The Paynters and the Glasiors Playe
Incipit Pagina de Pastoribus
Primus Pastor
On wouldes have I walked wylde1
under buskes my bowre to bylde,
from styffe stormes my sheepe to shilde,
my seemely wedders to save.
From comlye Conwaye unto Clyde
under tyldes them to hyde,
a better shepperd on no syde7
noe yearthlye man maye have.
On wouldes have I walked wylde1
under buskes my bowre to bylde,
from styffe stormes my sheepe to shilde,
my seemely wedders to save.
From comlye Conwaye unto Clyde
under tyldes them to hyde,
a better shepperd on no syde7
noe yearthlye man maye have.
For with walkynge werye I have mee rought;9
besydes the suche my sheepe I sought.
My taytfull tuppes are in my thought,
them to save and heale
from the shrewde scabbe yt sought,
or the rotte, yf yt were wrought.
If the cough had them caught15
of hyt I could them heale.
besydes the suche my sheepe I sought.
My taytfull tuppes are in my thought,
them to save and heale
from the shrewde scabbe yt sought,
or the rotte, yf yt were wrought.
If the cough had them caught15
of hyt I could them heale.
Loe, here bee my herbes safe and sownde,17
wysely wrought for everye wounde —
the woulde a whole man bringe to grownde
within a little whyle —
of henbane and horehounde,
tybbe, radishe, and egermonde,
which bee my herbes save and sounde,23
medled on a rowe.
wysely wrought for everye wounde —
the woulde a whole man bringe to grownde
within a little whyle —
of henbane and horehounde,
tybbe, radishe, and egermonde,
which bee my herbes save and sounde,23
medled on a rowe.
Here be more herbes, I tell yt you;25
I shall recken them on a rowe:
fynter, fanter, and fetterfowe,
and alsoe penyewrytte.
This is all that I knowe.
For be yt wether or be yt yowe,
I shall heale then on a rowe31
cleane from theyre hurte.
I shall recken them on a rowe:
fynter, fanter, and fetterfowe,
and alsoe penyewrytte.
This is all that I knowe.
For be yt wether or be yt yowe,
I shall heale then on a rowe31
cleane from theyre hurte.
Here is tarre in a pott33
to heale them from the rott;
well I can and well I wott
the talgh from them take.
And yf sworne yt had the thursse,
yett shall the taigh be in my purse,
and the sheepe never the worse39
to renne on the rake.
to heale them from the rott;
well I can and well I wott
the talgh from them take.
And yf sworne yt had the thursse,
yett shall the taigh be in my purse,
and the sheepe never the worse39
to renne on the rake.
But noe fellowshippe here have I41
save myselfe alone, in good faye;
therfore after one faste wyll I crye.
save myselfe alone, in good faye;
therfore after one faste wyll I crye.
But first will I drinke, if I maye.44
Hic potat Primus Pastor.
Howe, Harvye, howe!45
Drive thy sheepe to the lowe.46
Thow maye not here excepte I blowe, as ever have I heale.
Thow maye not here excepte I blowe, as ever have I heale.
Hic flabit Primus Pastor.
Secundus Pastor
Yt is no shame for mee to shewe48
how I was set for to sowe
with the fether of a crowe
a clowte upon my heele.
Yt is no shame for mee to shewe48
how I was set for to sowe
with the fether of a crowe
a clowte upon my heele.
Sitt downe.
Fellowe, nowe be we well mett.52
And though methinke us needes,
had wee Tudd heere by us sett,
thenn might wee sitte and feede us.
And though methinke us needes,
had wee Tudd heere by us sett,
thenn might wee sitte and feede us.
Primus Pastor
Yea, to feede us frendly in faye,56
how might wee have our service?
Crye thow must lowd, by this daye;
Tudd is deafe and may not well here us.
Yea, to feede us frendly in faye,56
how might wee have our service?
Crye thow must lowd, by this daye;
Tudd is deafe and may not well here us.
Secundus Pastor vocat submissa voce:
How, Tudd; come, for thy fathers kyn.60
Primus Pastor
Naye, faye; thy voyce is wonders dym.61
Why, knowys thow not him?
Fye, man, for shame! Call him Tudd, Tybbys sonne,
and then wyll the shrewe come;
for in good fayth yt is his wonne
to love well his damys name.
Naye, faye; thy voyce is wonders dym.61
Why, knowys thow not him?
Fye, man, for shame! Call him Tudd, Tybbys sonne,
and then wyll the shrewe come;
for in good fayth yt is his wonne
to love well his damys name.
Secundus Pastor
How, Tudd, Tybbys sonne!67
How, Tudd, Tybbys sonne!67
Tertius Pastor
Syr, in fayth nowe I come,68
for yett have I not all donne
that I have to done:
to seeth salve for our sheepe
and — lest my wife should yt weete —
with great gravel and greete
I scowre [an] ould panne.74
Syr, in fayth nowe I come,68
for yett have I not all donne
that I have to done:
to seeth salve for our sheepe
and — lest my wife should yt weete —
with great gravel and greete
I scowre [an] ould panne.74
Hemlocke and hayriffe — take keepe —75
with tarreboyste must bene all tamed,
penyegrasse and butter for fatt sheepe;
for thys salve am I not ashamed.
with tarreboyste must bene all tamed,
penyegrasse and butter for fatt sheepe;
for thys salve am I not ashamed.
Ashamed am I not to shewe79
no poynt that longeth to my crafte;
noe better — that I well knowe —
in land is nowhere lafte.
no poynt that longeth to my crafte;
noe better — that I well knowe —
in land is nowhere lafte.
For, good men, this is not unknowen83
to husbandes that benne here abowt:
that eych man muste bowe to his wife,
and commonly for feare of a clowte.
to husbandes that benne here abowt:
that eych man muste bowe to his wife,
and commonly for feare of a clowte.
Thus for clowtes now care I;87
all ys for feare of our dame-keynn.
Now wyll caste my ware hereby,
and hye faste that I were at Hankeynn.
all ys for feare of our dame-keynn.
Now wyll caste my ware hereby,
and hye faste that I were at Hankeynn.
Hankeyn, hold up thy hand and have mee,91
that I were on height there by thee.
that I were on height there by thee.
Primus Pastor
Gladly, syr, and thow would bee by me,93
for loth me is to denye thee.
Gladly, syr, and thow would bee by me,93
for loth me is to denye thee.
Secundus Pastor
Nowe sythen God bath gathered us together,95
with good harte I thanke him of his grace.
Welcome be thow, well fayre wedder.
Tudd, will we shape us to some solace?
Nowe sythen God bath gathered us together,95
with good harte I thanke him of his grace.
Welcome be thow, well fayre wedder.
Tudd, will we shape us to some solace?
Tertius Pastor
Solace would best be scene99
that we shape us to our supper;
for meate and drinke, well I deeme,
to eych deede is most dere.
Solace would best be scene99
that we shape us to our supper;
for meate and drinke, well I deeme,
to eych deede is most dere.
Primus Pastor
Laye forth, eych man ilych,103
what hee hath lafte of his liverye.
And I wyll put forth my pyche
with my parte firste of us all three.
Laye forth, eych man ilych,103
what hee hath lafte of his liverye.
And I wyll put forth my pyche
with my parte firste of us all three.
Secundus Pastor
And such store as my wife had107
in your sight soone shall you see,
at our begininge us to glade;
for in good meate ther is mych glee.
And such store as my wife had107
in your sight soone shall you see,
at our begininge us to glade;
for in good meate ther is mych glee.
Here is bredd this daye was bacon,111
onyons, garlycke, and leekes,
butter that bought was in Blacon,
and greene cheese that will greese well your cheekes.
onyons, garlycke, and leekes,
butter that bought was in Blacon,
and greene cheese that will greese well your cheekes.
Tertius Pastor
And here ale of Halton I have,115
and whot meate I had to my hyer;
a puddinge may noe man deprave,
and a jannock of Lancastershyre.
And here ale of Halton I have,115
and whot meate I had to my hyer;
a puddinge may noe man deprave,
and a jannock of Lancastershyre.
Loe, here a sheepes head sowsed in ale,119
and a grayne to laye on the greene,
and sowre milke. My wyffe had ordayned
a noble supper, as well is scene.
and a grayne to laye on the greene,
and sowre milke. My wyffe had ordayned
a noble supper, as well is scene.
Primus Pastor
Nowe will I caste of my cloacke123
and put ont parte of my liverye,
put owt that I have in my poacke,
and a pigges foote from puddinges purye.
Nowe will I caste of my cloacke123
and put ont parte of my liverye,
put owt that I have in my poacke,
and a pigges foote from puddinges purye.
Tertius Pastor
Abyde, fellowes, and yee shall see here127
this hott meate — wee serven yt here —
gambonns and other good meate in fere,
a puddinge with a pricke in the ende.
Abyde, fellowes, and yee shall see here127
this hott meate — wee serven yt here —
gambonns and other good meate in fere,
a puddinge with a pricke in the ende.
Primus Pastor
My sotchell to shake out131
to sheppardes am I not ashamed.
And this tonge pared rownd aboute
with my teeth yt shalbe atamed.
My sotchell to shake out131
to sheppardes am I not ashamed.
And this tonge pared rownd aboute
with my teeth yt shalbe atamed.
Tunc commedent, et dieat Primus Pastor:
Byd me doe gladly, and I thee,135
for by God here is good growsinge;
come eate with us, God of heavon hye,
but take noe heede though here be noe howsinge.
for by God here is good growsinge;
come eate with us, God of heavon hye,
but take noe heede though here be noe howsinge.
Secundus Pastor
Howsinge ennough have wee here139
while that wee have heavon over our heddes.
Now to weete our mouthes tyme were;
this fiackett will I tame, if thow reade us.
Howsinge ennough have wee here139
while that wee have heavon over our heddes.
Now to weete our mouthes tyme were;
this fiackett will I tame, if thow reade us.
Tertius Pastor
And of this bottell nowe will I bibbe,143
for here is bowles of the best.
Such lickour makes men to live;
this game may noewhere be leste.
And of this bottell nowe will I bibbe,143
for here is bowles of the best.
Such lickour makes men to live;
this game may noewhere be leste.
Primus Pastor
Fellowes, nowe our bellyes be full,147
thinke wee on him that keepes our flockes.
Blowe thy horne and call after Trowle,
and bydd him, sonne, of our bytlockes.
Fellowes, nowe our bellyes be full,147
thinke wee on him that keepes our flockes.
Blowe thy horne and call after Trowle,
and bydd him, sonne, of our bytlockes.
Secundus Pastor
Well sayd, Hankyn, by my soothe,151
for that shrewe I suppose us seekes.
Well sayd, Hankyn, by my soothe,151
for that shrewe I suppose us seekes.
My borne to lille I wyll not lesse153
tyll that lad have some of our leekes.
tyll that lad have some of our leekes.
Tertius Pastor
Leekes to his liverye is likinge;155
such a lad nowhere in land is.
Blowe a note for that meetinge
whyle that home nowe in thy hand ys.
Leekes to his liverye is likinge;155
such a lad nowhere in land is.
Blowe a note for that meetinge
whyle that home nowe in thy hand ys.
Primus Pastor
With this borne I shall make a ’Hooe’159
that hee and all heaven shall here.
Yonder lad that sittes on a lowe
the lowd of this borne shall here.
With this borne I shall make a ’Hooe’159
that hee and all heaven shall here.
Yonder lad that sittes on a lowe
the lowd of this borne shall here.
Tunc cantabit, et dicat Garcius:
Garcius
Good lord, looke on mee163
and my flocke here as the fed have.
On this wold walke wee;
are no men here, that noe waye.
Good lord, looke on mee163
and my flocke here as the fed have.
On this wold walke wee;
are no men here, that noe waye.
All is playne, perdee;167
therefore, sheepe, we mon goe.
Noe better may bee
of beast that blood and bonne have.
therefore, sheepe, we mon goe.
Noe better may bee
of beast that blood and bonne have.
Wotte I not, day or night,171
necessaryes that to mee beelongen.
Tarboyste and tarboll
yee shall here;
necessaryes that to mee beelongen.
Tarboyste and tarboll
yee shall here;
nettle, hemlock, and butter abydinge,175
and my good dogge Dottynolle
that is nothinge cheeffe of his chydinge.
Yf any man come mee bye
and my good dogge Dottynolle
that is nothinge cheeffe of his chydinge.
Yf any man come mee bye
and would wytt which waye beste were,179
my legge I lifte up wheras I lye
and wishe him the waye caste and west where.
And I rose where I laye,
my legge I lifte up wheras I lye
and wishe him the waye caste and west where.
And I rose where I laye,
me would thinke that travell lost.183
For kinge ne duke, by this daye,
ryse I will not — but take my rest here.
Nowe wyll I sitt here adowne
For kinge ne duke, by this daye,
ryse I will not — but take my rest here.
Nowe wyll I sitt here adowne
and pippe at this pott like a pope.187
Would God that I were downe
harmeles, as I hastelye hope.
Noe man drinke here shall
Would God that I were downe
harmeles, as I hastelye hope.
Noe man drinke here shall
save myselfe, the devyll of the sope.191
All this lottes I sect at little;
nay, yee lades, sett I not by yee.
For you have I manye a fowle fitt.
Thow fowle filth, though thow flytt, I defye thee.
All this lottes I sect at little;
nay, yee lades, sett I not by yee.
For you have I manye a fowle fitt.
Thow fowle filth, though thow flytt, I defye thee.
Primus Pastor
Trowle, take tent to my talkinge.196
For thy tooth here is good tugginge.
While thy wedders benne walkinge,
on this loyne thow may have good lugginge.
Trowle, take tent to my talkinge.196
For thy tooth here is good tugginge.
While thy wedders benne walkinge,
on this loyne thow may have good lugginge.
Garcius
Fye on your loynes and your liverye,200
your liverastes, livers, and longes,
your sose, your sowse, your saverraye,
your sittinge withowt any songes!
Fye on your loynes and your liverye,200
your liverastes, livers, and longes,
your sose, your sowse, your saverraye,
your sittinge withowt any songes!
One this hill I hold mee here.204
Noe hape to your hot meate have I.
But flyte with my fellowes in feare,
and your sheepe full sycerly save I.
Noe hape to your hot meate have I.
But flyte with my fellowes in feare,
and your sheepe full sycerly save I.
Secundus Pastor
For thow saves our sheepe,208
good knave, take keepe.
Sythen thow may not sleepe,
come eate of this sowse.
For thow saves our sheepe,208
good knave, take keepe.
Sythen thow may not sleepe,
come eate of this sowse.
Garcius
Nay, the dyrte is soe deepe,212
stopped therm for to steepe;
and the grubbes theron do creepe
at whom at thy howse.
Nay, the dyrte is soe deepe,212
stopped therm for to steepe;
and the grubbes theron do creepe
at whom at thy howse.
Therfore meate, if I maye,216
of your dightinge todaye
will I nought by noe waye
tyll I have my wages.
I wend to have binne gaye
but, see, soe ragged is myne araye;
aye pinches is your paye222
to any poore page.
of your dightinge todaye
will I nought by noe waye
tyll I have my wages.
I wend to have binne gaye
but, see, soe ragged is myne araye;
aye pinches is your paye222
to any poore page.
Tertius Pastor
Trowle, boy, for Godes tree,224
come eate a morsell with me;
and then wrastle will wee
here on this wold.
Trowle, boy, for Godes tree,224
come eate a morsell with me;
and then wrastle will wee
here on this wold.
Garcius
That shall I never flee!228
Though yt bee with all three
to laye my liverye,
that will I hold.
That shall I never flee!228
Though yt bee with all three
to laye my liverye,
that will I hold.
Tunc ibit ad magistros suos, et dicat
Garcius
Nowe comes Trowhe the Trewe;232
a tome to take have I tight
with my masters. Or I rewe
put him forth that moste is of might.
Nowe comes Trowhe the Trewe;232
a tome to take have I tight
with my masters. Or I rewe
put him forth that moste is of might.
Primus Pastor
Trowle, better thow never knewe.236
Eate of this, meate for a knight.
Trowle, better thow never knewe.236
Eate of this, meate for a knight.
Garcius
Naye, spare! Though I spewe,238
all upon your heades shall yt light.
Naye, spare! Though I spewe,238
all upon your heades shall yt light.
Secundus Pastor
Howe should wee suffer this shame,240
of a shrewe thus to be shente?
Howe should wee suffer this shame,240
of a shrewe thus to be shente?
Tertius Pastor
This ladd lusts to be lame242
and lose a lymme or hee went.
This ladd lusts to be lame242
and lose a lymme or hee went.
Garcius
Have donne! Beginne wee this game.244
But warre lest your golyons glent.
That were little dole to our dame,
though in the myddest of the daye yee were drent.
Have donne! Beginne wee this game.244
But warre lest your golyons glent.
That were little dole to our dame,
though in the myddest of the daye yee were drent.
Primus Pastor
False lad, fye on thy face!248
One this grownd thow shall have a fall.
Hent one, and hould that thow hasse.
Yf thow happe have, all goe to all.
False lad, fye on thy face!248
One this grownd thow shall have a fall.
Hent one, and hould that thow hasse.
Yf thow happe have, all goe to all.
Garcius
And this, syrs, here to solace.252
Hankyn, sheoparde, shame thee I shall.
Wroth thow art, worse then thow was.
Warre lest thow walter here by the wall.
And this, syrs, here to solace.252
Hankyn, sheoparde, shame thee I shall.
Wroth thow art, worse then thow was.
Warre lest thow walter here by the wall.
Tunc projiciat Primum Pastorem, et dicat Secundus Pastor.
Secundus Pastor
Boye, lest I breake thy bones,256
kneele downe and axe me a boone.
Lest I destroy thee here on these stones,
sease, lest I shend thee to soone.
Boye, lest I breake thy bones,256
kneele downe and axe me a boone.
Lest I destroy thee here on these stones,
sease, lest I shend thee to soone.
Garcius
Gole thee to groyns and grownes!260
Good were thee thy ould ragges to save soone.
Little dowbt of such drownes,
lyther tyke, for thy deedes donne.
Gole thee to groyns and grownes!260
Good were thee thy ould ragges to save soone.
Little dowbt of such drownes,
lyther tyke, for thy deedes donne.
Tertius Pastor
Owt, alas, hee lyes on his loynes!264
But lett mee goe now to that lad.
Sheppardes he shames and shendes,
for last now am I owt shad.
Owt, alas, hee lyes on his loynes!264
But lett mee goe now to that lad.
Sheppardes he shames and shendes,
for last now am I owt shad.
Garcius
Both your backes here to mee bendes;268
for all your boastes I hould you to bad.
Hould your arses and your hinder loynes;
then hope I to have as I have hadd.
Both your backes here to mee bendes;268
for all your boastes I hould you to bad.
Hould your arses and your hinder loynes;
then hope I to have as I have hadd.
The better in the bore,272
as I had before
of this bovearte,
yea, hope I more.
Keepe well thy score
for feare of a farte.
as I had before
of this bovearte,
yea, hope I more.
Keepe well thy score
for feare of a farte.
Tunc projiciat Tertium Pastorem, et dicat Garcius:
Lye ther, lither, in the lake.278
My liverye nowe will I lach:
this curye, this clowt, and this cake.
For yee be cast, now will I catch.
My liverye nowe will I lach:
this curye, this clowt, and this cake.
For yee be cast, now will I catch.
To the devyll I you all betake,282
as traytors attaynt of your tache!
On this would with this will I walke;
all the world wonder on the wache.
as traytors attaynt of your tache!
On this would with this will I walke;
all the world wonder on the wache.
Et sic recedat Garcius, et dicat Primus Pastor:
Fellowes, this a fowle case ys,286
that wee bine thus cast of a knave.
All agaynst our willes hee hase his;
but I must needes hould the harmes that I have.
that wee bine thus cast of a knave.
All agaynst our willes hee hase his;
but I must needes hould the harmes that I have.
Secundus Pastor
That I have needes must I hold;290
of these unhappie harmes ofte here I.
Therfore will I wayte on this would
upon the wedder, for I am werye.
That I have needes must I hold;290
of these unhappie harmes ofte here I.
Therfore will I wayte on this would
upon the wedder, for I am werye.
Tertius Pastor
Though wee bine werye noe wonder,294
what betweene wrastlinge and wakinge.
Ofte wee may bee in thought wee be now under
God amend hit with his makinge.
Though wee bine werye noe wonder,294
what betweene wrastlinge and wakinge.
Ofte wee may bee in thought wee be now under
God amend hit with his makinge.
Tunc sedebunt, et stella apparebit, et dicat Primus Pastor:
What is all this light here298
that blasses soe bright here
on my black beard?
For to see this light here
a man may bee afright here,
for I am afeard.
that blasses soe bright here
on my black beard?
For to see this light here
a man may bee afright here,
for I am afeard.
Secundus Pastor
Feard for a fraye nowe304
may wee bee all nowe;
and yett it is night,
yett seemes yt day nowe.
Never, soothly to saye nowe,
see I such a sight.
Feard for a fraye nowe304
may wee bee all nowe;
and yett it is night,
yett seemes yt day nowe.
Never, soothly to saye nowe,
see I such a sight.
Tertius Pastor
Such a sight seeminge310
and a light leerninge
lettes mee to looke.
All to my deeminge,
from a starre streaminge
yt to mee stroacke.
Such a sight seeminge310
and a light leerninge
lettes mee to looke.
All to my deeminge,
from a starre streaminge
yt to mee stroacke.
Garcius
That starre if it stand316
to seek will I fond,
though my sight fayle mee.
While I may live in lond
why should I not fond,
yf it will avayhe mee?
That starre if it stand316
to seek will I fond,
though my sight fayle mee.
While I may live in lond
why should I not fond,
yf it will avayhe mee?
Tunc respiciens firmamentum dicat Garcius:
A, Godes mightis!322
In yonder starre light is;
of the sonne this sight is,
as yt nowe seemes.
In yonder starre light is;
of the sonne this sight is,
as yt nowe seemes.
Primus Pastor
Hit seemes, as I nowe see,326
a bright stare to bee,
there to abyde.
From yt wee may not flee
but aye gloc on the glee,
tyll yt downe glyde.
Hit seemes, as I nowe see,326
a bright stare to bee,
there to abyde.
From yt wee may not flee
but aye gloc on the glee,
tyll yt downe glyde.
Primus Pastor
Fellowes, will wee332
kneele downe on our knee
after comford
to the trewe Trinitee,
for to lead us for to see
our elders lord?
Fellowes, will wee332
kneele downe on our knee
after comford
to the trewe Trinitee,
for to lead us for to see
our elders lord?
Tercius Pastor
Our lord will us lere338
in our prayer
wherto yt will apent;
and why on high here
the care is soe cleare,
nowe shall wee be kent.
Our lord will us lere338
in our prayer
wherto yt will apent;
and why on high here
the care is soe cleare,
nowe shall wee be kent.
Garcius
Lord, of this light344
send us some sight
why that it is sent.
Before this night
was I never soe afright
of the firmament.
Lord, of this light344
send us some sight
why that it is sent.
Before this night
was I never soe afright
of the firmament.
Primus Pastor
Ne, fye! By my faye,350
nowe is it nigh daye;
so was it never.
Therfore I praye
the sooth us to saye,
or that we desever.
Ne, fye! By my faye,350
nowe is it nigh daye;
so was it never.
Therfore I praye
the sooth us to saye,
or that we desever.
Tunc cantet Angelus: 'Gloria in excelsis Deo et in terra pax bominibus bonae voluntatis.'
Fellowes in feare,356
may yee not here
this mutinge on highe?
may yee not here
this mutinge on highe?
Secundus Pastor
In ’glore’ and in ’glere’?359
Yett noe man was nere
within our sight.
In ’glore’ and in ’glere’?359
Yett noe man was nere
within our sight.
Tertius Pastor
Naye, yt was a ’glorye.’362
Nowe am I sorye
bowt more songe.
Naye, yt was a ’glorye.’362
Nowe am I sorye
bowt more songe.
Garcius
Of this strange storye365
such mirth is merye;
I would have amonge.
Of this strange storye365
such mirth is merye;
I would have amonge.
Primus Pastor
As I then deemed,368
’selsis’ it seemed
that bee songe soe.
As I then deemed,368
’selsis’ it seemed
that bee songe soe.
Secundus Pastor
Whyhe the light leemed,371
a wreakinge mee weened;
I wyst never whoo.
Whyhe the light leemed,371
a wreakinge mee weened;
I wyst never whoo.
Tertius Pastor
What songe was this, saye yee,374
that he sange to us all three?
Expounded shall yt bee
erre wee hethen passe;
for I am eldest of degree
and alsoe best, as seemes mee,
hit was ’grorus glorus’ with a ’glee.’380
Hit was neyther more nor lasse.
What songe was this, saye yee,374
that he sange to us all three?
Expounded shall yt bee
erre wee hethen passe;
for I am eldest of degree
and alsoe best, as seemes mee,
hit was ’grorus glorus’ with a ’glee.’380
Hit was neyther more nor lasse.
Garcius
Nay, yt was ’glorus glarus glorius’;382
methinke that note went over the howse.
A seemely man hee was, and curiouse;
but soone awaye hee was.
Nay, yt was ’glorus glarus glorius’;382
methinke that note went over the howse.
A seemely man hee was, and curiouse;
but soone awaye hee was.
Primus Pastor
Nay, yt was ’glorus glarus’ with a ’glo,’386
and mych of ’celsis’ was therto.
As ever have I rest or woo,
much hee spake of ’glas.’
Nay, yt was ’glorus glarus’ with a ’glo,’386
and mych of ’celsis’ was therto.
As ever have I rest or woo,
much hee spake of ’glas.’
Secundus Pastor
Naye, yt was neyther ’glas’ nor ’glye.’390
Therfore, fellowe, nowe stand bye.
Naye, yt was neyther ’glas’ nor ’glye.’390
Therfore, fellowe, nowe stand bye.
Tertius Pastor
By my fayth, hee was some spye,392
our sheepe for to steale.
Or elles hee was a man of our crafte,
for seemely hee was and [wounder] defte.
By my fayth, hee was some spye,392
our sheepe for to steale.
Or elles hee was a man of our crafte,
for seemely hee was and [wounder] defte.
Garcius
Nay, hee came by night — all thinges lefte —
our tuppes with tarre to teale.
Nay, hee came by night — all thinges lefte —
our tuppes with tarre to teale.
Primus Pastor
Naye, on a ’glor’ and on ’glay’ and a ’gly’398
gurd Gabryell when hee so gloryd.
When hee sange I might not be sorye;
through my brest-bonne bletinge hee bored.
Naye, on a ’glor’ and on ’glay’ and a ’gly’398
gurd Gabryell when hee so gloryd.
When hee sange I might not be sorye;
through my brest-bonne bletinge hee bored.
Secundus Pastor
Nay, by God, yt was a ’gloria,’402
sayde Gabryell when hee sayde soe.
He had a mych better voyce then I have,
as in heaven all other have soe.
Nay, by God, yt was a ’gloria,’402
sayde Gabryell when hee sayde soe.
He had a mych better voyce then I have,
as in heaven all other have soe.
Tertius Pastor
Wyll hee here howe hee sange ’celsis’?406
For on that sadly hee sett him;
nayther singes ’sar’ nor soe well ’cis,’
ney ’pax meryc Mawd when shee had mett him.’
Wyll hee here howe hee sange ’celsis’?406
For on that sadly hee sett him;
nayther singes ’sar’ nor soe well ’cis,’
ney ’pax meryc Mawd when shee had mett him.’
Garcius
On tyme hee touched on ’tarre,’410
and therto I tooke good intent;
all heaven might not have gonne harre,
that note on high when hee up hent.
On tyme hee touched on ’tarre,’410
and therto I tooke good intent;
all heaven might not have gonne harre,
that note on high when hee up hent.
Primus Pastor
And after a ’pax’ or of ’peace,’414
up as a pye hee pyped;
And after a ’pax’ or of ’peace,’414
up as a pye hee pyped;
such a loden — this is noe lesse —416
never in my life me so lyked.
never in my life me so lyked.
Secundus Pastor
Upon ’hominibus’ hee muted;418
that much mervayle to mee was.
And aye I quoked when hee so whewted;
I durst not bede wher that yt was.
Upon ’hominibus’ hee muted;418
that much mervayle to mee was.
And aye I quoked when hee so whewted;
I durst not bede wher that yt was.
Tertius Pastor
Yett, yett, hee sange more then all this,422
for some word is worthye a forder.
For hee sange ’bonae voluntatis’;
that is a cropp that passeth all other.
Yett, yett, hee sange more then all this,422
for some word is worthye a forder.
For hee sange ’bonae voluntatis’;
that is a cropp that passeth all other.
Garcius
Yett and yett he sange more to;426
from my mynde yt shall not starte.
Hee sange alsoe of a ’Deo’;
me thought that heled my harte.
Yett and yett he sange more to;426
from my mynde yt shall not starte.
Hee sange alsoe of a ’Deo’;
me thought that heled my harte.
And that word ’terra’ hee tamed —430
therto I toke good intent.
And ’pax’ alsoe may not be blamed;
for that to this songe I assent.
therto I toke good intent.
And ’pax’ alsoe may not be blamed;
for that to this songe I assent.
Primus Pastor
Nowe pray wee to him with good intent,434
and singe I wyll and me [unbrace]:
that hee will hett us to bee kent,
and to send us of his grace.
Nowe pray wee to him with good intent,434
and singe I wyll and me [unbrace]:
that hee will hett us to bee kent,
and to send us of his grace.
Secundus Pastor
Nowe syth I have all my will,438
never in this world soe well I was.
Singe wee nowe, I rede us, shryll
a mery songe us to solace.
Nowe syth I have all my will,438
never in this world soe well I was.
Singe wee nowe, I rede us, shryll
a mery songe us to solace.
Garcius
Singe we nowe; lett see,442
some songe will I assaye.
All men nowe singes after mee,
for musicke of mec learne yee maye.
Singe we nowe; lett see,442
some songe will I assaye.
All men nowe singes after mee,
for musicke of mec learne yee maye.
Tunc cantabunt et postea dicat Tertius Pastor (Here singe 'troly, loly, loly, loo.'):
Nowe wend we forth to Bethem,446
that is best our songe to bee,
for to see the starre-gleme,
the fruyt alsoe of that maydcn free.
that is best our songe to bee,
for to see the starre-gleme,
the fruyt alsoe of that maydcn free.
Primus Pastor
Nowe folowe we the starre that shines,450
tyll we come to that holy stable.
To Bethlem boyne the lymes;
followe we yt withowt any fable.
Nowe folowe we the starre that shines,450
tyll we come to that holy stable.
To Bethlem boyne the lymes;
followe we yt withowt any fable.
Secundus Pastor
Followe we hit and byes full fast;454
such a frendc loth us were to fayle.
Followe we hit and byes full fast;454
such a frendc loth us were to fayle.
Launche on ! I will not be the last456
upon Marye for to mervayle.
upon Marye for to mervayle.
Hic vadunt versus Bethlem.
Tertius Pastor
Stynt nowe; goe no moe steppes,458
for now the starre beginneth to stand.
Harvye, that good bene our happes
we seene — by our Savyour fonde.
Stynt nowe; goe no moe steppes,458
for now the starre beginneth to stand.
Harvye, that good bene our happes
we seene — by our Savyour fonde.
Hic apparet Angelus et dicat:
Sheppardes, of this sight462
be ye not afright,
for this is Godes might;
takes this in mynde.
To Bethlem nowe right;
there yee shall see in sight
that Christ is borne tonight468
to cover all mankynde.
be ye not afright,
for this is Godes might;
takes this in mynde.
To Bethlem nowe right;
there yee shall see in sight
that Christ is borne tonight468
to cover all mankynde.
Garcius
To Bethlem take wee the waye,470
for with you I thinke to wend,
that prince of peace for to praye
heaven to have at our ende.
To Bethlem take wee the waye,470
for with you I thinke to wend,
that prince of peace for to praye
heaven to have at our ende.
And singe we all, I read,474
some myrth to his majestee,
for certayne now see wee it indeede:
the kinge Sone of heavon is hee.
some myrth to his majestee,
for certayne now see wee it indeede:
the kinge Sone of heavon is hee.
Primus Pastor
Sym, sym, securlye478
here I see Marye,
and Jesus Christ fast bye
lapped in haye.
Sym, sym, securlye478
here I see Marye,
and Jesus Christ fast bye
lapped in haye.
Secundus Pastor
Kneele we downe in hye482
and praye wee him of mercye,
and welcome him worthelye
that woe does awaye.
Kneele we downe in hye482
and praye wee him of mercye,
and welcome him worthelye
that woe does awaye.
Tertius Pastor
Awaye all our woe ys486
and many mans moe ys.
Christ, lord, lett us kys
the cratch or the clothes.
Awaye all our woe ys486
and many mans moe ys.
Christ, lord, lett us kys
the cratch or the clothes.
Garcius
Solace nowe to see this490
byldes in my brest blys:
never after to do amys,
thinge that him loth ys.
Solace nowe to see this490
byldes in my brest blys:
never after to do amys,
thinge that him loth ys.
Primus Pastor
Whatever this ould man that here ys?494
Take heede how his head ys whore.
His beard is like a buske of bryers
with a pound of heare about his mouth and more.
Whatever this ould man that here ys?494
Take heede how his head ys whore.
His beard is like a buske of bryers
with a pound of heare about his mouth and more.
Secundus Pastor
More ys this marveyle to mee nowe,498
for to nappe greatly him needes.
Hartles is hee nowe
for aye to his heeles hee heedes.
More ys this marveyle to mee nowe,498
for to nappe greatly him needes.
Hartles is hee nowe
for aye to his heeles hee heedes.
Tertius Pastor
Why, with his berde though hit be rough,502
right well to her hee hydes.
Worthye wight, witt would wee nowe;
wyll ye worne us, worthye in weedes?
Why, with his berde though hit be rough,502
right well to her hee hydes.
Worthye wight, witt would wee nowe;
wyll ye worne us, worthye in weedes?
Maria
Sheppardes, sothlye I see506
that my sonne you hyther sent,
through Godes might in majestye
that in mee light and here is lent.
This man maryed was to mee
for noe sinne in such assent;
but to keepe my virginitee,512
and truly in non other intent.
Sheppardes, sothlye I see506
that my sonne you hyther sent,
through Godes might in majestye
that in mee light and here is lent.
This man maryed was to mee
for noe sinne in such assent;
but to keepe my virginitee,512
and truly in non other intent.
Joseph
Good men, Moyses take in mynde:514
as he was made through God allmight,
ordayned lawes us to bynde
which that wee should keepe of right;
man and woman for to bynde
lawefully them both to light;
to fructifye, as men may fynde,520
that tyme was wedded every wight.
Good men, Moyses take in mynde:514
as he was made through God allmight,
ordayned lawes us to bynde
which that wee should keepe of right;
man and woman for to bynde
lawefully them both to light;
to fructifye, as men may fynde,520
that tyme was wedded every wight.
Therfore wedded to her I was522
as lawe would: her for to lere
for noyse nor slander nor trespasse,
and through that deede the devill to dere,
as tould mee Gabriell, full of grace.
When I had trussed all my gere
to have fled and to have never seene her face,528
by him was I arested there.
as lawe would: her for to lere
for noyse nor slander nor trespasse,
and through that deede the devill to dere,
as tould mee Gabriell, full of grace.
When I had trussed all my gere
to have fled and to have never seene her face,528
by him was I arested there.
For hee sayde to mee sleepinge530
that shee lackles was of sinne.
And when I hard that tokeninge,
from her durst I noe waye twynne.
Therfore goes forth and preach this thinge,
all together and not in twynne:
that you have seene your heavonly kinge536
common all mankynde to mynne.
that shee lackles was of sinne.
And when I hard that tokeninge,
from her durst I noe waye twynne.
Therfore goes forth and preach this thinge,
all together and not in twynne:
that you have seene your heavonly kinge536
common all mankynde to mynne.
Primus Pastor
Great God, syttynge in thy troone,538
that made all thinge of nought,
nowe wee may thanke thee eychone:
this is hee that wee have sought.
Great God, syttynge in thy troone,538
that made all thinge of nought,
nowe wee may thanke thee eychone:
this is hee that wee have sought.
Secundus Pastor
Goe wee neere anone542
with such as we have brought.
Ringe, brooche, or pretiouse stone —
left see whether we have ought to proffer.
Goe wee neere anone542
with such as we have brought.
Ringe, brooche, or pretiouse stone —
left see whether we have ought to proffer.
Tertius Pastor
Lett us doe him homage.546
Lett us doe him homage.546
Primus Pastor
Whoe shall goe first? The page?547
Whoe shall goe first? The page?547
Secundus Pastor
Naye, yee be father in age.548
Therfore ye must first offer.
Naye, yee be father in age.548
Therfore ye must first offer.
Primus Pastor
Hayle, kinge of heavon soe hye,550
borne in a crybbe;
mankynd unto thee
thow hast made full sybbe.
Hayle, kinge of heavon soe hye,550
borne in a crybbe;
mankynd unto thee
thow hast made full sybbe.
Hayle, kynge, borne in a maydens bowre.554
Profettes did tell thow should be our succour;
this clarkes do saye.
Loe, I bringe thee a bell;
I praye thee save me from hell,
soe that I maye with thee dwell
and serve thee for aye.560
Profettes did tell thow should be our succour;
this clarkes do saye.
Loe, I bringe thee a bell;
I praye thee save me from hell,
soe that I maye with thee dwell
and serve thee for aye.560
Secundus Pastor
Hayle, the emperour of hell561
and of heaven alsoe;
the feynd shalt thow fell,
that ever hath binne fals.
Hayle, the emperour of hell561
and of heaven alsoe;
the feynd shalt thow fell,
that ever hath binne fals.
Hayle, the maker of the stare565
that stoode us beforne;
hayle, the blessedesfull baronne
that ever was borne.
Loe, sonne, I bringe thee a flackett.
Therby hanges a spoone
for to eat thy pottage with at noone,571
as I myselfe full oftetymes have donne.
With hart I praye thee to take yt.
that stoode us beforne;
hayle, the blessedesfull baronne
that ever was borne.
Loe, sonne, I bringe thee a flackett.
Therby hanges a spoone
for to eat thy pottage with at noone,571
as I myselfe full oftetymes have donne.
With hart I praye thee to take yt.
Tertius Pastor
Hayle, prince withowten any pere,574
that mankynde shall releeve.
Hayle, the fooe unto Lucyfere,
the which beguyled Eve.
Hayle, prince withowten any pere,574
that mankynde shall releeve.
Hayle, the fooe unto Lucyfere,
the which beguyled Eve.
Hayle, the graunter of hope,578
for one yearth now thow dwelles.
Loe, sonne, I bringe thee a cappe,
for I have nothinge elles.
for one yearth now thow dwelles.
Loe, sonne, I bringe thee a cappe,
for I have nothinge elles.
This gifte, sonne, that I give thee ys but smalle;582
and though I come the hyndmost of all,
when thow shalt men to thy blys call,
good lord, yett thinke one mee.
and though I come the hyndmost of all,
when thow shalt men to thy blys call,
good lord, yett thinke one mee.
Garcius
My deare, with dryrie unto thee I mee dresse,586
my state on felloweshippe that I doe not lose;
and for to save mee from all yll sicknesse,
I offer unto thee a payre of my wyves ould hose.
My deare, with dryrie unto thee I mee dresse,586
my state on felloweshippe that I doe not lose;
and for to save mee from all yll sicknesse,
I offer unto thee a payre of my wyves ould hose.
For other jewells, my sonne,590
have I none thee for to give
that is worthe anythinge at all,
but my good harte whyle I lyve
and my prayers tyll death doth mee call.
have I none thee for to give
that is worthe anythinge at all,
but my good harte whyle I lyve
and my prayers tyll death doth mee call.
The First Boye
Nowe to you, my fellowes, this doe I saye,595
for in this place, or that I wynde awaye:
unto yonder chyld lett us goe praye,
as our masters have donne us beforne.
Nowe to you, my fellowes, this doe I saye,595
for in this place, or that I wynde awaye:
unto yonder chyld lett us goe praye,
as our masters have donne us beforne.
The Second Boye
And of such goodes as wee have here,599
lett us offer to this prince so dere,
and to his mother, that mayden clere,
that of her body hasse [him] borne.
And of such goodes as wee have here,599
lett us offer to this prince so dere,
and to his mother, that mayden clere,
that of her body hasse [him] borne.
The First Boy
Abyde, syrres, I will goe firste to yonder kinge.603
Abyde, syrres, I will goe firste to yonder kinge.603
The Second Boye
And I will goe nexte to that lordinge.604
And I will goe nexte to that lordinge.604
The Thyrd Boye
Then will I be last of this offeringe;605
this can I saye, noe more.
Then will I be last of this offeringe;605
this can I saye, noe more.
The First Boye
Nowe, lord, for to give thee have I nothinge,607
neyther gold, silver, brooch, ne ringe,
nor noe rich robes meete for a kinge
that I have here in store.
Nowe, lord, for to give thee have I nothinge,607
neyther gold, silver, brooch, ne ringe,
nor noe rich robes meete for a kinge
that I have here in store.
But thoe hit lacke a stopple,611
take thee here my well fayre bottle,
for yt will hold a good pottle;
in fayth, I can give thee noe more.
take thee here my well fayre bottle,
for yt will hold a good pottle;
in fayth, I can give thee noe more.
The Second Boye
Lord, I know that thow art of this virgine borne,615
in full poore araye sittinge one her arme.
For to offer to thee have I noe skorne,
althoo thou be but a child.
For jewell have I none to give thee
to mayntayne thy royall dignitye;
but my hood, take yt thee,621
as thow art God and man.
Lord, I know that thow art of this virgine borne,615
in full poore araye sittinge one her arme.
For to offer to thee have I noe skorne,
althoo thou be but a child.
For jewell have I none to give thee
to mayntayne thy royall dignitye;
but my hood, take yt thee,621
as thow art God and man.
The Thyrd Boye
O noble chyld of thy Father on hye,623
alas, what have I for to give thee?
Save only my pype that soundeth so royallye,
elles truely have I nothinge at all.
Were I in the rocke or in the valey alowe,
I could make this pipe sound, I trowe,
that all the world should ringe629
and quaver as yt would fall.
O noble chyld of thy Father on hye,623
alas, what have I for to give thee?
Save only my pype that soundeth so royallye,
elles truely have I nothinge at all.
Were I in the rocke or in the valey alowe,
I could make this pipe sound, I trowe,
that all the world should ringe629
and quaver as yt would fall.
The Boye
Nowe, chyld, although thou be commen from God631
and bee thyselfe God in thy manhoode,
yet I knowe that in thy chyldhood
thow will for sweetemeat looke.
To pull downe apples, payres, and ploomes,
ould Joseph shall not neede to hurte his handes;
because thow haste not plentye of cromes,637
I give thee here my nuthooke.
Nowe, chyld, although thou be commen from God631
and bee thyselfe God in thy manhoode,
yet I knowe that in thy chyldhood
thow will for sweetemeat looke.
To pull downe apples, payres, and ploomes,
ould Joseph shall not neede to hurte his handes;
because thow haste not plentye of cromes,637
I give thee here my nuthooke.
Primus Pastor
Nowe farewell, mother and maye,639
for of synne nought thow wottest.
Thow hast brought forth this daye
Godes Sonne of mightis most.
Nowe farewell, mother and maye,639
for of synne nought thow wottest.
Thow hast brought forth this daye
Godes Sonne of mightis most.
Wherfore men shall saye:643
’Blessed in every coast and place
be hee, memoriall for us all.’
And that wee may from synne fall
and stand ever in his grace,
our lord God bee with thee.
’Blessed in every coast and place
be hee, memoriall for us all.’
And that wee may from synne fall
and stand ever in his grace,
our lord God bee with thee.
Secundus Pastor
Brethren, lett us all three649
singinge walke homwardlye.
Unkynd will I never in noe case bee,
but preach all that I can and knowe,
as Gabryell taught by his grace mee.
Singinge awaye hethen will I.
Brethren, lett us all three649
singinge walke homwardlye.
Unkynd will I never in noe case bee,
but preach all that I can and knowe,
as Gabryell taught by his grace mee.
Singinge awaye hethen will I.
Tertius Pastor
Over the sea, and I may have grace,655
I will gange and goe abowt nowe
to preach this thinge in every place;
and sheepe will I keepe no more nowe.
Over the sea, and I may have grace,655
I will gange and goe abowt nowe
to preach this thinge in every place;
and sheepe will I keepe no more nowe.
Garcius
I read wee us agree659
for our mysdeedes amendes to make,
for soe nowe will I;
and to the chyld I wholey mee betake
for aye securlye.
Sheppardes craft I forsake;
and to an anker herby665
I will in my prayers wach and wake.
I read wee us agree659
for our mysdeedes amendes to make,
for soe nowe will I;
and to the chyld I wholey mee betake
for aye securlye.
Sheppardes craft I forsake;
and to an anker herby665
I will in my prayers wach and wake.
Primus Pastor
And I an hermitte667
to prayse God, to praye,
to walke by stye and by streytt,
in wildernes to walke for aye.
And I shall noe man meete
but for my livinge I shall him praye,
barefoote one my feete.673
And thus will I live ever and aye.
And I an hermitte667
to prayse God, to praye,
to walke by stye and by streytt,
in wildernes to walke for aye.
And I shall noe man meete
but for my livinge I shall him praye,
barefoote one my feete.673
And thus will I live ever and aye.
For aye, ever, and alwayse,675
this world I fully refuse,
my mysse to amend with monys.
Turne to thy fellowes and kys.
this world I fully refuse,
my mysse to amend with monys.
Turne to thy fellowes and kys.
I yelde, for in youth679
we have bine fellowes, iwys.
Therfore lend me your mouth,
and frendly let us kysse.
we have bine fellowes, iwys.
Therfore lend me your mouth,
and frendly let us kysse.
Secundus Pastor
From London to Lowth683
such another shepperd I wott not where is.
Both frend and cowth,
God grant you all his blys.
From London to Lowth683
such another shepperd I wott not where is.
Both frend and cowth,
God grant you all his blys.
Tertius Pastor
To that blys bringe you687
great God, if that thy will bee.
To that blys bringe you687
great God, if that thy will bee.
Amen, all singe you;689
good men, farewell yee.
good men, farewell yee.
Garcius
Well for to fare, eych frend,691
God of his might graunt you;
for here now we make an ende.
Farewell, for wee from you goe nowe.
Well for to fare, eych frend,691
God of his might graunt you;
for here now we make an ende.
Farewell, for wee from you goe nowe.
Finis
2024 Mar 19 14:56:38