alone, whom most it doth concern,
+To meet and match our overweening foes.
+
+POMP.
+Nemo, keep close, and Conscience, pray for us.
+Begone, and recommend us to our God.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+My lords, if ever, show your honours now.
+Those proud, usurping Spanish tyrants come,
+To reave from you what most you do regard:
+To take away your credit and your fame:
+To raze and spoil our right-renowned town;
+And if you Love or Lucre do regard,
+Or have of Conscience any kind of care,
+The world shall witness by this action;
+And of the love that you to us pretend,
+In this your valour shall assurance give.
+More would I speak, but danger's in delay:
+You know my mind, and heavens record my thoughts,
+Which[267] I with prayers for you will penetrate,
+And will in heart be present in your fight.
+Now, Pleasure, show what you will do for me.
+
+PLEASURE.
+I will be turn'd to Pain for thy sweet sake.
+
+POLICY.
+Fair Conscience, fear not, but assure thyself,
+What kind affection we soever bear
+To Love and Lucre in this action,
+Chiefly for thee our service shall be done.
+
+POMP.
+For Conscience' sake more than for Lucre now.
+
+POLICY.
+For Love and Conscience, not despising Lucre.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Only for Conscience will I hazard all.
+
+NEMO.
+And I from hence will her convey a space,
+Till you return with happy victory.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Farewell, my lords: for me, my lords, for me!
+
+                      [_Exeunt_ NEMO _and_ CONSCIENCE.
+
+POLICY.
+Diligence, what number may there be?
+
+DILIGENCE.
+A mighty host, and chiefly led by three,
+Who brave it out in show, as men assured
+Of victory, sans venture or repulse.
+
+POLICY.
+How near be they?
+
+DILIGENCE.
+So near, my lords, that each delay is death.
+Stand on your guard: they come as challengers
+To bruise your shields and bear away your prize,
+Mounting the seas, and measuring the land
+With strong imaginations of success.
+
+POLICY.
+Well, Diligence, go get in readiness
+Men and munition: bid our pages ply,
+To see that all our furniture be well:
+Wit, Wealth, and Will to further wars be fit.
+                                  [_Exit_ DILIGENCE.
+My lords, I would I might advise ye now
+To Carry, as it were, a careless regard
+Of these Castilians and their accustomed bravado.
+Lord Pomp, let nothing that's magnifical,
+Or that may tend to London's graceful state,
+Be unperform'd; as shows and solemn feasts,
+Watches in armour, triumphs, cresset-lights[268],
+Bonfires, bells, and peals of ordnance.
+And, Pleasure, see that plays be published,
+May-games and masques, with mirth and minstrelsy,
+Pageants and school-feasts, bears and puppet plays.
+Myself will muster upon Mile-end Green,
+As though we saw, and fear'd not to be seen;
+Which will their spies in such a wonder set,
+To see us reck so little such a foe,
+Whom all the world admires, save only we.
+And we respect our sport more than his spite.
+That John the Spaniard will in rage run mad,
+To see us bend like oaks with his vain breath.
+
+POMP.
+In this device such liking I conceive,
+As London shall not lack what Pomp can do.
+And well I know that worthy citizens
+Do carry minds so frank and bountiful,
+As for their honour they will spare no cost:
+Especially to let their enemy know,
+Honour in England, not in Spain, doth grow.
+
+PLEASURE.
+And for the time that they in pleasure spend,
+'Tis limited to such an honest end,
+Namely, for recreation of the mind,
+With no great cost, yet liberal in that kind,
+That Pleasure vows with all delights he can
+To do them good--till death to be their man.
+
+POLICY.
+Of Policy they trial have at large.
+
+POMP.
+Then, let us go, and each man to his charge.
+
+                        [_Exeunt the three Lords_.
+
+    _Enter_ SIMPLICITY _led by_ USURY.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+I, sir? Why, alas! I bought them of a stranger, an old Frenchman,
+for good gold, and to be worth ten pound, for so he told me. I have
+good witness, for my own wife was by, and lent me part of the money.
+
+USURY.
+And what did they cost you?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Ten shillings, every penny.
+
+USURY.
+That argues you are guilty. Why, could ye buy so many rings and buttons
+of gold, think ye, for ten shillings? Of whom did ye buy them?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Of an old Frenchman, the old French disease take him!
+
+USURY.
+And where dwells that old Frenchman?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+In France, I think, for he told me he was to go over the next tide
+  or the next day:
+My wife can tell as well as I,
+If ye think I lie.
+For she was by.
+
+USURY.
+A good answer: he dwells in France, and you dwell here; and for
+uttering copper for gold you are like to lose both your ears upon
+the pillory, and besides lose your freedom.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Nay, if I lose my ears, I care not for my freedom: keep you my freedom,
+so I may keep my ears. Is there no remedy for this, Master Usury?
+
+USURY.
+None, except you can find out that old Frenchman.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Peradventure I can, if you'll let me go into France to seek him.
+
+USURY.
+So we may lose you, and never see him. Nay, that may not be.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Nay, good Master Usury, take all my goods, and let me go.
+
+    _Enter_ FRAUD, DISSIMULATION, SIMONY, _in canvas coats like sailors_.
+
+FRAUD.
+What's the matter, Usury, that this poor knave cries so?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+O Master Fraud! speak to him to let me go.
+
+FRAUD.
+Fraud, ye villain! call me not by my name, and ye shall see I will
+speak to him to let you go free.    [_Aside_.]
+Usury, of all old fellowship, let this poor knave pack, if the matter
+be not too heinous.
+
+USURY.
+No: fie! his fault is odious. Look here what stuff he would utter for
+gold: flat copper; and he say'th he bought them of an old Frenchman.
+
+FRAUD.
+But thou didst not sell them, didst thou?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+No, sir; I would have but laid them to pawn for five pounds to him.
+
+FRAUD.
+That was more than they were worth. I promise thee, a foul matter.
+Well, thou must lose thy ware, and be glad to escape: so, Usury,
+at my request ye shall let the poor man go.
+
+USURY.
+Well, for this once I will. Sirrah, get ye packing, and take heed of
+such a piece of work again, while ye live.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+There is divers pieces of work in that box: pray ye, give me some of
+my goods again, a ring, or something.
+
+USURY.
+Not an inch, and be glad to 'scape as ye do.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Alas! I am undone: there's all the wealth and stock I have.
+
+FRAUD.
+Do ye long to lose your ears? be gone, ye foolish knave.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+I thank ye, Master Fraud. I'll not go far, but I'll be near to hear
+and see what the meaning of these fellows in this canvas should be;
+for I know Fraud, Dissimulation, and Simony to be those three. Here,
+I think, I am unseen.
+                         [SIMPLICITY _hides him near them_.
+
+FRAUD.
+Usury, thank me for this good booty, for it is I that holp ye to it,
+for I sold them to him for gold indeed, in the shape of an old French
+artificer; come, give me half, for I deserve it, for my part was the
+first beginning of this comedy. I was ever afraid lest the fool should
+have known me; for ye see now, though disguis'd, he called me by my name.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Did I so? I am glad I have found the Frenchman. Now, I'll raise the
+street, but I'll have my wares again, and prove ye, as ye were ever,
+both false knaves, I believe.
+                      [_Exit_ SIMPLICITY[269].
+
+FRAUD.
+Kill him, stab him! Out, villain! he will betray us all.
+
+USURY.
+What a fool were you to speak before he was gone: now you have lost
+your part of this, too; for he will go complain, you will be sought
+for, and I made to restore these things again.
+
+FRAUD.
+Not if thou be wise: thou wilt not tarry the reckoning, for seest
+thou not us three, Dissimulation, Simony, and myself?
+
+USURY.
+Yes: what means these canvas suits? Will ye be sailors?
+
+FRAUD.
+Usury, make one: this is our intent. Let's see that none hear us now.
+The Spaniards are coming, thou hearest, with great power: here is no
+living for us in London; men are growen so full of conscience and
+religion, that Fraud, Dissimulation, and Simony are deciphered, and
+being deciphered are also despised, and therefore we will slip to the
+sea, and meet and join with the enemy; and if they conquer, as they may,
+for they are a great army by report, our credit may rise again with
+them: if they fail and retire, we may either go with them and live in
+Spain, where we and such good fellows are tolerated and used, or come
+slyly again hither, so long as none knows but friends.
+
+USURY.
+But will you do thus, you two?
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+And thou too, I hope: why, what should we do?
+
+USURY.
+Whatsoever ye do, be not traitors to your native country.
+
+SIMONY.
+'Tis not our native country, thou knowest. I, Simony, am a Roman:
+Dissimulation, a mongrel--half an Italian, half a Dutchman: Fraud so,
+too--half French and half Scotish; and thy parents were both Jews,
+though thou wert born in London, and here, Usury, thou art cried out
+against by the preachers. Join with us, man, to better thy state, for
+in Spain preaching toucheth us not.
+
+USURY.
+To better my state? Nay, to alter my state, for here, where I am,
+I know the government: here I can live for all their threat'ning.
+If strangers prevail, I know not their laws nor their usage: they
+may be oppressors, and take all I have; and it is like they are so,
+for they seek that's not their own. Therefore here will I stay,
+sure to keep what I have, rather than be a traitor upon hap and
+had-I-wist: and stay you, if ye be wise, and pray as I pray, that
+the preachers and all other good men may die, and then we shall
+flourish; but never trust to strangers' courtesy.
+
+FRAUD.
+We shall trust but to our friends and kin. You'll not go with us, yet
+for old acquaintance keep counsel; betray us not, for we'll be gone to
+sea. I am afraid yon foolish knave have belaid the streets for us.
+
+USURY.
+Let me go afore ye: if any such thing be, I'll give ye inkling.
+                                                          [_Exit_.
+
+FRAUD.
+Do: farewell, Usury: and as he goes one way, we'll go another.
+Follow, sirs: never trust a shrinker, if he be your own brother.
+
+                                            [_Exeunt omnes_.
+
+    _Enter the three Lords with their Pages and_ FEALTY, _a Herald,
+    before them, his coat having the arms of London before, and an
+    olive tree behind_.
+
+POLICY.
+Fealty, thou faithful herald of our town,
+Thou true truce-keeper and sure friend in peace,
+Take down our shields, and give them to our boys.
+                                       [_He delivers them_.
+Now, Fealty, prepare thy wits for war,
+To parley with the proud Castilians,
+Approaching fast the frontiers of our coast.
+Wit here, my page, in every message shall
+Attend on thee, to note them and their deeds.
+I need not tell thee, they are poor and proud:
+Vaunters, vainglorious, tyrants, truce-breakers:
+Envious, ireful, and ambitious.
+For thou hast found their facings and their brags,
+Their backs their coffers, and their wealth their rags;
+But let me tell thee what we crave of thee--
+To scan with judgment what their leaders be,
+To note their presence and observe their grace,
+And truly to advertise what they seem;
+Whether to be experienced in arms,
+Or men of name--those three that lead the rest--
+The rest refer we to thy own conceit.
+
+FEALTY.
+I hope in this my duty to discharge,
+As heretofore----
+
+    SIMPLICITY _make a great noise within, and enter with
+    three or four weaponed_.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Clubs! clubs![270] Nay, come, neighbours, come, for here they be: here
+I left them, arrant thieves, rogues, coseners. I charge ye, as you will
+answer, 'prehend them; for they have undone me, and robb'd me, and made
+me the poorest freeman that ever kept a ballad-stall.
+
+A CONSTABLE.
+I charge ye keep the peace, and lay down your weapons.
+                                      [_To the three Lords_.
+
+POMP.
+Who rais'd this tumult? Speak, what means this stir?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+O, I am undone, robb'd, spoil'd of all my stock! Let me see, where
+be they? Keep every street and door: 'xamine all that comes for
+Fraud that cosener.
+
+POLICY.
+Masters, what mean you in these troublous times
+To keep this coil?
+
+CONSTABLE.
+Alas! my lord, here's a poor man robb'd or cosened.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+I am robb'd.--O my boys, my pretty boys, I am undone!
+Saw ye no thieves, nor no crafty knaves? What be all these?
+
+WIT.
+Simplicity, away! these be our lords; offend them not for fear.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+I seek not them: I seek for Fraud that robb'd me.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Go, seek elsewhere, for here's no place for such.
+
+POLICY.
+My friends, depart, and qualify this stir,
+And see peace kept within the walls, I charge ye.
+
+CONSTABLE.
+I will, my lord. Come, Simplicity, we came too late to find your losses.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Pray for me, my boys; I think I shall hang myself.
+I come ever too late to speed.
+
+                                  [_Exeunt_.
+
+POLICY.
+Now, lords, let honour's fire inflame our thoughts,
+And let us arm our courage with our cause,
+And so dispose ourselves to welcome them.
+Do me the favour (if I may entreat)
+To be the first to front the foe in face:
+The vanguard let be Policy's this once,
+Pomp's the main battle, Pleasure's the rearward;
+And so bestow us, if you think it good.
+
+POMP.
+I think it good, and time that it were done.
+
+PLEASURE.
+I think it good, and wish the enemy come.
+
+    _Enter_ DILIGENCE.
+
+DILIGENCE.
+And here they come, as brave as Philip's son
+And his Hephaestion wont to be array'd,
+In glittering gold and party-coloured plumes;
+With curious pendants on their lances fix'd,
+Their shields impress'd with gilt copartiments;
+Their pages careless playing at their backs,
+As if with conquest they triumphing came.
+
+POLICY.
+If they be conquer'd, greater is their shame.
+But, Diligence, go post alongst the coast
+To tell the news; and look, to welcome them,
+Let us alone. My lords, you hear the news:
+More words were vain; I know ye well resolv'd.
+
+                                   [_Exit_ DILIGENCE.
+
+POMP.
+And here they come. O proud Castilians!
+
+    _Enter first_, SHEALTY _the Herald; then_ PRIDE, _bearing his
+    shield himself, his impress a Peacock; the word_ Nonpareil;
+    _his Page_, SHAME, _after him with a lance, having a pendant gilt,
+    with this word in it_, Sur le Ciel. AMBITION, _his impress a black
+    horse saliant, with one hinder-foot upon the globe of the earth,
+    one fore-foot stretching towards the clouds, his word_ Non sufficit
+    orbis; _his Page_, TREACHERY, _after him, his pendant argent and
+    azure, an armed arm catching at the sunbeams, the word in it_ Et
+    gloriam Phoebi. _Last_, TYRANNY, _his impress a naked child on a
+    spear's-point, bleeding; his word_ Pour sangue; _his Page_, TERROR,
+    _his pendant gules, in it a tiger's head out of a cloud, licking
+    a bloody heart; the word in it_ Cura cruor. _March once about the
+    stage, then stand and view the Lords of London, who shall march
+    towards them, and they give back, then the Lords of London wheel
+    about to their standing, and th' other come again into their
+    places. Then_ POLICY _sends_ FEALTY; _their Herald's coat must
+    have the arms of Spain before, and a burning ship behind_.
+
+POLICY.
+My lords, what mean these gallants to perform?
+Come these Castilian cowards but to brave?
+Do all these mountains move to breed a mouse?
+Fealty, go fetch their answer resolute,
+How they dare be so bold, and what
+They dare do here.
+
+    [_As_ FEALTY _is going toward them, they send forth_ SHEALTY.
+
+SHEALTY.
+What wouldst thou, herald?
+
+FEALTY.
+Parley with those three, herald.
+
+SHEALTY.
+They scorn to grace so mean a man as thou
+With parley or with presence.
+
+FEALTY.
+                              Do they scorn?
+What, are thy masters monarchs every one?
+Or be they gods? or rather be they devils?
+Scorn they a herald's presence and his speech?
+Name them, that I may know their mightiness,
+And so avoid of duties some neglect.
+
+SHEALTY.
+Monarchs in minds, and gods in high conceits,
+That scorn you English as the scum of men,
+Whom I ne dare without their licence name,
+'Fore whom thy duties all are few and base.
+
+FEALTY.
+Imperious Spaniard, do a herald right:
+Thyself art one; their trouchman[271] if thou be,
+Be thou my trump[272], that I my message may
+Through thee convey to them from London lords.
+
+SHEALTY.
+Base English groom, from beggars sent belike,
+Who for their mate thee malapert account,
+Dare I (think'st thou) these lords magnificent,
+Without their special pleasure understood.
+Once move with message or with show of speech?
+
+FEALTY.
+More servile thou to lose a herald's due,
+That is in field a king's companion.
+But if thou dare not my ambassage do,
+Stand by, and stop not my access to them.
+
+SHEALTY.
+Rather will I return, and know their minds.
+
+    [_When_ SHEALTY _goes to them_, WIT _goes to the
+    three Lords of London_.
+
+POLICY.
+Now, boy, what news?
+
+WIT.
+The fearful herald of yon famous crew
+Durst not your message to his masters tell,
+Till Fealty with contumelious words
+(Yet was the Spaniard brave and hot in terms)
+Enforced him for their answer resolute.
+
+                 [_The Spaniards whisper with their Herald_.
+
+POMP.
+Which now, belike, our herald shall receive;
+For theirs comes to him.
+
+SHEALTY.
+It pleaseth them to be magnifical,
+And of their special graces to vouchsafe
+A counterview of pages and of shields,
+And countermessage by us heralds done;
+A favour which they seldom grant to foes.
+Go thou for those; I meet thee will with these.
+
+FEALTY.
+My lords, yon braving Spaniards wish
+A counterview of pages and of shields,
+But what they mean or be, I know not yet.
+Haply you may by their impresses view,
+Or I by parley some conjecture give,
+So please it you your pages and your shields
+With me to send: their herald comes with theirs.
+
+POLICY.
+Our shields I reck not, but to send our Wealth--
+
+FEALTY.
+Accompanied with Wit and Will--no peril.
+
+POMP.
+It is my Wealth; but keep him, if they dare:
+I'll fetch him double, if they do, my lords.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Boys, take our shields and spears, for they come on.
+
+WIT.
+Vail, Spaniard: couch thy lance and pendant both.
+Knowest where thou art? Here will we bear no braves.
+
+    [_When the English boys meet the other, cause them to put
+    down the tops of their lances, but they beat up theirs_.
+
+WEALTH.
+Down with your point: no loft-born lances here
+By any stranger, be he foe or friend.
+
+WILL.
+Well dost thou note the couching of thy lance;
+Mine had, ere this, else gor'd your Spanish skin.
+
+FEALTY.
+Well done, my boys; but now all reverence--
+
+SHEALTY.
+Advance again your lances now, my boys.
+                                [_Hold up again_.
+
+S. PRIDE.
+Dicito nobis ideo, qui ades, quid sibi velint isthaec emblemata?
+Dicito (inquam) lingua materna: nos enim omnes bellè intelligimus,
+quamvis Anglicè loqui dedignamur.
+
+FEALTY.
+Then know, Castilian cavalieros, this:
+The owners of these emblems are three lords,
+Those three that now are viewing of your shields:
+Of London, our chief city, are they lords;
+Policy, Pomp, and Pleasure be their names;
+And they, in honour of their mistresses,
+Love, Lucre, Conscience, London ladies three,
+Emblazoned these scutcheons, challenging
+Who durst compare or challenge one of them.
+And Policy a tortoise hath impress'd,
+Encompass'd with her shell, her native walls,
+And _Providens securus_ is his word:
+His page is Wit, his mistress Lady Love.
+Pomp in his shield a lily hath portray'd,
+As paragon of beauty and boon-grace:
+_Glorie sans peere_ his word, and true it is;
+With London's Pomp Castile cannot compare:
+His page is Wealth, his mistress Lucre hight.
+Pleasure, the dainty of that famous town,
+A falcon hath emblazon'd, soaring high,
+To show the pitch that London's Pleasure flies:
+His word _Pour temps_, yet never stops to train,
+But unto Conscience, chosen for his dear:
+His page is Will; and thus th'effect you hear.
+
+S. PRIDE.
+Buena, buena, per los Lutheranos Ingleses.
+
+FEALTY.
+Mala, mala, per Catholicos Castellanos.
+
+POLICY.
+Loqueris Anglicè?
+
+SHEALTY.
+Maximè, Domine.
+
+POLICY.
+Agendum: go to, then; and declare
+Thy lords their shields, their pages and their purpose.
+Speak, man; fear not: though Spain use messengers ill,
+'Tis England's guise to entreat them courteously.
+
+SHEALTY.
+Three cavalieros Castilianos here,
+Without compeers in compass of this world,
+Are come to conquer, as full well they shall,
+This molehill isle, that little England hight,
+With London, that proud paltry market-town,
+And take those dames, Love, Lucre, Conscience,
+Prisoners, to use or force, as pleaseth them.
+The first (now quake) is Spanish Majesty,
+That for his impress gives Queen Juno's bird,
+Whose train is spang'd with Argus' hundred eyes;
+The Queen of Gods scorns not to grace him so:
+His word is _Nonpareil_, none his like;
+Yet is his page or henchman Modesty,
+Lucre the lady that shall be his prize:
+And in his pendant on his lance's point
+_Sur le Ciel_ his word, Above the heavens.
+
+POLICY.
+Whilome, indeed, above the heavens he was,
+Could he have kept him in that blessed state.
+From thence for pride he fell to pit of pain;
+And is he now become the pride of Spain?
+And to his page, not Modesty, but Shame.
+Well, on, the rest----
+
+SHEALTY.
+Don Honour is the next grand peer of Spain,
+Whose impress is a courser saliant,
+Of colour sable, darkening air and earth,
+Pressing the globe with his disdainful foot,
+And sallying to aspire to rolling skies:
+_Non sufficit orbis_ is his haughty word,
+The world sufficeth not high Honour's thoughts;
+And on the pendant, fixed on his lance,
+A hand is catching at the sunny beams:
+_Et gloriam Phoebi_, and the sun's bright coach
+Honour would guide, if he might have his will.
+His page is Action, tempering still with state.
+
+POLICY.
+Himself Ambition, whom the heavens do hate.
+
+SHEALTY.
+And Love the lady that he hopes to gain.
+
+POLICY.
+His thoughts, distract from foul-distempered brain,
+Proves him the very firebrand[273] of Spain:
+And in his shield his black disordered beast,
+Scaling the skies, scornful to tread the ground,
+And both his words--proud words--prove perfectly
+Action his page to be but Treachery,
+Ever attendant on Ambition.
+But to the third----
+
+SHEALTY.
+The third grand cavaliero is Government,
+Severe in justice and in judgment deep:
+His impress is a naked infant, gor'd
+Upon a lance, signifying Severity.
+His word _Pour sangue_; for blood of enemies
+He bends his forces: on his pendant is
+A tiger, licking of a bleeding heart;
+And _Cura cruor_ is the word thereon:
+His care's for blood of those that dare resist.
+Yet hight his page, that follows him, Regard,
+And he for Conscience to this conquest comes.
+
+POLICY.
+The Government of Spain is Tyranny,
+As do his impress and his words declare:
+His page is Terror; for a tyrant fears
+His death in diet, in his bed, in sleep.
+In Conscience' spite, the Spanish tyranny
+Hath shed a sea of most unguilty blood.
+Well, what's the end?
+
+SHEALTY.
+The end is, best you yield,
+Submitting you to mercy of these lords.
+
+POMP.
+Before we fight? soft, sir; ye brave too fast.
+Castilians, know that Englishmen will knock. But say,
+Doth Spanish Pride for London's Lucre gape?
+
+PLEASURE.
+And would their Tyranny Conscience captive have?
+
+POLICY.
+Doth their Ambition London's Love affect?
+
+SHEALTY.
+All this they will, and prey upon your town,
+And give your lands away before your face.
+Alas! what's England to the power of Spain?
+A molehill, to be placed where it pleaseth them.
+
+POMP.
+But in this molehill many pismires be,
+All which will sting, before they be remov'd.
+What is thy name?
+
+SHEALTY.
+Shealty.
+
+POLICY.
+An Irish word, signifying liberty;
+Rather remissness, looseness, if ye will.
+Why hath thy coat a burning ship behind?
+
+SHEALTY.
+To signify the burning of your fleet
+By us Castilians.
+
+POLICY.
+It rather means your commonwealth's on fire
+About your ears, and you were best look home.
+A commonwealth's compared to a ship:
+If yours do flame, your country is hot; beware.
+
+FEALTY.
+I see, Castilians, that you marvel much
+At this same emblem of the olive-tree
+Upon my back; lo, this it signifies.
+Spain is in wars; but London lives in peace:
+Your native fruit doth wither on your soil,
+And prospers where it never planted was.
+This London's Fealty doth avouch for truth.
+Herald of war, and porter of their peace,
+Command ye me no service to my lords?
+
+S. PRIDE.
+Quid tu cum dominis mox servietis miseri nobis[274]: discede.
+
+FEALTY.
+Quid mihi cum dominis servietis miseri meis!
+
+POMP.
+Shealty, say unto yon Thrasoes three,
+The Lords of London dare them to the field,
+Pitying their pride and their ambition,
+Scorning their tyranny, and yet fearing this,
+That they are come from home and dare not fight;
+But if they dare--in joint or several arms,
+Battle or combat--him that Lucre seeks,
+Your Spanish Pride, him dare I from the rest.
+
+PLEASURE.
+That bloody cur, your Spanish Tyranny,
+That London's Conscience would force with cruelty,
+I challenge him for Conscience' sake to fight
+A Lord of London, and I Pleasure hight.
+And, Shealty, when citizens dare them thus,
+Judge what our nobles and our courtiers dare.
+
+POLICY.
+Say, if thou wilt, that London's Policy
+Discerns that proud Ambition of Spain;
+And for he comes inflam'd with London's Love,
+In combat let him conquer me, and have her.
+This is Love's favour; I her servant am.
+
+POMP.
+This Lucre's favour: Pomp for her will fight.
+
+PLEASURE.
+This Conscience' favour: she my mistress is.
+
+SHEALTY.
+You craven English on your dunghills crow.
+
+POMP.
+You Spanish pheasants crow upon your perch:
+But when we fire your coats about your ears,
+And take your ships before your walled towns,
+We make a dunghill of your rotten bones,
+And cram our chickens with your grains of gold.
+
+SHEALTY.
+You will not yield?
+
+PLEASURE.
+Yes, the last moneth.
+
+SHEALTY.
+Farewell.
+
+    [_Retire Heralds with the Pages to their places_.
+
+S. PRIDE.
+Vade.
+
+POLICY.
+Herald, how now?
+
+FEALTY.
+                 Yon proud Castilians
+Look for your service.
+
+POMP.
+                       So do we for theirs.
+But, Fealty, canst thou declare to me
+The cause why all their pages follow them,
+When ours in show do ever go before?
+
+FEALTY.
+In war they follow, and the Spaniard is
+Warring in mind.
+
+POLICY.
+But that's not now the cause.
+Yon three are Pride, Ambition, Tyranny:
+Shame follows Pride, as we a proverb have;
+Pride goes before, and Shame comes after.
+Treachery ever attends upon Ambition;
+And Terror always with a fearful watch
+Doth wait upon ill-conscienced Tyranny.
+But why stay we to give them space to breathe?
+Come, Courage! let us charge them all at once.
+
+    [_Let the three Lords pass towards the Spaniards, and the
+    Spaniards make show of coming forward and suddenly depart_.
+
+POMP.
+What braving cowards these Castilians be?
+My lords, let's hang our 'scutcheons up again,
+And shroud ourselves, but not far off, unseen,
+To prove if that may draw them to some deed,
+Be it to batter our impressed shields.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Agreed. Here, Fealty, hang them up a space.
+
+    [_They hang up their shields, and step out of sight. The Spaniards
+    come, and flourish their rapiers near them, but touch them not, and
+    then hang up theirs; which the Lords of London perceiving, take
+    their own and batter theirs. The Spaniards, making a little show to
+    rescue, do suddenly slip away and come no more_.
+
+POLICY.
+Facing, faint-hearted, proud, and insolent,
+That bear no edge within their painted sheaths,
+That durst not strike our silly patient shields!
+
+POMP.
+Up have they set their own: see, if we dare
+Batter on them, and beat their braving lords.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Let them not yonder hang unhack'd, my lords.
+
+POLICY.
+With good advice, that we be not surprised.
+
+POMP.
+And good enough myself will onset give[275]
+On Pride's. At your Peacock, sir.
+
+PLEASURE.
+At Tyranny's will I bestow my blow,
+Wishing the master.
+
+POLICY.
+I at Ambition's strike. Have at his pampered jade!
+
+    _Enter_ S. PRIDE.
+
+S. PRIDE.
+Fuoro Viliagos! fuoro Lutheranos Ingleses! fuoro, sa, sa, sa!
+
+POMP.
+Their shields are ours: they fled away with shame.
+But, lordings, whiles the stratagem is fresh,
+And memory of their misfortune green,
+Their hearts yet fainting with the novel grief,
+Let us pursue them flying: if you say it,
+Haply we may prevent their passage yet.
+
+POLICY.
+With speed and heed the matter must be done.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Therefore you, Policy, shall our leader be.
+
+                                   [_Exeunt omnes_.
+
+    _Enter [the] three Ladies and_ NEMO.
+
+NEMO.
+The day is ours: fair ladies, let us joy
+The joyful day that all men may rejoice;
+Yet only I am thankful for this good,
+And your good day at hand approacheth fast,
+Wherein you shall be join'd to three such lords,
+As all the cities under heaven's bright cope
+Cannot with all their glory match in worth.
+Lucre, Lord Pomp a victor comes to thee:
+Love, look thou for Lord Policy as well;
+And Conscience for her well-reformed phere,
+Pleasure, that only made his choice of her.
+Upon that day triumphant shall we feast,
+Wherein, mesdames, your honours nill be least.
+
+LUCRE.
+Against their coming, might my reed be heard[276],
+Prepare would we garlands of laurel green,
+To welcome them; more for the common good,
+Than for affection private that we bear.
+
+LOVE.
+To meet them coming will not be amiss;
+But what know we, how they will take such work?
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Report may be much more than there is cause.
+We may them meet and greet with joyful hearts,
+And make them garlands, when we know their minds.
+
+    _Enter the three Lords, with the Spanish shields, and_ DILIGENCE.
+
+NEMO.
+And here they come with new-impressed shields.--
+My lords, well-met, and welcome from your foes.
+
+LUCRE.
+Lord Pomp, well-met, and welcome home again.
+
+LOVE.
+Lord Policy, well-met, and welcome home again.
+
+CONSCIENCE.
+Lord Pleasure, welcome with unfeigned heart.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Fair joy and lady, twenty thousand thanks.
+
+POLICY.
+Fair Love and lady, twice as many thanks.
+
+POMP.
+Fair and beloved Lucre, though I speak last,
+As kindly I thy welcome do accept,
+As heart can think, pen write, or tongue can tell.
+
+NEMO.
+Now speak, my lords, how have ye sped?
+
+POLICY.
+Right well; thanks unto Him that gave the day to us.
+The Pride of Spain was cloak'd with majesty,
+And Shame, his page, nicknamed Modesty:
+Spanish Ambition Honour would be call'd,
+And Treachery, his page, term'd Action:
+Their Tyranny was cleped Government;
+Terror, his page, was falsely nam'd Regard;
+But God above hath given them their reward.
+They with dishonour left their shields behind,
+The only prizes purchas'd by us now,
+And those, fair ladies, we present to you.
+Love, this is thine, and he that gives it thee.
+
+NEMO.
+In lieu whereof your gift and her I give
+Again to you, that merit more than both.
+
+POLICY.
+The greatest gift and good could me befall.
+
+POMP.
+Fair Lucre, lo, my present and myself.
+
+LUCRE.
+Which I, with Nemo's license, gladly take.
+
+NEMO.
+Take her, Lord Pomp; I give her unto thee,
+Wishing your good may ten times doubled be.
+
+POMP.
+The richest[277] good this world could give to me.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Of duty I, my dear, must give thee this:
+That art my comfort and my earthly bliss.
+
+NEMO.
+Now, lords, I hope you are contented all:
+Pomp with his Lucre, Policy with Love,
+Pleasure with Conscience: joy fall you from above.
+And thus to you my promise is perform'd,
+And I expect that yours as well be kept,
+That present preparation may be made
+To honour those with holy marriage rites,
+That I, in presence of the world, may give
+These as my daughters unto you my sons.
+
+POLICY.
+By my consent one day shall serve us all,
+Which shall be kept for ever festival.
+
+POMP.
+And on that day, in honour of these dames,
+These shields in triumph shall be borne about.
+
+PLEASURE.
+With pageants, plays, and what delights may be,
+To entertain the time and company.
+
+NEMO.
+So it please you, lordings, methinks it were meet,
+That the ladies took care to provide their own toys.
+Myself need to help them, who know their minds well,
+For I can keep women both quiet and constant.
+
+POLICY.
+It pleaseth us well that you will take the pains.
+Fair ones, for a while ye[278] betake you to your business.
+
+POMP.
+Ladies, adieu.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Beloved, farewell.
+
+    [_The Lords bring them to the door, and they go out_ [FRAUD _and_
+    DISSIMULATION _enter disguised], and_ FRAUD[279] _gives_ POLICY
+    _a paper, which he reads, and then says_:
+
+POLICY.
+It seems by this writing, sir, you would serve me.
+Is your name Skill? whom did you serve last?
+
+FRAUD.
+An ill master, my lord: I served none but myself.
+
+POLICY.
+Have ye never served any heretofore?
+
+FRAUD.
+Yes, divers, my lord, both beyond sea and here. With your patience,
+my good lord, not offending the same, I think I am your poor kinsman:
+your lordship, Policy, and I Skill, if it like ye.
+
+POLICY.
+You say very well, and it is very like.
+I will answer ye anon.
+
+    [DISSIMULATION _gives_ PLEASURE _a paper, which he reads, and says_:
+
+PLEASURE.
+Is your name Fair Semblance, that wish to serve me?
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Please your lordship, Fair Semblance. I am well-seen, though I say it,
+in sundry languages meet for your lordship, or any noble service, to
+teach divers tongues and other rare things.
+
+PLEASURE.
+I like ye very well; stay a while for your answer.
+
+    _Enter_ USURY, _and gives a paper to_ POMP,
+    _which he reads, and saith_:
+
+POMP.
+Master Usury, I thank ye that ye offer me your service; it seems to me
+to be for your old mistress' sake, Lady Lucre. Stay but a while; I will
+answer you with reason.
+
+    [_The three Lords go together and whisper, and call_ DILIGENCE.
+    DILIGENCE _goes out for a marking-iron, and returns_.
+
+FRAUD.
+How now, my hearts, think ye we shall speed?    [_Aside_.
+
+POLICY.
+Diligence, come hither.
+
+USURY.
+I cannot tell what you shall, but I am sure I shall.    [_Aside_.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+I am as like as any of ye both.
+
+USURY.
+Fraud!
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Whist, man; he's Skill.    [_Aside_.
+
+USURY.
+Skill, why dost thou seek to serve Lady Love?
+What profit will that be?
+
+FRAUD.
+Tut, hold thee content: I'll serve but a while, and serve mine
+own turn, and away.
+
+POMP.
+Master Usury, come hither. You desire to serve me: you have done Lady
+Lucre good service, you say, but it was against God and Conscience you
+did it: neither ever in your life did ye anything for Love. Well, to
+be short, serve me you shall not; and I would I could banish you from
+London for ever, or keep you close prisoner; but that is not in me; but
+what is, or may be, that straight you shall see. By Policy's counsel
+this shall be done. Diligence, bring that iron. Help me, my lords[280].
+
+POLICY.
+Give me the iron. Pomp, Cousin Skill, help to hold him.
+
+        [FRAUD _lays hold on him, but_ DISSIMULATION _slip away_.
+
+Sirrah, Policy gives you this mark, do you see;
+A little x standing in the midst of a great C,
+Meaning thereby to let men understand,
+That you must not take above bare ten pound in the hundred at any hand:
+And that too much too; and so be packing quietly,
+And know that London's Pomp is not sustained by Usury,
+But by well-ventured merchandise and honest industry.
+
+USURY.
+I would I had never seen ye, if this be your courtesy.
+                                              [_Exit_ USURY.
+
+POLICY.
+Now, Cousin Skill, _alias_ Filthy Fraud,
+No kinsman to Policy, nor friend to the state:
+Instead of serving me, Diligence, take him to Newgate.
+Ask me not why, sir: but, Diligence, if he do strive,
+Raise the street: he's unweaponed, and thou hast a weapon on.--
+And now, lords, when ye will, about our affairs let's be gone.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Agreed; but what's become of Fair-semblance, my man?
+
+POMP.
+A crafty villain, perceiving how we meant to Usury, slipt away.
+
+    _Enter_ SIMPLICITY _in haste, and give the Lords a paper to read_.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+All hail, all rain, all frost, and all snow
+Be to you three Lords of London on a row!
+Read my supplantation, and my suit ye shall know,
+Even for God's sake above, and three ladies' sakes below.
+
+FRAUD.
+Master Diligence, do me a favour: you know I am a gentleman.
+
+DILIGENCE.
+Step aside, till my lords be gone; I'll do for you what I can.
+                                                      [_Slip aside_.
+
+POMP.
+What's here, my boy, what's here? Pleasure, this suit is, sure, to you;
+for it's mad stuff, and I know not what it means.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Neither do I. Sirrah, your writing is so intricate, that you must speak
+your mind; otherwise we shall not know your meaning.
+
+POLICY.
+You sue for three things here, and what be they? tell them.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Cannot you three tell, and the suit to you three? I am glad a simple
+fellow yet can go beyond you three great Lords of London. Why, my suit,
+look ye, is such a suit, as you are bound in honour to hear, for it is
+for the puppet-like[281] wealth. I would have no new orders nor new
+sciences set up in the city, whereof I am a poor freeman, and please
+ye, as ye may read in my bill there--Simplicity freeman. But, my lords,
+I would have three old trades, which are not for the commonwealth,
+put down.
+
+PLEASURE.
+And after all this circumstance, sir, what be they?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+They be not three what-lack-ye's, as what do ye lack? fine lockram,[282]
+fine canvas, or fine Holland cloth, or what lack ye? fine ballads, fine
+sonnets, or what lack ye? a purse, or a glass, or a pair of fine knives?
+but they be three have-ye-any's, which methinks are neither sciences nor
+occupations; and if they be trades, they are very malapert trades--and
+more than reason.
+
+POLICY.
+As how, sir? name them.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Will you banish them as readily as I can name them? The first is,
+have ye any old iron, old mail, or old harness?
+
+POMP.
+And what fault find ye with this?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+What fault? I promise ye, a great fault: what have you, or any man else,
+to do to ask me if I have any old iron? What, if I have, or what, if I
+have not; why should you be so saucy to ask?
+
+PLEASURE.
+Why, fool, 'tis for thy good to give thee money for that that might lie
+and rust by thee.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+No, my lord, no; I may not call you fool: it is to mark the houses where
+such stuff is that, against rebels rise, there is harness and weapon
+ready for them in such and such houses; and what then? The rusty weapon
+doth wound past surgery, and kills the queen's good subjects; and the
+rest of the old trash will make them guns too: so it is good luck to
+find old iron, but 'tis naught to keep it, and the trade is crafty. And
+now, my Lord Policy, I speak to you, 'twere well to put it down.
+
+POLICY.
+Wisely said. Which is your second? Is that as perilous?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Yea, and worse. It is, have ye any ends of gold and silver? This is a
+perilous trade, covetous, and a 'ticement to murder; for, mark ye, if
+they that ask this should be evil-given, as Gods forbod, they see who
+hath this gold and silver: may they not come in the night, break in at
+their houses, and cut their throats for it? I tell ye, gold and silver
+hath caused as much mischief to be done as that: down with it.
+
+POMP.
+They that have it need not show it.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Tush! they need ask no such question: many a man hath delight to show
+what he hath. The trade is a 'ticing trade; down with it!
+
+POLICY.
+Now, your third, sir?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+That is the craftiest of all, wherein I am disbus'd, for that goes
+under the colour of Simplicity: have ye any wood to cleave?
+
+PLEASURE.
+A perilous thing: what hurt is there in this, sir?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+O, do you not perceive the subtlety? Why, sir, the woodmongers hire
+these poor men to go up and down, with their beetles and wedges on their
+backs, crying, Have ye any wood to cleave? and laugh to see them travel
+so loaden with wood and iron. Now, sir, if the poor men go two or three
+days, and are not set a-work (as sometimes they do), the woodmongers pay
+them, and gain by it, for then know they there's no wood in the city:
+then raise they the price of billets so high, that the poor can buy none.
+Now, sir, if these fellows were barr'd from asking whether there were any
+wood to cleave or not, the woodmongers need not know but that there were
+wood, and so billets and faggots would be sold all at one rate. Down
+with this trade: we shall sit a-cold else, my lords.
+
+PLEASURE.
+I promise you, a wise suit, and done with great discretion.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Yea, is it not? might ye not do well to make me of your council?
+I believe I could spy more faults in a week than you could mend
+in a month.
+
+POLICY.
+Well, for these three faults, the time serves not now to redress.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+No, marry; for you three must be married suddenly, and your feast
+must be dress'd.
+
+POMP.
+Against which feast repair you to Diligence, and he shall appoint you
+furniture and money, and a place in the show: till when, farewell.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Farewell, my lords: farewell, my three lords; and remember that I have
+set each of ye a fault to mend. Well, I'll go seek Master Diligence,
+that he may give me forty pence against the feast, sir reverence.
+                                                              [_Exit_.
+
+    DILIGENCE _and_ FRAUD _step out_[283].
+
+DILIGENCE.
+What is it, Master Fraud, ye would demand of me?
+
+FRAUD.
+Sir, this you know, though yourself be a man of good reckoning, yet are
+ye known an officer unto these three lords, and what discredit it were
+to me, being a noted man, to pass through the streets with you, being an
+officer; or if any of my friends should suspect me with you, and dog us,
+and see me committed to Newgate, I were utterly discredited. Here is a
+purse, sir, and in it two hundred angels: look, sir; you shall tell them.
+
+DILIGENCE.
+Here are so indeed. What mean ye by this? I will not take these to let
+ye escape.
+              [_Deliver_ FRAUD _the purse again_.
+
+FRAUD.
+I mean not so, sir; nor I will not give half of them to be suffered to
+escape; for I have done none offence, though it please them to imprison
+me, and it is but on commandment[284]. I shall not stay long; but I will
+give you this purse and gold in pawn to be true prisoner, only give me
+leave to go some other way, and home to my lodging for my boots and
+other necessaries; for there I'll leave word I am ridden out of town,
+and with all the haste that possibly I may, I will meet you at Newgate,
+and give you an angel for your courtesy. There is the purse.
+                              [FRAUD _gives him a purse like the other_.
+
+DILIGENCE.
+I hazard, as you know, my lords' displeasure herein; and yet, to
+pleasure you, I will venture this once; but, I pray ye, make haste,
+that I be not shent. I would not for ten angels it were known.
+
+FRAUD.
+If I tarry above an hour, take that gold for your tarrying.
+                                                       [_Exit_.
+
+DILIGENCE.
+I do not fear that you'll forfeit so much for so little cause.
+                                                       [_Exit_.
+
+    _Enter_ NEMO, _with_ DESIRE, DELIGHT, _and_ DEVOTION,
+    _the three Lords of Lincoln_.
+
+NEMO.
+My Lords of Lincoln,
+Have you such title and such interest
+To Love, Lucre, and Conscience as you say?
+Who gave you leave to have access to them?
+I am their father by adoption:
+I never knew of love 'twixt them and you;
+And to perpetual prison they were doom'd,
+From whence I only might deliver them:
+Which at the suit of three most matchless lords,
+Their countrymen, in London bred as they,
+I have perform'd, and freed them from their bonds;
+And yet have bound them in their freedom too,
+To Policy, to Pleasure, and to Pomp,
+Three Lords of London, whose they are in right,
+Contracted wives, and done by my consent;
+And even to-morrow is the marriage-day,
+Except your coming stay, or break it off.
+I will go call their lords to answer you:
+They (under covert-baron[285]) meddle not.
+                                       [_Exit_.
+
+DESIRE.
+Fetch them, Lord Nemo: we will here attend.
+
+DELIGHT.
+Attend we may, but unto little end:
+The ladies are in hucksters' handling now.
+
+DEVOTION.
+I would I had my time in praying spent,
+That I in wooing Conscience did consume.
+
+    _Enter the three Lords of London and_ NEMO.
+
+DESIRE.
+Here come the lords: let's show good countenance, man.
+
+POMP.
+Yet more ado, before we can enjoy
+The joys of marriage with our mistresses?
+Be these the lords that title do pretend?
+My Lords of Lincoln, so we hear you be,
+What are your names?
+
+DELIGHT.
+Devotion, Desire, and Delight.
+
+POMP.
+Which comes for Lucre?
+
+DESIRE.
+I Desire.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Which for Conscience?
+
+DEVOTION.
+I Devotion.
+
+POLICY.
+Which for Love?
+
+DELIGHT.
+I Delight.
+
+POLICY.
+You shall be answered straight.
+
+PLEASURE.
+I can answer them quickly. Ye cannot have them, nor ye shall
+not have them.
+
+POLICY.
+Stay, Pleasure; soft. My Lord Desire, you Lucre seek: desire of Lucre
+(be it without reproach to you, my lord) is covetousness, which cannot
+be separated long from that. Read, my lord.
+                                [_Point to the stone of Care_.
+
+DESIRE.
+In golden letters on this stone is written _Care_.
+
+POLICY.
+Care with desire of Lucre well agrees; the rather for that London's
+Lucre may not be separated from London's Pomp: so you may take that
+stone, if ye will; but the lady you cannot have.
+
+DESIRE.
+And a stone is a cold comfort, instead of Lucre.
+
+POLICY.
+Devotion to Conscience (I speak now to you, my lord, that are learned)
+is sorrow for sin, or (in one word) read--
+                           [_Points to the stone of Remorse_.
+
+DEVOTION.
+On this sweating-stone in brass is set _Remorse_.
+
+POLICY.
+And that is your portion; for Conscience is bestowed on London's
+Pleasure, because London makes o'[286] Conscience what pleasure they
+use and admit, and what time they bestow therein, and to what end:
+so, my Lord Devotion, either that or nothing.
+
+DEVOTION.
+A stone is a hard lot, instead of a lady.
+
+POLICY.
+My Lord Delight, that do delight in Love,
+You must I love for making choice of mine.
+Love is my portion, and that flint is yours.
+
+DELIGHT.
+Here in lead is written _Charity_: and what of this?
+
+POLICY.
+If you be (as I doubt not) honest Delight in love, then in the best
+sense you can have but Charity: if you be (which I suspect not) other
+Delight in love, you must be noted for concupiscence, and that you will
+blush to be. Well, Charity is your best: then, that is your portion;
+for, mark ye, London's Policy joins with London's Love, to show that
+all our policy is for love of London's commonwealth; and so our love
+cannot be separate from our policy. You hear this?
+
+DELIGHT.
+A flint's a hard change for so fair a wife.
+
+POLICY.
+And thus, lords, Desire of Lucre may take Care; Devotion of
+Conscience may have Remorse; and Delight of Love may have Charity:
+other recompense none.
+
+PLEASURE.
+And so we three leave you three with Care, Remorse, and Charity.
+
+                                                       [_Exeunt_.
+
+DESIRE.
+With Care and Remorse, I swear, ye do leave us; but what Charity
+I cannot tell.
+
+DEVOTION.
+Well, yet we must use Charity, though we fail of our desire; and we
+are answered with such reason as is not to be gainsayed.
+
+DELIGHT.
+Indeed, my lord, your calling is to persuade to charity; but if I use
+patience, it shall be perforce.
+
+DEVOTION.
+Yet being so wisely warn'd, methinks, we should be arm'd, and take
+this in worth: that the world wonder no further, I will take up my
+hard burden of Remorse, and be gone.
+                                  [_Exit_.
+
+DESIRE.
+It is good to follow examples of good. I'll take this heavy burden
+of Care, and follow as I may.
+                                  [_Exit_.
+
+DELIGHT.
+Because I'll not be singular, I'll frame myself to follow, taking
+this cold portion of Charity as my share.
+                                  [_Exit_.
+
+    _Enter_ SIMPLICITY _with_ DILIGENCE.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Come on, Master Diligence: I have been seeking ye, as a man should
+seek a load of hay in a needle's eye.
+
+DILIGENCE.
+And why hast thou sought me, I pray thee, so earnestly?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Why? For this ointment, these shells, these pictures: do ye not know
+this _countus mountus cum this da mihi_?
+
+DILIGENCE.
+What money? Why, do I owe thee any money?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Owe me? Tush, no, man; what do ye talk of owing? Come, and yet I must
+have some certain _sigillatum_ and _deliberatum in presentia_. Do you
+not understand, sir? Fortypence and furniture by my Lord Pomp's
+'pointment against the wedding day, to be one of the showmakers. I do
+not say shoemakers, and yet they be honest men.
+
+DILIGENCE.
+I understand thee now, and thou shalt want neither money nor furniture
+for that. Sawest thou not Fraud lately?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+No, a fox ferret him! for if I could find him, I would make him fast
+enough for cosening me of ten shillings for certain copper buttons
+and rings. I thought to have been a haberdasher, and he hath made me
+worse than a haymaker.
+
+DILIGENCE.
+I may say to thee in counsel, but I'll have no words of it, he hath
+overreach'd me too: but if thou spy him first, let me understand; and
+if I see him first, thou shalt have knowledge; for I'll tell thee--but
+laugh not--he showed me a purse with a hundred pound in angels, which
+he would deliver me in pawn to be my true prisoner, because, for his
+credit, he was loth to go with me through the streets to Newgate. I
+refused it at first; but at last by his entreaty I was content to take
+his pawn, and thinking he had given me the right purse of gold, he had
+another like it, which he gave me with counters, and so went away. I
+never did see him since; but, mum, no words of it.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+No words, quotha! that's a stale jest; would you be cosen'd so?
+
+DILIGENCE.
+Well, so it is now. Come, follow me for thy furniture and money.
+
+                                             [_Exeunt_.
+
+    _Enter_ DISSIMULATION _and_ FRAUD _in caps, and as
+    the rest must be for the show_.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+The coast is clear: come, follow, Fraud, and fear not, for who can
+decipher us in this disguise? Thus may we shuffle into the show
+with the rest, and see and not be seen, doing as they do, that are
+attired like ourselves.
+
+FRAUD.
+That is, to stand amongst them, and take as they take, torches or
+anything to furnish the show. Now, if we can pass but this day unseen,
+let to-morrow shift for itself as it may. I promise thee, Dissimulation,
+thou art very formal.
+
+DISSIMULATION.
+Not more than thyself, Fraud. I would thou sawest thy picture.
+
+FRAUD.
+Picture here, picture there! let us follow our business.
+
+                                                   [_Exeunt_.
+
+      _Enter a Wench, singing_.
+
+  _Strew the fair flowers and herbs that be green,
+  To grace the gayest wedding that ever was seen.
+  If London list to look, the streets were ne'er so clean,
+  Except it was, when best it might, in welcome of our Queen.
+  Three lovely lords of London shall three London ladies wed:
+  Strew sweetest flowers upon the stones; perfume the bridal bed.
+
+  Strew the fair flowers, &c_.
+
+    _Enter first_ DILIGENCE _with a truncheon, then a boy with_ POLICY'S
+    _lance and shield: then_ POLICY _and_ LOVE, _hand in hand: then_
+    FRAUD _in a blue gown, red cap, and red sleeves, with_ AMBITION'S
+    _lance and shield: then a boy with_ POMP'S _lance and shield: then_
+    POMP _and_ LUCRE, _hand in hand: then_ DISSIMULATION _with_ PRIDE'S
+    _lance and shield: then a boy with_ PLEASURE'S _lance and shield:
+    then_ PLEASURE _and_ CONSCIENCE, _hand in hand: then_ SIMPLICITY,
+    _with_ TYRANNY'S _lance and shield. They all going out_, NEMO
+    _stays and speaks_.
+
+NEMO.
+These lords and ladies thus to church are gone,
+An honoured action to solemnise there;
+With greater joy will they return anon,
+Than Caesar did in Rome his laurel wear.
+Lord Policy hath Love unto his pheer;
+Lord Pomp hath Lucre to maintain his port;
+Lord Pleasure Conscience, to direct his sport.
+Usury is marked to be known;
+Dissimulation like a shadow fleets,
+And Simony is out of knowledge grown,
+And Fraud unfound in London, but by fits.
+Simplicity with Painful Penury sits;
+For Hospitality, that was wont to feed him,
+Was slain long since, and now the poor do need him.
+That Hospitality was an honest man,
+But had few friends, alas! if he had any;
+But Usury, which cut his throat as then,
+Was succoured and sued for by many.
+Would Liberality had been by thy side,
+Then, Hospitality, thou hadst never died.
+But what mean I, one of the marriage train,
+To mourn for him will ne'er be had again?
+His ghost may walk to mock the people rude:
+Ghosts are but shadows, and do sense delude
+I talk too long; for, lo, this lovely crew
+Are coming back, and have performed their due.
+
+    [_Return as they went, saving that the blue gowns, that bare
+    shields, must now bear torches_: SIMPLICITY _going about
+    spies_ FRAUD, _and falleth on his knees before_ PLEASURE _and_
+    CONSCIENCE, _saying_--
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+O Lady Conscience, that art married to Lord Pleasure,
+Help thy servant, Simplicity, to recover his lost treasure.
+A boon, my lords, all for Love and Lucre['s] sake;
+Even as you are true lords, help a false lout to take.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Thou shalt have help: speak, what is the matter?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+See you yon fellow with the torch in his hand?
+E'en the falsest villain that is in this land.
+Let him be laid hold on, that he run not away,
+And then ye shall hear what I have to say.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Diligence, bring him hither. Good lords and ladies, stay.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+O Master Fraud, welcome to the butts:
+Now I'll have my ten shillings in spite of your guts.
+The French canker consume ye, you were an old Frenchman!
+De gol' button, gol' ringa, bugla lace! you cosen'd me then.
+My lords, I beseech ye, that at Tyburn he may totter,
+For instead of gold the villain sold me copper.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Is this true, Master Skill?
+
+FRAUD.
+It is true in a sort, my lord. I thought to be pleasant with him, being
+my old acquain'ce, and disguis'd myself like an old French artificer;
+and having a few copper knacks, I sold them to him, to make sport, for
+ten shillings, which money I am content to pay him again: so shall he
+have no loss, though we have made a little sport.
+
+PLEASURE.
+First, give him an angel before my face. Simplicity, art thou pleased?
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Truly I am pleas'd to take a good angel for ten shillings, speciously
+of such a debtor as Master Fraud; but now I am to be pleas'd otherwise,
+that is, to see him punished. I promise ye the people love him well,
+for they would leave work and make half-holiday to see him hanged.
+
+PLEASURE.
+That his punishment may please thee the better, thou shalt punish him
+thyself: he shall be bound fast to yon post, and thou shalt be
+blindfold, and with thy torch shalt run, as it were, at tilt, charging
+thy light against his lips, and so (if thou canst) burn out his tongue,
+that it never speak more guile.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+O, _singulariter nominativo_, wise Lord Pleasure: _genitivo_, bind him
+to that post: _dativo_, give me my torch: _accusativo_, for I say he's
+a cosener: _vocativo_, O, give me room to run at him: _ablativo_, take
+and blind me. _Pluraliter per omnes casus_, Laugh all you to see me, in
+my choler adust, To burn and to broil that false Fraud to dust.
+
+    [_Bind_ FRAUD, _blind_ SIMPLICITY: _turn him thrice about; set his
+    face towards the contrary post, at which he runs, and all-to burns
+    it_. DISSIMULATION, _standing behind_ FRAUD, _unbinds him, and while
+    all the rest behold_ SIMPLICITY, _they two slip away_; PLEASURE,
+    _missing_ FRAUD, _saith_--
+
+PLEASURE.
+Wisely perform'd! but soft, sirs, where is Fraud?
+O notable[287] villain! gone, whiles we beheld
+The other. Who loos'd him? Who let him slip?
+Well, one day he will pay for all. Unblind Simplicity.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+How now! Have I heated his lips? Have I warm'd his nose, and scorched
+his face? Let me see: how looks the villain? Have I burned him?
+
+DILIGENCE.
+Thou hast done more; for thou hast quite consumed him into nothing.
+Look, here is no sign of him; no, not so much as his ashes.
+
+SIMPLICITY.
+Very few ashes, if there be any. Ye may see what a hot thing anger is:
+I think that the torch did not waste him so much as my wrath. Well, all
+London, nay, all England, is beholding to me for putting Fraud out of
+this world. I have consumed him and brought him to nothing, and I'll
+tread his ashes under my feet, that no more Frauds shall ever spring of
+them. But let me see: I shall have much anger; for the tanners will miss
+him in their leather, the tailors in their cutting out of garments, the
+shoemaker in closing, the tapsters in filling pots, and the very
+oystermen to mingle their oysters at Billingsgate: yet it is no matter;
+the world is well-rid of such a crafty knave.
+
+PLEASURE.
+Well, now thou art satisfied, I wish all here as well contented;
+And we, my lords, that praise this happy day,
+Fall we on knees, and humbly let us pray.
+
+POMP.
+First that from heaven upon our gracious queen
+All manner blessings may be multiplied,
+That as her reign most prosperous hath been,
+During world's length so may it still abide,
+And after that with saints be glorified,
+Lord! grant her health, heart's-ease, joy and mirth,
+And heaven at last, after long life on earth.
+
+POLICY.
+Her council wise and noble of this land
+Bless and preserve, O Lord! with Thy right hand.
+
+PLEASURE.
+On all the rest that in this land do dwell
+Chiefly in London, Lord! pour down Thy grace,
+Who living in Thy fear, and dying well,
+In heaven with angels they may have a place.
+
+
+FINIS.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+A KNACK TO KNOW A KNAVE.
+
+
+
+_EDITION.
+
+A most pleasant and merie new Comedie, intituled A Knacke to Knowe a
+Knaue. Newlie set foorth, as it hath sundrie tymes bene played by Ed:
+Allen and his Companie. With Kemps applauded Merrimentes of the men of
+Goteham, in receiuing the King into Goteham. Imprinted at London by
+Richard Iones, dwelling at the signe of the Rose and Crowne, nere
+Holborne Bridge_, 1594. 4ş. Black letter.
+
+
+
+A MERRY KNACK TO KNOW A KNAVE.
+
+
+    _Enter KING EDGAR, BISHOP DUNSTAN, and PERIN, a courtier_.
+
+KING.
+Dunstan, how highly are we bound to praise
+The Eternal God that still provides for us,
+And gives us leave to rule in this our land.
+Likewise Vespasian, Rome's rich emperor,
+Suppressing sin, that daily reigns in us.
+First, murther we reward with present death,
+And those that do commit felonious crimes
+Our laws of England do award them death:
+And he that doth despoil a virgin's chastity
+Must likewise suffer death by law's decree,
+And that decree is irrevocable.
+Then, as I am God's vicegerent here on earth,
+By God's appointment here to reign and rule,
+So must I seek to cut abuses down, that, like
+To Hydra's heads, daily grows up, one in another's
+Place, and therein makes the land infectious.
+Which if with good regard we look not to,
+We shall, like Sodom, feel that fiery doom
+That God in justice did inflict on them.
+
+DUNSTAN.
+Your grace's care herein I much commend,
+And England hath just cause to praise the Lord,
+That sent so good a king to govern them.
+Your life may be a lantern to the state,
+By perfect sign of humility.
+How blest had Sodom been in sight of God,
+If they had had so kind a governor;
+They had then undoubtedly escap'd that doom,
+That God in justice did inflict on them.
+Then, England, kneel upon thy hearty knee,
+And praise that God that so provides for thee.
+And, virtuous prince, thou Solomon of our age,
+Whose years, I hope, shall double Nestor's reign,
+And bring a thousand profits to the land,
+Myself (dread prince), in token of my love
+And dutiful obedience to your grace,
+Will study daily, as my duty wills,
+To root sins from the flourishing commonwealth,
+That Fame, in every angle of the world,
+May sound due praise of England's virtuous[288] king.
+
+KING.
+Dunstan, live thou, and counsel still the king
+To maintain justice, were it on himself,
+Rather than, soothing him in his abuse,
+To see subversion of his commonwealth.
+I tell thee, Dunstan, thou hast pleased the king,
+And proved thyself a virtuous councillor:
+Thy counsel is to me as North-Star light,
+That guides the sailor to his wished port;
+For by that star he is so comforted,
+That he sails dangerless on dangerous seas,
+And in his deepest sadness comforts him.
+So Dunstan's knowledge is that star of joy,
+That will with help conduct me to my happiness.
+
+HONESTY.
+And yet thou art not happy, Edgar,
+Because that sins, like swarms, remain in thee.
+
+KING.
+Why, 'tis impossible; for I have studied still,
+To root abuses from the commonwealth,
+That may infect the king or commonalty.
+Therefore, base peasant, wilful as thou art,
+I tell thee troth, thou hast displeas'd the king.
+
+HONESTY.
+Nay, the king hath displeased himself,
+In trusting every one that speaks him fair:
+For through fair words kings many times are fain
+To countenance knaves by their authority.
+I will not say your grace doth so--
+
+PERIN.
+No, sir; you were not best.
+
+HONESTY.
+Why, if I should, I might make good my word,
+And find a knave, I fear, before I part.
+
+KING.
+Why, what art thou?
+
+HONESTY.
+Marry, I go plain, and my name is Honesty:
+A friend to your grace, but a foe to flatterers,
+And one that hath _a knack to know a knave_.
+
+PERIN.
+As how, sir?
+By art, or by some foolish gift God hath given you?
+You are some physician, or skill'd in phys'ognomy, or in palmestry;
+For, I am sure, you can never do it by astronomy,
+Because there are no stars to know a knave.
+
+HONESTY.
+True, but many an honest man knows a knave to his cost,
+And is neither physician, or skill'd physiognomer, palmester,
+  nor astronomer,
+But a plain man of the country, like me,
+That knows a knave, if he do but see his cap.
+
+PERIN.
+That were pretty, i'faith, to see. Honesty know a knave by his cap:
+'Tis more than I can do with all the skill I have.
+But tell me, I pray thee, how I should know a knave.
+
+HONESTY.
+I believe you well; for offenders never bewray their offences,
+Till the law find them, and punish them.
+But you would fain tell how to know a knave?
+Then thus: the first man you meet in the morning,
+If he salute you, draw near him,
+And smell to his hat, and after smell to your own;
+And, my cap to a noble, if his smell like yours, he is a knave.
+I think I spoke with you now!
+
+PERIN.
+Base villain, were it not that the king's presence
+Doth privilege thy presumption, I would teach you to jest
+  with your fellows.
+
+KING.
+Forbear, Honesty; thou art a good plain fellow,
+And I commend thy wit, that hast such ways to know a knave.
+
+HONESTY.
+Honesty is plain, my lord, but no good fellow,
+For good fellows be purse-takers now-a-days:
+And there be so many of such good fellows,
+That Honesty may walk the streets without company.
+Not that there wants company, but honest company, I mean;
+Yet Honesty can clap a knave on the shoulder for all his bravery.
+
+PERIN.
+Why, base companion, mean you me?
+
+HONESTY.
+Not base, sir, because I was truly begotten,
+For Honesty may be suspected, but never detected.
+But you think I had a bailiff to my father, as you had,
+And that my mother could return a writ of error,
+As yours did, when such a gallant as you were gotten.
+
+KING.
+Believe me, Perin, he hath touch'd you now;
+And I perceive, though Honesty be simple,
+Yet many times he speaks truth.
+
+HONESTY.
+True, if it please your grace, for honest men will not lie.
+But, if your grace vouchsafe to give me leave,
+You shall see me find more knaves than one,
+If my cunning fail me not; or else say Honesty had no honesty.
+
+KING.
+But tell me, Dunstan, how thinkest thou of this motion?
+Were it not good, thinkest thou, we gave him leave
+To stifle such caterpillars as corrupt the commonwealth?
+For many times such simple men as he
+Bewray much matter in simplicity.
+Then, tell me, Dunstan, what thinkest thou of his motion?
+
+DUNSTAN.
+If it please your grace to think it good,
+Dunstan will say, as once Hephaestion did,
+When Alexander wan rich Macedon;[289]
+That whatsoe'er the king himself thought meet,
+He would in dutiful obedience yield unto.
+And so saith Dunstan to your majesty:
+For many times such simple men bring that to pass,
+That wiser heads cannot attain unto;
+For doubtless he hath some device in hand,
+Whereby to find such subtle knavery.
+
+KING.
+Well, Dunstan, then, as thou hast counsell'd me,
+I will for once make proof of Honesty.
+Sirrah: come hither:
+In hope you will, as your profession is
+In honest sort to find deceivers out,
+And, finding them, to give us notice straight,
+That we may punish them for their amiss.
+We give thee leave to work what means thou may'st,
+So it be not prejudice to the state nor us.
+
+HONESTY.
+My gracious lord, if Honesty offend
+In anything that he hath promised,
+And do not, as your grace hath given in charge,
+Stifle such caterpillars as corrupt the state,
+Let Honesty receive such punishment,
+As he deserves that leses to the king.[290]
+
+KING.
+Honesty, it is enough; but tell me now
+What moved thee first to undertake this task
+To visit us? Speak truth, dissemble not.
+
+HONESTY.
+If I should tell your grace, 'twould make you laugh
+To hear how Honesty was entertain'd.
+Poor, lame, and blind, when I came once ashore,
+Lord! how they came in flocks to visit me;
+The shepherd with his hook, and thrasher with his flail,
+The very pedlar with his dog, and the tinker with his mail:
+Then comes a soldier counterfeit, and with him was his jug,[291]
+And Will, the whipper of the dogs, had got a bouncing trug;
+And cogging Dick was in the crew that swore he came from France:
+He swore that in the king's defence he lost his arm by chance;
+And yet in conscience, if I were put to swear,
+I would be bound to lay a pound, the knave was never there.
+And hap'ning 'mongst this company by chance one day,
+I had no sooner nam'd my name, but they ran all away.
+But now I will to my task, and leave your grace;
+And so I take my congè of your majesty.
+                                   [_Exit_.
+
+KING.
+Honesty, farewell, and look unto your charge.
+
+PERIN.
+My gracious lord, if I might not offend,
+I would entreat a favour at your hand.
+'Tis so, I heard of late, my gracious lord,
+That my kind father lay at point of death,
+And if, my lord, I should not visit him,
+The world, I fear, would find great fault with me.
+
+KING.
+Nay, Perin, if your business be of weight,
+We are content to give you leave to go:
+Provided this, that you return again,
+When you have seen your father and your friends.
+
+PERIN.
+My gracious lord, I will not stay there long,
+Only but see my father and return again:
+Till when, my gracious lord, I take my leave.
+                                          [_Exit_.
+
+KING.
+Perin, farewell.
+And tell me, Dunstan, now we are alone,
+What dost thou think of beauteous Alfrida,
+For she is reported to be passing fair?
+They say she hath a white pit in her chin,
+That makes her look like to the Queen of Love,[292]
+When she was dallying with Endymion.
+Believe me, Dunstan, if she be so fair,
+She will serve our turn to make a concubine:
+Methinks 'tis good some time to have a love,
+To sport withal, and pass away the time.
+
+DUNSTAN.
+Ay, my good lord; Dunstan could well allow of it,
+If so your grace would marry Alfrida.
+
+KING.
+                                      What?
+Wouldst thou have me marry her I never saw?
+Then men would say I doted on a wench:
+But, Dunstan, I have found a policy,
+Which must indeed be followed to the full.
+
+    _Enter_ ETHENWALD.
+
+Earl Ethenwald, welcome: I thought to send for you.
+You must go do a message for us now:
+'Tis nothing but to woo a wench, which you
+Can do. You must not woo her for yourself,
+But me. Tell her, I sit and pine like Tantalus;
+And, if you can, strain forth a tear for me.
+Tell her she shall be honoured in my love,
+And bear a child that one day may be king.
+Bid her not stand on terms, but send me word,
+Whether she be resolved to love me, yea or no.
+If she say no, tell her I can enforce her love:
+Or 'tis no matter, though you leave that out,
+And tell her this--we hear she is as wise,
+As eloquent and full of oratory,
+As Thaly[293] was, daughter of Jupiter,
+Whose speeches was so pleasing 'mong the Greeks,
+That she was term'd a second Socrates.
+For some report, women love to be praised;
+Then in my cause, I pray thee, love thou Alfrida.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+My gracious lord, and Ethenwald shall not fail
+To show his humble duty to your majesty.
+I will, my lord, woo her in your behalf, plead love
+For you, and strain a sigh to show your passions:
+I will say she is fairer than the dolphin's eye,
+At whom amaz'd the night-stars stand and gaze.
+Then will I praise her chin and cheek, and pretty hand,
+Long, made like Venus when she us'd the harp,
+When Mars was revelling in Jove's high house.
+Besides, my lord, I will say she hath a pace
+Much like to Juno in Ida[294] vale,
+When Argus watch'd the heifer on the mount.
+These words, my lord, will make her love, I am sure;
+If these will not, my lord, I have better far.
+
+KING.
+Nay, this is well: now, Ethenwald, be gone,
+For I shall long to hear of thy return.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+My gracious lord, I humbly take my leave.
+                                     [_Exit_.
+
+KING.
+Ethenwald, farewell. Dunstan, how likest thou this?
+What, have I done well in sending Ethenwald?
+But in good time, how if he like the maid;
+Believe me, Dunstan, then my game is marr'd.
+
+DUNSTAN.
+I do not think, my gracious lord,
+My nephew Ethenwald bears that bad mind,
+For hitherto he hath been termed just,
+And clept[295] your grace his gracious favourer.
+
+KING.
+True, Dunstan; yet have I read that love
+Hath made the son deceive the father oft.
+But, Dunstan, leaving this, come, let's to court.
+
+DUNSTAN.
+I will attend upon your majesty.
+
+                           [_Exeunt_.
+
+    _Enter_ BAILIFF _of Hexham, and his four sons; to wit, a_
+    COURTIER, _a_ PRIEST, _a_ CONEYCATCHER, _and a_ FARMER.
+
+BAILIFF.
+My sons, you see how age decays my state,
+And that my life, like snow before the sun,
+'Gins to dissolve into that substance now,
+From whose enclosure grew my fire of life;
+The earth I mean, sweet mother of us all,
+Whom death, authorised by heaven's high power,
+Shall bring at last, from whence at first I came.
+Yet, ere I yield myself to death, my sons,
+Give ear, and hear what rules I set you down.
+And first to thee, my son, that liv'st by wit:
+I know thou hast so many honest sleights,
+To shift and cosen smoothly on thy wit,
+To cog and lie, and brave it with the best,
+That 'twere but labour lost to counsel thee.
+And therefore to the next--
+Walter, that seems in show a husbandman--
+My son, when that thy master trusts thee most,
+And thinks thou dealest as truly as himself,
+Be thou the first to work deceit to him;
+So by that means thou may'st enrich thyself,
+And live at pleasure when thy master's dead:
+And when to market thou art sent with wool,
+Put sand amongst it, and 'twill make it weigh--
+The weight twice double than it did before:
+The overplus is thine into thy purse--
+But now, my son, that keeps the court;
+Be thou a means to set the peers at strife,
+And curry favour, for the Commons' love.
+If any, but in conference, name the king,
+Inform his majesty they envy him;
+And if the king but move, or speak to thee,
+Kneel on both knees, and say, God save your majesty.
+If any man be favoured by the king,
+Speak thou him fair, although in heart thou envy him,
+But who is next?
+
+PRIEST.
+That am I, father, that use the word of God,
+And live only by the heavenly manna.
+
+BAILIFF.
+Who? the Priest? Give ear, my son,
+I have a lesson yet in store for thee.
+Thou must, my son, make show of holiness;
+And blind the world with thy hypocrisy;
+And sometime give a penny to the poor,
+But let it be in the church or market-place,
+That men may praise thy liberality.
+Speak against usury, yet forsake no pawns,
+So thou may'st gain three shillings in the pound.
+Warn thou the world from sin and vile excess,
+And now and then speak against drunkenness:
+So by this means thou shalt be termed wise,
+And with thy pureness blind the people's eyes.
+But now, my sons, discourse to me in brief
+How you have lived, and how you mean to die.
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+Then, father, thus I live that use my wit:
+Unto myself I love still to be wise;
+For when I am driven to shift for meat or coin,
+Or gay apparel to maintain me brave,
+Then do I flaunt it out about the 'Change,
+As if I were some landed gentleman;
+And, falling in with some rich merchant there,
+I take commodities for six months' day:
+The bill being made, I must set to my hand;
+Then, if I pay not, they may burn the band.[296]
+
+FARMER.
+Then, father, hark how I have profited--
+Walter, your son that keeps the country--
+I have raised the markets and oppress'd the poor,
+And made a thousand go from door to door.
+And why did I, think you, use this extremity?
+Because I would have corn enough to feed the enemy.
+Father, you know we have but a while to live,
+Then, while we live, let each man shift for one;
+For he that cannot make shift in the world,
+They say he's unworthy to live in it:
+And he that lives must still increase his store,
+For he that hath most wealth of all desireth more.
+
+PERIN.
+Brethren, you have spoken well, I must needs say;
+But now give ear to me, that keeps the court.
+Father, I live as Aristippus did,
+And use my wits to flatter with the king.
+If any in private conference name the king,
+I straight inform his grace they envy him.
+Did Sinon live, with all his subtlety
+He could not tell a flattering tale more cunningly.
+Sometime I move the king to be effeminate,
+And spend his time with some coy courtesan.
+Thus with the king I curry favour still,
+Though with my heart I wish him any ill:
+And sometime I can counterfeit his hand
+And seal, and borrow money of the commonalty;
+And thus I live and flaunt it with the best,
+And dice and card inferior unto none:
+And none dares speak against me in the court,
+Because they know the king doth favour me.
+
+PRIEST.
+And I, among my brethren and my friends,
+Do still instruct 'em with my doctrine,
+And Yea and Nay goes through the world with us.
+Fie, not an oath we swear for twenty pound:
+Brethren, say we, take heed by Adam's fall;
+For by his sins we are condemned all.
+Thus preach we still unto our brethren,
+Though in our heart we never mean the thing:
+Thus do we blind the world with holiness,
+And so by that are termed pure Precisians.
+
+BAILIFF.
+Full well and wisely have you said, my sons,
+And I commend you for your forward minds,
+That in your lives bewray whose sons ye are.
+Here have I been a bailiff threescore years,
+And us'd exaction on the dwellers-by;
+For if a man were brought before my face
+For cosenage, theft, or living on his wit:
+For counterfeiting any hand or seals,
+The matter heard, the witness brought to me,
+I took a bribe, and set the prisoners free:
+So by such dealings I have got the wealth,
+Which I would have disburs'd among you all,
+With this proviso, that you all shall live,
+And lead such lives as I have set you down.
+Carve to yourselves, and care not what they say,
+That bid you fear the fearful judgment-day.
+Live to yourselves, while you have time to live:
+Get what you can, but see ye nothing give.
+But hark, my sons: me thinks I hear a noise,
+And ghastly visions make me timorous.
+Ah! see, my sons, where death, pale Death, appears,
+To summon me before a fearful Judge.
+Methinks Revenge stands with an iron whip,
+And cries, Repent, or I will punish thee.
+My heart is hardened, I cannot repent,
+And I am damned to ever-burning fire.
+Soul, be thou safe, and body fly to hell.        [_He dieth_.
+
+    _Enter_ DEVIL, _and carry him away_.
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+Brother, why do you not read to my father?
+
+PRIEST.
+Truly, my book of exhortation is
+At my place of exercise, and without it
+I can do nothing. God's peace be with him!
+
+                                       [_Exeunt_.
+
+    _Enter the_ KING, PHILARCHUS _and his_ FATHER, DUNSTAN
+    _and attendants_.
+
+KING.
+Father, say on; for now my leisure serves,
+And Edgar gives thee leave to tell thy mind;
+For I perceive thine eyes are full of tears,
+Which shows that many inward passions trouble thee.
+If any here have wrong'd thine aged years,
+In keeping that from thee that is thy due,
+Name but the man, and, as I am England's king,
+Thou shalt have all the favour I can show.
+
+FATHER.
+Then, virtuous prince, mirror of courtesy,
+Whose judgments, and whose laws for government,
+And punishing of every foul abuse,
+Is like the judgment of great Alexander,
+Third of that name, whom some termed the Severe;
+Or like Vespasian, Rome's virtuous governor,
+Who, for a blow his son did give a swain,
+Did straight command that he should lose his hand.
+Then, virtuous Edgar, be Vespasian once,
+In giving sentence on a graceless child.
+Know, virtuous prince, that in my pride of years,
+When lustful pleasure prick'd my wanton mind,
+Even in the April of my flourishing time,
+I was betroth'd and wedded to a wife,
+By whom too soon I had that unkind boy,
+Whose disobedience to his aged sire
+The Lord will plague with torments worse than death.
+This disobedient child, nay, base extravagant,[297]
+Whom I with care did nourish to this state,
+Puff'd with a pride that upstart courtiers use,
+And seeing that I was brought to poverty,
+He did refuse to know me for his sire;
+And when I challenged him by nature's laws
+To yield obedience to his father's age,
+He told me straight he took it in great scorn
+To be begot by one so base as I.
+My age, that ill could brook this sharp reply,
+Did with this wand, my lord, reach him a blow;
+But he, contrary laws of God and men,
+Did strike me such a blow in vild disdain,
+That with the stroke I fell to earth again.
+
+KING.
+Unkind Philarchus, how hast thou misdone,
+In wilful disobedience to thy sire!
+Art thou grown proud, because I favoured thee?
+Why, I can quickly make thee bare again,
+And then, I think, being in thy former state,
+Thou wilt remember who thy father was.
+And, gentle Sophocles, in good time I recount
+Thy ancient saying, not so old as true,
+For saith [he], He that hath many children,
+Shall never be without some mirth,
+Nor die without some sorrow; for if they
+Be virtuous, he shall have cause to rejoice,
+But if vicious, stubborn, or disobedient,
+Ever to live in continual sadness.
+I am sorry, Philarchus, that my favours
+Have made thee insolent: well, I will see now if
+My frowns will make thee penitent.
+Now, father, see how Nature 'gins to work,
+And how salt tears, like drops of pearly[298] dew,
+Falls from his eyes, as sorrowing his amiss.
+
+PHILARCHUS.
+Most gracious prince, vouchsafe to hear me speak.
+I cannot but confess, most gracious sovereign,
+That I have err'd in being obstinate
+In wilful disobedience to my sire
+Wherein I have wrong'd nature and your majesty.
+But I am not the first, whom oversight
+Hath made forgetful of a father's love.
+But father's love shall never be forgot,
+If he but deign to pardon my amiss:
+But if your wrath will noways be appeased,
+Rip up this breast, where is enclos'd that heart,
+That bleeds with grief to think on my amiss.
+Ah, father! pardon, sweet father, pardon me.
+
+FATHER.
+No, graceless imp, degenerate and unkind,
+Thou art no son of mine, but tiger's whelp,
+That hast been fost'red by some lion's pap:
+But as the tall'st ash is cut down, because
+It yields no fruit, and an unprofitable cow,
+Yielding no milk, is slaughtered, and the idle drone,
+Gathering no honey, is contemned;
+So ungrateful children, that
+Will yield no natural obedience, must be
+Cut off, as unfit to bear the name [of] Christians,
+Whose lives digress both from reason and humanity.
+But as thou hast dealt unnaturally with me,
+So I resolve to pull my heart from thee.
+Therefore, dread prince, vouchsafe to pity me,
+And grant I may have justice on my son.
+
+KING.
+Dunstan, how counsellest thou the king in this?
+I promise thee, I am sorry for the youth,
+Because in heart I ever wish'd him well.
+
+DUNSTAN.
+My gracious lord, if I might counsel you,
+I would counsel you to judge as he deserves.
+He that disdains his father in his want,
+And wilfully will disobey his sire,
+Deserves, my lord, by God's and nature's laws,
+To be rewarded with extremest ills:
+Then, as your grace hath 'stablish'd laws for government,
+So let offenders feel the penalties.
+
+KING.
+Ay, Dunstan; now thou speakest as fits a councillor,
+But not as friend to him whom Edgar loves.
+Father, what wouldest thou have me do in this?
+Thou seest thy son is sorry for his fault,
+And I am sure thou would not wish his death,
+Because a father's care commands the contrary.
+Then, gentle father, let me plead for him,
+And be his pledge for shunning wilful ills.
+
+FATHER.
+Will Edgar now be found a partial judge,
+In pleading pardon for a graceless child?
+Is it not true,
+That one coal of fire will burn many houses,
+And one small brack in finest cloth that is,
+Will both disgrace and blemish the whole piece?
+So wilful children, spotted with one ill,
+Are apt to fall to twenty thousand more;
+And therefore, mighty sovereign, leave to speak,
+And pass just sentence on Philarchus' life.
+
+PHILARCHUS.
+My life? dear father, that sentence were too hard:
+Let me be banish'd from my country's bounds,
+And live as exil'd in some wilderness,
+Barr'd from society and sight of men;
+Or let me hazard fortunes on the seas,
+In setting me aboard some helmless ship,
+That either I may split upon some rock,
+Or else be swallowed in the purple main,
+Rather than die in presence of my king,
+Or bring that sorrow to your aged years.
+If this suffice not, then let me be arm'd,
+And left alone among ten thousand foes;
+And if my weapon cannot set me free,
+Let them be means to take my life from me.
+
+KING.
+Father, what say you to Philarchus now?
+Are you content to pardon his amiss?
+Dunstan, I promise thee, it grieves me much,
+To hear what piteous moan Philarchus makes:
+Methinks I see sad sorrow in his face,
+And his humility argues him penitent.
+But, father, for I will not be the judge,
+To doom Philarchus either life or death,
+Here, take my robes, and judge him as thou wilt.
+
+FATHER.
+Then, virtuous prince, seeing you will have it so,
+Although the place be far unfit for me,
+I am content your grace shall have your mind.
+Thus, like an ass attired in costly robes,
+Or like a ring thrust in a foul sow's snout,
+So do these robes and sceptre fit mine age.
+But for I am judge, Philarchus, stand thou forth,
+And know, as there is nothing so good, but it hath some inconvenience,
+So there is no man whatsoever without some fault:
+Yet this is no argument to maintain thy wilful disobedience.
+As the rose hath his prickle, the finest velvet his brack,
+The fairest flower his bran, so the best wit his wanton will.
+But, Philarchus, thou hast been more than wanton,
+Because thou hast disobeyed the laws both of God and nature:
+The tears that thou hast shed might warrant me,
+That thou art penitent for thy amiss,
+Besides, my son, a father's natural care
+Doth challenge pardon for thy first amiss.
+
+KING.
+Father, well said: I see thou pitiest him.
+
+FATHER.
+Nay, stay, my lord:
+This did I speak as father to Philarchus;
+But now, my lord, I must speak as a judge.
+And now, Philarchus, mark what I set down.
+Because thou hast been disobedient,
+And wronged thy aged father wilfully,
+And given a blow to him that nourished thee,
+And thereby hast incurr'd thy mother's curse,
+And in that curse to feel the wrath of God,
+And so be hated on the earth 'mongst men;
+And for I will be found no partial judge,
+Because I sit as God's vicegerent now,
+Here I do banish thee from England's bounds,
+And never to----
+
+KING.
+There stay: now, let me speak the rest.
+Philarchus, thou hast heard thy father's doom,
+And what thy disobedience moved him to;
+Yet for thou wast once bedfellow to the king,
+And that I loved thee as my second self, thou shall
+Go live in France, in Flanders, Scotland, or elsewhere,
+And have [an] annual pension sent to thee.
+There may'st thou live in good and honest sort,
+Until thou be recalled by the king.
+
+PHILARCHUS.
+Thanks, gracious king, for this great favour shown,
+And may I never live, if I forget
+Your grace's kind and unexpected love,
+In favouring him whom all the world forsook:
+For which my orisons shall still be spent,
+Heavens may protect your princely majesty.
+And, loving father, here upon my knee,
+Sorry for my amiss, I take my leave
+Both of yourself, my king, and countrymen.
+England, farewell, more dearer unto me,
+Than pen can write, or heart can think of thee.
+                                            [_Exit_.
+
+KING.
+Farewell, Philarchus; and, father, come to Court;
+And, for Philarchus' sake, thou shalt not want.
+
+FATHER.
+Thanks, virtuous king; I humbly take my leave.
+                                           [_Exit_.
+
+KING.
+Dunstan, I promise thee, I was like to weep,
+To hear what piteous moan Philarchus made.
+
+DUNSTAN.
+Here your grace hath showed yourself to be
+Edgar, so famed for love and virtuous government;
+And I pray God your grace may live to be
+Long England's king to reign with verity.
+
+                                      [_Exeunt_.
+
+    [_Enter_ HONESTY.]
+
+HONESTY.
+'Tis strange to see how men of honesty
+Are troubled many times with subtle knavery:
+For they have so many cloaks to colour their abuses,
+That Honesty may well suspect them, but dares not detect them;
+For if he should, they have by their knavery
+Got so many friends, that though never so bad,
+They will stand in defence with the best.
+I was at the water-side, where I saw such deceit--
+I dare not say knavery--in paying and receiving
+Custom for outlandish ware, that I wond'red to see,
+Yet durst not complain of: the reason was,
+They were countenanced with men of great wealth,
+Richer than I a great deal, but not honester.
+Then I went into the markets, where I saw petty knavery
+In false-measuring corn, and in scales,
+That wanted no less than two ounces in the pound.
+But all this was nothing, scant worth the talking of;
+But when I came to the Exchange, I espied in a corner of an aisle
+An arch-cosener; a coneycatcher, I mean,
+Which used such gross cosening, as you would wonder to hear.
+But here he comes fine and brave:
+Honesty marks him down for a knave.
+
+    [_Enter_ CONEYCATCHER.]
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+Why so, 'tis an ill wind blows no man to profit;
+And he is but a fool that, when all fails, cannot live upon his wit.
+I have attired myself like a very civil citizen,
+To draw fourscore pound from a couple of fools.
+A gentleman, having made over his land by deed of gift,
+Means to cosen a broker with a false conveyance.
+All's one to me; I shall lose nothing by the bargain.
+But here comes the broker: I will walk, as I regarded him not.
+
+    [_Enter_ BROKER.]
+
+BROKER.
+God save you, sir: I see you keep your hour.
+But hear you, sir; hath the gentleman that conveyance
+You told me of ready? I hope, sir, I
+Shall need misdoubt no deceit in the matter,
+For I mean plainly, and so, I hope, do you.
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+Sir, as concerning the conveyance, I assure you,
+'Tis so good, and he hath such good interest in it,
+That, were I furnish'd with so much money presently,
+No man in the world should have it but myself.
+And for own part, you need not suspect me,
+For I would not discredit myself for a thousand pound;
+For the gentleman is my very friend,
+And, being in some want, is enforc'd to pawn land
+For the supplying of a present necessity.
+Tush, the interest is good, I warrant you.
+
+HONESTY.
+And that's much worth: some will say,
+A crafty knave needs no broker,
+But here is a crafty knave and a broker too:
+There wants not a knave, then, I imagine.    [_Aside_.
+
+BROKER.
+But tell me, sir, when did he promise to be here?
+What, will it be long, ere he come?
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+Nay, it will not be long, ere he come,
+For the conveyance was made, ere I came from the scrivener's,
+And in good time here he comes. God save you, sir:
+
+    [_Enter_ GENTLEMAN.]
+
+Here is the man I told you of, that would lend you the money.
+He is a very honest man; and but for my sake, I know,
+He would not do it. But is the land despatch'd another way?
+If you be ready to seal, he is ready with the money.
+Hear you, sir, you have a good bargain; despatch it quickly.
+
+BROKER.
+Being advertised by my friend, this honest merchant,
+That you have certain land to pawn for present money,
+Now, I had not so much money of mine own at this time,
+But I made means to borrow so much of a friend of mine,
+Because I would not have you fall in bad men's handling.
+
+GENTLEMAN.
+I thank you, sir, for this unspeakable favour.
+If you deal amiss with me, I am undone for ever.
+
+BROKER.
+I would not deal amiss with any man for a thousand pound.
+
+HONESTY.
+And yet he will cut a man's throat for twelve-pence.
+Here is a cluster of knaves; here lacks but the baily of Hexham.
+                                                          [Aside.]
+
+BROKER.
+Well, sir, here is the money: will it please you seal the assurance.
+
+GENTLEMAN.
+With all my heart.
+
+HONESTY.
+God save her, sirs, and her good friends; her is a poor Welshman,
+come as far as Carnarvon, in Wales, to receive a little money, and
+here a has paid her I cannot tell what.
+[_To_ BROKER.] Here, you master; what, is it not brass money?
+
+BROKER.
+No, honest fellow; 'tis a good angel in gold.
+
+HONESTY.
+Who told him my name?    [_Aside_.]
+Hear you, master: a has a great deal more in her bosom, but a will
+take her leave.
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+Nay, stay and dine with me.
+I must fetch him over for all his gold.    [_Aside_.]
+
+HONESTY.
+Marry, I thank her, good master: I will wait upon her, I warrant you.
+
+BROKER.
+Now, sir, have you seal'd and subscribed?
+
+GENTLEMAN.
+I have, sir.
+
+BROKER.
+And you deliver this as your deed to my use?
+
+GENTLEMAN.
+With all my heart, sir; and hope you will use me well.
+
+BROKER.
+We will talk of that another time: here is your money.
+
+GENTLEMAN.
+I thank you, sir: I'll be gone.
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+Hear you, sir; was not this bravely done?    [_Aside_.]
+
+GENTLEMAN.
+Excellent: hold, here is forty pound, as I promised thee.
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+I thank you, sir. Do you hear, sir, you have got a thousand pound
+by the bargain; but much good may it do you.
+                                         [_Exit_.
+
+BROKER.
+God-a-mercy; and here's forty pound for thy pains.
+Such another match, and I'll give thee a hundred pound.
+                                                   [_Exit_.
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+I thank you, sir, God b'w'y'.  Now to my Welshman.
+Sirrah, let me see thy piece of gold;
+I'll tell thee whether it be weight or no.
+Hast thou any more? I'll give thee white money for it.
+
+HONESTY.
+Yes, a has a great deal more in her bosom,
+But a will have no whit' money: O, a loves red money.
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+Well, I'll keep them for thee, till thou come to my house.
+
+HONESTY.
+Why, Cutbert, wilt thou never leave thy old knavery?
+Why, we should gree together like bells,
+If thou wert but hanged first.
+Why, we are as near kin together
+As the cates[299] of Banbury be to the bells of Lincoln.
+Why, man, we are all birds of a feather,
+And whosoever says nay, we will hold together.
+Come, you mad slave, thou dost not know me.
+Tush! I have done many better tricks than this.
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+Why, you base slave, take you me for your fellow?
+Why, I am of good reputation in the city,
+And held in account with the best.
+
+HONESTY.
+And yet you are Cutbert the Coneycatcher,
+The bailiff's son of Hexham, whose father, being dead,
+The devil carried to hell for his knavery.
+How sayest thou, art not thou his son?
+This grave black cloak makes you so proud,
+You have forgotten who was your father.
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+Nay, I have not forgotten that my father was a bailiff,
+A man that would live to himself.
+And yet, in faith, he gave me nothing at his death
+But good counsel, how to live in the world.
+But, sirrah, as thou knowest me, I pray thee, bewray me not,
+And in anything I can, command me.
+
+HONESTY.
+Tush! fear not me, I will be as secret as thyself.
+But, sirrah, 'tis thus, if thou wilt do one thing,
+I shall tell thee, I will give thee an hundred pound:
+'Tis nothing with thee, I am sure.
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+Tush! tell me what it is; I'll do it, I warrant thee.
+
+HONESTY.
+Nothing but this; to swear upon a book
+That thou sawest a gentleman pay a farmer
+Four hundred pound, as the last payment of a farm
+That the said gentleman bought of him.
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+Tush! if this be all, let me alone, I will do it.
+Why, 'tis nothing for me to swear,
+For I am forsworn already: but when is the day?
+
+HONESTY.
+Why, to-morrow,
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+But where shall I meet you?
+
+HONESTY.
+Why, upon the Exchange at eight o'clock.
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+I will not miss: till that time, farewell.         [_Exit_.
+
+HONESTY.
+Fare well? [_Aside_.] Nay, you will scant fare well
+By that time I have done: but I must about my business,
+To find some knack to know this knave at large.
+                                            [_Exit_.
+
+    _Enter_ ETHENWALD.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+The night draws on,
+And Phoebus is declining towards the west.
+Now shepherds bear their flocks unto the folds,
+And wint'red oxen, foddered in their stalls,
+Now leave to feed, and 'gin to take their rest:
+Black, dusky clouds environ round the globe,
+And heaven is covered with a sable robe.
+Now am I come to do the king's command;
+To court a wench, and win her for the king:
+But if I like her well, I say no more,
+'Tis good to have a hatch before the door.
+But first I will move her father to prefer
+The earnest suit I have in canvassing,
+So may I see the maid, woo, wed,
+Ay, and bed her too. Who is here? what ho!
+
+    _Enter_ OSRICK.
+
+OSRICK.
+Earl Ethenwald, welcome. How fares our friends at court?
+What cause constrains your honour, that thus late
+You visit us, that dream not of your coming?
+
+ETHENWALD.
+My lord, I am come unlooked-for, very true;
+So is my coming yet conceal'd from you.
+
+OSRICK.
+Your honour shall repose you here to-night,
+And early as you please begin your task;
+Time serves not now. Come, Ethenwald,
+As welcome as the king himself to me.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+Now, Ethenwald, if fortune favour thee,
+Thou may'st prove happy love to Alfrida.          [_Exeunt_.
+
+    _Enter_ HONESTY, _and the_ KING _disguised_.
+
+HONESTY.
+This is the place, and this th'appointed time. I know
+He'll keep his word, for he thinks me his friend.
+
+KING.
+But tell me, Honesty, am I not well disguised?
+Can any man discern me by my looks
+To be the king? Take heed of that,
+For then our game is marr'd: and hast
+Thou promised him what reward he shall have?
+
+HONESTY.
+Tush! fear not you; for you never knew honest man
+Dissemble with his friend, though many friends
+Dissemble with honest men. But, my lord,
+The cards be shuffled, and here comes a knave.
+
+    _Enter_ CONEYCATCHER.
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+'Tis strange to see how men of our knowledge live,
+And how we are hated of the baser sort,
+Because, forsooth, we live upon our wit:
+But let the baser sort think as they will,
+For he may best be termed a gentleman,
+That, when all fails, can live upon his wit.
+And if all fails, then have I got a wench
+That cuts and deals to maintain my expense.
+Now I use her, as men use sweetest flowers,
+That while they are sweet and pleasant to the eye.
+I do regard them for their pleasant smell;
+But when their colour fades, and scent decays,
+I cast them off for men to trample on.
+But to the purpose: here is the gentleman,
+My honest friend did lately tell me of.    [_Aside_.
+Sir, though I had another business of import,
+That might have hind'red me from coming here,
+Yet in regard I am loth to break my word,
+I have set my other business clean apart,
+Because you should not judge amiss of me.
+
+HONESTY.
+I find you kind, sir, and yourself shall see
+How I will labour to requite your courtesy.
+[_To the_ KING.] This is the honest man I told you of,
+One that will do your pleasure in the cause,
+So be it you will content him for his pains.
+
+KING.
+Else God forbid: and, good sir, thus it is,
+I bought a farm of one that dwells here by,
+And for an earnest gave an hundred pound:
+The rest was to be paid as six weeks past.
+Now, sir, I would have you as witness,
+That at my house you saw me pay three hundred pound,
+And for your pains I will give you a hundred pound;
+Besides, I will stand your friend in what I may.
+You hear the cause;
+What, will your conscience serve you to do it?
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+How say you, sir? My conscience? then you touch me!
+I tell you, sir, my conscience will serve me to do more than this.
+Why, I have been a post-knight[300] in Westminster this twelve year,
+And sworn to that which no one else would venture on.
+Why, I have sworn against mine own father for money:
+I have sworn right or wrong--any ways--for money,
+When I have received money before witness, I swore to the contrary;
+And do you misdoubt me in so slight a matter as this,
+When I have sworn against father, mother, and all my kin?
+
+HONESTY.
+I told you, sir, how resolute you should find him:
+He doth it without fear, I warrant you. I think
+That in London you could not have found a man so fit
+For your purpose. I knew his father, sir:
+A man of honest reputation, and one whose life
+Was witness to the life he led: he was a bailiff, sir,
+Though I say't, but no bailiff that used deceit;
+He had too good a conscience for that.
+
+KING.
+All the better for that; for it should seem by his
+Behaviour that he hath had good bringing-up.
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+Indeed, my father in his lifetime was a man
+Given to the fear of God, and to use much devotion.
+
+HONESTY.
+Ay, but he gave nothing for God's sake, except it were
+Hard words, or blows; and they had been better kept than given.
+But hush! here comes the judge.
+
+    _Enter_ PERIN _a judge, and_ DUNSTAN _a farmer_.
+
+KING.
+Hear you, sir;
+If you be in readiness, here is the judge.
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+Ay, sir: I fear not,
+I warrant you: is that your adversary?
+What an old crust it is!
+
+HONESTY.
+I think the villain hath a face hardened with steel;
+He could never be so impudent else.
+
+DUNSTAN.
+If it please your worship, this is the man
+That wrongfully would have my farm from me,
+Facing me down that he hath paid me that,
+Which he never off'red, nor I never received:
+And this day he hath promised to make proof,
+That he hath paid me full four hundred pound.
+
+KING.
+And so I can; and here's my witness to it,
+That saw me when I paid the money.
+
+DUNSTAN.
+Why, I am sure he will not say it.
+I never saw the man in all my life.
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+No, sir? but I saw you, and was a witness
+When this gentleman paid you three hundred pound,
+As the last payment for the farm he bought.
+
+PERIN.
+But where was the money tendered?
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+At the gentleman's house.
+
+PERIN.
+You see, father, this merchant will be witness,
+That he saw so much money tend'red,
+And you received it, being full satisfied,
+As the last payment for the farm he bought.
+And if this merchant take his oath against you,
+That seven days past he saw the money tendered,
+I must pass sentence, then, against you needs.
+[_To_ CONEYCATCHER.] But will you swear on the Bible this is true?
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+Ay, sir, and to that intent I came hither;
+For I will never refuse to swear a truth, while I live.
+
+DUNSTAN.
+Yet, ere thou speak, vouchsafe to hear me speak.
+Full threescore winters, gentle sir, I have pass'd,
+And age hath brought grey hairs upon my head:
+Look but upon my face, and thou shalt see
+The perfect pattern of humility.
+Thou man of worth, or citizen, whate'er thou be,
+Weigh but my charge, and then thou wilt not swear.
+I have five sons, all pretty, tender babes,
+That live upon the farm that he would have;
+Twelve hundred sheep do feed upon the plains,
+That yearly bring a great increase to me,
+Besides a hundred oxen, fatly fed,
+That every winter feed within my stalls,
+And twenty poor men, living near my house,
+I daily feed, and all upon my farm.
+Go but among my neighbours, where I dwell,
+And hear what good report they give of me.
+The poor man never yet went from my door,
+But to my power I did relieve his want:
+I was no farmer that enrich'd myself,
+By raising markets and oppressing poor,
+But I have sold my corn full many times
+At better rate than I could well afford,
+And all to help my needy brethren,
+Then, ere thou swear'st, call all these things to mind,
+And thou wilt weep, and leave to swear untruths--
+Confusion to thy body and thy soul.
+
+PERIN.
+Well, if thou be well-advised, take thy oath;
+But yet remember before whom thou swearest,
+The God of truth and perfect equity,
+Which will revenge wrong to the innocent
+With thousand plagues and tortures worse than death.
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+By the holy contents of this Bible,
+And by that just God before whom I stand,
+I saw this man----
+
+KING.
+Peace! shameless villain, execrable wretch,
+Monster of nature, degenerate miscreant!
+Who ever knew or heard so vile an oath
+Vilely pronounc'd[301] by such a damned slave?
+Have I such monstrous vipers in my land,
+That with their very breaths infect the air?
+Say, Dunstan, hast thou ever heard the like?
+
+DUNSTAN.
+My liege,
+Such loathsome weeds must needs infect the corn;
+Such cankers perish both the root and branch,
+Unless they be soon spied, and weeded out.
+
+KING.
+I'll be the husbandman to mow such tares--
+Here, Honesty; let him be manacled,
+And scar his forehead, that he may be known--
+As Cain for murder, he for perjury.
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+I beseech your grace, be good to me.
+
+HONESTY.
+Ay, you shall have a cold iron clapt in your forehead;
+A hot one, I would say: you are a slave indeed.
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+Good Honesty!
+
+HONESTY.
+Good villain, there's no help for you.
+
+                                   [_Exeunt_.
+
+    _Enter_ ETHENWALD _alone_.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+My fancy's thoughts, like the labouring spider,
+That spreads her nets to entrap the silly fly,
+Or like the restless billows of the seas,
+That ever alter by the fleeting air,
+Still hovering past their wonted passions,
+Makes me amazed in these extremities.
+The king commands me on his embassage
+To Osrick's daughter, beauteous Alfrida,
+The height and pride of all this bounding ill;
+To post amain, plead love in his behalf,
+To court for him, and woo, and wed the maid.
+But have you never heard that theme?
+Deceit in love is but a merriment
+To such as seek a rival to prevent.
+Whither, distraught, roams my unruly thoughts?
+It is the king I cosen of his choice,
+And he nill brook Earl Ethenwald should prove
+False to his prince, especially in love.
+Then thus it shall be:
+I'll tell the king the maid is fair,
+Of nut-brown colour, comely and fair-spoken,
+Worthy companion to an earl or so,
+But not a bride for Edgar, England's king.
+This will allay the strong effects in love
+Fame wrought in Edgar's mind of Alfrida.
+Well, I'll to court, and dally with the king,
+And work some means to draw his mind from love.
+
+    _Enter a_ KNIGHT, SQUIRE, _and_ FARMER.
+
+KNIGHT.
+Neighbour Walter, I cannot but admire to see
+How housekeeping is decayed within this thirty year;
+But where the fault is, God knows: I know not.
+My father in his lifetime gave hospitality
+To all strangers,
+And distressed travellers;
+His table was never empty of bread, beef, and beer;
+He was wont to keep a hundred tall men in his hall.
+He was a feaster of all comers in general,
+And yet was he never in want of money: I think
+God did bless him with increase for his bountiful mind.
+
+FARMER.
+Truly, sir, I am sorry you are fallen into decay,
+In that you want to maintain household charge;
+And whereof comes this want? I will tell you, sir:
+'Tis only through your great housekeeping.
+Be ruled by me, and do as I advise you.
+You must learn to leave so great a train of men,
+And keep no more than needs of force you must,
+And those you keep, let them be simple men,
+For they will be content with simple fare.
+Keep but a boy or two within your house,
+To run of errands, and to wait on you,
+And for your kitchen, keep a woman-cook,
+One that will serve for thirty shillings a year;
+And by that means you save two liveries.
+And if ye will keep retainers towards you,
+Let them be farmers, or rich husbandmen,
+For you shall find great profit, sir, in keeping them:
+For if you stand in need of corn or hay,
+Send but to them, and you may have it straight.
+And if you kill a beef, let it be so lean,
+The butcher nor the grazier will not buy it.
+Your drink is too strong, and tastes too much of malt:
+Tush, single beer is better far, both for your profit,
+  and your servants' health.
+And at a Christmas-time feast none at all,
+But such as yield you some commodity;
+I mean such as will send you now and then
+Fat geese and capons to keep house withal:
+To these and none else would I have you liberal.
+
+KNIGHT.
+Why, neighbour, my goods are lent me to no other end,
+But to relieve my needy brethren; but God, I hope, hath in store for me.
+
+FARMER.
+Ay, trust you to that, and you may hap die a beggar.
+
+SQUIRE.
+Why, sir, if he should not trust in God, in whom should he trust,
+for God is the giver of all good whatsoever?
+
+FARMER.
+True; and yet 'tis good for a man to trust to himself now and then;
+for if you be down, and bid God help you up, and do not help yourself,
+you may fortune lie and perish; and therefore serve God on Sundays, as
+you are appointed, and thereby hope to be saved; for by your alms-deeds
+you cannot, for if you give to the poor, there be many will say, he
+thinks to be saved by his alms-deeds; and thus you shall be ill-thought
+on for your good-will; and therefore learn to provide for yourself; let
+God provide for the poor.
+
+KNIGHT.
+I tell you, neighbour, my great grandfather and all my predecessors
+have been held in good regard for their good housekeeping; and (God
+willing) their good names shall never take an exigent[302] in me, for
+I will (God willing) keep such hospitality to my death, as my state
+can maintain; and I will rather sell my land to maintain housekeeping,
+than, keeping my land, make sale of my good name for housekeeping.
+But, stay, who comes here?
+
+    _Enter two poor_ OLD MEN _and a_ BAILIFF.
+
+ONE OLD MAN.
+God save you, sir; I pray be good to me, for cham a poor man, and I
+cannot tell what you will do, for you say my horse hath broken into
+your corn, or your corn into my horse. But, indeed, my neighbour saw
+your boy drive my horse into a field. But I'll stand to nothing, now
+I am warn'd with a piece of paper and a little wax, to prepare to
+proceed to London; and there I am invented, I cannot tell for what.
+The bailiff here hath arrested me, ere I was weary,[303] against my
+will; he said it was upon your suit, and yet he laid his hands on me;
+nay, more, on my shoulder--
+
+ANOTHER OLD [MAN.]
+And, sir, and it may please you, I borrowed certain corn; and I brought
+you your corn again, and yet you 'rrest me.
+
+FARMER.
+True, sir; but then was corn sold for four shillings a bushel, and now
+'tis sold for two.
+
+KNIGHT.
+Ay, sir, but he borrowed corn, and promised
+To pay you corn again, and you can have
+But so much as you lent; for if
+He should pay you at the rate you demand,
+You would have for the twenty bushels you lent,
+Forty, which were neither right nor conscience.
+
+FARMER.
+O sir, I pray let me alone with my conscience. You would have me give
+all I have away to the poor, and want as you do. I pray, let me alone
+to deal for myself. Hear you, have you 'rrested them?
+
+BAILIFF.
+I have, sir, as you commanded me.
+
+FARMER.
+Then to prison with them, till they have paid such damages, as the law
+shall award them.
+
+ONE POOR [MAN.]
+Hear you, sir: if you should bid your boy break down a gap, and drive
+in my horse, 'twere little better than plain knavery; for my horse is
+as honest a horse as any is in this town.
+
+ANOTHER.
+Well, neighbour, we will have the horse examined
+Before an officer, and my boy Jack shall write
+What the horse speaks; and if the horse say a was driven
+In against his will,
+Then you may have the law of him, neighbour;
+For all the horses in the parish will be sworn
+For his horse. But I'll stand to nothing--
+
+FARMER.
+Well, to prison with them, till they have paid your due; away with them.
+
+ONE POOR [MAN.]
+Nay, I pray, be more miserable to me, and I will give you forty
+shillings, when I have it.
+
+FARMER
+By the mass, the knave hath a pretty cottage:
+I'll see, and I can get that. [_Aside_.] Sirrah,
+You have an old cottage; if you will make
+Me that over by deed of gift, I am content
+To draw my action.
+
+ANOTHER POOR MAN.
+My house? why, 'tis my goods,
+My wife, my land, my horse, my ass, or anything
+That is his. No, you caterpillar, I will never make
+Away my house; I will die first.
+
+KNIGHT.[304]
+But tell me, sir,
+How much would you have of them for their trespass?
+
+FARMER.
+Marry, forty[305] shillings, and yet I befriend them.
+Why, sir, I hope you will not pay it for them?
+
+KNIGHT.
+But I will. Sirrah, bailiff, I will answer
+The poor men's debts, and come home to me for thy fee
+Anon. Go, old men; get you home, and praise God.
+
+ONE POOR [MAN.]
+Marry, Jesus bless you. Neighbour, how many such
+Good knights have you now-a-days?
+
+ANOTHER.
+Too few, neighbour; the more is the pity.
+But come, lets away.                             [_Exeunt_.
+
+KNIGHT.
+But who comes here?
+
+    _Enter_ PERIN _and_ HONESTY.
+
+PERIN.
+God save you, gentlemen. The king greets you, and at this time
+Having some occasion to use money, hath sent to know
+What you that be knights and squires will lend his grace;
+And you, Master Farmer: be brief, sir[s,] for I cannot stay.
+
+KNIGHT.
+Sir, though housekeeping be some hind'rance
+to my willing mind, by reason that it robs me of
+that, which should bewray my loving mind both
+to my prince and country--money I mean, which
+at this time I stand in some want of--yet of that
+small store that I have, [I] am willing to impart the
+lending of the king twenty pound; and more, I
+assure you, I am not able.
+
+PERIN.
+Very well; and what say you, Master Squire?
+
+SQUIRE.
+I say that my revenues are but small,
+Yet I will lend his majesty ten pound.
+
+PERIN.
+Very well; but what saith the Farmer?
+What can he spare the king?
+
+FARMER.
+                            Marry, sir,
+I am a poor farmer, and yet I can afford to lend
+The king a hundred or two of pounds. And hear you, sir;    [_Aside_.]
+If you prefer a suit I have to the king,
+I will give you forty angels for your pains:
+Besides, I will give you the keeping of a dozen jades,
+And now and then meat for you and your horse,
+If you come to my house, and lie a whole year.
+
+PERIN.
+Why, that's well said, and I commend
+Thy honest mind. Would all men were of thy mind:
+I warrant thee, thou art an honest man,
+And one that loves the king. But tell me,
+What wouldst thou have me do?
+
+FARMER.
+Nothing, but procure me the king's letter to convey corn beyond seas;
+for in England it is so good cheap, that a man can make no living by
+selling thereof: therefore, if the king will grant me his letter, I
+will at any time lend him five or six hundred pound, and perhaps never
+ask it again; and I will not forget your pains.
+
+PERIN.
+Sir, fear not, I will do it for you, I warrant you;
+For, I tell you, I can do much with the king.
+
+HONESTY.
+I believe you will do more than you will be
+Commended for. The courtier resembleth
+The jay, that decketh herself with the feathers
+Of other birds, to make herself glorious;
+So the courtier must be brave, though he be
+Hang'd at the gallows.    [_Aside_.
+
+FARMER.
+Well, sir, will it please you to come and dine
+With me?
+
+PERIN.
+I thank you, sir, heartily.
+
+FARMER.
+But what's he there in your company?
+
+PERIN.
+A plain fellow, and his name is Honesty.
+
+FARMER.
+O, let him go where he will, for he shall
+Not dine with me.
+
+HONESTY.
+See how the Farmer fears my name;
+What would he do if he knew my nature?
+But hear you, master courtier, shall I dine
+With you? I promise you, sir, I am very hungry.
+
+PERIN.
+Truly, Honesty, if I were furnish'd with money,
+I would not stick to give thee thy dinner;
+But now, thou seest, I am but a guest myself.
+
+FARMER.
+Truly, honest fellow, if I were certain of my cheer, I would bid thee
+to dinner, but know not my provision, I promise thee.
+
+KNIGHT.
+Hear you, sir; will it please you to take part of a piece of beef
+with me? you shall be welcome.
+
+PERIN.
+I thank you, sir, but I must dine with my honest friend here, else
+I would not refuse your gentle offer.
+
+HONESTY.
+See how he can use my name and not me:
+But I perceive I may go dine with Duke Humphrey.[306]
+God b'w'y', gentlemen; for none here hath occasion to use Honesty.
+
+KNIGHT.
+Yes, Honesty; thou shalt be my brother's guest and mine.
+
+HONESTY.
+Marry, and I thank you too; for now the world may say,
+That Honesty dines with Hospitality to-day.
+
+                                       [_Exeunt_.
+
+    _Enter_ OSRICK _and_ ALFRIDA.
+
+OSRICK.
+Daughter, see that you entertain the earl
+As best beseems his state and thy degree.
+He comes to see, whether Fame have worthily
+Been niggard in commending thee or no:
+So shall thy virtues be admired at the court,
+And thou be praised for kind and debonaire;
+For courtesy contents a courtier oft,
+When nothing else seems pleasant in his eyes.
+
+ALFRIDA.
+Father, you shall perceive that Alfrida
+Will do her best in honouring of your age,
+To entertain the Earl of Cornwall so,
+That he shall think him highly favoured,
+Through loving speech and courteous entertain.
+
+    _Enter_ ETHENWALD.
+
+OSRICK.
+How fares my Lord of Cornwall? What, displeased?
+Or troubled with a mood that's malecontent?
+
+ETHENWALD.
+Not malecontent, and yet I am not well,
+For I am troubled with a painful rheum,
+That, when I would be merry, troubles me;
+And commonly it holds me in my eyes,
+With such extremes that I can scantly see.
+
+OSRICK.
+How long have you been troubled with the pain?
+Or is it a pain that you have usual?
+Or is it some water that, by taking cold,
+Is fall'n into your eyes and troubles you?
+
+ETHENWALD.
+I cannot tell, but sure it pains me much.
+Nor did it ever trouble me till now;
+For till I came to lodge within your house,
+My eyes were clear, and I never felt the pain.
+
+OSRICK.
+I am sorry that my house should cause your grief.
+Daughter, if you have any skill at all,
+I pray you, use your cunning with the earl,
+And see if you can ease him of his pain.
+
+ALFRIDA.
+Father, such skill as I received of late,
+By reading many pretty-penn'd receipts,
+Both for the ache of head and pain of eyes,
+I will, if so it please the earl to accept it,
+Endeavour what I may to comfort him.
+My lord, I have waters of approved worth,
+And such as are not common to be found;
+Any of which, if it please your honour use them,
+I am in hope will help you to your sight.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+No, matchless Alfrida, they will do me no good,
+For I am troubled only when I look.
+
+ALFRIDA.
+On what, my lord, or whom?
+
+ETHENWALD.
+I cannot tell.
+
+ALFRIDA.
+Why, let me see your eyes, my lord; look upon me.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+Then 'twill be worse.
+
+ALFRIDA.
+What, if you look on me? then, I'll be gone.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+Nay, stay, sweet love, stay, beauteous Alfrida,
+And give the Earl of Cornwall leave to speak.
+Know, Alfrida, thy beauty hath subdued,
+And captivate the Earl of Cornwall's heart:
+Briefly, I love thee, seem I ne'er so bold,
+So rude and rashly to prefer my suit;
+And if your father give but his consent,
+Eased be that pain that troubles Ethenwald:
+And, this considered. Osrick shall prove
+My father and his daughter be my love.
+Speak, Osrick, shall I have her, ay or no?
+
+OSRICK.
+My lord, with all my heart: you've my consent,
+If so my daughter please to condescend.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+But what say'th Alfrida?
+
+ALFRIDA.
+I say, my lord, that seeing my father grants,
+I will not gainsay what his age thinks meet:
+I do appoint myself, my lord, at your dispose.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+Well, Osrick, now you see your daughter's mine;
+But tell me when shall be the wedding-day?
+
+OSRICK.
+On Monday next; till then you are my guest.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+Well, Osrick, when our nuptial rites are past,
+I must to court of business to the king.
+
+ALFRIDA.
+Let that be as you please, my lord; but stay
+Not long, for I shall hardly brook your absence then.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+Fear not, Alfrida, I will not stay there long.
+But come, let us in; Father, pray lead the way.
+
+                                         [_Exeunt_.
+
+    _Enter the_ KING _and_ DUNSTAN.
+
+KING.
+Tell me, Dunstan, what thinkest thou of the favours of kings?
+
+DUNSTAN.
+I think of kings' favours as of a marigold flower
+That, as long as the sun shineth openeth her leaves
+And with the least cloud closeth again:
+Or like the violets in America, that in summe yield an odoriferous smell,
+And in winter a most infectious savour:
+For at every full sea they flourish, or at every dead ebb[307] they vade.
+The fish palerna, being perfect white in the calm,
+Yet turneth black with every storm.
+Or like the trees in the deserts of Africa,
+That flourish but while the south-west wind bloweth:
+Even so, my lord, the favours of kings to them they favour;
+For as their favours give life, so their frowns yield death.
+
+KING.
+Well said, Dunstan: but what merits he, that dissembles with his
+sovereign?
+
+DUNSTAN.
+In my opinion, my lord, he merits death.
+
+KING.
+Then assure thyself, if Ethenwald dissemble, he shall die. But who
+comes here? Perin, what news, that thou comest in such haste? and
+what is he that bears thee company?
+
+    [_Enter_ PERIN _and the_ FARMER.]
+
+PERIN.
+It is, my gracious lord, an honest man, and one,
+It seems, that loves your majesty; for as your grace
+Gave me in charge, I went about into the country,
+To see what sums of money I could make.
+Among the chiefest of the commonalty:
+And 'mongst the richest knights that I could find,
+They would lend your grace at most but twenty pound,
+And every squire would lend your grace but ten.
+Then came I, 'mongst the rest, to this plain man,
+And asked him what he would lend the king.
+He answered, sir, you see I am but poor,
+Not half so wealthy as a knight or squire,
+And yet, in sign of duty to his grace,
+I will lend his majesty two hundred pound.
+
+KING.
+Thanks, honest fellow, for thy love to us;
+And if I may but pleasure thee in ought,
+Command me to the uttermost I may.
+England hath too few men of thy good mind.
+
+    _Enter_ HONESTY _and_ PIERS PLOWMAN.
+
+Honesty, what news? where hast thou been so long?
+
+HONESTY.
+Ah, my lord, I have been searching for a privy knave;
+One, my lord, that feeds upon the poor commons,
+And makes poor Piers Plowman wear a thread-bare coat.
+It is a farmer, my lord, which buys up all the corn in the market,
+And sends it away beyond seas, and thereby feeds the enemy.
+
+KING.
+Alas, poor Piers Plowman! what ailest thou?
+Why dost thou weep? Peace, man: if any have
+Offended thee, thou shalt be made amends
+Unto the most.
+
+PIERS PLOWMAN.
+I beseech your grace
+To pity my distress. There is an unknown thief
+That robs the commonwealth, and makes me and my
+Poor wife and children beg for maintenance.
+The time hath been, my lord, _in diebus illis_,
+That the ploughman's coat was of good homespun russet cloth,
+Whereof neither I nor my servants had no want,
+Though now both they and I want,
+And all by this unknown farmer;
+For there cannot be an acre of ground to be sold,
+But he will find money to buy it: nay, my lord,
+He hath money to buy whole lordships, and yet but a farmer.
+I have kept a poor house, where I dwell this fourscore year,
+Yet was I never driven to want till now:
+I beseech your grace, as you have still been just,
+To seek redress for this oppression.
+I beseech your grace, read my humble petition.
+                                   [_Delivers it to the_ KING.]
+
+KING.
+Let me see: The humble petition of poor Piers Plowman.
+Alas, poor Piers! I have heard my father say,
+That Piers Plowman was one of the best members in a commonwealth;
+For his table was never empty of bread, beef, and beer,
+As a help to all distressed travellers. But where thou tellest me
+I harbour him, and he is daily under my elbow,
+I assure thee, 'tis more than I know; for I harbour
+None but this, which is my honest friend.
+
+HONESTY.
+Is this your honest friend? the devil a is.    [_Aside_].
+My lord, this is he: if you doubt my word to be true, call in Clerk
+of the Assizes. Now shall your grace see, how Honesty can shake out
+a knave in this company.
+
+    _Enter_ CLERK OF THE ASSIZE.
+
+Sirrah, tell me who hath most poor men in suit at this Sizes?
+
+CLERK.
+That hath Walter Would-have-more:
+He hath one poor man in suit for certain barley,
+And another, for that his horse was taken in his corn.
+
+HONESTY.
+But what indictments are against him? read them.
+
+CLERK. [_Read the indictment_.
+First, he hath conveyed corn out of the land to feed the enemy. Next,
+he hath turned poor Piers Plowman out of doors by his great raising of
+rents. Next, he is known to be a common disturber of men of their quiet,
+by serving writs on them, and bringing them to London, to their utter
+undoing. Also, he keeps corn in his barn, and suffers his brethren and
+neighbours to lie and want; and thereby makes the market so dear, that
+the poor can buy no corn.
+
+KING.
+Enough! Now, fie upon thee, thou monster of nature,
+To seek the utter undoing of many, to enrich thyself.--
+Honesty, take him, and use him as thou wilt.
+
+HONESTY.
+Come, sir, I think I found out your knavery.
+Away, sir, and bear your fellow company.
+
+            [_Exeunt omnes but the_ KING _and_ DUNSTAN.
+
+    _Enter_ ETHENWALD.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+Health and good hap befall your majesty.
+
+KING.
+Ethenwald, welcome; how fares our beauteous love?
+Be brief, man: what, will she love or no?
+
+ETHENWALD.
+Then, as your grace did give to me in charge,
+I have discharged my duty every way,
+And communed with the maid you so commend:
+For when the sun, rich father of the day,
+Eye of the world, king of the spangled vale,
+Had run the circuit of the horizon,
+And that Artofelex, the night's bright star,
+Had brought fair Luna from the purpled main,
+Where she was dallying with her wanton love,
+To lend her light to weary travellers,
+Then 'twas my chance to arrive at Osrick's house:
+But being late, I could not then unfold
+The message that your grace had given in charge;
+But in the morn Aurora did appear,
+At sight of whom the welkin straight did clear.
+Then was the spangled veil of heaven drawn in,
+And Phoebus rose, like heaven's imperial king;
+And ere the sun was mounted five degrees,
+The maid came down, and gave me the good day.
+
+KING.
+But being come, what said she then?
+How likest thou her? what, is she fair or no?
+
+ETHENWALD.
+My lord, she is coloured like the Scythia maid,[308]
+That challenged Lucio at the Olympian games.
+Well-bodied, but her face was something black,
+Like those that follow household business:
+Her eyes were hollow, sunk into her head,
+Which makes her have a cloudy countenance.
+She hath a pretty tongue, I must confess,
+And yet, my lord, she is nothing eloquent.
+
+KING.
+Why then, my lord, there's nothing good in her.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+Yes, my lord, she is fit to serve an earl or so,
+But far unfit for Edgar, England's king.
+
+KING.
+So then she is fit for Ethenwald, our Cornish earl,
+But far unfit for Edgar, England's king.
+Well, Ethenwald, I sound your policy:
+But tell me, i'faith, dost thou love the maid?
+Speak truly, man; dissemble not.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+I do, my gracious lord, and therewithal
+Entreat your majesty to pardon me.
+
+KING.
+Ethenwald, I am content to pardon thee,
+And will be with thee myself ere long,
+To do thee honour in thy marriage:
+And therefore, Ethenwald, thou may'st depart,
+And leave us till we visit thee at home.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+My gracious lord, I humbly take my leave.
+
+DUNSTAN.
+If it please your grace, pardon me, and give me leave,
+I would gladly bring my nephew on the way.
+
+KING.
+With all my heart, Dunstan; but stay not long.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+I humbly take my leave of your majesty.
+
+                     [_Exeunt_ DUNSTAN _and_ ETHENWALD.
+
+    [_Enter_ PERIN.]
+
+KING.
+Farewell, Ethenwald. But, Perin, tell me now,
+What dost thou think of Alfrida?
+Is she so foul as Ethenwald reports her?
+Believe me, then, she had been unfit for me.
+
+PERIN.
+My gracious lord, Ethenwald hath dissembled with your majesty,
+For Alfrida is fair and virtuous;
+For last night, being in private conference,
+He told me he had devised a mean
+To colour with the king by forg'd excuse.
+No, no (quoth he), my Alfrida is fair,
+As is the radiant North star crystalline,
+That guides the wet and weary traveller,
+Sous'd with the surge of Neptune's wat'ry main.
+And thus, my lord, he fell to praising her,
+And from his pocket straight he drew this counterfeit.[309]
+And said 'twas made by[310] beauteous Alfrida.
+
+KING.
+A face more fair than is the sun's bright beams,
+Or snow-white Alps beneath fair Cynthia!
+Who would refuse with Hercules to spin,
+When such fair faces bears us company?
+Fair Polyxena never was so fair:
+Nor she that was proud love to Troylus.
+Great Alexander's love, Queen of Amazons,
+Was not so fair as is fair Alfrida.
+But, Perin, be thou secret to the king,
+And I will sound these subtle practises.
+And, Ethenwald, be sure I will quittance thee,
+And teach thee how to dally with thy king.
+But, Perin, let's to court until to-morn,
+And then we'll take horse and away.
+
+                              [_Exeunt_.
+
+    _Enter mad men of Gotham, to wit, a_ MILLER,
+    _a_ COBBLER, _and a_ SMITH.
+
+MILLER.
+Now, let us constult among ourselves,
+How to misbehave ourselves to the king's worship,
+Jesus bless him! and when he comes, to deliver him this petition,
+I think the Smith were best to do it, for he's a wise man.
+
+COBBLER.
+Neighbour, he shall not do it, as long as Jeffrey the translater[311]
+is Mayor of the town.
+
+SMITH.
+And why, I pray? because I would have put you from the Mace?
+
+MILLER.
+No, not for that, but because he is no good fellow;
+Nor he will not spend his pot for company.
+
+SMITH.
+Why, sir, there was a god[312] of our occupation; and I charge you
+by virtue of his godhead to let me deliver the petition.
+
+COBBLER.
+But soft, you: your god was a cuckold, and his godhead was the horn,
+and that's the arms of the godhead you call upon. Go, you are put
+down with your occupation; and now I will not grace you so much as
+to deliver the petition for you.
+
+SMITH.
+What, dispraise our trade?
+
+COBBLER.
+Nay, neighbour, be not angry, for I'll stand to nothing only but this--
+
+SMITH.
+But what? bear witness a gives me the but, and I am not willing to
+shoot. Cobbler, I will talk with you: nay, my bellows, my coal-trough,
+and my water shall enter arms with you for our trade. O neighbour,
+I cannot bear it, nor I will not bear it!
+
+MILLER.
+Hear you, neighbour; I pray consuade yourself and be not wilful, and
+let the cobbler deliver it: you shall see him mar all.
+
+SMITH.
+At your request I will commit myself to you,
+And lay myself open to you, like an oyster.
+
+MILLER.
+I'll tell him what you say. Hear you, neighbour, we have constulted to
+let you deliver the petition: do it wisely, for the credit of the town.
+
+COBBLER.
+Let me alone, for the king's carminger[313] was here;
+He says the king will be here anon.
+
+SMITH.
+But hark! by the mass, he comes.
+
+    _Enter the_ KING, DUNSTAN, _and_ PERIN.
+
+KING.
+How now, Perin; who have we here?
+
+COBBLER.
+We, the townsmen of Gotham,
+Hearing your grace would come this way,
+Did think it good for you to stay.--
+But hear you, neighbours, bid somebody ring the bells.--
+And we are come to you alone, to deliver our petition[314].
+
+KING.
+What is it, Perin? I pray thee, read.
+
+PERIN.
+Nothing but to have a license to brew strong ale thrice a week; and he
+that comes to Gotham, and will not spend a penny on a pot of ale, if he
+be a-dry, that he may fast.
+
+KING.
+Well, sirs, we grant your petition.
+
+COBBLER.
+We humbly thank your royal majesty.
+
+KING.
+Come, Dunstan; let's away.
+
+                      [_Exeunt omnes_.
+
+    _Enter_ ETHENWALD _alone_.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+Ethenwald, be advised: the king has sent to thee;
+Nay, more, he means to come and visit thee.
+But why? Ay, there's the question.
+Why, 'tis for this; to see if he can find
+A front whereon to graft a pair of horns:
+But in plain terms he comes to cuckold me.
+And for he means to do it without suspect,
+He sends me word he means to visit me.
+The king is amorous, and my wife is kind,
+So kind, I fear, that she will quickly yield
+To any motion that the king shall make,
+Especially if the motion be of love;
+For Pliny writes, women are made like wax,
+Apt to receive any impression,
+Whose minds are like the Janamyst,
+That eats, yet cries, and never is satisfied.
+Well, be as it is, for I'll be sure of this,
+It shall be no ways prejudice to me;
+For I will set a screen before the fire,
+And so prevent what otherwise would ensue.
+'Twere good I questioned with my father first,
+To hear how he['s] affected towards the king.
+What ho!
+
+    _Enter_ OSRICK _and_ ALFRIDA.
+
+OSRICK.
+Ethenwald, my son, what news?
+
+ETHENWALD.
+Why ask you? I am sure you have heard the news.
+
+OSRICK.
+Not yet, I promise you, my lord.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+Why then 'tis thus: the king doth mean to come and visit you.
+
+OSRICK.
+And welcome shall his majesty be to me,
+That in the wane of my decreasing years,
+Vouchsafes this honour to Earl Osrick's house.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+So then you mean to entertain him well?
+
+OSRICK.
+What else, my son?
+
+ETHENWALD.
+Nay, as you will:
+But hear you, wife: what do you think in this--
+That Edgar means to come and be your guest?
+
+ALFRIDA.
+I think, my lord, he shall be welcome then,
+And I hope that you will entertain him so,
+That he may know how Osrick honours him.
+And I will be attired in cloth of biss[315],
+Beset with Orient pearl, fetch'd from rich India[316].
+And all my chamber shall be richly [decked,]
+With arras hanging, fetch'd from Alexandria.
+Then will I have rich counterpoints and musk,
+Calambac[317] and cassia, sweet-smelling amber-grease,
+That he may say, Venus is come from heaven,
+And left the gods to marry Ethenwald.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+'Swouns! they are both agreed to cuckold me.    [_Aside_.
+But hear you, wife; while I am master of the bark,
+I mean to keep the helmster in my hand.
+My meaning is, you shall be rul'd by me,
+In being disguised, till the king be gone;
+And thus it shall be, for I will have it so.
+The king hath never seen thee, I am sure,
+Nor shall he see thee now, if I can choose;
+For thou shalt be attir'd in some base weeds,
+And Kate the kitchen-maid shall put on thine:
+For being richly tired, as she shall be,
+She will serve the turn to keep him company.
+
+OSRICK.
+Why, men that hear of this will make a scorn of you.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+And he that lies with this will make a horn for me.    [_Aside_.]
+It is enough: it must be so.
+
+ALFRIDA.
+Methinks 'twere better otherways.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+I think not so. Will you be gone?--
+
+                          [_Exit_ ALFRIDA.
+
+Father, let me alone; I'll break her of her will.
+We that are married to young wives, you see,
+Must have a special care unto their honesty;
+For should we suffer them to have their will,
+They are apt, you know, to fall to any ill.
+But here comes the king.
+
+    _Enter the_ KING, DUNSTAN, _and_ PERIN, _to_ [them] ETHENWALD[318].
+
+KING.
+Earl Osrick, you must needs hold us excused,
+Though boldly thus unbid we visit you:
+But know, the cause that moved us leave our court
+Was to do honour to Earl Ethenwald,
+And see his lovely bride, fair Alfrida.
+
+OSRICK.
+My gracious lord, as welcome shall you be,
+To me, my daughter, and my son-in-law,
+As Titus was unto the Roman senators,
+When he had made a conquest on the Goths;
+That, in requital of his service done,
+Did offer him the imperial diadem.
+As they in Titus, we in your grace, still find
+The perfect figure of a princely mind.
+
+KING.
+Thanks, Osrick; but I think I am not welcome,
+Because I cannot see fair Alfrida.
+Osrick, I will not stay, nor eat with thee,
+Till I have seen the Earl of Cornwall's wife.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+If it please your majesty to stay with us,
+My wife shall wait as handmaid on your majesty,
+And in her duty show her husband's love.
+And in good time, my lord, see where she comes.
+
+    [_Enter the_ KITCHEN-MAID, _in_ ALFRIDA's _apparel_.]
+
+[_Aside_.] Alfrida, you must leave your kitchen-tricks,
+And use no words but princely majesty.
+
+MAID.
+Now Jesus bless your honourable grace.
+Come, I pray, sit down: you are welcome by my troth.
+As God save me, here's never a napkin: fie, fie!
+Come on; I pray eat some plums, they be sugar.
+Here's good drink, by Lady: why do you not eat?
+
+KING.
+Nay, pray thee, eat, Alfrida: it is enough for me to see thee eat.
+
+MAID.
+I thank you heartily. By my troth, here's never a cushion.
+By my troth. I'll knock you anon; go to.
+
+PERIN.
+My lord, this is not Alfrida: this is the kitchen-maid.
+
+KING.
+Peace, Perin, I have found their subtlety.--
+Ethenwald, I pray thee, let me see thy kitchen-maid.
+Methinks it is a pretty homely wench:
+I promise thee, Ethenwald, I like her well.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+My lord, she is a homely kitchen-maid,
+And one whose bringing up hath been but rude,
+And far unfit for Edgar's company;
+But if your grace want merry company,
+I will send for ladies wise and courteous,
+To be associates with your majesty.
+Or if your grace will have musicians sent for,
+I will fetch your grace the best in all this land.
+
+KING.
+Ethenwald, no: I will have the kitchen-maid;
+And therefore, if you love me, send for her,
+For, till she come, I cannot be content.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+Father, I will not fetch her. 'Swouns! see, where she comes.
+
+    _Enter_ ALFRIDA _in the_ KITCHEN-MAID'S _attire_.
+
+ALFRIDA.
+Successful fortune and his heart's content
+Daily attend the person of the king.
+And, Edgar, know that I am Alfrida, daughter to Osrick,
+And lately made the Earl of Cornwall's wife.
+
+KING.
+Why, is not this Alfrida?
+
+ALFRIDA.
+No, my good lord; it is the kitchen-maid,
+Whom Ethenwald, in too much love to me,
+Hath thus attir'd to dally with the king.
+
+MAID.
+By my troth, my lord, she lies. Go to;
+I'll course you by and by.
+
+KING.
+Away, base strumpet, get thee from my sight.
+
+MAID.
+Go your ways; you are a cogging knave, I warrant you.
+                                                    [_Exit_.
+
+KING.
+Base Ethenwald, dissembler that thou art,
+So to dissemble with thy sovereign;
+And afterward, under a show of love,
+Thou cam'st to soothe thy lesing to the king,
+Meaning by that to make me to conceive,
+That thy intent was just and honourable.
+But, see, at last thou hast deceived thyself,
+And Edgar hath found out thy subtlety;
+Which to requite think Edgar is thy enemy,
+And vows to be revenged for this ill.--
+Go to thy husband, beauteous Alfrida,
+For Edgar can subdue affects in love.
+
+ALFRIDA.
+Thanks, gracious king, mirror of courtesy,
+Whose virtuous thoughts bewray thy princely mind,
+And makes thee famous 'mongst thy enemies:
+For what is he that hears of Edgar's name,
+And will not yield him praise as he deserves.
+Nor hath your grace ever been praised more,
+Or term'd more just in any action,
+Than you shall be in conquering your desires,
+And yielding pardon to Earl Ethenwald.
+
+KING.
+Will you be gone?
+
+ALFRIDA.
+My gracious lord, I humbly take my leave.
+
+                     [ALFRIDA _and_ ETHENWALD _Exeunt_.
+
+KING.
+How am I wrong'd, and yet without redress!
+
+DUNSTAN.
+Have patience, good my lord, and call to mind,
+How you have lived praised for virtuous government.
+You have subdued lust unto this day,
+And been reputed wise in government,
+And will you blemish all your honours got,
+In being termed a foul adulterer?
+
+KING.
+Dunstan, forbear, for I will have it so:
+It boots thee not to counsel me in this,
+For I have sworn the death of Ethenwald;
+And he shall die, or Edgar will not live.
+Dunstan, it is enough; I am resolved.
+                                 [_Exit_.
+
+DUNSTAN.
+Nay, if it be so, then Ethenwald shall not die?
+And since entreaties cannot serve the turn,
+I will make proof for once what art will do.
+Astoroth[319], ascende! veni, Astoroth, Astoroth, veni!
+
+    _Enter the_ DEVIL.
+
+DEVIL.
+What wilt thou?
+
+DUNSTAN.
+Tell me, what means the king?
+
+DEVIL.
+I will not tell thee.
+
+DUNSTAN.
+I charge thee, by the eternal living God,
+That keeps the prince of darkness bound in chains,
+And by that sun that thou wouldst gladly see,
+By heaven and earth, and every living thing,
+Tell me that which I did demand of thee.
+
+DEVIL.
+Then thus: the king doth mean to murther Ethenwald.
+
+DUNSTAN.
+But where is the king?
+
+DEVIL.
+Seeking for Ethenwald.
+
+DUNSTAN.
+But I'll prevent him: follow me invisible.
+
+DEVIL.
+I will.
+
+                           [_Exeunt_.
+
+    _Enter the_ PRIEST.
+
+PRIEST.
+I have been this morning with a friend of mine,
+That would borrow a small sum of money of me;
+But I have learn'd the best assurance a man can have
+In such a matter is a good pawn of twice the value,
+Or bonds sufficient for five times the quantity.
+He is my near kinsman, I confess, and a clergyman,
+But fifty shillings is money; and though I think
+I might trust him simply with it for a twelvemonth,
+Where he craves it but for a month, yet simply I
+Will not be so simple; for I will borrow
+His gelding to ride to the term, and keep away a just fortnight.
+If then he pay me money, I will deliver him his horse.
+I would be loth to lose my money, or crave assurance of my kinsman,
+But this may be done to try me, and I mean likewise to try him.
+This is plain, though truly, brethren, something subtle.
+But here comes one would fain take my house of me.
+
+NEIGHBOUR.
+Sir, I am a poor man, and I will give you thirty shillings a year:
+if I may have it, you shall be sure of your money.
+
+PRIEST.
+Truly, brother in Christ, I cannot afford it of the price;
+A must let my house to live, I ask no gains. But who comes here?
+
+    _Enter_ HONESTY _and a_ BEGGAR.
+
+BEGGAR.
+I beseech you, good master, for God's sake, give one penny to the poor,
+lame, and blind; good master, give something.
+
+PRIEST.
+Fie upon thee, lazy fellow, art thou not ashamed to beg? Read the
+blessed saying of St Paul, which is, Thou shalt get thy living with
+the sweat of thy brows, and he that will not labour is not worthy
+to eat.
+
+HONESTY.
+Ay, but he remembers not where Christ saith,
+He that giveth a cup of cold water in my name shall be blessed.
+                                                       [_Aside_.]
+
+BEGGAR.
+Alas, sir, you see I am old.
+
+PRIEST.
+But that's no reason you should beg.
+
+BEGGAR.
+Alas, sir, age coming on me, and my sight being gone, I hope, sir,
+you will pardon me, though I beg; and therefore, for God's sake,
+one penny, good master.
+
+PRIEST.
+Why, I tell thee no, for the Spirit doth not move me thereunto.
+And in good time, look in the blessed Proverb of Solomon, which is,
+Good deeds do not justify a man; therefore, I count it sin to give
+thee anything.
+
+HONESTY.
+See how he can turn and wind the Scripture to his own use; but he
+remembers not where Christ say'th, He that giveth to the poor lendeth
+unto the Lord, and he shall be repaid sevenfold: but the Priest forgets
+that, or at leastwise he will not remember it.    [_Aside_.]
+
+BEGGAR.
+Now, fie upon thee, is this the pureness of your religion?
+God will reward you, no doubt, for your hard dealing.
+
+PRIEST.
+Care not thou for that. Well, neighbour, if thou wilt have my house,
+friend and brother in Christ, it will cost you forty shillings--'tis
+well worth it truly, provided this, I may not stay for my rent: I might
+have a great deal more, but I am loth to exact on my brother.
+
+HONESTY.
+And yet he will sell all a poor man hath, to his shirt, for one
+quarter's rent.    [_Aside_.]
+
+NEIGHBOUR.
+God's blessing on your heart, sir, you made a godly exhortation
+on Sunday.
+
+PRIEST.
+Ay, brother, the Spirit did move me thereunto. Fie upon usury, when
+a man will cut his brother's throat for a little lucre: fie upon it,
+fie! We are born one to live by another, and for a man to let his own
+as he may live, 'tis allowed by the word of God; but for usury and
+oppression, fie on it, 'tis ungodly. But, tell me, will you have it?
+
+NEIGHBOUR.
+I will give you, as I have proffered you.
+
+PRIEST.
+Truly, I cannot afford it, I would I could; but I must go to our
+exercise of prayer, and after I must go see a farm that I should have.
+
+                                              [_Exeunt_.
+
+    _Enter_ DUNSTAN _and_ PERIN, _with the_ KING.
+
+DUNSTAN.
+Most gracious prince, vouchsafe to hear me speak,
+In that the law of kindred pricks me on;
+And though I speak contrary to your mind,
+Yet do I build on hope you will pardon me.
+Were I as eloquent as Demosthenes,
+Or like Isocrates were given to oratory,
+Your grace, no doubt, will think the time well-spent,
+And I should gain me commendations:
+But for my note is tuned contrary,
+I must entreat your grace to pardon me,
+If I do jar in my delivery.
+
+KING.
+Why, Dunstan, thou hast found us gracious still,
+Nor will we pull our settled love from thee,
+Until we find thy dealings contrary,
+But if thy parley be for Ethenwald,
+That base dissembler with his sovereign,
+'Twere better leave to speak in his excuse,
+Than by excusing him gain our ill-will:
+For I am minded like the salamander-stone
+That, fir'd with anger, will not in haste be quench'd.
+Though wax be soft, and apt to receive any impression,
+Yet will hard metal take no form, except you melt the same.
+So mean men's minds may move as they think good,
+But kings' just dooms are irrevocable.
+
+DUNSTAN.
+'Tis not enough, where lust doth move the offence.
+
+KING.
+Why, councillors may not with kings dispense.
+
+DUNSTAN.
+A councillor may speak, if he see his prince offend.
+
+KING.
+And for his counsel rue it in the end.
+But Dunstan, leave: you urge us over far.
+We pardon what is past; but speak no more.
+
+DUNSTAN.
+Nay, pardon me, for I will speak my mind.
+Your grace may call to mind proud Marius' fall,
+That through his wilful mind lost life and empire;
+And Nimrod, that built huge Babylon,
+And thought to make a tow'r to check the clouds,
+Was soon dismay'd by unknown languages;
+For no one knew what any other spake:
+Which made him to confess, though 'twere too late,
+He had made offence in tempting of the Lord.
+Remember David, Solomon, and the rest;
+Nor had proud Holofernes lost his head,
+Had he not been a foul adulterer.
+
+KING.
+Dunstan, forbear, and let this answer thee:
+Thou art too presumptuous in reproving me,
+For I have sworn, as truly as I live,
+That I will never pardon Ethenwald.
+
+DUNSTAN.
+Did you but see the man, I am assur'd
+You would not choose but pardon Ethenwald.
+
+PERIN.
+Why, Dunstan, you have seen as well as I,
+That Ethenwald hath dissembled with the king.
+My gracious lord, first cut that traitor down,
+And then will others fear the like amiss.
+
+DUNSTAN.
+I tell thee, Perin, were the earl in place,
+Thou wouldst eat these words utter'd in his disgrace.
+Veni, Astoroth![320]
+And, in good time, see where he comes.    [_Aside_.
+
+    _Here enter_ ALFRIDA _disguised, with the_ DEVIL,
+    [_disguised as_ ETHENWALD.]
+
+KING.
+But tell me, Dunstan, is this Alfrida?
+
+DUNSTAN.
+It is, my gracious lord, and this is Ethenwald,
+That lays his breast wide open to your grace,
+If so it please your grace to pardon him.
+
+KING.
+Yes, Dunstan, I am well content to pardon him.
+Ethenwald, stand up, and rise up, Alfrida,
+For Edgar now gives pardon to you both.
+
+DUNSTAN.
+Astoroth, away!    [_Aside_.]
+My gracious lord, Dunstan will not forget
+This unknown favour shown Earl Ethenwald;
+For which account my nephew and myself
+Do yield both lives and goods at your dispose.
+
+KING.
+Thanks, Dunstan, for thy honourable love:
+And thou deserv'st to be a councillor,
+For he deserves not other to command,
+That hath no power to master his desire;
+For Locrine, being the eldest son of Brute,
+Did doat so far upon an Almain maid,
+And was so ravished with her pleasing sight,
+That full seven years he kept her under earth,
+Even in the lifetime of fair Gwendolin:
+Which made the Cornish men to rise in arms,
+And never left, till Locrine was slain.
+And now, though late, at last I call to mind
+What wretched ends fell to adulterers.
+
+DUNSTAN.
+And if your grace call Abram's tale to mind,
+When that Egyptian Pharaoh crav'd his wife,
+You will, no doubt, forgive my nephew's guilt;
+Who by the merry jest he showed your grace,
+Did save your honour and her chastity.
+
+KING.
+We take it so; and for amends, Ethenwald,
+Give me thy hand and we are friends;
+And love thy wife, and live together long,
+For Edgar hath forgot all former wrong.
+
+ETHENWALD.
+Thanks, gracious king, and here upon my knee
+I rest to be disposed, as you please.
+
+KING.
+Enough, Ethenwald. But who comes here?
+
+    _Enter_ HONESTY.
+
+HONESTY.
+Why, I think I have taken in hand an endless task,
+To smell a knave: 'tis more than a dog can do.
+I have disguised myself of purpose to find
+A couple of knaves, which are yet behind.
+The next knave is a priest, call'd John the precise,
+That with counterfeit holiness blinds the people's eyes.
+This is one of them, that will say it is a shame
+For men to swear and blaspheme God's holy name;
+Yet if a make a good sermon but once in a year,
+A will be forty times in a tavern making good cheer:
+Yet in the church he will read with such sobriety,
+That you would think him very precise and of great honesty.  [_Aside_.]
+
+KING.
+What, Honesty, hast thou despatch'd, and found these privy knaves?
+
+HONESTY.
+I shall do anon: I have them in scent; but I will be gone.
+                                                      [_Exit_.
+
+    _Enter_ PRIEST.
+
+PRIEST.
+Good Lord! I praise God I am come from our morning's exercise,
+Where I have profited myself, and e[d]ified my brethren
+In shewing the way to salvation by my doctrine;
+And now I am going to the court to prefer my petition.
+I would give a hundred pound it were granted;
+'Tis a thing of nothing: but here comes one of the court.
+
+    _Enter_ HONESTY.
+
+God save you, brother in Christ: are you towards the king?
+
+HONESTY.
+Ay, marry am I: what then? why dost thou ask?
+
+PRIEST.
+Nothing, sir, but I would desire you to stand my friend,
+To get me the king's hand and seal to this letter.
+I would not use it, sir, to hinder any man for a thousand pound;
+For indeed I am a clergyman by my profession.
+'Tis nothing, sir, but, as you see, to have the king's seal
+To carry tin, lead, wool, and broadcloths beyond seas,
+For you know, sir, every man will make the most he can of his own;
+And for my part, I use it but for a present necessity,
+If you will undertake to do it, I'll give you a hundred pound.
+
+HONESTY.
+I thank you, sir, but I am afraid the king will hardly grant it: why,
+  'tis an undoing to the commonwealth;
+But, truly, I will move the king to hang you, priest, i'faith.--
+                                                            [_Aside_.
+May it please your grace to grant me my petition,
+For I offer it your grace in pure devotion.
+
+KING.
+O monstrous! Dunstan, didst thou ever hear the like?
+Now fie upon the base villain! lay hands on him.
+
+HONESTY.
+On me? nay, on him. Priest, I give your petition to the king,
+And I will speak to him you may be but hanged;
+For if you should live, till the king granted your petition,
+The very ravens would pick out thine eyes living;
+And therefore 'twere better you were hanged, to save the birds a labour.
+
+KING.
+Now, Honesty, hast thou done? Is here all?
+
+HONESTY.
+O no, my lord, for there are so many behind,
+That I am afraid my work will never have an end.
+But I see by the priest's looks he lacks company:
+Stay awhile, my lord, I'll fetch another presently.
+                                               [_Exit_.
+
+KING.
+Fie, graceless man! hast thou no fear of God,
+To withhold thee from these lawless motions?
+Why, thou shouldst be as [a] messenger of God,
+And hate deceit and wicked avarice:
+But thou art one of those whom God doth hate,
+And thy vild deeds will witness 'gainst thy soul,
+And make the most abominable in his sight,
+That made thee, wretch, but to a better end,
+Than thus to wrong his sacred Deity.
+Now, fie upon thee, monster of a man?
+That for to gain thyself a private gain,
+Wouldst seek the undoing of a commonwealth:
+And though thou bide[321] ten thousand torments here,
+They cannot quit thee, where thou shalt appear.
+
+    [_Enter_ HONESTY.]
+
+HONESTY.
+A prize! though it be long, I have found him at last;
+But I could not bring him with me,
+And therefore I pinn'd a paper on his shoulder,
+Meaning thereby to mark him for the gallows.
+But husht, here he comes.
+
+    _Enter_ PERIN.
+
+KING.
+What, Perin? I cannot think that Perin will be false to me.
+
+HONESTY.
+Why no, for he is false to himself: look in his pocket and see.
+This is but a false writ that he hath used,
+Unknown to your majesty, and levied great sums of money,
+And bribed upon your poor Commons extremely.
+How say you, my lord, is this true or no?
+
+KING.
+Honesty, thou sayest true. Why, impious wretch!
+Ingrateful wretch that thou art,
+To injure him that always held thee dear.
+Believe me, Dunstan, I durst well have sworn
+That Perin had not hatch'd so base a thought.
+
+HONESTY.
+Ay, but your grace sees you are deceived.
+But will your grace grant me one boon?
+
+KING.
+What's that, Honesty?
+
+HONESTY.
+That I may have the punishing of them,
+Whom I have so laboured to find.
+
+KING.
+With all my heart, Honesty: use them as thou wilt.
+
+HONESTY.
+I thank your grace. Go fetch the other two.[322]
+Now to you, Cutbert Cutpurse the Coneycatcher:
+Thy judgment is to stand at the market-cross,
+And have thy cursed tongue pinn'd to thy breast,
+And there to stand for men to wonder at,
+Till owls and night ravens pick out thy cursed eyes.
+
+CONEYCATCHER.
+Good Honesty, be more merciful.
+
+HONESTY.
+You know my mind, O Walter that-would-have-more, and you shall have
+judgment I mean, which is: to be carried into a corn-field, and there
+have your legs and hands cut off, because you loved corn so well, and
+there rest till the crows pick out thine eyes.--
+But now to you, that will do nothing,
+Except the Spirit move you thereunto.
+You shall, for abusing the blessed word of God,
+And mocking the divine order of ministry,
+Whereby you have led the ignorant into errors,
+You, I say,
+As you were shameless in your shameful dealing,
+Shall, to your shame, and the utter shame of all
+Bad-minded men, that live as thou hast done,
+Stand in Finsbury fields, near London,
+And there, as a dissembling hypocrite, be shot to death.
+
+PRIEST.
+Good Honesty, be more favourable than so.
+
+HONESTY.
+Truly, no; the Spirit doth not move me thereunto.--
+But who is next? what, Perin, a courtier and a cosener too!
+I have a judgment yet in store for thee:
+And for because I will use thee favourably,
+I'faith, thy judgment is to be but hanged.
+But where? even at Tyburn, in a good twopenny halter:
+And though you could never abide the seas,
+Yet now, against your will, you must bear your sail, namely, your sheet,
+And in a cart be tow'd up Holborn-hill.
+Would all men living, like these, in this land,
+Might be judged so at Honesty's hand.
+
+KING.
+Well, Honesty, come, follow us to court,
+Where thou shalt be rewarded for thy pain.
+
+HONESTY.
+I thank your grace. You that will damn yourselves for lucre's sake,
+And make no conscience to deceive the poor;
+You that be enemies of the commonwealth,
+To send corn over to enrich the enemy;
+And you that do abuse the word of God,
+And send over wool and tin, broad-cloth and lead;
+And you that counterfeit kings' privy-seals,
+And thereby rob the willing-minded commonalty;
+I warn you all that use such subtle villainy,
+Beware lest you, like these, be found by Honesty.
+Take heed, I say, for if I catch you once,
+Your bodies shall be meat for crows,
+And the devil shall have your bones.
+And thus, though long, at last we make an end,
+Desiring you to pardon what's amiss,
+And weigh the work, though it be grossly penn'd.
+Laugh at the faults, and weigh it as it is,
+And Honesty will pray upon his knee,
+God cut them off, that wrong the prince or commonalty.
+And may her days of bliss never have end,
+Upon whose life so many lives depend.
+
+
+FINIS.
+
+
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+
+[1] It is one of the six additional dramas which the Editor of the
+present volume caused to be [first] inserted in the impression which
+came out between the years 1825 and 1827. It may be here stated that his
+duties, from various circumstances, were almost solely confined to these
+six dramas, four of them by Robert Greene, by George Peele, by Thomas
+Lodge, and by Thomas Nash, no specimens of whose works had been
+previously included: the two other plays, then new to the collection,
+were "The World and the Child," and "Appius and Virginia."
+
+[2] See "Extracts from the Registers of the Stationers' Company"
+(printed for the Shakespeare Society), vol. ii. p. 230.
+
+[3] [The orthography has now been modernised in conformity with the
+principle adopted with regard to the rest of the collection.]
+
+[4] "Extracts from the Accounts of the Revels at Court." by Peter
+Cunningham, Esq. (printed for the Shakespeare Society), p. 176.
+
+[5] Ibid. p. 36.
+
+[6] Printed for the Shakespeare Society, in 1845, from the original most
+valuable MS. preserved in Dulwich College.
+
+[7] Hardly so, perhaps, as scarcely any drama of this date occurs
+without such a prayer. The earliest in which we have seen the prayer for
+Elizabeth is the interlude of "Nice Wanton," 1560.
+
+[8] It seems more than probable that "Tarlton's Jig of the Horse-load of
+Fools" (inserted in the introduction to the reprint of his "Jests" by
+the Shakespeare Society, from a MS. belonging to the Editor of this
+volume), was written for his humorous recitation by some popular author.
+
+[9] "Palladis Tamia. Wits Treasury, &c., by Francis Meres, Maister of
+Artes of both Universities." 8vo. 1598, fol. 286.
+
+[10] "Hist. of Engl. Dram. Poetry and the Stage," i. 255.
+
+[11] See "Memoirs of the Principal Actors in the Plays of Shakespeare"
+(printed for the Shakespeare Society), p. 131. If Bucke were a young
+actor in 1584, he had a natural son buried in 1599, but it is not stated
+how old that son then was.
+
+[12] See the entry of it by Henry Kirkham in the "Extracts from the
+Registers of the Stationers' Company" (printed for the Shakespeare
+Society), vol. ii. p. 61.
+
+[13] We quote from Mr Utterson's, on all accounts, valuable reprint of
+Guilpin's collection of Epigrams and Satires, which was limited to
+sixteen copies. The same gentleman has conferred many other
+disinterested favours of the same kind on the lovers of our ancient
+literature.
+
+[14] Percy's Reliques, i. 226, edit. 1812. There are copies in the
+Roxburghe, Pepys, and Ashmole collections.
+
+[15] In his "Jew of Malta" reprinted in the Rev. A. Dyce's edit. of
+"The Works of Christopher Marlowe," i. 227.
+
+[16] This quotation will appear in the next, the third, volume of
+"Extracts from the Registers of the Stationers' Company," which is now
+in the press of the Shakespeare Society. [This third volume never
+appeared.]
+
+[17] The question when blank verse was first employed in our public
+theatres is considered and discussed in the "History of English Dramatic
+Poetry and the Stage," iii. 107, and the whole of Marlowe's Prologue, in
+which he may be said to claim the credit of its introduction, is quoted
+on p. 116.
+
+[18] This practice of addressing the audience was continued to a
+comparatively late date, and Thomas Heywood's Plays, as reprinted by the
+Shakespeare Society, afford various instances of it.
+
+[19] Besides "1 day," in the body of the entry ("Henslowe's Diary," p.
+28), the letters _ne_ are inserted in the margin, by which also the
+manager indicated that the piece performed was a _new_ play. Both these
+circumstances were unnoticed by, because unknown to, Malone when he had
+the original MS. from Dulwich College for some years in his hands.
+
+[20] See "Memoirs of Edward Alleyn," founder of Dulwich College (printed
+for the Shakespeare Society), p. 29, &c.
+
+[21] This memorandum, securing the right of publication to Richard
+Jones, is also contained in the forthcoming volume of "Extracts from the
+Registers of the Stationers' Company," to be issued by the
+Shakespeare Society.
+
+[22] See his "Diary," pp. 43-48, 50, 51, 54, 55, 57, 62, and 82.
+
+[23] "Elfrid," afterwards remodelled under the title of "Athelwold," by
+Aaron Hill; and "Elfrida," by William Mason. At an earlier date the
+story, more or less altered, furnished a subject to Rymer and
+Ravenscroft.
+
+[24] See vol. viii. of the former edition of Dodsley's "Old Plays," p.
+165; and Rev. A. Dyce's edition of Robert Greene's Works, i. 14.
+
+[25] Commune.
+
+[26] [The Pope.]
+
+[27] [Nimrod.]
+
+[28] [Because.]
+
+[29] This and the other marginalia are Hypocrisy's _asides_. By _Ambo_
+he seems to signify, You knaves, the two of you!
+
+[30] [Until.]
+
+[31] [Fellow.]
+
+[32] [Query, _logic_.]
+
+[33] [Thus.]
+
+[34] [Good.]
+
+[35] [Old copy, _wynde_.]
+
+[36] [See Hazlitt's "Proverbs," 1869, p. 103. The origin of the term
+there suggested seems to be supported by the words put into the mouth of
+_Hypocrisy_ here.]
+
+[37] [Old copy, _myne_.]
+
+[38] [There is a proverb: "The devil is good when he is pleased."]
+
+[39] [Tenor.]
+
+[40] The priest is made to speak what the author seems to have taken for
+the Scotish dialect.
+
+[41] [The writer should have written _requhair_, if anything of the
+kind; but his Scotish is deplorably imperfect.]
+
+[42] The usual style in which priests and clergymen were anciently
+addressed. Instances are too numerous to require citation.
+
+[43] [St. Rock.]
+
+[44] [This passage was unknown to Brand and his editors.]
+
+[45] Quiet.
+
+[46] [Fagot.]
+
+[47] [i.e., Tyranny, who disguises his identity, and goes under the name
+of _Zeal_.]
+
+[48] [This word, to complete the metre, was suggested by Mr Collier.]
+
+[49] Tyranny had made his _exit_, in order to bring back with him
+Sensual Suggestion: here he returns, but his re-entrance is not noted.
+Sensual Suggestion follows him, but not immediately, and what he first
+says was perhaps off the stage, and out of sight of the audience; for
+Hypocrisy, five speeches afterwards, informs the Cardinal that Sensual
+Suggestion is coming.
+
+[50] i.e., Convicted of heresy. This use of the verb "to convince" was
+not unusual at a considerably later date: thus in Beaumont and
+Fletcher's "Lover's Progress," act v. sc. 3, edit. Dyce--
+
+    "You bring no witness here that may convince you," &c.
+
+It was also often employed as synonymous with "to overcome." See
+Shakespeare, ii. 377; vi. 49, &e., edit. Collier.
+
+[51] [Old copy, _former_.]
+
+[52] [Old copy, _demeanour_.]
+
+[53] [Old copy, _myne_.]
+
+[54] [Old copy, _line_.]
+
+[55] [3, in the old copy.]
+
+[56] [This and the next line but one have occurred before at the close
+of the speech of Spirit.]
+
+[57] [Old copy, _me_.]
+
+[58] [Assure.]
+
+[59] [Old copy, _his_.]
+
+[60] [Old copy, _that that_.]
+
+[61] [Old copy, _prayers_.]
+
+[62] [Makes all the world believe.]
+
+[63] [Old copy, _anchors_.]
+
+[64] [Old copy, _impire_.]
+
+[65] [For _Whilome a goe_, possibly we ought to read "Whilome again,"
+but this would not remove the whole difficulty.]
+
+[66] [In harmony.]
+
+[67] [Mr Collier remarks that this word seems wrong, "but it is
+difficult to find a substitute; _essays_ would not answer the purpose."]
+
+[68] [Old copy, _thy_.]
+
+[69] [Mr Collier printed _that_.]
+
+[70] [Old copy, _supporteth_.]
+
+[71] [Old copy, _to_.]
+
+[72] [Old copy, _thou shalt_.]
+
+[73] [Old copy, _as_.]
+
+[74] [Old copy, _handy_.]
+
+[75] Here Armenio comes forward and discovers himself.
+
+[76] [Old copy, _none_.]
+
+[77] Hermione here seems to turn to Fidelia, and to tell her that
+possibly he may be as well born as Prince Armenio--"And let me tell you
+this, lady," &c.
+
+[78] Her meaning is that the king her father should pardon the offence
+of Hermione, whose grief of mind is more severe than the wound he has
+just inflicted on Armenio. The two last lines of this speech appear to
+belong to Hermione.
+
+[79] [Old copy, _give_.]
+
+[80] [Old copy, _your_.]
+
+[81] [Old copy, _entertaine_.]
+
+[82] [i.e., Award. Old copy, _Holde my rewarde_.]
+
+[83] [Old copy, _to wander_.]
+
+[84] [Mr Collier printed _honor_.]
+
+[85] [Old copy, _some_.]
+
+[86] We must suppose that Fidelia makes her _exit_ here, her father
+having gone out at the end of his last speech.
+
+[87] [Old copy, _restor'de_. The alteration is suggested by Mr Collier.]
+
+[88] [Unknown, hidden.]
+
+[89] [Old copy, _one_.]
+
+[90] [Old copy, _turned_.]
+
+[91] [Old copy, _friends_.]
+
+[92] [i.e., Constantly renewed.]
+
+[93] _Companion_ was often used derogatorily by our old writers. See
+Shakespeare's "Coriolanus," edit. Collier, vol. vi. p. 230.
+
+[94] _Franion_ was often used for an idle fellow (see Peele's "Old
+Wives' Tale," edit. Dyce, vol. i. p. 207), but here it is rather to be
+taken as meaning a gentleman who has nothing to do but to amuse himself.
+In Heywood's "Edward IV." part I., Hobbs tells the king that he is "a
+frank franion, a merry companion, and loves a wench well." See
+Shakespeare Society's edit., p. 45. The word occurs several times in
+Spenser; and the following lines are from "The Contention between
+Liberality and Prodigality," 1602, sig. F.--
+
+    "This gallant, I tell you, with other lewd franions
+    Such as himself unthrifty companions.
+    In most cruel sort, by the highway-side,
+    Assaulted a countryman."
+
+[95] [Old copy, _knew_.]
+
+[96] [See Hazlitt's "Proverbs," 1869, p. 478.]
+
+[97] [Mr Collier printed _not_.]
+
+[98] [Mr Collier printed _only man alive_.]
+
+[99] [This and the next line of the dialogue are given in the old copy
+to Hermione.]
+
+[100] [By.]
+
+[101] [Old copy, pit_.]
+
+[102] _With a wanion_ seems to have been equivalent to "with a witness,"
+or sometimes to "with a curse," but the origin of it is uncertain. It
+was usually put into the mouths of persons in the lower orders, and it
+is used by one of the fishermen in act ii. sc. I of Shakespeare's
+"Pericles," edit. Collier, vol. viii. p. 292.
+
+[103] [Taking.]
+
+[104] [This appears to be imitated from some old ballad of the time.
+See "Ancient Ballads and Broadsides," 1867, p. 43-6, and the Editor's
+note at p. 410.]
+
+[105] [Dapper.]
+
+[106] [Old copy, _turn_.]
+
+[107] Middleton uses _squall_ for a wench in his "Michaelmas Term" and
+in "The Honest Whore," edit. Dyce, i. 431, and iii. 55. Here it evidently
+means a person of the male sex. [When used of men, a little insignificant
+fellow, a whipper-snapper. Presently we see that Lentulo was referring to
+the Duke's son.]
+
+[108] [Cuckoldy. A loose form of expression.]
+
+[109] [Bomelio, in his disguise, is made to talk bad French and Italian,
+as well as English; this had been done in the ease of Dr Caius who,
+however, only spoke broken English. The nationality of Bomelio is
+therefore doubtful; but these _minutiae_ did not trouble the dramatists
+of those days much.]
+
+[110] [Old copy, _Vedice_--an unlikely blunder.]
+
+[111] Pedlar's French, often mentioned in our old writers, was the cant
+language of thieves and vagabonds.
+
+    "When every peasant, each plebeian,
+    Sits in the throne of undeserv'd repute:
+    When every pedlar's French Is term'd Monsigneur."
+
+--"Histriomastix," 1610, sig. E2.
+
+[112] [i.e., Tarry _for_ me. So in the title of Wapull's play, "The
+Tide tarrieth no Man."]
+
+[113] Beat. See Nares, 1859, in _v_. Lambeake. Mr Collier refers us to
+the "Supplement to Dodsley's Old Plays," 1833, p. 80, Gabriel Harvey's
+"Pierces' Supererogation," 1593, and to "Vox Graculi," 1623.
+
+[114] Come to be hanged.
+
+[115] Old copy, _slave_.
+
+[116] The following scene reminds us of the ancient story of the
+"Physician of Brai."
+
+[117] Sure.
+
+[118] Old copy, _flight_. Mr Collier suggested _sight_.
+
+[119] He bites like the pestilence.
+
+[120] Penulo makes his _exit_ (though not marked in the old copy),
+and the stage then represents some place near the cave of Bomelio,
+who enters with Fidelia.
+
+[121] Old copy, _then_.
+
+[122] Mr Collier printed _come of_.
+
+[123] Old copy, _oft been_.
+
+[124] Old copy, _O_.
+
+[125] Old copy, _my favour_.
+
+[126] Old copy, _for_.
+
+[127] Old copy, _her_.
+
+[128] Above this line Mercury's name is inserted as the speaker: as it
+seems, unnecessarily.
+
+[129] Old copy, _Venus_.
+
+[130] Old copy, _Fortune_. It is Mercury who afterwards cures Bomelio.
+
+[131] Old copy, _replaies_.
+
+[132] Old copy, _Hot's_.
+
+[133] Old copy, _my_.
+
+[134] Old copy, _But_, which would seem to convey the exact reverse of
+what Phizanties intends--that he did not know Hermione's birth, but,
+presuming him to be of obscure birth, did not wish him to marry Fidelia.
+
+[135] Old copy, _But_.
+
+[136] Old copy, _end_.
+
+[137] [Evidently a proverbial expression, of which the import can only
+be obscurely gathered from the context. _Nock_ is the same, of course,
+as _hock_.]
+
+[138] [There was a second edition, presenting considerable variations,
+generally for the better, in 1592. See Hazlitt's "Handbook," 1867,
+p. 466.]
+
+[139] [For _stuff_ the edit, of 1592 substitutes _wares_.]
+
+[140] This division is omitted in the edition of 1592, and it seems
+unnecessary.
+
+[141] [Old copy, _his_.]
+
+[142] [Sweetheart, mistress.]
+
+[143] [Old copy, _often_.]
+
+[144] [We should now say, "as fast _as_;" but the form in the text is
+not uncommon in early literature.]
+
+[145] An intentional corruption, perhaps for _importance_.
+
+[146] Adventures.
+
+[147] Swaggerer, hence the well-known term, _swash-buckler_, for a
+roaring blade.
+
+[148] In the snare: What care I who gets caught?
+
+[149] "_What care I to serve the Deuill,"_ &c., edit. 1592.
+
+[150] Edit. 1584 has _boniacion_.
+
+[151] [Old copies, _but_.]
+
+[152] [A simpleton or bumpkin.]
+
+[153] [A term of contempt, of which the meaning is not obvious. It might
+seem to indicate a person employed in attending to a house of office.]
+
+[154] A bully.
+
+[155] _i e, pox_.
+
+[156] Old copies, _alone_.
+
+[157] _Vile_.
+
+[158] _Your lives so farre amisse_, edit. 1592.
+
+[159] [Scrupulous.]
+
+[160] [Old copies, _Fraud_.]
+
+[161] [Dissimulation.]
+
+[162] [Edit. 1592, _Iwis_.]
+
+[163] Edit. 1584, _shift it_.
+
+[164] This speech stands as follows in edit. 1592--"Gramercie, Usury;
+and doubt not but to live here as pleasantly, And pleasanter too: but
+whence came you, Symonie, tell me?"
+
+[165] _Doubt not, fairs ladie_, edit. 1592. In the next line but two,
+edit. 1592 has _certainly_ for "I perceaue," and the last two lines of
+the speech run as follows--
+
+    "And seeing we are so well setted in this countrey,
+    Rich and poore shall be pincht, whosoever come to me."
+
+[166] When this drama was reprinted in 1592, the interval between 1584
+and that date made it necessary to read 33 _years_ for "26 yeares" in
+this line. It is a curious note of time.
+
+[167] [This is given in the old copies, _sarua voulra boungrace_, but
+surely _Mercatore_ was not intended to blunder in his own language.]
+
+[168] [Scald.]
+
+[169] Omitted in edit. 1584.
+
+[170] _I think so_ is omitted in the second 4to.
+
+[171] [Signed.]
+
+[172] _Studied late_ is omitted in first 4to.
+
+[173] _At all_ is not in second 4to.
+
+[174] [Old copies, _kettels_.]
+
+[175] Possibly a personal allusion to somebody sitting "in the corner"
+of the theatre; or it may have been to some well-known character of the
+time. Farther on, Simplicity alludes to some boy among the audience.
+
+[176] [Not in _edit. 1581_]
+
+[177] [_I think youle make me serve_, edit. 1592.]
+
+[178] [_And prosperous be they to thee_, edit. 1592.]
+
+[179] [_And dine with me_, edit. 1592.]
+
+[180] [_Thankes_, edit. 1592, omitting _I give you_.]
+
+[181] [Old copies, _am_.]
+
+[182] [Testy. Halliwell spells it _testorn_. Old copies, _testren_.]
+
+[183] [Clarke, in his "Paroemiologia," 1639, has the proverb "He blushes
+like a black dog."]
+
+[184] [Old copies, _you_.]
+
+[185] [Edit. 1584 has _very_, and second 4° _well_, the true reading, as
+Mr Collier suggests, being that now given in the text.]
+
+[186] [_Priest_, edit. 1592.]
+
+[187] [_Neuter_.]
+
+[188] [Miracle.]
+
+[189] [i.e., in good style.]
+
+[190] [Edit. 1584 has _must_.]
+
+[191] This line is omitted in edit. 1592.
+
+[192] [Will.]
+
+[193] For _parliament_ we are to understand _parament_, i.e., apparel,
+referring to the gowns he carries. Beaumont and Fletcher use the word
+_paramentos_--
+
+        "There were cloaks, gowns, cassocks,
+    And other _paramentos_,"
+
+--"Love's Pilgrimage," edit. Dyce, xi. 226. _Paramento_ is Spanish, and
+means ornament, embellishment, or sometimes any kind of covering.
+
+[194] [In the old copies this direction is inserted wrongly six lines
+higher up.]
+
+[195] [Old copies, _hastily_, the compositor's eye having perhaps caught
+the word from the stage-direction just above.]
+
+[196] [These three words are not in second 4°.]
+
+[197] [A proverbial expression. See Hazlitt's "Proverbs," 1869, p. 210.
+So, in the "Spanish Tragedy," vol. v. p. 84: "I am in a sort sorry for
+thee; but if I should be hang'd with thee, I cannot weep."]
+
+[198] [Old copies, _thy_.]
+
+[199] Mr Collier's suggestion; both the old copies, _gracious_.
+
+[200] [The first 4° has _can_ for _should_, and _say_ for _'ssay_ or
+_essay_. The second 4° reads _lying_ for _living_.]
+
+[201] [Old copy, _drudge_.]
+
+[202] Edit. 1592 has _availeth_. See St Matthew xvi. 26.
+
+[203] [A synonym for a drubbing.] See "All's Well that Ends Well," act
+iii. sc. 6, when this passage is quoted in illustration of "John Drum's
+entertainment," as it is called by Shakespeare. The expression was
+equivalent to _drumming out_.
+
+[204] Second 4° has _array_. Mr Collier thinks _beray_ was intended by
+the writer as a blunder on the part of the clown.
+
+[205] First 4°, _seeke_.
+
+[206] [The clown is addressing one of the audience.]
+
+[207] [Edit. 1584, _the_.]
+
+[208] [This word is omitted in first 4°.]
+
+[209] [_I tell ye_, not in edit. 1592.]
+
+[210] _Tell me what good ware for England you do lacke_, edit. 1592.
+
+[211] According to "Extracts from the Stationers' Registers," i. 88,
+William Griffith was licensed in 1563-4 to print a ballad entitled "Buy,
+Broomes, buye." This maybe the song here sung by Conscience. A song to
+the tune is inserted in the tract of "Robin Goodfellow," 1628, 4°, but
+no doubt first published many years earlier.
+
+[212] [So both the 4°s, but Mr Collier suggests _soften_.]
+
+[213] _Play, and_ are not in the second 4to.
+
+[214] [The writer seems here to have intended an allusion to Scogin,
+whose "Jests" were well-known at that time as a popular book.]
+
+[215] [_I think_, omitted in second 4to.]
+
+[216] A strong kind of cloth so called, and several times mentioned in
+Shakespeare. See "Henry IV." Part I., act i. sc. 2; "Comedy of Errors,"
+act iv. se. 3, &c.--_Collier_.
+
+[217] _The Venetians came nothing near the knee. Venetians_ were a kind
+of hose, or breeches, adopted from the fashions of Venice.
+
+[218] [First 4to reads, _not agree_.]
+
+[219] [A pun, probably, upon _alms_ and _arms_.]
+
+[220] [Old copy, _tables_.]
+
+[221] [So old copies; but the period named before was _three months_.]
+
+[222] [Old copies, _seeme_.]
+
+[223] See Shakespeare's "Love's Labour's Lost," edit. Collier, ii. 306
+and 360; Beaumont and Fletcher's "Monsieur Thomas," edit. Dyce, vii.
+364. Thomas Nash, in his "Strange Newes," 1592, sig. D 3, uses _no
+point_ just in the same way, as a sort of emphatic double negative.--"No
+point; _ergo_, it were wisely done of goodman Boores son, if he should
+go to the warres," &c.
+
+[224] [The worst wonder is.]
+
+[225] [Compassionate.]
+
+[226] [Not in first 4to.]
+
+[227] The learned Constable refers, of course, to Love, who has already
+been on the stage in a vizard at the back of her head: see earlier;
+_Enter_ LUCRE, _and_ LOVE _with a vizard, behind_.
+
+[228] [Old copies, _sacred_. This was Mr Collier's suggestion.]
+
+[229] [Old copies, _ye_.]
+
+[230] [Alluding to the "Three Ladies of London," 1584.]
+
+[231] [Old copy, _Pompe hath_.]
+
+[232] [Old copy, _place_.]
+
+[233] [The bells attached to the falcon, the _impress of Pleasure_.]
+
+[234] Referring to the chains of gold formerly worn by persons of rank
+and property.
+
+[235] Alluding to the manner in which ballad-sellers of that day used to
+expose their goods, by hanging them up in the same way that the three
+lords had hung up their shields.
+
+[236] [Foolish, maudlin.]
+
+[237] [Except.]
+
+[238] [See Hazlitt's "Proverbs," 1869, p. 265-6.]
+
+[239] The best, and indeed what may be considered the only, account of
+Tarlton the actor precedes the edition of his Jests, reprinted for the
+Shakespeare Society in 1844.
+
+[240] [Videlicet.]
+
+[241] [Ignorant.]
+
+[242] [Alluding to some wood engraving of Tarlton, which Simplicity had
+in his basket. To the reprint of "Tarlton's Jests," by the Shakespeare
+Society, are prefixed two wood-cuts, made from a drawing of the time of
+Elizabeth, and no doubt soon after the death of Tarlton of the plague
+in 1588.]
+
+[243] [Preferment.]
+
+[244] An ejaculation, apparently equivalent to _God_.
+
+[245] The first purchase made in the day--the ballad which Wit had
+bought of Simplicity.
+
+[246] Espial. The word occurs again further on.
+
+[247] [Probably a reference is intended to the proverbial expression
+about Mahomet and the mountain.]
+
+[248] An ambry or aumbry is a pantry or closet. The next line explains
+the word.
+
+[249] [Old copy, _lent_.]
+
+[250] [Old copy, _might_.]
+
+[251] [Old copy, _might_.]
+
+[252] Old copy, _tormented_.
+
+[253] [Old copy, _unmask'd_.]
+
+[254] Old copy, _our_.
+
+[255] i.e., A pack of cards; the expression was very common; _deck_,
+five lines lower, was often used for _pack_.
+
+[256] [Old copy, _from_.]
+
+[257] The wimple is generally explained as a covering for the neck, or
+for the neck and shoulders; but Shakespeare ("Love's Labour's Lost," act
+iii. se. 1) seems to use it as a covering for the eyes also, when he
+calls Cupid "This wimpled, whining, purblind, wayward boy." Steevens in
+his note states that "the wimple was a hood or veil, which fell over the
+face." The passage in our text, and what follows it, supports this
+description of the wimple.
+
+[258] This is the only part of female dress mentioned in this speech
+that seems to require a note. The "vardingale (or farthingale) of vain
+boast" is peculiarly appropriate, since a farthingale consisted of a
+very wide, expanded skirt, puffed out to show off the attire, and
+distort the figure of a lady. In modern times it bears a different name.
+
+[259] [Good-bye.]
+
+[260] [Old copy, _house_; but Simplicity is enumerating the new articles
+of attire he proposed to purchase.]
+
+[261] [He addresses the audience.]
+
+[262] [Old copy, _auditorie_.]
+
+[263] [Old copy, _proofe it fits of_.]
+
+[264] [Old copy, _a_.]
+
+[265] [Old copy, in the preceding line, _ever_.] This and the following
+lines afford a note of time, and show that the drama was written and
+acted during the preparation of the great Armada, and perhaps before its
+total defeat.
+
+[266] [The old copy reads, _peerlesse, of the rarest price_, which
+destroys the metre. The writer probably wrote _peerless_, and then,
+finding it inconvenient as regarded the measure, substituted the other
+phrase, without striking out the first word, so that the printer
+inserted both.]
+
+[267] [Old copy, _when_.]
+
+[268] See "Henry IV.," Part I., act ii. sc 1, respecting "burning
+cressets." In a note, Steevens quotes the above line in explanation of
+Shakespeare.
+
+[269] [The concluding portion of the speech is supposed to be overheard
+by Fraud and the others.]
+
+[270] The ordinary cry of the apprentices of London, when they wished to
+raise their fellows to take their part in any commotion. It is mentioned
+in many old writers.
+
+[271] A trouchman was an interpreter [literally, a truceman]: "For he
+that is the Trouchman of a Straungers tongue may well declare his
+meaning, but yet shall marre the grace of his Tale" (G. Whetstone's
+"Heptameron," 1582).
+
+[272] [Old copy, _trunke_.]
+
+[273] [This is to be pronounced as a trisyllable.]
+
+[274] [In the old copy this line is printed thus--
+
+    "Quid tibi cum domini mox servient miseri nobis; discede."]
+
+[275] [In the old copy this line is divided between Policy and Pomp
+improperly.]
+
+[276] [Might my advice be heard.]
+
+[277] [Old copy, _wished_.]
+
+[278] [Old copy, _we_.]
+
+[279] [Old copy, _Ne. Fra., Nemo_ being retained by error.]
+
+[280] [The entrance of Diligence is marked here in old copy; but he was
+already on the stage.]
+
+[281] [Simplicity seems to intend the public-wealth.]
+
+[282] [An intentional (?) error for _buckram_.]
+
+[283] They "slipped aside" on p. 483, and now re-enter. The preceding
+stage direction ought to be _Exeunt_, because the lords go out as well
+as Simplicity.
+
+[284] [Committal, prior to trial.]
+
+[285] That is, under the protection of their husbands--a legal phrase,
+not yet strictly applicable, as the ladies are not to be married to the
+lords until the next day--
+
+    "And even to-morrow is the marriage-day."
+
+[286] [Old copy, _a_.]
+
+[287] [Old copy, _noble_; the emendation was suggested by Mr Collier.]
+
+[288] Old copy, _vetuous_.
+
+[289] There must be some corruption here, or the author was not very
+anxious to be correct in his classical allusions.
+
+[290] Lies to the king. The word _lese_ is more generally used as a
+substantive.
+
+[291] [_Jug_ is a leman or mistress. Mr Collier remarks that this
+passage clears up] the hitherto unexplained exclamation in "King Lear,"
+act. i. sc. 4: "Whoop, Jug, I love thee."--The Tinker's _mail_,
+mentioned in the preceding line, is his wallet. _Trug_, in the following
+line, is equivalent to _trull_, and, possibly, is only another form of
+the same word: Middleton (edit. Dyce ii. 222) has the expression, "a
+pretty, middlesized _trug_." See also the note, where R. Greene's tract
+is quoted.
+
+[292] In one copy the text is as we give it, and in another the word is
+printed _Ideal_, the alteration having been made in the press. Possibly
+the author had some confused notion about _Ida_; but, if he cared about
+being correct, the Queen of Love did not "dally with Endymion."
+
+[293] [Thalia.]
+
+[294] [Old copy, _Idea_; a trissyllable is required for the rhythm.]
+
+[295] [Old copy, _kept_.]
+
+[296] [Bond.]
+
+[297] [Old copy, _Abstrauogant_.]
+
+[298] [Old copy, _peely_.]
+
+[299] [Cakes. Old copy, _cats_.]
+
+[300] [A Knight of the Post was a person hired to swear anything--a
+character often mentioned in old writers.]
+
+[301] Some persons, not merely without reason, but directly against it,
+treat _vild_ and _vile_, and consequently vildly and _vilely_, as
+distinct words. _Vild_ and _vildly_ are blunders in old spelling, only
+to be retained when, as now, we give the words of an author in the very
+orthography of that date. We profess here to follow the antiquated
+spelling exactly, that it may be seen how the productions in our volume
+came originally from the press: but when spelling is modernised, as it
+is in the ordinary republications of our ancient dramatists, &c., it is
+just as absurd to print "vile" _vild_, as to print "friend" frend or
+"enemy" _ennimy_.--_Mr Collier's note in the edition of_ 1851.
+
+[302] Shakespeare has the word "exigent" for _extremity_, and such seems
+to be its meaning here, and not the legal sense; the Knight says that
+the good name of his predecessors for housekeeping shall never be
+brought into extremity by him.
+
+[303] [Wary, aware.]
+
+[304] [Old copy, _Squire_.]
+
+[305] [Old copy, _for fourtie_.]
+
+[306] An early instance of the use of an expression, of frequent
+occurrence afterwards and down to our own day, equivalent to going
+without dinner. See Steevens's note to "Richard III." act iv. sc. 4,
+where many passages are quoted on the point.
+
+[307] [Old copy, _ope_.]
+
+[308] The copy of this play in the British Museum has here "_Scinthin_
+maide;" but another, belonging to the Rev. A. Dyce, "_Scythia_ maide," a
+reading we have followed, and, no doubt, introduced by the old printer
+as the sheets went through the press.
+
+[309] "Counterfeit" was a very common term for the resemblance of a
+person: in "Hamlet," act iii. sc. 4, we have "counterfeit presentment;"
+and in the "Merchant of Venice," act iii. sc. 2, "Fair Portia's
+counterfeit." In Beaumont and Fletcher's "Wife for a Month," act iv. sc.
+5, we meet-with "counterfeits in Arras" for portraits, or figures
+in tapestry.
+
+[310] [i.e., from or after.]
+
+[311] [i.e., The shoemaker. There is a jest turning upon this in one of
+the early collections of _facetiae_.]
+
+[312] [Vulcan.]
+
+[313] By "carminger" the cobbler means harbinger, an officer; who
+preceded the monarch during progresses, to give notice and make
+preparation.
+
+[314] We print it precisely as in the old copy, but we may presume that
+here a couplet was intended, as the cobbler's speech begins in rhyme:--
+
+    "And we are come to you alone
+    To deliver our petition,"
+
+[315] Roquefort in his "Glossary," i. 196, states that bysse is a sort
+_d'étoffe de soie_, and the Rev. A. Dyce, "Middleton's Works," v. 558,
+says that it means "fine linen," while others contend that it is "a
+delicate blue colour," but sometimes "black or dark grey." The truth may
+be that it was fine silk of a blue colour, and we now and then meet it
+coupled with purple--"purple and bis."
+
+[316] [Old copy, _Indian_.]
+
+[317] [Old copy, _calamon_.]
+
+[318] [i.e., he withdraws to the back of the stage, to allow the king
+to confer first with Osrick, and then comes forward again.]
+
+[319] [Old copy, _Asmoroth_.]
+
+[320] [Old copy, _Asmoroth_.]
+
+[321] [Old copy, _bid_.] _Bid_ may be taken in the sense of invite, a
+meaning it often bears in old writers; but we are most likely to
+understand it _bide_ or _abide_, the final _e_ having been omitted, or
+dropped out in the press. In the next line we have _quit_ again used
+for _acquit_.
+
+[322] [We must suppose here that Honesty sends out some of the
+attendants to bring in the Coneycatcher and Farmer, who soon make their
+re-appearance on the stage.]
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Select Collection of Old English
+Plays, Vol. VI, by Robert Dodsley
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OLD ENGLISH PLAYS, VOL. VI ***
+
+This file should be named 8oep610.txt or 8oep610.zip
+Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, 8oep611.txt
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