The Chester Plays: The Passion
Then Caiaphas and Annas and the soldiers shall lead Jesus to Pilate
Caiaphas
Sir Pilate, here we bring one1
that false is, and our elders’ foe.
And says that tribute may be given none
to Caesar for him here.
Wheresoever he and his fellows go,
they turn the folk to them each one.
Now ask we judgment here him upon7
From thee that has the power.
Sir Pilate, here we bring one1
that false is, and our elders’ foe.
And says that tribute may be given none
to Caesar for him here.
Wheresoever he and his fellows go,
they turn the folk to them each one.
Now ask we judgment here him upon7
From thee that has the power.
Annas
Certainly he is our elders’ foe.9
Wheresoever he goes, to or fro,
that he is Christ, and king also,
he preaches openly.
If Caesar knew that, he would be woe
such a man if we let go.
Therefore to damn him we are keen,15
lest he us all destroy.
Certainly he is our elders’ foe.9
Wheresoever he goes, to or fro,
that he is Christ, and king also,
he preaches openly.
If Caesar knew that, he would be woe
such a man if we let go.
Therefore to damn him we are keen,15
lest he us all destroy.
Pilate
Come up, lordings, I you pray,17
and we shall hear what he will say
among this fellowship here.
What sayest thou, man in mis-array?
If thou be King of the Jews, now say.
Come up, lordings, I you pray,17
and we shall hear what he will say
among this fellowship here.
What sayest thou, man in mis-array?
If thou be King of the Jews, now say.
Jesus
As thou sayest, men hear may22
a king that thou me make.
As thou sayest, men hear may22
a king that thou me make.
Pilate
No cause find I, in good fay,24
to do this man to death today.
No cause find I, in good fay,24
to do this man to death today.
Caiaphas
Sir, the people – us to displease26
converted to him all he has.
Sir, the people – us to displease26
converted to him all he has.
Annas
Yea, all the land of Galilee28
clean turned to him has he.
Therefore judge now ask we,
this false man to do down.
Yea, all the land of Galilee28
clean turned to him has he.
Therefore judge now ask we,
this false man to do down.
Pilate
Since he was born there as say ye,32
to Herod sent soon shall he be;
else deprive I him his royalty
and blemish his renown.
Go, lead him to Herod hastily,
and say I send him to justify
this man of which he hath mastery38
at his own liking.
Since he was born there as say ye,32
to Herod sent soon shall he be;
else deprive I him his royalty
and blemish his renown.
Go, lead him to Herod hastily,
and say I send him to justify
this man of which he hath mastery38
at his own liking.
First Soldier
Him shall he have full hastily,40
and lead him thither anon will I.
Come thou forth with thy ribaldry
and speak with our king.
Sir King, here Pilate hath you sent
a shrew that our Law has shent,
for to have his Judgement46
before he hither wend.
Him shall he have full hastily,40
and lead him thither anon will I.
Come thou forth with thy ribaldry
and speak with our king.
Then the two soldiers shall go, leading Jesus to Herod
Sir King, here Pilate hath you sent
a shrew that our Law has shent,
for to have his Judgement46
before he hither wend.
Herod
Ah, welcome, Jesus, verament!48
And I thank Pilate of his present,
for oft-times I have been of that intent
after thee to have sent.
Ah, welcome, Jesus, verament!48
And I thank Pilate of his present,
for oft-times I have been of that intent
after thee to have sent.
Jesus, much have I heard of thee.52
Some virtue fain now would I see.
If thou from God in majesty
be come, tell us here.
I pray thee, say now to me,
and prove some of thy power,
and much the gladder would I be,58
truly, all this year.
Some virtue fain now would I see.
If thou from God in majesty
be come, tell us here.
I pray thee, say now to me,
and prove some of thy power,
and much the gladder would I be,58
truly, all this year.
Jesus shall make no reply.
What! I know that man is wood,60
or else dumb, and can no good.
Such a stalwart never before me stood,
so stout and stern is he.
Speak on, Jesus, for Cock’s blood,
for Pilate shall not, by my hood,
do thee none amiss. But mend thy mood66
and speak somewhat with me.
or else dumb, and can no good.
Such a stalwart never before me stood,
so stout and stern is he.
Speak on, Jesus, for Cock’s blood,
for Pilate shall not, by my hood,
do thee none amiss. But mend thy mood66
and speak somewhat with me.
Alas, I am nigh mad for woe.68
Methinks this man is wondrous fierce,
deaf and dumb as a doted doe,
or frantic, truly.
Yet since that Pilate has done so,
the ill-feeling that was between us two
I forgive – no more his foe74
to be after this day.
Methinks this man is wondrous fierce,
deaf and dumb as a doted doe,
or frantic, truly.
Yet since that Pilate has done so,
the ill-feeling that was between us two
I forgive – no more his foe74
to be after this day.
Clothe him in white, for in this case76
to Pilate it may be solace,
for Jews’ custom before was
to clothe men that were wood
or mad, as now he him makes,
as well seems by his face;
for him that has lost his state of grace82
this garment is full good.
to Pilate it may be solace,
for Jews’ custom before was
to clothe men that were wood
or mad, as now he him makes,
as well seems by his face;
for him that has lost his state of grace82
this garment is full good.
Then the soldiers shall dress him in a white garment
First Soldier
Have this, Jesus, upon thee –84
a noble garment, it seems to me,
of the king’s livery
that now on thee alights!
Have this, Jesus, upon thee –84
a noble garment, it seems to me,
of the king’s livery
that now on thee alights!
Second Soldier
Come on out. Thou may not flee.88
Now thou art in thy royalty –
Sir Herod, king, by leave of thee!
And gramercy this gift!
Come on out. Thou may not flee.88
Now thou art in thy royalty –
Sir Herod, king, by leave of thee!
And gramercy this gift!
Then the two soldiers shall leave, leading Jesus in the white garment to Pilate
First Soldier
Sir Pilate, here the King hath sent92
Jesus again, and since we went,
he has forgiven his mal-intent
for thy deed today.
Sir Pilate, here the King hath sent92
Jesus again, and since we went,
he has forgiven his mal-intent
for thy deed today.
Pilate
Yes, fault in him I can find none,96
nor Herod, as seems hereupon.
Therefore is best we let him go
whither he will his way.
Yes, fault in him I can find none,96
nor Herod, as seems hereupon.
Therefore is best we let him go
whither he will his way.
Second Soldier
Nay, all, all we cry with one voice,100
nail him, nail him to the cross.
Nay, all, all we cry with one voice,100
nail him, nail him to the cross.
Pilate
Ye men, for shame! Let be your noise!102
My counsel will I say.
Ye know each one the manner:
delivered must be a prisoner –
this feast that now approaches near –
for honour of the day.
Will ye Jesus delivered be?108
Ye men, for shame! Let be your noise!102
My counsel will I say.
Ye know each one the manner:
delivered must be a prisoner –
this feast that now approaches near –
for honour of the day.
Will ye Jesus delivered be?108
Third Soldier
Nay, suffer the death worthy is he,109
and thereupon all cry we,
and Barabbas preserved.
Nay, suffer the death worthy is he,109
and thereupon all cry we,
and Barabbas preserved.
Pilate
What shall I do with Jesus here112
that Christ is called, and King in as well?
What shall I do with Jesus here112
that Christ is called, and King in as well?
Fourth Soldier
Nail him on the cross in all manner,114
for so he hath deserved.
Nail him on the cross in all manner,114
for so he hath deserved.
Pilate
Now, since I see you so fervent,116
and agreed that he shall be shent,
wash I will here in your presence,
Rage however you would.
Now, since I see you so fervent,116
and agreed that he shall be shent,
wash I will here in your presence,
Rage however you would.
Then Pilate shall wash his hands
Ye shall all know verament120
that I am clean and innocent
for to shed in no intent
this righteous man’s blood.
that I am clean and innocent
for to shed in no intent
this righteous man’s blood.
Caiaphas and Annas shall withdraw with Pilate
Ye prelates here every one,124
what will ye do? Let him go?
what will ye do? Let him go?
Caiaphas
Nay! Nail him to the cross anon –126
and judge him before thou leave.
Nay! Nail him to the cross anon –126
and judge him before thou leave.
Pilate
Take ye him, you who are so grim,128
and after your Law judge ye him.
Take ye him, you who are so grim,128
and after your Law judge ye him.
Annas
Nay, that is not lawful, joint nor limb130
for us no man to deprive.
Nay, that is not lawful, joint nor limb130
for us no man to deprive.
Pilate
What devil of Hell is this to say?132
Jesus, tell me, I thee pray,
art thou King – say “yea” or “nay” –
of Jews by ancestry?
What devil of Hell is this to say?132
Jesus, tell me, I thee pray,
art thou King – say “yea” or “nay” –
of Jews by ancestry?
Jesus
Which is it, think thou it so be136
or did other men tell it thee?
Which is it, think thou it so be136
or did other men tell it thee?
Pilate
Nay, fay! Thyself may know and see138
that no Jew am I.
Men of thine own nation
shout for thy damnation
with many an accusation
and all this day have done.
Art thou king – say, for all their cry?144
Nay, fay! Thyself may know and see138
that no Jew am I.
Men of thine own nation
shout for thy damnation
with many an accusation
and all this day have done.
Art thou king – say, for all their cry?144
Jesus
My realm in this world, so say I,145
is not – but were it, certainly
with Jews were I not taken.
And if my realm in this world were,
strive I would with you now here
and wield me such power
to deprive you of your prey.151
But my might in this manner
will I not prove, nor now appear
as worldly king; my cause unclear
were then, in good fay.
My realm in this world, so say I,145
is not – but were it, certainly
with Jews were I not taken.
And if my realm in this world were,
strive I would with you now here
and wield me such power
to deprive you of your prey.151
But my might in this manner
will I not prove, nor now appear
as worldly king; my cause unclear
were then, in good fay.
Pilate
Ergo, a king thou art, or was?156
Ergo, a king thou art, or was?156
Jesus
That thou sayest, it is no less.157
But now I tell thee here express
that king I am and may be.
In world I came to bear witness
of soothness, and therefore born I was.
And all that believe in soothness
take heed to that I say.163
That thou sayest, it is no less.157
But now I tell thee here express
that king I am and may be.
In world I came to bear witness
of soothness, and therefore born I was.
And all that believe in soothness
take heed to that I say.163
Pilate
What is soothness? Tell thou me.164
What is soothness? Tell thou me.164
Jesus
Soothness comes from God’s own see.165
Soothness comes from God’s own see.165
Pilate
In Earth hath truth no power166
by thine opinion?
In Earth hath truth no power166
by thine opinion?
Jesus
How should truth in Earth be168
while thus judged in Earth is he
by them that have no authority
in Earth? Against reason!
How should truth in Earth be168
while thus judged in Earth is he
by them that have no authority
in Earth? Against reason!
Pilate
Lordings, I find no cause, I wiss,172
to damn this man that here is.
Lordings, I find no cause, I wiss,172
to damn this man that here is.
Caiaphas
Pilate, he hath done much amiss.174
Let him never pass.
By Moses’ Law live we
and after that Law dead shall he be,
for openly preached has he
God’s Son that he was.
Pilate, he hath done much amiss.174
Let him never pass.
By Moses’ Law live we
and after that Law dead shall he be,
for openly preached has he
God’s Son that he was.
Annas
Yea, Pilate, he that makes himself a peer180
either to king or king’s consort
challenges Caesar of all his power,
and so we have proceeded against him.
whoso calls himself a king here
deprives Caesar of his power.
Yea, Pilate, he that makes himself a peer180
either to king or king’s consort
challenges Caesar of all his power,
and so we have proceeded against him.
whoso calls himself a king here
deprives Caesar of his power.
Pilate
Anon go scourge this losinger186
and beat him, joint and limb.
Anon go scourge this losinger186
and beat him, joint and limb.
First Soldier
Come now with care,188
fellow, for thy fare.
On thy body bare
strokes shall thou bear.
Come now with care,188
fellow, for thy fare.
On thy body bare
strokes shall thou bear.
Second Soldier
Cast off thy ware,192
all thy clothes, yare!
Flinch now and stare!
This stalwart I would steer.
Cast off thy ware,192
all thy clothes, yare!
Flinch now and stare!
This stalwart I would steer.
Then they shall strip him and shall bind him to a pillar
Third Soldier
Now he is bounden196
Be he never so wanton
soon shall he be founden
with blows in fere.
Now he is bounden196
Be he never so wanton
soon shall he be founden
with blows in fere.
Fourth Soldier
In woe is he wounden200
and his fate is grounden.
No lad unto London
such law can him learn.
In woe is he wounden200
and his fate is grounden.
No lad unto London
such law can him learn.
Then after they have scourged him, then they shall dress him in purple and sit him on a chair
First Soldier
Now, since he king is,204
elegant his clothing is.
Beggar, I bring thee this,
thee for to wear.
Now, since he king is,204
elegant his clothing is.
Beggar, I bring thee this,
thee for to wear.
Then the second soldier shall place a crown of thorns upon his head
Second Soldier
All in healing this is208
that of old sprung is.
Of thorns this thing is,
thee for to wear.
All in healing this is208
that of old sprung is.
Of thorns this thing is,
thee for to wear.
Third Soldier
Now thou has a weed,212
have here a reed. He shall hand him a reed
A sceptre I thee bede,
a king for to be.
Now thou has a weed,212
have here a reed. He shall hand him a reed
A sceptre I thee bede,
a king for to be.
Fourth Soldier
Harvey, take heed!216
Thus must I need
for my foul deed
kneel upon knee.
Harvey, take heed!216
Thus must I need
for my foul deed
kneel upon knee.
Then they shall kneel.
First Soldier
Hail, King of Jews!220
That so many men shows,
ribald, now thee rues,
with all thy reverence.
Hail, King of Jews!220
That so many men shows,
ribald, now thee rues,
with all thy reverence.
Second Soldier
With iron on him hews, cuts224
and his hide hews.
Anointment thee news revives
for thine offence.
With iron on him hews, cuts224
and his hide hews.
Anointment thee news revives
for thine offence.
Third Soldier
To paint on his face –228
thou that thee king makes,
take what my nose has.
Good spice! brand new!
To paint on his face –228
thou that thee king makes,
take what my nose has.
Good spice! brand new!
Fourth Soldier
With a hard grace232
thou came to this place.
If thou pass this race,
sore shalt thou rue.
With a hard grace232
thou came to this place.
If thou pass this race,
sore shalt thou rue.
Pilate
Lordings, here you may see236
your king in all his royalty.
Lordings, here you may see236
your king in all his royalty.
Caiaphas
Nay, sir, forsooth, no king have we238
save the emperor of Rome, pardee;
and unless thou nail him to the tree,
the Emperor full wrath will be.
Nay, sir, forsooth, no king have we238
save the emperor of Rome, pardee;
and unless thou nail him to the tree,
the Emperor full wrath will be.
Annas
All we say right says he.242
Judge him while thou hast time.
All we say right says he.242
Judge him while thou hast time.
Pilate
Whether of them will ye have,244
Jesus Christ or Barabbas?
Whether of them will ye have,244
Jesus Christ or Barabbas?
Caiaphas
Nay! Jesus, this traitor that is taken,246
must nailed be to the tree.
And let Barabbas go his way.
Nay! Jesus, this traitor that is taken,246
must nailed be to the tree.
And let Barabbas go his way.
Pilate
Take him to you now, as I say,249
for save him I not may,
undone but I would be.
Take him to you now, as I say,249
for save him I not may,
undone but I would be.
First Soldier
This judgment is at an end.252
Now propose I that we wend
this shrew for to shend
a little here beside.
This judgment is at an end.252
Now propose I that we wend
this shrew for to shend
a little here beside.
The second soldier shall place the cross on Jesus' back
Second Soldier
Here shalt thou not stay.256
Come hither, and be hend
thy back for to bend.
Here may thou not abide.
Here shalt thou not stay.256
Come hither, and be hend
thy back for to bend.
Here may thou not abide.
Then they shall go towards the Mount of Calvary.
Caiaphas
Now of this fellow we been sure.260
Against us it boots him not to bicker.
Though he sneer, flatter and flicker,
this fist shall he not flee.
Thou, Jesus, would be our king!
Go forth! Evil joy thee wring!
For avenged on thee at our liking266
full soon we shall be.
Beat on fast and make him go,
this fellow that is our elders’ foe;
for all his wiles, from this woe
shall no man him were.
Now of this fellow we been sure.260
Against us it boots him not to bicker.
Though he sneer, flatter and flicker,
this fist shall he not flee.
Thou, Jesus, would be our king!
Go forth! Evil joy thee wring!
For avenged on thee at our liking266
full soon we shall be.
Beat on fast and make him go,
this fellow that is our elders’ foe;
for all his wiles, from this woe
shall no man him were.
Annas
Him seems weary of his way.272
Some help to get I will assay,
for this cross, truly,
so far he may not bear.
Come hither, Simon of Surrey,
and take this cross anon in hie.
Unto the Mount of Calvary278
help that it were borne.
Him seems weary of his way.272
Some help to get I will assay,
for this cross, truly,
so far he may not bear.
Come hither, Simon of Surrey,
and take this cross anon in hie.
Unto the Mount of Calvary278
help that it were borne.
Simon
The Devil speed this company!280
For death he is not worthy!
For his sake, certainly,
I hold you all forlorn.
To bear no cross am I intent,
for it was never mine assent
to procure this prophet’s judgement,286
who is full of the Holy Ghost.
The Devil speed this company!280
For death he is not worthy!
For his sake, certainly,
I hold you all forlorn.
To bear no cross am I intent,
for it was never mine assent
to procure this prophet’s judgement,286
who is full of the Holy Ghost.
Caiaphas
Simon, unless thou want to be shent288
and suffer pain and imprisonment,
this cross upon thy back thou hent
and let be all thy boast.
Simon, unless thou want to be shent288
and suffer pain and imprisonment,
this cross upon thy back thou hent
and let be all thy boast.
Simon
Alas, that ever I hither come!292
Would God I had been in Rome
when I the way hither come,
thus to be annoyed.
But God I take to witness
that I do this by distress.
All, iwiss, through your falseness298
I think will be destroyed.
Alas, that ever I hither come!292
Would God I had been in Rome
when I the way hither come,
thus to be annoyed.
But God I take to witness
that I do this by distress.
All, iwiss, through your falseness298
I think will be destroyed.
Then he shall take up the cross.
Annas
Have done! Bring forth those thieves two!300
On either half him they shall go.
This wretch shall be handled so
with fellowship together.
Take them here, bound fast,
while this whipcord may last,
for the prime of the day is past.306
How long shall we be here?
Have done! Bring forth those thieves two!300
On either half him they shall go.
This wretch shall be handled so
with fellowship together.
Take them here, bound fast,
while this whipcord may last,
for the prime of the day is past.306
How long shall we be here?
Then they shall lead out Jesus and the two thieves, and the women shall come
First Woman
Alas, alas, and woe is me!308
A doleful sight this is to see.
so many sick saved hath he
and now goeth thus away.
Alas, alas, and woe is me!308
A doleful sight this is to see.
so many sick saved hath he
and now goeth thus away.
Second Woman
Sorrowful may his mother be312
to see the flesh so fair and free
nailed so foul upon a tree,
as he may be today.
Sorrowful may his mother be312
to see the flesh so fair and free
nailed so foul upon a tree,
as he may be today.
Jesus
Ye women of Jerusalem,316
weep not for me, nor make no tears;
but for your own bairn-team
ye must weep tenderly
For time shall come, without doubt,
ye shall bless belly that never child bear,
and pap that never milk came near,322
so near is your annoy.
Ye women of Jerusalem,316
weep not for me, nor make no tears;
but for your own bairn-team
ye must weep tenderly
For time shall come, without doubt,
ye shall bless belly that never child bear,
and pap that never milk came near,322
so near is your annoy.
Caiaphas
Have done! You tormentors, tite,324
and strip him that hath done us spite!
Have done! You tormentors, tite,324
and strip him that hath done us spite!
First Soldier
Yea, though he both groan and shite,326
out he shall be shaken.
Be thou angry or be thou fain,
I will be thy chamberlain.
This coat gets thou never again
if I may be waken.
Yea, though he both groan and shite,326
out he shall be shaken.
Be thou angry or be thou fain,
I will be thy chamberlain.
This coat gets thou never again
if I may be waken.
Second Soldier
This coat shall be mine,332
for it is good and fine
and seam is there none therein
that I can see.
This coat shall be mine,332
for it is good and fine
and seam is there none therein
that I can see.
Third Soldier
Yea, God give me pain336
if that shall be thine,
for thou art ever incline
to draw towards thee.
Yea, God give me pain336
if that shall be thine,
for thou art ever incline
to draw towards thee.
Fourth Soldier
Nay, fellows, by this day,340
at the dice we will play,
and there we shall assay
this weed for to win.
Nay, fellows, by this day,340
at the dice we will play,
and there we shall assay
this weed for to win.
First Soldier
Ah, fellow, by this day,344
well can thou say!
Lay forth those clothes – lay
on board before we stop!
Ah, fellow, by this day,344
well can thou say!
Lay forth those clothes – lay
on board before we stop!
Then they shall strip Jesus of his clothes and he shall stand naked until they have played their game of chance.
Second Soldier
Fellows, now let see -348
here are dice three! -
which of all we
shall win this ware.
Fellows, now let see -348
here are dice three! -
which of all we
shall win this ware.
Third Soldier
Nay, parted they shall be,352
for that is equally.
Therefore, as mote I thee,
so may I thrive
or we hither fair.
Nay, parted they shall be,352
for that is equally.
Therefore, as mote I thee,
so may I thrive
or we hither fair.
Fourth Soldier
This coat bout seam,357
to break it were shame,
for in all Jerusalem
is none such a garment.
This coat bout seam,357
to break it were shame,
for in all Jerusalem
is none such a garment.
First Soldier
His dame now may dream361
for her own barm-team;
for neither aunt nor uncle
gets this gay garment.
His dame now may dream361
for her own barm-team;
for neither aunt nor uncle
gets this gay garment.
Second Soldier
His other clothes all365
to us four can fall.
First part them I shall,
and after play for this.
This kirtle mine I call.
Take thou this pall.
Each man in this hall371
knows I do not amiss.
This Kirtle take to thee -
and thou this to thy fee.
Each man now may see
that all we be served.
His other clothes all365
to us four can fall.
First part them I shall,
and after play for this.
This kirtle mine I call.
Take thou this pall.
Each man in this hall371
knows I do not amiss.
To the Third:
This Kirtle take to thee -
To the Fourth:
and thou this to thy fee.
Each man now may see
that all we be served.
Third Soldier
Yea, now I advise that we377
sit down, as mote I thee,
so may I thrive
and look whose this shall be
that is here reserved.
Yea, now I advise that we377
sit down, as mote I thee,
so may I thrive
and look whose this shall be
that is here reserved.
Then all shall sit down and the First Soldier shall throw the dice
First Soldier
Now will I begin382
for to cast, before I stop,
this coat for to win
that is both good and fine.
Now will I begin382
for to cast, before I stop,
this coat for to win
that is both good and fine.
He throws and loses.
Second Soldier
By my father’s kin,386
no part has thou therein!
But, or I hence win,
this coat shall be mine.
Take! Here I dare lay,
are doublets in good array.
By my father’s kin,386
no part has thou therein!
But, or I hence win,
this coat shall be mine.
Take! Here I dare lay,
are doublets in good array.
He throws and loses.
Third Soldier
Thou fails, fellow, truly,392
to have this to thy fee,
for here is quatre-trais.
Thou fails, fellow, truly,392
to have this to thy fee,
for here is quatre-trais.
He throws and loses.
Therefore go thou thy way,395
and as well thou may,
and leave this with me.
and as well thou may,
and leave this with me.
Fourth Soldier
Fellows, verament,398
I propose we be at one assent.
This gay garment
that is without seam,
you give by judgement
to me this vestment,
For cinques God hath me sent, casts of five404
think you never so grieved.
Fellows, verament,398
I propose we be at one assent.
This gay garment
that is without seam,
you give by judgement
to me this vestment,
He throws and wins
For cinques God hath me sent, casts of five404
think you never so grieved.
First Soldier
As I have good grace,406
well won it thou has,
for cinques there was
that every man might see.
As I have good grace,406
well won it thou has,
for cinques there was
that every man might see.
Caiaphas
Men, for Cock’s face,410
how long shall pissing arse [Pewdreas]
stand naked in that place?
Go nail him on the tree!
Men, for Cock’s face,410
how long shall pissing arse [Pewdreas]
stand naked in that place?
Go nail him on the tree!
Second Soldier
Anon, master, anon.414
A hammer have I won.
As far as I have gone
there is none such another.
Anon, master, anon.414
A hammer have I won.
As far as I have gone
there is none such another.
Third Soldier
And here are, by my pon,418
nails good won
to nail him upon
and he were my brother.
And here are, by my pon,418
nails good won
to nail him upon
and he were my brother.
Fourth Soldier
Go we to as fast.422
This caitiff have I cast.
He shall be cruelly twisted
before I go away.
Go we to as fast.422
This caitiff have I cast.
He shall be cruelly twisted
before I go away.
First Soldier
Here is a rope will last426
for to draw at the mast.
This bastard never passed
so perilous a play.
Here is a rope will last426
for to draw at the mast.
This bastard never passed
so perilous a play.
Second Soldier
Lay him thereupon,430
this same mad man,
and I shall drive on
this nail to the end.
Lay him thereupon,430
this same mad man,
and I shall drive on
this nail to the end.
Third Soldier
As broke I my pon,434
cast him down I can
and make him full wan
before I from him wend.
As broke I my pon,434
cast him down I can
and make him full wan
before I from him wend.
Then they shall place Jesus on the cross.
Fourth Soldier
Fellows, will ye see438
how sleight I shall be
this fist, before I flee,
here to make fast?
Fellows, will ye see438
how sleight I shall be
this fist, before I flee,
here to make fast?
First Soldier
Yea, but, as mote I thee,442
so may I thrive
short-armed is he.
To the boring of this tree
it will not well last.
Yea, but, as mote I thee,442
so may I thrive
short-armed is he.
To the boring of this tree
it will not well last.
Second Soldier
Ah, therefore care thee nought.447
A trick I have sought.
Ropes must be bought
to strain him with strength.
Ah, therefore care thee nought.447
A trick I have sought.
Ropes must be bought
to strain him with strength.
Third Soldier
A rope, as I bethought,451
ye shall have in brought.
Take it here, well wrought,
and draw him a length.
A rope, as I bethought,451
ye shall have in brought.
Take it here, well wrought,
and draw him a length.
Then they shall tie the cord to his left hand because the right was nailed in earlier.
Fourth Soldier
Draws, for your fathers’ kin,455
while that I drive in
this ilk iron pin
that I dare lay will last.
Draws, for your fathers’ kin,455
while that I drive in
this ilk iron pin
that I dare lay will last.
First Soldier
As ever have I win,459
his arm is but a fin.
Now drive on without din
and we shall draw fast.
As ever have I win,459
his arm is but a fin.
Now drive on without din
and we shall draw fast.
Then three shall pull and the fourth shall drive the nail through.
Second Soldier
Fellow, by this light,463
now were his feet dight,
this game went on right
and up he should be raised.
Fellow, by this light,463
now were his feet dight,
this game went on right
and up he should be raised.
Third Soldier
That shall be done in height467
anon in your sight,
for, by my truth I plight,
I deserve to be praised.
That shall be done in height467
anon in your sight,
for, by my truth I plight,
I deserve to be praised.
Then they shall nail through his feet.
Fourth Soldier
Fellows, will you see471
how I have stretched his knee?
Why praise ye not me
that have so well done?
Fellows, will you see471
how I have stretched his knee?
Why praise ye not me
that have so well done?
First Soldier
Yea, help now, that he475
on height raised may be,
for, as mote I thee,
so may I thrive
almost it is noon.
Yea, help now, that he475
on height raised may be,
for, as mote I thee,
so may I thrive
almost it is noon.
Then Pilate, holding a tablet in his hand, shall speak
Pilate
Come hither, thou, I command thee.480
Go nail this tablet unto the tree.
Since he will King of Jews be
he must have a cognisance.
“Jesus of Nazareth” men may see;
“King of Jews” - how likest thee? -
is written thereon, for so said he486
without variance.
Come hither, thou, I command thee.480
Go nail this tablet unto the tree.
Since he will King of Jews be
he must have a cognisance.
“Jesus of Nazareth” men may see;
“King of Jews” - how likest thee? -
is written thereon, for so said he486
without variance.
Second Soldier
Nay, sir Pilate, to us take heed.488
King is he none, so God me speed.
Therefore thou dost a sorry deed;
this writing many a man rues.
Thou should write that men might read
how he lies to each lede
and told everywhere that he went494
that he was King of Jews.
Nay, sir Pilate, to us take heed.488
King is he none, so God me speed.
Therefore thou dost a sorry deed;
this writing many a man rues.
Thou should write that men might read
how he lies to each lede
and told everywhere that he went494
that he was King of Jews.
Pilate
That that is written I have written.496
That that is written I have written.496
Third Soldier
And in good faith that is foul written,497
for every man may well witten
that wrong thou has wrought.
What the Devil? King is he none!
But falsely thereas he hath gone
he has told leasings many one,
that dear they should be bought.503
And in good faith that is foul written,497
for every man may well witten
that wrong thou has wrought.
What the Devil? King is he none!
But falsely thereas he hath gone
he has told leasings many one,
that dear they should be bought.503
Then they shall make merry in front of the cross, and Mary shall come, weeping.
Mary
Alas, my love, my life, my joy!504
Alas now, mourning, woe is me!
Alas, son, my help thou be!
Thy mother that thee bare
think on, my fruit, I fostered thee
and gave thee suck upon my knee.
Upon my pain thou have pity!510
Thou lackest no power.
Alas, my love, my life, my joy!504
Alas now, mourning, woe is me!
Alas, son, my help thou be!
Thy mother that thee bare
think on, my fruit, I fostered thee
and gave thee suck upon my knee.
Upon my pain thou have pity!510
Thou lackest no power.
Alas, why will not my life forlorn512
to find my son here me before
tugg-ed, lugg-ed, and all to-torn
with traitors by this tide,
with nails pierced, and crown of thorn?
Therefore I grow mad, both even and morn,
to see my child that I have borne518
this bitter bale to bide.
to find my son here me before
tugg-ed, lugg-ed, and all to-torn
with traitors by this tide,
with nails pierced, and crown of thorn?
Therefore I grow mad, both even and morn,
to see my child that I have borne518
this bitter bale to bide.
My sorrow, sweet son, thou cease,520
or from my life thou me release.
How should I contented be or be in peace,
to see thee in such penance?
Since thou me for thy mother chose,
and of my body born thou was,
as I conceived thee sinless,526
thou grant me some relief.
or from my life thou me release.
How should I contented be or be in peace,
to see thee in such penance?
Since thou me for thy mother chose,
and of my body born thou was,
as I conceived thee sinless,526
thou grant me some relief.
Alas, the sorrow of this sight528
mars my mind, main and might,
but always my heart methink is light
to look on what I love.
And when I look anon right
upon my child that thus is dight,
would death deliver me in height,534
then I would be all above.
mars my mind, main and might,
but always my heart methink is light
to look on what I love.
And when I look anon right
upon my child that thus is dight,
would death deliver me in height,534
then I would be all above.
Alas, my sorrow when will thou slake536
and to these traitors me betake
to suffer death, son, for thy sake,
and do as I thee say?
Alas, thieves, why do ye so?
Slay ye me, and let my son go -
for him suffer I would this woe -542
and let him go away.
and to these traitors me betake
to suffer death, son, for thy sake,
and do as I thee say?
Alas, thieves, why do ye so?
Slay ye me, and let my son go -
for him suffer I would this woe -542
and let him go away.
Mary Magdalene
Alas, how should my heart be light544
to see my gracious Lord in sight
dolefully drawn and so dight
that did never man grievance?
Marred I am main and might
and for him I am unable to fight;
but God, that rules always the right,550
give you much mischance.
Alas, how should my heart be light544
to see my gracious Lord in sight
dolefully drawn and so dight
that did never man grievance?
Marred I am main and might
and for him I am unable to fight;
but God, that rules always the right,550
give you much mischance.
Mary Jacobi
Alas, sorrow sits me sore!552
Mirth of thee I get no more.
Why wouldst thou die, Jesus, wherefore,
that to the dead gave life?
Help me, Jesus, with some thing
and out of this bitter bale me bring,
or else slay me for anything558
and keep me from this strife.
Alas, sorrow sits me sore!552
Mirth of thee I get no more.
Why wouldst thou die, Jesus, wherefore,
that to the dead gave life?
Help me, Jesus, with some thing
and out of this bitter bale me bring,
or else slay me for anything558
and keep me from this strife.
Mary Salome
Come down, Lord, and break thy bonds!560
Loose and heal thy lovely hands!
Or tell me, Jesus, for whom thou wonds, hesitates
since thou art God and Man.
Alas, that ever I born was
to see thy body in such a case.
My sorrow will never slacken nor cease,566
such sorrow is me upon.
Come down, Lord, and break thy bonds!560
Loose and heal thy lovely hands!
Or tell me, Jesus, for whom thou wonds, hesitates
since thou art God and Man.
Alas, that ever I born was
to see thy body in such a case.
My sorrow will never slacken nor cease,566
such sorrow is me upon.
Annas
Now this wretch is raised on height568
I would see, for all his sleight,
for his crown how he can fight
and far from us flee.
He that has healed so many one
should now save himself, if that he can,
and then all we shall believe him upon574
that is truly so.
Now this wretch is raised on height568
I would see, for all his sleight,
for his crown how he can fight
and far from us flee.
He that has healed so many one
should now save himself, if that he can,
and then all we shall believe him upon574
that is truly so.
Jesus
Father of Heaven, if thy will be,576
forgive them this they do to me;
for they be blind and may not see
how wickedly they do amiss.
Father of Heaven, if thy will be,576
forgive them this they do to me;
for they be blind and may not see
how wickedly they do amiss.
Caiaphas
If thou be of such power,580
and God’s son in majesty,
come down, and we will believe on thee
that it truly so is.
If thou be of such power,580
and God’s son in majesty,
come down, and we will believe on thee
that it truly so is.
First Thief
If thou be Christ truly584
and God’s Son, now as I say,
save us from this death today
and thyself also.
If thou be Christ truly584
and God’s Son, now as I say,
save us from this death today
and thyself also.
Second Thief
Ah, man, be still, I thee pray!588
Dread God, I advise thee, ay,
for foolishly thou speakest, truly.
Make not thy friend thy foe.
Man, thou knowest well, iwiss,
that justly we suffer this,
for he hath not done so much amiss594
to suffer so great annoy.
But, Lord, I beseech thee,
when thou art in thy majesty,
then that thou wilt think on me,
and on me have mercy.
Ah, man, be still, I thee pray!588
Dread God, I advise thee, ay,
for foolishly thou speakest, truly.
Make not thy friend thy foe.
Man, thou knowest well, iwiss,
that justly we suffer this,
for he hath not done so much amiss594
to suffer so great annoy.
But, Lord, I beseech thee,
when thou art in thy majesty,
then that thou wilt think on me,
and on me have mercy.
Jesus
Man, I tell thee, truly,600
for thy belief is so verray,
in Paradise thou shalt be today
with me there in my bliss.
And woman, to thee also I say,
your own son there thou see may
who clean virgin has been ay606
right as thyself is.
And, John, there thy mother thou may see.
Man, I tell thee, truly,600
for thy belief is so verray,
in Paradise thou shalt be today
with me there in my bliss.
And woman, to thee also I say,
your own son there thou see may
who clean virgin has been ay606
right as thyself is.
And, John, there thy mother thou may see.
John
Yea, Lord, her keeper I shall be.609
Welcome, Mary, mother free;
together we must go.
Yea, Lord, her keeper I shall be.609
Welcome, Mary, mother free;
together we must go.
Mary
Alas, my heart will break in three!612
Alas, Death, I conjure thee!
The life, son, thou take from me
and twin me from this woe.
Alas, my heart will break in three!612
Alas, Death, I conjure thee!
The life, son, thou take from me
and twin me from this woe.
John
Comfort thee now, sweet Mary,616
for though we suffer this annoy,
sister, I tell thee certainly,
alive thou shall him see
and rise with full victory
when he has fulfilled the prophecy.
Thy son thou shalt see, surely,622
within these days three.
Comfort thee now, sweet Mary,616
for though we suffer this annoy,
sister, I tell thee certainly,
alive thou shall him see
and rise with full victory
when he has fulfilled the prophecy.
Thy son thou shalt see, surely,622
within these days three.
Jesus
Eloi, eloi, eloi, eloi!624
My God, my God, I speak to thee!
Eloi lama sabachthani!
Why has thou thus forsaken me?
Eloi, eloi, eloi, eloi!624
My God, my God, I speak to thee!
Eloi lama sabachthani!
Why has thou thus forsaken me?
First Soldier
Ah, hark, hark how he crieth upon Eli628
to deliver him of his annoy.
Ah, hark, hark how he crieth upon Eli628
to deliver him of his annoy.
Second Soldier
Abide, and we shall see in haste630
whether Eli dare come here.
Abide, and we shall see in haste630
whether Eli dare come here.
Jesus
My thirst is sore, my thirst is sore.632
My thirst is sore, my thirst is sore.632
Third Soldier
Yea, thou shalt have drink therefore633
that thou shalt want to drink no more
for all this seven year.
Yea, thou shalt have drink therefore633
that thou shalt want to drink no more
for all this seven year.
Jesus
Mighty God in majesty,636
to work thy will I would never wand. hesitate
My spirit I betake to thee;
receive it, Lord, unto thy hand.
Mighty God in majesty,636
to work thy will I would never wand. hesitate
My spirit I betake to thee;
receive it, Lord, unto thy hand.
Consummatum est. Jesus dies
Centurion
Lordings, I say you certainly,640
this was God’s Son Almighty.
No other, forsooth, believe will I,
for needs so it must be.
I know by manner of his cry
he has fulfilled the prophecy
and godhead showed openly646
in him – all men may see.
Lordings, I say you certainly,640
this was God’s Son Almighty.
No other, forsooth, believe will I,
for needs so it must be.
I know by manner of his cry
he has fulfilled the prophecy
and godhead showed openly646
in him – all men may see.
Caiaphas
Centurion, as God me speed,648
thou must be mad – thou canst not read! give advice
But when thou seest his heart bleed,
let’s see what thou can say.
Longeus, take this spear in hand
and strike away from thee – look thou not wand.
Centurion, as God me speed,648
thou must be mad – thou canst not read! give advice
But when thou seest his heart bleed,
let’s see what thou can say.
Longeus, take this spear in hand
and strike away from thee – look thou not wand.
Longinus
Ah, Lord, I see neither sea nor land654
this seven year, truly.
Ah, Lord, I see neither sea nor land654
this seven year, truly.
Fourth Soldier
Have this spear and take good heed.656
Thou must do, as the Bishop thee bade
a thing that is of full great need.
To resist I hold thee mad.
Have this spear and take good heed.656
Thou must do, as the Bishop thee bade
a thing that is of full great need.
To resist I hold thee mad.
Longinus
I will do as ye bid me,660
but on your peril it shall be.
What I do I may not see,
whether it be evil or good.
High King of Heaven, I thee here.
What have I done well know I never,
but on my hand and on my spear666
out water runneth throw;
and on my eyes some does fall
that I may see both one and all.
Ah, Lord, wherever be this well
that this water came from.
I will do as ye bid me,660
but on your peril it shall be.
What I do I may not see,
whether it be evil or good.
Then Longinus shall pierce Christ's side with a spear
High King of Heaven, I thee here.
What have I done well know I never,
but on my hand and on my spear666
out water runneth throw;
and on my eyes some does fall
that I may see both one and all.
Ah, Lord, wherever be this well
that this water came from.
Alas, alas. And well-away!672
What deed have I done today?
A man I see, sooth to say,
I have never slain in this sted.
But this I think may be Christ truly
that sick and blind has healed ay.
Of mercy, Lord, I thee now pray,678
for I knew not what I did.
What deed have I done today?
A man I see, sooth to say,
I have never slain in this sted.
But this I think may be Christ truly
that sick and blind has healed ay.
Of mercy, Lord, I thee now pray,678
for I knew not what I did.
Jesus, much have I heard speak of thee,680
that sick and blind through thy pity
has healed before in this city
as thou has me today.
Thee will I serve, and with thee be,
for well I believe in days three
thou will rise full in power686
from enemies, Lord, I to thee pray.
that sick and blind through thy pity
has healed before in this city
as thou has me today.
Thee will I serve, and with thee be,
for well I believe in days three
thou will rise full in power686
from enemies, Lord, I to thee pray.
Joseph
Ah, Lord God, what hearts have ye688
to slay this man that I here see
dead, hanging upon rood-tree,
that never yet did amiss.
For certainly, God’s Son is he.
Therefore a tomb – is made for me -
therein his body buried shall be,694
for he is King of Bliss.
Ah, Lord God, what hearts have ye688
to slay this man that I here see
dead, hanging upon rood-tree,
that never yet did amiss.
For certainly, God’s Son is he.
Therefore a tomb – is made for me -
therein his body buried shall be,694
for he is King of Bliss.
Nicodemus
Sir Joseph, I say certainly696
this is God’s son Almighty.
Go ask from Pilate his body,
and buried shall he be.
I shall help thee, truthfully,
to take him down, devoutly,
though Caiaphas go stark mad thereby,702
and all his company.
Sir Joseph, I say certainly696
this is God’s son Almighty.
Go ask from Pilate his body,
and buried shall he be.
I shall help thee, truthfully,
to take him down, devoutly,
though Caiaphas go stark mad thereby,702
and all his company.
Then Joseph of Arimathea shall come to Pilate and shall say:
Joseph
Sir Pilate, particularly I thee pray704
a boon thou grant me as thou may.
This prophet that is dead today,
thou grant me his body.
Sir Pilate, particularly I thee pray704
a boon thou grant me as thou may.
This prophet that is dead today,
thou grant me his body.
Pilate
Joseph, all ready, truly!708
If that Centurion he will say
that he is dead without nay,
him will I not deny.
Centurion, is Jesus dead?
Joseph, all ready, truly!708
If that Centurion he will say
that he is dead without nay,
him will I not deny.
Centurion, is Jesus dead?
Centurion
Yea, sir, as broke I my head,713
in him there is no life led,
for I stood thereby.
Yea, sir, as broke I my head,713
in him there is no life led,
for I stood thereby.
Pilate
Joseph, take him then to thee716
and bury him where thy will be.
Joseph, take him then to thee716
and bury him where thy will be.
Joseph
Gramercy, sir, pardee.718
I thank you heartfully.
Ah, sweet Jesus, sweet Jesus,
as thou art God, faithful and true,
in a tomb is made full new
thy body shall be in laid.
Shouldst thou never have such virtue724
as thou hast showed since I thee knew
unless godhead thy deeds should show
as thou before has said.
Gramercy, sir, pardee.718
I thank you heartfully.
Then Joseph shall go on to the Mount (of Calvary)
Ah, sweet Jesus, sweet Jesus,
as thou art God, faithful and true,
in a tomb is made full new
thy body shall be in laid.
Shouldst thou never have such virtue724
as thou hast showed since I thee knew
unless godhead thy deeds should show
as thou before has said.
Therewith, Jesus, come hither to me.728
Thy blessed body buried shall be
with all worship and honesty
and honour – all that I may.
Yet hope I within these days three
in flesh and blood alive to see
thee that art nail-ed on a tree734
unworthily today.
Thy blessed body buried shall be
with all worship and honesty
and honour – all that I may.
Yet hope I within these days three
in flesh and blood alive to see
thee that art nail-ed on a tree734
unworthily today.
Nicodemus
Joseph, brother, as I well see,736
this holy prophet is given to thee.
Some worship he shall have of me
that is of might-es most.
For as I believe, by my faith,
truly God’s Son is he,
for wondrous sights men might see742
when that he yielded his ghost.
Joseph, brother, as I well see,736
this holy prophet is given to thee.
Some worship he shall have of me
that is of might-es most.
For as I believe, by my faith,
truly God’s Son is he,
for wondrous sights men might see742
when that he yielded his ghost.
For the sun lost all his light;744
earthquake made men afright;
the rock that never before had split
clave, that men might know;
graves opened in men’s sight;
dead did rise. Therefore, by right,
I may say this was God’s son Almighty750
that so great signs can show.
earthquake made men afright;
the rock that never before had split
clave, that men might know;
graves opened in men’s sight;
dead did rise. Therefore, by right,
I may say this was God’s son Almighty750
that so great signs can show.
Therefore here brought have I752
a hundred pounds of spicery.
Myrrh, aloes, and many more thereby
to honour him with I bring,
for to anoint his sweet body
in sepulchre for to lie,
that he may have on me mercy758
in Heaven where he is King.
a hundred pounds of spicery.
Myrrh, aloes, and many more thereby
to honour him with I bring,
for to anoint his sweet body
in sepulchre for to lie,
that he may have on me mercy758
in Heaven where he is King.
2019 Dec 15 22:47:14