The Vintneres Playe
Incipit Pagina Octava Trium Regum Orientalium.
Primus Rex
Mightye God in majestye,1
that rules the people of Judee,
when thow one man wilt have pittye,
and his sinnes forbye,
send some tokeninge, lord, to mee,
that ylke starre that I may see
that Balaham sayd should ryse and bee7
in his prophecye.
Mightye God in majestye,1
that rules the people of Judee,
when thow one man wilt have pittye,
and his sinnes forbye,
send some tokeninge, lord, to mee,
that ylke starre that I may see
that Balaham sayd should ryse and bee7
in his prophecye.
For well I wotte, forsooth iwys,9
that his prophecye sooth is.
A starre should ryse tokninge of blys
when Godes Sonne is borne.
Therfore these lordes and I in fere
in this mounte make our prayer
devoutlye once in the yeare,15
for therto we binne sworne.
that his prophecye sooth is.
A starre should ryse tokninge of blys
when Godes Sonne is borne.
Therfore these lordes and I in fere
in this mounte make our prayer
devoutlye once in the yeare,15
for therto we binne sworne.
Secundus Rex
Yea, we that binne of Balahams bloode,17
that prophecyed of that sweete foode —
when Balaack, that kinge soe woode,
to curse would hee have made
Godes people of Israell.
But power fayled everye deale;
to prophecye mankyndes heale23
that tyme happe lice hadd —
therfore wee kinges of his kynde,
I read wee take his wordes in mynde,
grace in him if wee maye fynde
that Godes Sonne shalbe.
And goe wee praye, both one and all,29
into the Mounte Victoryall.
Paraventure such grace may fall
that starre that wee maye see.
Yea, we that binne of Balahams bloode,17
that prophecyed of that sweete foode —
when Balaack, that kinge soe woode,
to curse would hee have made
Godes people of Israell.
But power fayled everye deale;
to prophecye mankyndes heale23
that tyme happe lice hadd —
therfore wee kinges of his kynde,
I read wee take his wordes in mynde,
grace in him if wee maye fynde
that Godes Sonne shalbe.
And goe wee praye, both one and all,29
into the Mounte Victoryall.
Paraventure such grace may fall
that starre that wee maye see.
Tertius Rex
Syr, securlye I read on right;33
unto that hill I will me dight
and there beseech God almight
one us for to have mynde,
and of that starre to have a sight.
Worshippe wee all that sweete wight
that Balaham to us beheight,39
that shall forbye mankynde.
Syr, securlye I read on right;33
unto that hill I will me dight
and there beseech God almight
one us for to have mynde,
and of that starre to have a sight.
Worshippe wee all that sweete wight
that Balaham to us beheight,39
that shall forbye mankynde.
Saye, fellowe, take this coursere41
and abyde mee right here.
and abyde mee right here.
Goe wee, syres, to our prayer,43
I read now in good faye.
I have donne this manye a yere,
and my auncetours that before mee were.
Highe God, prince of power,
thou comforte us todaye.
I read now in good faye.
I have donne this manye a yere,
and my auncetours that before mee were.
Highe God, prince of power,
thou comforte us todaye.
Hic descendunt de equis et ibunt in montem.
Primus Rex
Lord, what tyme ys yt thy will49
Balahams prophecye to fullfill,
thou give us grace, both lowd and styll,
and by some signe us shewe.
Lord, what tyme ys yt thy will49
Balahams prophecye to fullfill,
thou give us grace, both lowd and styll,
and by some signe us shewe.
Secundus Rex
Yea, lord, though wee bee unworthye,53
one thy men thou have mercye;
and of thy birthe thou certefye
her to thy knightes three.
Yea, lord, though wee bee unworthye,53
one thy men thou have mercye;
and of thy birthe thou certefye
her to thy knightes three.
Tertius Rex
Lord God, leader of Israell,57
that dye would for mankyndes heale,
thow come to us and not conceale,
but bee our counselour.
Lord God, leader of Israell,57
that dye would for mankyndes heale,
thow come to us and not conceale,
but bee our counselour.
Primus Rex
Of all this world thou art the well61
that shalbe called Emanuell.
Deeme the, lord, with us to dwell,
and graunte us our prayer.
Of all this world thou art the well61
that shalbe called Emanuell.
Deeme the, lord, with us to dwell,
and graunte us our prayer.
Tunc apparebit stella.
Primus Rex
A, syr roy, si vous ploitt,65
gardes sus sur vostre teste.
A, syr roy, si vous ploitt,65
gardes sus sur vostre teste.
Secundus Rex
Une esteile issi est67
que syr vous reploiste.
Une esteile issi est67
que syr vous reploiste.
Tertius Rex
Aloies, soit luy une semblant69
de une virgin portant, come le semble,
de une enfant em brace apportement.
Aloies, soit luy une semblant69
de une virgin portant, come le semble,
de une enfant em brace apportement.
[Primus Rex]
A, lord, blessed most thou bee,72
that one thy people hase pittye.
Witterly now witten wee
that wrought is our askinge.
A, lord, blessed most thou bee,72
that one thy people hase pittye.
Witterly now witten wee
that wrought is our askinge.
Secundus Rex
That our prayer hard hasse hee76
I leve full well, well by my lewtee;
for in the starre a chyid I see
and verye tokeninge.
That our prayer hard hasse hee76
I leve full well, well by my lewtee;
for in the starre a chyid I see
and verye tokeninge.
Tertius Rex
Lordes, I read wee hethen hye,80
for I dare saye, and nothinge lye,
fullfilled is Balahams prophecye;
by this wee maye well knowe.
Lordes, I read wee hethen hye,80
for I dare saye, and nothinge lye,
fullfilled is Balahams prophecye;
by this wee maye well knowe.
Tunc reges iterum genua flectent, et Angelus portans stellam.
Primus Rex
Yea, lest this bee some fantasye84
yett praye we all speciallye;
for if hee bee borne verelye
more sygnes he will us shewe.
Yea, lest this bee some fantasye84
yett praye we all speciallye;
for if hee bee borne verelye
more sygnes he will us shewe.
Angelus
Ryse up, yee kinges three,88
and commys anone after mee
into the land of Judee
as fast as yee may hye.
The chyld yee seeke there shall yee see,
borne all of a mayden free,
that kinge of heaven and yearth shalbee94
and all mankynde forbye.
Ryse up, yee kinges three,88
and commys anone after mee
into the land of Judee
as fast as yee may hye.
The chyld yee seeke there shall yee see,
borne all of a mayden free,
that kinge of heaven and yearth shalbee94
and all mankynde forbye.
Here the kinges ryse up.
Primus Rex
Lordes, hye wee heathen anone.96
Nowe wee binne bydden theder gonne,
I will never hyde — by my bonne —
tyll I at him bee.
Lordes, hye wee heathen anone.96
Nowe wee binne bydden theder gonne,
I will never hyde — by my bonne —
tyll I at him bee.
Secundus Rex
Yea, syrs, I read us everyechone100
dromodaryes to ryde upon,
for swyfter beasts be there none.
One I have, ye shall see.
Yea, syrs, I read us everyechone100
dromodaryes to ryde upon,
for swyfter beasts be there none.
One I have, ye shall see.
Tertius Rex
A dromodarye, in good faye,104
will goe lightly on his waye
an hundreth myles upon a daye;
such beasts nowe take wee.
A dromodarye, in good faye,104
will goe lightly on his waye
an hundreth myles upon a daye;
such beasts nowe take wee.
Primus Rex
Lordes, and I leeve well maye108
that child would shorten well our waye
that bringinge presentes to his paye,
and most is of degree.
Lordes, and I leeve well maye108
that child would shorten well our waye
that bringinge presentes to his paye,
and most is of degree.
Then goe downe to the beastes and ryde abowt.
Primus Rex
Alas, where is this starre iwent?112
Our light from us awaye is glent.
Nowe wott I not where we bene lent,
nor whitherward lyes our waye.
Alas, where is this starre iwent?112
Our light from us awaye is glent.
Nowe wott I not where we bene lent,
nor whitherward lyes our waye.
Secundus Rex
Praye we to God with good intent,116
to whome we bringe our present.
Hee will never suffer us to be shent;
that dare I bouldly saye.
Praye we to God with good intent,116
to whome we bringe our present.
Hee will never suffer us to be shent;
that dare I bouldly saye.
Tertius Rex
It is good that we enquire120
if any the waye can us lere.
Saye, [belamye] that rydes there,
tell us some tydinge.
It is good that we enquire120
if any the waye can us lere.
Saye, [belamye] that rydes there,
tell us some tydinge.
The Messinger
Syr, tell me what your will were.124
Syr, tell me what your will were.124
Primus Rex
Can thou ought saye what place or where125
a child is borne that crowne shall beare
and of the Jewes bee kynge?
Can thou ought saye what place or where125
a child is borne that crowne shall beare
and of the Jewes bee kynge?
Secundus Rex
We see the starre shine verey128
in the east in noble araye.
Therfore wee come nowe this waye
to worshippe him with wynne.
We see the starre shine verey128
in the east in noble araye.
Therfore wee come nowe this waye
to worshippe him with wynne.
Messinger
Hould your peace, syrs, I you praye!132
For if kinge Herode here you soe saye,
he would goe wood, by my faye,
and flye out of his skynne.
Hould your peace, syrs, I you praye!132
For if kinge Herode here you soe saye,
he would goe wood, by my faye,
and flye out of his skynne.
Tertius Rex
And sythe a kinge is soe nere,136
goe wee to him in all manere.
And sythe a kinge is soe nere,136
goe wee to him in all manere.
Messinger
Yee may well see hee wonnys here,138
a pallace in to dwell.
But maye hee wott withowten were
that anye is borne of more powere,
you bringe yourselves in greate dangere
such tidinges for to tell.
Yee may well see hee wonnys here,138
a pallace in to dwell.
But maye hee wott withowten were
that anye is borne of more powere,
you bringe yourselves in greate dangere
such tidinges for to tell.
Here the Messinger must goe to the kinge. Minstrells here must playe.
O noble kinge and worthye conqueroure,144
crowned in gould, sittinge on hye,
Mahound thee save longe in honoure!
License I require to speake to thee.
Tidings now, my lord, I shall you tell
that these three kinge doe shewe unto mee.
From whense the binne I knowe not well;150
yonder the stond, as yee may see.
crowned in gould, sittinge on hye,
Mahound thee save longe in honoure!
License I require to speake to thee.
Tidings now, my lord, I shall you tell
that these three kinge doe shewe unto mee.
From whense the binne I knowe not well;150
yonder the stond, as yee may see.
Primus Rex
Syr roy, ryall and reverent,152
Deu vous gard, omnipotent.
Syr roy, ryall and reverent,152
Deu vous gard, omnipotent.
Secundus Rex
Nos summes veneus comoplent,154
novelis de enquire.
Nos summes veneus comoplent,154
novelis de enquire.
Staffe.
Herodes
Bien soies venues, royes gent.156
Me detes tout vetere entent.
Bien soies venues, royes gent.156
Me detes tout vetere entent.
Tertius Rex
Infant querenues de grand parent,158
et roy de celi et terre.
Infant querenues de grand parent,158
et roy de celi et terre.
Herodes
Syrs, avise you what you sayne!160
Such tydinges makes my harte unfayne.
I read you take those wordes agayne
for feare of velanye.
There is none soe great that me dare gayne,
to take my realme and to attayne
my power, but hee shall have payne166
and punished appertlye.
Syrs, avise you what you sayne!160
Such tydinges makes my harte unfayne.
I read you take those wordes agayne
for feare of velanye.
There is none soe great that me dare gayne,
to take my realme and to attayne
my power, but hee shall have payne166
and punished appertlye.
I kinge of kinges, non soe keene;168
I soveraigne syre, as well is seene;
I tyrant that maye both take and teene
castell, towre, and towne!
I soveraigne syre, as well is seene;
I tyrant that maye both take and teene
castell, towre, and towne!
I weld this world withouten weene;172
I beate all those unbuxone binne;
I drive the devils all bydeene
deepe in hell adowne.
I beate all those unbuxone binne;
I drive the devils all bydeene
deepe in hell adowne.
For I am kinge of all mankynde;176
I byd, I beate, I loose, I bynde;
I maister the moone. Take this in mynd —
that I am most of might.
I byd, I beate, I loose, I bynde;
I maister the moone. Take this in mynd —
that I am most of might.
I am the greatest above degree180
that is, or was, or ever shalbe;
the sonne yt dare not shine on me
and I byd him goe downe.
Noe raigne to fall, shall non be free;
nor noe lord have that libertie
that dare abyde and I byd flee,186
but I shall cracke his crowne.
that is, or was, or ever shalbe;
the sonne yt dare not shine on me
and I byd him goe downe.
Noe raigne to fall, shall non be free;
nor noe lord have that libertie
that dare abyde and I byd flee,186
but I shall cracke his crowne.
Non farre nor neare that doth me nye —188
whoe wrathes me I shall him nye;
for everye freake I dare defye
that nyll me paye ne plaese.
But ye be beane, I shall you beate;
there is noe man for you shall treate.
All for wrothe, see how I sweate!194
My hart is not at ease.
whoe wrathes me I shall him nye;
for everye freake I dare defye
that nyll me paye ne plaese.
But ye be beane, I shall you beate;
there is noe man for you shall treate.
All for wrothe, see how I sweate!194
My hart is not at ease.
Staffe.
For all men may wott and see —196
both hee and you all three —
that I am kinge of Gallilee,
whatsoever he sayes or does.
both hee and you all three —
that I am kinge of Gallilee,
whatsoever he sayes or does.
Sword.
What the deveil should this bee?200
A boye, a growme of lowe degree,
should raygne above my ryalltee
and make me but a goose,
A boye, a growme of lowe degree,
should raygne above my ryalltee
and make me but a goose,
Cast up.
that ringes and raignes so riallye?204
All grace and goodnes I have to give.
There is noe prince but hee shall plye
to doe my hartes ease.
But now you may both here and see
that I reconed up my rialtye.
I red you all be ruled by mee210
and found mee for to please.
All grace and goodnes I have to give.
There is noe prince but hee shall plye
to doe my hartes ease.
But now you may both here and see
that I reconed up my rialtye.
I red you all be ruled by mee210
and found mee for to please.
Primus Rex
'Vidimus stellam eius in oriente et venimus cum muneribus adorare eum.'
Syr, wee see the starre appeare212
in the east withouten were
in a merveilouse manere,
together as we cann praye.
in the east withouten were
in a merveilouse manere,
together as we cann praye.
Secundus Rex
Wee see never non soe cleare;216
by it the waye we could lere.
But when we came to your land here
then vanished it awaye.
Wee see never non soe cleare;216
by it the waye we could lere.
But when we came to your land here
then vanished it awaye.
Tertius Rex
By prophecye well wotten wee220
that a child born should bee
to rule the people of Judee,
as was sayd many a yeare.
By prophecye well wotten wee220
that a child born should bee
to rule the people of Judee,
as was sayd many a yeare.
Herodes
That is false, by my lewtee,224
for in mauger of you all three
this realme moves all of mee;
other kinges non shall be here.
That is false, by my lewtee,224
for in mauger of you all three
this realme moves all of mee;
other kinges non shall be here.
But sythen you speake of prophecye,228
I will witt anon in hie
whether yee saye sooth or lye —
my clarke soone shall see.
Syr Doctor, that cheife art of clergie,
looke up thy bookes of prophecye
of Daniell, David, and Isaye,234
and what thou seest say thou mee.
I will witt anon in hie
whether yee saye sooth or lye —
my clarke soone shall see.
Syr Doctor, that cheife art of clergie,
looke up thy bookes of prophecye
of Daniell, David, and Isaye,234
and what thou seest say thou mee.
These kinges be come a farre way236
to seeke a child, I hard saye,
that should be borne in this cuntraye
my kingdome to destroye.
Seeke eych leafe, I thee praye,
and what thou findes in good faye
tell now here, for I dare laye242
that all these lordes lye.
to seeke a child, I hard saye,
that should be borne in this cuntraye
my kingdome to destroye.
Seeke eych leafe, I thee praye,
and what thou findes in good faye
tell now here, for I dare laye242
that all these lordes lye.
Doctor
Nay, my lord, bee ye bould;244
I trowe noe prophetes before would
write anythinge your hart to could
or your right to denye.
But syth your grace at this tyme would
that I the prophets declare should,
of Christes comminge as they have tould,250
the trueth to certyfle,
I beseech your ryall majestee
with patience of your benignitie
the trueth to here, and pardone mee
there sayenges to declare.
Nay, my lord, bee ye bould;244
I trowe noe prophetes before would
write anythinge your hart to could
or your right to denye.
But syth your grace at this tyme would
that I the prophets declare should,
of Christes comminge as they have tould,250
the trueth to certyfle,
I beseech your ryall majestee
with patience of your benignitie
the trueth to here, and pardone mee
there sayenges to declare.
Herodes
Nay, my true clarke, that will not I256
debate with thee; therfore in hye
looke well on everye prophecye.
For nothing that thou spare,
Nay, my true clarke, that will not I256
debate with thee; therfore in hye
looke well on everye prophecye.
For nothing that thou spare,
but search the trueth of Esaye,260
Ezechiell, Nauum, and Jheremye,
Micheas, Abdias, and Zacharye,
of Christ what they doe saye.
Looke alsoe upon Malachye,
Aggeus, Oseas, and Sophonye,
Joell, Amos, and Abacuck in hye;266
looke non be left awaye.
Ezechiell, Nauum, and Jheremye,
Micheas, Abdias, and Zacharye,
of Christ what they doe saye.
Looke alsoe upon Malachye,
Aggeus, Oseas, and Sophonye,
Joell, Amos, and Abacuck in hye;266
looke non be left awaye.
[Doctor]
'Non auferetur sceptrum de Juda et dux de foemore eius, donec veniet qui mittendus est et erit ipse expectatio gentium.' Genesis, quadragessimo nono.
The Holy Scripture maketh declaration268
by patryarckes and prophettes of Christes nativitie,
when Jacob prophecied by playne demonstration,
sayde the realme of Juda and eke the regaltye
from that generation never taken should bee
untill hee were come that most mightye is,
sent from the Father, kinge of heavenly blys.274
by patryarckes and prophettes of Christes nativitie,
when Jacob prophecied by playne demonstration,
sayde the realme of Juda and eke the regaltye
from that generation never taken should bee
untill hee were come that most mightye is,
sent from the Father, kinge of heavenly blys.274
And now fulfilled is Jacobs prophecye;275
for kinge Herode that is nowe rayninge
is noe Jewe borne nor of that progenye,
but a stranger by the Romans made there kinge;
and the Jewes knowe non of ther blood descendinge
by succession to claime the scepter and regaltye;
wherfore Christe is nowe borne our kinge and messye.
for kinge Herode that is nowe rayninge
is noe Jewe borne nor of that progenye,
but a stranger by the Romans made there kinge;
and the Jewes knowe non of ther blood descendinge
by succession to claime the scepter and regaltye;
wherfore Christe is nowe borne our kinge and messye.
Herodes
A bill.
That is false, by Mahound full of might!282
That ould villard Jacob, doted for age,
shall withold by no prophecye the tytle and right
of Romans hye conquest which to mee in heritage
is fallen for ever, as prince of hye parentage.
If anye other kinge or messye intend it to wynne,
his head from his bodye with this sword shall I twynne.
That ould villard Jacob, doted for age,
shall withold by no prophecye the tytle and right
of Romans hye conquest which to mee in heritage
is fallen for ever, as prince of hye parentage.
If anye other kinge or messye intend it to wynne,
his head from his bodye with this sword shall I twynne.
Et dicat, 'Read one.'
Doctor
'Cum venerit sancta sanctorum cessabit unctio vestra.'
Daniell, fulfilled with heavenly grace,289
prophecied alsoe by divine inspiration
that when he was come that of all holye was
most holiest in yearth, to take his habitation
in the wombe of a virgin, and by his blessed incarnation
out of Sathans band to deliver mankynd
whom synne originall most pitiously did bynd —
then both unctions, sacrifices, and rittes ceremonyall
of the ould testament with legall observation
shall utterly cease and take there end fynall
through Christes commynge, which for mans salvation
a newe testament should ordayne by devine operation,
offeringe himselfe in sacrafice for mankyndes offence,
which from heaven was exiled through his greate negligence.
prophecied alsoe by divine inspiration
that when he was come that of all holye was
most holiest in yearth, to take his habitation
in the wombe of a virgin, and by his blessed incarnation
out of Sathans band to deliver mankynd
whom synne originall most pitiously did bynd —
then both unctions, sacrifices, and rittes ceremonyall
of the ould testament with legall observation
shall utterly cease and take there end fynall
through Christes commynge, which for mans salvation
a newe testament should ordayne by devine operation,
offeringe himselfe in sacrafice for mankyndes offence,
which from heaven was exiled through his greate negligence.
Herodes
Fye on that dreame-reader! Such dotardes never shall,
ney noe sleepie sluggard, make my right title cease.
But I shall knightlye keepe yt, whatsoever shall befall,
agaynst that yonge godlinge. And if hee ones doe presse
this kingdome to clayme, or put mee to distresse,
his head of shall I hewe. Yett looke yf thou finde there
wher this boye is borne for whom these kinges enquire.
Fye on that dreame-reader! Such dotardes never shall,
ney noe sleepie sluggard, make my right title cease.
But I shall knightlye keepe yt, whatsoever shall befall,
agaynst that yonge godlinge. And if hee ones doe presse
this kingdome to clayme, or put mee to distresse,
his head of shall I hewe. Yett looke yf thou finde there
wher this boye is borne for whom these kinges enquire.
[Doctor]
'Et tu Bethlem quidem terra Juda nequaquam minima es in principibus Judae. Ex te enim exiet dux qui reget populum meum Israell.' Michei quinto et Mathei secundo.
Micheas, inflamed with ghostly inspiration,310
prophecied that Bethlem should a child forth bringe.
Ruler of Godes people and of the Jewes nation
should hee be borne, of Israell to be kinge.
prophecied that Bethlem should a child forth bringe.
Ruler of Godes people and of the Jewes nation
should hee be borne, of Israell to be kinge.
Alsoe Esaye and Jheremye, full vertuous of beinge,314
with divers others mo fulfilled with grace,
of Christes comminge prophecied while they were livinge.
with divers others mo fulfilled with grace,
of Christes comminge prophecied while they were livinge.
Doctor
'Ambulabunt gentes in lumine tuo et reges in splendore ortus tui.' Esaui sexagessimo.
Esawe, to whom the spirit of prophecye317
was singulerly given through the Holy Ghost,
in his tyme prophicied that kinges witterlye
and folkes of strange natyons and from sundrye coasts —
that princes death to magnifie, which of might is moste —
should walke in great light; and brightnes should apere,
as did unto these kinges in a bright starre shininge clere.
was singulerly given through the Holy Ghost,
in his tyme prophicied that kinges witterlye
and folkes of strange natyons and from sundrye coasts —
that princes death to magnifie, which of might is moste —
should walke in great light; and brightnes should apere,
as did unto these kinges in a bright starre shininge clere.
Herodes
'Effundam super parvulum istum furorem meum et super consilium juvenum, disperdam parvulos de fores, et juvenes in plateis morientur gladio meo.'
Alas, what presumption should move that pevish page
or any elvish godlinge to take from me my crowne?
or any elvish godlinge to take from me my crowne?
Cast downe the sword.
But, by Mahound, that boye for all his greate outrage
shall die under my hand, that elfe and vile [congion].
And all his pertakers I shall slea and beate downe,
and both of him and his finall distruction make.
Such vengeance and eke crueltye on them all will I take
shall die under my hand, that elfe and vile [congion].
And all his pertakers I shall slea and beate downe,
and both of him and his finall distruction make.
Such vengeance and eke crueltye on them all will I take
that non such a slaughter was seene or hard before,
syth Athalia here raigned, that fell and furiouse queene,
that made slea all men children that of kinges blood were
when her soone was dead. So for to wreake my teene
I shall hewe that harlott with my bright brond so keene
into peeces smale. Yett looke and search agayne
if these kinges shall him finde and his presence attayne.
syth Athalia here raigned, that fell and furiouse queene,
that made slea all men children that of kinges blood were
when her soone was dead. So for to wreake my teene
I shall hewe that harlott with my bright brond so keene
into peeces smale. Yett looke and search agayne
if these kinges shall him finde and his presence attayne.
Doctor
'Reges Tharsis et Insule munera offerent; reges Arabum et Saba dona adducent.' [Psalmo] septuagesimo primo.
David, of all prophettes called most prepotent,338
prophecied that kinges of Tharsis and Arabye
with misticall giftes shall come and presente
that lord and prince, that kinge and hye messye,
of Abrahams seede descendinge lineallye —
which kinges with great treasure here in presence,
to seeke him as soverraigne and lawde his magnificence.
prophecied that kinges of Tharsis and Arabye
with misticall giftes shall come and presente
that lord and prince, that kinge and hye messye,
of Abrahams seede descendinge lineallye —
which kinges with great treasure here in presence,
to seeke him as soverraigne and lawde his magnificence.
My lord, by prophecie is proved you beforne345
that in Bethiem should bee borne
a child to save that was forlorne
and rule all Israell.
that in Bethiem should bee borne
a child to save that was forlorne
and rule all Israell.
Herodes
Breake a sword.
By cockes sowle, thou art forsworne!349
Have donne! Those bookes were rent and torne.
For hee shalbe noe kinge in crowne,
but I fullye in my weale.
Have donne! Those bookes were rent and torne.
For hee shalbe noe kinge in crowne,
but I fullye in my weale.
And maugard David, that sheppard with his slinge,353
Esaye, Jheremye, with all there osspringe,
here gett noe other messye or kynge
from my right title to expell.
Esaye, Jheremye, with all there osspringe,
here gett noe other messye or kynge
from my right title to expell.
Cast up.
What a devill is this to saye:357
that I should be disproved and put awaye —
syth my right is soe verey —
for a boyes boast?
This realme is myne and shalbe aye,
manfullye maynteane yt while I may,
though hee bringe with him todaye363
the devill and all his hoaste.
that I should be disproved and put awaye —
syth my right is soe verey —
for a boyes boast?
This realme is myne and shalbe aye,
manfullye maynteane yt while I may,
though hee bringe with him todaye363
the devill and all his hoaste.
Cast up.
But goes you forth, you kinges three,365
and enquire if it soe bee.
But algates come agayne by mee,
for you I thinke to feede.
And if hee bee of such degree,
him will I honour as donne yee,
as falles for his dignitie371
in word, thought, and deede.
and enquire if it soe bee.
But algates come agayne by mee,
for you I thinke to feede.
And if hee bee of such degree,
him will I honour as donne yee,
as falles for his dignitie371
in word, thought, and deede.
Primus Rex
By your leave, syr, and have good daye,373
tyll we come agayne this waye.
By your leave, syr, and have good daye,373
tyll we come agayne this waye.
Secundus Rex
Syr, as sonne as ever wee maye;375
and as we seene, soe shall wee saye.
Syr, as sonne as ever wee maye;375
and as we seene, soe shall wee saye.
Tertius Rex
And of his riches and his araye377
from you wee shall not layne.
And of his riches and his araye377
from you wee shall not layne.
Herodes
Farewell, lordes, in good faye;379
but hye you fast agayne.
Farewell, lordes, in good faye;379
but hye you fast agayne.
The boye and pigge when they kinges are gonne.
Owt, alas, what the divell is this?381
For shame almost I fare amysse
for was I never soe woe, iwisse;
for wrath I am nere wood.
For everye man may well say thus —
that I maynteane my realme amysse,
to lett a boye inherite my blys387
that never was of my blood.
For shame almost I fare amysse
for was I never soe woe, iwisse;
for wrath I am nere wood.
For everye man may well say thus —
that I maynteane my realme amysse,
to lett a boye inherite my blys387
that never was of my blood.
Staffe.
But yett the lasse it greivouse mee389
that I lett goe those kinges three;
for I shall knowe nowe which is hee
when the commen agayne.
Then will they tell mee in what contrey
that this boye then borne is hee;
then shalbe taken both they and hee,395
and that will make mee fayne.
that I lett goe those kinges three;
for I shall knowe nowe which is hee
when the commen agayne.
Then will they tell mee in what contrey
that this boye then borne is hee;
then shalbe taken both they and hee,395
and that will make mee fayne.
Sword.
By cockes sowle, come they agayne397
all three traytors shall bee slayne,
and that ylke swedlinge swayne —
I shall choppe of his head.
Godes grace shall them not gayne,
nor noe prophecye save them from payne.
That rocked rybauld, and I may rayne,403
rufully shalbe his reade.
all three traytors shall bee slayne,
and that ylke swedlinge swayne —
I shall choppe of his head.
Godes grace shall them not gayne,
nor noe prophecye save them from payne.
That rocked rybauld, and I may rayne,403
rufully shalbe his reade.
By Mahound full of mightes,405
tomorrowe I will send after my knightes
to rule my realme and my rightes
agaynst this boyes boaste,
and rayse the contrye one everye syde,
all that ever may goe or ryde.
Soe shall this boye loose his pryde,411
for all his greatest hoste.
tomorrowe I will send after my knightes
to rule my realme and my rightes
agaynst this boyes boaste,
and rayse the contrye one everye syde,
all that ever may goe or ryde.
Soe shall this boye loose his pryde,411
for all his greatest hoste.
This boye doth mee soe greatly anoye413
that I wax dull and pure drye.
Have done and fill the wyne in hye;
I dye but I have drinke!
Fill fast and lett the cuppes flye,
and goe wee heathen hastelye;
for I must ordeyne curiouslye419
agaynst these kynges comminge.
that I wax dull and pure drye.
Have done and fill the wyne in hye;
I dye but I have drinke!
Fill fast and lett the cuppes flye,
and goe wee heathen hastelye;
for I must ordeyne curiouslye419
agaynst these kynges comminge.
Finis
2024 Mar 19 14:56:38