The Masons' and Goldsmiths' Play: Herod and the Magi
Herod
The clowdes clapped in clerenes that ther clematis inclosis-
Jubiter and Jouis, Martis and Mercurij emyde-
Raykand ouere my rialté on rawe me reioyses,
Blonderande ther blastis to blaw when I bidde.
Saturne my subgett, that sotilly is hidde,
Listes at my likyng and laies hym full lowe.
The rakke of the rede skye full rappely I ridde,7
Thondres full thrallye by thousandes I thrawe
When me likis.
Venus his voice to me awe,
That princes to play in hym pikis.
The prince of planetis that proudely is pight
Sall brace furth his bemes that oure belde blithes,
The mone at my myght he mosteres his myght,
And kayssaris in castellis grete kyndynes me kythes.
Lordis and ladis, loo, luffely me lithes,
For I am fairer of face and fressher on folde-
The soth yf I saie sall-seuene and sexti sithis
Than glorius gulles that gayer is than golde19
In price.
How thynke yoe ther tales that I talde?
I am worthy, witty, and wyse.
The clowdes clapped in clerenes that ther clematis inclosis-
Jubiter and Jouis, Martis and Mercurij emyde-
Raykand ouere my rialté on rawe me reioyses,
Blonderande ther blastis to blaw when I bidde.
Saturne my subgett, that sotilly is hidde,
Listes at my likyng and laies hym full lowe.
The rakke of the rede skye full rappely I ridde,7
Thondres full thrallye by thousandes I thrawe
When me likis.
Venus his voice to me awe,
That princes to play in hym pikis.
The prince of planetis that proudely is pight
Sall brace furth his bemes that oure belde blithes,
The mone at my myght he mosteres his myght,
And kayssaris in castellis grete kyndynes me kythes.
Lordis and ladis, loo, luffely me lithes,
For I am fairer of face and fressher on folde-
The soth yf I saie sall-seuene and sexti sithis
Than glorius gulles that gayer is than golde19
In price.
How thynke yoe ther tales that I talde?
I am worthy, witty, and wyse.
Miles 1
All kynges to youre croune may clerly comende23
Youre lawe and youre lordshippe as lodsterne on hight;
What traytoure vntrewe that will not attende,
Ye sall lay thaim full lowe, fro leeme and fro light.
All kynges to youre croune may clerly comende23
Youre lawe and youre lordshippe as lodsterne on hight;
What traytoure vntrewe that will not attende,
Ye sall lay thaim full lowe, fro leeme and fro light.
Miles 2
What faitoure, in faithe, that dose yoou offende,27
We sall sette hym full sore, that sotte, in youre sight.
What faitoure, in faithe, that dose yoou offende,27
We sall sette hym full sore, that sotte, in youre sight.
Herod
In welthe sall I wisse yoou to wonne or I wende,29
For yoe are wightis ful worthy, both witty and wighte.
But yoe knawe wele, ser knyghtis in counsaill full conande,
That my regioun so riall is ruled her be rest,
For I wate of no wighte in this worlde that is wonnande
That in forges any felouné, with force sall be fest.
Arest yoe tho rebaldes that vnrewly are rownand,35
Be they kyngis or knyghtis, in care yoe thaim cast,
Yaa, and welde tham in woo to wonne, in the wanyand;
What browle that is brawlyng his brayne loke yoe brest,
And dynge yoe hym doune.
In welthe sall I wisse yoou to wonne or I wende,29
For yoe are wightis ful worthy, both witty and wighte.
But yoe knawe wele, ser knyghtis in counsaill full conande,
That my regioun so riall is ruled her be rest,
For I wate of no wighte in this worlde that is wonnande
That in forges any felouné, with force sall be fest.
Arest yoe tho rebaldes that vnrewly are rownand,35
Be they kyngis or knyghtis, in care yoe thaim cast,
Yaa, and welde tham in woo to wonne, in the wanyand;
What browle that is brawlyng his brayne loke yoe brest,
And dynge yoe hym doune.
Miles 1
Sir, what foode in faith will yoou feese,40
That sott full sone myselfe sall hym sesse.
Sir, what foode in faith will yoou feese,40
That sott full sone myselfe sall hym sesse.
Miles 2
We sall noght here doute to do hym disesse,42
But with countenaunce full cruell we sall crake her his croune.
We sall noght here doute to do hym disesse,42
But with countenaunce full cruell we sall crake her his croune.
Herod
My sone that is semely, howe semes the ther sawes?44
Howe comely ther knyghtis thei carpe in this case.
My sone that is semely, howe semes the ther sawes?44
Howe comely ther knyghtis thei carpe in this case.
Filius
Fadir, if thai like noght to listyn youre lawes,46
As traytoures ontrewe ye sall teche them a trace,
For fadir, vnkyndnes yoe kythe them no cause.
Fadir, if thai like noght to listyn youre lawes,46
As traytoures ontrewe ye sall teche them a trace,
For fadir, vnkyndnes yoe kythe them no cause.
Herod
Faire falle the my faire sone, so fettis of face.49
And knyghtis, I comaunde, who to dule drawes,
Thas churles as cheueleres ye chastise and chase,
And drede yoe no doute.
Faire falle the my faire sone, so fettis of face.49
And knyghtis, I comaunde, who to dule drawes,
Thas churles as cheueleres ye chastise and chase,
And drede yoe no doute.
Filius
Fadir, I sall fell tham in fight,53
What renke that reves you youre right.
Fadir, I sall fell tham in fight,53
What renke that reves you youre right.
Miles 1
With dyntes to dede bes he dight55
That liste not youre lawes for to lowte.
With dyntes to dede bes he dight55
That liste not youre lawes for to lowte.
Rex 1
A, lorde that levis, euerelastande light,57
I loue the evir with harte and hande,
That me has made to se this sight
Whilke my kynrede was coveytande.
Thay saide a sterne with lemys bright
Owte of the eest shulde stabely stande,
And that it shulde meffe mekill myght63
Of one that shulde be lorde in lande,
That men of synne shulde saff.
And certis I sall saye,
God graunte me happe to haue
Wissyng of redy waye.
A, lorde that levis, euerelastande light,57
I loue the evir with harte and hande,
That me has made to se this sight
Whilke my kynrede was coveytande.
Thay saide a sterne with lemys bright
Owte of the eest shulde stabely stande,
And that it shulde meffe mekill myght63
Of one that shulde be lorde in lande,
That men of synne shulde saff.
And certis I sall saye,
God graunte me happe to haue
Wissyng of redy waye.
Rex 2
All-weldand God that all has wroght,69
I worshippe the als is worthye,
That with thy brightnes has me broght
Owte of my reame, riche Arabie.
I shall noght seys tille I haue sought
What selcouth thyng it sall syngnyfie,
God graunte me happe so that I myght75
Haue grace to gete goode companye,
And my comforte encrese
With thy sterne schynyng shene;
For certis, I sall noght cesse
Tille I witte what it mene.
All-weldand God that all has wroght,69
I worshippe the als is worthye,
That with thy brightnes has me broght
Owte of my reame, riche Arabie.
I shall noght seys tille I haue sought
What selcouth thyng it sall syngnyfie,
God graunte me happe so that I myght75
Haue grace to gete goode companye,
And my comforte encrese
With thy sterne schynyng shene;
For certis, I sall noght cesse
Tille I witte what it mene.
Rex 3
Lorde God that all goode has bygonne81
And all may ende, both goode and euyll,
That made for man both mone and sonne,
And stedde yone sterne to stande stone stille,
Tille I the cause may clerly conne,
God wisse me with his worthy wille.
I hope I haue her felaws fonne87
My yarnyng fathfully to fullfille.
Sirs, God yowe saffe ande see,
And were yoow euere fro woo.
Lorde God that all goode has bygonne81
And all may ende, both goode and euyll,
That made for man both mone and sonne,
And stedde yone sterne to stande stone stille,
Tille I the cause may clerly conne,
God wisse me with his worthy wille.
I hope I haue her felaws fonne87
My yarnyng fathfully to fullfille.
Sirs, God yowe saffe ande see,
And were yoow euere fro woo.
Rex 1
Amen, so myght it bee,91
And saffe yow sir, also.
Amen, so myght it bee,91
And saffe yow sir, also.
Rex 3
Sirs, with youre wille, I wolde yow praye93
To telle me some of youre entent,
Whedir ye wende forthe in this way,
And fro what contré yoe are wente?
Sirs, with youre wille, I wolde yow praye93
To telle me some of youre entent,
Whedir ye wende forthe in this way,
And fro what contré yoe are wente?
Rex 2
Full gladly sir I shall yoou say.97
A sodayne sight was till vs sente,
A royall sterne that rose or day
Before vs on the firmament,
That garte vs fare fro home
Som poynte therof to preffe.
Full gladly sir I shall yoou say.97
A sodayne sight was till vs sente,
A royall sterne that rose or day
Before vs on the firmament,
That garte vs fare fro home
Som poynte therof to preffe.
Rex 3
Sertis syrs, I sawe the same103
That makis vs thus to moyfe;
For sirs, I haue herde saye sertayne
Itt shulde be seyne of selcowthe seere,
And ferther therof I wolde freyne;
That makis me moffe in this manere.
Sertis syrs, I sawe the same103
That makis vs thus to moyfe;
For sirs, I haue herde saye sertayne
Itt shulde be seyne of selcowthe seere,
And ferther therof I wolde freyne;
That makis me moffe in this manere.
Rex 1
Sir, of felashippe are we fayne,109
Now sall we wende forth all in feere,
God graunte vs or we come agayne
Som gode hartyng therof to here.
Sir, here is Jerusalem
To wisse vs als we goo,
And beyonde is Bedleem,115
Ther schall we seke alsoo.
Sir, of felashippe are we fayne,109
Now sall we wende forth all in feere,
God graunte vs or we come agayne
Som gode hartyng therof to here.
Sir, here is Jerusalem
To wisse vs als we goo,
And beyonde is Bedleem,115
Ther schall we seke alsoo.
Rex 3
Sirs, yoe schall wele vndirstande,117
For to be wise nowe were it nede;
Sir Herowde is kyng of this lande
And has his lawes her for to leede.
Sirs, yoe schall wele vndirstande,117
For to be wise nowe were it nede;
Sir Herowde is kyng of this lande
And has his lawes her for to leede.
Rex 1
Sir, sen we neghe now thus nerhand,121
Vntill his helpe vs muste take heede,
For haue we his wille and his warande
Than may we wende withouten drede.
Sir, sen we neghe now thus nerhand,121
Vntill his helpe vs muste take heede,
For haue we his wille and his warande
Than may we wende withouten drede.
Rex 2
To haue leve of the lorde,125
That is resoune and skyll.
To haue leve of the lorde,125
That is resoune and skyll.
Rex 3
And therto we all accorde,127
Wende we and witte his wille.
And therto we all accorde,127
Wende we and witte his wille.
Nuncius
My lorde ser Herowde, kyng with croune!129
My lorde ser Herowde, kyng with croune!129
Herod
Pees dastarde, in the deueles dispite.130
Pees dastarde, in the deueles dispite.130
Nuncius
My lorde, now note is nere this towne.131
My lorde, now note is nere this towne.131
Herod
What, false harlott, liste the flight?132
Go betis yone boy and dyngis hym downe.
What, false harlott, liste the flight?132
Go betis yone boy and dyngis hym downe.
Miles 2
Lorde, messengeres shulde no man wyte,134
It may be for youre awne renoune.
Lorde, messengeres shulde no man wyte,134
It may be for youre awne renoune.
Herod
That wolde I here, do telle on tyte.136
That wolde I here, do telle on tyte.136
Nuncius
My lorde, I mette at morne137
Thre kyngis carpand togedir
Of a barne that is borne,
And thei hight to come hiddir.
My lorde, I mette at morne137
Thre kyngis carpand togedir
Of a barne that is borne,
And thei hight to come hiddir.
Herod
Thre kyngis, forsoth?141
Thre kyngis, forsoth?141
Nuncius
Sir, so I say,141
For I saw thaim myselffe all fere.
Sir, so I say,141
For I saw thaim myselffe all fere.
Consolator 1
My lorde, appose hym I you pray.143
My lorde, appose hym I you pray.143
Herod
Say felowe, are they ferre or nere?144
Say felowe, are they ferre or nere?144
Nuncius
Mi lorde, thei will be here this day,145
That wote I wele, withouten were.
Mi lorde, thei will be here this day,145
That wote I wele, withouten were.
Herod
Do rewle vs than in riche array,147
And ilke man make tham mery chere,
That no sembelant be sene
But frendshippe faire and still,
Till we witte what thei mene,
Whedir it be gud or ill.
Do rewle vs than in riche array,147
And ilke man make tham mery chere,
That no sembelant be sene
But frendshippe faire and still,
Till we witte what thei mene,
Whedir it be gud or ill.
Rex 1
The lorde that lenes ay-lastand light153
Whilke has vs ledde owte of oure lande,
Kepe the, ser kynge and comely knyght
And all thy folke that we her fynde.
The lorde that lenes ay-lastand light153
Whilke has vs ledde owte of oure lande,
Kepe the, ser kynge and comely knyght
And all thy folke that we her fynde.
Herod
Mahounde, my god and most of myght,157
That has myn hele all in his hande,
He saffe you sirs, semely in sight;
And telle vs nowe som new tithand.
Mahounde, my god and most of myght,157
That has myn hele all in his hande,
He saffe you sirs, semely in sight;
And telle vs nowe som new tithand.
Rex 2
Some sall we saie yoou sir-161
A sterne stode vs beforne,
That makis vs speke and spir
Of one that is new-borne.
Some sall we saie yoou sir-161
A sterne stode vs beforne,
That makis vs speke and spir
Of one that is new-borne.
Herod
New-borne? That burden halde I bad;165
And certis, vnwitty men ye wore
New-borne? That burden halde I bad;165
And certis, vnwitty men ye wore
Nuncius
Mi lorde ser Herowde, kyng with croune!129
Mi lorde ser Herowde, kyng with croune!129
Herod
Pees dastard, in the deueles dispite.130
Pees dastard, in the deueles dispite.130
Nuncius
Sir, new nott is full nere this towne.131
Sir, new nott is full nere this towne.131
Herod
What, false losell, liste the flighte?132
Go bette both and dyng tham downe.
What, false losell, liste the flighte?132
Go bette both and dyng tham downe.
Miles 2
Lorde, messengers shulde no man wyte,134
It may be for youre awne rennowne.
Lorde, messengers shulde no man wyte,134
It may be for youre awne rennowne.
Herod
That wolde I here, telle on tyte.136
That wolde I here, telle on tyte.136
Nuncius
Mi lorde, I mette at morne137
Iij kyngis carpand togedir
Of one that is nowe borne,
And thai hight to come hedir.
Mi lorde, I mette at morne137
Iij kyngis carpand togedir
Of one that is nowe borne,
And thai hight to come hedir.
Herod
Thre kyngis, forsothe?141
Thre kyngis, forsothe?141
Nuncius
Sir, so I saie,141
For I saughe them myself all feere.
Sir, so I saie,141
For I saughe them myself all feere.
Consolator 1
My lorde, appose hym we yow praye.143
My lorde, appose hym we yow praye.143
Herod
Say felowe, ar they ferre or nere?144
Say felowe, ar they ferre or nere?144
Nuncius
Mi lorde, thei will be here this day,145
That wotte I wele, withouten were.
Mi lorde, thei will be here this day,145
That wotte I wele, withouten were.
Herod
Haue done. Dresse vs in riche array,147
And ilke man make tham mery chere,
That no sembland be seene
But frenshippe faire and stille,
Tille we wete what thei meene,
Whedir it be gud or ill.
Haue done. Dresse vs in riche array,147
And ilke man make tham mery chere,
That no sembland be seene
But frenshippe faire and stille,
Tille we wete what thei meene,
Whedir it be gud or ill.
Rex 1
The lorde that lenys this lastand light153
Whilke has vs ledde oute of oure lande,
Kepe the, sir kyng and comly knyght,
And all thi folke that we here fande.
The lorde that lenys this lastand light153
Whilke has vs ledde oute of oure lande,
Kepe the, sir kyng and comly knyght,
And all thi folke that we here fande.
Herod
Mahounde, my god and most of myght,157
That has myn hele all in his hande,
He saffe you sirs, semely in sight;
And telle vs nowe som new tythande.
Mahounde, my god and most of myght,157
That has myn hele all in his hande,
He saffe you sirs, semely in sight;
And telle vs nowe som new tythande.
Rex 2
Sum shall we saie sir-161
A sterne stud vs byforne,
That makis vs speke and spir
Of ane that is nowe-borne.
Sum shall we saie sir-161
A sterne stud vs byforne,
That makis vs speke and spir
Of ane that is nowe-borne.
Herod
Nowe-borne? That birthe halde I badde;165
And certis, vnwitty men yoe werre
To leppe ouere lande to laite a ladde.
Say, whan loste yoe hym? Ought lange before?
All wise men will wene yoe madde
And therfore moves this neuer more.
Nowe-borne? That birthe halde I badde;165
And certis, vnwitty men yoe werre
To leppe ouere lande to laite a ladde.
Say, whan loste yoe hym? Ought lange before?
All wise men will wene yoe madde
And therfore moves this neuer more.
Rex 3
Yis certis, swilke hertyng haue we hadde171
We will not cesse or we come thore.
Yis certis, swilke hertyng haue we hadde171
We will not cesse or we come thore.
Herod
This were a wondir-thyng.173
Saie, what barne shulde that be?
This were a wondir-thyng.173
Saie, what barne shulde that be?
Rex 1
Forsoth, he sall be kynge175
Of Jewes and of Judé.
Forsoth, he sall be kynge175
Of Jewes and of Judé.
Herod
Kyng? In the deueles name, dogges, fye!177
Nowe se I wele yoe roye and raue.
Be any skemeryng of the skye
When shulde ye knawe outhir kyng or knave?
Kyng? In the deueles name, dogges, fye!177
Nowe se I wele yoe roye and raue.
Be any skemeryng of the skye
When shulde ye knawe outhir kyng or knave?
Filius
Naye, he is kyng and non but he,181
That sall yoe kenne if that yoe craue,
And he is jugge of all Jurie,
To speke or spille, to saie or saffe.
Naye, he is kyng and non but he,181
That sall yoe kenne if that yoe craue,
And he is jugge of all Jurie,
To speke or spille, to saie or saffe.
Herod
Swilke gawdes may gretely greue,185
To witnesse that nere was.
Swilke gawdes may gretely greue,185
To witnesse that nere was.
Rex 2
Nowe lorde, we axe but leve187
Be youre poure to passe.
Nowe lorde, we axe but leve187
Be youre poure to passe.
Herod
Whedirward, in the deuelis name?189
To layte a ladde here in my lande?
Fals harlottis, bot yhe hye yoou hame
Ye sall be bette and bune in bande.
Whedirward, in the deuelis name?189
To layte a ladde here in my lande?
Fals harlottis, bot yhe hye yoou hame
Ye sall be bette and bune in bande.
Consolator 2
Mi lorde, to fell this foule defame,193
Late alle there hye wordis falle on hande,
And spere thaim sadly of the same,
So sall yoe stabely vndirstande
Thaire mynde and ther menyng,
And takes gud tente therto.
Mi lorde, to fell this foule defame,193
Late alle there hye wordis falle on hande,
And spere thaim sadly of the same,
So sall yoe stabely vndirstande
Thaire mynde and ther menyng,
And takes gud tente therto.
Herod
I thanke the of thys thing,200
And certis so sall I doo.
Nowe kyngis, to cache all care awaye
Sen yoe are comen oute of youre kyth,
Loke noght ye legge agaynste oure laye,
Vppon payne to lose both lymme and lith.
To lepe ouere lande to late a ladde.206
Say, when lost yoe hym? Ought lange before?
All wyse men will wene yoe madde
And therfore moffis it neuere more.
I thanke the of thys thing,200
And certis so sall I doo.
Nowe kyngis, to cache all care awaye
Sen yoe are comen oute of youre kyth,
Loke noght ye legge agaynste oure laye,
Vppon payne to lose both lymme and lith.
To lepe ouere lande to late a ladde.206
Say, when lost yoe hym? Ought lange before?
All wyse men will wene yoe madde
And therfore moffis it neuere more.
Rex 3
Yis certis, such hartyng haue we hadde171
We schall noyot seys or we come thore.
Yis certis, such hartyng haue we hadde171
We schall noyot seys or we come thore.
Herod
This were a wondir-thyng.173
Say, what barne shulde that be?
This were a wondir-thyng.173
Say, what barne shulde that be?
Rex 1
Sir, he shall be kyng175
Of Jewes and of Judé.
Sir, he shall be kyng175
Of Jewes and of Judé.
Herod
Kyng? In the deuyl way, dogges, fy!177
Now I se wele yoe rothe and raue.
Be ony skymeryng of the skye
When shulde yoe knawe owthir kyng or knave?
Nay, I am kyng and non but I,
That shall yoe kenne yff that yoe craue,
And I am juge of all Jury,183
To speke or spille, to saie or saffe.
Swilke gawdes may gretely greue,
To wittenesse that neuere was.
Kyng? In the deuyl way, dogges, fy!177
Now I se wele yoe rothe and raue.
Be ony skymeryng of the skye
When shulde yoe knawe owthir kyng or knave?
Nay, I am kyng and non but I,
That shall yoe kenne yff that yoe craue,
And I am juge of all Jury,183
To speke or spille, to saie or saffe.
Swilke gawdes may gretely greue,
To wittenesse that neuere was.
Rex 2
Lorde, we aske noght but leue187
Be youre poure to passe.
Lorde, we aske noght but leue187
Be youre poure to passe.
Herod
Whedir, in the deuyls name?189
To late a ladde here in my lande?
Fals harlottis, but yoe hye you hame
Ye shall be bette and boune in bande.
Whedir, in the deuyls name?189
To late a ladde here in my lande?
Fals harlottis, but yoe hye you hame
Ye shall be bette and boune in bande.
Consolator 2
My lorde, to felle this foule deffame,193
Lattis all such wondir falle on hande,
And speres thaim sadly of the same,
So shall yoe stabely vndirstande
Ther mynde and ther menyng,
And takis gud tente tham too.
My lorde, to felle this foule deffame,193
Lattis all such wondir falle on hande,
And speres thaim sadly of the same,
So shall yoe stabely vndirstande
Ther mynde and ther menyng,
And takis gud tente tham too.
Herod
I thanke the of this thyng,199
And certis so will I doo.
Nowe kyngis, to cache all care away
Sen yoe ar comen oute of youre kytht,
Loke noght ye legge agayne oure lay,
Uppon peyne to lose both lyme and litht.
And so that yoe the soth will saye205
To come and go I graunte you grith,
And yf youre poyntes be to my paye
May fall myselfe sall wende yoou with.
I thanke the of this thyng,199
And certis so will I doo.
Nowe kyngis, to cache all care away
Sen yoe ar comen oute of youre kytht,
Loke noght ye legge agayne oure lay,
Uppon peyne to lose both lyme and litht.
And so that yoe the soth will saye205
To come and go I graunte you grith,
And yf youre poyntes be to my paye
May fall myselfe sall wende yoou with.
Rex 1
Sir kyng, we all accorde,209
And sais a barne is borne
That sall be kyng and lorde,
And leche tham that ar lorne.
Sir kyng, we all accorde,209
And sais a barne is borne
That sall be kyng and lorde,
And leche tham that ar lorne.
Rex 2
Sir, ye thar meruaylle nothynge213
Of this ilke noote that thusgattes newes,
For Balaham saide a starne shulde sprynge
Of Jacob kynde, and that is Jewes.
Sir, ye thar meruaylle nothynge213
Of this ilke noote that thusgattes newes,
For Balaham saide a starne shulde sprynge
Of Jacob kynde, and that is Jewes.
Rex 3
Isaie sais a maiden yonge217
Sall bere a barne emange Ebrewes,
That of all contrees sal be kynge
And gouerne all that on erthe grewes;
Emanuell beiths his name,
To say, ‘Goddis sone of heuené,
And certis this is the same223
That we here to you neuen.
Isaie sais a maiden yonge217
Sall bere a barne emange Ebrewes,
That of all contrees sal be kynge
And gouerne all that on erthe grewes;
Emanuell beiths his name,
To say, ‘Goddis sone of heuené,
And certis this is the same223
That we here to you neuen.
Rex 1
Sir, the proued prophete Ossee225
Full trewly tolde in towne and toure,
A maiden of Israell, forsoth saide he,
Sall bere oone like to lilly floure.
He menes a childe consayued sall be
Withouten seede of mannys socoure,
And his modir a mayden free,231
And he both sonne and saueour.
Sir, the proued prophete Ossee225
Full trewly tolde in towne and toure,
A maiden of Israell, forsoth saide he,
Sall bere oone like to lilly floure.
He menes a childe consayued sall be
Withouten seede of mannys socoure,
And his modir a mayden free,231
And he both sonne and saueour.
Rex 2
That fadres talde me beforne233
Has no man myght to marre.
That fadres talde me beforne233
Has no man myght to marre.
Herod
Allas, than am I lorne,235
This wax ay werre and werre.
Allas, than am I lorne,235
This wax ay werre and werre.
Consolator 1
My lorde, be yoe nothyng abast,237
This brigge tille ende sall wele be broght.
Byde tham go furth and frendly frayste
The soth of this that thei haue soght,
And telle it yoou-soo sall yoe traste
Whedir ther tales be trewe or noght.
And so that yoe the soth will saye243
To come and goo I graunte yow grith,
And yf youre poynte be to my pay
May falle myselfe shall wende you with.
My lorde, be yoe nothyng abast,237
This brigge tille ende sall wele be broght.
Byde tham go furth and frendly frayste
The soth of this that thei haue soght,
And telle it yoou-soo sall yoe traste
Whedir ther tales be trewe or noght.
And so that yoe the soth will saye243
To come and goo I graunte yow grith,
And yf youre poynte be to my pay
May falle myselfe shall wende you with.
Rex 1
Sir kyng, we all accorde,209
And says a barne is borne
That shall be kyng and lorde,
And leche tham that ar lorne.
Sir kyng, we all accorde,209
And says a barne is borne
That shall be kyng and lorde,
And leche tham that ar lorne.
Rex 2
Sir, the thar meruayle nothyng213
Of this ilke nott that thus-gate newes,
For Balaham saide a starne shulde spring
Of Jacobe kynde, and that is Jewes.
Sir, the thar meruayle nothyng213
Of this ilke nott that thus-gate newes,
For Balaham saide a starne shulde spring
Of Jacobe kynde, and that is Jewes.
Rex 3
Sir, Isaie sais a mayden yoenge217
Shall bere a sone amonge Ebrewes,
That of all contrees shall be kyng
And gouerne all that on erthe grewes;
Emanuell shal be his name,
To saie, ‘God sone of heuen’,
And certis this is the same223
That we now to you neven.
Sir, Isaie sais a mayden yoenge217
Shall bere a sone amonge Ebrewes,
That of all contrees shall be kyng
And gouerne all that on erthe grewes;
Emanuell shal be his name,
To saie, ‘God sone of heuen’,
And certis this is the same223
That we now to you neven.
Rex 1
Sirs, the proved prophete Osee225
Full trulye talde in towne and toure,
That a mayden of Israell, sais he,
Shall bere one like to the lely floure.
He menys a barne consayued shulde be
Withouten seede of man socour,
And is modir a mayden free,231
And he both sone and saueour.
Sirs, the proved prophete Osee225
Full trulye talde in towne and toure,
That a mayden of Israell, sais he,
Shall bere one like to the lely floure.
He menys a barne consayued shulde be
Withouten seede of man socour,
And is modir a mayden free,231
And he both sone and saueour.
Rex 2
That fadirs has talde beforne233
Has no man myght to marre.
That fadirs has talde beforne233
Has no man myght to marre.
Herod
Allas, than am I lorne,235
This waxith ay werre and werre.
Allas, than am I lorne,235
This waxith ay werre and werre.
Consolator 1
My lorde, be yoe nothyng abast,237
This bryge shall well to ende be broght.
Bidde tham go furthe and frendly frast
The soth of this that thei haue soght,
And telle it yoou-so shall yoe trast
Whedir ther tales be trew or noght.
Than sall yoe waite thaim with a wraste243
And make all waste that thei haue wroght.
My lorde, be yoe nothyng abast,237
This bryge shall well to ende be broght.
Bidde tham go furthe and frendly frast
The soth of this that thei haue soght,
And telle it yoou-so shall yoe trast
Whedir ther tales be trew or noght.
Than sall yoe waite thaim with a wraste243
And make all waste that thei haue wroght.
Herod
Nowe certis, this is wele saide,245
This matere makes me fayne.
Sir kyngis, I halde me paied
Off all youre purpose playne.
Wende furth youre forward to fulfill,
To Bedlem is but here at hande;
And speris grathely both gud and ille251
Of hym that shulde be lorde in lande;
And comes agayne than me vntill
And telle me trulye youre tithande-
To worshippe hym than were my will,
This sall ye stabely vndirstande.
Nowe certis, this is wele saide,245
This matere makes me fayne.
Sir kyngis, I halde me paied
Off all youre purpose playne.
Wende furth youre forward to fulfill,
To Bedlem is but here at hande;
And speris grathely both gud and ille251
Of hym that shulde be lorde in lande;
And comes agayne than me vntill
And telle me trulye youre tithande-
To worshippe hym than were my will,
This sall ye stabely vndirstande.
Rex 2
Certis ser, we sall you say257
The soth of that same childe,
In all the haste we may.
Certis ser, we sall you say257
The soth of that same childe,
In all the haste we may.
Consolator 2
Fares wele-ye be bygilyd.260
Fares wele-ye be bygilyd.260
Herod
Now certis, this is a sotell trayne.261
Nowe sall thai trulye take there trace,
And telle me of that swytteron swayne,
And all thare counsaille in this case.
Giffe itt be soth thai shall be slayne,
No golde shall gete them bettir grace;
Bot go we tille they come agayne267
And playe vs in som othir place.
This holde I gude counsaill,
Yitt wolde I na man wiste;
For certis, we shall noght faile
To lose tham as vs liste.
Than shall we wayte tham with a wrest273
And make all wast that thei haue wroght.
Now certis, this is a sotell trayne.261
Nowe sall thai trulye take there trace,
And telle me of that swytteron swayne,
And all thare counsaille in this case.
Giffe itt be soth thai shall be slayne,
No golde shall gete them bettir grace;
Bot go we tille they come agayne267
And playe vs in som othir place.
This holde I gude counsaill,
Yitt wolde I na man wiste;
For certis, we shall noght faile
To lose tham as vs liste.
Than shall we wayte tham with a wrest273
And make all wast that thei haue wroght.
Herod
Nowe certis, this was wele saide,245
This matere makes me fayne.
Sir kyngis, I halde me paide
Of all youre purpose playne.
Wendis furth youre forward to fulfill,
To Bedlem, it is but here at hande;
And speris grathe bothe goode and ill251
Of hym that shulde be lorde in lande;
And comes agayne than me vntill
And telle me trulye youre tythande-
To worshippe hym, that is my will,
Thus shall yoe stabely vndirstande.
Nowe certis, this was wele saide,245
This matere makes me fayne.
Sir kyngis, I halde me paide
Of all youre purpose playne.
Wendis furth youre forward to fulfill,
To Bedlem, it is but here at hande;
And speris grathe bothe goode and ill251
Of hym that shulde be lorde in lande;
And comes agayne than me vntill
And telle me trulye youre tythande-
To worshippe hym, that is my will,
Thus shall yoe stabely vndirstande.
Rex 2
Sertis syr, we sall you say257
Alle the soth of that childe,
In alle the hast that we may.
Sertis syr, we sall you say257
Alle the soth of that childe,
In alle the hast that we may.
Consolator 2
Fares wele-yoe be bygilid.260
Fares wele-yoe be bygilid.260
Herod
Nowe certis, this is a sotille trayne.261
Nowe shall thei trewly take ther trace,
And telle me of that littil swayne,
And ther counsaill in this case.
If it be soth thei shall be slayne,
No golde shall gete tham bettir grace.
Go we nowe till thei come agayne267
To playe vs in som othir place.
This halde I gud counsaill,
Yitt wolde I no man wist;
For sertis, we shall not faill
To loyse tham as vs list.
Nowe certis, this is a sotille trayne.261
Nowe shall thei trewly take ther trace,
And telle me of that littil swayne,
And ther counsaill in this case.
If it be soth thei shall be slayne,
No golde shall gete tham bettir grace.
Go we nowe till thei come agayne267
To playe vs in som othir place.
This halde I gud counsaill,
Yitt wolde I no man wist;
For sertis, we shall not faill
To loyse tham as vs list.
Rex 1
A, sirs, for sight what shall I say?273
Whare is oure syne? I se it noth.
A, sirs, for sight what shall I say?273
Whare is oure syne? I se it noth.
Rex 2
No more do I. Nowe dar I lay275
In oure wendyng som wrange is wroght.
No more do I. Nowe dar I lay275
In oure wendyng som wrange is wroght.
Rex 3
Vnto that prince I rede we praye,277
That till vs sente his syngne vnsoght,
That he wysse vs in redy way
So frendly that we fynde hym moght.
Vnto that prince I rede we praye,277
That till vs sente his syngne vnsoght,
That he wysse vs in redy way
So frendly that we fynde hym moght.
Rex 1
A, siris, I se it stande281
Aboven where he is borne,
Lo, here is the house at hande,
We haue noyot myste this morne.
A, siris, I se it stande281
Aboven where he is borne,
Lo, here is the house at hande,
We haue noyot myste this morne.
Ancilla
Whame seke yoe syrs, be wayes wilde,285
With talkyng, trauelyng to and froo?
Her wonnes a woman with hir childe
And hir husband, her ar no moo.
Whame seke yoe syrs, be wayes wilde,285
With talkyng, trauelyng to and froo?
Her wonnes a woman with hir childe
And hir husband, her ar no moo.
Rex 2
We seke a barne that all shall bylde,289
His sartayne syngne hath saide vs soo,
And his modir, a mayden mylde,
Her hope we to fynde tham twoo.
We seke a barne that all shall bylde,289
His sartayne syngne hath saide vs soo,
And his modir, a mayden mylde,
Her hope we to fynde tham twoo.
Ancilla
Come nere gud syirs and see,293
Youre way to ende is broght.
Come nere gud syirs and see,293
Youre way to ende is broght.
Rex 3
Behalde here syirs, her and se295
The same that yoe haue soght.
Behalde here syirs, her and se295
The same that yoe haue soght.
Rex 1
Loved be that lorde that lastis aye,297
That vs has kydde thus curtaysely
To wende by many a wilsom way,
And come to this clene companye.
Loved be that lorde that lastis aye,297
That vs has kydde thus curtaysely
To wende by many a wilsom way,
And come to this clene companye.
Rex 2
Late vs make nowe no more delay,301
But tyte take furth oure tresurry
And ordand giftis of gud aray,
To worshippe hym als is worthy.
Late vs make nowe no more delay,301
But tyte take furth oure tresurry
And ordand giftis of gud aray,
To worshippe hym als is worthy.
Rex 3
He is worthy to welde305
All worshippe, welthe, and wynne;
And for honnoure and elde
Brother, yoe shall begynne.
He is worthy to welde305
All worshippe, welthe, and wynne;
And for honnoure and elde
Brother, yoe shall begynne.
Rex 1
Hayle, the fairest of felde, folke for to fynde,309
Fro the fende and his feeres faithefully vs fende;
Hayll, the best that shall be borne to vnbynde
All the barnes that are borne and in bale bende.
Hayll, thou marc us thi men and make vs in mynde,
Sen thi myght is on molde misseis to amende.
Hayll, clene that is comen of a kynges kynde,315
And shall be kyng of this kyth, all clergy has kende.
And sith it shall worthe on this wise,
Thyselffe haue I soght sone, I say the,
With golde that is grettest of price;
Be paied of this present I pray the.
Hayle, the fairest of felde, folke for to fynde,309
Fro the fende and his feeres faithefully vs fende;
Hayll, the best that shall be borne to vnbynde
All the barnes that are borne and in bale bende.
Hayll, thou marc us thi men and make vs in mynde,
Sen thi myght is on molde misseis to amende.
Hayll, clene that is comen of a kynges kynde,315
And shall be kyng of this kyth, all clergy has kende.
And sith it shall worthe on this wise,
Thyselffe haue I soght sone, I say the,
With golde that is grettest of price;
Be paied of this present I pray the.
Rex 2
Hayll, foode that thy folke fully may fede,321
Hayll floure fairest, that neuer shall fade,
Hayll, sone that is sente of this same sede
That shall saue vs of synne that oure syris had.
Hayll mylde, for thou mett to marke vs to mede,
Off a may makeles thi modir thou made;
In that gude thurgh grace of thy Godhede327
Als the gleme in the glasse gladly thow glade.
And sythyn thow shall sitte to be demand,
To helle or to heuen for to haue vs,
Insens to thi seruis is semand.
Sone, se to thi suggettis and saue vs.
Hayll, foode that thy folke fully may fede,321
Hayll floure fairest, that neuer shall fade,
Hayll, sone that is sente of this same sede
That shall saue vs of synne that oure syris had.
Hayll mylde, for thou mett to marke vs to mede,
Off a may makeles thi modir thou made;
In that gude thurgh grace of thy Godhede327
Als the gleme in the glasse gladly thow glade.
And sythyn thow shall sitte to be demand,
To helle or to heuen for to haue vs,
Insens to thi seruis is semand.
Sone, se to thi suggettis and saue vs.
Rex 3
Hayll barne that is best oure balys to bete,333
For our boote shall thou be bounden and bett;
Hayll frende faithtfull, we fall to thy feete,
Thy fadiris folke fro the fende to the fette.
Hayll, man that is made to thi men mette,
Sen thou and thy modir with mirthis ar mette;
Hayll duke that dryues dede vndir fete,339
But whan thy dedys ar done to dye is thi dette.
And sen thy body beryed shal be,
This mirre will I giffe to thi grauyng.
The gifte is noght grete of degree,
Ressayue it, and se to oure sauyng.
Hayll barne that is best oure balys to bete,333
For our boote shall thou be bounden and bett;
Hayll frende faithtfull, we fall to thy feete,
Thy fadiris folke fro the fende to the fette.
Hayll, man that is made to thi men mette,
Sen thou and thy modir with mirthis ar mette;
Hayll duke that dryues dede vndir fete,339
But whan thy dedys ar done to dye is thi dette.
And sen thy body beryed shal be,
This mirre will I giffe to thi grauyng.
The gifte is noght grete of degree,
Ressayue it, and se to oure sauyng.
Mary
Sir kyngis, yoe trauel not in vayne.345
Als yoe haue ment, hyr may yoe fynde,
For I consayued my sone sartayne
Withouten misse of man in mynde,
And bare hym here withouten payne,
Where women ar wonte to be pynyd.
Goddis aungell in his gretyng playne351
Saide he shulde comforte al mankynde,
Tharfore doute yow no dele
Here for to haue youre bone,
I shall witnesse full wele
All that is saide and done.
Sir kyngis, yoe trauel not in vayne.345
Als yoe haue ment, hyr may yoe fynde,
For I consayued my sone sartayne
Withouten misse of man in mynde,
And bare hym here withouten payne,
Where women ar wonte to be pynyd.
Goddis aungell in his gretyng playne351
Saide he shulde comforte al mankynde,
Tharfore doute yow no dele
Here for to haue youre bone,
I shall witnesse full wele
All that is saide and done.
Rex 1
For solas ser now may we synge,357
All is parformed that we for prayde;
But gud barne, giffe vs thy blissing,
For faire happe is before the laide.
For solas ser now may we synge,357
All is parformed that we for prayde;
But gud barne, giffe vs thy blissing,
For faire happe is before the laide.
Rex 2
Wende we nowe to Herowde the kyng361
For of this poynte he will be paied,
And come hymselffe and make offeryng
Vnto this same, for so he saide.
Wende we nowe to Herowde the kyng361
For of this poynte he will be paied,
And come hymselffe and make offeryng
Vnto this same, for so he saide.
Rex 3
I rede we reste a thrawe,365
For to maynteyne our myght,
And than do as we awe,
Both vnto kyng and knyght.
I rede we reste a thrawe,365
For to maynteyne our myght,
And than do as we awe,
Both vnto kyng and knyght.
Angel
Nowe curtayse kynges, to me take tent369
And turne betyme or yoe be tenyd,
Fro God hymselfe thus am I sent
To warne yow als youre faithfull frende.
Herowde the kyng has malise ment
And shappis with shame yow for to shende,
And for that yoe non harmes shulde hente,375
Be othir waies God will ye wende
Euen to youre awne contré.
And yf yoe aske hym bone,
Youre beelde ay will he be
For this that yoe haue done.
Nowe curtayse kynges, to me take tent369
And turne betyme or yoe be tenyd,
Fro God hymselfe thus am I sent
To warne yow als youre faithfull frende.
Herowde the kyng has malise ment
And shappis with shame yow for to shende,
And for that yoe non harmes shulde hente,375
Be othir waies God will ye wende
Euen to youre awne contré.
And yf yoe aske hym bone,
Youre beelde ay will he be
For this that yoe haue done.
Rex 1
A, lorde, I loue the inwardly.381
Sirs, God has gudly warned vs thre,
His aungell her now herde haue I,
And how he saide.
A, lorde, I loue the inwardly.381
Sirs, God has gudly warned vs thre,
His aungell her now herde haue I,
And how he saide.
Rex 2
Sir, so did we.384
He saide Herowde is oure enmye,
And makis hym bowne oure bale to be
With feyned falsed, and forthy
Farre fro his force I rede we flee.
Sir, so did we.384
He saide Herowde is oure enmye,
And makis hym bowne oure bale to be
With feyned falsed, and forthy
Farre fro his force I rede we flee.
Rex 3
Syrs, faste I rede we flitte,389
Ilkone till oure contré,
He that is welle of witte
Vs wisse, and with yow be.
Syrs, faste I rede we flitte,389
Ilkone till oure contré,
He that is welle of witte
Vs wisse, and with yow be.
2018 Nov 25 22:07:40