The Paynters and the Glasiors Playe
Hankin
On wolds have I walked full wild1
Under bushes my bower to build
From stiff storms my sheep to shield
My seemly whethers to save,
From comely Conwy unto Clyde
In their shelters them to hide
A better shepherd on no side7
No earthly man may have.
On wolds have I walked full wild1
Under bushes my bower to build
From stiff storms my sheep to shield
My seemly whethers to save,
From comely Conwy unto Clyde
In their shelters them to hide
A better shepherd on no side7
No earthly man may have.
For with walking weary I have me wrought9
Beside the stream my sheep I sought
My lively tups are in my thought,
Them to save and heal
From the sore and scab it sought
Or the rot, it if were wrought
If the cough had them caught15
Of it I could them heal.
Beside the stream my sheep I sought
My lively tups are in my thought,
Them to save and heal
From the sore and scab it sought
Or the rot, it if were wrought
If the cough had them caught15
Of it I could them heal.
Lo, here be my herbies safe and sound17
Wisely wrought for every wound -
That would a whole man bring to ground
Within a little while -
Of henbane, and hoarhound
Tibbie, radish and egremont
Which be my herbs all safe and sound23
All mingled in a row.
Wisely wrought for every wound -
That would a whole man bring to ground
Within a little while -
Of henbane, and hoarhound
Tibbie, radish and egremont
Which be my herbs all safe and sound23
All mingled in a row.
Here be more herbs I tell it you25
I shall rank them in a row:
Finter, fanter and feverfew
And also pennywort
This is all that I know.
For be it wether or be it ewe
I shall heal them in a row,31
Clean them from their hurt
I shall rank them in a row:
Finter, fanter and feverfew
And also pennywort
This is all that I know.
For be it wether or be it ewe
I shall heal them in a row,31
Clean them from their hurt
Here is tar in a pot33
To heal them form the rot.
Well I can and well I wot
The tails from them take
And if sworn it were cursed
Yet shall the tail be in my purse
And the sheep never the worse39
To frolic in the field.
To heal them form the rot.
Well I can and well I wot
The tails from them take
And if sworn it were cursed
Yet shall the tail be in my purse
And the sheep never the worse39
To frolic in the field.
But no fellowship here have I41
Save myself, in good faith
Therefore for a friend will I cry
But first will I drink, if I may. He drinks
Save myself, in good faith
Therefore for a friend will I cry
But first will I drink, if I may. He drinks
Ho, Harvey, Ho45
Drive thy sheep here below.
Thou may not hear unless I blow [on my horn]
As ever I have health
Drive thy sheep here below.
Thou may not hear unless I blow [on my horn]
As ever I have health
Harvey
Fellow, now be we well met49
And though methinks us needs
Had we Tudd here by us set
Then might we sit and feed us
Fellow, now be we well met49
And though methinks us needs
Had we Tudd here by us set
Then might we sit and feed us
Hankin
Yet to feed us friendly i’faith53
How might we have our service?
Thou must cry loud, by this day;
Tudd is deaf and may not well hear us.
Yet to feed us friendly i’faith53
How might we have our service?
Thou must cry loud, by this day;
Tudd is deaf and may not well hear us.
Harvey
How, Tud, come, for thy father’s kin! Shouting
How, Tud, come, for thy father’s kin! Shouting
Hankin
Nay, faith, thy voice is wondrous dim58
Why, knowest thou not him?
Fie man, for shame!
Call him Tudd, Tibby’s son
And then will the fool come
For in good faith it is his wont
To love well his Dame’s name.64
Nay, faith, thy voice is wondrous dim58
Why, knowest thou not him?
Fie man, for shame!
Call him Tudd, Tibby’s son
And then will the fool come
For in good faith it is his wont
To love well his Dame’s name.64
Harvey
How, Tudd, Tibby’s son! Shouting65
How, Tudd, Tibby’s son! Shouting65
Tudd
Sir, in faith now I come Entering up the aisle66
For yet have I not all done
That I have to do.
To stew a salve for our sheep
And - lest my wife should it wit -
With great gravel and grit
I scour it out of this old pan72
Sir, in faith now I come Entering up the aisle66
For yet have I not all done
That I have to do.
To stew a salve for our sheep
And - lest my wife should it wit -
With great gravel and grit
I scour it out of this old pan72
Hemlock and hay-riff - hold that -73
With tar boyste must all be tamed
Pennygrass and butter for fat sheep;
Of this salve I am not ashamed.
With tar boyste must all be tamed
Pennygrass and butter for fat sheep;
Of this salve I am not ashamed.
Ashamed am I not to show77
No point pertaining to my craft
No better - that I well know -
In land is nowhere living.
No point pertaining to my craft
No better - that I well know -
In land is nowhere living.
For, good men, this is not unknown81
To husbands that be here about;
That each man must bow to his wife
And cower for fear of a clout.
To husbands that be here about;
That each man must bow to his wife
And cower for fear of a clout.
Thus for clouts now care I;85
All is for fear of womankind
Now will I cast my ware hereby
And hie fast till I get to Hankin
All is for fear of womankind
Now will I cast my ware hereby
And hie fast till I get to Hankin
Hankin, hold up thy hand and haul me89
To bring me up on high there by thee
To bring me up on high there by thee
Hankin
Gladly sir, if thou would be by me91
For loth me is to deny thee
Gladly sir, if thou would be by me91
For loth me is to deny thee
Harvey
Now since God has gathered us together93
With good heart I thank him of his grace
Welcome be thou: well fair weather
Tudd, shall we shape us to some solace?
Now since God has gathered us together93
With good heart I thank him of his grace
Welcome be thou: well fair weather
Tudd, shall we shape us to some solace?
Tudd
Solace would best be seen97
That we shape us to our supper;
For meat and drink, well I deem
To each deed is most dear.
Solace would best be seen97
That we shape us to our supper;
For meat and drink, well I deem
To each deed is most dear.
Hankin
Lay forth, each man alike101
What he hath left of his livery
And I will put forth my piece
With my part, first of all us three.
Lay forth, each man alike101
What he hath left of his livery
And I will put forth my piece
With my part, first of all us three.
Harvey
And such store as my wife had105
In your heart soon shall you see
In the beginning to make us glad
For in good meat there is much glee
And such store as my wife had105
In your heart soon shall you see
In the beginning to make us glad
For in good meat there is much glee
Here is bread this day was baken109
Onions, garlic and leeks
Butter that was bought in Blacon
And green cheese that will grease well your cheeks
Onions, garlic and leeks
Butter that was bought in Blacon
And green cheese that will grease well your cheeks
Tudd
And here ale of Halton I have113
And what meat I had to my hire
This pudding shall no man dispraise
And a jannock of Lancashire
And here ale of Halton I have113
And what meat I had to my hire
This pudding shall no man dispraise
And a jannock of Lancashire
Lo, here a sheep’s head soused in ale117
And a grain to lay on the green,
And sour milk. My wife had ordained
A noble supper, as well is seen.
And a grain to lay on the green,
And sour milk. My wife had ordained
A noble supper, as well is seen.
Hankin
Now will I cast off my cloak121
And put on’t part of my livery
Put all that I have in my poke
And a pig’s foot, from puddings pure.
Now will I cast off my cloak121
And put on’t part of my livery
Put all that I have in my poke
And a pig’s foot, from puddings pure.
Tudd
Abide, fellows, and ye shall see here125
This hot meat - we serve it here.
Bowls of the best,
A pudding with a prick in the end.
Abide, fellows, and ye shall see here125
This hot meat - we serve it here.
Bowls of the best,
A pudding with a prick in the end.
Hankin
My satchel to shake out129
To shepherds I am not ashamed,
And this tongue pared round about,
With my teeth it shall be tamed
Bid me do gladly, and I thee.
For by God here is good grazing
Come eat with us, God of heaven high135
But take no heed that here be no housing.
My satchel to shake out129
To shepherds I am not ashamed,
And this tongue pared round about,
With my teeth it shall be tamed
Bid me do gladly, and I thee.
For by God here is good grazing
Come eat with us, God of heaven high135
But take no heed that here be no housing.
Harvey
Housing enough have we here137
While we have heaven over our heads
Now to wet our mouths it is the time
This flask will I tame, by your leave.
Housing enough have we here137
While we have heaven over our heads
Now to wet our mouths it is the time
This flask will I tame, by your leave.
Tudd
And of this bottle now will I bib141
For here is bowls of the best.
And of this bottle now will I bib141
For here is bowls of the best.
Hankin
Fellows now our bellies be full143
Think we on him that keeps our beasts.
Blow thy horn and call after Trowle
And bid him, Son, to share our feast.
Fellows now our bellies be full143
Think we on him that keeps our beasts.
Blow thy horn and call after Trowle
And bid him, Son, to share our feast.
Harvey
Well said, Hankin, by my sooth147
For that shrew I suppose us seeks
My horn to sound I will not cease
Till that lad has some of our leeks
Well said, Hankin, by my sooth147
For that shrew I suppose us seeks
My horn to sound I will not cease
Till that lad has some of our leeks
Tudd
Leeks to his livery is liking151
Such a lad nowhere in land is
Blow a note for that meeting
While that horn now in they hand is
Leeks to his livery is liking151
Such a lad nowhere in land is
Blow a note for that meeting
While that horn now in they hand is
Hankin
With this horn shall I make a “hoo”155
That he and all Heaven shall hear
Yonder lad that sits on the lea
The loud of this horn shall hear Blows horn
With this horn shall I make a “hoo”155
That he and all Heaven shall hear
Yonder lad that sits on the lea
The loud of this horn shall hear Blows horn
Trowle
Good lord, look on me Elsewhere on the stage159
And my flock here as they fed have
On this wold walk we
Are no men here, that no way.
All is bare, perdi,
Therefore, sheep, we mun go,
No better may be165
Of beast that blood and bone have.
Good lord, look on me Elsewhere on the stage159
And my flock here as they fed have
On this wold walk we
Are no men here, that no way.
All is bare, perdi,
Therefore, sheep, we mun go,
No better may be165
Of beast that blood and bone have.
Wot I not, day or night167
What necessities I may need,
Nettle, hemlock and butter I have here
And my good dog Dottynowle
That is never slow to be chiding.
If any man come me by
And would know which way best were173
My leg I lift up where I lie
And wish him east or west away.
What necessities I may need,
Nettle, hemlock and butter I have here
And my good dog Dottynowle
That is never slow to be chiding.
If any man come me by
And would know which way best were173
My leg I lift up where I lie
And wish him east or west away.
If I rose when I lay176
I would think that travail lost.
Nor king, nor Duke, by this day
Rise will I not - but take my rest.
Now here sit down I will,
And pipe at this pot like a Pope.
Would God that I were down,182
Out of harm’s way as I hope.
I would think that travail lost.
Nor king, nor Duke, by this day
Rise will I not - but take my rest.
Now here sit down I will,
And pipe at this pot like a Pope.
Would God that I were down,182
Out of harm’s way as I hope.
No man drink here shall drink184
Save myself, the devil of the drink.
All this talk I set at little,
Nay, ye lads, I sit not by ye
For you have many a foul fit,
Thou fowle fylth, though thou flit, I defye thee.
Save myself, the devil of the drink.
All this talk I set at little,
Nay, ye lads, I sit not by ye
For you have many a foul fit,
Thou fowle fylth, though thou flit, I defye thee.
Hankin
Trowle, take tent to my talking190
For thy tooth here is good tugging
While thy wethers go walking
On this loin thou may have good lugging
Trowle, take tent to my talking190
For thy tooth here is good tugging
While thy wethers go walking
On this loin thou may have good lugging
Trowle
Fie on your loins and your livery194
Your livers, lights and lungs
Your sausage, souse and saveloy
Your sitting without any songs!
Fie on your loins and your livery194
Your livers, lights and lungs
Your sausage, souse and saveloy
Your sitting without any songs!
On this hill I hold me here198
No hope of your hot meat have I
But flit with my fellows in fear
And your sheep all securely save I
No hope of your hot meat have I
But flit with my fellows in fear
And your sheep all securely save I
Harvey
For thou savest our sheep,202
Good knave, take keep
Since thou may not sleep
Come eat of this souse.
For thou savest our sheep,202
Good knave, take keep
Since thou may not sleep
Come eat of this souse.
Trowle
Nay the dirt is so deep,206
Stubbed therein for to steep
And the maggots on it creep
At home in thy house.
Nay the dirt is so deep,206
Stubbed therein for to steep
And the maggots on it creep
At home in thy house.
Therefore, meat, if I may210
Of your cooking today
Will I nought by no way
Till I have my wages.
Of your cooking today
Will I nought by no way
Till I have my wages.
I would to have been gay214
But, see, so ragged is mine array;
And penny-pinching is your pay
To any poor page.
But, see, so ragged is mine array;
And penny-pinching is your pay
To any poor page.
Tudd
Trowle, boy, for God’s tree218
Come eat a morsel with me
And then wrestle will we
Here on this wold.
Trowle, boy, for God’s tree218
Come eat a morsel with me
And then wrestle will we
Here on this wold.
Trowle
That will I never flee!222
Though it be with all three
To win my livery
That will I hold He joins the others
Now comes Trowle the True
A tournament I bid to fight
With my masters. Come on now228
Come forth - who is most of might?
That will I never flee!222
Though it be with all three
To win my livery
That will I hold He joins the others
Now comes Trowle the True
A tournament I bid to fight
With my masters. Come on now228
Come forth - who is most of might?
Hankin
Trowle, better thou never knew;230
Eat of this, meat for a knight
Trowle, better thou never knew;230
Eat of this, meat for a knight
Trowle
Nay, spare it. If I spew232
All on your heads will it light
Nay, spare it. If I spew232
All on your heads will it light
Harvey
How should we suffer this shame234
Of a shrew thus to be shent?
How should we suffer this shame234
Of a shrew thus to be shent?
Tudd
This lad lusts to be lame236
And lose a limb ere he went.
This lad lusts to be lame236
And lose a limb ere he went.
Trowle
Have done! Begin we this game238
But ware less your coat be rent.
That were little dole to our dame,
Though in the middest of Dee you were drent.
Have done! Begin we this game238
But ware less your coat be rent.
That were little dole to our dame,
Though in the middest of Dee you were drent.
Hankin
False lad, fie on thy face!242
On this ground thou shall have a fall
False lad, fie on thy face!242
On this ground thou shall have a fall
Trowle
And this, sirs, be your solace244
Hankyn, shepherd, shame thee I shall
Wroth thou art, worse than thou was
Beware lest thou welter here by the wall
And this, sirs, be your solace244
Hankyn, shepherd, shame thee I shall
Wroth thou art, worse than thou was
Beware lest thou welter here by the wall
They fight and he throws Hankin
Harvey
Boy, lest I break thy bones248
Kneel down and ask me a boon
Lest I destroy thee here on these stones
Cease, lest I shend thee too soon
Boy, lest I break thy bones248
Kneel down and ask me a boon
Lest I destroy thee here on these stones
Cease, lest I shend thee too soon
Trowle
Go thee to growls and groans!252
Good were thee thy old rags to save soon
Little doubt of thy moans
Lie there, tyke, for deeds done. Throws Harvey
Go thee to growls and groans!252
Good were thee thy old rags to save soon
Little doubt of thy moans
Lie there, tyke, for deeds done. Throws Harvey
Tudd
Out, alas, he lies on his loins256
But let me go now to that lad
Shepherds he shames and shends
For last now am I struck dead
Out, alas, he lies on his loins256
But let me go now to that lad
Shepherds he shames and shends
For last now am I struck dead
Trowle
Both your backs here to me bend;260
For all your boasts I hold you to bad
Hold your arses and your backsides
Then hope I to have as I have had Throws Tudd
Both your backs here to me bend;260
For all your boasts I hold you to bad
Hold your arses and your backsides
Then hope I to have as I have had Throws Tudd
Lie there, lither, in the lake264
My livery now will I take
This curry, this coat and this cake
For ye be cast, now will I catch!
To the devil I you all betake
As traitors to your task
On this wold with this will I walk270
Over all the world wander and watch Moves away
My livery now will I take
This curry, this coat and this cake
For ye be cast, now will I catch!
To the devil I you all betake
As traitors to your task
On this wold with this will I walk270
Over all the world wander and watch Moves away
Hankin
Fellows, this a foul case is272
That we be thus cast of a knave
All against our will he has this
But I must needs hold the harms that I have
Fellows, this a foul case is272
That we be thus cast of a knave
All against our will he has this
But I must needs hold the harms that I have
Harvey
That I have I needs must hold276
Of these unhappy harms of hear I
Therefore I will wait on this wold
For better weather, for I am weary
That I have I needs must hold276
Of these unhappy harms of hear I
Therefore I will wait on this wold
For better weather, for I am weary
Tudd
If we be weary no wonder280
What with wrestling and waking
God amend it with his making
If we be weary no wonder280
What with wrestling and waking
God amend it with his making
The star appears
Hankin
What is all this light here283
That blazes so bright here
On my black beard?
For to see this light here
A man may be afright here
For I am afeard
What is all this light here283
That blazes so bright here
On my black beard?
For to see this light here
A man may be afright here
For I am afeard
Harvey
Feard for a fray now289
May we be all now
And yet it is night
Yet seems it day now
Never, soothly to say now
Saw I such a sight.
Feard for a fray now289
May we be all now
And yet it is night
Yet seems it day now
Never, soothly to say now
Saw I such a sight.
Tudd
Such a sight seeming295
And a light gleaming
Lets me to look.
All to my deeming
From a star streaming
It to me struck.
Such a sight seeming295
And a light gleaming
Lets me to look.
All to my deeming
From a star streaming
It to me struck.
Trowle
That star if it stand301
To seek will I find
Though my sight it fails me
While I live in land
Why should I not find
If it will avail me?
That star if it stand301
To seek will I find
Though my sight it fails me
While I live in land
Why should I not find
If it will avail me?
Ah, Goddes might!307
In yonder star light is
Of the sun this sight is
As it now seems.
In yonder star light is
Of the sun this sight is
As it now seems.
Hankin
It seems, as I now see311
A bright star to be,
There to abide.
From it we may not flee
But aye glare at the glow
Till it down glide
It seems, as I now see311
A bright star to be,
There to abide.
From it we may not flee
But aye glare at the glow
Till it down glide
Harvey
Fellows, will we317
Kneel down on our knee
After comfort
For the true Trinity
For to lead us to see
Our elders Lord?
Fellows, will we317
Kneel down on our knee
After comfort
For the true Trinity
For to lead us to see
Our elders Lord?
Tudd
Our Lord will declare323
To us through our prayer
Whereto it will apent.
And why on high here
The air is so clear,
Now shall we be kent.
Our Lord will declare323
To us through our prayer
Whereto it will apent.
And why on high here
The air is so clear,
Now shall we be kent.
Trowle
Lord, of this light329
Send us some sight
Why that it is sent
Before this night
Was I never so afright
Of the firmament
Lord, of this light329
Send us some sight
Why that it is sent
Before this night
Was I never so afright
Of the firmament
Hankin
Now fie! By my faith335
Now is it nigh day
So was it never.
Therefore I pray
The sooth us to say
Now fie! By my faith335
Now is it nigh day
So was it never.
Therefore I pray
The sooth us to say
Angels sing “Gloria in excelsis Deo et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis”
React to Shepherds’ misunderstanding throughout the following.
Fellows in fear,340
May ye not hear
This music on high?
May ye not hear
This music on high?
Harvey
In “glore” and in “glere”?343
Yet no man was near
Within our sight
In “glore” and in “glere”?343
Yet no man was near
Within our sight
Tudd
Nay, it was a “Glory”346
Nay, it was a “Glory”346
Trowle
Of this strange story347
Such mirth is merry
I would have more
Of this strange story347
Such mirth is merry
I would have more
Hankin
As I then deemed350
“Selsis” it seemed
That he sang so
As I then deemed350
“Selsis” it seemed
That he sang so
Tudd
What song was this, say you353
That he sang to us all three?
Expounded shall it be
Ere we shall pass
As I am eldest of degree
And also best, as seems me
It was “Glorus Glorus” with a “Glee”
It was neither more nor less.
What song was this, say you353
That he sang to us all three?
Expounded shall it be
Ere we shall pass
As I am eldest of degree
And also best, as seems me
It was “Glorus Glorus” with a “Glee”
It was neither more nor less.
Trowle
Nay, it was “glorus glarus” with a “glo”
And much of “celsis” was thereto
As ever I have rest or woe
Much he spake of “glas”
Nay, it was “glorus glarus” with a “glo”
And much of “celsis” was thereto
As ever I have rest or woe
Much he spake of “glas”
Harvey
Nay, it was neither “glas” nor “glye”
Therefore fellows, now stand by
Nay, it was neither “glas” nor “glye”
Therefore fellows, now stand by
Tudd
By faith he was some spy367
Our sheep for to steal
Or else he was a man of our craft,
For seemly he was, and wondrous deft.
By faith he was some spy367
Our sheep for to steal
Or else he was a man of our craft,
For seemly he was, and wondrous deft.
Trowle
Nay, he came by night - his mind on theft371
Our tups with tar to seal.
Nay, he came by night - his mind on theft371
Our tups with tar to seal.
Hankin
Nay, on a “glor” and on “glay” and a “gly”
Sang Gabriel when he so gloried.
When he sang I might not be sorry;
Through my breast-bone his bleating bored
Nay, on a “glor” and on “glay” and a “gly”
Sang Gabriel when he so gloried.
When he sang I might not be sorry;
Through my breast-bone his bleating bored
Harvey
Nay, by God, it was a “gloria”377
That Gabriel sang when he said so.
He had a much better voice than I have
As in heaven all Angels have so.
Nay, by God, it was a “gloria”377
That Gabriel sang when he said so.
He had a much better voice than I have
As in heaven all Angels have so.
Tudd
Will ye hear how he sang “celsis”?381
For on that sadly he set him;
Neither sings “sar” nor so well “cis”
Nor “Peace merry maid when she met him.”
Will ye hear how he sang “celsis”?381
For on that sadly he set him;
Neither sings “sar” nor so well “cis”
Nor “Peace merry maid when she met him.”
Trowle
One time he touched on “tar”,385
Ad thereto I took good intent;
All heaven might not him hear,
That note on high when he up went.
One time he touched on “tar”,385
Ad thereto I took good intent;
All heaven might not him hear,
That note on high when he up went.
Hankin
And after a “pax” or a “peace”
Up like a pie he piped.
Such a melody - so clear and sweet,
Never in my life me so liked
And after a “pax” or a “peace”
Up like a pie he piped.
Such a melody - so clear and sweet,
Never in my life me so liked
Harvey
Upon “hominibus” he muted,393
That much marvel to me was
And aye I quaked when he so fluted
I dare not look where that it was
Upon “hominibus” he muted,393
That much marvel to me was
And aye I quaked when he so fluted
I dare not look where that it was
Tudd
Yet, yet he sang more than all this397
For some word is worthy a pother
For he sang “bonae voluntatis”
That is a thing that passes all other.
Yet, yet he sang more than all this397
For some word is worthy a pother
For he sang “bonae voluntatis”
That is a thing that passes all other.
Trowle
Yet, and yet he sang more too401
From my mind it shall not start
He sang also of a “Deo”
Me thought that healed my heart.
Yet, and yet he sang more too401
From my mind it shall not start
He sang also of a “Deo”
Me thought that healed my heart.
And that word “terra” he framed,405
From which I take good intent
And “pax” also may not be blamed
For that to this song I assent.
From which I take good intent
And “pax” also may not be blamed
For that to this song I assent.
Hankin
Now pray we go to him with good intent409
And sing I will and me unbrace
And he will let us to be kent
And to send us of his grace.
Now pray we go to him with good intent409
And sing I will and me unbrace
And he will let us to be kent
And to send us of his grace.
Harvey
Now since I have all my will413
Never in this world so well I was.
Sing we we now, I say you, shrill
A merry song for us to solace.
Now since I have all my will413
Never in this world so well I was.
Sing we we now, I say you, shrill
A merry song for us to solace.
Trowle
Sing we now; let’s see417
Some song I will assay
All men now sing after me,
For music of me learn ye may.
Sing we now; let’s see417
Some song I will assay
All men now sing after me,
For music of me learn ye may.
They sing “Trolly loly loly loo” and dance
Tudd
Now wend we forth to Bethlehem421
That is best out song to be
For to see the star-gleam
And the fruit of that maiden free.
Now wend we forth to Bethlehem421
That is best out song to be
For to see the star-gleam
And the fruit of that maiden free.
Hankin
Now follow we the star that shines425
Till we come to that holy stable
To Bethlehem bend our limbs
Follow we it without any fable.
Now follow we the star that shines425
Till we come to that holy stable
To Bethlehem bend our limbs
Follow we it without any fable.
Harvey
Follow we it and hie full fast429
Such a friend loath us were to fail
Launch on! I will not be the last
At Mary for to marvel.
Follow we it and hie full fast429
Such a friend loath us were to fail
Launch on! I will not be the last
At Mary for to marvel.
Music They go towards Bethlehem and Mary and Joseph position themselves at the screen with the baby and manger.
Tudd
Stint now: go no more steps;433
For now the star begins to stand
Stint now: go no more steps;433
For now the star begins to stand
Angel appears still in pulpit
Angel
Shepherds, of this sight435
Be ye not afright
For this is Goddes might
Take this in mind.
To Bethlehem now right
There shall you see in sight
That Christ is born tonight441
To redeem all mankind.
Shepherds, of this sight435
Be ye not afright
For this is Goddes might
Take this in mind.
To Bethlehem now right
There shall you see in sight
That Christ is born tonight441
To redeem all mankind.
Trowle
To Bethlehem take we the way443
For with you I think to wend
The prince of peace for to pray
Heaven to have at our end.
And singe we all, I rede,
Some mirth to his Majesty
For certain now see we it indeed449
The King Son of heaven is he.
To Bethlehem take we the way443
For with you I think to wend
The prince of peace for to pray
Heaven to have at our end.
And singe we all, I rede,
Some mirth to his Majesty
For certain now see we it indeed449
The King Son of heaven is he.
Hankin
See, See, surely,451
Here I see Mary
And Jesus Christ hard by
Lapp-ed in hay.
See, See, surely,451
Here I see Mary
And Jesus Christ hard by
Lapp-ed in hay.
Harvey
Kneel we our knee455
And pray we him of mercy
And welcome him worthily
So woe does away.
Kneel we our knee455
And pray we him of mercy
And welcome him worthily
So woe does away.
Tudd
Away all our woe is459
And many men’s moe is
Christ, Lord, let us kiss
Thy crib or thy clothes.
Away all our woe is459
And many men’s moe is
Christ, Lord, let us kiss
Thy crib or thy clothes.
Trowle
Solace now to see this463
Builds in my breast, bliss
Never after to do amiss
Nor things that him loath is.
Solace now to see this463
Builds in my breast, bliss
Never after to do amiss
Nor things that him loath is.
Hankin
Whatever that old man that here is?467
Take heed how his head is hoar
His beard is like a bush of briars
With a pound of hair about his mouth and more
Whatever that old man that here is?467
Take heed how his head is hoar
His beard is like a bush of briars
With a pound of hair about his mouth and more
Tudd
Why, with his beard though it be rough471
Right well to her he heeds.
Worthy wight, now we would know
Will you deny us, worthy in weeds?
Why, with his beard though it be rough471
Right well to her he heeds.
Worthy wight, now we would know
Will you deny us, worthy in weeds?
Mary
Shepherds, soothly I see475
That my son you hither sent
Through Goddes might in majesty
That in me lit and here is lent
This man married was to me
For no sin in such assent
But to keep my virginity481
And truly with no other intent.
Shepherds, soothly I see475
That my son you hither sent
Through Goddes might in majesty
That in me lit and here is lent
This man married was to me
For no sin in such assent
But to keep my virginity481
And truly with no other intent.
Joseph
Good men, Moses take in mind483
As he was made through God All-might
Ordain-ed laws for us to bind
Which that we should keep of right.
Men and women for to bind
Lawfully them both to light
To be fruitful, as men may find489
That time was wedded every wight.
Good men, Moses take in mind483
As he was made through God All-might
Ordain-ed laws for us to bind
Which that we should keep of right.
Men and women for to bind
Lawfully them both to light
To be fruitful, as men may find489
That time was wedded every wight.
Therefore wedded to her I was491
As law would have; her for to cheer
From noise and slander and trespass
And through that deed the Devil to dare
As told me Gabriel, full of grace
When I had trussed up all my gear
To have fled and never seen her face,497
By him was I arrested there
As law would have; her for to cheer
From noise and slander and trespass
And through that deed the Devil to dare
As told me Gabriel, full of grace
When I had trussed up all my gear
To have fled and never seen her face,497
By him was I arrested there
For he said to me sleeping499
That she guiltless was of sin.
And when I heard that tokening
From her durst I no way turn.
Therefore, go forth and preach this thing
All together and not in twain
That you have seen your heavenly king505
Who has come all mankind to win.
That she guiltless was of sin.
And when I heard that tokening
From her durst I no way turn.
Therefore, go forth and preach this thing
All together and not in twain
That you have seen your heavenly king505
Who has come all mankind to win.
Hankin
Great God, sitting on they throne507
That made all thing of nought
Now we may thank thee each one
This is he we have sought.
Great God, sitting on they throne507
That made all thing of nought
Now we may thank thee each one
This is he we have sought.
Harvey
Go we near anon511
With such as we have brought
Ring, brooch, or precious stone -
Let’s see whether we have aught to proffer.
Go we near anon511
With such as we have brought
Ring, brooch, or precious stone -
Let’s see whether we have aught to proffer.
Tudd
Let us do him homage.515
Let us do him homage.515
Hankin
Who shall go first? The page?516
Who shall go first? The page?516
Harvey
Nay, ye be father in age.517
Therefore ye must first offer
Nay, ye be father in age.517
Therefore ye must first offer
Possible music underscoring shepherds’ presentation of gifts
Hankin
Hail, King of heaven so high519
Borne in a crib
Mankind unto thee
Thou hast made full sib.
Hail, King of heaven so high519
Borne in a crib
Mankind unto thee
Thou hast made full sib.
Hail, king, born in a maiden’s bower523
Prophets did tell thou should be our succour
This clerks do say,
Lo, I bring thee a bell;
I pray thee save me from hell
So that I may with thee dwell
And serve thee for aye.529
Prophets did tell thou should be our succour
This clerks do say,
Lo, I bring thee a bell;
I pray thee save me from hell
So that I may with thee dwell
And serve thee for aye.529
Harvey
Hail, the Emperor of hell530
And of heaven also
The fiend shalt thou fell
That hath ever been false.
Hail, the Emperor of hell530
And of heaven also
The fiend shalt thou fell
That hath ever been false.
Hail, the maker of the star534
That stood us before
Hail, the blessedest Baron
That ever was born.
Lo, son, I bring thee a bowl
Thereby hangs a spoon,
For to eat they pottage with at noon,540
As I myself full often-times have done.
With my heart I pray thee to take it.
That stood us before
Hail, the blessedest Baron
That ever was born.
Lo, son, I bring thee a bowl
Thereby hangs a spoon,
For to eat they pottage with at noon,540
As I myself full often-times have done.
With my heart I pray thee to take it.
Tudd
Hail, prince withouten any peer,543
That mankind shall relieve
Hail the foe of Lucifer
The which beguil-ed Eve.
Hail, prince withouten any peer,543
That mankind shall relieve
Hail the foe of Lucifer
The which beguil-ed Eve.
Hail the granter of hopes,547
For on earth now thou dwells
Lo, son I bring thee a cap,
For I have nothing else.
For on earth now thou dwells
Lo, son I bring thee a cap,
For I have nothing else.
This gift, son, that I give thee is but small;551
And though I come the hindmost of all
When thou shalt men to thy bliss call,
Good Lord, think yet on me.
And though I come the hindmost of all
When thou shalt men to thy bliss call,
Good Lord, think yet on me.
Trowle
My dear, with devotion unto thee I me dress555
My state in fellowship that I do not lose;
And for to save me from all sickness,
I offer thee a pair of my wife’s old hose.
My dear, with devotion unto thee I me dress555
My state in fellowship that I do not lose;
And for to save me from all sickness,
I offer thee a pair of my wife’s old hose.
For other jewels, my son,559
Have I none for to give
That is worth anything at all,
But my good heart, while I live
And my prayers till death doth me call.
Have I none for to give
That is worth anything at all,
But my good heart, while I live
And my prayers till death doth me call.
Hankin
Now, farewell mother and maid564
For of sin nought thou wottest .
Thou has brought forth this day
God’s Son of might most.
Now, farewell mother and maid564
For of sin nought thou wottest .
Thou has brought forth this day
God’s Son of might most.
Wherefore men shall say568
“Blessed in every coast and place
Be he, a memorial for us all.”
And that we may from sin fall
And stand ever in his grace
Our Lord God be with thee
“Blessed in every coast and place
Be he, a memorial for us all.”
And that we may from sin fall
And stand ever in his grace
Our Lord God be with thee
Harvey
Brethren, let us walk all three574
Singing walk homewardly
Unkind will I never in no case be
But preach all that I can and know,
As Gabriel taught me by his grace.
Singing “Away Heathen” will I.
Brethren, let us walk all three574
Singing walk homewardly
Unkind will I never in no case be
But preach all that I can and know,
As Gabriel taught me by his grace.
Singing “Away Heathen” will I.
Tudd
Over sea, if God grant grace580
I will gang and go about now
To preach this thing in every place;
And sheep will I keep no more now. Lays down crook
Over sea, if God grant grace580
I will gang and go about now
To preach this thing in every place;
And sheep will I keep no more now. Lays down crook
Trowle
I rede we us agree584
For our misdeeds amends to make
For so now will I;
And to the child I wholly me betake
For aye securely.
Shepherd’s craft I here forsake, Lays down crook
And as an anchorite hereby590
I will in my prayers watch and wake.
I rede we us agree584
For our misdeeds amends to make
For so now will I;
And to the child I wholly me betake
For aye securely.
Shepherd’s craft I here forsake, Lays down crook
And as an anchorite hereby590
I will in my prayers watch and wake.
Hankin
And I a hermit,592
To praise God, to pray,
To walk by stile and by street,
In wilderness to walk for aye.
And no man living shall I meet
But for my living I shall him pray,
Barefoot on my feet. Removing sandals598
And thus will I live ever and aye.
And I a hermit,592
To praise God, to pray,
To walk by stile and by street,
In wilderness to walk for aye.
And no man living shall I meet
But for my living I shall him pray,
Barefoot on my feet. Removing sandals598
And thus will I live ever and aye.
For aye, ever and always600
This world I fully refuse
My amiss to amend with moans.
Turn to thy fellows, and kiss.
This world I fully refuse
My amiss to amend with moans.
Turn to thy fellows, and kiss.
I yield, for in youth604
We have been friends, iwys.
Therefore lend me your mouth
And friendly let us kiss.
We have been friends, iwys.
Therefore lend me your mouth
And friendly let us kiss.
Harvey
From London to Lowth608
Such another shepherd I wot ne’re is.
Both friend and colleague
God grant you all his bliss.
From London to Lowth608
Such another shepherd I wot ne’re is.
Both friend and colleague
God grant you all his bliss.
Tudd
To that bliss bring you612
Great God, if that thy will be.
Amen, all sing you;
Good men, farewell ye.
To that bliss bring you612
Great God, if that thy will be.
Amen, all sing you;
Good men, farewell ye.
Trowle
Well for to fare, each friend616
God of his might grant you;
For here we make an end
Farewell, for we from you now go.
Well for to fare, each friend616
God of his might grant you;
For here we make an end
Farewell, for we from you now go.
Harvey raises up crooks in the shape of a cross. Tableau. Music
2019 Dec 12 00:35:56