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diff --git a/19481-h/19481-h.htm b/19481-h/19481-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6b46ed3 --- /dev/null +++ b/19481-h/19481-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,11106 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?> +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.1//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml11/DTD/xhtml11.dtd"> +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> +<head> +<title>Everyman with other interludes</title> + +<style type="text/css"> +<!-- + body { + margin: 2em 10% 2em 10%; + } + + #preface, #tp, #verso, p.end, h1, h2, h3, h4, h5 { + text-align: center; + } + + div.chapter, #preface, #tp, #verso { + margin-top: 3em; + } + + img { border: none; } + + .smallcaps { + font-variant: small-caps; + } + + .charlist { + list-style-type: none; + } + + .stagedir { + text-align: right; + margin-left: 20%; + } + + hr { height: 1px; width: 80%; } +--> +</style> + +</head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Everyman and Other Old Religious Plays, +with an Introduction, by Anonymous + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Everyman and Other Old Religious Plays, with an Introduction + +Author: Anonymous + +Editor: Ernest Rhys + +Release Date: October 6, 2006 [EBook #19481] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK EVERYMAN AND OTHERS *** + + + + +Produced by Suzanne Lybarger, Melanie Lybarger, Curtis +Weyant and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at +http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<div id="preface"> + +<p><a href="images/frontis.jpg"><img src="images/frontis_small.jpg" alt="POETS ARE THE TRUMPETS WHICH SING TO BATTLE POETS ARE THE UNACKNOWLEDGED LEGISLATORS OF THE WORLD SHELLEY" title="POETS ARE THE TRUMPETS WHICH SING TO BATTLE POETS ARE THE UNACKNOWLEDGED LEGISLATORS OF THE WORLD SHELLEY" /></a></p> + +<p>POETS ARE THE TRUMPETS WHICH SING TO BATTLE<br /> +POETS ARE THE UNACKNOWLEDGED LEGISLATORS OF THE WORLD</p> + +<p>SHELLEY</p> +</div> + + +<div id="tp"> +<h1 class="title">"EVERYMAN"</h1> + +<h2 class="subtitle">WITH OTHER INTERLUDES, including EIGHT MIRACLE PLAYS</h2> + +<p><a href="images/cover.jpg"><img src="images/cover_small.jpg" alt="EVERY MAN I WILL GO WITH THEE BE THY GVIDE IN THY MOST NEED TO GO BY THY SIDE" title="EVERY MAN I WILL GO WITH THEE BE THY GVIDE IN THY MOST NEED TO GO BY THY SIDE" /></a><br /> +EVERY MAN I WILL GO WITH THEE BE THY GVIDE<br /> +IN THY MOST NEED TO GO BY THY SIDE"</p> + +<p>LONDON: PUBLISHED<br /> +by J. M. DENT & SONS LTD.<br /> +AND IN NEW YORK<br /> +BY E. P. DUTTON & CO</p> +</div> + + +<div id="verso"> +<p><span class="smallcaps">First Issue of this Edition</span> 1909<br /> +<span class="smallcaps">Reprinted</span> 1910, 1912, 1914</p> +</div> + + +<div id="intro" class="chapter"> +<h2>INTRODUCTION</h2> + +<blockquote> +<p>By craftsmen and mean men, these pageants are played,<br /> +And to commons and countrymen accustomably before:<br /> +If better men and finer heads now come, what can be said?</p></blockquote> + + + +<p>The pageants of the old English town-guilds, and the other mysteries and +interludes that follow, have still an uncommon reality about them if we +take them in the spirit in which they were originally acted. Their +office as the begetters of the greater literary drama to come, and their +value as early records, have, since Sharp wrote his <i>Dissertation on the +Coventry Mysteries</i> in 1816, been fully illustrated. But they have +hardly yet reached the outside reader who looks for life and not for +literary origins and relations in what he reads. This is a pity, for +these old plays hide under their archaic dress the human interest that +all dramatic art, no matter how crude, can claim when it is touched with +our real emotions and sensations. They are not only a primitive +religious drama, born of the church and its feasts; they are the genuine +expression of the town life of the English people when it was still +lived with some exuberance of spirits and communal pleasure. As we read +them, indeed, though it be in cold blood, we are carried out of our +book, and set in the street or market-square by the side of the "commons +and countrymen," as in the day when Whitsuntide, or Corpus Christi, +brought round the annual pageantry to Chester, Coventry, York, and other +towns.</p> + +<p>Of the plays that follow, six come from the old town pageants, +reflecting in their variety the range of subject and the contemporary +effect of the cycles from which they are taken. They are all typical, +and show us how the scenes and characters of the east were mingled with +the real life of the English craftsmen and townsfolk who acted them, and +for whose pleasure they were written. Yet they give us only a small +notion of the whole interest and extent of these plays. We gain an idea +of their popularity both from the number of them given in one town and +the number of places at which regular cycles, or single pageants, were +represented from year to year. The York plays alone that remain are +forty-eight in all; the Chester, twenty-four or five; the Wakefield, +thirty-two or three. Even these do not represent anything like the full +list. Mr. E. K. Chambers, in an appendix to his <i>Mediæval Stage</i>, gives +a list of eighty-nine different episodes treated in one set or another +of the English and Cornish cycles. Then as to the gazette of the many +scattered places where they had a traditional hold: Beverley had a cycle +of thirty-six; Newcastle-on-Tyne and Norwich, each one of twelve; while +the village and parochial plays were almost numberless. In Essex alone +the list includes twenty-one towns and villages, though it is fair to +add that this was a specially enterprising shire. At Lydd and New +Romney, companies of players from fourteen neighbouring towns and +villages can be traced in the local records that stretch from a year or +so before, to eight years after, the fifteenth century.</p> + +<p>Mrs. J. R. Green, in her history of <i>Town Life</i> in that century, shows +us how the townspeople mixed their workday and holiday pursuits, their +serious duties with an apparent "incessant round of gaieties." Hardly a +town but had its own particular play, acted in the town hall or the +parish churchyard, "the mayor and his brethren sitting in state." In +1411 there was a great play, <i>From the Beginning of the World</i>, played +in London at the Skinner's Well. It lasted seven days continually, and +there were the most part of the lords and gentles of England. No copy of +this play exists, but of its character we have a pretty sensible idea +from various other plays of the Creation handed down from the +north-country cycles. In the best of them the predestined Adam is +created after a fashion both to suggest his treatment by Giotto in the +medallion at Florence, and his lineaments as an English mediæval +prototype:--</p> + +<blockquote> +<p>"But now this man that I have made,<br /> +With the ghost of life, I make him glad,<br /> +Rise up, Adam, rise up rade,<sup><a href="#fn_1" id="fna_1">1</a></sup><br /> +A man full of soul and life!"</p> +</blockquote> + +<p>But to surprise the English mediæval smith or carpenter, cobbler or +bowyer, when he turns playgoer at Whitsuntide, assisting at a play +which expressed himself as well as its scriptural folk, we must go on to +later episodes. The Deluge in the Chester pageant, that opens the +present volume, has among its many Noah's Ark sensations, some of them +difficult enough to mimic on the pageant-wagon, a typical recall of the +shipwright and ark-builder. God says to Noah:--</p> + +<blockquote> +<p>A ship soon thou shalt make thee of trees, dry and light.<br /> + Little chambers therein thou make,<br /> + And binding pitch also thou take,<br /> + Within and out, thou ne slake<br /> + To anoint it thro' all thy might.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p>In the York Noah's Ark pageant, which seems to be the parent-play in +England of all its kind, we have this craftsman's episode much enlarged. +"Make it of boards," God says, "and wands between!"</p> + +<blockquote> +<p>Thus thriftily and not over thin,<br /> +Look that thy seams be subtly seen<br /> +And nailéd well, that they not twin:<br /> +Thus I devised it should have been;<br /> +Therefore do forth, and leave thy din</p> +</blockquote> + +<p>Then, after further instructions, Noah begins to work before the +spectators, first rough-hewing a plank, then trying it with a line, and +joining it with a gynn or gin. He says:--</p> + +<blockquote> +<p>More subtilely can no man <i>sew</i>;<sup><a href="#fn_2" id="fna_2">2</a></sup><br /> +It shall be clinched each ilk and deal,<br /> +With nails that are both noble and new,<br /> +Thus shall I fix it to the keel:<br /> +Take here a rivet, and there a screw,<br /> +With there bow,<sup><a href="#fn_3" id="fna_3">3</a></sup> there now, work I well,<br /> +This work, I warrant both good and true.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p>To complete the pedigree of this scene we must turn to the old poem, the +"Cursor Mundi," which, written in the fourteenth century, the time when +the northern miracle-plays were taking decisive shape, appears to have +served their writers as a stock-book. The following passage is own +brother to that in the York miracle-play:--</p> + +<blockquote> +<p>A ship must thou needs dight,<br /> +Myself shall be the master-wright.<br /> +I shall thee tell how broad and long,<br /> +Of what measure and how strong.<br /> +When the timber is fastened well,<br /> +Wind the sides ever each and deal.<br /> +Bind it first with balk and band,<br /> +And wind it then too with good wand.<br /> +With pitch, look, it be not thin!<br /> +Plaster it well without and in!</p> +</blockquote> + +<p>The likeness we see is startling: so near to the other indeed as to +suggest almost a common authorship.</p> + +<p>As for the pastoral plays in the same towns, we find the shepherds and +countrymen were just as well furnished with rough cuts from the life. +The most real and frankly illustrative, and by no means the least +idyllic of them is perhaps the Chester play of the three shepherds. It +was not played by countrymen but by townsmen, like the other plays in +the town cycles, being in this case the "Paynters and Glasiors" play. +The first shepherd who opens it talks of the "bower" or cote he would +build, his "sheep to shield," his "seemly wethers to save:"--</p> + +<blockquote> +<p>From comely Conway unto Clyde<br /> +Under tyldes<sup><a href="#fn_4" id="fna_4">4</a></sup> them to hide<br /> +A better shepherd on no side<br /> +No earthly man may have<br /> +For with walking weary I have methought<br /> +Beside thee such my sheep I sought<br /> +My long-tail'd tups are in my thought<br /> +Them to save and heal</p> +</blockquote> + +<p>In the <i>Death of Abel</i>, another Chester play, Cain comes in with a +plough, and says:--</p> + +<blockquote> +<p>A tiller I am, and so will I be,<br /> +As my daddy hath taught it me<br /> +I will fulfil his lore</p> +</blockquote> + +<p>In the subsequent incident of the corn that Cain is to offer for his +sacrifice, we hear the plain echo of the English farmer's voice in the +corn-market mixing with the scriptural verse: "This standing corn that +was eaten by beasts," will do:</p> + +<blockquote> +<p>God, thou gettest no better of me,<br /> +Be thou never so grim</p> +</blockquote> + +<p>So throughout the plays the folk-life of their day, their customs and +customary speech, are for ever emerging from the biblical scene.</p> + +<p>In trying to realise how the miracle-plays were mounted and acted, we +shall find the best witness at Chester. This was a rather late one. +Archdeacon Rogers, who saw them in 1594, when they had been going on for +something like three centuries in all. From his account (in the +<i>Harleian Miscellany</i>) it appears the Chester plays were given on +Whit-Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.</p> + +<p>"The manner of these plays were, every company had his pageant or part, +a high scaffold with two rooms, a higher and a lower, upon four wheels. +In the lower they apparelled themselves, and in the higher room they +played, being all open on the top, that all beholders might hear and see +them." They were played, he goes on to say, in every street:</p> + +<p>"They began first at the abbey gates, and when the first pageant was +played, it was wheeled to the high cross before the mayor, and so to +every street. So every street had a pageant playing before it at one +time, till all the pageants for the day appointed were played. When one +pageant was near ended, word was brought from street to street, that so +they might come in place thereof, exceeding orderly, and all the streets +have their pageants before them, all at one time playing together, to +see which plays was great resort and also scaffolds and stages made in +the streets in those places where they determined to play their +pageants."</p> + +<p>The same writer explains elsewhere that these plays were divided into +twenty-four pageants, according to the number of the city companies, and +that each company brought out its own pageant.</p> + +<p>At York, whose plays Miss L. Toulmin Smith edited in 1887, we can turn +to Davies's two books<sup><a href="#fn_5" id="fna_5">5</a></sup> and the local records, to complete the Chester +description. Those who travel to York by rail to-day, and there +dismount, as most of us have often done, to walk through the city to the +cathedral, will be interested to find that the railway station now +stands where once was Pageant Green. Near it was formerly another kind +of station, where stood the houses hired to keep the pageants stored and +put away from one year's show to another. The word "pageant," (<i>pagina</i>, +or plank), we ought to recall, was used for the stage, or wheeled car of +two stories, before it was used for the show set forth upon it. Davies +helps us, as we perambulate York to-day, to mark where the old pageants +were performed in 1399, at twelve stations, which were fixed and stated +beforehand. The first station was at the gates of the Priory of the Holy +Trinity in Mickle Gate, and the pageants were moved on them in turn to +places at Skelder Gate end, North Street, Conyng Strete, Stane Gate and +the gates of the Minster, so to the end of Girdler Gate; while the last +of all was "upon the pavement." But the stations were subject to change, +and there was much competition among wealthy householders (one of whom +may have been the Robert Harpham mentioned in a 1417 list) to have the +pageant played before their windows. The highest bidder gained the +coveted right.</p> + +<p>Before the actual day came, a town-crier was sent round the city to +proclaim the "banes" or banns.<sup><a href="#fn_6" id="fna_6">6</a></sup> Arms were forbidden: "We command that +no man go armed in this city with swords ne with carlill-axes, in +disturbance of the king's peace and the play, or hindering of the +procession of Corpus Christi, and that they leave their harness in their +inns, saving knights and squires of worship that ought to have swords +borne after them!" The plays began betimes. We read that at York the +players were to be ready "at the mid-hour betwixt the IVth and Vth of +the clock in the morning." Finally, for the players themselves, care was +taken to secure good ones for the several parts. Sometimes a player +doubled or trebled the characters in a particular play.</p> + +<p>All through the XIVth and XVth centuries miracle-plays went on +being performed regularly, or irregularly, in most of the English +towns and larger villages. One of the smaller cycles was that of +Newcastle-upon-Tyne, played at Corpus Christi, from 1426 onwards. <i>The +Three Kings of Cologne</i> is mentioned in 1536, which the goldsmiths, +plumbers, glaziers, and others were to play. Here the pageants were not +movable ones, but were given at fixed points. No doubt some of the spots +associated with the Whitsuntide "shuggy-shows" (as I remember them in my +time) were originally show-grounds of the town pageants too. Only one +play of the Newcastle series has survived, and that fitly enough, having +regard to the Tyneside shipbuilding, is a shipwrights' play. Unluckily +it has been so modernised that not a vestige of the local colour or +Tyneside dialect remains.</p> + +<p>We come now to the date and origin of these town pageants. Of the three +chief cycles earliest mention is to be found at Chester, and it carries +us doubtfully back to 1268. Sir John Arnway was mayor in that year, +according to one account: but the name recurs pretty positively in +1327-8, and about that time Randall Higgenet, a monk of Chester Abbey, +wrote the plays. But in the text handed down they are of a much later +style of diction, and no doubt later in date than the Towneley or York +series.</p> + +<p>About the real origin of these plays there can be no question. They +began in the churches as liturgy plays, which were given at the +Christmas, Easter, and other festivals, illustrating in chief the birth, +life, death and passion of Christ. We owe to Professor Skeat the +recovery of some fragments of liturgical plays in Latin, which have been +reprinted by Professor Manly, in his <i>Specimens of the Pre-Shaksperean +Drama</i>. The earliest example there is may be dated as early as 967, an +important landmark for us, as it is often assumed that we have no +dramatic record of any kind in these islands earlier than the Norman +Conquest. Another generation or two of research, such as the pioneer +work of Dr. Furnivall and the Early English Text Society has made +possible, and we shall distinguish clearly the two lines of growth, +French and Norman, English and Saxon, by which the town-pageants and +folk-plays of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries came to a head. +Then the grafting of the English pastoral on the church-play, after it +had been carried out into the open town or market-place, may become +clear. Then, too, one will know how charged with potential dramatic life +was the mind of him who wrote that interlude in four lines of the "Three +Queens and the Three Dead Men," which contains in it the essence of a +thousand moralities.</p> + +<blockquote> +<p><i>1st Queen.</i> I am afeard.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Queen.</i> Lo, what I see?</p> + +<p><i>3rd Queen.</i> Me thinketh it be devils three!</p> + +<p><i>1st Dead Body.</i> I was well fair</p> + +<p><i>2nd Dead Body.</i> Such shall thou be.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Dead Body.</i> For Godes love, be-ware by me!</p> +</blockquote> + +<p>These breathe, not a Norman, but an Anglo-Saxon fantasy, and they speak +for themselves. But many tell-tale documents exist to mark the +concurrent Norman and English development that went on in the English +mediæval literature, and was seen and felt in the church and guild +plays, just as it went on in the towns themselves. It finds at last its +typical expression in an interlude like the Coventry Nativity-play, +reprinted in this volume. Long before the miracle-play was written in +the form it finally took, and about the time when William of Rouen, +after much trouble with his son Robert culminating at the battle of +Gerberoi, was about to return to England, the new opening in the church +in this country became one to tempt poor foreign students of some parts +and some ambition. Among these was a graduate of the University of +Paris, one Geoffrey, known to us now as Geoffrey of St. Albans. He had +been offered the post of master of the abbey school at that place, but +when he arrived after some delay--due perhaps to his going to see a +mystery play at Paris--he found the post filled up. He then made his way +to Dunstable, and while there proved his spirit by getting up a +miracle-play of "Sancta Katarina." He borrowed copes from St. Albans in +which to dress the actors; unluckily a fire took place, and the costumes +were burnt. Thereupon he seems to have rendered himself up as it were in +pious pledge for their loss, for he became a monk. In 1119 he was +elected abbot, and if we give him about twenty-one years in which to +rise to that dignity, we can date the St. Katharine play at 1098 or 9. +This passage in a life of that time is a clue to the further history of +the religious play in England. Geoffrey's attempt to present one at +Dunstable, no doubt a reproduction of one he had seen in France, is an +instance of the naturalisation process that slowly went on.</p> + +<p>The distinct break in the history of the miracle-play that made it from +a church into a town pageant occurred about the close of the thirteenth +century. From a performance within the church building it went on then +into the church-yard, or the adjoining close or street, and so into the +town at large. The clerics still kept a hand in its purveyance; but the +rise of the town guilds gave it a new character, a new relation to the +current life, and a larger equipment. The friendly rivalry between the +guilds, and the craftsmen's pride in not being outdone by other crafts, +helped to stimulate the town play, till at length the elaborate cycle +was formed that began with sunrise on a June morning, and lasted until +the torch-bearers were called out at dusk to stand at the foot of the +pageant.</p> + +<p>The earliest miracle-plays that we can trace in the town cycles date +back to the early years of Edward III. The last to be performed in +London, according to Prynne, was <i>Christ's Passion</i>, which was given in +James I.'s reign. It was produced "at Ely House, Holborn, when Gundomar +lay there on Good Friday at night, at which there were thousands +present." This was a late survivor, however, called to life by a last +flicker of court sunshine on the occasion of the state visit of a +Spanish ambassador. Here is an extreme range of over three centuries; +and the old religious drama was still being performed in a more and more +uncertain and intermittent fashion all through the dramatic reign of +Shakspeare.</p> + +<p>The ten plays that follow in this volume represent in brief the late +remnant of this early drama, rescued at the point where it was ending +its primitive growth, soon to give way to plays written with a +consciously artistic sense of the stage. They are headed by the great +and simple tragic masterpiece, in which they say their last word: the +morality of <i>Everyman</i>, the noblest interlude of death the religious +imagination of the middle ages has given to the stage. The two following +Old Testament plays, <i>The Deluge</i> and the <i>Sacrifice of Isaac</i>, are the +third and fourth pageants in the Chester series; played respectively by +the Water-Leaders and Drawers of the river Dee, and by the Barbers and +Wax-Chandlers. The next is from Coventry, a Nativity play, played by the +Shearmen and Tailors. From the Wakefield series, preserved in the +Towneley collection, we have three plays, the famous second shepherds' +play, with the <i>Crucifixion</i> and the <i>Harrowing of Hell</i>, or extraction +of souls from Hell (<i>Extractio Animarum ab Inferno</i>). Two Cornish +mysteries of the Resurrection are included: <i>The Three Maries at the +Tomb</i>, and <i>Mary Magdalen bringing the News to the Apostles</i>. Then +follows Bishop Bale's oracular play of <i>God's Promises</i>, which is in +effect a series of seven interludes strung on one thread, united by one +leading idea, and one protagonist, the <i>Pater Cœlestis</i>.</p> + +<p>In these religious and moral interludes, the dramatic colouring, however +crude, is real and sincere. The humours of a broad folk-comedy break +through the scriptural web continually in the guild plays like those in +which Noah the shipbuilder, or the proverbial three shepherds, appear in +the pageant. Noah's unwilling wife in the Chester <i>Deluge</i>, and Mak's +canny wife in the Wakefield shepherd's play, where the sheep-stealing +scenes reveal a born Yorkshire humorist, offer a pair of gossips not +easy to match for rude comedy. Mak's wife, like the shepherd's in the +same pastoral, utters proverbs with every other breath: "A woman's avyse +helpys at the last!" "So long goys the pott to the water, at last comys +it home broken!"</p> + +<blockquote> +<p>Now in hot, now in cold,<br /> +Full woeful is the household,<br /> + That wants a woman!</p> +</blockquote> + +<p>And her play upon the old north-country asseveration, "I'll eat my +bairn,"--</p> + +<blockquote> +<p>If ever I you beguiled,<br /> +That I eat this child<br /> + That lies in this cradle,</p> +</blockquote> + +<p>(the child being the stolen sheep), must have caused towns-folk and +country-folk outrageous laughter. Mak's wife is indeed memorable in her +way as the Wife of Bath, Dame Quickly, or Mrs. Gamp.</p> + +<p>There is nothing so boldly drawn in the Coventry <i>Nativity</i>. But there +you have a startlingly realistic treatment joined to an emotional +lyricism of the simplest charm:</p> + +<blockquote> +<p>Neither in halls, nor yet in bowers,<br /> + Born would he not be<br /> +Neither in castles, nor yet in towers<br /> + That seemly were to see.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p>and--</p> + +<blockquote> +<p>As I outrode this enderes night<br /> +Of three jolly shepherds, I saw a sight;<br /> +And all about their fold a star shone bright,<br /> + They sang "Terli, terlow!"<br /> +So merrily the shepherds their pipes can blow.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p>In this Coventry play we have nearly all the ingredients--foreign, +liturgical, or homely English--of the composite miracle play brought +together. It bears traces of many hands; and betrays in the dialogue of +the formal characters the rubricated lines of the church play on which +it was based. The chief characters live, move and act their recognised +parts with the certainty of the folk in a nursery tale. Herod out-Herods +himself with a Blunderbore extravagance:--</p> + +<blockquote> +<p>I am the cause of this great light and thunder;<br /> +It is through my fury that they such noise do make.<br /> +My fearful countenance, the clouds so doth incumber<br /> +That oftentimes for dread thereof, the very earth doth quake.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p>"Fee, fi, fo, fum!" might be the refrain of this giant's litany. The +other types are as plainly stamped. The shepherd's are from the life, +and contrast well with the stilted and rather tiresome prophets. The +scenes at the babe's crib when the offerings are made of the shepherds' +pipe, old hat, and mittens, are both droll and tender.</p> + +<p>The tragic counterparts of these scenes are those where the Three +Executioners work their pitiless task to an end at the Crucifixion, or +where the Three Maries go to the grave afterwards in the Cornish +mystery, or where Isaac bids his father bind his eyes that he shall not +see the sword. It was for long the fashion to say, as Sir Walter Scott +did, that these plays had little poetic life, or human interest in them. +But they are, at their best, truly touched with essential emotions, with +humour, terror, sorrow, pity, as the case may be. Dramatically they are +far more alive at this moment, than the English drama of the +mid-nineteenth century.</p> + +<p>In the Cornish mysteries we lose much by having to use a translation. +But something of the spirit and life survive in spite of it, and one +detached passage from another of the plays, that of the <i>Crucifixion</i>, +is printed in the appendix, which loses nothing by being compared with +the treatment in other miracle-plays. Also in the Appendix will be found +an interesting note from Norris's <i>Ancient Cornish Drama</i>, on the mode +in which the Cornish mysteries were played; and a brief account by Mr. +Jenner of the trilogy contained in that work.</p> + +<p>There remains John Bayle's play of <i>God's Promises</i>. Its author was born +at the sea-doomed city of Dunwich in Suffolk, in 1495. Destined for the +church, he showed his obstinacy early by marrying in defiance of his +cloth. He was lucky and unlucky in being a <i>protégé</i> of Thomas +Cromwell, and had to fly the country on that dangerous agent's death. +He returned when the new order was established, and became Bishop of +Ossory, had to suffer and turn exile for his tenets again in Mary's +reign; but found safe harbourage for his latter years at Canterbury, +where he died. He wrote, on his own evidence, more than twenty plays, of +which <i>God's Promises</i>, the <i>Life of John the Baptist</i>, and <i>King John</i>, +a history play of interest as a pioneer, are best known. He himself +called <i>God's Promises</i> a tragedy, but unless the sense of Sodom hanging +in the balance, while Abraham works down to its lowest point the +diminishing ratio of the just to be found there, or of David's appearing +before the Pater Cœlestis as the great judge, of dramatic or tragic +emotion there is little indeed. But Bayle's rhetoric easily ran to the +edge of suspense, as in the opening of his seventh act, where he puts +the dramatic question in the last line:--</p> + +<blockquote> +<p>I have with fearcenesse mankynde oft tymes corrected,<br /> +And agayne I have allured hym by swete promes.<br /> +I have sent sore plages, when he hath me neglected,<br /> +And then by and by, most confortable swetnes.<br /> +To wynne hym to grace, bothe mercye and ryghteousnes<br /> +I have exercysed, yet wyll he not amende.<br /> +Shall I now lose hym, or shall I hym defende?</p> +</blockquote> + +<p>And what could be finer than the setting he gives to the antiphon, <i>O +Oriens Splendor</i>, at the end of the second act?</p> + +<p>To turn from Bayle's play to the heart-breaking realities of <i>Everyman</i> +is like turning from a volume of all too edifying sermons to the last +chapters of one of the gospels. Into the full history of this play, +opening a difficult question about the early relations between Dutch and +English writers and printers, there is no room here to go. The Dutch +<i>Everyman</i>--<i>Elckerlijk</i>--was in all probability the original of the +English, and it was certainly printed a few years earlier. Richard +Pynson, who first imprinted the English play at the Sign of the George +in Fleet Street, was printing at his press there from the early years of +the sixteenth century. The play itself may have been written, and first +performed, in English, as in Dutch, a generation or more before.</p> + +<p>It was written, no doubt, like most of the plays in this volume, by a +churchman; and he must have been a man of profound imagination, and of +the tenderest human soul conceivable. His ecclesiastical habit becomes +clear enough before the end of the play, where he bids Everyman go and +confess his sins. Like many of the more poignant scenes and passages in +the miracle-plays that follow it, this morality too leaves one +exclaiming on how good a thing was the plain English of the fourteenth +and fifteenth centuries.</p> + +<p>The relation of the several miracle-plays here printed to the +town-cycles from which they come will be seen at a glance on reference +to the tables of pageants that appear in the Appendix. We may take it +that all these town and country plays represent continually used and +frequently tinkered texts, that must in some cases have passed through +many piecemeal changes. In making them easy to the average reader of +to-day, who takes the place of the mediæval playgoer at a Corpus Christi +festival, their latest copyists have but followed in the wake of a +series of Tudor scribes who renewed the prompt-books from time to time. +In this process, apart from the change of spelling, the smallest +possible alteration has been made consistent with the bringing of the +text to a fair modern level of intelligibility. Old words that have been +familiarised in Malory or Shakespeare, or the Bible, or in the Border +Ballads and north-country books, or in Walter Scott, or the modern +dialect of Yorkshire, are usually allowed to stand, and words needed to +keep the rhyme, are left intact. But really hard words, likely to delay +the reader, are glossed. One Towneley play, the <i>Extractio Animarum</i>, +another and a most spirited example of the "Harrowing of Hell," +mysteries that thrilled the people long ago, is given in the original +spelling, as some test of the change effected in the others. Further, in +the Appendix will be found a late example of a <i>St. George and the +Dragon</i> doggerel Christmas play, which comes from Cornwall, and which in +a slightly varying form has been played in many shires, from Wessex to +Tyneside, within living memory. This shows us the last state of the +traditional mystery, and the English folk-play as it became when it was +left to the village wits and playwrights to produce it, without any +co-operation from the trained eye and hand of a parson or a learned +clerk. Of some other forms of our earlier drama, not omitting the Welsh +interludes of Twm o'r Nant, it may be possible to give illustrations in +a later book, companion to this. Only so much is given here as may +interest the reader, who is a playgoer first of all, and asks for +entertainment and a light in these darker passages of the old British +drama.</p> + +<hr /> + +<p>Finally the amplest acknowledgments are due to those who have worked +upon these present plays, including Mrs. C. Richardson, M.A., Mr. +O'Brien, Mr. Roberts, Miss Hawkins, G. R., and Mr. Ezra Pound; and to +the various editors of the "Early English Text Society," who have made +this book possible. Especially should tribute be paid to Dr. Furnivall +for his permission to make use of the Society's texts, and his interest +in this uncertain attempt to capture the outer public too, and attract +it to that ever-living literature to which he has devoted so many days +of his young old-age.</p> + +<p>E. R.</p> + +<hr /> + +<p>Everyman: a moral play otherwise called: A Treatyse how the hye fader of +heven sendeth dethe to somon every creature to come and gyve a counte of +theyr lyves in this worlde], translated from the Dutch play, Elckerlijk, +1520 (?); published in Dodsley's Select Collection of Old English Plays, +etc., vol. I., 1874; reprint of one of Skot's editions, collated with +his other edition and those of Pynson, Ed. H. Logeman, 1892; with an +introduction by F. Sidgwick, 1902; reprinted by W. W. Greg from the +Edition by John Skot preserved at Britwell Court, 1904; set to music by +H. Walford Davies, etc. (with historical and analytical notes), 1904; J. +S. Farmer, Six Anonymous Plays (Early English Dramatists), 1905; with +designs by Ambrose Dudley, 1906; in Broadway Booklets, 1906; with +introduction, note-book, and word list, J. S. Farmer (Museum +Dramatists), 1906.</p> + +<p><span class="smallcaps">Miracle Plays:</span> Towneley Mysteries, ed. by Surtees Society, 1836; +Pollard, Early English Text Society, 1897. York Mysteries, ed. Lucy +Toulmin Smith, 1885. Chester Mysteries, ed. Th. Wright, Shakespeare +Society, 1843-47; Deimling, Early English Text Society, 1893, etc.; T. +H. Markland (two plays), Roxburghe Club, 1818. Coventry Mysteries, ed. +Halliwell, Shakespeare Society, 1841. See also Sharp, Dissertation on +the Coventry Mysteries. For other Mysteries see Davidson, Modern +Language Notes, vii.; E. Norris, Ancient Cornish Drama, 1859.</p> + +<p><span class="smallcaps">Selections, or Separate Plays:</span> Harrowing of Hell, ed. Halliwell, 1840; +Collier, Five Miracle Plays, 1867; Dr. E. Mall, 1871; A. W. Pollard, +English Miracle Plays, 1895; Specimens of the Pre-Shakespearean Drama, +1897, 2 vols. (a third vol. to come), Prof. Manly. See J. H. Kirkham +(Enquiry into Sources, etc.), 1885. Abraham and Isaac, ed. L. Toulmin +Smith (Brome Hall MS.), 1886; R. Brotanek (Dublin MS.), Anglia, xxi.</p> + +<p><span class="smallcaps">General Literature:</span> Ward, History of English Dramatic Literature, +1875-6; Payne Collier, The History of English Dramatic Poetry, 1879; K. +Hase, Miracle Plays, trans. A. W. Jackson, 1880; C. Davidson, Studies in +English Mystery Plays, 1892; A. W. Pollard, English Miracle Plays, +Moralities, and Interludes, Specimens of pre-Elizabethan Drama, etc., +1895; K. Chambers, The Mediæval Stage, 1903; A full bibliography is +given in F. H. Stoddard, References for Students of Miracle Plays and +Mysteries, 1887.</p> +</div> + + +<div id="toc"> +<h2>CONTENTS</h2> + + + +<p><span class="smallcaps"><a href="#intro">Introduction</a></span> vii</p> + +<p><span class="smallcaps"><a href="#everyman">Everyman</a></span> 1</p> + +<p><span class="smallcaps"><a href="#deluge">The Deluge</a></span> 27</p> + +<p><span class="smallcaps"><a href="#ami">Abraham, Melchisedec, and Isaac</a></span> 39</p> + +<p><span class="smallcaps"><a href="#wakefield_shep2">The Wakefield Second Shepherds' Play</a></span> 55</p> + +<p><span class="smallcaps"><a href="#coventry_nativity">The Coventry Nativity Play</a></span> 79</p> + +<p><span class="smallcaps"><a href="#wakefield_crucifixion">The Wakefield Miracle-Play of the Crucifixion</a></span> 105</p> + +<p><span class="smallcaps"><a href="#cornish_3maries">The Cornish Mystery-Play of the Three Maries</a></span> 127</p> + +<p><span class="smallcaps"><a href="#mary_mag">The Mystery of Mary Magdalene and the Apostles</a></span> 137</p> + +<p><span class="smallcaps"><a href="#wakefield_hell">The Wakefield Pageant of the Harrowing of Hell</a></span> 147</p> + +<p><span class="smallcaps"><a href="#promises">God's Promises</a></span> 163</p> + +<p><span class="smallcaps"><a href="#appendix">Appendices</a></span> 193</p> +</div> + + +<div id="everyman" class="chapter"> +<h3>CHARACTERS</h3> + +<ul class="charlist"> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Everyman</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">God: Adonai</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Death</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Messenger</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Fellowship</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Cousin</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Kindred</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Goods</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Good-Deeds</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Strength</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Discretion</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Five-Wits</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Beauty</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Knowledge</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Confession</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Angel</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Doctor</span></li> +</ul> + + + +<h2>EVERYMAN</h2> + +<blockquote><p>HERE BEGINNETH A TREATISE HOW THE HIGH FATHER OF HEAVEN SENDETH + DEATH TO SUMMON EVERY CREATURE TO COME AND GIVE ACCOUNT OF THEIR + LIVES IN THIS WORLD AND IS IN MANNER OF A MORAL PLAY.</p></blockquote> + + +<p><i>Messenger.</i> I pray you all give your audience,<br /> +And hear this matter with reverence,<br /> +By figure a moral play--<br /> +The <i>Summoning of Everyman</i> called it is,<br /> +That of our lives and ending shows<br /> +How transitory we be all day.<br /> +This matter is wondrous precious,<br /> +But the intent of it is more gracious,<br /> +And sweet to bear away.<br /> +The story saith,--Man, in the beginning,<br /> +Look well, and take good heed to the ending,<br /> +Be you never so gay!<br /> +Ye think sin in the beginning full sweet,<br /> +Which in the end causeth thy soul to weep,<br /> +When the body lieth in clay.<br /> +Here shall you see how <i>Fellowship</i> and <i>Jollity</i>,<br /> +Both <i>Strength</i>, <i>Pleasure</i>, and <i>Beauty</i>,<br /> +Will fade from thee as flower in May.<br /> +For ye shall hear, how our heaven king<br /> +Calleth <i>Everyman</i> to a general reckoning:<br /> +Give audience, and hear what he doth say.</p> + +<p><i>God.</i> I perceive here in my majesty,<br /> +How that all creatures be to me unkind,<br /> +Living without dread in worldly prosperity:<br /> +Of ghostly sight the people be so blind,<br /> +Drowned in sin, they know me not for their God;<br /> +In worldly riches is all their mind,<br /> +They fear not my rightwiseness, the sharp rod;<br /> +My law that I shewed, when I for them died,<br /> +They forget clean, and shedding of my blood red;<br /> +I hanged between two, it cannot be denied;<br /> +To get them life I suffered to be dead;<br /> +I healed their feet, with thorns hurt was my head:<br /> +I could do no more than I did truly,<br /> +And now I see the people do clean forsake me.<br /> +They use the seven deadly sins damnable;<br /> +As pride, covetise, wrath, and lechery,<br /> +Now in the world be made commendable;<br /> +And thus they leave of angels the heavenly company;<br /> +Everyman liveth so after his own pleasure,<br /> +And yet of their life they be nothing sure:<br /> +I see the more that I them forbear<br /> +The worse they be from year to year;<br /> +All that liveth appaireth<sup><a href="#fn_7" id="fna_7">7</a></sup> fast,<br /> +Therefore I will in all the haste<br /> +Have a reckoning of Everyman's person<br /> +For and I leave the people thus alone<br /> +In their life and wicked tempests,<br /> +Verily they will become much worse than beasts;<br /> +For now one would by envy another up eat;<br /> +Charity they all do clean forget.<br /> +I hoped well that Everyman<br /> +In my glory should make his mansion,<br /> +And thereto I had them all elect;<br /> +But now I see, like traitors deject,<br /> +They thank me not for the pleasure that I to them meant,<br /> +Nor yet for their being that I them have lent;<br /> +I proffered the people great multitude of mercy,<br /> +And few there be that asketh it heartily;<br /> +They be so cumbered with worldly riches,<br /> +That needs on them I must do justice,<br /> +On Everyman living without fear.<br /> +Where art thou, <i>Death</i>, thou mighty messenger?</p> + +<p><i>Death.</i> Almighty God, I am here at your will,<br /> +Your commandment to fulfil.</p> + +<p><i>God.</i> Go thou to <i>Everyman</i>,<br /> +And show him in my name<br /> +A pilgrimage he must on him take,<br /> +Which he in no wise may escape;<br /> +And that he bring with him a sure reckoning<br /> +Without delay or any tarrying.</p> + +<p><i>Death.</i> Lord, I will in the world go run over all,<br /> +And cruelly outsearch both great and small;<br /> +Every man will I beset that liveth beastly<br /> +Out of God's laws, and dreadeth not folly:<br /> +He that loveth riches I will strike with my dart,<br /> +His sight to blind, and from heaven to depart,<br /> +Except that alms be his good friend,<br /> +In hell for to dwell, world without end.<br /> +Lo, yonder I see <i>Everyman</i> walking;<br /> +Full little he thinketh on my coming;<br /> +His mind is on fleshly lusts and his treasure,<br /> +And great pain it shall cause him to endure<br /> +Before the Lord Heaven King.<br /> +<i>Everyman</i>, stand still; whither art thou going<br /> +Thus gaily? Hast thou thy Maker forget?</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Why askst thou?<br /> +Wouldest thou wete?<sup><a href="#fn_8" id="fna_8">8</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>Death.</i> Yea, sir, I will show you;<br /> +In great haste I am sent to thee<br /> +From God out of his majesty.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> What, sent to me?</p> + +<p><i>Death.</i> Yea, certainly.<br /> +Though thou have forget him here,<br /> +He thinketh on thee in the heavenly sphere,<br /> +As, or we depart, thou shalt know.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> What desireth God of me?</p> + +<p><i>Death.</i> That shall I show thee;<br /> +A reckoning he will needs have<br /> +Without any longer respite.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> To give a reckoning longer leisure I crave;<br /> +This blind matter troubleth my wit.</p> + +<p><i>Death.</i> On thee thou must take a long journey:<br /> +Therefore thy book of count with thee thou bring;<br /> +For turn again thou can not by no way,<br /> +And look thou be sure of thy reckoning:<br /> +For before God thou shalt answer, and show<br /> +Thy many bad deeds and good but a few;<br /> +How thou hast spent thy life, and in what wise,<br /> +Before the chief lord of paradise.<br /> +Have ado that we were in that way,<br /> +For, wete thou well, thou shalt make none attournay.<sup><a href="#fn_9" id="fna_9">9</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Full unready I am such reckoning to give.<br /> +I know thee not: what messenger art thou?</p> + +<p><i>Death.</i> I am <i>Death</i>, that no man dreadeth.<br /> +For every man I rest and no man spareth;<br /> +For it is God's commandment<br /> +That all to me should be obedient.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> O <i>Death</i>, thou comest when I had thee least in mind;<br /> +In thy power it lieth me to save,<br /> +Yet of my good will I give thee, if ye will be kind,<br /> +Yea, a thousand pound shalt thou have,<br /> +And defer this matter till another day.</p> + +<p><i>Death.</i> <i>Everyman</i>, it may not be by no way;<br /> +I set not by gold, silver, nor riches,<br /> +Ne by pope, emperor, king, duke, ne princes.<br /> +For and I would receive gifts great,<br /> +All the world I might get;<br /> +But my custom is clean contrary.<br /> +I give thee no respite: come hence, and not tarry.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Alas, shall I have no longer respite?<br /> +I may say <i>Death</i> giveth no warning:<br /> +To think on thee, it maketh my heart sick,<br /> +For all unready is my book of reckoning.<br /> +But twelve year and I might have abiding,<br /> +My counting book I would make so clear,<br /> +That my reckoning I should not need to fear.<br /> +Wherefore, <i>Death</i>, I pray thee, for God's mercy,<br /> +Spare me till I be provided of remedy.</p> + +<p><i>Death.</i> Thee availeth not to cry, weep, and pray:<br /> +But haste thee lightly that you were gone the journey,<br /> +And prove thy friends if thou can.<br /> +For, wete thou well, the tide abideth no man,<br /> +And in the world each living creature<br /> +For <i>Adam's</i> sin must die of nature.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> <i>Death</i>, if I should this pilgrimage take,<br /> +And my reckoning surely make,<br /> +Show me, for saint <i>charity</i>,<br /> +Should I not come again shortly?</p> + +<p><i>Death.</i> No, <i>Everyman</i>; and thou be once there,<br /> +Thou mayst never more come here,<br /> +Trust me verily.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> O gracious God, in the high seat celestial,<br /> +Have mercy on me in this most need;<br /> +Shall I have no company from this vale terrestrial<br /> +Of mine acquaintance that way me to lead?</p> + +<p><i>Death.</i> Yea, if any be so hardy,<br /> +That would go with thee and bear thee company.<br /> +Hie thee that you were gone to God's magnificence,<br /> +Thy reckoning to give before his presence.<br /> +What, weenest thou thy life is given thee,<br /> +And thy worldly goods also?</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> I had wend so, verily.</p> + +<p><i>Death.</i> Nay, nay; it was but lent thee;<br /> +For as soon as thou art go,<br /> +Another awhile shall have it, and then go therefro<br /> +Even as thou hast done.<br /> +<i>Everyman</i>, thou art mad; thou hast thy wits five,<br /> +And here on earth will not amend thy life,<br /> +For suddenly I do come.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> O wretched caitiff, whither shall I flee,<br /> +That I might scape this endless sorrow!<br /> +Now, gentle <i>Death</i>, spare me till to-morrow,<br /> +That I may amend me<br /> +With good advisement.</p> + +<p><i>Death.</i> Nay, thereto I will not consent,<br /> +Nor no man will I respite,<br /> +But to the heart suddenly I shall smite<br /> +Without any advisement.<br /> +And now out of thy sight I will me hie;<br /> +See thou make thee ready shortly,<br /> +For thou mayst say this is the day<br /> +That no man living may scape away.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Alas, I may well weep with sighs deep;<br /> +Now have I no manner of company<br /> +To help me in my journey, and me to keep;<br /> +And also my writing is full unready.<br /> +How shall I do now for to excuse me?<br /> +I would to God I had never be gete!<sup><a href="#fn_10" id="fna_10">10</a></sup><br /> +To my soul a full great profit it had be;<br /> +For now I fear pains huge and great.<br /> +The time passeth; Lord, help that all wrought;<br /> +For though I mourn it availeth nought.<br /> +The day passeth, and is almost a-go;<br /> +I wot not well what for to do.<br /> +To whom were I best my complaint to make?<br /> +What, and I to <i>Fellowship</i> thereof spake,<br /> +And showed him of this sudden chance?<br /> +For in him is all mine affiance;<br /> +We have in the world so many a day<br /> +Be on good friends in sport and play.<br /> +I see him yonder, certainly;<br /> +I trust that he will bear me company;<br /> +Therefore to him will I speak to ease my sorrow.<br /> +Well met, good <i>Fellowship</i>, and good morrow!</p> + +<p><i>Fellowship speaketh.</i> <i>Everyman</i>, good morrow by this day.<br /> +Sir, why lookest thou so piteously?<br /> +If any thing be amiss, I pray thee, me say,<br /> +That I may help to remedy.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Yea, good <i>Fellowship</i>, yea,<br /> +I am in great jeopardy.</p> + +<p><i>Fellowship.</i> My true friend, show to me your mind;<br /> +I will not forsake thee, unto my life's end,<br /> +In the way of good company.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> That was well spoken, and lovingly.</p> + +<p><i>Fellowship.</i> Sir, I must needs know your heaviness;<br /> +I have pity to see you in any distress;<br /> +If any have you wronged ye shall revenged be,<br /> +Though I on the ground be slain for thee,--<br /> +Though that I know before that I should die.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Verily, <i>Fellowship</i>, gramercy.</p> + +<p><i>Fellowship.</i> Tush! by thy thanks I set not a straw.<br /> +Show me your grief, and say no more.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> If I my heart should to you break,<br /> +And then you to turn your mind from me,<br /> +And would not me comfort, when you hear me speak,<br /> +Then should I ten times sorrier be.</p> + +<p><i>Fellowship.</i> Sir, I say as I will do in deed.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Then be you a good friend at need:<br /> +I have found you true here before.</p> + +<p><i>Fellowship.</i> And so ye shall evermore;<br /> +For, in faith, and thou go to Hell,<br /> +I will not forsake thee by the way!</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Ye speak like a good friend; I believe you well;<br /> +I shall deserve it, and I may.</p> + +<p><i>Fellowship.</i> I speak of no deserving, by this day.<br /> +For he that will say and nothing do<br /> +Is not worthy with good company to go;<br /> +Therefore show me the grief of your mind,<br /> +As to your friend most loving and kind.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> I shall show you how it is;<br /> +Commanded I am to go a journey,<br /> +A long way, hard and dangerous,<br /> +And give a strait count without delay<br /> +Before the high judge Adonai.<sup><a href="#fn_11" id="fna_11">11</a></sup><br /> +Wherefore I pray you, bear me company,<br /> +As ye have promised, in this journey.</p> + +<p><i>Fellowship.</i> That is matter indeed! Promise is duty,<br /> +But, and I should take such a voyage on me,<br /> +I know it well, it should be to my pain:<br /> +Also it make me afeard, certain.<br /> +But let us take counsel here as well as we can,<br /> +For your words would fear a strong man.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Why, ye said, If I had need,<br /> +Ye would me never forsake, quick nor dead,<br /> +Though it were to hell truly.</p> + +<p><i>Fellowship.</i> So I said, certainly,<br /> +But such pleasures be set aside, thee sooth to say:<br /> +And also, if we took such a journey,<br /> +When should we come again?</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Nay, never again till the day of doom.</p> + +<p><i>Fellowship.</i> In faith, then will not I come there!<br /> +Who hath you these tidings brought?</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Indeed, <i>Death</i> was with me here.</p> + +<p><i>Fellowship.</i> Now, by God that all hath bought,<br /> +If <i>Death</i> were the messenger,<br /> +For no man that is living to-day<br /> +I will not go that loath journey--<br /> +Not for the father that begat me!</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Ye promised other wise, pardie.</p> + +<p><i>Fellowship.</i> I wot well I say so truly;<br /> +And yet if thou wilt eat, and drink, and make good cheer,<br /> +Or haunt to women, the lusty company,<br /> +I would not forsake you, while the day is clear,<br /> +Trust me verily!</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Yea, thereto ye would be ready;<br /> +To go to mirth, solace, and play,<br /> +Your mind will sooner apply<br /> +Than to bear me company in my long journey.</p> + +<p><i>Fellowship.</i> Now, in good faith, I will not that way.<br /> +But and thou wilt murder, or any man kill,<br /> +In that I will help thee with a good will!</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> O that is a simple advice indeed!<br /> +Gentle <i>fellow</i>, help me in my necessity;<br /> +We have loved long, and now I need,<br /> +And now, gentle <i>Fellowship</i>, remember me.</p> + +<p><i>Fellowship.</i> Whether ye have loved me or no,<br /> +By Saint John, I will not with thee go.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Yet I pray thee, take the labour, and do so much for me<br /> +To bring me forward, for saint charity,<br /> +And comfort me till I come without the town.</p> + +<p><i>Fellowship.</i> Nay, and thou would give me a new gown,<br /> +I will not a foot with thee go;<br /> +But and you had tarried I would not have left thee so.<br /> +And as now, God speed thee in thy journey,<br /> +For from thee I will depart as fast as I may.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Whither away, <i>Fellowship</i>? will you forsake me?</p> + +<p><i>Fellowship.</i> Yea, by my fay, to God I betake thee.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Farewell, good <i>Fellowship</i>; for this my heart is sore;<br /> +Adieu for ever, I shall see thee no more.</p> + +<p><i>Fellowship.</i> In faith, <i>Everyman</i>, farewell now at the end;<br /> +For you I will remember that parting is mourning.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Alack! shall we thus depart indeed?<br /> +Our Lady, help, without any more comfort,<br /> +Lo, <i>Fellowship</i> forsaketh me in my most need:<br /> +For help in this world whither shall I resort?<br /> +<i>Fellowship</i> herebefore with me would merry make;<br /> +And now little sorrow for me doth he take.<br /> +It is said, in prosperity men friends may find,<br /> +Which in adversity be full unkind.<br /> +Now whither for succour shall I flee,<br /> +Sith that <i>Fellowship</i> hath forsaken me?<br /> +To my kinsmen I will truly,<br /> +Praying them to help me in my necessity;<br /> +I believe that they will do so,<br /> +For kind will creep where it may not go.<br /> +I will go say, for yonder I see them go.<br /> +Where be ye now, my friends and kinsmen?</p> + +<p><i>Kindred.</i> Here be we now at your commandment.<br /> +<i>Cousin</i>, I pray you show us your intent<br /> +In any wise, and not spare.</p> + +<p><i>Cousin.</i> Yea, <i>Everyman</i>, and to us declare<br /> +If ye be disposed to go any whither,<br /> +For wete you well, we will live and die together.</p> + +<p><i>Kindred.</i> In wealth and woe we will with you hold,<br /> +For over his kin a man may be bold.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Gramercy, my friends and kinsmen kind.<br /> +Now shall I show you the grief of my mind:<br /> +I was commanded by a messenger,<br /> +That is an high king's chief officer;<br /> +He bade me go a pilgrimage to my pain,<br /> +And I know well I shall never come again;<br /> +Also I must give a reckoning straight,<br /> +For I have a great enemy, that hath me in wait,<br /> +Which intendeth me for to hinder.</p> + +<p><i>Kindred.</i> What account is that which ye must render?<br /> +That would I know.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Of all my works I must show<br /> +How I have lived and my days spent;<br /> +Also of ill deeds, that I have used<br /> +In my time, sith life was me lent;<br /> +And of all virtues that I have refused.<br /> +Therefore I pray you go thither with me,<br /> +To help to make mine account, for saint <i>charity</i>.</p> + +<p><i>Cousin.</i> What, to go thither? Is that the matter?<br /> +Nay, <i>Everyman</i>, I had liefer fast bread and water<br /> +All this five year and more.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Alas, that ever I was bore!<sup><a href="#fn_12" id="fna_12">12</a></sup><br /> +For now shall I never be merry<br /> +If that you forsake me.</p> + +<p><i>Kindred.</i> Ah, sir; what, ye be a merry man!<br /> +Take good heart to you, and make no moan.<br /> +But one thing I warn you, by Saint Anne,<br /> +As for me, ye shall go alone.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> My <i>Cousin</i>, will you not with me go?</p> + +<p><i>Cousin.</i> No, by our Lady; I have the cramp in my toe.<br /> +Trust not to me, for, so God me speed,<br /> +I will deceive you in your most need,<br /> +<i>Kindred.</i> It availeth not us to tice.<br /> +Ye shall have my maid with all my heart;<br /> +She loveth to go to feasts, there to be nice,<br /> +And to dance, and abroad to start:<br /> +I will give her leave to help you in that journey,<br /> +If that you and she may agree.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Now show me the very effect of your mind.<br /> +Will you go with me, or abide behind?</p> + +<p><i>Kindred.</i> Abide behind? yea, that I will and I may!<br /> +Therefore farewell until another day.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> How should I be merry or glad?<br /> +For fair promises to me make,<br /> +But when I have most need, they me forsake.<br /> +I am deceived; that maketh me sad.</p> + +<p><i>Cousin.</i> Cousin <i>Everyman</i>, farewell now,<br /> +For verily I will not go with you;<br /> +Also of mine own an unready reckoning<br /> +I have to account; therefore I make tarrying.<br /> +Now, God keep thee, for now I go.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Ah, <i>Jesus</i>, is all come hereto?<br /> +Lo, fair words maketh fools feign;<br /> +They promise and nothing will do certain.<br /> +My kinsmen promised me faithfully<br /> +For to abide with me steadfastly,<br /> +And now fast away do they flee:<br /> +Even so <i>Fellowship</i> promised me.<br /> +What friend were best me of to provide?<br /> +I lose my time here longer to abide.<br /> +Yet in my mind a thing there is;--<br /> +All my life I have loved riches;<br /> +If that my good now help me might,<br /> +He would make my heart full light.<br /> +I will speak to him in this distress.--<br /> +Where art thou, my <i>Goods</i> and riches?</p> + +<p><i>Goods.</i> Who calleth me? <i>Everyman?</i> what haste thou hast!<br /> +I lie here in corners, trussed and piled so high,<br /> +And in chests I am locked so fast,<br /> +Also sacked in bags, thou mayst see with thine eye,<br /> +I cannot stir; in packs low I lie.<br /> +What would ye have, lightly me say.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Come hither, <i>Good</i>, in all the haste thou may,<br /> +For of counsel I must desire thee.</p> + +<p><i>Goods.</i> Sir, and ye in the world have trouble or adversity,<br /> +That can I help you to remedy shortly.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> It is another disease that grieveth me;<br /> +In this world it is not, I tell thee so.<br /> +I am sent for another way to go,<br /> +To give a straight account general<br /> +Before the highest <i>Jupiter</i> of all;<br /> +And all my life I have had joy and pleasure in thee.<br /> +Therefore I pray thee go with me,<br /> +For, peradventure, thou mayst before God Almighty<br /> +My reckoning help to clean and purify;<br /> +For it is said ever among,<br /> +That money maketh all right that is wrong.</p> + +<p><i>Goods.</i> Nay, <i>Everyman</i>, I sing another song,<br /> +I follow no man in such voyages;<br /> +For and I went with thee<br /> +Thou shouldst fare much the worse for me;<br /> +For because on me thou did set thy mind,<br /> +Thy reckoning I have made blotted and blind,<br /> +That thine account thou cannot make truly;<br /> +And that hast thou for the love of me.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> That would grieve me full sore,<br /> +When I should come to that fearful answer.<br /> +Up, let us go thither together.</p> + +<p><i>Goods.</i> Nay, not so, I am too brittle, I may not endure;<br /> +I will follow no man one foot, be ye sure.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Alas, I have thee loved, and had great pleasure<br /> +All my life-days on good and treasure.</p> + +<p><i>Goods.</i> That is to thy damnation without lesing,<br /> +For my love is contrary to the love everlasting.<br /> +But if thou had me loved moderately during,<br /> +As, to the poor give part of me,<br /> +Then shouldst thou not in this dolour be,<br /> +Nor in this great sorrow and care.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Lo, now was I deceived or I was ware,<br /> +And all I may wyte<sup><a href="#fn_13" id="fna_13">13</a></sup> my spending of time.</p> + +<p><i>Goods.</i> What, weenest thou that I am thine?</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> I had wend so.</p> + +<p><i>Goods.</i> Nay, <i>Everyman,</i> I say no;<br /> +As for a while I was lent thee,<br /> +A season thou hast had me in prosperity;<br /> +My condition is man's soul to kill;<br /> +If I save one, a thousand I do spill;<br /> +Weenest thou that I will follow thee?<br /> +Nay, from this world, not verily.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> I had wend otherwise.</p> + +<p><i>Goods.</i> Therefore to thy soul <i>Good</i> is a thief;<br /> +For when thou art dead, this is my guise<br /> +Another to deceive in the same wise<br /> +As I have done thee, and all to his soul's reprief.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> O false <i>Good</i>, cursed thou be!<br /> +Thou traitor to God, that hast deceived me,<br /> +And caught me in thy snare.</p> + +<p><i>Goods.</i> Marry, thou brought thyself in care,<br /> +Whereof I am glad,<br /> +I must needs laugh, I cannot be sad.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Ah, <i>Good</i>, thou hast had long my heartly love;<br /> +I gave thee that which should be the Lord's above.<br /> +But wilt thou not go with me in deed?<br /> +I pray thee truth to say.</p> + +<p><i>Goods.</i> No, so God me speed,<br /> +Therefore farewell, and have good day.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> O, to whom shall I make my moan<br /> +For to go with me in that heavy journey?<br /> +First <i>Fellowship</i> said he would with me gone;<br /> +His words were very pleasant and gay,<br /> +But afterward he left me alone.<br /> +Then spake I to my kinsmen all in despair,<br /> +And also they gave me words fair,<br /> +They lacked no fair speaking,<br /> +But all forsake me in the ending.<br /> +Then went I to my <i>Goods</i> that I loved best,<br /> +In hope to have comfort, but there had I least;<br /> +For my <i>Goods</i> sharply did me tell<br /> +That he bringeth many into hell.<br /> +Then of myself I was ashamed,<br /> +And so I am worthy to be blamed;<br /> +Thus may I well myself hate.<br /> +Of whom shall I now counsel take?<br /> +I think that I shall never speed<br /> +Till that I go to my <i>Good-Deed</i>,<br /> +But alas, she is so weak,<br /> +That she can neither go nor speak;<br /> +Yet will I venture on her now.--<br /> +My <i>Good-Deeds</i>, where be you?</p> + +<p><i>Good-Deeds.</i> Here I lie cold in the ground;<br /> +Thy sins hath me sore bound,<br /> +That I cannot stir.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> O, <i>Good-Deeds</i>, I stand in fear;<br /> +I must you pray of counsel,<br /> +For help now should come right well.</p> + +<p><i>Goods-Deeds.</i> <i>Everyman</i>, I have understanding<br /> +That ye be summoned account to make<br /> +Before <i>Messias</i>, of Jerusalem King;<br /> +And you do by me<sup><a href="#fn_14" id="fna_14">14</a></sup> that journey what<sup><a href="#fn_15" id="fna_15">15</a></sup> you will I take.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Therefore I come to you, my moan to make;<br /> +I pray you, that ye will go with me.</p> + +<p><i>Good-Deeds.</i> I would full fain, but I cannot stand verily.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Why, is there anything on you fall?</p> + +<p><i>Good-Deeds.</i> Yea, sir, I may thank you of all;<br /> +If ye had perfectly cheered me,<br /> +Your book of account now full ready had be.<br /> +Look, the books of your works and deeds eke;<br /> +Oh, see how they lie under the feet,<br /> +To your soul's heaviness.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Our Lord <i>Jesus</i>, help me!<br /> +For one letter here I can not see.</p> + +<p><i>Good-Deeds.</i> There is a blind reckoning in time of distress!</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> <i>Good-Deeds</i>, I pray you, help me in this need,<br /> +Or else I am for ever damned indeed;<br /> +Therefore help me to make reckoning<br /> +Before the redeemer of all thing,<br /> +That king is, and was, and ever shall.</p> + +<p><i>Good-Deeds.</i> <i>Everyman</i>, I am sorry of your fall,<br /> +And fain would I help you, and I were able.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> <i>Good-Deeds</i>, your counsel I pray you give me.</p> + +<p><i>Good-Deeds.</i> That shall I do verily;<br /> +Though that on my feet I may not go,<br /> +I have a sister, that shall with you also,<br /> +Called <i>Knowledge</i>, which shall with you abide,<br /> +To help you to make that dreadful reckoning.</p> + +<p><i>Knowledge.</i> <i>Everyman</i>, I will go with thee, and be thy guide,<br /> +In thy most need to go by thy side.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> In good condition I am now in every thing,<br /> +And am wholly content with this good thing;<br /> +Thanked be God my Creator.</p> + +<p><i>Good-Deeds.</i> And when he hath brought thee there,<br /> +Where thou shalt heal thee of thy smart,<br /> +Then go you with your reckoning and your <i>Good-Deeds</i> together<br /> +For to make you joyful at heart<br /> +Before the blessed Trinity.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> My <i>Good-Deeds</i>, gramercy;<br /> +I am well content, certainly,<br /> +With your words sweet.</p> + +<p><i>Knowledge.</i> Now go we together lovingly,<br /> +To <i>Confession</i>, that cleansing river.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> For joy I weep; I would we were there;<br /> +But, I pray you, give me cognition<br /> +Where dwelleth that holy man, <i>Confession</i>.</p> + +<p><i>Knowledge.</i> In the house of salvation:<br /> +We shall find him in that place,<br /> +That shall us comfort by God's grace.<br /> +Lo, this is <i>Confession</i>; kneel down and ask mercy,<br /> +For he is in good conceit with God almighty.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> O glorious fountain that all uncleanness doth clarify,<br /> +Wash from me the spots of vices unclean,<br /> +That on me no sin may be seen;<br /> +I come with <i>Knowledge</i> for my redemption,<br /> +Repent with hearty and full contrition;<br /> +For I am commanded a pilgrimage to take,<br /> +And great accounts before God to make.<br /> +Now, I pray you, <i>Shrift</i>, mother of salvation,<br /> +Help my good deeds for my piteous exclamation.</p> + +<p><i>Confession.</i> I know your sorrow well, <i>Everyman</i>;<br /> +Because with <i>Knowledge</i> ye come to me,<br /> +I will you comfort as well as I can,<br /> +And a precious jewel I will give thee,<br /> +Called penance, wise voider of adversity;<br /> +Therewith shall your body chastised be,<br /> +With abstinence and perseverance in God's service:<br /> +Here shall you receive that scourge of me,<br /> +Which is penance strong, that ye must endure,<br /> +To remember thy Saviour was scourged for thee<br /> +With sharp scourges, and suffered it patiently;<br /> +So must thou, or thou scape that painful pilgrimage;<br /> +<i>Knowledge</i>, keep him in this voyage,<br /> +And by that time <i>Good-Deeds</i> will be with thee.<br /> +But in any wise, be sure of mercy,<br /> +For your time draweth fast, and ye will saved be;<br /> +Ask God mercy, and He will grant truly,<br /> +When with the scourge of penance man doth him bind,<br /> +The oil of forgiveness then shall he find.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Thanked be God for his gracious work!<br /> +For now I will my penance begin;<br /> +This hath rejoiced and lighted my heart,<br /> +Though the knots be painful and hard within.</p> + +<p><i>Knowledge.</i> <i>Everyman</i>, look your penance that ye fulfil,<br /> +What pain that ever it to you be,<br /> +And <i>Knowledge</i> shall give you counsel at will,<br /> +How your accounts ye shall make clearly.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> O eternal God, O heavenly figure,<br /> +O way of rightwiseness, O goodly vision,<br /> +Which descended down in a virgin pure<br /> +Because he would <i>Everyman</i> redeem,<br /> +Which <i>Adam</i> forfeited by his disobedience:<br /> +O blessed Godhead, elect and high-divine,<br /> +Forgive my grievous offence;<br /> +Here I cry thee mercy in this presence.<br /> +O ghostly treasure, O ransomer and redeemer<br /> +Of all the world, hope and conductor,<br /> +Mirror of joy, and founder of mercy,<br /> +Which illumineth heaven and earth thereby,<br /> +Hear my clamorous complaint, though it late be;<br /> +Receive my prayers; unworthy in this heavy life,<br /> +Though I be, a sinner most abominable,<br /> +Yet let my name be written in <i>Moses'</i> table;<br /> +O <i>Mary</i>, pray to the Maker of all thing,<br /> +Me for to help at my ending,<br /> +And save me from the power of my enemy,<br /> +For <i>Death</i> assaileth me strongly;<br /> +And, Lady, that I may by means of thy prayer<br /> +Of your Son's glory to be partaker,<br /> +By the means of his passion I it crave,<br /> +I beseech you, help my soul to save.--<br /> +<i>Knowledge</i>, give me the scourge of penance;<br /> +My flesh therewith shall give a quittance:<br /> +I will now begin, if God give me grace.</p> + +<p><i>Knowledge.</i> <i>Everyman</i>, God give you time and space:<br /> +Thus I bequeath you in the hands of our Saviour,<br /> +Thus may you make your reckoning sure.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> In the name of the Holy Trinity,<br /> +My body sore punished shall be:<br /> +Take this body for the sin of the flesh;<br /> +Also thou delightest to go gay and fresh,<br /> +And in the way of damnation thou did me bring;<br /> +Therefore suffer now strokes and punishing.<br /> +Now of penance I will wade the water clear,<br /> +To save me from purgatory, that sharp fire.</p> + +<p><i>Good-Deeds.</i> I thank God, now I can walk and go;<br /> +And am delivered of my sickness and woe.<br /> +Therefore with <i>Everyman</i> I will go, and not spare;<br /> +His good works I will help him to declare.</p> + +<p><i>Knowledge.</i> Now, <i>Everyman</i>, be merry and glad;<br /> +Your <i>Good-Deeds</i> cometh now; ye may not be sad;<br /> +Now is your <i>Good-Deeds</i> whole and sound,<br /> +Going upright upon the ground.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> My heart is light, and shall be evermore;<br /> +Now will I smite faster than I did before.</p> + +<p><i>Good-Deeds.</i> <i>Everyman</i>, pilgrim, my special friend,<br /> +Blessed be thou without end;<br /> +For thee is prepared the eternal glory.<br /> +Ye have me made whole and sound,<br /> +Therefore I will bide by thee in every stound.<sup><a href="#fn_16" id="fna_16">16</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Welcome, my <i>Good-Deeds</i>; now I hear thy voice,<br /> +I weep for very sweetness of love.</p> + +<p><i>Knowledge.</i> Be no more sad, but ever rejoice,<br /> +God seeth thy living in his throne above;<br /> +Put on this garment to thy behove,<br /> +Which is wet with your tears,<br /> +Or else before God you may it miss,<br /> +When you to your journey's end come shall.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Gentle <i>Knowledge</i>, what do you it call?</p> + +<p><i>Knowledge.</i> It is a garment of sorrow:<br /> +From pain it will you borrow;<br /> +Contrition it is,<br /> +That getteth forgiveness;<br /> +It pleaseth God passing well.</p> + +<p><i>Good-Deeds.</i> <i>Everyman</i>, will you wear it for your heal?</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Now blessed be <i>Jesu, Mary's</i> Son!<br /> +For now have I on true contrition.<br /> +And let us go now without tarrying;<br /> +<i>Good-Deeds</i>, have we clear our reckoning?</p> + +<p><i>Good-Deeds.</i> Yea, indeed I have it here.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Then I trust we need not fear;<br /> +Now, friends, let us not part in twain.</p> + +<p><i>Knowledge.</i> Nay, <i>Everyman</i>, that will we not, certain.</p> + +<p><i>Good-Deeds.</i> Yet must thou lead with thee<br /> +Three persons of great might.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Who should they be?</p> + +<p><i>Good-Deeds.</i> <i>Discretion</i> and <i>Strength</i> they hight,<br /> +And thy <i>Beauty</i> may not abide behind.</p> + +<p><i>Knowledge.</i> Also ye must call to mind<br /> +Your <i>Five-wits</i> as for your counsellors.</p> + +<p><i>Good-Deeds.</i> You must have them ready at all hours.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> How shall I get them hither?</p> + +<p><i>Knowledge.</i> You must call them all together,<br /> +And they will hear you incontinent.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> My friends, come hither and be present<br /> +<i>Discretion</i>, <i>Strength</i>, my <i>Five-wits</i>, and <i>Beauty</i>.</p> + +<p><i>Beauty.</i> Here at your will we be all ready.<br /> +What will ye that we should do?</p> + +<p><i>Good-Deeds.</i> That ye would with <i>Everyman</i> go,<br /> +And help him in his pilgrimage,<br /> +Advise you, will ye with him or not in that voyage?</p> + +<p><i>Strength.</i> We will bring him all thither,<br /> +To his help and comfort, ye may believe me.</p> + +<p><i>Discretion.</i> So will we go with him all together.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Almighty God, loved thou be,<br /> +I give thee laud that I have hither brought<br /> +<i>Strength</i>, <i>Discretion</i>, <i>Beauty</i>, and <i>Five-wits</i>; lack I nought;<br /> +And my <i>Good-Deeds</i>, with <i>Knowledge</i> clear,<br /> +All be in my company at my will here;<br /> +I desire no more to my business.</p> + +<p><i>Strength.</i> And I, <i>Strength</i>, will by you stand in distress,<br /> +Though thou would in battle fight on the ground.</p> + +<p><i>Five-wits.</i> And though it were through the world round,<br /> +We will not depart for sweet nor sour.</p> + +<p><i>Beauty.</i> No more will I unto death's hour,<br /> +Whatsoever thereof befall.</p> + +<p><i>Discretion.</i> <i>Everyman</i>, advise you first of all;<br /> +Go with a good advisement and deliberation;<br /> +We all give you virtuous monition<br /> +That all shall be well.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> My friends, hearken what I will tell:<br /> +I pray God reward you in his heavenly sphere.<br /> +Now hearken, all that be here,<br /> +For I will make my testament<br /> +Here before you all present.<br /> +In alms half my good I will give with my hands twain<br /> +In the way of charity, with good intent,<br /> +And the other half still shall remain<br /> +In quiet to be returned there it ought to be.<br /> +This I do in despite of the fiend of hell<br /> +To go quite out of his peril<br /> +Ever after and this day.</p> + +<p><i>Knowledge.</i> <i>Everyman</i>, hearken what I say;<br /> +Go to priesthood, I you advise,<br /> +And receive of him in any wise<br /> +The holy sacrament and ointment together;<br /> +Then shortly see ye turn again hither;<br /> +We will all abide you here.</p> + +<p><i>Five-Wits.</i> Yea, <i>Everyman</i>, hie you that ye ready were,<br /> +There is no emperor, king, duke, ne baron,<br /> +That of God hath commission,<br /> +As hath the least priest in the world being;<br /> +For of the blessed sacraments pure and benign,<br /> +He beareth the keys and thereof hath the cure<br /> +For man's redemption, it is ever sure;<br /> +Which God for our soul's medicine<br /> +Gave us out of his heart with great pine;<br /> +Here in this transitory life, for thee and me<br /> +The blessed sacraments seven there be,<br /> +Baptism, confirmation, with priesthood good,<br /> +And the sacrament of God's precious flesh and blood,<br /> +Marriage, the holy extreme unction, and penance;<br /> +These seven be good to have in remembrance,<br /> +Gracious sacraments of high divinity.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Fain would I receive that holy body<br /> +And meekly to my ghostly father I will go.</p> + +<p><i>Five-wits.</i> <i>Everyman</i>, that is the best that ye can do:<br /> +God will you to salvation bring,<br /> +For priesthood exceedeth all other thing;<br /> +To us Holy Scripture they do teach,<br /> +And converteth man from sin heaven to reach;<br /> +God hath to them more power given,<br /> +Than to any angel that is in heaven;<br /> +With five words he may consecrate<br /> +God's body in flesh and blood to make,<br /> +And handleth his maker between his hands;<br /> +The priest bindeth and unbindeth all bands,<br /> +Both in earth and in heaven;<br /> +Thou ministers all the sacraments seven;<br /> +Though we kissed thy feet thou were worthy;<br /> +Thou art surgeon that cureth sin deadly:<br /> +No remedy we find under God<br /> +But all only priesthood.<br /> +<i>Everyman</i>, God gave priests that dignity,<br /> +And setteth them in his stead among us to be;<br /> +Thus be they above angels in degree.</p> + +<p><i>Knowledge.</i> If priests be good it is so surely;<br /> +But when Jesus hanged on the cross with great smart<br /> +There he gave, out of his blessed heart,<br /> +The same sacrament in great torment:<br /> +He sold them not to us, that Lord Omnipotent.<br /> +Therefore Saint Peter the apostle doth say<br /> +That Jesu's curse hath all they<br /> +Which God their Saviour do buy or sell,<br /> +Or they for any money do take or tell.<br /> +Sinful priests giveth the sinners example bad;<br /> +Their children sitteth by other men's fires, I have heard;<br /> +And some haunteth women's company,<br /> +With unclean life, as lusts of lechery<br /> +These be with sin made blind.</p> + +<p><i>Five-wits.</i> I trust to God no such may we find;<br /> +Therefore let us priesthood honour,<br /> +And follow their doctrine for our souls' succour;<br /> +We be their sheep, and they shepherds be<br /> +By whom we all be kept in surety.<br /> +Peace, for yonder I see <i>Everyman</i> come,<br /> +Which hath made true satisfaction.</p> + +<p><i>Good-Deeds.</i> Methinketh it is he indeed.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Now Jesu be our alder speed.<sup><a href="#fn_17" id="fna_17">17</a></sup><br /> +I have received the sacrament for my redemption,<br /> +And then mine extreme unction:<br /> +Blessed be all they that counselled me to take it!<br /> +And now, friends, let us go without longer respite;<br /> +I thank God that ye have tarried so long.<br /> +Now set each of you on this rod your hand,<br /> +And shortly follow me:<br /> +I go before, there I would be; God be our guide.</p> + +<p><i>Strength.</i> <i>Everyman</i>, we will not from you go,<br /> +Till ye have gone this voyage long.</p> + +<p><i>Discretion.</i> I, <i>Discretion</i>, will bide by you also.</p> + +<p><i>Knowledge.</i> And though this pilgrimage be never so strong,<br /> +I will never part you fro:<br /> +<i>Everyman</i>, I will be as sure by thee<br /> +As ever I did by Judas Maccabee.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Alas, I am so faint I may not stand,<br /> +My limbs under me do fold;<br /> +Friends, let us not turn again to this land,<br /> +Not for all the world's gold,<br /> +For into this cave must I creep<br /> +And turn to the earth and there to sleep.</p> + +<p><i>Beauty.</i> What, into this grave? alas!</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Yea, there shall you consume more and less.</p> + +<p><i>Beauty.</i> And what, should I smother here?</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Yea, by my faith, and never more appear.<br /> +In this world live no more we shall,<br /> +But in heaven before the highest Lord of all.</p> + +<p><i>Beauty.</i> I cross out all this; adieu by Saint <i>John</i>;<br /> +I take my cap in my lap and am gone.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> What, <i>Beauty</i>, whither will ye?</p> + +<p><i>Beauty.</i> Peace, I am deaf; I look not behind me,<br /> +Not and thou would give me all the gold in thy chest.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Alas, whereto may I trust?<br /> +<i>Beauty</i> goeth fast away hie;<br /> +She promised with me to live and die.</p> + +<p><i>Strength.</i> <i>Everyman</i>, I will thee also forsake and deny;<br /> +Thy game liketh me not at all.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Why, then ye will forsake me all.<br /> +Sweet <i>Strength</i>, tarry a little space.</p> + +<p><i>Strength.</i> Nay, sir, by the rood of grace<br /> +I will hie me from thee fast,<br /> +Though thou weep till thy heart brast.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Ye would ever bide by me, ye said.</p> + +<p><i>Strength.</i> Yea, I have you far enough conveyed;<br /> +Ye be old enough, I understand,<br /> +Your pilgrimage to take on hand;<br /> +I repent me that I hither came.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> <i>Strength</i>, you to displease I am to blame;<br /> +Will you break promise that is debt?</p> + +<p><i>Strength.</i> In faith, I care not;<br /> +Thou art but a fool to complain,<br /> +You spend your speech and waste your brain;<br /> +Go thrust thee into the ground.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> I had wend surer I should you have found.<br /> +He that trusteth in his <i>Strength</i><br /> +She him deceiveth at the length.<br /> +Both <i>Strength</i> and <i>Beauty</i> forsaketh me,<br /> +Yet they promised me fair and lovingly.</p> + +<p><i>Discretion. Everyman</i>, I will after <i>Strength</i> be gone,<br /> +As for me I will leave you alone.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Why, <i>Discretion</i>, will ye forsake me?</p> + +<p><i>Discretion.</i> Yea, in faith, I will go from thee,<br /> +For when <i>Strength</i> goeth before<br /> +I follow after evermore.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Yet, I pray thee, for the love of the Trinity,<br /> +Look in my grave once piteously.</p> + +<p><i>Discretion.</i> Nay, so nigh will I not come.<br /> +Farewell, every one!</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> O all thing faileth, save God alone;<br /> +<i>Beauty</i>, <i>Strength</i>, and <i>Discretion</i>;<br /> +For when <i>Death</i> bloweth his blast,<br /> +They all run from me full fast.</p> + +<p><i>Five-wits. Everyman</i>, my leave now of thee I take;<br /> +I will follow the other, for here I thee forsake.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Alas! then may I wail and weep,<br /> +For I took you for my best friend.</p> + +<p><i>Five-wits.</i> I will no longer thee keep;<br /> +Now farewell, and there an end.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> O Jesu, help, all hath forsaken me!</p> + +<p><i>Good-Deeds.</i> Nay, <i>Everyman</i>, I will bide with thee,<br /> +I will not forsake thee indeed;<br /> +Thou shalt find me a good friend at need.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Gramercy, <i>Good-Deeds</i>; now may I true friends see;<br /> +They have forsaken me every one;<br /> +I loved them better than my <i>Good-Deeds</i> alone.<br /> +<i>Knowledge</i>, will ye forsake me also?</p> + +<p><i>Knowledge.</i> Yea, <i>Everyman</i>, when ye to death do go:<br /> +But not yet for no manner of danger.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Gramercy, <i>Knowledge</i>, with all my heart.</p> + +<p><i>Knowledge.</i> Nay, yet I will not from hence depart,<br /> +Till I see where ye shall be come.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Methinketh, alas, that I must be gone,<br /> +To make my reckoning and my debts pay,<br /> +For I see my time is nigh spent away.<br /> +Take example, all ye that this do hear or see,<br /> +How they that I loved best do forsake me,<br /> +Except my <i>Good-Deeds</i> that bideth truly.</p> + +<p><i>Good-Deeds.</i> All earthly things is but vanity:<br /> +<i>Beauty</i>, <i>Strength</i>, and <i>Discretion</i>, do man forsake,<br /> +Foolish friends and kinsmen, that fair spake,<br /> +All fleeth save <i>Good-Deeds</i>, and that am I.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Have mercy on me, God most mighty;<br /> +And stand by me, thou Mother and Maid, holy <i>Mary</i>.</p> + +<p><i>Good-Deeds.</i> Fear not, I will speak for thee.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Here I cry God mercy.</p> + +<p><i>Good-Deeds.</i> Short our end, and minish our pain;<br /> +Let us go and never come again.</p> + +<p><i>Everyman.</i> Into thy hands, Lord, my soul I commend;<br /> +Receive it, Lord, that it be not lost;<br /> +As thou me boughtest, so me defend,<br /> +And save me from the fiend's boast,<br /> +That I may appear with that blessed host<br /> +That shall be saved at the day of doom.<br /> +<i>In manus tuas</i>--of might's most<br /> +For ever--<i>commendo spiritum meum</i>.</p> + +<p><i>Knowledge.</i> Now hath he suffered that we all shall endure;<br /> +The <i>Good-Deeds</i> shall make all sure.<br /> +Now hath he made ending;<br /> +Methinketh that I hear angels sing<br /> +And make great joy and melody,<br /> +Where <i>Everyman's</i> soul received shall be.</p> + +<p><i>Angel.</i> Come, excellent elect spouse to Jesu:<br /> +Hereabove thou shalt go<br /> +Because of thy singular virtue:<br /> +Now the soul is taken the body fro;<br /> +Thy reckoning is crystal-clear.<br /> +Now shalt thou into the heavenly sphere,<br /> +Unto the which all ye shall come<br /> +That liveth well before the day of doom.</p> + +<p><i>Doctor.</i> This moral men may have in mind;<br /> +Ye hearers, take it of worth, old and young,<br /> +And forsake pride, for he deceiveth you in the end,<br /> +And remember <i>Beauty</i>, <i>Five-wits</i>, <i>Strength</i>, and <i>Discretion</i>,<br /> +They all at the last do <i>Everyman</i> forsake,<br /> +Save his <i>Good-Deeds</i>, there doth he take.<br /> +But beware, and they be small<br /> +Before God, he hath no help at all.<br /> +None excuse may be there for <i>Everyman</i>:<br /> +Alas, how shall he do then?<br /> +For after death amends may no man make,<br /> +For then mercy and pity do him forsake.<br /> +If his reckoning be not clear when he do come,<br /> +God will say--<i>ite maledicti in ignem æternum</i>.<br /> +And he that hath his account whole and sound,<br /> +High in heaven he shall be crowned;<br /> +Unto which place God bring us all thither<br /> +That we may live body and soul together.<br /> +Thereto help the Trinity,<br /> +Amen, say ye, for saint <i>Charity</i>.</p> + +<p class="end">THUS ENDETH THIS MORALL PLAY OF EVERYMAN.</p> +</div> + + +<div id="deluge" class="chapter"> +<h2>THE CHESTER PAGEANT OF THE WATER-LEADERS AND DRAWERS OF THE DEE +CONCERNING NOAH'S DELUGE</h2> + + + +<h3>CHARACTERS</h3> + +<ul class="charlist"> +<li><span class="smallcaps">God</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Noah</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Shem</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Ham</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Japhet</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Noah's Wife</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Shem's Wife</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Ham's Wife</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Japhet's Wife</span></li> +</ul> + + + +<h3>THE CHESTER PAGEANT OF THE DELUGE</h3> + + + +<p><i>God.</i> I, God, that all the world have wrought<br /> +Heaven and Earth, and all of nought,<br /> +I see my people, in deed and thought,<br /> +Are foully set in sin.<br /> + My ghost shall not lodge in any man<br /> +That through fleshly liking is my fone,<sup><a href="#fn_18" id="fna_18">18</a></sup><br /> +But till six score years be gone<br /> +To look if they will blynne.<sup><a href="#fn_19" id="fna_19">19</a></sup><br /> + Man that I made I will destroy,<br /> +Beast, worm, and fowl to fly,<br /> +For on earth they me annoy,<br /> +The folk that is thereon.<br /> + For it harms me so hurtfully<br /> +The malice now that can multiply,<br /> +That sore it grieveth me inwardly,<br /> +That ever I made man.<br /> + Therefore Noah, my servant free,<br /> +That righteous man art, as I see,<br /> +A ship soon thou shalt make thee,<br /> +Of trees dry and light.<br /> + Little chambers therein thou make<br /> +And binding slich<sup><a href="#fn_20" id="fna_20">20</a></sup> also thou take<br /> +Within and out, thou not slake<br /> +To annoint it through all thy might.<br /> + Three hundred cubits it shall be long,<br /> +And so of breadth to make it strong,<br /> +Of height so, then must thou fonge,<sup><a href="#fn_21" id="fna_21">21</a></sup><br /> +Thus measure it about.<br /> + One window work though thy might;<br /> +One cubit of length and breadth make it,<br /> +Upon the side a door shall fit<br /> +For to come in and out.<br /> + Eating-places thou make also,<br /> +Three roofed chambers, one or two:<br /> +For with water I think to stow<sup><a href="#fn_22" id="fna_22">22</a></sup><br /> +Man that I can make.<br /> + Destroyed all the world shall be,<br /> +Save thou, thy wife, and sons three,<br /> +And all their wives, also, with thee,<br /> +Shall saved be for thy sake.</p> + +<p><i>Noah.</i> Ah, Lord! I thank thee, loud and still,<br /> +That to me art in such will,<br /> +And spares me and my house to spill<br /> +As now I soothly find.<br /> + Thy bidding, Lord, I shall fulfil,<br /> +And never more thee grieve nor grill<sup><a href="#fn_23" id="fna_23">23</a></sup><br /> +That such grace has sent me till<br /> +Among all mankind.<br /> + Have done you men and women all;<br /> +Help, for aught that may befall,<br /> +To work this ship, chamber, and hall,<br /> +As God hath bidden us do.</p> + +<p><i>Shem.</i> Father, I am already bowne,<sup><a href="#fn_3" id="fna_24-1">24</a></sup><br /> +An axe I have, by my crown!<br /> +As sharp as any in all this town<br /> +For to go thereto.</p> + +<p><i>Ham.</i> I have a hatchet, wonder keen,<br /> +To bite well, as may be seen,<br /> +A better ground one, as I ween,<br /> +Is not in all this town.</p> + +<p><i>Japhet.</i> And I can well make a pin,<br /> +And with this hammer knock it in;<br /> +Go and work without more din;<br /> +And I am ready bowne.<sup><a href="#fn_24" id="fna_24-2">24</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>Noah's Wife.</i> And we shall bring timber too,<br /> +For women nothing else to do<br /> +Women be weak to undergo<br /> +Any great travail.</p> + +<p><i>Shem's Wife.</i> Here is a good hackstock;<br /> +On this you must hew and knock:<br /> +Shall none be idle in this flock,<br /> +Nor now may no man fail.</p> + +<p><i>Ham's Wife.</i> And I will go to gather slich,<sup><a href="#fn_25" id="fna_25">25</a></sup><br /> +The ship for to clean and pitch;<br /> +Anointed it must be, every stitch,<br /> +Board, tree, and pin.</p> + +<p><i>Japhet's Wife.</i> And I will gather chips here<br /> +To make a fire for you, in fear,<br /> +And for to dight<sup><a href="#fn_26" id="fna_26">26</a></sup> your dinner,<br /> +Against you come in.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Here they make signs as though they were working divers instruments.</i></p> + +<p><i>Noah.</i> Now in the name of God I will begin,<br /> +To make the ship that we shall in,<br /> +That we be ready for to swim,<br /> +At the coming of the flood.<br /> + These boards I join together,<br /> +To keep us safe from the weather<br /> +That we may roam both hither and thither<br /> +And safe be from this flood.<br /> + Of this tree will I have the mast,<br /> +Tied with gables that will last<br /> +With a sail yard for each blast<br /> +And each thing in its kind.<br /> + With topmast high and bowsprit.<br /> +With cords and ropes, I hold all fit<br /> +To sail forth at the next weete<sup><a href="#fn_27" id="fna_27">27</a></sup><br /> +This ship is at an end.<br /> +Wife in this castle we shall be kept:<br /> +My children and thou I would in leaped!</p> + +<p><i>Noah's Wife.</i> In faith, Noe, I had as lief thou had slept, for all thy frankishfare,<sup><a href="#fn_28" id="fna_28">28</a></sup><br /> +For I will not do after thy rede.<sup><a href="#fn_29" id="fna_29">29</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>Noah.</i> Good wife, do as I thee bid.</p> + +<p><i>Noah's Wife.</i> By Christ not, or I see more need,<br /> +Though thou stand all the day and rave.</p> + +<p><i>Noah.</i> Lord, that women be crabbed aye!<br /> +And never are meek, that I dare say.<br /> +This is well seen of me to-day<br /> +In witness of you each one.<br /> + Good wife, let be all this beere<sup><a href="#fn_30" id="fna_30">30</a></sup><br /> +That thou makest in this place here,<br /> +For they all ween thou art master;<br /> +And so thou art, by St. John!</p> + +<p><i>God.</i> Noah, take thou thy company<br /> +And in the ship hie that you be,<br /> +For none so righteous man to me<br /> +Is now on earth living.<br /> + Of clean beasts with thee thou take<br /> +Seven and seven, or thou seake,<br /> +He and she make to make<br /> +Quickly in that thou bring.<br /> + Of beasts unclean two and two,<br /> +Male and female, without more;<br /> +Of clean fowls seven also,<br /> +The he and she together.<br /> + Of fowles unclean two, and no more;<br /> +Of beasts as I said before:<br /> +That shall be saved through my lore<br /> +Against I send the weather.<br /> + Of all meats that must be eaten<br /> +Into the ship look there be gotten,<br /> +For that no way may be forgotten<br /> +And do all this by deene.<sup><a href="#fn_31" id="fna_31">31</a></sup><br /> + To sustain man and beasts therein,<br /> +Aye, till the waters cease and blyn.<sup><a href="#fn_32" id="fna_32">32</a></sup><br /> +This world is filled full of sin<br /> +And that is now well seen.<br /> + Seven days be yet coming,<br /> +You shall have space them in to bring;<br /> +After that it is my liking<br /> +Mankind for to annoy.<br /> + Forty days and forty nights,<br /> +Rain shall fall for their unrights;<br /> +And that I have made through my might,<br /> +Now think I to destroy.</p> + +<p><i>Noah.</i> Lord, at your bidding I am bayne,<sup><a href="#fn_33" id="fna_33">33</a></sup><br /> +Since none other grace will gain,<br /> +It will I fulfil fain,<br /> +For gracious I thee find.<br /> + A hundred winters and twenty<br /> +This ship making tarried have I:<br /> +If, through amendment, any mercy<br /> +Would fall unto mankind.<br /> + Have done, you men and women all.<br /> +Hie you, lest this water fall,<br /> +That each beast were in his stall<br /> +And into ship brought.<br /> + Of clean beasts seven shall be;<br /> +Of unclean two, this God bade me;<br /> +This flood is nigh, well may we see,<br /> +Therefore tarry you nought.</p> + +<p><i>Shem.</i> Sir, here are lions, leopards in,<br /> +Horses, mares, oxen, and swine,<br /> +Goats, calves, sheep, and kine,<br /> +Here sitten<sup><a href="#fn_34" id="fna_34">34</a></sup> may you see.</p> + +<p><i>Ham.</i> Camels, asses, men may find;<br /> +Buck, doe, hart and hind,<br /> +And beasts of all manner kind.<br /> +Here be, as thinks me.</p> + +<p><i>Japhet.</i> Take here cats and dogs too,<br /> +Otter, fox, fulmart also;<br /> +Hares, hopping gaily, can ye<br /> +Have kail here for to eat.</p> + +<p><i>Noah's Wife.</i> And here are bears, wolves set,<br /> +Apes, owls, marmoset;<br /> +Weasels, squirrels, and ferret<br /> +Here they eat their meat.</p> + +<p><i>Shem's Wife.</i> Yet more beasts are in this house!<br /> +Here cats come in full crowse,<sup><a href="#fn_35" id="fna_35">35</a></sup><br /> +Here a rat and here a mouse;<br /> +They stand nigh together.</p> + +<p><i>Ham's Wife.</i> And here are fowls less and more,<br /> +Herons, cranes and bittern;<br /> +Swans, peacocks, have them before!<br /> +Meat for this weather.</p> + +<p><i>Japhet's Wife.</i> Here are cocks, kites, crows,<br /> +Rooks, ravens, many rows;<br /> +Cuckoos, curlews, whoso knows,<br /> +Each one in his kind.<br /> + And here are doves, ducks, drakes,<br /> +Redshanks, running through the lakes,<br /> +And each fowl that language makes<br /> +In this ship men may find.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>In the stage direction the sons of Noah are enjoined to mention aloud +the names of the animals which enter; a representation of which, painted +on parchment, is to be carried by the actors.</i></p> + +<p><i>Noah.</i> Wife, come in, why standest thou there?<br /> +Thou art ever forward, that I dare swear:<br /> +Come on God's half, time it were,<br /> +For fear lest that we drown.</p> + +<p><i>Noah's Wife.</i> Yea, sir, set up your sail<br /> +And row forth with evil heale,<br /> +For, without any fail,<br /> +I will not out of this town.<br /> + But I have my gossips every one,<br /> +One foot further I will not go;<br /> +They shall not drown, by St. John!<br /> +If I may save their life.<br /> + They loved me full well, by Christ!<br /> +But thou wilt let them in thy chest,<br /> +Else row forth, Noah, whither thou list,<br /> +And get thee a new wife.</p> + +<p><i>Noah.</i> Shem, some love thy mother, 'tis true;<br /> +Forsooth, such another I do not know!</p> + +<p><i>Shem.</i> Father, I shall set her in, I trow,<br /> +Without any fail.<br /> + Mother, my father after thee sends,<br /> +And bids thee unto yonder ship wend,<sup><a href="#fn_36" id="fna_36">36</a></sup><br /> +Look up and see the wind,<br /> +For we be ready to sail.</p> + +<p><i>Noah's Wife.</i> Son, go again to him and say<br /> +I will not come therein to-day!</p> + +<p><i>Noah.</i> Come in, wife, in twenty devils' way,<br /> +Or else stand without.</p> + +<p><i>Ham.</i> Shall we all fetch her in?</p> + +<p><i>Noah.</i> Yea, sons, in Christ's blessing and mine,<br /> +I would you hied you betime,<br /> +For of this flood I am in doubt.</p> + +<p><i>Japhet.</i> Mother, we pray you altogether,<br /> +For we are here, your children;<br /> +Come into the ship for fear of the weather,<br /> +For his love that you bought!</p> + +<p><i>Noah's Wife.</i> That I will not for your call,<br /> +But if I have my gossips all.</p> + +<p><i>Gossip.</i> The flood comes in full fleeting fast,<br /> +On every side it broadens in haste;<br /> +For fear of drowning I am aghast:<br /> +Good gossip, let me come in!<br /> + Or let us drink ere we depart,<br /> +For oftentimes we have done so;<br /> +For at a time thou drinkst a quart,<br /> +And so will I ere that I go.</p> + +<p><i>Shem.</i> In faith, mother, yet you shall,<br /> +Whether you will or not!</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>She goes.</i></p> + +<p><i>Noah.</i> Welcome, wife, into this boat!</p> + +<p><i>Noah's Wife.</i> And have them that for thy note!<sup><a href="#fn_37" id="fna_37">37</a></sup></p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Et dat alapam victa.</i><sup><a href="#fn_38" id="fna_38">38</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>Noah.</i> Aha! marry, this is hot!<br /> +It is good to be still.<br /> +My children! methinks this boat removes!<br /> +Our tarrying here hugely me grieves!<br /> +Over the land the water spreads!<br /> +God do as he will!<br /> + Ah, great God, thou art so good!<br /> +Now all this world is in a flood<br /> +As I see well in sight.<br /> + This window will I close anon,<br /> +And into my chamber will I gone<br /> +Till this water, so great one,<br /> +Be slakèd through thy might.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Noah, according to stage directions, is now to shut the windows of the +ark and retire for a short time. He is then to chant the psalm, Salva +me, Domine! and afterwards to open them and look out.</i></p> + +<p> Now forty days are fully gone.<br /> +Send a raven I will anon;<br /> +If aught were earth, tree, or stone,<br /> +Be dry in any place.<br /> + And if this fowl come not again<br /> +It is a sign, sooth to say,<br /> +That dry it is on hill or plain,<br /> +And God hath done some grace.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>A raven is now despatched.</i></p> + +<p> Ah, Lord! wherever this raven lie,<br /> +Somewhere is dry well I see;<br /> +But yet a dove, by my lewtye<sup><a href="#fn_39" id="fna_39">39</a></sup><br /> +After I will send.<br /> +Thou wilt turn again to me<br /> +For of all fowls that may fly<br /> +Thou art most meek and hend.<sup><a href="#fn_40" id="fna_40">40</a></sup></p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>The stage direction enjoins here that another dove shall be ready with +an olive branch in its mouth, which is to be dropped by means of a cord +into Noah's hand.</i></p> + +<p> Ah Lord! blessed be thou aye,<br /> +That me hast comforted thus to-day!<br /> +By this sight, I may well say<br /> +This flood begins to cease.<br /> + My sweet dove to me brought has<br /> +A branch of olive from some place;<br /> +This betokeneth God has done us some grace,<br /> +And is a sign of peace.<br /> + Ah, Lord! honoured must thou be!<br /> +All earth dries now I see;<br /> +But yet, till thou command me,<br /> +Hence will I not hie.<br /> + All this water is away,<br /> +Therefore as soon as I may<br /> +Sacrifice I shall do in faye<sup><a href="#fn_41" id="fna_41">41</a></sup><br /> +To thee devoutly.</p> + +<p><i>God.</i> Noah, take thy wife anon,<br /> +And thy children every one,<br /> +Out of the ship thou shalt gone,<br /> +And they all with thee.<br /> + Beasts and all that can flie,<br /> +Out anon they shall hie,<br /> +On earth to grow and multiply:<br /> +I will that it be so.</p> + +<p><i>Noah.</i> Lord, I thank thee, through thy might,<br /> +Thy bidding shall be done in hight,<sup><a href="#fn_42" id="fna_42">42</a></sup><br /> +And, as fast as I may dight<sup><a href="#fn_43" id="fna_43">43</a></sup><br /> +I will do thee honour.<br /> + And to thee offer sacrifice,<br /> +Therefore comes in all wise,<br /> +For of these beasts that be his<br /> +Offer I will this stower.<sup><a href="#fn_44" id="fna_44">44</a></sup></p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Then leaving the ark with his whole family, he shall take the animals +and birds, make an offering of them, and set out on his way.</i></p> + +<p> Lord God, in majesty,<br /> +That such grace has granted me,<br /> +When all was borne safe to be,<br /> +Therefore now I am boune.<sup><a href="#fn_45" id="fna_45">45</a></sup><br /> + My wife, my children, my company,<br /> +With sacrifice to honour thee,<br /> +With beasts, fowls, as thou may see,<br /> +I offer here right soon.</p> + +<p><i>God.</i> Noah, to me thou art full able,<br /> +And thy sacrifice acceptable,<br /> +For I have found thee true and stable,<br /> +On thee now must I myn.<sup><a href="#fn_46" id="fna_46">46</a></sup><br /> +Curse earth will I no more<br /> +That man's sin it grieves sore,<br /> +For of youth man full of yore<br /> +Has been inclined to sin.<br /> + You shall now grow and multiply<br /> +And earth you edify,<br /> +Each beast and fowl that may flie<br /> +Shall be afraid for you.<br /> + And fish in sea that may flitt<br /> +Shall sustain you--I you behite<sup><a href="#fn_47" id="fna_47">47</a></sup><br /> +To eat of them you not lett<sup><a href="#fn_48" id="fna_48">48</a></sup><br /> +That clean be you may know.<br /> + There as you have eaten before<br /> +Grasses and roots, since you were born,<br /> +Of clean beasts, less and more,<br /> +I give you leave to eat.<br /> + Save blood and fish both in fear<br /> +Of wrong dead carrion that is here,<br /> +Eat not of that in no manner,<br /> +For that aye you shall lett.<sup><a href="#fn_49" id="fna_49">49</a></sup><br /> + Manslaughter also you shall flee,<br /> +For that is not pleasant to me<br /> +That sheds blood, he or she<br /> +Ought where among mankind.<br /> + That sheds blood, his blood shall be<br /> +And vengeance have, that men shall see;<br /> +Therefore now beware now all ye<br /> +You fall not in that sin.<br /> +And forward now with you I make<br /> +And all thy seed, for thy sake,<br /> +Of such vengeance for to slake,<br /> +For now I have my will.<br /> + Here I promise thee a behest,<sup><a href="#fn_50" id="fna_50">50</a></sup><br /> +That man, woman, fowl, nor beast<br /> +With water while the world shall last,<br /> +I will no more spill.<br /> + My bow between you and me<br /> +In the firmament shall be,<br /> +By very tokens, that you may see<br /> +That such vengeance shall cease.<br /> + That man, nor woman, shall never more<br /> +Be wasted by water, as is before,<br /> +But for sin that grieveth sore,<br /> +Therefore this vengeance was.<br /> + Where clouds in the welkin<br /> +That each bow shall be seen,<br /> +In token that my wrath or tene<sup><a href="#fn_51" id="fna_51">51</a></sup><br /> +Should never this wroken be.<br /> + The string is turned toward you,<br /> +And toward me bent is the bow,<br /> +That such weather shall never show,<br /> +And this do I grant to thee.<br /> + My blessing now I give thee here,<br /> +To thee Noah, my servant dear;<br /> +For vengeance shall no more appear;<br /> +And now farewell, my darling dear!</p> +</div> + + +<div id="ami" class="chapter"> +<h2>THE CHESTER PAGEANT OF THE BARBERS AND WAX-CHANDLERS REPRESENTING +ABRAHAM, MELCHISEDEC, AND ISAAC</h2> + + + +<h3>CHARACTERS</h3> + +<ul class="charlist"> +<li><span class="smallcaps">God</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Abraham</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Lot</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Isaac</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Melchisedec</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">A Knight</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Expositor</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">A Messenger</span></li> +</ul> + + + +<h3>THE CHESTER PAGEANT OF ABRAHAM, MELCHISEDEC, AND ISAAC</h3> + + +<blockquote> +<p class="stagedir"><span class="smallcaps">Abraham</span>, <i>newly returned from the slaughter of the four kings, meets</i> +<span class="smallcaps">Melchisedec</span> <i>riding</i>.</p> +</blockquote> + + +<p>PRELUDE</p> + + +<p><i>Messenger.</i> All peace, Lordings, that be present,<br /> +And hearken now with good intent,<br /> +How Noah away from us he went<br /> + With all his company;<br /> +And Abraham, through God's grace,<br /> +He is come forth into this place,<br /> +And you will give him room and space<br /> + To tell you his storye.<br /> +This play, forsooth, begin shall he,<br /> +In worship of the Trinity,<br /> +That you may all hear and see<br /> + What shall be done to-day.<br /> +My name is Gobbet-on-the-Green,<br /> +No longer here I may be seen,<br /> +Farewell, my Lordings, all by dene<sup><a href="#fn_52" id="fna_52">52</a></sup><br /> + For letting<sup><a href="#fn_53" id="fna_53">53</a></sup> of your play.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Exit.</i></p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Enter Abraham.</i>]</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> Ah! thou high God, granter of grace<br /> +That ending nor beginning has,<br /> +I thank thee, Lord, that to me has<br /> + To-day given victory.<br /> +Lot, my brother, that taken was,<br /> +I have restored him in this case,<br /> +And brought him home into his place<br /> + Through thy might and mastery.<br /> +To worship thee I will not wond,<sup><a href="#fn_54" id="fna_54">54</a></sup><br /> +That four kings of uncouth land<br /> +To-day hast sent into my hand,<br /> + And of riches great array.<br /> +Therefore of all that I can win<br /> +To give thee tithe I will begin,<br /> +When I the city soon come in,<br /> + And share with thee my prey.<br /> +Melchisedec, that here king is<br /> +And God's priest also, I wis,<br /> +The tithe I will give him of this,<br /> + As just is, what I do.<br /> +God who has sent me victory<br /> +O'er four kings graciously,<br /> +With him my spoil share will I,<br /> + The city, when I come to.</p> + +<p><i>Lot.</i> Abraham, brother, I thank it thee,<br /> +Who this day hast delivered me<br /> +From enemies' hands, and their postye,<sup><a href="#fn_55" id="fna_55">55</a></sup><br /> + And saved me from woe!<br /> +Therefore I will give tithing<br /> +Of my goods while I am living,<br /> +And now also of his sending,<br /> + Tithe I will give also.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Then comes a knight to Melchisedec.</i></p> + +<p><i>Knight.</i> My lord, the king's tidings aright<br /> +Your heart for to gladden and light:<br /> +Abraham hath slain in fight<br /> + Four kings, since he went.<br /> +Here he will be this same night,<br /> +And riches with him enough dight.<br /> +I heard him thank God Almight<br /> + For grace he had him sent.</p> + +<p><i>Melchisedec</i> (<i>stretching his hand to heaven</i>). Ah! blessed be God that is but one!<br /> +Against Abraham I will be gone<br /> +Worshipfully, and then anon,<br /> + My office to fulfil,<br /> +Will present him with bread and wine,<br /> +For, grace of God is him within;<br /> +Speeds fast for love mine!<br /> + For this is God's will.</p> + +<p><i>Knight</i> (<i>with a cup</i>). Sir, here is wine withouten were,<sup><a href="#fn_56" id="fna_56">56</a></sup><br /> +And thereto bread, both white and clear,<br /> +To present him in good manere<br /> + That so us helped has.</p> + +<p><i>Melchisedec.</i> To God, I know he is full dear,<br /> +For of all things his prayer<br /> +He hath, without danger,<br /> + And specially great grace.</p> + +<p><i>Melchisedec</i> (<i>coming to Abraham and offering him a cup<br /> + of wine and bread on a plate</i>). Abraham, welcome must thou be,<br /> +God's grace is fully in thee,<br /> +Blessed ever must thou be<br /> + That enemies so can make.<br /> +I have brought, as thou may'st see,<br /> +Bread and wine for thy degree;<br /> +Receive this present now from me,<br /> + And that I thee beseke.<sup><a href="#fn_57" id="fna_57">57</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> Sir king, welcome in good say,<br /> +Thy present is welcome to my pay.<br /> +God has helpéd me to-day<br /> + Unworthy though I were.<br /> +He shall have part of my prey<br /> +That I won since I went away.<br /> +Therefore to thee thou take it may<br /> + The tenth I offer here.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>He delivers to the King a laden horse.</i></p> + +<p><i>Melchisedec.</i> And your present, sir, take I,<br /> +And honour it devoutly,<br /> +For much good it may signify<br /> + In time that is coming.<br /> +Therefore horse, harness, and peryé,<sup><a href="#fn_58" id="fna_58">58</a></sup><br /> +As falls to my dignity,<br /> +The tithe of it I take of thee,<br /> + And receive thy off'ring.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Abraham receives the bread and wine, and Melchisedec the laden horse +as tithe from Lot.</i></p> + +<p><i>Lot.</i> And I will offer with good intent<br /> +Of such goods as God hath me sent<br /> +To Melchisedec here present,<br /> + As God's will is to be.<br /> +Abraham, my brother, offered has;<br /> +And so will I with God's grace:<br /> +This royal cup before your face,<br /> + Receive it now of me.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Lot offers the wine and bread, which Melchisedec receives.</i></p> + +<p><i>Melchisedec.</i> Sir, your off'ring welcome is,<br /> +And well I know forsooth, I wis,<br /> +That fully God's will it is<br /> + That is now done to-day.<br /> +Go we together to my city,<br /> +And now God heartily thank we<br /> +That helps us aye through his postye,<sup><a href="#fn_59" id="fna_59">59</a></sup><br /> + For so we full well may.</p> + +<p><i>Expositor</i> (<i>riding</i>). Lordings, what may this signify,<br /> +I will expound openly<br /> +That all, standing hereby,<br /> + May know what this may be.<br /> +This off'ring, I say verament,<sup><a href="#fn_60" id="fna_60">60</a></sup><br /> +Signifieth the new Testament,<br /> +That now is used with good intent<br /> + Throughout all Christianity.<br /> +In the old law without leasing,<sup><a href="#fn_61" id="fna_61">61</a></sup><br /> +When these two good men were living,<br /> +Of beasts was all their off'ring<br /> + And eke their sacrament.<br /> +But since Christ died on the rood-tree,<br /> +With bread and wine him worship we,<br /> +And on Shrove Thursday in his maundy<sup><a href="#fn_62" id="fna_62">62</a></sup><br /> + Was his commandment.<br /> +But for this thing used should be<br /> +Afterward as now done we,<br /> +In signification, believe you me,<br /> + Melchisedec did so;<br /> +And tithes-making, as you see here,<br /> +Of Abraham beginning were.<br /> +Therefore he was to God full dear,<br /> + And so were they both too.<br /> +By Abraham understand I may<br /> +The father of heaven in good fay,<sup><a href="#fn_63" id="fna_63">63</a></sup><br /> +Melchisedec a priest to his pay<br /> + To minister that sacrament<br /> +That Christ ordained on Shrove Thursday<br /> +In bread and wine to honour him aye;<br /> +This signifieth, the truth to say,<br /> + Melchisedec's present.</p> + +<p><i>God.</i> Abraham, my servant, I say to thee,<br /> +Thy help and succour I will be,<br /> +For thy good deed much pleaseth me,<br /> + I tell thee surely.</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> Lord, one thing that thou wilt see,<br /> +That I pray after with heart free,<br /> +Grant me, Lord, through thy postye:<sup><a href="#fn_64" id="fna_64">64</a></sup><br /> + Some fruit of my body!<br /> +I have no child, foul nor fair,<br /> +Save my Nurry<sup><a href="#fn_65" id="fna_65">65</a></sup> to be my heir,<br /> +That makes me greatly to apayre.<sup><a href="#fn_66" id="fna_66">66</a></sup><br /> + On me, Lord, have mercy!</p> + +<p><i>God.</i> My friend, Abraham, leave thou me.<br /> +Thy Nurry thine heir shall not be,<br /> +But one son I shall send thee,<br /> + Begotten of thy body.<br /> +Abraham, do as I thee say:<br /> +Look up and tell,<sup><a href="#fn_67" id="fna_67">67</a></sup> and if thou may,<br /> +Stars standing on the stray;<br /> + That impossible were.<br /> +No more shalt thou, for no need,<br /> +Number of thy body the seed<br /> +That thou shalt have withouten dreed,<br /> + Thou art to me so dear.<br /> +Wherefore, Abraham, servant free,<br /> +Look that thou be true to me,<br /> +And fore-word here I make with thee<br /> + Thy seed to multiply.<br /> +So much more further shalt thou be,<br /> +Kings of thy seed men shall see,<br /> +And one child of great degree<br /> + All mankind shall forby.<sup><a href="#fn_68" id="fna_68">68</a></sup><br /> +I will that from henceforth alway<br /> +Each knave's child on the eighth day<br /> +Be circumcised, as I say,<br /> + And thou thyself full soon;<br /> +And who circumcised not is<br /> +Forsaken shall be by me, I wis;<br /> +For disobedient that man is,<br /> + Therefore look that this be done.</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> Lord, already in good fay<sup><a href="#fn_69" id="fna_69">69</a></sup><br /> +Blessed be thou, ever and aye;<br /> +For that men truly know may<br /> + Thy folk from other men,<br /> +Circumcised they shall be all<br /> +Anon for aught that may befall.<br /> +I thank thee, Lord, thy own thrall,<br /> + Kneeling on my knee'n.</p> + +<p><i>Expositor.</i> Lordings all take good intent<br /> +What betokens this commandment:<br /> +This was some time a sacrament<br /> + In th' old law truly ta'en.<br /> +As followeth now verament,<sup><a href="#fn_70" id="fna_70">70</a></sup><br /> +So was this in the old Testament;<br /> +But when Christ, away it went,<br /> + And baptism then began.<br /> +Also God promises here<br /> +To Abraham, his servant dear,<br /> +So much seed that in no manere<br /> + Number'd it might be.<br /> +And one seed, mankind to forby,<br /> +That was Jesus Christ witterlye<sup><a href="#fn_71" id="fna_71">71</a></sup><br /> +For of his kind was our Lady,<br /> + And so also was he.</p> + +<p><i>God.</i> Abraham, my servant Abraham.</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> Lo, Lord, already here I am.</p> + +<p><i>God.</i> Take Isaac, thy son by name<br /> +That thou lovest best of all<br /> +And in sacrifice offer him to me<br /> +Upon that hill, beside thee.<br /> +Abraham, I will that it so be<br /> +For aught that may befall.</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> My lord, to thee is my intent<br /> +Ever to be obedient,<br /> +That son that thou to me hast sent,<br /> + Offer I will to thee.<br /> +And fulfil thy commandment<br /> +With hearty will, as I am kent<br /> +High God, Lord Omnipotent,<br /> + Thy bidding done shall be.<br /> +My menye<sup><a href="#fn_72" id="fna_72">72</a></sup> and my children each one<br /> +Lingers at home, both all and one,<br /> +Save Isaac shall with me gone<br /> + To a hill here beside.</p> + +<hr /> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Enter Isaac.</i></p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> Make thee ready, my darling,<br /> +For we must do a little thing.<br /> +This wood upon thy back thou bring,<br /> + We must not long abide.<br /> +A sword and fire I will take,<br /> +For sacrifice I must make;<br /> +God's bidding will I not forsake,<br /> + But aye obedient be.</p> + +<p><i>Isaac.</i> Father, I am all ready<br /> +To do your bidding meekly,<br /> +To bear this wood full bound am I,<br /> + As you command me.</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> O Isaac, Isaac, my darling dear,<br /> +My blessing now I give thee here.<br /> +Take up this faggot with good cheer,<br /> + And on thy back it bring,<br /> +And fire with me I will take.</p> + +<p><i>Isaac.</i> Your bidding I will not forsake,<br /> +Father, I will never slake<sup><a href="#fn_73" id="fna_73">73</a></sup><br /> + To fulfil your bidding.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Isaac takes the wood on his back, and they set out for the hill.</i></p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> Now Isaac, son, go we our way<br /> +To yonder mountain, if that we may.</p> + +<p><i>Isaac.</i> My dear father, I will essay<br /> + To follow you full fain.</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> Oh! my heart will break in three,<br /> +To hear thy words I have pity.<br /> +As thou wilt, Lord, so must it be:<br /> + To thee I will be bane.<br /> +Lay down thy faggot my own son dear!</p> + +<p><i>Isaac.</i> All ready, father, lo, it is here.<br /> +But why make you so heavy cheer?<br /> + Are you anything adread?<br /> +Father, if it be your will,<br /> +Where is the beast that we shall kill?</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> There is none, son, upon this hill<br /> + That I see here in this stead.</p> + +<p><i>Isaac.</i> Father, I am full sore afraid<br /> +To see you bare this naked sword.<br /> +I hope for all middle-yard<sup><a href="#fn_74" id="fna_74">74</a></sup><br /> + You will not slay your child.</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> Dread thee not, my child, I read<br /> +Our Lord will send of his godhead<br /> +Some kind of beast in thy stead,<br /> + Either tame or wild.</p> + +<p><i>Isaac.</i> Father, tell me, or I go,<br /> +Whether I shall have harm or no.</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> Ah, dear God, that me is woe!<br /> + Thou bursts my heart in sunder.</p> + +<p><i>Isaac.</i> Father, tell me of this case,<br /> +Why you your drawn sword has,<br /> +And bare it naked in this place;<br /> + Thereof I have great wonder.</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> Isaac, son, peace! I pray thee,<br /> +Thou breaks my heart even in three.</p> + +<p><i>Isaac.</i> I pray you, father, leave nothing from me,<br /> + But tell me what you think.</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> O Isaac, Isaac, I must thee kill.</p> + +<p><i>Isaac.</i> Alas! father, is that your will,<br /> +Your own child here for to spill,<br /> + Upon this hill's brink?<br /> +If I have trespassed in any degree,<br /> +With a rod you may beat me;<br /> +Put up your sword, if your will be,<br /> + For I am but a child.</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> Oh, my son! I am sorry<br /> +To do to thee this great annoy,<br /> +God's commandment do must I,<br /> + His works are aye full mild.</p> + +<p><i>Isaac.</i> Would God, my mother were here with me!<br /> +She would kneel upon her knee,<br /> +Praying you, father, if it might be,<br /> + For to save my life.</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> Oh, comely creature, but I thee kill,<br /> +I grieve my God, and that full ill:<br /> +I may not work against his will<br /> + But ever obedient be.<br /> +O Isaac, son, to thee I say:<br /> +God has commanded me this day<br /> +Sacrifice--this is no nay--<br /> + To make of thy body.</p> + +<p><i>Isaac.</i> Is it God's will I should be slain?</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> Yea, son, it is not for to layne;<sup><a href="#fn_75" id="fna_75">75</a></sup><br /> +To his bidding I will be bane,<sup><a href="#fn_76" id="fna_76">76</a></sup><br /> + Ever to his pleasing.<br /> +But that I do this doleful deed,<br /> +My Lord will not quit<sup><a href="#fn_77" id="fna_77">77</a></sup> me my meed.<sup><a href="#fn_78" id="fna_78">78</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>Isaac.</i> Marry! father, God forbid<br /> + But you do your off'ring.<br /> +Father, at home your sons you shall find<br /> +That you must love by course of kind.<br /> +Be I once out of your mind,<br /> + Your sorrow may soon cease,<br /> +But you must do God's bidding.<br /> +Father, tell my mother of nothing.</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> For sorrow I may my hands wring,<br /> + Thy mother I cannot please.<br /> +O Isaac, blessed may'st thou be!<br /> +Almost my wit I lose for thee,<br /> +The blood of thy body so free<br /> + I feel full loth to shed.</p> + +<p><i>Isaac.</i> Father, since you must needs do so,<br /> +Let it pass lightly and overgo;<br /> +Kneeling on my knees two,<br /> + Your blessing on me spread!</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> My blessing, dear son, give I thee<br /> +And thy mother's with heart so free;<br /> +The blessing of the Trinity,<br /> + My dear son, on thee light!</p> + +<p><i>Isaac.</i> Father, I pray you hide mine een<br /> +That I see not your sword so keen;<br /> +Your stroke, father, I would not seen,<br /> + Lest I against it thrill.</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> My dear son Isaac, speak no more,<br /> +Thy words make my heart full sore.</p> + +<p><i>Isaac.</i> O dear father, wherefore, wherefore?<br /> + Since I must needs be dead,<br /> +One thing I would you pray:<br /> +Since I must die the death this day,<br /> +As few strokes as you may,<br /> + When you smite off my head.</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> Thy meekness, child, makes me afray;<sup><a href="#fn_79" id="fna_79">79</a></sup><br /> +My song may be "Well away!"</p> + +<p><i>Isaac.</i> O, dear father, do away<br /> + Your making so mickle moan!<br /> +Now truly, father, this talking<br /> +Doth but make long tarrying.<br /> +I pray you come and make ending<br /> + And let me hence gone!</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> Come hither, my child, that art so sweet:<br /> +Thou must be bound now, hand and feet.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Binding Isaac.</i></p> + +<p><i>Isaac.</i> Ah, father! we must no more meet<br /> + By aught that I can see,<br /> +But do with me just as you will,<br /> +I must obey, and that is skill,<br /> +God's commandment to fulfil,<br /> + For needs so must it be.<br /> +Upon the purpose that have set you,<br /> +Forsooth, father, I will not let you,<br /> +But evermore unto you bow,<br /> + While that I may.<br /> +Father, greet well my brethren young,<br /> +And pray my mother for her blessing,<br /> +I come no more under her wing:<br /> + Farewell for ever and aye!<br /> +But, father, I cry you mercy,<br /> +Of that I have trespassed to thee,<br /> +Forgiven, father, that it may be<br /> + Until doom's day.</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> My dear son, let be thy moans;<br /> +My child, thou grievedst me but once.<br /> +Blessed be thou body and bones,<br /> + And I forgive thee here.<br /> +Lo, my dear son, here shalt thou lie;<br /> +Unto my work now must I hie,<br /> +I had as lief myself to die<br /> + As thou, my darling dear.</p> + +<p><i>Isaac.</i> Father, if you be to me kind,<br /> +About my head a kercher<sup><a href="#fn_80" id="fna_80">80</a></sup> bind,<br /> +And let me lightly out of your mind,<br /> + And soon that I were sped.</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> Farewell, my sweet son of grace!</p> + +<p><i>Isaac.</i> I pray you, father, turn down my face<br /> +A little while, while you have space,<br /> + For I am full sore adread.</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> To do this deed I am sorry.</p> + +<p><i>Isaac.</i> Yea, Lord, to thee I call and cry:<br /> +On my soul may thou have mercy,<br /> + Heartily I thee pray.</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> Lord, I would fain work thy will.<br /> +This young innocent that lies so still<br /> +Full loth were I him to kill<br /> + By any manner of way.</p> + +<p><i>Isaac.</i> My dear father, I you pray,<br /> +Let me take my clothes away,<br /> +For shedding blood on them to-day,<br /> + At my last ending.</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> Heart! if thou would'st break in three,<br /> +Thou shalt never master me,<br /> +I will no longer let<sup><a href="#fn_81" id="fna_81">81</a></sup> for thee,<br /> + My God I may not grieve.</p> + +<p><i>Isaac.</i> Ah, mercy, father! why tarry you so?<br /> +Smite off my head, and let me go!<br /> +I pray you, rid me of my woe;<br /> + For now I take my leave.</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> Ah, son! my heart will break in three<br /> +To hear thee speak such words to me.<br /> +Jesus, on me thou have pitý<br /> + That I have most in mind!</p> + +<p><i>Isaac.</i> Now, father, I see that I shall die,<br /> +Almighty God in majestý,<br /> +My soul I offer unto thee:<br /> + Lord, to it be kind.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Abraham takes the sword, as if to kill his son, when two angels +appear. One of them seizes the point of the sword, and says,</i></p> + +<p><i>1st Angel.</i> Abraham, my servant dear!</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> Lo, Lord! I am already here.</p> + +<p><i>1st Angel.</i> Lay not thy sword in any manner<br /> + On Isaac, thy dear darling!<br /> +Nay! do thou him no annoy!<br /> +For thou dreadest God; well, see I,<br /> +That of thy son hast no mercy<br /> + To fulfil his bidding.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Angel.</i> And for his bidding thou doest aye,<br /> +And spares neither, for fear nor fray,<br /> +To do thy son to death to-day,<br /> + Isaac to thee full dear,<br /> +Therefore God has sent by me in fay,<sup><a href="#fn_82" id="fna_82">82</a></sup><br /> +A lamb that is both good and gay<br /> +Into this place as thou see may,<br /> + Lo! it is right here.</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> Ah, Lord of heaven and king of bliss!<br /> +Thy bidding I shall do, I wis.<br /> +Sacrifice here to me sent is<br /> + And all, Lord, through thy grace.<br /> +A horned wether here I see,<br /> +Among the briars tied is he,<br /> +To thee offered it shall be<br /> + Anon, right in this place.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Let Abraham sacrifice the ram.</i></p> + +<p><i>God.</i> Abraham, by myself I swear,<br /> +For thou hast been obedient ever,<br /> +And spared not thy son so dear,<br /> + To fulfil my bidding,<br /> +Thou shalt be blessed, thou art worthy,<br /> +Thy seed I shall multiply,<br /> +As stars and sand so many het I,<sup><a href="#fn_83" id="fna_83">83</a></sup><br /> + Of thy body coming.<br /> +Of enemies thou shalt have power,<br /> +And thy blood also in fear,<br /> +For thou has been meek and boneer<sup><a href="#fn_84" id="fna_84">84</a></sup><br /> + To do as I thee bade.<br /> +And all nations leave thou me,<br /> +Blessed evermore shall be<br /> +Through fruit that shall come of thee<br /> + And saved through thy seed.</p> + + + +<h3>THE EPILOGUE</h3> + + +<p><i>Expositor.</i> Lordings, the signification<br /> +Of this deed of devotion,<br /> +An you will, it is shewn,<br /> + May turn you to much good.<br /> +This deed you see done in this place,<br /> +In example of Jesus done it was,<br /> +That for to win mankind grace<br /> + Was sacrificed on the rood.<br /> +By Abraham you may understand<br /> +The Father of heaven that can fand<sup><a href="#fn_85" id="fna_85">85</a></sup><br /> +With his son's blood to break that band<br /> + The devil had brought us to.<br /> +By Isaac understand I may<br /> +Jesus who was obedient aye,<br /> +His father's will to work alway,<br /> + His death to undergo.</p> +</div> + + +<div id="wakefield_shep2" class="chapter"> +<h2>THE WAKEFIELD SECOND SHEPHERDS' PLAY</h2> + + + +<h3>CHARACTERS</h3> + +<ul class="charlist"> +<li><span class="smallcaps">1st Shepherd</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">2nd Shepherd</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">3rd Shepherd</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Mac</span>, <i>the Sheep-stealer</i></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Mac's Wife, Gill</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Mary</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">The Child Christ</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">An Angel</span></li> +</ul> + + + +<h3>THE WAKEFIELD SECOND NATIVITY PLAY</h3> + + + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> Lord! what, these weathers are cold, and I am ill happed;<br /> +I am near hand-dold,<sup><a href="#fn_86" id="fna_86">86</a></sup> so long have I napped;<br /> +My legs bend and fold, my fingers are chapped,<br /> +It is not as I would, for I am all lapped<br /> + In sorrow.<br /> +In storms and tempest,<br /> +Now in the east, now in the west,<br /> +Woe is him has never rest,<br /> + Mid day nor morrow.<br /> +But we silly shepherds, that walk upon the moor,<br /> +In faith, we are near hands out of the door;<br /> +No wonder, as it stands, if we be poor,<br /> +For the tilth of our lands lies fallow as the floor,<br /> +We are so lamed,<br /> +So taxed and shamed,<br /> +We are made hand-tamed,<br /> + With these gentlery-men.<br /> +Thus they rieve us of rest, Our Lady them wary,<br /> +These men that are lord-fest,<sup><a href="#fn_87" id="fna_87">87</a></sup> they cause the plough tarry.<br /> +That men say is for the best, we find it contrary,<br /> +Thus are husbands<sup><a href="#fn_88" id="fna_88">88</a></sup> opprest, in point to miscarry,<br /> + In life.<br /> +Thus hold they us under,<br /> +Thus they bring us in blunder,<br /> +It were great wonder,<br /> + And ever should we thrive.<br /> +For may he get a paint sleeve,<sup><a href="#fn_89" id="fna_89">89</a></sup> or a brooch now on days,<br /> +Woe is he that shall grieve, or once again says,<br /> +Dare no man him reprieve, what mast'ry he has,<br /> +And yet may none believe one word that he says--<br /> + No letter.<br /> +He can make purveyance,<br /> +With boast and bragance,<sup><a href="#fn_90" id="fna_90">90</a></sup><br /> +And all through maintenance,<br /> + Of men that are greater.<br /> +There shall come a swain, as proud as a po,<sup><a href="#fn_91" id="fna_91">91</a></sup><br /> +He must borrow my wain, my plough also,<br /> +Then I am full fain to grant or he go.<br /> +Thus live we in pain, anger, and woe,<br /> + By night and day;<br /> +He must have if he longéd<br /> +If I should forgang<sup><a href="#fn_92" id="fna_92">92</a></sup> it,<br /> +I were better be hangéd<br /> + Than once say him nay.<br /> +It does me good, as I walk thus by mine own,<br /> +Of this world for to talk in manner of moan<br /> +To my sheep will I stalk and hearken anon<br /> +There abide on a balk, or sit on a stone<br /> + Full soon.<br /> +For I trow, pardie!<br /> +True men if they be,<br /> +We get more company<br /> + Or it be noon.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> "Beniste"<sup><a href="#fn_93" id="fna_93">93</a></sup> and "Dominus!" what may this bemean?<br /> +Why fares this world thus, oft have we not seen.<br /> +Lord, these weathers are spitous,<sup><a href="#fn_94" id="fna_94">94</a></sup> and the weather full keen;<br /> +And the frost so hideous they water mine een,<br /> + No lie.<br /> +Now in dry, now in wet,<br /> +Now in snow, now in sleet,<br /> +When my shoon freeze to my feet<br /> + It is not all easy.<br /> +But as far as I ken, or yet as I go,<br /> +We silly wed-men dree mickle woe;<sup><a href="#fn_95" id="fna_95">95</a></sup><br /> +We have sorrow then and then, it falls often so,<br /> +Silly capyl, our hen, both to and fro<br /> + She cackles,<br /> +But begin she to croak,<br /> +To groan or to cluck,<br /> +Woe is him, say of our cock,<br /> + For he is in the shackles.<br /> +These men that are wed, have not all their will,<br /> +When they are full hard sted,<sup><a href="#fn_96" id="fna_96">96</a></sup> they sigh full still;<br /> +God wait they are led full hard and full ill,<br /> +In bower nor in bed they say not there till<br /> + This tide.<br /> +My part have I found,<br /> +My lesson is learn'd,<br /> +Woe is him that is bound,<br /> + For he must abide.<br /> +But now late in our lives, a marvel to me,<br /> +That I think my heart rives,<sup><a href="#fn_97" id="fna_97">97</a></sup> such wonders to see,<br /> +What that destiny drives it should so be,<br /> +Some men will have two wives, and some men three,<br /> + In store.<br /> +Some are woe that have any;<br /> +But so far ken I,<br /> +Woe is he who has many,<br /> + For he feels it sore.<br /> +But young men of wooing, for God that you bought,<br /> +Be well ware of wedding, and think in your thought<br /> +"Had I wist" is a thing it serves ye of nought;<br /> +Mickle still mourning has wedding home brought,<br /> + And griefs,<br /> +With many a sharp shower,<br /> +For thou may catch in an hour<br /> +That shall serve thee full sour<br /> + As long as thou lives.<br /> +For as read I epistle, I have one to my fear<br /> +As sharp as a thistle, as rough as a brere.<sup><a href="#fn_98" id="fna_98">98</a></sup><br /> +She is browed like a bristle with a sour lenten cheer;<br /> +Had she once wet her whistle she could sing full clear<br /> + Her pater-noster.<br /> +She is as great as a whale,<br /> +She has a gallon of gall;<br /> +By him that died for us all!<br /> + I would I had run till I lost her.</p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> God look over the row, full deafly ye stand.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> Yea, the devil in thy maw!--so tariand,<sup><a href="#fn_99" id="fna_99">99</a></sup><br /> + Saw thou aught now of Daw?</p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> Yea, on a lea land<br /> +Heard I him blow, he comes here at hand,<br /> + Not far;<br /> +Stand still.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> Why?</p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> For he comes here, hope I.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> He will make us both a lie,<br /> + But if we beware.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> Christ's cross me speed, and Saint Nicholas!<br /> +Thereof had I need, it is worse than it was.<br /> +Whoso could take heed, and let the world pass,<br /> +It is ever in dread and brittle as glass,<br /> + And slithers,<sup><a href="#fn_100" id="fna_100">100</a></sup><br /> +This world fared never so,<br /> +With marvels mo and mo,<sup><a href="#fn_101" id="fna_101">101</a></sup><br /> +Now in weal, now in woe,<br /> + And all things withers.<br /> +Was never since Noah's flood such floods seen,<br /> +Winds and rains so rude, and storms so keen,<br /> +Some stammered, some stood in doubt, as I ween,<br /> +Now God turn all to good, I say as I mean,<br /> + For ponder.<br /> +These floods so they drown<br /> +Both in fields and in town,<br /> +They bear all down,<br /> + And that is a wonder.<br /> +We that walk in the nights, our cattle to keep,<br /> +We see sudden sights, when other men sleep:<br /> +Yet methinks my heart lights, I see shrews peep,<br /> +Ye are two, all wights,<sup><a href="#fn_102" id="fna_102">102</a></sup> I will give my sheep<br /> + A turn.<br /> +But full ill have I meant,<br /> +As I walk on this bent,<sup><a href="#fn_103" id="fna_103">103</a></sup><br /> +I may lightly repent,<br /> + My toes if I spurn.<br /> +Ah, sir, God you save, and master mine!<br /> +A drink fain would I have and somewhat to dine.</p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> Christ's curs, my knave, thou art a lazy hyne.<sup><a href="#fn_104" id="fna_104">104</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> What, the boy list rave. Abide until syne<sup><a href="#fn_105" id="fna_105">105</a></sup><br /> + We have made it.<br /> +I'll thrift on thy pate!<br /> +Though the shrew came late<br /> +Yet is he in state<br /> + To dine if he had it.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> Such servants as I, that sweats and swinks,<br /> +Eats our bread full dry, and that me forthinks;<br /> +We are oft wet and weary when master men winks,<br /> +Yet comes full lately both dinners and drinks,<br /> + But neatly.<br /> +Both our dame and our sire,<br /> +When we have run in the mire,<br /> +They can nip at our hire,<sup><a href="#fn_106" id="fna_106">106</a></sup><br /> + And pay us full lately.<br /> +But hear my truth, master, for the fare that ye make<br /> +I shall do thereafter work, as I take;<br /> +I shall do a little, sir, and strive and still lack,<br /> +For yet lay my supper never on my stomack<br /> + In fields.<br /> +Whereto should I threap?<sup><a href="#fn_107" id="fna_107">107</a></sup><br /> +With my staff can I leap,<br /> +And men say "light cheap<br /> + Letherly for yields."<sup><a href="#fn_108" id="fna_108">108</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> Thou wert an ill lad, to ride on wooing<br /> +With a man that had but little of spending.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> Peace, boy!--I bade: no more jangling,<br /> +Or I shall make thee afraid, by the heaven's king!<br /> + With thy gawds;<br /> +Where are our sheep, boy, we scorn?</p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> Sir, this same day at morn,<br /> +I them left in the corn,<br /> + When they rang lauds;<br /> +They have pasture good, they cannot go wrong.</p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> That is right by the rood, these nights are long,<br /> +Yet I would, or we yode,<sup><a href="#fn_109" id="fna_109">109</a></sup> one gave us a song.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> So I thought as I stood, to mirth us among.<sup><a href="#fn_110" id="fna_110">110</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> I grant.</p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> Let me sing the tenory.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> And I the treble so high.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> Then the mean falls to me;<br /> + Let see how ye chaunt.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Mac enters, with a cloak thrown over his smock.</i></p> + +<p><i>Mac.</i> Now, Lord, for thy names seven, that made both moon and starns<sup><a href="#fn_111" id="fna_111">111</a></sup><br /> +Well more than I can even: thy will, Lord, of my thorns;<br /> +I am all uneven, that moves oft my horns,<sup><a href="#fn_112" id="fna_112">112</a></sup><br /> +Now would God I were in heaven, for there weep no bairns<br /> + So still.</p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> Who is that pipes so poor?</p> + +<p><i>Mac.</i> Would God ye knew how I fare!<br /> +Lo, a man that walks on the moor,<br /> + And has not all his will.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> Mac, where hast thou gone? Tell us tidings.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> Is he come? Then each one take heed to his things.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Takes his cloak from him.</i></p> + +<p><i>Mac.</i> What, I am a yeoman, I tell you, of the king;<br /> +The self and the same, sent from a great lording,<br /> + And sich.<sup><a href="#fn_113" id="fna_113">113</a></sup><br /> +Fy on you, get thee hence,<br /> +Out of my presence,<br /> +I must have reverence,<br /> + Why, who be ich?<sup><a href="#fn_114" id="fna_114">114</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> Why make ye it so quaint? Mac, ye do wrong.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> But, Mac, list, ye saint? I trow that ye sang.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> I trow the shrew can paint, the devil might him hang!</p> + +<p><i>Mac.</i> I shall make complaint, and make you all to thwang.<sup><a href="#fn_115" id="fna_115">115</a></sup><br /> + At a word,<br /> +And tell even how ye doth.</p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> But, Mac, is that sooth?<br /> +Now take out that southern tooth,<br /> + And set in a tord.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> Mac, the devil in your ee,<sup><a href="#fn_116" id="fna_116">116</a></sup> a stroke would I lend you.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> Mac, know ye not me? By God, I could tell you.</p> + +<p><i>Mac.</i> God look you all three, methought I had seen you.<br /> +Ye are a fair company.</p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> Can ye now moan you?</p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> Shrew, jape!<sup><a href="#fn_117" id="fna_117">117</a></sup><br /> +Thus late as thou goes,<br /> +What will men suppose?<br /> +And thou hast an ill noise<sup><a href="#fn_118" id="fna_118">118</a></sup><br /> + Of stealing of sheep.</p> + +<p><i>Mac.</i> And I am true as steel all men wait,<br /> +But a sickness I feel, that holds me full haytt,<sup><a href="#fn_119" id="fna_119">119</a></sup><br /> +My belly fares not well, it is out of its state.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> Seldom lies the devil dead by the gate.</p> + +<p><i>Mac.</i> Therefore<br /> +Full sore am I and ill,<br /> +If I stand stock still;<br /> +I eat not a nedyll<sup><a href="#fn_120" id="fna_120">120</a></sup><br /> + This month and more.</p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> How fares thy wife? By my hood, how fares she?</p> + +<p><i>Mac.</i> Lies weltering! by the rood! by the fire, lo!<br /> +And a house full of brood,<sup><a href="#fn_121" id="fna_121">121</a></sup> she drinks well too,<br /> +Ill speed other good that she will do;<br /> + But so<br /> +Eats as fast as she can,<br /> +And each year that comes to man,<br /> +She brings forth a lakan,<sup><a href="#fn_122" id="fna_122">122</a></sup><br /> + And some years two.<br /> +But were I not more gracious, and richer by far,<br /> +I were eaten out of house, and of harbour,<br /> +Yet is she a foul dowse, if ye come near.<br /> +There is none that trows, nor knows, a war<sup><a href="#fn_123" id="fna_123">123</a></sup><br /> + Than ken I.<br /> +Now will ye see what I proffer,<br /> +To give all in my coffer<br /> +To-morrow next to offer,<br /> + Her head mass-penný.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> I wot so forwaked<sup><a href="#fn_124" id="fna_124">124</a></sup> is none in this shire:<br /> +I would sleep if I taked less to my hire.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> I am cold and naked, and would have a fire.</p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> I am weary for-raked,<sup><a href="#fn_125" id="fna_125">125</a></sup> and run in the mire.<br /> + Wake thou!</p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> Nay, I will lie down-by,<br /> +For I must sleep truly.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> As good a man's son was I<br /> + As any of you.<br /> +But, Mac, come hither, between us shalt thou lie.</p> + +<p><i>Mac.</i> Then might I stay you bedene<sup><a href="#fn_126" id="fna_126">126</a></sup>: of that ye would say,--<br /> + No dread.<br /> +From my head to my toe<br /> +<i>Mantis tuas commendo,<br /> +Pontio Pilato.</i><sup><a href="#fn_127" id="fna_127">127</a></sup><br /> + Christ's cross me speed,</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>He rises, the shepherds sleeping, and says:</i></p> + +<p>Now were time for a man, that lacks what he wold,<br /> +To stalk privately then into a fold,<br /> +And namely to work then, and be not too bold,<br /> +He might abide the bargain, if it were told<br /> + At the ending.<br /> +Now were time for to revel;<br /> +But he needs good counsel<br /> +That fain would fare well,<br /> + And has but little spending.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Mac works a spell on them.</i></p> + +<p>But about you a circle, as round as a moon,<br /> +Till I have done that I will, till that it be noon,<br /> +That ye lie stone-still, till that I have done,<br /> +And I shall say there till of good words a foyn<sup><a href="#fn_128" id="fna_128">128</a></sup><br /> + On height;<br /> +Over your heads my hand I lift,<br /> +Out go your eyes, fore to do your sight,<br /> +But yet I must make better shift,<br /> + And it be right.<br /> +What, Lord? they sleep hard! that may ye all hear;<br /> +Was I never a shepherd, but now will I leer<sup><a href="#fn_129" id="fna_129">129</a></sup><br /> +If the flock be scared, yet shall I nap near,<br /> +Who draws hitherward, now mends our cheer,<br /> + From sorrow:<br /> +A fat sheep I dare say,<br /> +A good fleece dare I lay,<br /> +Eft white when I may,<br /> + But this will I borrow.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>He steals a sheep and goes home.</i></p> + +<p><i>Mac</i> (<i>at his own door</i>). How, Gill, art thou in? Get us some light.</p> + +<p><i>His Wife.</i> Who makes such din this time of night?<br /> +I am set for to spin: I hope not I might<br /> +Rise a penny to win: I shrew them on height.<br /> + So fares<br /> +A housewife that has been<br /> +To be raised thus between:<br /> +There may no note be seen<br /> + For such small chares.<sup><a href="#fn_130" id="fna_130">130</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>Mac.</i> Good wife, open the hek.<sup><a href="#fn_131" id="fna_131">131</a></sup> See'st thou not what I bring?</p> + +<p><i>Wife.</i> I may let thee draw the sneck. Ah! come in, my sweeting.</p> + +<p><i>Mac.</i> Yea, thou dost not reck of my long standing.</p> + +<p><i>Wife.</i> By thy naked neck, thou art like for to hang.</p> + +<p><i>Mac.</i> Go away:<br /> +I am worthy of my meat,<br /> +For in a strait can I get<br /> +More than they that swinck<sup><a href="#fn_132" id="fna_132">132</a></sup> and sweat<br /> + All the long day,<br /> +Thus it fell to my lot, Gill, I had such grace.</p> + +<p><i>Wife.</i> It were a foul blot to be hanged for the case.</p> + +<p><i>Mac.</i> I have scaped, Jelott, oft as hard as glass.</p> + +<p><i>Wife.</i> "But so long goes the pot to the water," men says,<br /> +"At last comes it home broken."</p> + +<p><i>Mac.</i> Well know I the token,<br /> +But let it never be spoken;<br /> + But come and help fast.<br /> +I would he were flayn;<sup><a href="#fn_133" id="fna_133">133</a></sup> I list we'll eat:<br /> +This twelvemonth was I not so fain of one sheep-meat.</p> + +<p><i>Wife.</i> Come they if he be slain, and hear the sheep bleat?</p> + +<p><i>Mac.</i> Then might I be ta'en: that were a cold sweat.<br /> +Go bar<br /> + The gate door.</p> + +<p><i>Wife.</i> Yes, Mac,<br /> +For and they come at thy back.</p> + +<p><i>Mac.</i> Then might I pay for all the pack:<br /> + The devil of them war!<sup><a href="#fn_134" id="fna_134">134</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>Wife.</i> A good bowrde<sup><a href="#fn_135" id="fna_135">135</a></sup> have I spied, since thou can none:<br /> +Here shall we him hide, till they be gone;<br /> +In my cradle abide. Let me alone,<br /> +And I shall lie beside in childbed and groan.</p> + +<p><i>Mac.</i> Thou red?<sup><a href="#fn_136" id="fna_136">136</a></sup><br /> +And I shall say thou wast light<br /> +Of a knave child this night.</p> + +<p><i>Wife.</i> Now well is my day bright,<br /> + That ever I was bred.<br /> +This is a good guise and a far cast;<br /> +Yet a woman's advice helps at the last.<br /> +I care never who spies: again go thou fast.</p> + +<p><i>Mac.</i> But I come or they rise; else blows a cold blast--<br /> + I will go sleep. <span class="stagedir">[<i>Mac goes back to the field.</i></span><br /> +Yet sleep all this menye,<sup><a href="#fn_137" id="fna_137">137</a></sup><br /> +And I shall go stalk privily,<br /> +As it had never been I<br /> + That carried their sheep.</p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> <i>Resurrex à mortrius</i>: have hold my hand.<br /> +<i>Judas carnas dominus</i>, I may not well stand:<br /> +My foot sleeps, by Jesus, and I water fastand!<br /> +I thought that we laid us full near England.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> Ah ye!<br /> +Lord, how I have slept weel!<br /> +As fresh as an eel,<br /> +As light I me feel<br /> + As leaf on a tree.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> Benste!<sup><a href="#fn_138" id="fna_138">138</a></sup> be herein! So my head quakes<br /> +My heart is out of skin, what so it makes.<br /> +Who makes all this din? So my brow aches,<br /> +To the door will I win. Hark fellows, wakes!<br /> + We were four:<br /> +See ye anything of Mac now?</p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> We were up ere thou.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> Man, I give God a vow,<br /> + Yet heed he nowhere.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> Methought he was wrapped in a wolf's-skin.</p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> So are many happed, now namely within.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> When we had long napped; methought with a gin<br /> +A fat sheep he trapped, but he made no din.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> Be still:<br /> +Thy dream makes thee wood:<sup><a href="#fn_139" id="fna_139">139</a></sup><br /> +It is but phantom, by the rood.</p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> Now God turn all to good,<br /> + If it be his will.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> Rise, Mac, for shame! thou ly'st right long.</p> + +<p><i>Mac.</i> Now Christ, his holy name be us amang,<br /> +What is this? for Saint James!--I may not well gang.<br /> +I trust I be the same. Ah! my neck has lain wrang<br /> + Enough<br /> +Mickle thank, since yester-even<br /> +Now, by Saint Stephen!<br /> +I was flayed with a sweven,--<sup><a href="#fn_140" id="fna_140">140</a></sup><br /> + My heart out of slough.<sup><a href="#fn_141" id="fna_141">141</a></sup><br /> +I thought Gill began to croak, and travail full sad,<br /> +Well nigh at the first cock,--of a young lad,<br /> +For to mend our flock: then be I never glad.<br /> +To have two on my rock,--more than ever I had.<br /> + Ah, my head!<br /> +A house full of young tharmes,<sup><a href="#fn_142" id="fna_142">142</a></sup><br /> +The devil knock out their harnes!<sup><a href="#fn_143" id="fna_143">143</a></sup><br /> +Woe is he has many bairns,<br /> + And thereto little bread.<br /> +I must go home, by your leave, to Gill as I thought.<br /> +I pray you look my sleeve, that I steal nought:<br /> +I am loth you to grieve, or from you take aught.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> Go forth, ill might thou chefe,<sup><a href="#fn_144" id="fna_144">144</a></sup> now would I we sought,<br /> + This morn,<br /> +That we had all our store.</p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> But I will go before,<br /> +Let us meet.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> Whor?<sup><a href="#fn_145" id="fna_145">145</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> At the crooked thorn.</p> + +<p><i>Mac (at his own door again).</i> Undo this door! who is here? How long shall I stand?</p> + +<p><i>Wife.</i> Who makes such a stir?--Now walk in the wenyand.<sup><a href="#fn_146" id="fna_146">146</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>Mac.</i> Ah, Gill, what cheer?--It is I, Mac, your husband.</p> + +<p><i>His Wife.</i> Then may we be here,--the devil in a band,<br /> + Sir Gile.<br /> +Lo, he commys<sup><a href="#fn_147" id="fna_147">147</a></sup> with a lot,<br /> +As he were holden in the throat.<br /> +I may not sit, work or not<br /> + A hand long while.</p> + +<p><i>Mac.</i> Will ye hear what fare she makes--to get her a glose,<sup><a href="#fn_148" id="fna_148">148</a></sup><br /> +And do naught but lakes<sup><a href="#fn_149" id="fna_149">149</a></sup>--and close her toes.</p> + +<p><i>Wife.</i> Why, who wanders, who wakes,--who comes, who goes?<br /> +Who brews, who bakes? Who makes for me this hose?<br /> + And then<br /> +It is ruth to behold,<br /> +Now in hot, now in cold,<br /> +Full woful is the household<br /> + That wants a woman.<br /> +But what end hast thou made with the herds, Mac?</p> + +<p><i>Mac.</i> The last word that they said,--when I turned my back,<br /> +They would look that they had--their sheep all the pack.<br /> +I hope they will not be well paid,--when they their sheep lack.<br /> + Perdie!<br /> +But howso the game goes,<br /> +To me they will suppose,<br /> +And make a foul noise,<br /> + And cry out upon me.<br /> +But thou must do as thou hight,</p> + +<p><i>Wife.</i> I accord me thertylle.<sup><a href="#fn_150" id="fna_150">150</a></sup><br /> +I shall swaddle him right in my cradle.<br /> +If it were a greater slight, yet could I help till.<br /> +I will lie down straight. Come hap me.</p> + +<p><i>Mac.</i> I will.</p> + +<p><i>Wife.</i> Behind,<br /> +Come Coll and his marrow,<br /> +They will nip us full narrow.</p> + +<p><i>Mac.</i> But I may cry out "Harro!"<sup><a href="#fn_151" id="fna_151">151</a></sup><br /> + The sheep if they find.</p> + +<p><i>Wife.</i> Hearken aye when they call: they will come anon.<br /> +Come and make ready all, and sing by thine own,<br /> +Sing "Lullay!" thou shall, for I must groan,<br /> +And cry out by the wall on Mary and John,<br /> + For sore.<br /> +Sing "Lullay" full fast<br /> +When thou hears at the last;<br /> +And but I play a false cast<br /> + Trust me no more.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Re-enter the Three Shepherds.</i>]</p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> Ah, Coll! good morn:--why sleepest thou not?</p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> Alas, that ever was I born!--we have a foul blot.<br /> +A fat wether have we lorne.<sup><a href="#fn_152" id="fna_152">152</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> Marry, Godys forbot!<sup><a href="#fn_153" id="fna_153">153</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> Who should do us that scorn? That were a foul spot.</p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> Some shrew.<br /> +I have sought with my dogs,<br /> +All Horbery shrogs,<sup><a href="#fn_154" id="fna_154">154</a></sup><br /> +And of fifteen hogs<br /> + Found I but one ewe.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> Now trust me if you will;--by Saint Thomas of Kent!<br /> +Either Mac or Gill--was at that assent.</p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> Peace, man, be still;--I saw when he went.<br /> +Thou slander'st him ill; thou ought to repent.<br /> + Good speed.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> Now as ever might I thee,<br /> +If I should even here dee,<sup><a href="#fn_155" id="fna_155">155</a></sup><br /> +I would say it were he,<br /> + That did that same deed.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> Go we thither I rede,<sup><a href="#fn_156" id="fna_156">156</a></sup>--and run on our feet.<br /> +May I never eat bread,--the truth till I wit.</p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> Nor drink, in my heed,--with him till I meet.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> I will rest in no stead, till that I him greet,<br /> + My brother<br /> +One I will hight:<sup><a href="#fn_157" id="fna_157">157</a></sup><br /> +Till I see him in sight<br /> +Shall I never sleep one night<br /> + There I do another.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> Will ye hear how they hack,<sup><a href="#fn_158" id="fna_158">158</a></sup>--Our Sire! list, how they croon!</p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> Hard I never none crack,--so clear out of tune.<br /> +Call on him.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> Mac! undo your door soon.</p> + +<p><i>Mac.</i> Who is it that spoke,--as it were noon?<br /> + On loft,<br /> +Who is that I say?</p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> Good fellows! were it day?</p> + +<p><i>Mac.</i> As far as ye may,--<br /> + Good, speak ye soft!<br /> +Over a sick woman's head,--that is ill mate ease,<br /> +I had liefer be dead,--or she had any disease.</p> + +<p><i>Wife.</i> Go to another stead; I may not well queasse<sup><a href="#fn_159" id="fna_159">159</a></sup><br /> +Each foot that ye tread--goes near make me sneeze<sup><a href="#fn_160" id="fna_160">160</a></sup><br /> + So he!</p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> Tell us, Mac, if ye may,<br /> +How fare ye, I say?</p> + +<p><i>Mac.</i> But are ye in this town to-day?<br /> + Now how fare ye?<br /> +Ye have run in the mire, and are wet yit:<br /> +I shall make you a fire, if ye will sit.<br /> +A horse would I hire; think ye on it.<br /> +Well quit is my hire, my dream--this is it.<br /> + A season.<br /> +I have bairns if ye knew,<br /> +Well more than enew,<sup><a href="#fn_161" id="fna_161">161</a></sup><br /> +But we must drink as we brew,<br /> + And that is but reason.<br /> +I would ye dined e'er ye yode:<sup><a href="#fn_162" id="fna_162">162</a></sup> methink that ye sweat.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> Nay, neither mends our mode, drink nor meat.</p> + +<p><i>Mac.</i> Why, sir, ails you aught, but good?</p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> Yes, our sheep that we gat,<br /> +Are stolen as they yode.<sup><a href="#fn_163" id="fna_163">163</a></sup> Our loss is great.</p> + +<p><i>Mac.</i> Sirs, drinkýs!<br /> +Had I been there,<br /> +Some should have bought it full dear.</p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> Marry, some men trows that ye were,<br /> + And that us forethinkýs.<sup><a href="#fn_164" id="fna_164">164</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> Mac, some men trows that it should be ye.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> Either ye or your spouse; so say we.</p> + +<p><i>Mac.</i> Now if ye have suspouse<sup><a href="#fn_165" id="fna_165">165</a></sup> to Gill or to me,<br /> +Come and rip our house, and then may ye see<br /> + Who had her.<br /> +If I any sheep got,<br /> +Either cow or stot,<br /> +And Gill, my wife rose not<br /> + Here since she laid her.<br /> +As I am both true and leal, to God here I pray,<br /> +That this be the first meal, I shall eat this day.</p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> Mac, as I have weal, arise thee, I say!<br /> +"He learned timely to steal, that could not say nay."</p> + +<p><i>Wife.</i> I swelt.<sup><a href="#fn_166" id="fna_166">166</a></sup><br /> +Out thieves from my once!<br /> +Ye come to rob us for the nonce.</p> + +<p><i>Mac.</i> Hear ye not how she groans?<br /> + Your heart should melt.</p> + +<p><i>Wife.</i> Out thieves, from my bairn! Nigh him not thore.</p> + +<p><i>Mac.</i> Knew ye how she had farne,<sup><a href="#fn_167" id="fna_167">167</a></sup> your hearts would be sore.<br /> +Ye do wrong, I you warn, that thus commys before<br /> +To a woman that has farn;<sup><a href="#fn_168" id="fna_168">168</a></sup> but I say no more.</p> + +<p><i>Wife.</i> Ah, my middle!<br /> +I pray to God so mild,<br /> +If ever I you beguiled,<br /> +That I eat this child,<br /> + That lies in this cradle.</p> + +<p><i>Mac.</i> Peace, woman, for God's pain, and cry not so:<br /> +Thou spill'st thy brain, and mak'st me full woe.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> I know our sheep be slain, what find ye too?</p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> All work we in vain: as well may we go.<br /> + But hatters.<sup><a href="#fn_169" id="fna_169">169</a></sup><br /> +I can find no flesh,<br /> +Hard nor nesh,<sup><a href="#fn_170" id="fna_170">170</a></sup><br /> +Salt nor fresh,<br /> + But two tome<sup><a href="#fn_171" id="fna_171">171</a></sup> platters:<br /> +No cattle but this, tame nor wild,<br /> +None, as have I bliss; as loud as he smiled.</p> + +<p><i>Wife.</i> No, so God me bliss, and give me joy of my child.</p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> We have markëd amiss: I hold us beguiled.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> Sir, done!<br /> +Sir, our lady him save,<br /> +Is your child a knave?<sup><a href="#fn_172" id="fna_172">172</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>Mac.</i> Any lord might him have<br /> + This child to his son.<br /> +When he wakens he skips, that joy is to see.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> In good time, be his steps, and happy they be!<br /> +But who was his gossips, tell now to me!</p> + +<p><i>Mac.</i> So fair fall their lips!</p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd (aside).</i> Hark now, a lee!<sup><a href="#fn_173" id="fna_173">173</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>Mac.</i> So God them thank,<br /> +Parkin, and Gibbon Waller, I say,<br /> +And gentle John Horne, in good fay,<sup><a href="#fn_174" id="fna_174">174</a></sup><br /> +He made all the garray,<sup><a href="#fn_175" id="fna_175">175</a></sup><br /> + With the great shank.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> Mac, friends will we be, for we are all one.</p> + +<p><i>Mac.</i> Why! now I hold for me, for help get I none.<br /> +Farewell all three: all glad were ye gone.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> Fair words may there be, but love there is none.</p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> Gave ye the child anything?</p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> I trust not one farthing.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> Fast again will I fling,<br /> + Abide ye me there. <span class="stagedir">[<i>He returns to Mac's cot.</i></span><br /> +Mac, take it to no grief, if I come to thy barn.</p> + +<p><i>Mac.</i> Nay, thou dost me great reprieve, and foul hast thou farne.<sup><a href="#fn_176" id="fna_176">176</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> The child will it not grieve, that little day starn.<sup><a href="#fn_177" id="fna_177">177</a></sup><br /> +Mac, with your leave, let me give your bairn,<br /> + But sixpence.</p> + +<p><i>Mac.</i> Nay, go 'way: he sleepys.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> Methink he peepys.</p> + +<p><i>Mac.</i> When he wakens he weepys.<br /> + I pray you go hence.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> Give me leave him to kiss, and lift up the clout.<br /> +What the devil is this? He has a long snout.</p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> He is marked amiss. We wait ill about.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> Ill spun weft, I wis, aye cometh foul out;<br /> + Aye so;<br /> +He is like to our sheep.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> How, Gib, may I peep?</p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> I trow, kind will creep,<br /> + Where it may not go.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> This was a quaint gaud,<sup><a href="#fn_178" id="fna_178">178</a></sup> and a far cast<br /> +It was a high fraud.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> Yea, sirs, was't.<br /> +Let burn this bawd and bind her fast.<br /> +A false skawd<sup><a href="#fn_179" id="fna_179">179</a></sup> hangs at the last;<br /> + So shall thou.<br /> +Will ye see how they swaddle<br /> +His four feet in the middle?<br /> +Saw I never in a cradle<br /> + A hornëd lad e'er now.</p> + +<p><i>Mac.</i> Peace bid I: what! let be your fare;<br /> +I am he that him gat, and yond woman him bare.</p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> What devil shall he halt?<sup><a href="#fn_180" id="fna_180">180</a></sup> Mac, lo, God makes air.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> Let be all that. Now God give him care!<br /> + I sagh.<sup><a href="#fn_181" id="fna_181">181</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>Wife.</i> A pretty child is he,<br /> +As sits upon a woman's knee;<br /> +A dylly-downe, perdie!<br /> + To make a man laugh.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> I know him by the ear mark:--that is a good token.</p> + +<p><i>Mac.</i> I tell you, sirs, hark:--his nose was broken.<br /> +Since then, told me a clerk,--that he was forespoken.<sup><a href="#fn_182" id="fna_182">182</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> This is a false work.--I would fain be wroken:<sup><a href="#fn_183" id="fna_183">183</a></sup><br /> + Get a weapon!</p> + +<p><i>Wife.</i> He was taken by an elf;<sup><a href="#fn_184" id="fna_184">184</a></sup><br /> +I saw it myself.<br /> +When the clock struck twelve,<br /> + Was he mis-shapen.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> Ye two are right deft,--same in a stead.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> Since they maintain their theft,--let's do them to dead.</p> + +<p><i>Mac.</i> If I trespass eft, gird off my head.<br /> +With you will I be left.</p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> Sirs, do my red<br /> + For this trespass,<br /> +We will neither ban nor flyte<sup><a href="#fn_185" id="fna_185">185</a></sup><br /> +Fight, nor chyte,<sup><a href="#fn_186" id="fna_186">186</a></sup><br /> +But seize him tight,<br /> + And cast him in canvas.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>They toss Mac for his sins.</i></p> + +<hr /> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd</i> (<i>as the three return to the fold</i>). Lord, how I am sore, in point for to tryst:<br /> +In faith I may no more, therefore will I rest.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> As a sheep of seven score, he weighed in my fist.<br /> +For to sleep anywhere, methink that I list.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> Now I pray you,<br /> +Lie down on this green.</p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> On these thefts yet I mean.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> Whereto should ye tene?<sup><a href="#fn_187" id="fna_187">187</a></sup><br /> + Do as I say you.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Enter an Angel above, who sings "Gloria in Excelsis," then says:</i></p> + +<p>Rise, hired-men, heynd,<sup><a href="#fn_188" id="fna_188">188</a></sup> for now is he born<br /> +That shall take from the fiend, that Adam had lorn:<sup><a href="#fn_189" id="fna_189">189</a></sup><br /> +That warlock to sheynd,<sup><a href="#fn_190" id="fna_190">190</a></sup> this night is he born.<br /> +God is made your friend: now at this morn,<br /> + He behests;<br /> +To Bedlem go see,<br /> +There lies that free<sup><a href="#fn_191" id="fna_191">191</a></sup><br /> +In a crib full poorly,<br /> + Betwixt two beasts.</p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> This was a quaint stevyn<sup><a href="#fn_192" id="fna_192">192</a></sup> that ever yet I heard.<br /> +It is a marvel to nevyn<sup><a href="#fn_193" id="fna_193">193</a></sup> thus to be scared.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> Of God's son of heaven, he spoke up word.<br /> +All the wood like the levin,<sup><a href="#fn_194" id="fna_194">194</a></sup> methought that he gard<br /> + Appear.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> He spoke of a bairn<br /> +In Bedlem I you warn.</p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> That betokens yonder starn<sup><a href="#fn_195" id="fna_195">195</a></sup><br /> + Let us seek him there.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> Say, what was his song? Heard ye not how he cracked it?<br /> +Three breves to a long.<sup><a href="#fn_196" id="fna_196">196</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> Yea, marry, he hacked<sup><a href="#fn_197" id="fna_197">197</a></sup> it.<br /> +Was no crochet wrong, nor no thing that lacked it.</p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> For to sing us among, right as he knacked it,<br /> + I can.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> Let us see how ye croon<br /> +Can ye bark at the moon?</p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> Hold your tongues, have done.</p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> Hark after, then.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> To Bedlem he bade--that we should gang:<br /> +I am full feared--that we tarry too lang.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> Be merry and not sad: of mirth is our sang,<br /> +Everlasting glad, our road may we fang,<sup><a href="#fn_198" id="fna_198">198</a></sup><br /> + Without noise.</p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> Hie we thither quickly;<br /> +If we be wet and weary,<br /> +To that child and that lady<br /> + We have it not to slose.<sup><a href="#fn_199" id="fna_199">199</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> We find by the prophecy--let be your din--<br /> +Of David and Esai, and more than I min;<sup><a href="#fn_200" id="fna_200">200</a></sup><br /> +They prophesied by clergy, that on a virgin<br /> +Should he light and ly, to pardon our sin<br /> + And slake it,<br /> +Our kind from woe;<br /> +For Esai said so,<br /> + <i>Cite virgo<br /> + Concipiet a child that is naked.</i></p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> Full glad may we be,--and abide that day<br /> +That lovely to see,--that all mights may.<br /> +Lord, well for me,--for once and for aye,<br /> +Might I kneel on my knee--some word for to say<br /> + To that child.<br /> +But the angel said<br /> +In a crib was he laid;<br /> +He was poorly arrayed,<br /> + Both meaner and mild.</p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> Patriarchs that have been,--and prophets beforn,<br /> +They desired to have seen--this child that is born.<br /> +They are gone full clean,--that have they lorn.<br /> +We shall see him, I ween,--e'er it be morn<br /> + By token<br /> +When I see him and feel,<br /> +Then know I full weel<br /> +It is true as steel<br /> + That prophets have spoken.<br /> +To so poor as we are, that he would appear,<br /> +First find, and declare by his messenger.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> Go we now, let us fare: the place is us near.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> I am ready and yare:<sup><a href="#fn_201" id="fna_201">201</a></sup> go we in fear<br /> + To that light!<br /> +Lord! if thy wills be,<br /> +We are lewd<sup><a href="#fn_202" id="fna_202">202</a></sup> all three,<br /> +Thou grant us of thy glee,<sup><a href="#fn_203" id="fna_203">203</a></sup><br /> + To comfort thy wight.</p> + +<hr /> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>The Shepherds arrive at Bethlehem.</i></p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> Hail, comely and clean; hail, young child!<br /> +Hail, maker, as I mean, of a maiden so mild!<br /> +Thou hast wared, I ween, off the warlock<sup><a href="#fn_204" id="fna_204">204</a></sup> so wild,<br /> +The false guiler of teen,<sup><a href="#fn_205" id="fna_205">205</a></sup> now goes he beguiled.<br /> + Lo, he merry is!<br /> +Lo, he laughs, my sweeting,<br /> +A welcome meeting!<br /> +I have given my greeting<br /> + Have a bob of cherries?</p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> Hail, sovereign saviour, for thou hast us sought!<br /> +Hail freely, leaf and flow'r, that all thing has wrought!<br /> +Hail full of favour, that made all of nought!<br /> +Hail! I kneel and I cower. A bird have I brought<br /> + To my bairn!<br /> +Hail, little tiny mop,<sup><a href="#fn_206" id="fna_206">206</a></sup><br /> +Of our creed thou are crop!<br /> +I would drink in thy cup,<br /> + Little day-starn.<sup><a href="#fn_207" id="fna_207">207</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> Hail, darling dear, full of godheed!<br /> +I pray thee be near, when that I have need.<br /> +Hail! sweet is thy cheer: my heart would bleed<br /> +To see thee sit here in so poor weed.<br /> + With no pennies.<br /> +Hail! put forth thy dall!--<sup><a href="#fn_208" id="fna_208">208</a></sup><br /> +I bring thee but a ball<br /> +Have and play thee with all,<br /> + And go to the tennis.</p> + +<p><i>Mary.</i> The Father of Heaven, God omnipotent,<br /> +That set all on levin,<sup><a href="#fn_209" id="fna_209">209</a></sup> his son has he sent.<br /> +My name could he neven,<sup><a href="#fn_210" id="fna_210">210</a></sup> and laught as he went.<sup><a href="#fn_211" id="fna_211">211</a></sup><br /> +I conceived him full even, through might, as God meant;<br /> + And new is he born.<br /> +He keep you from woe:<br /> +I shall pray him so;<br /> +Tell forth as ye go,<br /> + And mind on this morn.</p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> Farewell, lady, so fair to behold,<br /> +With thy child on thy knee.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> But he lies full cold,<br /> +Lord, well is me: now we go forth, behold!</p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> Forsooth, already it seems to be told<br /> + Full oft.</p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> What grace we have fun.<sup><a href="#fn_212" id="fna_212">212</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> Come forth, now are we won.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> To sing are we bun:<sup><a href="#fn_213" id="fna_213">213</a></sup><br /> + Let take on loft.<sup><a href="#fn_214" id="fna_214">214</a></sup></p> +</div> + + +<div id="coventry_nativity" class="chapter"> +<h2>THE COVENTRY NATIVITY PLAY OF THE COMPANY OF SHEARMEN AND TAILORS</h2> + + + +<h3>CHARACTERS</h3> + +<ul class="charlist"> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Isaiah</span> (<i>as Prologue</i>)</li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Gabriel</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Joseph</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Mary</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">The Three Kings</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">The Three Shepherds</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">The Two Prophets</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">King Herod</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">A Herald</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">An Angel</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Two Soldiers</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Three Women</span></li> +</ul> + + + +<h3>THE COVENTRY NATIVITY PLAY</h3> + + + + +<p>PROLOGUE</p> + + +<p><i>Isaiah.</i> The sovereign that seeth every secret<br /> +He save you all and make you perfect and strong:<br /> +And give his grace with his mercy thereto meet,<br /> +For now in great misery mankind is bound.<br /> +The serpent hath given us so mortal a wound<br /> +That no creature is able us for to release<br /> +Till the right unction of Judah doth cease.<br /> + Then shall much mirth and joy increase<br /> +And the right root in Israel spring,<br /> +That shall bring forth the grain of holiness:<br /> +And out of danger he shall us bring<br /> +Into that region where he is king:<br /> +Which above all other doth abound<br /> +And that cruel Satan he shall confound.<br /> + Wherefore I come here upon this ground,<br /> +To comfort every creature of birth;<br /> +For I, Isaiah, the prophet, hath found<br /> +Many sweet matters, whereof we may make mirth<br /> +On this same wise.<br /> +For though Adam be doomed to death<br /> +With all his children, as Abel and Seth:<br /> +Yet, <i>Ecce virgo concipiet!</i><sup><a href="#fn_215" id="fna_215">215</a></sup><br /> +Lo, where a remedy shall rise!<br /> + Behold a maid shall conceive a child,<br /> +And get us more grace than ever man had.<br /> +And her maidenhood nothing defiled:<br /> +She is deputed to bear the Son, Almighty God.<br /> +Lo, sovereignties now may you be glad,<br /> +For of this maiden all we may be fain;<sup><a href="#fn_216" id="fna_216">216</a></sup><br /> +For Adam that now lies in sorrows full sad,<br /> +Her glorious birth shall redeem him again<br /> +From bondage and thrall.<br /> +Now be merry every man,<br /> +For this deed briefly in Israel shall be done,<br /> +And before the Father on his throne<br /> +That shall glad us all.<br /> + More of this matter fain would I move,<br /> +But longer time I have not here for to dwell.<br /> +That lord that is merciful, his mercy so in us may prove<br /> +For to save our souls from the darkness of hell,<br /> + And to his bliss--he us bring<br /> + As he is--both lord and king;<br /> + And shall be everlasting<br /> + <i>In secula seculos</i>:<sup><a href="#fn_217" id="fna_217">217</a></sup> Amen.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Exit.</i></p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Enter Gabriel to Mary.</i>]</p> + +<p><i>Gabriel.</i> Hail! Mary, full of grace,<br /> +Our Lord God is with thee!<br /> +Above all women that ever was;<br /> +Lady, blessed may thou be.</p> + +<p><i>Mary.</i> Almighty Father and King of bliss<br /> +From all dyskes<sup><a href="#fn_218" id="fna_218">218</a></sup> thou save me now:<br /> +For inwardly my spirit troubled is,<br /> +I am amazed and know not how.</p> + +<p><i>Gabriel.</i> Dread thee nothing, maiden, of this:<br /> +From heaven above hither am I sent,<br /> +Of embassage from that King of bliss,<br /> +Unto the lady and virgin reverent,<br /> +Saluting thee here as most excellent,<br /> +Whose virtue above all other doth abound;<br /> +Wherefore in thee grace shall be found:<br /> +For thou shalt conceive upon this ground<br /> +The Second Person of God on throne;<br /> +He will be born of thee alone,<br /> +Without sin tho shalt him see.<br /> +Thy grace and thy goodness will never be gone<br /> +But ever to live in virginity.</p> + +<p><i>Mary.</i> I marvel sore how that may be:<br /> +Man's company knew I never yet,<br /> +Nor never to do cast I me,<br /> +While that our Lord sendeth me my wit.</p> + +<p><i>Gabriel.</i> The Holy Ghost in thee shall light,<br /> +And shall endue thy soul so with virtue<br /> +From the Father that is on high:<br /> +These words, turtle, they be full true.<br /> + This child that of thee shall be born<br /> +Is the Second Person in Trinity.<br /> +He shall save that was forlorn,<br /> +And the fiend's power destroy shall he.<br /> + These words, lady, full true they be,<br /> +And further, lady, in thy own lineage,<br /> +Behold Elizabeth, thy cousin clean,<br /> +The which was barren and past all age.<br /> + And now with child she hath been<br /> +Six months and more as shall be seen;<br /> +Wherefore, discomfort thee not, Mary,<br /> +For to God impossible nothing may be.</p> + +<p><i>Mary.</i> Now and it be that Lord's will<br /> +Of my body to be born and for to be<br /> +His high pleasure for to fulfil,<br /> +As his one handmaid I submit me.</p> + +<p><i>Gabriel.</i> Now blessed be the time set<br /> +That thou wast born in thy degree:<br /> +For now is the knot surely knit<br /> +And God conceived in Trinity.<br /> + Now farewell lady of might most,<br /> +Unto the Godhead I thee beteyche.<sup><a href="#fn_219" id="fna_219">219</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>Mary.</i> That lord thee guide in every cost<br /> +And lowly he lead me and be my leech.<sup><a href="#fn_220" id="fna_220">220</a></sup></p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Here the Angel departeth and Joseph cometh in and saith:</i></p> + +<p><i>Joseph.</i> Mary, my wife so dear!<br /> +How do ye, dame, and what cheer<br /> +Is with you this tide?</p> + +<p><i>Mary.</i> Truly, husband, I am here<br /> +Our Lord's will for to abide.</p> + +<p><i>Joseph.</i> What! I trow we be all shent!<sup><a href="#fn_221" id="fna_221">221</a></sup><br /> +Say, woman, who hath been here since I went<br /> +To rage with thee?</p> + +<p><i>Mary.</i> Sir, here was neither man, nor man's even,<sup><a href="#fn_222" id="fna_222">222</a></sup><br /> +But only the sond<sup><a href="#fn_223" id="fna_223">223</a></sup> of our Lord God in heaven.</p> + +<p><i>Joseph.</i> Say not so, woman, for shame let be:<br /> +Ye be with child so wondrous great,<br /> +Ye need no more thereof to treat<br /> +Against all right.<br /> +For sooth this child, dame, is not mine;<br /> +Alas, that ever with my eyne<sup><a href="#fn_224" id="fna_224">224</a></sup><br /> +I should see this sight.<br /> +Tell me, woman, whose is this child?</p> + +<p><i>Mary.</i> None but yours, husband, so mild<br /> +And that shall be seen, I wis.</p> + +<p><i>Joseph.</i> But mine, alas! alas! why say ye so?<br /> +Well away, woman, now may I go<br /> +Beguiled as many another is.</p> + +<p><i>Mary.</i> Nay truly, sir, ye be not beguiled<br /> +Nor yet with spot of sin I am not defiled;<br /> +Trust it well, husband.</p> + +<p><i>Joseph.</i> Husband in faith, and that acold;<br /> +Ah well away, Joseph, as thou art old!<br /> +Like a fool now may I stand<br /> +And truss; but in faith, Mary, thou art in sin.<br /> +So much as I have cherished thee, dame, and all thy kin,<br /> +Behind my back to serve me thus:<br /> + All old men example take by me,<br /> +How I am beguiled here may you see,<br /> +To wed so young a child.<br /> +Now farewell, Mary, I leave thee here alone,<br /> +Woe worth thee dame, and thy works each one!<br /> +For I will no more be beguiled<br /> +For friend nor foe.<br /> +Now of this deed I am so dull<br /> +And of my life I am so full,<br /> +No farther may I go.</p> + +<p><i>Angel.</i> Arise up, Joseph, and go home again<br /> +Unto Mary thy wife that is so free;<br /> +To comfort her look that thou be fain,<br /> +For, Joseph, a clean maiden is she.<br /> +She hath conceived without any trayne<br /> +The Second Person in Trinity:<br /> +Jesu shall be his name certainly,<br /> +And all this world save shall he.<br /> +Be not aghast.</p> + +<p><i>Joseph.</i> Now, Lord, I thank thee with heart full sad.<br /> +For of these tidings I am so glad<br /> +That all my care away is cast,<br /> +Wherefore to Mary I will in haste.<br /> + Ah, Mary, Mary, I kneel full low,<br /> +Forgive me, sweet wife, here in this land;<br /> +Mercy, Mary, for now I know<br /> +Of your good governance and how it doth stand:<br /> +Though that I did thee misname.<br /> +Mercy, Mary, while I live<br /> +Will I never, sweet wife, thee grieve,<br /> +In earnest nor in game.</p> + +<p><i>Mary.</i> Now, that Lord in Heaven, sir,--he you forgive!<br /> +And I do forgive you in his name<br /> +For evermore.</p> + +<p><i>Joseph.</i> Now truly, sweet wife, to you I say the same;<br /> +But now to Bethlehem must I wynde<sup><a href="#fn_225" id="fna_225">225</a></sup><br /> +And show myself so full of care,<br /> +And I to leave you this great behind,<br /> +God wot, the while, dame, how you should fare.</p> + +<p><i>Mary.</i> Nay hardily, husband, dread ye nothing,<br /> +For I will walk with you on the way.<br /> +I trust in God, Almighty King,<br /> +To speed right well in our journey.</p> + +<p><i>Joseph.</i> Now I thank you, Mary, of your goodness<br /> +That you my words will not blame;<br /> +And since that to Bethlehem we shall us address<br /> +Go we together in God's holy name.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>They set out on their way.</i></p> + +<p> Now to Bethlehem have we leagues three,<br /> +The day is nigh spent, it draweth towards night,<br /> +Fain at your ease, dame, I would that ye should be:<br /> +For you grow all weary, it seemeth, in my sight.</p> + +<p><i>Mary.</i> God have mercy, Joseph, my spouse, so dear!<br /> +All prophets hereto do bear witness<br /> +The evry time now draweth near<br /> +That my child will be born, which is King of bliss.<br /> +Unto some place, Joseph, kindly me lead,<br /> +That I might rest me with grace in this tide,<br /> +The light of the Father over us both spread<br /> +And the grace of my son with us here abide.</p> + +<p><i>Joseph.</i> Lo, blessed Mary, here shall ye lend;<sup><a href="#fn_226" id="fna_226">226</a></sup><br /> +Chief chosen of our Lord, and cleanest in degree:<br /> +And I for help to town, will I wend.<br /> +Is not this the best, dame, what say ye?</p> + +<p><i>Mary.</i> God have mercy! Joseph, my husband, so meek,<br /> +And I heartily pray you go now from me.</p> + +<p><i>Joseph.</i> That shall be done in haste, Mary, so sweet!<br /> +The comfort of the Holy Ghost leave I with thee.<br /> +Now to Bethlehem strait will I go,<br /> +To get some help for Mary so free,<br /> +Some help of women, God may me send!<br /> +That Mary, full of grace, pleased may be.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Enter a Shepherd.</i></p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> Now God that art in Trinity,<br /> +Thou sawest my fellows and me;<br /> +For I know not where my sheep nor they be,<br /> +This night it is so cold,<br /> +Now is it nigh the middest of the night,<br /> +These weathers are dark and dim of light,<br /> +That of them can I have no sight,<br /> +Standing here on this wold.<br /> +But now to make their hearts light,<br /> +Now will I full right<br /> +Stand upon this loe.<sup><a href="#fn_227" id="fna_227">227</a></sup><br /> +And to them cry with all my might:<br /> +Full well my voice they know,<br /> +What ho, fellows, ho, hoo, ho!</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Enter two other Shepherds.</i></p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> Hark, Sym, hark, I hear our brother on the loe,<sup><a href="#fn_227" id="fna_227-2">227</a></sup><br /> +This is his voice, right well I know,<br /> +Therefore towards him let us go,<br /> +And follow his voice aright,<br /> +See, Sym, see where he doth stand;<br /> +I am right glad we have him found.<br /> +Brother! where hast thou been so long,<br /> +And it is so cold this night?</p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> Oh, friends! there came a pyrie<sup><a href="#fn_228" id="fna_228">228</a></sup> of wind<br /> + With a mist suddenly,<br /> +That forth off my ways went I,<br /> +And great heaviness then made I,<br /> +And was full sore afright;<br /> +Then for to go wist I not whither,<br /> +But travelled on this hill hither and thither.<br /> +I was so weary of this cold weather,<br /> +That near passed was my might.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> Brother, now we be past that fright,<br /> +And it is far within the night:<br /> +Full soon will spring the daylight,<br /> +It draweth full near the tide.<br /> +Here awhile let us rest<br /> +And repast ourselves of the best.<br /> +Till that the sun rise in the east,<br /> +Let us all here abide.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>There the Shepherds draw forth their meat, and do eat and drink, and +as they drink they see the star and say thus:</i></p> + +<p>Brother, look up and behold,<br /> +What thing is yonder that shineth so bright?<br /> +As long as ever I have watched my fold,<br /> +Yet saw I never such a sight<br /> +In field.<br /> +Aha! now is come the time that old fathers hath told,<br /> +That in the winter's night so cold,<br /> +A child of maiden born, be he would,<br /> +In whom all prophecies shall be fulfilled.</p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> Truth it is without nay,<br /> +So said the prophet Isaye,<br /> +That a child should be born of a maid so bright<br /> +In winter nigh the shortest day,<br /> +Or else in the middest of the night.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> Loved be God, most of might!<br /> +That our grace is to see that sight;<br /> +Pray we to him as it is right<br /> +If that his will it be,<br /> +That we may have knowledge of this signification,<br /> +And why it appeareth on this fashion<br /> +And ever to him let us give laudation,<br /> +In earth, while that we be.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>There the angels sing "Gloria in Excelsis Deo."</i></p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> Hark, they sing above in the clouds clear!<br /> +Heard I never of so merry a choir.<br /> +Now gentle brother draw we near<br /> +To hear their harmony?</p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> Brother, mirth and solace is come us among<br /> +For, by the sweetness of their song;<br /> +God's Son is come, whom we have looked for long,<br /> +As signifieth this star we do see.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> Glory, <i>Gloria in Excelsis</i>, that was their song,<br /> +How say ye fellows! said they not thus?</p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> That is well said, now go we hence<br /> +To worship that child of high magnificence;<br /> +And that we may sing in his presence,<br /> +<i>Et in terra pax omnibus.</i></p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>There the Shepherds sing:</i>]</p> + +<p> As I out rode this enderes' night,<br /> +Of three jolly shepherds I saw a sight,<br /> +And all about their fold a star shone bright;<br /> +They sang, Terli, terlow;<br /> +So merrily the shepherds their pipes can blow.</p> + +<p><i>Joseph.</i> Now, Lord, this noise that I do hear<br /> +With this great solemnity,<br /> +Greatly amended hath my cheer,<br /> +I trust high news shortly will be.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>There the Angels sing "Gloria in Excelsis" again.</i></p> + +<p><i>Mary.</i> Ah Joseph, husband, come hither anon<br /> +My child is born that is King of bliss.</p> + +<p><i>Joseph.</i> Now welcome to me, the maker of man,<br /> +With all the homage that I can;<br /> +Thy sweet mother here will I kiss.</p> + +<p><i>Mary.</i> Ah Joseph, husband, my child waxeth cold<br /> +And we have no fire to warm him with.</p> + +<p><i>Joseph.</i> Now in my arms I shall him fold,<br /> +King of all kings by field and by frith,<sup><a href="#fn_229" id="fna_229">229</a></sup><br /> +He might have had better, and himself would<br /> +Than the breathing of these beasts to warm him with.</p> + +<p><i>Mary.</i> Now, Joseph, my husband, fetch hither my child,<br /> +The maker of man, and high King of bliss.</p> + +<p><i>Joseph.</i> That shall be done, anon, Mary so mild!<br /> +For the breathing of these beasts hath warmed him, I wis.</p> + +<p><i>1st Angel.</i> Herdmen kind, dread ye nothing,<br /> +Of this star that ye do see;<br /> +For this same morn God's son is born,<br /> +In Bethlem of a maiden fre.<sup><a href="#fn_230" id="fna_230">230</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>2nd Angel.</i> Hie you hither in haste,<br /> +It is his will ye shall him see<br /> +Lying in a crib of poor repast;<br /> +Yet of David's line come is he.</p> + +<p><i>1st Shepherd.</i> Hail, maid-mother, and wife so mild!<br /> +As the angel said, so have we found,<br /> +I have nothing to present to thy child,<br /> +But my pipe; hold, hold! take it in thy hand;<br /> +Wherein much pleasure that I have found,<br /> +And now to honour thy glorious birth,<br /> +Thou shalt it have to make thee mirth.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Shepherd.</i> Now, hail be thou, child, and thy dame,<br /> +For in a poor lodging here art thou laid;<br /> +So the angel said, and told us thy name.<br /> +Hold, take thou here my hat on thy head,<br /> +And now of one thing thou art well sped;<br /> +For weather thou hast no cause to complain,<br /> +For wind, nor sun, hail, snow, and rain.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Shepherd.</i> Hail, be thou Lord over water and lands<br /> +For thy coming all we may make mirth,<br /> +Have here my mittens to put on thy hands<br /> +Other treasure have I none to present thee with.</p> + +<p><i>Mary.</i> Now, herdmen kind,<br /> +For your coming,<br /> +To my child shall I pray,<br /> +As he is heaven's king,<br /> +To grant you his blessing,<br /> +And to his bliss that ye may wynd<sup><a href="#fn_231" id="fna_231">231</a></sup><br /> +At your last day.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>There the Shepherds sing again:</i>]</p> + +<p> Down from heaven, from heaven so high,<br /> +Of angels there came a great company,<br /> +With mirth, and joy, and great solemnity<br /> +They sang, Terli, terlow;<br /> +So merrily the shepherds their pipes can blow.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>The two prophets come in.</i></p> + +<p><i>1st Prophet.</i> Novellis, novellis,<sup><a href="#fn_232" id="fna_232">232</a></sup> of wonderful marvellys,<sup><a href="#fn_233" id="fna_233">233</a></sup><br /> +Were high and sweet unto the hearing,<br /> +As Scripture tellis, these strange novellis<br /> +To you I bring.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Prophet.</i> Now, heartily, sir, I desire to know,<br /> +If it would please you for to show,<br /> +Of what manner a thing?</p> + +<p><i>1st Prophet.</i> Were it mystical unto your hearing,--<br /> +Of the nativity of a king?</p> + +<p><i>2nd Prophet.</i> Of a king?<br /> +Whence should he come?</p> + +<p><i>1st Prophet.</i> From that region royal and mighty mansion,<br /> +The seed celestial and heavenly wisdom,<br /> +The Second Person, and God's one Son,<br /> +For our sake is man become.<br /> +This godly sphere, descended here,<br /> +Into a virgin clear,<br /> +She undefiled,<br /> +By whose work, obscure our frail nature<br /> +Is now beguiled.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Prophet.</i> Why, hath she a child?</p> + +<p><i>1st Prophet.</i> Ah, trust it well,<br /> +And never the less,<br /> +Yet is she a maid even as she was,<br /> +And her son the king of Israel.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Prophet.</i> A wonderful marvel, How that may be,<br /> +And far doth excel--<br /> + All our capacity,<br /> +How that the trinity,<br /> + Of so high regality,<br /> +Should joined be,<br /> + Unto our mortality.</p> + +<p><i>1st Prophet.</i> Of his one great mercy<br /> + As ye shall see the exposition,<br /> +Through whose humanity all Adam's progeny<br /> +Redeemed shall be<br /> + Out of perdition;<br /> +Sith man did offend, who should amend,<br /> + But the said man and no other;<br /> +For the which cause he,<br /> + Incarnate would be,<br /> +And live in misery<br /> + As man's one brother.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Prophet.</i> Sir, upon the Deity, I believe perfectly,<br /> +Impossible to be, there is nothing;<br /> +Howbeit this work, unto me is dark,<br /> +In the operation or working.</p> + +<p><i>1st Prophet.</i> What more reproof is unto belief<br /> +Than to be doubting.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Prophet.</i> Yet doubts ofttimes hath derivation.</p> + +<p><i>1st Prophet.</i> That is by the means of communication,<br /> +Of truths to have a due probation,--<br /> +By the same doubts, reasoning.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Prophet.</i> Then to you, this one thing,<br /> +Of what noble and high lineage is she,<br /> +That might this verible prince's mother be?</p> + +<p><i>1st Prophet.</i> Undoubted she is come of high parrage,<sup><a href="#fn_234" id="fna_234">234</a></sup><br /> +Of the house of David, and Solomon the sage,<br /> +And one of the same line joined to her by marriage<br /> +Of whose tribe, we do subscribe<br /> +This child's lineage.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Prophet.</i> And why in that wise?</p> + +<p><i>1st Prophet.</i> For it was the guise<br /> +To count the parent on the man's line,<br /> +And not on the feminine,<br /> +Amongst us here in Israel.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Prophet.</i> Yet can I not espy, by no wise<br /> +How this child born should be without nature's prejudice.</p> + +<p><i>1st Prophet.</i> Nay, no prejudice unto nature I dare well say,<br /> +For the king of nature may<br /> +Have all his one will,<br /> +Did not the power of God, make Aaron's rod<br /> +Bear fruit in one day?</p> + +<p><i>2nd Prophet.</i> Truth it is indeed.</p> + +<p><i>1st Prophet.</i> Then look you and rede.<sup><a href="#fn_235" id="fna_235">235</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>2nd Prophet.</i> Ah! I perceive the seed<br /> +Whereupon that you spake,<br /> +It was for our need<br /> +That he frail nature did take,<br /> +And his blood he should shed<br /> +Amends for to make<br /> +For our transgression,<br /> +As it is said in prophecy, that of the line of Judë<br /> +Should spring a right Messië,<br /> +By whom all we<br /> +Should have redemption.</p> + +<p><i>1st Prophet.</i> Sir, now is the time come,<br /> +And the date thereof run<br /> +Of his Nativity.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Prophet.</i> Yet I beseech you heartily,<br /> +That ye would show me how<br /> +That this strange novelty<br /> +Were brought unto you?</p> + +<p><i>1st Prophet.</i> This other night so cold,<br /> +Hereby upon a wold,<br /> +Shepherds watching their fold<br /> +In the night so far,<br /> +To them appeared a star,<br /> +And ever it drew them near,<br /> +Which star they did behold,<br /> +Brighter they say a thousand fold<br /> +Than the sun so clear<br /> +In his midday sphere;<br /> +And they these tidings told.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Prophet.</i> What, secretly?</p> + +<p><i>1st Prophet.</i> Na, na, hardily,<sup><a href="#fn_236" id="fna_236">236</a></sup><br /> +They made there of no council,<br /> +For they sang as loud,<br /> +As ever they could,<br /> +Praising the king of Israel.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Prophet.</i> Yet do I marvel,<br /> +In what pile or castle,<br /> +These herdmen did him see.</p> + +<p><i>1st Prophet.</i> Neither in halls, nor yet in bowers,<br /> +Born would he not be,<br /> +Neither in castles, nor yet in towers,<br /> +That seemly were to see,<br /> +But at his Father's will,<br /> +The prophecy to fulfil,<br /> +Betwixt an ox and an ass<br /> +Jesu this king born he was;<br /> +Heaven he bring us till!<sup><a href="#fn_237" id="fna_237">237</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>2nd Prophet.</i> Sir, ah! but when these shepherds had seen him there,<br /> +To what place did they repair?</p> + +<p><i>1st Prophet.</i> Forth they went, and glad they were;<br /> +Going they did sing,<br /> +With mirth and solace, they made good cheer,<br /> +For joy of that new tiding.<br /> +And after as I heard them tell,<br /> +He rewarded them full well<br /> +He granted them heaven therein to dwell.<br /> +In are they gone with joy and mirth,<br /> +And their song it is Noël.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>There the Prophets go forth, and Herod and the messenger (or herald) +comes in.</i></p> + +<p><i>Herald.</i> Peace, Lord Barons of great renown!<br /> +Peace, sir knights of noble presence!<br /> +Peace, gentlemen companions of noble order!<br /> +I command that all of you keep silence.<br /> +Peace while your noble king is in presence!<br /> +Let no person stint to pay him deference;<br /> +Be not bold to strike, but keep your hearts in patience,<br /> +And to your Lord keep heart of reverence,<br /> +For he, your king, has all puissance!<br /> +In the name of the law, I command you peace!<br /> +And King Herod--"<i>la grandeaboly vos umport.</i>"<sup><a href="#fn_238" id="fna_238">238</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>Herod.</i> <i>Qui status in Jude et Rex Israel</i>,<sup><a href="#fn_239" id="fna_239">239</a></sup><br /> +And the mightiest conqueror that ever walked on ground;<br /> +For I am even he that made both heaven and hell,<br /> +And of my mighty power holdeth up this world round.<br /> +Magog and Madroke, both them did I confound,<br /> +And with this bright brand their bones I brake asunder,<br /> +That all on the wide world on those rappis<sup><a href="#fn_240" id="fna_240">240</a></sup> did wonder.<br /> +I am the cause of this great light and thunder;<br /> +It is through my fury that they such noise do make.<br /> +My fearful countenance the clouds so doth encumber,<br /> +That often for dread thereof the very earth doth quake.<br /> +Look when I with malin this bright brand doth shake;<br /> +All the whole world from the north to the south,<br /> +I may them destroy with one word of my mouth,<br /> +To recount unto you my innumerable substance<br /> +That were too much for any tongue to tell;<br /> +For all the whole Orient is under mine obedience,<br /> +And prince am I of purgatory, and chief captain of hell.<br /> +And those tyrannous traitors by force may I compel<br /> +Mine enemies to vanquish, and even to dust to drive,<br /> +And with a twinkle of mine eye not one to be left alive.<br /> +Behold my countenance and my colour,<br /> +Brighter than the sun in the middle of the day!<br /> +Where can you have a more greater succour,<br /> +Than to behold my person that is so gay;<br /> +My falchion and my fashion with my gorgeous array?<br /> +He that had the grace always thereon to think,<br /> +Live they might alway without other meat or drink.<br /> +And this my triumphant fame most highly doth abound,<br /> +Throughout this world in all regions abroad,<br /> +Resembling the favour of that most mighty Mahound<br /> +From Jupiter by descent, and cousin to the great God,<br /> +And named the most renowned King Herod,<br /> +Which that all princes hath under subjection,<br /> +And all their whole power under my protection.<br /> +And therefore my herald here called Calchas,<br /> +Warn thou every port, that no ships arrive,<br /> +Nor also alien stranger through my realm pass,<br /> +But they for their truage<sup><a href="#fn_241" id="fna_241">241</a></sup> do pay marks five,<br /> +Now speed thee forth hastily,<br /> +For they that will the contrary,<br /> +Upon a gallows hanged shall be;<br /> +And, by Mahound, of me they get no grace.</p> + +<p><i>Herald.</i> Now, lord and master! in all the haste,<br /> +Thy worthy will it shall be wrought,<br /> +And thy royal countries shall be past,<br /> +In as short time as can be thought.</p> + +<p><i>Herod.</i> Now shall our regions throughout be sought<br /> +In every place, both east and west;<br /> +If any caitiffs to me be brought,<br /> +It shall be nothing for their best.<br /> +And the while that I do rest,<br /> +Trumpets, viols, and other harmony,<br /> +Shall bless the waking of my majesty.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Here Herod goeth away, and the three Kings speaketh in the street.</i></p> + +<p><i>1st King.</i> Now blessed be God, of his sweet sonde<sup><a href="#fn_242" id="fna_242">242</a></sup><br /> +For yonder a bright star I do see!<br /> +Now is he come us among<br /> +As the prophets said that it should be.<br /> + He said there should a babe be born<br /> +Coming of the root of Jesse,<br /> +To save mankind that was forlorn,<br /> +And truly come now is he.<br /> + Reverence and worship to him will I do<br /> +As God and man, that all made of nought.<br /> +All the prophets accorded and said even so,<br /> +That with his precious blood mankind should be bought.<br /> + He grant me grace by yonder star that I see,<br /> +And into that place bring me,<br /> +That I may him worship with humility<br /> +And see his glorious face.</p> + +<p><i>2nd King.</i> Out of my way I deem that I am<br /> +For tokens of this country can I none see;<br /> +Now God that on earth madest man,<br /> +Send me some knowledge where that I be.<br /> + Yonder me thinks a fair bright star I see,<br /> +The which betokeneth the birth of a child,<br /> +That hither is come to make man free,<br /> +He, born of a maid, and she nothing defiled,<br /> + To worship that child is mine intent.<br /> +Forth now will I take my way:<br /> +I trust some company God hath me sent,<br /> +For yonder I see a king labour on the way,<br /> + Toward him now will I ride.<br /> +Hark, comely king, I you pray,<br /> +Into what coast will ye this tide,<br /> +Or whither lies your journey?</p> + +<p><i>1st King.</i> To seek a child is mine intent,<br /> +Of whom the prophets have meant.<br /> +The time is come now is he sent,<br /> +By yonder star here may you see.</p> + +<p><i>2nd King.</i> Sir, I pray you with your licence,<br /> +To ride with you into his presence;<br /> +To him will I offer frankincence<br /> +For the head of the whole church shall he be.</p> + +<p><i>3rd King.</i> I ride wandering in ways wide<br /> +Over mountains and dales, I wot not where I am,<br /> +Now king of all kings send me such guide,<br /> +That I may have knowledge of this country's name.<br /> + Ah, yonder I see a sight be seeming all afar,<br /> +The which betokens some news as I trow,<br /> +As me thinks a child appearing in a star;<br /> +I trust he be come that shall defend us from woe.<br /> + Two kings yonder I see, and to them will I ride,<br /> +For to have their company: I trust they will me abide.<sup><a href="#fn_243" id="fna_243">243</a></sup><br /> +Hail, comely kings augent!<sup><a href="#fn_244" id="fna_244">244</a></sup><br /> +Good sirs, I pray you whither are ye meant?</p> + +<p><i>1st King.</i> To seek a child is our intent,<br /> +Which betokens yonder star as ye may see.</p> + +<p><i>2nd King.</i> To him I purpose this present.</p> + +<p><i>3rd King.</i> Sirs, I pray you, and that right humbly<br /> +With you that I may ride in company;<br /> +To Almighty God now pray we,<br /> +That his precious person we may see.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Here Herod cometh in again, and the messenger saith:</i></p> + +<p><i>Herald.</i> Hail, Lord! most of might!<br /> +Thy commandment is right.<br /> +Into thy land is come this night<br /> +Three kings, and with them a great company.</p> + +<p><i>Herod.</i> What make those kings in this country?</p> + +<p><i>Herald.</i> To seek a king and a child, they say.</p> + +<p><i>Herod.</i> Of what age should he be?</p> + +<p><i>Herald.</i> Scant twelve days old fully.</p> + +<p><i>Herod.</i> And was he so late born?</p> + +<p><i>Herald.</i> Eh! sir, so they show'd me this same day in the morn.</p> + +<p><i>Herod.</i> Now, in pain of death, bring them me beforn<br /> +And, therefore, herald, hie thee now, in haste,<br /> +In all speed that thou were dight,<sup><a href="#fn_245" id="fna_245">245</a></sup><br /> +Or that those kings the country be past,--<br /> +Look thou bring them all three before my sight.<br /> +And in Jerusalem enquire more of that child?<br /> +But I warn thee that thy words be mild,<br /> +For there take thou heed, and craft thereto<br /> +His power to foredo,<sup><a href="#fn_246" id="fna_246">246</a></sup><br /> +That those three kings shall be beguiled.</p> + +<p><i>Herald.</i> Lord, I am ready at your bidding,<br /> +To serve thee as my lord and king,<br /> +For joy thereof, lo, how I spring,<br /> +With light heart and fresh gambolling,<br /> +Aloft here on this mould.</p> + +<p><i>Herod.</i> Then speed thee forth hastily,<br /> +And look that thou bear thee evenly<br /> +And also I pray thee heartily,<br /> +That thou do commend me<br /> +Both to young and old.</p> + +<p><i>Herald</i> (<i>returning to the Three Kings</i>). Hail, sir kings, in your degree!<br /> +Herod; king of these countries wide<br /> +Desireth to speak with you all three,<br /> +And for your coming he doth abide.</p> + +<p><i>1st King.</i> Sir, at his will we be right bane<sup><a href="#fn_247" id="fna_247">247</a></sup><br /> +Hie us, brother, unto that lord's place;<br /> +To speak with him we would be fain<br /> +That child that we seek, he grant us of his grace.</p> + +<p><i>Herald</i> (<i>bringing in the Kings</i>). Hail, Lord, without peer!<br /> +These three kings have we brought.</p> + +<p><i>Herod.</i> Now welcome, sir kings, all in fere;<sup><a href="#fn_248" id="fna_248">248</a></sup><br /> +But of my bright ble,<sup><a href="#fn_249" id="fna_249">249</a></sup> sirs, abash ye nought.<br /> +Sir kings, as I understand,<br /> +A star hath guided you into my land;<br /> +Wherein great harie<sup><a href="#fn_250" id="fna_250">250</a></sup> ye have found,<br /> +By reason of her beams bright;<br /> +Wherefore I pray you heartily,<br /> +The very truth that you would certify;<br /> +How long it is surely,<br /> +Since of that star you had first sight?</p> + +<p><i>1st King.</i> Sir king, the very truth we say.<br /> +And to show you, as it is best,<br /> +This same is even the twelfth day<br /> +Since it appeared to us to be west.</p> + +<p><i>Herod.</i> Brother, then is there no more to say,<br /> +But with heart and will keep ye your journey,<br /> +And come home again this same way,<br /> +Of your news that I may know.<br /> +You shall triumph in this country,<br /> +And with great concord banquet with me<br /> +And that child myself then will I see,<br /> +And honour him also.</p> + +<p><i>2nd King.</i> Sir, your commandment we will fulfil,<br /> +And humbly obey ourselves theretyll,<br /> +He that weldeth all things at will.<br /> +The ready way us teach,<br /> +Sir king, that we may pass your land in peace.</p> + +<p><i>Herod.</i> Yes! and walk softly even at your own ease.<br /> +Your passport for a hundred days<br /> +Here shall you have of clear command;<br /> +Our realm to labour<sup><a href="#fn_251" id="fna_251">251</a></sup> any ways<br /> +Here shall you have by special grant.</p> + +<p><i>3rd King.</i> Now farewell, king of high degree,<br /> +Humbly of you our leave we take.</p> + +<p><i>Herod.</i> Then adieu, sir kings, all three,<br /> +And while I live be bold of me;<br /> +There is nothing in this country,<br /> +But for your own ye shall it take.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Exeunt the Three Kings.</i></p> + +<p>Now these three kings are gone on their way,<br /> +Unwisely and unwittingly have they all wrought.<br /> +When they come again, they shall die that same day,<br /> +And thus these vile wretches to death shall be brought;<br /> + Such is my liking.<br /> +He that against my laws will hold,<br /> +Be he king or kaiser, never so bold,<br /> +I shall them cast into cares cold,<br /> +And to death I shall them bring.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>There Herod goeth his way, and the Three Kings come in again.</i></p> + +<p><i>1st King.</i> Oh, blessed God, much is thy might!<br /> +Where is this star that gave us light?</p> + +<p><i>2nd King.</i> Now kneel we down here on this presence<br /> +By seeking that Lord of high magnificence;<br /> +That we may see his high excellence,<br /> +If that his sweet will be.</p> + +<p><i>3rd King.</i> Yonder, brother, I see the star,<br /> +Whereby I know he is not far;<br /> +Therefore, lords, go we now,<br /> +Into this poor place.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>There the Three Kings go in to the jeseyne</i><sup><a href="#fn_252" id="fna_252">252</a></sup>, <i>Mary and her +child.</i></p> + +<p><i>1st King.</i> Hail, Lord, that all this world hath wrought!<br /> +Hail God and man together in fere.<sup><a href="#fn_253" id="fna_253">253</a></sup><br /> +For thou hast made all thing of nought<br /> +Albeit that thou liest poorly here.<br /> +A cup full of gold here I have thee brought<br /> +In tokening thou art without peer.</p> + +<p><i>2nd King.</i> Hail be thou, Lord of high magnificence<br /> +In tokening of priesthood, and dignity of office,<br /> +To thee I offer a cup full of incense;<br /> +For it behoveth thee to have such sacrifice.</p> + +<p><i>3rd King.</i> Hail be thou, Lord long looked for!<br /> +I have brought thee myrrh for mortality;<br /> +In tokening those shalt mankind restore<br /> +To life by thy death upon a tree.</p> + +<p><i>Mary.</i> God have mercy, kings, of your goodness!<br /> +By the guiding of the Godhead hither are ye sent;<br /> +The provision of my sweet son, your ways home redress,<br /> +And ghostly reward you for your present.</p> + +<p><i>1st King.</i> Sir kings, after our promise,<br /> +Home by Herod, I must needs go.</p> + +<p><i>2nd King.</i> Now truly, brother, we can no less,<br /> +But I am so far watched I wot not what to do.</p> + +<p><i>3rd King.</i> Right so am I, wherefore I you pray<br /> +Let all us rest us awhile upon this ground.</p> + +<p><i>1st King.</i> Brother, your saying is right well unto my pay<br /> +The grace of that sweet child save us all sound.</p> + +<p><i>Angel.</i> King of Taurus, Sir Jaspar!<br /> +King of Araby, Sir Balthasar!<br /> +Melchior, king of Aginara!<br /> +To you now am I sent.<br /> +For dread of Herod, go you west home<br /> +In those parts when ye come down,<br /> +Ye shall be burrid<sup><a href="#fn_254" id="fna_254">254</a></sup> with great renown:<br /> +The Holy Ghost this knowledge hath sent.</p> + +<p><i>1st King.</i> Awake, sir kings, I you pray,<br /> +For the voice of an angel I heard in my dream!</p> + +<p><i>2nd King.</i> That is full true that ye do say<br /> +For he rehearsed our names plain.</p> + +<p><i>3rd King.</i> He bade that we should go down by west<br /> +For dread of Herod's false betray.</p> + +<p><i>1st King.</i> So for to do it is the best,<br /> +The child that we have sought, guide us the way!</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Turning to the babe.</i></p> + +<p>Now farewell, the fairest of shape so sweet,<br /> +And thanked be Jesus of his sond.<sup><a href="#fn_255" id="fna_255">255</a></sup><br /> +That we three together so suddenly should meet<br /> +That dwell so wide, and in a strange land;<br /> +And here to make our presentation<br /> +Unto this king's son cleansed so clean,<br /> +And to his mother for our salvation;<br /> +Of much mirth now may we mean,<br /> +That we so well hath done this oblation.</p> + +<p><i>2nd King.</i> Now farewell, Sir Jaspar, brother to you,<br /> +King of Taurus, the most worth;<br /> +Sir Balthasar, also to you I bow<br /> +And I thank you both of your good company,<br /> +While we together have been.<br /> +He that made us to meet on hill,<br /> +I thank him now, and ever I will;<br /> +For now may we go without ill;<br /> +And of our offering be full fain.</p> + +<p><i>3rd King.</i> Now sith that we must needly go<br /> +For dread of Herod, that is so wroth,<br /> +Now farewell brother, and brother also;<br /> +I take my leave here of you both,<br /> +This day on foot.<br /> +Now he that made us to meet on plain.<br /> +And offered to Mary in her jeseyne,<sup><a href="#fn_256" id="fna_256">256</a></sup><br /> +He give us grace in heaven again,<br /> +Altogether to meet.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Exeunt the Three Kings: Enter the Herald and King Herod.</i></p> + +<p><i>Herald.</i> Hail, King most worthiest in wede!<sup><a href="#fn_257" id="fna_257">257</a></sup><br /> +Hail, maintainer of courtesy through all this world wide!<br /> +Hail, the most mightiest that ever bestrode a steed!<br /> +Hail, most manfullest man in armour man to abide!<br /> +Hail in thine honour!<br /> +These three kings that forth were sent<br /> +And should have come again before thee here present,<br /> +Another way, Lord, home they went<br /> +Contrary to thine honour.</p> + +<p><i>Herod.</i> Another way!--out! out!--out!<br /> +Hath those foul traitors done me this deed?<br /> +I stamp, I stare, I look all about;<br /> +Might them I take I should them burn at a glede.<sup><a href="#fn_258" id="fna_258">258</a></sup><br /> +I rend, I roar, and now run I wood;<sup><a href="#fn_259" id="fna_259">259</a></sup><br /> +Ah! that these villain traitors hath marred this my mood!<br /> +They shall be hanged if I come them to.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Here Herod rages in the pageant, and in the street also.</i></p> + +<p>Eh! and that kerne<sup><a href="#fn_260" id="fna_260">260</a></sup> of Bethlehem, he shall be dead,<br /> +And thus shall I do for his prophecy.<br /> +How say you, sir knights, is not this the best red,<sup><a href="#fn_261" id="fna_261">261</a></sup><br /> +That all young children for this should be dead<br /> +With sword to be slain?<br /> +Then shall I, Herod, live in lede,<sup><a href="#fn_262" id="fna_262">262</a></sup><br /> +And all folk me doubt and dread,<br /> +And offer to me both gold, riches, and mede,<sup><a href="#fn_263" id="fna_263">263</a></sup><br /> +Thereto will they be full fain.</p> + +<p><i>1st Soldier.</i> My Lord, King Herod by name,<br /> +Thy words against my will shall be<br /> +To see so many young children die, is shame;<br /> +Therefore counsel thereto gettest thou none of me.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Soldier.</i> Well said, fellow, my troth I plight;<br /> +Sir king! perceive right well you may<br /> +So great a murder to see of young fruit,<br /> +Will make a rising in thine own countrey.</p> + +<p><i>Herod.</i> A rising!--out! out! out!</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>There Herod rages again, and then saith thus:</i></p> + +<p>Out villain wretches, hereupon you I cry,<br /> +My will utterly, look that it be wrought,<br /> +Or upon a gallows both you shall die,<br /> +By Mahound, most mightiest, that me dear hath bought!</p> + +<p><i>1st Soldier.</i> Now, cruel Herod, sith we shall do this deed,<br /> +Your will needfully in this must be wrought.<br /> +All the children of that age, die they must need,<br /> +Now with all my might they shall be upsought.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Soldier.</i> And I will swear here upon your bright sword,<br /> +All the children that I find, slain they shall be;<br /> +That make many a mother to weep, and be full sore afeard,<br /> +In our armour bright, when they us see.</p> + +<p><i>Herod.</i> Now you have sworn, forth that ye go<br /> +And my will that ye work both by day and night,<br /> +And then will I for fain trip like a doe;<br /> +But when they be dead, I warn you, bring them before my sight.</p> + +<p><i>Angel.</i> Mary and Joseph, to you I say,<br /> +Sweet word from the Father I bring you full right;<br /> +Out of Bethlehem into Egypt forth go ye the way<br /> +And with you take the king, full of might,<br /> +For dread of Herod's red.<sup><a href="#fn_264" id="fna_264">264</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>Joseph.</i> Arise up, Mary, hastily and soon!<br /> +Our Lord's will needs must be done,<br /> +Like as the angel bade.</p> + +<p><i>Mary.</i> Meekly, Joseph, mine own spouse,<br /> +Toward that country let us repair,<br /> +In Egypt,--some token of house,--<br /> +God grant us grace safe to come there!</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Here the women come in with their children, singing them, and Mary and +Joseph goeth clean away.</i></p> + +<p> Lully, lulla, thou little tiny child;<br /> + By, by, lullay, lullay, thou little tiny child;<br /> + By, by, lully, lullay.</p> + +<p> O sisters too! how may we do,<br /> +For to preserve this day<br /> +This poor youngling, for whom we do sing<br /> +By, by, lully, lullay.</p> + +<p> Herod, the king, in his raging,<br /> +Charged he hath this day<br /> +His men of might, in his own sight,<br /> +All young children to slay.</p> + +<p> That woe is me, poor child for thee!<br /> +And ever morn and day,<br /> +For thy parting neither say nor sing,<br /> +By, by, lully, lallay.</p> + +<p><i>1st Woman.</i> I lull my child wondrously sweet,<br /> +And in my arms I do it keep,<br /> +Because that it should not cry.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Woman.</i> That Babe that is born, in Bethlehem so meek,<br /> +He save my child and me from villainy!</p> + +<p><i>3rd Woman.</i> Be still! be still! my little child!<br /> +That Lord of lords save both thee and me;<br /> +For Herod hath sworn with words wild<br /> +That all young children slain they shall be.</p> + +<p><i>1st Soldier.</i> Say ye whither, ye wives, whither are ye away?<br /> +What bear you in your arms needs must we see;<br /> +If they be men children, die they must this day,<br /> +For at Herod's will all things must be.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Soldier.</i> And I in hands once them hent,<sup><a href="#fn_265" id="fna_265">265</a></sup><br /> +Them for to slay nought will I spare;<br /> +We must fulfil Herod's commandment;<br /> +Else be we as traitors, and cast all in care.</p> + +<p><i>1st Woman.</i> Sir knights! of your courtesy<br /> +This day shame not your chivalry,<br /> +But on my child have pity,<br /> +For my sake in this stead;<br /> +For a simple slaughter it were to sloo<sup><a href="#fn_266" id="fna_266">266</a></sup><br /> +Or to work such a child woe<br /> +That can neither speak nor go,<br /> +Nor never harm did.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Woman.</i> He that slays my child in sight,<br /> +If that my strokes on him may light,<br /> +Be he squire or knight,<br /> +I hold him but lost.<br /> +See thou false losyngere<sup><a href="#fn_267" id="fna_267">267</a></sup><br /> +A stroke shalt thou bear me here<br /> +And spare you no cost.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Woman.</i> Sit he never so high in saddle,<br /> +But I shall make his brain addle,<br /> +And here with my pot ladle,<br /> +With him will I fight.<br /> +I shall lay on him as though I wode<sup><a href="#fn_268" id="fna_268">268</a></sup> were,<br /> +With this same womanly gear;<br /> +There shall no man stir,<br /> +Whether that he be king or knight.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>The innocents are massacred.</i></p> + +<p><i>1st Soldier.</i> Who heard ever such a cry<br /> +Of women, that their children have lost<br /> +And greatly rebuking chivalry<br /> +Throughout this realm in every coast<br /> +Which many a man's life is like to cost;<br /> +For this great revenge that here is done,<br /> +I fear much vengeance thereof will come.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Soldier.</i> Eh! brother, such tales may we not tell,<br /> +Wherefore to the king let us go,<br /> +For he is like to bear the bell,<br /> +Which was the cause that we did so;<br /> +Yet must they all be brought him to<br /> +With wains and waggons full freight.<br /> +I trow there will be a careful sight.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>They come before Herod.</i></p> + +<p><i>1st Soldier.</i> Lo! Herod, king! here must thou see<br /> +How many thousands that we have slain.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Soldier.</i> And needs thy will fulfilled must be,<br /> +There may no man say there again.<sup><a href="#fn_269" id="fna_269">269</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>Herald.</i> Herod, king! I shall thee tell,<br /> +All thy deeds is come to nought.<br /> +This child is gone into Egypt to dwell,<br /> +Lo! Sir, in thine own land what wonders byn<sup><a href="#fn_270" id="fna_270">270</a></sup> wrought.</p> + +<p><i>Herod.</i> Into Egypt? Alas! for woe,<br /> +Longer in land here I cannot abide.<br /> +Saddle my palfry, for in haste will I go<br /> +After yon traitors now will I ride<br /> +Them for to sloo.<sup><a href="#fn_271" id="fna_271">271</a></sup><br /> +Now all men hie fast<br /> +Into Egypt in haste:<br /> +All that country will I tast<sup><a href="#fn_272" id="fna_272">272</a></sup><br /> +Till I may come them to.</p> +</div> + + +<div id="wakefield_crucifixion" class="chapter"> +<h2>THE WAKEFIELD MIRACLE-PLAY OF THE CRUCIFIXION</h2> + +<h4>[<i>From the Towneley Collection</i>]</h4> + + + +<h3>CHARACTERS</h3> + +<ul class="charlist"> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Jesus</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Mary</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">John</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Joseph</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Pilate</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Longeus</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Nicodemus</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Four Torturers</span></li> +</ul> + +<h3>THE CRUCIFIXION</h3> + + +<p><i>Pilate.</i> Peace I bid every wight;<br /> +Stand as still as stone in wall,<br /> +Whiles ye are present in my sight,<br /> +That none of ye clatter nor call;<br /> +For if ye do, your death is dight.<br /> +I warn it you both great and small,<br /> +With this brand burnished so bright,<br /> +Therefore in peace look ye be all.</p> + +<p> What? peace, in the devil's name!<br /> +Harlots and dastards all bedene<sup><a href="#fn_273" id="fna_273">273</a></sup><br /> +On gallows ye be made full tame.<br /> +Thieves and michers ken<sup><a href="#fn_274" id="fna_274">274</a></sup><br /> +Will ye not peace when I bid you?<br /> +By Mahoun's blood! if ye me teyn,<sup><a href="#fn_275" id="fna_275">275</a></sup><br /> +I shall ordain soon for you<br /> +Pains that never e'er was seen,<br /> + And that anon:<br /> +Be ye so bold beggars, I warn you,<br /> +Full boldly shall I beat you,<br /> +To hell the de'il shall draw you,<br /> + Body, back, and bone.</p> + +<p> I am a lord that mickle is of might,<br /> +Prince of all Jewry, Sir Pilate I hight.<br /> +Next bring Herod, greatest of all,<br /> +Bow to my bidding, both great and small,<br /> + Or else be ye shent;<sup><a href="#fn_276" id="fna_276">276</a></sup><br /> +Therefore keep your tongues, I warn you all<br /> + And unto us take tent.<sup><a href="#fn_277" id="fna_277">277</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>1st Torturer.</i> All peace, all peace, among you all!<br /> +And hearken now what shall befall<br /> + To this false chuffer<sup><a href="#fn_278" id="fna_278">278</a></sup> here.<br /> +That with his false quantyse<sup><a href="#fn_279" id="fna_279">279</a></sup><br /> +Has made himself as God wise<br /> + Among us many a year.<br /> +He calls himself a prophet,<br /> +And says that he can bales<sup><a href="#fn_280" id="fna_280">280</a></sup> beat<sup><a href="#fn_281" id="fna_281">281</a></sup><br /> + And make all things amend,<br /> +But e'er long know we shall,<br /> +Whether he can overcome his own bale,<sup><a href="#fn_280" id="fna_280-2">280</a></sup><br /> + Or 'scape out of our hand.</p> + +<p> Was not this a wonder thing<br /> +That he durst call himself a king<br /> + And make so great a lie?<br /> + But, by Mahoun! while I may live,<br /> +Those proud words shall I never forgive,<br /> + Till he be hanged on high.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Torturer.</i> His pride, fie, we set at nought,<br /> +But each man reckon in his thought<br /> + And look that we naught want;<br /> +For I shall seek, if that I may,<br /> +By the order of knighthood, to-day,<br /> + To make his heart pant.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Torturer.</i> And so shall I, with all my might,<br /> +Abate his pride this very night,<br /> + And reckon him a crede.<br /> +Lo! he lets on he could no ill,<br /> +But he can aye, when he will,<br /> + Do a full foul deed.</p> + +<p><i>4th Torturer.</i> Ye fellows, ye, as I, have rest,<br /> +Among us all I rede<sup><a href="#fn_282" id="fna_282">282</a></sup> we cast<br /> + To bring this thief to dede.<sup><a href="#fn_283" id="fna_283">283</a></sup><br /> +Look that we have what we need too<br /> + For to hold strait this shrew.</p> + +<p><i>1st Torturer.</i> That was a noble rede;<br /> +Lo, here I have a band,<br /> +If need be, to bind his hand;<br /> + This thong, I trow, will last.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Torturer.</i> And one to the other side,<br /> +That shall abate his pride,<br /> + If it be but drawn fast.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Torturer.</i> Lo, here a hammer and nails also<br /> +For to fasten fast our foe<br /> + To this tree full soon.</p> + +<p><i>4th Torturer.</i> You are wise, withouten dread,<br /> +That so can help yourself at need<br /> + To thing that should be done.</p> + +<p><i>1st Torturer.</i> Now dare I say hardily,<br /> +He shall with all his mawmentry<sup><a href="#fn_284" id="fna_284">284</a></sup><br /> + No longer us be-tell.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Torturer.</i> Since Pilate has him to us gi'en<br /> +Have done, quickly, let it be seen,<br /> + How we can with him mell.<sup><a href="#fn_285" id="fna_285">285</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>3rd Torturer.</i> Now we are at the Mount of Calvary,<br /> +Have done, fellows, and let now see<br /> + How we can with him play.</p> + +<p><i>4th Torturer.</i> Yes, for as proud as he can look,<br /> +He would have turned another crook,<br /> + Had he the rack to-day.</p> + +<p><i>1st Torturer.</i> In faith, sir, since ye called you a king,<br /> +You must prove a worthy thing<br /> + That falls into the weir.<br /> +You must joust in tournament,<br /> +But sit you fast, else you'll be shent,<sup><a href="#fn_286" id="fna_286">286</a></sup><br /> + Else down I shall you bear.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Torturer.</i> If thou be God's son, as thou tells,<br /> +Thou canst save thyself--how shouldst thou else?<br /> + Else were it marvel great;<br /> +And canst thou not, we will not trow<br /> +What thou has said, but make thee mow<br /> + When thou sitt'st in that seat.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Torturer.</i> If thou be king, we shall thanks adylle<sup><a href="#fn_287" id="fna_287">287</a></sup><br /> +For we shall set thee in thy sadylle<sup><a href="#fn_288" id="fna_288">288</a></sup><br /> + For falling be thou bold<sup><a href="#fn_289" id="fna_289">289</a></sup><br /> +I promise thee thou bidest a shaft<br /> +If thou sitt'st not well thou hadst better laft<sup><a href="#fn_290" id="fna_290">290</a></sup><br /> + The tales that thou hast told.</p> + +<p><i>4th Torturer.</i> Stand near, fellows, and let us see<br /> +How we can horse our king so free<br /> + By any craft;<br /> +Stand thou yonder on yon side,<br /> +And we shall see how he can ride.<br /> + And how to wield a shaft.</p> + +<p><i>1st Torturer.</i> Sir, come ye hither, and have done,<br /> +And get upon your palfrey soon<br /> + For he is ready bowne:<sup><a href="#fn_291" id="fna_291">291</a></sup><br /> +If ye be bound to him be not wroth,<br /> +For be ye secure we were full loth<br /> + On any wise that ye fell down.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Torturer.</i> Knit thou a knot, with all thy strength<br /> +For to draw this arm at length<br /> + Till it come to the bore.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Torturer.</i> Thou art mad, man, by this light!<br /> +It wants, in each man's sight<br /> + Another half span, and more.</p> + +<p><i>4th Torturer.</i> Yet draw out this arm, and make it fast,<br /> +With this rope, that well will last,<br /> + And each man lay hand to.</p> + +<p><i>1st Torturer.</i> Yes, and bind thou fast that band,<br /> +We shall go to that other hand,<br /> + And look what we can do.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Torturer.</i> Do drive a nail there throughout,<br /> +And then there shall nothing doubt,<br /> + For it will not <i>breste</i>.<sup><a href="#fn_292" id="fna_292">292</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>3rd Torturer.</i> That shall I do, so might I thrive,<br /> +For to hammer and to drive<br /> + Thereto I am full pressed;<br /> +So let it stick, for it is well.</p> + +<p><i>4th Torturer.</i> Thou sayest sooth,<br /> + There can no man mend.</p> + +<p><i>1st Torturer.</i> Hold down his knees.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Torturer.</i> That shall I do.<br /> +His nurse did never better do;<br /> + Lay on with each hand.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Torturer.</i> Draw out his limbs, let see, have at.</p> + +<p><i>4th Torturer.</i> That was well drawn out, that,<br /> +Fair befall him that so pulled!<br /> +For to have gotten it to the mark<br /> +I trow laymen nor clerk<br /> + Nothing better should!</p> + +<p><i>1st Torturer.</i> Hold it now fast there<br /> +One of you the bore shall bear,<br /> + And then it may not fail.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Torturer.</i> That shall I do withouten dread,<br /> +As ever might I well speed<br /> + Him to mickle bale.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Torturer.</i> So, that is well, it will not brest,<sup><a href="#fn_293" id="fna_293">293</a></sup><br /> +But now, let see, who does the best<br /> + With any sleight of hand.</p> + +<p><i>4th Torturer.</i> Go we to the other ende<br /> +Fellows, fasten fast your hende,<sup><a href="#fn_294" id="fna_294">294</a></sup><br /> + And pull well at the band.</p> + +<p><i>1st Torturer.</i> I counsel, fellows, by this weather<br /> +That we draw now all together,<br /> + And look how it will fare.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Torturer.</i> Now let see, and leave your din<br /> +And draw we ilka syn from syn.<sup><a href="#fn_295" id="fna_295">295</a></sup><br /> + For nothing let us spare.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Torturer.</i> Nay, fellows, this is no play,<br /> +We no longer draw one way,<br /> + So mickle have I espied.</p> + +<p><i>4th Torturer.</i> No, for as I have bliss<br /> +Some can twig whoso it is<br /> + Seeks his ease on his own side.</p> + +<p><i>1st Torturer.</i> It is better, as I hope<br /> +Each by himself to draw this rope,<br /> + And then may we see<br /> +Who it is that erewhile<br /> +All his fellows can beguile<br /> + Of this company.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Torturer.</i> Since thou wilt so have, here's for me!<br /> + How draw I?--as might thou the!<sup><a href="#fn_296" id="fna_296">296</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>3rd Torturer.</i> Men drew right well!<br /> +Have here for me, half a foot.</p> + +<p><i>4th Torturer.</i> Wema,<sup><a href="#fn_297" id="fna_297">297</a></sup> man! thou came not to't.<br /> +Men drew it never a deal<br /> +But have for me here that I may!</p> + +<p><i>1st Torturer.</i> Well drawnën, son, by this day!<br /> +Thou goes well to thy work.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Torturer.</i> Yet after, whilst thy hand is in<br /> +Pull thereat with some engine.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Torturer.</i> Yea, and bring it to the mark.</p> + +<p><i>4th Torturer.</i> Pull, pull!</p> + +<p><i>1st Torturer.</i> Have now!</p> + +<p><i>2nd Torturer.</i> Let see!</p> + +<p><i>3rd Torturer.</i> Aha!</p> + +<p><i>4th Torturer.</i> Yet, a draught!</p> + +<p><i>1st Torturer.</i> Thereto with all my might.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Torturer.</i> Aha, hold still thore.<sup><a href="#fn_298" id="fna_298">298</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>3rd Torturer.</i> So, fellows, look now alive,<br /> +Which of you can best drive,<br /> + And I shall take the bore.</p> + +<p><i>4th Torturer.</i> Let me go to it, if I shall<br /> +I hope that I be the best marshal<sup><a href="#fn_299" id="fna_299">299</a></sup><br /> + For to clink<sup><a href="#fn_300" id="fna_300">300</a></sup> it right.<br /> +Do raise him up now when we may,<br /> +For I hope he and his palfrey<br /> + Shall not twine<sup><a href="#fn_301" id="fna_301">301</a></sup> this night.</p> + +<p><i>1st Torturer.</i> Come hither, fellows, and have done,<br /> +And help that this tree soon<br /> + Be lift with all your sleight.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Torturer.</i> Yet let us work awhile,<br /> +And no man now the other beguile<br /> + Till it be brought on height.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Torturer.</i> Fellows, lay on all your hende<sup><a href="#fn_302" id="fna_302">302</a></sup><br /> +For to raise this tree on ende<br /> + And lets see who is last.</p> + +<p><i>4th Torturer.</i> I rede we do as he says,<br /> +Set we the tree on the mortase,<sup><a href="#fn_303" id="fna_303">303</a></sup><br /> + And there, will it stand fast.</p> + +<p><i>1st Torturer.</i> Up with the timber.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Torturer.</i> Ah, it holds!<br /> +For him, that all this world wields,<br /> + Put from thee, with thy hand.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Torturer.</i> Hold even! amongst us all.</p> + +<p><i>4th Torturer.</i> Yea, and let it into the mortise fall,<br /> +For then will it best stand.</p> + +<p><i>1st Torturer.</i> Go we to it, and be we strong,<br /> +And raise it, be it never so long,<br /> + Since that it is fast bound.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Torturer.</i> Up with the timber fast on ende.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Torturer.</i> Ah fellows, fair fall now your hende.</p> + +<p><i>4th Torturer.</i> So, sir, gape against the sun!</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>To Christ.</i></p> + +<p><i>1st Torturer.</i> Ah, fellow, wear thy crown!</p> + +<p><i>2nd Torturer.</i> Trowest thou this timber will come down?</p> + +<p><i>3rd Torturer.</i> Yet help, to make it fast.</p> + +<p><i>4th Torturer.</i> Bind him well, and let us lift.</p> + +<p><i>1st Torturer.</i> Full short shall be his thrift.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Torturer.</i> Ah, it stands up like a mast.</p> + +<p><i>Jesus.</i> I pray you, people, that pass me by,<br /> +That lead your life so lykandly<sup><a href="#fn_304" id="fna_304">304</a></sup><br /> + Raise up your heart on high;<br /> +Behold if ever ye saw body<br /> +Buffet<sup><a href="#fn_305" id="fna_305">305</a></sup> and beaten thus bloody,<br /> + Or dight thus dolefully;<br /> +In this world was never no wight<br /> + That suffered half so sair.<br /> +My mayn,<sup><a href="#fn_306" id="fna_306">306</a></sup> my mode,<sup><a href="#fn_307" id="fna_307">307</a></sup> my might<br /> +Is naught but sorrow to sight,<br /> + And comfort--none but care!<br /> +My folk, what have I done to thee<br /> +That thou all thus shall torment me?<br /> + Thy sin bear I full soon.<br /> +How have I grieved thee? answer me.<br /> +That thou thus nailest me to a tree,<br /> + And all for thine error.<br /> +Where shalt thou seek succour?<br /> +This fault how shalt thou amende<br /> +When that thou thy saviour<br /> +Drivest to this dishonour<br /> + And nail'st through feet and hende.<sup><a href="#fn_308" id="fna_308">308</a></sup><br /> +All creatures whose kinds may be trest,<sup><a href="#fn_309" id="fna_309">309</a></sup><br /> +Beasts and birds, they all have rest<br /> + When they are woe begone.<br /> +But God's own son, that should be best,<br /> +Has not whereon his head to rest,<br /> + But on his shoulder bone:<br /> +To whom now may I make my moan<br /> + When they thus martyr me?<br /> +And sackless<sup><a href="#fn_310" id="fna_310">310</a></sup> will me slone,<sup><a href="#fn_311" id="fna_311">311</a></sup><br /> +And beat me blood and bone,<br /> + That should my brethren be?<br /> +What kindness should I kythe<sup><a href="#fn_312" id="fna_312">312</a></sup> them to?<br /> +Have I not done what I ought to do,<br /> + Made thee in my likeness?<br /> +And thou thus rives my rest and ro<sup><a href="#fn_313" id="fna_313">313</a></sup><br /> +And thinkest lightly on me, lo,<br /> + Such is thy caitifness.<br /> +I have shown thee kindness, unkindly thou me 'quitest,<sup><a href="#fn_314" id="fna_314">314</a></sup><br /> +See thus thy wickedness, look how thou me despitest.<br /> +Guiltless thus am I put to pine,<br /> +Not for my sin, man, but for thine.<br /> + Thus am I rent on rood;<br /> +For I that treasure would not tyne<sup><a href="#fn_315" id="fna_315">315</a></sup><br /> +That I marked and made for mine.<br /> + Thus buy I Adam's blood,<br /> +That sunken was in sin,<br /> +With none earthly good,<br /> +But with my flesh and blood<br /> +That loath was for to wyn.<sup><a href="#fn_316" id="fna_316">316</a></sup><br /> +My brother, that I came for to buy,<br /> +Has hanged me here, thus hideously,<br /> + Friends find I few or none;<br /> +Thus have they dight me drearily,<br /> +And all be-spit me piteously,<br /> + A helpless man in wone.<sup><a href="#fn_317" id="fna_317">317</a></sup><br /> +But, Father, that sittest on throne,<br /> + Forgive thou them this guilt.<br /> +I pray to thee this boon--<br /> +They know not what they doon,<br /> + Nor whom they thus have spoilt!<sup><a href="#fn_318" id="fna_318">318</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>1st Torturer.</i> Yes, what we do full well we know.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Torturer.</i> Yes, that shall he find within a throw.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Torturer.</i> Now, with a mischance to his corse!<br /> +Wenys<sup><a href="#fn_319" id="fna_319">319</a></sup> he that we give any force<sup><a href="#fn_320" id="fna_320">320</a></sup><br /> + What evil so ever he ail?</p> + +<p><i>4th Torturer.</i> For he would tarry us all day,<br /> +Of his death to make delay,<br /> + I tell you sans fail.</p> + +<p><i>1st Torturer.</i> Lift we this tree amongst us all.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Torturer.</i> Yea, and let it into the mortise fall<br /> + And that shall make him brest.<sup><a href="#fn_321" id="fna_321">321</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>3rd Torturer.</i> Yea, and all to rive him, limb from limb.</p> + +<p><i>4th Torturer.</i> And it will break each joint in him;<br /> + Let see now, who does best?</p> + +<p><i>Mary.</i> Alas, the dole I dree!<sup><a href="#fn_322" id="fna_322">322</a></sup> I droop, I go in dread.<br /> +Why hang'st thou, son, so high? my woe begins to breed,<br /> +All blemished is thy ble,<sup><a href="#fn_323" id="fna_323">323</a></sup> I see thy body bleed,<br /> +In the world, my son, we were never so woe, as now in weed.<sup><a href="#fn_324" id="fna_324">324</a></sup><br /> +My food<sup><a href="#fn_325" id="fna_325">325</a></sup> that I have fed,<br /> +In life--longing thee led!<br /> +Full straight art thou bestead<br /> + Among these foemen fell:<br /> +Such sorrow for to see.<br /> +My dearest child, on thee,<br /> +Is more mourning to me<br /> + Than any tongue may tell.<br /> +Alas! thy holy head<br /> +Has not whereon to held<sup><a href="#fn_326" id="fna_326">326</a></sup><br /> +Thy face with blood is red,<br /> + Was fair as flower in field<br /> +How should I stand in stead!<sup><a href="#fn_327" id="fna_327">327</a></sup><br /> +To see my bairn thus bleed,<br /> +Beaten as blo<sup><a href="#fn_328" id="fna_328">328</a></sup> as lead.<br /> + And has no limb to wield?<br /> +Fastened both hands and feet,<br /> +With nalys<sup><a href="#fn_329" id="fna_329">329</a></sup> full unmeet,<br /> +His wounds all wringing wet.<br /> + Alas, my child, for care!<br /> +For all rent is thy hide,<br /> +I see on either side<br /> +Tears of blood down glide<br /> + Over all thy body bare.<br /> +Alas that ever I should bide, and see my feyr<sup><a href="#fn_330" id="fna_330">330</a></sup> thus fare!</p> + +<p><i>John.</i> Alas, for dule, my lady dear!<br /> +All for changèd is thy cheer,<br /> +To see this prince without a peer,<br /> + Thus lappéd all in woe;<br /> +He was thy food, thy fairest foine,<sup><a href="#fn_331" id="fna_331">331</a></sup><br /> +Thy love, thy like,<sup><a href="#fn_332" id="fna_332">332</a></sup> thy lovesome son,<br /> +That high on tree thus hangs alone<br /> + With body black and blo,<sup><a href="#fn_333" id="fna_333">333</a></sup> alas!<br /> +To me and many mo,<sup><a href="#fn_334" id="fna_334">334</a></sup><br /> +A good master he was.</p> + +<p>But, lady, since it is his will<br /> +The prophecy to fulfil,<br /> +That mankind in sin not spill,<sup><a href="#fn_335" id="fna_335">335</a></sup><br /> + For them to thole<sup><a href="#fn_336" id="fna_336">336</a></sup> the pain;<br /> +And with his death ransom to make,<br /> +As prophets before of him spake.<br /> +I counsel thee, thy grief to slake,<br /> + Thy weeping may not gain<br /> +In sorrow;<br /> +Our boot<sup><a href="#fn_337" id="fna_337">337</a></sup> he buys full bayne,<sup><a href="#fn_338" id="fna_338">338</a></sup><br /> +Us all from bale to borrow.</p> + +<p><i>Mary.</i> Alas, thine eyes as crystal clear,<br /> +That shone as sun in sight,<br /> +That lovely were in lyere<sup><a href="#fn_339" id="fna_339">339</a></sup><br /> +Lost they have their light,<br /> +And wax all fa'ed<sup><a href="#fn_340" id="fna_340">340</a></sup> in fear,<br /> +All dim then are they dight;<br /> +In pain thou hast no peer,<br /> +That is withouten pight.<sup><a href="#fn_341" id="fna_341">341</a></sup><br /> +Sweet son, say me thy thought;<br /> +What wonders hast thou wrought<br /> +To be in pain thus brought<br /> + Thy blessed blood to blend?<br /> +Ah, son, think on my woe,<br /> +Why will thou from me go?<br /> +On earth is no man mo<sup><a href="#fn_342" id="fna_342">342</a></sup><br /> + That may my mirth amend.</p> + +<p><i>John.</i> Comely lady, good and couth,<sup><a href="#fn_343" id="fna_343">343</a></sup><br /> +Fain would I comfort thee;<br /> +Me mynnys<sup><a href="#fn_344" id="fna_344">344</a></sup> my master with mouth<br /> +Told unto his menyee.<sup><a href="#fn_345" id="fna_345">345</a></sup><br /> +That he should suffer many a pain,<br /> +And die upon a tree,<br /> +And to the life rise up again,<br /> +Upon the third day should it be<br /> + Full right;<br /> +For thee, my lady sweet,<br /> +Stint awhile to greet,<sup><a href="#fn_346" id="fna_346">346</a></sup><br /> +Our bale then will be beat,<sup><a href="#fn_347" id="fna_347">347</a></sup><br /> + As he before has bight.<sup><a href="#fn_348" id="fna_348">348</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>Mary.</i> My sorrow it is so sad,<br /> +No solace may me save:<br /> +Mourning makes me mad,<br /> +No hope of help I have.<br /> +I am redeless<sup><a href="#fn_349" id="fna_349">349</a></sup> and afraid<br /> +For fear that I should rave,<br /> +Nought may make me glad,<br /> +Till I be in my grave.<br /> +To death my dear is driven,<br /> +His robe is all to-riven,<sup><a href="#fn_350" id="fna_350">350</a></sup><br /> +That by me was him given<br /> + And shapen with my sides.<br /> +These Jews and he have striven<br /> + That all the bale he bides.<br /> +Alas! my lamb so mild,<br /> +Why wilt thou from me go<br /> +Among these wolvés wild,<br /> +That work on thee this woe?<br /> +For shame, who may thee shield,<br /> +For friends now hast thou foe.<br /> +Alas, my comely child,<br /> +Why will thou from me go?<br /> +Maidens, make your moan,<br /> +And weep, ye wives, every one<br /> +With me, most sad, in wone<sup><a href="#fn_351" id="fna_351">351</a></sup><br /> + The child that born was best:<br /> +My heart is stiff as stone<br /> + That for no bale will brest.<sup><a href="#fn_352" id="fna_352">352</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>John.</i> Ah, lady, well wot I,<br /> +Thy heart is full of care,<br /> +When thou thus openly<br /> +Seest thy child thus fare;<br /> +Love drives him rathly.<br /> +Himself he will not spare,<br /> +Us all from bale to buy,<br /> +Of bliss that are full bare<br /> +For sin;<br /> +My dear lady, therefore of mourning look thou blyn.<sup><a href="#fn_353" id="fna_353">353</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>Mary.</i> "Alas!" may ever be my song,<br /> +While I may live in leyd,<sup><a href="#fn_354" id="fna_354">354</a></sup><br /> +Methinks now that I live too long,<br /> +To see my bairn thus bleed.<br /> +Jews work with him all wrong,<br /> +Wherefore do they this deed?<br /> +Lo, so high have they him hung,<br /> +They let<sup><a href="#fn_355" id="fna_355">355</a></sup> for no dread;<br /> + Why so?<br /> +His foeman he is among.<br /> +No friend he has, but foe,<br /> +My frely food<sup><a href="#fn_356" id="fna_356">356</a></sup> from me must go<br /> +What shall become of me?<br /> +Thou art warpyd<sup><a href="#fn_357" id="fna_357">357</a></sup> all in woe,<br /> + And spread here on a tree<br /> + Full hie;<sup><a href="#fn_358" id="fna_358">358</a></sup><br /> +I mourn, and so may mo<sup><a href="#fn_359" id="fna_359">359</a></sup><br /> +That see this pain on thee.</p> + +<p><i>John.</i> Dear lady, well for me<br /> +If that I might comfort thee,<br /> +For the sorrow that I see<br /> + Shears my heart in sunder;<br /> +When that I see my master hang<br /> +With bitter pains and strong;<br /> +Was never wight with<sup><a href="#fn_360" id="fna_360">360</a></sup> wrong<br /> + Wrought so mickle wonder.</p> + +<p><i>Mary.</i> Alas, death, thou dwellest too long,<br /> +Why art thou hid from me?<br /> +Who bid thee to my child to gang?<sup><a href="#fn_361" id="fna_361">361</a></sup><br /> +All black thou mak'st his ble;<sup><a href="#fn_362" id="fna_362">362</a></sup><br /> +Now witterly,<sup><a href="#fn_363" id="fna_363">363</a></sup> thou workest wrong<br /> +The more I will wyte<sup><a href="#fn_364" id="fna_364">364</a></sup> thee.<br /> +But if thou wilt my heart now sting<br /> +That I may with him dee,<sup><a href="#fn_365" id="fna_365">365</a></sup><br /> + And bide.<br /> +Sore sighing is my song. For pierced is his side!<br /> + Ah, death, what hast thou done?<br /> +With thee will I fare soon,<br /> +Since I had children none but one,<br /> +Best under sun or moon.<br /> +Friends I had full foyn<sup><a href="#fn_366" id="fna_366">366</a></sup><br /> +That gars me greet<sup><a href="#fn_367" id="fna_367">367</a></sup> and groan<br /> + Full sore.<br /> +Good Lord, grant me my boon,<br /> +And let me live no more!<br /> +Gabriel! that art so good<br /> +Sometime thou did me greet,<br /> +And then I understood<br /> +Thy words that were so sweet.<br /> +But now they vex my mood,<br /> +For grace thou canst me hete,<sup><a href="#fn_368" id="fna_368">368</a></sup><br /> +To bear all of my blood<br /> +A child our bale should beat<sup><a href="#fn_369" id="fna_369">369</a></sup><br /> + With right.<br /> +Now hangs he here on rood,<br /> +Where is that thou me hight.<sup><a href="#fn_370" id="fna_370">370</a></sup><br /> + All that thou of bliss<br /> +Hight me in that stede<sup><a href="#fn_371" id="fna_371">371</a></sup><br /> +From mirth is far amiss.<br /> +And yet I trow thy rede<sup><a href="#fn_372" id="fna_372">372</a></sup><br /> +Counsel me now of this,<br /> +My life how shall I lead<br /> +When from me gone is<br /> +He that was my head<br /> + On high?<br /> +My death, now, come it is:<br /> +My dear son, have mercy!</p> + +<p><i>Jesus.</i> My mother mild, change thou thy cheer,<br /> +Cease from thy sorrow and sighing sere,<br /> + It syttes<sup><a href="#fn_373" id="fna_373">373</a></sup> unto my heart full sore;<br /> +The sorrow is sharp, I suffer here;<br /> +But the dole thou drees,<sup><a href="#fn_374" id="fna_374">374</a></sup> my mother dear,<br /> +Me martyrs mickle more.<br /> +Thus wills my father I fare<br /> + To loose mankind from bands<br /> +His son will he not spare,<br /> +To loose that bond was e'er<br /> + Full fast in fiends' hands.<br /> +The first cause, mother, of my coming<br /> +Was for mankind miscarrying,<br /> + To save them sore I sought;<br /> +Therefore, mother make no mourning<br /> +Since mankind, through my dying,<br /> + May thus to bliss be brought.<br /> +Woman, weep thou right nought,<br /> + Take there, John, unto thy child,<br /> +Mankind must needs be bought;<br /> +And thou cast, cousin, in thy thought.<sup><a href="#fn_375" id="fna_375">375</a></sup><br /> + John, lo, there, thy mother mild!<br /> +Blue and bloody thus am I beat,<br /> +Swongen with swepys<sup><a href="#fn_376" id="fna_376">376</a></sup> and all a-sweat,<br /> + Mankind, for thy misdeed.<br /> +For my love's sake when wouldst thou let,<sup><a href="#fn_377" id="fna_377">377</a></sup><br /> +And thy heart sadly set,<br /> + Since I thus for thee have bled?<br /> +Such life for sooth, I lead,<br /> +That nothing may I more.<br /> +This I suffer for thy need,<br /> +To mark thee, man, thy meed!<br /> + Now thirst I wonder sore.</p> + +<p><i>1st Torturer.</i> Nought but hold thy peace,<br /> +Thou shalt have drink within a resse,<sup><a href="#fn_378" id="fna_378">378</a></sup><br /> + Myself shall be thy knave;<br /> +Have here the draught that I thee hete,<sup><a href="#fn_379" id="fna_379">379</a></sup><br /> +And I shall warrant it is not sweet<br /> + By all the good I have.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Torturer.</i> So, sir, say now all your will,<br /> +For if ye could have holden you still<br /> + Ye had not had this brade.<sup><a href="#fn_380" id="fna_380">380</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>3rd Torturer.</i> Thou would'st all gate<sup><a href="#fn_381" id="fna_381">381</a></sup> be King of Jews,<br /> +But by this I trow thou rues<br /> + All that thou has said.</p> + +<p><i>4th Torturer.</i> He has him rused of great prophës<sup><a href="#fn_382" id="fna_382">382</a></sup><br /> +That he should make us tempyllës<br /> + And make it clean fall down;<br /> +And yet he said he should it raise<br /> +As well as it was within three days,<br /> + He lies, that wot we all;<br /> +And for his lies in great despite<br /> +We will divide his clothing tyte<sup><a href="#fn_383" id="fna_383">383</a></sup><br /> + Save he can more of art.<sup><a href="#fn_384" id="fna_384">384</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>1st Torturer.</i> Yes, as ever might I thrive,<br /> +Soon will we this mantle rive,<br /> + And each man take his part.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Torturer.</i> How, wouldst thou we share this cloth?</p> + +<p><i>3rd Torturer.</i> Nay, forsooth, that were I loth,<br /> + For then it were all gate<sup><a href="#fn_385" id="fna_385">385</a></sup> spoilt.<br /> +But assent thou to my saw,<sup><a href="#fn_386" id="fna_386">386</a></sup><br /> +And let us all cut draw<sup><a href="#fn_387" id="fna_387">387</a></sup><br /> + And then is none begylt.<sup><a href="#fn_388" id="fna_388">388</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>2nd Torturer.</i> Howe'er befall, now I draw,<br /> +This is mine by common law,<br /> + Say not there again.</p> + +<p><i>1st Torturer.</i> Now since it may no better be,<br /> +Chevithe thee with it for me;<br /> + Methinks thou art full fain.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Torturer.</i> How, fellows, see ye not yon scraw?<sup><a href="#fn_389" id="fna_389">389</a></sup><br /> +It is written yonder within a thraw,<br /> + Now since that we drew lot.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Torturer.</i> There is no man that is alive,<br /> +Unless Pilate, as I might thrive<br /> + That durst it there have put.</p> + +<p><i>4th Torturer.</i> Go we fast, and let us look<br /> +What is written on yon book<br /> + And what it may be, mean.</p> + +<p><i>1st Torturer.</i> All the more I look thereon,<br /> +All the more I think I fon;<sup><a href="#fn_390" id="fna_390">390</a></sup><br /> + All is not worth a bean.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Torturer.</i> Yes for sooth, methinks I see<br /> +Thereon written language three<br /> + Hebrew and Latýn<br /> +And Greek methinks written thereon,<br /> +For it is hard for to expoun.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Torturer.</i> Thou read, by Apollyon!</p> + +<p><i>4th Torturer.</i> Yea, as I am a true knight.<br /> +I am the best Latin wright<br /> + Of this company;<br /> +I will go withouten delay<br /> +And tell you what it is to say.<br /> + Behold, sirs, verily,<br /> +Yonder is written--Jesus of Nazarene<br /> +He is King of Jews, I ween.</p> + +<p><i>1st Torturer.</i> Ah, that is written wrong.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Torturer.</i> He calls himself so, but he is none.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Torturer.</i> Go we to Pilate and make our moan,<br /> +Have done, and dwell not long. <span class="stagedir">[<i>They go to Pilate.</i></span><br /> +Pilate, yonder is a false table,<br /> +Thereon is written naught but fable,<br /> + Of Jews he is not king,<br /> +He calls him so, but he not is,<br /> +It is falsely written, I wis,<br /> + This is a wrong-wise thing.</p> + +<p><i>Pilate.</i> Boys, I say, what melle ye yon?<sup><a href="#fn_391" id="fna_391">391</a></sup><br /> +As it is written shall it be now,<br /> + I say certain<br /> +<i>Quod scriptum scripsi</i>,<sup><a href="#fn_392" id="fna_392">392</a></sup><br /> +That same wrote I,<br /> + What gadlyng<sup><a href="#fn_393" id="fna_393">393</a></sup> grumbles there again.</p> + +<p><i>4th Torturer.</i> Since that he is a man of law<br /> +He must needs have his will;<br /> +I trow he had not written that saw<br /> +Without some proper skill.</p> + +<p><i>1st Torturer.</i> Yea, let it hang above his head<br /> +It shall not save him from the dead<br /> + Naught that he can write.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Torturer.</i> Now ill a hale<sup><a href="#fn_394" id="fna_394">394</a></sup> was he born!</p> + +<p><i>3rd Torturer.</i> My faith, I tell his life is lorn<br /> + He shall be slain as tyte.<sup><a href="#fn_395" id="fna_395">395</a></sup><br /> +If thou be Christ, as men thee call<br /> +Come down now among us all<br /> + And thole<sup><a href="#fn_396" id="fna_396">396</a></sup> not these missays.<sup><a href="#fn_397" id="fna_397">397</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>4th Torturer.</i> Yea, and help myself that we may see<br /> +And we shall all believe in thee,<br /> + Whatsoever thou says.</p> + +<p><i>1st Torturer.</i> He calls himself good of might,<br /> +But I would see him be so wight<sup><a href="#fn_398" id="fna_398">398</a></sup><br /> + To do such a deed.<br /> +He raised Lazare out of his delf<sup><a href="#fn_399" id="fna_399">399</a></sup><br /> +But he cannot help himself<br /> + Now in his great need.</p> + +<p><i>Jesus.</i> Eli, Eli, lama sabacthani!<br /> +My God, my God! wherefor and why<br /> + Hast thou forsaken me?</p> + +<p><i>2nd Torturer.</i> How, hear ye not as well as I<br /> +How he can upon Eli cry<br /> + Upon this wise?</p> + +<p><i>3rd Torturer.</i> Yea, there is no Eli in this country<br /> +Shall deliver him from this meneye<sup><a href="#fn_400" id="fna_400">400</a></sup><br /> + No, in no wise.</p> + +<p><i>4th Torturer.</i> I warrant you now at the last<br /> +That he shall soon yield the ghost<br /> + For bursten is his gall.</p> + +<p><i>Jesus.</i> Now is my passion brought to end,<br /> +Father of heaven, into thy hende<sup><a href="#fn_401" id="fna_401">401</a></sup><br /> + I do commend my soul.</p> + +<p><i>1st Torturer.</i> Let one prick him with a spear,<br /> +And if it should do him no dere<sup><a href="#fn_402" id="fna_402">402</a></sup><br /> + Then is his life near past.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Torturer.</i> This blind knight may best do that.</p> + +<p><i>Longeus.</i> Gar me not do, save I wit what.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Torturer.</i> Naught, but strike up fast.</p> + +<p><i>Longeus.</i> Ah! Lord, what may this be?<br /> +Once I was blind, now I can see;<br /> +Gode's son, hear me, Jesu!<br /> +For this trespass on me thou rue<sup><a href="#fn_403" id="fna_403">403</a></sup><br /> +For, Lord, other men me gart<sup><a href="#fn_404" id="fna_404">404</a></sup><br /> +That I thee struck unto the heart,<br /> +I see thou hangest here on high,<br /> +And dies to fulfil the prophecy.</p> + +<p><i>4th Torturer.</i> Go we hence, and leave him here<br /> +For I shall be his bail, this year<br /> + He feels now no more pain;<br /> +For Eli, ne for none other man<br /> +All the good that ever he won<br /> + Gets not his life again. <span class="stagedir">[<i>Exeunt Torturers.</i></span></p> + +<p><i>Joseph.</i> Alas, alas, and well a way!<br /> +That ever I should abide this day<br /> + To see my master dead;<br /> +Thus wickedly as he is shent,<br /> +With so bitter tornament<sup><a href="#fn_405" id="fna_405">405</a></sup><br /> + Thro' the false Jews' red.<sup><a href="#fn_406" id="fna_406">406</a></sup><br /> +Nicodeme, I would we yede<sup><a href="#fn_407" id="fna_407">407</a></sup><br /> +To Sir Pilate, if we might spede<br /> + His body for to crave;<br /> +I will strive with all my might<br /> +For my service to ask that knight,<br /> + His body for to grave.<sup><a href="#fn_408" id="fna_408">408</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>Nicodemus.</i> Joseph, I will wend with thee<br /> +For to do what is in me<br /> + For that body to pray;<br /> +For our good-will and our travail<br /> +I hope that it may us avail<br /> + Hereafterward some day.</p> + +<p><i>Joseph.</i> Sir Pilate, God thee save!<br /> +Grant me what I crave<br /> + If that it be thy will.</p> + +<p><i>Pilate.</i> Welcome, Joseph, might thou be,<br /> +What so thou askest, I grant it thee<br /> + So that it be skill.<sup><a href="#fn_409" id="fna_409">409</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>Joseph.</i> For my long service, I thee pray,<br /> +Grant me the body, say me not nay<br /> + Of Jesus dead on rood.</p> + +<p><i>Pilate.</i> I grant it well if he dead be,<br /> +Good leave shalt thou have of me.<br /> + Do with him what thou think good.</p> + +<p><i>Joseph.</i> Gramercy, sir, of your good grace<br /> +That you did grant me in this place.<br /> + Go we our way:<br /> +Nicodeme, come me forth with,<br /> +For I myself shall be the smith<br /> + The nails out for to dray.<sup><a href="#fn_410" id="fna_410">410</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>Nicodemus.</i> Joseph, I am ready here<br /> +To go with thee with full good cheer<br /> + To help with all my might.<br /> +Pull forth the nails on either side<br /> +And I shall hold him up this tide;<br /> + Ah, Lord, how art thou dight!</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>They take down the body.</i></p> + +<p><i>Joseph.</i> Help now, fellow, with all thy might,<br /> +That he be wounden<sup><a href="#fn_411" id="fna_411">411</a></sup> and well dight,<br /> + And lay him on this bier:<br /> +Bear we him forth into the kirk<br /> +To the tomb that I gar'd<sup><a href="#fn_412" id="fna_412">412</a></sup> work<br /> + Since full many a year.</p> + +<p><i>Nicodemus.</i> It shall be so, withouten nay,<br /> +He that died on Good Friday,<br /> + And crownèd was with thorn;<br /> +Save you all that now here be<br /> +That Lord that thus would dee,<br /> +And rose on Paschë<sup><a href="#fn_413" id="fna_413">413</a></sup> morn.</p> +</div> + + +<div id="cornish_3maries" class="chapter"> +<h2>THE CORNISH MYSTERY-PLAY OF THE THREE MARIES</h2> + + + +<h3>CHARACTERS</h3> + +<ul class="charlist"> +<li><span class="smallcaps">The Gardener--Jesus Christ</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">The Three Maries--</span> + <ul class="charlist"> + <li><span class="smallcaps">Mary Magdalene</span></li> + <li><span class="smallcaps">Mary, Mother of James</span></li> + <li><span class="smallcaps">Mary Salome</span></li> + </ul></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">First Angel</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Second Angel</span></li> +</ul> + + + +<h3>THE MYSTERY OF THE THREE MARIES</h3> + + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Enter Mary Magdalene, and Mary, mother of James.</i>]</p> + +<p><i>Mary Magdalene.</i> What shall I do, alas!<br /> +My Lord went to the tomb,<br /> + To-day is the third day;<br /> +Go now see indeed<br /> +If he comes and rises,<br /> + As he said to me truly.</p> + +<p><i>Mary, Mother of James.</i> I will go and see<br /> +The body <i>of him</i> who redeemed me with pain,<br /> + If it be risen again.<br /> +Great comfort he was to us;<br /> +That we should have seen his death!<br /> + Alas! alas!</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Enter Mary Salome</i></p> + +<p><i>Mary Salome.</i> The third day is to-day;<br /> +If the body of Christ be risen,<br /> + Go to see.<br /> +For the torment which he had<br /> +Is ever in my heart;<br /> + This sorrow does not leave me.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Here she shall meet the other Maries.</i></p> + +<p><i>Mary Magdalene.</i> Women, joy to ye!<br /> +And Mary, <i>mother</i> of James,<br /> + And Salome also.<br /> +Sorrow is in my heart, alas!<br /> +If the body of God himself is gone,<br /> + Where may it be found?</p> + +<p><i>Mary, Mother of James.</i> So it is with me,<br /> +Much and great torment for him;<br /> + If he will not, through his grace,<br /> +Help me in a short time,<br /> +My heart in me will break<br /> + Very really through troubles.</p> + +<p><i>Mary Salome.</i> So with me is sorrow<br /> +May the Lord see my state<br /> + After him.<br /> +As he is head of sovereignty,<br /> +I believe that out of the tomb<br /> + To-day he will rise.</p> + +<p><i>Mary Magdalene.</i> Oh! let us hasten at once,<br /> +For the stone is raised<br /> + From the tomb.<br /> +Lord, how will it be this night,<br /> +If I know not where goes<br /> + The head of royalty?</p> + +<p><i>Mary, Mother of James.</i> And too long we have stayed,<br /> + My Lord is gone his way<br /> + Out of the tomb, surely.<br /> + Alas! my heart is sick;<br /> + I know not indeed if I shall see him,<br /> + Who is very God.</p> + +<p><i>Mary Salome.</i> I know truly, and I believe it,<br /> +That he is risen up<br /> + In this day.<br /> +How will it be to us now,<br /> +That we find not our Lord?<br /> + Alas! woe! woe!</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>They sing.</i></p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>The Dirge.</i>]</p> + +<p> <i>Alas! mourning I sing, mourning I call,<br /> + Our Lord is dead that bought us all.</i></p> + +<p><i>Mary Magdalene.</i> Alas! it is through sorrows,<br /> +My sweet Lord is dead<br /> + Who was crucified.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Mary Magdalene weeps at the tomb.</i></p> + +<p>He bore, without complaining,<br /> +Much pain on his dear body,<br /> + For the people of the world<br /> +<i>Mary, Mother of James.</i> I cannot see the form<br /> +Of him on any side;<br /> + Alas! woe is me!<br /> +I would like to speak with him,<br /> +If it were his will,<br /> + Very seriously.</p> + +<p><i>Mary Salome.</i> There is to me sharp longing<br /> +In my heart always,<br /> + And sorrow;<br /> +Alas! my Lord Jesus,<br /> +For thou art full of virtue,<br /> + All mighty.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>The Dirge.</i>]</p> + +<p><i>Alas! mourning I sing, mourning I call,<br /> +Our Lord is dead that bought us all.</i></p> + +<p><i>Mary Magdalene.</i> Jesus Christ, Lord of Heaven,<br /> +O hear now our voice;<br /> +Who believes not in thee, miserable he!<br /> + He will not be saved.<br /> +When I think of his Passion,<br /> +There is not any joy in my heart;<br /> +Alas! that I cannot at once<br /> + Speak to thee.</p> + +<p><i>Mary, Mother of James.</i> Gone he is to another land,<br /> +And with him many angels;<br /> +Alas! now for grief<br /> + I am sorrowful.<br /> +I pray thee, Lord of grace,<br /> +To send a messenger to us,<br /> +That something we may be knowing<br /> + How it is to thee.</p> + +<p><i>Mary Salome.</i> O Jesus, full of mercy,<br /> +Do think of us;<br /> +To thy kingdom when we come,<br /> + Hear our voice.<br /> +For desire I become very sick,<br /> +I cannot stand on my standing,<br /> +Alas! now what shall I do?<br /> + O Lord of heaven!</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>The Dirge.</i>]</p> + +<p><i>Alas! mourning I sing, mourning I call,<br /> +Our Lord is dead, that bought us all.</i></p> + +<p><i>1st Angel.</i> I know whom ye seek:<br /> +Jesus is not here,<br /> + For he is risen<br /> +To life in very earnest,<br /> +As I tell you,<br /> + Like as he is worthy.</p> + +<p><i>Mary Magdalene.</i> O angel, now tell me,<br /> +The body (none, equal to him),<br /> + To what place is it gone?<br /> +Like as his grace is great,<br /> +Joy to me, with my eyes<br /> + To see him yet.</p> + +<p><i>2nd Angel.</i> O Mary, go forthwith,<br /> +Say to his disciples<br /> + And to Peter,<br /> +Like as he promised to them<br /> +He will go to Galilee,<br /> + Very truly without doubt.</p> + +<p><i>Mary, Mother of James.</i> Now he is risen again indeed,<br /> +Jesus our Saviour,<br /> + Gone from the tomb.<br /> +Worship to him always;<br /> +He is Lord of heaven and earth,<br /> + Head of sovereignty.</p> + +<p><i>Mary Salome.</i> Hence go we to the city,<br /> +And let us say in every place<br /> + As we have seen:<br /> +That Jesus is risen,<br /> +And from the tomb forth gone,<br /> + To heaven really.</p> + +<p><i>Mary Magdalene.</i> Never to the city shall I go,<br /> +If I do find not my Lord,<br /> + Who was on the cross tree.<br /> +O Jesus, King of grace,<br /> + Joy to me once to see thee,<br /> + Amen, amen.</p> + +<p><i>Mary, Mother of James.</i> Mary, be with thee<br /> +All the blessings of women,<br /> + And the blessing of Jesus Son of grace;<br /> +Of full heart I pray him,<br /> +Joy and grace always good to do<br /> + To us now, from God the Father.</p> + +<p><i>Mary Magdalene.</i> My blessing on ye also,<br /> +From Christ, as he is gone to the tomb,<br /> + Joy to ye to do well to-day.<br /> +Lord, give me the grace<br /> +Once to see thy face,<br /> + If it be thy will with thee.</p> + +<p><i>Mary Salome.</i> Amen, amen, let us seek<br /> +Christ, who redeemed us in pain,<br /> + With his flesh and with his blood;<br /> +Much pain he suffered,<br /> +For love of the people of the world,<br /> + As he is the King of power.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Here Mary, the mother of James, and Salome retire from the tomb, and +sit down a little way from it.</i></p> + +<p><i>Mary Magdalene.</i> He who made heaven, · as he is gone to the tomb,<br /> +After him · great is my desire.<br /> +Christ, hear my voice, · I pray also<br /> +That thou be with me · at my end.</p> + +<p>Lord Jesus, · give me the grace,<br /> +As I may be worthy · to find a meeting,<br /> +With thee to-day, · in some sure place,<br /> +That I may have a view · and sight of thy face.</p> + +<p>As thou art Creator · of heaven and earth,<br /> +And a Redeemer · to us always,<br /> +Christ my Saviour, · hear, if it regards thee<br /> +Disclose to me, · what I so much desire.</p> + +<p>Through great longing · I am quite weary,<br /> +And my body also, · bones and back.<br /> +Where is there to-night · any man who knows<br /> +Where I may yet find · Christ full of sorrow.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>She goes to the garden.</i></p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Enter the Gardener.</i></p> + +<p><i>Gardener</i> (<i>Jesus</i>). O woeful woman, · where goest thou?<br /> +For grief thou prayest, · cry out thou dost.<br /> +Weep not nor shriek, · he whom thou seekest<br /> +Thou didst dry his feet · with thy two plaits.</p> + +<p><i>Mary Magdalene.</i> Good lord, · if thou hast chanced to see<br /> +Christ my Saviour, · where is he truly?<br /> +To see him · I give thee my land;<br /> +Jesus, Son of grace, · hear my desire.</p> + +<p><i>Gardener.</i> O Mary, · as I know thee to be<br /> +Within this world, · one of his blood,<br /> +If thou shouldst see him · before thee,<br /> +Couldst thou · know him?</p> + +<p><i>Mary Magdalene.</i> Well I do, · know the form<br /> +Of the son of Mary, · named Jesus;<br /> +Since I see him not · in any place,<br /> +I feel sorrow; · else I would not sing "alas!"</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>And then Jesus shall shew his side to Mary Magdalene, and say:</i></p> + +<p><i>Gardener.</i> Mary, see · my five wounds,<br /> +Believe me truly · to be risen;<br /> +To thee I give thanks · for thy desire,<br /> +Joy in the land · there shall be truly.</p> + +<p><i>Mary Magdalene.</i> O dear Lord, · who wast on the cross tree,<br /> +To me it becomes not · to kiss thy head.<br /> +I would pray thee · let me dare<br /> +Now to kiss · once thy feet.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Woman, touch me not!</i>]</p> + +<p><i>Gardener.</i> O woeful woman, · touch me not near,<br /> +No, it will not serve, · nor be for gain;<br /> + The time is not come;<br /> +Until I go · to heaven to my Father,<br /> +And I will return · again to my country,--<br /> + To speak with thee.</p> + +<p><i>Mary Magdalene.</i> Christ, hear my voice, · say the hour<br /> +That thou comest from heaven · again to earth<br /> + To speak with us.<br /> +Thy disciples · are very sad,<br /> +And the Jews · with violence always<br /> + Are round about them.</p> + +<p><i>Gardener.</i> O Mary, · tell them,<br /> + Truly I go · to Galilee,<br /> + As I said;<br /> +And besides that, · bear in memory to speak<br /> +Good comfort · to Peter by me;<br /> + Much he is loved.</p> +</div> + + +<div id="mary_mag" class="chapter"> +<h2>THE CORNISH MYSTERY-PLAY OF MARY MAGDALENE</h2> + +<h4>AND HOW SHE BROUGHT THE NEWS OF THE RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD JESUS +CHRIST TO THE APOSTLES</h4> + + + +<h3>CHARACTERS</h3> + +<ul class="charlist"> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Jesus</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Mary Magdalene</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Thomas</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Peter</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Andrew</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">John</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">James the Greater</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">James the Less</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Matthew</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Philip</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Simon</span></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Judah</span></li> +</ul> + + + +<h3>THE MYSTERY OF MARY MAGDALENE AND THE APOSTLES</h3> + + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Now Mary comes to the apostles, and says to them in Galilee:</i></p> + +<p><i>Mary Magdalene.</i> Now, O apostles,<br /> + I will tell you news:<br /> +Jesus is risen from the tomb;<br /> + I saw him lately,<br /> +I spoke to him also,<br /> + I looked on his wounds,<br /> +Pitiful it was to see them;<br /> + To the world they bring healing.</p> + +<p><i>Thomas.</i> Silence, woman, with thy tales,<br /> + And speak truth, as I pray thee;<br /> +Christ who was cruelly slain,<br /> + To be alive I will not believe;<br /> +Waste no more words,<br /> + For lies I do not love;<br /> +Our Lord is dead;<br /> + Alas! I tell the truth.</p> + +<p><i>Mary Magdalene.</i> I speak true, Thomas,<br /> + And I, though poor, will prove it.<br /> +Lately I saw him,--<br /> + The Lord (none equal to him),<br /> +And by me he sent,<br /> + I swear to ye, as ye may know,<br /> +Like as he promised;<br /> + He named to me none but Peter.</p> + +<p><i>Thomas.</i> Silence, and speak not, woman!<br /> +I pray thee, mockery with us<br /> + Now do not make;<br /> +Stout though Castle Maudlen be,<br /> +If thou mock, I will break thy head<br /> + About thee from above.</p> + +<p><i>Mary Magdalene.</i> I will not be silent from fear<br /> +I will prove it true what I say<br /> + Before <i>we</i> separate.<br /> +Like as he is King of heaven,<br /> +He is with God the Father,<br /> + On his right side.</p> + +<p><i>Peter.</i> Ah! Jesus Christ, happy am I<br /> +To hear that he is risen<br /> + Out of the tomb;<br /> +For I know very well<br /> +That he is son to Mary,<br /> + And God likewise.</p> + +<p><i>Thomas.</i> Peter, peace, and leave thy mockery,<br /> +For idle it is to say<br /> + That he is risen.<br /> +Never can, for the world,<br /> +Any man be raised<br /> + After dying.</p> + +<p><i>James the Greater.</i> Thomas, very well it may be;<br /> +The Son of God will rise<br /> + When he will;<br /> +For Jesus, Son of Mary,<br /> +He made heaven, and this world,<br /> + And every thing that was not.</p> + +<p><i>Thomas.</i> O James, it is no use for thee;<br /> +A man who is dead certainly<br /> + Does not live again.<br /> +Foolish idleness, not to leave it,<br /> +But to go to assert<br /> + A thing of no benefit.</p> + +<p><i>John.</i> O Thomas, thou art a fool;<br /> +That is the belief of all:<br /> + Jesus Christ after dying,<br /> +To be put into the ground;<br /> +After that to rise again<br /> + At the end of three days, and to stand up.</p> + +<p><i>Thomas.</i> O John, be not absurd,<br /> +For my wonder,--it is great,<br /> + That thou shouldst speak folly.<br /> +Christ through sufferings was<br /> +Indeed put to death on the cross tree;<br /> + My curse on him that did it!</p> + +<p><i>Bartholomew.</i> Thomas, believe me, though I am gray;<br /> +Man could not have power<br /> + To put him to death.<br /> +For us he would die,<br /> +And go into the tomb, and rise,<br /> + To carry all Christians to heaven.</p> + +<p><i>Thomas.</i> O Bartte, thou art mad<br /> +And fond beyond all men<br /> + Who are fools.<br /> +God, without dying, might have<br /> +Caused all men to be saved,<br /> + Over all the world.</p> + +<p><i>Matthew.</i> That is true, he could<br /> +Destroy every thing again,<br /> + That it be no more.<br /> +But nevertheless for us,<br /> +Christ wished to go into the ground,<br /> + And to live again.</p> + +<p><i>Thomas.</i> And thou art a fool, Matthew;<br /> +If thou art wise thou wilt be silent,<br /> + And withdraw.<br /> +He lives not, through all thy words,<br /> +When I saw him, he was dead<br /> + On the cross tree.</p> + +<p><i>Philip.</i> Alas! to be so foolish!<br /> +Crooked, wilt thou not believe<br /> + The Head of sovereignty;<br /> +And he saying to us<br /> +That after dying he would rise<br /> + Out of the tomb?</p> + +<p><i>Thomas.</i> Sit silent, wilt thou, Philip,<br /> +For in faith thou swearest wrongly<br /> + About him.<br /> +Christ's limbs were bruised,<br /> +And on his body a thousand wounds;<br /> + Alas! he is not risen.</p> + +<p><i>James the Greater.</i> O do not say so,<br /> +That Jesus the best Lord<br /> + Cannot rise,<br /> +For very truly he is risen;<br /> +To be his servant thou art not worthy,<br /> + It appears well.</p> + +<p><i>Thomas.</i> O thou James, if he were alive<br /> +His servant I would be<br /> + Very joyfully.<br /> +But he is not alive, leave off thy noise;<br /> +The thorn even into his brain,<br /> + Went to his head.</p> + +<p><i>Simon.</i> Though the thorn went into his head,<br /> +And through his heart and side<br /> + The spear was seen,<br /> +Nevertheless need is to believe<br /> +Jesus Christ will rise again,<br /> + As he is true God.</p> + +<p><i>Thomas.</i> O Simon, do not speak a word;<br /> +Never, never, unhappily,<br /> + He has not risen again.<br /> +But if it were so,<br /> +Together we should all be<br /> + Exceedingly at ease.</p> + +<p><i>Judah.</i> Sir Thomas, it is so,<br /> +He has risen again to-day<br /> + Out of the tomb.<br /> +For if he should not rise again,<br /> +Never with us would there be<br /> + Joy without end.</p> + +<p><i>Thomas.</i> O Judah, Judah, leave thy belief;<br /> +His heart torn in pieces<br /> + I saw.<br /> +Notwithstanding what any man may say,<br /> +That same body will remain;<br /> + It has not risen.</p> + +<p><i>Andrew.</i> Peace, Thomas, and say not a word;<br /> +Very truly our dear Lord<br /> + Is risen again.<br /> +Surely too much thou hast disbelieved,<br /> +For Mary has spoken<br /> + With him to-day.</p> + +<p><i>Thomas.</i> Thou art a fool, Andrew;<br /> +The girl has told a lie,<br /> + Do not think otherwise.<br /> +That he ever rose again<br /> +I will not believe it.<br /> + As long as I am alive.</p> + +<p><i>Mary Magdalene.</i> I have not said an untrue word;<br /> +For to me all his wounds<br /> + He shewed.<br /> +And to that I will<br /> +Bear witness at all times,<br /> + That the tale is true.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Here let Thomas and Mary Magdalene go down.</i></p> + +<p><i>Thomas.</i> Notwithstanding vain words,<br /> +I do not believe thee; thou failest<br /> + To make me believe.<br /> +Though thou dost chatter so much,<br /> +Any thing from thee regards me not,<br /> + Though thou be busy.</p> + +<p><i>Mary Magdalene.</i> I tell thee the truth;<br /> + The angel said to us,<br /> + Surely at the tomb,<br /> +That he was risen up,<br /> +And was gone to the bright heaven,<br /> + With many angels.</p> + +<p><i>Thomas.</i> Peace, chattering woman, say no more;<br /> +I will not believe thee,<br /> + <i>That</i> is gone to heaven.<br /> +The body, which I saw dead,--<br /> +Great are my anxieties<br /> + After it.</p> + +<p><i>Mary Magdalene.</i> Surely Mary, mother of James,<br /> +And Mary Salome,<br /> + Will witness to me;<br /> +Like as I saw,<br /> +So I tell the tale to thee;<br /> + Do believe it.</p> + +<p><i>Thomas.</i> Never can it go into my heart,<br /> +That the body dead before us<br /> + Should rise again;<br /> +When I think on his passion,<br /> +Grief takes me immediately<br /> + For him, woe is me!</p> + +<p><i>Mary Magdalene.</i> There is to me wonder of thee,<br /> +That thy heart is so hard,<br /> + Thou believest it not.<br /> +If thou doest not believe it,<br /> +Never shalt thou come to the joy<br /> + Surely which is in heaven.</p> + +<p><i>Thomas.</i> Silence thou, now, for shame;<br /> +With Jesus thou hast no secrets:<br /> + Surely not! I believe<br /> +Thou art a sinner, without a mistake;<br /> +The greatest that was in the country<br /> + By every body thou wast called.</p> + +<p><i>Mary Magdalene.</i> I have been a sinner;<br /> +I have sinned wondrous much;<br /> +On Jesus I cried,<br /> + That he would forgive me my trespass;<br /> +And he said to me,<br /> +Thy sin is forgiven to thee,<br /> +Through thy faith thou art saved:<br /> + Now no more, do not sin.<br /> + Thomas, thou art very stupid,<br /> +Because thou wilt not believe<br /> +The Lord to have risen<br /> + Easter-day morning.<br /> +Who believes not shall not be saved,<br /> +Nor with God shall he dwell,<br /> +And for that, I pray thee,<br /> + Believe in time.</p> + +<hr /> + +<p><i>Thomas.</i> Hold thy prate, nor be busy,<br /> +For I will not believe thee;<br /> +The body was seen by me<br /> + Fastened on the cross with nails;<br /> +With a sharp spear they pierced him,<br /> +So that it passed through the heart;<br /> +To the earth the blood fell,<br /> + And made him soon dead.<br /> +That body cannot live,<br /> +Nor rise up again,<br /> + Surely, thou woman.<br /> +There is not any man of this world<br /> +Who shall make me now<br /> + Believe otherwise.</p> + +<p><i>Mary Magdalene.</i> Thomas, thou art mad,<br /> +And in madness lost;<br /> + Evil it is with me now.<br /> +I advise thee believe,<br /> +And if thou dost not, seriously,<br /> + Thou shalt have sharp repentance.</p> + +<p><i>Thomas.</i> With you since there is no peace,<br /> +From you I will go<br /> + My ways in the country.<br /> +Are ye not now fools?<br /> +So God help me,<br /> + I love not lies.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Then Jesus comes to the apostles, and says (in Galilee, the doors +being closed, he kisses them</i>):</p> + +<p><i>Jesus.</i> The peace of God, O apostles!<br /> +I, Christ, to rise from the tomb,<br /> + Believe well;<br /> +For certainly as many as believe it,<br /> +And are faithfully baptized,<br /> + Shall be saved.</p> + +<p><i>Peter.</i> O dear Lord, happy is my lot<br /> +To see thee risen again,<br /> + Jesus, though I denied thee.<br /> +Abundant mercy, I pray,<br /> +As the Jews are always<br /> + Here laying snares for us.<br /> + Jesus, Lord of heaven and earth,<br /> +And Saviour to us also,<br /> +Pardon me my trespass,<br /> + For great are my sorrows.<br /> +For sharp repentance falls on me<br /> +For denying thee: now<br /> +Mercy I pray at all times,<br /> + Certainly, with full heart.</p> + +<p><i>Jesus.</i> Peter, pardon thou shalt get,<br /> +For thy repentance is perfect,<br /> + Through the Holy Ghost.<br /> +Like as I redeemed thee dearly,<br /> +Strengthen also thy brethren<br /> + In full belief.</p> + +<p><i>John.</i> O Lord, I am glad<br /> +That thou wouldst come with us<br /> + Hither, for our joy;<br /> +That I will say likewise,<br /> +We are, through great longing,<br /> + After thee pining.</p> + +<p><i>Jesus.</i> From you I go to my country;<br /> +At the right side of God the Father,<br /> + I shall sit.<br /> +To strengthen you in belief,<br /> +To you the comfort of the Holy Ghost<br /> + I shall send.</p> + +<p><i>James the Greater.</i> Lord, it is wonderful;<br /> +When thou comest, Jesus powerful,<br /> + To look at us,<br /> +And to speak peace to us,<br /> +Though they were fast, thou didst open<br /> + Our doors.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Here Jesus goes away from the apostles.</i></p> + +<p>He is the Lord of power,<br /> +And he has purchased with his blood<br /> + The people of the world;<br /> +That Jesus Christ is risen again,--<br /> +A day is coming that shall tell<br /> + All them that do believe it not!</p> +</div> + + +<div id="wakefield_hell" class="chapter"> +<h2>THE WAKEFIELD PAGEANT OF THE HARROWING OF HELL</h2> + +<h4>OR</h4> + +<h3>EXTRACTION OF SOULS FROM HELL</h3> + + + +<h3>CHARACTERS</h3> + +<ul class="charlist smallcaps"> +<li>Jesus</li> +<li>Adam</li> +<li>Eve</li> +<li>Simeon</li> +<li>John the Baptist</li> +<li>Moses</li> +<li>Esaias</li> +<li>David</li> +<li>Ribald</li> +<li>Beelzebub</li> +<li>Sathanas</li> +</ul> + + + +<h3>THE HARROWING OF HELL</h3> + +<h4>EXTRACTIO ANIMARUM</h4> + +<h4>AB INFERNO</h4> + +<h5>[<i>The Extraction of Souls from Hell.</i>]</h5> + + +<p><i>Jesus.</i> My fader<sup><a href="#fn_414" id="fna_414">414</a></sup> me from blys has send<br /> +Till's erthe for mankynde sake,<br /> +Adam mys<sup><a href="#fn_415" id="fna_415">415</a></sup> for to amend,<br /> +My deth nede must I take:</p> + +<p>I dwellyd ther thyrty yeres and two,<br /> +And som dele more, the sothe to say,<sup><a href="#fn_416" id="fna_416">416</a></sup><br /> +In anger, pyne, and mekylle wo,<br /> +I dyde on cros this day.</p> + +<p>Therefor tille helle now wille I go,<br /> +To chalange<sup><a href="#fn_417" id="fna_417">417</a></sup> that is myne,<br /> +Adam, Eve, and othere mo,<br /> +Thay shalle no longer dwelle in pyne;</p> + +<p>The feynde<sup><a href="#fn_418" id="fna_418">418</a></sup> theym wan withe trayn,<sup><a href="#fn_419" id="fna_419">419</a></sup><br /> +Thrughe fraude of earthly fode,<sup><a href="#fn_420" id="fna_420">420</a></sup><br /> +I have theym boght agan<br /> +With shedyng of my blode.</p> + +<p>And now I wille that stede<sup><a href="#fn_421" id="fna_421">421</a></sup> restore,<br /> +Whiche the feynde felle from for syn,<br /> +Som tokyn wille I send before,<br /> +Withe myrthe to gar<sup><a href="#fn_422" id="fna_422">422</a></sup> thare gammes begyn.</p> + +<p>A light I wille thay have,<br /> +To know I wille com sone;<br /> +My body shalle abyde in grave<br /> +Tille alle this dede be done.</p> + +<p> <i>Adam.</i> My brether, herkyn unto me here,<br /> +More hope of helth never we had,<br /> +Four thousand and six hundred yere<br /> +Have we bene in darknes stad;<sup><a href="#fn_423" id="fna_423">423</a></sup></p> + +<p>Now se I tokyns of solace sere,<sup><a href="#fn_424" id="fna_424">424</a></sup><br /> +A gloryous gleme to make us glad,<br /> +Wherthrughe I hope that help is nere,<br /> +That sone shalle slake<sup><a href="#fn_425" id="fna_425">425</a></sup> oure sorrowes sad.</p> + +<p><i>Eve.</i> Adam, my husband heynd,<sup><a href="#fn_426" id="fna_426">426</a></sup><br /> +This menys solace certan,<br /> +Siche lighte can on us leynd<sup><a href="#fn_427" id="fna_427">427</a></sup><br /> +In paradyse fulle playn.</p> + +<p><i>Isaias.</i> Adam, thrugh thi syn<br /> +Here were we put to dwelle,<br /> +This wykyd place within,<br /> +The name of it is helle;</p> + +<p>Here paynes shalle never blyn<sup><a href="#fn_428" id="fna_428">428</a></sup><br /> +That wykyd ar and felle,<br /> +Love, that lord, withe wyn<br /> +His lyfe for us wold selle.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Et cantent omnes "Salvator mundi" primum versum.</i><sup><a href="#fn_429" id="fna_429">429</a></sup></p> + +<p>Adam, thou welle understand,<br /> +I am Isaias, so Crist me kende,<sup><a href="#fn_430" id="fna_430">430</a></sup><br /> +I spake of folk in darknes walkand,<sup><a href="#fn_431" id="fna_431">431</a></sup><br /> +I saide a light shuld on them lende;</p> + +<p>This light is alle from Crist commande,<br /> +That he tille us has hethir sende,<br /> +Thus is my poynt proved in hand,<br /> +As I before to fold<sup><a href="#fn_432" id="fna_432">432</a></sup> it kende.</p> + +<p><i>Simeon.</i> So may I telle of farlys feylle,<sup><a href="#fn_433" id="fna_433">433</a></sup><br /> +For in the tempylle his freyndes me fande,<br /> +Me thoght dayntethe<sup><a href="#fn_434" id="fna_434">434</a></sup> with hym to deylle,<br /> +I halsyd<sup><a href="#fn_435" id="fna_435">435</a></sup> hym homely with my hand,</p> + +<p>I saide, Lord, let thi servandes leylle<sup><a href="#fn_436" id="fna_436">436</a></sup><br /> +Pas in peasse to lyf lastande,<sup><a href="#fn_437" id="fna_437">437</a></sup><br /> +Now that myn eeyn has sene thyn hele<sup><a href="#fn_438" id="fna_438">438</a></sup><br /> +No longer lyst<sup><a href="#fn_439" id="fna_439">439</a></sup> I lyf in lande.</p> + +<p>This light thou has purvayde<br /> +For theym that lyf in lede,<sup><a href="#fn_440" id="fna_440">440</a></sup><br /> +That I before of the have saide<br /> +I se it is fulfillyd in dede.</p> + +<p><i>Johannes Baptista.</i> As a voice cryand I kend<sup><a href="#fn_441" id="fna_441">441</a></sup><br /> +The wayes of Crist, as I welle can,<br /> +I baptisid hym with bothe myn hende<br /> +In the water of flume<sup><a href="#fn_442" id="fna_442">442</a></sup> Jordan;</p> + +<p>The Holy Gost from heven discende<br /> +As a white dowfe downe on me than,<br /> +The Fader voyce, oure myrthes to amende,<br /> +Was made to me lyke as a man;<sup><a href="#fn_443" id="fna_443">443</a></sup></p> + +<p>"Yond is my son," he saide,<br /> +"And whiche pleasses me fulle welle,"<br /> +His light is on us layde,<br /> +And commys oure karys to kele.<sup><a href="#fn_444" id="fna_444">444</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>Moyses.</i> Now this same nyght lernyng have I,<br /> +To me, Moyses, he shewid his myght,<br /> +And also to another one, Hely,<sup><a href="#fn_445" id="fna_445">445</a></sup><br /> +Where we stud on a hille on hyght,</p> + +<p>As whyte as snaw was his body,<br /> +His face was like the son for bright,<br /> +No man on mold<sup><a href="#fn_446" id="fna_446">446</a></sup> was so mighty<br /> +Grathly<sup><a href="#fn_447" id="fna_447">447</a></sup> durst loke agans<sup><a href="#fn_448" id="fna_448">448</a></sup> that light,<br /> +And that same lighte here se I now<br /> +Shynyng on us, certayn,<br /> +Wherethrughe truly I trow<br /> +That we shalle sone pas fro this payn.</p> + +<p><i>Rybald.</i> Sen fyrst that helle was mayde and I was put therin<br /> + Siche sorow never ere I had, nor hard I siche a dyn,<sup><a href="#fn_449" id="fna_449">449</a></sup><br /> +My hart begynnys to brade,<sup><a href="#fn_450" id="fna_450">450</a></sup> my wytt waxys thyn,<sup><a href="#fn_451" id="fna_451">451</a></sup><br /> + I drede we can not be glad, thise saules mon fro us twyn;<sup><a href="#fn_452" id="fna_452">452</a></sup></p> + +<p> How, Belsabub! bynde thise boys, siche "Harow"<sup><a href="#fn_453" id="fna_453">453</a></sup><br /> + was never hard in helle.</p> + +<p><i>Belzabub.</i> Out, Rybald! thou rorest what is betyd? can thou oght telle?</p> + +<p><i>Rybald.</i> Whi, herys<sup><a href="#fn_454" id="fna_454">454</a></sup> thou not this ugly noyse?<br /> +Thise lurdans<sup><a href="#fn_455" id="fna_455">455</a></sup> that in lymbo dwelle,<br /> +They make menyng<sup><a href="#fn_456" id="fna_456">456</a></sup> of many joyse,<br /> +And muster myrthes theym emelle.<sup><a href="#fn_457" id="fna_457">457</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>Belzabub.</i> Myrth? nay, nay! that poynt is past,<br /> +More hope of helthe shalle they never have.</p> + +<p><i>Rybald.</i> They cry on Crist fulle fast,<br /> +And says he shalle thaym save.</p> + +<p><i>Belzabub.</i> Yee, though he do not, I shalle,<br /> +For thay ar sparyd<sup><a href="#fn_458" id="fna_458">458</a></sup> in specyalle space,<br /> +Whils I am prynce and pryncypalle,<br /> +Thay shalle never pas out of this place;</p> + +<p>Calle up Astarot<sup><a href="#fn_459" id="fna_459">459</a></sup> and Anaballe,<br /> +To gyf us counselle in this case;<br /> +Belle, Berith and Bellyalle<sup><a href="#fn_460" id="fna_460">460</a></sup><br /> +To mar theym that siche mastry mase;<sup><a href="#fn_461" id="fna_461">461</a></sup></p> + +<p>Say to sir Satan oure syre,<br /> +And byd hym bryng also<br /> +Sir Lucyfer lufly of lyre.<sup><a href="#fn_462" id="fna_462">462</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>Rybald.</i> Alle redy, lord, I go.</p> + +<p><i>Jesus.</i> <i>Attolite portas, principes vestras, et elevamini portœ æternales, et introibit rex gloriæ.</i><sup><a href="#fn_463" id="fna_463">463</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>Rybald.</i> Out, harro,<sup><a href="#fn_464" id="fna_464">464</a></sup> out!--what deville is he<br /> +That callys hym kyng over us alle?<br /> +Hark Belzabub, com ne,<sup><a href="#fn_465" id="fna_465">465</a></sup><br /> +For hedusly<sup><a href="#fn_466" id="fna_466">466</a></sup> I hard hym calle.</p> + +<p><i>Belzabub.</i> Go spar the yates,<sup><a href="#fn_467" id="fna_467">467</a></sup> ylle mot thou the!<sup><a href="#fn_468" id="fna_468">468</a></sup><br /> +And set the waches<sup><a href="#fn_469" id="fna_469">469</a></sup> on the walle,<br /> +If that brodelle<sup><a href="#fn_470" id="fna_470">470</a></sup> come ne<br /> +With us ay won<sup><a href="#fn_471" id="fna_471">471</a></sup> he shalle:</p> + +<p>And if he more calle or cry,<br /> +To make us more debate,<br /> +Lay on hym hardlly,<br /> +And make hym go his gate.<sup><a href="#fn_472" id="fna_472">472</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>David.</i> Nay, withe hym may ye not fyght,<br /> +For he is king and conqueroure,<br /> +And of so mekille myght,<br /> +And styf in every stoure;<sup><a href="#fn_473" id="fna_473">473</a></sup></p> + +<p>Of hym commys alle this light<br /> +That shynys in this bowre;<br /> +He is fulle fers in fight,<br /> +Worthi to wyn honoure.</p> + +<p><i>Belzabub.</i> Honoure! harsto,<sup><a href="#fn_474" id="fna_474">474</a></sup> harlot, for what dede<br /> +Alle erthly men to me ar thralle,<sup><a href="#fn_475" id="fna_475">475</a></sup><br /> +That lad that thou callys lord in lede<sup><a href="#fn_476" id="fna_476">476</a></sup><br /> +He had never harbor, house, ne halle;</p> + +<p>How, sir Sathanas, com nar<br /> +And hark this cursid rowte!</p> + +<p><i>Sathanas.</i> The dewille you alle to har!<sup><a href="#fn_477" id="fna_477">477</a></sup><br /> +What ales the so to showte?<sup><a href="#fn_478" id="fna_478">478</a></sup><br /> +And see, if I com nar,<br /> +Thy brayn bot I bryst owte.<sup><a href="#fn_479" id="fna_479">479</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>Belzabub.</i> Thou must com help to spar,<sup><a href="#fn_480" id="fna_480">480</a></sup><br /> +We ar beseged abowte.</p> + +<p><i>Sathanas.</i> Besegyd aboute! whi, who durst be so bold<br /> +For drede to make on us a fray?</p> + +<p><i>Belzabub.</i> It is the Jew that Judas sold<br /> +For to be dede this othere day.</p> + +<p><i>Sathanas.</i> How, in tyme that tale was told,<br /> +That trature travesses<sup><a href="#fn_481" id="fna_481">481</a></sup> us alle way;<br /> +He shalle be here fulle hard in hold,<br /> +Bot loke he pas not I the pray.</p> + +<p><i>Belzabub.</i> Pas! nay, nay, he wille not weynde<sup><a href="#fn_482" id="fna_482">482</a></sup><br /> +From hens or it be war,<sup><a href="#fn_483" id="fna_483">483</a></sup><br /> +He shapys hym for to sheynd<sup><a href="#fn_484" id="fna_484">484</a></sup><br /> +Alle helle e'er he go far.</p> + +<p><i>Sathanas.</i> Fy, faturs,<sup><a href="#fn_485" id="fna_485">485</a></sup> therof shalle he faylle,<br /> +For alle his fare<sup><a href="#fn_486" id="fna_486">486</a></sup> I hym defy;<br /> +I know his trantes<sup><a href="#fn_487" id="fna_487">487</a></sup> fro top to taylle,<sup><a href="#fn_488" id="fna_488">488</a></sup><br /> +He lyffes by gawdes<sup><a href="#fn_489" id="fna_489">489</a></sup> and glory.</p> + +<p>Therby he broght furthe of oure baylle<sup><a href="#fn_490" id="fna_490">490</a></sup><br /> +The lathe<sup><a href="#fn_491" id="fna_491">491</a></sup> Lazare of Betany,<br /> +Bot to the Jues I gaf counsaylle<br /> +That thay shuld cause hym dy:</p> + +<p>I entered there into Judas<br /> +That forward<sup><a href="#fn_492" id="fna_492">492</a></sup> to fulfylle,<br /> +Therfor his hyere<sup><a href="#fn_493" id="fna_493">493</a></sup> he has<br /> +Alle wayes to won here stylle.<sup><a href="#fn_494" id="fna_494">494</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>Rybald.</i> Sir Sathan, sen we here the say<sup><a href="#fn_495" id="fna_495">495</a></sup><br /> +Thou and the Jues were at assent,<br /> +And wote,<sup><a href="#fn_496" id="fna_496">496</a></sup> he wan the Lazare away<br /> +That unto us was taken to tent,<sup><a href="#fn_497" id="fna_497">497</a></sup><br /> +Hopys thou that thou mar hym may<br /> +To muster<sup><a href="#fn_498" id="fna_498">498</a></sup> the malyce that he has ment?<br /> +For and he refe<sup><a href="#fn_499" id="fna_499">499</a></sup> us now oure pray<br /> +We wille ye witt e'er he is went.</p> + +<p><i>Sathanas.</i> I byd the noght abaste<sup><a href="#fn_500" id="fna_500">500</a></sup><br /> +Bot boldly make you bowne,<sup><a href="#fn_501" id="fna_501">501</a></sup><br /> +Withe toyles that ye intraste,<sup><a href="#fn_502" id="fna_502">502</a></sup><br /> + And dyng<sup><a href="#fn_503" id="fna_503">503</a></sup> that dastard downe.</p> + +<p><i>Jesus. Attolite portas, principes vestras, et elevamini portæ<br /> +æternales, et introibit rex gloriæ.</i><sup><a href="#fn_504" id="fna_504">504</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>Rybald.</i> Outt, harro!<sup><a href="#fn_505" id="fna_505">505</a></sup> what harlot is he<br /> +That says his kyngdom shal be cryde?</p> + +<p><i>David.</i> That may thou in sawter se,<sup><a href="#fn_506" id="fna_506">506</a></sup><br /> +For of this prynce thus err I saide;<sup><a href="#fn_507" id="fna_507">507</a></sup></p> + +<p>I saide that he shuld breke<br /> +Youre barres and bandes by name,<sup><a href="#fn_508" id="fna_508">508</a></sup><br /> +And of youre wareks take wreke;<sup><a href="#fn_509" id="fna_509">509</a></sup><br /> +Now shall thou se the same.</p> + +<p><i>Jesus.</i> Ye prynces of helle open youre yate,<br /> +And let my folk furthe gone,<br /> +A prynce of peasse shalle enter therat<br /> +Wheder ye wille or none.</p> + +<p><i>Rybald.</i> What art thou that spekys so?</p> + +<p><i>Jesus.</i> A kyng of blys that hight Jesus.</p> + +<p><i>Rybald.</i> Yee hens fast I red<sup><a href="#fn_510" id="fna_510">510</a></sup> thou go,<br /> +And melle<sup><a href="#fn_511" id="fna_511">511</a></sup> the not with us.</p> + +<p><i>Belzabub.</i> Oure yates<sup><a href="#fn_512" id="fna_512">512</a></sup> I trow wille last,<br /> +Thay ar so strong I weyn,<sup><a href="#fn_513" id="fna_513">513</a></sup><br /> +Bot if oure barres brast,<br /> +For the, thay shalle not twyn.<sup><a href="#fn_514" id="fna_514">514</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>Jesus.</i> This stede<sup><a href="#fn_515" id="fna_515">515</a></sup> shalle stande no longer stokyn;<sup><a href="#fn_516" id="fna_516">516</a></sup><br /> +Open up and let my pepille pas.</p> + +<p><i>Rybald.</i> Out, harro!<sup><a href="#fn_517" id="fna_517">517</a></sup> oure baylle is brokyn,<sup><a href="#fn_518" id="fna_518">518</a></sup><br /> +And brusten ar alle oure bandes of bras.</p> + +<p><i>Belzabub.</i> Harro! oure yates begyn to crak,<br /> +In sonder, I trow, thay go,<br /> +And helle, I trow, wille all to-shak;<br /> +Alas, what I am wo!<sup><a href="#fn_519" id="fna_519">519</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>Rybald.</i> Lymbo is lorn, alas!<br /> +Sir Sathanas, com up!<br /> +This wark is wars<sup><a href="#fn_520" id="fna_520">520</a></sup> than it was.</p> + +<p><i>Sathanas.</i> Yee, hangyd be thou on a cruke;<sup><a href="#fn_521" id="fna_521">521</a></sup></p> + +<p>Thefys, I bad ye shuld be bowne<sup><a href="#fn_522" id="fna_522">522</a></sup><br /> +If he maide mastres<sup><a href="#fn_523" id="fna_523">523</a></sup> more<br /> +To dyng<sup><a href="#fn_524" id="fna_524">524</a></sup> that dastard downe,<br /> +Sett<sup><a href="#fn_525" id="fna_525">525</a></sup> hym bothe sad and sore.</p> + +<p><i>Belzabub.</i> "So sett hym sore" that is sone saide.<br /> +Com thou thi self and serve hym so;<br /> +We may not abyde his bytter bradye,<sup><a href="#fn_526" id="fna_526">526</a></sup><br /> +He wold us mar and we were mo.<sup><a href="#fn_527" id="fna_527">527</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>Sathanas.</i> Fy, fature!<sup><a href="#fn_528" id="fna_528">528</a></sup> wherfore were ye flayd?<sup><a href="#fn_529" id="fna_529">529</a></sup><br /> +Have ye no force to flyt hym fro?<br /> +Loke in haste my gere be grayd,<sup><a href="#fn_530" id="fna_530">530</a></sup><br /> +My self shalle to that gadlyng go.<sup><a href="#fn_531" id="fna_531">531</a></sup></p> + +<p>How, thou belamy, abyde,<sup><a href="#fn_532" id="fna_532">532</a></sup><br /> +Withe alle thi boste and beyr,<sup><a href="#fn_533" id="fna_533">533</a></sup><br /> +And telle me in this tyde<br /> +What mastres<sup><a href="#fn_523" id="fna_523-2">523</a></sup> thou makes here.</p> + +<p><i>Jesus.</i> I make no mastry bot for myne,<br /> +I wille theym save, that shalle the sow,<br /> +Thou has no powere theym to pyne,<sup><a href="#fn_534" id="fna_534">534</a></sup><br /> +Bot in my pryson for thare prow<sup><a href="#fn_535" id="fna_535">535</a></sup></p> + +<p>Here have thay sojornyd,--not as thyne,<br /> +Bot in thi wayrd,<sup><a href="#fn_536" id="fna_536">536</a></sup> thou wote as how.</p> + +<p><i>Sathanas.</i> Why, where has thou hene ay syn<sup><a href="#fn_537" id="fna_537">537</a></sup><br /> +That never wold neghe<sup><a href="#fn_538" id="fna_538">538</a></sup> theym nere e'er now?</p> + +<p><i>Jesus.</i> Now is the tyme certan<br /> +My Fader ordand herfor,<sup><a href="#fn_539" id="fna_539">539</a></sup><br /> +That they shuld pas fro payn<br /> +In blys to dwelle for ever more.</p> + +<p><i>Sathanas.</i> Thy fader knew I welle by syght,<br /> +He was a wright his meett to wyn,<sup><a href="#fn_540" id="fna_540">540</a></sup><br /> +Mary, me mynnys,<sup><a href="#fn_541" id="fna_541">541</a></sup> thi moder hight,<br /> +The utmast ende of alle thy kyn:</p> + +<p>Say who made the so mekille<sup><a href="#fn_542" id="fna_542">542</a></sup> of myght?</p> + +<p><i>Jesus.</i> Thou wykyd feynde lett be thi dy[n],<br /> +My Fader wonnes<sup><a href="#fn_543" id="fna_543">543</a></sup> in heven on hight,<br /> +In blys that never more shalle blyn:<sup><a href="#fn_544" id="fna_544">544</a></sup><br /> +I am his oonly son his forward<sup><a href="#fn_545" id="fna_545">545</a></sup> to fulfylle,<br /> +Togeder wille we won, in sonder when we wylle.</p> + +<p><i>Sathanas.</i> Goddes son! nay, then myght thou be glad<br /> +For no catelle thurt the crave;<sup><a href="#fn_546" id="fna_546">546</a></sup><br /> +Bot thou has lyffed ay lyke a lad,<br /> +In sorow, and as a sympille<sup><a href="#fn_547" id="fna_547">547</a></sup> knave.</p> + +<p><i>Jesus.</i> That was for the hartly<sup><a href="#fn_548" id="fna_548">548</a></sup> luf I had<br /> +Unto man's saulle, it for to save,<br /> +And for to make thee masyd<sup><a href="#fn_549" id="fna_549">549</a></sup> and mad,<br /> +And for that reson rufully to rafe.<sup><a href="#fn_550" id="fna_550">550</a></sup></p> + +<p>My Godhede here I hyd<br /> +In Mary, moder myne,<br /> +Where it shalle never be kyd<sup><a href="#fn_551" id="fna_551">551</a></sup><br /> +To the, ne none of thyne.<sup><a href="#fn_552" id="fna_552">552</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>Sathanas.</i> How now? this wold I were told in towne,<br /> +Thou says God is thi syre;<br /> +I shalle the prove by good reson<br /> +Thou moyttes<sup><a href="#fn_553" id="fna_553">553</a></sup> as man dos into myre.</p> + +<p>To breke thi byddyng they were fulle bowne,<sup><a href="#fn_554" id="fna_554">554</a></sup><br /> +And soon they wroght at my desyre,<br /> +From paradise thou putt thym downe,<br /> +In helle here to have thare hyre;<sup><a href="#fn_555" id="fna_555">555</a></sup></p> + +<p>And thou thi self, by day and nyght,<br /> +Taght<sup><a href="#fn_556" id="fna_556">556</a></sup> ever alle men emang,<br /> +Ever to do reson and right,<br /> +And here thou wyrkys<sup><a href="#fn_557" id="fna_557">557</a></sup> alle wrang.</p> + +<p><i>Jesus.</i> I wyrk no wrang, that shalle thou wytt.<sup><a href="#fn_558" id="fna_558">558</a></sup><br /> +If I my men fro wo wille wyn;<sup><a href="#fn_559" id="fna_559">559</a></sup><br /> +My prophettes playnly prechyd it,<br /> +Alle the noytys<sup><a href="#fn_560" id="fna_560">560</a></sup> that I begyn;</p> + +<p>They saide that I shud be that ilke<br /> +In helle where I shud entre in,<br /> +To save my servandes fro that pytt<br /> +Where dampynyd saullys<sup><a href="#fn_561" id="fna_561">561</a></sup> shalle syt for syn.</p> + +<p>And ilke true prophete taylle<sup><a href="#fn_562" id="fna_562">562</a></sup><br /> +Shalle be fulfillid in me;<br /> +I have thaym boght fro baylle,<sup><a href="#fn_563" id="fna_563">563</a></sup><br /> +In blis now shalle thay be.</p> + +<p><i>Sathanas.</i> Now since thou list to legge the lawes<sup><a href="#fn_564" id="fna_564">564</a></sup><br /> +Thou shalbe tenyd or we twyn,<sup><a href="#fn_565" id="fna_565">565</a></sup><br /> +For those that thou to witnes drawes<br /> +Fulle even agans the shalle begyn;</p> + +<p>As Salaman saide in his sawes,<sup><a href="#fn_566" id="fna_566">566</a></sup><br /> +Who that ones commys helle within<br /> +He shalle never owte, as clerkes knawes<br /> +Therfor, belamy, let be thy dyn.<sup><a href="#fn_567" id="fna_567">567</a></sup><br /> +Job thi servande also<br /> +In his tyme can telle<br /> +That nawder freynde nor fo<br /> +Shalle fynde relese in helle.<sup><a href="#fn_568" id="fna_568">568</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>Jesus.</i> He sayde fulle soythe, that shalle thou se,<br /> +In helle shalbe no relese,<br /> +Bot of that place then ment he<br /> +Where synfulle care shalle ever encrese.</p> + +<p>In that baylle ay shalle thou be,<br /> +Where sorrowes seyr shalle never sesse<sup><a href="#fn_569" id="fna_569">569</a></sup><br /> +And my folk that wer most fre<sup><a href="#fn_570" id="fna_570">570</a></sup><br /> +Shalle pas unto the place of peasse;</p> + +<p>For thay were here with my wille,<br /> +And so thay shalle furthe weynde,<sup><a href="#fn_571" id="fna_571">571</a></sup><br /> +Thou shalle thi self fulfylle,<br /> +Ever wo withoutten ende.</p> + +<p><i>Sathanas.</i> Whi, and wille thou take theym alle me fro?<sup><a href="#fn_572" id="fna_572">572</a></sup><br /> +Then thynk me<sup><a href="#fn_573" id="fna_573">573</a></sup> thou ar unkynde;<br /> +Nay, I pray the do not so,<br /> +Umthynke<sup><a href="#fn_574" id="fna_574">574</a></sup> the better in thy mynde,</p> + +<p>Or els let me with the go;<br /> +I pray the leyfe me not behynde.</p> + +<p><i>Jesus.</i> Nay, tratur, thou shalle won in wo,<sup><a href="#fn_575" id="fna_575">575</a></sup><br /> +And tille a stake<sup><a href="#fn_576" id="fna_576">576</a></sup> I shalle the bynde.</p> + +<p><i>Sathanas.</i> Now here I how thou menys<sup><a href="#fn_577" id="fna_577">577</a></sup> emang<br /> +With mesure and malyce for to melle,<sup><a href="#fn_578" id="fna_578">578</a></sup><br /> +Bot sen thou says it shalbe lang,<br /> +Yit som let alle wayes with us dwelle.</p> + +<p><i>Jesus.</i> Yis, witt thou welle, els were greatt wrang,<br /> +Thou shalle have Caym<sup><a href="#fn_579" id="fna_579">579</a></sup> that slo Abelle,<br /> +And alle that hastes theym self to hang,<br /> +As dyd Judas and Architophelle;<br /> +And Daton and Abaron and alle of thare assent,<sup><a href="#fn_580" id="fna_580">580</a></sup><br /> +Cursyd tyranttes ever ilkon<sup><a href="#fn_581" id="fna_581">581</a></sup> that me and myn tormente.</p> + +<p>And alle that wille not lere<sup><a href="#fn_582" id="fna_582">582</a></sup> my law<br /> +That I have left in land for new<sup><a href="#fn_583" id="fna_583">583</a></sup><br /> +That makes my commyng knaw,<sup><a href="#fn_584" id="fna_584">584</a></sup><br /> +And alle my sacramentes persew;</p> + +<p>My deth, my rysyng, red by raw,<sup><a href="#fn_585" id="fna_585">585</a></sup><br /> +Who trow thaym not thay ar untrewe,<br /> +Unto my dome<sup><a href="#fn_586" id="fna_586">586</a></sup> I shalle theym draw,<br /> +And juge thaym wars<sup><a href="#fn_587" id="fna_587">587</a></sup> then any Jew.<br /> +And thay that lyst to lere my law and lyf therby<br /> +Shalle never have harmes here, bot welth as is worthy.</p> + +<p><i>Sathanas.</i> Now here my hand, I hold me payde,<br /> +Thise poyntes ar playnly for my prow,<sup><a href="#fn_588" id="fna_588">588</a></sup><br /> +If this be trew as thou has saide<br /> +We shalle have mo then we have now;</p> + +<p>Thise lawes that thou has late here laide<br /> +I shalle thym lere not to alow,<sup><a href="#fn_589" id="fna_589">589</a></sup><br /> +If thay myn take<sup><a href="#fn_590" id="fna_590">590</a></sup> thay ar betraide,<br /> +And I shalle turne thym tytte I trow.<sup><a href="#fn_591" id="fna_591">591</a></sup></p> + +<p>I shalle walk eest, I shalle walk west,<br /> +And gar theym wyrk welle war.<sup><a href="#fn_592" id="fna_592">592</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>Jesus.</i> Nay feynde, thou shalbe feste,<sup><a href="#fn_593" id="fna_593">593</a></sup><br /> +That thou shalle flyt no far.<sup><a href="#fn_594" id="fna_594">594</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>Sathanas.</i> Feste? fy! that were a wykyd treson!<br /> +Belamy, thou shalle be smytt.<sup><a href="#fn_595" id="fna_595">595</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>Jesus.</i> Deville, I commaunde the to go downe<br /> +Into thi sete where thou shalle syt.</p> + +<p><i>Sathanas.</i> Alas! for doylle<sup><a href="#fn_596" id="fna_596">596</a></sup> and care,<br /> +I synk into helle pyt.</p> + +<p><i>Rybald.</i> Sir Sathanas, so saide I are,<sup><a href="#fn_597" id="fna_597">597</a></sup><br /> +Now shalle thou have a fytt.</p> + +<p><i>Jesus.</i> Com now furthe, my childer alle,<br /> +I forgyf you youre mys;<sup><a href="#fn_598" id="fna_598">598</a></sup><br /> +Withe me now go ye shalle<br /> +To joy and endles blys.</p> + +<p><i>Adam.</i> Lord, thou art fulle mekylle of myght,<sup><a href="#fn_599" id="fna_599">599</a></sup><br /> +That mekys thi self on this manere,<br /> +To help us alle as thou had us hight,<br /> +When bothe frofett I and my fere;<sup><a href="#fn_600" id="fna_600">600</a></sup></p> + +<p>Here have we dwelt withoutten light<br /> +Four thousand and six hundreth yere,<br /> +Now se we by this solempne sight<br /> +How that mercy makes us dere.</p> + +<p><i>Eva.</i> Lord, we were worthy more tornamentes<sup><a href="#fn_601" id="fna_601">601</a></sup> to tast,<sup><a href="#fn_602" id="fna_602">602</a></sup><br /> +Thou help us lord of thy mercy, as thou of myght is mast.<sup><a href="#fn_603" id="fna_603">603</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>Johannes.</i> Lord, I love the inwardly,<br /> +That me wold make thi messyngere,<br /> +Thi commyng in erthe to cry,<br /> +And teche thi fayth to folk in fere;<sup><a href="#fn_604" id="fna_604">604</a></sup></p> + +<p>Sythen before the forto dy,<sup><a href="#fn_605" id="fna_605">605</a></sup><br /> +To bryng theym bodword<sup><a href="#fn_606" id="fna_606">606</a></sup> that be here,<br /> +How thay shuld have thi help in hy,<br /> +Now se I alle those poyntes appere.</p> + +<p><i>Moyses.</i> David, thi prophette trew,<br /> +Of tymes told unto us;<br /> +Of thi commyng he knew,<br /> +And saide it shuld be thus.</p> + +<p><i>David.</i> As I said ere yit say I so,<br /> +<i>Ne derelinquas, domine,<br /> +Animam meam in inferno</i>;<sup><a href="#fn_607" id="fna_607">607</a></sup><br /> +Leyfe never my saulle, Lord, after the,</p> + +<p>In depe helle whedur<sup><a href="#fn_608" id="fna_608">608</a></sup> dampned shalle go<br /> +Suffre thou never thi sayntes to se<br /> +The sorrow of thaym that won in wo,<sup><a href="#fn_609" id="fna_609">609</a></sup><br /> +Ay, fulle of fylthe, and may not fle.<sup><a href="#fn_610" id="fna_610">610</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>Moyses.</i> Make myrthe bothe more and les,<br /> +And love oure lord we may,<br /> +That has broght us fro bytternes<br /> +In blys to abyde for ay.</p> + +<p><i>Ysaias.</i> Therfor now let us syng<br /> +To love oure lord Jesus,<br /> +Unto his blys he wille us bryng,<br /> + <i>Te Deum laudamus.</i></p> +</div> + + +<div id="promises" class="chapter"> +<h2>THE INTERLUDE OF "GOD'S PROMISES"</h2> + +<h4>BY JOHN BALE</h4> + + + +<h3>CHARACTERS</h3> + +<ul class="charlist"> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Pater Cœlestis</span> <i>The Heavenly Father</i></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Adam Primus Homo</span> <i>Adam, the First Man</i></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Justus Noah</span> <i>Just Noah</i></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Abraham Fidelis</span> <i>Faithful Abraham</i></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Moses Sanctus</span> <i>Saint Moses</i></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">David Rex Pius</span> <i>The Pious King, David</i></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Esaias Propheta</span> <i>The Prophet Isaiah</i></li> +<li><span class="smallcaps">Baleus Prolocutor</span> <i>John Bale, who speaks the Prologue</i></li> +</ul> + + +<h3>GOD'S PROMISES</h3> + + +<p><i>A Tragedy or interlude manifesting the chief promises of God unto man +by all ages in the old law, from the Fall of Adam to the Incarnation of +the Lord Jesus Christ. Compiled by John Bale, (Anno Domini MDXXXVIII.).</i></p> + + +<p><i>Baleus Prolocutor.</i> If profit may grow, most Christian audience,<br /> +By knowledge of things which are but transitory,<br /> +And here for a time, of much more congruence,<br /> +Advantage might spring, by the search of causes heavenly,<br /> +As those matters are that the gospel specify.<br /> +Without whose knowledge no man to the truth can fall,<br /> +Nor ever attain to the life perpetual,<br /> + For he that knoweth not the living God eternal<br /> +The Father, the Son and also the Holy Ghost,<br /> +And what Christ suffered for redemption of us all,<br /> +What he commanded, and taught in every coast,<br /> +And what he forbode, that man must needs be lost,<br /> +And clean secluded, from the faithful chosen sort,<br /> +In the Heavens above, to his most high discomfort.<br /> + You therefore, good friends, I lovingly exhort,<br /> +To weigh such matters as will be uttered here,<br /> +Of whom ye may look to have no trifling sport<br /> +In fantasies feigned, nor such-like gaudy gear,<br /> +But the things that shall your inward stomach cheer.<br /> +To rejoice in God for your justification,<br /> +And alone in Christ to hope for your salvation.<br /> + Yea first ye shall have the eternal generation<br /> +Of Christ, like as John in his first chapter write,<br /> +And consequently of man the first creation<br /> +The abuse and fall, through his first oversight,<br /> +And the rise-again through God's high grace and might;<br /> +By promises first which shall be declared all:<br /> +Then by his own Son, the worker principal.<br /> + After that, Adam bewaileth here his fall;<br /> +God will shew mercy to every generation,<br /> +And to his kingdom of his great goodness call<br /> +His elected spouse, or faithful congregation,<br /> +As shall appear by open protestation,<br /> +Which from Christ's birth shall to his death conclude:<br /> +They come, that thereof will shew the certitude.</p> + + + +<p>ACT I</p> + +<p>ADAM THE FIRST MAN</p> + + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> In the beginning before the heavens were create,<br /> +In me and of me was my Son sempiternal<br /> +With the Holy Ghost, in one degree or estate<br /> +Of the high Godhead, to me the Father coequal<br /> +And this my Son was with me one God essential<br /> +Without separation at any time from me.<br /> +True God he is of equal dignity.<br /> +Since the beginning my Son hath ever been<br /> +Joined with his father in one essential being.<br /> +All things were create by him in each degree,<br /> +In heaven and earth and have their diverse working:<br /> +Without his power, was never made any thing<br /> +That was wrought; but through his ordinance<br /> +Each have his strength, and whole continuance.<br /> + In him is the life and the just recoverance<br /> +For Adam and his, which nought but death deserved.<br /> +And this life to men is an high perseverance<br /> +Or a light of faith, whereby they shall be saved.<br /> +And this light shall shine among the people darkened<br /> +With unfaithfulness. Yet shall they not with him take<br /> +But of wilful heart his liberal grace forsake.<br /> +Which will compel me against man for to make<br /> +In my displeasure, and send plagues of correction<br /> +Most grievous and sharp, his wanton lusts to slake,<br /> +By water and fire, by sickness and infection<br /> +Of pestilent sores, molesting his complexion;<br /> +By troublous war, by dearth and painful scarceness,<br /> +And after this life by an extreme heaviness.<br /> +I will first begin with Adam for his lewdness<br /> +Which for an apple neglected my commandment.<br /> +He shall continue in labour for his rashness,<br /> +His only sweat shall provide his food and raiment:<br /> +Yea, yet must he have a greater punishment,<br /> +Most terrible death shall bring him to his end<br /> +To teach him how he his Lord God shall offend.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Here Adam falls headlong upon the earth and after rolling over four +times, at last gets up.</i></p> + +<p><i>Adam.</i> Merciful Father, thy pitiful grace extend<br /> +To me, careful wretch, which have me sore abused<br /> +Thy precept breaking, O Lord, I mean to amend,<br /> +If now thy great goodness would have me excused,<br /> +Most heavenly Maker, let me not be refused,<br /> +Nor cast from thy sight for one poor sinful crime;<br /> +Alas! I am frail, my whole kind is but slime.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> I wot it is so, yet art thou no less faulty<br /> +Than thou hadst been made of matter much more worthy.<br /> +I gave thee reason and wit to understand<br /> +The good from the evil, and not to take on hand<br /> +Of a brainless mind, the thing which I forbade thee.</p> + +<p><i>Adam.</i> Such heavy fortune hath chiefly chanced me<br /> +For that I was left to mine own liberty.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> Then thou are blameless, and the fault thou layest to me?</p> + +<p><i>Adam.</i> Nay, all I ascribe to my own imbecility.<br /> +No fault in thee Lord but in my infirmity,<br /> +And want of respect in such gifts as thou gavest me.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> For that I put thee at thine own liberty,<br /> +Thou oughtest my goodness to have in more regard.</p> + +<p><i>Adam.</i> Avoid it I cannot, thou layest it to me so hard.<br /> +Lord, now I perceive what power is in man,<br /> +And strength of himself, when thy sweet grace is absent,<br /> +He must needs but fall, do he the best he can,<br /> +And endanger himself, as appeareth evident;<br /> +For I sinned not so long as thou wert present;<br /> +But when thou wert gone, I fell to sin by and by,<br /> +And thee displeased. Good Lord, I ask thee mercy.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> Thou shalt die for it and all thy posterity.</p> + +<p><i>Adam.</i> For one fault, good Lord, avenge not thyself on me,<br /> +Who am but a worm, or a fleshly vanity.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> I say thou shalt die with thy whole posterity.</p> + +<p><i>Adam.</i> Yet mercy, sweet Lord, if any mercy may be.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> I am immutable, I may change no decree.<br /> +Thou shalt die, I say, without any remedy.</p> + +<p><i>Adam.</i> Yet gracious Father, extend to me thy mercy,<br /> +And throw not away the work which thou hast create<br /> +To thine own image, but avert from me thy hate.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> But art thou sorry from bottom of thy heart?</p> + +<p><i>Adam.</i> Thy displeasure is to me most heavy smart.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> Then will I tell thee what thou shalt stick unto,<br /> +Life to recover, and my good favour also.</p> + +<p><i>Adam.</i> Tell it me, sweet Lord, that I may thereafter go.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> This is my covenant to thee and all thy offspring.<br /> +For that thou hast been deceived by the serpent,<br /> +I will put hatred betwixt him for his doing<br /> +And the woman kind. They shall hereafter dissent;<br /> +His seed with her seed shall never have agreement;<br /> +Her seed shall press down his head unto the ground,<br /> +Slay his suggestions, and his whole power confound.<br /> + Cleave to this promise with all thy inward power,<br /> +Firmly enclose it in thy remembrance fast,<br /> +Fold it in thy faith with full hope, day and hour,<br /> +And thy salvation it will be at the last.<br /> +That seed shall clear thee of all thy wickedness past,<br /> +And procure thy peace, with most high grace in my sight,<br /> +See thou trust to it and hold not the matter light.</p> + +<p><i>Adam.</i> Sweet lord, the promise that thyself here hath made me,<br /> +Of thy mere goodness and not of my deserving,<br /> +In my faith I trust shall so established be,<br /> +By help of thy grace, that it shall be remaining<br /> +So long as I shall have here continuing;<br /> +And shew it I will to my posterity<br /> +That they in like case have thereby felicity.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> For a closing up, take yet one sentence with thee.</p> + +<p><i>Adam.</i> At thy pleasure, Lord, all things might ever be.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> For that my promise may have the deeper effect<br /> +In the faith of thee and all thy generation,<br /> +Take this sign with it, as a seal thereto connect.<br /> +Creep shall the serpent, for his abomination,<br /> +The woman shall sorrow in painful propagation.<br /> +Like as thou shalt find this true in outward working,<br /> +So think the other, though it be a hidden thing.</p> + +<p><i>Adam.</i> Incessant praising to thee most heavenly lord<br /> +For this thy succour, and undeserved kindness,<br /> +Thou bindest me in heart thy gracious gifts to record,<br /> +And to bear in mind, now after my heaviness,<br /> +The bruit of thy name, with inward joy and gladness.<br /> +Thou disdainest not, as well appeareth this day,<br /> +To fetch to thy fold thy first sheep going astray.<br /> + Most mighty Maker, thou castest not yet away<br /> +Thy sinful servant, which hath done most offence.<br /> +It is not thy mind for ever I should decay,<br /> +But thou reservest me, of thy benevolence,<br /> +And hast provided for me a recompence,<br /> +By thy appointment, like as I have received<br /> +In thy strong promise here openly pronounced.<br /> + This goodness, dear Lord, is of me undeserved,<br /> +I so declining from thy first institution,<br /> +At so light motions. To one that thus hath swerved,<br /> +What a lord art thou, to give such retribution!<br /> +I, damnable wretch, deserved execution<br /> +Of terrible death, without all remedy,<br /> +And to be put out of all good memory.<br /> +I am enforced to rejoice here inwardly,<br /> +An imp though I be of hell, death and damnation,<br /> +Through my own working: for I consider thy mercy<br /> +And pitiful mind for my whole generation.<br /> +It is thou, sweet Lord, that workest my salvation,<br /> +And my recovery. Therefore of a congruence<br /> +From hence thou must have my heart and obedience.<br /> +Though I be mortal, by reason of my offence,<br /> +And shall die the death like as God hath appointed:<br /> +Of this I am sure, through his high influence,<br /> +At a certain day again to be revived.<br /> +From ground of my heart this shall not be removed,<br /> +I have it in faith and therefore I will sing<br /> +This anthem to him that my salvation shall bring.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Then with sonorous voice, on his bent knees, he begins an antiphon, "O +Sapientia," which the chorus follows with instruments, as it removes +from the stage. Or else in the same it may thus be sung in English:</i></p> + +<p>O Eternal Sapience, that proceedest from the mouth of the highest,<br /> +reaching forth with a great power from the beginning to the end, with<br /> +heavenly sweetness disposing all creatures, come now and instruct us the<br /> +true way of thy godly prudence.</p> + + + +<p>ACT II</p> + +<p>NOAH THE JUST</p> + + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> I have been moved to strike man diversely,<br /> +Since I left Adam in this same earthly mansion;<br /> +For why? He hath done to me displeasures many,<br /> +And will not amend his life in any condition:<br /> +No respect hath he to my word nor monition,<br /> +But what doth him lust, without discreet advisement,<br /> +And will in nowise take mine advertisement.<br /> + Cain hath slain Abel, his brother, an innocent,<br /> +Whose blood from the earth doth call to me for vengeance:<br /> +My children with men's so carnally consent,<br /> +That their vain working is unto me much grievance:<br /> +Mankind is but flesh in his whole dalliance.<br /> +All vice increaseth in him continually,<br /> +Nothing he regardeth to walk unto my glory.<br /> + My heart abhorreth his wilful misery,<br /> +His cancred malice, his cursed covetousness,<br /> +His lusts lecherous, his vengeable tyranny,<br /> +Unmerciful murder and other ungodliness.<br /> +I will destroy him for his outrageousness,<br /> +And not him only, but all that on earth do stir,<br /> +For it repenteth me that ever I made them here.</p> + +<p><i>Noah.</i> Most gentle Maker, with his frailness somewhat bear,<br /> +Man is thy creature, thyself cannot say nay.<br /> +Though thou punish him to put him somewhat in fear,<br /> +His fault to acknowledge, yet seek not his decay.<br /> +Thou mayest reclaim him, though he goeth now astray,<br /> +And bring him again, of thy abundant grace,<br /> +To the fold of faith, he acknowledging his trespass.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> Thou knowest I have given to him convenient space,<br /> +With lawful warnings, yet he amendeth in no place.<br /> +The natural laws, which I wrote in his heart,<br /> +He hath outraced, all goodness putting apart:<br /> +Of health the covenant, which I to Adam made,<br /> +He regardeth not, but walketh a damnable trade.</p> + +<p><i>Noah.</i> All this is true, Lord, I cannot thy words reprove,<br /> +Let his weakness yet thy merciful goodness move.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> No weakness is it, but wilful working all,<br /> +That reigneth in man through mind diabolical.<br /> +He shall have therefore like as he hath deserved.</p> + +<p><i>Noah.</i> Lose him not yet, Lord, though he has deeply swerved.<br /> +I know thy mercy is far above his rudeness,<br /> +Being infinite, as all other things are in thee.<br /> +His folly therefore now pardon of thy goodness,<br /> +And measure it not beyond thy godly pity.<br /> +Esteem not his fault farther than help may be,<br /> +But grant him thy grace, as he offendeth so deeply,<br /> +Thee to remember, and abhor his misery.<br /> +Of all goodness, Lord, remember thy great mercy,<br /> +To Adam and Eve, breaking thy first commandment.<br /> +Them thou relievedst with thy sweet promise heavenly,<br /> +Sinful though they were, and their lives negligent.<br /> +I know that mercy with thee is permanent,<br /> +And will be ever so long as the world endure:<br /> +Then close not thy hand from man, which is thy creature.<br /> + Being thy subject he is underneath thy cure,<br /> +Correct him thou mayest and so bring him to grace.<br /> +All lieth in thy hands, to leave or to allure,<br /> +Bitter death to give, or grant most sovereign solace.<br /> +Utterly from man avert not then thy face;<br /> +But let him savour thy sweet benevolence<br /> +Somewhat, though he feel thy hand for his offence.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> My true servant Noah, thy righteousness doth move me<br /> +Somewhat to reserve for man's posterity.<br /> +Though I drown the world, yet will I save the lives<br /> +Of thee and thy wife, thy three sons and their wives,<br /> +And of each kind two, to maintain you hereafter.</p> + +<p><i>Noah.</i> Blessed be thy name, most mighty merciful Maker,<br /> +With thee to dispute, it were inconvenient.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> Why dost thou say so? Be bold to speak thy intent.</p> + +<p><i>Noah.</i> Shall the other die without any remedy?</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> I will drown them all, for their wilful wicked folly<br /> +That man hereafter thereby may know my power,<br /> +And fear to offend my goodness day and hour.</p> + +<p><i>Noah.</i> As thy pleasure is, so might it always be,<br /> +For my health thou art and soul's felicity.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> After that this flood have had his raging passage<br /> +This shall be to thee my covenant everlasting.<br /> +The seas and waters so far never more shall rage,<br /> +As all flesh to drown, I will so temper their working;<br /> +This sign will I add also, to confirm the thing,<br /> +In the clouds above, as a seal or token clear,<br /> +For safeguard of man, my rainbow shall appear.<br /> + Take thou this covenant for an earnest confirmation<br /> +Of my former promise to Adam's generation.</p> + +<p><i>Noah.</i> I will, blessed Lord, with my whole heart and mind.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> Farewell then, just Noah, here leave I thee behind,</p> + +<p><i>Noah.</i> Most mighty Maker, ere I from hence depart,<br /> +I must give thee praise from the bottom of my heart.<br /> +Whom may we thank, Lord, for our health and salvation<br /> +But thy great mercy and goodness undeserved?<br /> +Thy promise, in faith, is our justification,<br /> +As it was Adam's when his heart therein rested,<br /> +And as it was theirs which therein also trusted.<br /> +This faith was grounded in Adam's memory,<br /> +And clearly declared in Abel's innocency.<br /> + Faith in that promise old Adam did justify,<br /> +In that promise faith made Eve to prophecy.<br /> +Faith in that promise proved Abel innocent,<br /> +In that promise faith made Seth full obedient.<br /> +That faith taught Enoch on God's name first to call,<br /> +And made Methuselah the oldest man of all.<br /> + That faith brought Enoch to so high exercise,<br /> +That God took him up with him into Paradise.<br /> +Of that faith the want made Cain to hate the good,<br /> +And all his offspring to perish in the flood.<br /> +Faith in that promise preserved both me and mine:<br /> +So will it all them which follow the same line.<br /> + Not only this gift thou hast given me, sweet Lord,<br /> +But with it also thine everlasting covenant<br /> +Of trust forever, thy rainbow bearing record,<br /> +Never more to drown the world by flood inconstant;<br /> +Alack! I cannot to thee give praise condign,<br /> +Yet will I sing here with heart meek and benign.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Then in a great voice he begins an antiphon, "O Oriens Splendor," +falling upon his knees while the chorus follows with instruments, as +before.</i></p> + +<p>O most orient clearness, and light shining of the sempiternal<br /> +brightness! O clear sun of justice and heavenly righteousness, come<br /> +hither and illuminate the prisoner sitting in the dark prison and shadow<br /> +of Eternal Death.</p> + + + +<p>ACT III</p> + +<p>OF FAITHFUL ABRAHAM</p> + + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> Mine high displeasure must needs return to man,<br /> +Considering the sin that he doth day by day;<br /> +For neither kindness nor extreme handling can<br /> +Make him to know me by any faithful way,<br /> +But still in mischief he walketh to his decay.<br /> +If he do not soon his wickedness consider,<br /> +He is like, doubtless, to perish altogether.<br /> + In my sight, he is more venym<sup><a href="#fn_611" id="fna_611">611</a></sup> than the spider,<br /> +Through such abuses as he hath exercised,<br /> +From the time of Noah to this same season hither.<br /> +An uncomely act without shame Ham commysed.<sup><a href="#fn_612" id="fna_612">612</a></sup><br /> +When he of his father the secret parts revealed.<br /> +In like case Nimrod against me wrought abusion<br /> +As he raised up the castle of confusion.<br /> + Mirus hath also, and all by the devil's illusion<br /> +Through image-making, up raised idolatry,<br /> +Me to dishonour. And now in the conclusion<br /> +The vile Sodomites live so unnaturally<br /> +That their sin vengeance asketh continually,<br /> +For my covenant's sake, I will not drown with water,<br /> +Yet shall I visit their sins with other matter.</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> Yet, merciful Lord, thy graciousness remember<br /> +To Adam and Noah, both in thy word and promise:<br /> +And lose not the souls of men in so great number<br /> +But save thine own work, of thy most discreet goodness.<br /> +I wot thy mercies are plentiful and earnest,<br /> +Never can they die nor fail, thyself enduring,<br /> +This hath faith fixed fast in my understanding.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> Abraham my servant, for thy most faithful meaning,<br /> +Both thou and thy stock shall have my plenteous blessing.<br /> +When the unfaithful, under my curse evermore,<br /> +For their vain working, shall rue their wickedness sore.</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> Tell me, blessed Lord, where will thy great malice light?<br /> +My hope is, all flesh shall not perish in thy sight.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> No truly, Abraham, thou chancest upon the right,<br /> +The thing I shall do I will not hide from thee,<br /> +Whom I have blessed for thy true fidelity:<br /> +For I know thou wilt cause both thy children and servants,<br /> +In my ways to walk, and trust unto my covenants,<br /> +That I may perform with thee my earnest promise.</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> All that I will do, by assistance of thy goodness.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> From Sodom and Gomor the abominations call<br /> +For my great vengeance, which will upon them fall,<br /> +Wild fire and brimstone shall light upon them all.</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> Pitiful Maker, though they have kindled thy fury,<br /> +Cast not away yet the just sort with the ungodly.<br /> +Peradventure there may be fifty righteous persons<br /> +Within those cities, wilt thou lose them all at once,<br /> +And not spare the place for those fifty righteous' sake<br /> +Be it far from thee such rigour to undertake.<br /> + I hope there is not in thee so cruel hardness,<br /> +As to cast away the just men with the reckless,<br /> +And so to destroy the good with the ungodly:<br /> +In the judge of all: be never such a fury.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> At Sodom, if I may find just persons fifty,<br /> +The place will I spare for their sakes verily.</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> I take upon me to speak here in thy presence,<br /> +More than becomes me, lord, pardon my negligence:<br /> +I am but ashes and were loth thee to offend.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> Say forth, good Abraham, for ill dost thou not intend.</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> Haply there may be five less in the same number,<br /> +For thy sake I hope thou wilt not the rest accombre.<sup><a href="#fn_613" id="fna_613">613</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> If I among them might find but five and forty<br /> +Them would I not lose for that just company.</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> What if the city may forty righteous make?</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> Then will I pardon it for those same forty's sake.</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> Be not angry, Lord, though I speak undiscreetly.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> Utter thy whole mind and spare me not hardly.</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> Peradventure there may be thirty found among them.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> May I find thirty, I will nothing do unto them.</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> I take upon me too much, Lord, in thy sight.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> No, no, good Abraham, for I know thy faith is right.</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> No less, I suppose, than twenty can it have.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> Could I find twenty, that city would I save.</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> Once yet will I speak my mind, and then no more.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> Spare not to utter so much as thou hast in store.</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> And what if there might be ten good creatures found?</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> The rest for their sakes might so be safe and sound,<br /> +And not destroyed for their abomination.</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> O merciful Maker, much is thy toleration<br /> +And sufferance of sin: I see it now indeed;<br /> +Vouchsafe yet of favour out of those cities to lead<br /> +Those that be faithful, though their flock be but small.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> Lot and his household, I will deliver all,<br /> +For righteousness sake, which is of me and not them.</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> Great are thy graces in the generation of Shem.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> Well, Abraham, well, for thy true faithfulness<br /> +Now will I give thee my covenant or third promise.<br /> +Look thou believe it as thou covetest righteousness.</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> Lord, so regard me as I receive it with gladness.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> Of many peoples the father I will make thee,<br /> +All generations in thy seed shall be blessed:<br /> +As the stars of heaven, so shall thy kindred be;<br /> +And by the same seed the world shall be redressed<br /> +In circumcision shall this thing be expressed,<br /> +As in a sure seal, to prove my promise true,<br /> +Print this in thy faith, and it shall thy soul renew.</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> I will not one jot, Lord, from thy will dissent<br /> +But to thy pleasure be always obedient,<br /> +Thy laws to fulfil, and most precious commandment.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> Farewell, Abraham, for here in place I leave<br /> +thee.</p> + +<p><i>Abraham.</i> Thanks will I render, like as it shall behove me.<br /> +Everlasting praise to thy most glorious name,<br /> +Which savedst Adam through faith in thy sweet promise<br /> +Of the woman's seed, and now confirmest the same<br /> +In the seed of me. Forsooth great is thy goodness.<br /> +I cannot perceive but that thy mercy is endless.<br /> +To such as fear thee, in every generation,<br /> +For it endureth without abbreviation.<br /> + This have I printed in deep consideration,<br /> +No worldly matter can rase it out of mind.<br /> +For once it will be the final restoration<br /> +Of Adam and Eve, and other that hath sinned;<br /> +Yea, the sure health and race of mankind.<br /> +Help have the faithful thereof, though they be infect;<br /> +They, condemnation, where as it is reject.<br /> + Merciful Maker, my crabbed voice direct,<br /> +That it may break out in some sweet praise to thee;<br /> +And suffer me not thy due lauds to neglect,<br /> +But let me show forth thy commendations free.<br /> +Stop not my windpipes, but give them liberty,<br /> +To sound to thy name, which is most gracious,<br /> +And in it rejoice with heart melodious.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Then in a loud voice he begins the antiphon, "O rex gentium," the +chorus following the same with instruments.</i></p> + +<p>O most mighty Governor of thy people, and in heart most desired, the<br /> +hard rock and the true corner-stone, that of two maketh one, uniting the<br /> +Jews with the Gentiles in one church, come now and relieve mankind, whom<br /> +thou hast formed of the vile earth.</p> + + + +<p>ACT IV</p> + +<p>MOSES SANCTUS</p> + + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> Still so increaseth the wickedness of man,<br /> +That I am moved with plagues him to confound.<br /> +His weakness to aid, I do the best I can,<br /> +Yet he regardeth me no more than doth a hound,<br /> +My word and promise in his faith taketh no ground;<br /> +He will so long walk in his own lusts at large,<br /> +That naught he shall find his folly to discharge.<br /> + Since Abraham's time, which was my true elect,<br /> +Ishmael have I found both wicked, fierce and cruel:<br /> +And Esau in mind with hateful murder infect.<br /> +The sons of Jacob to lusts unnatural fell,<br /> +And into Egypt did they their brother sell.<br /> +Laban to idols gave faithful reverence,<br /> +Dinah was corrupt through Shechem's violence.<br /> + Reuben abused his father's concubine,<br /> +Judah got children of his own daughter-in-law:<br /> +Yea, she in my sight went after a wicked line.<br /> +His seed Onan spilt, his brother's name to withdraw.<br /> +Achan lived here without all godly awe.<br /> +And now the children of Israel abuse my power<br /> +In so vile manner that they move me every hour.</p> + +<p><i>Moses.</i> Pacify thy wrath, sweet Lord, I thee desire,<br /> +As thou art gentle, benign, and patient,<br /> +Lose not that people in fierceness of thine ire<br /> +For whom thou hast shewed such tokens evident,<br /> +Converting this rod into a lively serpent,<br /> +And the same serpent into this rod again,<br /> +Thy wonderful power declaring very plain.<br /> + For their sakes also puttest Pharaoh to pain<br /> +By ten divers plagues, as I shall here declare.<br /> +By blood, frogs, and lice; by flies, death, botch and blain;<sup><a href="#fn_614" id="fna_614">614</a></sup><br /> +By hail, by grasshoppers, by darkness, and by care;<br /> +By a sudden plague, all their first gotten ware,<br /> +Thou slewest, in one night, for his fierce cruelness.<br /> +From that thy people withhold not now thy goodness.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> I certify thee, my chosen servant Moses,<br /> +That people of mine is full of unthankfulness.</p> + +<p><i>Moses.</i> Dear Lord, I know it, alas! yet weigh their weakness,<br /> +And bear with their faults, of thy great bounteousness.<br /> +In a flaming bush having to them respect,<br /> +Thou appointedst me their passage to direct,<br /> +And through the Red Sea thy right hand did us lead<br /> +Where Pharaoh's host the flood overwhelmed indeed.<br /> + Thou wentest before them in a shining cloud all day<br /> +And in the dark night in fire thou shewedst their way.<br /> +Thou sentest them manna from heaven to be their food.<br /> +Out of the hard stone thou gavest them water good.<br /> +Thou appointedst them a land of milk and honey.<br /> +Let them not perish for want of thy great mercy.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> Content they are not with foul nor yet with fair,<br /> +But murmur and grudge as people in despair.<br /> +As I sent manna they had it in disdain,<br /> +Thus of their welfare they many times complain.<br /> +Over Amalek I gave them the victory.</p> + +<p><i>Moses.</i> Most glorious Maker, all that is to thy glory.<br /> +Thou sentest them also a law from heaven above,<br /> +And daily shewedst them many tokens of great love.<br /> +The brazen serpent thou gavest them for their healing,<br /> +And Balaam's curse thou turnedst into a blessing.<br /> +I hope thou wilt not disdain to help them still.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> I gave them precepts, which they will not fulfil<br /> + Nor yet acknowledge me for their God and good Lord,<br /> +So do their vile deeds with their wicked hearts accord<br /> +Whilst thou hast talked with me familiarly<br /> +On Sinai's mountain, the space but of days forty,<br /> +These sights all they have forgotten clearly,<br /> +And are turned to shameful idolatry.<br /> +For their God, they have set up a golden calf.</p> + +<p><i>Moses.</i> Let me say something, sweet Father, in their behalf.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> I will first conclude, and then say on thy mind.<br /> +For that I have found that people so unkind,<br /> +Not one of them shall enjoy the promise of me,<br /> +For entering the land, but Caleb and Josue.<sup><a href="#fn_615" id="fna_615">615</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>Moses.</i> Thy eternal will evermore fulfilled be.<br /> +For disobedience thou slewest the sons of Aaron,<br /> +The earth swallowed in both Dathan and Abiron.<br /> +The adders did sting other wicked persons else,<br /> +In wonderful number. Thus hast thou punished rebels.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> Never will I spare the cursed iniquity.<br /> +Of idolatry, for no cause, thou mayst trust me.</p> + +<p><i>Moses.</i> Forgive them yet, Lord, for this time, if it may be.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> Thinkest thou that I will so soon change my decree?<br /> +No, no, friend Moses, so light thou shalt not find me.<br /> +I will punish them all; Israel shall it see.</p> + +<p><i>Moses.</i> I know, thy people have wrought abomination,<br /> +Worshipping false gods, to thy honour's derogation,<br /> +Yet mercifully thou mayest upon them look;<br /> +And if thou wilt not, thrust me out of thy book.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> Those great blasphemers shall out of my book clean,<br /> +But thou shalt not so, for I know what thou dost mean.<br /> +Conduct my people, mine angel shall assist thee,<br /> +That sin in a day will not uncorrected be.<br /> +And for the true zeal that thou to my people hast,<br /> +I add this covenant unto my promises past.<br /> + Raise them up I will a prophet from among them,<br /> +Not unlike to thee, to speak my words unto them.<br /> +Whoso heareth not that he shall speak in my name,<br /> +I will revenge it to his perpetual shame.<br /> +The passover lamb will be a token just<br /> +Of this strong covenant. This have I clearly discussed,<br /> +In my appointment this hour for your deliverance.</p> + +<p><i>Moses.</i> Never shall this thing depart from my remembrance.<br /> +Praise be for ever to thee, most merciful Lord,<br /> +Who never withdrawest from man thy heavenly comfort,<br /> +But from age to age thy benefits do record<br /> +What thy goodness is, and hath been to his sort.<br /> +As we find thy grace, so ought we to report.<br /> +And doubtless it is to us most bounteous,<br /> +Yea, for all our sins most ripe and plenteous.<br /> + Abraham our father found thee benevolous,<sup><a href="#fn_616" id="fna_616">616</a></sup><br /> +So did good Isaac in his distress among.<br /> +To Jacob thou wert a guide most gracious.<br /> +Joseph thou savedst from dangerous deadly wrong,<br /> +Melchisedec and Job felt thy great goodness strong,<br /> +So did good Sarah, Rebecca, and fair Rachel,<br /> +With Zephorah my wife, the daughter of Raguel.<br /> + To praise thee, sweet Lord, my faith doth me compel,<br /> +For thy covenant's sake wherein rests our salvation,<br /> +The seed of promise, all other seeds excel,<br /> +For therein remaineth our full justification.<br /> +From Adam to Noah, in Abraham's generation,<br /> +That seed procureth God's mighty grace and power;<br /> +For the same seed's sake, I will sing now this hour.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Then he begins to sing an antiphon in a clear voice, "O Emmanuel," +which the chorus (as before) follows with instruments.</i></p> + +<p>O high king Emmanuel, and our liege Lord! the long expectation of the<br /> +Gentiles, and the mighty Saviour of their multitude, the health and<br /> +consolation of sinners, come now to save us, as our Lord and our<br /> +Redeemer.</p> + + + +<p>ACT V</p> + +<p>OF PIUS KING DAVID</p> + + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> For all the favour I have shewed Israel,<br /> +Delivering it from Pharaoh's tyranny,<br /> +And giving the land, <i>fluentem lac et mel</i>,<sup><a href="#fn_617" id="fna_617">617</a></sup><br /> +Yet will it not leave its old idolatry,<br /> +Nor know me for God. I abhor its misery.<br /> +Vexed it I have with battles and decays,<br /> +Still must I plague it, I see no other ways.</p> + +<p><i>David.</i> Remember yet, Lord, thy worthy servant Moses,<br /> +Walking in thy sight, without rebuke of thee.<br /> +Both Aaron, Jethro, Eleazar, and Phinees,<sup><a href="#fn_618" id="fna_618">618</a></sup><br /> +Evermore feared to offend thy majesty,<br /> +Much thou acceptedst thy servant Josue.<sup><a href="#fn_619" id="fna_619">619</a></sup><br /> +Caleb and Othniel sought thee with all their heart,<br /> +Aioth and Sangar for thy folk did their part.<br /> + Gideon and Tholus thy enemies put to smart,<br /> +Jair and Jephtha gave praises to thy name.<br /> +These, to leave idols, thy people did court.<br /> +Samson the strongest, for his part did the same.<br /> +Samuel and Nathan thy messages did proclaim.<br /> +What though fierce Pharaoh wrought mischief in thy sight,<br /> +He was a pagan, lay not that in our light.<br /> + I know the Benjamites abused the ways of right,<br /> +So did Eli's sons, and the sons of Samuel.<br /> +Saul in his office was slothful day and night,<br /> +Wicked was Shimei, so was Ahitophel.<br /> +Measure not by them the faults of Israel,<br /> +Whom thou hast loved of long time so entirely,<br /> +But of thy great grace remit its wicked folly.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> I cannot abide the vice of idolatry,<br /> +Though I should suffer all other villany.<br /> +When Joshua was dead, that sort from me did fall<br /> +To the worshipping of Ashteroth and Baal,<br /> +Full unclean idols, and monsters bestial.</p> + +<p><i>David.</i> For it they have had thy righteous punishment,<br /> +And forasmuch as they did wickedly consent<br /> +To the Philistines and Canaanites ungodly<br /> +Idolaters, taking to them in matrimony,<br /> +Thou threwest them under the King of Mesopotamy,<br /> +After thou subduedst them for their idolatry.<br /> + Eighteen years to Eglon, the King of Moabites,<br /> +And twenty years to Jabin, the King of Canaanites,<br /> +Oppressed they were seven years by the Midianites,<br /> +And eighteen years vexed by the cruel Ammonites.<br /> +In three great battles, of three score thousand and five,<br /> +Of this thy people, not one was left alive.<br /> +Have mercy now, Lord, and call them to repentance.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> So long as they sin, so long shall they have grievance.<br /> +David my servant, something must I say to thee,<br /> +For that thou lately hast wrought such vanity.</p> + +<p><i>David.</i> Spare not, blessed Lord, but say thy pleasure to me.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> Of late days thou hast misused Bathsheba,<br /> +The wife of Uriah, and slain him in the field.</p> + +<p><i>David.</i> Mercy, Lord, mercy; for doubtless I am defiled.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> I constitute thee a king over Israel,<br /> +And thee preserved from Saul, who was thine enemy.<br /> +Yea, in my favour, so much thou didst excel,<br /> +That of thine enemies I gave thee victory.<br /> +Philistines and Syrians to thee came tributary.<br /> +Why hast thou then wrought such folly in my sight.<br /> +Despising my word, against all godly right?</p> + +<p><i>David.</i> I have sinned, Lord, I beseech thee, pardon me,</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> Thou shalt not die, David, for this iniquity,<br /> +For thy repentance; but thy son by Bathsheba<br /> +Shall die, forasmuch as my name is blasphemed<br /> +Among my enemies, and thou the worse esteemed.<br /> +From thy house for this the sword shall not depart.</p> + +<p><i>David.</i> I am sorry, Lord, from the bottom of my heart.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> To further anger thou dost me yet compel.</p> + +<p><i>David.</i> For what matter, Lord? I beseech thy goodness tell.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> Why didst thou number the children of Israel?<br /> +Supposest in thy mind therein thou hast done well?</p> + +<p><i>David.</i> I cannot say nay, but I have done indiscreetly<br /> +To forget thy grace for a human policy.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> Thou shalt of these three choose which plague thou wilt have,<br /> +For that sinful act, that I thy soul may save.<br /> +A scarceness seven years, or else three months' exile,<br /> +If not, for three days a pestilence most vile,<br /> +For one thou must have, there is no remedy.</p> + +<p><i>David.</i> Lord, at thy pleasure, for thou art full of mercy.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> Of a pestilence then, three score thousand and ten,<br /> +In three days shall die of thy most puissant men.</p> + +<p><i>David.</i> O Lord, it is I who have offended thy grace,<br /> +Spare them and not me, for I have done the trespace.<sup><a href="#fn_620" id="fna_620">620</a></sup></p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> Though thy sins be great, thine inward heart's contribution<br /> +Doth move my stomach in wonderful condition.<br /> +I find thee a man according to my heart;<br /> +Wherefore this promise I make thee, ere I depart.<br /> + A fruit there shall come forth issuing from thy body,<br /> +Whom I will advance upon thy seat for ever.<br /> +His throne shall become a seat of heavenly glory<br /> +His worthy sceptre from right will not dissever,<br /> +His happy kingdom, of faith shall perish never.<br /> +Of heaven and of earth he was author principal,<br /> +And will continue, though they do perish all.<br /> + This sign shalt thou have for a token special,<br /> +That thou mayst believe my words unfeignedly,<br /> +Where thou hast minded, for my memorial,<br /> +To build a temple, thou shalt not finish it truly;<br /> +But Solomon thy son shall do that action worthy,<br /> +In token that Christ must finish everything<br /> +That I have begun, to my praise everlasting.</p> + +<p><i>David.</i> Immortal glory to thee, most heavenly King,<br /> +For that thou hast given continual victory<br /> +To me thy servant, ever since my annointing,<br /> +And also before, by many conquests worthy.<br /> +A bear and lion I slew through thy strength only.<br /> +I slew Goliath, who was six cubits long.<br /> +Against thine enemies thou madest me ever strong.<br /> + My fleshly frailness made me do deadly wrong,<br /> +And clean to forget thy laws of righteousness.<br /> +And though thou visitedst my sinfulness among,<br /> +With pestilent plagues, and other unquietness;<br /> +Yet never tookst thou from me thy plenteousness<br /> +Of thy godly spir't, which thou in me didst plant.<br /> +I having remorse, thy grace could never want.<br /> + For in conclusion, thy everlasting covenant<br /> +Thou gavest unto me for all my wicked sin;<br /> +And hast promised here by protestation constant,<br /> +That one of my seed shall such high fortune win,<br /> +As never did man since this world did begin.<br /> +By his power he shall put Satan from his hold,<br /> +In rejoice whereof to sing will I be bold.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Then he begins in a musical voice an antiphon, "O Adonai," which the +chorus (as before) follows with instruments.</i></p> + +<p>O Lord God Adonai, and guide of the faithful house of Israel, who<br /> +sometime appearedst in the flaming bush to Moses, and to him didst give<br /> +a law on Mount Sinai, come now to redeem us in the strength of thy right<br /> +hand.</p> + + + +<p>ACT VI</p> + +<p>OF THE PROPHET ESAIAS</p> + + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> I brought up children from their first infancy,<br /> +Who now despise all my godly instructions.<br /> +An ox knoweth its lord, an ass its master's duty,<br /> +But Israel will not know me, nor my conditions.<br /> +Oh, froward people, given all to superstitions,<br /> +Unnatural children, expert in blasphemies,<br /> +Provoke me into hate, by their idolatries.<br /> + Take heed to my words, ye tyrants of Sodoma,<br /> +In vain ye offer your sacrifice to me.<br /> +Discontent I am with you beasts of Gomorrah<br /> +And have no pleasure when I your offerings see.<br /> +I abhor your fasts and your solemnity,<br /> +For your traditions my ways ye set apart,<br /> +Your works are in vain, I hate them from the heart.</p> + +<p><i>Esaias.</i> Thy city, sweet Lord, is now become unfaithful,<br /> +And her conditions are turned upside down.<br /> +Her life is unchaste, her acts be very hurtful,<br /> +Her murder and theft have darkened her renown.<br /> +Covetous rewards do so their conscience drown,<br /> +That the fatherless they will not help to right,<br /> +The poor widow's cause comes not before their sight.<br /> + Thy peaceable paths seek they neither day nor night;<br /> +But walk wicked ways after their fantasy.<br /> +Convert their hearts, Lord, and give them thy true light,<br /> +That they may perceive their customable folly:<br /> +Leave them not helpless in so deep misery,<br /> +But call them from it of thy most special grace,<br /> +By thy true prophets, to their souls' health and solace.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> First they had fathers, then had they patriarchs,<br /> +Then dukes, then judges for their guides and monarchs:<br /> +Now have they stout kings, yet are they wicked still,<br /> +And will in no wise my pleasant laws fulfil.<br /> +Always they apply to idols' worshipping,<br /> +From the vile beggar to the annointed king.</p> + +<p><i>Esaias.</i> For that cause thou hast in two divided them,<br /> +In Samaria the one, the other in Jerusalem.<br /> +The king of Judah in Jerusalem did dwell,<br /> +And in Samaria the king of Israel.<br /> +Ten of the twelve tribes became Samaritans,<br /> +And the other two were Hierosolymitans.<sup><a href="#fn_621" id="fna_621">621</a></sup><br /> + In both these countries, according to their doings,<br /> +Thou permittedst them to have most cruel kings.<br /> +The first of Judah was wicked king Roboam,<br /> +Of Israel the first was that cruel Jeroboam;<br /> +Abiah then followed, and in the other Nadab,<br /> +Then Bassa, then Helah, then Zambri, Jehoram and Ahab.<br /> + Then Ochesius, then Athaliah, then Joas;<sup><a href="#fn_622" id="fna_622">622</a></sup><br /> +On the other part was Jonathan and Achaz.<br /> +To rehearse all them that have done wretchedly<br /> +In the sight of thee, it were long verily.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> For the wicked sin of filthy idolatry,<br /> +Which the ten tribes did in the land of Samarie,<br /> +In space of one day fifty thousand men I slew,<br /> +Three of their cities also I overthrew,<br /> +And left the people in such captivity,<br /> +That in all the world they knew not whither to flee.<br /> + The other two tribes, when they from me went back<br /> +To idolatry, I left in the hand of Shishak,<br /> +The king of Egypt, who took away their treasure,<br /> +Conveyed their cattle, and slew them without measure.<br /> +In time of Ahaz, a hundred thousand and twenty<br /> +Were slain at one time for their idolatry.<br /> + Two hundred thousand from thence were captive led,<br /> +Their goods dispersed, and they with penury fed.<br /> +Seldom they fail it, but either the Egyptians<br /> +Have them in bondage, or else the Assyrians.</p> + +<p><i>Esaias.</i> Well, yet blessed Lord, relieve them with thy mercy.<br /> +Though they have been ill other princes' days,<br /> +Yet good Hezekiah hath taught them goodly ways.<br /> +When the prince is good, the people are the better;<br /> +And as he is nought, their vices are the greater.<br /> +Heavenly Lord, therefore send them the consolation,<br /> +Which thou hast covenanted with every generation.<br /> + Open thou the heavens, and let the lamb come hither,<br /> +Who will deliver thy people altogether.<br /> +Ye planets and clouds, cast down your dews and rain,<br /> +That the earth may bear out healthful savour plain.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> May the wife forget the child of her own body?</p> + +<p><i>Esaias.</i> Nay, that she can not in any wise verily.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> No more can I them who will do my commandments,<br /> +But must preserve them from all inconvenience.</p> + +<p><i>Esaias.</i> Blessed art thou, Lord, in all thy acts and judgments.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> Well, Esaias, for this thy fidelity,<br /> +A covenant of health thou shalt have also of me.<br /> +For Zion's sake now I will not hold my peace,<br /> +And for Jerusalem, to speak will I not cease<br /> +Till that righteous Lord become as a sunbeam bright,<br /> +And their just saviour as a lamp extend his light.<br /> + A rod shall shoot forth from the old stock of Jesse,<br /> +And a bright blossom from that root will arise,<br /> +Upon whom always the spir't of the Lord shall be,<br /> +The spir't of wisdom, the spir't of heavenly practice,<br /> +And the spir't that will all godliness devise.<br /> +Take this for a sign, a maid of Israel<br /> +Shall conceive and bear that Lord Emmanuel.</p> + +<p><i>Esaias.</i> Thy praises condign no mortal tongue can tell,<br /> +Most worthy maker and king of heavenly glory,<br /> +For all capacities thy goodness doth excel,<br /> +Thy plenteous graces no brain can compass truly,<br /> +No wit can conceive the greatness of thy mercy,<br /> +Declared of late in David thy true servant,<br /> +And now confirmed in this thy later covenant.<br /> + Of goodness thou madest Solomon of wit more pregnant,<br /> +Asa and Josaphat, with good king Hezechiah,<br /> +In thy sight to do that was to thee right pleasant.<br /> +To quench idolatry thou raisedst up Elijah<br /> +Jehu, Elisha, Micah, and Obdiah,<br /> +The Syrian Naaman thou purgedst of a lepry<sup><a href="#fn_623" id="fna_623">623</a></sup><br /> +Thy works wonderful who can but magnify?<br /> + Arise, Jerusalem, and take faith by and by,<sup><a href="#fn_624" id="fna_624">624</a></sup><br /> +For the very light that shall save thee is coming.<br /> +The Son of the Lord appear will evidently,<br /> +When he shall resort, see that no joy be wanting.<br /> +He is thy saviour, and thy life everlasting,<br /> +Thy release from sin, and thy whole righteousness,<br /> +Help me in this song t' acknowledge his great goodness.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Then in a tuneful voice he begins an antiphon, "O radix Jesse," which +the chorus follows with instruments.</i></p> + +<p>O fruitful root of Jesse, that shall be set as a sign among people,<br /> +against the worldly rulers shall fiercely open their mouths, whom the<br /> +Gentiles worship as their heavenly Lord. Come now to deliver us, and<br /> +delay the time no longer.</p> + + + +<p>ACT VII</p> + +<p>OF JOHN THE BAPTIST</p> + + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> I have with fierceness mankind oft-times corrected,<br /> +And again I have allured him by sweet promise.<br /> +I have sent sore plagues, when he hath me neglected,<br /> +And then by and by, most comfortable sweetness.<br /> +To win him to grace, both mercy and righteousness<br /> +I have exercised, yet will he not amend.<br /> +Shall I now lose him, or shall I him defend?<br /> + In his most mischief, most high grace will I send<br /> +To overcome him by favour, if it may be.<br /> +With his abuses no longer will I contend<br /> +But now accomplish my first will and decree.<br /> +My word being flesh, from hence shall set him free,<br /> +Him teaching a way of perfect righteousness,<br /> +That he shall not need to perish in his weakness.</p> + +<p><i>John the Baptist.</i> Manasseh is past, who turned from thee his heart.<br /> +Ahaz and Ammon have now no more ado,<br /> +Jechoniah with others who did themselves avert<br /> +From thee to idols, may now no farther go.<br /> +The two false judges, and Baal's wicked priests also,<br /> +Phassur and Semaiah, with Nebuchadnosor,<br /> +Antiochus and Triphon, shall thee displease no more.<br /> + Three score years and ten, thy people into Babylon<br /> +Were captive and thrall for idols' worshipping.<br /> +Jerusalem was lost, and left void of dominion,<br /> +Burnt was their temple, so was their other building,<br /> +Their high priests were slain, their treasure came to nothing;<br /> +The strength and beauty of thine own heritage,<br /> +Thus didst thou leave them in miserable bondage.<br /> + Oft had they warnings, sometimes by Ezekiel<br /> +And other prophets, as Isay and Jeremy,<br /> +Sometimes by Daniel, sometimes by Hosea and Joel,<br /> +By Amos and Abdiah, by Jonah and Sophonya,<sup><a href="#fn_625" id="fna_625">625</a></sup><br /> +By Nahum and Micah, Haggai and by Zachary,<br /> +By Malachias, and also by Habakkuk,<br /> +By Olda the widow, and by the prophet Baruch.<br /> + Remember Josiah, who took the abomination<br /> +From the people, then restoring the laws again.<br /> +Of Rahab consider the faithful generation,<br /> +Whom to wine drinking no friendship might constrain.<br /> +Remember Abimelech, the friend of truth certain,<br /> +Zerubabel the prince, who did repair the temple,<br /> +And Jesus Josedech, of virtue the example.<br /> + Consider Nehemiah, and Esdras the good scribe,<br /> +Merciful Tobias, and constant Mardocheus;<sup><a href="#fn_626" id="fna_626">626</a></sup><br /> +Judith and Queen Esther, of the same godly tribe,<br /> +Devout Matthias and Judas Maccabæus.<br /> +Have mind of Eleazer, and then Joannes Hircanus,<br /> +Weigh the earnest faith of this godly company,<br /> +Though the other clean fall from thy memory.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> I will John, I will, for as I said before,<br /> +Rigour and hardness I have now set apart,<br /> +Minding from henceforth to win man evermore<br /> +By wonderful kindness to break his stubborn heart,<br /> +And change it from sin. For Christ shall suffer smart,<br /> +In man's frail nature for his iniquity,<br /> +This to make open, my messenger shalt thou be.</p> + +<p><i>John the Baptist.</i> As thy pleasure is, so blessed Lord appoint me,<br /> +For my health thou art, and my soul's felicity.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> Long ere I made thee, I the predestinate,<br /> +Before thou wert born I thee endued with grace.<br /> +In thy mother's womb wert thou sanctificate<br /> +By my godly gift, and so confirmed in place,<br /> +A prophet, to shew a way before the face<br /> +Of my most dear son, who will come: then until<br /> +Apply thee apace thine office to fulfil.<br /> + Preach to the people, rebuking their negligence,<br /> +Dip them in water, acknowledging their offence;<br /> +And say unto them, The kingdom of God doth come.</p> + +<p><i>John the Baptist.</i> Unmeet, Lord, I am, <i>Quia puer ego sum</i>.<sup><a href="#fn_627" id="fna_627">627</a></sup><br /> +And other than that, alas, I have no science<br /> +Fit for that office, neither yet clean eloquence.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> Thou shalt not say so, for I have given thee grace,<br /> +Eloquence and age, to speak in desert place.<br /> +Thou must do therefore as I shall thee advise,<br /> +My appointed pleasure forth utter in any wise;<br /> +My strong mighty words put I into thy mouth,<br /> +Spare not, but speak them to east, west, north and south.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>God stretching out his hand, touches John's lips with his finger and +confers upon him a golden tongue.</i></p> + +<p> Go now thy way forth, I shall thee never fail,<br /> +The spir't of Elijah have I given thee already.<br /> +Persuade the people, that they their sins bewail;<br /> +And if they repent their customable folly,<br /> +Long shall it not be ere they have remedy.<br /> +Open thou their hearts: tell them their health is coming<br /> +As a voice in a desert; see thou declare the thing.<br /> + I promise thee sure, thou shalt wash him among them<br /> +In Jordan, a flood not far from Jerusalem.</p> + +<p><i>John the Baptist.</i> Shew me yet, good Lord, whereby shall I know that man,<br /> +In the multitude which will resort to Jordan.</p> + +<p><i>Pater Cœlestis.</i> In thy mother's womb of him hadst thou cognition.<br /> +Have thou no fear John, him shalt thou know full well,<br /> +And one special token afore will I thee tell.<br /> +<i>Super quem videris spiritum descendentem et manentem<br /> +Super eum, hic est qui baptizat spiritu sancto:</i><br /> +Among all other whom thou shalt baptise there<br /> +Upon whom thou seest the Holy Ghost descend<br /> +In shape of a dove, resting upon his shoulder,<br /> +Hold him for the same, that shall the world amend,<br /> +By baptism of spirit, and also to man extend<br /> +Most special grace. For he must repair his fall,<br /> +Restoring again the justice original.<br /> +Take now thy journey, and do as I thee advise,<br /> +First preach repentance, and then the people baptise.</p> + +<p><i>John the Baptist.</i> High honour, worship, and glory be unto thee,<br /> +My God eternal, and patron of all purity.<br /> + Repent good people, for sins that now are past,<br /> +The kingdom of heaven is at hand very nigh.<br /> +The promised light to you approacheth fast,<br /> +Have faith, and apply now to receive him boldly.<br /> +I am not the light, but to bear testimony<br /> +Of him am sent, that all men may believe,<br /> +That his blood he will for their redemption give.<br /> + He is such a light as all men doth illumine,<br /> +That ever were here, or shall be after this.<br /> +All the world he made by his mighty power divine,<br /> +And yet that rude world will not know what he is.<br /> +His own he entering, is not regarded of his.<br /> +They that receive him, are God's true children plain,<br /> +In spir't regenerate, and all grace shall attain.<br /> + Many do reckon, that I John Baptist am he,<br /> +Deceived are they, and that will appear in space.<br /> +Though he come after, yet he was long afore me.<br /> +We are weak vessels, he is the well of grace,<br /> +Of his great goodness all that we have we purchase.<br /> +By him are we like to have a better increase<br /> +Than ever we had by the laws of Moses.<br /> + For Moses' hard law we had not else but darkness,<br /> +Figure and shadow, all was not else but night,<br /> +Punishment for sin, much rigour, pain, and roughness,<br /> +An high charge is there, where all is turned to light,<br /> +Grace and remission anon will shine full bright.<br /> +Never man lived that ever saw God afore,<br /> +Which now in our kind man's ruin will restore.<br /> + Help me to give thanks to that Lord evermore,<br /> +Which am unto Christ a crier in the desert,<br /> +To prepare the paths and high ways him before<br /> +For his delight is on the poor, simple heart.<br /> + That innocent lamb from such will never depart,<br /> +As will faithfully receive him with good mind.<br /> +Let our voice then sound in some sweet musical kind.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Then in a resounding voice he begins an antiphon, "O clavis David," +which the chorus follows with instruments, as before.</i></p> + +<p>O perfect key of David, and high sceptre of the kindred of Jacob, which<br /> +openest and no man sperith,<sup><a href="#fn_628" id="fna_628">628</a></sup> thou speakest and no man openeth; come<br /> +and deliver thy servant mankind, bound in prison, sitting in the<br /> +darkness of sin and bitter damnation.</p> + + + +<p>EPILOGUE</p> + + +<p><i>Baleus Prolocutor.</i> The matters are such as we have uttered here,<br /> +As ought not to slide from your memorial;<br /> +For they have opened such comfortable gear,<br /> +As is to the health of this kind universal,<br /> +Graces of the Lord and promises liberal,<br /> +Which he given to man for every age,<br /> +To knit him to Christ, and so clear him of bondage.<br /> + As St. Paul doth write unto the Corinthes<sup><a href="#fn_629" id="fna_629">629</a></sup> plain,<br /> +Our forefathers were under the cloud of darkness,<br /> +And unto Christ's days did in the shadow remain;<br /> +Yet were they not left, for of him they had promise<br /> +All they received one spiritual feeding doubtless.<br /> +They drank of the rock which them to life refreshed,<br /> +For one saving health, in Christ, all they confessed.<br /> + In the woman's seed was Adam first justified,<br /> +So was faithful Noah, so was just Abraham;<br /> +The faith in that seed in Moses forth multiplied,<br /> +Likewise in David and Esaye<sup><a href="#fn_630" id="fna_630">630</a></sup> that after came,<br /> +And in John Baptist, which shewed the very Lamb.<br /> +Though they so afar, yet all they had one justice<br /> +One mass, as they call it, and in Christ one sacrifice.<br /> + A man cannot here to God do better service,<br /> +Than on this to ground his faith and understanding.<br /> +For all the world's sin alone Christ payed the price,<br /> +In his only death was man's life always resting,<br /> +And not in will--works, nor yet in men's deserving,<br /> +The light of our faith makes this thing evident,<br /> +And not the practice of other experiment.<br /> + Where is now free will, which the hypocrites comment?<br /> +Whereby they report they may at their own pleasure<br /> +Do good of themselves, though grace and faith be absent,<br /> +And have good intents their madness with to measure.<br /> +The will of the flesh is proved here small treasure,<br /> +And so is man's will, for the grace of God doth all.<br /> +More of this matter conclude hereafter we shall.</p> + +<p>Thus endeth this tragedy or interlude, manifesting the chief promises of +God unto Man by all ages in the old law, from the fall of Adam to the +incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ. Compiled by John Bayle. Anno +Domini 1538.</p> +</div> + + +<div id="appendix"> + +<div id="appendix_a" class="chapter"> +<h2>APPENDIX A</h2> + +<h3>"ST. GEORGE AND THE DRAGON"</h3> + +<h4>A MODERN CORNISH CHRISTMAS PLAY</h4> + + + +<h3>CHARACTERS</h3> + +<ul class="charlist smallcaps"> +<li>Saint George</li> +<li>The Dragon</li> +<li>Father Christmas</li> +<li>The Doctor</li> +<li>King of Egypt</li> +<li>Turkish Knight</li> +<li>The Giant Turpin</li> +</ul> + +<p class="stagedir"><i>Enter the Turkish Knight.</i></p> + +<p>Open your doors, and let me in,<br /> +I hope your favours I shall win;<br /> +Whether I rise or whether I fall,<br /> +I'll do my best to please you all.<br /> +St. George is here, and swears he will come in,<br /> +And, if he does, I know he'll pierce my skin.<br /> +If you will not believe what I do say,<br /> +Let Father Christmas come in--clear the way. <span class="stagedir">[<i>Retires.</i></span></p> + +<p class="stagedir"><i>Enter Father Christmas.</i></p> + +<p>Here come I, old Father Christmas,<br /> + Welcome, or welcome not,<br /> +I hope old Father Christmas<br /> + Will never be forgot.</p> + +<p>I am not come here to laugh or to jeer,<br /> +But for a pocketfull of money, and a skinfull of beer,<br /> +If you will not believe what I do say,<br /> +Come in, the King of Egypt!--clear the way!</p> + +<p class="stagedir"><i>Enter the King of Egypt.</i></p> + +<p>Here I, the King of Egypt, boldly do appear,<br /> +St. George, St. George, walk in, my only son and heir.<br /> +Walk in, my son St. George, and boldly act thy part,<br /> +That all the people here may see thy wond'rous art.</p> + +<p class="stagedir"><i>Enter Saint George.</i></p> + +<p>Here come I, St. George, from Britain did I spring,<br /> +I'll fight the Dragon bold, my wonders to begin.<br /> +I'll clip his wings, he shall not fly;<br /> +I'll cut him down, or else I die.</p> + +<p class="stagedir"><i>Enter the Dragon.</i></p> + +<p>Who's he that seeks the Dragon's blood,<br /> +And calls so angry, and so loud?<br /> +That English dog, will he before me stand?<br /> +I'll cut him down with my courageous hand.<br /> +With my long teeth, and scurvy jaw,<br /> +Of such I'd break up half a score,<br /> +And stay my stomach, till I'd more.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>St. George and the Dragon fight, the latter is killed.</i></p> + +<p><i>Father Christmas.</i> Is there a doctor to be found<br /> + All ready, near at hand,<br /> +To cure a deep and deadly wound,<br /> + And make the champion stand.</p> + +<p class="stagedir"><i>Enter Doctor.</i></p> + +<p>Oh! yes, there is a doctor to be found<br /> + All ready, near at hand,<br /> +To cure a deep and deadly wound,<br /> + And make the champion stand.</p> + +<p><i>Father Christmas.</i> What can you cure?</p> + +<p><i>Doctor.</i> All sorts of diseases,<br /> +Whatever you pleases,<br /> +The phthisic, the palsy, and the gout;<br /> +If the devil's in, I'll blow him out.</p> + +<p><i>Father Christmas.</i> What is your fee?</p> + +<p><i>Doctor.</i> Fifteen pound, it is my fee,<br /> + The money to lay down.<br /> +But, as 'tis such a rogue as thee,<br /> + I cure for ten pound.</p> + +<p>I carry a little bottle of alicumpane;<br /> + Here Jack, take a little of my flip flop,<br /> + Pour it down thy tip top;<br /> +Rise up and fight again.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>The Doctor performs his cure, the fight is renewed, and the Dragon +again killed.</i></p> + +<p><i>Saint George.</i> Here am I, St. George,<br /> + That worthy champion bold,<br /> +And with my sword and spear<br /> + I won three crowns of gold.<br /> +I fought the fiery dragon,<br /> + And brought him to the slaughter;<br /> +By that I won fair Sabra,<br /> + The King of Egypt's daughter.<br /> +Where is the man, that now will me defy?<br /> +I'll cut his giblets full of holes, and make his buttons fly.</p> + +<p class="stagedir"><i>The Turkish Knight advances.</i></p> + +<p>Here come I, the Turkish Knight,<br /> +Come from the Turkish land to fight.<br /> +I'll fight St. George, who is my foe,<br /> +I'll make him yield before I go;<br /> +He brags to such a high degree,<br /> +He thinks there's none can do the like of he.</p> + +<p><i>Saint George.</i> Where is the Turk, that will before me stand?<br /> +I'll cut him down with my courageous hand.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>They fight, the Knight is overcome, and falls on one knee.</i></p> + +<p><i>Turkish Knight.</i> Oh! pardon me, St. George, pardon of thee I crave,<br /> +Oh! pardon me this night, and I will be thy slave.</p> + +<p><i>Saint George.</i> No pardon shalt thou have, while I have foot to stand,<br /> +So rise thee up again, and fight out sword in hand.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>They fight again, and the Knight is killed. Father Christmas calls for +the Doctor, with whom the same dialogue occurs as before, and the cure<br /> +is performed.</i></p> + +<p class="stagedir"><i>Enter the Giant Turpin.</i></p> + +<p>Here come I, the Giant, bold Turpin is my name,<br /> +And all the nations round do tremble at my fame.<br /> +Where'er I go, they tremble at my sight,<br /> +No lord or champion long with me would fight.</p> + +<p><i>Saint George.</i> Here's one that dares to look thee in the face,<br /> +And soon will send thee to another place.</p> + +<p class="stagedir"><i>They fight, and the Giant is killed; medical aid is called in as +before, and the cure performed by the Doctor, to whom then is given a +basin of girdy grout and a kick, and driven out.</i></p> + +<p><i>Father Christmas.</i> Now, ladies and gentlemen, your sport is most ended,<br /> +So prepare for the hat, which is highly commended.<br /> +The hat it would speak, if it had but a tongue;<br /> +Come throw in your money, and think it no wrong.</p> +</div> + + +<div id="appendix_b" class="chapter"> +<h2>APPENDIX B</h2> + + + +<h3>FROM THE CORNISH MYSTERY OF THE CRUCIFIXION</h3> + + +<p><i>Jesus.</i> Woman, seest thou thy son?<br /> +A thousand times your arms have borne him<br /> + With tenderness.<br /> +And John, behold thy mother;<br /> +Thus keep her, without denial,<br /> + As long as ye live.</p> + +<p><i>Mary.</i> Alas! alas! oh! sad, sad!<br /> + In my heart is sorrow,<br /> +When I see my son Jesus,<br /> + About his head a crown of thorns<br /> +He is Son of God in every way,<br /> + And with that truly a King;<br /> +Feet and hands on every side<br /> + Fast fixed with nails of iron.<br /> + Alas!<br /> +That one shall have on the day of judgment<br /> + Heavy doom, flesh and blood,<br /> + Who hath sold him.</p> + +<p><i>John.</i> O sweet mother, do not bear sorrow,<br /> +For always, in every way<br /> + I will be prepared for thee:<br /> +The will of thy Son is so,<br /> +For to save so much as is good,<br /> + Since Adam was created.</p> + +<p><i>Jesus.</i> O Father, Eli, Eloy, · lama sabacthani?<br /> + Thou art my dear God,<br /> +Why hast thou left me · a moment alone<br /> + In any manner?</p> + +<p><i>1st Executioner.</i> He is calling Elias;<br /> + Watch now diligently<br /> + If he comes to save <i>him</i>.<br /> +If he delivers him, really<br /> +We will believe in him,<br /> + And worship him ever.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Here a sponge is made ready, with gall and vinegar. And then the +Centurion stands in his tent, and says:</i></p> + +<p><i>Centurion.</i> I will go to see<br /> + How it is with dear Jesus:<br /> +It were a pity on a good man<br /> + So much contumely to be cast.<br /> +If he were a bad man, his fellow<br /> + Could not in any way<br /> +Truly have such great grace,<br /> + To save men by one word.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>The Centurion goes down.</i></p> + +<p><i>2nd Executioner.</i> It is not Elias whom he called;<br /> +Thirst surely on him there is,<br /> + He finds it an evil thing. <span class="stagedir">[<i>He holds out a sponge</i></span><br /> +Behold here I have me ready,<br /> +Gall <i>and</i> hyssop mixed;<br /> + Wassail, if there is great thirst.</p> + +<p><i>Jesus.</i> Thirst on me there is.</p> + +<p><i>3rd Executioner.</i> See, a drink for thee here;<br /> + Why dost thou not drink it?<br /> +Rather shouldst thou a wonder work!<br /> +Now, come down from the cross,<br /> + And we will worship thee.</p> + +<p><i>Jesus.</i> O Father, into thy hands<br /> + I commit my spirit;<br /> +By thy will take it to thee,<br /> + As thou sent it into the world.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">[<i>Then Jesus shall die. Here the sun is darkened.</i></p> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter" id="appendix_c"> +<h2>APPENDIX C</h2> + +<h3>THE TOWN CYCLES</h3> + + + +<h4>I.--THE YORK PAGEANTS</h4> + + +<p>The order of the Pageants of the Play of Corpus Christi, in the time of +the mayoralty of William Alne, in the third year of the reign of King +Henry V. anno 1415, compiled by Roger Burton, town clerk,--</p> + +<p>I. <i>Tanners.</i>--God the Father Almighty creating and forming the heavens, +angels and archangels; Lucifer and the angels that fell with him into +hell.</p> + +<p>II. <i>Plasterers.</i>--God the Father, in his own substance, creating the +earth, and all which is therein, in the space of five days.</p> + +<p>III. <i>Carde-makers.</i>--God the Father creating Adam of the slime of the +earth, and making Eve of the rib, and inspiring them with the spirit of +life.</p> + +<p>IV. <i>Fullers.</i>--God prohibiting Adam and Eve from eating of the tree of +life.</p> + +<p>V. <i>Coupers.</i>--Adam and Eve with a tree betwixt them; the serpent +deceiving them with apples; God speaking to them and cursing the +serpent, and an angel with a sword driving them out of paradise.</p> + +<p>VI. <i>Armourers.</i>--Adam and Eve, an angel with a spade and a distaff +assigning them labour.</p> + +<p>VII. <i>Gaunters.</i>--Abel and Cain killing sacrifices.</p> + +<p>VIII. <i>Shipwrights.</i>--God foretelling Noah to make an ark of light wood.</p> + +<p>IX. <i>Fyshmongers, Pessyners, Mariners.</i>--Noah in the ark with his wife +and three children, and divers animals.</p> + +<p>X. <i>Perchemyners, Bukbynders.</i>--Abraham sacrificing his son Isaac; a +ram, bush, and angel.</p> + +<p>XI. <i>Hosyers.</i>--Moses exalting the serpent in the wilderness; king +Pharaoh; eight Jews admiring and expecting.</p> + +<p>XII. <i>Spicers.</i>--Mary and a doctor declaring the sayings of the prophets +about the future birth of Christ; an angel saluting her. Mary saluting +Elizabeth.</p> + +<p>XIII. <i>Peuterers, Founders.</i>--Mary, Joseph willing to put her away, an +angel speaking to them that they should go to Bethlehem.</p> + +<p>XIV. <i>Tylers.</i>--Mary, Joseph, a midwife, the child born lying in a +manger betwixt an ox and an ass, and the angel speaking to the +shepherds.</p> + +<p>XV. <i>Chaundelers.</i>--The shepherds speaking by turns; the star in the +east; an angel giving joy to the shepherds that a child was born.</p> + +<p>XVI. <i>Goldsmithes, Orfeures.</i>--The three kings coming from the east, +Herod asking them about the child Christ; with the son of Herod, two +counsellors and a messenger.</p> + +<p>XVII. <i>Gold-beters, Mone-makers.</i>--Mary with the child and the star +above, and the three kings offering gifts.</p> + +<p>XVIII. <i>Masons.</i>--Mary with the child; Joseph, Anna, and a nurse with +young pigeons; Simeon receiving the child in his arms, and two sons of +Simeon.</p> + +<p>XIX. <i>Marashals.</i>--Mary with the child, and Joseph flying into Egypt, by +an angel's telling them.</p> + +<p>XX. <i>Girdellers, Naylers, Sawters.</i>--Herod commanding the children to be +slain, four soldiers with lances, two counsellors of the king, and four +women lamenting the slaughter of them.</p> + +<p>XXI. <i>Sporiers, Lorymers.</i>--The doctors, the child Jesus sitting in the +temple in the midst of them, hearing them and asking them questions. +Four Jews, Mary and Joseph seeking him and finding him in the temple.</p> + +<p>XXII. <i>Barbers.</i>--Jesus, John the baptist baptising him, and two angels +helping them.</p> + +<p>XXIII. <i>Vyntners.</i>--Jesus, Mary, bridgeroom and bride, master of the +household with his family with six water-pots, where water is turned +into wine.</p> + +<p>XXIV. <i>Smythes, Fevers.</i>--Jesus upon the pinnacle of the temple; Satan +tempting with stones; two angels administering, etc.</p> + +<p>XXV. <i>C[orvisors.]</i>--Peter, James and John; Jesus ascending into the +mountain and transfiguring himself before them. Moses and Elias +appearing, and a voice speaking from a cloud.</p> + +<p>XXVI. <i>Elennagers.</i>--Simon the leper asking Jesus if he would eat with +him. Two disciples; Mary Magdalene washing the feet of Jesus, and wiping +them with her hair.</p> + +<p>XXVII. <i>Plummers, Patten-makers.</i>--Jesus, two Apostles, the woman taken +in adultery, four Jews accusing her.</p> + +<p>XXVIII. <i>Pouch-makers, Botillers, Cap-makers.</i>--Lazarus in the +sepurchre; Mary Magdalene, Martha, and two Jews admiring.</p> + +<p>XXIX. <i>Vestment-makers, Skynners.</i>--Jesus upon an ass with its foal; +twelve Apostles following Jesus; six rich and six poor men, with eight +boys with branches of palm trees, constantly saying blessed, etc., and +Zaccheus ascending into a sycamore tree.</p> + +<p>XXX. <i>Cuttelers, Blade-smythes, Shethers, Scalers, Buklemakers, +Horners.</i>--Pilate, Caiaphas, two soldiers, three Jews, Judas selling +Jesus.</p> + +<p>XXXI. <i>Bakers, Waterleders.</i>--The supper of the Lord and paschal Lamb, +twelve apostles; Jesus, tied about with a linen towel, washing their +feet. The institution of the sacrament of the body of Christ in the new +law, and communion of the Apostles.</p> + +<p>XXXII. <i>Cordwaners.</i>--Pilate, Caiaphas, Annas, forty armed soldiers, +Malchas, Peter, James, John, Jesus, and Judas kissing and betraying him.</p> + +<p>XXXIII. <i>Bowers, Fletchers.</i>--Jesus, Annas, Caiaphas, and four Jews +striking and bastinadoing Christ. Peter, the woman accusing him, and +Malchas.</p> + +<p>XXXIV. <i>Tapisers, Couchers.</i>--Jesus, Pilate, Annas, Caiaphas; two +counsellors and four Jews accusing Christ.</p> + +<p>XXXV. <i>Littesters.</i>--Herod, two counsellors, four soldiers, Jesus, and +three Jews.</p> + +<p>XXXVI. <i>Cukes, Water-leders.</i>--Pilate, Annas, Caiaphas, two Jews, and +Judas carrying from them thirty pieces of silver.</p> + +<p>XXXVII. <i>Sauce-makers.</i>--Judas hanging himself.</p> + +<p>XXXVIII. <i>Milners, Tiel-makers, Ropers, Cevers, Turners, Hayresters, +Bollers.</i>--Jesus, Pilate, Caiaphas, Annas, six soldiers carrying spears +and ensigns, and other four leading Jesus from Herod desiring Barabbas +to be released and Jesus to be crucified, and then binding and scourging +him, putting a crown of thorns upon his head; three soldiers casting +lots for the vesture of Jesus.</p> + +<p>XXXIX. <i>Shermen.</i>--Jesus covered with blood bearing his cross towards +mount Calvary, Simon Sereneus, etc.</p> + +<p>XL. <i>Pynners, Lateners, Paynters.</i>--The cross, Jesus extended upon it on +the earth; four Jews scourging him with whips, and afterwards erecting +the cross, with Jesus upon it, on Mount Calvary.</p> + +<p>XLI. <i>Bouchers, Pulterers.</i>--The cross, two thieves crucified and Jesus +suspended betwixt them; Mary the mother of Jesus, John, Mary, James and +Salome; a soldier with a lance, and a servant with a sponge. Pilate, +Annas, Caiaphas, a centurion, Joseph of Arimathea, and Nicodemus taking +him down and laying him in the sepulchre.</p> + +<p>XLII. <i>Satellers, Sellers, Glasiers.</i>--Jesus destroying hell; twelve +good and twelve evil spirits.</p> + +<p>XLIII. <i>Carpenters, Joyners.</i>--The centurion declaring to Pilate, +Caiaphas and Annas, with other Jews, the signs appearing on the death of +Jesus.</p> + +<p>XLIV. <i>Cartwrights, Carvers, Sawyers.</i>--Jesus rising from the sepulchre, +four soldiers armed, and three Marias lamenting; Pilate, Caiaphas, and +Annas; a young man clothed in white sitting in the sepulchre and talking +to the women.</p> + +<p>XLV. <i>Wyedrawers.</i>--Jesus, Mary, Mary Magdalene with spices.</p> + +<p>XLVI. <i>Broggers, Wool-pakkers, Wadsmen.</i>--Jesus, Luke and Cleophas in +the form of travellers.</p> + +<p>XLVII. <i>Escriviners, Lumners, Questors, Dubbors.</i>--Jesus, Peter, John, +James, Philip and other Apostles; Thomas feeling the wounds of Jesus.</p> + +<p>XLVIII. <i>Taillyoures.</i>--Mary, John the Evangelist, two angels, and +eleven Apostles; Jesus ascending before them, and four angels bearing a +cloud.</p> + +<p>XLIX. <i>Potters.</i>--Mary, two angels, eleven Apostles, the Holy Ghost +descending upon them, and four Jews admiring.</p> + +<p>L. <i>Drapers.</i>--Jesus, Mary, Gabriel with two angels, two virgins and +three Jews of the kindred of Mary, eight Apostles, and two devils.</p> + +<p>LI. <i>Lynwevers.</i>--Four Apostles bearing the shrine of Mary, Fergus +hanging upon it with two other Jews, and one angel.</p> + +<p>LII. <i>Wevers of wollen.</i>--Mary ascending with a multitude of angels; +eight Apostles, with Thomas preaching in the desert.</p> + +<p>LIII. <i>Hostilers.</i>--Mary, and Jesus crowning her with a great number of +angels.</p> + +<p>LIV. <i>Mercers.</i>--Jesus, Mary, twelve Apostles; four angels with +trumpets, and four with a lance with two scourges; four good and four +bad spirits, and six devils.</p> + + + +<h4>II.--THE WAKEFIELD (OR WOODKIRK) PLAYS</h4> + + +<p><i>From the Towneley Collection</i></p> + +<p>I. Creatio.</p> + +<p>II. Mactatio Abel.</p> + +<p>III. Processus Noe cum filiis.</p> + +<p>IV. Abraham.</p> + +<p>V. Isaac.</p> + +<p>VI. Jacob.</p> + +<p>VII. Processus Prophetarum.</p> + +<p>VIII. Pharao.</p> + +<p>IX. Cæsar Augustus.</p> + +<p>X. Annunciatio.</p> + +<p>XI. Salutatio Elizabeth.</p> + +<p>XII. Prima Pagina Pastorum.</p> + +<p>XIII. Secunda Pagina Pastorum.</p> + +<p>XIV. Oblatio Magorum.</p> + +<p>XV. Fugatio Joseph et Mariæ in Egyptum.</p> + +<p>XVI. Magnus Herodes.</p> + +<p>XVII. Purificatio Mariæ.</p> + +<p>XVIII. Pagina Doctorum.</p> + +<p>XIX. Johannes Baptista.</p> + +<p>XX. Conspiratio et Captio.</p> + +<p>XXI. Coliphizatio.</p> + +<p>XXII. Flagellatio.</p> + +<p>XXIII. Processus Crucis.</p> + +<p>XXIV. Processus Talentorum.</p> + +<p>XXV. Extractio Animarum ab Inferno.</p> + +<p>XXVI. Resurrectio Domini.</p> + +<p>XXVII. Peregrini.</p> + +<p>XXVIII. Thomas Indiæ.</p> + +<p>XXIX. Ascensio Domini.</p> + +<p>XXX. Juditium.</p> + +<p>XXXI. Lazarus.</p> + +<p>XXXII. Suspensio Judæ.</p> + + + +<h4>III.--THE CHESTER PLAYS</h4> + + +<p>I. <i>The Fall of Lucifer</i>, by the Tanners.</p> + +<p>II. <i>The Creation</i>, by the Drapers.</p> + +<p>III. <i>The Deluge</i>, by the Dyers.</p> + +<p>IV. <i>Abraham, Melchisedech, and Lot</i>, by the Barbers and Wax-chandlers.</p> + +<p>V. <i>Moses, Balak, and Balaam</i>, by the Hatters and Linen-drapers.</p> + +<p>VI. <i>The Salutation and Nativity</i>, by the Wrights.</p> + +<p>VII. <i>The Shepherds feeding their flocks by night</i>, by the Painters and +Glaziers.</p> + +<p>VIII. <i>The three Kings</i>, by the Vintners.</p> + +<p>IX. <i>The Oblation of the three Kings</i>, by the Mercers.</p> + +<p>X. <i>The Killing of the Innocents</i>, by the Goldsmiths.</p> + +<p>XI. <i>The Purification</i>, by the Blacksmiths.</p> + +<p>XII. <i>The Temptation</i>, by the Butchers.</p> + +<p>XIII. <i>The Blindmen and Lazarus</i>, by the Glovers.</p> + +<p>XIV. <i>Jesus and the Lepers</i>, by the Corvisors.</p> + +<p>XV. <i>The last Supper</i>, by the Bakers.</p> + +<p>XVI. <i>The Passion and Crucifixion of Christ</i>, by the Fletchers, Coopers, +and Ironmongers.</p> + +<p>XVII. <i>The Descent into Hell</i>, by the Cooks.</p> + +<p>XVIII. <i>The Resurrection</i>, by the Skinners.</p> + +<p>XIX. <i>The Appearing of Christ to the two Disciples</i>, by the Saddlers.</p> + +<p>XX. <i>The Ascension</i>, by the Tailors.</p> + +<p>XXI. <i>The Election of St. Mathias, sending of the Holy Ghost</i>, by the +Fishmongers.</p> + +<p>XXII. <i>Ezekiel</i>, by the Clothiers.</p> + +<p>XXIII. <i>Antichrist</i>, by the Dyers.</p> + +<p>XXIV. <i>The Day of Judgement</i>, by the Websters.</p> + + + +<h4>IV--THE LUDUS COVENTRIÆ<sup><a href="#fn_631" id="fna_631">631</a></sup></h4> + + +<p>I. The Creation.</p> + +<p>II. The Fall of Man.</p> + +<p>III. The Death of Abel.</p> + +<p>IV. Noah's Flood.</p> + +<p>V. Abraham's Sacrifice.</p> + +<p>VI. Moses and the Two Tables.</p> + +<p>VII. The Genealogy of Christ.</p> + +<p>VIII. Anna's Pregnancy.</p> + +<p>IX. Mary in the Temple.</p> + +<p>X. Her Betrothment.</p> + +<p>XI. The Salutation and Conception.</p> + +<p>XII. Joseph's Return.</p> + +<p>XIII. The Visit to Elizabeth.</p> + +<p>XIV. The Trial of Joseph and Mary.</p> + +<p>XV. The Birth of Christ.</p> + +<p>XVI. The Shepherd's Offering.</p> + +<p>XVII. Caret in MS. XVIII. Adoration of the Magi. XIX. The Purification.</p> + +<p>XX. Slaughter of the Innocents.</p> + +<p>XXI. Christ disputing in the Temple.</p> + +<p>XXII. The Baptism of Christ.</p> + +<p>XXIII. The Temptation.</p> + +<p>XXIV. The Woman taken in Adultery.</p> + +<p>XXV. Lazarus.</p> + +<p>XXVI. Council of the Jews.</p> + +<p>XXVII. Mary Magdalen.</p> + +<p>XXVIII. Christ betrayed.</p> + +<p>XXIX. Herod.</p> + +<p>XXX. The Trial of Christ.</p> + +<p>XXXI. The Dream of Pilate's Wife.</p> + +<p>XXXII. The Crucifixion.</p> + +<p>XXXIII. The Descent into Hell.</p> + +<p>XXXIV. Sealing of the Tomb.</p> + +<p>XXXV. The Resurrection.</p> + +<p>XXXVI. The Three Marias.</p> + +<p>XXXVII. Christ appearing to Mary Magdalen.</p> + +<p>XXXVIII. The Pilgrim of Emaus.</p> + +<p>XXXIX. The Ascension.</p> + +<p>XL. Descent of the Holy Ghost.</p> + +<p>XLI. The Assumption of the Virgin.</p> + +<p>XLII. Doomsday.</p> +</div> + + +<div id="appendix_d" class="chapter"> +<h2>APPENDIX D</h2> + + + +<h4>I.--<span class="smallcaps">Properties and Dresses used for the Coventry Smiths' Pageant of the +Trial, Condemnation, and Crucifixion of Christ between the Years 1449 +and 1585</span></h4> + +<blockquote> +<p>The Cross with a Rope to draw it up, and a Curtain hanging before it.<br /> +Gilding for the Pillar and the Cross.<br /> +2 Pair of Gallows.<br /> +4 Scourges and a Pillar.<br /> +Scaffold.<br /> +Fanes to the Pageant.<br /> +Mending of Imagery occurs 1469.<br /> +A Standard of red Buckram.<br /> +Two red Pensiles of Cloth painted, and silk Fringe.<br /> +Iron to hold up the Streamer.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p>4 Gowns and 4 Hoods for the Tormentors.--(These are afterwards described +as Jackets of black buckram with nails and dice upon them.) Other 4 +gowns with damask flowers; also 2 Jackets party red and black.</p> + +<blockquote> +<p>2 Mitres (for Cayphas and Annas).<br /> +A Rochet for one of the Bishops.<br /> +God's Coat of white leather, 6 skins.<br /> +A Staff for the Demon.<br /> +2 Spears.<br /> +Gloves (12 pair at once).<br /> +Herod's Crest of Iron.<br /> +Scarlet Hoods and a Tabard.<br /> +Hats and Caps.<br /> +Cheverel [Peruke] for God.<br /> +3 Cheverels and a Beard.<br /> +2 Cheverels gilt for Jesus and Peter.<br /> +Faulchion for Herod.<br /> +Scarlet Gown.<br /> +Maces.</p> +</blockquote> + +<h4>II.--<span class="smallcaps">The Chester "Bannes" or Bans</span></h4> + +<p>Reverende lordes and ladyes all, +That at this time here assembled bee, +By this messuage understande you shall, +That sometymes there was mayor of this citie, +Sir John Arnway, Knyghte, who most worthilye +Contented himselfe to set out an playe +The devise of one Done Randali, moonke of Chester Abbey.</p> + +<p>"This moonke, moonke-like, in scriptures well seene, +In storyes travelled with the best sorte; +In pagentes set fourth, apparently to all eyne, +The Olde and Newe Testament with livelye comforte; +Intermynglinge therewith, onely to make sporte, +Some things not warranted by any writt, +Which to gladd the hearers he woulde men to take yt.</p> + +<p>"This matter he abrevited into playes twenty-foure, +And every playe of the matter gave but a taste, +Leavinge for better learninges circumstances to accomplishe, +For his proceedinges maye appeare to be in haste: +Yet all together unprofitable his labour he did not waste, +For at this daye, and ever, he deserveth the fame +Which all moonkes deserve professinge that name.</p> + +<hr /> + +<p>"This worthy Knyghte Arnway, then mayor of this citie, +This order toke, as declare to you I shall, +That by twenty-fower occupations, artes, craftes, or misteries, +These pagentes shoulde be played affter breeffe rehearsall; +For every pagente a cariage to be provyded withall, +In which sorte we purpose this Whitsontyde, +Our pagentes into three partes to devyde.</p> + +<p>"Now you worshippful <span class="smallcaps">Tanners</span> that of custume olde +The fall of Lucifer did set out, +Some writers awarrante your matter, therefore be boulde +Lustelye to playe the same to all the rowtte; +And yf any thereof stand in any doubte, +Your author his author hath, your shewe let bee, +Good speech, fyne players, with apparill comelye.</p> + +<p>"The good symple water-leaders and drawers of deey, +See that your Arke in all poyntes be prepared; +Of Noy and his children the wholl storye, +And of the universall floude, by you shalbe played.</p> + +<p>"The Sacrifice that faithfull Abraham of his sonne should make, +You barbers and waxe-chaundlers of Aunciente tyme, +In the fourth pageante with paines you doe take, +In decente sorte set out--the storie is ffine-- +The offeringe of Melchesedecke of breade and wine, +And the presentacion therof set in your playe, +Suffer you not in any poynte the story to decaye.</p> + + + +<h4>III.--<span class="smallcaps">Cornish Miracle Plays</span></h4> + + +<h5>[<i>From Norris's "Ancient Cornish Drama"</i>]</h5> + +<p>We have no notice of the performance of the Cornish plays earlier than +that of Richard Carew, whose survey of Cornwall was first printed in +1602. In his time they even played in regular amphitheatres, and the +account he gives is well worth extracting, as it affords a vivid picture +by one who was in all probability an eye-witness, nearly three centuries +ago. "The quasy miracle, in English, a miracle play, is a kinde of +interlude, compiled in Cornish out of some Scripture history, with that +grossenes which accompanied the Romanes <i>vetus Comedia</i>. For +representing it, they raise an earthen amphitheatre in some open field, +having the Diameter of his enclosed playne some 40 or 50 foot. The +Country people flock from all sides, many miles off to hear and see it; +for they have therein devils and devices, to delight as well the eye as +the eare; the players conne not their parts without booke, but are +prompted by one called the Ordinary, who followeth at their back with +the booke in his hand, and telleth them softly what they must pronounce +aloud."</p> + +<p>Writing a century and a half later than Carew, Dr. Borlase describes the +amphitheatres in which these Cornish plays were given; more particularly +one in the parish of St. Just near the Land's End. This <i>round</i> as it +was popularly called, was "an exact circle of 126 feet in diameter; the +perpendicular height of the bank, from the area within, now seven feet; +but the height from the bottom of the ditch without, ten feet at +present, formerly more. The seats consist of six steps, fourteen inches +wide, and one foot high, with one on the top of all, when the rampart is +about seven feet wide." Another round or amphitheatre was described by +Dr. Borlase as a perfectly level area 130 feet across, and surrounded by +an earthen mound eight feet high.</p> + +<p>In such magnificent surroundings of open-air, picturesque country, sea, +and sky, were these curious plays given to instruct and edify a +multitude drawn at large from the country-side, which often must remain +camped for two or three days in the neighbourhood to see the +performances out.</p> + + +<h4>IV.--<span class="smallcaps">From "The Cornish Drama," by Henry Jenner</span></h4> + +<h5>(<i>Celtic Review</i>, April 1907)</h5> + +<p>"The trilogy known as the <i>Ordinalia</i> consists of:--(<i>a</i>) <i>Origo Mundi</i>, +which begins with the Creation of the World, ... and ends with the +building of Solomon's Temple; (<i>b</i>) <i>Passio Domini</i>, which represents +the Temptation of Christ and the events from the Entry into Jerusalem +to the Entombment; (<i>c</i>) <i>Resurrectio Domini</i>, which gives the story of +the Harrowing of Hell, ... the Resurrection, and the events between the +Resurrection and the Ascension with which it ends. Interpolated in the +middle is the Legend of St. Veronica, and Tiberius, and the Death of +Pilate. Running through all three is the old legend of the Origin of the +Wood of the Cross." (Our two Mysteries are from "<i>C</i>").</p> + + +<h4>V.--<span class="smallcaps">Contemporary Account of Sir David Lindsay's "Satire of the Three +Estates"</span></h4> + +<h5>(<i>From a Letter Written by Sir Wm. Eure, 26th Jan. 1540</i>)</h5> + +<p>"In the feast of Ephipane at Lightgowe, before the king, queene, and the +whole counsaile, spirituall and temporall.--In the firste entres come in +Solace (whose parte was but to make mery, sing ballets with his +fellowes, and drink at the interluydes of the play), whoe showed firste +to all the audience the play to be played. Next come in a king, who +passed to his throne, having nae speche to thende of the play, and then +to ratify and approve, as in Parliament, all things done by the rest of +the players, which represented <span class="smallcaps">The Three Estates</span>. With him came his +cortiers, <span class="smallcaps">Placebo</span>, <span class="smallcaps">Picthank</span>, and <span class="smallcaps">Flatterye</span>, and sic alike gard: one +swering he was the lustiest, starkeste, best proportionit, and most +valeyant man that ever was; and ane other swore he was the beste with +long-bowe, crosse-bowe, and culverin, and so fourth. Thairafter there +come a man armed in harness, with a swerde drawn in his hande, a <span class="smallcaps">Bushop</span>, +a <span class="smallcaps">Burgesman</span>, and <span class="smallcaps">Experience</span>, clede like a <span class="smallcaps">Doctor</span>; who set them all down +on the deis under the <span class="smallcaps">King</span>. After them come a <span class="smallcaps">Poor Man</span>, who did go up +and down the scaffolde, making a hevie complainte that he was hereyet, +throw the courtiers taking his fewe in one place, and his tackes in +another; wherthrough he had sceyled his house, his wyfe and childrene +beggyng thair brede, and so of many thousands in Scotland; saying thair +was no remedy to be gotten, as he was neither acquainted with controller +nor treasurer. And then he looked to the King, and said he was not king +in Scotland, fore there was ane other king in Scotland that hanged <span class="smallcaps">Johne +Armstrang</span>, with his fellowes, <span class="smallcaps">Sym the Laird</span>, and mony other mae; but he +had lefte ane thing undone. Then he made a long narracione of the +oppression of the poor, by the taking of the corse-presaunte beists, and +of the herrying of poor men by the consistorye lawe, and of many other +abusions of the <span class="smallcaps">Spiritualitie</span> and Church. Then the <span class="smallcaps">Bushop</span> raise and +rebuked him. Then the <span class="smallcaps">Man of Armes</span> alledged the contraire, and commanded +the poor man to go on. The poor man proceeds with a long list of the +bushop's evil practices, the vices of cloisters, etc. This proved by +<span class="smallcaps">Experience</span>, who, from a New Testament, shows the office of a bushop. The +<span class="smallcaps">Man of Armes</span> and the <span class="smallcaps">Burges</span> approve of all that was said against the +clergy, and alledge the expediency of a reform, with the consent of +Parliament. The <span class="smallcaps">Bushop</span> dissents. The <span class="smallcaps">Man of Armes</span> and the <span class="smallcaps">Burges</span> said +they were two, and he but one, wherefore their voice should have most +effect. Thereafter the King, in the play, ratified, approved, and +confirmed all that was rehearsed."</p> +</div></div> + +<div id="footnotes" class="chapter"> +<h2>FOOTNOTES</h2> + +<p><a href="#fna_1" id="fn_1">1.</a> <i>rade</i>, quickly.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_2" id="fn_2">2.</a> sew, <i>i.e.</i> stitch on the planks together.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_3" id="fn_3">3.</a> "Bow"--the arched frame on which the ship is built.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_4" id="fn_4">4.</a> tents</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_5" id="fn_5">5.</a> <i>Extracts from the Municipal Records of York</i>, 1843, and <i>Walks +through the City of York</i>.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_6" id="fn_6">6.</a> See Appendix C. for the "Chester Banns."</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_7" id="fn_7">7.</a> is impaired.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_8" id="fn_8">8.</a> know.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_9" id="fn_9">9.</a> mediator.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_10" id="fn_10">10.</a> been gotten, been born.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_11" id="fn_11">11.</a> God.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_12" id="fn_12">12.</a> born.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_13" id="fn_13">13.</a> blame.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_14" id="fn_14">14.</a> If you go by me.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_15" id="fn_15">15.</a> with.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_16" id="fn_16">16.</a> season.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_17" id="fn_17">17.</a> speed in help of all.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_18" id="fn_18">18.</a> foe.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_19" id="fn_19">19.</a> cease.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_20" id="fn_20">20.</a> slime, or pitch.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_21" id="fn_21">21.</a> take.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_22" id="fn_22">22.</a> hinder, stop.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_23" id="fn_23">23.</a> vex.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_24-1" id="fn_24">24.</a> prepared.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_25" id="fn_25">25.</a> slime, mud.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_26" id="fn_26">26.</a> prepare.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_27" id="fn_27">27.</a> tide.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_28" id="fn_28">28.</a> nonsense.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_29" id="fn_29">29.</a> advice.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_30" id="fn_30">30.</a> noise.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_31" id="fn_31">31.</a> immediately.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_32" id="fn_32">32.</a> stop.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_33" id="fn_33">33.</a> ready.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_34" id="fn_34">34.</a> settled.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_35" id="fn_35">35.</a> comfortable.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_36" id="fn_36">36.</a> go.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_37" id="fn_37">37.</a> Business, occupation.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_38" id="fn_38">38.</a> And being conquered she deals a slap.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_39" id="fn_39">39.</a> fidelity.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_40" id="fn_40">40.</a> kind.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_41" id="fn_41">41.</a> faith.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_42" id="fn_42">42.</a> haste.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_43" id="fn_43">43.</a> prepare.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_44" id="fn_44">44.</a> steer.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_45" id="fn_45">45.</a> ready.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_46" id="fn_46">46.</a> Thee now must I have in mind.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_47" id="fn_47">47.</a> promise.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_48" id="fn_48">48.</a> cease.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_49" id="fn_49">49.</a> leave.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_50" id="fn_50">50.</a> covenant.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_51" id="fn_51">51.</a> anger.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_52" id="fn_52">52.</a> in haste.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_53" id="fn_53">53.</a> hindering.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_54" id="fn_54">54.</a> fail.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_55" id="fn_55">55.</a> might.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_56" id="fn_56">56.</a> without suspicion.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_57" id="fn_57">57.</a> beseech.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_58" id="fn_58">58.</a> precious stones.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_59" id="fn_59">59.</a> might.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_60" id="fn_60">60.</a> verily.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_61" id="fn_61">61.</a> leasing.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_62" id="fn_62">62.</a> bequest: "Maundy" really meant "command."</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_63" id="fn_63">63.</a> faith.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_64" id="fn_64">64.</a> might.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_65" id="fn_65">65.</a> nurseling, foster-child.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_66" id="fn_66">66.</a> lament.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_67" id="fn_67">67.</a> count.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_68" id="fn_68">68.</a> fore-buy (pre-purchase with his blood).</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_69" id="fn_69">69.</a> faith.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_70" id="fn_70">70.</a> verily.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_71" id="fn_71">71.</a> truly.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_72" id="fn_72">72.</a> household.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_73" id="fn_73">73.</a> be slack, or slow.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_74" id="fn_74">74.</a> "middle-yard,"--farm-yard: <i>i.e.</i> instead of all creatures from the +farm-yard.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_75" id="fn_75">75.</a> hesitate.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_76" id="fn_76">76.</a> obedient.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_77" id="fn_77">77.</a> deny.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_78" id="fn_78">78.</a> reward.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_79" id="fn_79">79.</a> afraid.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_80" id="fn_80">80.</a> kerchief.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_81" id="fn_81">81.</a> hesitate, delay.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_82" id="fn_82">82.</a> in good faith.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_83" id="fn_83">83.</a> promised I.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_84" id="fn_84">84.</a> debonair.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_85" id="fn_85">85.</a> find, find means.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_86" id="fn_86">86.</a> numb of hand.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_87" id="fn_87">87.</a> fast tied (to a lord, as a public-house to a brewer).</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_88" id="fn_88">88.</a> husbandmen.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_89" id="fn_89">89.</a> a painted sleeve.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_90" id="fn_90">90.</a> bragging.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_91" id="fn_91">91.</a> peacock.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_92" id="fn_92">92.</a> forego.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_93" id="fn_93">93.</a> Benedicite.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_94" id="fn_94">94.</a> spiteful.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_95" id="fn_95">95.</a> we silly wedded men endure much woe.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_96" id="fn_96">96.</a> placed, bestead.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_97" id="fn_97">97.</a> is riven asunder.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_98" id="fn_98">98.</a> briar.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_99" id="fn_99">99.</a> tarrying.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_100" id="fn_100">100.</a> slithers, slides away.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_101" id="fn_101">101.</a> more and more.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_102" id="fn_102">102.</a> You are two who wit, or know, all.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_103" id="fn_103">103.</a> field.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_104" id="fn_104">104.</a> hind.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_105" id="fn_105">105.</a> till such time as we have made it.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_106" id="fn_106">106.</a> stint our wages.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_107" id="fn_107">107.</a> argue.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_108" id="fn_108">108.</a> a light bargain yields badly.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_109" id="fn_109">109.</a> went.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_110" id="fn_110">110.</a> to make mirth among us.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_111" id="fn_111">111.</a> stars.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_112" id="fn_112">112.</a> "harnes" in original, which may mean "harness."</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_113" id="fn_113">113.</a> such (of such).</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_114" id="fn_114">114.</a> I.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_115" id="fn_115">115.</a> be thwacked, or flogged.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_116" id="fn_116">116.</a> eye.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_117" id="fn_117">117.</a> jest.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_118" id="fn_118">118.</a> rumour (ill repute).</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_119" id="fn_119">119.</a> hot.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_120" id="fn_120">120.</a> needle--not a little bit.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_121" id="fn_121">121.</a> brood, children.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_122" id="fn_122">122.</a> plaything.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_123" id="fn_123">123.</a> worse.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_124" id="fn_124">124.</a> early waked, or perhaps, wearied by watching.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_125" id="fn_125">125.</a> over-walked.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_126" id="fn_126">126.</a> at once.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_127" id="fn_127">127.</a> Into thy hands I commend (them), Pontius Pilate.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_128" id="fn_128">128.</a> few.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_129" id="fn_129">129.</a> learn.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_130" id="fn_130">130.</a> chare,--job, as in charwoman.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_131" id="fn_131">131.</a> wicket.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_132" id="fn_132">132.</a> toil.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_133" id="fn_133">133.</a> flayed.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_134" id="fn_134">134.</a> The devil of them give warning.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_135" id="fn_135">135.</a> jest.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_136" id="fn_136">136.</a> advisest, sayest so?</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_137" id="fn_137">137.</a> company.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_138" id="fn_138">138.</a> Benedicite.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_139" id="fn_139">139.</a> mad</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_140" id="fn_140">140.</a> dream.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_141" id="fn_141">141.</a> sloth(?)</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_142" id="fn_142">142.</a> bellies.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_143" id="fn_143">143.</a> brains.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_144" id="fn_144">144.</a> prosper.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_145" id="fn_145">145.</a> where.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_146" id="fn_146">146.</a> waning moon.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_147" id="fn_147">147.</a> comes.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_148" id="fn_148">148.</a> lie.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_149" id="fn_149">149.</a> plays.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_150" id="fn_150">150.</a> thereto.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_151" id="fn_151">151.</a> Help! or Halloo!</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_152" id="fn_152">152.</a> lost.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_153" id="fn_153">153.</a> God forbid.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_154" id="fn_154">154.</a> Horbery Shrubberies, near Wakefield.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_155" id="fn_155">155.</a> die.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_156" id="fn_156">156.</a> advise.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_157" id="fn_157">157.</a> call.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_158" id="fn_158">158.</a> "take on," make game.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_159" id="fn_159">159.</a> breathe.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_160" id="fn_160">160.</a> nose (?) The "so he" is meant for a she.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_161" id="fn_161">161.</a> enow, enough.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_162" id="fn_162">162.</a> went.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_163" id="fn_163">163.</a> went, were grazing.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_164" id="fn_164">164.</a> bothers us, makes us suspect.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_165" id="fn_165">165.</a> suspicion.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_166" id="fn_166">166.</a> swelter.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_167" id="fn_167">167.</a> fared.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_168" id="fn_168">168.</a> been in labour.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_169" id="fn_169">169.</a> confound it.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_170" id="fn_170">170.</a> soft.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_171" id="fn_171">171.</a> empty.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_172" id="fn_172">172.</a> a boy.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_173" id="fn_173">173.</a> a lie.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_174" id="fn_174">174.</a> faith.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_175" id="fn_175">175.</a> hubbub.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_176" id="fn_176">176.</a> done.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_177" id="fn_177">177.</a> day-star.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_178" id="fn_178">178.</a> gem, something prankt out, or shown off, like a false gem.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_179" id="fn_179">179.</a> scold</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_180" id="fn_180">180.</a> hight, be called.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_181" id="fn_181">181.</a> say</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_182" id="fn_182">182.</a> bewitched</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_183" id="fn_183">183.</a> be avenged, wreak vengeance.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_184" id="fn_184">184.</a> <i>i.e.</i> for a changeling.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_185" id="fn_185">185.</a> curse nor flout.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_186" id="fn_186">186.</a> chide.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_187" id="fn_187">187.</a> vex about it.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_188" id="fn_188">188.</a> gracious.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_189" id="fn_189">189.</a> lost.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_190" id="fn_190">190.</a> destroy.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_191" id="fn_191">191.</a> free, or divine, One.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_192" id="fn_192">192.</a> voice.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_193" id="fn_193">193.</a> name, relate.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_194" id="fn_194">194.</a> lightning.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_195" id="fn_195">195.</a> star.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_196" id="fn_196">196.</a> three short notes to a long one.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_197" id="fn_197">197.</a> shouted it out.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_198" id="fn_198">198.</a> take.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_199" id="fn_199">199.</a> delay.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_200" id="fn_200">200.</a> can mind.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_201" id="fn_201">201.</a> eager.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_202" id="fn_202">202.</a> unlearn'd, rude.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_203" id="fn_203">203.</a> happiness.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_204" id="fn_204">204.</a> demon, evil one.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_205" id="fn_205">205.</a> worker of evil. The "he" in the next line refers to the Holy Babe +again.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_206" id="fn_206">206.</a> pate, little tiny-pate</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_207" id="fn_207">207.</a> day-star.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_208" id="fn_208">208.</a> hand.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_209" id="fn_209">209.</a> set all alight; gave light to all.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_210" id="fn_210">210.</a> could he (<i>i.e.</i> the babe) tell, name.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_211" id="fn_211">211.</a> weened; <i>i.e.</i> laughed as if he knew all about it.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_212" id="fn_212">212.</a> found.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_213" id="fn_213">213.</a> bound.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_214" id="fn_214">214.</a> Let us sing it aloft, or aloud!</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_215" id="fn_215">215.</a> "Behold, a Virgin shall conceive!"</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_216" id="fn_216">216.</a> glad.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_217" id="fn_217">217.</a> for ever and ever.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_218" id="fn_218">218.</a> deceits, darknesses.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_219" id="fn_219">219.</a> commit.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_220" id="fn_220">220.</a> physician, healer.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_221" id="fn_221">221.</a> ruined.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_222" id="fn_222">222.</a> equal or like.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_223" id="fn_223">223.</a> messenger.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_224" id="fn_224">224.</a> eyes.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_225" id="fn_225">225.</a> wend, journey.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_226" id="fn_226">226.</a> stay.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_227" id="fn_227">227.</a> hill.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_228" id="fn_228">228.</a> gust.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_229" id="fn_229">229.</a> wold.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_230" id="fn_230">230.</a> noble.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_231" id="fn_231">231.</a> win.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_232" id="fn_232">232.</a> News, news!</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_233" id="fn_233">233.</a> marvels.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_234" id="fn_234">234.</a> descent, lineage.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_235" id="fn_235">235.</a> give advice.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_236" id="fn_236">236.</a> boldly, openly.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_237" id="fn_237">237.</a> to.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_238" id="fn_238">238.</a> "The devil run away with you!" The whole of this Herald's speech +is in corrupt French, of which only the last speech, evidently a comic +"aside," is retained.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_239" id="fn_239">239.</a> He that reigns, King in Judea and Israel.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_240" id="fn_240">240.</a> strokes, loud blows.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_241" id="fn_241">241.</a> tribute.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_242" id="fn_242">242.</a> message.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_243" id="fn_243">243.</a> await.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_244" id="fn_244">244.</a> (?) and gentle or noble.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_245" id="fn_245">245.</a> prepared.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_246" id="fn_246">246.</a> undo.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_247" id="fn_247">247.</a> prepared, ready.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_248" id="fn_248">248.</a> All in company.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_249" id="fn_249">249.</a> mien, face.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_250" id="fn_250">250.</a> trouble, or from "haro," help.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_251" id="fn_251">251.</a> travel.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_252" id="fn_252">252.</a> childbed, or lying-in chamber.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_253" id="fn_253">253.</a> company.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_254" id="fn_254">254.</a> go free.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_255" id="fn_255">255.</a> summons.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_256" id="fn_256">256.</a> childbed.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_257" id="fn_257">257.</a> raiment.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_258" id="fn_258">258.</a> fire.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_259" id="fn_259">259.</a> mad.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_260" id="fn_260">260.</a> wild countryman.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_261" id="fn_261">261.</a> rede, advice.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_262" id="fn_262">262.</a> fame.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_263" id="fn_263">263.</a> reward.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_264" id="fn_264">264.</a> order.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_265" id="fn_265">265.</a> take.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_266" id="fn_266">266.</a> slay.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_267" id="fn_267">267.</a> deceiver.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_268" id="fn_268">268.</a> mad.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_269" id="fn_269">269.</a> say against it, deny it.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_270" id="fn_270">270.</a> have been.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_271" id="fn_271">271.</a> slay.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_272" id="fn_272">272.</a> explore.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_273" id="fn_273">273.</a> at once.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_274" id="fn_274">274.</a> know.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_275" id="fn_275">275.</a> vex.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_276" id="fn_276">276.</a> destroyed.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_277" id="fn_277">277.</a> heed.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_278" id="fn_278">278.</a> boaster.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_279" id="fn_279">279.</a> wisdom.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_280" id="fn_280">280.</a> evil.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_281" id="fn_281">281.</a> vanquish.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_282" id="fn_282">282.</a> advise.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_283" id="fn_283">283.</a> death.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_284" id="fn_284">284.</a> idolatry.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_285" id="fn_285">285.</a> meddle.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_286" id="fn_286">286.</a> destroyed.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_287" id="fn_287">287.</a> a-deal.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_288" id="fn_288">288.</a> saddle.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_289" id="fn_289">289.</a> <i>i.e.</i> Be not afraid to fall.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_290" id="fn_290">290.</a> left unsaid.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_291" id="fn_291">291.</a> prepared.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_292" id="fn_292">292.</a> burst.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_293" id="fn_293">293.</a> burst.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_294" id="fn_294">294.</a> hands.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_295" id="fn_295">295.</a> each sinew from sinew.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_296" id="fn_296">296.</a> so may you thrive.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_297" id="fn_297">297.</a> Good Lord!</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_298" id="fn_298">298.</a> there.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_299" id="fn_299">299.</a> smith.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_300" id="fn_300">300.</a> hammer.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_301" id="fn_301">301.</a> part.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_302" id="fn_302">302.</a> hands.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_303" id="fn_303">303.</a> mortice (the hole cut in the ground-piece).</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_304" id="fn_304">304.</a> pleasantly.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_305" id="fn_305">305.</a> buffeted.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_306" id="fn_306">306.</a> strength.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_307" id="fn_307">307.</a> mood.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_308" id="fn_308">308.</a> hands.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_309" id="fn_309">309.</a> cast up.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_310" id="fn_310">310.</a> guiltless.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_311" id="fn_311">311.</a> slay.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_312" id="fn_312">312.</a> shew.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_313" id="fn_313">313.</a> repose.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_314" id="fn_314">314.</a> requitest.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_315" id="fn_315">315.</a> lose.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_316" id="fn_316">316.</a> labour.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_317" id="fn_317">317.</a> in wont.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_318" id="fn_318">318.</a> despoiled, destroyed.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_319" id="fn_319">319.</a> thinks, knows.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_320" id="fn_320">320.</a> <i>i.e.</i> Does he think we care how he suffers?</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_321" id="fn_321">321.</a> burst.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_322" id="fn_322">322.</a> the grief I bear.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_323" id="fn_323">323.</a> face, visage.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_324" id="fn_324">324.</a> garments, aspect.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_325" id="fn_325">325.</a> nurseling, fed child.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_326" id="fn_326">326.</a> hold, rest.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_327" id="fn_327">327.</a> how should I stand still in my place.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_328" id="fn_328">328.</a> blue.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_329" id="fn_329">329.</a> nails.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_330" id="fn_330">330.</a> companion.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_331" id="fn_331">331.</a> treasure.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_332" id="fn_332">332.</a> liking.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_333" id="fn_333">333.</a> blue.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_334" id="fn_334">334.</a> more.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_335" id="fn_335">335.</a> perish.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_336" id="fn_336">336.</a> bear.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_337" id="fn_337">337.</a> good, gain.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_338" id="fn_338">338.</a> hard, dearly.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_339" id="fn_339">339.</a> flesh.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_340" id="fn_340">340.</a> faded.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_341" id="fn_341">341.</a> doubt.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_342" id="fn_342">342.</a> more.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_343" id="fn_343">343.</a> fair, the opposite of uncouth.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_344" id="fn_344">344.</a> Methinks.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_345" id="fn_345">345.</a> followers.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_346" id="fn_346">346.</a> weep.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_347" id="fn_347">347.</a> He will beat down our fall or evil, as he promised.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_348" id="fn_348">348.</a> promised.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_349" id="fn_349">349.</a> without counsel.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_350" id="fn_350">350.</a> torn.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_351" id="fn_351">351.</a> in wont, habitually.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_352" id="fn_352">352.</a> burst for no grief.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_353" id="fn_353">353.</a> cease.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_354" id="fn_354">354.</a> grief.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_355" id="fn_355">355.</a> stay.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_356" id="fn_356">356.</a> noble babe.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_357" id="fn_357">357.</a> clothed.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_358" id="fn_358">358.</a> high.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_359" id="fn_359">359.</a> more.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_360" id="fn_360">360.</a> against wrong.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_361" id="fn_361">361.</a> go.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_362" id="fn_362">362.</a> face, complexion.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_363" id="fn_363">363.</a> surely.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_364" id="fn_364">364.</a> blame.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_365" id="fn_365">365.</a> die.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_366" id="fn_366">366.</a> few.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_367" id="fn_367">367.</a> weep.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_368" id="fn_368">368.</a> promised.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_369" id="fn_369">369.</a> beat down our bale, or evil.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_370" id="fn_370">370.</a> promised.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_371" id="fn_371">371.</a> place.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_372" id="fn_372">372.</a> believe thy word.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_373" id="fn_373">373.</a> pricks.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_374" id="fn_374">374.</a> dole, or grief thou endurest.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_375" id="fn_375">375.</a> cast about, cousin, in thy thought.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_376" id="fn_376">376.</a> swinged with whips.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_377" id="fn_377">377.</a> cease.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_378" id="fn_378">378.</a> reed.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_379" id="fn_379">379.</a> offer.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_380" id="fn_380">380.</a> trouble.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_381" id="fn_381">381.</a> at all costs.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_382" id="fn_382">382.</a> pretended great prophecies.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_383" id="fn_383">383.</a> quickly.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_384" id="fn_384">384.</a> unless he can shew still further craft, or art.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_385" id="fn_385">385.</a> all ways, quite.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_386" id="fn_386">386.</a> Saying, as in a wise saw.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_387" id="fn_387">387.</a> draw lots.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_388" id="fn_388">388.</a> beguiled.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_389" id="fn_389">389.</a> scroll.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_390" id="fn_390">390.</a> am bewildered.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_391" id="fn_391">391.</a> What meddle ye with?</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_392" id="fn_392">392.</a> What I wrote is written.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_393" id="fn_393">393.</a> fellow.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_394" id="fn_394">394.</a> ill fall the day.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_395" id="fn_395">395.</a> quickly.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_396" id="fn_396">396.</a> bear.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_397" id="fn_397">397.</a> insults, miscallings.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_398" id="fn_398">398.</a> knowing, willing.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_399" id="fn_399">399.</a> grave.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_400" id="fn_400">400.</a> host of men, company.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_401" id="fn_401">401.</a> hands.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_402" id="fn_402">402.</a> harm.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_403" id="fn_403">403.</a> have compassion.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_404" id="fn_404">404.</a> compelled.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_405" id="fn_405">405.</a> torment.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_406" id="fn_406">406.</a> counsel.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_407" id="fn_407">407.</a> were gone.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_408" id="fn_408">408.</a> put in grave.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_409" id="fn_409">409.</a> in reason.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_410" id="fn_410">410.</a> draw.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_411" id="fn_411">411.</a> wound in his shroud.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_412" id="fn_412">412.</a> caused them to make.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_413" id="fn_413">413.</a> Easter.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_414" id="fn_414">414.</a> father.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_415" id="fn_415">415.</a> Adam's miss, or fall.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_416" id="fn_416">416.</a> Sooth to say to thee.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_417" id="fn_417">417.</a> rescue.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_418" id="fn_418">418.</a> fiend.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_419" id="fn_419">419.</a> betraying.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_420" id="fn_420">420.</a> earthly food--the apple.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_421" id="fn_421">421.</a> stead, state.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_422" id="fn_422">422.</a> make.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_423" id="fn_423">423.</a> stayed, kept.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_424" id="fn_424">424.</a> sure.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_425" id="fn_425">425.</a> slake thirst, lessen (or as in "slack a fire").</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_426" id="fn_426">426.</a> gentle, gracious.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_427" id="fn_427">427.</a> linger.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_428" id="fn_428">428.</a> cease, leave.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_429" id="fn_429">429.</a> And all sing, <i>Salvator Mundi, 1st ver.</i></p> + +<p><a href="#fna_430" id="fn_430">430.</a> kenn'd, knew.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_431" id="fn_431">431.</a> walking.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_432" id="fn_432">432.</a> on earth.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_433" id="fn_433">433.</a> wonders many.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_434" id="fn_434">434.</a> deigneth, dignity.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_435" id="fn_435">435.</a> fondled.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_436" id="fn_436">436.</a> leal, true.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_437" id="fn_437">437.</a> lasting life.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_438" id="fn_438">438.</a> hal, salvation.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_439" id="fn_439">439.</a> list I, care I, to live.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_440" id="fn_440">440.</a> live in man, man's form.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_441" id="fn_441">441.</a> declared.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_442" id="fn_442">442.</a> flumen,--flood, river.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_443" id="fn_443">443.</a> The Father's voice was made like a man's.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_444" id="fn_444">444.</a> our cares to cool, cure, allay.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_445" id="fn_445">445.</a> Elias.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_446" id="fn_446">446.</a> earth.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_447" id="fn_447">447.</a> confidently.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_448" id="fn_448">448.</a> against.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_449" id="fn_449">449.</a> din, noise.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_450" id="fn_450">450.</a> to swell.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_451" id="fn_451">451.</a> my wit waxes thin.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_452" id="fn_452">452.</a> these souls men from us twine, divide.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_453" id="fn_453">453.</a> harrow--hullaballoo.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_454" id="fn_454">454.</a> hearest.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_455" id="fn_455">455.</a> louts.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_456" id="fn_456">456.</a> mixture.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_457" id="fn_457">457.</a> amongst.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_458" id="fn_458">458.</a> sparrian, to shut, to bar; sparian, preserve.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_459" id="fn_459">459.</a> Ashtaroth.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_460" id="fn_460">460.</a> Baal, Beryth and Belial.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_461" id="fn_461">461.</a> makes.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_462" id="fn_462">462.</a> lovely of face.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_463" id="fn_463">463.</a> Lift your heads, oh ye gates, and be ye lift up, ye everlasting +doors, and the King of Glory shall come in.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_464" id="fn_464">464.</a> help.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_465" id="fn_465">465.</a> nigh.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_466" id="fn_466">466.</a> hideously.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_467" id="fn_467">467.</a> bolt the gates.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_468" id="fn_468">468.</a> prosper.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_469" id="fn_469">469.</a> watch.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_470" id="fn_470">470.</a> wretch.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_471" id="fn_471">471.</a> dwell.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_472" id="fn_472">472.</a> go his way.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_473" id="fn_473">473.</a> sturdy in every fight.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_474" id="fn_474">474.</a> hearest thou?</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_475" id="fn_475">475.</a> are in thrall.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_476" id="fn_476">476.</a> God-in-man.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_477" id="fn_477">477.</a> the devil harry you all.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_478" id="fn_478">478.</a> ails thee to shout so?</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_479" id="fn_479">479.</a> thy brain, I burst not out.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_480" id="fn_480">480.</a> shut the gates.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_481" id="fn_481">481.</a> betrays.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_482" id="fn_482">482.</a> wend, go.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_483" id="fn_483">483.</a> or we'll know it.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_484" id="fn_484">484.</a> destroy.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_485" id="fn_485">485.</a> traitors.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_486" id="fn_486">486.</a> danger.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_487" id="fn_487">487.</a> tricks.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_488" id="fn_488">488.</a> his.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_489" id="fn_489">489.</a> gauds, showy deeds.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_490" id="fn_490">490.</a> from our bale, destruction.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_491" id="fn_491">491.</a> hateful.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_492" id="fn_492">492.</a> agreement, or forward precaution, foreword, prearrange.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_493" id="fn_493">493.</a> his hire, reward.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_494" id="fn_494">494.</a> to dwell here still.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_495" id="fn_495">495.</a> since we hear thee say.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_496" id="fn_496">496.</a> know.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_497" id="fn_497">497.</a> taken in charge.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_498" id="fn_498">498.</a> frustrate.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_499" id="fn_499">499.</a> rive, take away.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_500" id="fn_500">500.</a> be nought abased.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_501" id="fn_501">501.</a> bound.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_502" id="fn_502">502.</a> truss up, entangle ("take in the toils").</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_503" id="fn_503">503.</a> ding, knock.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_504" id="fn_504">504.</a> see p. 153.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_505" id="fn_505">505.</a> help.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_506" id="fn_506">506.</a> see in the psalter.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_507" id="fn_507">507.</a> I always said.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_508" id="fn_508">508.</a> "be naame," a technical term for seizure of another's goods.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_509" id="fn_509">509.</a> make wreck of your works.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_510" id="fn_510">510.</a> advise.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_511" id="fn_511">511.</a> meddle.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_512" id="fn_512">512.</a> gates.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_513" id="fn_513">513.</a> ween.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_514" id="fn_514">514.</a> twine, part asunder.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_515" id="fn_515">515.</a> stead, place.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_516" id="fn_516">516.</a> closed, fast shut.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_517" id="fn_517">517.</a> help.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_518" id="fn_518">518.</a> bailey, outer gate.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_519" id="fn_519">519.</a> how am I woeful.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_520" id="fn_520">520.</a> worse.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_521" id="fn_521">521.</a> crook.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_522" id="fn_522">522.</a> ready.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_523" id="fn_523">523.</a> masteries.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_524" id="fn_524">524.</a> knock, strike, beset.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_525" id="fn_525">525.</a> Make him.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_526" id="fn_526">526.</a> stratagem, treachery.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_527" id="fn_527">527.</a> more, or stronger.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_528" id="fn_528">528.</a> traitor.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_529" id="fn_529">529.</a> afraid.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_530" id="fn_530">530.</a> my gear, weapons, be ready.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_531" id="fn_531">531.</a> gad-about, vagrant.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_532" id="fn_532">532.</a> Bel ami, fair friend.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_533" id="fn_533">533.</a> noise, hubbub.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_534" id="fn_534">534.</a> pain, afflict.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_535" id="fn_535">535.</a> profit.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_536" id="fn_536">536.</a> ward, keeping.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_537" id="fn_537">537.</a> aye syne, ever since.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_538" id="fn_538">538.</a> go nigh.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_539" id="fn_539">539.</a> ordained heretofore.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_540" id="fn_540">540.</a> to get his meat, earn his bread.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_541" id="fn_541">541.</a> I mind, remember.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_542" id="fn_542">542.</a> mickle, much.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_543" id="fn_543">543.</a> lives.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_544" id="fn_544">544.</a> cease.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_545" id="fn_545">545.</a> prophecy.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_546" id="fn_546">546.</a> For no chattles need you crave (lack), or ask.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_547" id="fn_547">547.</a> simple.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_548" id="fn_548">548.</a> hearty.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_549" id="fn_549">549.</a> amazed.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_550" id="fn_550">550.</a> rave.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_551" id="fn_551">551.</a> manifest, made known.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_552" id="fn_552">552.</a> to thee, nor none of thine.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_553" id="fn_553">553.</a> errest.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_554" id="fn_554">554.</a> ready.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_555" id="fn_555">555.</a> hire, reward.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_556" id="fn_556">556.</a> taught.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_557" id="fn_557">557.</a> workest.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_558" id="fn_558">558.</a> know.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_559" id="fn_559">559.</a> win, save (my men from woe).</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_560" id="fn_560">560.</a> concerns, things of note.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_561" id="fn_561">561.</a> damned souls.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_562" id="fn_562">562.</a> true prophets' tale.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_563" id="fn_563">563.</a> bale, destruction.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_564" id="fn_564">564.</a> quote, or read, the laws.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_565" id="fn_565">565.</a> convinced ere we part.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_566" id="fn_566">566.</a> saws, proverbs.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_567" id="fn_567">567.</a> din, noise.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_568" id="fn_568">568.</a> neither friend nor foe shall find release in hell.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_569" id="fn_569">569.</a> sorrows sore shall never cease.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_570" id="fn_570">570.</a> noble.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_571" id="fn_571">571.</a> wend, go.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_572" id="fn_572">572.</a> take them all from me.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_573" id="fn_573">573.</a> methinks.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_574" id="fn_574">574.</a> bethink.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_575" id="fn_575">575.</a> dwell in woe.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_576" id="fn_576">576.</a> to a stake.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_577" id="fn_577">577.</a> moanest.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_578" id="fn_578">578.</a> with measure and malice (malice aforethought) to meddle.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_579" id="fn_579">579.</a> Cain.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_580" id="fn_580">580.</a> Dathan and Abiram, and all of their.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_581" id="fn_581">581.</a> each one.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_582" id="fn_582">582.</a> learn.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_583" id="fn_583">583.</a> henceforth.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_584" id="fn_584">584.</a> my coming known.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_585" id="fn_585">585.</a> by row, line by line, all in order.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_586" id="fn_586">586.</a> doom.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_587" id="fn_587">587.</a> judge them worse.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_588" id="fn_588">588.</a> profit.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_589" id="fn_589">589.</a> teach them not to permit.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_590" id="fn_590">590.</a> follow mine (my laws).</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_591" id="fn_591">591.</a> turn them to it, I trow.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_592" id="fn_592">592.</a> and make them grow well aware.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_593" id="fn_593">593.</a> fast-bound.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_594" id="fn_594">594.</a> fly not far.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_595" id="fn_595">595.</a> Bel ami (fair friend), thou shalt be smitten down.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_596" id="fn_596">596.</a> grief.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_597" id="fn_597">597.</a> So said I e'er,--always.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_598" id="fn_598">598.</a> sins.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_599" id="fn_599">599.</a> mickle, great of might.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_600" id="fn_600">600.</a> companion.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_601" id="fn_601">601.</a> torments.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_602" id="fn_602">602.</a> taste.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_603" id="fn_603">603.</a> master.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_604" id="fn_604">604.</a> in fear.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_605" id="fn_605">605.</a> since before thee.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_606" id="fn_606">606.</a> bode-word; (foreboding, forewarning).</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_607" id="fn_607">607.</a> "Thou didst not leave, oh Lord, my soul in hell!"</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_608" id="fn_608">608.</a> Whither the damned shall go.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_609" id="fn_609">609.</a> live in woe.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_610" id="fn_610">610.</a> flee, escape.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_611" id="fn_611">611.</a> venomous.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_612" id="fn_612">612.</a> committed.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_613" id="fn_613">613.</a> overwhelm.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_614" id="fn_614">614.</a> blister.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_615" id="fn_615">615.</a> Joshua.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_616" id="fn_616">616.</a> benevolent.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_617" id="fn_617">617.</a> flowing milk and honey.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_618" id="fn_618">618.</a> Phineas.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_619" id="fn_619">619.</a> Joshua.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_620" id="fn_620">620.</a> trespass.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_621" id="fn_621">621.</a> inhabitants of Jerusalem.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_622" id="fn_622">622.</a> Joash.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_623" id="fn_623">623.</a> leprosy.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_624" id="fn_624">624.</a> immediately.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_625" id="fn_625">625.</a> Zephaniah</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_626" id="fn_626">626.</a> Mordecai.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_627" id="fn_627">627.</a> Because I am a youth.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_628" id="fn_628">628.</a> asks.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_629" id="fn_629">629.</a> Corinthians.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_630" id="fn_630">630.</a> Esaias.</p> + +<p><a href="#fna_631" id="fn_631">631.</a> Though this is called the <i>Ludus Coventriæ</i>, there is no evidence +that the cycle ever was played at Coventry, or that at any time more +than ten pageants were produced there by the town guilds. The Coventry +Nativity Play that we print (from the text of Robert Croo, 1534) is one +of the ten. It was played by the "Company of Shearmen and Tailors."</p> +</div> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Everyman and Other Old Religious +Plays, with an Introduction, by Anonymous + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK EVERYMAN AND OTHERS *** + +***** This file should be named 19481-h.htm or 19481-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/1/9/4/8/19481/ + +Produced by Suzanne Lybarger, Melanie Lybarger, Curtis +Weyant and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at +http://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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