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<h>Proemium

<d>The Banes do not appear in this version of the text

<h>The Tanners Playe<!-- 1 -->

<d>Pagina Prima: De Celi, Angelorom, et Infirne Speciun Creacion Pagina

<c>Deus
Ego sum alpha et oo,
primus et novissimus.
It is my will it shoulde be soe;
hit is, yt was, it shalbe thus.

I ame greate God gracious,
which never had begyninge.
The wholl foode of parente is sett
in my essention.
I ame the tryall of the Trenitye
which never shalbe twyninge,
pearles patron ymperiall,
and Patris sapiencia.
My beames be all beawtitude;
all blisse is in my buyldinge.
All meirth lyeth in mansuetude,
cum Dei potentia,
bouth viscible and inviscible.

As God greatest and glorious,
all is in mea licencill.

For all the meirth of the majestye
is magnifyed in me.
Prince principall, proved
in my perpetuall provydence,
I was never but one
and ever one in three,
set in substanciall southnes
within selestiall sapience.
The three tryalls in a throne
and true Trenitie
be grounded in my godhead,
exalted by my exelencie.
The might of my makeinge
is marked in mee,
dissolved under a deadem
by my devyne experience.

Nowe sithe I am soe soeleme
and set in my solatacion,
a biglie blesse here will I builde,
a heaven without endinge,
and caste a comely compasse
by comely creation.
Nyne orders of angells,
be ever at onste defendinge;
doe your indevoure and doubte you not
under my dominacion
to sytt in celestial saftye.
All solace to your sendinge!
For all the likeinge in this lordshipp
be laude to my laudacion.
Through might of my most majestic
your meirth shall ever be mendinge.

<c>Lucifer
Lorde, through thy mighte thou hast us wrought,
nine orders here that we maye see:
Cherubyn and Seraphin through thy thought;
Thrones and Dominationes in blisse to bee;

with Principates, that order brighte,
and Potestates in blisfuil lighte;
also Vertutes, through thy greate mighte,
Angel! and also Arkeangelle.

Nine orders here bene witterlye,
that thou hast made here full right.
In thy blisse full brighte the bee,
and I the principal!, lorde, here in thy sighte.

<c>Deus
Here have I you wrought with heavenly mighte,
of angels nine orders of greate beautye,
iech one with others, as it is righte,
to walke aboute the Trenitie.

Nowe, Lucifer and Lightborne, loke lowely you bee.
The blessinge of my begyninge I geve to my first operacion.

For crafte nor for cuninge, cast never comprehension;
exsalte you not to exelente into high exaltation.
Loke that you tende righte wisely, for hence I wilbe wendinge.
The woride that is bouth voyde and vayne, I forme in the formacion,
with a dongion of darkenes which never shall have endinge.
This worke is nowe well wrought by my devyne formacion.
This worke is well donne, that is soe cleane and cleare.
As I you made of naughte, my blessinge I geve you here.

<c>Angelie
Wee thanke thee, lorde, full soveraignely,
that us hath formed soe cleane and cleare,
ever in this blesse to byde thee bye.
Graunte us thy grace ever to byde here.

<c>Arckeangelis
Here for to byde God grante us grace
to please this prince withouten peare;
him for to thanke with some solace
a songe now let us singe here.

<d>'Dignus Dei'

<c>Deus
Nowe seeinge I have formed you soe fayer
and exalted you so exelente-
and here I set you nexte my cheare,
my love to you is soe fervente-
loke you fall not in noe dispaier.
Touche not my throne by non assente.
All your beautie I shall appaier,
and pride fall oughte in your intente.

<c>Luciffer
Ney, lorde, that will we not in deed,
for nothinge tresspasse unto thee.
Thy greate godhead we ever dreade,
and never exsaulte ourselves soe hie.
Thou hast us marked with greate might and mayne,
in thy blesse evermore to byde and bee,
in lastinge life our life to leade.
And bearer of lighte thou hast made me.

<c>Lighteborne
And I ame marked of that same moulde.
Loveinge be to our creator
that us hase made gayer then goulde,
under his dieadem ever to indure.

<c>Deus
I have forbyd that ye neare shoulde;
but keepe you well in that stature.
The same covenante I charge you houlde,
in paine of heaven your forfeyture.

For I will wende and take my trace
and see this blesse in every tower.
Iche one of you kepe well his place;
and, Lucifer, I make thee governour.
Nowe I charge the grounde of grace
that yt be set with my order.

Behoulde the beames of my brighte face,
which ever was and shall indewer.
This is your health in every case:
to behoulde your creator.
Was never none so like me, soe full of grace,
nor never shall as my fygure.
Here will I bide nowe in this place
to be angells comforture.
To be revisible in shorte space,
it is my will in this same houre.

<c>Luciffer
Aha, that I ame wounderous brighte,
amongest you all shininge full cleare!
Of all heaven I beare the lighte
though God bymselfe and he were here.
All in this throne yf that I were,
then shoulde I be as wise as hee.
What saye ye, angels all that bene here?
Some comforte soone now let me see.

<c>Vertutes
Wee will not assente unto your pride
nor in our hartes take such a thoughte;
but that our lorde shalbe our guyde,
and keepe that he to us hath wroughte.

<c>Cherubyn
Our lorde comaunded all that bene here
to keepe there seates, bouth more and lesse.
Therfore I warne the, Lucifer,
this pride will torne to greate distresse.

<c>Luciffer
Destresse? I commaunde you for to
cease and see the beautie that I beare.
All heaven shines through my brightnes
for God himselfe shines not so cleare.

<c>Dominaciones
Of all angells yee beare the price
and most beautie is you befall.
My counsell is that you be wise,
that you bringe not yourselves in thrall.

<c>Principates
Yf that ye in thral you bringe,
then shall you have a wicked fall;
and alsoe your ofspringe,
away with you they shall all.

<c>Cherubyn
Our brethers counsel is good to here,
to you I saye, Lucifer and Lightborne.
Wherfore beware you of this cheere,
least that you have a fowle spurne.

<c>Lighteborne
In fayth, brother, yet you shall
sitt in this throne-arte cleane and cleare-
that yee maye be as wise withal!
as God himselfe, yf he were heare.
Therfore you shalbe set here,
that all heaven maye ye behoulde.
The brightnes of your bodie cleare
is brighter then God a thousandfoulde.

<c>Thrones
Alas, that beautie will you spill
yf you keepe it all in your thought;
then will pride have all his will
and bringe your brightnes all to naughte.
Let yt passe out of your thought,
and caste awaye all wicked pride;
and keepe your brightnes to you is wrought,
and let our lorde be all our guyde.

<c>Potestates
Alas that pride is the wall of beautye
that tomes your thought to greate offence.
The brightnes of your fayer bodyes
will make yee to goe hense.

<c>Luciffer
Goe hense? Behoulde, sennyors one every syde,
and unto me you caste your eyen.
I charge you angells in this tyde
behoulde and see now what I meane.
Above greate God I will me guyde
and set myselfe here; as I wene,
I ame pearlesse and prince of pride,
for God hymselfe shines not so sheene.

Here will I sitt nowe in his steade,
to exsaulte myselfe in this same see.
Behoulde my bodye, handes and head-
the mighte of God is marked in mee.
All angells, torne to me I read,
and to your soveraigne kneele one your knee.
I ame your comforte, bouth lorde and head,
the meirth and might of the majestye.

<c>Lighteborne
And I ame nexte of the same degree,
repleth by all experience.
Methinkes yf I mighte sit him bye
all heaven shoulde doe us reverence.
All orders maye assente to thee and me;
thou hast them torned by eloquence.
And here were nowe the Trenitie,
we shoulde him passe by our fullgens.

<c>Dominaciones
Alas, why make yee this greate offence?
Bouth Lucifer and Lightborne, to you I saye,
our soveraigne lorde will have you hense
and he fynde you in this araye.
Goe too your seates and wynde you hense.
You have begone a parlous playe.
Ye shall well witt the subsequence-
this daunce will tome to teene and traye.

<c>Lucifer
I redd you all doe me reverence,
that ame repleth with heavenly grace.
Though God come, I will not hense,
but sitt righte here before his face.

<d>'Gloria tibi Trinitas'

<c>Deus
Saye, what araye doe ye make here?
Who is your prince and principall?

I made thee angell and Lucifer,
and here thou woulde be lorde over all.
Therfore I charge this order cleare,
faste from this place looke that. yce fall.
Full soone I shall chaunge your cheare-
for your fowle pride to hell you shall.

Lucifer, who set thee here when I was goe?
What have I offended unto thee?
I made thee my frende; thou arte my foe.
Why haste thou tresspassed thus to me?
Above all angells there were no moe
that sitt so nighe my majestye.
I charge you to fall till I byd 'Whoo,'
into the deepe pitt of hell ever to bee.

<d>Nowe Lucifer and Lightborne fall.

<c>Primus Demon
Alas that ever we were wroughte,
that we shoulde come into this place!
Wee were in joye; nowe we be naughte.
Alas, we have fomfayted our grace!

<c>Secundus Demon
And even heither thou hast us broughte
into dungeon to take our trace.
All this sorrowe thou hast us soughte-
the deviIl maye speede thy stinckinge face.

<c>Primus Demon
My face, false feature, for thy fare!
Thou hast us broughte to teene and treay.
I cumber, I congere, I kindle in care.
I sincke in sorrowe; what shall I saye?

<c>Secundus Demon
Thou haste us broughte this wicked waye
through thy mighte and thy pryde,
out of the blesse that lasteth aye
in sorowe evermore to abyde.

<c>Primus Demon
Thy witt yt was as well as myne,
of that pryde that we did shewe;
and nowe bene here in hell fler
till the day of dome that [beames] shall bloo.

<c>Secundus Demon
Then shall we never care for woo,
but lye here like two feeyndes blacke.
Alas, that ever we did forgett soe
that lordes love to lose that did us make.

<c>Primus Demon
And therfore I shall for his sake
shewe mankynde greate envye.
As soone as ever he can hym make,
I shall sende, hym to destmoye,

one-of myne order shall he bee-
to make mankinde to doe amisse.
Ruffyn, my frende fayer and free,
loke that thou keepe mankinde from blesse

that I and my fellowes fell downe for aye.
He will ordeyne mankinde againe
in blesse to be in greate araye,
and wee evermore in hell paine.

<c>Secundus Demon
Out, harrowe! Where is our mighte
that we were wonte to shewe,
and in heaven bare soe greate lighte,
and nowe we be in hell full lowe?

<c>Primus Demon
Out, alas! For woo and wickednesse
I ame so fast bounde in this cheare
and never awaye hense shall passe,
but lye in hell allwaye heare.

<c>Deus
A, wicked pryde! A, woo worth thee, woo!
My meirth thou hast made amisse.
I maye well suffer: my will is not soc
that they shoulde parte this from my blesse.
A, pryde! Why mighte thou not braste in two?
Why did the that? Why did they thus?
Behoulde, my angells, pride is your foe.
All sorrowe shall shewe wheresoever yt is.

And though they have broken my comaundement,
me ruse yt sore full sufferently.
Neverthelesse, I will have myne intente-
that I first thought, yet soe will I.
I and two persons be at one assente
a sollempne matter for to trye.
A full fayer image we have imente,
that the same stydd shall multiplye.

In my blessinge here I begyne
the first that shalbe to my paye.
Lightenes and darkenes, I byde you twene:
the darke to the nighte, the lighte to the day.
Keepe your course for more or myne
and suffer not, to you I saye;
but save yourselfe, bouth out and in.
That is my will, and will allwaye.

As I have made you all of noughte
at myne owne wisheinge,
my first day heare have I wroughte.
I geve yt here my blessinge.

<d>Finis

<h>The Drapers Playe<!-- 2 -->

<d>Incipit Pagina Secunda qualiter Deus docuit mundum.

<c>Deus
<i>Ego sum alpha et omega, I, primus et novissimus.</i>
I, God, moste of majestye,
in whom begininge none may bee;

enlesse alsoe, moste of postee,
I am and have binne ever.
Now heaven and earth is made through mee.
The earth is voyd ondly I see;
therfore light for more lee
through my might I will liever.

At my byddynge made be light.
Light is good, I see in sight.
Twynned shalbe through my might
the light from the stearnes.
Light 'day' I wilbe called aye,
and thestearnes 'night', as I saye.
This momne and evene, the first day,
is made full and expresse.

Now will I make the firmament
in myddeste the water to bee lent,
for to bee a divident
to twynne the waters aye;
above the welkyn, beneath alsoe,
and 'heaven' hit shalbe called thoo.
This commen is morne and even also
of the seoconde daye.

Now will I waters everychone
that under heaven bine great one,
that the gather into one,
and drynesse sone them shewe.
That dryenesse 'yearth' men shall call.
The gatheringe of the waters all,
'seeyes' to [name] have the shall;
therby men shall them knowe.

I will one yearth yerbes springe,
ichon in kinde seede-gevinge;
trees diverse fruite forth bringe
after ther kynde eachone;
the seede of which aye shalbe
within the fruite of each tree.
This morne and even of dayes three
is both commen and gonne.

Now will I make through my might
lightninges in the welkyn bright,
to twyne the daye from the night
and lighten the earth with lee.
Great lightes I will too &mdash;
the sonne and eke the moone also &mdash;
the sonne for day to serve for oo,
the moone for night to bee.

Stares also through myne entente
I will make one the firmamente,
the yearth to lighten there the be lent;
and knowne may be therby
courses of planets, nothinge amisse.
Now see I this worke good iwisse.
This morninge and evon both made is,
the fourthe day fullye.

Now will I in waters fishe forth bringe,
fowles in the firmament flyinge,
great whalles in the sea swiminge;
all make I with a thoughte &mdash;
beastes, fowles, fruit, stone, and tree.
These workes are good, well I see.
Therfore to blesse all well liketh me,
this worke that I have wrought.

All beastes, I byd you multyplye
in yearth and water by and by,
and fowles in the ayre to flye,
the yearth to fulfill.
This morne and evon through my might
of the fiveth day and the night
is made and ended well aright,
all at my owne will.

Now will I one earth bringe forth anon
all helpely beastes, everychone
that crepon, flyen, or gone,
eachon in his kynde.
Now is this donne at my byddinge :
beastes goinge, flyinge, and crepinge;
and all my worke at my likinge
fully now I fynde.

<d>Then goinge from the place where he was, commeth to the place where he createth Adam.

Now heaven and earth is made expresse,
make wee man to our likenesse.
Fishe, fowle, beast &mdash; more and lesse &mdash;
to mayster he shall have might.
To our shape now make I thee;
man and woman I will there bee.
Growe and multyplye shall yee,
and fulfill the earth on hight.

To helpe thee thou shalt have here
herbes, trees, fruit, seede in fere.
All shalbe put in thy power,
and beastes eke alsoe;
all that in yearth bine livinge,
fowles in the ayre flyinge,
and all that gost hath and likinge,
to sustayne you from woe.

Now this is donne, I see aright,
and all thinge made through my might.
The sixt day heare in my sight
ys made all of the best.
Heaven and earth ys wrought all within
and all that needes to be them.
Tomorrowe, the seaventh day, I will blinne
and of workes take my rest.

But this man that I have made,
with goste of lief I will him gladde.

<d>Adam rysinge.

<c>Deus
Rise up, Adam, rise up, ryse,
a man full of sowle and liefe,
and come with mee to paradice,
a place of deyntee and delite.
But it is good that thou be wise;
bringe not thyselfe in striefe.

<d>Then the creatour bringeth Adam into paradice, before the tree of knowledge, and saith (minstrelles playe):

<c>Deus
Here, Adam, I give thee this place,
thee to comforte and solace,

to keepe it well while thou hit hasse,
and donne as I thee bydd.
Of all trees that bine herein
thou shalt eate and nothinge sinne;
but of this tree, for weale nor wynne,
thou eate by noe way.

What tyme thou eates of this tree,
death thee behoves, leave thow mee.
Therfore this fruit I will thee flee,
and be thou not too bould.
Beastes and fowles that thou may see
to thee obedyent shall they bee.
What name they bee given by thee,
that name they shall hould.

<d>Then God taketh Adam by the hande and causeth him to lye downe, and taketh a ribbe out of his syde and saith:

<c>Deus
Hit is not good man only to bee;
helpe to him now make wee.
But excice sleepe behoves mee
anon in this man heare.
One sleepe thou arte, well I see.
Heare a bone I take of thee,
and fleshe alsoe with harte free
to make thee a feere.

<d>Then God doth make the woman of the ribbe of Adam, wakinge and sayth to God:

<c>Adam
A, lorde, where have I longe bine?
For sythence I slepte much have I seene &mdash;
wonder that withouten weene
hereafter shalbe wiste.

<c>Deus
Ryse, Adam, and awake.
Heare have I formed the a make;
him to thee thou shalt take,
and name him as thee liste.

<d>Adam, rysinge up, saith:

<c>Adam
I see well, lord, through thy grace
bonne of my bones thou him mase;
and fleshe of my fleshe shee base,
and my shape through thy sawe.
Therfore shee shalbe called, iwisse,
'viragoo', nothinge amisse;
for out of man taken shee is,
and to man shee shall drawe.

Of earth thou madest first mee,
both bone and fleshe; now I see
thou hast her given through thy postee
of that I in me had.
Therfore man kyndely shall forsake
father and mother, and to wife take;
too in one fleshe, as thou can make,
eyther other for to glad.

<d>Then Adam and Eve shall stand naked and shall not bee ashamed. Then the serpente shall come up out of a hole, and the dyvell walkinge shall say:

<c>Demon
Owt, owt, what sorrowe is this,
that I have loste soe much blysse?
For onste I thought to doe amysse,
out of heaven I fell.
The bryghtest angell I was or this,
that ever was or yet is;
but pryde cast me downe,
iwisse, from heaven right into hell.

Gostlye paradice I was in,
but thence I fell through sinne.
Of yeartly pamadice now, as I weene,
a man is given masterye.
By Belsabubb, I will never blynne
till I may make him by some gynne
from that place for to twyne
and trespasse as did I.

Should such a caytiffe made of claye
have such blisse? Nay, by my laye!
For I shall teach his wife a playe
and I may have a whyle.
For hem to disceave I hoppe I may,
and through her brynge them both awaye;
for shee will doe as I her saye,
hir hoppe I will begyle.

That woman is forbydden to doe
for anythinge the will therto.
Therfore that tree shee shall come to
and assaye which it is.
Dight me I will anone tyte
and profer her of that ylke fruite;
soe shall they both for her delyte
bee banyshed from that blysse.

A maner of an edder is in this place
that wynges like a bryde shee hase &mdash;
feete as an edder, a maydens face &mdash;
hir kynde I will take.
And of the tree of paradice
shee shall eate through my contyse;
for wemen they be full licourouse,
that will shee not forsake.

And eate shee of hyt, full witterlye
they shall fare both as dyd I:
be banyshed both of that valley
and him osprynge for aye.
Therfore, as brooke I my panne,
the edders coate I will take one;
and into paradice I will gonne
as faste as ever I maye.

<d>Supremus volucris, penna serpens, pede forma, forma puella.

<c>Serpens
Woman, why was God soe nyce
to byd you leave for your deice

and of each tree in paradice
to forsake the meate?

<c>Eva
Nay, of the fruite of yche tree
for to eate good leave have wee,
save the fruite of one wee muste flee;
of hyt wee may not eate.

This tree heare that in the middest is,
eate wee of hit wee doe amysse.
God sayde we should dye iwys
and if we touch that tree.

<c>Serpens
Woman, I saye leave not this;
for hyt shall yee not loose the blysse
nor noe joy that is his,
but be as wyse as hee.

God is subtyle and wisse of witte
and wotteth well when ye eate it
that your eyne shalbe unknyt.
Like godes yee shalbe
and knowe both good and evill alsoe.
Therfore bee warned you therfroe.
Yee may well wotte bee was your foe;
therfore doe after mee.

Take of this fruite and assaye;
yt is good meate, I dare laye.
And but thou finde yt to thy paye,
say that I am false.
And yee shall knowe bothe welle and woe
and bee like godes both too,
thou and thy husband alsoe.
Take thou one apple and noe moo.

<c>Eva
A, lord, this tree is fayre and bryght,
greene and seemely to my sight,
the fmuite sweete and much of myght,
that godes it may us make.
One apple of yt I will eate
to assaye which is the meate;
and my husbande I will gett
one morsell for to take.

<d>Then Eve shall take of the fruite of the serpente, and shall eate therof and say to Adam:

<c>Eva
Adam, husbande life and deare,
eate some of this apple here.
Yt is fayre, my leeffe feare;
hit may thou not forsake.

<c>Adam
That is soothe, Eve, withouten were;
the fruit is sweete and passinge feare.
Therfore I will doe thy prayer &mdash;
one morsell I will take.

<d>Then Adam shall take the fruite and eate therof, and in weepinge manner shall saye:

<c>Adam
Out, alas, what ayleth mee?
I am naked, well I see.
Woman, cursed mote thou bee,
for wee bothe nowe shente.
I wotte not for shame whyther to flee,
for this fruite was forbydden mee.
Now have I brooken, through meade of thee,
my lordes commandemente.

<c>Eva
Alas, this edder hathe done mee nye!
Alas, hir reade why did I?
Naked wee bine bothe forthy,
and of our shappe ashamed.

<c>Adam
Yea, sooth sayde I in prophecye
when thou was taken of my bodye &mdash;
mans woe thou would bee witterlye;
therfore thou was soe named.

<c>Eva
Adam, husbande, I reade we take
this figge-leaves for shames sake,
and to our members an hillinge make
of them for thee and mee.

<c>Adam
And therwith my members I will hide,
and under this tree I will abyde;
for surely come God us besyde,
owt of this place shall wee.

<d>Then Adam and Eve shall cover them members with leaves, hydinge themselves under the trees. Then God shall speake (minstrelles playe).

<c>Deus
Adam, Adam, where arte thou?

<c>[Adam]
A, lorde, I harde thy voyce nowe.
For I naked am, I make avowe,
therfore now I hyd mee.

<c>Deus
Whoe tould thee, Adam, thou naked was
save only thy trespasse,
that of the tree thou eaten hasse
that I fombydd thee?

<c>Adam
Lord, this woman that is here &mdash;
that thou gave to my feare &mdash;
gave mee parte at him prayer,
and of hyt I did eate.

<c>Deus
- Woman, why hast thou donne soo?

<c>Eva
This edder, lorde, shee was my foe
and sothly mee disceaved alsoe,
and made mee to eate that meate.

<c>Deus
Edder, for that thou haste donne this anye,
amongste all beasts on earth thee by
cursed thou shalt bee forthy,
for this womans sake.
Upon thy brest thou shalt goo,
and eate the yeamth to and froo;
and emnytie betweene you too
I insure thee I shall make.

Betweene thy seede and hirs alsoe
I shall excyte thy sorrowe and woe;
to breake thy head and be thy foe,
shee shall have masterye aye.
Noe beast one earth, I thee behett,
that man soe little shall of seett;
and troden bee full under foote
for thy mysdeede todaye.

<c>Deus (ad Evam)
And, woman, I warne thee witterlye,
thy much payne I shall multyplye &mdash;
with paynes, sorrowe, and great anye
thy children thou shall beare.
And for that thou haste done soe todaye,
man shall master thee alwaye;
and under his power thou shalte bee aye,
thee for to dryve and deare.

<c>Deus (ad Adam)
And, man, alsoe I saye to thee &mdash;
for thou haste not donne after mee,
thy wyves counsell for to flee,
but donne soe him byddinge
to eate the fruite of thys tree,
in thy worke warryed the earthe shalbe;
and with greate travell behoves [thee]
one earth to gett thy livinge.

When thou one earth traveled hasse,
fruite shall not growe in that place;
but thornes, brears for thy trespasse
to thee one earth shall springe.
Herbes, rootes thou shalte eate
and for thy sustenance sore sweate
with great mischeyfe to wynne thy meate,
nothinge to thy likinge.

Thus shall thou live, soothe to sayen,
for thou haste byne to mee unbayen,
ever tyll the tyme thou turne agayne
to yeamth there thou came from.
For earth thou arte, as well is seene;
and after this worke, woe and teene,
to earth there thou shalt, withouten weene,
and all thy kynde alsoe.

<d>Adam shall speake mourninglye.

<c>Adam
Alas, now in longer I am ilente!
Alas, nowe shamely am I shente!
For I was unobedyente,
of weale now am I wayved.

Nowe all my kynde by mee ys kente
to flee womens intycemente.
Whoe tmusteth them in any intente,
truely bee is disceaved.

My licourouse wyfe hath bynne my foe;
the devylls envye shente mee alsoe.
These too together well may goe,
the suster and the brother.
His wrathe hathe donne me muche woe;
him glotonye greved mee alsoe.
God left never man trust you too,
the one more then the other.

<c>Deus
Nowe wee shall parte from this lee.
Hilled behoveth you to to bee.
Dead beaste skynes, as thinketh mee,
ys best you one you beare.
For deadly nowe both bine yee
and death noe way may you flee.
Such clothes are best for your degree
and such shall yee weare.

<d>Then God, puttynge garmentes of skynnes upon them:

<c>Deus
Adam, nowe hast thou thy wyllynge,
for thou desyred above all thinge
of good and evell to have knowinge;
nowe wrought is all thy will.
Thou wouldeste knowe both weelle and woe;
nowe is it fallen to thee soc.
Themfore hence thou muste goo,
and thy desyme fullfilled.

Now lest thou [covett]este more
and doe as thou haste donne before &mdash;
eate of this fruite &mdash; to live evermore
heare may thou not bee.
To yearth thyder thou muste gonne;
with travell leade thy liefe therone.
For syccere there is noe other worme.
Goe forthe; take Eve with thee.

<d>Then God shall dryve Adam and Eve out of paradice, and sayth to the Angell (minstrelles playe):

<c>Deus
Nowe will I that there lenge within
the angelles order Cherubynn,
to keepe this place of weale and wynne
that Adam lost thus hathe,
with sharpe swordes one everye syde
and flame of fyer here to abyde,
that never a yearthly man in glyde;
forgiven the bynne that grace.

<c>Primus Angelus
Lorde, that order that is righte
is readye seett heare in thy syghte,
with flame of fyer readye to fyghte
agaynst mankynde, thy foe,

to whom noe grace is claymed by righte.
Shall none of them byde in thy sighte
tyll Wysdome, Right, Mercye, and Mighte
shall buy them and other moe.

<c>Secundus Angelus
I, Cherubyn, muste here bee chyce
to keepe this place of great pryce.
Sythenn man was soe unwyse,
this wyninge I muste weare &mdash;
that bee by crafte or countyce
shall not come in that was hise,
but deprived bee of paradyce,
noe more for to come there.

<c>Tercius Angelus
And in this herytage I wilbe,
still for to ever see
that noe man come in this cyttye
as God hath me beheight.
Swordes of fyer have all wee
to make mann from this place to flee,
from this dwellinge of greate dayntee
that to him first was dighte.

<c>Quartus Angelus
And of this order I am made one,
from mankynde to weare this wone
that through his gilte hath forgone
this wonninge full of grace.
Therfore departe the must eycheone.
Our swordes of fyer shall bee there bonne
and myselfe there verye fonne,
to flame them in the face.

<d>Minstrelles playe.

<c>Adam
Hight God and highest kynge,
that of nought made all thinge &mdash;
beast, fowle, and grasse growinge &mdash;
and me of yearth made,
thou gave me grace to doe thy wyllinge.
For after great sorrowe and sikinge
thou hast mee lent greate likinge,
too sonnes my hearte to glade:

Cayne and Abell, my childrenn deare,
whome I gate within xxx yeare
after the tyme wee depryved weare
of paradyce for our pryde.
Therfore nowe them will I lere,
to make them knowe in good manere
what I sawe when Eve, my feere,
was taken of my syde.

Whyle that I slepte in that place
my gost to heaven banished was;
for to see I them had grace
thinges that shall befall.
To make you ware of comberouse case
and lett your doinge from trespasse,
sonne, I will tell before your face &mdash;
but I will not tell all.

I wott by things that I there see
that God will come from heaven on hie,
to overcome the devill soe slee
and light into my kynde;
and my blood that bee will wyne
that I soe lost for my synne;
a new lawe ther shall begine
and soe men shall them sure.

Water or fyer also witterlye
all this world shall distroye,
for men shall synne soe horryblye
and doe full much amysse.
Therfore that yee may escape that nye,
doe well and be ware me bye.
I tell you heare in prophecye
that this will fall ywisse.

Alsoe I see, as I shall saye,
that God will come the laste daye
to deeme mankynde in fleshe verey,
and flame of fyer burninge,
the good to heaven, the evell to hell.
Your childrenn this tale yee may tell.
This sight saw I in paradyce or I fell,
as laye there sleepinge.

Nowe will I tell howe yee shall doe
Godes love to underfoo.
Cayne, husbandes crafte thou must goe
to; and Abell, a shepharde bee.
Therfore of comes fayre and cleane
that growes one ridges out of reane,
Cayne, thou shalt offer, as I meane,
to God in majestee.
And Abel, while thy lief shall laste
thou shalt offer &mdash; and doe my heste &mdash;
to God the first-borne beaste;
therto thou make thee bowne.
Thus shall yee please God almight
if yee doe this well and righte,
with good harte in his sight
and full devotyon.

Nowe for to gett you sustenance
I will you teach withou distance.
For sythen I feele that myschaunce
of that fruite for to eate,
my leefe children fayre and free,
with this spade that yee may see
I have dolven. Learne yee this at mee,
howe yee shall wynne your meate.

<c>Eva
My sweete children, darlinges deare,
yee shall see how I live heare
because enbuxone so wee weare
and did as God would not wee shoulde.
This payne, theras had bine no neede,
I suffer on yearth for my misdeede;
and of this wooli I will spyn threede by threede,
to hill mee from the could.

Another sorrowe I suffer alsoe:
my childrenn must I beare with woo,
as I have donne both you too;
and soe shall wemen all.

This was the divell, our bytter foe,
that made us out of joy to goe.
To please, therfome, sonnes bee throwe,
in sinne that yee ne fall.

<c>Cayne
Mother, for sooth I tell yt thee,
a tyllman I am and soe wilbe.
As my father hath taught yt me,
I will fulfill his lore.

<d>Hear he bringe in the plough.

<c>Cayne
Of come I have great plentee;
sacrifice to God sonne shall yee see.
I will make too looke if bee
will sende mee any more.

<c>Abell
And I will with devotyon
to my sacrafice make mee bowne.
The comelyest beaste, by my crowne,
to the lorde I will choyse
and offer yt before thee here,
meeklye in good manere.
Noe beast to thee may bee deare
that may I not leese.

<d>Heare Adam and Eve goe out tyll Cayne have slayne Abell.

<c>Cayne
I am the elder of us too;
therfore firste I will goe.
Such as the fruite is fallen froo
is good inough for him.
This come standinge, as mote I thee,
was eaten with beastes, men may see.
God, thou gettest noe other of mee,
be thou never soe gryme.

Hit weare pittye, by my panne,
those fayre cares for to brenne.
Therefore the devill honge mee then
and thou of hit gett ought.
This caries come grewe nexte the waye;
of these offer I will todaye.
For cleane come, by my faye,
of mee gettest thou nought.

Loe, lord, here may thou see
such come as grew to mee.
Parte of hit I bringe to thee,
anone withouten lett.
I hope thou wilte white mee this
and sende mee more of worldly blisse;
ells forsooth thou doest amisse
and thou bee in my debt.

<c>Abell
Now my brother, as I see,
hathe done sacrafice to thee.
Offer I will, as falleth for mee,
suche as thou haste mee sente.

The beste beaste, as mote I thee,
of all my flocke with harte free
to thee offered it shalbe.
Receave, lorde, my presente.

<d>Then a flame of fyer shall descende upon thee sacrafice of Abell.

<c>Abell
Ah, high God and kinge of blisse,
nowe sothly knowe I well by this
my sacrafice accepted is
before the lorde todaye.
A flame of fyer thou sende hase
from heaven one high into this place.
I thanke thee, lorde, of thy grace
and soe I shall doe aye.

<c>Cayne
Owt, owt! How have I spend my good?
To see this sight I am neare wood.
A flame of fyer from heaven stood
one my brothers offeringe.
His sacrafice I see God takes,
and my refuses and forsakes.
My semblant for shame shakes
for envy of this thinge.

<c>Deus (ad Cayne)
Cayne, why arte thou wroth? Why?
Thy semblant changes wonderously.
If thou doe well and truely,
thou may have meede of mee.
Wottys thou not well that for thy deede
yf thou doe well thou may have meede;
if thou doe fowle, fowle for to speede
and syccere therafter to bee?

But, Cayne, thou shalt have all thy will,
thy talent yf thou wilt fulfill.
Synne of hit will thee spill
and make thee evell to speede.
Thy brother buxone aye shalbe
and fully under thy postee;
the luste therof pertaynes to thee.
Advyse thee of thy deede.

<c>Cayne
A, well, well, ys yt soe?
Come forth with mee. Thow must goe
into the fyeld a little froo;
I have and errande to saye.

<c>Abell
Brother, to the I am ready
to goe with thee full meekly.
For thou arte elder then am I,
thy will I will doe aye.

<c>Cayne
Say, thou caytiffe, thou congeon,
weneste thou to passe mee of renowne?
Thou shalt fayle, by my crowne,
of masterye yf I may.
God hath challenged mee nowe heare
for thee, and that in fowle manere;
and that shalt thou abye full deare
or that thou wende away.

Thy offeringe God accept hase,
I see by fyer that one yt was.
Shalt thou never efte have such grace,
for dye thou shalt this night.
Though God stoode in this place
for to helpe thee in this case,
thou should dye before his face.
Have this, and gett thee right!

<d>Then Cayne kylleth his brother Abell, and God comminge sayth (minstrelles playe):

<c>Deus
Cayne, where is thy brother Abel?

<c>Cayne
I wote nere; I cannot tell
of my brother. Wottys thou not well
that I of him bad noe keep inge?

<c>Deus
What hast thou done, thou wicked man?
Thy brothers blood askes thee upon
vengeance as fast as it can,
from ycarth to me cmyinge.

Cayne, cursed one earth thou shalt bee aye.
For thy deede thou haste donne todaye,
yearth warryed shalbe in thy worke aye
that wickedly haste wrought.
And for that thow haste donne this mischeyfe,
to all men thou shalt bye unleeffe,
idell and wandminge as an theyfe
and overall sett at nought.

<d>Cayne speaketh mornefullye.

<c>Cayne
Out, alas! Where may I bee?
Sorrowe one cache syde I see.
For yf I out of the lande flee
from mens companye,
beastes I wott will werrye mee.
And yf I lenge, by my lewtye,
I muste bee bonde and nothinge free &mdash;
and all for my follye.

For my shine soe horryble is
and I have donne soe muche amysse,
that unworthy I am iwysse
forgevenes to attayne.
Well I wott where-ever I goe
whoesoe meetes me will mee slowe,
and yche man wilbe my foe.
Noe grace to mee may gayne.

<c>Deus
Naye, Cayne, thou shalte not dye soone,
horrybly if thou have aye donne.
That is not thy brothers boone,
thy blood for to sheede.
But, forsoth, whosoever slayeth thee
sevenfolde punished bee shalbee.
And great payne maye thou not flee
for thy wicked deede.

But for thou to thys deede was bowne,
thou and thy children trust mon &mdash;

into the seaventh generation &mdash;
punishment for the whole.
For thou todaye hase donne soe,
thy seede for thee shall suffer woe;
and whyle thou one yearth may goe,
of vengeance have the dole.

<c>Cayne
Owt, owt, alas, alas!
I am dampned without grace.
Therfore I will from place to place
and looke where is the best.
Well I wott and witterly,
into what place that come I,
iche man will loath my companye;
soe shall I never have rest.

Fowle hape is mee befall:
whether I bee in house or hall,
'cursed Cayne' menn will me call.
Of sorrowes may non nowe cease.
But yett will I, or I goe,
speake with my dam and syre alsoe.
And there maleson both too
I wott well I must have.

Dam and syre, rest you well,
for one fowle tale I can you tell.
I have slayne my brother Abell
as we fell in a stryffe.

<c>Adam
Alas, alas, is Abel! deade?
Alas, rufull is my reade!
Noe more joye to me is leade,
save only Eve my wyfe.

<c>Eva
Alas, nowe is my sonne slayne!
Alas, marred is all my mayne!
Alas, musts I never be fayne,
but in woe and morninge?
Well I wott and knowe iwysse
that verye vengeance it is.
For I to God soe did amysse,
mone I never have lykinge.

<c>Cayne
Yea, dam and syre, farewell yee;
for owt of land I will flee.
A losell aye I muste bee,
for scapit I am of thryfte.
For soe God hath toulde mee,
that I shall never thryve flee [thee].
And now I flee, all yee may see.
I grant you all the same gifte.

<d>Finis

<h>The Watter Leaders and the Drawers of Dee Playe<!-- 3 -->

<d>The Thirde Pageante of Noyes Fludd And firste in some high place &mdash; or in the clowdes, if it may bee &mdash; God speaketh unto Noe standinge without the arke with all his familye.

<c>God
I, God, that all this world hath wrought,
heaven and yearth, and all of nought,
I see my people in deede and thought
are sett fowle in sinne.
My goost shall not lenge in mone
that through flesbe-likinge is my fone
but tyll six score yeares be commen and gone
to looke if the will blynne.

Man that I made will I distroye,
beast, worme, and fowle to flye;
for on yearth the doe mee noye,
the folke that are theron.
Hit hammes mec so hurtefullye,
the malice that doth now multiplye,
that sore it greeves mee inwardlye
that ever I made mon.

Therfore Noe, my servante free,
that righteous man arte as I see,
a shippe sonne thou shalt make thee
of trees drye and light.
Little chambers therin thou make
and bindinge sliche alsoe thou take;
within and without thou ne slake
to annoynte yt through all thy might.

Three hundreth cubitts yt shalbee longe
and flftye broade to make yt stronge;
of height sixtye. The meete thou fonge;
thus measure thou hit aboute.
One window worke through thy witt;
a cubytt of length and breadc make hit.
Upon the syde a doore shall shutte,
for to corn in and owt.

Eatinge-places thou make alsoe
three, [rowfed] chambers one or too,
for with water I thinke to flowe
mone that I can make.
Destroyed all they worlde shalbe-
save thou, thy wife, thy sonnes three,
and theme wyves alsoe with thee-
shall fall before thy face.

<c>Noe
A, lorde, I thanke thee lowde and still
that to mee arte in such will
and spares mee and my houshould to spill,
as I nowe soothly fynde.
Thy byddinge, lorde, I shall fulfill
nor never more thee greeve ne gryll,
that such grace hatb sente mce tyll
amonges all mankynde.

Have donne, you men and weomen all.
Hye you, leste this water fall,
to womche this shippe, chamber and hall,
as God hath bydden us doe.

<c>Sem
Father, I am allreadye bowne:
an axe I have, by my crowne,
as shampe as any in all thys towne
for to goe therto.

<c>Cam
I have an hatchett wonder keene
to bytte well, as may bee seene;
a better growndc, as I weene,
is not in all this towne.

<c>Jafett
And I can well make a pynne
and with this hammer knocke yt in.
Goe wee womch bowte more dynne,
and I am ready bowne.

<c>Noes Wife
And wee shall bringe tymber to,
for wee mon nothinge ells doe-
women bynne weake to underfoe
any great travell.

<c>Semes Wyfe
Here is a good hackestocke;
one this you may hewe and knocke.
Shall none be idle in this flocke,
ne nowe may nod man fable.

<c>Cames Wife
And I will goe gather slytche,
the shippe for to clam and pitche.
Annoynte yt muste bee with stitche-
borde, tree, and pynne.

<c>Jafetes Wife
And I will gather chippes here
to make a fyer for you in feare,
and for to dighte your dinnere
agayne you come in.

<d>Then Noe beginneth to buyld the arke.

<c>Noe
Nowe in the name of God I beginne
to make the shippe that wee shall in,
that wee may be ready for to swyme
at the comminge of the fludd.
These bordes I pynne here together
to beare us safe from the weather,
that wee may rowe both hither and thither
and safe be from this fludd.

Of this tree will I make a maste
tyed with gables that will laste,
with a scale-yard for eycb baste,
and yche thinge in there kynde.

With topcastle and bowespreete,
bothe cordes and roopes I have all meete
to sayle forthe at the nexte weete-
this shippe is at an ende.

Wife, in this vessell wee shalbe kepte;
my children and thou, I would in yee lepte.

<c>Noes Wife
In fayth, Noe, I had as leeve thou slepte.
For all thy Frenyshe fare,
I will not doe after thy reade.

<c>Noe
Good wiffe, do nowe as I thee bydd.

<c>Noes Wiffe
By Christe, not or I see more neede,
though thou stand all daye and stare.

<c>Noe
Lord, that weomen bine crabbed aye,
and non are meeke, I dare well saye.
That is well seene by mee todaye
in witnesse of you eychone.
Good wiffe, lett be all this beare
that thou makest in this place here,
for all the weene that thou arte mastere-
and soe thou arte, by sayncte John.

<d>Then Noe with all his familye shall make a signe as though the wrought upon the shippe with divers instruements. And after that God shall speake to Noe as followeth:

<c>Deus
Noe, take thou thy meanye
and in the shippe hye that yee bee;
for non soe righteouse man to mee "
ys nowe one yearth livinge.
Of deane beastes with thee thoe take
vii and vii or then thou slake;
hee and shee, make to make,
bylyye in that thou bringe;
of beastes uncleane ii and ji,
male and female, bowt moo;
of deane fowles seaven alsoe,
the hee and shee together;
of fowles uncleane twayne and noe more,
as I of beastes sayde before.
That man be saved through my lore,
agaynst I sende this wedder,

of meates that mon be eaten,
into the shippe loke the be getten,
for that maye bee noe waye forgotten.
And doe this all bydeene
to sustayne man and beastes therm
aye tyll the water cease and blynne.
This worlde is filled full of sinne,
and that is nowe well seene.

Seaven dayes bynne yett cominge;
you shall have space them in to bringe.
After that, it is my likinge
mankynde for to anoye.
Fortye dayes and fortye nightes
rayne shall fall for there unrightes.
And that I have made through myghtes
nowe thinke I to distroye.

<c>Noe
Lord, at your byddinge I am bayne.
Sythen noe other grace will gayne,
hyt will I fulfill fayne,
for gracyouse I thee fynde.
An hundreth winters and twentye
this shippe-makinge tarryed have I,
if throughe amendemente thy mercye
would fall to mankynde.

Have donne, yee men and weomen all;
bye you lest this water fall,
that eyche beaste were in stall
and into the shippe broughte.
Of cleane beastes seaven shalbe,
of uncleane two; thus God bade mee.
The flood is nigh, you may well see;
therfore tarrye you nought.

<d>Then Noe shall goe into the arke with all his familye, his wyffe excepte, and the arke muste bee borded rownde aboute. And one the bordes all the beastes and fowles hereafter reahemsed muste bee paynted, that them wordes may agree with the pictures.

<c>Sem
Syr, here are lions, leopardes in;
horses, mares, oxen, and swynne,
geates, calves, sheepe, and kyne
here sytten thou may see.

<c>Cam
Camelles, asses, man may fynde,
bucke and doe, harte and hynde.
All beastes of all manere of kynde
here bynne, as thinketh mee.

<c>Jafett
Take here cattes, dogges too,
otters and foxes, fullimartes alsoe;
hares hoppinge gayle can goe
here have colle for to eate.

<c>Noes Wife
And here are beares, wolves sett,
apes, owles, maremussett,
wesills, squerrells, and fyrrett;
here the eaten there meate.

<c>Semes Wiffe
Heare are beastes in this howse;
here cattes maken yt crowse;
here a rotten, here a mowse
that standen nere together.

<c>Cams Wyffe
And here are fowles lease and more-
hernes, cranes, and byttoer,
swanes, peacockes-and them before
meate for this wedder.

<c>Jafettes Wyffe
Here are cockes, kytes, crowes,
rookes, ravens, many rowes,
duckes, curlewes, whoever knowes,
eychone in his kynde.
And here are doves, digges, drakes,
redshankes monninge through lakes;
and eyche fowle that leadenn makes
in this shippe man may fynde.

<c>Noe
Wyffe, come in. Why standes thou there?
Thou arte ever frowarde; that dare I sweare.
Come, in Godes name; balfe tyme yt weare,
for feame lest that wee drowne.

<c>Noes Wyffe
Yea, syr, sett up your seale
and rowe forthe with eve!! hayle;
for withowten any fayle
I will not owt of this towne.

But I have my gossips everyechone,
one foote further I will not gone.
They shall not drowne, by sayncte John,
and I may save there life.
The loved me full well, by Christe.
But thou wilte lett them into thy chiste,
elles rowe forthe, Noe, when thy liste
and gett thee a newe wyfe.

<c>Noe
Scm, sonne, loe thy mother is wraowe;
by God, such another I doe not knowe.

<c>Sem
Father, I shall fetch her in, I trowe,
withowten any fayle.
Mother, my father after thee sende
and byddes thee into yonder wende.
Looke up and see the wynde,
for wee benne readye to sayle.

<c>Noes Wyffe
Sonne, goe agayne to him and saye
I will not come therin todaye.

<c>Noe
Come in, wife, in twentye devylles waye,
or ells stand there withowte.

<c>Cam
Shall we all fetch hir in?

<c>Noe
Yea, sonne, in Cbmystcs blessinge and myne,
I would yee hyed you betyme
for of this fludd I stande in doubte.

<c>The Good Gossips
The fludd comes fleetinge in full faste,
one everye syde that spredeth full farre.
For fere of drowninge I am agaste;
good gossippe, lett us drawe nere.

And lett us drinke or wee departe,
for oftetymes wee have done soe.
For at one draught thou drinke a quarte,
and soe will I doe or I goe.

Here is a pottell full of malnesaye good and stronge;
yt will rejoyse both harte and tonge.
Though Noe thinke us never soe longe,
yett wee wyll drinke atyte.

<c>Japhett
Mother, wee praye you all together-
for we are here, your owne childer-
come into the shippe for feare of the wedder,
for his love that [you] bought.

<c>Noes Wyffe
That will I not for all your call
but I have my gosseppes all.

<c>Sem
In fayth, mother, yett thow shall,
whether thou will or nought.

<c>Noe
Welcome, wyffe, into this boote.

<c>Noes Wyffe
Have thou that for thy note!

<c>Noe
Aha, marye, this ys hotte;
yt is good for to be still.
Ah, chyldren, meethinke my boote remeeves.
Our tarryingc here mee highly greeves.
Over the lande the water spreades;
God doe hee as hee will.

<d>Then the singe, and Noe shall speake agayne.

<c>Noe
Ah, greate God that arte soe good,
that worchis not thy will is wood.
Now all this world is one a flood,
as I see well in sight.
This windowe I will shutt anon,
and into my chamber I will gonne
tyll thys water, soe gmeate one,
bee slaked through thy mighte.

<d>Then shall Noe shutt the windowe of the arke, and for a little space within the bordes bee shalbe scylent; and afterwarde openinge the windowe and lookinge rownde about sayinge:

<d>[For 47 lines missing at this point, see the Chester (Wright) plays.]

<c>Noye
Lord God in majestye {308
that such grace hast granted mee
wher all was borne, salfe to bee!
Therfore nowe I am boune-
my wyffe, my children, and my menye-
with sacryfice to honour thee
of beastes, fowles, as thou mayest see,
and full devotyon.

<c>God
Noe, to me thou arte full able
and thy sacrafice acceptable;
for I have founde thee treeue and stable,
one thee nowe muste I myne.
Warrye yearth I will noe more
for mans sinnes that greeves mee sore;
for of youth man full yore
hasse bynne enclyned to sinne.

Yee shall nowe growe and multiplye,
and yearth agayne to edifye.
Eache beast and fowle that may flye
shalbe feared of you.
And fishe in saye, all that may fleete,
shall sustayne you, I thee behett;
to eate of them yee ne lett
that cleane bynne you mon knowe.

Thereas yee have eaten before
trees and rootes since yee weare bore,
of cleane beastes nowe, lesse and more,
I give you leave to eate-
save blood and fleshe bothe in feare
of wrauge dead carryen that is here.
Eate yee not of that in noe manere,
for that aye yee shall leave.

Manslaughter also aye yee shall flee,
for that is not playsante unto mee.
They that sheden blood, hee or shee,
ought-where amongste mankynde,
that blood fowle shedd shalbe
and vengeance have, men shall see.
Therfore beware all yee,
you fall not into that synne.

And forwarde, Noe, with thee I make
and all thy seede for thy sake,
of suche vengeance for to slake,
for nowe I have my will.
Here I behette thee an heeste
that man, woman, fowle, ne beaste
with water while this worlde shall laste
I will noe more spill.

My bowe betwene you and mee
in the fyrmamente shalbe,
by verey tokeninge that you may see
that such vengeance shall cease.
The man ne woman shall never more
be wasted by water as hath before;
but for synne that greveth me sore,
therfore this vengeance was.

Where clowdes in the welkyn bynne,
that ylke bowe shalbe seene,
in tokeninge that my wrath and teene
shall never thus wroken bee.
The stringe is torned towardes you
and towardes me is bente the bowe,
that such wedder shall never showe;
and this behett I thee.

My blessinge nowe I give thee here,
to thee, Noe, my servante deare,
for vengeance shall noe more appeare.
And now farewell, my darlinge dere.

<d>Finis

<h>The Barbers and the Waxe Chaundlers Playe<!-- 4 -->

<d>Incipit Quarta Pagina qualiter reversus est a cede quatuor regum. Occurrit rex Salim etc. equitando et Lothe; et dicat Abraham. Preco dicat:

<c>[Armiger]
All peace, lordinges that bine presente,
and herken mee with good intente,
howe Noe awaye from us hee went
and all his companye;
and Abraham through Godes grace,
he is commen into this place,
and yee will geeve us rowme and space
to tell you thys storye.

This playe, forsothe, begynne shall hee
in worshippe of the Trynitie
that yee may all here and see
that shalbe donne todaye.
My name is Goobett-on-the-Greene.
With you I may no longer beene.
Farewell, my lordinges, all bydene
for lettynge of [your] playe.

<d>Abraham, having restored his brother Loth into his owne place, doth firste of all begine the play and sayth:

<c>Abraham
Ah, thou high God, graunter of grace,
that endinge ne begininge hase,
I thanke thee, lorde, that thou hase
todaye give mee the victorye.
Lothe, my brother, that taken was,
I have restored him in this case
and brought him home in this place
through thy might and masterye.

To worshippe thee I will not worne,
that iiii kynges of uncouth landes
todaye bath sent into my hand,
and ryches with greate araye.

Therfore of all that I have wone
to give the teath I will begynne,
the cyttee sonne when I come in,
and parte with thee my praye.

Melchysedech, that here kinge is
and Goddes preyste allsoe iwisse,
the teathe I will give him of this,
as skyll is that I doe.
Godd that base sende mee the vyctorye
of iiii kynges gracyously,
with him I praye parte will I,
the cyttie when I come to.

<d>Here Lothe, torninge him to his brother Abraham, doth saye:

<c>Loth
Abraham, brother, I thanke thee
that this daye haste delyvered mee
of enimyes handes and ther postee,
and saved mee from woo.
Therfore I will give teathinge
of my good whille I am livinge;
and nowe alsoe of his sendinge
the teath I will give alsoe.

<d>Tunc venit Armiger Melchysedech ad ipsum et gratulando dicit Armiger (Here the Messenger doth come to Melchysedech, kinge of Salem, and rejoysinge greatly doth saye):

<c>[Armiger]
My lorde the kinge, tydinges on right
your hart to glade and to light &mdash;
Abraham hath slayne in fight
iiii kinges since hee went.
Here hee will bee this ylke night,
and ryches enough with him dight.
I harde him thanke God almight
of grace hec had him sente.

<d>Here Melchysedech, lookinge up to heaven, doth thanke God for Abrahams victorye, and doth prepare himselfe to goe presentAbraham.

<c>Melchysedech, Rex Salem
Ah, blessed bee God that is but one.
Agaynste Abraham will I gonne
worshipfullye and that anonne,
myne office to fulfill,
and presente him with bread and wyne,
for grace of God is him within.
Spede for love myne,
for this is Godes will.

<c>Armiger (cum pocula)

<d>Here the Messenger, offeringe to Melchysedeck a standinge-cuppe and bread alsoe, dothe saye:

Sir, here is wyne, withowten were,
and therto bred white and cleare
to present him with good chere,
that soe us holpenn hasse.

<d>Here Melchysedeck answeringe sayth:

<c>[Melchysedech]
To God I wott hee is full deare,
for of all thinges in his prayer
hee hath withowten dangere,
and speciallye his grace.

<d>Melchysedeck, comminge unto Abraham, doth offer to him a cuppe full of wynne and bred, and sayth unto him:

Abraham, welcome moste thou bee &mdash;
Godes grace is fuiiye in thee.
Blessed ever muste thou bee
that enimyes soe can meeke.
Here is bred and wyne for thy degree;
I have brought as thou maye see.
Receyve this present nowe at mee, and that I thee beeseche.

<d>Here Abraham, receyvinge the offeringe of Meichysedeck, dothe saye:

<c>[Abraham]
Syr kynge, welcome in good faye;
thy presente is welcome to my paye.
God that hath holpen mee todaye,
unworthye though I were,
ye shall have parte of my praye
that I wan sinse I wente awaye.
Therfore to thee that take it maye,
the teathe I offer here.

<d>Here Abraham offereth to Meichysedeck an horse that is laden. Melchysedeck, receivinge the horse of Abraham verey gladly, doth saye:

<c>[Melchysedech]
And your present, syr, take I
and honoure hit devoutlye,
for much good it may signifye
in tyme that is commynge.
Therfore horse, harnesse, and petrye,
as falles for your dignitye,
the teathe of hit takes of mee
and receyve here my offeringe.

<d>Here Loth doeth offer to Melchysedeck a goodly cuppe, and sayth:

<c>Loth
And I will offer with good intente
of such goodes as God bath mee lente
to Melchysedeck here presente,
as Gods will is to bee.
Abraham, my brother, offered hasse,
and soe will I through Godes grace.
This royal! cuppe before your face
receyve yt nowe at mee.

<d>Here Melchysedeck receaveth the cuppe of Loth.

<c>Melchysedeck
Syr, your offeringe welcome ys;
and well I wott, forsoth iwys,
that fullye Godes will yt is
that is nowe doone today.
Goe wee together to my cyttie;
and God nowe hartely thanke wee
that helps us aye through his postee,
for soe wee full well maye.

<d>Here they doe goe together, and Abraham dothe take the bred and wyne, and Melchysedeck the laden horse.

<c>Expositor (equitando)
Lordinges, what may this signifye
I will expound yt appertly &mdash;
the unlearned standinge herebye
maye knowe what this may bee.
This present, I saye veramente,
signifieth the newe testamente
that nowe is used with good intente
throughout all Christianitye.

In the owld lawe, without leasinge,
when these too good men were livinge,
of beastes were there offeringe
and eke there sacramente.
But synce Christe dyed one roode-tree,
in bred and wyne his death remenber wee;
and at his laste supper our mandee
was his commandemente.

But for this thinge used should bee
afterwardes, as nowe done wee,
in signification &mdash; as leeve you mee &mdash;
Melchysedeck did soe.
And teathinges-makinge, as you seene here,
of Abraham begonnen were.
Therfore to God hee was full deare,
and soe were both too.

By Abraham understand I maye
the Father of heaven, in good faye;
Melchysedecke, a pryest to his paye
to minister that sacramente
that Christe ordayned the foresayde daye
in bred and wyne to honour him aye.
This signifyeth, the sooth to saye,
Melchysedeck his presente.

<d>Here God appeareth to Abraham and saythe:

<c>Deus
Abraham, my servante, I saye to thee
thy helpe and thy succour will I bee.
For thy good deede myche pleaseth mee,
I tell thee witterly.

<d>Here Abraham, torninge to God, saythe:

<c>Abraham
Lord, on thinge that wouldest see,
that I praye after with harte full free:
grante mee, lorde, through thy postee
some fruite of my bodye.

I have noe chylde, fowle ne fayre,
save my nurrye, to bee my hayre;
that makes mee greatly to appeare.
One mee, lord, have mercye.

<c>Deus
Naye Abraham, frend, leeve thou mee &mdash;
thy nurrye thine hayre hee shall not bee;
but one sonne I shall send thee,
begotten of thy bodye.

Abraham, doe as I thee saye &mdash;
looke and tell, yf thou maye,
stares standinge one the straye;
that unpossible were.
Noe more shalt thou, for noe neede,
number of thy bodye the seede
that thou shalt have withowten dreede;
thou arte to mee soe dere.

Therfore Abraham, servante free,
looke that thou bee trewe to mee;
and here a forwarde I make with thee
thy seede to multiplye.
Soe myche folke forther shalt thou bee,
kinges of this seede men shall see;
and one chylde of greate degree
all mankynde shall forbye.

I will hethen-forward alwaye
eyche man-chylde one the eyght daye
bee circumsysed, as I thee saye,
and thou thyselfe full soone.
Whoesoe cyrcumsysed
not ys forsaken shalbe
with mee iwys,
for unobedyent that man ys.
Looke that this bee done.

<c>Abraham
Lord, all readye in good faye.
Blessed bee thou ever and aye,
for therby knowe thou maye
thy folke from other men.
Cyrcumsyscd they shalbe all
anon for ought that maye befall.
I thanke thee, lorde, thyne one thrall,
kneelinge one my kneene.

<c>Expositor
Lordinges all, takys intent
what betokens this commandement:
this was sometyme an sacrament
in the ould lawe truely tane.
As followeth nowe verament,
soe was this in the owld testamente.
But when Christe dyed away hit went,
and then beganne baptysme.

Alsoe God a promise behett us here
to Abraham, his servant dere:
soe mych seede that in noe manere
nombred yt may bee,
and one seede mankinde for to bye.
That was Christe Jesus wytterlye,
for of his kynde was our ladye,
and soe alsoe was bee.

<c>Deus
Abraham, my servante Abraham!

<c>Abraham
Loe, lord, alreadye here I am.

<c>Deus
Take Isaack, thy sonne by name
that thou lovest the best of all,
and in sacryfyce offer him to mee
upon that hyll there besydes thee.
Abraham, I will that yt soe bee
for ought that maye befall.

<c>Abraham
My lord, to thee is myne intent
ever to bee obedyent.
That sonne that thou to mee haste sent
offer I will to thee,
and fulfill thy cornmandement
with hartye will, as I am kent.
High God, lorde omnipotent,
thy biddinge, lorde, done shalbee.

My meanye and my chyidren eycheone
lenges at home, both all and one,
save Isaack, my sonne, with mee shall gonne
to an hyll here besyde.

<d>Here Abraham, torninge him to his sonne Isaack, sayth:

Make thee readye, my dere darlinge,
for we must doe a little thinge.
This wood doe thou on thy backe bringe;
wee may noe lenger byde.

A sworde and fyer that I will take,
for sacrifyce mee behoves to make.
Godes biddinge will I not forsake,
but ever obedyent bee.

<d>Abraham taketh a sworde and fyer. Here Isaack speakes to his father, taketh the bundell of stickes, and beareth after his father.

<c>Isaack
Father, I all readye
to doe your byddinge moste meekely,
and to beare this wood full beane am I,
as ye commande mee.

<c>Abraham
O Isaack, my darlinge deare,
my blessinge nowe I give thee here.
Take up this fagott with good chere,
and on thy backe yt bringe.
And fyer with us I will take.

<c>Isaack
Your bydding I wyll not forsake;
father, I will never slake
to fullfill your byddinge.

<c>Abraham
Nowe Isaack, sonne, goe wee our waye
to yonder monte, yf that wee maye.

<d>Here they goe both to the place to doe sacrafice.

<c>Isaack
My dere father, I will assaye

to follow you full fayne.

<d>Abraham, beinge minded to slea his sonne, lifte us his handes to heaven and sayth:

<c>Abraham
O my harte will breake in three!
To here thy wordes I have pittye.
As thou wilte, lorde, soe muste yt bee;
to thee I will bee beane.

Laye downe thy fagott, my owne sonne.

<c>Isaack
All readye, father; loe yt here.
But why make yee soe heavye chere?
Are ye any thinge adread?
Father, yf yt bee your will,
where is the beaste that wee shall kyll?

<c>Abraham
Therof, sonne, is none upon the hill
that I see here upon this stedde.

<d>Isaack, fearinge leste his father will slea him, sayth:

<c>Isaack
Father, I am full sore afrayde
to see you beare that drawen sworde.
I hope for all myddylarde
you will not slaye your chylde.

<d>Abraham, comfortinge his sonne, sayth:

<c>Abraham
Dreade thee not, my chylde. I reade
our lorde will sende of his goodheade
some manner of beast into this fyelde,
eyther tame or wylde.

<c>Isaack
Father, tell mee or I goe
whether I shall harme or floe.

<c>Abraham
Ah, deare God, that mee ys woe!
Thou breakeste my harte in sunder.

<c>Isaac
Father, tell mee of this case:
why you your sworde drawen base,
and beares yt naked in this place.
Therof I have greate wonder.

<c>Abraham
Isaack, sonne, peace, I praye thee.
Thou breakest my harte anon in three.

<c>Isaack
I praye you, father, leane nothinge from mee;
but tell mee what you thinke.

<c>Abraham
Ah, Isaack, Isaack, I muste thee kyll.

<c>Isaack
Alas, father, ys that your wyll,
your owne chylde for to spyll
upon thys hilles bryncke?

If I have trespassed in any degree,
with a yarde you may beate mee.
Put up your sworde yf your wyll bee,
for I am but a chylde.

<c>Abraham
O my deare sonne, I am sorye
to doe to thee this great anoye.
Godes commandement doe must I;
his workes are aye full mylde.

<c>Isaack
Would God my mother were here with mee!
Shee would kneele downe upon her knee,
prayeinge you, father, if yt might bee,
for to save my liefe.

<c>Abraham
O comely creature, but I thee kyll
I greeve my God, and that full yll.
I may not worke agaynste his wyll
but ever obedyent bee.
O Isaack, sonne, to thee I saye
God hase commanded mee todaye
sacryfyce &mdash; this is noe naye &mdash; to make of thy bodye.

<c>Isaack
Is yt Godes will I shalbe slayne?

<c>Abraham
Yea, sonne, yt is not for to leane;
to his byddinge I will bee beane,
ever to him pleasinge.
But that I doe this deolfull deede,
my lorde will not quite mee my meede.

<c>Isaack
Marye, father, God forbydde
but you doe your offeringe.

Father, at home your sonnes you shall fynde
that you muste love by course of kynde.
Be I once out of your mynde,
your sorrowe may sonne cease.
But yet you must doe Godes byddinge.
Father, tell my mother for nothinge.

<d>Here Abraham, wringinge his handes, sayth:

<c>Abraham
For sorrowe I maye my handes wringe;
thy mother I cannot please.
O Isaak, Isaack, blessed most thow bee!
Almoste my wytt I loose for thee.
The blood of thy body soe free
I am full loth to sheede.

<c>Isaack
Father, synce you muste needes doe soe,
lett yt passe lightly and over goe.
Kneelinge upon my knees too,
your blessinge one mee spreade.

<c>Abraham
My blessinge, deare sonne, give I thee,
and thy mothers with harte soe free.
The blessinge of the Trinitye,
my deare sonne, one thee light.

<c>Isaack
Father, I praye you hyde my eyne
that I see not the sworde soe keene.
Your strooke, father, would I not seene
leste I agaynst yt gryll.

<c>Abraham
My deare sonne Isaack, speake noe moare;
thy wordes make my harte full sore.

<c>Isaack
O deare father, wherfore, wherfore?
Sythenn I muste needes bee dead,
of one thinge I would you praye.
Sythen I must dye the death todaye,
as fewe strokes as yee well maye
when yee smyte of my head.

<c>Abraham
Thy meekenes, chylde, makes mee affraye.
My songe maye bee 'Wele-Awaye'.

<c>Isaack
O deare father, doe away,
doe away your makinge of myche mone.
Now truely, father, this talkinge
doth but make longe taryinge.
I praye you come of and make endinge,
and lett mee hence bee gone.

<c>Abraham
Come hyther, my chylde; thow art soe sweete.
Thow must be bounden hand and feete.

<d>Here Isaack ryseth and cometh to his father, and hee taketh him and byndeth him and layeth him one the alter for to sacrifyce him.

<c>Isaack
Father, we muste noe more meete
by ought that I cane see.
But doe with mee then as thou will;
I muste obey, and that is skyll,
Godes commandement to fulfill,
for needes soe must it bee.

Upon the purpose that you have sett you,
forsooth, father, I wyll not lett you;
but evermore to doe your vowe
while that ever yee maye.
Father, greete well my brethen yonge,
and praye my mother of hir blessinge;
I come no more under her winge.
Farewell, for ever and aye.

But, father, I crye you mercye
for all that ever I have trespased to thee;
forgiven, father, that hit may bee
untill domesdaye.

<c>Abraham
My deare sonne, lett bee thy mones;
my chylde, thow greeves mee every ones.
Blessed bee thow, body and bones,
and I forgive thee here.
Nowe, my deare sonne, here shall thow lye.
Unto my worke nowe must I hye.
I had as leeve myselfe to dye
as thow, my darlinge deare.

<c>Isaack
Father, if yee bee to mee kynde,
about my head a carchaffe bynde
and lett mee lightly out of your mynde,
and soone that I were speede.

<c>Abraham
Farewell, my sweete sonne of grace.

<d>Here kisse him and binde the carchaffe about his head, and lett him kneele downe and speake.

<c>Isaack
I praye you, father, turne downe my face
a little while, while you have space,
for I am full sore adreade.

<c>Abraham
To doe this deede I am sorye.

<c>Isaack
Yea, lorde, to thee I call and crye!
Of my soule thow have mercye,
hartely I thee praye.

<c>Abraham
Lord, I would fayne worke thy will.
This yonge innocent that lieth soe still,
full loth were mee him to kyll
by any manner of waye.

<c>Isaack
My deare father, I thee praye,
let mee take my clothes awaye,
for sheeding blood on them todaye
at my laste endinge.

<c>Abraham
Harte, yf thow would breake in three,
thou shall never mayster mee.
I will floe longer lett for thee;
my God I may not greeve.

<c>Isaack
A, mercye, father, why tarrye yee soe?
Smite of my head and lett mee goe.
I praye you rydd mee of my woo,
for nowe I take my leave.

<c>Abraham
My sonne, my harte will breake in three
to here thee speake such wordes to mee.
Jesu, one mee thow have pyttye,
that I have moste of mynde.

<c>Isaack
Nowe, father, I see that I shall dye.
Almighty God in majestie,
my soule I offer unto thee.
Lorde, to yt bee kynde.

<d>Here lett Abraham take and bynde his sonne Isaack upon the aulter, and leett him make a signe as though bee would cutt of his head with the sword. Then lett the Angell come and take the sworde by the end and staye yt, sayinge:

<c>Angelus
Abraham, my servante deare!

<c>Abraham
Loe, lord, I am all readye here.

<c>Angelus
Laye not thy sworde in noe manere
one Isaack, thy deare darlinge;
and doe to him none anoye.
For thou dreades God, well wott I,
that of thy sonne hasse noe mercye
to fulfill his byddinge.

<c>Angelus Secundus
And for his byddinge thow doest aye,
and sparest neyther for feare nor faye
to doe thy sonne to death todaye,
Isaack to thee full deare,
therfore God bath sent by mee in faye
a lambe that is both good and gaye.
Loe, have him right here.

<c>Abraham
Ah, lorde of heaven and kinge of blysse,
thy byddinge shall be donne iwys.
Sacrifyce here mee sent ys,
and all, lorde, through thy grace.
An horned wether here I see;
amonge these bryers tyed is hee.
To thee offered now shall hee bee,
anonright in this place.

<d>Then lett Abraham take the lambe and kyll him, and lett God saye:

<c>Deus
Abraham, by my selfe I sweare:
for thou hast bine obedient ayere,
and spared not thy sonne to teare
to fulfill my byddinge,
thou shall bee blessed that pleased mee.
Thy seede shall I soe multiplye
as starres and sande, soe many highe I
of thy bodye comminge.

Of enimyes thou shalte have power,
and thy blood alsoe in feare.
Thow haste beene meeke and bonere
to doe [as] I thee bade.
And of all natyons, leeve thow mee,
blessed evermore shalbee
through fruyte that shall come of thee,
and saved through thy seede.

<d>Here the Docter saythe:

<c>Expositor
Lordinges, this significatyon
of this deede of devotyon &mdash;
and yee will, yee wytt mon &mdash;
may tome you to myche good.
This deede yee scene done here in this place,
in example of Jesus done yt was,
that for to wynne mankinde grace
was sacrifyced one the roode.

By Abraham I may understand
the Father of heaven that cann fonde
with his Sonnes blood to breake that bonde
that the dyvell had brought us to.
By Isaack understande I maye
Jesus that was obedyent aye,
his Fathers will to worke alwaye
and death for to confounde.

<d>Here lett the Docter kneele downe and saye:

Such obedyence grante us, O lord,
ever to thy moste holye word;
that in the same wee may accorde
as this Abraham was beyne.
And then altogether shall wee
that worthye kinge in heaven see,
and dwell with him in great glorye
for ever and ever. Amen.

<d>Here the Messenger maketh an ende:

Make rowme, lordings, and give us waye
and lett Balack come in and playe,
and Balaham that well can saye,
to tell you of prophecye.
That lord that dyed one Good Frydaye,
the same you all, both night and daye.
Farewell, my lordings, I goe my waye;
I may noe lenger abyde.

<d>Finis

<h>The Cappers and Lynnan Drapers Playe<!-- 5 -->

<d>Incipit Pagina Quinta de Moyses et de lege sibi data.

<c>Deus (ad Moysen)
Moyses, my servant leeffe and dere,
and all my people that bine here,
yee wotten in Egipte when yee weare
out of thraldome I you brought.
I will you have floe God but mee;
no false godes none make yee.
My name in vayne name not yee
for that liketh mee nought.

I wyll you hould your holy daye
and worshippe yt eke alwaye,
father and mother all that yee maye,
and slea noe man noewhere.

Fornication yee shall flee.
Noe meanes goodes steale yee,
nor in noe place lenge ne bee
false wytnes for to beare.

Your neighbours wyefe desyre you nought,
servante nee goodes that bee bath bought,
oxe nor asse, in deede nor thought,
nor nothinge that is his,
nor wrongefullye to have his thinge
agaynst his love and his likinge.
In all these keepe my byddinge,
that yee doe not amysse.

<c>Moyses
Good lorde that art ever soe good,
I will fulfill with mylde moode
thy commandementes, for I stood
to here thee nowe full styll.
Fortye dayes now fasted have I,
that I might bee the more worthye
to lerne this tokenn trulye.
Nowe wyll I worke thy will.

<d>Tunc Moyses in monte dicat populo:

Good folke, dread yee nought.
To prove you with God bath this wrought.
Take theese wordes in your thought;
nowe knowne yee what ys sinne.
By this sight nowe yee may see
that bee is pearles of postee.
Therfore this token looke doe yee,
therof that yee ne blynne.

<c>Doctor
Lordings, this commandement
was the firste lawe that ever God sent;
x poynctes there bine &mdash; takes intent &mdash;
that moste effecte ys in.
But all that storye for to fonge
to playe this moneth yt were to longe.
Therfore moste fruitefull ever amonge
shortly wee shall myn.

After, wee reden of this storye
that in this monte of Synaye
God gave the lawe witterlye
wrytten with his hand
in stonye tables, as reede I;
before, men honored mawmentrye.
Moyses brake them hastelye,
for that hee would not wond.

But after, played as yee shall see,
other tables owt carved hee
which God bade wrytten should bee,
the wordes bee sayde before.
The which tables [shryned] were
after, as God can Moyses leare;
and that [shryne] to him was deare
therafter evermore.

<d>Here God appereth agayne to Moyses.

<c>Deus
Moyses, my servant, goe anon
and kerve owt of the rocke of stone
tables to wryte my byddinge upon,
such as thou had before.

And in the morninge looke thou hye
into the monte of Synaye.
Lett noe man wott but thow onlye,
of companye noe more.

<c>Moyses
Lord, thy byddinge shalbe donne
and tables kerved owt full soonne.
But tell mee &mdash; I praye thee this boone &mdash;
what wordes I shall wryte.

<c>Deus
Thou shalt wryte the same lore
that in the tables was before.
Hyt shalbe kepte for evermore,
for that is my delyte.

<d>Tunc Moyses faciet signum quasi effoderet tabulas de monte et, super ipsas scribens, dicat populo.

<c>Moyses
Godes folke of Israell,
herkens you all to my spell.
God bade ye should keepe well
this that I shall saye.
Syxe dayes bodely worke all;
the seaventh sabboath ye shall call.
That daye for ought that maye befall
hallowed shalbe aye.

Whoe doth not this, dye shall hee.
In howses forever shall noe man see
firste fruyctes &mdash; to God offer yee,
for soe himselfe beode;
purpur and [byse] both too
to him that shall save you from woo
and helpe you in your neede.

<d>Tunc descendet de monte, et veniet rex Balaack equitando juxta montem et dicat.

<c>Balaack
I Balaack, kinge of Moab land,
all Israell and I had in hand,
I am soe wrath I would not wond
to slea them everye wight.
For there God helpes them so stowtly
of other landes to have mastery
that yt is boteles wytterly
agaynst them for to fight.

What natyon doth them anoy,
Moyses prayeth anon in hye;
then have the ever the victorye
and there cncmyes the worse.
Therfore, how I will wroken bee
I am bethought, as mote I thee:
Balaham shall come to mee,
that people for to curse.

<d>Florish.

Noe knife nor sworde maye not avayle
that ylke people to assayle.
That foundes to fight, hee shall fayle,
for sycker yt is noe boote.

<d>Caste up.

All natyons they doe anoye,
and my folke commen for to distroye,
and oxe that graweth buselye
the grasse right to the roote.

Whosoever Balaham blesseth, iwys,
blessed that man sothlye is;
whosoever he cursys fareth amyse,
such name over all bath bee.

But yett I truste venged to bee
with dynte of sword or pollicye
on these false losells, leaves mee.
Leeve this withowten dowbte,
for to bee wroken is my desyre;
my heart brennys as whott as fyre
for vervent anger and for ire,
till this bee brought abowte.

<d>'Surgite dei patriae et opitulamini nobis et in necessitate nos defendite.'

Therfore, my god and godes all,
O mightye Mars, one thee I call!
With all the powers infernall
ryse now and helpe at neede.
I am enformed by trewe reporte
how the mediators doeth resorte
to wynne my land to there comforte,
desended of Jacobs seede.

Now shewe your power, you godes mighty,
soe that these caytiffes I may destroye,
havinge of them full victorye,
and them brought to mischance.

<d>Sworde.

Beate them downe in playne battell,
those false losells soe cruell,
that all the world may here tell
wee take on vengeance.

Owt of Egipte fled the bee
and passed through the Red Sea.
The Egiptians that them pursued trewlye
were drowned in that same fludd.
The have on God mickell of might
which them doeth ayde in wronge and right.
Whosoever with them foundeth to fight,
hee wynneth little good.

They have slayne &mdash; this wott I well &mdash;
through helpe of God of Israell
both Seon and Ogge, kinges so fell,
and playnly them distroye.
Thearefore ryse up, ye goodes eiche one!
Ye be a hundrethe godes for one.
I would be wroken them upon,
for all there pompe and pryde.

Therefore goe fetche hym, batchelere,
that he may curse these people heare.
For sycker on them in no manere
may we not wroken be.

<d>Miles rex Balack loquitur:

Syr, on your errannde will I goon,
that yt shalbe donne anone.
And he shall wreake you on your fanne,
the peopell of Isarell.

<c>Rex Balack
Yea, looke thou hett him gould great one
and landes for to live upon

to destroye them as bee cann,
these freekes that bine soe fell.

<d>Tunc Miles regis Balack ibit ad Balaham et dicat:

Balaham, my lorde greetes well thee
and prayeth thee soone at him to bee,
to curse the people of Judee
that done him great anoye.

<c>Balaham
Abyde a whyle there, batchelere,
for I may have noe power
but yf that Godes will were;
and that shall I wete in hye.

<d>Tunc ibit Balaham ad consulendum dominum in oratione. Sedens dicat Deus:

Balaham, I commande thee
kinge Balackes byddinge for to flee.
That people that blessed is of mee
curse thou by noe waye.

<c>Balaham
Lorde, I must doe thy byddinge
though yt to mee be unlikynge,
for therby mych wynninge
I might have had todaye.

<c>Deus
Yett though Balack bee my foe
thou shalt have leave thyther to goe.
But look that thou doe right soe
as I have thee taught.

<c>Balaham
Lorde, yt shall be donne in hight.
This asse shall beare me aright.
Goe we together anon, syr knight,
for leave nowe have I caught.

<d>Tunc Balaham et Miles equitabunt simul, et dicat

<c>Balaham
Knight, by my lawe that I live one,
nowe have I leave for to gonne,
cursed they shalbe everyeychone
and I ought wynne maye.
Hould the hinge that hee beheight,
Godes hoste I sett at light.
Warryed the shalbe this night,
or that I wynd awaye.

<c>Miles
Balaham, doe my lordes will
and of gould thou shalt have thy fill!
Spare thou nought that folke to spill,
and spume ther Godes speach.

<c>Balaham
Frend, I have godes wonder fell;
both Ruffyn and Reynell
will worke right as I them tell.
Ther ys noe wyle to seeke.

<d>Tunc Balaham ascendit super asinam et cum Milite equitabit; et in obviam venit Angelus domini cum gladio extricto; et asina videt ipsum et non Balaham, ad [terram] prostrata jacebit; et dicat

<c>Balaham
Gooe forth, Burnell; goe forth, goe!
What the divell? My asse will not goe.
Served shee mee never soe,
what sarrowe soever yt is.
What the divell? Now shee is fallen downe.
But thou ryse and make thee bowne
and beare mee soone owt of this towne,
thow shalt abye iwys.

<d>Tunc percutiet Balaham asinam suam. Et hic oportet aliquis transformiari in speciem asinae; et quando Balaham percutit, dicat asina:

Mayster, thow doest ill secerly,
soe good an asse as mee to nye.
Now hast thow beaten mee here thrye,
that bare the thus abowte.

<c>Balaham
Burnell, whye begylest thow mee
when I have most neede to thee?

<c>Asina
That sight that before mee I see
maketh mee downe to lowte.

Am not I, mayster, thy owne asse
to beare thee whyther thow will passe,
and many winter readye was?
To smyte me hyt ys shame.
Thow wottest well, mayster, perdee,
that thow haddest never non like to mee,
ne never yett soe served I thee.
Now am I not to blame.

<d>Tunc videns Balaham Angelum evaginatum gladium habentem [adorans] ipsum dicat Balaham (Balaham on his knees shall fall sodenly downe and speaketh to the Angell).

<c>Balaham
A, lorde, to thee I make avowe
I had noc sight of thee or nowe.
Little wyste I that yt was thowe
that feared my asse soc.

<c>Angelus
Why hast thow beaten thy asse, why?
Nowe am I commen thee to nye,
that changed thy purpose soe falsly
and nowe wouldest be my foe.

If this asse had not downe gonne,
I would have slayne thee here anon.

<c>Balaham
Lord, have pittye mee upon,
for synned I have sore.
Lorde, ys yt thy will that I forth gonne?

<c>Angelus
Yea, but looke thow doe that folke no woe
otherwaye then God bade thee doe
and sayde to thee before.

<d>Tunc Balaham et Miles equitabunt simul et in obviam veniet rex Balaack, et dicat rex

<c>Balack
Ah, wellcome, Balaham my frende,
for all my anger thow shalt ende
if that thy will bee to wende
and wreake mee one my foe.

<c>Balaham
Nought may I speake, as I have wyn,
but as God putteth mee within
to forbye all the ende of my kyn.
Therfore, syr, me ys woe.

<c>Balack
Come forth, Balaham; come with mee.
For one this hill, soe mott I thee,
the folke of Israell shall thou see
and curse them, I thee praye.
Gould and silver and eke pearle
thou shalt have, great plentee,
to curse them that yt sonne may bee,
all that thou sayst todaye.

<d>Tunc Balaack descendit de equo et Balaham de asina et ascendent in montem, et dieat Balaack rex.

<c>Balaack
Lo, Balaham, now thow seest here
Godes people all in feare.
Cittye, castle, and ryvere &mdash;
looke now. How lykes thee?
Curse them now at my prayer
as thow wilt bee to mee full deare
and in my realme moste of powere
and greatest under mee.

<d>Tunc Balaham versus austrem dicat.

<c>Balaham
How may I curse here in this place
that people that God blessed hasse?
In them is both might and grace,
and that is ever well scene.
Wytnes may I none beare
agaynst God that them can were,
his people that noe man may dare
ne trowble with noe teene.

I saye this folke shall have there will,
that noe natyon shall them gryll;
the goodnes that they shall fulfyll
nombred may not bee.
Theire God shall them keepe and save
and other rcproffe shall they none wave;
but such death as they shall have
I pray God send to mee.

<c>Balaack
What the dyvell ayles thee, thow populart?
Thy speach is not worth a farte!
Doted I hope that thow arte,
for madly thou hast wrought.
I bade thee curse them everycheone
and thow blessest them blood and bone.
To this north syde thow shall gone,
for here thy deede is nought.

<d>Tunc Balaack rex addueet Balaham ad borialem partem montis, et dicat alta voce

<c>Balaham
A, lord, that here is fayre wonninge:
halles, chambers great likinge,
valles, woodes, grasse growinge,
fayre yordes, and eke ryvere.

I wott well that God made all this,
his folke to lyve in joye and blys.
That eursys them, cursed bee is;
whoe blesseth them to God is deare.

<c>Balaack
Thow preachest, populard, as a pye;
the dyvell of hell thee destroye!
I bade thee curse my enimye;
therfore thow come mee to.
Now hast thow blessed them here thrye,
for the meanes mee to anoye.

<c>Balaham
Syr hinge, I told thee ere soe thrye
I might none other doe.

<d>Tunc Balaham vertit se ad orientalem in plagam montis, et respiciens coelum spiritu prophetico dicit: 'Orietur stella ex Jacobb et exurget homo de Israell et consurget omnes duces alienigenarum, et erit omnis terra possessio eius.'

<c>Balaham
Now on thinge I will tell you all,
hereafter what shall befall:
a sterre of Jacobb springe shall,
a man of Israell,
that shall overcome and have in bond
all hinges and dukes of strange land;
and all this world have in his hand
as lord to dight and deale.

<c>Balaack
Goe wee hence; yt is noe boote
longer with this man to moote.
For God is both crop and roote,
and lorde of heaven and hell.
Now see I well noe man one lyve
agaynst him is able to stryve.
Therfore here, as mote I thrive,
I will noe longer dwell.

<d>Here Balaham speaketh to Balaack: 'Abyde a while.'

<c>Balaham
O, Balaack kinge, abyde a whyle.
I have imagined a mervelouse wyle
thy enimyes how thow shalt begyle,
my eounsell yf thow take.

Ther maye no pestylenee them dismaye,
neyther battell them affraye.
Plenteefull they shalbee aye
of gould, cattell, and corne.
There God of them takes the cure
from passions that hee makes them sure,
them to preserve in greate pleasure
as hee before hath sworne.

Yee shall not them distroye for aye,
but for a tyme vexe them yee maye.
Marke well now what I shall saye
and worke after my bore.
Send forth woomen of thy contrye &mdash;
namely, those that bewtyfull bee &mdash;
and to thy cnimyes lett them drawe nye,
as stales to stand them before.

When the yonge men that lustye bee
have percayved there great bewtye,
they shall desyre there companye,
love shall them soe inflame.

Then when they see the have them sure
in there love withowten cure,
the shall denye them theyre pleasure,
except the grante this same &mdash;

to love theyre great solempnitye
and worshipp the godes of thy contrye,
and all things commenlye
with other people to use.
Soe shall the theyre God displease
and tome themselves to great disease.
Then may thow have thy hartes ease,
there law when they refuse.

<c>Balaak
Balaham, thy counsell I will fulfill.
Hit shalbe done right as thow wyll.
Come nere, my knight that well can skyll
my message to performe.
Goe thou forth, thow valyant knight;
looke thow ne stopp daye nay night.
Briinge those women to [my] sight
that shall my enimyes destroye.

Spare thou neyther ryche ne poore,
wyddowe, mayde, ne ylke whoore;
yf shee bee fresh of coloure,
bringe her with thee, I saye.

<c>Miles
My lord, I shall bye faste
to doe your wyll in goodlye haste.
Truste yee well, at the laste
your enimyes yee shall dismaye.

<d>The Doctor speaketh:

Lordes and ladyes that here bine lente,
this messenger that forth was sente
as yee have hard &mdash; to that intente,
these women for to bringe &mdash;
soe craftelye bee hath wrought,
the fearest women hee hath owt sought;
and to Godes people bee bath them brought &mdash;
God knoweth, a perlouse thinge.

For when they had of them a sight,
manye of them agaynste might
gave themselfe with all theyre might
those women for to please.
And then soone to them they went;
to have theyre [love] was there intent,
desyminge those women of theyr consent
and soe to live in pease.

But those women them denyed
there love; the sayd yt should be tryed,
which they might not elles abyde
for fere of great disceyte.
Those blynde people sware many an othe
that neythcr for leeffe nor for lothe
at any tyme they would have them wrothe,
nor never agaynst them pleade.

Soe by these women full of illusion
Godes people were brought to great confusion
and his displeasure; in conclusion,
his law they sett at naught.

God to Moyses &mdash; leeve yee now &mdash;
bade him sett up a gallowes tree,
the princes of the tribes there hanged to bee
for sinnes that they had wrought.

With that Moyses was sore greved,
and generally hee them repryved.
Therfore the would him have mischived,
but God did him defend.
For the good people that tendered the lawe,
when they that greate mischyefe sawe,
wholye together the can them drawe
upon those wretches to make [an] ende.

Anon Phinees, a yonge man devowte,
captayne bee was of that whole rowte,
and of these wretches, withowt dowbt,
xxiiii thowsand the slewe.
And then God was well content
with Phinees for his good intent,
as the prophett wryteth verament,
and here wee shall yt shewe:

<d>'Stetit Phinees, et placavit, et cessavit quassatio, et reputatum est ei ad justitiam in generatione sua' etc.

Soone after, by Godes commandement,
to the Madianytes the went,
and ther they slewe verament
Balaham with fyve gyants moe.
Lordings, mych more mattere
is in this storye then yee have hard here.
But the substans, withowten were,
was played you beforen.

And by this prophecye, leeve yee mee,
three kinges, as yee shall played see,
honored at his nativitye
Christe when hee was borne.
Now, worthye syrs both great and smale,
here have wee shewed this storye before;
and yf hit bee pleasinge to you all,
tomorrowe nexte yee shall have more.

Prayenge you all, both east and west
where that yee goe, to speake the best.
The byrth of Christe, feare and honest,
here shall yee see; and fare yee well.

<d>Finis

<h>The Wryghtes and Sklaters Plaie<!-- 6 -->

<d>Pagina Sexta: De Salutatione et Nativitate Salvatoris Jesu Christi

<c>Gabriell
Hayle be thow, Marye, mother free,
full of grace. God is with thee.
Amongst all women blessed thow bee,
and the fruite of thy bodye.

<c>Maria
Ah, lord that syttes high in see,
that wondrouslye now mervayles mee &mdash;
a simple mayden of my degree bee
greete this gratiously.

<c>Gabriell
Marye, ne dread thee nought this case.
With greate God found thow hase
amongst all other specyall grace.
Therfore, Marye, thow mone
conceyve and beare &mdash; I tell thee &mdash;
a childe. Jesus his name shalbe &mdash;
soe greate shall never non be as bee &mdash;
and called Godes Sonne.

And owr lord God, leeve thow mee,
shall give him Davyd his fathers see;
in Jacobs howse rayninge shall hee
with full might evermore.
And hee that shalbe borne of thee,
endlesse life in him shalbe,
that such renowne and ryaltye
had never non before.

<c>Maria
How may this bee, thow beast so bright?
In synne knowe I noe worldly wight.

<c>Gabryell
The Holye Ghoste shall in thee light
from God in majestee,
and shadowe thee seemely in sight.
Therefore that holye one, as I have height
that thow shalt beare through Godes might,
hee Sonne shall called bee.

Elizabeth that barren was
as thow maye see conceyved has
in age a sonne through Godes grace,
the [bedill] shalbe of blysse.
The sixte moneth is gone now agayne
seeth men called her barren;
but nothinge to Godes might and mayne
impossible is.

<c>Maria
Now syth that God will yt soe bee,
and such grace hath sent to mee,
blessed evermore bee hee;
to please him I am payde.
Loe, Godes chosen meekelye here &mdash;
and lorde God, prince of powere,
leeve that yt fall in suche manere
this word that thow hast sayde.

<d>Tunc Angelus ibit, et Maria salutabit Elizabeth:

Elizabeth, nece, God thee see.

<c>Elizabeth
Marye, blessed mote thow bee,
and the fruites that commes of thee,
amonge weomen all.
Wonderlye now mervayles mee
that Marye, Godes mother free,
greetes mee thus of simple degree.
Lord, how may this befall?

'When thow mee greetest, sweete Marye,
the childe stirred in my bodye
for great joye of thy companye
and the fruite that is in thee.
Blessed bee thow ever forthy,
that lived soe well and stedfastly;
for that was sayde to thee, ladye,
fulfilled and done shalbee.

<d>Maria gaudiens incipiet canticum 'Magnificat' etc.

<c>Maria
Elizabeth, therefore will I
thanke the lord, kinge of mercye,
with joyful! myrth and melody
and laud to his likinge.
'Magnificat,' while I have toome,
'anima mea dominum'
to Christe that in my kind is come,
devoutly I will singe.

<d>'Et exultavit spiritus meus in Deo' etc.

And for my ghost joyed hase
in God, my heale and all my grace &mdash;
for meekenes hee see in mee was,
his feare of meane degree &mdash;
therfore blesse mee well maye
all generacons for aye.

Mych has that lord done for mee,
that moste is in his majestye.
All princes hee passis of postee,
as sheweth well by this.
Therefore with full hart and free
his name allway hallowed be;
and honored evermore be bee
one height in heaven blysse.

Mych hase God done for me today;
his name eye hollowed be,
as he is bound to doe mercy
from progenye to progenye.
And all that dredene him veryly,
his talent to fullfill,
bee through his myght gave maystery.
Disparcles proud dispytuusly
with myght of his harte hastely
at his owne will.

Deposethe myghty oute of place,
and mylde allso he hansed hasse;
hongry, nydy, wanting grace
with god bee hath fullfellede.
That rych power he bath forsakene;
To Iseraell, his Sonne he bath betakene.
Wayle to man throughe him his wakinge,
and myrcy hasse of his guylte &mdash;

as he spake to our fathers before,
Abrahame and his syde full yore.
Joy to the Father evermore,
the Sone, and the Holy Ghoste,
as was from the begininge
and never shall have endinge,
from world to world aye wendinge.
Amen, God of might most.

<c>Elizabeth
Marye, now redd I that wee gone
to Joseph thy husband anon,
lesse hee to misse thee make mone;
for now that is moste neede.

<c>Maria
Elizabeth, nece, to doe so good is,
leste bee suppose one mea amysse;
but good lord that hath ordayned this
wyll witnes of my deede.

<c>Elizabeth
Joseph, God thee save and see!
Thy wife here I brought to thee.

<c>Joseph
Alas, alas, and woe is mee!
Whoe hasse made her with chyld?
Well I wist an ould man and a maye
might not accord by noe waye.
For many yeares might I not playe
ne worke noe workes wild.

Three monethes shee bath bine from mee.
Now hasse shee gotten her, as I see,
a great bellye like to thee
syth shee went away.
And myne yt is not, bee thow bould,
for I am both ould and could;
these xxxtie winters, though
I would, I might not playe noe playe.

Alas, where might I lenge or lende?
For loth is mee my wife to shende,
therfore from her will I wende
into some other place.
For to dyscreeve will I nought,
feeblye though shee have wrought.
To leave her privelye is my thought,
that noe man knowe this case.

God, lett never [an] ould man
take to wife a yonge woman
ney seet his harte her upon,
lest bee beguyled bee.
For accorde ther maye be none,
ney the may never bee at one;
and that is seene in manye one
as well as one mee.

Therfore have I slept a while,
my wife that mee can thus beguyle,
for I will gone from her; yt to fyle
mee ys loth, in good faye.
This case makes mee so heavye
that needes sleepe nowe muste I.
Lord, one hir thow have mercye
for her misdeede todaye.

<c>Angelus
Joseph, lett bee thy feeble thought.
Take Marye thy wife and dread thee nought,
for wickedly shee hath not wrought;
but this is Godes will.
The child that shee shall beare, iwys
of the Holy Ghost begotten yt is
to save mankynd that did amisse,
and prophecye to fulfill.

<c>Joseph
A, nowe I wott, lord, yt is soe,
I will noe man bee her foe;
but while I may one yearth goe,
with her I will bee.
Nowe Christe is in our kynde light,
as the prophetes before hight.
Lord God, most of might,
with weale I worshipp thee.

<c>Nuntius
Make rowme, lordinges, and give us waye
and lett Octavian come and playe,
and Sybell the sage, that well fayre maye,
to tell you of prophecye.
That lord that dyed on Good Frydaye,
bee have you all both night and daye.
Farewell, lordinges. I goe my waye;
I may noe lenger abyde.

<c>Octavianus
I, preeved prince most of powere,
under heaven highest am I here;
fayrest foode to fight in fere,
noe freake my face may flee.
All this world, withowten were &mdash;
kinge, prynce, baron, batchlere &mdash;
I may destroy in great dangere
through vertue of my degree.

My name Octavian called is &mdash;
all me about full in my blys,
for wholey all this world, iwys,
is readye at my owne will.
Noe man one mould darre doe amisse
agaynst mee &mdash; I tell you this &mdash;
nay no man saye that ought is his
but my leave be thertyll.

For I halfe multiplyed more
the cittye of Rome sythe I was bore
then ever did any before,
syth I had this kingdome.
For what with strenght and strokes sore,
leadinge lordshipp, lovely lore,
all this world has bine yore
tributarye unto Rome.

<i>Segneurs, tous si assembles a mes probes estates!
Jeo posse fayre lerment et leez, et mette in languoure!
Vous tous Si prest ne sortes
de fayre intentes ma volentes,
car je su soveroyne ben sages et de mande emperoure.</i>

<i>Jeo si persone, nulle si able; jeo sa tent fayre et leable.
En treasoroce ne treasagyle, mes de toyle plerunt.
Destret et sage sua en counsell &mdash; ami, ou dame, et ou pusele.
De clare et sanke mater frayle, un teell n'est paas viva.</i>

Kinge, coysell, clarke, or knight,
saudens, senatoures in sight,
princes, pryest here nowe dight
and present in this place, peace!
Or here my truthe I plight &mdash;
I am the manfuist man of might &mdash;
takes mynde on my manece.

All leedes in land bee at my likinge:
castle, conquerour, and kinge
bayne be to doe my byddinge;
yt will non other bee.
Right as I thinke, soe must all bee;
for all the world dose my willinge
and bayne bine when I bydd bringe
homage and feoaltye.

Sythen I was lord, withowten lesse
with my witt I can more increase
the empire here then ever yt was,
as all this world yt wiste.
Syth I was soverayne, warre cleare can cease,
and through this world now is peace,
for soe dreade a duke sate never on dayes
in Rome &mdash; that you may trust.

Therfore as lorde nowe likes mee
to preeve my might and my postee,
for I will send about and see
how many heades I have.
All the world shall written bee,
great and smale in eych degree
that dwell in shire or in cittye &mdash;
king, clarke, knight, and knave.

Eych man one penye shall paye.
Therefore, my bedell, doe as I saye

In middest the world by anye waye
this gammon shall begine.
The folke of Jewes, in good faye,
in myddest bine; that is noe naye.
Therefore thyder, daye by daye,
and travayle or thow bline.

Warne him that there ys president
that this is fully myne intent:
that eych man appere present,
his penye for to paye.
And by that penye as well appent
knowledge to bee obedyente
to Rome, by gifte of such a rent,
from that tyme after aye.

When thus is done thus in Judye,
that in the middest of the world shalbe,
to eych land, shire, and cyttye
to Rome make them soe thrall.
Warne them, boye &mdash; I commande thee &mdash;
they doe the same, saye thus from mee;
soe all this world shall witt that wee
bine soveraygne of them all.

Have donne, boye! Art thow not bowne?

<c>Preco
All readye, my lorde, by Mahounde.
Noe tayles tupp in all this towne
shall goe further withowten fayle.

<c>Octavianus
Boye, therfore by my crowne
thow muste have thy warrysoun!
The highest horse besydes Boughton
take thow for thy travell.

<c>Preco
Grauntemercye, lord, perdye;
this hackney will well serve mee,
for a great lord of your degree
should ryde in such araye.
The bine bye in digthtye,
and alsoe high and swifte is hee.
Therefore that reverans takes yee,
my deare lord, I you praye.

But your arrand shalbe donne anone.
First into Judye I will gonne
and sommon the people everychone,
both shire and eke cyttye.

<c>Octavianus
Boye, there bine Iadyes manye one;
amonge them all chose thee onne.
Take the fayrest or els none,
and freely I give her thee.

<c>Primus Senatour
My lord Octavyan, wee be sent
from all Rome with good entent.
Thy men there have eychone iment
as God to honour thee.
And to that poynct we be assent,
poore and ryche in parleament.
For soe loved a lord, veramente,
was never in this cyttye.

<c>Secundus Senator
Yea sicker, syr, ther will is this:
to honour thee as God with blys,
for thow did never to them amysse
in worde, thought, ne deede.
Peace bath bine longe and yett is.
Noe man in thy tyme lost ought of his.
Therfore there wyll is soe, iwys,
to quite you this your meede.

<c>Octavianus
Welcome, my frendes, in god faye,
for you bee baynable to my paye.
I thank you, all that ever I maye,
the homage yee doe to mee.
But follye yt were by manye a waye
such soveraygntye for to assaye,
syth I must dye I wotte not what day,
to desyre such dignitye.

For of all flesh, blood, and bonne
made I am, borne of a womane;
and sycker other matter nonne
sheweth not right in mee.
Neyther of iron, tree, ne stonne
am I not wrought, you wott eycbone.
And of my life moste parte is gone,
age shewes him soe in mee.

And godhead askes in all thinge
tyme that hath noe begininge
ne never shall have endinge;
and none of this have I.

Wherfore by verey proofe shewinge,
though I bee highest worldly kinge,
of godhead have I noe knowinge.
Hit were unkynde.

But yett enquyre of this will wee
of hir that hase grace to see
thinges that afterward shalbe
by ghoost of prophecye.
And after bir lore, by my lewtye,
discussinge this difficultye
worke; and take noe more one mee
then I am well worthye.

Sybbell the sage, tell mee this thinge,
for thow wytt hase as noe man livinge:
shall ever be any earthlye kinge
to passe mee of degree?

<c>Sybbell
Yea, syr, I tell you withowt leasinge
a bab borne shalbe, blys to bringe,
the which that never base begininge
ne never shall ended bee.

<c>Octavyanus
Sybbyll, I praye thee speciallye
by signe thow would me certyfye
what tyme that lord soe royallye
to raigne bee shal beginne.

<d>Sybyll speaketh:

Syr, I shall tell you witterlye
his signes when I see verelye;
for when bee comes, through his mercye
one mankynde hee will mynne.

Well I wott, forsooth iwys,
that God will bringe mankinde to blys,
and send from heaven &mdash; leeves well this &mdash;
his Sonne, our savyour.

But what tyme, syr, in good faye
that hee will come can I non saye.
Therfore in this place I will praye
to greatest God of might.
And yf I see ought to your paye
ghoostlye by anye waye,
warne you I shall anon this daye,
and shew yt in your sight.

<d>Tunc orat Sibilla, et dicat Preco alta voce.

<c>Preco
Peace I byd, kinge and knight,
men and weomen and eych wight;
tyll I have tould that I have tight,
stonde styll, both stronge and stoute.
My lord Octavyan, myche of might,
commandes you should be readye dight:
trybute bee wyll have in height
of all this world about.

Hee wyll have written eych countree,
castle, shyre, and eke cyttye &mdash;
men and weomen, leeve you mee &mdash;
and all that bee therin.
A penye of eych man have will hee &mdash;
the valewe of ten pences hit shalbee &mdash;
to knowledge that hee hase soverayntee
fullye of all mankynd.

<c>Josephe
A, lord, what doth this man nowe here?
Poore mens weale ys ever in were.
I wott by this bosters beere
that trybute I muste paye.
And for greate age and noe powere,
I wan noe good this seaven yere.
Nowe comes the kinges messinger
to gett all that hee maye.

With this axe that I beare,
this perces and this naugere
and hammer, all in fere,
I have wonnen my meate.
Castle, towre, ney riche manere
had I never in my power;
but as a symple carpenter
with those what I might gett.

If I have store, anye thinge,
that must I paye unto the kinge.

But yett I have a likinge,
the angel to mee towlde:
hee that should man owt of bale bringe
my wife had in her keapinge.
That seemes all good to my likinge,
and makes mee more bowld.

A, leeffe syr, tell mee I thee praye:
shall poore as well as rych paye?
My faye, syr, I hoope naye;
that were a wonders wronge.

<c>Preco
Good man, I warne thee in good faye
to Bethiem to take the waye,
leste thow in danger falle todaye
if that thow bee to longe.

<c>Josephe
Nowe syth yt may non other bee,
Marye, sister, now hye wee.
An oxe I will take with mee
that there shalbe soulde.
The silver of him, soe mote I thee,
shall fynde us in that cyttye,
and paye tribute for thee and mee;
for therto wee bine howlde.

<c>Maria
A, lord, what may this signifye?
Some men I see glad and merye
and some syghinge and sorye.
'Wherfore soever yt bee?
Syth Godes Sonne came man to forbye &mdash;
is commen through his great mercye &mdash;
methinke that man should kindlye
be glad that sight to see.

<c>Angelus
Marye, Godes mother dere,
the tokeninge I shall thee lere.
The commen people, as thow seest here,
are glad &mdash; as they well maye &mdash;

that they shall see of Abrahams seede
Christe come to helpe them in there neede.
Therfore the joyen witbowten dreede
for to abyde this daye.

The morneinge men &mdash; take this in mynde &mdash;
are Jewes that shalbe put behinde,
for they passed owt of kinde
through Christe at his comminge.
For they shall have noe grace to knowe
that God for man shall light soe lowe;
for shame on them that soone shall showe.
Therfore they bine mourninge.

<c>Joseph
Marye, suster, sooth to saye
harbour, I hope, gett wee ne maye;
for great lordes of stowte araye
occupye this cyttye.
Therfore wee muste in good faye
lye in this stable tyll yt bee daye.
To make men meeke, leeve I maye,
shew him here will hee.

<c>Maria
Helpe me downe, my leeffe fere,
for I hope my tyme bee neere.
Christe in this stable that ys here,
I hope borne wilbee.

<d>Tunc Joseph accipiet Mariam in brachia sua.

<c>Joseph
Come to me, my sweete dere,
the treasure of heaven withowten were.
Welcome in full meeke manere.
Him hope I for to see.

<d>Tunc statuet Mariam inter bovem et asinam.

Marye, sister, I will assaye
to gett too middwives yf I maye;
for though in thee bee God verey &mdash;
and commen agaynst kynde &mdash;
for usage here of this cittye
and manners sake, as thinkes mee,
too I will fetch anon to thee
yf I may any fynde.

<c>Joseph (ad obstetrices)
Weomen, God you save and see!
Is yt your will to goe with mee?
My wife ys commen into this cyttye
with child, and tyme is nere.
Helpes her nowe for charytee,
and bee with her tyli day bee;
and your travayle, soe mote I thee,
I shall paye you right here.

<c>Tebell
All readye, good man, in good faye.
Wee will doe all that ever wee maye.
For too such middwives, I dare well saye,
are not in this cyttye.

<c>Salome
Come, good man, leade us awaye.
By Godes helpe or hit bee daye
that we can good thy wife shall saye;
and that thow shalt well see.

<c>Joseph
Loe, Marye, harte, brought I have here
too middwives for the mannere,
to bee with thee, my darlinge deare,
tyll that hit bee daye.

<c>Maria
Syr, the be welcome withowt were.
But God will worke of his power
full sonne for mee, my lefe fere,
as best is nowe and aye.

<d>Tunc paululum acquiescunt.

A, Joseph, tydinges aright!
I have a sonne, a sweete wight.
Lord, thanked bee thow, full of might,
for preeved is thy postee.
Payne felte I non this night.
But right soe as bee in mee light,
commen hee is here in this sight &mdash;
Godes Sonne, as thow maye see.

<d>Tunc stella apparebit.

<c>Joseph
Lord, welcome, sweete Jesu!
Thy name thow haddest or I thee knewe.
Nowe leeve I the angells worde is trewe,
that thow arte a cleane maye.
For thow arte commen mans blys to brewe
to all that thy lawe will shewe.
Nowe mans joy beginns to newe
and noye to passe awaye.

<c>Maria
Lord, blessed most thow bee
that [symple] borne art, as I see;
to preeve the divell of his postee,
commen thow arte todaye.
Diversorye is non for thee.
Therfore thy sweete bodye free
in this cratch shall lye with lee,
and lapped abowt with haye.

<c>Tebell
A, dere lord, heaven kinge,
that this is a marvelous thinge!
Withowten teene or travaylinge,
a fayre sonne shee hasse one.
I dare well saye, forsooth iwys,
that cleane mayden this woman ys,
for shee bath borne a chyld with blys;
soe wiste I never none.

<c>Salome
Be styll, Tebell, I thee praye,
for that is false, in good faye.
Was never woman cleane maye
and chyld withowt man.
But never the latter, I will assaye
whether shee bee cleane maye,
and knowe yt if I cann.

<d>Tunc Salome tentabit tangere Mariam in sexu secreto, et statim arentur manus eius, et clamando dicit:

Alas, alas, alas, alas,
mee ys betyde an evyll case!
My handes bee dryed up in this place,
that feelinge none have I.
Vengeance on mee ys nowe light,
for I would tempte Goddes might.
Alas, that I came here tonight
to sufer such anoye.

<d>Tunc apparet stella et veniet Angelus, [dicens] ut sequitur.

<c>[Angelus]
Womann, beseech this childe of grace
that hee forgive thee thy trespasse;
and ere thow goe owt of this place
holpen thou maye bee.
This miracle that now thow seest here
is of Godes owne powere,
to bringe mankinde owt of dangere
and mende them, leeve thow mee.

<c>Salome
Ah, sweete child, I aske mercye
 for thy mothers love, Marye.
Though I have wrought wretchedlye,
sweete childe, forgive yt mee.
Ah, blessed bee God! All whole am I!
Nowe leeve I well and sickerlye
that God is commen, man to forbye.
And thou, lord, thou art bee.

<c>Expositor
Loe, lordings all, of this miracle here
freere Bartholemewe in good mannere
beareth wytnes, withowten were,
as played is you beforne.
And other myracles, yf I maye,
I shall rehearse or I goe awaye,
that befell that ilke daye
that Jesus Christ was borne.

Wee reade in cronicles expresse:
somtyme in Rome a temple was
made of soe greate ryches
that wonder was witterlye.
For all thinges in hit, leeve you mee,
was silver, gould, and rych perlye;
thryd parte the woride, as read wee,
that temple was worthye.

Of eych province, that booke mynde mase,
ther goddes image sett there was;
and eych on abowt his necke has
a silver bell hanginge,
and on his brest written also
the landes name and godes too.
And sett was alsoe in middest of tho
god of Rome, right as a kinge.

Abowt the house alsoe mevinge there
a man on horse &mdash; stoode men to steare &mdash;
and in his hand hee bare a spere,
all pure dispituouslye.
That horse and man was made of brasse;
torninge abowt that image was.

Save certayne preystes ther might non passe
for devylls phantasie.

But when that any lande with battell
was readye Rome for to assayle,
the godes [image] withowten fayle
of that land range his bell
and torned his face dispituouslye
to god of Rome, as reade I,
in tokeninge that there were readye
to feyghtinge freshe and fell.

The image alsoe above standinge,
when the bell beneath begane to ringe,
torned him all sharpely, shewinge
towarde that lande his spere.
And when they see this tokeninge,
Rome ordayned withowt tareinge
an oste to keepe there comminge,
longe or they came there.

And on this manere sothlye,
by arte of neagromancye,
all the world witterlye
to Rome were made to lowt.
And in that temple there dowbtles
was called therfore the Temple of Peace,
that through.his sleyt battell can cease
throughowt the world, the woride abowte.

But hee to coyntly this worke caste
asked the devyll or bee paste
howe longe that temple hit should laste
that bee there can buylde.
The devill answered suttillye,
and sayd yt should last sickerlye
untyll a mayden wemmostlye
had conceyved a chylde.

They hard, and beleeved therfore
yt should endure for evermore.
But that tyme that Christ was bore,
hit fell downe soone in hye.
Of which howse is scene this daye
somewhat standinge, in good faye.
But noe man dare well goe that waye
for feendes phantasye.

That daye was scene verament
three sonnes in the firmament,
and wonderslye together went
and torned into one.
The oxe, the asse, ther they were lent,
honored Christe in theyr intent;
and moe miracles, as wee have ment
to playe right here anon.

<d>Tunc ostendet stellam, et veniet Sibilla ad imperatorem.

<c>Sibilla
Syr emperour, God thee save and see.
I tell you sicker that borne ys bee
that passeth thee of postee.
Looke up on height after mee.
That baron thow seest that great shalbee &mdash;
to passe all kinges, and eke thee,
that borne are or ever were.

<c>Octavyan
A, Sibbell, this is a wondrouse sight,
for yonder I see a mayden bright,
a yonge chylde in her armes clight,
a bright crosse in his head.
Honour I wyll that sweete wight
with incense throughowt all my might,
for that reverence is most right,
if that yt bee thy reade.

Incense bringe, I command, in hye
to honour this child, kinge of mercye.
Should I bee God? Naye, naye, witterlye!
Great wronge iwys yt were.
For this childe is more worthye
then such a thowsande as am I.
Therfore to God moste mightye
incense I offer here.

<d>Tunc Angelus cantabit &lsquo;Haec est ara Dei caeli fiat notam secundum arbitrium agentis&rsquo;, etc.

A, Sybbell, heres not thow this songe?
My members all yt goeth amonge.
Joy and blys makes my harte stronge
to heare this melody.
Sycker yt may non other bee
but this childe is prince of postye
and I his subject, as I see.
Hee is moste worthye.

<c>Sybbell
Yea, syr, thow shalt leeve well this:
somewhere one yearth borne he is;
and that bee comes for mans blys,
his tokeninge this can shewe.
Reverence him, I read iwys,
for other God there none ys;
that hopes otherwise, doth amys,
but him for Christe to knowe.

<c>Octavyan
Syr senators, goes home anone
and warne my men everychone
that such worshipp I must forgonne
as they would doe to mee.
But this child worshipp eych maye
with full harte all that you [can],
for bee is worthye to leeve upon;
and that nowe I wyll see.

<c>[Primus Senator]
A, lord, whatever this may bee,
this is a wondrous sight to see;
for in the stare, as thinkes mee,
I see a full fayre maye.
Syr, shall this child passe yee
of worthines and dignitee?
Such a lord, by my lewtye,
I wend never bad binne.

<c>Expositor
Lordings, that this is verey
by verey sygne knowe yee maye;
for in Rome in good faye,
thereas this thinge was scene,

was buyld a church in noble araye &mdash;
in worshipp of Marye, that sweete maye &mdash;
that yett hastes untyll this daye,
as men knowe that there have binne.

And for to have full memorye
of the angells melodye
and of this sight sickerlye
the emperoure ther knewe,
the church is called St. Marye.
The surname is Ara Caeli,
that men knowe nowe well therby
that this was fullye trewe.

Another miracle I fynd also,
at Christes byrth that fell thoo:
when Sahome attempted to knowe
whether shee was a maye,
hyr hand roted, as you have scene.
Wherby you may take good teene
that unbeleeffe is a fowle sinne,
as you have scene within this playe.

<d>Finis

<h>The Paynters and the Glasiors Playe<!-- 7 -->

<d>Incipit Pagina de Pastoribus

<c>Primus Pastor
On wouldes have I walked wylde
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 syde
noe yearthlye man maye have.

For with walkynge werye I have mee rought;
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 caught
of hyt I could them heale.

Loe, here bee my herbes safe and sownde,
wysely wrought for everye wounde &mdash;
the woulde a whole man bringe to grownde
within a little whyle &mdash;
of henbane and horehounde,
tybbe, radishe, and egermonde,
which bee my herbes save and sounde,
medled on a rowe.

Here be more herbes, I tell yt you;
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 rowe
cleane from theyre hurte.

Here is tarre in a pott
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 worse
to renne on the rake.

But noe fellowshippe here have I
save myselfe alone, in good faye;
therfore after one faste wyll I crye.

But first will I drinke, if I maye.

<d>Hic potat Primus Pastor.

Howe, Harvye, howe!

Drive thy sheepe to the lowe.
Thow maye not here excepte I blowe, as ever have I heale.

<d>Hic flabit Primus Pastor.

<c>Secundus Pastor
Yt is no shame for mee to shewe
how I was set for to sowe
with the fether of a crowe
a clowte upon my heele.

<d>Sitt downe.

Fellowe, nowe be we well mett.
And though methinke us needes,
had wee Tudd heere by us sett,
thenn might wee sitte and feede us.

<c>Primus Pastor
Yea, to feede us frendly in faye,
how might wee have our service?
Crye thow must lowd, by this daye;
Tudd is deafe and may not well here us.

<d>Secundus Pastor vocat submissa voce:

How, Tudd; come, for thy fathers kyn.

<c>Primus Pastor
Naye, faye; thy voyce is wonders dym.
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.

<c>Secundus Pastor
How, Tudd, Tybbys sonne!

<c>Tertius Pastor
Syr, in fayth nowe I come,
for yett have I not all donne
that I have to done:
to seeth salve for our sheepe
and &mdash; lest my wife should yt weete &mdash;
with great gravel and greete
I scowre [an] ould panne.

Hemlocke and hayriffe &mdash; take keepe &mdash;
with tarreboyste must bene all tamed,
penyegrasse and butter for fatt sheepe;
for thys salve am I not ashamed.

Ashamed am I not to shewe
no poynt that longeth to my crafte;
noe better &mdash; that I well knowe &mdash;
in land is nowhere lafte.

For, good men, this is not unknowen
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;
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,
that I were on height there by thee.

<c>Primus Pastor
Gladly, syr, and thow would bee by me,
for loth me is to denye thee.

<c>Secundus Pastor
Nowe sythen God bath gathered us together,
with good harte I thanke him of his grace.
Welcome be thow, well fayre wedder.
Tudd, will we shape us to some solace?

<c>Tertius Pastor
Solace would best be scene
that we shape us to our supper;
for meate and drinke, well I deeme,
to eych deede is most dere.

<c>Primus Pastor
Laye forth, eych man ilych,
what hee hath lafte of his liverye.
And I wyll put forth my pyche
with my parte firste of us all three.

<c>Secundus Pastor
And such store as my wife had
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,
onyons, garlycke, and leekes,
butter that bought was in Blacon,
and greene cheese that will greese well your cheekes.

<c>Tertius Pastor
And here ale of Halton I have,
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,
and a grayne to laye on the greene,
and sowre milke. My wyffe had ordayned
a noble supper, as well is scene.

<c>Primus Pastor
Nowe will I caste of my cloacke
and put ont parte of my liverye,
put owt that I have in my poacke,
and a pigges foote from puddinges purye.

<c>Tertius Pastor
Abyde, fellowes, and yee shall see here
this hott meate &mdash; wee serven yt here &mdash;
gambonns and other good meate in fere,
a puddinge with a pricke in the ende.

<c>Primus Pastor
My sotchell to shake out
to sheppardes am I not ashamed.
And this tonge pared rownd aboute
with my teeth yt shalbe atamed.

<d>Tunc commedent, et dieat Primus Pastor:

Byd me doe gladly, and I thee,
for by God here is good growsinge;
come eate with us, God of heavon hye,
but take noe heede though here be noe howsinge.

<c>Secundus Pastor
Howsinge ennough have wee here
while that wee have heavon over our heddes.
Now to weete our mouthes tyme were;
this fiackett will I tame, if thow reade us.

<c>Tertius Pastor
And of this bottell nowe will I bibbe,
for here is bowles of the best.
Such lickour makes men to live;
this game may noewhere be leste.

<c>Primus Pastor
Fellowes, nowe our bellyes be full,
thinke wee on him that keepes our flockes.
Blowe thy horne and call after Trowle,
and bydd him, sonne, of our bytlockes.

<c>Secundus Pastor
Well sayd, Hankyn, by my soothe,
for that shrewe I suppose us seekes.

My borne to lille I wyll not lesse
tyll that lad have some of our leekes.

<c>Tertius Pastor
Leekes to his liverye is likinge;
such a lad nowhere in land is.
Blowe a note for that meetinge
whyle that home nowe in thy hand ys.

<c>Primus Pastor
With this borne I shall make a 'Hooe'
that hee and all heaven shall here.
Yonder lad that sittes on a lowe
the lowd of this borne shall here.

<d>Tunc cantabit, et dicat Garcius:

<c>Garcius
Good lord, looke on mee
and my flocke here as the fed have.
On this wold walke wee;
are no men here, that noe waye.

All is playne, perdee;
therefore, sheepe, we mon goe.
Noe better may bee
of beast that blood and bonne have.

Wotte I not, day or night,
necessaryes that to mee beelongen.
Tarboyste and tarboll
yee shall here;

nettle, hemlock, and butter abydinge,
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,
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.
For kinge ne duke, by this daye,
ryse I will not &mdash; but take my rest here.
Nowe wyll I sitt here adowne

and pippe at this pott like a pope.
Would God that I were downe
harmeles, as I hastelye hope.
Noe man drinke here shall

save myselfe, the devyll of the sope.
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.

<c>Primus Pastor
Trowle, take tent to my talkinge.
For thy tooth here is good tugginge.
While thy wedders benne walkinge,
on this loyne thow may have good lugginge.

<c>Garcius
Fye on your loynes and your liverye,
your liverastes, livers, and longes,
your sose, your sowse, your saverraye,
your sittinge withowt any songes!

One this hill I hold mee here.
Noe hape to your hot meate have I.
But flyte with my fellowes in feare,
and your sheepe full sycerly save I.

<c>Secundus Pastor
For thow saves our sheepe,
good knave, take keepe.
Sythen thow may not sleepe,
come eate of this sowse.

<c>Garcius
Nay, the dyrte is soe deepe,
stopped therm for to steepe;
and the grubbes theron do creepe
at whom at thy howse.

Therfore meate, if I maye,
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 paye
to any poore page.

<c>Tertius Pastor
Trowle, boy, for Godes tree,
come eate a morsell with me;
and then wrastle will wee
here on this wold.

<c>Garcius
That shall I never flee!
Though yt bee with all three
to laye my liverye,
that will I hold.

<d>Tunc ibit ad magistros suos, et dicat

<c>Garcius
Nowe comes Trowhe the Trewe;
a tome to take have I tight
with my masters. Or I rewe
put him forth that moste is of might.

<c>Primus Pastor
Trowle, better thow never knewe.
Eate of this, meate for a knight.

<c>Garcius
Naye, spare! Though I spewe,
all upon your heades shall yt light.

<c>Secundus Pastor
Howe should wee suffer this shame,
of a shrewe thus to be shente?

<c>Tertius Pastor
This ladd lusts to be lame
and lose a lymme or hee went.

<c>Garcius
Have donne! Beginne wee this game.
But warre lest your golyons glent.
That were little dole to our dame,
though in the myddest of the daye yee were drent.

<c>Primus Pastor
False lad, fye on thy face!
One this grownd thow shall have a fall.
Hent one, and hould that thow hasse.
Yf thow happe have, all goe to all.

<c>Garcius
And this, syrs, here to solace.
Hankyn, sheoparde, shame thee I shall.
Wroth thow art, worse then thow was.
Warre lest thow walter here by the wall.

<d>Tunc projiciat Primum Pastorem, et dicat Secundus Pastor.

<c>Secundus Pastor
Boye, lest I breake thy bones,
kneele downe and axe me a boone.
Lest I destroy thee here on these stones,
sease, lest I shend thee to soone.

<c>Garcius
Gole thee to groyns and grownes!
Good were thee thy ould ragges to save soone.
Little dowbt of such drownes,
lyther tyke, for thy deedes donne.

<c>Tertius Pastor
Owt, alas, hee lyes on his loynes!
But lett mee goe now to that lad.
Sheppardes he shames and shendes,
for last now am I owt shad.

<c>Garcius
Both your backes here to mee bendes;
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,
as I had before
of this bovearte,
yea, hope I more.
Keepe well thy score
for feare of a farte.

<d>Tunc projiciat Tertium Pastorem, et dicat Garcius:

Lye ther, lither, in the lake.
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,
as traytors attaynt of your tache!
On this would with this will I walke;
all the world wonder on the wache.

<d>Et sic recedat Garcius, et dicat Primus Pastor:

Fellowes, this a fowle case ys,
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.

<c>Secundus Pastor
That I have needes must I hold;
of these unhappie harmes ofte here I.
Therfore will I wayte on this would
upon the wedder, for I am werye.

<c>Tertius Pastor
Though wee bine werye noe wonder,
what betweene wrastlinge and wakinge.
Ofte wee may bee in thought wee be now under
God amend hit with his makinge.

<d>Tunc sedebunt, et stella apparebit, et dicat Primus Pastor:

What is all this light here
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.

<c>Secundus Pastor
Feard for a fraye nowe
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.

<c>Tertius Pastor
Such a sight seeminge
and a light leerninge
lettes mee to looke.
All to my deeminge,
from a starre streaminge
yt to mee stroacke.

<c>Garcius
That starre if it stand
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?

<d>Tunc respiciens firmamentum dicat Garcius:

A, Godes mightis!
In yonder starre light is;
of the sonne this sight is,
as yt nowe seemes.

<c>Primus Pastor
Hit seemes, as I nowe see,
a bright stare to bee,
there to abyde.
From yt wee may not flee
but aye gloc on the glee,
tyll yt downe glyde.

<c>Primus Pastor
Fellowes, will wee
kneele downe on our knee
after comford
to the trewe Trinitee,
for to lead us for to see
our elders lord?

<c>Tercius Pastor
Our lord will us lere
in our prayer
wherto yt will apent;
and why on high here
the care is soe cleare,
nowe shall wee be kent.

<c>Garcius
Lord, of this light
send us some sight
why that it is sent.
Before this night
was I never soe afright
of the firmament.

<c>Primus Pastor
Ne, fye! By my faye,
nowe is it nigh daye;
so was it never.
Therfore I praye
the sooth us to saye,
or that we desever.

<d>Tunc cantet Angelus: 'Gloria in excelsis Deo et in terra pax bominibus bonae voluntatis.'

Fellowes in feare,
may yee not here
this mutinge on highe?

<c>Secundus Pastor
In 'glore' and in 'glere'?
Yett noe man was nere
within our sight.

<c>Tertius Pastor
Naye, yt was a 'glorye.'
Nowe am I sorye
bowt more songe.

<c>Garcius
Of this strange storye
such mirth is merye;
I would have amonge.

<c>Primus Pastor
As I then deemed,
'selsis' it seemed
that bee songe soe.

<c>Secundus Pastor
Whyhe the light leemed,
a wreakinge mee weened;
I wyst never whoo.

<c>Tertius Pastor
What songe was this, saye yee,
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.'
Hit was neyther more nor lasse.

<c>Garcius
Nay, yt was 'glorus glarus glorius';
methinke that note went over the howse.
A seemely man hee was, and curiouse;
but soone awaye hee was.

<c>Primus Pastor
Nay, yt was 'glorus glarus' with a 'glo,'
and mych of 'celsis' was therto.
As ever have I rest or woo,
much hee spake of 'glas.'

<c>Secundus Pastor
Naye, yt was neyther 'glas' nor 'glye.'
Therfore, fellowe, nowe stand bye.

<c>Tertius Pastor
By my fayth, hee was some spye,
our sheepe for to steale.
Or elles hee was a man of our crafte,
for seemely hee was and [wounder] defte.

<c>Garcius
Nay, hee came by night &mdash; all thinges lefte &mdash;
our tuppes with tarre to teale.

<c>Primus Pastor
Naye, on a 'glor' and on 'glay' and a 'gly'
gurd Gabryell when hee so gloryd.
When hee sange I might not be sorye;
through my brest-bonne bletinge hee bored.

<c>Secundus Pastor
Nay, by God, yt was a 'gloria,'
sayde Gabryell when hee sayde soe.
 He had a mych better voyce then I have,
as in heaven all other have soe.

<c>Tertius Pastor
Wyll hee here howe hee sange 'celsis'?
For on that sadly hee sett him;
nayther singes 'sar' nor soe well 'cis,'
ney 'pax meryc Mawd when shee had mett him.'

<c>Garcius
On tyme hee touched on 'tarre,'
and therto I tooke good intent;
all heaven might not have gonne harre,
that note on high when hee up hent.

<c>Primus Pastor
And after a 'pax' or of 'peace,'
up as a pye hee pyped;

such a loden &mdash; this is noe lesse &mdash;
never in my life me so lyked.

<c>Secundus Pastor
Upon 'hominibus' hee muted;
that much mervayle to mee was.
And aye I quoked when hee so whewted;
I durst not bede wher that yt was.

<c>Tertius Pastor
Yett, yett, hee sange more then all this,
for some word is worthye a forder.
For hee sange 'bonae voluntatis';
that is a cropp that passeth all other.

<c>Garcius
Yett and yett he sange more to;
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 &mdash;
therto I toke good intent.
And 'pax' alsoe may not be blamed;
for that to this songe I assent.

<c>Primus Pastor
Nowe pray wee to him with good intent,
and singe I wyll and me [unbrace]:
that hee will hett us to bee kent,
and to send us of his grace.

<c>Secundus Pastor
Nowe syth I have all my will,
never in this world soe well I was.
Singe wee nowe, I rede us, shryll
a mery songe us to solace.

<c>Garcius
Singe we nowe; lett see,
some songe will I assaye.
All men nowe singes after mee,
for musicke of mec learne yee maye.

<d>Tunc cantabunt et postea dicat Tertius Pastor (Here singe 'troly, loly, loly, loo.'):

Nowe wend we forth to Bethem,
that is best our songe to bee,
for to see the starre-gleme,
the fruyt alsoe of that maydcn free.

<c>Primus Pastor
Nowe folowe we the starre that shines,
tyll we come to that holy stable.
To Bethlem boyne the lymes;
followe we yt withowt any fable.

<c>Secundus Pastor
Followe we hit and byes full fast;
such a frendc loth us were to fayle.

Launche on ! I will not be the last
upon Marye for to mervayle.

<d>Hic vadunt versus Bethlem.

<c>Tertius Pastor
Stynt nowe; goe no moe steppes,
for now the starre beginneth to stand.
Harvye, that good bene our happes
we seene &mdash; by our Savyour fonde.

<d>Hic apparet Angelus et dicat:

Sheppardes, of this sight
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 tonight
to cover all mankynde.

<c>Garcius
To Bethlem take wee the waye,
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,
some myrth to his majestee,
for certayne now see wee it indeede:
the kinge Sone of heavon is hee.

<c>Primus Pastor
Sym, sym, securlye
here I see Marye,
and Jesus Christ fast bye
lapped in haye.

<c>Secundus Pastor
Kneele we downe in hye
and praye wee him of mercye,
and welcome him worthelye
that woe does awaye.

<c>Tertius Pastor
Awaye all our woe ys
and many mans moe ys.
Christ, lord, lett us kys
the cratch or the clothes.

<c>Garcius
Solace nowe to see this
byldes in my brest blys:
never after to do amys,
thinge that him loth ys.

<c>Primus Pastor
Whatever this ould man that here ys?
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.

<c>Secundus Pastor
More ys this marveyle to mee nowe,
for to nappe greatly him needes.
Hartles is hee nowe
for aye to his heeles hee heedes.

<c>Tertius Pastor
Why, with his berde though hit be rough,
right well to her hee hydes.
Worthye wight, witt would wee nowe;
wyll ye worne us, worthye in weedes?

<c>Maria
Sheppardes, sothlye I see
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,
and truly in non other intent.

<c>Joseph
Good men, Moyses take in mynde:
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,
that tyme was wedded every wight.

Therfore wedded to her I was
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,
by him was I arested there.

For hee sayde to mee sleepinge
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 kinge
common all mankynde to mynne.

<c>Primus Pastor
Great God, syttynge in thy troone,
that made all thinge of nought,
nowe wee may thanke thee eychone:
this is hee that wee have sought.

<c>Secundus Pastor
Goe wee neere anone
with such as we have brought.
Ringe, brooche, or pretiouse stone &mdash;
left see whether we have ought to proffer.

<c>Tertius Pastor
Lett us doe him homage.

<c>Primus Pastor
Whoe shall goe first? The page?

<c>Secundus Pastor
Naye, yee be father in age.
Therfore ye must first offer.

<c>Primus Pastor
Hayle, kinge of heavon soe hye,
borne in a crybbe;
mankynd unto thee
thow hast made full sybbe.

Hayle, kynge, borne in a maydens bowre.
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.

<c>Secundus Pastor
Hayle, the emperour of hell
and of heaven alsoe;
the feynd shalt thow fell,
that ever hath binne fals.

Hayle, the maker of the stare
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,
as I myselfe full oftetymes have donne.
With hart I praye thee to take yt.

<c>Tertius Pastor
Hayle, prince withowten any pere,
that mankynde shall releeve.
Hayle, the fooe unto Lucyfere,
the which beguyled Eve.

Hayle, the graunter of hope,
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;
and though I come the hyndmost of all,
when thow shalt men to thy blys call,
good lord, yett thinke one mee.

<c>Garcius
My deare, with dryrie unto thee I mee dresse,
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,
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.

<c>The First Boye
Nowe to you, my fellowes, this doe I saye,
for in this place, or that I wynde awaye:
unto yonder chyld lett us goe praye,
as our masters have donne us beforne.

<c>The Second Boye
And of such goodes as wee have here,
lett us offer to this prince so dere,
and to his mother, that mayden clere,
that of her body hasse [him] borne.

<c>The First Boy
Abyde, syrres, I will goe firste to yonder kinge.

<c>The Second Boye
And I will goe nexte to that lordinge.

<c>The Thyrd Boye
Then will I be last of this offeringe;
this can I saye, noe more.

<c>The First Boye
Nowe, lord, for to give thee have I nothinge,
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,
take thee here my well fayre bottle,
for yt will hold a good pottle;
in fayth, I can give thee noe more.

<c>The Second Boye
Lord, I know that thow art of this virgine borne,
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,
as thow art God and man.

<c>The Thyrd Boye
O noble chyld of thy Father on hye,
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 ringe
and quaver as yt would fall.

<c>The Boye
Nowe, chyld, although thou be commen from God
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,
I give thee here my nuthooke.

<c>Primus Pastor
Nowe farewell, mother and maye,
for of synne nought thow wottest.
Thow hast brought forth this daye
Godes Sonne of mightis most.

Wherfore men shall saye:
'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.

<c>Secundus Pastor
Brethren, lett us all three
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.

<c>Tertius Pastor
Over the sea, and I may have grace,
I will gange and goe abowt nowe
to preach this thinge in every place;
and sheepe will I keepe no more nowe.

<c>Garcius
I read wee us agree
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 herby
I will in my prayers wach and wake.

<c>Primus Pastor
And I an hermitte
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.
And thus will I live ever and aye.

For aye, ever, and alwayse,
this world I fully refuse,
my mysse to amend with monys.
Turne to thy fellowes and kys.

I yelde, for in youth
we have bine fellowes, iwys.
Therfore lend me your mouth,
and frendly let us kysse.

<c>Secundus Pastor
From London to Lowth
such another shepperd I wott not where is.
Both frend and cowth,
God grant you all his blys.

<c>Tertius Pastor
To that blys bringe you
great God, if that thy will bee.

Amen, all singe you;
good men, farewell yee.

<c>Garcius
Well for to fare, eych frend,
God of his might graunt you;
for here now we make an ende.
Farewell, for wee from you goe nowe.

<d>Finis

<h>The Vintneres Playe<!-- 8 -->

<d>Incipit Pagina Octava Trium Regum Orientalium.

<c>Primus Rex
Mightye God in majestye,
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 bee
in his prophecye.

For well I wotte, forsooth iwys,
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,
for therto we binne sworne.

<c>Secundus Rex
Yea, we that binne of Balahams bloode,
that prophecyed of that sweete foode &mdash;
when Balaack, that kinge soe woode,
to curse would hee have made
Godes people of Israell.
But power fayled everye deale;
to prophecye mankyndes heale
that tyme happe lice hadd &mdash;
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,
into the Mounte Victoryall.
Paraventure such grace may fall
that starre that wee maye see.

<c>Tertius Rex
Syr, securlye I read on right;
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,
that shall forbye mankynde.

Saye, fellowe, take this coursere
and abyde mee right here.

Goe wee, syres, to our prayer,
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.

<d>Hic descendunt de equis et ibunt in montem.

<c>Primus Rex
Lord, what tyme ys yt thy will
Balahams prophecye to fullfill,
thou give us grace, both lowd and styll,
and by some signe us shewe.

<c>Secundus Rex
Yea, lord, though wee bee unworthye,
one thy men thou have mercye;
and of thy birthe thou certefye
her to thy knightes three.

<c>Tertius Rex
Lord God, leader of Israell,
that dye would for mankyndes heale,
thow come to us and not conceale,
but bee our counselour.

<c>Primus Rex
Of all this world thou art the well
that shalbe called Emanuell.
Deeme the, lord, with us to dwell,
and graunte us our prayer.

<d>Tunc apparebit stella.

<c>Primus Rex
A, syr roy, si vous ploitt,
gardes sus sur vostre teste.

<c>Secundus Rex
Une esteile issi est
que syr vous reploiste.

<c>Tertius Rex
Aloies, soit luy une semblant
de une virgin portant, come le semble,
de une enfant em brace apportement.

<c>[Primus Rex]
A, lord, blessed most thou bee,
that one thy people hase pittye.
Witterly now witten wee
that wrought is our askinge.

<c>Secundus Rex
That our prayer hard hasse hee
I leve full well, well by my lewtee;
for in the starre a chyid I see
and verye tokeninge.

<c>Tertius Rex
Lordes, I read wee hethen hye,
for I dare saye, and nothinge lye,
fullfilled is Balahams prophecye;
by this wee maye well knowe.

<d>Tunc reges iterum genua flectent, et Angelus portans stellam.

<c>Primus Rex
Yea, lest this bee some fantasye
yett praye we all speciallye;
for if hee bee borne verelye
more sygnes he will us shewe.

<c>Angelus
Ryse up, yee kinges three,
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 shalbee
and all mankynde forbye.

<d>Here the kinges ryse up.

<c>Primus Rex
Lordes, hye wee heathen anone.
Nowe wee binne bydden theder gonne,
I will never hyde &mdash; by my bonne &mdash;
tyll I at him bee.

<c>Secundus Rex
Yea, syrs, I read us everyechone
dromodaryes to ryde upon,
for swyfter beasts be there none.
One I have, ye shall see.

<c>Tertius Rex
A dromodarye, in good faye,
will goe lightly on his waye
an hundreth myles upon a daye;
such beasts nowe take wee.

<c>Primus Rex
Lordes, and I leeve well maye
that child would shorten well our waye
that bringinge presentes to his paye,
and most is of degree.

<d>Then goe downe to the beastes and ryde abowt.

<c>Primus Rex
Alas, where is this starre iwent?
Our light from us awaye is glent.
Nowe wott I not where we bene lent,
nor whitherward lyes our waye.

<c>Secundus Rex
Praye we to God with good intent,
to whome we bringe our present.
Hee will never suffer us to be shent;
that dare I bouldly saye.

<c>Tertius Rex
It is good that we enquire
if any the waye can us lere.
Saye, [belamye] that rydes there,
tell us some tydinge.

<c>The Messinger
Syr, tell me what your will were.

<c>Primus Rex
Can thou ought saye what place or where
a child is borne that crowne shall beare
and of the Jewes bee kynge?

<c>Secundus Rex
We see the starre shine verey
in the east in noble araye.
Therfore wee come nowe this waye
to worshippe him with wynne.

<c>Messinger
Hould your peace, syrs, I you praye!
For if kinge Herode here you soe saye,
he would goe wood, by my faye,
and flye out of his skynne.

<c>Tertius Rex
And sythe a kinge is soe nere,
goe wee to him in all manere.

<c>Messinger
Yee may well see hee wonnys here,
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.

<d>Here the Messinger must goe to the kinge. Minstrells here must playe.

O noble kinge and worthye conqueroure,
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;
yonder the stond, as yee may see.

<c>Primus Rex
Syr roy, ryall and reverent,
Deu vous gard, omnipotent.

<c>Secundus Rex
Nos summes veneus comoplent,
novelis de enquire.

<d>Staffe.

<c>Herodes
Bien soies venues, royes gent.
Me detes tout vetere entent.

<c>Tertius Rex
Infant querenues de grand parent,
et roy de celi et terre.

<c>Herodes
Syrs, avise you what you sayne!
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 payne
and punished appertlye.

I kinge of kinges, non soe keene;
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;
I beate all those unbuxone binne;
I drive the devils all bydeene
deepe in hell adowne.

For I am kinge of all mankynde;
I byd, I beate, I loose, I bynde;
I maister the moone. Take this in mynd &mdash;
that I am most of might.

I am the greatest above degree
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,
but I shall cracke his crowne.

Non farre nor neare that doth me nye &mdash;
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!
My hart is not at ease.

<d>Staffe.

For all men may wott and see &mdash;
both hee and you all three &mdash;
that I am kinge of Gallilee,
whatsoever he sayes or does.

<d>Sword.

What the deveil should this bee?
A boye, a growme of lowe degree,
should raygne above my ryalltee
and make me but a goose,

<d>Cast up.

that ringes and raignes so riallye?
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 mee
and found mee for to please.

<c>Primus Rex

<d>'Vidimus stellam eius in oriente et venimus cum muneribus adorare eum.'

Syr, wee see the starre appeare
in the east withouten were
in a merveilouse manere,
together as we cann praye.

<c>Secundus Rex
Wee see never non soe cleare;
by it the waye we could lere.
But when we came to your land here
then vanished it awaye.

<c>Tertius Rex
By prophecye well wotten wee
that a child born should bee
to rule the people of Judee,
as was sayd many a yeare.

<c>Herodes
That is false, by my lewtee,
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,
I will witt anon in hie
whether yee saye sooth or lye &mdash;
my clarke soone shall see.
Syr Doctor, that cheife art of clergie,
looke up thy bookes of prophecye
of Daniell, David, and Isaye,
and what thou seest say thou mee.

These kinges be come a farre way
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 laye
that all these lordes lye.

<c>Doctor
Nay, my lord, bee ye bould;
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,
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.

<c>Herodes
Nay, my true clarke, that will not I
debate with thee; therfore in hye
looke well on everye prophecye.
For nothing that thou spare,

but search the trueth of Esaye,
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;
looke non be left awaye.

<c>[Doctor]

<d>'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 declaration
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.

And now fulfilled is Jacobs prophecye;
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.

<c>Herodes

<d>A bill.

That is false, by Mahound full of might!
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.

<d>Et dicat, 'Read one.'

<c>Doctor

<d>'Cum venerit sancta sanctorum cessabit unctio vestra.'

Daniell, fulfilled with heavenly grace,
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 &mdash;
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.

<c>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.

<c>[Doctor]

<d>'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,
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,
with divers others mo fulfilled with grace,
of Christes comminge prophecied while they were livinge.

<c>Doctor

<d>'Ambulabunt gentes in lumine tuo et reges in splendore ortus tui.' Esaui sexagessimo.

Esawe, to whom the spirit of prophecye
was singulerly given through the Holy Ghost,
in his tyme prophicied that kinges witterlye
and folkes of strange natyons and from sundrye coasts &mdash;
that princes death to magnifie, which of might is moste &mdash;
should walke in great light; and brightnes should apere,
as did unto these kinges in a bright starre shininge clere.

<c>Herodes

<d>'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?

<d>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

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.

<c>Doctor

<d>'Reges Tharsis et Insule munera offerent; reges Arabum et Saba dona adducent.' [Psalmo] septuagesimo primo.

David, of all prophettes called most prepotent,
 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 &mdash;
which kinges with great treasure here in presence,
to seeke him as soverraigne and lawde his magnificence.

My lord, by prophecie is proved you beforne
that in Bethiem should bee borne
a child to save that was forlorne
and rule all Israell.

<c>Herodes

<d>Breake a sword.

By cockes sowle, thou art forsworne!
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,
Esaye, Jheremye, with all there osspringe,
here gett noe other messye or kynge
from my right title to expell.

<d>Cast up.

What a devill is this to saye:
that I should be disproved and put awaye &mdash;
syth my right is soe verey &mdash;
for a boyes boast?
This realme is myne and shalbe aye,
manfullye maynteane yt while I may,
though hee bringe with him todaye
the devill and all his hoaste.

<d>Cast up.

But goes you forth, you kinges three,
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 dignitie
in word, thought, and deede.

<c>Primus Rex
By your leave, syr, and have good daye,
tyll we come agayne this waye.

<c>Secundus Rex
Syr, as sonne as ever wee maye;
and as we seene, soe shall wee saye.

<c>Tertius Rex
And of his riches and his araye
from you wee shall not layne.

<c>Herodes
Farewell, lordes, in good faye;
but hye you fast agayne.

<d>The boye and pigge when they kinges are gonne.

Owt, alas, what the divell is this?
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 &mdash;
that I maynteane my realme amysse,
to lett a boye inherite my blys
that never was of my blood.

<d>Staffe.

But yett the lasse it greivouse mee
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,
and that will make mee fayne.

<d>Sword.

By cockes sowle, come they agayne
all three traytors shall bee slayne,
and that ylke swedlinge swayne &mdash;
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,
rufully shalbe his reade.

By Mahound full of mightes,
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,
for all his greatest hoste.

This boye doth mee soe greatly anoye
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 curiouslye
agaynst these kynges comminge.

<d>Finis

<h>The Marcers Playe<!-- 9 -->

<d>Pagina Nona: De Oblatione Trium Regum

<c>Primus Rex
Myghtie God and moste of mayne,
to honour thee wee may bee fayne:
the starre I see yt common agayne
that was owt of our sight.

<c>Secundus Rex
Thy lordshippe to us thou ney layne,
that for mankynde would suffer payne.
Thou send us grace, if thou be gayne,
to come to thee tonight.

<c>Tertius Rex
A, lord, honored be thou aye,
for nowe we shall knowe well the waye.
I will followe yt in good faye,
my forward to fulfill.

<c>[Primus Rex]
I hope withowt dreade todaye
to see that childe and his araye.
But methinkes, lordes, by my faye,
the starre yt standeth still.

<c>Secundus Rex
That is a signe wee be neare,
but high hall see I non here.
To a child of such powere
this howsinge standeth lowe.

<c>Tertius Rex
Nowe wott I well, withouten were,
without pryde hee will apere
to make men meeke, in such manere
an example us to shewe.

<c>Primus Rex
The starre yonder over the stable is.
I wotte wee be not gonne amys,
for yt hath sterred ever or this
and nowe there yt is glent.

<c>Secundus Rex
I wotte hee wonnes here, iwysse,
and this simple house is his.
Ordeyne we nowe that kinge of blys
appertly our present.

<c>Tertitjs Rex
What present best will for him fall
cast we here amongest us all;
for though hee lye in an oxe stall,
his might is never the lesse.

<c>Primus Rex
'Kinge of Jewes' wee shall him call;
therfore of mee have hee shall-
that am his subjecte and his thrall-
gould, or I passe.

For in our land is the manere
to approache noe kinge neare
but dayntye giftes rich and deare
after his dignitie.
And for a kinge gould cleane and cleare
is moste commendable. Therfore nowe here
hee shall have that of mee.
Alsoe yt seemes by this place
that little treasure his mother hasse.
Therfore to helpe hir in this case
gould shall be my present.

<c>Secundus Rex
And I will offer through Godes grace
incense that noble savoure hasse.
Stynke of the stable yt shall wast,
theras they be lent.

<c>Tertius Rex
And myrre is best my offeringe to bee:
to anoynte him, as thinkes mee,
the childes members-head and knee,
and other lymmes all.
Thus shall we honour him all three
with thinges that falles to his degree,
towchinge manhoode and deitie.
These giftes will well befall.

<c>Primus Rex
You saye well, lordes, witterlye.
As towchinge gould, prove maye I,
yt should be given him dewlye
because of temporalitye.
Syth hee shall be kinge most mightye,
trybute hee must have trulye;
and gould therfore witterlye
is beste, as thinkes me.

<c>Secundus Rex
And syth hee hath in him godhead,
methinkes best-as eate I bread-
incense to give him through my reade
in name of sacrifice,

for that may noe waye be lead.
Syth hee of Holy Church is head,
more dewe giftes, yf I should be dead,
I cannot devise.

<c>Tertius Rex
You saye full well, syrs, both two.
And myrre is good, methinkes alsoe.
Syth hee for man will suffer woo
and dye on roode-tree,
myrre-that puttes sinne him fro
and saves man from rowtinge woo;
for yt is best to balme him thoo,
that shall hee have of mee.

<c>Primus Rex
By these giftes three of good araye
three thinges understand I maye:
a kinges powere, sooth to saye,
by gould here in my hand;
and for his godhead lastlye aye
incense wee must give him todaye;
and bodely death alsoe in good faye
by myrre I understande.

<c>Secundus Rex
Gould love alsoe may signifye,
for yt men given not commonlye
but these they loven hartfullye-
this chyld as wee donne all;
 and incense tokeneth, leeve I,
orysons and prayers done devoutlye;
myrre death that man hath bodelye.
And all these him shall fall.

<c>Tertius Rex
By gould that wee to bringe are bowne,
that rychest mettall of renowne,
skyllfullye understand wee mon
most pretiouse godhead;
and incense may well be sayd
a roote of great devotyon;
by myrre, that waves corruptyon,
cleane flesh both quicke and dead.

And sycerlye this knowen wee:
hee wantes non of these three;
for full godhead in him hasse hee,
as gould maye signifie.
And sowle devout in him must bee
to come owt of the Trynitie;
and cleane flesh we hopen to see
in him full hastelye.

<c>Primus Rex
Nowe we have proved yt here
these giftes to him bee most deare,
goe wee forth in good manere
and make we our present.

<c>Secundus Rex
The starre yt shines fayre and cleare
over this stable aye entyre.
Here is his wonninge withowten were,
and herein is hee lent.

<c>Tertius Rex
A fayre mayden yonder I see,
an ould man sittinge at hir knee,
a child alsoe; as thinkes mee,
three persons them are.

<c>Primus Rex
I saye in certayne this is hee
that we have sought in farre countree.
Therfore now with all honestye
honour I will that baron.

<d>Tunc appariet sciatuum cum auto.

<c>Primus Rex
Hayle be thou, lord, Christe and messie,
that from God art common kindly,
mankynd of bale for to forbye
and into blys bringe.
We knowe well by prophecye-
of Moyses, Davyd, and Esaye,
and Balaam of our auncetrye-
of Jewes thou shalt bee kinge.

Therfore, as falleth for thy crowne,
gould I have here readye bowne
to honour thee with greate
renowne after thy royaltye.
Take here, lord, my intentyon
that I doe with devotyon,
and give mee here thy benesoun
ere that I goe from thee.

<c>Secundus Rex
Hayle be Christe Emanuell!
Thou common art for mans heale
and for to wynne agayne that wayle
that Adam put awaye.
Prophets of thee every one saye,
both Esaye and Ezechiell;
and Abraham might not conceale
the sooth of thee to saye.
Bushoppe I wotte thou must bee;
therfore now, as thinkes mee,
incense will fall best for thee;
and that nowe here I bringe
in tokninge of thy dignitie
and that office of spiritualtye.
Receave here, lord, at mee
devoutly my offeringe.

<c>Tertius Rex
Hayle, conquerour of all mankynd!
To doe mercye thou hasse mynde,
the devils band to unbynd
and releive all thyne.
A full fayre waye thou can fynd
to haunce us and put him behind,
though thy Passyon to unbynd
thy people that be in pyne;

for thou shalt mend us throgh thy might,
dye and ryse the thyrd night,
to recover agayne our right
and breake the devils bande.
Myrre to thee here have I dight
to balme thy bodye fayre and bright.
Receive my present, sweete wight,
and blesse mee with thy hand.

<c>Maria
You royall kinges in rych araye,
the high Father of heavon I praye

to yeeld you your good deede todaye,
for his micle might;
and give you will now and alwaye
to yerne the liefe that lasteth aye,
and never to fall out of the faye
that in your hartes is pight.

And leeves, lordes, withouten were,
that to my sonne you shall be deare,
that him todaye hath honored here
and me alsoe for his sake.
When tyme is come entyre
to prove his strenght and his powere,
to him you shall bee leeffe and deare-
that darre I undertake.

<c>Josephe
You kynges all comely of kynd,
full faythfully you shall yt fynd-
this menskie that God will have in mynd
and quyte you well your meede.
And leeves well: of noe mans strynde
ys hee, not gotten by leefe of kynde;
that soe beleevon are full blynde,
for I knowe yt in deede.

This mayden was betaken mee
when I had lost my jollitie,
and fayled might and postie
sinne for to assaye.
But for God would in chastitie
that we should together bee,
keeper of her virginitie
I have binne manye a daye.
Therfore I wott, forsooth iwys,
cleane mayden that shee ys
and with man did never amysse;
and therof be you bould.
But of the Holye Ghost this ys
for to bringe mankynde to blys.
And this child is verey his;
soe Gabriel! me tould.

<c>Angelus
I warne you comely kynges three,
my lord would you not spilled bee.
Therfore hee sendes you word by mee
to tome another waye.
Herodes felowshippe you shall flee;
for you, harme ordayne hasse hee.
Therfore goes not through his countree,
ne the gate you come todaye.

<c>Primus Rex
A, high lord that wee honour here,
that warnes us in thys manere-
elles had we wend without were
to him that would us spill.

<c>Secundus Rex
Yea, lord, as thou can us lere,
we will doe to our powere.

<c>Tertius Rex
Goe we hethen all in fere,
and his byddinge fullfill.

<c>Primus Rex
Farewell, syr Jasper, brother, to you,
kinge of Tharsis most worthye.
Farewell, syr Baithasar; to you I bowe.
I thanke you of your companye.
Hee that made us to meete on playne
and offered to Marye in her jesayne,
send us saffe and sound agayne
to the land we came froo.

<c>Secundus Rex
You kinges, I saye you verament:
syth God of his grace you hyther sent,
wee will doe his commandement
whatsoever may befall.
Therfore stand we not in doubt
for to walke our land about,
and of his byrth that wee maye moote
both to great and smale.

<c>Tertius Rex
Farewell, syr kynges, both in fere;
I thanke you both of your good chere.
But yett my witt in a were
lest Herode make us some trayne.
Hee that shoope both sea and sand,
send us saffe into our land.
Kynges to, give me your hand;
farewell and have good daye!

<d>Finis

<h>The Gouldesmythes and Massons Plaie<!-- 10 -->

<d>Pagina Decima: De Occisione Innocensium ex Heredis Tirannica Persuasione

<c>Herodes
Princes, prelates of price,
barronnes in blamner and byse,
beware of mee, all that binne wise,
that weldes all at my will.
Saye noe man anythinge is his
but onlye at my devyce;
for all this world lyes
to spare and eke to spill.

My subjectes all that here bine sett-
barrones, burges, and barronett-
bees bayne to mee, or you is lett,
and at my biddinge bee.
For leeves all this withouten lett,
that I will doe as I have hett,
marye that mysbegotten maremasett
that thinkes to marre mee.

And those false traytours that mee beheight
to have commen agayne this same nighte,
by another way have taken ther flight;
this waye darst the not take.
Therfore that boye, by God almight,
shall be slayne soone in your sight,
and-though it be agaynst the right-
a thousand for his sake.

Alas, what purpose had that page
that is Soe yonge and tender of age,
that would bereave my heritage,
that am so micle of might?
Forsooth that shrewe was wondrouse sage
agaynst me anye warre to wage!
That recked rybauld for all his rage
shall not reve mee my right.

But syth it may noe other bee
but these kinges are gone from me,
and that shrewe would have my soveraintye,
I thinke to put him agayne:
all the knave-children in this contree
shall by his guile, soe mote I thee.
Because I knowe not which is hee,
all for his sake shalbe slayne.

How, prettye Pratte, my messingere,
come hither to me withouten weare!
For thou must goe with hastye bere
into Judee this daye
after my doughtie and comely knightes,
and bydd them hye with all there myghtes
and that the lett for noe feightes.
Bringe them withouten delaye.

<c>Preco
Yes, my lord of great renowne,
to doe your hest I am bowne,
lightly to leape over dale and downe
and speede if I were there.
Farewell, my lord in majestee,
for on my jorney I will hye me.

<c>Herode
Now mightie Mahound be with thee,
and ever to dwell in feare.

<c>Preco
How, awake out of your sleepe,
syr Grymball and syr Lancherdeepe!
And to me you take good keepe,
for hether I am send;
my lord, kinge Herode, begines to sowne
for a shrewe would have his crowne
and thus bereave him of his renowne,
and soone would have him shend.

<c>Primus Miles
Welcome, messenger, that art soe gent.
This tydinges which my lord hath sent
they be welcome veryment.
With thee nowe will I wend.

<c>Secundus Miles
Messinger, I will in good faye
wend with you this ylke waye
to here what my lord will saye,
of this matter to make an end.

<c>Preco
Hayle, comly kynge sittinge on hye!
Here bynne thy knightes common to thee
that be men of greate degree
to here of your talent.

<c>Herod
Messingere, for thy good deede
right well shall I quite thy meede:
have here of mee to doe thee speede
right a gaye garmente.

<c>Preco
Grantmercye, lord regent;
well am I pleased to myne intent.
Mightye Mahound that I have ment
keepe you in this steede!

<c>Primus Miles
Sir Lancherdeepe, what saye ye?
This is the fayrest king that ever I see.

<c>Secundus Miles
This daye under the sunne shininge
is there non soe seemely a kinge.

<c>Primus Miles
Hayle, comely kinge crowned in gould!
Eche kinge and [kesar] kennes not your bett.
If anye weare that with your grace feight would,
such strokes for your sake sore should be sett.

<c>Secundus Miles
Yf him wee may take or gett,
the devill ought him debt;
and soe lice shalbe quitt
such maystryes for to make.

<c>Herode
Welcome, our knightes that be so gent.
Nowe will we tell you our intent,
what is the cause we for you sent
soe soone and hastelye.
Yesterdaye to this cittie
when wee weare in our royaltye,
there came to us kinges three
and tould us there intent

to seeke a child that borne should bee,
that was sayd by prophecye
that should be kinge of Judee
and manye another land.
We gave them leave to search and see
and come agayne to this cittie;
and if hee weare of such degree,
we would not him withstand.

But and they had commen agayne,
all three traytours should have binne slayne,
and alsoe that lyther swayne-
and all for his sake.
Out, alas, what may this bee?
For I knowe not which is hee,
therfore all knave-children in this contree,
on them shall fall the wreake.

For wee knowe not that child well,
though wee therfore should goe to hell,
all the children of Israel
wee deeme them to be slayne.
Counselour, what is thy reade?

<c>Doctor
Deeme them, lord, for to be dead;
for that is best, as eate I bread,
to catch that lyther swayne.

Command your knightes anon to hye,
to goe to the land of Gallile
 and into the land of Judye,
to slaye all that they may fynd.

<c>Herode
That was well sayd, my counselour.
But yett I burne as doth the fire-
what for wroth, what for yre- t
yll this be brought to end.

Therfore, my knightes good and keene,
have done belyve; goe wreake my teene.
Goe slaye that shrewe; lett yt be scene
and you be men of mayne.
Preeves manfully what they binne,
that non awaye from you fleene.
Dryve downe the dyrtie-arses all bydeene,
and soone that there were slayne!

So shall I keepe that vyle [congeon]
that this would reave mee of my crowne.
Therfore, my batchleres, make you bowne
and found to save my righte.
You must hye you out of this towne
to Bethlem as fast as you mon.
All knave-children, by my crowne,
you must sley this nighte.

<c>Primus Miles
Alas, lord and kinge of blys,
send you after us for this?
A villanye yt weare, iwys,
for my fellowe and mee
to sley a shitten-arsed shrowe;
a ladd his head [mighte] of hewe.
For rybbottes are not in this rowe,
but knightes of great degree.

<c>Secundus Miles
My leeffe lord of greate renowne,
we shall wreake you yf wee mon.
Whether hee be knight or champion
stiffer than ever Sampson was,
sickerly I shall dryve them downe.
But for to kyll such a conjoyne
mee shames sore, by saynct Mahound,
to goe in any place.

<c>Herode
Nay, nay, it is neyther on nor two
that you shall sley, as mott I goo,
but a thousand and yett moo;
takes this in your mynd.
Because I knowe not which this shrewe ys,
therfore, lest you of him mys,
you must slaye, forsooth iwys,
all that you may fynd.

You shall walke farre and neere
into Bethlem. Spare for no beere
all knave-children within two yeere
and on daye ould.
Slea them downe both on and all.
Soe shall you meete with that stall
that would my kingdome clayme and call,
 and my welth alsoe welde.

<c>Primus Miles
Hit shalbe donne, lord, in hye;
shall non be lefte witterlye.
We shall goe search by and by
in Bethlem all about,
and wreake your teene full tenderly,
leave non unslayne syckerly.
Soe shall we soone that shrewe distroye,
and keepe him in the rowte.

<d>Tunc ibunt milites simul.

But lookes you rich you to aray;
to Bethlem, that borrowe, I am bowne.
With this speare I thinke to assaye
to kyll manye a smale dongeon.
If anye blacke-lypped boyes be in my waye,
they shall rewe yt, by Mahound,
though all they world would saye nay,
I myselfe shall dinge them all downe.

If you will wytt what I height,
my name is syr Waradrake the knight.
Agaynst me dare no man fight,
my dintes they so dreade.

But fayne would I feight my fill,
as fayne as facoune would flye,
my lord to wreake at his will
and make those dogges to dye.
These congeons in there clowtes I will
kill and stowtly with strokes them destroye.
Shall never on skape by my will;
all babbes for that boye, full sore shall they bye.
Shall never non overpasse
of two yeres age and lesse;
and this boy that kinge crowned was-
shall non skape bout [scathe].

<c>Secundus Miles
And I alsoe, without boaste-
though the kingc of Scottes and all his hoste
were here-I sett by there boaste,
to dryve them downe bydeene.
I slewe ten thousand upon a daye
of kempes in there best araye;
there was not on escaped awaye,
my sword yt was so keene.

Therfore to me you take good keepe;
my name is syr Grymbald Lancherdeepe.
They that mee teene I laye to sleepe
on evirych a syde.
I slewe of kempes, I understand,
more then an hundreth thousand.
Both on water and on land
no man dare mee abyde.

Through Bethlem I will springe,
for I must nowe at your byddinge;
right all downe shall I dinge
these laddes everychone.
And then that false geldinge
that borne was soe yonge,
lice shall for nothinge
away from us gonne.

<c>Primus Miles
Farewell, my lord, and have good-daye.
For hardly thus dare I saye-
not for noe boast; in good faye,
yt is not my manere-
I would I might fynd in my waye
Sampsoun in his best araye,
to lookc whether I durst affraye
to fight with him right here.

<c>Herode
Nay, nay, I knowe well or thou sweare
that thou arte a doughtye man of warre;
and though Sampsoun were here,
soone bee should be slayne.
But yett, yett my witt is in a were
whether you shall fynd that losingere.
But speedes you fast for my prayer,
and hye you fast agayne.

<d>Tunc ibunt milites et veniet Angelus.

<c>Angelus
Josephe, aryse and that anon;
into Egipte thou must gonne-
and Marye alsoe-from your fonne.
This is my lordes will.
There stayc, lest this child be slayne,
tyll I warne thee to come agayne.
False Herode would have you fayne,
Jesus for to spill.

<c>Josephe
A, lord, blessed most thou bee.
Thyder anon we will flye.
Have we companye of thee,
we will hye one our waye.

<c>Angelus
Yea, companyc we shall you beare
tyll that you be commen there.
Herode buskes him you to deare
as fast as ever lice maye.

<c>Josephe
Marye, sustcr, now we must flytt;
upon my asse shall thou sytt,
into Egipte that wee hitt.
The angell will us leade.

<c>Maria
Syr, evermore lowd and still
your talent I shall fulfill.
I wott yt is my lordes will;
I doe as you me read.

<c>Angelus
Come nowe forth in Godes name.
I shall you shcild from all shame;
and you shall see, my leeffe dame,
a thinge to your likinge.
For mahometes both on and all,
that men of Egipt godes can call,
at your comminge downe shall fall
when I beginne to synge.

<d>Tunc ibunt et Angelus cantabit, 'Ecce dominus ascendet super nubem levem, et ingrediatur Egiptum, et moyebuntur simulachra Egipti a facie domini exercituum'; et si fueri potent, [cadet] aliqua statua sive imago.

<c>Primus Miles
Have donne, fellowes, [hie] fast,
that these queanes weare downe cast,
and the children in thrust;
and kyll them all to clowetes!

<c>Secundus Miles
Yea, syr, we dwell to longe;
therfore goe we them amonge.

They hopen to have some wronge
that gonne soe fast about us.

<c>Primus Mulier
Whom callest thou 'queane,' scabde dogge?
Thy dame, thy daystard, was never syche.
Shee burned a kylne, eych stike;
yet did I never non.

<c>Secundus Mulier
Bee thou soe hardye, I thee behett,
to handle my sonne that is so sweete,
this distaffe and thy head shall meete
or wee heathen gonne.

<c>Primus Miles
Dame, abyde, and lett mee see
a knave-child if that yt bee.
The kinge hase commanded me
all such for to areste.

<c>Prima Mulier
Arest? Ribott, for-thee
thou lyes, by my lewtye.
Therfore I read fast that thou flee
and lett mee have my peace.

<c>Secundus Mulier
Saye, rotten hunter with thy gode,
stytton stallon, styck-tode.
I rcade that thou no wronge us bode
lest thou beaton bee.
Wherto should we longer fode?
Laye we on them large lode.
There bassnetts be bygge and broade;
beates on now, letts see.

<c>Secundus Miles
Dame, thy sonne, in good faye,
hee must of me learne a playe:
hee must hopp, or I goe awaye,
upon my speare ende.

<c>Prima Mulier
Owt, owt, and weale-awaye,
that ever I abyd this daye!
One stroke yett I will assaye
to give or that I wend.

<c>Secunda Mulier
Owt, owt on thee, theife!
My love, my lord, my life, my leife,
did never man or woman greiffe
to suffer such torment!
But yet wroken I will bee.
Have here on, two, or three.
Beare the kinge this from me;
and that I yt him sennd.

<c>Primus Miles
Come hither to me, dame Parnell,
and shewe me here thy sonne snell.
For the kynge hase byd mee quell
all that we fynd mon.

<c>Prima Mulier
My sonne? Nay, stronge theiffe.
For as I have good preeffe,
do thou my child any greiffe,
I shall cracke thy crowne.

<d>Tunc Miles trasfodiet primum puerum et super lancea accipiet.

Owt, owt, and woe is me!
Theeffe, thou shall hanged be.
My chyld is dead; now I see
my sorrowe may not cease.
Thow shall be hanged on a tree
and all thy fellowes with thee.
All the men in this contree
shall not make thy peace.
Have thou this, thou fowle harlott
and thou knight, to make a knott!
And on buffett with this bote
thou shalt have to boote.
And thow this and thou this,
though thou both shyte and pisse!
And if thou thinke we doe amysse,
goe buskes you to moote.

<c>Secundus Miles
Dame, shewe thou me thy child there;
hee must hopp uppon my speare.
And hit any pintell beare,
I must teach him a playe.

<c>Secunda Mulier
Naye, freake, thou shalt fayle;
my child shall thou not assayle.
Hit bath two hooles under the tayle;
kysse and thou may assaye.

Be thou soe hardy, styck-toode,
to byde any wronge or boade!
For all thy speach and thy goade,
I read yee do but good.
For and thou do me any harme
or my child upon my arme,
I shall found to keepe thee warme,
bee thou never so wood.

<d>Tunc Secundus Miles transfodict secundum puerum.

Owt, owt, owt, owt!
You shalbe hanged, the rowte.
Theves, be you never so stout,
full fowle you have donne.

This child was taken to me
to looke to. Theves, who binne yee?
Hee was not myne, as you shall see;
hee was the kinges sonne.

I shall tell while I may drey:
his child was slayne before my eye.
Theeves, ye shall be hanged hye,
may I come to his hail.
But or I goe, have thou one,
and thou another, syr John!
For to the kinge I will anon
to playne upon you all.

<d>Tunc ibit ad Herodem.

Loe, lord, looke and see
the child that thou tooke mee.
Men of thy owne contrey
have slayne yt-here the bine.

<c>Herodes (iratus)
Fye, boore, fye! God give the pyne!
Why didest thou not say that child was myne?
But yt is vengeance, as drinke I wyne,
and that is now well scene.

<c>Secunda Mulier
Yes, lord, they see well right
thy sonne was like to be a knight.
For in gould harnesse hee was dight,
paynted wonders gaye.
Yett was I never so sore afright,
when the theire speares through him thright;
lord, so little was my might
when they beganne to fraye.

<c>Herodes
Hec was right sycker in silke araye,
in gould and pyrrie that was so gaye.
They might well knowe by this daye
he was a kinges sonne.
What the divell is this to saye?
Whye weare thy wyttes soe farre awaye?
Could thow not speake? Could thou not praye
and say yt was my sonne?

Alas, what the divell is this to meane?
Alas, my dayes binne now donne!
I wott I must dye soone.
Booteles is me to make mone,
for dampned I must bee.
My legges roten and my armes;
that nowe I see of feindes swarmes-
I have donne so many harmes-
from hell comminge after mee.

I have donne so much woo
and never good syth I might goo;
therfore I se nowe comminge my foe
to fetch me to hell.
I bequeath here in this place
my soule to be with Sathanas.
I dye now; alas, alas!
I may no longer dwell.

<d>Tunc faciet signum quasi morictur et veniet Demon.

<c>Demon
Warre, warre, for now unwarely wakes your woo!
For I am swifter then is the rowe.

I am commen to fetch this lord you froe,
in woe ever to dwell.
And with this crocked crambocke your backes shall I clowe;
and all talse beleevers I burne and lowe,
that from the crowne of the head to the right tooe
I leave noe right whole fell.

From Lucifer, that lord, I am sent
to fetch this kinges sowle here present
into hell, there to bringe him, there to be lent,
ever to live in woe;
ther fyre burnes bloc and brent.
Hee shall there be, this lord, verament.
His place evermore therein is bent,
his bodye never to goe froe.

No more shall you trespas. By my lewtye,
that flies there measures falselye
shall beare this lord companye;
the gett none other grave.
I will you bringe thus to woe,
and come agayne and fetch moe
as fast as I maye goe.
Farewell, and have good-daye.

<d>Exit Demon.

<c>Angelus
Joseph, aryse, and that in hye,
for dead is now your enimye.
Take Jhesu, the child, and eke Marye
and wend into Judye.
Herode, that would have had you slayne
hee is marred, both might and mayne.
Therfore hyes you whome agayne;
in peace now you shall be.

<c>Josephe
A, lord that madest all of nought,
yt is skyll thy will be wrought.
Now is bee dead that us hase sought;
we shall never cease
tyll that we a whome bee
agayne in our countree.
Now hope we well to live in lee
and in full great peace.

Marye, sister, we must goe
to our land that we came froe.
The angell base bydden us soe,
my owne deare sweete.
On my asse thou shalt bee
and my mantell under thee,
full easylie, sister, leeve thou mee
and that I thee behett.

<c>Maria
I thanke you, syr, as I can.
Helpe me that I weare upon.
Hee that is both God and man
keepe us in this tyde.

<c>Josephe
Come hither, deare hart-roote;
I shall soone be thy boote.
Thou shalt soonne rydc eych foote,
and I will goe by thy syde.

<c>Angelus
Nowe you be readye for to goe-
Josephe and Marye alsoe-
forsooth I will not departe you froe
but helpe you from your foe.
And I will make a melodie,
and singe here in your companye
a worde was sayd in prophecye
a thousands yeares agoe:

<d>'Ex Egipto vocavi Filiummeum, ut salvum faciet populum meum.'

<d>Finis

<h>The Blackesmythes Playe<!-- 11 -->

<d>Pagina Undecima: De Purificatione Beatae Virginiis

<c>Symeon
Mightie God, have mynd on me,
that most art in majestee.
For many a winter have I bee
preist in Jerusalem.
Mych teene and incommoditie
followeth age, full well I see;
and nowe that fytt may I not flee,
thinke me never so swem.

When I am dead and layd in claye,
wend I mote the same waye
that Abraham went, the sooth to saye,
and in his bosome be.
But heaven-blysse after my daye-
tyll Godes Sonne come, the sooth to say,
to ransome his folke, in better araye
to blysse come never wee.

That Christe shall come well I wott,
but daye nor tyme may noe man wott.
Therfore my booke looke I mott,
my hart to glad and light.
When Esaye sayth I will see,
for well I wott how yt shalbe;
or I deed, well were me
of him to have a syght.

<d>Tunc respitiens librum legat prophetiam: 'Ecce virgo concipiet et pariet fllium' etc.

A, lord, mich is thy power;
a wonder I fynd written here.
It sayth a mayden clean and cleare
shall conceive and beare
a sonne called Emanuell.
But of this leeve I never a deale;
it is wronge written, as have I heale,
or elles wonder yt were.

He that wrote this was a fonne
to writte 'a virgin' hereupon
that should conceive without helpe of man;
this writinge mervayles me.
I will scrape this awaye anon;
thereas 'a virgin' is written on
I will write 'a good woman'-
for so yt should be.

<d>Tunc fabricabit librum quasi deleret hoc verbum (virgo); et post ponit librum super altare. Et veniet Angelus et accipiet librum, faciens signum quasi scriberet; et claudet librum et vuanesset; et dicat Anna Vidua.

<c>Anna Vidua
Simeon, father, sooth I see
that Christe shall come, our boote to be,
from the Father in majestie
on mankynd for to myne.
And when he comes, leeves you mee,
hee will have mercye and pittie
on his folke, to make them free
and salve them of there synne.

<c>Simeon
The tyme of his comynge knowe I nought;
yett manye bookes have I sought.
But wonderlye hee that this writinge wrought,
and marvell thinkes mee.
My booke to looke yf I fynde ought
what maner mankynde shalbe
bought and what tyme yt shalbe.

<d>Tunc accipiet librum et admirando dicat:

A, lord, how may this be? Todaye
that I wrote last I fynd awaye
and of red letters in stowte araye
'a virgin' written therin.
Nay, faye, after I will assaye
whether this miracle be verey,
and scrape this word written so gaye
and write 'a good woman.'

<d>Tunc iterum fabricat ut antea.

Dame Anne, thou may se well here
this is amended in good manere;
for a wonder thinge yt weare
to fall by any waye.
Therfore, as yt was amisse,
I have written that soother ys:
that 'a good woman' shall iwys
conceive, and not a maye.

<d>Tunc ponit librum super altare, et faciet Angelus ut antea.

<c>Anna
Syr, marvayle yoe nothinge thereon;
forsooth God will take kynd in man.
Through his godhead ordayne hee can
a mayd a child to beare.
For to that high comly kinge
impossible is nothinge.
Therfore I leeve yt no leasinge,
but sooth all that is here.

<c>Simeon
My faye, yet eft will I see
whether my letters changed be.

<d>Accipiet librum.

A, hye God in Trinitee,
honored be thou aye.
For goulden letters, by my lewtye,
are written through Godes postie
syth I layd my booke from mee
and my writinge awaye,

thereas 'a good woman' written was
right nowe here before my face;
yet stirred I not owt of this place,
and my letter changed is.

This must be needes by Godes grace,
for an angell this written hase.
Nowe leeve I a mayd in this case
shall beare a barron of blysse.

Now, lord, syth that yt so is-
that thou wilt be borne with blisse
of a mayd that never did amysse-
on mee, lord, thou have mynd.
Lett me never death tast, lord full of grace,
tyll I have seene thy childes face
that prophecied is here in this place
to kever all mankinde.

<c>Angelus
Simeon, I tell thee sickerly
that Godes owne ghost am I,
common to warne thee witterly:
death shall thou never see
tyll thou have seene Christe verey
that borne is of meaden Marye
and common mankynd for to forbye.

<c>Simeon
A, lord, I thanke thee of thy grace
that thy goste sent to mee hase.
Nowe hope I syckerlye in this place
thy Sonne for to see,
that of a virgin must be borne
to save mankynd that was forlorne,
as Esaues bookes tould me beforne.
Lord, blessed must thou bee.

<d>Tunc Simeon sedebit expectans consolationem; de alio loco [procull] a templo

<c>Maria
Joseph, my owne trewe fere,
now redde I-if your will weare-
syth fortye dayes are gonne entere,
the temple that wee goe to
and, Moyses lawe for to fulfill,
my sonne to offer Simeon tyll.
I wott well that yt is Godes will
that we nowe soe doe.

<c>Josephe
Yea, Marye, though yt be no neede-
syth thou art cleane in thought and deede-
yett yt is good to do as God bade
and worke after his sawe,
and to the temple that we goe
and take with us dove-byrdes two
or a turtle to offer too,
and soe fulfill Goddes lawe.

<c>Maria
Ryghtwise Simeon, God thee see!
Here am I common here to thee
purified for to be
with myld harte and meeke.
Receave my sonne nowe at mee
and to my offringe bryddes three,
as falles, syr, for your degree
and for your office eke.

<c>Josephe
A signe I offer here alsoe
of virgin waxe, as other moo,
in tokeninge shee hase lived oo
in full devotion.
And, syr Simeon, leeve well this:
as cleane as this waxe nowe is,
as cleane is my wife, iwys,
of all corruption.

<d>Tunc Simeon accipiet puerum in ulnas.

<c>Simeon
Welcome, Christ my saviour!
Welcome, mankyndes conqueroure!
Welcome, of all fruites the flowre,
welcome with all my harte!
To thee worshippe, joye, and honour!
For nowe I see my saviour
is commen to leech my langour
and bringe me unto blys.

Though I bere thee nowe, sweete wight,
thou rulest mee as yt is right;
for through thee I have mayne and myght
more then through waye of kynde.
Therfore a songe, as I have tyght,
and laudes to thee with hart right
I will shewe here in thy sight;
of mee, lord, thou have mynde.

<d>Tunc cantabit 'Nunc dimittis servum tuum, domine' etc.

Nowe, lord, lett thy servant bee
after thy word in peace and lee,
for with my eyes nowe I see
thou art mankyndes heale.
And thou hast ordayned there thy postie
to people which thou hast pittie.
Lightninge is commen nowe through thee
and joye to Israell.

And Marye, mother, to thee I saye:
thy sonne that I have scene todaye
is commen-I tell thee in good faye-
for fallinge of many fonne;
and to releeve in good araye
manye a man, as hee well maye,
in Israell or hee wend awaye
that shall leeve him upon.

Manye signes hee shall shewe
in which untrewe shall non trowe.
And suffer thou shalt many a throwe,
for sword of sorrowe it shall goe
through thy hart, that men shall knowe
thoughtes in harte-on a rowe-
of men that shall contrarye you
and found to worke thee woe.

<c>Anna Vidua
And I acknowledge to thee, lord, here:
to leeve on thee through thy power,
that fore score and fore yeares
hase send me might and grace
to live in pennance and prayer.
Nowe wott I well withowten were
that thou art Christ in godhead cleare,
in thee wholey thou hast.

And openly here sooth I saye
to all thy people that I see maye-
the which have wayted many a daye
after thee, saviour-
that thou art commen, Christ verey;
this wott I well by many a way.
Therfore I honour thee now and aye,
my Christ, my creatour.

<c>Maria
Josephe, husband leeffe and deare,
our child is gonne upon his waye.
My harte were light and hee weare here;
lett us goe seech him, I thee praye.
For sodenlye hee went his waye
and left us both in Jerusalem-
greatly in likinge manye a day-
that wilbe lord over all the realme.

<c>[Joseph]
Marye, of myrthes we may us meane,
and truely tell betwixt us two
of fearly sightes that wee have seene
syth wee came the cittye froe.

<c>[Marye]
Deare Josephe, you will not weene
syth our child hath binne us with-
homward I read, I read we hye-
hee kept us both from growne and gryth.
In all the might that ever we maye-
for dread of wicked companye,
lest any us meete upon the waye-
homwarde therfore I read wee hye.

<c>Primus Docyor
Here our reason right on a rowe,
you clarkes that be of great cunninge:
methinkes this child will learne our lawe;
hee taketh great tent to our talkinge.

<c>Deus
You clearkes that be of great degree,
unto my talkinge you take good heede.
My Father that sitteth in majestie,
hee knowes your workes in thought and deede.
My Father and I together bee
in on godhead withouten dread.
We be both on in certayntie,
all these workes to rule and reade.

<c>Primus Docyor
Hearkes this child in his bourdinge!
Hee weenes hee kennes more then hee knowes.
Certes, sonne, thou art over-yonge
by cleargie cleane to knowe our lawes.
Therefore, if thou wouldest never so fayne,
further in age tyll thou have drawe-
yett art thou neither of might nor mayne
to knowe yt as a clarke might knowe.

<c>Secundus Docyor
And thou wilt speake of Moyses lawe,
take good heede and thou may see,
in case be that thou can knowe,
here in this booke that written bee.

<c>Deus
The kingdome of heaven is in me light
and hath me annoynted as a leach,
and given me playne power and might
the kingdome of heaven to tell and teach.

<c>Secundus Docyor
Behould how hee hase learned our lawes,
and he learned never on booke to reade.

Methinkes hee sayes suttle [sawes]
and very trueth, if you take heede.

<c>Tertius Docyor
Lett him wend forth on his wayes;
for and he dwell, withouten dread,
the people full sonne will him prayse
well more then wee, for all our deede.

<c>Primus Docyor
This is nothinge to my entent;
such speach to spend I read we spare.
And wyde in world as I have went,
yett found I never so farrely fare.

<c>Secundus Docyor
By matters that this child hath ment
to knowe our lawes, both lesse and more,
owt of heaven I hope him sent
into the earth to salve our sore.

<c>Deus
You that be maisters of Moyses lawe
and worthye doctours of great degree,
one commandment you to me shewe
that God on earth bade kept should be.

<c>Primus Docyor
I read this is the first biddinge,
and is the most in Moyses lawe:
to love our God above all thinge
with all our might and all our lawe.

<c>Deus
That for to do, looke yee be bayne
with all your harte with good intent.
Take you not his name in vayne;
this is my Fathers commandment.

Alsoe you honour your holye daye;
no workes save almes-deedes you doe.
These three, the certayne for to saye,
the first table belongen to.
Alsoe father and mother worshippe aye.
Take no mans goodes without the right.
All false witnesse you put awaye,
and slea no man by day nor night.

Envy do by no woman,
to do her shame by night or daye.
Other mens wives desyre you not;
all such desyres you put awaye.
Looke ye ne steale by night nor daye,
whatsoever that you be lent.
These wordes understand you maye;
they are my Fathers commandment.

<c>Tertius Docyor
Syr, this child of mycle pryce
which is yonge and tender of age,
I hould him sent from the high justice
to wynne agayne our heritage.

<c>Maria
Nowe blessed be hee us hither brought;
in land lyves non so bright.

See where hee sittes thatt wee have sought
amonge yonder maisters micle of might.
Wend forth, Josephe, upon your waye
and fetch our sonne-and lett us fare-
that sytteth with yonder doctours gaye;
for we have had of him great care.

<c>Josephe
Marye, wife, thou wottes right well
that I must all my traveyle teene;
with men of might I cannot mell,
that syttes soe gaye in furres fine.

<c>Maria
My deareworthy sonne, to mee so deare,
wee have you sought full wonder wyde.
I am right glad that you be here,
that we found you in this tyde.

<c>Deus
Mother, full ofte I tould you tyll:
my Fathers workes, for wayle or woe,
hither was I sent for to fuffill;
that must I needes doe or I goe.

<c>Maria
They sawes, sonne, as have I heale,
[I] can nothinge understand.
I shall thinke on them full well
and fownd to doe that the command.

<c>Angelus
Now have you hard, all in this place,
that Christ is commen through his grace-
as holye Esau prophecied hase-
and Symeon hase him seene.
Leeve you well this, lordes of might,
and keepe you all his lawes of right,
that you may in his blisse so bright
evermore with him to leene.

<d>Finis

<h>The Bowchers Playe<!-- 12 -->

<d>Incipit Pagina Duodecima qualiter Jhesus ductus est in desertum a Spiritu. Incipiat Diabolus.

<c>Diabolus
Nowe by my soverayntie I sweare
and principallitye that I beare
in hell-pine, when I am theare,
a gamon I will assaye.
There is a doseberd I would deare
that walkes abroad wydewhere.
Who is his father I wott neare,
the sooth if I should saye.

What maister mon ever be this
that nowe in world commen is?
His mother I wott did never amisse,
and that now mervayles mee.

His [father] cannot I find iwys,
for all my crafte and my couintise.
Hit seemes that heaven all should be his,
so stowte a syre is hee.

He is man from foote to crowne,
and gotten without corruption;
so cleane of conversation
knewe I non before.
All men of him mervayle mone,
for as man hee goeth up and downe;
but as God with devotion
[he has bene honoured yore].

Sythen the world first begane
knewe I never such a man
borne of a deadlych woman,
and hee yet wembles.
Amonge sinfull synne dose hee none,
and cleaner then ever was anyone;
blotles eke of blood and bonne,
and wiser then ever man was.

Avarice nor any envye
in him could I never espie.
He hase no gould in tresorye,
ne tempted ys by no syght.
Pryde hasse he none, ne gluttonye,
ne no likinge of lecherye.
His mouth hard I never lye
neather by day nor night.

My heighnes he puttes aye behynd,
for in him faulte non can I fynd.
If hee be God in mans kinde,
my crafte then fully fayles.
And more then man I wott hee is,
elles somethinge he did amys;
save only [hongarye he is],
iwis, elles wott I not what him ayles.

And this thinge dare I soothly saye:
if that hee be God verey
honger should greeve him by no waye;
that weare agaynst reasoun.
Therfore nowe I would assaye
 with speach of bread him to betraye,
for he hasse fast nowe manye a daye;
therfore bread were in seasoun.

<d>Diabolus dicit:

Thou, man, abyde and speake with mee.
Goddes Sonne yf that thou be,
make of these stones-nowe lett see-
bread through thy blessinge.

<c>Deus
Sathan, I tell thee sycerly
bread man lives not only bye,
but through Goddes word verelye
of his mouth [cominge].

Therfore thou pynes thee, Sathanas,
to suplant mee of my place
by meate, as sometyme Adam was,
of blys when hee was brought.
Disceaved hee was that tyme through thee,
but nowe must fayle thy postee;
therfore to meeve that thinge to mee
yt shall serve thee of nought.

Sathan, through thine inticement
honger shall nought tome myne intent,
for Goddes will omnypotent
is my meat withouten fayle,
and his word perfect sustenance
to mee aiwayes without distance;
for thou shalt finde no varyance
in mee that shall thee avayle.

<c>Diabolus
Owt, alas! What is this?
This matter fares all amysse;
hongree I see well hee is,
as man should kindlye.
But through no craft ne no coyntyse
I cannot tome his will, iwys;
that neede of any bodely blys
in him nothinge hasse hee.

For hee may suffer all maner of noye
as man should, well and stifflye;
but aye hee winneth the victorye
as godhead in him weare.
Some other sleight I mott espye
this disobedient for to destroye;
for of rnee hee hasse the maistrie
unhappingely flowe here.

Adam, that God hiniselfe wrought,
through my discent in bale I brought;
but this syre that I have sought,
borne of on woman,
for no neede that himselfe hasse,
with no counsell in this case
to greeve him I may have no grace,
for no craft that I can.

Yett will I seeke some sutteltie
Come forth, thou Jhesu, come with me
to this holy cittie;
I have an errande to saye.
Verey God if that thou bee
nowe I shall full well see,
for I shall shape honour for thee
or that thou wend awaye.

<d>Tunc statuat Jesus super pinnaculum templi, et dicat Diabolus:

Say thou nowe that syttes so high:
if thou be Goddes Sonne, by sleight
come downe, and I will saye in sight
thou diddest a fayre maistrye.
Thine owne angells mon keepe to thee
that thou hurt no foote ne knee.
Shewe thy power; now lett see
that thou may have maistrye therbye.

<d>Jesus dicit ad Diabolum

<c>Jesus
Sathan, securlye I thee saye
hit is written that thou ne maye
tempt God, thy lord, by no waye,
what matter soever be ment.

<d>Discendens de pinnaculo dicat Diabolus:

Alas, that me is woe todaye!
This have I fayled of my praye.
Was I never rent in such araye
ne halfe so foule reprived.

<d>Tunc Sathan adducet Jhesum super montem, et dicat Diabolus:

Yett, fellowe, if it be thy will,
goe we playe us to a hill;
another poynte I must fulfill
for ought that may befall.
Looke abowte thee nowe and see
of all this reaime the royaltie;
for to kneele downe and honour me
thou shall be lord of all.

<c>Jesus
Goe forth, Sathanas, goe forth, goe!
It is written and shalbe soe:
'Thy lord God thou shalt honoure oo
and serve him though thee nye.'

<c>Diabolus
Owt, alas! That me is woe
for found I never so great a foe.
Though I to threepe be never soe throe,
I am overcommen thrye.

Alas, my slight nowe am I qwyt.
Adam I founded with a fytt,
and him in comberans soonne I knyt
through contyse of my crafte.
Nowe soone of sorrowe he mone be shitt
and I punished in hell-pitt.
Knewe I never man of such wytt
as him that I have [lafte].

Alas, for shame I am shent.
With hell-houndes when I am hent
I must be ragged and all torent
and dryven to the fyre.
In sorrowe and woe nowe am I brought,
and all my cunninge is sett at nought;
endles payne must I have unsought
to my reward and hyre.

But I am nowe of good intent
to hould a court ful diligent,
and call my servants verament
shortly for to appeare;

then to reward with dignitie
that all their life have served mee.
In burninge blys there shall they bee
and sytt with Luciferre.

<c>Doctour
Loe, lordinges, Godes righteousnes,
as Gregorye makes mynd expresse:
syns our forfather overcommen was
by three thinges to doe evill-
gluttonye, vaynglorye, there bine too,
covetous of highnes alsoe-
by these three poyntes, bowt moe,
Christ hasse overcommen the devil!.

That Adam was tempted in gluttonye
I may well prove appertly,
when of that fruite faisly
the devyll made him to eate.
And tempted hee was in vayneglorye
when hee height him great maistrie,
and have godhead unworthelye
through eatinge of that meat.

Alsoe hee was tempted in avarice
when he height him to be wise,
knowe good and evill at his devise
more then he was worthye.
For covetousnes, Gregorye sayth expresse,
sinnes nought greatly in riches
but in willinge of highnes
and state unskylfullye.
Alsoe Christe in these sinnes three
was tempted, as yee might well see;
for in gluttonye-leeve yee mee-
hee moved him sleightely here
when he entysed him through his read
to torne the stones into bread,
and soe to move his godhead
which hee was in a weare.

In vayneglorye he tempted him alsoe,
when hee bade him down to goe
the pinnacle of the temple froe
an unskilfull gate.
And in covetousnes he tempted was
when hee shewed him such ryches
and height him londes more and lesse,
and that through great estate.

This overcome thrise in this case
the devil!, as playd was in this place,
of the three sinnes that Adam was
of wayle into woe weaved.
But Adam fell through his trespas,
and Jhesu withstoode him through his grace;
for of his godhead soothnes
that tyme was cleane disceived.

<d>Tunc venient duo Pharasei adducentes mulierem in adulterio deprehensam. Dicat

<c>Primus Pharaseus
Maister, I read by God almight
that we lead this wretched wight,

that was taken thus tonight
in fowle advowtrye,
before Jhesu in his sight;
for so to tempt him I have tyght
to wyt whether hee will deeme the right
or elles unlawfullye.

<c>Secundus Pharaseus
That is good read, fellowe, by my faye.
Soe mone we catch him by some waye;
for if hee doe hir grace todaye,
he dose agaynst the lawe.
And if hee byd punish her sore,
hee dose agaynst his owne lore
that hee hasse preached here before:
to mercye mon should drawe.

<d>Tunc adducent mulierem inter se coram Jesu, et dicat

<c>Primus Pharaseus
Mayster, this woman that is here
was wedded lawfully to yeare;
 but with another then her feare
we found hem doe amisse.
And Moyses lawe byddes us stone
all such as binne uncleane.
Therfore to thee we can us meane
to give a dome of this.

<d>Jesus scribens in terra dicat:

Nowe which of you everychon
is bowt synne, buske him anon
and cast at her the first stonne
belyve or that ye blynne.

<c>Primus Pharaseus
Speake on, maister, and somewhat saye:
shall shee be stoned or elles naye;
or do hem mercye as thou maye,
to forgive her this synne?

<c>Secundus Phariseus
Mayster, why art thou so styll?
What writest thou, if it be thy will?
Whether shall we spare or spill
this woman found in blame?
What wmitest thou, maister? Now lett me see.
Owt, alas that woe is mee!
For no longer dare I here bee,
for dread of worldly shame.

<d>Et fugiet, et postea dicat Primus Pharaseus:

Why fleest thou, fellowe, be thy faye?
I will see soone and assaye.
Alas, that I weare awaye
farre beyonde France!
Stond you, Sybble, him besyde.
No longer here dare I abyde
agayst thee for to chyde,
as have I good chance.

<d>Et fugiet, et dicat Jesus ad mulierem:

Woman, where binne these men eychon
that putten this gilt thee upon?
To dampne thee nowe there is none
of tho that were before.

<c>Mulier Adulteria
Lord, to dampne mee there is non,
for all they binne awaye gonne.

<c>Jesus
Nowe I dampne thee not, woman.
Goe forth and synne noe more.

<c>Muller
A, lord, blessed most thou be,
that of mischeiffe hasse holpen mee.
Hethenforth filth I will flee
and serve thee in good faye.
For godhead full in thee I see
that knowes worke that doe wee.
I honour thee, kneelinge one my knee,
and so will I doe aye.

<c>Docyor
Nowe, lordes, I pray you marke here
the great goodnes of Godes deede.
I will declare, as hit is neede,
these thinges that playd were,
as Augustine speaketh expressely
of hit in his homely
upon St. Johns Evangelye;
this hee sayes in that case:

two wayes the casten him to anoye
syns he had preached mych of mercye,
and the lawe commandeth expressely
sych women for to stone
that trespassen in advowtrye.
Therfore they hoped witterlye
varyans in him to espye-
or blenquyshe the lawe cleane.

That wyst Jesu full well their thought,
and all theire wyttes hee sett at nought-
but bade which synne had not wrought
cast first at her a stonne;
and wrote in claye-leeve yee mee-
their owne synnes that they might see,
that ichone fayne was to flee,
and they lefte hir alonne.

For eychon of them had grace
to see theire sinnes in that place;
yett non of them wiser was,
but his synnes eych man knewe.
And fayne the were to take the waye
lest they had dampned binne that daye.
Thus helpe that woman in good faye,
our sweete lord Jesu.

<d>Finis

<h>The Glovers Playe<!-- 13 -->

<d>Pagina Decima Tertia: De Chelidonio et de Resurrectione Lazari

<c>Jesu
<i>'Ego sum lux mundi. Qui sequitur me non ambulat in tenebris sed habebit lumen vitae.'</i>
Brethren, I am Filius Dei, the light of this world.
Hee that followeth me walketh not in dearknes
but hath the light of life; the scriptures so recorde;
as patriarches and prophets of me bearen wytnes,
both Abraham, Isaack, and Jacob in there sundrye testimonies,
unto whom I was promised before the world beganne
to paye there ransome and to become man.

Ego et Pater unum sumus: my Father and I are all on,
which hath me sent from the throne sempiternall
to preach and declare his will unto man
because hee loveth him above his creatures all
as his treasure and dearlinge most principall-
man, I say agayne, which is his owne elect,
above all creatures peculiarlye select.

Wherfore, deare brethren, yt is my mynd and will
to goe to Bethenye that standeth herebye,
my Fathers hestes and commandmentes to fulfill.
For I am the good sheppard that putteth his life in jeoperdye
to save his flocke, which I love so tenderlye;
as yt is written of mee-the scripture beareth wytnes-
'bonus pastor ponit animam suam pro [ovibus] suis.'

Goe we therfore, brethren, while the day is light,
to do my Fathers workes, as I am fully mynded;
to heale the sicke and restore the blynd to sight,
that the prophecye of mee may be fulfilled.
For other sheepe I have which are to me commytted.
They be not of this flocke, yet will I them regard,
that there may be one flocke and one sheppard.

But or we goe hence, printe these sayinges in your mynd and harte;
recorde them and keepe them in memorye.
Contynue in my worde; from yt doe not departe.
Therby shall all men knowe most perfectlye
that you are my disciples and of my familie.
Goe not before me, but let my word be your guide;
then in your doinges you shall alwayse well speede.

<d>'Si vos manseritis in sermone meo, veri discipuli mei eritis, et cognoscetis veritatem, et veritas liberabit vos.'

<c>[Puer] (ducens Caecum)
If pittie may move your jentyll harte,
remember, good people, the poore and the blynd,
with your charitable almes this poore man to comforte.
Yt is your owne neighbour and of your owne kynd.

<c>Caecus
Your almes, good people, for charitie,
to me that am blynd and never did see,

your neighbour borne in this cittie;
helpe or I goe hence.

<c>Petrus
Maister, instruct us in this case
why this man borne blynd was.
Is it for his owne trespas
or elles for his parentes?

<c>John
Was synne the cause oryginall,
wherin we be conceived all,
that this blynd man was brought in thrall?

<c>Jesus
Hit was neither for his offence,
neither the synne of his parentes,
or other fault or negligence
that hee was blynd borne;
but for this cause spetiallye:
to sett forth Goddes great glorye,
his power to shewe manifestlye,
this mans sight to reforme.

While the daye is fayre and bright,
my Fathers workes I must worke right
untyll the comminge [of] the night
that light be gonne awaye.
In this world when I am heare,
I am the light that shyneth cleare.
My light to them shall well appeare
which cleeve to mee alwaye.

<d>Tunc Jesus super terram spuit et lutum faciat, et oculos Caeci manibus fricabit; postea dicat.

<c>Jesus
Doe, man, as I say to thee.
Goe to the water of Siloe,
there washe thy eyes, and thou shalt see;
and give to God the prayse.

<d>Tunc Caecus quaerit aquam et abut Jesus.

<c>Caecus
Leade me, good child, right hastely
unto the water of Siloe.

<d>Tunc lavat, et postea dicat:

Praysed be God omipotent
which nowe to me my sight hath sent.
I see all thinges nowe here present.
Blessed be God alwaye.

When I had donne as God me badde,
mye perfect sight forthwith I hadde;
wherfore my hart is now full gladde
that I doubt where I am.

<c>Primus Vicinus
Neighbour, if I the trueth should saye,
this is the blynd man which yesterdaye
asked our almes as we came this waye.
Yt is the verey same.

<c>Secundus Vicinus
No, no, neighbour, yt is not hee,
but yt is the likest to him that ever I see.
One man to another like may bee,
and so is hee to him.

<c>Caecus
Good men, truely I am hee
that was blynd, and nowe I see.
I am no other verelye;
enquire of all my kynne.

<c>Primus Vicinus
Then tell the trueth, we thee praye,
how this his happened to us saye-
thou that even yesterdaye
couldest see no yearthly thinge,
and nowe seest so perfectly.
No want of sight in thee we see.
Declare therfore to us truelye
withowt more reasoninge.

<c>Caecus
The man which we call Jesus,
that worketh miracles daylye with us
and whom we finde so gratiouse,
anoynted my eyes with claye.
And to the water of Siloe
he bade me goe immediatelye
and wash my eyes, and I should see;
and thyder I tooke my waye.

When the water on my eyes light,
immediately I had my sight.
Was there never yearthly wight
so joyfull in his thought.

<c>Secundus Vicinus
Where is hee nowe, we thee praye?

<c>Caecus
I knowe not where he is, by this daye.

<c>Secundus Vicinus
Thou shalt with us come on this waye
and to the Pharasyes these wordes saye.
But yf thou would these thinges denye,
yt shall helpe thee right nought.

Looke up, lordinges and judges of right!
We have brought you a man that had no sight
and one the sabaoth day through on mans might
was healed and restored forsooth.

<c>Primus Vicinus
Declare to them, thou wicked wight,
who did restore thee to thy sight,
that we may knowe anonright
of this matter the trueth.

<c>Caecus
Jesus annoynted my eyes with claye
and bade mee washe in Siloe,
and before I come awaye
my perfect sight I hadd.

<c>Primus Pharaseus
This man, the trueth if I should saye,
is not of God-my head I laye-
which doth violate the saboath daye.
I judge him to be madd.

<c>Secundus Pharaseus
I cannot enter into my thought
that hee which hath thys marveyle wrought
should be a synner-I leeve yt nought;
hit is not in my creede.
Saye what is hee that did thee heale.

<c>Caecus
A prophet hee ys, withowt fayle.

<c>Primus Pharaseus
Surely thou arte a knave of kynde
that faynest thyselfe for to be blynde;
wherfore nowe this is my mynde,
the trueth to trye indeede.

His father and mother, both in feere,
shall come declare the matter heere,
and then the trueth shall soone appeare
and we put out of doubt.
Goe forth, messinger, anon in hye,
and fetch his parentes by and by.
This knave can nought but prate and lye;
I would his eyes were out.

<c>Nuntius
Your byddinge, maister, I shall fulfill
and doe my dutye as is good skill,
for this daye hither I knowe the will,
and I shall spie them out.

<d>Tunc circumspectat, et adloquitur eos:

Syr and dame, both in feare,
you must afore the Pharasies appeare.
What there will is, there shall you heare.
Have donne and come your waye.

<c>Mater
Alas, man, what doe we heere?
Must we afore the Pharasyes appeare?
A vengeance on them farre and neare;
they never did poore men good!

<c>Pater
Dame, here is no other waye
but there commandment wee must obeye,
or elles they would without delaye
course us and take our good.

<c>Nuncius
Here I have brought as you bade me
these two persons that aged bee.
They be the parentes of him truely
which sayd that he was blynde.

<c>Primus Pharaseus
Come neare to us both too,
and tell us truely or ere wee goe
whether this be your sonne or noe
looke floe descent we fynde.

<c>Pater
Maysters, we knowe certaynlye
our sonne hee is-we cannot denye-
and blynd was borne, undoubtedly,
and that we will depose.

But whoe restored him to his sight
we be uncertayne, by God almight.
Wherfore of him, as is right,
the trueth you must enquyre.

<c>Mater
For he hath age his tale to tell,
and his mother-tonge to utter hit well;
although hee could never bye nor sell,
lett him speake, we desyre.

<c>Primus Pharaseus
Give prayse to God, thou craftie knave,
and looke hereafter thou do not rave
nor saye that Jesus did thee save
and restored thee to thy sight.

<c>Secundus Pharaseus
Hee is a sinner and that wee knowe,
disceavinge the people to and froe.
This is most true that wee thee showe.
Beleeve us as is right.

<c>Caecus
If he bee sinfull I doe not knowe,
but this is trueth that I doe showe.
When I was blynd and in great woe,
hee cured me, as yee see.

<c>Primus Pharaseus
What did hee, thou lither swayne?

<c>Cecus
I tould you once; will you here hit agayne?
Or his disciples will [you] become,
of all your sinnes to have remission?

<c>Secundus Pharaseus
O cursed caytyffe, yll moote thow thee!
Would thou have us his disciples to bee?
No, no! Moyses disciples binne wee,
for God with him did speake.

But whence this is, I never knewe.

<c>Cecus
I marvayle of that, as I am trewe-
that you knowe not from whence hee should bee
that me cured that never did see-
knowinge this most certaynlye:
God wyll not sinners here.
But hee that honoreth God truely,
him will hee here by and by
and grant his askinge gratiously,
for that man is to him deare.

And to this I dare be bould,
there is noe man that ever could
restore a creature to his sight
that was blynd borne and never sawe light.
If he of God were not, iwis,
hee could never worke such thinges as this.

<c>Primus Pharaseus
What, sinful! knave! Wilt thou teach us
which all the scriptures can discusse,
and of our livinge be so vertuous?
We curse thee owt of this place.

<c>Jesus
Beleeves thou in God Sonne trulye?

<c>Caecus
Yea, gratious lord. Whoe is hee?

<c>Jesus
Thou hast him scene with thy eyee.
Hee is the same that talketh with thee.

<c>Caecus
Then I here, I honour him with hart free,
and ever shall serve him until! I dye.

<c>Primus Judeus
Saye, man that makest such maistrye,
or thow our sowles doe anoye,
tell us here appertly
Christ yf that thou be.

<c>Jesus
That I spake to you openlye
and workes that I doe verelye
in my Fathers name almightie
beareth wytnes of mee.

But you beleeve not as you scene,
for of my sheepe yee ne beene;
but my flocke, withowten weene,
here my voyce alwaye.
And I knowe them well eychon,
for with me alwaye the gonne;
and for them I ordayned in my owne
everlastinge life for aye.

No man shall reave my sheepe from me,
for my Father in majestie
ys greater then binne all yee,
or any that ever was.

<c>Secundus Judeus
Thou shalt abye, by my bone,
or thou heathen passe.
Helpe, fellowe, and gather stones
and beate him well, for cockes bones.
He scornes us quiantlye for the nones
and doth us great anoye.

<d>Tunc lapides colligunt.

Yea, stones nowe here I have
for this rybauld that thus can rave.
One stroke, as God me save,
he shall have soone in hye.

<c>Jesus
Wretches, manye a good deede
I have donne, yea in great neede;
nowe quite you fowle my meede
to stone me on this manere.

<c>Primus Judeus
For thy good deede that thou hast wrought
at this tyme stone we thee nought.
Both in word and thought
there thou lyes falselye.

<c>Jesus
But I doe well and truely
my Fathers biddinge by and by,
elles may you hope well I lye
and then leeves you me nought.

But sythen you will not leeve me,
nor my deedes that you may see,
to them beleevinge takes yee,
for nothinge may be soother.
Soe may you knowe well and verey
in my Father that I ame aye,
and hee in mee, sooth to saye,
and eyther of us in other.

<d>Tunc colligunt lapides et statim evanescit Jesus.

<c>Secundus Judeus
Owt, owt, alas where is our fonne?
Quyntly that hee is heathen gonne.
I would have taken him, and that anone,
and fowle him all to-frapped.
Yea, make we never so much mone,
nowe there is noe other wonne,
for hee and his men everychone
are from us clearly scaped.

<c>Primus Judeus
Nowe by the death I shall one dye,
may I see him with my eye,
to syr Cayphas I shall him wrye
and tell that shall him deare.
See I never none, by my faye,
when I had stones, soc soone awaye.
But yet no force! Another daye
his tabret we shall feare.

<c>Maria
A, lord Jesu, that me is woo
to wytt my brother syckly soo!
In feeble tyme Christ yoode me froo.
Well were we and hee were here.

<c>Martha
Yea, sister, abowt I will goe
and seeke Jesu too and froo.
To helpe him hee would be throo
and hee wyst how hit were.

<d>Tunc venit Jesus.

A, my lord, sweete Jesus, mercye!
Lazar, that thou loved tenderlye,
lyeth sicke a little herebye
and suffereth mych teene.

<c>Jesus
Yea, woman, I tell thee wytterlye,
that sickenes is not deadly
but Godes Sonne to glorifie.
Loe, I am him, as may be scene.

<d>Tunc ibit Martha ad Mariam.

<c>Maria
A, Martha, sister, alas, alas!
My brother ys dead syth thou heere was.
Had Jesus my lord binne in this,
this case had not befalne.

<c>Martha
Yea, sister, neare is Godes grace.
Manye a man hee holpen hasse.
Yett may hee doe for us in this case
and him to life call.

<c>Maria
Here will I sitt and mourninge make
tyll that Jesu my sorrowe slake.
My teene to harte, lord, thou take,
and leeche mee of my woe.

<c>Martha
In sorrowe and woe here wyll I wake,
and lament for Lazar my brothers sake.
Though I for coulde and pennance quake,
heathen will I not goe.

<d>Tunc pariter juxta sepulchrum sedebunt plorantes, et Jesus procul sit.

<c>Jesus
Brethren, goe we to Judye.

<c>Petrus
Maister, right nowe thou well might see
the Jewes would have stoned thee,
and yett thou wilt agayne?

<c>Jesus
Wott you not well this is vereye,
that xii houres are in the daye
and whoeso walketh that tyme a waye
trespasseth not, the sooth to saye?

Hee offendeth not that goeth in light;
but whosoever walketh abowte in night,
hee tresspasseth all agaynst the right,
and light in him is non.
Whye I saye this, as I have tight,
I shall tell you soone in height.
Have mynd on hit through your might
and thinkes well thereupon.

To the daye myselfe may likened be,
and to the xii houres all yee
that lightened be through followinge mee
that am most likinge light.
For worldes light I am verey,
and whoesoe followeth me, sooth to saye,
hee may goe no Chester waye,
for light in him is dight.

'<i>Oportet me operari opera eius qui misit me donec dies est; venit nox quando nemo potest operari. Quamdiu sum in mundo, lux sum mundi.</i>'

Brethren, I tell you tidinges:
Lazar my freinde is sleepinge.
Thether wee must be goinge,
upon him for to call.

<c>John
Lord, if hee sleepe, saffe hee may bee,
for in his sleepe no perrill is hee.
Therfore yt is not good for thee
goe thider for soc smale.

<c>Jesus
I tell you, brethren, certenlye;
Lazar is deade, and thyder will I.
Fayne I am, I wott, that I
was not there, as you may see.
We goe thider anon in hye.

<c>Thomas
Followe him, brethren, to his anoye,
and dye with him devoutly,
for other hit will not bee.

<d>Tunc versus locum ibit Jesus ubi Maria et Martha se Martha fuit obviam.

<c>Martha
A, lord Jesu, haddest thou binne here leade
Lazar my brother had not binne deade;
but well I wott thou wilt us reade,
nowe thou arte with us here.
And this I leeve and hope aright:
what thinge thou askest of God almight,
hee will grant yt thee in height
and grant thee thy prayer.

<c>Jesus
Thy brother, Martha, shall ryse, I saye.

<c>Martha
That leeve I, lord, in good faye,
that bee shall ryse the last daye;
then hope I him to see.

<c>Jesus
Martha, I tell thee withowt naye,
I am risynge and life verey;
which life shall last for aye
and never shall ended be.

Whosoever leeveth steedfastlye
in mee-I tell thee trulye-
though he dead bee and downe lye,
shall live and fare well.
Leeves thou, woman, that this maye?

<c>Martha
Lord, I leeve and leeve mon
that thou arte Christ, Godes Sonne,
is commen into this woride to wonne,
mans boote for to bee.
This have I leeved steedfastlye;
therfore on mee thou have mercye,
and on my sister eke Marye.
I will fetch her to thee.

<d>Tunc Martha ibit et vocabit Mariam, dicens

<c>Martha
A, Marye, sister leeffe and deare,
hye thee quickly and come neare.
My sweete lord Jesu hee is here,
calleth thee him to.

<c>Maria
A, well were we and hit so were!
But had my lovely lord of leere
scene my brother lye one beare,
some boote might have binne donne.

But nowe he stinketh, sooth to saye,
for nowe this is the fourth daye
syth hee was buryed in the claye,
that was to mee so leeffe.
But yet my lord I will assaye,
and with all my hart him I praye
to comforte us, and that hee may
and mend all our mischeiffe.

<d>Tunc Maria videns Jesum prosternat se ad pedes, dicens:

A, lord Jesu, haddest thou binne here,
Lazarre my brother, thy owne deare,
had not binne dead in this manere.
Mych sorrowe is me upon.

<c>Jesus
Where have yee donne him? Telles mee.

<c>Marye
Lord, come hither and thou may see,
for buryed in this place is hee
fore dayes nowe agonne.

<d>Tunc venient Judei, quorum dicat Primus.

<c>Primus Judeus
See, fellowe, for cockes soule,
this freake beginneth to reeme and yowle
and make great dowle for gowle
that bee loved well before.

<c>Secundus Judeus
Hee hadd cunninge, meethinke hee might
from death have saved Lazarre by right,
as well as send that man his sight,
that which so blynd was borne.

<c>Jesus
Have donne, and put awaye the stone.

<c>Martha
A, lord, foure dayes be agone
syth hee was buried, bloodd and bonne.
He stynkes, lord, in good faye.

<c>Jesus
Martha, sayd I not to thee
if that thou fullye leeved in mee
Godes grace soone shalt thou see?
Therfore doe as I thee saye.

<d>Tunc deponent lapidem de sepulchro, et Jesus tergum vertens, manibus elevatis, dicit.

<c>Jesus
Father of heaven, I thanke yt thee
that so soone hasse hard mee.
Well I wist and soothly see
thou hearest myne intent.
But for this people that stande hereby
speake I the more openlye,
that they may leeve steedfastly
from thee that I was sent.

<c>Jesus
Lazarre, come forth, I bydd thee!

<c>Lazarus
A, lord, blessed most thou be
which from death to life hast raysed mee
through thy micle might.
Lord, when I hard the voyce of thee,
all hell fayled of there postie,
so fast from them my soule can flee;
all divells were afrayd.

<c>Jesus
Loose him nowe and lett him goe.

<c>Martha
A, lord, honored be thou oo
that us hast saved from mych woe
as thou hast oft beforne.
For well I wist hit should be soo,
when ye were full farre froo.
The, lord, I honour, and no moo,
kneelinge upon my kneene.

<c>Maria
A, lord Jesu, mych is thy might,
for nowe my harte is glad and light
to see my brother ryse in my sight
here before all these men.
Well I hoped that soone in height
when thou came yt should fare aright.
The, lord, I honour with all my might,
kneelinge upon my knees.

A, lord Jesu, I thanke thee,
that one my brother hase pittie.
By verey signe nowe men maye see
that thou arte Godes Sonne.
With thee ever, lord, will I bee
and serve thee with harte free
that this daye hase gladdedd mee,
and alwaye with thee wonne.

<c>[Jesus]
Have good-day, my doughter deare.
Whereever you goe, farre or neare,
my blessinge I give you here.
To Jerusalem I take the waye.

<d>Finis

<h>The Corvysors Playe<!-- 14 -->

<d>Pagina Decima Quarta: De Jesu Intrante Domum Simonis Leprosi et de Aliis Rebus

<c>Jesus
Brethren, goe we to Bethenye
to Lazarre, Martha, and Marye;
for I love mych that companye,
thidder now will I wend.
Symon the lepper hath prayed me
in his house to take charitie.
With them nowe yt liketh mee
a while for to lend.

<c>Petrus
Lord, all readye shall we be
in life and death to goe with thee.
Great joye they may have to see
thy comrninge into there place.

<c>Philippus
Lazarre thou raysed through thy pittye,
and Simon also-mesell was hee-
thou clensed, lord, that wotten we,
and holpe them through thy grace.

<d>Tunc ibunt versus domum Simonis leprosi.

<c>Simon
Welcome, Jesu, full of grace,
that mee that fowle and mesell was
all whole, lord, thou healed hase,
over all for to showe.

Well is me that I may see thy face
here in my house, this poore place.
Thou comfortes me in manye a case
and that I full well knowe.

<c>Lazarus
Welcome, lord, sweete Jesu.
Blessed be the tyme that I thee knewe.
From death to life through thy vertue
thou raysed me not yore.
Fowre dayes in yearth when I had layne
thou grantest me life, lord, agayne.
Thee I honour with all my mayne
nowe and evermore.

<c>Martha
Welcome, my lovely lord and leere;
welcome, my deareworth darlinge deare.
Fayne may thy freindes be in feere
to se thy freelye face.
Syttes downe, if your will weare,
and I shall helpe to serve you here
as I was wonte in good manere
before in other place.

<d>Tunc Jesus sedebat, et omnes cum eo, et veniet Maria Magdalena cum alablastro unguenti, et lamentando dicat.

<c>Maria Magdalena
Welcome, my lovely lord of leale;
welcome, my harte; welcome, my heale;
welcome, all my worldes weale,
my boote and all my blys.
From thee, lord, may I not conceale
my fyith and my faultes fayle.
Forgive mee that my flesh so frayle
to thee hath donne amysse.

Oyntment I have here readye
to anoynte thy sweete bodye.
Though I be wretched and unworthye,
wayve me not from thy wonne.
Full of synne and sorrowe am I,
but therfore, lord, I am sorye.
Amend me through thy mercye,
that makes to thee my monne.

<d>Tunc aperiet pixidem, et faciet signum unctionis, et rigabit pedes Jesu lachrymis et tergebit capillis suis.

<c>Simon
A, Judas, why doth Jesus soe?
Methinke that hee should lett her goe,
this woman full of synne and woe,
for feare of worides shame.
And if hee verey prophet were,
hee should knowe hir life here
and suffer her not to come him nere,
for payringe of his fame.

<c>Judas Iscarioth
Naye, Simon, brother, sooth to saye,
hit is nothinge to my paye;
this oyntment goeth to fast awaye
that is so mych of pryce.
This ylke boyst might have binne sould
for three hundreth penyes tould
and dealt to poore men, whosoever would,
and whosoever had binne wise.

<c>Jesus
Simon, take good heed to mee.
I have an errand to saye to thee.

<c>Simon
Maister, what you will maye bee,
saye on, I you beseech.

<c>Jesus
By an example I shall thee showe
and to this companye on a rowe,
whereby I say thou may knowe
to answere to my speache.

Two detters somtyme there were
oughten money to a userer.
The on was in his dangere
five hundreth penyes tould;
they other fiftie, as I saye here.
For they were poore, at there prayer
he forgave them both in feare,
and nought take of them he would.

Whether of these two, read if thou can,
was more behoulden to that man?

<c>Simon
Lord, as much as I can thereon
I shall saye or I passe.
Five hundreth is more then fiftie;
therfore methinke skylfullye
that hee that hee forgave more partie,
more houlden to him he was.

<c>Jesus
Simon, thou deemes soothlie, iwysse.
Sees thou this woman that here is?
Sycker shee hath not donne amysse
to worke on this manere.
Into thy house here thou me geete;
no water thou gave mee to my feete.
Shee washed them with her teares weete
and wyped them with her heare.

Kisse syth I came thou gave non,
but syth shee came into this wonne
shee hath kyssed my feete eychon;
of weepinge shee never ceased.
With oyle thou hast not me anoynt,
but shee hat donne both foot and joynt.
Therfore I tell thee on poynt,
mych synne is her released.

<d>Ad Judam Iscarioth:

And Judas, also to thee I saye:
wherto wouldest thee mispaye
with this woman by any waye
that eased me this hasse?
A good deede shee hath donne todaye,
for poore men you have with you aye,
and me yee may not have, in faye,
but a little space.

Therfore, woman, witterlye,
for thou hast loved so tenderly,
all thy synnes nowe forgive I;
beleeffe hath saved thee.

And all that preach the evangelye
through the world by and by
of thy deed shall make memorye
that thou hasse donne to mee.

<c>Maria Magdalena
My Christ, my comfort and my kinge,
I worshippe thee in all thinge,
for nowe my hart is in likinge,
and I at myne above.
Seaven devils nowe, as I well see,
thou hast dryven nowe owt of mee,
and from fowle life unto great lee
releeved me, lord, for love.

<d>Tunc surget Jesus, et stando dicat Ut sequitur:

<c>Jesus
Peter and Philipe, my brethren free,
before you a castle you may see.
Goe you thider and fetch anon to mee
an asse and a foale alsoe.
Loose them, bringe them hither anone.
Yf any man grytch you as yee gonne,
and you say that I will ryde thereon,
soone will they let them goe.

<c>Petrus
Maister, we shall doe your byddinge
and bringe them soone for anythinge.
Phillippe, brother, be we goinge
and fetch these beastes too.

<c>Phillippus
Brother, I am readye bowne.
Hye that we were at the towne.
Great joye in hart have we mone
on this arrand for to goe.

<d>Tunc ibunt in civitatem, et dicat Petrus Janitro:

How, how! I must have this asse.

<c>Janitor
Here thou gettest neither more then lesse
but thou tell me or thou passe
whither they shall goe.

<c>Phillippus
My maister Jesu, leeve thou mee,
thinkes to come to this cittie
and bade both brought to him should bee,
himselfe to ryde upon.

<c>Janitor
All readye, good men, in good faye!
And syth hee will come todaye,
all this cittie I will saye
and warne of his comynge.
Take asse and foale and goe your waye,
for eyche man of him marvayle maye.
Lazarre, that fowre daye dead laye,
hee raysed at his callinge.

<d>Tunc ibit Janitor ad cives.

Tydinges, good men evrye one!
The prophet Jesus comes anone.
Of his disciples, yonder gonne
twayne that were nowe here.

For his marvayles leeve aye upon
that hee is verey Goddes Sonne
although hee in this wonne-
for elles wonder were.

<c>Primus Civis
A, lord, blessed most thou bee!
Him will I goe nowe and see;
and so I read that all wee
thidderward take the waye.

<c>Secundus Civis
Fellowes, I leeve that Christ is hee,
commen from God in majestie;
elles such marveyles, as thinkes mee,
hee ney did daye for daye.

<c>Tertius Civis
Lazarre he raysed, as God me save,
that foure dayes hath binne in grave.
Therfore devotion nowe I have
to welcome him to this towne.

<c>Quartus Civis
Branches of the palme tree
eycheon in hand take wee,
and welcome him to this cittie
with fayre processionn.

<c>Quintus Civis
With all the worshippe that I maye
I welcome him will todaye,
and spread my clothes in the waye
as soone as I him see.

<c>Sextus Civis
These miracles preeven appertlye
that from the Father almightie
hee is commen, mankynd to bye;
yt may not other bee.

<c>Primus Puer
Fellowes, I hard my father saye
Jesu the prophet will come todaye.
Thidder I read we take the waye
with branches in our hand.

<c>Secundus Puer
Make wee myrth all that we maye
pleasant to that lordes paye.
'Hosanna!' I read, by my faye,
to synge that we founde.

<d> Tunc ibunt pueri versus Jerusalem cantantes 'Hosanna!' cum ramis palmarum in manibus. Et cives prosternent vestimenta sua in via: 'Hosanna, filio David! Benedictus qui venit in nomine domini! Hosanna in excelsis!'Tunc Jesus sedens super asellam, videns civitatem, flebit et dicat.

<c>Jesus
A, Jerusalem, holye cittie!
Unknowne todaye yt is to thee
that peace thou hast-thou canst not see-
but bale thou shalt abyde.
Mych must thou dreigh yet some daye
when woe shall fall on everye waye,
and thou begyled, sooth to saye,
with sorrowe one all syde;

destroyed, dilfullye dryven downe.
Noe stone with other in all this towne
shall stand, for that they be unlevon
to keepe Christes commen
and Goddes owne visitation,
donne for mankyndes salvation;
for the have no devotyon,
ne dreiden not his dome.

<d>Tunc Jesus equitabit versus civitatem, et omnes cives pannos suos in via prosternent. Et cum venerit ad templum, descendens de asina dicat vendentibus, cum flagello:

Doe awaye, and use not this thinge,
for hit is not my likinge.
You make my Fathers wonnynge
a place of marehandize.

<c>Primus Mercator
What freake is this that makes this fare
and casteth downe all our warre?
Come no man hither full yare
that did us such anoye.

<c>Secundus Mercator
Owt, owt, woe is mee!
My table with my money
is spread abroade, well I see,
and nought dare I saye.
Nowe yt seemes well that hee
would attayne royaltee;
elles this bould durst hee
not bee to make such araye.

<c>Primus Mercator
Hit seemes well hee would be kinge
that casteth downe thus our thinges
and sayes his Fathers wonninge
in this temple is.
Saye, Jesus, with thy janglinge,
what evidence or tokeninge
shewest thow of thy rayninge,
that thou darest doe this?

<c>Secundus Mercator
What signes nowe shewest thou here
that preeves such power
to shend our ware in such manere,
maisterlye through thy mayne?

<c>Jesus
This temple here I maye destroye,
and through my might and my maistrye
in dayes three hit edifie
and buyld yt up agayne.

<c>Primus Mercator
Aha, Jesu, wilt thou soe?
Thys worde, as ever mote I goe,
shalbe rehearsed before moe.
Cayphas I shall tell.

<d>Tunc Jesus ejiciet cum flagello ementes et vendentes.

<c>Jesus
Hye you fast this temple froe,
for marchandize shall be here noe more.

In this place, be you never soe throe,
shall you no lenger dwell.

<c>Judas Iscarioth
By deare God in majestie,
I am as wroth as I may be,
and some waye I will wreake mee
as soone as ever I maye.
My maister Jesu, as men might see,
was rubbed head, foote, and knee
with oyntment of more dayntee
then I see many a daye.
rfo that I have great envye,
that bee suffered to destroye
more then all his good thrye,
and his dammes too.
Had I of yt had maistrye,
I would have sould yt soone in hie
and put hit up in treasurye
as I was wont to doe.

Whatsoever was given to Jesu
I have kept syns I him knewe;
for bee hopes I be trewe,
his pursse I alwaye beare.
Him had binne better, in good faye,
had spared oyntment that daye,
for wroken I wilbe some waye
of waste that was donne there.

Three hundeth penyes-worth yt was
that hee lett spill in that place.
Therfore God give me hard grace
but himselfe shalbe sould
to the Jewes, or that I sytt,
for the tenth penye of hit;
and thus my maister shalbe quytte
my greeffe an hundrethfould.

Syr Cayphas and his companye
conspyrne Jesus to anoye.
There speech anon I will espye,
with falsshood for to fowle him.
And if the gladlye will do whye,
I shall teach them to him in hye,
for of his counsell well knowe I.
I may best beguyle him.

<d>Tunc Judas pro tempore abut, et Cayphas dicit.

<c>Cayphas
Lordinges, lookers of the lawe,
herkyns hether to my sawe.
To Jesu all men can drawe
and likinge in him base.
If we letten him longe gonne,
all men will leeve him upon;
so shall the Romanes come anon
and pryve us of our place.

Therfore yt is fullye my readd
we cast howe hee best were dead;
for yf hee longe on life be leade
our lawe goeth all to nought.
Therfore saye eychon his counsell,
what manere of waye will best avayle
this ylke shrewe for to assayle-
some sleyght there must be sought.

<c>Annas
Syr, you saye right skylfullye;
but needesly men must espie
by him we catch noe vilanye,
to fownd and fowle to fayle.
For you knowe as well as I,
oft we have fownded to do him anoye;
but ever he bath the victorye-
that noe waye maye avayle.

<c>Primus Pharaseus
Yea, syr, in temple hee bath binne
and troubled us with mych teene,
that when we wended and did weene
of him to have had all our will,
or ever we wist, he was awaye.
This maketh the people, in good faye,
to leeve that bee is Christ vereye,
and our lawe for to spill.

<c>Secundus Pharaseus
Yea, lordes, one poynt may doe gayne.
That lourden, Lazarre, should be slayne,
for he raysed him up agayne
that foure dayes had binne dead.
For that miracle mych of mayne,
to honour him eychon is fayne;
and Lazarre, that dead was, will not layne,
and bee one life be leade.

<c>Cayphas
Noe more, forsooth, will many moe
that hee base made to speake and goe;
and blynd that have theire sight alsoe
loven him steadfastlye
and followen him both farre and neare,
preachinge to the people his powere.
Therfore my witt is in a weare
to ordayne remedye.

<c>Annas
And remedye must ordayned be
before this great solempnitie,
or elles may other as well as we
trusse and take our waye.
For when bee comes to this cittie,
all the world, as you might see,
honored him upon there knee
 as God had comon that daye.

<c>Primus Pharaseus
Alsoe, lordinges, you sawe there
how that he fared with chaffere-
cast hit downe, God give him care,
that 'was so great of price!
And alsoe lowdlye hee can lye-
called the temple apertlye
his Fathers house full falslye,
right as yt had binne his!

<c>Secundus Pharaseus
Lordinges, there is noe more to saye-
but loost is owr lawe, I dare laye,
and bee come one our saboath daye
that nowe aprocheth nye.
Heale he any, lesse or more,
all men will leeve on his lore.
Therfore yt is good to slea him before,
yf that wee will be slye.

<c>Cayphas
Amonge our wittes lett us see
to take him with some subteltye.
Hee shall have sylver, gould, and fee,
this thinge that would fulfill.

<c>Judas
Lordes, what will you give mee
and I shall soone helpe that hee
sleelye betrayed bee,
right at your owne will?

<c>Cayphas
Welcome, fellowe, as have I roo.
That bargayne fayne would I goe too.

<c>Judas
Lett me see what ye will doe,
and laye downe sylver here.
For the devill swappe of my swyre
and I doe yt without hyre,
other for soveraigne or syre-
yt is not my manere.

<c>Cayphas
Saye on what we shall give thee
to helpe that he taken bee;
and here is readye thy moneye
to paye thee or thou passe.

<c>Judas
As ever mote I thrive or thee,
and I shewe my subtilltye,
thirtie penyes yee shall give mee
and not a farthinge lasse.

<c>Primus Phariseus
Yea, but thy trueth thou must plight
for to serve us aright
to betraye thy maister through thy might,
and have here thy money.

<c>Judas
Have here my trueth, as I have tight,
or Fridaye that hit be night
I shall bringe you to his sight
and tell which is bee.

<c>Primus Phariseus
Yee binne brethren on a rowe.
Which is he I cannot knowe.

<c>Judas
Noe. A verey signe I shall you showe.
Aspies whom I kysse,
and that is bee, sooth to saye.
Takes him manlye, as you maye,
and lead him sleelye awaye
whither your likinge ys.

<c>Cayphas
Nowe looke thou serve us truely,
thy maysters cornminge to espie.

<c>Judas
Trust well therto and sickerlye
that he shall not eschewe.

And would God almightie
the kinge of France might so afye
in this realme and baronye
that they were all so treu!

On Fridaye in the morninge
espies all on my comminge,
for where that he is walkinge
I will goe and espie.
With him I thinke to eate and drinke
and after, tydinges to you to bringe
where he shapes his dwellinge,
and come and tell you in bye.

<d>Finis

<h>The Bakers Playe<!-- 15 -->

<d>Pagina Decima Quinta: De Caena Domini et de eius Proditione

<c>Jesus
Brethren all, to me right deare,
come hither to me and ye shall here.
The feaste of Easter you knowe draweth neare
and nowe yt is at hand.
That feaste needes keepe must we
with verye great solempnitie.
The pascall lambe eaten must bee
as the lawe doth commande.
Therfore, Peter, looke that thou goe,
and John with thee shalbe alsoe.
Prepare all thinges that longeth therto
acordinge to the lawe.

<c>Petrus
Lord, thy biddinges doe will we.
But tell us first where yt shalbe
and we shall doe yt speedelye,
and thidder will we drawe.

<c>Jesus
Goe into the cittie which yee doe see,
and there a man meete shall yee
with a water pott that beareth hee,
for so you may him knowe.
Into what house that bee shall goe,
into the same [howse] enter ye alsoe
and saye the maister send you too
his message for to shewe.

Saye 'The maister to thee us sent
to have a place convenient
the pascall lambe to eate.' There is my entent,
with my disciples all.
A fayre parlour hee will you shewe.
There prepare all thinge dewe
where I with my retynewe
fulfill the lawe we shall.

<c>Petrus
All readye, lorde. Even thy will
shortlye we two shall fulfill,

and the fayre cittie we shall goe tyll
as fast as we maye.

<d>Tunc Petrus et Johannis ibunt ac hominem vas aquae testaceum portantem alloquerentur.

<c>Petrus
All hayle, good fellowe, hartelye.
To thy maisters house I praye thee hye;
and wee must keepe thee companye
our message for to saye.

<c>Servus
Come on your waye and followe mee;
my maisters house soone shall you see.
Loe, here yt is, verelye.
Saye nowe what yee will.

<d>Tunc domum intrant.

<c>Petrus
Syr, the maister saluteth thee
and as messingers send we bee.
Therfore we praye thee hartelye
take heede us until.

The maister bath sent us to thee.
A place preparde for him must bee;
the pascall lambe there eate will hee
with his disciples all.

<c>Pater Familius
Loe, here a parloure all readye dight
with paved fibres and windowes bright.
Make all thinges readye as you thinke right,
and this have you shall.

<c>Johannis
Nowe, brother Peter, lett us hye
the paseall lambe to make readye;
and to our maister then will you and I
as fast as we maye.

<d>Tunc adornent mensam et revertunt.

<c>Petrus
Thy commandment, lord, donne have wee.
The pascail lambe is made readye.
Therfore come on and you shall see,
and we shall lead the waye.

<c>Jesus
Nowe, brethren, goe to your seate;
this pascall lambe nowe lett us eate,
and then we shall of other thinges entreate
that be of greater effecte.
For knowe you nowe, the tyme is come
that sygnes and shadowes be all donne.
Therfore, make haste, that we maye soone
all figures deane rejecte.

For nowe a newe lawe I will beginne
to helpe mankynd owt of his sinne
soe that hee may heaven wynne,
the which for synne bee loste.
And here, in presence of you all,
another sacrifice beginne I shall,
to bringe mankynd out of his thrall,
for helpe him neade I muste.

<d>Tunc accumbet Jesus ac Johannis in gremio dormit.

Brethren, I tell you bye and bye,
with greate desyre desyred have I
this Passeover to eate with you trulye
before my Passion.
For I saye to you syckerlye,
my Fathers will allmightye
I must fulifill meekelye,
and ever to be bowne.

<d>Tunc Jesus accipiet panem, frangit, et discipulis suis dat, dicens:

This bread I give here my blessinge.
Takes, eate, brethren, at my byddinge
for, leeve you well, withowt leasinge,
this is my bodye
that shall dye for all mankynde
in remission of there synne.
This give I you on me to mynd
aye after evermore.

<d>Tunc accipit calicem in manibus, oculis elevatis, dicens:

Father of heaven, I thanke thee
for all that ever thou doest to mee.
Brethren, takes this with hart free;
that is my blood
that shalbe shedd on the tree.
For more together drinke not wee
in heaven-blys tyll that we bee
to tast that ghostly foode.

<d>Tunc edit et bibit cum discipulis, et Judas Iscarioth habebit manum in patina.

Brethren, forsooth I you saye,
one of you shall me betraye
that eatethe here with me todaye
in this companye.

<c>Petrus
Alas, alas and weale-awaye!
Whoe that may be, knowe I nay maye-
for I yt is not, in good faye,
that shall doe such anoye.

<c>Andreas
Hard yt is for us all
to whom this case shall befall.
We be but twelve within this hall-
lord, tell yf yt be I.

Jacobus. Sorrowfull for these wordes be wee.
Who ys yt? I cannot see.
If this case shall fall to mee,
lord, tell mee hastelye.

<d>Tunc Judas intingit in patinam.

<c>Jesus
Through his deceipte I am but dead
that in my cuppe weetes his bread.
Mych woe for his wicked read
that wretch must thole iwys.
Well were him had bee binne unborne,
for bodye and soule bee is forlorne
that falseiye soe hath donne beforne
and yett in will bee ys.

<c>Judas
Leeffe maister, ys yt not I
that shall doe thee this villanye?

<c>Jesus
Thou hast read, Judas, redealye,
for sycker thou arte bee.
That thou shalt doe, doe hastelye.

<c>Judas
Farewell, all this companye,
for on an errand I must hye;
undonne hit may not bee.

<c>Jesus
Brethren, take up this meate anon;
to another worke we must gonne.
Your feete shall washen be eychone
to shewe all charitie.
And first myselfe I wyll begynne
and washe you all that be herein,
one thys deede that you may mynne
and meeker for to bee.

<d>Tunc Jesus precinget corpus lintheolo.

<c>Petrus
A, lord, shalt thou washe my feete?

<c>Jesus
That doe I, Peeter, I thee beheight.
The while more thou shalt not wytt,
but thou shalt afterwarde.

<c>Petrus
Naye, lord, forsooth in no manere
my feete shalt thou not washe here!

<c>Jesus
But I washe thee, withowten were
of joye gettes thou noe parte.

<c>Petrus
Naye, lord, my feete may well be layde;
but wash my handes and my head.

<c>Jesus
All ys cleane Therfore doe I read
thy feete shall washen bee
and you cleane-but not all.

<c>Petrus
Lord, of wayle thou arte the wall,
and, though yt not well befall,
have here my feete to thee.

<d>Tunc lavabit pedes omnium singulatim et abstergit lintheo.

<c>Jesus
My deare brethren, well wytt yee
that lord and maister you call mee;
and well you saye as should bee-
I am, and have binne yore.
Syth I have washen your feete here-
lord and maister, in meeke manere-
doe eychon to other in fere
as I have done before.

<d>Tunc invicem omnes ahorum pedes lavant

My litle children and my brethren free,
little while maye I with you bee,
but thidder shall you not goe with mee

as I am nowe in waye.
But this soothly my biddinge:
you love together in all thinge
as I before, withowt fletchinge,
have loved you trulye aye.

Soe all men may knowe and see
my disciples that you bee,
falshood if you alwayes flee
and loven well in feere.

<c>Petrus
Lord, whither arte thou in waye?

<c>Jesus
Peter, thidder as I goe todaye
come syckerlye thou ney maye
this tyme in noe manere;

but thou shalt thidder goe.

<c>Petrus
Whye shall yt not, lord, be soe?
My lyffe I will put in woe
and for thy sake be slayne.

<c>Jesus
Peter, I saye thee syckerlye,
or the cocke have crowen thrye
thou shalt forsake my companye
and take thy word agayne.
Brethren, lett not your hartes be sore,
but leeve in God evermore
and in mee as you have before,
and care not for this case.
For in my Father house there is
manye wonnynges of great blys,
and thidder I will goe now, iwys,
to purvaye you a place.

And though I goe from you awaye
to purvaye a place to your paye,
I come agayne another daye
and take you all with mee.

<c>Thomas
Lord, we wotte not, in good faye,
what manere of gate thou wilt assaye.
Tell us, that we knowe maye
that gate and goe with thee.

<c>Jesus
Thomas, I tell thee withowt stryfe,
in me is waye, soothnes, and life,
and to my Father no man ney wife
may come withowt mee.

And yf you knowe me verelye,
my Father you might knowe in bye.
From henceforth, I say you syckerlye,
knowe him all shall yee.

<c>Phillipp
Lord, lett us see thy Father anon
and yt sufficeth us everychone.

<c>Jesus
A longe tyme you have with me gonne
Philipp; why sayest thou soe?
Sickerlye, whoe seeth mee
seeth my Father, I tell yt thee.
Whye willest thou my Father to see
while I with you goe?

Phillipp, leeves thou not this:
that my Father in mee ys,
and I in him alsoe, iwys,
and both we be one?
The workes that I doe are his;
for his helpe maye I not mys.
Therfore, to wynne you heaven-blys,
my deedes you leeve upon!

Whatsoever ye aske my Father deare
in my name in good manere,
to fulfill yt I have power.
All that ys to my paye,
that my Father in majestie
by mee glorified may bee;
and eyther, as I saye to thee,
for one have binne aye.

Yf that you love mee hartfullye,
keepe my biddinge truelye,
and to my Father praye will I
to send you the Holye Ghoste
to abyde with you evermore-
for the world knoweth not his lore,
but you, that have knowen mee yore,
in you he shall be most.

Though I goe now to distresse,
I will not leave you comfortles;
but leeves this well and expresse,
efte I will come agayne;
and then your hartes on a rowe
shall gladlye be, my blys to knowe,
with joye noe man shall take you froo,
would he never so fayne.

Ryse up and goe heathen anon.
To my prayer I must gone,
but syt you styli everychwonne,
my Father while I call.
Wakes and have my benisonn
for fallinge into temptation.
The sprite aye to bale is bowne
and the flesh readye to fall.

<d>Tunc it Jesus oratum, et discipuh pre dolore dormiunt

Father of heaven in majestie,
glorifie, yf thy will bee,
thy Sonne, that hee may glorifie thee,
nowe or I heathen wend.
In yearth thou hast given me postie,
and I have donne with harte free
the worke that thou charged mee
and brought yt to an ende.

Thy name have I made men to knowe
and spared not thy will to showe
to my disciples one a rowe
that thou hast given mee.
And nowe they knowe verelye
that from the Father sent am I.
Therfore, I pray thee especiallye,
save them through thy mercye.

<d>Tunc venit ad diseipulos et invenit eos dormientes, et dicit:

What! Sleepe you, brethren all, here?
Ryse up and make your prayer
lest temptation have power
to make you for to fall.
The flesh is, as I sayd before,
inclininge aye to synne sore,
and ghooste oecupyed evermore;
therfore nowe wakes all!

<d>Tunc iterum ad orationem, et alta voce loquitur:

My hart is in great mislikinge
for death that is to me commynge.
Father, if I dare aske this thinge,
put this awaye froe mee.
Eyeh thinge to thee possible is;
neverthelesse, nowe in this
at your will I am, iwys.
As thou wilt, lett yt bee.

<d>Tunc redit ad discipulos iterum.

You sleepen, brethren, yett, I see.
Sleepes one nowe all yee.
My tyme ys common taken to bee.
From you I must awaye.
He that bath betrayed mee,
this night from him will I not flee.
In sorye tyme borne was bee
and soe he may well saye.

<d>Tunc Judas cum miitum cohorte, laternis facibus et armis, venit illuc.

<c>Jesus
You men I aske, whom seeke yee?

<c>Malchus
Jesus of Nasareth, him seeke we.

<c>Jesus
Here, all readye-I am hee.
What have you for to saye?

<c>Judas
A, sweete maister, kysse thou mee,
for yt is longe syth I thee see,
and togeather we will flee
and steale from them awaye.

<c>Jesus
What seeke you men with such a breath?

<c>Primus Judeus
Wee seeke Jesus of Nazareth.

<c>Jesus
I saye yore, and yet I saye,
I am hee, in good faye.
Suffer these men to goe there waye
and I am at your will.

<c>Malchus
False theefe, thou shalt gone
to bysshopp Cayphas, and that anon;
or I shall breake thy bodye and bonne
and thou be to late.

<c>Petrus
Theefe, and thou be so bould
my maister soe for to hould,
thou shalt be quytte an hundrethfould,
and onward take thou that!

Be thou so bould, as thrive I,
 to hould my maister here in bye,
full deare thou shalt hit abye
but thou thee heathen dight.
Thy eare shall of, by Goddes grace,
or thou passe from this place.

<d>Tunc extrahet gladium et abscindet auriculam Malchi.

Goe playnt nowe to Cayphas
and bydd him do the right.

<c>Malchus
Owt! Alas, alas, alas!

By cockes bones, my eare bee hase!
Mee is betyde a hard case
that ever I come here.

<c>Jesus
Peeter, put up thy sword in hye.
Whosoever with the sword smiteth gladlye
with sword shall perish hastelye,
I tell thee withowten were.

<d>Tunc Jesus tetigerit auriculam et sanabit.

<c>Malchus
A, well is mee, well is mee!
My eare is healed nowe, I see.
So mercifull a man as ys hee
knewe I never none.

<c>Primus Judeus
Yea, though bee have healed thee,
shutt from us shall hee not bee,
but to syr Cayphas, as mott I thee,
with us shall hee goe.

<c>Jesus
As to a theeffe you came here
with sword and staves and armerye
to take me in fowle manere
and end your wicked will.
In temple with you when I was aye,
noe hand on mee would you laye,
but nowe is common tyme and daye
your talent to fulfill.

<c>Primus Judeus
Come, caytiffe, to Cayphas
or thou shalt have a hard grace.
Trott upon a prowder pase,
thou vilde popelard.

Though Belzebubb and Sathanas
come to helpe thee in this case,
both thy hand that thou hase
shalbe bounden hard.

<d>Finis

<h>The Flechars, Bowyers, Coopers, and Stringers Playe<!-- 16 -->

<d>Incipit Pagina Decima Sexta de Passione Christi. Et primo venient Judei adducentes Jesum ad Annam et Caypham; et primo incipiet

<c>Primus Judeus
Syr byshopps, here we have brought
a wretch that mych woe hase wrought
and would bringe our lawe to naught &mdash;
right soe bath hit spurned.

<c>Secundus Judeus
Yea, wydewhere we have him sought,
and deare alsoe we have him bought,
for here manye mens thought
to him he hase turned.

<c>Annas
A, janglinge Jesus, art thou nowe here?
Nowe thou may prove thy postie powere,
whether thy cause be cleane and cleare;
thy Christhood we must knowe.

<c>Cayphas
Meethinke a maistrye that yt were
other for pennye or prayere
to shutt him of his dangere
and such sleight to shewe.

<c>Annas
Syr, yt is needfull &mdash; this saye I &mdash;
that one man dye witterlye
all the people to forbye
so that the perish nought.

<c>Tertius Judeus
Syr Cayphas, herken nowe to mee!
This babelavaunt would our kinge bee,
whatsoever hee sayes nowe befor thee.
I hard him saye full yore
that prince hee was of such postee,
destroye the temple well might hee
and buyld yt up in dayes three
right as yt was before.

<c>Quartus Judeus
Yea, sycker, that I hard him saye,
he maye not denye by no waye;
and also, that he was God vereye,
Emanuell and messye.
He maye not nycke this ne say neye,
for more then fortye, in good faye,
that in the temple were that daye
harden as well as I.

<c>Cayphas
Saye, Jesu, to this what sayne yee?
Thow wottest nowe what is put on thee.

Put forth, prince, thy postie
and perceive what the preven.
What devill! One worde speakes not hee!
Yett, Jesu, here I conjure thee;
if thou be Goddes Sonne, before mee
answere to that the meven.

<c>Jesus
As thou sayes, right soe saye I.
I am Goddes Sonne almightye,
and here I tell thee truelye
that me yet shall thou see
sytt on Goddes right hand him bye,
mankynd in elowdes to justefye.

<c>Cayphas
'Justifie!' Marye, fye, fye on thee, fye!
Wytnes of all this compenye
that falsely lyes hee!

Ye hearen all what he sayes here.
Of wytnes nowe what neede were,
for before all these folke in feere
lowdlye thou lyes?
What saye you men that nowe binne here?

<c>Primus Judeus
Buffetes him that makes this bere,
for to God may he not bee dere
that owr lawe so destroyes.

<c>Cayphas
Distroye shall hee not hit.
Yee wretches, ye wanton wytt!
Found that freake a fltt
and gurd him in the face.

<c>Annas
Despice him, spume and spyt.
Let see, or you sytt,
whoe hase happe to hitt
that thus us harmed hase.

<d>Tunc Judei statuent Jesum in cathedram, et dicat torquendo

<c>Primus Judeus
For his harminge here
[nighe] will I nere
this fameland freare
that makes our lawe false.

<c>Secundus Judeus
Hee ys, withowt were,
to the devyll full deare.
Spytt we in fere
and buffett him alls.

<c>Tertius Judeus (exputans)
Yee herden him in this place nowe
howe he lyed hase nowe;
in mydest his face nowe
fowle will I fyle him.

<c>Quartus Judeus (exputans)
Passe he shall a pase nowe.
For God he him makes nowe,
gettes he no grace nowe
when I may beguyle him.

<c>Primus Judeus (dans alapam)
Fye upon the, freyke!
Stowpe nowe, nowe, and creake.
Thy breanes to breake
am I reddye bowne.

<d>Tunc Secundus Judeus dans alapam velando faciem Jesu.

<c>Secundus Judeus
His face will I steake
with a cloth, ere he creake,
and us all wreake
for my warrysonn.

<c>Tertius Judeus
And thou be messye
and loth for to lye,
whoe smote thee crye,
yf that thou be Christ.

<c>Quartus Judeus (percutiens)
Though he sore stryke
a buffett shall byte;
may no man myne white,
though I do him woo.

<c>Secundus Judeus (percutiens)
And moe yett I maye.
I shall soone assaye
and shewe large paye,
hou prince, on thy pate.

<c>Quartus Judeus
Yf he saye naye,
I shall, in faye,
laye on. I dare laye
yt is not to late.

<d>Tunc cessabunt ab alapis, et dicit Cayphas.

<c>Cayphas
Lordinges, what is your best read?
This man hase served to be dead,
and yf hee lightly thus be lead,
our lawe cleane will sleepe.

<c>Annas
Syr, yt is fullye myne advise,
leade we him to the bye justice.
Syr Pilate is both warre and wise
and hase the lawe to keepe.

<d>Tunc Cayphas et Annas et Judei adducunt Jesum ad Pilatum. Dicat

<c>Cayphas
Syr Pilate, here we bringe
one that false is, and our elders fonne.
Tribute may be given nonne
to Caesar for him here.
Whersoever he and his fellowe gonne,
they turne the folke to them eychone.
Nowe aske we donne here him upon
of that he hasse power.

<c>Annas
Sycker he is our elders foe.
'Whersoever he goeth, to or froo,
that he is Christ, and kinge also,
he preaches apertlye.
Wist Caesar that, he would be woo,
such a man and we let goo.
Therfore to dampne him we binne throo,
lest he us all destroye.

<c>Pilatus
Per vous, syr Cayphas; dye vos, syr Annas
et sum desepte Judas; vel atres in fuit.
Come up, lordinges, I you praye,
and we shall here what he will saye
amonge this fellowshippe here.

What sayst thou, man in miseraye?
And thou be kinge of Jewes, saye!

<c>Jesus
So thou sayes; men heare maye
a kinge that thou me mase.

<c>Pilatus
Noe cause fynd I, in good faye,
to doe this man to death todaye.

<c>Cayphas
Syr, the people, us to mispaye,
converted to him all hee hase.

<c>Annas
Yea, all the land of Galilee
cleane turned to him hase hee.
Therfore [dome] nowe aske we,
this false man to do downe.

<c>Pilatus
Syth he was borne ther as steyne yee,
to Herode send soone shall he be;
elles rafte I him his royaltie
and blemished his renowne.

Goe, leades him to Herode in bye,
and sayes I send him to justefie
this man of which he bath maistrye
at his owne likinge.

<c>Primus Judeus
Him shall he have full hastelye,
and lead him thidder anon will I.

Come thou forth with thy rybaldrye
and speake with our kinge.

<d>Tunc ibunt duo Judei adducentes Jesum ad Herodem; et dicat

<c>Primus Judeus
Syr kinge, here Pilate bath you sent
a shrewe that our lawe hasse shent,
for to have his judgment
or he hens awaye wend.

<c>Herodes
A! Welcome, Jesu, verament!
And I thanke Pilate of his present,
for oftetymes I have binne in that intent
after thee to have sent.

Jesu, mych have I hard of thee.
Some vertue fayne nowe would I see.
If thou from God in majestie
be commen, tell us here.
I pray thee, say nowe to mee,
and prove some of thy postie,
and mych the gladder would I bee,
truly, all this yeare.

<d>Jesus nihil respondebit; et dicat

<c>Herodes
What! I weene that man is wood,
or elles dombe and can no good.
Such a scalward never before me stood,
so stowt and sterne is hee.
Speake on, Jesu, for cockes blood,
for Pilate shall not, by my hood,
do the non amys; but mend thy mood
and speake somwhat with mee.

Alas, I am nigh wood for woo.
Methinkes this man is wonders throo,
dombe and deafe as a doted doo,
or frenticke, in good faye.
Yett sythen that Pilate hasse donne soo,
the wrath that was betweene us two
I forgive-no more his foe
to be after this daye.

Cloth him in white, for in this case
to Pilate hit may be solace,
for Jewes eustome before was
to cloth men that were wood
or madd, as nowe hee him mase,
as well seemes by his face;
for him that hase lost his grace
this garment is full good.

<d>Tunc Judei mduent eum veste alba et dicat

<c>Primus Judeus
Have this, Jesu, upon thee &mdash;
a worshipful! weede, as thinkes mee,
of the kinges liverye
that nowe is on thee light!

<c>Secundus Judeus
Put thee forth. Thou may not flee.
Nowe thou art in thy royaltie!
Syr Herode, kinge, beleave on thee
and grantmereye this [guyfte].

<d>Tunc exeunt duo Judei ad Pilatum adducentes Jesum in veste alba, et dicat

<c>Primus Judeus
Syr Pilate, here the kinge hath sent
Jesu agayne, and, syth we went,
he hasse forgiven his male intent
for thy deede todaye.

<c>Pilatus
Yea, fault in him can I fynd none,
ne Herode, as seemes hereupon.
Therfore is best we lett him gonne.
whither he will his waye.

<c>Secundus Judeus
Naye, all, all we cryen with on voyee,
nayle him, nayle him to the crosse.

<c>Pilatus
Yee men, for shame! Lett bee your noyce!
My counsell will I saye.
Yee knowen eyehonne the manere:
delivered must be a prisoner &mdash;
this feast that nowe approehes neare &mdash;
for honour of the daye.

Will ye Jesu delyvered bee?

<c>Tertius Judeus
Naye, suffer the death worthye is hee;
and thereupon all cryen wee,
and Barabas reserved.

<c>Pilatus
What shall I doe with Jesu here
that Christ is called, and kinge in feere?

<c>Quartus Judeus
Nayle him on the crosse in all manere,
for so he bath deserved.

<c>Pilatus
Nowe sythen I see you so fervent
and shapen that he shalbe shent,
wash I will here in your present,
waxe ye never so woodd.
Yee shall all wytt verament
that I am cleane and innocent
and for to sheede in no intent
this rightwise mans bloodd.

<d>Tunc Pilatus lavabit manus, et Cayphas et Annas recedent cum Pilato; et dicat Pilatus

<c>Pilatus
Yee prelates here everychonne,
what will ye do? Lett him gonne?

<c>Cayphas
Nayle, nayle him to the crosse anonne
and deeme him or thou leeve.

<c>Pilatus
Takes ye him, that binne so gryme,
and after your lawe deeme ye him.

<c>Annas
Nay, that is not lawfull, lyth ne lymme
for us no man to reeve.

<c>Pilatus
What devil! of hell ys this to saye?
Jesu, tell me, I thee praye,
arte thou kinge &mdash; saye yea or naye &mdash;
of Jewes by auncetrye?

<c>Jesus
Whither hopes thou yt so be,
or other men tould hit the?

<c>Pilatus
Naye, fay! Thyselfe may knowe and see
that no Jewe am I.

Men of thyne owne nation
shewen for thy dampnatyon
with many an accusatyon,
and all this day have.
Art thou kinge &mdash; say, for all ther crye?

<c>Jesus
My realme in this world, as say I,
ys [not] &mdash; but were, witterlye,
with Jewes were I not tayne.
And if my realme in this world were,
stryve I would with you nowe here
and lead with me such powere
should pryve you of your praye.
But my might in this manere
will I not prove, ne nowe appere
as worldly kinge; my cause uncleare
were then, in good faye.

<c>Pilatus
Ergo, a kinge thou art, or was.

<c>Jesus
That thou sayes, yt is no lesse.
But nowe I tell thee here expresse
that kinge I am and be maye.
In world I came'to beare wytnes
of sootbnes, and therfore borne I was,
and all that leeven soothnes
take heede to that I saye.

<c>Pilatus
What is soothnes, tell thou mee?

<c>Jesus
Soothnes came from Goddes see.

<c>Pilatus
In yearth then bath trueth no postie
by thyne opinion?

<c>Jesus
Howe should on yearth bee
while so deemed in yearth is hee
of them that have non authoritie
in yearth, agaynst reason?

<c>Pilatus
Lordinges, I fynd no cause, iwys.
to dampne this man that here ys.

<c>Cayphas
Pilate, he bath donne mych amysse.
Let him never passe.
By Moyses lawe liven wee
and after that lawe dead shall hee bee,
for apertly preached hase hee
Goddes Sonne that he was.

<c>Annas
Yea, Pilate, he that makes him appere
other to kinge or kinges feere
withsayth Caesar of his power,
and so we have donne with him.
And whoso calles himselfe a kinge here
reves Caesar of his power.

<c>Pilatus
Anone goe scourge this losingere
and beat him lymme and lythe.

<c>Primus Judeus
Come nowe with care,
freake, for thy fare.
On thy bodye bare
strockes shalt thou beare.

<c>Secundus Ju]jeus
Cast of thy ware,
all thy clothes, yare.
Start nowe and stare.
This stalward I would stere.

<d>Tunc spoliabunt ipsum et ligabunt ad columnam, et dicat

<c>Tertius Judeus
Nowe he is bounden.
Be he never so wandon,
soone he shalbe fownden
with flappes in feere.

<c>Quartus Judeus
In woo he ys wounden
and his grave is grounden.
No lade unto London
such lawe can him lere.

<d>Tunc posteaquam flagellaverunt eum, postea induunt eum purpurea ponentes in cathedram, et dicat

<c>Primus Judeus
Nowe, syth hee kinge ys,
whyte his clothinge ys.
Beggere, I bringe thee this,
thee for to weare.

<d>Tunc Secundus Judeus ponens coronam spineam super capite eius et dicat

<c>Secundus Judeus
All in lythinge this ys
that of ould spronge ys;
of thornes this thinge ys,
thee for to were.

<c>Tertius Judeus
Nowe thou hasse a weede,
have here a reede.
A scepter I thee bede,
a kinge for to bee.

<c>Quartus Judeus
Hervye, take heede!
Thus must I neede
for my foule deede
kneele upon knee.

<c>Primus Judeus
Hayle, kinge of Jewes!
That so many men shewes,
rybauld, nowe thee rewes,
with all thy reverence.

<c>Secundus Judeus
With yron on him hewes
and his hyde hewes.
An oyntment thee newes
for thyne offence.

<c>Tertius Judeus
To wryte in his face &mdash;
thou that the kinge mase,
nowe my nose hase
good spice of the newe!

<c>Quartus Judeus
With a hard grace
thou came to this place.
Passe thou this rase,
sore shalt thou rewe.

<c>Pilatus
Lordinges, here you may se
your kinge all in his royaltie.

<c>Cayphas
Nay, syr, forsooth, no kinge have wee
save the emperour of Rome pardee;
and but thou nayle him to the tree,
the emperour full wrath wilbee.

<c>Annas
All we sayen right as sayes hee.
Deme him while thou hase tyme.

<c>Pilatus
Whether of them will ye have,
Jesus Christ or Baraban?

<c>Cayphas
Naye, Jesus this traytour that is tane
must nayld be to the tree,
and lett Baraban goe his waye.

<c>Pilatus
Take him to you nowe as I saye,
for save him I ney maye,
undonne but I would bee.

<c>Primus Judeus
This [dome] is at an end.
Nowe read I that we wend
this shrewe for to shend
a little here besyde.

<d>Secundus Judeus, ponens crucem super dorsum eius, dicat.

<c>Secundus Judeus
Here shalt thou not lend.
Come hither and behind
thy backe for to bende.
Here may thou not abyde.

<c>The Damsell (to Peter)
Was not thou with Jesus of Nazareth?

<c>Peter
I knowe him not, nor what thou sayest.

<c>The Damsell
Syrs, syckerlye I tell you playne,
this man here is on of them
that was with him in the garden;
I knowe yt to be trewe.

<c>Peter
Yt is not trewe, so mote I thee.
I knowe him not by any degree.

<c>The Jewe
One of [them] thou art assuredlye,
and thou art alsoe of Galilee.
Thy speach clearly bewrayeth thee
in wytnes of us all.

<c>Peter
In fayth and trueth, that ys no soe.
Shame have I, and myckell woo,
yf ever I did him before knowe
or keepe him companye.

<d>Finis

<h>The Iremongeres Playe<!-- 17 -->

<d>Incipit Pagina de Crucifixione Christi et de his qui fuerunt in eundo versus locum Calvariae; et incipit Cayphas.

<c>Cayphas
Nowe of this segger we binne seker.
Agaynst us boote he not to beker.

Though he flyre, flatter and flycker,
thys fiste shall he not flee.
Thou, Jesu, would be our kinge?
Goe forth! Evill joye thee wringe,
for wroken on thee at our likinge
full soone shall we bee.

Gurd on fast and make him goe,
this freake that ys our elders foe;
for all his wyles, from this woe
shall no man him warne.

<c>Annas
Him seemes werye of his waye.
Some helpe to gett I wyll assaye,
for this crosse, in good faye,
soe farre he may not beare.

Come hither, Symon of Surrey,
and take this crosse anon in hye.
Unto the mount of Calverye,
helpe that yt were borne.

<c>Symon
The devil! speede this companye!
For death hee is not worthye.
For his sake, syckerlye,
I hould you all forlorne.

To beare no crosse am I entent,
for yt was never myne assent
to procure thys profettes judgment,
full of the Holy Ghoost.

<c>Caypas
Symon, but thou will be shent
and suffer payne and imprisonment,
this crosse upon thy backe thou hent
and lett be all thy bost.

<c>Symon
Alas, that ever I hither come!
Would God I had bynne in Rome
when I the waye hither come,
thus to be anoyed!
But God I take to wytnes
that I do this by distresse.
All, iwys, through your falsnes
I hope will be destroyed.

<c>Annas
Have donne! Bringe forth those theeves two!
On eyther halfe him they shall goe.
This freake shall be handled soe
with fellowshippe in fere.

<c>Primus Judeus
Take them here, bound fast,
while this whippecorde may last,
for the pryme of the daye is past.
How longe shall we be here?

<c>Prima Maria
Alas, alas, and woe is mee!
A deolfull sight this is to see.

So many sycke saved hath hee,
and nowe goeth this waye.

<c>Secunda Maria
Sorrowfull may his mother bee
to see thy flesh so fayre and free
nayled so fowle upon a tree,
as he mon be todaye.

<c>Jesus
Yee weomen of Jerusalem,
weepe not for mee, ne make noe [swem];
but for your owne barme-[teame]
ye mon reame tenderlye.
For tyme shall come, withowten were,
ye shall blesse ballye that never child bere
and pappe that never milke came nere,
so nygh ys your anoye.

<c>Cayphas
Have donne, you tormentours, tyte,
and spoyle him that hath donne us spyte.

<c>Primus Judeus
Yea, though hee both growne and stryke,
owt hee shalbe shaken.
Bee thou wroth or be thou fayne,
I will be thy chamberlayne.
This coate gettes thou never agayne
and I may be waken.

<c>Secundus Judeus
This coate shalbe myne,
for yt is good and fyne
and seame is none therin
that I can see.

<c>Tertius Judeus
Yea, God give me pyne
and that shalbe thine,
for thou art ever inclind
to drawe towardes thee.

<c>Quartus Judeus
Naye, fellowes, by this daye,
at the dyce we will playe,
and there we shall assaye
thys weede for to wyn.

<c>Primus Judeus
A, fellowe, by this daye,
well can thou saye!
Laye forth those clothes; laye
on boord or we blyn!

<c>Secundus Judeus
Fellowes, nowe let see!
Here are dyce three.
'Which of all wee
shall wynne this ware?

<c>Tertius Judeus
Nay, parted they shalbe,
for that ys egallye.

Therfore, as mote I thee,
or we hethen fare-

<c>Quartus Judeus
This coate bowt seame,
to breake yt were shame,
for in all Jerusalem
ys non such a garment.

<c>Primus Judeus
His dame nowe may dreame
for her owne barme-teame;
for nother aunte nor came
gettes this gaye garment.

<c>Secundus Judeus
His other clothes all
to us fowre can fall.
First parte them I shall,
and after playe for this.
This kyrtle myne I call.
Take thow this pawlle.
Iche man in this halle
wottes I doe not amysse.

<d>Ad Tertium:

This kyrtle take to thee-

<d>Ad Quartum:

and thou this to thy fee.
Iche man nowe maye see
that all wee be served.

<c>Tertius Judeus
Yea, nowe I read that wee
sytt downe, as mote I thee,
and looke whose thys shalbe
that ys here reserved.

<d>Tunc omnes seaent et clicat Primus Judeus Jactans decios

Nowe will I beginne
for to cast, or I blynne,
this coate for to wynne
that is both good and fyne.

<c>Secundus Judeus
By my fathers kynn,
noe parte hasse thou therin;
but, or I hethen wynne,
this coate shalbe myne.

Take! Here, I darre laye,
are dubletts in good araye.

<c>Tertius Judeus
Thou fayles, fellowe, by my faye,
to have this to thy fee,
for here is cator-traye.
Therfore goe thou thy waye,
and as well thou maye,
and leave this with mee.

<c>Quartus Judeus
Fellowes, verament,
I read we be at on assent.

This gaye garment
that is bowt seame,
you give by judgment
to mee this vestement,
for synnce God hath me sent,
thinke you never so sweene.

<c>Primus Judeus
As have I good grace,
well wonne yt thou hasse,
for synke ther was
that every man might see.

<c>Cayphas
Men, for cockes face,
howe longe shall pewee-ars
stand naked in that place?
Goe nayle him on the tree!

<c>Secundus Judeus
Anon, mayster, anon.
A hommer have I wonne.
As farre as I have gonne
ys non such another.

<c>Tertius Judeus
And here are, by my pon,
nayles good wonne
to nayle him upon
and he were my brother.

<c>Quartus Judeus
Goe we too as fast.
This caytyffe have I cast.
Hee shall be wronge wrast
or I wynd awaye.

<c>Primus Judeus
Here is a rope wyll last
for to drawe at the mast.
This poplard never past
so perrelous a playe.

<c>Secundus Judeus
Layes him therupon,
this ilke mased man,
and I shall dryve one
this nayle to the end.

<c>Tertius Judeus
As broke I my ponn,
well cast him I con
and make him full wonne
or I from him wend.

<c>Quartus Judeus
Fellowes, will yee see
howe sleight I shalbe
this fist, or I flee,
here to make fast?

<c>Primus Judeus
Yea, but, as mote I thee,
shorte-armed is hee.

To the booringe of this tree
hit will not well last.

<c>Secundus Judeus
A, therfore care thou nought.
A sleight I have sought.
Roopes must be bought
to strayne him with strenght.

<c>Tertius Judeus
A rope, as I beheight,
yee shall have in brought.
Take yt here well wrought,
and drawe him a lenght.

<c>Quartus Judeus
Drawes, for your fathers kynne,
while that I dryve yn
this ilke iron pynne
that I dare laye will last.

<c>Primus Judeus
As ever have I wynne,
his arme is but a fynne.
Nowe drive on bowten dynne
and we shall drawe fast.

<c>Secundus Judeus
Fellowe, be this light,
nowe were his feete dight,
this gamon went on right
and up he should be raysed.

<c>Tertius Judeus
That shall be donne in hight
anon in your sight,
for, by my trouth I plight,
I sarve to be praysed.

<c>Quartus Judeus
Fellowes, will you see
howe I have stretched his knee?
Why prayse ye not mee
that have so well donne?

<c>Primus Judeus
Yea, helpe nowe that hee
on height raysed bee,
for, as mote I thee,
almost hit ys noone.

<d>Tunc Pilatus, habens tabulam in manu, dicit.

<c>Pilatus
Come hither thou, I command thee;
goe nayle thys table unto the tree.
Sythen he wyll kynge of Jewes bee,
he must have a cognisens.
'Jesu of Nazareth,' mon may see;
'Kynge of Jewes'-howe lykys thee?-
is wrytten theron, for so sayd hee
withowten varyens.

<c>Secundus Judeus
Naye, syr Pilate, to us beede.
Kinge ys he non, so God me speede.
Therfore thou doest a sorye deede;
this writinge many a mon rewes.
Thou should wryte that men might reede
howe hee lyes to eych leede

and tould over all theras he yeede
that he was kynge of Jewes.

<c>Pilate
That that ys wrytten I have wrytten.

<c>Tertius Judeus
And in good fayth that ys fowle wrytten,
for everye mon may well wytten
that wronge thou hasse wrought.
What the devyll kynge ys he, mon?
But falslye thereas hee hath gone
hee hasse tould leasinges manye one,
that deere they should be bought.

<d>Tunc venit Maria lachrimans.

<c>Marye
Alas, my love, my life, my leere!
Alas, nowe mourninge, woe ys mee!
Alas, sonne, my boote thou bee,
thy mother that thee bare.
Thinke one, my fruyte, I fostred thee
and gave thee sucke upon my brest.
Upon my pyne thou have pittye;
thou feyles no power.

Alas, whye nyll my liefe forlorne
to fynd my sonne here me beforne,
tugget, lugget, and all totorne
with traytors nowe this tyde,
with nayles thrast and crowne of thorne?
Therfore I made, both evon and morne,
to see my byrth that I have borne
this bitter bale to byde.

Alas, my sorrowe when wyll thou slake
and to these traytors me betake
to suffer death, sonne, for thy sake
-and doe as I thee saye?
Alas, theeves, why doe ye soe?
Slayes ye mee and lett my sonne goe.
For him suffer I would this woe
and lett him wend awaye.

<c>Maria Magdalena
Alas, howe should my hart be light
to see my seemely lord in sight
deolfully drawne and so dight
that did never man greivans?
Marred I am mayne and might
and for him fayles me to fight;
but God, that rules aye the right,
give you mickell mischance.

<c>Maria Jacobi
Alas, sorrowe syttys me sore!
Myrth of thee I gett no more.
Why wouldest thou dye, Jesu, wherfore,
that to the dead gave life?
Helpe me, Jesu, with some thinge
and out of this bitter bale me bringe,
or elles siaye me for anythinge
and stynt me of this stryffe.

<c>Maria Salomee
Come downe, lord, and breake thy bandes.
Lose and heale thy lovely handes.
Or tell me, Jesu, for whom thou wondes,
syth thou art God and man.
Alas, that ever I borne was
to see thy bodye in such a case.
My sorrowe wyli never slake nor seace,
such sorrowe is me upon.

<c>Annas
Nowe this shrewe ye hoven on height
I would see, for all his sleight,
for his crowne howe he can feight
and ferre from us to flee.
He that hasse healed so manye one
nowe save himselfe give that he can,
and then all we shall leeve him upon
that hit soothly so ys.

<c>Jesus
Father of heaven, yf thy will be,
forgive them this they donne to mee;
for they be blynd and may not see
howe fowle they donne amys.

<c>Cayphas
If thou be of such postee,
and Godes Sonne in majestie,
come downe and we will leeve on thee
that yt soothly so ys.

<c>Primus Latro (the First Theefe)
If thou be Christ verrey
and Godes Sonne, nowe as I saye
save us from this death todaye
and thyselfe also.

<c>Secundus Latro (the Second Theefe)
A, man, be still, I thee praye!
Dreede God, I read thee aye,
for folylye thou speakest in faye.
Make not thy freind thy foe.

Mon, thou wottest well, iwys,
that rightwisely we suffer this,
for he hath not donne so mych amys
to suffer so great anoye.
But, lord, I beseech thee,
when thou art in thy majestie,
then that thou wilt thinke on mee
and on mee have mercye.

<c>Jesus
Mon, I tell thee, in good faye,
for thy beleeffe is so verey,
in paradyce thou shalt be todaye
with me there in my blys.
And, woman, to thee also I saye
by the thy sonne there thou se maye
that cleane virgine hasse binne aye
right as thyselvon ys.

And, John, there thy mother thou may see.

<c>John
Yea, lord, her keper I shalbe.
Welcome, Marye, mother free;
together we must goe.

<c>Mary The First
Alas, my hart will brast in three!
Alas, death, I conjure thee!
The life, sonne, thou take from mee
and twyn me from this woe.

<c>John
Comforte thee nowe, sweete Marye,
for though we suffer this anoye,
suster, I tell thee sekerlye,
on lyve thou shalt him see
and ryse with full victorye
when he hasse fullfulled the prophecye.
Thy sonne thou shalt se, sekerlye,
within these dayes three.

<c>Jesus
Eloye, Eloy! My God, I speake to thee!
Eloy lamazabathany!

Why hasse thou thys forsaken mee?

<c>Primus Judeus
A, herke, herke howe hee cryeth upon Elye
to delyver him of his anoye.

<c>Secundus Judeus
Abyde, and we shall see in hye
whether Elye dare come here or floe.

<c>Jesus
My thyrst ys sore, my thyrst ys sore.

<c>Tertius Judeus
Yea, thou shalt have drynke therfore
that thow shalt lyst to drynke no more
of all thys seaven yeare.

<c>Jesus
Mightie God in majestie,
to worke thy wyll I would never wend.
My [spiritte] I betake to thee;
receyve yt, lord, into thy handes.

<d>'Consummatum est.'

<c>Centurio
Lordinges, I say you sickerlye,
this was Godes Sonne almightie.
No other, forsooth, leeve will I,
for needes so yt must be.
I knowe by manner of his crye
hee hasse fuffilled the prophecye
and godhead shewed apertlye
in him, all men may knowe.

<c>Cayphas
Centurio, as God me speede,
thou must be smutted; thou canst not read.
But 'when thou seest his hart bleede,
lettes se what thou can saye.
Longys, take this speare in hand
and put from thee-looke thou ne wond.

<c>Longyus
A, lord, I see ne sea ne lond
this seaven yeare, in good fay.

<c>Quartus Judeus
Have this speare and take good heede.
Tho must doe, as the bushoppe thee bade,
a thinge that ys of full great neede.
To warne I hould thee wood.

<c>Longyus
I will do as ye byd mee,
but on your perill hitt shalbe.
What I doe I may not see,
whether yt be evell or good.

<d>Tunc Longyus lancia perforat latus Christi, dicens

High kinge of heavon, I thee here.
What I have donne well wott I neere,
but on my hand and on my speare
owt water runneth throwe;
and on my eyes some can fall
that I may see both one and all.
A, lord, wherever be this wall
that this water came froe.

Alas, alas, and wellawaye!
What deede have I donne todaye?
A mon I see, sooth to saye,
I have slayne in this stead.
But this I hope be Christ verey
that sycke and blynd hasse healed aye.
Of mercye, lord, I thee nowe praye,
for I wyste not what I did.

Jesu, mych have I hard speake of thee,
that sycke and blynd through thy pittie
hasse healed before in this cittie
as thou hasse me todaye.
Thee will I serve and with thee bee,
for well I leeve in dayes three
thou will ryse full in postee
from enemyes. Lord, I thee praye.

<c>Josephe
A, lord God, what hartes have yee
to slea this mon that I here see
dead, hanginge upon roode-tree,
that never yett did amys?
For, sekerly, Goddes Sonne ys hee.
Therfore a tombe is made for mee
them his bodye buryed shalbe,
for hee is kinge of blys.

<c>Nycodemus
Syr Joseph, I saye sekerly,
this ys Godes Sonne almightie.
Goe aske at Pilate his bodye,
and buryed shall hee bee.
I shall helpe thee, witterlye,
to take him downe devowtlye,
though Cayphas goe home-wood thereby
and all his meanye.

<d>Tunc veniet Joseph ab Aramathia ad Pilatum et dicat

<c>Joseph
Syr Pilate, speciall I thee praye
a boone thou grant me as thou maye.
This prophett that ys dead todaye,
thou grant me his bodye.

<c>Pilatus
Joseph, all ready, in good faye!
If that Centurio he will saye
that hee ys dead withowten naye,
him will I not denye.

Centurio, is Jesus dead?

<c>Centurio
Yea, syr, as broke I my head,
in him ther is no life lead,
for I stood therby.

<c>Pilatus
Joseph, take him then to thee
and burye him where thy will be.

<c>Joseph
Grantmercy, syr, perdee.

I thanke you hartfullye.

<d>Tunc ibit Joseph super montem, et dicat Joseph

A, sweete Jesu, sweete Jesu,
as thou art God, faythfull and true,
in a tombe ys made full newe
thy bodye shall in be layd.
Shouldest thou never have such vertue
as thou hast shewed synce I thee knewe
but yf godhead thy deede should shewe
as thou before hasse sayde.

Therewith, Jesu, come hyther to mee.
Thy blessed bodye buryed shalbe
with all worshipp and honestie
and menske all that I may.
Yett hope I within these dayes three
in flesh and blood alyve to see
thou that art nayled on a tree
unworthely todaye.

<c>Nicodemus
Joseph, brother, as I well see,
this holy prophet is given to thee.

Some worshipp hee shall have of mee
that ys of myghtiest most.
For as I leve by my lewtye,
verey Goddes Sonne ys hee,
for wonders sightes men might see
when that he yeeld the goost.

For the sonne lost all his light;
yearthquake made men afright;
the rocke that never before had clyft
clayve, that men might knowe;
graves opened in mens sight;
dead men did ryse. Therfore, by right
I may saye this was Goddes Sonne almight
that so great sygnes can shewe.

Therefore here brought have I
a hundreth poundes of spicerye.
Myr, alloes, and many more therbye
to honour him with I bringe,
for to balme his sweete bodye
in sepulcher for to lye,
that hee maye have on me mercye
in heaven where hee ys kinge.

<d>Finis

<h>The Cookes Plaie<!-- 18 -->

<d>Hic incipit Pagina Decima Septima de Decensu ad Inferna et de his qut ibidem fiebant secundum Evangelium Nicodemi Et primo fiat lux in inferno materialis aliqua subtilitate machmata, et postea dicat Adam

<c>Adam
O lord and soveraigne saviour,
our comfort and our counselour,
of this light thou art author
as I see well in sight.
This ys a signe thou wilt succour
thy folkes that lyven in great langour,
and of the devill be conquerour,
as thou hast yere beheight.

Mee thou madest, lord, of claye,
and gave me paradyce in to playe;
but through my synne, the soothe to saye,
depryved I was therefroe,
and from that weale put awaye,
and here have longett sythen aye
in thestearnesse both night and daye,
and all my kynd also.

Nowe, by this light that I nowe see,
joye ys come, lord, through thee,
and one thy people hast pittye
to put them out of payne.

Sycker, yt may non other bee
but nowe thow hast mercye on mee,
and my kynd through thy postye
thou wilt restore agayne.

<c>Esayus
Yea, secerlye, this ilke light
comys from Goddes Sonne almight,
for so I prophecyed aright
whyle that I was livinge.
Then I to all men beheight,
as I goostlye sawe in sight,
these wordes that I shall to myght
rehearse withowt tarienge:

<d>'Populus qui ambulabat in tenebris vidit lucem magnam.'

The people, I sayd that tyme expresse,
that yeeden abowt in thesternesse
seene a full great lightnesse,
as we donne nowe ychone.
Nowe ys fulifilled my prophecye
that I, the prophet Esaye,
wrote in my booke that will not lye,
whoso will looke theron.

<c>Simeon Justus
And I, Symeon, sooth to saye,
will honour God all that I maye;
for when Cryst child was, in good faye,
in temple I him tooke
and, as the Holye Gooste that daye
taught me or I went awaye,
these wordes I sayd to Godes paye
that men may fynd in booke:

<d>Nunc dimittis servum tuum, domme, secundum verbum tuum, in pace'

There I prayed, withowten les,
that God would lett me be in peace.
For he is Christ that commen was,
I had both feld and seene,
that he had ordeynt for mans heale,
joye to the people of Israell,
nowe ys yt wonne, that ylke weale,
to us, withowten weene.

<c>Johannes Baptista
Yea, lord, I am that prophett Johan
that baptysed thee in flood Jordan
and prophecyed to every natyon
to warne of thy commynge
to bringe the people to salvatyon
by merrytt of thy bitter Passyon,
through fayth and penance to have remyssion
and with thee to have wonnynge:

<d>Penitentiam Appropinquat enim regnum caelorum'

And with my finger I shewed expresse,
when I lyved in wildernesse,

a lambe in tokeninge of thy lycknesse,
our ransome for to bee.
At thy commynge we had forgivenesse;
mercye concluded ryghtwisenesse.
Wherfore these wordes I doe rehearse
with honour unto thee:

<d>'Ecce agnus Dei, ecce, qui tollit peccata mundi.'

<c>Seethe
And I, Seethe, Adams sonne, am here,
that livinge went, withowten were,
to aske at paradyce a prayer
at God, as I shall saye:
that he would grant an angell in hye
to give me oyle of his mercye
to anoynt my father in his anoye,
in sycknes when he laye.

Then to me appeard Mychaell
and bade me travell never a deale,
and sayde for remynge nyf prayers felle
that grant me not to seeke;
nyf of that might I have none,
made I never so mych mon,
tyll fyve thousand yeres were gonne
and fyve hundreth yeeke.

<d>Omnibus flectibus dicat David:

A, high God and kinge of blys,
worshipped be thy name, ywys
I hope that tyme nowe commen ys
delyvered to be of languor.
Come, lord, come to hell anon,
and take owt thy folkes everychon,
for the yeares be all comen and gonne
sythen mankynd first came here.

<d>Tunc Sathan sedens in cathedra dicat daemonibus:

Hell-houndes all that binne here,
makes you boune with boste and beere,
for to thys felowshippe in fere
there byes a feerly freake.
A noble morsell ye have mone;
Jesu that ys Godes Sonne
comes hither with us to wonne.
One him nowe ye you wreake.

A man hee ys fullye, in faye,
for greatly death hee dread todaye,
and these wordes I hard him saye:
'My soule is threst to death.'
Such as I made halt and blynd,
he hasse them healed into theire kynd.
Therfore this bolster looke ye bynd
in bale of hell-brethe.

<c>Secundus Daemon
Syr Sathanas, what man ys hee
that should thee pryve of thy postie?
Howe darre he doe agaynste thee
and dread his death todaye?
Grayter then thou he seemes to be,
for degradit of thy degree
thou must be soone, well I see,
and pryved of thy praye.

<c>Tertius Demon
Who ys he so styffe and stronge
that so maysterlyke comes us amonge,
our felowshippe as he would fonge?
But therof he shall fayle.
Weyt he us with any wronge,
he shall synge a sorye songe;
but on thee, Sathan, or yt be longe,
and his will ought avayle-

<c>Sathanas
Agaynst thys shrewe that commys here
I tempted the folke in fowle manere.
Aysell and galle to his dinere
I made them for to dight,
and sythen to hange him on roode-tree.
Nowe ys he dead, right so through mee,
and to hell, as yee shall see,
hee comys anonne in hyght.

<c>Secundus Daemon
Syr Sathanas, ys not this that syre
that raysed Lazour out of the fyre?

<c>Sathanas
Yea, this ys hee that would conspire
anonne to reave us all.

<c>Tertius Daemon
Owt, owt! Alas, alas!
Here I conjure thee, Sathanas,
thou suffer him not come in thys place
for ought that may befall.

<c>Secundus Daemon
Yea, sekerly, and he come here,
passed ys cleane our power,
for all this felowshippe in fere
have home away he would;
for at his commandement
Lazour, that with us was lent,
maugre our teythe awaye hee hent,
and him might we not hould.

<d>Tunc venit Jesus et fiat clamor, vel sonitus magnus materialis, et dicat Jesus 'Attollite portas, principes, vestras, et elevamini portas aeternales, et introibit rex gloriae'

<c>Jesus
Open up hell-gates anonne,
ye prynces of pyne everychon,
that Godes Sonne may in gonne,
and the kinge of blys.

<c>Secundus Daemon
Go hense, poplard, owt of thys place
or thou shalt have a sorye grace.
For all thy boaste and thy manace
theise men thou shalt amys.

<c>Sathanas
Owt, alas, what ys thys?
Seghe I never so mych blys
towardes hell come, iwys,
sythen I was warden here.

My masterdome fares amys,
for yonder a stubberne fellowe ys,
right as wholye hell were his,
to reave me of my power.

<c>Tertius Daemon
Yea, Sathanas, thy soverayntie
fayles cleane. Therfore thou flee,
for no longer in this see
here shalt thou not sytt.
Goe forth! Feight for thy degree!
Or elles our prynce shall thou not bee;
for nowe passys thy postee
and hethen thou must flytt.

<d>Tunc surgens Sathanas de sede dicat.

<c>Sathanas
Owt, alas, I am shent!
My might fayles, verament.
This prynce that ys nowe present
will pull from me my praye.
Adam by myne intycement,
and all his blood, through me were shent.
Nowe hethen they shall all be bent,
and I in hell for aye.

<c>David Rex
I, kinge Davyd, nowe well may saye
my prophecye fulfilled is, in faye,
as nowe shewes in sight verey,
and soothly here ys seene.
I taught men thus here in my lyefe-daye
to worshippe God by all waye,
that hell-yates he should afraye
and wonn that his bath bynne.

<d>Confiteantur domino misericordiae eius et mirabilia eius, filius hominis contrivit portas aereas et vectes ferreas confregit'

<d>Tunc item dicat Jesus

<c>Jesus
Open up hell-yates yett I saye,
ye prynces of pyne that be present,
and lett the kinge of blys this waye
that he may fulfill his intent.

<c>Sathanas
Staye! What, what ys hee, that kinge of blys?

<c>David Rex
That lord the which almightie ys,
in warre no power like to his,
of all blys ys gretest kynge.
And to him ys non like, iwys,
as ys soothly seene by thys,
for men that somtyme dyd amysse
to his blys he will them bringe.

<d>Hic extrahuntur patriarchi (Here must God take owt Adam)

<c>Jesus
Peace to thee, Adam, my dearlynge,
and eke to all thy osspringe
that ryghtwise were in yearth livinge.
From mee yee shall not severe.
To blys nowe I wyll you bringe there
you shalbe withowt endinge.
Mychaell, lead these men singinge
to blys that lasteth ever.

<c>Mychaell
Lord, your will donne shalbe.
Come forth, Adam, come with mee.
My lord upon the roode-tree
your synnes bath forbought.
Nowe shall ye have likinge and lee,
and be restored to your degree
that Sathan with hys subtyltye
from blys to bale had brought.

<c>Sathanas
Owt, alas! Nowe goes awaye
all my prysoners and my praye;
and I myselfe may not starte awaye,
I am so stretlye tyed.
Nowe comes Christe, sorrowe I maye
for me and my menye for aye.
Never sytben God made the first daye
were we so sore afrayd.

<d>Here must Adam speake to Enocke and Helye.

<c>Adam
Syrs, what manner of men bene yee
that bodelye meete us, as I see,
that dead come not to hell as wee,
sythen all men dampned were?
When I trespassed, God height mee
that this place closed should bee
from yearthly men to have entree,
and yett I fynd you here.

<c>Enocke
Syr, I am Enocke, the sooth to saye,
put in this place to Goddes paye;
and here have lyved ever synce aye
at likinge all my fill.

And my fellowe here, in good faye,
ys Helye the prophet, see yee maye,
that ravished was in this araye,
as hit was Godes will.

<c>Helias Propheta
Yea, bodely death, leeve thou mee,
yett never suffred wee,
but here ordaynt we are to bee
tyll Antechriste come with hise.
To fight agaynst us shall hee
and slea us in this holye cittye;
but sekerly, within dayes three
and a halfe, we shall ryse.

<c>Adam
And who ys this that comes here,
that lives with you in this manere?

<c>Latro
I am that theeffe, my father dere,
that honge on roode-tree.
For I beleeved withowten were
that Christ might save us both in feere,
to him I made my prayer,
the which was granted mee.

When I see synnys full verey
that hee was Goddes Sonne, sooth to saye,
to him devoutely did I praye,
in his regyon when he come
that he would thinke on me alwaye;
and hee answered and sayd: 'This daye
in paradice thou shalt with me playe.'
Hederward I nome.

Then he betaught me this tokeninge,
this crosse upon my backe hanginge,
to Michaell angell for to bringe,
that I might have entree.

<c>Adam
Nowe goe wee to blys, ould and yonge,
and worshippe God all willinglye;
and thiderward I read we singe
with great solempnitie.

<d>Tunc eant omnes, et incipiat Michaell 'Te Deum laudamus'

<c>Muller
Woe be the tyme that I came here,
I saye to thee nowe, Lucifere,
with all thy felowshipp in fere
that present be in place.
Wofull am I with thee to dwell,
syr Sathanas, sargeant of hell.
Endles sorrowe and paynes cruell
I suffer in this case.

Sometyme I was a taverner,
a gentle gossippe and a tapster,
of wyne and ale a trustie bruer,
which woe hath me wrought.
Of kannes I kept no trewe measure.
My cuppes I sould at my pleasure,
deceavinge manye a creature,
thoe my ale Were nought.

And when I was a bruer longe,
with hoppes I made my alle stronge;
esshes and hearbes I blend amonge
and marred so good malt.
Therfore I may my handes wringe,
shake my cuppes and kannes ringe.
Sorrowfull maye I syke and singe
that ever I so dalt.

Tavernes, tapsters of this cittye
shalbe promoted here with mee
for breakinge statutes of this contrye,
hurtinge the commonwealth,
with all typpers-tappers that are cunninge,
mispendinge much malt, bruynge so thinne,
sellinge smale cuppes money to wynne,
agaynst all trueth to deale.

Therfore this place nowe ordayned ys
for such yll-doers so mych amysse.
Here shall they have ther joye and blys,
exalted by the necke,
with my master, mightie Mahound,
for castinge malt besydes the combes,
myche water takinge for to compound,
and little of the secke.

With all mashers, mengers of wyne, in the night
bruynge so, blendinge agaynst daylight,
sych newe-rnade claret ys cause full right
of sycknes and disease.
Thus I betake you, more and lesse,
to my sweete mayster, syr Sathanas,
to dwell with him in his place
when hyt shall you please.

<c>Sathanas
Welcome, dere daughter, to us all three.
Though Jesu be gonne with our meanye,
yett shalt thou abyde here still with mee
in payne withowt ende.

<c>Secundus Daemon
Welcome, sweete ladye! I will thee wedd,
for manye a heavye and dronken head
cause of thy ale were brougt to bedd
farre worse then anye beaste.

<c>Tertius Daemon
Welcome, deare darlinge, to endles bale.
Usynge cardes, dyce, and cuppes smale,
with many false othes to sell thy ale-
nowe thou shall have a feaste!

<d>Finis

<h>The Skynners Playe<!-- 19 -->

<d>Pagina Decima Octava: De Resurrectione Jesu Christi

<c>Pilatus
Per vous, sir Cayphas,
et vous e vous, syr Annas,
et sum disciple Judas
ou le treison fuite;
et grande luces de lucite
a moy perfoyte deliverie,
nostre dame fuit judge,
per loer roy estreite.

You lordes and ladyes so lovely and lere,
you kemps, you knowne knightes of kynde,
herkens all hitherward my hestes to here,
for I am most fayrest and freshest to fynd,
and most highest I am of estate;
for I am prynce pereles, most royall man of ryches.
I may deale and I may dresse.
My name ys syr Pilate.

For Caesar, lord most of postie,
honored my estate and my degree
when that he sent Jesus to me
to delyver him to the dead.
The cryed on mee all with on voyce;
the Jewes one me made great noyce.
I gave them leave to hange him on crosse.
This was through Jewes read.

I dread yett lest hee will us greeve,
for that I sawe I may well beleeve.
I sawe the stones begane to cleave
and dead men up can ryse.
In this cyttye all aboute
was non so stearne ne so stowte
that up durst looke, for great doubt;
they could so soone agryse.

And therfore, syr Cayphas, yett I dread
leste there were parrell in that deed.
I sawe him hange on roode and bleed
tyll all his blood was shedd.
And when he should his death take,
the wedders waxed wondrous blacke-
layte, thonder-and earth beganne to quake.
Therof I am adread.

<c>Cayphas
And this was yesterdaye, about noone?

<c>Pilatus
Yea, syr byshoppe, this ys one.
To speake therfore we have to donne.
For I lett burye him full soone
in a tombe of stonne.
And therfore, syrs, amonge us three
lett us ordayne and oversee
yf there anye parrell be,
or we hence gonne.

<c>Cayphas
Syr Pilate, all this was donne,
as we sawe after sone;
but betyme at afternoone
the wedder begane to cleare.
And, syr, yf yt be your will,
such wordes you left be styll
and speake of another skyll,
least any man us heare.

<c>Annas
Yea, syr Pilate, nought forthy!
I sawe him and his companye
rayse men with sorcerye
that longe before were dead.
For, and there be any more such lafte
which can of such wytchcrafte,
yf that bodye be from us rafte,
advyse you well, I redd.

<c>Cayphas
Yea, syr Pilate, I tell you right.
Lett us ordayne manye a hard knight,
 well armed, to stand and feight
with power and with force,
that noe shame to us befall.
Lett us ordayne here amonge us all,
and trewe men to us call
to keepe well the coarse.

<c>Pilatus
Nowe by Jesu that dyed on roode,
methinke your counsell wondrous good.
The best men of kynne and blood
anonne I wyll in.
Syr Colphram and syr Jeragas
Aroysiat and syr Jerophas,
we praye you, syrs, here in thys case
anonne looke you ne blynne.

A, my knightes styffe and stearne of hart,
you be bould men and smart.
I warne you nowe at wordes short,
with you I have to donne.

<c>Primus Miles
Syr, we be here all and some
as bowld men, readye bowne
to dryve your enemyes all adowne
while that wee may stand.

We be your knights everychon.
Fayntnes in us there shalbe nonne.
We wilbe wroken upon thy fonne
wherever he may be found-
and for no dread that we wyll wend.

<c>Pilatus
That I am well to understand.
You be men doughtie of hand;
I love you withowt lacke.

But that prophett that was donne and drawes
throwe the recountinge of your lawes-
but yett somethinge me standes in awes
of wordes that he spake.
Forsooth, this I hard him saye:
that hee would ryse the thyrd daye.
Nowe surely and he so maye,
he hath a wonderous tatch.

<c>Secundus Miles
Yea, lett him ryse yf that him dare;
for, and I of him be awarre,
hee bode never a worse charre
or that hee wend awaye.
I helped to slea him yerre while.
Weenes he to doe us more guyle?
Ney, yt ys no parrayle,
my head heare dare I laye.

<c>Tertius Miles
Yea, lett him quicken! Hardlye,
whiles my fellowes here and I
may awake and stand him by,
he scapeth not uncaught.
For and he ones heave up his head,
but that he be soone dead,
shall I never eate more bread
ne never more be saught.

<c>Primus Miles
Have good-day, syr. Wee wyll be gonne.
Geeve us our charge everychon.

<c>Pilatus
Nowe fares-well, the best of blood and bonne,
and takes good heede unto my sawe.

For as I am a trewe Jewe,
yf that you anye treasonn sue,
there ys none of you all shall yt eschewe
but he shall be to-drawe.

<c>Secundus Miles
Nowe, fellowes, we be charged hye.
Our prynce hath sworne that we shall dye
withowt anye prophecye
or anye other encharre
but yf we donne as the wyse.
I read us we right well advise.
Though he be bould, hee shall not ryse
but one of us be warre.

<c>Tertius Miles
Syr, the most wytt lyeth in thee
to ordayne and to oversee.
You binne the eldeste of us three,
and man of most renowne.
The tombe ys here att our hand.
Sett us there as we shall stand.
Yf that he ryse, we shall found
to beate him adowne.

<c>Primus Miles
And I shall nowe sett us soe,
yf that he ryse and would goe,
one of us, or elles two,
shall see of his upryste.
Stand thou there, and thou here,
and I myselfe in myddle mere.
I trowe our hartes will not feare
but yt were stowtly wyste.

<d>Tunc cantabunt duo angeli: 'Christus resurgens a mortuis' etc., et Christus tune resurget; ac postea, cantu finito, dicat ut sequitur. Jesus resurgens et pede eos milites quatlat

<c>[Jesus]
Earthlye man that I have wrought,
awake out of thy sleepe.
Earthly man that I have bought,
of me thou take noe keepe.
From heaven mans soule I sought
into a dungeon deepe;
my deare lemmon from thence I brought,
for ruth of her I weepe.

I am verey prynce of peace
and kinge of free mercye.
Whoe wyll of synnes have release,
one me the call and crye;
and yf they will of synnes sease,
I grant them peace trulye
and therto a full rych messe
in bread, my owne bodye.

I am verey bread of liffe.
From heaven I light and am send.
Whoe eateth that bread, man or wiffe,
shall lyve with me withowt end.
And that bread that I you give,
your wicked life to amend,
becomes my fleshe through your beleeffe
and doth release your synfull band.

And whosoever eateth that bread
in synne and wicked liffe,
he receaveth his owne death-
I warne both man and wiffe;

the which bread shalbe seene instead
the joye ys aye full ryffe.
When hee ys dead, through fooles read
then ys he brought to payne and stryffe.

<d>Tunc duo angeli, posteaquam Christus resurrexit, sedebunt in sepulchro, quorum alter ad caput, alter ad pedes, sedeant.

<c>Primus Miles
Owt, alas! Where am I?
So bright abowt ys herebye
that my harte wholey
owt of slough ys shaken.
So fowle feared with fantasye
was I never in non anoye,
for I wott not, witterlye,
whether I be on sleepe or waken.

<d>Tunc socium surgere cogit.

<c>Secundus Miles
Where art thou, syr batchlere?
About me ys wonder cleare.
Wytt me wantes withowten were,
for fearder I never was.
To remove farre or neare
mee fayles might and power.
My hart in my bodye here
ys hoven owt of my brest.

<d>Tunc tanget socium et de somno surgere coget.

<c>Primus Miles
Yea, we are shent, syckerlye,
for Jesu ys rysen, well wott I,
owt of the sepulchre mightelye,
and therof I have in mynd.
And, as dead here can I lye,
speake might I not, ney espye
which waye he tooke, truelye-
my eyes the were so blynde.

<c>Tertius Miles
Alas, what ys thys great light
shyninge here in my sight?
Marred I am, both mayne and might;
to moove have I noe mayne.
These two beastes that are so bright-
power I ney have to ryse aright-
mee fayle with them for to fight,
would I never so fayne.

<c>Secundus Miles
Yea, I will creepe forth upon my knee
tyll I this parrell passed bee,
for my waye I may not see,
neyther yearth ney stonne.
Yea, in a wicked tyme we
nayled him on the roode-tree.
For us, he sayd, in dayes three
that he would ryse agayne.

<c>Tertius Miles
Hye we fast we were awaye,
for this ys Goddes Sonne verey.
Stryve with him wee ney maye
that mayster ys and more.
I will to Cayphas, by my faye,
the sooth openlye for to saye.
Farewell, syrs, and have good-daye,
for I will goe before.

<c>Primus Miles
We to lenge here ys no boote,
for needes to syr Pilate we moote
and tell him both croppe and roote
so soothly as wee wist.
For and they Jewes knewe as well as wee
that he were rysen through his postie,
then should the last errour bee
worse then was the firste.

<d>Tunc adeunt Pilatum.

<c>Sectjndus Miles
Herkens, syr Pilate, the sooth to sayne,
Jesu that was on Frydaye slayne
through his might ys rysen agayne.
Thys ys the thyrd daye.
There came noe power him to fett,
but such a sleepe he on us sett
that none of us might him lett
to ryse and goe his waye.

<c>Pilatus
Nowe by the othe that I have to syr Caesar sworne,
all you dogges sonnes
shall dye therfore
yf yt be on you longe.
If that you have privylie
sowld him to his companye,
then are you worthye for to dye
right in your owne wronge.

<c>Tertius Miles
Nowe by the order that I beare of knight,
he rose up in the morninge light
by vertue of his owne might.
I knowe hit well afyne.
Hee rose up, as I saye nowe,
and lefte us lyenge, I wott nere howe,
all bemased and in a swoone
as we had binne stycked swyne.

<c>Pilatus
Fye, theeffe; fye, traytour;
fye on thee, thy truth ys full bare!
Fye, feynd; fye, feature;
hye hence. Fast I read that thou fare!

<c>Primus Miles
That tyme that hee his waye tooke
durst I neyther speake nor looke,
but for feare I laye and quooke,
and laye in sownd dreame.
He sett his foote upon my backe
that everye lythe beganne to cracke.
I would not abyde such another shacke
for all Jerusalem.

<c>Pilatus
Fye, harlott; fye, hownde;
fye on thee, thou taynted taken dogge!
What! Laye thou styll in that stound
and lett that losingere goe so on the rogge?
Syr Cayphas and syr Annas,
what saye you to thys trespas?
I praye you, syrs, in this case
advyse me of some reede.

<c>Cayphas
Nowe, good syr, I you praye,
herkens to mee what I you saye-
for mych avayle us yt maye-
and doe after my spell.
Praye them nowe, syr, pardye,
as the loven well thee,
here as they standen all three,
to keepe well our counsell.

<c>Annas
Syr byshoppe, I saye to you verament,
unto your counsell I fullye assent.
This foolishe prophet that we all torent
through his witchcrafte ys stollen awaye.
Therfore lett us call our counsell together
and lett us conclude to the whole matter,
or elles our lawes are donne forever.

<c>Pilatus
Nowe in good fayth, full woe ys mee,
and so I trowe bynne all yee,
that he ys rysen thus privelye
and ys from us escaped.
Nowe I praye you, syrs, as yee love mee,
keepe this in close and privetye
untyll our counsell and tyll wee
have hard howe hee is scaped.

<c>Maria Magdalena
Alas, nowe lorne ys my likinge.
For woe I wander and handes wringe.
My harte in sorrowe and sighinge
ys sadlye sett and sore.
That I most loved of all thinge,
alas, ys nowe full lowe lyenge.
Whye am I, lord, so longe livinge
to loose thy luxonne lore?

<c>Maria Jacobi
Alas, wayle awaye ys went.
My helpe, my heale from me ys hent.
My Christ, my comfort that me kent,
is clongen nowe in claye.
Mightie God omnipotent,
thou give them hard judgment
that my soveraygne hath so shent,
for so I maye well saye.

<c>Maria Salome
Alas, nowe marred ys my might.
My lord through whom that I was light
shamefullye slayne here in my syght!
My sorrowe ys aye unsought.
Syth I maye have no other ryght
of these dyvelles that have my lord so dight,
to balme his bodye that ys so bryght boyst
here have I brought.

<c>Maria Magdelena
Suster, which of us everychon
shall remove this great stonne
that lyeth my sweet lord upon,
for moove yt I ne maye?

<c>Maria Jacobi
Suster, maystrye ys hit nonne.
Hit seemes to mee as he were gonne,
for on the sepulcher sytteth one,
and the stonne away.

<c>Maria Salomee
Two children I see ther syttinge-
all of whyte ys there clothinge-
and the stonne besydes lyeinge.
Goe we nere and see.

<d>Tunc ibunt, et aspiciunt in sepulchrum.

<c>Angelus Primus
What seeke ye women here
with weepinge and unlykinge chere?
Jesus, that to you was deare,
ys rysen, leeve you mee.

<c>Angelus Secundus
Be not afrayde of us in fere,
for he ys wente, withowten were,
as hee before can you leere,
forth into Gallylye.

<c>Angelus Primus
This ys the place, therfore be apayde,
that Jesu our lord was in layde;
but he ys rysen as he sayde,
and heathen went awaye.

<c>Angelus Secundus
Hye you, for ought that may befall,
and tell his disciples all;
and Peter allso saye you shall
there fynde him that you maye.

<c>Maria Macdalena
Ah, hye wee faste for anye thinge
and tell Peter this tydinge.
A blessedfull word we may him bringe,
sooth yf that hit were.

<c>Maria Jacobi
Yea, walke thou, suster, by on waye
and we another shall assaye
tyll we have mett with him todaye,
my dereworth lord so deare.

<d>Tunc discedent, et palisper circumambulabunt, et tunc obvient discipulis, Petro et Johanm

<c>Maria Magdalena
A, Peter and John, alas, alas!
There ys befallne a wondrous case.
Some man my lord stollne hase
and put him I wott not where.

<c>Petrus
What? Ys he removed owt of the place
in the which he buryed was?

<c>Maria Magdalena
Yea, sickerlye, all my solace
ys gonne and ys not there.

<c>Johannes Evangelist
Peter, goe we thither anon,
runninge as faste as we maye gonne,
to looke whoe hath removed the stonne
and whether hee be awaye.

<c>Petrus
Abyde, brother, sweete John,
leste wee meete with anye fonne;
but nowe I see non other wonne,
to runne I will assaye.

<d>Tunc ambo simul concurrunt, sed Johannes precurreret citius Petro, et non intrat sepulchrum.

<c>Johannes
A, Peter, brother, in good faye,
my lord Jesu is awaye,
but his sudarye, sooth to saye,
lyenge here I fynd
by hitselfe, as thou se maye;
farre from all other clothes yt laye.
Nowe Maryes wordes are sooth verey,
as we may have in mynd.

<c>Petrus
Yea, but as God keepe me from woe
into the sepulcher I wyll goe
to looke whether yt be verey soe
as Marye to us can saye.

<d>Tunc introibit in sepulchrum.

<c>Petrus
A, lord, blessed be thou ever and oo,
for as thou towld me and other moo
I fynd thou hasse overcome our foo
and rysen art in good faye.

<d>Tunc Petrus lamentando dicat

<c>Petrus
A, lord, howe shall I doe for shame-
that have deserved so mych blame
to forsake thy sweete name-
to meete with thee by any waye,
I that in pennance and great anoye
my sweete lord forsooke thrye?
Save endlesse hope of his mercye,
therto trust I maye.

For ne hit were his great grace
and sorrowe in hart that in me was,
worse I were then was Judas,
my lord so to forsake.

<c>Johannes
Peter, comforte thee in this case,
for sycker my lord Jesu hase
greate repentance for thy tresspasse;
my lord in hart will take.

Goe we seeke Jesu anon in hye,
one waye thow, another way I.

<c>Petrus
Yea, well I hope through his might
my pennance shall him please.

<d>Tunc abeunt, hic per aliam viam ille per alteram. Mulieres venient.

<c>Maria Magdalena
Heathen will I never, syckerlye,
tyll I be comforted of myne anoye
and knowe where hee is readelye.
Here will I sitt and weepe.

<c>Angelus Primus
Woman, whye weepest thou so aye?

<c>Maria Magdalena
Sonne, for my lord ys taken awaye
and I wott nere, the sooth to saye,
whoe hath donne that thinge.
Alas, whye were I not dead todaye,
clought and clongen under claye
to see my lord that here laye
once at my likynge?

<d>Finis

<h>The Saddlers Playe<!-- 20 -->

<d>Pagina Decima Nona: De Christo Duobus Discipulis ad Castellum Emaus Euntibus Apparente et Aliis Discipulis

<c>Lucas
Alas, nowe wayle ys went awaye.
My owne, my mayster ever I maye
that is nowe clongen under claye,
that makes my hart in care.
Sorrowe and sighinge, the sooth to saye,
makes me both, that ys no naye.
When I thinke on him both night and daye
for deole I drowpe and dare.

<c>Cleophas
Yea, mych myrth was in mee
my sweete soveraygne when I might see,
and his likinge lore with lee,
and nowe so lowe ys layde.
Brother, nowe ys dayes three
syth hee was nayled on the tree.
[Lorde], whether he rysen bee
as hee before hath sayd?

<c>Lucas
Leyffe brother Cleophas,
to knowe that were a coynte case.
Syth he through hart wonded was,
howe should he lyre agayne?

<c>Cleophas
If that godhead in him hasse
and commen to bye mans tresspas,
he may ryse through his owne grace
and his death to us gayne.

<c>Lucas
A mystie thinge yt is to mee
to have beleyffe yt should so bee.
howe hee should ryse in dayes three-
such wonders never was wyst.

<c>Cleophas
Sooth thou sayst, nowe well I see.
Leeve maye I not by any lewtye;
but God maye of his majestye
doe whatsoever him liste.

<d>Tunc veniet Jesus in habitu peregrino et dicat eis.

<c>Jesus
Good men, yf your will weare,
tell me in good manere
of your talkinge. That in fere
and of your woe wytt I would.

<c>Cleophas
A, syr, yt seemes to us here
a pylgryme thou art, as can appeare.
Tydinge and tales all inteere
thou may here what ys towld.

In Jerusalem that other daye
thou, that walkest manye a waye,
maye thou not here what men doe saye,
abowt theras thou yeede?

<c>Jesus
What are those? Tell me, I thee praye.

<c>Lucas
Of Jesus of Nazareth, in good faye,
a prophett to eych mans paye
and wyse in word and deede!
To God and man wyse was hee,
but bushoppes-cursen motte the bee-
dampned him and nayled him on a tree,
that wronge never yett wrought.

<c>Cleophas
Witterlye, before wend wee
that Israell he should have made free,
and out of payne through his postye
the people he should have brought.

<c>Lucas
Yea, syr, nowe ys the thyrd daye
sythe they made thys affraye,
and some weomen there as hee laye
weare yarlye in the morne
and feared us fowle, in faye.
The towid us hee was stollen awaye
and angelles, as they can saye,
the sepulchre syttinge beforne.

<c>Cleophas
Yea, syr, these weomen that hard I
sayde hee was rysen redelye,
and some men of our companye
thyder anon can goe
and found yt so, lease and more.
And yett our hartes are full sore
lest yt be not so.

<c>Jesus
Ah, fooles, and feeble in good faye;
latt to beleeve unto Goddes lawe!
The prophetes before can thus saye-
leeve you on this soothlye-
that yt needes be alwaye,
Christ to suffer death, the sooth to saye,
and to joye that lasteth aye
bringe man through his mercye.

And first at Moyses to beginne,
what he sayth I shall you mynne:
that God was a greave within
that burned aye, as him thought.
The greave payred nothinge therbye-
what was that but mayd Marye
that bare Jesu synleslye
that man hath nowe forbought?

Also Esaye sayd this:
'As a woman comfortes iwys
her child that hath donne amys
to amend, leeve ye mee
so God would man reconcyled here
through his mercye, in good manere,
and in Jerusalem in better were
forbought they should bee':

<d>'Quemadmodum mater consolatur filios suos, ita et ego consolabor vos; et in Jerusalem consolabimini.' Esaias, capitulo sexagesino sexto.

<c>Cleophas
A, lord give thee good grace,
for greatly comforted mee thou hasse.
Goe with us to this place.
A castell ys herebye.

<c>Jesus
Nowe, good men, soothly to saye,
I have to goe a great waye.
Therfore at this tyme I ne maye,
but I thanke you hartelye.

<c>Lucas
Syr, you shall in all manere
dwell with us at our suppere,
for nowe night approcheth nere.
Tarrye here for anythinge!

<c>Cleophas
Nowe God forbyd that we weare
so uncurtysse to you here
for, saffe my lovely lord of lere,
thy lord ys most likinge.

<d>Tunc ibit Jesus cum illis ad castellum.

<c>Lucas
Sytt downe, syr, here I you praye
and take a morsell yf you maye,
for you have walked a great waye
syth todaye at noone.

<c>Jesus
Grantmercye, good men, in good faye.
To blesse this bread, sooth to saye,
I will anon in good araye
rightly you beforne.

<d>Tunc frangit panem et dicat

Eates on, men, and do gladlye
in the name of God almightie,
for this bread blessed have I
 that I give you todaye.

<d>Tunc Jesus evanescit

<c>Lucas
Grantmercye, syr, syckerlye.
Nowe read I you be right merye.
What! Where ys hee that sate us bye?
Alas, he ys awaye.

<c>Cleophas
Alas, alas, alas, alas!
This was Jesus in this place.
By breakinge the bread I knewe his face
but nothinge there before.

<c>Lucas
A burninge hart in us hee made,
for while [he] with us here was
to knowe him we might have no grace
for all his luxon lore.

<c>Cleophas
Goe we, brother, and that anon,
and tell our brethren everychon
howe our mayster ys from us gonne;
yee, soothly wee may saye.

<c>Lucas
Yea, we maye make our monne
that sate with him in great wonne,
and we no knowledge had him upon
tyll he was passed awaye.

<d>Tunc ibunt ad alios discipulos in alio loco congregatos.

<c>Cleophas
A, reste well, brethren one and all.
Wondrously ys us befall!
Our lord and wee were in a hall
and him yett knewe not wee.

<c>Andreas
Yea, leeve thou well this, Cleophas,
that hee ys rysen that dead was
and to Peter appeared hase
this daye appertlye.

<c>Lucas
With us he was a longe fytt
and undyd his holy wrytt;
and yett our wyttes were so knytt
that him we might not knowe.

<c>Cleophas
Nowe sycker awaye was all my wytt
tyll the bread was broken eych bytt;
and anon when he brake hitt
he vanished in a thrall.

<c>Petrus
Nowe we breathren all in feere,
I reade we hyde us somewhere here
that Jewes meete us not in no manere
for malice, leeve you mee.

<c>Andreas
Lenge wee here in this place.
Peradventure God wyll shewe us grace
to se our lord in little space
and comforted for to bee.

<d>Tunc omnes eunt infra castrum, et veniet Jesus stans in media discipulorum; et postea dicat.

<c>Jesus
Peace amonge you, brethren fayre!
Yea, dread you nought in no manere.
I am Jesus, withowt were,
that dyed on roode-tree.

<c>Peter
A, what ys hee that comys here
to this fellowshippe all in fere
as hee to me nowe can appeare?
A ghooste methinke I see.

<c>Jesus
Brethren, whye are ye so frayd for nought
and noyed in harte for feeble thought?
I am hee that hath you forbought
and dyed for mans good.
My feete, my handes you may see;
and knowe the soothe also may yee,
soothly that I am hee
that dead was upon a tree.

Handle me, both all and one,
and leeve well this everychone:
that ghooste hath neyther fleshe ne bonne
as you see nowe on mee.

<c>Andreas
A, lord, mych joye is us upon!
But what he ys, wott I ney can.

<c>Jesus
Nowe sythe you leeve I am no man,
more sygnes you shall se.

Have you any meate here?

<c>Petrus
Yea, my lord leeffe and dere,
rosted fyshe and honye in fere,
therof we have good wonne.

<c>Jesus
Eate we then in good manere.
Thus nowe you knowe withowt were
that ghooste to eate hath no powere,
as you shall see anon.

<d>Tunc commedit Jesus, et dabit discipulis suis

<c>Jesus
Brethren, I towld you before
when I was with you not gayne an howre,
that nedelye both lesse and more
must fuffilled bee.
In Moyses lawe as wrytten were,
all other prophettes as nowe weare,
ys fulfilled in good manere
of that was sayd of mee.

For thys was wrytten in prophecye:
that I must suffer death nedelye
and the thyrd day with victorye
ryse in good arraye
and preach remission of synnes
unto all men that his name doth mynne.
Therfore, all you that bee herein
thinke on what I saye.

<d>Tunc evanescit Jesus, et ibunt discipuli Bethaniae, et obviantes Thomas dicat Petrus.

<c>Petrus
A, Thomas! Tydinges good and neewe!
We have seene the lord Jesu.

<c>Thomas
Shall I never leeve that this ys trewe,
by God omnypotent,
but I see in his handes two
holes the nayles can in goe
and put my fynger eke alsoe
thereas the nayles went.

<c>Andreas
Thomas, goe we all in feere;
for dread of enemyes better were
then Jewes should have [us] in there dangeire
and all our fraternitie.

<c>Thomas
Wherever you goe, brethren deare,
I will goe with you in good manere;
but this talke you tell mee here
I leeve not tell I see.

<c>Petrus
Nowe, Thomas, bee thou not awaye
and in happe se him thou maye
and feele him also, in good faye,
as we have donne before.

<c>Thomas
Wherever you bee, I will be aye;
but make mee leeve this thinge verey-
you pyne you not! Therfore I you praye
to speake of that no more.

<d>Tunc ibunt omnes iterum ad mansionem et recumbent. Et subito apparebit Jesus dicens

<c>Jesus
Peace, my brethren, both on and all.
Come hither, Thomas; to thee I call.
Showe forth, for ought that maye befall,
thy hand and put in here;
and see my handes and my feete,
and put in thy hand; thou ne lett.
My woundes are yett freshe and wett
as the first were.

And be thou no more so dreadinge,
but ever trulye beleevinge.

<d>Tunc emittet manum in latus et vulnera

<c>Thomas
My God, my lord, my Christ, my kinge!
Nowe leeve I withowt weeninge.

<c>Jesus
Yea, Thomas, thou seest nowe in mee.
Thou leevest nowe that I am hee.
But blessed must they all bee
that leeve and never see
that I am that same bodye
that borne was of meeke Marye
and on a crosse your sowles did bye
upon Good Frydaye.
Whoeso to this wyll consent,
that I am God omnipotent,
as well as they that be present
my dearlynges shalbe aye.

Whoeso to this wyll not consent
ever to the daye of judgment,
in hell-fyer they shalbe brent
and ever in sorrowe and teene.

Whosoever on my Father hath any mynd
or of my mother in any kynd,
in heaven blysse they shall yt fynd
withowt any woe.
Christe give you grace to take the waye
unto that joye that lasteth aye,
for there is noe night but ever daye,
for all you thyder shall goe.

<d>Finis

<h>The Taylors Playe<!-- 21 -->

<d>Incipit Pagina Vicesima de Assentione Dommi Et primo dicat Jesus 'Pax vobis, ego sum, nolite timere'

<c>Jesus
My brethren that sytten in companye,
with peace I greate you hartfullye.
I am hee that standes you bye;
ne dread you nothinge.
Well I knowe and wytterlye
that yee be in greate extacye
whether I be rysen verelye &mdash;
that makes you sore in longinge.

[You] ys no neede to be anoyed soo
neyther through thought to be in woo.
Your handes puttes nowe you froo
and feele my woundes wyde.
And leeves this, both all and one,
that ghoost hath neyther fleshe ne bonne
as yee may feele mee upon
on handes and on feete.

<d>Spiritus quidem carnem et ossa non habet sic me videtis habere'

<c>Petrus
A, what ys this that standeth us bye?
A ghoost meethinke he seemeth, wytterlye.
Meethinke lightned mych am I.
this spryte for to see.

<c>Andreas
Peeter, I tell thee prevelye
I dread me yett full greatlye
that Jesu should doe such maystrye,
and whether that this be hee.

<c>Johannes
Brethren, good yt is to thinke evermore
what wordes he sayd the daye before
he dyed on roode &mdash; gonne ys not youre &mdash;
and bee we steadfast aye.

<c>Jacobus Major
A, John, that makes us in weare
that alwaye when he will appere &mdash;
and when us lyst beste to have him here,
anonne hee ys awaye.

<c>Jesus
I see well, brethren, sooth to saye,
for any signe that I shewe maye
yee be not steadfast in the faye,
but ifittinge I you fynd.
Moe signes therfore yee shall see.
Have you ought may eaten bee?

<c>Simon
Yea, lord, here &mdash; meate innough for thee,
and elles we were unkynd.

<c>Jesus
Nowe eate we then for charitie,
my leeve brethren fayre and free,
for all thinges shall fulfilled bee
wrytten in Moyses lawe.
Prophetes in psalmes sayden of mee
that death I behoved on the roode-tree,
and ryse within dayes three
to joye mankind to drawe

and preach to folke this world within
pennance, remyssion of there synne;
in Jerusalem I should begynne,
as I have donne for love.
Therfore, beleeve steadfastlye
and come ye with mee to Bethanye.
In Jerusalem yee shall all lye
to abyde the grace above.

<d>Tunc commedet Jesus cum discipulis suis, et postea dicat

<c>Philippus
Lord, from us thou nought conseyle!
What tyme that thou art in thy weale,
shalt thou restore Israell
agayne her realme that daye?

<c>Jesus
Brother, that ys not to thee
to knowe my Fathers privetie
that towcheth to his owne postie &mdash;
wytt that yee ne maye.

But take ye shall, through my beheste,
vertue of they Holye Ghoste
that send shaibe to helpe you moste
in world where ye [shall] wend.
My wytnesse all yee shalbee
In Jerusalem and Judee,
Samarye also, and eych countree
to the worldes end.

Goe yee all the worlde, and through my grace
preach my word in eych place.
All that steadfast beleeffe hasse,
and fullye, save shall [be].
And whoeso beleeveth not in your lore,
the wordes ye preach them before,
dampned shalbe evermore;
that payne may them not flee.

By this thinge ye shall well knowe
whoso leeveth steadfastlye in you;
such signes, soothlye, the shall shewe
whersoever the tyde to goe.
In my name well shall they
devylles powers to putt awaye;
newe tonges yee shall have to preach the faye,
and edders to mayster also;

and though the poyson eate or drynke,
yt shall nye them nothinge;
sycke men with ther handlinge
shall healed redelye bee,
such grace shall be in there doinge.
Nowe to my Father I am goinge.
Yee shall have, brethren, my blessinge,
for to heaven I must stee.

<d>Tunc adducet discipulos in Bethaniam; et cum pervenerit ad locum, ascendens dicat Jesus, stans in loco ubi assendit. Dicat Jesus, ' Data est mihi omnis potestas in caelo et in terra.'

<c>Jesus
My sweete brethren leeffe and deare,
to mee ys granted full powere
in heaven and yearth, farre and neare,
for my godhead is moste.
To teach all men nowe goe yee
that in world will fulfilled bee
in the name of my Father and mee
and of the Holy Ghooste.

<d>Tunc Jesus ascendet, et in ascendendo cantet (God singeth alonne).

<c>Jesus

<d>Ascendo ad Patrem meum et Patrem vestrum, Deum meum et Deum vestrum. Alieluya.

<d>Cum autem impieverit Jesus canticum, stet in medio quasi supra es, et dicat major angelus minori angelo.

<d>Primus Angelus cantat:est iste qui venit de Edom, tinctis vestibus de Bosra?

<d>Minor Angelus respondens cantatIste formosus in stola sua, gradiens in multitudine fortitudinis suae?

<d>Jesus cantat solus:Ego qui loquor justitiam et propinquator sum ad salvandum.

<d>Chorus cantat: Et vestimenta tua sicut calcantium in torculari.

<d>Jesus cantat solus:Torcular calcavi solus, et de gentibus non est vir mecum

<d>Primus Angelus dicat in materna lingua:

<c>Primus Angelus
Who ys this that cometh within
the blysse of heaven that never shall blynne,
bloodye, owt of the world of synne &mdash;
and harrowed hell hath hee?

<c>Secundus Angelus
Comely hee ys in his clothinge,
and with full power goinge,
a nomber of sayntes with him leadinge.

Hee seemeth great of postee.

<d>Jesus autem pausans eodem loco dicat.

<c>Jesus
I that spake rightwisenesse
and have brought man out of distres,
forbyer called l am and was
of all mankynd through grace.
My people, that were from me rafte
through synne and through the dyvelles crafte,
to heaven I bringe &mdash; good never one lafte &mdash;
all that in hell were.

<c>Tertius Angelus
Whye ys thy cloathinge nowe so reedd,
thy bodye bloodye and also head,
thy clothes also, all that binne ledd,
like to pressars of wyne?

<c>Jesus
For the devill and his powere
that mankynd brought in great dangere
Through death one crosse and blood so clere
I have made them all myne.

These bloodye droppes that yee nowe see
all the freshe shall reserved bee
tyll I come in my majestie
to deame the laste daye.
This blood I shedd, wytnes bere to mee,
and dyed for man on roode-tree,
and rose agayne within dayes three &mdash;
such love I loved thee aaye.

Theise droppes nowe with good intent
to my Father I will present
that good men that on yearth be lent
shall knowe appertlye
howe gratiouslye that I them bought;
and for good workes that I have wrought
everlastinge blysse that they sought,
to preeve the good worthye;

and that the wycked may eychone
knowe and see all one
howe worthelye they [forgone]
that blysse that lasteth aye.
For theise causes, leeve yee mee,
the droppes I shedd on roode-tree.
All fleshe shall reserved bee
ever, tyll the laste daye.

<d>Tunc ascendet, et in ascendendo cantent angeli cantleum subseriptum Cantent 'Exaltaremus, dormne, in virtute tua, cantabimus et psallemus virtutes tuas'

<d>Tunc descendent angeli, et cantent 'Viri Gallilei, quid aspicitis eaelum?'

<c>Quartus Angelus
Yee men that binne of Galilee,
whereupon nowe wonder yee,
waytinge him that through postye
ys nowe gonne you froo?

<c>Primus Angelus
Jesu Christe, leeve yee mee,
that steede to heaven, as ye see,
right so come agayne shall hee
as yee seene him goo.

<c>Petrus
Loo, brethren, what these angelles sayen,
that Jesu, that through his great mayne
to heaven ys gonne, will come agayne
right as he forth went.

<c>Andreas
Manye sethen so height hee
to send his Ghooste, with hart free,
and in Jerusalem we shalbee
tyll yt were to us sent.

<c>Simon
Brethren, I read us, in good faye,
that we thether take the waye
and with devotion night and daye
lenge in our prayer.

<c>Philippus
For knowe we mone by sygne vereye
that hee ys Godes Sonne, sooth to saye.
Therfore yt ys good we goe to praye
as he commanded here.

<c>Johannes
Nowe mon we leeve yt no leasinge,
for both by syght and handlinge,
speakinge, eatinge and drinkinge
hee prooves his deitee.

<c>Jacobus Major
Yea, also by his uppsteyinge
bee seemes fully heaven-kinge.
Whoe hasse therin full leevinge,
saved life and soule ys hee.

<c>Petrus
Goe we, brethren, with one assent
and fuilfill his commandement;
but looke that none through dread be blent,
but leeves all steadfastlye.
Praye we all with full intent
that hee to us his Ghoost will sent.
Jesu, that from us nowe ys went,
save all this companye! Amen.

<d>Finis

<h>The Fishemongeres Playe<!-- 22 -->

<d>Incipit Pagina Vicesima Prima de Electione Matthei et de Emissione Spiritus Sancti qualiter apostoli fecerunt simbolum apostolicum, viz. 'Credo in Deum Patrem' etc.

<d>Et primo inter apostolos incipiat

<c>Petrus (ad condiscipulos)
My deare brethren everychone,
you knowe well, both all and one,
howe our lord ys from us gonne
to blysse that lasteth aye.
Comforte nowe maye wee have nonne
save his beheste to trust upon.
Therfore leeve we in this wonne
that never one wend awaye.

Lenge we styffe in our prayer,
for well I wott, withowt were,
he will send us a counselour,
his Ghoost, as hee beheight.
Therefore lenge we right here,
this faythfull fellowshippe in fere,
tyll our lord, as he can us lere,
send us of heaven light.

<d>Tunc exurgens Petrus in medio fratrum et dicat:

My deare brethren fayer and free,
Holye Scripture, leeve yee mee,
fullye must fullfilled bee
that Davyd sayd beforne.
All of the Holye Ghooste had hee.
Towchinge Judas [wytten] yee
that sould our mayster for money
and nowe ys cleane forlorne.

Amonge us nombred that wretch was,
the fayth to preach in eych place;
and nowe his hyre fullye hee hasse,
for hanged himselfe hasse hee.
His bodye bursten for his tresspasse,
soule dampned as a man withowt grace.
Therfore, as the psalter mynd mase,
fulfylled nowe must bee:

<d>Fiat habitatio eius deserta et non [sit] qui habitet in eo Episco accipiat alter'

Therefore, men that nowe binne here
and fellowes that aye with us were
with Jesus Christe, our mayster dere,
in yearth livinge was &mdash;
that yee that seene his powere,
his myracles manye in good manere,
dyinge, rysinge, both in fere,
maye best nowe beare witnesse.

Mattheus I read here be one,
and Josephe that aye with us hath gonne,
for whom we caste to lottes anonne
and buske us all to praye
whether of them yt ys Godes will
this same office to fullfill.

<d>Tunc respondent omnes (all speake together):

Wee assenten us theretyll,
for this ys the beste waye.

<d>Tunc omnes apostoli genuflectent et dicat

<c>Petrus
Thow, lord, that knowest all thinge,
eych hart and will of man livinge,
shewe us here by some tokeninge
whom that we shall take,
and whether of theise ys thy likinge
in Judas steed that be standinge,
thy name to preach to olde and yonge,
and whither that thou wilt make.

<d>Tunc Petrus mittet sortem et sors cadet super Mattheum; et dicat

<c>Petrus
This lott ys falne, brethren free,
one Matthewe &mdash; all men may see.
To us therfore I take thee
and apostle thee make.

<c>Mattheus
Yea, honored be God in Trynitie,
though I unworthye therto bee
that to you have chosen mee;
dye wyil I for his sake.

<c>Andreas
Nowe, Peeter, brother, goe we and praye,
for evermore I myne maye
my sovereygne howe I hard him saye
here in your companye &mdash;

<c>Jacobus Major
hee would not leave us by noe waye
fatherles children, in good faye,
but ryche us sone in better araye
with his Ghooste gratiouslye.

<c>Johannes Evangelista
Yea, brethren, also verament
to us bee sayd in good intent
in yearth here while he was present
and with us could lend &mdash;

<c>Thomas
but yf so were that hee ne went,
his Ghooste to us should not be sent;
and yf hee yood, where wee were lent
hitt hee would us send.

<c>Jacobus Minor
Yea, sweete and likinge was his lore,
and well yee wytten that there wore
but a little while before,
or hee to heaven steede &mdash;

<c>Philippus
hee bade wee should not goe awaye
from Jerusalem to no countrey
but there abyde, soothe to saye,
his heste from an highe.

<c>Bartholomeus
Also hee sayd to us eychone
that his forgoer, Saynt John,
with water baptysed manye one
while that hee was here.

<c>Mathias
But we shall baptyse without boste
fullye with the Holye Ghooste
through helpe of him that ys moste,
sone after, without were.

<d>'Tunc Johannes quidem baptizavit aqua, vos autem baptazimini Spiritu Sancto non post multos hos dies.'

<c>Simon
Wee mynd theron, lasse and more.
Yett some that standen him before

asked whither hee should restore
that tyme all Israell.

<c>Thaddeus
And he answered anonright:
'That tyme knowe yee ne might,
that in his Fathers will was pight' &mdash;
for that hee must conseyle.

<d>'Non est vestrum nosse tempora vel momenta quae Pater posuit in sua potestate'

<c>Mattheus
Yea, brethren, that tyme hee us behight
the Holye Ghoost should in us light,
that wee might tell to eych wight
his deedes all bydeene
in Jerusalem and Judee &mdash;
where in world soever walked wee &mdash;
and Samarye, that men should see,
as after maye be seene.

<d>'Accipietis virtutem supervenientes Spiritus Sancti in vos, et eritis mihi testes in Jerusalem et in Judea, Samaria et usque ad ultimum terrae.'

<c>Petrus
Kneele we downe upon our knee
and to that lord nowe praye wee.
Sone I hope that hee will see
to his disciples all.

<c>Andreas
Yea, in his life so taught hee:
aske and have with hart free;
rightwise boone shall granted bee
when men will on him call.

<d>Tunc omnes apostoli genuflectentes cantent 'Veni, creator Spiritus.' Postea dicat

<c>Jacobus Major
Come, Holye Ghoost; come, creatour!
Visytt or thoughtes in this store &mdash;
thou art mans conquerour &mdash;
and grant us, lord, thy grace!

<c>Johannes
Thou that art called 'conselor'
and send from heaven as savyour,
well of life, lenght or langore
that prayen here in this place.

<c>Thomas
Hee that in seaven monethes would conseyle
grace of thy Ghooste about to deale,
as thou promised for mans heale,
appeare nowe synce I praye.

<c>Jacobus Minor
Light our wyttes with thy weale;
put life in our thoughtes lele;
fulsome thy frendes that binne frayle
with vertues lastinge aye.

<c>Philippus
Vanishe our enemyes farre awaye
and grant us peace, lord, to our paye,
for while thou art our leader aye
we may eschewe anoye.

<c>Bartholomeus
Through thy might knowe wee maye
the Father of heaven, full in good faye;
and yee, his Sonne, all sooth to saye
thou art in companye.

<c>Mathias
Worshipped be thou ever and oo,
the Father and the Sonne also.
Left thy Ghooste nowe from thee goe
and faith that we may fynd.

<c>Simonnde
That we asken with hart throo &mdash;
to fulsome us agaynst our foe &mdash;
grant thy men here, both one and moe,
that have thee ever in mynd.

<d>Christ must speake in heaven.

<c>Lyttle God
Gloryous Father fayre and free,
yee knowe well of your dutye
that I have donne your will.
They apostles that you have chosen to mee,
with grace, wisdome, and prosperitye
that you will them fulfill.

<d>Tunc omnes apostoli contemplantes vel orantes quousque Spiritus missus fuit, Deus dicat:

My Sonne beloved, life and dere,
your healthfull askinge ever here
that you aske ys not to arere.
I knowe your cleane intent.
With will full lyberall and cleare
my Ghooste to them shall appere
to make them wyser then the were.
That ys my full assent.

My Ghoost to yearth shall goe downe
with seaven gyftes of renowne,
ther to have by devotyon.
Confyrine them to be sadd,
that they may be ever readye bowne
in heaven-blysse to were the crowne,
ever to reigne in possession,
there to be merye and gladd.

My patryarkes and propheetes here
that through your fayth to mee were deare,
angelles and archangelles cleare,
all in my blysse wonnynge,
yee wotten well withowten were
howe I have mended in good manere
man that was lorne through Lucifere
and through his owne lykinge.

My Sonne I send downe from my see
into a virgyn fayre and free
and manhood tooke, as lyked mee,
one man to have mercye,
that righteousnes might saved bee.
Synce man had loste his lybertye,
I made man.in on degree;
his bale behovedd to bye.

Nowe man fullye have I bought
and out of bale to blysse brought.
His kynd also, as me good thought,
ys mixte within my godhead.
Thus man that [I] thus made of nought,
that Sathanas through synne hadd sought,
by this waye I have so wrought
non good in hell binne lead.

But while I was in that degree
in yearth wonynge, as man should bee,
chosen I have a good meanye
one which I must have mynd.
Nowe they have made there mone to mee
and prayed speciallye, as I see,
which I must suffice with hart free
or elles I were unkynd.

Throughout the world they shall gonne,
my deedes to preach rnanye one.
Yett steadfastnes in them ys nonne
to suffer for me anoye.
Fletchinge yett they binne ichone.
But when my Ghoost ys them upon,
then shall they after be styffe as stonne
my deedes to certyfie.

Dreade of death ne no distres
shall lett them of stydfastnes.
Such love in them, and such goodness,
my sprytte shall ever inspire
that to speake and expresse
all languages that ever yett was
they shall have cunnynge, more and lesse,
through force of heavenly fyre.

Alsoe they shall have full powere
to baptyze men in water clere
that beleeven, in good manere,
to have full mynd on mee.
And on all such, withowten were,
the Holye Ghooste at theire prayere
shall light on them, that they may lere
in fayth steadfast to bee.

Nowe will I send anon in hye
to my brethren in companye
my Ghooste, to gadd them gratiouslye &mdash;
for that ys there willinge &mdash;
in lycknes of fyre freelye,
that they may styffned be therbye,
my workes to preach more steadfastlye,
and therby more connynge.

<d>Tunc Deus emittet Spiritum Sanctum in spetie ignis, et in mittendo cantent duo angeli antiphonam 'Accipite Spiritum Sanctum; quorum remiseritis peccata, remittentur eis' etc. Et cantando projecient ignem super apostolos. Finitoque Angelus in caelo dicat.

<c>Angelus
Rest well, all that binne here.
My lord you greetys, and his Ghooste dere.
Hee byddes you dread noe bost nor bere
of Jewes farre ne nere;
but looke yee goe anon in hye
into all the world by and by,
and also preach the fayth meekelye
and his workes so deare.

<c>The Second Angell
And through this Ghooste that I you bringe
yee shall have understandinge
of every lond speakinge,
whatsoever the saye;
and this world that ys flytchinge
yee shall despyce ever all thinge,
and heaven at your endinge
yee shall have to your paye.

<c>Petrus
A, mercye, lord, full of might!
Both I feele and see in sight
the Holye Ghoost ys on us light;
[of] fyre this house full ys.

<c>Andreas
Nowe have wee that was us beheight,
for full of love my hart ys pight
and wyser then ys any wight
meethinke I am, iwys.

<c>Jacobus Major
Yea, lord, blessed moste thou bee,
for both I feele and eke I see
the Holye Ghoost ys light on mee.
Thus quytte I am my meede.

<c>Johannes
For such love, by my lewtee,
with this fyer in my hart can flee
that death to doe for my mayster free
I have no manner of dread.

<c>Thomas
And I thanke thee, both God and man,
for synce this fyer light me upon
of all languages well I can,
and speake them at my will.

<c>Jacobus Minor
I, before that was but a foone,
am waxen as wise as Salamon.
There ys no scyence but I can therone
and cunnynge to fullfill.

<c>Philippus
And I that never could speake thinge
save Ebrewe as I learned yonge,
nowe I can speake at my likinge
all languages, both lowe and bye.

<c>Bartholomeus
And soe styffe I am of beleevinge
that I doubt neyther prynce ne kynge
my maysters myracles for to mynge
and for his love to dye.

<c>Mathias
A, blessed be my mayster deare!
So lyttle while can us lere.
All languages that ever were
upon my tonge binne light.

<c>Simon
My beleefe ys nowe so clere,
and love in harte so prynted lere,
to moove my mynd in no mannere
there ys no man hath might.

<c>Taddeus
Yea, sythen this fyre came from high
I am waxen so wondrous sleigh
that all languages farre and nigh
my tonge will speake nowe aright.

<c>Mattheus
Nowe sythen my lord to heaven steegh
and send his Ghooste as hee beheight,
to all distresses nowe am I drest
and dye for the love of God almight.

<c>Petrus
Nowe, brethren, I read us all in fere,
make wee the creede in good mannere
of my lordes deedes deare
that gladed us hath todaye;
and I will first beginne here,
synce Christ betooke me his power,
the lewd hereafter that we maye lere,
to further them yn the faye.

<d>Petrus incipiat 'Credo in Deum, Patrem omnipotentem, creatorum caeli et terrae,'

I beleeve in God omnipotent
that made heaven and yearth and fyrmament
with steadfast hart and true intent,
and hee ys my comford.

<c>Andreas

<d>'et in Jesum Christum, Filium eius, unicum dominum nostrum,'

And I beleeve, where I be lent,
in Jesu, his Sonne, from heaven sent,
verey Cryste, that us hath kent
and ys our elders lord.

<c>Jacobus Major

<d>'qui conceptus est de Spiritu Sancto, natus ex Maria virgine,'

I beleeve, without bost,
in Jesus Christe of mightes most,
conceyved through the Holy Ghooste
and borne was of Marye.

<c>Johannes

<d>'passus sub Pontio Pilato, crusifixus, mortuus et sepultus.'

And I beleeve, as I can see,
that under Pilate suifred hee,
scourged and nayled one roode-tree;
and buryed was his fayre bodye.

<c>Thomas

<d>'Descendit ad inferna; tertia die resurrexit a mortuis,'

And I beleeve, and sooth can tell,
that hee ghoostly went to hell,
delyvered his that there did dwell,
and rose the third daye.

<c>Jacobus Minor

<d>'ascendit ad caelos, sedet ad dexteram Dei Patris omnipotentis,'

And I beleeve fully this,
that he stayed up to heaven-blysse
and on his Fathers right hand ys,
to raygne for ever and aye.

<c>Philippus

<d>'inde venturus est judicare vivos et mortuos'

And I beleeve, with hart steadfast,
that hee will come at the laste
and deeme mankynd as he hath caste,
both the quycke and the dead.

<c>Bartholomeus

<d> 'Credo m Spintum Sanctum,'

And my beleeffe shall be moste
in vertue of the Holye Ghooste;
and through his helpe, without boste,
my lyffe I thinke to lead.

<c>Mathias

<d>'sanctam ecclesiam cathohcam, sanctorum communionem,'

And I beleeve, through Godes grace,
such beleeffe as Holy Church hasse &mdash;
that Godes bodye granted us was
to use in forme of bread.

<c>Simon

<d>'remissionem peccatorum,'

And I beleeve, with devotyon,
of synne to have remission
through Christes blood and Passion,
and heaven when I am dead.

<c>Taddeus

<d>'carnis resurrectionem,'

And I beleeve, as all wee mon,
in the generall resurrection
of ych bodye, when Christe ys [bowne]
to deeme both good and evell.

<c>Mattheus

<d>'et vitam aeternam.'

And I beleve, as all wee maye,
everlastinge life, after my daye,
in heaven for to have ever and aye,
and so overcome the devyll.

<c>Petrus
Nowe, brethren, I read all wee
goe ychone to dyvers cuntree
and preach to shire and to cyttee
the fayth, as Christe us beede.

<c>Andreas
Yee, leefe brother, kysse nowe wee
yche one another before wee dye,
for Godes will must fullfilled bee,
and that ys nowe great neede.

<d>Tunc venient duo alienigene, quorum dicat

<c>Primus Alienigena
A, fellowe, fellowe, for Godes pittie,
are not theise men of Gallilee?
Our language the can as well as wee,
as ever eate I bread!

<c>Secundus Alienigena
Well I wotte, by my lewtee,
that within theise dayes three
one of them could not speake with mee
for to have binne dead.

<c>Primus Alienigena
Of all languages that binne hereby
that come to Mesopotamye,
Capadocie and Jurye,
the jangle without weene &mdash;
of the lie of Pontus, and Asye,
Fryzeland and Pamphilye,
Egipt, right into Lybie
that ys byesyde Syrene.

<c>Secundus Alienigena
Yea, also men of Arabye
and of Greece that ys thereby
herden them prayse full tenderlye
God of his great grace;
and we herden them, witterlye,
prayse God faste, both thou and I.
 Fellowe, goe we therfore and espye
howe goes this wondrous case.

<d>Finis

<h>The Clothe Workers Playe<!-- 23 -->

<d>'Facta est super me manus dommi et eduxit me spiritus domini, demisit me in medio campi qui erat plenus ossibus, et [circumduxit] me per ea in giro ' Hec in libro Ezechielis 37

Herken, all that loven heale!
I am the prophett Ezechiell.
What I sawe I will not conceale
but as mee thought I will tell.
God his ghooste can with me deale
that lead me longe with wordes leale
into a feild where bones fell
all bare without flesh.

Then spake that ghoost unto mee
and sayd, 'Mans sonne, how likest thee?
Thinkest thou not well that this may bee,
these bones might turne and lyve?'
Then bade bee mee tell and prophecye
that bee would revyve them soone in bye
with flesh and synewes and skynne therebye
which soone bee can them give.

After that ghooste hee them geete,
ryse of there graves hee them leete,
and made them stande upon there feete,
speake, goe, and see.
This sawe I right in my sight
to knowe that he was God almight.
that heaven and yearth should deale and dight
and never shall ended bee.

<c>Expositor
Nowe that you shall expresselye knowe
these prophettes wordes upon a rowe,
what the doe signifie I will shewe
that mych may doe you good.
By them understand may I
the daye of doome skyllfullye,
when men through Godes postee
shall ryse in flesh and blood.

Therefore this prophett sayd full yare
hee sawe a feud of bones bare,
and soone that ghoost with them can fare,
gave them fleshe and life.
Beleeve this fuhlye withouten weene,
that all which dead and rotten beene
in fleshe shall ryse, as shalbe scene,
man, mayd, and wyfe.

They that shall be saved shall be as bright
as seaven tymes the sonne ys light;
the dampned thester shall be in sight,
theire doome to underfoe.
Both saved and dampned, after that daye
dye they may not by noe waye.
God give you grace to doe soe aye
that blisse you may come to.

<c>Zacharias
I, Zacharye-men, leeves yee mee-
lift up my eyes a sight to see,
and as mee thought, by my lewtee,
foure charettes came anon
out of two hiles-leeve yee mee,
sylver hilles they were, as wytten wee!
Great wonder I had in my degree
whither that they would gonne.

Redde horses in one were, reddelye;
another blacke that went them bye;
the third was white, I wott not whye;
the forth of dyvers hewe.
They were styffe, drawinge biglye.
Then anone answered I
to that angell in my bodye
which tould me wordes true.

I asked him then what yt might bee
and he answered anon unto mee.
'These charettes,' he sayde, 'which thou doest see,
foure wyndes the bee, iwys,
which shall blowe and readye be
before Christe, that prynce which ys of postye.
There ys none soc fell there feete to flee
nor wynne there wyll from this.'

<c>Expositor
Nowe for to moralyze aright
which this prophett sawe in sight,
I shall found through my might
to you in meeke mannere,
and declare that soone in height
more playnlye, as I have teight.
Lystens nowe with hartes light
this lesson for to learne.

Fowre charettes this prophett see, howe they
out of two hilles tooke there waye-
the hilles of sylver, the soothe to saye,
the horses of dyvers hewe.
Which hilles signifie maye
Enock and Helye, in good faye,
that as good sylver shalbe aye
stydfast men and trewe.

Fowre charrettes hee sawe, as thinkes mee,
skylfullye may lickned bee
to sayntes of foure maners of degree
that then shall suffer anoye.
Fowre horses ys allso, certayntee,
of dyvers hewes that he coon see,
fowre manner of sayntes in dignitee-
licken them well maye I:

martyrs, confessours, there bee two;
men misbeleevinge converted also
that turned shaibe from synne and woe
through Enock and Helye;
virgens also, both on and moe.
Here be dyvers hewes too
that through Godes grace shall goe
for him to suffer anoye.

These redde horses call I maye
all maner of marters, in good faye,
for redd maye well betoken aye
mans blood sheedinge;
they white bee sayth token there waye
above the yearth to goe astraye,
as such that neyther night nor daye
dreeden death nothinge;

the blacke horses which went them bye,
by them maye well signifie
preachers of Godes word, truely,
that confessors shalbe;

the skewed horses, by myne intent,
the which into the south forth went,
I maye well licken verament
to Jewes and paynims eke,
yett through fayth with hart fervent
shall turne to good amendment
when Enock and Helye have them kent
salvatyon for to seeke.

<c>Danyell

<d>'Ego, Daniel, videbam in visione mea nocte; et ecce, quatuor venti pugnabant in magno mare, et quatuor bestiae gradentes ascendebant de mare.' Capitulo septimo.

I, Daniel, as I laye on a night,
methought I sawe a wondrous sight.
Fowre wyndes together the can fyght
above the sea upon bye.
Fowre beastes out of that sea the yeade.
To the fourth beast I tooke good heede;
for that to speake of nowe ys neede,
the other all I will leave.

That beaste was wondrous styffe and stronge,
of teeth and nayles sharpe and longe,
eatinge over all that hee could fonge.
The remnante he fortredde.
Unlike he was to anye of leede.
Ten homes he had upon his head.
In the myddest on little borne can spread
above all other in hye.

That borne had mouthe to speake and eyes to see,
and spake great wordes, leeve you mee;
but of the ten, the first three
soone were consumed awaye.
That one borne had so great postee;
the remnant meeke to him to bee
that highest was in that degree,
and endured so, manye a daye.

Then was yt tould me right there
that ten hornes ten kinges were,
but all that on should feare
that sprange upward so fast,
and that hee should worke agaynst that kinge
that of nought made all thinge;
but lyttle while, without leasinge,
that kinge his might should last.

<c>Expositor
By this beast understand I maye
the world to come nexte doomesdaye;
and by that borne, in good faye,
in myddest the ten can springe,
Antechriste I maye understand,
that then great lord shalbe in land
and all the world have in hand
three yeares and halfe duringe.

<d>'Tradentur in manu eius usque ad tempus et tempora et dimidium temporis, et usque ad annum duos annos et dimidium anni.' Danielis capitulo septimo.

Ten homes ten kinges in hand shalbe
of which Antechriste shall slea three.
The other seaven this case shall see
and put them to his grace.
This shal befall, witterlye,
by the understandinge that have I
of Danyelles prophecye
that here rehersed was.

<c>Johannes Evangelista

<d>'Dabo duobus testibus meis et prophetabunt diebus mile, ducentis et sexagmta amicti saccis 'Apocalipsis capitulo undecimo.

I, John, Christes owne darlinge,
as I laye in greate longinge
upon my maistems brest sleepinge,
wonders sawe I manye one.
My ghoost was ravished, without leasinge,
to heaven before that highest kinge.
There sawe I manye a wondrous thinge.
One will I tell you anon.

There hard I God greatly commend
two wittnesses which he thought to send,
false faythes for to defende
that raysed were by his foe.
He sayde the should prophecye
a thousand dayes, witterlye;
two hundreth and sixtye
in sackes clad they should god.

He called them chandelours of great light
burmnge before Godes sight
Fyre out of there mouthes the should feight,
there enemyes for to destroye.
Whosoever them harmed, as sayde hee,
dead behooved him for to bee.
To lett the raygne they had postee
in tyme of there prophecye.

Hee sayde the should have power good
to turne the water into blood,
and overcome there enemyes that were wood,
and maister them through [their might].
And when they had donne there devoure,
a beast should come, of great power,
from beneath, withowten were;
agaynst them he should feight.

And slea them also should hee
in middest of the holye cyttye
where Christ was nayled on a tree,
forsooth as I you tell.
But after three dayes and halfe one,
they shall ryse, speake and gonne,
and into heaven be taken anonne,
in joye evermore to dwell.

<c>Expositor
Nowe, lordinges, what these thinges may bee,
I praye you herken all to med.
As expressely in certeyntye
as I have might and grace,
I shall expound this ylke thinge
which saynt John sawe thus sleepinge
through helpe of Jesu, heaven kinge,
anonneright in this place.

These two wyttnes, wytterlye,
hee sayde the should come and prophecye,
that one ys Enock, the other Helye-
shall have greate might and mayne
that when Antechrist comes in hye
Goddes people for to destroye,
that he deceaveth falselye
they shall convert agayne.

Manye signes they shall shewe
which the people shall well knowe,
and in theire token truely trowe
and leeve yt steadfastlye.
And all that turne, leeve you mee,
Antechrist will slea through his postie;
but verey martyrs they shalbee
and come to heaven one bye.

They beast that John spake of here
ys Antechrist, withowten were,
which shall have the devilles power
and with these good men meete;
and at the last, witterlye,
he shall slea Enock and Helye
in Jerusalem, as read I,
even in myddest of the streete.

Nowe, that you shall knowe and seene
what men Enock and Helye beene,
I will you tell, withouten wene,
while that I have tyme.
They are two good men, leeve yee mee;
to paradyce through Goddes postee
were ravished both, and there shalbee
ever tyll the daye doe come.

They one was taken, for hee was good,
longe before Noe his flood,
and there he lyves in fleshe and blood,
as fullye leeven wee.
They other was taken, withouten were,
after that manyc a hundreth yeare;
and there together they binne in fere
untyll that tyme shalbe.

<d>Signa 15: Signa quindecim magna quae, secundum opiniones doctorum extremum precedunt judicium, ab antiquis Hebroeorum codicibus selecta a doctore huius paginae reticenda.

Nowe xv signes, while I have space,
I shall declare by Goddes grace,
of which saynt Jerome mentyon mase
to fall before the daye of doome;
the which were wrytten on a rowe-
he found in booke of Hebrewe.
Nowe will I tell in wordes fewe,
a while yf you will dwell.

1 The first daye, as I wrytten fyand,
the sea shall ryse agaynst kinde,
and as a wall agaynst the wynd
above all hilles on hye
2 fortye cubytes, as read wee;
the seaconde daye so lowe shalbee
that scarslye a man the sea shall see,
stand he never so nye.

3 The third daye after, as read I,
great fishes above the sea shall lye,
yell and rore so hideouslye
that only God shall heare.

4 The fourth daye next after then,
sea and water all shall burne
agaynst kinde, that men may kenne,
tynder as though yt were.

5 The fifte daye, as reade wee,
all manner of herbes and also tree
of blooddye dewe all full shalbee,
and manye a beaste all dased.
Fowles shall gather them, as I fynd,
to feildes; eicheon in there kynd
of meate and drinke shall have no mynd,
but stand all madd and mased.

6 The syxt daye in the world overall,
buylded thinges to ground shall fall-
church, cittie, house, and wall-
and men in graves dare.
Layte and fyre alsoe, verament,
from the sonne to the firmament
up and downe shall stryke and glent,
and all night so fowle fare.

7 The seaventh daye both rocke and stonne
shall breake asunder and fight as fonne.
The sound thereof shall here no man,
but onlye God almight.
8 The eight daye yearthquake shalbe,
that men and beast, leeve you mee,
to stand or goe shall fayle postee,
but fall to ground all right.

9 The nynthe day, as our bookes sayen,
hilles shall fall and ware all playne,
stonne turne to sand through Goddes mayne,
so streat men shall be stadd.
10 The tenthe daye, men that hydd bee,
out of theme caves they shall flee-
to speake together have noe postee,
but goe as the were madd.

11 The elevon daye, from mornowe to even,
all buryalls in the world shall be open
that dead may ryse, withowten weene,
above the yearth standinge.
12 The twelife daye starres shall fall in hye
and fyre shoote from them hideouslye.
All manner of beastes shall rore and crye
and neyther eate nor drynke.

13 The thirteene daye shall dye all men
and ryse anone agayne right then.
14 The foureteene daye, all shall brenne,
both yearth and eke heaven.
15 The fyfteene daye made shalbee
neewe yearth, neewe heaven, through Goddes postee;
which heaven God grant us in to bee,
for his names seaven.

Nowe have I tould you, in good faye,
the tokens to come before doomesdaye.
God give you grace to do so aye
that you them worthye bee
to come to the blysse that lasteth aye.
As mych as here wee and our playe,
of Antechristes signes you shall assaye.
Hee comes! Soone you shall see!

<d>Finis

<h>The Dyars Playe<!-- 24 -->

<d>Pagina Vicessima Tertia: De Adventu Antechristi

<c>Antechriste
De celso throno poli, pollens clarion sole,
age vos monstrare [descendi], vos judicare.
Reges et principes sunt subditi sub me viventes.
Sitis sapientes vos, semper in me credentes
et faciam flentes gaudere atque dolentes.
Sic omnes gentes gaudebunt in me sperantes.
Descendi pnaesens rex pius et perlustrator,
princeps aeternus vocor, Christus, vester salvator.

All leedes in land nowe be light
that wilbe ruled throughout the right.
Your saviour nowe in your sight
here may you saffelye see.
Messias, Christ, and most of might,
that in the lawe was you beheight,
all mankind to joye to dight
ys commen, for I am hee.

Of me was spoken in prophecye
of Moyses, Davyd, and Esaye.
I am hee the call messye,
forbyar of Israell.
Those that leeven on me steadfastlye,
I shall them save from anoye,
and joye right as have I
with them I thinke to deale.

<d>De me dicitur Ezechielis tricesimo sexto 'Tollam vos de gentibus et congregabo vos de urnversis terns, et reducam vos m terram vestram.'

But one hath ligged him here in land,
Jesu he height, I understand.
To further falsehood he can found
and fand with fantasye.
His wickednes hee would not wond
tyll he was taken and put in band
and slayne through vertue of my sond.
This ys sooth, sickerlye.

My people of Jewes he could twynne
that there land came the never in.
Then on them nowe must I mynne
and restore them agayne.
To buyld this temple wyll I not blynne,
as God honored be therein,
and endelesse wayle I shall them wynne,
all that to me benne bayne.

<d>De me enim dicitur in psalmo 'Adorabo ad templum sanctum tuum in timore tuo'

One thinge me glades, be you bould.
As Danyell the prophett before me tould,
all women in world me love should
when I were come in land.
This prophecye I shall well hould
which ys most likinge to yonge and ould.
I thinke to fast manye hould
and theire fayrenes to found.

Also he tould them, leeve you mee,
that I of gyftes should be free,
which pnophecye donne shalbe
when I my reahne have wonnen;
and that I should grant men postee,
ryved ryches, land and fee &mdash;
hitt shalbe donne, that you shall see,
when I am hither conunen.

<d>'Dabit eis potestatem, et multis terram dividet gratuito.' Danielis decimo tertio

What saye you kinges that here be lent?
Are not my wordes at your assent?
That I am Christe omnipotent,
leeve you not this eychon?

<c>Primus Rex
Wee leeven, lord, withouten lett,
that Christ ys not common yett.
Yf thou be hee, thou shalbe sett
in temple as God alonne.

<c>Secundus Rex
Yf thou bee Christe called messie
that from our bale shall us bye,
doe before us maistrye,
a signe that wee may see.

<c>Tertius Rex
Then will I leeve that yt ys soe.
Yf thou doe wonders or thou goe
soe that thou save us of our woe,
then honored shalt thou bee.

<c>Quartus Rex
Fowle have we leeved manye a yeare
and of our weeninge binne in were.
And thou be Christe commen here,
then may thou stynt all stryffe.

<c>Antechriste
That I am Christ and Christ wilbe
by verey signe soone shall you see,
for dead men through my postee
shall ryse from death to life.

Nowe wyl I turne, all through my might,
trees downe, the rootes upright &mdash;
that ys marveyle to your sight &mdash;
and fruyt groinge upon.
So shall they growe and multiplye
through my might and my maisterye.
I put you owt of heresye
to leeve me upon.

And bodyes that binne dead and slayne,
yf I may rayse them up agayne,
then honoures mee with might and mayne.
Then shall no man you greeve.
Forsoothe, then after will I dye
and ryse agayne throwe my postee.
Yf I may doe this marveylouslye,
I read you on me leeve.

Men buryed in grave you may see.
What maistrye ys nowe, hope yee,
to rayse them up throwe my postye
and all through my owne accorde?
Whether I in my godhead bee
by verey signe you shall see.
Ryse up, dead men, and honour me
and knowe me for your lord.

<d>Tunc resurgent mortui de sepulchris.

<c>Primus Mortuus
A, lord, to thee I aske mercye.
- I was dead but nowe live I.
Nowe wotte I well and witterlye

that Christe ys hither commen.

<c>Secundus Mortuus
Him honour wee and all men,
devoutlye kneelinge on our kneene.
Worshippe be thou there amen.
Crist, our [knave], ys commen.

<c>Antechriste
That I shall fulfill Whollye Wrytte
you shall wotte and knowe well hitt,
for I am wall of wayle and wytt
and lord of everye land.
And as the prophett Sophonye
speakes of mee full wytterlye
I shall rehearse here readelye
that clarkes shall understand:

<d>'Expecta me in die resurrectionis meae in futurum quia judicium ut congregem gentes et colligam regna' Sophoni 3.

Nowe will I dye, that you shall see,
and ryse agayne through my postee.
I will in grave that you put mee
and worshippe me alonne.
For in this temple a tombe ys made,
therein my bodye shall be layde.
Then will I ryse as I have sayde &mdash;
take tent to me eycheone!

And after my resurrection
then will I sitt in greate renowne
and my ghooste send to you downe
in forme of fyre full soone.

I dye, I dye! Nowe am I dead!

<c>Primus Rex
Nowe sythe this worthye lord ys deade
and his grace ys with us leade,
to take his bodye yt ys my reade
and burye yt in a grave.

<c>Secundus Rex
Forsoothe, and so to us he sayde
in a tombe he would be leade.
Nowe goe we further, all in a brayde;
from disease hee may us save.

<d>Tunc transeunt ad Antechristum.

<c>Tertius Rex
Take we the bodye of this sweete
and burye hit lowe under the greete.
Nowe, lord, comfort us, we thee beseech,
and send us of thy grace.

<c>Quartus Rex
And yf hee ryse soone through his might
from death to life, as hee beheight,
him will I honour both daye and night
as God in everye place.

<d>Tunc recedent de tumulo usque ad terram.

<c>Primus Rex
Nowe wotte I well that he ys dead,
for nowe in grave we have him lead.
Yf he ryse as hee hath sayde,
hee ys of full great might.

<c>Secundus Rex
I cannot leeve him upon
but yf hee ryse himselfe alonne
as hee hath sayde to manye one,
and shewe him here in sight.

<c>Tertius Rex
Tyll that my savyoure bee rysen agayne,
in fayth my harte may not bee fayne
tyll I him see with eye.

<c>Quartus Rex
I must mourne with all my mayne

tyll Christ be rysen up agayne
and of that miracle make us fayne.
Ryse up, lord, that we maye see.

<d>Tunc Antechristus levat corpus suum surgens a mortuis.

<c>Antechristus
I ryse! Nowe reverence dose to mee,
God glorified created of degree.
If I be Christe, nowe leeve yee
and worche after my wise.

<c>Primus Rex
A, lord, welcome most thou bee.
That thou ante Godd nowe leeve wee.
Therefore, goc sytt up in thy see
and keepe our sacrafice.

<d>Tunc transeunt ad Antechristum cum sacrificio

<c>Secundus Rex
Forsoothe, in seate thou shalt be sett
and honored with lambe and geat
as Moyses lawe that lasteth yett,
as hee hath sayde before.

<c>Tertius Rex
O gratiouse lord, goe sytt downe then,
and wee shall kneelinge on our kneene

worshippe thee as thy owne men
and worke after thy lore.

<d>Tunc anscendit Antechristus ad cathedram.

Hither wee be commen with good intent
to make our sacrifice, lord excellent,
with this lambe that I have here hent,
kneelinge thee before.

Thou grant grace to doe and saye
that yt be pleasinge to thee aye,
to thy blysse that come wee maye
and never from yt be lore.

<c>Antechristus
I lord, I God, I high justice,
I Christ that made the dead to ryse!
Here I receave your sacrifice
and blesse you fleshe and fell.

<d>Tunc recedent Antechristo.

I will nowe send my holye ghooste.
You kinges, also to you I tell
to knowe me lord of mightes moste
of heaven, yearth, and hell.

<d>Tunc emittet spiritum, dicens 'Dabo vobis con novum et spiritum novum in medio vestri.'

<c>Severalis Rex
A, God! A, lord mycle of might!
This holye ghoost is in me pight.
Methinkes my harte ys verey light
syth yt came into mee.

<c>Primus Rex
Lord, wee thee honour daye and night
for thou shewest us in sight right
as Moyses us beheight.
Honored most thou be.

<c>Antechristus
Yett worthye workes to your will
of prophecye I shall fulfill.
As Danyell prophecied you untyll
that landes I shall devise,
that prophecye yt shalbe donne
and yt you shall see right soone.
Worshipps me all that ye mon
and doe after the wise.

You kinges, I shall advance you all,
and, because your regions be but smale,
citties, castells shall you befall,
with townes and towers gaye;
and make you lordes of lordshipp fayre,
 as well yt fall for my power.
Yea, looke you doe as I you leere
and herkens what I saye.

I am verey God of might.
All thinges I made through my might,
sonne and moone, daye and night.
To blysse I may you bringe.
Therefore, kinges noble and gaye,
token your people what I saye &mdash;
that I am Christ, God verey &mdash;
and tell them such tydinge.

My people of Jewes were put mee from.
Therefore great ruthe I have them one.
Whether the will leeve me upon
I will full soone assaye.
For all that will leeve me upon,
worldlye welth shall them fall one
and to my blysse the shall come
and dwell with mee for aye.

And the giftes that I beheight
you shall have, as ys good right.
Hence or I goe out of your sight
eichone shall knowe his dole.

To thee I give Lombardee;
and to thee Denmarke and Hungarye;
and take thou Pathmos and Italie;
and Roome yt shalbe thine.

<c>Secundus Rex
Grantmercye, lord, your giftes todaye!
Honour we will thee alwaye,
for wee were never so nych, in good faye,
nor nonne of all our kynne.

<c>Antechristus
Therefore be true and stidfast aye,
and truely leeves on my lawe,
for I will herken on you todaye,
stydfast yf I you fynde.

<d>Tunc resedet Antechristus et venient Enock et Helias.

<c>Enock
Almightie God in majestie,
that made the heaven and yearth to bee,
fyre, water, stonne, and tree,
and man through thy might &mdash;
the poyntes of thy privitie
any yearthlye man to see
ys impossible, as thinkes mee,
for anye worldelye wight.

Gratiouse lord, that art so good,
that who so longe in fleshe and blood
hath granted lyffe and heavenlye foode,
Iett never our thoughtes be defyled,
but give us, lord, might and mayne,
or wee of this shrewe be slayne,
to converte thy people agayne
that hee hath thus beguiled.

Sythe the worldes begininge
I have lyved in great likynge
through helpe of high and heaven kinge
in paradice withowt anoye,
tyll we hard tokeninge
of this theves comynge
that nowe on yearth is rayninge
and doth Goddes folkes destroye.

To paradice I was taken that tyde,
this theeffe his comynge to abyde,
and Helye my brother, here mee besyde,
was after sent to mee.
With this champion we must chide
that nowe in worlde walketh wyde,
to disproove his pompe and pryde
and payre all his postee.

<c>Helias
O lord, that madest all thinge
and longe hath lent us livinge,
lett never the devylls power springe
this man hath him within.
God gyve you grace, old and yonge,
to knowe disceate in his doinge,
that you maye come to that likinge
of blysse that never shall blynne.

I warne you, all men, wytterlye,
this ys Enock, I am Helye,
binne common his errours to destroye
that hee to you nowe shewes.
Hee calles himselfe 'Christe' and 'Messye'.
Hee lyes, forsooth, apertlye.
Hee ys the devyll, you to anoye,
and for nonne other him knowes.

<c>Primus Rex
A, men, what speake you of Helye
and Enocke? The binne both in companye.
Of our blood the binne, wytterlye,
and wee binne of there kynde.

<c>Quartus Rex
Wee readen in bookes of our lawe
that they to heaven were idrawe
and yett binne there &mdash; ys the common sawe
wrytten, as men may fynd.

<c>Enock
Wee binne those men, forsooth iwysse,
common to tell you doe amysse,
and bringe your soules to heaven-blysse
yf yt were anye boote.

<c>Helias
This devylls lymme that common ys,
that sayth heaven and yearth ys
his, nowe wee be readye &mdash; leeve you this &mdash;
agaynst him for to moote.

<c>Primus Rex
Yf that wee here wytt mon
by prooffes of disputacon
that you have skyll and reason,
With you wee wyll abyde.

<c>Secundus Rex
And yf your skylles may doe him downe,
to dye with you we wilbe bowne
in hope of salvatyon,
whatever may betyde.

<c>Enock
To doe him downe wee shall assaye
through might of Jesu, borne of a maye,
by right and reason, as you shall saye,
land that you shall well here.
And for that cause hither were we sent
by Jesu Christe omnypotent,
and that you shall not all be shent.
Hee bought you all full deare.

Be gladd, therefore, and make good cheare,
and and I doe reede as I you leere,
for wee be commen in good maneere
to save you evenychone.
And dreade you not for that false feynde,
Or you shall see him cast behinde
or wee departe and from him wend,
and shame shall light him one.

<d>Et sic transibunt Enock et Helias ad Antechristum.

<c>Enock
Saye, thou verey devylles lymme
that syttes so grysely and so gryme &mdash;
from him thou came and shalt to him,
for manye a soule thou deceaves.
Thou hast deceaved men manye a daye
and made the people to thy paye,
and bewitched them into a wronge waye
wickedlye with thy wyles.

<c>Antecristus
A, false faytures, from me yee flee!
Am not I most in majestie?
What men dare mayne them thus to mee
or make such distance?

<c>Helias
Fye one thee, fayture, fye on thee,
the devylls owne nurrye!
Through him thou preachest and hast postee
a while, through sufferance.

<c>Antechristus
O you ypocrytes that so cryne!
Loselles, lardans! Lowdlye you lyne!
To spill my lawe you aspine.
That speeche ys good to spare.
You that my true fayth defyne
and needeles [my folke] devyne,
from hence hastelye; but you hence hyne,
to you comes sorrowe and care.

<c>Enock
Thy sorrowe and care come on thy head,
for falsely through thy wicked read
the people ys put to pyne.
I would thy bodye were from thy head,
twentye myle from yt layde,
tyll I hit brought agayne.

<c>Antechristus
Owt on the, roysard, with thy wyles,
for falsclye my people thou begyles.
I shall thee hastely honge,
and that lurdayne that standes thee bye;
hee puttes my folke to great anoye
with his false flatteringe tonge.

But I shall teach you curtesye,
your savyour to knowe anonne in hye,
false thceves with your heresye,
and yf you dame abyde.

<c>Helias
Yes, forsoothe, for all thy pryde,
here we purpose for to abyde
through grace of God almight.
And all the world that ys so wyde
shall wonder on thee on everye syde
soone in all mens sight.

<c>Antechristus
Owt one you, theeves both too.
Eyche man may see you be so
all by your araye,
muffeled in mantelles. Non such I knowe.
I shall make you lowt full lowe
or I departe you all froo,
to knowe mee lord for aye.

<c>Enock
Wee bee no theeves, wee thee tell,
thou false fyend common from hell.
With thee wee purpose for to mel,
my fellowe and I in feare,
to knowe thy power and thy might
as wee these kinges have behight,
and thereto wee be readye dight
that all men nowe maye heare.

<c>Antechristus
My might is most, I tell to thee.
I dyed, I rose through my postie.
That all these kinges sawe with theire eye,
and everye man and wyefe.
And myracles and marveyles I dyd also.
I counsel you, therefore, both too,
to worshippe me and noe moe,
and lett us nowe noe more stryve.

<c>Helias
The were no myracles but mervelles thinges
that thou shewed unto these kinges
through the fyendes crafte.
And as the flower nowe springes,
falleth, fadeth, and hanges,
so thy joye; nowe yt raygnes
that shalbe from thee rafte.

<c>Antechristus
Owt on thee, theeffe, that syttes so styll!
Whye wilt thou not one word speake them tyll
that commen me to reprove?

<c>Doctor
O lord, maister, what shall I saye then?

<c>Antechristus
I beshrewe both thy knen.
Art thou nowe for to ken?
In fayth, I shall thee greeve.

Of my godhead I made thee wyse
and sett thee ever at micle pryse.
Nowe I would feele thy good advyse
and heare what thou would sayen.
These lowlers, the would fayne me greeve
and nothinge one me the will leeve,
but ever be readye me to repreeve
and all the people of my lawe.

<c>Doctor
O lord, thou art so micle of might,
meethinke thou should not chyde ne fight;
but curse them, lord, through thy might.
Then shall they fare full yll.
For those whom thou blesses, they shall well speede,
and those whom thou cursest, they are but deade.
This ys my counsell and my reade,
yonder heretikes for to spill.

<c>Antechristus
The same I purposed, leeve thou mee.
All thinges I knowe through my postee.
But yett thy wytt I thought to see,
what was thyne intent.
Hit shalbe donne full syckerlye;
the sentence given full openlye,
with my mouth, truelye,
upon them shalbe hent.

My cursse I gyve you, to amend your meeles,
from your head to your heeles.
Walke yee furth, in the xx devylles waye.

<c>Enock
Yea, thou shalt never come in coelis,
for falselye with thy wyles
the people are put in pyne.

<c>Antechristus
Owt on you, theeves! Whye fare yee thus?
Whether had you leaver have, payne or blysse?
I maye you save from all amys.
I made the daye and eke the night
and all thinges that are on yearth growinge &mdash;
flowes fayre that freshe can springe;
also I made all other thinge &mdash;
the starres that be so bright.

<c>Helias
Thou lyest! Vengeance on thee beefall!
Owt on thee, wretche! Wroth thee I shall!
Thou callest thee 'kinge' and 'lord of all';
a fyend ys thee within.

<c>Antechristus
Thou lyest falselye, I thee tell.
Thou will be dampned into hell.
I made thee man of flesh and fell,
and all that ys lyvinge.
For other godes have yee nonne.
Therefore worshippe mee alonne,
the which hath made the water and stonne,
and all at my lykinge.

<c>Enock
Forsoothe thou lyest falselye.
Thou art a fyende common to anoye
Goddes people that stande us bye.
In hell I would thou were.

<c>Helias
Fye on thee, fellonne, fye on thee, fye!
For all thy wytchcrafte and sorcerye,
to mote with thee I am readye,
that all the people may heare.

<c>Antechristus
Owt on you, harlottes! Whence come yee?
Where have you anye other god but mee?

<c>Enock
Yes, Christe, God in Trynitie,
thou false fayture attaynt,
that sent his Sonne from heaven-see
that for mankynde dyed on roode-tree,
that shall full soone make thee to flee,
thou faytume false and faynt.

<c>Antechristus
Rybbauldes, ruled owt of raye!
What ys the Trinitye for to saye?

<c>Helias
Three persons, as thou leeve may,
in on godhead in feere &mdash;
Father and Sonne, that ys noe naye,
and the Holye Ghoost styrringe aye.
That ys one God verey;
binne all three named here.

<c>Antechristus
Owt on you, theeves! What sayen yee?
Wyll you have on God and three?
Howe dare you so saye?
Madmen, madmen! Therfore leeve on mee
that am on god &mdash; so ys not hee!
Then may you lyre in joye and lee,
all this land I darre laye.

<c>Enock
Naye, tyrand! Understand thou this:
withowt beginyge his godhead ys
and also without endinge, iwys.
Thus fullye leeven wee.
And thou that ingendered was amys
haste beginynge and nowe this blys,
and end shall have &mdash; no dread there ys &mdash;
full fowle, as men shall see.

<c>Antechristus
Wretches! Gulles! You be blent.
Goddes Sonne I am, from him sent.
Howe dare you maynteyne your intent,
syth hee and I bee one?
Have I not, syth I came him froo,
made the dead to speake and goe?
And to men I sent my ghoost alsoe
that leeved mee upon.

<c>Helias
Fye on thee, fellonne, fye on thee, fye!
For through his might and his majestie,
by sufferance of God almightie,
the.people are blent throwe thee.
Yff those men be raysed wytterlye
withowt the devylles fantasye,
here shalbe prooved apertlye
that all men shall see.

<c>Antechristus
Ah, fooles! I read you leeve mee upon
that myracles have shewed to manye on,
to the people everychone,
to put them owt of doubt.
Therefore I read you hastelye
convertes to me most mightie.
I shall you save from anoye,
and that I am abowt.

<c>Enock
Nowe of thy miracles would I see.

<c>Helias
Therefore common hither be wee.
Doe what ys thy great postee &mdash;
and some thereof to leere.

<c>Antechristus
Soone may you see, yf you wyll abyde,
for I wyll neyther fight nor chyde.
Of all the world that ys so wyde,
therein ys not my peare.

<c>Enock
Bringe forth those men here in our sight
that thou hast reysed agaynst the right.
Yf thou bee so micle of might
to make them eate and drynke,
for verey God we will thee knowe
such a signe yf thou wylt shewe,
and doe thee reverence on a rowe
all at thy likynge.

<c>Antechristus
Wretches, dampned all bee yee,
but nought for that yt falleth mee,
as gratyouse god abydinge bee,
yf you wyll mend your liefe.
You dead men, ryse through my postye.
Come date and drynke, that men may see,
and prove me worthye of deitee;
so shall we stynt all stryffe.

<c>Primus Mortuis
Lord, thy biddinge I will doe aye
and for to date I will assaye.

<c>Secundtus Mortuus
And I also, all that I maye,
wyll do thy byddinge here.

<c>Helias
Have here breadd both too.
But I must blesse yt or yt goe,
that the fyend, mankyndes foe,
on hit have no power.

This bread I blesse with my hand
in Jesus name, I understand,
the which ys lord of sea and land
and kinge of heaven on hie.
In nomine Patris &mdash; that all hath wrought &mdash;
et Filii virginis &mdash; that deare us bought &mdash;
et Spiritus Sancti &mdash; ys all my thought &mdash;
on God and persons three.

<c>Primus Mortuus
Alas, put that bread out of my sight!
To looke on hit I am not light.
That pnynt that ys uppon hit pight,
hit puttes me to great feere.

<c>Secundus Mortuus
To looke on hit I am not light.
That bread to me yt ys so bright
and ys my foe both daye and night,
and puttes me to great deare.

<c>Enock
Nowe you men that have donne amys,
you see well what his power ys.
Convertes to him, I read iwys,
that you on roode hath bought.

<c>Tertius Rex
A, nowe we knowe appertlye
wee have binne brought in heresye.
With you to death we will forthye,
and never efte torne our thought.

<c>Quartus Rex
Nowe, Enock and Helye, yt ys no naye.
You have taynted the tyrant this same daye.
Blessed be Jesu, borne of a maye!
On him I leeve upon.

<c>Primtjs Rex
Thou fayture feard with fantasye,
with sorcerye, wytchcraft, and nygromancye,
thou hast us lead in heresye.
Fye on thy workes eychone!

<c>Secundus Rex
Jesu, for thy mycle grace,
forgyve us all our trespasse
and bringe us to thy heavenlye place
as thou art God and man.
Nowe am I wyse made through thy might.
Blessed be thou, Jesu, daye and night!
This greesely groome greetes him to fight,
to flea us here anomie.

<c>Tertius Rex
Of our lyves lett us not wreache,
though we be slayne of such a wretche,
for Jesus sake, that maye us teache
our soules to bringe to blys.

<c>Quartus Rex
That was well sayd, and soe I assent.
To dye, forsooth, ys myne intent
for Christes love omnypotent,
in cause that ys rightwyse.

<c>Antechristus
A, false faytures, turne you nowe?
You shall be slayne, I make avowe;
and those traytors that so turned you,
I shall make them unfayne,
that all other by verey sight
shall knowe that I am most of might,
for with this sword nowe wyll I feight,
for all you shall be slayne.

<d>Tunc Antechristus occidet Enock et Heiam et omnes reges conversos cum gladio et redibit ad cathedmam; cum dicat Michaell cum gladio in dextera sua.

<c>Michael Archangelus
Antechriste, nowe ys common this daye.
Reigne no lenger nowe thou maye.
Hee that hath led thee alwaye,
nowe him thou must goe to.
No more men shall be slayne by thee.
My lord will dead that thou bee.
Hee that hath gyven thee this postee
thy soule shall underfoe.

In synne ingendered first thou was.
In synne ledd thy lyffe thou hasse.
In synne an end nowe thow mase
that marred hasse manye one.
Nowe thou shalt knowe and wytt in hie
that more ys Goddes majestie
then eke the dyvell and thyne therebye,
for nowe thow shalt be deade.
Thou hase ever served Sathanas
and had his power in evenye place.
Therefore thou gettes nowe no grace.
With him thou must gonne.

<d>Tunc Michael occidet Antechristum et in occidendo clamat Antechristus 'Helpe, helpe, helpe, helpe!'.

<c>Antechristus
Helpe, Sathanas and Lucyfere!
Belzebubb, bould batchellere!
Ragnell, Ragnell, thou art my deane!
Nowe fare I wonder evyll.
Alas, alas, where ys my power?
Alas, my wytt ys in a weare.
Nowe bodye and soule both in feare
and all goeth to the devyll.

<d>Tunc morietur Antechristus et venient duo demones et dicunt ut sequitur:

<c>Primus Demon
Anonne, mayster, anonne, anone !
From hell-ground I hard thee grone.
I thought not to come myselfe alonne
for worshippe of thine estate.
With us to hell thou shalt gonne.
For this death wee make great mone.
To wynne more soules into our wonne &mdash;
but nowe yt ys to late!

<c>Secundus Demon
With mee thou shalt. From mee thou come.
Of mee shall come thy last doome,
for thou hast well deserved.
And through my might and my postee
thou hast lyved in dignitie
and many a soule deceyved.

<c>Primus Demon
This bodye was gotten by myne assent
in cleane whooredome, verament.
Of mother wombe or that he went,
I was him within
and taught him aye with myne intent
synne, by which hee shalbe shent.
For hee dyd my commaundement,
his soule shall never blynne.

<c>Secundus Demon
Nowe, fellowe, in fayth great mone wee maye make
for this lord of estate that standes in this steed.
Manye a fatt morsel! wee had for his sake
of soules that should have bine saved &mdash; in hell be the hydd!

<d>Tunc capient animam eius, et potius corpus.

<c>Primus Demon
His soule with sorrowe in hand have I hent.
Yee, pennance and payne soone shall hee feele.
To Lucyfere, that lord, yt shalbe present
that burne shall as a brande; his sorrowe shall not keele.

<c>Secundus Demon
This proctor of prophecye hath procured manye one
one his lawes for to leeve, and lost for his sake
theire sowles be, in sorrowe, and his shalbe soone.
Such maistries through my might manye on I do make.

<d>Posteaquam demones loqunti sunt, resurgens Enock et Helias ab Antechristo [coesi] et auditoribus status suos commonstrabunt.

<c>Primus Demon
With Lucyfere, that lord, longe shall he lenge; in a seate aye with
sorrowe with him shall he sytt.

<c>Secundus Demon
Yea, by the heeles in hell shall hee henge
in a dungeon deepe, right in hell-pytt!

<c>Primus Demon
To hell wyll I hye withowt anye fayle,
with this present of pryce thither to bringe.

<c>Secundus Demon
Thou take him by the toppe and I by the tayle.
A sorrowfull songe, in fayth, shall hee singe.

<c>Primus Demon
A, fellowe, a dole looke that thow deale
to all this fayre companye, hence or thou wend.

<c>Secundus Demon
Yea, sorrowe and care ever shall the feele.
In hell shall they dwell at theire last ende.

<c>Enocke
A, lord, that all shall leade
and both deeme the quycke and deade!
That reverence thee, thou on them reade
and them through right releaved.
I was deade and right here slayne,
but through thy might, lord, and thy mayne
thou hast me reased up agayne.
Thee will I love and leeve.

<c>Helias
Yea, lord, blessed must thou bee.
My flesh glorifyed nowe I see.
Wytt ney sleight agaynst thee
conspired may be by noe waye.
All that leeven in thee stydfastlye
thou helpes, lord, from all anoye,
for dead I was and nowe lyre I.
Honored be thou aye!

<c>Mychaell
Enock and Helye, come you anon.
My lord wyll that you with mee gonne
to heaven-blysse, both blood and bone,
evermore there to bee.
You have binne longe, for you bynne wyse,
dwellinge in yearthly paradyce;
but to heaven, where himselfe ys,
nowe shall you goe with mee.

<d>Tunc abducens eos ad coelos, cantabit Angelus 'Gaudete justi in domino' etc.

<d>Finis

<h>The Webstars Playe<!-- 25 -->

<d>Pagina Vicessima Quanta et Omnium Postmema: De Judicio Extremo

<c>Deus
<i>Ego sum alpha et omega, I, primus et novissimus.</i>
I God, greatest of degree,
in whom begyninge non may bee,
that I am pearles of postee,
nowe appertly that shalbe preeved.
In my godhead are persons three;
maye non in faye from other flee.
Yett soveraygne might that ys in mee
may justly be meeved.

It ys full youre syns I beheight
to make a reckoninge of the right.
Nowe to that doome I will mee dight
that dead shall dulye dread.
Therefore, my angelles fayre and bright,
looke that you wake eych worldlye wight
that I maye see all in my sight
that I blood forth can bleede.

Shewe you my crosse appertlye here,
crowne of thorn&eacute;, sponge and speare,
and nayles to them that wanted nere
to come to this anoye;
and what weede for them I weare,
upon my bodye nowe I beare.
The most stowtest this sight shall steare
that standeth by streete or stye.

<c>Angelus Primus
Lord that madest through thy might
heaven and yearth, daye and night,
withowt distance wee be dight
your byddinge for to donne.
And for to awake eyche worldlye wight
I shall bee readye, artd that in height,
that they shall shewe them in thy sight.
Thou shalt see, lord, full soone.

<c>Secundus Angelus
Take wee our beames and fast blowe.
All mankynd shall them knowe.
Good accompt that nowe can shewe,
soone yt shalbe scene.
That have done well in there lyvinge,
they shall have joye withowt enclinge.
That evell have done withowt mendinge
shall ever have sorrowe and teene.

<d>Tunc angeli tubas accipient et flabunt, et omnes mortui de sepulchris surgent, quorum dicat primus Papa Salvatus.

<c>Papa Salvatus
A, lord, mercye nowe aske wee,
that dyed for us on the roode-tree.
Hit ys three hundreth yeares and three
synce I was put in grave.
Nowe through thy might and thy postye
thy beames blast bath raysed mee &mdash;
I, flesh and blood as I nowe see &mdash;
my judgment for to have.

While that I lyved in flesh and bloodd,
thy great godhead that ys so good
mee knewe I never, but ever was wood
worshipps for to wynne.
The wyttes, lord, thou sent to mee
I spend to come to great degree.
They highest office under thee
in yearth thou puttest me yn.

Thou grantest me, lord, through thy grace,
Peters power and his place.
Yett was I blent. Alas, alas,
I dyd not thyne assent.
But my fleshiye will that wicked was,
the which raysed nowe thou hasse,
I forthered, lord, before thy face
shall take his judgment.

When I in yearth was at my will,
this world mee blent, both lowde and styll;
but thy commandment to fulfill
I was full neglygent.
But purged yt ys with paynes yll
in purgatorye that sore can gryll.
Yett thy grace I hope to come tyll
after my great torment.

And yett, lord, I must dread thee
for my great synne when I thee see;
for thou art most in majestie,
of mercye nowe I call.
The paynes that I have longe in bee,
as hard as hell save hope of lee,
agayne to goe never suffer mee
for ought that may befall.

<c>Imperator Salvatus
A, lord and soveraygne savyoure,
that lyvinge put mee to honour
and made me kinge and emperour,
highest of kythe and kynne &mdash;
my flesh, that fallen was as the flowre,
thou hasse restored in this stowre
and with paynes of great languowre
clensed mee of my synne.

In purgatorye my soule hath binne
a thousand yeares in woe and teene.
Nowe ys noe synne upon mee seene,
for purged I am of pyne.
Though that I to synne were bayne and bowne
and coveted ryches and renowne,
yett at the last contrytion
bath made mee on of thyne.

As hard payne, I darre well saye,
in purgatorye are night and daye
as are in hell, save by on waye &mdash;
that one shall have an end.

Worshipped bee thou, high justice,
that mee hasse made in flesh to ryse.
Nowe wott I well, those that have binne wyse
shall come unto thy welth.
Grant me, lord, amongest moe,
that purged am of synne and woe,
on thy right hand that I maye goe
to that everlastinge health.

<c>Rex Salvatus
A, lord of lordes and kinge of kinges
and informer of all thinges,
thy power, lord, spreades and springes,
as soothly here ys seene.
After bale, boote thou bringes,
and after teene-tyde tydinges
to all that ever thy names mynes
and buxon to thee benne.

While I was lord of land and leede
in purple and in rych weede,
meethought to thee I had no neede,
so wronge the world me wyled.
Though thou for me thy blood can sheede,
yett in my hart more can I heede
my flesh to further and to feede,
but the soule was ever begyled.

My fowle bodye through synne blent,
that rotten was and all torent,
through thy might, lord omnipotent,
raysed and whole yt ys.
My soule that ys in bales brent
to my bodye thou hast nowe sent
to take before the judgment
of that I have donne amys.

But, lord, though I were synfull aye,
contrytion yett at my last daye
and almes-deedes that I dyd aye
hath holpen me from hell.
But well I wott that ylke waye
that Abraham went wynde I maye,
for I am purged to thy paye,
with thee evermore to dwell.

<c>Regina Salvata
Pearles prynce of most postye
that after langwore lendeth lee,
that nowe in bodye hasse raysed mee
from fyre to rest and rowe &mdash;
my flesh, that as flowre can flye
and powder was, through thy pyttie
together hasse brought, as I nowe see,
the soule and bodye too.

While I in yearth rych can goe
in softe sandalles and silke alsoe,
velvet also that wrought me woe,
and all such other weedes,
neyther prayed I ney faste.
Saffe almes-deedes, yf any paste,
and great repentance at the laste
hath gotten me to thy grace,

that saved I hope fullye to bee,
for purged synnes that were in mee.
Thy laste doome may I not flee,
to come before thy face.
All that might excyte lecherye &mdash;
perrelles and precyouse perrye &mdash;
agaynst thy byddinge used I,
and other wycked deedes.

After purgatorye-paynes
from me thy lordshippe thou ney laynes.
To warne thy doome mee ney gaynes,
though I were never so greate.
Sythe I have suifred woe and teene
in purgatorye longe too benne,
lett never my synne be on me seene
but, lord, thou hit forgett.

<d>Tunc venient damnati.

<c>Papa Damnatus
Alas, alas, alas, alas!
Nowe am I worse then ever I was.
My bodye agayne the soule hasse
that longe hase benne in hell.
Together the bee &mdash; nowe ys noe grace &mdash;
fyled to bee before thy face,
and after my death here in this place
in payne ever to dwell.

Nowe bootelesse ys to aske mercye,
for, lyvinge, highest in yearth was I,
and cunynge closen in cleargye;
but covetousnes dyd me care.
Also sylver and symonye
made mee pope unworthye.
That burnes me nowe, full witterlye,
for of blys I am full bare.

Also, why spend I wronge my wytte
in covetousnes my hart to knytte?
Hard and hoft nowe feele I hitt;
hell howldes me right here.
My bodye burnes everye bytt.
Of sorrowe must I never be shutt.
Mee to save from helI-pytt
nowe helpeth noe prayer.

Of all the soules in Christianitie
that damned were while I had degree
nowe gyve accompt behoveth mee,
through my lawes forlorne.
Also damned nowe must I bee.
Accompt befalles, or elles to flee.
Make me deafe, I cojure thee,
as I had never binne borne.

<c>Imperator Damnatus
Alas, nowe sterred I am in this stowre.
Alas, nowe fallen ys my flowre.
Alas, for synne nowe cease succour.
No sylver maye mee save.
Alas, that I ever was emperoure.
Alas, that I ever had towne or towre.
Alas, hard bye I my honour;
hell-paynes for yt I have.

Alas, in world whye was I ware?
Alas, that ever mother mee bare!
Alas, there ys noe yeane-chare!
Scape may I not this chance.
Alas, doe evell who ys that dare?
To threpe no more us ne dare,
for to payne we ordayned are,
ever withowt delyverance.

Nowe ys manslaughter upon mee seene.
Nowe covetousnes makes my care keene.
Nowe wronge-workinge, withowten weene,
that I in world have wrought,
nowe traytorouse tornes do me teene,
and false doomes all bydeene.
In gluttonye I have in binne
that shall nowe deare be bought.

Nowe knowe I what I dyd with wronge
and eke my lyther lyvinge longe.
Falsehoode to hell makes mee to fonge,
in fyre ever fowle to fare.
Misbegotten money ever I myxed amonge.
Nowe ys me yeelded to hell yonge.
Whye were I not dead as ys the donge?
For deole I drowpe and dare!

<c>Rex Damnatus
Alas, unlykinge ys my lott.
My weale ys gonne, of woe I wott.
My synne ys seene I was in sett.
Of sorrowe nowe may I synge.
To hell-payne that ys so hott
for my misdeedes wend I mot.
Alas, that I hadd beene sheepe or goatte
when I was crowned kinge.

When I was in my majestie,
soveraigne of shyre and of cyttye,
never did I good. In noe degree
through me was any grace.
Of poore had I never pittie.
Sore ne sycke would I never see.
Nowe have I languowre and they have lee.
Alas, alas, alas!

Wronge ever I wrought to eych wight.
For pennyes, poore in payne I pight.
Relygion I reaved agaynst the right.
That Jkeenlye] nowe I knowe.
Lecherye, I held hit light.
In covetousenes my hart was clight.
On good deede in God his sight
nowe have I not to shewe.

<c>Regina Damnata
Alas, alas! Nowe am I lorne.
Alas ! With teene nowe am I torne.
Alas, that I was.of woman borne,
this bytter bale to byde.
I made my moane both even and [morne]
for feare to come Jesu beforne
that crowned for mee was with thorne
and thrust into the syde.

Alas, that I was woman wrought.
Alas, whye God made me of nought
and with his pretyouse blood me bought
to worke agaynst his wyll?
Of lecherye I never wrought,
but ever to that synne I sought,
that of that fylth in deede and thought
yett had I never that fyll.

Fye on pearles! Fye on prydee!
Fye on gowne! Fye on guyde!
Fye on hewe ! Fye on hyde!
These harrowe me to hell.
Agaynst this chance I may not chyde.
This bitter bale I must abyde.
Yea, woe and teene I suffer this tyde,
noe lyvinge tonge may tell.

I, that soe seemelye was in sight,
where ys my blee that ys so bright?
Where ys baron, where ys knight
for mee to alledge the lawe?
Where in world ys any wight
that for my fayrenes nowe wyll fight,
or from this death I am to dight
that darre mee heathen drawe?

<c>Justiciarius Damnatus
Alas! Of sorrowe nowe ys my sawe.
Alas! For hell I am in awe.
My fleshe as flowre that all to-flawe
nowe tydes a fearely fytt.
Alas, that ever I learned lawe,
for suffer I must manye a hard thrawe;
for the devyll will me drawe
right even into his pytt.

Alas! While that I lyved in land,
[wrought] to worke I would not wond
but falsely causes tooke in hand
and mych woe dyd elles.
When I sought sylver or rych sound
of baron, burges, or of bound,
his moote to further ever I would found,
were yt never so false.
Nowe ys the dyvell readye, I see,
his moote to further agaynst mee
for the judge of such postye
that mee wyll not avayle;
harte and thought both knoweth hee.
Though I would lye, noe boote wyll bee.
Alas, this hard fytt to flee
rufullye I must fayle.

All my lyeffe ever I was bowne
to trouble poore in towre an towne,
payre Holy Church possession
and sharpely them to shend.
To reave and robbe relygion,
that was all my devotyon.
Therefore mee tydes damnatyon
and payne withowten end.

<c>Mercator Damnatus
Alas, alas, nowe woe ys mee!
My fowle bodye, that rotten hath be,
and soule together nowe I see.
All stynketh, full of synne.
Alas! Marchandize maketh mee,
and purchasinge of land and fee,
in hell-payne evermore to bee,
and bale that never shall blynne.

Alas! In world fervent was I
to purchase landes falselye.
Poore men I dyd such anoye,
made them theire landes to sell.
But when I dyed, wytterlye,
all that I had, my enemye
both bodye and soule damned therebye
ever to the payne of hell.

Yett might not false. purchase suffyce,
but ofte I dealed with marchandyce;
for there methought wyninge would ryse,
I used yt manye a yeare.
Ofte I sett upon false assyce,
rayvinge poore with layinge myse.
Falsely, by God and saynte Hyse
a thousand tyme I sware.

Occurre I used wylfullye.
Wanne I never so much therebye,
to Holye Church never taythed I,
for meethought that was lorne.
Why made thou me, lord, of nought? Whye?
To worch in world so wickedlye
and nowe burne in the dyvelles bellye?
Alas, that ever I was borne!

<d>Finitis lamentationibus mortuorum, [descendet] Jesus quasi in nube, si fieri potent, quia, secundum doctoris opiniones, in aere prope terram judicabit Filius Dei. Stabunt angeli cum cruce, corona spinea, lancea, et instrumentis allis; ipsa demonstrant.

<c>Jesus
You good and evell that here benne lent,
here you come to your judgment,
yf you wyst whereto hit would appent
and in what manere.
But all myne, as I have ment &mdash;
prophettes, patriarches here present &mdash;
must knowe my doome with good intent.
Therefore I am nowe here.

But you shall heare and see expresse
I doe to you all rightwysenes.
Loovesome deedes more and lesse
I wyll rehearse nowe here.
Of yearth through mee made, man, thou was
and putt in place of greate cleanes
from which thou was, through wyckednes,
away then wayved weare.

When thou had donne this trespasse,
yett wayted I which way best was
thee to recover in this case
into my companye.
Howe might I do thee more grace
then that selfe kynd that thou hasse
take &mdash; here nowe in this place
appeareth appertlye &mdash;

after dyed on the roode-tree
and my blood shedd, as thou may see,
to pryve the devyll of his postie
and wynne that was awaye;
the which blood &mdash; behouldes yee &mdash;
fleshe-houlden tell nowe I would should be
for certayne poyntes that lyked mee
of which I will nowe saye.

On cause was this, certeynlye,
that to my Father almightie
at my Assentyon offer might I
this blood, pnayinge a boone:
that hee of you should have mercye
and more gracyous be therebye
when you had synned horryblie,
not takinge vengeance to soone.

Also, I would, withowten were,
this bloodd should nowe be shewed here
that the Jewes dyd in this manere
might knowe appertlye
howe unkynd they them beare.
Behould on mee and you may lere
whether I be God in full powere
or elles man onlye.

Also, my blood nowe shewed ys
that good therebye maye have blys
that avoyded wyckednes, iwys,
and ever good workes wrought.
And evyll also, that dyd amysse,
must have greate sorrowe in sight of this
that lost that joye that was his
that him on roode-tree bought.

Yett, for all this greate torment
that suffered here while I was lent,
the more spared in your intent.
I am not as I feele.
For my bodye ys all torent
with othes false aiwayes fervent;
noe lymme on mee but yt is lent
from head right to the heele.

Nowe that you shall appertlye see
freshe blood bleede, man, for thee &mdash;
good to joye and full greate lee,
the evyll to damnatyon.
Behould nowe, all men! Looke on mee
and see my blood freshe owt flee
that I bleede on roode-tree
for your salvatyon.

<d>Tunc emittet sanguinem de latere eius.

Howe durst you ever doe amys
when you unthought you of this,
that I bleede to bringe you to blys
and suffered such woo.
Me you must not white, iwysse,
though I doe nowe as right ys.
Therefore eych man reacon his,
for ryghtwysenes must goo.

<c>Papa Salvatus
A, lord, though I lyved in synne,
in purgatorye I have [bene] in.
Suffer my bale for to blynne
and bringe mee to this blysse.

<c>Imperator Salvatus
Yea, lord, and I have therein
bee more then three hundreth yeares and three.
Nowe I am cleane, forsake not mee,
although I dyd amysse.

<c>Rex Salvatus
Lord, receyve me to thy grace
that payne hath suffered in this place.
Although I foule and wycked was,
washen yt ys awaye.

<c>Regina Salvata
And I, lord, to thee crye and call,
thy owne christen and thy thrall,
that of my synnes am purged all,
of thy joye I thee praye.

<c>Jesus
Come hither to mee, my dearlynges deare,
that blessed in world aiwayse weare.
Take my realme, all in feare,
that for you ordayned ys.
For while I was on yearth here
you gave mee meate, in good manere;
therefore in heaven-blysse cleare
you shall ever lenge, iwysse.

In great thyrst you gave me drynke,
when I was naked also clothinge,
and when mee needed harboringe
you harbored me in cold.
And other deedes to my lykinge
you dyd on yearth there lyvinge.
Therefore you shall be quytte that thinge
in heaven an hundrethfold.

<c>Papa Salvatus
Lord, on this can I not mynne:
earth when I was dwellinge in,
thee in myscheffe or any unwynne
to shewe such a will.

<c>Imperator Salvatus
Noe, syckerlye! I can have noe mynde
that ever to thee I was so kynd,
for there I might thee never fynd,
such kyndnes to fulfyll.

<c>Jesus
Yes, forsoothe, my freindes deare,
such as poore and naked weare,
you cladd and fedd them both in feere
and harbored them alsoe.
Such as weare also in great dangere,
in hard prysoun yn yearth here,
you visited them in meeke mannere,
all men in such woe.

Therefore, as I you ere tould,
you shalbe quytt an hundrethfould.
In my blysse, bee you bowld,
evermore you shall bee.
There neyther honger ys ney could
but all thinges as yourselves would &mdash;
everlastinge joye to yonge and old
that in yearth pleased mee.

Therfore, my angeles, goe you anon
and twyne my chosen everye one
from them that have benne my foen
and bringe them unto blysse.
On my right hand they shall be sett,
for soe full yore I them beheight
when the dyd withowten lett
my byddinge not amysse.

<c>Primus Angelus
Lord, we shall never blynne
tyll we have brought them blys within,
those soules that benne withowten synne,
full soone, as you shall see.

<c>Secundus Angelus
And I knowe them well affyne
which bodyes, lord, that benne thyne.
The shall have joye withowten pyne
that never shall ended bee.

<d>Tunc angel ibunt ac cantabunt euntes ac venientes 'Letamini in domino, salvator mundi, domine.' Ac omnes salvati eos sequentur; postea veniunt demones, quorum dicat Primus.

<c>Demon Primus
A, rightuouse judge, and most of might,
that there art sett to deeme the right,
mercye thou was, nowe ys gright,
to save these men from pyne.
Doe as thou hast yoare beheight.
Those that be synnfull in thy sight,
to reacon there deedes I am dight
to proove these men for myne.

Judge this pope myne in this place
that worthye ys for his trespace &mdash;
and ought to be thyne through grace &mdash;
through synne commynne myne.
A christen man I wott hee was,
knewe good from evell in eych case,
but my commandment donne hee hase,
and ever forsaken thyne.

Through mercye hee should be thyne,
but myne through wyckednes and synne;
thyne through passion thou was in,
and myne through temptatyon.
To mee obedyent hee was aye,
and thy commandment put awaye.
Thou righteouse judge therefore I praye,
deeme him to my pryson.

This emperour also that standeth by,
I hould him myne full wytterlye,
that held him ever in heresye
and leeved not on thy lore.
Therefore I tell thee verament
myne hee ys withowt judgment.
Thou sayd, when thou on yearth went,
that leeved not, damned were.

<d>'Qui non credit, jam judicatus est.'

This kinge and queene would never knowe
poore men, them almes to showe.
Therefore, put them all from you
that stand before thy face,
and I shall leade them tyll a lowe;
there fyre shall burne though no man blowe.
I have them tyed upon a rowe;
they shall never passe that place.

<c>Secundus Demon
Naye, I wyll spute with him this
that sytteth as high justice,
and yf I see he be righteous
soone I shall assaye.
And other he shall, forsooth iwysse,
forsake that of him wrytten ys
or these men that have donne amysse,
deeme them us todaye.

These wordes, God, thou sayde expresse,
as Matthewe thereof bayreth wyttnes,
that right as mans deedes was
yeelden hee should bee.
And, lest thou forgett, good man,
I shall mynne thee upon,
for speake Latten well I can,
and that thou shall soone see.

<d>'Filius hominis venturus est in gloria Patris, Patris sui cum angelis suis, et tunc reddit unicuiquam secundum opus suum.'

Therefore, righteouse yf thou bee,
these men are myne, as mote I thee,
for on good deede here before thee
have they not to shewe.
Yf there bee anye, saye on! Lettes see!
Yf there be nonne, deeme them to mee;
or elles thou art as false as wee &mdash;
all men shall well knowe.

<c>Demon Primus
Yea, this thou sayd, verament,
that when thou came to judgment
thy angelles from thee should be sent
to put the evyll from the good
and put them into great torment,
there reemynge and grennynge verey fervent;
which wordes to clearkes here present
I wyll rehearse.

<d>'Sic erit in consummatione seculi: exibunt angel et [seperabunt] malos de medio justorum, et mittent eos in caminum ignis, ubi erit fletus et stridor dentium.'

Therefore delyver mee these men
and, as broke I my panne,
I shall make them to grynne
and nufullye to reeme.
And in as whott a chimneye
as ys ordayned for mee
bathed they all shalbee
in bitter bale and brenne.

This popelard pope here present
with covetousenes was aye fullye bent.
This emperour also, verament,
to all synne did enclyne.
This kinge also all righteouse men shent,
damned them through false judgment
and dyed so withowt amendment;
therefore I hould him myne.

This queene, while shee was lyvinge here,
spared never synne, in no mannere,
and all that myght, by Mahound so dere,
excyte her lecherye
shee used, mans harte to styrre,
and thereto fullye ordayned her.
Therefore shee hath lost her lure,
heaven-blysse, right as dyd I.

<c>Jesus
Loe, you men that wycked have benne,
what Sathan sayth you heren and scene.
Rightuouse doome may you not fleene,
for grace ys put awaye.
When tyrne of grace was endurynge,
to seeke yt you had no lykinge.
Therefore must I, for anythinge,
doe rightuousenes todaye.

And though my sweete mother deare
and all the sayntes that ever were
prayed for you right nowe here,
all yt were to late.
Noe grace may growe through theire prayere.
Then rightuousenes had no powere.
Therefore, goe to the fyre in feere.
There gaynes noe other grace.

When I was hungrye and thyrstie both,
and naked was, you would not mee clothe;
also, sycke and in greate woe,
you would not vysytt mee;
nor yett in pryson to me come,
nor of your meate to gyve me somee,
nor mee to your harboure nome
never yett in wyll were yee.

<c>Papa Damnatus
When was thou naked or harborlesse,
hongrye, thyrstie, or in sycknes;
eyther in any prysoun was?
Wee sawe thee never a-could.

<c>Imperator Damnatus
Hadd we thee hungrye or thyrstie seene,
naked, sycke, or in prysoun benne,
harborlesse or in anye teene,
have harbored thee we would.

<c>Jesus
Naye! When you sawe the leaste of myne
that on yearth suffered pyne,
with your rychesse you would not ryne
ney fulfill my desyre.
And syth you would nothinge enclyne
for to helpe my poore lyne,
to mee your love yt was not fyne.
Therefore, goe to the fyre!

<c>Primus Demon
A, syr judge, this goeth aright.
By Mahound mych of might,
you bee myne, eych wyght,
ever to lyve in woe.
A dowlefull death to you ys dight,
for such hyre I you beheight
when you served me daye and night,
to be rewarded soe.

Goe we forthe to hell in hye.
Withowt end there shall you lye,
for you have loste &mdash; right as did I &mdash;
the blysse that lasteth ever.
Judged you be to my bellye
there endles sorrowe ys and noye.
One thinge I tell you truelye &mdash;
delyvcred benne you never.

<c>Demon Secundus
Naye, maister, forgett not these theves two,
for, by Mahound, the shall not goe!
Theire deedes, lord, amonge moe,
soone I can them spye.
This justice, lord, was ever thy foe,
but falsehood to further hee was ever throo.
Therefore deeme him to sorrowe and woe,
for hee ys full well worthye.

This marchant also that standeth here,
hee ys myne, withowten were.
As oftetymes hee him forswere
as seedes be in my secke.
And occurre also used hee
that my powche ys so heavye,
I sweare by Mahound so free,
hit well-nyc breakes my necke.

<d>Tunc demones exportabunt eos, et venient quatuor evangelistae.

<c>Mattheus
I, Matthewe, of this beare wytnes,
for in my gospell I wrotte expresse
this that my lord of his goodnesse
hath rehearsed here.
And by mee all were warned before
to save theire soules evermore
that nowe through lykinge the benne lore
and damned to fyre in feare.

<c>Marcus
I, Marke, nowe appartlye saye
that warned they were by manye a waye
theire lyvinge how the should araye,
heaven-blysse to recover;
so that excuse them they ne maye
that they benne worthye, in good faye,
to suffer they doome given todaye
and damned to be ever.

<c>Lucas
And I, Luke, on yearth lyvinge,
my lordes workes in everyethinge
I wrote and taught through my cunnynge
that all men knowe might.
And therefore I saye, forsooth iwys,
excusation none there ys.
Agaynst my talkinge they dyd arnysse.
This donne, yt goeth aright.

<c>Johannes
And I, John the Evangeliste,
beare wytnes of thinges that I wyste
to which they might full well have truste
and not have donne amysse.
And all that ever my lord sayth here,
I wrote yt in my mannere.
Therfore, excuse you, withowten were,
I may not well, iwysse.

<d>Finis